1923 BIRDS OF THE SANTA RJTA MOUNTAINS 41 



below McCleary's Ranch. One was seen by Howell, July 28, 1918, on the 

 mesa. It was found by us, in the winter of 1920-1921, one of the commonest 

 birds of the mesquite and catsclaw, seen mainly in small flocks, often in low 

 bushes with other species, Cactus Wrens, Verdins, and sometimes Gambel .Si)ar- 

 rows. It was also comnnm, April 21, 1921, in the Santa Cruz bottoms near 

 Continental, Avhere Howell hnd found a number in the denser mesquites. Au- 

 gust 15-19, 1918. 



The white eye strii)e is a surprisingly conspicuous field character. The 

 song may be rendered as chee-trhcc, whit, iclier'r'rW'r, cha, cha, cha, and also 



dice cha chcr'r'r'r^r chcc. 



Peucaea botterii. Botteri Sparrow 



Adults and juveniles were taken by Henshaw, September 1 and 2, 1874, at 

 Camp Crittenden. One was taken by Nelson, June 5, 1884, at Vail's Ranch, 

 and five July 15, 1884, at Camp Crittenden. 



Aimophila ruficeps scotti. Scott Sparrow 



Taken l)y Stephens, May 16 and 20, 1881, in Madera Canyon. A series of 

 nineteen adults was taken by Nelson June 8- July 8, and six juveniles June 

 22 and July 1, 17, and 24, 1884, at Gardner's Ranch. An adult was also taken 

 July 15, at Camp Crittenden. It was found by Swarth in June, 1903, "fairly 

 common on the rock-strewn foothills." Specimens were taken by Bailey, 

 October 28, 1913, when it was common about McCleary's Ranch and in the 

 lower parts of the canyons. One was seen by Howell August 12, 1918, at 4,900 

 feet in Madera Canyon. One was taken by Bailey the last of December, 1920, 

 in Stone Cabin Canyon. Another, seen on the south slope of the canyon at 

 about 4,500 feet on January 16, 1921, came down through a tangle of wild 

 grape to drink from a pool and then went back up the rocky hillside, with its 

 nolina, cactus, sotol, and ocotillo. Later in the month the bird was again seen 

 in the same locality. 



One was taken by Taylor, January 15. 1923, at Rosemont, from a similar 

 south slope at 5.300 feet; and another February 10, from a grassy ridge top 

 near Gardner's Ranch; after which one or more were heard on a grassy south 

 slope — a characteristic location — near the ranch. Two pairs were seen by 

 Taylor February 27. 1923, at about 4.500 feet on the southwest slope of Stone 

 (*abin Canyon. 



Melospiza melodia fallax. Desert Song Sparrow 

 Taken by Nelson, July 14, 1884, at Camp Crittenden. 



Melospiza melodia montana. Mountain Song Sparrow 

 Several Song Sparrows were seen by us on February 22, 1921, along the 



