Harporhynchus rufus (I, 37). According to Mr. Allen (Bull. Mus. Comp. Zoöl., Vol. III, No. 6, p. 134) this species is found on the eastern slope of the Rocky Mountains in Colorado. It is not included in the “Birds of California,” but Dr. Cooper states that in September, 1870, he found a straggler at Clear Lake, close to the lower town. It was in a thicket with its western cousins, but possessed unmistakably all the characteristics of the eastern bird. Unfortunately, it was not secured. As this species is short-winged and nearly resident in many localities, its occurrence so far from its usual resort is somewhat remarkable. It had none of the appearance of a cage-bird.
Harporhynchus curvirostris, var. palmeri (I, 43). Four specimens from Tucson, Arizona, were recently forwarded for examination by Dr. Coues, collected by the indefatigable Captain Bendire, U. S. A., when stationed at that post. The specimens are all true palmeri in the characters which definitely separate it from curvirostris, its nearest ally, and show the seasonal discrepancies in the shades of color. A male and female, collected in November, differ from the types, which are summer birds, in being of a brownish-plumbeous above, even more ashy than in any specimens of curvirostris which we have seen. In all other respects, however, they are typical examples of var. palmeri, and substantiate the validity of this well-marked form. The measurements of these two specimens are as follows:—
- ♂. Wing, 4.50; tail, 4.90; culmen, 1.45; tarsus, 1.25; middle toe, 1.00.
- ♀. Wing, 4.20; tail, 4.80; culmen, 1.40; tarsus, 1.20; middle toe, .90.
The description of this form was first published by Dr. Coues in “Key to North American Birds” (October, 1872), p. 351, the type being specimen No. 61,589, Mus. S. I.
Harporhynchus bendirei, Coues (Am. Nat. Vol. VII, June, 1873, p. 330, fig. 69).
Char. Nearly similar to H. palmeri in color, but whiter on the breast, and apparently more ochraceous on the flanks. Much smaller than H. palmeri, with smaller and very differently shaped bill. Male (not adult), No. 2,686, Mus. E. C. Wing, 4.10; tail, 4.50; culmen, 1.15; tarsus, 1.20; middle toe, .88. Female (adult), No. 2,688, Mus. E. C. Wing, 3.80; tail, 4.40; culmen, 1.15; tarsus, 1.15; middle toe, .88.
Hab. Tucson, Arizona.
This new form Dr. Coues considers to be most nearly related to the H. cinereus of Cape St. Lucas; and judging from its eggs, lately sent to the Smithsonian Institution by Captain Bendire, such appear to be really its affinities.
The eggs sent by Captain Bendire (No. 16,486, Mus. S. I.) measure 1.00 in length by .80 in breadth, and are three in number. Their ground-color is a dull bluish-white, spotted with a very faint shade of reddish-brown, the spots thickest round the larger end.