COUES ON BIRDS OF DAKOTA AND MONTANA. 



599 



plexion of its avifauna, there is a slight tendency toward the characters 

 of maculatus var. arcticus. 



The bird was not uncommon about Pembina, where it was breeding 

 in June. A nest was taken June 11, containing two eggs that belonged 

 in it, together with three that did not, having been deposited by the 

 Cowbirds. 



List of specimens. 



PIPILO MAOULATCTS AROTIGUS, {8tc.) Coues. 



Spotted Towhee. 



Along the parallel of 49°, this form becomes established at least as far 

 east as the Mouse River, where I secured a specimen in September. 

 Along the Missouri, erythrophthalmns prevails, according to Dr. Hayden, 

 up to latitude 43°, beyond which it is replaced by the present. The 

 Spotted Towhees were found to be abundant along the Upper Missouri, 

 above Fort Buford, in the undergrowth of the river-bottoms; were not 

 noticed along the tributaries of the Milk Eiver, which are less suited 

 to their wants, nor of course on the open prairie between the successive 

 northern affluents. They were again met with, however, in the Rocky 

 Mountains. It is also known to extend northward into the Saskatche- 

 wan country. Excepting its different call-note, which curiously resem- 

 bles that of a Catbird, its habits and manners are the counterpart of 

 those of the Eastern form. 



List of specimens. 



DOLICHONYX ORYZIYORUS, {Linn.) 8w. 



Bobolink. 



At Pembina, in June, Bobolinks were breeding in large numbers on 

 the open prairie adjoining the river. The ground near the river has a 

 meadowy character, which seems to exactly suit them, and they were 



