274 



NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS. 



Whether this is a progressive stage of plumage or a mere individual 

 peculiarity, I do not feel certain, but am inclined to the latter opinion. 

 Both this specimen and the immature one described are labelled B. alhonota- 

 tus, Gray ; I have been unable to refer to Gray's original description ; if 

 there is no doubt of its being pertinent to the immature stage described, 

 then this will be the name of the species, as it has priority ; I should much 

 regret, however, to discard the very appropriate and characteristic name 

 zonocercus, for the otlier, as Mr. Sclater's species is so satisfactorily described 

 and accurately figured, while the original description of alhonotatus is very 

 meagre and difficult of reference. 



Habits. This Hawk is a Mexican and Guatemalan species which occa- 



Buleo zonocercus (adult). 



sionally strays into our borders in Arizona and in Southern California. Dr. 

 Cooper was the first of our naturalists to meet with this species within the 

 United States, shooting an individual on the 23d of February, 1862, thirty 

 miles north of San Diego, and within five of the coast. It was associating 

 with specimens of B. insignatus and other Hawks wintering there, and seemed 

 rather sluo-o-ish and tame. He saw no other Black Hawks in that neicthbor- 

 hood. Two years afterwards, September 24, 1864, Dr. Coues also procured 

 a single specimen on the Gila River. He regards the species as restricted. 



