226 



ZOOLOGY BIRDS. 



particularly in the hot hours of noonday. In addition to the song, which 

 somewhat resembles the White-eyed Vireo's, it has a harsh scolding note, 

 which it often repeats as it searches among the dense undergrowth for its 

 food. But a single specimen was obtained, as it was rather timid, and on 

 hearing the slightest noise would instantly cease its notes and dive into the 

 brush. The single specimen secured appears on comparison to be quite 

 typical of the species, as shown by a specimen from its more eastern habitat. 



VIEEO TUSILLUS, Cones. 

 Least Tireo. 



Vireo pusilhts, COUES, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci.PLiln., 18GG,7G(XANTUS, Cape Saint Lucas; 

 COOPER, Fort Mojave). BD., liev. Am. Birds, i, 18GG, 300. COUES, Proc. 

 Acad. Nat. Sci. Pbila., 1868, 83. _W.,Key N. A. Birds, 1872, 123. COOPER, 

 Birds Cal., 1872, 124. BD., BREAV.. & EIDG., N. A. Birds, i, 1874, 393, pi. 

 xvii, f. 14, app. 507 (nesting). 



It is quite likely that some at least of the Vireos heard along the Gila 

 River, as above mentioned, were really of this species, or variety ; for, on 

 reaching Camp Grant, Ariz., the past season, I found that the thick bushes and 

 undergrowth fringing the streams, as they issue from the mountains, afforded 

 a home for great numbers of Vireos ; and, recognizing their notes and song 

 as well as habits to be identical with those heard and seen the previous sea- 

 son on the Gila, I supposed them all to be the Bell's Vireo. A series of six 

 specimens obtained at this locality prove, however, to be quite typical of 

 the form known as pusillus. The difference between this form and belli 

 seems, however, not to be of greater value than would entitle the former to 

 rank as a variety. The points of discrepancy are principally those of 

 coloration : pusillus being paler throughout ; the upper parts are of a clearer 

 ash, and lack much of the green seen in belli ; the white of under parts 

 is purer, and traces only of yellow are observable on the sides, where in 

 belli the yellowish wash is very decided. In the points of coloration which 

 distinguish pusitttis, as well as the longer ('?) tail, we see but the usual conditions 



