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Show 622 MR. E. w. W H I T E O N BIRDS [June 20, flies very high, in large flocks extended in line. When on the it utters a distinct articulate vocal sound, which has led man to cultivate this capacity to a high degree. The variation in colouring is found to be great both in proportion and situation, the head sometimes being of a uniform yellow. 155. PlONUS MAXIMILIANI (Kuhl). cf. Rio Vermejo, Oran, Salta, Arg. Rep., Nov. 10, 1880. Iris brown. Only one specimen seen, perching on one of the topmost branches of a high tree in the dense forest on the banks of the Vermejo. 156. STRIX FLAMMEA (Linn.). cf. Concepcion, Misiones, Arg. Rep., June 20, 1881. Iris dark. These Owls are commonly met with all over the Republic ; but I shot this, the only one seen here, amongst the ruins of the old Jesuit town. 157. Asio BRACHYOTUS (Forst.). cf. Monte Grande, Buenos Aires, Arg. Rep., March 1, 1882. Iris light yellow. These Owls are very common all over the campos of the province of Buenos Aires, where they make night hideous by their hooting. 158. PHOLEOPTYNX CUNICULARIA (Mol.). cf . Salto, Buenos Aires, Arg. Rep., Oct. 10, 1881. 2- Pilciao, Andalgala, Catamarca, Arg. Rep., Sept. 17, 1880. 2- Concepcion, Misiones, Arg. Rep., June 22, 1881. Iris light yellow. In Misiones this bird exceeds in size and differs in colour from that of the campos of Buenos Aires, as the black soil of the pampas differs from the red clay of Misiones. I saw two or three brace upon the open undulating grass-lands here ; but they are generally observed perched upon an ant-hill, beneath which they burrow their nest, as no friendly Biscacha is here present to offer them an asylum. The rather rough nest, situated in a burrow about three feet in length, but which descends not more than two below the surface, is composed of dry hemlock and sticks, without any downy lining. The eggs, of which there are usually four in a clutch, are of a spotless milky white and bluntly rounded at both ends. They measure, axis 34 millim., diam. 26 millim. 159. BUTEO PTEROCLES (Temm.). cf 2- Monte Grande, Buenos Aires, Arg. Rep., April 13, 1882. Iris dark brown. I have observed four or five or this species at Monte Grande, but in no other part of the Republic. |