CATALOGUE OF VERTEBRATES. 545 



PASSBRELLA, Ewains. 

 P. iliaca, Merr. Fox-colored Sparrow. • Fox Sparrow. 



Ashy above, overlaid and streaked with rusty red, which be- 

 comes bright bay on rump, tail and wings ; white below, with 

 large arrow-shaped spots and streaks, numerous on breast ; feet 

 stout, with long claws. Length, 7 inches ; tail, 3 inches. Breeds 

 in the Canadas ; migrates early. 



" This fine sparrow is more abundant in February than any 

 other month, according to the author's observations. They 

 remain in few numbers during the year, but no nests have yet 

 been seen. Entirely inoffensive." — [C. C. A.j 



PIPILO. Vieill. 

 P. erythrophthalmus, L. Chewink. Towhee Bunting. Marsh Robin. 



Black ; belly white ; sides chestnut ; white markings on tail 

 and wing feathers ; iris bright carmine red ; in female, head, 

 neck, chest and back brown instead of black. Length, 8 J inches ; 

 tail, 4 inches. 



" Very abundant. Arrives in May, and remains during the 

 summer. Frequents swampy grounds, and is nearly the whole 

 of the time on the ground, except during incubation, when the 

 male birds remain in the trees about the nest, which is always on 

 the ground, and keep guard, warning the hen bird of the ap- 

 proach of danger. Are occasionally seen about gardens, espe- 

 cially where gooseberries are cultivated. Feed exclusively upon 

 insects, and are very strictly an inoffensive species. Retires south 

 in October." 



OARDINALIS, Bonap. 



O. cardinalis, L. (virginianus — Abbott's Catalogue.) Cardinal Grosbeak. 

 Redbird. 



Clear red ; ashy on back ; chin and forehead black ; conspic- 

 uous crest; female ashy brown, washed with red. Length, 8^ 

 inches ; tail, 4 J inches. A brilliant songster. 



" Resident. Known generally as ' winter redbird,' and as it 

 frequents leafless bushes, after all other small birds almost have 

 departed, appears to be more numerous in winter than at any 



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