490 HIRDS FROM NICARAGITA AND COSTA RICA RICHMOND. 



58. Piraiiga erythronielas ^'ieill. 



Early in iMarch I observed two adult males on the Kio Frio, aiul 

 another on the Eseoiidido September 27. These wei'e in tlu' searlet 

 and black plumage, and tlie only individuals of the species identitied. 



59. Piranga rubra (liiiiii.). 



Very abundant during- the winter. Males are found in various stages 

 of i)lumage between that of the female and adult male. First seen late 

 in October, when they shortly became common, and continued so until 

 spring. Last seen April 1.'!. 



60. Pliaenicothraupis salvini Hcrl. 



My specimens of this genus collected on the Escondido are referable 

 to this form, although not typical, while a pair from (Irej^town, col- 

 lected by Holland, are true /*. fuscicauda. These localities are separated 

 by a distance of only 00 or 70 miles. 



These birds are gregarious aiul inhabit the forest; individuals are 

 often found in company with Ant Thrushes and other birds, preying 

 on the traveling ants. They are rather shy and the first to notice the 

 approach of an intruder, when they move (df to a position of safety, 

 scolding" in a harsh voice. Iris brown. 



61. Phaenicothraiipis fuscicauda Cab. 



Common on the Rio Frio. Habits similar to those of the above. 



62. Tachyphonus luctuosus I.afr. \ D'Orb. 



tJucommon, occasionally met with in the forest on the Escondido, 

 where they are found in the trees, above the undergrowth. Feet and 

 legs light heliotrope purple. 



63. Arremon aurantiirostris I.afr. 



Very common on the Rio Frio, less so on the Escondido. While 

 journeying up the former river I camped at night in the woods, where, 

 at (laybreak, the first signs of bird life were sure to be individuals of 

 tins species ho|)ping- about on the ground in open places, uttering an 

 occasional sharp " chip," and at the least suspicious movement darting 

 back into the dark recesses, from whence they would again appear 

 after becoming reassured. I have never seen them above the bushes, 

 while ordinarily they seem to prefer brush heaps and bare spots on the 

 ground. 



Bill orange-vermilion. 



The nest is slightly raised from the ground, and is very bulky. It is 

 constructed on a base of dead leaves, i)lant stems and other dry ma- 

 terial being largely used; the lining is of fine light-colored stems and 

 roots. The afilair is roofed over like that of the Ovenbird {Seii(ri(s 

 aurocapilh(s) and covered with living ferns and mosses, which most 

 efl'ectually conceal it. Several visits were made to a nest before the 



