_Vireo huttoni_, CASSIN, Pr. A. N. Sc. Phila. 1851, 150 (Monterey,
Cal.).—IB. 1852, pl. i, fig. 1.—BAIRD, Birds N. Am. 1858, 339, pl.
lxxviii, fig. 2; Rev. 357.—SCLATER, P. Z. S. 1858, 302 (Oaxaca);
1862, 19 (La Parada).—IB. Catal. 1861, 358, no. 256.—COOPER, Orn.
Cal. 1, 1870, 121.
SP. CHAR. (No. 3,725.) First quill rather less than half second, which
about equals the tenth; third a little longer than seventh; fourth and
fifth nearly equal, and longest. Tail slightly rounded, shorter than
wings. Bill very small.
[Line drawing: _Vireo huttoni._
3725]
Above olive-green; brightest behind, especially on rump and edging of
tail, duller and more ashy towards and on top and sides of head and
neck. Wings with two bands on coverts, and outer edges of innermost
secondaries rather broadly olivaceous-white; other quills edged
externally with olive-green, paler towards outer primary; internally
with whitish. Lateral tail-feather edged externally with
yellowish-white. Feathers of rump with much concealed yellowish-gray.
Under parts pale olivaceous-yellowish; purest behind, lightest on the
throat and abdomen; the breast more olivaceous, the sides still deeper
olive-green, the breast soiled with a slight buffy tinge. Axillars and
crissum yellowish; the inside of wings whitish. Loral region and a
narrow space around eye dull-yellowish, in faint contrast to the olive
of head. Bill horn-color above, paler below; legs dusky.
Total length, 4.70; wing, 2.40; tail, 2.05; difference between tenth
and longest quills, .43; exposed portion of first primary, .72, of
second, 1.52, of longest, fourth, and fifth (measured from exposed
base of first primary), 1.90; length of bill from forehead, .45, from
nostril, .29, along gape, .60; tarsus, .72; middle toe and claw, .50,
claw alone, .16; hind toe and claw, .45, claw alone, .22.
HAB. California and Western Mexico, to Oaxaca; La Parada (SCL.);
Orizaba (alpine region, resident, SUMICHR.).
The description just given is based upon the type specimen, probably
in winter plumage. Spring specimens do not vary materially except in
greater purity of white edgings of the feathers. Two Mexican specimens
are rather larger, the wing measuring 2.50, the tail 2.30. No other
differences are appreciable. In general the first primary is about
half the second, sometimes rather less.
This species is readily distinguished from other Vireos, excepting _V.
modestus_, which it greatly resembles in the small bill, form,
coloration, and size; nor indeed is it easy to separate them. In
_modestus_, however, the first quill is usually more than half the
second, not less; the wing shorter, and less pointed; the tail longer.
The upper parts are more uniform, not much brighter towards rump.
HABITS. This species is one of comparatively recent origin, and of its
history but little is as yet known. It was first described by Cassin,
in 1851, from a specimen obtained in Monterey, Cal. It has been found
in various parts of California, in the valley of the Gila, and in the
northern and eastern portions of Mexico. Mr. Sumichrast gives it as a
resident of the alpine region of the Department of Vera Cruz.
Dr. Cooper has observed this bird near San Diego, late in February,
where he at first mistook it for the Ruby-crowned Wren, a bird that
winters there in abundance, and which he states resembles this species
closely in appearance and habits. Two of them came to within a few
feet of where he sat, scolding in a harsh tone. He recognized then
their larger size and different plumage, as well as their remarkably
large eyes, and a peculiar slowness and deliberation in their
movements as they searched the foliage for insects.
Dr. Cooper has since found them wintering plentifully up to latitude
38°. Having observed but few of them in the Coast Range, in May, he
thinks that most of them go farther north in summer. At San Diego,
however, he shot a female, on the 9th of March, containing an egg
nearly ready to be laid. He had not been able to find the nest, which
is presumed to be built in the dense shade of the evergreen oaks
(_Quercus agrifolia_). Their song is said to consist of a few short
and quaint notes. Among the memoranda of Mr. Xantus, made at Fort
Tejon, I find the following: (No. 1,827.) Nest and eggs of _Vireo
huttoni_, found May 8, one foot from the ground, under high trees,
suspended from three high stems of weeds, fastened to them, but very
loosely put together. The eggs had been incubated. He furnished no
further description of nest or eggs.
Vireo belli, AUD.