188 
Mr. H. Durnford on the Birds of 
81. Tinnunculus sparverius (Linn.); Scl. et Salv. l.s. c. 
Antnmn and winter visitor, occurring in considerable num¬ 
bers. It has an exceedingly rapid and dashing flight. Its 
food consists of mice and small birds. Pretty common at 
Baradero in April. 
4-82. Elanus leucurus (Vieill.); Scl. et Salv. P. Z. S. 1869, 
p. 160. 
Resident, but not common. This is one of our handsomest 
birds, being very conspicuous from its lofty aerial flight. It 
sometimes remains circling in the air for a long time together. 
I found a few at Baradero in April. Iris light reddish brown. 
Legs and cere pale orange. Beak black. 
4-83. Rostrhamus sociabilis (Vieill.); Scl. et Salv. 1. s. c. 
Resident and not uncommon in marshes and swamps. On 
the wing its white tail-coverts are an unfailing mark for dis¬ 
tinguishing the species. Its food consists of water-mollusks ; 
and its strong hooked upper mandible is admirably adapted 
for extracting the soft portions from their shells ; from this 
habit it has gained the name of “Aguila de caracoles.” Iris 
crimson; beak dark lead-colour; legs orange. As it in¬ 
creases in age its beak becomes black and its legs a darker 
orange. 
84. Polyborus tharus (Mol.); P. Z. S. 1869, p. 634. 
Resident and abundant. Feeds indiscriminately on lizards, 
dead fish, and any carrion. Common at Baradero in April. 
85. Milvago chimango (Vieill.) ; Scl. et Salv. P. Z. S. 
1868, p. 143. 
Resident and more numerous than P. tharus . During the 
winter a partial migratory movement takes place in a north¬ 
erly direction. They nest both on the ground and in low 
trees or bushes, building a large structure of twigs and sticks, 
lined with wool and hair. Common at Baradero in April. 
'~j~ 86. Phalagrocorax brasilianus (Licht.) ; Scl. et Salv. 
P. Z. S. 1868, p. 146. 
Resident and common both in the river and large lagunas 
in the campo. Seen at Baradero in April. 
