NORTHWESTERN MEXICO. 281 



93. Molothrus ceneus ("Wagl.). 



Mazatlan, Grayson ; Manzanilla Bay, Mts. of Colima, Xantus. 



"We now come to a larger species of Molothrus or Cow-bird, whose habits, though less known than the 

 preceding smaller species, are, however, very similar so far as my own observation is concerned. That this spe- 

 cies also deposits its eggs in the nests of other birds, I have not the least doubt ; indeed, I am fully convinced 

 from the facts which have presented themselves to me when I have been assiduously watching their move- 

 ments during the breeding season. 



" On the 19th of May, 1868, whilst hunting in the woods near Mazatlan, I discovered a nest of the Bull- 

 head Fly-catcher (JPitangus derbianus), which is a common species in this region, and builds a large nest, 

 dome-shaped, the entrance being on the side. Whilst I was quietly looking at the nest (which was about 

 forty feet from the ground), I observed a female Red-eyed Cow-bird among the branches of the same tree 

 looking very melancholy. Suddenly she darted towards the nest, upon the side of which she perched, and 

 immediately attempted to enter, but the vigilance of the fly-catcher was too acute, and observing the intrusion 

 upon her sacred domicil, quickly attacked the Cow-bird and drove her instantly away. I soon after saw the 

 same bird examining the nest of the Mazatlan Oriole {Icterus pustulatus), but as there had been no egg yet 

 laid in the nest, it did not seem to suit her, and she soon disappeared in the intricacies of the forests, leaving 

 me strongly impressed as to her intentions. 



" The exceedingly thorny nature of the woods in this country renders the close observation of the nests ot 

 birds very difficult, almost impracticable. 



"The Red-eyed Cow-bird is a very common species in North-western Mexico; it may be seen frequenting 

 the villages and towns in flocks, associating with the Grackles and smaller Cow-birds. They are generally 

 distributed throughout Mexico. I shot a young male in San Bias which had attracted my attention by its 

 having what I supposed a snow-white crest, but on being examined it proved to be a piece of white cloth 

 stitched in the scalp, and trimmed to represent the comb of a cock ; it had doubtless been done when the bird 

 was very young by some of the natives, as the wounds of the operation were entirely healed." 



94. Agelaius phceniceus (Linn.). 

 Mazatlan, Grayson. 



95. Agelaius gubernator (Wagl.). 

 Mazatlan, Tepic, Grayson. 



" Abundant in the vicinity of Tepic, inhabiting the fresh water marshes, also in similar localities near 

 Mazatlan; resident." 



96. Xanthocephalus icterocephalus (Bp.). 

 Mazatlan, Grayson. 



97. Sturnella magna var. neglecta (And.). 

 Mazatlan, Grayson. 



"A constant resident from Mazatlan to the high central plains near Guadalajara." 



98. Scolecophagus cyanocephalus (Wagl.). 

 Mazatlan, Grayson. 



99. Quiscalus major Vieill. 

 Manzanilla Bay, Plains of Colima, Xantus. 



100. Quiscalus major var. macrourus Sw. 

 Guadalajara, Grayson. 



"I procured specimens of this large species only in the vicinity of Guadalajara, and I thought I saw it in 

 San Bias on the sea coast. I have not met with it in the locality of Mazatlan." 



MEUOIBS BOST. BOO. NAT. HIST. 70L. II, 71 



