MR. GAMBEL ON THE BIRDS OF CALIFORNIA. 37 



ANTHUS, Bechst. 



39. A. LUDOviciANUs, Licht. American Titlark. 



This species appears to be one of the most extensively distributed of North Ame- 

 rican birds being found throughout the length and breadth of our country. In the 

 desert reo-ions, between Santa Fe and California, it was one of the few birds we met 

 with ; then going in small flocks, either on the plains among arid Artemisia and sage 

 bushes, or along the courses of rivers and small streams. In California it is abundant, 

 particularly in winter, when it frequents the seashore to pick up insects, and perhaps 

 small shells, from the seaweed which is cast ashore. 



SIALIA, Swains. 



40. S. ARCTiCA, Swains. Arctic Blue bird. 



This beautiful azure songster is common throughout the northern provinces of 

 Mexico. In the neighbourhood of Santa Fe it is abundant, keeping about the houses 

 and gardens, where they breed, sometimes forming its nest in boxes which are stuck 

 up for the purpose by the inhabitants. In the ranges of the Rocky Mountains, as far 

 as California, we frequently found it, and always associated with the <S. Mexicana, 

 both at this season occasionally uttering their cheerful song to remind us of home. 



41. S. MEXICANA, Swains. Western Blue bird. 



S. occidenialis, Towns., Aud. 

 This species is found throughout the Rocky Mountains in company with the former, 

 and in California is by far the most abundant species. In April and May I found it 

 breeding in the knot holes of the evergreen oaks. During winter they assemble in 

 small flocks, and frequent the weedy plains and valleys of the mountains. 



TRICHAS, Swains. 



42. T. MARYLANDicA, (Linn.) Swains. Maryland Yellow Throat. 



This species, distributed throughout the whole of North America is common, both 

 in the Rocky Mountains and California. 



VERMIVORA, Swains. 



43. V. CELATA,'(Say) Jard. Orange-crowned Warbler. 



Flocks of this species are common during winter in Upper California, frequenting 

 low bushes and margins of streams. On the Island of Santa Catalina, in early spring, 

 I heard its simple though lively song, commencing in a loud sweet trill and ending 

 tshe up, sometimes considerably varied, but generally er r r r r r tsM up. 



SYLVICOLA, Swains. 



44. S. AuDUBONi, (Towns.) Bonap. Audubon's Warbler. 



This handsome warbler is abundant throughout the West. I first observed it in 



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