50 THE CONDOR VOL. XI even more; the cholla (Opunliafulgida), tree-like and 12 feet high; the dense woolly cholla (Opunlia bigelovii); the bisnaga (Echinocaclus wislizenii), which furnishes drink to the traveler in extremity; and others too numerous to describe here. The ocotilla with spiny tentacles waving ten or twelve feet in air, each crowned with crimson bloom, is a feature next the foothills. 8hrubs seen are the creosote bush (Covillea lridenlata); two salt bushes (Alr?plex canescens and A. lentiformis); grease wood (Sarcobalus vermicularis); and a few others. Trees, so-called, in this stretch of country are the mesquite, screw-bean, ironwood ( Olneya lesola), two species of palo verde ( t?arkinsonia 1orreyana and P. mcro- phylla), and the crucifixion thorn (]]olocanlha emoryi). This mixture, of river bottom, sloping upland to the hills, dry sand washes running from hill to river, and the hills themselves, makes a varied bird range, and judging from their numbers a perfect paradise for thrashers. Of these, five species are seen: Sage (Orosco]51es monlanus); Palmer (Toxosloma curviroslre ]Salmeri); Bendire ( T. benditel); Leconte (T. lecontei); and Crissal ( T. crissale). The Sage Thrasher is here only for the winter, and was first noted November 30. The last seen was March 30. They were not numerous at any time and occurred any place from river to hills. Palmer, Bendire and Crissal thrashers were very numerous, and it is difficult to determine which predominated. The ranges of Palmer and Bendire coincided as near as I could judge, and they were both seen at many points from river to hill. Crissal, with a few exceptions, confined himself to the dense mesquite and other growth near the river bottom. In no case did I find any of the thrashers up any distance on the hills. Too barren and rocky, I believed. Leconte Thrasher was very rare, only five pairs being seen the past year, and they were in or near the dry sand washes away from the river. As far as I have observed the four species of Toxosloma are resident here. Some of them may leave for a short time in the fall but there seems to be no regu- lar migration. Bendire in particular seems scarce during the latter part of Septem- ber and during October and November, but is occasionally seen during all that time. It is probably its dormant period, to recuperate from the molt. In the field it is somewhat difficult to be sure in distinguishing the three species, Palmer, Bendire and Crissal. At close range, or if the birds are near enough together to compare, it is easy enough; but at a distance a single bird may puzzle.' In general it may be said that Crissal is darkest, has more curve to his bill and has a bobbing, jerky flight quite similar to that of the California Thrasher. Palmer is a little larger, apparently at any rate, is lighter in color and has much of the same jerky flight. Bendire is smallest and lightest of the three and has a smooth, even flight. Both Palmer and Bendire have obsolete spots on the breast and light tips to outside tail feathers, but Bendire has the more distinct spots and whiter tail tips. At close range, say on the nest, the eye is indicative. Crissal has a straw-colored iris; Palmer, orange; and Bendire, orange red. Leconte of course is unmistakable with his light sandy complexion and fast-running habit. The Palmer and Bendire Seem naturally much tamer than the others and come about homes quite frequently. All summer I placed pieces of watermelon in the shade of a school building--vacation time and no children about--and both these thrashers came freely and ate with a family of scolding Cactus Wrens. But never a Crissal appeared. The Palmer and Crissal dug in the garden and- also ate wheat planted near by, and frequented the barn and well. They would come and drink from an iron kettle placed on the ground for the chickens. At the Casa Grande ruins the custodian had a large can placed so water from it dripped onto a milk
