i8Ss^] Menshaw on Birds observed in New Mexico. 3^7 



Mr. E. W. Nelson and the writer, in the mountains about forty 

 miles east of Santa F6, New Mexico. As faunal lists of the birds 

 of New Mexico are yet by no means as numerous as is desirable, 

 and as the summer avifauna of the region embraced in our observa- 

 tions is almost or quite unknown, I have thought it worth while 

 to present them to the consideration of the readers of 'The Auk.' 



For the time above indicated, and for an area of country of say 

 five square miles, it is believed our examination was extremely 

 thorough, and it is doubtful if a single species breeding within that 

 area escaped notice. Although equal attention was paid to the 

 fall migrants, it is not impossible that by rapid movements a few 

 species which chanced to occur in small numbers may have 

 passed by unheeded. 



At first sight the list will appear to be remarkable for what 

 it does not contain rather than for what it does, and there are few 

 traces in it of the richness usually associated with Arizona and 

 New Mexican bird lists. That the cause of its meagreness in 

 species, and the absence of southern forms may be clearly under- 

 stood, it is necessary that the nature of the country be thoroughly 

 comprehended. 



The Pecos River winds the greater part of its long and tortuous 

 course through the state of Texas, emptying into the Rio Grande. 

 Rising, as it does, in the mountains of New Mexico, it might 

 be thought that its course would furnish a readily travelled high- 

 way from the Rio Grande Valley for Texan and possibly for Mex- 

 ican species. Possibly in the lower part of its course it may 

 afford such a highway, but the list will show that no intrusion 

 of Texas birds towards its sources takes place, and — so far as the 

 mountain part of its course is concerned — the reason is readily 

 apparent ; for, in following its windings, no sooner do we reach 

 the mountains than we find a new climate and an entirely new 

 character of country, and one of forbidding aspect to lowland-lov- 

 ing. species. For the greater part of its course, especially in 

 Texas, it flows a sluggish stream confined between low banks, the 

 vegetation of which is limited to low willows and scrub, with 

 here and there groves of cottonvvoods. As it nears the mountains 

 the scene changes, as if by magic. First come foot-hills, thickly 

 clothed with pifions and cedars — typical home of the Pinon and 

 Woodhouse Javs. Ere many miles the stream begins to canon, 

 and thence on the pines and spruces begin to put in an appear- 



