182 Mr. H. Durnford on the Birds of 



The ultimate result of this may be a race of Synallaxinae "with 

 longer aucl stronger wings, and, by correlative growth, a larger 

 bird altogether ; thus from the present short-winged, heavy- 

 bodied bird will probably be developed a larger and stronger 

 form, with greater powers of flight. The tail of this bird is 

 always much abraded, doubtless from being in such constant 

 contact with the nest. 



59. LiMNORNis cuRViRosTRis, Gould ; Scl. et Salv. /. s. c. 



I am at a loss to understand how this bird could have es- 

 caped the observation of naturalists till Mr. Darwin^s visit 

 to South America. It is, certainly, only found in certain 

 spots ; but in these it is quite common. Amongst the thick 

 reed-beds bordering the La Plata, which sometimes extend 

 for some miles inland, L. cu7'virostris may always be found. 

 Like the last-named species, it has a very inquisitive dispo- 

 sition, and never allows an intruder in its neighbourhood 

 without protesting in loud and angry cries. This note or, 

 rather, notes it is not easy to describe ; they are a series of 

 harsh chatterings, and can be heard at a great distance. Be- 

 sides this it has another note, a sort of subdued low jarring, 

 just like our little Sedge- Warbler^s note ; and this it utters 

 when completely hidden by the reeds. Like that bird, too, 

 if a clod of earth or stone be thrown amongst the reeds near 

 it, it can always be provoked to rattle away. It is a true 

 reed-bird, and lives near the ground in the thickest reed-beds. 

 If alarmed, or its curiosity excited, it creeps upwards by a 

 series of short jerky movements high enough to seethe object 

 of its dislike, and then commences its loud angry screams. 

 It is rarely found away from these reed-beds, and seems 

 always anxious to seek their shelter. It seldom takes wing, 

 and never flies far ; in the air it resembles the Synallaxinse, 

 and sometimes while flying spreads its tail, I have generally 

 seen it in pairs, both winter and summer. Its food consists 

 of small insects, chiefly spiders. Iris chocolate. Upper man- 

 dible dark slate-colour, under one flesh-colour. Legs and 

 feet pale slate. 



