I 58 SUMMER BIRDS. 



Note. — The English Sparrow [Passer domesticiis L.) does not ap- 

 pear yet to have extended to the remoter villages of this region ; and 

 for the first time in a number of years the writer experienced the 

 pleasure of passing some consecutive days with this, now well-nigh 

 ubiquitous pest, out of sight and sound. 



Pipilo erj-throphtbalmus (L. i Meill. Chewink. 



Except on my latest trip to the Catskills. when it was twice noted 

 in the Big Indian \^alley, this bird was not observed. Evidendy the 

 region is uncongenial to it, for there are many localities, including the 

 low growth tracts inhabited by the Mourning Warbler, which are 

 admirably suited to its habits. 



Zamelodia Ludoviciaiia (L.) Coues. Rose-breasted Grosbeak. 



A somewhat generally distributed species, much more often heard 

 than seen. It appeared to be a characteristic mountain bird below 

 about 3,000 feet altitude, and did not seem to be common before the 

 higher valley was reached. 



Xe.sts were found by Mr. Pearsall on the 9th, loth. and 13th of 

 June, the first with three, the others with two eggs each. In every 

 case the eggs from the same nest were in different stages of incuba- 

 tion, some being perfectly fresh, while others were approaching the 

 hatching point. 



This is another low nesting bird which appears to pass much of 

 its leisure time in the taller trees ; and along the higher valley. 

 thence up into the mountains, its rich song from the most lofty tree- 

 tops, was the loudest and most voluble that sounded through the 

 woods. 



Passeriiia c.vanea (L.) Gray. Indigo-bird. 



Rather common about Summit and Pine Hill ; less so in the Big 

 Indian \'allev, and not extendingr throuo^hout its entire leno-th. 



FAMILY ICTERID^: AMERICAN STARLINGS. 



Of this family the Orchard Oriole [Icterus spurius Bp.), though it enters 

 the confines of the region, does not reach the mountainous parts ; and the 

 Meadow Lark appears to be confined to the more fertile valleys. The 

 Rusty Blackbird [Scolecophas^us ferruginciis Sw.; was not found to be 

 present. 



Dolychonyx or.vzivorus (L.) Sw. Bobolink. 



Common in the valleys about pasture lands and meadows. 

 3Iolothras ater (Bodd.) Gray. Cowbird. 



Certainly uncommon in that part of the region which was visited, 

 as a sincrle individual onlv was observed — in the main vallev. Mr. 



