27iS Nofrs of Some Birds in the Andes 
dead ones are for sale in the market for eating. They are 
much like our starling in form and habits. I don't know why 
these birds are not freely imported, as they have everything 
in their favour as aviary birds. They are of a lovely scarlet 
colour on the breast. 
The native name is " Pecho Colorado." 
SILKY COW-BIRD: (Molofhrus honariensis) . 
Flocks of hundreds of these birds were common. They 
were always to be found with the cattle and are already 
well known as aviary birds. 
BLUE AND YELLOW TANAGER: (Lamprotes honariemis). 
I only saw one of these gorgeous birds, sitting in a 
tree near Lujan. 
They should easily stand our climate. 
MANY-COLOURED GROUND-FINCH: (SaUatricula multi- 
color). 
The natives call this the " siete-cuchillos," or " seven 
knives," on account of the damage it does to the buds of 
the vines. 
YELLOW SEED-PINCH: (Sycalis lutea). 
This is the common saffron finch. 
Seen usually in flocks of ten to twenty. They do not 
come near the towns or villages. 
AYMANE PARRAKEET: (Bolhorhynchus aymara). 
I only saw one si^ecimen of this i^arrakeet. 
GUIRA CUCKOO: (Guira piririgua). 
This most delightful of birds is to be found in and 
around Mendoza, and I saw very many in the eucalyptus 
trees in the park ot La Plata quite close to Buenos Ayres. 
They are somewhat like the Hoopoe, with long barred tails. 
In many of the Peon's cottages you see them running 
about quite tame. 
Why is it that large numbers of Saffron Finches are 
imported every year into this country but rarely any of the 
other equally common and more beautiful and desirable ])irds? 
I can think of few nicer birds to keep than —for example, 
the Patagonian Starling and the Guira Cuckoo. The climate 
where they are found is certainly hotter and drier than ours, 
but any of the birds I have mentioned ought to live out of 
