8 Mr. E. Gibson on the Ornithology of 
the garden and lucern-patch. In 1876 I caught a glimpse 
of one in the garden, also during the winter months ; but, with 
this solitary exception, I have no note of its appearance, either 
before or since 1874. 
It struts and runs about the ground in the usual pigeon- 
fashion, and is by no means shy. 
16. ZENAIDA MACULATA. 
Very abundant, indeed even more so than Bolborhynchus 
monachus. In the breeding-season every tree or bush seems 
to contain a nest, and the sitting birds rise at every step 
one takes. 
It feeds on thistle and other seeds, and is a great frequenter 
of our patio (courtyard), where it associates with various other 
birds, and secures a share of the débris from the kitchens. 
Not so stately in its gait as C. picazuro, its familiarity and 
pretty ways still render it a general favourite. I may also 
note that it is less gregarious in its habits than C. picazuro. 
Breeding-Notes.—The breeding-season lasts from the be- 
ginning of September to the end of March. ‘The nests are 
placed in any tree or bush, sometimes within two or three feet 
of the ground. A large densely foliaged coronillo tree often 
contains two or three nests with eggs, to say nothing of those 
of former years. These sometimes serve as the basis of a 
new nest; but, as a rule, a fresh site is chosen annually ; and 
the platform-like structure of dead sticks and twigs, occa- 
sionally cushioned with some dry grass or a few feathers, is 
quickly ready for the two eggs. 
The eggs are white, like those of C. picazuro, but of a 
greater diameter in proportion to their length. ‘Twenty-five 
specimens average 17x #3, and vary from 1}}x %§ to 
lis X 23 - 
17. Guira prriricua (Vieill.). Native name “ Uraca.” 
Common, but irregular in its appearance. It is most 
abundant in the winter; and only a few remain through the 
summer. It is a noteworthy fact that the latter should be 
the case here ; for at Baradero, in the north of the province, 
