i8a BIRDS OF LA PLATA 



in the shade, decidedly sad-coloured. It is not 

 strange, therefore, that in South America, where it 

 has a very wide range, it is a species well known to 

 the country people, and that they have bestowed on 

 it many pretty names, most of which have reference 

 to its splendid scarlet colour. In the Argentine 

 Republic it is usually called Churinche, from its note, 

 also Federal and Fueg&ro (Fireman) ; in other 

 countries Sangre de toro (bull's blood), and, better 

 still, Sangre pura. Little Soldier and Coal of Fire 

 are also amongst its names. The Guarani tribes call 

 it Guira-pitd (red bird) ; but another Indian name, 

 mentioned by d'Orbigny, is the best Quarhi-rahi, 

 which means a child of the sun. 



The Churinche appears in Buenos Ayres about the 

 end of September, and is usually first seen in locali- 

 ties to which Tyrant-birds are partial, such as low 

 grassy grounds, with here and there a stalk or bush, 

 and near a wood or plantation. Insects are most 

 abundant in such places ; and here the Churinche 

 is seen perched on a twig, darting at intervals to 

 snap at the flies after the fashion of the Flycatchers, 

 and frequently uttering its low, plaintive note. It is 

 very common in the woods along the Plata ; every 

 orchard on the pampas is visited by a few of them ; 

 and they are very abundant about Buenos Ayres city. 

 Going south they become rarer; but, strange to 

 say, a few individuals find their way to the shores 

 of the Rio Negro, though before reaching it they 

 must cross a high, barren country quite unsuited to 

 them. The natives of the Carmen have no name 



