384 University of California Publications in Zoology. [Vol. 7 



tufts, and in individual eases horse-dung had been freely incor- 

 porated into the structure. 



While investigation of the nest was going on the parents were 

 always much agitated and kept up a continual series of objec- 

 tions in the form of nervous circular flights and excited call- 

 notes. 



Four Juvenal red-wings were noted flying up Alder Creek, 

 at an altitude of 7000 feet, which was the highest point at which 

 Agelaius was observed. 



Sturnella neglecta Audubon 

 Western Meadowlark 



Distribution. — Occurred generally along the route of the ex- 

 pedition in suitable situations, being recorded at nearly all the 

 stations of lesser altitude. 



The meadowlark was most numerous on the ranches, in the 

 alfalfa and wild-hay meadows, but ranged rather commonly to 

 a height of 7000 feet in the mountains, and individually to a 

 still greater altitude. One was observed on June 29, flying about 

 from boulder to boulder, giving its call-note, at 8500 feet altitude. 

 Ridgway (1877, p. 506) recorded it to an altitude of 7000 feet. 



Habits. — At Quinn River Crossing the song of the meadow- 

 lark was the one most in evidence. Especially in the early 

 morning the beautiful notes rang out over the meadows in the 

 neighborhood of the ranches and on the sagebrush-covered ridges 

 of the foothills. 



One meadowlark was seen in the morning at Quinn River 

 Crossing giving vigorous chase to another individual of its own 

 species. After having ejected the interloper he returned to his 

 particular section of alfalfa field. 



Two nests were found at Quinn River Crossing. The first 

 was discovered May 26 in an alfalfa field northeast of the ranch. 

 The nest was in a depression in the grass, and was composed 

 of straw, and lined with grasses. The bird flushed from this 

 nest as the collector came into the vicinity, feigning an injury 

 after having retreated to a distance of several yards. A second 

 nest was discovered on May 31 in the marsh near the Quinn 

 River. The bird flew out almost from under the feet of the 



