182 
Mr. H. Durnford on the Birds of 
The ultimate result of this may he a race of Synallaxinse 'with 
longer and stronger wings, and, by correlative growth, a larger 
bird altogether; thus from the present short-winged, heavy¬ 
bodied bird will probably be developed a larger and stronger 
form, with greater powers of flight. The tail of this bird is 
always much abraded, doubtless from being in such constant 
contact with the nest. 
59. Limnornis curvirostris, Gould; Scl. et Salv. 1. s. c. 
I am at a loss to understand how this bird could have es¬ 
caped the observation of naturalists till Mr. Darwin's visit 
to South America. It is, certainly, only found in certain 
spots ; but in these it is quite common. Amongst the thick 
reed-beds bordering the La Plata, which sometimes extend 
for some miles inland, L. curvirostris may always be found. 
Like the last-named species, it has a very inquisitive dispo¬ 
sition, and never allows an intruder in its neighbourhood 
without protesting in loud and angry cries. This note or, 
rather, notes it is not easy to describe; they are a series of 
harsh chatterings, and can be heard at a great distance. Be¬ 
sides this it has another note, a sort of subdued low jarring, 
just like our little Sedge-Warbler's note; and this it utters 
when completely hidden by the reeds. Like that bird, too, 
if a clod of earth or stone be thrown amongst the reeds near 
it, it can always be provoked to rattle away. It is a true 
reed-bird, and lives near the ground in the thickest reed-beds. 
If alarmed, or its curiosity excited, it creeps upwards by a 
series of short jerky movements high enough to seethe object 
of its dislike, and then commences its loud angry screams. 
It is rarely found away from these reed-beds, and seems 
always anxious to seek their shelter. It seldom takes wing, 
and never flies far; in the air it resembles the Synallaxinse, 
and sometimes while flying spreads its tail. I have generally J 
seen it in pairs, both winter and summer. Its food consists 
of small insects, chiefly spiders. Iris chocolate. Upper man¬ 
dible dark slate-colour, under one flesh-colour. Legs and 
feet pale slate. 
