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SINGING BIRDS — OSCINES. 



primary large, broad, about half tlio fccond. Above, olive-green, becoming considerably 

 darker towards the bill and on sides of head. Beneath, dirty gi-cenish-\vhite, tinged with 

 greenish-yellow postei'iorly. A paler ring around the eye. Two broad bands across the 



wing coverts and edges of inner tertiaries, with gi-eater portion of outer web of the outer 

 tail feather greenish or olivaceous white. Length, 5.00 ; extent, 7.75 ; wing, 2.60. Iris 

 brown ; bill black, blue below ; feet lead-color. _ . 



Hab. California, across by Valley of Gila to Northeastern Mexico. 



My attention was first attracted to this liird near San Diego late in Feb- 

 ruary, having before mistaken it for tlie ruby-cro-\vned wren, which winters 

 there in abundance, and resembles this species closely in appearance and 

 habits. Two of them came down to within a few feet of where I sat, scold- 

 ing in a harsh tone, when I noticed their larger size and different plumage, 

 besides their remarkably large eyes, and a j)eculiar slowness and delibera- 



tion in their movements, as they watched and searched the dark foliage for 

 lurking insects. I have since found them wintering plentifully up to lati- 

 tude 38°; and having observed but few in the Coast Range in May, I think 

 most of them go farther north in summer. At San Diego, however, I shot 

 a female on the 9th of March, containing an egg nearly ready to be laid, 

 but have never been able to find a nest, which is probably built in the 

 dense shade of their favorite evergreen oaks (Quercus agrifolia). Their 

 song consists of a few short and quaint notes. 



On the table-lands of Mexico, especially about Orizaba, tliis species is 

 said to be abundant, and resident throughout the year. 



