242 Proceedings of the Royal Physical Society. 



They average 1-^ x |^ inch., the largest being 1\% x 1 

 inch, and the smallest l-\% x -|^ inch. They are oval-shapecl, 

 and resemble much in appearance those of the nightjar, except 

 that the markings, which are similar in character to tliose of 

 the latter, are of a reddish brown or port wine colour. The 

 breeding habits seem to be very similar to those of our bird, 

 as it forms no nest, but lays its two eggs on a scraped place 

 in the open. The Qgg is figured by D'Orbigny. 



7. Hirundo iiuyeni (Cabanis) — native name " Golondrino," 

 which is applied, however, to all the swallows. A very com- 

 mon species at Tala. 



Clutch of four eggs, taken 22d November 1878. The nest 

 was placed in a hole in a fence post, and was composed of 

 feathers. 



Another clutch of four eggs, taken 4th December 1879, 

 from a similar nest. 



These eggs average -f-g- x f f inch, and are pyriform, of a white 

 colour, and much resemble those of the common house martin. 



8. Fumarius rufus (Gm.) — Oven bird : native name 

 " Hornero." — This species, called from the shape of its nest, is 

 found over South America, between 25° and 35° south latitude, 

 where it is commonly distributed, and it is found uj) to the 

 height of nearly 9000 feet in the Bolivian Andes. It is 

 common at Tala. Its habits resemble those of the thrush, 

 and its gait is like that of a large robin. Insects, chiefly 

 coleoptera, and seeds, form its food. It perches on walls in 

 preference to trees, and is partial to the neighbourhood of 

 houses, placing its curious nest on churches, walls, and trees, 

 the buttress of a bridge, or a telegraph or fence post, even on 

 those of the corral or fold, so regardless are they of man's 

 presence. Dr Christison mentions a nest which he saw 

 placed in a campo santo, or cemetery, at Durazno, as follows : 

 " a number of tall wooden crosses stood in the enclosure, 

 and on the top of the loftiest a couple of fussy horneros, 

 strangely out of place in so desolate a scene, were building 

 their nest of clay, and singing their noisy duet of mingled 

 shrieks and laughter." 



Clutch of four eggs, taken on 16th October 1879, from a 

 nest in a tree in Tala garden. 



