92 



NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS. 



]\r. Moit'kit, and was descrilied from his speciiiiens in the Paris Museum 

 by Prince IJonapaitu. Mr. Salvin found it a not uncommon si)ecies about 

 Duenas, where it is fjeuerally to be found amongst the tall weeds on the 

 edge of the lake. It was also found at Belize. From a letter of Mr. Salvin, 

 published in tlie Ibis of 18;"t9 (p. 4t)8), we quote tlio following in reference 

 to the nest of tiiis species, which is all tlie information we have in relation 

 to tliis diminutive Sparrow: "A day or two ago I found two nests of 

 Spermoiihila morclcti, and took one rotten dried-up egg from one with a 

 young one in it. Nothing could be more difi'erent than this nest and that 

 of *S^. hicolor, so well described by Mr. Newton. That of S. morelcti, instead 

 of the loose domed structure of *S'. hicolor, with a large side-entrance, com- 

 posed entirely of one material, is one of the neatest nests you ever saw, — a 

 lieautiful, (Ji)eii, transparent nest, composed of fine roots and fibres, and lined 

 witli horsehair. It is not placed resting on a branch, but is suspended like 

 a Heed Warbler's (Salicaria arunduuiccaj, by several small twigs. The eggs, 

 too, differ materially." Mr. Salvin gives no description of these eggs. 



This bird was found a resident during the winter months, and in May also, 

 at Plaza Vicente, in the State of Oaxaca, Mexico. This is in the low or 

 hot lands of that region. 



Ge.vus FHONIFARA, Bonap. 



P/ionijMira, Bonai'.viite, 1850. (Tyjie, Loxia canora, Gm.) 



Gen. Ciiak. Size voiy small. 



Phonipara zena. 



\ cry larg(?, and stronjrly curved. 



Wing coiKsidc'ialily longer than the tail, but much 

 rounded; third or fourth quill longest; 

 first about equal to seventh. Tail very 

 slightly rounded, the feathers broad. Bill 

 very short and deep, but the depth through 

 the biise less than the cuhnen ; culinen but 

 slightly, or not appreniably, curved; bill 

 much compressed. Feet stout; tarsi longer 

 than the middle toe ; outer toe longer than 

 the innei-, its claw just reaching the base 

 of the middle claw ; hind too with the claw 

 Among the least of American Fnngillidce. 



The introduction of this genus into tlie North American fauna is the 

 result of Mr. Maynard's indefatigable labors in the exploration of Florida. 

 The species are principally West Indian, a single race alone belonging to 

 the continental portion of Middle America- 

 Species and Varieties. 



C0.MMON CnARACTERS. Sexes very diHerent. Above olive-green, beneath 

 blackish or whitish. $. Head and breast black, the formei' with or without 

 yellow patches. 9 with the yellow and black indicated only, or wanting. 

 Length, about 4.00. 



