208 
Barrows on Birds of the Lower Uruguay. 
[October 
ground. The nest was quite similar to the one just described, 
but the cavity in which the eggs were laid was near the top of the 
body of the nest, while the passageway descended from it to the 
base of the nest, and there becoming external rose gradually to 
the level of the eggs at a distance of almost three feet. 
These two are the only species building these “nests with han- 
dles” with which I am acquainted. 
85. Synallaxis striaticeps Lafr. et cT Orb . — Never very 
abundant, but not uncommon in winter among the thicker trees 
near the river. It creeps more than the other Synajlaxes , and in 
form, color and habits is strikingly like Lefidocolaftes atrifes — 
in fact a very good imitation on a small scale. Of nest and eggs 
I know nothing. 
86. Synallaxis sordida Less . Espinero chico (Little 
Thorn-bird). — One of the commonest species, and found every- 
where in low woods or among bushes and cactus plants. The 
nest, which often contains a peck or more of thorns and twigs, is 
placed on a bush or low tree, not unfrequently among the bristling 
stems of the prickly-pear cactus. Its plan is the same as that de- 
scribed under No. 82, but the spiral way leading to the nest cav- 
ity is much longer and frequently makes more than one complete 
turn. The three or four white eggs are laid sometimes as early 
as October 1, and also as late as December 25. This bird uses 
rather more wool and other soft substances in its nest-building 
than any of the species yet described. 
87. Synallaxis sulphurifera Burm . — A single specimen 
was taken among high grass and sedges on the edge of a bushy 
swamp at Concepcion, October 2, 1880. Of its habits I know 
nothing. 
88. Synallaxis maluroides d’Orb . — Found sparingly at 
Concepcion among reeds and sedges, especially where these grow 
in water one or two feet deep. Here its harsh, cackling notes 
frequently seem quite close to you while the utmost patience may 
not be repaid by a single glimpse of their author. In precisely 
these localities, and nowhere else, may be found nearly globular 
nests six or seven inches in diameter formed of grass, reeds, etc., 
mixed with some mud, but with little in the way of lining. They 
are bound to the reeds, and each contains early in October three 
or four clear, pale-blue, unspotted eggs. Although I never saw 
a bird of any kind enter or leave one of these nests I collected 
