Cory on the Birds of Haiti. 1 53 



2S. Quiscalus ater, Baird. — Common about the lakes and rivers of 

 the interior. 



29. Corvus leucognaphalus? Daud. — The state of confusion which 

 exists at the present time regarding this genus is such that the identifica- 

 tion of specimens without actual comparision has become well-nigh 

 impossible. A large flock of Crows were met with in the vicinity of 

 Gantier, and several specimens taken which differ somewhat from the 

 description of C. leucognaphalus; but as further description of supposed 

 new forms would only add to the general uncertainty, I provisionally 

 refer it to this species. 



30. Pitangus gabbii, Laivr. — A resident species, apparently not un- 

 common in the interior. Several specimens taken. 



31. Myiarchus stolidus (Gossc). — Resident and common throughout 

 the island. 



32. Tyrannus dominicensis (Gm.). — Several specimens taken. 



33. Tyrannus griseus ( Vieill.). — Resident and common. 



34. Lampornis aurulentus (Vz'eill.). — Very abundant among the 

 mountains at an elevation of one thousand feet and upwards. Although 

 often observed hovering over some flower or perched upon a small twig 

 within a few feet of the ground, it seemed as a rule to prefer the topmost 

 branches of the tallest trees. One huge giant in particular seemed to be 

 an especial favorite. It grew in a small valley upon the outskirts of 

 Petionville and I rarely passed without observing a dozen or more of this 

 pretty little species darting in and out among its topmost branches, ap- 

 pearing like flies in the distance. 



35. Mellisuga minima {Linn.). — Although this little species is very 

 abundant in some portions of Haiti, it is by no means an easy matter to 

 procure specimens. Even after the bird is killed its extreme smallness 

 and plain coloration render it a difficult object to find amongst the luxuri- 

 ent tropical vegetation which everywhere covers the ground. I have 

 often observed the male bird perched upon a twig singing merrily, turn- 

 ing his head from side to side as if greatly enjoying his own music. The 

 song consists of a succession of " tzveeps" often continued for from one to 

 two minutes without intermission, and may be distinctly heard at a dis- 

 tance of thirty yards. 



36. Sporadinus elegans {Vieill.). — Apparently rare, as only four 

 specimens were taken ; two near Gantier, in the low country bordering 

 the lake, and two in the vicinity of Le Coup. 



37. Cypselus phcenicobius (Gosse.). — Abundant in the interior in 

 and about Gantier near the lakes; specimens were also taken at Jacmel. 



38. Antrostomus carolinensis {Gm.). — Several specimens taken; 

 apparently does not differ from the northern bird. 



39. Picumnus lawreucii, Cory. (See antea, p. 129, pi. I.)— Probably 

 rare. Two specimens taken, a male and a female, the first at Jacmel and the 

 other among the mountains near Petionville. Its habits resemble those 

 of a Woodpecker, it climbing about the trunks of trees in search of its 

 food. It has a short, sharp note, generally uttered while Hying. The nest 



