304 BIRDS OF WESTERN AND 



cass, the others soon follo-w, when they fall to work devouring it with such greediness and pell mell confusion, 

 as to appear like a black disorderly mass of wings and tails, making at the same time a hoarse blowing noise ; 

 often at this interesting moment, when they are the least watchful, a dog or coyote will bound in among the 

 pile, scattering them in every directiouN; most of them will settle on the ground near by, whilst others will 

 sail around, waiting patiently until the dog is satisfied, when they again commence on the carcass, and if not 

 molested will gorge themselves to such a degree that many of the flock are unable to rise fi-om the ground. 

 They will frequently attack young lambs and pigs, biting off their ears and tails ; I have seen a whole litter 

 of pigs mutilated in this way ; this is the only complaint ever made against this useful scavenger. They are 

 very numerous about Mazatlan, and to a new comer present a strange scene by their exceeding tameness ; 

 they line the beach at times, feeding upon the offal there found. They may be seen sitting upon the houses 

 and fences sunning themselves, in rows, looking very lazy indeed, but they are the scavengers, and are per- 

 mitted to do just as they please. On the outer points of the port of Mazatlan, is a high peaked island near 

 the shore, partially overgrown with low scrubby trees and cactus, called the Creston. For years the Black 

 Vultures have made this their roosting place in company with the Gray Pelican, perching upon the low brush, 

 and even upon the rocks, in great numbers." 



Fam. CoLUMBiD^. 



203. Columba fasciata Say. 

 " Mountains," Grayson. 



204. Columba flavirostris (Wagl.). 



« " Proc. Bost. Soc. of N. H., xiv., p. 274. 



Mazatlan, Tres Marias, Grrayson ; Sierra Madre, Xantus. 



" This fine species in some localities of Western Mexico is quite abundant, particularly in the region of 

 Mazatlan River. It frequents the larger forests, and feeds upon various kinds of bei-ries, acorns, and the 

 tender buds of some trees. It is partially gregarious, but is often seen solitary and in pairs. Small flocks of 

 from twenty to fifty migrate from one part of the country to another in search of its favorite food. I have 

 found it at a considerable height on the western slope of the Sierras Madres, feeding upon acorns, that are 

 there in abundance in some seasons. The flesh of this pigeon is tough, and sometimes bitter to the taste, 

 caused by the bitter acorn, and also by an astringent kind of berry, upon which they may be subsisting at 

 the time. As a game bird it is inferior to most of our pigeons for the table, but being a large and handsome 

 bird it is sure to attract the attention of the gunner. They are not easily approached, however, being very 

 shy, and without the strictest caution the hunter would not be able to fill his bag with this game in a long 

 day's tramp." 



205. Zenaidura carolinensis (Linn.). 

 Mazatlan, Grayson. 



" Common throughout Mexico, more so on the high central plains." 



206. Zenaidura graysoni Baird. 



" " Proc. Bost. Soc. of N. H., xiv., p. 299. 



Socorro Island, Grayson. 



"During our sojourn upon the island we saw and captured several of these doves, they were always alone 

 and silent, with a melancholy look, as if lost. Two of them came separately to our camp, both of which we 

 secured after watching their habits awhile. They were remarkably tame, appearing to be unconscious of 

 danger, walking about on the ground picking up crumbs of bread." 



