In size, form, gait, flight, language, and colour the present bird very closely resembles the Patagonian Starling; but the crimson on the breast is brighter and the upper parts are darker. Its nesting-habits are also like those of the southern bird; the number and colour of the eggs being the same in both species. One trivial difference in habit is that De Filippi's Starling occasionally soars up a few yards into the air when uttering its song. It inhabits the moist grassy pampas in the southern part of the Buenos Ayrean province, and is there abundant and unites in large flocks. At the approach of the cold season there is a general movement northwards of the birds, which does not, however, extend far, as the birds, although strong fliers, travel slowly and in a peculiar manner; it is in this season, when the birds are seen moving in large flocks, that the name of Military Starling strikes one as being peculiarly appropriate. They do not journey through the air like other migrants, but move over the ground, when the flock, composed of four or five hundred to a thousand or more individuals, is extended so as to present a very long front, and at intervals the hindmost birds fly over the others and alight just in advance of them: the long front, the precision of their movements, and their scarlet bosoms all turned one way, suggest the idea of a disciplined army on its march. They never perch on trees, but frequently alight on the roof of a rancho or other elevation affording a secure footing. They are tame birds and fly reluctantly; when approached, they usually crouch down, hiding their crimson bosoms, and remain motionless in order to escape observation. In disposition they are peaceful, and so fond of society that when one becomes separated from his fellows he will unite with birds of another kind, even with Plovers or Tyrant-birds. On the great monotonous plains, where most of the small birds are grey- or brown-plumaged, and in winter when there are no flowers to satisfy the desire of the eye for bright colour, it is delightful, while travelling, to meet with an army of these Starlings: their crimson bosoms, less bright than the hues of some tropical species, seem then to glow with a strange splendour on the sombre green of earth, and the sight produces an exhilarating effect on the mind. 105. ICTERUS PYRRHOPTERUS, Vieill. (CHESTNUT-SHOULDERED HANG-NEST.) +Icterus pyrrhopterus+, _Scl. et Salv. P. Z. S._ 1868, p. 140; _iid. Nomencl._ p. 36; _Hudson, P. Z. S._ 1870, p. 88 (Buenos Ayres); _Durnford, Ibis_, 1878, p. 59; _Salvin, Ibis_, 1880, p. 356 (Salta); _Barrows, Bull. Nutt. Orn. Cl._ viii. p. 133 (Entrerios); _Scl. Cat. B._ xi. p. 368. +Xanthornus pyrrhopterus+, _Burm. La-Plata Reise_, ii. p. 493 (Paraná, Tucuman). _Description._--Uniform black; upper lesser wing-coverts chestnut; bill black; feet dark brown: whole length 7·7 inches, wing 3·6, tail 3·8. _Female_ similar, but smaller.