on the Birds of Chili. 31 



I have on two or three occasions remarked that these 

 birds " tower " or soar upwards from a perch to a height oi: 

 20 or 30 feet, and then drop down again to the spot they 

 quitted with no apparent object. But I think this occurred 

 at the breeding-season, and may be accounted for as a freak 

 of the male bird when looking for a mate, as is often observed 

 in Greenfinches. 



The nest is placed in a fork, in the stem of a shrub from 

 3 to 5 feet above the ground. The eggs are three in number. 

 I fancy both birds assist in the incubation. At Rio Bueno, 

 January seemed to be their proper nesting-season, or perhaps 

 the end of December, as I found a young bird half fledged 

 about the second week of January. This was the only young 

 bird I found, and I left it to get a little more forward ; but on 

 returning a few days later it was not in the nest, and I could 

 not find it, though I knew by the old birds it was near. I 

 believe, from the conduct of the latter, they suspected my 

 intention and had concealed it, as it would not otherwise 

 have left the nest so soon. 



These birds appear to feed entirely on insects caught on 

 the wing, though perhaps they get them on branches of trees 

 as well, but I never saw them search for food except in the 

 air. 



I seldom heard the song of this bird, but it is occasion- 

 ally indulged in by the male at the commencement of the 

 breeding-season. I cannot, however, say much as regards 

 its vocal powers, as, though not unpleasant, the strain is so 

 subdued as to be heard only when close at hand, and the 

 execution is bad, being very abrupt, as if the performer 

 would not trust his voice. 



It appears to be a delicate bird and is easily killed ; I do 

 not think it could be kept in confinement. 



23. LiCHENOPS PERSPICILLATA (Grm.). 



Lichenops perspicillata, Sclater, B. M. C. xiv. p. 48. 

 (Hacienda Mansel, Rio Bueno, and Rio Pilmaiguen.) 

 This species is not uncommon in Central Chili about reeds, 

 lagunas, and rivers. I did not observe it during the winter 



