BJQLOGY LIBRARY

•J3,:

BIRDS OF CHAUTAUaUA COUNTY

A PAPER READ HKFORK THE < 'II Al'TA UQUA SOCIETY OF

HISTORY AND NATTRAL SCIENCE AT ITS SEMI-ANNUAL

MKETlX(i 1IKLI) IX JAMESTOWN, JANUARY 20, 1885,

.'Y M.

IAMKSTDWX: <;KO. jr. TII-'K.-V .\ v

BIRDS OF CHAUTAUdUA COUNTY.

AN ADDRESS DELIVERED BEFORE THE CHAUTAUQUA SOCIETY

OF HISTORY AND NATURAL SCIENCE AT ITS SEMI-ANNUAL

MEETING HELD IN JAMESTOWN/ JANUARY 20, 1885,

JOHN.M. EDSO.A:

'

.JAMK.STOW-N : (4KO. H. TIFFANY.

1838.

BIOLOGY
LIBRARY

BIRDS OF CHAUTAUQUA COUNTY,

In a paper of this character it is of course impossible to give any
extended description of our various species of birds, or their habits,
songs, plumage, migration, nests and eggs, or to more than touch
upon the numerous other interesting branches of the subject. I shall
endeavor to do little else than present a list of such birds as have
actually come under rny observation in the course of considerable
rambling about the fields and forests of the central part of the county,
during several years past. This will comprise just 150 species, which
I think embraces all that are in any degree common in the locality
mentioned. There are a number of other species whose occasional
presence is probable and whose names could doubtless be safely added,
but having as yet never actually met with them, I prefer to wait till
I can speak of them authoritatively. This is offered only in the
absence of more complete data.

Hylocichla mustilina, The VVood Thrush is a forest bird possessed of
a beautiful song, of which much has been written, but it is not com-
mon in this region.

If. mtulata swainsoni, The Olive-backed Thrush is rare.

//. unalascac pallosi, The Hermit Thrush is common, and his clear
flute-like voice is familiar to every one who has occasion to enter the
cool shade of the forests in summer. It arrives in April.

Merula migratoria, The Robin is undoubtedly the most widely dis-
tributed and abundant of our birds. It makes its appearance in
February or March, depending upon the weather.

Galeoscoptes Carolinensis, The Catbird is a near relative of the Mock-
ingbird and also remarkable for great versatility of voice, is a common
summer resident, coming in the latter part of April or first of May.

I Tarporleynclms rufus, The Brown Thrush or Thrasher occasionally
resides with us during summer, but is by no means common.

M144779

4 BIRDS OF CHAUTAUQUA COUNTY.

Sialia sialis, The Bluebird, one of the earliest spring arrivals, is very
common. It usually makes its appearance about the same time as
the Robin. The Bluebird's eggs are blue, ordinarily, though I once
discovered a nest containing pure white ones. This is sometimes
the case.

Regulus calendula. The Ruby-crowned Kinglet and R. satrapa, The
Golden-crowned Kinglet, among the smallest of our birds, slightly ex-
ceeding the Hummingbird in size, are with us during their migrations
in April and October.

Parus atricapilbis, The Black-capped Titmouse or Chickadee, though
small in size, has the hardihood to stay with us during the entire year;
and is frequently seen in the door-yard. in cold weather. Common.

Sitta Carolinensis, The White-bellied Nuthatch is common, most so
in winter. Its coat is ashy-blue, black and white. Its manner of
alighting on trees resembles that of the woodpecker, though it as often
stands head downward as the reverse.

S. canadensis, The Red-bellied Nuthatch is a rare migrant in spring
and autumn.

Certldafamiliarisrufa, The Brown Creeper, a migrant, is not common.

Progfodytes sedon, The House Wren, a well-known species, is com-
mon, arriving about the middle of April.

Anorthiera troglodytes hyemalis, The Winter Wren is rare.

Telmatodytes palustris, The Long billed Marsh Wren, is not common
except in localities.

The family Sylvicolidae. American warblers, is an unusually enter-
taining group, containing a large number of little birds about the size
of a Wren or slightly larger and resembling one another closely in
size, habits and song, but presenting a great variety of bright feathers.
They are, with few exceptions, strictly forest birds. To this family
belong the next eighteen species.

Mniotilta varia, The Black-and-white Creeper occurs usually as a
migrant, though I have known it to nest here.

Parula Americana, The Blue Yellow-backed Warbler is rare. I have
seen it only in spring.

Dendroica aestiva, The Yellow Warbler or Summer Yellow Bird, the
best known of the family, frequently builds its nest in a lilac bush or
shade tree of the door-yard, and but that it is a quiet, modest, little
fellow might be familiar to eveiyone. It may be easity distinguished
from the other Yellow Bird, the Thistle Bird or Goldfinch by its lack-
ing the undulating flight and the black wings and crown of the latter,
and by its activity and restlessness. Its under parts and the sides of

BIRDS OF CHATTATTQUA COUNTY. 5

the head are rich yellow; the hack and wings are olive-green. It
MI rives in spring about May 1.

1). caeridescevs, The Black-throated Blue-Warbler is not uncommon
as a. transient visitor. It readies this county early in May.

1). corowitn , The Yellow-rump Warbler or Myrtle Bird is common
as a migrant; and is the earliest warbler to arrive in spring and lingers
latest in autumn.

J). maculosa, The Black-and-yellow Warbler or Magnolia Warbler,
a very beautiful member of this brilliant group, is with us in large
numbers about the second week of May. I have seen the woods fairly
alive with them while the other warblers seemed scarce in comparison.
Jt passes the summer far to the northward, ordinarily, though last
June I discovered a nest of this species containing three eggs — a rare
privilege.

I). PennfryliJanJca^ The Chestnut-sided Warbler is a common resident
and may be found during summer on the outskirts, rather than in the
heart of the woods. Owing to its small size ic is not conspicuous. Its
song is pleasing though simple. It arrives early in May.

I). KlacklmrnMic, The Blackburnian Warbler is considered the
most beautiful of the warblers, and is common as a transient visitor
in the early part of May. His plumage is a beautiful combination
of orange and black. I once took a specimen on the 26th of June,
which 1 consider strong evidence of an instance of its nesting here,
an unusual occurrence in this latitude.

I), mrow, The black-throated Green Warbler is common about the
first or second week of May, and I am satisfied occasionally remains
with us during the summer. As its name indicates, its plumage is
mostly olive-green, except the sides of the head, which are yellow,
and the throat and breast which are black

I), pinus, The Pine-creeping Warbler. I have taken but a single
autumnal specimen, and owing to its imperfect plumage there may
be a doubt us to its identity.

SeiurHs Attfocapttlwi, The Golden-crowned "Thrush, "or Oven Bird,
though it is now classified with the warblers, differs considerably
from all the others of the family in appearance and habits. It is
consiberably larger, has a more powerful voice, and spends a large
portion of its time on the ground. It is colored olive-green, with a
white speckled breast and yellowish crown. It receives the name of
Oven-Bird from its peculiar nest, which is constructed on the ground
and so carefully coverefl thnt it is very difficult to find. One that I
found was located in the depths of the woods, near the centre of a
smooth spot of ground, away from trees or logs to protect it, find was

i\ BIHDS OF

observed only \vlien the bird darted out almost beneath my feet.
The nest was a model of bird architecture' composed of leaves and
and grasses and roofed with a matting of dead leaves resembling
those that covered the ground, which concealed it completely. It
was entered by a very narrow door-way. The song of this bird is
peculiar and may be easily recognized; it consists of the repeated ut-
terance of two notes, beginning very low and rapidly increasing in
volume. A common denizen of the forests in summer, arriving in
the latter part of April.

S. acevimiSi .The Small-billed Water Thrush, or "Wagtail," is
somewhat similar to the last species in. appearance, except that it is
somewhat darker in color. I have seen it only about streams in
swamps, where it was found running along the muddy banks and
tipping its body and tail after the peculiar manner of the sandpipers.
From this habit it derives the name of "Wagtail." It is a transient
visitor, not common,

Gcathlypis Philadelphia, The Morning Warbler, is rare.

Oporornifi aqilis, T*he (Connecticut Warbler. I have taken two or
three late summer specimens that I have assigned to this species,
though, owing to the fact that with this family in many cases the
coloration of the feathers is the only distinguishing character, and
that the autumnal plumage is very imperfect, there is room for er-
ror.

Myiodioctes m'dratnx, The Hooded Warbler is one of our most
beautiful as well as the most common warblers. It is olive-green
above, yellow beneath, tail marked with white; whole head and neck
pure black, with a broad golden mask across the forehead and
through the eyes, and as it faces you its head presents the appear-
ance of being encased in a black hood. According to authorities the
range of this species is limited and it is nowhere very common. Yet
it reaches this latitude and with us is a summer resident by no
means rare. It is an inhabitant of the depths of the woods, where it
may be frequently seen and more often heard. According to my
observations it sings much later in the season than other birds, be-
ing frequently heard after nearly all the other birds have become si-
lent.

Myiodwcte* pusittiM, The Black-capped yellow Warbler, a migrant,
is not common.

M. canadcnxifi. The Canadian Fly-catching Warbler is a common
migrant, and. I think, to some extent a resident. Most common in
earlv Mav.

BIRDS OF I'HAUTAUQUA COUNT!*. 7

Sdophat/a ridiciJlfi, The Red-start, whoso leathers present a beau-
tiful combination of black and orange, is a common inhabitant of
our woods in summer.

The familv Vim on las., or Greenlets, is composed of several quite
remarkable birds of small size, which, though they .are clad in plain
colors, have pleasing songs. Their range is not limited to the woods
and some of them may frequently be heard among the shade trees
in town, though owing to their strictly confining themselves to the
tree-tops, and their inconspicuous plumage they are seldom seen.
They all reach this country early in Ma}7.

Vireosylvia olivacea, The Red-eyed Vireo is the most common of
the family. A summer resident,

V. f/ilva, The Warbling Vireo is also quite common and a resi-
dent.

Mmivireo flai?ifrmw, The Yellow-throated Vireo is not very com-
mon as a migrant and still less so as a resident.

L. M)I/Hnmix, The Blue-headed or Solitary. Vireo is rare.

Vireo novefxrracerims, The White-eyed Vireo is a rare resident.

Lanriu^ lorenlix, The Great Northern Shrike, or Butcher-bird, is
not uncommon in late fall and early spring and sometimes all win-
ter.

Ampelis ccdrorum, The Cedar-bird, Cherry-bird or Wax-wing,
(which last name it derives from the red wax-like appendages with
which certain feathers of the wing are tipped,) is a very beautiful
bird. It is a common resident, though its habits are very erratic. It
is more numerous some seasons than others, and arrives sometimes
early in March and lingers often till winter has fairh* set in.

Of the swallows we have a greater variety than would be sup-
posed by persons unfamiliar with them, who fail to detect the differ-
ence of species. We have five, not including the Chimney "Swal-
low," which is no swallow, notwithstanding its name. The position
in which each species builds its nest, is peculiar and characteristic.

Pro(/nc ,W)?.s', The purple Martin is not uncommon in certain
localities, arriving from the South about the first of May. For its
nest it prefers a bird-box.

hiwifi-aun, The Cliff or Eave Swallow is very com-
mon. The nest is always placed under the eaves of a barn or other
building.

8 BIRDS OF CHAUTAUQUA COUNTY.

ffirdndo erythroyastra, The Barn Swallow is also very common.
Its nest is always inside and usually attached to a beam or rafter of
a barn or similar structure.

Tachj/ineta bicolor, The White-bellied Swallow is not common ex-
cept locally. It nests in bird-boxes like the Martin.

Cotyle riparia, The Bank Swallow, Ground Swallow or Sand Mar-
tin is not uncommon. Its nest is placed in a hole several feet in
length, excavated by the bird, in a bank of fresh earth, usually the
bank of a creek. The swallows all arrive about the middle of 'April
or a, little later.

Pyrangu rubra, The Scarlet Tanager, about the size of the blue-
bird, is perhaps our most brilliant forest bird. It is bright scarlet ex-
cept the wings and tail, which are black. It arrives early in May
and is a summer resident, but not very common.

The Fringittidae, or Finches, are a large and interesting family.
They may be distinguished by their thick, strong bills. Nearly all
of them are singers of greater or less ability, and many of them are
among our most delightful vocalists. They are mostly birds of the
field, rather than of the forest. As a rule they are plainly colored;
yet there are marked exceptions. I have made the acquaintance of
seventeen of them, as follows:

Carpodacns piirpurens, The Purple Finch, or Sin net, has a very
vigorously warbled song, which it sometimes pours forth almost un-
ceasingly for hours. It is common, arriving from the South in
March.

A*tragalirnt£ tristis, The American Goldfinch, Yellow-bird or

Thistle-bird, though not much given to rendering it, has a beautfnl
song. Even his most ordinary notes have a sweetness and apparent
good nature that cannot fail to make him a favorite. It usually ap-
pears in April in small numbers, though there is little certainty
about the time of its coming. It sometimes remains nearly all win-
ter. Although an early arrival, it does not build its nest till several
weeks later in the season than other birds. As the reason of this,
it has been suggested, that they wait for the thistle sweds, which
largely form the diet of the young birds.

PlectropJianes nivalis. The Snow Bunting, is a not very common
winter visitor.

Passcrcultis smidirichcnw'ft Savanna, The Savanna Sparrow is u
rarely noticed though not uncommon species. With several other
plainly dressed little birds it is carelessly called "Ground Bird" by the
inattentive observer.

BIRDS OF CHAUTAUQUA COUNTY. 9

Poocaetes gramincus, The Grass Finch, Bay-winged Bunting or
Vesper bird is the little gray bird that is seen upon the fences or run-
ning along in the dust of a country road, and may be recognized by
the lateral white tail feathers that are seen when it flies. Its song is
remarkably clear and may be heard a long distance. It is common,
arriving about the first of April.

Zonotrickih Icucophryx, The White-crowned Sparrow, is common
about the first of May and in October.

Z. albicollis, The White-throated Sparrow, like the White-crowned,
is a large, strong bird, and is commonly seen in company with the
latter during migrations.

Spizdla Montana, The Tree Sparrow may be frequently seen in
the early and latter parts of winter.

S. domestica, The Chipping Sparrow, a well known visitor of the
doorstep arrives early in April and is a common resident.

S. pusilla, The Field Sparrow in appearance is scarcely disting-
uishable from the last species, though it differs widely in habits and
song. A common resident, reaching this locality early in May.

Junco hycmalix, The Snowbird, is white beneath, upper parts in-
eluding breast dark slate color, and has several white tail feather?.
It is a summer resident, though most common early and late in win-
ter.

Melospiza faxciatd, The Song Sparrow, perhaps better known by
the humbler appelation of "Ground Bird," has nothing very attract-
ive in its appearance, yet is not without fame as a musician,. Its
song is first heard about the middle of March, and next after those of
the Robin and Bluebird. One of our most common birds.

Passerella iliaca, The Fox-colored Sparrow is a rather rare mi-
grant.

Pipilo erytfiroplithalnius, The Chewink or Fowler is a quite com-
mon summer resident, making its appearance about the second week
of May.

Zccmelodia hidovicictna, The Rose-breasted Grosbeak is a very
handsome bird, dressed in black and white, with a rose- red breast;
slightly smaller than the robin. It is a fine singer. Its song bears
some resemblance to the Robin's, and might possibly be mistaken for
itjthough the Grosbeak's is much the richer. It is not an uncommon
inhabitant of our woods and groves, and it sometimes visits the shade
•trees of the villages. It is first seen about the second week of May.

Passcrina cyauc-a, The Indigo Bird or Bunting, is found on the
outskirts of the woods and among the bushes of the pasture lands.
It need not be confounded with the bluebird, for it is not larger than

10 BIRDS OF CHAUTAUQUA COUNTY.

the Goldfinch and nearly its entire plumage is dark blue. It ar-
rives about the second week of May and is common.

Passer domesticus, The English Sparrow, is one of the very few
European species that have been successfully introduced into this
country. Indeed, it is now thought that this enterprising little for-
eigner has attained more than his share of success, and like the Chi-
naman he is no longer a welcome citizen. I am unable to say when
this bird first took up its residence in ChauUuqua county. It was
first seen in Sinclairville in 1879. It is hardly necessary to say that
the Sparrow is a perennial resident and very abundant.

We have eight members of the Starling family:

Dolichonyx oryzivorus, The Bobolink appears about the first week
of May and is common. His dress of black and white is exchanged
about the first of August for one of yellowish brown, after which the
noisy, good natured Bobolink becomes a silent, restless Reedbird or
Ricebird, and his best friend scarcely knows him.

Molothrus ater, The Cowbird, so named from its seeking the so-
ciety of cattle, is not uncommon. It is about the size of the Bluebird,
its body dusky and head glossy brown. It never builds a nest, but is
noted for the scandalous practice of depositing its eggs in the nests
of other birds.

Agelaius phoeniceus, The Red-winged Black-bird, is a common
resident, appearing about the middle of March.

Sturnellamagua, The Meadow Lark is a common resident during
summer, and is occasionally seen in mid- winter.

Icterus spurius, The Orchard Oriole is rare.

/. galbula, The Baltimore Oriole, attired in orange and black, is a
very noticeable bird. Its voice is loud and piping, and its song
varies with the season. It is remarkable for architectural skill, build-
ing a very ingenious pensile nest. It is common in summer, coming
early in May.

Scolecophagus ferruginens, The Rusty Blackbird, is a migrant,
with us about the first of April.

Quiscalus purpureus, The Purple Grakle or Crow Blackbird, is a
common resident, arriving in March,

Corvm frugivorus, The Crow is common, during summer and re-
mains with us during mild winters.

Cyanocitta cristata, The Blue Jay is common in localities through-
out the year.

Kremophila alpestris, The Shore Lark is occasionally found at all
seasons, but is not common.

BIRDS OF CHAUTAUQUA COUNTY. II

Tyrannm (Jarolinemis, The Kingbird, arrives about the first of
May, and is common during summer.

Myiarchus crinitns, The Great Crested Flycatcher, is a not very
common resident.

Sayornis fuscus, The Phoebe Bird appears early in April, and is
a common resident.

Oontopu* virens. The Wood Pewee, is a common summer resident,
reaching tins country in April.

Empidonax acadicns, The Acadian Fly catcher is rare.

E. minimus, The Least Flycatcher or Chebec is common during
summer, arriving about the first of May.

Trochilus colul/ris, The Ruby-throated Hummingbird, is first seen
about the second week of May and is common in summer.

Chaetura pdasgica, The Chimney Swift, or Swallow, appears in
the latter part of April, and is common till October. It is tireless on
the wing and never alights except in chimneys or other dark reces-
ses and in such its nest is placed.

Caprimulqus vociferous, The Whip-poor-will is rare.

Chordeilcs Popetue, The Night hawk, comes from the south in
May and is not uncommon during summer. The}7 may be seen in
large numbers about the first of September.

The Woodpeckers form a strongly marked group, all bearing a
resemblance to each other in appearance and habits. Their plum-
age as a rule presents bright colors; their voices are harsh and un-
musical. The nests are ajways placed in holes excavated by the
birds in trees. We have at least eight species.

Picux vittosm, The Hairy Woodpecker, is with us throughout the
year; not uncommon.

P. pubescens. The Downy Woodpecker, is almost exactly like the
last, except in size, being smaller; and is also more or less common
during the entire year, though perhaps more noticeable in winter.

P. arcticm, The Black-backed Three-toed Woodpecker is a rare
winter visitor. I took my first and only specimen on the 29th day
of last December.

tfphyrapicus vari-us, The Yellow-bellied Woodpecker is a regular
spring and autumn visitor, to be found in April and October.

IfylatomuA pilatus, The Pileated Woodpecker, or Log Cock, is the
largest of the family, nearly equaling the crow in size, is always to
be found in spring and fall, and sometimes spends the summer in
(his region.

Cent art is Qirol-inufi, The Yellow-bellied Woodpecker, is a not com-
mon migrant.

12 BIRDS OF CHAUTAUQUA COUNTY.

Melanerpcs crythrocephalus, The Red -headed Woodpecker, a very
beautiful and common species, is to be found throughout the year.

Colaptes auratus, The Golden-Wing Woodpecker, FlickeV, Yel-
lowha miner or High-hole, is probably the handsomest and most
abundant of the tribe. It is a summer resident only, arriving early
in April.

Ceryle alcyon, The Belted Kingfisher is common about lakes and
watercourses. It is most numerous in summer but is frequently
seen in the severest winter weather.

Coccygus eryihropliihalmus, The Black-billed Cuckoo comes from
the south about the middle of May, and is quite common during
summer.

Strix nebulosa, The barred Owl is not very common.

Scops asio, The Screech Owl, is not uncommon.

Riibo Virginianus, The Great Horned Owl is not very common.

Nyctea scandiaca, The Snowy Owl is seen only occasionally in
winter.

Falco peregrinus naevius, The Peregrine Falcon or Duck Hawk,
is rare.

Aesalon columbarius, The Pigeon Hawk, is rare.

Tinnunculus sparverivs, The Sparrow Hawk is common in cer-
tain localities during summer. It seems to have a preference for
particular fields or nesting places and resides there regularly every
season for years. This beautiful little hawk is the smallest of the
family, and the only one whose plumage is at all gaudy.

Circus Hudsouws, The Maish Hawk, or Harrier, is a rare sum-
mer resident.

Accipiter cooperi, The Cooper's Hawk is not common.

A.fuscus, The Sharp-shinned Hawk, is not uncommon.

Buteo borealis, The Ked-tailed Hawk, or Hen Hawk, with the
next species, is a very powerful bird. It is not rare as a resident
during summer.

B. lineatus, The Red-shouldered Hawk, resembles the preceding
species in size and habits, and is also quite common.

B. Pennsyhmnicus, The Broad-winged Hawk is rare.

Jfaliaelus, leucoceplialus, The Bald Eagle or Gray Eagle is not
uncommon about Chautauqua lake during its migrations.

Kdopistes migrator ia, The Passenger Pigeon, was formerly very
numerous in this region, but is now not common.

Zenaldiira Carolinenxix, The Mourning Dove or Turtle Dove is
frequently a summer resident in certain localities.

Bonasa umbellus, The Ruffled Grouse or Partridge is not migra-
tory and is more or less common throughout the county.

I have not been able to make extensive investigations concern-
ing the wading birds, but will mention such as I have met with.

BIRDS OF CHAUTAUQUA COUNTY. 13

Ardean erodias, The Great Blue Heron, is not uncommon. It ar-
rives about the first of April and remains sometimes till December.
By many persons it is mistaken for the sandhill crane, which it
much resembles in appearance. I have never seen the crane.

Butorides virescens, The Green Heron, is common about Chau-
tauqua Lake during summer.

Botaurus lentiginosus, The American Bittern, is not very com-
mon. I have met with it most frequently in Spring and fall.

Squatarola helvetica, The Black-bellied Plover, is rare.

Charadrius dominicus, The Golden plover is rarely seen in the
central part of the County.

Oxyechus vociferous, The Kill-deer Plover, a very handsome
bird, is common in localities, during summer. It reaches this lati-
tude usually in April.

Philohela minor, The Woodcock, a well known favorite of the
sportsmen, is not uncommon. It is, however, more numerous some
seasons than others.

. Gallinago media wilsoni, The Wilson's Snipe also stands high in
the estimation of the sportsmen, and is more or less common in
April and October.

Totanus meanolcucus, The Greater Yellow-legs, is rare.

T. Flavipes, The Yellow-legs is not common.

Pehyacophilus solitaries, The Solitary Sandpiper is rare.

Tringoidcs •macularlus, The Spotted Sandpiper, known as " Tip-
up," "Teeter-tail," etc., is common about all water-courses, appearing
in April.

Rallus Virqinianus, The Virginia Hail is frequently seen in ear-
ly fall.

Porzana Carolina, The Sora Rail occurs like the last, though per-
haps more numerously.

Fulica Americana, The Coot is not very common.

The swimmers, with one or two exceptions, are to be found in
this region only during their migrations in spring and autumn.
Then they are more or less common on all our lakes and streams.
It is difficult to ascertain correctly the relative abundance of the dif-
ferent species. I will give simply the result of my experience.

Olor Americanus, The American Swan, is rare.

Bernicla canadensis, The Canada Goose is not uncommon.

Auas Boschas, The Mallard is quite common^ I have sometimes
seen it in winter.

Auas Obscura, The Dusky, or Black Duck, is also quite com-
mon and is frequently seen throughout the winter, wherever there
is open water to be found.

Dafila acuta, The Pintail is not very common.

14 BIRDS OF CliAUTAUQUA COUNTY.

Mereca penelope, The Widgeon is not uncommon.

Querquedula discors, The Blue-winged Teal is quite common.

Nettion carolinensis, The Green-winged Teal is not uncommon.

Aix sponsa, The Wood Duck, a .very beautiful bird, is quite com-
mon in spring and fall and to some extent throughout the summer.

Ftdix marila, The Scaup Duck, or Bluebill, is not uncommon.

F. affinis, The Little Black-head, or Little Bluebill, is not very
common.

Aethyia Americana, The Red-head is common.

Clangula glancium Americana, The Golden-eye or Whistler, j is
common.

C. Albeola, The Butter-ball, or Buffle head, is common.

Harelda glaiolis, The Long Tailed Duck, Old Squaw or Cow-
een, is not very common.

Melanetta fusca, The Velvet Scoter, is not very common.

Erismatura rubida, The Ruddy Duck, is not uncommon

Mergus merganser Americanus, The Merganser or Shell-drake, is
quite common during winter about streams where the current keeps
the water from freezing.

Sophodytes cucidlatus, The Hooded Merganser, is common.

Laurinus marinus, The Great Black-backed Gull, is rare. I
have seen it only on Lake Erie.

L. argantatus, The Herring Gull, is not uncommon.

L. Philadelphia, The Bonaparte's Gull, is the smallest and most
common gull.

Podilymbus podiceps, The Thick-billed Grebe, or dipper, is com-
mon.

Colymbus torquatus, The Loon, is not very common.

With the encroachments of civilizations upon the forests, doubt-
less some species of birds have diminished in numbers, and some
disappeared altogether, while many others have increased in abund-
ance. This is a very interesting subject for investigation, but owing
to the want of an accurate knowledge of the birds by the average ob-
server,— the same with the early settlers as at the present day — it is
difficult, in many cases, to obtain reliable data. An acquaintance '
with the influences which govern the distribution of the birds is,
perhaps, more useful in solving these problems.

However, I am reliably informed that the Quail, (Ortyx Virgin-
anus,} was formerly to be found in this county and was not entirely
extinct until a quite recent date. The wild Field Turkey, (Meleagris
gallopavo Americana,) was also occasionally met with by the early in-
habitants, but I am inclined to think was never very common.

TECS BOOK IS DUE ON THE LAST DATE
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WILL BE ASSESSED FOR FAILURE TO RETURN
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OVERDUE.

LD 21-100m-7,'40 (6936s)

Pamphlet

Binder
Gaylord Bros.. Inc.

St-ckton, Calif.
T. M. Reg. U.S. Pat. Off.

M144779

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