I04 



Vol. IX 



THE THICK-BILIvED PARROT IN ARIZONA 



By AUSTIN PAUL SMITH 



AN immense flock of this species iRhynchopsitta pachyrhyncha) were observed 

 by miners at Bonita Park, near Cochise head in the Chiricahua Mountains, 

 during the month of August, 1904. They were first noticed about noon of 

 the 26th, by a Mr. Dufferik, and were then feeding on pinyon nuts. Some of the 

 birds were on the ground, searching for the fallen nuts. Their confiding nature, 

 and the fact that they roosted in the trees nearby, enabled Mr. Dufferik to capture 

 one alive, a bird of the year, and now in possession of his sister who resides at 

 Globe, A. T. Seven birds were also shot by him, and others by men in the camp. 

 The parrots remained four days before finally disappearing. 



This flock was estimated at from 700 to 1000, by those who observed the birds. 



A WILD THICK-BILLED PARROT, PHOTOGRAPHED 

 IN SOUTHERN ARIZONA 



Among these were a number of young birds, easily distinguished by plumage and 

 smaller size. 



Their appearance greatly excited the miners, who were inclined to consider it 

 a lucky sign, with "strikes" sure to follow. 



The tameness of the birds, along with their inquisitive disposition, gave ample 

 opportunity for photographing them, and the view here presented is among the 

 snapshots secured. 



I am inclined to believe from conversation with men who have spent consider- 

 able time in the southern Arizona mountains, that Rhynchopsitta fachyrhyncha 

 may be looked for every few years or so, and is not nearly as casual as supposed. 

 Also that it wanders into the Whetstone, Huachuca, and perhaps other ranges, as 

 well as the Chiricahuas. 



Benson, Arizona. 



