162 Mr. E. Gibson on the Ornithology of 
Breeding-Notes.—The breeding-season lasts from the mid- 
dle of June till January or February ; so that Mr. Durnford’s 
supposition, that it has probably two, and sometimes three, 
broods in the season, is more than likely to be correct. Oc- 
casionally the bird will stand over the nest until one rides 
close up to it; but more generally both birds steal quietly 
away and remain at a distance, unless the intruder should 
pass very near the nest or stop to pick up the eggs ; then they 
will alight within a yard of him, and with half-raised wings 
and angry cries express their rights of ownership. Should 
a flock of sheep be driven over the nest, both birds stand on 
guard at it, and compel the sheep to divide and pass on each 
side of it. Again, it is not unusual to see a sheep looking 
curiously at a nest of eggs, while the Tero-tero, standing 
within a foot of its nose, threatens and expostulates with it 
in the most earnest manner. I was amused lately with a 
similar case, when a horse stood for five minutes in front of 
the nest, but eventually raised its head after a long inspec- 
tion of the indignant bird, and turned away; it locked so 
like an exemplification of the fable of the “ Bull and the Frog.” 
For V. cayennensis is rather a bumptious individual, and only 
cries “peccavi”? when swift-winged Larus cirrhocephalus 
undertakes its punishment. 
The nest is generally a hollow scraped in the ground, and 
sometimes lined with a little dry grass. The four eggs are 
very like those of the Lapwing in shape and colour, and 
average in size 132 x 143. 
52. HimantTorus BRASILIENSIS, Brehm. “ Tero Real,” or 
“Royal Tero.” 
Also common, though not so abundant as Vanellus cayen- 
nensis. tis to be found on marshy ground, on the borders of 
swamps, or about any lagoon or pool. In my estimation itis a 
very handsome bird as regards plumage, and, notwithstanding 
its disproportionately long legs, rather graceful than ungainly 
in its gait. On the wing it is otherwise ; for then it looks too 
large in the body, while it flies with short quick beats of the 
wings. The cry, especially when a flock is passing overhead, 
