Vou. II, Pt. 11] GIFFORD—BIRDS OF THE GALAPAGOS ISLANDS 251 
extremely barren and sterile coast of northeast Indefatigable, 
where vegetation is very sparse and the mountains are miles 
away. On the east side of Cowley Mountain, Albemarle, they 
were found only above 1200 feet in the arid region; only three 
or four were seen. 
Like all of the other species of tree finches this little bird 
haunts the trees and bushes, feeding on seeds, leaves, buds, etc., 
often hanging head downwards in the quest. In December, in 
a canyon in the arid region just back of the lagoons at James 
Bay, James, I saw two eating the green leaves of a thorny tree. 
Occasionally on other islands they were seen eating leaves of 
trees and bushes. On the mountain above Iguana Cove, Albe- 
marle, in March, they were observed tearing bits of bark from 
trees, mostly Composite, with their bills, apparently searching 
for food. One was seen feeding on a cactus on Charles. On 
Chatham, in July, individuals were seen twisting little pieces of 
bark off of trees. A bird would take hold of a piece with its bill 
and then twist and pull. On Charles they were noted eating 
green tropical plums on the trees, as well as feeding in the 
Scalesia and lemon trees. 
They were heard singing on Chatham in January and Feb- 
ruary, on southwest Albemarle and at Tagus Cove, Albemarle, 
in March, and at Banks Bay, Albemarle, in April. In May, on 
Charles none were heard singing. 
The condition of the sexual organs were noted as follows: 
November 3; Villamil, Albemarle; large. 
January 25; Wreck Bay, Chatham; very large. 
January 26; Wreck Bay, Chatham; one in worn plumage with large 
sexual organs. 
January 29; Wreck Bay, Chatham; large. 
February 8; Basso Point, 'Chatham; large. 
February 23; Wreck Bay, Chatham; large. 
March 13; south Albemarle; large. 
March 15; south Albemarle; large. 
March 19 and 20; Iguana Cove, Albemarle; medium-sized. 
May 14 and 15; Black Beach Roads, Charles; small. 
The nests were about the size of those of the Sooty Ground 
Finch, and like those of all Galapagos finches, were domed, 
with entrances on the sides. This species also nested in the wet 
season as may be seen by the dates given below. About the 
middle of January, at Academy Bay, Indefatigable, 1 saw 
