1310 
REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS. 
29. Sturnella magna (L.), var. neglecta — Western Meadow Lark. 
Very numerous Loth iu summer and winter, being chiefly found in the pastures, but 
frequenting to some extent the sage-brush. 
30. Scolecopliagus cyanocephalus (Gin.).—Brewer’s B'ackbird. 
More numerous even than the red-wings, as, too, more generally distributed. In win¬ 
ter the) 7 may be seen in almost any situation. 
CORVIDAE. 
31. Corvus corax L., var. carnivorus Bartr.—American Raven. 
A common resident. 
32. GymnoTcitta cyanocephyala Maxim. —Blue Crow. 
Not an inhabitant of the valleys proper at any season, but often seen in large flocks 
flying from one range of pinon kills to another. They are resident, and breed among 
the pinous. 
33. Pica melanoleuca { L.), var. hudsonica, Sab.—Magpie. 
The magpie is a very common inhabitant of the valleys, being naturally fond of the 
densest thickets that fringe the various streams, where they build their nests. The 
bird plays an important role as a scavenger, and the slaughter-houses form the centers 
around which all the individuals of a locality congregate. 
34. Cyanocitta floridana (Bartr.), var. californica, Vigors.—Californian Ground Jay. 
This species crosses the Sierra range, and is found along the eastern slope of the 
mountains. It reaches, however, no farther than the foot-hills, but is soon replaced to 
the east by the closely allied form, the VVoodhouse’s Jay, ( Cyanocitta var. woodhousei.) 
I found it numerous in the brush of the foot-hills ; not present in the pine woods of the 
mountains. By Novembor all had passed farther south. 
TYRANNIDiE. 
35. Tyrannus verticalis, Say.—Arkansas Flycatcher. 
A very abundant species about Carson, where they nest in the shade-trees along the 
streets. They leave for the south in August, and by the last of the month all had de¬ 
parted. 
35. Sayornis sayus (Bon.).—Say’s Flycatcher. 
A single specimen was taken September 8. The species is doubtless a common one 
during the summer. 
ALCEDINIDiE. 
37. Cerylc alcyon (L.).—Kingfisher. 
Common on all the streams. 
CAPRIMULGID2E. 
38. Antroslomus nuttalli (Aud.).—Nuttall’s Poor will. 
Present in considerable numbers during summer. The species migrates during the 
month of September, and is then very frequently starttd up from among the scrub and 
brush of the hillsides. 
39. Chordeiles popctue (Vieill.), var. henryi , Cass.—Western Night-Hawk. 
Numerous iu the valleys. All had disappeared by the last of August. 
TROCHILID^E. 
40. Selasphorus rufus (Gmel.).—Rufous-backed Humming Bird. 
An occasional individual seen, which had strayed down from the neighboring mount 
ains. Probably not found in the valleys at all iu summer. 
