184 ZOOLOGY. 



This bird is abundant throngbont Chile, inhabiting cultivated grounds, and migrating south- 

 ward. It bears a strong general similarity in colors to the Robin of North America, (^Merula 

 migratoria.) 



Several fine specimens in the collection of the Expedition differ from each other in the shades 

 of color, though apparently presenting no other different characteristics. There are, however, 

 several closely allied species of this genus known to inhabit various countries of South America. 



MERULA FUSCATER, (D'Orb. et Lafr.) 



Turdusfuscater, D'Orb. et Lafr. Mag. Zool. 1836, 16. 



(D'Orb. and Lafr.) Gay, Fauna Chiiena, Aves, 331. 

 VuLG. Zorzal. 



Figure. — D'Orb. Yoy. Am. Mer. Ois. PL ix. 

 Much resembling the preceding in general character and appearance. 



Of this bird Lieut. Gilliss observes: "The Zorzal is extremely common, and one of the 

 greatest pests of the vineyard when the fruit is maturing. It is exceedingly sluggish in its 

 habits, and will suffer boys to drive it between two gradually inclining hedges, until the space 

 is so narrow that it rises with difficulty, if at all, and is knocked on the head, to find its way 

 to the tables of the better classes, by whom its flesh is greatly esteemed. It is also occasionally 

 captured and retained in cages, but I never heard one sing. Albinoes of this species are not 

 uncommon." 



PTEEOPTOCHUS MEGAPOBIUS, Kittlitz. 



Pteroptoclius megapocUus, Kittlitz Mem. Acad. St. Petersburg I, 1830, 182. 

 Megalonyx rufus, Less. Cent. Zool. 1830, 200. 

 VuLG. Great-footed Ground Thrush. Turco. 

 Figures. — Mem. Acad. St. Petersburg I, PI. iv. 

 " Less. Cent. Zool. PI. Ixvi. 



This is one of the most singular of the birds of Chile. It is about the size of the robin of 

 North America, of plain colors — brown above and yellowish white below — with a short tail, 

 and the legs and feet so disi^roportionately large as almost to appear deformed. Frequenting 

 the ground, and moving with a gait more of the character of hopiiing than walking, and with 

 its tail habitually carried erect, it attracts attention by its grotesque appearance. "On first 

 seeing it," says an excellent naturalist and very agreeable writer who visited Chile, (Mr. 

 Charles Darwin, M. A. F. R. S.) "one is tempted to exclaim, 'a vilely-stuffed specimen has 

 escaped from some museum, and has come to life again ! ' " 



This species subsists on insects, and is frequently met with throughout the country. 



PTEROPTOCIIUS ALBICOLLIS, Kittlitz. 



Pteroptochus alhicolUs, Kittlitz Mem. Acad. St. Petersburg I, 1830, 180. 

 Pteroptochus megapodius, (Kittl.) Gay, Fauna Chiiena, Aves, 302. 

 Megcdomjx medius, Lesson 111. Zool. 1831, (not paged.) 

 VuLG. White-throated Ground Thrush. Tapaculo. 

 Figures. — Mem. Acad. St. Petersburg I, PL iii. 



" D'Orbigny Voy. Am. Mer. Ois. PI. viii, Fig. 2. 



Less. 111. Zool. PI. Ix. 



" Kittl. Kupf. PL xvi, Fig. 2. 



