586 



BULLETIX UNITED STATES GEOLOGICAL SURVEY. 



The general habits of Baird's Banting are much like those of Passer- 

 culiis savanna, and the appearance of the two birds during life is so similar 

 that it is difficult to tell them apart at any distance. The Centronyx is 

 not truly gregarious, but, like many other prairie birds, affects particular 

 spots, which are colonized by large numbers. When the young are all 

 on wing, it associates in straggling troops, mixing freely with the Sky- 

 larks and Longspurs. During the summer, the plumage becomes 

 extremely worn and faded ; with the moult, which occurs in September, a 

 much more richly colored dress is assumed. The bird remains in this 

 country at least until October, though its numbers sensibly diminish 

 during the preceding month. 



List of specimens. 



