Page:The Zoologist, 4th series, vol 1 (1897).djvu/476

448 be omitted, as it generally formed one of the crowd which frequented the flowers of the "immortel." It was specially abundant in Tobago.

Mimus gilvus, Vieill. "St. Vincent Nightingale."— The local name of this bird expresses the common opinion of its vocal powers; occasionally I heard it sing really well, but on the whole I think it is a lazy songster.

Ortalis ruficauda, Jard. "The Cockrico."— This bird I only met in Tobago; it is much sought after for the table, and is fast retiring before "civilization." Its flesh is somewhat similar to a Pheasant. I found it very wary, and its note is fairly described by its local name, many times repeated, which is to be heard at a great distance.

Momotus swainsoni, Scl. "King of the Woods."—Only procured in Tobago.

Turdus gymnophthalmus, Cab.—Plentiful in both Trinidad and Tobago, but more wild in the latter island, where it is shot for the table.

Galbula ruficauda, Cuv. "The Jacomar."—This lovely bird is one of the most expert flycatchers I ever observed. A pair were seen digging their nesting site in a bank of earth in Savana Grande.

Actitis macularia, Linn. "Sandpiper."—Common on the shores of Trinidad and Tobago.

Myiadectes sibilans, Lawr. "The Souffrière Bird."—So retiring is this bird, which is found round the twin craters of St. Vincent, that I could obtain no description even of its colours. Not until an altitude of 4000 ft. is attained is its exquisite and varied flute-like whistle heard. It is so marvellously shy that I had to make two ascents before I obtained a specimen; it seemed almost to possess ventriloquistic powers.

In conclusion, I desire to express my indebtedness to Mr. Ernst Hartert for the identification of the species.