Page:Notes on the Ornithology of Southern Texas.djvu/21

136 breed on the reservation. Early in April, after several weeks of noisy courtship, they begin to build in irregular colonies, and by the middle of the month have eggs. The nests are perhaps most frequently placed near the top of one of the main upright branches of a young mesquite- tree. They are strongly built of straws, leaves, and grasses, mud being used freely. Where Spanish moss is plentiful, the nests are sometimes composed entirely of it, and I have found them among tule-reeds where several species of Herons were breeding. I have also found their nests either supported by the lower part of the nest of the Caracara Eagle or in the same tree. The eggs, usually three in number, vary greatly in appearance; the ground-color is usually a greenish white or purplish- brown, more or less heavily spotted and dashed with several shades of brown and black. These markings are apt to be heavier at the smaller end, which frequently has a much darker ground-color than the larger ; and this is so often the case as to be rather characteristic. Forty -five eggs now before me give the following measurements: — average, 1.26 by .85; largest, 1.44 by .91 ; smallest, 1.16 by .82. The annual moult takes place in August. Unlike the Boat-tailed Grackle, the males of this race do not leave the females while incubating, but are jealous of intruders, and take their share of feeding the young. The various notes of this bird are quite indescribable, and must be heard to be appreciated. The long and heavy tail of this Grackle makes it easily recognizable at along distance, but is rather inconvenient when there is much wind. At such times, the birds are obliged to " head up ?? wind, like so many sloops at anchor. They have a frequent and curious habit of throwing their heads up and far back, so that the reversed bill is almost parallel with the back. — (Dresser, Ibis, 1865, 493. — Sennett, B. Rio Grande, 27.)

98. Xanthura luxuosa, Less.

The Rio Grande Jay is a common resident about Fort Brown and higher up the ritfer, but does not seem to pass much into the interior of Texas. It is a noisy and gaudy species, soon making its presence known by its harsh cries or by its green and yellow plumage, seen for a moment as it moves about. Though at times shy, it is often very tame and bold, entering tents and taking food off plates or from the kitchen whenever a good opportunity offers. Large numbers are caught by the soldiers in traps baited with corn, but the plumage is their only attraction as a cage-bird. Its eggs and nest were first described in vol. i, p. 89, of the Bulletin of the Nuttall Ornithological Club. Since that time, I have found several other nests, but they do not affect the statements above made in regard to their breeding habits. — (Dresser, Ibis, 1865, 495.-^> Sennett, B. Bio Grande, 29.) e

99. Sayornis fuscus, Gmel.

Not uncommon from October until April. — (Dresser, Ibis, 1865,473.)

100. Sayornis sayus, Bonap.

More abundant than the preceding during the winter months. — (Dresser, Ibis, 1865, 473.)