Cape San Antonio, Buenos Ayres. ll 
from the size of the bird, besides being more spherical than 
oval in their shape. It is to their appearance, though, that 
I would more particularly allude. The ground-colour is a 
pure pale blue, over which is spread a white incrustation of 
lime, in such a way that it resembles a piece of lace thrown 
over the egg. The latter marking being in relief also, adds 
to the peculiarity of the egg, and, with the exception of that 
of Nothura maculosa, makes it the most beautiful and 
striking object in my collection. 
18. Curysorrinus cristatus. Native name “ Carpintero.” 
Not uncommon, by which I mean that every large wood 
contains at least one pair. The group of woods surrounding 
the head station boasts of two pairs ; and during the last two 
years one of them has bred in the garden. 
Its beauty, familiarity, and clear metallic cry render it a 
most noticeable and general favourite. 
The flight is rapid, though low, and never long sustained, 
and is marked by alternate rises and falls. 
What struck me as a peculiarity was the habit of frequently 
perching on the top of a tree or bush, or on one of the 
branches, though its most general attitude is the regular 
Woodpecker one—against a tree-trunk, and supported by its 
tail. In this position, with the mottled yellow and black 
plumage relieved by the conspicuous crimson crest, and the 
head turned watchfully to one side as it rings out the well- 
known call, no bird looks more attractive. 
As our tala woods contain any amount of old trees, and 
are infested by thousands of insects and grubs, it is surprising 
this species does not increase. However, traces of its inde- 
fatigable researches are visible nearly everywhere; and I 
count a score of old breeding-places im the course of an 
hour’s walk. 
C. cristatus will coolly survey oue from within a few yards’ 
distance, retreating from tree to tree if approached too closely, 
but rarely dodging behind tree-trunks or showing much trace 
of suspicious fears. Nay, the very boldness with which it 
utters its cry indicates a total disregard for bipeds and shot- 
