PASSERES FRINGILLIDAE GUIRACA CAERULEA. 



299 



where the species appeared to be not uncommon, frequenting the cotton- 

 woods and clumps of trees along the streams. 



I found this grosbeak as far north as near Santa Fe', N. Mex. Crossing 

 into Arizona, it appeared to get more numerous as we neared Camp Apache, 

 and at Camp Grant and to the southward was a very well represented 

 species. It does not appear to visit the mountainous districts at all, but 

 was found on the heavily brushed streams from the time they made their 

 appearance at the base of the mountain, till, as is usually the case in this 

 region, the waters finally disappeared in the thirsty sands of the plains below, 

 the luxuriant vegetation which encloses the banks ceasing when the stream 

 sinks. They were exceedingly shy, and gave me little opportunity for 

 observing their habits. These are correspondent to some degree with 

 those of the other species; though it shows a partiality for scrub and low 

 bushes, in which it is more like the Indigo Bird. The song suggests 

 those of the others, but, though at its finest is possessed of much sweetness 

 of tone, lacks the full rich mellowness of tone and variety of modulation so 

 conspicuous in the vocal efforts of the other two species. 



Young in nesting plumage and scarcely fledged were found July 30. 

 The anxiety of the old birds was most apparent. Yet, even when the safety 

 of their offspring was threatened, their natural timidity prevailed over their 

 feelings so far that they kept themselves at a distance, and were content to 

 manifest their solicitude by loud and mournful notes. 



