182 BIRDS OF LA PLATA 
in the shade, decidedly sad-coloured. It is not 
strange, therefore, that in South America, where it 
has a very wide range, it is a species well known to 
the country people, and that they have bestowed on 
it many pretty names, most of which have reference 
to its splendid scarlet colour. In the Argentine 
Republic it is usually called Churinche, from its note, 
also Federél and Fuegéro (Fireman); in other 
countries Sangre de toro (bull’s blood), and, better 
still, Sangre pura. Little Soldier and Coal of Fire 
are also amongst its names. The Guarani tribes call 
it Guira-pité (red bird) ; but another Indian name, 
mentioned by d’Orbigny, is the best—Quarhi-rahi, 
which means a child of the sun. 
The Churinche appears in Buenos Ayres about the 
end of September, and is usually first seen in locali- 
ties to which Tyrant-birds are partial, such as low 
grassy grounds, with here and there a stalk or bush, 
and near a wood or plantation. Insects are most 
abundant in such places; and here the Churinche 
is seen perched on a twig, darting at intervals to 
snap at the flies after the fashion of the Flycatchers, 
and frequently uttering its low, plaintive note. It is 
very common in the woods along the Plata; every 
orchard on the pampas is visited by a few of them ; 
and they are very abundant about Buenos Ayres city. 
Going south they become rarer; but, strange to 
say, a few individuals find their way to the shores 
of the Rio Negro, though before reaching it they 
must cross a high, barren country quite unsuited to 
them. The natives of the Carmen have no name 
