on the Birds of Chili. 183 



uncommon and generally appeared on the wing, circling 

 round not far above the surface of the ground, which they 

 quartered carefully as they passed along, lingering about any 

 spot where they hoped to discover some object in the way 

 of food. 



They are called " Caracancho " by the Indians, and are 

 found at all altitudes above 6000 feet. The nest consists of 

 llama wool, twigs, &c., and is roughly made on the ledge of 

 a cHff. 



62. POLYBORUS THARUS (Mol.). 



Polyborus tharus, Sharpe, B. M. C. i. p. 3L 



(Rio Bueno.) 



This bird occurs in limited numbers in the Central 

 Provinces, increasing southwards and becoming plentiful 

 about Valdivia and on the Laguna, It was known every- 

 where as the " Traro.'' 



Like the Milvagoes they are harmless birds, and of no 

 inconsiderable use in demolishing carrion. Their size and 

 appearance would suggest a bird of great strength and 

 ferocity, destructive to all their lesser fellows ; but, on the 

 contrary, they are quite inoffensive, so far as I could 

 ascertain. 



The female is somewhat larger than the male, but I fancy 

 attains the same amount of colour. 



They nest in the forests on high trees, and at other 

 seasons are frequently seen in flocks of from six to a dozen. 

 They feed on carrion, insects, and reptiles. They also 

 seek for worms on the arable land. 



Their note is a harsh grunting or croaking noise, louder 

 and more grating than that of the Raven, the place of which 

 they appear to occupy in this portion of the globe. It 

 is not often heard, except during the breeding-season. I 

 have frequently seen them mobbed by the small Kestrel. 

 On one occasion I shot one of the latter which I noticed 

 attacking something in a tree, screaming and continually 

 swooping at it. This proved to be a large Traro, which was 

 concealed in the evergreen foliage. 



o 2 



