PASSERINE BIRDS OF NEW YORK 215 



with the wings and tail greenish edged, and lower parts less ob- 

 viously streaked. The adult nuptial plumage is attained chiefly 

 by wear. 



It is scarcely necessary to add there is not the slightest evi- 

 dence of the color change without moult that has been claimed in 

 this species. I have examined large series which show the tran- 

 sition stages from one plumage to another and such evidence of 

 an abnormal color change as has hitherto been offered does not 

 accord with the simple facts. 



Passerina ciris (Linn.). PAINTED BUNTING 



1. NATAL DOWN. No specimen seen. 



2. JUVENAL PLUMAGE acquired by a complete postnatal 

 moult. 



Above, olive-brown. Wings dull clove-brown with sage-green edgings, brownish 

 on the coverts. Tail dull olive-green. Below, pale grayish drab washed with 

 buff most marked posteriorly. Orbital ring pale buff. Bill umber-brown, the 

 upper mandible darker. Feet dark sepia in dried specimens. 



3. FIRST WINTER PLUMAGE acquired by a postju venal moult 

 which seems to be complete, one specimen from South Carolina 

 taken October 1 3th being in this dress. 



Above, bright olive-green or oil-green. Wings and tail deeper brown than in 

 juvenal dress, the coverts wholly oil-green and the remiges and rectrices edged 

 with a slightly paler shade. Below, olive-yellow becoming maize-yellow 

 posteriorly and dull lemon anteriorly. Orbital ring lemon-yellow. 



Judging by spring specimens the individual variation is con- 

 siderable, some being yellower and some greener, a few acquire 

 a blue feather or two about the head and others even a few 

 reddish feathers below. 



4. FIRST NUPTIAL PLUMAGE acquired by wear. Young males 

 at this stage resemble the average adult female but may usually 

 be distinguished from them by browner more worn primary 

 coverts which do not show greenish edgings and are possibly the 

 retained juvenal coverts. 



5. ADULT WINTER PLUMAGE acquired by a complete post- 

 nuptial moult. The brilliant colors of this species are assumed 



