This plain-plumaged and sober-looking bird is another of the feathered inhabitants of the mountainous wilds of California and New Mexico. Numerous specimens have been brought in the various collections which have been made in those countries, and it may be regarded as one of the most abundant of the peculiar species of Western America.
It was first described, however, by Mr. Swainson, from Mexican specimens.
Our friend, T. Charlton Henry, M. D., of the United States Army, a zealous and talented young naturalist, who has been for some years in New Mexico, has noticed this bird at all seasons in that country. For much valuable and satisfactory information relating to the birds to be included in the present work, we are indebted to this gentleman, amongst whose notes in our possession we find the following, relating to the species now before the reader:—
“This bird is common in New Mexico during both summer and winter, and so far as I have observed, lives almost entirely in the mountains. It is very retiring in its habits, and seems to prefer the cañons; indeed, I have seldom observed it far from some shady gorge, where, like its relative of the Eastern States, the Towhe-Bunting (Pipilo erythropthalma), it passes the greater part of its time on the ground, and is generally accompanied by its congener, the Arctic Ground Finch (Pipilo arctica). When disturbed, it seeks the thickest cover, though it is by no means shy nor difficult to approach. Its nest is usually constructed in the thick branches of a cedar or dwarf oak, and I am not aware of its producing more than a single brood in a season.
“The only note that I have ever heard this bird utter, is a simple chirp, somewhat resembling that of the Fox Sparrow (F. iliaca), but more subdued. It is usually to be met with in pairs, at all seasons.”
Col. McCall observed this bird to be abundant also in California, and with his usual kindness, has furnished a notice of it for our present article.
“The habitat of this species, I am inclined to believe, extends throughout California, as I met with it from the upper waters of the Sacramento river to the mouth of the Gila, the former having its origin in the north, the latter debouching at the extreme southern boundary of the State; yet, it is by far the most abundant from Santa Barbara southwardly.
Plate 17
The Cañon Finch
Pipilo fusca (Swainson)
“The habits and manners of this species differ somewhat from those of its relatives, the Towhe and the Arctic Finch (P. erythropthalmus, and P. arctica). Its flight is more even and regular, as it is without that violent jerking of the tail from side to side which gives such singularity and appearance of awkwardness to the movements of the Towhe. It is also less shy and suspicious than the Arctic Finch, which I occasionally met with in the same regions. The latter I had previously observed with attention in New Mexico, where I procured specimens; and all my observations lead me to pronounce the present species less decidedly a Ground Finch than either of the others, although all are doubtless closely allied.