COLOUR IN BIRDS AND QUADRUPEDS. 213 



Titmouse (Parus Mcolor), one specimen, moulting along the sides and 

 on the head. Solitary Fly-Catcher (Vireo soliiarius), one specimen. 

 (This bird, contrary to the assertions of ornithologists, has a soft and 

 melodious song. It is becoming more common every spring.) A 

 great many young feathers were appearing on the head, around the 

 lores of the eyes, and on the breast and back. Savannah Finch {Frin- 

 gilla Savanna)^ one male specimen ; far advanced in the moult ; 

 about one half of the feathers on the breast young, and still sheathed. 

 Bay Winged Bunting (Fringilla gramined) ; a row of young fea- 

 thers appearing on each side of the neck. Chipping Sparrow (Frin- 

 gilla socialis) ; moulting commenced on the breast, and a few young 

 feathers on the head. 



The same day I examined some living birds, in a state of confine^ 

 ment. The male of the Caraccara Eagle (Polyborus vulgaris), flew 

 fiercely at my face whilst I w^as inspecting the female. Neither of 

 them was in moult. The English Pheasant (Phasianus colchicus), the 

 Wild Turkey (Meleagris gallipavo) and Virginian Partridge (Perdrix 

 Virginiana) showed no indication of moulting. This was also the 

 case with the different species of pigeon, and among all the Emherizx 

 and Fringillx. The Song Sparrow (Fringitla melodia) was only shed- 

 ding its feathers. 



March 3. Visited the country. No very perceptible advance in ve- 

 getation. Nights cool, with slight frosts. The only additional plants 

 in flower were Leontodon taraxicum, Lauras sassafras and Oxalis 

 stricta. These facts, with regard to the advance of spring, are noted 

 in order to enable us to form some idea of its probable effects on the 

 time of the moulting of birds. 



Obtained the following birds. 



Bombycilla Carolinensis, fifteen specimens. About one half of this 

 number were moulting on the breast, neck, and under the throat; 

 some of them extensively; and in one of them especially, it appeared as 

 if every feather on the body, except those in the tail and scapulars, was 

 already replaced by new ones, half formed. In some of the specimens 

 moulting had not yet commenced, or had already been completed. 

 Bonaparte states, in regard to the genus Bombycilla, " that they moult 

 once a year." Fringilla graminea, two specimens, moulting exten« 



