494 BIRDS FROM NICARAGUA AND COSTA RICA — RICHMOND. 



77. Gymnostinops montezumae (Less.). 



Very ooiiimoii. Gregarious at all times and breeds in communities, 

 the birds selecting a solitary dead tree, as in the case of l^Jiieoryste.s, 

 generally with a hornet's nest in it, where the i^eculiar pendulous nests, 

 over 3 feet in length, are suspended from the branches, presenting a 

 very conspicuous appearance. 



At these colonies many apparently old nests are found on the ground, 

 having been attached to branches unable to bear the strain, or possibly 

 blown down by the wind. Nests occupied at the time were found late 

 in April, and nest-building was noticed early in January. During the 

 summer the birds are rather retiring, and only occasionally met with 

 in the woods, but late in the fall and throughout the winter they are 

 very conspicuous, visiting the large ebo and other trees in the planta- 

 tions, or passing overhead from one feeding place to another. The 

 flight is slow and labored, and recalls that of a crow; the birds also 

 have a habit of Hying in an unsteady stream when moving from one 

 place to another in numbers, instead of going in a iiock. The ordinary 

 note is frequently uttered, but, like the song of this species, is most 

 difficult to describe. The song is a gurgling sound, rapidly ascending 

 the scale, and simultaneously with it another note is uttered resembling 

 the shrill squeaking of a hinge or wagon wheel in need of attention. 

 The attitude of the bird in the act of singing is also remarkable. 

 When about to deliver its notes it makes a^ profound bow, bringing 

 the head below the level of its perch, at the same time raising the tail 

 to a vertical position. While singing the bird gradually resumes its 

 normal position. It sings at frequent intervals for a half hour or more, 

 and when not thus engaged sits dressing its feathers or hops leisurely 

 about. It is worth mentioning that in every case that came under my 

 notice the bird, during its singing spell, was alone. 



Iris dark brown; terminal half of bill chrome-orange, remainder 

 black; naked skin on side of head flesh coloi-, with faint bluish tinge. 



78. Amblycercus holosericeus (Licht.). 



Common; occurs mostly in clearings and banana i^lantations, but is 

 met with occasionally in more open places in the woods. It is grega- 

 rious to some extent, as small flocks of six or eight are commonly ob- 

 served traveling about in search of food. Clumps of bamboo and 

 thickets of "wild i)lantain " [llcJiconla) are favorite resorts of this 

 species. It spends much time investigating the dead leaves hanging 

 from banana plants, shaking and rattling them as if to frighten insects 

 from their hiding places. Ordinarily quiet and rather r(>tiring, it is 

 possessed of considerable curiosity, and can be called up without any 

 difficulty by imitating its note or the cry of a bird in distress, when it 

 scolds one in a harsh voice, the note much resembling that of a Mag- 

 pie. Several times while trying to entice more desirable birds from the 

 thick underbrush have I been surrounded by individuals of this spe- 



