SLATE-COLORED JUNCO. Junco hyemalis hyemalis (Linnaeus)

Field characters.—As for Sierra Junco (which see), but coloration more slaty black, the adult male being entirely without reddish brown on either sides or back. Female much as in Sierra Junco, but less distinctly pinkish on sides and less brown on back. Habits like those of Sierra Junco.

Occurrence.—Irregular winter visitant. Definite records (specimens taken) are as follows: Gentrys, on Big Oak Flat Road, December 30, 1914 (one); Yosemite Valley near Rocky Point, November 12, 1915 (two individuals); Smith Creek, 6 miles east of Coulterville, January 28, 1919, and March 9, 1919 (one in each case). Most likely to be associated as single individuals in flocks of Sierra Junco.

Individuals of the Slate-colored or 'eastern' Junco turn up almost every year in different parts of California, so it was no great surprise to find a few of this species in the Yosemite region. When this bird is found within our boundaries it is usually only to the extent of an individual or two in a large flock of the common wintering species, the Sierra Junco. This was the case with the birds obtained by us and with those taken by Mr. Donald D. McLean at his home east of Coulterville. When seen in association with its relative, the Slate-colored Junco immediately impresses the close observer as being darker, more slaty in color. Its habits do not seem to differ in any appreciable way from those of the Sierra Junco.