204 [April, 1847. 



the S. Mexicanus, Swains, lately described and figured by Audubon as 

 Quiscalus Breweri. 



Sturnella neglecta, Aud. Western Meadow Lark. 

 This nearly allied species we found a bundant on the prairies in New Mexico, 

 Rio Colorado, and California. In the spring around the Pueblo de los Angeles 

 its delicate and melodious song was every where to be heard. About Monte- 

 rey in the winter it kept in and along the margins of the pine woods. 



Molothrus pecorus, (Gmel.) Swains. Cow Blackbird. 



Abundant, in company with the Rusty Blackbird, frequenting, in flocks, 

 the cattle corrals and farm houses of New Mexico and California. 



Icterus bullockii, Swains. Bullock's Oriole. 



The males of this beautiful bird arrive at their summer quarters about the 

 Pueblo de los Angeles and Santa Barbara, in California, about the first week 

 in April, and the female in a week or so afterwards. They resort to the 

 retired hedges of vineyards and orchards, and occasionally are seen among 

 the trees in the town. Its song during this joyful season is uttered in a 

 loud clear tone, and sometimes varied, but generally wek te tek tshe-o tske-o 

 tshe-o, wek te tek tshe-o. This is continued at intervals while flitting through 

 the budding trees in search of their insect fare. When it observes any ob- 

 ject of suspicion, it utters a few guttural croaking scolding notes, and con-? 

 ceals itself among the leafy boughs. 



About the middle of April I saw them commencing to hang their nests in 

 the manner of our golden Robin, on the pendulous branches ef the willow and 

 other trees surrounding the vineyards, and as far as I remained to see them 

 completed, they were made with the same ingenious interweaving of delicate 

 materials to form a pouch. 



Ageliaus xantkrocephalus, Bonap. Yellow-headed Blackbird. 

 Abundant in California. 



A. phaniceus, (Linn.) Vieill. Red winged Blackbird. 

 Abundant in New Mexico and California. 



A. tricolor, Aud. Three colored Blackbird. 



This handsome species, discovered by Mr. Nuttall, and sent to Audubon 

 with the above name, is abundant in California, going in small flocks in 

 company with the other species. Its notes are very different from those of 

 the red-wing, with which it associates, being a kind of guttural squeaking, 

 like that made by a dying animal. The red of the wing cannot be seen 

 when they are closed, looking as if it only had a white band. 



A. gubernator, (Wagler) Bonap. Two colored Blackbird. 

 This pretty species is abundant, also, in California, and along the western 

 coast of Mexico, It is often found in company with the phceniceus, which it 



