DEARBORN

Catalogue of a Collection of
Birds from Guatemala

QL
687
G9
D42

FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY.

PUBLICATION 125.
ORNITHOLOGICAL SERIES. VOL. i, No. 3.

CATALOGUE OF A COLLECTION
OF BIRDS FROM GUATEMALA

NED DEARBORN,

Assistant Curator of Ornithology.

RLES B. CORY, Curator of Department of Zoology.

CHICAGO, U. S. A.
November, 1907.

FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY.

ORNITHOLOGY, VOL. I, PLATE I.

FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY.

PUBLICATION 125.
ORNITHOLOGICAL SERIES. VOL. i, No. 3.

CATALOGUE OF A COLLECTION
OF BIRDS FROM GUATEMALA

BY

NED DEARBORN,
z\ssistant Curator of Ornithology.

CHARLES B. CORY, Curator of Department of Zoology.

CHICAGO, U. S. A.

November, 1907.

CATALOGUE OF A COLLECTION OF BIRDS FROM
GUATEMALA

BY NED DEARBORN

The collection of birds treated in this paper was derived from
three sources. Messrs. Edmund Heller and Charles M. Barber, who
spent the winter of 1904-5 in Guatemala making general collections
for the Department of Zoology, supplied 49; Mr. Barber, who con-
tinued the general collecting the following year, furnished 138; and
the writer, making birds his chief object, collected 1,000 during the
early part of the year 1906. The total number, then, is 1,187, com-
prising 305 species and subspecies, mostly skins, though several
skeletons and alcoholic specimens are included. All localities repre-
sented by specimens are indicated on the accompanying map, which
also shows the route followed by the writer.

This route, for the most part, was the line of least resistance.
From Puerto Barrios, the port of entry, to El Rancho, the Guatemala
Northern R. R. furnished convenient transportation; and from
Guatemala City to Mazatenango and San Jose", by way of Esquintla,
the Guatemala Central R. R. was employed. Between El Rancho
and Guatemala City, and from Patulul to Tecpam and back to
Guatemala City, it was necessary to go on horseback, pack horses or
Indians being employed to carry luggage, according to which hap-
pened to be the more convenient. As a rule, however, an Indian mozo
is preferable to a horse as a carrier for packages of 100 pounds or less.

The localities visited and the days spent in collecting at each,
are as follows: El Rancho, January 4th to nth; Los Amates, Jan-
uary 1 5th to February 9th; Puerto Barrios, February i2th; Gualan,
February 1 4th to lyth; Lake Amatitlan, February 24th to ayth;
San Jose", March 5th to 9th; Mazatenango, March i5th to 2ist; Pa-
tulul, March 23d to April 5th; Lake Atitlan, April 7th to loth;
Tecpam, April nth to isth. The physical aspects of these places,
and the conditions encountered at each of»them, have such a bearing
on the collection that a prefatory word concerning them is not im-
pertfnent.

El Rancho, the first stopping place, has an elevation of about
1,000 feet. Its dry season is long, and the rainy season is somewhat
uncertain. In January the earth presents a baked appearance.

69

70 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY — ORNITHOLOGY, VOL. I.

Cacti are common, and away from the river very few trees have
foliage. By ascending the mountains to the north of the town,
green trees and brooks of cool water may be found, but these all
disappear long before reaching the valley. Perhaps the most striking
object in the landscape of the valley is the tree cactus (Cereus),
which is the especial home of the Santa Cruz woodpecker (C. sancta-
cruzi] and the cactus wren (H. capistratus) . Its fruit is much sought
by orioles and the long-tailed jays. Birds were fairly abundant.
In addition to the species secured here, may be mentioned the man-
grove swallow (7. albilinea) and the killdeer (0. vociferus), neither
of which is represented in the collection.

Los Amates, elevation about 60 feet, is in the rubber country.
The village is on the bank of the Motagua River, and the region
immediately surrounding it is densely covered with a great variety
of vegetation. It is practically useless to attempt to collect away
from the railroad or a path of some sort. Two weeks were spent at
Finca Chapulco, a rubber plantation, three or four miles from the
village. Mr. William McFarlane, manager of this estate, is not
only a good host but a most agreeable companion, and the stay there
was pleasant as well as profitable, — notwithstanding the rain which
fell twelve out of the fourteen days. This region, away from the
river, offers occasional ridges covered with pine (P. caribaea), and
also open savannas bearing a coarse grass as high as one's head.
Many species of birds occur, but few of them are abundant, and the
rank nature of the vegetation makes collecting rather slow.

Puerto Barrios was visited in February for the purpose of sending
specimens to Chicago. The steamer was a day late, and an attempt
was made to do some collecting. The place is a swamp, the only
way out being over the railway. Birds were scarce and well nigh
impossible to obtain.

Gualan is at the head of canoe navigation on the Motagua River,
and just within the limits of the semi-arid area which extends up the
Motagua Valley far beyond El Rancho. Its altitude is about 250
feet. Its proximity to the swamp country makes it a particularly
good collecting ground, inasmuch as both lowland and upland species
are to be found, and in winter there are comparatively few obstruc-
tions to travel in any direction. The way from El Rancho to Guate-
mala City is mountainous, and until the Pacific side of the divide
was reached, perhaps 20 miles northeast of the city, very few birds
were seen.

The collecting at Lake Amatitlan was in the neighborhood of

Nov. 1907. BIRDS FROM GUATEMALA — DEARBORN 71

the narrow part of the lake, where the railroad crosses it. The
altitude is about 4,000 feet. The depth of the lake is about 100 feet,
deep water extending to within a few feet of the shore. A number
of hot springs are located along the southern margin. Excepting
where erosion has cut down the side of a mountain and filled a portion
of the lake, the strip of shore is narrow, — in places there are sheer
ascents from the water. Green vegetation was confined to the
lake shore, and practically all bird life was near the water. A num-
ber of species not encountered on the Atlantic slope were collected
here. The jay (C. melanocyanea) and the sparrow (M. biarcuatum)
were the two most striking species, both being new and abundant.

San Jose was the next locality visited. The heat here was so
great that it was found necessary to retreat to the highlands to
recuperate, at the end of five days. It is a good collecting ground,
however. The lagoons teem with wading birds, and in the woods
were found a number of forms not taken elsewhere. Near the beach
were found a number of species peculiar to mangrove swamps, while
the woods farther inland were well tenanted with birds, and not
too hard to get through.

Mazatenango and Patulul are similarly situated, their altitude
being about 1,800 feet. This region is watered by numerous streams
from the Cordilleras and is largely under cultivation, sugar and
coffee being the staple products. The forests contain some of the
finest trees that were seen anywhere, and where the underbrush has
been removed for planting coffee, finer conditions for collecting can
scarcely be imagined. The writer joined Mr. Barber at Patulul and
continued in his good company till the work was ended at Tecpam.
We were especially fortunate at Patulul in not only being granted the
privilege of hunting on property of the land holders, but furthermore,
in being entertained by them. Sr. Don Guillermo Peitzener, pro-
prietor of Finca San Julian, a sugar plantation, accorded us full
home privileges, with every convenience amply provided. Birds
were plentiful, and the collection grew rapidly there in such species
as inhabit cultivated land. When we wished to work the woodland
forms, we were given an equally cordial welcome at the coffee plan-
tation known as Finca San Fernando, by its owner, Sr. Don Frederico
Miiller- Winter and his gracious and accomplished wife. When
we came to this place after a ride on horseback over a narrow trail
for several miles through the forest, we named it Paradise, and still
hold that it is a credit to the name. Here is a home so remote from
commercial hurry, that nervous wrack is unthinkable. A mountain,

72 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY — ORNITHOLOGY, VOL. I.

with its base at the very door, on the one hand, a stream of
water on the other, a closer environment of useful and ornamental
trees and herbs, seclusion, books, a piano, a table well supplied from
two continents, — finding all this at San Fernando, and enjoying it,
we voted down the "Swiss Family Robinson" and set up a real ideal.

The north shore of Lake Atitlan, near Panajachel, which was our
next stopping place, is too precipitous to follow, except where two
small streams have worn out short valleys and made a little alluvial
soil. Bird life was confined almost entirely to these valleys and the
lake, which is about 5,000 feet above the sea, and has a depth of
about i.ooo feet. Here we first saw the mockingbird (M. g. guate-
malensis] , the whippoorwill (A . chiapensis) , the grebe (C. d. brachyp-
terus) and the fine, large humming-bird (C. rufus). We took two
days for the journey from the lake to Tecpam, in order that we might
collect some things that we had been unable to obtain previously.
Several miles of this road follow a barranca having a stream at the
bottom, and its sides well wooded with oak and pine. In this place
we secured the ant-eating woodpecker (M. formicivorous] , the black-
eared bushtit (P. melanotis) and the swift (S. zonaris). The altitude
of this gorge is about 6,500 feet.

The region about Tecpam presents a striking contrast, in both
fauna and flora, to the lowlands. In the vicinity of the town
the land is mainly under cultivation, but towards the northwest, only
a few miles away, rises Sierra Santa Elena to the height of about
10,000 feet, covered with forest to its summit. The altitude of the
town is about 7,500 feet. As one ascends the mountain he finds
the long-leaved pine to be the common tree between 8,000 and 9,000
feet, but above the latter elevation cypress trees exclude all other
varieties. We passed a night and a day as guests of Sr. Don Guil-
lermo Thorn, who lives on the mountain at about 9,500 feet, and is
the only practical forester in the republic. Here, again, we found
a real home, having all the comforts desired by refined people, in
the heart of a cypress forest five days' journey by ox-team from the
source of supplies, Guatemala City. Here we found the junco (/.
alticola), the kinglet (R. s. darus), the green toucan (.4. prasinus),
the thrush (C. f. alticola} , the red warbler (E. versicolor] and other
species not seen elsewhere. The cypress woods are quite impene-
trable without an ax. Fallen trees, thick bushes and long dripping
moss make it almost impossible to move out of the cleared paths. A
longer stay at Tecpam would have been profitable, but three days
were all that could be spared for it.

Nov. 1907. BIRDS FROM GUATEMALA — DEARBORN. 73

Thanks are due, and are hereby heartily rendered, to Mr. F. G.
Williamson, General Manager of the Guatemala Northern R. R., and
Col. W. P. Tisdel, Assistant Manager of the Guatemala Central R. R.,
for assistance in transportation; to Consul General Winslow and
Vice Consul Owen, both of whom did all in their power to give assist-
ance, which on at least one occasion was sorely needed; and to Mr.
William Mac Farlane, Sr. Don Guillermo Peitzener, Sr. Don Frederico
Miiller- Winter and Sr. Don Guillermo Thorn for hunting privileges
and hospitality.

It is also a pleasure to acknowledge the kindness of Dr. J. A. Allen,
of the American Museum of Natural History of New York, Prof.
Robert Ridgway, of the Smithsonian Institution, and Dr. C. Hart
Merriam, Chief of the Biological Survey at Washington, in allowing
specimens to be sent from the collections in their charge to aid in
the study of this collection; and to Mr. E. W. Nelson, Chief Field
Naturalist of the Biological Survey, whose knowledge of the birds
of Mexico is unequaled, for advice on several doubtful points.

In the following notes, particular attention has been given to dates
of capture of such specimens as were migrants from North America,
and to all cases of moulting. There are few data published relating
to the time when such birds as have -a distinctive nuptial plumage
acquire it. It may be here remarked, that the resident birds were
very rarely found to show any signs of a spring moult, while the
migrants taken in April and the latter part of March, as a rule were
putting out new feathers. Cases of individual variation have been
mentioned, and, while the naturalist bent on collecting, finds scant
time to study habits, such as were apparent have been recorded.
Colors are designated, as far as possible, according to Ridgway's
Nomenclature of Colors.

Family Podicipeclidse.

1. Colymbus dominicus brachypterus Chapman.

Seven specimens were taken at Lake Atitlan between March 4th
and April gth. Only one of them, a female, was in nuptial plumage.
Two other females, which were assuming the breeding dress, had the
chin white and the throat black; showing that the progress of moult
on this area is towards the bill. One of the males had shed all the
primaries of both wings, the pins for the new primaries being about

74 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY — ORNITHOLOGY, VOL. I.

5 mm. in length. None of the other specimens show any lack of
primaries. These little grebes were found in company with C. n.
californicus and rarely strayed from a patch of floating vegetation.
Iris yellow near the pupil, changing to orange at the periphery.

2. Colymbus nigricollis californicus (Heermann).

Three were collected at Lake Amatitlan and five at Lake Atitlan.
They were common at the latter lake March 2oth. Those taken at
Lake Amatitlan (Feb. 24) were all in winter plumage. A male taken
by Mr. Barber at Lake Atitlan (Feb. 23) has the throat black, only
the cheeks and chin remaining white, yet no sign of the ochraceus
postocular tufts is visible. The lesser wing coverts of this specimen
are tinged with light bay, and another male taken a day earlier had
this color on all the upper wing coverts, the majority of the lesser
coverts being entirely bay, while the greater coverts were only spotted
with it at the tip. Bay wing coverts are evidently an individual
variation of rather uncommon occurrence. A male and a female
taken the 2oth and i5th of March respectively, are nearly in full
plumage, the former having a sprinkling of dark bay across the
lower part of the foreneck, not found on any other specimen. Iris
flame-scarlet near pupil, fading outwardly to white.

Family Pelecaiiiclre.

3. Pelecanus californicus Ridgway.

A single specimen was secured from a small flock that daily
appeared along the beach at San Jose. This was an immature
female.

Family Aiiaticla*.

4. Querquedula discors (Linnxus).

A single female was taken by Mr. Barber (Feb. 23d) at Lake
Atitlan. None were found on Lake Amatitlan the last week in Feb-
ruary. The deep waters of these lakes may not afford good feeding
grounds for them. At all events they were scarce.

Nov. 1907. BIRDS FROM GUATEMALA — DEARBORN. 75

Family Ardeiclse.

5. Heterocnus cabanisi Heine.

One of these bitterns was shot beside a brook in a growth of
heavy timber near Los Amates. Another was flushed from a wet
place out in an open savanna where grass grew high as one's head.
Iris yellow; throat yellow; ocular and loral area, greenish yellow.

6. Cochlearis zeledoni (Ridgway).

Two birds of this species were discovered in a large, densely foli-
aged tree standing on the bank of the Motagua river at Gualan. One
of them was secured; no others were seen. The land in this vicinity
is high and rolling and offers no other feeding place for herons than
the shores of the river, which are rather abrupt.

7. Butorides virescens (Linnceus).

This species was found generally distributed, but nowhere abun-
dant. One specimen was procured at Los Amates and another at

Lake Atitlan.

Family Rallidse.

8. Porzana Carolina (Linnaeus).

Three of this species were taken at Lake Atitlan between Feb-
ruary 23d and March pth, and one at Lake Amatitlan February 6th.
All had black throats, only one having this color intermixed with
gray. A narrow fringe of rushes along the shores of these lakes is
all the shelter rails can find, and it is not surprising that they appear
to winter there in small numbers.

9. Qallinula galeata (Lichtensteiri) .

The only specimen of this gallinule, that was seen, was taken at
Lake Amatitlan February 26th. It was in a patch of rushes on the
shore of the lake near a thermal spring where the water is always
quite warm.

10. Fulica americana (Gmeliri).

Hundreds of these birds throng near the shores of lakes Amatitlan
and Atitlan all winter. Only three specimens were taken.

76 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY— ORNITHOLOGY, VOL. I.

Family Heliomithidse.

11. Heliornis fulica (Boddaert}.

A single specimen, the only one seen, was obtained in a small but
rather swift tributary of the Motagua river near Los Amates. It
acted very much like a grebe, diving and trying to make its escape
under water, though it did not stay down long at a time. Its stomach
contained aquatic insects. Iris deep brown.

Family Scolopacidse.

12. Actitis macularias (Linn&us).

Two specimens were secured at Lake Atitlan, one on February
27th, the other April 8th. The latter had the outer primary of each
wing about half grown; the other remiges are full-grown and un-
abraded. Along the flanks of this specimen are a few spotted feathers,
not yet fully developed, otherwise the under parts are in winter con-
dition — unspotted. Excepting the nape, the upper parts are
freshly moulted. The February specimen has worn plumage through-
out. This species was also seen at El Rancho and Lake Amatitlan,
but was not common anywhere.

13. Helodromus solitarius (Wilson).

One specimen of this species was taken at Los Amates February
2d, but it was ruined by ants. None were seen elsewhere.

14. Actodromus minutilla (Vieillof).

A pair of this species was secured from a flock of forty or more
at Los Amates February 2d. None were seen elsewhere.

Family Timuuicla*.

15. Crypturus soui meserythrus Sclater.

Three specimens were obtained near Los Amates, where they
appear to be common. They are difficult to see as they live in the
dense forests and will not stir until one is about to step on them.

Nov. 1907. BIRDS FROM GUATEMALA — DEARBORN. 77

An egg, said by the natives to belong to this species, was brought in
some time in April. Iris light olive.

Family Tetraoiiidse.

16. Cyrtonyx ocellatus Gould.

This handsome quail was first seen on the road from Lake Atitlan
to Tecpam at an altitude of about 7,000 feet. They frequent corn-
fields and, in that brushy, mountainous country, there is not much
use in hunting them anywhere else. Two specimens, purchased by
Mr. .Barber from an Indian, who had them alive, were all that could
be obtained. These were taken near Tecpam at an altitude of about
7,600 feet. Iris clove-brown.

Family Cracidre.

17. Crax globicera Linmeus.

Curasows are not uncommon in the bottom lands about Los
Amates, but one must learn their habits if he would collect them
successfully. In February they appeared regularly each afternoon
in some tall trees which at that season were clad only in yellow
foliage. When wandering about in the jungle, it is only by good
luck that one finds them. Four specimens, three males and a female,
were taken, all adult. The irides of two of the males were dark
red, while those of the female and the other male, which, judging
by the small size of the excrescence at the base of its bill, was some-
what younger than the other two, were seal brown.

18. Penelope purpurascens Wagler.

The habitat of this species, like that of the curasow, is in the
dense swamps, where it feeds on fruits of trees. It flies with vigor,
and seems quite at home among the branches. All told, seven
specimens were taken, all adults. In hunting them, a dog to flush
them when they were on the ground, and send them into the trees,
was found useful. When thus disturbed they were easy to discover,
and not difficult to approach within gunshot. The naked ocular
and loral space in life is bright blue, the throat is red, the iris dark
wine-color, and the legs carmine.

78 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY — ORNITHOLOGY, VOL. I.

19. Ortalis vetula plumbeiceps Gray.

This chachalaca, or chacha as it is called by the natives of Guate-
mala, was found to be rather common in the lowlands, and adjacent
portions of the upland country. They were noted at Gualan, which
is well above the swamps though not remote from them, but not at
El Rancho. Shortly after sunrise and at intervals during the day,
they utter their resounding cries, of which the word cha-cha-la-ca is
perhaps as good an imitation as can be put into printed syllables.
When these vocal evolutions are in progress it is difficult to decide how
many birds are calling, or where they are located, except as to general
direction. Judging from their cries they are occasionally on or near
the ground, but all that were seen were in trees. During the day
they remain in heavy timber, but morning and evening they come
to the edges of the clearings and to the cane brakes along the streams.
Three examples were secured at Los Amates. These had the throat
flesh color, the bill and feet horn-blue and the irides dark brown.

20. Ortalis leucogastra (Gould}.

The white-bellied chachalaca was found only at San Jose. Here
it was tolerably common, but at neither Patulul nor Mazatenango
was it seen or heard. This bird was seen to take rather long flights
high above the timber. It flies with neck straight and crest raised,
which, with its long tail, give it an unusual contour. Its flight is
direct and steady, and of moderate speed. The colors of iris and
other soft parts are like those of plumbeiceps.

Family Columbidw.

21. Columba flavirostris Wagler.

A single specimen of this pigeon, taken at San Jose, was the only
one recognized anywhere in the country. Iris orange; eyelids and
base of bill red; tip of bill white.

22. Columba rufina Temminck and Knip.

The only pigeons of this species, that were found, were two taken
at Los Amates, January 27th. Pigeons were numerous in that
region, but the thick vegetation usually made it impossible to dis-
tinguish one species from another in the trees. It is probable that
rufina is common there. These specimens, both females, show con-
siderable variation in color of the interscapulars, which may be due

FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY.

ORNITHOLOGY, VOL. I. PLATE II.

BREAST AND TRACHEA OF MALE

Ortalis -cetula plumbeiceps.

Nov. 1907. BIRDS FROM GUATEMALA — DEARBORN. 79

to a difference in age. One has this area plumbeus with a tinge of
purple ; the other, pale seal brown. The former is in perfect feather,
the latter has new tertials and inner primaries and outer secondaries,
the other remiges being faded and abraded. Iris and feet carmine;
bill black.

23. Columba fasciata Say.

Mr. Barber took one specimen at an elevation of 8,400 feet near
Tecpam. None were seen at lower altitudes.

24. Columba nigrirostris Sclater.

Three specimens, one from Puerto Barrios and two from Los
Amates, comprise the series. One of the lot, evidently immature,
has rusty margins on all of its wing feathers, and scatteringly else-
where. On the occiput and nape of this specimen the rusty-tipped
feathers were being replaced by those of grayish Indian purple
characteristic of adults. Iris pink in adults, orange in younger
birds; bill black; feet purple.

25. Zenaidura macroura (Linnceus).

Mourning doves, by thousands, throng the country between
Gualan and El Rancho, at least during the dry season, where they
live about the numerous corn fields which at that season are in the
harvest. One specimen wras taken at El Rancho.

26. Melopelia leucoptera (Linn&us).

White-winged doves were found associated with the last species
at El Rancho and elsewhere. Two specimens were taken, one at
El Rancho, the other near Tecpam.

27. Claravis pretiosa (Ferrari-Perez).

This dove was seen only in the Motagua valley near Los Amates.
It appeared to prefer shingly beaches along the forest streams instead
of cultivated land. Five specimens were secured. Iris lake red;
bill pale blue; feet flesh color.

28. Leptotila fulviventris brachyptera (Salvadori).
White-fronted doves were found common everywhere. Eleven

specimens were taken, as follows: One from Los Amates, one from
Gualan, one from Lake Amatitlan, one from Lake Atitlan, one at
8,400 feet, near Tecpam, five at Patulul and one at San Jose. They
were usually found in trees in the forest, and appeared to subsist

8o FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY — ORNITHOLOGY, VOL. I.

mainly on fruit. The irides of the male from San Jose" were red,
those of all the others were orange; bare ocular area and legs burnt
carmine; bill black.

29. Leptotila plumbeiceps (Sdater and Salviri).

One specimen was taken at Los Amates by Messrs. Heller and
Barber. None were seen by the writer. Iris lemon.

30. Scardafella inca (Lesson).

Inca doves were found to be as much a part of village life in El
Rancho and Gualan as English sparrows are at home. They are
such graceful, dainty little birds that it is to be hoped the time will
never come when the sparrows, which have neither manners nor
grace, will dispossess them. One was secured at Gualan and another
at El Rancho. None were noticed in the tierra caliente or in the
mountains. The female had orange irides, while those of the male
were red. Feet flesh color; bill pale at base and black at tip,

31. Chaemepelia passerina pallescens (Baird).

Four specimens were obtained, two at Gualan and two at Lake
Atitlan. It is an abundant species generally distributed. Iris Chi-
nese orange; bill burnt carmine.

32. Chaemepelia minuta (Linnaeus).

A female of this species, taken near Los Amates, was the only
individual known to have been seen. Iris red; bill pale horn; feet
flesh color.

33. Chcemepelia rufipennis (Bonaparte).

Rufus-winged doves were found only at comparatively low
altitudes. A pair was taken at Los Amates and one at San Jose".
Iris red; bill pale horn; feet flesh color.

Family Cathartidse.

34. Qypagus papa (Linnaeus).

At Los Amates six or eight king vultures came down to assist
the village pack of black vultures in disposing of a cow that had
died on an island in the Motagua river. Unlike the black vultures,

Nov. 1907. BIRDS FROM GUATEMALA — DEARBORN. 81

which constantly stood about the carcass, these patricians spent but
little time feeding, and when satisfied, ascended to the tops of some
trees in the vicinity. Two adult males and one immature female
were secured. Generally speaking, king vultures were scarce; aside
from those already mentioned, only two were seen during the entire
winter. The writer has yet to see a more beautiful bird than the
present species in life. Its black wings and tail, white under parts
and pale rose mantle are striking enough, but its chief beauty lies
in the brilliant coloring of its head and neck. A sketch in water
colors, carefully made from a fresh specimen, bears the following
colors, named according to Ridgway's Nomenclature of Colors:
Indian yellow, lemon-yellow, poppy-red, scarlet- vermilion, flame-
scarlet; flesh color, rose-purple, and Indian purple. Iris lemon-
yellow.

35. Cathartes aura (Linnaus).

Turkey buzzards were found at all altitudes. They frequent
mountains and open country, leaving the towns to the black vultures.
One specimen was taken. Iris dark brown.

36. Catharista urubu (Vieittot}.

In the towns black vultures vie with the pigs and dogs and chickens
as scavengers. They are more numerous than poultry and quite
as safe from violence. They understand the ways of humanity very
well, and quickly recognize signs of a coming feast. At one time,
two men were seen to bring armfuls of boughs and build a temporary
shelter from the sun on the dry bed of the river. The black vul-
tures gradually began to assemble. They stood in a circular line,
and saw a sheep brought down and slaughtered, and respectfully
waited till the men and their mutton had departed, when they made
short work of the offal. The slaughtering place of each town is their
especial rendezvous. Only one specimen was taken. Iris dark
brown.

Family Falconidfe.

37. Accipiter velox (Wilson).

An immature male, taken at Lake Atitlan April 8th, was the only
example of this species known to have been seen. Iris yellow.

82 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY — ORNITHOLOGY, VOL. I.

38. Accipiter chionogaster Kaup.

One specimen, a male, was taken by Mr. Barber at 8,500 feet,
near Tecpam. It is apparently not a common species in the regions
visited. Iris tawny; legs ochre; cere and eyelid gallstone-yellow.

39. Buteo platypterus (Vieillot).

In a heavy forest cleared of underbrush and planted to coffee,
near Patulul, this species was found to be common, but not so else-
where. Three adult specimens and two that were immature were
obtained between March 25th and April 3d.

40. Urubitinga anthracina (Lichtensteiri) .

Mexican black hawks were seen in the lowlands near both coasts
and also in the interior at least up to 5,000 feet. A pair of adults
was taken at San Jose. They were perched on a tree where they
had an extended view of the beach, whence they appeared to derive
their food. Iris dark brown; feet and base of bill yellow.

41. Asturina plagiata Schlegel.

Three specimens were taken in all, one adult and one immature
at Gualan, and another, also immature, at Patulul. At the latter
place, a pair was attending a nest high in an enormous tree that
stood in a field. What this nest contained there were no means
of finding out. The immature plumage of this species is so similar
to that of Buteo platypterus that at first sight it is difficult to dis-
tinguish them, but the white upper tail coverts and four emarginate
primaries are diagnostic characters of plagiata. Iris dark brown;

cere and legs yellow.

•

42. Rupornis ruficauda griseocauda (Ridgway).

This was the most abundant and easily approached hawk en-
countered in the republic. Four were taken at Los Amates and
one at San Jose. None were noted in the interior highlands. The
habits of this hawk are like those of the Buteos. They sit in exposed
places, where from a height they can keep close watch on the river
bank, open swamp or field that happens to be the hunting ground
of the particular individual. Only the outer rectrices of the San
Jose" specimen show even traces of rufus in the light bars; but this
color appears on all the rectrices of the Los Amates birds. Tris.
cere and feet vellow.

Nov. 1907. BIRDS FROM GUATEMALA — DEARBORX. 83

43. Spizaetus ornatus Daudin.

The only specimen seen was taken near Patulul by Mr. Barber.
This is in immature plumage, yet strikingly handsome with its white
head adorned by three long occipital plumes of dusky brown, white
under parts set off by heavy pectoral and axillary bars, and its
long legs, feathered to the toes and barred black and white. We
were told that this hawk occasionally visited the chicken yard. It
was shot from the top of a high tree in the woods, where it was sit-
ting apparently on the watch for prey. The irides of this bird were
straw-color; and they exhibited a graded depth of color from
lighter, next the supra-orbital process, to darker at the lower, un-
shaded portion. This feature has also been noticed in the eyes of
other large hawks. The increased pigmentation of the lower half
of the iris appears to offset the shading of the upper half by the
projecting supra-orbital process, and thereby to render the illumina-
tion of the retina more nearly uniform than would otherwise be
the case.

44. Ictinia plumbea (Gmeliri).

Several were seen at Los Amates, but only one was secured.
None were seen elsewhere. Iris maroon.

45. Falco albigularis Daudin.

One specimen was taken near Patulul and a pair at Mazatenango.
At the latter place one or two others were heard in the forest. None
were found away from heavy timber. They were in pairs and noisy
the third week in March, and were usually found sitting on the highest
dead-topped trees available. Iris dark brown.

46. Falco sparverius Linnceus.

Two typical males, were taken in the highlands near Tecpam.

47. Falco sparverius phaloena Lesson.

Desert sparrow hawks were rather common at every station, where
there was much cleared land, below 2,000 feet. Only two specimens
were taken, one at Los Amates and one at Gualan. Both were
easily referable to this subspecies.

48. Micrastur melanoleucus (Vieillof).

A singfe example of this hawk was taken at San Jose. It does
not appear to be a common species. Iris brown; base of bill, ocular
area and feet vellow.

84 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY — ORNITHOLOGY, VOL. I.

49. Micrastur guerilla Cassin.

The only specimen seen, an immature male, was killed in a dense
thicket near Los Amates. The only evidence of adult plumage
on this specimen consists of a band of slate-colored feathers around
the lower hind neck, white chin, slaty throat and a very few scattered
feathers on the chest and thighs. Salvin and Godman's description of
the juvenile plumage of this species* applies very well to this speci-
men except as to the number of white bars on the tail; their bird
had four; this one has five. The obscure white collar, seen only
on immature birds, is probably a vestigial character, which in melan-
oleucus remains permanent, and in mirandollei has disappeared
altogether. Iris light brown; maxilla black; mandible, feet and
bare ocular and loral area lemon-yellow.

50. Herpetotheres cachinnans (Linnaeus).

This curious hawk was encountered only at Los Amates and
Mazatenango. It haunted the environs of the former town, and
morning and evening made the place resound with its loud calls,
often keeping them up till long after dark'. One was secured at
Los Amates. Iris dark brown; base of bill yellow; from nostril
outward, black; feet straw color.

51. Polyborus cheriway (Jacquin).

Several caracaras were seen at El Rancho and Gualan, and one
was secured at San Jose*.

Family Strigidre.

52. Otus flammeolus (Kaup).

A single specimen was obtained at Tecpam by Mr. Barber. Iris
dark brown; cere gray. Stomach contained beetles.

53. Speotyto cunicularis hypogaea Bonaparte.

A few were seen at Gualan and El Rancho in dry gulches. One
was secured at the latter place. Iris yellow; bill greenish yellow;
feet yellowish green.

54. Qlaucidium brasilianum ridgwayi Sharpe.

At El Rancho and Patulul this little owl was common. Two
*Biologia Central! Americana, Aves, Vol. Ill, p. no.

Nov. 1907. BIRDS FROM GUATEMALA — DEARBORN-. 85

were obtained at the former place and three at the latter. No two
are colored alike. The Rancho birds, which represent both color
phases, are decidedly paler than those in the corresponding phases
from Patulul, which difference can readily be accounted for on
climatic grounds. Of the three Patulul specimens, the back of one
is near Prout's brown ; of another chestnut ; and the third somewhere
between them. Iris lemon; bill and feet straw color.

Family Psittacidse.

55. Ara macao (Linnaus).

This macaw is tolerably common in the tierra caliente of the
Atlantic slope. It was seen daily about Los Amates, usually in
pairs, flying high and uttering occasional squawks. They are striking
looking birds, as seen on the wing against a sky background. Their
lengthened contour, red color and steady flight all serve to hold
the observer's eye. They fed, in January, on wild figs, and were ex-
ceedingly hard to bring down from the tops of the immense fig trees.
Four specimens were obtained in all.

56. Conurus holochlorus rubritorques Sclater.

Four specimens were taken at Gualan, where they appeared to be
fairly common. One of these shows no red feathers whatever, and
only one of the others has the throat and foreneck mainly red. Iris
orange; ocular area dusky.

57. Conurus aztec Souance.

Three specimens were taken in the lowlands about Los Amates.
Iris orange; ocular area white.

58. Conurus canicularis (Linnaus).

Judging from the localities in which specimens of this parakeet
were taken, this species prefers drier and more open country than the
last. Five examples were taken; one at Gualan, two at El Rancho,
one at Mazatenango and one at San Jose". Iris straw; ocular area
yellow ; bill white.

59. Brotogerys jugularis Mutter.

Four specimens were secured at San Jose", where it was common
and easily approached. It was not seen elsewhere. Iris straw color.

86 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY — ORNITHOLOGY, VOL. I.

60. Amazona autumnalis (Linnaus).

This parrot was abundant about Los Amates, and six specimens
were obtained there. It was not seen elsewhere. Iris orange; bill
straw except cutting edge, which was horn color; feet horn-blue.

61. Amazona auropalliata (Lesson).

A pair of these parrots was seen in the woods near San Jose, and
one of them secured. None were encountered elsewhere. The
specimen taken had a patch of yellow on its forehead as well as on
its nape. Iris orange.

62. Amazona albifrons (Sparrman).

Three white-fronted parrots were taken at Gualan and two at
San Jose". At the former place they were abundant in February.
The foreheads of the Gualan birds are clear white, while those from
San Jose are yellowish. The climatic requirements of this species
appear to agree with those of Conurus canicularis . Iris straw color;
bill yellow; ocular area flesh color.

63. Pionus senilis (Spix).

Two specimens were obtained at Gualan. They were a part
of a flock that was found feeding on the fruit of a large leguminous
tree. This species was not noted elsewhere. Iris dark brown;
bill pale green; feet dull yellow.

Family Cuculicla*.

64. Crotophaga sulcirostris Swainson.

Grooved-billed anis are abundant in the low-country and up
to 4,000 feet, above which they were not noted. They are eminently
social creatures, which spend much time perching on low bushes,
weeds or hedges, often several on the same branch, where they
communicate in squealy metallic tones, preen their fluffed feathers
and look very shabby. They are thin, loose-jointed, and sparsely
feathered birds. The most attractive feature about them is their
habit of attending cattle and horses, which they scan for ticks. The
animals allow these birds to alight upon their backs, cling to their
sides or legs, and investigate their ears, with absolute indifference.
The anis do not depend altogether on ticks, however. They often

Nov. 1907. BIRDS FROM GUATEMALA — DEARBORN. 87

keep close to the feeding animal's nose and capture such insects as
are disturbed by it. Specimens were obtained at Gualan, El Rancho,
Lake Amatitlan and Patulul, — six in all. Iris Prout's brown.

65. Tapera nrcvius (Linnaeus}.

A single specimen, the only one seen, was taken at Gualan. This
bird was discovered in a pile of brush in a pasture. Iris brown;
feet horn-blue.

66. Morococcyx erythropygus (Lesson).

Three specimens were taken at Gualan. None were seen elsewhere.
These were all found on the ground, along roadsides or paths. They
were unwary, allowing a near approach, and more inclined to hide
than to fly away. Their striking features were the brilliant colors of the
naked skin about the eyes, and their habit of staring at an intruder.
Iris dark brown ; upper portion of maxilla dusky, lower half and all
of the mandible yellow ; bare ocular area" yellow in front of and below
the eye, and intense blue above and behind it; legs flesh color.

67. Qeococcyx affinis Hartlaub.

The distribution of this roadrunner appears to depend upon the
character of the country. It was first seen a little above El Rancho
on the road to Guatemala City, where the soil was dry, stony and
sparsely covered with deciduous bushes. Near Lake Atitlan, where
the ground is equally stubborn, it was found again, but nowhere
else. One specimen was taken by Mr. Barber at the last named
locality. Iris hazel; eyelid white; bare ocular area varying from
lavender near the lids to campanular-blue on the post-orbital part.

68. Piaya cayana mehleri Bonaparte.

This species was taken at Los Amates, Gualan, Patulul and
San Jose,— six specimens in all. It was seen at Lake Amatitlan,
but at no higher altitude. At Gualan it was common, elsewhere,
rather scarce. It frequents thickets. Iris carmine; bill and ocular
area yellowish green.

Family Trogoiiidse.

69. Trogon mexicanus Swainson.

Two adult males, an immature male and a female were taken
above Tecpam at an altitude of 9,500 feet. None were encountered

88 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY — ORNITHOLOGY, VOL. I.

below the cypress belt. In this dense timber land it is difficult to
bring a trogon down with its feathers on, so numerous are the branches,
and so slightly attached are the feathers.

70. Trogon elegans Gould.

Two specimens, a female and an immature male, were taken
on the hills due north of El Rancho. None were seen elsewhere.
Iris dark brown ; eyelids orange.

71. Trogon puella Gould.

Three adult males were obtained near Patulul, the only locality
in which this bird was found. Iris dark brown; bill chrome-yellow;
eyelids brown.

72. Trogon melanocephalus Gould.

This species was found only on the lower portion of the Atlantic
slope. At Los Amates it w.as common and five were added to the
collection at that place. Three more were obtained at Gualan.
One of these birds, an adult female, exhibits a case of asymmetrical
moult. The six rectrices of one side are fully grown, but the fourth,
fifth and sixth rectrices of the other side, reckoning towards the
middle, are only a third grown, and of equal length. Another female,
which was immature, has the second and fourth rectrices of one side
about half grown, and nearly of equal length, the other side being
complete. Iris dark brown; eyelids blue.

73. Trogon caligatus Gould. ['

Of this trogon one specimen was obtained at Gualan, one at
Mazatenango, and two at Patulul. Individual variation in color
is very noticeable. One specimen has a marine blue chest and a
bronzed grass-green rump; while another has the chest hyacinth
blue, and the rump glistening myrtle-green. Both are adult males.
Iris dark brown; eyelids yellow.

74. Trogon massena Gould.

A single specimen, the only one seen, was taken at Los Amates.
Iris brown.

Family Momotidse.

75. Eumomota superciliaris (Sandbach).

Red-backed motmots were found only at El Rancho and Los

Nov. 1907. BIRDS FROM GUATEMALA — DEARBORN. 89

Amates. At the former place they were rather scarce, and those taken
were perceptibly paler on the upper parts than those from the
humid low lands. Six specimens were obtained. Iris dark brown.

76. Momotus lessoni Lesson.

This motmot was found to be common on the Pacific slope, but
only one was seen on the east side, this being taken at Los Amates.
Three specimens were secured at Mazatenango, and three at Patulul.
It was also observed at San Jose1. Iris maroon.

77. Momotus castaneiceps Gould.

This species was found only at El Rancho, where it frequented
the dry gullies. This was in January, and although there were
numerous holes in the banks where it probably breeds, none of
these birds was seen near them. Five specimens were' obtained.
Iris red.

Family Alcyonidae.

78. Ceryle alcyon (Linn&us).

One specimen was taken at Lake Atitlan, where this species
was fairly common, on April loth. This specimen is somewhat
peculiar in that it has certain conspicuous areas where there has been
no renewal of feathers for a long time. The forehead, scattering
feathers on the crown, and about half of the blue pectoral band are
faded to ecru drab, and much abraded. The lesser wing coverts
are much worn but not so badly faded. In the series of 34 skins
possessed by this Museum, only one other, which was taken in Florida
in January, shows arrested moult in any degree comparable with this.

79. Ceryle torquata (Linnaeus}.

This species was frequently seen at Los Amates. Only one
specimen was taken, though several could easily have been secured,
as they were rather easy to approach.

80. Ceryle amazona (Latham).

This kingfisher was occasionally seen near Los Amates, but it was
invariably shy and only one was taken.

81. Ceryle americana septentrionalis Sharpe.

This little kingfisher was found to be common and unsuspicious

go FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY — ORNITHOLOGY, VOL. I.

wherever there was water. Two were taken at Los Amates, and
three at Lake Atitlan. There appears to be a color variation in
both sexes, due to age. Judging from a comparison of bills they
are the younger birds which have the throat tinged with pinkish
buff; while adults have this region white. Fully adult females have
the transverse bands across the breast much broader than those
which are immature.

82. Ceryle aenea stictoptera Ridgway.

The only example of this species that was seen was taken at
San Jose' in a dense growth of mangroves on the margin of a salt
lagoon, where it spent its time perching on twigs within a foot or
two of the water. It exhibited very little fear when approached,
and when driven from one rest, quickly chose another but a few
feet farther on.

Family Rliamphastidse.

83. Rhamphastos carinatus Swainson.

This toucan was found common about Los Amates, always in
small flocks. They were feeding on a kind of wild fig. In the
morning they moved about from place to place, but during the
middle of the day they were more quiet, and less frequently observed.
Four specimens were collected. The portion of the bill, which on
the dried specimen is black, in life is yellowish green. Other portions
of the bill do not change very much in drying. The iris is dark sea-
green, and the bare ocular area is also green.

84. Pteroglossus torquatus (Gmeliri).

This species was taken at Los Amates and Mazatenango, and
also seen at San Jose" and in the highlands between El Rancho and
Guatemala City. Four specimens were secured. The bill does not
change color greatly in drying. The elliptical iris is yellow; and
the ocular area is lake-red.

85. Aulacorhamphus prasinus (Lichtenstein} .

A single specimen of this species, the only one seen, was taken
at 9,500 feet, near Tecpam.

Nov. 1907. BIRDS FROM GUATEMALA — DEARBORN. 91

Family Gralbulidse.

86. Qalbula melanogenia Sclater.

Four specimens were taken near Los Amates. None were seen
elsewhere. They were quite unsuspicious, and apparently loth
to move. They sit in exposed positions, where they can keep an
eye on passing insects, and often utter a kind of squeal at the sight
of an intruder. Iris dark brown; feet yellow; bill black.

Family Buccoiiidse.

87. Malacoptila inornata (DuBus).

Three specimens, two males and a female, were taken at Los
Amates. None were encountered elsewhere. Like the last species,
they are quiet birds, not at all timid, and accustomed to watch for
insects from the bare branches rather than hunting among the foliage.
Iris carmine ; feet dull yellow ; maxilla black ; mandible horn-blue.

Family Picidse.

88. Campephilus guatemalensis (Hartlaub).

Two specimens were collected at Los Amates and one at Patulul.
At the former place the species is rather common, especially among
the bambus in the bottom lands. The bambu makes a good sound-
ing-board to give force and character to the woodpecker's drumming.
None were seen in other localities than the two above mentioned.
Iris yellow.

89. Celeus castaneus (Wagler).

This species was found only at Los Amates. It stayed in the
swampy places, where the ground was more or less inundated, which
made it difficult to obtain, notwithstanding the fact that it was
rather unwary. Two females were obtained. In comparing these
with a series of fourteen skins of the same sex from various localities,
it was noticed that the species is subject to considerable individual
variation in color. The pileum on these Guatemalan specimens
agrees with the majority, though three of the lot were lighter, and

92 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY — ORNITHOLOGY, VOL. I.

one somewhat darker. The throat and breast of a Honduras speci-
men is darker than any of the others. Another specimen from
Costa Rica, had the lower back tawny ochraceous, and several others
showed traces of it. The width of the irregular bars of black on
the under parts varies decidedly in different birds. One had even
assumed a rictal streak of red, a character belonging to the other sex.
Iris seal-brown.

90. Dryobates villosus sanctorum Nelson.

One specimen, a female, was obtained at 8,000 feet, near Tecpam.
None were seen lower than the above altitude.

91. Veniliornis caboti (Malherbe).

At San Jose this little woodpecker was rather common, and three
specimens were taken at that place. A pair of woodpeckers, appar-
ently of this species, was seen at Los Amates. None were seen
outside the tierra caliente. Iris brown.

92. Sphyrapicus varius (Linnaeus').

This sapsucker appears to be generally distributed throughout
the country in winter. An adult female was taken December i6th,
at 9,500 feet, near Tecpam; another at Lake Atitlan, 5,000 feet,
February 27th; and an immature male at Los Amates, 60 feet,
January 27th. This last specimen was undergoing a moult from
immature to adult plumage. About a quarter of the crown is still
black, and the chest is covered with juvenile feathers, the throat,
foreneck and breast being in fresh adult plumage. Birds of this
species were found singly and not at all commonly.

93. Ceophloeus scapularis (Vigors).

In the swamps about Los Amates, scapularis was found asso-
ciated by a common interest with C. guatemalensis. Both of these
species were usually found in the river bottoms where bambu thickets
interspersed the heavy timber. Only one specimen was taken.
Iris straw color; bill white; feet horn-blue.

94. Melanerpes formic! vorus (Swainsori).

The only locality where this bird was encountered was in a gorge,
at about 7,000 feet, between Lake Atitlan and Tecpam. The road
follows this gorge for several miles, and while journeying over it
four specimens were secured. Oak and pine trees constitute the
forest in this region. Iris pinkish white; bill black.

Nov. 1907. BIRDS FROM GUATEMALA — DEARBORN.

93

95. Centurus santa=cruzi Bonaparte.

The type of Centurus santa-cruzi was described* from a collection
made "during a fortnight's scientific tour in Guatemala." In the
same lot of skins with the type of C. santa-cruzi, were Cyanocitta
stelleri coronata, a bird of the highlands, above 4,000 feet, and Ortalis
leucogaster, which is peculiar to the tierra caliente of the Pacific slope.
The presumption is, that the type, which was evidently a female
judging from the description — "capite et cor pore subtus griseo-
olivaceis" — came from the interior or from the south coast, as a
two weeks' visit in those days would scarcely be sufficient for crossing
the continent while collecting 39 species of birds. The original
description does not well apply to the Pacific coast form, which is
Nelson's fumosus.

Of this interior form, eight specimens were secured: four from
El Rancho, two from Lake Atitlan, one from Lake Amatitlan, and
one from Patulul. Those from El Rancho are decidedly larger than
any of the others, as may be seen from the appended measurements.

entire

f Male, wing 136 mm.: tail 77 mm.

culmen 35 mm.

El Rancho ^

M4
136

84

75

34
33

"

138

80

34

Atitlan j M?,le'

129
I25

7°
64

32
3°

Amatitlan Female,

127

7i

31

Patulul

122

63

3°

There is considerable color variation on the under parts, some
being darker than others, but excepting this they are quite uniform.
This species was found most abundant about El Rancho, where it
frequents, almost exclusively, the tree cactus, Cereus. They are
noisy birds, both vocally and mechanically, spending most of their
time either drumming or uttering their harsh cries. Iris of male
crimson, of female brown; bill black; feet horn color.

96. Centurus santa=cruzi pauper Ridgway.

Two topotypes of this subspecies from Truxillo, Honduras, were
kindly loaned by the authorities at the Smithsonian Institution for
comparison with specimens in this Museum. One specimen collected
at Los Amates evidently belongs to this form. We also possess two
skins from Belize that are typical. The range of this form, then,
appears to be the low country adjacent to the Caribbean Sea and
extending through Belize, Guatemala, and, at least, a large part of
Honduras. It is not a very well defined variety, judging from the

*Proc. Zool. Soc. 1837, p. 116.

94 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY — ORNITHOLOGY, VOL. I.

material examined. One of the El Rancho skins is indistinguishable
in color from the topotypes, and the skins of santa-cruzi from Atitlan,
Amatitlan and Patulul are but very little larger than the type of
pauper as given in the original description. There is no doubt,
however, that in a series of pauper the white bars of the back average
narrower than in a series from the interior of Guatemala, and decidedly
narrower than in another series from Tamaulipas, where santa-cruzi
passes over into aurifrons. It is indeed singular that this latter
form with its heavily barred primaries, so strikingly different
from the typical Guatemalan form, has not been honored with a
name.

97. Centurus santa=cruzi fumosus Nelson.

A specimen taken at San Jose" has the dark breast, spotted rump
and wide bill characteristic of this form which was described by
Nelson from Chiapas. In each of these respects it differs from all
the other specimens of Centurus that were taken.

98. Colaptes mexicanoides Lafresnay.

This flicker was first seen at Lake Atitlan, and from that altitude
(5,000 feet) up to the limit of timber it appears to be tolerably com-
mon. Several were seen at 9,500 feet. A nest, containing four
addled eggs and one naked young bird less than a week old, was
found at Lake Atitlan, April loth. The male parent was driven
from the nest. The female was not seen, though half an hour was
spent about the nest, which was in a willow standing in a growth
of coffee. The cavity was in decayed wood, and in all respects was
similar to that excavated by our northern species. The nestling,
which was preserved in formaldehyde, was badly infested with
parasitic larvae, apparently dipterous. Of the four adult males
that were taken, one at Lake Atitlan and three near Tecpam, only
one has the white rump immaculate.

Family

99. Antrostomus chiapensis Nelson.

At Lake Atitlan, this bird was singing in April and was reported to
have begun at least as early as February. Its notes are indistinguish-
able from those of A.vociferus. It was not heard below 5,000 feet.
One male was taken at Lake Atitlan and another at Tecpam.

Xov. 1907. BIRDS FROM GUATEMALA — DEARBORX. 95

100. Nyctidromus albicollis (Gmeliri).

Parauques were common up to an elevation of about 4,000 feet,
above which none were seen. Three were taken at Los Amates, one
at Gualan, two at Lake Amatitlan, one at Patulul and one at San Jose.
It seems as if the upper vertical limit of this species might be approxi-
mately coincident with the lower limit of Antrostomus. In size these
Guatemalan specimens are nearer those from Nicaragua and Costa
Rica than they are to Yucatan specimens. One of the Los Amates
birds, a male, has the ground color of the crown, nape and interscapu-
lar region, a warm brown, similar to walnut-brown of Ridgway's
Nomenclature of Colors. A Yucatan specimen taken at San Felipe,
is like it except in being a shade paler. Another from Colima in west-
ern Mexico, in a much drier climate is yet paler brown, and strikingly
different from the normal gray characteristic of average specimens.
The occurrence of three pale individuals out of a series of fifteen from
Guatemala and southern Mexico indicates dichromatism. In a series
of eleven skins from Nicaragua and Costa Rica there is practically no
color variation, all being of the gray type.

These birds were often seen in paths, roads, or along the railway,
in the evening. In the day time they were usually found on the
ground among bushes at the edge of clearings. One of the Los Amates
specimens was found, during a cold rainy spell, in a torpid condition,
and was picked up alive. At San Jose three were flushed from the
same spot, where they were evidently spending the day in company.

101. Chordeiles acutipennis texensis (Lawrence).

The only example of this species met with was at Lake Atitlan,
where it was discovered in a tree standing in a field. It proved to be a
male in fine plumage.

Family Micropodidae.

102. Streptoprocne zonaris (Shaw).

This great swift was seen once or twice at Los Amates in January,
flying very high over the Motagua River. None were noted again
until April, when, in the mountains between Lake Atitlan and Tecpam,
at about 6,500 feet, a small colony was discovered. The nesting place
was a cliff of friable rock, pierced with cavities running in various
directions. A vertical tunnel, or flue, elliptical in cross section and
having a major diameter of perhaps twelve feet, was evidently the

96 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY — ORNITHOLOGY, VOL. I.

home of this colony, as they were seen entering and leaving the lower
end of the flue, which is some fifty feet from the foot of the overhanging
cliff, and absolutely inaccessible. How far this opening extends
upward into the rock, there was no means of ascertaining. It seemed
quite dark, and evidently does not continue to the surface above.
The birds generally flew high, but early in the morning they occasion-
ally came low enough for a shot. Seven specimens were secured, all
in good feather. A few were seen above Tecpam, at 8,000 ft.

103. Chaetura vauxii (Townsend).

At Mazatenango two pairs of this species were taken, on the igth
of March, from a flock of about fifty. A moult of body feathers was
in progress on all of them. The rectrices and remiges, however, show
no sign of renewal. Iris dark brown.

104. Cha.'tura gaumeri Lawrence.

Two specimens of this swift were secured at Los Amates the last
of January. In the dense vegetation of that section it was possible
to obtain a swift only by bringing it down as it passed over a shallow
stream. Both of these specimens were in unabraded plumage. Iris
dark brown.

Family Trochilidse.

.

105. Phsethornis longirostris (Lesson & Delattre).

This species was seen only at Los Amates where it was not uncom-
mon in the forest. Only one specimen was secured. Iris dark brown ;
maxilla black; mandible flesh color; feet pale.

106. Phaethornis adolphi Gould.

A single specimen was taken in the swamps near Puerto Barrios.
None were observed outside the tierra caliente. Iris dark brown;
maxilla and distal half of mandible black; basal half of mandible

yellow; feet pale.

.

107. Campylopterus rufus Lesson.

The only locality where this fine hummer was seen was near Pana-
jachel, on the north shore of Lake Atitlan, where three were secured.
They frequented a sunny portion of a coffee plantation. This was
early in April, when the coffee bushes were blooming, which probably

Nov. 1907. BIRDS FROM GUATEMALA — DEARBORN. 97

accounts for their concentration at that particular spot. Iris dark
brown.

108. Agytria Candida (Bourcier & Mulsante).

This species, noticeable on account of its white underparts in con-
trast to the prevailing greenness of the moist lowlands, was frequently
noticed among the flowers of certain vines which climb to the tops of
the trees near the margins of clearings. Three specimens were taken
at Los Amates. None were observed elsewhere. Iris dark brown;
maxilla black; mandible pinkish; feet black.

109. Saucerottea cyanura gautemalae subsp. nov.

Type, No. 22,633, c? ad., Field Museum of Natural History; col-
lected at Mazatenango, Department of Suchitepequez, Guatemala,
by N. Dearborn, March i8th, 1906.

Subspeciftc Characters : similar to 5. c. cyanura (Gould) , but differs
from it in having : nape and interscapular region bottle-green instead
of grass-green; rump, middle primary coverts and greater secondary
coverts purple-bronze, instead of copper-bronze; greater primary
coverts black, instead of bronze; not more than half of the exposed
portion of the secondaries chestnut, instead of two-thirds chestnut;
and the chestnut under wing coverts tipped with dull purple for at
least a quarter of their length, instead of with a mere trace of dull
bronze.

Description of type: Crown, nape and interscapulum shining bottle-
green ; lower back purple-bronze changing to shining plum-purple on
the rump; upper and under tail coverts and rectrices steel blue;
under parts glittering grass-green; thighs, a narrow line behind the
wings, and the bases of the chin-feathers, white; proximal half of the
secondaries and the bases of all but the three outer primaries, chestnut ;
outer primaries and tips of secondaries dusky • purple; under wing
coverts chestnut, tipped with dull purple; iris dark brown; maxilla
and tip of mandible black; base of mandible pale. Wing 53 mm.;
tail 31 mm.; culmen, entire, 21 mm., exposed, 18 mm. An adult
female, which equals the type in size has the feathers of the chin
slightly edged with white, and those of the abdomen edged with gray.
Otherwise the sexes are alike. A young male, taken March i5th, has
the lower breast and abdomen gray, but is like adults in other particu-
lars.

Remarks: This hummingbird has heretofore been included with
cyanura, but when compared with specimens of that species from the

98 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY — ORNITHOLOGY, VOL. I.

type region, northwestern Nicaragua, the differences above outlined
are readily made out. This new form will undoubtedly be found to
intergrade with cyanura. Seven specimens were collected, five coming
from Mazatenango and two from Patulul.

March is the month in which this hummingbird usually finishes
its moult of remiges, as specimens taken in this month have imperfect
wings, while most of those taken in April have them complete and
unabraded.

110. Saucerottea devillii (Bonder).

Three male specimens were taken, two at Patulul, and one at Lake
Amatitlan. This last specimen, taken February 25th, has copper-
bronze rectrices, while those taken at Patulul have these feathers
bronze-purple. Other specimens' in this Museum show a similar
variation in color. Iris dark brown; maxilla and tip of mandible
black; mandible, except tip, flesh color; feet black.

111. A ma/.i I is tzactl (De la Lave] .

This species was found only at Los Amates, where three males were
secured. Iris dark brown; bill reddish with black tip; feet black.
An immature specimen had the entire maxilla black.

112. Amazilis cinnamomeus (Lesson}.

One specimen was taken at Gualan and two at El Rancho. Appar-
ently they occupy the dry belt between the swamps of the Atlantic
slope and the Cordillera. Iris dark brown ; bill red except black tip ;
feet dark.

113. Amazilis cinnamomeus saturatus (Nelson).

This form occupies the Pacific slope from the coast up to, at least,
2,000 ft. Three were taken at San Jose, one at Patulul, and three at
Mazatenango. Iris dark brown; maxilla red with black tip ; mandi-
ble pale with black tip.

114. Hylocharis leucotis (Viettlof).

Two females were taken near Lake Atitlan, at 5,000 feet, and
another above Tecpam, at 9,500 feet. In the latter locality they were
found in little openings where lumber had been taken out of the cypress
forests, while at Lake Atitlan they frequented weedy pastures. Iris
dark brown.

Nov. 1907. BIRDS FROM GUATEMALA — DEARBORN.

99

115. Chlorostilbon caniveti (Lesson).

This species was common in February at Gualan where it was busy
with the flowers of a leguminous tree planted to support barbed wire
fences. Four males were taken at that place. A female was taken at
San Jose. Iris of male dark brown ; base of bill dusky red ; tip black.

116. Petasophora thalassina (Swainsori).

Mr. Barber secured a single specimen, a male, at 9,500 feet, near
Tecpam early in January.

117. Eugenes fulgens (Swainson).

A male was taken at 7,500 feet, near Tecpam, April i4th. It was
attending flowers of an agave. It was near the completion of a moult,
the outer primaries being about half grown.

118. Lampornis amethystinus Swainson.

Two specimens were taken above Tecpam at 9,600 feet in January
by Mr. Barber. Bill black; feet flesh color.

119. Lamprolaema rhami Lesson.

A male of this species was taken above Tecpam in January by Mr.
Barber.

120. Anthoscenus superbus pallidiceps (Gould).

This species was very common in March about the hedges of legu-
minous trees in the vicinity of Mazatenango and Patulul. Three speci-
mens were secured at the former place and seven at the latter, the sexes
being equally represented in the series. Iris dark brown; bill black.

121. Trochilus colubris Linnaeus.

A female was taken at Gualan on the i4th of February; and a
male was taken on April loth at Lake Atitlan. Neither specimen
shows signs of moulting.

Family Cotiiigidse.

122. Tityra semifasciata personata Jardine & Selby.

This species was not seen above 1,800 feet, but below that altitude
it was rather common. Its food, so far as could be seen, consisted of
the berries of certain tall trees. Three were taken at Los Amates, one
at El Rancho, one at Manzatenango, and five at Patulul. In the

ioo FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY — ORNITHOLOGY, VOL. I

series are five adult males, one immature male, two adult females,
and two immature females. The immature male was moulting into
adult plumage when taken, March 24th. None of the adults were
moulting, all being in excellent "feather. Iris madder-brown, basal
half of bill and bare loral and ocular areas carmine.

123. Erator albitorques fraseri (Kaup).

The only example of this bird that was recognized, was brought
down from the top of a pine tree at Los Amates. It was a female in
unworn plumage. Iris dark brown; maxilla black; mandible and
feet horn-blue.

124. Platypsaris aglaiae sumichrasti Nelson

One was taken at Mazatenango and five at Patulul, four of the
series being females and the other two immature males. No adult
males were seen, nor were any of this species seen at other than the
two localities named. They were found in isolated trees or on the
outskirts of woodland behaving very like flycatchers (Tyrannidce).
Iris dark brown.

125. Lipaugus holerythrus Sclater & Salvin.

A single specimen, taken at Los Amates, was the only one observed.

126. Attila citreopygus salvini Ridgway.

One specimen was taken at Los Amates, one at San Jose, one at
Patulul and two at Mazatenango. There is considerable variation in
color among the series of four males taken on the Pacific slope, which
is hardly attributable to a difference in age. In fact, no two of them
have the interscapular region of the same shade of brown. Iris orange.

127. Cotinga amabilis Gould.

One adult male, three immature males and one female were taken
at Los Amates where they where found feeding on berries of some
small trees. None were seen elsewhere. Iris blue-gray.

Family

128. Pipra mental is Sclater.

At Los Amates, this pipra was rather common in the thick forest.
It was usually flitting about the lower branches, and displayed con-

Nov. 1907. BIRDS FROM GUATEMALA — DEARBORN. 101

siderable activity. Two males and three females were secured. One
of the females, No. 22,669, nas two feathers on her head which are red
on one side of the rachis, and green on the other. Iris, of male pale
straw, of female dark brown; maxilla horn-color; mandible pale;
feet pale.

129. Chiroprion linearis (Bonaparte").

Near Mazatenango, this engaging bird was in the heavy timber,
where its bell-like notes were often the. only evidence of its presence
obtainable. The only other locality in which it was found was near
Patulul. Here it frequented scrub-land, which, in April, is mainly
bare of leaves, and "a better opportunity of observing its habits was
offered. They are active but not diligent, being concerned with social
matters for the most part, rather than with those that are economical.
One is seen to alight upon a small branch. Directly, another drops
down beside him. Both raise their crimson crests and bow very low
several times, turning about as they do so, minuet fashion. A third
and possibly a fourth, all males, may join in the performance, their
regalia in crimson, black, orange and pale blue being fluffed and
flaunted, as they salute opposites and corners. Ventriloqual sounds,
weirdly clear, hard to analyse or place, intersperse these proceedings.
Suddenly one is gone, then another, and another, and the charm of the
jlen has gone with them. They appear to go singly, and yet to move
in the same direction, so these meetings are frequent. By standing in
a favorable place, one may witness two or three meetings in the same
locality in an hour. Seven males and two females were taken in all.
Iris dark brown; legs orange.

130. Manacus candaei Parzudaki.

The only specimen of this manakin encountered was at Puerto
Barrios. Its whizzing flight led to its discovery. It was a male in
adult plumage. Iris dark brown ; legs orange.

131. Scotothorus verae=pacis (Sdatef).

A female was taken at Los Amates. Iris brown.

Family Tyraimiclre.

132. Rhynchocyclus cinereiceps (Sdater).

This flycatcher was rarely seen, only one male and two females

102 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY — ORNITHOLOGY, VOL. I.

being taken in all, and only one in a place; Los Amates, Mazatenango
and Patulul being the localities from which they were taken. They
seem to prefer dense woods to open situations. In appearance they
resemble the Empidonaces. Iris pale straw color; maxilla horn-
blue; mandible pale; feet pale horn-blue.

133. Todirostrum cinerium finitimum Bangs.

In the tierra caliente on both sides of the country, this species
was found in bushes or low trees in open situations. Two were taken
at Los Amates and four at San Jose. A female from the latter locality
has a white spot on the crown. The back of this specimen is olive-
green and the under parts are canary yellow. Four others have the
olive-green back of a duller tone, ranging toward plumbeous, while
the remaining specimen has the interscapular area slate gray, only
the rump showing a tinge of olive-green; and the under parts are a
paler yellow than is on any of the others. This gray specimen
matches very closely others in this Museum from Colombia. Iris
straw color.

134. Oncostoma cinereigulare (Sclater}.

The only specimen obtained, or seen, was taken in heavy timber
on the side of a mountain near Patulul.

135. Pipromorpha assimiles (Sclater}.

This species is represented in the collection by a single specimen j
taken near Patulul, in thick woods. No others were observed.

136. Eleenia viridicata placens (Sclater}.

At Los Amates, San Jose* and Mazatenango, this flycatcher was
rather common, but none were observed higher than about 1,200 feet.
Six specimens were taken, each of the above named localities being
represented. Iris dark brown.

137. EUenia flavogastra suh-pagana Sclater & Salvin.

Three specimens were taken at Lake Atitlan, none being seen
elsewhere. Apparently it prefers high, open situations. Iris dark
brown.

138. Myiozetetes similis superciliosus (Bonaparte}.

This noisy flycatcher was taken at Los Amates, Gualan, Patulul
and Lake Amatitlan; seven specimens all told. They were usually]
in pairs, in exposed situations, where sunshine and flying insects are

Nov. 1907. BIRDS FROM GUATEMALA — DEARBORN. 103

abundant. As often as one alights near another, there is an outburst
of salutations that can be heard all over the neighborhood. Iris
dark brown.

139. Pitangus sulphuratus derbianus (Kaup).

Derby flycatchers were not noticed above 4,000 feet, but they
were rather common up to that altitude. They sat where they could
see all about them, and acted very much like our northern kingbird
in preferring roadsides, pastures and shores to more densely wooded
places. Three specimens were taken, one at Los Amates, one at Lake
Amatitlan, and one at Mazatenango. Iris dark brown.

140. Myiodynastes luteiventris Sclater.

The only place where the sulphur-bellied flycatcher Was found
was near Patulul, where it frequented woodland which had been
thinned and planted to coffee. Here, for the most part, they re-
mained very high, in the tops of the enormous trees that had been
left to shade the coffee saplings. Only two were secured. Iris
dark brown.

141. Megarhynchus pitangua mexicanus (Lafresnay) .

A common bird below 2,000 feet. Specimens, seven in all, were
taken at Los Amates, El Rancho, Patulul and Mazatenango. So
far as could be observed it subsists mainly on berries. The colors
and their distribution on this flycatcher, as seen at a distance, are
remarkably like those pertaining to Pitangus and Myiozetetes, so
much so that until one has become somewhat familiar with the notes
and manners of each of these species, he finds it difficult to decide
which he sees. A female taken March i8th, contained an egg that
would have been ready for depositing'in two or three days. A nest
found about April ist, at Patulul, was saddled on a bare branch
about 40 feet above the ground, and about 8 feet from the body of
the tree, safely out of the reach of everything unable to fly. One
or both of the birds were by it constantly. This species feeds freely
on berries. Iris dark brown.

142. Onychorhynchus mexicanus Sclater.

Mr. Barber obtained one specimen and saw another at Patulul.
Both were in rather thick woods. Iris hazel; maxilla black; mandi-
ble wax yellow at base, shading to brownish at tip; legs and feet
clay color.

104 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY — ORNITHOLOGY, VOL. T.

143. Terenotriccus erythrurus fulvigularis (Salvin & Godman).

A single specimen was secured near Los Amates. This appears
to extend the range of the species, as hitherto reported, considerably
to the northward.

144. Sayornis nigricans aquatica (Sclater & Salvin).

A young bird just out of the nest was taken at Lake Atitlan
April 8th. At 6,500 feet, near Tecpam, a pair of adults was secured.
These specimens have under tail coverts mottled, black and white.
The nest at Lake Atitlan was sheltered beneath the eaves of a house.
All that were seen were near water, and every movement was similar
to that of S. ph&be here in the States. Iris dark brown.

145. Empidonax fulvifrons fusciceps Nelson.

This little flycatcher was not seen below 5,000 feet, but between
that altitude and about 7,500 feet, it was not uncommon. Three were
taken at Lake Atitlan and two in a valley between there and Tecpam.
It frequents roadsides and pastures where there are scattered bushes '
to perch upon and to harbor winged insects. Iris dark brown.

146. Empidonax trailii (Attdubon) .

Seven Trail's flycatchers were taken, Los Amates, Mazatenango and j
San Jose being the localities from which they were obtained. None '
were noticed in the highlands. All of this series are easily referable
to this subspecies, none being so dark as alnorum. The January
specimens, as well as those taken in March, with one exception, were j
in abraded plumage. Iris dark brown.

147. Empidonax minimus (Baird}.

The least flycatcher winters abundantly in Guatemala. Sixteen j
specimens were obtained, representing Los Amates, El Rancho, Lake •!
Amatitlan, Patulul, San Jose", Mazatenango and Lake Atitlan. Those ]
taken in March had pin feathers on crown and throat, and were evi- I
dently beginning to assume the nuptial dress. Iris dark brown; 1
maxilla black; mandible pale.

148. Empidonax flaviventris (Baird).

Yellow-bellied flycatchers were found at Los Amates in January, j
but they did not seem to be very common. The last of March and 1
early in April they were plentiful in Mazatenango and Patulul. It
is probable they were then migrating northward, and that the major-

Nov. 1907. BIRDS FROM GUATEMALA — DEARBORN. 105

ity pass the winter somewhat farther south. One, taken March 3oth,
and another April 4th, were just completing the renewal of their
primary quills. All of the March specimens had the remiges partly
renewed. Eleven were obtained in all. Iris dark brown.

149. Empidonax salvini Ridgway.

A single specimen of this species was taken near Tecpam, at
9,500 feet.

150. Empidonax hammondi (Xantus}.

The only individual encountered was near Tecpam, at 6,500 feet,
on the 1 2th of April.

151. Empidonax trepidus Nelson.

One specimen was taken in January near Tecpam, at 9,500 feet,
by Mr. Barber.

152. Myiochanes pertinax (Cabanis & Heine).

At Lake Atitlan and along the road from there to Tecpam this
species was not uncommon. It was not seen below 5,000 feet. It
frequents solitary trees and acts very much like its congeners here
in the States. Nine specimens were taken, all in the second week
of April. No sign of moulting is visible on any of them. Iris dark
brown.

153. Myiochanes richardsonii (Swainsori).

One specimen was taken at Lake Atitlan April 8th. No others
were noticed.

154. Myiochanes brachytarsus (Sclater).

Although an especial effort was made to capture every small
flycatcher that could possibly be obtained, none of this species were
taken on the Atlantic slope. On the Pacific side; however, it was not
uncommon. Two specimens were taken at San Jose', three at Patulul,
and one at Mazatenango. Iris dark brown.

155. Myiarchus crinitus (Linnaus).

Two were taken late in January at Los Amates and another at
Gualan February i5th. None were seen on the Pacific side. Iris
dark brown.

156. Myiarchus cinerascens (Lawrence}.

Three were taken at El Rancho in January; and at Lake Atitlan,

io6 FIELD MUSEUM OP NATURAL HISTORY — ORNITHOLOGY, VOL. I.

two on February 26th, and one on the nth of March, making six in
all. Its habitat appears to be confined to the hillsides, where, during
the dry season, the trees are quite bare of leaves, and the earth is
baked. It appears probable that the winter range of crinitus, which
is in the moist lowlands, overlaps that of cinerascens but little, if any.

157. Myiarchus nuttingi Ridgway.

Three were secured at El' Rancho, where they were found on the
dry hillsides, in company with the last species. Two others were
taken at San Jose". The El Rancho specimens have, at most, only
a trace of dusky at the tip of the inner web of the outer rectrices.
Those from San Jose" have nearly a third of the width of this web
lying next to the rachis, dusky. All of the rectrices, of these latter
specimens have a conspicuous dusky line on the inner web, and thus
resemble the specimen mentioned by Nelson*, which came from "the
boundary line between Nicaragua and Honduras, 180 miles from the
Pacific coast." Except in this particular, there does not appear to
be any difference between the birds from the two localities above \
named. Iris dark brown; bill dark horn color; feet black.

158. Myiarchus mexicanus (Kaup).

A single example was collected at Los Amates.

159. Myiarchus lawrenceii (Giraud).

A common species in moist situations up to at least 5,000 feet.
Seventeen specimens were obtained, representing the following local- j
ities: Los Amates, Lake Amatitlan, Lake Atitlan, Patulul and San
Jose". Two of these specimens, taken at Lake Atitlan in February, I
show comparatively little contrast between pileum and back. These j
were probably migrants from Mexico, as they agree quite closely 1
with a Nuevo Leon specimen. All the rest, including an April bird j
from Lake Atitlan, are intermediate in size and color between typical 1
lawrenceii and nigricapillus, one from Los Amates, No. 22,741, being
decidedly nearer the latter form than the former. Iris dark brown; j
bill and feet black.
'

160. Tyrannus verticalis Say.

Three were collected at El Rancho, where they were rather com- j
mon in January, and another at Patulul. Iris dark brown; bill and
feet black.

*Proceedings of the Biological Society of Washington, vol. xvii (1904), p. 38; North American 1
Mainland Myiarchus.

Nov. 1907. BIRDS FROM GUATEMALA — DEARBORN. 107

161. Tyrannus melancholicus satrapa (Cabanis & Heine).

Six were collected, — Los Amates, El Rancho, Lake Amatitlan
and Patulul being represented in the series. Iris dark brown; bill
and feet black.

162. Muscivora forficata (Gmeliri).

Examples were seen at Patulul, near San Jose, and at Lake
Atitlan. One was secured at the last named place. They were
invariably in the tops of high, isolated trees and were very wary.

Family Deiidrocolaptidse.

163. Synallaxis erythrothorax Sclater.

Six specimens were taken at Los Amates, one at Patulul and one
at San Jose. The two from the Pacific side are decidedly paler than
those from Los Amates. The backs of the former are dark broccoli
brown; the tails are chestnut; the throats are steel-gray, without
well defined white streaks. Of the latter series, the backs are bistre ;
the tails seal brown; the throats slate-black with well defined white
stripes. The pale specimens have shorter bills than the dark series,
which may indicate that they are not fully mature. The material
at hand is not sufficient to determine the significance of the differences
here mentioned. The habits of this bird are altogether different from
those of the more typical forms of Dendrocolaptidce. A thick growth
of low bushes by the side of a path or a railroad is its favorite cover.
It hurries from one clump of bushes to another, and calls and hides,
and peeps out and darts back like a wren, which, indeed, its color
and manner of flight, as well as its actions, closely imitate. This
species is common at low altitudes, but the collector who takes it
must be a patient waiter. Iris dark brown.

164. Qlyphorhynchus cuneatus (Lichtenstein] .

A single example, taken at Los Amates, was the only one noted.
This specimen, a male, has the diagnostic characters of Sclater's
pectoralis* which has of late fallen into synonymy. However, the
pale spots on its breast are decidedly wider and the area they occupy
is greater than on any of the 9 skins from Costa Rica, 17 from Nicara-

*Glyphorhynchus pectoralis Sclater; Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London, Part
XXVIII (1860), p. 299.

io8 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY — ORNITHOLOGY, VOL. I.

gua and i from Brazil, with which it has been compared. A specimen
from "Mexico" — exact locality unknown — is similar to it in regard
to the breast spots, but 'differs in being darker on the upper parts.
Iris dark brown.

165. Dendrocincla anabatina Sclater.

Three specimens were taken at Los Amates, where the species is •
not uncommon. Iris brown.

166. Sittasomus sylvioides Lafresnay.

Two were taken at Los Amates and four at Patulul. In the latter i
locality they were found searching the crevices in the bark of the ',
large trees left to shade the coffee. Iris dark brown.

167. Dendrornis flavigaster (Swainsori).

Three skins and a skeleton were brought from Los Amates and
two skins from Patulul. Those from the last named locality are
darker above and below, excepting their throats, which, to the con-
trary, are paler. There is also a difference in size, indicated by
wing measurements:

( Cowing 118 m.

Los Amates •< cT " 118 " p.,+,,1,,1 I 9 wing 103

( 9 109 " ull 9 98

Iris dark brown ; maxilla pale horn ; mandible whitish ; feet horn-blue. ]

168. Dendrornis nana confinis Bangs.

A pair was taken at Los Amates. They have the throat much
paler than specimens from Costa Rica and Panama, and therein j
confirm Mr. Bangs' diagnosis of his subspecies confinis. Iris dark ]
brown; maxilla black; mandible pale; feet horn color.

169. Picolaptes affinis (Lafresnay}.

A single specimen was taken by Mr. Barber near Tecpam, at -]

9,500 feet, in January. None were seen elsewhere.

• •

170. Picolaptes compressus (Cabanis}.

One specimen was taken at Mazatenango, one at San Jose, and !
three at Patulul. They are all slightly darker above than a series 1
from western Nicaragua collected at the same time of year.

Nov. 1907. BIRDS FROM GUATEMALA — DEARBORN. 109

Family Formicariidse.

171. Thamnophilus doliatus (Linnceus).

This species was found very common at Los Amates, where six
were collected, and not rare elsewhere up to about 4,000 feet, one
being taken at Lake Amatitlan and one at San Jose. It was found
in dense underbrush making its way among the branches, in pairs,
"as a rule. Its crest was frequently fluffed up, which gave it a striking
appearance. Iris straw; maxilla black, and mandible horn-blue,
both sexes; feet horn-blue.

172. Formicivora boucardi Sclater.

This species was rather common at Los Amates, where it appeared
in pairs or flocks, searching foliage after the manner of Mniotiltidce.
They frequent the bambus especially. Two specimens, one of each
sex, were collected. Iris dark brown; bill black, except for a tomial
streak of blue affecting both maxilla and mandible; feet horn-blue.

173. Rhamphocasnus rufiventris (Bonaparte).

A single specimen, the only one seen, was secured at Los Amates.
It was flitting about near the ground in thick woods.

174. Cercomacra crepera Bangs.

This species was met only at Los Amates, where four specimens
were collected. Both sexes are slightly darker than other specimens
from Nicaragua and Costa Rica. Iris, male dark brown, female light
brown; maxilla, both sexes, black; mandible, male black, female
pale; feet horn-blue.

175. Gymnocichla chiroleuca Sclater & Salvin.

A pair was found in a bambu thicket bor4ering a stream, and
both were secured. They kept among the lower branches and seemed
almost fearless. Bare forehead and ocular region French blue; iris
maroon; bill and feet horn-blue.

Family Corvidw.

176. Calocitta formosa azurea Nelson.

Two specimens were taken at El Rancho, one at Gualan, three

no FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY — ORNITHOLOGY, VOL. I.

at Mazatenango, two at Patulul, and one at San Jose. These speci-
mens present so much variation in color that the entire series of the
species formosa in this Museum has been brought in for comparison.
Aside from the Guatemalan specimens, there are six from Apipiluluca,
Guerrero, and one from San Geronomo, Oaxaca, Mexico; one from
Salvador; two from San Raphael del Norte, Jinotega, nine from
San Geronomo, Chinandega, and one from San Emilis, Lake Nicara-
gua, Nicaragua; and one frofn Orosi, northwestern Costa Rica. The
half dozen from Guerrero have more or less black on the occiput,
black malar patches, and bluish gray backs. These are C. f. formosa.
The Oaxaca specimen and those from Guatemala, Salvador, Nicaragua
and Costa Rica have no black on either occiput or malar region, and
are thus clearly differentiated from C. f. formosa by these characters.
They are not, however, all distinguishable from C. f. formosa by the
color of their backs. Only those from the Pacific side of western
Guatemala have their upper parts so dark blue as to be conspicuously
different from it in this respect. This dark blue form is typical of
Mr. Nelson's C. f. azurea. The specimens from San Raphael del
Norte, Nicaragua, are as gray above, as those from Guerrero taken
in the same month, — that is to say, as gray as C. f. formosa. The
specimens from Gualan, El Rancho, Salvador, and Oaxaca are all
nearer gray than blue above, while those from Orosi and Chinandega
are intermediate between the extremes of blue and gray of this blue-
crowned, immaculate-cheeked aggregate, which is conveniently in-
cluded under the name azurea. While there is no difficulty in dis-
tinguishing the pale interior form from the darker blue azurea, which
occurs in its typical state only along the Pacific slope of Chiapas and
western Guatemala, specimens from the Pacific coast region from
southern Guatemala to northern Costa Rica are intermediates between
the two types, and the systematic ornithologist would probably find
the worry of disposing of these, so great as to outweigh the satisfac-
tion of recognizing a color variant by name.

The map relating to the distribution of the races of Calocitta
formosa is based mainly upon specimens in this Museum. Material
to fix the eastward extension of C. f. formosa is not available. Azurea
is represented by the letter A, the type locality being indicated by a
circle. The letter X shows three points from which have come
specimens of the pale form, which has unspotted malar areas. These
latter localities are all east of the mountain chain that parallels the
Pacific coast, and at least two of them, — that is to say, the interior
of Guatemala and eastern Oaxaca, — have a semi-arid, cactus-bearing

1907. BIRDS FROM GUATEMALA — DEARBORN. in

soil, quite different from the habitat of typical azurea. Specimens
from localities marked I are intermediate between typical azurea and
the pale interior form.

177. Psilorhinus mexicanus cyanogenys Gray.

Two of this species were collected at Izabel by Heller and Barber,
and four were collected by the writer at Los Amates. It was abundant
and noisy in the latter locality. None were found elsewhere. Two
of these specimens were evidently immature, having yellow bills and
feet. Their bills had begun at the apex and along the culmen to
turn black, and their feet were growing dusky from the ankle down-
ward. These jays moved about in flocks, keeping close to the shelter
of the woods. Iris dark brown ; bill and feet of immature birds yellow,
of adults black.

178. Xanthoura luxuosa vivida Ridgway.

Two were taken near Patulul, the only locality in which this jay
was seen. Here it kept in the tops of high trees in heavy timber,
and was rarely seen or heard. Iris yellow.

179. Cissolopha melanocyanea (Hartlaub).

This species was first seen at Fiscal, some 20 miles from Guatemala
City, on the road from El Rancho. Four were secured at Lake Ama-
titlan and three at Lake Atitlan. Others were seen at about 6,000
feet on the way from the latter lake to Tecpam, the vertical range
being approximately from 4,000 to 6,000 feet. This jay was usually
seen in roadside shrubbery and in thickets of small trees. Iris greenish
yellow; bill of adults black, of immature specimens, more or less
yellow.

180. Cyanocitta stelleri coronata Swainson.

Seven birds were taken in the neighborhood of Tecpam at altitudes
varying from 6,500 to 9,500 feet, and a nest with a set of four eggs
was secured near Chimaltenango, on the road from Tecpam to Guate-
mala City, April i6th. This nest, which is made principally of grass,
and strengthened around the outside by having a few oak twigs woven
in, was set in a crotch of a small oak tree about 15 feet from the
ground. The tree had no leaves, as the dry season was still on,
so the nest and the sitting bird were in full view to all who passed
that way. The embryos were large and one of the eggs was ruined
in blowing, but the other three and the nest were tied up in a focusing

ii2 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY — ORNITHOLOGY, VOL. I.

cloth and bound to the back of the saddle, where they endured the
. forty-mile journey to Guatemala City in safety. The nest measures
20 cm. (8 in.) in extreme diameter and 9 cm. (3^ in.) in height.
The interior diameter is 10 cm. (4 in.) and depth 4 cm. (i^ in.). The
lining is composed of pine needles, fine rootlets and a few hairs. The
eggs average 29 x 22 mm. and are pale Nile blue specked with hair
brown. This jay was found only where there were evergreens — pines
or cypress. The lower limit of their range appears to coincide almost
exactly with that of the upper limit of Cissolopha. Iris dark brown;
legs and bill black.

Family Ictericlre.

181. Zarhynchus wagleri mexicanus Ridgway.

At Finca Chapulco near Los Amates, a large flock of this species
passed night and morning nearly over the house. On account of
their large size and yellow tails they were not at first distinguished
from Gymnostinops, but after it was discovered that both species
were present, the more undulating flight of this one served to establish
its identity as far as it could be seen. Only one specimen was ob-
tained. Iris blue ; bill yellow at base and horn-blue at tip ; feet black.

182. Gymnostinops montezuma (Lesson).

Five skins and a skeleton were obtained at Los Amates, where
this species was very plentiful. Morning and evening these birds
were assembled in flocks evidently owing to their habit of passing the
night in company, but during the day it was not at all uncommon
to find single birds feeding alone in the deep swamp forest and occa-
sionally uttering their guttural notes. A few were seen at Gualan.
Iris dark brown; basal half of bill black, distal half red; bare malar
and post-ocular areas flesh color; bare forehead and sides of throat
pale rose-purple.

183. Amblycercus holosericeus (Lichtensteiri) .

Nine skins and a skeleton. Specimens were taken at Los Amates,
Lake Amatitlan, Lake Atitlan, Patulul and San Jose". From both
coasts up to 5,000 feet it is common. It is a busy and unsuspicious
bird, which spends its time in investigating tangles of brush and vines,
and in chiseling its way into hard things with its bill like a wood-
pecker. Its pale bill and eyes give it a peculiar look. The enormous

Nov. 1907. BIRDS FROM GUATEMALA — DEARBORN. 113

development of its jaw muscles is remarkable. Iris and bill straw
color; feet horn-blue.

184. Tangavius involucratus (Lesson).

This species was first noted at El Rancho, but none were obtained
there for the reason that they were never encountered outside of the
village. One specimen was taken at Lake Atitlan and three others
at Tecpam. One of the latter, an immature male, taken April isth,
was beginning to moult around the bill; otherwise all were in firm
feather. Iris carmine in an adult male, reddish brown in an immature
male, and dark brown in a female.

185. Megaquiscalus major macrourus (Swainsori).

Great-tailed grackles are to be found in every village from the
rubber swamps up to at least 7,500 feet, the highest town visited.
They stick so closely to the thickly-settled districts that it is only
occasionally that the collector is able to obtain specimens. It is
claimed by those who are familiar with this bird in Guatemala that
the males are polygamous. At El Rancho a colony nests in a large
tree in the village square, under which the Indians daily sit with
their baskets of fruit to sell. Iris yellow.

186. Icterus wagleri Sclater.

This oriole was first seen at Lake Amatitlan, where a pair was
secured in some rushes growing at the margin of the lake. Two
others were obtained at Lake Atitlan and one at Tecpam. The last
mentioned was immature, having only the chin and lores and a few
interscapulars black. Its range is apparently in the high lands.
Iris dark brown.

187. Icterus prosthemelas (Strickland).

A single adult specimen was obtained at Los Amates. Iris dark
brown.

188. Icterus spurius (Linnaeus') .

Guatemala is evidently a favorite region with orchard orioles
in winter. They were common at El Rancho the first week in Janu-
ary, where both adult and immature Lbirds gwere seen gleaning insects
in the village trees. Specimens were taken at Los Amates (Jan.).
Gualan (Feb.), Lake Amatitlan (Feb.), San Jose (Mar.), Mazate-
nango (Mar.), Patulul (Mar. 3ist) — ten in all. Two were adult

ii4 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY — ORNITHOLOGY, VOL. I.

males, two immature males, and six females. Evidently the nature
of the country has little or no effect on the winter distribution of this
oriole for the tierra caliente and the dry highlands, at least up to 4,000
feet, were alike inhabited by it. The only sign of moult in the entire
series is on the head of an adult male taken March 3ist. Iris dark
brown.

189. Icterus pectoralis (Wagler).

This species was found only at Patulul, where one adult male and
three immature males were secured. Iris dark brown.

190. Icterus gularis (Wagler).

The small series of three specimens of this fine oriole presents so
much individual variation that it is regrettable that it is not much
larger. All are fully adult. The differences may be tabulated as
follows :

Locality

Sex

Head, breast, etc.

Wing

Tail

Tarsus

El Rancho
Mazatenango

female
male

orange-chrome
cadmium-orange
cadmium-yellow

123
129

112

109
109
106

32-5
32.5
29.

All are in unabraded plumage. The Mazatenango specimen has its
bill as long as those from El Rancho, but it has less depth at the base
by somewhat more than a millimeter. The female is by far the richest
colored of the lot. At El Rancho this species was feeding on the
rose-red fruits of the tree cactus (Cereus}. Iris dark brown.

191. Icterus giraudii Cassin.

Two specimens, one from Lake Atitlan and one from Tecpam.
Others were seen among some scattered pines on the way between
the above mentioned points. It appears to belong to the upland
region.

192. Icterus sclateri Cassin.

Five examples of this variable species were taken at El Rancho.
An adult male has the scapulars and interscapulars solid black; and
an immature male has only narrow orange edgings to its otherwise
black interscapulars. The females, all immature, have the golden
edgings of the interscapulars broader, producing a striped half-and-
half appearance. This series of skins, when compared with others
in similar plumage from* Nicaragua and Oaxaca, has the back de-
cidedly less spotted than either; the coloration of the Guatemala

Nov. 1907. BIRDS FROM GUATEMALA — DEARBORN. 115

specimens approaches very closely to that of gularis, while those
from southern Mexico and Nicaragua, so far as it has been possible
to ascertain, are near the color pattern of pustulatus. Inasmuch as
this oriole was not found elsewhere it is probably chiefly confined to
the semi-arid, cactus region. Iris dark brown; maxilla and tip of
mandible black; base of mandible and feet horn-blue.

193. Icterus mesomelas (Wagler}.

Three adults were secured at Los Amates. They were found in
the vicinity of cultivated land. This species apparently inhabits
the tierra caliente exclusively. Iris dark brown.

194. Icterus galbula (Linnaeus).

Baltimore orioles were very common the latter half of March at
Mazatenango and Patulul. None had been encountered prior to
that time, which suggests that the majority, at least, winter farther
south, and that the latter part of March marks the height of their
spring migration in Guatemala. One adult male, one immature
male, and two immature females were secured in the above named
localities. The young male had just begun to assume the adult
nuptial dress, a few scattered black feathers showing on crown, nape
and back, while the malar and sub-ocular areas were quite black
(March 2ist). At Mazatenango these orioles frequented a grove of
large coffee trees, which were then in full bloom.

Family Friiigillidse

195. Astragali nus psaltria croceus (Jouy).

One adult male was obtained at Mazatenangp, where it was found
in a pasture bearing, in addition to grass, a quantity of weeds and
scattered bushes. This goldfinch was not met with in any other lo-
cality. Iris dark brown.

196. Spiza americana (Gmeliri).

A small flock, containing five or six individuals, was found in
an irrigated field where the grass was tall and green, at Lake Atitlan,
April Qth. One was secured. This specimen, an adult male, was
in perfect plumage, and showed no indication of moulting in any
part. Iris dark brown.

n6 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY — ORNITHOLOGY, VOL. I.

197. Coturniculus savannarum bimaculatus Swainson.

Two females were taken at Patulul (March 24th, 26th). They
were feeding on weed seeds at the edge of a field of sugar cane. This
species was not seen anywhere else. Iris dark brown.

198. Aimophila ruficauda lawrencei (Salvin and Godmari).

Five specimens, three adult and two apparently immature, were I
taken at El Rancho. The adults have the clear black lateral crown \
stripes and auriculars and the larger size that characterize r. lawrencei 1
as distinguished from r. ruficauda. The two younger specimens
have traces of rufous in the lateral crown stripes, and the lower \
posterior sections of their ear coverts are grayish brown, which give j
them the appearance of true ruficauda, — originally described from 1
Nicaragua. Apparently Salvin and Godman, in writing their de- 1
scription of ruficauda and setting the limits of its distribution,* had
one of these immature birds in hand, as the specimen which they 1
described came from the same drainage basin, that of the Motagua •
River, as these El Rancho birds. Therefore, unless these specimens j
were migrants from Mexico, which is not probable, the Guatemalan j
birds belong to lawrencei and not to ruficauda, as currently supposed. 1
This species inhabits the low tangles of thorny shrubs and the brush j
fences and stone walls of the dry hillsides, remaining much upon the 1
ground, and taking refuge on the far side of its cover when inter- |
rupted. Iris of adults orange-red, of immature birds dark brown; i
maxilla dark horn color; mandible white; feet flesh color.

199. Aimophila rufescens Swainson.

This large sparrow was found in moist situations between 5,000 j
and 6,500 feet. Three were taken at Lake Atitlan and one in a valley j
below Tecpam. One of the Atitlan specimens has the chest and sides 1
of the neck decidedly grayer, less buff, than either of the other three. (
This same bird had its tail about three-fourths grown, all the rectrices 1
showing white tips, a character that the others had lost by abrasion. I
No other sign of moult appears on any of them. Iris mummy-brown; 1
maxilla slate-black; mandible plumbeous.

200. Junco alticola Salvin.

Seven were secured near the summit of Sierra Santa Elena, 9,500 j
feet, where they were found in a field cleared from the cypress forest, j
None were seen at a lower altitude. Iris orange.

* Biologic Central! Americana, Aves, Vol. I, p. 396.

.

Nov. 1907. BIRDS FROM GUATEMALA— DEARBORN. 117

201. Brachyspiza capensis peruviana (Lesson).

This sparrow was seen within the limits of Guatemala City. Two
were taken at Lake Atitlan, which has about the same altitude as
Guatemala City, nearly 5,000 feet, and two were taken near Tecpam
(7,500 feet), where it was very common. Its song strongly reminds
one of the eastern meadow-lark, though, of course, the volume is
somewhat less. It is a bird of fields and highways, rather than of
shrubbery or timber. Iris dark brown.

202. Melospiza lincolnii (Audubori).

A female was taken at Lake Atitlan April 8th. Its spring moult
had barely commenced on chin and forehead.

203. Hortulanus maculatus (Swainsori).

The spotted Towhee was first met at Lake Atitlan, where two
were obtained. Four others were taken between the Lake and Sierra
Santa Elena, above Tecpam. A female, taken at 9,500 feet, April
1 4th, contained an egg nearly ready to be laid. One of the Atitlan
specimens, a female, had orange rufous irides, while in one of the
same sex from Sierra Santa Elena they were gray; bill black; feet
vinaceous buff.

204. Melozone biarcuatum (Prevosi).

This species was first seen at Fiscal, on the way from El Rancho
to Guatemala City. Thirteen specimens, representing Lake Ama-
titlan, Lake Atitlan, Patulul and Mazatenango, were secured. It
is an inhabitant of scrub land, where stones, weeds and bushes pre-
vail, feeding on the ground and taking refuge in the trees where
disturbed. Iris brown.

205. Arremonops chloronotus (Salviri).

A pair was secured at Los Amates. None were seen elsewhere.
Iris brown; maxilla black; mandible horn-blue; feet pale.

206. Arremon aurantiirostris Lafresnay.

This species was found only in the deep forest near Los Amates,
where it stayed chiefly upon the ground, in the shelter of fallen
branches or decaying logs. In the obscurity of the swamp it was
difficult to see, the more especially as only one was found in a place.
One specimen was taken. Bill orange-red.

n8 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY — ORNITHOLOGY, VOL. I.

207. Atlapetes gutturalis (Lafresnay) .

Two were taken near Tecpam, at 9,500 feet, by Mr. Barber, in
January.

208. Buarremon brunneinuchus (Lafresnay}.

Three were secured above Tecpam, between 8,500 and 9,500 feet.
They were found, among bushes and low trees, usually on the ground.
Iris dark brown.

209. Volatina jacarina splendens (Vieillof).

This species was found at Los Amates, Gualan, Mazatenango and
San Jose. Six specimens were taken, representing each of the above
named localities. On the savannas near Los Amates they were ,
common. They are essentially birds of the field, rank grass and
weeds being their usual habitat. None were seen above 1,800 feet.
Iris dark brown.

210. Sporophila morelleti (Bonaparte).

This seedeater inhabits practically the same situations as the \
last, though it was found as high as 5,000 feet. Six specimens from
Los Amates, four from Mazatenango, three from Patulul, and one
from Lake Atitlan, make up the series. Those taken late in March
were beginning to moult on the crown and throat. Iris dark j
brown.

211. Passerina cyanea (Linnazus).

Indigo birds were very common, at least up to 4,000 feet, all
winter. April 4th is the date on which the last specimen was taken.
By the middle of March adult males had about half of the head and
breast blue, the back and under parts being still in fall plumage.
Males taken in January had a few scattered blue feathers both above
and below. Nine specimens were obtained, representing Los Amates,
El Rancho, Patulul, Mazatenango and Lake Amatitlan. At Finca j
Chapulco, near Los Amates, these birds were daily feeding on the :j
ground in the door yard. Often they were found in company with
Sporophila among the weeds that nourish along the railroad. Iris
dark brown.

212. Passerina ciris (Linnaeus).

The winter distribution of this species, so far as the results of :
this expedition indicate, is the same as that of cyanea. Nine speci-

1907. BIRDS FROM GUATEMALA — DEARBORN. 119

mens make up the series. April 4th is the latest date of capture.
Adult males wore their regalia of red, blue and green all winter. An
immature male, taken March 3ist, had just begun to come into adult
plumage, a few blue feathers showing among the auriculars. This
bunting was seen at Gualan, and specimens were taken at Los Amates,
El Rancho, Mazatenango, Patulul and Lake Amatitlan. Iris dark
brown.

213. Passerina versicolor (Bonaparte).

An adult male was taken at El Rancho January sth. None were
observed elsewhere. Iris dark brown.

214. Cyanocompsa parellina (Bonaparte).

Two were obtained at Los Amates and two at Patulul. The
species was not common. This series comprises two adults of
each sex. Their bills are heavier than any of the half dozen speci-
mens from eastern Mexico with which they have been compared.
The females are considerably darker than those from Tamaulipas,
the back being between Vandyke brown and burnt umber. The
males have foreheads pale blue, and occiput and nape azure blue;
they also have a wash of azure on the lower breast, — in each of these
particulars they differ from Mexican specimens. These specimens
are nearer subspecies parellina than any other that has been de-
scribed, both in size and color. The species has not heretofore been
recorded south of Mexico, but it extends at least as far as Nicaragua,
and when sufficient specimens from the southernmost portion of its
range are obtained, it is probable they will be found worthy of descrip-
tion and a name. When this has been done, these Guatemalan birds
will probably appear as intermediates. Iris dark brown.

215. Guiraca czerulea lazula (Lesson).

The western blue grosbeak was found to be generally distributed,
yet nowhere very abundant. Six specimens were taken, — two from
El Rancho and one each from Los Amates, Patulul, Lake Amatitlan
and Lake Atitlan. An adult male, taken in January, has brown tips
to the body feathers, which only need to be abraded to put him into
summer dress. A young male, taken February 26th, has a few blue
feathers around each eye and one or two on its chest, which mark
the beginning of the spring moult. Another, taken just a month
later, has the crown, chest and sides of the neck mainly blue. Iris
dark brown.

120 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY — ORNITHOLOGY, VOL. I.

216. Zamelodia ludoviciana (Linnceus).

A male was seen at Los Amates in January; a female was taken
at Lake Atitlan February 24th; another at San Jose March ;th; two
males and a female at Mazatenango March iyth, and a female at Pa-
tulul April 2d. During the latter half of March rose-breasted
grosbeaks were common about Mazatenango, where they were in
small flocks and apparently migrating. Although a winter resident
of Guatemala, it seems probable that the majority go farther south to
spend the winter. An adult male taken March lyth, had not even a
trace of approaching summer dress. An immature male, taken March
2oth, had a few pinfeathers on its chin. A female, taken April 2d,
has its under wing coverts, and a suffusion on its throat, geranium-
pink. The ovaries were normally developed, and there was no uncer-
tainty about the sex. The upper parts of this specimen are in no way
variant from the ordinary type of the sex. Iris dark brown.

217. Pheuticus aurantiacus (Salvin & Godtnan}.

The only example of this species that came to notice was a female
collected on a mountain north of El Rancho, just below the limit of ']
pine growth. Iris dark brown.

218. Saltator atriceps Lesson.

Eight specimens, representing Gaulan, Mazatenango. Patulul and
Lake Amatitlan, were obtained. This species frequents the borders
of woodland, where it can combine the advantages of the field for food i
and the woods for shelter. It evidently prefers dry ground at an alti-
tude less than 5,000 feet. Iris brown.

219. Saltator magnoides medianus Ridgway.

Three specimens were secured at Los Amates, the only place where
this species was found. It was noisy, like others of this genus, calling
vociferously when in the trees, but nothing that could be called a song j
was heard. A flock came to the cleared strip bordering ' the rail- ]
road to feed, and took to the bambus whenever disturbed. Iris dark 1
brown.

220. Saltator grandis (Lichtensteiri) .

This species was seen only on the Pacific side of the divide. San j
Jose", Lake Amatitlan and Patulul together furnished seven specimens, jj

Iris dark brown.

.

Nov. 1907. BIRDS FROM GUATEMALA — DEARBORN.

Family Taiiagriclae.

221. Euphonia affinis (Lesson).

Specimens, five in all, were taken at Gualan, Patulul, Maza-
tenango and San Jose. They were found in scattering trees, on culti-
vated land, feeding on small fruits. Iris dark brown.

222. Euphonia hirundinacea Bonaparte.

This species was seen only at Mazatenango, where three were col-
lected. Iris dark brown.

223. Euphonia gouldi Sclater.

A single specimen was taken at Los Amates, the only locality in
which this species was noticed. Iris dark brown.

224. Tanagra cana Swainson.

Blue tanagers were seen at Los Amates, Mazatenango and San
Jose. Four specimens were collected. Berries form a large part of
their fare. Iris dark brown.

225. Tanagra abbas Lichtenstein.

This tanager was common locally up to 5,000 feet. In the series of
fourteen skins, Los Amates, Patulul, Mazatenango and Lake Atitlan
are represented. Iris dark brown.

226. Piranga rubra (Linn&us).

One specimen was taken at Los Amates, but not preserved; four
were taken at Gualan, two at Patulul and one at Lake Atitlan. The
spring moult on an immature male, taken March 3ist, had progressed
over the sinciput, throat and auriculars. Scattering red feathers had
also appeared on the breast, interscapulum and rump. Iris dark
brown.

227. Piranga ludoviciana (Wilscn).

Fifteen specimens, all from the west side of the country, were
taken between February 25th and April 2d. Patulul, Mazatenango
and Lake Atitlan are the localities from which they came. During
the latter part of March these tanagers were so abundant that it is
probable they were in migration from some point to the southward,
though this species does not appear to have been recorded from south
of Gautemala. The spring moult evidently begins early in March,

122 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY — ORNITHOLOGY, VOL. 1.

the yellow median wing coverts and the frontal, loral and gular
feathers being replaced first. Three immature males, taken between
the isth and 3ist of March, have new tertials. Iris dark brown.

228. Piranga leucoptera Trudeau.

Seven specimens were obtained from Patulul and Mazatenango,
the only places where this species was seen. Iris dark brown.

229. Rhamphocelus passerinii Bonaparte.

Eight specimens were taken at Los Amates. None were seen
away from the swamps, where, however, they are quite plentiful. An
immature male in the series is indistinguishable, as to color, from
the females, but in size it is fully equal to adult males. This tanager
is usually seen around the margins of clearings. Iris of adult male
red, of immature male maroon, of female brown; bill plumbeous blue.

230. Lanio aurantius Lafresnay.

A single specimen was collected at Los Amates. No others were
observed. Iris dark brown.

231. Eucometis spodocephala Bonaparte.

Los Amates, one specimen, which, on comparison with specimens
of spodocephala from Nicaragua and pallida from Yucatan, is seen to
belong to the former subspecies. Its upper parts are fully as dark as
those from Nicaragua though it is slightly paler below. Prof. Ridg-
way* mentions a Guatemalan specimen that agrees with pallida, and
a Belize specimen that is intermediate between the two. Iris brown.

232. Phoenicothraupis rubica rubricoides (Lafresnay).

Near Patulul this tanager was rather common in heavy timber on
the hillsides. Nine specimens were taken. An adult male in the lot,
collected April 3d, has three new olive-green rectrices and nine old
red ones — an interesting reversal of the usual order of moult — and
furthermore, they are unsymmetrically located, one green feather
being an outer retrix on the right side, while the other two are next
the middle on the left side. Iris dark brown.

233. Phoenicothraupis salvini Berlepsch.

A single specimen was collected near Mazatenango, in a low moist
locality covered with primeval forest. Iris dark brown.

*Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus. No. 50, part II, p. 141.

Nov. 1907. BIRDS FROM GUATEMALA — DEARBORN. 123

234. Phoenicothraupis salvini littoralis (Nelson).

A pair of this subspecies, taken at Los Amates, agree very closely
with specimens from Teapa and Tampico, the colors of the head and
throat being of the same shade, and those of the body, wings and tail
being but slightly darker than on the corresponding parts of the Mexi-
can specimens. Iris brown.

Family Hirundinidje.

235. Progne chalybea (Gmeliri).

Two specimens were taken at El Rancho where this species was
very common. Several came regularly to pass the night on the plates
of the high veranda of the hotel. Iris dark brown.

236. Stelgidopteryx serripennis (Audubon).

Specimens, five altogether, were collected at Mazatenango, Patu-
lul and Lake Atitlan — the time limits being March iyth to April 8th.
All of these skins agree in color with others from the States, but the
one from Lake Atitlan, a male, has the unusual wing length of 1 18 mm.
Of the other four, two females and a male have a wing length of 104
mm. and the other one, a female, is only 98 mm. Iris dark brown.

237. Notiochelidon pileata (Gould).

Coban swallows were plentiful about Tecpam, where one was
taken by Mr. Barber in January. April isth they were drilling holes
in the banks by the roadside on the mountain west of the town. They
also appeared to be nesting in the walls of the cathedral where bricks
had been left out for staging supports.

238. Iridoprocne bicolor (Vieillot).

One immature specimen, sex unknown but apparently a female,
was taken at Lake Atitlan March 3d, by Mr. Barber.

Family Ptilogiiathidse.

239. Ptilogonys cinereus molybdophanes Ridgway.

This species was first seen on the road from Lake Atitlan to Tec-
pam at about 6,500 feet. Above Tecpam at 9,000 to 9,500 feet it was

124 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY — ORNITHOLOGY, VOL. I.

found in flocks feeding on berries. Six males and two females were
collected. The females exhibit a decided difference in color. One
has back and breast broccoli brown in decided contrast with an olive-
gray head; the other has back smoke-gray, breast drab-gray, and
head olive-gray, with only a slight contrast between the interscapu-
lum and crown. Iris dark brown.

Family Vireouiclff*.

240. Vireosylva flavoviridis Cassin.

One specimen was taken at Mazatenango, where this vireo was
frequently heard singing in the tops of the enormous trees that
form the forest in the low land south of the town. Its song is so simi-
lar to that of V. olivaceus that, until one of the birds was collected, it
was supposed to belong to that species. Iris red-brown.

241. Vireosylva gilvus swainsonii (Baird).

One was taken and another seen at El Rancho January 6th. No
more were seen until March 24th, when they were found at Patulul
in abundance, and so continued, at least •, until April 26.. Seven were
collected at Patulul. At this time, they were passing through the
trees in loose flocks and were evidently migrating. The March and
April specimens were undergoing a scattered moult, not a general
renewal, on head and breast. Iris dark brown.

242. Lanivireo flavifrons (Vieilloi).

Yellow-throated vireos were found at Gaulan and near El Rancho.
Two specimens were collected at the former place early in February, j
Iris dark brown.

243. Lanivireo solitarius (Wilson).

One was taken at Lake Atitlan April loth, and another was taken ]
two days later, on the road to Tecpam, at 6,500 feet. Both were
near the completion of the spring moult, covering the head, inter- I
scapulum and breast, — partially at least. Iris dark brown.

244. Vireo ochraceus Salvin.

This species was found only in the mangroves. One specimen
was collected at Puerto Barrios and five at San Jose. At the latter j
place they were abundant. All of the San Jose series were olive- 1

Nov. 1907. BIRDS FROM GUATEMALA — DEARBORN. 125

green above and wax-yellow beneath, and all had straw-colored
irides. The Puerto Barrios bird was olive-gray above, and only
locally and slightly tinged with yellow beneath, and had dark-brown
irides. The dark iris was an index of immaturity, and it seems proba-
ble that the color variation so conspicuous in any large series of this
species is due to difference in age, the pale specimens being younger
than those of brighter color.

245. Vireo belli! Audubon.

Bell's vireos do not appear to have been heretofore recorded from
south of Tehuantepec, but apparently they reach southern Guatemala
in considerable numbers. Two were taken at Gualan February i5th,
two at San Jose, March 8th, and one at Patulul March 25th. No
evidence of a recent moult is discernible on any of the lot. Iris dark
brown.

246. Vireolanius melitophrys Du Bus.

One specimen, the only one seen, was taken at Lake Atitlan.
Iris Nile-blue.

247. Vireolanius pulchellus Sclater & Salvin.

This species was .found only in the wooded valleys near Patulul,
but even there it was scarce. Two specimens were collected. Iris
dark brown.

248. Cyclarhis flaviventris Lafresnay.

Nine were collected, in all; one at Mazatenango, five at Patulul
and three at Lake Atitlan. The song of this bird is rather loud, smooth
and pleasant to hear. Iris orange, and elliptical in shape, with the
longer axis horizontal.

Family Coerebldse,

249. Diglossa montana sp. nov.

Type No. 23,4^4, cT ad., Field Museum of Natural History; col-
lected on Sierra Santa Elena, at altitude 9,500 feet, near Tecpam, by
C. M. Barber, January i3th, 1906.

Specific characters: Similar to D. baritula, but differs from that
species in having the throat slate-gray like the back — not russet
like the breast ; — and in having the under parts darker, — near mars
brown.

126 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY — ORNITHOLOGY, VOL. I.

Description of type: Pileum, lores and auriculars slate-black; throat,
sides of neck, back, lesser wing coverts and upper tail coverts slate
color, passing into plumbeous on the rump; wings and tail black,
edged with slate; breast, abdomen and under tail coverts mars brown.
Wing 58 mm.; tail 45 mm.; exposed culmen 10 mm.; tarsus 18 mm.

Female: Upper parts olive; throat broccoli brown; breast, ab-
domen, and under tail coverts vinaceus-cinnamon. Wings and tail
dusky, edged with olive ; secondaries and greater wing coverts edged
with buff. Wing 56 mm.; tail 43 mm.; exposed culmen 10 mm.';
tarsus 1 8 mm.

Two specimens were taken in the type locality by Mr. Barber.
It is probable that montana intergrades with baritula, but in the
small series at hand — two of the former and seven of the latter —
there is no indication of it. This form has hitherto been included
under the name baritula which was originally applied by Wagler to a
specimen from Mexico. Salvin and Godman* mention the difference
in color of throat on Mexican and Guatemalan specimens; and Ridg-
way** calls attention to this and other differences between the single
Guatemalan skin in the United States National Museum, and a series
from Mexico. Apparently Sclater based his description of baritula
in the Catalogue of Birds in the British Museum*** upon a Guatema-
lan specimen, for he says "throat plumbeous like the back."

His final statement that "Guatemalan specimens have less (Italics
mine) plumbeous on the throat, thereby approaching D. sittoides"
indicates very plainly that he had the two forms confused, for it is
the Mexican and not the Guatemalan form that has less plumbeous.

250. Cyanerpes cyaneus (Linnceus).

Two from Patulul and seven from Mazatenango were collected
between the i5th and the 3ist of March. This series indicates that
the body plumage of immature males changes from the green of the
first autumn to the adult blue and black by a rapid and thorough
moult in March ; and that the wing and tail feathers are renewed just
enough in advance of the contour feathers to be practically grown
when the latter begin to shed about the head and interscapulum.
Adults apparently moult more gradually and less completely at this
time. These honey creepers were as often seen foraging among the ]
branches of roadside trees as in the woods. They were usually in
flocks. Iris dark brown ; feet vermilion.

* Biologia Centrali Americana, Aves. I, p. 242.

** Bulletin U. S. National Museum, No. 50, part II, p. 381, footnote.
*** Cat. Birds Brit. Mus. Vol. XI, p. 4.

Nov. 1907. BIRDS FROM GUATEMALA — DEARBORN. 127

Family Miiiotilticlae.

251. Mniotilta varia (Linn&us}.

One was taken March igth at Mazatenango and another, an adult
male, at Patulul March 3ist. A few were seen at Gualan February
1 5th. Black-and-white warblers winter here only in small numbers.
Iris dark brown.

252. Helmintheros vermivorus (Gmeliri).

A female was taken at Patulul April 2d. No others were seen.

253. Helminthophila pinus (Linnaeus}.

One specimen was taken at Gaulan February isth. Iris dark
brown.

254. Helminthophila peregrina (Wilson).

Tennessee warblers were abundant at Mazatenango, and six were
collected there between the ipth and 2ist of March. Between
March 25th and April 2d three others were taken at Patulul. As
none were seen elsewhere, it seems probable that these specimens were
out of a migration wave sweeping up from a lower latitude. In the
series of eight, only one was a male, taken April 2d. All show a
condition of scattering moult on pileum, throat and interscapulum.
Iris dark brown.

255. Helminthophila celata lutescens (Ridgway}.

One specimen was taken at 9,500 feet, near Tecpam, December
1 6th, by Mr. Barber.

256. Oreothlypis superciliosa (Hartlaub).

This species was rather common in the cypress-covered "heights
above Tecpam, where three specimens were taken. It was usually
found in bushes and small trees at the edge of the forest or in partial
clearings.

257. Compsothlypis americana ramalinae Ridgway.

One was collected at Gualan, February 7th; and another at San
Jose March 7th. The latter was just beginning the spring moult on
forehead and auriculars.

128 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY — ORNITHOLOGY, VOL. I.

258. Dendroica aestiva (Gmelin).

The yellow warbler is a common winter resident. Ten specimens |
were collected, the following localities contributing: Los Amates
(Jan.), Lake Amatitlan (Feb.), Patulul, Mazatenango and San Jose
(March). Those taken about March ist, were just beginning the
spring moult, and those taken during the last week of the same I
month had new feathers on head, neck, interscapulum, breast and !
flanks; while the lower back, rump and abdomen showed no indica- :
tion of renewal.

\

259. Dendroica aestiva sonorana Brewster.

A female was taken at El Rancho in January, and a male at San J
Jose March gth.

*

260. Dendroica bryanti castaneiceps Ridgway.

Several were seen among the mangroves along the beach at San
Jose, but only one was secured. This one, an immature male, was |
just beginning to show a few chestnut feathers on its head, March yth. |
Iris dark brown.

261. Dendroica maculosa (Gmelin).

An abundant winter resident from the swamps along the coast up, J
at least, to 4,000 feet. Specimens, seven in all, were collected at Los |
Amates, Lake Amatitlan, Patulul and Mazatenango. The only |
specimen in moult is a male, taken April 2d, which has a few new f
feathers on its throat and breast. Iris dark brown.

262. Dendroica coronata (Linnaeus}.

Myrtle warblers were first noticed at sea, December 3ist, when two
came aboard the ship about 20 miles south of Chinchorrow Key. At
Belize, January ist, they were common in the botanical garden.
Many were seen at Puerto Barrios and Los Amates in January.
Again, April i2th, a few were seen and one, a female in dilapidated
plumage, collected near Tecpam, at 7,500 feet. In the low country,
they fed mostly upon the ground along the railroad and in door yards.

263. Dendroica townsendi (Townsend).

This warbler winters in the pine belt. Four were taken near
Tecpam, one in January at 7,600 feet, and three April i2th, at 6,500 '-
feet. None were seen elsewhere.

Nov. 1907. BIRDS FROM GUATEMALA — DEARBORN. 129

264. Dendroica virens (Gmelin).

One was taken near El Rancho (Jan. 6th), one at Lake Amatitlan
(Feb. 27th), and two at Lake Atitlan (April loth). Few were seen,
none below 2,000 feet. One of the April specimens had just begun to
moult about the base of the bill and the auriculars.

265. Oporornis formosa (Wilson).

Two were secured at Los Amates (Jan. 22d and Feb. gtti) and
one at Mazatenango (Mar.

266. Oporornis tolmiei (Townsend).

One was taken at Lake Amatitlan (Feb. 26th), two at Patulul
(Mar. 26th) and two at Lake Atitlan (Apr. loth), It is probable,
judging from these dates of occurrence, that at least the Lake Ama-
titlan specimen was passing the winter at Guatemala. The others
may have been passing migrants. One of the April specimens had
pinfeathers on gular, frontal and auricular areas.

267. Seiurus aurocapillus (Linnaeus}.

One was collected at Mazatenango March 2ist.

268. Seiurus noveboracensis notabilis Ridgway.

One, taken at Los Amates (Jan. i6th) and another at Lake
Amatitlan (Feb. 27th) belong to the intermediates between 5. n.
noveboracensis and 5. n. notabilis, such as occur spring and fall in
Chicago, and which are referred to the latter form on account of their
color, notwithstanding they are somewhat smaller than typical
notabilis. This species (subspecies uncertain) was also seen at
Puerto Barrios moving about among a pile of mahogany logs on the
shore. At Los Amates, they were frequently seen near the river.
Both of the specimens collected were undergoing a gradual moult
on the head. Iris dark brown.

269. Geothlypis trichas brachydactyla Swainson.

Eleven specimens were collected, time and place as follows:
Los Amates (Jan.), Lake Amatitlan (Feb.), Mazatenango and San
Jose (March), Lake Atitlan (Apr. 7th). An immature male, taken
January i6th, was in autumnal plumage. Another, taken February
ist, had begun to assume the black mask. An adult male, taken
April 7th, was moulting on chin and crown. This yellow-throat is
a common winter resident in moist, reedy places, up to 5,000 feet and
perhaps higher.

130 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY — ORNITHOLOGY, VOL. I.

270. Chamsethlypis caninucha Ridgway.

Two were collected at Mazatenango and two at Patulul. At first
sight one is reminded of a yellow-throat (G. trichas] but this species
lives mainly on the ground in highways and pastures where vegetation
is low, rather than in bushes, or rank grass, as do yellow-throats.
None were observed on the Atlantic side of the watershed, or either
very high or very low on the Pacific side, the more elevated parts of
the tierra caliente being, apparently, their ordinary habitat. The
pair, male and female, taken at Mazatenango (Mar. igth, 2ist) had
not begun to moult; but the pair from Patulul (Mar. 24th, 25th) both
have pinfeathers on the interramal space. Iris dark brown.

271. Icteria virens (Linn&us).

The chat was found very generally distributed. Two were col-
lected at Los Amates (Jan.), one at Lake Amatitlan (Feb.), two at
San Jose* (March), one at Mazatenango (March), two at Patulul
(Mar., Apr.) and one at Lake Atitlan, (Apr. yth). In this series of
nine birds only one was in moult. This one, an adult male taken
March ipth, had the forehead and a patch on the throat in pin-
feathers. Iris dark brown.

272. Wilsonia mitrata (Gmeliri).

One was collected at Los Amates January 26th, and two at Patulul,
one March 26th, and the other April 5th. While undoubtedly a
winter resident, it is not a common one, as no others were observed.
The Patulul specimens were probably passing migrants. Iris dark
brown.

273. Wilsonia pusilla (Wilson}.

A fully adult male was taken at Los Amates January i6th; and
a young male and a female were taken above Tecpam (9,000 ft.)
April 1 3th. The female, the only one showing any moult whatever,
had numerous scattering pinfeathers on her throat. Iris dark brown;
maxilla horn-blue; mandible pale; feet dull yellow.

274. Setophaga ruticilla (Linnaeus).

An adult male was seen at Belize January ist, and a female was
taken at Gualan February isth. Iris dark brown.

275. Setophaga picta guatemala? Sharpe.

The only one seen was collected at 6,500 feet, near Tecpam.

Nov. 1907. BIRDS FROM GUATEMALA — DEARBORN. 131

276. Myioborus mimatus flammeus (Kaup).

One was taken from a flock of warblers, mainly Oreothlypis super-
ciliosa, at 8,000 feet near Tecpam. Iris hazel.

277. Basileuterus rufifrons dugesi Ridgway.

Three specimens, a male and two females, were taken April loth
at Lake Atitlan. They have been compared with six specimens of
B. r. rufifrons from eastern Mexico, and with the same number of
May specimens of B. r. dugesi from Jalisco, and they evidently belong
to the latter subspecies. If this form were a permanent resident
it would undoubtedly have been reported from Guatemala before
this; hence it is reasonable to conclude that these birds were migrants.
Such a migration as this must be due to an instinctive impulse, rather
than to necessity, as the bird's summer range is not uninhabitable
in winter. These specimens were found in the low shrubbery that
covers the precipitous shore of the lake near Panajachel.

278. Basileuterus rufifrons delattrii Bonaparte.

Seven specimens, five males and two females, were taken at Patu-
lul between March 26th and April 5th. All of these have the nape
olive-green, slightly darker than the back. Two other specimens,
one of each sex, taken at Lake Amatitlan February 27th, have gray
napes, otherwise they are like those from Patulul. According to
Ridgway* the gray nape is a characteristic of delattrii; but according
to Salvin and Godman**, the nape of this form should be "olive like
the back."

If this series includes only one form, and that delattrii, which
appears to be the case, both authorities have hit the truth. Prof.
Ridgway kindly allowed the type of B. r. salvini Cherrie, to be sent on
from Washington for examination in this connection. But none of
this series has a trace of white on the ear-coverts, while salvini belongs
to the group having the lower portion of the auriculars whitish.
There is no sign of moult on any of these specimens and there is
nothing about them to indicate any difference in age between those
'with gray napes and those with olive napes. Iris dark brown.

279. Basileuterus culicivorus (Lichtenstein) .

Two were collected at Patulul. Iris dark brown.

280. Ergaticus versicolor (Salvin).

This species was found only in the cypress region above 9,000 feet.

*Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 50, part II, p. 749-
**Biologia Central! Americana, Aves, vol. I, p. 177-

132 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY— ORNITHOLOGY, VOL. I.

It is exceedingly active, so much so that it is rather difficult to obtain.
It frequents thickets of young cypress and shrubbery of various sorts.
Eight specimens were secured. Iris dark brown.

Family Mimidae.

281. Mimus gilvus guatemalensis Ridgway.

One specimen was collected at Lake Atitlan, the only locality
where this species was found, and it was not common there.

282. Galeoscoptes carolinensis (Linn&us}.

Catbirds were common at Belize and at Los Amates. None were
observed outside the low, wet tierra caliente of the Atlantic side of
the country. In the almost impenetrable thickets of that region,
the collector rarely knows what he is shooting at, and as a rule it does
not matter, but if he hails from the north, he very soon becomes
tired of picking up catbirds. Two specimens were brought home,
both from Los Amates, one collected in January and the other April
ist, both in excellent plumage.

283. Melanotis hypoleucus Hartlaub.

This fine mocker was found between 5,000 feet and 6,500 feet, along
the road from Lake Atitlan to Tecpam. It frequents the thick bushes
which grow in water-courses, and acts in general like the more familiar
members of its family, — the catbird, mockingbird and thrasher.
Three specimens were collected. Iris dark brown.

Family Troglodytidse.

284. Heleodytes capistratus (Lesson).

Seven specimens were collected, the localities represented being
El Rancho, Lake Amatitlan, Patulul and San Jose. The Patulul and
San Jose" specimens differ from those from El Rancho in having the
back darker and without the obscure bars more or less observable on
all the birds from the latter place. Evidently they are intermediates
between H. c. capistratus and H. c. nigricaudatus : Several nests were
found in the course of construction as early as February i5th, but so
far as could be judged they were built in response to an instinct for

Nov. 1907. BIRDS FROM GUATEMALA — DEARBORN. 133

nest building developed long past the needs of procreation, rather than
for immediate occupancy by eggs. This wren was usually found in
hedges away from the woods. It is a very good singer. Iris reddish
brown.

285. Heleodytes zonatus (Lesson).

This species was first seen at Lake Amatitlan where two specimens
were taken. Four were taken at Lake Atitlan, one at 6,500 feet,
between there and Tecpam, and two at 8,400 feet, near the last named
town. Its vertical distribution almost exactly supplements that of
H. capistratus, which was not found higher than Lake Amatitlan.
These wrens were for the most part in trees in gorges, though at Lake
Atitlan, wheie they were quite numerous, they were in a small coffee
plantation, hedged in between the mountains and the lake. Their
ordinary notes are harsh and unpleasant. Iris hazel.

286. Pheugopedius maculatus umbrinus (Ridgway).

Two specimens were taken at Los Amates, one at Izabel, one at
Patulul and one at San Jose*. Iris brown.

287. Troglodytes musculus hypaedon (Sclater}.

This wren was found at Los Amates, where one came daily to the
so-called "hotel" and took a look into each room as it made its way
along the plate, singing and catching lively tenants of the hostelry.
The good offices of this bird were so highly appreciated that no at-
tempt was made to make a skin of it. One was taken at Lake Ama-
titlan, in some tall grass at the edge of a field, and another at 6,500
feet, on the way from Lake Atitlan to Tecpam. Others were seen
in the cypress forest, at 9,500 feet near Tecpam. There is a decided
difference in the color of the upper parts of these two specimens, the
Amatitlan bird being much the darker; but this difference is probably
due to environment, .the dark one coming from a moist situation
covered with green vegetation, while the other came from a mountain
side, which during the dry season has but little verdure. This pale
specimen is even lighter than interrnedius from Costa Rica. The under
parts of these two specimens are quite similarly colored. Iris dark
brown.

288. Henicorhina prostheleuca (Sclater).

Two were collected at Los Amates and five at Patulul. All were
found in moist dark woods. Iris dark brown.

134 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY — ORNITHOLOGY, VOL. I.

289. Thryophilus modestus (Cabanis).

This species was more 'common on the Pacific side, near the coast,
than in the interior. Ten specimens were collected,-- Gualan, Lake
Atitlan, Lake Amatitlan, Patulul and San Jose" being the localities.
These specimens show decided individual variation as to color and
distinctness of barring on the tail. The wings and the tails of this
series average slightly less than those of Costa Rican specimens. As
to color, in this series of ten there are specimens that are lighter than
the three adult examples from Costa Rica in this Museum, and others
that are darker; while some have the dark tail-bars more distinct,
and some less distinct than those from Costa Rica. Iris dark brown.

290. Thryophilus rufalbus (Lafresnay) .

Two were secured at'Mazatenango, the only locality where any
were seen. Iris dark brown.

291. Thryophilus pleurostictus (Sclater}.

A single specimen was collected at Gualan. Iris dark brown.

Family Certhiidse.

292. Certhia familiaris alticola Miller.

Mr. Barber collected one specimen at 9,500 feet, near Tecpam.

Family Paridae.

293. Psaltriparus melanotis (Hartlaub).

Four specimens were collected in the highlands between Lake
Atitlan and Tecpam at 5,000 to 6,500 feet. None were seen below
this elevation.

Family Sylviidre.

294. Regulus satrapa clarus subsp. nov.

Type No. 23,270, cT ad.. Field Museum of Natural History; col-
lected on Sierra Santa Elena, at altitude 9,500 feet, near Tecpam,
Guatemala, by N. Dearborn, April i3th, 1906.

Nov. 1907. BIRDS FROM GUATEMALA — DEARBORN. 135

Subspecific characters: Similar to R. s. olivaceous but having the
olive-green of the upper parts distinctly brighter green, and the gray
nuchal collar not more than half as wide.

Description of type: Interscapulum, rump and edgings of wing
and tail feathers bright olive-green; median area of pileum cadmium-
orange, bounded anteriorly and laterally by a line of lemon-yellow;
which in turn, is bounded anteriorly and laterally by a line of black;
and this, again, is bounded anteriorly and laterally by a line of white,
which covers the frontal and superciliary areas. Ocular and malar
areas dusky, separated by a narrow white line. Sides of head and
cervix olive-gray. Underparts smoke-gray, abdomen and under tail
coverts slightly paler than the breast and throat. Wing 54 mm.;
tail 40 mm.; exposed culmen 8 mm.; taisus 18 mm. Greater wing
coverts tipped with pale buff.

Adult female: Colored like male except central line of pileum
which is entirely lemon- yellow. Wing 52 mm. ; tail 37 mm. ; exposed
culmen 8 mm.; tarsus 17 mm.

Remarks: This form is as much brighter colored than R. s. oliva-
ceous as that form is brighter than R. s. satrapa; and the gray collar,
which on s. satrapa invades the interscapulum, and grades so gradually
into the olive-green of the rump that the back shows as much gray
as it does olive-green ; and which in s. olivaceous reaches well on to the
interscapulum where it ends more abruptly; in clarus does not reach
the interscapulum at all, the bright olive-green extending clear up
over the shoulders. Through the kindness of Dr. Allen of the Ameri-
can Museum of Natural History I have been able to compare these
Guatemalan specimens with the specimen named aztecus Ridgway,
from Mexico City, in the Lawrence collection, which is apparently
only an unusually dark example of olivaceous, and less like these than
is the usual type of olivaceous. Three specimens were collected; a
male, January 2d, and a male and female April i3th. They were
among second growth cypress at altitude 9,500 feet, and considering
the dates, were probably residents. At all events the character of
the timber land is precisely such as this species ordinarily selects to
breed in.

295. Polioptila caerulea mexicana Ridgujay.

This gnat-catcher is apparently restricted to the low country.
Two specimens, both females, were taken, — one at Los Amates
January 3ist, and the other at San Jose" March 7th. This last bird

136 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY — ORNITHOLOGY, VOL. I.

was near the end of a spring moult involving nearly all the body
plumage. Iris dark brown.

296. Polioptila albiloris Sclater & Salvin.

White-lored gnat-catchers were common at El Rancho, where five
were collected. One was also taken at Gualan. They were found
among the leafless hillside shrubbery, usually in pairs. Iris dark
brown.

Family Turdidse.

297. Hylocichla ustulata Nuttall.

One was taken at Los Amates January 3ist, four at Mazatenango
March i6th — 2oth, and six at Patulul March 3ist — April 3d. This
species was abundant in the last two localities and appeared to be
migrating. The one collected at Los Amates was the only one seen
on the east side of the divide. None were moulting. Iris dark brown.

298. Hylocichla guttata auduboni (Baird).

One specimen was collected near Tecpam, January ist, by Mr.
Barber.

299. Planesticus grayi Bonaparte, and

300. Planesticus grayi tamaulipensis Nelson.

Fourteen specimens: Los Amates three; El Rancho four; Lake
Amatitlan one; Lake Atitlan three; San Jos<§ one; Mazatenango
two. Three of those from El Rancho are indistinguishable from]
examples of P. g. tamaulipensis taken near Tampico. All of the
others are darker beneath. The type of grayi came from Guatemala,
probably from the Pacific coast region, inasmuch as Colonel Velasquez »
de Leon, who made the collection reviewed by Bonaparte in the
Proceedings of the Zoological Society for 1837 (pp. 114-119), where |
grayi was first described, was in the country but a fortnight, and
several of his birds are restricted to that region.

As to the distribution of the pale and dark forms: the pale one,
tamaulipensis, originally described by Nelson* from Tamaulipas, and
later extended by Hellmayer** to Yucatan and the islands Cozumel,
Mugeres and Meco, evidently occurs in the dry tierra templada region

*Auk, 1897, p. 75.
**J. f. O. 1902, p. 50.

Nov. 1907. BIRDS FROM GUATEMALA — DEARBORN. 137

of Guatemala, between the Cordillera and the Atlantic lowlands, and
also in the similar region of western Nicaragua. Eight specimens
from Nicaragua in this Museum, six from San Geronomo, Chinandega,
one from San Rafael and one from San Emilis, Lake Nicaragua, are
all indistinguishable from Tampico specimens taken in the same
month — April. This thrush frequents trees about cultivated land,
and in March and April its song was heard daily on the plantations.
None were seen above 5,000 feet. In the dry regions they were found
only along streams where trees retain their foliage the year round.
Iris brown; bill yellowish green.

301. Planesticus tristis leucauchen Sclater.

Two specimens were taken at Los Amates late in January. They
are not quite typical as to color, being more olive above, less cinereous,
than specimens from Vera Paz and western Belize, where the ashy
phase of tristis seems to culminate. It may not be out of place here
to call attention to the fact that there is a skin in this Museum ex
Boucard, collected in Guatemala, which agrees exactly, as to color,
with a topotype (*) of cnephosa Bangs and is even smaller.

In his original description of cnephosa, Mr. Bangs makes "smaller
and darker" the characters that distinguish it from leucauchen of
Guatemala. As a matter of fact typical leucauchen is darker than cne-
phosa, ("Supra nigricanti-cinereus" — Sclater) . There is, indeed, little
to choose between leucauchen and cnephosa as a name for Los Amates
specimens, and it may yet turn out that the latter name is applica-
ble to them. This bird was found only in the dense woods, where it
was apparently not at all common. Iris brown; bill straw-color;
eye-ring yellow; feet pale.

302. Planesticus tristis rubicundus subsp. nov.

Type No. 23,292 ? ad., Field Museum of Natural History; collected
at Patulul, Solola, Guatemala, March 3oth, 1907.

Subspecific characters: Similar to tristis assimilis but more
ferruginous above, and with wings and tail much darker.

Description of type: Interscapulum a rusty tone of mummy
brown, gradually turning to bistre on the crown and auriculars and
to olive on the upper tail coverts; primaries and rectrices sooty, edged
with sepia; wing coverts and exposed portions of secondaries bistre.
Gular area streaked, black and white, jugulum and abdomen white;
breast, sides and thighs broccoli brown; under tail coverts with

*No. 188,582 U. S. National Museum.

138 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY— ORNITHOLOGY, VOL. I.

basal half hair brown and tip white. Wing 119 mm.; tail 95 mm.;
exposed culmen 19 mm.; tarsus 28 mm. Iris dark brown.

Remarks: This is a reddish brown form decidedly different from
the slaty form of Vera Paz and western Belize; and readily distin-
guishable from the olive-brown Mexican forms, t. tristis and /. assimilis.
A single specimen, the only one observed, was collected in thick
woods near Patulul.

The appended map showing the distribution of the subspecies of
P. tristis was made according to specimens in this Museum, and Prof.
Ridgway's latest work.* Localities are indicated by the initial of
the subspecies found there, and type localities by a circle enclosing
the initial. Assimilis, tristis and rubicundus are brown forms, while
leucauchen and cnephosa are olive or slaty. It here appears that
rubicundus is separated from the other brown forms by a dark olive
race, cnephosa. Incidentally, the peculiar relative distribution of
leucauchen and cnephosa indicates the need of further study to ascer-
tain the exact status of the latter.

303. Planesticus rufitorques Hartlaub.

Eleven specimens were collected between 6,500 feet and 9,500 feet
altitude, near Tecpam. None were seen below 6,500 feet. The man-
ners and song of this species are almost identical with those of P.
migratoria in the United States. Specimens were taken in December,
January and April. None of them was in moult. There is a decided
difference in the color of the abdomen of some of the spring males,
which indicates that this area is the last to become clothed in adult
plumage. Iris dark brown; bill cadmium-yellow; feet gall-stone
yellow.

304. Catharus frantzii alticola Salvin & Godman.

Four were collected in the cypress timber near the summit of
Sierra Santa Elena near Tecpam. This species was not seen in any
other locality. Iris dark brown.

305. Sialia sialis guatemalae Ridgway.

The bluebird of Guatemala was first seen in the environs of Guate-
mala City. From that altitude, — about 5 ,000 feet — up to about 9 ,000
feet, it was not uncommon in cultivated districts. Two specimens
were secured, both near Tecpam. Iris dark brown.

*Bulletin of the U. S. National Museum No. 50, part IV, pp. 108-112.

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