(MOUSE-BROWN TYRANT.)
+Tænioptera murina+, _Hudson, P. Z. S._ 1872, p. 541 (Rio Negro);
_Scl. et Salv. Nomencl._ p. 42; _White, P. Z. S._ 1883, p. 38
(Cordova). +Pyrope murina+, _Cab. Journ. f. Orn._ 1878, p. 196
(Cordova).
_Description._--Above sandy cinereous, whitish round the eyes; wings
and tail blackish with whitish edgings; below much paler, throat
whitish with slight black striations; belly and crissum tinged with
ochraceous; under wing-coverts and flanks pale ochraceous; bill
horn-colour; feet black; two outer primaries acuminated: whole
length 7·0 inches, wing 4·0, tail 2·9. _Female_ similar, but outer
primaries normal.
_Hab._ Western Argentina and North Patagonia.
This species inhabits the Mendoza district, and migrates south in
spring. I met with it on the Rio Negro, in Patagonia, where it made its
appearance in October. The sexes are alike. The entire upper plumage is
dull grey with a pale rufous tinge; throat, breast, and belly pale buff
tinged with grey. It is a solitary bird, restless in manner, has a swift
flight, and sits on a stalk or other slight elevation, from which it
darts down to seize any insect it spies on the ground. Its only language
is a very low whistling note.