504 Zoological Society. 



with its serrated beak : it appears to live on the juice of the plants. 

 The note of this bird is singularly harsh, resembling more the croak- 

 ing of a frog than the note of a bird. Iris bright red." 



Sturnella Loica, Mol. Loica. 



" The Loica is found in all parts of Chile. It congregates in 

 winter on the plains, builds its nest on the ground amongst grass, 

 and lays from four to six whitish eggs with brown spots. These 

 birds often prove an annoyance to the sportsman in Chile, from the 

 dogs pointing at them as at partridges. Iris brown." 



Icterus Thilius, Mol. TMli or Trili. 



** Occurs in marshy situations, and builds its nest amongst reeds, 

 rushes and light grass : eggs white with brown spots. Iris dark 

 brown." 



Agelaius curaceus, Mol. Tarda. 



*' This bird is found in all the intermediate provinces of Chile. It 

 congregates in the winter like the Loica and Thili. The Tordo builds 

 its nest on trees : in size and material the nest resembles that of the 

 thrush of Europe, and is lined with mud inside in the same manner. 

 It lays from four to six eggs of a pale blue colour inclining to white. 

 This bird is easily domesticated, and may be taught to whistle and 

 talk. Iris dark brown." 

 Canurus cyanolysios, Mol. Psit. Patachinus, Vig. Lara and Tricague. 



" It makes holes in the precipices near rivers several yards in 

 length, where it deposits its nest and eggs. The eggs are white and 

 almost round, and vary from three to six in number. The young 

 are highly esteemed for the table, and are obtained by attaching a 

 fish-hook to the end of a long pliable stick, which is thrust into the 

 hole and turned round, or drawn backwards and forwards, until such 

 time as the person using it considers his object secured. The natives 

 when employed in capturing these birds incur considerable danger, 

 since they suspend themselves from the tops of high precipices by 

 means of a laso or hide-rope, which is either secured to a tree or 

 stake or held by two or three persons, who move as occasion re- 

 quires. Iris white." 



Psittacara cheroyeus, Mol. (P. leptorhynchus, Vig.) Cheray. 

 " Inhabits the province of Colchagua." 



Colaptes Pitiguus, Mol. Calaptes Chilensis, Vig. Pitigue. 



" The Pitigue is found in all the southern provinces of Chile in 

 woody situations ; sometimes it may be seen on the ground seeking 

 worms and grubs. It takes its name from its cry or scream, which 

 may be heard at a great distance. Molina has committed an error 

 by stating that this, unlike the rest of the family to which it belongs, 

 builds its nest in holes in the ground. I have frequently found its 

 nest in holes of trees, but never do I remember having seen or heard 

 of an instance of its building as Molina asserts. The flesh is eaten. 

 Iris greenish yellow. Eggs white." 



Picus lignarius, Mol. Picus Kingii, G. R. Gray. Carpentero. 

 ** Inhabits woods and hedges." 



