94 BIRDS OF COLORADO. 



among the foothills and parks to 7,500 feet. Scott found one 

 July 20 at Twin Lakes at 9,500 feet, but did not ascertain that 

 it nests at that altitude. Arrives about the middle of April 

 and breeds early in June. Usually departs in September, but 

 Capt. P. M. Thorne found one at Las Animas as late as 

 October 17. 



498. Agelaius phceniceus. Red-winged Blackbird. 



Summer resident ; common. One of the most abundant 

 birds on the plains in suitable places, breeding principally below 

 7,500 feet but occasionally up to 9,000 feet. Arrives early, 

 usually about the middle of March and remains in flocks until 

 the middle of May, when it pairs and breeds during the whole 

 month of June. The bulk depart late in October; some remain 

 a month later, and a few linger through most of the winter. 

 During the mild winter of 1895-6 they were common even in 

 northern Colorado, and during the winter of 1896-7 very large 

 flocks were constantly present. It would seem probable that 

 the presence of part of them at least was due to the increased 

 abundance of food. Beginning in 1892, more and more sheep 

 have been fed in the Valley of the Poudre and Big Thompson 

 Rivers. The number during the winter of 1896-7 has reached 

 nearly 200,000. All of these are fed on corn in open yards. 

 The blackbirds in large numbers have made these yards their 

 feeding grounds and have apparently derived a good share of 

 their food from the scattered grain. 



[1)99. Agelaius gubernator californicus. Bicolored Blackbird. 



Has not been taken in Colorado, but one was taken by Mr. Bond at Chey- 

 enne, Wye, April 14, 1889. (Auk, VI. 1889, 341.) This is just over the line 

 from Colorado and the bird must have crossed Colorado to get there. This is a 

 Pacific Coast bird and the occurrence is of course accidental.] 



501b. Sturnella magna neglecta. Western Meadowlark. 

 Summer resident; abundant. More especially a bird of 

 the plains, but also common in the lower mountain parks. 

 Breeds on the plains and to 8,000 feet. Also met both in sum- 

 mer and fall above timber-line, but does not breed so high. 

 Arrives early in March and breeds the latter part of May. 

 Moves southward in October, though a few winter in southern 

 Colorado. During the winter of 1895-6 they were not uncom- 

 mon over most of the plains region of the State and also during 

 1896-7. 



506. icterus spurius. Orchard Oriole. 



Summer visitant; rare, if not accidental. The only record 

 for Colorado known to the present writer is the single specimen 

 taken by Allen at Denver. (Bull. Mus. Comp. Zool. III. 1872, 

 113-183.) There seem to have been other records, but they are 

 no longer accessible. 



