BIRDS OP FERGUS COUNTY, MONTANA. 67 



705. BROWN THRASHER. Toxostoma rufum. 



Mentioned in Dr. J. A. Allen's list, as "more or less common every- 

 where in the thickets along the streams from the Missouri to the Mussel- 

 shell." On several occasions in the spring I have heard its song along Big 

 Spring Creek, but have not been able otherwise to determine its occur- 

 rence here. Mr. Theo. Hogeland reports it as common at Deerfleld. 



Distinguishing features: Upper parts reddish cinnamon; lower parts 

 dusky white, with spots of dark brown; length 11-12 inches. 

 715. ROCK WREN. Salpinctes obsoletus. 



A common summer resident in suitable localities. It inhabits the 

 steep hillside along Big Spring Creek south of town, where its peculiar song 

 can be heard in the spring. It doubtless frequents similar localities in 

 other portions of the county. Capt. Thorne reports it as common and 

 breeding in the bad lands in the vicinity of Ft. Keogh. Messrs. Richmond 

 and Knowlton found the rock wren quite abundant in south-central Mon 

 tana. 



Distinguishing features: Upper parts grayish brown, sparsely speck- 

 led with darker; tail varied with black and reddish brown; under parts 

 dingy white, barred with dusky; length about 6 inches. 



721b. WESTERN HOUSE WREN. Troglodytes aedon aztecus. 



A very common summer resident, probably everywhere throughout 

 the county except in the higher mountainous districts. The first wrens 

 appear near Lewistown early in May, and soon their singing is a common 

 feature of the approaching spring season. The wren resorts most com- 

 monly to the ranches and settled surroundings, but open woods or cleared 

 areas always attract it, as in such places it caoi find suitable cavities for 

 nesting. It is very generally represented along the streams wherever 

 there is timber of any size. 



Distinguishing features: Upper parts grayish brown, barred with 

 darker; under parts dull white, slightly barred with darker; length about 

 5 inches. 



722. WINTER WREN. Anorthura hiemalis. 



The only specimens of winter wren observed by me in this neigh- 

 borhood were noted in the fall, and on such occasions it has been in song 

 not such overflowing, continuous gushes of melody as mark the vernal 

 and summer seasons, but in a less degree tuneful, singing from the base 

 of some brush-heap or other similar shelter. 



Distinguishing features: Upper parts dark brown, brighter on pos- 

 terior parts; under parts dull white, posterior portion barred with dusky; 

 length about 4 inches. 



726b. ROCKY MOUNTAIN CREEPER. Certhia famlliarls montana. 



Occurs regularly throughout the wooded districts of this region, but 

 more common in the foothills and mountains. 



Distinguishing features: Upper parts dark brown, streaky, brighter 

 on rump; lower parts whitish; length about 5 inches. 



