Ornithological Notes. 13 



They have a peculiar cry, something like tearing the dry husk 

 from an ear of corn. From this, the soldiers called them " corn 

 huskers." 



I often saw other and smaller birds building on the same tree 

 with them. They are quite familiar. I have had them come 

 within ten feet of me. 



Turdus solitaries (Wilson). Abundant on the San Anto- 

 nio river — uncommon further south. I saw none on the Rio 

 Grande. 



Athene hypugcea (Bon.) Burrowing Owl. Abundant on 

 the Rio Grande. 



Milvulus forficatus (Gm.) Swallow-tailed Fly-catcher. 

 Abundant in South Western Texas ; seemed to prefer the high 

 dry hills, though seen often among the timber. I found them 

 on the prairies, at least twenty miles from water, perched upon 

 some tall weed or dead bush. 



Cyanocorax luxuosus (Lesson.) Abundant on the Lower 

 Rio Grande — uncommon above Ringgold Barracks. I saw 

 several of their nests ; all high, and difficult to get at. Very 

 courageous. 



Columba flavirostris Wagler. Not uncommon on the 

 Rio Grande. In 1846 I saw many of them on the Alamo (in 

 Mexico). Seem to prefer thick wooded country, and near 

 streams of running water. Often to be seen perched upon high 

 dead trees, giving forth their mournful notes. 



Columba leucoptera Linn., White-winged Dove. Abun- 

 dant on the Rio Grande. Finds abundant food from the mus- 

 quite and ebony bean. Its habits are much like the Turtle 

 Dove. 



