Mar., 1909 OBSERVATIONS ON SOME BIRDS i?OUND IN SOUTHERN MEXICO 63 m/n/ata) was one of the commonest of Transition Zone birds. It might be adver- tised as a Painted Redstart, with toned-down movements and different note: a clear tzee. A few Painted Redstarts (S. picta) were seen in company with the above. Various warblers were found in flocks composed of many species of insect- eating birds, such as Vireos, Kinglets, Flycatchers, Gnatcatchers and Tanagers. Two species that congregate thus are the Red Warbler (g?rgaticus tuber) and Red- faced Warbler (Cardell/ha rubrzfrons).' Both are sprites of lasting beauty. The. Red Warbler is deliberate when working, searching the more open parts of the tree; while the Red-faced keeps better hid, and searches in a .hurried manner. The number of individuals of the Red Warbler were few when compared with the Red-bellied Redstart, or Red-faced Warbler. The highest parts of trees sheltered, during February, large numbers of Townsend (]9endroica townsend/), Audubon (]9. audubon/), Black-throated Green (]9. virens), and Hermit (]9. occidentalis) Warblers. Many of the Hermit WarBlers were then in breeding plumage. As soon as the barrancas were left, going toward the town, species like Black-throated Gray Warbler (/9. n&rescens), Tolmie Warbler ( Ueothlypis tolmiei), and Pileolated Warbler ( Wilsonia pusilla pileolata) were in evidence. Yellow Warblers (]9en- droica aestiva) wintered in and about the city. The Lutescent Warbler (tYelmin- lhophila celala lutescens) was general at all altitutes within our scope. The Cactus Wren genus (tYeleodytes) is represented here by the Huitzilac Wren (/-]. megalopterus), found in the Transition Zone. The pattern of plumage is much like that of certain Woodpeckers, and an aptitude for climbing make this similarity still more apparent. In scaling a tree they will climb for five or ten feet, then inspect the surrounding growth, be it moss-covered trunk, branch, or leaf; and after a brief inspection pass on to repeat the movements. Fully-fledged young were secured February 18. These were still being fed by adult birds. Another resident Wren is Pheugopediusfelix grandis, or Morelos Wren, found most any- where below the pine region. An ancient lava flow, five miles east of Cuernavaea, that is covered by dense brush, is a very good place to meet with it. They are great singers, like most wrens. Specimens secured .vary considerably, and no doubt are near the true P. felix. Many Mexican Canyon Wrens (Catherpes mexicanus mexicanus) and a very few Mexican Rock Wrens (Salpinctes obsole- tus hofius) were found within the territory covered by this article. House Wrens are referable to Troglodytes aedon aztecus, according to Mr. Nelson, after exam- ination of examples of specimens obtained. They were very numerous in the rub- ble fences of the open country. The Colaptes of the region is the true C. caret. It and the Yellow-breasted Sapsucker (Sphyrapicus vat/us) were the only Woodpeckers met with. Such Sapsuckers as I shot were in emaciated condition. Neither Jays nor Titmice came often about my camp. The Jay is Aphelo- coma s/eberi/; the Tit, ]?ceolophus wollweberi. When the Jays were in evidence I usually found the Titmice in their wake. Crepuseular birds were the Texas Night Hawk (Chordeiles acutipennis tex- ensis), in the immediate vicinity of the city; and higher up, above 6000 feet, Whip-poor-wills (Anlroslomus voc?ferus). One or two Poorwills (]?halcenoplilus nullalii/var ?) were heard. Why I failed to find pigeons in the mountains is a mystery. The cultivated sections entice large flocks of Mourning Doves (?7enaidura macroura carolinens/s), and lesser numbers of White-winged Doves (Melopelia leucoptera). The almost domesticated Mexican Ground Dove (Chamcepelia passer/ha pallescens), with the long-tailed Inca Dove (Scardafella inca) are about every dwelling. Unfortun-
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