102 
THE CONDOR 
Von. XII 
A single specimen of Mourning Warbler ( Oporornis -Philadelphia) was taken on 
the same day. I should have included the Yellowthroats ( Geothlypis ) among 
wintering species, but I am not certain but that at least one of the forms that winters 
can also be claimed as a summer resident. A number of Yellowthroats taken be- 
tween December and May, have been identified as belonging to G. trichas trichas, 
and G. t. brachidactyla by Dr. Richmond. 
Wrens are well represented — winter and summer. The Lomita Wren (, Thryo - 
thorns lomitensis ) favors the dense woods of large growth, foraging among lianas, 
and the basal portions of trees; the Texas Bewick Wren ( Thryomanes b. cryptus ) 
prefers low scrub or chaparral, and the eastern House Wren ( Troglodytes cm on), 
while wintering here, chooses the immediate vicinity of dwellings and hedgerows. 
Southern Texas rivals Arizona in affording congenial conditions to thrashers, and 
our two species, the Sennett ( Toxostoma longirostre sennctti ) and Curve-billed 
( T. curvirostre) are common residents. The Sennett Thrasher dwells in what- 
ever section of the Valley supports sufficient arborescent growth; while the Curve- 
billed lays claim only to open spots, cactus grown or otherwise. Thus both have 
their territorial rights well defined. The Western Mockingbird {Mimas p . leucopte- 
rus ) ranges over the domain of both thrashers, which is the cause of some strife 
about nesting-time, and much rivalry for vocal superiority. The Mockingbird hes- 
itates not at all to snatch many strains from the original efforts of the thrashers. 
Thrashers are very early nesters, and during wet years, raise three broods during 
the season. Both species dwell along the coast, but owing to lack of any consider- 
able growth there, the number af Sennett Thrashers is limited. 
Having but one true Titmouse, the Black-crested {Bevolophus atricri status) , 
we especially appreciate him, tho he is omnipresent, even into the heart of the 
city. They inspect any object of size, that may arouse suspicion of harboring cat- 
erpillars or other insects. They are very fond of the caterpillar of the butterfly 
{Libythea bachmanni) which so persistently attacks our hackberry trees, as to 
have surely defoliated them this summer, but for the combined efforts of the Tit- 
mouse and Sennett Oriole. The Black-crested Tit is rarely silent, the usual notes 
being a continuation of sounds like “pete-chee-chee-chee; more rarely “peter- 
peter”. By April the young have appeared on the scene. The Verdin {Auriparus 
Jlaviceps ) adds another to our resident list, but is not very numerous until the 
coast country is reacht; or in the opposite direction, until one arrives a consider- 
able distance up the river. Our Gnatcateher is the Blue-gray ( Polioptila caerulea), 
a well distributed resident, preferring the mesquite and ebony growth. 
In lower Texas at least, the application of Texas would be better applied to the 
Golden-fronted Woodpecker, than to the bird {Dryobates scalar is bairdi ) bearing 
that name. The former is a much more conspicuous, as well as more numerous 
species, withal showing indifference to man’s presence that throws even the unsus- 
pecting little D. s. bairdi into the background in this respect. The Golden- 
fronted Woodpecker is often to be seen within city limits, even nesting there. Just 
as these lines are being written several are sharing a pecan tree in our yard with 
the Crackles — each producing plenty of noise. They also search roofs and porches, 
sometimes persisting in a vigorous tattoo upon such objects, until the disturbed 
owner finds it necessary to dislodge them. At Point Isabel where trees are scarce 
they follow habits of the Flicker, feeding on the ground upon the multitudes of 
ants. Like the Gila Woodpecker ( Ccnturus nropygialis) they have a failing for the 
ripe fruits of Opuntia cactus; and in late fall, it is difficult to secure specimens free 
from the fruit’s purple stain. The Texas Woodpecker is well known to us also, 
but as it rarely ventures into the city, is of little import to the casual observer. 
