APHELOCOMA. 493 
‘species as in Californian, and the size of the former slightly exceeds that of the latter. 
‘These differences induced Mr. Ridgway to separate the Mexican bird under the name 
of Cyanocitta sumichrasti, and Mr. Sharpe adopted this name. We have carefully 
examined specimens from both countries and have come to the conclusion that the 
differences are not sufficiently marked to render it desirable to make any nominal 
distinction between them. The superciliary streak is certainly evanescent, and a 
‘difference of size is the most unsatisfactory of differential characters. 
The Californian Jay, as this bird is called in the United States, has a wide range 
along the Pacific coast-region of North America, being found as far north as the 
‘Columbia river ; it thence passes southwards through Lower California to Cape St. 
Lucas. We have no record of its occurrence anywhere in Northern Mexico, and it is 
very probable that its place is there taken by A. woodhousii, which is the common 
resident bird of Arizona; future investigation can, however, alone clear up this point. 
In Southern Mexico it occurs in the alpine region according to Sumichrast, and where 
‘also Mr. le Strange obtained specimens ; it also occurs in the State of Oaxaca, whence 
we have examples sent us by Mr. Fenochio, and where also Mr. Boucard obtained it. 
A. woodhousii is closely allied to the present species, but may readily be distinguished 
by its darker under surface and its pale blue under tail-coverts as well as by other 
minor points. Should the range of A. californica be completely severed, and its place 
‘taken throughout the highlands of Northern Mexico by the allied form, it will be a fact 
of distribution of considerable interest. _A. californica breeds abundantly throughout 
the western parts of California, and constructs a nest of roots and strong grass, and 
places it in a low tree or bush. The eggs are dark green, marked with numerous pale 
‘brown blotches and spots. 
2. Aphelocoma ultramarina. 
Garrulus ultramarinus, Bp. Journ. Ac. Phil. iv. p. 387!; Temm. Pl. Col. p. 439 ”. 
Cyanocitta ultramarina, Bp. Consp. Av. i. p. 378°; Baird, Mex. Bound. Surv., Zool. ii, Birds, 
p. 21, t. 22. f. 2°; Sumichrast, Mem. Bost. Soc. N. H. i. p. 554°. 
‘Cyanocorax ultramarinus, Scl. P. Z. 8. 1857, p. 204°; 1859, p. 3657. 
Aphelocoma ultramarina, Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. iii. p. 115°. 
Pica steberi, Wagl. Syn. Av. fol. 21, p. 12°; Isis, 1829, p. 750 ™°. 
‘Cyanocitta siebert, Bp. Consp. Av. i. p. 878%. 
Garrulus sordidus, Sw. Phil. Mag. new ser. i. p. 437%; Zool. Ill. ser. 2, ii. t. 86 * 
Cyanocitta sordida, Baird, Mex. Bound. Surv., Zool. ii. p. 21, t.22. £1; Sumichrast, Mem. Bost. 
Soc. N. H. i. p. 554; Dugés, La Nat. i. p. 189°. 
Aphelocoma sordida, Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. iii. p. 116”. 
Corvus azureus, Licht. Preis-Verz. mex. Vig. p. 1”. 
Cyanocitta couchi, Baird, B. N. Am. p. 588, t. 60. f. 2”. 
Aphelocoma couchi, Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. iii. p. 116”. 
Cyanocitta ultramarina, var. couchi, Baird, Brew., & Ridgw. N. Am. B. ii. p. 29372. 
