48. Spizella domestica arizonæ (Coues) Ridg. Western Chipping Sparrow.—Rare during the winter. More numerous after Feb. 13. This form is new to the State.
49. Spizella breweri, Cass. Brewer’s Sparrow.—One specimen, March 5, amongst sterile hills. Doubtless is not rare in suitable localities, of which there are none in the immediate vicinity of the village.
50. Spizella pusilla (Wils.) Bp. Field Sparrow.—Common during my stay.
51. Junco hyemalis (Linn.) Scl. Black Snowbird.—Common during my stay.
52. Junco oregonus (Towns.) Scl. Oregon Snowbird.—Uncommon. In addition to the specimens typical of the two Juncos here given, I acquired a series of very puzzling examples intermediate between the two. Such connecting links between the accepted species are perhaps best accounted for under Mr. Ridgway’s theory[[20]] of hybridization, until it can be decisively shown that they are an effect of climatic causes.
53. Peucæa ruficeps eremœca,[[21]] Brown. Rock Sparrow.—This beautiful Sparrow was uncommon though apparently resident at Boerne. I found it altogether in rocky localities, usually in close proximity to the creek, but occasionally upon barren hills, a mile or more from water. It has the same shy, skulking habits which are familiar in other species of the genus, rarely taking wing, on the approach of an intruder, so long as rock, bush or weed affords a hiding place. The male’s song, which I first heard on Feb. 25, is a pretty warble, not strongly accentuated, and quite unsparrowlike,—equalling neither in sweetness nor in quality of music, the beautiful chant of P. æstivalis. Before becoming thoroughly familiar with it, I more than once attributed it to some unknown Warbler. The call-note is extremely fine and sharp, suggesting the eep of Ampelis cedrorum.
54. Melospiza fasciata (Gm.) Scott. Song Sparrow.—Rare throughout my stay. Specimens are not typical of this form, but are not referable to any of the western varieties.[[22]]
55. Melospiza lincolni (Aud.) Bd. Lincoln’s Finch.—Arrived March 4; common thereafter.
56. Passerella iliaca (Merrem) Sw. Fox Sparrow.—Two or three individuals met with. This species was detected in the valley of the Brazos by Mr. L. Kumlien,[[23]] but is not included in the papers of other Texas collectors.
57. Pipilo maculatus megalonyx (Bd.) Coues. Spurred Towhee.—To this form I refer a large series of Pipilos, which is by far the most remarkable of the many curious series from this locality. The relation of some specimens to restricted maculatus and the variety arcticus is indicated in the extract from Mr. Ridgway’s letter, under M. fasciata. Other examples are links in the chain of evidence that is gradually accumulating against the specific distinctness of Pipilo erythrophthalmus. Indeed, I am not sure that they may not be considered as establishing the intergradation between that form and the maculatus group. The extreme approach to the eastern bird is seen in a single specimen, in which the white spotting, partially concealed, appears upon the outer scapulars alone, and there only in very slight measure.