ICTERIU^E — THE ORIOLES — ICTERIN.E. 



271 



bands, which, in the hitter, are coniiih'tely isohited from oaeh other, narrow and linear. 

 Beneath, yellow, with a blaek pectoral crescent. The \ellow of the throat extending; on 

 the side of the maxilla. Siiles, erissnn, and tibia very pale reddish-brown, or nearly 

 white, streaked with Ijlackish. Head with a light median and snperciliary stripe, the lat- 



Tail feather. 



ter yellow in front of the eye ; a Ijlackish line behind it. Tlie transverse bars on the 

 feathers above (less so on the tail), with a tendency to become continent near the exterior 

 margin. Length 10.50; extent, 1G.50 ; wing, 5.00; tail, 3.25; bill, 1.25. Iris brown; 

 bill horn-brown, blnish below ; feet pale flesh-color. 



Hah. Western America from the high central plains to the Pacific ; east to Pembina, 

 and perhaps to Wisconsin. 



This liird is ^'ery aljuiidant, and re.sident throunliont nearly the entire 

 State, though prohably leaving the high mountains in winter. I tliink they 

 build in the Colorado Valley, as well as all other districts not quite water- 

 less, including all the islands except one or two. 



In fact the vast grassy plains and hiUs of California are the most favor- 

 able nurseries of this species that could be imagined. Tlieir abundance and 

 large size force them on the attention of every one, while their lively, sweet, 

 and varied songs make them general favorites. They sing at all seasons, 

 early and late; from the ground, the tree-top, fence, or flying in the air, and 

 when unmolested become so tame as to make the liouse-top a favorite perch. 

 Tlieir time in spring seems eipially di\-ided Itetween an industrious search 

 for food and musical contests w'lih. tlieir neighbors. Even the female has 

 considerable musical power, and cheers her mate by singing while he re- 

 lieves her in sitting on the eggs. She then also has a harsh, petulant chirp, 

 freq^uently repeated as if in anger. 



