1919-] Cape San Antonio, Buenos Ayres. 527 



was the larger Egret [A. egretta). The situation selected 

 was again the heart of a large and deep canadon. The 

 Night-Heron was iu a minority ; of its nests, some were 

 distributed amongst those of the Egret, but the greater part 

 were retired to one side of the colony, in a thick bed of junco, 

 and placed some distance apart from each other. They were 

 smaller than those of the Egret, almost invariably built up 

 from the surface of the Avater (whereas the Egrets' are of the 

 platform nature), and rather more strongly constructed, the 

 material being the smaller dry junco-stems. The majority 

 of the clutches were much incubated (2 November) and a 

 few nests containing young — one with no fewer than four. 

 The full clutch, however, seemed to be three. 

 Average measurement of eggs 50 x 37 mm. 



325. Euxenura maguari Gra. Maguari Stork. 



The "Cigueha^^ or Maguari Stork is always a striking 

 feature in the Pampean landscape, either stalking medi- 

 tatively over the plains or soaring skywards. Large iu size, 

 with bold black and white plumage, and scarlet lores and 

 legs, it is a most handsome and familiar bird. Harmless, 

 and a great scourge to all vermin and snakes, it is rarely 

 molested, and it is often found close to the estancia buildings 

 (particularly at the " kill ") and sub-stations, or even iu the 

 vicinity of small towns. 



I said my say about the species in my former paper, and 

 my diary since then contains little in the way of novelties. 

 Though common in our district, I have never seen con- 

 gregations of hundreds, such as Hudson alludes to ; groups 

 varying from half a dozen to thirty have been the largest 

 number. These naturally are drawn together by the casual 

 attraction ot locusts, fish-fry, or tadpoles, or, it is to be 

 feared, an abnormal number of grass-nesting ducks, when 

 the eggs and ducklings pay heavy toll. Occasionally it is 

 to be seen fraternising with, or in company with, the Wood- 

 Ibis {Tantalus loculutor Linn.) when that irregular summer- 

 visitor comes to us. Undoubtedly the Maguari Stork is 

 somewhat of an egg-robber, and I have witnessed it harry 



