Synallaxis modesta, Scl. et Salv. Nomencl. p. 64; Scl. P. Z. S. 1872, p. 544 (Rio Negro), et 1874, p. 23. Synallaxis flavogularis, Burm. La-Plata Reise, ii. p. 468 (Mendoza).
Description.—Above earthy brown, superciliaries whitish; wings blackish, the basal half of secondaries pale clear brown, forming a transverse bar; tail black, the outer webs of all the rectrices pale chestnut; beneath whitish brown, with a large fulvous spot on the throat; under wing-coverts fulvous; bill and feet pale brown: whole length 6·0 inches, wing 2·4, tail 2·5. Female similar.
Hab. Argentina, Patagonia, Chili.
This species so closely resembles the following in size and dull earthy-brown colour, that where seen in the thickets it is impossible to distinguish them. In habits they also seem alike; but this bird is, I think, less retiring, for I have seen it associating with other species of Synallaxis.
On comparing specimens together, however, it is easy to separate the present bird from S. sordida by noticing the colour of the external rectrices, which are black, externally edged with rufous, instead of being wholly rufous.
[200.] SYNALLAXIS SORDIDA, Less.
(SORDID SPINE-TAIL.)
Synallaxis sordida, Hudson, P. Z. S. 1872, p. 543 (Rio Negro); Scl. et Salv. Nomencl. p. 64; Scl. P. Z. S. 1874, p. 23; Durnford, Ibis, 1878, p. 396 (Centr. Patagonia); White, P. Z. S. 1883, p. 39 (Cordova); Barrows, Bull. Nutt. Orn. Cl. viii. p. 208 (Entrerios).
Description.—Above earthy brown; wing-feathers blackish brown, their basal parts pale chestnut-brown, forming a transverse bar; tail blackish, the three outer rectrices and outer web of the fourth rectrix on each side wholly pale chestnut-brown; beneath pale earthy brown, clearer on the belly, and with a bright fulvous spot on the throat; under wing-coverts pale cinnamomeous; bill and feet blackish: whole length 6·5 inches, wing 2·3, tail 2·8. Female similar.
Hab. Patagonia and East Argentina.