202 Mr. A. H. Holland on the Birds of the 



grass in pairs. Breeds in the middle of November. Eggs 

 five in number. 



49. Anumbius acuticaudatus (Less.). 



Very common throughout the year in the monies, living 

 in pairs. Breeds early in October, and will not desert its 

 nest however much barassed. Eggs six in number. Native 

 name '' Linatero.^^ 



50. Chrysuronia ruficollis (Vieill.). 



Common during the summer months, but has a partial 

 migration in winter. Breeds early in November. In De- 

 cember these Humming-birds collect round certain bushes 

 of sweet-smelling blue flowers in numbers, old and young 

 birds hovering around, chasing each other, and occasionally 

 uttering a sharp note or two. On one's appearance they dart 

 away, but return very shortly if the intruder remains quiet. 

 The nest is placed in the fork of thick- leaved bushes, such 

 as the orange or laurel, and is composed of moss, filu'es of 

 buds, and a little wool ; the lining is made of thistle-down. 

 It is a very compact cup-shaped nest, beautifully ornamented 

 outside wdth lichen. Eggs two in number, pure white in 

 colour. The crops of these birds contain many minute 

 insects. 



51. Chlorostilbon splendidus (Vieill.). 



Bather scarce, but easily confounded with Chrysuronia 

 ruficollis, except the adult males. It seems to remain the 

 whole year with us, though of more frequent occurrence in 

 November and December. It breeds with us, but so far I 

 have been unable to find its nest. 



! 52. Ceryle torquata (Linn.). 

 Very rare, this being the only specimen I have observed 

 here. I shot it as I was bathing on December 31st, during 

 the drought we had. Doubtless it was on the search for 

 water. 



53. GuiRA piririgua (Vieill.). 



Very common throughout the year, flocking in the winter, 

 and even roosting in threes and fours huddled together. 



