204 BIRDS OF LA PLATA 



concealing itself behind a tussock until the danger 

 is past, or often, where the herbage is short, crouching 

 on the ground like a Snipe. It runs swiftly and 

 pauses frequently ; and while standing still with head 

 raised it jerks its long tail up and down in a slow 

 measured manner. When driven up it springs aloft 

 with a sudden wild flight, uttering its loud mellow- 

 toned cry, composed of three notes, strongly accented 

 on the first and last ; and sometimes, when the bird 

 is much alarmed, the first note is rapidly reiterated 

 and becomes a bubbling sound like that of the 

 European Cuckoo, but much more musical. After 

 flying a very short distance it drops to the ground 

 again, agitating its wings in a tremulous manner as 

 it comes down. And sometimes after alighting it 

 continues standing motionless for several seconds 

 with the wings stretched up vertically. These wing 

 motions and other pretty gestures give it a very 

 attractive appearance. In its skulking habits, and 

 reluctance to fly, it is more like a Rail than a Snipe. 

 It also, Rail-like, frequently alights on trees and 

 fences, a habit I have not remarked in any other 

 Limicoline species. 



It inhabits the pampas from September until 

 March ; but early in February the great return 

 migration begins, and then for two months the 

 mellow cry of the Batitu is heard far up in the 

 sky, at all hours, day and night, as the birds wing 

 their way north. In some seasons stragglers are 

 found throughout the month of April, but before 

 the winter arrives not one is left. 



