The zoology of the voyage of H.M.S. Beagle [vol. 3 of 5] : $b Birds — John Shaqi
The zoology of the voyage of H.M.S. Beagle [vol. 3 of 5] : $b BirdsGould, John
Science
The zoology of the voyage of H.M.S. Beagle [vol. 3 of 5] : $b Birds
Gould, John
Beagle Expedition (1831-1836); Birds; Zoology
Polyborus chimango, _Vieill._
Haliaëtus chimango, _Less._
Chimango, _Azar._ Voyage, vol. iii. p. 35.
My specimen was obtained at Maldonado, on the banks of the Plata. In the
following short account of the habits of this bird, it must be
understood that I have confounded together, the _M. chimango_ and the
_M. pezoporus_; but I am certain that almost every remark is applicable
to both species. From what has been said under the last head, it may be
inferred, that both of these allied birds have comparatively limited
ranges, compared with that of the _P. Brasiliensis_. Azara says the
Chimango (and he first distinguished this species from the _M.
ochrocephalus_, or _M. chimachima_) is rarely found so far north as
Paraguay. D’Orbigny saw the Chimango (_M. pezoporus ?_) at Arica in lat.
16°, and I killed the _M. pezoporus_ in the extreme southern point of
America, in lat. 55° 30′ south.
The Chimango, in La Plata, lives chiefly on carrion, and generally is
the last bird of its tribe which leaves the skeleton, and hence it may
frequently be seen standing within the ribs of a cow or horse, like a
bird in a cage. The Chimango often frequents the sea-coast and the
borders of lakes and swamps, where it picks up small fish. It is truly
omnivorous, and will eat even bread, when thrown out of a house with
other offal. I was also assured that in Chiloe, these birds (probably in
this district the _M. pezoporus_) materially injure the potato crops, by
stocking up the roots when first planted. In the same island, I saw them
following by scores the plough, and feeding on worms and larvæ of
insects. I do not believe that they kill, under any circumstances, even
small birds or animals. They are more active than the Carranchas, but
their flight is heavy; I never saw one soar; they are very tame; are not
gregarious; commonly perch on stone walls, and not upon trees. They
frequently utter a gentle, shrill scream.
3. MILVAGO LEUCURUS.
Falco leucurus, _Forster’s_ Drawings, No. 34. MS.
—— Novæ Zelandiæe, _Gm._
—— australis, _Lath._
Circaëtus antarcticus, _Less._
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