400 Mr. E. Gibso}! on the Ornitliology of [Ibis, 



gives the correct account of the former, but omits the 

 description of tlie eggs. These are of a pale yeUowish 

 ground-colour, with some large spots of dark red at the 

 larger end. Measurements : 22 x 16 mm. 



132. Machetornis rixosa (Vieill.). Sliort-winged Tyrant. 



Mr. Hudson describes very fully some of the principal 

 characteristics of this species, [t is certainly a tyrant 

 amongst the Tyrants. I have seen it attacking and pur- 

 suing birds which are themselves bullies — the Spur-winged 

 Lapwing, the Bienteveo Tyrant, the Calandria Mocking- 

 bird, and others. On these occasions, it may perhaps 

 elevate the brilliant crest, but this display is singularly 

 rare. It is frequently to be seen at carrion, fly-catching, 

 and also following the plough. Livestock attracts it, for 

 the sake of the insects found in their vicinity ; and it is a 

 wonder how the birds escape being trodden on, such is their 

 familiarity. Our large open patio^ with its closely-worn 

 turf, is a favourite haunt; there 1 have seen a family group 

 of six, all running swiftly about or making short springs 

 into the air, to capture flies and beetles; and I have often 

 passed within two or three yards of others without alarming 

 them. 



The nesting-habits are eccentric, for it woul.d generally 

 seem to seek the shelter of a Parroquet's abode {Bolbo- 

 rhynchus monachus) or that of the Firewood-gatherer 

 [Anumbius acuticaudatus) — perhaps an old or abandoned 

 habitation— sometimes fifteen or twenty feet from the 

 ground. The period ranges from early in November to 

 end of December. The nest itself is built of light twigs 

 or dry grass, and lined with fine rootlets, horsehair, and 

 a few feathers. Four eggs constitute the usual and full 

 clutch. 



The eggs are brownish or reddish white in ground-colour, 

 densely marked with rich chocolate-brown, or dark brown 

 and ash spots or stripes, running uniformly from the blunt 

 to the small end. Measurements : 24 x 18 mm. 



