11. Auriparus flaviceps, (Sund.)
I have not observed this species in the immediate vicinity of Fort Brown, but it was rather common at Edinburgh in April and May, frequenting mostly amargosa chaparral. Several of its carious nests were found placed on horizontal branches of ebony and amargosa bushes about five feet from the ground. The outside was composed of thorny twigs well interlaced: the inside was warmly lined with fur and feathers. The entrance was at one side, barely large enough to admit the bird, and somewhat projecting, giving the entire nest an oval shape. The birds were excessively shy, and were obtained with difficulty.—(Sennett, B. Rio Grande, 6.)
12. *Thryothonis ludovicianus var. berlandieri, Couch.
A rather common resident, and found in all situations. Its song and habits are probably not different from those of the Great Carolina Wren. Although several pairs breed each year within the fort, I did not succeed in finding their nests, which I think were placed in some thick brush piles and fences. At least two broods are raised, and the scarcely Hedged young show the characteristic rufous of the under parts. A set of four eggs of this variety now before me, taken near Edinburgh in an old Woodpecker's excavation, average .73 × .54. In three, the ground-color is white with a reddish tinge, thickly dotted with reddish and pale lilac, especially at the larger end. The fourth has the groundcolor a warm reddish like many eggs of the House Wren. A young brood frequented a pile of brush near camp at Edinburgh: they were very tame, coming into my tent and examining its contents with the greatest interest, not minding my presence in the least. The notes are loud and varied, but I am not able to say how much they may differ from those of var. ludovicianus.—(T. ludovicianus berlandieri, Sennett, B. Rio Grande, 8.)
13. *Thryomanes bewicki var. leucogaster, Baird.
- ↑ Mr. Bennett's specimens having been compared with the extensive series, embracing the several races of this species, in the National Museum collection, prove to he the var. leucogaster of Baird, and not the true bewicki. The National Museum possesses two specimens of the latter from Waller County and Brazos, Texas, but none from the Rio Grande, where probably only the var. leucogaster occurs, while it also probably does not penetrate farther into the State. The two specimens of true bewicki alluded to above were captured December 13 and 14, 1876, and were perhaps merely winter visitors. They are absolutely typical of the race, and, when compared with Mr. Sennett's specimens, the great difference in coloring is at once apparent.—R. R.
