H a r tl. Rev. Zool. 1852, p. 460.
Scl. a n d Salv. Ib is, 1859, p. 7.
Scl. P.Z.S. 1859, p. 3 37, e t Cat, Am. I
Baird, Rev. Am. B. i. p . 57.
alis e t c au dâ in tù s n ig ris : su b tu s cau d id u s, hypochondriis e t
ig. to ta 10-0, alæ 4 '3 , caudæ 5 '0 . P uU u s nig ric an s f e re unicolor,
This southern representative o f the well known Mexican M. ccerulescens is one o f the most
characteristic species o f the highlands o f Guatemala, being seldom found at an elevation
below 3,500 feet, which is also about the lower limit o f the evergi-een Oaks [Quercus) in that
country. In the vicinity o f Dueiras (nearly 5,000 feet above the sea-level) it is by no means
uncommon, frequenting the thick bushes and underwood. It is shy, and eludes observation
rather by skulking than hy flight. Its song in February is short and disjointed, but a little
later, towards the breeding season, improves in quality. About the month o f May it forms a
slight nest placed in a thick bush, some nine or ten feet above the ground. The structure
consists o f small twigs and is lined with fine roots. The eggs are three in number—rather
elongated in form and o f a uniform greenish blue m colour. They measure axis 1‘2
diameter 0'95. In July, 1859, Salvin shot a young bird o f this species, which had apparently
just left the nest. Besides the vicinity o f Dueiias this Mock-bird is also found In the elevated
parts o f Vera Paz. Specimens vvere obtained b y Salvin at San Gerónimo, and again in the
vicinity o f Coban—in both o f wliich localities it appeared to be abundant.
The Melanotis hjpoleuciis was first described by Dr. liartlaub in 1852 from specimens sent
by M. Gadechens to the Museum at Hamburgh. It forms a second species o f the genus
Melanotis, the type o f which is M. ccerulescens o f Mexico. In form, it perfectly agrees with the
latter, but is readily distinguishable b y the pure wliite colour o f the body below.
Our figures o f this bird are taken from skins iu the collection o f Messrs. Salvm aud
Godman—the immature bird being the individual aboi-e alluded to, shot near Dueñas in
1859.