846 PATAGONIAN EXPEDITIONS: ZOOLOGY. 



south it is equally numerous, occurring all through Chiloe, and probably 

 in the southern archipelagos and on the mainland to the Straits, at least 

 as far as cultivation is carried on, for it does not appear to find sustenance 

 in the natural forest. It is not so plentiful on the coast as further inland. 



"It is called by the Chilians 'Diuca.' 



"The sexes are of about the same size, and alike, though as a rule the 

 female is not quite so handsome as the male. They prefer civilization, 

 and are invariably found about homesteads or tillage. In the cold season 

 they may often be seen feeding on the ground in large flocks ; they separate 

 on being disturbed. They feed on various seeds, especially grass seeds, 

 also berries, etc. About Santiago they nest from the end of September 

 to Christmas, varying further south according to climate. At Valdivia 

 the season is five or six weeks later than as stated above. As soon as the 

 time of year comes on they display a good deal of energy, and, like most 

 Finches, are very active in their nesting operations, and vociferous as well. 

 The nest is sometimes completed in three days or less, according to cir- 

 cumstances, and if the birds are not unsettled or disturbed. 



"The nest is placed from 3 to 8 feet from the ground, and as a rule 

 well concealed in a thick bush or branch. 



"The eggs are laid to the number of three, being usually completed 

 within two days from the laying of the first egg. 



"The song consists of a succession of loud clear notes, rather uneven 

 in harmony and abrupt ; but though it cannot be classed with the perform- 

 ances of other Finches, still it is constantly uttered in a cheerfully boister- 

 ous manner, which does a great deal towards enlivening some Chilian 

 localities, where the singing birds are few. This bird is easily kept in 

 cages, and ought to breed regularly in an aviary." (Ibis, pp. 19-20, 1897.) 



Mr. Peters found them abundant "about Lake Nahuel Huapi, particu- 

 larly in semi-open situations or along roadsides. About the middle of 

 February they began to gather in flocks of twenty-five or more individuals." 

 (Bull. M. C. Z. Ixv. No. 9, p. 335.) 



Diuca minor Bonaparte. 

 Diuca minor BonsipsLVte, Consp. Av. i. p. 476, 1850 (Patagonia). 



Description. — Adult male, Patagonia Colin, of S. Pozzi (in Princeton 

 University), March, 1894. Total length, 6.10 inches; wing, 3.28; culmen, 

 3.55 ; tail, 2.55 ; tarsus, .80. Exactly like D. diuca except for smaller size 

 and lesser amount of white on outermost tail feathers. 



