2*12 CuERRiF., Lixt of Birds of San yose, Costa Rica. [Julv 



ing, some are moulting at all times and at all seasons. The 

 North American migrants are usually in good plumage, although 

 young birds in immature plumage seem to predominate in point 

 of numbers. 



Quite a variety of the North American species that are tolera- 

 bly common at the time of their arrival from the north, disappear 

 from the vicinity of the city at the close of the rainy season, and 

 at the time of their departure on their return journey north, are 

 only found at lower altitudes where food of all kinds is more 

 abvmdant. 



Of the 163 species included in the San Jos6 fauna 89 are North 

 American. Since the publication of my list of North American 

 birds at San Joso, Costa Rica (Auk, Vol. VII, p. 331), I have 

 added the following: — Dendroica ccej'ulea., Falco cohimbariiis^ 

 Uriihitinga ant/iracina^ Mviodynastes hiteiventris. 



The entire fauna is composed of 29 Nearctic species, 60 Neo- 

 gean ; 30 autochthonous (of the 39 autochthonous species, 4 are 

 peculiar to Costa Rica), and 34 Neotropical. 



The nomenclature and classification here followed is that of 

 Zel(5don's list of Costa Rican birds (Analcs del Museo Nacional 

 de Costa Rica, Vol. I, 1SS7). 



The list contains some notes on habits and nidification, and 

 also descriptions of the plumage of young birds. 



I. Catharus melpotnene. The Central American Thrush-Robin, known 

 here under the native name of ' Inglicito,' little Englishman, is quite 

 common about the city, but owing to its very shy and retiring disposition, 

 it is known to many by its song only. The song is heard occasionally 

 throughout the entire year, but at its best, and almost continuously during 

 the m.onths of February, March and April, — just before and at the be- 

 ginning of the breeding season. To pour forth their melody they usually 

 choose a seat at the side of and well toward the top of one of the thick 

 hedge fences surrounding the fields. Tiiere, with head thrown well back 

 and wings drooping they will trill for hours, if not disturbed, but at the 

 first approach of danger the singer is gone, — down through the hedge 

 and away on the other side, where in a short time he will be heard as joy- 

 ously as ever. 



After the nesting season has well begun they are less often seen and 

 seldom heard. Often when collecting I have heard a slight rustling of 

 leaves at my side, when if I stopped and stooped down and examined 

 closely the hedge row, I would probably see an 'Inglicito' perched within 

 a few inches of the ground, sitting perfectly quiet watching me, or it 

 would flit quietly and quickly from that point out of sight, all the time 

 keeping well concealed from view. 



