Vol. XX-] Qi^KViV., Habits of Certain Venezuelan Birds. 28q 



1903 J ' - y 



In the forest, replacing the parrakeet of the coast region, we get 

 the large green Amazonian Parrot. This bird is common, and 

 very noisy, its cry resembling the word loro, by which name it is 

 known to the natives. When flying, from its great breadth of wing, it 

 seems to lack both head and tail, being apparently of the same 

 width from one wing tip to the other. Although of some size, it 

 is a difficult bird to see, owing to its color, and its adroitness at 

 concealing itself. If it were not for its continuous racket, it would 

 often escape detection. 



At Canipano I had the opportunity of observing some very small 

 parrakeets, about the size of an English sparrow. They were 

 regular visitors in the courtyard of the hotel, and could be seen 

 occasionally in the outskirts of the town. Their habits were quite 

 sparrow-like, both in searching for food, and when flying. I was 

 informed here, and had it confirmed at Trinidad, that they were 

 abundant a few miles back from the coast. There is a more or 

 less traveled route from Cariipano to Ciudad Bolivar, passing 

 through the barren hill region of the coast, and then crossing the 

 great "wilderness" which borders the Orinoco. Along this trail, 

 large mammals of many species are common, such as the jaguar, 

 puma, and ocelot, and macaws, toucans, many parrots, and numbers 

 of other birds are abundant. From what I was able to learn, this 

 would be a most interesting, as well as profitable trip for some 

 ornithologist with leisure and an inclination for new experiences. 

 It takes a little over two weeks, and is performed by means of 

 mules and burros. The United States consul at La Guaira told 

 me that, had he a knowledge of taxidermy, he could do a great 

 deal for science by preserving the many curious mammals and 

 birds which were brought to him out of this little explored region. 



We have no bird, which, for pure foolishness and general lack 

 of spirit, can be compared with the Two-banded Puff-bird {Bucco 

 bicinctus Gould). Resembling somewhat, with its large beak and 

 dark breast bands, a clumsy kingfisher, it can be approached very 

 closely without taking alarm ; and when it does fly, it merely goes 

 to the nearest available tree or bush and awaits the second approach 

 of the intruder. Even when shot at, it flies only a few yards, and 

 then alights, inviting its pursuer to try again. Sometimes it does 

 not fly at all, but remains stupidly staring at the cause of the 



