in the Chuput Valley, Patagonia. 31 



with coral-red beak and feet, but not much more than half 

 the size of that bird. 



On the sandy flats surrounding a large lagoon about two 

 miles north of the village is found an jEgialitis in considerable 

 numbers^ some of which, on the occasion of my visit, were, 

 I think, breeding — the ovaries of one obtained containing eggs 

 in a forward state. The skin of this bird was, unfortunately, 

 eaten by a cat ; and I had no opportunity of visiting the la- 

 goon again. The day before sailing for Buenos Ayres I saw 

 some large flocks of the same species on the coast about the 

 mouth of the river. It was a little larger than yE. hia- 

 ticula, with a broader and deeper chest-band of black than 

 that bird has. 



In the lagoon just mentioned, I saw several examples of a 

 large Grebe, which I am pretty sure were Podiceps major ; 

 but as they kept in the deep water I had no opportunity of 

 a shot. 



Before concluding these remarks it afil'ordsme great plea- 

 sure to express my thanks to Mr. John Grifiith, who through- 

 out my visit kindly rendered me all the help he could, and 

 to whom I owe the acquisition of many specimens. Having 

 been a keen and accurate observer during an eight years' 

 residence in the colony, he has made himself acquainted with 

 most of the birds which occur in the district ; and I found 

 his information of great assistance. 



MiMUs PATAGONicus, Lafr. & D'Orb. 



This bird is the Thrush of the river- Chuput district, and 

 is not uncommon, being usually found near the base of the 

 hills bordering the valley. Towards dusk, and from then 

 till nightfall,- it may be often seen sitting on the topmost 

 twig of a bush, whence it unceasingly pours forth its song. 

 This, though not to be compared to that of many of our 

 British songsters, is especially welcome on the barren hills of 

 Patagonia, where the silence amongst birds generally is re- 

 markable. On the 21st November I found a nest in a thorn- 

 bush, about four feet from the ground, and formed of twigs 

 lined with feathers ; it contained a chick, which had just left 

 the sliell, and one egg, on the point of hatching. Both parent 



