1 



180 



ing the Andes in summer, and not appearing in Chili 

 until the winter. Both these species are of the size 

 of a turtle-dove, and belong to the family of parro- 

 quets. 



The upper part of the body of the choroi (psit- 

 tacus choraeus) is of a beautiful green, the belly is 

 of an ash colour, and the tail well proportioned. This 

 bird is taught to speak much better than either of 

 the others. 



The jaguilma (psittacus jaguilma) is entirely 

 green, excepting the edges of the wings, which are 

 brown. The tail is very long and pointed. " This 

 species appears to be the most prolific. In the plains 

 situated between the 34th and 45th degrees of lati- 

 tude, it is frequently seen in such numerous flocks as 

 almost to surpass belief. When they quit a field 

 where they have been feeding, in order to fall upon 

 another, they frequently obscure the sun, and their 

 chattering, which is very unpleasant, is heard at a 

 great distance. Fortunately, this destructive race 

 does not arrive till after the harvest, and departs be- 

 fore the trees begin to put forth, otherwise they 

 would lay waste the whole country. It is incredible 

 what havoc they make while they stay, as they de- 

 vour not only the tops of the plants, but even the roots. 

 An inconceiveable quantity of them is killed in the 

 fields, but so far from diminishing their numbers, on 

 the contrary, they appear to be increased at every re- 

 turn. Whenever these birds alight upon a field, the 

 husbandmen furnish themselves with long poles, and, 

 mounted on swift horses, fall upon them unexpect- 

 edly, and as they are always in large flocks, and keep 



