3i6 BIRDS OF LA PLATA 



and in structure and coloration is also unlike its 

 relatives. 



The beak is longer and more curved, the claws 

 more crooked, and the tail stiffer than in other 

 SynallaxeSf and this difference in structure corre- 

 sponds to a different mode of life. The Striped Spine- 

 tail creeps on the trunk and larger branches of trees, 

 seeking its insect-food in the crevices of the bark, 

 and when seen clinging to the trunk, supported by 

 its tail in a vertical position, with head thrown far 

 back, and progressing upwards by short, quick hops, 

 it looks wonderfully like a small Picolaptes with 

 shortened beak. Or it might be taken for a very near 

 relation of Certhia familiaris by a visitor from Europe, 

 It is very restless, and while searching for insects 

 constantly utters a short, trilling, querulous-sounding 

 note. 



It builds an open nest in the fork of a branch, of 

 soft grasses and hair, thickly lined with feathers, 

 and lays four or five pure white eggs. 



MODEST SPINE-TAIL 



Synallaxis modesta 



THIS species so closely resembles the following in 

 size and dull earthy-brown colour, that when seen 

 in the thickets it is impossible to distinguish them. 

 In habits they also seem alike ; but this bird is, I 



