(THE SPINY LEAF-SCRAPER.)
+Sclerurus caudacutus+, _White, P. Z. S._ 1882, p. 610 (Misiones).
+Sclerurus umbretta+, _Scl. et Salv. Nomencl._ p. 62.
_Description._--Above dark brown, rump and upper tail-coverts
rufous; wing-feathers blackish, glossed with dull brown; tail
black; beneath, throat white, the feathers edged with dark brown;
breast dull rufous; belly and flanks same colour as back; under
wing-coverts whitish brown; bill and feet black: whole length 7·1
inches, wing 3·6, tail 2·6.
_Hab._ Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina.
White has the following note on this interesting species:--"Only two of
these birds were observed during my trip through Misiones. It frequents
the dense gloomy forests, where it busies itself in scraping amongst
the dead leaves; and although it may be close at hand and the rustling
distinct, a quick eye is required to detect it, as its plumage is of
the exact colour of decaying foliage. If startled, it flies up onto the
trunk of the nearest tree, and there remains perfectly motionless in an
upright position. I never heard it utter a single note."