238 BIRDS or BRITISH GUIANA. 



Range in British Guiana. Takutu River, Bonasika River, 

 Makauria River, Lower Mazaruni River, Denierara River, Arawai 

 River (McConnell collection) ; Mount Roraima, Kamakusa, Rartica 

 (Whiteh/). 



JExtralimital Range. Throughout South America to Argentina 

 and Central America to Mexico. 



Habits. According to Schomburgk (Reis. Guian. iii. p. 699) this 

 species inhabits the Savannas, where it may be observed in large 

 flocks sitting on the Curatella-trees and other lower bushes, where 

 they dart out in pursuit of passing insects. Towards the evening 

 they all rise simultaneously and fly to their roosting-place, and 

 return to the savannas in the morning. After the rainy season — 

 September and October — he observed for several days in succession, 

 countless numbers of these birds pass over Georgetown ; they 

 approached from the north and proceeded southward. It was 

 remarkable that the flocks always arrived at Georgetown regularly 

 in the afternoon between three and five o'clock, and settled in 

 the tall trees in the vicinity of the town, remaining there until 

 the morning, when they continued their journey, according to the 

 Colonists, to the savannas. This is the only time that the bird is 

 met with near the coast. The migration takes place at the same time 

 every year ; and the Colonists regard it as a sure sign that the 

 rainy season is over. Schomburgk was unable to learn anything 

 about its nidification. He thought it quite probable that the 

 species did not breed in the Colony, and the large flocks that 

 pas«;ed through seem to confirm it. Schomburgk mentions that 

 during the months of May, June, July, and August, he only met 

 with solitary individuals in the savannas. 



