CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE NATURAL HISTORY OF ALASKA. 181 



This with a specimen obtained in 1845 in Greenland are the only two examples of this species taken 

 on the American shores. 



The habits of the species are known only from European individuals. 



It is deemed of sufficient interest to present a plate of this specimen to accompany this report. 



701. Cinclus mexioanus Swains. American Dipper. 



Obtained from several localities. Number 179 was obtained at Unalashka Island, Alaska. It 

 inhabits the rocky creeks flowing from the mountains. It is not commou here. I observed it on 

 another occasion, but failed to secure it. A permanent resident and breeds here. 



The other specimens were obtained from Nulato, Alaska. At this place the bird is common, 

 breeds here, and is a winter resident along the open streams in the neighborhood of springs which 

 keep the water from freezing even in coldest weather. 



Mo. 210 presents the following measurements taken from the fresh specimen, 7.5 by 10.8 by 

 3.4 by 2.2; iris and bill'black: feet soiled-white with dark joints; claws white; ? ad. No. 1022 

 measures 7.75 by 12 by 3.8 by 2, with iris and bill black ; feet soiled- white, with dark joints. 



I observed this bird at Attn Island. It was in the small creek which empties in Ohichagof 

 Harbor. Tlie bird flew a little distance, on my unexpected approach, and further search failed to 

 drive it from its hiding place. It is said to be extremely rare at Attu, as only few of the natives 

 knew anything about the bird. 



723. Troglodytes alascensis Baird. Alaskan Wren. [See Plate IX.] 



Original Nos. 6, 172, 173, 174, 175, 176, 177. 



This pleasing little bird is found in abundauce on all the Aleutian Chain proper. It also was 

 observed on Unga Island, Kodiak Island, and on the mainland at Belkovsky. It never goes to the 

 interior of even the medium-sized islands, but remains strictly along the cliff's, bluffs, and other 

 high places forming the seasides of the islands. The lowlands in proximity to the water is also 

 inhabited by them. The latter, together with the large bowlders lyiug at the water's edge, form 

 their favorite haunts. Weed-patches near a settlement is also a favorite resort of these Wrens 

 in the fall. 



They remain on these islands during the entire year, and are as numerous in winter as in 

 summer. 



Their food consists of insects, and occasionally a few seeds will be found in their crops. 



Mating occurs early in May or late in April. Nidifieation begins immediately. The nest is 

 placed in a crevice in the face of a cliff or amongst the large tussocks of wild rye or other grasses 

 The nest is large and well built; coarse grasses and roots form the foundation, and as the nest 

 nears completion smaller grasses are selected. The interior of the nest contains few feathers of 

 various species of birds. The walls of the nest are well carried up, aud in some instances form a 

 partial roof over the nest, leaving a hole in one side as an entrance. Five to nine eggs are laid; 

 they are pure white in color. The young birds are able to fly in three or four weeks after hatching. 

 I am not certain that more than one brood is hatched in a season, but young birds have been seen 

 late as August 25th. At the approach of winter the bird becomes very familiar, and is frequently 

 found on the wiudow-sills searching for insects. 



On one occasion 1 heard a gentle tapping at my back window ; as I had frequently heard the 

 same noise, I carefully drew the curtain paitly aside, and saw a Wren endeavoring to obtain a fly 

 that was inside of the pane of glass. The bird did not appear to be disturbed by my presence. 



Their note is a prolonged twitter of several modulations and repeated at short intervals. When 

 surprised, or when they come upon an object that excites their curiosity, a rapid and long rattle is 

 sounded as an alarm, soon to be answered by a second bird. These two keep up the sound until 

 all the Wrens within hearing assemble to investigate the cause. As many as a dozen will surround 

 the object, aud approach so close that the outstretched hand might capture them. The least 

 motion, however, disperses them so quickly that one wonders where they have disappeared. 

 They, at these times, hide under the stalks of the weeds or grass. 



The fresh color of the bill varies from very pale to dark horn. The base of the lower mandi- 

 ble is always paler than any other part. The tarsi and feet are pale, with darker claws. The 

 length of the bill is extremely variable. The iris is deepest, shining black. 



