MEXICAN GRASSQUIT 



band across the chest, black, the white feathers 

 basally black forming a somewhat mottled 

 appearance. In black phase: Black, including 



FIG. 94. Sporophila aurita 



(Nat. Size) 



throat; a white patch on either side of neck; 

 abdomen mostly white. 



Female. Similar in size. Olive, paler below; 

 abdomen buffy or pale orange. 



Common everywhere in open country in high 

 grass and shrubs. May be seen in great numbers 

 along the sides of the Gamboa road toward the 

 end of the dry season. Often to be seen in the 

 park in front of the Tivoli Hotel. 



7. Tiaris olivacea pusilla (Swainson) 

 Mexican Grassquit 



Length, 97 mm. (3.85 in.); tail, 38 mm. 

 (1.50 in.). 



Male. General color grayish olive; forehead, 

 crown, sides of head and neck, lower throat, 

 chest and upper breast, black; chin, upper 

 throat and line from bill over eye, brigmVyellow. 



Female. Similar to male, the black markings 

 less distinct or lacking, the yellow markings paler 

 and less distinct. 



395 



