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Vol. XXXV 



1918 



Oberholser, Notes on N. A. Birds. V. 187 



scarcely to need comparison. It therefore should be restored to 

 standing among reputable subspecies. It breeds from at least 

 central Alberta to northern British Columbia, and occurs in migra- 

 tion or winter south to Montana, Oregon, and California. 



Melospiza melodia inexspectata Riley. 



The Song Sparrow described by Mr. J. H. Riley * as Melospiza 

 melodia inexspectata, from near Moose Lake, British Columbia, 

 has been by most authors considered invalid. A reexamination 

 of the type material, together with a considerable number of addi- 

 tional specimens which have accumulated since the publication of 

 the original description, bears out the characters assigned, and 

 shows, moreover, that it is a good race with a well-defined geo- 

 graphic distribution. It is most nearly allied to Melospiza melodia 

 rufina, but is decidedly smaller, particularly in so far as the bill 

 and wing are concerned; and is, in fact, a smaller, darker, some- 

 what heavily streaked edition of that bird. It can by no means be 

 considered merely an intermediate between Melospiza melodia 

 merrilli and Melospiza melodia rufina. It occupies an extensive 

 area, ranging, as it does, from central Alberta to northern British 

 Columbia. 



iProc. Biol. Soc. Wash., XXIV, November 28, 1911, p. 234. 



