on the Birds of Chili. 21 



humble abode of the peon. They do not penetrate the 

 forests in the south, but occupy all gardens and cultivated 

 fields. They feed as a rule on the ground, like Sparrows, 

 and consume similar food. 



Their nesting is somewhat curious, as they frequently 

 build on the ground, though as a rule they nest in bushes at 

 a height of from 2 to 6 feet. 



In Central Chili they nest from the beginning of October to 

 the end of November, and about Valdivia during November 

 and December. At Rio Bueno they continued nesting till 

 February. I fancy they generally bring out two clutches. 

 The average clutch consists of three eggs. 1 found a nest in 

 Central Chili close to the margin of a lake ; it was placed at 

 the butt of a thistle and concealed by one of the leaves. I 

 thought at first it was that of some other species until I 

 identified the bird. I subsequently found a similar nest on 

 the ground, and was told that they are frequently met with. 



Incubation, I think, lasts about sixteen days after the last 

 egg is laid. The birds commence to sing very early in the 

 season, and cease when the breeding period draws to a close. 



I think their song one of the most pleasing of all that I 

 heard in Chili, and it is most perfectly appreciated when 

 heard, as I heard it on approaching Pica, for the first time, 

 after riding for a long day through the barren desert, 

 destitute of all traces of life. 



Whilst first in Chili (at Hospital) I often heard a Chincol 

 suddenly burst out in a cheerful song on a dark night, when 

 all else was still. The usual call-note is a very charac- 

 teristic chirp, I noticed during the breeding-season the 

 birds have another chirp or cheeping sound, which is also 

 used as a note of alarm. 



12. Chrysomitris barbata (Mol.). 



Chrysomitris barbata, Sharpe, B. M. C. xii. p. 216. 



(Corral, Coronel, Calle-calle, and Maquegua.) 



This species is one of the most popular and familiar small 

 birds throughout Chili. It is very numerous in the southern 

 provinces, and from its beauty, docility, and singing capa- 



