AVES DENDROCOLAPTID.'E. 



755 



having seen it perch. Its note is rather loud and musical repeated in 

 syllables. Easily recognized by its small size, pale coloration and by the 

 white V, formed when the tail is spread" (Bull. M. C. Z. Ixv. no. 9, p. 

 312). 



^^^f*:^. 







Fig. 386. Geositta cunicidaria, cf, about three-fourths natural size. 



According to Barrows (Bull. Nuttall Orn. Club, viii. October 1883) it 

 is very abundant in winter at Concepcion, Uruguay, "and may be seen 

 running about singly or in pairs on dry, grassy or gravelly places. It is 

 strictly terrestrial and when running about singly it may be driven before 

 one like a chicken. It has a rolling call similar to that of the Downy 

 Woodpecker [Picits pitbesceus) but weaker, and a nervous way of flirting 

 its wings, raising and dropping the tail which is common to many other 

 birds of this group. It was abundant at Bahia Blanca where it was 

 occasionally seen running over the roofs of the houses. Of its breeding 

 habits I know nothing, but most of the birds undoubtedly breed farther 

 south." 



Darwin writes of it: "This bird has a considerable geographical range. 

 On the eastern side of the continent it is found from about 40° (for I never 



