FINCHES, SPARROWS, ETC.: RED-BACKED JUNCO 741 
nest with four fresh eggs was found 20 miles northeast of Cloudcroft at 7,000 feet, 
June 16, 1917 (Ligon) ], at least to an equal altitude on the Capitan Mountains 
(Gaut), and south to the Guadalupe Mountains (Bailey), breeding in these last at 
7,500-8,500 feet. 
In western New Mexico it was taken, June 29, 1905, at Fort Wingate, 7,000 feet 
(Hollister), and was undoubtedly breeding there as it was also at Bear Ridge, in the 
neighboring Zuni Mountains, where it was taken, June 15, 1909 (Goldman). Here 
it was breeding most commonly at about 8,000 feet, but a few were seen near the 
summits at 9,000 feet. It was collected at about 9,000 feet in the San Mateo Moun¬ 
tains, August 16, 1905, and at about the same altitude in the Datil Mountains, 
October 6, 1905 (Hollister); in both cases having probably nested not far distant. 
Near the head of the Mimbres River at 7,500-8,000 feet it was breeding, May 24, 
1906 (Bailey), and at Big Rocky Creek, 8,000 feet, August 21, 1908 (Birdseye). [It 
nests to the south end of the Black Range. On July 28, 1920, a nest with three 
fresh eggs was found 10 miles north of Pinos Altos, at 6,200 feet; on August 17, 1919, 
a nest with eggs was found 30 miles southwest of Chloride, south of Main Diamond, 
at 7,200 feet (Ligon, 1916-1918).] Later in the season in the neighboring Mogollon 
Mountains it was abundant from 7,000 feet to above 10,000 feet during October 
(Goldman), but it is not probable that it nested much if any above 9,000 feet. At 
Lone Mountain a specimen was taken by C. H. Marsh, January 15, 1882 (Bat- 
chelder).—W. W. Cooke. 
General Habits. —A typically well concealed nest of the Red- 
backed Junco found by Mr. Ligon in the Chloride region was hidden 
under a small pine that had spread over the ground and caught dead 
leaves, making a thick supporting mat as well as a dark base for the 
inconspicuous nest of bark and dead grass with its slight lining of hair. 
To further protect it from prowling enemies, a small bowlder stood beside 
it, blocking the entrance. Perhaps the builder had had sad experiences. 
A troubled mother found on her nest by Mr. Henshaw, “glided off 
through the grass, fluttering about and feigning lameness.” 
During the nesting season, Major Goldman found this Junco one 
of the most abundant birds in the middle slopes of the Zuni Mountains, 
while a few were to be seen in the densest growth on the highest north 
slopes. The males were heard singing at all hours of the day from 
perches on fallen tree tops and small pines. 
In late July, when Mr. Gaut secured a fledged young in the Capitan 
Mountains, the Juncos were very numerous at the higher altitudes, 
especially in deep canyons, where they could be seen feeding among the 
dead leaves, as he said, scratching much like chickens. 
In late August one shot from a flock, at the upper edge of the 
yellow pines in the Jemez Mountains, had nearly completed its molt into 
adult plumage, though its head still had a speckled appearance, and 
many pinfeathers were in evidence. 
Late in October, Major Goldman found the Red-backs abundant 
from below Mogollon up to the higher summits of the range. Small 
parties were everywhere hopping about, scratching among the leaves 
through the thin snow, and when startled rising and alighting on the 
