82 EXPLORATIONS AND SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN. 



obtained by the discovery of a nest containing two eggs, which a careful 

 comparison with specimens in the Smithsonian Institution satisfies me 

 must have belonged to this bird. It had evidently been deserted a 

 short time before. The ground-color of the eggs is a faint bluish 

 white, with heavy black blotches and streaks at the larger end. 



50. Pipilo chlorurus (Towns.) Green-tailed Finch. 



Common. Frequenting both the sage-brush of the plains and thickets 

 of the streams. Nests both in bushes and on the ground. Nest com- 

 posed of stalks of weeds and coarse grasses, lined with rootlets and fine 

 grass. Eggs usually four or five in number, bluish-white, spotted with 

 reddish-brown and purple. In one nest was found an egg of the Cow- 

 Bunting. 



IOTERID^E (the Orioles). 



51. Dolichonyx oryzivorns (L.) Bobolink. 



At the Huerfauo crossing, May 22, three or four individuals were seen 

 in company, apparently migrating. Not found at Garland. 



52. Molothrus pecoris (Grn.) Cow-Bunting. 



An egg found in the nest of Pipilo chlorurus was the only indication 

 of the presence of the species. 



53. Agelaius phceniceus (L.) Eed-winged Blackbird. 



Common in the marshes of the alkali lakes, breeding plentifully 

 among the rushes. 



54. Xantlioceplmlus icterocephalus (Bon.) Yellow-headed Blackbird. 



Very numerous at same locality as the preceding. June 22, many 

 nests were found, some containing young, others fresh eggs, while others 

 still were in process of construction. Always gregarious. Flocks of 

 these birds were numerous on the Bio Grande in June. 



55. Sturnella magna (L.), var. neglecta, Aud. Western Meadow-Lark. 

 Numerous. 



56. Icterus bullockii (Sw.) Bullock's Oriole. 



But few individuals seen in this region. Song rich, clear, and melo- 

 dious. 



57. Scolecopliagm cyanoceplmlus (Wagl.) Brewer's Blackbird. 



In large numbers on every creek and in each marshy spot. The 

 resemblance of their actions and notes to those of the Itusty Blackbird 

 ( S. ferruginous) have been noticed by all observers. In the choice of a 

 nesting-site they are extremely variable, usually, however, building 

 quite low. Have found their nests in trees, in bushes, in tussocks of 

 grass, and beneath the overhanging banks of streams. These are six 



