The MASKED PARROT FINCH (_Caryothraustes Brasiliensis_) is closely
related to the last-mentioned bird. The formation of the beak is very
similar to that above described, but it is somewhat less arched, and
not quite so thick. The wings, which are comparatively long, reach when
folded half way down the remarkably short tail; the latter is slightly
rounded, and its exterior quills but little shorter than the rest; the
legs are weak, and the very thick plumage beautifully coloured. In size
this species resembles the common Hawfinch, being from six and a half
to seven inches long; the wings measure rather more than three inches,
and the tail three inches. The entire face is coal black; the brow,
region of the eye, top of the head, sides of the neck, lower part of the
throat, and middle of the belly, bright green; the breast and sides of
the body are shaded with a darker tint. The mantle is olive green, the
wing-feathers greyish brown, with a border of green edged with yellow.
The two middle feathers of the tail are almost entirely olive green,
the rest greyish green, with a yellowish shade upon the inner web; the
outer web is olive green. The eye is brown, the beak a brilliant black,
somewhat paler towards the base, which in the old birds is of a leaden
hue; the legs are reddish brown.
[Illustration: THE DOMINICAN FINCH (_Paroaria dominicana_).]
We know little or nothing of this bird beyond the fact that it inhabits
some parts of Brazil, and is generally found in small flocks in the
vicinity of woods and forests, or occasionally living solitarily or in
pairs.
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