BIRDS OF LA PLATA 



birds all make their nests near together in the reeds* 

 The nest is placed about one or two feet above the 

 water, is about six inches in depth, and made of 

 leaves and aquatic grasses woven together* The eggs 

 are four, pointed, with a white or pale bluish ground, 

 and spotted with black at the larger end. 



The song of the Red-head is quite unique in 

 character* It begins with a low, hollow-sounding 

 note, then the voice changes to a clear, plaintive 

 tone, rising in a rapid succession of short notes, 

 then falling again at the end. 



After the breeding-season the birds fly about in 

 flocks of two or three hundred individuals, and sing 

 in concert on the trees. 



Their chirp has a peculiar metallic sound, and can 

 be imitated by tapping on the edge of a copper bell 

 with the finger-nail. 



RED-BREASTED MARSH-BIRD 



Leistes superciliaris 



Brownish black ; superciliaries pale brown ; bend of the wing and 

 body beneath from chin to middle of the belly deep scarlet ; bill and 

 legs black ; length 7 inches. Female pale brown, variegated with black, 

 faintly touched with red on the breast. 



THE most interesting point concerning this species 

 is the very great difference in habits, as well as 

 appearance, existing between the sexes. In form it 

 resembles the Starling of Europe, but is a trifle 



