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



79 mm. (3% inches). When it was first noted one parent was 

 seen on the nest, but when a close examination of the site was 

 made neither bird was seen. There were five young in the nest. 

 Young birds out of the nest were noted as early as the middle 

 of July. Upon their appearance purple finches were very much 

 in evidence on the highest ridges in the mountains (altitudes of 

 9000 feet and above). The juvenals kept up a continuous vocif- 

 erous clatter. A bird would fly from one tree to another and 

 then the other members of the family would follow. Feeding 

 of the young was by regurgitation. It was very easy to approach 

 the females and juvenals, but the brilliantly colored males were 

 more cautious. 



Carpodacus mexicanus frontalis (Say) 

 Linnet 



Distribution. — Noted at all the lower stations touched by the 

 expedition. It invaded Big Creek Canon to an altitude of 6000 

 feet. Localities where it was observed may be enuinerated as 

 follows : Winnemueca, Quinn Eiver Crossing, Big Creek Ranch, 

 Alder Creek Ranch, Leonard Creek Ranch, and Virgin Valley. 

 All of these are in Upper Sonoran life zone. 



Habits. — Linnets were common at the localities listed. In 

 habits they seem to vary somewhat from those of southern Cali- 

 fornia. Their songs particularly appear to have a slightly dif- 

 ferent inflection. It may be that the different environmental 

 setting has some acoustic influence on the effect of the song, but 

 I do not believe the difference is entirely accounted for in this 

 way. 



They were perhaps more abundant at Big Creek Ranch than 

 at any other place visited. Individuals were often heard on the 

 sage-covered hill slopes. It is probable that they scattered out 

 over the foothills to feed. 



Birds were seen in copulation June 14. Toung linnets were 

 seen July 17 at Alder Creek Ranch. 



The birds were shy at all times, and nine specimens only 

 (nos. 8670-8676, 9284, and 9285) were secured. 



It is of interest to note that Passer domesticus was not found 

 at any locality away from the railroad. As is well known, where 



