204 BIRDS OF LA PLATA 



breeding in a hole four feet deep in the bank 

 of a dry lagoon. The nest was of dry grass and 

 lined with the fur of the cavy. It contained 

 three white eggs. 



BROWN CINCLODES 



Cindodes fuscus 



Above dark earthy brown, lores and superciliaries whitish ; wings 

 blackish, with a broad transverse cinnamon-coloured bar ; outer tail- 

 feathers blackish, broadly tipped with pale cinnamon white ; beneath 

 pale cinereous, with a cinnamon tinge ; throat white, slightly spotted 

 with blackish ; bill and feet horn-colour ; length 7.3 inches. 



THIS homely little species differs considerably from 

 most Dendrocolaptine birds in colour and habits ; 

 and being of a uniform dull fuscous hue, its appear- 

 ance is not strikingly interesting. It inhabits Pata- 

 gonia, but is migratory, possessing, what is rare in 

 this family, a powerful flight. In winter it is common 

 all over the pampas and the Plata district, ranging 

 north to Paraguay, It is always found near water, 

 its favourite hunting-ground being the borders of a 

 stream. On the ground its motions are quick and 

 lively, but when perching on a tree it sits motionless 

 in one position, and when attempting to move appears 

 to lose its balance. These birds cannot be called 

 strictly gregarious, but where abundant they are fond 

 of gathering in loose flocks, sometimes numbering 

 one or two hundred individuals, and when thus 

 associating are very playful, frequently pursuing and 



