Ornithological Notes. 9 



under surface very closely covered with dark ferruginous spots, 

 much more abundant than in the male specimen. 



In the young, the upper plumage is dark umber-brown, 

 edged with ferruginous; the under yellowish- white, marked 

 with longitudinal brown spots. 



I have deceived from Capt. J. P. McCown the subjoined 

 notes, made by him while in Texas, giving the habits of some 

 of the birds found there. As they possess much interest in 

 serving to elucidate the histories of many species of which we 

 possess little knowledge, I have offered them for publication in 

 connexion with the above. 



Facts and Observations from Notes taken when in Texas. 

 By Capt. J. P. McCown, U. S. A. 



Conirostrum ornatum Lawrence. In my wandering in 

 Texas, I observed this little bird several times, and always in 

 the thick chaparral and cane-brakes in the vicinity of water. 

 Allowed me to approach near it ; seemed silent and restless. 



Embernagra rufivirgata Lawrence. Uncommon. I 

 am uncertain whether I saw other than the specimen pro- 

 cured. 



Icterus cucullatus (Swain). Common on the Eio Grande. 

 Shy in the woods, yet they seemed familiar when in our camp, 

 where we often saw them. 



Callipepla squamata (Vigors). I often saw this beautiful 

 Partridge in Texas, and always in the chaparral. I don't think 

 it often, if ever, ventures into open fields or prairies. 



They are exceedingly difficult to shoot, as they are apt to 



