9306 Birds. 
question of the perching habits of this and other species, and I would 
remark, from the little experience 1 have gained, that the habits of 
birds are to be correctly studied in their natural haunts only, and that 
we can form no just conception or estimation of them by the occasional 
view of a few wandering stragglers. That the snow bunting, on this 
continent, is an occasional percher one need not be a close observer 
to find out. I certainly had not seen them half a dozen times before 
I remarked that, on being disturbed when feeding, they would, on 
leaving the stubble, fly into the trees; and on one occasion I remember 
being struck with the peculiarly beautiful effect it had, the white plu- 
mage contrasting with the green foliage, making the trees appear as if 
dotted with flakes of snow or white blossoms. 
Roughlegged Falcon (Falco lagopus). On the 30th of October a 
handsome female of this beautiful species was secured, but not until it 
had been twice wounded. When on the look out for the golden 
plover on an extensive plain, or clearing, two of these birds were ob- 
served soaring at a great height, but before long one ventured within 
gun-shot, and was sweeping past in fancied security, some seventy or 
eighty yards overhead, when down it came, apparently stunned by one 
of the large cartridge pellets, but, before reaching the ground, recovered 
itself, and would have escaped had not my companion winged it by a 
second shot. Two mice were found in the wsophagus, and the re- 
mains of three more in the stomach. Length 20} inches; extent of 
wings 49} inches. 
Dusky Duck (Anas obscura). Procured one of these common ducks 
in October. 
Redheaded Duck (Anas ferina). On the 2nd of November I in- 
spected a duck of this species. Length 20} inches; weight 2% tbs. 
Redwinged Starling (Sturnus predatorius). Shot one of these com- 
mon birds on the 2nd of November; at this season they flock with 
the cow bunting, though far less numerous. Length 9} inches; 
extent of wings 14} inches. 
Cow Bunting (Emberiza pecoris). On the 2nd of November I found 
an immense flock of these birds, the most common and numerous 
species, perhaps, in North America; they are to be seen in vast and 
countless numbers, appearing at times like black clouds in the distance. 
Having marked the flock down, I approached under cover of the 
Indian corn, on which they were feeding, and on their taking wing 
fired, when some forty or more fell to the double discharge. They 
were not found very palatable. Wilson has given a lengthened de- 
scription of the habits of this species, so like the cuckoo, neither 
