Huanim of Natural ftatoru

FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY.

PUBLICATION 146.
ORNITHOLOGICAL SERIES. VOL I No 6

CATALOGUE OF A COLLECTION
OF BIRDS FROM COSTA RICA

BY

JOHN FARWELL FERRY,

Assistant, Division of Ornithology.

CHARLES B. CORY,
Curator of Department of Zoology.

CHICAGO, U. S. A.

September, 1910.

CATALOGUE OF A COLLECTION OF BIRDS FROM

COSTA RICA.*

BY JOHN FARWELL FERRY.

The birds considered in this paper were collected in Costa Rica
during January, February and March of 1908 in localities upon the
country's Atlantic slope. Though the rainy season was in progress,
collecting was not seriously interfered with considering the time as a
whole.

Guayabo was visited from January 15 to February 6. The term
Guayabo appears to apply generally to a rich grazing district lying
several hours' horseback journey below Turrialba Station on the
Northern Railway of Costa Rica. This locality is one of heavily
forested slopes, cut by deep wooded ravines, and interspersed with
great reaches of luxuriant lawn. Lofty, wide-branching trees stand
singly or in groups about the lawns, and are a picturesque feature of the
landscape. They play an important part in the bird-life of the region.
The top of each tree, a small forest in itself, attracts a great number of
birds at dusk, which come to roost for the night. About sun-down
these tree-tops seem fairly alive with birds.

Don Juan Gomez was my host at Guayabo, and- at his comfortable
estate everything was done for my comfort and to assist me in my
work. The consideration and courtesy he extended to me is so highly
appreciated that a mere mention of it seems totally inadequate.

With pack animals, a journey of. some twenty miles was made in a
northerly direction from Cartago, a former capital of the Republic.
The locality thus reached is known as Coliblanco, an extensive region
situated upon one of the buttressing slopes of the Volcan de Turrialba
at an altitude of about 6,500 feet. The region is heavily timbered,
hilly, and cut by numerous ravines through which small mountain
torrents flow. Numerous clearings are cultivated or used for grazing.
My headquarters were at the estate of Don Aurelio Calleja, a pros-
perous resident of Cartago. The scenery at Coliblanco was of great
beauty, the more rugged growth of a high altitude blending with
tropical luxuriance. Collecting was fairly good in this locality,

*Posthumous; Mr. Ferry died February n, 1910.

257

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

though dense shrubbery and jungle-grown ravines offered many a
retreat where birds, though abundant, could not be secured. The
collector's most serious difficulty, however, was due to the abundance
of parasitic growths upon the trunks and branches of the trees.
Epiphytes, ferns, orchids and climbing vines occurred in such pro-
fusion that many a bird, fairly killed, would lodge during its fall in
one of these parasites. Its recovery was usually impossible. Back
of the potrero, or pasture, surrounding the Calleja estate, was a steep
forested slope. A climb of a thousand feet brought one to a
series of grass-covered meadows, dotted with tall trees, shrubbery,
and hemmed in by gloomy forests. Here the bird-life was noticeably
different from that lower down. The Calandria or Three-wattled
Bell-bird, was here in abundance, though absent below. Other birds
found here in large numbers, though rare or absent at the lower level,
were Myioborus aurantiacus, Myioborus torquatus, Oreothlypis guttur-
alis and Catharus gracilirostris. Quezals were reported as being very
common here.

The nights at Coliblanco were extremely chilly and the days varied
from moderate to cool. Much rain fell during my stay, which extended
from February 8 to 23.

The next region visited was at the base of the Ash-cone of the
volcano of Turrialba, at an altitude of about 9,000 feet. It was a five
hours' climb by pack animals from Coliblanco. Don Francisco Gutier-
rez gave me lodgings at his lecheria, or dairy-farm, and was a most
agreeable companion and kind host. Collecting was done here
from February 23 to March 2. The natural beauty of the region
excites the greatest admiration. The lecheria was in the midst of an
open park-like forest. The foliage varied from the brightest green
to copper color, while each tree bore flowers of various hues, either of
its own or of some parasitic growth, as of vines, bromeliads, or orchids.
As can be imagined, the park was a paradise for hummers as well as
for other insectivorous birds that preyed upon the insects that
sought the flowers. A heavy forest surrounds the Ash-cone, and
many deep and densely wooded ravines make much of the region
almost impassable. However, grassy slopes occur here and there,
a boon alike to the cattle-raiser and the collector. Two characteristic
birds of this place are the Quezal and the Three-wattled Bell-bird.

The volcano was ascended to its summit (11,067 feet) and its
sole avian inhabitants were the Volcano junco and Selasphorus
torridus.

On March 3 the journey to sea-level was begun. Odd days were

SEPT.. 1910. BIRDS FROM COSTA RICA — FERRY. 259

utilized for collecting, on January 14 at Turrialba Station and on
March 9 at Port Limon.

Acknowledgments are gratefully made to the United Fruit Com-
pany, who gave me much advice and kindly treatment, including the
placing at my disposal of a part of their shipping-room. Here, with
excellent facilities and materials for packing, I was able to prepare
my specimens for shipment with great success. Mention should also
be made of a provision made for me by Mr. Musgrove, Superintendent
of the Electric Lighting Plant of Port Limon. In a warm, dry place
near the boilers I was allowed to dry perfectly several hundred skins.
The humid conditions at the coast made the drying of these skins im-
possible without the aid of artificial heat.

I also gratefully acknowledge courtesies extended to me by the
Northern Railway of Costa Rica. They placed at my disposal trans-
portation facilities which allowed me the fullest possible use of their
lines. Mr. Donaldson, the United States Consul at Port Limon, has
also my grateful appreciation for services rendered.

Finally, I wish to thank Mr. Ridgway and others at the National
Museum, \\ ho kindly assisted me in the identification of several puz-
zling species.

ArdeidaeJ

Tigrisoma excellens Ridg.

i specimen said to have been taken at Juan Vinas, near Turrialba
Station. The skin was given to me. It is an immature bird (sex?).

Falcoiiidae.

Buteo platypterus (Vieill.).

2 specimens. 9 ad. Coliblanco. February n ; 9 im. Port Limon,
March 9.

Hicrastur interstes Bangs.

i specimen. T ad. Guayabo.

This specimen is referred to the above form recently described by
Bangs, as it occurs within the range allotted to the new species, in
fact not far from Cartago, the type locality. The bird was perched
at the edge of a small clearing in a dense forest and allowed a close
approach. The stomach contained hair of a small mammal.

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

Falco sparverius Linn.

5 specimens. Guayabo 3$, i c? ; Coliblanco icT.
These specimens are easily referable to the eastern form. This
species was common about Guayabo.

CracidtB.

Chamaepetes unicolor Salv.

2 specimens. Volcan de Turrialba 2 9 . Quite common in the
deep heavily-wooded ravines about the volcano at timber-line. The
bare skin in front of the eyes is ultramarine in life. These birds are
favorite game birds. Their flesh is white and finely flavored. While
walking at the bottom of a rocky gorge densely wooded on either
side, I was attracted by an uncanny, indescribable sound. It might
have been a partridge drumming a great distance away, but it evi-
dently came from close at hand. At length I made out a big, black
bird in the shrubbery hanging from the steep side of the ravine. At
the report of my gun the bird fell and another flew towards me and
alighted a few feet away. These birds appeared to have little fear
of man.

Ortalis cinereiceps (Gray}.

5 specimens. 3cT, i 9 , i sex (?). They were common upon the
heavily wooded hillsides marking the course of Guayabo Creek
They were usually met in small bands and were quite fearless. When
compared with specimens in this Museum the Guayabo birds are
seen to possess darker heads and more richly colored breasts — deeper
olivaceous brown. This possibly may be due to the excellent condi-
tion of plumage which the birds are in. The birds are known by the
widely-used name of Chachalaca.

II a 11 id t^.

Aramides albiventris plumbeicollis Zeledon.

i specimen. Guayabo d\ Compared with a specimen from
Costa Rica the Guayabo bird is typical. This bird was taken by the
side of a tiny stream flowing down a hillside through an open forest.
No others were seen.

SEPT., 1910. BIRDS FROM COSTA RICA — FERRY. 261

Columbictae.

Columba flavirostris Wagl.

3 specimens. Guayabo cT. These birds were abundant about
the potrero, where they resorted to dead branches of the tallest trees
during the sunny mornings. At such time their loud cooing could
be heard anywhere. They roost in the heavy foliage of tall trees.
They feed upon wild fruits, their crops being frequently distended
with large, succulent berries. (Native name — " Berengena.")
They are rather shy birds and are known among the natives as
" Paloma," the common name for pigeon.

Columba albilinea crissalis Salv.

4 specimens. Vol. de Turrialba cr. These birds were abundant
in the open forest about the lecheria. What impresses the stranger
most is the exceedingly loud flapping of their wings, just as they launch
into flight. They have a habit of remaining perfectly quiet, well
hidden in the foliage, and fly only when the hunter is beneath the
tree. This sudden, loud wing-beating is then often quite startling.

Columba nigrirostris Scl.

i specimen. Guayabo cT. Apparently much rarer than C. flaviros-
tris with which it was associated.

CuculidaB.

Piaya cay ana thermophila (Scl.).

4 specimens. Guayabo icT, 2 9 ; Coliblanco id1.

This bird was common at Guayabo, where it resorted to the
dense shrubbery. Its habit of running along branches like a squirrel
was observed several times. It effects its escape in this way fre-
quently. When alarmed, though, the bird usually seeks safety by
remaining perfectly quiet. At Coliblanco the birds were observed
several times in the tops of high trees.

Crotophaga sulcirostris Swains.

10 specimens. Guayabo 36^, 4$; Coliblanco i$; Turrialba
Station 2 9 .

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

These birds are abundant in the lowlands of Costa Rica, becoming
scarcer at higher altitudes. At Guayabo they were abundant, but
only 3 or 4 were seen at Coliblanco.

P&ittacidse.

Conurus finschi Salv.

1 specimen. Guayabo cT. Screaming flocks of these were' of
frequent occurrence. This specimen has no sign of red on the head,
but it has the red under wing-coverts of finschi.

Amazona salvini (Salv ad.}.

2 specimens. Guayabo i d\ i 9 . When these specimens are com-
pared with a series they show themselves brighter and lighter colored,
with the under side of the tail bright grass green. The other specimens
have tails strongly tinged with golden yellow.

This handsome species was abundant about Guayabo, flying about
and feeding in large flocks. In some cases, however, the birds were
seen going in pairs. As commonly true among parrots when mated,
each individual of a pair shows great devotion to the other, refusing
to leave the site where its mate has been killed. These birds were
very shy, and often eluded the collector by keeping perfectly quiet
while hidden in the foliage.

Pionus senilis (Spix).

2 specimens. Guayabo cT, 9. This pair was secured from the
top of a tree at one shot. Dissection showed active sexual organs.

Pionopsittacus hasmatotis (Scl. & Salv.).

5 specimens. Guayabo d\ 9 ; Coliblanco 2 d\ i 9 .

These birds were usually seen in pairs, each bird of which mani-
fested the greatest attachment for the other. A favorite habit of
the birds was to perch on a high dead branch and sun themselves for
an hour or longer.

Momotidse.

Momotus lessoni (Less.}.

i specimen. Guayabo 9 .

SEPT., 1910. BIRDS FROM COSTA RICA — FERRY. 263

Prionornis platyrhynchus minor Hart.
i specimen. Guayabo 9 .

Trochilidse

Heliothrix barroti (Bourc. & Muls.).

1 specimen. Guayabo d\ Several of these strikingly colored birds
were seen, but they were not common.

Hemistephania veraguensis (Salv.}.

2 specimens. Coliblanco 2 9 .

Thalurania columbica venusta (Gould).

ii specimens. Guayabo gcT, 2 9 .

Very common about stubs grown with flowering vines. Dissec-
tion showed birds were breeding or about to breed.

Elvira nigriventris (Lawr.}.
i specimen. Coliblanco cT.

Eupherusa egregia Scl. & Salv.

3 specimens. Coliblanco id1, 2 sex?.

Panterpe insignis Cab. & Heine.

14 specimens. Vol. Turrialba gcJ1, 4 9 , i sex?.

This humming-bird was one of the characteristic birds of the
forest growing at the base of the Ash-cone. The abundance of
flower-bearing trees and vines made the open forest about the le-
cheria an ideal humming-bird locality. The males were constantly
engaged in combat, performing some amazing antics while on the
wing. This species was breeding at this season. A fully formed yolk
was found in one female, while two others showed ovaries at the
height of activity. This species was noticeable for the frequency
with which it resorted to perching and the length of time it spent in
this position.

Amazilis tzacatl (Llave).

14 specimens. Guayabo, iod\ 2 9 ; Fort Limon, i 9 , i sex?.

A male taken at Guayabo on January 30 had testes in a state of
activity, and a female taken at the same place on January 27 showed
active ovaries.

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

Eugenes spectabilis (Lawr.).

2 specimens. Coliblanco, 2 9 .

Phaethornis guy coruscus Bangs.
i specimen. Coliblanco 9 .

Oreopyra calolaema Salv.

6 specimens. Coliblanco 4 d\ i 9 , i sex?.

These birds were common about a flowering vine completely en-
closing a huge tree trunk. Few or none were seen elsewhere. "The
above tree stood isolated in the potrero, or pasture.

Heliodoxa jacula henryi (Lawr.).

9 specimens. Coliblanco 5 d\ 4$. One female is in moulting
plumage. These birds, with the preceding spscies, were common about
the tree referred to.

Selasphorus torridus Salv.

10 specimens. Vol. de Turrialba 9 6\ i sex?.

This bird was common about the park-like forest, adjacent to
the lecheria, and with the exception of Junco vulcani was the only
bird found near the summit of the volcano. This hummer fol-
lowed the vegetation to its limit.

Micropodldae.

Chaetura gaumeri Lawr.

2 specimens. Guavabo d\ 9. Common.

Trogoniclse.

Pharomacrus mocinno costaricensis (Cab.}.

7 specimens. Coliblanco i 9. Vol. de Turrialba 2 d\ 4 9.

In the heavy forest at the base of the Ash-cone the Quezal was
common, though one unacquainted with its habits might never
see one. It frequents the dense forests and when in the shade of
heavy foliage its brilliant colors are surprisingly inconspicuous.
The birds are of a very retiring disposition and seldom betray their
whereabouts by any sound. The male, however, has a low plaintive

SEPT., 1910. BIRDS FROM COSTA RICA — FERRY. 265

whistle which is occasionally heard. The natives imitate this note
and lure the birds to their destruction. The females are much oftener
seen than the males.

A nest of this species was found in a dead stump standing in a
partially cleared forest. The female's head was seen protruding from
a hole about the size of a flicker's and some 12 feet from the ground.
While we were in the vicinity of the nest the male bird came flying
rapidly by, his beautiful tail plumes streaming behind in a most
graceful and striking manner. He alighted upon a dead limb about
30 feet away in the full sunlight, and where his colors shone in all
their glory. The two males observed — both were collected — sat
with their backs toward the observers. They never showed a sign
of the brilliant red breast. A boy climbed to the nest above referred
to, but reported that it was empty.

Trogon puella Gould.

2 specimens. Guayabo 2 9 . These birds frequent large heavily
foliaged trees, which usually bear fruit upon which the birds feed.
A round fruit with a thick rind appeared to be a favorite.

Trogon caligatus Gould.

4 specimens. Guayabo 4 d\

Trogon massena Gould.

i specimen. Guayabo cT.

This bird is noticeably blue on the rump, but on comparison with
a large series in the U. S. National Museum this peculiarity was
shown to be merely a case of individual variation.

6ralbulid.se.

Galbula melanogenia Scl.

i specimen. Guayabo, sex?. Found in heavily wooded portion
of forest sitting perfectly motionless on a branch.

Capitonidse.

Semnornis frantzii (Scl.).

6 specimens. Coliblanco 2 d\ 4$. This very odd bird was
common in trees studding the potrero about the farm house, and was

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

met in low situations at the edges of ravines. It feeds in small flocks,
climbing clumsily about the branches. It shows practically no fear
of man, and three or four can be collected from a single tree.

Rhamphastidse.

Rhamphastos brevicarinatus Gould.
3 specimens. Guayabo 2 d\ i 9 .

Common about edges of heavy forest, and in fruit-bearing tree?
— usually in small bands. They spend much time sitting motion-
less on a limb in the dense shade during the heat of the day. Fre-
quently they are betrayed only by the brilliant lemon-yellow throat
patch. This stands out in bold relief and seems utterly detached
from the bird. It might be a yellow leaf or a piece of hanging fruit.

Pteroglossus torquatus

5 specimens. Guayabo 4 d\ i 9.

Common. Usually in flocks. When one of their number is shot,
the whole flock will remain in the vicinity, and as many as six or
seven individuals can thus be secured. Testes of one male showed
approaching activity.

Aulacorhamphus camileigularis Gould.

15 specimens. Guayabo 4 d\ 3 9 ; Coliblanco 6 d\ 2 9. Com-
mon in small flocks feeding on fruits. It is sluggish and unwary.
At Guayabo it was found roosting in the tops of very high trees.

Picitlre.

Campephilus guatemalensis (Hart.}.

1 specimen. Guayabo c?1. This specimen was the only one seen.

Dryobates villosus extimus Bangs.

7 specimens. Coliblanco 4 d\ i 9 ; Vol. de Turrialba i dV i 9.
Common at Coliblanco, less so at base of Ash-cone.

Sphyrapicus varius (Linn.}.

2 specimens. Coliblanco 9 February 13, 9 February 15. One
of these birds was moulting. Others were seen.

SEPT., 1910. BIRDS FROM COSTA RICA — FERRY. 267

Centurus pucherani (Malh.}.

8 specimens. Guayabo 4 d\ 3 9 ; Port Limon i 6\

These handsome woodpeckers were abundant at Guayabo. Not

observed at Coliblanco or farther up the volcano.

Centurus hoffmanni Cab.

5 specimens. Guayabo 3 d\ 2 9. Common.

Chloronerpes simplex Salv.
i specimen. Guayabo 9 .

Chloronerpes yucatanensis (Cabot).
4 specimens. Guayabo i d\, 3 9 .

Tyraimidse.

Copurus leuconotus Lafr.

i specimen. Guayabo d\ Shot from the top of a tall tree.

Rhynchocyclus cinereiceps (Scl.).
i specimen. Guayabo.

Todirostrum cinereum finitimum Bangs.

6 specimens. Guayabo 6 d\ Common in underbrush and at
edges of clearings.

Lophotriccus squamaecristatus minor Cherrie.
i specimen. Guayabo.

Leptopogon superciliaris Cabanis.
i specimen. Guayabo d\

Myiopagis placens accola Bangs.
i specimen. Guayabo 9 .

Tyranniscus vilissimus parvus (Lawr.).

5 specimens. Guayabo 2 c? ; Coliblanco i d\ 2 9. Testes
showed approaching activity.

Elaenia martinica subpagana (Scl. & Salv.}.
i specimen. Guayabo 9 .

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

Ela?nia frantzii Lawr.

5 specimens. Coliblanco i d1 ; Vol. de Turrialba 4 cT.

Myiozetetes granadensis Lawr.

5 specimens. Guayabo i d\ 3 9 , i sex?.

Myiozetetes texensis (Giraud).

8 specimens. Turrialba Station i 6^ ; Guayabo 3 cT, 4 9.
Common about banana plantation near house.

Megarynchus pitangua mexicanus (Lafr.).

8 specimens. Guayabo i d\ 5 9 ; Port Limon i cT, i 9 .

These birds have a loud, spirited call, which they utter in chorus
at daybreak. During the day they frequent dead treetops.

Myiodynastes hemichrysus (Cab.).

7 specimens. Coliblanco 3 d\ 4 9 .

Terenotriccus erythrurus fulvigularis (Salv. & Godman).

1 specimen. Guayabo 9 .

Mitrephanes aurantiiventris (Lawr.}.

8 specimens. Coliblanco 7 d\ i 9 .
Common in shrubbery and at edges of ravines.

Empidonax flaviventris (Baird).

4 specimens. Guayabo 2 9 , i 9 , i sex?. Dates: January 28,
February 3, February 4 (2).

Empidonax flavescens Lawr.

20 specimens. Coliblanco 13 <5\ 6 9 , i sex?.

Empidonax atriceps Salv.

1 8 specimens. Coliblanco i <5\ 3 9. Vol. Turrialba 9 d\ 3 9,
2 sex?.

Myiochanes lugubris (Lawr.).

2 specimens. Coliblanco d\ 9 . In open forest of tall trees.

Nuttallornis borealis (Swains.).

i specimen. Guayabo 9. January 31.

SEPT., 1910. BIRDS FROM COSTA RICA — FERRY. 269

Myiarchus lawrenceii bangs! Nelson.

14 specimens. Turrialba Station, i sex?; Guayabo 8 6\ 4 9,
i sex?.

Tyrannus melancholicus satrapa (Cab. & Heine}.

12 specimens. Guayabo 7 d\ 5 9.

A very common bird about plantations and in the vicinity of
dwellings.

Muscivora tyrannus (Linn.}.

3 specimens. Guayabo 3 6\ Not common.

Pipridse.

Corapipo leucorrhoa altera Hellmayr.

i specimen. Guayabo d\ in immature plumage.

Cotiiiffidae.

Tityra semifasciata costaricensis Ridg.

7 specimens. Guayabo 4 d\ 3 9.

Tolerably common in flocks of three and four on heavily wooded
slopes.

Pachyrhamphus versicolor costaricensis Bangs.

1 specimen. Coliblanco i d\

Pachyrhamphus cinnamomeus Lawr.

2 specimens. Guayabo, i d\ i 9.

Erator albitorques (Du Bus}.
i specimen. Guayabo cT.

Procnias tricarunculata (J. and E.Verreaux}.

8 specimens. Vol. de Turrialba 7 d\ i sex?.

Abundant in the heavy forest about the base of the Ash-cone.
They are seldom seen, but their remarkable notes are heard with
great frequency through the greater part of the day. A native
showed me a successful way of hunting these birds. It consisted in
going into a heavily shaded portion of the forest and remaining per-

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

fectly quiet. After a long wait, we began to get glimpses of the birds
in the heavy foliage, and soon a bird flew to a branch in plain view.
Most of the above 8 specimens were secured in this way. The native
name of this bird is "Calandria."

Dendrocolaptid.se.

Synallaxis pudica Scl.

2 specimens. Guayabo 2 cT. Frequents low thickets.

Siptornis erythrops (Scl.).

1 specimen. Guayabo cT.

Pseudocolaptes lawrencei Ridg.

2 specimens. Vol. de Turrialba.

Automolus cervinigularis hypophasus Ridg.
i specimen. Guayabo d\

Xenicopsis subalaris lineatus (Lawr.).

i specimen. Coliblanco d\ This species appears to vary greatly
in the amount of rufous on the nape and on the throat and breast.

Xenops genibarbis ///.

i specimen. Guayabo d\ The testes of this bird were active.

Xenops rutilus Licht.

i specimen. Guayabo cT. Testes showed recent or approaching
activity.

Premnoplex brunnescens (Scl.).

3 specimens. Guayabo, 9; Coliblanco d\ 9.

Margarornis rubiginosa Lawr.

g specimens. Coliblanco 2 cT, i 9 ; Vol. de Turrialba 2 d\ 4 9 .

These birds were very common in the open park-like forest at the
base of the Ash-cone.

Dendrornis nana costaricensis (Ridg.).
i specimen. Guayabo ? .

SEPT., 1910. BIRDS FROM COSTA RICA — FERRY. 271

Xiphocolaptes emigrans costaricensis Ridg.

i specimen. Guayabo 9 .

Picolaptes af finis (Lafr.).

15 specimens. Coliblanco 5 j\ 4 9, i sex?; Vol. de Turrialba

2 d\3 Q-

This is one of the most characteristic birds about the volcano.

Picolaptes compressus (Cab.).

4 specimens. Guayabo 2 d\ i 9 ; Port Limon i -5"'.

Formicariidte.

Cymbilanius lineatus fasciatus Ridg.
2 specimens. Guayabo 9 , i sex ?.
Found in tree tops in dense low forests.

Thamnophilus doliatus mexicanus Allen.
i specimen. Guayabo d\

Dysithamnus mentalis septentrionalis Ridg.

5 specimens. Guayabo 5 Q .

Cercomacra tyrannina crepera Bangs.

i specimen. Guayabo cT.

Pteroptochicljip.

Scytalopus argentifrons Ridg.

i specimen. Coliblanco cT. In deep, jungle-grown ravine, I
heard the bird's sharp, scolding note and remained perfectly quiet.
The curiosity of the bird led it to within a few feet of me.

Catharus gracilirostris Salv.

ii specimens. Vol. de Turrialba 5 <5\ 2 9 ; Coliblanco 3 cf , i 9 .

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

Common among fallen trees and shrubbery. Like a small Hylo-
cichla in general behavior.

Myadestes melanops Salv.

4 specimens. Coliblanco 3 cT, i 9.

This very retiring bird was occasionally seen in ravines and in
dense patches of shrubbery.

Planesticus grayi casius (Bonap.).

4 specimens. Guayabo 2 d\ 2 9. These birds roosted in the
tops of very high trees, coming from all directions at evening time.

Planesticus plebejus (Cab.).

24 specimens. Coliblanco 18 d\ 4 9 ; Vol. de Turrialba 2 d\
This species was a characteristic bird about the potrero at Coli-
blanco. They came in large numbers to fruit-bearing trees. The
plumage is very loosely embedded in the skin. The birds have a
call note like our American robin.

Planesticus nigrescens (Cab.).

14 specimens. Vol. de Turrialba gd\ 5 9 .

This species was abundant in the open forest at base of Ash-cone.
It is very robin-like in character, and not as shy as the two preceding
species.

Troglodytidse.

Heleodytes zonatus costaricensis (Berl.).

15 specimens. Guayabo 4 d\ 6 9, .1 sex?; Coliblanco i d\

3 9.

This bird seemed to be in every conceivable sort of bird haunt.
It was as much at home among the tops of the tallest trees as in low
shrubbery or about fallen trees. Its favorite spot, however, is prob-
ably in densely clustered vines growing about tree trunks.

Troglodytes musculus intermedius (Cab.).

15 specimens. Guayabo 4 <5\ 5 9 ; Coliblanco 5 cT, i 9 .

This series, all taken upon the Atlantic slope, is identical with a
specimen taken in San Jose", the type locality of the species. These
birds were common in haunts usually frequented by wrens, but also

SEPT., 1910. BIRDS FROM COSTA RICA — FERRY. 273

showed a decided fondness for patches of tall grass. They were fre-
quently flushed from such places, after the manner of the marsh wren.

Troglodytes ochraceus Ridg.

3 specimens. Coliblanco cT, 9 ; Vol. de Turrialba c? .
This spry little wren was found about logs and hollow trees stand-
ing in open places.

Henicorhina prostheleuca pittieri (Cherrie).

1 specimen. Guayabo 9 .

Thryophilus thoracicus (Salv.).

2 specimens. Guayabo i 9, i sex?.

SylvlidsB.

Polioptila superciliaris magna Ridg.

4 specimens. Guayabo i d\ i 9 , 2 sex'.

Hiruiidinidse.

Progne chalybea (Gmelin).

2 specimens. Guayabo d\ 9.

Stelgidopteryx salvini Ridg.

i specimen. Guayabo 9 . Shot from a flock, probably of the
same species.

Ptilogonys caudatus Cab.

10 specimens. Vol. de Turrialba 4 cJ1, 6 9 .

This handsome bird was one of the characteristic species of the
open forests about the volcano. Its habits are flycatcher-like. The
species was breeding.

Phainoptila melanoxantha Salv.

5 specimens. Vol. de Turrialba 5 d\
A retiring species loving heavy foliage.

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

Vireosylva philadelphica Cass.

3 specimens. Guayabo 2 d1, Feb. i to Feb. 4; Port Limon 9 ,
Mar. 9.

Vireosylva josepha? costaricensis Ridg.

i specimen. Coliblanco cT.

Lanivireo flavifrons (Vieill.).

i specimen. Guayabo d\ February 4.

Vireo carmioli Baird.

4 spscimens. Coliblanco 2 d\ i 9 ; Vol. de Turrialba i d*.

Cyclarhis flavipectus subflavescens (Cab.}.
i specimen. Coliblanco 9 .

CorvidsB.

Psilorhinus mexicanus cyanogenys (Skarpe}.

6 specimens. Guayabo i d\ 4 9 ; Coliblanco i cT.

This noisy jay was very common at Guayabo, but less so at Coli-
blanco. They usually rove about in small bands (5 to 10) screaming
a great deal. They are magpie-like in habits, and often visit the
vicinity of dwellings.

Coerebidae.

Diglossa plumbea Cab.

24 specimens. Coliblanco 10 d\ 6 9 ; Vol. de Turrialba 5 d\ 3 9 .

This interesting little bird haunted vine-hung trees, many indi-
viduals being found together. It is very active, flitting quickly
from twig to twig and keeping almost constantly in the deep shade.
Occasionally one will fly out and hover in front of a flower after t he
manner of a humming-bird. The natives sometimes refer to this
bird as "Azul." The males look quite blue in the sunlight. One
female had been incubating.

SEPT., 1910. BIRDS FROM COSTA RICA — FERRY. 275

Chlorophanes spiza guatemalensis (Scl.).

4 specimens. Guayabo 2 o". Port Limon i d\ i 9 .

Dacnis venusta Lawr.

i specimen. Guayabo d\

Coereba mexicana (Scl.).

3 specimens. Guayabo 2 9 , i cT im.

Tolerably common about plantations. Ovaries of one female active.

Miiiotiltitlit*.
Mniotilta varia (Linn.).

3 specimens. Guayabo i cT, Jan. 20; Port Limon i 9, Mar. g;
Coliblanco i d\ Feb. 19.

Helmitheros vermivorus (Gmelin).

i specimen in fine plumage. Guayabo d\ January 24.

Vermivora peregrina (Wilson).

1 8 specimens. Guayabo 8 cT, 5 9, i sex?; Turrialba Station
i 9 ; Vol. de Turrialba i cT1, i sex? ; Port Limon i 9 .

This species was the commonest North American bird met in the
tropics. At Guayabo it was profusely abundant. A male taken at
Guayabo on January 16 was undergoing an extensive moult.

Vermivora chrysoptera (Linn.).

4 specimens. Guayabo 3 d\ i 9 .

Tolerably common at edges of deeply wooded ravines. In full
spring plumage.

Oreothlypis gutturalis (Cab.).

8 specimens. Coliblanco 4 cT, i 9 . Vol. de Turrialba 3 cT.

Found among outer branches of high trees. The lower limit of
its range was 1,000 feet above Coliblanco.

Compsothlypis pitiayumi speciosa Ridg.

8 specimens. Guayabo 3 d\ 3 9 , i sex?; Coliblanco i cT .
The habits of this bird are very like those of the Parula warbler.

Dendroica magnolia (Wilson).

i specimen. Guayabo 9, January 16.

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

Dendroica coronata (Linn.).

3 specimens. Guayabo 2 <5\ i 9, January 20, 23.

Dendroica virens (Gmeliri).

7 specimens. Coliblanco i d\ February 20, 3 9 Feb. 9, 13, 22;
Vol. de Turrilaba 3 d\ Feb. 25, 26, 27.

Dendroica fusca (Mull.}.

6 specimens. Guayabo i d\ Jan. 24, 3 9, Feb. 4, 5, i sex?
Jan. 23; Coliblanco i d\ Feb. 22. Only one male in full spring
plumage.

Dendroica pensylvanica (Linn.}.

13 specimens. Guayabo d\ January 16, 17, 25, 26, 30, February
i, 9 January 27, 20, 24, 28, February 4, i; Port Limon 9, Mar. 9.

But one of these specimens has the fully adult plumage — a male
taken at Guayabo January 25.

Oporornis Philadelphia (Wilson}.

i specimen. Guayabo d\ February 4.

Qeothlypis trichas (Linn.}.

1 specimen. Guayabo o im., January 27.

Geothlypis semiflava bairdi (Nutting).

2 specimens. Guayabo i 6\ i sex?.

Wilsonia pusilla (Wilson).

5 specimens. Guayabo d\ January 20, 9 January 28, January
28, sex? January 25, January 26.

These specimens are quite easily referable to the above species.
It is noteworthy that all specimens of pusilla were taken below 4,000
feet, they apparently not mingling with pileolata, the bird found at
higher elevations. Bangs records pusilla from northwestern Costa
Rica, and implies in his remarks concerning it that it is a bird occur-
ring at lower levels than pileolata*.

Wilsonia pusilla pileolata (Pallas}.

35 specimens. Coliblanco 15 d\ 8 9, 5 sex?; Vol. de Turrialba
3 cT, i 9,3 sex?.

These birds were profusely abundant about the potrero at Coli-
blanco. They were in all conceivable situations, and frequently

*Proc. Biol. Soc. Wash., XXII, p. 36, March 10, 1909.

SEPT., 1910 BIRDS FROM COSTA RICA — FERRY. 277

uttering their sharp sparrow-like note. About the volcano they were
less common. This is evidently a bird of high altitudes while within
its winter range. See remarks on preceding species.

Setophaga ruticilla (Linn.).

4 specimens. Guayabo 3 cT, Jan. 16, Feb. i, i 9 Jan. 28.
Common while migrating. Males in fully adult plumage.

Myioborus aurantiacus (Baird).

19 specimens. Guayabo 2 d\ 2 9 , i sex?; Coliblanco 10 d\ 4 9 .
Haunts shrubbery. Redstart-like in habits.

Myioborus torquatus (Baird).

8 specimens. Coliblanco 3 d\ 4 9 ; Vol. de Turrialba i sex?.
Occurs at edges of deep ravines, in shrubbery, about fallen logs,

etc. Very sprightly and pretty. This and the preceding are quite
similar in habits.

Basileuterus rufifrons delattrii (Bonap.).

9 specimens. Guayabo 5 d\ 3 9 , i sex?.

These birds show a decided grayness at the back of the neck, but
comparison with a series in the National Museum shows this feature
to be largely a matter of individual variation.

Basileuterus melanogenys Baird.

4 specimens. Coliblanco 2 cT ; Vol. de Turrialba 2 d\
These birds were met at the edges of heavy forests. They live near
the ground and are somewhat wren-like in habits.

Basileuterus culicivorus godmani Berlep.
i specimen. Guayabo d\

Chlorophonia callophrys (Cab.).

4 specimens. Guayabo i cT ; Coliblanco cT, 9 ; Vol. de Turrial-
ba d\

In heavy foliage of tree-tops.

Euphonia luteicapilla (Cab.).
i specimen. Guayabo c5\

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

Euphonia gouldi Scl.

i specimen. Guayabo cT.

Calospiza icterocephala (Bonap.).
i specimen. Guayabo 9 .

Calospiza guttata chrysophrys (Scl.).

1 specimen. Guayabo 9 .

Calospiza gyroloides (Lafr.).

2 specimens. Guayabo 2 d\

These birds usually keep well hidden among the heavily foliaged
tree-tops.

Calospiza dowii (Sato.).

7 specimens. Coliblanco 5 d\ 2 9.

Common in palms, usually going about in two's and three's.

Calospiza larvata fanny (Lafr.).

4 specimens. Guayabo i d\ i 9 ; Port Limon i d\ T 9 .
Frequents palm-trees.

Tangara cana Swains.

6 specimens. Guayabo 4 cJ1 , i 9 ; Port Limon i 9 .

Common in tops of trees standing in clearings. At night roosts
in tops of tallest trees. In daytime visits banana plantations. It
is shy and easily alarmed.

Piranga rubra (Linn.).

8 specimens. Guayabo 2 cT in full plumage, i 9, 3 sex? im. ;
Coliblanco i cT im., i 9.

Common. Usually in trees bearing wild berries and fruits.

Piranga bidentata sanguinolenta (Lafr.).

5 specimens. Coliblanco 6\

These birds are very richly colored in comparison with another
series in the Field Museum collection.

Ramphocelus passerinii Bonap.

10 specimens. Guayabo 6 d\ i 9 , i c? im. ; Port Limon, i cT>

i 9.

This handsome tanager was common in shrubbery and about
plantations. »At this time a male and female were usually found
together.

SEPT., 1910. BIRDS FROM COSTA RICA — FERRY. 279

Chlorospingus regionalis Bangs.

1 8 specimens. Coliblanco 12 d\ 6 9.

In company with C. pileatus and much like it in habits.

Chlorospingus pileatus Salv.

26 specimens. Coliblanco n c?, i 9 ; Vol. de Turrialba 9 o1, 5 9 .

The most abundant bird about Coliblanco, and nearly as common
at base of Ash-cone. They are ubiquitous, scarcely a bird haunt
seems without them. Shrubbery and vine-covered trees are their
favorite places.

Chlorospingus olivaceiceps Underwood.
2 specimens. Guayabo 2 cT.

Icteridee.

Zarhynchus wagleri (Gray}.

3 specimens. Turrialba Station i 9 ; Guayabo cT ; Coliblanco 9 .
Common at Turrialba Station but not elsewhere.

Gymnostinops montezuma (Less.}.

9 specimens. Guayabo 4 cT, 4 9 , i sex?.

Abundant at Guayabo but not positively identified elsewhere.
No nesting site was discovered and dissection showed the birds were
not breeding. They roved about in large, noisy bands. Their great
variety of notes is absolutely indescribable. Screeches, grunts,
groans and whistles all can be recognized in the discord emanating
from a flock. This species and the preceding possess a peculiar
strong, musky odor.

Icterus prosthemelas (Strickland).

i specimen. Guayabo d\

This specimen was taken in a vine-covered stub standing in the
heavy forest.

Icterus gal hula (Linn.}.

3 specimens. Guayabo cT, moulting into the fully adult plumage;
C? immature; 9 in winter plumage. Dates: January 16, February
5, February 5.

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

Sturnella magna inexpectata Ridg.

5 specimens. Guayabo 4 6\ i 9 .

Common on the potrero. The birds were remarkably silent for
meadow-larks. Their notes were seldom heard. They had a habit
of making short flights and dropping into the long grass. Here they
would flush only when the collector was one or two steps away.

• Friiigillida*.

Spiza americana (Gmelin).

i specimen. Guayabo 6\ January 20.

Junco vulcani (Boucard).

4 specimens. Vol. de Turrialba 2 d\ 2 9 .

These birds were common on and slightly below the summit
(i 1,000 ft. approx.). They found shelter in some green bushes growing
close to the trickles of water issuing from the sides of the crater.
They were the only birds upon the summit of this volcano.

Brachyspiza capensis peruviana (Less.).

24 specimens. Coliblanco 12 cT, 6 9 ; Vol. de Turrialba 5 cT, i 9 .

Wanders about shrubbery in small troops. This bird was not
breeding. In its fondness for the vicinity of human dwellings and
in many of its habits this bird resembles the slate-colored junco.
The Costa Rica species has a pleasing song.

Arremonops conirostris richmondi Ridg.
4 specimens. Guayabo 3 d\ i 9.

Atlapetes gutturalis (Lafr.).

i specimen. Coliblanco cJ1.

Pselliophorus tibialis (Lawr.}.

12 specimens. Coliblanco 3 d\ 4 9 ; Vol. de Turrialba 3 d\ 2 9 .

This bird frequents thickets in clearings and at the edge of forests.
It is usually found flitting about brush-piles, fallen trees and in a great
variety of places, exploring each place thoroughly. However, it
never goes but a short flight from the heavy forest shade. The bright
yellow thigh patches may be for the purpose of protectively disguis-
ing the bird. Once while looking toward a large fallen tree, in which

SEPT., 1910. BIRDS FROM COSTA RICA — FERRY 281

were several cave-like spaces, I saw what appeared to be a small,
yellow moth flitting about in one of these spaces. A moment later
I was surprised to see a bird of the above species hop into view. The
supposed wings of the moth were in reality the yellow thigh patches
of this bird.

Pezopetes capitalis Cab.

2 specimens. Vol. de Turrialba i 9 , i sex?.

Found in vine-hung tree-tops. It seldom ventured into open view.

Tiaris olivacea pusilla (Swains.').

9 specimens. Turrialba Station 2 9 ; Guayabo 2 d\ 3 9 ; Coli-
blanco 3 d\

A very characteristic bird about plantations, by roadsides and
in shrubbery at edges of clearings. Moves about in small flocks.

Sporophila corvina (Scl.).

2 specimens. Guayabo & ; Port Limon 9 .
Not common.

Sporophila morelleti (Bonap.}.

17 specimens. Turrialba Station i sex?, i cT ; Guayabo 7 d\
6 9 , i sex ? ; Coliblanco i 9 .

There are no fully adult males in the above series.

A common bird in shrubbery and rank vegetation. The birds
rove about in small flocks, and there is seldom more than one adult
male seen among them — often not one.

Pheucticus tibialis Baird.

i specimen. Coliblanco 6\

This specimen and one other the only ones seen.

Saltator atriceps lacertosus Bangs.
i specimen. Guayabo cT.
These birds haunt shrubbery and are of a retiring disposition.

Saltator magnoides medianus Ridg.

5 specimens. Guayabo 4 9 ; Port Limon i cT.

When compared with a series in the Field Museum collection the
above five birds are practically identical with the series. They
are undoubtedly S. m. medianus, notwithstanding the fact that
two specimens have the black jugular color interrupted. This fact

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

might indicate that they belong with 5. m. inter medius, the bird from
Panama and Veragua, but in other characters they are typical of
medianus, being darker gray on the forehead, and having the belly
grayish rather than brownish. Moreover, the specimens in question
are from a locality midway between the type localities of the above
two races, and it is reasonable to expect that signs of intergradation
might occur.