22 ZOOLOGY. 



15. PICUS SCALARIS, Wagler, (p. 94.) 



6116. 9 . Colorado river, California, February 15, 1854. (165.) K. & M. 



Near San Antonio, Texas, we saw this bird very often, as well as during our march several 

 hundred miles west of that place. But after leaving the Rio Grande we did not meet with it 

 until we reached the head waters of Bill Williams' Fork. From thence to the Great Colorado 

 river we saw it frequently wherever we found timber, but it was very shy, alighting in the tops 

 of the leafless cottonwood trees, and keeping a vigilant lookout. 



16. CENTURUS UROPYGIALIS, Baird, (p. 111.)— Gila Woodpecker. 



Plate XXXVI. 



(J , 9 . Bill Williams' Fork, New Mexico, February 13 and 16. (99, 171.) Kennerly and 

 MoUhausen. 



First described from specimens collected by the expedition. 



We saw this bird continually almost during our march along the Big Sandy, Bill Williams' 

 Fork, and the Great Colorado, but it was with great difficulty that we procured several 

 specimens, on account of its shyness. Seated in the top of a tree, it was ever on guard, 

 and upon the approach of danger flew away, accompanying its flight with its peculiar notes. 

 Its flight was in an undulating line, like that of other birds of this class. 



17. COLAPTES MEXICANUS, Swainson, (p. 120.)— Red-shafted Woodpecker. 



6160. Camp 134, New Mexico. (180.) Kennerly and MoUhausen, 



Our attention was called particularly to this bird upon reaching the Big Sandy. From 

 thence to the Great Colorado we pursued it almost daily without being able to procure a 

 specimen. We saw it on the barren hills among the large cacti, {Cereus giganteus,) in which 

 it builds its nest, as well as among the bushes and trees of the valley. Its shyness was 

 inexplicable to us until we reached the Great Colorado, where we found it closely hunted and 

 much prized by the Indians on account of the beauty of its feathers, with which they make 

 head dresses. We procured from the Indians a beautiful live specimen, which had been caught 

 in a trap. We met with it again occasionally during our march up the Mohave river. 



18. ATTHIS COSTAE, Reich, (p. 138.)— Coste's Humming Bird. 



Plate XIX. 



6073, (? ; 6074, 9 . Bill Williams' Fork, New Mexico, February 9, 1854. (79, 80.) Ken- 

 nerly and MoUhausen. 



First recognized as belonging to the fauna of the United States from specimens collected by 

 the expedition. 



In the month of February, while travelling along BiU Williams' Fork, we found a few 

 flowers that had already expanded beneath the genial rays of the sun, and around these we 

 never failed to fin4 this beautiful bird. At this season they were generally paired, and they 

 were ever flitting around the flowers enjoying their sweets "with hearts of controversy." 

 Their notes consisted of a rapid chirping sound. Approaching near the coast of California, 

 where the valleys were clothed with flowers of every hue, these diminutive and interesting little 

 creatures were continually flitting before us. 



