BIRDS OF ARGENTINA, PARAGUAY, URUGUAY, AND CHILE 417 



Paraguay. B. c. mellea is a well-marked race, easily distinguishefl 

 from others that adjoin by its much paler coloration both above and 

 below. The following measurements were taken from two adult 

 males: Wing, 69.9-70; tail, 56.2-57.8; culmen, 11.8-12.2; tail, 20-21.2 

 mm. A female measures as follows: Wing, 64; tail, 55.2; culmen, 

 12 ; tarsus, 20.5 mm. The specimen from Formosa is slightly darker 

 than those from Paraguay and seems to represent a somewhat inter- 

 mediate condition verging toward B. c. argentina. 



Individuals were observed at the Riacho Pilaga, Formosa, on 

 August 13 and 14, 1920, and one was taken on the former date. At 

 Kilometer 80, west of Puerto Pinasco, Paraguay, they were recorded 

 from September 6 to 18, and birds were shot on September 16. 

 Little flocks or single individuals came familiarly about the ranch 

 house under the dirt-floored porches or in the bare patio, skipping 

 nimbly away as people passed, their gray backs blending in such a 

 manner with the color of the earth that by most they passed 

 unnoticed. 



The status of chingolos, as these birds are commonly known, 

 recorded along the Rio Paraguay, at Puerto Pinasco, on September 

 3 and 4, is uncertain, as no specimens were taken. 



BRACHYSPIZA CAPENSIS CHORAULES Wetmore and Peters 



Bracliijspiza capcnsis choratiles Wetmore und Pkters, Proc. Biol. Soc. 

 Washington, vol. 35, Mar. 20, 1922, p. 44. (General Roca, Gobernacion 

 de Rio Negro, Argentina.) 



The present form, common at General Roca, Rio Negro, the type 

 locality, may be supposed to range in the valley of the Rio Negro 

 from Neuquen eastward. Adult males were taken at Roca on No- 

 vember 23 and 30, and adult females on November 24 and 30, all in 

 breeding condition. Specimens shot farther north, at Tunuyan, 

 Mendoza, vary slightly toward B. c. c/dhnsis, but more nearly 

 resemble choraules, with which they are identified. Adult females 

 taken on March 25 and 27 have just completed the post-nuptial molt. 

 One has the black lateral crown stripes restricted to narroAv lines 

 and may be a migrant from the south, as it represents an approach 

 to canicapilla. One immature female shot March 24 is in full fall 

 plumage; another taken on the same date is just beginning the molt 

 from the juvenal stage. This latter specimen is paler and browner 

 (less blackish) above than B. c. argentina of the same age, and differs 

 from B. G. chilensis (from Potrerillos, Mendoza, in similar condi- 

 tion) much as do adults of chorauJeH. as it is paler above, more espe- 

 cially on the sides of the neck, and has a more extensively white 

 superciliary stripe. Measurements of fully grown individuals are 

 given below. 



