648 REV. J. E. SEMPER ON THE BIRDS OF ST. LUCIA. [May 21, 



2. Margarops montantjs, /. c. p. 268. (Gritfotte or Grevotte.) 



This also is counted amongst amongst our game birds. It is in 

 season at the same time and feeds on the same berries as No. 1 , 

 becoming at the height of the season a mere lump of fat. It is a 

 much more common bird than No. 1, and it is to be found scattered 

 about the half-cultivated part of the country all the year round. It 

 is an inquisitive bird, standing with head on one side, tail elevated, 

 and wings drooping and trembling, chattering and peering at the 

 passer-by, until it sees signs of danger, when it quickly flies off to a 

 small distance to repeat its motions. They are vigorous birds, and 

 contain a great deal of blood for their size. I have met individuals 

 of this species who have fairly impaled themselves on sharp sticks 

 when flying through the bushes. 



3. Rhamphocinclus brachyurus, /. c. p. 268. (Gorge- 

 blanc.) 



This bird seems to be strictly insectivorous. It is constantly to 

 be met with in pairs, or in small mobs of four or five pairs, busily 

 searching amongst the bushes near the ground and in low trees. 



I have seldom observed it at any great height, nor does it seem to 

 indulge in long flights. It is an inquisitive noisy bird, and, on 

 seeing any thing larger than itself passing by, will stand head and 

 tail elevated, wings drooping, and with open mouth keep up a 

 constant warning chatter, and throwing itself about in all sorts of 

 contortions. When a mob of them act thus together, as they often 

 do, the scene is an amusing one to the passer-by, and useful, as it 

 often indicates the presence of a snake or of game. 



4. Cincloceethia macro rhyncha, 1. c. p. 268. (Le Tretn- 

 bleur.) 



Another insectivorous bird, constantly at work creeping about the 

 trunks and larger limbs of trees searching for its food. They are 

 generally met with in pairs. The bird obtains the name of " Le 

 Trembleur " from its constant quivering and shaking, as though 

 suffering from an ague-fit. About March and April I have heard 

 individuals of this species, I suppose males, give utterance to a 

 lively and pleasing song, extending to some three notes on the 

 scale ; at other times they are silent, with the exception of a call- 

 note to each other, and a scream or warning cry when hurt 

 or frightened. 



5. Mimus gilvus, I. c. p. 268. (Grieve blanc.) 



This bird is said to be a recent immigrant into St. Lucia, where, 

 however, it is now plentiful ; it keeps to the open ground near roads 

 and cleared lands, generally seen in pairs. Their song, though not 

 very pleasant, is varied ; and they seem often to be trying to imitate 

 the cries and notes of other birds. I have never met with it in 

 the woods. 



