PASSERES FRING1LLIDAE PEUOAEA CARPALIS. 291 



PEUCAEA CARPALIS, Cones. 

 The Rufous-winced Sparrow. 



Pmccca carpalis, GOUES, Am. Nat., vii, 1873, 322. BD., BREW., & BIDG., N. A. Biids, 

 1874, iii, app. 515. 



This little bird was discovered by Captain Bendire near Tucson, Ariz., 

 where he found it an abundant resident. On getting down into Southern 

 Arizona, I looked very carefully for the species, and am inclined to attribute 

 my want of success on the Gila River, and the region south, especially near 

 Camp Crittenden, more to the fact that my search was not directed to the 

 proper places, than to the absence of the bird in this region, which appears 

 as well adapted to its habits as the country about Camp Lowell, where it was 

 originally found, and where I detected it in abundance. Supposing that, 

 like the Peuccea cassini and arizona, it would be found inhabiting the grass 

 covered plains, or the meadowy places near the streams, I at first directed 

 my examination to such places, but in vain. They were found only among 

 the mesquite thickets, where, with hundreds of the Black-throated Finches 

 and Chipping Sparrows, but especially the first named bird, they spent nearly 

 all the time on the ground, hopping about in search of small seeds and 

 insects. When suddenly started, the whole flock betook themselves to the 

 nearest trees for a moment, till, re-assured, they descended to their wonted 

 occupation. 



In its appearance, the Rufous-winged Sparrow has little to attract atten- 

 tion, and, in its behavior, is so much like its commoner and less desirable 

 associates, that I found difficulty in properly distinguishing between this 

 and the other sparrows, many of which I killed by mistake. Unlike the 

 other Penccca, they never attempted concealment by hiding in the grass, but 

 immediately took wing, and from the nearest bush or tree scrutinized the 

 cause of their alarm, till satisfied that no danger was to be apprehended. 

 With respect to this species, Captain Bendire communicates the follow- 



ing: 



" I first noticed this bird in the early part of June, 1872, when I found 

 several of its nests, generally placed in small mesquite bushes, in localities 

 not very far from water. About Tucson, the bird is a common one, and in 



