1909] Beebe: Birds of Northeastern Venezuela. 75 



La Brea. The following day a male was secured on the lake 

 itself. It had been feeding on insects and spiders near the edge 

 of the pools scattered over the pitch. 



Tringoides macularia (Linn.). Spotted Sandpiper. 



We saw a number of these little friends on March 25th, at 

 the very outer limit of the mangroves, the mouth of the Caiio 

 San Juan. On April 2nd we found them abundant along the 

 Cano Guanoco and on the 9th a single one was seen near the rail- 

 road track, half way to La Brea. 



Gallinago paraguaiae (Vieill.). South American Snipe. 



A single male of this species was secured on the pitch lake, 

 April 10th. 



Jacana jacana (Linn.). Spur- winged Jacana. 



Common about the pools at La Brea. On April 10th we saw 

 at least thirty, flying slowly about, cackling shrilly from time to 

 time. Their beautiful colors were very conspicuous as they held 

 their wings straight upward over their backs for some time after 

 alighting. A number in the immature plumage were among 

 them. One secured was in full breeding condition. 



Oedicnemus bistriatus (Wagl.). Double-striped Stone Plover. 



One bird, apparently not in fully adult plumage, was seen at 

 La Brea, April 10th. 



Order GRUIFORMES. 



Aramus scolopaceus (Gmel.). Southern Limpkin. 



Three or four of these strange birds were seen along the 

 banks of the Ganos, none however as far down as the territory 

 where the mangroves held sole sway. Their nocturnal cry was 

 not heard during the trip. 



Eurypyga helias (Pall.). SUN-BITTERN. 



Sun-bitterns are fairly numerous throughout the central 

 mangrove region, where a more terrestrial flora begins to ap- 

 pear. One was also seen at La Brea on April 9th. They are 

 tame, unsuspicious birds but extremely difficult to observe owing 

 to their coloring. The indefinite patterns of their plumage seem 

 to assimilate with any combination of light and shade. 



The sun-bittern creeps quietly from the underbrush and 

 steps slowly and daintily over the mud, stopping now and then 



