50 THE ZOOLOGIST. 



Bobolink, Dolichonyx oryzivorus. — To be seen everywhere on 

 the prairie, perching on the buffalo scrub, both in the rich 

 nuptial dress of the male and in the more sober attire of the 

 female. Coues does not mention that this bird feeds largely on 

 insects. One of those that I dissected was crammed with red 

 grasshoppers. 



Cowbird, Molothrus ater. — An abundant species, partial to 

 following the herds of cattle. 



Yellow-headed Blackbird, Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus. 

 — We found this species breeding on Moose Creek, and shot one 

 out of a flock at Long Creek. It feeds on small grasshoppers. 



Ked-winged Blackbird, Agelaius phceniceus. — An abundant 

 summer resident in the neighbourhood of willow-fringed creeks. 



Western Meadow Lark, Sturnella magna neglecta. — This 

 species nests plentifully on the open prairie. When flushed it 

 soon alights, but only to run to a fresh place of concealment. 



Brewer's Blackbird, Scolecophagus cyanocephalus. — Abun- 

 dant in August on the banks of the Souris River, flying in 

 family parties. 



American Goldfinch, Spinus tristis. — A good many pairs 

 nested at Moose Creek ; and, though breeding, were generally to 

 be seen flocking together. This fact is to be explained by the 

 consideration that the garden of wild flowers, from which they 

 gleaned their favourite seeds, was situated on the open prairie, 

 nearly a mile from the bushes which held their nests. 



Snow-Bunting, Plectrophenax nivalis. — Very common in the 

 fall, feeding on the grass-stems which peered above the snow, as 

 w r ell as on the grain-stacks ; they always feed with their heads to 

 the wind. 



Black-breasted Longspur, Calcarius ornatus. — Breeds com- 

 monly on the prairie round Dalesbro', and feeds on grass-seeds. 



Western Savanna Sparrow, Ammodramus sandwichensis 

 alaudinus. — I shot a specimen in the Souris coal-held district on 

 the 10th September. 



Baird's Sparrow, A. bairdii, — Fairly represented in this 

 region. One shot on August 3rd had been feeding on small red 

 grasshoppers. 



Clay-coloured Sparrow, Spizella pallida.— Common, breed- 

 ing in the scrub about Moose Creek. One bird nested on the 

 ground in a tuft of grass, and was flooded out ; but built again and 

 reared a brood in a similarly lowly situation. 



