“Sept., 1922 THE SUMMER AVIFAUNA OF BIRD ISLAND, TEXAS 179 
gion, breeding (early in April) on the mainland and on Padre. Seen only as transients 
over Bird Island. 
59. Molothrus ater ater. Cowbird. Common along the main coastal region, par- 
ticularly between Corpus and Flour Bluff. ; 
60. Molothrus ater obscurus. Dwarf Cowbird. This subspecies, almost indis- 
-tinguishable from the preceding when seen in the field, was found on Padre Island, 
May 31, as well as at Flour Bluff on May 26. Decidedly less common than its larger 
relative. 
61. Megaquiscalus major macrourus. Great-tailed Grackle. An abundant breed- 
ing species on both Bird Islands. The nest is a beautifully built affair of grass, very 
deep and sclidly constructed, located just off of the ground in the succulent vegetation. 
No nest contained more than three eggs, a majority of them containing but two. All 
Fig. 45. NEST AND EGGS OF THE LAUGHING GULL, 
the eggs were well along in incubation, and some nests contained young birds well 
feathered. Pemberton (8) speaks of the depredation of these birds on the eggs of the 
Reddish Egret. On Bird Island these two species were living quietly and harmoniously 
side by side. 
62. Cardinalis cardinalis cardinalis. Cardinal. A common breeding species on 
the mainland and on Padre, not seen on Bird Island. 
63. Passerina ciris. Painted Bunting. A single full-plumaged male was seen 
on Padre on May 31, the only evidence at hand of the presence of the species. 
64. Progne Subis subis. Purple Martin. An abundant breeding species, partic- 
ularly near Corpus Christi. Found nesting near the uninhabited shack on Padre, the 
young birds being on the wing on May 31. 
65. Iridoprocne bicolor. Tree Swallow. A common breeding species in suita- 
ble localities on the mainland. Occasionally seen over Bird Island, flying low over the 
Laguna Madre in pursuit of insects. 
66. Mimus polyglottos leucopterus. Western Mockingbird. Abundant breeding 
species on Padre and the mainland. 
