The best songster on the Pampas is a species of mocking-bird, called by
the inhabitants calandria. Its song is powerful--similar to that of the
hedge-warbler. It only sings, however, during the spring; at other
times its cry is harsh and inharmonious. They frequent the
neighbourhood of houses; and will boldly peck at the meat which is hung
up on the posts or walls to dry. When any of the other small birds join
the feast, the calandria soon chases them away.