68 The Wilson Bulletin — No. 99 



Lophortyx gambeli — Gambel's Quail. Plentiful, particularly in 

 the vicinity of the water-holes on Rock Creek. A brood of newly 

 hatched young (still damp) was secured on the 24th of May, while 

 other broods of all ages were of daily note. A set of heavily in- 

 cubated eggs found on the 26th. Their call-note has a decidedly 

 sarcastic tone and is not infrequently given from the top of a mes- 

 quite or palo verde, 20 or 25 feet from the ground. 



Zenaidura m. marginella — Western Mourning Dove. Common, 

 but not seen in as great numbers as Melopelia. Very wild. Nest 

 with quarter grown yovmg found May 20th. 



Scardofella inca — Inca Dove. Not found in the desert country 

 at all, but very common in the city of Tucson, particularly on the 

 University campus, where specimens were secured. During the 

 heat of the day it was of common note to see from a pair to six 

 or eight close together on a single limb. They are almost domes- 

 ticated, and in the neighborhood of poultry yards are considered 

 somewhat of a nuisance. 



Melopelia a. mearn si— Western White-winged Dove. Abundant. 

 Frequents the mesquite and cactus-covered foothills, the sahuaros 

 forming their favorite perches. In the evening the calling of the 

 males was incessant, and being quite variable in length and tone, 

 many phrases were readily adaptable. One that could always be 

 counted upon to rouse the ire of the cook at our evening mealtime 

 was, "Who cooks for you? Who cooks for you?" Not infre- 

 quently supper was temporarily forgotten by the exasperated culi- 

 nary artist, who took gun and proceeded to collected the insin- 

 uating pigeon. 



They feed largely on the berries of the thorn-bush and insects 

 secured from the sahuaros. 



The season opens June 1st, much too early, as we found nests 

 containing both eggs and young at a still later date. 



Cathartes a. septentrionalis — Turkey Vulture. Common. Five 

 or six seen daily around the mouth of the canyon. 



Buteo b. cal urns— Western Red-tail. An adult or two seen daily 

 and our camp neighbor, Mr. Harold Bell Wright, had an imma- 

 ture he had captured nearby, for a pet. This bird became very 

 tame and would make no demonstration at being approached. 



UruMtinga anthracina — Mexican Black Hawk. Rare. I saw one 

 on two occasions on May 24th, but failed to secure it with the light 

 load in my collecting gun. On second observation it was asso- 

 ciated with the Vultures. 



Aquila chrysaetos — Golden Eagle. Rare; two seen on the banks 

 of the Santa Rita June 1st. 



Falco s. pJialaena — Desert Sparrow Hawk. Rare. An occasional 



