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605. Calamospiza melanocorys Stejn. [256.] Lark Bunting. 



This is a bird of the plains, wintering abundantly in central and 

 southern Texas, even as far east as the prairies about Houston (Nehr- 

 ling), and thence southward into Mexico. The most southeastern 

 records are the following: Mr, Nehrling found it abundant in winter 

 about Houston, Tex. In the valley of the Lower Rio Grande, in 

 Texas, it is a rather common winter resident (Merrill). In the winter 

 of 1883-84 it occurred in immense flocks at San Angelo, Tex., remain- 

 ing until May 17. At Mason, Tex., a few were found in summer. Mr. 

 Kagsdale says that it is "irregular" at Gainesville, Tex., where it was 

 seen February 21, 1876. Passing north to middle and western Kansas, 

 where it is an abundant summer resident, the first arrival was noted 

 May 10. May 11 Dr. Hvoslef saw one on the high prairie 9 miles 

 east of Lanesboro, Minn. Since Dr. Hvoslef saw a male near the same 

 place June 19, 1883, the species probably is a semi-regalar visitant to 

 southern Minnesota. It has been found breeding abundantly in cen- 

 tral and southeastern Dakota, and also in western Minnesota, along 

 Traverse Lake and the Red River of the North. 



In the fall of 1884, at San Angelo, Tex., the first migrant, a male, 

 was seen October 23. 



In the spring of 1885 the first returning flocks appeared at San 

 Angelo, Tex., March 20. Birds, probably of this species, came to 

 Bonham, Tex., April 29; they were common there May 11, and left 

 May 24. They had previously left San Angelo, May 8, and San Antonio, 

 Tex., May 9. At Huron, Dak., the first were seen May 13. 



606. Euphonia elegantissima (Bouap.). [160.] Blue-headed Euphonia. 



This species inhabits Central America and eastern Mexico, coming 

 north to Texas (Giraud). 



607. PIraiiga ludoviciana (Wils.). [162.] Louisiana Tanager. 



This beautiful Tanager may be found in suitable localities from the 

 Great Plains to the Pacific. In the spring of 1886 a specimen was shot 

 on the South Concho in Texas (Lloyd). It breeds in Black Hills of 

 Dakota. 



608. Firanga erythromelas Vieiil. [161.] Scarlet Tanager. 



A common summer resident in most parts of the Mississippi Valley 

 east of the plains, and north of latitude 37° (doubtless breeds still 

 farther south in some places) ; rare as far north as Manitoba. 



Pew birds are better known than the gorgeous male of this species, 

 and its record is coriespondingly full. It has been taken once as far 

 west as El Paso, Tex. In southeastern Texas, near Houston, it is a 

 moderately common migrant (Nehrling). 



In the spring of 1884 it was reported as arriving at Eagle Pass, 

 Tex., February 29. No more records were given until April 27, when 

 it appeared at Keokuk, Iowa, and Danville, 111. This was several 

 days earlier than the dates from neighboring stations; but with so 

 striking and well-known a bird there is small chance for a mistake. 



