94 NEARCTIC REGION. [CH. II 



Neotoma, Sigmodon, Jacvlus, Cynomys, Erethizon 

 (Rodentia). 



Salpinctes, Gatherpes, Qymnokitta Picicorvus, Gent- 

 ronyx, Neocorys, &c. (Passeres). 



Ectopistes (Columbidse). 



Pilohela (Scolopacidse). 



Highly characteristic of the region, among the Mam- 

 malia, are in the first place the bison and the grizzly 

 bear ; it is not quite certain, as I have already mentioned 

 under the description of the Palsearctic region, whether 

 these animals are specifically distinct from what are at 

 the very least close allies in Europe and Asia. But if so 

 the bison, now limited to a single herd from previously 

 existing thousands, is a noteworthy type of American life, 

 no less than is the formidable "grizzly." Bassaris, an 

 animal now known to be allied to the Raccoons, but 

 formerly placed in a different division of the Carnivora, is 

 one of the numerous forms that are so common to the 

 Nearctic and Neotropical regions, but has a larger range 

 in the former. The Puma and the Skunks are other 

 examples of animals which extend northwards from the 

 South American continent. Among birds, humming birds 

 and various members of the families Mniotiltidse, Vireo- 

 nidse and Cserebidae are examples of Neotropical forms 

 which also extend into the North American continent. 

 The same is the case with the Tanagers and several 

 South American genera of Fringillidge. The black cuckoo 

 with a deep bill, the ani, Crotophaga, is also met with in 

 North America, though more characteristic of South 

 America. 



