BIRDS. 127 



Jaries are of a more uniform brown, the feathers being less edged with pale brown. 

 Its feet are black, whereas those of S. cincta are brown. 



Philomachus Cayanus. G. R. Gray. 



Charadrius Cayanus, Lath. Ind. Orn. 11. 748. 



I met with this bird from latitude 30° to 45° S. on both sides of S. America. 

 In La Plata it is called " Teru-tero," in imitation of its cry ; and in Chile, according 

 to Molina, "Theghel." These birds, which in many respects resemble in habits our 

 peewits (Vanellus cristatus), frequent, generally in pairs, open grassy land, and 

 especially the neighbourhood of lakes. As the peewit takes its name from the 

 sound of its voice, so does the teru-tero. While riding over the grassy plains, 

 one is constantly pursued by these birds, which appear to hate mankind, and I 

 am sure deserve to be hated, for their never-ceasing, unvaried, harsh screams. 

 The stillness of the night is often disturbed by them. To the sportsman they are 

 most annoying, by announcing to every other bird and animal his approach : to 

 the traveller in the country, they may possibly, as Molina says, do good, by 

 warning him of the midnight robber. During the breeding season, they attempt, 

 like our peewits, by feigning to be wounded, to draw away from their nests dogs 

 and other enemies. Their eggs are of a pointed oval form ; of a brownish olive 

 colour, thickly spotted with dark brown. Their eggs, like those of the peewit, 

 are esteemed particularly good eating. 



1. Hiaticula AzkB.m. G. R. Gray. 



Charadrius Azarse, Ternrn. pi. col. 184. 



collaris, Vieill. 



Albatuitui a collier noir, Azara, No. 392. 



My specimens were obtained on the banks of the Plata and at Valparaiso. 

 The specimen from the latter country differs from those procured at the former, 

 in the absence of the black collar on the breast, of the black streak running from 

 the eye to the corner of the mouth ; in the plumage of the back and back of head 

 having a lesser tinge of red ; and especially in the feet being black, and tarsi 

 blackish, instead of both being orange, as is the case with those killed on the 

 shores of the Plata. I have not, however, thought it desirable to make two 

 species of these birds, not having a larger series of specimens for comparison. 



2. Hiaticula trifasciatus. G. R. Gray. 



Charadrius bifasciatus, Licht. Vog. Verz. p. 71. 

 ■ trifasciatus, Wagl. S3 r st. Av. sp. 31. 



I procured two specimens of this bird at Bahia Blanca, in Northern 

 Patagonia. 



