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VI
ARGENTINE ORNITHOLOGY.
DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE
OF THE
BIRDS OF THE ARGENTINE REPUBLIC.
BY
P. L. SCLATER, M.A., PH.D., F.R.S., ETC.
WITH NOTES ON THEIR HABITS
BY
W. H. HUDSON, C.M.Z.S.,
LATE OF BUENOS AYKKS.
THE CARIAMA.
VOLUME I.
, fc
LONDON:
R. H. POUTER, 6 TENTEBDEN ST11EET, W.
1888.
LIBRARY
.
ALEBK
FLAMMAM.
PRINTED BY TAYLOR AND FRANCIS.
BED LION COUKT, FLEET STREET.
PREFACE TO THE FIRST VOLUME.
THE present volume contains an account of the Passeres of the
Argentine Republic, which, as at present known, number some
229 species. The second volume, which it is hoped will be
ready in the course of next year, will be devoted to the history
of the remaining Orders of Birds, and will also contain the
Introduction and Index, and complete the work.
All the personal observations recorded in these pages are
due to Mr. Hudson, while I am responsible for the arrange-
ment, nomenclature, and scientific portions of the work.
I have to acknowledge with many thanks a donation of £40
from the Royal Society, which has enabled Mr. Hudson to devote
a portion of his time to the compilation of his interesting notes.
P. L. S.
December 1, 1887.
CONTENTS OF VOL. I.
Page
Earn. I. TURDIDJE, or THRUSHES.
1. Turdus leucomelas, Vieill. (Dusky Thrush.) 1
2. Turdus rufiventris, Vieill. (Red-bellied Thrush.) 3
3. Turdus magellanicus, King. (Magellanic Thrush.) .... 3
4. Turdus fuscater, d'Orb. et Lafr. (Argentine Blackbird.) . . 4
5. Turdus nigriceps, Cab. (Black-headed Thrush.) 4
6. Mimus modulator, Gould. (Calandria Mocking-bird.) ... 5
7. Mimus pat achonicus (d'Orb. et Lafr.). (Patagonian Mocking-
bird.
8. Mimus triurus (Vieill.). (White-banded Mocking-bird.)
[Plate I.] 8
Fam. II. CINCLID.E, or DIPPERS.
9. Cinclus schulzi, Cab. (Schulz's Dipper.) [Plate II.] ... 11
Fam. III. MUSCICAPID^E, or FLYCATCHERS.
10. Polioptila dumicola (Vieill.). (Brush-loving Fly-snapper.) . 12
Fam. IV. TROGLODYTID^E, or WRENS.
11. Donacobius atricapillus (Linn.). (Black- headed Reed-Wren.) 13
12. Troglodytes furvus (Gm.). (Brown House-Wren.) .... 13
13. Troglodytes auricularis, Cab. (Eared Wren.) 15
14. Cistothorus platensis (Lath.). (Platan Marsh-Wren.) ... 15
vi CONTENTS OF VOL. I.
Fam. V. MOTACILLIDJE, or WAGTAILS.
15. Anthus correndera, Vieill. (Caehila Pipit.) 17
16. Anthusfurcatus, d'Orb. et Lafr. (Forked-tail Pipit.) ... 19
Fam. VI. MNIOTILTID^E, or WOOD-SINGERS.
17. Parula pitiayumi (Vieill.). (Pitiayumi Wood-singer.) ... 20
18. Geothlypis velata (Vieill.). (Veiled Wood-singer.) .... 20
19. Basilenterus auricapillus, Sw. (Golden-crowned Wood-singer.) 21
20. Setophaga Irunndceps, d'Orb. et Lafr. (Brown-capped Wood-
singer.) 21
Fam. VII. VIREONID^, or GREENLETS.
21. Vireosylvia chivi (Vieill.). (Chivi Greenlet.) 22
22. Hylophilus pascilotis, Max. (Brown-headed Wood-bird.) . . 23
23. Cyclorhis ochrocephala (Tsch.). (Ochre-headed Greenlet-
Shrike.) [Plate III. fig. 1 .] 23
24. Cyclorhis altirostris, Salvin. (Deep-billed Greenlet-Shrike.)
[Plate III. fig 2.] 24
Fam. VIII. HIRUNDINID.^ or SWALLOWS.
25. Progne furcata, Baird. (Purple Martin.) 24
26. Progne chalybea (Gm.). (Domestic Martin.) 25
27. Progne tapera (Linn.). (Tree-Martin.) 26
28. Petrochelidon pyrrhonota (Vieill.), (Red-backed Rock-Martin.) 30
29. Tachydneta leucorrhoa (Vieill.). (White-rumped Swallow.) . 30
30. Atticora cyanoltuca (Vieill.). (Bank-Swallow.) 33
31. Atticora fucata (Temm.) . (Brown Martin.) 35
32. Stelgidopteryx ruficollis (Vieill.). (Red-necked Swallow.) . 36
Fam. IX. TANAGRID &, or TANAGERS.
33. Euphonia nigricollis (Vieill.). (Black-necked Tanager.) . . 37
34. Euphonia chlorotica (Linn.). (Purple-and-Yellow Tanager.) . 37
35. Pipridea melanonota (Vieill.). (Dark-backed Tanager.) . . 37
CONTENTS OF VOL. I. vii
Page
36. Stephanophorus leucocephalus (Vieill.). (White-capped Tana-
ger.) [Plate IV.] 38
37. Tanagra sayaca, Linn. (Blue Tanager.) 39
38. Tanagra bonariensis (Gm.). (Blue-and-Yellow Tanager.) . . 39
39. Pyranga azarce, d'Orb. (Azara's Tanager.) 40
40. Trichothraupis quadricolor (Vieill.). (Four-coloured Tanager.) 40
41. Thlypopsis ruficeps (d'Orb. et Lafr.). (Red-capped Tanager.) 40
42. Euarremon citrinellus, Cab. (Yellow-striped Tanager.) ... 41
43. Arremon orbignii, Sclater. (D'Orbigny's Tanager.) .... 41
44. Saltator similis, d'Orb. et Lafr. (Allied Saltator.) .... 41
45. Saltator c&rulescens , Vieill. (Greyish Saltator.) .... 42
46. Saltator aurantiirostris, Vieill. (Yellow-billed Saltator.) . . 42
Fam. X. FRINGILLID^E, or FINCHES.
47. Pheucticus aureiventris (d'Orb. et Lafr.). (Black- and- Yellow
Thick-bill.) 43
48. Guiraca cyanea (Linn.). (Indigo Finch.) .43
49. Guiraca glaucoc&rulea (d'Orb. et Lafr.). (Glaucous Finch.) . 44
50. Oryzoborus maximiliani, Cab. (Prince Max.'s Finch.) ... 44
51. Spermophila palustris, Barrows. (Marsh Finch.) . . . . 45
52. Spermophila melanocephala (Vieill.). (Black-headed Finch.) . 45
53. Spermophila cterulescens, Vieill. (Screaming Finch.) ... 46
54. Paroaria cucullatay Lath. (Cardinal Finch.) 47
55. Paroaria capitata (d'Orb. et Lafr.). (Lesser Cardinal Finch.) 48
56. Coryphospingus cristatus (Gm.). (Red-crested Finch.) ... 48
57. Lophospingus pusillus (Burm.). (Dark-crested Finch.) . . . 48
58. Donacospiza albifrons (Vieill.). (Long-tailed Reed-Finch.) . 49
59. Poospiza nigrorufa (d'Orb. et Lafr.). (Black-and-Chestnut
Warbling Finch.) 49
60. Poospiza whitii, Scl. (White's Warbling Finch.) .... 50
61. Poospiza erythrophrySj Scl. (Red-browed Warbling Finch.) . 50
62. Poospiza assimilis, Cab. (Red-flanked Warbling Finch.) . . 51
viii CONTENTS OF VOL. I.
Page
63. Poospiza ornata (Landb.). (Pretty Warbling Finch.) ... 51
64. Poospiza torquata (d'Orb. etLafr.). (Ringed Warbling Finch.) 51
65. Poospiza melanoleuca (Vieill.). (White-and-Grey Warbling
Finch.) 52
66. Phrygilus gay i (Eyd. et Gerv.). (Gay's Finch.) 52
67. Phrygilus caniceps (Burm.) . (Grey-headed Finch.) .... 53
68. Phrygilus dorsalis, Cab. (Red-backed Finch.) 53
69. Phrygilus unicolor (d'Orb. et Lafr.). (Slaty Finch.) ... 53
70. Phrygilus fruticeti (KittL). (Mourning Finch.) 54
71. Phrygilus carbonarius (d'Orb. et Lafr.). (Blackish Finch.) . 54
72. Gubernatrix cristatella (Vieill.). (Yellow Cardinal.) ... 55
73. Diuca grisea (Less.). (Diuca Finch.) 55
74. Diuca minor, Bp. (Lesser Diuca Finch.) 56
75. Catamenia analis (d'Orb. et Lafr.). (Red-stained Finch.) . . 57
76. Catamenia inornata (Lafr.) . (Plain-coloured Finch.) ... 57
77. Zonotrichia pileata (Bodd.). (Chingolo Song- Sparrow.) . . 58
78. Zonotrichia canicapilla, Gould. (Patagonian Song-Sparrow.) . 59
79. Zonotrichia strigiceps, Gould. (Stripe-headed Song- Sparrow.) 60
80. Zonotrichia hypochondria (d'Orb. et Lafr.). (Red-flanked
Song-Sparrow.) 60
81. Coturniculus peruanus} Bp. (Yellow-shouldered Song-Spar-
row.) 60
82. Saltatricula multicolor, Burm. (Many-coloured Ground-
Finch.) [Plate V.] 61
83. Embernagra platensis (Gin.). (Red-billed Ground-Finch.) . 62
84. Embernagra olivascens (d'Orb. et Lafr.). (Olive Ground-
Finch.) 63
85. Emberizoides sphenurus (Vieill.). (Wedge-tailed Ground-
Finch.) 63
86. Hamophila whitii (Sharpe) . (White's Ground-Finch.) ... 64
87. Chrysomitris icterica (Licht.). (Black -headed Siskin.) ... 64
88. Chrysomitris atrata (d'Orb. et Lafr.). (Half-black Siskin.) . 65
89.Sycalispelzefai,8cl. (Yellow House-Sparrow.) 66
CONTENTS OF VOL. I.
90. Sy calls lutea (d'Orb. et Lafr.). (Yellow Seed-Finch.) ... 69
91. Sy calls luteola (Sparrm.). (Misto Seed-Finch.) 69
92. Orospina pratensis, Cab. (Meadow Seed-Finch.) .... 71
Fam. XI. ICTERID^E, or TROUPIALS.
93. Amblycercus solitarius (VieilL). (Solitary Cassique.) . . 72
94. Molothrus bonariensis (Gm.) . (Argentine Cow-bird.) . . 72
95. Molothrus rufoaxillaris, Cassin. (Screaming Cow-bird.)
[Plate VI. fig. 2.] 86
96. Molothrus badius (VieilL). (Bay-winged Cow-bird.) [Plate
VI. fig. 1.] 95
97. Agelaus thilius (Mol.). (Yellow-shouldered Marsh-bird.) . 97
98. AgelcBUS flavus (Gm.). ( Yellow-headed Marsh-bird.) ... 98
99. Agelaus ruficapillus, Vieill. (Red-headed Marsh-bird.) . . 99
100. Leistes super ciliar is, Bp. (Red-breasted Marsh-bird.) . . 100
101. Amblyrhamphus holosericeus (Scop.). (Scarlet-headed Marsh-
bird.) 101
102. Pseudoleistes virescens (VieilL). (Yellow-breasted Marsh-
bird.) 102
103. Trupialis militaris (Linn.). (Patagonian Marsh -Star ling.) . 104
104. Trupialis dejilippii, Bp. (De Filippi's Marsh-Starling.) . . 105
105. Icterus pyrrhopterus , Vieill. (Chestnut-shouldered Hang-
nest.) 107
106. Aphobuschopi (VieilL). (Chopi Boat-tail.) 108
Fam. XII. CORVID^ or CROWS.
107. Cyanocorax chrysops (VieilL) . (Urraca Jay.) 110
108. Cyanocorax cceruleus (VieilL). (Azure Jay.) 110
Fam. XIII. TYRANNID^, or TYRANTS.
109. Agriornis striata, Gould. (Striped Tyrant.) Ill
1 10. Agriornis maritima (d'Orb. et Lafr.). (White-tailed Tyrant.) 112
x CONTENTS OF VOL. I.
Page
111. Myiotheretes rufiventris (Vieill.). (Chocolate Tyrant.) . . 112
112. Tanioptera nengeta (Linn.). (Pepoaza Tyrant.) .... 114
113. Tanioptera coronata (Vieill.). (Black-crowned Tyrant.) . 115
114. Tcenioptera dominicana (Vieill.). (Dominican Tyrant.) . . 117
115. Tcenioptera irupero (Vieill.). (Widow Tyrant.) .... 118
116. Tanioptera murina (d'Orb. et Lafr.) . (Mouse-brown Tyrant.) 119
117. Tcenioptera rubetra, Burm. (Chat-like Tyrant.) [Plate VII.] 120
118. OchthcBca leucophrys (d'Orb. et Lafr.). (White-browed
Tyrant.) 121
119. Sayornis dneracea (Lafr.). (Ashy Tyrant.) 121
120. Fluvicola albiventris (Spix). (White-bellied Tyrant.) . . 121
121. Arundinicola leucocephala (Linn.). (White-headed Tyrant.) 122
122. Alectrurus tricolor (Vieill.). (Cock-tailed Tyrant.) ... 122
123. Alectrurus risorius (Vieill.) . (Strange-tailed Tyrant.) , . 123
124. Cybernetes yetapa (Vieill.). (Yetapa Tyrant.) 124
125. Sisopygis icterophrys (Vieill.). (Yellow-browed Tyrant.) . 125
126. Cnipolegus anthracmus, Heine. (Ashy-black Tyrant.) . . 126
127. Cnipolegus hudsoni, Scl. (Hudson's Black Tyrant.) . . . 126
128. Cnipolegus cyanirostris (Vieill.). (Blue-billed Tyrant.) . . 127
129. Cnipolegus cabanisi, Schulz. (Cabanis's Tyrant.) .... 128
130. Cnipolegus cinereus, Scl. (Cinereous Tyrant.) 128
131. Lichenops perspicillatus (Gm.). (Silver-bill Tyrant.) . . 129
132. Machetornis rixosa (Vieill.). (Short-winged Tyrant.) . . 131
133. Muscisaxicola macloviana (Garn.). (Chin-spotted Tyrant.) . 133
134. Muscisaxicola rufivertex, d'Orb. et Lafr. (Red-topped
Tyrant.) 134
135. Muscisaxicola maculirostris , d'Orb. et Lafr. (Spot-billed
Tyrant.) 134
136. Centrites niger (Bodd.). (Red-backed Tyrant.) .... 134
137. Platyrhynchus mystaceus (Vieill.). (Broad-billed Tyrant.) . 136
138. Euscarthmus margaritaceiventris (d'Orb. et Lafr.). (Pearly-
bellied Tyrant.) .... 136
CONTENTS OF VOL. I. xi
Page
139. Euscarthmus gularis (Temm.). (Red-throated Tyrant.) . . 136
140. Phylloscartes ventralis (Temm.). (Yellow-bellied Tyrant.) . 137
141. Hapalocercus flaviventris (d'Orb. et Lafr.). (Reed-Tyrant.) 137
142. Habrura pectoralis (Vieill.). (Thin-tailed Tyrant.) ... 138
143. Culicivora stenura (Temm.). (Narrow-tailed Tyrant.) . . 139
144. Stiymatura budytoides (d'Orb. et Lafr.). (Wagtail Tyrant.) 139
145. Stigmatura flavo-cinerea (Burm.). (Long-tailed Tyrant.) . 139
146. Serpophaga subcristata (Vieill.). (Small-crested Tyrant.) . 140
147. Serpophaga nigricans (Vieill.). (Blackish Tyrant.) . . . 141
148. Anaretes parulus (Kittl.). (Tit-like Tyrant.) 141
149. An(eretesflavirostris,Scl.etSsilv. (Yellow-billed Tit-Tyrant.) 142
150. Cyanotis azarae (Naum.). (Many-coloured Tyrant.) . . . 142
151. Leptopogon tristis, Scl. et Salv. (Sorry Tyrant.) .... 144
152. Elainea albiceps (d'Orb. et Lafr.). (White-crested Tyrant.) 145
153. Elainea strepera, Cab. (Noisy Tyrant.) 145
154. Elainea viridicata (VieilL). (Greenish Tyrant.) .... 146
155. Empidagra suiriri (Vieill.). (Suiriri Tyrant.) 146
156. Sublegatus griseocularis, Scl. (Grey-eyed Tyrant.) . . . 147
157. Rhynchocyclus sulphurescens (Spix). (Sulphury Tyrant.) . 147
158. Pitangus bolivianos (Lafr.). (Bienteveo Tyrant.) .... 147
159. Myiodynastes solitarius (Vieill.) . (Solitary Tyrant.) . . . 150
160. Hirundinea bellicosa (Vieill.). (Warlike Tyrant.) ... 151
161. Myiobius navius (Bodd.). (Little Brown Tyrant.) . . . 151
162. Pyrocephalus rubineus (Bodd.) . (Scarlet Tyrant.) . . . 152
163. Empidonax bimaculatus, Lafr. et d'Orb. (Wing-banded
Tyraut.) 155
164. Contopus brachyrhynchus , Cab. (Short-billed Tyrant.) . . 155
165. Contopus brachy tarsus , Scl. (Short-footed Tyrant.) . . . 156
166. Myiarchus tyrannulus (Mull.). (Rusty-tailed Tyrant.) . . 156
167. Myiarchus ferox (Gm.). (Fierce Tyrant.) 156
168. Myiarchus atricepSj Cab. (Black-headed Tyrant.) . . . 157
xii CONTENTS OF VOL. I.
169. Empidonomus aurantio-atro-cristatus (d'Orb. et Lafr.) . (Black-
and-yellow-crested Tyrant.) 157
170. Tyrannus melancholicus (Vieill.). (Melancholy Tyrant.) . 158
171. Milvulus tyrannus (Linn.) . (Scissor-tail Tyrant.) . . . 160
Fam. XIV. PIPRID^E, or MANIKINS.
172. Chiroxiphia caudata (Shaw). (Long-tailed Manikin.) . . 161
Fam. XV. COTINGID^E, or COTINGAS.
173. Pachyrhamphus polychropterus (Vieill.). (White-winged
Becard.) 162
174. Casiornis rubra (Vieill.) . (Rufous Cheese-bird.) .... 163
Fam. XVI. PHYTOTOMID^E, or PLANT-CUTTERS.
175. Phytotoma rutila, Vieill. (Red-breasted Plant-cutter.)
[Plate VIII.] 164
Fam. XVII. DENDROCOLAPTID^E, or WOOD-HEWERS.
176. Geositta cunicularia (Vieill.). (Common Miner.) . . . 165
177. Geobamon rufipennis, Burm. (Red-winged Miner.) . . . 166
178. Furnarius rufus (Gm.). (Red Oven-bird.) 167
179. Furnarius tricolor, Cab. (Crested Oven-bird.) 170
180. Upucerthia dumetoria (Geoffr. et d'Orb.). (Patagonian
Eartli-creeper.) 170
181. Upucerthia ruficauda (Meyen). (Red-tailed Earth-creeper.) 171
182. Upucerthia luscinia (Burm.). (Warbling Earth-creeper.) . 171
183. Cinclodes fuscus (Vieill.). (Brown Cinclodes.) .... 172
184. Cinclodes bifasciata, Sclater. (White-winged Cinclodes.) . 173
185. Henicornis phcenicurus (Gould). (Dark-tailed Henicornis.) 173
186. Lochmias nematura (Licht.). (Brazilian Lochmias.) . . . 174
187. Sclerurus umbretta (Licht.). (Spiny Leaf-scraper.) . . . 174
188. Phlceocryptes melanops ( Vieill.). (Rush-loving Spine-tail.) . 174
CONTENTS OF VOL. I. xiii
Page
189. Leptasthenura agithaloides (Kittl.). (Tit-like Spine-tail.) . 177
190. Leptasthenura fidiginiceps (d'Orb. et Lafr.). (Brown-crested
Spine-tail.) 177
191. Synallaxis frontalis, Pelz. (Brown-fronted Spine-tail.) . . 178
192. Synallaxis superciliosa, Cab. (Eyebrowed Spine-tail.) . . 178
193. Synallaxis spixi, Scl. (Spix's Spine-tail.) 179
194. Synallaxis albescens, Temm. (White-throated Spine-tail.) . 179
195. Synallaxis whitii, Scl. (White's Spine-tail.) 181
196. Synallaxis phryganophila (Vieill.). (Pretty-throated Spine-
tail.) 181
197. Synallaxis striaticeps (d'Orb. et Lafr.). (Striped Spine-tail.) 182
198. Synallaxis orbignii, Reichenb. (D'Orbigny's Spine-tail.) . 183
199. Synallaxis modesta, Eyton. (Modest Spine-tail.) .... 183
200. Synallaxis sordida, Less. (Sordid Spine-tail.) 184
201. Synallaxis sulphurifera, Burra. (Yellow-marked Spine-
tail.) 185
202. Synallaxis patagonica (Lafr. et d'Orb.). (Patagonian Spine-
tail.) 186
203. Synallaxis hudsoni, Scl. (Hudson's Spine-tail.) .... 186
204. Synallaxis maluroides, d'Orb. (Wren-like Spine-tail.) . . 188
205. Coryphistera alaudina, Burm. (Lark-like Coryphistera.) . 188
206. Anunibius acuticaudatus (Less.). (Firewood-Gatherer.). . 189
207. Limnornis curvirostris, Gould. (Curved-bill Rush-bird.) . 191
208. Phacellodomus frontalis (Licht.). (Red-fronted Thorn-bird.) 192
209. Phacellodomus sibilatrix, Scl. (Whistling Thorn-bird.) . . 192
210. Phacellodomus striaticollis (d'Orb. et Lafr.). (Red-winged
Thorn-bird.) 194
211. Phacellodomus ruber (Vieill.). (Red Thorn-bird.) ... 194
212. Homorus lophotes, Reichenb. (Brown Cachalote.) [Plate
IX.] 195
213. Homorus gutturalis (d'Orb. et Lafr.). (WThite-throated
Cachalote.) 197
214. Anabazenops oleaginous, Scl. (Oily-green Anabazenops.) . 198
xiv CONTENTS OF VOL. I.
Page
215. Sittosomus erithacus (Licht.). (Robin-like Wood-hewer.) . 198
216. Glyphorhynchus cuneatus (Licht.). (Wedge-billed Wood-
hewer.) 199
217. Dendrocolaptes picumnus (Licht.). (Flat-billed Wood-
hewer.) 199
218. Drymornis bridgesi, Eyton. (Bridge's Wood-hewer.)
[Plate X.] 199
219. Xiphocolaptes albicollis (Vieill.). (White-throated Wrood-
hewer.) 200
220. Xiphocolaptes major (Vieill.). (Chestnut Wood-hewer.) . 201
221. Picolaptes angustirostris (Vieill.). (Narrow-billed Wood-
hewer.) 201
Fam. XVIII. FORMICARIID^, or ANT-BIRDS.
222. Thamnophilus leachi (Such). (Leach's Bush-bird.) . . . 202
223. Thamnophilus major, Vieill. (Larger Bush-bird.) . . . 203
224. Thamnophilus ccerulescens, Vieill. (Slaty-blue Bush-bird.) . 204
225. Thamnophilus ruficapillus, Vieill. (Red-capped Bush-bird.) . 204
Fam. XIX. PTEROPTOCHID^E, or TAPACOLAS.
226. Scytalopus super ciliaris, Cab. (White-eyebrowed Scyta-
lopus.) 205
227. Rhinocrypta lanceolata, Geoffr. et d'Orb. (Gallito.) . . . 206
228. Rhinocryptafusca,$c\.zt Salv. (Brown Gallito.) ... 207
229. Pteroptochus albicollis, Kittl. (White-necked Tapacola.) . 207
LIST OF PLATES IN VOL. I.
Plate Page
I. MlMUS TRIURUS 8
II. ClNCLUS SCHULZI 11
III. Fig. 1. CYCLORHIS OCHROCEPHALA 23
Fig. 2. CYCLORHIS ALTIROSTRIS 24
IV. STEPHANOPHORUS LEUCOCEPHALUS 38
V. SALTATRICULA MULTICOLOR 61
VI. Fig. 1. MOLOTHRUS BADIUS, ad 95
Fig. 2. MOLOTHRUS RUFOAXILLARIS, pull 86
VII. TJENIOPTERA RUBETRA 120
VIII. PHYTOTOMA RUTILA, ^ et $ 164
IX. HOMORUS LOPHOTES 195
X. DRYMORNIS BRIDGESI . 199
INTRODUCTION.
As regards its Bird-life the Neotropical Region, which, according to
the arrangement usually adopted, consists of America south of the
Isthmus of Tehuantepec together with the West Indies*, may be most
conveniently divided into six Subregions. These are : —
1. The Transpanamic Subregion, embracing the great Central-American
Isthmus from Tehuantepec down to Panama.
2. The Antillean Subregion, containing the West-India Islands.
3. The Colombian Subregion, containing the South-American littoral
and the adjacent Andean ranges in Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru,
and Bolivia.
4. The Amazonian Subregion, containing Guiana and the valleys of
the Orinoco and Amazons and their confluents.
5. The Brazilian Subregion , containing the great wooded and campos
districts of Southern Brazil and Paraguay.
6. The Patagonian Subregion, consisting of Antarctic America up to
the Brazilian wood-districts and the highlands of Bolivia on the eastern
side of the Andes, and apparently extending as far as the Gulf of
Guayaquil on the west.
It is, of course, impossible to draw a precise line between these six
Subregions, and any boundaries assigned to them can only be regarded
as approximative ; but it is obvious that nearly, if not quite, the whole of
the Argentine Republic, the Avifauna of which we are now considering,
comes within the limits of the Patagonian Subregion. It is possible
that the birds of the Territory of Misiones and of some parts of Northern
Corrientes may be more nearly akin to those of Brazil, but we may say
generally that the Argentine Republic belongs to the Patagonian Sub-
region.
* Cf. Sclater, Journ. Linn. Soc., Zool. ii. p. 1J3 (1857).
VOL. I. b
xviii INTRODUCTION.
As shown in the succeeding pages, the number of species of Birds as
yet ascertained to be found within the Argentine Republic* is about
430. We will now take the leading groups of the Neotropical Ornis,
one after another, and consider the role they play in the Argentine
Avifauna, so as to get some general- ideas as to its peculiarities.
The subjoined Table contains in the first column the number of Neo-
tropical species assigned to each of the £0 different Orders of Birds in
the ' Nomenplator Avium Neotropicalium/ In the second column is
given the corresponding number of Argentine species of each order
according to the present work. The total number of Neotropical species
will be seen to be about eight times as many as those of the Argentine
Avifauna ; so that where this average is exceeded in the individual orders
the particular group may be considered to be over-represented, and
where it is not reached to be under-represented in the Argentine Avi-
fauna. This is of course a very rough-and-ready mode of calculation,
because it assumes that every species has an equal area of distribution,
which is not ordinarily the case; but it will serve to give us some
general ideas on the subject. We will now proceed to consider the
principal groups one after another, and to point out their comparative
importance in the Argentine Avifauna.
The known Argentine Passeres, according to the present work, are
229 in number ; those of the Neotropical Region, according to the
' Nomenclator,' are 1976; so that the species of Argentine Passeres,
according to the ratio which we have adopted, would be very little short
of the average numbers. If, however, we divide the Passeres up into
the three suborders of Oscines, Oligomyodse, and Tracheophonse, we
shall find that the Oligomyodse are rather in excess of the estimated
average, while the species of the two other groups are deficient. This
arises mainly from the large number of Tyrannidae belonging to the
Argentine Ornis. Not less than 63 species of this group have been
already discovered within its limits. Besides Tyrants, other prevailing
families of Passeres in the Argentine Avifauna are the Finches (Frin-
gillidse) and the Wood-hewers (Dendrocolaptidse), both of which have
46 representatives in the Argentine Republic. Both these families are,
however, well represented all over the Neotropical Region. But the
Tapacolas (Pteroptochidse) and the Plant-cutters (Phytotomidae) are both
* We have not included within the scope of the present work the territory of Santa
Cruz and Tierra del Fuego, which are politically part of the Argentine Republic, but
only Northern Patagonia down to the llio Negro.
INTRODUCTION.
xix
I.
No. of
Neotropical
Species.
II.
No. of
Argentine
Species.
III.
Proportion.
I. Passeres.
0?cines
1049
108
Olio'oniyodaB . .
445
67
TraclieophoDce
482
54
II Macrochires
444
18
III. Pici
116
13
IV. Coccyges
214
15
V. Psittaci
142
10
VI. Strio-es . ....
07
VII. Accipitres
114.
00
VIII. Ste°'anopodes
17
i
IX. Ilerodiones ...
AA
1Q
X. Anseres
84.
2T
.
1 i
XI. Columbee
fifi
Q
1 I
XII. Gallium
90
4
XIII. Opistliocomi . ....
1
o
XIV. Geranomorphas
57
16
I i
XV. Ldmicolse ... ....
73
25
I f
_i i,
XVI. Gavige ....
53
9
"t1 t
i
XVII. Pyo-opodes ..
9
5
T
XVIII. Impennes
9
1
•
XIX. Crvptuii
36
8
XX. Strutliiones ... . .
3
2
_|_
3565
434
of them families specially characteristic of the Patagonian Avifauna, and
both of them are represented in the Argentine Republic. One other
Passerine form is also worthy of special mention. The Dippers (Cin-
clidse) are essentially an Arctic group diffused all over the Palaearctic
and the Arctic Regions. It is singular, however, that this form should
reoccur at higher elevations in the Neotropical Region. A Cinclus is
found in the mountains of Colombia, another in the Andes of Peru, and
a third has lately been discovered in the northern sierras of the Argen-
tine Republic. As regards Passerine birds, therefore, which great order
makes up more than one half of the Argentine Ornis, we may say that
xx INTRODUCTION.
Finches, Tyrants, and Wood-hewers are remarkable for their abundance,
Plant-cutters and Tapacolas for peculiarity of type, and Dippers as an
instance of the occurrence of an Arctic form in Antarctic latitudes.
As regards the second order, Macrochires, the Argentine Avifauna is
notably deficient on account of the comparative scarcity of Humming-
birds. Although eleven species of this remarkable group have been
met with within our limits, the great mass of the Trochilidse, which are
now known to number some 400 species, belong to the Tropics. The
Swifts are also scantily represented by a single species. The Caprimul-
gidse are comparatively more abundant, but slightly below the average
in number of species.
The Argentine Woodpeckers enumerated in the present work are
thirteen in number, but several of these are somewhat doubtful species,
and others only occur in the extreme northern limits of the Republic. On
the whole we may say that the Pici are decidedly deficient in Argentina.
Nine families of the fourth order, Coccyges, are included in the
Neotropical Avifauna, but of these only five are represented in the
Argentine Ornis — the Motmots, Todies, Jacamars, and Barbets being
entirely wanting. The Trogons, Puff-birds, and Toucans are also
essentially Tropical forms, and have but one or two representatives on
the northern outskirts of the Republic ; so that the Cuckoos and King-
fishers are the only two families of Coccyges which play any material
r6le in the Argentine Ornis.
Of the order of Parrots it will be seen from our Table that 142 species
are known as belonging to the Neotropical Region, and that only ten of
these have been met with within our limits. Of these ten, moreover,
several are either doubtful, or only occur on the northern outskirts of
Argentina, so that Parrots must be held to be deficient in the Argentine
Ornis. As is well known Parrots are mostly inhabitants of the Tropics,
and it is quite an exception to the rule that several of these warmth-
loving birds should extend into the cold latitudes of Patagonia and Chili.
This, however, is paralleled in the Old World by the existence of Parrots
in some of the Antarctic Islands south of New Zealand.
Of the Birds of Prey of the Argentine Republic, Diurnal and Noc-
turnal, it is not necessary to say much ; both of these orders are rather
in excess as regards the average number of species, the Accipitres espe-
cially so. The wide open pampas offer a fine field for Kites and Buz-
zards and their kind, and they are as numerous in individuals as in
species in such favoured haunts.
INTRODUCTION. xxi
In the next order, Steganopodes, the Argentine Ornis seems to be
very deficient. Out of the five families of this group which occur in
the Neotropical Region, one only is yet known to us to be represented
in the Argentine Ornis, and that by a single species. But when the
sea-birds of the Argentine coast-land come to be better known, there
is no doubt that several additions will be made to the list.
The next following order, Herodiones, is of much more importance in
Argentine Ornithology, not less than 19 species of this group being
already known to exist within our limits, out of a total of 44 Neotropical
species. And amongst these we can pick out the little Variegated
Bittern (Ardetta involucris) and the four species of Ibises as being highly
characteristic members of the Argentine Ornis.
The tenth order, that of Anseres, or Waterfowl, commonly so-called,
is also largely in excess as regards the number of species. Out of a
total of 64 Anseres belonging to the Neotropical Region, 23 are met
with in the Argentine Republic. Moreover, the greater number of
these are exclusively Antarctic species, restricted to the Patagonian
Subregion. Amongst them we may specially call attention to the
Black-necked Swan (Cygnus nigricollis), the Chiloe Wigeon (Mareca
sibilatrix), and the Rosy -billed Duck (Metopiana peposaca) as highly
characteristic and ornamental species. .
Proceeding to the next order, that of the Pigeons (Columbae), we find
the number of Argentine species to be slightly below the average.
Several fine Pigeons and Doves are well-known inhabitants of the
Republic, but the Columbine order is not a prominent one within our
limits.
The Gallinaceous birds of the Neotropical Region are about ninety in
number, the greater part of these belonging to the Curassows, Cracidse,
a family specially adapted for habitation in the extensive forests of the
New World. Four species of Cracidre have been met with in the
forest-region of Northern Argentina; but the Gallinaceous group as a
whole must be held to be deficient in this part of South America, the
place in Nature which these birds fill in other regions being occupied
here by the more lowly organized Tinamous, of which we shall speak
further on.
The Geranomorphse of the Argentine Republic are much in excess as
regards the number of species. This arises mainly from the abundant
supply of Rails and Crakes which Nature has provided for the more
swampy districts of the pampas, and to the presence of no less than three
xxii INTRODUCTION.
distinct species of Coots (Fulicd), which appear to be generally abundant
on the lakes and pools. Nor must we forget to mention as of special
interest the two Cariamas which belong to this order, and which are the
only representatives of a family of very peculiar structure. One of the
two Cariamas is, so far as we know, absolutely confined to the Northern
provinces of the Argentine Republic ; the second is a bird of the campos
of Southern Brazil, which only just comes within our limits.
The Snipes and Plovers and their allies, constituting the Order Limi-
colse, are again in excess in the Argentine Avifauna, not less than 25
out of a known total of 73 Neotropical species having been already met
with within our limits. A large proportion, however, of these birds are
merely winter visitors, and breed only in the far north. On the other
hand, the Slender-billed Plover (Oreophilus ruficollis) and the Winter
Plover (Eudromias modesta) are species highly characteristic of the
Patagonian subregion, and come to the neighbourhood of Buenos Ayres
from a contrary direction. Another especially characteristic Patagonian
family of this order is the Thinocoridse or Seed-Snipes, of which two
species occur within our limits.
Of the Gavise, or Gulls and Terns, of the Argentine Republic, nine
species are already known out of a total of 53 Neotropical members of
the group, and additions no doubt will be made to the list when the
coast-birds of La Plata come to be better known.
The seventeenth order of Birds, Pygopodes, is represented in the
Argentine Ornis by five species of Grebes. Two of these are widely
diffused over all America, the remaining three are Antarctic species
belonging to the Patagonian subregion. As only nine species of this
group are known to occur in the whole Neotropical Region, the Pygo-
podes are highly in excess in the Argentine Avifauna.
The Impennes, or Penguins, which form the eighteenth order of birds,
according to the arrangement of the ' Nomenclator/ are a group specially
characteristic of high Antarctic latitudes. Nine species of Penguins
occur on the coasts of Antarctic America, but one of these only is as yet
known to reach so far north as our limits.
We now come to the Crypturi or Tinamous, an order of birds com-
monly supposed to be Gallinaceous, and generally confounded with
" Partridges " and " Pheasants " in the vernacular. They are, however,
in some points of essential structure more nearly allied to the Struthi-
ones, although they doubtless fill the same place in the economy of
Neotropical Nature as the true Gallinaceous birds in other lands. The
INTRODUCTION. xxiii
Tinamous are spread all over the Neotropical Region and number about
36 species. Eight of these occur within the Argentine Republic ; and
amongst them we may pick out the Martineta Tinamou (Calodromas
elegans) and the three species of the genus Nothura as being specially
characteristic Patagonian types.
Lastly, we come to the final order of the Neotropical Ornis in the
shape of the Rheas, or the American representatives of the Ostrich-type
of bird-life. The Rhea is, above all other birds, a most characteristic
representative of the Avifauna of the Patagonian subregion. It is true
that it ranges far north throughout the campos of Inner Brazil, where the
outlying members have become developed into an almost distinct species
or subspecies, Rhea americana macrorhyncha. But south of the Rio
Negro of Patagonia another very distinct type of Rhea, almost sub-
generically different, is met with and extends thence to the Straits of
Magellan. Rhea has also been lately ascertained to occur on the western
side of the Andes in the Chilian province of Tarapaco ; so that this fine
form of bird-life is diffused nearly over the entire Patagonian subregion,
and is well entitled to be termed one of the most characteristic features
of the Patagonian Avifauna.
In conclusion, therefore, we may sum up our present knowledge of
the Argentine Avifauna somewhat as follows : —
The Argentine Avifauna comprises 434 species of birds, referable to
54 families and genera.
All the twenty Orders of the Neotropical Avifauna have represen-
tatives within its boundaries, except the Opisthocomi or Hoatzins, which
are restricted to the Amazonian subregion.
The most numerous families of the Argentine Avifauna are, among
the Passeres, the Finches with 46 species, the Tyrants with 63 species,
and the Wood-hewers with 46 species. Among the remaining Orders,
the Diurnal Birds of Prey with 19 species, the Waterfowl with 22
species, the Rails with 13 species, the Snipes with 15 species, and the
Tinamous with 8 species, are likewise well represented.
Genera characteristic and proportionately numerous in species in the
Argentine Avifauna are Poospiza and Phrygilus among the Finches,
Tcenioptera and Cnipolegus among the Tyrants, Synallaxis among the
Wood-hewers, Fulica among the Rails, and Nothura among the Tina-
mous. Less numerous in species, but highly characteristic forms of the
Argentine Ornis, are Thinocorus, Rhynchotis, and Rhea.
xxiv INTRODUCTION.
The following ten genera, mostly monotypic, are, so far as we know
at present, restricted to the limits of the Argentine Avifauna or its
immediate confines : — Donacospiza and Saltatricula (FringillidaB) ;
Coryphistera, Anumbius, Limnornis, and Drymornis (Dendrocolaptidae) ;
RMnocrypta, with two species (Pteroptochidse) ; Spiziapteryx (Falco-
nidae) ; Chunga (Cariamidse) ; and Calodromas (Tinamidse) .
ARGENTINE ORNITHOLOGY.
Order I. PASSERES.
Suborder I. OSCINES.
Fam. I. TUKDID.E, OR THRUSHES.
EIGHT species of the almost cosmopolitan Thrush-family are known
to occur in the Argentine Republic. Of these, five belong to the
widely-spread genus Turdus, and are closely similar in structure to our
European Thrushes. The remaining three are Mock- birds (Mimin&) —
a group restricted to the New World, and sometimes considered more
nearly allied to the Wrens. They are remarkable as splendid songsters.
Burmeister includes in his list a fourth species of Mimus (M. thenca), as
found in the Mendoza district ; but there may be some error in this,
as M. thenca is only known to us from Chili west of the Andes.
1. TURDUS LEUCOMELAS, Vieill.
(DUSKY THRUSH.)
Turdus leucomelas, Scl. et Salv. Nomencl. p. 1 ; Hudson, P. Z. S. 1870, p. 798
(Buenos Ayres) ; Durnford, Ibis, 1877, p. 166 (Buenos Ayres) ; White, P. Z. S.
1882, p. 592 (Misiones and Corrientes) ; Barrows, Bull. Nutt. Orn. Cl. viii.
p. 85 (Concepcion) ; Seebohm, Cat. Birds, v. p. 213. Turdus crotopezus,
Burm. La-Plata Reise, ii. p. 474 (Mendoza).
Description. — Above olive-grey, tinged with brown on the head and neck ;
beneath pale grey, throat white, more or less striped with brown ; middle of belly
and crissum white; under wing-coverts and inner margins of wing-feathers
fulvous ; bill yellow ; feet hazel : total length 9-0 inches, wing 4-5, tail 3-7.
Female similar.
Hab. Eastern South America, from Cayenne to Buenos Ayres.
VOL. i. B
2 TURDID^E.
The Dusky Thrush is widely distributed in South America, and ranges
as far south as Buenos Ayres, where it is quite common in the woods
along the Plata river. It is a shy forest-bird ; a fruit- and insect-eater ;
abrupt in its motions ; runs rapidly on the ground with beak elevated,
and at intervals pauses and shakes its tail ; pugnacious in temper ;
strong on the wing, its flight not being over the trees, but masked by
their shadows. It can always be easily distinguished, even at a distance,
from other species by its peculiar short, metallic chirp — a melodious
sound indicating alarm or curiosity, and uttered before flight — in con-
trast to the harsh screams and chuckling notes of other Thrushes in
this district.
Whether it is a fine singer or not within the tropics I am unable to say,
its vocal powers having received no attention from the naturalists who
have observed it. With us in the temperate climate of Buenos Ayres,
where it commences to sing in September, it has the finest song of any
bird I know, excepting only Mimus triurus. Like the English Song-
Thrush, but unlike its near neighbours the Red-bellied Thrush and the
Magellanic Thrush, it perches on the summit of a tree to sing. Its song
is, however, utterly unlike that of the English bird, which is so frag-
mentary, and, as Mr. Barrows describes it, made up of "vocal
attitudes and poses." The two birds differ also in voice as much as in
manner. The strains of the Dusky Thrush are poured forth in a con-
tinuous stream, with all the hurry and freedom of the Sky-Lark's song ;
but though so rapidly uttered, every note is distinct and clear, and the
voice singularly sweet and far-reaching. At intervals in the song there
recurs a two-syllabled note twice repeated, unlike in sound any other
bird-music I have heard, for it is purely metallic, and its joyous bell-
like " te-ling te-ling" always comes like a delightful surprise to the
listener, being in strange contrast with the prevailing tone.
The song is altogether a very fine one, its peculiar charm being that
it seems to combine two opposite qualities of bird-music, plaintiveness
and joyousness, in some indefinable manner.
I have never heard this species sing in a cage or anywhere near a
human habitation ; and it is probably owing to its recluse habits that
its excellent song has not been hitherto noticed. Azara perhaps mistook
the song of this species for that of Turdus rufiventris, a very inferior
vocalist.
The nest is made in the centre of a thick bush or tree six or eight
feet above the ground, and is a deep elaborate structure, plastered inside
with mud, and lined with soft dry grass. The eggs are four in number,
oblong ; the ground-colour light blue, abundantly marked with reddish-
brown spots.
TURDUS MAGELLANICUS. 3
This Thrush has, I believe, a partial migration in Buenos Ayres. In
the autumn and winter I have frequently observed it in localities where
it is never seen in summer.
2, TURDUS RUFIVENTEIS, Vieill.
(RED-BELLIED THRUSH.)
Turdus rufiventris, Scl. et Salv. Nomencl. p. 2 ; Burm. La-Plata Reise, ii, p. 474 ;
Hudson, P. Z. 8. 1870, p. 89 (Buenos Ayres) ; Durnford, Ibis, 1877, p. 167,
1880, p. 417 (Buenos Ayres) ; White, P. Z. S. 1882, p. 592 (Salta) ; Narrows,
Butt. Nutt. Orn. Cl. viii. p. 85 (Concepcion). Turdus rufiventer, Seebohm,
Cat. B. v. p. 222.
Description. — Entire upper parts olive-grey ; throat white, striped with dark
brown, the striped portion extending to the chest ; rest ofunder surface, also
under wing-coverts, rufous-red, deepest on the belly ; bill brownish yellow ; feet
brown : total length 9-0 inches, wing 4-6, tail 3-6. Female similar.
Hab. S.E. Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, and La Plata.
The Red-bellied Thrush, distinguished from the species just described
by its larger size and the bright rufous colour of its under plumage, is
common everywhere in the Plata region, and does not appear to be
migratory. It is a noisy, strong-winged, quarrelsome bird, closely
resembling the Dusky Thrush in its manners. It inhabits forests, runs
on the ground in search of food, and when approached darts away with
loud chuckling notes, flying close to the ground. These birds are also often
seen pursuing each other through the trees with loud harsh screams.
The song has a faint resemblance to that of the English Song-Thrush,
being composed of a variety of notes uttered in the same disconnected
manner, with frequent pauses; but it is, both in sweetness and
strength, inferior to that of the English bird. As a rule this Thrush
sings concealed in a thick bush or tree.
The nest is deep, well made, plastered inside with mud, and concealed
in the centre of a large bush or low tree. The eggs are four, pale blue
in colour, and thickly spotted with brown.
3. TURDUS MAGELLANICUS, King.
(MAGELLANIC THRUSH.)
Turdus mageUanicus, Seebohm, Cat. B. v. p. 223, pi. xiv. Turdus falkland-
icus, Scl. et Salv. Nomencl. p. 2 ; Hudson, P. Z. S. 1872, p. 548 (Rio Negro) ;
Doring, Exp. al Rio Negro, Zool. p. 36 (R. Colorado and R. Negro).
Description.— Head, wings, and tail brownish black ; the remaining portions
B2
4 TURDUm
of upper surface brownish olive ; under surface pale rufous, obscure on the
breast ; throat white, striped with black ; bill and feet dull yellow : total length
10'5 inches, wing 7*5, tail 4'0. Female similar.
Hob. Patagonia and Chili.
This Thrush, which I met with on the Rio Negro of Patagonia, so
closely approximates to T. rufiventris in colour, language, and habits,
that the casual observer finds it difficult to distinguish one from the
other. Its nest and eggs are also precisely like those of its northern
representative. The song is, however, much poorer, and reminds one
of the first attempts of a young bird. That a member of so melodious
a family should have so inferior a song I attribute to the fact that
Thrushes (unlike the songsters of other genera) sing only in the warm
season and when the air is calm. In the southern portion of the
South- American continent violent winds prevail in summer, so that this
southern Thrush sings perhaps less frequently than any other song-bird,
and appears to be losing the faculty of song altogether.
4. TUEDUS FUSCATEE, d'Orb. et Lafr.
(ARGENTINE BLACKBIRD.)
Turdus fuscater, Scl. et Salv. Nomencl. p. 2 ; White, P. Z. S. 1882, p. 593 (Cata-
marca) ; Burm. La-Plata Reise, ii. p. 474 (Mendoza, Cordova, and Tucuman).
Merula fuscatra, Seebohm, Cat. B. v. p. 243.
Description. — Uniform brownish black ; bill and feet yellow : total length
11'5 inches, wing 5-3, tail 4'5. Female similar.
Hob. Bolivia and Northern La Plata.
"I have noticed this bird in the provinces of Mendoza, San Juan,
San Luis, Cordova, and Catamarca, where it is much esteemed as a cage-
bird on account of its beautiful whistle. In Mendoza it goes by the
name of ' Zorsal/ in Catamarca and Cordova by that of ' Merlo/ and in
Andalgala (Catamarca province) ' Chocoyno/ " — White, I. s. c.
" Very common at Mendoza, Cordova, and Tucuman, and met with
among the shady trees of the promenades : has a better song than our
Blackbird, which is heard at a distance, especially in the evening.
Called ' Crispin' in Tucuman." — Burm. 1. s. c.
5. TUEDUS NIGEICEPS, Cab.
(BLACK-HEADED THRUSH.)
Turdus nigriceps, Cab. J.f. O. 1878, p. 195.
Description. — Above slaty grey, head black ; below paler, chin white, striped
MIMUS MODULATOR. 5
with black ; middle of belly and crissum white ; bill and feet pale yellow : total
length 7'6 inches, wing 4'4, tail 3-5. Female olive-brown, paler below, chin
pale ochraccous; middle of belly and crissum white; bill brown, feet yellowish.
Hab. Peru, Bolivia, and Northern La Plata.
Met with by Dr. A. Doring and Herr Sclmlz on the Sierra of Cordova.
6. MIMUS MODULATOE, Gould.
(CALANDRIA MOCKING-BIRD.)
Mimus modulator, Sharpe, Cat. B. \i. p. 347. Mimus calandria, Burm.
La-Plata Rcise, ii. p. 475 ; Scl. et Sato. Nomencl. p. 3 ; Hudson, P. Z. S.
1870, p. 89 (Buenos Ayres) ; Durnford, Ibis, 1877, p. 167 (Buenos Ayres) ;
White, P. Z. S. 1883, p. 37 (Cordova) ; Barrows, Bull. Nutt. Orn. Cl. viii.
p. 85 (Concepcion).
Description. — Above dark grey, faintly mottled with pale grey ; rnmp tinged
with brown ; wings nearly black, the feathers edged with brownish white ; tail
black, the feathers, except the two middle ones, broadly tipped with white ;
under surface dirty white ; bill and legs black ; eye olive-green : total length
11*0 inches, wing 4-5, tail 4'9. Female similar.
Hab. Paraguay, Uruguay, and Argentine Republic.
Azara has not failed to remark that it would be well to find a more
appropriate name for this species, which was absurdly called ' ' Calandria"
(i. e. Sky- Lark) by the early colonists of the Plata. Use is, however,
too strong to be easily set aside, and the name is now familiar to every-
one in the Argentine Province. Moreover, by a curious irony of fate, the
Spanish naturalist himself, by employing this unsuitable name in his
' Apuntamientos/ even while protesting against it, has been the cause
of its introduction into scientific nomenclature.
It would be impossible to improve on the account Azara gives of the
bird's appearance and manners. The prevailing colour of the plumage
is grey, the irides are deep green, the beak black, slender, and curved.
The tail is long, jerked and elevated when the bird is at rest, spread
open and depressed in flight. The Calandria's movements are measured
and dignified, its flight low and never extends far, the bird usually
passing from one tree to another in a long graceful curve. It goes
alone or with its mate only ; feeds chiefly on the ground ; does not
penetrate into deep forests, nor is it seen on the treeless plains. It
frequents the borders of woods and open grounds abounding in isolated
shrubs and trees ; is fond of coming about houses, and invariably
perches itself on the most conspicuous places. It sings chiefly in
spring, and its really wonderful vocal powers have made it one of our
best-known and most-admired songsters. To sing it usually places
6 TURDID^E.
itself on the summit of a bush or tree, and occasionally, as if carried
away by excitement, it darts upwards three or four yards into the air,
and then drops back on to its perch. So varied are its notes, and so
frequently suggestive of the language of other species, that the listener
finds himself continually asking whether the Calandria is really an
original singer or merely a cunning plagiarist, able to steal scraps of
fifty different melodies and to blend them in some sort into one complete
composition. As a whole the song is in character utterly unlike that of
any other bird (birds of the Mimus genus, of course, excepted), for the
same notes are never repeated twice in the same order ; and though the
Calandria has many favourite notes, he is able to vary every one of
them a hundred ways. Sometimes the whole song seems to be made
up of imitations of other singers, with slight variations — and not of
singers only, for now there will be clear flute-like notes, only to be
succeeded by others reedy and querulous as the hunger-calls of a young
Finch ; then there will be pretty flourishes or Thrush-like phrases, and
afterwards screams, as of a frightened Swallow hurrying through the
sky to announce the approach of a Falcon ; or perhaps piteous outcries,
as of a chicken in the clutches of a Kite.
Nevertheless Azara says truly that the Calandria does not mock or
mimic the songs of other birds ; for though the style and intonation of
a score of different singers, chatterers, and screamers are reproduced by
him, one can never catch a song, or even a portion of a song, of which
he is able to say that it is absolutely like that of any other species.
This much, however, can be said of the Calandria : he has a passion for
endless variety in singing, a capacity for varying his tones to almost
any extent, and a facility for catching the notes of other birds, which,
in the Virginian Mocking-bird of North, and in the White-banded
Mocking-bird of South America, has been developed into that marvellous
faculty these two species possess of faithfully imitating the songs of all
other birds. The two species I have just named, while mockers of the
songs of other birds, also retain their own original music — their " natural
song," as an American ornithologist calls it.
The Calandria makes its nest in the middle of a large bush or low
thorn-tree standing by itself; it is deep, like the nest of a Thrush in
form, built of sticks, thorns, and grass, and lined with thistle-down or
some other soft material. The eggs are four or five, pale blue, and
thickly marked with reddish-brown spots.
When the nest is approached the parent birds demonstrate their
anxiety by uttering loud harsh angry notes.
It is generally believed that the Calandria will not live in captivity.
I have, however, seen a few individuals in cages, but they never sang.
MIMUS PATACHONICUS. 7
7. MIMUS PATACHONICUS (d'Orb. et Lafr.).
(PATAGONIAN MOCKING-BIRD.)
Mimus patachonicus, Scl. et Salv. NomencL p. 3 ; Hudson, P. Z. S. 1872, p. 538
(Rio Negro) ; Dumford, Ibis, 1877, p. 31 (Chupat) ; During, E.cp. al Rio
Nef/ro, ZooL p. 36 (R. Colorado) ; Sharpe, Cat. S, vi. p. 352. Mimus thenca,
13 iinn. La-Plata Reise, ii. p. 475 (Mendoza) ?
Description. — Above and beneath grey, paler on the under surface, and tinged
with rufous on the belly ; throat and mark over the eye white ; wings black,
the outer webs of the feathers edged with white and grey ; tail black, tipped
with white ; bill and feet black ; eye olive-green : total length 9'2 inches, wing
4*2, tail 4*0. Female similar, but smaller in size and lighter in colour.
Hab. Northern Patagonia.
The Patagonian Mocking-bird, which I met with during my sojourn
on the Rio Negro of Patagonia in 1871, closely resembles the species just
described, but is smaller, the plumage is of a darker grey, and the irides
are also of a darker green. It is a common bird, resident, lives alone or
with its mate, feeds on insects and berries, and in its manner of flight
and habits is like Mimus modulator. The nest is made in the centre of
a bush of thorns and sticks, and lined with dry grass, cow-hair, or other
soft material ; and the eggs are four in number, bluntly pointed, and
thickly marked with dark flesh-coloured spots. When the nest is
approached the parent birds come close to the intruder, often perching
within a yard of his head, but without uttering any sound, differing in
this respect from M. modulator.
The song of the Patagonian bird is in character like that of the
northern species, the variety of its notes being apparently infinite ; there
are, however, some differences worth mentioning. The singing of the
Patagonian species is perhaps inferior, his voice being less powerful, while
his mellow and clear notes are constantly mingled with shrill ones, re-
sembling the cries of some of the Dendrocolaptine birds. While incapable
of notes so loud or so harsh as those of the northern bird, or of changes so
wild and sudden, he possesses even a greater variety of soft notes. Day
after day for many months I have heard them singing, yet never once
listened to tbem for any length of time without hearing some note or
phrase I bad never heard before. The remarks I have made concerning
the Calandria's mocking-faculties also apply to this bird : but though
he does not actually repeat the notes and songs of other species, he
certainly does mock the notes of individuals of his own species; for
it must be borne in mind that no two individuals sing quite alike, and
that tbe same bird constantly introduces new notes into his song, and
never repeats his notes in the same order. I have often observed that
when a bird, while singing, emits a few of these new notes, he seems
8 TURDID.E.
surprised and delighted with them ; f or, after a silent pause, he repeats
them again and again a vast number of times, as if to impress them on
his memory. When he once more resumes his varied singing, for hours,
and sometimes for days, the expression he has discovered is still a
favourite one, and recurs with the greatest frequency. But this is not
all. If the new note or phrase happens to be a very striking one, it
immediately takes the fancy of all the other birds within hearing, and
often in a small thicket there will be a dozen or twenty birds near
together, each sitting perched on the summit of his own bush. After
the new wonderful note has been sounded they all become silent and
attentive, reminding one in their manner of a caged Parrot listening to
a sound it is trying to learn. Presently they learn it, and are as pleased
with its acquisition as if they had discovered it themselves, repeating it
incessantly. I noticed this curious habit of the bird many times, and
on one occasion I found that for three entire days all the birds in a
small thicket I used to visit every day did nothing but repeat inces-
santly two or three singular notes which they had borrowed from one
of their number. The constant repetition of this one sound had a
strongly irritating effect on me ; but a day or two later they had appa-
rently got tired of it themselves, and had resumed their usual varied
singing.
This bird usually sits still upon the summit of a bush when singing,
and its music is heard in all seasons and in all weathers from dawn
till after dark : as a rule it sings in a leisurely unexcited manner,
remaining silent for some time after every five or six or a dozen notes,
and apparently listening to his brother-performers. These snatches of
melody often seem like a prelude or promise of something better coming ;
there is often in them such exquisite sweetness and so much variety
that the hearer is ever wishing for a fuller measure, and still the bird
opens his bill to delight and disappoint him, as if not yet ready to
display his whole power.
8. MIMUS TBIURUS (VieilL).
(WHITE-BANDED MOCKING-BIRD.)
[PLATE I.]
Mimus triurus, Sol. et Salv. Nomencl p. 3 ; Hudson, P. Z. 8. 1872, p. 539 (Rio
Negro) ; White, P. Z. S. 1882, p. 593 (Buenos Ayres) ; JBurm. La-Plata Reise,
ii. p. 475 (Mendoza, Cordova, and Tucuman) ; Sharpe, Cat. B. vi. p. 342.
Description. — Above grey, brown on the rump ; beneath light grey, white on
the belly ; wing black, crossed with a broad white baud ; tail white, except the
ARG. ORN. PL. I
MIMUS TRIURUS
MIMUS TEIURUS. 9
two middle feathers, which are black ; bill and feet black ; eye orange-yellow :
total length 9'5 inches, wing 4'8, tail 4*2. Female similar.
Hob. Paraguay _, Argentine Republic, and Bolivia.
Azara first met with this king of the Mocking-birds in Paraguay a
century ago ; he named it " Calandria de las tres colas/' and described
the plumage accurately, but was, I think, mistaken about the colour of
the eye, which is orange-red and not olive-green. He says that it is a
rare species, possessing no melodious notes, which proves at once that
he never heard it sing. D'Orbigny obtained it in Bolivia, Bridges in
Mendoza, and more recently it has been found by collectors in various
parts of the Argentine country, even in Buenos Ayres, where, however,
it is probably only an occasional visitor. But they have told us nothing
of its song and of its miraculous mocking-powers. For my part I can
think of no other way to describe the surpassing excellence of its
melody, which delights the soul beyond all other bird-music, than by
saying that this bird is among song-birds like the diamond among
stones, which in its many-coloured splendour represents and exceeds
the special beauty of every other gem.
I met with this species on the Rio Negro in Patagonia : it was there
called Calandria blanca, a name not strictly accurate, since the bird is
not all white, but certainly better than Azara's strange invention of
" Lark with three tails."
The bird was not common in Patagonia, and its only language was a
very loud harsh startled note, resembling that of the Mimus calandria ;
but it was past the love-season when I first met with it, and the natives
all assured me that it possessed a very wonderful song, surpassing the
songs of all other birds ; also that it had the faculty of imitating other
species. In manners and appearance it struck me as being utterly
unlike a Mimus ; in its flight and in the conspicuous white and black
of the wings and tail, it looked like a Tyrant of the Tanioptera group.
It was extremely shy, had a swift, easy, powerful flight, and, when
approached, would rise up high in the air and soar away to a great
distance. In February it disappeared from the Rio Negro and did not
return till the following October, after the arrival of all the other
migrants. It was then that I had the rare good fortune to hear it sing,
and I shall never forget the sensation I experienced when listening to its
matchless melody.
While walking through a c^anar-wood one bright morning, my atten-
tion was suddenly arrested by notes issuing from a thicket close by, and
to which I listened in delighted astonishment, so vastly superior in
melody, strength, arid variety did they seem to all other bird-music.
That it was the song of a Mimus did not occur to me ; for while the
10 TURDID^E.
music came in a continuous stream, until I marvelled that the throat of
any bird could sustain so powerful and varied a song for so long a time,
it was never once degraded by the harsh cries, fantastical nights, and
squealing buffooneries so frequently introduced by the Calandria, but
every note was in harmony and uttered with a rapidity and joyous
abandon no other bird is capable of, except, perhaps, the Sky-Lark ;
while the purity of the sounds gave to the whole performance something
of the ethereal rapturous character of the Larf s song when it comes
to the listener from a great height in the air.
Presently this flow of exquisite unfamiliar music ceased, while I still
remained standing amongst the trees, not daring to move for fear of
scaring away the strange vocalist. After a short interval of silence I
had a fresh surprise. From the very spot whence that torrent of melody
had issued, burst out the shrill, confused, impetuous song of the small
yellow-and-grey Patagonian Flycatcher (Stigmatura flavo-cinerea) . It
irritated me to hear this familiar and trivial song after the other, and I
began to fear that my entertainer had flown away unobserved. But in
another moment, from the same spot, came the mellow matin-song of
the Diuca Finch, and this was quickly succeeded by the silvery bell-like
trilling song of the Churrinche, or little Scarlet Tyrant-bird. Then fol-
lowed many other familiar notes and songs — the flute-like evening-call
of the Crested Tinamou, the gay hurried twittering of the Black-headed
Goldfinch, and the leisurely-uttered, delicious strains of the Yellow
Cardinal, all repeated with miraculous fidelity. How much was my
wonder and admiration increased by the discovery that my one sweet
singer had produced all these diverse strains ! The discovery was
only made when he began to repeat songs of species that never visit
Patagonia. I knew then that I was at last listening to the famed
White Mocking-bird, just returned from his winter travels, and repeat-
ing in this southern region the notes he had acquired in subtropical
forests a thousand miles away.
These imitations at length ceased, after which the sweet vocalist
resumed his own matchless song once more. I ventured then to creep a
little nearer, and at length caught sight of him not fifteen yards away.
I then found that the pleasure of listening to its melody was greatly
enhanced when I could at the same time see the bird, so carried away
with rapture does he seem while singing, so many and so beautiful are
the gestures and motions with which his notes are accompanied. He
passes incessantly from bush to bush, scarcely alighting on their sum-
mits, and at times dropping down beneath the foliage ; then, at intervals,
soaring to a height of a hundred feet above the thicket, with a flight
slow as that of a Heron, or mounting suddenly upwards with a wild,
ARG. ORN. PL.
CINCLUS SCHULZI
CINCLID.E. 11
hurried, zigzag motion ; then slowly circling downwards, to sit with tail
outspread and the broad glistening white wings expanded, or languidly
waved up and down like the wings of some great butterfly — an object
beautiful to see.
When I first heard this bird sing I felt convinced that no other
feathered songster on the globe could compare with it ; for besides the
faculty of reproducing the songs of other species, which it possesses in
common with the Virginian Mockiug-bird, it has a song of its own,
which I believed matchless ; and in this belief I was confirmed when,
shortly after hearing it, I visited England, and found of how much less
account than this Patagonian bird, which no poet has ever praised, were
the sweetest of the famed melodists of the Old World.
Fam. II. CINCLIDJE, OR DIPPERS.
The Dippers, constituting the genus Cinclus and the family Cinclidae,
are sparingly distributed, principally in the Alpine Regions which
contain clear and perennial streams, throughout the Palaearctic and
Nearctic Regions. In the Neotropical Region they are represented by
three species, one of which is found in the northern provinces of the
Argentine Republic.
9. CINCLUS SCHULZI, Cab.
(SCHULZ'S DIPPER.)
[PLATE II.]
Cinclus schulzi, Cab. J.f. 0. 1883, p. 102, t. ii. fig. 3.
Description. — Dark grey ; throat pale rufous ; a broad bar on the inner webs
of the wing-feathers white : total length 5'5 inches, wing 3'0, tail 1'6.
Hab. Northern Argentina.
A recent discovery of Herr Fritsch Schulz, who obtained specimens
of it on the Cerro Vayo of Tucuman, where this species, like others of
the genus, frequents the mountain-streams.
12
MUSCICAPID^l.
Fam. III. MUSCICAPID.E, OK FLYCATCHERS.
The peculiar genus Polioptila, which contains some twelve or thirteen
species of small-sized American birds, ranging from the United States
to the Argentine Republic, has been variously arranged by naturalists,
but seems to be more nearly related to the African genus Stenostira
than to any other known form. I therefore now place it with the
Muscicapidse, or Flycatchers, of which it is the only genus found in
the New World.
10. POLIOPTILA DUMICOLA (VieilL).
(BRUSH-LOVING FLY-SNAPPER.)
Polioptila dumicola, Scl. et Salv. Nomencl. p. 4 ; Durnford, Ibis, 1876, p. 157,
1877, p. 167 (Buenos Ayres) ; Salv. Ibis, 1880, p. 352 (Tucuman) ; White,
P. Z. 8. 1882, p. 593 (Buenos Ayres) ; Barrows, Bull. Nutt. Orn. Cl viii. p. 86
(Concepcion); Sharpe, Cat. 13. x. p. 444. Culicivora dumicola, Burm. La-
Plata Eeise, ii. p. 473 (Parana). Culicivora boliviana, Scl. P. Z. S. 1852,
p. 34, pi. xlvii.
Description. — Above clear greyish blue; wing-coverts, bastard-wing, and
primary-coverts dusky brown, with greyish-blue edges ; quills dusky ; upper
tail-coverts and tail-feathers black, the third outer tail-feather white at the tip,
the outer tail-feather nearly entirely white ; from the base of the forehead a
black line extends backwards over the eye ; under surface delicate ashy grey,
white on the abdomen and under tail-coverts ; bill and feet bluish black : total
length 4'5 inches, wing 2*1, tail 2'0. Female similar, but without the black
eye-streak.
Hab. Paraguay and Northern Argentina.
This little bird strongly resembles some species of that division of the
Tyrannidse which includes the genera Stigmatura, Serpophaga, and
Anceretes] but the likeness, strange to say, is even more marked in
habits and voice than in coloration and general appearance.
It is found in open thorny woods and thickets ; and in Buenos Ayres
seems to have a partial migration, as it is much more common in
summer than in winter. At all times male and female are found
together, and probably pair for life, like several of the species in the
groups just mentioned. They are seen continually hopping about
among the twigs in a leisurely deliberate manner, all the time emitting
a variety of low short notes, as if conversing together; and at intervals
they unite their voices in a burst of congratulatory notes, like those
uttered by the small Tyrant-birds they resemble. They have no song.
I have not found the nest, but Dr. Burmeister says that it is made in
bushes, and that the eggs are white.
TROGLODYTID.E. 13
Fam. IV. TROGLODYTID.E, OR WRENS.
The Troglodytidse, or Wren family, are of wide distribution, and are
found alike under the tropics and in temperate latitudes. In South
America nearly 100 species altogether are known to occur. Of these
two are familiar inhabitants of the whole Argentine Republic, and a
third, belonging to the water-loving genus Donacobius, is met with in
the eastern provinces on the Parana. A fourth species has been lately
described from Tucuman.
11. DONACOBIUS ATBJCAPILLUS (Linn.).
(BLACK-HEADED REED-WREN.)
Donacobius atricapillus, Scl. Cat. A. B. p. 16 ; Scl. et Salv. Nomencl p. 5 ;
Sharpe, Cat. B. vi. p. 364 ; Burm. La-Plata Reise, ii. p. 475. Donacobius
brasiliensis, cTOrb. Voy., Ois. p. 213 (Corrientes).
Description.— Above dark chocolate-brown; cap black; wings black, with a
large white patch on the inner primaries ; tail black ; lateral rectrices broadly
ended with white ; beneath ochreous buff ; sides of breast and flanks with cross
lines of dusky brown : total length 7*5 inches, wing 2'9, tail 3*7. Female
similar.
Hab. Guiana, Amazonia, Brazil, Paraguay, and Northern Argentina.
The genus Donacobius contains two species somewhat intermediate
between the Mock-birds and the large Wrens of the genus Campy lo-
rhynchus. The well-known Brazilian D. atricapillus extends through
Paraguay, where Azara found it abundant, into Corrientes and the
adjoining provinces of La Plata. It is met with among the reeds on
lakes and streams.
12. TEOGLODYTES FUEVUS (Gm.).
(BROWN HOUSE-WREN.)
Troglodytes furvus, Scl. et Salv. P. Z. 8. 1869, p. 158 (Conchitas) ; iid. Nomencl.
p. 7; Durnford, Ibis, 1876, p. 157, 1877, p. 32 (Chupat), p. 167 (Buenos Ayres),
1878, p. 392 (Central Patagonia) ; White, P. Z. S. 1882, p. 593 (Buenos Ayres) ;
Doritiff, Exp. al Rio Negro, Zool. p. 36 (Azul, R. Colorado, R. Negro). Tro-
glodytes platensis, Burm. La-Plata Reise, ii. p. 476 ; Barrows, Bull. Nutt.
Orn. Cl. viii. p. 86 (Concepcion). Troglodytes musculus, Sharpe, Cat. B.
vi. p. 255.
Description. — Above brown ; the tail-feathers and outer webs of wing-feathers
pencilled witb dark wavy lines ; beneath very pale brown ; bill and feet horn-
colour ; eye brown : total length 4-8 inches, wing 2-0, tail 1'7. Female similar.
Hab. South America.
14 TROGLODYTID^E.
The common Argentine Wren is to all English residents the " House-
Wren/-' and is considered to be identical with the species familiar to
them in their own country. It is a sprightly little bird, of a uniform
brown colour and a cheerful melodious voice ; a tireless hunter after
small spiders and caterpillars in hedges, gardens, and outhouses, where
it explores every dark hole and cranny, hopping briskly about with tail
erect, and dropping frequent little curtsies ; always prompt to scold an
intruder with great emphasis ; a great hater of cats.
It was my belief at one time that the Wren was one of the little birds
a cat never could catch; but later on I discovered that this was a
mistake. At my home on the pampas we once had a large yellow torn
cat exceedingly dexterous in catching small birds ; he did not, however,
eat them himself, but used to bring them into the house for the other
cats. Two or three times a day he would appear with a bird, which he
would drop at the door, then utter a loud mew very well understood by
the other cats, for they would all fly to the spot in great haste, and the
first to arrive would get the bird. At one time I noticed that he
brought in a Wren almost every day, and, curious to know how he
managed to capture so clever a bird, I watched him. His method was
to go out into the grounds frequented by Wrens, and seat himself
conspicuously amongst the weeds or bushes ; and then, after the first
burst of alarm had subsided amongst the small birds, one or two Wrens
would always take on themselves the task of dislodging him, or, at all
events, of making his position a very uncomfortable one. The cat
would sit perfectly motionless, apparently not noticing them at all, and
by-and-by this stolid demeanour would have its effect, and one of the
Wrens, growing bolder, would extend his dashing little incursions to
within a few inches of pussy's demure face; then at last, swift as
lightning, would come the stroke of a paw, and the little brown body
would drop down with the merry brave little spirit gone from it.
The House- Wren is widely distributed in South America, from the
tropical forests to the cold uplands of Patagonia, and, possessing a
greater adaptiveness than most species, it inhabits every kind of
country, moist or dry, and is as much at home on lofty mountains and
stony places as in the everglades of the Plata, where it frequents the
reed-beds and damp forests. About houses they are always to be found ;
and though the traveller on the desert pampas might easily imagine
that there are no Wrens in the giant grasses, if he makes himself a
lodge in this lonely region, a Wren will immediately appear to make its
nest in his thatch and cheer him with its song.
Even in large towns they are common, and I always remember one
flying into a church in Buenos Ayres one Sunday, and, during the
CISTOTHORUS PLATENSIS. 15
whole sermon-time, pouring out its bright lyric strains from its perch
high up somewhere in the ornamental wood-work of the roof.
The Wren sings all summer, and also on bright days in winter. The
song is not unlike that of the English House- Wren, having the same
gushing character, the notes being strong and clear, and uttered with
rapidity and precision; but the Argentine bird has greater sweetness
and more power.
In spring the male courts his mate with notes high and piercing as
the squeals of a young mouse ; these he repeats with great rapidity,
fluttering his wings all the time like a moth, and at intervals breaking
out into song.
The nest is made in a dark hole in a wall or tree, sometimes in the
forsaken domed nest of some other bird ; and where such sites are not to
be found, in a dense thistle or thorn-bush, or in a large tussock of grass.
I have also found nests in dry skulls of cows and horses, in an old boot,
in the sleeve of an old coat left hanging on a fence, in a large-necked
bottle, and in various other curious situations. The nest is built of
sticks and lined with horse-hair or feathers, and the eggs are usually
nine in number, of a pinkish ground-colour, thickly spotted with pale red.
13. TROGLODYTES AUKICULABJS, Cab.
(EARED WREN.)
Troglodytes (Uropsila) auricularis, Cab. Journ. f. Orn. 1883, p. 105, t. ii.
fig.l.
Description. — In habit and size near the European "Wren, T. parvulus, but
peculiar for the blackish-brown hinder half of the ear-coverts and its broad
white superciliaries. Upper surface and flanks brown ; throat and middle of
belly whitish, tinged with brownish yellow ; wings and tail with fine black
cross bands ; crissum with broader black and white cross bands. (Cabanis.)
Hob. Tucuman.
This is a recent discovery of Herr Schulz in the Sierra of Tucuman.
We have not yet met with specimens of it.
14. CISTOTHORUS PLATENSIS (Lath.).
(PLATAN MARSH-WREN.)
Cistothorus platensis, Scl. et Salv. P. Z. S. 1869, p. 158 ; iid. Nomencl p. 7
Durnford, Ibis, 1877, p. 168 (Buenos Ayres) ; Doring, Exp. al Rio Neyro,
ZooL p. 37 (R. Sauce, R. Colorado, R. Negro) ; Sorrows, Bull Nutt. Orn. Cl.
16 MOTACILLIDJE.
viii. p. 87 (Carlme) ; Sharpe, Cat. B. vi. p. 244. Cistothorus fasciolatus,
Burm. La-Plata Reise, ii. p. 476 (Mendoza).
Description. — Above pale sandy brown, variegated with black streaks ; head
darker brown, streaked with black; the hind neck paler brown, with narrow
black streaks ; wing-coverts brown ; tail-feathers dark sandy brown, barred
with blackish brown ; under surface pale sandy buff : total length 4-3 inches,
wing 1-85, tail 1*6. Female similar.
Hab. Argentina, Patagonia, and Falkland Islands.
This small Wren is rarely seen, being nowhere common, although
widely distributed. It prefers open grounds covered with dense reeds
and grasses, where it easily escapes observation. I have met with it
near Buenos Ayres city ; also on the desert pampas, in the tall pampas-
grass. It is likewise met with along the Parana river, and in Chili,
Patagonia, and the Falkland Islands. In the last-named locality
Darwin found it common, and says that it has there an extremely feeble
flight, so that it may easily be run down and taken.
The Marsh- Wren has a sweet and delicate song, resembling that of the
House-Wren (Troglodytes furvus} ,but much less powerful. It does not
migrate ; and on the pampas I have heard it singing with great animation
when the pampas-grass, where it sat perched, was white with frozen dew.
Probably its song, like that of Troglodytes furvus, varies in different
districts ; at all events, the pampas bird does not possess so fine a song
as Azara ascribes to his ' f Todo Voz " in Paraguay, which is undoubtedly
the same species.
Fam. V. MOTACILLID^E, OR WAGTAILS.
The Wagtails and Pipits are closely-allied forms, and are usually
referred to the same family of Oscines. The Wagtails are restricted to
the Old World, although it has been recently ascertained that some of
them occasionally occur as stragglers in the northern latitudes of
America. Of the almost cosmopolitan Pipits about eight or nine
species are sparingly distributed over the prairies and pampas of the
New World. One of these is a common resident in the pampas of
Argentina, and another (perhaps somewhat doubtful species) is occa-
sionally met with.
ANTHUS CORRENDERA. 17
15. ANTHUS CORRENDERA, Vieffl.
(CACHILA PIPIT.)
Anthus correndera, Sol. et Salv. Nomencl. p. 8 j Hudson, P. Z. S. 1873, p. 771
(Buenos Ayres) ; Durnford, Ibis, 1877, p. 32 (Chupat), p. 168 (Buenos
Ayres), 1878, p. 392 (Central Patagonia); Sclaler, Ibis, 1878, p. 362;
White, P. Z. S. 1882, p. 594 (Buenos Ayres) ; Daring, Exp. al Rio Negro,
Zool. p. 37 (Azul) ; Barrows, Bull. Nutt. Orn. Cl. viii. p. 87 (Concepcion,
Entrerios); Sharpe, Cat. B. x. p. 610. Anthus rufas, Burm. La-Plata
Reise, ii. p. 474 (Mendoza, Parana) ; Durnford, Ibis, 1876, p. 158.
Description. — Above pale sandy buff, mottled with black centres to the
feathers ; wing- and tail-feathers dark brown, edged with buff, the penultimate
tail-feather with a white tip, the outer tail-feather almost entirely white ; neck
and breast sandy buff, with large triangular black spots ; flanks buff, streaked
with black ; abdomen and under tail-coverts isabelline ; bill dusky grey ; feet
pink : total length 6*0 inches, wing 2-9, tail 2-3. Female similar.
Hab. Paraguay, Argentina, Patagonia, and Chili.
Azara's only reason for calling this bird La Correndera was because
he thought it resembled a Tit-Lark known by that name in his own
country, but of which he merely had a confused recollection. It is
therefore to be regretted, I think, that correndera has been adopted as
a specific name by naturalists instead of "Cachila," the vernacular
name of the bird, familiar to every one in the Argentine country.
Azara's Spanish bird was probably Anthus pratensis, which closely re-
sembles A. correndera in general appearance, and has, moreover, as wide
a range in the northern as the last-named species has in the southern
hemisphere. In the volume on Birds in the ' Voyage of the Beagle/ it
is said that a species of Anthus ranges further south than any other
land-bird, being the only land-bird found on Georgia and South Orkney
(lat. 61° S.).
In colour and language, possibly also in size, the Cachila is variable.
It is a very common bird, widely and plentifully distributed over the
pampas, found alike on marshy and dry grounds, but rare in the region
of giant grasses. While abundant, it is also very evenly dispersed, each
bird spending its life on a very circumscribed plot of earth. Those
frequenting marshy or moist grounds are of a yellowish-cream colour,
thickly mottled and striped with fuscous and black, and have two
narrow parallel pure white marks on the back, very conspicuous when
the bird is on the ground. The individuals frequenting high and dry
grounds are much paler in hue, appearing almost grey, and do not show
the white marks on the back. They also look larger than the birds on
marshy lands ; but this appearance is probably due to a looser plumage.
The most strongly-marked pale and dark-plum aged variations may be
VOL. i. c
18 MOTACILLID^E.
found living within a few hundred yards of each other, showing how
strictly each bird keeps to its own little " beat "; for this difference in
coloration is, no doubt, due entirely to the amount of moisture in the
.ground they live on.
The Cachilas are resident, living in couples all the year round, the
sexes being faithful. Several pairs frequent a small area, and sometimes
they unite in a desultory flock ; but these gatherings are not frequent.
In the evening, at all seasons, immediately after the sun has set, the
Cachilas all rise to a considerable height in the air and fly wildly about,
chirping for a few minutes, after which they retire to roost.
When approached they frequently rise up several feet from the ground
and flutter in the air, chirping sharply, with breast towards the intruder.
This is a habit also found in Synallaxine species inhabiting the grassy
plains. But, as a rule, the Cachilas are the tamest of feathered
creatures, and usually creep reluctantly away on their little pink feet
when approached. If the pedestrian is a stranger to their habits they
easily delude him into attempting their capture with his hat, so little is
their fear of man.
To sing, the Cachila mounts upwards almost vertically, making at
intervals a fluttering pause, accompanied with a few hurried notes.
When he has thus risen to a great height (but never beyond sight as
Azara says) he begins the descent slowly, the wings inclining upwards ;
and, descending, he pours forth long impressive strains, each ending
with a falling inflection or with two or three short throat-notes as the
bird pauses fluttering in mid-air, and then renewed successively until,
when the singer is within 3 or 4 feet of the earth, without alighting he
reascends as before to continue the performance. It is a very charming
melody, and heard always on the treeless plains when there is no other
bird-music, with the exception of the trilling and grasshopper-like notes
of a few Synallaxine species. But in character it is utterly unlike the
song of the Sky-Lark with its boundless energy, hurry, and abandon ;
and yet it is impossible not to think of the Sky-Lark when describing
the Cachila, which, in its manners, appearance, and in its habit of
soaring to a great height when singing, seems so like a small copy of
that bird.
The Cachila rears two broods in the year ; the first is hatched about
the middle of August, that is, one to three months before the laying-
season of other Passerine species. By anticipating the breeding-season
their early nests escape the evil of parasitical eggs ; but, on the other
hand, frosty nights and heavy rains are probably as fatal to as many
early broods as the instinct of the Molothrus bonariensis, or Cow-bird,
is to others at a later period.
MNIOTILTID.E. 19
The second brood is reared in December, the hottest month, and in
that season a large proportion of their nests contain parasitical eggs.
The nest is placed in a slight hollow in the ground, under a tussock
of grass, and is sometimes elaborately made and lined with horsehair
and fine grass, and sometimes with a few materials loosely put together.
During the solstitial heats I have frequently found nests with frail
shades, built of sticks and grass, over them, the short withered grass
affording an insufficient protection from the meridian sun. The eggs
are four, elongated, with a dirty white and sometimes a dull bluish
ground, thickly spotted with dusky brown and drab. In some eggs the
spots are confluent, the whole shell being of a dull brownish-drab colour.
The manners of this species, where I have observed it, are always the
same ; it lives on the ground on open plains, where the herbage and
grass is short, and never perches on trees. The song varies considerably
in different districts.
16. ANTHUS FURCATUS, d'Orb. et Lafr.
(FORKED-TAIL PIPIT.)
Anthus furcatus, d'Orb. Voy. p. 227 (Patagonia) ; Danvin, Zool. Toy.
'Beagle,' iii. p. 85 (La Plata); Sclater, Ibis, 1878, p. 364; Doring, Exp. al
Rio Negro, Zool. p. 37 (Azul, Carhue"-pampas) j Sharpe, Cat. B. x. p. 605.
Description. — Similar to A. correndera, but with a smaller bill, shorter and
more curved hind claw, less spotted under surface, and different marking of the
second outer rectrix, which has a clear and distinct white line along the inner
side of the shaft: total length 6-0 inches, wing 3'2, tail 2'4.
Hub. Peru, Bolivia, and Argentina.
One of the Pipits procured at Conchitas belongs to this species, if
distinct from the former. I think I recollect it as a resident on the
pampas, closely resembling the Cachila in flight and language, but
much shyer, and usually found concealed under Tulu grass on dry
grounds.
Fam. VI. MNIOTILTID.E, OR WOOD-SINGERS.
The Mniotiltidse, or Wood-singers, are a well-known and very charac-
teristic family of the New World, where they occupy the position of our
Sylviidae. They number some 130 or 140 species, distributed all over
America down to La Plata, but most abundant in the southern portions
of North America, where the favourite and beautiful genus Dendrceca,
with about 100 species, plays an important part. Iii Argentina only
four speci es have as yet been met with.
20 MNIOTILTID.E.
17. PARULA PITIAYUMI (Vieill.).
(PITIAYUMI WOOD-SINGER.)
Parula pitiayumi, Scl. et Salv. Nomencl. p. 8 ; Durnford, Ibis, 1876, p. 158,
1877, p. 1G8 (Buenos Ayres) ; Salv. Ibis, 1880, p. 352 (Tucuman); White,
P. Z. S. 1882, p. 594 (Catarnarca, Misiones); Barrows, Bull. Nutt. Orn.
Cl. viii. p. 87 (Concepcion, Entrerios) ; Sharpe, Cat. B. x. p. 259, pi. xi. fig. 1.
Sylvicola venusta, Burm. La-Plata Reise, ii. p. 473 (Parana, Tucuman).
Description. — Above clear blue ; mantle and upper back olive-yellow ; central
tail-feathers blue, all the others, also the quills, blackish ; cheeks and under
surface of body bright yellow ; lower abdomen and under tail-coverts white ;
upper mandible black, lower yellow ; eye brown : total length 4'0 inches, wing
2-05, tail 1-55. Female similar, but much paler in colour.
Hab. South America.
This is a southern representative of a small group of Wood- warblers,
which is extensively diffused in the New World.
The upper plumage of this small bird is mostly cerulean-blue, the
breast and belly yellow. Its Guarani name, according to Azara, is
" Pitiayume" which means little yellow-breast. I have never heard it
sing or utter any note beyond a very feeble chirp as it hops about
through the foliage in quest of small caterpillars. Its migration extends
south to Buenos Ayres, where it is seen in woods and thickets in pairs
or singly; but it is a rare bird, and I have been unable to find out
anything about its nesting-habits.
18. GEOTHLYPIS VELATA (Vieill.).
(VEILED WOOD-SINGER.)
Geothlypis velata, Scl et Salv. Nomencl. p. 9 j White, P. Z. S. 1882, p. 594
(Salta) ; Barrows, Bull. Nittt. Orn. Cl. viii. p. 87 (Concepcion, Entrerio?) ;
Sharpe, Cat. B. x. p. 363, pi. ix. fig. 5.
Description. — Above yellowish green ; the wing-coverts like the back ; wing-
feathers dusky brown, edged with olive-yellow ; tail-feathers olive-green ; crown
of head to the occiput blue-grey ; from the forehead a black mark extends to the
eye and downward to the cheek ; throat and under surface bright yellow ; bill
black ; feet pale brown ; eye brown : total length 5'6 inches, wing 2'4, tail 2'4.
Female similar, but without the black on the face.
Hab. Brazil, Paraguay, and Northern Argentina.
This is again the only species of a North- and Central-American
genus which ranges so far south as Buenos Ayres. It visits us in
summer, and is found singly or in pairs in woods and large plantations.
It feeds both on the ground and in trees, and, while gleaning amongst
SETOPHAGA BRUNNEICEPS. 21
the leaves, frequently pauses to utter its loud cheerful song, composed
of seven or eight clear notes uttered with rapidity and emphasis.
19. BASILEUTERUS AURICAPILLUS, Sw.
(GOLDEN-CROWNED WOOD-SINGER.)
Basileuterus auricapillus, Sharpe, Cat. B. x. p. 393. Basileuterus verzni-
vorus, Scl. P. Z. S. 1865, p. 283; Scl. et Salv. Nomencl, p. 10 ; White,
P. Z. S. 1882, p. 594 (Misiones).
Description. — Above olive-yellow, lightest on the rump and upper tail-coverts ;
tail-feathers ashy brown, with yellowish margins ; quills dusky ; crown of head
light orange -chestnut ; nape and hind neck pale ashy grey ; on each side of the
crown a broad black stripe extending from the bill to the hind neck, also a
streak of ashy white above the eye ; under surface bright yellow ; axillaries and
under wing-coverts white ; bill and feet brownish : total length 4'5 inches, wing
2*2, tail 2-05. Female similar.
Hab. South America.
This species, which is widely spread over the northern portion of
South America, was found in Paraguay by Azara, and in the province
of Misiones by White.
20. SETOPHAGA BRUNNEICEPS, d'Orb. et Lafr.
(BROWN-CAPPED WOOD-SINGER.)
Setophaga brunneiceps, Eurm. La-Plata Reise, ii. p. 473 (Tucurnan) ; Scl.
et Salv. Nomencl. p. 11; White, P. Z. S. 1882, p. 595 (Catamarca) ;
Sharpe, Cat. B. x. p. 428.
Description. — General colour dull olive-yellowish; wing-coverts dark slaty
grey ; quills blackish ; upper tail-coverts slaty grey, washed with olive ; tail-
feathers blackish — the outer pair white, the next pair white edged with black
on the outer web, the third pair with a large white mark at the end ; crown
of head deep chestnut ; neck slaty grey ; under surface of body bright yellow ;
under tail- and wing-coverts white : total length 5'0 inches, wing 2-45, tail 2*4.
Female similar.
Hab. Bolivia and Northern Argentina.
White obtained a pair of these birds on the Sierra of Totoral, Cata-
marca, in July 1880. He describes them as quick in their movements
and difficult to shoot. The species was originally discovered by d'Or-
bigny in Bolivia.
22
VIREONID^E.
Fam. VII. VIEEONID^E, OR GREENLETS.
Three of the groups of the peculiar American family of Greenlets,
allied to our Shrikes, hare representatives within the Argentine Republic.
The genera Vireo and Hylophilus both extend, each in the shape of one
of its South-Brazilian members, into the woodlands of the Parana; while
Cyclorhis, another genus also widely spread over South and Central
America, has two representatives within our area. One of these latter
is well known in the neighbourhood of Buenos Ayres ; the other is only
found in the extreme north of the Republic.
21. VIREOSYLVIA CHIVI (VieilL).
(CHIVI GREENLET.)
Contramaestre gaviero, Azara, Apunt. ii. p. 34. Sylvia chivi, VieilL N. D.
xi. p. 174. Vireosylvia chivi, Baird, Rev. A. B. p. 337; Scl. et Salv. P. Z. S.
1869, p. 160 (Buenos Ayres) ; Berl. et JJier. Zeitschr. ges. Orn. 1885, p. 115.
Vireo chivi, Gadow, Cat. JB. viii. p. 295.
Hab. South America, from Colombia down to Buenos Ayres.
A single specimen of this Greenlet was found in a collection made
by Mr. Haslehurst near Buenos Ayres. As the species occurs in Rio
Grande do Sul (Berlepsch) and Paraguay (Azara), its occasional appear-
ance in Eastern Argentina is quite probable. Whether the bird is really
distinct from the widespread Vireo olivaceus seems to be a question
which is not yet finally settled.
Azara, describing this species, says it is one of the commonest in deep
woods, where it moves about among the terminal twigs, without ever
rising to the tops of the trees or flying down to the brush or the ground.
It is active, and extremely restless in manner ; and in searching after
and taking the small insects and spiders on which it lives it climbs
about the twigs, assuming every position, and frequently suspending
itself, head downwards, by its feet. It has a full pleasing voice of con-
siderable power, heard incessantly in the woods, particularly in the love-
season. The nest is a slender beautiful structure, even surpassing that
of the Humming-birds, constructed of thin dry leaves outside, smoothly
attached to the rest with spiders' webs, while the inside is formed of
fine fibres and cotton.
CYCLORHIS OCHROCEPHALA. 23
22. HYLOPHILUS PCECILOTIS, Max.
(BROWN-HEADED WOOD-BIRD.)
Hylophilus poecilotis, Sol. et Salv. Nomencl p. 12 ; Scl Ibis, 1881, p. 300 ;
White, P. Z. 8. 1882, p. 595 (Misiones) ; Gadow, Cat. B. viii. p. 308.
Description. — Crown of head and nape rich rufous-brown ; all the rest of the
upper parts, including the entire tail and wing-coverts and the outer webs of
the remiges, rich olive-green; cheeks and upper throat whitish; ear-coverts
blackish, with white central streaks ; under wing-coverts, axillaries, inner mar-
gin of remiges, and under tail-coverts lemon-yellow ; rest of underparts dull
yellow, washed with olive on the breast and flanks, and inclining to pale
ochreous on the abdomen ; bill dark flesh-colour ; feet hazel : total length
4*5 inches, wing 2-2, tail 2*2. Female similar.
Hob. Southern Brazil, Paraguay, and Northern Argentina.
This South-Brazilian species was met with by White near San Javier,
in the province of Misiones, in June 1881.
23. CYCLORHIS OCHROCEPHALA.
(OCHRE-HEADED GREENLET-SHRIKE.)
[PLATE III. FIG. I.]
Cyclorhis viridis, Burm. La-Plata Reise, ii. p. 472 ; Scl. et Salv. Nomencl. p. 13 ;
Durnford, Ibis, 1878, p. 58 (Punta Lara) j White, P. Z. S. 1882, p. 595
(Buenos Ayres) j Gadow, Cat. B. viii. p. 318. Cyclorhis ochrocephala,
Tsch. Arch.f. Nat. 1845, pt. i. p. 362; Berl et Jher. Zeitschr. ges. Orn. 1885,
p. 116.
Description. — Above olive-green; cap brownish ochraceous, more or less
rufescent ; front and superciliaries chestnut-red ; sides of head clear grey, beneath
pale buff ; breast and flanks yellow ; throat greyish white ; bill reddish grey,
feet grey ; eye reddish : total length 7*0 inches, wing 3'4, tail 2'8. Female
similar.
Hob. Middle districts of Argentina.
This species is not uncommon in the woods along the shores of the
Plata, and may be easily known to any person penetrating them by its
loud " cheerful soliloquy/' for that phrase of Mr. Barrows, the North-
American writer on birds, well describes the artless, light-hearted song
which it utters at intervals while it roams about in the deep foliage,
and which reminds one of the careless whistling of a boy, whistling
merely to express his gaiety, but without having any particular tune
in his mind. It is migratory, and extends its range south of Buenos
Ayres.
24 HIRUNDINID^E.
24. CYCLORHIS ALTIROSTRIS, Salvin.
(DEEP-BILLED GREENLET-SHRIKE.)
[PLATE III. FIG. 2.]
Cyclorhis altirostris, Sdlv. Ibis, 1880, p. 352 ; Gadow, Cat. B. vili. p. 319,
Cyclorhis viridis, Barrows, Bull. Ntttt, Orn. Cl. viii. p. 88 (Concepcion,
Entrerios) ; Berl. et Jher. Zeitschr. yes. Orn. 1885, p. 116.
Desertion. — Above olive-green ; head more or less rufescent ; front and
Buperciliaries chestnut-red ; sides of head grey ; beneath pale ochraceous j
breast and sides yellow ; throat greyish ; bill short and thick, pale reddish, with
a black blotch at the base of the lower mandible ; feet reddish : total length
6'5 inches, wing 3-3, tail 3*0. Female similar.
Hab. Paraguay and Northern Argentina.
This species was met with by Durnford near Salta in June 1878.
He describes the iris as " light rufous ; upper mandible dark slate,
under mandible, legs, and feet pale slate "
Mr. Salvin founded his C. altirostris upon Durnford's specimens, but
Graf v. Berlepsch is of opinion that this species is the "Habia verde"
of Azara, and should consequently bear the name "viridis" of Vieillot.
This is perhaps correct, but at the same time it would only make fresh
confusion to transfer to this species the name hitherto usually applied
to the preceding bird. We prefer, consequently, to let it stand under
Mr. Salvin' s name " altirostris."
Fam. VIII. HIRUNDINHXaE, OR SWALLOWS.
The cosmopolitan family of Swallows, of which about eighty species
are known, is well developed in the New World, where some thirty
representatives occur in various parts. In Argentina the occurrence of
eight Swallows has been recorded. Three of them belong to the group
of Purple Martins (Progne), which is restricted to the New World, and
of the remainder four are members of genera entirely restricted to the
Neotropical Region. The genus Petrochelidon, of which one species is
met with in La Plata, has alone representatives in the Eastern Hemi-
sphere.
25. PROGNE FURCATA, Baird*.
(PURPLE MARTIN.)
Progne purpurea, Hudson, P. Z. S. 1872, p. 548 (Patagonia) ; Scl. P. Z. £
1872, p. 605 ; Scl. et Salv. Nomencl. p. 14 ; Durnford, Ibis, 1877, p. 32 (Chupat),
* [1 here follow Mr. Sharpe in considering the Purple Martin of Argentina and
Patagonia separable from the closely allied northern species of North America. But
I am altogether sceptical about its occurrence in Chili, which Dr. Philippi expressly
daries (P. Z. S. 1868 p. 534) and for which I know of no good authority.— P. L. S.]
ARG. ORN. PL. Ml
Fig.l. CYCLORHIS OCH ROC E PHAL A .
2. ALTIROSTRIS.
PROGNE CHALYBEA. 25
1878, p. 392 (Central Patagonia) ; White, P. Z. S. 1882, p. 595 (Buenos
Ayres). Progne elegans, Harrows, Bull. Nutt. Orn. Cl viii. p. 89 (Bahia
Blauca). Progne furcata, Baird, Rev. A. JB. p. 278; Sharpe, Cat. A. B.
x. p. 175.
Description. — Uniform deep purple-blue ; on each side of the back a small
concealed tuft of white feathers ; tail-feathers black, washed with blue : total
length 7'7 inches, wing 5-55, tail 3'3. Female: upper parts dull purple; head,
neck, and lower parts blackish brown.
Hab. Argentina and Patagonia.
The Purple Martin is occasionally seen in the eastern provinces of
La Plata when migrating, but has not been found nesting anywhere so
far north as Buenos Ayres. I met with it breeding at Bahia Blanca on
the Atlantic coast, and on the Rio Negro, where it is very common.
It arrives in Patagonia late in September, and leaves before the middle
of February. On the 14th of that month I saw one flock flying north,
but it was the last. It breeds in holes under the eaves of houses or in
walls, and its nest is like that of P. chalybea ; but many also breed in
holes in the steep banks of the Rio Negro. They do not, however,
excavate holes for themselves, but take possession of natural crevices
and old forsaken burrows of the Burrowing Parrot (Conurus patacho-
nicus). In size, flight, manners, and appearance the Purple Martin
closely resembles the following species, the only difference being in the
dark plumage of the under surface. The language of the two birds is
also identical ; the loud excited scream when the nest is approached, the
various other notes when the birds sweep about in the air, and the agree-
ably modulated and leisurely-uttered song are all possessed by the two
species without the slightest difference in strength or intonation. This
circumstance appears very remarkable to me, because, though two
species do sometimes possess a few notes alike, the greater part of their
language is generally different ; also because birds of the same species
in different localities vary more in language than in any other particular.
This last observation, however, applies more to resident than to migra-
tory species.
26. PROGNE CHALYBEA (Gm.).
(DOMESTIC MARTIN.)
Progne chalybea, Scl. P. Z. S. 1872, p. 606 (Buenos Ayres) ; Scl. et Salt.
Nomencl. p. 14 ; White, P. Z. S. 1882, p. 595 (Buenos Ayres) ; Barrows, Bull.
Nutt. Orn. CL viii. p. 88 (Concepcion) ; Sharpe, Cat. B. x. p. 178. Progne
domestica, Burm. La-Plata Reise, ii. p. 477 ; Sharpe, Cat. B. x. p. 177.
Description. — Entire upper parts deep purple-blue ; lesser and median wing-
coverts the same ; wing- and tail-feathers black, glossed with steel-blue ; throat,
fore ueck, and chest ash- colour; breast, abdomen, and under tail-coverts pure
20 HIRUNDINID^E.
white ; bill and feet black : total length 8 inches, wing 57, tail 3-2. Female
similar.
Hob. Central and South America.
This species, distinguished from the Purple Martin by its white
underparts, ranges from Mexico to Buenos Ayres, the extreme limit of
its range being about 250 miles south of that city. It was well called
Golondrina domestica by Azara, being preeminently domestic in its
habits. It never breeds in banks as the Purple Martin often does, or
in the domed nests of other birds in trees, a situation always resorted
to by the Tree-Martin, and occasionally by the Common Swallow ; but
is so accustomed to the companionship of man as to make its home
in populous towns as well as in country-houses. It arrives in Buenos
Ayres about the middle of September, and apparently resorts to the
same breeding-place every year. A hole under the eaves is usually
selected, and the nest is roughly built of dry grass, hair, feathers, and
other materials. When the entrance to its breeding-hole is too large,
it partially closes it up with, mud mixed with straw ; if there be two
entrances it stops up one altogether. The bird does not often require to
use mud in building ; it is the only one of our Swallows that uses such
a material at all. The eggs are white, long, pointed, and five in number.
In the season of courtship this Martin is a noisy pugnacious bird, and
always, when quitting its nest, utters an exceedingly loud startling cry
several times repeated. It also has a song, uttered both when resting
and on the wing, composed of several agreeably modulated notes, and in
that thick rolling intonation peculiar to our Swallows. This song does
not sound loud when near, yet it can be distinctly heard when the bird
appears but a speck in the distance. I may here remark that, with
the exception of the Petrochelidon pyrrhonota, which possesses a sharp
squeaky voice, like the Swallows of Europe, all our Hirundines have
soft voices : their usual twittering when they are circling about resembles
somewhat the chirping of the English House-Sparrow in tone, but
besides these notes they possess a song more pleasing to the ear.
Before leaving in February these birds congregate in parties of from
twenty to four or five hundred, usually on the broad leafy top of an old
ombu tree.
27. PROGNE TAPERA (Linn.).
(TREE-MARTIN.)
Progne tapera, Scl. P. Z. S. 1872, p. 606 (Buenos Ayres) ; Scl. et Salv. Nomencl.
p. 14; Durnford, Ibis, 1877, p. 168 (Buenos Ayres); White, P. Z. S. 1882,
p. 595 (Catamarca) ; Harrows, Bull. Nutt. Orn. Cl. viii. p. 89 (Concepcion) ;
Sharpe, Cat. B. x. p. 180. Cotyle tapera, Bunn. La-Plata Eeise, ii. p. 477.
PROGNE TAPERA. 27
Description. — Entire upper parts dull brown ; tail-feathers blackish brown ;
throat ashy white ; fore neck and chest ashy brown in the centre and dark
brown on the sides, as are also the flanks ; abdomen white ; bill and feet horn-
colour : total length 7 inches, wing 5-5, tail 2-6. Female similar.
Hab. Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina.
The Tree-Martin is more slender and has a greater extent of wing
than the Purple Martins; and, instead of the beautiful dark purple
(their prevailing colour), its entire upper plumage is dusky brown, the
under surface white. But if these differences of structure and hue
merely serve to show that it is not a very near relative of the other
species, those exhibited in its habits remove it very far indeed from
them.
The Tree-Martin is a very garrulous bird, and no sooner arrives early
in September, than we are apprised of the circumstance by the notes
which tbe male and female incessantly sing in concert, fluttering and
waving their wings the while, and seeming quite beside themselves with
joy at their safe arrival; for invariably they arrive already mated.
Their language is more varied, the intonation bolder and freer than that
of our other Swallows. The length of the notes can be varied at
pleasure ; some are almost harsh, others silvery or liquid, as of trickling
drops of water ; they all have a glad sound ; and many have that
peculiar character of some bird-notes of shaping themselves into
words.
This Martin is never seen to alight on the ground or on the
roofs of houses, but solely on trees ; and when engaged in collecting
materials for its nest, it sweeps down and snatches up a feather or
straw without touching the surface. It breeds only in the clay-ovens
of the Oven-bird (Furnarius rufus). I, at least, have never seen them
breed in any other situation after observing them for a great many
summers. An extraordinary habit ! for, many as are the species that
possess the parasitical tendency of breeding in other birds' nests,
none of them confine themselves to the nest of a single species
excepting the bird I am describing. It must, however, be understood
that my knowledge of this bird has been acquired in Buenos Ayres,
where I have observed it ; and as this Martin possesses a wider range
in South America than the Oven-birds, it is more than probable that in
other districts it builds in different situations.
On arriving in spring each pair takes up its position on some tree,
and usually on a particular branch ; a dead branch extending beyond
the foliage is a favourite perch. Here they spend much of their time,
never appearing to remain long absent from it, and often, when singing
28 HIRUNDINID^E.
their notes together, fluttering about it with a tremulous uncertain
flight, like that of a hovering butterfly. About three weeks after first
arriving they begin to make advances towards the Oven-bird's nest that
stands on the nearest post or tree ; and if it be still occupied by the
rightful owners, after much time has been spent in sporting about
and reconnoitring it, a feud begins which is often exceedingly violent
and protracted for many days.
In seasons favourable to them the Oven-birds build in autumn and
winter, and breed early in spring ; so that their broods are out of their
clay-houses by the end of October or earlier ; when this happens, the
Swallow that breeds in November quietly takes possession of the for-
saken fortress. But accidents will happen, even to the wonderful
fabric of the Oven-bird. It is sometimes destroyed and must be
rebuilt; or its completion has perhaps been retarded for months by
drought, or by the poor condition of the birds in severe weather ; or
the first brood has perhaps perished, destroyed by an opossum or other
enemy. November, and even December, may thus arrive before some
pairs have hatched their eggs; and it is these unfortunate late breeders
that suffer from the violence of the marauding Swallows. I have often
witnessed the wars of these birds with the deepest interest; and in
many ovens that I have opened I have found the eggs of the Oven-birds
buried under the nests of the Swallows. After the Swallows have taken
up a position near the coveted oven, they occasionally fly towards and
hover about it, returning again to their stand. By-and-by, instead of
returning as at first, they take to alighting at the entrance of the
coveted home; this is a sort of declaration of war, and marks the
beginning of hostilities. The Oven-birds, full of alarm and anger, rush
upon and repel them as often as they approach ; they retire before this
furious onset, but not discomfited, and only warbling out their gay
seemingly derisive notes in answer to the outrageous indignant screams
of their enemies. Soon they return ; the scene is repeated ; and this
desultory skirmishing is often continued for many days.
But at length the lawless invaders, grown bolder, and familiar with
his strength and resources, will no longer fly from the master of the
house ; desperate struggles now frequently take place at the entrance,
the birds again and again dropping to the ground clutched fiercely
together, and again hurrying up only to resume the combat. Victory
at last declares itself for the aggressors, and they busy themselves
carrying in materials for their nest, screaming their jubilant notes all
the time as if in token of triumph. The brave and industrious Oven-
birds, dispossessed of their home, retire to spend their childless summer
together, for the male and female never separate ; and when the autumn
PROGNE TAPERA. 29
rains have supplied them with wet clay, and the sense of defeat is worn
off, they cheerfully begin their building-operations afresh.
This is not, however, the invariable result of the conflict. To the
superior swiftness of the Martin the Oven-bird opposes greater strength,
and, it might be added, a greater degree of zeal and fury than can
animate its adversary. The contest is thus nearly an equal one ; and
the Oven-bird, particularly when its young are already hatched, is often
able to maintain its own. But the Martins never suffer defeat; for,
when unable to take the citadel by storm, they fall back on their
dribbling system of warfare, which they keep up till the young birds
leave the nest, when they take possession before it has grown cold.
The Martin makes its own nest chiefly of large feathers, and lays
four eggs, long, pointed, and pure white.
It will be remarked that in all its habits above mentioned this bird
differs widely from tbe two preceding species. It also differs greatly
from them in its manner of flight . The Purple Martins move with
surprising grace and celerity, the wings extended to their utmost ; they
also love to sail in circles high up in the air, or about the summits
of tall trees, and particularly during a high wind. At such times
several individuals are usually seen together, and all seem striving to
outvie each other in the beauty of their evolutions.
The Tree-Martin is never seen to soar about in circles ; and though
when hawking after flies and moths it sweeps the surface of the grass
with amazing swiftness, at other times it has a flight strangely slow and
of a fashion peculiar to itself: the long wings are depressed as much
as those of a Wild Duck when dropping on to the water, and are con-
stantly agitated with tremulous flutterings, short and rapid as those
of a butterfly.
Neither is this bird gregarious like all its congeners, though occa-
sionally an individual associates for a while with Swallows of another
species ; but this only when they are resting on fences or trees, for as
soon as they take flight it leaves them. Once or twice, when for some
mysterious cause the autumnal migration has been delayed long past its
usual time, I have seen them unite in small flocks; but this is very
rare. As a rule they have no meetings preparatory to migration, but
skim about the fields and open plains in un-Swallow-like solitude,
and suddenly disappear without having warned us of their intended
departure.
30 HIRUNDINID/E.
28. PETROCHELIDON PYRRHONOTA (VieilL).
(RED-BACKED ROCK-MARTIN.)
Petrochelidon pyrrhonota, Scl.et Salv. Nomencl.-p. 14; Durnford, Ibis, 1877,
p. 169; White, P. Z. S. 1882, p. 595 (Buenos Ayres) ; Sharpe, Cat. B. x.
p. 193. Cotyle pyrrhonota, Burm. La-Plata Reise, ii. p. 477 (Tucuman).
Description. — Above glossy dark steel-blue ; lower back and rump cinnamon-
rufous ; the upper tail-coverts brown, with grey margins ; wings black ; tail
black, with greenish gloss ; crown steel-blue ; forehead sandy buff ; cheeks and
sides of face chestnut, spreading to the sides of the hind neck ; chin chestnut ;
the lower throat steel-blue ; fore neck, chest, and sides of body and flanks light
ashy brown ; centre of breast and abdomen white, tinged with brown ; under
tail-coverts, also under wing-coverts and axillaries, ashy brown : total length
5*3 inches, wing 4-35, tail 2-05. Female similar.
Hab. South America.
This species does not breed in Buenos Ayres, and is only seen there
in spring, flying south or south-west, and again in much larger numbers
on its return journey in autumn. On the Rio Negro, in Patagonia, I
did not meet with it, and suppose its summer resort must be south of
that locality; and, judging from the immense numbers visible in some
seasons, I should think that they must, in their breeding-place in
Patagonia, occupy a very extensive area. They do not seem to be as
regular in their movements as other Swallows here ; some years I have
observed them passing singly or in small parties during the entire hot
season : usually they begin to appear, flying north, in February ; but in
some years not until after the middle of March. They are not seen
passing with a rapid flight in close flocks, but straggle about, hawking
after flies : first one bird passing, then two or three, and a minute or
two later half a dozen, and so on for a greater part of the day. So
long as the weather continues warm they journey in this leisurely
manner; but I have known them to continue passing till April, after all
the summer migrants had left us, and these late birds flew by with great
speed in small close flocks, directly north, as if their flight had been
guided by the magnetic needle.
While flying this species continually utters sharp twitterings and
grinding and squealing notes of various lengths.
29. TACHYCINETA LEUCORRHOA (VieilL).
(WH1TE-RUMPED SWALLOW.)
Hirundo leucorrhoa, Hudson, P. Z. S. 1872, pp. 606, 845 (Buenos Ayres) ; Sol.
et Salv. Nomencl. p. 14; Durnford, Ibis, 1877, p. 32 (Chupat), 1878, p. 392
(Central Patagonia) ; White, P. Z. S. 1882, p. 696 (Corrientes) ; Barrows,
TACHYCINETA LEUCORRHOA. 31
Bull. Nntt. Orn. Cl. viii. p. 89 (Concepcion). Cotyle leucorrhoea, Burm.
La-Plata Iteise, ii. p. 478 (Parana). Tachycineta leucorrhous, Sharpe,
Cat. B. x. p. 114.
Description . — Above glossy dark green ; rump white ; quills black, wasbed
with green ; upper tail-coverts dark green ; tail-feathers black with greenish
gloss ; base of forehead white, extending a little backward over the lores ;
cheeks and whole under surface white ; flanks and sides washed with smoky
brown ; axillaries and under tail-coverts pale smoky brown ; bill and feet black :
total length 5-5 inches, wing 4*45, tail 2-0. Female similar.
Hab. Brazil , Paraguay, and Argentina.
This is the most abundant and best known of our Swallows ; a pretty
bird in its glossy coat of deep green, and rump and under surface
snowy white ; exceedingly restless in its disposition, quick and graceful
in its motions ; social, quarrelsome, garrulous, with a not unmusical song,
beginning with long, soft, tremulous notes, followed by others shorter
and more hurried, and sinking to a murmur. They are the last of all
our migrants to leave us in autumn, and invariably reappear in small
numbers about the houses on every warm day in winter. Probably many
individuals in Buenos Ayres remain through the winter in sheltered
situations, to scatter over the surrounding country whenever there
comes a warm bright day. I once saw three together, skimming over
the plains, 011 one of the coldest days I ever experienced on the pampas,
the thermometer having stood at 29°Fahr. that morning.
Further south their migration is more strict ; and on the Rio Negro,
in Patagonia, from March to August I did not meet with a single
individual. In Buenos Ayres the autumnal migration of the Hirundines
begins about the middle of February, and from that date vast numbers
of this Swallow are seen travelling north, and, in some seasons, they
continue passing for over a month. One autumn, in April, several days
after the Swallows had all disappeared, flocks of the Common Swallow
began again to appear flying north, and for ten days afterwards they
continued to pass in large numbers. They would stoop to dip them-
selves in a pool where I observed them, and then alight on the reeds
and bushes to rest, and appeared quite tired with their journey, rising
reluctantly when approached, and some allowing me to stand almost
within arm's length of them without stirring. I had never before
observed any later or supplementary migration like this ; for, as a rule,
the causes which in some years delay the departure of birds seems
to affect them all alike. Possibly these late birds come from some
remote district, where exceptionally cold weather had retarded breeding-
operations.
The White-rumped Swallow sometimes lays in a tree, in the large nest,
previously abandoned, of the Lenatero (Anumbius acuticaudatus). Its
32 HIRUNDINID.E.
favourite site is, however, a hole in a wall, sheltered by the over-
hanging tiles or thatch ; for though it does not go much into towns, as
Azara has remarked, it is very domestic, and there is not a house on the
pampas, however humble it be, but some of these birds are about it,
sportively skimming above the roof, or curiously peering under the
eaves, and incessantly uttering their gurgling happy notes.
For a period of a month to six weeks before building begins they
seem to be holding an incessant dispute, reminding one in their scolding
tones of a colony of contentious English House-Sparrows, only the
Swallow has a softer, more varied voice, and frequently, even when
hotly quarrelling, he pauses to warble out his pretty little song, with its
sound like running water. However many eligible chinks and holes
there may be, the contention is always just as great amongst them, and
is doubtless referable to opposing claims to the best places. The excited
twittering, the incessant striving of two birds to alight on the same
square inch of wall, the perpetual chases they lead each other round and
round the house, always ending exactly where they began, tell of
clashing interests and of great unreasonableness on the part of some
amongst them. By-and-by the quarrel assumes a more serious aspect ;
friends and neighbours have apparently intervened in vain; all the
arguments of which Swallows are capable have been exhausted, and, a
compromise of claims being more impossible than ever, fighting begins.
Most vindictively do the little things clutch each other and fall to the
earth twenty times an hour, where they often remain struggling for a
long time, heedless of the screams of alarm their fellows set up above
them; for often, while they thus lie on the ground punishing each
other, they fall an easy prey to some wily pussy who has made herself
acquainted with their habits.
When these feuds are finally settled, they address themselves dili-
gently to the great work and build a rather big nest. They are not
neat or skilful workers, but merely stuff a great quantity of straw and
other light materials into the breeding-hole, and line the nest with
feathers and horsehair. On this soft but disorderly bed the female lays
from five to seven pure white eggs.
All those species that are liable at any time to become the victims of
raptorial birds are very much beholden to this Swallow, as he is the
most vigilant sentinel they possess. When the hurrying Falcon is still
far off, and the other birds unsuspicious of his approach, the Swallows
suddenly rush up into the sky with a wild rapid flight to announce the
evil tidings with distracted screams. The alarm spreads swift as light
through the feathered tribes, which, on all sides, are in terrified
commotion, crouching in the grass, plunging into thickets, or mounting
ATTICORA CYANOLEUCA. 83
upwards to escape by flight. I have often wondered at this, since this
swift-winged and quick-doubling little bird is the least likely to fall a
prey himself.
They possess another habit very grateful to the mind of every early
riser. At the first indication of dawn, and before any other wild bird
has broken the profound silence of night, multitudes of this Swallow, as
if at the signal of a leader, begin their singing and twittering, at the same
time mounting upwards into the quiet dusky sky. Their notes at this
hour differ from the hurried twittering uttered during the day, being
softer and more prolonged, and, sounding far up in the sky from so
many throats, the concert has a very charming effect, and seems in har-
mony with the shadowy morning twilight.
30. ATTICOEA CYANOLEUCA (Vieill.).
(BANK-SWALLOW.)
Atticora cyanoleuca, Burm. La-Plata Reise, ii. p. 479 ; Scl. et Salv. Nomencl.
p. 14; Hudson, P. Z. S. 1872, p. 844 (Buenos Ayres); Durnford, Ibis, 1876,
p. 158 (Buenos Ayres), 1877, p. 32 (Chupat), p. 170 (Buenos Ayres), 1878,
p. 392 (Central Patagonia); White, P. Z. S. 1882, p. 596 (Catamarca) ;
Barrows, Bull. Nutt. Orn. Cl. viii. p. 90 (Concepcion, Bahia Blanca) ; Sharpe,
Cat, B. x. p. 186.
Description. — Above dark glossy blue ; quills and tail-feathers black ; cheeks
and under surface of body pure white, the sides of the neck blue, descending in
a half-crescent on the sides of the chest ; -sides of body and flanks brown ; under
tail-coverts black ; bill and feet black ; total length 4-7 inches, wing 4-05, tai
2-2. Female similar.
Hab. Central and South America.
This diminutive dark-plumaged species is the smallest of our Hirun-
dines. In Buenos Ayres they appear early in September, arriving before
the Martins, but preceded by the Common Swallow. They are bank-
birds, breeding in forsaken holes and burrows, for they never bore into
the earth themselves, and are consequently not much seen about the
habitations of man. They sometimes find their breeding-holes in the
banks of streams, or, in cultivated districts, in the sides of ditches, and
even down in wells. But if in such sites alone fit receptacles for their
eggs were met with, the species, instead of one of the commonest, would
be rare indeed with us ; for on the level pampas most of the water-
courses have marshy borders, or at most but low and gently sloping
banks. But the burrowing habits of two other animals — the Vizcacha
(Lagostomus trichodactylus), the common large rodent of the pampas,
and the curious little bird called Minera (Geositta cunicularia) — have
VOL. i. D
34 HIRUNDINID.E.
everywhere afforded the Swallows abundance of breeding-places on the
plains, even where there are no streams or other irregularities in the
smooth surface of the earth.
The Minera bores its hole in the sides of the Vizcacha's great burrow,
and in this burrow within a burrow the Swallow lays its eggs and rears
its young, and is the guest of the Vizcacha, and as much dependent on
it as the House- Wren and the Domestic Swallow on man ; so that in
spring, when this species returns to the plains, it is in the villages of
the Vizcachas that we see them. There they live and spend the day,
sporting about the burrows, just as the Common Swallow does about our
houses ; and to a stranger on the pampas one of these villages, with its
incongruous bird and mammalian inhabitants, must seem a very curious
sight in the evening. Before sunset the old male Vizcachas come forth to
sit gravely at the mouths of their great burrows. One or two couples
of Mineras, their little brown bird-tenants, are always seen running
about on the bare ground round the holes, resting at intervals with their
tails slowly moving up and down, and occasionally trilling-out their
shrill laughter-like cry. Often a pair of Burrowing-Owls also live in
the village, occupying one of the lesser disused burrows ; and round
them all flit half a dozen little Swallows, like twilight-moths with long
black wings. It is never quite a happy family, however, for the Owls
always hiss and snap at a Vizcacha if he comes too near; while the
little Swallows never become reconciled to the Owls, but perpetually
flutter about them, protesting against their presence with long com-
plaining notes.
The nest, made of dry grass lined with feathers, is placed at the
extremity of the long, straight, cylindrical burrow, and contains five or
six white pointed eggs. I have never seen these Swallows fighting with
the Minera to obtain possession of the burrows, for this industrious little
bird makes itself a fresh one every spring, so that there are always
houses enough for the Swallows. After the young have flown, they sit
huddled together on a weed or thistle-top, and the parents continue to
feed them for many days.
As in size and brightness of plumage, so in language is the Bank-
Swallow inferior to other species, its only song being a single, weak,
trilling note, much prolonged, which the bird repeats with great
frequency when on the wing. Its voice has ever a mournful, mono-
tonous sound, and even when it is greatly excited and alarmed, as at
the approach of a fox or hawk, its notes are neither loud nor shrill.
When flying they glide along close to the earth, and frequently alight
on the ground to rest, which is contrary to the custom of other
Swallows. Like other species of this family, they possess the habit of
ATTICORA FUCATA. 35
gliding to and fro before a traveller's horse, to catch the small twilight-
moths driven up from the grass. A person riding on the pampas usually
has a number of Swallows flying round him, and I have often thought
that more than a hundred were before my horse at one time ; but, from
the rapidity of their motions, it is impossible to count them. I have
frequently noticed individuals of the four most common species follow-
ing me together; but after sunset, and when the other species have long
forsaken the open grassy plain for the shelter of trees and houses, the
diminutive Bank- Swallow continues to keep the traveller company. At
such a time, as they glide about in the dusk of evening, conversing
together in low tremulous tones, they have a peculiarly sorrowful appear-
ance, seeming like homeless little wanderers over the great level plains.
When the season of migration approaches they begin to congregate
in parties not very large, though sometimes as many as one or two
hundred individuals are seen together ; these companies spend much of
their time perched close together on weeds, low trees, fences, or other
slightly elevated situations, and pay little heed to a person approaching,
but seem preoccupied or preyed upon by some trouble that has no
visible cause.
The time immediately preceding the departure of the Swallows is
indeed a season of very deep interest to the observer of nature. The
birds in many cases seem to forget the attachment of the sexes and
their songs and aerial recreations ; they already begin to feel the pre-
monitions of that marvellous instinct that urges them hence : not yet
an irresistible impulse, it is a vague sense of disquiet ; but its influence
is manifest in their language and gestures, their wild manner of flight,
and their listless intervals.
The little Bank-Swallow disappears immediately after the Martins.
Many stragglers continue to be seen after the departure of the main
body ; but before the middle of March not one remains, the migration
of this species being very regular.
31. ATTICORA FUCATA (Temm.).
(BROWN MARTIN.)
Cotyle fucata, Burm. La-Plata Reise, ii. p. 478 (Mendoza) ; Scl et Salv. Nomend.
p. 14 ; White, P. Z. S. 1882, p. 596 (Corrientes), 1883, p. 37 (Cordova).
Atticora fucata, Sharpe, Cat. B. x. p. 188.
Description. — Above brown ; primary-coverts and quills blackish brown ; tail-
feathers dark brown ; crown of head deep rufous, becoming clearer on the nape ;
cheeks, throat, and breast pale tawny ; sides of body brown, tinged with rufous ;
centre of breast, abdomen, and under tail-coverts white; thighs, under wing-
D2
36 TANAGRID^E.
coverts, and axillaries brown : total length 4-6 inches, wing 4-15, tail 2-0.
Female similar.
Hob. Guiana, Brazil, and Northern Argentina.
This Swallow is common near Mendoza, according to Prof. Bur-
meister. White obtained it in May 1881 at Santo Tome, Corrientes,
and in 1882 at Cosquin near Cordova. At Cosquin the first individual
was seen on July 20th, but towards the end of August large numbers
were observed, mostly skimming over the river.
32. STELGIDOPTERYX RUFICOLLIS (VieilL).
(RED-NECKED SWALLOW.)
Stelgidopteryx ruficollis, Sharpe, Cat. B. x. p. 208. Cotile ruficollis, Bar-
rows, Bull. Nutt. Orn. Cl. viii. p. 90.
Description. — Above brown, head darker, rump paler ; wings and tail blackish
brown, coverts edged with pale brown, external secondaries margined with
whitish ; beneath pale ashy brown ; throat rufous ; middle of belly pale
yellowish ; crissum white, tipped with black : total length 5-0 inches, wing 4-3,
tail 2'0. Female similar.
Hob. South America.
Mr. Barrows tells us that this species is abundant in Entrerios
throughout the summer, arriving from the north early in August, and
is said to nest in holes in banks.
Fam. IX. TANAGEID^E, OR TANAGERS.
The brilliant family of Tanagers, one of the most characteristic groups
of the American avifauna, contains altogether nearly 400 species, of
which the greater number are restricted to the forest-clad districts of
Central and South America between the tropics. South of the Tropic
of Cancer the number of species met with falls off very considerably, so
that in the Argentine Republic only fourteen members of the family
have as yet been recognized. This number will, however, be probably
increased when the less-known wooded districts of northern and eastern
Argentina have been more fully explored.
The fourteen species of Argentine Tanagers belong to ten different
genera, mostly of wide distribution. But to this rule one genus (Ste-
phanophorus) is an exception, being only found in Southern Brazil,
Paraguay, Uruguay, and Northern La Plata.
PIPRIDEA MELANONOTA. 37
33. EUPHONIA NIGRICOLLIS (VieiU.).
(BLACK-NECKED TANAGER.)
Euphonia nigricollis, Scl. Cat. B. xi. p. 61. Lindo azul y oro cabeza celeste
Azara, Apunt. i. p. 390. Euphonia aureata, d'Orb. Toy., Ois, p. 2G7
(Corrientes).
Description. — Above glossy purplish black ; rump yellow ; cap and nape blue ;
front black ; below orange-yellow, throat and sides of the head black ; axil-
laries pale yellow ; under wing-coverts whitish, inner margins of wing-feathers
pale cinereous ; bill black ; feet pale brown : whole length 4*5 inches, wing 2*7,
tail 1-5. Female above olive-green, rather lighter on the rump; cap blue; front
chestnut, with a narrow dark margin between it and the blue cap ; below
yellowish olive-green, brighter on the belly.
Hab. South America from Colombia to Northern Argentina.
This Tanager was obtained by d'Orbigny in Southern Corrientes.
34. EUPHONIA CHLOROTICA (Linn.).
(PURPLE-AND-YELLOW TANAGER.)
Euphonia chlorotica, Scl et Salv. Nomencl p. 17 ; White, P. Z. S. 1882, p. 696
(Misiones, Catamarca) ; Scl. Cat. B. xi. p. 64.
Description. — Above dark purple-black; front half of the cap yellow;, below
yellow, throat purple-black ; tail beneath black, with a large white patch on the
inner webs of the two exterior tail-feathers ; under surface of wings black, with
a large white patch on the inner webs of the remiges ; bill and feet black :
whole length 3-3 inches, wing 2*1, tail 1'2. Female above greyish olive-green,
with a yellowish tinge on the front and rump ; below rather more yellowish,
with the centre of the breast and belly pale ashy, flanks and crissum pale yellow ;
under wing-coverts and inner margins of wing-feathers whitish.
Hab. Guiana, Brazil, Paraguay, and Northern Argentina.
White obtained examples of this species at Concepcion and Cata-
marca. At the former place it was noticed feeding on the fruit of a
giant cactus.
35. PIPRIDEA MELANONOTA (VieiU.).
(DARK-BACKED TANAGER.)
Pipridea melanonota, Scl. Cat. B. xi. p. 92. Pica de punza azul y canela,
Azara, Apunt. i. p. 413.
Description. — Above violaceous blue ; whole interscapular region darker,
blackish ; wings and tail black, edged with blue ; narrow front, lores, and Bides
of the head deep velvety black, well defined ; body beneath and under wing-
coverts clear ochraceous ; under surfaces of wings and tail blackish ; bill black ;
38 TANAGRID^E.
feet brown : whole length 5-8 inches, wing 3-1, tail 2-2. Female above dark
brown, tinged with blue on the head and rump ; below like the male.
Hab. South America from Venezuela to Paraguay and Northern
Argentina.
This Tanager, which was found by Azara in Paraguay, occurs in
Tucuman. An adult male obtained by Herr Schulz in this province is
in the collection of Hans, Graf von Berlepsch.
36. STEPHANOPHORUS LEUCOCEPHALUS (Vieill.).
(WHITE-CAPPED TANAGER.)
[PLATE IV.]
Stephanophorus leucocephalus, ScL et Salv. Nomencl. p. 20 ; Durnford, Ibis,
1877, p. 170 (Buenos Ayres); White, P. Z. S. 1882, p. 597 (Misiones);
Harrows, Bull. Nutt. Orn. CL viii. p. 90 (Concepcion) j ScL Cat. B. xi. p. 143.
Stephanophorus cceruleus, Burm. La-Plata Reise, ii. p. 480 (Parana).
Description. — Uniform deep blue; cap silky white, with a small crimson
crest ; bill brownish black, feet brown : whole length 7 inches, wing 4, tail
3*3. Female similar, but not quite so bright in colour.
Hab. Southern Brazil, Paraguay, and Northern Argentina.
Azara gave the generic name Lindo (beautiful) to the Tanagers, and
this species he named the " Blue White-headed Beautiful," the entire
plumage being of a very lovely deep corn-flower blue, except a cap of
silvery-white feathers on the head, with a crimson spot on the forehead,
looking like a drop of blood.
It is a summer bird in Buenos Ayres, where it makes its appearance
in spring in the woods bordering on the Plata river, and is usually seen
singly or in pairs. The nest is built in a tree ten or twelve feet from
the ground, and is somewhat shallow and lined with soft dry grass.
The female lays four eggs, white and spotted with deep red. During
incubation the male sits concealed in the thick foliage close by, amusing
itself by the hour with singing, its performance consisting of chattering
disconnected notes uttered in so low a tone as to make one fancy that
the bird is merely trying to recall some melody it has forgotten, or
endeavouring to construct a new one by jerking out a variety of sounds
at random. The bird never gets beyond this unsatisfactory stage,
however, and must be admired for its exquisite beauty alone.
ARG. OR-N. PL.
STEPHANOPHORUS LE U COG EPHALU S.
TANAGRA BONARIENSIS. 39
37. TANAGRA SAYACA, Linn.
(BLUE TANAGER.)
Tanagra cyanoptera, Durnford, Ibis, 1878, p. 69 (Buenos Ayres) ; Barrows,
Bull. Nutt. Orn. Cl. viii. p. 91 (Conception) ; Scl. Cat. B. xi. p. 157 (part.).
Tanagra sayaca, Bunn. La-Plata Beise, ii. p. 479 (Parana) j Berl.
Zeitschr. ges. Orn. 1885, p. 119; Scl. Cat. B. xi. p. 158.
Description. — Bluish grey, paler below ; wings and tail blackish, edged with
greenish blue ; lesser wing-coverts dull greenish blue, like the edgings of the
wings ; bill plumbeous, feet brown : whole length 6'0 inches, wing 3-6, tail 2-7.
Female similar.
Hab. S.E. Brazil and Argentina.
In the ' Catalogue of Birds ' I referred the Argentine Blue Tanager
to T. cyanoptera, though expressing a doubt upon the subject. I am
now disposed to adopt Graf. v. Berlepsch's view that the Argentine
species rather belongs to T. sayaca. — P. L. S.
This species migrates as far south as Buenos Ayres, and appears in
spring, in small flocks or parties of three or four birds, in the woods on
the shores of the Plata. The male utters a series of peculiar squealing
notes by way of song.
38. TANAGRA BONARIENSIS (Om.).
(BLUE-AND-YELLOW TANAGER.)
Tanagra bonariensis, Berl. Zeitschr. ges. Orn. 1885, p. 119 ; Scl. Cat. B. xi.
p. 104. Tanagra striata, Burm. La-Plata Reise, ii. p. 480 (Buenos Ayreg,
Mendoza, Cordova) ; Scl. et Salv. Nomencl. p. 21 j Durnford, Ibis, 1877, p. 170
(Buenos Ayres) ; White, P. Z. S. 1882, p. 596 (Catamarca) j Barrows, Bull.
Nutt. Orn. Cl. viii. p. 91 (Concepcion).
Description. — Lores, region round the eyes, and back black; rump orange;
head all round and edging of wings and tail blue ; abdomen yellow, passing into
orange on the breast ; bill horn-colour ; feet brown : whole length 7 inches,
wing 3-6, tail 2-8. Female greyish brown ; beneath paler, tinged with yellowish
olive on the rump and throat.
Hab. South Brazil, Uruguay, Paraguay, Argentine Republic, and
Bolivia.
The plumage of the male of this fine Tanager is rich blue above and
yellow beneath; the upper plumage of the female is a uniform dull
olive-green, the breast and belly buff-colour.
It is a migratory species, which appears in Buenos Ayres in small
flocks in summer. Both sexes have a long, sharp, reedy call-note ; the
male also possesses a song composed of notes with a peculiar bleating
sound.
40 TANAGRID.E.
39. PYRANGA AZAR.E, d'Orb.
(AZARA'S TANAGER.)
Pyranga azarae, Durnford, Ibis, 1880, p. 353 (Tucuman) ; White, P. Z. S. 1883,
p. 37 (Cordova); Scl. Cat. B. xi. p. 186. Pyranga coccinea, Burm. La-
Plata Reise, ii. p. 479 (Parana, Mendoza). Pyranga saira, Barrows, Bull,
Nutt. Orn. Cl. viii. p. 91 (Conception).
Description. — Above dull rosy red; interscapulium and wing-edgings with
cinereous tinge ; below much brighter, nearly uniform rosy red, duller on the
sides ; bill plumbeous; feet brown: total length 7'2 inches, wing 3-8, tail 3'1.
Female greyish olive ; beneath yellow, passing into cinereous on the flanks and
belly.
Hab. Argentine Republic, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Bolivia.
This scarlet Tanager appears occasionally in the northern and eastern
provinces of Argentina.
40. TRICHOTHRAUPIS QUADRICOLOR (Vieill.).
(FOUR-COLOURED TANAGER.)
Trichothraupis quadricolor, Scl. et Salv. Nomencl p. 23 ; White, P. Z. S. 1882,
p. 597 (Misiones) ; Scl. Cat. B. xi. p. 220.
Description. — Above greyish olive ; a large, recumbent, vertical crest bright
yellow ; sides of the head, wings, and tail black ; below pale fulvous ; under
wing-coverts and a cross-bar near the base of the wing-feathers white ; bill
whitish, plumbeous at base ; feet pale brown : total length 6*0 inches, wing 3-3,
tail 2*9. Female similar, but without the vertical crest.
Hab. Southern Brazil, Paraguay, and N.E. Argentina.
This species was met with by White in the dense forests of Misiones.
41. THLYPOPSIS RUPICEPS (d'Orb. et Lafr.).
(RED-CAPPED TANAGER.)
Thlypopsis ruficeps, Scl. Cat. B. xi. p. 231.
Description. — Above cinereous; cap bright chestnut-red; beneath yellow,
flanks tinged with cinereous ; under wing-coverts white ; bill plumbeous, feet
pale brown : whole length 5 inches, wing 2*5, tail 2-0.
Hab. Bolivia and Tucuman.
Herr Schulz obtained specimens of this Bolivian species in Tucuman.
SALTATOR SIMILIS. 41
42, BUARREMON CITBINELLUS, Cab.
(YELLOW-STRIPED TANAGER.)
Buarremon citrinellus, Cab. Journ.f. Orn. 1883, p. 109 j Scl. Cat. B. xi. p. 270.
Description. — Above olive-green, darker on the head ; wings and tail blackish
brown, edged with olive ; a broad superciliary stripe commencing on the front
on each side, and another commencing at the gape, bright yellow, leaving in the
middle a broad patch of dark olive ; beneath yellow, breast and flanks olivaceous ;
throat yellow, bordered on each side by a dark olive mystacal stripe ; bill black ;
feet brown : whole length 6'5 inches, wing 2-8, tail 2.
Hab. Tucuman.
This is a rather aberrant species of Buarremon, as yet only known
from Tucuman, where it was discovered by Schulz.
43. ARREMON ORBIGNII, Sclater.
(D'ORBIGNY'S TANAGER.)
Arremon orbignii, Scl. et Salv. Nomencl. p. 25 ; White, P. Z. S. 1882, p. 697
(Catamarca); Scl. Cat. B. xi. p. 274.
Description. — Above olive-green ; wings and tail blackish, edged with olive ;
head black, superciliaries white, vertical stripe and nape cinereous ; beneath
white, with a narrow but distinct pectoral band ; sides cinereous ; bend of wing
yellow ; bill yellow, with the upper half of the upper mandible black ; feet
brown : total length 5'7 inches, wing 2-8, tail 2-6.
Hab. Bolivia and Northern Argentina.
Specimens of this Tanager were obtained by White on the Sierras of
Totoral, near Catamarca, in July 1880. The iris is marked as " blue."
44. SALTATOR SIMILIS, d'Orb. et Lafr.
(ALLIED SALTATOR.)
Saltator similis, d'Orb. Toy., Ois. p. 290, t. xxviii. fig. 2 (Corrientes) ; Scl Cat. B.
xi. p. 287. Saltator superciliaris, White, P. Z. S. 1882, p. 597 (Corrientes) ?
Description. — Above cinereous ; interscapulium and greater wing-coverts and
secondaries suffused with olive-green ; superciliaries white ; below pale fulvous ;
throat white, bordered on each side by a black line ; flanks passing into cine-
reous ; under wing-coverts pale fulvous ; bill plumbeous ; feet brown : whole
length 8'5 inches, wing 4'0, tail 4'0. Female similar.
Hab. S.E. Brazil and Eastern Argentina.
This Saltator was first described from specimens obtained at Rincon
de Luna in Corrientes by d'Orbigny, but no recent collectors appear to
have met with it in the Argentine Republic.
42 TANAGRIDJE.
45. SALTATOR OERULESCENS, Vieill.
(GREYISH SALTATOR.)
Saltator caerulescens, Burm. La-Plata Reise, ii. p. 480 (Parana) ; ScL et Salv.
Nomencl p. 26; Durnford, Ibis, 1878, p. 59 (Buenos Ayres) ; Salvin, Ibis,1880,
p. 353 (Salta) j White, P. Z. S. 1882, p. 597 (Salta) ; ScL Cat. B. xi. p. 290.
Description. — Above cinereous, wings and tail rather darker ; short super-
ciliaries white ; beneath pale cinereous ; throat white, with a blackish rictal
stripe on each side ; fore neck slightly tinged with fulvous ; middle of belly
whitish ; lower belly and crissum strongly suffused with fulvous ; under wing-
coverts pale fulvous ; bill black ; feet brown : total length 8'5 inches, wing 4'3,
tail 4'1. Female similar.
Hab. Paraguay, Uruguay, and Argentina.
Mr. Durnford found this Saltator " pretty common" near Baradero,
on low scrubby ground near water, and afterwards obtained it near
Salta. White records it as " very abundant" near Oran.
46. SALTATOR AURANTIIROSTRIS, Vieill.
(YELLOW-BILLED SALTATOR.)
Saltator aurantiirostris, d'Orb. Voy. Ois. p. 288 (Corrientes) ; Burm. La-Plata
Reise, ii. p. 481 (Mendoza, Cordova, Tucuman, Parana) ; Scl. et Salv. Nomencl.
p. 26 ; White, P. Z. S. 1882, p. 598 (Catamarca) ; Barrows, Bull. Nutt. Orn.
Cl. viii. p. 91 (Concepcion) ; Scl. Cat. B. xi. p. 292.
Description. — Above cinereous, with a slight olivaceous suffusion ; head rather
darker ; sides of head and throat black ; superciliary stripe, commencing above
the eye, white ; beneath pale cinereous mixed with fulvous, a well-marked gut-
tural collar joining the sides of the throat black ; ends of the outer rectrices more
or less varied with white ; bill clear orange ; feet greyish brown : whole length
7*5 inches, wing 3*6, tail 3-5. Female similar, less brightly coloured, and with
the guttural collar almost or altogether absent.
Hab. Paraguay, Uruguay, and Northern Argentina.
In Corrientes d'Orbigny found this Saltator breeding in the month
of November. It frequents the shrubs and bushes in the neighbour-
hood of the houses, and makes an open nest of roots, not of very
neat construction. The eggs are two or three, greenish blue, slightly
spotted at the larger end with blackish and reddish zigzag markings.
The egg is figured in d'Orbigny's ' Voyage' (pi. xxviii. fig. 3).
White tells us that this species is not uncommon in Catamarca,
and Barrows met with it at Concepcion in Entrerios.
FRINGILLID.E. 43
Fam. X. FKINGILLIDJE, OK FINCHES.
The extensive family of Finches, which has numerous representatives
in every part of the world, is well represented in the Argentine Republic.
Within the limits assigned to the present work forty-six species of this
group are already known to occur, and it is probable that this number
will be somewhat increased when the Argentine avifauna is thoroughly
worked out.
Most of the genera to which the Argentine Finches belong are forms
peculiar to the Neotropical Region, or at all events to the New World.
The genus Chrysomitris, which contains our Siskin and other Old -World
species, is the only one which has a wider distribution.
One of the most characteristic forms of Argentine Fringillidae is
Poospiza, of which seven species are met with within the limits of the
Republic, while Lophospingus, Donacospiza, Gubernatrix, and Saltatricula
are Fringilline types peculiar to Argentina.
47. PHEUCTICUS AUREIVENTRIS (d'Orb. et Lafr.).
(BLACK-AND- YELLOW THICK-BILL.)
Pheucticus aureiventris, Scl. et Salv. Nomencl. p. 27 ; White, P. Z. S. 1882,
p. 598 (Salta) ; Sharpe, Cat. B. xii. p. 55.
Description. — Above, also head, throat, and chest, black ; lesser wing-coverts
yellow ; two spots on the greater coverts and the base of the primaries white ;
tail black, the three outer feathers on each side tipped with white ; belly and
under wing-coverts bright yellow ; sides sparsely spotted with black ; bill and
feet black : total length 8 -7 inches, wing 4-5, tail 3'5. Female similar.
Hob. Bolivia and Northern Argentina.
Examples of this fine species, originally discovered by d'Orbigny in
Bolivia, were obtained by White in the forests of Salta.
48. GUIRACA CYANEA (Linn.).
(INDIGO FINCH.)
Guiraca cyanea, Scl. et Salv. Nomencl. p. 27 ; White, P. Z. S. 1882, p. 598
(Catamarca). Guiraca cyanea argentina, Sharpe, Cat. B. xii. p. 73.
Description. — Indigo-blue ; lesser wing-coverts azure-blue ; wing- and tail-
feathers black ; forehead azure-blue, and head washed with the same colour ; bill
44
and feet black: total length 6-8 inches, wing 3'6, tail 2-9. Female brown;
beneath brighter and rufescent.
Hab. Brazil, Paraguay, and Northern Argentina.
White found this bird "not uncommon around Andalgala in Cata-
marca, in hedges and thickets." Mr. Sharpe separates the Argentine
bird as a subspecies, from its larger size.
49. GUIRACA GLAUCOCJERULEA (d'Orb. et Lafr.).
(GLAUCOUS FINCH.)
Guiraca glaucocaerulea, Scl. et Salv. P. Z. S. 1868, p. 139 (Buenos Ayres),
lid. Nomencl. p. 27 j Durnford, Ibis, 1877, p. 170 (Buenos Ayres) ; Salvin, Ibis,
1880, p. 353 (Salta) j Barrows, Bull Nutt. Orn. Cl. viii. p. 92 (Concepcion) ;
Sharpe, Cat. B. xii. p. 75. Coccoborus glaucocaeruleus, Burm. La-Plata
Eeise, ii. p. 488 (Parana).
Description. — Uniform glaucous blue ; wings and tail blackish, the feathers
edged with light blue : total length 5-7 inches, wing 2' 9, tail 2 '3.
Hab. Paraguay, Uruguay, and Argentina.
This is a rare Finch, and its massive beak and rich blue plumage
give to it a highly interesting appearance; but about its habits I have
little to tell, for it is essentially a bird of the wild forest, seldom coming
near the abodes of man, and being, moreover, shy in disposition, it is
difficult to observe, it even in its haunts. It is migratory, and is usually
seen singly or in pairs, or in small companies of four or five individuals.
The male sings, but his performance is merely a confused medley of
chattering notes, uttered in so low a tone that they can scarcely be
heard at a distance of twelve yards.
50. ORYZOBORUS MAXIMILIANI, Cab.
(PRINCE MAX/S FINCH.)
Oryzoborus maximiliani, Burm. La-Plata Reise, ii. p. 488 (Tucuman) ; Sharpe,
Cat. B. xii. p. 78.
Description.— Black ; large alar speculum, axillaries, and under wing-coverts
white ; bill pale yellow ; feet brown : total length 5-8 inches, wing 2-9, tail 2-5.
Female brown ; beneath brownish ochraceous.
Hab. S. Brazil, Paraguay, and Northern Argentina.
This Finch is stated by Burmeister to occur near Tucuman.
SPERMOPHILA MELANOCEPHALA. 45
51. SPERMOPHILA PALUSTRIS, Barrows.
(MARSH FINCH.)
Spermophila palustris, Barrows, Butt. Nutt. Orn. Cl. viii. p. 92 (Concepcion) ;
Sharpe, Cat. B. xii. p. 112.
Description. — Above, from bill to rump, clear bluish ash ; below, from bill to
middle of breast, including lower eyelid, ear-coverts, and sides of neck, pure
white ; rest of underparts, rump, and upper tail-coverts bright chestnut-red ;
wings and tail blackish brown, edged with whitish ; inner secondaries black,
their tips and outer edges broadly white ; a white patch across the base of all
the primaries except the first two ; bill and feet black, iris dark : total length
4-50 inches, wing 2-18, tail 1'70. Female above uniform greenish olive, obscurely
streaked with dusky ; below light yellowish buff ; wings and tail nearly as in
male, but duller.
This small and beautiful Finch was discovered by Mr. Barrows in
February 1880, on the Lower Uruguay. It inhabits the marshes, where
the males are frequently seen pursuing each other in the pairing-season,
occasionally pausing on the top of some tall grass to pour out their
delightful song. In character this resembles that of the Black-headed
Goldfinch ; but has, Mr. Barrows says, a variety and sweetness far
beyond the powers of that bird.
It is just possible that Mr. Barrows's Finch may be Azara's uniden-
tified Chipiu par do y canela (Apuntamientos, vol. i. no. 143), which
has the same habits, living in the dense reed-beds of the Paraguayan
marshes, and is also a delightful singer, — superior to the Goldfinch or
Canary, Azara says.
52. SPERMOPHILA MELANOCEPHALA (Vieill).
(BLACK-HEADED FINCH.)
Spermophila melanocephala, Sharpe, Cat. B. xii. p. 118.
Description. — Above black ; rump and lesser wing-coverts bright rufous ; large
loral spot on each side white ; wings and tail black ; alar speculum white ;
beneath, throat white, band across the breast black ; belly pale rufous ; flanks
and crissum dark rufous ; under wing-coverts white ; bill and feet black : whole
length 5-0 inches, wing 2-4, tail 2'2.
Hab. Paraguay and Argentina.
A specimen of this species, now in the British Museum, was obtained
by Durnford at Punta Lara in October 1875.
46
53. SPERMOPHILA C£]RULESCENS (VieilU
(SCREAMING FINCH.)
Spermophila caerulescens, Scl. Ibis, 1871, p. 12 ; Scl. et Salv. Nomencl. p. 28 ;
White, P. Z. S. 1882, p. 598 (Buenos Ayres) ; Barrows, Bull Nutt. Orn. Cl.
viii. p. 92 (Conception) ; Sharpe, Cat. B. xii. p. 126. Sporophila ornata,
Burm. La-Plata Reise, ii. p. 488 (Mendoza, Parana). Spermophila
ornata, Scl. et Salv. P. Z. 8. 1869, p. 632 j Durnford, Ibis, 1877, p. 170
(Buenos Ayres) ; Salv. Ibis, 1880, p. 353 (Salta).
Description. — Above pale smoky brown ; front and lores black ; beneath,
chin and upper part of throat black, with a distinct white mystacal stripe
on each side ; fore neck white ; broad band across the chest black ; abdomen
white, slightly varied with grey and black on the flanks ; under wing-coverts
white ; bill pale horn-colour ; feet brown : whole length 4-8 inches, wing 2*3,
tail 1*9. Female pale olive-brown; wings and tail darker; beneath lighter,
tinged with ochraceous ; middle of the belly almost white.
Hab. Southern Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina, and Bolivia.
This species is a summer visitor in Buenos Ayres, and is one of the last
to arrive and first to depart of our migrants. These birds are always
most abundant in plantations, preferring peach-trees, but do not asso-
ciate in flocks : they are exceedingly swift and active, overflowing with
life and energy, their impetuous notes and motions giving one the idea
that they are always in a state of violent excitement. The male has a
loud, startled chirp, also a song composed of eight or ten notes, de-
livered with such vehemence and rapidity, that they run into each
other and sound more like a scream than a song. There is not a more
clever architect than this species; and while many Synallaxes are
laboriously endeavouring to show how stately a mansion of sticks a
little bird can erect for itself, the Screaming Finch has successfully solved
the problem of how to construct the most perfect nest for lightness,
strength, and symmetry with the fewest materials. It is a small, cup-
shaped structure, suspended hammock- wise between two slender upright
branches, and to which it is securely attached by fine hairs and webs.
It is made of thin, pale-coloured, fibrous roots, ingeniously woven
together — reddish or light-coloured horse-hair being sometimes substi-
tuted ; and so little material is used that, standing under the tree, a
person can easily count the eggs through the bottom of the nest. Its
apparent frailness is, however, its best protection from the prying eyes
of birds and mammals that prey on the eggs and young of small birds ;
for it is difficult to detect this slight structure, through which the sun-
shine and rain pass so freely. So light is the little basket-nest that
it may be placed on the open hand and blown away with the breath like
a straw ; yet so strong that a man can suspend his weight from it
without pulling it to pieces. The eggs are three in number, white and
spotted with black, sometimes bluish-brown spots are mingled with
the black.
54. PAROARIA CUCULLATA (Lath.).
(CARDINAL FINCH.)
Paroaria cucullata, Burin. La- Plata Reise, ii. p. 482 (Parana, Tucuman) ; Scl.
et Sah. Nomencl p. 30 ; Ditrnford, Ibis, 1877, p. 171 (Buenos Ayres) ;
Gibson, Ibis, 1880, p. 19 (Buenos Ayres) ; White, P. Z. S. 1882, p. 598
(Buenos Ayres) ; Barrows, Bull. Nutt. Orn. Cl. viii. p. 129 (Concepcion).
Description. — Above grey ; wing- and tail-feathers blackish grey ; head all
round, crest, and throat brilliant scarlet, the scarlet extending downwards to
the chest ; below white, the white colour extending up the sides of the neck ;
nape spotted with white : total length 8-0 inches, wing 4-0, tail 3-5. Female
similar.
Hob. Bolivia, Paraguay, and Argentina.
This well-known species is perhaps the finest Finch the Argentines
have. The entire upper plumage is clear grey, the under surface pure
white ; but its chief glory is its crest, which, with the anterior part of
the head and the throat, is of the most vivid scarlet. The song has little
variety, but is remarkably loud, and has that cheerful ring which most
people admire in their caged pets, possibly because it produces the idea
in the listener's mind that the songster is glad to be a prisoner. As a
cage-bird this Finch enjoys an extraordinary popularity ; and a stranger
in Buenos Ayres, seeing the numbers that are exposed for sale by the
bird-dealers in the markets of that city, might fancy that a Cardinal in
a cage is considered a necessary part of the menage of every house
in the country. This large supply of caged birds comes from South
Brazil, Paraguay, and the north-eastern part of the Argentine country,
where the Cardinals are most abundant and unite in large flocks.
Probably they are not snared, but taken when young from the nest, as
most of the birds exposed for sale are in immature plumage.
The Cardinal in a wild state is found as far south as the province of
Buenos Ayres, but it is there a scarce bird. It breeds, Mr. Gibson
writes, at the end of October, and makes a shallow nest of twigs, vine-
tendrils, and horse-hair. The eggs are four; ground-colour white or
tinged with faint brown or greenish, and spotted with brown, more
densely at the large end.
48 FRINGILLKME.
55. PAROARIA CAPITATA (d'Orb. et Lafr.).
(LESSER CARDINAL FINCH.)
Paroaria capitata, Burm. La-Plata Reise, ii. p. 482 ; Scl. et Salv. Nomencl. p. 30 ;
White, P. Z. S. 1882, p. 598.
Description. — Above black ; head bright scarlet, the black and red divided by
white, crescent-shaped marks on the neck, narrowing to a point on the nape ;
throat black, the black extending downward to the chest ; below white ; bill
and feet yellowish horn-colour : total length 6-6 inches, wing 3'0, tail 2'6.
Hab. Paraguay and Bolivia.
Dr. Burmeister tells us this species is not uncommon near Parana,
where it occurs in small flocks on the river-bank, and is often seen on
the stones at the river's edge.
56. CORYPHOSPINGUS CRISTATUS (Gm.).
(RED-CRESTED FINCH.)
Coryphospingus cristatus, Scl. et Salv. Nomencl. p. 30 ; Salvin, Ibis, 1880,
p. 354 (Salta) ; White, P. Z. S. 1882, p. 598 (Salta).
Description. — Above black, washed with red ; rump crimson ; wing- and tail-
feathers black ; forehead black ; crest vivid scarlet ; whole under surface fine
crimson : total length 5'5 inches, wing 2'6, tail 2-3. Female above brown,
with scarlet tinge on the rump; beneath salmon-colour, whitish on the
throat.
Hab. Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, and Northern Ar-
gentina.
Both Durnford and White obtained specimens of this bird in the
province of Salta ; White's examples were met with in open country,
dotted with thickets of low brushwood, to which the bird resorts.
57. LOPHOSPINGUS PUSILLUS (Burm.).
(DARK-CRESTED FINCH.)
Lophospiza pusilla, Burm. La-Plata Reise, ii. p. 483. Lophospingus
pusillus, Cab. J. f. O. 1878, p. 195 (Cordova). Coryphospingus
pusillus, Salv. Ibis, 1880, p. 354, pi. ix. fig. 1 (Tucuman).
Description. — Above grey ; sides of head and crest blackish ; broad supercili-
aries white ; wings blackish, edged with whitish grey ; tail blackish, lateral
rectrices with broad white tips ; beneath greyish white, clearer on the throat
and middle of the belly ; bill dark horn-colour ; lower mandible whitish j feet
pale brown : whole length 5-0 inches, wing 2'5t tail 2*4.
Hab. Northern Argentina.
POOSPIZA NIGRORUFA. 49
58. DONACOSPIZA ALBIFRONS (Vieffl.).
(LONG-TAILED REED-FINCH.)
Donacospiza albifrons, Sol. et Salv. P. Z. S. 1869, p. 632 (Buenos Ayres),
iid. Nomencl. p. 30 ; Durnford, Ibis, 1877, p. 171 (Buenos Ayres) ; White,
P. Z. S. 1883, p. 38 (Cordova) ; Dor ing, Exp. al Rio Negro, Zool p. 38
(Pampas). Poospiza albifrons, Burm. La-Plata Reise, ii. p. 484 (Parana).
Description. — Above yellowish grey, the back striped with blackish ; lesser
wing-coverts clear grey ; greater coverts and wing-feathers black, edged with
brown ; head nearly the same as the back, somewhat grey on the cheek, the
crown and nape washed with olive-brown ; superciliary stripe and under surface
buff; bill and feet horn-colour : total length 6-0 inches, wing 2-5, tail 3-0.
Hab. Paraguay, Uruguay, and La Plata.
The slender body, great length of tail, and the hue of the plumage,
assimilating to that of sere decaying vegetation, might easily lead one
into mistaking this Finch for a Synallaxis where these birds are abun-
dant.
I have met with it in the marshy woods and reed-beds along the shores
of the Plata, but it is a shy, rare bird in Buenos Ayres. I have followed it
about, hoping to hear it utter a song or melodious note, but it had only
a little chirp. I would not, however, on this account pronounce it to
be the one silent member of a voiceful family, as my acquaintance with
it is so very slight.
59. POOSPIZA NIGRORUFA (d'Orb. et Lafr.).
(BLACK-AND-CHESTNUT WARBLING FINCH.) .
Poospiza nigrorufa, Burm. La- Plata Reise, ii. p. 484 (Parana) ; Scl et Salv.
Nomencl. p. 30; Durnford, Ibis, 1877, p. 171 (Buenos Ayres) ; Doring, Exp.
al Rio Negro, Zool. p. 38 (Rio Sauce) ; Barrows, Bull. Nutt. Orn. Cl. viii.
p. 129 (Concepcion).
Description. — Entire upper parts black, faintly washed with olive ; super-
ciliary stripe pale straw-colour ; two outer tail-feathers on each side tipped with
white ; throat and under surface bright chestnut ; centre of abdomen white ;
under tail-coverts pale buff: total length 5*8 inches, wing 2-5, tail 2-2.
Female : upper parts not so dark as in male ; underparts light buff, mottled
and striped with blackish.
Hab. South Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina.
This sweet-voiced little songster appears in Buenos Ayres at the end
of September ; it is a common bird in grounds abounding in bushes
and scattered trees, and, in its bright ruddy breast and dark upper
plumage, has some resemblance to the English Robin ; only it has a very
VOL. I. E
50 FRINGILLID^E.
conspicuous straw-coloured line above the eye. Its voice also, in purity
and sweetness of tone, is not unlike that of the Robin ; but the song,
composed of six unvarying notes, is uttered in a deliberate, business-like
manner at regular intervals, and is monotonous. Never more than
two birds are seen together ; they feed on the ground in humid situa-
tions, the male frequently seeking a perch to sing. The nest is made
on the ground, or in a close bush near the surface ; the eggs have a pale
bluish ground-colour, irregularly marked with black and very dark
brown spots, and in some instances clouded with faint grey.
60. POOSPIZA WHITII, Scl.
(WHITE'S WARBLING FINCH.)
Poospiza whitii, Scl. P. Z. S. 1883, p. 43, pi. ix.
Description. — Above clear grey, very faintly washed with olive ; tail black,
the outer feathers on each side tipped with white, as in P. erythroplirys • patch
between bill and eye, the anterior half of superciliary stripe, and chin white ;
hinder part of superciliary stripe and under surface chestnut ; middle of belly
white; under tail-coverts buff: total length 5'5 inches, wing 2'4, tail 2' 6.
Female similar, but breast pale rufous ; abdomen white ; sides grey and buff.
Hab. Province of Cordova, Rep. Arg.
This species has only been obtained by the late Mr. E. W. White.
He met with specimens of it at Cosquin, Cordova, in June, July, and
August, 1882. It has been dedicated to its discoverer, who has so
largely augmented our knowledge of the Argentine avifauna, and whose
premature death was a veritable loss for science.
61. POOSPIZA EEYTHROPHRYS, Scl.
(RED-BROWED WARBLING FINCH.)
Poospiza erythrophrys, Scl. Ibis, 1881, p. 599, pi. xvii. fig. 1 j White, P. Z. S.
1882, p. 599 (Catamarca).
Description. — Above grey, faintly washed with olive ; greater wing- coverts
tipped with white ; wing-feathers blackish, edged with grey ; tail blackish grey,
the two outer feathers on each side tipped with white, and on the outer feather
the white extending down the outer web to the base of the tail ; superciliary
stripe and whole under surface light chestnut, paler on the abdomen ; under
tail-coverts buff: total length 5-5 inches, wing 2«5, tail 2-3.
Hab. Northern Argentina.
This pretty species is another of White's discoveries. He first met
POOSP1ZA TO11QUATA. 51
with it in the Sierra of Totoral, Catamarca, and subsequently about 20
miles north of Buenos Ay res.
62. POOSPIZA ASSIMILIS, Cab.
(RED-FLANKED WARBLING FINCH.)
Poospiza assimilis, Cab. Mus. Hein. i. p. 137 ; White, P. Z. S. 1882, p. 599
(Misiones). Poospiza lateralis, Barrows, Bull. Nutt. Orn. Cl. viii. p. 130
(Ooncepcion).
Description. — Above grey, slight superciliary mark whitish ; middle of back
and wings washed with rufous ; rump bright rufous ; tail blackish, two lateral
pairs of rectrices broadly tipped with white ; beneath grey, white in the middle
of the belly ; flanks and crissum bright rufous ; under wing-coverts greyish
white ; bill horn-colour, lower mandible yellowish ; feet pale brown : whole
length 5'0 inches, wing 2-5, tail 2'4.
Hab. Northern Argentina.
White found this species abundant amongst the thick weeds and
grass in the outskirts of Concepcion. He took it for P. thoradca, from
which it differs in its rufous rump. It is more like P. lateralis.
63. POOSPIZA OENATA (Landb.).
(PRETTY WARBLING FINCH.)
Phrygilus ornatus, Landb. Journ.f. Orn. 1865, p. 405. Poospiza ornata, Scl.
et Salv. NomencL p. 30.
Description. — Above grey; back more or less varied with chestnut; long
superciliaries ochreous white ; wings blackish, coverts edged with white ; tail
black, lateral rectrices broadly tipped with white; beneath dark chestnut,
lighter on the middle of the belly ; bill and feet dark brown : whole length
5-2 inches, wing 2-4, tail 2'3. Female similar, but paler in colour, especially
below.
Hab. Mendoza.
64. POOSPIZA TORQTIATA (d'Orb. et Lafr.).
(RINGED WARBLING FINCH.)
Poospiza torquata, Sunn. La-Plata Reise, ii. p. 484 (Mendoza); Scl. et Salv.
NomencL p. 30 ; White, P. Z. S. 1882, p. 599 (Santiago del Estero) ; Doriny,
Exp. al Eio Negro, Zool. p. 38 (E. Colorado).
Description. — Ahove grey; wings blackish, the greater wing-coverts tipped
with white; tail-feathers black, the two outer on each side tipped with
E2
52 FRINGILLID.E.
white ; from the bill, a broad white stripe extends above the eye to the nape ;
crown grey ; sides of head black ; beneath white, the chest crossed with a broad
black band ; under tail-coverts rufous : total length 5-3 inches, wing 2-5, tail 2-3.
Hob. Bolivia and Argentina.
White met with a male of this species in September 1881, at San
Pedro, in the province of Santiago. Burmeister found it near Mendoza
in the valleys of the Sierra de Uspallata.
65. POOSPIZA MELANOLEUCA (Vieill.).
(WHITE-AND-GREY WARBLING FINCH.)
Poospiza melanoleuca, Burm. La-Plata Reise, ii. p. 484 (Entrerios) ; ScL et
Salv. NomencL p. 30 ; Salv. Ibis, 1880, p. 354, pi. ix. fig. 2 (Tucuman) ;
White, P. Z. S. 1882, p. 599 (Salta) ; Barrows, Bull. Nutt. Orn. Cl. viii.
p. 130 (Entrerios).
Description. — Above, head and neck blackish ; back grey ; wings and tail
blackish, three outer rectrices on each side tipped with white ; beneath white ;
sides washed with grey, breast and belly also faintly tinged with grey : whole
length 5'1 inches, wing 2'3, tail 2-0. Female similar.
Hab. Argentina.
White says that in Salta " this bird frequents the gardens in the
vicinity of the houses, where it vigorously pursues the ants amongst
the branches of the trees/' Mr. Barrows says that near Concepcion it
had the general motions and appearance of a Titmouse, thus differing
widely from the other members of the genus.
66. PHRYGILUS GAYI (Eyd. et Gerv.).
(GAY'S FINCH.)
Phrygilus gayi, Burm. La-Plata Reise, ii. p. 487 (Mendoza) ; Scl. et Salv.
Nomencl. p. 31 ; White, P. Z. S. 1882, p. 599 (Catamarca).
Description. — Above, head all round, neck, and wing-coverts grey ; back and
upper tail-coverts olive-green ; wings and tail black ; beneath, throat grey,
breast and belly yellow, washed with olive; crissum and under tail-coverts
white ; bill and feet black : whole length 6-0 inches, wing 3-5, tail 2-'3. Fe-
male : above obscure olive-green, below yellow.
Hab. Chili and Western Argentina.
Burmeister says that this Chilian species is found in the valleys of
the Sierras near Mendoza.
PHRYGILUS UNICOLOR. 53
67. PHRYGILUS CANICEPS (Burm.).
(GREY-HEADED FINCH.)
Phrygilus caniceps, Burm. La-Plata Reise, ii. p. 487 ; Dumford, Ibis, 1878,
p. 393 (Chupat) ; Barrows, Bull. Nutt. Orn. Cl. viii. p. 130 (Sierra de la
Ventana).
Description. — Above, head, neck, wing- and upper tail-coverts grey ; back
olivaceous yellow, washed with red ; wing and tail-feathers black, edged with
grey ; beneath, throat grey, breast and belly orange-yellow ; crissum and under
tail-coverts white ; bill horn-colour ; feet light brown : whole length 6-8 inches,
wing 3-6, tail 2-9.
Hob. Argentina.
Of this species, discovered by Dr. Burmeister near Mendoza, Mr.
Barrows writes : — " Only met with on the Sierra de la Ventana, where it
was abundant in flocks, some of which numbered as many as a hundred
individuals. When found near the base of the sierra they were almost
always associated with the common Zonotrichia. Although most of
them had not finished moulting, they were constantly singing, and
seemed perfectly contented with their desolate surroundings/*
68. PHRYGILUS DORSALIS, Cab.
(RED-BACKED FINCH.)
Phrygilus dorsalis, Cab. Journ.f. Orn. 1883, p. 109.
Description. — Ashy grey ; back rusty red ; wing-coverts blackish ; chin, lower
belly, and crissum whitish : whole length 6'5 inches, wing 3-7, tail 2'6.
Hab. Tucuman.
Schulz discovered this species on the Cerro Vayo of Tucuman, near
the snow-line. It reminds one of the North- American species of Junco
in its coloration.
69. PHRYGILUS UNICOLOR (d'Orb. et Lafr.).
(SLATY FINCH.)
Phrygilus unicolor, Scl. et Salv. Nomencl. p. 31; Cab. J.f. O. 1878, p. 195
(Cordova). Phrygilus msticus, Burm. La-Plata Reise, ii. p. 487 (Mendoza).
Description. — Above nearly uniform slaty grey, below paler, whiter on the
middle of the belly ; bill dark horn-colour, feet clear brown : whole length 6'0
inches, wing 3'6, tail 2-6. Female cinereous, with blackish shaft-spots above
and below ; paler on the middle of the belly.
Hab. Andes of Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru; Chili, Bolivia, and
Northern Argentina.
54 FRINGILLID.E.
70. PHRYGILUS FEUTICETI (KittL).
(MOURNING FINCH.)
Phrygilus fruticeti, Burm. La-Plata Reise, ii. p. 487 (Cordillera of Mendoza) ;
Scl. et Salv. Nomencl. p. 31 j Hudson, P. Z. S. 1872, p. 537 (Rio Negro) ;
Durnford, Ibis, 1878, p. 393 (Chupat) ; Doring, Exp. al Rio Negro, Zool.
p. 39 (R. Colorado, R. Negro). Emberiza luctuosa, Eyd, et Gerv. Mag.
de Zool, 1836, Ois. pi. 72.
Description. — Grey, with minute black markings on the head and neck, and
broader stripes on the back ; greater coTerts and wings black, the feathers edged
with grey, and a band of white spots across the coverts ; tail black ; beneath,
throat, and upper part of breast black, many feathers tipped with grey, giving the
chest a mottled appearance ; lower part of breast and belly grey, mottled
below the chest with a few black spots ; centre of abdomen and under tail-
coverts white ; beak yellow ; feet flesh-colour : total length 7'3 inches, wing 4-0,
tail 3'2. Female obscure grey and without the black colour on the throat and
chest.
Hab. Peru, Bolivia, Chili, and Argentine Republic.
This Finch is common on the western slopes of the Andes as far
north as Peru ; it is also found in the Mendoza district and throughout
Patagonia. It is very abundant on the Rio Negro, especially in the
immediate neighbourhood of the Carmen settlements, for, like the Chin-
golo and other fringilline species, it is beneficially affected by cultivation.
Though not possessing any bright tints, it is a very charming bird,
tuneful, elegant in form, graceful and buoyant in its motions. When
approached it utters a series of low ticking sounds, and at intervals a
peculiar long squealing note. The song of the male is very agreeable,
and curiously resembles that of the Cachila Pipit (Anthus correnderd).
It usually sits on a twig near the ground, and at intervals soars up to a
height of ten or twenty yards, and utters its song while gliding slowly
downwards with depressed wings and outspread tail. It sings through-
out the year ; in bright weather its notes are heard all day long, but on
cold, cloudy, or wet days only after sunset. In the warm season they
live in pairs, and in the autumn unite in flocks of as many as two or
three hundred individuals, and have a strong undulating flight.
71. PHRYGILUS CARBONARIUS (d'Orb. et Lafir.).
(BLACKISH FINCH.)
Phrygilus carbonarius, Burm. La-Plata Reise, ii. p. 487; Doring, Expl al
Rio Negro, Zool. p. 38.
Description. — Above grey, with brownish-black stripes ; wings dusky brown ;
DIUCA GRISEA. 55
tail-feathers black ; below black, with minute grey marks on the throat and
bosom ; sides dull grey : total length 5'5 inches, wing 2-9, tail 2'2.
Hab. Bolivia, Argentina, and Patagonia.
This species is said to be about one third less than Phrygilus fruticeti
in size, but to resemble it closely in colour. Dr. During found it
abundant in Patagonia between the rivers Colorado and Negro, where it
was seen during the cold season in flocks, associating with Zonotrichia cani-
capilla. Burmeister met with it in the Sierra de Uspallata, near Mendoza.
72. GUBERNATEIX CEISTATELLA (Vieill.).
(YELLOW CARDINAL.)
Gubernatrix cristatella, Burm. La-Plata Reise, ii. p. 482 (Parana) ; Scl. et Salv.
Nomend. p. 31 ; White, P. Z. S. 1883, p. 38 (Cordova) ; Barrows, Bull. Nutt.
Orn. Cl. viii. p. 130 (Conception, Entrerios).
Description. — Above light olive-green, the back marked with a few black
stripes ; four middle tail-feathers black, edged with olive, all the rest of the tail-
feathers bright yellow, tipped with dull olive ; broad superciliaries and lower
part of the head bright yellow ; crown, crest, and throat velvet-black, the black
extending to the chest ; beneath yellow, washed with olive-green on the breast
and sides ; bill and feet black : total length 8'0 inches, wing 3-8, tail 3-7.
Female less brightly coloured ; white on the head where the male is yellow ;
breast grey.
Hab. Paraguay and Argentine Republic.
The Yellow Cardinal is a graceful sprightly bird, with a strong melo-
dious voice, and is one of our favourite cage-birds. It visits Buenos
Ayres in small flocks in spring, but is a rare bird with us. There is
little variety in its song, which is composed of four or five mellow notes of
great power, and in tone somewhat like the whistle of the Blackbird of
Europe.
73. DIUCA GRISEA (Less.).
(DIUCA FINCH.)
Diuca vera, Burm. La-Plata Reise, ii. p. 483 (Mendoza). Diuca grisea, Scl.
et Salv. Nomend. p. 31.
Description. — Above grey, sides of head darker ; wings and tail blackish, edged
with grey ; lateral rectrices tipped with white ; below grey, whole chin and
throat and middle of the belly white ; lower flanks and crissum stained with
rufous ; bill plumbeous ; feet dark hazel : whole length 6-3 inches, wing 3-3,
tail 2'6. Female similar, but tinged with brownish, and colours more obscure.
Hab. Chili and Western Argentina.
56 FRINGILLID^].
This well-known Chilian species is said by Burmeister to be not
unfrequent near Mendoza and along the range of the Cordilleras.
74. DIUCA MINOR, Bp.
(LESSEE DIUCA FINCH.)
Diuca minor, Burm. La-Plata Reise, ii. p. 483 (San Louis, Cordova) ; Scl. et
Salv. Nomencl. p. 31 ; Hudson, P. Z. 8. 1872, p. 537 (Rio Negro) ; Durnford,
Ibis, 1878, p. 393 (Tombo Point, Pat.) ; Doring, Exp. al Rio Negro, Zool.
p. 39 (R. Colorado, R. Nigro) ; Barrows, Bull. Nutt. Orn. Cl. viii. p. 131
(Concepcion, Entrerios).
Description. — Grey ; head, neck, and back faintly washed with brown ; wings
blackish, the feathers edged with brownish grey ; tail-feathers black, tipped with
white on the inner webs ; beneath, from the bill to the chest, white ; upper
part of breast and sides grey ; rest of the under surface white ; a bright chestnut
spot on the flanks : whole length 6'5 inches, wing 3*2, tail 2*6. Female similar,
but less bright than male.
Hab. Argentina and Patagonia.
This pretty little grey-and-white Finch is common on the Chilian
side of the Andes and throughout Patagonia, and also occurs in the
Mendoza district. It is a tuneful bird, lively, social, and frolicsome
in disposition ; in autumn and winter uniting in flocks of from fifty to
three or four hundred individuals ; swift of flight, and when on the
wing fond of pursuing its fellows and engaging in mock battles. The
song of the male is very pleasing, the voice having more depth and
mellowness than is usual with the smaller fringilline singers, which, as
a rule, have thin, reedy, and tremulous notes. In summer it begins
singing very early, even before the faintest indication of coming day-
light is visible, and at that dark silent hour the notes may be heard at
a great distance and sound wonderfully sweet and impressive. During
the cold season, when they live in companies, the singing-time is in the
evening, when the birds are gathered in some thick-foliaged tree or
bush which they have chosen for a winter roosting-place. This winter-
evening song is a hurried twittering, and utterly unlike the serene note
of the male bird heard on summer mornings. A little while after sunset
the flock bursts into a concert, which lasts several minutes, sinking and
growing louder by turns, and during which it is scarcely possible to
distinguish the notes of individuals. Then follows an interval of silence,
after which the singing is again renewed very suddenly and as suddenly
ended. For an hour after sunset, and when all other late singers, like the
Mimus, have long been silent, this fitful impetuous singing is continued.
Close by a house on the Rio Negro, in which I spent several months,
CATAMENIA 1NORNATA. 57
there were three very large chafiar bushes, where a multitude of Diuca
Finches used to roost, and they never missed singing in the evening,
however cold or rainy the weather happened to be. So fond were they
of this charming habit, that when I approached the bushes or stood
directly under them, the alarm caused by my presence would interrupt
the performance only for a few moments, and presently they would
burst into song again, the birds all the time swiftly pursuing each other
amongst the foliage, often within a foot of my head.
The eggs, Darwin says (Zool. Voy. ' Beagle/ iii. p. 93), are pointed,
oval, pale dirty green, thickly blotched with pale dull brown, becoming
confluent and entirely coloured at the broad end.
75. CATAMENIA ANALIS (d'Orb. et Lafr.).
(RED-STAINED FINCH.)
Catainenia analis, Burm. La-Plata Eeise, ii. p. 488 (Mendoza) ; Scl. et Salv.
Nomencl. p. 31 ; White, P. Z. S. 1882, p. 599 (Catamarca). Spermophila
analis, Sharpe, Cat. B. xii. p. 106.
Description. — Above clear grey ; wing-feathers black, edged with grey ; tail
"black, a large white blotch on the central part of each feather, the two middle
feathers excepted ; beneath grey, palest on the belly ; under tail-coverts rufous :
whole length 5*0 inches, wing 2*8, tail 2'2. Female, above obscure brownish
buff, striped with blackish ; beneath dirty white.
Hab. Peru, Bolivia, and Argentina.
Burmeister met with this Finch on the sierras near Mendoza, and
White obtained a single specimen in Catamarca.
76. CATAMENIA INORNATA (Lafr.).
(PLAIN-COLOURED FINCH.)
Sporophila rufirostris, Landb. J. f. 0. 1865, p. 404 (Mendoza). Catamenia
inornata, Scl. et Salv. Nomencl. p. 31. Spermophila inornata, Sharpe ,
Cat. B. xii. p. 104.
Description. — Above dull grey, clearer on the rump ; wings and tail blackish,
wing-feathers edged with grey ; beneath grey, under tail-coverts bright chestnut ;
bill red ; feet brown : whole length 5-0 inches, wing 2-5, tail 2-2.
Hab. Bolivia and N. Argentina.
Examples of this species were obtained by Weisshaupt near Mendoza
in 1871.
58 FRINGILLID.E.
77. ZONOTBJCHIA PILEATA (BodcL).
(CHINGOLO SONG-SPARROW.)
Zonotrichia pileata, Scl. et Salv. P. Z. S. 1868, p. 139, iid. Nomencl. p. 31 ;
Salvin, Ibis, 1880, p. 355 (Salta) ; Gibson, Ibis, 1880, p. 28 (Buenos Ayres) ;
White, P. Z. S. 1882, p. 600 (Buenos Ayres) ; Barrows, Bull. Nutt. Orn. Cl.
viii. p. 131 (Concepcion). Zonotrichia matutina, Burm. La-Plata Reise, ii.
p. 486.
Description. — Above dusky grey, striped with blackish brown ; the top of the
head from the bill to the nape grey ; a whitish stripe from the eye to the nape ;
between the stripe and the grey on the crown black ; a narrow chestnut ring
round the neck, widening to a large patch on the sides of the chest, the patch
bordered with black on its lower part ; beneath, throat white ; breast and belly
ashy white ; bill and feet light horn-colour : whole length 5*7 inches, wing 2'8,
tail 2-2. Female similar, but duller in colour and a trifle smaller.
Hab. Central and South America.
The common, familiar, favourite Sparrow over a large portion of the
South- American continent is the " Chingolo." Darwin says that "it
prefers inhabited places, but has not attained the air of domestication
of the English Sparrow, which bird in habits and general appearance it
resembles." As it breeds in the fields on the ground, it can never be
equally familiar with man, but in appearance it is like a refined copy of
the burly English Sparrow — more delicately tinted, the throat being
chestnut instead of black ; the head smaller and better proportioned,
and with the added distinction of a crest, which it lowers and elevates
at all angles to express the various feelings affecting its busy little mind.
On the treeless desert pampas the Chingolo is rarely seen, but
wherever man builds a house and plants a tree there it comes to keep
him company, while in cultivated and thickly settled districts it is
excessively abundant, and about Buenos Ayres it literally swarms in
the fields and plantations. They are not, strictly speaking, gregarious,
but where food attracts them, or the shelter of a hedge on a cold windy
day, thousands are frequently seen congregated in one place ; when
disturbed, however, these accidental flocks immediately break up, the
birds scattering abroad in different directions.
The Chingolo is a very constant singer, his song beginning with the
dawn of day in spring, and continuing until evening ; it is very short,
being composed of a chipping prelude and four long notes, three uttered
in a clear thin voice, the last a trill. This song is repeated at brief
intervals, as the bird sits motionless, perched on the disc of a thistle-
flower, the summit of a stalk, or other elevation ; and where the Chin-
golos are very abundant, the whole air, on a bright spring morning, is
alive with their delicate melody ; only one must pause and listen before
ZONOTRICHIA CANICAPILLA. 59
he is aware of it, otherwise it will escape him, owing to its thin ethereal
character, the multitudinous notes not mingling but floating away,
as it were, detached and scattered, mere gossamer webs of sound that
very faintly impress the sense. They also sing frequently at night, and
in that dark silent time their little melody sounds strangely sweet and
expressive. The song varies greatly in different districts; thus, in
Bahia Blanca it is without the long trill at the end, and in other
localities I have found it vary in other ways.
The Chingolos pair about the end of September, and at that time
their battles are frequent, as they are very pugnacious. The nest is
made under a thistle or tuft of grass, in a depression in the soil, so that
the top of the nest is on a level with the surface of the ground. The
nest is mostly made and lined with horse-hair, the eggs four or five,
pale blue, and thickly spotted with dull brown. Sometimes, though
very rarely, a nest is found in a bush or on a stump several feet above
the ground. Two broods are reared in the season, the first in October,
the second in February or March. I have known these birds to breed in
April and May, and these very late nests escape the infliction of para-
sitical eggs. When the nest is approached or taken, the Chingolos
utter no sound, but sit in dumb anxiety, with tail expanded and droop-
ing wings.
78. ZONOTRICHIA CANICAPILLA, Gould.
(PATAGONIAN SONG-SPARROW.)
Zonotrichia canicapilla, Durnford, Ibis, 1877, p. 33 (Chupat), et 1878, p. 393
(Centr. Patag.) ; Sclater, Ibis, 1877, p. 46, pi. 1. fig. 1 j Doring, Exp. al Rio
Negro, Zool. p. 39 (R. Colorado, R. Negro).
Description. — Head grey, with narrow white superciliaries ; in other respects
like Zonotrichia pileata : total length 6-3 inches, wing 3'2, tail 2-6.
Hab. Patagonia.
Durnford found this species common and abundant on the Chupat
River and in the interior of Patagonia. It has a pretty song, and sings
in the evening and during the night when the moon is shining. It
nests among coarse grass and herbage, making an unpretending struc-
ture of the former material, which is lined with fibres. It lays four eggs,
pale green, thickly striated with light reddish-brown spots running
into each other, and most numerous at the large end.
60
79. ZONOTRICHIA STRIGICEPS, Gould.
(STRIPE-HEADED SONG-SPARROW.)
Zonotrichia strigiceps, Burm. La-Plata Eeise, ii. p. 486 (Parana, Santa Fe") ;
8cl. et Salv. Nomencl p. 31 j Scl. Ibis, 1877, p. 47, pi. 1. fig. 2.
Description. — Above light brownish grey, striped with black ; centre of crown
ash-grey, under the grey a broad rufous stripe, beneath which is a narrow grey
superciliary stripe; behind the eye a rufous mark; beneath, throat white,
breast pale grey ; sides and belly yellowish grey ; middle of belty white : whole
length 6-2 inches, wing 2-6, tail 2-6.
Hob. Argentina and Patagonia.
80. ZONOTRICHIA HYPOCHONDRIA (d'Orb. et Lafr.).
(RED-FLANKED SONG-SPARROW.)
Emberiza hypochondria, d'Orb. Toy., Ois. p. 361, t. 45. fig. 1. Zonotrichia
hypochondria, Burm. La-Plata Reise, ii. p. 486 (Mendoza).
Description. — Brownish grey, head darker ; superciliaries white ; wings
brownish black, edged with greyish rufous ; tail brownish black, four external
pairs of rectrices with a long white mark on the inner web, the outer pair with
the outer web also margined with white ; beneath, throat and neck white ; sides
of head, mystacal line, neck and breast-band plumbeous ; belly dirty white ;
flanks chestnut : whole length 6-0 inches, wing 2-8, tail 2'0.
Hob. Bolivia and Western Argentina.
Prof. Burmeister, who met with this species near Mendoza, says it is
a true Zonotrichia, and not a Poospiza, as sometimes considered.
81. COTURNICULUS PERUANUS (Bp.).
(YELLOW-SHOULDERED SONG-SPARROW.)
Coturniculus manimbe, Burm. La-Plata Reise} ii. p. 486 (Parana) ; White,
P. Z. S. 1882, p. 600 (Corrientes) ; Donna, Exp. al Rio Negro, Zool p. 40
(R. Colorado) ; Barrows, Bull. Nutt. Orn. Cl. viii. p. 131 (Concepcion).
Coturniculus peruanus, Scl. et Salv. Nomencl. p. 32.
Description. — Above grey, mottled with rufous-brown ; wing-feathers black,
edged with rufous ; tail-feathers black, edged with dull grey ; a patch between
the bill and eye and the shoulders bright yellow ; beneath, throat whitish ;
breast and belly and sides dull grey, white on the middle of the belly ; bill and
feet horn-eolour : whole length 4-9 inches, wing 2-4, tail 1-9. Female similar,
but less bright, the yellow spot on the head scarcely perceptible.
Hab. Peru, Bolivia, and Argentina.
ARG. ORN. PL. V
SALTATRICULA MULTICOLOR
SALTATRICULA MULTICOLOR. 61
The prevailing colour of this little field-sparrow is grey, marked and
mixed with fuscous and brown ; the shoulder and space between the
beak and eye are yellow. It is a common species in the northern por-
tion of the Argentine country, and appears now to be gradually extend-
ing its range southwards. Many years ago I first noticed it on the
pampas north of Buenos Ayres ; afterwards I found it in the immediate
neighbourhood of that city ; then it began to spread over the plains to
the south, appearing every spring in greater numbers, but it is still far
from common. It has, I fancy, a limited migration, as I could never
find one in winter. It is solitary, and frequents open plains and fields ;
lives on the ground, and never alights on a tree. The male has a
favourite perch, a tall weed or post, where he spends a great deal of his
time, repeating his song at intervals of half a minute ; it is short and
pleasing, and has a slight resemblance to the song of the Yellow-
Hammer, but is more delicate and melodious. When approached, the
bird flies down and conceals itself in the grass.
82. SALTATRICULA MULTICOLOR, Burm.
(MANY-COLOURED GROUND-FINCH.
[PLATE V.]
Saltatricula multicolor, Burm. La-Plata Reise, ii. p. 481 (Parana) ; Scl. et
Sato. Nomencl. p. 32 ; Salvin, Ibis, 1880, p. 355 (Salta) ; White, P. Z. S.
1882, p. 600 (Catamarca).
Description. — Above grey, faintly tinged with olivaceous on the head, neck,
and back ; a short white stripe behind the eye ; beneath the stripe and lower
part of neck velvet-black ; wings blackish ; tail-feathers black, tipped with
white ; beneath, throat white, breast grey ; sides and belly pale chestnut ;
middle of belly and under tail- coverts white ; bill and feet horn-colour : whole
length 6*6 inches, wing 2'9, tail 3'0. Female similar, but not so bright.
Hob. North and Western Argentina.
To Dr. Burmeister we owe the discovery of this brilliant Finch, as of
so many other Argentine species. He met with it at Parana, in the
bushy lands east of the city, and obtained five specimens. White found
it near Andagala in Catamarca, on trees, feeding on the insects in the
flowers and on seeds ; and Durnford collected specimens near Salta.
Examples of this species were also obtained by Weisshaupt near
Mendoza (cf. Salvin, Ibis, 1880, p. 355).
62 FRINGILLID^E.
83. EMBERNAGRA PLATENSIS (Om.).
(RED-BILLED GROUND-FINCH.)
Embernagra platensis, Burm. La-Plata Reise, ii. p. 485 (Parana) j Scl. et Salv.
P. Z. S. 1868, p. 140 (Buenos Ayres), 1872, p. 548 (Rio Negro), iid.
Nomencl p. 32 ; Durnford, Ibis, 1877, p. 172 (Buenos Ayres) ; White, P. Z. S.
1882, p. GOO (Buenos Ayres, Corrientes) j Doringt Exp. al Rio Negro, Zool.
p. 40 (R. Colorado, R. Negro) j Earrows, Bull. Nutt. Om. Cl. viii. p. 132
(Concepcion, Entrerios).
Description. — Above dull olive-green, striped with blackish ; wings silky olive-
green, the inner webs of the feathers black ; edge of wings yellow; tail-feathers
dull olive-green ; beneath, throat and breast grey : belly buff; beak bright red ;
feet pinkish horn-colour : total length 8-8 inches, wing 3'7, tail 3'8. Female
similar.
Hob. South Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina.
In this Finch the plumage is alike in both sexes. Above it is dusky
olive -green, beneath grey ; the beak is of a fine bright red. In Argen-
tina this bird is most common in the littoral forests along the Plata,
but ranges as far south as the Rio Negro in Patagonia. It does not
migrate, nor associates in flocks ; but the sexes are faithful, and the
male and female are invariably together, and appear to be very fond of
each other's society. They have a loud, sharp alarm chirp or cry,
which bursts from the bird with the startling suddenness of a sneeze
from a human being ; also a confused unmelodious song, which always
reminds me, in its hurry, vehemence, and peculiar sound, of the
gobbling of a turkey-cock. They are not shy, but when approached sit
jerking their tails about, and uttering loud chirps as if greatly excited.
The flight is very curious ; the bird springs up with great suddenness,
and with tail erect, and the long legs dangling down like a RaiFs,
proceeds by a series of irregular jerks, violently shutting and opening
its wings. They breed on the ground under the grass, and conceal
their nest so well that I doubt whether the parasitical Molothrus ever
finds it. I have, at all events, never seen them followed by the young
of Molothrus demanding food.
As a rule, small seed-eating birds are beneficially affected by the
presence of man ; thus our common Zonotrichia and other sparrows
and finches have become excessively numerous in the most thickly -
settled districts. With the Red-billed Finch, however, just the contrary
has happened; and since I have known this species it has disappeared
from many localities where it was once quite common. Azara's name
for this species, Habia de banado, signifies that it is a marsh bird ; but
though now found chiefly in marshy situations, it was once common
enough over the entire pampas region, before the great plains were
EMBERIZOIDES SPHENURUS. 63
settled on by Europeans. The bird is very badly protected by nature
against raptorial species, owing to its very conspicuous red beak, its
habit of perching on the summit of tall plants arid other elevated
positions, its loud impetuous voice, which invites attention, and the
weak eccentric flight, which challenges pursuit. It is essential to its
safety that it should have, in the open country it frequents, a dense
grass cover into which it can plunge on the slightest alarm. Where
cattle are introduced, the original pampas-grass, which afforded the
suitable conditions, disappears, giving place to the soft, perishable
grasses, clovers, and thistles of Europe. Where these changes take
place, the bird cannot escape from its enemies and quickly disappears ;
while many Dendrocolaptine species inhabiting the same situations are
saved by their inconspicuous protective colouring, sharp wedge-like
bodies, and swift mouse-like motions on the ground. In marshy places
on the pampas, abounding with long aquatic grasses and reed-beds, the
Red-bill still maintains its existence, but from its old habitat on the
open grassy plains, where it was once the dominant Finch, it has utterly
vanished.
84. EMBERNAGRA OLIVASCENS (d'Orb. et Lafr.).
(OLIVE GROUND-FINCH.)
Embernagra olivascens, d'Orb. Toy., Ois. p. 285; Burm. La-Plata JReise, ii.
p. 485 (Mendoza) ; Scl. et Salv. Nomencl. p. 32 j Salvin, Ibis, 1880, p. 355 ;
Doring, Exp. al Rio Negro, Zool. p. 40 (R. Colorado).
Description. — Similar to Embernagra platensis, but the back unstriped, and
the olive hue somewhat purer ; also the abdomen of a paler buff : total length
8*1 inches, wing 3'7, tail 4-0. Female similar.
Hab. Bolivia, Western Argentina, and Patagonia.
This species, which was met with by Dr. Burmeister near Mendoza,
was found by Dr. Doring as far south as the Rio Colorado, on the
pampas.
85. EMBERIZOIDES SPHENURUS (Vieill,).
(WEDGE-TAILED GROUND-FINCH.)
Embernagra macroura, d'Orb. Voy., Ois. p. 285. Emberizoides macrurus,
Burm. La- Plata Reise, ii. p. 485 (Parana). Emberizoides sphenurus,
Scl et Salv. Nomencl. p. 33.
Description. — Above yellowish brown, striped with black ; shoulders edged
with yellow ; wing-feathers blackish, edged with olive-green ; tail-feathers
64 FRINGILLID.E.
blackish, edged with pale brown ; beneath pale ochaceous brown, white on the
throat and middle of the belly ; bill and feet pale horn-colour : whole length
8-0 inches, wing 3*1, tail 4-0.
Hob. Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay, and Argentina.
Burmeister met with this species near Parana and in other parts of
Northern Argentina.
86. HJEMOPHILA WHITII (Sharpe).
(WHITE'S GROUND-FINCH.)
Zonotrichia whitii, Sharpe, Cat. B. xiii. p. 608, pi. xiii. Zonotrichia strigi-
ceps, White, P. Z. S. 1883, p. 38 (Cordova).
Description. — Above, head and neck grey, variegated with dark chestnut;
back yellowish brown with black stripes ; wings and tail blackish, the feathers
edged with pale brown ; beneath, throat and belly white, breast pale grey ; sides
yellowish brown ; bill dark horn-colour, lower mandible whitish ; feet light horn-
colour : whole length 6'0 inches, wing 2'5, tail 2-8.
Hob. Northern Argentina.
This species has been based by Mr. Sharpe on a specimen, obtained by
White near Cordova, which was wrongly determined as Zonotrichia
striyiceps — a species that it somewhat resembles in its upper plumage.
87. CHRYSOMITRIS ICTERICA (Licht.).
(BLACK-HEADED SISKIN.)
Chrysomitris barbata, Scl et Salv. P. Z. S. 1868, p. 140 (Buenos Ayres) ;
Durnford, Ibis, 1877, p. 172 (Buenos Ayres) ; White, P. Z. S. 1882, p. 600
(Catamarca, Misiones) ; Doring, Exp. al Rio Negro, Zool. p. 40 (R. Sauce,
R. Colorado, R. Negro) ; Barrows, Bull. Nutt. Orn. Cl. viii. p. 132 (Concep-
cion). Chrysomitris magellanica, Burm. La-Plata Reise, ii. p. 489;
Gibson, Ibis, 1880, p. 30 (Buenos Ayres) ; Salvin, Ibis, 1880, p. 355 (Salta).
Chrysomitris icterica, Sharpe, Cat. B. xii. p. 217.
Description. — Above light olive-green ; lesser wing-coverts same as the back ;
wings black, a broad bright yellow band across the base of the feathers ; rump
yellow ; upper tail-coverts olive-green ; tail-feathers yellow at the base and
black at the ends ; head all round and throat velvety black ; beneath and under
wing-coverts bright yellow: total length 5'0 inches, wing 3-0, tail 1-8. Female
without the black on the head, otherwise similar to the male, but less bright.
Hab. Brazil and Argentina.
This beautiful little golden-plumaged Finch, the male distinguished
from his consort by a brighter yellow colour and a black head, is ex-
tremely common throughout the entire length of the Argentine country
CHRYSOMITRIS ATRATA. 65
from Brazil to Patagonia. In the Buenos-Ayrean district it probably
has a partial migration, as small flocks are seen to arrive in spring ; but
further south, in Patagonia, it appears to be strictly resident. In
settled districts they are always more abundant than in the woods, and
they have a special predilection for poplar groves, and always prefer a
poplar to build in. They go in small flocks, seldom more than about a
dozen birds together, have a rapid, undulating flight, feed chiefly on the
ground like most Finches, and also frequently alight in the seeding-time
on plants like the lettuce and Sonchus asper (a common weed) and,
clinging to the stem, dexterously pick off the seed, scattering the down
about them in a little cloud. They are very tuneful, restless, quick in
their motions, apparently always in a light-hearted merry mood. Being
much admired for their song, they are often kept in cages ; and cer-
tainly, for cheerfulness and constancy in singing, they take the foremost
place amongst the Finches ; but there is little expression in the song,
which is composed of a variety of short twittering notes, uttered with
great rapidity, as the bird sits perched on a twig or undulates from tree
to tree. Usually the notes flow in a continuous stream, but occasionally
the bird sings in a different manner, making a pause of two or three
seconds of silence after every eight or ten short notes. When the female
is on the nest the male sometimes perches near her amongst the leaves
and sings sotto voce, apparently for her pleasure only, the notes being
so low that, at a distance of ten yards, they can scarcely be heard.
The nest is usually placed between the angle formed by a small
branch arid the bole of the tree, and is a deep, well-made structure
composed of many materials, and lined with horsehair, down, or
feathers. The eggs are five, very small for the bird, pure white, and so
frail that it is not easy to take them from the nest without breaking
them.
While engaged in building, the birds constantly utter a low, soft,
trilling note ; and when the nest is approached they break out into long,
somewhat reedy notes, resembling those of the Canary, expressive of
alarm or curiosity.
88. CHRYSOMITRIS ATRATA (d'Orb. et Lafr.).
(HALF-BLACK SISKIN.)
Carduelis atratus, d'Orb. Voy., Ois. p. 364, t. 48. fig. 2. Chrysomitris atrata,
Burm. La-Plata Reise, ii. p. 490 (Mendoza) ; Sharpe, Cat. B. xii. p. 212.
Description. — Black ; concealed shoulder- spot, broad band on wing, basal half
of tail-feathers, belly, and under tail-coverts bright yellow ; bill and feet horn-
colour: whole length 5*4 inches, wing 2*9, tail 1'8.
VOL. I. p
66 FRINGILLID^E.
Hab. Bolivia and N.W. Argentina.
Dr. Burmeister obtained two examples of this species in the Sierra of
Uspellata near Mendoza.
89. SYCALIS PELZELNI, Scl.
(YELLOW HOUSE-SPARROW.)
Sycalis pelzelni, Scl Ibis, 1872, p. 42 ; Scl. et Salv. Nomencl. p. 34 ; Durnford,
Ibis, 1877, p. 172 (Buenos Ayres).
Description. — Above yellowish olive-green, the back sparsely striped with
blackish ; wing- and tail-feathers black, edged with yellow ; forehead bright
orange, the rest of the head like the back ; below bright yellow ; under surfaces
of wings and tail also yellow : total length 5'4 inches, wing 2-7, tail 2-2.
Female dull brownish grey mottled with blackish above : under surface whitish
grey, striped with dusky brown on the breast ; wing- and tail-feathers edged
with yeUow.
Hab. S. Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina.
The Yellow " House- Sparrow," as this species is called, is the town-
bird of Buenos Ayres, but does not multiply greatly, nor is he familiar
with man, like his rough, sooty-plumaged, far-away London relation.
The forehead of the male is bright orange, the prevailing colour of
the entire plumage yellow, clouded with other hues. The female is
grey, marked with pale fuscous, and is less in size than her mate.
They remain with us all the year and live in pairs, the sexes in this
species being faithful. Sometimes they are seen associating in small
flocks, but I am inclined to believe that only the young unmated birds
are gregarious. In 1867-8, during the cholera epidemic in Buenos
Ayres, the Sparrows all disappeared from the town, and I was told by
the manager of a large steam flour-mill in the town that the birds had
not gone away, but had died. They were found dead all about the mill
where they had been very abundant. My informant was a careful
observer, and I have no doubt that he was correct in what he told me.
In spring and summer the male sings frequently with great energy,
but without much melody. After a hurried prelude of sharp chirps and
trills, he pours out a continuous stream of sound, composed of innumer-
able brief notes, high and shrill as those of a bat, wounding the ear
with their excessive sharpness, and emitted so rapidly that the whole
song is more like that of a cicada than of a bird. This piercing torrent
of sound is broken at intervals by a long grave note, or half a dozen
short rapid notes in a lower key, which come as an agreeable relief.
SYCALIS PELZELNI. 67
In towns they build in walls, like the English Sparrow ; in country
places they always select the domed nest of some Dendrocolaptine species
to breed in. Possibly in some districts where I have not been, this
Sparrow selects other breeding-sites ; my experience is that outside of
a town it never lays anywhere but in some domed nest, and at home I
frequently put up boxes for them in the trees, but they would not
notice them, though the Wrens and Swallows were glad to have them.
Sometimes they make choice of the large fabric of the Anumbius acuti-
caudatus, called Lefiatero in the vernacular ; but their claim to this
nest (even when the Lenateros are out of it) is frequently disputed by
other species which possess the same habit as this Sparrow, but are
more powerful than he. Their favourite breeding-place is, however, the
solid earthen structure of the Oven-bird ; and it is wonderful to see
how persistently and systematically they labour to drive out the lawful
owners — birds so much larger and more powerful than themselves.
Early in spring, and before the advent of the Tree- Mar tins, the pair of
Sparrows begin haunting the neighbourhood of the oven they have
elected to take possession of, usually one pretty high up in a tree. As
the season advances their desire towards it increases, and they take up
their position on the very tree it is in ; and finally a particular branch
near the oven, commanding a good view of the entrance, is chosen for
a permanent resting-place. Here they spend a great portion of their
time in song, twitterings, and loving dalliance, and, if attentively ob-
served, they are seen with eyes ever fixed on the coveted abode. As
the need for a receptacle for the eggs becomes more urgent they grow
bolder, and in the absence of the owners flit about the oven, alight on
it, and even enter it. The Oven-bird appears to drive them off with
screams of indignation, but the moment he retires they are about it
again, and, even when it contains eggs or young birds, begin impudently
carrying in feathers, straws, and other materials for a nest, as if they
were already in undisputed possession. At this stage the Tree-Martins
( Progne taper a] perhaps appear to complicate matters ; and even if these
last comers do not succeed in ousting the Oven-birds, they are sure to
seize the oven when it becomes vacant, and the Sparrows, in spite of their
earlier claim, are left out in the cold. But they do not take their defeat
quietly, or, rather, they do not know when they are beaten, but still
remain to harrass their fellow-pirates, just as they did the Oven-birds
before, bringing straws and feathers in their beaks, and when forced to
drop these materials and chased from the neighbourhood with great noise
and fury by the Tree-Martins, it is only to return undaunted in a few
minutes, bringing more straws and feathers.
This Sparrow makes a rather large nest, neatly lined with horsehair,
F2
68 FRINGILLID^E.
and lays five eggs, long, pointed, the entire surface thickly marked with
deep chocolate-brown.
In rural districts this species is comparatively rare, not more than one
or two couples being seen about each habitation ; and I scarcely think
it would be too much to say that there are four or five thousand
Chingolos for every individual Yellow Sparrow. Yet it is a hardy little
bird, well able to hold its own, subsists on the same kind of food and
lays as many eggs as the Zonotrichia ; and it possesses, moreover, a
great advantage over the dominant species in placing its nest out of the
reach of the parasitical Molothrus,thQ destroyer of about fifty per cent,
of the Chingolo's eggs. I can only attribute the great disparity in the
numbers of the two species to the fact that the Yellow House-Sparrow
will breed only (out of towns) in nests not easily taken, and to the
stubborn pertinacity which leads it to waste the season in these vain
efforts, while the other species is rearing its brood. This is a blunder
of instinct comparable to that of the Minera (Geositta cunicularla) ,
mentioned by Darwin in the ' Voyage of a Naturalist/ where the bird
made its hole in a mud wall a few inches wide, and on coming out on
the other side simply went back and made another hole, and then
another, unable to understand that the wall had not the requisite width.
In such a case as the Yellow House-Sparrow presents, in which the
colour of the sexes differs, the female being without any of the brighter
hues found in the male, and which makes an elaborate nest and lays
deeply-coloured eggs, it is impossible not to believe that the bird
originally built in exposed situations, and subsequently — perhaps in
very recent times — acquired the habit of breeding in dark holes. The
frequent destruction of the exposed nest, and an abundance of vacant
domed nests, into which some individuals occasionally penetrated to
breed, would lead to the acquisition of such a nesting-habit; for the
birds inheriting it would have an advantage and be preserved, while
those persisting in the old habit of building exposed nests would perish.
Domed nests made by Dendrocolaptine birds are very abundant even
now, and it is probable that, before the country became settled by
Europeans, they were very much more numerous. Darwin, speaking
of the Oven-bird's habit of always placing its oven in the most con-
spicuous and (to man) accessible places, predicts, and truly I believe,
that this habit will eventually cause the extinction of the species ; for
when the country becomes more thickly settled, the bird-nesting boys
will destroy all the ovens. Probably when the Oven-birds were more
abundant the Sparrows could always find vacant ovens to breed in,
until a habit of breeding almost exclusively in these safe and convenient
bird-built houses was acquired; and the present seemingly stupid
SYCALIS LUTEOLA.
GO
persistence of the birds in struggling to get possession of those already
occupied by stronger species, only shows that the habit or instinct has
not been modified to suit a change in the conditions — i. e. a diminishing
number of ovens to breed in, with, perhaps, the increase of other
stronger species possessing the same habit. But while the instinct
thus survives too strongly in the country birds, many individuals have
taken to a town life, and acquired the new habit of breeding in holes in
brick walls. Probably this race of town birds will eventually colonize
the rural districts, and usurp the place of the country birds, which will
then be placed at a disadvantage.
90. SYCALIS LUTEA (d'Orb. et Lafr.).
(YELLOW SEED-FINCH.)
Sycalis chloxopis, Jlurm. La-Plata Reise, ii. p. 489 (Mendoza and Catamarca).
Sycalis lutea, Scl. Ibis, 1872, p. 46, pi. ii. fig. 2.
Description. — Dark yellow ; rump and body below brighter ; wings and tail
brownish black, edged with yellow ; under wing-coverts pale yellow ; inner
margins of wing-feathers pale brown : whole length 5'5 inches, wing 3'2, tail
2*1. Female similar, but duller and more brownish.
Hob. Andes of Peru, Bolivia, and Argentina.
Prof. Burmeister obtained examples of this species near Mendoza.
In my revision of the genus published in 1872, I referred the speci-
mens (upon some of which Prof. Burmeister based his species S. chlo-
ropis) to S. uropygialis. I now find that this was an error, and that
they really belong to S. lutea. — P. L. S.
91. SYCALIS LUTEOLA (Sparrm.).
(MISTO SEED-FINCH.)
Sycalis luteola, Scl. Ibis, 1872, p. 44 ; Scl. et Salv. Nomencl. p. 35 ; Durnford,
Ibis, 1877, p. 172 (Buenos Ayres), et 1878, p. 394 (Centr. Pat.) ; Barrows,
Bull. Nutt. Orn. Cl. viii. p. 132 (Entrerios). Sycalis luteiventris, Burm.
La-Plata Reise, ii. p. 489.
Description. — Above light olive-green, marked with dusky stripes ; wing-
feathers blackish, with pale brownish edges ; tail-feathers the same ; beneath,
throat and chest dusky buff, lower breast and belly yellow ; bill and feet horn-
colour : total length 5*0 inches, wing 2-6, tail 2'0. Female similar, but not so
bright.
Hob. S. America, from Colombia to Chili.
This is a slender, graceful bird, less than the Canary in size, the
70 FRINGILLID;E.
whole upper plumage yellowish olive, with dun markings, the lower
surface of a dull yellow. The female is a little smaller than the male,
and her colours are somewhat dimmer.
This species is resident and gregarious in the Argentine Republic, and
in autumn frequently congregates in flocks of several thousands. They
are not so universally distributed as the Chingolo, and are not wood-
birds, but frequent open plains abounding in thistles and other coarse
herbage, which affords them shelter. In cultivated districts, where
their food is most abundant, they are excessively numerous, and, after
the harvest has been gathered, frequent the fields in immense flocks.
While feeding, the flocks scatter over a large area of ground, being
broken up into small companies of a dozen or more birds, and at such
times are so intent on their food that a person can walk about amongst
them without disturbing them. They take flight very suddenly, burst-
ing into a thousand chirping, scolding notes, pursue each other through
the air, and, after wheeling about the field for a minute or two, suddenly
drop down into the grass again and are silent as before.
In August they begin to sing, here and there an individual being
heard in the fields ; but when the weather grows warmer they repair
to the plantations in vast numbers, and, sitting on the branches, sing-
in a concert of innumerable voices, which produces a great volume of
confused sound, and which often continues for hours at a time without
intermission.
By-and-by these pleasant choirs break up, the birds all scattering
over the plains and fields to woo and build, and it is then first dis-
covered that the male has a peculiar and very sweet song. Apart from
his fellows, he acquires a different manner of singing, soaring up from
his stand on the summit of a bush or stalk, and beginning his song the
moment he quits his perch. Ascending, he utters a series of long,
melodious notes, not loud, but very distinctly enunciated and increasing
in volume ; at a height of fifty or sixty yards he pauses, the notes becom-
ing slower ; then, as he descends with a graceful spiral flight, the wings
outstretched and motionless, the notes also fall, becoming lower,
sweeter, and more impressive till he reaches the earth. After alight-
ing the song continues, the notes growing longer, thinner, and clearer,
until they dwindle to the merest threads of sound, and cease to be
audible except to a person standing within a few yards of the songster.
The song is quite unique in character, and its great charm is in its
gradual progress from the somewhat thick notes at the commencement
to the thin, tremulous tones with which the bird returns to earth, and
which change again to the excessively attenuated sounds at the end.
The nest is deep, well-built, and well-concealed, sometimes resting on
ICTERID.E. 71
the ground, but frequently raised above it. It contains five long,
pointed eggs, with a white or bluish-white ground-colour, and thickly
spotted with brown. I have frequently found the eggs of the Molothrus
in its nest, but have never been able to see this Sparrow feeding, or
followed by, a young Molothrus. Possibly, if it ever hatches the para-
sitical egg at all, the voracious young Cow-bird is starved by the
delicate food supplied by its foster-parents.
92. OROSPINA PRATENSIS, Cab.
(MEADOW SEED-FINCH.)
Orospina pratensis, Cab. Journ. f. Orn. 1883, p. 108, tab. i. fig. 1.
Description. — Cap dark greenish yellow ; rump yellowish green ; remainder
of upper parts dark brown, feathers of interscapulium and of wings and tail
edged with yellowish green ; inner webs of the outer pair of tail-feathers almost
wholly white, the next pair with a large white spot ; under surface yellow,
lightest on the throat, middle of belly, and crissum ; flanks greenish : total
length 4-5 inches, wing 2-5, tail 1'8.
Hab. Tucuman.
Herr Schulz discovered this little Finch, which Dr. Cabanis has
referred to a new genus allied to Sycalis, upon the high Sierras of
Tucuman, where it was observed sitting on the stones.
Earn. XI. ICTERJD.E, OR TROUPIALS.
The Icteridae or Troupials constitute a large group of Passerine birds
allied to our Starlings (Sturnida) , of which they take the place in the
New World. They are at once structurally distinguishable from the
Starlings by having only 9 primaries in the wing, just as the Mnio-
tiltidse of the New World are in a similar manner distinguishable from
the Sylviidae.
In America the Icteridse play an important part, numbering some 130
species, and extending throughout the two continents from north to
south. Of these, 15 species occur in Argentina, and amongst them are
three species of Cow-bird (Molothi*us) , remarkable for their parasitic
habits, of which Hudson's observations have enabled him to give a full
and, for the first time, a tolerably complete account.
72 ICTERUS.
93. AMBLYCERCUS SOLITARIUS (Vieill.).
(SOLITARY CASSIQUE.)
Cassicus solitarius, Scl. et Salv. Nomencl. p. 36; Barrows, Bu«l Nutt. Orn,
Cl. Tiii. p. 133 (Entrerios) ; Scl. Cat. B. xi. p. 326.
Description. — Uniform black; bill white ; feet black: total length 11 inches,
wing 4*8, tail 4'5. Female similar, but smaller.
Hab. Peru, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, and Northern Argentina.
Mr. Barrows obtained a single specimen of this species at Concepcion,
and others were seen. It was said to be an excellent song-bird, and
to be more abundant further up the Uruguay River.
94. MOLOTHRUS BONARIENSIS (Gm.).
(ARGENTINE COW-BIRD.)
Molothrus bonariensis, Scl. et Salv. Nomencl. p. 37; Hudson, P. Z. S. 1872,
p. 809, 1874, p. 153 (Buenos Ayres) ; Durnford, Ibis, 1877, pp.- 33, 174
(Chupat) ; White, P. Z. S. 1882, p. 601 (Buenos Ayres) ; Doring, Exp.
al Rio Negro, Zool. p. 41 (Carhue) ; Barroios, Bull. Nutt. Orn. Cl. viii. p. 133
(Entrerios); Scl. Cat. B. xi. p. 335. Molothrus sericeus, Burin. La-
Plata Reise, ii. p. 494.
Description. — Uniform shining purplish black ; less lustrous on wings and
tail ; bill and feet black : total length 7'5 inches, wing 4'5, tail 3*0. Female
dark ashy brown, beneath paler ; slightly smaller in size.
Hab. Argentina, Paraguay, Bolivia, and Brazil.
This species is the Tor do Comun of Azara, and is usually called
" Tor do " or " Pajaro Negro " by the Spanish, and " Blackbird" by the
English-speaking Argentines. A more suitable name, I think, is the
Argentine Cow-bird, which has been given to it by some writers on
ornithology, Cow-bird being the name of the closely allied North-
American species, Molothrus pecoris.
This Cow-bird is widely distributed in South America, and is
common throughout the Argentine country, including Patagonia, as
far south as Chupat. In Buenos Ayres it is very numerous, especially
in cultivated districts where there are plantations of trees. The male
is clothed in a glossy plumage of deep violaceous purple, the wings and
tail being dark metallic green ; but seen at a distance or in the shade
the bird looks black. The female is inferior in size and has a dull,
mouse-coloured plumage, and black beak and legs. The males are
much more numerous than the females. Azara says that nine birds in
ten are males ; but I am not sure that the disparity is so great as that.
It seems strange and contrary to Nature's usual rule that the smaller,
MOLOTHRUS BONARIENSIS.
73
shyer, inconspicuous individuals should be in such a minority; but the
reason is perhaps that the male eggs of the Cow- bird are harder-shelled
than the female eggs, and escape destruction oftener, when the parent
bird exercises its disorderly and destructive habit of pecking holes in
all the eggs it finds in the nests into which it intrudes.
The Cow-birds are sociable to a greater degree than most species,
their companies not breaking up during the laying-season; for, as
they are parasitical, the female merely steals away to drop her egg in
any nest she can find, after which she returns to the flock. They
feed on the ground^ where in their movements and in the habit
the male has of craning out its neck when disturbed, they resemble
Starlings. The male has also a curious habit of carrying his tail raised
vertically while feeding. They follow the domestic cattle about the
pastures, and frequently a dozen or more birds may be seen perched
along the back of a cow or horse. When the animal is grazing they
group themselves close to its mouth, like chickens round a hen when
she scratches up the ground, eager to snatch up the small insects
exposed where the grass is cropped close. In spring they also follow
the plough to pick up worms and grubs.
The song of the male, particularly when making love, is accompanied
with gestures and actions somewhat like those of the domestic Pigeon.
He swells himself out, beating the ground with his wings, and uttering
a series of deep internal notes, followed by others loud and clear ; and
occasionally, when uttering them, he suddenly takes wing and flies
directly away from the female to a distance of fifty yards, and performs
a wide circuit about her in the air, singing all the time. The homely
object of his short-lived passion always appears utterly indifferent to
this curious and pretty performance ; yet she must be even more
impressionable than most female birds, since she continues scattering
about her parasitical and often wasted eggs during four months in
every year. Her language consists of a long note with a spluttering
sound, to express alarm or curiosity, and she occasionally chatters in a
low tone as if trying to sing. In the evening, when the birds congre-
gate on the trees to roost they often continue singing in concert until
it is quite dark ; and when disturbed at night the males frequently
utter their song while taking flight, reminding one of the Icterus
pyrrhopterus , which has only its usual melody to express fear and other
painful emotions. On rainy days, when they are driven to the shelter
of trees, they will often sing together for hours without intermission,
the blending of innumerable voices producing a rushing sound as of
a high wind. At the end of summer they congregate in flocks of tens
of thousands, so that the ground where they are feeding seems carpeted
74 ICTERID^E.
with black, and the trees when they alight appear to have a black
foliage. At such times one wonders that many small species on which
they are parasites do not become extinct by means of their pernicious
habit. In Buenos Ayres, where they are most numerous, they have
a migration, which is only partial, however. It is noticeable chiefly in
the autumn, and varies greatly in different years. In some seasons it
is very marked, when for many days in February and March the birds
are seen travelling northwards, flock succeeding flock all day long,
passing by with a swift low undulating flight, their wings producing a
soft musical sound ; and this humming flight of the migrating Cow-
birds is as familiar to every one acquainted with nature in Buenos
Ayres as the whistling of the wind or the distant lowing of cattle.
The procreant instinct of this Molothrus has always seemed so
important to me, for many reasons, that I have paid a great deal of
attention to it ; and the facts, or, at all events, the most salient of them,
which I have collected during several years of observation, I propose
to append here, classified under different headings so as to avoid
confusion and to make it easy for other observers to see at a glance
just how much I have learnt.
Though I have been familiar with this species from childhood, when
I used to hunt every day for their wasted eggs on the broad, clean
walks of the plantation, and removed them in pity from the nests of
little birds where I found them, I have never ceased to wonder at their
strange instinct, which in its wasteful destructive character, so unlike
the parasitical habit in other species, seems to strike a discordant note
in the midst of the general harmony of nature.
Mistakes and Imperfections of the Procreant Instinct of Molothrus
bonariensis.
1. The Cow-birds, as we have seen, frequently waste their eggs by
dropping them on the ground.
2. They also occasionally lay in old forsaken nests. This I have
often observed, and to make very sure I took several old nests and
placed them in trees and bushes, and found that eggs were laid
in them.
3. They also frequently lay in nests where incubation has actually
begun. When this happens the Cow-bird's egg is lost if incubation
is far advanced ; but if the eggs have been sat on three or four days
only, then it has a good chance of being hatched and the young bird
reared along with its foster-brothers.
4. One female often lays several eggs in the same nest, instead of
laying only one, as does, according to Wilson, the Molothrus pecoris
MOLOTIIRUS BONARJENSIS. 75
of North America. I conclude that this is so from the fact that in
cases where the eggs of a species vary considerably in form, size, and
markings, each individual of the species lays eggs precisely or nearly
alike. So when I find two. three, or four eggs of the Cow-bird in
one nest all alike in colour and other particulars, and yet in half a
hundred eggs from other nests cannot find one to match with them, it
is impossible not to believe that the eggs found together, and possessing
a family likeness, were laid by the same bird.
5. Several females often lay in one nest, so that the number of eggs
in it frequently makes incubation impossible. One December I
collected ten nests of the Scissor-tail (Milvulus tyrannus) from my
trees; they contained a total of 47 eggs, 12 of the Scissor-tails and
35 of the Cow-birds. It is worthy of remark that the Milvulus breeds
in October or early in November, rearing only one brood; so that
these ten nests found late in December were of birds that had lost
their first nests. Probably three fourths of the lost nests of Milvulus
are abandoned in consequence of the confusion caused in them by the
Cow-birds.
6. The Cow-birds, male and female, destroy many of the eggs in the
nests they visit, by pecking holes in the shells, breaking, devouring, and
stealing them. This is the most destructive habit of the bird, and is
probably possessed by individuals in different degrees. I have often
carefully examined all the parasitical eggs in a nest, and after three or
four days found that these eggs had disappeared, others, newly laid,
being in their places. I have seen the female Cow-bird strike her
beak into an egg and fly away with it ; and I have often watched the
male bird perched close by while the female was on the nest, and
when she quitted it seen him drop down and begin pecking holes in the
eggs. In some nests found full of parasitical eggs every egg has holes
pecked in the shell, for the bird destroys indiscriminately eggs of its
own and of other species.
Advantages possessed by M. bonariensis over its dupes.
After reading the preceding notes one might ask, If there is so much
that is defective and irregular in the reproductive instinct of M. bona-
riensis, how does the species maintain its existence, and even increase
to such an amazing extent? for it certainly is very much more numerous,
over an equal area, than other parasitical species. For its greater
abundance there may be many reasons unknown to us. The rarer
species may be less hardy, have more enemies, be exposed to more
perils in their long migrations, &c. That it is able to maintain its
existence in spite of irregularities in its instinct is no doubt due to
the fact that its eggs and young possess many advantages over the
76 ICTEIIIDJE.
eggs and young of the species upon which it is parasitical. Some of
these advantages are due to those very habits of the parent bird which
at first sight appear most defective ; others to the character of the
egg and embryo, time of evolution, &c.
1. The egg of the Cow-bird is usually larger, and almost invariably
harder- shelled than are the eggs it is placed with ; those of the Yellow-
breast (Pseudoleistes virescens] being the one exception I am acquainted
with. The harder shell of its own egg, considered in relation to the
destructive egg-breaking habit of the bird, gives it the best chance of
being preserved ; for though the Cow-bird never distinguishes its own
eggs, of which indeed it destroys a great many, a larger proportion
escape in a nest where many eggs are indiscriminately broken.
2. The vitality or tenacity of life appears greater in the embryo
Cow-bird than in other species ; this circumstance also, in relation to
the egg- breaking habit and to the habit of laying many eggs in a
nest, gives it a further advantage. I have examined nests of the
Scissor-tail, containing many eggs, after incubation had begun, and
have been surprised at finding those of the Scissor-tail addled, even
when placed most advantageously in the nest for receiving heat from
the parent bird, while those of the Cow -bird contained living embryos,
even when under all the other eggs, and, as frequently happens, glued
immovably to the nest by the matter from broken eggs spilt over them.
The following instance of extraordinary vitality in an embryo Molo-
thrus seems to show incidentally that in some species protective habits,
which will act as a check on the parasitical instinct, may be in the
course of formation.
Though birds do not, as a rule, seem able to distinguish parasitical
eggs from their own, however different in size and colour they may
be, they often do seem to know that eggs dropped in their nest before
they themselves have began to lay ought not to be there; and the
nest, even after its completion, is not infrequently abandoned on
account of these premature eggs. Some species, however, do not for-
sake their nests ; and though they do not throw the parasitical eggs
out, which would seem the simplest plan, they have discovered how to
get rid of them and so save themselves the labour of making a fresh
nest. Their method is to add a new deep lining, under which the
strange eggs are buried out of sight and give no more trouble. The
Sisopygis icterophrys — a common Tyrant-bird in Buenos Ayres —
frequently has recourse to this expedient ; and the nest it makes being
rather shallow the layer of fresh material, under which the strange eggs
are buried, is built upwards above the rim of the original nest; so
that this supplementary nest is like one saucer placed within another,
MOLOTHRUS BONARIENSIS. 77
and the observer is generally able to tell from the thickness of the
whole structure whether any parasitical eggs have been entombed in
it or not. Finding a very thick nest one day., containing two half-
fledged young birds besides three addled eggs, I opened it, removing
the upper portion, or additional nest, intact, and discovered beneath it
three buried Molothrus eggs, their shells encrusted with dirt and glued
together with broken egg-matter spilt over them. In trying to get
them out without pulling the nest to pieces I broke them all ; two
were quite rotten, but the third contained a living embryo, ready
to be hatched, and very lively and hungry when I took it in my
hand. The young Tyrant-birds were about a fortnight old, and as they
hatch out only about twenty days after the parent-bird begins laying,
this parasitical egg with a living chick in it must have been deeply
buried in the nest for five or six weeks. Probably after the young
Tyrant-birds came out of their shells and began to grow, the little heat
from their bodies penetrating to the buried egg, served to bring the
embryo in it to maturity ; but when I saw it I felt (like a person who
sees a ghost) strongly inclined to doubt the evidence of my own senses.
3. The comparatively short time the embryo takes to hatch gives it
another and a great advantage ; for, whereas the eggs of other small
birds require from fourteen to sixteen days to mature, that of the Cow-
bird hatches in eleven days and a half from the moment incubation
commences ; so that when the female Cow-bird makes so great a mistake
as to drop an egg with others that have already been sat on, unless
incubation be very far advanced, it still has a chance of being hatched
before or contemporaneously with the others ; but even if the others
hatch first, the extreme hardiness of the embryo serves to keep it alive
with the modicum of heat it receives.
4. Whenever the Molothrus is hatched together with the young of its
foster-parents, if these are smaller than the parasite, as usually is the
case, soon after exclusion from the shell they disappear, and the young
Cow-bird remains sole occupant of the nest. How it succeeds in
expelling or destroying them, if it indeed does destroy them, I have not
been able to learn.
5. To all these circumstances favourable to the Molothrus may be
added another of equal or even greater importance. It is never engaged
with the dilatory and exhaustive process of rearing its own young ; and
for this reason continues in better condition than other species, and,
moreover, being gregarious and practising promiscuous sexual inter-
course, must lay a much greater number of eggs than other species.
In our domestic fowls we see that hens that never become broody lay a
great deal more than others. Some of our small birds rear two, others
78 ICTERIDjE.
only one brood in the season — building, incubation, and tending the
young takyig up much time, so that they are usually from two to
three months and a half employed. But the Cow-bird is like the fowl
that never incubates, and continues dropping eggs during four months
and a half. From the beginning of September until the end of January
the males are seen incessantly wooing the females, and during most of
this time eggs are found. I find that small birds will, if deprived
repeatedly of their nests, lay and even hatch four times in the season,
thus laying, if the full complement be four, sixteen eggs. No doubt
the Cow-bird lays a much larger number than that ; my belief is that
every female lays from sixty to a hundred eggs every season, though I
have nothing but the extraordinary number of wasted eggs one finds to
judge from.
Before dismissing the subject of the advantages the Molothrus pos-
sesses over its dupes, and of the real or apparent defects of its instinct,
some attention should be given to another circumstance, viz., the new
conditions introduced by land-cultivation and their effect on the species.
The altered conditions have, in various ways, served to remove many
extraneous checks on the parasitical instinct, and the more the birds
multiply, the more irregular and disordered does the instinct necessarily
become. In wild districts where it was formed, and where birds build-
ing accessible nests are proportionately fewer, the instinct seems different
from what it does in cultivated districts. Parasitical eggs are not
common in the desert, and even the most exposed nests there are pro-
bably never overburdened with them. But in cultivated places, where
their food abounds, the birds congregate in the orchards and plantations
in great numbers, and avail themselves of all the nests, ill- concealed as
they must always be in the clean, open-foliaged trees planted by man.
Diversity in Colour of Eggs.
There is an extraordinary diversity in the colour, form, and disposi-
tion of markings &c. of the eggs of M. bonariensis ; and I doubt
whether any other species exists laying eggs so varied. About half the
eggs one finds, or nearly half, are pure unspotted white, like the eggs
of birds that breed in dark holes. Others are sparsely sprinkled with
such exceedingly minute specks of pale pink or grey, as to appear quite
spotless until closely examined. After the pure white, the most common
variety is an egg with a white ground, densely and uniformly spotted
or blotched with red. Another not uncommon variety has a very pale,
flesh-coloured ground, uniformly marked with fine characters, that look
as if inscribed on the shell with a pen. A much rarer variety has a
pure white shell with a few large or variously sized chocolate spots.
MOLOTHRUS BONARIENSIS. 79
Perhaps the rarest variety is an egg entirely of a fine deep red ; but
between this lovely marbled egg and the white one with almost imper-
ceptible specks, there are varieties without number ; for there is no such
thing as characteristic markings in the eggs of this species, although,
as I have said before, the eggs of the same individual show a family
resemblance.
Habits of the young M. bonariensis.
Small birds of all species, when first hatched, closely resemble each
other ; after they are fledged the resemblance is less, but still compara-
tively great ; grey, interspersed with brown, is the colour of most of
them, or at least of the upper exposed plumage. There is also a great
similarity in their cries of hunger and fear — shrill, querulous, prolonged,
and usually tremulous notes. It is not, then, to be wondered at that
the foster-parents of the young Molothrus so readily respond to its
cries, understanding the various expressions denoting hunger, fear, pain,
as well as when uttered by their own offspring. But the young Molo-
thrus never understands the language of its foster-parents as other
young birds understand the language of their real parents, rising to
receive food when summoned, and concealing themselves or trying to
escape when the warning note is given. How does the young Molothrus
learn to distinguish, even by sight, its foster-parent from any other bird
approaching the nest ? It generally manifests no fear even at a large
object. On thrusting my fingers into any nest, I find the young birds,
if still blind or but recently hatched, will hold up and open their mouths
expecting food ; but in a very few days they learn to distinguish be-
tween their parents and other objects approaching them, and to show
alarm even when not warned of danger. Consider the different
behaviour of three species that seldom or never warn their offspring of
danger. The young of Synallaxis spixi, though in a deep domed nest,
will throw itself to the ground, attempting thus to make its escape.
The young of Mimus patagonicus sits close and motionless, with closed
eyes, mimicking death. The young of our common Zenaida, even
before it is fledged, will swell itself up and strike angrily at the intruder
with beak and wings ; and, by making so brave a show of its inefficient
weapons, it probably often saves itself from destruction. But any thing
approaching the young Molothrus is welcomed with fluttering wings and
clamorous cries, as if all creatures were expected to minister to its
necessities.
December 24. — To-day I found a young Molothrus in the nest of
Spermophila ccerulescens ; he cried for food on seeing my hand approach
the nest ; I took him out and dropped him down, when, finding himself
80 ICTERID^l.
on the ground, he immediately made off, half-flying. After a hard
chase T succeeded in recapturing him, and began to twirl him about,
making him scream, so as to inform his foster-parents of his situation,
for they were not by at the moment. I then put him back in, or rather
upon, the little cradle of a nest, and plucked half-a-dozen large measure-
worms from an adjacent twig. The worms I handed to the bird as I
drew them from the cases, and with great greediness he devoured them
all, notwithstanding the ill-treatment he had just received, and utterly
disregarding the wild excited cries of his foster-parents, just arrived
and hovering within three or four feet of the nest.
Last summer I noticed a young Cow-bird in a stubble-field, perched
on the top of a slender dry stalk ; as it was clamouring at short
intervals, I waited to see what bird would come to it. It proved to be
the diminutive Hapalocercus flaviventris ; and I was much amused to
see the little thing fly directly to its large foster-offspring and, alighting
on its back, drop a worm into the upturned open mouth. After re-
maining a moment on its singular perch, the Flycatcher flew away, but
in less than half a minute returned and perched again on the young
bird's back. I continued watching them until the Molothrus flew off,
but not before I had seen him fed seven or eight times in the same
manner.
In the two foregoing anecdotes may be seen the peculiar habits of
the young Molothrus. As the nests in which it is hatched, from those
of the little Serpophaga and Wren to those of Mimus, vary so much in
size and materials, and are placed in such different situations, the young
Molothrus must have in most of them a somewhat incongruous appear-
ance. But in the habits of the young bird is the greatest incongruity
or inadaptation. When the nest is in a close thicket or forest, though
much too small for the bird, and although the bird itself cannot under-
stand its foster-parents, and welcomes all things that, whether with
good or evil design, come near it, the unfitness is not so apparent as
when the nest is in open fields and plains.
The young Molothrus differs from the true offspring of its foster-
parents in its habit of quitting the nest as soon as it is able, trying to
follow the old bird, and placing itself in the most conspicuous place it
can find, such as the summit pf a stalk or weed, and there demanding
food with frequent and importunate cries. Thus the little Flycatcher
had acquired the habit of perching on the back of its charge to feed it,
because parent birds invariably perch above their young to feed them,
and the young Cow-bird prevented this by always sitting on the summit
of the stalk it perched on. The habit is most fatal on the open and
closely cropped pampas inhabited by the Cachila (Anthus correndera).
MOLOTHRUS BONARIENSIS. 81
In December, when the Cachila Pipit rears its second brood, the Mllvago
chimango also has young, and feeds them almost exclusively on the
young of various species of small birds. At this season the Chimango
destroys great numbers of the young of the Cachila and of Synallaxis
hudsoni. Yet these birds are beautifully adapted in structure, colora-
tion, and habits to their station. It thus happens that in districts
where the Molothrus is abundant, their eggs are found in a majority of
the Cachilas' nests : and yet to find a young Cow-bird out of the nest
is a rare thing here, for as soon as the young birds are able to quit the
nest and expose themselves they are all or nearly all carried off
by the Chi mangos.
Conjectures as to the Origin of the Parasitic Instinct in M. bonariensis.
Darwin's opinion that the " immediate and final cause of the Cuckoo's
instinct is that she lays her eggs not daily, but at intervals of two or
three days " (' Origin of Species '), carries no great appearance of pro-
bability with it ; for might it not just as reasonably be said that the
parasitic instinct is the immediate and final cause of her laying her eggs
at long intervals ? If it is favourable to a species with the instinct of
the Cuckoo (and it probably is favourable) to lay eggs at longer
intervals than other species, then natural selection would avail itself of
every modification in the reproductive organs that tended to produce
such a result, and make the improved structure permanent. It is said
(' Origin of Species/ chapter vii.) that the American Cuckoo lays
also at long intervals, and has eggs and young at the same time in its
nest, a circumstance manifestly disadvantageous. Of the Coccyzus
melanocoryphus, the only one of our three Coccyzi whose nesting-habits
I am acquainted with, I can say that it never begins to incubate till the
full complement of eggs are laid — that its young are hatched simul-
taneously. But if it is sought to trace the origin of the European
Cuckoo's instinct in the nesting-habits of American Coccyzi, it might be
attributed not to the aberrant habit of perhaps a single species, but to
another and more disadvantageous habit common to the entire genus,
viz., their habit of building exceedingly frail platform-nests from which
the eggs and young very frequently fall. By occasionally dropping an
egg in the deep, secure nest of some other bird, an advantage would be
possessed by the birds hatched in them, and in them the habit would
perhaps become hereditary. Be this as it may (and the one guess is
perhaps as wide of the truth as the other), there are many genera inter-
mediate between Cuculus and Molothrus in which no trace of a parasitic
habit appears ; and it seems more than probable that the analogous
instincts originated in different ways in the two genera. As regards the
VOL. i. o
82 ICTERID.E.
origin of the instinct in Molothrus, it will perhaps seem premature to
found speculations on the few facts here recorded, and before we are
acquainted with the habits of other members of the genus. That a
species should totally lose so universal an instinct as the maternal one,
and yet avail itself of that affection in other species to propagate itself,
seems a great mystery. Nevertheless, I cannot refrain from all conjec-
ture on the subject, and will go so far as to suggest what may have
been at least one of the many concurrent causes that have produced
the parasitic instinct. The apparently transitional nesting-habits of
several species, and one remarkable habit of M. bonariensis, seem to me
to throw some light on a point bearing intimately on the subject, viz.,
the loss of the nest-making instinct in this species.
Habits vary greatly ; were it not so, they would never seem so well
adapted to the conditions of life as we find them, since the conditions
themselves are not unchangeable. Thus it happens that, while a species
seems well adapted to its state in its habits, it frequently seems not so
well adapted in its relatively immutable structure. For example, with-
out going away from the pampas, we find a Tringa with the habits of
an upland Plover, a Tyrant-bird (Pitangus bellicosus) preying on mice
and snakes, another Tyrant-bird (Myiotheretes rufiventris) Plover-like in
its habits, and finally a Woodpecker (Colaptes campestris) that seeks its
food on the ground like a Starling; yet in none of these — and the list
might be greatly lengthened — has there been anything like a modifica-
tion of structure to keep pace with the altered manner of life. But,
however much the original or generic habits of a species may have become
altered — the habits of a species being widely different from those of its
congeners, also a want of correspondence between structure and habits
(the last being always more suited to conditions than the first) being
taken as evidence of such alteration — traces of ancient and disused
habits frequently reappear. Seemingly capricious actions too numerous,
too vague, or too insignificant to be recorded, improvised definite actions
that are not habitual, apparent imitations of the actions of other species,
a perpetual inclination to attempt something that is never attempted,
and attempts to do that which is never done — these and other like
motions are, I believe, in many cases to be attributed to the faint
promptings of obsolete instincts. To the same cause many of the
occasional aberrant habits of individuals may possibly be due — such as
of a bird that builds in trees occasionally laying on the ground. If
recurrence to an ancestral type be traceable in structure, coloration,
language, it is reasonable to expect something analogous to occur in
instincts. But, even if such casual and. often aimless motions as I have
mentioned should guide us unerringly to the knowledge of the old and
MOLOTHRUS BONARIENSIS. 83
disused instincts of a species, this knowledge of itself would not enable
us to discover the origin of present ones. But assuming it as a fact that
the conditions of existence, and the changes going on in them, are in
every case the fundamental cause of alterations in habits, I believe that
in many cases a knowledge of the disused instincts will assist us very
materially in the inquiry. I will illustrate my meaning with a suppo-
sititious case. Should all or many species of Columbidce manifest an
inclination for haunting rocks and banks, and for entering or peering
into holes in them, such vague and purposeless actions, connected with
the facts that all Doves build simple platform-nests (like Columba livia
and others that build on a flat surface), also lay white eggs (the rule
being that eggs laid in dark holes are white, exposed eggs coloured),
also that one species, G. livia, does lay in holes in rocks, would lead
us to believe that the habit of this species was once common to the
genus. We should conclude that an insufficiency of proper breeding-
places, i. e. new external conditions, first induced Doves to build in
trees. Thus C. livia also builds in trees where there are no rocks ; but,
when able, returns to its ancestral habits. In the other species we
should believe the primitive habit to be totally lost from disuse, or
only to manifest itself in a faint uncertain manner.
Now, in Molothrus bonariensis we see just such a vague, purposeless
habit as the imaginary one I have described. Before and during the
breeding-season the females, sometimes accompanied by the males, are
seen continually haunting and examining the domed nests of some of
the Dendrocolaptidse. This does not seem like a mere freak of curiosity,
but their persistence in their investigations is precisely like that of birds
that habitually make choice of such breeding-places. It is surprising
that they never do actually lay in such nests, except when the side or
dome has been accidentally broken enough to admit the light into the
interior. Whenever I set boxes up in my trees, the female Cow-birds
were the first to visit them. Sometimes one will spend half a day
loitering about and inspecting a box, repeatedly climbing round and
over it, and always ending at the entrance, into which she peers curi-
ously, and when about to enter starting back, as if scared at the
obscurity within. But after retiring a little space she will return
again and again, as if fascinated with the comfort and security of such
an abode. It is amusing to see how pertinaciously they hang about
the ovens of the Oven-birds, apparently determined to take possession
of them, flying back after a hundred repulses, and yet not entering
them even when they have the opportunity. Sometimes one is seen
following a Wren or a Swallow to its nest beneath the eaves, and then
clinging to the wall beneath the hole into which it, disappeared. I
84
could fill many pages with instances of this habit of M. bonariensis,
which, useless though it be, is as strong an affection as the bird
possesses. That it is a recurrence to a long disused habit, I can
scarcely doubt ; at least, to no other cause that I can imagine can it
be attributed; and, besides, it seems to me that if M. bonariensis,
when once a nest-builder, had acquired the semiparasitical habit of
breeding in domed nests of other birds, such a habit might conduce to
the formation of the instinct which it now possesses. I may mention
that twice I have seen birds of this species attempting to build nests,
and that on both occasions they failed to complete the work. So
universal is the nest-making instinct, that one might safely say the M.
bonariensis had once possessed it, and that in the cases I have mentioned
it was a recurrence, too weak to be efficient, to the ancestral habit.
Another interesting circumstance may be adduced as strong presump-
tive evidence that M. bonariensis once made itself an open exposed
nest as M. badius occasionally does — viz., the difference in colour of
the male and female ; for whilst the former is rich purple, the latter
possesses an adaptive resemblance in colour to nests and to the shaded
interior twigs and branches on which nests are usually built. How
could such an instinct have been lost ? To say that the Cow-bird
occasionally dropped an egg in another bird's nest, and that the young
hatched from these accidental eggs possessed some (hypothetical)
advantage over those hatched in the usual way, and that the para-
sitical habit so became hereditary, supplanting the original one, is an
assertion without any thing to support it, and seems to exclude the
agency of external conditions. Again the want of correspondence in
the habits of the young parasite and its foster-parents would in reality
be a disadvantage to the former ; the unfitness would be as great in
the eggs and other circumstances ; for all the advantages the parasite
actually possesses in the comparative hardness of the egg-shell, rapid
evolution of the young, &c., already mentioned, must have been acquired
little by little through the slowly accumulating process of natural selec-
tion, but subsequently to the formation of the original parasitical
inclination and habit. I am inclined to believe that M. bonariensis
lost the nest-making instinct by acquiring that semiparasitical habit,
common to so many South- American birds, of breeding in the large
covered nests of the Dendrocolaptidse. We have evidence that this
semiparasitical habit does tend to eradicate the nest-making one. The
Synallaxes build great elaborate domed nests, yet we have one species
(S. (Bgithaloides] that never builds for itself, but breeds in the nests of
other birds of the same genus. In some species the nesting-habit is in
a transitional state. Machetornis rixosa sometimes makes an elaborate
MOLOTHRUS BONARIENS1S. 85
nest in the angle formed by twigs and the bough of a tree, but prefers,
and almost invariably makes choice of, the covered nest of some other
species or of a hole in the tree. It is precisely the same with our Wren,
Troglodytes furvus. The Yellow House-Sparrow (Sycalis pelzelni] in-
variably breeds in a dark hole or covered nest. The fact that these three
species lay coloured eggs, and the first and last very darkly coloured eggs,
inclines one to believe that they once invariably built exposed nests, as
M. rixosa still occasionally does. It may be added that those species
that lay coloured eggs in dark places construct and line their nests far
more neatly than do the species that breed in such places but lay white
eggs. As with M. rixosa and the Wren, so it is with the Bay-winged
Molothrus • it lays mottled eggs, and occasionally builds a neat exposed
nest; yet so great is the partiality it has acquired for large domed nests,
that whenever it can possess itself of one by dint of fighting, it will not
build one for itself. Let us suppose that the Cow-bird also once
acquired the habit of breeding in domed nests, and that through this
habit its original nest-making instinct was completely eradicated, it is
not difficult to imagine how in its turn this instinct was also lost. A
diminution in the number of birds that built domed nests, or an increase
in the number of species and individuals that breed in such nests, would
involve M. bonariensis in a struggle for nests, in which it would
probably be defeated. In Buenos Ay res the White-rumped Swallow, the
Wren, and the Yellow Seed-finch prefer the ovens of the Farnarius to
any other breeding-place, but to obtain them are obliged to struggle with
Progne tapera,} for this species has acquired the habit of breeding
exclusively in the ovens. They cannot, however, compete with the
Progne ; and thus the increase of one species has, to a great extent,
deprived three other species of their favourite building-place. Again,
Machetornis rixosa prefers the greatnest of the Anumbius; and when other
species compete with it for the nest they are invariably defeated. I have
seen a pair of Machetornis after they had seized a nest attacked in their
turn by a flock of six or eight Bay-wings ; but, in spite of the superior
numbers, the fury of the Machetornis compelled them to raise the siege.
Thus some events in the history of our common Molothrus have
perhaps been accounted for, if not the most essential one — the loss
of the nest- making instinct from the acquisition of the habit of
breeding in the covered nests of other birds, a habit that has left a
strong trace in the manners of the species, and perhaps in the pure
white unmarked eggs of so many individuals ; finally, we have seen
how this habit may also have been lost. But the parasitical habit of
the M. bonariensis may have originated when the bird was still a nest-
builder. The origin of the instinct may have been in the occasional
86
habit, common to so many species, of two or more females laying
together ; the progenitors of all the species of Molothrus may have been
early infected with this habit, and inherited with it a facility for acquiring
their present one. M.. pecoris and M. bonariensis, though their instincts
differ, are both parasitic on a great number of species ; M. rufoaocillaris
on M. badius ; and in this last species two or more females frequently
lay together. If we suppose that the M. bonariensis , when it was a
nest-builder, or reared its own young in the nests it seized, possessed
this habit of two or more females frequently laying together, the young
of those birds that oftenest abandoned their eggs to the care of another
would probably inherit a weakened maternal instinct. The continual
intercrossing of individuals with weaker and stronger instincts would
prevent the formation of two races differing in habit ; but the whole
race would degenerate, and would only be saved from final extinction
by some individuals occasionally dropping their eggs in the nests of
other species, perhaps of a Molothrus, as M. rufoaocillaris still does,
rather than of birds of other genera. Certainly in this way the para-
sitic instinct may have originated in M. bonariensis without that
species ever having acquired the habit of breeding in the covered dark
nests of other birds. I have supposed that they once possessed it only
to account for the strange attraction such nests have for them, which
seems like a recurrence to an ancestral habit.
95. MOLOTHRUS RUFOAXILLAEIS, Cassin.
(SCREAMING COW-BIRD.)
[PLATE VI. FIG. 2.]
Molothrus rufoaxillaris, Scl. et Salv. Nomend. p. 37 ; Hudson, P. Z. S. 1874,
p. 161 (Beunos Ayres) ; Durnford, Ibis, 1877, p. 174 (Buenos Ayres) ;
White, P. Z. S. 1882, p. 601 (Catainarca) ; Barrows, Bull. Nutt. Orn. Cl. viii.
p. 134 (Entrerios) ; Scl Cat. B. xi. p. 338.
Description. — Silky black, washed with purple ; wings and tail with a slight
greenish gloss ; a chestnut spot on the axillaries ; bill and feet black : whole
length 8-0 inches, wing 4*5, tail 3*3. Female similar, but somewhat smaller.
Hab. Argentina and Uruguay.
This bird has no vulgar name, not being distinguished from the
Common Cow-bird by the country people. The English name of
Screaming Cow-bird, which I have bestowed on it, will, I think, com-
mend itself as appropriate to those who observe this bird, for they will
always and at any distance be able to distinguish it from the species it
resembles so nearly by listening to its impetuous screaming notes, so
unlike anything in the language of the Common Cow-bird.
ARG. ORN. PL. VI
Fig.l. MOLOTHRUS RADIUS, ad.
2 RUFO-AXILLARIS. pull.
MOLOTHRUS RUFOAXILLARIS. 87
The Screaming Cow-bird is larger than the allied species. The
female is less than the male in size, but in colour they are alike, the
entire plumage being deep blue-black, glossy, and with purple reflec-
tions ; and under the wing at the joint there is a small rufous spot.
The beak is very stout, the plumage loose, and with a strong, musky
smell ; the oesophagus remarkably wide.
It is far less common than the other species of Molothrus, but is not
rare, and ranges south to the Buenos-Ayrean pampas, where a few
individuals are usually found in every large plantation ; and, like
the M. badius, it remains with us the whole year. It is not strictly
gregarious, but in winter goes in parties, never exceeding five or six
individuals, and in the breeding- season in pairs. One of its most
noteworthy traits is an exaggerated hurry and bustle thrown into all
its movements. When passing from one branch to another, it goes by
a series of violent jerks, smiting its wings loudly together ; and when
a party of them return from the fields they rush wildly and loudly
screaming to the trees, as if pursued by a bird of prey. They are not
singing-birds ; but the male sometimes, though rarely, attempts a song,
and utters, with considerable effort, a series of chattering unmelodious
notes. The chirp with wThich he invites his mate to fly has the sound of
a loud and smartly-given kiss. His warning or alarm-note when
approached in the breeding-season has a soft and pleasing sound ; it is,
curiously enough, his only mellow expression. But his most common and
remarkable vocal performance is a cry beginning with a hollow-sounding
internal note, and swelling into a sharp metallic ring ; this is uttered
with tail and wings spread and depressed, the whole plumage raised
like that of a strutting turkey-cock, whilst the bird hops briskly up and
down on its perch as if dancing. From its puffed-out appearance, and
from the peculiar character of the sound it emits, I believe that, like
the Pigeon and some other species, it has the faculty of filling its crop
with air, to use it as a ' ' chamber of resonance." The note I have
described is quickly and invariably followed by a scream, harsh and
impetuous, uttered by the female, though both notes always sound as if
proceeding from one bird. When on the wing the birds all scream
together in concert.
The food of this species is chiefly minute seeds and tender buds ; they
also swallow large caterpillars and spiders, but do not, like their con-
geners, eat hard insects.
I became familiar, even as a small boy, with the habits of the
Screaming Cow-bird, and before this species was known to naturalists,
but could never find its nest, though I sought diligently for it. I
could never see the birds collecting materials for a nest, or feeding their
83 ICTERID^E.
grown-up young like other species, and tins might have made me
suspect that they did not hatch their own eggs ; but it never occurred
to me that the bird was parasitical, I suppose because in summer they
are always seen in pairs, the male and female being inseparable.
Probably this is the only parasitical species in which there is conjugal
fidelity. I also noticed that, when approached in the breeding- season,
the pair always displayed great excitement and anxiety, like birds that
have a nest, or that have selected a site on which to build one. But
year after year the end of the summer would arrive, the birds reunite
in parties of half a dozen, and the mystery remain unsolved. At length,
after many years, fortune favoured me, and while observing the habits
of another species (Molothrus badius), I discovered by chance the
procreant habits of the Screaming Cow-birds ; and as these observations
throw some light on the habits of M. badius, I think it best to transcribe
my notes here in full.
A pair of Lenateros (Anumbius acuticaudatus) have been nearly all
the winter building a nest on an acacia tree sixty yards from the house ;
it is about 27 inches deep, and 16 or 18 in circumference, and appears
now nearly finished. I am sure that this nest will be attacked before
long, and I have resolved to watch it closely.
September 28. — To-day I saw a Bay-wing (M. badius) on the nest ;
it climbed over it, deliberately inspecting every part with the critical air
of a proprietor who had ordered its construction, taking up and re-
arranging some sticks and throwing others a\\ ay from the nest. While
thus engaged, two common Cow-birds (M. bonariensis) , male and female,
came to the tree ; the female dropped on to the nest, and began also to
examine it, peering curiously into the entrance and quarrelling with
the first bird. After a few minutes she flew away, followed by her
glossy consort. The Bay-wing continued its strange futile work until
the owners of the nest appeared, whereupon it hopped aside in its usual
slow leisurely manner, sang for a few moments, then flew away. The
similarity in the behaviour of the two birds struck me very forcibly ;
in the great interest they take in the nests of other birds, especially in
large covered nests, the two species are identical. But when the
breeding-season comes their habits begin to diverge : then the Common
Cow-bird lays in nests of other species, abandoning its eggs to their
care ; while the Bay-wings usually seize on the nests of other birds and
rear their own young. Yet, as they do occasionally build a neat
elaborate nest for themselves, the habit of taking possession of the nests
of other birds is, most likely, a recently acquired one, and probably its
tendency is to eradicate the original building instinct.
October 8. — This morning, while reading under a tree, my attention
MOLOTHRUS RUFOAXILLARIS. 89
was aroused by a shrill note, as of a bird in distress, issuing from the
neighbourhood of the Lefiatero's nest ; after hearing it repeated at
intervals for over twenty minutes, I went to ascertain the cause. Two
Bay-wings flew up from the ground under the nest, and on searching
in the rank clover growing under the tree, I discovered the female
Lenatero, with plumage wet and draggled, trembling and appearing
half dead with the rough treatment she had experienced. I put her in
the sun> and after half an hour, hearing her mate calling, she managed
to flutter feebly away to join him. The persecutors had dragged her
out of the nest, and would, no doubt, have killed her, had I not come
so opportunely to the rescue.
Since writing the above, I have continued to watch the nest. Both
the Bay- wings and Leiiateros left it for some days. Six days after
picking up the ill-treated female, the Leiiateros came back and resumed
possession. Four days later the Bay-wings also came back; but on
finding the nest still occupied, they took possession of an unfinished
oven of an Oven-bird on another tree within twenty yards of the first,
and immediately began carrying in materials with which to line it.
When they had finished laying I took their five eggs, at the same time
throwing down the oven, and waited to see what their next move
would be. They remained on the spot singing incessantly, and still
manifesting anxiety when approached. I observed them four days, and
then was absent from home as many more ; on returning, I found that
the Lenateros had once more disappeared, and that the nest was now
held by the Bay-wings. I also noticed that they had opened an
entrance very low down at the side of the nest which they were using ;
no doubt they had killed and thrown out the young Lenateros.
It was now early in November, the height of the breeding-season,
and numbers of Common Cow-birds constantly visited the nest ; but I
was particularly interested in a pair of Screaming Cow-birds that had
also began to grow fond of it, and I resolved to watch them closely.
As they spent so much of their time near the nest, showing great soli-
citude when I approached it, I strongly hoped to see them breed in it,
if the Bay-wings could only be got rid of. The Screaming Cow-birds
would not, or dared not, attack them ; and, as I always think that the
worst possible use one can put a little bird to is to shoot it, I could
not help them by destroying the Bay-wings. I therefore resolved
to take their eggs, hoping that that would cause them to leave in
disgust.
When I was satisfied from their movements that they had finished
laying, I got up to the nest, and was astonished to find ten eggs instead
of five, as 1 had confidently expected ; for, though the Common Cow-
90 ICTERID^E.
birds had paid a great deal of attention to the nest, I knew the Bay-
wings would not allow them to lay in it.
The ten eggs in the nest were all unmistakably Bay-wing's eggs ;
and having observed before that several females do occasionally lay
together, I concluded that in this case two females had laid in the nest,
though I had only seen two birds — male and female. After taking the
ten eggs the Bay-wings still remained, and in a very short time they
appeared to be laying again. When I had reason to think that the full
complement was laid, 1 visited the nest and found five eggs in it ; these
I also took, and concluded that the second female had probably gone
away, after having been deprived of her first clutch. During all this
time the Screaming Cow-birds remained in the neighbourhood and
occasionally visited the tree ; but to my very great surprise the Bay-
wings still stubbornly remained, and by-and-by I found that they were
going to lay again — the fourth time ! When I next visited the nest
there were two eggs in it ; I left them and returned three days later,
expecting to find five eggs, but found seven ! certainly more than one
female had laid in the nest on this occasion. After taking these last
seven eggs the Bay-wings left ; and though the Screaming Cow-birds
continued to make occasional visits to the nest, to my great disappoint-
ment they did not lay in it.
April 12, — To-day I have made a discovery, and am as pleased with
it as if I had found a new planet in the sky. The mystery of the Bay-
wings5 nest twice found containing over the usual complement of eggs
is cleared up, and I have now suddenly become acquainted with the
procreant instinct of the Screaming Cow-bird. I look on this as a great
piece of good fortune ; for I had thought that the season for making
any such discovery was already over, as we are so near to winter.
The Bay-wings are so social in their habits that they always appear
reluctant to break up their companies in the breeding-season; no
sooner is this over, and while the young birds are still fed by the
parents, all the families about a plantation unite into one flock.
About a month ago all the birds about my home had associated in this
way together, and went in a scattered flock, frequenting one favourite
feeding-spot very much, a meadow about fifteen minutes' walk from the
house. The flock was composed, I believe, of three families, sixteen or
eighteen birds in all : the young birds are indistinguishable from the
adults ; but I knew that most of these birds were young hatched late
in the season, from their incessant strident hunger-notes. I first
observed them about the middle of March. A week ago, while riding
past the meadow where they were feeding, I noticed among them three
individuals with purple spots on their plumage. They were at a
MOLOTHRUS RUFOAX1LLARIS. 91
distance from me, and I naturally concluded that they were young
Common Cow-birds (M. bonariensis), casually associating with the Bay-
wings. I was surprised to see them, for the young male M. bonariensis
always acquires the purple plumage before March, so that these
individuals were changing colour five weeks after the usual time. To-
day, while out with my gun, I came upon the flock, and noticed four
of the birds assuming the purple plumage, two of them being almost
entirely that colour ; but I also noticed with astonishment that they
had bay- or chestnut-coloured wings, also that those with least purple
on them were marvellously like the Bay-wings in the mouse-coloured
plumage of the body and the dark tail. I had seen these birds before
the purple plumage was acquired, and there was then not the slightest
difference amongst them, the adults and their supposed offspring being
alike ; now some of them appeared to be undergoing the process of a
transmutation into another species ! I at once shot the four spotted
birds along with two genuine Bay-wings, and was delighted to find that
the first were young Screaming Cow-birds.
I must now believe that the extra eggs twice found in the nest of the
Bay-wings were those of the Screaming Cow-bird, that the latter species
lays chiefly in the nests of the former, that the eggs of the two species
are identical in form, size, and colour, each bird also laying five, and
that, stranger still, the similarity is as perfect in the young birds as it
is in the eggs.
April 15. — This morning I started in quest of the Bay- wings, and
observed one individual, that had somehow escaped detection the day
before, assuming the purple dress. This bird I shot; and after the
flock had resettled a short distance off, I crept close up to them, under
the shelter of a hedge, to observe them more narrowly. One of the
adults was closely attended by three young birds ; and these all, while
I watched them, fluttered their wings and clamoured for food every
time the old bird stirred on its perch. The three young birds seemed
precisely alike; but presently I noticed that one of them had a few
minute purple spots, and on shooting this one I found it to be a young
M. rufoaxillaris, while the other two were true young Bay-wings.
The hunger-cry of the young M. badius (Bay- wing) is quite different
from that of the young M. bonariensis : the cry of the latter is a long,
shrill, two-syllabled note, the last syllable being prolonged into a con-
tinuous squeal when the foster-parent approaches with food ; the cry of
the young M. badius is short, reedy, tremulous, and uninflected. The
resemblance of the young M. rufoaxillaris to its foster-brothers in
language and plumage is the more remarkable when we reflect that
the adult bird in its habits, gestures, guttural notes, also in its deep
92 ICTERIDvE.
purple plumage,, comes much nearer to M. bonariensis than to M. badius.
It seems impossible for mimicry to go further than this. A slight
difference in size is quite imperceptible when the birds are flying about ;
while in language and plumage the keenest ornithologist would not be
able to detect a difference. But it may be questioned whether this is
really a case of an external resemblance of one species to another
acquired by natural selection for its better preservation. Possibly the
young M. rufoaxillaris, in the first stage of its plumage, exhibits the
ancestral type — that of the progenitor of both species. If M. badius
belonged to some other group — Sturnella or Pseudoleistes, for instance —
it would scarcely be possible to doubt that the resemblance of the young
M. rufoaxillaris to its foster-brothers resulted from mimicry ; but as
both species belong to the limited, well-defined group Molothrus, the
resemblance may be ascribed to community of descent.
Formerly I believed that though M. badius is constantly seen rear-
ing its own young, they also occasionally dropped their eggs in the
nests of other birds. I could not doubt that this was the case after
having witnessed a couple of their young following a Yellowbreast and
being fed by it. I must now alter my opinion, for what then appeared
to be proof positive is now no proof at all, for those two birds were
probably the young of M. rufoaxillaris. There are, however, good
reasons for believing that M. rufoaxillaris is parasitical almost ex-
clusively on M. badius. I have spoken of the many varieties of eggs
M. bonariensis lays. Those of M. badius are a trifle less in size, in
form elliptical, densely and uniformly marked with small spots and
blotches of dark reddish colour, varying to dusky brown ; the ground-
colour is white, but sometimes, though rarely, pale blue. It is not
possible to confound the eggs of the two species. Now, ever since I
saw, many years ago, the Yellowbreast feeding the supposed young
Bay-wings, I have looked out for the eggs of the latter in other birds'
nests. I have found hundreds of nests containing eggs of M. bonariensis,
but never one with an egg of M. badius, and, I may now add, never one
with an egg of M. rufoaxillaris. It is wonderful that M. rufoaxillaris
should lay only in the nests of M. badius • but the most mysterious thing
is that M. bonariensis, indiscriminately parasitical on a host of species,
never, to my knowledge, drops an egg in the nest of M. badius, unless
it be in a forsaken nest ! Perhaps it will be difficult for naturalists to
believe this ; for i£ the M. badius is so excessively vigilant and jealous
of other birds approaching its nest as to succeed in keeping out the
subtle, silent, grey-plumaged, omnipresent female M . bonariensis, why
does it not also keep off the far rarer, noisy, bustling, conspicuously
coloured M. rufoaxillaris ? I cannot say. The only explanation that
MOLOTHRUS RUFOAXILLARIS. 93
has occurred to me is that M. badim is sagacious enough to distinguish
the eggs of the common parasite, and throws them out of its nest.
But this is scarcely probable, for I have hunted in vain under the
trees for the ejected eggs ; and I have never found the eggs of M.
badius with holes pecked in the shells, which would have been the case
had a M. bonariensis intruded into the nest.
With the results just recorded I felt more than satisfied, though so
much still remained to be known ; and I looked forward to the next
summer to work out the rich mine on which I had stumbled by chance.
Unhappily, when spring came round again ill-health kept me a prisoner
in the city, and finding no improvement in my condition, I eventually
left Buenos Ayres at the close of the warm season to try whether
change of climate would benefit me. Before leaving, however, I spent
a few days at home, and saw enough then to satisfy me that my
conclusions were correct. Most of the birds had finished breeding,
but while examining some nests of Anumbius I found one which Bay-
wings had tenanted, and which for some reason they had forsaken
leaving ten unincubated eggs. They were all like Bay-wings' eggs,
but I have no doubt that five of them were eggs of M. rufoaxillaris.
During my rides in the neighbourhood I also found two flocks of Bay-
wings, each composed of several families, and amongst the young birds
I noticed several individuals beginning to assume the purple plumage,
like those of the previous autumn. I did not think it necessary to
shoot more specimens.
The question, why M. badius permits M. rufoaxillaris to use its
nest, while excluding the allied parasite, M. bonariensis, must be
answered by future observers ; but before passing from this very
interesting group (Molothrus] I wish to make some general remarks on
their habits and their anomalous relations to other species.
It is with a considerable degree of repugnance that we regard the
parasitical instincts in birds ; the reason it excites such a feeling is
manifestly because it presents itself to the mind as — to use the words
of a naturalist of the last century, who was also a theologian, and
believed the Cuckoo had been created with such a habit — " a monstrous
outrage on the maternal affection, one of the first great dictates of
nature." An outrage, since each creature has been endowed with this
all-powerful affection for the preservation of its own, and not another,
species ; and here we see it, by a subtle process, an unconscious iniquity,
turned from its purpose, perverted and made subservient to the very
opposing agency against which it was intended as a safeguard ! The
formation of such an instinct seems indeed like an unforeseen con-
tingency in the system of nature, a malady strengthened, if not
94 ICTERID^E.
induced, by the very laws established for the preservation of health,
and which the vis medicatrix of nature is incapable of eliminating.
Again, the egg of a parasitical species is generally so much larger,
differing also in coloration from the eggs it is placed with, whilst
there is such an unvarying dissimilarity between the young bird
and its living or murdered foster-brothers, that, unreasoning as we
know instinct, and especially the maternal instinct, is, we are shocked
at so glaring and flagrant an instance of its blind stupidity.
In the competition for place, the struggle for its existence, said with
reason to be most deadly between such species as are most nearly allied,
the operations are imperceptible, and the changes are so gradual, that the
diminution and final disappearance of one species is never attributed
to a corresponding increase in another more favoured species over
the same region. It is not as if the regnant species had invaded
and seized on the province of another, but appears rather as if they
had quietly entered on the possession of an inheritance that was theirs
by right. Mighty as are the results worked out by such a process, it is
only by a somewhat strained metaphor that it can be called a struggle.
But even when the war is open and declared, as between a raptorial
species and its victims, the former is manifestly driven by necessity.
And in this case the species preyed on are endowed with peculiar sagacity
to escape its persecutions ; so that the war is not one of extermination,
but, as in a border war, the invader is satisfied with carrying off the
weak and unwary stragglers. Thus the open, declared enmity is
in reality beneficial to a species; for it is sure to cut off all such
individuals as might cause its degeneration. But we can conceive no
necessity for such a fatal instinct as that of the Cuckoo and Cow-bird
destructive to such myriads of lives in their beginning. And inas-
much as their preservation is inimical to the species on which they
are parasitical, there must also here be a struggle. But what kind
of struggle? Not as in other species, where one perishes in the
combat that gives greater strength to the victor, but an anomalous
struggle in which one of the combatants has made his adversary turn
his weapons against himself, and so seems to have an infinite advantage.
It is impossible for him to suffer defeat ; and yet, to follow out the
metaphor, he has so wormed about and interlaced himself with his
opponent that as soon as he succeeds in overcoming him he also must
inevitably perish. Such a result is perhaps impossible, as there are
so many causes operating to check the undue increase of any one
species : consequently the struggle, unequal as it appears, must con-
tinue for ever. Thus, in whatever way we view the parasitical habit, it
appears cruel, treacherous, and vicious in the highest degree. But
MOLOTHRUS BADIUS. 95
should we attempt to mentally create a perfect parasitical instinct
(that is, one that would be thoroughly efficient with the least
possible prejudice to or injustice towards another species ; for the
preservation of the species on which the parasite is dependent is
necessary to its own) by combining in imagination all known parasitical
habits, eliminating every offensive quality or circumstance, and attri-
buting such others in their place as we should think fit, our conception
would probably still fall short in simplicity, beauty, and complete-
ness of the actual instinct of M. rufoaxillaris. Instead of laying its
eggs promiscuously in every receptacle that offers, it selects the nest
of a single species ; so that its selective instinct is related to the
adaptive resemblance in its eggs and young to those of the species on
which it is parasitical. Such an adaptive resemblance could not of
course exist if it laid its eggs in the nests of more than one species,
and it is certainly a circumstance eminently favourable to preservation.
Then, there not being any such incongruity and unfitness as we find in
nests into which other parasites intrude, there is no reason here to
regard the foster-parents' affection as blind and stupid; the similarity
being close enough to baffle the keenest sagacity. Nor can the instinct
here appear in the light of an outrage on the maternal affection ; for the
young M. rufoaxillaris possesses no advantage over its foster-brothers.
It is not endowed with greater strength and voracity to monopolize the
attentions of the foster-parent or to eject the real offspring ; but being
in every particular precisely like them, it has only an equal chance of
being preserved. To this wonderful parasitical instinct we may well
apply Darwin's words, when speaking of the architecture of the hive-
bee : — " Beyond this stage of perfection natural selection could not
lead."
96. MOLOTHRUS BADIUS, Vieill.
(BAY-WINGED COW-BIRD.)
[PLATE VI. FIG. 1.]
Molothrus badius, Burm. La-Plata Reise, ii. p. 495 (Parana and Tucuman).
Scl. et Salv. Nomencl. p. 37 ; Hudson, P. Z. S. 1874, p. 163 (Buenos Ayres) ;
Durnford, Ibis, 1877, p. 174 (Buenos Ayres) ; Scl. Cat. B. xi. p. 338.
Description. — Dull grey, beneath rather paler; wings chestnut: tips of
primaries, inner portions of secondaries, and tail blackish ; bill and feet black :
total length 7'6 inches, wing 3-5, tail 3-0. Female similar.
Hab. Argentina, Paraguay, and Bolivia.
In this species the sexes are alike ; the plumage of the body is grey-
96 ICTERTD^E.
drab colour, with a black spot between the eye and beak ; tail dark, the
quills cinnamon-colour; beak and legs black. Azara describing it
under the name of Tordo pardo roxiso, says it is a rare bird, so that it
has probably greatly increased since his time, as it is now quite common
in the Plata district.
The Bay- wings usually go in small flocks, numbering from ten to
thirty individuals, and are not migratory, but in winter they travel
about a great deal from place to place without extending their journeys
more than a few miles in any direction. They are fond of coming
about houses, and are frequently seen pecking at the fresh meat
hanging out of doors; and, like other birds of the same tribe, feed
chiefly on the ground. They spend a great portion of their time on trees,
are familiar with man and inactive, and in their motions singularly
slow and deliberate. Their language is varied. Curiosity or alarm is
expressed by trilling notes, and before quitting a tree all the birds of a
flock ceremoniously invite each other to fly with long clear notes,
powerful enough to be heard a quarter of a mile away.
They also sing a great deal in all seasons, the song being composed
of soft, clear, rather sweet notes, variously modulated, uttered in a
leisurely mariner, and seeming to express a composed frame of mind, all
the birds in a flock singing in concert. During the cold season the
flock always finds some sheltered sunny spot on the north side of a wood-
pile or hedge, where they spend several hours every day, sitting still
and singing in their usual quiet, soft style.
Their extreme sociability affects their breeding-habits, for sometimes
the flock does not break up in spring, and several females lay in one
nest together; but whether the birds are paired or practice a pro-
miscuous intercourse, I have not been able to discover. They have a
great partiality for the large domed nests made by the Anumbius acuti-
caudatus, called Lenatero in the vernacular. One summer a flock of
about ten Bay-wings took possession of a Lenatero's nest on one of
my trees, and after a few days I took fourteen eggs from it. Though
the birds hopped, chirping round me, manifesting great solicitude,
the eggs were quite cold, and had I left them many more would
have been laid, no doubt ; but as they were piled up three or four deep
in the nest they could never have been hatched.
As a rule, however, the flock breaks up into pairs ; and then a neat,
well-made nest is built in the fork of a branch, lined with horsehair;
or, oftener still, a Lenatero's nest is seized, the Bay- wings fighting
with great spirit to get possession, and in it, or on it, their own nest is
made. Like their relations, the Common Cow-bird, they seem strongly
attracted by domed nests, and yet shrink from laying in the dark
AGEL.EUS THILIUS. 97
interior ; as a rule when they have captured a Lenatero's nest they
break a hole in the side and so admit the light and form an easy
entrance. One summer a pair of Bay-wings attacked a Lenatero's
nest on one of my trees ; the fighting was kept up for three or four
days, and then at the foot of the tree I found five young Lenateros,
fully fledged, which had been pecked to death and thrown out of the
nest.
The eggs of the Bay-wing are five in number, nearly round, and
densely marked with dusky reddish brown.
Once I observed two young Bay-wings following a Yellow-breast
(Pseudoleistes virescens) with their usual peculiar hunger-cry, and
while I watched them they were fed several times by their foster-
parents. Naturally I concluded that the Bay-winged Cow-bird is
sometimes parasitical on other species, but I never saw anything after-
wards to confirm me in that belief, and I believe now that I was
mistaken, and that the young Bay-wings were not real Bay-wings,
but the young of Molothrus rufoaxillaris.
97. AGEL.EUS THILIUS (Mol.).
(YELLOW-SHOULDERED MARSH-BIRD.)
Agelaeus thilius, Burm. La-Plata Reise, ii. p. 492 (Mendoza, S. Juan, Cata-
marca) ; Scl. et Salv. Nomencl. p. 37 j Durnford, Ibis, 1876, p. 159 (Buenos
Ayrcs), 1877, p. 33 (Chupat), p. 174 (Buenos Ayres), et 1878, p. 394
(Chupat) ; White, P. Z. S. 1882, p. 602 (Buenos Ayres) ; Doring, Exp. al
Rio Negro, Zool. p. 40 (Colorado) ; Barrows, Bull. Nutt. Orn. Cl. viii.
p. 134 (Entrerios) j Scl. Cat. B. xi. p. 343.
Description. — Black ; lesser upper and under wing-coverts yellow ; bill and
feet black : whole length 5'5 inches, wing 3' 6, tail 2'7. Female : above pale
brown striated with black ; distinct superciliaries white ; beneath paler, cine-
raceous white with black striations ; smaller, and bill shorter.
Hab. S. Peru, Chili, Paraguay, and Argentina.
This bird is abundant everywhere on the pampas, and does no
migrate, but inhabits marshy situations in summer, building its nest
amongst the rushes, and in winter ranges over the country. The male
is entirely of an intense black, except the shoulders, which are pure
yellow ; the female is dull grey with fuscous markings, and, as was
long ago remarked by Azara, the grey-plumaged are very much more
numerous than the black individuals. The young birds are like the
females, and possibly do not acquire the full black plumage until the
second year, which would account for the great number of grey birds.
These birds are extremely sociable, being seen in flocks all the year
VOL, i. H
98 ICTERID^E.
round, even during the breeding-season ; in winter a great "many males
separate themselves from the females, and are found associating
together in flocks of from thirty to forty individuals.
They feed on the ground, keeping to the moist borders of marshes
during summer ; they avoid woods, but occasionally alight on trees,
where they all sing in concert. The song, when an individual is heard
singing alone, is, though limited in its range, very sweet, some of the
notes being remarkable for their purity and expression. The bird sits
on a rush or stalk while singing, and makes a long pause after every
note or two, as if to make the most of its limited repertory. There is
in the song one rich full note, which, to my mind, is unequalled for
plaintive sweetness, and I am therefore surprised that Azara says only
of this species that it sings passably well — ' canta razonablemente.'
The nest is neatly made of dry grasses, and attached to the rushes
growing in the water. . The eggs are four, pointed, and spotted at the
larger end with dull brown and black on a white ground.
98. AGEKEUS FLAVUS (Gm.).
(YELLOW-HEADED MARSH-BIRD.)
Xanthosomus flavus, Scl. et Salv. P. Z. S. 1869, p. 632 (Buenos Ayres) ;
iid. Nomencl. p. 37 ; Durnford, Ibis, 1878, p. 59 (Buenos Ayres) ; Db'ring,
Exp. al Rio Negro, Zool p. 41 (CarhuS) j Barrows, Bull. Nutt. Orn. Cl. viii.
p. 134 (Entrerios). Agelaeus flavus, Scl. Cat. B. xi. p. 346.
Description. — Black ; head and rump, bend of the wing, and body beneath
bright yellow ; bill and feet black : whole length 6'7 inches, wing 4-2, tail 3-2.
Female : above brown, slightly striated ; eyebrows, rump, and body beneath
yellowish ; bill and feet brown.
Hab. Paraguay, Uruguay, and Argentina.
Azara called this bird Cabeza amarilla, or Yellow-head. It is found
throughout the eastern provinces of the Argentine country, ranging
south to about the thirty -sixth degree of latitude, and is also common
in the Banda Oriental.
The dull-plumaged birds are always very much more numerous than
the bright-coloured males, though Azara strangely asserts that the sexes
are alike. In Buenos Ayres, where it is called " Naranjo " by the
country people in allusion to its orange tints, it is very well known on
account of its yellow plumage, which looks so wonderfully brilliant in the
sunshine, and its partiality for cultivated districts, where it follows the
plough to pick up worms, and frequents the orchard to sing, associating
with the common Cow-bird and Yellow-breast. It remains all the
year, and is very sociable, going in flocks of from twenty to fifty
AG^LEUS RUFICAPILLUS. 99
individuals, which when they settle on the trees all sing in concert,
pouring out their few peculiar notes with great power and emphasis.
Even in the breeding-season these companies do not always break up,
and frequently several pairs have nests near together. The nest is
usually built in a cardoon thistle, two or three feet above the ground,
and is made of dry grass. The eggs are four, pointed, white or with a
bluish tinge, and speckled irregularly with deep brown, the spots being
closer and sometimes confluent at the broad end.
Concerning the plumage of this species Mr. Barrows writes : — " Late
in March. 1881, we found this species in large flocks on the Pigue,
and it was a beautiful sight to see a hundred or more fluttering about
among the snowy plumes of the pampas grass, and displaying their rich
black and yellow dress. Unlike most other birds obtained at that time,
their plumage seemed nearly as bright and fresh as in summer/'
99. AGEUEUS RUFICAPILLUS, Vieill.
(RED-HEADED MARSH-BIRD.)
Agelaeus ruficapiUus, Scl. Cat. B. xi. p. 347, Xanthosomus ruficapillus,
Scl. et Salv. P. Z. S. 1869, p. 159 (Buenos Ayres) ; iid. NomencL p. 37 ;
White, P. Z. S. 1882, p. 602 (Salta, Catamarca). Chrysomus frontalis,
Burm. La- Plata Reise, ii. p 492 (Parana).
Description. — Glossy blue-black ; crown of head and middle of throat dark
chestnut ; bill and legs black : whole length 7-5 inches, wing 3'7, tail 2-9.
Hab. Argentina and Paraguay.
The sexes are alike in this species : the crown of the head is rufous,
and with this exception the whole plumage a rich glossy blue-black.
The beauty of the bird and its delicate, plaintive voice would no doubt
make it a favourite with man if he saw more of it, only it lives and
breeds in marshes, and does riot come near his habitations. The Red-
heads are gregarious and migratory. The flock can scarcely be said to
break up in the breeding-season, as the birds all make their nests near
together in the reeds. The nest is placed about one or two feet above
the water, is about six inches in depth, and made of leaves and aquatic
grasses woven together. The eggs are four, pointed, with a white or
pale bluish ground, and spotted with black at the larger end.
The song of the Red-head is quite unique in character. It begins
with a low, hollow-sounding note, then the voice changes to a clear,
sorrowful tone, rising in a rapid succession of short notes, and falling
again in longer ones.
After the breeding-season the birds fly about in flocks of two or three
hundred individuals, and sing in concert on the trees.
100
Their chirp has a peculiar metallic sound, and can be imitated by
tapping on the edge of a copper bell with the finger-nail.
100. LEISTES SUPERCILIARIS, Bp.
(RED-BREASTED MARSH-BIRD.)
Leistes superciliaris, Hudson, P. Z. S. 1870, p. 333 (Buenos Ayres) ; Scl. et
Salv. Nomencl p. 38 ; Durnford, Ibis, 1877, p. 175 (Buenos Ayres) ; White,
P. Z. S. 1882, p. 602 (Salta) ; Barrows, Bull. Nutt. Orn. Cl. viii. p. 136
(Entrerios) ; Scl. Cat. B. xi. p. 349. Trupialis guianensis, Burm. La-
Plata Reise, ii. p. 490 (Banda Oriental).
Description. — Brownish black ; superciliaries pale brown ; bend of the wing
and body beneath from the chin to the middle of the belly bright scarlet ; hill
and legs black : length 7*0 inches, wing 4*0, tail 2-5. Female pale brown,
above variegated with black, below stained with red on the breast ; flanks and
lower belly striated with black; tail cinereous brown, with black cross bars.
Hub. Argentina, Paraguay, and E. Brazil.
The most interesting point concerning this species is the very great
difference in habits, as well as appearance, existing between the sexes.
In form it resembles the Starling of Europe, but is a trifle smaller and
has a shorter tail. The male is black, the upper parts faintly mottled
with yellowish grey ; there is a straw-coloured stripe over the eye ; the
throat and breast bright crimson. The female is a smaller bird, and in
colour dull fulvous grey, mottled with fuscous; the red tint on the
breast scarcely perceptible.
These birds are migratory, and appear everywhere in the eastern part
of the Argentine country early in October, arriving singly, after which
each male takes up a position in a field or open space abounding with
coarse grass and herbage, where he spends most of the time perched on
the summit of a tall stalk or weed, his glowing crimson bosom showing
at a distance like some splendid flower above the herbage. At intervals
of two or three minutes he soars vertically up to a height of twenty or
twenty-five yards to utter his song, composed of a single long, powerful,
and rather musical note, ending with an attempt at a flourish, during
which the bird flutters and turns about in the air ; then, as if dis-
cou raged at his failure, he drops down, emitting harsh guttural chirps,
to resume his stand. Meanwhile, the female is invisible, keeping closely
concealed under the long grass. But at length, attracted perhaps by
the bright bosom and aerial music of the male, she occasionally exhibits
herself for a few moments, starting up with a wild, zigzag flight, like a
Snipe flushed from its marsh, and, darting this way and that, presently
drops into the grass once more. The moment she appears above the
grass the male gives chase, and they vanish from sight together. Thus,
AMBLYRHAMPHUS HOLOSERICEUS. 101
while in colour, habits, language, and even in its manner of soaring up
like a rocket to let off its curious melody, the male is the most conspi-
cuous of small birds, the female, acted on in an opposite direction by
natural selection, has been, so to speak, effaced. While flying, they do
not look like birds of the same species : the male moves with wings
rapidly fluttered, like a Starling, but with a slower, more laborious flight,
and without deviating ; the female, in her eccentric movements in the
air, reminds one of a large moth driven from its hiding-place, and flying
about confused with the glare of noon.
The nest is made of dry grass on the ground, so cunningly concealed
that it is most difficult to find. The eggs are four, white, spotted
with reddish brown. When they have young, I have never been able to
detect the female flying about in search of food.
All through the summer these birds are solitary, but when migrating
in the autumn, though many are seen travelling singly, and appear very
conspicuous as they fly laboriously in a straight line, at an altitude
of about twenty yards from the surface, others are seen making their
journey in small flocks or parties composed of six to a dozen individuals.
These are the males. The females travel separately, in twos or threes or
singly, flying nearer to the earth, with frequent pauses, when the wings
cease beating, and intervals of gliding, also darting occasionally to one
side, as if the bird had suddenly taken fright.
101. AMBLYRHAMPHUS HOLOSERICEUS (Scop.).
(SCARLET-HEADED MARSH-BIRD.)
Amblyrhamphus holosericeus, Hudson, P. Z. S. 1870, p. 114 (Buenos Ayres) ;
Scl. et Salv. Nomencl. p. 37 ; Durnford, Ibis, 1877, p. 174 (Buenos Ayres) ;
Gibson, Ibis, 1880, p. 18 (Buenos Ayres) ; White, P. Z. S. 1882, p. 602
(Buenos Ayres) ; Barrows, Bull. Nutt. Orn. Cl. viii. p. 135 (Entrerios) ;
Scl. Cat. B. xi. p. 351. Amblyrhamphus ruber, Burm. La-Plata Reise,
ii. p. 491 (Entrerios, Santa Fe, Parana).
Description. — Black ; whole head and neck all round, and upper breast and
thighs scarlet ; bill and feet black : total length 9-5 inches, wing 4*5, tail 4*0.
Female similar. Young uniform black.
Hab. Paraguay, Uruguay, and Argentina.
Azara named this species Tordo negro cabeza roxa ; it is also called
Boyero (ox-herd) by country people, from its note resembling the long
whistle of a drover ; and sometimes Chisel-bill, from the peculiar con-
formation of the beak, which is long, straight, and has a broad fine
point like a chisel. In both sexes the plumage of the head and neck
is scarlet, of an exceedingly brilliant tint, all other parts intense black.
102 ICTERnXE.
These birds are lively, active, and sociable, going in flocks of from half-a-
dozen to thirty individuals ; they remain all the year, and inhabit the
marshes, from which they seldom wander very far, but seek their insect
food in the soft decaying rushes. They are common on the swampy shores
of the Plata, and when seen at a distance, perched in their usual manner
on the summits of the tall rushes, their flame-coloured heads shine with
a strange glory above the sere sombre vegetation of the marshes. The
long whistling note above mentioned is their only song, but it varies
considerably, and often sounds as mellow and sweet as the whistle of the
European Blackbird.
The nest is an ingenious structure of dry grasses, fastened to the
upright stems of an aquatic plant, three or four feet above the water.
The eggs are four, in size and form like those of the English Song-
Thrush, spotted somewhat sparsely with black on a light blue ground.
The young birds are entirely black at first, and afterwards assume on
the head and neck a pale terra-cotta red, which gradually deepens to
vivid scarlet.
102. PSEUDOLEISTES VIRESCENS (VieilL).
(YELLOW-BREASTED MARSH-BIRD.)
Pseudoleistes virescens, Hudson, P. Z. S. 1870, p. 549, et 1874, p. 156 (Buenos
Ayres) ; Scl. et Salv. NomencL p. 37 : Durnford, Ibis, 1877, p. 175, et 1878,
p. 59 (Buenos Ayres) ; Gibson, Ibis, 1880, p. 31 (Buenos Ayres) ; White,
P. Z. S. 1882, p. 602 (Buenos Ayres) ; Barrows, Bull. Nutt. Orn. Cl. viii. p. 135
X(Entrerios) ; Scl. Cat. B. xi. p. 352. Leistes anticus, Burm. La-Plata
Heine, ii. p. 491 (Parana).
Description. — Above and below dark olive-brown ; lesser upper wing-coverts,
tinder wing -co verts, and middle of the abdomen yellow; bill black; feet dark
brown : total length 9'5 inches, wing 4- 6, tail 3*8. Female similar.
Hab. S. Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Argentina.
In both sexes in this species the plumage is deep olivaceous brown,
the breast pure yellow. It is active, strong on the wing, sociable and
noisy ; and being moreover a pretty and elegant bird, very common in
settled districts, and with a preference for man's neighbourhood, it is
familiar to every one, and has won amongst many competitors the
vernacular name of Pecho-amarillo (Yellow-breast), for with us yellow-
breasted species are somewhat numerous. It remains all the year,
invariably going about in flocks of from twenty to thirty birds, and feeds
on the ground in the fields or on the open plain. While they are feeding,
one bird takes up a position on a stalk or thistle-top to keep guard ;
when he flies down another bird takes his place ; if a person approaches,
the sentinel gives the alarm, and all the birds fly off in a verv close
PSEUDOLEISTES VIRESCENS. 103
flock, making the air resound with their loud ringing notes. After
feeding, they repair to the trees, where they join their robust voices in
a spirited concert, without any set form of melody such as other song-
birds possess, but all together, flinging out their notes at random, as if
mad with joy. In this delightful hubbub there are some soft silvery
sounds. Where they are never persecuted they have little fear of man,
but they invariably greet his approach with a loud vigorous remon-
strance.
In October the birds break up their companies to pair. Sometimes
they breed on the open plain in a large cardoon thistle, but a thick
bush OP low tree is preferred. The nest is like that of a Thrush, being
deep, compactly made of dry grass and slender sticks, plastered inside
with mud, and lined with hair or soft dry grass. It is, however, deeper
and more symmetrical than the Thrush's nest, and it is sometimes
plastered with cow-dung instead of with mud. The eggs are four, very
long, white, and abundantly spotted with deep red, the spots becoming
confluent at the large end.
The Yellow-breast is never seen to quarrel with its fellows or with
other birds, and it is possibly due to its peaceful disposition that it is
more victimized by the parasitical Molothrus than any other bird. I
have frequently found their nests full of parasitical eggs, as many as
fourteen and in one case sixteen, eggs in one nest. In some seasons
all the nests I found and watched were eventually abandoned by
the birds on account of the number of parasitical eggs dropped in them.
I have also so frequently found parasitical eggs on the ground under
the nest that I believe the Yellow-breast throws out some of these
foreign eggs, and in one instance I was quite sure that this had
happened. The nest was in a cardoon bush, and contained five eggs —
two of the Yellow-breast and three parasitical. These three were of
the variety most thickly mottled with red, and consequently closely
resembling the eggs of the Yellow-breast. I was surprised to find five
more eggs of the Cow-bird on the ground, close together, and about
three feet from the bush ; and these five eggs were all pure white and
unspotted. Naturally I asked, How came these eggs in such a posi-
tion ? They had not fallen from the nest, which was very deep, con-
tained few eggs, and was scarcely thirty inches above the ground.
Then they were all white, while those in the nest were mottled. That
the eggs had been laid in the nest I felt certain ; and the only way I
can account for their being in the place where I found them is that
the Yellow-breast itself removed them, taking them up in its bill and
flying with them to the ground. If I am right, we must believe that
this individual Yellow-breast had developed an instinct unusual in the
104 ICTERID.E.
species, which enables it to distinguish, and cast out of its nest, eggs
very different from its own — an instinct, in fact, the object of which
would be to counteract the parasitical habit of Molothrus. What would
be the effect of such an instinct should the species acquire it ? Doubt-
less it would be highly prejudicial to the parasitical birds laying white
eggs, but favourable to those laying mottled eggs. This would be
natural selection operating in a very unusual manner ; for the Yellow-
breast, or other species, would improve another to its own detriment,
since the more the parasitical eggs assimilated to its own, the greater
would be the likelihood of their being preserved. The perfect similarity
of the eggs of M. rufoaxillaris to those of M. badius perhaps was
brought about in this way. But, it may be added, if besides the
Yellow-breast some one other species laying very different eggs (a
Zonotrichia or Tyrannus, for instance) should also acquire this dis-
tinguishing habit, and eject all eggs unlike its own from its nest, the
habit in the two or more species would ultimately cause the extinction
of the parasite.
It might throw some light on this obscure subject to examine, for
several successive summers, a large number of nests, to ascertain
whether the nests of the Yellow- breast are often found without any
white unspotted eggs, or if the same proportional number of white
(parasitical; eggs are found in the nests of the Yellow-breast, Scissor-
tail, Song-Sparrow, Pipit, and other species.
103. TRUPIALIS MILITARIS (Linn.).
(PATAGONIAN MARSH-STARLING.)
Sturnella militaris, Hudson, P. Z. S. 1872, p. 548 (Rio Negro) ; Scl. et Salv.
Nomencl p. 38; Durnford, Ibis, 1877, p. 33, et 1878, p. 394 (Chupat).
Sturnella loica, Doring, Exp. al Rio Negro, Zool. p. 41 (R. Colorado, R.
Negro). Trupialis militaris, Scl. Cat. B. xi. p. 356. Trupialis loyca,
Burm. La-Plata Reise, ii. p. 491 (Mendoza).
Description. — Above brown, especially on the head and back variegated with
black ; superciliaries in front of the eye red, behind the eye white ; beneath
black ; throat, middle of the neck, breast, and upper belly scarlet ; sides of belly
and crissum with brownish edgings to the black feathers ; under wing-coverts
white ; bend of the wing red ; slight rictal stripe white ; bill horn-colour ;
feet brown: total length 1OO inches, wing 4-7, tail 3'6. Female similar.
Hub. Chili, Patagonia, and Falkland Islands.
Two species of Trupialis inhabit the southernmost part of the Argen-
tine Republic, the present being confined to Patagonia and South
TRUPIALIS DEFILIPPII. 105
Chili, while its northern representative inhabits the pampas of Buenos
Ayres and Uruguay. Probably the Colorado River, which separates
two districts differing in soil and vegetation, is the boundary-line
dividing their habitats. So nearly alike are these two birds in colour,
language, and habits, that they seem rather like races than species ; and
they were so regarded by naturalists until recently, when the pampas
bird was raised to the rank of a distinct species, with the name of
Trupialis defilippii. Unfortunately the old name militaris fits the
Pampas, and not the Patagonian, Starling best ; but of this I shall speak
when 1 describe the former species.
In form and size T. militaris resembles the Common Starling of
Europe, but differs from it in habits, flight, language, and in colouring ;
its upper plumage being fuscous mottled with yellowish grey ; the
throat and bosom scarlet inclining to crimson. This hue varies greatly,
the breast-feathers being often tipped with white, which subdues the
intense red, and gives it a rosy tint in some individuals. The female is
paler-plumaged than the male, and has less red on the breast.
It inhabits the whole of Patagonia to the Strait of Magellan, but is
confined to the valleys or to the neighbourhood of water ; and Durnford
remarks that it is a useful bird to the traveller in that thirsty country,
as its presence is a sure indication of water. It is resident, and is seen
in small parties of four or five, or in small flocks seldom exceeding
twenty or thirty in number. It feeds and lives on the ground, and
only occasionally is it seen to perch on a low bush. Its flight is strong,
and it flies about a great deal, and usually utters its song when on the
wing. The song is continued all the year, and is heard even on the
coldest days in winter ; the notes are few and not highly melodious, but
are cheerful and vigorous.
The nest is made of dry grass and rootlets attached to the rushes in
moist ground, and placed close to or resting on the surface. The eggs
are five, the ground-colour white spotted or blotched with reddish
brown.
104. TRUPIALIS DEFILIPPII, Bp.
(DE FILIPPFS MARSH-STARLING.)
Sturnella defilippii, Scl. et Salv. P. Z. S. 1869, p. 161 (Buenos Ayree) j iid.
Nomencl. p. 38 ; Doring, Exp. al Rio Negro, Zool. p. 41 (Pampas) ;
Narrows, Bull. Nutt. Orn. Cl. viii. p. 136 (Pampas south of Buenos Ayres).
Trupialis defilippii, Scl. Cat. B. xi. p. 357. Trupialis militaiis, Burin.
La-Plata Reise, ii. p. 4UO (Rosario, Parana).
106 ICTERID^E.
Description. — Like Tr. militaris, but rather smaller, and with the under
wing-coverts black.
Hub. Northern Argentina and Uruguay.
Throughout the country where this species abounds it is called Pecho
Colorado, which is certainly better than Azara's barbarous, if picturesque,
name of Degollado ; but no happier name than militaris could have been
invented for it, by which it was formerly known to naturalists ; and
though it was given to the bird merely on account of the red breast,
and was therefore equally applicable to all the red-breasted species on
the globe, in this case it accidentally seemed to describe a peculiar habit
of the bird, as well as its bright livery.
In size, form, gait, flight, language, and colour the present bird very
closely resembles the Patagonian Starling ; but the crimson on the breast
is brighter and the upper parts are darker. Its nesting-habits are also
like those of the southern bird : the number and colour of the esrsrs
' OO
being the same in both species. One trivial difference in habit is that
De Filippi's Starling occasionally soars up a few yards into the air when
uttering its song. In inhabits the moist grassy pampas in the southern
part of the Buenos Ayrean province, and is there abundant and unites
in large flocks. At the approach of the cold season there is a general
movement northwards of the birds, which does not, however, extend
far, as the birds, although strong fliers, travel slowly and in a peculiar
manner ; it is in this season, when the birds are seen moving in large
flocks, that the name of Military Starling strikes one as being peculiarly
appropriate. They do not journey through the air like other migrants,
but move over the ground, when the flock, composed of four or five
hundred to a thousand or more individuals, is extended so as to present
a very long front, and at intervals the hindmost birds fly over the
others and alight just in advance of them : the long front, the precision
of their movements, arid their scarlet bosoms all turned one way, suggest
the idea of a disciplined army on its march.
They never perch on trees, but frequently alight on the roof of a
rancho or other elevation affording a secure footing. They are tame
birds and fly reluctantly ; when approached, they usually crouch down,
hiding their crimson bosoms, and remain motionless in order to escape
observation. In disposition they are peaceful, and so fond of society
that when one becomes separated from his fellows he will unite with
birds of another kind, even with Plovers or Tyrant-birds.
On the great monotonous plains, where most of the small birds are
grey- or brown-plumaged, and in winter when there are no flowers to
satisfy the desire of the eye for bright colour, it is delightful, while
travelling, to meet with an army of these Starlings : their crimson
ICTERUS PYRRHOPTERUS. 107
bosoms, less bright than the hues of some tropical species, seem then
to glow with a strange splendour on the sombre green of earth, and the
sight produces an exhilarating effect on the mind.
105. ICTERUS PYRRHOPTERUS, Vieill.
(CHESTNUT-SHOULDERED HANG-NEST.)
Icterus pyrrhopterus, Scl, et Salv. P. Z. S. 1868, p. 140; iid. Nomencl. p. 30;
Hudson, P. Z. S. 1870, p. 88 (Buenos Ayres) ; Durnford, Ibis, 1878, p. 59;
Safvin, Ibis, 1880, p. 356 (Salta) ; Barrows, Bull. Nutt. Orn. CL viii. p. 133
(Entrerios) ; Scl Cat. B. xi. p. 368. Xanthornus pyrrhopterus, Burm.
La-Plata Reise, ii. p. 493 (Parana, Tucuman).
Description. — Uniform black ; upper lesser wing-coverts chestnut ; bill black ;
feet dark brown : whole length 7*7 inches, wing 3'6, tail 3-8. Female
similar, but smaller.
Hab. S. Brazil, Paraguay, Bolivia, and Argentina.
This interesting bird, the only Icterus found in the Argentine
Republic, ranges south to Buenos Ayres, where it is migratory, and
appears in small flocks of six or eight individuals in September; but
soon after arriving these little companies break up, and the birds are
subsequently found singly or in pairs in the woods along the Plata
River.
The sexes are alike in colour, but the male is considerably larger;
the whole plumage is an intense black, excepting a rufous spot on the
shoulder, seen only when the bird is on the wing ; the bill is black and
curved, the body slender, and the tail long. It is a loquacious bird,
most of its tones being low and pleasing; exceedingly restless in
disposition, incessantly passing from tree to tree, jerking its long tail
and clinging to the branches in various attitudes, while searching for
insects in the decayed bark. While thus engaged it utters a great
variety of chirping and guttural sounds, interspersed with short agree-
able notes. It also has a song of considerable merit, low and varied
in tone, with a peculiar ventriloquism in many of the notes which
produce a confusing idea on the listener that the bird approaches and
recedes alternately whilst uttering them. While singing the bird
continues moving, but always concealed in the thick foliage, and it is
probably this constant turning about of the singer, and the notes
coming through leafy screens of varying density, which makes the
ventriloquism and gives so much light and shade to its mysterious
melody.
The first bird of this species I shot was wounded very slightly in
one wing and fell into a stream ; to my very great surprise it began
singing its usual song while floating about on the surface, making no
108 ICTERID.E.
attempt to swim. After fishing it out it continued to sing at intervals
in my hand : how strange it was to hear this bleeding captive bird
warbling out soft, sweet notes which seemed to express only pleasant
emotions ! Yet it was evident that the bird was fully alive to its
danger, for it struggled violently to escape and bit my finger savagely
with its sharp beak.
I subsequently found a nest ; it was about seven inches deep, com-
posed entirely of lichens gathered from the boles of trees, ingeniously
woven together and suspended from the small twigs and leaves at the
extremity of a branch. There were no eggs in it, but the birds
fluttered in great trouble about me, and, what greatly surprised me,
uttered a variety of singing notes, unlike their usual song, but many
of them closely resembling the notes of other songsters, which made
me think that this Icterus possesses the mimicking faculty to some
extent. This, however, is a question it would be difficult to decide.
It seems certain, however, that this species is incapable of expressing
any distressing feeling, such as pain, fear, or parental anxiety, with
loud harsh notes like other birds. It is much to be regretted that
Azara, who found this species common in Paraguay, did not pay more
attention to its habits and language, which make it specially interesting
even in a family so rich in strange habits as the Icterida.
106. APHOBUS CHOPI (Vieffl.).
(CHOPI BOAT-TAIL.)
Chopi, Azara, Apunt. i. p. 282. Aphobus chopi, Scl. Cat. B. xi. p. 405.
Psarocolius unicolor, Burm. La-Plata Reise, ii. p. 494 (Mendoza).
Description. — Uniform black, slightly resplendent; bill and feet black;
lower mandible sulcated : whole length 9'2 inches, wing 5*2, tail 4-0. Female
similar, but smaller and duller ; bill not sulcated.
Hab. S. Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina, Bolivia, and Peru.
The Chopi, which is said to be quite common in Paraguay, is only
found in the north-eastern part of the Argentine Republic, consequently
I have never seen it, except as a cage-bird ; nor is there anything about
it in the notes of recent collectors and travellers who have visited the
upper waters of the Plata. This is, however, not to be regretted, since
Azara gave a very full and spirited account of this species in his
t Apuntamientos ;' although it certainly does seem strange that the
Chopi should have had two careful observers of its habits fully a
century ago, namely, Azara and his friend and fellow-naturalist the
APHOBUS CHOPI. 109
priest Noseda, and not one since. Evidently Azara was very familiar
with this bird, for he describes it lovingly and at great length, his
history of it being one of the most charming things in his work.
According to him the Chopi is a highly sagacious bird, and although a
frequent visitor to courtyards and verandahs of houses in Paraguay, too
shy and suspicious to be caught with snares. It has a strong and easy
flight, and readily attacks any large bird passing near, following it
persistently in the air, or, pouncing down, fastens itself on its enemy's
back. If the Caracara Eagle (Polyborus) alights in order to shake off
its persecutor, the Chopi perches at a distance of a few feet, where it
assumes an indifferent manner; but no sooner does the Caracara allow
its attention to wander from its adversary, then it is again subjected to
fresh insult. These attacks on so large and powerful a species may be
regarded as mere impertinences, but by practising them the Chopi is
soon able to rid himself of the presence of any unwelcome bird. From
a long distance he recognizes an enemy, by its figure, or even its shadow,
and warns all birds of the coming danger with a loud whistle, which at
once sends them into hiding, while the Chopi goes bravely out to the
encounter ; and the result is invariably a victorious song on his part,
beginning with the sound of his own name, and running through a
variety of whistled notes. He also sings well in captivity and when his
mate is incubating ; and his voice is first heard welcoming the dawn
from the eaves and tiled roofs of houses where he roosts. The pairing-
season is in November ; and, Noseda adds, the breeding- place is a hole
in a bank, or tree-trunks, or in a wall under the eaves, and occasionally
the nest is made in the small branches of an orange or other close-leafed
tree, and is built of sticks and straws carelessly disposed, with a few
feathers for lining. The eggs are four, and white.
It may be added that between Azara and his friend Noseda there was
a great controversy respecting the parasitical habits of the common
Cow-bird (Molothrtui) , which were first discovered by the former, and
disbelieved in by Noseda, who accounted for the fact that the Cow-bird
is never seen to make a nest by supposing that species to be the year-
old young of the Chopi, which, he further imagined, took three years
to acquire the adult form and plumage. Such an idea might seem to
discredit Noseda as a naturalist, if we did not remember that Gilbert
White at the same period was trying to prove the hybernation of
Swallows in England. The whole of the discussion appears in the
' Apuntamientos/ under the description of the Chopi ; and Noseda is
there allowed to state his own case ; after which the better observer,
Azara, gives five objections to the theory, any one of which would be
sufficient to demolish it.
110
Earn. XII. CORVID.E, OR CROWS.
The typical black Crows and Ravens do not penetrate into the New
World so far south as South America,, their range terminating in the
highlands of Guatemala and the islands of the Greater Antilles. They
have, however, as representatives in South America several allied
groups, clad mostly in various shades of blue, and commonly known as
Blue Crows and Blue Jays. Two of these are known to occur in the
woods of the northern provinces of Argentina.
107. CYANOCORAX CHRYSOPS (Vieill.).
(URRACA JAY.)
Cyanocorax chrysops, Sharpe, Cat. B. iii. p. 120. Cyanocorax pileatus,
Burm. La-Plata Reise, ii. p. 495 (Uruguay, Tucuman) ; Scl. et Salv. Nomencl.
p. 39; White, P. Z. S. 1882, p. 602 (Salta); Barrows, Bull Nutt. Orn.
Cl. viii. p. 136 (Entrerios). Cyanocorax tucumanus, Cab. J. f. O.
1883, p. 216 (Tucuman).
Description. — Above black, slightly glossed with purple; head, throat, and
breast black, the plumes of the crown forming a crest ; nape greyish blue,
deepening into purple on the hind neck ; above the eye a blue spot ; below the
eye a second spot and a patch at the base of the lower mandible purple ;
under surface and tip of the tail creamy yellow ; bill and feet black : total
length 14 inches, wing 6*3, tail 7*1.
Hab. Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Northern Argentina.
"This Blue Jay is very common about the woods at Campo Colo-
rado (Salta). It is remarkably tame and inquisitive, and has a great
variety of peculiar grating metallic notes. On the sierras of Totoral I
likewise met with it; and it is found as far south as Tucuman and
Catamarca." (White.} According to Azara it is abundant in Paraguay
and familiar with man, coming a great deal about the houses. The
vernacular name there is Acahe.
108. CYANOCORAX C^BRULEUS (Vieill.).
(AZURE JAY.)
Cyanocorax caeruleus, Sharpe, Cat. Birds, iii. p. 126; White, P. Z. S. 1882,
p. 603 (Misiones). Cyanocorax azureus, Scl. et Salv. Nomencl. p. 40.
Desertion. — Head all round, neck, and throat down to upper part of breast
black ; all the rest of the plumage fine and glossy blue ; beak and feet black:
total length 15'5 inches, wing 8*15, tail 6'9.
Hab. S. Brazil, Paraguay, and N. Argentina.
TYRANNIES. Ill
This fine species was originally discovered by Azara in Paraguay.
In June 1881 specimens were obtained at San Javier, Misiones, by
White. He writes : " This bird is found here at times in flocks, and
makes a great deal of noise, but is exceedingly wild and difficult to
shoot, so that I had to use ball-cartridge to secure this specimen."
Suborder IT. OLIGOMYOD^E.
Fam. XIII. TYRANNID.E, on TYRANTS.
The Tyrannic! oe or Tyrant-birds, which play the part of our Flycatchers
in the New World, although they are quite different in structure, con-
tribute an important element in the Neotropical Avifauna, numbering
as they do more than 350 species. Of these 63 have already been met
with within the limits of the Argentine Republic, and the list will, no
doubt, be further extended, as many of these birds are small and dull
in colour, and easily hide themselves in the dense forests to which they
resort.
The pampas are the special home of the Tseniopterinse, or " Walking
Tyrants " as Swainson called them, which have strong feet and long
tarsi, and frequent open spaces. Amongst them the genera Tanioptera,
Alectrurus, Cnipolegus, and Lichenops may be regarded as specially
characteristic of the Argentine avifauna. On the other hand, the
Elaineinae and Platyrhynchinse, which are eminently birds of the dense
forest, are much less numerous within the bounds of Argentina, and
are mostly confined to the wooded districts of the north. The typical
Tyranninae form a more mixed group, some species of which, such as
Tyrannus melancholicus and Pyrocephalus rubineus, are prominent
objects in the Argentine ornis.
109. AGRIORNIS STEIATA, Gould.
(STRIPED TYRANT.)
Agriornis striatus, Burm. La-Plata Reise, ii. p. 459 (Cordova) ; Salvin, Ibis,
1880, p. 356 (Tucuman); Doring, Exp. al Rio Negro, Zool. p. 41 (R.
Colorado, R. Negro).
Description. — Above cinereous ; wings blackish cinereous with light edgings ;
tail dark cinereous, with a distinct white margin to the external rectrix, and
slight whitish tips to all rectrices ; lores blackish ; short superciliaries white :
112 TYRANNISE.
below pale cinereous ; throat white, broadly striated with black ; bill above
black, below pale : whole length 9-0 inches, wing 4-5, tail 4-3. Female similar.
Hab. Eastern Argentina and Patagonia.
This species, originally discovered by Darwin in Patagonia, is also
found in Eastern Argentina. White obtained it in Catamarca, Durn-
ford in Tucuman, and Burmeister on the Eio Quarto, in Cordova.
110. AGEJOENIS MAKITIMA (d'Orb. et Lafr.).
(WHITE-TAILED TYRANT.)
Agriornis maritima, Scl. et Salv. Nomencl. p. 41 ; Durnford, Ibis, 1873, p. 394
(Chupat); Harrows, Bull. Nutt. Orn. Cl. vol. viii. p. 137 (Sierra de la
Ventana). Agriornis leucurus, Burm. La-Plata Reise, ii. p. 459
(Mendoza).
Description. — Above cinereous ; secondaries edged externally and tipped with
white ; tail dark cinereous, the four external rectrices with the whole outer
webs and about the one-third apical part of the inner webs white, the median
rectrices tipped with white ; below paler cinereous ; throat greyish white,
slightly striated with dark cinereous ; lower belly, crissum, flanks, and under
wing-coverts white, more or less tinged with cinnamomeous ; bill and feet black :
whole length 9*0 inches, wing 5-3, tail 4-0. Female similar.
Hab. Argentina, Patagonia, Chili, and Bolivia.
This Agriornis was obtained by Durnford at Tombo Point in Central
Patagonia, by Burmeister in the Sierra de Uspallata, near Mendoza,
and by Barrows in the rocky gorges of the Sierra de la Ventana.
Darwin tells us of this species that it " is a scarce, shy, solitary bird,
frequenting the valleys in whicli 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 con-
spicuous manner. I also met with the species in the lofty and arid
valleys on tne eastern side of the Cordillera of Central Chili, and like-
wise at Copiapo." (Zool. Voy. * Beagle/ iii. p. 57.)
111. MYIOTHERETES RUFIVENTEJS (VieilU
(CHOCOLATE TYRANT.)
Myiotheretes rufiventris, Scl et Salv. P. Z. S. 1868, pp. 138, 141 (Conchitas) ;
iid. Nomencl. p. 42 ; Durnford, Iliis, 1877, p. 175 (Buenos Ayres), et 1878,
p. 394 (Centr. Patagonia); White, P. Z. S. 1882, p. 603 (Buenos Ayres) ;
MYIOTHERETES RUFIVENTRIS. 113
Barrows, Bull Nutt. Orn. Cl. viii. p. 140 (Entrerios). Taenioptera varie-
gata, Bunn. P. Z. S. 1868, p. 635 (Buenos Ayres) ; Hudson, P. Z. S. 1870,
pp. 333, 545, et 1871, p. 260 (Buenos Ayres).
Description. — Above and below smoky grey, clearer on the head and breast ;
belly, crissum, and under wing-coverts bright rufous; wings black, inner
secondaries bright chestnut terminated with white, outer secondaries black,
tipped with white ; wing-coverts grey, margined with white ; tail black, outer
margins of external pair of rectrices and tips of all whitish ; two outer primaries
emarginated ; bill and feet black : whole length 9-5 inches, wing 6-7, tail 3*8.
Female similar, but outer primaries not emarginated.
Ilab. Patagonia, Argentina, and Paraguay.
There is a striking resemblance to a Thrush in this species, when one
sees it running on the ground with its beak somewhat elevated ; but when
it stands or perches, opening and closing its broad tail with a graceful
fan-like motion, the resemblance to the stiff automatic Turdus grows
less, and when it flies vanishes altogether — its long wings being as
sharply pointed as those of the Peregrine Falcon, while its motions in
the air have a Gull-like grace and buoyancy.
It is a very pretty bird ; the upper plumage is grey tinged with rufous,
the throat pure dark grey, breast and belly rufous, wing-coverts light
silvery grey, remiges and rectrices dark. Azara classed it under the
name of Pepoaza (banded-wing) with the Twntoptera, to which it
comes very near in form, flight, language, and habits, though it has
longer legs and runs more on the ground. Its summer home is in
Southern Patagonia, but its breeding-habits are not known ; in winter
it migrates north, and in May is found scattered over the pampas, where
it is usually called by the country people f Chorlo/ a name for all
Plovers ; for while running swiftly about on the ground, often associa-
ting with flocks of Plover, it has a certain resemblance to them. From
the hue of its plumage it is also called ' El Chocolate/ a name I have
thought it best to preserve.
These birds are very sociable, going in small flocks, usually of from
half a dozen to twenty individuals ; they are restless and active, and
quick and graceful in all their movements, and seek their food on the
ground, chiefly coleopterous insects, on the great level plains they
inhabit. While on the wing they pursue each other playfully in the
air, and also attack and chase passing birds of other kinds, apparently
in a sportive spirit. Occasionally they perch on a thistle-top or low
bush, but never on trees. Their only language is a long, low, plaintive
whistle, heard usually on warm still days in winter.
VOL. I.
114 TYRANNIES.
112. TJENIOPTERA NENGETA (Linn.).
(PEPOAZA TYRANT.)
Taenioptera nengeta, Burm. La-Plata Reise, ii. p. 459 (Parana) ; Scl. et Salv.
Nomencl p. 42; Barrows, Bull. Nutt. Orn. Cl. viii. p. 137 (Entrerios) ;
White, P. Z. S. 1882, p. 603 (Misiones).
Desertion. — Above cinereous ; lores white ; wings black, coverts cinereous ; a
well-marked speculum at the base of the primaries and the edgings of the outer
secondaries white; tail black, tipped with whitish cinereous, basal one-third of tail
white : below pale cinereous, middle of throat white, with blackish stripe on each
side ; middle of belly, flanks, crissum, and under tail-coverts white ; bill horn-
colour ; feet black : whole length 9'0 inches, wing 5-0, tail 3*5. Female similar.
Hab. S.E. Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, Argentine Republic, and
Bolivia.
To this species Azara gives the name of Pepoazd, the Guarani for
Barred- wing ; and Pepoaza was used by him as a generic name for the
small, well-defined group now placed in the genus Tcenioptera, compris-
ing eight known species. Most of these birds have some conspicuous
wing-mark. They inhabit the southern portion of the South- American
continent, from South Brazil and Bolivia to the Straits of Magellan,
and are most numerous on the open pampas and in Patagonia. In
size they do not vary greatly, the largest being about nine inches long,
the smallest about seven. In colour they are grey, or, more frequently,
white relieved with black or grey, one species (T. rubetra) being
rufous. Their legs are long, and they run on the ground like Myio-
theretes rufiventris, feeding, to some extent, in the same manner ; but they
also occasionally pursue and capture insects on the wing, like the typical
Tyrant-birds that seldom or never alight on the ground. They have
likewise another and unique prey ing-habit, intermediate between the
Plover-like habits of Agriornis, Myiotheretes, and Muscisaxicola, and the
Swallow- or Flycatcher-like habits of the true Tyrants. The bird perches
itself on an elevation — the summit of a stalk, or bush, or even of a low
tree — to watch like a Flycatcher for its insect prey ; only instead of
looking about for passing insects, it gazes intently down at the ground,
just as a Kingfisher does at the water, and when it spies a beetle or
grasshopper, darts down upon it, not, however, to snatch it up with the
bill as other Tyrants do, but it first grasps it with its feet, then proceeds
to despatch it, swaying about and opening its wings to keep its own
balance, just as an Owl is seen to do when it grasps a mouse or other
small animal in its claws. After devouring the insect on the spot, it flies
back to its perch to resume the watch. They are very restless, active,
playful birds, and seldom remain long on one spot, apparently finding
TjENIQPTERA CORONATA. 115
it irksome to do so ; but I have seen the T. irupero occupy the same
perch for hours every day while looking out for insects.
As an English generic name for this small interesting group might be
useful, I would suggest Ground-gazers or Ground-watchers, which
describes the peculiar preying-habit of these birds.
The Pepoaza is a swift, active, graceful bird, with a strong, straight
beak, hooked at the point, and a broad tail four inches long, the total
length of the bird being nine inches. The throat and space between the
beak and eye are white ; all the rest of the body, also the wing- and tail-
coverts, light grey ; tail and wing-quills black, with a pure white band
across the base of the primaries. The tertiaries and rectriees are
tipped with pale rufous grey.
It inhabits Brazil south of the equator, Bolivia and Paraguay, also the
northern provinces of the Argentine Republic. Mr. Barrows gives the
following account of its lively habits in Entrerios : — " They are commonly
seen perched on fences or the tops of bushes or trees in open ground,
frequently making sallies for winged insects, or dropping to the ground
to catch a grasshopper or worm. When shot at while perched and
watching you, they almost invariably leave the perch at the flash,
pitching forward and downward, and usually evading the shot, even at
short range. Several times I have secured them by shooting about a
foot below and two feet in front of them as they sat, but they do not
always fly in this direction. The rapidity of their flight when frightened,
or when quarrelling, is simply astonishing. I have seen one chase
another for three or four minutes, doubling, turning, twisting, and
shooting, now brushing the grass, and now rising to a height of at
least two or three hundred feet, and all the movements so rapid that
the eye could scarcely follow them ; and at the end of it each would go
back to the top of his own chosen weed-stalk, apparently without a
feather ruffled."
Azara found this species breeding in a hole in a bank ; and Mr. Dal-
gleish has described a nest, taken from a tree in Uruguay, as a somewhat
slight structure, four inches in diameter, formed of sticks and fibres,
lined with fine grass and a few feathers. It contained three eggs,
pear-shaped, white, with large well-defined spots of reddish brown.
113. TJENIOPTERA CORONATA (Vieill.).
(BLACK-CROWNED TYRANT.)
Tsenioptera coronata, Burm. La-Plata Reise, ii. p. 459 ; Scl. et Salv, Nomencl.
p. 42 ; Durnford, Ibis, 1877, p. 176 (Buenos Ayres) ; White, P. Z. S. 1882,
116 TYRANNID^E.
p. 603 (Buenos Ayres) ; Doring, Exp. al Rio Negro, Zool p. 42 (11. Colo-
rado) ; Barrows, Bull. Nutt. Orn. CL vol. viii. p. 138 (Eutrerios). Xolmis
variegata, Darw. Zool Voy. Beagle, iii. p. 54 (Sauta Fe).
Description.— Above cinereous ; rounded summit of head black, broad front
and band encircling the black of the head white ; wings blackish, upper coverts
cinereous, edgings of middle and greater coverts and of outer secondaries
whitish ; tail blackish, margins of outer webs of external tail-feathers white :
beneath white ; under wing-coverts and a large portion of the inner webs of the
remiges, except of the two outer primaries, white ; bill and feet black : whole
length 7-8 inches, wing 4-6, tail 3-1. Female similar.
Hob. Argentine Republic, Uruguay, and Paraguay.
In this species the sexes are alike. The crown is black and com-
posed of loose feathers ; the forehead, and a broad line over the eye
which extends nearly round the head, also all the under plumage, pure
white ; neck and back clear grey ; quills black.
This Tyrant is a solitary bird, though often many individuals are found
within call of each other, and they sometimes even unite in a loose flock.
It is found throughout the Argentine country, ranging south to the
Rio Negro, in Patagonia, but abounds most on the Buenos-Ayrean
pampas, where it performs a partial migration. Most of the Tanwptera
seek their food by preference on the bare level ground, or where the
vegetation is most scanty. This species varies somewhat in habits, and
seldom runs on the ground, and chiefly inhabits the desert plains,
where the large grasses flourish. On one occasion when I was with
an expedition on the pampas for several weeks, every day a number of
these birds would gather and follow us ; perched here and there on
the tall grasses with their bosoms toward us, they often looked at a
distance like large white flowers. Old gauchos have told me that fifty
years ago they were abundant all over the pampas, but have disap-
peared wherever the giant grasses have been eaten down, and have given
place to a different vegetation.
Their note is a long, low whistle, the usual language of the Tanio-
ptera ; but in this species it is very like a human whistle, on account of
which the bird is named Boyero (ox-driver) on tbe pampas. One
severe winter great numbers of them appeared in the neighbourhood of
Buenos Ayres, and it was amusing to see the dogs thrown into a great
state of excitement by the low whistling notes heard perpetually from
all sides. Every few moments they would start up and stare about
them to ascertain where tbe deceptive call came from, and in spite of
many disappointments they would occasionally all rush away, loudly
barking, into the plantation, convinced that some person there was
whistling to call them.
The Black-Crown makes a somewhat shallow nest in a bush or large
T^ENIOPTERA DOMINICANA. 117
clump of grass, and lays four white eggs, with large dark red spots,
chiefly at the big end.
I cannot refrain from quoting a passage from Mr. Barrows's paper,
descriptive of the lively temper and habits of this bird : —
"This species frequently persecutes smaller birds in a way which
seems to imply pure love of mischief. One afternoon in July, when
the river had fallen some feet after an unusual rise, I was walking along
the lines of drift left by the falling water, and watching the different
birds which were picking up insects or other food from the wind-rows.
A score or two of the little chestnut-backed Centrites were running
about, and here and there a Taenioptera was looking quietly on.
Suddenly I heard a chirp of distress, and looking up saw one of these
small birds apparently making every effort to escape from a Tcenioptera,
which was following in full chase. The two birds were hardly a length
apart and both going at full speed, doubling and dodging in a way that
would have done credit to a bat. The chase lasted perhaps for half a
minute, when the smaller bird alighted, and at once the other also alighted
and began running about unconcernedly and picking up food. But the
instant the smaller one made a start his enemy was at his heels (or
more properly his tail) again, and he was forced to alight. This was
repeated so often that I was on the point of shooting the pursuer, when,
without any notice, he flew quietly off, and resumed his usual
demeanour. It looked like a case of simple spite, for even if there
were twenty other birds about, one seemed to be followed without
regard to the rest."
I have often watched Tanioptera of different species, also Myio-
theretes rufiventris, behaving in a similar way, and agree with Mr.
Barrows that it is "an amusement in which the larger bird indulges
simply for the pleasure derived from the exercise of his power/'
114. T^NIOPTEEA DOMINICANA (Vieill.).
(DOMINICAN TYRANT.)
Taenioptera dominicana, Svrm. La-Plata Reise, ii. p. 460 (Entrerios) j Scl
et Salv. NomencL p. 42; Durnford, Ibis, 1877, p. 176 (Buenos Ayres);
White, P. Z. S. 1883, p. 38 (Buenos Ayres) ; Doring, Exp. al Rio Negro,
ZooL p. 42 (Azul, Currumalan) ; Barrows, Bull. Nutt. Orn. Cl. vol. viii.
p. 139 (Entrerios, Pigue", Pampas).
Description. — Above pure white ; wings black, with a broad whitish sub-
apical band across the first six primaries, beyond which the tips are blackish ;
tail black ; beneath pure white : whole length 8-0 inches, wing 4-6, tail 4'2,
Ftmale similar, but head above and back cinereous.
118 TYRANNID^E.
Hab. S.E. Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Argentine Republic.
This bird ranges from South Brazil and Paraguay to the southernmost
pampas of Buenos Ayres. Its total length is eight inches. The wings
and tail are black, the former barred with white ; all the rest of the
plumage in the male is pure white ; in the female the upper parts are
grey.
It is to some extent migratory, and usually goes in flocks of a dozen
or twenty birds, and frequents open situations where there are bushes
and trees, also plains covered with giant grasses. They are more social
in their habits than T. coronata, but in other respects closely resemble
it, and are exceedingly active lively birds, and when the flock is on
the wing continually pursue each other in a playful manner.
Mr. Barrows observed them in autumn on the Pigue (southern
pampas) preparing for their migration. " Late in March/' he says,
" we found them in large scattered flocks, which collected in one place
toward evening, and went through a series of aerial evolutions, accom-
panied with vocal exercises of a varied and entertaining kind, lasting
half an hour or more.
" I presume this was in preparation for their northward (or west-
ward?) migration, as we did not see them again after leaving this
spot."
115. T^INIOPTERA IRUPERO (Vieill.).
(WIDOW TYRANT.)
Taenioptera irupero, Scl. et Salv. P. Z. S. 1868, p. 141 (Buenos Ayres) ; iid.
Nomencl p. 42 j White, P. Z. S. 1882, p. 603 (Catamarca, Misiones) ; Doring,
Exp. al Rio Negro, Zort. p. 42 (R. Colorado) ; Barrows, Bull. Nutt. Orn. Cl.
vol. viii. p. 139 (Entrerios). Taenioptera mcesta, Burin. La-Plata Reise,
ii. p. 460.
Description. — Above and beneath pure white ; wings with the primaries
black except the innermost, which are white at their bases and tipped with
black, and secondaries which have narrow black shafts ; broad end of the tail
black ; bill and feet black ; two outer primaries acuminated : whole length 7'0
inches, wing 4-3, tail 3*2. Female similar.
Hab. Paraguay, Uruguay, Argentine Republic, and Bolivia.
This pretty species is found throughout the Argentine country, and is
well known to the natives, and usually called Viudita (Little Widow),
on account of its mourning colours. It is also sometimes curiously
named Anjelito de las Animas, from a superstitious notion due to the
intense whiteness of its plumage and to its supposed habit of frequenting
graveyards. In both sexes the entire plumage is snowy white, except
T^NIOPTERA MURINA. 119
the primaries and the tip of the tail, which are black. In habits it is
more sedentary than other Tcenioptera, and obtains its food chiefly by
patiently watching the surface of the ground for its insect prey. Its
marvellously white plumage, and the habit of sitting motionless
on the summit of a bush or tree, make it a most conspicuous object,
so that it is strange to find such a bird existing in districts which
abound in raptorial species; for Hawks, I have frequently noticed,
will always single out a white or conspicuously coloured bird for
pursuit, and though the Little Widow, like the other members of its
genus, is swift and strong of wing, the feeble and the young must often
fall victims to their shining white plumage.
The Little Widow is a solitary bird, and not nearly so lively and
playful in manner as T. coronata and T. dominicana, its surpassing
whiteness being its most interesting feature. Its nesting-habits are
unlike those of other TaeniopteriK, for it breeds only in holes, usually in
the bole or branch of a tree ; but sometimes it takes possession of the
oven of Furnarius rufus to lay in. The nest is composed chiefly of
feathers and contains four eggs, creamy white, with a few very minute
red spots, irregularly distributed. Mr. Dalgleish says, " Some eggs
have only two or three spots, none have more than eight or ten."
Mr. Barrows says: — "The adults have several of the primaries
remarkably attenuated. Young birds appear to acquire these attenuate
primaries only after a complete moult. But I took one specimen
which showed one or more primaries with tips of ordinary shape but
with a line apparently worn into the vane of the inner web, so as to
mark out distinctly the attenuate tip, and it seemed as if a little more
wearing would cut out a piece which would leave the primary as in
the old bird."
116. TJENIOPTERA MURINA (d'Orb. et Lafr.).
(MOUSE-BROWN TYRANT.)
Tsenioptera murina, Hudson, P. Z. S. 1872, p. 541 (Rio Negro) ; Scl. et Salv.
Nomencl p. 42; White, P. Z. S. 1883, p. 38 (Cordova). Pyrope murina,
Cab. Journ. f. Orn. 1878, p. 196 (Cordova).
Description. — Above sandy cinereous, whitish round the eyes; wings and
tail blackish with whitish edgings ; below much paler, throat whitish with slight
black striations ; belly and crissum tinged with ochraceous ; under wing-
coverts and flanks pale ochraceous ; bill horn-colour ; feet black ; two outer
primaries acuminated : whole length 7*0 inches, wing 4-0, tail 2-9. Female
similar, but outer primaries normal.
Ilab. \Yestern Argentina and North Patagonia.
120 TYRANNIC.
This species inhabits the Mendoza district, and migrates south in
spring. I met with it on the Rio Negro, in Patagonia, where it made
its appearance in October. The sexes are alike. The entire upper
plumage is dull grey with a pale rufous tinge ; throat, breast, and belly
pale buff tinged with grey. It is a solitary bird, restless in manner,
has a swift flight, and sits on a stalk or other slight elevation, from
which it darts down to seize any insect it spies on the ground. Its
only language is a very low whistling note.
117. T-ffiNIOPTERA RUBETRA (Burm.X
(CHAT-LIKE TYRANT.)
[PLATE VII.]
Tsenioptera rubetra, Burm. La-Plata Reise, ii. p. 461 (Mendoza) ; Hudson,
P. Z. S. 1872, p. 541 (Rio Negro) ; Scl. et Salv. Nomencl. p. 42 ; Durnford,
Ibis, 1877, p. 34, et 1878, p. 394 (Patagonia).
Description. — Above sandy brown, lores and superciliaries white; wings
black, greater coverts and outer secondaries edged with whitish, lesser coverts
like the back ; tail black, outer web of the outer tail-feathers and tips of others
white ; below white, with black striations on the sides of the throat and on the
breast; flanks, under wing-coverts, and inner webs of the primaries deep rufous ;
two outer primaries acuminated : whole length 7*5 inches, wing 4'7, tail 3-2.
Female rather paler, throat and breast washed with ocnraceous, and outer
primaries not acuminated.
Hob. Interior of Argentine Republic and Patagonia.
I have met with this bird at all seasons of the year in Patagonia on the
Rio Negro, and think it probable that it has no migration. It is seen
in flocks of twenty or thirty individuals, and in its lively actions when
on the wing, and in its habit of perching on a bush or elevation of some
kind, from which it pounces down on an insect seen on the ground, it
resembles other Ttenioptera ; but it runs about on the ground a great
deal, and in this respect is more like a Myiotheretes or Muscisaxicola.
In its colour it also diverges widely from the typical Taeniopteras in
their black and white Dominican plumage. The whole upper parts are
light chestnut, with a white mark on the side of the head ; wings and
tail dark, tipped with pale rufous ; throat, breast, and belly whitish
rufous, with dark lines on throat and bosom. The chestnut hue in the
female is paler and mixed with grey.
FLUVICOLA ALBIVENTRIS. 121
118. OCHTHffiCA LEUCOPHRYS (d'Orb. et Lafr.).
(WHITE-BROWED TYRANT.)
Ochthceca leucophrys, Scl. et Salv. Nomencl. p. 42; White, P. Z. 8. 1882,
p. 603 (Catamarca).
Description. — Above dark cinereous, rump rufescent; wings blackish, cross-
bands on wing-coverts and edges of outer secondaries rufous ; tail blackish,
outer web of external rectrix white ; beneath pale cinereous ; lower belly,
crissum, and under wing-coverts white ; bill and feet black : whole length 5'2
inches, wing 3*0, tail 2-7.
Hab. Bolivia and Northern Argentina.
A single specimen of this bird was obtained by White at Fuerte de
Audalgala, Catamarca, in September 1880, during a snow-storm.
119. SAYORNIS CINERACEA (Lafr.).
(ASHY TYRANT.)
Sayornis cineracea, Scl. et Salv. Nomencl. p. 43. Aulanax latirostris, Cab.
J.f. O. 1879, p. 335 (Tucuman).
Description. — Above dark cinereous ; head sooty black ; wings and tail
blackish, outer margins of the wing-coverts and secondaries and outer web of
the external tail-feather white ; below sooty black, middle of belly and under
wing-coverts white, flanks and crissum dark cinereous ; bill and feet black :
whole length 9-5 inches, wing 3*4, tail 3-1. Female similar.
Hab. Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, and N. Argentina.
Examples of this wide-ranging species, obtained by Doring in
Tucuman, are referred by Dr. Cabanis to his subspecies " latirostris"
which seems to us hardly distinct from S. cineracea.
120. FLUVICOLA ALBIVENTRIS (Spix).
(WHITE-BELLIED TYRANT.)
Fluvicola albiventris, Scl. et Salv. Nomencl. p. 43 ; Durnford, Ibis, 1878,
p. 59 (Buenos Ayres).
Description. — Above black ; front half of head, narrow band across the rump,
and slight edgings to wing-coverts and outer secondaries white ; below white ;
bill and feet black: whole length 5-5 inches, wing 2-8, tail 2-2. Female
similar.
Hab. Amazonia, Bolivia, and Argentine Republic.
The small black-and-white Tyrant is not uncommon in the marshes
and on the river-margins in the Plata district, its spring migration
122 TYRANNIDJ3.
extending south to Buenos Ayres. Like the Kingfisher, it haunts the
water-side and is found nowhere else. It has a shy, retiring disposition,
concealing itself in the close thickets overhanging a stream, so that one
does not often see it, notwithstanding its conspicuous white plumage.
When disturbed it emits a series of low ticking notes, or darts swiftly
out from the thicket, showing itself for a moment over the water before
disappearing once more into its hiding-place.
D'Orbigny says it makes a purse-shaped nest, of slender twigs, moss,
and feathers neatly interlaced, and lays four white eggs, spotted at the
large end with brown.
121. ARUNDINICOLA LEUCOCEPHALA (Linn.).
(WHITE-HEADED TYRANT.)
Arundinicola leucocephala, cTOrb. Voy., Ois. p. 334 (Corrientes).
Description. — Black ; whole head and neck and a patch on the flanks white ;
bill horn-colour, base of lower mandible white ; feet black ; whole length 5-0
inches, wing 2-5, tail 1-8. Female above cinereous ; front and sides of head
whitish ; tail black ; beneath white, flanks and under wing-coverts cinerascent.
Hab. Colombia and southwards to Argentina.
This species, which is of wide distribution, was met with in Corrientes
by d'Orbiguy.
122. ALECTRURUS TRICOLOR, Vieill.
(COCK-TAILED TYRANT.)
Alectomrus tricolor, Scl. et Salv. Nomencl. p. 43.
Description. — Above black, rump greyish ; sides of the head, scapularies, lesser
wing-coverts, and outer margins of secondaries white ; tail black, outer rectrix
on each side produced, expanded, fan-shaped ; below white, patch on each side
of the breast (forming an incomplete collar) black ; bill horn-colour ; feet black :
whole length 7'2 inches, wing 2-8 ; tail, outer rectr. 2-5, middle rectr. 1'5.
Female : above brown, rump and lesser wing- coverts pale ; beneath dirty white,
sides of breast brown.
Hab. S. Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Argentine Republic.
This species generally resembles the one next described, and has, like
it, a black, white, and grey plumage. But the tail, although strange, is
constructed on a different pattern. The total length of the bird is five
and a half inches, the tail being only two and a half. The two outer
tail-feathers have remarkably stout shafts, with broad coarse webs, and
ALECTRURUS RISORIUS. 123
look like stumps of two large feathers originally intended for a bigger
bird, and finally cut off near their base and given to a very small one.
In the male these two feathers are carried vertically and at right angles
to the plane of the body, giving the bird a resemblance to a diminutive
cock ; hence the vernacular name ' Gallito/ or Little Cock, by which it
is known.
I have not observed this species myself, but Azara has the following
paragraph about its habits : — " The male sometimes rises slowly and
almost vertically, with tail raised, and rapidly beating its wings, and
looking while ascending in this way more like a butterfly than a bird ;
and when it has reached a height of ten or twelve yards, it drops
obliquely to the earth and perches on a stalk." He adds that the males
are solitary, but several females are sometimes seen near together, and
that the females are greatly in excess of the males.
123. ALECTRURUS RISORIUS (VieilL).
(STRANGE-TAILED TYRANT.)
Alectrurus guira-yetapa, Scl. et Salv. Nom&ncl p. 43 j Durnford, Ibis, 1878, p. 60
(Buenos Ayres). Alectrurus risorius, Harrows, Bull. Nutt. Orn. Cl. viii.
p. 140 (Entrerios). Alectrurus psalurus, Burm. La-Plata Reise, ii.
p. 457 (S. Luis).
Description. — Above black, rump grey ; front varied with white ; wings
black, scapularies, outer margins of wing-feathers and coverts white ; tail
black, two outer rectrices much elongated, denuded at the base, with a broad
inner and no outer vane ; below white, broad band across the breast black ; throat
in the breeding-season bare of feathers arid of a bright orange ; bill yellowish ;
feet black : whole length 11-0 inches, wing 3-0 ; tail, outer rectrices 8'0, middle
2'0. Female : above brown, wings varied with white : beneath white ; breast-
band pale brown ; tail with the two outer rectrices slightly elongated and
denuded, terminated with spatulations on the inner vane.
Hob. S. Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Argentine Republic.
Azara named this species Cola estrana (Strange-tail), but mentions
incidentally that its Guarani name is ( guira-yetapa ' (Scissor- tail), a
term which the Indians apply indiscriminately to several species having
the same sort of tail.
The Guira-yetapa is a very curious little bird, with a black, white,
and grey plumage and the beak of a true Tyrant ; but it differs from all
its congeners in having the skin of the chin, throat, and sides of the
head bare of feathers, and these parts in the breeding-season are a
bright orange colour. It is a feeble flier, its wings being very short,
while the two outer tail-feathers are abnormally long and peculiar in
form. Mr. Barrows says: — "The remarkable condition of the outer
124 TYRANNISE.
pair of tail-feathers is interesting. In the male these two feathers
reach a length of nearly ten inches, the rest of the tail being about
three inches in length. The vane on the inner side of each is wanting
for the first two inches, and then suddenly develops to a width of
nearly two inches, which it maintains almost to the tip, when it
gradually narrows. The vane on the outer side of the shaft is only
about one-quarter of an inch wide, and is folded so tightly against the
shaft that it is quite inconspicuous. In the only two males of this
species which I have seen flying, these long feathers seemed to be
carried folded together beneath the rest of the tail, and stretching out
behind like a rudder or steering-oar, their vanes at right angles to the
plane of the rest of the tail."
Mr. Gibson gives a different account, and says the flight is singularly
feeble, resembling the fluttering passage of a butterfly through the air,
while the tail streams out behind.
It inhabits Paraguay, Uruguay, and the eastern portion of the
Argentine Republic, ranging as far south as the pampas in the neigh-
bourhood of Patagonia. It is usually seen singly or in pairs ; Azara
says he saw a flock of thirty individuals, but as they were all females,
it may be that in this species, as in Lichenops perspicillata, the females
are sometimes gregarious, and the males always solitary. It frequents
open places, such as the borders of marshes, or plains covered with tall
grasses, and perches in a conspicuous place, from which it darts at
passing insects like a Flycatcher.
Mr. Gibson found its nest on the ground amongst herbage, and
describes it as a neat structure of dried grass, containing three white
eggs with a faint cream-coloured tinge.
124. CYBERNETES YETAPA (Vieill.).
(YETAPA TYRANT.)
Cybernetes yetapa, Sd. et Salv. Nomencl. p. 43; White, P. Z. S. 1882, p. 604
(Itapua, Misiones).
Description. — Above hoary grey, with lineiform blackish shaft-stripes ; wings
black, with a large chestnut-brown patch occupying the outer webs of the inner
primaries ; tail of twelve much graduated feathers, black ; outer web of external
rectrices white ; beneath same as above, but rather paler ; throat and crissum
white ; patch on each side of the neck, and collar across the neck dark chestnut-
brown ; under wing-coverts and inner webs of wing-feathers white ; bill pale
brown ; feet black : whole length 16-0 inches, wing 5*0 ; tail, extreme rectrix
12-5, middle 26. Female similar, but less bright.
Jlab. S.E. Brazil, Paraguay, Bolivia, and Northern Argentina.
SISOPYGIS TCTEROPHRYS. 125
Azara found this singular species not uncommon in Paraguay, and
since his brief notice of it in the ' Apuntamientos ' nothing concerning
its habits has been recorded. It has a somewhat laboured flight, he
says ; lives in pairs or families, frequenting low or marshy grounds,
where it perches on the summit of the reeds or bushes, and flies down
to the ground to capture insects. It also occasionally dashes after
passing insects, taking them on the wing. It has a loud whistle, which
it utters frequently without any variation.
125. SISOPYGIS ICTEROPHRYS (Vieill.).
(YELLOW-BROWED TYRANT.)
Sisopygis icterophrys, Hudson, P. Z. S. 1868, p. 141 ; Scl. et Salv. Nomencl
p. 43 ; Durnford, Ibis, 1877, p. 176 (Buenos Ayres) ; Gibson, Ibis, 1880, p. 29
(Buenos Ayres) ; White, P. Z. S. 1882, p. 604 (Buenos Ayres) ; Barrows,
Bull. Nutt. Orn. Cl. viii. p. 141 (Entrerios). Taenioptera icterophrys,
Burm. La-Plata Reise, ii. p. 460 (Parana).
Description. — Above bright olive-green, head rather greyish, lores and super-
ciliary stripes yellow ; wings blackish, broad ends of coverts and outer edges of
secondaries dirty white ; tail blackish ; beneath bright yellow, sides of breast
and flanks olivaceous ; under wing-coverts whitish ; bill dark horn-colour ; feet
black : whole length 6*1 inches, wing 3-5, tail 2-7. Female similar, but less
bright.
Hob. S.E. Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, Northern La Plata, and
highlands of Bolivia and Peru.
This small and pretty Tyrant-bird is quite common in the woods
along the Plata, and is also seen a great deal in orchards and groves in
the cultivated districts. In Buenos Ayres it is a summer visitor,
appearing there in October, and is a shy, solitary bird, which catches
insects on the wing, and rarely visits the ground.
The nest is placed in a tree, ill-concealed, and very shallow : it is built
of fine sticks, and lined with fine grass, horse-hair, and feathers. The
eggs are four, pointed, pale cream-colour, with large dark red spots,
chiefly at the larger end.
The only language of this species is a very low plaintive whistle,
uttered as a faint protest when the nest is approached.
The upper plumage is olive-green ; the entire under surface and a
stripe on the side of the head pure yellow ; wing and tail-quills dark.
Total length 6£ inches.
126 TYRANNID^E.
126. CNIPOLEGUS ANTHRACINUS, Heine.
(ASHY-BLACK TYRANT.)
Cnipolegus anthracinus, Scl. et Salv. Nomencl. p. 43 ; Salv. Ibis, 1880, p. 356
(Salta) ; Doring, Exp. al Rio Negro, Zool p. 24 (Patagonia). Cnipolegus
atenimus, White, P. Z. S. 1882, p. 604 (Misiones). Cnipolegus hudsoni,
White, P. Z. S. 1883, p. 39 (Cordova) ? Myiarchus fasciatus, Leybold,
J.f. O. 1865, p. 402 (Mendoza), $ .
Description. — Above dull black, a broad bar across the vanes of the inner
webs of the wing-feathers white ; bill plumbeous ; feet black : whole length 6-3
inches, wing 3'5, tail 3-0. Female ashy brown ; rump, upper tail-coverts, and
basal portions of tail bright rufous ; wings blackish, with two white transverse
stripes ; beneath pale fulvous, white on the belly ; bill and feet black.
Hob. Northern Argentina.
Unfortunately very little is yet known about the habits of these
interesting little Tyrant-birds, for which I should like to suggest the
common name l ' Spectacular/' for reasons I shall say more about when I
come to describe the Lichenops perspicillatus, a species which undoubt-
edly belongs to this peculiar well-defined group. The plumage of the
male is, in most cases, intensely black, and there is a pure white bar
on the remiges, hidden when the bird is perched, and when it flies
made doubly conspicuous by the peculiar motion of the wings. In all
the known species the female has a dull brown plumage, lined or
mottled with dusky tints, and with some portion of the wing-quills
marked with rufous or chestnut colour.
The Ashy-black Tyrant inhabits the Mendoza district, and is also a
summer visitor in Patagonia, where it was obtained by Dr. Doring.
Speaking of its habits, he says the male is solitary, perches on the
summit of a bush or dry twig, emits at intervals a song or call com-
posed of two syllables, plaintive and flute-like in character, and uttered
while the bird rises up a few feet into the air. During this perform-
ance the white bands on the wings are displayed conspicuously and a
humming sound is produced.
127. CNIPOLEGUS HUDSONI, Scl.
(HUDSON'S BLACK TYRANT.)
Cnipolegus hudsoni, Scl. P. Z. 8. 1872, p. 541, pi. xxxi. (Rio Negro).
Description. — Uniform dull black ; a broad bar across the bases of the inner
webs of the wing-feathers white ; two outer primaries much pointed at their
extremities ; bill plumbeous, feet black : whole length 6-0 inches, wing 2-8,
tail 2-6.
CNIPOLEGUS CYANIROSTRIS. 127
This species is at once distinguishable from the preceding (C. anthracinus)
by its smaller size and the peculiar narrowed outer remiges.
Hab. Northern Patagonia.
This species is found in the western provinces of the Argentine
Republic, and, like C. anthracinusy which it closely resembles, is a
summer visitor in Patagonia, where it makes its appearance in October.
The plumage is intense black, with the inner webs of the remiges at
their base white, but the wing-band, which is over an inch in breadth,
shows only when the bird flies. There is also a small white spot on
the flank, scarcely visible, and excepting for this speck the bird at rest
appears entirely black. When it flies the white band appears suddenly,
producing a curious effect, for the wings are opened and shut suc-
cessively and with great rapidity, making the white band appear like a
succession of flashes. All the movements of the bird are eccentric to a
degree. It selects a dead twig on the summit of a bush, and this perch
it occupies during many hours every day. Occasionally it darts after
a passing insect, but I believe it feeds principally on the ground,
like Lichenops perspicillatus. At intervals it quits its perch very
suddenly and revolves round it with the rapidity of a moth whirling
round the flame of a candle, the wings producing a loud humming
sound, and the bird uttering a series of sharp clicking notes. During
this performance the white wing-band appears like a pale mist sur-
rounding the bird. This fantastical dance over, it resumes its perch,
and, until moved to a second display, sits as motionless as a bird carved
out of jet.
128. CNIPOLEGUS CYANIROSTRIS (Vieill.).
(BLUE-BILLED TYRANT.)
Cnipolegus cyanirostris, Burm. La-Plata Reise, ii. p. 457 (Mendoza) ; Scl et Salv.
Nomencl. p. 43 ; Barrows, Bull. Nutt. Orn. Cl. vol. viii. p. 141 (Entrerios).
Description. — Uniform dull black ; inner webs of the wing-feathers margined
with dull white ; bill plumbeous, feet dark brown : whole length 5-7 inches,
wing 3-0, tail 5-6. Female dark cinnamomeous brown, brighter on the head
and rump ; wings blackish, wing-coverts and secondaries edged with pale rufous ;
tail blackish brown, outer margins of outer rectrices and inner webs of all the
rectrices, except the two middle, bright rufous : below pale fulvous, densely
striated with blackish ; hill and feet brown.
Hab. S. Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, and La Plata.
In size this species of Black Tyrant is but slightly smaller than the
one described, and the colour is also of an intense black, but the white
128 TYRANNID.E.
wing-band is less conspicuous, the borders only of the inner webs of
the quills being white. It also differs in having a bright blue beak and
red eyes. Azara discovered it in Paraguay, and described the brown-
plumaged female as a distinct species. He merely says that it sits on
the summit of a bush and darts after passing insects, but it will, no
doubt, be found to possess some curious performing habits like the
other species of the genus.
Mr. Barrows met with this species on the Lower Uruguay, in the
month of September, and Burmeister obtained it near Mendoza.
129. CNIFOLEGUS CABANISI, Sclmlz.
(CAB ANISES TYRANT.)
Cnipolegus cabanisi, Schulz, Journ.f. Orn. 1882, p. 462.
Description. — Nearly uniform olivaceous slate-colour ; below rather paler ;
ings and tail black: whole length 6-0 inches, wing 3-4, tail 3-1. Female
brownish olive, below paler ; wings blackish, slightly edged with rufous ; tail
black, with broad rufous margins to the inner webs, and narrow similar margins
to the outer webs ; bill and feet brown.
Hab. Tucuman.
This is one of Herr Schulz's discoveries in Tucuman. He met
with it, in the month of January, in the mountainous districts of that
province.
130. CNIPOLEGUS CINEREUS, Scl.
(CINEREOUS TYRANT.)
Cnipolegus cinereus, Scl et Salv. Nomencl. p. 43 j Doring, Journ. f. Orn. 1878,
p. 197 (Cordova) ; Salvin, Ibis, 1880, p. 357, pi. x. (Tucuman, Salta).
Description. — Dark cinereous, paler and more olivaceous on the back and
wings ; edges of wing-coverts and secondaries rather lighter : below paler,
throat and breast blackish, like the head ; inner margins of wing-feathers
whitish; outer primaries acuminated; bill plumbeous, feet black: whole
length 4' 6 inches, wing 2'2, tail 2-3. Female brownish cinereous ; cap and
rump rufous; wings blackish, tips of coverts and edges of outer secondaries
whitish ; tail blackish, inner webs of all the lateral rectrices, except the tips,
rufous ; beneath whitish.
Hab. Northern Argentina.
LICHENOPS PERSPICILLATUS.
131. LICHENOPS PERSPICILLATUS (Gm.).
(SILVER-BILL TYRANT.)
Lichenops perspicillatus, Burm. La-Plata Raise, ii. p. 457 (La Plata to
Mendoza) ; Scl et Salv. P. Z. S. 1868, p. 141 (Buenos Ayres) ; iid. Nomend.
p. 43; Hudson. P. Z.S. 1869, p. 432 (Buenos Ayres); Gibson, Ibis, 1880,
p. 21 (Buenos Ayres); White, P. Z. S. 1882, p. 604 (Buenos Ayres); Bar-
rtw?, Bull. Nutt. Orn. Cl. vol. viii. p. 141 (Entrerios, Azul).
Description. — Uniform black ; primaries pure white, with black tips and
bases ; fleshy ring round the eye and bill yellow, feet black : whole length 5-G
inches, wing 3*5, tail 2'4. Female above dark brown, with light brown edgings
to the feathers ; remiges chestnut, with dark-brown tips ; wing-coverts dark
brown with fulvous tips ; beneath fulvous white, breast with dark stria-
tions ; under wing-coverts fulvous ; bill yellowish, feet black.
Hab. Southern Bolivia, S.E. Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, La Plata,
Chili, and Patagonia.
Naturalists have said a great deal about the well-known Silver-bill
(the most important member of my "Spectacular" group), the question
as to whether the black and red birds are sexes or two distinct species
having long remained unsettled. Azara, writing in the last century,
under the heading Pico de Plata, rightly described the red bird as the
female of the black ; but, unfortunately, in another part of his work he
described the female again as a different species, naming it Suiriri
chorreado. Darwin also separated the sexes, and gave the name of
Lichenops erythropterus to the red-plumaged bird. The following extract
gives only a portion of his argument, and is interesting to read, even
now, when the question has been finally set at rest, as it shows how
much the two birds differ: — "The tail of L. erythropterus is squarer
and contains only ten feathers instead of twelve : the wing is -f0 of an
inch shorter; and the secondaries relative 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 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. perspicillatus the third is rather shorter than the fourth
and fifth; and the second is proportionately shorter relative to the
third, so that the outer part of the wing in this species is more pointed
than in L. erythropterus. The outer claw in the latter species is only
in a small degree straighter than in the former ; and this, considering
that L. perspicillatus is generally perched, and when on the ground can
only hop, and that L. erythropterus feeds there entirely, and walks, is
very remarkable/'
VOL. i. K
130 TYRANNIDJE.
When one considers the habits of the two birds, even where they
are most abundant and seen continually, it is indeed difficult to believe
that they are of the same species. They are never seen associating
together, even in the love-season, and when I have watched a pair
actually engaged in constructing their nest, they appeared to keep as
far apart as possible. More than that, the male, while unfriendly
towards all other species, appears to cherish a special antipathy against
the red bird ; and when one comes near him never fails to pursue it
with the greatest virulence from the neighbourhood. He is also strictly
solitary, but the red birds frequently unite in small parties, especially in
autumn, when I have often seen as many as a dozen together.
Altogether the Silver-bill has been a puzzle in the past, and it would
now appear, from some recent observations made by Mr. Barrows,
that we have not yet got to the end of all the curious points in its
habits. Without doubt it is migratory. Its range extends from
Paraguay to Patagonia, where it is not common. In Paraguay and the
hotter parts of the Argentine country it is probably stationary; in
Buenos Ayres, where it is most abundant, many individuals remain all
the year in sheltered places, and the migration appears to become more
definite the further south we get. Mr. Barrows travelled south across
the pampas in the autumn, and says : — " The species was met with at
all points visited, but south of the Azul not a single male in the black
plumage was seen, though the brown birds (presumably females or
young) were met with almost every day for nine weeks, and frequently
in large numbers. Of course I began to suspect that the males must
moult into a brown suit after nesting, as do our Bobolinks and many
other birds, but I shot specimens at various times, and all proved to be
either females or young males, and as I was confident that at Con-
ception black males were to be found through the year, I was at a loss
for an explanation, and am so still."
The male Silver-bill is entirely black, there is nothing in natnre
blacker than its plumage ; and, to enhance the effect, the beak is of a
very delicate primrose-yellow, which at a little distance appears white,
hence the vernacular name. The eye, and broad free skin surrounding it,
which is ruffed like an Elizabethan collar, are of the same faint primrose
hue. The secondary wing-quills are pure white, but the white is only
displayed when the bird flies. The female has the naked skin encircling
the eye, but its colour, as also that of the beak, is much darker than in
the male. Entire upper plumage dark brown ; secondaries chestnut ;
lower parts fawn-colour, marked with brown. The young males are at
first like the females in colour, and do not acquire the black plumage
until the end«o'f the summer.
MACHETORNIS RIXOSA. 131
The bird ranges over the whole of the Argentine Republic, and,
according to Gay, is also common throughout Chili, where it is known
as the Colegial (Collegian or learned person), on account of its stiff
grave manner, black dress, and spectacled appearance.
The male is a solitary bird, and feeds chiefly on the ground, running
rapidly about in open places like a Muscisaxicola. It is also frequently
seen perched conspicuously on the summit of a tall stalk or bush, and
occasionally making a dart into the air after passing insects, showing in
this habit his relationship with the Tyrant-birds. But he perches on
an elevation less to watch for insects than for the purpose of his curious
spectacular performance. This highly eccentric habit is strikingly like
that of Cnipolegus hudsoni ; and I have no doubt that all the Cnipolegi
possess similar habits. Both birds perch on a conspicuous place,
upright, motionless, and looking more like grotesque little automata
than living things ; they both also leave the perch suddenly, as if shot
from it by means of a steel spring. This singularly sudden movement,
and the motion of the wings, rapid as in the Humming-bird, or shut
and opened alternately and exhibiting the white wing-colour in a series
of flashes, seems related to the conspicuous white mark. In both
species, also, the wings make a humming sound daring flight. The
motions of the Silver-bill are, however, in some respects different from
those of the Cnipolegus. Springing from its perch at intervals, it darts
vertically to a height of about fifteen yards, then turns a summersault,
uttering at the same moment a shrill-sounding little cry, after which it
drops down again and alights on its perch suddenly, as if jerked back
to it, and there remains stiff, erect, and motionless as before.
The nest is made of dry grass in a thistle-bush or clump of reeds, and
is rather deep and cup-shaped. The eggs are four in number, white,
and spotted at the larger end with dark red.
132, MACHETORNIS RIXOSA (Vieill.).
(SHORT-WINGED TYRANT.)
Machetornis rixosa, Burm. La-Plata Reise, ii. p. 458 (Parana) ; Scl. et Salv.
P. Z. S. 1868, p. 142; iid. Nomencl p. 44; Htidson, P. Z. S. 1874, p. 173
(Buenos Ayres) ; Durnford, Ibis, 1877, p. 177 (Buenos Ayres);. Salvin, Ibis,
1880, p. 357 (Salta) ; Barrows, Bull Nutt. Orn. Cl. viii. p. 142 (Entrerios).
Description. — Above brownish olive ; wings and tail brown, the latter ter-
minated by a yellowish band; middle of cap occupied by a scarlet crest;
beneath bright yellow, paler on the throat ; bill and feet black : whole length
7-2 inches, wing 3-9, tail 3'5. Female similar, but rather duller. Young with-
out the scarlet crest,
K 2
132 TYKANNID.E,
Hob. S.E. Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay, and La Plata.
This species, found in the open districts throughout South America,
from Venezuela to Buenos Ayres, where it is quite common, has very
interesting habits. It is seven inches and a half long, has a plump
body, short wings, and long legs. The upper plumage is light brown,
the throat, breast, and belly yellow, and the male has a concealed crest
of a bright orange-red colour.
It resembles the true Tyrants in disposition, in its shrill piercing
language, and in the habit of perching and breeding in trees. On the
other hand, like the long-legged Myiotheretes, that lives on the open
plains, it feeds exclusively on the ground, over which it runs with a
speed possessed by few perching species. The general impression one
forms is that in manners and appearance the Short- winged Tyrant is
quite unlike any other species, though all its habits are to be found in
one or other of the various groups comprising the Tyrannidte.
These birds have no migration, but pair for life, and always remain
on the same spot, and will continue to breed in the same hole for many
years, even where they are frequently deprived of their eggs. Azara saw
them sometimes uniting in small flocks in Paraguay ; in Buenos Ayres
they are always seen in pairs, or, after the young have left the nest, in
families. They prefer to live near a human habitation, where there are
trees : even one tree, in which they can breed and find shelter at night,
will be sufficient to attach them to a dwelling, so great is their partiality
for the clean-trodden ground where they can freely run about and catch
insects. They haunt the cattle-pens, and become extremely familiar
with the cows, horses, and sheep, following them to the pasture-grounds,
where they are often seen perched on the back of a horse or other
domestic animal, or stationed close to its nose on the ground, watching
for insects. On the bare ground they run about with wonderful swift-
ness, and are able to overtake and capture flying insects without rising.
The male and female invariably hunt together, and at intervals fly to
some favourite perch to indulge in a duet composed of loud, rapid, shrill
notes, somewhat metallic in sound. Though able to fly swiftly when
in pursuit of a passing hawk or other bird, at other times their flight is
strangely slow; the round body, short blunt wings and tail giving-' the
bird a somewhat curious appearance as it progresses laboriously through
the air. I have frequently seen them make the most unprovoked
assaults on birds of an inoffensive kind ; possibly they are in these
attacks moved by a playful rather than by a vindictive spirit. I once saw
one drop like a stone from a height of fifty yards on to a Pigeon
perched on a leafless tree. The Pigeon fell as if shot to the earth ; the
Tyrant-bird then released his hold ; the Pigeon rushed away terrified
MUSCISAXICOLA MACLOVIANA. 133
through the trees, while its persecutor rose high up in the air and
resumed its journey.
I have elsewhere spoken of the wars waged by this bird against other
species, all seeking to gain possession of the large nest of Anumbius
acuticaudatus. A hole in the trunk of a tree is also a favourite breeding-
place. The nest is neatly built of slender twigs and leaves, and lined
with horse-hair. The eggs are slightly oval, and densely marked with
dark brown spots or stripes on a white or brownish-white ground.
133. MUSCISAXICOLA MACLOVIANA (Garn.).
(CHIN-SPOTTED TYRANT.)
Muscisaxicola mentalis, Hudson, P. Z. S. 1872, p. 541 (Rio Negro) ; Scl. et
Salv. Nomencl. p. 44.
Description. — Above cinereous, lores blackish, cap brown ; tail-coverts and
tail black, outer margins of outer tail-feather white ; below pale cinereous,
passing into white on lower belly, crissum, and under wing-coverts ; chin-spot
brown ; bill and feet black : whole length 6*1 inches, wing 4'1, tail 2-6. Female
similar, but chin-spot not so well marked.
Hob. Peru, Bolivia, Chili, Patagonia, and Falkland Islands.
This South-Patagonian species is one of a Chilian group of Tyrant-
birds which resemble in their habits the Saxicola of Europe. The
plumage is generally grey, with more or less rufous colour on the crown ;
they have long legs, and run swiftly on the ground, frequent open sterile
situations, and perch only occasionally on trees.
The present bird is about seven inches long ; the upper parts are dull
grey, except the crown, which is dark chestnut ; under surface light
grey, and tail nearly black. In the month of June I met with these
birds on the Rio Negro, on their arrival there from the south. They
went in flocks of a dozen or twenty birds ; they had a swift easy flight,
were shy and restless in their manner, and uttered low plaintive
whistling notes. When a flock alights on the ground the birds all
instantly scatter, running rapidly about in all directions over the bare
ground. Occasionally one was seen to perch on some slight elevation,
and dart like a Flycatcher after passing insects.
Darwin saw this bird as far north on the Atlantic coast as Bahia
Blanca. He also found it at Tierra del Fuego, where it lives entirely
on the sea-beaches ; and in the sterile upper valleys of the Chilian
Andes, at a height of ten thousand feet, where the last traces of vege-
tation occur and where no other bird lives.
131 TYRANNID.E.
134. MUSCISAXICOLA RUFIVERTEX, d'Orb. et Lafr.
(RED-TOPPED TYRANT.)
Ptyonura rufivertex, Burm. La-Plata Reise, ii. p. 461 (Mendoza).
Description. — Above clear cinereous ; lores and short superciliaries whitish ;
well-defined nape-patch bright rufous ; wings brownish ; upper tail-coverts and
tail black, outer margin of outer rectrix white : below clear cinereous wbite,
brighter on lower belly, crissum, and under wing-coverts ; bill and feet black :
whole length 6-5 inches, wing 4-0, tail 2-8. Female similar.
Hob. Peru, Bolivia, Chili, and Western Argentina.
135. MUSCISAXICOLA MACULIROSTEIS, d'Orb. et Lafr.
(SPOT-BILLED TYRANT.)
Muscisaxicola maculirostris, Scl. et Salv. Nomencl. p. 44 ; Durnford, Ibis,
1878, p. 395 (Centr. Patagonia). Ptyonura maculirostris, Burm. La-
Plata Reise, ii. p. 462 (Mendoza);
Description. — Above greyish brown, lores and slight superciliaries whitish ;
tail-coverts and tail black, the outer web of the outer rectrix white ; below pale
greyish white, whiter on the belly and crissum ; bill black, with the base of the
lower mandible yellowish ; feet black : whole length 5*5 inches, wing 3-4, tail
2*4. Female similar.
Hab. Chili, Patagonia, Bolivia, Peru, and Western Ecuador.
Prof. Burmeister met with this species near Mendoza, in the mouths
of the large torrents above the city. D urn ford found it near the river
Sengalen in Central Patagonia in December 1877.
136. CENTKITES NIGER (Bodd.).
(RED-BACKED TYRANT.)
Centrites niger, Burm. La-Plata Reise, ii. p. 458 ; Scl. et Salv. Nomencl p. 44 ;
Durnford, Ibis, 1878, p. 395 (Chupat); White, P. Z. S. 1882, p. 604 (Buenos
Ayres) ; Daring, Exp. al Rio Negro, Zool p. 42 (B. Colorado) ; Barrows,
Bull. Nutt. Orn. Cl. viii. p. 142 (Entrerios, Pampas).
Description. — Above and below deep black : whole of back except the rump
and scapularies chestnut ; bill and feet black ; under wing-coverts and wings
below black : whole length 5-0 inches, wing 2-8, tail 1-9. Female above brown,
back fulvous red ; tail black ; below ashy brown.
Hab. Patagonia, Chili, and Argentina.
The little Red-backed Tyrant comes nearest to Muscisaxicola mentalis
in habits, but does not perch on bushes and trees, and is less gregarious
CENTRITES NIGER. 135
than that bird. It is the smallest of all those varied members of the
Tyrannine family which have abandoned forests and marshes and the
pursuit of insects on the wing, to live on the \vintry uplands of Pata-
gonia, and on the sterile plains bordering on the Andes.
The male is only five and a quarter inches long. The entire plumage
of the male is intensely black, except the back, which is bright chest-
nut. The inside of the mouth and tongue are vivid orange-yellow.
The chestnut colour on the female is pale, the rest of the plumage grey,
except the quills, which are dark.
Its summer home is in the southern portion of Patagonia, but its
nesting-habits are not known. In March it migrates north, and is very
common everywhere on the pampas throughout the winter. They arrive
in small parties of three or four, or in little loose flocks of about a
dozen individuals, travelling with a swift low flight. Males, females,
and young, grey like the last, arrive together ; shortly after arriving the
young males become mottled with black, and before leaving acquire
the adult plumage. They appear to leave in spring all together, but
from a note by Durnford it would appear that the males travel in
advance of the females. He says : — " Males of this species were
common at Chupat throughout September and during the first few days
of October. On the 5th of the latter month I observed the first females,
which gradually increased in number/'
The Little Red-backs inhabit open unsheltered plains, and have so
great a predilection for bare ground on which they can run freely about,
that on their arrival on the pampas, where the earth is thickly carpeted
with grass, they are seen attaching themselves to roads, sheep-pens,
borders of streams, vizcacha villages, and similar places. They are ex-
ceedingly restless, running swiftly over the ground, occasionally darting
into the air in pursuit of small flies, and all the flock so scattered that
there will be a dozen yards between every two birds. Mr. Barrows
describes their lively habits very well : — " I think this is one of the most
restless birds I ever saw. You cannot depend upon him to be in the
same place two consecutive half- seconds. He runs like a Sanderling,
and whenever he keeps his feet still by accident, his wings are flirted in
a way that shows his anxiety to be off. Several are usually found
together, and sometimes a loose flock of a hundred or more is seen.
They are very strong on the wing, sometimes mounting rapidly for
several hundred feet, if suddenly startled, and after a few moments
spent in circling like a Snipe, they drop again almost as suddenly as a
shot, and as if from the very clouds."
TYRANNID^E.
137. PLATYRHYNCHUS MYSTACEUS (Vieill.).
(BROAD-BILLED TYRANT.)
Platyrhynchus mystaceus, Scl. et Salv. Nomencl p. 44 j Wliite, P. Z. S. 1832,
p. 605 (Misiones).
Description. — Above olive, darker on the head ; coronal patch bright yellow ;
lores, eye-region, and ear-coverts pale yellowish; mystacal stripe blackish;
wings and tail blackish edged with olive-brown ; below clear fulvous, much
whiter on the throat ; upper mandible blackish, lower whitish ; feet pale
yellowish : whole length 3-3 inches, wing 2-1, tail 1-1. Female similar, but no
coronal patch.
Hab. Guiana, Brazil, Paraguay, and Northern La Plata.
A single example of this species was obtained by White in the forest
near San Javier, Misiones.
138. EUSCAETHMUS MARGARITACEIVENTRIS
(d'Orb. et Lafr.).
Todirostrum margaritaceiventer, d'Orb. Voy., Ois. p. 310 (Corrientes).
Euscarthmus margaritaceiventris, Scl. et Salv. Nomencl. p. 45 ; Salvin,
Ibis, 1880, p. 357 (Tucuman). Triccus margaritiventris, Burnn. La-Plata
Reise, ii. p. 456 (Parana).
Description. — AJbove olive-green, wings and tail blackish edged with olive-
green ; whole head above, including sides and back of neck, dark cinereous ;
beneath pearly white, passing into pale cinereous on the sides ; under wing-
coverts pale yellowish, flanks tinged with olivaceous; bill hazel; feet red:
whole length 4-5 inches, wing 2'1, tail 1*9.
Hab. Paraguay, Northern La Plata, Bolivia, S. Peru, and S.E.
Brazil.
This species, discovered by d^Orbigny in Corrientes, was also met
with near Parana by Prof. Burmeister, and by Durnford in Tucuman.
139. EUSCARTHMUS GULARIS (Temm.).
(RED-THROATED TYRANT.)
Euscarthmus gularis, Scl. et Salv. Nomencl. p. 45; White, P. Z. S. 1882,
p. 605 (Corrientes and Oran).
Description. — Olive-brown; wings blackish, wing-coverts tipped and outer
secondaries edged with yellowish white, forming two distinct bands ; remiges
and rectrices narrowly margined with olive ; head above dark cinereous ; lores
and sides of the head surrounding the dark ear-coverts rufous ; beneath white,
HAPALOCERCUS PLAVIVENTIUS. 137
sides of the breast greyish ; chin and sides of throat rufous, like the lores ;
flanks and under wing-coverts tinged with yellowish : whole length 3'5 inches,
wing 1-8, tail 1-4. Female similar.
Hab. S.E. Brazil, Bolivia, and Northern La Plata.
This bird was observed by White near Oran, and also in Misiones.
140. PHYLLOSCARTES VENTRALIS (Temm.).
(YELLOW-BELLIED TYRANT.)
Phylloscartes ventralis, Scl. et Salv. Nomencl. p. 46 ; Barrows, Bull. Nutt.
Oni. CL viii. p. 198 (Entrerios).
Description. — Above uniform olive ; ill-defined superciliaries whitish ; ear-
coverts dark ; wings and tail blackish with olive margins ; well-defined spots
on the tips of the two rows of wing-coverts and outer webs of secondaries
yellowish : below yellow, rather white on the throat and olivaceous on the
sides ; under wing-coverts pale yellow ; bill and feet blackish : whole length
4*5 inches, wing 2*1, tail 2'3.
Hab. S.E. Brazil and Northern La Plata.
This species is stated to have been met with by Mr. Barrows among
the low bushes bordering the streams of Entrerios. Graf v. Berlepsch
has recorded its presence in Rio Grande do Sul (Zeitschr. ges. Orn.
1885, p. 131), so that this occurrence is not improbable.
141. HAPALOCERCUS FLAVIVENTRIS (d'Orb. et Lafh).
(REED-TYRANT.)
Arundinicola flaviventris, d'Orb. Voy. Ois. p. 335, pi. xxxi. fig. 1. Hapalo-
cercus flaviventris, Burm. La-Plata Reise, ii. p. 456 (Mendoza) ; Scl.
et Salv. Nomencl. p. 46 ; Durnford, Ibis, 1877, p. 177 (Buenos Ayres), et
1878, p. 395 (Centr. Patagonia) j White, P. Z. S: 1882, p. 605 (Buenos
Ayres) ; Barroivs, Bull. Nutt. Orn. CL viii. p. 199 (Entrerios).
Description. — Above mouse-brown ; wings and tail rather darker, with
edgings like the back ; vertex more or less tinged with rufous ; beneath yellow ;
under wing-coverts pale yellow ; bill and feet black : whole length 4*0 inches,
wing 2-0, tail 2'0. Female similar.
Hab. S. Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay. La Plata, and Chili.
This little bird is rarely met with in the desert pampas, but through-
out the settled portion of the Buenos- Ayrean province it is one of the
most common species of the Tyrannida. It arrives from the north
in September, and is very regular in its migrations, although apparently
a very feeble flier. It frequents open grounds abounding in thistles,
138 TYRANNID^E.
tall weeds, or bushes, and is consequently most abundant about houses.
It is extremely active, and occasionally darts after a passing insect
and captures it on the wing, especially soft insects, like moths and
butterflies, to which it is most partial. It subsists principally, how-
ever, on small caterpillars arid spiders, for which it searches diligently
among the leaves, after the manner of the Wren. Although belonging
to the songless division of the Passeres, this small Tyrant-bird possesses
a formal song, which the male utters with great frequency, the only
other member of the Tyrant-family that I am acquainted with which
really sings being the Scarlet Tyrant (Pyrocephalus rubescens). The
music of the Reed- Tyrant is weak but curious ; it is composed of
five brief percussive notes, distinctly metallic in sound, which may be
imitated by gently and slowly striking fa la mi sol fa on the highest
keys of the piano. To utter this quaint little song the bird perches
itself on the summit of a weed or bush, where it solicits attention with
a little chipping prelude, and then jerks its head vigorously with each
note, delivering its few drops of sound with all the assurance of a
master in the art of melody.
In October it builds a deep elaborate nest of fine dry grass, thistle-
down, webs, feathers, and other soft materials, usually in the fork of a
weed or thistle three or four feet from the ground. It lays four
cream-coloured eggs, the colour deepening to grey at the larger end.
142. HABRURA PECTORALIS (Vieill.).
(THIN-TAILED TYRANT.)
Pachyrhamphus minimus, Gould, Zool. Voy. Beagle, iii. p. 51, pi. xv. (Moute
Video). Habrura minima, Scl. et Salv. Nomencl. p. 46; Cab. Journ. /.
Orn. 1878, p. 197 (Cordova) ; Sd. P. Z. S. 1879, p. 460 (Cordova).
Description.— Above sandy brown, with a dark-greyish tinge on the head,
which is subcrested and has the vertical feathers white at their bases ; lores
and eye-region whitish; wings and tail blackish, edged with sandy brown,
which forms in some specimens well-marked wing-bands ; beneath pale sandy
ochraceous, more rufous on the flanks ; throat more or less freckled with
black ; bill and feet dark brown : whole length 4-0 inches, wing 1-9, tail 1-7.
Female similar, but without the black markings on the throat.
Hab. Northern La Plata, Uruguay, Paraguay, Brazil, and British
Guiana.
Examples of this species were obtained by Dr. Doring near
Cordova.
STIGMATURA FLAVO-CINEREA. 139
143. CULICIVORA STENURA (Temm.).
(NARROW-TAILED TYRANT.)
Culicivora stenura, White, P. Z. S. 1882, p. 605 (Misiones).
. — Above sandy brown, striated with black ; head nearly black ;
lores and superciliaries white ; wings and tail blackish with slight brownish
edgings ; below pale sandy buff, more brownish on the sides of the neck and
flanks ; bill and feet black : whole length 37 inches, wing 1-7 ; tail, ext. rectr.
1-3, med. 1-9.
Hab. S.E. Brazil.
An example of this species is stated by White to have been obtained
by him at Itapua, Misiones, in July 1881, but there was possibly an
error in its identification.
144. STIGMATURA BUDYTOIDES (d'Orb. et Lafr.).
(WAGTAIL TYRANT.)
Stigmatura budytoides, Scl. et Salv. Nomencl. p. 46 j Salvin, Ibis, 1880,
p. 357 (Tucuman, Salta).
Description. — Above greyish olive; lores and short superciliary streak yellowish ;
wings blackish brown, tips of wing-coverts and outer margins of secondaries
white ; tail blackish, all the lateral rectrices crossed by a broad, white, median
and second terminal band ; under surface pale yellow ; bill and feet black :
whole length 5-0 inches, wing 2-1, tail 2-5.
Hab. Bolivia, Peru, Interior of Brazil, Northern La Plata.
Examples of this species were obtained by Durnford in Tucuman
and Salta.
145. STIGMATURA FLAVO-CINEREA (Burm.).
(LONG-TAILED TYRANT.)
Phylloscartes flavo-cinereus, Burm. La-Plata Reise, ii. 455 (Mendoza) ;
Dor ing, Exp. al Rio Kegro, Zool. p. 42 (R. Negro, R. Colorado). Stigma-
tura flavo-cinerea, Hudson, P. Z. S. 1872, p. 542 (Rio Negro) ; Scl. et
Salv. Nomencl. p. 46 ; White, P. Z. S. 1882, p. 606 (Catamarca).
Description. — Above greyish olive, lores and superciliary stripe whitish;
wings blackish, with whitish edgings to the coverts and outer secondaries ; tail
blackish ; outer web of the external rectrix and broad tips of the four external
pairs white ; beneath pale yellow ; bill and feet black : whole length 5-8
inches, wing 2'3, tail 3'0. Female similar.
Hab. Argentine Republic, including N. Patagonia.
This little bird inhabits the Mendoza and Patagonian districts, and
140 TYRANNISE.
does not appear to be migratory, for on the Rio Negro I found it at
all seasons. It is slender in form, with a long tail, its total length
being six inches. The sexes are alike in colour; the upper parts are
yellowish grey, breast and belly light yellow. They are found living
in pairs, all the year round, in thorn bushes, and are scarcely ever seen
to rest, but hop incessantly from twig to twig, in a delicate, leisurely
manner, seeking on the leaves for the minute caterpillars and other
insects on which they live. While thus engaged they utter a variety of
little chirping and twittering notes, as if conversing together, and
occasionally the two birds unite their voices in a shrill, impetuous song.
146. SERPOPHAGA SUBCRISTATA (Vieill.).
(SMALL-CRESTED TYRANT.)
Serpophaga subcristata, Burm. La-Plata Reise, ii. p. 454 (Entrerios) ; Sd. et
Salv. Nomencl. p. 47 ; Durnford, Ibis, 1877, p. 177 (Buenos Ayres) j White,
P. Z. S. 1882, p. 606 (Misiones) j Harrows, Bull Nutt. Orn. Cl. vol. viii.
p. 199 (Entrerios).
Description. — Above cinereous, usually with a slight olivaceous tinge on the
rump ; crest-feathers white at their bases, tipped with cinereous, and slightly
varied with black ; wings blackish, wing-coverts tipped with whitish, forming
two handsome bands ; outer secondaries externally margined with the same
colour ; tail dark ashy ; beneath ashy white, with more or less yellowish tinge
on the belly and under wing-coverts; bill horn- colour ; feet black: whole
length 4-5 inches, wing 2'0, tail 2*1. Female similar.
Hab. S.E. Brazil, Paraguay, Northern La Plata, and Bolivia.
This species is one of the smallest members of our Tyrannida, its
total length being only four and a half inches. The sexes are alike ;
the upj:er plumage is grey, with a greenish tinge on the back ; the
breast paler grey, becoming pale yellow on the belly. There is a white
concealed spot under the loose feathers of the crown.
It is quite common in Buenos Ayres, and, probably, has a partial
migration, as it is most abundant in summer. In its habits it closely
resembles the species last described, being always found in pairs,
living in thickets, where they hop incessantly about, exploring the
leaves for small caterpillars, and always conversing in low, chirping,
and twittering notes. They also sing together a little confused song.
The nest is fastened to the slender twigs of a low bush, and is a deep,
cup-shaped and beautiful structure, composed of a great variety of soft
materials bound together with spiders' webs, the interior lined with
feathers or vegetable down, and the outside with lichen. The eggs are
two, bluntly pointed, and of a cream-colour.
AN^RETES PARULUS. 141
147, SERPOPHAGA NIGRICANS (Vieill.).
(BLACKISH TYRANT.)
Serpophaga nigricans, Burm. La-Plata Reise, ii. 454 (Parana) ; Scl. et Salv.
Nomencl. p. 47 j Durnford, Ibis, 1877, p. 177 (Buenos Ayres) ; White, P. Z. S.
1882, p. GOG (Misiones) ; Barrows, Hull. Nutt. Orn. Cl. vol. viii. p. 199
(Entrerios).
Description. — Above dull brownish cinereous ; wings and tail blackish, the
coverts and outer secondaries with slight edgings like the back ; crest slight,
with a well-marked white basal spot ; beneath paler and rather purer cinereous ;
under wing-coverts pale cinereous ; bill and feet dark horn-colour : whole
length 4-7 inches, wing 2-3, tail !•!. Female similar, but vertical spot not so
well marked.
Hab. S.E. Brazil, Paraguay, La Plata, and N. Patagonia.
This species differs markedly in habits, language, and appearance
from the last. In both sexes the colour is a uniform slaty grey ; the
tail, which the bird incessantly opens and flirts like a fan, is black ; as
in S. subcristata there is a hidden spot of white under the loose
feathers forming the crest.
It frequents the borders of running streams, seldom being found
far from a water-course \ and it alights as often on stones or on the
bare ground as on trees. Male and female are always seen together,
for it pairs for life, and the migration, if it has any, is only partial.
It flits restlessly along the borders of the stream it frequents, making
repeated excursions after small winged insects, taking them in the air,
or snatching them up from the surface of the water, and frequently
returning to the same stand. While thus employed it perpetually
utters a loud, complaining chuck, and at intervals the two birds meet,
and, with crests erect and flirting their wings and tails, utter a series of
trills and hurried sharp notes in concert.
The nest is generally placed beneath an overhanging bank, attached
to hanging roots or grass, a few inches above the water ; but it is some-
times placed in a bush growing on the borders of a stream. It is a
neat, cup-shaped, but rather shallow structure, thickly lined inside with
feathers. The eggs are four, pointed, white or pale cream-colour, with
black and grey spots at the large end.
148. AKflSRETES PARULUS (Kittl.).
(TIT-LIKE TYRANT.)
Anaeretes parulus, Burm. La-Plata Reise, ii. p. 455 (Mendoza) ; Hudson,
P. Z. S. 1872, p. 543 (Rio Negro) ; Sclet Salv. Nomencl. p. 47; While, P. Z. S.
1883, p. 39 (Cordova) ; Durnford, Ibis, 1878, p. 395 (Centr. Patagonia) j
Uoring, Ejcp.al Rio Negro, Zool. p. 43 (R. Negro, R. Colorado).
142 TYRANNIDJE.
Description. — Above cinereous, with an olivaceous tint on the lower back ;
head black, front varied with white, elongated vertical crest black, sometimes
varied with white ; wings blackish, with slight whitish tips to the coverts and
whitish margins to the outer secondaries ; tail blackish, outer webs of external
rectrices whitish ; below pale straw-colour, white on the throat ; throat and
breast with numerous and well-marked black striations ; bill and feet black :
whole length 4-0 inches, wing 1-9, tail 1/8. Female similar, but crest shorter.
Hob. Argentine Republic, including Patagonia, Chili, Bolivia, Peru,
and Andes of Ecuador.
This small bird is only four and a half inches long ; in both sexes
the colour on the upper parts is dull grey, on the throat and breast
ash-coloured ; the belly pale yellow. It has the distinction of a slender
curling Lapwing-like crest, composed of a few narrow, long, black
feathers. The eye is white. It is found in the thorny thickets on the
dry plains of Mendoza, and is also common in Patagonia. In its
habits it closely resembles Serpophaga subscristata ; lives always in
pairs, perpetually moves about in a singularly deliberate manner
while searching through the bush for small insects, the two birds always
talking together in little chirping notes, and occasionally bursting out
into a little shrill duet. It builds a deep neat nest of fine dry grass
and lined with feathers, in a low thorn, and lays two white eggs.
149. AN^ERETES FLAVIROSTEIS, Scl. et Salv.
(YELLOW-BILLED TIT-TYRANT.)
Anaeretes flavirostris, Scl. et Salt}. P. Z. S. 1876, p. 355 ; 1879, p. 613.
Description. — Above brownish olive ; head black, mixed with white and sur-
mounted by narrow elongated black crest-feathers ; wings blackish, outer web
of external rectrix whitish ; beneath pale stramineous, throat and breast white,
densely striated with black ; under wing-coverts white ; bill yellowish, with a
black tip ; feet black : whole length 4-2 inches, wing 2-1, tail 2-0.
Hab. Bolivia and N. Argentina.
A specimen of this species was procured at Cosquin, near Cordova,
by White.
150, CYANOTIS AZAR^J, Naum,
(MANY-COLOURED TYRANT.)
Cyanotis azarae, Scl et Salv. Nomencl. p. 47; Durnford, Ibis, 1877, p. 177
(Buenos Ayre?, Centr. Patagonia) ; Gibson, Ibis, 1880, p. 32 (Buenos Ay res) ;
Doriiiff, Exp. al Rio Negro, Zool. p. 43 (R. Colorado, R. Negro) ; Sorrows,
Nutt. Bull. Orn. CL viii. p. 200 (Eutrerios, Carhue, Pampas).
CYANOTIS AZAR.E. 143
Description. — Above dark bronzy green ; head black; superciliaries yellow;
vertical spot crimson : wings black ; broad tips of the lesser wing-coverts and
broad edgings of some of the secondaries white, forming a large white bar on
the wing ; tail black, greater part of outer pair of rectrices and outer web and
broad tip of next pair and narrow tips of third pair white ; beneath bright
ochreous yellow ; chin whitish ; crissum crimson ; incomplete band across the
lower breast black ; under wing-coverts white ; bill black ; feet dark flesh-
colour: whole length 4'2 inches, wing 2*1, tail 1*7. Female similar.
Hab. La Plata, Chili, and Western Peru.
This charming little bird is variously called by the country people
All-coloured or Seven-coloured. Azara called it " The King " — a name
which this species deserves, he says, not only on account of the crown
of loose feathers on its head, but because it is exceeded by few birds in
beauty. It is the most beautiful bird found in Chili, says Gay ; and
Darwin, who is seldom moved to express admiration, calls it "an
exquisitely beautiful little bird." There are many species possessing
a more brilliant plumage, none w^th so great a variety of distinct
colours ; for on its minute body, which is less than that of the House-
Wren, are seen black, white, green, blue, orange, yellow, and scarlet ;
and all these hues are disposed and contrasted in such a manner as to
produce a very pleasing effect — the olive-green and delicate yellow
predominating, while the vivid scarlet is a mere spot, like the bright
gem or ornament which serves to set off and enhance the beauty of the
dress. The whole under plumage is pure lovely yellow, while a broad
mark of velvet-black extends belt-wise from the bend of each wing,
but without meeting in the centre of the bosom. The sides of the head
are deep blue ; over the blue runs a bright yellow stripe, surmounted
with the loose, slender, almost hair-like feathers of the crown, which
stand partially erect, and are blue mixed with black, with vivid scarlet
in the centre. Above, from the back of the head to the tail, the colour
is deep green. The wings are black, crossed with a white band ; tail
also black, the two outer quills pure white, and the succeeding two
partially white, the white colour appearing only when the bird flies.
Moreover, as though this diversity of colour were not enough, the soles
of the black feet are bright orange, the eye of the male delicate sky-
blue, while the female has white eyes.
While on the subject of the colouring of this species, I will mention
a curious phenomenon which I have observed many times. When the
bird is flying away from the spectator in a strong sunlight, and is at a
distance of from twenty to thirty yards from him, the upper plumage,
which is dark green, sometimes appears bright blue. At first I thought
that a distinct species of Cyanotisy cerulean blue in colour, existed, but
TYRANNIDJB.
finally became convinced that the green feathers of the C. azara
appear blue in certain lights. This seems strange, as the feathers of
the back are not glossed.
The Many-coloured Tyrant is, apparently, a very feeble flier, rising
reluctantly when frightened from the rushes, and fluttering away to a
distance of a few yards, when it again drops down. Yet it is strictly
migratory. Darwin met with it at Maldonado in the month of June,
and therefore concluded that it does not migrate ; but he mentions that
it was very rare. I have also occasionally seen one in winter on the
pampas, but many migratory species leave a few stragglers behind in the
same way. At the end of September they suddenly appear all over
the pampas, in every swamp and stream where there are beds of rushes ;
for in such situations only is the bird found : and this migration extends
far into Patagonia. They are always seen in pairs amongst the dense
rushes, where they perch on the smooth stems, not near the summit,
but close down to the surface of the water, and perpetually hop from
stem to stem, deftly picking up small insects from the surface of the
water. They also occasionally leave the rushes and search for insects
in the grass and herbage along the border. They are very inquisitive,
and if a person approach the rush-bed, they immediately come out of
their concealment, both birds uttering their singular notes — a silvery,
modulated sound, not meant for a song apparently, and yet I do not
know any sweeter, purer sound in nature than this. All through the
close-growing dark rushes the pretty little melodists may be heard
calling to each other in their delicate, gurgling notes.
The nest is a marvel of skill and beauty. As a rule it is attached to
a single polished rush, two or three feet above the water and about the
middle of the stem. It is cup-shaped inside, and about four inches
long, circular at the top, but compressed at the lower extremity, and
ending in a sharp point. It is composed entirely of soft bits of dry
yellow rush, cemented together with gum so smoothly that it looks as
if made in a mould. The eggs are two in number, oval, and dull
creamy white, sometimes with a ring of colour at the large end.
151. LEPTOPOGON TRISTIS, Scl. et Salv.
(SORRY TYRANT.)
Leptopogon tristis, Scl et Salv. P. Z. S. 1876, p. 254 j White, P. Z. S. 1882,
p. 606 (Misiones).
Description. — Above olive; cap rather darker; wings and tail blackish,
margined with olive, the two rows of wing-coverts and three or four outer
ELAINEA STREPERA. 145
secondaries with clear yellowish-white apical spots; beneath pale sulphur-
yellow; under wing-coverts yellow; inner margins of wing-feathers whitish ;
bill horn-colour; feet brown : whole length 4*4 inches, wing 2*1, tail 2-1.
Hob. Northern La Plata and Bolivia.
This bird was obtained by White near San Javier, Misiones,
" amongst the lofty trees on the river-banks. " White believed that he
also met with it in the Sierra de Totoral.
152. ELAINEA ALBICEPS (d'Orb. et Lafr.).
(WHITE-CRESTED TYRANT.)
Elainea modesta, Burm. La-Plata Iteise, ii p. 454. Elainea albiceps, Scl.
et Salv. Nomencl. p. 48 ; Durnford, Ibis, 1878, p. GO (Buenos Ayres) ; Barrows,
Bull. Nutt. Orn. CL vol. viii. p. 200 (Entrerios) j White, P. Z. S. 1882,
p. 606 (Buenos Ayres).
Description. — Above dark ashy brown, with a slight olivaceous tinge on the
rump ; head slightly darker, with a more or less concealed white vertical spot ;
wings and tail blackish brown ; tips of wing-coverts, forming two transverse
bands, and outer margins of exterior secondaries dirty white ; rest of wing-
feathers and tail-feathers slightly margined with lighter colour; below nearly
uniform pale cinereous, whiter on the throat and middle of the belly ; under
wing-coverts slightly tinged with yellowish ; bill brownish ; feet black : whole
length 6-0 inches, wing 3-2, tail 3'0. Female similar.
Hob. Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia, Guiana, Brazil, Argentina, Chili, Pata-
gonia.
A widely spread species, very common near Buenos Ayres according
to White, where it is found in the clumps of trees.
153. ELAINEA STREPERA, Cab.
(NOISY TYRANT.)
Elainea strepera, Cab. J.f. O. 1883, p. 215.
Description. — Above dark greyish olive ; head slightly crested, with a white
basal spot; eye-ring white; wings and tail blackish, tips of wing-coverts
rufous, slight margins of wing and tail-feathers olivaceous ; beneath cinereous ;
middle of belly white ; flanks olivaceous ; under wing-coverts pale cinereous ;
bill dark brown, pale at the base ; feet blackish : whole length 5'6 inches, wing
2-9, tail 2-7.
Hob. Tucuman.
Dr. Cabanis established this species, which is unknown to us, on
VOL. i. L
146 TYRANNIDjE.
specimens obtained by Herr Schulz in the woods of Tucuman. It is
said to have a loud voice, and to feed on berries.
154. ELAINEA VIRJDICATA (Vieill.).
(GREENISH TYRANT.)
Muscicapara viridicata, cTOrb. Voij., Ois. p. 325. Elamea grata, Cab. J.f. O.
1883, p. 216 (Tucuman).
Desertion. — Above dark olive-green ; head dark cinereous, slightly crested,
with a large basal spot of bright yellow; lores and eye-region mixed with
whitish ; wings and tail ashy black, with slight margins of the same colour as
the back ; below pale cinereous ; belly, crissum, and under wing-coverts sulphur-
yellow ; bill blackish ; feet dark brown : whole length 5-0 inches, wing 2-5, tail
2'5. Female similar.
Hab. South America.
The Elamea grata, based by Dr. Cabanis upon specimens obtained
by Herr Schulz in Tucuman, must, I think, be identical with Azara's
Contramaestre par do verdoso, corona amarilla, upon which Vieill ot
established his Sylvia viridicata. It is certainly, in my opinion, the
Muscicapara viridicata of d'Orbigny.
Herr Schulz met with this species in the province of Tucuman,
in the month of December.
155. EMPIDAGRA SUIRIRI (Vieill.).
(SUIRIRI TYRANT.)
Taenioptera suiriri, Burm. La-Plata Reise, ii. p. 460 (Tucuman). Empidagra
suiriri, Scl et Salv. Nomencl. p. 49; iid. P. Z. 8. 18G9, p. 633 (Buenos
Ayres) ; Cab. J. f. O. 1878, p. 197. Pachyrhamphus albescens, Gould,
Zool. Beagle, iii. p. 50, t. xiv. (Buenos Ayres).
Description.— Above cinereous ; wings and tail blackish, all the wing-coverts
and outer secondaries broadly margined externally with white ; outer web of
outer tail-feathers white ; outer edges of primaries and narrow ends of tail-
feathers cinereous ; below white, under wing-coverts pale yellowish white ; bill
and feet black : whole length 5-5 inches, wing 2-9, tail 2-5.
Hab. Argentine Republic, Uruguay, Paraguay, and Bolivia.
This species is stated by Prof. Burmeister to be found in Tucuman
and Northern Argentina. It also occurs near Buenos Ayres, where
Hudson obtained specimens for the Smithsonian Institution.
PITANGUS BOLIVIANUS. 147
156. SUBLEGATUS GEISEOCULARIS, Sclater.
(GREY-EYED TYRANT.)
Sublegatus griseocularis, Scl. et Salv. P. Z. S. 1870, p. 17 (Mendoza).
Description. — Above cinereous; wings and tail dark ashy brown, margins of
wing-coverts and outer secondaries whitish ; below, throat and breast pale cine-
reous white ; belly and under wing-coverts pale lemon-yellow ; bill horn-colour ;
feet dark brown : whole length 5-0 inches, wing 2-8, tail 2'5. Female similar.
Hab. Southern Peru and Western Argentina.
c5
Specimens of this species were obtained by Weisshaupt near
Mendoza.
157. RHYNCHOCYCLUS SULPHURESCENS (Spix).
(SULPHURY TYRANT.)
Rhynchocyclus sulphurescens, Scl. et Salv. Nomencl. p. 49 ; White, P. Z. S.
1882, p. 607 (Misiones).
Description. — Above olive-green, head washed with cinereous ; lores and line
round the eye whitish ; wings blackish brown, margined with yellowish olive ;
tail dark brown, slightly edged with olive-green ; below sulphur- yellow tinged
with olivaceous, throat more greyish ; middle of the belly rather brighter ; under
wing-coverts pale sulphur-yellow ; bill horn-colour ; feet brown : whole length
5-2 inches, wing 2'6, tail 2-5. Female similar.
Hab. S. America from Northern La Plata to Veragua.
Of this very widely diffused species specimens were obtained by
White, in June 1881, in the dense forests of Misiones.
158. PITANGUS BOLIVIANUS (Lafr.).
(BIENTEVEO TYRANT.)
Pitangus bellicosus, Scl. et Salv. Nomencl. p. 50; Durnford, Ibis, 1877, p. 178
(Buenos Ayres) ; Gibson, Ibis, 1880, p. 24 (Buenos Ayres) ; White, P. Z. S.
1882, p. 607 (Catamarca) ; Barrows, Bull. Nutt. Orn. Cl vol. viii. p. 200
(Entrerios). Saurophagus sulphuratus, Burm. La-Plata JReise, ii.
p. 452.
Description. — Above brown; head black ; front, superciliaries, and lino round
the nape white ; large vertical crest yellow, tipped with black ; wings and tail
brown with rufous margins ; beneath sulphur-yellow, inner margins of wing-
and tail-feathers pale rufous ; bill and feet black : whole length 8-0 inches,
wing 4-2, tail 3-3. Female similar, but yellow crest not so much developed.
Hab. Bolivia, S. Brazil, Uruguay, and Argentina.
L2
148 TYRANNISE.
The Bienteveo is in its habits the most interesting member of the
Tyrannine family. It would be difficult to find two species more
dissimilar in disposition than are the Silver-bill, already described, and
the Bienteveo ; the former being like an automaton, having only a few set
motions, gestures, and instincts, while the other is versatile in an
extraordinary degree, and seems to have studied to advantage the
various habits of the Kestrel, Flycatcher, Kingfisher, Vulture, and fruit-
eating Thrush; and when its weapons prove weak it supplements
them with its cunning. How strange it is that these two species,
mentally as widely separated as the Humming-bird and Crow, should
be members of the same family !
The Bienteveo has a wide range in South America, and inhabits the
whole of the Argentine country down to Buenos Ayres, where it is
very common. It is resident and lives in pairs, the sexes being always
faithful. The body is stout, somewhat large for a Tyrant-bird; the
length being nine and a half inches, including the beak, which is a
little over an inch in length. The wings are blunt and comparatively
short, measuring, when spread, fourteen inches. The head is large,
and a broad, black band extends from the beak its entire length, and
above this is a pure white stripe ; the crown is black, concealing in its
loose, abundant feathers a brilliant yellow crest, which shows only
when the bird is excited. The upper plumage, including wings and tail,
is pale brown ; the entire under surface sulphur-yellow. In both sexes
the plumage is alike.
In Buenos Ayres the Bienteveo is found in every orchard and
plantation ; it is familiar with man and invariably greets his approach
with loud notes — especially with a powerful three-syllabled cry, in
which people fancy there is a resemblance to the words Bien-te-veo
(" I see you well ") ; while its big head and beak, and strongly contrasted
colours, especially the black and white head-stripes, seem to give it a
wonderfully knowing look, as it turns its head from side to side to
examine the intruder. It is a loud-voiced garrulous bird, and has a
great range of sounds, from grating screams to long, clear, almost
mellow call-notes. It has one pretty habit, which brings out strongly
the pleasant feature in its character. Though the male and female are
greatly attached, they do not go afield to hunt in company, like the
Short-winged Tyrant, but separate to meet again at intervals during
the day. One of a couple (say the female) returns to the trees where
they are accustomed to meet, and after a time, becoming impatient or
anxious at the delay of her consort, utters a very long, clear call-note.
He is perhaps a quarter of a mile away, watching for a frog beside
a pool, or beating, harrier-like, over a thistle-bed, but he hears the
PITANGUS BOLIVIANUS. 149
note and presently responds with one of equal power. Then, perhaps,
for half an hour, at intervals of half a minute, the birds answer each
other, though the powerful call of the one must interfere with his
hunting. At length he returns; then the two birds, perched close
together, with their yellow bosoms almost touching, crests elevated,
and beating the branch with their wings, scream their loudest notes in
concert — a confused jubilant noise that rings through the whole
plantation. Their joy at meeting is patent, and their action corre-
sponds to the warm embrace of a loving human couple.
I have frequently stood for the space of half an hour concealed
amongst the trees where a Bienteveo was calling to her mate, cheered
at intervals by the far-off faint response, for the pleasure of witnessing
in the end the joyful reunion of the two birds.
Except when breeding the Bienteveo is a peaceful bird, never going out
of its way to make gratuitous attacks on individuals of its own or of other
species ; but in the pursuit of its prey it is cunning, bold, and fierce.
Like the true Tyrant-birds it preys a great deal on large insects when
they are abundant in the warm season, and is frequently seen catching
its prey in the air. A large beetle or grasshopper it invariably beats
against a branch before devouring it. But even in summer, when
insect prey is most abundant, it prefers a more substantial diet when-
ever such is to be had. It frequently carries off the fledglings of the
smaller birds from their nests, in the face of the brave defence often
made by the parents. It is also fond of fishing, and may be seen
perched by the hour on a bank or overhanging branch beside a stream,
watching the water like a Kingfisher, and at intervals dashing down to
capture the small fry. In shallow pools, where there are tadpoles and
other prey, the Bienteveo does not mind getting a little wet, but
alights in the water and stands belly-deep watching for its prey. I
have seen a Bienteveo standing in the water in the midst of a flock of
Glossy Ibises. They are often seen, as Darwin remarks, hovering like
a Kestrel over the grass, and then dashing down to seize their prey.
Small snakes, frogs, mice, and lizards all minister to its appetite, and
with a capture of this kind it invariably flies to the nearest stone or
branch, against which it beats the life of its victim out before devouring
it. I once saw one fly out of some weeds carrying a little wriggling
snake of a very brittle species and about eight inches long in its beak.
Alighting on a gate it proceeded to kill its capture, and at the first
blow on the wood the snake flew into two pieces. A mouse gives it a
great deal of trouble, for after it has been killed it cannot be devoured
until reduced by repeated blows to a soft pulp, after which it is with
great labour pulled to pieces and eaten. Snails and Ampullarice are
150 TYRANNID,E.
also pounded until the shell breaks. In spring they sometimes join
the train of hooded gulls, guira cuckoos, cow-birds, and various other
kinds which follow the plough to pick up worms and larvae ; but on
the ground the Bienteveo is awkward in its motions, for it cannot run
like the Tyrant-birds with terrestrial habits, but only hops. At
estancia houses, when a cow is slaughtered, it comes in with the fowls,
milvago hawks, and dogs, for small pickings, being very fond of fresh
meat. It is a common thing to see a Bienteveo following a rural
butcher's cart, and waiting for an opportunity to dash in and carry off
any small piece of meat or fat it is able to detach. In the autumn
they feed very much on ripe fruit, preferring grapes, which they can
swallow whole, and figs, which are soft and easily eaten.
In its nidification the Bienteveo also departs widely from the, so to
speak, traditional habits of its congeners; for whereas most Tyrants
make small shallow nests, this species makes a very big elaborate domed
structure, and sometimes takes five or six weeks to complete it. It is
placed in a tree, without any attempt at concealment, and is about a
foot deep and eight or nine inches broad, and composed of a variety of
soft materials, chiefly wool. The entrance is placed near the top.
Outside, the nest has a very disorderly appearance, as there are always
long straws and sometimes rags hanging down ; the cavity is deeply
lined with feathers, and is the hottest nest I know. The eggs are five,
very long, pointed, cream-coloured, and spotted, chiefly at the large
end, with chocolate and purple.
159. MYIODYNASTES SOLITARIUS (VieilL).
(SOLITARY TYRANT.)
Myiodynastes solitarius, Scl et Salv. Nomencl p. 50 j Durnford, Ibis, 1877,
p. 178, et 1878, p. CO (Buenos Ayres) ; White, P. Z. S. 1882, p. 607 (Salta) j
Harrows, Bull Nutt. Orn. CL vol. viii. p. 201 (Entrerios).
• Description. — Above grey, thickly covered with numerous black shaft-spots ;
concealed vertical crest yellow ; lores and sides of the head black, superciliaries
white : wings blackish, primaries slightly edged with rufous, coverts arid second-
aries margined externally with greyish white ; tail blackish, with narrow ex-
ternal margins of ferruginous; below greyish white, with numerous black
striations : belly and under wing-coverts tinged with yellowish and but slightly
striated ; bill brown, feet blackish : whole length 7'5 inches, wing 4-4, tail 3-4.
Hob. Brazil, Paraguay, Buenos Ayres.
Durnford tel]s us that this species is a summer visitor to the neigh-
bourhood of Buenos Ayres, but not very common. White met with it
MYIOBIUS N^VIUS. 151
in the forests of Campo Santo in November ; and Barrows obtained
specimens among the Paradise -trees in the Plaza at Concepcion, in the
same month of the year.
160. HIRUNDINEA BELLICOSA (Vieill).
(WARLIKE TYRANT.)
Hirundinea bellicosa, Scl. et Salv. Nomencl. p. 51 ; White, P. Z. S. 1882, p. 607
(Catamarca). Hirundinea rupestris, Scl. Ibis, 1869, p. 198, pi. v. fig. 8.
Description. — Above sooty brown ; wings blackish, with a large ferruginous
red blotch occupying the greater portion of the inner primaries and secondaries ;
rump and greater part of the tail-feathers ferruginous red ; apical portion of
tail-feathers blackish : beneath ferruginous red, throat greyish ; under wing-
coverts and inner webs of wing-feathers, except the tips, similar to the belly,
but brighter : bill and feet black : whole length 7*0 inches, wing 4'3, tail 2-2.
Female similar.
Hal. S.E. Brazil, Paraguay _, and Northern Argentina.
This Flycatcher is by no means common in Catamarca. It is seen
about the houses in pairs, but not more than one pair at a time at one
dwelling, perched upon some projection, whence it darts off into the
air at passing insects.
" The snap of its beak, as it dashes at the flies, can be heard a long
way off. Its cry is peculiar and piteous. There is no perceptible
difference in plumage between the male and female." — White, I. s. c.
161. MYIOBIUS NJEVIUS (Bodd.).
(LITTLE BROWN TYRANT.)
Myiobius naevius, Scl. et Salv. Nomencl. p. 61 j White, P. Z. S. 1882, p. G07
(Buenos Ayrea) ; Barrows, Bull. Nutt. Orn. Cl. vol. viii. p. 201 (Entrerios).
Description. — Above brown ; lores whitish ; concealed vertical crest red or
yellow ; wings blackish, two bands across the coverts and outer margins of
external secondaries pale rufous or fulvous, sometimes whitish ; tail dark brown :
beneath fulvous white ; sides of throat, breast, and flanks more or less distinctly
flammulated with brown ; under wing-coverts pale fulvous ; bill brown ; lower
mandible whitish ; feet blackish : whole length 47 inches, wing 2-5, tail 2-3.
Female similar, but crest yellow or absent.
Hal. Veragua and Cisaudean South America down to Argentine
Republic.
TYRANNID^E.
This small Tyrant-bird is a summer visitor in the Plata district ; it is
shy and solitary; frequents woods and plantations, and perpetually
utters, like the English Redstart, its sorrowful monotonous plaint, as it
flits about in the upper foliage of the trees.
The nest is placed in a bush or low tree, and built of various soft
materials compactly woven together, and the inside lined with feathers
or vegetable down. The eggs are four, pale cream-colour, with large,
well-defined spots of dark red.
The total length of this species is less than five inches. The prevail-
ing colour of the plumage is rufous brown on the upper, and whitish
brown on the under surface. Beneath the loose feathers of the crown
there is a concealed spot of orange-red.
162. PYROCEPHALUS RUBINEUS (BodcL).
(SCARLET TYRANT.)
Pyrocephalus rubineus, Scl. et Salv. Nomencl. p. 51 ; Hudson, P. Z. S. 1872,
p. 808 ; Durnford, Ibis, 1877, p. 178 (Buenos Ayres) ; Gibson, Ibis, 1880,
p. 27 (Buenos Ayres) ; Barrows, Bull. Nutt. Orn. CL vol. viii. p. 201
(Entrerios). Pyrocephalus parvirostris, Burm. La-Plata Reise, ii. p. 456
(Entrerios).
Description. — Above very dark cinereous, crested head and body below scarlet ;
bill and feet black : whole length 5'2 inches, wing 2-9, tail 2-3. Female above
paler cinereous, below white ; breast striated with cinereous ; belly more or less
rosy red.
Hab. S. America, from Colombia down to Buenos Ayres.
It is in vain, I think, to attempt to make more than one species out
of this widely-spread bird, though specimens from the west coast are
usually smaller.
The Scarlet Tyrant is about five inches and a half long; the neck,
back, wings, and tail are black, all the rest of the plumage the most
vivid scarlet imaginable. The loose feathers of the crown, which form
a crest, are especially brilliant, and seem to glow like a live coal amidst
the green foliage. Beside this bright Tyrant-bird even the Rainbow
Tanagers look pale, and the ft Jewel Humming-birds " decidedly sad-
coloured. It is not strange, therefore, that in South America, where it
has a very wide range, it is a species well known to the country people,
and that they have bestowed on it many pretty names, most of which
have reference to its splendid scarlet colour. In the Argentine Republic
it is usually called Churinche, from its note, also Federal and Fuegero ;
in other countries Sangre de Toro (bull's blood), and, better still, Sangre
PYROCEPHALUS RUBINEUS. 153
Pura. Little Soldier and Coal of Fire are also amongst its names.
The Guarani tribes call it Guira-pitd (red-bird) ; but another Indian
name, mentioned by d'Orbigny, is the l>est—Quarhi-rahi, which signifies
Sun-born.
The Churinche appears in Buenos Ayres about the end of September,
and is usually first seen in localities to which Tyrant- birds are partial,
such as low grassy grounds, with here and there a stalk or bush, and
near a wood or plantation. Insects are most abundant in such places ;
and here the Churinche is seen, perched on a twig, darting at intervals to
snap at the flies after the fashion of the Flycatchers, and frequently utter-
ing its low, plaintive note. It is very common in the woods along the
Plata ; every orchard on the pampas is visited by a few of them ; and
they are very abundant about Buenos Ayres city. Going south they
become rarer ; but, strange to say, a few individuals find their way to
the shores of the Rio Negro, though before reaching it they must cross
a high, barren country quite unsuited to them. The natives of the
Carmen have no name for the Churinche, but speak of it as a bird
wonderful for its beauty and seldom seen. Amongst the dull-plumaged
Patagonian species it certainly has a very brilliant appearance.
A very few days after their arrival the Churinches pair ; and the male
selects a spot for the nest — a fork in a tree from six to twelve feet from
the ground, or sometimes a horizontal bough. This spot the male
visits about once a minute, sits on it with his splendid crest elevated,
tail spread out, and wings incessantly fluttering, while he pours out a
continuous stream of silvery gurgling notes, so low they can scarcely be
heard ten paces off, and somewhat resembling the sound of water
running from a narrow-necked flask, but infinitely more rapid and
musical. Of the little bird's homely, grey, silent mate the observer will
scarcely obtain a glimpse, she appearing as yet to take little or no
interest in the affairs that so much occupy the attention of her consort,
and keep him in a state of such violent excitement. He is exceedingly
pugnacious, so that when not fluttering on the Site of his future nest,
or snapping up some insect on the wing, he is eagerly pursuing other
male Churinches, apparently bachelors, from tree to tree. At intervals
he repeats his remarkable little song, composed of a succession of
sweetly modulated metallic trills uttered on the wing. The bird usually
mounts upwards from thirty to forty yards, and, with wings very much
raised and rapidly vibrating, rises and drops almost perpendicularly half
a yard's space five or six times, appearing to keep time to his notes in
these motions. This song he frequently utters in the night, but with-
out leaving his perch ; and it then has a most pleasing effect, as it is
less hurried, and the notes seem softer and more prolonged than when
154 TYRANNID^E.
uttered by day. About a week after the birds have arrived, when the
trees are only beginning to display their tender leaves, the nest is com-
menced. Strange to say, the female is the sole builder ; for she now
lays by her indifferent mien, and the art and industry she displays more
than compensate for the absence of those beauties and accomplishments
that make her mate so pleasing to the sight and ear. The materials of
which the nest is composed are almost all gathered on trees ; they are
lichens, webs, and thistle-down : and the dexterity and rapidity with
which they are gathered, the skill with which she disposes them, the
tireless industry of the little bird, who visits her nest a hundred times
an hour with invisible webs in her bill, are truly interesting to the
observer. The lichens firmly held together with webs, and smoothly
disposed with the tops outside, give to the nest the colour of the bark
it is built on.
After the Churinche's nest is completed, the Bienteveo (Pitangus
bolivianus) and the Common Cow-bird (Molothrus bonariensis) are the
troublers of its peace. The first of these sometimes carries off the
nest bodily to use it as material in building its own ; the female Cow-
bird is ever on the look out for a receptacle for her eggs. Seldom,
however, does she succeed in gaining admittance to the Churinche's
nest, as he is extremely vigilant and violent in repelling intruders.
But his vigilance at times avails not ; the subtle bird has watched and
waited till, seizing a moment when the little Scarlet Tyrant is off
his guard, she drops her surreptitious egg into his nest. When this
happens, the Churinches immediately leave their nest. The nest is
sometimes lined with feathers, but usually with thistle-down ; the eggs
are four, pointed, and spotted at the broad end with black ; usually
each egg has also a few large grey spots. The young are at first grey,
marked with pale rufous, but soon become entirely grey, like the
female. In about a month's time the belly of the males begins to
assume a pale mauve-red; this spreads upwards towards the breast and
throat ; and finally the crest also takes on this colour. The Churinches
raise two broods in a season — but if the nest is destroyed, will lay as
many as four times.
The Scarlet Tyrant is the first of our summer visitors to leave us. As
early as the end of January, and so soon as the young of the second
brood are able to feed themselves, the adults disappear. Their going is
not gradual, but they all vanish at once. The departure of all other
migratory species takes place after a very sensible change in the tem-
perature ; but at the end of January the heat is unmitigated — it is, in
fact, often greater than during December.
When the adults have gone, the silent young birds remain. Within
CONTOPUS BRACHYRHYNCHUS. 155
a month's time the sexes of these may be distinguished. After another
month the males begin to sing, and are frequently seen pursuing one
another over the fields. It is only at the end of April, three months after
the old birds have disappeared, that the young also take their departure.
This is one of the strangest facts I have encountered in the migration
of birds. The autumnal cold and wet weather seems to be the imme-
diate cause of the young birds' departure ; but in the adults, migration
appears to be an instinct quite independent of atmospheric changes.
163. EMPIDONAX BIMACULATUS (Lafr. et d'Orb.).
(WING-BANDED TYRANT.)
Empidochanes argentinus, Cab. J. f. O. 1868, p. 196. Empidonax
brunneus, Hidgw. N. A. B. ii. p. 363 (Parana). Empidonax bimacu-
latus, Scl. Ibis, 1887, p. 65.
Description. — Above umber-brown, more or less rufescent ; lores with a
whitish spot ; wings blackish, all the coverts broadly tipped with pale rufous,
forming two transverse bars ; outer margins of external secondaries of the same
colour ; tail brown, but not rufescent ; beneath dirty cinereous white, throat
and belly brighter, and with a yellowish tinge ; under wing-coverts and inner
margins of wing-feathers ochraceous ; upper mandible dark brown, lower
whitish ; feet pale brown : whole length 5-0 inches, wing 2' 6, tail 3-4.
Hab. S.E. Brazil, Bolivia, and N. Argentina.
This obscure species occurs in the northern wooded districts of
Argentina.
164. CONTOPUS BRACHYRHYNCHUS, Cab.
(SHORT-BILLED TYRANT.)
Contopus brachyrhynchus, Cab. J.f. O. 1883, p. 214.
Description. — Above cinereous, lores whitish; wings and tail, blackish, with
slight whitish edgings to the wing-coverts and outer secondaries ; beneath paler,
whitish in the middle of the belly ; flanks with a concealed white patch ; bill
above brown, beneath pale ; feet black : whole length 7*0 inches, wing 4-0,
tail 3-2.
Hab. Northern Argentina.
Herr Schulz, who discovered this species near Tucuman, tells us that
it is a summer visitor, and is usually seen perched on the tops of the
highest trees on the look-out for insects.
156 TYRANNISE.
165. CONTOPUS BRACHYTARSUS, Scl.
(SHORT-FOOTED TYRANT.)
Contopus brachytarsus, Scl et Salv. Nomencl. p. 52 j White, P. Z. 8. 1882,
p. 608 (Salta).
Description.— Above dark plumbeous olive ; crown darker, blackish ; wings and
tail blackish ; the wing-coverts and outer secondaries more or less edged with
whitish ; beneath dirty white, clearer on the throat and middle of the belly,
which latter has sometimes an olivaceous tinge ; bill above blackish, beneath
yellowish white ; feet blackish ; first primary shorter than the fifth : whole
length 5-3 inches, wing 2-9, tail 2-5. Female similar.
Hab. Central and South America.
White found this widely ranging Tyrant "not uncommon in the
forests of Salta/'
166. MYIARCHUS TYRANNULUS (Miill.).
(RUSTY-TAILED TYRANT.)
Suiriri pardo y roxo, Azara, Apunt. ii. p. 143. Myiarchus erythrocercus,
Scl. et Salv. Nomencl. p. 52.
Description. — Above brownish cinereous, crown rather darker ; wings blackish,
primaries narrowly edged with rufous, secondaries and coverts more broadly
with dirty white ; tail blackish, all the lateral rectrices with the greater part of
the inner web rufous, leaving only a narrow blackish border alongside the
shaft ; beneath, throat and breast pale cinereous ; belly and under wing-coverts
pale sulphur-yellow ; inner margin of rectrices pale rufous ; bill dark horn-
colour ; feet blackish : whole length 7*4 inches, wing 3-8, tail 3-2. Female
similar.
Hab. South America down to Argentina.
An example of this species, now in the British Museum, was pro-
cured by White in Cat am area.
167. MYIARCHUS FEROX (Om.).
(FIERCE TYRANT.)
Myiarchus tyrannulus, Scl. et Salv. Nomencl. p. 52 ; Durnford, Ibis, 1878, p. 61
(Buenos Ayres) ; White, P. Z. S. 1882, p. 608 (Salta) j Narrows, Bull. Nutt.
Orn. Cl. vol. viii. p. 202 (Entrerios). Myiarchus ferocior, Cab. J.f. O.
1883, p. 214 (Tucuman).
EMPIDONOMUS AURANTIO-ATRO-CRISTATUS. 157
Description. — Above dark cinereous, more or less olivaceous ; wings and tail
blackish ; wing- coverts and outer secondaries with more or less defined edgings
of dirty white; beneath, throat and breast cinereous, abdomen and under wing-
coverts sulphur-yellow ; bill dark brown ; feet blackish : whole length 7'0 inches,
wing 3-6, tail 3-4. Female similar.
Hob. Southern Antilles, and South America down to Argentine
Republic.
There has been great confusion between this species and M . tyran-
nulus, from which the present bird may be distinguished by the absence
of the rufous edgings to the inner webs of the rectrices.
Examples of M. ferox are in the British Museum from Punta Lara
(Durnford), Mendoza (Weiss haupt] 3 and Buenos Ayres (Haslehust).
168. MYIARCHUS ATRICEPS, Cab.
(BLACK-HEADED TYRANT.)
Myiarchus atriceps, Cab. J.f. O. 1883, p. 215.
Description. — Above greenish olive, cap black ; wings and tail blackish, more
or less margined with brownish ; beneath, throat and neck pale grey ; abdomen
and under wing-coverts pale sulphur-yellow ; inner margins of wing-feathers
fulvous ; bill dark horn-colour ; feet black : whole length 7'0 inches, wing 3*7,
tail 3-5. Female similar.
Hab. N. Argentina, Bolivia, and S. Pern.
Schulz found this species as a summer visitor in Tucuman.
169. EMPIDONOMUS AUEANTIO-ATRO-CRISTATUS
(d'Orb. et Lafr.).
(BLACK-AND-YELLOW-CRESTED TYRANT.)
Tyrannus aurantio-atro-cristatus, d'Orb. Voy., Ois. p. 312 (Corrientes) ; Sd.
et Salv. NomencL p. 53 ; Barrows, JBull. Nutt. Orn. Club, vol. viii. p. 202
(Entrerios). Tyrannus aurantio-atro-cristatus, Sunn. La-Plata Eeise,
ii. p. 453 (Rio Uruguay, Entrerios, Mendoza).
Description.— Above cinereous ; cap shortly crested, black, with a large vertical
spot of bright yellow; wings and tail brownish black, wing-coverts and
secondaries slightly edged with whitish ; beneath as above but rather paler, and
158 TYRANNIDJS.
with a very slight yellow tinge on the crissum ; bill and feet black : whole
length 6-5 inches, wing 3-8, tail 3-1. Female similar, but outer primaries
less acuminated.
Hab. Interior of Brazil, Eastern Peru, Bolivia, and Argentina down
to Buenos Ayres.
Alcide d'Orbigny met with this fine species in Corrientes, and Dr.
Burmeister in Entrerios, and again near Mendoza. In the neighbour-
hood of Concepcion Mr. Barrows speaks of it as a " not very abundant
summer resident, but one not easily overlooked, owing to its habit of
perching on the topmost twig of any tree on which it alights, making
forays from time to time, when tempted by its winged prey."
In the vicinity of Buenos Ayres likewise this Tyrant is not a common
species. Like other birds of its genus it has an easy, rapid flight, and
perches on trees or other elevated places, from which it occasionally
makes a dash at passing insects. The nest, as in T. melancholicus, is a
very slight structure of slender sticks, and the eggs are four, parchment
colour, and spotted at the large end with dark brown or chocolate.
Mr. Barrows found a CowbmTs egg in a nest of this species, which
makes me think that it is less vigilant and warlike than T. melan-
cholicus.
170. TYRANNUS MELANCHOLICUS, Vieill.
(MELANCHOLY TYRANT.)
Tyrannus melancholicus, Burm. La-Plata Reise, ii. p. 452; 6W. et Salv.
Nomenel. p. 53 ; Durnford, Ibis, 1877, p. 178 (Buenos Ayres) ; White,
P. Z. S. 1882, p. 608 (Salta) ; Sorrow*, Bull. Nutt. Orn. Cl. vol. viii. p. 202
(Entrerios).
Description. — Above grey with a slight greenish tinge ; head with a concealed
vertical crest of scarlet and yellow ; lores and ear-coverts blackish ; wings and
tail brownish black with more or less of paler margins ; beneath yellow, throat
greyish white, breast more or less greyish, under wing-coverts pale yellow ; bill
and feet black ; outer primaries attenuated ; tail deeply forked : whole length
8-5 inches, wing 4-6, tail 4O. Female similar.
Hab. Mexico and Central and South America down to Buenos
Ayres.
The violent and bold temper exhibited by most Tyrant-birds during
the breeding-season, a quality from which is derived the name of the
family, is perhaps carried to a greater degree in this species than in
any other ; and when one spends many days or weeks in the marshy,
littoral forests, where the bird is most abundant, and hears its incessant
TYRANNUS MELANCIIOLICUS. 159
distressful screams, the specific name melancholicm does not seem alto-
gether inappropriate ; and that is the most that can be said of any
specific name invented by science, and which does not merely describe
some peculiarity of form or colour.
This Tyrant is one of the largest of its kind, its total length being
nearly nine inches. The wings are long and suited for an aerial
life ; the legs are exceedingly short, and the feet are used for perching
only, for this species never alights on the ground. The throat and
upper parts are grey, tinged with olive on the back ; the wings and tail
dark ; the breast yellow tinged with green ; the belly pure yellow.
Under the loose grey feathers of the crown is a fiery orange crest dis-
played in moments of excitement.
In Buenos Ay res these birds arrive in September, after which their
shrill, angry cries are incessantly heard, while the birds are seen pursuing
each other through the air or in and out amongst the trees — perpetually
driven about by the contending passions of love, jealousy, and rage.
As soon as their domestic broils are over, a fresh war against the
whole feathered race begins, which does not cease until the business of
propagation is finished. I have frequently spent hours watching the
male, successively attacking, with scarcely an interval of rest, every
bird, big or little, approaching the sacred tree where its nest was
placed. Its indignation at the sight of a cowardly Carrion-Hawk
(Milvago) skulking about in search of small birds' nests, and the bound-
less fury of its onset, were wonderful to witness.
They are extremely active, and when not engaged in their endless
aerial battles, are pursuing large insects on the wing, usually returning
after each capture to their stand, from which they keep a jealous
watch on the movements of all winged things about them. They
are fond of marshy places and water- courses, where they perch on
a tall stalk to watch for insects, and also frequently skim over the
water like Swallows to drink and dip their feathers.
A tall tree is usually selected for the nest, which is not unfrequently
placed on the very topmost twigs, exposed to the sight of every creature
passing overhead, and as if in defiance of birds of prey. With such
an aggressive temper as this bird possesses it is not strange perhaps
that it builds in the most exposed places, from which the female, in
the absence of her vigilant consort, can keep a sharp eye on the move-
ments of her feathered neighbours; but I have often thought it
singular that they do not make a deeper receptacle for their eggs, for
the nest is merely a slight platform of slender sticks, and very ill-
adapted to retain its burden during high winds. The parasitical Cow-
bird never enters this nest, which is not strange.
160 TYRANNID.E.
The eggs are four in number, small for the bird, pointed, parchment-
white, spotted with dark brown at the larger end.
171. MILVULUS TYRANNUS (Linn.).
(SCISSOR-TAIL TYRANT.)
Milvulus tyrannus, Scl. et Salv. Nomencl. p. 53 ; Durnford, Ibis, 1877, p. 178
(Buenos Ayres) ; Gibson, Ibis, 1880, p. 26 (Buenos Ayres) ; Barrows, Bull.
Nutt. Orn. Cl. vol. viii. p. 203 (Entrerios). Tyrannus violentus, Burm.
La-Plata Reise, ii. p. 453.
Description. — Above cinereous, rump blackish ; cap jet-black, with a concealed
yellow vertical crest ; wings dark brown ; tail black, outer web of the outer
rectrix white ; beneath white ; bill and feet black ; three outer primaries
excised at the tips : whole length 14-0 inches, wing 4'6, tail 12-0. Female
similar, but outer tail-feathers not so long.
Hab. Mexico, and Central and South America, down to Patagonia.
The Tijereta (Scissor-tail) — a name derived from the habit the bird
has of opening and closing the two long feathers of the tail when
flying — is found throughout South America, and in the summer of the
Southern Hemisphere ranges as far south as Patagonia.
The tail is forked, and the two outer feathers exceed by over four
inches in length the next two. The total length of the adult male is
fourteen inches, the tail being ten inches long; this species is there-
fore one of the longest-tailed we know of. The tail of the female is
about two inches shorter than that of the male. The head is intense
black ; the plumage of the crown is rather long and loose, and when
raised displays a vivid yellow crest. The neck and upper surface is
light, clear grey; the under surface pure white; the tail black.
During flight the two long feathers of the tail stream out behind like
a pair of black ribbons ; frequently the bird pauses suddenly in its
flight, and then the two long feathers open out in the form of the
letter V.
The Scissor-tail is migratory, and arrives, already mated, at Buenos
Ayres at the end of September, and takes its departure at the end of
February in families — old and young birds together. In disposition and
general habits it resembles the true Tyrant-birds, but differs from them
in language, its various chirping and twittering notes having a hard
percussive sound, which Azara well compares to the snapping of casta-
nets. It prefers open situations with scattered trees and bushes ; and
is also partial to marshy grounds, where it takes up a position on an
elevated stalk to watch for insects, and seizes them in the air like the
PIPRID.E. 161
Flycatcher. It also greedily devours elderberries and other small
fruits.
The nest is not deep, but is much more elaborately constructed than
is usual with the Tyrants. Soft materials are preferred, and in many
cases the nests are composed almost exclusively of wool. The inside is
cup-shaped, with a flat bottom, and is smooth and hard, the thistle-
down with which it is lined being cemented with gum. The eggs are
four, sharply pointed, light cream-colour, and spotted, chiefly at the
large end, with chocolate. In the breeding-time these Tyrants attack
other birds approaching the nest with great spirit, and have a particular
hatred to the Chimango, pursuing it with the greatest violence through
the air with angry notes, resembling in sound the whetting of a scythe,
but uttered with great rapidity and emphasis. How greatly this species
is imposed upon by the Cow-bird, notwithstanding its pugnacious
temper, we have already seen in my account of that bird.
The Scissor-tails have one remarkable habit ; they are not gregarious,
but once every day, just before the sun sets, all the birds living near
together rise to the tops of the trees, calling to one another with loud,
excited chirps, and then mount upwards like rockets to a great height in
the air; then, after whirling about for a few moments, they precipitate
themselves downwards with the greatest violence, opening and shutting
their tails during their wild zigzag flight, and uttering a succession of
sharp, grinding notes. After this curious performance they separate in
pairs, and perching on the tree-tops each couple utters together its
rattling Castanet notes, after which the company breaks up.
Fam. XIV. PIPRID^E, OR MANIKINS,
The brilliantly coloured Piprida or Manikins are nearly altogether
confined to the tropical portions of the Neotropical Region, where they
number about 70 species. Only one of these has as yet been discovered
intruding in the northern outskirts of the Argentine Republic.
172. CHIBOXIPHIA CAUDATA (Shaw).
(LONG-TAILED MANIKIN.)
Chiroxiphia caudata, Set, et Salv. Nomencl. p. 55; White, P. Z. 8. 1882, p. 608
(Misiones).
VOL. I. M
162
Description.— Above blue ; cap scarlet ; sides of head, nape, and wings black ;
tail black edged with bluish, two middle rectrices lengthened ; beneath blue ;
throat, crissmn, and under wing-coverts black ; biU and feet reddish : whole
length 6-0 inches, wing 3-1 , tail 2-5. Female green, cap scarlet.
Hob. S.E. Brazil, Paraguay, arid N.E. Argentina.
White obtained two or three males and one female of this Manikin
in the forests of Misiones, on the banks of the Uruguay. One of his
specimens is now in the British Museum.
Fam. XV. COTINGIDJE, OR COTINGAS.
The Cotingidae are another characteristic Neotropical family, mostly
of splendid plumage, and nearly altogether confined within the limits
of the tropics. Two stragglers only, belonging to the more obscure
sections of the group, are as yet known to occur within the confines of
Argentina, though it is quite probable that others may be found later
on, when the northern forests are more completely explored.
173. PACHYRHAMPHUS POLYCHROPTERUS (Vieill.).
(WHITE-WINGED BfiCARD.)
Pachyrhamphus polychropterus, Scl. et Salv. Nomencl. p. 66; Durnford,
Ibis, 1878, p. 61 (Buenos Ayres).
Description. — Above cinereous, upper back blackish ; cap shining black ;
wings black, margins of coverts and secondaries white ; tail black, four outer
pairs of rectrices tipped with white ; beneath cinereous, paler on the middle of
the belly ; under wing-coverts pale grey ; bill and feet blackish : whole length
6'5 inches, wing 3'0, tail 2'Q. Female above dull green, below yellowish;
wings margined with rufous.
Hob. South Brazil, Paraguay, and N.E. Argentina.
This pretty little bird, the only species of the large South- American
family Cotingidce with which I am acquainted, comes as far south as
Buenos Ayres, but is very scarce. It lives in woods, and is a shy,
solitary bird, with nothing in its flight and general appearance to dis-
tinguish it from a Tyrant-bird. When flying, it utters a whistling
note.
PHYTOTOMID.E. 163
In January 1887, Durnford met with a pair of this species of Becard
in the riverain wood near Belgrano, and secured the male. They were
busy catching flies, making frequent sallies from a willow tree in
pursuit of them. Mr. Barrows obtained three specimens of what was
probably the same bird at Concepcion in Entrerios, in November
1886 (see Bull. Nutt. Orn. 01. viii. p. 203) .
a. First primary of a male Pachyrhamphus.
b. Second ditto.
In the male of this species, as in many other Becards, the second
primary is abnormally shortened, being only about one inch in length.
See remarks on this subject in P. Z. S. 1857, p. 72, whence the wood-
cut exhibiting this strange feature is taken by kind permission.
174. CASIORNIS RUBRA (VieilL).
(RUFOUS CHEESE-BIRD.)
Suiriri roxo, Azara, Apunt. ii. p. 128. Casiornis rubra, Scl. et Salv. Nomencl
p. 57.
Description. — Above uniform ferruginous, lores paler ; beneath lighter, belly
yellowish ; bill horn-colour, yellowish at the base ; feet plumbeous : whole
length 6-8 inches, wing 3-4, tail 3-1. Female similar.
Hob. S. Brazil, Paraguay, and N. Argentina.
White obtained a female specimen of this bird at Campo Colorado,
Oran, in November 1880 ; it is now in Sclater's Collection.
Fam. XVI. PHYTOTOMID.E, OB PLANT-CUTTERS.
The peculiar form Phytotoma, remarkable for its toothed Fringilline
bill, was associated by the older authors with the Finches. But
modern researches have shown that it is not an Oscinine genus, and
that its true place is near the Cotingida ; indeed, some authors have
placed it within the limits of that family.
Of the four known species of Plant-cutters, all restricted to South
America, one is a well-known denizen of the Argentine Republic.
M2
164 PHYTOTOMID^.
175. PHYTOTOMA RUTILA, Vieill.
(RED-BREASTED PLANT-CUTTER.)
[PLATE VIII.]
Phytotoma rutila, Burin . La-Plata Reise,\\. p. 451 (Parana, Mendoza, Cordova,
Tucuman, Catamarca) ; Scl. et Sah\ Nomencl p. 60 ; Hudson, P. Z. S. 1872,
p. 537 (Rio Negro) ; Barrows, Bull. Nutt. Orn. Cl. viii. p. 203 (Entrerios) ;
White, P. Z. S. 1882, p. 609 (Catamarca).
Description. — Above plumbeous, with slight darker shaft-spots ; front of head
bright red ; wings and tail blackish, two well-marked wing-bars and tips of all
lateral rectrices white ; beneath bright red ; flanks plumbeous ; under wing-
coverts whitish : whole length 7'0 inches, wing 3-5, tail 3'3. Female : above
grey, densely striated with black ; beneath dirty white, with dense black stria-
tions, belly and crissum fulvous.
Hob. Argentine Republic.
I found this curious little bird quite common in Patagonia, where the
natives call it Chingolo grande, on account of its superficial resemblance
to the common Song-Sparrow (Zonotrichiapileata) . The colouring of the
sexes differs considerably, the forehead and under surface of the male
beiDg deep brick-red ; the upper parts dull grey, with a bar on the
wing and the tips of the rectrices white ; while in the female the upper
parts are yellowish grey, obscurely mottled, and the breast and belly
buff, with dark spots. In both sexes the eye is yellow, and the feathers
of the crown pileated to form a crest.
This bird is usually seen singly, but sometimes associates in small flocks ;
it is resident, and a very weak flier, and feeds on tender buds and leaves,
berries and small seed. The male is frequently seen perched on the
summit of a bush, and, amidst the dull-plumaged species that people
the grey thickets of Patagonia, the bright red bosom gives it almost
a gay appearance. When singing, or uttering its alarm notes when the
nest is approached, its voice resembles the feeble bleatings of a small
kid or lamb. When approached it conceals itself in the bush, and
when flying progresses by a series of short jerky undulations, the wings
producing a loud humming sound.
The nest is made in the interior of a thorny bush, and built somewhat
slightly of fine twigs and lined with fibres. The eggs are four, bluish-
green in colour, with brownish flecks.
This species is found throughout the Argentine country, in dry, ouen
situations, abounding with a scanty tree and bush vegetation.
ARG. ORN. PL.
PHYTOTOMA RUTILA o' ei
DENDROCOLAPTID.E. 165
Suborder III. TEACHEOPHON^E.
Fam. XVII. DENDROCOLAPTID^, OR WOOD-HEWERS.
The Dendrocolaptidce are an important family in American Ornith-
ology, numbering some 220 species, and distributed in greater or less
abundance over every part of the Neotropical Region from Mexico to
Patagonia. Within Argentine limits 46 species occur.
While green is the characteristic colour of the Tyrannida, brown is
the favoured hue of the Dendrocolaptida, both the forest-loving and
campos-frequenting members of the group being nearly without excep-
tion arrayed in various shades of that sombre colour, to which a ferru-
ginous tail is a very frequent appendage.
The Dendrocolaptidte fall into four subfamilies, all of which have
representatives in Argentina. These are (1) the Furnariina, or Oven-
birds, which are terrestrial in habits and have their feet adapted for
this mode of life ; (2) the Sclerurinae, or Leaf-scrapers, known by their
spiny tail, which keep to the ground inside the forests ; (3) the Synal-
laxin(R, or Sharp- tails, mostly bush- frequenting birds; and (4) the
Dendrocolaptince, or Wood-hewers, which have the habits of our Creepers
(Certhid), and use their tail as a climbing-organ. All the members of
this great family feed exclusively on insects.
Subfam. I. FURNARIIN^.
176. GEOSITTA CUNICULABIA (VieilU
(COMMON MINER.)
Geositta cunicularia, Burm. La-Plata Reise, ii. p. 465 (Mendoza, Parana) ;
Scl.et Salv. Nomencl p. 61 ; Durnford, Ibis, 1877, p. 178 (Buenos Ayres), et
1878,p.395(Chupat); Barrows, Bull. Nutt. Om. Cl.viii. p. 203 (Entrerios).
Geositta tenuirostris, White, P. Z. S. 1882, p. 609 (Salta).
Description.— Above nearly uniform earthy brown ; wing-feathers pale cinna-
mon-red ; greater part of the outer webs, excepting the inner secondaries and a
transverse bar across the secondaries, blackish ; tail pale cinnamon-red, with a
broad blackish band across the terminal half ; beneath pale fulvous white, breast
more or less variegated with blackish ; under wing-coverts pale cmnamomeous ;
bill horn-colour, pale at the base ; feet horn-colour : whole length 5-5 inches,
wing 3-5, tail 2-0. Female similar.
Hab. Chili, Patagonia and Argentina.
166 DENDROCOLAJPTID^E.
The country people have a variety of names for this common and
well-known species. In Buenos Ayres it is usually called Mama-cola
(Shake-tail), in Patagonia Caserita (Little House-builder) , and in
other places Miner a (Miner) or Caminante (Traveller) , from its habit
of running- rapidly along a clean road or bridle-path before a person
riding or walking.
It is a stout little bird, with very short toes quite unsuited for
perching, and it does not, in fact, ever perch on a tree, though it
manages to cling to a perpendicular bank very well, when engaged in
opening its breeding-hole. It is resident and pairs for life, and lives in
sterile places, feeding on small insects and spiders. In manner it is
very lively, and runs swiftly over the bare ground, stopping very
abruptly, then running on again, and at every pause slowly moving its
half -open tail up and down. It flies swiftly, close to the ground, and
always during its short flight trills out its clear, ringing, rapidly
reiterated cry, which in sound resembles the laughter of a child.
On the grassy pampas the Miners invariably attach themselves to the
Vizcacheras — as the groups of great burrows made by the large rodent,
the Vizcacha, are called ; for there is always a space free from grass
surrounding the burrows where the birds can run freely about. In the
sides of the deep pit-like entrance to one of these burrows the bird
bores a cylindrical hole, from three to six feet long, and terminating in
a circular chamber. This is lined with soft dry grass, and five white
eggs are laid.
Though the birds inhabit the Vizcacha village all the year, they seem
always to make a fresh hole to breed in every spring, the forsaken holes
being given up to the small Swallow, Atticora cyanoleuca.
177. GEOBAMON RUFIPENNIS, Burm.
(RED-WINGED MINER.)
Geobamon rufipennis, Burm. La-Plata Reise, ii. p. 465 (Parana).
Description.— Above reddish grey-brown ; lores, rim round the eye, cheeks,
and body below white; breast tinged with yellowish grey; wings blackish
brown, inner webs ferruginous, with their tips and outer basal edges pale ferru-
ginous ; tail bright ferruginous, with a broad black transverse band near the
tip ; bill black, base of under mandible and legs pale brown : whole length 7-0
inches, wing 4-0, tail 2-0.
Hab. Parand.
FURNAR1US RUFUS. 167
This form is unknown to us, and we can only give a short translation
of Burmeister's description of it. It is said to resemble Geositta, but
has a much shorter and perfectly straight beak.
178. FURNARIUS RUFUS (Gin.).
(RED OVEN-BIRD.)
Furnarius rufus, Burm. La-Plata Reise, ii. p. 462 (La Plata) ; Scl. et Salv.
Nomencl p. 61 ; Durnford, Ibis, 1877, p. 179 (Buenos Ayres) ; Gibson, Ibis,
1880, p. 16 (Buenos Ayres).
Description. — Above earthy brown, with a slight rufescent tinge, wing-feathers
blackish, margined with pale brown ; whole of the outer secondaries pale brown,
like the back ; tail and upper tail-coverts bright ferruginous brown ; below
white, breast and flanks and under wing-coverts pale sandy-brown ; under
surface of the wing with a broad sandy bar across the basal portion ; bill and
feet horn-colour : whole length 7*8 inches, wing 4'0, tail 2-8. Female similar.
Hob. Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay.
The Red Oven-bird is an extremely well-known species in Argentina,
and, where found, a great favourite on account of its familiarity with
man, its loud, ringing, cheerful voice, and its wonderful mud nest,
which it prefers to build near a human habitation, often on a cornice,
a projecting beam, or on the roof of the house itself.
It is a stout little bird, about 8^ to 9 inches long, with a slender,
slightly- curved beak nearly an inch in length, and strong legs suited to
its terrestrial habits. The upper plumage is uniform rufous-brown in
colour, brightest on the tail ; the under surface very light brown. It
ranges throughout the Argentine Republic to Bahia Blanca in the
south, and is usually named Homer "o or Casera (Oven-bird or House-
builder), but in Paraguay and Corrientes it is called Alonzo Garsia or
Alonzito. Azara could give no reason for such a name ; but it seems
to me that one need not look for one beyond the fact that this species
inspires an affectionate admiration in the country people : I mean in
those of Spanish origin, for the bird-killing French and Italians have
no tenderness for it. I have frequently been assured by natives that
the Hornero is a pious bird, and always suspends its labours on sacred
days. With this pretty belief about it in their minds, it is not strange
that in some districts they have called it by a human name.
It is resident, pairs for life, and finds its food, which consists of larvae
and worms, exclusively on the ground. It delights in open places,
where it can move freely about on the ground ; and is partial to court-
yards, clean garden-walks, &c., where, with head thrown back and
] 68 DENDROCOLAPTID^E.
bosom prominent, it struts along with an air of great gravity, lifting its
foot high at each step, and holding it suspended for a moment in the
air before setting it firmly down. I once saw one fly down on to a
narrow plank about ten feet long lying out on the wet grass ; it walked
gravely to the end of the plank, then turned, and deliberately walked
back to the other end, and so on for about twenty times, appearing to
take the greatest pleasure in the mere act of promenading on a smooth
level surface. When disturbed, the Oven-bird has a loud, monotonous
note of alarm or curiosity, which never fails to bring all its fellows
within hearing-distance to the spot. The movements of a fox, weasel,
or cat in a plantation can always be known from the noisy turmoil
among the Oven-birds. At frequent intervals during the day the male
and female meet and express their joy in clear, resonant notes sung in
concert — a habit common to a very large number of Dendrocolaptine
birds, including, I think, all those species which pair for life. In a
majority of species this vocal performance merely consists of a succes-
sion of confused notes or cries, uttered with great spirit and emphasis ;
in the Oven-bird it has developed into a kind of harmonious singing.
Thus, the first bird, on the appearance of its mate flying to the place of
meeting, emits loud measured notes, sometimes a continuous trilling
note with a somewhat hollow metallic sound; but immediately on the
other bird joining, this introductory passage is changed to rapid triplets,
strongly accented on the first and last notes, while the second bird utters a
series of loud measured notes perfectly according with the triplets of the
first. While thus singing they stand facing each other, their necks
outstretched, wings hanging, and tails spread, the first bird trembling
with its rapid utterances, the second beating on the branch with its
wings. The finale consists of three or four notes uttered by the second
bird alone, and becoming successively louder and more piercing until
the end. There is an infinite variety in the tone in which different
couples sing, also in the order in which the different notes are uttered,
and even the same couple do not repeat their duet in precisely the same
way; but it is always a rhythmical and, to some extent, an harmonious
performance, and as the voices have a ringing, joyous character, it
always produces a pleasing effect on the mind.
In favourable seasons the Oven-birds begin building in the autumn,
and the work is resumed during the winter whenever there is a spell of
mild wet weather. Some of their structures are finished early in winter,
others not until spring, everything depending on the weather and the
condition of the birds. In cold dry weather, and when food is scarce,
they do not work at all. The site chosen is a stout horizontal branch, or
the top of a post, and they also frequently build on a cornice or the
FURNARIUS RUFUS. 169
roof of a house ; and sometimes, but rarely, on the ground. The
material used is mud, with the addition of horsehair or slender fibrous
rootlets, which make the structure harder and prevent it from cracking.
I have frequently seen a bird, engaged in building, first pick up a thread
or hair, then repair to a puddle, where it was worked into a pellet of
mud about the size of a filbert, then carried to the nest. When finished
the structure is shaped outwardly like a baker's oven, only with a deeper
and narrower entrance. It is always placed very conspicuously, and
with the entrance facing a building, if one be near, or if at a roadside
it looks toward the road; the reason for this being, no doubt, that the
bird keeps a cautious eye on the movements of people near it while
building, and so leaves the nest opened and unfinished on that side until
the last, and there the entrance is necessarily formed. When the
structure has assumed the globular form with only a narrow opening,
the wall on one side is curved inwards, reaching from the floor to the
dome, and at the inner extremity an aperture is left to admit the bird to
the interior or second chamber, in which the eggs are laid. A man's hand
fits easily into the first or entrance chamber, but cannot be twisted about
so as to reach the eggs in the interior cavity, the entrance being so
small and high up. The interior is lined with dry soft grass, and five
white pear-shaped eggs are laid. The oven is a foot or more in diameter,
and is sometimes very massive, weighing eight or nine pounds, and so
strong that, unless loosened by the swaying of the branch, it often
remains unharmed for two or three years. The birds incubate by turns,
and when one returns from the feeding- ground it sings its loud notes,
on which the sitting bird rushes forth to join in the joyous chorus, and
then flies away, the other taking its place on the eggs. The young are
exceedingly garrulous, and when only half-fledged may be heard prac-
tising trills and duets in their secure oven, in shrill tremulous voices,
which change to the usual hunger-cry of young birds when the parent
enters with food. After leaving the nest, the old and young birds live
for two or three months together, only one brood being raised in each
year. A new oven is built every year, and I have more than once seen
a second oven built on the top of the first, when this has been placed
very advantageously, as on a projection and against a wall.
A very curious thing occurred at the estancia house of a neighbour
of mine in Buenos Ayres one spring. A pair of Oven-birds built their
oven on a beam-end projecting from the wall of a rancho. One morn-
ing one of the birds was found caught in a steel trap placed the evening
before for rats, and both of its legs were crushed above the knee. On
being liberated it flew up to and entered the oven, where it bled to
death, no doubt, for it did not come out again. Its mate remained two
170 DENDROCOLAPTID.E.
days, calling incessantly, but there were no other birds of its kind in
the place, and it eventually disappeared. Three days later it returned
with a new mate, and immediately the two birds began carrying pellets
of mud to the oven, with which they plastered up the entrance. After-
wards they built a second oven, using the sepulchre of the dead bird for
its foundation, and here they reared their young. My neighbour, an
old native, had watched the birds from the time the first oven was
begun, feeling greatly interested in their diligent ways, and thinking
their presence at his house a good omen ; and it was not strange that,
after witnessing the entombment of one that died, he was more con-
vinced than ever that the little House-builders are "pious birds. "
179. FURNARIUS TRICOLOR, Cab.
(CRESTED OVEN-BIRD.)
Furnarius tricolor, Cab. Journ.f. Orn. 1878, p. 196 (Cordova). Furnarius
figulus, White, P. Z. S. 1882, p. 609 (?).
Description. — Above nearly uniform earthy brown, head slightly crested ; tail
bright ferruginous; beneath paler, throat pure white; middle of belly and
crissum white ; under surface of wings blackish, with a transverse bar of pale
cinnamon; bill hazel, paler at the base; feet blackish : whole length 5'7 inches,
wing 2-8, tail 2-2.
Hab. Cordova.
This pretty little species is a recent discovery of Doring in the
Sierras of Cordova ; it may be at once recognized by its small size and
crested head.
180. UPUCERTHIA DUMETORIA (Geoffr. et d'Orb,).
(PATAGONIAN EARTH-CREEPER.)
Ochetorhynchus dumetorius, Burm. La-Plata Eeise, ii. p. 463 (Mendoza).
Upucerthia dumetoria, Scl. et Salv. Nomencl. p. 62 j Hudson, P. Z. 8. 1872,
p. 544 (Rio Negro) ; Durnford, Ibis, 1877, p. 35, et 1878, p. 395 (Chupat) •
White, P. Z. S. 1883, p. 433 (Cordova).
Description. — Above earthy brown ; long superciliary stripe pale ochraceous ;
wings blackish, with a broad transverse cinnamomeous bar; tail blackish, lateral
rectrices tipped with pale cinnamon ; beneath dirty white, clear white on the
throat and middle of the belly ; breast-feathers margined with blackish ; under
wing-coverts pale cinnamomeous ; bill dark horn-colour, pale at the base ; feet
horn-colour: whole length 9-0 inches, wing 4'0, tail 3'5. Female similar.
Hab. Patagonia and Chili.
UPUCERTHIA LUSCINIA. 171
These birds are very common in Patagonia, being resident there ;
some individuals, however, migrate north in winter, and I once obtained
a pair, male and female, near Buenos Ayres city in the month of June.
Their legs are short, but on the ground their movements are very
rapid, and, like the Miner (Geositta) already described, they fly re-
luctantly, preferring to run rapidly from a person walking or riding,
and at such times they look curiously like a very small Curlew with an
extravagantly long beak. They are active, lively birds, and live in
pairs, sometimes uniting in small, loose flocks ; they are partial to places
where scattered bushes grow on a dry sterile soil, and have a swift low
flight ; when flying they frequently utter a shrill, trilling, or rapidly
reiterated note, in sound resembling laughter. In manners, flight,
language, and colouring this bird closely resembles the smaller short-
beaked Geositta cunicularia, and like that species it also breeds in deep
holes in banks; but I am not able to say whether it excavates the
breeding-hole or takes possession of one already made. Durnford found
it breeding in a hole four feet deep in the bank of a dry lagoon. The
nest was of dry grass and lined with the fur of the cavy. It contained
three white eggs. •
181. UPUCERTHIA EUFICAUDA (Meyen).
(RED-TAILED EARTH-CREEPER.)
Ochetorhynchus ruficauda, Burm. La-Plata Reise, ii. p. 463 (Mendoza).
Description. — Above earthy brown, superciliaries whitish, lower half of back
and outer secondaries strongly tinged with rufous ; tail deep ferruginous red,
inner webs of all the lateral rectrices black ; beneath white, breast more or less
freckled with greyish; belly, flanks, and crissum pale cinnamomeous brown ; under
surface of wings blackish, with a transverse cinnamomeous bar ; bill and feet
blackish : whole length 8-0 inches, wing 3*5, tail 3*3. Female similar.
Hob. Chili and Mendoza.
The straight bill and red colour of the tail-feathers at once dis-
tinguish this species from the former. Burmeister obtained specimens
of it in the Sierra of Uspallata, where it was met with hopping about
the rocks and feeding on insects.
182. UPUCEETHIA LUSCINIA (Burm.).
(WARBLING EARTH-CREEPER.)
Ochetorhynchus luscinia, Burm. La-Plata Reise, ii. p. 464 (Mendoza, Parana).
Upucerthia luscinia, Scl. et Salv. Nomencl. p. 62 ; White, P, Z. S. 1882,
p. 610 (Catamarca) ; Salvin, Ibis^ 1880, p. 368 (Salta).
172 DENDROCOLAPTIDJS.
Description. — Above earthy brown ; front, lores, and rim round the eye bright
rufous; wings blackish, outer webs more or less edged with rufous earthy
brown ; tail earthy brown, lateral rectrices tinged with rufous ; below pale
cinereous with a slight rufescent tinge ; throat clear white ; under wing-coverts
and inner margins of the wing-feathers cinnamon-red ; bill hazel, paler at the
base; feet pale brown: whole length 7*5 inches, wing 3-0, tail 3-1. Female
similar.
Hab. Argentina.
Professor Burmeister was the first discoverer of this species, which
he tells us is common near Mendoza, in Parana, and in the neighbouring
pampas. In Parana he found it nesting under the roof of his house
and feeding upon insects. The eggs are pure white. It is the Ruisinor
or " Nightingale " of the natives, whence he gave it the specific name
luscinia — a strange name for any species in the shrill-voiced Dendroco-
laptine family.
183. CINCLODES FUSCUS (Vieill.).
(BROWN CINCLODES.)
. Cinclodes fuscus, Scl. et Salv. Nomencl. p. 62 ; Durnford, Ibis, 1877, p. 179
(Buenos Ayres) j White, P. Z. S. 1882, p. 610 (Catamarca) ; Barrows,
Bull. Nutt. Orn. Cl. viii. p. 205 (Entrerios and Pampas). Cinclodes
vulgaris, Burm. La-Plata Reise, ii. p. 463 (Mendoza, Parana).
Description. — Above dark earthy brown, lores and superciliaries whitish ;
wings blackish, with a broad transverse cinnaxnomeous bar ; outer tail-feathers
blackish, broadly tipped with pale cinnamomeous white ; beneath pale cinereous,
with a cinnamomeous tinge ; throat white, slightly spotted with blackish ; bill
and feet horn -colour : whole length 7'3 inches, wing 4'0, tail 3-0. Female
similar.
Hab. Argentina, Chili, Peru, Bolivia, and Ecuador.
This homely little species differs considerably from most Dendroco-
laptine birds in colour and habits ; and being of a uniform dull, fuscous
hue, its appearance is most uninteresting. It inhabits the whole of
Patagonia, but is migratory, possessing, what is rare in this family, a
powerful flight. In winter it is common all over the pampas and the
Plata district, ranging north to Paraguay. It is always found near water,
its favourite hunting-ground being the borders of a stream. On the
ground its motions are quick and lively, but when perching on a tree it
sits motionless in one position, and when attempting to move appears to
lose its balance. These birds cannot be called strictly gregarious, but
where abundant they are fond of gathering in loose flocks, sometimes
numbering one or two hundred individuals, and when thus associating
HENICORNIS PHCENICURUS. 173
are very playful, frequently pursuing and wheeling about each other,
and uttering a sharp, trilling note. On a warm day in winter they are
occasionally heard attempting to sing, the bird darting up vertically
into the air and pouring out with great energy a confused torrent of
unmelodious sounds.
Their habits, so much less sedate and strikingly in contrast with
those of most of the birds in this family, are no doubt due to the
greater powers of flight possessed by Cinclodes.
184. CINCLODES BIFASCIATUS, Sclater.
(WHITE-WINGED CINCLODES.)
Cinclodes bifasciatus, Sclater, P. Z. S. 1858, p. 448.
Description. — Above earthy brown with a rufescent tinge on the back, super-
ciliaries white ; wings blackish, with a white bar on the secondaries and a second
white bar on the inner primaries ; tail blackish, outer rectrices tipped with
white ; beneath white, passing into greyish cinnamomeous on tbe flanks and
crissum ; bend of the wing and under wing-coverts white ; bill and feet horn-
colour : whole length 8'0 inches, wing 4*0, tail 3*3.
Hab. Bolivia and Eastern Argentina.
Weisshaupt obtained examples of this species in the vicinity of Men-
doza, from one of which our description is taken.
185. HENICORNIS PHGENICURUS (Gould).
(DARK-TAILED HENICORNIS.)
Henicornis phoenicurus, Scl. et Salv. Nomencl. p. 62 ; Durnford, Ibis, 1878,
p. 395 (Central Patagonia).
Description. — Above earthy brown, slight superciliary line white, edges of
outer secondaries, lower back, and upper tail-coverts bright ferruginous red ; tail
black, outer webs of outer tail-feathers and slight external edging of the others
bright ferruginous; beneath, throat and breast pure white, belly cinereous,
flanks tinged with rufous ; crissum bright ferruginous ; bill dark horn-colour,
base of lower mandible yellowish ; feet horn-colour : whole length 7*5 inches,
wing 3-3, tail 3-0.
Hab. Chili and Patagonia.
Durnford met with this peculiar form in Central Patagonia in
1877-78. He says that it was resident and common among the bushes
throughout his journey.
174 DENPROCOLAPTID^E.
186. LOCHMIAS NEMATURA (Licht.).
(BRAZILIAN LOCHMIAS.)
Lochmias nematura, Burm. La-Plata Reise, ii. p. 462 (Parana).
Description. — Above clear brown, rump blackish, elongated superciliaries
white ; tail blackish ; beneath blackish brown, with numerous large white oval
spots occupying the centre of the feathers ; bill horn-colour, lower mandible
pale brown at the base; feet brown: whole length 5-5 inches, wing 2-8,
tail 2-0.
Hob. South-east Brazil and Northern Argentina.
Professor Burmeister met with this Brazilian species near Parana,
where it lives on the ground among the bushes.
Subfam. II. SCLERUMIN^.
187. SCLERURUS UMBRETTA (Licht.).
(THE SPINY LEAF-SCRAPER.)
Sclerurus caudacutus, White, P. Z. S. 1882, p. 610 (Misiones). Sclerurus
umbretta, Scl. et Salv. Nomencl. p. 62.
Description. — Above dark brown, rump and upper tail-coverts rufous ; wing-
feathers blackish, glossed with dull brown ; tail black ; beneath, throat white,
the feathers edged with dark brown ; breast dull rufous ; belly and flanks same
colour as back ; under wing-coverts whitish brown ; bill and feet black : whole
length 7-1 inches, wing 3'6, tail 2-6.
Hob. Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina.
White has the following note on this interesting species : — <e Only two
of these birds were observed during my trip through Misiones. It
frequents the dense gloomy forests, where it busies itself in scraping
amongst the dead leaves ; and although it may be close at hand and the
rustling distinct, a quick eye is required to detect it, as its plumage is
of the exact colour of decaying foliage. If startled, it flies up onto the
trunk of the nearest tree, and there remains perfectly motionless in
an upright position. I never heard it utter a single note."
Subfam. III. SYNALLAXIN^E.
188. PHLCEOCRYPTES MELANOPS (Vieill).
(RUSH-LOVING SPINE-TAIL.)
Synallaxis melanops, Burm. La-Plata Reise, ii. p. 470 (Mendoza). Phlceo-
cryptes melanops, Scl. et Salv. Nomencl. p. 63; Durnford, Ibis, 1877,
p. 179 (Buenos Ayres), et 1878, p. 396 (Central Patagonia) j Barrows, Bull.
Nutt. Orn. Cl. viii. p. 206 (Bahia Blanca).
PHLCEOCRYPTES MELANOPS. 175
Description. — Above, forehead brown, crown blackish, broad superciliaries
buffy white ; upper half of back black, marked with a few grey stripes ; lower
back and rump, also sides of head and neck, light brown ; wings blackish,
mottled with light chestnut on the coverts ; and a broad band of the same colour
occupying the basal half of the wing-feathers ; tail blackish, the two middle
feathers brownish grey, the others slightly tipped with the same colour;
beneath white, more or less tinged on the throat, flanks, and under tail-coverts
with pale brown ; under wing-coverts fulvous ; bill and feet pale horn-colour :
whole length 5*8 inches, wing 2'3, tail 1'6. Female similar.
Hab. Chili, Patagonia, and Argentina.
This is one of our few strictly migratory species in the family
Dendrocolaptidce. Probably it winters in South Brazil, as in the
northern parts of the Argentine country it is said to be a summer
visitor. On the pampas it appears in September, and all at once
becomes very abundant in the rush-beds growing in the water, where
alone it is found. The migration no doubt is very extensive, for in
spring I found it abundant in the rush- beds in the Rio Negro valley,
and Durnford met with it much further south on the river Sanguelen, a
tributary of the Chupat. Migratory birds are, as a rule, very little
given to wandering ; that is to say, they do not go much beyond the
limits of the little coppice, reed-bed, or spot of ground which they
make their summer home, and this species is no exception. It
spends the warm season secluded in its rush-bed : and when disturbed
flies with great reluctance, fluttering feebly away to a distance of a few
yards, and then dropping into the rushes again, apparently quite
incapable of a sustained flight. How a bird so feeble on the wing, and
retiring in its habits, is able to perform a long, annual migration, when
in traversing vast tracts of open country it must be in great peril from
rapacious kinds, is a great mystery. No doubt many perish while
travelling ; but there is this circumstance in their favour : an incredible
number of birds of various kinds, many as weak and exposed to attack
as the Phlceocryptes, migrate simultaneously ; Hawks are very thinly
scattered along their route, and as a rule these birds feed only once or
twice a day, if the meals are large enough to fill the stomach, so that
while the Hawk is inactive, digesting his meal, thousands of migrants
have sped by on their journey and are beyond his reach for ever.
This Spine-tail seldom ventures out of its rush-bed, but is
occasionally seen feeding in the grass and herbage a few yards removed
from the water. Its language is peculiar, this being a long cicada-like
note, followed by a series of sounds like smart taps on a piece of dry
wood. It frequents the same places as the small Many-coloured Tyrant
(Cyanotis azara), and these little neighbours, being equally inquisitive,
1 76 DENDROCOL APTI DJE .
whenever a person approaches the rushes often emerge together, one
uttering wooden-sounding creaks and raps, the other liquid gurgling
notes — a little brown bird and a little bird with many bright colours,
both, in very different tones, demanding to know the reason of the
intrusion.
The nest is a very wonderful structure, and is usually attached to
three upright stems ; it is domed, oval-shaped, about nine inches deep,
and the small circular aperture which is close to the top is protected
by a sloping tile-like projection. It is built of tough grass-leaves,
which are apparently first daubed with wet clay and then ingeniously
woven in, with the addition, I think, of some kind of mucilage : the
whole nest is, when finished, light but very strong, and impervious to
wet. Until the rushes die and drop the nest remains securely fastened
to them, and in winter affords a safe and comfortable retreat to the
small reed-frogs, of which sometimes as many as three or four are found
living in one nest. The interior is very thickly lined with feathers;
the eggs are three, pear-shaped, and a bright, beautiful blue colour,
sometimes with a slight greenish tinge.
The bird is so abundant in extensive marshes that I have on several
occasions, during a day's ramble, found as many as forty or fifty nests,
sometimes a dozen or more being placed close together, but I have never
taken more than three eggs from one nest. I mention this because I
have seen it stated that four or five eggs are sometimes found.
I trust that no reader of this sketch imagines that I robbed all the
eggs contained in so many nests. I did nothing so barbarous, although
it is perhaps " prattling out of fashion " to say so ; but with the
destructive, useless egg-collecting passion I have no sympathy. By
bending the pliant rushes downwards the eggs can be made to roll out
into the hand ; and all those which I thus took out to count were, I am
glad to say, put back in their wonderful cradles. I had a special object
in examining so many nests. A gaucho boy once brought me a nest
which had a small circular stopper, made of the same texture as the
body of the nest, attached to the aperture at the side, and when swung
round into it fitting it as perfectly as the lid of the trap-door spider fits
the burrow. I have no doubt that it was used to close the nest when
the bird was away, perhaps to prevent the intrusion of reed-frogs or of
other small birds ; but I have never found another nest like it, nor have
I heard of one being found by any one else ; and that one nest, with
its perfectly-fitting stopper, has been a puzzle to my mind ever since
I saw it.
LEPTASTHENURA FULIGTNICEPS. 177
189. LEPTASTHENURA JEGITHALOIDES (Kittl.).
(TIT-LIKE SPINE-TAIL.)
Synallaxis aegithaloides, Burm. La-Plata Rcise, ii. p. 469 (Mendozn) ; Hud-
son, P. Z. S. 1872, p. 544 (Rio Negro). Leptasthenura aegithaloides, Scl.
et Sah\ P. Z. S. 18G9, p. 632 (Buenos Ayres) ; iid. Nomencl. p. (53 ; Durn-
ford, Ibis, 1877, p. 180 (Buenos Ayres), et 1878, p. 396 (Centr. Patagonia) ;
Gibson, Ibis, 1880, p. 30 (Buenos Ayres); White, P. Z. S. 1882, p. 611
(Catamarca) j Barrows, Bull. Nutt. Orn. CL viii. p. 206 (Entrerios).
Description. — Above pale earthy brown ; crown black, striped with clear
brown ; lores, sides of head, and throat white, with minute black spots ; wings
blackish, the edges of the outer webs of the primaries and the basal part of
the secondaries light rufescent brown ; tail black, lateral rectrices tipped and
margined with pale grey ; beneath pale grey, throat white : bill and feet horn-
colour : whole length 6-2 inches, wing 2-4, tail 3'5. Female similar.
Hob. Chili, Argentina, and Patagonia.
This is a restless little bird, seen singly or in parties of three or four.
In manner and appearance it resembles the Long-tailed Titmouse
(Parus), as it diligently searches for small insects in the trees and
bushes, frequently hanging head downwards to explore the under surface
of a leaf or twig, and while thus engaged continually uttering a little
sharp querulous note. They are not migratory, but in winter seem to
wander about from place to place a great deal ; and in Patagonia, in the
cold season, I have frequently seen them uniting in flocks of thirty or
forty individuals, and associating with numbers of Spine-tails of other
species, chiefly with Synallaxis sordida, and all together advancing
through the thicket, carefully exploring every bush in their way.
D'Orbigny says that it makes a nest of rootlets and moss in a bush ;
but where I have observed this bird it invariably breeds in a hole in a
tree, or in the nest of some other bird, often in the clay structure of
the Oven-bird. But in. Patagonia, where the Oven-bird is not known,
this Spine-tail almost always selects the nest of the Synallaxis sordida.
It carries in a great deal of soft material — soft grass, wool, and feathers
— to reline the cavity, and lays five or six, white, pointed eggs.
190. LEPTASTHENURA FULIGINICEPS (d'Orb. et Lafr.).
(BROWN-CRESTED SPINE-TAIL.)
Leptasthenura fuliginiceps, Scl. et Ralo. Nomencl. p. 63 ; White t P. Z. S. 1882,
p. 611 (Catamarca). Synallaxis fuligimceps, Burm. La-Plata Reise, ii.
p. 469.
VOL. I. N
178 DENDROCOLAPTID^E.
Description.— Above pale earthy brown ; forehead and slightly crested crown
rufous brown ; wings blackish, edges of outer webs of all the wing-feathers and
basal part of the secondaries chestnut ; tail clear brown ; beneath paler, earthy
brown ; bill and feet horn-colour : whole length 6'0 inches, wing 2'2, tail 3'1.
Hab. Bolivia and N. Argentina.
This species, discovered by d'Orbigny in Bolivia, was met with by
White in Catamarca, " on the slopes of the hills, outside the dense
wood," and by Prof. Burmeister near Parana.
191. SYNALLAXIS FRONTALIS, Pelz.
(BROWN- FRONTED SPINE-TAIL.)
Synallaxis frontalis, Scl et Salv. Nomencl p. 63 ; Scl P. Z. S. 1874, p. 8 ; Salvin,
Ibis, 1880, p. 358 (Salta); White, P. Z. S. 1882, p. 611 (Salta, Catamarca).
Synallaxis ruficapilla, cCOrb. Voy.} Ois.p. 246 (Corrientes) ; Burm. La-
Plata JReise, ii. p. 468 (Parana),
Description. — Above earthy brown ; cap chestnut ; front earthy brown ; wing-
coverts chestnut, wing-feathers olive-brown, the outer webs edged with chestnut ;
tail chestnut ; beneath, throat blackish, with slight whitish mottlings ; breast,
sides, and under tail-coverts pale earthy brown, belly brownish white ; under
wing-coverts fulvous ; bill and feet horn-colour : whole length 5'6 inches, wing
2-2, tail 3-0.
Hab. South America, from Colombia to Argentina.
192. SYNALLAXIS SUPERCILIOSA, Cab.
(EYEBROWED SPINE-TAIL.)
Synallaxis superciliosa, Cab. J.f. O. 1883, p. 110 (Tucuinan).
Description. — Above, head on top bright chestnut, lores white, superciliaries
yellowish white ; sides of head, neck, and back earthy brown inclining to olive ;
upper wing-coverts chestnut, wing-feathers blackish, the webs of the outer
margins dull chestnut ; tail chestnut ; beneath, upper half of throat white,
lower half black tipped with white ; breast and belly brownish white ; flanks
and under tail-coverts pale earthy brown ; under wing-coverts fulvous ; bill and
feet horn-colour : whole length 7'0 inches, wing 2-0, tail 3-5.
Hab. Tucuman.
This Spine-tail, so far as we know at present, is peculiar to Tucuman,
where it was discovered by Herr Schulz.
SYNALLAXIS ALBESCENS. 179
193. SYNALLAXIS SPIXI, Scl.
(SPIX'S SPINE-TAIL.)
Synallaxis spixi, Burnt. P. Z. S. 1868, p. G36 (Buenos Ayres) ; Scl et Salo
P. Z. S. 18G9, p. 632 (Buenos Ayres) j Sd. P. Z. S. 1874, p. 9.
Desertion. — Above, crown chestnut ; lores and sides of head dark cinereous ;
hind neck, back, also wing- and tail-feathers olive-brown ; upper wing-coverts
chestnut : beneath dark cinereous, becoming whitish on the belly, throat
blackish ; under wing-coverts fulvous chestnut ; bill black, feet horn-colour ;
whole length 67 inches, wing 2-0, tail 3-2.
Hab. Southern Brazil and Argentina.
I like Azara's name Chidi, which, to one acquainted with the habits
of this and of the following species, seems very appropriate, suggesting,
as I imagine it does, a small creature possessing a sharp two-syllabled
note; for although. Hartlaub, in his Nomenclature of Azara, gives
S. ruficapilla as the species meant by Chicli, the account of its habits
in the c Apuntamientos ' seems to point to S. spixi or to S. albescens.
Azara says : — " I give it this name because it sings it plainly, in a loud
sharp tone, which maybe heard at a distance, repeating it so frequently
that the pauses last no longer than the sound. It is resident (in Para-
guay), solitary and not abundant : inhabits thickets of aloes and thorn,
without rising more than two yards above the surface, or showing itself
in open places. It moves about incessantly, but does not leave its
thicket to visit the woods or open ground, its flight being only from
bush to bush ; and though it is not timid, it is hard to detect it in its
stronghold, and to hear it one would imagine that it was perched over-
head on a tree, when it is bidden all the time in the brushwood at the
roots."
This habit of concealing itself so closely inclines me to think that
this species, ratber than S. albescens, was the bird described by Azara,
although in both species the language is nearly the same. I have nothing
to add to the above account from the ' Apuntamientos/ except that in the
love-season this species has a low, strange-sounding little song, utterly
unlike its usual strident cry. When singing, it sits motionless on the
summit of a low bush in a dejected attitude with head drawn in, and
murmurs its mysterious little melody at intervals of half a minute.
194. SYNALLAXIS ALBESCENS, Temm.
(WHITE-THROATED SPINE-TAIL.)
Synallaxis albescens, Scl. et Salv. Nomencl p. 63 ; Scl. P. Z. S. 1874, p. 9 ;
Durnford, Ibis, 1877, p. 180 (Buenos Ayres) ; White, P. Z. S. 1882, p. 611
(Misiones) ; Barrows, Bull Nutt. Orn. Cl. viii. p. 207 (Entrerios).
N2
180 DENDKOCOLAPTID^l.
Description.— Above, forehead grey, crown -pale chestnut; sides of head and
neck, back, and tail pale earthy brown ; upper wing-coverts pale chestnut,
wing-feathers olive-brown ; beneath white, faintly washed with earthy brown ;
under wing-coverts fulvous : whole length 5-3 inches, wing 2-0, tail 2-2.
Hob. S. America, from Veragua to Buenos Ayres.
This species, although by no means abundant in Buenos Ayres, is
met with much more frequently than the S. spixi, which it closely re-
sembles in size, colour, habits, and language. It is, indeed, an unusual
thing for two species so closely allied to be found inhabiting the same
district. In both birds the colours are arranged in precisely the same
way; but the chestnut tint on S. allescens is not nearly so deep, the
browns and greys are paler, and there is less black on the throat.
I am pretty sure that in Buenos Ayres it is migratory, and as soon
as it appears in spring it announces its arrival by its harsh, persis-
tent, two-syllabled note, wonderfully strong for so small a bird, and
which it repeats at intervals of two or three seconds for half an hour
without intermission. When close at hand it is quite as distressing as
the grinding noise of a Cicada. This painful noise is uttered while the
bird sits concealed amid the foliage of a tree, and is renewed at frequent
intervals, and continues every day until the Spine-tail finds a mate,
when all at once it becomes silent. The nest is placed in a low thorn-
bush, sometimes only two or three feet above the ground, and is an
oblong structure of sticks, twelve or fourteen inches in depth, with the
entrance near the top, and reached by a tubular passage made of slender
sticks, and six or seven inches long. From the top of the nest a
crooked passage leads to the cavity near the bottom ; this is lined with
a little fine grass, and nine eggs are laid, pear-shaped and pale bluish
white in colour. I have found several nests with nine eggs, and there-
fore set that down as the full number of the clutch, though I confess it
seems very surprising that this bird should lay so many. When the
nest is approached, the parent birds remain silent and concealed at
some distance. When the nest is touched or shaken, the young birds,
if nearly fledged, have the singular habit of running out and jumping
to the ground to conceal themselves in the grass.
I have no doubt that this species varies greatly in its habits in
different districts, and probably also in the number of eggs it lays.
Mr. Barrows, an excellent observer, says it lays three or four light blue
eggs. He met with it at Concepcion, in the northern part of the
Argentine Republic, and writes that it is " an abundant species in thorny
hedges or among the masses of dwarfed and spiny bushes, which cling
to each other so tenaciously amid the general desolation of the sandy
barrens." The nests which he describes vary also in some particulars
SYNALLAXIS PHRYGANOPHILA. 181
from those I have seen. " Entrance is gained by the bird," he says,
'" through a long tube, which is built on to the nest at a point about
half way up the side. This tube is formed by the interlocking of
thorny twigs, and is supported by the branches and twigs about it. It
may be straight or curved ; its diameter externally varies from two to
four inches, and its length from one to two feet. The passage-way
itself is but just large enough to admit the birds one at a time, and it
has always been a mystery to me how a bird the size of a Chipping-
Sparrow could find its way through one of these slender tubes, bristling
with thorns, and along which I found it difficult to pass a smooth
slender twig for more than five or six inches. Yet they not only pass
in and out easily, but so easily that I was never yet able to surprise one
in the nest, or to see the slightest disturbance of it by the bird's hurried
exit/'
The bird has a very wide range in South America, and Mr. Salmon
observed its breeding-habits in Antioquia in Colombia. There also the
bird varies the form of its nest, making it as large as that of an English
Magpie, and roofing the top with a mass of large leaves to protect it
from the heavy rains. The eggs, he says, are very pale greenish blue,
nearly white ; but he does not give the number.
195. SYNALLAXIS WHITII, Scl.
(WHITE'S SPINE-TAIL.)
Synallaxis whitii, Scl. Ibis, 1881, p. 600, pi. xvii. fig. 2 ; White, P. Z. S. 1882,
p. 611 (Salta).
Description. — Above dark brown, lores and superciliaries white ; wings and
tail chestnut-red ; beneath cinnamomeous, paler on the middle of the belly ;
large spot in the middle of the throat black ; inner margins of wing-feathers
and under wing-coverts cinnamomeous ; bill black, feet pale hazel : whole length
5'7 inches, wing 2*5, tail 2'6.
Hab. Northern Argentina.
White obtained a single example of this new species near Oran in
November 1880. It is most nearly allied to S. scutata of Brazil.
196. SYNALLAXIS PHRYGANOPHILA (VieilL).
(PRETTY-THROATED SPINE-TAIL.)
Synallaxis phryganophila, Sunn. La-Plata Reise, ii. p. 469 (Parana) ; Scl.
et Salv. Nomend. p. 64 ; Scl. P. Z. 6'. 1874, p. 17; White, P. Z. S. 1882,
182 DENBROCOLAPTIDJ3.
p. Gil (Buenos Ayres); Barrows, Bull. Nutt. Orn. Cl. viii. p. 207 (En-
trerios).
Description. — Above, front brown, crown chestnut, superciliaries white ;
sides of head, neck, back, and tail pale fulvous brown, with broad blackish
striatioDs on the neck and back ; upper wing-coverts pale chestnut ; wing-
feathers blackish, the outer webs edged with pale fulvous brown ; beneath, upper
half of throat sulphur-yellow, lower half black, with a white patch on each side
of the black ; breast and belly whitish, washed with earthy brown, slightly
fulvous on the breast and flanks ; under wing-coverts fulvous white ; bill and
feet horn-colour : whole length 8*5 inches, wing 2-4, tail 4'6.
Hab. Paraguay, Argentina, and Uruguay.
This pretty Spine- tail is nowhere common in the Argentine country,
and in Buenos Ayres it is exceedingly scarce. It is rather large for a
Synallaxis, the total length being nine inches. The two middle
feathers of the acuminated tail greatly exceed the others in length,
measuring five inches. The plumage is very pale brown, marked with
fuscous ; the crown and wing-coverts rufous. The beauty of the bird
is in the throat, which has three strongly contrasted colours, distin-
guishing it from all other Synallaxes. In the angle of the beak the
colour is sulphur-yellow, under this is a patch of velvet-black, and on
each side of the yellow and black a pure white patch.
Mr. Barrows has the following very interesting note on its nesting-
habits : — " A nest containing four white eggs, faintly tinted with blue,
was found in a thorny tree, and some eight feet from the ground. The
nest was quite similar to the one just described (of S. albescens), but
the cavity in which the eggs were laid was near the top of the body of
the nest, while the passage-way descended from it to the base of the
nest, and there becoming external rose gradually to the level of the
eggs at a distance of almost three feet/''
197. SYNALLAXIS STEIATICEPS (Lafr. et d'Orb.).
(STRIPED SPINE-TAIL.)
Synallaxis striaticeps, Burm. La-Plata Reise, ii. p. 469 (Parana) ; Hudson,
P. Z. 8. 1872, p. 544 (Rio Negro) ; 8d. et Sale. Nomencl. p. 64 ; Scl. P. Z. S.
1874, p. 21 ; Salvin, Ibis, 1880, p. 358 (Salta) ; White, P. Z. S. 1883; p. 39
(Cordova) ; Barrows, Bull. Nutt. Orn. Cl. viii. p. 208 (Entrerios).
Description. — Above earthy brown, darker on the crown, which has slight
greyish striations ; broad superciliaries white ; upper wing-coverts pale chest-
nut; wing-feathers blackish, glossed with olive; tail pale chestnut; beneath
white; under wing-coverts pale fulvous; bill and feet horn-colour: whole
length 5-9 inches, wing 2-4, tail 2-4. Female similar.
SYNALLAXIS MODESTA. 183
Hab. Bolivia, Argentina, Uruguay, and Patagonia.
This species has a wide range south of the Equator, being found in
Bolivia, Uruguay, and throughout the Argentine Republic, including
Patagonia. In its habits it differs widely from other Synallaxes, and
in structure and coloration is also unlike its relatives.
The beak is longer and more curved, the claws more crooked, and
the tail stiffer than in other Synallaxes, and this difference in structure
corresponds to a different mode of life. The Striped Spine- tail creeps
on the trunk and larger branches of trees, seeking its insect-food in
the crevices of the bark, and when seen clinging to the trunk, supported
by its tail in a vertical position, with head thrown far back, and pro-
gressing upwards by short quick hops, it looks wonderfully like a
small Picolaptes with shortened beak. It is very restless, and while
searching for insects constantly utters a short, trilling, querulous-
sounding note.
It builds an open nest in the fork of a branch, of soft grasses and
hair, thickly lined with feathers, and lays four or five pure white eggs.
198. SYNALLAXIS ORBIGNII, Reichenb.
(D'ORBIGNY'S SPINE-TAIL.)
Synallaxis orbignii, Scl. et Salv. Nomencl. p. 64 ; Scl P. Z. S. 1874, p. 22,
et 1879, p. 461 ; Salvin, Ibis, 1880, p. 358 (Salta). Synallaxis humicola,
Burnt. La-Plata Reise, ii. p. 468 (Mendoza, Parana). Synallaxis crassi-
rostris, Leybold, J.f. O. 1865, p. 401. Synallaxis flavigularis, Boring,
Exp. al Rio Negro, Zool. p. 45.
Description. — Above pale earthy brown, superciliariea whitish ; wing-feathers
blackish, the basal part of the secondaries pale chestnut, forming a transverse
band; four middle tail-feathers blackish, the lateral pale chestnut; beneath
whitish brown ; middle of throat pale rufous ; under wing-coverts fulvous ; bill
and feet horn-colour : whole length 6-5 inches, wing 2-2, tail 3'2.
Hab. Bolivia and Argentina.
This Spine-tail has been noticed by various observers in Northern
Argentina, and, if we are correct in referring S. flavigularis of Doring
to the same species, occurs also in the Eio Negro district.
199. SYNALLAXIS MODESTA, Eyton.
(MODEST SPINE-TAIL.)
Synallaxis modesta, Scl. et Salv. Nomencl. p. 64 ; Scl. P. Z. S. 1872, p. 544 (Rio
Negro), et 1874, p. 23. Synallaxis flavogularis, Burnt. La-Plata Reise,
ii. p. 468 (Mendoza).
184 DENDROCOLAPTID^E.
Description.— Above earthy brown, superciliaries whitish ; wings blackish, the
basal half of secondaries pale clear 'brown, forming a transverse bar ; tail black,
the outer webs of all the rectrices pale chestnut ; beneath whitish brown, with
a large fulvous spot on the throat ; under wing-coverts fulvous ; bill and feet
pale brown : whole length 6-0 inches, wing 2-4, tail 2-5. Female similar.
Hab. Argentina, Patagonia, Chili.
This species so closely resembles the following in size and dull earthy-
brown colour, that where seen in the thickets it is impossible to distin-
guish them. In habits they also seem alike; but this bird is, I think,
less retiring, for I have seen it associating with other species of
Synallaxis.
On comparing specimens together, however, it is easy to separate the
present bird from S. sordida by noticing the colour of the external
rectrices, which are black, externally edged with rufous, instead of
being wholly rufous.
200. SYNALLAXIS SORDIDA, Less.
(SORDID SPINE-TAIL.)
Synallaxis sordida, Hudson, P. Z. S. 1872, p. 543 (Rio Negro) j Sd. et Salv.
Nomencl p. 64; Scl. P. Z. S. 1874, p. 23; Durnford, Ibis, 1878, p. 396
(Centr. Patagonia) ; White, P. Z. S. 1883, p. 39 (Cordova) ; Barrows, Bull.
Nutt. Orn. Cl. viii. p. 208 (Entrerios).
Description. — Above earthy brown ; wing-feathers blackish brown, their basal
parts pale chestnut-brown, forming a transverse bar; tail blackish, the three
outer rectrices and outer web of the fourth rectrix on each side wholly pale
chestnut-brown ; beneath pale earthy brown, clearer on the belly, and with a
bright fulvous spot on the throat ; under wing-coverts pale cinnamomeous ; bill
and feet blackish: whole length 6-5 inches, wing 2-3, tail 2-8. Female
similar.
Hab. Patagonia and East Argentina.
This species, which, on close comparison, is at once distinguishable
from S. modesta by the absence of any black colour on the three
exterior pairs of tail-feathers, ranges from the extreme north of the
Argentine Republic to Patagonia, where it is quite common, and is
invariably found in dry situations abounding in thorny vegetation.
It does not migrate, and lives with its mate in thorny bushes, but
does not attempt to conceal itself, and sits much on the summit of a
bush, where the male in spring utters at intervals a clear trilling call.
In its inactive disposition, slow deliberate movements, also in its
language, it strikingly resembles the Pltacdlodomus ruber. In its nidifi-
SYNALLAXIS SULPHUEIFERA. 185
cation it also comes nearest to that species. The nest is a large struc-
ture of sticks, eighteen inches to two feet long, placed upright among
the twigs at the summit of a hush. From the top where the entrance
is placed, a winding passage leads down to the chamber at the hottom
of the nest ; this is lined with soft dry grass and feathers, and four
pure white eggs are laid.
201. SYNALLAXIS SULPHUBIFERA, Burm.
(YELLOW-MARKED SPINE-TAIL.)
Synallaxis sulphurifera, Hudson, P. Z. S. 1872, p. 544 (Rio Negro) ; Scl. et
Salv. Nomencl. p. 64 ; Scl. P. Z. S. 1874, p. 24 j Durnfvrd, Ibis, 1877, p. 180, et
1878, p. 61 (Buenos Ayres); Barrows, Bull. Nutt. Orn. Cl. viii. p. 208
(Entrerios).
Description. — Above brown, slightly olivaceous ; wings blackish ; lesser wing-
coverts, margins of the feathers of the greater wing-coverts, and outer webs of
the basal halves of the wing-feathers pale chestnut; tail-feathers chestnut-
brown, ends much elongated and pointed ; beneath white, throat and breast
mottled with grey, spot in middle of throat sulphur-yellow ; flanks washed with
brown ; bend of wing and under wing-coverts fulvous ; bill and feet pale horn-
colour : whole length 6-3 inches, wing 2*1, tail 3*0. Female similar.
Hab. South Argentina and Patagonia.
I have found this Synallaxis, which was first described by Prof.
Burmeister, from specimens obtained near Buenos Ayres, in the
swamps along the Plata river ; also on the Rio Negro, in Patagonia,
where, however, it is very scarce. It inhabits the dense rush-beds
growing in the water, where the Limnornis curvirostris is also found.
It closely resembles that species in habits and language, and also assimi-
lates to it in colour and in the rather long, curved beak, sharp claws,
stout body, and short stiff tail. It is stationary, pairs for life, and
lives always closely concealed in its chosen bed of close-growing
rushes. When a person approaches their hiding-place the two birds
creep up to the summit of the rushes, protesting in peculiar, loud,
angry rattling notes. The Limnornis, which also pairs for life, has
precisely the same habit.
Durnford describes the nest, found in a rush-bed, as a circular or
domed structure of grass, with the aperture at the side ; the eggs white.
186 DENDROCOLAPTID^E.
202. SYNALLAXIS PATAGONICA (Lafr. et d'Orb.).
(PATAGONIAN SPINE-TAIL.)
Synallaxis patagonica, Hudson, P. Z. S. 1872, p. 544 (Rio Negro) ; Scl. et
Salv. Nomencl. p. 64; Scl P. Z. S. 1874, p. 24: Durnford, Ibis, 1877, p. 35
(Clmpat).
Description. — Above greyish earthy brown; wing-feathers blackish brown,
basal halves of secondaries very pale clear brown, forming a transverse band ;
tail blackish, edged with greyish brown ; outer web of outer feather on each
side pale brown ; beneath cinereous, with an obscure blackish spot on the throat ;
belly and flanks dull buff; under wing-coverts cinnamomeous ; bill and feet
blackish : whole length 6'0 inches, wing 2'2, tail 2-5. Female similar.
Hab. Patagonia.
This dull-coloured little bird, which is found in Patagonia and also
near the Andes in the north-western provinces of the Argentine
Republic, is one of those species which diverge greatly in habits from
the typical S. ruficapilla and its nearest allies. The body is stout, the
tail, square and short, is carried vertically as in the House- Wren.
The Patagonian Spine-tail is a resident in the Rio Negro district.
It is a silent, shy, solitary little bird, which lives on the ground and
seeks its food after the manner of the Cachalote (Homorus). Being
small and feeble, however, it does not hunt about the roots of trees
and large bushes like the larger and more powerful Homorus, but
keeps under the diminutive scrubby plants in open sterile situations.
About the roots of these wiry little bushes, only twelve to eighteen
inches high, the bird searches for small insects, and when disturbed has
a feeble jerky flight, which carries it to a distance of about twenty yards.
It flies with great reluctance, and when approached runs swiftly away,
leaving a person in doubt as to whether he has seen a mouse or a little
obscure bird. The only note I have heard it utter is a faint creaking
sound when alarmed or flying.
203. SYNALLAXIS HUDSONI, Scl.
(HUDSON'S SPINE-TAIL.)
Synallaxis hudsoni, Scl. P. Z. S. 1874, p. 25 ; Durnford, Ibis, 1877, p. 36, et
1878, p. 396 (Chupat, Central Patagonia) ; Barrows, Bull. Nutt. Orn. Cl. viii.
p. 209 (Azul, Sierra de la Ventana). Synallaxis sclateri, Cab. J. f. O.
1878, p. 196.
Description. — Above fulvous brown, mottled with black, each feather being
marked with a large black spot ; on the upper part of the back the feathers are
faintly edged with whitish grey ; wings blackish, basal halves of feathers pale
SYNALLAXIS HUDSONI. 187
clear brown, forming a transverse bar, the terminal part of the feathers slightly
edged on the outer webs and tips with ochraceous ; tail blackish, the outer pair
of rectrices and broad tips of the next two pairs on each side very pale brown,
the two middle feathers broadly margined on both webs with pale greyish
brown ; beneath pale ochraceous brown, with a pale sulphur-yellowish gular
spot ; flanks with a few black marks ; under wing-coverts light cinnamon ; bill
and feet pale horn-colour : whole length 7'8 inches, wing 3'2, tail 3'5. Female
similar.
Hob. Argentina.
This Spine-tail, which Sclater has named after me, is the Argentine
representative of S. humicola of Chili. It is common on the pampas,
and is sometimes called by the gauchos " Tiru-riru del campo," on
account of its resemblance in the upper plumage and in language to
Anumbius acuticaudatus. which is named " Tiru-riru/' in imitation
of its call-note. The addition of del campo signifies that it is a bird of
the open country. It is, in fact, found exclusively on the grassy
pampas, never perching on trees, and in habits is something like a
Pipit, usually being taken for one when first seen. It is quite common
everywhere on the pampas, and specimens have also been obtained in
Cordova, Uruguay, and Patagonia.
This Spine-tail is resident, solitary, and extremely timid and stealthy
in its movements, living always on the ground among the long grass and
cardoon-thistles. At times its inquisitiveness overcomes its timidity,
and the bird then darts up three or four yards into the air, and jerking
its tail remains some moments poised aloft with breast towards the
intruder, emitting sharp little notes of alarm, after which it darts
down again and disappears in the grass. When driven up it has a wild
zigzag flight, and after reaching a considerable height in the air darts
down again with astonishing swiftness, and comes back to the very
spot from which it rose. It is, however, incapable of sustained flight,
and after being flushed two or three times refuses to rise again. In
spring the male perches on the summit of a cardoon-bush, or other
slight elevation, and at regular intervals utters a pleasing and melan-
choly kind of song or call, which can be heard distinctly at a distance
of a thousand yards, composed of four long clear plaintive notes,
increasing in strength, and succeeded by a falling trill. When
approached it becomes silent, and dropping to the ground conceals
itself in the grass. Under a cardoon-bush or tussock of grass it
scoops out a slight hollow in the ground, and builds over this a dome
of fine dry grass, leaving a small aperture arched like the door of a
baker's oven. The bed is lined with dry powdered horse-dung, and the
eggs are five, bluntly pointed and of a very pale buff colour. The interior
of the nest is so small that when the five young birds are fledged they
] 88 DEND11OCOL APTID.E.
appear to be packed together very closely, so that it is difficult to
conceive how the parent bird passes in and out.
The nest is always very cunningly concealed, and I have often
spent days searching in a patch of cardoon-bushes where the birds were
breeding without being able to find it.
204. SYNALLAXIS MALUROIDES, d'Orb.
(WREN-LIKE SPINE-TAIL.)
Synallaxis maluroides, Scl. et Salv. Nomencl.y. 64; Scl. P. Z. S. 1874, p. 26;
Durnford, Ibis, 1877, p. 180, et 1878, p. 61 (Buenos Ayres) ; Barrows, Bull.
Nutt. Orn. Cl viii. p. 208 (Entrerios).
Description. — Above, front and middle of crown chestnut ; hind head, neck,
and back pale fulvous brown, thickly marked with longitudinal black shaft-spots ;
lores white ; wings blackish, the feathers edged with pale ochraceous, the basal
part of secondaries very pale brown, forming a transverse bar ; tail pale chestnut-
brown, the two middle feathers with a broad black mark on the inner web ;
beneath white, breast and flanks washed with pale brown, and freckled with
very small dark brown spots ; under wing-coverts white ; bill and feet pale horn-
colour : whole length 6-1 inches, wing 2*0, tail 2-9. Female similar.
Hob. South Argentina.
D'Orbigny discovered this small Spine-tail near Buenos Ayres city,
but did not record its habits. Like the species just described it is
abundant on the pampas, but in its habits resembles a Wren of the
genus Cistothorus rather than a Pipit, being partial to moist situations,
where there is a rank growth of grass and herbage. The wings are
very short, and the flight so feeble that the bird refuses to rise after
being pursued a distance of one or two hundred yards. And yet I
am not prepared to say that it does not migrate, as I have found that in
spring it all at once becomes very abundant, while in the cold season
it is rarely seen. It is solitary, and in spring sits on a thistle or stalk,
uttering at short intervals its small grasshopper-like song or call.
The nest is a slight open structure of grass, lined with a few feathers,
placed in a tuft of grass or reeds. The eggs are pure white in colour.
205. CORYPHISTEEA ALAUDINA, Burm.
(LARK-LIKE CORYPHISTERA.)
Coryphistera alaudina, Burm. La-Plata Reise, ii. p. 470 (Parana) ; Scl. et
Salv. Nomencl. p. 64; Salv. Ibis, 1880, p. 359 (Tucuuian, Salta); White,
P. Z. S. 1883, p. 40 (Cordova).
ANUMBIUS ACUTICAUDATUS. 189
Description.— Above dark greyish brown ; elongated crest-feathers blackish ;
ear-coverts chestnut ; on the back, upper tail-coverts, and upper wing-coverts
the feathers have white and whity-brown edgings ; wing-feathers blackish, the
basal part of the inner webs pale brown ; rectrices bright chestnut, broadly
tipped with blackish ; beneath white, thickly striated with fulvous brown ;
under wing-coverts pale cinnamon; bill and feet light brown: whole length
6-2 inches, wing 2'7, tail 2-3. Female similar.
Hab. Argentina.
This highly interesting little bird, the only known member of its
genus, inhabits the dry plains of Parana and Cordova.
The following meagre note from White, which only serves to excite
curiosity, comprises all that we know of its habits : —
" These birds are not found in dense woods, but in the open, tenanted
only by a few small trees or bushes. Five or six are usually seen
running about together with a quick, abrupt movement, meanwhile
uttering a sharp cry."
206. ANUMBIUS ACUTICAUDATUS (Less.).
(FIREWOOD-GATHERER.)
Anumbius acuticaudatus, Burm. La-Plata Reise, ii. p. 4G7 (Paran.d, Men-
doza) ; Scl. et Salv. Nomencl. p. 64 ; Hudson, P. Z. S. 1874, p. 159 (Buenos
Ayres) ; Durnford, Ibis, 1877, p. 181 (Buenos Ayres) ; White, P. Z. S. 1882,
p. 612 (Buenos Ayres) ; Barrows, Bull Nutt. Orn. Cl. viii. p. 211 (Entrerios).
Description. — Above earthy brown, forehead chestnut, superciliaries white,
head, neck, and back marked with black striations ; primaries blackish, second-
aries pale chestnut-brown ; tail black, all the feathers except the middle pair
broadly tipped with cream-colour ; beneath pale ochraceous brown, white on
the throat, the white bordered on each side by numerous small black spots ; bill
and feet pale horn-colour : whole length 8 '3 inches, wing 3*6, tail 3- 7. Female
similar.
Hab. Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay.
This is a common and very well-known species throughout the
Argentine country and Patagonia, also in Uruguay and Paraguay, and
is variously called Espinero (Thorn-bird), Tiru-riru, in imitation of its
note, and Anumbi (the Guarani name) ; but its best known name is
Lenatero, or " Firewood-Gatherer/' from the quantity of sticks which
it collects for building-purposes.
The Fire wood- Gatherer is a resident in Argentina, and pairs for life.
Sometimes the young birds remain with their parents for a period of
three or four months, all the family going about and feeding in com-
pany, and roosting together in the old nest. The nest and the tree
190 DENDROCOLAPTID^:.
where it is placed are a favourite resort all the year round. Here the
birds sit perched a great deal, and repeat at intervals a song or call,
composed of four or five loud ticking chirps, followed by a long trilling
note. They feed exclusively on the ground, where they creep about,
carrying the body horizontally and intently searching for insects.
When disturbed, they hurry to their usual refuge, rapidly beating their
very feeble wings, and expanding the broad acuminated tail like a fan.
When the male and female meet at their nest, after a brief separation,
they sing their notes in concert, as if rejoicing over their safe reunion ;
but they seldom separate, and Azara says that when one incubates, the
other sits at the entrance to the nest, and that when one returns to the
nest with food for the young the other accompanies it, though it has
found nothing to carry.
To build, the Anumbi makes choice of an isolated tree in an open
situation, and prefers a dwarf tree with very scanty foliage ; for small
projecting twigs and leaves hinder the worker when carrying up sticks.
This is a most laborious operation, as the sticks are large and the bird's
flight is feeble. If the tree is to its liking, it matters not how much
exposed to the winds it may be, or how close to a human habitation, for
the bird is utterly unconcerned by the presence of man. I have fre-
quently seen a nest in a shade or ornamental tree within ten yards of the
main entrance to a house ; and I have also seen several on the tall upright
stakes of a horse-corral, and the birds working quietly, with a herd of
half-wild horses rushing round the enclosure beneath them, pursued by
the men with lassos. The bird uses large sticks for building, and drops
a great many ; frequently as much fallen material as would fill a
barrow lies under the tree. The fallen stick is not picked up again, as
the bird could not rise vertically with its load, and is not intelligent
enough, I suppose, to recover the fallen stick, and to carry it away
thirty yards from the tree and then rise obliquely. It consequently
goes far afield in quest of a fresh one, and having got one to its liking,
carefully takes it up exactly by the middle, arid, carrying it like a
balancing-pole, returns to the nest, where, if one end happens to hit
against a projecting twig, it drops like the first. The bird is not dis-
couraged, but, after a brief interview with its mate, flies cheerfully
away to gather more wood.
Durnford writes wonderingly of the partiality for building in poplar
trees shown by this bird in Buenos Ayres, and says that in a tall tree
the nest is sometimes placed sixty or seventy feet above the ground,
and that the bird almost invariably rises with a stick at such a distance
from the tree as to be able just to make the nest, but that sometimes
failing it alights further down, and then climbs up the twigs with its
LIMNORNIS CURVIROSTRIS. 191
stick. He attributes the choice of the tall poplar to ambition • but the
Anumbi has really a much simpler and lowlier motive. In the rich
Buenos Ayrean soil all trees have a superabundance of foliage, and in
the slim poplar alone can the nest be placed where the bird can reach
it laden with building-material, without coming in contact with long
projecting twigs.
The nest of the Anumbi is about two feet in depth, and from ten to
twelve inches in diameter, and rests in an oblique position amongst the
branches. The entrance is at the top, and a crooked or spiral passage-
way leads down to the lower extremity, where the breeding-chamber is
situated ; this is lined with wool and soft grass, and five white eggs
are laid, varying considerably in form, some being much more sharply
pointed than others.
The nest, being so secure and comfortable an abode, is greatly coveted
by several other species of birds to breed in ; but on this subject I have
already spoken in the account of the genus Molothrus. When deprived
of their nest, the birds immediately set to work to make a new one ;
but, often enough, without being ejected from the first they build a
second nest, sometimes demolishing the first work to use the materials.
I watched one pair make three nests before laying ; another pair made
two nests, and after the second was completed they returned to the
first and there elected to remain. Two or three nests are sometimes
seen on one tree, and Azara says he has seen as many as six. Mr.
Barrows observed the bird at Concepcion, where it is very common,
and writes that in that district the nest is sometimes four feet long with
an average diameter of two feet, and that the same nest in some cases
is used for several seasons successively; also that several nests are
sometimes joined together and all occupied at the same time.
207. LIMNORNIS CURVIROSTRIS, Gould.
(CURVED-BILL RUSH-BIRD.)
Limnornis curvirostris, ScL et Salt}. Noniencl. p. 64; Durnford, Ibis, 1877,
p. 182 (Buenos Ayres).
Description. — Above rufous-brown, brighter on the rump; lores and super-
ciliaries white ; wings and tail chestnut-brown ; beneath white ; flanks and
under tail-coverts pale brown ; under wing-coverts white ; bill and feet horn-
colour : whole length 7'0 inches, wing 3-0, tail 2-0. Female similar.
Hab. Argentina and Uruguay.
This species is found everywhere in marshy places in the eastern part
of the Argentine Republic, and is also common in Uruguay, where
192 DENDROCOLAPTID.E.
Darwin discovered it. It inhabits dense reed-beds which grow in the
water, and is not found in any other situation. It pairs for life, has a
very feeble flight, and flies with great reluctance, but lives always in
close concealment in one spot. It is, however, very inquisitive, and
when approached the two birds creep up to the summit of the rushes
and utter peculiar loud, rattling, and jarring notes, as if angrily pro-
testing against the intrusion.
The Rush- bird has a stout body and short graduated tail, strong claws,
and a slender curved beak three-fourths of an inch long. The upper
plumage is brown, the tail rufous, the under surface and a mark over
the eye white.
208. PHACELLODOMUS FRONTALIS (Licht.).
(RED-FRONTED THORN-BIRD.)
Phacellodomus frontalis, Burm. La-Plata Reise, ii. p. 467 (Tucuman) ; Scl. et
Salv. Nomencl p. 65 ; Salvin, Ibis, 1880, p. 359 (Salta) ; White, P. Z. S. 1882,
p. 612 (Buenos Ayres). Phacellodomus sincipitalis, White, P. Z. S.
1883, p. 433.
Description. — Above nearly uniform olive-brown, crown blackish brown,
superciliaries white ; beneath dirty brownish white ; under wing-coverts pale
cinnamon ; bill and feet horn-colour : whole length 6' 8 inches, wing 2-6, tail 2-6.
Female similar.
Hob. S. America, from Venezuela to Argentina.
The Red-fronted Thorn-bird, which is found in the Northern provinces
of Argentina, arid only occurs as a straggler near Buenos Ayres, resorts
to the thickets, and in its habits is said to resemble the Synallaxes of
the group to which S. spix'i and S. albescens belong. It builds a large
nest of sticks, and White says that it makes a peculiar chattering sound
that has the effect of exciting other small birds, and causes them to
€rowd about it.
209. PHACELLODOMUS SIBILATRIX, Scl.
(WHISTLING THORN-BIRD.)
Phacellodomus sibilatrix, Scl P. Z. S. ]879, p. 461; Wliite, P. Z. S. 1882,
p. 612 (Buenos Ayres); Barrows, Bull. Nutt. Orn. Cl. viii. p. 209 (En-
trerios).
Description. — Above dull olive-brown, paler on the sides of the head ; front
and lesser wing-coverts chestnut-red ; wing-feathers blackish, edged with olive-
brown ; tail light chestnut, the middle pair of feathers and the inner webs of
PHACELLODOMUS SIBILATRIX. 193
the two next pairs brown, like the back ; beneath dirty brownish white, washed
with ochraceous on the flanks ; under wing-coverts bright cinnamon : whole
length 5-3 inches, wing 2-2, tail 2-2.
Hab. Argentina.
This species resembles P. frontalis, but differs in its much smaller
size, and in having the upper lesser wing-coverts bright rufous.
It inhabits the thorny woods of the northern districts of the Argen-
tine country, but 1 have 110 reason to regret that I have not personally
observed this species, since Mr. Barrows's careful account of its nesting-
habits leaves nothing to be desired. He writes: — "An abundant
species among the open woods along the Uruguay, and hardly distin-
guishable at ten paces from half a dozen others. Its nest, however, is
unmistakable. The birds begin by fixing a few crooked and thorny
twigs among the terminal sprays of some slender branch which juts out
horizontally from a tree, or rises obliquely from near its base, and
around these twigs as a nucleus more are gathered, until, by the time
the nest has reached the proper size, its weight has bent the branch so
that its tip points directly to the earth. Nests which are thus begun
at a distance of fifteen or twenty feet from the ground are often only
two or three feet from it when finished, and a thorough soaking by a
heavy rain will sometimes weigh them down until they actually touch.
They are more or less oval or cylindrical in shape, and commonly about
two feet long by twelve or fifteen inches in diameter, and contain from
a peck to a bushel of twigs and thorns. The nest-cavity within is
small in proportion to the size of the nest, and occupies its upper part.
It is reached by a more or less direct passage-way from below, the
external opening being very nearly at the lowest part of the nest,
though sometimes a little shelf, or even a pocket, is built on to the side,
forming a resting-place in front of the door.
" The nests vary interminably in size and shape, but are pretty con-
stant in the material used; this being almost always irregular and
thorny twigs of various trees growing in the neighbourhood, while the
interior is formed of less thorny twigs and with some wool and hair.
Usually, also, if the material be at hand, a quantity of old dry horse-
droppings is placed loosely on the top of the nest, and gradually becomes
felted into it, rendering it more nearly waterproof. In place of this
I have frequently found quantities of broken straw, weed-stalks, grass,
and even chips ; all doubtless collected from the ridges of drift which
the last overflow of the river had left near at hand. So compactly is
the whole nest built, that it often lasts more than one year, and may
sometimes serve the same pair two successive summers. More often,
however, a new nest is built directly above the old one, which serves as
VOL. I. °
194 DENDBOCOLAFTID^E.
a foundation, and occasionally as many as three nests are seen thus on
the same branch-tip, two of them at least being occupied. When
other branches of the same tree are similarly loaded, and other trees
close at hand also bear the same kind of fruit, the result is very
picturesque. The eggs, which are white, are laid from October 1 to
January 1, but many of the birds work at nest-building all the winter,
sometimes spending months on a single nest."
210. PHACELLODOMUS STRIATICOLLIS (d'Orb. et Lafr.X
(RED-WINGED THORN-BIRD.)
Anumbius striaticollis, d'Orb. Voy., Ois. p. 255 (Buenos Ayres). Phacello-
domus striaticollis, Scl. et Salv. Nomencl. p. 65.
Description. — Above, forehead and crown rufous ; lores white ; sides of head,
neck, and back brown ; whole wing chestnut, the feathers tipped with blackish ;
tail chestnut; beneath white, clearer on the throat and breast, which are
marked with slight white shaft-spots ; sides of breast and flanks washed with
reddish brown ; under tail-coverts brown ; under wing-coverts cinnamon ; bill
and feet horn-colour: whole length 8-0 inches, wing 2'9, tail 3'1. Female
similar.
Hab. Argentina and Uruguay.
D'Orbigny, who discovered this species in Uruguay, and found it also
near Buenos Ayres, remarks that it lives in pairs in the thorny bushes,
and resembles its congeners in habits. It is, however, certainly not
common in the vicinity of the Argentine capital, for Hudson has never
met with it.
211. PHACELLODOMUS RUBER (Vieill.).
(RED THORN-BIRD.)
Phacellodomus ruber, Burm. La-Plata JReise, ii. p. 4C7 (Parana, Cordova) ;
Scl. et Salv. Nomencl. p. 65 ; Durnford, Ibis, 1877, p. 183 (Buenos Ayres) ;
Barrows, Bull. Nutt. Orn. Cl. viii. p. 210 (Entrerios). Phacellodomus
maculipectus, Cab. J.f. O. 1883, p. 109(?).
Description. — Above olive-brown, front chestnut ; tail brownish chestnut ;
beneath whitish, throat, breast, and flanks washed and mottled with bright
reddish brown ; under wing-coverts and inner margins of wing-feathers bright
cinnamon ; bill and feet horn-colour : whole length 7'3 inches, wing 2-6, tail
3*2. Female similar.
Hab. Argentina.
This is a common species throughout the eastern portion of the
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HOMORUS LOPIIOTES. 195
Argentine country, and extends as far south as the southern boundary
of the Buenos Ayrean province.
It is resident, living in pairs in places where there are scattered
thorny trees and bushes, and is never found in deep woods. It never
attempts to conceal itself, but, on the contrary, sits exposed on a bush
and will allow a person to approach within three or four yards of it.
Nor has it the restless manner of most Synallaxine birds which live
in the same places with it, but moves in a slow deliberate way, and
spends a great deal of time sitting motionless on its perch, occasionally
uttering its call or song, composed of a series of long, shrill, powerful
notes in descending scale and uttered in a very leisurely manner. It
builds a large oblong nest of sticks, about two feet deep, and placed
obliquely among the thorny twigs of a bush or low tree. Mr. Barrows
writes : — " There are commonly two cavities in the nest, one being half
open to the weather, and forming the entrance, the other further
back and connected with the former by only a short passage-way, which
in many cases is reduced to a simple hole through a broad partition,
which alone separates them/' The eggs are four and of a pure white.
The name commonly used for this species is founded on the "Anumbe
roxo" of Azara's ' Apuntamientos'; but the description given there of
the bird's nesting-habits shows either that some other species was meant
—perhaps P. sibilatrix, Doring — or that the nesting-habits of a different
bird have been assigned to P. ruber.
212. HOMORUS LOPHOTES, Reichenb.
(BROWN CACHALOTE.)
' [PLATE IX.]
Homorus lophotes, Reichb. Handb. p. 172 ; Barrows, Bull. Nutt. Orn. Cl.
vol. viii. p. 212 (Entrerios) ; Hudson, Ibis, 1885, p. 283 (Buenos Ayres). Ana-
bates unirufus, Eurm. La-Plata JReise, ii. p. 466 (Cordova). Homorus
unirufus, Scl. et Salv. Nomencl p. 65 ; White, P. Z. S. 1882, p. 612 (Cata-
marca).
Description. — Above brown, tinged with olive on the back, but clear and
rufescent on the hind head and rump ; crest-feathers blackish brown ; wings
blackish ; tail chestnut ; beneath earthy brown, throat rufous ; under wing-
and tail-coverts and inner margins of wing-feathers pale rufous; bill pale
bluish, feet bluish horn-colour : whole length 9-8 inches, wing 4-6, tail 4-2.
Female similar.
Hab. Argentina.
This species interested me greatly during my observations of the
196 DENDROCOLAPTIM:.
Argentine birds, but, owing to its rarity and to its recluse habits, my
knowledge of it is very scanty. It is found in the north and north-
western parts of the Argentine territory ; in the province of Buenos
Ayres its presence is confined to the narrow strip of subtropical wood
fringing the low shores of the Plata river.
When surprised, its white eye, blue dagger-like beak, and raised crest
give it a strikingly bold and angry appearance, the effect of which is
heightened by the harsh rasping scream it utters when disturbed. This
resentful look is deceptive, however, for the bird is the shiest creature
imaginable. Its language has the shrill excited character common to
this most loquacious family; and at intervals throughout the day two
birds, male and female, meet together and make the woods echo
with their screaming concert. For many weeks after I had become
familiar with these loud-sounding notes, while collecting in the littoral
forest where it is found, the bird was still to me only a " wandering
voice " ; but 1 did not give up the pursuit till I had seen it several
times and had also secured two or three specimens. I found one nest,
though without eggs, a rough-looking domed structure, made with
material enough to fill a barrow. I also discovered that the bird feeds
exclusively on the ground, close to the boles of low-branching trees,
where there is usually an accumulation of fallen bark, dead leaves, and
other rubbish. Here the bird digs with its sharp beak for the small
insects it preys on. When approached it does not fly away, but runs
swiftly to the nearest tree, behind the trunk of which it hides, then
scuttles on to the next tree, and so escapes without showing itself.
Mr. Barrows, who observed the Cachalote at Concepcion, says that
it is a bird which cannot be overlooked, with an outrageous disposition
and voice, and a nest the size of a barrel. He gives the following
account of its nidification : — " His nest is built entirely of sticks, and
many of them of goodly size, frequently as large round as your little
finger and two feet or more long. These are disposed in such a way
as to form a structure three or four feet in length by about two in
breadth in the widest part, the whole very much resembling a gigantic
powder-flask lying on its side among the lower branches of a spreading
tree. It is quite loosely built and the nest-cavity is rather indefinite,
being any portion of the floor of the nest which the bird selects for
the reception of the eggs. These are usually three or four in number,
pure white, and are laid from October until January. They can usually
be counted through the loose floor of the nest, though sometimes its
thickness prevents this."
HOMORUS GUTTURALIS. 197
213. HOMORUS GUTTURALIS (d'Orb. et Lafr.).
(WHITE-THROATED CACHALOTE.)
Anabates gutturalis, Burm. La-Plata Reise, ii. p. 467 (Mendoza). Homo-
rus gutturalis, Scl. et Sale. Nomencl. p. 65; Hudson, P. Z. S. 1872, p. r,J",
(Rio Negro); id. Ibis, 1885, p. 284; Durnford, Ibis, 1877, p. 36, et 1878,
p. 396 (Chupat, Central Patagonia).
Description. — Nearly uniform earthy grey, faintly tinged with olivaceous
brown above, and much paler beneath ; lores and upper part of throat pure
white, lower part of throat black, or white and black mixed ; under wing-
coverts white, faintly tinged with pale cinnamon ; beak and feet bluish grey :
whole length 9*4 inches, wing 4-0, tail 3'2. Female similar.
Bab. Patagonia.
I found this bird quite common on the dry open plains in the
neighbourhood of the Rio Negro in Patagonia. In size, form, and
crest it is like the northern Cachalote, but lias a white throat, while
the rest of the plumage is of a pale earthy brown instead of rufous.
Like the Brown Cachalote it is also shy in disposition, and, being so dull
in colour and without the bright beak and eye tints, has not the bold,
striking appearance of that species; still I do not think any ornitho-
logist can meet with it and fail to be strongly impressed with its
personality, if such a word can be applied to a bird.
Dendrocolaptine birds are, as a rule, builders of big nests and very
noisy ; H. gutturalis is, I believe, the loudest screamer and greatest
builder of the family. Male and female live together in the same
locality all the year; the young, when able to fly, remain with their
parents till the breeding-season, so that the birds are found occasionally
in pairs, but more frequently in families of five or six individuals.
When feeding they scatter about, each bird attaching itself to a large
bush, scraping and prodding for insects about the roots; and at
intervals one of the old birds, ascending a bush, summons the others
with loud shrill cries, on which they all hurry to the place of meeting,
and from the summits of the bushes burst forth in a piercing chorus,
which sounds at a distance like screams of hysterical laughter. At one
place, where I spent some months, there were some bushes over a mile
and a quarter from the house I lived in, where these birds used to hold
frequent meetings, and in that still atmosphere I could distinctly hear
their extravagant cries at this distance. After each performance they
pursue each other, passing from bush to bush with a wild jerky flight,
and uttering harsh angry notes.
They select a low, strong, wide-spreading bush to build in ; the nest,
which is made of stout sticks, is perfectly spherical and four to five feet
deep, the chamber inside being very large. The opening is at the side
198 DENDROCOL APTID^l .
near the top, and is approached by a narrow arched gallery, neatly
made of slender sticks resting along a horizontal branch, and about
fourteen inches long. This peculiar entrance, no doubt, prevents the
intrusion of snakes and small mammals. So strongly made is the nest
that I have stood on the dome of one and stamped on it with my foot
without injuring it in the least, and to demolish one I had to force my
gun-barrel into it, then prize it up by portions. I examined about a
dozen of these enormous structures, but they were all met with before
or after the laying season, so that I did not see the eggs.
214. ANABAZENOPS OLEAGINEUS, Scl.
(OILY-GREEN ANABAZENOPS.)
Anabazenops rufo-superciliatus, White, P. Z. S. 1882, p. 613 (Catamarca).
Anabazenops oleaginous, Scl. P. Z. S. 1883, p. 654.
Description. — Above and beneath dark olive-green; lores, superciliaries, and
spots on the sides of the head yellowish white ; wings blackish, the outer webs
of the feathers olive-brown ; tail bright chestnut ; throat whitish yellow, on
the lower part the yellow feathers tipped with olive ; breast and belly spotted
with same colour as the throat ; bend of wing, under wing-coverts, and margins
of inner webs of secondaries fulvous yellow ; bill and feet blackish : whole
length 6-2 inches, wing 3'2, tail 3-0. Female similar.
Nab. South Brazil and Argentina.
White obtained examples of this species on the Sierra of Totoral.
He says it is a very wild bird and exceedingly scarce.
215. SITTOSOMUS ERITHACUS (Licht.).
(ROBIN-LIKE WOOD-HEWER.)
Sittosomus olivaceus, White, P. Z. S. 1882, p. 613 (Salta). Sittasomus
erithacus, Scl. et Salv. Nomencl. p. 66.
Description. — Above olive-green, tinged with chestnut on the back, rump, and
upper wing-coverts ; wings black, the basal part of the inner webs of the
secondaries fulvous yellow, forming a well-marked transverse bar ; outer webs
and broad tips of inner secondaries and whole of outer secondaries chestnut ;
tail and upper tail-coverts chestnut ; beneath yellowish olive, brighter on the
throat and breast ; under wing-coverts fulvous yellow ; under tail-coverts pale
chestnut; bill and feet black: whole length 6'2 inches, wing 3-0, tail 3'0.
Female similar.
Hab. South America from Colombia to Northern Argentina.
This is a straggler from the north, a specimen of which was obtained
by White near Oran in 1880.
UK IN. PL. A
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DRYMORNIS BRIDGESI. 199
216. GLYPHORHYNCHUS CUNEATUS (Licht.).
(WEDGE-BILLED WOOD-HEWER.)
Glyphorhynchus cuneatus, Scl. et Salv. Nomencl. p. G7 ; White, P. Z. S. 1882,
p. 613 (Misiones).
Description. — Above olive-brown, superciliaries and small spots on the side
of the head yellowish white, rump and upper tail-coverts chestnut; wings
blackish, outer webs of wing-feathers olive-brown, basal part of inner webs of
secondaries yellowish white, forming a transverse bar ; tail chestnut ; beneath
earthy olive-brown, whitish yellow on the throat, and with spots of the same
colour on the upper part of the breast ; under wing-coverts white ; bill and feet
horn-colour : whole length 5-1 inches, wing 2-5, tail 2-4. Female similar.
Hob. South America from Colombia to Northern Argentina.
This is another northern form of which White obtained specimens
in Misiones. He says it is not uncommon there in the thick woods,
also in the orange-groves about the Jesuit ruins of St. Javier.
217. DENDROCOLAPTES PICUMNUS (Licht.).
(FLAT-BILLED WOOD-HEWER.)
Dendrocolaptes picumnus, Scl. et Salv. Nomencl. p. 67 j White, P. Z. S. 1882,
p. 613 (Misiones).
Description. — Above olivaceous brown ; head blackish, thickly covered with
yellowish-buff elongated shaft-spots ; rump and upper tail-coverts tinged with
chestnut ; wing-feathers chestnut, tinged with olivaceous ; tail chestnut ;
beneath pale earthy olive-brown, paler on the throat, the shafts of the feathers
of the breast butfy white, forming long lines, the feathers of the belly and under
tail-coverts transversely barred with blackish; under wing-coverts yellowish
white, spotted with blackish; bill and feet black: whole length 10 '5 inches,
wing 4*7, tail 4*6. Female similar.
Hab. Brazil and Northern Argentina.
White obtained specimens of this species at Concepcion, "in the
thickest parts of the woods, near the river, climbing up the trees,
around which it turned in corkscrew fashion."
218. DRYMORNIS BRIDGESI, Eyton.
(BRIDGETS WOOD-HEWER.)
[PLATE X.]
Drymornis bridges!, Scl. et Salv. Nomencl p. 67 ; White, P. Z. S. 1882, p. 613
(Catamarca); Barrows, Auk, 1884, p. 20 (Entrerios). Nasica gracilirostris,
Burm. La-Plata Reise, ii. p. 466 (Rio Qiiinto).
200 PENDROCOLAPTID^E.
Description.— Above and below brown, brightest on the rump, and palest
beneath ; long superciliaries extending down the neck, and a inystacal stripe
formed of white spots with faint black edgings : wing-feathers blackish ; tail
chestnut ; on the throat a broad white band extending to the breast ; breast
and belly marked with large oblong white spots, which are margined with
narrow black edgings ; under wing-coverts and inner margins of secondaries
bright cinnamon : bill and feet horn-colour : whole length 12-10 inches, wing
5*6, tail 4-6. Female similar.
Hab. North and West Argentina.
Eyton, when he described this species from Bridges's specimens, gave
its habitat as Bolivia. It may inhabit the southern part of that
Republic, but it is more probable that Bridges's examples were obtained
in Northern Argentina, which he likewise visited. Bridges's Wood-
hewer is the only member of its genus, and is one of the largest of
the whole family Dendrocolaptida, measuring some 13 or 14 inches
in length, inclusive of the great curved beak. Although found through-
out the northern portion of the Argentine Republic, its habits are as
yet imperfectly known, but the following extracts show that they must
be very interesting, and that the bird is remarkably versatile. Mr.
Barrows writes : — " These birds are somewhat gregarious, being oftenest
seen in small parties of six to ten. They sometimes cling against the
bark of a tree in the manner of Woodpeckers, but also spend much of
their time 011 the ground. I think they use their curved bill much
oftener for probing in the ground than for searching the bark of trees,
as many of those shot had the base of the bill and the frontal feathers
plastered with mud. In the stomach of the first one killed I found the
silken sac, three fourths of an inch in diameter, or the eggs of a large
spider, which makes holes ten or twelve inches deep in the hard soil
everywhere."
White obtained examples of this species at Catamarca, and also
notices its strangely contrasted habits. He writes : — " The cry of tbis
bird is much the same as that of a Woodpecker, and it clings to the
algarroba trees in a similar way ; but in the afternoon it is seen scat-
tered about on the sandy ground in the pursuit of insects."
219. XIPHOCOLAPTES ALBICOLLIS (VieilL).
(WHITE-THROATED WrOOD-HEWER.)
Xiphocolaptes albicollis, Scl. et Salv. Nomencl. p. G8 ; White, P. Z. S. 1882,
p. 613 (Misiones).
Description. — Above, head black, with clear whitish-yellow shaft-spots ; lores
and long superciliaries white; neck, back, and upper wing-coverts olive-brown ;
PICOLAPTES ANGUSTIROSTRIS. 201
rump and upper tail-coverts washed with bright chestnut ; wing-feathers dark
chestnut, the outer webs glossed with olivaceous ; tail chestnut ; beneath pale
olive-brown, buffy white on the throat and with similar shaft-spots on tho
breast ; feathers of the belly and under tail-coverts transversely barred with
black ; under wing-coverts cinnamomeous yellow barred with black ; bill and
feet black : whole length 12-0 inches, wing 5-4, tail 4-8. Female similar.
Hob. Brazil arid N. Argentina.
White obtained examples of this large Wood-hewer in Misiones.
220. XIPHOCOLAPTES MAJOR (Vieill.).
(CHESTNUT WOOD-HEWER.)
Xiphocolaptes major, Scl. et Salv. Nomencl. p. 68; White, P. Z. 8. 1882,
p. 613 (Salta) ; Durnford, Ibis, 1880, p. 359 (Tucuman).
Description. — Above and below nearly uniform chestnut, tinged with oliva-
ceous on the crown and throat ; narrow shaft-spots on the breast-feathers whitish,
forming faint lines ; beak pale horn-colour ; feet bluish grey : whole length
11*10 inches, wing 5'5, tail 4'0. Female similar.
Hab. North Argentina, Paraguay, and Bolivia.
This large and powerful Wood-hewer is confined to the hottest
portion of the Argentine Republic, and also inhabits Paraguay and
Bolivia. White met with it at Oran, in the province of Salta, and writes
concerning its habits : — " Common here in the dense forest, where
their continued hard pecking at the lofty tree-trunks is very accentuated.
Two or three at a time maintain a continued race up a magnificent
clear stem as far as the branches, when they fly to the bottom of the
next and do likewise."
This species is nearly a foot in length, the beak being about two
inches long, curved and very powerful. The tail is stiff, being used as
a support in climbing, and the claws are strong and sharply hooked.
The colour of the whole plumage is nearly uniformly bright rufous.
221. PICOLAPTES ANGUSTIROSTEIS (Vieill.).
(NARROW-BILLED WOOD- HEWER.)
Picolaptes angustirostris, Scl. et Salv. Nomencl. p. 09 ; White, P. Z. S. 1883,
p. 433 (Cordova). Lepidocolaptes atripes, Barrows, Auk, 1884, p. 21
(Entrerios).
Description. — Above, head and neck blackish, with oblong whitish shaft-spots
on the crown and neck ; broad superciliaries white, extending nearly to the back
and broken at their lower ends into shaft-spots ; rest of upper surface dull
202 FORMICARIID.E.
brown, brighter on the rump ; wing-feathers pale obscure chestnut ; outer webs
and broad tips of primaries blackish ; tail chestnut ; beneath white, clearer on
the throat ; sides of breast and belly thickly marked with faint blackish stripes ;
under wing-coverts cinnamon ; bill pale horn-colour ; feet grey : whole length
8-2 inches, wing 3-8, tail 2'5. Female similar.
Hob. Paraguay and Argentina.
This is the only member of the genus Picolaptes as yet met with
within the limits of the Argentine Republic. Azara found it abundant
in Paraguay, and on this account named it the Common Climber,
" Trepador comun." In Buenos Ayres it is a summer visitant,
appearing at the end of September. It is a solitary bird, never seen
away from the woods, and invariably utters a loud melancholy cry
when passing from one tree to another. It always alights on the
trunk close to the ground, clinging to the bark in a vertical position,
supported by the tail, and with head thrown far back in order to give
free play to the extremely long beak. Having thus alighted, it pro-
gresses upwards by short hops, exploring the crevices in the wood for
small insects, until it reaches the branches, when it flies off to the next
tree.
Fam. XVIII. FORMICARIID^E, OR ANT-BIRDS.
The Formicariidse, or Ant-birds, are another very important con-
stituent of the Neotropical Avifauna, but are less generally diffused
than the Dendrocolaptidae, the greater number of the forms being
restricted to the hot forests of South and Central America. In the
Argentine Republic we meet with only four species of the widely-
spread genus ThamnophiluSj and of them only one appers to extend as
far south as Buenos Ayres.
222. THAMNOPHILUS LEACHI (Such).
(LEACH'S BUSH-BIRD.)
Thamnophilus leachi, Scl et Salv. Nomencl. p. 69; White, P. Z. S. 1882, p. 614
(Misiones).
Description. — Black, thickly and conspicuously spotted above with white or
pale yellowish ; on the wings the spots occur on the outer webs of the feathers ;
upper tail-coverts faintly edged with grey ; tail black, unspotted ; feathers on
the lower breast and belly slightly edged with grey ; bill and feet black : whole
length 10-5 inches, wing 3'4, tail 5*0. Female : spots larger and yellow, on the
THAMNOPHILUS MAJOR. 203
crown lengthening to stripes and tinged with 'rufous ; inner wehs of the wing-
feathers also spotted on their margins ; whole under surface thickly spotted with
pale yellow.
Hab. Brazil and N. Argentina.
White met with a single individual of this fine Bush-bird at Con-
cepcion, Misiones. It was observed on the ground feeding on a
swarm of black ants.
223. THAMNOPHILUS MAJOR, VieiU.
(LARGER BUSH-BIRD.)
Thamnophilus major, Scl et Salv. NomencL p. 69; White, P. Z. S. 1882,
p. 614 (Salta) ; Salvin, Ibis, 1880, p. 359 (Salta). Thamnophilus stagurus',
Eurm. La-Plata Reise, ii. p. 471 (Parana, Tucuman).
Description. — Above black, upper wing-coverts crossed by a row of white
spots ; the outer rectrix on each side tipped and barred with white, the other
rectrices, excepting the middle pair, spotted with white on their inner webs ;
beneath pure white : bill black, feet grey : whole length 8-0 inches, wing 3-6,
tail 2-8. Female above rufous, beneath white, lower flanks and under tail-
coverts tinged with ochraceous ; tail wholly rufous.
Hab. Paraguay and N. Argentina.
White found this species common in the gardens round the town of
Oran. He noted the iris as " crimson.1"
Azara's account of this species is prefaced by the following remarks
on the birds of this genus known to him in Paraguay : — " These birds
inhabit only the dense and tangled thickets, and never show themselves
outside of their hiding-places, except for a few moments in the early
morning and in the evening ; but at no time do they perch high on the
trees, but keep always within a few feet of the earth. They live in
pairs ; feed solely on insects caught in the bushes which they frequent,
or on the ground, on which, however, the bird alights only to pick up
its prey, and then returns to the twig to devour it. They are
stationary, and fly only from one thicket to another. Many of the
species have a similar voice or song, which is singular, powerful, and
heard only in the love-season. The call is a trill of a single note
rapidly reiterated, and loud enough to be heard half a mile away ; the
cry being accompanied by vibratory motions of the wings."
204 FORMICARIID.E.
224. THAMNOPHILUS C^RULESCENS, Vieill.
(SLATY-BLUE BUSH-BIRD.)
Thamnophilus caerulescens, Burm. La-Plata Reise, ii. p. 472 (Parana,
Mendoza, Tucuman) ; Scl. et Salv. Nomencl p. 70 ; White, P. Z. S. 1882,
p. 614 (Corrientes, Misiones) ; Barrows, Auk, 1884, p. 21 (Entrerios) ; Salvin,
Ibis, 1880, p. 361 (Salta).
Description. — Above grey, black on the crown, and a patch of white and black
feathers on the middle of the back ; wings black, the coverts thickly spotted and
the inner webs of the remiges edged with white ; tail black, all the feathers,
except the middle pair, tipped with white, the outer rectrix on each side has
also a long white spot in the middle part of the outer web ; beneath cinereous,
white on the belly ; bill and feet black : whole length 5' 6 inches, wing 2-7, tail
2-3 Female: above earthy olive- green, yellowish on the crown ; wing-coverts
and tail as in the male ; wing-feathers olive-brown ; beneath yellowish olive-
grey, brightening into ochraceous on the belly and flanks.
Hob. Paraguay and Argentina.
Mr. Barrows says concerning this species that it is " frequently seen,
especially during the winter " (on the Lower Uruguay) . A nest, taken
November 24th, <( was almost precisely like that of our Red-eyed
Vireo (V. olivaceus), being pensile in the fork of a horizontal spray, only
four feet from the ground. It contained three fresh eggs, white, with
spots and dashes of light brown/'
White says that these birds frequent the banks of streams, and have
a deep bass call-note, rather mournful and slow.
225. THAMNOPHILUS RUFIGAPILLUS, Vieill.
(RED-CAPPED BUSH-BIRD.)
Thamnophilus argentinus, Burm. La-Plata Reise, ii. p. 472 (Parana,
Tucuman) ; Scl. et Salv. Nomencl. p. 70 ; Durnford, Ibis, 1877, p. J83 (Bueuoa
Ayres) ; Barrows, Auk, 1884, p. 21 (Entrerics). Thamnophilus rufi-
capillus, Pelz. Orn. Bras. p. 79 ; Berl et JJier. Zeitschr. yes. O. 1885, p. 49.
Description. — Above olivaceous brown, tinged with rufous, brighter on the
crown ; lores yellowish white, superciliaries and sides of head whitish grey :
wing-feathers dark olive- brown, the inner webs edged with ochraceous; tail
black, all the rectrices, except the middle pair, slightly tipped and broadly
spotted on the inner webs with white; beneath greyish white, the feathers
from the lower throat to the belly transversely barred with black ; bill and feet
black : whole length 6-2 inches, wing 2-7, tail 2-6. Female : above the same as
the male, except the tail, which is rufous brown ; beneath whitish, tinged
with ochraceous, and with scarcely perceptible greyish mottlings.
Hab. Paraguay and Argentina.
PTEROPTOCHID.E. 205
This species is very common in the eastern provinces of Argentina,
and extends south to Buenos Ayres. It is a shy, solitary bird, found in
woods and thickets along the shores of La Plata ; and utters occasionally
a singular low rasping note, its only language. The nest is a slight
shallow structure placed in a low tree ; the eggs are white, thinly
spotted with reddish brown. Probably this species is to some extent
migratory, as I have only observed it in the summer season.
Fam. XIX. PTEROPTOCHID^E, OR TAPACOLAS.
The Pteroptochidse form a small but very peculiar family of Tra-
cheophonine Passeres, mostly restricted to Chili and the south-western
extremity of the South-American Continent, but also represented in the
Andes of Ecuador and Colombia and in the high plateau of Central
Brazil. They are ground-birds, remarkable for their large and robust
feet with long claws, their strangely formed bills, and the elevated
position in which the tail is carried in the living bird.
In the Argentine Republic four species of Pteroptochidse are known
to occur, only one of which, however, is a well-known bird. Two of
the remaining three are recent discoveries, and the fourth a Chilian
species, which extends over the Andes into the western borders of
Argentina.
226. SCYTALOPUS SUPEKCILIARIS, Cab.
(WHITE-EYEBROWED SCYTALOPUS.)
Scytalopus superciliaris, Cab. Journ. f. Orn. 1883, p. 105, t. ii. fig. 3
(Tucuman).
Description. — Nearest to S. indigoticus of Brazil, but without the white
colour on the breast and belly, only the throat being clear white ; superciliaries
striped white ; front and sides of the head and neck, breast and belly grey ; rest
of the upper surface, together with the flanks and crissum, light brown, with
fine blackish cross-markings ; bill blackish, feet light-coloured.
Hob. Sierra of Tucuman.
This species is one of Schulz's recent discoveries in the Sierra of
Tucuman, where he found it west of Sauciyaca, frequenting the deep
ravines.
206 PTEROPTOCHID.E.
227. RHINOCRYPTA LANCEOLATA, Geoflr. et d'Orb.
(GALLITO.)
Rhinocrypta lanceolata, Burm. La-Plata Reise, ii. p. 471 (Mendoza, San Juan,
Catamarca) ; Sol . et Salv. NomencL p. 76 ; Hudson, P. Z. S. 1872, p. 543
(Rio Negro) ; White, P. Z. S. 1882, p. 614 (Catamarca).
Description. — Above, head and upper neck reddish brown with a fine white
shaft-stripe on each feather, the stripes being most conspicuous on the crest-
feathers ; lower neck, back, rump, and wings greyish olive ; tail blackish ;
beneath, throat and upper part of breast, grey, becoming pure white on the
middle of the belly ; sides of belly and flanks bright chestnut ; lower part of
belly and flanks and under tail-coverts like the back ; bill horn-colour, feet black :
whole length 8-2 inches, wing 3'3, tail 3'0. Female similar.
Hab. Western and Southern Argentina and Patagonia.
The vernacular name Gallito, or " Little Cock/' by which this
species is familiarly known in Patagonia, cannot fail to strike every one
who sees the bird as very appropriate, for it struts and runs on the
ground with tail erect, looking wonderfully like a small domestic fowl.
In the neighbourhood of Carmen, on the Rio Negro, it is very
abundant, and when I went there its loud deep chirrup, heard from
every side in the thicket, quickly arrested my attention, just as the
perpetual chirping of the Sparrows did when I first landed in England.
In the interior of the country it is not nearly so abundant, so that
man's presence has probably in some way affected it favourably. Its
habits amuse and baffle a person anxious to make its acquaintance; for
it scarcely possesses the faculty of flight, and cannot be driven up, but
it is so easily alarmed, so swift of foot, and so fond of concealment,
that it is most difficult to catch a sight of it. At the same time it is
extremely inquisitive, and no sooner does it spy an intruder in the bush
than the warning note is sounded, whereupon every bird within hearing
hops up into a thick thorn-bush, where it utters every three or four
seconds a loud hollow chirrup, and at intervals a violent scolding cry,
several times repeated. When approached they all scuttle away,
masked by the bushes, with amazing swiftness, to take refuge at a
distance, where the loud protest is again resumed • but when the
pursuer gives up the pursuit in disgust and turns away, they immediately
follow him, so that he is perpetually encircled with the same ring of
angry sound, moving with him, coming no nearer and never allowing
its cause to be seen.
On three or four occasions I have seen one rise from the ground and
fly several yards with a feeble fluttering flight ; but when closely pur-
sued in an open place they seem incapable of rising. They generally fly
PTEROPTOCHUS ALBICOLLTS. 207
down from the top of a bush, but always ascend it by hopping from
twig to twig.
The nest is made in the centre of a thorny bush two or three feet
from the ground ; and is round and domed, with a small aperture at
the side, and built entirely of fine dry grass. The eggs are four in
number and of a pure white.
The Little Cock is nine inches long, has long stout legs, and short
curved beak. The colour of the head and neck is deep reddish brown,
lined with white, the feathers of the crown forming a crest. The upper
surface and wings olive-brown ; tail dark ; throat and breast grey ;
middle of the belly white, with a broad ruddy rufous patch on each side
reaching to the belly.
228. RHINOCRYPTA PUSCA, Scl. et Salv.
(BROWN GALLITO.)
Rhinocrypta fusca, Scl. et Salv. Nomencl. pp. 76,161.
Description. — Above uniform pale ciniiamomeous brown ; supcrciliaries
whitish ; tail blackish, except the middle pair of rectrices, which are the same
as the back ; beneath white, faintly tinged with cinnamomeous ; bill horn-
colour, feet black : whole length 6'5 inches, wing 2-5, tail 2-4.
Hab. Mendoza.
The original examples of this species were obtained by the German
collector, Weisshaupt, near Mendoza. It appears to have been mis-
taken for the young of the preceding species, but is decidedly different.
229. PTEROPTOCHUS ALBICOLLIS, Kittl.
(WHITE-NECKED TAPACOLA.)
Pteroptochus albicollis, Burm. La-Plata Iteise, ii. p. 471 (Mendoza) ; Scl.
et Salv. Nomencl . p. 76.
Description. — Above chestnut-brown, obscure or slightly olivaceous on the
neck and upper part of back ; inner webs of wing-feathers blackish ; lores,
superciliaries, and under surface white, the breast sparsely, and the belly and
flanks thickly marked with transverse spots of blackish brown ; lower flanks and
under tail-coverts chestnut-brown, obscurely spotted with black ; bill and feet
black : whole length 8-5 inches, wing 3-1, tail 2-9. Female similar.
Hab. Chili and Western Argentina.
Dr. Burmeister tells us that he met with this Chilian species in the
water-courses near Mendoza, where it was seen running about on the
stones like a Dipper.
208 PTE ROPTOCHID^E.
Darwin has given us some interesting notes on this bird : — " This
species is called by the Chilenos ' Tapacola/ or ' cover your pos-
teriors/ The name is well applied, as the Tapacola generally
carries its short tail more than erect, that is, inclined backward and
toward the head. It is extremely common in Central Chile. The
Tapacola frequents hedge -rows and the bushes which are scattered at a
considerable elevation over the sterile hills, where scarcely another bird
can exist; hence it plays a conspicuous part in the ornithology of
Chile. The Tapacola 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 Tapacola
builds its nest at the bottom of a deep burrow." (Darwin, in Zool. Voy.
< Beagle/ iii. p. 72.)
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