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Show 1 3 1 0 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS. 29. Slurnelfa magna ( L.), var. neglecta.- Western Meadow Lark. Very numerous both in summer and winter, being chiefly found in the pastures, but frequenting to some extent the sage- brush. 30. Scolecophagu8 cyanocephalus ( 6m.).- Brewer's Blackbird. More numerous even than the red- wings, as, too, more generally distributed. In winter they may be seen in almost any situation. CORVID^ E. 31. Cor v us corax L., var. carnivorus Bartr.- American Riven. A common resident. 32. Gymnokitta cyanocephyala Maxim.- Blue Crow. Not an inhabitant of the valleys proper at any season, bat often seen in large flocks flying from one range of pinon hills to another. They are resident, and breed among the piBons. 33. Pica mrtanoletica ( L.), var. huisonica, 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 Woodhouse's Jay, { Cyanocitta var. woodkousei.) 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. TYRANNID. 3S. 35. Tyrannus vertioalis, 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 departed. 36. Sayornis saym ( Bon.).- Say's Flycatcher. A single specimen was taken September 8. The species is doubtless a common one during the summer. ALCEDINHX&. 37. Ceryle alcyon ( L.).- Kingfisher. Common on all the streams. CAPRIMULGIDuE. 33. Antro8tomu8 nuttalU ( Aud.).- Nuttali's Poor will. Present in considerable numbers dnring summer.. The species migrates during the month of September, aud is then very frequently starttd up from among the scrub and brush of the hillsides. 39. Chordeiles popetue ( Vieill.), var. kenryi, Cass.- Western Night- Hawk. Numerous in the valfeys. All had disappeared by the last of August. TROCHILIOE. 40. SelasphoriM rufu8 ( Grael.).- 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 in summer. |
