AVES ICTERID^. 855 



more. Total length, 9.8 inches; wing, 5.05; culmen, 1.28; tail, 4.05; 

 tarsus, 1.40. Entire plumage black with a slight purplish gloss; bill and 

 feet black. 



Geographical Range. — Central and southern Chili and southern Pata- 

 gonia. 



Not seen by the Princeton expeditions. 



Cunningham states that at Punta Arenas: "We saw numerous small 

 flocks of a black starling, or Troopial (Citrans atermmis), which we at a 

 later period found to be one of the few land-birds common in the western 

 region of the Strait and western Patagonian Channels, besides occurring 

 abundantly in Chili, where it is frequently kept as a cage bird on account 

 of the facility with which it may be taught to talk. Ordinarily its notes, 

 when in the wild condition, are sufficiently harsh, but on one occasion I 

 saw one that was singing most melodiously on the top of a low tree. 

 Possibly this may have been an escaped bird, the accomplishment having 

 been acquired in a state of captivity." (Nat. Hist. Str. Magell. 1871, pp. 

 169-170.) 



Lane writes: "This species is abundant throughout central and south- 

 ern Chili, and is generally known as the 'Tordo' (Thrush). These birds 

 prefer agricultural districts, and in winter-time are usually seen in flocks. 

 They feed chiefly, if not altogether, on the ground, eating insects, grain, 

 and fruit, and are very rapacious. I had one alive for some time in an 

 outhouse in Rio Bueno ; it was much like a specimen of the Corvidae, 

 being rather familiar and cunning; it did not appear afraid of other birds, 

 and could defend itself ably with its powerful bill and claws. The rats 

 did not take it, although I believe only for its strength and pluck they 

 would have done so, as it had been winged slightly and could fly little 

 in consequence ; however, one day it got out and made good its escape into 

 some dense covert in spite of determined pursuit. 



"They nest in thick shrubs or bushes about six to eight feet from the 

 ground. I found only one clutch of eggs, which were broken. The 

 average number is four or five ; they are of a light bluish ground, with a 

 few black patches or specks." (Ibis, 1897, PP- 27-28.) 



