BIRDS. - 179 



fields and open plains^ running on the ground and attracting attention by its incessant cliat- 

 tering. Being readily domesticated, it is frequently met with in cages at the houses of the 

 inhabitants. 



"In captivity," says Lieutenant Gilliss, "this bird is taught to pronounce words quite dis- 

 tinctly. It is one of the farmer's pests, and many are destroyed; but though the flesh is good, 

 it is not esteemed by natives." 



AGELAIUS THILIUS, (Molina.) 



Plate XVI, Fig. 1. 



Turdus tJiilucs, MoUNA, Sagg. Stor. Nat. Chili, 1782. 

 Xantliornus cayennensis, (Gkay,) Gay, Fauna Chilena, Aves_, 346. 

 VuLG. Yellow-winged Blackbird. Trille. 



Another species related to the northern Blackbirds, especially the Ked-wing and others of 

 the same group. It is, however, strongly characterized and easily distinguished by its yellow 

 shoulders, agreeablj'' contrasting with the deep black of its other jDlumage. 



This bird inhabits marshes and other localities in the vicinity of water, and is frequently met 

 with. "This is the bird," observes Lieut. Gilliss, "from which it has been said came the 

 name of the country, the notes it utters greatly resembling Chil-li, Chil-li. It is very abundant 

 about ploughed fields in the spring of the year." 



STUENELLA MILITARIS, (Liun.) 

 Plate SVI, Fig. 9. Adult male. 



Sturnus militaris, Linn. Mantiss, ITTO, 527'. 



Leistes Americanus, ViG. Gay, Fauna Chilena, Aves, 350. 



VuLG. Chilian Lark. Loica. 



This handsome bird is intimately related in general form to the meadow lark of the United 

 States, (Stzirnella ludoviciana,) but in colors is entirely different. Its habits are, too, very 

 similar, being found on the plains, and building its nest on the ground. 



Several distinct but closely allied species are now known to have been indiscriminately 

 referred to as Sturnella militaris by naturalists and travellers. The present species, however, 

 appears to be that really entitled to this designation. It is abundant in Chile. 



PHEYGILUS FEUTICETI, (Kittlitz.) 



Fringilla fruticeti, Kittlitz ^Kupf. der Yog. 1833, 18. 

 Emheriza luctuosa, Eydoux and Gerv. Mag. de Zool. 1836, 24. 

 Chlorospiza fruticeti, (Kittl.) Gay, Fauna Chilena, Aves, 357. 

 Figures. — Kittlitz, Kupf. PL xxiii, Fig. 1. 

 " GuERiN Mag. de Zool. 1836, PI. Ixxi. 



This little Finch frequents fields and shrubbeiy, but is not a common species. It extends its 

 range over the whole of western South America, but having been seldom seen by the members 

 of the Expedition, may be regarded as rare in Chile. 



