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Show 616 MR. E. W. WHITE O N BIRDS [June 20, The seat of P. gigas is so firm and close to the branch, that its tiny feet are invisible; the breast is puffed out, and its head in continual motion from one side to the other with a jerky movement. When disturbed it darts off around with a rough jerky flight for a minute or so, and then endeavours to return, but, if still interfered with, seeks a dry twig at the top of some neighbouring tree on which to alight. Its poise when suspended, sipping at the flowers, is heavy and laboured, and the motion of its large wings, although rapid, is perceptible to the eye ; and it never remains more than half a minute in this position, when it retires to a branch to rest for at least five minutes, perching with its head towards the sun and its beak slightly elevated. 128. HELIOMASTER FURCIFER (Shaw). 2 2 • City of Catamarca, Arg. Rep., August 7, 1880. I saw one of these Humming-birds come morning and evening at stated hours to sip the flowers of a " Palo booracko " (Chorisia insignis) which grew in the garden next door, but shot these specimens as they were feeding on the " Idiondilla," on the banks of a small stream of running water just without the citv. 129. LEUCIPPUS CHIONOGASTER (Tsch.). cf. Fuerte de Andalgala, Catamarca, Arg. Rep., Sept. 8, 1880. 2. „ „ „ „ Sept. 6, 1880. On the Idiondilla (which may be termed one of the Hummingbird plants of this region) I shot these specimens. They are very wild and swift in their movements, as indeed are all the Trochilidae, especially in this neighbourhood, and make a very loud hum, in fact louder than any other species of m y acquaintance. I observed one dart after a bird at least ten times its own size, that happened to trespass by perching on the same shrub, and pursue it like a Hawk, hovering over and pouncing down upon it, all the while uttering furious cries of anger. 130. CHLOROSTILBON SPLENDIDUS (Vieill.). cf . Fuerte de Andalgala, Catamarca, Arg. Rep., Sept. 22, 1880. 2 • » „ » „ Sept. 3, 1880. Very abundant round this part towards the end of September, as they evidently breed here, and are found flitting about the blooming Idiondilla in myriads, all the while uttering a beautiful tiny trilling song. The beak during life is of a brilliant red. 131. PICUMNUS sp. inc. cf. Oran, Salta, Arg. Rep., Nov. 9, 1880. Iris sepia. No more than one pair of these have I ever met with ; and they were pecking vigorously in their miniature way, and at very small twigs, just like the larger species of this family at the thick trunks. |
