^%Y''] PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL MUSEUM. 495 



cies, who immediately began to scold loudly, with the result of fright- 

 ening other birds away. This species is the author of various whis- 

 tling notes, that are difficult to identify before one has become well ac- 

 quainted with the bird, owing to its retiring disposition. On one occa- 

 sion, having wounded one of these birds, it escaped into the thick 

 brush, where I was unable to reach it. Another individual flew into a 

 bush close by and began to whistle, when the injured one hopped out 

 from its place of concealment and answered the calls of the newcomer 

 with an entirely different whistle. 



Iris varies from Naples yellow to almost white ; feet plumbeous. 



79. Cassiciis microrhynchus (8cl. and Salv.). 



Common. These birds are gregarious part of the year, but go in 

 pairs during the breeding season. The nest is somewhat over a foot 

 in length, constructed of the same materials and resembling in shape 

 the nest of Gymnostinops. The birds do not appear to select isolated 

 trees, as in the case of the Yellow-tails, nor do they nest in communi- 

 ties. A pair was noticed building late in February in the top of a 

 large forest tree. One of the birds, probably the female,. attended to 

 the nest-building, while the other escorted it to and from the nest, 

 singing a few lines while material was being arranged in the nest. 

 The song resembles notes occasionally uttered by the American Eobin 

 {Merula migraioria). These birds appear to have some particular roost- 

 ing place, to which they resort each niglit, Avhen not occupied with 

 nesting cares. A small flock of seven or eight used to pass over the plan- 

 tation each evening, drop into a tree for a moment or so, then off toward 

 the woods, where they spent the night. When flying they make a 

 whirring noise with the wings. 



This is a forest species, keeping usually to the high trees, but often 

 found among the lower branches searching for food in company with 

 PhcenicotJiraupis and other birds. 



Iris pale blue; feet black. 



80. Icterus prosthemelas (Strickl.). 



Common in banana plantations on the Escondido. Although this 

 bird was observed almost daily for over eight mouths, I failed to 

 hear its song; the only note detected was a chirp similar to that of the 

 House Sparrow {Passer domesficus). 



81. Icterus mesomelas (Wagl.). 



The common Oriole of the country. Confined to clearings, especially 

 banana plantations, wliere it is known as "Banana Bird" to all the 

 English-speaking people. It has a loud, clear song, with several vari- 

 ations. The bird is something of a ventriloquist at times, beginning 

 its song in a low tone, as if far away, and gradually leading up to its 



