BIRDS. 3 1 



59. AGELAIUS GUBERNATOR, Bon. (p. 529.) Red- shouldered Blackbird. 

 8597. Camp 150. Gocomongo Ranch, California, May 19, 1854, (188.) K. & M. 



In the month of October, near the ruins of Valverde, on the Rio Grande, we procured two 

 specimens of a bird belonging to this genus, but cannot assert positively that it is this species, 

 owing to the imperfect condition of the plumage. But during our marches along Bill Williams 

 Fork, along the Great Colorado, and the Mohave river, we found them quite numerous ; but more 

 abundant still along the creeks and swampy grounds that we passed as we approached near the 

 settlements of California. Large flocks could here be seen whirling around in graceful curves 

 like dark clouds, chattering joyfully as they moved along, or settling as a black veil on the 

 topmost branches of some tree, indulging loudly in their harsh music. 



60. STURNELLA NEGLECTA, Aud. (p. 537.) Western Meadow Lark. 



8616. Fort Conrad, New Mexico, October, 1853. 8611. Camp 117, New Mexico, February 

 9, 1854. 8612. Camp 126, New Mexico, February 19, 1854, (173.) K. & M. 



This bird is abundant in Texas, and we found it along the valley of the Rio Grande as far as 

 Albuquerque ; from thence westward as far as the Pueblo of Zuni we saw it occasionally. But 

 after leaving this village we did not meet with it again until we reached Bill Williams Fork, 

 from thence, however, to the Pacific coast it was very common along all of the streams that we 

 passed. In its habits it closely resembles the S. ludoviciana, but I think close attention will 

 discover some difference in the notes. In the former these are not so prolonged, and end more 

 abruptly. 



61. ICTERUS SPURIUS, Bon. (p. 547.) Orchard Oriole. 

 6706. San Antonio, Texas, July, 1853. Dr. Kennerly. 



This beautiful little oriole we found very abundant near San Antonio, Texas, in the month of 

 July. It seemed to prefer the places where the mezquite (Algarobia) grew the thickest. 



62. CORVUS CACALOTL, Wagler, (p. 563.) Colorado Haven. 



PLATE XX. 



6855. Bill Williams Fork, New Mexico, February 7, 1854. 73 ? 102, 97. Camp 110, 

 January 31, 1854, (54.) K. & M. 



This bird was one of our most constant companions during our marches from the Rio Grande 

 westward. Four or five of them would frequently follow our train for several days over sandy 

 and dreary plains, where no other living object was seen, and nothing heard save their dismal 

 croaks. I have known them to become quite tame after following us in this manner undisturbed, 

 and to walk about among our mules and in the camp, permitting themselves to be approached 

 frequently quite closely, without seeming disposed to fly away. When we evacuated the camp, 

 they immediately took possession of it and enjoyed what was left hurriedly, quarrelling at the 

 same time with the coyotes should they dare to intrude. 



63. COKVUS CRYPTOLEUCUS, Couch, (p. 365.)- -White-necked Crow. 



PLATE XXII. 

 Seen abundantly on the Llano Estacado. 



