A NOTABLE QUARTETTE 303 



and more scientific classification places then in a genus 

 under the head of Turdhliv. 



The range of Townsend's solitaire is from the plains 

 of Colorado to the Pacific coast and north to British 

 Columbia. According to Robert Ridgway, he has even 

 been met with " casually ^' in Illinois. In Colorado 

 many of the solitaires are permanent residents in the 

 mountains, remaining there throughout the winter. 

 Some of them, however, visit the plains during the 

 fall, winter, and spring. In the winter they may be 

 found from the lower valleys to an elevation of ten 

 thousand feet, while they are known to breed as high as 

 twelve thousand feet. The nests are placed on the 

 ground among rocks, fallen branches and logs, and are 

 loosely constructed of sticks and grass. From three to 

 six eggs compose a set, the ground color being white, 

 speckled with reddish brown. Doctor Coues says the 

 birds feed on insects and berries, and are " capable of 

 musical expression in an exalted degree."" With this 

 verdict the writer is in full accord. 



