_Spermophila bicolor._
_Fringilla bicolor_, +Linn.+
_Chloris Bahamensis_, +Briss.+
[71] Length 4¹⁄₄ inches, expanse 6¹⁄₂, flexure 2, tail 1⁶⁄₁₀,
rictus ⁴⁄₁₀, tarsus ⁷⁄₁₀, middle toe ⁶⁄₁₀. Exactly like the
preceding, except in totally wanting the yellow; the face and
throat being black.
Both of these birds are permanent inhabitants of Jamaica; their habits
are so similar, that the detailed history of one will apply to the
other. Both are quite common, and familiar; and both are unmusical: the
present is more silent than the former; yet in spring its note may be
heard, as it makes its short flights, a single harsh guttural squeak,
difficult to indicate by words, and difficult to imitate.
To the remarks of Mr. Hill’s in the preceding article, I will merely
add the description of another nest of the Black-face, which in June
was built between three contiguous stalks of maize, and an ear. It
was a dome composed of slender stalks of grass and weeds woven into a
globose form, flattened in front, on which side was the opening. The
dried beard of the corn entered into the structure, and a small frond
of fern, and a tendril or two of passion-flower adorned the entrance.
Three eggs were laid, measuring ⁷⁄₁₀ by ¹⁄₂ inch; pointed; white,
splashed with dull red, chiefly at the larger end, where confluent.