Page:Condor11(2).djvu/28

62 THE CONDOR VoL. XI still barranca. How I detested to hear the harsh call notes of the bird, tho, particu- larly on the occasions when they would mix them with their song. Gray-breasted Robins are active until after whippoorwills and owls stir forth; fl6cking into the barrancas in. the late afternoon, and remaining for the night, and ascending to the pines to feed at daybreak. There are several bird families in Mexico having no representatives in the United States. One of these groups is the Woodhewer. The only species I have met with is Pz'colaples leuco?asler, inhabitant of the heaviest growth in the barrancas in Morelos. In recalling my first individual, I can see a gigantic brown creeper ascending the trunk of a large tree sheltering my tent. The White-bellied Wood- hewer is tolerably abundant in suitable situations within the area treated in this ar- ticle, altho by reason of their solitary disposition, estimates might show otherwise. Woodhewers were located more than once by the sun playing on the plumage, which is rich br. own above, brightest on wings and tail, with blackish crown, spotted buff and white. Altho superficially the bird much resembles a brown creeper in form, its actions and movements are quite different. I cannot recall ever having observed a Woodhewer ascend a tree in the spiral manner, characteristic of Certhia; nor have I noted it near the base of a tree. Seldom alighting lower than twenty feet from the ground, a rapid ascent to some favored limb is made; and should the branch happen to be horizontal, they work with as much ease on the under, as on the up- per surface. Their long, curved, extremely narrow bill, greatly facilitates search in the particular field of their endeavors--narrow cracks, small knotholes, and the like. The bill is available in any position, be the directing movement vertical or horizontal, or a combination of the two. Their notes are of four or five syllables, of moderate volume, rendered like tree-e-e-e, and uttored just before leaving their position. The nesting was in progress during February, and few females were secured. Another tropical family represented in that State is that containing the Tro- gons. I met with a red-billed species, T. mexicanus. They are plentiful, but are not conspicuous birds, for all of their brilliant raiment. First suspicion of this species' presence was caused by discovery of bright-colored feathers of peculiar texture, scattered about under such trees and bushes as produce fruits or large seeds. Just a little search and you will find the Mexican Trogon nearby. But I do not mean that it is a stolid, indifferent bird; quite otherwise, and must be ap- proached with caution. They partake in equal quantity of insects and fruits. When feeding, a short note like kee-kay is used; at other times a variety of calls; for instance, a measured cow-cow-cow; and a set of notes in capable mimicry of the Turkey. A natty attired sparrow about camp was ]]uarremon virenliceps; but let us call him Green-headed Towbee. It is of good size, eight inches or so, but with feet fit for a bird much larger. These feet are the noise-makers, not the weak sug- gestion of a chirp, always uttered when out of sight. I attempted to gain their confidence, but was never quite successful, even when patience was abundant. The Green-tailed Towbee (Oreospiza chlorura) reminds me of 17. virenlceps so much that I will mention it in connection. Avoiding the timbered regions I found it about the city hedgerows after March 12, and altho the last record for the species in my journal is April 16, I feel sure that I saw it as late as May I in the company of Western Vesper Sparrows. Warblers have many representatives wintering in this section, and some resi- dent species, too, so I will group them, as with the Flycatchers, excepting two species of ]]asileuterus already discussed. The Red-bellied Redstart (Selophag?a