iS RIDGWAY ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB. 



ing through some hcc'ivy chaparral on the afternoon of March 27th, 

 one of these birds was seen tiying in the air after insects, a snap- 

 ping sound being made with its bill while thus engaged. 



51. Otocoris ALPESTRis GiRAUDi Hensh. [Texan Horned 

 Lark). Found this species very common on the flats north of 

 Corpus Christi. On May 37th a nest with four eggs was taken. 



52. MoLOTHRUS ATER (Bodd.). {Coxvbird). Common. 

 Seen in flocks west of the city. Two other species were observed, 

 but specimens for identification were not taken. 



53. Agelaius phceniceus (Linn.). [Red-zvinged Black- 

 bird). On March 21st several large flocks were seen west of the 

 city. So numerous were they at this place that a single shot would 

 have furnished more specimens that could have been taken care of. 



54. Sturnella magna (Linn.), [JMeadozvlar k). This bird 

 was found to be very abundant in fields. 



55. Sturnella magna neglecta (Aud.). ( Western Mea- 

 doivlark). Had I known that this variety was found at Corpus 

 Christi, especial attention would have been given to its habits. 

 However, its identity was not known until after my arrival home. 



A male of this western variety taken on the flats just outside 

 of the city limits, was shot from a flock. No difference of habits 

 was noticed between this and the eastern form, excepting its song 

 which appeared much shorter and more feeble in its utterance. 



56. Icterus spurius (Linn.). (^Orchard Oriole). Common 

 resident. The nests of this bird are much smaller here than in the 

 more northern and eastern parts of its range. 



57. Icterus bullocki (Swains.). {^Bullock'' s Oriole). A 

 summer resident in suitable localities. A nest with five eggs was 

 taken April 7th. 



58. Quiscalus macrourus Swains. [Great-tailed Grackle)- 

 Soon after my arrival, Alarch i6th, the Great-tailed Grackle was 

 very common in the city, inhabiting the China trees in the gardens? 

 where their nests were scattered about among the top branches. 

 Its notes could be heard from my window at almost any hour, but 

 particularly in the early morning when they assemble in large 

 flocks. To sa}^ the least, the notes are most displeasing in tone. 

 The male birds at this season of the year strut about with a great 

 deal of pride; they delight in straightening back their heads, in 

 which operation the crown almost touches the back. They also 

 swnng the head back and forth with a dazed expression which 

 reminds me of a domestic fowl hunting for its roost in the dark 



