- 164 - 
During this ride I heard and saw innumerable birds 
but nothing of peculiar interest except a Toucan which was 
calling steadily near the 2 mile post (2-g- miles up the 
iv ’ 
valley from Tacarigua) and a Cycloris which took a long 
broad blade of green grass into the top of a tree where 
it doubtless was building its nest; which,however,I could 
not see on account of the density of the foliage. 
I had an opportunity to learn something more 
of the general appearance and ways of the little Kingfisher 
( Ceryle americana ) for at one of the fords where the road 
followed the bed of the stream for a distance of 100 yards 
or more we started one of these birds and drove it on 
before us. As it flew from tree to tree, keeping all the 
while just beyond gun range, I was interested to observe 
how closely it resembled our Oeryle alcyon in flight, 
manner of perching, etc. It usually alighted on dead or 
at least leafless branches over the water. 
One of the very commonest birds in"this valley 
is the Rea-eyed Vireo, Vireo ag ilis . I must have heard at 
least twenty singing this morning. The song is very 
nearly like that of Vireo olivaceus , but is delivered more 
slowly with distinct pauses betv^een the notes which are 
also feebler than those of olivaceus . The low whining 
or scolding cry is also much the same in the two species. 
