258 Taverner, Birds of Red Deer River, Alta. LAprii 



observed until we reached Camp 5, Ross's Ranch, where they suddenly 

 became quite common, thus putting in an appearance with the first de- 

 cidedly arid conditions. They remained common the rest of the trip. 

 The spotted Towhee has a varied vocal repertoire. While many of its 

 notes are strongly reminiscent of the Chewink, none are exactly similar 

 and it has many peculiar to itself. The familiar Che-week was not heard 

 but the " ya-ree-ee-e " song was quite recognizable with slight but obvious 

 variation. Six specimens from Camps 5, 6, 8 and 11. Naturally all are 

 referable to P. to. arcticus. Towhees are not mentioned by either Hors- 

 brough or Farley. Probably this is another species whose limit is south 

 of Red Deer. 



139.* Zamelodia ludoviciana. Rose-breasted Grosbeak. — One 

 seen and taken at Camp 1 but not noted again until August 19 and 20 at 

 Camp 11 on the Little Sandhill Creek when singles were observed. Juve- 

 niles and females seem to differ from those of the Black-hoaded Grosbeak 

 only in the absence of traces of lemon yellow on the under parts. The 

 Camp 1 specimen is peculiar in having a large bright red throat patch in 

 addition to the usual breast spot. I have seen indications or suggestion 

 of this in other specimens but in none others examined has it been entire 

 and pronounced. Specimens from Camps 1 and 11. Reported nesting 

 at Ped Deer by Horsbrough. 



140.* Zamelodia melanocephala. Black-headed Grosbeak. — 

 Only seen at Camp 11 during August where Young reports it as being not 

 uncommon. Specimens from Camp 11, August 11. Not mentioned by 

 any Red Deer correspondent, probably of more southern distribution. 



141.* Piranga I udoviciana. Western Tan ager. — Only a few seen 

 by Young at Camp 11, on the Little Sandhill Creek the last of August 

 and first of September. Specimens August 21 and 25. Dippie reports 

 skins and eggs from Red Deer and Horsbrough records nests at the same 

 place, 



142. Progne subis. Purple Martin. — Horsbrough records occa- 

 sional birds between Mirror and Buffalo Lake and nests in rotten stumps 

 near Sylvan Lake but says they are not common. Specimen in Fleming 

 collection. 



143.* Petrochelidon lunifrons. Cliff Swallow. — Very abundant 

 along the whole river, nesting in large colonies under the overhangs of 

 cliff ledges. In places the cliff face is covered solidly over many square 

 yards with nests. Not all of these colonies are occupied, and I presume 

 that they are used but a single season and that the colony seeks new loca- 

 tion yearly until the old nests gradually weather away and make room 

 for new ones. It was interesting to note that though many colonies 

 seemed to be built in exposed situations, when rain came, all we observed 

 remained dry while the surrounding cliff face was soaked with wet that 

 would have instantly dissolved the frail clay structures. There is obviously 

 more method in their choice of site than is evident on a casual survey. 

 As it was, we noted many colonies that seemed to have been in situ for 



