The Project Gutenberg EBook of Argentine Ornithology, Volume II (of 2), by P. L. Sclater and W. H. Hudson This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org Title: Argentine Ornithology, Volume II (of 2) A descriptive catalogue of the birds of the Argentine Republic. Author: P. L. Sclater W. H. Hudson Release Date: February 25, 2012 [EBook #38957] Language: English Character set encoding: UTF-8 *** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ARGENTINE ORNITHOLOGY: VOL II *** Produced by Adrian Mastronardi, René Anderson Benitz, and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net. Project Gutenberg has Volume I of this book. See https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/38956. TRANSCRIBER’S NOTE: OBVIOUS TYPOS HAVE BEEN AMENDED. VARIATIONS IN SPELLING IN THE ORIGINAL TEXT HAVE BEEN RETAINED, EXCEPT WHERE USAGE FREQUENCY WAS USED TO DETERMINE THE COMMON SPELLING AND/OR HYPHENATION. These amendments are listed at the end of the text. Minor printer errors have been amended without note. THE INTRODUCTION ORIGINALLY PRINTED IN THIS VOLUME HAS BEEN MOVED TO VOLUME I AS PER AUTHOR INTENT IN THE PREFACE. COLOR PLATES OF INDIVIDUAL BIRDS HAVE BEEN RELOCATED TO FOLLOW THE TITLE OF THE BIRD. ALL COLOR PLATES WILL enlarge with a mouse click while hovering over the plate. THE INDEX AT THE END OF THIS VOLUME HAS LINKS ONLY TO PAGES WITHIN THIS VOLUME. THE SAME INDEX HAS BEEN added to Volume I with links only to pages within that volume. ARGENTINE ORNITHOLOGY. A 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 AYRES. BURMEISTER'S CARIAMA. BURMEISTER’S CARIAMA. VOLUME II. LONDON: R. H. PORTER, 18 PRINCES STREET, CAVENDISH SQUARE, W. 1889. Publisher's Mark PREFACE TO THE SECOND VOLUME. This volume contains our account of all the Orders of Birds met with within the Argentine Republic except the Passeres, which were treated of in the First Volume. It also comprises an Appendix and Index, and completes the work. The Introduction is issued with this, but is intended to be bound up with the first volume, and is paged to follow the contents of that volume. The total number of species which we have thus assigned to the Argentine Avifauna is 434. To this list, no doubt, considerable additions will have to be made when the more remote provinces of the Republic have been explored. We trust that this work may at least serve to excite residents in Argentina to make fresh investigations, for we are quite aware how imperfect is the compilation now offered to the public. It will be seen that in the following pages, as in the first volume, we have availed ourselves liberally of the information on Argentine birds contained in the writings of Dr. Burmeister, Mr. Barrows, and Mr. Gibson. To all of these gentlemen we wish to offer our most sincere thanks, together with apologies for the liberty we have taken. We have likewise to express our high estimation of the valuable notes which we have extracted from the published writings of the late Henry Durnford and Ernest William White, both most promising Naturalists, and both alike lost to Science at an early age. Nor must we omit to record our thanks to Hans, Graf von Berlepsch, of Münden, Mr. Walter B. Barrows, and Mr. Frank Withington, and other friends and correspondents who have aided us by information and by the loan of specimens. To the Zoological Society of London and to Mr. Henry Seebohm we are likewise much indebted for the loan of the woodcuts of which impressions are contained in these volumes. P. L. S. February 1, 1889. CONTENTS OF VOL. II. Order II. MACROCHIRES. Fam. XX. TROCHILIDÆ, or Humming-birds. Page 230. Oreotrochilus leucopleurus, Gould. (White-sided Humming-bird.) 1 231. Chætocercus burmeisteri, Scl. (Burmeister’s Humming-bird.) [Plate XI.] 2 232. Sparganura sappho (Lesson). (Sappho Humming-bird.) 3 233. Petasophora serrirostris (Vieill.). (Violet-eared Humming-bird.) 3 234. Patagona gigas (Vieill.). (Giant Humming-bird.) 4 235. Calliperidia furcifera (Shaw). (Angela Humming-bird.) 5 236. Leucippus chionogaster (Tsch.). (White-breasted Humming-bird.) 7 237. Leucochloris albicollis (Vieill.). (White-throated Humming-bird.) 7 238. Chrysuronia ruficollis (Vieill.). (Golden-tailed Humming-bird.) 8 239. Hylocharis sapphirina (Gm.). (Red-throated Humming-bird.) 8 240. Chlorostilbon splendidus (Vieill.). (Glittering Humming-bird.) 9 Fam. XXI. CYPSELIDÆ, or Swifts. 241. Hemiprocne zonaris (Shaw). (Ringed Spine-tailed Swift.) 11 Fam. XXII. CAPRIMULGIDÆ, or Goatsuckers. 242. Podager nacunda (Vieill.). (Nacunda Goatsucker.) 12 243. Chordeiles virginianus (Gm.). (Whip-poor-Will.) 13 244. Antrostomus parvulus (Gould). (Little Goatsucker.) 14 245. Stenopsis bifasciata (Gould). (Wing-banded Goatsucker.) 14 246. Hydropsalis furcifera (Vieill.). (Fork-tailed Goatsucker.) [Plate XII.] 15 247. Heleothreptus anomalus (Gould). (Short-winged Goatsucker.) 16 Order III. PICI. Fam. XXIII. PICIDÆ, or Woodpeckers. 248. Campephilus boiæi (Wagl.). (Boie’s Woodpecker.) 17 249. Campephilus schulzi (Cab.). (Schulz’s Woodpecker.) 18 250. Dryocopus erythrops (Val.). (Red-faced Woodpecker.) 18 251. Picus mixtus, Bodd. (Varied Woodpecker.) 19 252. Picus cactorum, d’Orb. et Lafr. (Cactus Woodpecker.) 19 253. Chloronerpes affinis (Wagl.). (Allied Woodpecker.) 20 254. Chloronerpes frontalis, Cab. (Red-fronted Woodpecker.) 20 255. Chloronerpes aurulentus (Licht.). (Gold-backed Woodpecker.) 21 256. Chloronerpes tucumanus, Cab. (Tucuman Woodpecker.) 21 257. Chrysoptilus cristatus (Vieill.). (Red-crested Woodpecker.) 21 258. Leuconerpes candidus (Otto). (White-bellied Woodpecker.) 23 259. Colaptes longirostris, Cab. (Long-billed Woodpecker.) 23 260. Colaptes agricola (Malh.). (Pampas Woodpecker.) 24 Order IV. COCCYGES. Fam. XXIV. ALCEDINIDÆ, or Kingfishers. 261. Ceryle torquata (Linn.). (Ringed Kingfisher.) 26 262. Ceryle amazona (Lath.). (Amazonian Kingfisher.) 27 263. Ceryle americana (Gm.). (Little Kingfisher.) 27 Fam. XXV. TROGONIDÆ, or Trogons. 264. Trogon variegatus, Spix. (Purple-breasted Trogon.) 29 265. Trogon surucura, Vieill. (Azara’s Trogon.) 29 Fam. XXVI. BUCCONIDÆ, or Puff-birds. 266. Bucco maculatus (Gm.). (Spotted Puff-bird.) 30 Fam. XXVII. CUCULIDÆ, or Cuckoos. 267. Crotophaga ani, Linn. (Black Ani.) 31 268. Guira piririgua (Vieill.). (Guira Cuckoo.) 32 269. Diplopterus nævius (Gm.). (Brown Cuckoo.) 35 270. Piaya cayana (Linn.). (Chestnut Cuckoo.) 36 271. Coccyzus americanus (Linn.). (Yellow-billed Cuckoo.) 37 272. Coccyzus melanocoryphus, Vieill. (Black-billed Cuckoo.) 38 273. Coccyzus cinereus, Vieill. (Cinereous Cuckoo.) [Plate XIII.] 38 274. Coccyzus pumilus, Strickl. (Dwarf Cuckoo.) 39 Fam. XXVIII. RHAMPHASTIDÆ, or Toucans. 275. Rhamphastos toco, Gm. (Toco Toucan.) 40 Order V. PSITTACI. Fam. XXIX. PSITTACIDÆ, or Parrots. 276. Conurus patagonus (Vieill.). (Patagonian Parrot.) 41 277. Conurus acuticaudatus (Vieill.). (Sharp-tailed Parrot.) 42 278. Conurus mitratus, Tsch. (Red-headed Parrot.) 43 279. Conurus molinæ, Mass. et Souanc. (Molina’s Parrot.) [Plate XIV.] 43 280. Bolborhynchus monachus (Bodd.). (Green Parrakeet.) 43 281. Bolborhynchus aymara (d’Orb.). (Aymara Parrakeet.) [Plate XV.] 46 282. Bolborhynchus rubrirostris (Burm.). (Red-billed Parrakeet.) 46 283. Chrysotis vinacea (Max.). (Vinaceous Amazon.) 46 284. Chrysotis æstiva (Linn.). (Blue-fronted Amazon.) 47 285. Pionus maximiliani (Kuhl). (Prince Maximilian’s Parrot.) 47 Order VI. STRIGES. Fam. XXX. STRIGIDÆ, or Barn-Owls. 286. Strix flammea, Linn. (Common Barn-Owl.) 48 Fam. XXXI. BUBONIDÆ, or Owls. 287. Asio brachyotus (Forst.). (Short-eared Owl.) 49 288. Bubo virginianus (Gm.). (Virginian Owl.) 50 289. Scops brasilianus (Gm.). (Choliba Owl.) 51 290. Speotyto cunicularia (Mol.). (Burrowing-Owl.) 52 291. Glaucidium nanum (King). (Pygmy Owl.) 56 Order VII. ACCIPITRES. Fam. XXXII. FALCONIDÆ, or Falcons. 292. Circus cinereus, Vieill. (Cinereous Harrier.) 57 293. Circus macropterus, Vieill. (Long-winged Harrier.) 58 294. Asturina pucherani, Verr. (Pucheran’s Hawk.) 58 295. Buteo swainsoni, Bp. (Swainson’s Buzzard.) [Plate XVI.] 59 296. Buteo albicaudatus, Vieill. (White-tailed Buzzard.) 61 297. Buteo erythronotus (King). (Red-backed Buzzard.) 62 298. Antenor unicinctus (Temm.). (One-banded Buzzard.) 63 299. Heterospizias meridionalis (Lath.). (Brown Buzzard.) 63 300. Geranoaëtus melanoleucus (Vieill.). (Chilian Eagle.) 64 301. Harpyhaliaëtus coronatus (Vieill.). (Crowned Harpy.) 66 302. Geranospizias cærulescens (Vieill.). (Grey Crane-Hawk.) 67 303. Falco peregrinus, Linn. (Peregrine Falcon.) 67 304. Falco fusco-cærulescens, Vieill. (Orange-chested Hobby.) 69 305. Tinnunculus cinnamominus (Sw.). (Cinnamomeous Kestrel.) 69 306. Elanus leucurus (Vieill.). (White-tailed Kite.) 71 307. Rostrhamus sociabilis (Vieill.). (Sociable Marsh-Hawk.) 72 308. Spiziapteryx circumcinctus (Kaup). (Spot-winged Falcon.) 73 309. Milvago chimango (Vieill.). (Chimango Carrion-Hawk.) 74 310. Polyborus tharus (Mol.). (Carancho Carrion-Hawk.) 81 Fam. XXXIII. CATHARTIDÆ, or Condors. 311. Cathartes aura (Linn.). (Turkey-Vulture.) 89 312. Cathartes atratus (Bartram). (Black Vulture.) 89 313. Sarcorhamphus gryphus (Linn.). (Great Condor.) 90 Order VIII. STEGANOPODES. Fam. XXXIV. PHALACROCORACIDÆ, or Cormorants. 314. Phalacrocorax brasilianus (Gm.). (Brazilian Cormorant.) 91 Order IX. HERODIONES. Fam. XXXV. ARDEIDÆ, or Herons. 315. Ardea cocoi, Linn. (Cocoi Heron.) 93 316. Ardea egretta, Gm. (White Egret.) 98 317. Ardea candidissima, Gm. (Snowy Egret.) 99 318. Ardea cærulea, Linn. (Blue Heron.) 99 319. Ardea sibilatrix, Temm. (Whistling Heron.) 100 320. Butorides cyanurus (Vieill.). (Little Blue Heron.) 101 321. Ardetta involucris (Vieill.). (Variegated Heron.) [Plate XVII.] 101 322. Tigrisoma marmoratum (Vieill.). (Marbled Tiger-Bittern.) 104 323. Nycticorax obscurus, Bp. (Dark Night-Heron.) 105 Fam. XXXVI. CICONIIDÆ, or Storks. 324. Mycteria americana, Linn. (Jabiru.) 106 325. Euxenura maguari (Gm.). (Maguari Stork.) 106 326. Tantalus loculator, Linn. (Wood-Ibis.) 108 Fam. XXXVII. PLATALEIDÆ, or Ibises. 327. Plegadis guarauna (Linn.). (White-faced Ibis.) 109 328. Theristicus caudatus (Bodd.). (Black-faced Ibis.) 110 329. Harpiprion cærulescens (Vieill.). (Plumbeous Ibis.) 112 330. Phimosus infuscatus (Licht.). (Whispering Ibis.) 113 331. Ajaja rosea, Reichenb. (Roseate Spoonbill.) 114 Fam. XXXVIII. PHŒNICOPTERIDÆ, or Flamingoes. 332. Phœnicopterus ignipalliatus, Geoffr. et d’Orb. (Argentine Flamingo.) 117 333. Phœnicopterus andinus, Philippi. (Andean Flamingo.) 119 Order X. ANSERES. Fam. XXXIX. PALAMEDEIDÆ, or Screamers. 334. Chauna chavaria (Linn.). (Crested Screamer.) 119 Fam. XL. ANATIDÆ, or Ducks. 335. Bernicla melanoptera (Eyton). (Andean Goose.) 122 336. Bernicla dispar, Ph. et Landb. (Barred Upland Goose.) 123 337. Bernicla poliocephala, Gray. (Ashy-headed Goose.) 124 338. Cygnus nigricollis, Gm. (Black-necked Swan.) [Plate XVIII.] 124 339. Coscoroba candida (Vieill.). (Coscoroba Swan.) 126 340. Dendrocygna fulva (Gm.). (Fulvous Tree-Duck.) 126 341. Dendrocygna viduata (Linn.). (White-faced Tree-Duck.) 128 342. Sarcidiornis carunculata (Licht.). (Crested Duck.) 128 343. Cairina moschata (Linn.). (Muscovy Duck.) 129 344. Heteronetta melanocephala (Vieill.). (Black-headed Duck.) 130 345. Querquedula cyanoptera (Vieill.). (Blue-winged Teal.) 130 346. Querquedula flavirostris (Vieill.). (Yellowed-billed Teal.) 131 347. Querquedula versicolor (Vieill.). (Grey Teal.) 131 348. Querquedula torquata (Vieill.). (Ring-necked Teal.) 132 349. Querquedula brasiliensis (Gm.). (Brazilian Teal.) 133 350. Dafila spinicauda (Vieill.). (Brown Pintail.) 134 351. Dafila bahamensis (Linn.). (Bahama Pintail.) 135 352. Mareca sibilatrix (Poepp.). (Chiloe Wigeon.) 135 353. Spatula platalea (Vieill.). (Red Shoveller.) 136 354. Metopiana peposaca (Vieill.). (Rosy-billed Duck.) 137 355. Erismatura ferruginea, Eyton. (Rusty Lake-Duck.) 138 356. Nomonyx dominicus (Linn.). (White-winged Lake-Duck.) 138 Order XI. COLUMBÆ. Fam. XLI. COLUMBIDÆ, or Pigeons. 357. Columba picazuro, Temm. (Picazuro Pigeon.) 139 358. Columba maculosa, Temm. (Spot-winged Pigeon.) 140 359. Zenaida maculata (Vieill.). (Spotted Dove.) 141 360. Metriopelia melanoptera (Mol.). (Black-winged Dove.) 142 361. Metriopelia aymara (Knip et Prév.). (Aymara Dove.) 142 362. Columbula picui (Temm.). (Picui Dove.) 143 363. Chamæpelia talpacoti (Temm.). (Talpacoti Dove.) 144 364. Engyptila chalcauchenia (Scl. et Salv.). (Solitary Pigeon.) 144 Order XII. GALLINÆ. Fam. XLII. CRACIDÆ, or Curassows. 365. Crax sclateri, G. R. Gray. (Sclater’s Curassow.) 145 366. Penelope obscura, Temm. (Dark Guan.) 146 367. Pipile cumanensis (Jacq.). (White-headed Guan.) 146 368. Ortalis canicollis, Wagl. (Hoary-necked Guan.) 147 Order XIV. GERANOMORPHÆ. Fam. XLIII. RALLIDÆ, or Rails. 369. Rallus maculatus, Bodd. (Spotted Rail.) [Plate XIX.] 148 370. Rallus antarcticus, King. (Antarctic Rail.) 148 371. Rallus rhytirhynchus, Vieill. (Black Rail.) 149 372. Rallus nigricans, Vieill. (Plumbeous Rail.) 150 373. Aramides ypecaha (Vieill.). (Ypecaha Rail.) 150 374. Porzana leucopyrrha (Vieill.). (Red-and-White Crake.) 154 375. Porzana salinasi (Philippi). (Spot-winged Crake.) 155 376. Porzana notata (Gould). (Marked Crake.) 155 377. Porphyriops melanops (Vieill.). (Little Waterhen.) 156 378. Gallinula galeata (Licht.). (American Waterhen.) 156 379. Fulica armillata, Vieill. (Red-gartered Coot.) 157 380. Fulica leucopyga, Hartl. (Red-fronted Coot.) 157 381. Fulica leucoptera, Vieill. (Yellow-billed Coot.) 158 Fam. XLIV. ARAMIDÆ, or Courlans. 382. Aramus scolopaceus (Gm.). (Southern Courlan.) 159 Fam. XLV. CARIAMIDÆ, or Cariamas. 383. Cariama cristata (Linn.). (Crested Cariama.) 161 384. Chunga burmeisteri (Hartl.). (Burmeister’s Cariama.) 162 Order XV. LIMICOLÆ. Fam. XLVI. PARRIDÆ, or Jacanas. 385. Parra jacana, Linn. (The Jacana.) 163 Fam. XLVII. CHARADRIIDÆ, or Plovers. 386. Vanellus cayennensis (Gm.). (Cayenne Lapwing.) 165 387. Charadrius dominicus, Müller. (American Golden Plover.) 170 388. Eudromias modesta (Licht.). (Winter Plover.) 171 389. Ægialitis falklandica (Lath.). (Patagonian Sand-Plover.) 172 390. Ægialitis collaris (Vieill.). (Azara’s Sand-Plover.) 173 391. Oreophilus ruficollis (Wagl.). (Slender-billed Plover.) 174 392. Hæmatopus palliatus, Temm. (American Oyster-catcher.) 176 Fam. XLVIII. THINOCORIDÆ, or Seed-Snipes. 393. Thinocorus rumicivorus, Eschsch. (Common Seed-Snipe.) 176 394. Thinocorus orbignyanus, Geoffr. et Less. (D’Orbigny’s Seed-Snipe.) 178 Fam. XLIX. SCOLOPACIDÆ, or Snipes. 395. Himantopus brasiliensis, Brehm. (Brazilian Stilt.) 179 396. Phalaropus wilsoni, Sabine. (Wilson’s Phalarope.) 180 397. Gallinago paraguaiæ (Vieill.). (Paraguay Snipe.) 181 398. Rhynchæa semicollaris (Vieill.). (Painted Snipe.) 182 399. Tringa maculata, Vieill. (Pectoral Sandpiper.) 183 400. Tringa bairdi (Coues). (Baird’s Sandpiper.) 184 401. Tringa fuscicollis, Vieill. (Bonaparte’s Sandpiper.) 185 402. Calidris arenaria (Linn.). (Sanderling.) 186 403. Totanus melanoleucus (Gm.). (Greater Yellowshank.) 186 404. Totanus flavipes (Gm.). (Lesser Yellowshank.) 187 405. Rhyacophilus solitarius (Wils.). (Solitary Sandpiper.) 188 406. Actiturus bartramius (Wils.). (Bartram’s Sandpiper.) 189 407. Tryngites rufescens (Vieill.). (Buff-breasted Sandpiper.) 190 408. Limosa hæmastica (Linn.). (Hudsonian Godwit.) 191 409. Numenius borealis (Forst.). (Esquimo Whimbrel.) 192 Order XVI. GAVIÆ. Fam. L. LARIDÆ, or Gulls. 410. Rhynchops melanura, Sw. (Black-tailed Skimmer.) 193 411. Phaëthusa magnirostris (Licht.). (Great-billed Tern.) 194 412. Sterna maxima, Bodd. (Great Tern.) 195 413. Sterna trudeauii, Aud. (Trudeau’s Tern.) 195 414. Sterna hirundinacea, Less. (Cassin’s Tern.) 196 415. Sterna superciliaris, Vieill. (Eyebrowed Tern.) 197 416. Larus dominicanus, Licht. (Dominican Gull.) 197 417. Larus maculipennis, Licht. (Spot-winged Gull.) 198 418. Larus cirrhocephalus, Vieill. (Grey-capped Gull.) 201 Order XVII. PYGOPODES. Fam. LI. PODICIPEDIDÆ, or Grebes. 419. Æchmophorus major (Bodd.). (Great Grebe.) 202 420. Podiceps caliparæus, Less. (Bright-cheeked Grebe.) 204 421. Podiceps rollandi, Quoy et Gaim. (Rolland’s Grebe.) 204 422. Tachybaptes dominicus (Linn.). (American Dabchick.) 205 423. Podilymbus podiceps (Linn.). (Thick-billed Grebe.) 206 Order XVIII. IMPENNES. Fam. LII. APTENODYTIDÆ, or Penguins. 424. Spheniscus magellanicus (Forst.). (Jackass Penguin.) 206 Order XIX. CRYPTURI. Fam. LIII. TINAMIDÆ, or Tinamous. 425. Crypturus obsoletus, Temm. (Brown Tinamou.) 207 426. Crypturus tataupa, Temm. (Tataupa Tinamou.) 208 427. Rhynchotus rufescens (Temm.). (Great Tinamou.) 209 428. Nothoprocta pentlandi (Gray). (Pentland’s Tinamou.) 210 429. Nothoprocta cinerascens (Burm.). (Cinereous Tinamou.) 210 430. Nothura maculosa (Temm.). (Spotted Tinamou.) 211 431. Nothura darwini, Gray. (Darwin’s Tinamou.) [Plate XX.] 213 432. Calodromas elegans (d’Orb. et Geoffr.). (Martineta Tinamou.) 214 Order XX. STRUTHIONES. Fam. LIV. RHEIDÆ, or Rheas. 433. Rhea americana, Lath. (Common Rhea.) 216 434. Rhea darwini, Gould. (Darwin’s Rhea.) 219 Appendix 221 I. List of the principal Authorities upon the Ornithology of the Argentine Republic referred to in the present Work 221 II. List of some of the principal Localities where Collections have been made, mentioned in this Work 231 Index 233 LIST OF PLATES IN VOL. II. Plate Page XI. Chætocercus burmeisteri 2 XII. Hydropsalis furcifera 15 XIII. Coccyzus cinereus 38 XIV. Conurus molinæ 43 XV. Bolborhynchus aymara 46 XVI. Buteo swainsoni 59 XVII. Ardetta involucris 101 XVIII. Cygnus nigricollis 124 XIX. Rallus maculatus 148 XX. Nothura darwini 213 ARGENTINE ORNITHOLOGY. Order II. MACROCHIRES. Fam. XX. TROCHILIDÆ, or HUMMING-BIRDS. Of the great American family Trochilidæ, which, according to the most recent authorities, contains about 450 species, eleven members have been ascertained to occur within the limits of the Argentine Republic. But of these only three (Calliperidia furcifera, Hylocharis sapphirina, and Chlorostilbon splendidus) reach the neighbourhood of Buenos Ayres, where they occur as summer visitors. The remaining eight have been met with only in the northern and western provinces of Argentina. Of these two (Oreotrochilus leucopleurus and Patagona gigas) are also found in Chili, the others are Bolivian and South-Brazilian species. 230. OREOTROCHILUS LEUCOPLEURUS, Gould. (WHITE-SIDED HUMMING-BIRD.) Oreotrochilus leucopleurus, Scl. et Salv. Nomencl. P. 81; White, P. Z. S. 1882, P. 615 (CATAMARCA); Elliot, Syn. Troch. p. 36; Gould, Mon. Troch. ii. pl. 71. Description.—Head, upper surface, and wings greyish olive-brown, passing into dull coppery green on the upper tail-coverts; two central tail-feathers and outer one bronzy green, the others white, narrowly edged externally with brown; throat shining green, bordered below by a band of black with bluish reflexions; flanks olive-brown; breast and sides of belly white; centre of belly black with steel-blue reflexions; under tail-coverts olive: whole length 5·0 inches, wings 2·7, tail 2·1. Female above like male; beneath white, throat densely spotted with brown; flanks brownish. Hab. Chili and Northern Argentina. White obtained a single specimen of this Humming-bird in September 1880, at Fuerte de Andalgala, in Catamarca. It is a well-known species in Chili, where, according to Gould, “it inhabits the sheltered valleys of the Andes, just below the line of perpetual congelation.” 231. CHÆTOCERCUS BURMEISTERI, Scl. (BURMEISTER’S HUMMING-BIRD.) [Plate XI.] - 1 - - 2 - CHÆTOCERCUS BURMEISTERI. Chætocercus burmeisteri, Scl. P. Z. S. 1887, p. 639. Description.—Bill straight, entirely black and as long as the head; whole upper part of the body of a dark green metallic colour, except the wings, which are black; the small feathers of the throat on the under jaw are whitish with a darker spot in the middle; there begins on the throat the crimson-red bilateral beard, which is composed on both sides of three rows of very small feathers, these becoming somewhat larger in the middle of the beard and terminating with two ranges of feathers in the exterior half part. Many of these feathers are shining metallic green in certain positions. A white spot behind the eyes descends from there to the breast, which is also whitish, but with a dark spot on every feather, causing a greyish appearance in the middle of the breast. The hinder half of the breast and the belly are black, but the anal portion is white, as also the sides of the body, except the thighs, which are black. The inferior feathers behind the anal region are clear yellow-brown, but those in the middle have a green metallic spot. The tail is composed of eight feathers; the two exterior on each side are more than an inch long, very small but of equal size in the whole extent, and rounded at the tip, not pointed. The exterior rectrix is entirely black; the second has a clear brown stripe on the inside border. The third feather of each side is very short, only half an inch long and more than eight lines shorter than the exterior; its colour is entirely black. The fourth feathers on each side, that is in the middle of the tail, are shorter than the third pair and partly covered by the coverts: they are of metallic green colour like the coverts. Hab. Tucuman. The only known specimen of this species was procured in the Valle de Tafi, in the mountains of Tucuman, by Herr Schulz, and is now in the National Museum of Buenos Ayres. This species is nearly allied to C. bombus, Gould (Mon. Troch. Suppl. p. 45, pl. 32), but differs in the form of the tail. The figure (Plate XI.) is taken from a watercolour sketch of this specimen kindly sent to us by Dr. Burmeister. 232. SPARGANURA SAPPHO (Lesson). (SAPPHO HUMMING-BIRD.) Sparganura sappho, Scl. et Salv. Nomencl. P. 86; White, P. Z. S. 1882, P. 615 (CATAMARCA). Cometes sparganurus, Burm. La-Plata Reise, II. P. 449 (MENDOZA, CATAMARCA, TUCUMAN); Gould, Mon. Troch. III. PL. 174. Sappho sparganura, Elliot, Syn. Troch. p. 154; Salvin, Ibis, 1880, p. 360 (Tucuman, Salta). Description.—Head, upper back, wing-coverts, and under surface shining bronze-green; lower back and upper tail-coverts shining crimson; tail dark brown at base, remaining part fiery orange, tipped with black; basal half of outer web of external rectrices pale brown; wings purplish brown; under tail-coverts light brown with purplish centres; bill and feet black: whole length 6·2 inches, wing 2·5, tail 4·1. Female: crown and back greenish brown; throat and sides of face buffy white, spotted with green; rest of under surface whitish, with large spots of green on the flanks; rump and upper tail-coverts shining crimson; central rectrices crimson, lateral rectrices brownish glossed with crimson; outer web of external rectrix white; bill and feet black. Hab. Bolivia and North-western Argentina. Dr. Burmeister tells us that the Sappho Humming-bird is not uncommon in Mendoza, Catamarca, and Tucuman, but keeps to the mountains, and does not descend on to the plains. In the neighbourhood of Mendoza it specially - 3 - affects the flowers of Loranthus cuneifolius; at Tucuman Dr. Burmeister found it also on the orange-blossoms. Durnford obtained specimens of this species at Tucuman and Salta in the month of June. White (P. Z. S. 1882, p. 615) gives us the following notes on its habits:— “I have met with these Humming-birds scattered, although somewhat sparsely, over the upper provinces of the Republic, feeding principally upon Nicotiana glauca, the Quichua name for which is ‘palan-palan.’ They follow it southwards as it flowers, even as far as Cordoba; but their true habitat is the Andean region. In Quichua, Humming-birds generally are called ‘Tuminicos.’ When these birds are poised in front of a flower with wings and tail expanded in the full sunshine, they offer the most brilliant feathery picture imaginable; and as they dart off their flight is so speedy that the eye cannot follow them.” 233. PETASOPHORA SERRIROSTRIS (Vieill.). (VIOLET-EARED HUMMING-BIRD.) Petasophora serrirostris, Scl. et Salv. Nomencl. P. 89; Elliot, Syn. Troch. P. 52; Gould, Mon. Troch. IV. PL. 223. Petasophora crispa, Burm. La-Plata Reise, ii. p. 447 (Tucuman). Description.—Head, upper surface, wing-coverts, flanks, and abdomen dark yellowish green; ear-coverts rich violet-blue; wings purplish brown; tail dark bluish green, crossed near the tip by a broad chalybeate band, beyond which the tips are of a lighter bluish green; throat and upper part of the breast luminous green; across the breast a gorget of shining bluish green; vent and under tail-coverts pure white; bill black; feet blackish brown: whole length 3·8 inches, wings 2·8, tail 1·7. Female similar, but not so bright. Hab. S.E. Brazil. Dr. Burmeister informs us that he met with this Humming-bird in multitudes in the month of September among the orange-blossoms in the Quintas of Tucuman. It is a well-known species in South-east Brazil, but we know of no other record of its occurrence so far south as Tucuman. 234. PATAGONA GIGAS (Vieill.). (GIANT HUMMING-BIRD.) Patagona gigas, Scl. et Salv. Nomencl. P. 89; White, P. Z. S. 1882, P. 615 (CATAMARCA); Elliot, Syn. Troch. P. 67; Gould, Mon. Troch. iv. pl. 232. Description.—Head and upper surface pale brown, glossed with green; wings and tail darker and more green; basal portion of the shafts of the lateral rectrices white; patch on the rump white; upper tail-coverts edged with white; breast mottled brown and buff; throat and abdomen rusty red; under tail-coverts white, with brownish centre spots; bill blackish brown; feet brown: whole length 7·0 inches, wing 4·9, tail 3·4. Female similar but smaller. Hab. Andes of Ecuador, Bolivia, and Peru, Chili, Patagonia, and Northern Argentina. White seems to be the only observer who has met with this Humming-bird within the limits of the Argentine Republic. He obtained a pair at Andalgala, in Catamarca, in September 1880, and wrote the following notes on the habits of the species:— “This magnificent bird, which the natives say they have never seen before at Andalgala, was shot on the ‘palan- palan,’ the usual plant that it frequents at this season. It appeared here just after a two days’ severe snow-storm, so that in all probability it had been driven down hither by it. “It is exceedingly powerful on the wing, and flutters in front of a flower, sipping the nectar, exactly as the smaller species of this family. They have a most peculiar, zig-zag, jerky flight; which, when making a long detour for any particular spot, becomes undulating. “They are without doubt partially insect-eaters, as I have not only observed their crops full of flies and small beetles, but have also seen them pursue and catch them in the air, with the motions of a Flycatcher. “They perch on some bare branch of a plant, which they entirely appropriate, driving off every other bird that dares to approach, and every now and then visit all its flowers to sip the sweets. The large humble-bees, however, cause them some trouble, as they likewise are addicted to sipping nectar; these the P. gigas attacks with all its force, and by fluttering its wings, rushing at, pushing and pecking them, succeeds in ridding the spot of their presence. “The note of this bird is similar to the chirp of a young Sparrow, but much stronger. “These birds, like animals generally in the Argentine Republic, take no notice of a person mounted, but instantly disappear when a foot-passenger approaches; so that as I was on muleback I was enabled to ride close up to and observe them. - 4 - - 5 - “The seat of P. gigas is so firm and close to the branch, that its tiny feet are invisible; the breast is puffed out, and its head in continued motion from one side to the other with a jerky movement. When disturbed it darts off around with a rough jerky flight for a minute or so, and then endeavours to return, but, if still interfered with, seeks a dry twig at the top of some neighbouring tree on which to alight. Its poise when suspended, sipping at the flowers, is heavy and laboured, and the motion of its large wings, although rapid, is perceptible to the eye; and it never remains more than half a minute in this position, when it retires to a branch to rest for at least five minutes, perching, with its head towards the sun and its beak slightly elevated.” 235. CALLIPERIDIA FURCIFERA (Shaw). (ANGELA HUMMING-BIRD.) Calliperidia furcifera, Scl. et Salv. Nomencl. P. 90; Durnford, Ibis, 1877, P. 184 (BUENOS AYRES). Heliomaster furcifer, White, P. Z. S. 1882, P. 616 (CATAMARCA); Barrows, Auk, 1884, P. 21 (ENTRERIOS); Elliot, Syn. Troch. P. 86. Ornismya angelæ, d’Orb. et Lafr. Syn. Av. II. P. 28 (CORRIENTES). Calliperidia angelæ, Elliot, Ibis, 1877, P. 137. Heliomaster angelæ, Gould, Mon. Troch. IV. PL. 263; Burm. La-Plata Reise, II. P. 448; id. P. Z. S. 1865, P. 466; id. Anales Mus. B. A. i. p. 70. Campylopterus inornatus, Burm. La-Plata Reise, ii. p. 447. (jr.). Description.—Crown of head luminous metallic green, changing in some lights to aquamarine, in others to bluish green, and in others to golden green; all the upper surface and wing-coverts golden green, the golden hue predominating on the lower part of the back; wings purplish brown; tail purplish black, glossed with dark green; behind the eye a spot of white, and on the cheeks a streak of grey; centre of throat rich metallic purplish crimson, on each side of which is a series of elongated feathers of a rich deep metallic blue; under surface deep green, passing into rich blue on the middle of the body; tuft on each side and vent white; under tail-coverts green, fringed with white; bill black; feet blackish brown: whole length 5·2 inches, wing 2·3, tail 1·7. Female: the whole of the upper surface golden bronze, inclining to grey on the crown; tail green, deepening into black towards the extremity, and a spot of white at the tip of the three outer feathers of each side; wings purplish brown; under surface grey, fading into white on the throat and middle of belly. Hab. S. Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina. Of the three Humming-birds which visit the vicinity of Buenos Ayres in the summer months, Mr. Durnford tells us this is the rarest. It is occasionally seen in the riverain wood, and like the other two (Hylocharis sapphirina and Chlorostilbon splendidus) may generally be found hovering over the flowers of the Ceiba-tree—a species of Erythrina. Further to the north this species would seem to be more abundant. Dr. Burmeister met with it near Tucuman and Paraná, and at one time described the young birds obtained in the latter locality as of a distinct species (Campylopterus inornatus), an error which he subsequently corrected (cf. P. Z. S. 1864, p. 466). White procured it in the city of Catamarca in August 1880. Mr. Barrows has published the following interesting account of his observations on this species in Entrerios (Auk, 1882, p. 21):— “Early in September, at Concepcion, when the orange-trees are just whitening with blossoms, these magnificent Humming-birds arrive from the north, and may occasionally be seen about the orange-trees in any garden, as well as about blossoming trees elsewhere. The males seemed for some reason to be much less abundant than the females, hardly more than a dozen being seen in an entire season. They probably nest in November and December, and leave for the north again in February or March. A nearly finished nest, found November 17, was very similar to that of our own Ruby-throat (Trochilus colubris) but larger, and was built in the compound fork of a large limb at a height of over 25 feet from the ground. It was deserted soon after, perhaps as a result of my examination. Ten days later another nest was found saddled on the topmost horizontal limb of a dead and moss- grown stub; only about seven feet from the ground, and exposed to the full force of the sun. This nest contained two eggs nearly ready to hatch. Both nests were beautifully covered with lichens, and the last was lined with the finest of vegetable down. The female made several angry rushes at me before the nest was touched, but as soon as she saw that it was discovered became so shy that it was difficult to secure her. The male was not seen at all. I once saw a bird of this species attack and put to rout a wild dove which passed near it while feeding, and though the dove made every effort to escape, the Hummer not only kept up with it easily, but darted above and below it as well, and finally both went out of sight in the distance together.” 236. LEUCIPPUS CHIONOGASTER (Tsch.). (WHITE-BREASTED HUMMING-BIRD.) Leucippus chionogaster, Scl. et Salv. Nomencl. P. 91; White, P. Z. S. 1882, P. 616 (CATAMARCA); Elliot, Syn. Troch. p. 199; Gould, Mon. Troch. v. pl. 290. Description.—Head, upper surface, wing-coverts, and flanks bronzy green; throat and whole lower surface white; wings purplish brown; central tail-feathers bronzy green, lateral dull bronzy brown on the outer webs; inner webs and shafts white, the inner webs clouded with bronzy brown in the centre; bill black, lower mandible paler at the base: whole length 4·2 inches, wing 2·1, tail 1·3. Female similar. - 6 - - 7 - Hab. Peru, Bolivia, and Northern Argentina. White obtained examples of this species at Fuerte de Andalgala, in Catamarca, in September 1880. They were feeding on the flowers of the “Idiondilla,” which is one of the “Humming-bird-plants” of that district. “They are very swift and wild in their movements,” he tells us, and “make a very loud hum,” louder in fact than any other species with which he was acquainted. 237. LEUCOCHLORIS ALBICOLLIS (Vieill.). (WHITE-THROATED HUMMING-BIRD.) Leucochloris albicollis, Gould, Mon. Troch. V. PL. 291; Elliot, Syn. Troch. P. 200. Thaumatias albicollis, Burm. La-Plata Reise, ii. p. 448 (Tucuman). Description.—Head, all the upper surface, wing-coverts, chin and sides of the neck, abdomen and flanks deep shining grass-green; on the centre of throat and breast a large patch of white; lower part of abdomen and under tail-coverts white; wings purplish brown; two middle tail-feathers deep shining grass-green, the remainder bluish black, the three outer ones tipped with white; upper mandible black; basal two thirds of the lower mandible fleshy, apical third brown; feet brown: whole length 4·2 inches, wing 2·3, tail 1·4. Female similar. Hab. S.E. Brazil, Paraguay, and N. Argentina. Dr. Burmeister states that this species is found near Tucuman in company with Calliperidia furcifera and Petasophora serrirostris; but we have no other authority for its occurrence within the limits of the Argentine Republic. 238. CHRYSURONIA RUFICOLLIS (Vieill.). (GOLDEN-TAILED HUMMING-BIRD.) Chrysuronia ruficollis, Berlepsch, J. f. O. 1887, P. 18. Chrysuronia chrysura, Scl. et Salv. Nomencl. P. 93; Elliot, Syn. Troch. p. 169 (Arg. rep.), Gould, Monogr. Troch. v. pl. 329. Description.—Head, all the upper surface, wings, and tail-coverts of a golden hue, inclining to brown on the head; wings purplish brown; tail of a very rich golden lustre both above and beneath; chin buff; under surface grey, washed with a golden hue, which is richest on the flanks; vent and thighs white; under tail- coverts grey, with a slight golden lustre; bill fleshy, red at the base of both mandibles and dark at the tip; feet brown: whole length 4·2 inches, wing 2·2, tail 1·2. Female similar. Hab. S. Brazil, Paraguay, and N. Argentina. Hans v. Berlepsch has lately shown that Azara described this species under the designation “Picaflor cola de topacio,” and that it must consequently bear the name ruficollis of Vieillot, instead of chrysura of Lesson, by which it is more commonly known. It visits the more northern portion of the Argentine Republic, and was obtained in the vicinity of Buenos Ayres by Hudson at Conchitas, and by Durnford at Punta Lara. The British Museum contains specimens from both these localities. 239. HYLOCHARIS SAPPHIRINA (Gm.). (RED-THROATED HUMMING-BIRD.) Hylocharis sapphirina, Scl. et Salv. Nomencl. P. 93; Durnford, Ibis, 1877, P. 184 (BUENOS AYRES); Barrows, Auk, 1884, p. 22 (Entrerios); Elliot, Syn. Troch. p. 236; Gould, Mon. Troch. v. pl. 342. Description.—Head, upper surface and under wing-coverts, flanks and abdomen rich deep shining green; chin rufous chestnut; fore part of the neck and breast rich sapphirine blue, with violet reflexions; upper tail- coverts bronzy brown; tail-feathers chestnut, the two centre ones with a bronzy hue, the remainder edged with blackish brown; wings purple-brown; under tail-coverts light chestnut; bill fleshy red, except at the point, which is black; feet brown: whole length 3·5 inches, wing 2·2, tail 1·2. Female: upper surface green as in the male, crown approaching to brown, throat pale rufous; only a trace of the blue on the throat; under surface much paler, fading into white on the centre of the abdomen; tail-feathers dark brown, the lateral ones tipped with greyish, and the middle feathers glossed with deep bronze. Hab. Southern Brazil, Paraguay, and Northern Argentina. The Red-throated Humming-bird is abundant in the woods along the Plata river, and ranges, I believe, fifty or sixty miles south of Buenos Ayres city. Outside of the littoral woods it is very rarely met with. The only nest I have found was in my own garden, and was placed on a horizontal branch. The female continued sitting on the nest, which contained two eggs, even when I placed my hand almost touching it; the male bird in the mean time exhibiting the greatest anxiety, and hovering so near as almost to brush my face with its wings. - 8 - - 9 - 240. CHLOROSTILBON SPLENDIDUS (Vieill.). (GLITTERING HUMMING-BIRD.) Chlorostilbon splendidus, Durnford, Ibis, 1877 P. 184 (BUENOS AYRES); Salvin, Ibis, 1880, P. 360 (SALTA); White, P. Z. S. 1882, P. 616 (CATAMARCA); Barrows, Auk, 1884, P. 22 (ENTRERIOS); Elliot, Ibis, 1877, P. 136; id. Syn. Troch. p. 244. Ornismya aureoventris, d’Orb. et Lafr. Syn. Av. II. P. 28 (CORRIENTES). Chlorostilbon aureiventris, Scl. et Salv. Nomencl. P. 94. Hylocharis bicolor, Burm. La-Plata Reise, II. P. 448 (MENDOZA, PARANÁ, TUCUMAN). Chlorostilbon phaethon, Gould, Mon. Troch. v. pl. 354. Description.—Head, all the upper surface, and wing-coverts rich golden bronze, but inclining to green on the upper tail-coverts, wings purplish brown; tail black, glossed with deep green; throat and breast glittering emerald-green, merging into glittering coppery bronze on the sides of the neck and abdomen; under tail- coverts green; bill fleshy red at the base, with a darker tip; feet blackish: whole length 3·5 inches, wing 2·2, tail 1·3. Female bronzy green above and grey beneath, washed with bronze on the flanks; wings purplish brown; tail bluish black, the two lateral feathers tipped with greyish white. Hab. South Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina. The Glittering Humming-bird appears in the vicinity of Buenos Ayres in September, and later in the spring is found everywhere on the pampas where there are plantations, but it is never seen on the treeless plains. Its sudden appearance in considerable numbers in plantations on the pampas, where there are flowers to which it is partial, like those of the acacia-tree, and its just as sudden departure when the flowers have fallen, have led me to conclude that its migration extends much further south, probably into mid-Patagonia. Like most Humming-birds it is an exquisitely beautiful little creature, in its glittering green mantle; and in its aerial life and swift motions a miracle of energy. To those who have seen the Humming-bird in a state of nature all descriptions of its appearance and movements must seem idle. In the life-habits of the Trochilidæ there is a singular monotony; and the Glittering Humming-bird differs little in its customs from other species that have been described. It is extremely pugnacious; the males meet to fight in the air, and rapidly ascend, revolving round each other, until when at a considerable height they suddenly separate and dart off in opposite directions. Occasionally two or three are seen flashing by, pursuing each other, with such velocity that even the Swift’s flight, which is said to cover four hundred miles an hour, seems slow in comparison. This species also possesses the habit of darting towards a person and hovering bee-like for some time close to his face. It also flies frequently into a house, at window or door, but does not, like birds of other kinds, become confused on such occasions, and is much too lively to allow its retreat to be cut off. It feeds a great deal on minute spiders, and is fond of exploring the surfaces of mud and brick walls, where it is seen deftly inserting its slender crimson bill into the small spider-holes in search of prey. The nest, like that of most humming-birds, is a small, beautifully-made structure, composed of a variety of materials held closely together with spiders’ webs, and is placed on a branch, or in a fork, or else suspended from slender dropping vines or twigs. Sometimes the nest is suspended to the thatch overhanging the eaves of a cottage, for except where persecuted the bird is quite fearless of man’s presence. The eggs are two, and white. Besides the little creaking chirp uttered at short intervals while flying or hovering, this species has a set song, composed of five or six monotonous squeaking notes, uttered in rapid succession when the bird is perched. Dr. Burmeister met with this Humming-bird at Mendoza, Paraná, and Tucuman, and says it is the commonest species in La Plata, and easily recognizable by its red bill. Mr. Durnford also pronounces this species to be the commonest Humming-bird in the province of Buenos Ayres, and “abundant in the summer.” It is not usual to meet with them in the winter; but Durnford saw a single specimen in a sheltered garden in the beginning of June. This Humming-bird feeds principally, he tells us, on the flowers of the Ceiba-tree, but not exclusively on honey, for the stomach of a specimen examined contained fragments of minute Coleoptera. During his last journey Durnford obtained examples of this species near Salta; and White found it very abundant and breeding near Catamarca in the month of September. According to Mr. Barrows the Glittering Humming-bird is also very common in Entrerios; he writes as follows: —“Very abundant at Concepcion in summer, arriving from the north early in September and departing again in April. Though found everywhere among flowers, they are particularly partial to open ground, flowery fields, gardens, &c., and in October it was not uncommon to have six or eight in sight at once.” Fam. XXI. CYPSELIDÆ, or SWIFTS. The cosmopolitan family of Swifts, as far as is yet known, represented by one species only in the Argentine Republic. This is a fine large form of wide distribution, which extends over most of Southern and Central America. 241. HEMIPROCNE ZONARIS (Shaw). (RINGED SPINE-TAILED SWIFT.) - 10 - - 11 - Hemiprocne zonaris, Scl. et Salv. Nomencl. p. 95. Acanthylis collaris, Burm. La-Plata Reise, ii. p. 449 (Mendoza). Description.—Black, glossed with bronzy; a white collar round the neck, rather broader in front; tail spiny, slightly forked: whole length 8·5 inches, wing 7·5, tail 2·8. Female similar. Hab. Central and South America down to Argentina. Dr. Burmeister observed specimens of this fine large Spine-tailed Swift near the Sierra of Mendoza in December and the following month. Fam. XXII. CAPRIMULGIDÆ, or GOATSUCKERS. Nearly fifty different species of the singular nocturnal birds commonly known as “Goatsuckers” are found in the Neotropical Region. They are most numerous within the tropics, where insect-life is more abundant, but also occur more sparingly in temperate latitudes. Six of them have been recorded as having been met with within the limits assigned to this work. The Goatsuckers generally take their insect-prey on the wing late in the evening; but many of them often alight on the ground, and usually nest there or in hollow trees. 242. PODAGER NACUNDA (Vieill.). (NACUNDA GOATSUCKER.) Podager nacunda, Scl. et Salv. Nomencl. P. 95; iid. P. Z. S. 1868, P. 142 (BUENOS AYRES); Burm. La-Plata Reise, II. p. 449 (Paraná); Barrows, Auk, 1884, p. 24 (Entrerios, Bahia Blanca). Description.—Above brown with dense black vermiculations and occasional blotches; wings black, with a broad white cross bar across the base of the primaries; secondaries and coverts like the back; tail above like the back, beneath grey with blackish cross bands; four outer tail-feathers broadly tipped with white: beneath, breast brown variegated with black, as above; chin fulvous; band across the throat and whole belly and crissum white; bill black; feet pale brown: whole length 11·0 inches, wing 9·5, tail 4·9. Female similar, but without the white ends to the tail-feathers. Hab. South America. The specific name of this Goatsucker is from the Guaraní word Ñacundá, which Azara tells us is the Indian nickname for any person with a very large mouth. In the Argentine country it has several names, being called Dormilon (Sleepy-head) or Duerme-duerme (Sleep-sleep), also Gallina ciega (blind hen). It is a large handsome bird, and differs from its congeners in being gregarious, and in never perching on trees or entering woods. It is an inhabitant of the open pampas. In Buenos Ayres, and also in Paraguay, according to Azara, it is a summer visitor, arriving at the end of September and leaving at the end of February. In the love season the male is sometimes heard uttering a song or call, with notes of a hollow mysterious character; at other times they are absolutely silent, except when disturbed in the daytime, and then each bird when taking flight emits the syllable kuf in a hollow voice. When flushed the bird rushes away with a wild zigzag flight, close to the ground, then suddenly drops like a stone, disappearing at the same moment from sight as effectively as if the earth had swallowed it up, so perfect is the protective resemblance in the colouring of the upper plumage to the ground. In the evening they begin to fly about earlier than most Caprimulgi, hawking after insects like swallows, skimming over the surface of the ground and water with a swift, irregular flight; possibly the habit of sitting in open places exposed to the full glare of the sun has made them somewhat less nocturnal than other species that seek the shelter of thick woods or herbage during the hours of light. The Nacunda breeds in October, and makes no nest, but lays two eggs on a scraped place on the open plain. Mr. Dalgleish says of the eggs:—“They are oval-shaped, and resemble much in appearance those of the Nightjar, except that the markings, which are similar in character to those of the latter, are of a reddish-brown or port-wine colour.” After the breeding-season they are sometimes found in flocks of forty or fifty individuals, and will spend months on the same spot, returning to it in equal numbers every year. One summer a flock of about two hundred individuals frequented a meadow near my house, and one day I observed them rise up very early in the evening and begin soaring about like a troop of swallows preparing to migrate. I watched them for upwards of an hour; but they did not scatter as on previous evenings to seek for food, and after a while they began to rise higher and higher, still keeping close together, until they disappeared from sight. Next morning I found that they had gone. In Entrerios, Mr. Barrows tells us, this Goatsucker is an abundant summer resident, arriving early in September, and departing again in April. It is strictly crepuscular or nocturnal, never voluntarily taking wing by daylight. In November it lays a pair of spotted eggs in a hollow scooped in the soil of the open plain. These in shape and markings resemble eggs of the Nighthawk (Chordeiles virginianus) somewhat, but are of course much larger, and have a distinct reddish tinge. We found the birds not uncommon near Bahia Blanca, February 17, 1881, but - 12 - - 13 -