96 
TIIR CONDOR 
Vol. XII 
neighborhood. What do they forage on? Well, during the nesting time for small 
birds I judge upon Thrashers, Orioles, Sparrows, Wrens, Chats, Mockingbirds, 
etc., both in the embryo and down; at other seasons, mostly on seeds and insects. 
In winter the seeds of the Ebony ( Siderocarpus ) is the main reliance; also in less 
quantity the fruit of the Palmetto, to secure which they will travel far into the 
open. The only other bird of doubtful scruple here is the generally but sparsely dis- 
tributed White-rumpt Shrike (. Lanins litdoviciantis excubitorides) . Its presence 
is only conspicuous during the winter months — when bird life has reacht a 
low ebb; a condition that should be comprehended as referring to a section, where 
aggregate numbers at minimum, at least equal the maximum of a northern area, 
excluding therefrom the migratory element. This shrike shows the usual charac- 
teristics of its tribe, altho there can be small doubt that it destroys fewer birds at 
the southern edge of its habitat than at its northern extension, because, even in 
winter insects in numbers are active here — and bug provendor is much preferred. 
While yet a boy I came into possession of a copy of “Cones’ Key’’ in which, as 
you may be aware, he alludes to the Audubon Oriole {Icterus m. auduboni ) 
as distinguish! by superiority of voice, and wealth of plumage. For many years 
I could recall the description there given of the species, but eventually as the years 
crept on, the account grew dim. Several years spent in the southwest and Mexico 
failed to bring the bird to light; so it remained a stranger to my eye until one 
breezy day last January, when it whistled announcement of its presence from a tall 
hackberry — and then it was, that I could count a personal experience with all of 
our American orioles. A student with limited time for observation, might include 
it in a list as “not common” — and yet, with adequate opportunity to gain a knowl- 
edge of its habits, one may uncover the bird in its haunts at any time. A thick 
mesquite growth is the ideal location here; failing that, any grove that contains a 
number of hackberry trees, the fruit of which all Orioles seem to like. The mes- 
quite harbors several insects — moths and beetles, dependent for substance and life 
on this tree alone; and these furnish an ample and agreeable food for the Audubon 
Oriole, both in winter and summer months. Several times I have discovered seeds 
of mesquite in this bird’s stomach; and in winter the plumage of the head is much 
smeared by nectar from some flower (perhaps mesquite). They visit the Ash, 
( Fraxinus) frequently when the tree is flowering. The Audubon Oriole is somewhat 
difficult to approach out of the mesquite, but within it, quite otherwise. They are 
usually seen in pairs, and if one be shot and but wounded, its mate generally comes 
hurriedly to the call of distress, and evinces such devotion that, if one be disposed, it 
can easily be secured. As yet I have no basis upon which to eulogize their singing. 
True, they have a wdiistle that is clear and penetrating, like a majority of the Ic- 
teridae, but few real vocal attempts have been witnest. It is claimed to be a favor- 
ite cage bird — maybe so, altho I would like to know just where. I think I can 
recall seeing several in captivity in Mexico, and a few more in and about Brownsville, 
but there are twenty other species of birds found in the native’s homes more often 
than the Audubon Oriole. Sennett has pretty well described its breeding, tho I 
have found it usually to be nesting in early April, and the mesquite is selected as a 
nesting site. 
The Sennett Hooded Oriole ( Icterus cucullatus sennetti ) is an intrepid little 
bird, with a fondness for both urban and rural conditions, which is very fortunate, 
as allowing our townspeople daily opportunity to appreciate the handsome creature. 
After arriving, which is about March 13, they spend five or six weeks enjoying 
life, before settling down to housebuilding. They prove conscientious parents, 
raising at least tw T o, and sometimes, three broods during the season. The palmetto 
