84 Proceedings of the Royal Physical Society. 



Clutch of two eggs taken on 20th October 1887, measuring 

 respectively 2^ by 1%% and 1|^ by Iff inches. They are 

 of a clingy white colour, blotched with dark purple-brown 

 markings like those of the buzzard. 



The nest was formed of small sticks lined with a few 

 leaves, and was placed in a high tree. 



17. Tinnunctdus cinnamominus, Sw. Cinnamomeous 

 Kestrel. Local name Alcon para {Cemicalo. Azara). — This 

 small kestrel, formerly recorded from Uruguay, is also found 

 at Ytanu. 



18. Gathartes aura (Linn.). Turlcey Buzzard. [Acabirdi. 

 Azara). — The Turkey buzzard is almost as extended in its 

 distribution as the great horned owl. It extends throughout 

 almost all North America south of the Saskatchewan Eiver, 

 and all South America to Patagonia. It is found in the 

 larger West India islands, and is very numerous in the 

 Falklands. A most useful bird in warm countries, where it 

 acts as a scavenger; it feeds on carrion and all sorts of 

 animal food, including fish. A specimen sent home by my 

 collector was found to contain a fish in its crop when being 

 skinned. It inhabits the cities of the Southern States of 

 North America, but elsewhere is generally found in rural 

 districts. Its sense of smell and sight are very keen. It 

 lays two, rarely three, eggs. Its egg is figured in D'Orbigny's 

 work. 



Clutch of two eggs taken on 12th November 1887. They 

 measure 2-|^ by If-^ and 2|-g- by If^ inches respectively. 

 The ground colour is white, much mottled over, especially 

 at the base, in an irregular way with rusty brown. The 

 mottlings in one are much smaller than in the other. 



They were placed on the bare ground at the foot of a large 

 tree. 



19. Gathartes atratus (Bartr.). Black Vulture. Local 

 name " Gabilan " {Irihu. Azara). — This species, found in 

 Uruguay, is also common in Paraguay, where it is equally 

 useful in clearing the camps of dead animals. Their eggs 

 are frequently eaten by serpents and lizards. One of two 

 sent me bears evidence of the visit to the nest of one or 

 other of these reptiles. 



