APPENDIX TO OSCINES. 229 



from the eastern representatives of the species. One would scarcely recognize the shy, 

 almost silent bird, that sedulously hides itself from view ia the thickest shrubbery, as 

 the tame loquacious Cat-bird of the east, and, indeed, might never suspect its existence 

 in localities where it was not uncommon, from superficial observations. Although 

 quite uumerous at Idaho, where I saw it nearly every day for weeks, I never but once 

 heard the cat-like mew so common elsewhere as to have given the bird its name, and 

 only once or twice heard it attempt a song. Yet though so different in some respects, 

 in others it is precisely the same as its eastern relatives. In form, colors, size, carriage, 

 and expression, I could detect not the slighest difference, while its favorite haunts and 

 food are the same. It disappears in August. 



The Brown Thrush, given by Allen as extending up to 7,500 feet, does not occur in 

 the county at all, or at least but very rarely. [Dr. Eothrock found it in Colorado. — E. C] 

 [To the synonyms of this species add ; Aiitmnmiis rufiis, Sund., Meth. Av. Disp. Tent. 

 1872, 13 (type i-m/«s).— E. C] 



SiALiA ARCTICA, BJucMrd. Abundant from the plains up to timber-line, breeding 

 everywhere. Similar in its general habits to the Eastern Bluebird, the Arctic Bluebird 

 arrives in Bergen's Park early in March, and gradually working its way into the mount- 

 ains, reaches an elevation of 10,000 feet about the close of the mouth, preceding the 

 Eobin by a few days. In Bergen's Park the first brood is not hatched till June ; it 

 probably raises two broods, although of this I cauuot be certain. It nests in hollow 

 trees and similar places, and being quite familiar, though not as tame as its eastern 

 cousin, takes possession of the little bird-houses put up for its convenience by the 

 miners and ranchmen. Its flight and habits seem to be the same ; but it lacks the 

 carol of the latter bird, its only note being a disconsolate, mournful sort of plaint, 

 somewhat likei the fall note of the eastern bird. The young families of Bluebirds may 

 be seen with their parents throughout the latter part of summer, frequently wandering 

 far above timber-line, and even up to the highest peaks. It remains until late in faU, 

 migrating both in spring and autumn in flocks. In the early part of November I saw 

 a bird at Hay's City, Kansas, which I am almost certain was this species ; but not being 

 able to shoot it, I could not identify it beyond all doubt. 



S. MEXic.iXA, Western Bluebird. Of this species I shot two or three, and saw as many 

 more, in the first week iu June, in Bergen's Park, where they probably breed. Of their 

 habits I learned nothing, except that they frequented the tops of the pine-trees, and 

 rarely descended to the lower limbs or ground. 



CiNCLus MEXICANUS, Dijiper. Eather common, though nowhere very numerous. The 

 Dipper frequents all the mountain-streams up to timber-line, and is a constant resident. 

 It is an odd little bird, both in its notes and manners, and attracts the attention of the 

 tourist and miner, as well as the naturalist, from the singularity of its movements. 

 On being startled from the side of a brook, it flies off, flitting down the stream, close to 

 the surface, uttering a rapid, chattering note ; and having flown a certain distance, 

 alights on a stone or drift-log, in or close to the water's edge. Upon alighting it 

 begins bobbing up and down, bending the knees as though curtseying, and eyes the 

 intruder suspiciously. Having satisfied itself of safety, it walks into the water, pick- 

 ing here and there, and getting beyond its depth, spreads its wings and disappears 

 beneath the surface. Apparently as much at home under the water as above, it flies 

 some distance beneath the surface, and stays under for a minute or more. At times it 

 alights on the surface of the water and floats down the rapid stream like cork, till it 

 has found footing. In winter it frequently goes beneath the ice, walking under with 

 the utmost composure, and reappearing at some air-hole a few yards off. Its nest is a 

 large globular structure, with an entrance on one side ; it is composed of moss, lined 

 with grass, and is very neatly built. It is frequently placed in a hollow or crevice in 

 the rocks, by the side of a stream. I did not succeed in finding either the eggs or 

 young. Although its ordinary note is the rapid chatter referred to before, it has a very 

 beautiful song, whicli it utters, however, very rarely, and then only in August, after 

 the young birds are able to shift for themselves. Like the Hermit Thru.sh, it seeks 

 the wildest, darkest ravines, and is very timid while singing. It song is clear, sweet, 

 , and varied, more wren-like than anything else, yet peculiarly its own, and, only to be 

 heard amid the most romantic scenery, mingled with the music of mountain torrents, 

 has a charm that is wanting to other and finer songs. 



The Dipper is called "Water Turkey" by the miners and mountaineers. One of 

 them told ine that it passed the colder part of the winter in the mud, and that he had 

 taken one out from under the ice in a torpid state. During the coldest weather it 

 descends from the higher regions to the lower and more open valleys, where the 

 streams are larger and less obstructed with ice, and it finds a better and more acces- 

 sible supply of food. 



Eegui.US calexddlus, Eitby-croimed Kinglet. Abundaut; migratory; breeds from 

 9,500 or 10,000 feet up to timber-line. The Euby-crowned Wren arrives at Idaho 

 Springs in the first week of May, and disappears toward the close of the month. Dur- 

 ing the breeding season it is very abundant in the upper woods, but is never seen below 

 9,500 feet. In September it begins to descend, reaching Idaho about the 20th, and 



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