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Genus MILVAGO fSpix.J 

 MILVAGO CHIMANGO (VieiUot.) 



CHIMANGO CABACARA. 

 • 

 The Chimango Caracara is generally spread over the 



plain countries of South America to the southward of the 

 sixteenth degree of south latitude, and is also found in Tierra 

 del Fuego. Mr. Darwin is, however, of opinion that there is 

 a specific distinction between the Chimangos found in Chili, 

 Southern Patagonia, and Tierra del Fuego, and those found 

 in other parts of South America. I have not had the oppor- 

 tunity of examining a sufficient number of specimens to enable 

 me to offer an opinion on this point. The Chimango feeds on 

 carrion, and frequently picks up small fish accidentally left on 

 the sea beach, or on the borders of lakes ; broken remnants of 

 human food are also acceptable to this bird, and his omnivorous 

 appetite does not refuse even bread when thus thi'own out to 

 him. This species is said to be destructive to young chickens, 

 and also to feed on the larvse of insects, and on earthworms, 

 in quest of which he has been observed to follow the plough, 

 and even to pull up and examine the tubers of the potato. The 

 Chimango, with the exception of being a more sluggish bird, 

 has very much the habits of the Brazilian Caracara, with 

 which (though not otherwise gregarious) it frequently asso- 

 ciates ; it does not, however, attempt to imitate its more 

 powerful congener in robbing other birds of theii* food. It is 

 worthy of remark, that the Chimango is accustomed to. dust 

 itself by scratching the soil and rolling itself upon it, after the 

 manner of the Easorial bii'ds. The nest of this species is large 

 for the size of the bird ; it is generally composed of thorns and 

 roots, and is placed on trees or thick bushes. The eggs are five 

 or six in number, of a rufous cream colour, marked towards 

 the larger end with darker spots and patches, which also par- 

 take of a rufous tint. The cry of the Chimango is a shi-ill 



