204 BIRDS OF LA PLATA 
breeding in a hole four feet deep in the bank 
of a dry lagoon. The nest was of dry grass and 
lined with the fur of the cavy. It contained 
three white eggs. 
BROWN CINCLODES 
Cinclodes fuscus 
Above dark earthy brown, lores and superciliaries whitish ; wings 
blackish, with a broad transverse cinnamon-coloured bar; outer tail- 
feathers blackish, broadly tipped with pale cinnamon white; beneath 
pale cinereous, with a cinnamon tinge; throat white, slightly spotted 
with blackish ;' bill and feet horn-colour; length 7.3 inches. 
Tus homely little species differs considerably from 
most Dendrocolaptine birds in colour and habits ; 
and being of a uniform dull fuscous hue, its appear- 
ance is not strikingly interesting. It inhabits Pata- 
gonia, but is migratory, possessing, what is rare in 
this family, a powerful flight. In winter it is common 
all over the pampas and the Plata district, ranging 
north to Paraguay. It is always found near water, 
its favourite hunting-ground being the borders of a 
stream. On the ground its motions are quick and 
lively, but when perching on a tree it sits motionless 
in one position, and when attempting to move appears 
to lose its balance. These birds cannot be called 
strictly gregarious, but where abundant they are fond 
of gathering in loose flocks, sometimes numbering 
one or two hundred individuals, and when thus 
associating are very playful, frequently pursuing and 
