1922.] TRINIDAD BIRDS. 13J 



21. Sporophila grisea. Gmel. Picoplat or Grey Grass-Bird. 



Spermophila cinereola. Leotaud No. 172. 

 This bird is common during July, August and September when 

 it is frequently trapped by native boys, as it makes a good cage bird 

 and has a dainty song. Unlike the last species it nests in trees and 

 hedges and not on the ground. 



The nest is a deep cup, very openly and thinly woven so that it 

 is possible to see into the nest through the walls. It is usually 

 attached between a fork of a branch. They have been found on the 

 following occasions. 



(1) On September 15, 1919 al: Tarouba about six feet from the 

 ground in a Hibiscus hedge, containing two young. 



(2) On August 31, 1920 near Princes Town, about eight feet 

 from the ground in the fork of a twig of a plum tree, and containing 

 two eggs. On September 2 these had hatched. 



(3) On August 31, 1920 near Princes Town, about nine feet 

 from the ground in a plum tree and containing two eggs. On 

 September 2, these also had hatched. 



(4) On September 5, 1920 near Princes Town in a Hibiscus 

 hedge about nme feet from the ground and containing two young. 



(5) On September 1 1, 1920 a bird was sitting on a nest about 

 fifteen feet from the ground in a tree near Princes Town. The 

 contents of the nest could not be seen. 



The eggs are ovate, pale blue, evenly spotted and blotched dark 

 and light brown. 



The food cannot be stated beyond the fact that one bird shot at 

 La Fortunt'e sugar estate on September 12, 1918 contained seeds 

 only and no insect remains. 



22. Sporophila lineola Sharpe. The Moustache Finch. 



Spermophila bouvronoides. Leotaud No. 173. 

 This black and white finch receives its popular name from the 

 bunch of white moustache-like feathers on each side of the beak. It 

 is not common and I have only seen it on two occasions and have no 

 record of its nesting. 



It was seen on July 5, 1919 at Palo Seco and on September 12 in 

 the Maracas Valley. 



The stomach of the one shot at Palo Seco contained seeds only. 



23. Sporophila gutturalis Licht. The Yellow-Bellied Finch. 



Leotaud No. 175. 

 One of these was shot at La Fortunee sugar estate on September 

 12, 1918 and the stomach contained vegetable matter and a few small 

 stones. I have no other record. 



