VOL. II. | Andrew Fackson Grayson. 67 
such situations or in the cavities of rocks, and not in the branches 
of trees or bushes, as one species ( Zhryophilus sinaloa Baird) does 
on the mainland. ; 
The present species is the only representative of the genus found 
upon the island. It is new and hitherto undescribed. Specimens 
of this, as well as all the land birds of the island, have been sent by 
-me to the Smithsonian Institution for identification. 
Figures in the plate represent male and female, natural size. 
GREAT MEXICAN CREEPER. Dendrornis mentalis Baird.—In its 
habits this singular creature very much resembles the common 
creeper ( Certhia americana). It is however very creeper-like in 
its general appearance as well as in some'specific characters, and any 
one acquainted with the habits of the two birds would at once 
recognize in this a marked resemblance in all of its peculiarities. 
Like the little creeper it inhabits the oldest and darkest forests. 
Scaling each tree from its roots upwards, searching the cracks in 
the bark for insects upon which it entirely subsists, circling around 
from one side of the tree to the other in its upward course until 
reaching a certain height, when suddenly it apparently drops to 
the root of another tree and immediately commences its ascent as 
before. Thus for hours it continues its avocation in perform- 
ing the duty with which nature has invested it, ridding the 
trees-of destructive insects that may infest them. Often have I 
watched it, when seated upon an old log, in the shadiest woods, 
performing its excentric maneuvers, whilst my presence was hardly 
noticed. It is quite unsuspicious of harm from man and may be 
approached to within a few paces, without its taking alarm from such | 
intrusion. When it does it will fly off to a neighboring tree, and, if it 
discovers that you are in pursuit, it will dodge around to the opposite 
side of the tree and occasionally peep round at you whilst moving 
up towards the higher branches, as if to learn your intentions. 
- _ Its enormously long, curved bill enables it to probe deeply in the 
old trees for its food, whilst its very acute claws and the rigid points 
~ of the tail feathers sustain it upon the side of the tree, in every 
respect like the woodpeckers. I have never observed it pecking in 
the decayed parts of trees as woodpeckers do, indeed the form 
of the bill is unsuited for such work. ae 
- It is rather a seclusive and quiet bird, but seldom uttering its 
| ‘note, and that only during the love season, when calling its mate; 
