1883.] BIRDS OF THE ARGENTINE REPUBLIC. 41 



under it, could never discover the pair until they took wing, which 

 they always did very carefully on the opposite side to me ; and as the 

 foliage was so thick an opportuuity for a flying shot never offered. 

 Out of patience at last, one morning I tried a hap-hazard shot from 

 a long distance with a heavy charge, and had the satisfaction of 

 bagging one ; but the other got away unwounded. Subsequently, 

 whilst riding along one night on the eastern slope of the range of 

 Sierras, I observed three or four, which were continually in the habit 

 of alighting just iu front of the horse's feet, and then, after an 

 instant's pause and a very short flight, they returned to repeat the 

 warning to trespassers. 



[Not examined by P. L. S. ; but Scops brasilianus (=Strix decus- 

 sata, Licht.) is quite likely to be the bird intended. — P. L. S.] 



19. Glaucidium nanum (King), 



cJ . Cosquin, Cordova, Arg. Rep., June 23, 1882. 



2 . » „ „ July 27, 1882. 



Iris yellow. 



It causes the naturalist much amusement to watch the habits of 

 this pretty little Owl, that, perched perfectly motionless on a branch, 

 utters such a sirenic cry as to attract little birds in great numbers. 

 They are observed to cluster round it, all the while fluttering and in 

 great excitement, charmed by some fascination. After waiting a 

 while, the Owl suddenly pounces upon the nearest for its victim. 

 The natives call it "El rey de los pajaritos " (The King of the little 

 Birds). 



20. NiSUS STRIATUS. 



2 . Cosquin, Cordova, Arg. Rep., Sept. 27, 1882. 

 Iris amber. 



I saw no more than this specimen, which was shot on the Sierras 

 at an elevation of 3500 feet above the sea-level. 



[Not examined by P. L, S. =Acciinter erythrocnemis'l'] 



21. Hypotriorchis femoralis (Temm.). 



S . Cosquin, Cordova, Arg. Rep., July 4, 1882. 

 Iris dark brown. 



During my lengthened stay at Cosquin I only observed two or 

 three of these, one of which I obtained near the river. 

 [Not examined by P. L. S.] 



22. Polyborus tharus (Mol.). 



$ . Cosquin, Cordova, Arg. Rep., July 27, 1882. 

 Iris brown, Carancho. 



23. Ardea cocoi (Linn.). 



2 . Cosquin, Cordova, Arg. Rep., Sept. 23, 1882. 

 Iris amber. 



Ardea cocoi is by no means common here, as during my stay of 

 five months I only saw three or four. 



