Hab. Paraguay, Uruguay, and Argentina.
This is a rare Finch, and its massive beak and rich blue plumage give to it a highly interesting appearance; but about its habits I have little to tell, for it is essentially a bird of the wild forest, seldom coming near the abodes of man, and being, moreover, shy in disposition, it is difficult to observe it even in its haunts. It is migratory, and is usually seen singly or in pairs, or in small companies of four or five individuals. The male sings, but his performance is merely a confused medley of chattering notes, uttered in so low a tone that they can scarcely be heard at a distance of twelve yards.
[50.] ORYZOBORUS MAXIMILIANI, Cab.
(PRINCE MAX.’S FINCH.)
Oryzoborus maximiliani, Burm. La-Plata Reise, ii. p. 488 (Tucuman); Sharpe, Cat. B. xii. p. 78.
Description.—Black; large alar speculum, axillaries, and under wing-coverts white; bill pale yellow; feet brown: total length 5·8 inches, wing 2·9, tail 2·5. Female brown; beneath brownish ochraceous.
Hab. S. Brazil, Paraguay, and Northern Argentina.
This Finch is stated by Burmeister to occur near Tucuman.