on the Birds of Chili. 43 



some extent where quila and other undergrowths abound, but 

 also occur through the more cultivated parts wherever there 

 is sufficient covert, such as quebradaSy banks by rivers, and 

 such places, where the quila and other growths defy the 

 agriculturist. Like all the other species of this family, 

 they are seldom seen by the ordinary observer, and exceed- 

 ingly difficult to shoot, unless plentiful and one is thoroughly 

 acquainted with them. On first encountering them at 

 Maquegua I spent hours waiting in their haunts with 

 scarcely any success, and used to sit in the quila all day, 

 with my gun ready, without even getting a view^ although I 

 frequently heard them in close proximity. Their most charac- 

 teristic song is a series of descending notes on a chromatic 

 scale, which appears to be the same as that of the " Turco '^ 

 in the central provinces. I thought at first it was the same 

 bird, as it is equally remarkable for the force and distinct- 

 ness with which the song is uttered. It also gives a weird 

 cackle, somewhat like the sounds produced by Pteroptochus 

 rubecula, but harsher and more rapidly uttered. The first 

 time I heard this note I was crossing a steep quehrada in 

 the dusk, and whilst climbing by means of the shrubs the 

 call resounded abruptly about a few yards off, causing me 

 the most complete amazement, as I could not understand 

 any living creature, unless of considerable size, making such 

 a noise; and although I examined the place intently, and 

 listened carefully, I could get no trace of the individual, and 

 I felt convinced, if of the size I imagined, it could not thus 

 get away without my knowing; so I was much perplexed 

 until I found out the owner of this mysterious voice. 



It has another note (one of alarm), which more resembles 

 the cluck of a hen, pronounced abruptly and intermittently. 

 When the habits of the bird are thoroughly known to a 

 collector he may act on this as a means of getting a shot. 

 I found, where plentiful in the forests near Rio Bueno, that 

 the birds often seated themselves on the top of the quila 

 and commenced this note. There were usually a pair 

 together, as it was the breeding-season, and they probably 

 had a nest near. I used to creep gradually on to them, 



