186 Mr. H. Durnford on the Birds of 



71. CoccYzus MELANOCORYPHUS (VieiU.) ; Scl. et Salv. 

 P. Z. S. 1869, p. 633. 



A spring and summer visitor. Most common about the 

 riverain wood. I have not observed Coccyzus cinereus in 

 this neighbourhood. 



72. CoNURUs PATAGONUs (Vicill.) ; Sol. et Salv. Nomencl. 

 p. 111. 



Hesident, and not uncommon wherever there is a tosca- 

 cliiF of sufficient height for nesting-purposes. In the clefts 

 of this it breeds. It feeds chiefly on buds and the seed of the 

 sena-sena, a species of Acacia, very common here. 



73. BoLBORHYNCHUs MONACHUs (Bodd.) ; Fiusch, Papag. 

 ii. p. 115. 



Last winter I observed two of these birds about ninety miles 

 to the south of Buenos Ayres, where they are well known and 

 often seen. Specimens are sometimes seen near the city ; but 

 are probably escaped birds^ as it is very commonly kept there in 

 confinement. Unlike all other Parrots here, this bird builds 

 in trees a large structure of sticks, instead of nesting in holes 

 in steep cliffs. 



74. Otus brachyotus (Forst.) ; Scl. et Salv. P. Z. S. 1868, 

 p. 143. 



Resident and generally distributed. Usually seen about 

 dusk, when it sallies out from amongst the thistles or coarse 

 grass where it has been concealed during the day. 



75. Pholeoptynx cunicularia (Mol.) ; Scl. et Salv. /. ,s. c. 

 Resident and very common in the spring, retiring to the 



campo to breed, and, as the winter approaches, coming close to 

 the towns and villages. When necessary it burrows a hole for 

 itself, but makes use of Viscacha holes when possible. They 

 are seen during the day and about dusk, and have a curious 

 and pretty habit of rising almost perpendicularly from the 

 stone or clod of earth on which they have been perching, 

 and toying or playing with each other in the air. Their prin- 

 ri})al food is mice. Common at Baradero in April. 



