1923 BIRDS OF THE SANTA RITA MOUNTAINS 15 



of quite large flocks were seen by Swarth and Stephens the last of June, 1903, 

 in Madera Canyon. Flocks of from twelve to twenty were seen by Bailey Oc- 

 tober 25-29, 1913, in the mountains "circling around or lighting in tall trees." 

 They were found abundant by Howell, July 28-August 15, 1918, "above 5,000 

 feet in Upper Sonoran and in low Transition" of Madera Canyon, "feeding 

 on the acorns of the live oaks in pairs and small flocks. Two shot were so 

 crammed with these accrns that their crops burst when they hit the ground. 

 At a shot, all the pigeons within a quarter of a mile would flush and join 

 forces, to fly over in one flock." A few of the "Ring Necks" or "Mountain 

 Pigeons" as they are called locally, were seen by us in April, 1921, the first 

 being seen April 1 and 2, at 4,000 feet, flying swiftly to-^ard Stone Cabin 

 Canyon. 



Zenaidura macroura marftinella. Western Mourning Dove 



Full grown young of the year were found abundant by Swarth during 

 the latter half of June, 1903, in the canyons below Madera. An occasional 

 l)air was seen by Howell July 28-August 15, 1918, below 5,000 feet in Madera 

 Canyon. Individuals were met with by us on December 17, 1920, and Febru- 

 ary 12, 1921, in the mesquite at about 4,000 feet; and on April 10, they were 

 heard calling at camp. In the Santa Cruz Valley at Continental, they were 

 common in the river bottoms on our first visit in March. 



At Rosemont (5,000 feet), January 15, 1923, one was flushed by Taylor 

 from a sunny south slope; and at Gardner's Ranch (5,200 feet), February 9, 

 1923, two were flushed from Apache Spring at twilight. 



Melopelia asiatica trudeaui." White-winged Dove 



Found common in the lower parts of the mountains by Swarth, in June, 

 1903, only a very few being seen about his camp in Madera Canyon. But one 

 nest was found, and hardly any of the birds secured appeared to be breeding. 

 Later in the season — July 28-August 15, 1918, they were found abundant by 

 Howell, many being seen flying up and down Madera Canyon. A few passed 

 his camp at 5,000 feet, "hence trespassing on the range of Columha." The 

 only time they were seen to alight was when stopping to drink at the stream. 

 They were equally common through the bottom lands at Continental, Howell 

 reported, occurring mostly in pairs but also in flocks of four and six. At our 

 camp at 4,000 feet, in 1921, the first of the season were seen by Nicholson, on 

 April 19, around the ranch-house, and by April 27 their loud calls Avere heard 

 all day from the live oaks in front of the house, where they habitually nest. 



One was seen displaying as he gave his call, as is described by Bendire. 

 Instead of inflating his chest pouter-pigeon style, as is done by the Band- 

 tails, he puffed out his throat, and, as if about to launch into the air, threw 

 up his wings as some of the ducks do in courtship display of the speculum, 

 showing the handsome white wing crescent; and at the same time curved up 



"The Arizona form has been referred to under the name Melopelia asiatica 

 mearnsi, Western White-winged Dove. 



