the Province of Buenos Ayr es. 171 



this time it is common everywhere. I have seen the young 

 on the wing by the middle of December -, and as I have also 

 taken its eggs in January, I have no doubt it has two broods 

 in the season. The nest is a very thin and flimsy structure 

 of roots, usually placed in a bush four or five feet from the 

 ground. The young in their first plumage resemble the adult 

 female. 



18. Paroaria cucullata (Lath.) ; Scl. et Salv. Nomencl. 

 p. 30^. 



I scarcely think this ought to be included in my list, as all 

 the specimens I have seen here have probably been birds 

 escaped from cages. I found it in April very common up the 

 Parana at Baradero, where it frequented thickets and trees. 



19. DoNAcospizA ALBiFRONs (Vicill.) ; Scl. et Salv. P. Z. S. 

 1869, p. 161. 



Not nearly so common as the next species, and very dif- 

 ferent in its habits. I am not sure whether it breeds here, 

 having only observed it in the winter. In the marshes, where 

 tall reeds and young willow shoots abound, this bird may be 

 seen clinging to the highest sprig it can find, or searching 

 diligently for insects. Its long tail renders it easily distin- 

 guishable ; and in this, its erratic flight, and quick movements 

 it closely resembles the Synallaxhia, and, indeed, is generally 

 found in the same places as some members of that group. 

 Its food consists principally of minute Coleoptera. Iris wood- 

 brown ; beak black ; legs and feet pale horn-colour. 



20. PoospizA NiGRORUFA (Lafr. et D^Orb.) ; Scl. et Salv. 

 P. Z. S. 1868, p. 140. 



Resident and common in reed-beds and thickets in damp 

 marshy ground. Common atBaradero in April. Its bright- 

 red colouring and sprightly actions make it one of the most 

 conspicuous birds we have. The young in their first plumage 

 somewhat resemble the adult female, being dark dusky brown 

 above, beneath dusky brown and yellowish white in longi- 



* [A skin of this bird, obtained by Mr. Hudson at Ooncliitas in 1868, 

 is in Sclater's collection, but it seems to have been omitted from our 

 lists. — Edd.] 



