574 ' Colorado College Publication 



bred in Monument Valley Park in 1913 as they were seen 

 constantly about a certain dense thicket during May and into 

 early June, and July 27 one was seen at the same place. At 

 least two males were seen courting their mates in the park 

 in May and their actions are interesting and differ from their 

 ordinary habits. Instead of skulking in the brush and dodg- 

 ing out of sight when an intruder appears, the bird perches 

 in a tree, spreads its tail out into a fan, and erects the feathers 

 on the head until the red cap makes quite a respectable little 

 crest, and sings its love song. While the bird is thus engaged 

 one can approach quite closely. "Its call note is pe-a-wee, 

 rather weak, and with something of the cat-like mewing tone 

 of the Catbird. Its song is one of the finest of the finches, 

 resembling the thrushes in variety, modulation and sweetness, 

 but lacking in volume." C. E. A., ms. notes. 



This Towhee wanders to considerable elevations, breeds 

 to 9,000 feet, perhaps more. Aiken noted it at the Strickler 

 Tunnel and Seven Lakes, July 9-10, 1899; Warren saw it at 

 Lake Moraine August 30, 1905. 



Zamelodia melanocephala. Black-headed Grosbeak. 



Summer resident; common. Arrives about May 10. Are 

 all gone by September 1. Fotind commonly in thickets along 

 streams in the foothills and along the valleys ; probably does 

 not go much above 7,000 feet. Breeds early in June, though 

 nesting may continue through the month. Aiken found a nest 

 ■ with three eggs near Colorado Springs, June 19, 1898, and 

 three nests near completion the same day. Young of the year 

 are common by August first. A female was sitting on eggs near 

 Ivywild, June 3, 1913. 



A Black-headed Brosbeak kept in a cage for 8 years by a 

 Mr. Feets of Colorado Springs took on a peculiar plumage in 

 the last year. Aiken went to see it July 21, 1899 and notes 

 as follows : 



"The upper- parts are wholly black. Beneath it is of the 



