26 Mr. E. Gibson on the Ornithology of 
usual number. Ground-colour pale yellow, with red blotches 
and spots, chiefly at the blunt end. The average measure- 
ment is 1,5, x #3, as taken from a large series. 
29. Mitvutus Tyrannus (Scissor-bird). 
This species is not uncommon with us, arriving in the 
beginning of November, and leaving about the middle or end 
of February. At Baradero, in the north of the province, it 
arrives in October and leaves early in April. In consequence 
of its tardy arrival here, I have seen young birds as late as the 
beginning of February, some entirely without the long tail- 
feathers, while in others they were but partially developed. 
The flight is undulatory, lke that of a Wagtail, during 
which the two tail-feathers open and close like a pair of 
scissors. Sometimes it hovers for a moment or two with 
these feathers expanded, so that they resemble a section of a 
large oval; or it will alight upon a tree or fence in this atti- 
tude, and twitter like a Swallow (the only note which it pos- 
sesses, | think). The crest is but rarely elevated, and then 
shows black and yellow, similar to that of Pitangus belli- 
COsUS. 
Milvulus tyrannus is not so belligerent as its name would 
lead one to expect, though it does make a show of tyrannizing 
over other small birds—chasing them a short distance, but 
never actually coming to blows. 
It is imsectivorous of course; and in the rincones, where 
mosquitos abound, I have taken three nests within a quarter 
of a mile, on the isolated and stunted tala trees, which are 
sparsely sprinkled over that peculiar district. 
Breeding-Notes.—It breeds in December and the first week 
of January. The nest is placed, without much attempt at 
concealment, on a tala tree, from eight to ten feet above the 
ground, measures about three inches across the interior, is 
rather shallow, and consists of thin stems of plants, wool, 
lichens, and thistle-down, pretty compactly quilted together. 
The lining is of fine roots and fibres, or sometimes wool alone. 
The bird frequently sits close; and when disturbed the pair 
always remain in the vicinity of the nest. 
