120 ZOOLOGY OF THE VOYAGE OF THE BEAGLE. 



N. major, of which probably it is the analogue on the western side of the Cor- 

 dillera. It is larger and has a considerably longer beak than the N. major ; its 

 breast is not spotted, and its abdomen has a less fulvous tinge. The iV. perdica- 

 rius runs on the open ground, generally a pair together, in the same unconcealed 

 manner, as its analogue, and does not readily lie close. Flight similar, but on 

 rising it utters a shriller whistle, of a different tone. It does not appear to be 

 so easily caught as the Plata species. It is tolerably abundant in all parts of Chile, 

 as far north as the valley of Guasco ; but I was assured, that it has never been 

 seen in the valley of Copiapo, although only seventy miles north of Guasco, and 

 of a similar character. The egg is very glossy and of a peculiar colour, which, 

 according to Werner's nomenclature, is a palish chocolate red : length in longer 

 axis 2-07 of an inch; shorter axis 1*495 of an inch. The egg of the N. minor is 

 of a similar colour, but a shade paler, and rather smaller; its length being 

 r815, and its transverse diameter rs of an inch. 



Rhynchotus rufescens. Wagl. 



Rhynchotus rufescens, Wagl. Av. Syst. 

 Tinamus rufescens. Temm. Gall. iii. p. 552. 

 Rhynchotus fasciatus. Spix. Av. Br. pi. 76. 

 Cryptura Guaza. Vieill. 

 Crypturus rufescens. Licht. Vog. Verz. s. 67- 



My specimens were procured at Maldonado, where it is a much rarer bird 

 than the Nothura major ; I met with it also in the sterile country near Bahia 

 Blanca. At Maldonado it frequented swampy thickets on the borders of lakes. 

 It lies very close, and is unwilling to rise, but often utters, whilst on the ground, 

 a very shrill whistle. When on the wing, it flies to a considerable distance. Seve- 

 ral are generally found together, but they do not rise at the same instant, like a 

 covey of partridges. Flesh, when cooked, perfectly white. Spix's specimens 

 were procured in the country between St. Paul's and Minas Geraes ; so that this 

 bird, as well as the Nothura minor, has a considerable range. 



Order— CURSORES. Temm. 



1. Rhea Americana. Lath. 

 This bird is well known to abound on the plains of La Plata. To the north it 

 is found, according to Azara, in Paraguay, where, however, it is not common ; to the 

 south its limit appears to be from 42° to 43°. It has not crossed the Cordillera; but 

 1 



