5S BULLETIN FERGUS COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL 



588. ARCTIC TOWHEE. Pipilo maculatus arcticus. 



A common inhabitant of the shrubbery along the streams in summer. 

 On May 2, 1900, I noted the first towhee of the season; for 1901, the first 

 towhee was noted on May 4. The towhee lingers in this region until the 

 early part of October, when the bulk of both residents and migrants have 

 generally disappeared. 



Distinguishing features: Upper parts, as well. as chest, brownish- 

 black; wing-coverts and shoulders varied with white; breast and belly 

 white, sides reddish-brown; female has brown instead of black; length 

 8-9 inches. 



596. BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK. Zamelodia melanocephala. 



This fine songster is a common resident in summer near Lewistown, 

 where it frequents the thickets adjacent to Big Spring Creek. It reaches 

 our latitude in the latter part of May, and by the beginning of June its 

 mellow song is a pleasing feature of the swelling chorus of birdland. 



Owing to the development of the trees in many parts of Lewistown, 

 the black-headed grosbeak is becoming a frequent visitor in the city in 

 early August. In the late summer of 1902, this species was noticeable 

 while lingering several days in the trees near Mr. F. E. Wright's and James 

 Kane's homes. 



Distinguishing features: The male has head black, with throat and 

 crown varied with dull buffy cinnamon; wings and tail black, with white 

 markings; collar around neck, rump, breast, and sides buffy cinnamon; belly 

 and under side of wings light yellow; female with less prominent colors, 

 more streaky; length 8-9 inches. 



599. LAZULI BUNTING. Cyanospiza amoena. 



This handsome bunting occurs regularly along the streams near 

 Lewistown. Dr. J. A. Allen states that it was met with throughout his 

 journey. It has been reported as breeding in the Big Horn Mountains, 

 and it is also one of the most abundantly represented species of the Flat- 

 head Lake region. Capt. Platte M. Thome reports it as rare at Ft. Keogh, 

 Messrs. Richmond and Knowlton state that it is quite common in the val- 

 leys and foot-hills of south-central Montana. Persons who are familiar 

 with the song of the indigo bunting in eastern localities will readily recog- 

 nize the lazuli bunting from its similar performance, as well as from its 

 similarity of habits. 



Distinguishing features: Upper parts turquoise-blue; breast and part 

 of sides reddish-orange; other lower parts white; wing varied with two 

 white bands; female has grayish-brown instead of blue; length 5-6 inches. 

 605. LARK BUNTING. Calamospiza melanocorys. 



This species popularly known as the "white-winged blackbird," is not 

 very common in this portion of the county. Each spring I see several in 

 the vicinity of Lewistown. One spring I observed a specimen in tho 

 school grounds, and watched its leisurely movements as it gleaned along 

 the fence. On May 27, 1901, two lark bunting were noted on the high 

 prairie near Big Casino Creek. On June 1, 1901, two lark buntings were 

 seen on an irrigating ditch north of Lewistown, and on June 5 the same 



