4 



396 PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. 



27. Muscivora mexicana Scl. 



This exquisitely ornamented Flycatclier is abundant in' the vicinity 

 of La Palma, especially along the water courses. Indeed, I never saw 

 it away from the water. It builds its nest on a branch overhanging. 

 a stream, seems to be quite contented to remain in the immediate vicin- 

 ity of its home, and is quiet and modest in manner. 



Never having seen this bird before, my surprise and admiration were 

 unbounded when I held one in my hand for the first time, and saw its 

 wonderfully brilliant fan-shaped crest. The bird was only \Y0unded, 

 and the crest was fully spread, while the head was slowly moved from 

 side to side, which gave it the appearance of a bright flower nodding in 

 the wind. While admiring this new wonder, I heard a twitter of dis- 

 tress immediately above me and, looking up, was delighted to see the 

 female perched on a twig not more than ten feet above me, v/ith her crest 

 erected and spread, and making the same waving motion of the head. 

 Is it not possible that this bird is provided with its remarkable crest for 

 the purpose of attracting its insect prey, and that the slow and regular 

 waving motion is calculated to still further deceive by a simulation of a 

 flower nodding in the breeze ? 



It is a singular fact that while this bird is quite common in that region, 

 the natives had never discovered its peculiar ornamentation before I 

 showed it to them. 



Seven specimens secured and five preserved. Iris light brown. 



April 29. 



April 29. 



April 30. 



April 30. 



April 30. 



28. MyJobius atricaudus (Lawr.).* 



Common. Prefers dense undergrowth, and is rather shy and noiseless. 



One specimen. 



No. 285. 9 . April 29. 



29. Chirosiphia linearis Bp. 



Common. One of the most exquisite little birds of Costa Rica. It 

 seems to prefer the dense thickets and underbrush. Its note closely 

 resembles the discordant " meow " of the Cat-Bird, although it occa- 

 sionally gives utterance to a clear, melodious whistle. Native n«ame 

 "Gallinita" or "Little Cock." Iris brown. 



Four specimens secured. 



No. 265. $ ad. April 27. 



No. 304. S ad. May 1. 



No. 305. $ juv. May 1. 



S juv. (Label missing.) 



*The example obtained by Mr. Nuttiug agrees minutely willi two from Panama 

 city, which seem to me to differ much more from either M. harhatus or M. sulphurei- 

 2>ygius (of both which the National Museum possesses numerous specimens) than these 

 do from one another. — R. R. 



