Page:Condor17(2).djvu/13

 Mar., 191.5 NOTES ON MURR.LErS AND PtTRILS 7.5 between the two species so far as the under wing-coverts are concerned. It is hardly fair, however, to use no. 1 as typifying ]ypoleucus, as it has the dark- est wing lining ] have ever seen out of a hundred odd birds handled in the flesh. Typical specimens with the wing lining immaculate are, on the Corona- dos at least, decidedly in the minority, most of the birds having concealed dusky bases to the feathers. In a dried skin this condition is not readily discernible, which may be the cause of the general belief that hypoleucis always has immaculate under wing-coverts. The unusual degree of clouding in the figured specimen is probably by reason of the immaturity of the bird. The coloration of the ving lin- ings of nos. 2-7 inclusive may be briefly described as a mottling of smoky brown, dark ashy and seal brovn on a grayish white ground, except for the irregular spot near the base of the wing which is pure white. Of the specimens shown,  nos. 2, 3, 6 and 7 are adults, and nos. 1, 4 and 5, birds of  the year. However, as all have completed the fall moult (except for a few old summer feathers as noted farther on) it seems permis- sible to use adults and young I alike for purposes of com-  parison. Using, then, no. 1 as representing B. hypolei- cus and nos. 2-7 inclusive as  examples of B. eraPeri, the following constant dissimi-  larities (exclusive of the un-   der wing-coverts) vill read- ily be observed. The upper parts of the two species at first glance appear identical in shade and luster. Closer Fig. 27. SPmrm (LEFT) AND FALl. (RIGHT) SPECIMENS examination, however, shows craveri to be slightly but no- OF Brachyramphu# hypoleucu# ticeably duller and browner on the sides of the face, neck and body; moreover the dorsal plumage on being disarranged shows a decided brownish tendency, though this is obscured by the lighter tipping vhich is the same clear slate as in hypoleucus. The latter exhibits leanings in the same direction but in a much less degree, the brownish tinge being ahnost unnotice- able. A.few old feathers still remaining unshed along the edge of the wing and on the shoulders of the adults would indicate beyond a doubt that the summer