171 
the Province of Buenos Ayres. 
this time it is common everywhere. I have seen the young 
on the wing by the middle of December ; and as I have also 
taken its eggs in January, I have no doubt it has two broods 
in the season. The nest is a very thin and flimsy structure 
of root's, usually placed in a bush four or five feet from the 
ground. The young in their first plumage resemble the adult 
female. 
18. Paroaria cucullata (Lath.); Scl. et Salv. Nomencl. 
p. 30*. 
I scarcely think this ought to be included in my list, as all 
the specimens I have seen here have probably been birds 
escaped from cages. I found it in April very common up the 
Parana at Baradero, where it frequented thickets and trees. 
19. Donacospiza albiprons (Vieill.); Scl. et Salv. P. Z. S. 
1869, p. 161. 
Not nearly so common as the next species, and very dif¬ 
ferent in its habits. I am not sure whether it breeds here, 
having only observed it in the winter. In the marshes, where 
tall reeds and young willow shoots abound, this bird may be 
seen clinging to the highest sprig it can find, or searching 
diligently for insects. Its long tail renders it easily distin¬ 
guishable ; and in this, its erratic flight, and quick movements 
it closely resembles the Synallaodnee , and, indeed, is generally 
found in the same places as some members of that group. 
Its food consists principally of minute Coleoptera. Iris wood- 
brown ; beak black ; legs and feet pale horn-colour. 
20. Poospiza nigrorufa (Lafr. et D^Orb.); Scl. et Salv. 
P. Z. S. 1868, p. 140. 
Resident and common in reed-beds and thickets in damp 
marshy ground. Common at Baradero in April. Its bright- 
red colouring and sprightly actions make it one of the most 
conspicuous birds we have. The young in their first plumage 
somewhat resemble the adult female, being dark dusky brown 
above, beneath dusky brown and yellowish white in longi- 
* [A skin of this bird, obtained by Mr. Hudson at Conchitas in 1868, 
is in Sclater’s collection, but it seems to have been omitted from our 
lists.—E dd.] 
