CRUISE OF THE STEAMER OORWIN. 115 



12. Tachycineta bicolor ( riej(;e) Caban. [155]. The White-bellied Swallow. 



Along the entire river, wherever the banks afford the proper nesting- place, this species is 

 found in abiuulauce. This little swallow, skimming over the water and darting hither and thither 

 in search of insect prey, is a sight which must interest the most indifferent lover of nature. The 

 swallow arrives here early in June, and nests towards the close of the same month. I think that 

 both this and the preceding species are found in every part of the interior north of the Circle. 



FRINGILLID^. FINCHES. 



13. .aSgiothus canescens exllipea {Coues) Ridgw. [178a]. The White-Rumped Redpoll. 



Throughout this portion of Ahiska, especially along the level stretches of tundra, or among 

 the dense thickets bordering on the river, this is a very common species. Both this and the fol- 

 lowing species are permanent residents in these latitudes. During the severe months of winter, 

 however, there is frequently a partial migration. 



The White-Rump nests wherever found in this region. The nest is generally placed upon a 

 concealed tuft of grass, and usually contains four eggs. 



14. .ajgiothus linaria {Linn.) Caban. [179]. The Common Redpoll. 



Like its relative just mentioned, the Kedpoll is a widely distributed species. In the present 

 region, however, it is more uncommon than the preceding. The range and general characteristics 

 of the Redpoll are essentially the same as those of the preceding species. No nests were found in 

 the Kowak region, although this bird undoubtedly breeds there. 



15. Plectrophanes nivalis {Linn.) Meyer [186]. The Snow Buntlng. 



In the desolate regions of the far north, and doubtless on lands yet undiscovered, the Snow 

 Buntiug is a summer resident. It is never found in a timbered district, but on the vast plains of 

 tundra; on the barren hill-tops and rugged mountains we find it imparting life to the desolate 

 landscape. 



The Snow Bunting is found to a limited extent only in the Kowak region. I have never seen 

 the nest here. It is much more abundant on the coast than in the interior. 



16. Centrophanes lapponicua (ifitn.) Caban. [187]. The Lapland Longspur. 



The Longspur is one of the most abundant species in the present region. On the moss-covered 

 hills or the vast plains of tundra we find it in the greatest abundance. During the mating season 

 the Longspur is one of the few musical birds in these latitudes, and its handsome form and lively 

 notes impart much life to the otherwise desolate regions. 



It has much of the sunny disposition and exuberance of song peculiar to the bobolink, and its 

 habits are almost exactly the same. It reaches this latitude early in June. The nest is generally 

 placed on a tuft of grass or a sheltered knoll. It is a loosely-constructed affair, consisting princi- 

 pally of grasg, and usually contains four grayish-brown eggs. 



17. Zonotrichia gambeli intermedia Ridgw. [207a]. The Intermediate White-Crowned Sparrow. 



Among the bushy tracts along the river banks the White Crown is a common summer resi- 

 dent. It is one of the earliest spring arrivals in this latitude. The snow has scarcely left the 

 thickets, or the young buds opened to the genial warmth of spring, before our friend has arrived 

 from the lower latitudes. 



This species takes a deservedly high rank among the feathered choristers; and during the 

 days succeeding its arrival the notes can be heard on every hand. The nest of the White Crown 

 is geuei-ally placed in a bush, or sometimes a tall weed is selected for this purpose. I have found 

 the nest and young early in July ; but a month later the nest is deserted. 



18. Zonotrichia ooronata {Pall.) Baird [208]. The Golden-Crowned Sparrow. 



On the inner shores of Hotham Inlet, among the dense thickets of alder, the Golden Crown is 

 a sparing summer resident. It is generally found in company with the preceding species, which, 

 however, largely outnumbers this. I have never seen the nest in this latitude, although the bird 

 undoubtedly breeds here. 



