617, ♀ ad., same locality and date. Length, 10.60; extent, 12; wing, 3.78; tarsus, 1.32; tail, 4.91; bill (chord of culmen), 1.32; bill from nostril, .94; width below posterior angle of nostril, .24. “Iris reddish-brown; bill black; legs nearly black. Stomach contained a small species of katydid and some ants.”
9. Harporhynchus crissalis Henry. Crissal Thrasher.—Not uncommon near Tombstone, Tucson and Camp Lowell.
Dr. Coues, comparing this species with Le Conte’s, Palmer’s, and Bendire’s Thrashers, concludes:[[44]] “and we are led to infer that when the ‘topography’ of the other three species is fully determined, it will be found no less extensive. For there is nothing peculiar in the economy or requirements of any one of the four in comparison with the rest.” This view, however, is hardly supported by the testimony of observers who have had the best opportunities of studying these birds. The Crissal Thrasher, according to Captain Bendire,[[45]] “appears to prefer damp localities near water-courses, and confines itself principally to spots where the wild currant is abundant.” Mr. Henshaw says: “According to my experience, it is not a bird of the plains, but inhabits by preference the rough sides of rocky cañons or the hillsides covered with broken débris, interspersed with straggling bushes.” Mr. Stephens’ evidence is not less explicit. He found the Crissal Thrasher in copses in valleys, and along streams. It was especially fond of well-shaded undergrowth, and spent much of its time on the ground, searching for food under the bushes. It never occurred among cactuses, and the only place where he saw it actually associating with Bendire’s and Palmer’s Thrashers, was at Camp Lowell, where the latter species, with other desert birds, came to drink at a water-hole and thus occasionally mingled with the Crissal Thrashers which inhabited the neighboring thickets. The contrast which these traits afford when compared with the ones characterizing the other three species named by Dr. Coues, is sufficiently apparent.[[46]]
A nest received from Mr. Stephens is precisely similar to those found by Captain Bendire. The three eggs which it contained measure respectively, 1.14×.76, 1.14×.75, and 1.08×.77. Like all the specimens which have been previously reported they are entirely unspotted, and both in size and color closely resemble eggs of the common Robin.
Juv., first plumage (♀, No. 546, Camp Lowell, June 20). Above dull reddish-brown. Rump and a broad tipping on the tail, brownish-chestnut. Under parts nearly uniform, brownish-fulvous. Crissum chestnut, of nearly the same shade as in the adult. Maxillary stripes dusky brown. No trace of spots or other dark markings either above or beneath.
Five other young birds in the series are essentially similar and call for no special comment. I cannot find any description of the first plumage of either H. redivivus or H. lecontei, but with the exception of these, H. crissalis is the only North American species in the sub-family Miminæ whose young are entirely unmarked beneath. It is interesting to note that with respect to the color of the upper parts, especially that of the rump, they resemble the young of both H. bendirei and H. palmeri.
The individual variation presented by the adults before me is chiefly confined to the relative length and curvature of the bill, the general coloring of all being nearly uniform, although the breeding birds are slightly paler than those taken early in the season.
166, ♂ ad., near Tombstone, April 5. Length, 12.10; extent, 12.30; “Iris light brown. Stomach contained insects and a small lizard.”
251, ♂ ad., Tucson, April 21. Length, 12.60; extent, 12.60; wing, 4.11; tail, 6.25; chord of culmen, 1.56. “Iris light gray,—almost white.”
278, ♂ ad., Tucson, April 25. Length, 12.10; extent, 12.50; wing, 3.84; tail, 6.20; culmen, 1.47.