(MODEST SPINE-TAIL.)
+Synallaxis modesta+, _Scl. et Salv. Nomencl._ p. 64; _Scl. P.
Z. S._ 1872, p. 544 (Rio Negro), et 1874, p. 23. +Synallaxis
flavogularis+, _Burm. La-Plata Reise_, ii. p. 468 (Mendoza).
_Description._--Above earthy brown, superciliaries whitish; wings
blackish, the basal half of secondaries pale clear brown, forming a
transverse bar; tail black, the outer webs of all the rectrices pale
chestnut; beneath whitish brown, with a large fulvous spot on the
throat; under wing-coverts fulvous; bill and feet pale brown: whole
length 6·0 inches, wing 2·4, tail 2·5. _Female_ similar.
_Hab._ Argentina, Patagonia, Chili.
This species so closely resembles the following in size and dull
earthy-brown colour, that where seen in the thickets it is impossible to
distinguish them. In habits they also seem alike; but this bird is, I
think, less retiring, for I have seen it associating with other species
of _Synallaxis_.
On comparing specimens together, however, it is easy to separate the
present bird from _S. sordida_ by noticing the colour of the external
rectrices, which are black, externally edged with rufous, instead of
being wholly rufous.