FRINGILLID^ — THE FINCHES — MELOSPIZA. 



215 



the evergreen forests towards the Columbia and northward, where it is the 

 only species, and common down to the level of the sea.* I there found 

 them having habits and songs entirely similar to those of the Eastern M. 

 mdodla, and also of the M. Hccrmanni. I never succeeded in finding a 

 nest, these forest birds being more artful in concealing their treasures than 

 those that have become accustomed to the society and protection of man- 

 kind, when many species, usually wild, select the garden as tlie safest place 

 for building in. In the mild winters, usual near the Columljia, tliese birds 

 do not show any disposition to emigrate, l>ut come more familiarly around 

 the house when the snow has buried their usual supply of food. 



Melospiza fallax, Baird. 



THE MOUNTAIN SONG-SPARROW. 



^bnoCnrfi'a /!?/«T, Baikd, Pr. A. N. Sc. Ph. VII. June, 1854, 119. (Pueblo Creek, New 



Mexieo.) 

 (?) Zonotrkhiafasciata (Gmelin), Gambei,, J. A. N. Sc. Ph. 2d Series, I. 1847, 49. 

 Melospiza fallax, B.iiRD, P. R. Rep. IX. Birds, 481. — Kennekly, X. iv. 29 ; pi. 27, f. 2. 



Sp. Cii.A-R. Similar to Z. Hccrmanni, but with wings longer in proportion, and bill 

 smaller. Dark centres to the pale rufous streaks of tlie feathers of upper and under surfaces 

 obsolete or wanting. Superciliary liglit stripe ash-color anteriorly. Length, 6.25 ; ex- 



tent, 8.25; wing, 2.75; tail, 2.87. Iris brown; bill horn-brown, paler below; feet pale 

 brown. 



Hah. Rocky jNIountain region, from Fort Tliorn to the Colorado. Fort Tejon (?). 



Were it not for the difference in proportions, this species might be con- 

 sidered one of tho.se bleached varieties of an allied species, inhabiting the 

 torrid and dry Colorado A^alley ; but the want of intermediate forms between 



* I have seen a specimen obtained at Marysvillc, in spring, by Jlr. Gruber. 



