SPU isis aay Bat
i
fn ae
— i
Se alia” San rasitfinbeucrts i :
ae ps
Suan gfunin : ¢ Tapeesiaacesiaiauatajeia dats alspslays fale a ——— ea ea Dead i sctay DURE % ea LITT
f
HET 1
{stegajars ;eeabataess ssurssue soe
a
cbsteasbett
te
ae
(eee
i
eT inne
ratatstiiie!
ee
see mel iyi ereet rien igure spnecerepetaue ete catego it
Honoring
Dr. Kenneth C. Parkes, ’52
CORNELL LAB of ORNITHOLOGY ADELSON LIBRARY AT SAPSUCKER WOODS
>
Illustration of Snowy Owl by Louis Agassiz Fuertes
DATE DUE
GAYLORD PRINTED INUSA
Cornell University
Library
The original of this book is in the Cornell University Library.
There are no known copyright restrictions in the United States on the use of the text.
http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924090201454
WHAT BIRD IS THAT?
By FRANK M. CHAPMAN
AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF A BIRD-LOVER
HANDBOOK OF BIRDS OF EASTERN NORTH AMERICA
MY TROPICAL AIR CASTLE BIRD-LIFE
CAMPS AND CRUISES OF AN ORNI- THOLOGIST
COLOR KEY TO NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS
THE TRAVELS OF BIRDS
OUR WINTER BIRDS
WHAT BIRD IS THAT?
BIRD STUDIES WITH A CAMERA
‘SSUINICI PUL JOIO S,P1Iq B Jo SuOTdrOSep ‘pueysIepUN Sv [Jou se ‘oyim Leu oy Yey} Jopso url eseumnyd s,psiq e jo syed oyy ouTeU 07 UIA] P[NOYs JUEpNys oy,
*(azis oft] oymMb you prigentg) aulg V 4O ,dvI,
WHAT BIRD IS THAT?
A POCKET MUSEUM OF THE LAND BIRDS OF
THE EASTERN UNITED STATES ARRANGED ACCORDING TO SEASON
BY FRANK M. CHAPMAN
CURATOR OF BIRDS IN THE AMERICAN MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY AND EDITOR OF “‘BIRD-LORE”
WITH 301 BIRDS IN COLOR BY EDMUND J. SAWYER
D. APPLETON-CENTURY COMPANY INCORPORATED NEW YORK LONDON
1935
ORN ITH QL ERI
CHL
CopyYRIGHT, 1920, BY D. APPLETON & COMPANY
All rights reserved. This book, or parts thereof, must not be reproduced in any form without permission of the publishers.
365
PRINTED IN UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
INTRODUCTION
As Curator of the Department of Birds of the Amer- ican Museum of Natural History I have had exceptional facilities for the arrangement of collections designed to give students a comprehensive view of local bird-life with- out confusing them with unnecessary details.
Among other aids to this end a collection of ‘Birds Found within 50 Miles of New York’ has keen placed in a special hall and so grouped that the visitor who wishes to identify some bird seen within these limits may do so with the least possible difficulty. In addition to the ‘General Systematic Collection,’ containing specimens of the 350-odd species of birds which have been recorded from the New York City region, there is also a ‘Seasonal Collection.’ This Seasonal Collection contains only the birds of the month. Its base is the ‘Permanent Resident Birds,’ or those which, like the Crow, are with us through- out the year. To these, the migratory species are added or subtracted, as they come or go. The collection of migra- tory species is therefore revised the first of each month. Birds which are due to arrive during the month are added, those which have left us are withdrawn The Seasonal Collection thus give us, at a glance, a picture of the bird- life of the month and correspondingly limits the field of our inquiry when we go to it to learn the name of some strange bird recently observed. In January, therefore, we have not to consider the birds of June, nor need we be concerned with winter birds in summer. The season of occurrence thus gives us an important clue to a bird’s identity.
vii
viii INTRODUCTION
For somewhat more than a quarter of a century this small collection has achieved its object so effectively that I have attempted to embody the idea it demonstrates in a series of drawings which have been admirably executed by Mr. Edmund Sawyer. As foundation plates or ‘collec- tions,’ we have first two ‘cases’ of the winter land birds of the Northeastern States, or from about Maryland north- ward, containing the Permanent Residents, which form part of the bird-life of every month of the year, and the Winter Visitants, or those birds which come from the North in the fall to remain with us until the following spring.
Cases 3 and 4 contain the Permanent Resident and Winter Visitant land birds of the Southern States. Whether the student is in the North or in the South he has, therefore, a ‘collection’ of the land birds which he may expect to find during the winter months.
Cases 5 to 8 contain the migrants arranged according to the order of their arrival from the South .n the vicinity of New York City. Since it is not practicable to have cases containing collections of migrants for other latitudes, data are given showing what changes in dates should be made to adapt the schedule presented to other localities, includ- ing Washington, D. C., Ossining, N. Y., Cambridge, Mass., northern Ohio, Glen Ellyn, near Chicago, and south- eastern Minnesota. The records for these localities are quoted from the author’s ‘Handbook of Birds of Eastern North America’ to which they were contributed respec- tively by Dr. C. W. Richmond, Dr. A. K. Fisher, William Brewster, Lynds Jones, B. T. Gault, and Dr. Thos. S. Roberts.
With these facts, the cases in a large measure tell their own story, just as does our Museum Seasonal Collection; but further to assist the student I have added what may he termed a ‘label’ for each of the ‘specimens’ they
INTRODUCTION ix
contain. These labels include comments on each bird’s distinctive characters, a statement of its nesting and winter range, the notes on its status at various localities, to which I have just referred, and brief remarks on its habits.
It is the specimens, however, not the labels, which warrant the publication of this little volume, for I hope that, like their prototypes in the American Museum, they will be a means of acquainting us with “the most eloquent expressions of Nature’s beauty, joy and freedom,” and thereby add to our lives a resource of incalculable value.
While the birds in the cases are small, they ire drawn and reprod:ced with such accuracy that no essential detail of color or form is lost. Above all, they have the rare merit of being all drawn to nearly the same scale. One will soon learn therefore to measure the proportions of unknown birds by comparison with those with which one is familiar, and since relative size is the most obvious character in naming birds in nature, this is a feature of the first importance.
The student is strongly urged first, to become thoroughly familiar with the ‘map’ of a bird given in the frontispiece: second, to use an opera- or field-glass when observing birds: third, to write descriptions of unknown birds while they are in view stating their length, shape, and as many details of their color and markings as can be seen: fourth, to remember that one is not likely to find birds except in their regular seasons: and, fifth, to take this book afield with him and make direct comparison of the living bird with its colored figure. The wide margins are designed for use in recording field-notes.
Frank M, Caapman.
American Museum of Natural History, New York City.
CONTENTS
PAGE
INTRODUCTION.......- PbideS gad ens oaysieiane dg¢ssasax Vi
BrrDS AND SEASONS........--..000005 eat ee xi
ABBREVIATIONS c-ous.cvhas sane Mahe ae ad eee tes xxvi
Lanp Birps OF THE EASTERN UNITED STATES..... I
Tue Pocket Museum
CASE FACING PAGE No. 1 PERMANENT RESIDENT Lanp BirDs OF THE
NORTHERN UNITED STATES ............ XVili
No. 2 PERMANENT RESIDENTS (CONCLUDED) AND WINTER VIsITANTS LAND BIRDS OF THE
NoRTHERN UNITED STATES............ xix No. 3 WintER Lanp Birps oF THE SOUTHERN UNITED STATES.............00- eb tee Be XX No. 4 WintER Lanp Birps (CONCLUDED).......... xxi No. 5 Earty Sprinc Micrant Lanp Birps OF THE EASTERN UNITED STATES.............. xxii No.6 Earty Sprinc Micranr Lanp_ Birps (CONCLUDED).......- 000 ce ee eeeeeeeeeee xxdii No. 7 Late Sprinc Micrant LAnp BirpDs OF THE EASTERN UNITED STATES............... xxiv No. 8 Late Sprinc Micrant Lanp Birps (Con- CLUDED)..... oeee aeeeies seas tees ode anid XXV
BIRDS AND SEASONS
BeroreE a leaf unfolds or a flower spreads its petals, even before the buds swell, and while yet there is snow on the ground, the birds tell us that spring is at hand. The Song Sparrow sings “Spring, spring, spring, sunny days are here’; the Meadowlark blows his fife, the Downy rattles his drum, and company after company of Grackles in glistening black coats, and of Red-wings with scarlet epaulets, go trooping by. For the succeeding three months, in orderly array, the feathered army files by, each member of it at his appointed time whether he comes from the adjoining State or from below the equator.
Besides the Blackbirds, March brings the Robin and Bluebird, Woodcock, Phoebe, Meadowlark, Cowbird, Kingfisher, Mourning Dove, Fox, Swamp, White-throated and Field Sparrows.
Near New York City the New Year of the birds has now passed its infancy and in April each day adds percep- tibly to its strength. ‘Pussy’ willows “creep out along each bough,” skunk cabbage rears its head in low, wet woods, and in sun-warmed places early wild flowers peep from beneath the sodden leaves. With swelling ranks the migratory army moves more steadily northward. Species which arrived late in March become more numer- ous, and to them are soon added the Vesper, Savannah, and Chipping Sparrows, and other seed-eaters; and when, with increasing warmth, insects appear, the pioneer Phoebe is followed by other insect-eating birds, like the Swal- lows, Pipit, Hermit Thrush, Myrtle and Palm Warblers, Louisiana Water-thrush and Ruby-crowned Kinglet.
The true bird student will now pass every available moment afield, eagerly watching for the return of old
xii BIRDS AND SEASONS
friends and more eagerly still for possible new ones. But enjoyment of this yearly miracle should not be left only to theinitiated. We need not be ornithologists to be thrilled when the Robin’s song in March awakes long silent echoes, or the Thrasher’s solo rings loud and clear on an April morning. The Catbird singing from near his last year’s home in the thickening shrubbery, the House Wren ——
“ RED-WINGS WITH SCARLET EPAULETS GO TROOPING BY”
whose music bubbles over between bustling visits to an oft-used bird-box, the Chimney Swift twittering cheerily from an evening sky, may be heard without even the effort of listening and each one, with a hundred others, brings us a message if we will but accept it. And I make no fanciful statement when I say that it is a message we can ill afford to lose.
BIRDS AND SEASONS xill
With May come the Thrushes—Wood Thrush, Veery, Olive-back and Gray-cheek, the last two en route to the north—the Orioles, Cuckoos, Vireos, and the Bobolink who began his four thousand mile journey from northern Argentina in March. But May is preéminently the Month of Warblers, “most beautiful, most abundant, and least known” of our birds. To the eight species which have already arrived, there may be added over twenty more, represented by a number of individuals beyond our power to estimate. Wemay hear the Robin, Thrasher, and Wren, without listening, but we will see few Warblers without looking; and this, in a measure, accounts for the fascination which attends their study.
After May 15 there is an evident thinning in the ranks of the migrating army, and by June 1 we shall see only a few stragglers. The Transient Visitors will have gone to their more northern homes and our bird population will then consist only of the ever present Permanent Residents and the Summer Residents which the great northward march of the birds has brought us from the South.
Although June may be called the Month of Nests, nest-building begins long before the migration ends. Some Owls and Hawks lay in March, and the Bluebird, White-breasted Nuthatch and Robin have eggs by April 20, while most of our birds go to housekeeping during the latter half of May. Nevertheless, it is in June that their domestic life is at its height; and to the student of birds’ habits this is by far the most interesting month in the year.
Birds that raise two or even three broods will still be occupied with household affairs in July, but one-brooded birds, having launched their families, will seek retirement to undergo the trying ordeal of molt, whereby they will get a complete new costume. Often this will be quite
xiv BIRDS AND SEASONS
unlike the one in which they arrived from the South—as the student will discover, sometimes to his confusion! In August, the Month of Molt, the seclusion sought by many of our summer birds induces the belief that they
TREE SWALLOWS .. . RESTING IN ROWS ON WAYSIDE WIRES ,
have left us, but toward the latter part of the month they reappear. The first week in August virtually marks the end of the song season. The Wood Pewee and Red-eyed Vireo remain in voice throughout the month, but the great chorus which has made May, June and most of July vocal, we shall not hear before another spring—so
BIRDS AND SEASONS xv
a is the time when we are blessed by the songs of irds.
Meanwhile the feathered army has begun its retreat to winter quarters. As early as July 15, Tree Swallows will arrive and by the end of the month will be seen resting in rows on wayside telegraph wires, or en route to theip roosts in the marshes. In the now heavily leaved forests the returning Warblers and Flycatchers will not be so easily observed as they were in May, but in September they become too abundant to be overlooked. The south- ward movement grows in strength until late September, when the greater part of the insect-eating birds have left us, and it is terminated by the frosts, and consequent falling leaves, of October.
But just as in the spring some of the northbound migrants drop from the ranks to spend the summer with us, so in the fall some of the southbound travelers will remain with us for the winter. The Junco, which we are wont to think of as only a winter bird, arrives the latter part of September to remain until April, and with him come the Golden-crowned Kinglet, Brown Creeper and Winter Wren—all to stay until spring. October will bring the Horned Lark, Pine Finch, Snow Bunting, Tree Sparrow and Northern Shrike and these birds with the ones just mentioned, and the ever faithful Permanent Residents, give us a goodly winter company.
But the possibilities do not end here; there may be Redpolls, American and also White-winged Crossbills, perhaps Pine Grosbeaks, and, best of all, Evening Gros- beaks, who of recent years have been coming to us more or less regularly from no man knows where.
So from one year’s end to the other, there is not a month, a week or day which has not interests of its own. The bird student may pass his life in one place, but he can never say “I have finished” for the morrow may bring
xvi BIRDS AND SEASONS
some new bird or new fact. How immeasurably this association with the birds adds to the joy of life! What new meanings their comings and goings give to the changing seasons; the very air is made eloquent by their calls and songs. Why should we not all “come at these enchantments”’?
IN OCTOBER, WHEN MIGRATING HAWKS DOT THE SKY, THE GREAT SOUTHWARD MARCH OF THE BIRDS IS NEARING ITS END.
PwWNH
oamrwran
Io
CASE NO. 1
FIGS. 1-19
PERMANENT RESIDENT LAND BIRDS OF THE NORTHERN UNITED STATES
1y2{314{51617/8/9 oj fi2 ONE FOOT
Bob-white, male, p. 1 Bob-white, female, p. 1 Ruffed Grouse, p. 2
Red-shouldered Hawk, adult, p. 12
Red-tailed Hawk, young, p. 11
Red-tailed Hawk, adult, p. 11
Sparrow Hawk, male, p. 17
Sparrow Hawk, female, p. 17
Cooper’s Hawk, young female, p. 10
Cooper’s Hawk, adult male, p. 10
IL
I2
13 14 15 16 17 18 19
Sharp-shinned Hawk, male, p. 9
adult
Sharp-shinned Hawk, young female, p. 9
Screech Owl, gray phase, p. 22 Screech Owl, rufous phase, p. 22 Barred Owl, p. 20
Great Horned Owl, p. 22 Long-eared Owl, p. 19 Short-eared Owl, p. 20 American Crow, p. 46
VENT.
20 aI 22 23 24 25 26
27
28 29
CASE NO. 2 FIGS. 20-63
PERMANENT RESIDENT LAND BIRDS OF THE NORTHERN UNITED STATES
OEISI4S TelT 1s 19 pone] __=——_ONE FOOT ——4 Blue Jay, p. 44 30 English Sparrow, male, p. 57 Flicker, male, p. 32 31 English Sparrow, female, p. 57 Flicker, female, p. 32 32 Purple Finch, female, p. 57 Meadowlark, p. 50 33 Purple Finch, male, p. 57 Starling, winter, p. 47 34 Song Sparrow, p. 74 Starling, summer, p. 47 35 Goldfinch, female, p. 60 Downy Woodpecker, male, 36 Goldfinch, male, p. 60 p. 28 37. Chickadee, p. 125 Downy Woodpecker, female, 38 White-breasted Nuthatch, p. 28 male, p. 123 Hairy Woodpecker, male, p. 28 39 White-breasted Nuthatch, fe- Hairy Woodpecker, female, male, p. 123 Pp. 28 40 Cedar Waxwing, p. 85
WINTER VISITANT LAND BIRDS OF THE NORTHERN UNITED STATES : or those which come from the North in the Fall and "usually remain until Spring:
Saw-whet Owl, p. 21
Prairie Horned Lark, p. 43
Junco, p. 73
Tree Sparrow, p. 71
White-throated Sparrow, adult, p.70
White-throated Sparrow, young, p. 70
Redpoll, female, p. 59
Redpoll, male, p- 59
American Crossbill, male, p. 58
American Crossbill, female, p. 58
White-winged Crossbill, male, p. 58
White-winged Crossbill, female, p. 58
53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60
61
62
63
Pine Grosbeak, male, p. 56
Pine Grosbeak, female, p. 56
Siskin, p. 60
Northern Shrike, p. 86
Snow Bunting, p. 61
Winter Wren, p. 120
Brown Creeper, p. 122
Red-breasted Nuthatch, male p. 124
Red-breasted Nuthatch, male, p. 124
fe-
Golden-crowned Kinglet, fe- male, p. 127
Golden-crowned Kinglet, male, p.127
throughout the year, are marked “R:”
CASE NO. 3
FIGS. 1-27
WINTER LAND BIRDS OF THE SOUTHERN UNITED STATES
Ha istaistelr [ss Torr al ONE FOOT !
Permanent Resident species, or those which are present
Winter Visitant
species, or those which come from the North in the Fall and remain until Spring, are marked ‘“‘W.”
ab wWR He
Bob-white, male, R., p. 1 Bob-white, female, R., p. 1 Mourning Dove, R., p. 5 Ground Dove, R., p. 5 Sparrow Hawk, female, p.17 Sparrow Hawk, male, R., p.17 Sharp-shinned Hawk, adult male, R., p.9 a Sharp-shinned Hawk, young female, R., p. 9
Turkey Vulture, R., p. 6
Black Vulture, R., p.7
Bald Eagle, adult, R., p. 14
Red-shouldered Hawk, adult, R., p. 12
Red-tailed Hawk, adult, R., p. 11
Osprey, R., p. 18
Marsh Hawk, adult male, R., p.9
R.,
16 17 18
19
20 2r
Barred Owl, R., p. 20
Barn Owl, R., p. 19
Belted Kingfisher, male, R.. p. 26
Screech Owl, gray phase, R., Pp. 22
Flicker, male, R., p. 32
Red-headed Woodpecker,adult, R., p. 31
Red-headed Woodpecker. young, R., p. 31
Red-bellied Woodpecker, male
Ri, p:32
Hairy Woodpecker, male, R., p. 28
Downy Woodpecker, male, R., p. 28
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker adult male, W., p. 30 American Crow, R., p. 46
CASE NO. 4
FIGS. 28-82
WINTER LAND BIRDS OF THE SOUTHERN UNITED STATES
ftT2TsT4TsTéet7 [es pop) ONE FOOT ‘
Permanent Resident species, or those which are present throughout the year, are marked ‘R.”’
Winter Visitant
species, or those which come from the North in the Fall and remain until Spring, are marked ‘‘W.”
28 29
30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38
39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50
51
Resident in North Carolina and Virginia.
Red-winged Blackbird, male R., Dp. 49 Red-winged Blackbird, female, R., p. 49 Cowbird, male, R., p. 48 Cowbird, female, R., p. 48 Towhee, female, R., p. 76 Towhee, male, R., p. 76 Cardinal, female, R., p. 77 Cardinal, male, R., p. 77 Vesper Sparrow, W.,R., *p. 63 Fox Sparrow, W., p. 76 House (or ee Sparrow,
male, R y House (or ‘ ‘Brglish’ ’) Sparrow,
female, R., p. 57
White-throated Sparrow, adult, W.,p. 70
Junco, W., p. 73
Song Sparrow, R., p. 74
Field Sparrow, R., p. 72
Swamp Sparrow, W., p. 75
Chipping Sparrow, winter, R., p.71
Tree Sparrow, W., p. 71
Savannah Sparrow, W., p. 64
Purple Finch, adult male, W., Pp. 57
Purple Finch, female young male, W., p. 57
Goldfinch, male, summer, R., p. 60
Goldfinch, female and winter, R., p. 60
Pheebe, R., p. 38
Tree Swallow, W., p. 83
Cedar Waxwing, R., W., *p.85
Loggerhead Shrike, R., p. 87
and
56
57 58
59 60
61
*Winter Visitant only in the more
Myrtle Warbler, winter, W., p. 100 Pine Warbler, R., p. 107
Palm Warbler, winter, W., p. 108"
Yellow Palm Warbler, winter, W., p. 108
Maryland Yellowthroat, male, R., p. 113
Maryland Yellowthroat,female, R., p. 113
Pipit, W., p. 116
House Wren, R., p. 120
Carolina Wren, R., p. 119
White-breasted Nuthatch, R., Pp. 123
Brown-headed Nuthatch, R., p. 124
Tufted Titmouse, R., p. 125
Carolina Chickadee, R., p. 126
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, R., p. 129
Ruby-crowned Kinglet, male, W., p. 128
Ruby-crowned Ranglet, male, W., p. 128
Golden-crowned Kinglet, male, W., p. 127
Golden-crowned Kinglet, fe- male, W., p. 127
Florida Grackle, R., PD. 53 Blue Jay, R., p. 44 Mockingbird, R., p. 117 Hermit Thrush, W., p. 132 Bluebird, male, R., p. 134 Meadowlark, R., p. 50 Robin, R., W.,* p. 133 Catbird, R., p. 117
Brown Thrasher, R., p. 118
fe-
southern States; 4 Permanent
" Aro
34 Cis A ve | APRIL 10-20] 44
CASE NO. 5 FIGS. 1-38
EARLY SPRING MIGRANT LAND BIRDS OF THE EASTERN UNITED STATES
fi TeT3slT4{[s[6é[7[8/9 fol nfi2) (e) J
NE FOOT
The birds are arranged in the order of their arrival from the South in the vicinity of New York City. Nos. 1-19, 22-24, 26, 27, 30, 31, 36-38 winter in the Southern (chiefly Gulf) States. The remainder winter in the tropics and reach the Southern States a month or more before they arrive at New York. Compared with the dates here given for New York City, Washington dates are from ten to fifteen days earlier; Boston, about a week later; northern Ohio, eight to twelve days earlier; northern Illinois, six to ten days earlier; southeastern Minnesota, about the same as those for New York.
1 Purple Grackle, male, p. 53 21 Bachman's Warbler, male,
2 Bronzed Grackle, male, p.53 Pp. 94 (Southern States)
3 Rusty Blackbird, female, p. 52 22 Swamp Sparrow, p. 75
4 Rusty Blackbird, male, p. 52 23 Savannah Sparrow, p. 64
5 Red-winged Blackbird, female, 24 Tree Swallow, p. 83
Pp. 49 25 Purple Martin, male, p. 82
6 Red-winged Blackbird, male, 26 Hermit Thrush, p. 132
Pp. 49 27. Myrtle Warbler, p. 100
7 Fox Sparrow, p. 76 28 Swainson's Warbler, p. 93
8 Cowbird, male, p. 48 (Southern States)
9 Cowbird, female, p. 48 29 Prothonotary Warbler, male, to. Kingfisher, male, p. 26 p. 93 (Southern States and Ir Mourning Dove, p. 5 Mississippi Valley)
12 Robin, p. 133 30 Sapsucker, male, p. 30 13 Bluebird, male, p. 134 31 Chipping Sparrow, p. 71 14 Field Sparrow, p. 72 32 Barn Swallow, p. 83 15 Pheebe, p. 38 33 Summer Tanager, male, p. 81 16 Vesper Sparrow, p. 63 (Southern States) 17. American Pipit, p. 116 34 Summer Tanager, female,p. 81 z18 Yellow-throated Warbler, p. (Southern States) 105 (Southern States) 35 Louisiana Water-Thrush, p.110 19 Sycamore Warbler, p 105. 36 Ruby-crowned Kinglet, male, _ (lewer Mississippi Valley) p. 128 20 Bachman’s Warbler, female, p. 37. Ruby-crowned Kinglet, fe- 94 (Southern States) male, p. 128
38 Yellow Palm Warbler, p. 108
La
a [APRIL 20-30
CASE NO. 6 FIGS. 39-74 EARLY SPRING MIGRANT LAND BIRDS OF THE \ EASTERN UNITED STATES
(1T2T3 T4715 161718 [Shorifsa] | ONE FOOT d
The birds are arranged in the order of their arrival from the South in the vicinity of New York City. Nos. 43, 46, 47, 51, 57, 60-64, 67, 68, 70-72 winter in the Southern (chiefly Gulf) States. The remainder winter in the tropics and reach the Southern States a month or more before they arrive at New York. Compared with the dates here given for New York City, Washington dates are from ten to fifteen days earlier; Boston, about a week later; northern Ohio, eight to twelve days earlier; northern Illinois, six to ten days earlier; south- eastern Minnesota, about the same as those for New York.
39 Nighthawk, male, p. 34 57 Black and White Warbler, 40 Chuckwill’s Widow (Southern p. 92 States), p. 33 58 Black-throated Blue Warbler, 41 Whip-poor-will, male, p. 34 male, p. 99 42 Chimney Swift, p. 35 59 Black-throated Blue Warbler, 43 Red-headed Woodpecker, p. 31 female, p. 99 44 Least Flycatcher, p. 42 60 Pine Warbler, p. 107 45 Yellow-headed Blackbird ,male, 61 Palm Warbler, p. 108 p. 49 (Mississippi Valley) 62 Black-throated Green Warbler, 46 Seaside Sparrow, p. 67 p. 106 47 Sharp-tailed Sparrow, p. 66 63 Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, p. 48 Clay-colored Sparrow, p. 72 129 (Southern States) (Mississippi Valley) 64 Ovenbird, p. 109 49 Painted Bunting, female, p. 79 6s Bell's Vireo, p. 92 (Mississippi (Southern States) Valley) 50 Painted Bunting, male, p. 79 66 Red-eyed Vireo, p. 88 (Southern States) 67 White-eyed Vireo, p. 91 51 Towhee, male, p. 76 68 Blue-headed Vireo, p. 90 52 Blue Grosbeak, male, p. 69 “Yellow-throated Vireo, p. 90 78 (Southern States) 70 House Wren, p. 120 53 Blue Grosbeak, female, p. 71 Catbird, p. 117 78 (Southern States) 72 Brown Thrasher, p. 118 54 Bank Swallow, p. 84 73 Veery, p. 130 55 Cliff Swallow, p. 82 74 Wood Thrush, p. 129
56 Rough-winged Swallow, p. 84
® «(May 10)
CASE NO. 7
FIGS. 1-39
LATE SPRING MIGRANT LAND BIRDS OF THE EASTERN UNITED STATES
For times of arrival at other localities see remarks under Case No. 6
Pi2131/4/516|7|18]19
1O[H Le
ONE FOOT
Yellow-billed Cuckoo, p. 25
Black-billed Cuckoo, p. 25
Ruby-throated Hummingbird, female, p. 36
Ruby-throated Hummingbird, male, p. 36
Crested Flycatcher, p. 38
Kingbird, p. 37
Gray Kingbird, p.37 (Southern States)
Baltimore Oriole, male, p. 52
Baltimore Oriole, female, p. 52
Orchard Oriole, adult male, p. 51
Orchard Oriole, female, p. 51
Orchard Oriole, young male, Dp. BY
Bobolink, female, p. 48
Bobolink, male, p. 48
Lincoln’s Sparrow, p. 75
Grasshopper Sparrow, p. 64
Henslow's Sparrow, p. 65
Leconte’s Sparrow, p. 65 Mississippi Valley) Lark Sparrow, p. 68 (Mis-
sissippi Valley)
20 21
22 23 24 25
26
2 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39
Dickcissel, p. 80 (Mississippi Valley)
Harris’s Sparrow, p. 69 (Mis- sissippi Valley)
White-crowned Sparrow, p. 69
Indigo Bunting, male, p. 79
Indigo Bunting, female, p. 79
Rose-breasted Grosbeak, fe- male, p. 78
Rose-breasted Grosbeak, male, p. 78
Scarlet Tanager, male, p. 80 Scarlet Tanager, p. 80 Warbling Vireo, p. 89 Philadelphia Vireo, p. 89 Worm-eating Warbler, p. 93 Orange-crowned Warbler, p. 96 Nashville Warbler, p. 96 Golden-winged Warbler, male, p. 95 Blue-winged Warbler, p. 94 Golden-winged Warbler, male, p. 95 Lawrence’s Warbler, p. 95 Brewster’s Warbler, p. 95 Parula Warbler, p. 97
fe-
CASE NO. 8.
FIGS. 40-82
LATE SPRING MIGRANT LAND BIRDS OF THE
EASTERN UNITED STATES
For times of arrival at other localities see remarks under Case No. 6
‘Pola Ts Ta Ts Te TST s Toray
Yellow Warbler, female, p. 99
Yellow Warbler, male, p. 99
Magnolia Warbler, p. 101
Chestnut-sided Warbler, male, p. 102
Chestnut-sided Warbler, male, p. 102
Kirtland’s Warbler, p. 106
Cerulean Warbler, female, p. 102
Cerulean Warbler, male, p. 102
Prairie Warbler, p. 108
Chat, p. 113
Maryland Yellowthroat, male, p. 113
Maryland Yellowthroat, male, p. 113
Kentucky Warbler, p. 111
Canadian Warbler, p. 115
Hooded Warbler, male, p. 114
Hooded Warbler, female, p. 114
Northern Water-Thrush, p. 110
Redstart, female, p. 115
Redstart, male, p. 115
Olive-sided Flycatcher, p. 39
Acadian Flycatcher, p. 41
Yellow-bellied Flycatcher, p. 40
Alder Flycatcher, p. 41
Wood Pewee, p. 40
Tennessee Warbler, p. 97
fe-
fe-
65 66
67 68
69
Cape May Warbler, male, p. 98 Cape May Warbler, female, p.98 Blackburnian Warbler, male p.104 Blackburnian Warbler, female, p. 104 Bay-breasted Warbler, male, Pp. 103 Bay-breasted Warbler, female,, Pp. 103 Blackpoll Warbler, male, p.103 Blackpoll Warbler, female, Pp. 103 Wilson’s Warbler, female, Dp. 114 Wilson’s Warbler, male, p. 114 Mourning Warbler, male, p.112 Mourning Warbler, female, p. 112 Connecticut Warbler, male, p. IIL Connecticut Warbler, female, p. III Long-billed Marsh Wren, p.122 Short-billed Marsh Wren, ‘ps 225 Olive-backed Thrush, p. 131 Gray-cheeked Thrush, p. 130
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS
A. V. Accidental Visitant. A bird found beyond the limits of its usual range.
L. Length of a bird from the tip of its bill to the end of its tail, Remember that living birds look shorter than the measurements of specimens given beyond.
P,R. Permanent Resident. A species which is found in the same locality throughout the year. The Bob- white, Ruffed Grouse, most Owls, and Hawks, the Crow, Jays, Black-capped Chickadee and the White-breasted Nuthatch are Permanent Residents.
S.R. Summer Resident. A species which comes from the South in the spring and, after nesting, returns to its winter quarters.
T. V. Transient Visitant. A species which visits us in the spring while en route to its more northern nesting grounds, and in the fall when returning to its winter home in the South. Most Transient Visitants are found both in the spring and fall, but some, like the Connecticut Warbler, are found in the North Atlantic States only in the fall.
W. V. Winter Visitant. A species which comes from the North to remain with us all, or part of the winter and then return to the North. Winter Visitants may arrive in September and remain until April, or they may come later and only for a brief stay.
Note. Measurements are in inches.
Land Birds of the Eastern United States
GALLINACEOUS BIRDS. ORDER GALLINZ
AMERICAN QUAIL. FAMILY ODONTOPHO- RIDA
BOB-WHITE
Colinus virginianus virginianus. Case 1, Figs. 1, 2
The black and white markings of the male are respectively buff and brown in the female. In flight the Bob-white, or Quail, ae nad a Meadowlark, but the tail is without white feathers,
. 10.
Range. Eastern United States north to Minnesota and Maine south to the Gulf. A Permanent Resident. Severe winters and much shooting have made it rare in the more northern parts of its range.
Washington, common P. R. Ossining, common P. R. Came bridge, P.R. N. Ohio, not commonP.R. Glen Ellyn, rare P. R, SE. Minn., common P. R.
Except when nesting Bob-whites live in flocks or “coveys”’ usually composed of the members of one family. Their song, heard in spring and summer, is the clear, ringing two- or three-noted whistle which gives them their common name. Their fall and winter notes, which sportsmen term “scatter calls” are signals by which the members of a flock keep within speaking distance of one another. ‘Where are you?” “Where are you?” they seem to say. As with other protectively colored, ground- inhabiting birds, Bob-whites do not take wing until one
2 GROUSE
almost steps upon them. Then, like a bursting bomb, the covey seems to explode, its brown pieces flying in every direction. The nest is on the ground and the 10-18 white, pear-shaped eggs are laid in May or June.
The Florida Bob-white (C. v. floridanus, Case 3, Figs. I, 2), a smaller darker race is resident in Florida, except in the northern part of the state. It begins to nest in April.
GROUSE. FAMILY TETRAONID CANADA SPRUCE PARTRIDGE
Canachites canadensis canace
The male is a grayish bird with a jet black throat and breast, the former bordered with white; the skin above the eye is red. The female is barred with black and reddish brown with a black mottled tail tipped with brown. L. 15.
Range. Northern parts of United States from New Bruns- wick to Manitoba. Other races are found throughout the wooded parts of Canada and Alaska.
An unsuspicious inhabitant of swampy coniferous for- ests. Now rare in the United States. It nests on the ground in June, laying 9-16 eggs, buff, lightly speckled with brown.
xX RUFFED GROUSE
Bonasa ‘wmbellus umbellus. Case I, Fig. 3
The female resembles the male in color but has the black neck-tufts smaller. The tail-feathers vary from gray to bright trusty. L. 17.
Range. Eastern United States south in the Alleghanies to Georgia. In the southern states the Grouse is often called ‘ Pheas- ant.’ A Permanent Resident.
Washington, not common P. R. Ossining, common P. R. Cambridge, P. R., formerly very common. N. Ohio, rare P. R. Glen Ellyn, rare and local P. R.
On our western plains and prairies there is a Grouse which we call Prairie Hen and we might well apply the
GROUSE 3
name Wood Hen to this Grouse of our forests. To flush a Grouse in the quiet of the woods always makes the “heart jump.’ His whirring wings not only produce the roar which accompanies his flight, but they are also responsible for the “drumming” which constitutes the Grouse’s song as sitting upright on some favorite log, he rapidly beats the air with his wings.
The horny fringes which in winter border the toes of the Grouse, or Partridge, as he is also called, form in effect snow-shoes which help to support the bird on soft snow. At this season they also feed in trees on buds and catkins, and they may roost in trees or seek a bed by plunging into a snow-bank.
The nest, lined with leaves, is placed at the base of a tree or stump; the 8-14 buffy eggs are laid in May.
The Canada Ruffed Grouse (B. wu. togata), of northern New England and northwards is grayer above and more distinctly barred below.
PRAIRIE CHICKEN
Tympanuchus americanus
The Prairie Hen has a rounded or nearly square tail and a barred breast; in the Sharp-tailed Grouse the tail is pointed, the breast with V-shaped markings. L. 18.
Range. Central Plains region from Texas to Manitoba, east to Indiana. My at its northern limits.
Glen Ellyn, P. R. local, S. E. Minn., P. R. much decreased in numbers.
The Ruffed Grouse sounds his rolling, muffled drum- call in the seclusion of the forest, but the Prairie Hen beats his loud boom-ah-boom in the open freedom of the plains. Hardy and strong of wing, he can cope with winter storms and natural enemies, but against the combined assault of man, dog, and gun, he cannot successfully contend.
About a dozen buff-olive eggs are laid on the ground in April or early May.
4 WILD TURKEY
HEATH HEN Tympanuchus cupido
This is a close relative of the Prairie Hen, having the black neck-tuft of less than ten feathers with pointed, not rounded, ends. It is now found only on the Island of Martha’s Vineyard, but formerly inhabited plains or barrens, locally, from New Jersey to Massachusetts. It nests in June.
TURKEYS. FAMILY MELEAGRIDA
WILD TURKEY
‘ Meleagris gallopavo silvestris
The Wild Turkey was formerly found as far north as Maine and Ontario but it is unknown now north of central Pennsylvania. South of Maryland it is not uncommon locally.
Range. Kansas and central Pennsylvania to the Gulf coast, and northern Florida. Non-migratory.
Washington, rare P. R.
Our domestic Turkey is descended from the Mexican Wild Turkey an like that race has the upper tail-coverts and tail tipped with whitish, whereas in our eastern Wild Turkey these tips are chestnut. The nest is on the ground and 10-14 eggs, pale cream-color finely speckled with brownish, are laid in April.
The Florida Wild Turkey (M. g. osceola), of southern Florida, is smaller and the white bars on the primaries are narrower and more broken.
DOVES 5
PIGEONS AND DOVES. ORDER COLUMBZ:
PIGEONS AND DOVES. FAMILY COLUM- BID
MOURNING DOVE
Zenaidura macroura carolinensis. Case 3, Fig. 3; Case 5, Fig. 11
Except the southern little Ground Dove, this is our only Dove. Its long, pointed tail and the swift, darting flight are its field characters. It is often mistaken for the Wild or Passenger Pigeon, now extinct. The two birds differ in size and in color, but size is a matter of distance, and color, of comparison, so it seems probable that as long as there is a possibility, of seeing a Passenger Pigeon, Mourning Doves will be mistaken for them. L. 11%. The Wild Pigeon is about five inches longer.
Range. North America. In a railway journey from the Atlantic to the Pacific one may expect to see the Dove daily. Jinters from Virginia southward, migrating northward in
arch.
Washington, P. R., common, except in midwinter. Ossining, common S. R., Mch. 3-Nov. 27; a few winter. Cambridge, rather rare T. V., Apl. 8-June 18; Sept. 18-Nov. 15. N. Ohio, common S. R., Mch. 20-Oct. 25; rare W. V. Glen Ellyn, toler- ably common S. R., formerly common, Mch. 12-Oct. 21. S.E. Minn., common S. R., Mch. 15-Dec. 25.
Doves are particularly common in the southern states where, ranked as game-birds, they are shot in large num- bers. The Wild Pigeon’s note was an explosive squawk; the Dove’s is a soft, mournful coo-00-ah, coo-0-0-co00-0-0- coo-o-o-. During the winter, Doves are usually found in small flocks but, unlike the Wild Pigeon, they nest in seattered pairs. The nest is in a tree or on the ground. Two white eggs are laid in April.
GROUND DOVE
Chemepelia passerina terrestris. Case 3, Fig. 4
The female is duller than the male. L. 63. Range. Tropical and subtemperate parts of the Western Hemi-
6 VULTURES
sphere. Our form is found in Florida and on the coast region from North Carolina to Texas.
Washington, accidental; two records, Sept., Oct.
This dainty, miniature Pigeon is common in southern gardens and old fields. It runs gracefully before one, and when flushed rises with a whirring flight but soon alights, usually on the ground. Its call is a crooning coo. The nest is placed on the ground and in low trees and bushes. Two white eggs are laid in March.
BIRDS OF PREY. ORDER RAPTORES
AMERICAN VULTURES. FAMILY CATHAR- TIDZ
TURKEY VULTURE
Cathartes aura septentrionalis, Case 3, Fig. 9
Head red, plumage with a brownish cast. Young birds have the head covered with brownish down. L. 30.
Range. Most of the Western Hemisphere in several sub- species; in the eastern states north to northern New Jersey and, locally, southern New York. Migrating south from the northern part of its range. .
Washington, abundant P. R. Ossining, A. V. Cambridge, casual, two records. N. Ohio, tolerably common S. R., Mch. 5— Oct. 30. SE. Minn., common §S. R., Apl. 27.
The ‘Turkey Buzzard’ has a wider wing-stretch and is a better aviator than the Black Vulture. It is more a bird of the country than the last-named species which is the common Vulture of the streets in many southern cities. Extremely graceful in the air, it is far from pleas- ing when at rest. The two dull white, brown-marked eggs are laid on the ground under logs, in crevices in rocks, etc., in March in Florida, in April in Virginia,
HAWKS 7
BLACK VULTURE
Catharista urubu urubu. Case 3, Fig. 10
m Head black, plumage without the brownish cast of the Turkey ‘ee Eastern U. S., north to Virginia; an abundant Per- manent Resident. Washington, casual, Mch., July, Dec.
The Vulture of southern cities; a frequenter of slaughter houses and markets. In flight the under surfaces of the wing look silvery. It is by no means so impressive a figure in the air as the Turkey Vulture. Two pale bluish white eggs, generally with brown markings, are laid on the ground under logs, bushes, palmettoes, etc., in March and April.
HAWKS, EAGLES, KITES, ETC. FAMILY BUTEONID
SWALLOW-TAILED KITE Elanoides forficatus forficatus
The head and lower parts are white, the rest of the plumage glossy black; the tail deeply forked. L. 24.
Range. Florida to South Carolina, and up the Mississippi Valley rarely to Saskatchewan; winters south of the United States, returning in March.
Washington, three records, Aug.; Apl. SE. Minn., uncommon S. R., May 4.
Color, form, grace, and power of motion combine to make the flight of the Swallow-tail an impressive demon- stration of the bird’s mastery of the air. It feeds on lizards and small snakes which it captures when on the wing from the branches of trees. The nest is placed in the upper branches of tall trees, 2-3 eggs heavily marked with brown being laid in Florida in April; in Iowa in June.
8 HAWKS
WHITE-TAILED KITE Elanus leucurus
A gray bird with white underparts, rather short white tail and black shoulders. L. 153.
Range. Chiefly southwestern United States and southward east to the lower Mississippi Valley.
This is a rare bird east of the Mississippi. It frequents open marshy places and feeds upon small snakes, lizards, grasshoppers, etc., which it captures on the ground. The nest is built in trees, and the 3-5 eggs, heavily marked with brown, are laid in May.
MISSISSIPPI KITE Ictinia mississippiensis
A slaty-blue bird with black tail and wings and red eyes. L. 14.
Range. Southern United States, north to South Carolina, and southern Indiana; winters chiefly south of the United States and returns in April.
A low-flying hunter of insects, snakes and frogs. It migrates in loose flocks sometimes near the earth, at others far above it. The nest is placed in tall trees. The eggs are laid in May; they number 1-3, and are dull white, occasionally with a bluish tinge.
EVERGLADE KITE
Rostrhamus sociabilis
A dark slate-colored bird with a white rump and a rather slender hooked bill. The young are quite different; black above, tipped with reddish brown, below mottled and barred with black, red- ish brown and buff, but with the white rump-patch of the adult. L. 18.
Range. Tropical America north to southern Florida.
The Everglade Kite is found in marshes and about lakes and ponds hunting for its favorite food of large snails, which it extracts from their shells by means of its hooked
HAWKS 9
bill. It is rarely seen north of southern Florida. The nest is placed in bushes or among reeds. The 2-3 eggs, which are heavily marked with brown, are laid in March.
MARSH HAWK
Circus hudsonius. Case 3, Fig. 15
The immature bird and adult female are dark brown above, reddish brown below, but, in any plumage, the species may be known by the white upper tail-coverts which show clearly in flight. L., male, 19; female, 22.
Range. North America, wintering from New Jersey southward; migrates northward in March.
Washington, common W. V., July-Apl. Ossining, tolerably common S. R., Mch. 6—-Oct. 30; a few winter. Cambridge, com- mon T. V., Mch. 20-Nov. 10, one breeding record. N. Ohio, not common S. R., Mch. 5—Nov. 30. Glen Ellyn, S. R., several pairs, Apl. 4-Nov. 6. SE. Minn., common S.R., Mch. 6-Nov. 1.
The Marsh Hawk quarters low over the fields turning sharply here and there to follow the course of a meadow mouse in the grass forest below. As a rule the bird is silent but in the mating season he repeats a ‘screeching’ note. The nest is made on the ground in the marshes; the 4-6 white eggs are laid in May.
SHARP-SHINNED HAWK
Accipiter velox. Case 1, Figs. 11, 12; Case 3, Figs. 7, 8
The sexes differ only in size, the female being much the larger. There is a marked difference in color between adult and immature birds, the latter being more commonly seen. L. male, 11}; female, 133.
Range. North America; wintering from Massachusetts south- ward.
Washington, common P. R. Ossining, common P. R. Cam- bridge, common T. V., Apl. 3-May 11; Sept. 5-Oct. 25; rare
. R., uncommon W. V. N. Ohio, not common P. R., a few winter. Glen Ellyn, not common S. R., Mch. 19-Dec. 9. SE. Minn., common S. R., Mch. 28—Dec. 28.
This small, bird-killing Hawk dashes recklessly after its victims, following them through thick cover. It is
ro HAWKS
less often seen in the open than the Sparrow Hawk, which it resembles in size, but from which it may be known by its different color, longer tail, and much shorter wings. It
SHARP-SHINNED HAWKE. Note the Long Tail.
nests in trees 15-40 feet from the ground. The eggs, 3-6 in number, are bluish white or cream, marked with brown and are laid in May.
COOPER’S HAWK Accipiter coopert. Case 1, Figs. 9, 10
A large edition of the Sharp-shinned Hawk, with the tail more rounded, the adult with a darker crown. L. male, 154; female, 19.
Range. Nests throughout United States; winters from southern New England southward.
Washington, common S. R., less common W. V. Ossining, tolerably common P. R. Cambridge, common T. V., not uncom- mon §. R., rare W. V., Apl. 10o-Oct. 20. N. Ohio, not common, Mch. 20-Nov. 1; a few winter. Glen Ellyn, localS. R., a few winter. SE. Minn., common S. R., Mch. 3.
This is the real ‘Chicken Hawk,’ but it is less often seen and heard than the soaring, screaming Buteos to which the name is usually applied. It resembles the Sharp- shinned in habits but being larger may prey on larger birds. The female may be easily distinguished from the
HAWKS II
Sharp-shinned by her larger size, but the male is not appreciably larger than a female Sharp-shin.
The nest is built in a tree 25-s5o feet up. The bluish white, rarely spotted eggs are laid in late April or early May.
GOSHAWK
Astur atricapillus
The adult is blue-gray above with a darker crown and a white line over the eye. The underparts are finely and beautifully marked with gray and white. Young birds resemble the young of Cooper’s Hawk, but are much larger. L., male, 22; female, 24.
Range. North America, nests chiefly north of the United States and winters southward, usually rarely, as far as Virginia.
Washington, casual in winter. Ossining, rare W. V., Oct. 10- Jan. 14. Cambridge, irregular and uncommon W. V. SE. Minn., W. R., Nov. 5—Apl. 4.
Like its smaller relatives the Sharp-shin and Cooper’s Hawks, this powerful raptor is a relentless hunter of birds. It is particularly destructive to Ruffed Grouse. For- tunately it does not often visit usin numbers. It nests in trees, laying 2-5 white eggs, rarely marked with brownish, in April.
XM RED-TAILED HAWK Buteo borealis borealis. Case 1, Figs. 5,6; Case 3, Fig. 13.
This, the largest of our common Hawks, is a heavy-bodied bird with wings which when closed, reach nearly to the end of the tail. The adult has the tail bright reddish brown with a narrow black band near the tip. The immature bird has the tail rather inconspicuously barred with blackish, and a broken band of blackish spots across the underparts. L. male, 20; female, 23.
Range. Eastern North America, migrating only at the northern limit of its range. There are several races, Krider's Red-tail, a paler form inhabiting the great Plains, and Harlan’s Hawk, a darker form with a mottled tail, the lower Mississippi Valley.
Washington, common W. V., rare S. R. Ossining, common P. R., less common in winter. Cambridge, rare T. V., locally W. V., Oct. 10-Apl. 20. N. Ohio, common P. R. Glen Ellyn, e he not common, chiefly T. V. SE. Minn., common S. R.,
ch, 2.
12 HAWKS
The Red-tail resembles the Red-shoulder in general habits, but it is more a bird of the fields, where it may be seen perched on the limb of a dead tree or similar exposed Situation. Its note, a long-drawn, squealing whistle, is quite unlike that of the Red-shouider. The Red-tail feeds chiefly on mice and other small mammals. With the Red-shoulder it is often called ‘Chicken Hawk,’ but does not deserve the name. It nests in trees 30-70 feet up and in April lays 2-4 eggs, dull white sparingly marked with brown.
“RED-SHOULDERED HAWK
Buteo lineatus lineatus. Case 1, Fig. 4; Case 3, Fig. 12
Seen from below the reddish brown underparts and black and white barred tail will identify adults of this species. Immature
R&D-SHOULDERED HAwk. ADULT. Note the’Barred Tail.
birds are streaked below with blackish; the tail is dark grayish brown indistinctly barred, but the shoulder is always rusty, though this is not a marking one can see in life. L., male, 183; female, 20}.
Range. Eastern North America from northern Florida to Canada; resident except in the northern part of its range.
HAWKS 13
Washington, common P. R. Ossining, common P. R. Cam- bridge, common, Apl.—Nov., less common in winter. N. Ohio, common P.R. Glen Ellyn, P. R., more common than the Red- tail; chiefly T. V.
A medium-sized, heavy-bodied Hawk with wings which, when closed, reach well toward the tip of the tail. It lives both in the woods and open places, and may be flushed from the border of a brook or seen soaring high in the air. Its note, frequently uttered, as it swings in wide circles, is a distinctive Kée-you, Kée-you, quite unlike the call of any of our other Hawks. It is often well imitated by the Blue Jay. The Red-shoulder feeds chiefly on mice and frogs. It nests in trees 30-60 feet up and, in April, lays 3-5 eggs, white marked with brown.
The Florida Red-shouldered Hawk (Buteo lineatus alleni), asmaller form with grayer head and paler under- parts, isa resident in Florida and along the coast from South Carolina to Mexico. It nests in February.
BROAD-WINGED HAWK
Buteo platypterus
With a general resemblance to the Red-shouldered Hawk, but smaller; no red on the bend of the wing, or rusty in the primaries, enly the outer three of which are ‘notched.’ L., male, 153; female, 163.
Range. Eastern North America. Breeding from the Gulf States to the St. Lawrence; winters from Ohio and Delaware to S. A.; migrates northward in March.
Washington, uncommon P. R. Ossining, tolerably common S. R., Mch. 15-Oct. 23. Cambridge, uncommon T. V. in early fall, rare in spring and summer; Apl. 25-Sept. 30. N. Ohio, not common P. R. Glen Ellyn, not common S. R., Apl. 10- Oct. 4. SE. Minn., common S. R., Mch. 11
A rather retiring, unwary Hawk which nests in thick woods and is less often seen in the open than the Red- shoulder, but, when migrating, hundreds pass high in the air, with other Hawks. Its call is a high, thin, penetrat-
14 EAGLES
ing whistle. It nests in late April and early May, laying 2-4 whitish eggs marked with brown.
ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK Archibuteo lagopus sancti-johannis
Legs feathered to the toes; basal half of tail white; belly black. Some individuals are wholly black. L., male, 21; female, 23.
Range. Breeds in northern Canada; usually rare and irregular in the northern U. S., from November to April.
Washington, rare and irregular W. V. Ossining, casual. Cambridge, T. V., not common, Nov.—Dec.; Mch.-Apl. N. Ohio, not common W. V., Nov. 20-Apl. 3. Glen Ellyn, quite a W. V., Oct. 12-Apl. 30. SE. Minn., W. V., Oct. 15-
ch.
Frequents fields and marshes, where it hunts to and fro after mice, which form its principal fare.
GOLDEN EAGLE Aquila chrysaetos
With the Bald Eagle, largest of our raptorial birds; with a general resemblance to the young of that species, in which the head and tail are dark, but with the legs feathered to the toes. L., male, 323; female, 373.
Range. Northern parts of the northern Hemisphere; in the United States, rare east of the Mississippi.
Washington, rare W. V., Ossining, A. V. Cambridge, x recora. N. Ohio, rare W. V. SE. Minn., P. R.
The Golden Eagle is so rare in the eastern United States and its general resemblance to a young Bald Eagle is so close, that only an experienced ornithologist could con- vince me that he had seen a Golden Eagle east of the Mis-
sissippi.
X BALD EAGLE
Halieetus leucocephalus leucocephalus. Case 3, Fig. 11
When immature the head and tail resemble the body in color, and at this age the bird is sometimes confused with the more
FALCONS 15
western Golden Eagle. The latter has the head browner and the legs feathered to the toes. L., male, 33; female, 35}.
Range. North America but rare in the interior and in Cali- fornia, migratory at the northern limit of its range.
Washington, not common P. R. Ossining, common P. R. Cambridge, of irregular occurrence at all seasons. N. Ohio, tolerably common P. R. SE. Minn., P. R., becoming rare.
An adult Bald Eagle will at once be recognized by its white head and tail; the immature birds by their large size. Eagles are usually found near the water where fish may be obtained either on the shore or from the Osprey. The call of the male is a human-like, loud, clear cac-cac-cac; that of the female is said to be more harsh and often broken. Eagles nest in tall trees and on cliffs, and lay two or three dull white eggs, in Florida, in November and December; in Maine, in April.
FALCONS, CARACARAS, ETC. FAMILY FALCONID
GYRFALCON
Falco rusticolus gyrfalco’
A large Hawk with long, pointed wings, the upper parts brown with numerous narrow, buffy bars or margins, the tail evenly barred with grayish and blackish, the underparts white lightly streaked with black. L. 22.
Range. Arctic regions; south in winter rarely to New York and Minnesota. The Gray Gyrfalcon (F. 7. rusticolus) a paler form, with a streaked crown, the Black Gyrfalcon (F. r. obsoletus) a slate-colored race, and the White Gyrfalcon (F. islandus) are also rare winter visitants to the northern United States.
These great Falcons are so rare in the United States that unless they are seen by an experienced observer, under exceptionally favorable conditions, authentic records of their visits can be based only on the actual capture of specimens.
16 FALCONS
DUCK HAWK Falco peregrinus anatum
The adult is slaty-blue above; buff below marked with black, and with black cheek-patches. Immature birds are blackish above margined with rusty, below deep rusty buff streaked with blackish. L., male, 16; female, 19.
Range. Northern Hemisphere, breeding south locally to New Jersey and in Alleghanies to South Carolina; winters from New Jersey southward.
Washington, rare and irregular W. V. Ossining, casual. Cambridge, rare T. V., casual in winter, SE. Minn., uncommon S. R., Apl. 4.
As the Peregrine of falconry we know of the Duck Hawk as a fearless, dashing hunter of greater power of wing and talon. It nests in rocky cliffs in April and from its eyrie darts upon passing Pigeons and other birds. It is most often seen following the coast-line during migrations where it takes toll of Ducks and shore-birds. Three to four heavily marked, brownish eggs are laid in April.
PIGEON HAWK Falco columbarius
A small Hawk, about the size of a Sparrow Hawk. The adult is slaty blue above, with a rusty collar and a barred, white-tipped tail; below buff, streaked with blackish. Young birds have the upperparts blackish brown. L. 11.
Range. Breeds north of, and winters chiefly south of the United States. Migrates northward in April and May, and southward in September and October.
Washington, not uncommon T. V. Ossining, tolerably common T. V., Apl. 1-May 11; Aug. ro-Oct. 15. Cambridge, common T. V., Apl. 25-May 5; Sept. 25-Oct. 20; occasional in winter. N. Ohio, rare P.R. Glen Ellyn, regular but rare T. V., Apl. 26- May 5; Sept. ro-Oct. 16. SE. Minn., Apl. 13.
We know this Hawk as a not common migrant generally seen in open places and along the shores. It feeds chiefly on small birds.
FALCONS 17
SPARROW HAWK Falco sparverius sparverius. Case 1, Figs. 7, 8; Case 3, Figs. 5,6
The male has the tail with only one bar; the breast unmarked; the abdomen with black spots; while the female has the tail with several bars, the underparts streaked with brownish. In both sexes the bright reddish brown of the upperparts, black markings about the head, and small size are gold field characters. L. 10.
Range. Sparrow Hawks are found throughout the greater part of the Western Hemisphere. Our eastern race inhabits the region east of the Rockies and is migratory at the northern limit of its range. Southern Florida specimens are slightly smaller cet sia and are known as the Florida Sparrow Hawk (F. s. paulus).
Sparrow Hawk HoveRrinc ABOVE ITS PREY.
Washington, common W. V., rare S. R. Ossining, rather rare P. R. Cambridge, P. R., common in summer, rare in winter. ay . Ohio, common P. R. Glen Ellyn, rather rare S. R., Mch. 10-
ct. 26.
The Sparrow Hawk is one of our commonest and most familiar Hawks. He is a handsome little Falcon, and though his prey is chiefly humble grasshoppers, he captures them in a sportsmanlike manner by “‘ waiting on”’ or hov- ering on rapidly beating wings over his game and dropping onit with deadly aim. His call is a high, rapidly repeated Killy-killy-killy. The three to seven eggs, finely marked with reddish brown, are laid in a hollow limb or similar situation in April.
18 OSPREY
AUDUBON’S CARACARA Polyborus cheriway cheriway
A falcon-like Vulture with a bare face, black cap, white throat, breast and nape; the rest of the plumage is black, the tail barred with white. L. 22. :
Range. Mexican border and southward; south central Florida.
In the eastern United States the Caracara is found only in the Kissimmee prairie region of southern Florida where its presence, so far from others of its kind, furnishes one of the problems in distribution which stimulate the imagination of the faunal naturalist.
OSPREYS. FAMILY PANDIONIDA
& OSPREY
Pandion halietus carolinensis. Case 3, Fig. 14
The Osprey or Fish Hawk is often miscalled ‘Eagle,’ but it is a smaller bird with white, instead of blackish underparts. L. 23.
Range. The Osprey is found throughout the greater part of the world; the American form occurs in both North and South America and winters from the southern United States southward, starting northward in March.
Washington, uncommon S. R., Mch. 19-Nov. 30. Ossining, common T. V., rare S. R., Apl. 3-May 26; Sept. 29-Oct. 20. Cambridge, rather common T. V., Apl. —May; Sept.-Oct. N. Ohio, rare S. R., Apl. 20-Oct. Glen Ellyn, two records, May and Sept.
The Osprey, or Fish Hawk, feeds on fish and nothing but fish. He is, therefore, never found far from his fishing grounds, where no one who has seen him plunge for his prey and rise with it from the water will doubt his ability to supply his wants. Ospreys usually nest in trees at vary- ing distances from the ground, but sometimes on cliffs or even on the ground its lf, and return year after year to the same nest. The Osprey’ s alarm note is a high, loud, omplaining whistle, frequently repeated. The eggs are
OWLS I9
laid in late April and early May. They are usually four in number, buffy white, heavily marked with chocolate.
BARN OWLS. FAMILY ALUCONIDZ
BARN OWL Aluco pratincola pratincola. Case 3, Fig. 17
A light-colored Owl, looking almost white in the dusk. L. 18.
Range. Barn Owls are found throughout the world. Our species is rare north of New Jersey and Ohio. It is migratory only at the northern limit of its range.
Washington, not rare P,R. Ossining, A. V.
This is the ‘Monkey-faced Owl’ of towers and steeples. Few who hear its loud, sudden scream or rapidly repeated crree-crree-crree know their author, who may live for years in the heart of a village a stranger to its human inhab- itants. The mice, however, have tragic evidence of his presence in the nightly raids he makes upon their ranks. The nest is made in the diurnal retreat, 5-9 white eggs being laid in April.
HORNED OWLS, HOOT OWLS, ETC. FAMILY STRIGIDZ
LONG-EARED OWL
Asio wilsonianus. Case 1, Fig. 17
Distinguished by very long ear-tufts. L. 143. ;
Range. Temperate North America. Winters south to Georgia and Louisiana.
Washington, common P. R. Ossining, common P. R. Cam- bridge, rare, P. R. but sometimes common in fall and winter. N. Ohio, uncommon P. R. Glen Ellyn, rare, fall records only, Nov. 7-Dec. 14.
An Owl of evergreen clumps and dense growths, where its presence is often betrayed by the litter below of undi-
20 OWLS
gested pellets of hair and bones which Owls eject at the mouth. Itis nota “hoot” Owl, and even many ornitholo- gists have not heard its notes, which are described as a “soft-toned, slow wu-hunk, wu-hunk, and a low twittering, whistling dicky, dicky, dicky.” It isnot a hole-inhabiting Owl and like the Great Horned nests in an old Hawk, Crow, or Squirrel nest. Three to six white eggs are laid in April.
SHORT-EARED OWL
Asio flammeus. Case 1, Fig. 18
The ‘ears’ are barely evident, the eyes are yellow; underparts streaked. L. 15}.
Range. Found throughout the greater part of the world; migrating southward at the northern part of its North American range.
Washington, common W. V. Ossining, casual. Cambridge, T. V., Mch. 15-Apl. 15, rare; Oct.-Nov., uncommon. N. Ohio, uncommon P. R. Glen Ellyn, rare, Dec. 11-May 15. SE. Minn., common §. R.
This is a marsh Owl and we are therefore not likely to find it associated with other members of its family. Its notes are said to resemble the ki-yi of a small dog. Four to seven white eggs are laid in an open nest in the grasses in April.
BARRED OWL
Strix varia varia. Case x, Fig. 15
A large Owl with black eyes (the figure is incorrect) and no ‘ears.’ L. 20.
Range. Eastern North America. Generally a Permanent Resident. The Florida Barred Owl (S. v. alleni, Case 3, Fig. 16), is somewhat darker than the northern form and has nearly naked toes. It inhabits Florida and the coast region from South Carolina to Texas.
Washington, not common, rare P. R. Ossining, rare P. R. Cambridge, P. R., sometimes common in Nov. and Dec. N. Ohio, common P. R. Glen Ellyn, rare and local P. R. SE. Minn., common P. R.
OWLS 2
An Owl of the woods, common in the less thickly settled parts of its range. Its loud, sonorous notes, whoo, whoo- whoo who-whoo, to-whoo-ah, are often uttered. When two birds come together their united calls produce some of the most startling sounds to be heard in nature. The Barred Owl feeds chiefly on mice. It nests in hollow trees in March, laying 2-4 white eggs.
GREAT GRAY OWL
Scotiaptex nebulosa nebulosa
Largest of American Owls, with a general resemblance to the Parnes Owl, but nearly a third larger and with yellow eyes.
27.
Range. Northern North America, rarely straggling to United States in winter.
eee very rare and irregular W. V. SE. Minn., rare
RICHARDSON’S OWL
Cryptoglaux funerea richardsoni
A small Owl about the size of a Screech Owl, but without ear- tufts. It is grayish brown above and both head and back are spotted with black; the underparts are white heavily streaked with grayish brown.
Range. Northern Canada and Alaska, rarely visiting the eastern United States in winter. We are not likely to meet this
wl. Cambridge, very rare W. V.
SAW-WHET OWL
Cryptoglaux acadica acadica. Case 2, Fig. 41
Smallest of our Owls; eyes yellow, no ear-tufts. L. 8.
Range. Nests in the northern United States and northward, south in the Alleghanies to Maryland; winters rather rarely and irregularly southward to Virginia.
Washington, rare W. V., Oct.-Mch. Ossining, rather rare W. V«., Oct. 28-Jan. 13. Cambridge, not uncommon, W. V., Nov.-Mch. N. Ohio, rare P. R. SE. Minn., uncommon, P. R.
A tame little Owl which sometimes may be caught in one’s hand. It passes the day in dense growth, usually
22 OWLS
evergreens. Its note resembles the “sound made when a large-tooth saw is being filed.”
SCREECH OWL Otus asio asio. Case 1, Figs. 13, 14
The two sexes are alike, the two color phases being individual and representing dichromatism. Among animals, gray and black squirrels furnish a similar case. The ear-like feather-tufts give the bird a cat-like appearance, hence the name ‘Cat Owl.’ The poe are downy-looking creatures evenly barred with dusky.
. OF.
Range. Screech Owls are found throughout the greater part of the Western Hemisphere. Our eastern form occurs in the eastern United States from Canada southward. The Florida race (O. a. floridanus, Case 3, Fig. 19) is smaller and of a darker gray than the northern bird. The ‘red’ phase is rare.
Washington, common P, R. Ossining, common P. R. Cam- bridge, common P. R. N. Ohio, common P. R. Glen Ellyn, common P, R. SE. Minn., common P. R.
This, the smallest of our ‘horned’ Owls, is also the com- monest. It lives near and sometimes in our homes even when they are situated in towns. Its tremulous, wailing whistle (in no sense a ‘screech’) is therefore one of our most characteristic twilight bird-notes. Mice and insects form the greater part of the Screech Owl’s fare. Four to six white eggs are laid in a hollow tree, bird-box, or similar
site in April.
GREAT HORNED OWL Bubo virginianus virginianus. Case 1, Fig. 16
Largest of the ‘horned’ Owls. L. 22.
Range. Western Hemisphere in many forms; our form is confined to the eastern United States. A Permanent Resident.
Washington, rare P. R. Ossining, tolerably common P. R. Cambridge, uncommon, autumnijor winter. N. Ohio, rare P. R. SE. Minn., common P,. R.
The Great Horned Owl retreats before the civilization that destroys the forests in which it lives. In thinly
OWLS 23
settled regions its deep-toned, monotone, whoo-hoo-hoo- hoo, whooo, whooo is still a characteristic bird voice, but most of us hear it only when we camp in the wilderness. The bird’s fierce nature has won for it the name of “tiger among birds.” Rabbits, skunks, game birds and smaller prey form its fare. The 2-3 white eggs are laid in an abandoned Hawk, Crow, or squirrel nest in February; it is the first of our northern birds to nest.
SNOWY OWL
Nyctea nyctea
A large Owl with no ‘ear’ tufts and yellow eyes; chiefly white with small brownish or blackish markings. L. 25.
Range. Nests in Arctic regions, migrating southward irregu- larly in winter to the northern United States.
Washington, casual W. V. Ossining, A. V. Cambridge, rare and irregular W. V. N. Ohio, rare W. V. Glen Ellyn, very rare W. V. SE. Minn., common W. V., Oct.-Apl.
A rare winter visitant which is more often seen along the seashore. Unlike most Owls it hunts by day, feeding chiefly on mice but also on birds.
HAWK OWL
Surnia ulula caparoch
A medium-sized Owl with a whitish face and yellow eyes and a long, rounded tail; the head is spotted, the back barred with wee a underparts are barred with white and blackish.
15; T. 7%.
Range. Northern North America, rarely visiting the northern United States in winter.
Cambridge, very rare in late fall. N. Ohio, rare W. V. SE. Minn., uncommon W. V., Oct.-Mch.
“The Hawk Owl is strictly diurnal, as much so as any of the Hawks, and like some of them often selects a tall shrub or dead-topped tree in a comparatively open place for a perch, where it sits in the bright sunlight watching for its prey ’’ (Fisher).
24 PAROQUET
FLORIDA BURROWING OWL Speotyto cunicularia floridana
A small, ground Owl, with nearly naked legs and feet and no ear-tufts. The upperparts are grayish brown marked with white; the throat is white, rest of underparts barred with grayish
brown and white. L. 9. Range. Southern Florida, chiefly in the Kissimmee Prairie
region.
This is a representative of our western Burrowing Owl, which, in some way unknown to man, has established itself far from others of its kind in central southern Florida, where it is locally common. It nests in a hole in the ground, excavated by itself, and lays 5-7 white eggs in March.
PARROTS, MACAWS, PAROQUETS, COCKA- TOOS. ORDER PSITTACI
PARROTS AND PAROQUETS. FAMILY PSIT- TACIDAE
CAROLINA PAROQUET
Conuropsis carolinensis carolinensis
A long-tailed, green pout with a yellow head, orange fore-
head and cheeks. L. 123. Range. Formerly southeastern United States north to Virginia,
west to Nebraska and Texas; now southern Florida where it is on the verge of extinction, if not extinct. Washington, extinct, known only from specimens shot in
Sept., 1865.
The Paroquet has paid the penalty of wearing bright plumes, of making a desirable cage-bird, of being destruc- tive to fruit, and of having little fear of man. Once abun- dant and wide-spread, for nearly the past half a century it has been restricted to Florida, where the species wil]
CUCKOOS 25
soon go out of existence, if it has not already done so. Its nesting habits are unknown.
CUCKOOS, KINGFISHERS, ETC. ORDER COCCYGES
CUCKOOS, ANIS, ETC. FAMILY CUCULID
¥ YELLOW-BILLED CUCKOO
Coccyzus americanus americanus. Case 7, Fig. 1
Broadly white-tipped tail-feathers, a partly yellow bill, and largely reddish brown primaries distinguish this species from its black-billed cousin. L. 124, of which one-half is tail. i
Range. Nests from northern Florida to Canada; winters in tropical America, returning to the United States in April.
Washington, common S. R., May 3-Oct. 13. Ossining, com- monS.R., May 4-Oct. 31. Cambridge, common S. R., May 12-— Sept. 15. N. Ohio, common S. R., Apl. 20-Sept. 25. Glen Ellyn, quite common S. R., May 15-Sept. 29. SE. Minn., common §. R., May 21—-Aug. 20.
Cuckoos are common birds, but are more often heard than seen. Their notes are not like those of the cuckoo clock, which exactly imitates the voice of the European Cuckoo, but a series of cuck-cuck-cucks and cow-cows repeated a varying number of times. The Cuckoo rarely makes long flights but slips from one tree to another, seek- ing at once the inner branches and avoiding an exposed perch. The nest, a platform of sticks, thinly covered, is placed in low trees or bushes. The 3-5 greenish blue
eggs are laid in May.
BLACK-BILLED CUCKOO
Coccyzus erythrophthalmus. Case 7, Fig. 2
A wholly black bill (note that in both our Cuckoos it is slightly ‘Surved), wings without reddish brown, and small, inconspicuous
26 KINGFISHER
white tips to the tail-feathers distinguish this species from the preceding.
Range. A more northern species than the Yellow-billed Cuckoo. Nests from Virginia (Georgia in the mountains) to Quebec; winters in tropical America, reaching the southern States in April.
Washington, rather rare S. R., May 5-Oct. 6. Ossining, com- mon §S. R., May 3-Oct. 7. Cambridge, common S. R., May 12- Sept. 20. N. Ohio, tolerably common S. R., May 1-Sept. 25. Glen Ellyn, S. R., May 5-Oct. 21. SE. Minn., common S. R., May 8-Sept. 27. :
The day after penning the foregoing notes on the Yellow- billed Cuckoo, I saw a Black-bill make a prolonged, dash- ing flight through the open, alight on the limb of a dead, leafless tree, directly over a young girl who was calling loudly to an active dog near her, and from this conspicuous perch utter its low coo-coo notes, both looking and sounding more like a Dove than a conventional Cuckoo. So while we may say that the Cuckoos are much alike in habits one must not accept generalized statements too literally. There is much individuality among birds, a fact that makes their study far more interesting than if all were cast in the same mold.
The notes of this species are softer than those of the Yellow-bill, but the difference between the calls of the two species must be learned from the birds, not from books. The nest of the Black-bill is the more compactly built of the two, and its eggs are of a deeper shade.
KINGFISHERS. FAMILY ALCEDINIDA
XBELTED KINGFISHER Ceryle alcyon. Case 3, Fig. 18; Case 5, Fig. 10.
The female resembles the male, but the sides and the band across the breast are reddish brown. This is our only King- fisher. Crest, color, size, habits, all distinguish him. L. 13.
Range. North America; winters from Illinois and Virginia southward; migrates north in early April.
WOODPECKERS 27
Washington, common P. R., except in midwinter. Ossining, common S. R., Apl. 1-Nov. 23; casual in winter. Cambridge, common S. R., Apl. 1o-Nov. 1; rare W. V. N. Ohio, common S. R., Mch. 20-Nov. 1; rare W. V. Glenn Ellyn, isolated pairs, Apl. 1-Nov. 19. SE. Minn., common S. R., Mch. 21-Dec. 12.
The Belted Kingfisher is a watchman of the waterways who sounds his loud rattle when we trespass on his terri- tory, a gallant fisherman, who, like a Falcon ‘waits on’ with fluttering wing, and the moment his aim is taken plunges headlong with a splash on some fish that has ventured too near the surface.
The nest is made at the end of a burrow in a bank; 5-8 white eggs are laid in May.
WOODPECKERS, WRYNECKS, ETC. ORDER PICI
WOODPECKERS. FAMILY PICID
IVORY-BILLED WOODPECKER Campephilus principalis
Our largest Woodpecker, black with a white stripe down each side of the neck, white showing in the wing in flight, the male with a flaming red crest, the female with a black one and both with an ivory-white bill. L. 20.
Ff Range. Formerly southeastern United States to North Carolina; now rare and local in the wilder, less settled portions of the Gulf States.
When man appears, the Ivory-bill disappears. This is not alone due to the destruction of the birds’ haunts but to the bird’s shy, retiring nature. Its days are num- bered even more surely than are those of the forests it inhabits.
The nesting cavity is usually made in a cypress some forty feet from the ground, and 3-5 white eggs are laid in March.
28 WOODPECKERS
HAIRY WOODPECKER
Dryobates villosus villosus. Case 2, Figs. 28, 29
The Hairy is a large edition of the Downy with white, un- marked outer tail-feathers. The male has a red head-band.
- OF.
Range. Middle and northern states; a permanent resident. The southern Hairy Woodpecker (D. v. auduboni) inhabits the southeastern United States north to southern Virginia. It is smaller than the Hairy and hasless whiteinthe plumage. Lz. 81/1.
The Northern Hairy Woodpecker (D. v. leucomelas) is found from the northern United States northward. It is larger and whiter than the Hairy. L. 10.
The Newfoundland Hairy Woodpecker (D. 9. terrenove) is larger and darker than the Hairy; it inhabits Newfoundland.
Washington, rare P, R. Ossining, rare P. R. Cambridge, uncommon W. V., one summer record. N. Ohio, common P. R. Glen Ellyn, fairly common P. R.
The Hairy is not so common as his small cousin the Downy, and does not so readily make friends. He prefers the woods to our orchards and is for these reasons less often seen at our feeding-stands. The Hairy’s notes are noticeably louder than the Downy’s. The nest-hole is usually in a dead tree. The 2-4 white eggs are laid the last half of April.
X DOWNY WOODPECKER
Dryobates pubescens medianus. ' Case 2, Figs. 26, 27
The Downy differs from the Hairy Woodpecker in color by having the‘outer tail-feathers with black bars, but it is the bird’s obviously smaller size that will serve to distinguish it. L. 63/s.
Range. From Virginia northward into Canada. A Permanent Resident. The Southern Downy Woodpecker (D. p. pubescens, Case 3, Fig. 25) is smaller, darker below and with the white mark- ings smaller, .L. 6. It inhabits the south Atlantic and Gulf States north to North Carolina.
Washington, common P, R, Ossining, common P. R. Cam- bridge, common P, R. N. Ohio, common P, R. Glen Ellyn, common P.R. SE. Minn., common P. R.
Our commonest Woodpecker; an alert, active ‘little driller for insects and their eggs and larve, and frequent
WOODPECKERS 29
visitor to our lunch-counters, particularly if we supply them with suet. His sharp peek, peek, running at times into a diminishing string of peeks, and his rolling tatoo, as ‘he pounds a limb with amazing rapidity, are prominent parts of every-day bird language, the tatoo being a ‘song’ of the breeding season.
Four to six white eggs are laid in a hole, usually in a dead tree, the first week in May. The Southern Downy nests in April.
RED-COCKADED WOODPECKER
Dryobates borealis
Between the Downy and Hairy in size (L. 83) with a general resemblance to both, but the male with a small tuft of red feathers on each side of the back of the head.
__ Range. Southeastern States north to North Carolina.
An inhabitant of the pine woods, who utters a coarse yank-yank note and may at times be seen feeding from the terminal tufts of pine ‘needles’ in the higher branches.’ The nest is usually in a living pine; the 2-5 white eggs are laid in April.
ARCTIC THREE-TOED WOODPECKER
Picoides arcticus
Two toes in front and one behind, a solid black back and an orange-yellow crown in the male distinguish this from all our other Woodpeckers. Size of the Hairy, L
Range. Canada, and northern parts of our hater states, rarely south in winter, as far as Nebraska and Ohio.
Cambridge, onerecord. N. Ohio,rareW.V. SE. Minn., rare.
An inhabitant of the spruce and balsam forests of our northern states, occasionally straggling southward in winter. Nests in May.
30 WOODPECKERS
THREE-TOED WOODPECKER Picoides americanus americanus
Two toes in front and one behind, an orange-yellow crest in the male, and a black back closely and evenly barred with white ae ae this bird; it is somewhat smaller than the preceding.
. 82.
Range. Canada, south to the northern parts of our boundary states; unknown south of Massachusetts.
Not so common as the Arctic Three-toed Woodpecker, and less often found south of its breeding range. Nests in early June.
YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER Sphyrapicus varius varius. Case 3, Fig. 26; Case 5, Fig. 30
The female has the throat white, and rarely, crown wholly black. Young birds have the throat whitish, crown dull black, breast brownish. The black breast-patch and red forehead, and red or white throat are distinguishing characters. L. 8}.
Range. Nests from northern New England and Minnesota (in Alleghanies from North Carolina) to Canada; winters from .Pennsylvania (rarely) southward to the Gulf States.
Washington, common T. V., Mch.—May; Sept. and Oct., occasional in winter. Ossining, common T. V., Apl. 5-May 13; Sept. 18-Oct. 23; casual in winter. Cambridge, not uncommon T. V., Apl. and Sept. 15—-Nov. 1; occasional W. V. N. Ohio, common T. V., Apl. 1-May 20; Sept. 15-Oct. 20. Glen Ellyn, common T. V., Mch. 31-May 12; Sept. 14-Oct. 13. SE. Minn., common S. R., Mch. 25—-Oct. 19.
This is the mysterious maker of the rows of little holes ‘drilled in even lines, like hieroglyphics, on the trunks of apple and other trees. Using his brush-tipped tongue as a swab, he drinks the sap that oozes from these punctures.
As a migrant the Yellow-belly is not conspicuous. His ‘business takes him into the heart of living trees and he is usually seen only when flying from one to another. His ‘ow ‘snarling’ note attracts the attention of only the observant.
The nest-hole is 25-40 feet up; the 5-7 white eggs are laid in May.
WOODPECKERS 31
PILEATED WOODPECKER
Phleotomus pileatus pileatus
Next to the nearly extinct Ivory-bill this is the largest of our Woodpeckers. (L. 17.) Both sexes have a flaming red crest (reaching the,forehead in the male) the remainder of the plumage being black, with the throat, a stripe from the bill down the sides of the neck, and the basal half of the wing-feathers white; bill horn-color.
Range. Southeastern and Gulf States, north to North Caro- lina. The Northern Pileated Woodpecker (P. p. abieticola) is found thence northward into Canada and west to the Pacific, It is a larger bird, with the white areas larger.
In the south the Pileated is by no means rare and seems not averse to the presence of man; but in the north he retires to the wilder forested areas and we are apt to see him only when we go a-camping. And he is well worth seeing with his flaming crest and powerful bill which, used either as a chisel or drum-stick, produces impres- sive results. Strangely enough the Pileated’s notes resemble those of the Flicker but are louder.
The nest is usually well wp; the 3-5 white eggs are laid in April in the south, in May in the north.
‘ RED-HEADED WOODPECKER
Melanerpes erythrocephalus. Case 3, Figs. 21, 22; Case 6, Fig. 43
Adults of both sexes have the whole head red; young, during their first winter, have the head grayish brown, and a black Baad across the white wing-feathers. . oF.
Range. Eastern United States, west to Rockies; local east of the Aleghanise and north of Pennsylvania.
Washington, rather common S. R., rare W. V. Ossining, rare P, R., common in fall, Aug. 27-Oct. 12. Cambridge, irregular at all’ seasons; sometimes common in fall. N. Ohio, common 8. R., Apl. 20-Sept. 25; occasionally winters. Glen Ellyn, common S. R., Feb. 19-Nov. 6; a few. winter. SE. Minn., common §. R., Apl. 4-Sept. 17; rare in winter.
Adding to the normal habits of a Woodpecker marked skill as a flycatcher, the Red-head stops his grub-hunting
32 WOODPECKERS
and swings out after a passing insect with a dazzling dis- play of red, white and blue-black. Noisy as he is con- spicuous, he beats his log-drum, rolls a tree toad-like krrring, or, with tireless persistency utters a whistled croak, In the northeastern states Red-heads are dis- tributed irregularly. They are rarely common in the summer, but in the fall they sometimes appear in num- bers. Whenever they come we are soon aware of their presence.
The nest is generally in a dead tree; the 4-6 white eggs are laid in May.
RED-BELLIED WOODPECKER Centurus carolinus. Case 3, Fig. 23
Back and wings evenly barred with black and white, hence the name ‘Zebra’; the female and young have the front part of the crown gray. L. 9}. bs» Range. Eastern United States, north to southern Pennsyl- vania, western New York and southern Minnesota; casually further.
Washington, locally common P. R. Cambridge, A. V., one record. N. Ohio, tolerably common P. R. SE. Minn., un- common P. R.
A common, hoarse-voiced resident of orange groves and gardens who with a chuh-chuh, jerkily hitches himself upward in the routine of the daily grub hunt. It is rare at the northern part of its range, but resident wherever found. The nest is in dead or living trees; the 4-6 white eggs are laid in late April of early May.
& NORTHERN FLICKER
Colaptes auratus luteus. Case 2, Figs. 21, 22; Case 3, Fig. 20
The white rump and yellow wing-linings, displayed in flight; black breast-crescent, spotted underparts and fairly large size, readily distinguish this beautiful bird. The female very properly iacks the male's ‘moustache.’ L. 12.
Range. Eastern North America, from North Carolina and southern Illinois to Canada and Alaska. The Southern Flicker
GOATSUCKERS 33
(C. a. auratus) a smaller, darker race, inhabits the South Atlantic and Gulf States.
Washington, common §S, R., rare W.:V. Ossining, common S. R., Mch. 25-Oct. 30; afew winter. Cambridge, very common S. R., common W. V. N. Ohio, common S. R., Mch. 10-Nov. 15 a few winter. Glen Ellyn, common S. R., Mch. 7—-Dec. 24; a few winter. SE. Minn., common S. R., Mch. 21-Oct. 16.
Thirty years ago the Flicker, High-hole or Yellow- hammer, was prey of any boy with a gun and was corre- spondingly wild and little known; now, thanks to the Audubon Society, he is almost as domestic as the Robin. In search of ants and their eggs, he hunts our lawns and even accepts the hospitality of our nest-logs. A great acquisition to our dooryard life is this bird of beautiful colors, quaint habits, and strange notes. His loud, strongly accented call, kée-yer, his rapidly repeated mellow weéchew, weéchew, possess character even if they lack musical quality.
The Flicker nests in holes and lays from s—9 white eggs in late April or early May.
GOATSUCKERS, SWIFTS, HUMMINGBIRDS. ORDER MACROCHIRES
NIGHTHAWKS, WHIP-POOR-WILLS, ETC. FAMILY CAPRIMULGIDAZ
CHUCKWILL’S WIDOW
Antrostromus carolinensis. Case 6, Fig. 40
A larger, browner bird than the Whip-poor-will, with branched, not simple bristles at the sides of the bill. Breast-patch whiter in the male than in the female. L. 12.
Range. Southern states north to Virginia; wintering from southern Florida southward and migrating northward in March.
Washington, one record. Cambridge, A. V., one record, Dec.
What the Whip-poor-will is to the north the Chuck- willistothesouth, The difference in their names expresses
34 GOATSUCKERS
the syllabic difference in their calls, but the Chuck-will’s notes are uttered more evenly and lack the marked accent on the first “Whip” of its northern cousin’s song.
The Chuck-will lays its two eggs in April on the ground in the woods, where it lives. They are white with delicate lilac markings and a few brownish spots.
WHIP-POOR-WILL
Antrostomus vociferus vociferus. Case 6, Fig. 41
Outer wing-quills barred eee breast-band white in the male, buff in the female. L.
Range. Breedsfrom cesthern Georgia north to ‘Canada, winters from the Gulf States southward, starting north in April.
Washington, common §. R., Apl. 13-Oct. 13. Ossining, com- mon S. R., Apl. 19-Oct. 17. Cambridge, formerly S. R., now chiefly T. Vv. Apl. 30-Sept. 20. N. Ohio, locally common Ss. R., Apl. 29-Sept. 15. Glen Ellyn, rare, spring records only, Apl. r9~ May 21. SE. Minn., common S. R., Apl. 17-Sept. 28.
A mysterious, silent, flitting shadow, should we chance to arouse it from its sleep in the forest by day, at dusk the Whip-poor-will takes the center of the stage and announces his presence to the world. Whip-poor-will, whip-poor-wilk he calls with a snap and a swinging rhythm that makes the twilight ring with the oft-repeated notes.
Two eggs are laid on the ground in the woods in May. They are dull white with delicate obscure lilac markings, and a few brownish gray spots.
X NIGHTHAWK
Chordeiles virginianus virginianus. Case 6, Fig. 39
A white mark across the black outer wing-quills is very con- spicuous in flight; seen from below it suggests a hole in the bird’s bia Pps female has the throat buff and no white band in the tail. . 10.
Range. Eastern North America from_the Gulf States and Georgia north to Canada and Alaska. Winters in the tropics coming north in April. The Florida Nighthawk (C.v. chapmani) a smaller race (L. 84) is a Summer Resident in the Gulf States.
SWIFT 35
Washington, not common S. R.; abundant T. V., Apl. 19- Oct. 8. Ossining, common S. R., May 9-Oct. 11. Cambridge, rare S. R., common T. V., May 15-Sept. 25. N. Ohio, locally common S. R., May 1-Sept. 20. Glen Ellyn, not common S. R., common T. V., May 1-Oct. 14. SE. Minn., common S, R., May 4-Sept. 30.
Doubtless because we see the Nighthawk and only hear the Whip-poor-will the notes of the latter have been often attributed to the former, with the result that many people think there is but one species. While it is true that there is a general resemblance in form, in details of color and markings, the two birds are quite unlike, while so far as notes and habits are concerned, few members of the same family differ more. The Whip-poor-will haunts the shadows of the woods and rarely flies far above the ground, the Nighthawk, like a Swift, courses high in the open, even over city house-tops, where anyone who looks may see him. The Whip-poor-will’s notes have made him famous, the Nighthawk calls only anasal peent, peent, and, diving earthward on set wings, produces a hollow, booming sound. Both nest on the ground, but the Nighthawk lays in the fields or on pebbly roofs, and its two finely marked eggs (laid in May or June) are quite unlike those of the Whip-poor-will.
SWIFTS. FAMILY MICROPODIDZ
. x CHIMNEY SWIFT Chetura pelagica. Case 6. Fig. 42
A near relative of the Hummingbird, not of Swallows. Note the ‘spine’-tipped tail-feathers. .
Range. Eastern North America; winters in Central America; reaches the Gulf States in March.
Washington, abundant S. R., Apl. 6-Oct. 27. Ossining, com- mon S.R., Apl. 19-Oct. 23. Cambridge, abundant S. R., Apl. 25—- Sept. 20. N. Ohio, abundant S. R., Apl. ro-Oct. 20. Glen
36 HUMMINGBIRD
Ellyn, common’S. R., Apl. 16-Sept. 29. SE. Minn., common S. R., Apl. 20-Sept. 18.
A twittering courser of evening skies who makes his home in our chimneys. Here the bracket-like nest of dead twigs is attached to the bricks by the bird’s saliva, to be loosened, at times, after heavy rains and fall to the fire-place below. In the fall great flocks roost in chimneys, generally large ones, returning night after night.
The 4-6 white eggs are laid in May.
HUMMINGBIRDS. FAMILY TROCHILID
“ RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD
Archilochus colubris. Case 7, Figs. 4, 3
Females and young lack the ‘ruby’ throat.
Range. Eastern North America, nesting from Florida to Quebec; winters from central Florida to Panama.
Washington, common §. R., Apl. 23-Oct. 23. Ossining, com- mon S. R., Apl. 30-Oct. 3 "Cambridge, very common T. Viz uncommon S. R., May i set. 20. N. Ohio, common &. R., May 1-Sept. 15. Glen Ellyn, rare S. R., May 1-Sept. 22. SE. Minn., common S. R., May 19-Oct. 8.
Any Hummingbird seen east of the Mississippi may, with confidence, be called a Ruby-throat; exceptions will prob- ably prove to be sphinx moths, which, it must be con- fessed, look singularly hummingbird-like as they hover before flowers. When the eggs are laid the male deserts the female, leaving to her the task of incubation and care of the young.
The nest, most exquisite of bird homes, is saddled to a limb usually 15 or more feet up. The two bean-like white eggs are laid in May,
FLYCATCHERS 37
PERCHING BIRDS. ORDER PASSERES FLYCATCHERS. FAMILY TYRANNID
x KINGBIRD Tyrannus tyrannus. Case 7, Fig. 6 Mote the white-tipped tail; young birds lack the orange crest. "Range. North America; nests from northern ¥Florida to Canada; winters in South America, reaching Florida in March.
Washington, common S. R., Apl. 18-Sept. 23. Ossining, common S. R., Apl. 29-Sept. 10. Cambridge, common S. R. May 5-Sept. 1. N. Ohio, common S. R., Apl. 20-Sept. 15. Glen Ellyn, fairly common S. R., Apl. 16-Sept. 6. SE. Minn., common 8S. R., Apl. 26-Aug. 31.
A valiant defender of his home who, at the approach of Crow or Hawk, utters his steely, chattering, battle-cry and sallies forth to attack. Fearlessly he plunges down on an enemy many times his size who dodging this way and that beats a hasty retreat before his active, aggressive assailant. In the fall migration Kingbirds gather in loose flocks.
The nest is placed near the end of a branch about 20 feet up; the 3-5 white eggs spotted with dark brown, are laid in May.
GRAY KINGBIRD Tyrannus dominicensis dominicensis. Case 7, Fig. 7
Resembles the Kingbird but is lighter gray, and the tail lacks the conspicuous white tip.
Range. West Indies, nesting north through Florida to south- eastern South Carolina; winters to South America; reaches Florida early in May.
A not uncommon summer resident in parts of Florida and the coastal region of Georgia and South Carolina, with the general habits and appearance of our Kingbird,
38 FLYCATCHERS
but with a quite different call which suggests the words pittrri-pittrri. It nests in May, laying four salmon- colored eggs, marked with dark brown and lilac.
*», CRESTED FLYCATCHER Myiarchus crinitus. Case 7, Fig. 5
The reddish brown tail-feathers may sometimes be seen and the crest is usually evident. L. 9.
Range. Eastern North America; nests from Florida to Canada; winters in the tropics, reaching Florida on its northward journey in March.
Washington, very common S. R., Apl. 20-Sept. 29. Ossining, common S. R., May 7-Sept. 12. Cambridge, rare S. R., May 15- Sept. 11. N. Ohio, common S. R., Apl. 25-Sept. 15. Glen Ellyn, not common §. R., May 1-Sept. 18. SE. Minn., common S. R., Apl. 25.
A character of the woods distinguished alike by appear- ance, voice and habits. His crested head seems too big for his body; his exclamatory whistle, which sounds like a shout above a monotone of conversation, his habit of always lining his nest with a cast-off snake skin, all mark him as an odd genius. Even his wife’s eggs, with their long chocolate streaks, are quite unlike any other birds’ eggs. They are laid in a hole in a tree in May or June.
i PHEBE Sayornis phebe. Case 4, Fig. 52; Case 5, Fig. 15
Head slightly crested, somewhat darker than body. In the fall the underparts are tinged with yellow. L. 7.
Range. Eastern North America; nests from northern Missis- sippi and northwestern Georgia to Canada; winters from South Carolina to Mexico. The only Flycatcher to winter in the eastern United States and hence the first to reach us in the spring.
Washington, common S. R., Feb. 25-Oct.; occasionally winters. Ossining, common S. R., Mch. 14-Oct. 29. Cambridge, common T. V., and not uncommon S. R., Mch. 25-Oct. ro. N. Ohio, common S. R., Mch. 14-Oct. 15. Glen Ellyn, S. R., Mch. 33- Oct. 6. SE. Minn., common S. R., Mch. 22-Oct. 11.
FLYCATCHERS 39
‘The Phcebe is the best known member of a group of small Flycatchers which the beginner, and not infrequently the advanced student, names with more or less uncertainty. Fortunately for the field student, and as if to compensate for their close resemblance in plumage, they all possess distinctive, quite unlike, and easily recognizable calls, and consequently can readily be identified by their voices if not by their colors.
The Phoebe shows so marked a fondness for our society, nesting under our piazzas, in barns or outbuildings, and calls his pewit-phebe so plainly, wagging his tail the while in a friendly, sociable kind of a way, that there is never any doubt about his identity; but we will not make the acquaintance of his less common, less confiding relatives so readily.
The Phcebe’s 4-6 white eggs (rarely with a few brown spots) are laid the latter half of April.
OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER
Nuttalornis borealis. Case 8, Fig. 59
With the general appearance of a large Phcebe, but with the breast and sides the color of the back, and a tuft of white feathers on each flank. L. 7}.
Range. North America; nests from northern New England northward (southward in the Alleghanies to North Carolina); winters in the tropics.
Washington, casual T. V. Ossining, tolerably common T. V., May 20; Aug. 15-Sept. 16. Cambridge, rare T. V., May 20- June 6; formerly not uncommon S. R., one Sept. record. Glen Ellyn, not common T. V., May 13-June 11; Aug. 11-Sept. 15. SE. Minn., common T. V., May 1o-Sept. 9.
To most of us the Olive-sided is known as a rare migrant passing northward in May, among the later transients, and southward in September. When traveling the bird retains the fondness of its kind for perching on tall tree-tops, but its loud, unmistakable, whistled “come right here, come tight here” is usually heard only on the nesting ground.
4
40 FLYCATCHERS
The nest is placed in coniferous trees about 25 feet up, and 3-5 white, brown-spotted eggs are laid in June.
x WOOD PEWEE Myiochanes virens. Case 8, Fig. 63
Resembles the Phoebe but is smaller with relatively longer wings and more evident wing-bars.
Range. Eastern North ‘America; nesting from Florida to Canada; winters in the tropics.
Washington, common S. R., Apl. 29-Oct. 12. Ossining, common S. R., May 10-Oct. 2. ‘Cambridge, common T. V., not uncommon §. R., May 18-Sept. 15. N. Ohio, abundant s R., May 2-Sept. 27. Glen Ellyn, fairly common S. R., May g- Sept. 29. SE. Minn., common S. R., May 1o0-Sept. 23.
In color Phoebe and Pewee are much alike and both are Flycatchers, but the resemblance ends there. Pewee loves the solitude of the forest rather than the sociability of the barnyard, and his pensive pee-c-wee does not even suggest the business-like pewit-phebe of his better-known cousin. Nor does his dainty lichen-covered nest saddled so skillfully on the limb of a forest tree, recall the Phoebe’s bulky moss and mud dwelling. Finally, the Pewee’s eggs, laid in May, are wreathed with brown.
YELLOW-BELLIED FLYCATCHER Empidonax flaviventris. Case 8, Fig. 61
The entire underparts, including the throat, are unquestionably sulphur-yellow. 5%.
Range. Eastern North America; nests from northern New York and northern New England northward into Canada; winters in the tropics.
Washington, eines common T. V., May; July 28-Oct. 6. Ossining, common V., May 17-June 4; Aug. 8-Sept. 20. Cambridge, T. V., seaecies rather common, May oo June 33 Aug. 28-Sept. 8. N. Ohio, rare T. V., May 10. Glen Ellyn, rather rare T. V., May zo-June 5; Sept. 3. SE. Minn., common T. V., May 19.
FLYCATCHERS 4i
Known chiefly as a not common migrant who visits our woods on his journey to and from his northern home. He is a silent traveler and gives no clue to his identity by calling or singing, but his underparts are so much yellower than those of any other of our small Flycatchers that they make a definite field character. Nests in coniferous forests on the ground, laying 4 white, lightly spotted eggs in June.
ACADIAN FLYCATCHER
Empidonax virescens. Case 8, Fig. 60
Throat white, upperparts bright, light olive-green, without tinge of brown as in the Alder Flycatcher.
Range. Eastern North America; rather southern, nesting from Florida north to Connecticut and Michigan; winters in the tropics.
Washington, common S. R., May 1-Sept. 15. Ossining, com- mon S. R., May 10-Aug. 27. N. Ohio, common S. R., May 4- Sept. 15. Glen Ellyn, not common S. R., May 6—-Aug. 27, and probably later.
On the low-sweeping limb of a beech over a stream is an ideal site for the frail nest of the Acadian. The bird is never found far from it and its low-ranging habits permit us to see its characteristic markings and hear its peculiar sudden, explosive little pee-e-yuk and more commonly uttered spee or peet.
The creamy white, brown-spotted eggs are laid the latter part of May.
ALDER FLYCATCHER Empidonax trailli alnorum. Case 8, Fig. 62
Larger than the Least Flycatcher, but resembling it in having the back olive-brown instead of olive-green as in the Acadian and Yellow-bellied Flycatchers. L. 6.
Range. Eastern North America; nests from northern New Jersey (locally) and mountains of West Virginia to Canada; winters in the tropics.
42 FLYCATCHERS 1
Washington, irregularly common T. V., May 8-May 28; Aug. 16-Sept. 17. Ossining, rare T. V., May 19-May 31; Aug. 29. Cambridge, rare T. V., May 28-June 6; Aug.; occasional in summer.
Traill’s Flycatcher (E. t. trailli), a slightly browner bird is the Mississippi Valley form. N. Ohio, common S. R., May 7-Sept. to. Glen Ellyn, quite common S. R., May 14-Sept. 19. S. B. Minn., common S. R., May 6—Aug. 10.
A rare recluse of the alders who, traveling silently between his summer and his winter homes, makes few friends among men. Dwight describes its call note as “a single pep,” and its song as ee-zee-e-up, resembling that of the Acadian. The bird places the nest low down in the crotch of one of the bushes among which it lives and lays 3-4 white, brown-spotted eggs in June.
*. LEAST FLYCATCHER Empidonax minimus. Case 6, Fig. 44.
Smallest of the Flycatchers; like the Adler Flycatcher its back is olive-brown rather |than} olive-green; no evident yellow on the underparts. L. 54.
Range. Eastern North America; nests from Iowa, Pennsyl- vania and New Jersey to Canada; winters in the tropics.
Washington, common T. V., Apl. 20-May 20; Aug. 13-Sept. 15. Ossining, tolerably common S. R., Apl. 25-Aug. 26. Cambridge, very common S. R., May 1-Aug. 25. N. Ohio, common T. V. Apl. 15-May 25; Aug. 25—-Oct. 1; rare in summer. Glen Ellyn, not common S. R., chiefly T. V., May 4-Sept. 24. SE. Minn., common S. R., Apl. 30-Sept. 13.
A Flycatcher of lawns and orchard, seldom going far from the tree in which its nest with its white eggs is placed. A dry-voiced little bird whose unmusical, but distinctly uttered chebéc, chebéc makes up in character what it lacks in sweetness. Between whiles he swings out for a passing insect only to call chebéc, chebéc, chebéc when he returns to his perch,
LARKS 43
LARKS. FAMILY ALAUDID
PRAIRIE HORNED LARK Otocoris alpestris praticola. Case 2, Fig. 42
Note the long hind-toe nail (or the track it leaves), the little feathered ‘horns,’ the black patch on cheeks and breast (less evident in winter). Smaller than the Northern Horned Lark, which visits the United States only in winter, with the line pee eye white, and throat but faintly tinged with yellow.
eee
Range. Nests in the Upper Mississippi Valley from Missouri and in the Atlantic States (locally), from Connecticut north- ward; winters southward to Texas and Georgia. The Horned Lark (Otocoris alpestris alpestris), is a more northern race, nesting in the Arctic regions and migrating southward as far as Ohio and rarely Georgia, when it is often associated with the resident Prairie Horned Lark. It is larger than that race (L. 72) and has the throat and line over the eye yellow.
Washington, common W. V., Aug. r1-Apl. Cambridge, one record. N. Ohio, common P. R. Glen Ellyn, common P. R. SE. Minn., 5. R., Mch.—Nov., a few in mild winters.
A bird of open places—shores, plains, and prairies, and roadways—who runs (not hops) nimbly ahead of one, or, with a short note, rises, and on its long, pointed wings, flies on ahead. He usually returns to the ground, but may alight on a fence; his long hind toe-nail not being suited to grasping a small perch. The weak, twittering song is uttered on the wing, when the bird, like its relative the Skylark, mounts into the air. It also sings from a perch near the ground.
The Prairie Horned Lark is the first of our small birds to nest, making its home on the ground and laying four finely speckled eggs early in March. After the nesting season the birds gather in flocks.
44 CROWS AND JAYS
CROWS, JAYS, ETC. FAMILY CORVIDA
¥, BLUE JAY Cyanocitta cristata cristata. Case 2, Fig. 20
Color, habits and voice combine to render the Blue Jay con- spicuous. L. 11}.
Range. Eastern North America from Georgia to Quebec; migratory only at the northern limit of its range. The Florida Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata florincola, Case 4, Fig. 75) is smaller (L. 10%) and grayer above. It is found throughout Florida.
Washington, rather rare P. R., common T. V., Apl. 28-May 15; Sept. 15-Oct.15. Ossining, tolerablycommonP.R. Cambridge, common P. R., abundant T. V., Apl. and May; Sept. and Oct. N. Ohio, common P.R. Glen Ellyn,common P.R. SE. Minn, common P. R.
If the Blue Jay were as good as he is beautiful he would be our most popular bird. But fine feathers do not always make fine birds, and to those who judge birds by human standards the Blue Jay’s loud, harsh voice, overbearing manners, and nest-robbing habits are unpardonable. With all his faults, however, the true bird enthusiast loves him still. His bright colors, dashing ways and intelK- gence win our admiration and we feel honored when he makes his home near ours, building in early May a well- made nest in a tree-crotch, for the reception of the 4-6
olive-green, thickly speckled eggs.
FLORIDA JAY A phelocoma cyanea
Size of the Blue Jay but quite unlike it in color. The head, wings and tail are grayish blue without white markings; the back is pale brown, the underparts dirty white, with the throat inconspicuously streaked and a faint bluish breast-band.
Range. Florida between lat. 27° and 30°, and chiefly along the coasts.
This is the ‘Scrub-Jay’ of Florida and is not to be confused with the Florida Blue Jay. It lives in dis-
CROWS AND JAYS 45
tricts where scrub palmetto grows, but also comes into gardens and grows where it soon responds to proper treat- ment and becomes semi-domesticated. It nests early in April.
CANADA JAY Perisoreus canadensis canadensis
Size of the Blue Jay; a gray bird with a black crown and white forehead, cheeks and throat.
Range. Northern New England and northern New York, northward; resident, rarely straggling southward.
Cambridge, A. V., one record, Oct.
It is singular that the Canada Jay at the north and the Florida Jay in the south should show exceptional confidence in man, while the Blue Jay always seems to regard him with suspicion. The very day we make camp in the north woods the Canada Jay or Whiskey Jack becomes our guest. As though assured of a welcome he fearlessly joins our party, helping himself to such supplies as please his fancy. Long before our arrival, when snow still covered the ground, he has reared his family and for the rest of the year has only his own wants to fill.
RAVEN Corvus corax principalis
Much larger than the Crow, the throat with long, pointed feathers, instead of short, rounded ones. L. 24
Range. North America rare and local in the Eastern States, south to New Jersey on the coast and to Georgia in the mountains.
Crows caw, while Ravens croak; but to be sure that you have actually seen a Raven he should be with Crows, when the Raven’s much larger size is evident. Unless, however, you should visit the few localities in the eastern States where Ravens live you are not likely to make the bird’s acquaintance. Ravens nest on cliffs as well as in trees.
46 CROWS AND JAYS
Their eggs, which resemble those of the Crow in color, are laid in April.
Xx CROW
Corvus brachyrhynchos brachyrhynchos. Case 1; Fig. 19; Case 3, Fig. 27
Sexes alike in color. L. 19}.
Range. North America; migratory at the northern limit of its range; roosting in colonies in winter.
Washington, abundant P. R. Ossining, common P.R. Cam- bridge, common P. R, abundant T. V. N. Ohio, common P. R. Glen Ellyn, common P. R. SE. Minn., common S. R., Mch.- Nov., uncommon W. V.
The Crow and the Robin are probably the best known of all our birds. The former we treat as an enemy and the latter as a friend, and one therefore is as wild as the other is tame. Whether the Crow deserves to be outlawed has not as yet been decided. But we should not condemn him out of court and let us remember that as an intelligent, self-respecting citizen, who animates wintry wastes with his shining sable form and clarion call, he has other than economic claims to our consideration. The nest is placed in a tree about 30 feet up, and 4-6 eggs, green thickly marked with brownish are laid in April.
The Florida Crow (C. b. pascwus) is very near the northern bird, but has the wings and tail smaller, the bill and feet larger. It lives chiefly in the pine barrens of Florida and is much less common in the state than the Fish Crow.
FISH CROW
Corvus ossifragus
Brighter, more uniformly colored above and below, the feathers without dull tips.
Range. Atlantic and Gulf coast region from the lower Hudson Valley and Long Island Sound southward. Migratory only at
STARLING 47
the northern limit of its range. Found throughout Florida, but elsewhere usually not far from tidal water. wy.
Washington, rather common P. R. Cambridge, A. V., one record, Mch.
In life the Fish Crow may be distinguished from the common Crow by its smaller size and hoarser voice. The difference in size, however, is evident only when the two are together, but once the cracked, reedy car (not caw) of the Fish Crow has been learned the species may always be identified when heard. It is somewhat like the note of a young Crow, but less immature. The nest and eggs are much like those of the common Crow. The eggs are laid in May.
STARLINGS. FAMILY STURNIDA
x STARLING Sturnus vulgaris. Case 2, Figs. 24, 25,
In winter conspicuously dotted with whitish; in summer with but few dots and a yellow bill; at all times with a short tail and long wings. 84.
Range. Introduced from Europe into Central Park, New York City, in 1890, now more or less numerous from Virginia to Maine; occasional west of the Alleghanies. It is a quick, active bird, probing the ground now this side, now that, as it walks rapidly over our lawns. The short tail and long wings are most notice- ae in the air and distinguish the Starling from our other black
irds.
A long-drawn whistle, such as one calls to a dog, is the Starling’s most common note, but it has many others. It nests in April, often after quarreling with Flickers for possession of a nest-hole in which to lay its pale bluish eggs. The young appear in mid-May and their harsh, rasping food-call is a common note for several weeks; then the birds begin to gather in companies which, later, form flocks of thousands.
48 BLACKBIRDS, ORIOLES, ETC.
BLACKBIRDS, ORIOLES, ETC. FAMILY ICTERIDA:
* BOBOLINK Dolichonyx oryzivorus. Case 7, Figs. 13, 14
In July, after nesting, the male molts into a plumage resembling that of the female, when both are known as Reedbird. L 7}.
Range. Nests from northern New Jersey and northern Mis- souri to southern Canada and westward to British Columbia; leaves the United States through Florida and winters chiefly in oe Argentina; returns to United States early in
TWeshiiston, T. V., common in spring, abundant in fall; Apl. 26-May 30; July 23-Nov. 14. Ossining, tolerably common S. R., May 1-Oct. 5. Cambridge, very common S.R., May 8- Sept. 10. N. Ohio, common S. R., Apl. 16-Oct. 10. Glen Ellyn, S. R., Apl. 27-Oct. 9. SE. Minn., common S. R., Mch. 5-
Aug. 27. i | A bird with a dual personality; welcome minstrel of the meadows when nesting, dread scourge of the rice- fields when traveling. With the loss of his trim suit of black, white, and buff, Bob loses also his merry tinkling, rippling song, and acquires with his streaked Reedbird suit a single watchword. Tink, tink he calls from some- where overhead, and tink, tink his comrades answer as they follow a trackless path through the sky on their 5000-mile journey.
The nest is placed on the ground and 4-7 grayish, blotched eggs are laid late in May or early in June.
\. COWBIRD
Molothrus ater ater. Case 5, Figs. 8, 9
The male’s brown head distinguishes him from other Black- birds; the female wears a dull gray garb well designed to make her inconspicuous. L. 8.
Range. North America; nesting from North Carolina and Louisiana to Canada; winters from Virginia and Ohio southward.
Washington, rather rare P. R., common T. V. Ossining, come
BLACKBIRDS, ORIOLES, ETC. 49
mon S. R., Mch. 22-Nov. rr. Cambridge, common S, R., Mch. 25-Nov. 1; occasional in winter. N. Ohio, abundant S. R., Mch. 10-Nov. 15. Glen Ellyn, common S. R., Mch. 15- Sept. ro. SE. Minn., common S. R., Apl. 11-Aug. 19. Outlaws among birds, they pair not neither do they build. Without moral standards or maternal instincts the female accepts the attention of any male that chances to win her fancy and deposits her eggs in the nests of other birds. She is a slacker and a shirker, who keeps much in the background during the breeding season. Color, habit, his sliding, glassy whistle, and guttural gurgling, make the male conspicuous. Leaving the care of their foster parents the young join others of their kind and flock in the grainfields or about cattle in the pastures.
YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRD
Xanthocephalus thocephalus. Case 6, Fig. 45
Large size and a yellow head distinguish the male; the female is duller, the body brownish, the head yellowish. L. 10.
Range. Mississippi Valley and westward, breeding from north- ern Illinois northward to Canada; winters from the west Gulf coast and southern California into Mexico; accidental east of the Alleghanies.
Washington, A. V., one instance, Aug. Cambridge, A. V., one record, Oct. Glen Ellyn, A. V., May 21, 1898. SE. Minn., common S. R., Apl. 21.
Hanging their cradle nest in the quill-reeds or rushes, the Yellow-heads are not found far from it until the young take wing. The male entertains his mate with a variety of strange calls and whistles, but leaves to her the hatching of the brown speckled eggs and care of the young while they are in the nest. Like other Blackbirds they migrate and winter in flocks.
\’RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD
Agelaius pheniceus pheniceus. Case 5, Figs. 5, 6
The male in spring and early summer is unmistakable; in winter his feathers are tipped with brownish, more pronounced
50 BLACKBIRDS, ORIOLES, ETC.
om = young. The streaked females require closer scrutiny.
Range: Eastern North America, nests from Florida to Canada; winters from Maryland southward, sometimes farther north. The Florida Red-wing (A. p. floridanus, Case 4, Figs. 28, 29) is smaller and with a slenderer bill. It inhabits Florida (except the southeast coast and Keys) and ranges west along the coast to Texas. The Bahama Red-wing (A. p. bahamensis) is
. still smaller. It is resident in southeastern Florida, the Keys
and Bahamas.
Washington, common P. R., abundant in migration. Ossin- ing, common S. R., Feb. 25-Nov. 11. Cambridge, abundant S. R..€{Mch. 10-Aug. 30; afew winter. N. Ohio, abundant S. R., Mch. 1-Nov. 15. Glen Ellyn, common S. R., Mch. 5-Nov. 19. SE. Minn., common S. R., Mch. 8-Nov. 14.
The Red-wing’s mellow kong-quer-reee is as certain an indication of the presence of water as is the piping of frogs in the spring. It may be only a bit of boggy marshland, it may be a reedy lakeside, but water there will surely be. On a frequented perch he half spreads his wings, fluffs out his scarlet epaulets, bursting into bloom, as it were, when he utters his notes—a singing flower! The nest is in the alders, button-bushes, or reeds, or even on the ground, and although the birds come in March, their pale blue, spotted, blotched, and scrawled eggs are not laid until May. Except when nesting, Red-wings live in flocks.
X% MEADOWLARK
Sturnella magna magna. Case 9, Fig. 23
A large, auail-like bird which shows white outer tail-feathers when it flies; if one can obtain a front view, the yellow under- parts and black breast-crescent are conspicuous. L. 102.
Range. Eastern North America, rare west of the Mississippi; nesting from North Carolina and Missouri to Canada; winters from southern New England and northern Ohio southward. The Southern Meadowlark (S. m. argutula, Case, 4, Fig. 79) is smaller and darker. It is resident in the south Atlantic and Gulf States.
Washington, common P. R., less common in winter. Ossining, tolerably common S. R., Feb. 20-Nov. 27; afew winter. Cam- bridge, common S. R., not common W. V. N. Ohio, abundant
BLACKBIRDS, ORIOLES, ETC. 51
S. R., Mch. 5-Nov. 15; afew winter. Glen Ellyn, common S. R.; Jan. 24-Nov. 15; irregular W. V. SE. Minn., common S&S. R., Mch. 25-Oct. 15, rare W. V.
The Meadowlark is a fifer of the fields, whose high, clear whistle is ane of the most welcome bird songs of early spring. In May, when nesting, it often sings an ecstatic twittering warble on the wing. The alarm calls are an unmusical dzit or yert and a string of beady, metallic notes.
The nest is placed on the ground. The 4-6 eggs are white, speckled with brown.
WESTERN MEADOWLARK Sturnella neglecta
Grayer than the Eastern Meadowlark, with disconnected tail-bars and yellow spreading to the sides of the throat.
Range. Western United States, rare east of the Mississippi. SE. Minn., common S. R., Mch. 25-Oct. 15.
With the general appearance and habits of the Eastern Meadowlark, but differing in its call-notes and song. Instead of the sharp dzit or yert and metallic twitter of the eastern bird, the western species calls chuck, chuck, fol- lowed by a rolling b-r-r-v-. The eastern bird plays the fife but the western uses the flute, and its bubbling grace- notes are easily distinguishable from the straight whistling of its eastern cousin.
¥ ORCHARD ORIOLE
Icterus spurius. Case 7, Figs. 10-12
Adult males are unmistakable, but females and young males in their first fall wear a non-committal costume and must be looked at sharply. In their first nesting season, young males resemble the female but have a black throat. This is a smaller, more slender bird than the Baltimore Oriole, and the female is less orange. L. 7}.
Range. Eastern United States, nesting from the Gulf States to Massachusetts and Minnesota; winters in the tropics,
Washington, common S. R., Apl. 29-Aug. 23. Ossining, com- mon S. R., May 2-Aug. 6. Cambridge, S. R., sometimes rather
$2 BLACKBIRDS, ORIOLES, ETC.
common, May 15-July. N. Ohio, common S. R., Apl. 28~ Sept. 5. Glen Ellyn, not common S. R., Apl. 28. SE. Minn., uncommon §S. R., May 10-Aug. 26.
In the northern part of its range, the Orchard Oriole is somewhat less common, and more local than the Baltimore Oriole, while its duller colors and more retiring habits make is more difficult to see. The voice is richer, more cultured —if one may use the term—than that of its brilliant orange-plumed cousin; indeed, in my opinion, this species deserves a place in the first rank of our songsters. The nest of finely woven grasses is not so deep as that of the Baltimore. Three to five bluish white eggs, spotted and scrawled with black, are laid the latter part of May.
BALTIMORE ORIOLE
Icterus galbula. Case 7, Figs. 8, 9 The orange and black male needs no introduction; the female ” tinted with orange strongly enough to show her relationship.
7h.
Range. Eastern North America; nests from northern Georgia to Canada; winters in the tropics.
Washington, rather common S. R., Apl. 29-Aug. 26. Ossining, common S. R., May 2-Sept. 1. Cambridge, very common S. R., May 8 through Aug. N. Ohio, common S. R., Apl. 15—Sept. 10. Glen Ellyn, common S. R., Apl. 26-Sept. 4. SE. Minn., common S. R., May 1-Sept. 1.
This is the orange-and-black whistler of our fruit and shade trees, whose wife skillfully weaves a pendant cradle at the end of some drooping branch, therein to lay her white eggs curiously markeu with fine lines and blotches of black. The young, after leaving the nest in June, have a loud, babyish food-call, dee-dee-dee-dee, repeated time after time until their wants are satisfied.
RUSTY BLACKBIRD Euphagus carolinus. Case 5, Figs. 3, 4
The bird’s common name is based on the fall plumage of the male, which is broadly margined with rusty. By spring these
BLACKBIRDS, ORIOLES, ETC. 53
tips wear off and the bird is glossy black. Size of the Red-wing but with a whitish eye and no red; the female unstreaked.
Range. Eastern North America; nests from the northern part of the northern states to Canada; winters from New Jersey and Ohio to the Gulf States.
Washington, common W. V., Oct. 13-Apl. 30. Ossining, common T. V., Mch. 26—May 8; Sept. 28-Nov. 27. Cambridge, very common T. V., Mch. ro-May 8; Sept. 15-Oct. 31. N. Ohio, common T. V., Mch. 5-May 10; Sept. ro-Nov. 15. Glen Ellyn, common T. V., Mch. 3-May 8; Sept. 12-Nov. 15; un- common W. ¥. SE. Minn., common T. V., Mch. 26-Nov. 24.
This is the least conspicuous of our Blackbirds. It nests chiefly north of the United States, migrates in small flocks, and is less noisy than the Red-wing or Grackle and not so much in evidence as the Cowbird. Dwight describes its notes as ‘‘a confused medley of whistles, sweeter and higher-pitched than those of the Red-wing.’” It nests in May, building in coniferous trees or near the ground, and laying 4-7 greenish eggs, heavily marked with brown and purple.
“PURPLE GRACKLE
Quiscalus quiscula quiscula. Case 5, Fig. 1
Plumage varied with metallic and iridescent reflections; tail long, fan-shaped, often ‘keeled’ in flight; eye pale yellow. Male, L. 124. The female is smaller and duller; L. 10}.
Range. Eastern North America; nests east of the Alleghanies from northern,Georgia to Connecticut; winters from Maryland southward.
Washington, common T. V. and S. R., Feb. 20; a few winter. Mopalrng, tolerably common S. R., Feb. 15-Nov. 8. Cambridge, rare S. R.
The Florida Grackle (Quiscalus quiscula agleus, Case 4, Fig. 74) is smaller than the Purple Grackle and has the head and neck violet-purple, the back bottle-green. It is resident in Florida and the Gulf States north to South Carolina.
* The Bronzed Grackle (Quiscalus quiscula ceneus, Case 5, Fig. 2) is the same size as the Purple Grackle, but hae
54 BLACKBIRDS, ORIOLES, ETC.
the body bronzy without iridescent markings. It nests from Texas up the Mississippi Valley and eastward through central New York and Massachusetts to New Brunswick, north to Canada; and in migration is found in the range of the Purple Grackle. It winters from the Ohio Valley southward.
Washington, rare T. V., Feb 20-Apl. 17. Ossining, common T.V., Apl; Nov. Cambridge, abundant. S. R., Mch. 10-Nov-1; occasional in winter. N. Ohio, abundant, S. R., Mch. 1-Nov. 15; rarely winters. Glen Ellyn, common S. R., Mch. s—Nov. 15, SE. Minn. common S. R., Mch, 18-Nov. 1; rare in winter.
The Grackle is the largest of our northern Blackbirds. In the south it is exceeded in size only by the Boat- tailed Grackle. It migrates in flocks and nests in colonies, often in parks and cemeteries. It feeds chiefly on the ground and is frequently seen upon our lawns when it may be known by its rather waddling, walking gait, and its long tail. Its notes are harsh, cracked and discordant, but when heard in chorus make a pleasing medley. The nest is sometimes placed in pines about 30 feet up, but also in bushes and even in holes in trees. The 3-7 eggs are usually pale bluish, heavily blotched and scrawled with brown and black.
BOAT-TAILED GRACKLE Megaquiscalus major major The male is a long-tailed, glossy blue-black bird. (L. 16.) The female is much smaller (L. 12), blackish brown above, buffy
Range. Florida north on the Atlantic coast to Virginia; west
This giant Grackle frequents lakes, lagoons and bays, where it feeds along the shore or among aquatic plants. The male, a poseur among birds, strikes strange attitudes with bill pointing skyward, and with apparent effort forces out hoarse whistles. The female is quiet and
FINCHES, SPARROWS, ETC. 55
unassuming. They nest in colonies, building in bushes and laying in April 3-5 bluish white eggs, strikingly blotched and scrawled with blackish.
FINCHES, SPARROWS, ETC. FAMILY FRIN- GILLIDA
EVENING GROSBEAK
Hesperiphona vespertina vespertina
A large, thick-set, heavy-billed, black and yellow Finch. The male with the forehead and most of the body yellow, the crown, wings and tail black; the inner wing-quills white. The female
EvENINnG GROSBEAK. Male and Female.
is brownish gray, more or less tinged with yellow, the wings and tail black with white markings. L. 8. Range. Western North America, wintering regularly east- ward to Minnesota and irregularly to the;North Atlantic States. Glen Ellyn, one record, Dec. 11, 1889. SE. Minn., common W. V., Oct. 17-May 19.
The Evening Grosbeak is a notable traveler from the far northwest whose rare, irregular, and unheralded visits
56 FINCHES, SPARROWS, ETC.
and striking appearance make him always a welcome and distinguished guest. Of recent years these birds have coms to the east with greater frequency, arriving in November and remaining as late as May. They feed largely on the buds and seeds of trees—maple and box-elder—and can often be attracted to our feeding-stations by the offer of sunflower seeds. They are usually associated in flocks of from six to eight to ten birds, and their notes when perching, have been described as resembling the jingle of small sleigh-bells, while their song is said to be a “‘ wander- ing jerky warble.”
PINE GROSBEAK
Pinicola enucleator leucura. Case 2, Figs. 53, 54
Adult males are unmistakable; but young males and females might be confused with the female Evening Grosbeak, but they lack the conspicuous white markings in the wings and tail of that species. L.9.
Range. Northern North America, wintering southward irreguarly to Indiana and New Jersey; rarely as far as Kentucky and Washington.
Washington, casual in winter. Ossining, irregular W. V., Dec. 18-Apl. 12. Cambridge, irregular W. V., frequently com- mon, sometimes abundant, Nov. 1-Mch. 25. _N. Ohio, occasional W. V. Glen Ellyn, uncommon and irregular W. V., Oct. 25—? SE. Minn., uncommon W. V.
In the summer the Pine Grosbeak lives in coniferous forests, but on its irregular wanderings southward, like the Evening Grosbeak, it feeds upon the seeds of deciduous trees and bushes. The Grosbeak’s call-note is a clear whistle of three or four notes which may be easily imitated; its song is said to be prolonged and melodious.
The Pine and Evening Grosbeaks would be notable figures in any gathering of birds, but coming at the most barren time of the year when our bird population is at the minimum and the trees are leafless, they are as welcome as they are conspicuous.
FINCHES, SPARROWS, ETC. 37
PURPLE FINCH Carpodacus purpureus purpureus. Case 2, Figs. 32, 33; Case 4, Figs. 48, 49
The adult male is dull rose rather than purple, the female is sparrow-like in appearance but may be known by a whitish line over the eye and the company she keeps. Young males resemble their mother their first winter. L. 6}.
Range. Eastern North America; nesting from northern Illinois and northern New Jersey northward to Canada; winters from the Middle States to the Gulf.
Washington, common W. V., Sept. 12-May 26, largely a mi- grant. Ossining, rare P. R., common T. V. Cambridge, PLR common from Apl. to Oct.; irregular, but sometimes abundant in winter. N. Ohio, common W. V., Sept. 1-May 20. Glen ee fairly common T. V., Mch.-Apl., Sept.-Oct., uncommon
Erratic wanderers which travel on no fixed schedule but seem to feel at home wherever they find them- selves. Except when nesting, they usually live in small flocks which, if the fare of our feeding-stands please them, will sometimes live with us for weeks. The call- note is creak-creak, the song a flowing, musical warble often uttered in detached fragments. Four to six bluish, spotted eggs are laid in May; the nest being generally built in a coniferous tree.
Xx ENGLISH SPARROW; HOUSE SPARROW Passer domesticus domesticus. Case 2, Figs. 30, 31; Case 4, Figs. 38, 39 Unfortunately too well known to require description. L. 6%. Range. First introduced into this country at Brooklyn, N. Y.,
from Europe in 1851; now found everywhere at all times. Hardy, pugnacious and adaptable, the Sparrow is a notable success in the bird world. We could overlook his objectionable traits if he possessed a pleasant voice, but his harsh, discordant notes and incessant chatter are unfortunately in harmony with his character. After alt he gives a welcome touch of life to city streets and yards.
58 FINCHES, SPARROWS, ETC.
Sparrows’ nests are made of almost anything the birds can carry and built in any place that will hold them. The 4-7 finely speckled eggs are laid as early as March, and several broods are raised.
AMERICAN CROSSBILL
Loxia curvirostra minor. Case 2, Figs. 49, 50
Crossbills have the mandibles crossed; the absence of winge bars distinguishes this species from the usually less common White-winged Crossbill. L. 64.
Range. Nests from northern New England to Canada and southward in the Alleghanies to northern Georgia. Winters irreg- ularly southward, rarely as far as Florida and Louisiana.
Washington, irregular W. V., sometimes abundant. Ossining, irregular; noted in almost every month. Cambridge, of common but irregular occurrence at all seasons. N. Ohio, irregular, often common, sometimes breeds. Glen Ellyn, uncommon and irregular, Oct. 20-June 11. SE. Minn., W. V., Oct. 25.
Crossbills and Grosbeaks are among winter’s chief attractions. While the latter, as I have said above, will leave their summer homes in coniferous forests to feed in winter on the seeds of deciduous trees, the Crossbills arelessadaptable. They are specialists in cone-dissecting. Their singularly shaped bills prevent them from eating many kinds of food available to other birds, but no other birds can compete with them in extracting the seeds from cones. Having had too limited an experience with man to have learned to fear him, they are so surprisingly tame that I have known birds to be plucked from trees as one would pick off the cones on which they were feeding. In March, while the ground is still snow-covered, they lay 3-4 pale greenish, spotted eggs in a well-formed nest, 15-30 feet up in a coniferous tree.
WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILL
Loxia leucoptera. Case 2, Figs. 51, 52
' Both sexes have white wing-bars and the male is of a paler, More rosy red than the male of the American Crossbill. 1. &
FINCHES, SPARROWS, ETC. 59
Range. Nests from northern New England to Canada; win- ters irregularly to southern Illinois and North Carolina.
Washington, casual. Ossining, rare T. V., Oct. 29-Dec. 6. Cambridge, irregular W. V. N. Ohio, rare W. V. Glen Ellyn, rare, fall records only, Nov. SE. Minn., W. V., latest record Mch. 4.
A rarer bird than the American Crossbill which, however, it resembles in habits. Both climb about the branches of cone-bearing trees like little Parrots, while feeding keep up a low conversational chatter, and take wing with a clicking note. They have been found nesting in Nova Scotia as early as February 6.
REDPOLL Acanthis linaria linaria. Case 2. Figs. 47, 48
Any little sparrow-like bird with = red cap isa Redpoll. Adult males have the breast also red.
Range. Nestsin Canada and Peas winters irregularly south- ward to Ohio and Virginia.
Washington, very rare and irregular W. V. Ossining, regular W. V., Nov. 25-Mch. 26. Cambridge, irregular W. V., often very abundant, Oct. 25-Apl. 10. N. Ohio, rare W. V. Glen Ellyn, irregular W. V., Nov. 6-Mch. 7. SE. Minn., common W. V., Oct. 31-Apl. 7.
A winter visitor from the far North whose coming never can be foretold. Years may pass without seeing them, then late some fall, they may appear in numbers. They are usually in flocks and feed upon seeds as well as birch and alder catkins. In notes and general habits the Redpoll resembles the Goldfinch.
Holbeell’s Redpoll (A. holbelli) is a slightly larger race, with a longer, more slender bill. It is a more northern form than the preceding, and rarely visits tho United States. The Greater Redpoll (A. l. vosivcia) is clso larger than the common Redpoll, but has a shorter, stouter bill. It nests in Greenland and is of casual occurrence in the northern United States. The Hoary Redpoll (A. hornemanni exilipes) is a whiter bird than the preceding
60 FINCHES, SPARROWS, ETC.
with no streaks on the rump and comparatively few on the underparts. It nests within the Arctic Circle and rarely visits the northern United States in winter.
Satisfactory identification of these races of the Redpoll can be made only by expert examination of specimens. The field student, however, may call any Redpoll he sees the Common Redpoll with the chances of being right largely in his favor.
% GOLDFINCH Astragalinus tristis tristis. Case 2, Figs. 35, 36; Case 4, Figs. 50, 51
{~ While he wears his ‘Goldfinch’ costume, the male will be known at a glance, but in winter, when he takes the dull yellow-olive dress of his mate, several glances may be required to recognize him, and this fremark, of course, applies to the female at all seasons. L.5.
Range. North America; the eastern form nests from Arkansas and northern Georgia to Canada and winters from the Northern to the Gulf States.
Washington, common P. R. Ossining, common P. R. Cam- bridge, very common P. R. N. Ohio, common P. R. Glen Ellyn, common P. R. SE. Minn., P. R., common in summer, uncommon in winter.
A beautiful, musical, cheerful bird, as sweet of disposi- tion as he is of voice. To hear a merry troop of Gold- finches singing their spring chorus is to hear the very spirit of the season set to music. Their call-note is a questioning dearie, dearie, their flight-call per-chié-o-ree, per-chié-o-ree, as in long undulations they swing through the air. Their song is suggestive of a Canary’s. They are late housekeepers, not nesting before the latter half of June, when 3-6 pale bluish white eggs are laid in a nest warmly lined with plant down.
PINE SISKIN
Spinus pinus pinus. Case 2. Fig. 55
A streaked, sparrow-like bird, with yellow markings in wings and tail which show in flight. L. 5. oF
FINCHES, SPARROWS, ETC. 6r
Range. North America; nests from northern New England north to Canada and in the mountains, south to North Carolina; in winter southward to the Gulf States.
Washington, irregularly abundant W. V., Oct. 24—-May 20. Ossining, irregular P. R. Cambridge, irregular W. V., Oct. 15- May 10; sometimes very abundant; one breeding record. N. Ohio, tolerably common W. V., Sept. 20-May 15. Glen Ellyn, irregular T. V., Apl. 8-May 24; Sept. 8-Nov. 29. SE. Minn., uncommon T. V.,and W. V. Oct. 29-Apl. 9.
The Siskin belongs in the group of winter visitants whose coming cannot be foretold. Some years it is rare or wanting, others abundant, a flock sometimes containing several hundred birds. In general habits it resembles the Goldfinch, feeding on weed seeds and catkins, par- ticularly of the alder, and on the seeds of conifers. The call-note is a high e-eep: its song like that of the Goldfinch but less musical.
SNOW BUNTING
Plectrophanes nivalis nivalis. Case 2, Fig. 57
The prevailing tone of plumage is white, particularly when the bre is on the wing; the long, hind toe-nail should be noted. L. 6
Range. Nests in Arctic regions, winters irregularly south to Kansas and Virginia.
Washington, W. V., casual, one instance. Ossining, irregular W. V., Oct. 25-Mch. 22. Cambridge, common W. V., Nov. 1- Mch.'15; abundant in migrations. N. Ohio, tolerably common bi we Dec. ro-Mch. 15. SE. Minn., common W. V., Oct. 9-
ch. 14.
Snow Buntings live in flocks and love open places, such as Horned Larks frequent, and are often found with them in fields or along the shore. Like the Horned Larks they are walkers, not hoppers, and like most walkers, it is exceptional for them to perch in trees. Hoffman de- scribed their notes as ‘“‘a high, sweet, though slightly mournful tee, or fee-o0, a sweet rolling whistle, and a harsh zz.”
62 FINCHES, SPARROWS, ETC.
LAPLAND LONGSPUR
Calcarius lapponicus lapponicus
A sparrow-like bird, with reddish brown wings, a black or blackish breast, white, streaked underparts anda brownish, back. L. 6
Range. Nests in Arctic regions, wintering southward, rarely and irregularly in the Atlantic States, to New York (casually South Carolina) and more commonly in the Mississippi Valley to Ohio and Texas. _
Washington, W V. one instance, Dec. Ossining, W. V., casual, Cambridge, one record. N. Ohio, tolerably common W.V., Nov.
Lapitanp Loncspur.
Adult male in summer. In winter the pbeonk and breast are mixed black and white.
1s-Apl. 25. Glen Ellyn, common W. V., Oct. 16-May 16. SE. Minn., common W. V.
A rare visitor from the far North who, if we see it at all, will probably be found in the company of Horned Larks or Snow Buntings. It is a browner bird than either of them, so while this is not a case of ‘birds of a feather’ it is a case of birds of a long hind toe-nail, since all three are distinguished by having a toe-nail actually longer than its toe. All three are walkers, which means also that they are ground-birds rather than tree-birds, and the tracks they leave in the snow, or on the beach, distinguish them from other birds if not from each other.
FINCHES, SPARROWS, ETC. 63
‘{ VESPER SPARROW
Powcetes gramineus gramineus. Case 4, Fig. 36; Case 5, Fig. 16
Paler than any of our other field inhabiting Sparrows, except the Savannah, which is smaller; and differing from them all by having a reddish brown shoulder-patch and white outer tail- feathers. L. 6.
Range. Nests from North Carolina and Kentucky to Canada; winters from its southern nesting limits to the Gulf States.
Washington, P. R., very common T. V., less so in summer and. winter. Ossining, tolerably common S.R., Apl. 2-Nov. 4. Cam- bridge, common S. R., Apl. 5-Oct. 25. N. Ohio, abundant S. R., Mch. 20-Nov. 7. Glen Ellyn, fairly common S. R., Mch. 21~ Oct. 25. SE. Minn., common S. R., Apl. 1-Oct. 29.
A Sparrow of broad fields and plains whose song voices the spirit of open places. Neither words nor musical notation can describe it recognizably. It has somewhat the form of the Song Sparrow’s song, just as the two birds resemble each other in form but are unlike in detail. One must, therefore, first learn to know the bird—an easy matter, since it is common and can be readily identi- fied by its white outer tail-feathers—and thereafter you will be the richer for a knowledge of this rarely appealing bit of bird music.
The nest, as one might suppose, is built on the ground,
and the 4-5 whitish spotted eggs are laid early in May.
IPSWICH SPARROW
Passerculus princeps
With a general resemblance to the Savannah Sparrow (Case 5, Fig. 23) but larger, L. 64, and decidedly paler.
Range. Nests on Sable Island off Nova Scotia; winters south along the coast, regularly to New Jersey; rarely to Georgia. ...Cambridge, casual, two instances, Oct.
Few migratory birds have a more restricted breeding range than the Ipswich Sparrow. Confined to a sand- bar island during the summer where it is never out of
sight or sound of the sea, it seeks similar haunts during
64 FINCHES, SPARROWS, ETC.
the winter when it is rarely found far from the immediate vicinity of the ocean. In general habits and nesting, it resembles the Savannah Sparrow, of which, indeed, it is doubtless an island representative.
SAVANNAH SPARROW
Passerculus sandwichensis savanna. Case 4, Fig. 47; Case §, Fig. 23
In general color slightly paler than the Vesper Sparrow; smaller than that species; no white tail-feathers; a touch of yellow before the eye and on the bend of the wing. L. 54.
Range. Nests from Long Island and northern Iowa to Canada; winters from southern New Jersey and southern Indiana south- ward to Mexico.
Washington, abundant T. V., Mch. 20-May 11; Sept. 21-Oct. 23; a few winter. Ossining, common T. V., Apl. 3-May 13; Aug. 28-Oct. 28. Cambridge, abundant T. V., Ras Oct.; breeds sparingly. N. Ohio, not common T. V., Mch. 20-May 12, Glen Ellyn, fairly plentiful S. R., Apl. 8-Oct. 20. SE. Minn., common S. R., Apl. 17-Oct. 23.
An abundant Sparrow known only to bird students. It prefers fields to door-yards; lives much on the ground, and its darting flight, followed by a sudden dive to cover, and insignificant song all combine to make it rather dif- ficult of identification. It nests in May, laying 4-5 white, speckled eggs in a nest on the ground.
GRASSHOPPER SPARROW
Ammodramus savannarum australis. Case 7, Fig. 16
A small, short-tailed Sparrow, without streaks on the under- parts and a back pattern which suggests ‘feather scales.’ L. 54. Range. Eastern United States, nesting as far north as southern Minnesota, and southern New Hampshire; winters from southern Illinois and North Carolina to the tropics. The Florida Grass- hopper Sparrow (A. s. floridanus) a smaller, darker race, is resi- dent in the Kissimmee prairies of south central Florida. | Washington, very common S. R., Apl. 17-Nov. 20. Ossining common §. R., Apl. 27-Oct. 23. Cambridge, rare S. R., May 16- Sept. 1. N. Ohio, common S. R., Apl. 20-Sept. 20. Glen Ellyn, not common S. R., May 4-Sept. 13. SE. Minn., common S. R., Apl. 25-Sept. 6.
FINCHES, SPARROWS, ETC. 65
™ Grasshopper, he is called, because his unmusical little song, pit-tick, zee-e-e-e-e, sung from a low perch, resembles the sound produced by that insect. He is a common inhabitant of old fields, where sorrel and daisies grow, and when flushed at one’s feet darts away to drop sud« denly tc the ground beyond. The 4-s, white, spotted eggs are laid in a ground nest in late May or early June.
HENSLOW’S SPARROW Passerherbulus hexslowi henslowi. Case 7, Fig. 17
With the general proportions of the Grasshopper Sparrow, but the underparts distinctly streaked and the nape olive. L. 5. Range. Nests from southern Missouri and Virginia to central wan and New Hampshire; winters in the Southern States. shington, common 8. R., Apl. 1o—-Oct. 21. Ossining, rare chs iG Oct. 5-Oct. ro. Cambridge, very rare S. R. N. Ohio, Ss. R. Glen Ellyn, not common S. R., May 8-Sept. 26. SE. Minn., common &. R.
Henslow’s Sparrow lives in isolated and sometimes widely separated communities, frequenting wet meadows in summer, but visiting, also, dry fields in winter. It has the general habits of the Grasshopper Sparrow and its notes are equally unmusical. The 4-5 grayish white, thickly speckled eggs are laid in a ground nest the latter half of May.
LECONTE’S SPARROW Passerherbulus lecontei. Case 7, Fig. 18
The underparts are but slightly streaked, the crown is striped, and the nape reddish brown. L. 5.
Range. Nesting in the interior of North America from our border States, northward and east to Minnesota; migrates south- ward and south-eastward, and winters locally from South Car- olina to Florida and Texas.
Glen Ellyn, not common T. V., May 4-?; Sept. 8-Oct. 6. SE. Minn, uncommon S. R., May 1-Oct. 17.
This is the third and rarest member of the trio of small, ¢etiring Sparrows of which the Grasshopper Sparrow is the
66 FINCHES, SPARROWS, ETC.
commonest. Itis found east of the Mississippi only in the winter when it may be associated with the Grasshopper and Henslow’s Sparrows.
SHARP-TAILED SPARROW
Passerherbulus caudacutws. Case 6, Fig. 47
A buffy Sparrow with the underparts sharply streaked with gas ee marshes of the Atlantic coast; nests from Vir- ginia to Massachusetts; winters from New Jersey to Florida.
Cambridge, formerly common S. R., but occurs no longer.
An abundant inhabitant of salt marshes. There is, or was, a colony on the Hudson River immediately south of the long pier from which Piermont takes its name, but with this exception I have never seen this Sparrow beyond the sound of the surf. It runs about through the thick marsh grasses taking wing only when hard pressed. Its song is short and insignificant. It nests on the ground, the 3-4 grayish white, finely speckled eggs being laid in late May or early June.
NELSON’S SHARP-TAILED SPARROW Passerherbulus nelsoni nelsoni
Resembles the Sharp-tailed but is smaller and has the throat, breast and sides deeper, very slightly, if at all, streaked with ee the upperparts more broadly margined with whitish.
. 5h.
Range. Nests in the interior from South Dakota northward to Great Slave Lake; migrates south to Texas and southeast through New York and Massachusetts to North Carolina and Florida.
Washington, rare T. V., May-Sept. Ossining, tolerably com- mon T. V., Sept. 28-Oct, 17. Cambridge, formerly uncommon T. V. Glen Ellyn, one record, Oct. 2, 1893. SE. Minn., un- common T. V.
This is a fresh-water representative of the Sharp-tail which nests in the prairie sloughs of the interior and reaches the Atlantic coast during its migrations and in the winter.
FINCHES, SPARROWS, ETC. 67
It resembles the Sharp-tail in habits and when on the coast, may be found associated with it.
The Acadian Sharp-tailed Sparrow (P. n. subvirgatus) is similar to the Sharp-tailed Sparrow but is paler above; the throat, breast and sides are washed with cream-buff and indistinctly streaked with ashy. It nests on the salt marshes of the Atlantic coast from Maine to Cape Breton and in Prince Edward Island; and winters from South Carolina to Florida. In general habits it resembles the two preceding.
The three Sharp-tails may be distinguished chiefly by the color and markings of the breast. In the Sharp-tail these are pale buff distinctly streaked with blackish. In Nelson’s they are deep buff lightly if at all streaked. In the Acadian they are cream-buff indistinctly streaked with grayish. The Sharp-tail may be known from the other two by its distinct black marks below, but the other two cannot certainly be distinguished from each other in life where both may be expected to occur.
SEASIDE SPARROW
Passerherbulus maritimus maritimus. Case 6, Fig. 46
An olive-greenish Sparrow, with a yellow mark before the eye and on the bend of the wing; the underparts not distinctly streaked. L. 6.
Range. Salt marshes of the Atlantic Coast; nests from Vir- ginia to Massachusetts; winters from Virginia’ to Georgia.
In the Piermont marsh, referred to under the Sharp- tailed Sparrow, there are Seasides as well as Sharp-tails, but this is the only place in which I have seen Seasides away from the sea. There they are abundant in the grassy marshes. Their song is weak and unattractive. Like the Sharp-tail they nest on the ground, laying 3-4 white or bluish white eggs, clouded or finely speckled with cinnamon-brown, the latter part of May.
68 FINCHES, SPARROWS, ETC.
This northern Seaside Finch is migratory, coming the latter part of April and remaining until the latter half of October, but in the South there are several races which for the most part are resident in the same locality soak out the year. Thus we have:
Macgillivray’s Seaside Sparrow (P. m. macgillivraii).—: Atlantic Coast from North Carolina south to Matanzas\ Islet, Florida. Dusky Seaside Sparrow (P. nigrescens),‘ an almost black species from Merritt’s Island, at the head of Indian River, Florida. Cape Sable Sparrow (P. m. mirabilis), Cape Sable, Florida. Scott’s Seaside Sparrow (P. m. peninsula), Gulf Coast of Florida from Tampa to St. Marks; Northwest Florida Sparrow (P. m. juncicola) Coast of Florida west of St. Marks; Alabama Seaside Sparrow (P. m. howelli), Coast of Alabama and Mis- sissippi. Louisiana Seaside Sparrow (P. m. fisheri), Coast of Louisiana to Northeast Texas; and Sennett’s Seaside Sparrow (P. m. sennetti), Coast of Texas from Galveston at least to Corpus Christi.
LARK SPARROW
Chondestes grammacus grammacus. Case 7, Fig. 19
The chestnut and white head markings and the white-tipped tail-feathers are conspicuous field-marks. 64.
Range. Mississippi Valley; nests from Louisiana to Minne- sota and Ohio; winters from Mississippi southward; casual east of the Alleghanies, chiefly in the fall.
Washington, A. V., Aug., two captures. N. Ohio, rare S. R., Apl. 28. Glen Ellyn, local and uncommon §. R. SE. Minn., common S. R., Apl. 20—-Aug. 2.
Few field experiences have given me more pleasure than the discovery near my home at Englewood one November 2, many years ago, of a Lark Finch—one of the ‘casuals’ which had presumably been carried far from its course by a severe storm of the preceding days. The bird’s strongly marked face and conspicuously white-tipped
FINCHES, SPARROWS, ETC. 69
tail-feathers made an impression which testifies to their value as field-characters. In its own range this beautiful Sparrow is a sweet-voiced inhabitant of the fields, nesting on the ground or in low trees and bushes, and laying 3-5 white eggs, spotted and blotched with blackish, in May.
(HARRIS’S SPARROW Zonotrichia querula. Case.7, Fig. 21
A large Sparrow, larger even than the Fox Sparrow; with a pinkish bill, the crown, throat and breast more or less blackish; cheeks buff. :
Range. Interior of North America, nesting in North Carolina; winters from Kansas§to Texas; rare east of Wisconsin. Glen Ellyn, one record, May 19.. SE. Minn., common T. V., May 6; Sept. 21-Oct. 25.
When migrating this Sparrow reminds one of a White- throat. It has a sharp clink note and frequents brier Patches and bushy places.
\ WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW
Zonotrichia leucophrys. ‘Case 7, Fig. 22
Resembles the White-throat but throat gray, like the breast, space before the eye black, not yellow, white in the crown more conspicuous. L. 63.
Range. Nests in Canada; winters from Virginia and Ohio to Mexico; not a common migrant in the Atlantic States.
Washington, irregularly common W. V. and T. V., May 1-17; Oct. 7-Nov. 20. Ossining, rare T. V., May 9-26; Oct. 3-30. Cambridge, uncommon T. V., May 12-22; Oct. 1-20. N. Ohio, common T. V., Apl. 22-May_ 20; Sept. 5-Oct. 16. Glen Ellyn, not common aw V.; chiefly spring, Apl. 24-May 31; Oct. 2-21. SE. Minn., common T. V., Apl. 30-; Sept. 26-Oct. 14.
This distinguished-looking cousin of our White-throated Sparrow is rare enough in the Eastern States, always to command our attention when we are so fortunate as to meet him. He resembles the White-throat in habits and choice of haunts but his song has a tender, appealing
qo FINCHES, SPARROWS, ETC.
quality, lacking in the White-throat’s more cheerful lay, charming as that is.
WHITE-THROATED SPARROW Zonotrichia albicollis. Case 2, Figs. 45, 46; Case 4, Fig. 40
The adults may be recognized at sight by their white throat, but this character is less prominent and sometimes almost wanting in young birds (Fig. 46) which willrequire close scrutiny. L. 63.
Range. Nests from northern New England and central Min- nesota northward; winters from southern New England and Ohio to the Gulf.
Washington, very common*W. V., abundant T. V., Mch. 18- May; Sept. 15-Dec. 16. Ossining, common T. V., Apl. 10- May 21; Sept. 20-Oct. 30; a few winter. Cambridge, very common T. V., Apl. 25-May 15; Oct. 1-Nov. 10; a few winter. N. Ohio, common T. V., Apl. 1-May 21; Sept. ro-Nov. 7. Glen Ellyn, common T. V., Apl. 9-May 26; Sept. 13-Nov. 7. SE. Minn., common T. V., Apl. 8-; Sept. 2-Nov. 13.
This clear-voiced whistler is known to many persons who have never seen it. When anyone returning from the bird’s summer range tells me “I heard a bird sing like this,” I know before he whistles a note that he will probably imitate the White-throat. Fortunately the song has so much character and its intervals conform so closely to those of our musical scale, that a recognizable imitation of it is within the power of everyone. There is much variation in the arrangement of the notes and migrants never seem to sing with the power of nesting birds, nor do fall songs compare in volume or execution with those of spring. The call-note is a characteristic sharp clink.
The White-throat is abundant, migrating and winter- ing in companies which frequent bushy places, hedge- rows and undergrowth generally. The nest is placed on the ground or in bushes in late May or early June. The eggs, 4-5 in number, are bluish white, speckled or blotched with brown.
j FINCHES, SPARROWS, ETC. q1
‘ TREE SPARROW Spizella monticola monticola. Case 2, Fig. 44; Case 4, Fig. 46
A dusky spot in the center of the breast and a reddish brown cap. and streak behind the eye are distinguishing characters. Range. Nestsin Canada; winters from southernJ[Canada south to Arkansas and South Carolina.
Washington, abundant W. V., Oct.-Apl. 1. Ossining, common W. V., Oct. 10-Apl. 27. Cambridge, common W. V., abundant T. V., Oct. 25-Nov. 25; Mch. 20-Apl. 20. N. Ohio, abundant W. V., Oct. 24-May 3. Glen Ellyn, common W. V., Oct. 4- Apl. 28. SE. Minn., common T. V., Oct. 6-May 5; a few winter.
From October to April companies of Tree Sparrows harvest the season’s crop of weed seeds, feeding usually near woods or hedge-rows to which they go to rest and roost. Their merry chatter is one of the season’s most cheerful notes, and in the spring we may hear their
eanary-like song.
* CHIPPING SPARROW Spizella passerina passerina. Case 4, Fig. 45; Case 5, Fig. 31
In summer, the chestnut cap, black bill, and whitish line over the eye mark the ‘Chippy’; but in the fall and winter the crown is like the back, the line over the eye is brownish, and the bill is brown; but the gray rump, shown well in flight, is a good character the year around. L. 54.
Range. Nests from Georgia and Mississippi to Canada; win- ters from South Carolina to the Gulf.
Washington, common §. R., abundant T. V., Mch. 9-Nov. 11, occasionally winters. Ossining, common S. R., Apl. 9-Nov. 7. Cambridge, abundant S. R., Apl. 12-Oct. 25. N. Ohio, abundant S. R., Mch. 23-Oct. 10. Glen Ellyn, not very common &. R., Apl. 5-Nov. 5. SE. Minn., common §. R., Apl. 8-Oct. 26.
The friendly Chippy is the most familiar and domestic of any of our native Sparrows. He makes tentative visits to our piazzas and, cats permitting, will take up his residence there, building a neat, hair-lined nest in the vines or a nearby bush. Unassuming in voice as he is in
72 FINCHES, SPARROWS, ETC.
manner, his Chippy-chippy-chippy, many times repeated, expresses contentment, even if it does not attain high musical rank. Madame Chippy has fine taste in eggs, laying, in early May, little blue gems, beautifully marked with brown or black.
CLAY-COLORED SPARROW Spizella pallida. Case 6, Fig. 48
The Clay-colored Sparrow resembles a winter Chipping Sparrow, but is paler and has a white line over the eye and a brownish rump.
Range. Interior states east to Illinois; winters from Texas southward. SE. Minn., common S. R., Apl. 26—Oct. 19.
A Chipping Sparrow of the Plains which nests on the ground and in low bushes. It is not common east of the
Mississippi.
FIELD SPARROW Spizella pusilla pusilla. Case 4, Fig. 43; Case 5, Fig. 14
The upperparts are brighter reddish brown than in any of our other Sparrows, and the bill is ‘pinker.’ . 5%.
Range. Nests from northern Florida and central Louisiana to Minnesota and Maine; winters from New Jersey and Illinois to the Gulf States.
Washington, very common P. R. Ossining, common §. R., Apl. 2-Nov. 7. Cambridge, common S. R., Apl. 12-Nov. 1; casual in winter. N. Ohio, abundant in summer, Mch. 6—Oct. 25. Glen Ellyn, tolerably common S. R., Mch. 27—-Oct. 11. SE. Minn., common 8. R., Apl. 1-Dec. 28.
‘Bush Sparrow,’ Mr. Roosevelt always called this bird, and the name gives a better conception of its haunts than that of Field Sparrow, since it is found in bush- grown fields. From a bush-top it sings its clearly whistled, sweet, appealing song, varying the relation of notes and trills, but never their musical quality. In a bush also it nests, laying 3-5 white eggs, marked with reddish brown, in May.
FINCHES, SPARROWS, ETC. 13
4 SLATE-COLORED JUNCO
Junco hyemalis hyemalis. Case 2, Fig. 43; Case 4, Fig. 41
The plumage of the female is tinged with brownish, but the prevailing tone is slate-gray, unlike that of any of our other Sparrows. The white outer-tail feathers are conspicuously flashed in flight. L. 64.
Range. Nests from northern New England and northern New York to Canada and southward in the mountains to Penn- sylvania; winters in all the Eastern States. The Carolina Junco (J. h. carolinensis), a slightly larger race without a brownish tinge, nests in the higher parts of the Alleghanies from Maryland to northern Georgia, descending to the adjacent lowlands in winter.
Washington, abundant W. V., Sept. 26-May 12. Ossining, common W. V., Sept. 19-May 4. Cambridge, rather common W. V., abundant T. V., Sept. 20-Nov. 25; Mch. 20-Apl. 20. N. Ohio, abundant W. V., Oct. 2-May 5. Glen Ellyn, W. Vu: abundant spring and fall, Aug. 30-May 13. SE. Minn., common T. V.. Mch. 4-; Sept. 20-Nov. 12.
Gray skies and a snow-covered earth are the Junco colors, and when he flashes them along the hedgerows and wood borders we know that although it is only late September, winter will soon be with us. From that time until April the Junco is of our commonest birds. He visits our food-shelf and roosts in our evergreens, becom- ing almost as domestic as the Chipping Sparrow. The Junco’s call-notes are a sharp tsip, a contented chew-chew- chew, and a sharp kissing call. Its modest, musical little trill we shall not hear until spring. The nest is built on the ground, and the 4-5 white, speckled, or spotted, eggs are laid late in May.
BACHMAN’S SPARROW
Peucea estivalis bachmani
With a general resemblance to a Field Sparrow but bill black and larger, cheeks and underparts more buffy, tail shorter, no evident wing bars.
Range. Southeastern United States from central Georgia to Virginia and from northwestern Florida to central Iinois; winters from North Carolina to northern Florida.
74 FINCHES, SPARROWS, ETC.
Where ‘scrub’ oaks grow beneath the pines, or post, or white oaks form open woods, there one may look for thig rather retiring, sweet-voiced Sparrow. If one can imagine a Hermit Thrush singing the Field Sparrow’s chant, he will have some conception of the rare quality of Bachman’s Sparrow’s song. The nest is built on the ground, the white unmarked eggs being laid early in May.
The Pine Woods Sparrow (P. @. e@stivalis), is a darker race, more streaked above with black. It is resident in Florida (except the northwestern part) and southern Georgia where it frequents pine forests undergrown with scrub palmetto.
“SONG SPARROW
Melospiza melodia melodia. Case 2, Fig. 34; Case 4, Fig. 42 oo below, with a conspicuous spot in the center of the
east.
Range. Most of North America, the eastern form west to the Rockies, nesting from Virginia and Missouri to Canada and wintering from Illinois and Massachusetts to the Gulf.
Washington, common P, R., abundant T. V., Mch. and Oct. Ossining, common P. R. Cambridge, very abundant S. R., Mch. 10-Nov. 1; locally common W. V. N. Ohio, P. R., abun- dant in summer, common in winter; Glen Ellyn, common §S. R. Feb. 12-Nov. 2. SE. Minn., common S. R., Mch. 16-Nov. 11.
If the so-called ‘English’ Sparrow is the European Spar- row, the Song Sparrow is the American Sparrow. He is found in every State and from the Valley of Mexico to Alaska. He is abundant, musical, and familiar and probably better known than any other member of hig family native to this country. His is one of the first birds’ songs to be heard in the spring, and the last in the fall, and when in midsummer, the adults, while molting, are silent, the rambling, formless song of the young may be heard.
Usually the Song Sparrow is found near water and not far from bushes into which he flies when alarmed. Then
FINCHES, SPARROWS, ETC. 75
we hear his characteristic call-note, an impatient chimp, chimp, unlike that of any other of our Sparrows. The nest is built on the ground and the 4-5 bluish white, brown-marked eggs are laid late in April.
LINCOLN’S SPARROW Melospiza lincolni lincolni, Case 7, Fig. 15
A broad band of buff across the streaked breast.
Range. Chiefly western United States; in the East, nests from northern New York and northern Minnesota into Canada; winters from Mississippi to Central America; rare east of the Alle- ghanies.
Washington, rare T. V., May 8-21; Sept. 30-Oct. 1. Ossining, rare T. V., Sept. 29-Oct. 16. Cambridge, not uncommon T. V., May 15-May 25; Sept. 14-Oct. 10. N. Ohio, tolerably common T. V., Apl. 25-May 25. Glen Ellyn, not common T. V., fall records only, Sept. 11-Oct. 9. SE. Minn., common T. V., Apl. 17-; Sept. 10-Oct. 30.
We know the species only as a rare, retiring migrant, frequenting hedgerows¥and undergrowth. I have never heard its song while migrating.
SWAMP SPARROW Melospiza georgiana. Case 4, Fig. 44; Case 5, Fig. 22
Note the bright chestnut cap, grayish, unstreaked breast, and reddish brown rump of the summer plumage; in winter, the crown is darker and streaked with black. L. 53.
Range. Nests from New Jersey and Illinois to Canada; wine ters from Nebraska and New Jersey to the Gulf.
Washington, very common T. V., Apl. 12-May 19; Sept. 28- Oct. 29; a few winter. Ossining, tolerably common S. R., Apl. 4-Dec. 2; a few winter. Cambridge, abundant S. R., Apl. 12-Nov. 10; a few winter. N. Ohio, common T. V., Mch. 23-May 20. Glen Ellyn, tolerably common T. V., Apl. 2— May 26; Sept. 2-Oct. 24; possibly S.R. SE. Minn., common S.R., Apl. 5-Nov. 18.
The Swamp Sparrow is a Sparrow of the marshes whose tweet-tweet-tweet many times repeated, is associated with the music of Marsh Wrens. It nests on the ground in May, laying eggs not unlike those of the Song Sparrow.
76 FINCHES, SPARROWS, ETC.
FOX SPARROW
Passerella tliaca iliaca. Case 4, Fig. 37; Case 5, Fig. 7 A large, bright, reddish brown Sparrow, which, because of its
red-brown tail, and in spite of its stout bill, is sometimes mis- taken for the Hermit Thrush. L. 7}.
Range. Nests in northern Canada; winters from Ohio and Maryland to the Gulf States.
Washington, very abundant T. V., Mch. 13-May 11; Oct. 23- Nov. 15; a few winter. Ossining, tolerably common T. V., Mch. 4-Apl. 20; Oct. 14-Nov. 28. Cambridge, abundant T. V., Mch. 15-Apl. 12; Oct. 20-Nov. 15; occasional in winter. N. Ohio, common T. V., Mch. r2-Apl. 23; Oct. 1-Nov. 16. Glen Ellyn, fairly common T. V., Mch. 11-Apl. 28; Sept. 22-Nov. 8 SE. Minn., common T. V., Mch. 12-; Sept. 17-Nov. 12.
A vigorous scratcher in the undergrowth who, using both feet at once, kicks the leaves out behind him; a master musician among our Sparrows whose loud, clear, joyous notes form one of our most notable bird songs. We hear it only for a brief time in spring and fall as the birds pass us on their migration.
f TOWHEE Pipilo erythrophthalmus erythrophthalmus. Case 4, Figs. 32, 333 Case 5, Fig. 51
The female is brown where the male is black; both are unmis- takable 8}.
Range. Nests from northern Georgia and central Kansas; winters from Ohio and Potomac Valleys to the Gulf.
Washington, common S. R., very common T. V., Apl. 5-Oct. 21; afew winter. Ossining, common S. R., Apl. 21-Oct. 31. Cam- bridge, common S. R., Apl. 25-Oct. 15. N. Ohio, common §S. R., Mch. 10-Oct. 25. Glen Ellyn, not common, S. R., Mch. 30- Nov. 18. SE. Minn., common S, R., Apl. 11-Nov. 8.
Chewink, towheé, the clear, emphatic, strongly accented. call announces the presence of a bird whose colors are as distinctive as its notes. The Towhee feeds on the ground in and near bushy places, but when the desire to sing comes upon him he leaves his lowly haunts and taking a more or less exposed perch, fifteen to twenty feet from
FINCHES, SPARROWS, ETC. 77
the ground, utters his sweet-bird-sin-n-n-g, with an earnest- ness which goes far to atone for his lack of striking musi- cal ability. The nest is built on the ground and the 4-5 white, finely speckled eggs are laid during the first half of May.
The White-eyed Towhee (P. e. alleni) of Florida and the coast region north to Charleston, South Carolina, has the eye yellowish instead of red and the white markings are more restricted. Its call is higher than that of the northern bird and its song shorter.
% CARDINAL
Cardinalis cardinalis cardinalis. Case 4, Figs. 34, 35
The male, with his conspicuous crest and bright colors, can be confused with no other species; the female is much duller and the crest is less prominent but still evident. L. 8}.
Range. Resident from the Gulf States to southern New York and northern Ohio; rarely found further north.
Washington, common P. R.; less common than formerly. Ossining, A. V. Cambridge, irregular but not very infrequent at all seasons. N. Ohio, common P. R. Glen Ellyn, rare S. R. SE. Minn., rare.
Next to the Mockingbird’s medley, the rich, mellow whistle of the Cardinal is the most prominent bird voice in the choir of southern songsters. Passing most of the time in the undergrowth, where, in spite of his bril- liant colors, he readily conceals himself, he makes no attempt, when singing, to hide his fiery plumes, but select- ing a conspicuous perch, challenges the attention of the world.
The female Cardinal also sings, but her song has much less volume than that of her mate, and is more rarely heard. The call-note of both sexes is a minute, sharp, cheep, which one would attribute to a bird half their size. The Cardinal nests in bushes, laying 3-4 whitish eggs speckled and spotted with brown, in April.
78 FINCHES, SPARROWS, ETC.
The Florida Cardinal (C. c. floridanus), a slightly smaller, deeper colored (especially in the female) race of the pre- ceding, inhabits the peninsula of Florida.
BLUE GROSBEAK
Guiraca cerulea caerulea. Case 6, Figs. 52, 53
™ Should be confused only with the Indigo Bunting, but it is larger and the male is darker and has brown wing-bars. L. 7. Range. Nests from Florida to Maryland and southern Illinois; winters in the tropics, uncommon east of the Alleghanies, Washington, very uncommon, S. R., May 1-Sept. 20. Cam- bridge, A. V., one instance, May.
The Blue Grosbeak is an unfamiliar bird to most eastern students. Ridgway states that its haunts resemble those of the Field Sparrow or Indigo Bunting. Iis call is a strong, harsh ptchick, its song a beautiful, but rather feeble warble. The nest is usually built in bushes and the 3-4 pale bluish white eggs are laid in May.
\, ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK
Zamelodia ludoviciana. Case 7, Figs. 25, 26
The male needs no introduction; the streaked plumage of the female betrays her Sparrow ancestry; the white stripe over her eye is a conspicuous mark. Young males in the fall resemble the female, but have a rose-tinted breast. L. 8.
Range. Nests from central Kansas and central New Jersey north to Canada, and, in the mountains, south to northern Georgia; winters in the tropics.
Washington, rather common T. V., May 1-30; Aug. 29- Oct. 6. Ossining, tolerably common S. R., May 3-Oct. 1. Cambridge, very common 8S. R., May 10-Sept. 10. N. Ohio, common S. R., Apl. 27-Sept. 15. Glen Ellyn, fairly common S. R., common T. V., Apl. 27-Sept. 28. SE. Minn., common S. R., Apl. 27-Sept. 23.
Distinguished alike by plumage and song, the Rose- breast is one of our most notable bird citizens. His song resembles in form that of the Robin, but has a more lyrical, flowing, joyous quality, and, unlike the Robin,
FINCHES, SPARROWS, ETC. 79
he often sings while flying. The call-note of both sexes is a sharp peek which, like the Cardinal’s cheep, seems too small for the bird.
The Rose-breast lives and nests in woodland, particularly second-growths, building a frail nest ten to twenty feet from the ground. The 4-5 blue, brown-marked eggs are laid the latter half of May.
INDIGO BUNTING
Passerina cyanea. Case 7, Figs. 23, 24
The male, well seen, is unmistakable. The female is very ‘sparrowy’ and, unless one gets a suggestion of blue in her plumage, - best be identified by her unsparrow-like, sharp pit. - 5%
Range. Nests from Georgia and Louisiana to Canada; winters in the tropics. rs
Washington, common S. R., Apl. 29—Oct. 9. ‘Cashes, common S. R., May 4-Oct. 17. Cambridge, common §S. R., May 15- Oct. 1. N. Ohio, common S. R., Apl. 26-Oct. 10. Glen Ellyn, fairly common S. R., May 1-Sept. 22. SE. Minn., common S. R. Apl. 28-Oct. 2.
“July, July, summer-summer’s here; morning, noon- tide, evening, list to me” the Indigo sings in rather hard but brilliant little voice. To me the words express the rhythm as well as the spirit of the song. We hear them most often in bushy fields and open second-growths, along hedge-rows or from briery clumps in which the bird’s nest may be hidden. The pale, bluish white eggs
are laid the latter half of May. PAINTED BUNTING
Passerina ciris. Case 6, Figs. 49, 50
The male is one of our most brilliantly colored birds, the female has the color of a Vireo but the bill of a Sparrow.
Range. Southern States north to southeastern North Carolina and southern Kansas; winters from southern Florida southward,
“Painted” Bunting he is called, but the brilliancy and luster of his plumage were not painted by human hands.
80 TANAGERS
‘Nonpareil’ he has also been named, and, in the eastern United States, at least, he is without equal in the bright- ness of his colors. The bird’s haunts are not unlike those of the Indigo Bunting, and its song is said to resemble the Indigo’s but to be more feeble. It builds in bushes and low trees, laying 3-4 bluish white, brown-spotted eggs in May.
DICKCISSEL
Spiza americana. Case 7, Fig. 20
The yellow on the breast and, in the male, black crescent will distinguish this species from all its Sparrow kin. L. 6.
Range. Chiefly prairies of the Mississippi Valley, from Texas and Mississippi north to Minnesota and southern Ontario; now rare east of the Alleghanies.
Washington, formerly ‘‘very abundant,’’ now seen only occa- sionally, May-Aug. Cambridge, casual, found nesting at Medford, June 9. 1877, where several birds were observed; not uncommon in 1833-34 (see Bull. Nutt. Orn. Club, III, 1878, 45, 190). N. Ohio, rare S. R., May 1. Glen Ellyn, rather rare and local S. R., formerly common, May 3-Sept. 5. SE. Minn., common §. R., May 11-Aug. 20.
The Dickcissel is a bird of the fields who, from a weed- stalk or fence by the wayside, sings his unmusical dick- dick cissel, cissel, cissel. The nest is built on the ground or in a bush and the 4-5 pale blue eggs are laid the latter half of May.
TANAGERS. FAMILY TANGARIDA
YX SCARLET TANAGER Pivanga erythromelas. Case 7, Figs. 27, 28
The black wings and tail of the male will distinguish him from our other two red birds—the Cardinal and Summer Tanager. The olive-green female may be known from all our other olive- green birds by her larger size.
Range. Nests from northern Georgia and southern Kansas to Canada; winters in the tropics.
TANAGERS 8
Washington, common T. V., less common §S, R., Apl. 17- Oct. 15. Ossining, common S. R., May 4-Oct. 9. Cambridge, rather common S. R., May 12-Oct. 1. N. Ohio, common S. R., Apl. 28-Oct. 2. Glen Ellyn, not common S. R., Apl. 30-Sept. 29. SE. Minn., common S. R., Apl. 29-Sept. 11.
As a family Tanagers are the most strikingly colored :
of American birds, but among the nearly 400 species none appears more brilliant in life than the male Scarlet Tana- ger. The leaf-colored female is as difficult to see as the male is conspicuous. Both have the same characteristic
call—chip-chivr, chip-charr. The song suggests a Robin’s ,
but is more forced and has a hoarse undertone. They live and nest in the woods, building on a horizontal limb
10-20 feet up. The 3-4 greenish blue, brown-marked |
eggs are laid late in May.
SUMMER TANAGER
Piranga rubra rubra. Case 5, Figs. 33, 34.
The male is usually red like the Cardinal, but lacks the Cardi- nal'’s crest; the female is more yellow than the female of the Scarlet Tanager.
Range. Southern States; nesting north to Maryland and Illinois; winters in the tropics.
Washington, uncommon S$. R., Apl. 18-Sept. 19. Cambridge, one record.
The “Summer Redbird’s”’ chicky-tucky-tuck, is as clearly pronounced and unmistakable as the Scarlet Tanager’s chip-chirr. Its song is somewhat sweeter than that of its scarlet cousin, but bears a general resemblance to it. Both pine and deciduous woods are inhabited by this bird, Its nesting habits resemble those of the Scarlet Tanager.
82 SWALLOWS
SWALLOWS. FAMILY HIRUNDINIDZ
PURPLE MARTIN Progne subis subis. Case 5, Fig. 25
Largest of our Swallows. The female is duller above than the male, and below is brownish gray. 8.
Range. Nests locally from the Gulf to Canada; winters in the tropics.
_ Washington, rather common S. R., Apl. 1-Sept. 14. Ossining, tolerably common S. R., Apl. 24-Sept. 1i. Cambridge, formerly locally common S. R., Apl. 20-Aug. 2 5: N. Ohio, common §S. R. Apl. 1-Sept. 5. Glen Ellyn, local S. R., Mch. 23-Sept. 10. SE. Minn., common S. R., Apl. 1-Sept. 9.
Fortunate is the man whose hospitality the Martins accept. Their cheery notes and sociability make them the best kind of guests. The Audubon Society will send one plans for a Martin house, and tell one where to place it. Martins nest in May and lay white egg
“, CLIFF SWALLOW
Petrochelidon lunifrons lunifrons. Case 6, Fig. 55
The rusty rump is distinctive. L. 6.
Range. Nests locally from Georgia to Canada; winters in the tropics.
Washington, rare S. R., Apl. ro-Sept. -? Ossining, common S. R., May 1-Sept. 12, Cambridge, S. R., much less than for- merly. Apl. 28-Aug. 25. N. Ohio, tolerably common S&S. R., Apl. 6-Sept. 25. Glen Ellyn, not common, local S. R., Apl. 25- Sept. 16. SE. Minn., common S. R., Apl. 13-Sept. 12.
Cliff Swallow it is in the West, but “Fave” Swallow it should be in the East where the rows of flask-shaped mud nests cluster thick beneath projecting roofs. They prefer unpainted buildings and the modern barn rarely
knows them. The white, brown-spotted eggs are laid in the latter half of May.
SWALLOWS 83
™ BARN SWALLOW
Hirundo erythrogaster. Case 5, Fig. 32
Chestnut underparts and a forked tail are the chief characters of this beautiful Swallow. L. 7.
Range. Nests from North Carolina and Arkansas to Canada; winters in the tropics.
Washington, common §S. R., more abundant T. V., Mch. 30- Sept. 17. Ossining, common S. R., Apl. 15-Sept. 22. Cam- bridge, common S. R., but fast decreasing, Apl. 20-Sept. 10. N. Ohio, abundant S. R., Mch. 30-Sept. 22. Glen Ellyn, S. R., fairly common and increasing. Apl. 7-Sept. 1. SE. Minn., common S. R., Apl. 28-Aug. 31.
Barn Swallows are far more beautiful, more graceful and more companionable than Purple Martins. But while we are erecting special dwellings for the Martins we are making our barns Swallow-proof. A pair of Barn Swal- lows are not only cheerful neighbors but good investments. Let us make it possible for them to enter the hay-mow. We may even supply shelves as foundations for their open mud nests. The white, spotted eggs are laid in the latter half of May.
x, TREE SWALLOW Iridoprocne bicolor. Case 5, Fig. 24
Silky white below and shining bluish green above; young birds are mouse-colored above but below are snowy white, un- marked, as in the adult. L. 6.
Range. Nests chiefly from southern New England northward and winters from South Carolina to Central America.
Washington, common T. V., Mch. 26—May 26; July 8-Oct. 14. Ossining, common T. V., Apl. 4-May 26; Aug. 4-Oct. 16. Cam- bridge, S. R., formerly common, now common only as a migrant, Apl. 5-Oct. 8. N. Ohio, common S. R., Apl. ro-Sept. 20. Glen Ellyn, not common T. V., rare S. R., Apl. 21-Sept. 8. SE. Minn., common S. R., Mch. 30—Aug. 31.
We see comparatively few Tree Swallows during the spring, but from July to October, as they journey slowly southward, they are the most abundant members of their family. In countless thousands long ropes of Swallows
84 SWALLOWS
crowd the wayside wires from pole to pole. At night, with others of their tribe, they roost in the marshes.
Tree Swallows they are called because they nest in hollow trees and, like some other hole-nesting birds, they may be induced to occupy nesting-boxes, making a welcome addition to our list of bird tenants. The 4-7 white eggs are laid in May.
BANK SWALLOW Riparia riparia. Case 6. Fig. 54
Note the small size, dull plumage, and breast-band. L. 54.
Range. A native of the Old World as well as of the New. In North America nesting from Louisiana and Virginia nearly to the Arctic Circle; winters in the tropics.
Washington, common S. R., more common T. V., Apl. 13- Sept. 19. Ossining, common S. R., Apl. 18—Oct. 1. Cambridge, formerlyfcommon S. R., Apl. 28—Sept. I; common T. V. N. Ohio, common S. R., Apl. 6-Sept. 20. Glen Ellyn, fairly common T. V.; afew S. R., Apl. 22-Sept. 3. SE. Minn., common 5. R., Apl. 10-Sept. 25.
The Bank Swallow is a bird of the air who tunnels the earth for a nesting-place. Where river or road has left a bank, its face may be dotted with the entrances to the Bank Swallow’s dwellings. At the end of two or three feet the nest of grass and feathers is placed, fit receptacle for the pearl-white eggs, which are usually laid the latter half of May.
During the migrations the Bank Swallow travels with other members of its family, sharing their roost in the
marshes by night and their wayside perch by day.
ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW Stelgidopteryx serripennis. Case 6, Fig. 56
With the general appearance of the Bank Swallow, but slightly larger, grayer below, and with no breast-band, L.
Range. Nests from the Gulf States north to assachusetts and Minnesota; winters in the tropics.
WAXWINGS 85
Washington, common S. R., Apl. 2-Sept. 3. Ossining, common §.R., Apl. 17-Aug. 12. N. Ohio, common S. R., Apl. 15-Sept. 20. SE. Minn., common S. R., Apl. 14-Aug. 26.
Least common of our Swallows. It nests in small colon- ies of about half a dozen pairs, sometimes in holes, at others under bridges, crevices in cliffs and similar situations. In the fall, it flocks with other species of its family. Its 4-8 white eggs are laid the latter half of May.
“ WAXWINGS. FAMILY BOMBYCILLIDA
BOHEMIAN WAXWING
Bombycilla garrula
Similar to tre Cedar Waxwing, but larger, the primary coverts and secondaries tipped with white, the primaries tipped with white or yellow, the under tail-coverts chestnut. L. 8.
Range. Western Canada; in winter east to Minnesota and rarely as far as Connecticut.
Glen Ellyn, one record, Jan. 22, 1908. SE. Minn., irregular W. V., until Apl. 1.
There are comparatively few authentic records of this beautiful bird east of the Alleghanies. Enthusiastic bird-students are, I fear, apt to give Waxwings, seen in winter, the benefit of the doubt and call them ‘Bohemians.’ Look especially for the white marks on the Bohemian’s wings. Its large size might not be apparent unless the two species were seen together.
«CEDAR WAXWING
Bombycilla cedrorum. Case 2, Fig. 40; Case 4, Fig. 54
rae ne usually conspicuous; tail tipped with yellow; a black ‘bridle.’
Range. Nests from North Carolina and Kansas to Canada; winters irregularly throughout the United States.
Washington, very common P. R., less so in winter. Ossining, common P. R. Cambridge, not common P. R., common §. R., abundant T. V. in spring, Feb. 1-Apl. 25. N. Ohio, irregularly
86 SHRIKES
common in summer. Glen Ellyn, S. R., Jan. 21-Sept. 24; occasional W. V. SE. Minn., common S&S. R., Feb. 25-Sept. 28.
A Waxwing’s crest is as expressive as a horse’s ears. One moment it points skyward the next it flattens and dis- appears. They are as sociable as ‘‘ Love Birds,” traveling in small flocks which, like one bird, dive into a tree and perch so close together that often several will be almost touching, and with common accord they take wing. They feed mainly on small fruit both wild and cultivated but are also expert flycatchers. They nest in June, usually in shade or fruit trees, building a well-made nest for the beautiful, clay-colored, black-spotted eggs.
SHRIKES. FAMILY LANITID2
NORTHERN SHRIKE
Lanius borealis. Case 2, Fig. 56
Larger than the Migrant and Loggerhead Shrikes with a gray- ish, not black, forehead and a lightly barred, not plain white breast. L. 10}.
Range. Nests in Canada, winters south to Texas and Virginia.
Washington, rare and irregular W. V., Oct.-Feb. Ossining, tolerably common W. V., Oct. 26-Apl. 17. Cambridge, common W. V., Nov. 1-Apl. 1. N. Ohio, not common W. V., Nov. 6— Apl. 3. Glen Ellyn, not common W. V., Oct. 24-June 5. SE. Minn., common W. V., Oct. 17-Mch. 28.
A grim, gray bird that comes out of the far North in the fall. His mission is death to birds and mice and he makes no attempt to disguise it but boldly advertises his presence by perching where he may be seen as well assee. Mice he can plunge on, but Sparrows, Siskins or Redpolls he may have to pursue on the wing, following every twist and turn until he reaches striking distance. Slowly he bears his victim, in his feet, to some tree there to hang it on thorn or in crotch from which it may be devoured at leisure. An executioner by birth, the Shrike or “Butcher Bird”
SHRIKES 87
evidently pursues his calling with no regrets and when spring time approaches adds his voice to the chorus of bird song.
LOGGERHEAD SHRIKE
Lanius ludovicianus ludovicianus. Case 4, Fig. 55
A gray bird with black wings and tail marked with white which shows in flight; smaller than the Northern Shrike with a black forehead and unmarked breast. L. 9.
Range. Florida north to North Carolina, west to Louisiana.
The Loggerhead has the general habits of his larger northern cousin the “‘Butcher-bird,” but he feeds, as a rule, on smaller game. Grasshoppers and lizards form the larger part of his fare and the barbed wire fences not infrequently are his shambles. A flight is ended by an upward swing to the chosen perch which may be a tree- top, a telegraph wire, or lightning-rod tip. From such a lookout he keeps a sharp watch for his prey, which he detects at surprisingly long distances; meanwhile utter- ing the gurgles, squeaks and pipes which constitute his song. The nest is built in hedges or low trees in early March. The 3-5 eggs are dull white thickly marked with brown and lavender.
The Migrant Shrike (Lanius ludovicianus migrans) is a northern race of the Loggerhead from which it differs only in being somewhat paler above and grayer below. It is a Summer Resident from Kansas and western North Carolina to Minnesota and Maine and winters from the Middle States southward.
Generally speaking, it may be said that any Shrike found north of Maryland in the winter is a Northern Shrike; that any Shrike found north of Virginia in the summer is a Migrant Shrike, and that any Shrike found south of that state in the summer is a Loggerhead.
88 VIREOS
VIREOS. FAMILY VIREONIDA
BLACK-WHISKERED VIREO Vireosylua calidris barbatula
Resembles the Red-eyed Vireo but has a dusky streak on each side of the throat.
Range. Cuba and Bahamas, north in spring to southern Florida.
This is a tropical species which reaches southern Florida early in May and returns to its winter home after nesting. In general habits and notes it resembles the Red-eye.
\ RED-EYED VIREO
Vireosylva olivasceus. Case 6, Fig. 66
An olive-green bird, silky white below, a white line, bordered by black over the red eye, a grayish cap and no white band on the wings. L.'6}.
Range. Nests from the Gulf to Canada; winters in the tropics.
Washington, very common S. R., Apl. 21-Oct. 17. Ossining, common §. R., Apl. 29-Oct. 19. Cambridge, abundant S. R., May 10-Sept. 10. N. Ohio, abundant S. R., Apl. 27—Oct. 1. Glen Ellyn, common S. R., May 5—Oct. 5. SE. Minn., common S. R., May 5-Sept. 15.
A tireless soliloquist, the Red-eyed Vireo repeats from our shade and fruit trees in endless succession the broken phrases of his monotonous, rambling recitation. He sings all day and he sings throughout the summer, pausing only to sleep or to swallow the caterpillar he hunts while singing. Patient, persistent mediocrity is expressed by the Red-eye’s song, and only his nasal, petulant call-note, whang, suggests that he is not altogether satisfied with life as he finds it.
The nest, like that of our other Vireos, is a deep cup hung from between a crotch from 5 to about 40 feet above the ground. The 3-4 eggs, which are laid in late May, are white spotted with reddish brown.
VIREOS 89
WARBLING VIREO Vireosylva gilva gilua. Case 7, Fig. 29
Smaller than the Red-eye, without black and white lines over ae ci eye, the underparts faintly tinged with yellowish.
. 52.
Range. Nests from Louisiana“and North Carolina to Canada; winters in the tropics.
Washington, rather common S. R., Apl. 21-Sept..12. Ossining, tolerably common S. R., May 3-Sept. 18. Cambridge, locally common S. R., May 5-Sept. 15. N. Ohio, abundant S. R., Apl. 17-Oct. 10. Glen Ellyn, not common S. R., May 1-Sept. 15. SE. Minn., common S. R., May 3-Sept. 15.
While the Red-eye’s song lasts the greater part of the day, the Warbling Vireo’s continues for only about four seconds, then, after an interval, it is repeated. It is an’ unbroken strain running up and down the middle of the scale and has it in a reminder of the Purple Finch’s lay. This species is less generally distributed than the Red- eye. It may be common in one locality and absent from another. Its nesting habits and eggs are much like those of the Red-eye, but the male has the singular custom of singing while it sits upon the nest.
PHILADELPHIA VIREO Vireosylua philadelphicus. Case 7, Fig. 30
A small, olive-green Vireo, with pale yellow underparts and a whitish line over the eye. ‘
Range. Nests from northern New England and northern Michigan into Canada; winters in the tropics.
Washington, very rare T. V., May; Sept. Ossining, rare T. V., Sept. 20-Oct. 20. Cambridge, rare T. V. Glen Ellyn, rather rare T. V., May 14,15; Aug. 21-Sept.30. SE. Minn., uncommon T.V., May 9.
Rarest of our Vireos; but few students know it asa migrant and fewer still as a nesting bird. Its song and nesting habits resemble those of the Red-eye.
go VIREOS
YYELLOW-THROATED VIREO
Lanivireo flavifrons. Case 6, Fig. 69
Breast bright yellow; a yellow ring around the eye, two white wing-bands, bill rather stout. L. 6.
Range. Nests from Florida and Texas to Canada; winters in the tropics.
Washington, common S. R., Apl. 19-Sept. 29. Ossining, tolerably common S. R., Apl. 30-Sept. 7. Cambridge, com- mon S. R., May 6-Sept. 10. N. Ohio, common S. R., Apl. 25- Sept. 25. Glen Ellyn, not common S. R., May 2-Sept. 26. SE Minn., common S. R., Apl. 27—-Sept. 15.
A less common bird than the Red-eye, but like it gen- erally distributed through woodland, garden and orchard. Its song resembles the Red-eye’s in form but is richer in tone, more deliberately uttered, and not continuous. “See me—I’m here—where are you?” he seems to say, and after a pause repeats the query.
The nest has the deep cup-shape of our other Vireo’s but is externally covered with lichens. The eggs, laid the latter part of May, are white with a few specks of black or brown.
BLUE-HEADED VIREO Lanivireo solitarius solitarius. Case 6, Fig. 68
Eye-ring and lores white, head grayish blue, underparts white, the sides yellowish; two wing-bars. L. 5}.
Range. Nests from the mountains of northern New Jersey and of Pennsylvania to Canada; winters from the Gulf States southward.
Washington, common T. V., Apl. 6-May 18; Sept. 6—Nov. 3. Ossining, tolerably common 7. V.,' Apl. 23-May 14; Sept. 8- Oct. 20. Cambridge, common T. Vv. rare §. R., Apl. 20-May 8; Sept. r15-Oct. 5. N. Ohio, common T. V., ‘Apl. 17-May 20; Sept. 1-30. Glen Ellyn, not common T. V., May 9-19; Aug. 11- Oct. 9. SE. Minn., common T. V., May 3-Sept. 28.
We know this Vireo chiefly as a migrant, one of the earliest of the group of small arboreal wood-haunting birds (Vireos and Warblers) to reach us in the spring.
VIREOS or
Its song, as well as its movements, are deliberate. Vireo- like it peers beneath the leaves or inspects the blossoms, removing a caterpillar here or an insect’s egg there, the while singing leisurely a rich-toned rendering of the Red- eye’s theme.
It nests late in May, hanging its cup-shaped basket to a crotch usually five to ten feet above the ground. The eggs are white with a few black or brown spots.
The Mountain Solitary Vireo (L. s. alticola) has a slightly larger bill and bluer back. It nests in the mountains from Maryland to Georgia and winters southward to Florida.
WHITE-EYED VIREO Vireo griseus griseus. Case 6, Fig. 67
White or yellowish white eyes; whitish underparts, washed with yellow on the sides. L. 54.
Range. Nests from Florida and Texas to Wisconsin and Massa- chusetts; winters from South Carolina to the tropics.
Washington, common S. R., Apl. 18-Oct. 19. Ossining, com- mon S. R., Apl. 29-Oct. 3. Cambridge, rare S. R., May 8- Sept. 20; formerly common. Glen Ellyn, rare, spring only, May 24-June 5.
An inhabitant of bushy undergrowths whose snappy calls possess almost the character of human speech, so clearly and emphatically are the syllables enunciated. One’s presence seems to excite both his curiosity and his disapproval, for he looks one over from this side and that all the while giving expression to remarks which sound far from complimentary. The nest is hung from a crotch, rarely more than 6 feet fromthe ground. The eggs laid in April, in the South, in May in the North, are white with a few blackish spots.
The Key West Vireo (V. g. maynardi) has a longer bill and is somewhat paler below than the White-eye. It is resident in southern Florida and the Keys.
92 WARBLERS
BELL’S VIREO Vireo belli belli. Case 6, Fig. 65
Smallest of our Vireos; crown ashy, lores and eye-ring whitish.
L. 43. Range. Mississippi Valley; nests from Texas to northwesterg
Indiana and South Dakota; winters in the tropics.
Resembles the White-eye in habits, notes, and choice of haunts, but, according to Goss, its notes are not so harsh and emphatic.
WOOD WARBLERS. FAMILY MNIOTILTIDA
‘Y% BLACK AND WHITE WARBLER Mniotilta varia. Case 6, Fig. 57
The female is less conspicuously striped than the male, but both are quite unlike any of our other birds. L. 5}.
Range. Nestsfrom Georgia and Louisiana to Canada; winters from Florida southward.
Washington, abundant T. V., less common S. R., Apl. 8- Oct. 18. Ossining, common S. R., Apl. 18-Oct. 1. Cambridge, very common S. R., Apl. 25-Sept. 5. N. Ohio, common T. V., afew S. R., Apl. 22-Sept. 26. Glen Ellyn, common T. V., Apl. 28—May 28; Aug. 11-Sept. 27. SE. Minn., common T. V., un- common §&. R., Apl. 23-Oct. 12.
This species and the three Nuthatches are our only birds that creep down as well as up; but the Nuthatches wear no body stripes and are otherwise too unlike the Creeper to be confused with him. The Downy Wood- pecker ‘hitches’ himself upward advancing by jerks; the Brown Creeper, true to its name, creeps. The nest is built on the ground and the white, brown-marked eggs are laid in April in the South, in May in the North.
WARBLERS 93
PROTHONOTARY WARBLER Protonotaria citrea. Case 5, Fig. 29
‘The female is duller than the male, but is too like him to be mistaken for the mate of any other Warbler, while he is in a class by himself. L. 54.
Range. Nests from Florida to Delaware and southeastern Minnesota; winters in the tropics.
Washington, of irregular occurrence in May. N. Ohio, one record, May 9. Glen Ellyn, rare, spring only, May 13-15. SE. Minn., common S. R., of Mississippi bottoms, May 7—-Aug. 16.
No description or illustration prepares one for the gleam- ing beauty of the Golden Swamp Warbler. Cypress swamps or willow-bordered sloughs, where it may nest in the opening in old stubs, are its chosen haunts, and in such places it is sometimes found in numbers. The
white eggs, thickly marked with brown, are laid in May.
SWAINSON’S WARBLER
Helinaia swainsoni. Case 5, Fig. 28
No wing-bars, plain brown above, white below. L. 5.
Range. In summer from Florida and Louisiana north to southern Illinois and southeastern Virginia; winters in the tropics.
Comparatively few bird students have seen this retiring Warbler in its haunts. ‘Water, tangled thickets, patches of cane, and a rank growth of semi-aquatic plants,” Brewster states, seem indispensable to its existence. Its song in general effect, the same writer says, recalls that of the Northern Water-Thrush. The nest is built in bushes, canes, etc., and the white eggs are laid in May.
X WORM-EATING WARBLER
Helmitheros vermivorus. Case 7, Fig 31
Head striped with black and buff; body unstreaked, no wing- bars. . SF. Range. Nests from South Carolina and Missouri to Connecti- cut and Iowa; winters in the tropics.
54 WARBLERS
Washington, quite common S. R., Apl. 28-Sept. 15. Ossining, eee S. R., May 7-Aug. 23. Cambridge, A. V., one instance,
Comparatively few bird students can claim close ac. quaintance with this slow-moving, dull-colored bird who lives on or near the ground, usually in dry woodlands. Its song, resembling that of the Chipping Sparrow, will attract only an attentive ear, while its local distribution further pre- vents it from being more commonly known. It nests on the ground, the white, brown-marked eggs being laid in May.
BACHMAN’S WARBLER
Vermivora bachmani. Case 5, Figs. 20, 21
All but the central pair of feathers with white spots near the end; no wing-bars; size small, the bill sharply pointed and slightly decurved. L. 43.
Range. In summer known from Virginia, North Carolinz, South Carolina, Kentucky, Arkansas and Missouri; in winter recorded only from Cuba.
When migrating, this little-known species associates with other bird travelers and may be found high or low. When nesting, it frequents swampy woods and, although it usually sings from the tree-tops, it builds in bushes within a few feet of the ground, laying 3-4 white eggs in the latter half of April or in May. Its song has been compared te that of both the Parula Warbler and the Chipping Sparrow.
BLUE-WINGED WARBLER
Vermivora pinus. Case 7, Fig. 35
Outer tail-feathers white near the end; two white wing-bars; female duller than the male.
Range. Nests from Missouri and Virginia north to Minne- sota and Connecticut; winters in the tropics.
Washington, rather uncommon T. V., Apl. 26-May 22; Aug. 13-Sept. 2; afew breed. Ossining, common S. R., May 4-Sept. 7. N. Ohio, common §. R., Apl. 27-Sept. 15. Glen Ellyn, irregular,
WARBLERS 95
possibly S. R., May 1-Sept. 15. SE. Minn., uncommon S&S. R., Apl. 30-Sept. 1.
In second growths, among birches, and at the border of the woods one may hear the wheezy, lazy, swee-chee of the Blue-wing. I make it a rule to see the singer always with the hope that he may prove to be the rare Brewster’s Warbler, which usually sings like the Blue- wing, but in color is nearer the Golden-wing, being, in fact, like the Golden-wing but with the underparts and cheeks white unmarked with black. it appears to be a hybrid between the Blue-wing and Golden-wing. (Case 7, Fig. 38.)
A much rarer supposed hybrid between these two Warblers is known as Lawrence’s Warbler. It is yellow below, like the Blue-wing, but has the black throat and cheeks of the Golden-wing. Some individuals sing iike the Blue-wing, others like the Golden-wing, and this is true also of Brewster’s Warbler, (Case 7, Fig. 37.)
The Blue-wing nests on the ground, laying 4-5 white delicately speckled eggs the latter part of May.
‘ GOLDEN-WINGED WARBLER
Vermivora chrysoptera. Case 7, Figs. 34, 36
A gray bird with a yellow patch on the wings and a black or blackish breast. ;
Range. Nests from northern New Jersey and southern Iowa north to Massachusetts and central Minnesota and south in the mountains to northern Georgia; winters in the tropics.
Washington, uncommon, T. V., May 1-30; Aug. 8-21. Ossin- ing, rare S. R., May 8-Aug. 25. Cambridge, rather common S.R., May 12-Aug. 25. N. Ohio, rare T. V., Glen Ellyn, irregu- lar, not common T. V., May 4-18; Aug. 16-Sept. 24. SE. Minn., common S. R., May 5-Sept. 9.
The Golden-wing’s zee-zee-zee-zee resembles the Blue- wing’s song in tone but the syllables are all on one note. When nesting, the Golden-wing prefers second growths, and birches, but when migrating it may be found in the
oo WARBLERS
woods with others of its family. The nest is made on the ground, and the eggs, which resemble those of the Blue- wing, but are more heavily marked, are laid in May or early June.
NASHVILLE WARBLER
Vermivora rubricapilla rubvicapilla. Case 7, Fig. 33
No wing-bars or white in the tail; adult with a partly concealed chestnut patch in the gray crown; eye-ring white. . 42.
Range. Nests from northern Pennsylvania and Nebraska to Canada; winters in the tropics.
Washington, uncommon T. V., Apl. 28-May 19; Sept. 5- Oct. 2. Ossining, tolerably common T. V., May 7-27; Aug. 11- Oct. 4; may breed. Cambridge, rather common S. R., May 5- Sept. 15; abundant T. V. N. Ohio, common T. V., Apl. 28- May 27; Sept. 1-Oct. 16. Glen Ellyn, regular T. V., Apl. 27- play 25; Aug. 20-Oct. 19. SE. Minn., common §. R., May 1-
ept. 29.
Thayer in “ Warblers of North America ” says that the Nashville is one of the most agile and restless of the gleaning Warblers. It prefers birches, but is found in rather open growths of other trees. Its commoner song consists of a string of six or eight or more lively rapid notes, running into a rolling twitter. It has also a flight- song.
The nest is placed on the ground; the eggs, which are laid in May or early June, are white, spotted with reddish brown.
ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER
Vermivora celata celata. Case 7, Fig. 32
A dusky, olive-green bird, obscurely streaked below; without wing-bars or white patches in tail. 3 5
Range. Chiefly the interior, nests from Manitoba north- ward; winters in Florida and the Gulf States.
Washington, casual T. V., two records, Oct. Ossining, A. V. Cambridge, rare T. V., in fall, Oct. 5-Nov. 15. N. Ohio, rare T. V., Apl. 27-May 21. Glen Ellyn, not common T, V., May i=
WARBLERS 97
a1; July_28-Oct. 7. SE. Minn., common T. V., Apl. 25-3 Aug. 18-Oct. 16.
The Orange-crown is a rare fall migrant in the North Atlantic States, but common in Florida and southern Georgia in the winter. It frequents the upper branches of trees though, as with most members of its genus, it nests on the ground. Its call-note is a sharp, characteristic chip; its song is said to resemble that of the Chipping Sparrow.
TENNESSEE WARBLER
Vermivora peregrina. Case 8, Fig. 64
Adult male in spring with a grayish blue crown and white underparts; female and young bright olive-green above, yellowish below; no wing-bars. L. 5.
Range. Nests from northern New England northward; winters in the tropics.
Washington, T. V., rare in May; foccasionally common, Aug. 31-Nov. 30. Ossining, rare T. V., May 22-27; Aug. 22- Oct. 2. Cambridge, rare T. V., May 15-25; Sept. N. Ohio, common T. V., May 4-25; Sept. 10-Oct. 10. Glen Ellyn, com- mon T. V., Apl. 30-June 6; July 29-Oct.9. SE. Minn., common T. V., Apl. 30-; Sept. 30-.
A dull-colored little Warbler which we know as a rather rare migrant, associated with the traveling companies of its family on their northward and southward journeys. The song is described by Mrs. Farwell as noticeable but not musical and resembling that of the Chipping Sparrow.
NORTHERN PARULA WARBLER Compsothlypis americana usnee. Case 7, Fig. 39
A small, bluish{Warbler with a yellow patch on the back, a dark band on the breast, and white wing-bars. L. 43.
Range. Nests from Virginia and Louisiana to Canada; winters in the tropics.
Washington, T. V., but dates not distinguishable from those of americana. Ossining, common T. V., May 2-28; Sept. 21- Oct. 7. Cambridge, common T. V., May 1-28; Sept. 10-30. N. Ohio, not common T. V., May 1-18. Glen Ellyn, not com-
98 WARBLERS
mon T. V., May 3-28; Aug. 25-Oct. 1. SE. Minn., common T. V., May 5-Sept. 9.
A common migrant, traveling with other Wood War- blers, but in summer usually restricted to swampy localities where usnea moss flourishes. Of, or rather in this, it makes its nest, laying 4-5 white, brown-marked eggs the latter half of May. To describe its song as several wheezy notes running into a little trill, conveys no idea of pleasing character. It is easily recognized and, in time, acquires associations with what, to bird-lovers, is the most delightful season of the year.
The Southern Parula Warbler (C. a. americana) is a slightly smaller race with less black about the lores and on the breast in the male. It summers in the South- eastern States north to Virginia, and winters in the tropics. Its habits resemble those of the northern race, but it nests in the hanging, gray tillandsia or Spanish ‘moss’ instead of in usnea.
CAPE MAY WARBLER
Dendroica tigrina. Case 8, Figs. 65, 66
Male with chestnut cheek-patches and a white patch on the wing; female and young streaked below, the rump more yellow than the back; tail-feathers with terminal spots.
Range. Nests from northern New England northward; winters in the tropics.
Washington, sometimes very common, usually uncommon T. V., May 1-20; Aug. 4-Oct. 17. Ossining, tolerably common T. V., Aug. 20-Oct. 1. Cambridge, rare T. V., May 15-25; Aug. 25. N. Ohio, not common T. V., May 4-18. Glen Ellyn, mone oan Vv. ae 30-May 21; Sept. 8-15. SE. Minn., com- mon i
This ential Warbler was formerly considered one of our rarer migrants, but of recent years it appears to be increasing in numbers. On its nesting ground the bird is said to frequent the upper branches of tall evergreens (though one of the few nests which has been found was
WARBLERS 99
within three feet of the ground), but when migrating it may be found in the trees of lawns, orchards, and wood- land and I have seen it among poke-berries. The Cape May’s song is a thin squeak which is compared to the songs of the Black and White and also Black-poll Warblers.
\\ YELLOW WARBLER
Dendroica estiva e@stiva. Case 8, Figs. 40, 41
A small yellow bird streaked below with brownish; inner webs of tail-feathers yellow. L. 5.
Range. Nests from Missouri and South Carolina to Canada; winters in the tropics.
Washington, common S. R., abundant T. V., Apl. 4-Sept. 28. Ossining, common S. R., Apl. 30-Sept. 27. Cambridge, abundant S. R., May 1-Sept. 15. N. Ohio, abundant S. R., Apl. 14- Sept. 10. Glen Ellyn, not very common &. R., Apl. 30-Sept. 6. SE. Minn., common S. R., Apl. 28-Sept. 10.
Show me willows over water and any day in May or June I’ll show you a Yellow Warbler. Shade and fruit trees also attract him and he may build his cotton-padded nest in their branches or in the shrubbery below. The song is a simple we-chee, chee, chee, chee, cher-wee, resembling that of the Chestnut-side, but has its own distinctive tone which permits of ready identification, once it has been learned. The bluish white eggs, thickly marked with shades of brown, are laid the latter half of May.
BLACK-THROATED BLUE WARBLER
Dendroica cerulescens carulescens. Case 6, Figs. 58, 59
The male is unmistakable; the female may be known by the white spot at the base of the outer wing-feathers. L. 5}.
Range. Nests from northern Connecticut, the mountains of Pennsylvania, and southern Michigan north to Canada; winters in the tropics.
Washington, very common T. V., Apl. 19-May 30; Aug. 4~ Oct. 9. Ossining, common T. V., Apl. 25-May 28; Aug. 26— Oct. 10. Cambridge, rather common T. V., May 10-25; Sept. 20-Oct. 10. N. Ohio, common T. V., Apl. 27-May 29; Sept. 5-
100 WARBLERS
Oct. 16. Glen Ellyn, common T.V., Apl. 29-May 29; Aug. 25- Oct. 10. SE. Minn., uncommon T. V., May 11.
A true Wood Warbler, traveling through the trees with the scattered bands of other members of his family as he journeys to and from his summer home. This, in the northern part of his nesting range, is in coniferous forests, in the southern part, deciduous forests. In both, how- ever, the birds require heavy undergrowth in which their bark-covered nest is built within a foot or two of the ground. The grayish white, brown-marked eggs are laid in late May or early June. Miss Paddock in ‘‘ Warblers of North America ’”’ describes the Black-throated Blue’s song as “an insect-like buzzing note repeated three or four times with a rising inflection.”
Cairn’s Warbler (D. c. cairnsi) is a nearly related race having, in the male, black centers to the feathers of the back. It nests in the upper parts of the Alleghanies, from Maryland to Georgia, and winters in the West Indies.
MYRTLE WARBLER
Dendroica coronata. Case 5, Fig. 27
The yellow rump is always evident, but in fall and winter the whole plumage is duller, more brownish and the yellow patches at the sides of the breast and in the crown are less con- spicuous. A rather large Warbler. L. 53.
Range. Nests from northern New England and northern Minnesota to Canada; winters from Kansas and southern New England to the tropics.
Washington, abundant W. V., Aug. 7-May 23. Ossining, com- mon T. V., Apl. 13-May 28; Aug. 16—-Nov. 11; a few winter. Cambridge, abundant T. V., Apl. 12-May 20; Sept. 1-Nov. 1; afew winter. N. Ohio, common T., V., Apl. 12—-May 20; Sept. 15- Nov. 3. Glen Ellyn, common T. V., Apl. 8-May 28; Sept. 25- Dec. 29. SE. Minn., common T. V., Apl. 6-; Sept. g-Oct. 28.
A hardy Warbler which, like the Tree Swallow, can substitute bayberries for insects. When the former are available some individuals remain in the North, enduring our winters without apparent discomfort. Its call-note,
WARBLERS IoY
tchep, is as distinctive as its markings, and this fact con- nected with its general distribution and abundance, makes it one of the best known members of this little» known family.
Thayer in “‘ Warblers of North America’ describes its common song as “‘a loud silvery ‘sleigh-bell’ trill, a vivid, sprightly utterance.”
It nests in coniferous forests, building from four to twenty feet from the ground and laying 3-5 white eggs marked with shades of brown, in late May or early June.
™ MAGNOLIA WARBLER Dendroica magnolia. Case 8, Fig. 42
The female is duller than the male, but both have the crown gray, a white stripe behind the eye, a yellow rump and the white tail-patches near the middle of the tail, making the tail, when pee from below, appear white, broadly banded with black.
1 Se
Range. Nests from northern Massachusetts and northern Michigan, and in the Alleghanies, from West Virginia to Canadas winters in the tropics.
Washington, common T. V., Apl. 22-May 30; Aug. 15—Oct. 6. Ossining, common T. V., May 9-28; Aug. 13-Oct. 11. Cam- bridge, T. V., rather common, May 12-25; not uncommon, Sept. 10-25. N. Ohio, common T. V., Apl. 28-May 27; Sept. 1- Oct. 10. Glen Ellyn, common T. V., May 3-June 5; Aug. 12- Oct. 9. SE. Minn., common T. V., May 6-; Aug. 12-Sept. 9.
A common migrant distinguished by the beauty of his costume even in this family of gayly clad birds. When traveling, the Magnolia may be found in woods and woody growth of varied character, but when nesting, it shows a fondness for spruce forests, building in small spruces usually within six feet of the ground.
The Magnolia’s song resembles the Yellow Warbler’s in tone. Thayer in “ Warblers of North America” describes it as “peculiar and easily remembered; weeto: weeto-weeeéte-eet, or witchi, witchi, witchi tit, the first four notes deliberate and even and comparatively low in tone,
102 WARBLERS
the last three hurried and higher pitched, with decided emphasis on the antepenult weet or witch.” .
The eggs, laid in the first half of June, are white marked with brown.
CERULEAN WARBLER
Dendroica rara. Case 8, Figs. 46, 47
The adult male will be recognized at sight, but the female and young must be looked at sharply. The whitish or yellowish line over the eye, in connection with the white wing-bars make a fair field-mark. L. 4}.
Range. Nests from Texas and Alabama to Minnesota and western New York; locally from North Carolina to Delaware.
Washington, several records in May, one in fall. N. Ohio, common S. R., Apl. 29-Sept. 20. Glen Ellyn, not common, local S. R., May 8-Aug. 19. SE. Minn., rare S. R.
A tree-top Warbler of deciduous forests, nesting from 25 to 60 feet above the ground. Its song bears a marked resemblance to that of the Parula and its call-note is said to be like the tchep of the Myrtle Warbler. The white eggs, heavily blotched with brown, are laid in May.
~ CHESTNUT-SIDED WARBLER
Dendroica pensylvanica. Case 8, Figs. 43, 44
Adults are distinguished by their chestnut sides, yellow crown and wing-bars, but the young are wholly different, silky white below, yellowish green above. L. 5}.
Range. Nests from northern New Jersey and, in the Alle- ghanies, South Carolina, north to Canada; winters in the tropics.
Washington, abundant T. V., Apl. 19-May 30; Aug. 10—Oct. 14. Ossining, tolerably common S. R., May 2-Sept. 24. Cambridge, abundant S. R., May s-Sept. 10. N. Ohio, T. V., May 2-25. Glen Ellyn, rare S. R., common T. V., May 1-Sept. 26. SE. Minn., common S. R., May 3-Sept. 15.
Scrubby second growths undergrown with bushes, road- side borders of trees and bushes, and the brushy margins of woods are all resorts of the Chestnut-side. Here he attracts our attention by his rather loud, frequently
WARBLERS 103
uttered song, which strongly suggests that of the Yellow Warbler. The nest is built within a few feet of the ground and the white, brown-marked eggs are laid the latter part of May.
BAY-BREASTED WARBLER
Dendroica castanea. Case 8, Figs. 69, 70
The adult male is unmistakable; the female has chestnut on sides and crown, a