1908] Grinnell—Biota of the San Bernardino Mountains. 89 
vicinity of streams. While at certain points all three species of 
Carpodacus were to be noted late in summer within sound of 
each other, it is plain that each is characteristic of a separate 
breeding area. 
Carpodacus cassini Baird. Cassin Purple Finch. 
The Cassin purple finch was a very common bird in most parts 
of the higher mountains. It was exclusively confined to the 
Transition and Boreal zones, and was found practically every- 
where we went within these zones below 10,000 feet altitude. 
Along the upper Santa Ana above about 5500 feet altitude this 
species was very abundant, as also at Bluff lake and around Bear 
lake and Dry lake. Small companies composed solely of male 
birds were often met with, feeding in-open places among the 
pines. These bachelor parties were in evidence all through June 
and July at the same time that other individuals were paired off 
and occupied with their nests and young. The male of this spe- 
cies as far as I could judge was just as attentive to his own mate 
and young as a linnet; so I would not accuse him of desertion. 
The question might be raised whether or not in this species more 
males than females come to maturity. At any rate there seemed 
to be a large excess of males. Full-grown young were found 
about Bear lake on July 31, 1905; and on Sugarloaf they were 
common in August. Young were noted at Saragossa’ springs, 
7500 feet, on the northwest side of Gold mountain, and in Hol- 
comb valley, August 26; but none were seen lower down on the 
desert side. 
Three nests were found near Dry lake, 9000 to 9200 feet alti- 
tude, June 23 and 26, 1906, each containing four eggs. One of 
the sets was fresh, and the other two were ineubated to an ad- 
vaneed stage. As full-grown young were seen in the same locality 
June 18, 1907, the breeding season must cover at least two and 
a half months, which is a long period for the Boreal zone. All 
three nests were in tamarack pines, near the bushy ends of out- 
stretching branches. They were forty-five, fifty, and fifteen feet 
above the ground, respectively. The three nests are so much 
alike that a description of one will apply to all. Externally it 
consists of a foundation-work of coarse, dry, crooked weed stems 
