193 



two years, but until now has not previously been obtainable by 



aviculturists. This bird is already described in " Housing and 



Keeping Foreign Birds," so I briefly say: The upper surface is 



velvety black with a crimson sheen ; head, neck, and breast, 



rich crimson-maroon, passing into black on the abdomen and 



ventral region. New to aviculture. Total length 6^ in., tail 



2|- ins. 



Red-breasted Marsh Birds. 



Leistes guianensis. 



Very similar in form and build to a Cowbird, but a little 



larger and also a little longer on the leg. A pair of these are 



now disporting themselves in my aviary and have a very fine 



appearance. Male: Rich velvety brownish-black; bend of 



wing and body from throat to middle of abdomen, glowing 



scarlet ; bill, black ; legs and feet, deep brown. Total length 



6j in., tail 2f in. Female : Above, pale brown striated with 



black ; below, pale brown, washed with scarlet on the breast 



and middle of abdomen. New to English aviculture. 



The G01.DEN HangnesT. 

 Icterus xanthoinus. 

 An account of this bird, which is new to English avicul- 

 ture, appeared in one of the earlier issues of the " Bird World," 

 together with a photograph of the nest. Onl\' one specimen 

 was brought over, and by the generosity of Mr. Harper this 

 now enriches my collection. It is a typical bird as to form and 

 one of the smallest species, but it is far more beautiful than 

 the well known Baltimore Hangnest. With the exception of 

 the centre of the throat, which is black, and wings, dark olive, 

 narrowly margined with white, and tail blackish olive; it is 

 rich shining yellow, slightly washed with greenish on the 

 upper back. Total length 7| in. Its native name is Plaintain 

 Eater. New to English aviculture. 



Ths Lesser Bi^ack Woodpecker. 



Melanerpes riibifrons. 



This was a most interesting bird, having been hand-reared, 



it was very tame, made no attempt to fly away, and crawled 



over j'ou, tapping with its bill the while. Its plumage was 



principally black, with a scarlet cap. This so interested me 



