384 



NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS. 



yellowish. Bill black ; feet plumbeous ; iris bright red. First quill less than half the 

 second, which about equals the tenth ; third little shorter than fourth (longest). 



Female. With the black replaced by dull slate ; lower parts ochraceous-white medially. 

 Possibly a distinct species (Manatlan). 



(No. C,818.) Fresh specimen : Total length, 4.75; expanse of wings, 7.25; wing from 

 carpal joint, 2.12. Prepared specimen : Total length, 4.10 ; wing, 2.25; tail, 1.95. 



Hab, Southern border of Western Te.xas ; Mazatlan. 



The black head of thi.s species, as lav as known, makes it imiiiue in the 

 genus. It is extremely rare, but three or four specimens being known. 



We refer to this species a specimen — probably a female — obtained at 

 Mazatlau, on the western coast of Mexico, in April, by Colonel Grayson (S. 

 I., No. .")5,04f)). Tiiis specimen differs from those from Texas in having the 

 black of the head replaced by a dull dark slate-color, the olive above rather 

 less virescent, and tlie lower parts not pure white, but somewhat buffy. As 

 all the other essential characters are identical, there being in both the 

 white space covering the whole lore, and orbital ring interrupted on top, — 

 features not seen in any other species, — we have little hesitation in con- 

 sidering them the same sjjecies ; which opinion is moreover strengthened by 

 the fact, that among the Texas specimens, all willi black caps, there are 

 no females. 



Habits. Of the general history and liabits of this rare species very little 

 is known. It was first met with by Dr. Woodhouse, on the 26th of May, 

 1851, in Western Texas. This was on the Rio San Pedro, within ten miles 

 of its source. He found it among some cedars, and was attracted by its very 

 singular notes. It was in continual motion, like a Wood Warbler, and was 

 by him at first supposed to be one of those birds. He obtained two speci- 

 mens, both of whicli proved to lie males. 



Jlr. John H. Clark, tlie naturalist of the Mexican Boundary Commission, 

 likewise found tliis species in Texas, and not far finm tlie same locality in 

 which it was disc-overed by Dr. Woodliouse. His attentifjn also was drawn 

 to the bird by its shrill discordant chirj), which it uttered incessantly in its 

 pursuit of insects. Three specimens only were seen, and all of tlicm at one 

 locality, the valley of the IJio San Pedro, to which it seemed to bo confined. 

 It was not at all shy, and showed no concern when Mr. Clark approached 

 within a few rods. Its constant motion, hopping incessantly from branch 

 to branch, made it a matter of some difficulty to procure specimens. It 

 was found in June, and the single specimen shot by Mr. Clark was also a 

 male. 



