356 BULLETIN OF THE 



reflections; below wholly dark purple; thighs reddish; no chestnut on the 

 wings or body, nor white about the base of the bill, as in F. guarauna, nor 

 has it any dusky markings at the base of the bill, as in F. igneus ; bill dark 

 red; feet (in the dry skin) black, probably purplish-black in life; bare 

 tibial space dark red. 



Young. — Wings, tail, interscapulars, and rump uniform dark glossy green, 

 with faint purple reflections, which in some specimens, however, are quite 

 strong; head and neck dull dusky brown, the feathers of the top and sides 

 of the head with very narrow whitish edgings; lower surface of the body 

 dusky, with a slight reflection of green ; bill and feet black. 



Bill, 3.85 to 5.15 ; wing, 10.50 to 11.50 ; tail. 4.25 to 5.00; tarsus, 2.80 to 

 3.75 ; middle toe, 1.40 to 2.80. 



In size this species agrees closely with F. guarauna. The young differ 

 but little from the young of F. thalassina. 



Mr. Ridgway, in a recent revision of this group,* based on a large number 

 of specimens, has recognized three American species, under the names Jbis 

 falcincllus, I. guarauna, and /. thalassina. On showing him specimens of 

 the present species he at once recognized it as a fourth species, and one not 

 before described. It differs from 1. thalassina Ridgway in being much 

 larger, and in color ; in I. thalassina the reflections being " vivid bronzed 

 green" instead of mainly purple, as in the present species. In coloration it 

 also differs almost totally from both I. falcincllus and 7". guarauna. 



Mr. Garman's collection embraces thirteen specimens of this species, seven 

 of which are adult and six immature. The series presents a considerable 

 range -of variation in color, size, and other features. 



" ' Chihuanquira.' Not rare. Frequents the flats along the shores or 

 streams, wading in the shallow water, and searching in the mud with its 

 long bill for the worms, etc., upon which it feeds. Its flesh is very tender 

 and of excellent flavor." 



Thirteen specimens ; Moho, Conima, and Vilquechico. 



46. Theristicus melanopis (Gm.) Wagl. " ' Banduria.' Rare. Only 

 two were seen during the voyage. The flesh is very hard and tough. Our 

 cook, disgusted with his experience, declared that cooking only made it 

 worse. The specimen secured flew about two miles after receiving its 

 death-wound, finally dropping dead from mid-air." 



One specimen ; Conima. 



47. Vanellus resplendens (Tsch.). " ' Centinella,' Spanish; ' Leke- 

 leke,' Indian. Common on the flats and pampas. Considerably annoys 

 the hunter by warning the game of his approach. Keeping at a safe dis- 

 tance, it continually utters the peculiar cry from which it derives its Indian 

 name." Six specimens ; Moho. 



* American Naturalist, Vol. VIII, p. 110, Feb., 1674. 



