NORTHWESTERN MEXICO. 289 



Fam. CoTiNGiD^. 



131. Tityra personata Jard. and Selb. 

 Mazatlan, Grayson, Bischoff; Sierra Madre, Xantus. 



« Generally seen in very lofty trees, either in small flocks, but more usually solitary, or in pairs. It feeds on 

 various kinds of fruit, as also insects which I have seen it dart after, like the flycatchers. I have found it in 

 this locality in the months of November, February, April and June. It doubtless breeds in the mountainous 

 regions of this latitude. It has no song, the voice being rather harsh." 



132. Hadrostomus aglam var. affinis Elliot. 



" " " Proc. Bost. See. of N. H., xiv., p. 279. 



Tres Marias, Grayson. 



"Not numerous upon the islands, usually met with in the thick woods. Not found upon the main-land in 

 the locality of Mazatlan." 



133. nadrostomus albiventris Lawr. 



" Ann. Lye, N. Y., viii., p. 475. 



Mazatlan, Grayson, Bischoff; Plains of Colima, Xantus. 



"I have only seen one bird of this species, a male shot in February." 



Fam. MoMOTiD^. 



134. Momotus mexicanus Sw. 



Mazatlan, Grayson, Xantus, Bischoff; Plaias of Colima, Xantus. 



" This curious bird inhabits the darkest woods of the tierra caliente. It breeds in the ground like the king- 

 fishers ; the eggs are three to four, clear white, and elliptical in shape. A constant resident in this locality, and 

 quite common in Tehuantepec. It subsists chiefly upon insects." 



Fam. Alcedinid^. 



135. Ceryle alcyon (Linn.). 



" " Proc. Bost. Soc. of N. H., xir., p. 284. 



Mazatlan, Tres Marias, Grayson. 

 " Common at all seasons." 



136. Ceryle torquata (Linn.). 

 Mazatlan, Grayson. 



"This species preeminently exceeds all others of its genus in size; one bird at a little distance ofi^, when seen 

 in its usual haunts, would be apt to be taken for the common Belted Kingfisher, its habits and general ap- 

 pearance being similar; but upon a near investigation we find a bird of much larger size, the colors and mark- 

 ings of some parts of its plumage difierent, its notes, too, are less clamorous and more feeble. 



"I have seen the largest kingfisher only near the sea coast, in the vicinity of Mazatlan River, but not on 

 that stream. They seem to prefer the stagnant pools and lagoons, whose waters are murky and densely 

 shaded with overhanging trees ; here upon some dried branch it sits quietly watching the opaque water for 

 whatever finny creature may make its appearance upon the surface, when if not too large, it instantly darts or 

 plunges headlong upon it ; after securing the prey in its powerful bill, it bears it to the perch, and beating it 

 a few times upon the perch swallows it entire. Small fishes constitute almost its principal food, but fi-ogs and 

 small water reptiles are often struck and devoured by it. This species does not seem to be so wary as its near 

 congener, the Belted. I have approached it quite near, in order to observe its habits, and it appeared to be 



MEMOIRS BOBT. SOO. WAT. HIST. TOL. II. 73 



