BIRDS. 25 



29. PHAINOPEPLA. NITENS, Sclater, (p. 320.) 



8281. Camp 120, February 12, 1854. (96.)— 8282. Camp 113, New Mexico, Februarys, 

 1854. (69.) K. & M. 



This beautiful little bird we found very abundant along Bill Williams' Fork and the Great 

 Colorado. It usually perched upon the topmost branch of a small tree, watching closely your 

 approach, and whether flying and resting continually uttered its short and singular cry. On 

 account of its shyness we found it difficult to procure a specimen. 



30. MYIADESTES TOWNSENDII, Cab. (p. 321.)— Townsend's Flycatcher. 



8286. Near Zuni, New Mexico. K. & M. 



We procured several specimens of this bird in the Rocky mountains and in the vicinity of the 

 Pueblo of Zuni. From thence westward we saw it occasionally. It inhabited generally the 

 cedar thickets, upon the berries of which, I presume, it feeds. 



31. COLLYRIO EXCUBITOROIDES, Baird, (p. 327.)— White Bumped Shrike. 



» 



8715. Camp 130, New Mexico, February 23, 1854. K. & M. 



This bird we saw occasionally on the Little Colorado river in the month of December, and on 

 the Great Colorado in February. It was very shy and when seen was generally perched upon 

 the summit of a small bush or weed watching eagerly for its prey. 



HARPORHYNCHUS. 



This bird attracted my attention particularly after reaching the head waters of Bill Williams' 

 Fork. From thence to the Great Colorado we saw it frequently, but found it very difficult to 

 procure a specimen of it, as it inhabited the thickest weeds and artemisia bushes, running very 

 rapidly, and with difficulty made to fly, and then its flight was very rapid and short, darting 

 suddenly down and disappearing in the bushes. The species was probably H. crissalis, Henry. 



32. MIMUS POLYGLOTTUS, Boie, (p. 344.)— Mocking Bird. 



8164. Bill Williams' Fork, February 9, 1854. (83.) K. & M. 



During our march through Texas we were frequently delighted with the music of this 

 wonderful songster ; nor were we altogether without his company while crossing New Mexico. 

 We always found him in the vicinity of the little streams that we passed, and at evening and 

 the early dawn, mounting the summit of some bush or small tree, he warbled forth his imitative 

 and fantastic songs. 



33. OREOSCOPTES MONT ANUS, Baird, (p. 347.)— Mountain Mocking Bird. 



8136. Near Zuui, New Mexico. November 26, 1853.— 8137, 8138. Bill Williams' Fork. 

 Camp 119, 120, February 11, 18, 1854. (49, 50.) K. & M. 



After leaving the Rio Grande we first met with this bird near the Pueblo of Zuni ; and 

 frequently afterwards we heard its notes while travelling over the arid mesas or among the 

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