581f. Sooty Song Sparrow. Melospiza melodia rufina.

Range.--Pacific coast from British Columbia to Alaska.

A darker bird, both above and below, even than the last. Eggs like the last but averaging a trifle larger. Size .82 × .62.

581g. Brown's Song Sparrow. Melospiza melodia rivularis.

Range.--Southern Lower California.

A light colored form like the Desert Song Sparrow; said to build in cat tails above water as well as on the ground; eggs not different from others of the genus.

581h. Santa Barbara Song Sparrow. Melospiza melodia graminea.

Range.--Breeds on Santa Barbara Islands; winters on adjacent coast of California.

A variety of the same size but paler than samuelis. Nesting or eggs not peculiar.

581i. San Clemente Song Sparrow. Melospiza melodia clementæ.

Range.--San Clemente and Santa Rosa Island of the Santa Barbara group.

Slightly larger than the last; habits and eggs the same.

581j. Dakota Song Sparrow. Melospiza melodia juddi.

Range.--North Dakota, breeding in the Turtle Mountains.

Practically indistinguishable from the common Song Sparrow; the eggs will not differ.

581k. Merrill's Song Sparrow. Melospiza melodia merrilli.

Range.--Northwestern United States; eastern Oregon and Washington to Idaho.

Very similar to, but lighter than the Rusty Song Sparrow.

581l. Alameda Song Sparrow. Melospiza melodia pusillula.

Range.--Salt marshes of San Francisco Bay, California.

Similar to, but still smaller than Samuel Song Sparrow. Eggs will not differ.

581m. San Diego Song Sparrow. Melospiza melodia cooperi.

Range.--Southern coast of California; north to Monterey Bay.

Similar to, but smaller and lighter than heermanni.

581n. Yakutat Song Sparrow. Melospiza melodia caurina.

Range.--Coast of Alaska from Cross Sound to Prince Williams Sound.

Similar to the Sooty Song Sparrow but larger and grayer. Eggs probably average larger.

581o. Kenai Song Sparrow. Melospiza Melodia kenaiensis.

Range.--Kenai Peninsula on the coasts.

Like the last but still larger; length about 7 inches.

581q. Bischoff's Song Sparrow. Melospiza melodia insignis.

Range.--Kadiak Island, Alaska.

Similar to and nearly as large as the next species, but browner.

581r. Aleutian Song Sparrow. Melospiza melodia sanaka.

Range.--Found on nearly all the islands of the Aleutian group, excluding Kadiak.

This is the largest of the Song Sparrows being nearly 8 inches in length; it is similar in appearance to the Sooty Song Sparrow but grayer. It nests either on the ground or at low elevations in bushes, the nest usually being concealed in a tuft of grass or often placed under rocks or, sometimes, driftwood along the shores. The nests are made of grasses and weed stems, and the eggs are similar to those of the Song Sparrow but much larger and more elongate. Size .90 × .65.

583. Lincoln's Sparrow. Melospiza lincolni lincolni.

Range.--North America, breeding from northern United States north to the Arctic regions; most abundant in the interior and the west; rare in New England.

This bird is shy and retiring and skulks off through the underbrush of thickets and swamps that it frequents upon the approach of anyone; consequently it is often little known in localities where it is quite abundant. They nest on the ground like Song Sparrows, and rarely in bushes. Their eggs are very similar to those of the Song Sparrow, three or four in number, greenish white in color, heavily spotted and blotched with chestnut and gray. Size .80 × .58.

583a. Forbush's Sparrow. Melospiza lincolni striata.

Range.--Pacific coast of Oregon and British Columbia.

Similar to the preceding but darker and browner. Eggs probably like those of the last.

584. Swamp Sparrow. Melospiza georgiana.

Range.--North America, east of the Plains, breeding from middle United States north to Labrador and Hudson Bay.

This common and dark colored Sparrow frequents swampy places where it breeds; owing to its sly habits it is not commonly seen during the breeding season. Its nests are made of grasses and located on the ground usually in places where the walking is extremely treacherous. The eggs are similar to those of the Song Sparrow but are generally darker and more clouded and average smaller. Size .75 × .55.

585. Fox Sparrow. Passerella iliaca iliaca.

Range.--Eastern North America, breeding from southern Canada northward, and northwest to Alaska; winters in southern United States.

This large handsome species, with its mottled grayish and reddish brown plumage and bright rufous tail, is very common in eastern United States during migrations, being found in open woods and hedges in company with Juncos and White-throated Sparrows, with which species their song vies in sweetness. They nest usually on the ground, but sometimes in low bushes; the nests are made of grasses and are concealed beneath the overhanging branches of bushes or evergreens. The three or four eggs are greenish-white, spotted and blotched with brown. Size .94 × .68.

585a. Shumagin Fox Sparrow. Passerella iliaca unalaschensis.

Range.--Shumagin Islands and the Alaska coast to Cook Inlet.

Similar to the last but paler, being one of the several recent unsatisfactory subdivisions of this genus. The nesting habits and eggs of all the varieties are like those of the common eastern form.

585b. Thick-billed Sparrow. Passerella iliaca megarhyncha.

Range.--Mountains of eastern California and western Nevada; locally confined.

Entire upper parts and breast spots gray; wings and tail brown. It nests in the heaviest underbrush of the mountain sides, building on or close to the ground.

585c. Slate-colored Sparrow. Passerella iliaca schistacea.

Range.--Rocky Mountain region, breeding from Colorado to British Columbia.

This variety which is similar to, but smaller than the last, nests in thickets along the mountain streams. The eggs are like those of iliaca, but average smaller.

585d. Stephen's Sparrow. Passerella iliaca stephensi.

Range.--Breeds in the San Bernadino and San Jacinto Mts. in southern California.

Like the Thick-billed Sparrow, but bill still larger and bird slightly so.

585e. Sooty Fox Sparrow. Passerella iliaca fuliginosa.

Range.--Coast of Washington and British Columbia; south to California in winter.

585f. Kadiak Fox Sparrow. Passerella iliaca insularis.

Range.--Breeding on Kadiak Island; winters south to California.

Like the last but browner above and below.

585g. Townsend's Fox Sparrow. Passerella iliaca townsendi.

Range.--Southern coast of Alaska; winters south to California. Like the last but more rufous above.

Upperparts and tail uniform brownish umber, below heavily spotted.

586. Texas Sparrow. Arremonops rufivirgatus.

Range.--Eastern Mexico and southern Texas.

This odd species has a brownish crown, olive greenish upperparts, wings and tail, and grayish white underparts. They are common resident birds along the Lower Rio Grande, being found in tangled thickets, where they nest at low elevations, making their quite bulky nests of coarse weeds and grass and sometimes twigs, lined with finer grass and hair; they are often partially domed with an entrance on the side. Their eggs are plain white, without markings; often several broods are raised in a season and eggs may be found from May until August.

587. Towhee. Pipilo erythrophthalmus erythrophthalmus.

Range.--North America east of the Plains, breeding from the Gulf to Manitoba.

The well known Towhee, Ground Robin or Chewink is a bird commonly met with in eastern United States; it frequents thickets, swamps and open woods where they nest generally upon the ground and sometimes in bushes near the ground.

The nests are well made of grasses, lined with fine grasses and rootlets, and the eggs, which are laid in May or June, are pinkish white, generally finely sprinkled but sometimes with bold markings of light reddish brown, with great variations. Size .90 × .70.

Towhees are noisy birds and at frequent intervals, while they are scratching among the leaves for their food they will stop and utter their familiar "tow-hee" or "che-wink" and then again will mount to the summit of a tree or bush and sing their sweet refrain for a long time.

587a. White-eyed Towhee. Pipilo erythrophthalmus alleni.

Range.--Florida and the Atlantic coast to South Carolina.

This variety is like the preceding except that the eyes are white instead of red. There is no difference between their nesting habits and eggs, except that they much more frequently, and in some localities, almost always, nest in trees.

588. Arctic Towhee. Pipilo maculatus arcticus.

Range.--Great Plains, breeding from northern United States to the Saskatchewan.

This species is similar to the eastern Towhee but has the scapulars and coverts tipped with white. They nest abundantly in suitable localities in Montana and North Dakota and more commonly north of our borders. Like the eastern Towhee, they nest on the ground under the protection of overhanging bushes, the nests being made of strips of bark and grasses and lined with fine rootlets. Their three or four eggs, which are laid during May, June or July, are pinkish white, profusely speckled with reddish brown; very similar to those of the eastern Towhee. Size .92 × .70.

588a. Spurred Towhee. Pipilo maculatus montanus.

Range.--Breeds from Mexico to British Columbia, west of the Rockies.

Similar to the last but with less white on the back. The nesting habits and eggs are like those of the Towhee, but in some localities the nests are most often found in bushes above the ground.

NEST AND EGGS OF TOWHEE.

588b. Oregon Towhee. Pipilo maculatus oregonus.

Range.--Pacific coast from California to British Columbia; winters to Mexico. Similar to the last but with still fewer white markings on the back and the chestnut flanks brighter. The nesting habits and eggs of this variety differ in no essential particular from those of the preceding Towhees.

588c. San Clemente Towhee. Pipilo maculatus clementæ.

Range.--San Clemente Is. and other of the Santa Barbara group.

Black of male said to be duller. Probably no difference between the eggs and others.

588d. San Diego Towhee. Pipilo maculatus megalonyx.

Range.--Coast of southern California and Lower California. Said to be darker than megalonyx.

588e. Large-billed Towhee. Pipilo maculatus magnirostris.

Range.--Southern Lower California. Similar to arcticus; bill said to be larger.

589. Guadalupe Towhee. Pipilo consobrinus.

Range.--Guadalupe Island, Lower California.

Similar to oregonus but smaller and with a relatively shorter tail. The nesting habits and eggs of this species will not likely be found to differ essentially from those of others of the genus.

591. Canon Towhee. Pipilo fuscus mesoleucus.

Range.--Mexico and north to Arizona and New Mexico and casually farther to Colorado.

A common species in the valleys and on the side hills, nesting in bushes near the ground, and sometimes on the ground; the nests are made of grasses, weeds and twigs lined with rootlets, and the three or four eggs are greenish blue sparingly spotted or scrawled with blackish brown, the markings being similar to those on many Red-winged Blackbirds' eggs. Size 1.00 × .70.

591a. San Lucas Towhee. Pipilo fuscus albigula.

Range.--Southern Lower California.

This variety is like the last but is usually paler below. It is abundant in the region about the cape where they nest in thickets, either in the bushes or on the ground. The eggs cannot be distinguished from those of the Canon Towhee.

591b. California Towhee. Pipilo crissalis crissalis.

Range.--Pacific coast of California.

This variety is similar to the Canon Towhee but is browner, both above and below. They are one of the most common of California birds, frequenting scrubby thickets, both on mountain sides and in valleys and canons, from which their harsh scolding voice always greets intruders.

They place their nests in bushes at low elevations from the ground and sometimes on the ground; they are made of twigs, strips of bark, weeds and coarse grasses, lined with fine rootlets. Their three or four eggs are laid in April or May; they are light bluish green marked like the others with purplish or brownish black. Size .95 × .72.

591.1a. Anthony's Towhee. Pipilo crissalis senicula.

Range.--Southern California and south through Lower California.

A very similar bird to the last but sightly smaller and lighter below. The habits and nesting habits of these birds are in every way identical with those of the California Towhee and the eggs cannot be distinguished from those of that variety. They are fully as abundant in the southern parts of California as the others are in the northern.

592. Abert's Towhee. Pipilo aberti.

Range.--Arizona and New Mexico north to Colorado and Nevada and east to southeastern California.

This bird is wholly brownish gray both above and below shading into reddish brown on the under tail coverts; the face is black. They are abundant in the valleys of Arizona and New Mexico, but unlike the preceding species, they are generally wild and shy. They nest in chaparral thickets along streams, the nests being constructed similarly to those of the California Towhee, and the eggs are not easily distinguishable from those of that species, but they are usually more sparsely specked and the markings more distinct. Size 1.00 × .75.

592.1. Green-tailed Towhee. Oreospiza chlorura.

Range.--Western United States, chiefly west of the Rockies from Montana and Washington south to Mexico; wintering in southwestern United States.

This handsome and entirely different plumaged species from any of the preceding would, from appearance, be better placed in the group with the White-throated Sparrow than its present position. It has a reddish brown crown, the remainder of the upper parts, wings and tail being greenish yellow; the throat is white, bordered abruptly with gray on the breast and sides of head. These birds place their nests on the ground. The nests are built similarly to those of the eastern Towhee, and the eggs, too, are similar, being whitish, finely dotted and specked with reddish brown, the markings being most numerous around the larger end. Size .85 × .65.

CARDINAL.

593. Cardinal. Cardinalis cardinalis cardinalis.

Range.--Eastern United States, north to New York and Illinois, west to the Plains and Texas. Resident in most of its range.

These beautiful fiery red and crested songsters are one of the most attractive of our birds, and in their range, nest about habitations as freely as among the thickets and scrubby brush of wood or hillside. Their nests are rarely placed higher than ten feet from the ground in bushes, branches, vines, brush piles or trees; they are loosely made of twigs, coarse grasses and weeds, shreds of bark, leaves, etc., and lined with fine grass or hair. They frequently lay two or three sets of eggs a season, the first being completed usually early in May; three or four, and sometimes five, white or pale bluish white eggs are laid; they are very varied in markings but usually profusely spotted, more heavily at the large end, with reddish brown and lavender. Size 1.00 × .70.

593a. Arizona Cardinal. Cardinalis cardinalis superbus.

Range.--Northwestern Mexico and southern Arizona.

A larger and more rosy form of the Cardinal. Its eggs cannot be distinguished from those of the eastern Redbird.

593b. San Lucas Cardinal. Cardinalis cardinalis igneus.

Range.--Southern Lower California.

Like the last but smaller and with less black on the forehead; eggs the same.

NEST OF CARDINAL.

593c. Gray-tailed Cardinal. Cardinalis cardinalis canicaudus.

Range.--Northeastern Mexico and southern Texas.

The male of this species is like the eastern Cardinal but the female is said to be grayer. The nesting habits are the same and the eggs identical with those of the latter.

593d. Florida Cardinal. Cardinalis cardinalis floridanus.

Range.--Southern Florida.

Supposed to be a deeper and richer shade of red. Eggs like those of cardinalis.

594. Arizona Pyrrhuloxia. Pyrrhuloxia sinuata sinuata.

Range.--Northwestern Mexico and the southern border of New Mexico, Arizona and western Texas.

This species is of similar form and crested like a Cardinal, but the bill is very short and hooked like that of a Parrot; the plumage is grayish, with wings and tail dull reddish; face and throat, and middle of belly rosy red. Their habits are the same as those of the Cardinal, but their nests are said to be slighter; they are placed in similar locations to those of the latter, the two species often nesting together in the same thicket. Their eggs are like those of the Cardinal but average smaller, although the ranges overlap so that the eggs cannot be distinguished. Size .90 x .70. Data.--San Antonio, Texas, May 16, 1889. Nest of fine grasses, lined with rootlets; 4 feet from ground in a mesquite tree.

594a. Texas Pyrrhuloxia. Pyrrhuloxia sinuata texana.

Range.--Northeastern Mexico and southern Texas.

Said to be grayer and the bill to average larger than that of the last. There are no differences in the nesting habits or eggs between the two varieties.

594b. San Lucas Pyrrhuloxia. Pyrrhuloxia sinuata peninsulæ.

Range.--Southern Lower California.

Smaller than the Arizona Cardinal but with a larger bill. The eggs are like those of the others but may average a trifle smaller.

595. Rose-breasted Grosbeak. Zamelodia ludoviciana.

Range.--United States, east of the Plains, breeding from the Middle States and Ohio north to Manitoba and Nova Scotia.

This beautiful black and white bird with rosy red breast and under wing coverts,

is one of the most pleasing of our songsters. They nest either in bushes or trees, generally between six and twenty feet from the ground and usually in thick clumps of trees or scrubby apple trees. The three or four eggs, which are laid in June, are greenish blue, spotted, most heavily about the larger end, with reddish brown. Size 1.00 × .75. Data.--Worcester, Mass., June 5, 1899. Nest of twigs and rootlets in small apple tree in woods; nest very frail, eggs showing through the bottom.

596. Black-headed Grosbeak. Zamelodia melanocephala.

Range.--United States, west of the Plains, breeding from Mexico north to British Columbia; winters south of the United States.

This species is of the size of the last (8 inches long), and is a bright cinnamon brown color with black head, and black and white wings and tail. The habits of this bird are the same as those of the Rose-breasted Grosbeak and its song is very similar but more lengthy. Their nests, like those of the last, are very flimsy structures placed in bushes or trees, usually below twenty feet from the ground; they are open frameworks of twigs, rootlets and weed stalks, through which the eggs can be plainly seen. The eggs are similar to those of the preceding but are usually of a paler color, the markings, therefore showing with greater distinctness. Size 1.00 × .70.

597. Blue Grosbeak. Guiraca cærulea.

Range.--Southeastern United States, breeding from the Gulf north to Pennsylvania and Illinois, and casually to New England.

Smaller than the last two species and deep blue, with wings and tail blackish, and the lesser coverts and tips of greater, chestnut. It is a fairly common species in the southerly parts of its range, nesting most frequently in low bushes or vines in thickets; the nest is made of rootlets, weed stalks and grasses and sometimes leaves. The three or four eggs are bluish white, unmarked. Size .85 × .65. Data.--Chatham Co., Ga., June 10, 1898. 3 eggs. Nest of roots, leaves and snake skin, lined with fine rootlets, 3 feet from the ground in a small oak bush.

597a. Western Blue Grosbeak. Guiraca cærulea lazula.

Range.--Western United States north to Kansas, Colorado and northern California.

Slightly larger than the last and lighter blue; nests the same and egg not distinctive.

598. Indigo Bunting. Passerina cyanea.

Range.--United States, east of the Plains, breeding north to Manitoba and Nova Scotia; winters south of the United States.

This handsome species is rich indigo on the head and neck, shading into blue or greenish blue on the upper and under parts. They are very abundant in some localities along roadsides, in thickets and open woods, where their song is frequently heard, it being a very sweet refrain resembling, somewhat, certain passages from that of the Goldfinch.

They nest at low elevations in thickets or vines, building their home of grass and weeds, lined with fine grass or hair, it being quite a substantial structure. The eggs, which are laid in June or July, are pale bluish white. Size .75 × .52.

599. Lazuli Bunting. Passerina amœna.

Range.--Western United States, breeding from Mexico to northern United States and the interior of British Columbia; east to Kansas.

This handsome bird is of the size of cyanea, but is azure blue above and on the throat, the

breast being brownish and the rest of the underparts, white.

It is the western representative of the Indigo Bunting, and its habits and nesting habits are in all respects the same as those of that species, the nests being made of twigs, grasses, strips of bark, weeds, leaves, etc. The eggs are like those of the last, pale bluish white. Size .75 × .55.

600. Varied Bunting. Passerina versicolor.

Range.--Mexico and north to southern Texas.

The general color of this odd bird is purplish, changing to bright blue on the crown and rump, and with a reddish nape. They are quite abundant in some localities along the Lower Rio Grande, where they nest in bushes and tangled under brush, the nests being like those of the last species, and rarely above five feet from the ground. The eggs are pale bluish white, three or four in number, and laid during May or June. Size .75 × .55.

600a. Beautiful Bunting. Passerina versicolor pulchra.

Range.--Southern Lower California.

Slightly smaller but very similar to the last; eggs will not differ.

601. Painted Bunting. Passerina ciris.

Range.--South Atlantic and Gulf States; north to Illinois in the interior.

Without exception, this is the most gaudily attired of North American birds, the whole underparts being red, the head and neck deep blue, the back yellowish green, and the rump purple, the line of demarcation between the colors being sharp. They are frequently kept as cage birds but more for their bright colors than any musical ability, their song being of the character of the Indigo Bunting, but weaker and less musical.

They are very abundant in the South Atlantic and Gulf States, where they nest usually in bushes or hedges at low elevations, but occasionally on branches of tall trees. Their nests are made of weeds, shreds of bark, grasses, etc., lined with fine grass, very much resembling that of the Indigo. Their eggs are laid in May, June or July, they frequently raising two broods; they are white or pale bluish white, speckled with reddish brown. Size .75 × .55.

602. Sharpe's Seed-eater. Sporophila morelleti morelleti.

Range.--Eastern Mexico, breeding north to the Lower Rio Grande Valley in Texas.

This peculiar, diminutive Finch is but 4.5 inches in length, and in plumage is black, white and gray. In restricted localities in southern Texas, they are not uncommon during the summer months. They build in bushes or young trees at low elevations making their nests of fine grasses or fibres, firmly woven together and usually placed in an upright crotch. The eggs are pale greenish blue, plentifully speckled with reddish and umber brown, and some markings of lilac. Size .65 × .45. Data.--Brownsville, Texas, May 7, 1892. Nest of fine fibre-like material lined with horse hairs, on limb of small tree in open woods near a lake of fresh water; 6 feet above ground. Collector, Frank B. Armstrong. This set is in the collection of Mr. C. W. Crandall.

603. Grassquit. Tiaris bicolor.

Range.--This small Finch is a Cuban species which casually strays to southern Florida.

They are abundant on the island, building large arched nests of grass, with a small entrance on the side. They lay from three to six white eggs, specked with brown. Size .65 × .50.

603.1 Melodious Grassquit. Tiaris canora.

Another Cuban Finch which has been taken in the Florida Keys. Eggs like the last.

604. Dickcissel. Spiza americana.

Range.--Interior of the United States, breeding from the Gulf to northern United States, west to the Rockies, east to the Alleghanies.

A sparrow-like Bunting with a yellow breast patch, line over eye and on side of throat; throat black, chin white and wing coverts chestnut. These sleek-coated, harmoniously colored birds are very common in dry bush-grown pastures and on the prairies. They are very persistent singers, and their song, while very simple, is welcome on hot days when other birds are quiet. They nest anywhere, as suits their fancy, on the ground, in clumps of grass, in clover fields, bushes, low trees, or in thistles. The nests are made of weeds, grasses, leaves and rootlets, lined with fine grass, and the three to five eggs are bluish white. Size .80 × .60.

605. Lark Bunting. Calamospiza melanocorys..

Range.--A bird of the Plains, abundant from western Kansas to eastern Colorado and north to the Canadian border; winters in Mexico.

These black and white birds have a sweet song which they often utter while on the wing after the manner of the Bobolink, all their habits being similar to those of this bird, except that this species likes the broad dry prairies where it nests on the ground under the protection of a tuft of grass or a low bush. Their four or five eggs are like those of the last but slightly larger. Size .85 × .65. Data.--Franklin Co., Kansas. 4 eggs. Nest in cornfield in a hollow on the ground at the base of a stalk; made of straw and weeds.

TANAGERS. Family TANAGRIDÆ

607. Western Tanager. Piranga ludoviciana.

Range.--United States, west of the Plains and north to British Columbia.

This handsome species is black and yellow, with an orange or reddish head. They are common and breed in suitable localities through their range, nesting as do the eastern Tanagers in trees usually at a low elevation, the nests being saddled on the forks of horizontal branches; they are made of rootlets, strips of bark, and weed stalks, and are usually frail like those of the Grosbeaks. Their eggs, which are laid in May or June, are bluish green, specked with brown of varying shades. Size .95 × .65.

608. Scarlet Tanager. Piranga erythromelas.

These beautiful scarlet and black birds frequent, chiefly, woodlands, although they are very often found breeding in orchards and small pine groves. They are quiet birds, in actions, but their loud warbling song is heard at a great distance, and is readily recognized by its peculiarity.

They nest upon horizontal limbs or forks at elevations of four to twenty feet, making frail nests of twigs, rootlets and weeds; they are often found in pine trees, but apparently just as frequently in other kinds. Their eggs are greenish blue, specked and spotted with various shades of brown. Size .95 × .65. Data.--Holden, Mass., May 31, 1898. Nest on low limb of an oak, 4 feet above ground; of weeds and rootlets and very frail.

609. Hepatic Tanager. Piranga hepatica.

Range.--Western Mexico, north to New Mexico and Arizona in summer.

This species is similar to the next but is darker red on the upper parts and bright vermilion below. They nest on the lower horizontal branches of trees, usually live oaks, making the nests of rootlets and weeds; the eggs are bluish green, like those of the next, but the markings appear to average more blotchy and brighter. Size .92 × .64.

610. Summer Tanager. Piranga rubra rubra.

Range.--Eastern United States, breeding from the Gulf to New York and Kansas, and casually farther; west to Texas; winters south of our borders.

This bird is of the size of the Scarlet Tanager, but is of a uniform rosy red color, darker on the back. They are very common in the South Atlantic and Gulf States. Their nests are located at low elevations on horizontal branches of trees in open woods, edges of clearings, or along the roadside; the nests are made of strips of bark, weed stems, leaves, etc., and are frail like those of the other Tanagers.

Their eggs are light bluish green, speckled and spotted with reddish brown, and not distinguishable with certainty from those of the Scarlet Tanager. Size .92 × .64.

610a. Cooper's Tanager. Piranga rubra cooperi.

Range.--Western United States, breeding from the Mexican border and Texas north to central California and Nevada.

Similar to but slightly larger than the last. There are no differences between the nesting of this form and the last and the eggs are not in any way different.

SCARLET TANAGER.

SWALLOWS. Family HIRUNDINIDÆ

611. Purple Martin. Progne subis subis.

Range.--Breeds throughout the United States and temperate British America; winters in South America.

These large, lustrous, steely-blue Swallows readily adapt themselves to civilization and, throughout the east, may be found nesting in bird houses, provided by appreciative land owners or tenants; some of these houses are beautiful structures modeled after modern residences and tenanted by twenty or thirty pairs of Martins; others are plain, unpainted soap boxes or the like, but the birds seem to take to one as kindly as the other, making nests in their compartments of weeds, grass, mud, feathers, etc. They also, and most commonly in the west, nest in cavities of trees making nests of any available material. During June or July, they lay from four to six white eggs; size .95 × .65. Data.--Leicester, Mass., June 16, 1903. 5 eggs in Martin house; nest of grasses.

611a. Western Martin. Progne subis hesperia.

Range.--Pacific coast from Washington south.

The nesting habits, eggs, and birds of this form are identical with those found in the east.

611.1. Cuban Martin. Progne cryptoleuca.

Range.--Cuba and southern Florida (in summer).

Slightly smaller than the Purple Martin and the eggs average a trifle smaller.

612. Cliff Swallow. Petrochelidon lunifrons lunifrons.

Range.--Whole of North America, breeding north from the south Atlantic and Gulf States.

These birds can easily be recognized by their brownish throat and breast, whitish forehead and buffy rump. They build one of the most peculiar of nests, the highest type being a flask shaped structure of mud securely cemented to the face of a cliff or under the eaves of a building, the entrance being drawn out and small, while the outside of the nest proper is large and rounded; they vary from this typical nest down to plain mud platforms, but are all warmly lined with grass and feathers.

In some localities, cliffs resemble bee hives, they having thousands of these nests side by side and in tiers. Their eggs are creamy white spotted with reddish brown; size .80 × .55 with great variations. Data.--Rockford, Minn., June 12, 1890. Nest made of mud, lined with feathers; placed under the eaves of a freight house.

612.1. Cuban Cliff Swallow. Petrochelidon fulva.

Range.--West Indies and Central America; accidental on Florida Keys.

613. Barn Swallow. Hirundo erythrogastra.

Range.--Whole of North America; winters south to South America.

This Swallow is the most beautiful and graceful of the family, and is a familiar sight to everyone, skimming over the meadows and ponds in long graceful sweeps, curves and turns, its lengthened outer tail feathers streaming behind.

Throughout their range, they nest in barns, sheds or any building where they will not be often disturbed, making their nests of mud and attaching them to the rafters; they are warmly lined with feathers and the outside is rough, caused by the pellets which they place on the exterior. Before the advent of civilized man, they attached their nests to the sides of caves, in crevices among rocks and in hollow trees, as they do now in some localities. Their eggs cannot be distinguished from those of the Cliff Swallow. Data.--Penikese Is., Mass., July 2, 1900. Nest on beam in sheep shed; made of pellets of mud, lined with feathers.

614. Tree Swallow; White-bellied Swallow. Iridoprocne bicolor.

Range.--Whole of temperate North America, breeding from middle United States northward; winters in the Gulf States and along the Mexican border and southward.

This vivacious and active species is as well known as the last, and nests about habitations on the outskirts of cities and in the country.

They naturally nest in holes in trees or stumps, preferable in the vicinity of water, but large numbers now take up their abode in houses provided for them by man, providing that English Sparrows are kept away. They make their nests of straws and grasses, lined with feathers, and lay four to six plain white eggs; size .75 × .50. Data.--Portage, Mich., May 26, 1897. Nest in a gate post; hole about 6 inches deep, lined with feathers.

615. Northern Violet-green Swallow. Tachycineta thalassina lepida.

Range.--United States in the Rocky Mountains and west to the Pacific coast, breeding from Mexico to British Columbia; winters south of our borders.

This very beautiful species is smaller than the last, but, like it, is white below, but the upper parts are blue, green and purple without gloss. They are common in their range and nest, usually in holes in trees, less often in banks and under eaves; the nests are made of grass and feathers, and the eggs are pure white, four or five in number; size .72 × .50.

615a. San Lucas Swallow. Tachycineta thalassina brachyptera.

Range.--Southern Lower California. Practically the same bird as the last but with the wing very slightly shorter. Nesting habits or eggs will not differ.

615.1. Bahaman Swallow. Callichelidon cyaneoviridis.

Range.--Bahamas; casual at Dry Tortugas, Florida.

This very beautiful species is similar to the western Violet-green Swallow, as are also its eggs.

616. Bank Swallow. Riparia riparia.

Range.--Whole of North America, north to the limit of trees, breeding from the middle portions of the United States northward; winters south of our borders.

This dull-colored Swallow is grayish above and white below, with a gray band across the breast, they breed in holes in embankments, digging small tunnels from one to three feet in length, enlarged and lined at the end with grass and feathers. During May, June or July, according to latitude, they lay from four to six pure white eggs; size .70 × .50.

617. Rough-winged Swallow. Stelgidopteryx serripennis.

Range.--United States, breeding from Mexico north to southern New England, Manitoba and British Columbia; winters south of our borders.

This species is slightly larger than the last and similar but with the throat and breast grayish and with the outer web of the outer primary provided with recurved hooks. They nest in holes in embankments, in crevices in cliffs or among stones of bridges or buildings. Their eggs are like those of the Bank Swallow but average a trifle larger; size .75 × .52.

WAXWINGS. Family AMPELIDÆ

618. Bohemian Waxwing. Bombycilla garrulus.

Range.--Breeds in the Arctic regions except in the Rockies where it nearly reaches the United States; winters south to the northern tier of states.

This handsome crested, grayish brown Waxwing resembles the common Cedar Waxwing but is larger (length 8 inches), has a black throat, much white and yellow on the wing and a yellow tip to tail. Their nests are made of rootlets, grass and moss, and situated in trees usually at a low elevation. The eggs resemble those of the Cedar-bird, but are larger and the marking more blotchy with indistinct edges; dull bluish blotched with blackish brown; size .95 × .70. Data.--Great Slave Lake, June 23, 1884. Nest in a willow 8 feet from the ground. Collected for Josiah Hooper. (Crandall collection).

619. Cedar Waxwing. Bombycilla cedrorum.

Range.--Whole of temperate North America, breeding in the northern half of the United States and northward.

These birds are very gregarious and go in large flocks during the greater part of the year, splitting up into smaller companies during the breeding season and nesting in orchards or groves and in any kind of tree either in an upright crotch or on a horizontal bough; the nests are made of grasses, strips of bark, moss, string, etc., and are often quite bulky. Their eggs are of a dull grayish blue color sharply speckled with blackish brown; size .85 × .60. Data.--Old Saybrook, Conn., June 22, 1900. Nest composed of cinquefoil vines, grasses, wool and cottony substances; situated on an apple tree branch about 10 feet from the ground. Collector, John N. Clark.

This species has a special fondness for cherries, both wild and cultivated, and they are often known as Cherry-birds. They also feed upon various berries, and frequently catch insects in the air after the manner of Flycatchers. Their only notes are a strange lisping sound often barely audible.

620. Phainopepla. Phainopepla nitens.

Range.--Southwestern United States and Mexico; north to southern Utah and Colorado.

This peculiar crested species is wholly shining blue black except for a patch of white on the inner webs of the primaries. Their habits are somewhat like those of the Cedar-bird, they being restless, and feeding upon berries or insects, catching the latter in the air. They make loosely constructed nests of twigs, mosses, plant fibres, etc., placed on branches of trees, usually below 20 feet from the ground, in thickets or open woods near water; the eggs are two or three in number, light gray, spotted sharply with black; size .88 × .65. Data.--Pasadena, Cal., July 15, 1894. Nest in an oak 10 feet up; composed of weeds and string. Collector, Horace Gaylord.

SHRIKES. Family LANIIDÆ

621. Northern Shrike. Lanius borealis.

Range.--North America, breeding north of our borders; winters in northern half of the United States and casually farther south.

All Shrikes are similar in nature and plumage, being grayish above and white below, with black wings, tail and ear patches, and with white outer tail feathers and bases of primaries; the present species may be known by its larger size (length over 10 inches) and wavy dusky lines on the breast. They are bold and cruel birds, feeding upon insects, small rodents and small birds, in the capture of which they display great cunning and courage; as they have weak feet, in order to tear their prey to pieces with their hooked bill, they impale it upon thorns. They nest in thickets and tangled underbrush, making their nests of vines, grasses, catkins, etc., matted together into a rude structure. During April or May they lay from four to six grayish white eggs, spotted and blotched with yellowish brown and umber; size 1.05 × .75.

622. Loggerhead Shrike. Lanius ludovicianus ludovicianus.

Range.--United States, east of the Plains, breeding north to New England and Illinois; winters in Southern States.

Like the last but smaller (length 9 inches), not marked below and with the ear patches sharply defined. They nest in hedges or thickly tangled brush, showing a predilection for dense thorn bushes, where they place their piles of weeds, grasses, feathers and rubbish; the four or five eggs are laid in April or May; they are like those of the last, but smaller, averaging .96 × .72.

LOGGERHEAD SHRIKE AND NEST.

622a. White-rumped Shrike. Lanius ludovicianus excubitorides.

Range.--North America, west of the Plains, breeding north to Manitoba and the Saskatchewan; winters south to Mexico.

Like the last but paler and the rump white. Their nesting habits and eggs are in every respect like those of the Loggerhead Shrike.

622b. California Shrike. Lanius ludovicianus gambeli.

Range.--Pacific coast north to British Columbia.

Similar to the eastern form but with the breast washed with brownish and with indistinct wavy bars. The eggs cannot be distinguished from those of the others.

622c. Island Shrike. Lanius ludovicianus anthonyi.

Range.--Santa Barbara Islands, California. Like the last but smaller and darker. Eggs not distinguishable.

VIREOS. Family VIREONDIDÆ

623. Black-whiskered Vireo. Vireosylva calidris barbatula.

Range.--A Central American species, breeding in Cuba, Bahamas and southern Florida.

Like the Red-eyed Vireo but with a dusky streak on either side of the chin. They build pensile nests of strips of bark and fibres, swung from the forks of branches. The eggs cannot be distinguished from those of the next species, being white, more or less specked about the large end with reddish brown and umber. Size .78 × .55.

YOUNG SHRIKES (All ready for flight).

624. Red-eyed Vireo. Vireosylva olivacea.

Range.--United States, east of the Rockies, breeding north to Labrador, Manitoba and British Columbia.

This is the most common of the Vireos in the greater part of its range and is a most persistent songster, frequenting groves, open woods or roadsides. Their eyes are brown, scarcely if any more red than those of any other species and I have yet to see one with red eyes outside of mounted museum specimens. They swing their nests from the forks of trees at any elevation from the ground but usually below ten feet, and I have found them where the bottom rested on the ground; they are made of strips of bark, fibre, etc., and often have pieces of string or paper woven into the sides; they are one of the most beautiful of bird homes and are woven so strongly that old nests hang to the branches for several seasons. Their three or four eggs, often accompanied by one of the Cowbirds, are laid in May or June; they are white, sparingly specked with blackish brown. Size .85 × .55.

625. Yellow-green Vireo. Vireosylva flavoviridis.

Range.--Southern Texas and southward to South America.

Similar to the Red-eye but greener above and more yellowish on the sides. The nesting habits are the same and the eggs indistinguishable from those of that species.

626. Philadelphia Vireo. Vireosylva philadelphica.

Range.--Eastern United States breeding from northern New England and Manitoba northward.

This species is much smaller than the Red-eye (length 5 in.) and is yellowish below, and without black edges to the gray crown. Their eggs do not differ from those of the Red-eyed Vireo except in size, averaging .70 × .50.

627. Warbling Vireo. Vireosylva gilva gilva.

Range.--North America east to the Plains, breeding north to Labrador.

This Vireo is nearly as abundant as the Red-eye but is not generally as well known, probably because it is usually higher in the trees and more concealed from view. Their nests are like those of the Red-eye, but smaller and usually placed higher in the trees. The birds are even more persistent singers, than are the latter but the song is more musical and delivered in a more even manner, as they creep about among the foliage, peering under every leaf for lurking insects. The eggs are pure white, spotted with brown or reddish brown. Size .72 × .52.

RED-EYED VIREO ON NEST.

627a. Western Warbling Vireo. Vireosylva gilva swainsoni.

Range.--Western United States, breeding from Mexico to British Columbia.

This species is like the last but said to be a trifle smaller and paler color. Its nesting habits and eggs are precisely like those of the eastern form.

628. Yellow-throated Vireo. Lanivireo flavifrons.

Range.--United States east of the Plains, breeding from the Gulf to Manitoba and New Brunswick.

This handsome bird is wholly unlike any others of the Vireos, having a bright yellow throat and breast; the upper parts are greenish and the wings and tail gray, the latter with two white bars. They are fairly common breeding birds in northern United States, placing their handsome basket-like structures in forks of branches and at any elevation from the ground; the nests are like those of the preceding Vireos but are frequently adorned on the outside with lichens, thereby adding materially to their natural beauty. The four or five eggs are pinkish or creamy white, speckled about the large end with reddish brown. Size .80 × .60.

629. Blue-headed Vireo. Lanivireo solitarius solitarius.

Range.--Eastern United States, breeding from southern New England and the northern states north to Hudson Bay; winters in the Gulf States and southward.

A beautiful Vireo with a slaty blue crown and nape, greenish back, white wing bars and underparts, the flanks being washed with greenish yellow; a conspicuous mark is the white eye ring and loral spot. They build firm, pensile, basket-like nests of strips of birch and grapevine bark, lined with fine grasses and hair, suspended from forks, usually at low elevation and often in pine or fir trees (of some twenty nests that I have found in New England all have been in low branches of conifers). Their three or four white eggs are specked with reddish brown. Size .80 × .60.

629a. Cassin's Vireo. Lanivireo solitarius cassini.

Range.--United States west of the Rockies; north to British Columbia.

Similar to the last but with the back grayish.

629b. Plumbeous Vireo. Lanivireo solitarius plumbeus.

Range.--Rocky Mountain region, breeding from Mexico to Dakota and Wyoming.

Like the Blue-headed Vireo but with the yellowish wholly replaced by leaden gray.

629c. Mountain Vireo. Lanivireo solitarius alticola.

Range.--Mountains of Carolina and Georgia; winters in Florida.

Said to be larger and darker than solitarius proper. From all accounts, the habits, nests or eggs of this species differ in no wise from many of those of the northern Solitary Vireo, whose nests show great variations in size and material.

629d. San Lucas Vireo. Lanivireo solitarius lucasanus.

Range.--Southern Lower California.

Similar to cassini but with the flanks more yellow. Their nesting habits or eggs will not differ from the others.

630. Black-capped Vireo. Vireo atricapillus.

Range.--Central Texas north to Kansas; winters in Mexico.

This peculiar Vireo has a black crown and sides of head, broken by a white eye ring and loral stripe; upper parts greenish, below white. They appear to be fairly common in certain localities of their restricted range, and nest at low elevations in mesquites or oaks, placing the nests in forks the same as other Vireos; they are of the ordinary Vireo architecture, lined with grasses. The three or four eggs are pure white, unmarked. Size .70 × .50. Data.--Comal Co., Texas, May 21, 1888, 4 eggs. Nest located in a scrub Spanish oak, 5 feet from the ground.

631. White-eyed Vireo. Vireo griseus griseus.

Range.--Eastern United States, breeding from the Gulf to northern United States.

This Vireo has white eyes, as implied by its name, is yellowish green on the sides and with two prominent bars. They have no song, like the other Vireos, but a strange medley of notes resembling those of the Chat or Shrike.

They nest near the ground in tangled thickets, making large nests for the size of the birds and not always suspended; they are made of weeds, leaves, grass, bark or any trash. Their three or four eggs are laid late in May or early in June; they are white, sparingly speckled with brown; size .75 × .55.

631a. Key West Vireo. Vireo griseus maynardi.

Range.--Southern Florida.

This grayer and paler variety nests in the same manner and the eggs are not distinct from those of the last form.

631b. Bermuda Vireo. Vireo griseus bermudianus.

Range.--Bermudas.

This variety is said to be slightly smaller and to have no yellow on the sides. Its eggs are probably the same as those of the others.

631c. Small White-eyed Vireo. Vireo griseus micrus.

Range.--Eastern Mexico north to southern Texas.

Said to be slightly smaller and grayer than the common White-eyed Vireo. Its eggs will not differ.

632. Hutton's Vireo. Vireo huttoni huttoni.

Range.--Resident on the California coast; chiefly in the southern parts.

A similar species to noveboracensis but with the under parts tinged with yellow. These birds are quite common but shy, nesting at any height from the ground in open woods or groves; the nests are made of grasses and moss and swung from forked limbs; the three or four eggs are pure white, finely specked with reddish brown. Size .70 × .50.

632a. Stephen's Vireo. Vireo huttoni stephensi.

Range.--Northwestern Mexico and the boundary of the United States.

This variety, which is more yellowish than the last, appears to be rather uncommon but as far as I can learn its habits and nesting do not differ from those of the other Vireos; the eggs are white, specked with brown. Size .70 × .50.

632c. Anthony's Vireo. Vireo huttoni obscurus.

Range.--Pacific coast from Oregon (and Cal. in winter) to British Columbia.

The nesting habits and eggs of this darker and smaller variety are the same in all respects as those of the Hutton's Vireo.

633. Bell's Vireo. Vireo belli belli.

Range.--Interior of the United States, breeding from Texas to Minnesota and Dakota.

The nesting habits of this smaller species are just the same as those of the larger varieties, they suspending their small grass-woven baskets in the forks of bushes or trees and usually at a low elevation. Their nests are handsome and compact little structures, being often made almost wholly of strips of bark lined with very fine grasses. The eggs are white, specked with reddish brown. Size .70 × .50. Data.--Austin, Texas, June 16, 1898. Nest of strips of bark, fibres and grasses, neatly woven and swung from the fork of a low bush, 2 feet from the ground.

633a. Least Vireo. Vireo belli pusillus.

Range.--Western Mexico, Arizona and southern California.

This Vireo is slightly smaller and grayer than the last; they are quite common in southern Arizona, nesting the same as Bell's at low elevations in bushes or small trees. The eggs cannot be distinguished from those of belli.

634. Gray Vireo. Vireo vicinior.

Range.--Southwestern United States from western Texas, southern California and Nevada southward.

This species is grayish above and grayish white below, with white eye ring, lores and wing bar. They are not uncommon birds in the Huachuca Mts. of southern Arizona, where they nest in bushes at low elevations, making the semi-pensile structures of woven strips of bark and grasses, lined with fine round grasses attached by the rim to a fork and sometimes stayed on the side by convenient twigs. Eggs white, specked with brown. Size .72 × .53.

HONEY CREEPERS. Family COEREBIDÆ

635. Bahama Honey Creeper. Cœreba bahamensis.

Range.--Bahamas, casually to southern Florida and the Keys.

This peculiar curved-billed species is dark brown above, with the underparts, superciliary line and spot at base of primaries, whitish; the rump and a breast patch are yellow. They nest at low elevations in bushes or trees usually in tangled thickets, making a large dome-shaped nest of grasses, leaves and fibres and, during May or June, lay from three to five pale creamy white eggs, speckled sparingly all over the surface and more abundantly at the large end with reddish brown. Size .65 × .50.

WARBLERS. Family MNIOTILTIDÆ

Warblers as a family may be classed as the most beautiful, interesting and useful birds that we have. With few exceptions, they only return from their winter quarters as the trees shoot forth their leaves or flowers, they feed largely among the foliage upon small, and mostly injurious, insects. They are very active and always flitting from branch to branch, showing their handsome plumage to the best advantage. Their songs are simple but effectively delivered and the nests are of a high order of architecture.

636. Black and White Warbler. Mniotilta varia.

Range.--North America east of the Plains, breeding from the Gulf States north to the Hudson Bay region; winters from our southern borders to South America.

This striped black and white Warbler is usually seen creeping about tree trunks and branches after the manner of a Nuthatch. They are very active gleaners and of inestimable value to man. They nest on the ground in woods or swamps, making their nest of strips of bark and grass, placed among the leaves usually beside stones, stumps or fallen trees. Their three to five eggs are white, finely specked and wreathed with reddish brown. Size .65 × .50. Data.--Worcester, Mass., June 3, 1889. Nest of strips of bark on the ground in an old decayed stump.

637. Prothonotary Warbler. Prothonotaria citrea.

Range.--South Atlantic and Gulf States, north in the interior to Iowa and Illinois.

This species is often known as the Golden Swamp Warbler because of the rich golden yellow of the head and underparts. They frequent and nest in the vicinity of swamps or ponds, nesting in the cavities of trees or stubs at low elevations, filling the cavity with leaves, moss and grasses, neatly cupped to receive the four to seven eggs, which are creamy or pinkish white, profusely spotted with reddish brown and chestnut. Size .72 × .55. Data.--Quincy, Mo., June 1, 1897. 5 eggs. Nest in hole of a dead stub 6 feet up, in timber some distance from water; made of moss and grasses, lined with hair.

638. Swainson's Warbler. Helinaia swainsoni.

Range.--South Atlantic and Gulf States, north to Virginia and Indiana, and west to eastern Texas; winters in Mexico and the West Indies.

This species is brownish above and white below, with a whitish superciliary stripe. It has been found breeding most numerously in thickets and tangled underbush about swamps and pools in any locality. Their nests are either in bushes or attached to upright rushes over water after the manner of the Long-billed Marsh Wren, being made of leaves, moss, rootlets, etc., lined with fine grasses or hair, and deeply cupped for the reception of the three or four unmarked white or bluish white eggs which are laid during May or June. Size .75 × .58. Data.--Near Charlestown, S. C., May 12, 1888, 3 eggs. Nest in canes 4 feet from ground, made of strips of rushes, sweet gum and water oak leaves, lined with pine needles.

639. Worm-eating Warbler. Helmitheros vermivorus.

Range.--United States east of the Plains, breeding north to southern New England and Illinois; winters south of our borders.

This bird can be identified in all plumages by the three light buff and two black stripes on the crown and narrower black stripes through the eye. Their habits are similar to those of the Oven-bird, they feeding largely upon the ground amid dead leaves.

They are quite abundant in most localities in their range, nesting in hollows on the ground in open woods or shrubbery on hill sides; the nest is made of leaves, grasses and rootlets, lined with hair or finer grasses, and is usually placed under the shelter of some small bush. They lay (in May, June or July) three to six eggs, white, marked or blotched either sparingly or heavily with chestnut or lavender. Size .70 × .52.

640. Bachman's Warbler. Vermivora bachmani.

Range.--Southeastern United States, along the Gulf coast to Louisiana and north to Virginia and Missouri.

This species is one of the rarest of the Warblers, but is now much more abundant than twenty years ago, when it had apparently disappeared. They are greenish above, and yellow below, and on the forehead and shoulder, and with black patches on the crown and breast. They have been found breeding in Missouri, nesting on the ground like others of this genus; the eggs are white wreathed about the large end and sparingly specked over the whole surface with reddish brown and chestnut. Size .65 × .50.

641. Blue-winged Warbler. Vermivora pinus.

Range.--Eastern United States, breeding north to southern New England and in the Mississippi Valley to Minnesota; winters south of our borders.

This common species has the crown and underparts yellow, line through the eye black, and white wing bars and spots on outer tail feathers. They breed most abundantly in the northern half of their United States range, placing their nests on the ground in thickets or on the edge of woods; the nests are made of strips of bark, usually grapevine, and leaves, and are usually high and deeply cupped, they are almost always placed among the upright shoots of young bushes. The eggs are white, finely specked with reddish brown with great variations as to markings. Size .65 × .50. Data.--Old Saybrook, Conn., June 1, 1900. 5 eggs. Nest composed chiefly of dry beech leaves and strips of cedar bark, lined with shreds of bark and fine grass; situated on the ground among a bunch of weeds in the woods.

642. Golden-winged Warbler. Vermivora chrysoptera.

Range.--Eastern United States, breeding north to the southern parts of the British Provinces, winters south of the United States.

This is a very handsome species with black throat and ear patches, and yellow crown and wing bars, the upper parts being gray and the lower white. They frequent low fields or hillsides where they nest among weeds or vines, making the nest of strips of bark, grasses and fibres, and locating it close to the ground in clumps of weeds, low bushes or briers. The three to five eggs are white with a very great diversity of markings, either heavily or minutely spotted or wreathed with chestnut and gray. Size .62 × .50.

643. Lucy's Warbler. Vermivora luciæ.

Range.--Western Mexico, north commonly to Arizona and casually to southern Utah.

This small gray and white Warbler is especially distinguished by a chestnut rump and patch in center of the crown. Besides nesting in forks of low bushes, this species is said to place the domiciles in almost any crevice or nook that suits their fancy, such as loose bark on tree trunks, holes in trees, or other birds' nests. The eggs which are usually laid during May are white, sparingly specked and wreathed with reddish brown. Size .60 × .50.

644. Virginia's Warbler. Vermivora virginiæ.

Range.--Western Mexico, north to Arizona and New Mexico, and also less commonly to Colorado.

This species is similar to the last but has the rump and a patch on the breast, yellow. They are found quite abundantly in some localities, usually on mountain ranges, nesting in hollows on the ground beside rocks, stumps or in crevices among the rocks; the nests are made of fine strips of bark and grasses, skillfully woven together, and the three to five eggs are pure white, specked and wreathed with reddish brown. Size .62 × .50.