258 



ZOOLOGY— BIRDS. 



Utah and Colorado, it appears to be far less numerous there than on the 

 grassy plains and valleys of New Mexico and Arizona, Avhere it breeds in 

 great abundance. In the Sonoita Valley, within a few miles of the Mexican 

 border, the long grass was fairly swarming with the old and young of this 

 species; a few of the latter in early September still una1)leto care for them- 

 selves. In walking, every few yards one or more of these sparrows were 

 started up from their hiding places, and, after flying a few yards in a feeble, 

 hesitating sort of manner, would drop dowai and conceal themselves, running 

 nimbly along the ground, and showing much adroitness in their manner of 

 hiding behind any slight elevation, so as to evade scrutiny. In September, 

 their numbers are increased by accessions from the more northern districts, 

 and upon each plain and grassy plateau hundreds may be found, all seem- 

 ingly impelled by the instinct of migration. The extreme southern parts, 

 however, of Arizona and New Mexico may afford a home for at least a 

 portion of the multitudes which throng here during the fall. The specimens 

 obtained are all t3'pical of this race, and differ very decidedly fi-om the 

 eastern form {2^asscrinus) in the general predominance of the hght tints 

 through the entire plumage. 



