390 PROCEEDIXGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. 



low, dense shrubbery than most of its kind, it often nests at a consid- 

 erable distance from the ground. It is fearless, almost impudent, in its 

 manner, and somewhat inclined to play the bully, in a small way, and 

 seems to take particular delight in tormenting the " Zopilotilla " {Cro- 

 tophaga sulcirostris) when it approaches too closely the home of the 

 former. This Wren seems to be particularly fond of solitary trees along 

 the edge of the forest, where he can always be seen hunting his food 

 much in the same manner as do the Titmice of the north. Their num- 

 ber is so great that the woods continually resound with their lively 

 song, and the naturalist has no trouble in making their acquaintance 

 and securing a full series of skins. Iris brown. 



Three specimens secured. 



J^o. 140. $ ad. March 20. 



Ko. 104. $ ad. April 3. 



Xo. 270. S ad. April 27. 



4. Thryophilus rufalbus (Lafr). 



On several occasions, while hunting in the dense forests near La 

 Palmn, I have been suddenly arrested by the enchanting song of this 

 bird. Breaking suddenly upon the ear from the cool dei)ths of the 

 woods, it seemed to me to be the most exquisite melody I had ever 

 heard. This song consists of three notes, the first low and sweet, the 

 second about four notes above the first, and most exquisitely trilled and 

 prolonged, the third high and clear. Sometimes this Wren varies the 

 order of its song, sounding the high note first and the low one last. It 

 also varies the pitch of each note about a semitone, thus producing a 

 remarkably sweet minor strain. 



The bird seems to be rather shy and retiring in disposition, and is 

 usually seen in the deep .shades and secluded nooks of the forest. Irs 

 song is usually stopped at the approach of a stranger, and the bird flits 

 silently away and remains quiet until the danger is passed, thus making 

 it a rather difficult species to secure. 



One specimen obtained. 



No. 190. S ad. xVpril ]5. 



5. Thryothorus nitilus hyperythrus (Sal v. & Godm).* 



Only one specimen seen. This one was shot in a dense thicket along 

 a stream which runs near La Palma. 

 Xo. 297. 9 ad. April 30. 



6. Basileuterus semicervinus leucopygius (Scl. & Salv.).t 



Common. Found always (so far as my experience goes) along the 

 rocky bed of the stream mentioned under the last species. It is quite 

 a sprightly little bird, and seems to have habits somewhat similar to 



* Thryothorus h]/i)erythrus Salv. & GoDJi. Biol. Centr. Am. Aves, i, p. 91 ; Ridgw. 

 Proc. U. S. Nat. Mns., vol 4, p. 334 (Carrillos, Alajuela).— (R. R.) 



i Basileuterus leucopygius ScL. & Salv. Nom. Neotr. 1873, p. 156; Salv. & Godm. 

 Biol. Centr. Am. Aves, i, p. 172.— (R. R.) 



