feathered, has the wings and tail undeveloped, and was taken from the
nest. Its entire upper plumage is rusty brown with a chestnut tinge
which deepens on the rump and outer webs of the secondaries to decided
chestnut brown. The general coloring of the under parts is pale
fulvous with a strong tinge of rusty chestnut across the breast, along
the sides, and over the anal region and crissum. The breast is
obsoletely spotted, but the plumage elsewhere, both above and below,
is entirely immaculate. An older bird (No. 577, Camp Lowell, June 23)
with the wings and tail fully grown out, differs in having the back
(excepting a narrow anterior space bordering on the nape), with the
exposed webs and coverts of the wings, and a broad tipping on the tail
feathers, bright rusty;—while in a third of about the same age (No.
614, ♂, Camp Lowell, June 28), the rusty color, although paler, is
uniformly distributed over the entire upper surface save upon the
wings and tail feathers, which are only edged and tipped with that
color. This last example is so faintly marked beneath that the plumage
at first sight appears immaculate; but a closer inspection reveals a
few spots here and there among the central feathers of the breast. A
fourth (No. 487, Camp Lowell, June 3), although apparently no older,
has the breast and sides spotted more sharply than in any of the
adults, while the rusty tinge above is chiefly confined to the rump,
posterior half of the back, and the outer webs of the wing feathers.
Several of these young birds are so nearly similar to specimens of _H.
bendirei_ in corresponding stages that they can be separated only with
great difficulty. The stouter bill and entirely black lower mandible
of _palmeri_ may, however, always be depended upon as distinguishing
characters; and, moreover, the pectoral spotting of _bendirei_ is
usually (but not invariably) finer and sharper, and the rusty tinge
above paler and less extended.
The adults present a good deal of variation, most of which is
apparently seasonal. Winter specimens have the lower abdomen, with the
anal region and crissum, rich rusty-fulvous, while the markings
beneath are similar in character to those of true _curvirostris_, and
the spots equally distinct, numerous and widely distributed. With the
advance of the season, and the consequent wear and tear of the
plumage, the spots gradually fade or disappear. Indeed some of the
June specimens are absolutely immaculate beneath, although most of
them, like Mr. Ridgway’s types, have a few faint markings on the
abdomen. In this condition the general coloring is also paler and
grayer, and the fulvous of the crissum and neighboring parts often
entirely wanting.
But although the evidence of this series tends to demolish several of
the characters upon which _palmeri_ has been based, enough remain to
separate it from its ally the true _curvirostris_ of Mexico and the
Rio Grande Valley in Texas. The best of these, perhaps, is to be found
in the different marking of the tail feathers. In _curvirostris_ the
three outer pairs are broadly tipped with pure white which, on the
inner web, extends twice as deep, basally, as on the outer one, and
has its boundaries everywhere sharply defined; in _palmeri_ the outer
rectrices are, at the most, barely tipped with pale brown, which
either extends squarely across both webs, or fades insensibly into the
darker color of the feather. The bill of _palmeri_, also, is usually
longer and more curved than that of _curvirostris_.
8. =Harporhynchus lecontei= _Bonap._ LECONTE’S THRASHER.—The great
rarity of Leconte’s Thrasher, even in the heart of the desolate regions
where alone it has so far been found, is still further attested by Mr.
Stephens’ experience during the past season, for although he searched
for it carefully in all suitable places between Camp Lowell and
Riverside (California), he met with only two individuals. These occurred
about fifteen miles west of Maricopa, Arizona, in a locality which the
accompanying notes describe as follows: “Near the middle of
‘Forty-five-mile Desert,’ between Maricopa Wells and Gila Bend. No
chollas or other cactuses in the immediate neighborhood, but some giant
cactuses about a mile away in the hills; a few mesquites and much
scattering low brush in the vicinity; nearest water twenty miles away.”
Dr. Cooper is said to have found the species “rather common” in the
desert between Fort Mohave and the San Bernardino Mountains, California,
but Mr. Stephens has thrice traversed this route without seeing a single
specimen. In a recent number[42] of the American Naturalist, however,
Mr. E. Holterhoff, Jr., speaks of seeing the bird “on the Colorado
desert, at a station called Flowing Wells,” and gives an interesting
description of a nest and set of eggs taken there. “The nest was placed
in a palo verde tree, and was a very bulky affair, measuring externally
nine inches in depth and six in width; the hollow of the nest was fully
three inches in depth. It was so awkwardly situated that much of the
base of the nest had evidently been filled in to firmly support the
structure. The two eggs were somewhat smaller than those of _H.
redivivus_, lighter in color, and marked all over with finer reddish
spots, thicker at the larger end.”
I am inclined to consider the Maricopa specimens above referred to as
adults, although this is not so clear in the case of the male, portions
of whose plumage suggest that of a young bird. Both are in worn, ragged
condition, but there is no indication of any moult, save upon the wings
and tail, where many of the feathers have been replaced by new ones
which are conspicuous among the others by their fresher coloring.
On a former occasion[43] I urged the specific distinctness of this
Thrasher from _H. redivivus_, and to this conviction I still hold,
although a comparison of additional specimens of both species inclines
me to believe with Dr. Coues that Leconte’s Thrasher is, on the whole,
more nearly related to _redivivus_ than to any other United States form.
616, ♂ ad., near Maricopa Wells, July 5. Length, 10.80; extent, 12.30;
wing, 3.85; tarsus, 1.27; tail, 5.35; culmen (chord), 1.30; bill from
nostrils, .91; width below posterior angle of nostrils, .23.
617, ♀ ad., same locality and date. Length, 10.60; extent, 12; wing,
3.78; tarsus, 1.32; tail, 4.91; bill (chord of culmen), 1.32; bill from
nostril, .94; width below posterior angle of nostril, .24. “Iris
reddish-brown; bill black; legs nearly black. Stomach contained a small
species of katydid and some ants.”
9. =Harporhynchus crissalis= _Henry_. CRISSAL THRASHER.—Not uncommon
near Tombstone, Tucson and Camp Lowell.
Dr. Coues, comparing this species with Le Conte’s, Palmer’s, and
Bendire’s Thrashers, concludes:[44] “and we are led to infer that when
the ‘topography’ of the other three species is fully determined, it will
be found no less extensive. For there is nothing peculiar in the economy
or requirements of any one of the four in comparison with the rest.”
This view, however, is hardly supported by the testimony of observers
who have had the best opportunities of studying these birds. The Crissal
Thrasher, according to Captain Bendire,[45] “appears to prefer damp
localities near water-courses, and confines itself principally to spots
where the wild currant is abundant.” Mr. Henshaw says: “According to my
experience, it is not a bird of the plains, but inhabits by preference
the rough sides of rocky cañons or the hillsides covered with broken
_débris_, interspersed with straggling bushes.” Mr. Stephens’ evidence
is not less explicit. He found the Crissal Thrasher in copses in
valleys, and along streams. It was especially fond of well-shaded
undergrowth, and spent much of its time on the ground, searching for
food under the bushes. It never occurred among cactuses, and the only
place where he saw it actually associating with Bendire’s and Palmer’s
Thrashers, was at Camp Lowell, where the latter species, with other
desert birds, came to drink at a water-hole and thus occasionally
mingled with the Crissal Thrashers which inhabited the neighboring
thickets. The contrast which these traits afford when compared with the
ones characterizing the other three species named by Dr. Coues, is
sufficiently apparent.[46]
A nest received from Mr. Stephens is precisely similar to those found by
Captain Bendire. The three eggs which it contained measure respectively,
1.14×.76, 1.14×.75, and 1.08×.77. Like all the specimens which have been
previously reported they are entirely unspotted, and both in size and
color closely resemble eggs of the common Robin.
_Juv., first plumage_ (♀, No. 546, Camp Lowell, June 20). Above
dull reddish-brown. Rump and a broad tipping on the tail,
brownish-chestnut. Under parts nearly uniform, brownish-fulvous.
Crissum chestnut, of nearly the same shade as in the adult.
Maxillary stripes dusky brown. No trace of spots or other dark
markings either above or beneath.
Five other young birds in the series are essentially similar and call
for no special comment. I cannot find any description of the first
plumage of either _H. redivivus_ or _H. lecontei_, but with the
exception of these, _H. crissalis_ is the only North American species
in the sub-family _Miminæ_ whose young are entirely unmarked beneath.
It is interesting to note that with respect to the color of the upper
parts, especially that of the rump, they resemble the young of both
_H. bendirei_ and _H. palmeri_.
The individual variation presented by the adults before me is chiefly
confined to the relative length and curvature of the bill, the general
coloring of all being nearly uniform, although the breeding birds are
slightly paler than those taken early in the season.
166, ♂ ad., near Tombstone, April 5. Length, 12.10; extent, 12.30;
“Iris light brown. Stomach contained insects and a _small lizard_.”
251, ♂ ad., Tucson, April 21. Length, 12.60; extent, 12.60; wing,
4.11; tail, 6.25; chord of culmen, 1.56. “Iris light gray,—almost
white.”
278, ♂ ad., Tucson, April 25. Length, 12.10; extent, 12.50; wing,
3.84; tail, 6.20; culmen, 1.47.
309, ♂ ad., Tucson, April 30. Length, 11.70; extent, 12.70; wing,
4.05; tail, 5.85; culmen, 1.53.
434, ♂ ad., Tucson, May 25. Length, 11.20; extent, 12.30; wing, 4.02;
tail, 5.52; culmen, 1.43.
503, ♂ ad., Tucson, June 8. Length, 11.40; extent, 12.10; wing, 3.85;
tail, 5.85; culmen, 1.46.
578, ♂ ad., Camp Lowell, June 23. Length, 11.60; extent, 12.60; wing,
4.05; tail, 5.75; culmen, 1.45.
437, ♂ juv., first plumage, Tucson, May 26. Length, 11.30; extent,
12.40; wing, 3.92; tail, 5.50; culmen, 1.18.
595, ♂ juv., first plumage, Camp Lowell, June 25. Length, 11.60;
extent, 12.50; wing, 3.84; tail, 6.18; culmen, 1.35.
596, ♂ juv., first plumage, Camp Lowell, June 25. Length, 11.80;
extent, 12.60; wing, 3.86; tail, 6.12; culmen, 1.40.
436, ♀ ad., Tucson, May 25. Length, 11.80; extent, 12.40; wing, 3.90;
tail, 5.90; culmen, 1.55. Parent of No. 435.
435, ♀ juv., first plumage, same locality and date. Length, 11.30;
extent, 12.20; wing, 4.02; tail, 5.55; culmen, 1.20.
546, ♀ juv., first plumage, Camp Lowell, June 20. Length, 11.60;
extent, 12.40; wing, 4.95; tail, 6.02; culmen, 1.38.
555, ♀ juv., first plumage, Camp Lowell, June 21. Length, 11.30;
extent, 12.20; wing, 3.73; tail, 5.65; culmen, 1.42.
10. =Cinclus mexicanus= _Swains._ AMERICAN WATER OUZEL.—The following
notes relate to the only specimen met with:
“My attention was called to the song of some bird which came from the
mountain brook running past camp. There was a steep, rocky wall on the
further side, and the notes echoing from it, and mingling with the
purling of the water, sounded exquisitely sweet. On looking for the
author, I noticed some ripples rolling out from behind the willows that
fringed the nearer shore, and soon discovered an Ouzel dabbling in the
shallow water. My shot wounded the bird, but did not disable its wings,
for it repeatedly dived, using them as propelling agents when beneath
the surface. The sun shining on the air-bubbles that clung to its
plumage made it look like a ball of silver flying through the water. On
the surface it paddled along very much in the manner of a Phalarope.”
79, ♂ ad., Morse’s Mill, Chiricahua Mountains, March 20. Length, 7.90;
extent, 12.10; wing, 3.85; tail, 2.50. “Iris hazel. The flesh was dark
and tough with a fishy smell. The inside of the skin looked like that
of a small Wader. Stomach contained insects.”
11. =Sialia mexicana= _Swains._ WESTERN BLUEBIRD.—A single pair, taken
in the Chiricahua Mountains in March, are accompanied by the note,
“abundant in all kinds of timber.”
12. =Sialia arctica= _Swains._ ARCTIC BLUEBIRD.—This species is noted as
“rare in the low valleys” among the Chiricahua Mountains. A small flock
was also seen near Galeyville on “grassy plains,” where “they flew from
one weed-stalk to another.” They were “restless and rather shy.” The
single specimen obtained was shot on this latter occasion.
13. =Myiadestes townsendi= (_Aud._) _Caban._ TOWNSEND’S SOLITAIRE.—Three
specimens were obtained in the Chiricahua Mountains, where they occurred
sparingly among piñons. “They are rather tame, and have a habit of
sitting perfectly still for several minutes at a time. Flight slow. Food
insects.” A fourth, taken May 13, in the Santa Rita Mountains, completes
the series.
14. =Phaïnopepla nitens= (_Swain._) _Scl._ BLACK-CRESTED FLYCATCHER.—The
life history of this singular bird has been so fully given by Dr. Coues
in “Birds of the Colorado Valley,” that there is little chance of adding
anything new. Most of the specimens obtained by Mr. Stephens are from
Camp Lowell and Tucson, but he did not find it abundant at either of
these points. He speaks of it as having “a sweet but not loud song,” and
remarks on its known fondness for mistletoe berries. “Iris red.”
15. =Polioptila cærulea= (_Linn._) _Scl._ BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER.—Eight
specimens, representing the following localities: Chiricahua Mountains
(two ♂, two ♀, April 1–6); Tombstone (♂, April 5); Cienega Station (♂,
April 16); Tucson (♂, April 20); Santa Rita Mountains (♂, May 20).
16. =Polioptila plumbea= _Baird_. BLACK-CAPPED GNATCATCHER.—This
Gnatcatcher was observed at Tucson, Camp Lowell, and near Yuma,
specimens being taken in all these localities. A female shot at the
first-named point on April 23 had evidently finished laying, but a nest
found June 27 near Camp Lowell contained a perfectly fresh egg, while
another taken at Yuma, July 15, had a single egg of its owner and one of
the Dwarf Cowbird. These dates indicate that the species breeds at least
twice during the season.
The Yuma nest, although a delicate structure, will not compare with that
of _P. cærulea_. It entirely lacks the exterior coating of lichens so
effectively employed by the commoner bird, and in its general appearance
closely resembles the Redstart’s well-known domicile, being similarly
felted of soft bark strips and hemp-like vegetable fibres. It is lined
with down from plants, a few feathers, and the hair of some small
quadruped. Externally it measures 2.25 in width by 1.55 in depth;
internally 1.45 by 1. The egg is pale greenish-blue, coarsely and very
evenly spotted with reddish-brown. Its measurements are .53×.42. This
nest was placed in a bunch of mistletoe, at a height of about eight feet
from the ground. It is accompanied by the male parent, who revealed its
position by repeatedly entering the mistletoe. and showing other signs
of anxiety respecting its contents. The position of the Camp Lowell nest
is not mentioned.
_Juv., first plumage_, ♀ (No. 619, Yuma, July 15). Crown pale
cinereous; rest of upper parts faded brown. The wings are uniform with
the back, but all the primaries and secondaries have a broad white
edging on their outer webs. The tail is dull black, with white areas
on the outer rectrices corresponding in extent and purity with those
of the adult. Beneath, pale ashy-white.
A study of the large series of Gnatcatchers collected during the past
season confirms the views which I lately advanced (this Bulletin, Vol.
VI, p. 101) regarding the affinity of _P. plumbea_ and _P.
“melanura,”_ and also affords additional evidence of the assumed
specific distinctness of _P. californica_. The Yuma examples of _P.
plumbea_ are quite as typical as those taken at Tucson and Camp
Lowell, while seven specimens of _californica_, collected at Riverside
after Mr. Stephens’ return to that place, still further attest the
constancy of most of the characters which I assigned to the latter
bird. That relating to the brown edging of the secondaries will,
however, have to be abandoned, for _plumbea_ proves to be similarly
characterized when in worn breeding dress; the supposed shorter tail
of _californica_ also is now shown to be an inconstant feature. All of
the three young males taken at Riverside have black lateral
crown-stripes like those of immature _plumbea_.
267, ♂ ad., Tucson, April 23. Length, 4.60; extent, 5.80; wing, 1.85;
tail, 2.15; bill (from nostril) .25; tarsus, .67. “Iris dark brown;”
lores ashy mixed with black; eyelids white.
500, ♂ ad., Tucson, June 7. Length, 4.60; extent, 5.80; wing, 1.81;
tail, 2.12; bill (from nostril), .25; tarsus, .65. Lores ashy mixed
with black; upper eyelid white.
564, ♂ ad., Camp Lowell, June 22. Length, 4.55; extent, 5.80; wing,
1.84; tail, 2.19; bill (from nostril), .25; tarsus, .70. Lores black;
both eyelids white.
567, ♂ ad., Camp Lowell, June 22. Length, 4.40; extent, 5.60; wing,
1.84; tail, 2.16; bill (from nostril), .26; tarsus, .70. Lores and
superciliary line white mixed with black.
581, ♂ ad., Camp Lowell, June 24. Length, 4.40; extent, 5.80; wing,
1.98; tail, 2.20; bill (from nostril), .28; tarsus, .70. Lores ashy.
618, ♂ ad., Yuma, July 15. Length, 4.40; extent, 5.80; wing, 1.90;
tail, 2.15; bill (from nostril), .26; tarsus, .68. Lores, with broad
superciliary lines meeting across the forehead, white.
621, ♂ juv., first plumage, Yuma, July 16. Length, 4.40; extent, 5.60;
wing, 1.76; tail, 2.13; bill (from nostril), .26; tarsus, .72. Sides
of head ashy-white; ill-defined, black, lateral crown-stripes
partially concealed.
272, ♀ ad., Tucson, April 23. Length, 4.50; extent, 5.50; wing, 1.78;
tail, 2.21; bill (from nostril), .27; tarsus, .68. “Had just finished
laying.”
458, ♀ ad., Camp Lowell, May 31. Length, 4.50; extent, 5.50; wing,
1.86; tail, 2.13; bill (from nostril), .26; tarsus, .68.
601, ♀ ad., Camp Lowell, June 27. Length, 4.60; extent, 5.50; wing,
1.74; tail, 2.18; bill (from nostril), .27; tarsus, .70. “Taken with
the nest and one fresh egg.”
619, ♀ juv., first plumage, Yuma, July 15. Length, 4.40; extent, 5.60;
wing, 1.86; tail, 2.12; bill (from nostril), .26; tarsus, .70.
566,—juv., first plumage, Camp Lowell, June 22. Length, 4.40; extent,
5.60; wing, 1.85; tail, 2.22; bill (from nostril), .27; tarsus, .68.
For comparison I add measurements of the seven specimens of _P.
californica_ above mentioned.
656, ♂ juv., fall plumage, Riverside, Sept. 16. Length, 4.55; extent,
5.70; wing, 1.67; tail, 2.20; bill (from nostril), .29; tarsus, .75.
658, ♂ juv., fall plumage, same locality and date. Length, 4.70;
extent, 5.80; wing, 1.89; tail, 2.21; bill (from nostril) .26; tarsus,
.75.
688, ♂ juv., fall plumage, Riverside, Sept. 23. Length, 4.50; extent,
5.90; wing, 1.73; tail, 2.11; bill (from nostril), .30; tarsus, .75.
657, ♀ juv., fall plumage, Riverside, Sept. 16. Length, 4.60; extent,
5.80; wing, 1.85; tail, 2.14; bill (from nostril), .30; tarsus, .72.
686, ♀ juv., fall plumage, Riverside, Sept. 23. Length, 4.45; extent,
5.90; wing, 1.92; tail, 2.17; bill (from nostril), .30; tarsus, .75.
687, ♀ juv., fall plumage, same locality and date. Length, 4.50;
extent, 5.80; wing, 1.85; tail, 2.20; bill (from nostril), .28;
tarsus, .70.
655, ♀ juv., fall plumage, Riverside, Sept. 16. Length, 4.45; extent,
5.75; wing, 1.86; tail, 2.15; bill (from nostril), .28; tarsus, .75.
17. =Regulus calendula= (_Linn._) _Licht._ RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET.—“Common
among the Chiricahua Mountains, especially in deciduous timber. I think
a few summer and breed.” The following specimens are identical with
eastern ones:
28, ♂ ad., Cave Creek, Chiricahua Mountains, March 8. Length, 4.60;
extent, 6.50; wing, 2.32.
122, ♂ ad., Morse’s Mill, March 28. Length, 4.20; extent, 6.90; wing,
2.38.
18. =Lophophanes inornatus= (_Gamb._) _Cass._ PLAIN TITMOUSE.—Mentioned
in Mr. Stephens’ notes as rare on the foot-hills of the Chiricahua
Mountains, but no specimens are included in his collection.
19. =Lophophanes wollweberi= _Bonap._ WOLLWEBER’S TITMOUSE.—This species
was abundant in the Chiricahua Mountains, where a fine series was
collected. They were usually seen in flocks of six or eight, and often
associated with other small birds. They were rarely met with excepting
in the groves of “scrub oaks,” but their food appeared to be wholly
insects. A single pair taken in the Santa Rita Mountains in May are
unaccompanied by any special remarks.
20. =Parus meridionalis= _Scl._ MEXICAN CHICKADEE.—In a late number of
the Bulletin (Vol. VI, p. 252) I briefly announced this important
addition to the North American fauna. The series obtained by Mr.
Stephens comprises nine specimens, all of which were taken near Morse’s
Mill. They occurred upon the sides or summits of the surrounding
mountains, at elevations varying from seven to ten thousand feet, and
were usually found in pairs, although they not unfrequently associated
with other birds, among which are mentioned _Psaltriparus plumbeus_,
_Lophophanes wollweberi_, _Sitta pygmæa_, and _Peucedramus olivaceus_.
They were for the most part silent, but occasionally uttered a
“_chee-wee-wee_,” as well as notes resembling those of _P. montanus_.
Previous writers have compared this species with _P. atricapillus_, but
to me it seems nearer related to _P. montanus_. With the latter it
agrees in certain peculiarities of size and proportions, while the
general coloring and markings of the two are so similar that almost the
only appreciable points of difference are presented by the white
forehead and head-stripes of _montanus_. These characters are, of
course, enough to instantly separate the birds, but their importance is
somewhat weakened by the fact that one of my specimens of _meridionalis_
(No. 124) possesses a head-stripe which, though ill-defined and
considerably shorter, is nevertheless similar in appearance and position
to that of _montanus_. While it would be rash to argue any varietal
affinity on the strength of this single specimen, the outcropping of
such a well-marked characteristic certainly shows a close relationship
between the two species, unless indeed No. 124 be regarded as a hybrid.
65, ♂ ad., Morse’s Mill, March 18. Length, 5.20; extent, 8.50; wing,
2.74; tail, 2.60. “Iris dark brown. Stomach contained insects.”
82, ♀ ad., Morse’s Mill, March 21. Length, 5.10; extent, 8.10; wing,
2.73; tail, 2.62.
83, ♂ ad., same locality and date. Length, 5.10; extent, 8.50; wing,
2.90; tail, 2.69.
99, ♀ ad., Morse’s Mill, March 24. Length, 4.70; extent, 7.90; wing,
2.63; tail, 2.42.
100, ♂ ad., same locality and date. Length, 5.10; extent, 8.60; wing,
2.76; tail, 2.65.
104, ♂ ad., Morse’s Mill, March 25. Length, 5.10; extent, 8.30; wing,
2.75; tail, 2.40.
105, ♂ ad., same locality and date. Length, 5.10; extent, 8.20; wing,
2.66; tail, 2.56.
124, ♂ ad., Morse’s Mill, March 29. Length, 5.10; extent, 8.70; wing,
2.85; tail, 2.68.
125, ♂ ad., same locality and date. Length, 5; extent, 8.20.
21. =Psaltriparus plumbeus= _Baird_. LEAD-COLORED TIT.—Of the eight
specimens of this species which are included in the collection, seven
were taken in the Chiricahua Mountains, the remaining one being from the
Santa Rita Mountains. Mr. Stephens does not appear to have found it
elsewhere, and in his notes characterizes it as rather uncommon. It was
oftenest seen among the oaks of the foot-hills, where it associated with
Wollweber’s Titmouse, the Ruby-crowned Kinglet, and several other small
birds.
22. =Auriparus flaviceps= (_Sundev._) _Baird_. YELLOW-HEADED TIT.—Mr.
Henshaw while in Arizona met with but few specimens of this curious
little species. He attributed their apparent rarity to the lateness of
the season at which his observations were made, and doubtless this
explanation is the true one; for during the past spring Mr. Stephens
found them in abundance both at Cienega Station and Tucson. Nevertheless
it is probable that some individuals pass the winter in Arizona, for one
of my specimens is dated November 29, and another was killed early in
March. A nest taken at Tucson contained three fresh eggs on April 20.