:;:::::::m TWO BIRD-LOVERS IN MEXICO W^- 



bodies of small birds, but we soon observed the ravens 

 flying back and forth from the stream, each time 

 bringing a hyacinth plant, Avhich they carried to the 

 stone wall and carefully examined, evidently devouring 

 the many small snails and worms which found shelter 

 among the roots. 



The most conspicuous flycatcher of the cactus coun- 

 try was the Ash-throated, a noisy bird, feeding chiefly 

 on the insects attracted by the cactus blossoms, and 

 when these were scarce, devouring many varieties of 

 small fleshy fruits. It was very similar to our North- 

 ern friend the Crested Flycatcher, but was paler yel- 

 low below, and, as its common name implies, its throat 

 was almost white. As the two ravens rose at our 

 approach, one of these flycatchers appeared from a 

 field beyond, and kingbird-like, gave a thrashing to 

 first one and then the other, descending with his full 

 force upon head and back and more than once sending 

 fluffs of black to the ground. 



When both ravens had disappeared, the flycatcher 

 returned and instantly gave his attention to a Western 

 Red-tailed Hawk. Uttering his loud che-hoo' I che-hoo' I 

 the brave little creature dashed at the bird of prey, 

 striking blow after blow, the hawk meanwhile never 

 attempting to retaliate, but making every eifort to 

 escape from his small tormentor. Thus early in our 

 trip the Ash-throated Flycatcher established a repu- 

 tation for bravery which it always sustained. 



c^ 76 -^ 



