214 On the Birds of the Estancia Espartilla. 



123. PoDiCEPs ROLLANDi^ Qiioy et Gaim. 

 Fairly common throughout the year, inhabiting arroyos 

 and open lagoons. 



,123. Tachybaptes DOMiNicus (Linn.). 

 Common throughout the year, singly or in pairs, living in 

 almost every lagoon and arroyo. Breeds about the middle 

 of October amongst the thick rushes. The nest is composed 

 of reeds and grass woven together without lining. It is a 

 very wet structure, with a slight hollow in the centre for 

 tlie eggs, Avhich are from three to five in number and get 

 much soiled. Their natural colour is pale blue until they 

 become encrusted with a chalky substance and dirt, when 

 they arc of a brownish colour. The eggs are invariably 

 covered over with wet reeds when the birds leave the nest. 

 The native name of this bird is " Macra/' 



+ 124. PoDILYMBUS PODICEPS (LiuU.). 



Rather a rare species of Grebe with us, inhabiting the 

 arroyos and open lagoons, singly or in pairs. It has not the 

 same habit of diving for safety when frightened as its family 

 possesses, but flies for some distance after its first dive. 



125. Rhynchotus rufescens (Temm.). 



This Tinamou has nearly disappeared from this estate, 

 though we preserve it as much as possible. Its native name 

 is " Perdiz grande.'^ 



126. NoTHURA MACULOSA (Tcmm.). 



Very common throughout the year. Breeds early in 

 November. Eggs six in number. Its native name is 

 " Perdiz.'^ 



127. Rhea amehicana, Lath. 



Very abundant here, as they are preserved on accovmt of 

 their usefulness in eating a very destructive burr called 

 Cepia cavallo, which injures the wool. We possess upwards of 

 1500, which are plucked once a year, being driven into a 

 huge net made for the purpose. They yield each about 1 lb. of 

 feathers on an average. I have occasionally seen pure white 

 varieties of this species. Its native name is " Avestruz.'^ 



