_Loxia mexicana_, STRICKLAND, Jardine Contrib. Orn. 1851, 43.—SCLATER,
P. Z. S. 1859, 365.—IB. 1864, 174, City of Mexico.—SALVIN, Ibis,
1866, 193 (Guatemala).
SP. CHAR. Colors of _americana_, but red brighter, more scarlet. Bill
very large, the lower mandible nearly or quite equal to the upper in
strength and length. Wing, 4.00; tail, 2.50; bill (from forehead) .82.
HAB. Mountainous regions of Southern North America, from Guatemala,
north into Rocky Mountains of United States; Mexico, Orizaba.
This bird is quite as well marked as any of the plain-winged
“species,” differing from _curvirostra_ and _americana_ quite as much
as they do from each other.
All specimens from Mexico, as well as from the Central Rocky Mountains
of the United States, are referrible to this form, though in winter
the _americana_ may also be found in the latter region, as a migrant
from the north.
HABITS. The occurrence of this well-marked race among the mountainous
districts of Mexico is a very interesting and suggestive fact in
regard to the distribution of birds, demonstrating, as it does, the
close connection between high latitudes and high elevations as
favoring similar forms. It was first described by Strickland from
specimens obtained on the plateau near the city of Mexico. Another
specimen is referred to by Mr. Sclater as having been received from
Jalapa, Mexico; and Mr. Sumichrast obtained also a single specimen of
this species at Moyoapam, in the alpine region of Orizaba, where it is
known as the _Pico cruzado_. It was taken at an elevation of about
7,500 feet. Mr. Sumichrast was unable to determine whether this bird
was resident, or only a migratory visitant in the winter. I can find
no reference to any distinctive peculiarities of habits.
Loxia leucoptera, GMELIN.