28 Mr. Ambrose A. lja.ne—Field-Nuies 



with its powerful bill and claws. The rats did not take it, 

 although I believe only for its strength and pluck they 

 would have done so, as it had been winged slightly and could 

 fly little in consequence ; however, one day it got out and 

 made good its escape into some dense covert in spite of 

 determined pursuit. 



They nest in thick shrubs or bushes about six to eight 

 feet from the ground. I found only one clutch of eggs, 

 which were broken. The average number is four or five; 

 they are of a light bluish ground, with a few black patches 

 or specks. 



Of the three Chilian Icteridse, this is the most vivacious 

 and familiar, as it is more frequent around dwellings. It 

 is extremely voluble, having some notes not unlike those 

 of our Starling, and a somewhat similar method of 

 singing. In this respect, however, these birds almost excel 

 the latter, and their performance is pleasing and frequently 

 heard. In Arauco they commenced singing early in August. 

 They have some pretty notes, and individuals develop 

 capital variations in their song, as they have considerable 

 ability in mimicking the notes of other birds. I once 

 heard one imitate exactly the call-notes of Colaptes pitius. 

 They are very sociable among themselves, and keep up a 

 good deal of chattering and chuckling when together. 



In winter I have watched a flock on ploughed land 

 grubbing busily in the clay for worms, &c. 



They are frequently kept in cages in the central provinces. 



20. Agriornis livida (Kittl.). 



Agriornis livida, Sclater, B. M. C. xiv. p. 4. 



(Arauco.) 



I only met with one specimen of this bird when on some 

 open ground near the sea, below the town of Arauco. The 

 ground was covered with sand-dunes and scanty bushes, 

 amongst which the bird was flying. I saw at once it was of 

 a species I had not before encountered, so procured it, and 

 searched for more, but did not find any. It appears to 

 resemble the next species closely, and is probably similar in 

 its habits. 



