and Notes on the Birds of Arizona. 165 



I shall not describe them until, while working up the general 

 results of my investigations, the opportunity of making careful 

 comparisons is afforded me. Melospiza melodia — or it may be 

 that my specimens are M. heermanni — is common ; Cyanospiza 

 amcena is rather rare ; while Guiraca melanocephala is very common 

 in summer. In the fall, Pipilo chlorwus is very common ; but 

 one of the chestnut and black species of the genus, probably P. 

 ai'cticus, is abundant all the year round. 



Molotkrus jjecoris is doubtless to be found. Agelceus pkoeniceus 

 and Scolecophagus cyanocephalus associate together, and are ex- 

 ceedingly numerous, the latter, especially in the fall, about the 

 town and Fort. Xanthocephalus icterocephalus is common ; but 

 Sturnella neglecta just the reverse. 



Ravens, probably Corvus cacolotl, perhaps C. carnivorus, are 

 exceedingly numerous around the Fort. Cyanocitta woodhousii 

 is the most abundant and characteristic Jay, but Cyanura macro- 

 lopha and Gymnocitta cyanocephala are also very common. The 

 last I have seen in flocks of several hundreds. These three are 

 the only Garruline birds of the region, so far as I have yet ascer- 

 tained. Columha fasciata is rare ; Melopelia leucoptera is not un- 

 common ; while Zenaidura carolinensis is very abundant. 



Lophortyx califo7"nicus is the Quail of these regions. Arri- 

 ving here in July, 1 have had ample opportunities of studying 

 the species from the egg to the adult bird. Meleagris mexi- 

 cana is rather rare, and occurs only in secluded places among 

 the mountains. I have been surprised at the apparently total 

 absence of Grouse of any species. 



Of water-birds, I have seen or procured here so very few spe- 

 cies, that it is hardly worth while mentioning them. An occa- 

 sional j3igialites, with Numenius longirostris, Ibis ordii, and seve- 

 ral Ducks complete the assortment. 



I should like much to go a little more into detail, as I have 

 enjoyed excellent opportunities of studying the habits of many 

 species regarding which very little is as yet known ; but 1 have 

 already reached the limits of an ordinary contribution. On 

 another occasion I may perhaps have something of greater in- 

 terest to communicate. 



Fort Whipple, Arizona, 

 November 15, 1864. 



