:::::::;:*x NATURE NEAR CAMP m::::::::: 



zagging their way upward in a long line, like tiny gray 

 mice. They remind one somewhat of Nashville Warb- 

 lers, and indeed they area closely related species — the 

 Virginia or Rocky Mountain Warbler. The second 

 common name indicates its summer home, and here in 

 the mountains of Mexico, it is said to be near its south- 

 ern limit of migration. Yet it was a very common 

 bird. There was much variation in the amount of 

 yellow on the under parts, some birds showing much 

 more than others. 



In this Barranca Atenquiqui we soon made the ac- 

 quaintance of the Derby Flycatcher — one of the most 

 characteristic and at the same time one of the noisiest 

 birds of Mexico, screaming and calling all through the 

 day. It was winter, and insects, while fairly abundant, 

 were apparently too scarce to provide the flycatchers 

 with their usual diet, and we found them feeding freely 

 on berries and seeds. 

 These Derbies added 

 much to the colour and 

 life of the harranca, often 

 flying past on their way 

 up or down stream. They 

 are large and power- 

 ful birds, more than ten 

 inches in length and strik- 

 ingly marked. The throat 



is white, while the rest of derby flycatcher 

 ■w^ 155 ^ 



