MCAULEY ON BIRDS OF THE RED RIVER OF TEXAS. 



679 



Co(!CYZus AMERtCANUs, (L.) Bp. — Yelloio-billed Cuckoo. 



Found frequently on Mulberry, McClelhin, and other creeks, some 

 distance from their heads, where the scant timber-fringe at their upper 

 parts had developed into fine shady groves. They were decidedly shy 

 and preferred to perch among high branches, often alighting, wliere they 

 could have an extended view, upon the bark of a tree, clinging in the 

 most approved Woodpecker style. Occasionally dashing about, with 

 their bright, lustrous plumage flashing through the trees, they would 

 Venture down to a common-place suntiower or reed in search of insects. 

 Like many of their kind, the Cuckoos were relying chiefly upon grass- 

 hoi)pers for their food. 



Locality. 



Mulberry Creek 



Date. 



Collector. 



June 18 McCaiiley 



Keiuarks. 



But one nest was found, wliich contained a single egg, June 17. No 

 young were observed in it or near by. Tlie egg, a pretty i)ale green and 

 decidedly oval, measured 1.2 inches by 0.83 in diameter. 



PICID.E. 



Picus SCALARis, Wagler. — Texas Woodpeclcer. 



Several specimens noted on McClellan, Mulberry Creeks, etc. 

 as frequent as M. erythrocephalus. 



Not 



Melanerpes erythrocephalus, (L.) Sw. — Redheaded Woodpeclcer. 



Very abundant on McClellan, Mulberry, and other wooded creeks, 

 except at their headwaters, where they were, however, found occasion- 

 ally. Specimens obtaiued showed slight yellowish tinge, with a few 

 faint criuisontipped feathers on the belly. 



On .submitting one of them to Dr. Coues for his examination, he con- 

 firmed its identification, pronouncing it an undoubted M. erythrocephalus. 



For comparison with the Kausas varieties, 1 obtained one of the lat- 

 ter, and found the difference marked, if not distinctive. In place of the 

 strong yellowish wash, the belly was pure white, save a few feather-tips, 

 with a faint tinge of lemon. The Texan ones contained much less white 

 upon the tail, on both rectiices and coverts ; had feet and tarsi more 



