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 May, 1910 MISCELLANEOUS BIRD NOTES FROM THE LOWER RIO GRANDE 103 The hummingbirds listed by me have been the Ruby-throat (Archilochus colubris), a migrant of the last few days in March, and again toward the end of September; and the Buff-bellied (Amizilis cerviniventms chalconota) that arrives a week later and remains thru the warm season. A beautiful native tree, the Anaea- huita ( Cordia bossieri), with large white flowers, is a. favorite with both of these species. Also, I find that the Buff-bellied Hummingbird is a frequent visitor to the scarlet blossoms of a bush (Erythrina), a shrub found here as an undergrowth. When searching for hummingbirds in such localities I have frequently disturbed the diurnal slumbers of the Parauque (Nyctidromus albicollis merrilli). As a rule, the Parauque will not seek flight until approaeht within a yard or so; then only to circle about several times and alight within a hundred feet radius. Few are to be seen during the first two months of the year, when their presence can only be voueht for by my having on a few occasions detected the familiar notes. Notwith- standing this scarcity early in the season I have taken fully feathered juveniles during the last week in March. Outside of town they are the most frequently ob- served of the Goatsuckers. Within the city, hundreds of'Texas Nighthawks (Choralelies a. texensis) aOre found nearly thruout the year; and in proper season nest upon the fiat roofs of which there are many here. The Chuck-will's-widow (,4nlrostomus carolinensis) is well known as a migrant, and a few may even remain to breed, as a bird was secured on August 23 of last year. Roadrunners (Geococcyx cabfornianus) will be found where conditions suit, but the number that one will find in a given period is much less than farther west. The custom of using certain portions of the body of the Roadrunner as a palliative in fevers, by the Mexicans is not rare. Harris Hawk (/arabuteo u. harrisi)is the commonestof the diurnal birds of prey within the Valley. Next in numbers are the Sennerr White-tail (l?uteo a. sennetli) and the Sparrow-hawk (alco sparverius). The Zone-tailed Hawk (lYuleo abbre- vialus) is fairly well distributed as a summer Visitant, but none have been seen during the winter time. Its preference for heavy timber exceeds that of any other species of hawk found here. On rare occasions an Aplomado' Falcon (Falcoy%sco- cvrulesce,s) will appear about the city; and more often at Point Isabel. At a locality half way between the two points they are quite common among the tree yuccas that grow on the sandy ridge comprising the section. Here lizards, snakes, and locusts abound upon which they feed. The coast is where to look for the Duck Hawk (Falco p. analurn) especially in late autumn, when they arrive in the wake of the waterfowl. The Osprey (Pandion carolinensis)and the Caracara (?olyborus cheriway) are residents of the maritime section but more of the last named species are seen as we proceed up the river. The usual roosting place of the Caraccra here, is in the Palmetto, where they also generally breed; but those that' can be ound nesting are small in number compared to the birds present. Fish forms a greater percentage of their food than anything else. Our commonly present owls are the Texas Screech (Otus a. maccalli) and the Ferrtginous. Pigmy (Glaucidiumphalv- rioides); the former the more generally seen. Nests of the Screech Owl have been found only during the first half of May. As this article has already stretcht beyond reasonable bounds mention of a number of interesting water-birds must be deferred until another time, tho in closing, I cannot resist making mention of the exquisite plumaged Roseate Spoon- bill (Ajaja ajaja). It is to be seen at times in large flocks in the vicinity of Point Isabel, particularly during the months of August and September, and is termed "flamingo" by the people of that place who can speak the English language.