2*72. Barrows 07i Birds of the Loivcr Uruguay. [J"'y 



like on some slight rise of ground in the distance, but only with 

 the greatest care and under the most favorable circumstances is it 

 possible to get within shot. Of its nesting habits nothing could 

 be learned. 



150. Tantalus loculator Z//???.— Abundant in summer, 

 commonly in flocks. While feeding they were very unsuspicious 

 and in one case it was only after four shots and five deaths that 

 the remainder of a flock of thirty took lazily to their wings and 

 sought safer ground. During clear, hot days they were often 

 seen to rise in spirals to an immense height and continue floating 

 in circles for hours. 



151. Plegadis falcinellus (^Linn.). — The common name, 

 Bandurria^ of this abundant bird alludes to its custom of asso- 

 ciating in large numbers, forming bandadas or flocks. 



At Concepcion the birds are resident and during winter and 

 spring I sometimes saw them in flocks of one or two thousand, 

 often feeding amicably side by side with several species of Ducks, 

 Plover, and Snipe. 



152. Theristicus melanopis {Gm.). —■ A small flock was 

 met with on the pampas between Olavarria and Azul, April 12, 

 1881. There were only twelve or fifteen birds in the flock and 

 they allowed the diligence to pass within about one hundred 

 yards without showing any uneasiness. 



153. Platalea ajaja {Linn,). Espat'ula (Spatula). — 

 Not very abundant. Seen usually singly or in pairs, and only in 

 spring or autumn. A slightly wounded one which I kept in my 

 room for a day or two seemed unable to walk without stooping 

 forward, swaying the body from side to side, and striking the 

 bill smartly on the floor. The most southern record which I 

 have is Bahia Blanca, February 17, 1881, at which time a single 

 pair was seen. 



154. Phcenicopterus ignipalliatus {Geoff, et d' Orb.). 

 Flamenco (Flamingo). — Seen only at Fuan, March 27 to April 

 1,1881. A flock of thirty or forty frequented a small, alkaline 

 pond at that place during our stay, and their flesh formed a part 

 of our regular fare. 



155. Chauna chavaria {Linn.). Chaja (the common cry 

 of the bird). — This is the heaviest bird of the country, except 

 the Ostrich, and its flesh is hardly inferior to that of the Turkey. It 

 abounds in the marshes about Concepcion, and was met with on 



