DESTINATIONS OF THE MIGRANTS. 195 



The third winter zone consists of the remaining 

 portion of South vVnierica. It will be remembered 

 that here, as in the East Pahcarctic region, the winter 

 zone extends many more degrees south than in the 

 West Palcxarctic region, due mainly to the severe or 

 mild winter climate in the north of each area re- 

 spectively. By far the greatest number of terrestrial 

 species winter in the second of these zones, as w^e 

 should naturally expect to be the case, seeing that 

 the Temperate area of the Nearctic region is so 

 remarkably contracted. Many species, however, 

 especially among wading birds, penetrate far below 

 the Equator, and some few extend their fly-line to 

 Patagonia. Unfortunately, the meagreness of our 

 knowledge of Neotropical ornithology is a serious 

 obstacle to the exact definition of this great Southern 

 Zone of Winter Migrants from the Nearctic region. 

 All these southern zones are eminently suitable 

 for the winter residence of migratory birds. In 

 every zone the various species wintering therein 

 find food in abundance. Nowhere does any of 

 these zones encroach upon a region of perpetual 

 winter snow and frost, whilst the more tropical of 

 them enjoy a climate beautiful in the extreme. The 

 habits of the Migrants have been little studied in 

 these winter quarters ; but no bird breeds a second 

 time within them during absence from its northern 

 home. Many singing birds appear to regain their 

 song, just as the Robin and the Starling do in our 

 islands during winter ; but Love and all that 

 pertains thereto seems to remain utterly in abey- 



