390 PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. 
jure the cattle. On this account it is protected by the inhabitants of the 
country, and it was only as a particular favor that I could persuade 
“Don Alejandro” to allow me to shoot a couple of specimens. The bird 
is exactly like a gigantic plover in appearance and motions, and is fre- 
quently seen in a state of domestication in the little flower gardens 
which occupy the inner courts of the houses of the aristocracy, and here 
it works for its living by keeping the garden clear of insects, worms, 
reptiles, &c. 
Contrary to its appearance, this bird is remarkably difficult to skin, 
especially around the breast and shoulders, where the skin is so firmly 
attached that a constant use of the knife is necessary. 
Native name “Caravan,” in imitation of its note. Two specimens. 
Fam. PARRID/. 
82. Parra gymnostoma Wag]. 
Abundant. Called by the natives ‘‘Oropendolita” or “ Little Oropen- 
dola,” on account of a resemblance in color. One specimen. 
I was told by several parties in this region that there is another spe- 
cies which differs from P. gymnostoma in having the frontal leaf bright 
blue instead of yellow. It is described as being about the same size 
and color as P. gymnostoma. 
Fam. ANATIDA. 
*83. Dendrocygna autumnalis (Linn.). 
Abundant. No specimens. 
*84. Caraina moschata (Linn.). 
Abundant. Not so shy as they seemed to be in Costa Rica. No 
specimens. . 
*85. Querquedula discors (Linn.). 
Common. No specimens. 
"86. Dafila acuta (Linn.). 
Commoa. No specimens. 
Fam. PERDICIDA. 
“87. Oxtyx leyandi Moore? 
Seen, but with insufficient distinctness for certain identification. 
Fam. CHARADRIIDZ5. 
*88. Oxyechus vociferus (Linn. ). 
Abundant. 
IlI.—THE ISLAND OF OMETEPE. 
The island of Ometépe is situated in Lake Nicaragua, about ten miles 
from the western shore, opposite the cities of Rivas and San Jorge. 
As its name signifies, its most prominent features are two bold and 
