OCR Text |
Show 1882.] FROM THE ARGENTINE REPUBLIC. 619 142. T R O G O N SURUCURA, Vieill. 2. Concepcion, Misiones, Arg. Rep., June 21, 1881. Ins flit*K Although for several days I stalked these birds, hearing their call, yet I could only manage to secure one specimen in the dense forest. 143. CROTOPHAGA ANI, Linn. cf. Oran, Salta, Arg. Rep., Nov. 9, 1880. 2.. ,, , ,, Nov. 18, 1880. Iris sepia. . This bird flies in flocks, and is usually observed in close juxtaposition with a flock of the Guira piririgua in the open country on the outskirts of the cultivated ground, where it perches on bush or hedges. 144. GUIRA PIRIRIGUA (Vieill.). cf. Flores, Buenos Aires, Arg. Rep., April 8, 1881. 2. Salto, Buenos Aires, Arg. Rep., Oct. 8, 1881. Iris deep orange. • . The native name of this noisy bird is " Uraca ; and it is found abundantly all over the Republic, commonly flying in flocks of six or seven. Here, in a willow tree, a nest was discovered, built of twigs, containing seven eggs, which was quite open above, with a very deep basin, and was lined with dry leaves, principally of the " Eucalyptus ;" but in other provinces different leaves are employed. The Uracas are sometimes tamed and kept in houses to rid them of insects; but their noise and dirty habits disqualify them for occupying the position of favourites. The e<>-g is of an oblate spheroidal form, equally blunted at both ends, with a slightly raised white chalky network equally diffused over a pale green ground. Meas.: axis 42 millim., diam. 32 millim. 145. PIAYA CAYANA (Linn.). cf 2- Concepcion, Misiones, Arg. Rep., June 21, 1881. Iris crimson. I found this tame bird rather rare round here, but usually met with it in the dense woods, where, on account of the slowness of its movements, it was easy to shoot, although difficult to distinguish. Very seldom seen in flight, it hops trom twig to twig, using its fine tail at the end of the leap to steady its perch. 146. COCCYZUS MINOR (Gm.). cf. Salto, Buenos Aires, Arg. Rep., Oct. 17, 1881. Iris dark. Not uncommon in the province of Buenos Aires, especially about Monte Grande; but in other parts of the Republic I do not remember often having met with it. Its nest is built in low trees or hedges, much resembling that of the Dove in outward appearance, |