O.C r ENGINEER DEPARTMENT, U. S. ARMY. GEOGRAPHICAL AND GEOLOGICAL EXPLORATIONS AND SURVEYS WEST OF THE ONE HUNDREDTH MERIDIAN. FIRST LIEUT. GEO. M. WHEELER, CORPS OF ENGINEERS, IN CHARGE. .REPORT UPON ORNITHOLOGICAL SPECIMENS COLLECTED IN THE YEARS 1871, 1872, AND 1873. WASHINGTON: GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE. 1874. LIBRARY UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA OFFICE OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, Washington, D. (7., June 27, 1874. SIE : Lieut. George M. Wheeler has sent to this office reports by Dr. H. C. Yarrow on the ornithological specimens collected on the expedi- tions of the former in 1871, 1872, and 1873. I have respectfully to request that they be printed at the Govern- ment Printing-Office, and that 1,500 copies be furnished on requisition from this office. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. A. HUMPHREYS, Brigadier- General and Chief of Engineers. Hon. WM. W. BELKNAP, Secretary of War. Approved by the Secretary of War : H. T. CROSBY, Chief Clerlt. JULY 1, 1874. TABLE OF CONTENTS. Alaudid* 19,35,37,45,64,121 Alcedinidie 23,38,47,87 Ampelidaj 12,34,43,77,106 Anatidaj 31,38,52,69,94,146 Annotated list of the birds of Utah g 39 Ardeida3 30,36,52,146 Caprimulgidse 23,35,47,67,88,128 Cathartida? 26,49,91,140 Certhiidse 41,73,100 Charadrildaj 28,38,68,93,144 Cinclidae 6,40,98 Colurabidic ..27,49,68,92,140 Colymbidaa 33,54 Corvidrc 20,35,46,65,83,122 Cuculidae ...24,47,132 Cypselidse 23,47, 129 Falcouidaj.... 25,36,38,48,67,91,137 FringillidaB 13,34,37,43,60,78,108 Gruidae .j [30,51,146 Hirundinidae 11,37,42,60,75,104 Icteridae 19,35,37,45,64,82,121 Laniidse... , 13,34,37,43,60,78,107 Laridse 33,38,54,147 List of eggs collected in 1873 147 List of nests collected in 1873 148 List of sterna collected in 1873 148 MeleagrididsB 36, 141 Motacillidse 10,37,41 Myiadestidae 43 Paridae 7,37,40,57,72,99 Pelecanidse 33,53 Perdicida- 27,36,38,50,142 Phalaropodida) 29,51 1 'halacrocoracida? 53 Picidje 24,36,48,67,89,133 Podicipidaj 33,36,38,54,69,95 Rallida; 31,36,51,69,94,146 Rectirvirostridas '. 29, 36, 38, 51, 69, 93, 145 Report upon, and list of, birds collected in 1873 55 Saxicolidte 7, 34, 40, 72, 98 Scolopacidce 28, 36, TO, 68, 93, 144 SittidR'. 8, 34, 40, 72, 100 Strigidsn 24,36,50,68,91,135 Sylviidn- 7, 40, 57, 72, 'Jd Sylvicolidji'. 10,34,37,41,57,74,101 ^Synopsis ol' the ,;j;cnus .Junco ^ 113 89354 Tauagriche 13, 43, 60, 78, 107 Tantalidte 30,36,51,146 Tetraonidje 27,36,49,92,142 Trochilidse 23,35,47,88,130 Troglodytidse 8,34,37,41,57,74,100 Turdidre 5,34,37,39,56,70,96 Tyraimidao 21,35,38,46,65,85,124 Vireonidge 12, 42, 77, 105 UNITED STATES ENGINEER OFFICE , EXPLORATIONS AND SURVEYS WEST OF THE IOOTH MERIDIAN, Washington, I). (7., June 8, 1874. SIR : I have the honor to submit, with the letter of Dr. H. C. Yarrow, the inclosed reports upon the ornithological specimens t collected by this expedition in 1871, 1872, and 1873, and, in view of the reasons urged by him, suggest the propriety of their publication. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, GEO. M. WHEELER, Lieutenant of Engineers, in charge* Brig. Gen. A. A. HUMPHREYS, Chief of Engineers. UNITED STATES ENGINEER OFFICE, EXPLORATIONS AND SURVEYS WEST OF THE IOOTH MERIDIAN, Washington, D. C., June 2, 1874. SIR : I have the honor to submit the inclosed reports herewith, and respectfully suggest that it is of the utmost importance that they should be published at the earliest practicable moment, in order that this expe- dition may receive its due share of credit for priority of discoveries therein contained. I would propose at first to issue them each in pamphlet, octavo, which may be readily distributed and used (should occasion require) in compiling later the quarto volume on natural history. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. 0. YARROW, Surgeon and Naturalist to the Expedition. Lieut. GEO. M. WHEELER, Corps of Engineers. U NITED STATES ENGINEER OFFICE, EXPLORATIONS AND SURVEYS WEST OF THE IOOTH MERIDIAN, Washington, D. (7., October 3, 1874. The proofs of these reports, while passing through the press during the absence of the authors in the field, were corrected by Mr. Kobert Eidgway, of the Smithsonian Institution, to whom thanks are due for his kindness in this regard, and who revised the nomenclature to corre- spond with the latest information upon the subject. H. 0. Y. REPORT UPON AND LIST OF BIRDS COLLECTED BY THE EXPEDITION FOR EXPLORATIONS WEST OF THE ONE HUNDREDTH MERIDIAN IN 1872; LIEUT. GEO. M. WHEELER, CORPS OF ENGINEERS, IN CHARGE. By Dr. II. C. YARROW and HENRY \V. HENSHAW, FEBRUARY 15, 1873. The following report upon the birds of Utah and Nevada, collected by the expedition under Lieutenant Wheeler, is based upon the speci- mens taken and observed during the mouths of July, August, Septem- ber, October, November, and December, 1872. While every possible facility was afforded by the commanding officer, it is much to be regretted that more time could not have been spent in a closer examination of the habits of the various birds seen, and, as a consequence, the notes must necessarily appear somewhat meager. It should be taken into consideration that many of the lines of travel were over an almost arid waste of sand and sage-brush, with little vege- tation and less water. Under such circumstances we might expect to find a great paucity of species j but with the exception of those varieties inhabiting the wooded localities, our collection will be found to repre- sent a fair proportion of the western forms, our list numbering no less than one hundred and sixty-five different species. It is also greatly to be regretted that, owing to the lateness of the season at which the field-work commenced, very few observations as to the nesting-habits of the birds could be taken, although quite a num- ber of eggs were secured. It is hoped that the discovery of several species new to the fauna of Utah may prove of some value to our pres- ent ornithological knowledge. A list of species taken during the expedition of 1871 is appended, together with a complete list of the birds of Utah as far as known, with annotations by Mr. Henshaw, assistant naturalist.* The classification of the species noted is substantially the same as that of Professor Lilljeborg, of Upsala, (vide Proceedings Zoological Society of London, January, 18G6,) and adopted provisionally by the Smithsonian Institution, and the nomenclature that adopted by Dr. E. Coues in his Check-List of North American Birds. TURDID^E. lurdus miyratoriiiS) L. llobin. Usually found in the neighborhood of settlements, building close to houses, and exhibiting the same sociability as in the East. Very com- mon at Provo, where a few years since it was unknown. Flocks seen in lieaver Canon in September, and occasional ones in the canons in December ; it undoubtedly winters there in considerable numbers. * This list appeared as a separate paper, and was printed in the Annals of the Lyceum of Natural History of New York, vol. xi, June, 1874. EXPLORATIONS AND SURVEYS WEST OF TOOTH MERIDIAN, Galeoscoptcs carolinensis, (L.) Catbird. Common in settlements, frequenting the thickets, same in the East. Habits and notes Oreoscoptes montanus, (Towns.) Mountain Mocking-bird. Common throughout Utah and Eastern Nevada. Generally found near settlements and not in mountains; rather shy and difficult to approach. Harporhynchus crissalis (?), Henry. lied- vented. Thrush. When within a few miles of Saint George, the southernmost settle- ment of Utah, a small flock of curved billed thrushes was observed, supposed to be of the species above named, but, owing to their excessive shyness, no specimens were secured. From the fact that Dr. E. Palmer found these birds breeding at Saint George, there seems little doubt as to the identification. HaMtat. Southern Utah, valley of the Colorado, and Upper Eio Grande. No. Name. Sex. Locality. Date. Collector. la Turdus rnigratorius . ... Beaver, Utah Sept. 22 H. & Y. Al do Alcoholic H. & Y. 49 Mi in us carolinensis ft inn Provo Utah July 25 H. & Y. 141 do 9 ad do Auf 1 H & Y. 157 Oreoscoptes moutanus A iun. Fail-field, Utah An"-. 1 Y. 114 do 2 jun. Fountain Green, Utah. Aug. 20 H. l i :? . . do A iun. . . do Aug. 20 H. 143 do $ ad. Salina, Utah ... . Sept. 5 H. 156 do 9 ad Fail-field Utah Aug. 1 Y. 171 do $ ad. Panquitch, Utah Sept. 17 H. 313 do $ ad. Toquerville, Utah Oct. 16 H. & Y. A2 do Alcoholic H. & Y. CINCLID2E. Indus mexicanus, Sw. Water-Ouzel. Numerous in the Provo River. One specimen taken on the Beaver River and one at Fillmore. Not observed elsewhere. It exhibits little shyness, permitting the close approach of a person, who may watch its interesting movements at leisure. Frequents exclusively the vicinity of rapids and falls, where it is to be seen constantly in motion, flying from rock to rock, and wading into the shallows, searching nervously for Crustacea and water-insects, which form its food. The movements of its body are very peculiar, and consist of an emphatic, grotesque, down- ward jerk, constantly repeated, reminding one of a similar motion pecu- liar to some of the wrens, more particularly the Rock- Wren (JSalpinctes obsoletus). No. Name. Sex. Locality. Date. Collector. 2- Cinclus inexicanus 9 iun Provo. Utah July 31 H. 3 do ... Juu. do Julv 31 H. 4 do A iuu. do . . ... July 31 H. do $ j un - do July 31 H. 380 do Beaver, Utah Nov. 7 Y. & F. 413 do * Fill more, Utah Nov. 17 H. REPORT UPON ORNITHOLOGICAL SPECIMENS. SAXICOLIDxE. arctica, Sw. Arctic Bluebird. A small flock of migrants, first noticed in Eastern Nevada early in August; another near Guuuison, Utah, early in September. From this time until November 15 they were usually noticed in small detached companies pursuing their way southward. Frequently seen hovering in the air catching insects. Sialia mexkana, Sw. Western Bluebird. But a single specimen seen at Fish Springs, Utah. No. Name. Sex. Locality. Date. Collector. 150 Sialia artica $ ad. Gunnison, Utah Sept. 8 H 151 do 9 ad. do Sept. 8 H. 265 .do /? ad. Iron City, Utah . Oct. 8 H. 387 do Beaver, Utah Nov. 10 Y &H. Regulus calendula., (L.) Euby-crowned Wren. A few individuals seen in Middle and Southern Utah in fall, usually accompanying flocks of the Titmice (Paridcc). No. Name. Sex. Locality. / Date. Collector. 304 Regulus calendula 9 ad North Creek Utah Sept 26 H &Y PARID^E. Par us atricapillus, L., var. septentrionalis, Ilarris. Long-tailed Chick- adee. Common in cottoiiwood-groves near Provo River in July and Novem- ber; not seen elsewhere. Habits and notes similar to eastern variety. nwntamiS) Gamb. Mountain Chickadee. Said to be very common in mountains of Utah, but during entire season only three individuals were perceived and captured at Fillmore. Loplioplianes inornatus, (Gainb.) Gray Titmouse. Numerous in scrubby cedars near Iron City and Beaver. Seldom seen in companies of more than two or three, and more often singly. Psaltriparm pluml)eus, Bd. Lead-colored Tit. Found in same localities as above, but always in large flocks. 8 EXPLORATIONS AND SURVEYS WEST OF IOOTH MERIDIAN. No. Name. Sex. Locality. Date. Collector. 26 Parus var. septentrionalis 21U11 Provo Utali July 1 H 94 do A ad. ..do Auff. 3 H. 25 do 9 ad. do . Ana:. 3 H 142 do A iun do An f 3 H 436 .. do A do Nov. 25 H. & Y. 414 Parus rnontanus. Q Fillmore, Utah Nov. 17 H &.Y 415 do do Nov 17 H & Y 417 do ..do Nov. 17 H &Y. A3 do Alcoholic H &Y A4 do do H. & Y. 947 Lophophanes mornatus 3 Iron City, Utah . Get 5 H 258 do 9 do . Oct 6 H 961 do 9 ad. ....do Oct. 8 H. 969 do A do Oct. 8 H 263 do $ ad do Oct 8 H 964 do 9 .... do Oct. 8 H. 3QO do A Beaver, Utah Nov. 11 Y & H. 391 do g do Nov 11 Y & H 399 .. do . / do Nov. 11 Y. & H. 393 do do Nov. 11 Y &H. 394 do do Nov 1 1 Y &H 3% . . do . 9 do Nov. 11 Y &H. 396 do 9 do Nov 1 1 Y & H 397 do A do Nov 11 Y & H 403 do A Cove Creek, Utah Nov. 13 Y &H. 238 Psaltriparus plumheus A Iron City Utah Oct 5 II 939 do A . do Oct. 5 H 240 do do . Oct 5 H 241 do f do Oct 5 H 949 do .... A do Oct. 5 H 243 do A do Oct 5 H 244 do do ' Oct 5 H 245 do A do Oct. 5 H 246 do do , Oct 5 H 3H6 do g Beaver, Utah . . Nov. 10 H A5 do Alcoholic II &Y A6 do do H. & Y. SITTtDJE. Sitta carolinensiSy Gm., var. aculeata, Cass. Slender-billed Nuthatch. Sitta pygmcea, Vig. California Nuthatch. Both species seen upon a single occasion in the heavy pine timber of the Wahsatch Mountains. TKOGLODYTID^E. Troglodytes cvdon, V., v&r.parJcmanni) And. Western House- Wren. Seldom seen and only in mountains; frequents brush-heaps and thick undergrowth. Habits about same as eastern variety (cvdon}. Salpinctes obsolete*, (Say.) Bock- Wren. First seen at Gunnison, Utah, in September; and from this point southward a gradual increase in numbers was noted, until at Toquer- ville and Saint George hundreds were seen, chirping cheerily and enliv- ening the bleak and desolate volcanic rocks with their agile movements. REPORT UPON ORNITHOLOGICAL SPECIMENS. Catlierpes mexicanus, (Sw.), var. compersus, Kidg. White-throated Wren. Apparently rare at Toquerville, at which place a few specimens were secured. Like the preceding species, it inhabits the volcanic rocks, and the agility and celerity of its movements, as it springs from point to point, uttering its shrill and piercing note, is truly remarkable. Telmatodytes pa-lusti'is, (Wils.), V9&. paludicola, Bd. Western Long-billed Marsh -Wren. During the latter part of the month of July these interesting little birds were to be seen by thousands in the marshes near the Provo liiver, and their nests, carefully built and supported in the rushes, were perceived on all sides. Cistothorus stellaris, (Licht.) Short-billed Marsh-Wren. This bird is somewhat rare in the Eastern United States ; and its western limit, as far as known, being the Loup Fork of the Platte. While at Provo we received undoubted evidence of its existence in the marshes of the river, where it lived in company with the preceding species. Although no individuals AY ere actually captured, the nests and eggs were seen, which had been secured in this locality. Thryothorus beiclcJdij (And.), A r ar. leucogaster, Gould. White-bellied Wren. Individuals occasionally seen in the southern part of Utah, and seem- ingly equally at home in the sparse shrubbery of the mountain-sides and in the valleys. CampylorJiynchus bninncicapillus, (Lair. ) Cactus- Wren . A single individual of this species was captured a few miles north of Saint George in October; two others being seen at the same time. It is believed that this is the most northern locality in which this bird has been taken. Although not chronicled from Arizona, there seems to be no doubt but that it is somewhat abundant there. One specimen was secured in 1871 by Lieutenant Wheeler's party, and others were seen. No. Name. Sex. Locality. Date. Collector. 103 164 Troglodytes avion, v:ir. parkimiuni. . -. do o Jan. $ ad Walisatch Mountains, Utah. Otter Creek Utah Aug. 17 Sept. 14 Hi H. 141 Salpioctes obsoletua 9 Gunnison, Ut.ih Sept. 5 r H. 285 do ... . 9 Toquerville Utah. Oct. 13 H. 288 do * do Oct 13 H ^<> .. do + do Oct 13 II WO do > do Oct. 13 H. 89] do 6 do Ocl 13 H. wq do do Oct 13 H 300 do A do . Oct. 13 H. 305 do 9 do Oct. 13 H ggg do jp do Oct. 14 H 311 do 9 do Oct. 16 Y. & H. 31? do 9 do Oct. 16 Y cV II 31ft . do do Ocl 17 V ^V 11 319 do f do Oct 17 y ^ II 5W1 do * do Oct. 17 Y & H A 7 do .- (skull f). Alcoholic Y \ H. A8 do .. ...do .. V. A II. 10 EXPLORATIONS AND SURVEYS WEST OF TH MERIDIAN. No. Name. Sex. Locality. Date. Collector. 284 Catherpes. var. coiispersus 9 ad. Toquerville, Utah Oct. 13 11. 304 do ad. do Oct. 15 H. 330 do A do Oct. 20 Y & H. 83 Telmatodytes, var. palustris $ ad. Provo, Utah July 25 Y. & H. 84 do A ad. . do . July 30 Y. & H. 208 do A Rush Lake Utah Oct. 2 H. 209 . do .. $ do Oct. 2 H. 306 do 2 Toquerville, Utah Oct. 15 H. 959 Thryotorua bewickii, var. $ ad. Iron City, Utah Oct. 6 H. 328 leucogaster. do A Toquerville, Utah Oct. 20 Y. & H. 356 do Washington. Utah Oct. 23 H. 369 Campylorhyuclms brunnei- capillus. 9 Saint George, Utah ... Oct. 27 Y. & H. MOTACILLIDvE. Anthus iudovicianus, (Gm.) Tit-Lark. Quite common in the latter part of summer and in fall in Eastern Ne- vada and Middle and Southern Utah. No. Name. Sex. Locality. Date. | Collector. 211 Anthus ludovicianus $iun. Rush Lake, Utah Oct. 2 H. 354 do $ Washington, Utah Oct. 23 Y. & H. tt9 do Alcoholic. Y. & H. SYLVICOLID^E. Dendroica ccstiva, (Gm.) Yellow Warbler. Very abundant at Provo in July, and is the common warbler of all the settlements. Dendroica audubonii, (Towns.) A u il u rjon's Warbler. First seen on its way south upon the foot-hills near Gnnnison Valley. Afterward met with at different points, usually in small flocks ; its habits and call-notes resembling the common eastern Yellow-rump Warbler. Geotlilypis trichas, (L.) Maryland Yellowthroat. Tolerably abundant at Provo in July ; rather rare at other points. Geothlypis Philadelphia (Wils.), var. macgillivrqyi, And. MacGillivray's Warbler. Secured in mountains of Nevada during the latter part of August, where it appeared tolerably common. Single specimen seen in Damill's Canon, Utah, in August. Icteria virens (L.), var. longicauda Lawr. Long-tailed Chat. Common in thickets near Provo; shy and retiring in disposition. Also noticed in Western Utah and Nevada. REPORT UPON ORNITHOLOGICAL SPECIMENS. 11 Myiodioctes pusillus, (Wils.) Green Black-cap Flycatcher. Not uncommon in Middle Utah. Sctopliaga ruticilla, (L.) Redstart. Rather common in cottonwood-groves near Provo. No. Name. *,*. Locality. Date. Collector. 56 Dendroica u'stiva o TUB 1'rovo Utah July 25 H. & Y. l -) l do 2 ad. do July 25 H. & Y. 144 do $ juu. do July 30 11. & Y. 14.") do - 9 ad. do July 30 II it Y A 10 . do ... Alcoholic H. & Y. All do do H. & Y l.V> Deudroica audtibouii f Guunison, Utah Sept. 8 H. via do f Mormon Spriu " Utah Oct 3 H 217 do A .do Oct. 3 H. 251 do ? Iron City, Utab. Oct. 6 H. 310 do * Toquerville, Utab Oct. 16 H. & Y. 07 Gcotlilvpis tiichas $ ad Provo, Utab . July 26 H & Y. 177 do A ad. Pa IK [Hitch, Utab Sept. 17 H. A 12 do Alcoholic H. & Y. 70 A13 Geothlypis, var. ruacgilli- vravi. do 9 ad. Dam ill's Canon, Utab . Alcoholic Aug. 12 H. H. & Y. 20 Icteria var lou'icauda p a d Provo Utab July 27 H & Y 146 , do 9 j un do Julv 27 H. & Y. 303 Mviodioctes pusillus $ ad. North Creek, Utah Sept. 26 H. 122 Setopha^a ruticilla $ ad Provo Utab * Julv '>() H & Y HIRUNDINIDJE. Hit-undo horreorum, Barton. Barn-Swallow. Specimens were secured both in Nevada and in Utah at various points, but it was rather uncommon. Does not differ in any respect from the eastern variety. Petrochelidon lunifrons, (Say.) Cliff-Swallow. Observed in Snake Valley, Nevada, and in many localities in Middle and Southern Utah, living in colonies and building their nests at times in inaccessible places in lofty cliffs, and again in places but a few feet above the plain. TacUycmcta Ucolor, (Y.) White-bellied. Swallow. Found at Fairfield early in August, and at Provo in same month. 1'ather common. Cotyle riparia, (L.) Bank-Swallow. By no means as numerous as the following species, with which it was found associated on the Provo Iliver. Stelgidopteryx serripennis, (And.) Kough wing Swallow. Exceedingly abundant on the Provo River, where they roost in large numbers upon the dead bushes along the banks. So numerous are they and so closely do they sit huddled together, that six individuals were secured at a single shot. They were observed on the wing in pursuit of insects, far into the evening, even when so dark that they could with difficulty be distinguished. Also noticed in Western Utah and Eastern Nevada. 12 EXPLORATIONS AND SURVEYS WEST OF ]OOTH MERIDIAN. Progne suUs, (L.) Purple Martin. Seen in the vicinity of Salt Lake City and at Camp Douglass. In the middle of July the young were almost able to take wing. Also seen in mountains of Middle Utah. No. Name. Sex. Locality. Date. Collector. 50 Hirundo horreoruna $ ad. Provo, Utah July 29 H 168 do Fairfield Utah Aug 3 Y PO Stelgidopteryx serripennis.. $ ad. Provo, Utah July 26 H. &Y 89 . . do $ ad. .do July 26 H &Y 95 do $ ad do July 26 H &Y 91 do 2iun do July 26 H &Y 167 do .... u Fairfield, Utah Auff. 3 Y A14 do Alcoholic H &Y 96 Cotyle riparia . o Provo Utah July 23 H &Y VIREONIDJE. Vireo gilvus, (V.), var. swa-inscni, Bd. Western Warbling Vireo. Probably not uncommon, though but few were seen. The song of this bird was heard and appeared identical with that of the eastern variety. Vireo solitarius, (Wils.), var. plumbeus, Cs. Western Solitary Vireo. A single specimen was taken in August near Strawberry Valley. Seen nowhere else in Utah. No. Name. Sex. Locality. Date. Collector. 61 Vireo, var. swainsoni 3 km. Wahsatch Mts., Utah Auo-. 11 H B do Meadow Creek Utah Sept. 15 Y 95 Vireo, var. plumbeus Jun. Wahsatch Mts., Utah . Au ". 16 H. AMPELID^E. Myiadestes townsendi, (And.) Townsend's Flycatcher. Apparently rather rare, not being seen until October 28, when three were noticed in company near Pine Valley. Very shy arid retiring, frequenting the hill-sides covered with small cedars, the berries of whidi constitute the major part of their food in. winter when the ground is covered with snow. In some of its habits and motions it closely resem- bles the bluebirds (Sialia). Stationing itself upon the low branches of a tree, it carefully scans the ground, and, perceiving an insect, suddenly darts down and seizing its prey bears it at once to the nearest perch. Have not noticed it catching insects on the wing, always in winter, but this fact Avas not ascertained. It is said to sing No. Name. Sex. Locality. Date. Collector. 370 Myiadestes townsendi 9 ad Pine Valley Utah Oct. 28 Y. & H. 402 clo 9 iun. Cove Creek, Utah Nov. 13 Y. & H. REPORT UPON ORNITHOLOGICAL SPECIMENS. LANIIDvE. 13 Collurio ludovicianus, (L.), var. exculjitor 'oides, Sw. White-rumped Shrike. Of frequent occurrence throughout Utah. Subsists largely upon grasshoppers and insects, but occasionally attacks successfully the smaller species of birds aiid mice. Seen also in Eastern Nevada. Collurio bor calls, (V.) Great Northern Shrike. Specimen taken and others observed late in the fall in Southern Utah. No. Name. Sex. Locality. Date. Collector. 122 Collurio, var. exculntoroides. $ jun. Fairview, Utah Auo-. 22 H. 115 do 9 juu. Fountain Green, Utah An*'. 20 H 375 do $ ad. Rush Lake, Utah Oct. 31 H. & Y. 410 . do . $ ad. Fillmore, Utah Nov. 15 H. :W2 Collurio borealis $iun. Saint George Utah Oct. 25 Y & H Al 5 Collurio excubitoroides Alcoholic TANAGRID;E. Pyranga ludoviciana, (Wils.) Louisiana Tanager. A single specimen secured at Provo, where it breeds. Probably not uncommon. No. Name. Sex. Locality. Date. Collector. 1?f5 Pyranga ludoviciana r> intermedia. . do rf iu ii do Oct 19 H & Y 349 do $ ad. Washington Utab Oct 23 H *fc Y 352 do ... 9 ad. do Oct 23 H & Y 366 do . 9 jun do i Oct 23 H & Y 364 do $ ad. . do Oct 24 H & Y 355 do X ad. do . Oct 24 H & Y P.f> do Alcobolic H & Y B7 do .... do . H & Y 434 Spizella monticola 9 Provo, Utab 1 Nov. 25 H. P>4 do Alcobolic H & Y 221 v>v>0 Poospiza bellii, var. neva- deusis. do 9 9 Iron Springs, Utab do Oct. 4 Oct 4 H. H ggg do * do Oct 4 H v>33 ... do A do Oct 4 H 434 do $ do Oct 4 H. 236 935 do do do ad do An"- % 2 H & V 176 do Panquitoh, Utab . Sept. 1? H. r>9 do A iun. Wasbinfton, Utab Oct. 24 H. & Y. ;>96 do 9 iun Beaver, Utab S.-jit. 2."> H A- V >Q7 do g do Srpt. 25 H & Y" W9 do 9 jun. North Creek, Utab . . Sept. 26 H. & V. ' !1 do . . 9 jun. Iron Springs, Utab Oct. 4 H. >56 do $ ad Iron Citv I'tab 76 . do . . $ ad. Iron City, Utah . . Oct. 10 H. 291 do $ ad. HarmoiiVi Utah Sept. 15 H 995 . . do 9 ad. Beaver, Utah .. Sept. 25 Y. &. H. 363 do $ ad. Cove Creek, Utah Oct. 26 Y. & H. 181 Sturnella rna fr ua var. ue- 9 iun. Panf[uitch. Utah Sept 18 H 344 glecta. . do $ inn. Washington, Utah Oct. 22 H. & Y. 351a do it in 11. do Oct. 23 H & Y. 352 . . do 9 jttti- do Oct. 23 H. & Y. COBVID^E. Corvus corax, L., var. carnworus, Bartr. American Raven. The most common and characteristic bird of Nevada and Utah ; par- ticularly numerous in the vicinity of cattle-ranges. It is variable in its disposition, at times very shy and at others permitting the closest approach. Not generally found above the plains and foot-hills. Corvus americamis, Aud. Common Crow. Comparatively rare; met with only at Provo, where a number were seen at different times. Said by the settlers to have appeared within a few years. Picicorvus columMamts, (Wils.) Clark's Crow. Not observed until September 8, when a pair were noticed at Otter Creek, Middle Utah. From this time until the middle of October it was seen almost daily, singly and in flocks. It was invariably on the wing, flying from side to side of the mountains, generally to the numer- ous cedars, and uttering its peculiar notes, which consist of a succession of short rattling cries. Owing to its singular uneasiness, almost akin to shyness, none were secured. Its flight is undulating and its habits much resemble those of the woodpeckers (Picidcc). Pica melanoleuca, Y., var. hudsonica Sab. Magpie. Numerous in mountains and plains of Eastern Nevada and Utah. Shy and difficult of approach. Its voice is singularly flexible, and capable of producing a variety of sounds, from the guttural chuckle to the softest whistle. Eesideut throughout the year. Cyanurus stelleri, (Gm.), var. macrolopJia Bd. Long-crested Jay. Apparently confined to mountains and canons. Specimens taken at Provo in Julv and November. Winters. REPORT UPON ORNITHOLOGICAL SPECIMENS. 21 Cyauoc-itta floridana, (Bartr.), var. woodhousii, Bd. Woodliouse's Jay. Common and somewhat abundant in Nevada and Utah; generally found in bushes along streams. In habits and notes, little or no differ- ence could be detected from those of the Florida Jay (C.floridana). Gymnokitta cyanocephala Pr. Max. Maximillian's Jay. Common in mountains and foot-hills of Nevada and Utah in the vicinity of cedars, the gum of which in all the specimens taken was found adhering to the feathers. At the season -when taken, September until December, strictly gregarious. No. Name. Sex. Locality. Date. Collector. ;~-> Corvus carnivorus 9 ad. Beaver, Utab .... Nov. H 11-2 SO-? Pica melanoleuca, var. bud- sonica. do H woodhousii. do A Iron City Utab Oct. 5 H. 293 do Beaver, Utab Sept. 25 Y. & H. 960 do f Fillniore, Utab Sept. 4 Y. 31H do 3 Pine Creek Utab Nov 12 Y &H. :WQ do . . ... * . do Nov. 12 Y. & H. 400 . do do Nov 12 Y &H. 401 do A . . do Nov. 12 Y. & H. 4f>4 . . do > Provo, Utab Nov. 25 Y. & H. 950 do > Iron City Utab Oct 6 H 985 Gymuokitta cvanocepbala 9 ad. Beaver, Utab . Sept. 24 Y. & H. 86 do 9 ad. do Sept 24 Y & H. 87 88 do do . $ ad. '*$ ad. ....do do Sept. 24 Sept. 24 Y. &. H. Y. & H. 376 do $ ad. do Oct. 31 Y &, H. 77 do A ad. do Oct. 31 Y. & H. 78 . do 9 ad. do Oct. 31 Y. & H. ?<) do A ad do Nov 3 Y & H TYRANNIDJG. Tyrannus Caroline-mis, (L.) King-bird. Not very common, except in the vicinity of Provo River, where it was taken. * Ty nonius verticalis* Say. Arkansas Flycatcher. Quite common at Provo. A nest found on end of cottonwood limb projecting over the water was composed of cottonwood-down and grasses, lined with a few hairs, and presenting a bulky appearance. The young birds, though able to fly, were being fed by their parents at this date, July 26. Emp-ulonax pusillm (Sw.) Little Flycatcher. Exceedingly numerous near Provo River in willow-thickets, sparingly so in Eastern Nevada. Very quick and nervous in its movements, con- stantly crossing and recrossing the river and catching insects. The single "whit," which is ever repeated, is strongly suggestive of the note of the Least Flycatcher (E. minimum), while the song may be com- 22 EXPLORATIONS AND SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN. pared to that of the eastern Phoebe (Sayornis fuscus). A nest found July 27 in a small willow, 3 feet from the ground, was a rather loose structure, composed of grasses, with a lining of a few hairs. This con- tained newly-hatched young. Eggs white, sprinkled with reddish- brown. A comparison of the large series taken shows considerable variation in size, especially as regards the bills. Empidonax hammondiij Bd. Hammond's Flycatcher. Two specimens only secured, one from near Beaver River, and the other procured by Lieutenant Hoxie twenty-five miles from Fillrnore, Utah. This gentleman stated that he saw numbers of these birds in a cave in company with swallows. Empidonax obscurus, (Sw.) Wright's Flycatcher. Two specimens secured, one in Eastern Nevada, the other on a mount- ain-side near Provo covered with scrub. Not common. Contopus boreaUs, (Sw.) Olive-sided Flycatcher. Seen upon several occasions in the heavy pine-timber of the Wah- satch. Seems not to differ in coloration from eastern specimens. Contopus mrensr) (L.), var. richardsonii Sw. Short-legged Pewee. Seen in same localities as preceding. Apparently rather common. No. Name. Sex. Locality. Date. Collector. 48 Tyraunus carolinensis o a( i Provo Utah Julv 25 Y & H 57 Tvrannus verticalis $ ad ...do . July 26 Y & H. 70 do . 9 ad do July 26 Y & H 103 do $ ad do Julv 7 Y & H 104 . do . .do July 27 Y & H 35 Empidonax pusillus 9 ad. do July 25 Y. & H. 36 do 9 ad do Julv 25 Y. & H. 37 38 do do $ ad. A ad. ....do do July 25 July 25 Y. & H. Y. & H. 39 do $ ad do . . . July 25 Y. & H. 40 do . $ ad do July 25 Y & H. 41 do $ ad .... do July 25 Y. & H. 42 .do 2 do July 25 Y. & H. 43 do 9 ad do An" 1 2 H 44 do 2 ad do July 25 H. & Y. 43 do . $ &d do July 25 H. & Y. 48 do $ ad do July 29 H. & Y. 49 do $ ad . .do An ". 3 H. 97 do $ ad do . Au *. 1 H. 73 do . 9 ad do July 26 H & Y. 74 . .. do $ ad do July 26 H. & Y. 75 do . -w $ ad do . July 26 H. & Y. 75 "" * do $ ad do July 26 H & Y. 98 do 9 ad ...do Aug. 3 H. 85 190 do do 9 ad. 9 ad. ....do do July 29 July 29 H.& Y. H. & Y. 98 do $ ad do July 27 IT. & Y. 151 do ... $ ad do . Julv 30 H. & Y. 96 do 9 inn Wahsatch Utah. Aug. 16 H. 970 Empidonax hammondii. . * Beaver, Utah Sept. 22 Y. & H. r> do Cedar, Utah Oct. Hoxie. 62 Enipidonax obscurus Provo Utah Au. 9 H. E do Snake Creek, Nev Aug. 9 Y. 73 Contopus borealis . . ... 9 ad Daniell's Cafion, Utah Aug. 12 H. 72 133 Contopus virens, var. rich- ardsonii. do $ ad. $ ad. ....do Wahsatch, Utah ...... Aug. 12 Aug. 25 H. H. REPORT UPON ORNITHOLOGICAL SPECIMENS ALCEDINID^. 23 Cerylc alcyon, (L.) Belted Kingfisher. Common on streams throughout Utah. No. Name. Sex. Locality. Date. Collector. 87 Cervle filcyou $ ad Provo Utah July 26 Y & H. CAPRI3IULGID.E. Antrostomus nuttallii, (Aud.) Poor-will. Several individuals, believed to be of this species, were seen at various times in Southern Utah, having the peculiar flight in the day- time which is characteristic.of this bird. Chordeiles popetue, (Y.), var. lienryi Cass. Western Night-Hawk. Very common, especially in Western Utah and Eastern Nevada. Unlike our eastern species, which generally commences to hunt insects at early dusk, this bird was almost invariably seen to commence its repast between three and four in the afternoon. CYPSELID^E. Panypiila saxatilus (Woodh.) White-throated Swift. Noticed on one occasion only while passing the divide between Gun- nison and Grass Valley. Several individuals were noticed high in air, but keeping well out of range. TROCHILID^E. Tfochilus alexandri^ Bourc and Mais. Black-chinned Humming-bird. Observed in canons in Nevada and at Provo> where it was very num- erous, it being the only species of humming-bird taken. Quite common throughout the Territory. A nest found at Provo, July 29, contained two eggs nearly hatched ; it was placed in a notch of a cottonwood branch, 12 feet from the tree, and formed of cotton from this tree.* No. Name. Sex. Locality. Date. Collector. T>q Trocbilns alexandri 9 ad. Provo Utah July 29 Y. & H. V>8 do $ ad. do July 29 Y. &H. 130 do 9 ad do July 29 Y &H. 131 do A ad. do July 30 Y. &H. 132 do 2111D. do July 30 Y. &H. * It may Ite mentioned in this connection that while traveling over an Indian trail leading from Long Valley to Shonesburgh, Southern Utah, a pair of humming-birds were noticed at the bottom of a canon some distance below the trail. At this distance they appeared on the back of a greenish-yellow color, with black stripes in the side of the individual supposed to be the male. An effort was made to secure them but failed. This note is given for what it is worth. H. C. YARROW. 24 EXPLORATIONS AND SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN. CTJCULIDJE. Geococcyx califormanus, (Less.) Evidence was obtained from George, Southern Utah. the settlers of its occurrence at Saint PICIDJE. Colaptes mexicanus, Sw. Bed-shafted Flicker. Owing to the general absence of timber, none of the Picidw were com- mon except at a few localities among the mountains. This species is very generally distributed throughout the Territories of Utah and Nevada, At Provo, in July, but few individuals were seen, but in December at this place they were very common. Nests often seen in holes in banks of streams. Spliyropiciis varim, (L.), var. nuchalis, Bd. Bed-throated Woodpecker. A pair taken at Toquerville in October, and a few individuals were seen in aspen-groves in the Wahsatch Mountains. Melanerpes torquatus (Wils.) Lewis's Woodpecker. A single specimen taken in Beaver Canon in September, but no doubt this and the preceding species are common in the heavy timber of the mountains. Picus villosusj (L.), var. harrisii Aud. Harris's Woodpecker. A single male bird secured in Grass Valley in September. Picus pubescens, (L.), var. gairdner-i Aud. Gairduer's Woodpecker. An individual believed to be of this species was seen at Provo, No- vember 27. No. Name. Sex. Locality. Date. Collector. 45 Colaptes mexicanus /$ inn Provo Utah . Auf. 3 H 360 .do 9 ad. Washington, Utah Oct. 24 H. & Y. 468 do , $ ad. Provo, Utah ... . Nov. 30 H &Y 469 do $ ad do , Nov. 30 H &Y 486 do A ad. do Dec. I H. & Y. 283 307 Sphyropicus varius, var. nu- ckalis do 6Q Melanerpes torquatus iuu Beaver, Utah Sept 22 Y A: H 160 Picus villosus, var. harrisii . $ Grass Valley, Utah Sept. 10 H. STEIGIDJE. Otus vulyaris, (L.), var. tvilsonianm (Less.) Long-eared Owl. Probably the most common of this family. A colony of perhaps a dozen individuals met with in a cedar-grove in Grass Valley, Eastern Utah, in September. A number of specimens here obtained. A favorite abode of this species appears to be the heavy brush found in all the streams issuing from the mountains, which in many cases, indeed, from a lack of heavier timber, constitutes their sole resort. REPORT UPON ORNITHOLOGICAL SPECIMENS. 25 On a stream near Fillinore, six of these owls were taken within a radius of half a mile, and many of their old nests being seen, there seems no reason to doubt but that this was a favorite breeding-ground. tfpeotyto cunicularia, var. hypugcca Bp. (Mol.) Prairie-Owl. Seen in but two localities in Utah, Dog Valley and near Pauquitch Lake. Not very numerous-, living with prairie-dogs. No. Name. Sex. Locality. Date. Collector. IV) Otus vulgaris, var. wilsoni- aiius do 9 ad. d &cl J Grass Valley, Utah.... Sept. 10 Sept 10 H. H do d" eld, Flllmove -. Nov. 18 H &Y. 4- ; 2 do r? ad. do Nov. 18 H &Y 4-^ .do ., ^ act. Nov. 18 H. &Y. 426 . do 2 ad. . C'O , IM>Y. 18 H &Y. ..... ao --.-:-. ; . H Fak'o sparverius, L. Sparrow-Hawk. Very common in Nevada and Utah. Seen frequently in the mount- ains ; subsists largely upon grasshoppers. Xisusfuscus, (Gm.) Sharp-shinned Hawk. Not uncommon in Nevada and Utah. A beautiful adult pair were taken in Beaver Canon September 24. Upon one occasion, while watch- ing a pair of doves feeding upon the ground, a female of this species made a daring and successful swoop upon one of them, passing within a few feet of the observer's head. As a further illustration of the brav- ery and hardihood with which this bird pursues its prey, it may be mentioned that one was observed in the town of Pauq-uitch eagerly pursuing a common pigeon, apparently oblivious of the presence of spectators, who, for some time, vainly endeavored to drive it away. Such was its determination that it actually followed the pigeon into a deserted house, but was finally obliged to retire without accomplishing its object. Buteo borealis, (Gm), var. calurus Cass. A fine adult female was secured at Otter Creek, Utah, in September. Observed at intervals during the entire season, generally in the mount- ains.* Archibuteo lagopus, (Bruin.), var. sancti-johannis GUI. Black Hawk. Although seen several times in the mountains during the summer? none were obtained until at Provo, where it was the most numerous of the hawks. At this place, from November 25 until December 4, no less than eleven specimens were taken, representing the bird in all stages of plumage. On foot it was extremely difficult to approach this hawk, but it could be ridden up to with ease; most of the specimens being shot in this way from the back of a mule. Utah Lake and the surrounding marshes attract multitudes of water- " It may be mentioned that in the road from Saint George to Beaver, late in the i>;\^m, several Buteos were observed not calurus, but probably allied to lineatus, as it resembled it in form and flight. 26 EXPLORATIONS AND SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN. fowl, and this undoubtedly explains in part the abundance of hawks at this season, since wounded and disabled ducks must form no incon- siderable part of their food. Its manner of hunting much resembles the following species, and like it subsists to a certain extent upon mice, which are very numerous in the rushes. In the stomachs of every indi- vidual captured was found the remains of these little animals. Circus cyaneus, (L.), var. lindsonius L. Marsh-Hawk. Frequently observed in the lowlands during the trip nearly as abun- dant as the preceding at Provo in the fall. To be seen at all hours of the day, sweeping over the tops of the marsh-rushes in search of mice. In several instances these birds were decoyed within gunshot by the collector hiding in the rushes ancj ii^it^iHg the squeak of a mouse. Haliaetus leucoceplialus, (L.) Bald Eagle. Of frequent occurrence in the lowlands. Aquila clirysaetos, (L.), var. Of frequent occurrence in s-Ls-^Q olden Eagle. No. Name. Sex. Locality. Date. Collector. 97 Falco sparverius 9 ad. Wahsatcli Mts., Utah.. Auo-. 16 H. 268 do $ ad. Beaver Utah Sept. 22 Y. & H. <>qo .do $ ad. do Sept. 24 Y. & H. 184 Buteo Iborealis var. calurus 2 ad. Otter Creek, Utah Sept. 19 H. 284 Nisus fuscus . $ ad. Beaver Creek Utah Sept. 24 Y. & H. 301 . do . 9 ad. ,...do Sept. 24 Y. & H. 472 do o -jnn. Provo, Utah Nov. 30 Y. & H. 438 446 Archibuteo saiicti-joliannis . do $ A ....do .do Nov. 26 Nov. 27 Y. & H. Y. & H. 447 do A do . . Nov. 27 Y. & H. 448 do 21 tin do Nov. 27 Y. & H. 458 do . . . . $ ad. do Nov. 30 Y. & H. 466 do $ ad. do Nov. 30 Y.&H. 4^q do $ ad. do Nov. 25 Y. &H. 437 do ff do Nov. 26 Y. & H. 485 do 9 ad. do Dec. 1 Y. & H. 488 do . ; ...do Dec. 2 Y. &H. 491 do > do Dec. 3 Y. &H. 439 Circus cy aiieus var hud- $ ad Beaver Utah Nov. 26 H. & Y. 440 sonius. do A inn. . . . do Nov. 26 H. & Y. 470 do 9 ad. Provo Utah Nov. 30 H. & Y. 482 do if? inn. do 1 Dec. 1 H. & Y. 489 do . .... A iun. .... do Dec. 2 H. & Y. CATHARTID-E. Ehinogryplius aura, (L.) Turkey-Buzzard. Very common throughout Nevada and Utah, but extremely shy. Pseudogryphus calif or nianus, (Shaw.) California Vulture. A very large vulture seen near Beaver November 25 was believed to be of this species ; in company with the R. aura, which it greatly ex- ceeded in size. It had just finished a repast upon the carcass of a horse. REPORT UPON ORNITHOLOGICAL SPECIMENS. COLUMBIDJE. 27 Zcnaidura carolinensis, (L,) Common Dove. Common everywhere ou the plains ; occurs sparingly in mountains. A number of nests were found near Provo, some containing young fully fledged July 30, and others at this time contained eggs 5 while in other cases the nests were still in process of construction. No. Name. Sex. Locality. Date. Collector. 29 Zenaklura carolinensis $ ad. Provo Utah Aue. 2 H. & Y. 37 do $ ad do July 30 H & Y 47 71 do do .. 9 ad. 9 ad ....do do July 25 July 26 H.& Y. H. & Y. 302 , do O inn Tofjuerville Utali Oct 15 H. TETRAON1D-SJ. Cunace obscunia, Say. Dusky Grouse. Very common on the mountains, and singularly unsuspicious and stupid ; often allowing an approach close enough to strike them with a stick. Ccntrocercus urophasianus^ (Bp.) Sage-Cock. Numerous on plains and in mountain-valleys about 8,000 feet above water-level. Pedicecetes phasianeUus, (Linn.), var. columbjanus Ord. Sharp- tailed Grouse. A single band seen about the middle of September in grassy foot-hills near Meadow Creek, Utah. No. Name. Sex. Locality. Date. Collector. ill Canace obscurua o ad Hobble Creek Canon A no- 9 H fi9 do JllD. Danville Canon Auf 12 H E do . . JllD do Ami- 12 H PERDICID.E. Ortijx virginianuS) (L.) Quail. A number of pairs of this bird were introduced at Provo from the East a few years since, and everything would seem to indicate their rapid increase. In July the call-notes of the males were frequently heard, and a number of bevies were seen here in the fall near the thickets and hedges. They are carefully protected by law, a heavy fine being imposed for their destruction. Lopliortyx gambeli, Xutt. GambeFs Partridge. This beautiful species, which is different from the California quail, although called such in Utah, was first met with early in October at 28 EXPLORATIONS AND SURVEYS WEST OF' 100TH MERIDIAN. Harmony, Southern Utah, in large numbers, where it is resident all the year. The young two-thirds grown were taken at this place October 9. This locality would appear to be about its northern breeding-limit, but information was received of the occasional appearance of these birds at Cedar City, some thirty miles to the northward. From Harmony southward it was found even more abundantly, fre- quenting the grain-fields and vineyards about the towns, where bevies of even one hundred were not infrequent. Being rarely disturbed, it is quite tame, and unless closely pursued seldom takes wing, preferring to trust to its speed of foot. At Har- mony many bevies habitually roosted in the heavy brush along the banks of the small streams, which are conducted through the fields, resorting thither at early dusk and departing about sunrise for the rocky hills. For rocky ground it shows great preference, and when flushed in the vicinity of such invariably betakes itself thither for concealment. No. Name. Sex. Locality. Date. Collector. 9fifi Lophortyx gambeli . . . $ ad Harmony Utah Oct 9 H. 267 do 2 11111 do Oct 9 H 968 do 9iu.li .do Oct. 10 H. 269 . do rt inn do Oct. 10 H. 280 do 9 ad do Oct 11 H 989 do $ ad do Oct. 12 H. 293 do $ ad do Oct 14 H. 333 do p iuu. Washington, Utah Oct. 22 H. & Y. 3-?3 do . $ ad Toqnerville, Utah . Oct 19 H. *fc Y. 338 do a d AVashin cr ton Utah Oct 22 H & Y. 339 do 9 ...do Oct. 22 H. & Y. 337 do do Oct 22 H. & Y. 343 do $ do Oct. 22 H. & Y. 399 do O i QU do . Oct. 22 H. & Y. 33/1 do $ ad do Oct 22 H &Y. 353 do $ ad. ...do Oct. 22 H. & Y. 341 do $ ad. do . .. . Oct. 22 H. & Y. 342 do $ ad do Oct 22 H & Y. 335 do ad. do .. Oct. 22 H. & Y. 336 do $ ad. ....do Oct. 22 K. & Y. CHARADRIIDJE. ialitis vociferus, (L.) Killdeer. Found extremely numerous in Eastern Nevada and in the vicinity of Provo, near Utah Lake. No. Name. Sex. Locality. Date. Collector. 45 ^Efialitis vociferus $ ad Provo Utah July 25 Y & H 46 do $ ad. do . July 25 Y. & H. SCOLOPACID^E. Gallinago wilsonii, (Tenini). English Snipe. Common in marshes in Eastern Nevada after the middle of August. In November and December seen at Beaver and Provo in viciuitv of REPORT UPON ORNITHOLOGICAL SPECIMENS. 29 warm springs in numbers, and occasionally even running along the sandy shores of streams, in this respect resembling the sandpipers. Winters at least as far north as Provo. Macrorhamphw griseus^ (Gin.) Red-breasted Snipe. Observed at Provo, July 24, and probably breeds in this vicinity. Common during the fall-migration. Tringa minutilla, V. Least Sandpiper. A single individual taken July 26; few only seen. Eureiinctes pmillus, (L.) Seniipaliuated Sandpiper. We are indebted for a single specimen of this bird to Mr. G. K. Gil- bert, geologist of the party, who obtained it at Sevier Lake, Utah, in September, a large flock being seen at this time. Gambettamel(tnokuca,((j[m.)~ Tell-tale -Stone-Snipe or Greater Yellow-legs. Common in Nevada and Utah during the fall-migrations. Tringoides macularins, (L.) Spotted Sandpiper. Breeds near Provo, and is quite common in all the streams. Xumenius longirostris, Wils. Long-billed Curlew. Very numerous in sloughs near Fairfield, Utah, and tolerably com- mon in Eastern Nevada near small lakes. A wounded specimen taken at Fillrnore in November. No. Name. Sex. Locality. Date. Collector. *? Tringa miriutilla $ ad Utah. Lake July 26 Y &H 177 1*10 Macrorhairiphtis griseus .do 2 ad. p inn ....do Rush Lake Utah July 24 Oct 1 Y.&H. H 197 4:^ Gambetta melanoleuca Gallmafo wilsonii 9 juii. $ ad. Deep Creek, Utah Provo, Utah Aug. 12 Nov. 25 Y. Y &H. 433 . . clo $ ad do Nov. 25 Y &H 94 Tringoides iiiacularius . $iuii. ... do Julv 24 Y &H. E Eureunetes pusillus Sevier Lake Utah. Sept. Gilbert. 427 Numenius longirostris X ad. Fillmore, Utah Nov. 19 Y. &H. 174 do Fail-field, Utah Auo-. 3 Y PHALAROPODIDvE. tftt:gtuw2)U8 icilsonii, (Sab.) Wilson's Phalarope. Seen at Great Salt Lake in July. RECURVIROSTRID^E. Recurvwostra americana, Gin. American Avooet. Numerous in August at Fairfield, and in Eastern Nevada, and pres- ent at Eush Lake, Utah, October 1, in large flocks. Very sliy and wary. Himantopus nigricoUis, V. Black-necked Stilt. Rather common at Fairfield, Utah, in August. 30 EXPLORATIONS AND SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN. No. Name. Sex. Locality. Date. Collector. 441 Recurvirostra auiericana . . . $ Provo, Utah Nov. 26 Y. & H. C7 Himautoptis niTicollis. . Fairfield, Utah Auo-. Y. G-RUIDJE. Grus canadensiSj Temin. Sandhill-Crane. First seen at Fisli Springs, Utah, in August. Companies of two or three were afterward observed on the plains later in the season. TANTALIDJE, Tantalus loculator, L. Wood-Ibis. A flock of eight or ten individuals seen at Bush Lake in October, and two fine specimens secured. Ibis guarauna (Gm.) Glossy Ibis. Although not met with, it is well known to gunners in the vicinity ot Utah Lake as the " Black Snipe," No. Name. Sex. Locality. Date. Collector. 901 Tantalus loculator $ ad. Rush Lake, Utah Oct. I H. 202 do 9 ad. do Oct. 1 H. ARDEID^E. Ardea herodias, L. Great Blue Heron. Observed as common at Utah Lake and Bush Lake, a few being seen at the former place as late as December. Herodias egretta, (Gm.) White Heron. A single individual observed near Beaver, Utah, but not secured. From information received it is probably not common at Prove, though seen there. Botaurus minor, (Gm.) Bittern. Not uncommon. Two specimens secured in Southern Utah. Nyctiardia grisea, (L.), var. nccvia Bodd. Night-Heron. Common at Provo, where it was seen in December. No. Name. Sex. Locality. Date. Collector. 167 Botaurus minor .... ...... 9 ad. Pan quitch, Utah Sept. 17 H. 300 do A ad. Beaver. Utah Sept. 24 Y. &H. 168 Nyctiardia grisea, var. nae- via $iun. do Sept. 24 Y. &H. KEPORT UPON ORNITHOLOGICAL SPECIMENS. RALLTDJ2, Por.zana Carolina, (L.) Sora Eail. tiallus I'irginianus, L. Virginia Eail. Common at Provo, the latter being taken in November . Fitlica americana,) Gin. Coot. Very numerous at Bush Like in f September. X<>. Name. Sex. Locality. Date. Collector. es 454 169 Porzaua Carolina . 2 inn. Utah Lake, Utah - - - July 26 Nov. 27 Sept. 17 Y.&H. Y. & H. H. Rallus virgiuianus fulica americana $ ad. Provo, Utah f i Pauciuitch Utah ANATID^E. Anser hyperboreus, Pall. Snow-Goose. Immense gangs of this bird noticed at Ensh Lake, Utah, in early November. Branta canadensis, (L.) Canada Goose. Extremely numerous during fall and early winter in all the lakes in Utah ; it passes the nights in the water, returning to the grain-fields at daybreak to feed. Branta bernicla, (L.), var. niaricans Lawr. Black Brant. Brant were seen at Bush Lake, supposed to be of this species. Anas boschas, L. Mallard. One of the most numerous of all the ducks in Nevada and Utah, win- tering near warm springs. Young scarcely able to fly by the middle of August. Anas obscura, Gm. Black Duck. Seen only at Bush Lake in November (Yarrow). Dafila acuta (L.) Sprig- or Pin-tail Duck. Common. Nettion carolinensis, (Gin.) Green-winged Teal. Common throughout Nevada and Utah. Querquedula discors, (L.), Steph. Blue-winged Teal. Not nearly as common as preceding. Querquedula cyanoptera, (V.) Bed-breasted Teal. Breeds in great numbers in the marshes of Utah Lake, migrating south very early. None taken. Spatula clypeata, (L.) Shoveler. Very common. 32 EXPLORATIONS AND SURVEYS WEST OF JOOTH MERIDIAN. Chaulelasmus streperus, (L.) Gadwall. Few only seen late in November at Provo. Marcea americana, (Gin.) Baldpate. Numerous. Fuligula mania, (L.) Greater Blackhead. Rather common. Fuligula collaris, (Donov.) Eing-necked Duck. Single young female taken at Rush Lake in September. Probably migrates south comparatively early in the season. Fuligula ferina^ (L.), var. americana Eyton. Redhead. But few seen. Bucephala clangula, (L.) Golden Eye. Numerous in Provo River. Bucepliala islandica, (Gm.) Barrow's Golden Eye. A pair of these ducks were taken in the Provo River December 1. This is the first instance of the discovery of this bird so far inland, and to the southward. Believed not to be uncommon, as gunners distin- guish it from the preceding by its large size. Bucepliala albeola, (L.) Butter-Ball. Common. Erismatura rubida, (Wils.) Ruddy Duck. Rather uncommon ; taken at Provo in November. Fergus serrator, L. Red-breasted Merganser. Very common. Fergus cucullatus, L. Hooded Merganser. Rather common. NOTE. The observations upon the foregoing species were made in Spring and Snake Valleys, Nevada, and Rush Lake and Utah Lake, Utah ; but as more time was spent at Utah Lake than at the other points, it may be assumed that the notes apply more particularly to this locality. No. Name. Sex. Locality. Date. Collector. 171 Anas boschas 9 ad. Fairfield, Utah Auir. 3 Y. 124 Nettion caroliuensis 9 ad. i Thistle Valley, Utah . Aug. 23 H. 193 do A iim. Deep Creek, Utah Auo-. 12 Y. 452 do $ ad. 1 Provo, Utah Nov. 27 II. & Y 109 Querquedula discors 9 ad. i Thistle Valley, Utah . Aug. 18 H. F163 do 4 1 Fairfield, Utah Au". 3 Y. 197 Spatula clypeata 5 Rush Lake Utah Sept. 30 H. 198 do . 9 ad. ; ....do Oct. 2 H. &, S. 450 jVIareca americana $ ad i Provo, Utah . Nov. 27 H. & S. 194 203 Fuligula ferina, var. ameri- cana. do $ jun. ft iun ;....do i Rush Lake Utah Nov. 27 Oct. 1 H. H. & S. 430 Bucepliala islaudica $ ad 1 Provo Utah Nov. 11 H. & 8. 4K3 do 9 ad. ! do Dec. 1 H.& S. 490 Bucepliala clanfula $ ad \ . do Nov. 2 H. & S. 431 Bucepliala albeola 9 iun do Nov. 25 H. & 8. 457 do $ ad. do Nov. 25 H. & S. 203 Fuligula collaris 3 iun. ! Rush Lake Utah Oct. 1 H. 453 Erismatura rubida A iun ; Provo Utah Nov. 27 Y. & H. 449 Chaulelasnius streperus . .. $ jun. ...vdo Nov. 27 Y. &H. REPORT UPON ORNITHOLOGICAL SPECIMENS. 33 PELECANID^E. Pelecanus eryflirorhynchus, Gm. American Pelican. In Stansbury's report of Great Salt Lake mention is made of large numbers of these birds being seen in the lake, they breeding in the islands thereof. In July but few were seen, and we are informed they no longer breed there. These birds were seen at Utah Lake late in July sparingly, and in September on the sloughs of the Sevier. LARID^E. Larus delawaremis, Ord. Ring-billed Gull. Common on the lakes throughout Utah. Cumbers seen on the Provo Eiver late in November when the lake was frozen. Sterna forsteri, Kutt. Ha veil's Tern. Common at Utah Lake, where it only was seen. Hijdroclielidon fissipes, Gr. Short-tailed Tern. Only two individuals seen, at Utah Lake in July. . Stansbury also mentions the occurrence of numerous gulls in Salt Lake: these of late years have greatly decreased. Several gulls were seen but not identified. No. Name. Sex. Locality. Date. Collector. 467 Lams delawarensis 2 Provo Utah Nov. 30 Y & H. 12 Sterna forsteri o a d do July 24 Y & H 13 do 9 ad do July 24 Y & H 14 do $ ad. do July 24 Y & H 15 .do $ ad. .do July 24 Y. & H. 16 do . . A ad. do July 24 Y & H. 17 do $ ad do July 24 Y & H 18 do 9 ad. .do July 24 Y. & H. 19 do 9 ad. do July 24 Y & H. COLYMBID.E. Colymbus torquatus, Bruim. Great Northern Diver. Said to be rather common at Utah Lake*. PODICIPIDJE. Podiceps occidentalis^ Lawr. Western Grebe. Common on Utah Lake. One specimen secured. Podiceps cornutuS) Lath. Horned Grebe. Podilyiiibiis podiceps, Lawr. Carolina Grebe. Few of the former and many of the latter seen at Ixiisli Lake in September. No. Name. Sex. Locality. Date. Collector. 31 Podiceps occideiitulis ... Ad. Utah Lake, Utah . . July 24 H. &S. 3 o s 34 EXPLORATIONS AND SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN. LIST OF BIBDS COLLECTED BY LIEUT. G. M. WHEELER'S EXPEDITION, 1871. The following list of birds, collected in 1871 by Mr. Bisclioff and other members of the party, will be found to represent some species whose geographical distribution has been greatly increased in the past two years. There are four species new to the fauna of Nevada ; they are Campylorliynclms brunneicapillus, Phainopepla nitens, Guiraca ccerulea, and Tantalus loculator. The specimens were nearly all secured in Arizona and Nevada, and it is greatly to be regretted that fuller notes cannot be given, the MSS. of Mr. Bischoff having been destroyed by fire. When we take into consideration the extreme barrenness of the.localities visited, and the difficulties under which the collections were made, we cannot help thinking that a great deal has been accomplished ; for, not- withstanding the small number of specimens secured, 88 in all, no less than 64 species, many of them rare, are represented in the collection. What with the ornithological labors of Dr. Coues in Arizona, those of Lieutenant Wheeler in the same Territory, Nevada, and Utah, and of Messrs. Allen and Eidgway in the latter Territory, American orni- thology has certainly received a new impetus and acquired many valuable facts heretofore unknown. List of birds collected l)ij Lieutenant Wheeler's expedition in 1871. Name. Sex. Locality. Date. Collector. TURDIDJS. Oreoscoptes rnontanus Nevada Jime 20 Bischoff. Mimus caudatus . , ...... .... ...... 9 ad. Arizona Nov. 30 Do. SAXICOLIDJE. Sialia arctica . .... $ ad Nevada June 20 Do. SITTID^E. Sitta pv^mcpji . ... ... . .. A ad. Nov. 14 Do. Do. Do. Do. Do $ ad. ....do Nov. 14 Do. Do $ ad. do Nov. 14 Do. TROGLODYTID^E. Campvlorhynchus Ixrunneicapillus . Ad. Nevada Aug. 14 Do. SYLVICOLID^E. Dendroica ffistiva ... ..... . $ ad. do Aug. 9 Do. AMPELIDuE. Phainopepla nitens Jim. do , Aug. 6 Do. LANIID J3. Collurio excul>itoroides Do Ad. Ad. ...do do June 1 Sept. 19 Do. Do. FRIXGILLID^E. c? ad do Sept. 8 Do. Pocecetes confiuis Coturniculus nernallidus .. 5 ad. 1 ad. ....do ...do -- June 20 Rent. 8 Do. Do. REPORT UPON ORNITHOLOGICAL SPECIMENS. 35 Listofblrds collected by Lieutenant Wheeler's expedition in 1871 Continued. Name. Sex. Locality. Date. Collector. Melospiza hermanni Ad. Arizona .. . Sept 8 Do Ad. do Sept. 8 Do Zonotrichia leucophrvs ...... 3 ad. Bull Run, Nevada May 25 Do Zouotrichia intermedia Ad. Nevada Oct 30 Do $ ad. do Do Do Jun. do Do Hedymeles melanocephalus $ ad Bull Run, Nevada May 25 Do $ ad Nevada Auir 9 Do Cyanospiza amcsna .. . ... .. A ad. Bull Run, Nevada May 25 Hoffman Do $ ad do May 25 Bischoff Do $ ad. do May 23 Hoffman Cordinalis ifneus $ ad Arizona ... .. Nov. 30 Bischoff Pyrrhuloxia sinuata A ad do . Nov 30 Do Pipilo chlorurus ... ........ A ad. Bull Run, Nevada May 23 Hoffman Do 9 ad do May 24 Do Do , 9 ad. do June 24 Bischoff ALAUDID/E. Eremophila alpestris $ ad Nevada June 10 Do ICTERID^E. Icterus bullockii $ ad. do June 4 Do Xantliocephalus icterocephalus $ ad Halleck Nevada May 14 Do Do A ad. do May 14 Do Do ... ... $ ad do May 14 Do Do A ad. do May 14 Do Do $ ad. do May 14 Do Do ... $ ad do May 14 Do Do $ ad. do May 14 Do Do .... $ ad do May 14 Do Do $ ad do May 14 Do Do.. $ ad. do May 14 Do Do $ ad do May 14 Do Do 9 ad. do May 14 Do Do Jun do May 14 Do CORVIDyE. $ ad. Arizona Nov. 20 Do Do $ ad do Nov 20 Do Cyanocitta woodhousei 9 ad. Nevada Sept. 6 Do Picicorvus columbianus. ........ Ad. do J U ly Do Gymuokitta cyauocephala Jun do Sept 8 Do TYRANNISE. Tyrannus verticalis 9. ad. do May 25 Do Do Ad do May 25 Do Do Jun do Sept 14 Do Do $ ad. California Ana-. 16 Do Contopus borealis .. iun Nevada Auo- 16 Do Empidouax pusillus .. 9 ad. Humboldt River, May 31 Do Einpidonax obscurus 9 ad Nevada. Bull Run Nevada May 25 Hoffman Do Ad Nevud'i Bischpff CAPRmuLGinj;. Chordeiles henryi 9 ad do \ny ^Ir. Kid^way in the East liumboldfc Mountains, in the eastern portion of Nevada, in August and September. 48 EXPLORATIONS AND SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN. (the Woodpeckers). *115. Picus villosus L.j var. liarrisii And. Harris's Woodpecker. Common. Confined generally to the mountains. Permanent resident. *116. Picus pubescens L., var. gairdneri, And. Gairdner's Wood- pecker. Rare. Our specimen noted at Provo in November. A few individ- uals seen by Mr. Eidgway in Wahsatch Mountains in July. *117. Spliyrapicus tliyroideus (Cass.) Brown-headed Woodpecker ; Black- breasted Woodpecker ; Williamson's Woodpecker. Bare in the pine-region (Eidgway.) 118. Melanerpes erythrocephalus (L.) Eed-headed Woodpecker. A single individual observed at Salt Lake City in June. (Eidgway.) *119. Melanerpes torquatus (Wils.) Lewis's Woodpecker. Not very common, but generally distributed. Eesideut. *120. Colaptes auratus (L.), var. mexicanus, Swains. Eed-shafted Flicker. Yery common everywhere. Eesident. STRIGID^ (the Owls). *121. Speotyto cunicularia (Mol.), var. liypogcm, Bon. Prairie-Owl. Not very common. Eesident. 1 '122. Bubo mrgmlanus (Grnel.), var. arcticus, Swains. Great Horned Owl. Common in the wooded portions. Eesident. *123. Otus vulgaris (L.), var. wilsonianus, Less. Long-eared Owl. Exceedingly abundant in the thick brush along the streams. Eesident. FALCONID^E (the Hawks, Eagles, &c.) *124. Falco communis, Gmel., var. anatum, Bon. Duck-Hawk. Eather common. Eesident. *125. Falco saker Schl., var. polyayrus, Cass. Prairie-Falcon. Somewhat common on the plains. Eesident. (Eidgway.) *126. dEsalon columbarius (L.) Pigeon-Hawk. Eather frequent. Generally distributed. Eesident. * 127. Tinnunculus sparverius (L.) Sparrow-Hawk. Yery common everywhere. Eesident. *128. Pandion haliaetus (L.), var. carolinensis, Gmel. Fish-Hawk. Eather rare. Eesident. REPORT UPON ORNITHOLOGICAL SPECIMENS. 49 *129. Haliactus leucoceplialus (L.) White-headed Eagle. Bather common. Resident. *130. Aqmla clirysaetos (L.), var. canadensis, L. Golden Eagle. Rather common in the mountains. Resident. *131. ArcMbuteo lagopus (Briinn.), var. sancti-johannis Penn. Black Hawk. Exceedingly abundant in the vicinity of Provo Lake in winter. *132. ArcJiibuteo ferrugineus (Licht.) California Squirrel- Hawk. The eggs of this species, together with the parent birds, collected in the vicinity of Ogden, are in the Smithsonian collection. *133. Buteo borealis (Gmel.), var. calurus, Cass. Common. Resident. *134. Buteo swainsoni, Bon. Swainson's Buzzard. Very abundant in the mountains. (Ridgway.) *135. Nisus cooperi, (Bon.) Cooper's Hawk. Rare. Generally distributed, but chiefly seen in the mountains. Res- ident. (Ridgway.) *136. Nisusfuscus (Gm.) Sharp-shinned Hawk. Common. Resident. *137. Circus cyaneus (L.), var. liudsonius, L. Marsh-Hawk. Exceedingly abundant in the lowlands. Resident. CATHABTID^E (the American Vultures). (?)138. Pseudogryphus californianus (Cuv.) Califoruian Vulture. Very rare. Two individuals seen near Beaver November 25. *139. Rliinogryplius aura (L.) Red-headed Vulture; Turkey -Buzzard. Common. Resident. COLTTMBID^E (the Doves, or Pigeons). *140. Zenaidura carolinensis (L.) Carolina Dove. Abundant in the valleys. Breeds up to 8,000 feet. (Ridgway.) TETRAONID^E (the Grouse). *141. Canace obscura (Say). Dusky Grouse. Abundant. Resident. Confined exclusively to the mountains. 142. Centrocercm urophasianus (Bon.) Sage-Hen. Very abundant, principally upon the plains, but found in the valleys of the mountains up to 7,000 feet. 4 o s 50 EXPLORATIONS AND SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN. *143. Peclioccete* phasianellus (L.), var. columbianus, Orel. Sharp-tailed Grouse. A single company seen about the middle of September in grassy foot- hills near Meadow Creek. (Yarrow.) Besident. *144. Bonasa umbellus (L.), var. nmbelloides, Douglas. Buffed Grouse. Occurs sparingly in the mountains near Ogden. (Allen.) Also near Salt Lake City. (Bidgway.) Besident. PERDICID^E (the Quails or Partridges). *145. Orlyx virginianus (L.) Quail; Bob White. Introduced near Ogdeu and Provo. (Allen.) *146. Lopliortyx californicus (Shaw). Californian Quail. Introduced near Ogden. (Allen.) *147. Lophortyx gambeli (Nutt.) GainbePs Quail. Very abundant in southern part of Territory. Besident. CHARADRIID^E (the Plovers). *148. JEgialitis vociferus (L.) Kildeer-Plover. Very numerous. Besident. *149. ^Egialitis cantiamis (Lath.), var. nivosus, Cass. Snowy Plover. Yery abundant on shores of Salt Lake in May. (Bidgway.) SCOLOPACIDJE (the Snipes, Sandpipers, &c.) 150. Gallinago gallinaria (Gm.), var. wilsoni, Tenim. English Snipe. Abundant. Found in Parley's Park during the entire summer. Prob- ably breeds. (Bidgway.) 151. Macrorhamplms griseus (Gm.) Bed-breasted Snipe. Abundant during the fall. Probably breeds, as it was obtained at Provo in July in full summer-dress. 152. Tringa alpina (L.), var. americana, Cass. Bed-backed Sandpiper. Common at Ogden in September. (Allen.) 153. Actodromas minutilla ( Vieill. ) Least Sandpiper. A few seen about July 26 at Provo. Not common at Ogden. (Allen.) 154. Ereunetes pusillus (L.) Semipalmated Sandpiper. Abundant during the fall-migrations. 155. Symphemia semipalmata (Ginel.) Numerous on south shore of Salt Lake. Breeding. (Bidgway.) 156. Totanus melanoleucus (Ginel.) Greater Yellowlegs. Abundant during the fall-migration. REPORT UPON ORNITHOLOGICAL SPECIMENS. 51 157. Totanm flavipes (Gmel.) Summer Yellowlegs. Not common. Ogden, September. (Allen.) 158. Totanus solitarius (Bp.) Not common. Ogden, September. (Allen.) *159. Tringoides macularius (L.) Spotted Sandpiper. Common along tlie streams and lakes. 160. Actiturus bartramius (Wils.) Bartram's Field-Plover. Eather common on Kamas prairies in July. (Eidgway.) *161. Numenius longirostris, Wils. Long-billed Curlew. Breeding abundantly on shores and islands of Salt Lake in May and June. (Eidgway.) Abundant during the fall-migration. EALLID^E (the Bails, G-allinules, and Coots). 162. Eallus elegans, Aud. King-Bail. Said to be uncommon. Ogdeu. (Allen.) *163. Eallus virginianus, L. Virginia Eail. Common in the marshes. Eesident. *164. Porzana Carolina (L.) Carolina Eail. Not so common as preceding. Winters (?) *165. Porzana jamaicensis (Qrn.) Little Black Eail. Occasional in summer. Parley's Park, June, July, and August. (Eidgway.) 166. Fulica americana, Gin. Coot. Very abundant. Eesident. PHALAROPODID^; (the Phalaropes). *167. Steganopus wilsoni (Sab.) Wilson's Phalarope. Common at Salt Lake. EECURVIROSTRID^: (the Avocets and Stilts). *168. Itecurvirostra americana, Gm. American Avocet. Abundant. Breeding at Salt Lake in June. (Eidgway.) *169. Himantopus nigricollis, Vieill. Black-necked Stilt. Same as preceding. GRUID^] (the Cranes). *170. 0-rus canadensis (L.) Sandhill-Crane. Not uncommon. TANTALID^I (the Ibises). 171. Tantalus loculator, L. Wood-Ibis. Eather common visitant. 52 EXPLORATIONS AND SURVEYS WEST OF IOOTH MERIDIAN. *172. Ibis guarauna (L.) Glossy Ibis. Common. *173. Ibis alba (L.) White Ibis. A few seen at Ogdeu, September. (Allen.) Probably breeds in con- siderable numbers. ARDEID^E (the Herons). *174 Ardea lierodias L. Great Blue Heron. Common. Eesident. 175. Herodias alba (L.), var. egretta, Gmel. White Heron. Not uncommon in the fall. *176. Botaurus minor (Gni.) Bittern. Common in all parts of the Territory. Eesident. *177. Nyctiardea grisea (L.), var. ncevia, Bodd. Night-Heron. Very common. Resident. ANATID^E (the Swans, Geese, and Ducks). 178. Cygnus americanus, Sharpl. Whistling Swan. Jordan River, March. (Stansbury.) 179. Anser hyperboreus, Pal. Snow-Goose.* Common winter-resident. * 180. Branta canadensis (L.) Canada Goose. Immense flocks pass through the Territory in fall, and large numbers winter. *181. Anas boschas, L. Mallard. One of the most common ducks. Breeding abundantly, and winter- ing in large numbers. 182. Anas obscurus, Gm. Black Duck. A few seen at Rush Lake in November. (Yarrow.) 183. Dafila acuta (L.) Pin-tail. Common in fall. *184. Nettion carolinensis (Gm.) Green-winged Teal. Very abundant. 185. Querquedula discors (L.) Blue-winged Teal, Not nearly as abundant as preceding. Perhaps breeds. *186. Querquedula cyanoptera (Vieill.) Red-breasted Teal. Common summer-resident. Breeding abundantly in the marshes. 187. Spatula clypeata (L.) Shoveler. Very common in the tail. REPORT UPON ORNITHOLOGICAL SPECIMENS. 53 *1S8. Chaulelasmus streperus (L ) Gadwall. Very abundant. But few winter. *189. Mareca americana (Gin.) American Widgeon. Abundant. 190. Aix sponsa (L.) Summer-Duck. Common. Ogden, September. (Allen.) 191. Fulix marila (L.) Big Blackhead. Common in fall. 192. Fulix affinis (Ey ton). Little Blackhead. Autumn-migrant. Utah Lake. (Capt. J. H. Simpson.) *193. Fulix collaris (Donovan). Eing-necked Duck. Common. 194. Aytliya ferina (L.), var. americana, Eyton. Numerous in fall. 195. Bucepliala clangula (L.), var. americana, Bon. Golcfen-eye. Abundant in fall and winter. 196-. Bucepliala islandica Gm. Barrow's Golden -eye. Perhaps not uncommon in fall and winter. A pair were taken in Provo River December 1. 197. Bucepliala albeola (L.) Butter-ball. Very common in fall and winter. *198. Erismatura ruUda (Wils.) Ruddy-Duck. Common. 199. Mergus merganser, L. 7 var. americanus, Cass. Sheldrake. *200. Mergus serrator, L. Red-breasted Merganser. Abundant. 201. Lopliodytes cucullatus (L.) Hooded Merganser. Common in fall. PELECANID^E (the Pelicans). *202. Pelecanus erytlirorliynclms (Gm.) American Pelican. Common upon the lakes. Although no longer breeding upon Great Salt Lake, it undoubtedly does so within the limits of the Territory. PHALACROOORACID^E (the Cormorants). *203. Graculus dilophm (Sw.) Double-crested Cormorant; Black Shag. Common at Salt Lake. 54 EXPLORATIONS AND SURVEYS WEST OF IOOTH MERIDIAN. LARID^ (the Gulls and Terns). *204. Larus argentatus, Brunn., var. californicw, Lawr. California Her- ring-Gull. Common summer-resident; (Bidgway.) 205. Larus delawarensis, Ord. King-billed Gull. Rather common. Winter-resident. 206. Chrcecocephalus Philadelphia (Ord). Ogden, October 1. (Allen.). 207. Xema sabinei (Sab.) Fork- tailed Gull. One taken at Ogden September 28. (Allen.) *208. Thalasseus regius, (Gamb.) Eoyal Tern. Not uncommon in summer. (Bidgway.) *209. Sterna forsteri, Nutt, Forster's Tern. Abundant. " Breeds in marshes of Salt Lake.' 7 (Bidgway.) *210. Hydroclielidon fissipes (L.) Short-tailed Tern. Bather uncommon. "Breeds in marshes of Salt Lake." (Bidgway.) COLYMBID^E (the Loons). 211. Colymbus glacialis, L., var. torqatus, Brtiun. Great Northern Diver. Probably not of infrequent occurrence. PODICIPIDJE (the Grebes). 212. Podieeps occidentalis (Lawr.) Western Grebe. Common. Probably breeds. 213. Podicep8 cornutus (Gm.) Horned Grebe. Bather common in fall. 214. Podilynibm podiceps (L.) Carolina Grebe* Common in falL REPORT UPON AND LIST OF BIRDS COLLECTED BY THE EXPEDITION FOR GEOGRAPHICAL AND GEOLOGICAL EXPLORATIONS AND SURVEYS WEST OF THE ONE HUNDREDTH MERIDIAN IN 1873, LIEUT. G. M. WHEELER, CORPS OF ENGINEERS, IN CHARGE. BY H. W. HENSHAW, APRIL, 1874. The report presented in the following pages is based upon the ma- terial gathered during the field-season of 1873, in connection with the geographical and geological survey west of the one hundredth meridian, made under the auspices of the Engineer Department, Lieut. G. M. Wheeler commanding. It includes not only my own work, but also the results in this department of both Drs. Eothrock and Newberry, jr., by whose joint labors some two hundred birds were added to the collection, and to each of whom I am indebted for certain information respecting the habits and range of species noted by them, some of which were not met with by myself. All such information has been made available, and will be found accredited to its proper source. The season's collec- tion of birds amounted to very nearly twelve hundred specimens, repre- senting over two hundred species. Others also were noted, and their identity ascertained beyond doubt, of which no specimens were secured. For convenience of reference, the report is divided into three sections ; this course being rendered necessary by the wide separation of the localities at which the larger portion of the work was done. The first contains the observations made at Denver from May 5 to 22 ; the second, those made at Fort Garland, Southern Colorado, including also much .of the information gathered by Dr. Eothrock in the mountains of Col- orado; while in the third portion are given the results of the joint labors of both Dr. Newberry, jr., and myself, extending over a very large area of country, principally in Eastern Arizona and Western New Mexico, and covering an interval of time from July 15 till November 25. By the kind permission of Lieutenant Wheeler I was enabled to make an early start, and arrived in Denverthe 5th of May, intending to proceed directly to Fort Garland, a locality which had been selected as affording a promising field for natural-history work, more especially in ornithol- ogy. Through the unavoidable detention of my collecting-material, my stay in Denver was prolonged for more than two weeks. This interval till the 22d of May was spent in making daily excursions in the vicinity of the city, more especially along the banks "of the Platte River, which is here tolerably well timbered, principally with cottonwoods, and on Cherry Creek. At the time of my arrival I found the season quite backward, and the vegetation was little, if any, in advance of what I left in the vicinity of Boston. But few of the trees had fairly begun to leaf out, though before my departure the cottonwoods and many others were far advanced in this respect. The observations made at this time are believed to be possessed of very considerable value as giving the time of arrival of quite a large number of species, while the capture of quite a 56 EXPLORATIONS AND SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN. number is of especial interest, as extending their range much farther to the west than was hitherto known. The fauna in the vicinity of Den- ver is perhaps best compared with the Carolinian of the Eastern Province ; but the list presents quite a number, as would naturally be expected from the early season at which the collection was made, which are to be regarded merely as migrants, and which spend the summer ar to the northward. The arrangement and nomenclature is in most cases that adopted in the "Birds of North America," by Baird, Brewer, and Eidgway. SECTION I. TURDID^E (the Thrushes). 1. Turdus migratoriusj L. Quite common; a pair seen May 10, building their nest in the par- tially open cavity of a tree. 2. Turdus fuscescens, Stephens. Tawny Thrush. First seen May 17, after which it was daily noticed in small numbers frequenting the moist thickets bordering the small creeks. No. Sex. Date. Collector. Wing. Tail. Bill. Tarsus. 108 $ ad. May 17, 1873 Henshaw , 4.18 3.28 0.55 1.12 3. Turdus swainsoni, Cabanis. Olive-backed Thrush. Several noticed May 12. By the 17th, this species fairly swarmed in the same localities as the preceding. The females were apparently a full week later than the males. No. Sex. Date. Collector. Wing. Tail. Bill. Tarsus. 19 $ ad. May 12, 1873 Henshaw . . . . 3.93 2.95 0.51 1.09 109 110 111 112 113 114 $ ad. $ ad. $ ad. $ ad. $ ad. $ ad. May 17, 1873 May 17, 1873 May 17, 1873 May 17, 1873 May 17, 1873 May 17, 1873 .... do .... do .... do .... do .... do ... do 3.90 3.98 4.04 4.00 4.10 3.30 3.02 3.07 3.05 2.93 3.11 2.93 0.55 0.49 0.52 0.48 0. 50 0.50 1.04 1.09 1.02 1.09 1.03 1.00 115 118 $ ad. $ ad. May 17, 1873 May 17, 1873 .... do .... do 4.02 3.98 2.98 2.93 0.48 0.50 1.08 1.12 4. Galeoscoptes carolinensis, (L.) Catbird. Apparently not common; one seen May 14. No. Sex. Date. Collector. Wing. Tail. Bill. Tarsus. 88 $ ad May 14 1873 Henshaw . 3 75 4 20 63 1 03 REPORT UPON ORNITHOLOGICAL SPECIMENS. 57 5. Harporhynclms riifus, (L.) Brown Thrasher. A single individual seen May 10. Noted here, also, by Dr. Kothrock. No. Sex. Date. Collector. Wing. Tail. Bill. Tarsus. 13 Rothrock 4.04 5.07 0.85 1.31 60 A ad May 12, 1873 Henshaw 4.42 5.71 1.02 1.30 SYLVIIDJE (the Sylvias). 6. Regulus calendula^ (L.) Present in small numbers, usually one or more accompanying each flock of Chickadees. PARID^E (the Titmice). 7. Parus atricapillu*, L., var. septentrionalis, Harris. Long-tailed Chick- adee. Quite frequently seen in small flocks. TROGLODYTID^E (the Wrens). 8. Troglodytes aedon, V., var. parTcmanni, And. Park man's Wren. One seen May 6, and afterward an occasional individual noticed. More frequently heard than seen, as it frequents the thickest clump of bushes and patches of briers, where a glimpse may now and then be had of it as it glides along. No. Sex. Date. Collector. Wing. Tail Bill. Tarsus. 8-> $ ad. May 14, 1873 Henshaw 2 09 1.97 0.50 0.68 132 $ ad. May 22, 1873 .... do 2.10 2.02 0.54 0.63 SYLVICOLID^E (the Warblers). 9. Helminthopliaga celaia, (Say.) Orange-crowned Warbler. After May 7, when this species was first seen, it was not very com- mon. It is an active insect-hunter, and frequents alike the tops of the smaller trees and the low bushes, where it may be often seen darting forth in pursuit of some passing insect. No. Sex. Date. Collector. Wiog. * Tail. Bill. Tarsus. 24 $ ad. May 9, 1873 Henshaw . 2.40 2 09 29 66 94 $ ad. May 17, 1873 ....do 2.47 2.14 0.40 0.64 58 EXPLORATIONS AND SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN, 10. Dendroica cestiva, (Gin.) Yellow Warbler. Common everywhere. Not seen till May 14, when it made its appear- ance in large numbers. No. Sex. Date. Collector. Wing. Tail. Bill. Tarsus. q9 2 ad. May 15, 1873 Henshaw 2.37 1.95 0.40 0.70 11. Dendroica audiibonii, (Towns.) Audubon's Warbler. Small numbers of this and the following species were seen May 7 ; common on the 10th. Its habits and notes appear to correspond almost exactly with those of the common Yellow Bump. No. 'Sex. Date. Collector. Wing-. Tail. Bill. Tarsus. q $ ad. May 7, 1873 Henshaw 3.17 2.50 0.43 0.76 10 $ ad May 7, 1873 . do 3.08 2.50 0.47 0.75 22 $ ad May 9 1873 do 3 14 2 54 45 75 37 $ ad. May 10, 1873 do 3.00 2.42 0.43 0.72 36 A ad. May 11 1873 do 3.03 2. 45 0.42 C.72 38 $ ad. May 11, 1873 do 3.07 2.47 0.45 0.70 39 68 190 9 ad. $ ad. $ ad. May 11, 1873 May 13, 1873 May 17, 1873 ....do ....do do 2.90 3.16 3.11 2.38 2.61 2.51 0.40 0. 45 0.45 0.74 0.74 0.71 12. Dendroica coronata, (L.) Yellow-rump Warbler. In much fewer numbers than the preceding, with which it was asso- ciated. Have heard males of the two species singing in the same tree. All apparently migrate farther north. No. Sex. Date. Collector. Wing. Tail. Bill. Tarsus. 11 2 ad May 7 1873 Hensliaw 2 80 2 33 0.40 72 93 $ ad. May 9, 1873 ...do 2.90 2.35 0.39 0.73 123 9 ad. May 17, 1873 ....do 2.90 2.33 0.40 0.73 13. Dendroica maculosa, (Gin.) Black and Yellow Warbler. A single fine male taken May 17. ~No others were seen. This is the first note of its occurrence west of the plains. No. Sex. Date. Collector. Wing. Tail. Bill. Tarsus. 93 A ad. May 17, 1873 Henshaw 2.40 2.15 0.45 0.66 14. Dendroica caerulea, (Wils.) Ooeruleau Warbler. A small warbler seen May 17 was unquestionably of this species. Its small size and bright-blue color made it conspicuous among a flock REPORT UPON ORNITHOLOGICAL SPECIMENS. 59 of Audubon's warblers, as they passed rapidly from tree to tree, but my attention being diverted for a moment I lost sight of it, nor was it again seen. Not hitherto detected west of the plains. "Apparently common at Leaveuworth, Kansas" (Allen). 15. Denilroica striata, (Forst.) Black-poll Warbler. Both sexes abundant May 17. This is, 1 believe, the most western locality at which the species has been recorded. No. Sex. Date. Collector. Wing. Tail. Bill. Tarsus. 1^0 ad. May 17, 1873 Hensliaw 2.83 2 22 0.42 0.73 16. Seinrus noveboracensis, (Gm.) Small-billed Water-Thrush. One specimen secured May 12. Afterward observed in small num- bers, frequenting the margins of pools and streams as at the East. No. Sex. Date. Collector. Wing. Tail. Bill. Tarsus. 53 9 ad. May 12, 1873 Henshaw 3.04 2.25 0.55 0.81 17. Geotlilypls triclias, (L.) Maryland Yellowthroat. Apparently not common. A female shot May 7. No. Sex. Date. Collector. Wing. Tail. Bill. Tarsus. 19 9 ad May 7 1873 Hensliaw 2 12 2 13 45 71 18. Geotlilypis macgillivrayi, (Aud.) Macgillivray's Warbler. A single male taken May 14. Both sexes common a few days later. Brush-heaps form a favorite hunting-ground for this species. No. Sex. Date. Collector. Wing. Tail. Bill. Tarsus. HO $ ad. May 14, 1873 Heusbavv 2.47 2.34 0.47 0.77 117 199, $ art. $ ad. MJIV 17, 1873 May 18, 1873 ....do do 2.43 2.48 2.30 2.38 0.46 0.45 0.82 0.82 19. Myiodioctes pusillus, ( Wils.) Green Black-capped Flycatcher. Seen May 14. Common among the shrubbery and trees that skirt the small streams and ponds. No. Sex. Date. Collector. Wing. Tail. Bill. Tarsus. 81 9 ad May 14 1873 Henshaw 2 21 2 14 40 70 60 EXPLORATIONS AND SURVEYS WEST OF IOOTH MERIDIAN. HiRUNDiNiD^a (the Swallows). 20. Hirundo Jwrreorum, Barton. Barn-Swallow. Not very numerous. 21. Petrochelidon, lunifrons, (Say.) Cliff- Swallow, A few pairs only seen. 22. Tachycineta thalassina, (Sw). Violet-green Swallow. A few noted the 12th of May. 23. Stelgidopteryx serripennis, (Aud.) A few seen along Cherry Creek the 6th of May. Common about the 12th. LANIID^E (the Shrikes). 24. Collurio ludovicianus, (L.), var. excuMtoroides, Sw. White-rumped Shrike. Numerous individuals of this species were seen during the first days of May, and apparently all were mated, and possibly nesting, though 1 did not succeed in finding any nests. It has at this season quite a number and variety of notes, some of which are the call-notes and common to both sexes. The male also makes an occasional attempt at a song, and the notes, though harsh, are not tmpleasing. No. Sex. Date. Collector. Wing. Tail. Bill. Tarsus. *>0 9 ad May 7 1873 HensliQiW 3 63 3.90 0.63 01.02 62 $ ad. May 12, 1873 ....do 3.85 4. 23 0.56 01.04 (the Tanagers). 25. Pyranga ludoviciana, (Wils.) Louisiana Tanager. But a single individual seen, May 20. 26. Pyranga cestiva^ (L.), var. cooperi, Eidg. Cooper's Tanager. A single male shot May 10. No. Sex. Date. Collector. Wing. Tail, Bill. Tarsus. ^\ yoiiuo; May 12, 1873 Hensliaw 3.61 3.00 0.80 0.77 of year. FRINGKLLLIDJE (the Finches). 27. Chrysomitris tristis, (L.) Very abundant in large flocks in the cottonwood-groves along the Platte River. These fairly resounded with the twitterings and chirp- REPORT UPON ORNITHOLOGICAL SPECIMENS. 61 ings of the young males, which appeared to be practicing for the full concerts that follow later. Both sexes were molting and in curiously- pied plumage. No. Sex. Date. Collector. Wing. Tail. Bill. - Tarsus. 7 A May 6, 1873 Henshaw 2.87 2.02 0.45 56 100 $ ad Mav 6, 1873 do 2 70 2 06 o 47 52 28. Passerculus savanna, (Wils.), var. alaudlnus, Bp. Savannah Sparrow. Common the 1st of May, and noted in increasing numbers till the 12th, when they were exceedingly numerous around the small ponds and marshy spots. No. Sex. Date. Collector. Wing. Tail. Bill. Tarsus. 59 $ ad. May 12, 1873 Henshaw . ... 2.83 2 23 43 78 1 9 1 $ ad May 17 1873 do 2 80 2 15 43 80 29. Pocecetes gramineus, (Gin.), var. confinis, Bd. Grass-Finch ; Bay- winged Bunting. Common and in full song on my first arrival. The song does not differ from that of its eastern representative, from which the present variety is distinguished by its paler colors and somewhat slenderer bill. No. Sex. Date. Collector. Wing. Tail. Bill. Tarsus. 18 X ad. May 7, 1873 3.25 2.53 0.'48 0.82 19 9 ad. May 7, 1873 ....do 3.17 2.67 0.45 0.73 41 $ ad. May 10, 1873 ....do 3.13 2.55 0.45 0.83 30. Chondestes grammaca, (Say). Lark-Finch. Very common in small companies along the banks of the Platte. During the vernal season its beautiful warbling song is hardly excelled by any other species. No. Sex. Date. Collector. Wing. Tail. Bill. Tarsus. 1 $ ad May 6 1873 Heiishaw 3 65 3 05 50 80 17 27 19 $ ad. $ ad. $ ad. May 7, 1873 May 9, 1873 June , 1873 ....do ....do Dr. Rothrock . 3.43 3.48 3.20 2.90 3.08 2.79 0.50 0. 50 0.50 0.75 0.78 0.72 5 $ June , 1873 ....do 3.45 2.88 0.52 0.77 31. Zonotrichia leucoplirys, (Forst.) White-crowned Sparrow. Quite common in small flocks from the 7th till the 20th. Dr. Roth- rock found it breeding in the South Park in July. 62 EXPLORATIONS AND SURVEYS WEST OF IOOTH MERIDIAN. No. Sex. Date. Collector. Wing. Tail. Bill. Tarsus. 4 $ ad May 6, 1873 Henshaw . 3.02 3.16 0.43 0.92 16 4 0(1 May 7 1873 do 3.15 3.32 0.43 0.86 42 * rj ( l May 10 1873 do 3 16 3 12 0.44 0.93 87 107 2.83 0.45 0.82 14 9 ad. May 7, 1873 ....do 2. 60 2.71 0.48 0.80 REPORT UPON ORNITHOLOGICAL SPECIMENS. 63 3G. Melospiza lincolni, (Aucl.) Lincolu's Finch. A few seen between the 7th and llth of May. By the 17th this was one of the commonest birds, outnumbering all the other sparrows. It was found in almost every clump of bushes and grove of trees, but pre- fers moist thickets. No. Sex. Date. Collector. Wing. Tail. Bill. Tarsus. 13 $ ad May 7 1873 Henshaw 2 41 2 46 45 79 H4 A ad. May 14, 1873 .... do 2.52 2 57 44 81 86 $ ad May 14, 1873 do 2 57 2 65 45 80 91 a( ] May 15 1873 do 2 25 2 33 45 75 100 A ad May 17, 1873 ...do .. 2.48 2 48 45 83 101 9 ad May 17, 1873 do 2 64 2 67 45 82 109 $ ad. May 17, 1873 do 2.23 2.26 0.44 73 37. Calamospiza bicolor, (Towns.) Lark-Bunting. Small flocks seen about ten miles south of the city. 38. Hedymeles melanocephalus, (Sw.) Black-headed Grossbeak. A male seen the 14th, and a female the 17th. Undoubtedly a com- mon species later. 39. Cyanospiza amcena^ (Say.) Lazuli-Finch. A single male noted the 17th. Observed on several occasions after- ward. No. Sex. Date. Collector. Wing. Tail. Bill. Tarsus. 119 June 6 do 2.38 2 68 0.53 0.54 27(5 $ ad ' do June 6 do 2 66 2 95 54 51 318 $ ad. Rio Grande, Col June 17 do .... 3.25 2.66 0.64 0.51 67. Empldonax pusillus (Sw.) Little. Flycatcher. Wherever willows are found growing in small clumps or fringing the streams, this flycatcher is almost certain to be found common, and it is rarely seen in the summer in other situations. Its habits and notes appear to be identical with those of its eastern analogue, irom which it differs mainly in its paler coloration. Its nest is placed in the upright fork of a bush or sapling but a few feet from the ground, and is composed of grasses and fibrous material, rather loosely woven together, and lined with fine grasses. Its general appearance is much like that REPORT UPON ORNITHOLOGICAL SPECIMENS. of the nest of the Yellow Warbler (D. cestiva), but it is not nearly so compact nor artistic. No. Sex. Collector. Date. Collector. Wing. Tail. Bill. Tarsus. 1TI $ ad Garland Col May 25 Henshaw 2 81 2 64 55 67 164 165 $ ad. $ ad do do , May 27 May 28 ....do .... do 2.83 2.75 2. 65 2 49 0.52 55 0.68 68 166 $ ad do May 28 do 2 H2 2 53 58 68 174 r? ad do May 29 ....do 3.00 2.60 0*51 65 68. Empidonax obscurus (Sw.) Wright's Flycatcher. Apparently a rather rare summer-resident iu this region. Bub two specimens were taken; these in worn breeding-plumage in June. 69. Empidonax hammondi, Vesey. Hammond's Flycatcher. While collecting in the mountains near the Eio Grande during the mid- dle of June, I saw several pairs of this little Flycatcher. I found them in the pine-region on the small streams fringed here and there with alders, but they seemed to hunt by preference amoiig the contiguous pines. Their habits are somewhat peculiar, and have but little of the dash and spirit which characterize most of the birds of this family, and espe- cially the Least Flycatcher (E. minimus), with which this species seems most nearly related. After snapping up a passing insect, it resumes its perch upon some low limb, and remains nearly motionless for a time, giving an occasional listless jerk of the tail. The notes are very feeble, the most so of any flycatcher I am acquainted with, and consist of a soft pit, varied with a low, lisping thistle. No. Sex. Locality. Date. Collector. Wing. Tail. Bill. Tarsus. 341 9 ad. Rio Grande, Col June 14 Henshaw 2.64 2.13 0.41 0.61 70. Empidonax flaviventris Bd., var. difficilis, Bd. Western Yellow bellied Flycatcher. An occasional pair seen in the same locality as the preceding, where it was found inhabiting the deep shady glens of the pine- woods, often near a running stream. It is a rather energetic insect-hunter, contin- ually swooping down after passing insects, and when waiting for its prey moving its tail with nervous and excited jerks. No. Sex. Locality. Date. Collector. Wing. Tail. Bill. Tarsus. 349 9 ad. Rio Grande, Col .. .. June 14 Henshaw 2 57 2 37 43 62 ALOEDINIDJE (the Kingfishers). 71. Ceryle alcyon (L.) Belted Kingfisher. An occasional resident on the creeks, and not uncommon on the Rio Grande. 88 EXPLORATIONS AND SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN. CAPRIMULGLD^E (the Goatsuckers). 72. Antrostomus nuttalli (Aud.) NuttalFs Whippoorwill. This bird is found in varying numbers throughout this entire region, but everywhere it is much more numerous than its cousin of the Eastern States. It makes its appearance in the deeply-shadowed portions of the river bottoms a few minutes before dusk, and, as soon as night settles down, the rather mournful note of poor-will, poor-will, may be heard coming from the edges of the woods, and even from the sage-brush plains. Their notes are most often noticed in early evening, and again just before dawn, but not infrequently their song is heard through the entire night. When on the wing after insects, their flight consists of rapid, irregular turnings and windings, which are prolonged but a moment or so, when they alight, often on a fallen log, but usually on the bare ground. Occasionally, at dusk, I have seen them alight almost at my feet, without betraying any sense of ray presence. When flying they emit acoristantly^repeated clucking note, which is, I think, common to both sexes. Their eggs are pure white, without spots, and are deposited on the ground during the latter part of June. 73. Chordeiles popetue (Yieill.), var. henry i, Oass. Western Night- Hawk. An exceedingly abundant species everywhere in the vicinity of water. Often seen at noonday flying over the surface of stagnant pools, catch- ing the insects which swarm in such places. They are, however, usually most active just before dusk, and on the banks of the Eio Grande I have seen them at this time make their appearance in hundreds. TROCHILID^ (the Humming-Birds). 71. Selasphorus platycercus (Sw.) Broad-tailed Humming-Bird. This, the only humming-bird seen in this region, was found in very great numbers. Though most common on the creeks, at an altitude of about 7,000 feet, it also reaches well up timber-line. A nest, found June 14, was saddled to a horizontal limb of a small spruce ; a second, taken the IvJth, w 7 as built on a small, swinging branch of a cottonwood. They are less artistic structures than usual with birds of this family, and are composed of cottony substances from plants, covered externally with bits of bark and moss. Both contained two white eggs, perfectly fresh. During the mating, and perhaps also through the entire breeding season, the flight of the male is always accompanied by a curious, loud, metallic, rattling noise, which he is enabled to produce in some way by means of the attenuation of the outer primaries. This is, I think, intentionally made, and is analogous to the love-notes of other birds. Though 1 saw many of these birds in the fall, it was only very rarely that this whistling noise was heard, and then with greatly diminished force. No. Sex. Locality. Date. Collector. Wing. Tail. Bill. 126 A ad. Garland, Col May 25 Henshaw 1.97 1.44 0.44 127 $ ad do May 25 do 1 98 1 45 0.65 128 A ad. do May 25 ....do ..... 1.90 1. 50 0.65 128 a $ ad. do May 25 do . ... 1.97 1.44 0.65 128& 157 $ ad. $ ad. do do Mav 27 May 28 ....do ....do 1.93 1.88 1.40 1.50 0.68 0.72 159 $ ad. do May 28 .do 1.90 1.36 0.64 347 ad. do Mav 14 ....do 1.96 1.48 0.72 REPORT UPON ORNITHOLOGICAL SPECIMENS. 89 PICID^E (the Woodpeckers). 75. Picus villosus, L., var. harrisii, Aud. Harris's Woodpecker j West- ern Hairy Woodpecker. Au inhabitant of the pine-woods, where it is found abundant up to timber-line. No. Sex. Locality. Date. Collector. Wing. Tail. Bill. Tarsus. 228 $ ad. Mountains near Gar- laud, Col. June 4 Heushaw. 3.98 2.83 0.67 0.65 76. Picus pubescens L., var. gairdeneri Aud. Gairdner's Woodpecker; Western Downy Woodpecker. While the preceding is perhaps the most characteristic woodpecker of the West, the present species is quite common. During my stay in this vicinity three were secured ; a pair in a grove of cottonwoods, the third in the pines at an elevation of perhaps 10,000 feet. These were all breeding. No. Sex. Locality. Date. Collector. Wing. Tail. Bill. Tarsus. 146 999 9 ad. 9 ad. Near Garland, Col do May 26 JllfJ6 3 Henshaw. do 4.10 4 09 2.84 3 00 0.70 67 0.65 63 238 $ ad do do 3 95 2 81 67 60 77. Picoides arcticus (Sw.), var. dorsalis, Bd. Striped-backed Wood- pecker. A single individual was taken in June at an altitude of 10,000 feet. It was a female, and from the swollen condition of the abdomen was evidently incubating. No. Sex. Locality. Date. Collector. Wing. Tail. Bill. Tarsus. 221 70 9 ad. 9 ad. Mountains near Gar- laud, Col South Park, Col . . June 3 June 28 Henshaw. Rothrock 4.72 4 78 3.43 3 46 1.05 1 05 0.77 77 78. Sphyrapicus varius (L.), var. nuchalis, Bd. Ked-naped Woodpecker. A very common inhabitant of the cottonwoods; rarely seen among the pines. Found by Dr. Kothrock in South Park, among the aspens, up to 12.000 feet. The young, in nesting- plumage, were taken July 12. No. Sex. Locality. Date. Collector. Wing. Tail. Bill. Tarsus. 136 145 9 ad. $ ad. Near Garland, Col do May 25 May 26 Heusliaw. do 5.04 4 98 3.42 3 10 0.85 86 0.77 077 153 154 $ ad. 9 ad. do do May 27 May 27 ....do .... do 5.07 4 9rf 3.40 3 15 0.90 88 0.82 73 179, 9 ad. do Mav 2 ( > do 4 QQ 3 35 88 77 9,9,6 cf ad . do .June '> do' 4 92 2 90 ^8 077 228 9 ad. do tin no 2 do 4 80 '5 lf> 90 77 9,36 $ ad. do June 4 do 4 g# .) i)j 93 9,67 A ad do June 5 do 4 go Q IF: QO 77 90 EXPLORATIONS AND SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN. 79. Sphyrapicus tliryroideus (Cass.) Black-breasted Woodpecker. This species was first made known to science through a description by Cassiii, published in December, 1851, in Pr. A. N. Sc. In 1857, Dr. JSfewberry published a description of Williamson's Woodpecker (8. wil- liamsonii) from specimens obtained by Lieutenant Williamson's expedi- tion, since which time the two species have been accepted by orni- thologists as perfectly valid, the true relationship of the two being wholly unsuspected. While near Garland, I obtained abundant proof of the specific identity of the two birds in question, williamsonii being the male of thryroidens. Though led to suspect this, from finding the two birds in suspicious proximity, it was some time before I could procure a pair actually mated. A nest was at length discovered, excavated in the trunk of a live aspen, and both the parent birds were secured as they flew from the hole, having just entered with food for the newly - hatched young. As regards the sexual differences of coloration, the case of thryroidens is wholly unique. In this species, the colors of the female are radically different from those of the male. With this single exception, as far as known, the differences of color between the sexes in the family of woodpeckers are confined mainly to the absence or less amount of the bright crimson or red patches about the head. The species is a resident of the pine-woods, abundant at an altitude of 10,000 feet, and doubtless is found at least up to the pine-limit. Except in evincing at all times a marked preference for pine-timber, rarely indeed alighting on any of the deciduous trees, their habits and notes seem to correspond pretty closely with those of Sphyropicus nuchalis. The stomachs of all the specimens examined contained nothing but insects and Iarva3. As, however, the structure of the tongue is identical with varius, the species may possibly, in winter and spring, when other food is scarce, feed upon the inner bark of the deciduous trees, as the common sapsuckers (varius and varieties) are well known to do. I never noticed anything, however, which would lead me to suppose this. The nest mentioned above was dug to the depth of seven inches, and was one and three-fourths inches in diameter. The egg-shells had not been removed ; and one which is tolerably whole shows their similarity with those of varius, but appears a trifle larger. No. Sex. Locality. Date. Collector. Wing. Tail. Bill. Tarsus. 198 217 919 $ ad. 9 ad. $ ad. Mountains near Gar- land, Col. do ...- do May 30 June 2 June 3 Henshaw. ..do .. do . 5.40 5.08 5.20 3.75 3.28 3.75 0.95 0.91 0.90 0.85 0.77 0.85 220 934 $ ad. $ ad. do do June 3 June 4 ....do .... ....do .... 5. 37 5.28 3.80 3.85 0.95 1.07 0.85 0.84 235 329 334 $ ad. 9 ad. $ ad do do do June 4 June 12 June 13 ....do .... ....do .... do 5.25 5. 50 5 45 .3.70 3.63 3 63 0.95 0.95 1.01 0.87 0.81 0.80 335 $ ad. do . June 13 do -5.30 3.60 0.93 0.80 80. Melanerpes erythrocephalus (L.) Red-headed Woodpecker. Dr. Eothrock saw this species in South Park, in July, at an elevation of nearly 10,000 feet, and obtained a single specimen at the Twin Lakes at about the same height. Not seen near Garland, but noted on the Huerfano River, eighty miles northeast of this post, from which I judge it occurs generally, but sparingly, in Colorado. REPORT UPON ORNITHOLOGICAL SPECIMENS. 91 81. Colaptes aurntus (L.),var. mejoicanus^Sw. Red-shafted Woodpecker. Abundant everywhere, frequenting indifferently the deciduous and coniferous trees up to timber-line. A natural cavity in a cottonwood- tree contained three fresh eggs. This was May 22. A male, taken at Fort Garland, is noticeable as having distinct black markings in the red maxillary patch. No. Sex. Locality. Date. Collector. Wing. Tail. Bill. Tarsus. 189 2 ad Garland Col May 29 Henshaw. 6.47 5.05 1.50 1.10 272 i af i do June 6 do 6.50 4.84 1.35 1.08 284 9 ad ..do June 7 ....do .... 6.23 4.30 1.42 1.08 STRIG-IDJE (the Owls). 82. Bubo virginianus (Gm.), var. arcticus Sw. Western Great-horned Owl. But oiie seen among the mountains. Said to be not uncommon in fall and winter, descending to the plains. FALCONID^E (the Falcons). 83. Falco sparverius, L. Sparrow-Hawk. Common everywhere below 10,000 feet. No. Sex. Locality. Date. Collector. Wing. Tail. Bill. Tarsus. 184 9 ad. Garland, Col . May 28 Henshaw 7.77 5.38 0.47 1.50 4 $ ad Twin Lakes Col Au * Rothrock 7 20 5.13 0.45 1.42 84. Buteo lorealis (Gm.), var. calurus, Cass. Western Red-tail. Not common. A fine adult bird was noticed on several occasions, soaring far above a tract of pine- woods. 85. Archibuteo ferrugineus (Licht.) California Squirrel- Hawk. Not met with during the summer. In November, this species was numerous on the plains about Pueblo, and also near Colorado City. Unquestionably breeds in the mountains. 86. Archibuteo lagopus (Brtinn.), var. sancti-johannis, Gm. Not seen near Garland. Probably, however, spends the summer in the mountains, as the species was a common one on the plains near Colorado City. CATHARTIDJE: (the American Vultures). 87. Rkinogrypus aura (L.) Ked-headed Vulture. Apparently rather rare in this region. A few seen during the month of June, sailing high in air. 92 EXPLORATIONS AND SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN. COLUMBIDJE (the Pigeons). 88. Zenaidura carolinensis (L.) Carolina Dove. Abundant between 7,000 and 10,000 feet. TETRAONID.^ (the Grouse). 89. Canace obscura (Say). Dusky Grouse. Abundant. Found during the summer on the mountain -ridges, in groves of pine and aspen, from 7,000 feet up to timber-line. Dr. Roth- rock obtained specimens and found the species numerous at an altitude of from 10,000 to 12,000 feet; those at the former elevation frequenting the cotton wood-groves, while at the latter they were found in the pines only. It is quite tame and unsuspicious, and when forced to fly, which it does unwillingly, takes to the nearest tree, and then, as if incapable of further effort, stands gazing at the intruder with outstretched neck till brought down by a shot from a gun or a revolver. A nest found June 16 contained seven eggs just on the point of hatching. The nesting- site was a peculiar one, being in an open glade, where the grass had been recently burned off. The nest proper was a slight collection of dried grass, placed in a depression between two tussocks, there appar- ently having been no attempt made at concealment. The eggs are pale yellowish-white, spotted irregularly with reddish brown ; length, 1.95 ; diameter, 1.39. No. Sex. Locality. Date. Collector. Wing. Tail. Bill. Tarsus. 129 9 35 7 90 75 1 60 63 9.10 7.40 0.75 1.60 31 9 A ad. Rio Grande, Col. June 12 Henshaw 9 70 7 50 75 1 75 90. Centrocercus uropliasianus (Bon.) Sage-Cock. Not found by me in vicinity of Garland. A single flock was seen by Dr. Eothrock on the headwaters of the Arkansas in August. No. Sex. Locality. Date. Collector. Wing. Tail. Bill. Tarsus. 7 2(?) Twin Lakes, Col Aug. Rothrock . 10. 20 7.50 1.23 1.78 91. Lagopus leucurus, Sw. White-tailed Ptarmigan. This beautiful species was found by Dr. Kothrock abundant in the mountains of South Park during the latter part of June and July. It ranges from the timber-line to the summits of the highest peaks, show- ing always a preference for rocky localities. It was found at the ex- treme height of 14,400 feet, in the most sterile districts, where no vege- tation existed. Their habits, as observed by Dr. Eothrock, were as follows : During the heat of the day they remain quiet beneath the shelter of the rocks, but in early morning and evening were seen running over the ground, actively engaged in searching for food, and keeping up a con- stant chirruping. They usually seemed entirely devoid of fear, allowing themselves to be almost trodden upon before taking flight, but some- REPORT UPON ORNITHOLOGICAL SPECIMENS. 93 times wore very shy and wild. The young birds well grown were seen July 10, so that the eggs are deposited by the first of May. The nest is simply a small cavity scratched in the earth under a projecting rock, sometimes with a slight lining of sticks and grasses, but ofteuer with- out. In winter they descend into the timber, and are then so tame as to be often killed with clubs. No. Locality. Date. Collector. Wing. Tail. Bill. Tarsus. 101 South Park, Col . July Rotnrock 7 30 4 25 58 1 15 102 do J U ly do 7 '27 4 58 56 1 24 (the Plovers). 92. ^Egialitis vociferus (L.) Kildeer-Plover. Frequently met with in pairs in June along the water-courses. I found the young just from the nest June 14. 93. JEgialitls montanus (Towns.) Rocky-Mountain Plover. This species was met with but in one locality, on the dry plains near the Eio Grande. It is to be regretted that lack of time did not allow a more careful examination of the habits of this little known species. While riding rapidly along in an ambulance I saw quite a number, and shot three as they ran from before the horses and halted a few feet from the road. From their actions I was certain that their eggs were near by, but a short search did not reveal them. Upon dissecting a female, I found an egg nearly ready to be deposited. This was June 10. They were very tame, running along the ground a few feet ahead, and uttering a low, croaking note. No. Sex. Locality. Date. Collector. Wing. Tail. Bill, Tarsus. 305 $ ad. Rio Grande, Col June 10 Henshaw 5 93 2 95 81 1 45 806 9 ad. do June 10 ....do,... 5.80 2.75 0.89 1.48 307 $ ad. do June 10 ....do.... 5.50 2.59 0.85 1.38 SCOLOPACID^E (the Snipes). 94. Tringoides macularlus (L.) Spotted Sandpiper. A few individuals were seen in June. Doubtless breed. KECURVIROSTRID^' (the Stilts and Avocets). 95. Recurvirostra americana, Gm. Avocet. An abundant summer- resident on the shores of the alkali lakes north- west of Garland. At the time of my visit, June 21, the greater number evidently had young, as I found many broken egg-shells along the shores. Wherever I went, the parent-birds manifested the greatest solicitude, flying about my head in flocks, and uttering their loud, hoarse cries. They are adept swimmers, freely alighting on the surface of the water, where they float buoyantly and gracefully. The food of these 94 EXPLORATIONS AND SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN. birds, as well as the stilts and ducks, seems to consist almost exclus- ively, at this season, of the larvae of single species of insect, with which the alkaline water fairly swarms. The crops of the birds examined were filled with these and a few water-beetles. They deposit their eggs in a slight hollow scratched iu the sand and lined with weeds. These are four in number, of a dull olive-brown color, blotched all over with black. Length, 2.00-1.43; (No. 2,) 1.85-1.07; (No. 3,) 1.91-1.43: (No. 4,) 1.91- 1.42. No. Sex. Locality. Date. Collector. Wing. Tail. Bill. Tarsus. 389 $ ad Alkali lakes Col June 21 HensLaw 8 80 3 73 3 60 3 50 390 $ ad. . . do June 21 do 8.90 3 97 3.76 3 40 391 9 ad do June 21 do 9 00 3 70 3 36 3 32 96. Himantopm nigricollis, Vieill. Stilt. Nearly as abundant as the preceding. Like it, the eggs had been hatched, and I found the young but just from the nest. One nest, built in the same manner as the one mentioned above, contained fresh eggs. They are indistinguishable from those of the preceding species except by their smaller size. Length, 1.74-1.31; (No. 2,) 1.74-1.27; (No. 3,) 1.74-1.27. No. Sex. Locality. Date. Collector. Wing. Tail. Bill. Tarsus. 393 $ ad. Alkali lakes, Col June 21 Hensbaw . 9.25 3.42 2.60 4.48 39S 9 ad. do June 21 .... do 8.50 3.57 2.55 3.95 400 $ ad. do .. June 22 ....do .... 8.60 3.28 2.48 3.94 404 9 ad. do June 22 ....do .... 8.60 3.21 2.51 4.12 RALLIDJE (the Rails). 97. Fulicaamericana, Gm. Coot. Very numerous at the lakes. They breed in colonies among the rushes, the nests often being but a few feet apart. They are very bulky structures, composed of weeds and rushes raised to a height of several inches from the surface of the water, so that the eggs are kept perfectly dry, and are moored to the stems of the surrounding reeds. The great- est number of eggs found iu one nest was eleven, and most contained from five to seven, showing that they were not through laying. This was June 22. ANATID^E (the Ducks). The following ducks were found at this same locality. Besides those given, others occur here as summer-residents, but owing to their shy- ness the species could not be satisfactorily determined : 98. Anas boachas, L. Mallard. Rather numerous. Breeding. 99. Querquedula cyanoptera (Vieill.) Red-breasted Teal. 100. Querquedula discors (L.) Blue- winged Teal. Both observed in considerable numbers. Several teals' nests were REPORT UPON ORNITHOLOGICAL SPECIMENS. 95 found with partial complements of eggs ; bat owing to tbe absence of the owners, their identity could not be determined. 101. Nettlon carolinemis (Gin.) Green-winged Teal. Also common. A nest containing ten eggs was found under a sage- bush, perhaps thirty feet from the water's edge. A deep hollow had been scooped in the sand, and lined warmly with fine grasses and down, evidently taken from the bird's own breast, which was plucked nearly bare. The eggs are of a pale-yellowish color, aud average 1.81 in length by 1.31 in diameter. 102. Spatula clypeata (L.) Rather common. -Shoveler. 103. Chaulelasmus streperus (L.) Gad wall. A few seen. PODICIPID^E (the Grebes). 104. Podiceps auritus (L.), var. calif ornicuSj Heerm. American Eared Grebe. Common. A colony was found breeding, their nests being placed in a bed of reeds in the middle of a small pond. The nests were slightly hollowed piles of decaying weeds and rushes, just raised above the sur- face of the water, upon which they floated. Each nest contained three eggs, most of them being fresh, but a few were somewhat advanced. As in every case the eggs were entirely covered by a pile of vegetable material, and as in no case the birds were found incubating, even where the eggs gave evidence of the tact, it seems highly probable that their hatching is dependent more or less upon artificial heat, which must be induced by the effect of the hot sun. The eggs vary little in shape, are considerably elongated, one end being slightly more pointed than the other. They vary in length from 1.70 to 1.80 ; "in breadth, 1.18 to 1.33. Color a taint yellowish white, usually much stained by contact with the nest. The texture is gen- erally quite smooth 5 in others roughened by a chalky deposit. No. Sex. Locality. Date. Collector. Wing. Bill. Tarsus. 414 $ art. Alkali lakes, Col.. .. June 23 Henshaw 5 33 1 02 1 52 SECTION III. Leaving Southern Colorado July 2, I arrived at Fort Wiugate, IS". Mex., the 12th. During a week's delay, attendant on fitting out the several parties, short trips were made into the neighboring region ; Dr. Newberry, jr., and myself accompanying the party on each occasion, and making collections in natural history. Owing to the rather desolate nature of the country, these, however, were not very extensive; the birds especially being found rather scarce. Starting from Win gate July 19, a southwesterly course was pursued, our destination being Apache, Ariz., where we arrived August 2. During this interval, as we moved slowly, I was enabled to spend considerable time in making collections, 96 EXPLOKATIONS AND SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN. and some very interesting results were obtained, especially in the way of birds. From August 2 till September 6 ? collections were made by Dr. Newberry and myself in the vicinity of Apache and the adjoining White Mountains. This region proved very interesting ornithologically, and, indeed, the general collections made here were perhaps larger than during any other equal period through the season. From here south- ward, quite a distinct change in the character of the avifauna was noticed, and a number of species were noted either in the vicinity of Apache or a few miles to the northward, that probably find their north- ward limit here. Such are Pyranga hepatica, Peuccm ruficeps, var. bou- cardi, Cyanocitta ultramarina, var. arizonce, Setophaga picta, Melamrpes formicivorus, &c. The Gila River was crossed at a point some sixty miles south of Apache, and a tew days' stay along the river gave valu- able results in natural history. We arrived at Fort Bowie, the south- ernmost point reached, October 6. From here our route led northward to the Gila River, which was followed to its sources in New Mexico, after which a general northward course was taken for Wingate, which was reached November 27, when the field-work ended. Though no new species were detected, one (Eugenes fulgens) was added to our fauna, and numerous specimens secured of rare and little-known species, while the geographical range of quite a number was widely extended. Dur- ing the last mouth, the results in natural history, owing to the lateness of the season, were rather meager. Thus, the region in which most of the observations following were made may be stated in general terms to be the southeastern portion of Arizona and Southwestern New Mexico. TUKDIDJE (the Thrushes). 1. Turdus migratoriuSj L. Robin. Js scarcely to be regarded as a common bird, but it was frequently met with in the timber along the streams and in the mountains. At the Old Crater, for,ty miles south of Zuni, N. Mex., the species was pres- ent in large flocks the 2d of November. The surrounding hills are covered with low scrubby cedars, and upon the berries this and other species largely subsist at this late season. It doubtless winters in this region. No. Sex. Locality. Date. Collector. Wing. Tail. Bill. Tarsus. 97 $ ad. Wingate, N. Mex July 12 Newberry . 5.23 4.10 0.73 1. 15 2. Turdus pallasi Cab., var. nanus. And. Dwarf Hermit-Thrush. This variety of the hermit-thrush was met with October 19, along the small streams in the mountain-canons, near Fort Bowie, South- eastern Arizona, and along the Gila River to its sources in New Mexico, where I found it as late as November 8. It is undoubtedly abundant during the fall-migration throughout a very large extent of country, as, wherever seen, it was in large numbers. Its habits seem to differ in no noteworthy respect from, the allied forms. It appears fond of solitude, and prefers the thickest and shadiest thickets, where it is constantly busied in searching among the leaves for seeds and insects. Its small size is apparent at first sight, and serves even when alive to distinguish it from either var. auduboni or pallasi. REPORT UPON ORNITHOLOGICAL SPECIMENS. 97 No. 942 943 944 945 982 Sex. Locality. Date. Collector. Fresh. W. T. B. Tar. $ 9 9 9 $ Near Bowie, Ariz .. do do do do Oct. 19 Oct. 19 Oct. 19 Oct. 19 Nov. 5 Henshaw. ....do .... ....do .... ....do .... do . . 3.45 3.37 3.25 3.49 3.61 2.81 2.74 2.55 2.74 2.74 0.45 0.45 0.49 0.42 0.49 1.08 1.12 1.04 1.10 1.14 6.25 6.12 6.25 6.55 10.00 9.74 10.18 10.87 3. Oreoscoptes montanus (Towns.) Sage-Thrasher; Mountain-Mocker. Quite numerous in the vicinity of Fort Wingate, N. Mex., where as elsewhere its favorite abode was the sage-brush plains. Here Dr. New- berry, jr., found a nest July 14, containing eggs just ready to be hatched. The nest was as usual a large bulky structure of sticks and twigs, lined with fine rootlets, and placed in the top of a sage-bush. The species was met with at various localities along our route. In the fall it is not unusual to find small companies of from five to ten associating together. They are nearly always shy and suspicious of the presence of man. No. Sex. Locality. Date. Collector. Wing. Tail. Bill. Tarsus. 513 9 ad. Cave Spring, Ariz. Anff. 1 Heushaw 3 86 3 PO 68 1 17 712 7*0 $ ad. 9jun. ' Apache, Ariz Gila River, Ariz. , Sept. 7 Sept. 15 ....do .... McGee 3.92 3 92 4.02 3 90 0.65 66 1.15 1 17 (ill! 9 jun. Goodwin, Ariz Sept 19 Hensliaw 3 90 3 66 6 62 1 13 126 Jun. Bowie, Ariz Oct 10 3 77 3 89 65 1 -J7 14 9jun. do Oct. 7 do 3.75 3.65 0.75 1.19 4. Harporynclius crissaUs Henry. Red- vented Thrasher. This was by no means an uncommon species in the canons at the base of Mount Turnbull, eight miles west of old Fort Goodwin, Ariz. It frequented the brush along the canon-sides, and it was only after much trouble that I succeeded iu obtaining a single specimen. A sec- ond's glimpse, as it darted far ahead from some low bush into the thick brush, was usually the only proof to be had of its presence. I judge it to be generally, but sparingly, distributed in this part of Arizona, and perhaps the southeastern part of New Mexico, as on several occasions in the mezquite-covered plains along the Gila River, I saw a few curve- billed thrushes, which were most likely of this species. Iris brown 5 bill black; feet plumbeous-brown. X.). Sex. Locality. Date. Collector. Wing. Tail. Bill. Tarsus. 799 . Mimus polyglottus (L.) Mocking-bird. I procured a young bird of this species at Inscription Eock, N. Mex., IVo.n among half a dozen others, and a few were afterward seen on the road to Apache, Ariz. They were very shy and restless. Said to be a common summer-resident of Arizona. (Cones.) 7os V ' 98 EXPLORATIONS AND SURVEYS WEST OF IOOTH MERIDIAN. (the Dippers). 6. C Indus mexicamiS) Sw. Water- Ouzel. Found among the rapids of the streams in the White Mountains, Ari- zona, where, however, it did not appear to be numerous. A pair of these interesting birds were seen on a small isolated pond in the high pine-woods, where they seemed as perfectly at home as in their custom- ary haunts on the most turbulent streams. Also met with on a mount- ain-stream near Tulerosa, N. Mex. SAXICOLIDJI; (the Saxicolas). 7. Sialia mexicana, Sw. Western Bluebird. This species was not observed till July 23 at Inscription Bock. This appeared to be a favorite locality, and large numbers of both old and young were congregated together in the piiion and cedar trees. Their habits at this season do not differ notably from the other species. From here southward they were frequently seen, commonly among the pines. At Apache in August I found them in large flocks in the pine-woods, and accompanied by flocks of warblers, nuthatches, and titmice, to which they seemed to act as leaders, the whole flock following their flight from tree to tree. No. Sex. Locality. Date. Collector. Wing. Tail. Bill. Tarsus. 464 9jun. Inscription Rock, N. July 23 Henshaw . 4.30 2.71 0.40 0.83 Mex. 465 * do July 23 do 4 07 2 70 45 79 527 $ Apache. Ariz Aug. 26 ....do.... 4.10 2. 85 0.48 0.68 679 $ ad. do Sept. 1 ....do.... 4.30 2.95 0.42 0.83 975 $ ad. Gila River, Southwest- Oct. 28 ....do.... 4.45 2.98 0.47 0.80 ern New Mexico. 962 $ ad. do Oct. 28 ....do.... 4.43 2.98 0.50 0.85 8. Sialia arctica, Sw. Kooky-Mountain Bluebird. On leaving the mountainous region of Southern Colorado, this species was apparently left behind, nor did I again see it till the middle of [November, when I found very large flocks in the neighborhood of a spring at the salt lake south of Zuni, N. Mex. They doubtless winter here. No. Sex. Locality. Date. Collector. Wing. Tail. Bill. Tarsus. 998 1006 $ ad. $ ad. Salt Lake, N. Mex .. do Nov. 19 Nov. 19 Henshaw . ...,do.... 4.58 4.75 3.03 2.27 0.50 0.50 0.85 0.93 (the Sylvias). 9. Reyulus calendula (L.) Ruby-crowned Wren. Common in the White Mountains of Arizona in August, where doubt- less it also breeds. Also seen at Camp Grant September 24, and com- mon on the Gila Elver, among the cotton woods, October 19. KEPORT UPON ORNITHOLOGICAL SPECIMENS. 99 10. Polioptila cccrulea (L.) Blue-gray Flycatcher. Met with first a little south of Apache, Ariz., and an occasional indi- vidual seen afterward, usually among the oak-trees. Their habits at this season are much like the warblers. They were very active, passing rapidly in and out among the small branches, and seeming in such hurry as to scarcely, begin their examination of one tree ere they were off to another. Now and then I saw one catching insects on the wing. No. Sex. Locality. Date. Collector. Wing. Tail. Bill. Tarsus. 720 898 9 A South of Apache, Ariz. San Pedro Ariz Sept. 8 Oct. 3 Henshaw . do 1.91 2 03 2.24 2.35 0.33 0.40 0.65 70 (the Titmice). 11. Lopliophanes inornatus (Gamb.) Gray-tufted Titmouse. Common. Is found chiefly among the pinons and scrub cedars, and also in Southern Arizona frequents the oaks. Usually goes in small flocks. 12. Loplioplianes wolliceberi, Bp. Wollweber's Titmouse. A small number was met with at Apache, Ariz., in a grove of scat- tered oaks, and in company with a large flock of the succeeding species. 13. Parus montanus, Garnb. Mountain-Chickadee. Frequently met with, chiefly among the heavy pines 5 also found among the oaks. Barely seen in large flocks, but during the fall a few are certain to be seen accompanying each flock of warblers, nuthatches, &c. Habits and notes do not differ essentially from those of its con- geners. 14. Psaltriparus minimus (Towns.), var. plunibeus, Bd. Lead-colored Titmouse. Not found at all in the heavy pines, but elsewhere abundant, and in fall and winter in very large flocks. One of the most active of the fam- ily ; constantly on the move from tree to tree, searching for insects. Perfectly fearless and unsuspicious. No. Sex. Locality. Date. Collector. Wing. Tail. Bill. Tarsus. 451 9 Fort Wingate, N. Mex. July 16 Henshaw . 1.95 2.46 0.27 0.58 581' 9jun. Apache, Ariz Aug. 21 ....do.... 1.92 1.85 0.31 0.61 608 $ do Aug. 24 ....do.... 1.93 1.93 0.28 0.60 15. Auriparus flaviceps (Sund.) Yellow-headed Titmouse; Yerdin. A single specimen was taken at old Camp Goodwin, Ariz., and occa- sionally an individual was met with among the mezquite-trees along the Gila River. Their habits, so far as observed, seemed to resemble those of the titmice, as do also its great variety of notes. No. Sex. Locality. Date. Collector. Wing. Tail. Bill. Tarsus. 792 9( 10 * > Camp Goodwin, Ariz.. Gila River, Ariz Sept. 17 Oct. 3 Henshaw . do 2.07 1.90 1.87 1. 93 0.35 0.33 0.57 0.60 100 EXPLORATIONS AND SURVEYS WEST OF JOOTH MERIDIAN. SITTID^E (the Nuthatches). 16. Sitta, carolinensis Gm., var. acitleata, Cass. Slender-billed Nut- hatch. Common in the pineries. 17. Sitta pusilla Lath., var. pyymcea, Vig. Pigmy Nuthatch. Abundant. In summer exclusively pinicoline, but iu the fall it is often seen in the groves of evergreen oaks. Gregarious, or nearly so, at all seasons. In the fall it gathers together in flocks of fifty or more, and, in company with the warblers and titmice, may be seen constantly on the move in search for food, when its loud iveet-weet is continually emitted as it moves along the branches or takes flight. No. Sex. Locality. Date. Collector. Wing. Tail. Bill. Tarsus. 486 $jun. Inscription Rock, N. July 24 Henshaw . 2.55 1.55 0.55 0.57 Hex. 988 $ Mountains, source of Nov. 5 ....do.... 2.62 1. 75 0.57 0.63 Gila River. CERTHIID^E (the Creepers). 18. Certhia familiar is L., var. americana, Bon. Brown Creeper. Perhaps not uncommon. I saw but few, and only among the pines of the mountains. No. Sex. Locality. Date. Collector. Wing. Tail. Bill. Tarsus. 670 Apache, Ariz . . , Sept. 1 Henshaw 2 63 2 80 64 60 TROGLODYTID^E (the Wrens). 19. Campylorliynclms brunneicapillus (Lafr.) Cactus- Wren. The region along the Gila Elver, in Arizona, seems eminently adapted to the habits of this bird, as the various species of cacti, the thickets of which it specially frequents, are nowhere more numerously represented than here. While along the river, the middle of September, though I searched carefully, I saw but a single individual. Its actions suggested those of the Winter- Wren. It had taken refuge in a dense thicket, from which its harsh, scolding notes could be heard as it passed from one part to another, keeping itself carefully hidden from view. Its curi- osity finally inducing it to venture to the top to watch me, I secured it. Locality. Date. Collector. Wing Tail. Bill. Tarsus. Gila River, Ariz ..... Sept. 15 Hcnsliaw 3 17 2 97 90 1 90 20. Salpinctes obsoletus (Say). Eock-Wren. This is an abundant species throughout Eastern Arizona, everywhere frequenting the masses of broken rocks, and showing an especial pro- KEPORT UPON ORNITHOLOGICAL SPECIMENS. 101 clivity for those of volcanic nature. The young in nesting-plumage were taken at Win gate, N. Mex., July 14. On the 28th, at Zuni, a nest was found containing four young nearly fledged. The nest proper was. merely a pile of grasses, slightly hollowed, and lined with horse-hairs and bits of sheep's wool. This was placed in a natural cavity of a clayey bank. It was without doubt a second brood. 21. Catlierpe* mexicanus (Swains.), var. conspersus Eidg. White> throated Eock-Wren. Xot uncommon in vicinity of Apache, Ariz., and met with frequently from here to the southward; also found common in ]N"ew Mexico near the sources of the Gila. This species is rarely seen, but in the deep canons and along the sides of rocky glens, and, like the former, is found most often among volcanic rocks. Its song is loud, clear, and melodi- ous, and, once heard, is never to be mistaken for that of any other bird. It consists of a series of loud, detached whistles, which, beginning at a> high note, descend smoothly and gradually through the entire scale. No. Locality. Date. Collector. Wing. Tail. Bill. Tarsua* 669 Apache Ariz .. ... Sept. 11 Henshaw 2 40 2 45 76 73 986 Mountains near Gila River. Nov. 5 ....do .... 2.29 2.32 0.75 0.7ft N. Mex. 993 .do.... Nov. 5 ....do .... 2.25 2.07 0.75 0.72 22. Thryotliorus bewicldi (Aud.) A rather common species in the neighborhood of Apache; also found at various points south. Undoubtedly occurs likewise in New Mexico,, though I did not see it there. Prefers thickets and clumps of bushes on the open hill-sides, where it spends much of its time upon the ground searching for food. No. Sex. Locality. Date. Collector. Wing. Tail. Bill. Tarsus. 500 A Apache, Ariz . Au"-. 21 Henshaw 2.25 2.15 0.80 600 A do Aug. 23 do 2 25 2 35 58 73 750 $ Southern Arizona Sept. 11 ....do.... 2.33 2.40 0.55 o.ea 23. Troglodytes aMon Yieill., var. parltmanni Aud. Parkman's Wren. Common everywhere wherever thickets, clumps of bushes, and fallen logs afford a good hunting-ground. 24. Telmatodytes palustris (Wils.), var. paludicola Baird Long-billed Marsh- Wfcn. A few seen at Apache in a small clump of reeds. Numerous in any marshy spot which is suited to its habits. SYLVICOLTD^E (the Warblers). 25. Helminthophaga Virginia*, Bd. Virginia's Warbler. 102 EXPLORATIONS AND SURVEYS WEST OF JOOTH MERIDIAN. Apparently a rather rare species in Arizona. I shot two specimens in a willow-thicket, by the side of a stream, in the White Mountains, August 11 ; not met with again. No. Sex. Locality. Date. Collector. Wing. Tail. Bill. Tarsus. 553 White Mts., Ariz Auo-. 11 Henshaw . 2.03 1.93 0.42 0.67 554 2 do Aug. 11 ....do .... 2.11 2.00 0.40 0.65 26. RelmintJiopliaga celata, (Say.) Orange-crowned Warbler. Bather common, keeping generally in the low thickets and brush of the streams. Bill and feet brown ; soles yellow. No. Sex. Locality. Date. Collector. Wing. Tail. Bill. Tarsus. 662 Apache, Ariz Sept. 1 Henshaw . 2.43 2.06 0.38 0.66 27. Dendroica (Estiva, (Gm.) Yellow Warbler. Common. 28. Dendroica audulonii, (Towns.) Audubon's Warbler. This species breeds quite commonly in the mountains of Southern Colorado, and I think it most probable that a few spend the summer in the higher portions of the White Mountains, Arizona, as I met with sev- eral here quite early in August. During the fall-migration, they were tolerably numerous, and were numerous October 17. At this season, they show no decided preference of locality, but are found in about equal numbers in the low scrub of the hill-sides and among the deciduous trees of the streams. They are adroit and successful fly-catchers. No. Sex. Locality. Date. Collector. Wing. Tail. Bill. Tarsus. 664 $ ad. Apache Ariz * . Sept. 1 Henshaw 3 22 2.58 0.40 0.74 972 9jun. Gila River, N. Mex . . . Oct. 11 ....do .... 2.82 2.33 0.40 0.72 972a ? do Oct. 11 ....do .... 3.04 2.40 0.40 0.70 29. Dendroica gracice, Cs. Arizona Warbler. An abundant Warbler in the White Mountains, Arizona, in August where also it doubtless breeds. Numbers were observed accompanying flocks of chickadees, nuthatches, and other warblers. A single adult female, in worn breeding-plumage, was taken at Inscription Kock, July 24. Iris black ; bill and feet brown ; soles light-yellow. No. Sex. Locality. Date. Collector. Wing. Tail. Bill. Tarsus. 485 $ ad. Insc'pt'n Rock, N. Mex. July 24 Henshaw. 2.53 2.10 0.45 0.68 520 $ ad. Apache, Ariz Aug. 21 ....do .... 2.67 2.24 0.42 0.63 534 $ ad. White Mts., Ariz Aug. 8 ....do .... 2.63 2.26 0.40 0.72 535 $jun. do Aug. 9 ....do .... 2.50 2.27 0.40 0.60 567 $jun. do Aug. 11 ....do .... 2.55 2.16 0.38 0.60 691 <^juu. Apache, Ariz Sept. 3 ....do .... 2.63 2.30 0.40 0.64 747 $ ad. South Apache, Ariz . . . Sept. 3 ....do .... 2.60 2. 15 0.39 0.60 REPORT UPON ORNITHOLOGICAL SPECIMENS. 103 30. Dendroica nigrcscens, (Towns.) Black-throated Gray Warbler. Found to be quite common, August 12, in the pine- woods of the White Mountains. Probably breeds. In habits more active and restless than the warblers generally. No. Sex. Locality. Date. Collector. Wing. Tail. Bill. Tarsus. 5*29 c? ad AiKiclio Ariz An" 1 12 Heushaw 2 50 2 17 38 67 56(5 578 601 701 errv. 2 28 2 14 42 75 555 9 White Mts., Ariz Auo-. 11 Henshaw 2 25 2 37 43 78 556 c?jun. do Aug. 11 ....do .... 2.20 2.36 0.42 0.98 661 9 Apache, Ariz Sept. 1 ....do .... 2.18 2.30 0.44 0.76 663 9 do Sept. 1 ....do .... 2.29 3.30 0.45 0.80 33. Icteria virens (L.), var. longicauda, Lawr. Long-tailed Chat. Met with but twice during the season ; at Apache August 5, when I took a young male, just molting the nesting-plumage, and again a single bird seen at Wingate. No. Se, Locality. Date. Collector. Wing. Tail. Bill. Tarsus. f>93 r? iu'n. Apache, Ariz Auo 1 5 Henshaw 2 93 3 38 55 97 34. Myiodioctes pimllus, (Wils.) Green Black-capped Flycatcher. One or two seen at Apache early in August, and by the first of Sep- tember and during this month it was very abundant, much more so than I ever saw it at the East. It frequents chiefly the deciduous trees and bushes of the streams, and is found from the plains well up to the tops of the mountains. No. Sex. Locality. Date. Collector. Wing. Tail. Bill. Tarsus. 671 $ ad. Bowie, Ariz .. Oct. 6 Newberry 2 55 4 15 60 1 02 TANAGEID^E (the Tanagers). 49. Pyranga ludomciana, (Wils.) Louisiana Tanager. Very common at Apache, and met with frequently at various points to the southward. Seen at the Gila River October 16, but at this time nearly all had gone farther south. Frequents at this season the decid- uous trees. Iris brown; bill horn-color; feet and legs bluish. 108 EXPLORATIONS AND SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN. No. Sex. Locality. Date. Collector. Wing. Tail. Bill. Tarsus. 460 585 627 709 9 ad. $ ad. 9jun. $ ad. Neutria, N. Mex Apaclie, Ariz do do July 19 Aug. 21 Aug. 27 Sept. 7 Henshaw ....do .... .... do .... do . 3.93 3.68 3.70 3.75 2.90 3.07 3.18 3.15 0.58 0.65 ,0.63 0.64 0.73 0.75 0.83 0.74 742 745 746 799 915 $ Jan. 9jun. 9jun. 9 ad. 9 iun. South of Apaclie, Ariz. ....do ....do Goodwin, Ariz Grila River, Ariz Sept. 11 Sept. 11 Sept. 11 Sept, 17 Oct. 16 ....do.... ....do.... ....do .... ....do.... do 3.68 3.55 3.78 3.62 3 70 2.98 2.88 2.90 2.86 2 94 0.63 0.59 0.64 0. 58 65 0.75 0.74 o.sp 0.79 80 50. Pyranga, liepatica, Sw. Liver-colored Tanager. A single female of this little-known species was shot at Apaclie Au- gust 4. In a grove of oaks on the skirts of a pine-forest, about twenty miles south of Apache, I saw, in the course of an afternoon, perhaps half a dozen males. They appeared to be feeding upon insects, which they gleaned from among the foliage and smaller branches of the oaks. They were excessively shy, so much so that I found it difficult to get within gun-shot of them. They probably spend the summer in the mountains, at least as far north as Apache. The species was introduced into our fauna by Dr. Woodhouse, who took a single female in the San Francisco Mountains, New Mexico. No other specimens have since been obtained till the present time. No. Sex. Locality. Date. Collector. Wing. Tail. Bill. Tarsus. 511 9 ad. Apache, Ariz Auo 1 . 4 Henshaw 4.05 3.05 0.68 0.83 717 $ ad. Twenty rniles^outh of Apache, Ariz. Sept. 8 ....do.... 4.10 3.53 0.67 0.87 718 $ ad. ....do Sept. 8 ....do.... 4.11 3.32 0.68 0.85 51. Pyranga (estiva (L.), var. cooperi, Eidg. Cooper's Tanager. A beautiful adult male of this variety of the Summer-Tannager (P. cestiva] was taken on the Gila Eiver, Arizona, September 16, and another heard in same locality ; also noted on the San Francisco Eiver October 10. In each instance they were found in the tall cottonwoods, actively engaged searching for insects. No. Sex. Locality. Date. Collector. Wing. Tail. Bill. Tarsus. W >. 95 3. 12 3.25 2.50 2.37 2.30 2.40 2. 23 2.40 2.45 0.43 0.41 0.40 0.47 0.42 0.40 0.75 0.80 0.75 0.75 0.75 0.74 Iris brown ; bill plumbeous-brown above, lighter beneath $ feet dusky- brown. 58. Plectroplianes maccoivnii, Lawr. Chestnut-shouldered Longspur. Found throughout much the same region as the preceding, and with very similar habits. No. Sex. Locality. Date. Collector. Wing. Tail. Bill. Tarsus. 130 9 jun. Bowie, Ariz . Oct. 10 Newberry 3.17 2.10 0. 45 0.70 919 9 Gila River, Ariz Oct. 16 Hensliaw 3 37 2.18 0.46 0.72 959, $ Bayard, N. Mex . Oct. 22 do ... 3.45 2.40 0.46 0.75 954 955 $ * do . do Oct. 22 Oct. 22 ....do ... do 3.43 3 37 2.37 2.25 0.50 46 0,75 0.69 956 95H 9 9 ....do do Oct. 22 Oct. 22 ....do... . . do . . 3.30 3.65 2.28 2.60 0.45 0;45 0. 75 0.76 950 9 ....do Oct. 22 ....do .... 3.40 2.30 0.47 0.75 59. Centronyx bairclU, (Aud.) Baird's Sparrow. The interesting fact of the discovery of Baird's Bunting in large num- bers in Northern Dakota has been announced by Dr. Coues. Additional light is thrown upon the range of this almost unknown species by its discovery in Southeastern Arizona and Southwestern New Mexico. I found it in immense numbers, from September 20 till late in October, REPORT UPON ORNITHOLOGICAL SPECIMENS. Ill throughout the rolling plains along the bases of the mountains, and even quite high up among the foot-hills. It was usually associated with the Savanna and Yellow-winged Sparrows, and seems to embrace in its habits certain characteristics of either species. Its flight is particularly like that of the former bird, but even more wild and irregular. It pur- sues its zigzag course for a couple of hundred yards, and then, suddenly turning sharply to one side, alights behind some friendly bush or tuft of grass. Like the Yellow-winged Sparrow, it is difficult to flush, but seeks rather to evade search by running nimbly through the grass, changing its course frequently, and hiding wherever possible, flying only when hard pressed. A large number of specimens were secured, all molting, and many in extremely ragged plumage. From their condition, it is presumed that they were not migrants, but breed in the immediate locality. The following measurements, taken from fresh specimens, were selected from a series of over thirty : No. Sex. Locality. Date. Collector. Length. Stretch. W. T. B. Tars. 812 813 814 815 816 * $ 9 $ 9 Camp Grant, Ariz. ....do do ....do do Sept. 22 Sept. 22 Sept. 22 Sept. 22 Sept. 22 Henshaw . .. do.. ....do.... ....do.... do 5.49 5.74 5.43 5.43 5.49 9.37 9.25 8.80 9.25 9.13 3.00 2.93 2.74 3.00 2 74 2.31 2.25 2.19 2.37 2.25 0.43 0.45 0.45 0.41 0.45 0.80 0.79 0.80 0.79 77 817 818 819 $ 9 9 ....do ....do do Sept. 22 Sept. 22 Sept. 23 ....do.... Maquet.. . Heushaw . 5.62 5.37 5.49 9.19 8.80 8.74 3.00 2.62 2 62 2.25 2.12 2 12 0.43 0.45 0.80 0.77 821 822 823 835 836 837 838 839 804 $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ ....do ....do ....do ....do ....do ....do ....do ,...do Mt. Graham, Sept. 23 Sept. 23 Sept. 23 Sept. 23 Sept. 23 Sept. 23 Sept. 23 Sept. 23 Sept. 21 ....do.... ....do.... .... do.... ....do.... ....do.... ....do.... ....do.... ....do.... do 5.68 5.46 5.61 5.74 5.66 5.48 5.36 5.66 9.06 9.06 9.37 9.37 9.25 9.43 9.31 9.06 3.00 2.80 3.00 3.06 3.00 2.80 2.80 2.74 2.80 2.17 2.12 2.37 2.30 2.25 2.18 2.25 2.18 2.27 0.45 0.45 0.44 0.43 0.47 0.47 0.43 0.45 C.47 0.85 0.82 0.82 0,83 0.81 0.82 0.77 0.81 0.83 807 920 $ 9 Ariz. ....do GilaRiver,N. Sept. 21 Oct. 16 ..do.. do 2.75 2.65 2.30 1.95 0.44 0.46 0.83 0.81 Mex. * * GO. Passerculus savanna (Wil.), var. alaudinus, Bp. Western Savanna Sparrow. During the fall often found on the high dry plateaus. Always nu- merous in the vicinity of sloughs and streams. No. Sex. Locality. Date. Collector. Wing. Tail. Bill. Tarsus. 608 620 634 665 MT 9jim. $ 9jun. c?jun- Mt. Graham, Ariz Apache, Ariz do do Camp Grant Ariz Aug. 21 Aug. 26 Aug. 27 Aug. 23 Aug 23 Henshaw. ....do .... ....do .... ....do .... do 2.60 2. 75 2.50 2.65 2 75 2.20 2.23 2.10 2.26 2 26 0.40 0.42 0.43 0.43 45 0.73 0.80 o. 7:> 0.82 75 894 9 do Sept. 29 ....do .... 2.60 2.10 0.42 0.77 Gl. Pooccetes Finch. yramineus (Gin.), var. confinis, Bd. Western Grass- 112 EXPLORATIONS AND SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN. This and the preceding species are perhaps the most common and generally distributed in the West of the sparrow- tribe. They both frequent much the same localities, but the Grass-Finch is more con- stantly found on the dry plains, and entirely away from the vicinity of water. No. Sex. Locality. Date. Collector. Wing. Tail. Bill. Tarsus. 11 12 784 $ $ Camp Grant, Ariz , do Gila River Ariz Sept. 22 Sept. 22 Sept. 15 Magnet.. . do Henshaw . 2.98 3. 13 3.30 2.67 2.71 2.65 0.45 0.45 45 0.78 0.85 0.83 62. Coturniculus passerinus (Wils.), var. perpallidus, Kidg. Western Yellow-winged Sparrow. Found abundantly over the same area as the Baird's Bunting. The specimens obtained are all typical of this race, and differ very decidedly from the eastern form (passerinus) in the general predominance of the light tints through the entire plumage. No. Sex. Locality. Collector. Wing. Tail. Bill. Tarsus. 6 A Southern Arizona ... Magnet . 2.43 2.13 0.48 0.76 13 % Camp Grant Ariz do 2 50 2 09 47 77 10 610 $ A Mount Graham, Ariz do .... do .... Henshaw 2.40 2 50 2.05 2 06 0.50 0.50 0.75 0.76 612 A do do 2.50 2.07 0.43 0.73 613 do ... do 2.40 2.10 0.47 0.71 628 629 630 $ 9 do do do ....do .... .... do .... do 2.60 2.45 2.62 2.15 2.05 2.23 0.47 0.46 0.45 0.70 0.70 0.73 627 782 $ Gila River Ariz ....do.... do 2 50 2 55 2.08 2 10 0.49 55 0. 76 0. 73 C3. Zonotrichia leucophrys, (Forst.) White-crowned Sparrow. Exceedingly abundant in the fall in the valleys of the San Pedro and Gila Rivers, Arizona. Frequents the bushes, more particularly the wil- lows along the small streams. Iris brown 5 bill above dusky-brown, below lighter; feet and legs light-brown. No. Sex. Locality. Date. Collector. Wing. Tail. Bill. Tarsus. 1<>0 9 ad Oct. 6 Newberry 2 95 3 00 46 0. 83 125 $ ad. do Oct. 10 do 3.12 3.11 0.44 0.85 64. Zonotrichia leucophrys (Forst.), var. intermedia, Ridg, GambeFs Finch. Arrived from the north rather later than the preceding. Found equally abundant in same localities, and associating together. REPORT UPON ORNITHOLOGICAL SPECIMENS. 113 No. Sex. Locality. Date. Collector. Wing. Tail. Bill. Tarsus. 9S 12 9. inn. O ]U11 Pueblo Viejo, N. Mex. Bowie, Ariz- Sept. 18 Oct. 7 Ne wherry. ...do 2.94 2.88 2.85 3 00 0.42 0.44 0.83 86 790 $ ona River Ariz Sept. 16 Heushaw 2 90 2 92 45 82 950 ^iun Bayard N Mex Oct 19 do 2 90 2 97 42 84 950 .do Oct. 19 do 2.80 2.98 42 83 Synopsis of the genus Junco. Common characters : Prevailing color plumbeus ; the abdomen, crissum, and lateral tail- leathers white : A. Ash of the jugulum with its posterior surface concave, and abruptly denned against the white of abdomen; sides tinged with ash ; upper parts pure ash : 1. hyemalis 2. var. aikeni. B. Jugulum abruptly denned against the white of abdomen, but con- vex; sides pinkish; dorsal region dark rufous-brown: 1. oregonus. 2. var. annectens. C. Back bright-rufous : 1. caniceps. 2. var. dorsalis. 3. var. cinereus. 4. var. alticola. By the above arrangement the group is divided into three distinct species, each having a single variety in the United States, while to caniceps as varieties are referred, though somewhat doubtfully, the extreme southern forms cinereus and alticola. Hyemalis of the East- ern Province is represented in the high northern Rocky Mountains (?) by the variety aikeni, distinguished by its larger size, the white bands of the wings, the greater amount of white on the tail-feathers, and the generally paler coloration, features all readily traceable to the effects of its cold alpine habitat. Annectens, also inhabiting the northern Eocky Mountains, is referable to oregonus of the Pacific coast, which it resem- bles in the fulvous sides, and in the dark rufous-brown of the dorsal region ; features peculiar to these two forms. From it, it is separable as a variety, by much the same differences, though less in degree, that exist between hyemalis and aikeni, differences assignable, too, to the same causes. It is larger, with paler colors throughout, having the plumbeous-black of oregonus replaced by a light ash, and also, as Mr. Aiken informs me, not infrequently shows a decided tendency to the white banding of the wings. This is well shown in a specimen taken at Fountain, Col., in December, which has two well denned bauds, though not quite so conspicuous as in typical examples of aikeni. Junco caniceps of the central Kocky Mountains of the United States is at once distinguished from any of the above by the bright, reddish, chestnut- brown of the interscapular region. In the southern Ilocky Mountains in New Mexico and Arizona, is found var. dorsalis, which seems to com- bine certain features peculiar to both caniceps and cinereus, and also in certain other points to differ from either. In the restriction of red to the interscapular region it is like caniceps ; but in quite a number of spe- cimens collected in New Mexico during the past season the tertiaries are strongly tinged with rufous, showing in this respect an approach to 80S 114 EXPLORATIONS AND SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN. cinereus, where the chestnut of the back extends over the wing-coverts and inner secondaries. The bill above is brownish -black, below whit- ish, thus differing from caniceps, which has a flesh-colored bill, and apparently approaching cinereus, where it is black above, below yellow. Like cinereus, also, the pale ash of the throat fades gradually into the white of abdomen, instead of being, as in caniceps, abruptly defined. Of quite a large series of specimens collected by myself the past season, and others in the Smithsonian collection, I have seen none which are not readily assignable to one variety or the other by the distinctive features pointed out. The theory of hybridization, which might be admissible were only one or two specimens known possessing interme- diate characters, seems wholly inadequate as an explanation in the case of either annectens or dorsalis, where the forms extend over very exten- sive regions, and preserve their distinctive characteristics intact. Whether cinereus of the table-lands of Mexico, with a local variety, alticola of the mountains of Guatemala, may not justly be entitled to specific rank, is a matter of considerable doubt. While the typical forms of caniceps and cinereus are widely different, dorsalis, intermediate in its habitat, seems also intermediate in its characters, and it therefore may be best to treat the two (caniceps et cinereus} as only separable as varieties rather than as distinct species. A large suite, however, of these birds collected in Mexico, which at present is wanting, might shed more light on the subject. 65. Junco liyemalis (L.), var. aikeni, Eidg. White-winged Snowbird. This race of the common snow-bird (hyemalis) is found late in the fall and winter, distributed over quite a large area in the middle Eocky Mountains of the United States. I found it and the two succeeding forms, mingled indiscriminately in large flocks, in El Paso County, Colo- rado, the middle of December. Mr. Aiken has had abundant opportunity to note the time and manner of its migrations, and from these it seems pretty certain that it finds its summer-home very far to the northward. According to Mr. Aiken, the first stragglers from the north do not make their appearance till about the 5th of October, and then in gradually increasing numbers till the 1st of December, when they come in large flocks, the last to arrive being the old and i'ully-plumaged males. While many of the females and young birds proceed farther to the south, the greater number of the adult males winter at some point farther to the north than El Paso County, as of the whole number seen during the winter only about two-fifths are males. Early in February the old birds begin to start northward, the general migration being delayed about a month. The habits of this race do not differ from those of its congeners. 66. Junco oregonus, (Towns.) Oregon Snowbird. Found abundantly in the neighborhood of Bayard, N. Mex., and generally distributed from this point northward, keeping in the low foot-hills and along the streams on the plains. Mr. Aiken informs me that comparatively but few of this species remain during the winter in his section, the greater proportion passing on still further to the south. No. Sex. Locality. Date. Collector. Wing. Tail. Bill. Tarsus. 947 9 Bayard, N. Mex Oct. 19 Hensha w . 3.07 2.78 0.43 0.78 REPORT UPON ORNITHOLOGICAL SPECIMENS. 115 67. Junco oregonus (Towns.), var. annectens, Bd. Pink-sided Snowbird. Numerous in El Paso County, Colorado, in December. Considerable numbers winter here, although, from tbe fact that a large majority of these are males, Mr. Aiken is led to believe that the greater number spend the winter farther south. I met with it near Silver City, South- western New Mexico, late in October, but it was not common. No. 963 Sex. Locality. Date. Collector. Wing. Tail. Bill. Tarsus. :U Apache Ariz Auf. 16 Hensliaw 2.45 2.55 0.31 0.65 632 653 o iun Apache Ariz . Sept. 6 Henshaw 4 55 3 68 0.76 76 70H $ jun. do Sept. 7 do 4.95 3.85 0.78 0.70 REPORT UPON ORNITHOLOGICAL SPECIMENS. 125 102. Tyrannous vociferans, Sw. Cassin's Flycatcher. A rather common species among the sage-brush about Fort Wingate. Frequents also the open, brushy ravines, and altogether seemed to be less of a tree loving species than the preceding. Noted, also, at various points in Eastern Arizona to Fort Bowie. No. Sex. Locality. Date. Collector. Wing. Tail. Bill. Tarsus. 457 $ ad Neutria N Mex July 19 Henshaw 5 25 4 01 80 71 98 $ ad. Wingate, N. Mex July 15 Newberry . 5.25 3.91 0.86 0.78 465 497 9 jun. $ ad Inscription Rock, N. Mex. do July 23 July 24 Henshaw . do 5.13 5 16 3.95 3 90 0.75 91 0.75 78 609 8 9 A Mount Turnbull, Ariz . do Sept. 21 Sept 20 ....do .... Magnet 5. 15 5 14 3.95 3 H5 0.83 87 0.75 78 778 9 jun. Gila River, Ariz Sept. 15 Henshaw . 4.93 3.96 0.79 0.76 793 9 ad. do Sept. 16 ....do .... 4.92 3.81 0.79 0.75 103. Myiarchus crinltus (L.), var. cinerascens, Lawr. Ash-throated Fly- catcher. Less abundant than the preceding, but inhabiting much the same region. In choice of localities, it evinced a similar taste, as it affected the open plains and creek-bottoms grown up to brush rather than the more densely-wooded districts. No. Sex. Locality. Date. Collector. Wing. Tail. Bill. Tarsus. W ad. Win ^ate N. Mex July 16 Newberry 3 73 3.62 0.73 0.89 447 9 ad. do July 15 Henshaw . 3. 75 3.69 0.77 0.85 475 438 9 jun. A ad. Inscription Rock, N. Mex. Wingate, N. Mex July 23 July 15 ....do .... do .... 3.67 4.00 3.64 3.94 0.70 0.75 0.87 0.88 104. Sayornis nigricans, (Sw.) Black Flycatcher. Present throughout Eastern Arizona, where it is a common inhabi- tant of the brush-lined streams, and is to be seen constantly in pursuit of flying insects. Its habits seem to correspond pretty closely with those of the eastern pewee (S.fuscus). No. Sex. Locality. Date. Collector. Wing. Tail. Bill. Tarsus. 118 9 jun. Bowie, Ariz Sept. 6 Newberry 3.25 3.25 0.58 0.66 fr>-> -> 665 703 9 ad. c?jn- Apache. Ariz Aug. 29 Newberry 4 68 2 13 91 93 618 ^iun do Auo- 26 Honsliaw 4 60 2 28 92 83 619 $jun. do Aug. 26 ....do.... 5.00 2.33 0'.90 0.87 619a r "s. 1% do June 19 H. W Henshaw 3 eg^s o->,; Petroch. lunifrons do H. W. Henshaw, 16 eg^s. 104 Sel. platycercus do June 14-19 H. W. Heushaw, 4 eggs. 451 Zeiiaidura carolinensis Denver Colo May 5-14 H. W. Henshaw 16 e^erg. 454 Canace obscura Kio Grande, Colo June 16 H. W. Henshaw, 1 egg. 518 517 Himantopus nigricollis Recurvirostra americana . .. Alkali lakes, Colo do June 22 June 22 H. W. Henshaw, 4 eggs. Do. 519 do June 23 H. W. Henshaw 10 e^s 40Q Podicepa auritus var. californicus ...do June 23 H. W. Henshaw, 23 eggs. 5.59 Fulica americana do June 23 H. W. Henshaw, 35 eggs. 148 EXPLORATIONS AND SURVEYS WEST OF JOOTH MERIDIAN. LIST OF NESTS COLLECTED IN 1873. No. Name. Locality. Date Collector. 369 Turdus var audubonii Garland, Colo June 7 H. W. Henshaw 151 do June 1 ( > H ~W Heushaw (2 nests 368 do g built together). H W Henshaw 396 do June . Do 331 do do June 20 Do. 82 South Park Colo Julv Dr Rothrock 4^0 do Garland, Colo July 11 H. W. Henshaw. B5 Colorado Julv Dr Rothrock 397 Pipilo Alkali lakes Colo H. W Henshaw 365 Pipilo chlorurus Rio Grande River, Colo. . June 15 Do. 406 Garland Colo June 81 Do 156 Scolecopha'us cyanocephalus do May 07, Do. 155 do do Mav 27 Do 71 Small Flycatcher . - South Park, Colo June 30 Dr. Rothrock. 30 Denver Colo June 10 Do 31 do do . June 10 Do 351 Selasphorus platycercus Rio Grande, Colo June 14 H. W. Henshaw. 365 do Garland Colo June 10 Do 31 Zenaidura carolinensis Denver, Colo June 10 Dr. Rothrock n do do Do LIST OF STERNA COLLECTED IN 1873. No. Name. Sex. Locality. Date. Collector. 390 Recurvirostra americana cf ad Alkali lakes Colo June 21 391 do ad do Do 389 do cf ad. do June 21 Do. 308 Hiinantopus nigricollis o do June 22 Do 417 Querquedula cyanoptera . cf ad. .do June 23 Do 30fi ^Egialitis montanus cf ad. Garland, Colo June 10 Do. 307 do j 1 do June 10 Do 309 Picicorvus columbianus cf ad. Rio Grande, Colo June 10 Do. 310 do j 1 do Do 190 .do . ...... ff Garland Colo May 29 Do. 616 Falco polyagrus $ jun. Apache, Ariz Aug. 26 Do. 64 do Denver Colo May 12 Do 35 Nisus fuscus do May 9 Do. 977 Myiadestes townsendii cf Garland, Colo June 6 Do. 503 Calamospiza bicolor ^ Pescao N. Mex July 25 Do 414 Podiceps, var. californicus cf ad. Alkali lakes, Colo June 23 Do. 61 Antro. nuttalli o j un Aug 25 Do 90 do cf Denver Colo May 15 Do 990 Sphy. thyroideus o Garland, Colo June 3 Do. Oiq do cf ad do June 3 Do 935 do cf ad. ... . do June 3 Do. 9R do tf do May 20 Do 934 do cf ad. do June 4 Do. 991 Picoides dorsalis do June 3 Do. OflO Perisoreus var. capitalis cf ' do May 30 Do 994 do C) .do .... June 3 Do. 90-} do do May 30 Do THIS BOOK IS DUE ON THE LAST DATE STAMPED BELOW RETURN TO the circulation desk of any University of California Library or to the NORTHERN REGIONAL LIBRARY FACILITY Bldg. 400, Richmond Field Station University of California Richmond, CA 94804-4698 ALL BOOKS MAY BE RECALLED AFTER 7 DAYS 2- month loans may be renewed by calling (510)642-6753 1-year loans may be recharged by bringing books to NRLF Renewals and recharges may be made 4 days prior to due date DUE AS STAMPED BELOW FEB 2 1 1996 20,000 (4/94)