128 Grinnell, Summer Birds of Sitka. I April 



41. Selasphorus rufus. Rufous Hummingbird. — Tolerably common 

 in the more open clearings about Sitka, and along the quiet shores of 

 secluded inlets. A nest containing eggs nearly hatched was found on 

 June 10. It was 5 feet above the ground on the horizontal bi-anch of a 

 small fir. 



42. Empidonax difficilis. Western Flycatcher. — Common through- 

 out the deep forests which border the streams. Thej' remained for the 

 most part in the upper foliage of the tall trees, and consequently were 

 not easily seen, but their characteristic notes nearly always betrayed their 

 presence. A female Avas taken June 30 which contained an egg ready to 

 be laid. By the first of August the young with their parents appeared 

 about Sitka in the clearings, and were then easily observed. The habits 

 and notes of E. difficilis in Alaska seemed to be substantially the same as 

 those of our Southern California birds. 



43. Cyanocitta stelleri. Steller's Jay. — Common along the edge of 

 the timber near the shore wherever I landed. By concealing one's self 

 and imitating their callnote, their curiosity seemingly overcomes them, 

 and they quietly come within a few feet to investigate. In this way I suc- 

 ceeded in collecting a series of 30 birds which are usually very war_y and 

 difficult to approach. The first young were taken on July 4. 



44. Corvus corax principalis. Northern Raven. — An abundant 

 and well-known scavenger. It congregates about the streets of Sitka and 

 along the beaches with as much familiarity as Black Vultures are said to 

 do in the South. Although apparently so tame they are extremely cau- 

 tious and Avary, and the mere sight of a gun is sufficient to send every 

 Raven flopping off with loud calls of alarm. I did not learn of its 

 breeding anywhere about Sitka. 



45. Corvus caurinus. Northwest Crow. — Common on the small 

 islands in the bay, especially so on St. Lazaria Island where the young 

 and eggs of the Sea-birds constituted its staple articles of food. Nearly 

 fledged young were observed on June 17, on that island. 



46. Loxia curvirostra minor. American Crossbill. — Flocks of 

 these birds frequented the tops of the tallest firs, where on account of 

 their quietness that may easily escape notice. The six specimens taken 

 are of the small Northwest Coast form. 



47. Junco hyemalis oregonus. — Oregon Junco. — Numerous in the 

 open brushy localities. First juveniles, just out of the nest, taken 

 June II. This Junco was one of the commonest land-birds about Sitka, 

 and by the first of August had gathei-ed into small flocks which came 

 into town and foraged familiarly about the streets. 



48. Melospiza fasciata rufina. Sooty Song Sparrow. — Tolerably 

 common in the brushy or grassy margins of the forests along the 

 beaches. They were most numerous on St. Lazaria Island in the tall 

 grass which grows so luxuriantly on portions of the island. Fully 

 fledged young were taken on July 7. 



49. Melospiza lincolnii. Lincoln's Sparrow. — Two or three pairs 



