250 Proceedings of the Royal Physical Society. 



Grande," or larger partridge. — The range of this species is 

 nearly co- extensive with the last mentioned, but it is not 

 found to the south of the Eio Colorado of Buenos Ayres. It 

 dwells entirely among the larger grasses, like the common 

 partridge, and through which it pushes its way like a rail. 

 It is of solitary habits, and concealing itself wxll, is difficult 

 to flush. When disturbed, it flies about 300 yards, and when 

 again raised it can only fly about 100 yards, and then seems 

 unable to rise again. It makes a great noise when flying 

 by the vibration of the wings. Its call is heard at all 

 seasons, and in fine evenings the birds, which, although 

 living solitary, are generally not very far apart, answer 

 each other. When excited, it carries its long slender crest 

 directly forward, like a horn. It is caught in Buenos Ayres 

 by men and boys on horseback, who riding round them in 

 ever narrowing circles, at length put a noose over their head 

 from the end of a long stick. They squat when alarmed, 

 instead of running away. 



Clutch of six eggs, taken 7th December 1879, from a nest 

 in the campo. These average 2-^-^ x f f inches, and are of a 

 similar colour to those of the last species, but of a greatly lighter 

 shade of purple (PL VII I., fig. 5). They have the same beauti- 

 fully polished appearance. The nest also resembles that of the 

 smaller partridge, being a mere scrape, like tliat of a domestic 

 fowl. The eggs are usually from six to eight in number. 



21. Zcnaida macidata (Viell.) — native name " Paloma 

 chica" (little dove). — This species is found in vast flocks 

 throughout the lower part of South America, from Brazil 

 southwards. It is familiar in its habits, and sometimes 

 frequents the farmyard, where it is looked on as a favourite. 

 Its food consists of thistle and other seeds, notably those of 

 the cardoon. Mr Durnford mentions having taken upwards 

 of 700 seeds of this plant from the crop of one bird. It 

 is stationary at Tala, where it goes in great flocks in winter. 



Clutch of two eggs, taken 7th December 1879, from a 

 nest placed in a tree, in Tala garden. 



Another Qgg, one of two (the other having fallen through 

 the nest, and been broken), taken on same day, from a nest 

 in the wood at Tala. 



