f /• I / The Birds of Ohio THE BIRDS OF OHIO A COMPLETE, SCIENTIFIC AND POPULAR DESCRIPTION OF THE 320 SPECIES OF BIRDS FOUND IN THE STATE WILLIAM LEON DAWSON, A.M., B. D. WITH INTRODUCTION AND ANALYTICAL KEYS BY LYNDS JONES, M. Sc. INSTRUCTOR IN ZOOLOGY IN OBERLIN COLLEGE. ILLUSTRATED BY So PLATES IN COLOR-PHOTOGRAPHY,, AND MORE THAN 200 ORIGINAL HALF-TONES, SHOWING THE FAVORITE HAUNTS OF THE BIRDS, FLOCKING, FEEDING, NESTING, ETC., FROM PHOTO- GRAPHS TAKEN BY THE AUTHOR AND OTHERS. SOLD ONLY BY SUBSCRIPTION COLUMBUS THE WHEATON PUBLISHING CO. 1903 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED Q Copyright 1902 BV The Wheaton Pi hi ishing Co. Half-tone work by The Bui 1 r, l.v The NV llinditic 1 y Tin- Kuggles Gale Cn. To my first-born son, who is already approving himself in a fond father 'j eyes as A YOUNG ORNITHOLOGIST This book is affectionately dedicated. TABLE OF CONTENTS. PACK. Introduction by Lands Jones xi Preface xiii List of Colored Plates xvii Topography of a Bird xxii Analytical Keys xxiii Table of Comparisons xlvii Descriptions of the 3.20 species of Birds known to occur in Ohio. i Appendix A, Hypothetical List 641 Appendix B, Conjectural List 645 Appendix C, Check-list and Migration Tables 647 Tndex 661 INTRODUCTION. General appreciation of the birds, their beauty, the charm uf their songs, their joyous lives, and their usefulness, is one of the most significant signs of the times. It indicates that as a people we are coming into our own. We are living a life beyond the merely commercial. We are looking out upon a larger world' lifted to a higher plane. Americans have always excelled in strength and push and general initiative where material things are concerned. but we have been ton busy developing ourselves to see about us the beautiful and pleasing in nature. The grand, indeed, has always appealed to us. Now we begin to have leisure for the graceful and the subtle. We are broadening our lives by closer touch with that which appeals to the higher instincts which have been allowed to remain dormant. It is natural and fitting that birds should appeal most strongly to an American, because they posses- that vigor and tireless energy which he recognizes in himself. The birds live a; white heat and are never idle. They typify American energy. The study of birds necessaril) takes one out of doors. Our medical ad- visers are always prescribing more outdoor exercise: lint without any other object than getting into the fresh air exercise is pretty stupid. Give one the zest of finding new things which must be searched for, something which re- quires going after, and the necessity for exercise is forgotten in the interest aroused by the ever receding bird. Enlist a child in bird study and the pn iblem ■ if most serious importance to the parent, how to properly guard the developing life and keep it away from evil influences, becomes greatly simplified. A boj cannol he very had, nor stay bad. if he has a genuine interest in birds. They keep his mind occupied and direct his energies into healthful channels. Life never falls to a dead level to him who knows and loves the birds. Old age, as we are wont to regard it, will never touch him. for he will not wish to live in the past, but continue his interest in the present which will always be fresh and filled with new things to learn. The study of birds does not require any unusual leisure. Many business men whose business demands practically their whole time and attention are ardent lovers of the birds, and find the few moments of bird study each day valuable to them in their hours of business. They are able to plan their few- short vacations so they will count for the most. There is no haphazard effort to get the nmst rest in the shortest time, requiring mure effort to execute the plan than the rest is worth, but the calm assurance that they are certainh b > find what they wish for. No one. no matter how busy, need think that for him bird study is impossible, because some birds may be seen from any window. Attention is the only requisite. .Most present day bird students began their study during their period of least leisure. This 1 k is offered as a help in enlisting and developing your interest in our native birds. The author has always loved birds, and has spent many years in Ohio with the birds at all seasons and in many places. By education and training he is fitted to express here that intense love and appreciation which has been characteristic of his study during all of the ten years of our fellowship as bird lovers. The many happy days and weeks of our association in field work have served only to deepen my conviction that there are few per- sons whose sympathetic appreciation and careful training" could better lit them for the task of revealing the birds to those who wish to know them. Study in Ohio for a considerable term of years, supplemented by study of the same and other birds in many places outside of the State has given to the author of this book unusual knowledge and equipment for the task. College and Theo- logical training also count much for accuracy of knowledge and facility of expression. The State of Presidents is also the State of varied bird life. With Lake Erie at one end and the Ohio River, a main tributary of the great Mississippi. at the other, midway between the extreme east and the middle west, Ohio is favorably situated for varied bird life, and for comparative ease in the study of that life. The once almost continuous forests are rapidly disappearing, and with them some of our birds, hut there is a compensation in the appearance of many others which do not live in the forests. We are now passing thn ugh a transition period from the original conditions before the advent of the domi- nant race to the modified conditions which he has made necessary. The rising generation will see more changes in the birds of our state than we have or will see. The birds will not disappear so long as there is the keen interest shown in them which we see dawning to-day. Their friendship and trust are worthy of any effort which we may put forth. LYNDS JONES. Oberlin, Ohio. PREFACE. if any doubt existed in the mind of the author at the inception of his task, that the people of Ohio would welcome a book on the birds of the state, that doubt has quite vanished before the words of encouragement and appro- bation which have already come in, not only from nature-students but from prominent educators and men of affairs. The love of out-of-doors is a grow- ing' passion in the hearts of our people, and the willingness on the part of all classes to sit at Nature's feet is a most hopeful sign of the times. Nature in all her aspects is richly vocal to her true disciples, but at no time does she speak more clearly and sweetly, and in language which may be "understanded of the people," than in the voices of the birds. It is with a sense of privi- lege, therefore, that the author has recorded his observations and impressions of bird-life in this state, and has set forth in orderly fashion a brief sum- mary of our knowledge of our feathered friends. To quicken interest in the birds, to facilitate recognition of their features and observation of their habits and to raise for them, if possible, an army of well-wishers — on the theory that all who really know must love them — has been the author's purpose. Of its accomplishment the future must judge. A fully illustrated book on the birds of a single state is in a measure a new departure, but the perfection of modern methods, especially that of the three-color process, fortunately makes it possible. With four excep- tions, the half-tone cuts in this book are from photographs taken in Ohio, chiefly during the season of 1903. While the aim has been to secure in the pictures both the educational and the artistic interest, the latter has of necessity been occasionally sacrificed. The treatment of each bird includes both a technical description, of plumage, etc.. and a popular account of its habits in Ohio. In the limits prescribed it has at no time been possible to accord any bird the dignity of a genuine life-history, and the sketches as written are by no means exhaus- tive. In the scientific treatment also it was deemed best not to attempt the elaboration of points in structural ornithology, such as may be found in am standard manual, but to utilize the space thus saved for a more careful analysis of plumage, in so far as local material was available. The plumage descrip- tions and measurements are based almost entirely upon a first-hand study of the Ohio State University collections, and these are nearly complete as to Ohio species. Where specimens or data were lacking, I have been under obligation to Ridgway's Manual1, Coues' Key2, Chapman's Handbook3, and other treatises. The scope of this book, it is almost needless to say, is strictly ( (hioan. The birds as described are as any one in Ohio might see them. Something may' indeed, be said from time to time as to the bird's behavior in its distant summer or winter home, but our interest centers upon the bird as it appears in this state. The proportionate treatment, therefore, which each one re ceives, is prescribed by its relative familiarity or importance within our limit-. Common birds are not dismissed with a word because they are common, nor rare ones dilated upon at great length because they are rare, but the effort has been rather to give each bird the place which it actually holds in the average scheme of interest. The order of treatment is substantially the opposite of the one nov followed by the American Ornithologists' Union, and is justifiable princi- pally on the ground that it follows a certain order of interest and convenience. Beginning, as it does, with the supposedly highest forms of bird-life, it brings to the fore the most familiar bird-, and avoids that rude juxtaposition of the lowest form of one group and the highest of the one above it. which is the o nfessed weakness of the A. O. U. code. The summaries under the caption "General Range" are chiefly those furnished by the Second Edition of the A. O. U. Check-list, modified by such mi re recent informatii h as has come to hand. While the author's point of view has been that of a bird-lover, some things here recorded may seem inconsistent with the claim of that title. The fact is that none of us are quite consistent in our attitude toward the bird- world. The interests of sport and the interests of science must sometimes come into conflict with those of sentiment; and if one confesses allegiance to all three at once he will inevitably appear to the partisans of either in a had light. However, a real principal of unit}- is found when we come to regard the bird's value to society. The question then becomes, not. Is this bird worth more to me in my collection or upon my plate than as a living actor in the drama of life? hut. In what capacity can this bird best serve the interests , f mankind? There can be no doubt that the answer to the latter question is usually and increasingly, As a living bird. We have stuffed sped mens enough, nearly; onh a limited few of us are fitted to enjoy the pleasures of the chase, and the objects of our passion are about gone anyway; but never while the hearts of men are set on peace, and the minds of men are alert to receive the impression of the Infinite, will there be too many birds to speak to eye and ear. and to minister to the hidden things of the spirit. 1 A Manual of North American Birds, by Robert Ridgway. Fourth Edition. Philadelphia: 7. B. Lippincott Company. 1' Key to North American Birds, hv Elliott Cones, A.M., M.I)., l'h.l). Fourth Edition. Boston: l->tes and I auriat. 1. by Frank M. Chapman. Sixth Edition. New York: The birds belong to the people, not to a clique or a coterie, but to all the people as heirs and stewards of the good things of God. As to the manner of treatment I need not speak further, save to -a\ that the recent publication of Jones' catalogue of the Birds of Ohio1, excuses me from the necessity of making a precise or complete enumeration of the records of any bird's occurrence — altho as matter of interest I have done so in a tew cases. The reader is referred also to Mr. Jones' excellent list fur a in. ire particular account of the distribution of each species throughout the state, and for information as to food habits, not extensively given in this volume. To mention all the books which have been of service in the preparation of this one would be to give a catalogue of the author's 'library, supplemented by tlmse of friends — evidently an uncalled-fur task. A few of the principal works, however, require to be mentioned. The published results of Dr. J. M. \\'heat< hi'- work2 have been largely assumed in this bunk, or used as a basis of comparison and point of departure. Without his painstaking fidelity many state records would have been lost to sight, and we are all under the deepest obligation to him for a wealth of accumulated material well arranged. Dr. Howard Jones generously placed the contents of his monumental work on the Xests and Eggs of Ohio Birds3 at our disposal, and we only regret that the limits of this volume forbade our drawing more largely upon its treasures. Mr. Oliver Davie's "Nests and Eggs of North American Birds" (Fifth Edition) has been consulted, and its pages furnish several records for Ohio. Besides these. Ohio pamphlets and local lists too numerous to mention have contributed their share to the result. Of the catalogues and lists published in adjacent states that of Prof. Amos W. Butler on the "Birds of Indiana" has proved most valuable, both because of the similarity which exists between Ohio and her sister on the west, and for the unusually abundant data which Prof. Butler's enthusiastic labors have provided. Others which deserve mention are Mcllwraith's "Birds of Ontario"; Ridgway and Forbes' Ornithology of Illinois"; A. I. Cook's "Birds of Michigan" and Warren's "Birds of Pennsylvania." Of general works the compendious volumes of Baird, Brewer, and Ridg- way, entitled "The Birds of North America", have been most frequently consulted. The first two volumes of Robert Ridgway's "Birds of North and Middle America" have been at hand, and these easily surpass all other purely technical works in importance. Chapman's "Handbook of the Birds State Academy of Science, Special Papers No. 6. The Birds of Ohio, A Revised Catalogue, by Lynd: i Jones, M. Fc. Oct. 15, 1903, PP -41- As embodied h 1 his "Re port on the Birds of Ollio". appiarmg in Vol. IV of the State Geological y, pp 187-628. A lin lited number of the Authc ir's separates still e: cist, and may be had of the Wheaton Publi 3 "Illustrations c .f the Ne sts and Eggs of the Birds 0 E Ohio." : Published at Circleville in 24 parts: Eleph ant folio: Hai i.J-co. I [orned Lark ( ( )tocoris alpestris) ■ [99 21. Olive-backed Thrush ( Hylocichla ustulata szvainsonii) 217 22. Bluebird ( Sialia sialis ) 227 23. Golden-crowned Kinglet | Regulus satrapa ) 232 24. Blue-gray Gnatcatcher ( Polioptila ccerulea ) 235 25. Tufted Titmouse (Bceolophus bicolor ) 242 26. Carolina Chickadee ( Pams carolinensis) 247 27. Brown Creeper ( Certhia familiaris americanus) 251 28. Brown Thrasher [Toxostoma rufum ) 257 29. Carolina Wren ( Thryothorus ludovicianus ) 259 30. Long-billed Marsh Wren ( Telmatodytes palustris) 269 31. Barn Swallow ( Hirundo erythogaster) 276 32. Bohemian Waxwing ( Ampelis gamdus) 284 33. Loggerhead Shrike ( Lanius ludovicianus ) 289 34. Blue-headed Vireo ( / 'ireo solitarius ) 302 35. Phoebe ( Sayomis phcebe ) 314 36. Ruby-throated Hummingbird | Trochilus colubris) 334 37. Chimney Swift ( Chcetura pelagica) 336 38. Downy Woodpecker (Dryobates pubescens medianus) 345 39. Red-belliEd Woodpecker ( Centurus carolinus ) i^y 40. Northern Flicker ( Colaptes auratus luteus) 359 41. Yellow-billed Cuckoo (Coccyzus americanus) 365 42. American Barn Owl ( Strix pratincola) '. 371 43. S wy-whet Owl 1 Nyctala acadica) 381 44. Great Horned ( >\vi. | Bubo virginianus ) 384 XIX. PAGE 45. American Sparrow Hawk ( Falco sparverius) 391 46. Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo borealis) 4°3 47. American Rough-legged Hawk (Archibuteo lagopus sancti- johannis ) 410 48. Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura) 419 49. Passenger Pigeon I Bctopistes migratorius) 425 50. Wild Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo silvestris) 431 51. Ruffed Grouse ( Bonasa umbellus ) 433 52. Prairie Hen (Tympanuchus americanus) 435 53. Bob-white (Colinus virginianus) 437 54. Sora (Porzana Carolina) 449 55. Purple Gallinule (Ionornis martinica) 452 56. American Coot ( Fulica americana) i;v 57. American Bittern (Botaurus lentiginosus) 463 58. Snowy Heron ( Egret ta candidissima) 472 59. American Golden Plover ( Charadrius dominicus) 4uck I . lix sponsa ) 599 75. C \xyas-i;ack ( . lythya vallisneria ) 603 76. American Golden-Eye (Clangula americana) 608 Ruddy Duck i Erismatura jamaicensis) 618 78. Red-breasted Merganser (Merganser serrator) 621 -<). American White Pelican (Pelicanus erythrorhynchos) 626 So. Loon (Gavia imber) 635 ANALYTICAL KEYS BY LYNDS JONES, M. Sc. HOW TO USE THE KEYS. While these keys are made for the purpose of identifying any bird in the hand, the}- are not intended to give more than the barest information about the bird. You should at once turn to the description of the bird whose name you have found by means of the keys, and read what may be found there be- fore remaining content. Often an unsatisfactory identification by the keys will give you the clue so that you can turn to the body of the book and there make sure of your bird. The keys, then, are but a means to an end. They are merely for rapid determination, not for any other particular information. There are three separate keys, h'irst of all, a Key to the Orders; next a Ke\ to the Families under each order: and lastly a Key to the Species under each family. You should always begin with the Key to the Orders to get your bird in the right group. Having found the order to which it belongs turn to the Key to the Families, find the order there by the number which pre- cedes it in the Key to the Orders, and determine to what family it belongs. In like manner turn to the Key to the Species given under each family and there determine the species. The families are numbered in i, 2, 3, order under each order, but the species are given the number which they bear in the body of the book. While the orders are not serially arranged in the Key to the Orders, they are arranged in 1, 2, 3, order in the Key to the Families. Likewise, while the species are not serially arranged in the Key to the Species the)' are so ar- ranged in the body of the 1 k. It is important that you should know how to use the keys unless yon are already familiar with most of the birds described in this book. At first sight they may seem confused, but after a little practice in the use of them they will prove very simple. Let us suppose that you now have a bird in hand which you wish to identify. Suppose it is a Green Heron. In the Key to the Orders, "I." calls for a bird with webbed or lobed feet; your bird has neither webs nor lobes, so you must turn to the contrasting character which will be under "II," which so far describes your bird. Next is "A. Legs and Neck Ion- and slender." That is true of your bird. Then the next is "1. Lores (region be- tween the eye and bill bare." Your bird has bare lores, so it must be one of the Herodiones, Order 6. Turn now to Order 6 in the Key t< 1 the Families. Here the first is "I. Bill straight and sharp." That is right for your bird. Your bird belongs to Family 1, Ardeidae. Turn now to the Key to the Species and find Order 6, and Family 1 under it. The first here is also "I. Wing less than 6.00." Your bird's wing measures more than 6 inches, so try "II. Wing about 7.25." You find that it is nearer that length than the others given, so conclude that your bird is a Green Heron, number 213 in the book. Turn to that number and prove it by the minute description given there. Any other case would work out on the same principle. xxiii. KEY TO THE ORDERS. I. Feet with webs or lobes. A. Feet with webs. i. Webs extending to the base of the toe-nails. a. Legs far back near the tail; tail short or wanting. b. Legs near the middle of the body; tail well developed, (i). Hind toe connected to the front one by a web. (2). Hind toe, when present, free and opposed to the front ones. (a). Nostrils opening through tubes, (b). Nostrils not opening through tubes. (a1). Bill with tooth-like protections along its sides. (a2) End half of bill bent abruptly down; legs and neck very long and slender. (Not found in ( >hio. ) ( ]>-' 1. Only tip of bill bent down ; legs not very long. 13 ilJ 1 Bill withoul tooth-like projections; wing: lung. _ 12 2. W bs nol extending to the base of the toe-nails. 11 B. Feet with lobes on the sides of the toes. 1. Legs far back; tail wanting. (Grebes). 16 2. Legs near the middle of the body: tail well developed. a. Forehead with a bare shield. (Coot, white) (Galli- nule, red >. 9 b. Forehead without a bare shield : bill long and slender. 1 1 II. Feet with neither webs nor lobes. 0. I'M '.ol ES. 4. STKC.ANOPODES. 5. TUBINARES. ODONTOGLOSSyE. ANSERES. LONGIPEXXES. U VIICOLjE. I'YoomnES. PALUDIOH..L. I.IMICOL/E. . Legs and neck long and slender. 1. Lores bare. 10 2. Lores not bare. a. Toes four. (Cranes. 1 9 b. Toes three. ( Plovers, etc. ) 11 Legs and neck not decidedly long and slender. 1. Feet very large, toes long and slender ; wings moderate. 9 2. Feet and toes moderate. a. Lower part of tibia bare. 1 1 b. Lower part of tibia feathered. (1). Hind toe short, elevated above the front ones. 8 (2). Hind toe, when present, on the same level as the front toe-. (a). Nostrils opening beneath a soft, fleshy brane. (b). Bill without a soft, fleshy membrane. 1 a1 ). Bill with a tough cere at its base. (a2). 3 Iocs in front, one behind. 6. (Ii-) _> toes in front, 2 behind. 5 (1)1). Bill without a cere. la-). 2 toes in front and 2 behind, or 2 in froi and I behind. Ca3) Tail feathers stiff and pointed. 3 ]/■>!. Tail feathers not stiff. 4 1 1,-' 1. 3 toes in front, one behind. i.i'i Middle and outer toes joined for half their length. (b3). Middle and outer toes not joined. fa4"). Feet and bill very small and weak. mouth large. (Mi, Bill long and very slender. (Hum- mingbirds) . (c4). Characters various, but not combined as above. II Ri .1 )K INES. i'\i.rnioi]..K. LIMICi IL PALI \nCOLM. l.l\IK'i)I..L. CAI.I.IX.F. 7. COLUMB^E. RAPTORES. PSITTACI. PICI. COCCYGES. 4. O iCCYGES 2. M U'KOCHIRES. 2. MACROCHIRES. 1. P iiSSERES. KEY TO THE FAMILIES. Order i. PASSERES. Perching Birds of all our Ohio birds belong to this order, li About three-fot Crow and Raven to the Kinglets, which are scarcely more than four most of the habits met in the other orders and introduce some new ones. All c ■ mini are theirs. In song they excel all other birds, but some members of the Oscim no song. It is impossible to characterize the group, yet it is a group the members readily distinguished from till others. One soon instinctively recogni es anj acquaintance. I. Hack of tarsus rounded like the front. A. Bill flattened, hooked at tip. 17. TyrannidaE. Flyi \.i B. Bill rounded, not hooked. 6. Alaudidae. Larks. ing and pointed. i oderate. ■shaped. its base parting the feathers Back of tarsus sharp. . Bill hooked at the tin. 1. Large, over 8.50 inches long. 15. 2. Small, under 6.50 inches long. 16. 3. With a distinct crest; tail tipped with yellow. 14. . Bill not hooked at tip. 1. With only 9 primarie a. Bill very short, wine b. \\ ings ui' iderate, bil (i). Bill straight, ci (a). Bill ,! ,t n cl of the forehe (In. Bill notched, not parting feathers of forehead, ta1). Nostrils concealed by feathers. 3. (li1). Nostrils exposed. 4. (2). Hill slender, not cone-shaped. (a). Hind claw long and straightened. 7. <1>). Hind claw nor lengthened. 5. 2. With to primaries. 1. Upper part of tarsus not divided inti 1 1 I Wing more than 3.50. 8. I J 1. Wing le-s than 2.50. 9. 1). Whole tardus divided into scales. (11. Tail feathers stiff, oointed at tip. 11. I j). Tail feathers normal. 1 1 1 Nostrils covered by stiff bristly feather-. 1 lb). N". -nils without bristly tufts. (a1). First primary about half as long as the longest one. 12. (Mi. First primary about a third as long 1 the longest one. to. Laniidae. Shrikes. VlREONIDAE. VlKEOS. Ampelidae. \Ya.\u IMS 3. HlRUI 2. [CTERIDAE. BLACKBIRDS; ORIOLES, ETC. 3. Fiji v \i Sp VRROW s. ETC. 4. Tanagridae. T \ - MOTACILLIDAE. PlPITS. MnIOTILTIDA] \\ OOD \\ ARBLERS. Turdidae. Thrushes, etc Svi.VIII'Ai:. Kinglets, Gnatcatcher. Certhhdae. Cri Corvidae. Crows, Jays. Tr glodytidae. Wrens, Thrashers. ETC. Paridae. Titmice, Nuthatches. ( Irder At a glance thi MACROCHIRES. Goatsuckers, Swifts. Hummingbirds. diverse group, but the Swifts, Nighthawks and Whippoorwills are much in external appearances and in food habits lill, and a large mouth. The Hummingbil nd small mouth Wing about 5.00. Wing under 2.00. They have long and pointed wings, weak feet differ in having a long and extremely -lend. 3. Caprimulgidae. Whippoorwill, NlGHTHAWK. 2. MlCROPODIDAE. Su II 1 - i. Tkichii.idai:. Hummingbirds. Order 3. PICI. Woodpeckers. The Woodpeckers all belong to one family. PicidaE. Their chisel-like bills and stiff, pointed tail feathers, and their habit of clinging in an upright position to tree trunks are characteristic. They feed upon insects, ripe fruit and the sap of tree-, and sometimes acorns and nuts. The two ;ubon 00s eal caterpillars The Cuckoos are v soberly colored, the Order 4. COCCYGES. Cuckoos, Kingfisher. s in common. The Cuck- ily other aquatic animals, water. The Cuckoos are I. Toes 2 in front and 2 behind. 2. Cuculidae. Cuckoos. II. 3 toes in front and one behind. i. Alcedinidae. Kingfishers. < )RDER 5. PSITTACI. Parrots. Tlie Carolina Paroquet has been extinct in the state for more than twenty years. 161. Carolina Paroquet. Order 6. RAPTORES. Vultures, Hawks, Eagles, Owls, etc. To this order belong the birds which eat flesh. Their feel and bills are adapted for catching and holding the prey, and tearing it into morsels. The vultures have bare heads because they feed upon carrion. The whole group is of so great importance as a balancer of the forces of nature in the animal realm that about half of them are nighl prowlers; tint-, both the diurnal and the noc- turnal disturbers of fields and gardens are held in check by the flesh-eaters. Only four of the species wnich are found in Ohio are harmful to poultry interests I.. Eyes looking straight forward, set in a striking disk of feathers. A. Feathers on back of tarsus growing up. 1. Strigidae. Barn Owl. B. Feathers on back of tarsus growing down. 2. Bubonidae. Horned ami Hoot Owls. II. Eyes not looking forward, no facial disk. A. Head bare. 4. CatharTidae. Vi 1 B. Head feathered. 3. FalconidaE. Hawks. Eagles, Fal- CO IS, ETC. < >RDER J- C< >l J'.MBJE. Doves and Pigeons. To this order belongs the single family Columbae. The Mourning Dove is the only repre- sentative of the ordei now regularly found in the state. Order 8. CAIJJX.lt. Turkeys, Grouse, Bob-white. The best representatives of this group are the barn-yard fowds and domestic turkey. Thej .1'.' heavy bodied, short winged birds, which are able to get up from the ground suddenly and fly -hurt distances with great velocity. Their food consists of both vegetable and animal matter in about the proportions of the domestic members of the group. I. Size very large — about 4 feet long. 1. Meleagrinae. Turkeys. II. Size smaller — less than 2 feet long. 2 Tetraonidae. Grouse, Bob-white. OrdEe 9. PAEUDICl >L.E. Cranes, Rails. Coots, Gallinules. To this diverse group belong the smaller swamp-haunting birds. Only the cranes can be called true waders, living in the more open water, or even in fields away from water; the others are rather sedge haunters, running over the swamp vegetation rather than wading. They feed largely Upon swamp animal life. I. Tarsus over six inches. 2. GruidaE. Cranks. II, Tarsus under 3.00 inches. 1, RallidaE. Rails, C s GallinulE. Order to. HERODIONES. Herons, Egrets. Bitterns, etc. The members of tin- group are preeminently waders, their long leg- and long neck enabling them to fish standing in the water. They eat almost any animals which may lie found in the swamps and shallow water. They are awkward-appearing birds, but fly well, usuallj stretching the long legs straight nut behind like a rudder when flying. I. Bill straight and sharp. 1. Ardeidae. Bitterns, Herons, Egrets. II. Bill curved downward, blunt. A. Wing over 16.00 inches. 2. Ciconiidae. Wood Ibis. B. Wing under 13.00 inches. 3, IbididaE. Ir.isi:s. Order ti. IJ.MICOL.E. Shore Birds. While the birds comprising this group have been called waders they are not so much so as the Herndifine-. Many species live mure on the uplands than in or near the water, but some are true wader- in shallow- water S^me probe in the soft mud. some glean from the surface of the ground, some glean at the water's edge, some search under stones and drift for their food. While none can be called singers in the proper -ense. yet some have calls which are certainly more musical than the cries of the Crow or Grackles, which belong to the Oscines. All are nimble of foot and wing. Many flock while migrating, the whole thick moving and turning as one bird. I. Sides of the toes with lobate webs. 5- PhalaropodidaE. PhalaropES. II. Sides of toes without lobes. A. Tarsus over 3.50. 4. Recurvirostridae. Stilts, Avocets. B. Tarsus under 3.50. 1. Colors patchy black, white, rufous. 2. AphrizidaE. TURNSTONES. 2. Colors not patchy. a. Toes 3 (except Black-bellied Plover). r. Charadriidae. Plovers. 1). Toes 4 (except Sanderling). 3- Scolopacidae. Snipes, Sandpipers. Order t2. LONGIPENNES. Gulls, Terns, Jaegers. Members of this order agree in having a well developed tail, long and pointed wings and there- fore great powers of flight. They live over the water instead of in it, gleaning from the surface or diving into it for their food. Their great powers of flight enable them to visit any oi the bodies of water inland, where they may be found at some time of year. I. Middle tail feathers longest. 1. Stercorariidae. Jaegers. II. Tail square. 2. Larinae. Gi lls. III. Outer tail feathers longest. 3- STERNINAE. TERNS. ( IrdER 13. ANSERES. Ducks, Geese, Swans. The members of this group are too well known in general to be carefully treated here. They are all excellent swimmers, and all agree in having tooth-like projections or serrations on the sides of the bill. to act as strainers for the mud and water taken into the mouth with the food. They walk fairly well, and all fly well, some with almost incredible swiftness. They are 'Came' birds, and suffer much at the hands of sportsmen. None but geese are ever harmful, and they but seldom. I. Bill long and slender, cylindrical. 1. MERGINAE. MERGANSERS. II. Bill flattened, duck-like. A. Lores bare. 5. Cygninae. Swans. B. Lores not bare. r. Scales on front of tarsus rounded. 4- Anserinae. Geese. 2. Scales on front of tarsus square. a. Hind toe with a (lap or lobe. 3. FuligulinaE. Sea and Bay Ducks. b. Hind toe without a flan or lobe. 2. AnaTinaE. River and Pond Ducks. ( >RDER 14. STEGANOPODES. Pelicans, Cormorants, etc. Any member of this order may be known .11 once by the foot, which has all four toes connected together by three webs. They are strong fliers, and .ill have a larger or smaller gular sac at the base of the bill. In the pelicans this sac is enormous and is used as a dip-net or scoop fur catching small fry in the water. I. Lores feathered. i- Fregatidae. Man-o'-War Birds. II. Lores bare. A. An enormous pouch below the lone bill. 2. PelECAnidae. Pelicans. B. With a small pouch and moderate bill. 3- Phalacrocoracidae. Cormorants. Order 15. TUBINARES. Albatrosses, Shearwaters. Petrels. One member of this order has accidentally reached the state. The order must be considered as belonging to the oceans, some members of which may sometimes be blown inland by severe storms. 313. BIack=capped Petrel. Order t6. I'VGOPODES. Diving Birds. Members of this order occurring in Ohio are duck-like birds, with the legs situated far back on the body, making an upright pi. shut on land necc--ary. Thev walk with meal difficulty, using the bill and wings to aid them in hobbling or shuffling along. The wings and tail are short, scarcely reaching the posterior end of the body when folded. The Grebes have no tail All member-, of tin- order are expert divers. I. With 3 toes. . 3- Alcidae. Auks, Murres, Puffins. II. With 4 toes. A. Toes with lobate web; 1. PodicipidaE. Grebes. B. Toes with webs. 2. Gaviidae. Loons. KEY TO THE SPECIES. ( >RDER Family i e members if this group irely black. . PASSERES. Perching Birds. CorvidaE. Crows, Jays, Ravens. re too well known to call tor comment. A. Wing about 15.CO. B. Wing about 13.00. 11. With much blue in the plumage. 3. Blue Ja Family 2. IcTERiDAE. Blackbirds, Orioles, etc. Certain members of this group are among the most familiar of our birds. Our shade trees are filled with Crackles and Orioles all summer long, and there is no pasture or meadow without its owlarks. lie I'.lackliird-., I',,,!,,, links, and Crackles thick together 1 owlarks are -ebb mi seen in large numbers together, .itire under parts black, with or without metallic re- flections. Tail distinctly rounded. Tail square or only slightly rounded. Entire plumage bluish-black. A red and buff shoulder-patch huffy lips to ing and fall the Orioles and 3. Head. neck and throat -brov m. 4. Nape huffy. bad c with min- h wh ite. II. Under pa feathers lis bl ack 1 111,1 wl ute. or bl; .ck wi A Under 1 arts streal ked bl; ick a rid wl lite B. Under | .lack, nape uff\ . back w i'th C. Whole body tippi ,1 will 1 Ills III. Under p arts s date- color, chest nut ,: r 1 ruff A Under , 1. Wing 2. Wing iarts less slate 4.25. 1 ban 4.00. B. ln.hr 1 .an - l.utTx or chestni i. Under parts . ell.- itnut. _'. Under pan- , hull T- IV. Under,, arts w : ; ] 1 yellow 1 inge. A Throat 1 Back 2. Hack black, black. ish. B. Breast with ; 1 1,1., ck ere seen! C. Head, n eck, t hroa an,l breast yellow or D Under entii ely ye llou or orange. 1. Rump and5 tail , , range 2. Upper parts grec •nisb. 3. Upper parts brownish. stre iked. 13. Bronzed Urackle. 12. Rusty Blackbird. 7 & 8. Red=winged Blackbird and Thick=billed Redwing. 5. Cowbird. 4. Bobolink. 7. Red=\vinged Blackbird. 4. Bobolink. 12. Rusty Blackbird. 12. Rusty Blackbird. 5. Cowbird. 10. Orchard Oriole. 4. Bobolink. 11. Baltimore Oriole. 10. Orchard Oriole. a. Meadowlark. 6. Yellow-headed Blackbird. 10. Orchard Oriole. 11. Baltimore Oriole. 4. Bobolink. Family 3. FringillidaE. Sparrows, Finches, Buntings, etc. This is the largest and most varied family of North American Mini-. In ii are found some of the plainest as well as some of the most brilliantly colored of our birds. Here are grouped those with -weet and varied songs as well as those whose voices can scarcc'n be distinguished from the shrilling of insects. Some are lowly in habits, nesting on the ground or even scooping oul a hollow in which to nest, while some lash their cradles to the topmost twigs of tall trees. All members of the family eat seeds or grains, but all of them also eat some insects. In early spring mam eat the tender buds of tree Several species eat more insects than vegetable matter. None (except the English Sparrow) seem to be injurious, while all ,1,, great service 1,, agriculture in destroying vast quantities of weed eed I. With conspicuous red in the plumage. A. Mandibles crossi d 1. With conspicuous white wing-bars. 19. White-winged Crossbill. 2. Without white wing-bars. 18. American Crossbill. B. Mandible iwi crossed. 1. Head crested. 44. Cardinal. 2. Head not crested. a. No red on upper parts. 45. Rose=breasted Grosbeak. b. Upper parts with red. (1). With white wing-bars. \\ mil; more than 4.00. 15. Pine Grosbeak. i Rump dull gray (a). He ad and neck olive-green.
  • . II< ad and neel < brownish-gray. 83. Northern Yellow=throat. 55- Nashville Warbler. 56. Orange-crowned Warbler. 55- Nashville Warbler. 61. Yellow Warbler. 62. Black=throated Blue Warble 83. Northern Yellow-throat. 57. Tennessee Warbler. 74- Palm Warbler. 75- Yellow Palm Warbler. 76. Prairie Warbler. 76. Black-throated Green Warbler 60. Cape May Warbler. sh. streaked or spotted. B. Back unstreaked. 1. Cheeks yellowish, back greenish. 2. Cheeks and hack grayish. 3. Back brownish. 4. Base of tail, sides of breast and band IV. Under parts white or buffy, unstreaked. A. Tail with white 01- yellow spots. 1. Wing-bars white or gray. a. Undi 1 p. 'i til. Bad g . ' yellow. (2). Back streaked with black and white (3). Hack brownish, or grayish-green. li I Inder pat 1 - mined with huffy. 2. Wing-bars yellowish, greenish or absent. a. Back gray or grayish. h. Back brownish. c. Back greenMi-yellnw. lit. Und( r nan- pure wdiite. (2). Under parts yellowish. B. Tail without white or yellow spots. r. A white spot in the wing. 2. No white spot in the wing. Family 6. Ai.au These are the true Larks, singing as they soar upward, rarely perch upon anything but a flat or flattened surface, are useful to the agriculturist. 68. Black-poll Warbler. 72. Kirtland Warbler. 67. Bay-breasted Warbler. 50. Black and White Warbler. 68. Black-poll Warbler. 71. Black-throated Green Warbler 60. Cape May Warbler. 74. Palm Warbler. wing yellow. 88. American Redstart. 66. Chestnut-sided Warbler. 50. Black and White Warbler. 73. Pine Warbler. 67. Bay=breasted Warbler. (Hypothetical) Brewster Warb= ier. ( /\7.^t- 123.) 88. American Redstart. 66. Chestnut-sided Warbler. 61. Yellow Warbler. 62. Black-throated Blue Warbler. 83. Northern Yellow-throat. Larks. Eyebrow yellow. Eyebrow not yelli iw. . Larger and lighter. Smaller and darker. The. 89. Horned Lark. 00. Hoyt Horned Lark. 91. Prairie Horned Lark. Pipits. They . and Family 7. Motacillidab. One member of this family is found in Ohio. It resembles the Horned Larks in size and general coloration, and it \valk<. However, it wags its tail and shows the white outer tail feathers. There is no black patch on the breast, nor any yellow on the throat. 92. American Pipit. Family 8. Turdidae. Thrushes, Robin, Bluebird. It can hardly be disputed that the Thrushes are the most gifted of our birds in song. There is even reasonable "doubt if the famed Nightingale of Europe can approach them in real musical ren- dition. The songs of the Thrushes are capable of being reproduced by musical instruments, and their phrases reduced to musical notation. The true Thrushes are birds of the woods, the deeper woods, but the Robin and Bluebird have become nearly civilized; and their songs are less musical. Back with evident blue. I. Back blackish, underparts largely rufous. [I. Back brown or olive, under parts more or less spotted. V Upper parts "live brown, tail rufous. I). Upper parts cinnamon-brown. 1. Under parts heavily spotted with black. 2. Under parts pale buflfy, lightly marked. C. Upper parts olive. 1. Threat, breast, cheeks, deep cream-buff. 2. Throat, breast, cheeks, almost white. 99. Bluebird. 98. American Robin. 97. Hermit Thrush. 93- Wood Thrush. 91. Wilson Thrush. 96. OIive=backed Thrush. 95. Gray-checked Thrush. Family 9. Syi.viidak. Old World Warblers. Only three representatives of this Old World group are found in Ohio, and only one of these remains to nest. Next to the Hummingbirds they are the smallest of our birds, and are therefore easily overlooked amid the foliage. While so small their voices are strong and carry far; particu- larly the Ruby-crowned Kinglet. 1. With red or yellow on the crown. A. Crown with yellow or orange bordered by black. B. Crown with a concealed ruby patch, without black. [I. Without red or yellow on crown. A. Back ashy blue, tail long. B. Back olive-green. ioo. Golden-crowned Kinglet. ioi. Ruby=crowned Kinglet. 102. Blue-gray Gnatcatcher. 1 01. Ruby-crowned Kinglet. Family 10. ParidaE. Nuthatches, Titmice. These are birds of the entire year. Without them in winter our woods would be dreary indeed ami well nigh birdless. They are "not timid, but on the contrary are more curious than the proverb- ial woman. They ate perfectly at home in any position on any kind 01 a surface, whether horizontal, inclined or perpendicular, but the Nuthatches prefer to cling head down. They will eat anything in winter, and can readily be drawn to the windowsill with crumbs, nuts or -net. They -"on lose 1" man which they may have had. and perch on the outstretched hand for food. Throat black, crown black. A. Tail over 2.30. B. Tail under 2.20. . Throal not black, crown vario A. Head crested. B. I 1 1 ad not crested. 1. Whole top of head brown. Top of head black. a. Wing over 3.25. b. Wing under 3.00. 107. Chickadee. 108. Carolina Chickadee. to6. Tufted Titmouse. [05. Brown-headed Nuthatch. [03. White-breasted Nuthatch. ro4. Red-breasted Nuthatch. Famil CerThiidae. Creepers. Our Br spirally. It arc three t< mi Creeper may be at once known by its habit of climbing up a tree trunk or branch looks a little like a very small Woodpecker, but the hill i= slender and curved, and there s in front and one behind instead of two in front and two behind. 109. Brown Creeper. Family Troglodytidak. A snap-shot judgment would separate ers to the Turdidc-e. but more careful com ment. In song and story this group is perl Certainly it deserves the distinction, for tl into prominence. The Wrens are too neai the rabble of English Sparrows. The Wr fittingly illustrated by the forward pointing Mockers, Thrashers, and Wrens, i; famil into two distinct families study reveals the logic o known than any other v bird alone might well ser Id lard- to e-cape populai lly, are brimmine. are true Americans. .r return the Mock- he present arrange- p of birds. \.\X1V. I. Wing over 3.50. A. Slate-color, under tail-coverts rufous. B. Back grayish, outer tail-feathers white. C. Back rufous, under parts spotted. II. Wing less than 3.00. A. Wings not barred. B. Vv ings barred. 1. Back streaked with white. a. White streaks confined to center of back, to. Wings and whole back white streaked. 2. Back not streaked with white. a. A long white streak over the eye. b. No white line over the eye. (1). Belly, sides, and breast barred. (2). Sides only faintly barred. 111. Catbird, no. Mockingbird. 112. Brown Thrasher. 114. Bewick Wren. 118. Long=hilled Marsh vv'ren. 117. Short=billed Marsh Wren. [3. Carolina Wren. n6. Winter Wren. [ 15. House Wren. Family 13. HirundinidaE. Swallows, Martins. The Swallow form and carriage are too well known In call for comment, graceful flyers, feeding upon flying insects fcr the most part, but sometimes gleanir tops as they fly over the pastures or meadow. Three or four of the species nest tions of man. one of them, Purple Martin, exclusively. After the breeding season, have become able to fly well, the Swallows gather in large companies preparatory 1 journey. Telegraph wires along the lake front are then often covered with the bit Swallows are in any way injurious, but all are useful birds. I. Upper parts with metallic reflections. A. Under parts steel-blue. 119. Purple Martin. B. Throat chestnut, rufous or brownish. I\ Tail deeply forked. 121. Barn Swallow. 2. Upper tail coverts rufous or buff v. 120. Cliff Swallow. C. Throat gray or white. 1. Entire under parts white. 122. Tree Swallow. 2. Throat and breast brownish-gray. 119. Purple Martin. II. Upper parts without metallic reflections. ? \. Throat and breast brownish-gray. 124. Rough-winged ! B. A brownish band across the white breast. 123. Bank Swallow. 1 rong, grass- labita- young Invar. 1 if the Fa The Waxwings are beaut next. Their tufted head and true song, but chatter faintly. nily 14. AmpeupaE. Waxwings. ful but inconstant birds. They are here at one time and gone the ilkv-brownish plumage are always good field marks. They have no The Cedarbird is fond of ripe cherries, but always prefers ripe mul- berries to anything else. Depredations upon the cherry crop may be prevented by the proximity of mulberry tree. Wing over 4.50. Wing under 4.00. 125. Bohemian Waxwing. 126. Cedar Waxwing. Family 15. Laniidae. Shrikes. The Shrikes are the birds of prey among the Passeres. Their feet and bill are adapted for a predatory life. Mice, snakes, birds and insects are captured and eaten, or impaled on thorns for future use as the occasion demands. I. Wing over 4.00. 127. Northern Shrike. II. Wing less than 4.00. 128. Migrant Shrike. Family 16. VirEonidae. Vireos. These small birds bear some resemblance to the Shrikes in general structure, but differ widely in habits. They are all woods-hunters, while the Shrikes prefer the open fields. They glean from the surface of leaves or from the bark, and sometimes dart out after a flying insect. Their food is almost wholly insect. They are less brisk of movement than the Warblers, but bear a fairly close resemblance to them in a general way. A novice might easily become confused between the two groups. All of the Vireos are good singers, and the White-eyed is a good mimic. All build pensile nests, sometimes of beautiful pattern and careful workmanship. I. With distinct wing-bars. A. Wing under 2.75. 134. White=eyed Vireo. B. Wing over 2.75. 1. Throat and breast bright yellow. 132. Yellow=throated Vireo. 2. Throat and breast white. 133- Blue=headed Vireo. II. Without wing-bars. V Wing over 3.00. 129- Red=eyed Vireo. B. Wing under 3.00. 1. Under parts yellowish. 130. Philadelphia Vireo. 2. Under parts" white. 131- Warbling Vireo. Family 17. TyrannidaE. Flycatchers. The Flycatchers are so named from their habit of darting out from a perch to catch some flying insect, returning to the same perch for a lookout. The Kingbird sometimes eats quantities of honey- bees, but with this exception the group is a very beneficial one. I. Tail deeply forked. 135- Scissor=tailed Flycatcher. II. Tail not forked. A. Wing oyer 3.00. 1. Tad tipped with white. 136. Kingbird. 2. Tail with rufous on inner vanes of feathers. 137. Crested Flycatcher. 3. Tail fuscous. a. Wing 4.00 or more. 139. Olive=sided Flycatcher. b. Winn under 3. 50. (i I. Bill black. 138. Phoebe. (2). Lower mandible pale brownish. 140. Wood Pewee. B. Wing under 3.00. 1. Upper parts with an evident brownish tinge. a. Wing over 2.60. 143- Traill Flycatcher, and (hypo- thetical) Alder Flycatcher. b. Wing under 2.60. M4- Least Flycatcher. 2. Upper parts without brown. a. Under parts sulphur yellow. 141. Yellow-bellied Flycatcher. b. Under parts only faintly yellowish. 142. Green=crested Flycatcher. I IrdER 2. MACROCHIRES. Goatsuckers. Swifts. Hummingbirds. Family r. Trochiudae. Hummingbirds. Our Ruby-throated Hummingbird is the smallest of our birds. It is a familiar object about flower gardens, where it may sometimes be mistaken for a large hawk moth; but Hummingbirds seldom feed during twilight, while the moths seldom feed during the day. Hummingbirds eat both nectar and insects. 145- Ruby=throated Hummingbird. Family 2. Micropodidae. Swifts. Our Chimney Swift is a familiar object to all. It is in no sense a Swallow. It nests and roosts in chimneys, and is almost never seen sitting still except while incubating or protecting the young. It is a tireless flier, and a yen- useful bird. 146. Chimney Swift. Family 3. CaprimulGidaE. WhippoorwiH, Nighthawk. The two species comprising litis family are the largest birds found in Ohio belonging to this order. Nighthawk is only partially nocturnal, but WhippoorwiH is wholly so. Nighthawk frequently nests on the top of flat-roofed city buildings, but Whippunrwill always nests in the woods. They are famous insect destroyers, and are distinctly beneficial in all respects. I. A white spot in the wing. M9- Nighthawk. II. No white spot in the wing. M7- WhippoorwiH. Order 3. PICI. Woodpeckers. Family. Picidae. Woodpeckers. The characters already given for the order are sufficient. I. Whole top of head red. A. Throat red. 1. Body colors in bands: red, black, white, black. 155. Red=headed Woodpecker. 2. Colors not in bands, a black crescent on breast. 153- YelIow=bellied Sapsucker. B. Throat white. 1. A black crescent on breast. 153- Yellow-bellied Sapsucker. 2. Breast and bellv black 154- Northern Pileated Woodpecker. 3. Under parts reddish, unmarked. 156. Red=bellied Woodpecker. WXY1. It, Red "ii head confined to a band across nape. A. Under parts black, unspotted. 1. Bill blackish '54- Northern Pileated Woodpecker. 2. Bill white. (Hypothetical) Ivory=billed Woodpecker. I; I Inder parts spotted or si reaked. i. Rump white; .1 black crescent on breast. 157- Northern Flicker. 2. Head black, red in 2 spots on nape. 151- Red=cockaded Woodpecker. ('. Under pins white or whitish. 1. Crown gray. 150. Red=bellied Woodpecker. 2. Crown black. a. Bill over i.co. 149- Hairy Woodpecker. Bill under 1.00. 150. Downy Woodpecker. [II. Head without red. \ Bill white. (Hypothetical) Ivory=billed Woodpecker. I: Bill nol white. 1. Under parts unmarked. a. Bill over 1.00. M9- Hairy Woodpecker. b. Bill under 1.00. 150. Downy Woodpecker. 2. Under parts spotted m birred or streaked. Back wholly black. 152- Arctic Three=toed Woodpecker. b. Back black" and white. (1). Breast with a black patch. 153. Yellow=bellied Sapsucker. (2). Breast without a black patch. iii Wing over 5.C0. 155. Red=headed Woodpecker. 1 lii. Wing under 5.00. 151. Red«cockaded Woodpecker. ( >ki>i:r 4. COCCYGES. Cuckoos, Kingfisher. Family 2. Cuculidae. Cuckoos. The Cuckoos are shy birds, making their way among the tree branches and in the foliage with- out sound or commotion. Their slender bodies and Ions tail save them the appearance of snake-like proportions and movement The popular belief that their peculiar ...11- indicate the appn ich of a storm is nol well founded, a anj one may learn by a little careful si idj of thesi birds Their greaf value to agi ■<••-•■ md especially to the horticulturalist, lie- in their ' tbil 1 1 tting quan- tities of the tent caterpillar and other hairy and spiny caterpillars and larvse which other birds will licit touch. They should be encouraged to nest near the orchard. I. Lower mandible yellow, wings with rufous. 159- Yellow=billed Cuckoo. II. Whole bill black, wings without rufous. 160. Black=billed Cuckoo. Family 1. AlcedinidaE. Kingfishers. The single member of this family inhabiting Onio may be found about streams and ponds and lakes looking for fish and tadpoles. He is not particularly useful nor particularly harmful. He is a desirable pari of a landscape because he is picturesque and interesting. There is no good reason why he should be harmed. 158. Belted Kingfisher. ( IrdER 5. PSITTACI. Parrots. The single species representing this order has Inns -nice become extinct in Ohio. 161. Carolina Paroquet. Order 6. RAPT< >RES. Birds of Prey. Family 1. Strigidae. Barn Owl. The single species comprising this family is sufficiently treated in the discussion of that species in the body of this book. 162. Barn Owl. Family 2. BubonidaE. Horned Owls, Hoot Owls, etc. Most owls are nocturnal in habits, but most of them are also able to fly well by day. Some are seen during daylight except in dark weather, or when startled from their retreats, and some prefer the day to hunt in. Their cries are weird and startling. They nest either in hollow trees or in open nests, but seldom if ever make a whole new nest for themselves. Their food varies with ies, but mammals, insects and birds form the greater part of their diet. Only one species. Horned < > \\ 1 . is distinctly and always injurious. Some are anions the most useful of animals and should be carefully protected. With conspicuous car-tufts. hi 8.00. I;. \\ i.ui 8.00. 1. A large white throat-patch. 2. Ni i h hite throat-patch. \\ or no car-tufts. A. Wing more than io.co. i. Plumage largely white. 2. Plumage brownish. a. Wing more than 15.00. b. \\ : c 1 •- than 15.00 Inn more than 10.00. Plun tge conspicuously barred. : barred. B \\ i in 10.00. han 6.00. 2. W ing more than 6.00. i. Screech Owl. 169. Great Horned Owl. 163. American Long=eared Owl. [70. Snowy Owl. [66. Great Gray Owl. [65. Barred Owl. [64. Short-eared Owl. ly 3. Falconidae. Kites, Hawks, Eagles, Falcons, etc. \i,< thorough and careful investigation of the food of all of our birds of prey by our national \c . uitural Department, Dr. A. K. Fisher shows that but four of the 28 species which have been found in Ohio are more injurious than useful, ami but three members of this family, the Sharp-sh I the Cooper Hawks, and the American Goshawk, are more harmful than benefi- cial. Hawks eat the mice and insects which injure grain and fruit. We need in discriminate care- fully before killing in cold blood. One may be wholly justified in killing when his poultry or other property is being destroyed, whether the kind doing the killing belongs to a species that is harmful There is no sure mark by which a hawk may be known curved talons and sharplj hooked beaks are good indication In practical n n< • to know a member of th I \\ ing over 20 incites long. A. Tarsus entirely feathered. B. Lower half of tarsus bare. II. Wing under 19 inches long. A. Undei parts streaked or spotted, without bars. 1. Outer primary conspicuously barred. a. Wing under 10.00. (1 I. Hack bright reddish-brown, plain or barred. (21. Back fuscous or slaty. (a). Wing under 7.00. ( b 1. Wing ever 7.50. 1 a1 1. Tail civcr 7.00, rounded, ["ail under 6.00, square. b. Wing over 10.00. ( 1 ) . Rump white. Rump not white. 1 a 1 . Tail over 10.00. lb). Tail under 8.00. 2. Outer primary not, or not conspicuously barred. a. Wing under 12.00. b. Wing over 12.00. under 14.00. c. Wing nver 15.00. B. Under part- streaked or spotted, with bars. 1. Front of tarsus with distinct rounded scales. 2. Fronl 1 if tarsus with distinct square scales. a. Bluish-slate color above. li Pattern various, but in general brownish above. ( 1 1 Tail rufous, wholly or mostly. from all other of what they e : group at sight. rds, but their sharp, and how they live. 185. Golden Eagle. 186. Bald Eagle. American Sparrow Hawk. Sharp-shinned Hawk. Cooper Hawk. Pigeon Hawk. 176. Marsh Hawk. Broad-winged Hawk. Red-shouldered Hawk. Red-tailed Hawk. irown and light gray. Wi do. Wing Front of tarsus Upper tail-coverts white Upper tail-coverts not white. 1 1 1 Wing over 9.00, tail rounded. (2). Wing under 9.00, tail square. Duck Hawk. American Goshawk. Red-shouldered Hawk. Broad=winged Hawk. 176. Marsh Hawk. Cooper Hawk. Sharp-shinned Hawk. 4. Tarsus entirely feathered. 184. American Rough-legged Hawk. C. Under parts neither barred nor streaked. 1. Under parts not white. 184. American Rough-Iegsred Hawk. 2. Under parts white. a. Tail square. 187. American Osprev. b. Tail deeply forked. 175- Swallow-tailed Kite. Family 4. Cathartidae. Vultures. The two Vultures found in Ohio are scavengers of great service where they are at all numerous. They feed upon all kinds of carrion and offal, even coming into the streets of towns to gather any garbage which may be carch---ly h ft by those who have contempt for modern sanitary conditions in centers of population. In Ohio they are not so bold nor so numerous as to be very important factors in carrion destruction. On the wing they are stately birds, going straight forward as well as ascending with little or no flapping of the wings. They have mastered the art of utilizing cur- rents of air for propulsion. I. Wing about 22 inches long. 188. Turkey Vulture. II. Wing about 17 inches long. 189. Black Vulture. ( )rder 7. COLUMB.E. Wild Pigeon, Mourning Dove. Family. ColumbaE. Pigeons and Doves. The two members of this group are too well known to call for extended comment here. They are largely grain eaters and weed seed eaters, and are arboreal in contrast to the grouse forms. The small head and pointed tail form unmistakable field mark-.. I. Wing about 8 inches long. 190- Passenger Pigeon. II. Wing about 6 inches long. 191. Mourning Dove. Order 8. (ULLIX.K. Grouse, Turkeys, Bob-white. Family 2. Tetraoxidaic. Grouse, Bob=\vhite. It is, perhaps, needless to say that the members of this group are pretty strictly terrestrial. They feed upon grains and nuts, but also eat some insects. They are prime game birds. I. Length about to inches. 196. Bob= white. II. Length over 15 inches. A. Lower half of larsus bare. 194- Ruffed Grouse. B. Whole tarsus feathered. 195- Prairie Hen. Family 1. PhaSianidaE. Pheasants and Turkeys. Of the two species of this group found in Ohio one, the Wild Turkey the other, the Mongolian Pheasant, is just being introduced. The Wild the game birds. I. Middle tail feathers much lengthened. 192- Mongolian Pheasant. II. Middle tail feathers not much lengthened. 193- Wild Turkey. Order 9. I'ALUI >IC< JUS. Cranes, Rails, Coots. Gallinules. Family 1. Kai.i.idae. Rails, Coot, Gallinules. To this group belong the swamp skulkers. Th-e Coot sometimes takes to open water, often seem- ing to prefer to feed there, but it nests in the swamp vegetation. It is difficult to make the Rails and Gallinules leave their reedy retreats. They are sure of safety among the reeds and sedges and are loth to trust the open air. They glean for food from lily pads and the surface of the water, as well as in the mud and water. They eat insects and tadpoles, and probably some vegetation. I. Wing . iver 6 inches. A. General plumage brown. 197- King Rail. B. General plumage purplish-blue. 202. Purple Gallinule. C. General plumage slaty-black. 1. Toes with lobes; shield on forehead white. 204. American Coot. 2. Toes without lobes; shield on forehead red. 203. Florida Gallinule. 200. Yellow Rail. 201. Black ». .-iil . Wing ill ider 5.50. A - Wing 1. Back 2. Back under 3.: blackish blackish. 10. ban,- spoilt B. Wing over 3.50. 1. Bill over 1 inch. 198. Virginia Rail. 2. Bill under 1 inch. 199. Sora. Family 2. Gruidae. Cranes. The Cranes so closely resemble the Herons in general appearance that one is surprised to note ■that they are really different. In habits they resemble the Herons in many particulars, but are more often found away from water in the uplands. They nest on the ground instead of in trees, as most of the Herons do. They can eat anything. I. Wing less than 19 inches. 206. Little Brown Crane. II. Wing over 21 inches. A. Primaries black, rest of plumage white. 205. Whooping Crane. B. Plumage brownish gray. 207. Sandhill Crane. Order io. HERODIONES. Bitterns, Herons, etc. Family 1. Ardeidae. Bitterns, Herons, Egrets. All members of this family have long, sharply pointed bills, long legs and neck, and feed stand- ing 'knee' deep in the water. The sharp bill is a formidable weapon of defense as well as offense, while the long neck enables them to dart that weapon out with a lightning stroke. They feed upon frogs and insects, and occasionally fish which find their way into the shallow water. I. Wing less 1 ban 6.00. A. Under parts buffy. 209. Least Bittern. B. Under parts rufous-chestnut. ( Hypothetical) Cory Least Bit- tern. II. Wing about 7.25. 214. Green Heron. III. Wing i) in 11 inches. A. General plumage tawny or umber-brown, everywhere streaked with darker. 208. American Bittern. B. General plumage slaty-blue. 213. Little Blue Heron. C. General plumage white. 1. Tips of primaries blue. 213. Little Blue Heron (int.) 2. Tips of primaries not blue. 212. Snowy Heron. IV. Wing over 11 inches. A. Wing about 12 inches. 1. Crown black, not streaked. 215. Black-crowned Night Heron. 2. Crown streaked. 215. Black-crowned Night Heron. OO B. W ing over 13 inches. r. Pure white. 211. American Egret. 2. Tpper parts bluish. 210. Great Blue Heron. Family 2. Ciconiidae. Wood Ibis. The Wood Ibis, the only member of this group found in Ohio, is of more southern distribution, but sometimes wanders to the state. It resembles the Herons in habits. 216. Wood Ibis. Family 3. Ibididae. Ibises. The Glossy This is accidental in Ohio, its home being well south. In its wanderings it rarely enters regions of our latitude. 217. Glossy Ibis. Order ii. IJATTCOE.E. Snipes. Sandpipers. Plovers, etc. Family 1. Charadriidae. Plovers. The Plovers are short-billed shore birds, and therefore gel their food 1>\- gleaning from the sur- face of the ground on the uplands or along shore. They have whistled calls which are somewhat musical. I. Toes 4. 218. Black-bellied Plover. II. Toes 3. A. Back streaked or spotted. 2I9. American Golden Plover. B. Back neither streaked nor spotted. 1. Rump rufous. 220. Killdeer. 2. Rump not rufous. Ti ies w ebbed at the bat e. Toes not webbed at the base, (i). A continuous black breast band. (2). Black band interrupted on center of breas 221. Semipalmated Plover 223. Belted Pipine- Plover. 222. Piping Plover. Family 2. AphrizidaE. Turnstone. The single species found in Ohio is found along the shore of Lake Eric (luring the migrations. There it is found gleaning like the Killdeer at the water's edge or among the higher drift. i 224. Turnstone. Family 3. The birds comprisinj soft mud for worms and of the bill, and so arc en it out. Some are found the nesting season many Many also have whistled Scolopacidak. Snipes, Sandpipers, Curlews, etc. this group are for the most part inhabiters of wet places, probin move the i the morsel of food undi ds gleaning from the sur ight be called songs if t the migrations. All nest Mitly of 1 hook g in the the rest to draw During singers. ill over 2 inches long. Bill over 5 inches long. Bill under 4.50. . Bill curved downward. a. Bill about 3.75. b. Bill about 2.40. Bill straight or curved u a. Bill over 3.00. (1). Upper tail-coverts 12). Upper tail-coverts 1 1 Bill under 1.00. (1). Bill widened and pward. white. Cb). (2). Bi (a 1. (a? 1 ( l.i ) Cb). 1 i,i ) red. barred. red. barred. II. Bill A. T !.00. oes 3. Toes ,. . Tail barred. a. Wing under 4.50. b. Wing over 5.00. (1). Wing over 6.00. (a). Tail feathers showing much wh (b). Tail feathers without white. (2). Wing under 5.50. la). Upper parts spotted with white. fb). Upper parts not spotted with w :. Tail not barred, a. Bill over 1.10. 1 1 ) Wing over 6.50. (2). Wing about 6.00. (3). Wing under S-7^- (a). Tarsus over 1.50. (h). Tarsus under mo. W W n the wing, te in the wi (al> (WO (cl) . Bill under 1.00. (I). Wing over 4.50. fa). Upper tail-covert, white, (b). Upper tail-coverts fuscou (2). Wing under 4.00. fa). Toes partly webbed, fb). Toes not webbed. g. bellv with bis 249. Long=billed Curlew. 250. Hudsonian Curlew. 251. Eskimo Curlew. 240. Hudsonian Qodwit. 239. Marbled Qodwit. 227. Dowitcher. 228. Long=billed Dowitcher. 241. Greater Yellow=legs. 244. Willet. 226. Wilson Snipe. 225. American Woodcock. 238. Sanderling. 248. Spotted Sandpiper. Yellow=legs. Bartramian Sandpiper. Solitary Sandpiper. Buff=breasted Sandpipe 230. Knot. 245. Ruff. 229. Stilt Sandpiner. 231. Purple Sandpiper. 232. Pectoral Sandpiper. 236. Red=backed Sandpiper. 233- 234- White»rumped Sandpiper Baird Sandpiper. Semipalmated Sandpiper. Least Sandpiper. Family 4. Recurvirostridae. Avocets and Stilts. These Km"- slender baled birds, with the bill turning upward, are striking in appearance. Their long legs maki true waders of them, while the long bill enables them to read the bottom of the shal- low water without the necessity of immersing the whole head and neck. I. Bill over 3.25. 252- American Avocet. II. Bill under 2.50. 253- Black=necked Stilt. Family 5. The Phalaropes are essentially sea birds, but they pass to and fro across the country, somet resting on the smaller waters. They swim readily. The female contrary to the general rule among birds. [. Bill ovei 1 inch long. II. Bill under 1 inch long. PhalaropodidaE. Phalaropes. ro acn the larger and brighter colored, 256. Wilson Phalarope. B. Wing 255. Northern Phalarope. 254. Red Phalarope. U INGIPENNES. Culls. Te Family 1. STERCORARIIDAE. Jaegers. The Jaegers are the hawks among the Longipennes. The\ combine meal powers of flight with the nature of a bully, stealing the fiish from Gulls and Terns in preference to catching it them- selves. They reach Ohio only during the migrations or as wanderers from other localities. I. Length over 20 inches, middle tail feathers not pointed.257. Pomarine Jeager. II. Length under 18 inches, middle tail feathers pointed. 258. Parasitic Jaeger. Family 2. LaridaE. Gulls and Terns. The members of tin- family agree in having long, pointed wings, and a hill without a hool at it- tip The subfamilies differ enough in form and habits to deserve separate treatment. Subfamily 1. Larinae. Gulls. The Gulls comprise the larger members of the family Laridae. They differ from the Terns in having a square tail, a bill slightly bent down, and the head either wholly black or without black on the crown. They fly with the bill pointing forward in a line with the body. They snatch fish or refuse from the surface of fish, as the Terns do. I. Length over 23 inches. A. Back dark slaty. B. Back pearl-gray. r. Black on outer primaries. 2. No black on the primaries. C. Back usually grayish or brownish, n darker. 1. Tail dark. a. Wing over iS inches. b. Wing under iS inches. 2. Tail light. II. Length under 20 inches. A Tail pure white. 1. Head and neck slaty-black. a. Outer primary mostl} black. b. Outer primary mostly white. 2. Head and neck white, or washed 3. Bill crossed bv a dark band. B. Tail marked with black. 1. Hind toe without a nail. 2. Hind toe with a nail. iter, often alighting upon dive for 261. Great Black=backed Gull. 261. Great Black=backed Gull. 262. Herring Gull. 260. Iceland Gull. 265. Sabine Gull. 264. Bonaparte Gull. 259. Kittiwake. 263. Ring=billed Gull. 259. Kittiwake. 264. Bonaparte Gull. Subfi All of the Te downward instead the surface. The of the head and n gravel itf the beac ly 2. Ster NINAE. Terns. have deeply forked tails. The} • fly with tin bill pointing htfa°r! d .harp the u.it .1 M •' wh ich may ' :ir species 3e sec have n undei uie top 1 plu: flic, US1 111 Cl ilonies cm the -ami and xlii. I. Length over 20 inches. II. Length under 16 inches. A. Length over 13 inches. 1. Whole top of head blacl< a. Bill wholly or mostly 11). I'nder parts pure white. (2). Under parts grayish. _>. Forehead or crown white or gray. a. Whole outer tail feather white. b. Inner web of outer tail feather not white. c. Outer weh of outer tail feathers darker than web. !. Length under 11 inches. 1. I'nder parts white. 2. I'nder parts Mack. 267. Caspian Tern. 270. Roseate Tern. 268. Forster Tern. 266. GulUbilled Tern. 268. Forster Tern. 269. Common Tern. 270. Roseate Tern. 268. Forster Tern. 1269. Common Tern. 271. Least Tern. 272. Black Tern. ( )KI>Kk ANSERES. Ducks, Geese, Swans. Subfamily Merginae. Mergansers. To -■11, larg, are enabled to eaten Willi tlie distances, pursuing the fish und water, some individuals of ine waters afford good feeding places. I. Length under 18 inches. A conspicuous hood. II. Length over 21 inches. A. Head and throat Mack. 1. Under parts white, tinged with salmon. 2. Breast brownish, heavily streaked with black. B. Head and sides of neck rufous-brown. C. Head and sides of neck grayish-brown, washed civ upon tish which they ilily and for considerable nd considerable bodies of rsr the winter where open 309. Hooded Merganser. 307. American Merganser. 308. Red-breasted Merganser. 307. American Merganser. rut". Subfamily 2. ANATlNAE. 308. Red=breasted Merganser. River and Pond Ducks. The members of this group may be known at once by the absence of a flap or lobe on the hind toe. They feed in shallow water, immersing only part of the body, and hence are called 'Tip- up's'. A feeding flock with heads down and tails in the air looks like the scoring end of a bowl- ing alley. They take wing readily from the water. _ength unde Under pa I'nder pa: 2. Lesser u ing ci n erl • graj II. Length over [8.00 inches. A. Belly not conspicuouslj str T. Head shining dark green. 2. Center of head white or \ ">,. Crown greenish, thni.it u 4. Crown buffy, throat black 5. Crown dark olive-brown. ■aked < >r -potted. 288. Blue-winged Teal. 287. Green-winged Teal. 281. Mallard. 286. Baldpate. 292. Wood Duck. 285. Widgeon. 291. Pintail. W 284. Gadwall. 291. Pintail. 286. Baldpate. 284. Gadwall. 290. Shoveller. (i). Speculum purple. i _■ i Spei iilimi gray i ir while. 2. Wing-cn\eri> without white, a. Legs yellowish, smaller. eddish, larger. 3. Under parts chestnut. 281. Mallard. 284. Gadwall. 282. Black Duck. 283. Red=legged Black Duck. 284. Gadwall. Subfamily 3. FcugulinaE. Sea and Bay Ducks. This group >1 ducks inhabi fish. Some are almost as e pel aquatic anima 01 vegetables. Some are considered fishy flavor. I. Whole head and neck black. A. Plumage entirely black. B. Plumag« no! entirely black. 1. Bill with a bluish band near its tip. 2. Bill plain bluish. a. Back of bead with purplish reflections. b. Back of head with greenish reflections. II. Head and neck rufous or rufous-brown. A. Head and neck rufous. 1. Bill under 2.00. 2. Bill over 2.00. B. Head and neck rufous-brown. 1. Wing w uh .1 white patch. a. Region at base of bill not white. b. Region at base of bill white, (i). \\ ing over 8.25. (21. Wing under 8.25. 2. No white in wing. a. Bill over 2.00. b. Bill under 2.00. ( 1 ). Wing over 8.00. (2). Wing under 8.00. c. .Middle tail feathers long and slender. They dive to a considerable depth, often, for grebes and loons. They feed upon almost any a table delicacy, while others are of a decidedly 304. American Scoter. 297. Ring=necked Duck. 296. Lesser Scaup Duck. 295. American Scaup Duck. Head and throat steel Steel green. Steel blue. Head and neck othen Wing over 10.00. :. Bill over 2.00. >. Bill under 2.C0. a. Speculum white. b. Speculum not wr. Wing under 7.00. t. Tail feather- ni l. Tail feathers si blue or steel green. rmal. fr and slender. 293. Redhead. 294. Canvasback. 298 & 299. American and Barrows (iolden=eyes. 295. American Scaup Duck. 296. Lesser Scaup Duck. 294. Canvasback. 293. Redhead. 297. Ring=necked Duck. 301. Old=squaw. 298. American Golden eye. 299. Barrows Golden=eye. Eider. 305. White=winged Scoter. 303. King Eider. 300. Bufflehead. 306. Ruddy Duck. Subfamily 4. AnsErinae. Geese. Like the river and pond ducks, the geese feed in the water by tipping instead of diving, for which their large bodies are not adapted. They are vegetarians, and forage a great deal in fields, picking up scattered grain. Rarely large flocks may damage newly sown or newly sprouting fields of grain. Thev like the tender shoots of grass and grains. I. Head black, throat white. A. Length 35 or more. B. Length 34 or less. II. Head black, throat black. A. With less white below. B. With more white below. III. Whole head or forehead white. A. Forehead white. ( Hypothetical) Brant. {Hypothetical) White-bellied Brant. 278. American White=fronted Goose. xliv. Whole head and neck white, grayish 01 rusty. Primaries black, res! of plumage white. a. Wing more than 17.00. b. Wing 17.00 or less. Back grayish brown. a. Wings without conspicuous white. b. Wings with conspicuous white. 1 . 1 I . Wing' more than 17.00. (2). Wing 17.00 or less. 276. Greater Snow Goose. 275. Lesser Snow Goose. 277. Blue Goose. 276. Greater Snow Goose. 275. Lesser Snow Goose. IV. Head and neck browi A. Rump fuscous. B. Rump gray. bill yellov Subfamily 5. Cv< 278. American White=fronted Goose. 277. Blue Goose. 1 im. 1 AE. M'al form of the swans is too well known to call for comment here. The long neck to feed upon the bottom of shallow pools without tipping up in the undignified man- ;eese. The} migrate in flocks much titter the manner of the gee e, and seem to feed table matter and aquatic insects. 273. Whistling Swan 274. Trumpeter Swan. Order 14. STEGANOPODES. Pelicans, Cormorants, etc. Family FregatidaE. Man=o'=War Birds. The single member of this family which ha, denial visitor, not likely to be found again. Family 2. PelEc id 111 Ohio mils', lie regal "ded 312. Man=o'=War Bird. Peli The American White Peli known at once by its great si of the bill. Ii 1- found onlj it must feed. Family 3. Phalacrocoracidai 311. A Cormorants imilj in Ohio. It may be 11 e;ng from the lower side \ 1 vicinity of them, where can White Pelican. There appears to b of the only specimen . to verify the sup iti, were form floridanus. them by the hoarse en b xammatii in a form, fails nj years ag guished from vhile thing, but may 1 wax dilophus. 310. Double=crested Cormorant. Order 16. PYGOPODES. Diving Birds. Family r. Podicipidae. Grebes. di 111 be seen anywhere except in the water, where they are perfectly at home. Stinguished from all other swimming birds by the absence of a tail. When ey swim with 1110,: or all of the body beneath the water, and if hard pressed bill far enough to breathe. Witch-like escapes may often he attributed to thlS power. I. Large, over iS inches long. II. Smaller, less than 16 inches long. A. Bill slender, less than a third as deep at base B. Bill about half as deep as base as long. rlolboell Grebe. ig.315. Horned Grebe. 316. Pied-billed (irebe. All of the Loons wh Family t Ohio a Gaviidae. Loons. large birds, seldom visiting les in habits, eating much tl have given them their nam an old flint-lock or percusi :s of water in itic life. Their ickness in div- n. but modern tmn-nniwn. ■hite thr:.i;it-liaiiil. I. Thn II. Throat black A. Head black B. Head ashy. III. Throat whitish. A. Back spotted with white. B. Back margined with grayish. r. Willi;- i iver 13 inchi - long. 2. Winy under [3 inches long. 319. Red=throated Loon. 317. Loon. 318. Black=throated Loon. 319. Red=throated Loon. 317. Loon. 318. Black-throated Loon. Family 3. Ai.cidak. Murres, Auks, Puffins. One member of this family has been found on Lake Erie after a severe northeast storm. It no lil thers will be found there again under normal conditions. Birds comprising this family arc ocean birds, and being short winged, do not wander inland voluntarily. 320. Brunnich Murre. TABLE OF COMPARISONS. INCHES. Pygim size up to 5.00 Warbler size 5-00- 6.00 Spam >\v size 6.00- 7.50 Chewink size 7-S°~ 9°° Robin size 9.00-12.00 ; Kingfisher size 12.00-14.00) Little 1 lav !: size 12.00-16.00 • 'n>\\ size 16.00-22.00 Brant size 22.00-30.00 Ragle size 30.00 and upwards Besides these, numerous comparisons have been made, Killdeer size, Mallard size, etc.. which if not immediately explainable by the context may he determined by reference to the descriptions of these birds. Measurements are given in inches and hundredths and in millimeters, 1 he latter enclosed in parenthesis. THE BIRDS OF OHIO. No. i. NORTHERN RAVEN. A. O. U. No. 486a. Corvus corax principalis Ridgw. Description. — Color, uniform lustrous black; plumage, especially on breast, scapulars and back, showing steel-blue or purplish iridescence; feathers of the throat long, narrow and pointed. Length about two feet, averaging over rath- er than under; wing 17.00-18.00 (431.8-457.2) ; tail 10.00 I 254.) ; bill 3.00 (76.2), depth of bill at nostril 1.00 (25.4). Recognition Marks. — Large size, — about twice as large as a Crow ; uniform black coloration ; harsh croaking notes. Nest, a large but compact mass of sticks, lined with grass, wool, etc., placed high in trees or upon inaccessible cliffs. Eggs, 2-8, usually 5, pale blu- ish green or olive, spotted, blotched and dashed with greenish brown and ob- scure lilac or purplish. Av. size, 1.80-2. 07 x 1. 30-1. 40 (45.7-52.6x33.-35.6). General Range. — Northern North America, south to British Columbia, northern Michigan, New Brunswick, Maine, New Jersey, North Carolina, etc. Range in Ohio. — Abundant in Wilson's time along the Lake Erie shore. Now found only in Fulton County (Jones). ALTHO so little known to most of us, it seems altogether proper to begin our consideration of the birds of Ohio with one which Professor Alfred New- ton calls "the largest of the Birds of the Order Passeres, and probably the most highly developed of all Birds." The Raven, too, has been until lately, and from time immemorial, one of the most familiar objects within the ken of man. The Aryan herdsman complained to his fellow of the bird's depredations, while the Dorian fishermen of a later day regaled each other with stories of his sa- gacitv alreadv centuries old. Korax, the Greek called him. in imitation of his hoarse cry, Craack, Craack, while the Sanscrit name Karava reveals the ancient root from which have sprung both Crow and Raven. 2 THE NORTHERN RAVEN. Quick-sighted, cunning and audacious, this bird of sinister appearance has been invested by peoples of all ages with a mysterious and semi-sacred character. His ominous croakings were thought to have prophetic import, while his preternatural shrewdness has made him with many a symbol of divine knowledge. A less reverent age has doomed this ancient marauder to an over-hasty destruction. While it is true that he has robbed birds' nests, fallen upon wounded sheep, and taken toll of the tender lambs since the world began, his services as scavenger, insect-eater, and mole-destroyer have been infinitely greater, and for sentimental reasons, if for no other, the world could, ill afford to part with the bird whose sable thread has followed all the windings of human history. The Raven has more dignity, and as a species, less flexibility than the Crow. As a result, altho it is exceedingly wary, the relentless warfare of the pioneers has thrust it almost entirely out of bounds, so far as the Eastern United States is concerned. While Wilson reported it as common in the northern part of this state at the beginning of the last century, only stragglers from the far north are noted nowadays, — unless, indeed, it should prove to be found breeding in Fulton County, as has been recently asserted. In this case the bird should receive rigid protection. With the Raven's habits we cannot largely concern ourselves here. According to Captain Bendire (who observed a closely allied form in the West) '"their ordinary call note is a loud Craack, craack, varied sometimes by a deep grunting koerr, koerr, and again by a clucking, a sort of self-satisfied sound, difficult to reproduce on paper, in fact they utter a variety of notes when at ease and undisturbed, among others a metallic sounding klunk, which seems to cost them considerable effort." The Ravens do not associate very intimately with others of their kind, but a pair of them are mated for life. Each spring the birds indulge in amorous antics which are decidedly 'infra dig., turning somersaults in the air, trying to fly on their backs, etc. Unlike the Crows, these birds repair the same nest year after year, and their local attachments are very strong. In these circumstances, no doubt, is to be found one element of the racial weakness in the presence of oncoming civilization. On the other band. Ravens attain a greal age, specimens having been kept in captivity upwards of a hundred years. t >~ -.;<* v%a S ^ jfr* V «i^ '• Ik' *f t ,,^B ft *** » *JBS HnK ' '* ^, # 4 THE AMERICAN CROW. No. 2. AMERICAN CROW. A. O. U. No. 488. Corvus americanus Aud. Description.— Entire plumage glossy black, for the most part with green- ish-blue, steel-blue and purplish reflections ; feathers of the neck normal, rounded. Length 17.00-21.00 (43i.8-533.4J ; wing 12.00-14.00 (304.8-355.6) ; tail 7.00- 8.00 ( 177.8-203.2 ) ; bill 1.80-2.05 (457-52-i). depth at base V2-.84 (18.3-21.3). Female averages smaller than male. Nest, a neat hemisphere of sticks lined carefully with bark, roots and trash, and placed 10-90 feet high in trees. Eggs, 4-7, usually 5, same coloring as Raven's. Occasionally fine markings produce a uniform olive-green effect. Av. size, 1.60x1.20 (40.6X 30.5). General Range. — North America at large, except Arctic regions and Florida. In the latter region replaced by C. a. pascuus. Of local distribution in the West. Range in Ohio. — Of general occurrence. Retires irregularly from the northern portion of the state in winter. Photo by the Alt )RM AT THE CROW WOODS. THE Crow's year properly begins with the disbanding of the winter roost in late February or early March. When the first south wind bursts into the chilly atelier of spring, siezes a brush and paints the eastern sky with somber blues and piled up grays, his picture is incomplete until stretched across the canvas a long black line of the hurrying birds. Crows 4 THE AMERICAN CROW. are the busybodies of early springtime. Once arrived in their familiar haunts, they peer into last year's birds' nests, inspect fence-rows, discuss the changes wrought by the wood chopper, hold noisy caucuses in the beech woods, or gather fagots for the early nesting, and their clamor becomes an integral part of the season's impress. The dusky bird is a notorious mischief-maker, but he is not quite so black as he has been painted. More than any other bird he has successfullj matched his wits against those of man, and his frequent easy victories and consequent boastings are responsible in large measure for the unsavory repu- tation in which he is held. It is a familiar adage in ebony circles that the proper study of Crow-kind is man. and so well has he pursued this study that he may fairly be said to hold his own in spite of fierce and ingenious persecu- tion. He rejoices in the name of outlaw, and ages of ill treatment have only served to sharpen his wits and intensify his cunning. That the warfare waged against him is largely unnecessary and partly unjust has been pretty clearly proven of late by the scientists who have investi- gated the Crow's food habits. It is true that he destroys large numbers of egg- and nestlings, and that, if allowed to, he will occasionally invade the poultry ward. — and for such conduct there can be no apology. It is true also that some damage is inflicted upon corn in the roasting-ear stage, and that corn left out through the winter constitutes a staple article .if Crow diet. But it must be remembered that birds and eggs form only about one-half of one per cent of their fare through the year, and that in the case of corn, they per- form conspicuous services in raising the crop. Professor A. W. Butler, of Indiana, who has given the matter special attention, says: "Most persons are disposed to note losses oftener and remember them longer than benefits. It i the Crow i is found to eat many insects. May beetles, June bugs, and noxious beetles, and quantities of them, arc fed to their young. Grasshoppers are eaten all summer, but form the bulk of their food in August. Resides these, many bugs, caterpillars, cut-worms, spiders, etc., are eaten It is thought in the mure thickly settled portions of the country that the Crow does more good than barm, and if precautions are taken to protect the nests and young poultry and corn, its damage would not be of any considerable ci msequence." There is no reasonable question that the Crow is the smartest bird within our borders. He is such a delightful rascal that he makes an interesting pet, wide-awake farmer's boy can testify. If taken from the nest and well treated, a young Crow can be given such a large measure of freed- m as to fully justify the experiment from a humanitarian standpoint. Altho -'al- tered anecd tes of Crow ways till the pages of popular literature, it is matter of regret that a complete treatise on the psychology of the Crow has never been produced. Such a work' would not only afford entertaining reading, but THE AMERICAN CROW. would contribute to a sympathetic understanding of the black brother who is only less intelligent than we. Every one knows that Crows talk. Their cry is usually represented by a single syllable, cazv, but it is capable of many and important modifications. For instance, keraw, keraw, comes from some irritated and apprehensive female who is trying to smuggle a stick into the grove. Kawk-kawk-kawk, proclaims sudden danger, and puts the flock into instant commotion; while caw-aw, caw-aw, caw-azv, reassures them again. Once, in winter, when the bird-man was screech-owling for sport, a company of Crows settled in the tops of neigh- boring trees, and earnestly discussed the probable nature of the object half- concealed under a camera cloth. Finally they gave it up and withdrew, as I supposed. It seems that one old fellow was not satisfied, for as I ventured at last to shift ever so little from my strained posi- tion, he set up a derisive "Ca-a-a-w," from a branch over my head — as who should say, "Aw, ye can't fool me. Y're just a ma-a-a-n" — and flapped away in disgust. The final Crow philol- ogy also is still unwritten. The Corvine tongue would be worthy the attention ot Professor Garner were it not for the fact that exple- tives preponderate. vSpace fails to describe the elaborate structure of Crow society, to tell of the military and pedagogical systems which they en- force, of the courts of justice and penal institutions which they maintain, of the vigilantes who visit vengeance upon evil-minded owls and other offend- ers, or even of the games which they play,— tag, hide-and-seek, blind-man's buff and pull-away, — but a word must be spared for that most serious busi- ness of life, nesting. A typical Crow's nest is a very substantial affair, as our illustration shows. Upon a basis of coarse sticks a mat of dried leaves, grasses, bark- strips and dirt, or mud. is impressed. The deep, rounded bowl thus formed is carefully lined with strips of grape-vine bark, twine, horse-hair, wool and * ' y >JXB m ■~^V -TT SR-"«P^^^ rfjsg/*^ ■>< •'• ■■'*nr. v. r ^h x ■ imA T~> CROW'S XI- ST IX DF.I-CH TKF.E. THE AMERICAN CROW. the like. When completed, the nest is about seven inches across and three deep inside. The expression "crow's nest," as used to indicate disarray, really arises from the consideration of old nests. Since the birds resort to the same locality year after year, but never use an old nest, the neighboring structures of successive years come to represent every stage of dilapidation. Normally Crows nest at middle heights in convenient trees in small woodlands, but under the stress of persecution they rise to greater heights and choose inaccessible trees, such as shell-bark hickories or giant elms. I once located a nest in the northern part of the state at a height of a hundred and ten feet in an elm tree five feet in diameter. Since the nest did not belong t . > a Swallow-tailed Kite, the eggs were not disturbed. On the other hand, the birds sometimes throw themselves on our mercy and build within fifteen or twenty feet of the ground, and in very climbable trees. The eggs vary interminably in coloration, but the type is strongly marked. ,, In a recent monograph1 it was deemed advisable to give a particular descrip- . \* '■> \ ■ ;'\j _M~ '_. tii >n of lift \ sets in order to cover the range of variation. Perhaps the most remarkable set that has come to light, at least in Ohio, was one found in the spring of 1892 near Oberlin. The four eggs which comprise the set are en- tirely unmarked, of a pale blue color, not unlike that of Cooper Hawk's eggs. They were taken by myself at two dif- ferent times, under circumstances which would seem to preclude the possibility 1 if mistake in identity. A friend from Ontario, Rev. Giles G. Brown, who saw the eggs, assured me that all which he had ever seen near his native home were of the same description. April is the usual month for nesting, but birds are sometimes seen gathering nest materials during the first week in March, and incubation is often under way before the end of the month. Only one brood is provided for in a season unless siime accident befalls the first, in which case another nest is more hastily prepared at some distance from the scene of former disaster. Deposition of Photo by Griggs f~ Tyle CROW NESTING. The American Crow, I irns, Bulletin No. 5 of the Wi ithological Chapter. THE AMERICAN CROW. eggs may occur on successive or alternate days and the period of incubation is variously estimated at from fourteen to eighteen days. It has been supposed that the Crow retires from our state except in very mild winters. My impression is that this is not usually the case, but that the birds congregate in vast winter companies or "roosts" of local restriction, and chiefly within our borders. Ten such roosts have been reported by Pro- fessor Butler from the neighboring state of Indiana, and it is improbable that the habit of our birds materially differs. I have information of five such roosts (including one across the Ohio River in West Virginia, opposite Gallia County, and which is largely patronized by Ohio birds), noted at dif- ferent times, but have no definite assurance of their permanency. A com- plete record of the winter distribution of the Crow in our state is very much to be desired. Concerning the relative abundance of Crows, as compared with former times, little can be positively determined. The continued denudation of our timber throws many species of birds into false prominence, which may be alto- gether misleading. Dr. Wheaton reported a notable decrease in the vicinity of Columbus twenty years ago. They are abundant now. The species is sub- ject to an epidemic called "roup," which assails the birds in their winter quar- ters and materially reduces their numbers. This disease affects the eyes as well as the pharynx and nasal passages, and has given rise to the belief that the birds freeze their eyes at night in cold weather, — an absurd supposition, since the head is securely tucked under the wing during the hours of slumber. THE BLUE JAY. No. 3. BLUE JAY. A. O. U. No. 477. Cyanocitta cristata (Linn.). Description. — Above, grayish-blue with a purple cast; below, smoky or sordid gray ; a black collar continues up the sides of the neck and underlies the conspicuous blue-gray crest; frontlet and lores black; throat and sides of head gray w ith a delicate purplish suffusion ; wings and tail brighter blue, finely banded with black ; greater coverts and secondaries of wing, and tail feathers, except mid- dle pair, broadly tipped with white; bill and feet black. Length 11.00-12.50 (279.4-317.5) ; wing 5.00-6.00 (127.-152.4) ; tail 5.00-6.00 (127.-152.4) ; bill 1.00- 1.25 (25.4-31.8); tarsus 1.00-1.10 (25.4-27.9). A typical male in the < >. S. U. collection measures: wing 5.25 ( 133.3) ; tail 5.40 (137.2); bill 1.03 (26.2); tarsus 1.09 (27.7). The female averages smaller than the male and is not so brightly colored. Recognition Marks. — Jay size; bright blue coloring. This is one of four or five species which everybody knows. Nest, a compact structure of sticks and roots, lined, almost invariably, with fine brown rootlets, and placed in a crotch or branch of a tree, usually near the trunk, ten to thirty feet up. Eggs, 3-6, bluish-green, olive-green, ashy-brown, or bistre, dotted and blotched with olive and cinnamon-brown. Av. size, 1.10 x .85 (27.9 x 21.6). General Range. — Eastern North America to the Plains, and from the Fur Countries south to Florida and Eastern Texas. Range in Ohio. — Of universal distribution. Resident; common in middle and northern portions, but less frequent southerly. "BEAUTY and the Beast" find joint representation in this most familiar inhabitant of village and woodland. Beautiful he undoubtedly is in his pan iply of blue and white, and we are moved to an admiration which is never quite dis- pelled ; but the heart of him is deceitful and cruel beyond belief. The Blue Jay is the outlaw among birds, no romantic Musolino, beloved by the masses and hated by the few, but a plain bad bird, whose only virtues are such as to merit slight appreciation in the bird world proper. Cunning, mischievous, thieving. cruel, noisy, boastful, quarrelsome, treacherous, wanton — one is tempted to empty the vials of opprobrious epithets upon his devoted head — but the vision • if his saucy beauty and the memory of his ringing delary, delary, stays, a- it always will, the hand of justice. The trouble with Blue Jay is that we all fall in love with him in the winter when he is being good, but lose sight of him in the spring and summer when he is practicing his villainies. In the winter time the flashing blue of the Jay's plumage, most resplendent then, is a welcome sight among the barren hedge- rows or about the chilly outbuildings, which he explores l'< >r stray bits 1 if h< mesl fi iod ; 1 -r a n listering o rnipany 1 if them sweep through the grove and set it ring- THE BLUE JAY. ing with shrill laughter, mucking the frost and bidding defiance to the north wind, until the heart leaps in answer. In early spring, too, the Blue Jays are in highest spirits. They gather about some mock-modest raconteur in the tree- tops, and whisper and snicker in subdued fashion until the point of the story is reached, when they explode with sudden mirth and fall out of the tree shrieking with laughter. If you appear on the scene just then, they proclaim your ad- vance to all creation by shrill cries of Jay, Jay, and with an arrogance of virtue which makes you ques- tion your own motives. But early in April the Blue Jay becomes strangely silent. The nesting season is on, and the bird has good reason to keep the matter quiet. In orchard trees or front-yard evergreens, but oftener in the depth of the forest, the wily birds steal their nests. Not a sound is made while the sticks are laid and the rootlets gathered. No whistle or call betrays the secret of the spotted eggs, and people begin to w< inder what has become of the Blue Jays. Meanwhile the Jays are beginning to feast on strange sweets. Many a nunctured egg of Sparrow. Vireo, or Robin bears witness to the stealthy visit or open brigandage of these maraud- ers. When their young are * roKE^T tree. hatched, the pillage and car- nage increases fourfold. Every discoverable nest, not successfully defended by it^ i iwner, is laid under tribute to provide eggs or tender young for the baby monsters at home. Altho so bloodthirsty, the treacherous blue-coat is not es- pecially brave, and when set upon by the outraged parents, he (or she) usually beats a hasty retreat, screaming at a fearful rate. Even the Robin must guard her treasures with the greatest diligence or this crafty pilferer will desolate her home. The Blue Jays are not over careful either, and the appearance of one in (EST I'LlCUli THE BLl'H JAY. the Robin tree is the signal for a fight, which is but one of millions in the process of a feud already centuries old. In view of Blue Jay's sins, it affords a legitimate satisfaction to recall a sighl which met my gaze early one morning in .May. — a Crow robbing a Blue Jay's nest. Four eggs — one, two, three, four — were extracted by the relentless claw of fate, while the agonized, if unrepentant, parents plead for mercy. The Crow is no saint, but be does not cloak his villainies under a garb of blue and white. !•'< ir sheer naughtiness, too, com- mend us to the pleasant habit which the Blue Jay lias of secreting himself in some thicket and imitating the notes of hawks or other birds or beasts of prey. The ke-ali note of the Red-shouldered Hawk is a favo- rite instrument of terror, and the killy-killy note of the Sparrow Hawk is no less cleverly handled. Once, in winter, having just heard and seen an authentic Butcher-bird, I hastened over to a copse upon hear- ing a repetition of the cry. Here I found a Blue Jay holding a company of Tree Sparrows nearly paralyzed with fright while he produced the well- known clinking and buzzing notes of the Northern Shrike. Is it too much to believe that he chuckled with fiendish glee after this performance? The notes and cries of this bird are always of interest, and by a little atten- tion one may soon learn to tell from them what kind of mischief is afoot. Pure jay, jay is used when alighting or greeting comrades, or in assembling the clan. Dayick, dayick is the raucous note of mischief or mere clamor. Delary, delary is the sound pressed out during those extraordinary springing motions which the bird describes through the whole arc of his physical reach. It seems to be used both to announce a discovery, to summon or warn friends, or as a preparatory flight call. This delary is often preceded by a mellow t •>•'!<■ toob, of puzzling origin, and the flight itself is often accompanied by a rich ringing Che-klung oo i. Besides these, there are. of course, various soliloquizing and conversational note's, and these on occasion may reach the doubtful dignity of song. If we can say little that is good of the Blue Jay. all must agree that he is an interesting character; .-111(1 our moral duty toward him and those upon whom he preys will probably be best observed, not by a policy of ruthless ex- termination, but by keeping the species within hounds. near Buckeye Lake. Photo by the Author. NEST AND EGGS OF BLUE JAY FIFTEEN FEET HIGH IN SWAMP WILLOW. THE BOBOLINK. No. 4. BOBOLINK. A. O. U. No. 494. Dolichonyx oryzivorus (Linn.). Synonyms. — Skunk Blackbird; Reed-bird; Rice-bird; Meadow-wink. Description. — Adult male, breeding plumage: Ik-ad and below, rich glossy black, — the feathers having at first a burly edging which wears off as the season advances ; a broad nuchal patch of strong buff or cream ; scapulars, lower back, rump, and upper tail-coverts pale white; middle back gray; upper back, wings and tail glossy to dead black with various buffy edging; tail-feathers sharply- pointed; bill dull black; feet brown. Adult female: Ground color of plumage olive-buff, — clearest below, and in median crown, superciliary, and inter-scapular stripes; the remainder black and brownish-fuscous. Adults in fall, and young: Like female in spring, but buffier and with less black throughout. Length 7.00- 7.50 (177.8-190.5) ; wing 3.00-4.00 (76.2-101.6) ; tail 2.75-3.00 (69.8-76.2); bill •55 (J4-) ; tarsus .90-1.00 (22.9-25.4). Female averages a half-inch shorter, with similar proportions. Recognition Marks. — Chewink size ; black, white, and buff plumage of breeding male. The breeding female is a shy and obscurely colored bird, to be recognized by the amateur mainly through the attentions of the male. At other seasons both sexes and all ages may be known by the frequently uttered dink cry. In the hand the acute tail-feathers are quite distinctive. Nest, on the ground in meadows or deserted fields, a slight, grass-lined depression concealed with some art, but not definitely overarched. Eggs, 4-7, yellowish clay or stone-gray, heavily spotted and blotched with umber, drab, and even lavender. Av. size, .87 x .63 (22.1 x 16.). General Range. — "Eastern North America, west to edge of Great Plains, breeding in Northern United States and more southern British Provinces ; in winter south to West Indies and South America" 1 Ridgw.L Range in Ohio. — "Abundant summer resident in northern, very common spring and fall migrant, less common summer resident and breeding in middle, and migrant only in southern Ohio" (Wheaton). NEXT after Bluebird, the coming of Bobolink marks the broadest step in that golden stair of springtime, by which we yearly attain the height of orni- thological joy. His coming heralds that tidal wave of migration which begins somewhere during the last week in April, and sweeps over us till the middle of May. Without waiting for their more modest mates, the males press north- ward, hot-winged, to riot for a while over the dank meadows in bachelor com- panies, and to perfect that marvel of tumultuous song. Oh how they sing! those Bacchanals of springtime. From fence-post or tree-top, or quivering in mid-air, they pour forth such an ecstacy of liquid gurgling mites as must thrill the very clods. Such exuberance of spirit, such reckless abandon of mirth-compelling joy would cure a sick preacher on blue Monday. As the bird sings he bows and scrapes and pirouettes till, as Wheaton says, "he re- Tin-: it* nn ilixk. sembles a French dancing master in uniform, singing, fiddling, dancing, and calling off at the same time." But when some fine morning about a week later, a shy, plainly attired, brown lady drops from the sky with a soft dink, then it is that the passionate soul of the singer is fairly consumed by the inner fires of melody and desire. He dashes like mad after his lady love and pursues her at breakneck speed through the thickets of weeds and about fence rows until he loses her in the grass. Then he hovers, or rather dances, in the air, over the spot where she vanished, or else retires to a fence-post, hard by, to make frantic protestations of his devotion. Oh, geezeler, geeseler, gilpity, onkeler, oo, comes from that perfect threat: and somewhere between two blades of grass the lady is watching him — the sly minx — and chuckling softly to herself. Once I heard a chorus of bachelors — or was it a musical contest ? — where seven birds in the top of a little willow were singing with might and main. The effect of that wild melody of tinkling, palpitating and flute-like notes with its changeful syncopations and melodious discord will not soon be forgotten. It was an all star team of the world's most accomplished mirth makers. All the world loves a lover, and such ardor as '"Robert of Lincoln" displays is not in vain. With a heart completely won the female scrapes a little hollow in the ground amongst the tall grass of a meadow or deserted field. Here upon a slight lining of dried grass, she deposits five or six eggs, clay- colored with umber blotches, wonderfully like the ground. The owner is mis- tress of the art of concealment, and usually escapes detection even from the most inquisitive. In my experience, the female flushes at long distances, but even when she permits a close approach to the nest she herself skulks a long •■ , a\ before rising. If you care to spend an hour or so hunting for the treas- ure-, the safest way is to mark the spot where the bird rose, and then hunt toward your original position along the line of approach. During the incubation the male is the same rollicksome fellow that he was during courtship; but he sings faithfully to his sitting mate, and he re- ligiouslj drives intruders En m the critical portion of the field. It" several pairs occupy one meadow, as is frequently the case, the males spend a good deal of time Irving to compel each other to respect imaginary boundaries. The moulting of the Bobolink is one of the most interesting phases of THE BOBOLINK. .'HERE WiEhLI familiar bird life. When the male ar- rives in the spring he is apt to have some buff}- or ashy skirting on his black feathers, but these soon disappear and he stands forth in a per- fect livery of black, white and buff. Un- der the neces- sity of having to provide for a growing brood, all his gaiety leaves him. He becomes anxious, silent, and careworn. Barely are the youngsters able to shift for themselves, when the father doffs the wedding garments, and puts on a severely plain suit like that of the female. A month or so is spent by both old and young in recruiting strength — a season which is passed for the most part in loose flocks — and then the leisurely journey southward is begun, about the twentieth of August. The sole and characteristic note from this on is a metallic dink or chink. There is little concert about their southward movement, and the air in our latitude may resound with dink cries at any time of night, and often in the daytime, for a month. The birds gather in immense numbers in the reeds of the Chesapeake region, and are slaughtered by thous- ands for the market, where they are known as "Reed-birds." Later in then- retreat they infest the rice-swamps of the Carolinas and Georgia, where they are also killed in'great numbers, with perhaps some little show of justice. But surely if our Southern neighbors could realize of how much delicious music they deprive us another year, they would not be so cruel. It is a great pity that the burden of the musician's support does not fall more heavily upon us, for how cheerfully would we bear it ! THE COWBIRD. No. 5- COWBIRD. A. O. U. No. 495. Molothrus ater ^Uudd.j. Synonyms. — Cow Blackbird; Cuckold. Description. — Adult male: Head and neck wood-, seal-, or coffee-brown (variable); remaining plumage black with metallic greenish or bluish irides- cence. Female: Dark grayish brown, showing slight greenish reflections, dark- est on wings and tail, lightening on breast and throat. Young in fust plumage: Like female but lighter below and more or less streaky; above somewhat mottled by buffy edgings of feathers. The young males present a striking appearance when they are assuming the adult black, on the installment plan, by chunks and blotches. Length 7.50-8.00 ( 190.5-203. 2) ; wing 4.40 (111.8) ; tail 3.00-3.40 (76.2-86.4); bill .05 (16.5); tarsus .95-1.10 (24.1-27.9). Female, length, wing, and tail one-halt inch less. Recognition Marks. — Chewink size ; brown head and black body of male ; brown of female. Nesting. — The Cowbird invariably deposits her eggs in the nests of other birds. Eggs, 1 or 2, rarely 3 or 4, with a single hostess, white, often faintly tinged with bluish or greenish, evenly speckled with cinnamon, brown or umber. Av. size, .85 x .65 (21.6 x 16.5), but quite variable. General Range. — United States from the Atlantic to the Pacific, north into southern British America, south in winter, into Mexico. Range in Ohio. — Common throughout the state, but less so in heavily tim- bered regions. IF it were given us to revise the economy of nature we should certainly place this fellow upon the proscribed list. Judged by every sentiment of justice, human and avian, he is an outlaw, and all other birds at least would thank us if we set a price upon his head. To show how thoroughly accepted the opinion is among ornithologists, I cannot do better than emote Mr. Frank M. Chapman : "As .111 outcast he makes the best of things and gathers about him a band of kindred spirits who know no law. There is an air about the group which tells the critical observer that their deeds are evil. No joyous song swells the throat of the male. His chief contribution to the chorus of springtime is a guttural bubbling produced with apparently nauseous effort. In small flocks they visit both pasture and woodland, and are given to following cattle, clus- tering about the feet of the herd, presumably to feed on the insects found there. They build no nest, and the females, lacking every moral instinct, leave their companions only long enough to deposit their eggs in the nests of other and smaller birds. I can imagine no sight more strongly suggestive of a thi in lughly despicable nature than a female Cowbird sneaking through the trees THE COWBIRD. and bushes in search of a victim upon whom to shift the duties of motherhood." The egg thus surreptitiously placed in another bird's nest usually hatches two or three days before those of the foster mother, and thus the infant Cowbird gets a start which he is not slow to improve. Its loud clamoring for food often drives the old birds to abandon the task of incubation; or if the other eggs are allowed to remain until hatched, the uncouth stranger manages to usurp attention and food supplies, and not infrequently to override or stifle the other occupants of the nest, so that their dead bodies are removed to make room for his hogship. It is asserted by some that in the absence of the foster parents the young thug forcibly ejects the rightful heirs from the nests, after the fashion of the Old World Cuckoos. This is emphatically denied by others. I never caught the rascal in the act myself, but I once found a nest which con- tained only a lusty Cowbird, while three proper fledglings clung to the shrub- bery below and one lay dead on the ground. The appearances were certainly against Molothrus titer. When the misplaced tenderness of foster parents has done its utmost for the young upstart, he joins himself to some precious crew of his own blood, and the cycle of a changeling is complete. It would be easy, not to say picturesque, to record a large number of unpleasant epithets which would justly apply to this bird. Sneak, cuckold, ingrate, are only a few examples. If any comfort at all is to be found from his presence in the bird world, it must be similar to that supplied by the presence of evil in the moral world. And some such value we do see through the expedients to which unwilling victims are driven in their efforts to rid themselves of the despised eggs. Perhaps some are able to remove the foreign egg from their nests, altho this is uncertain. Others promptly desert upon the first glimpse of the interloper. But others, more ingenious, are driven to build a second story to their nests and lay another set of eggs on the new floor. In- stances are on record where a bird has thus constructed three stories, having been a second time defeated in the effort to avoid unpleasant responsibilities. While it is true that the smaller birds, notably the Vireos, the Yellow- Warbler, and the Field Sparrow, are most frequently imposed upon, such is not always the case. I have found eggs with the Red-winged Blackbird and the Cardinal. In the latter case the close resemblance of the eggs probably accomplished the deception of the owner herself. The Cowbird's egg is of a peculiarly generalized form and pattern. While there is no evidence that it is varied for adaptation to particular hosts, it is sur- prising how closely it resembles the speckled eggs of many species, which are among themselves distinctive. Thus it often requires a second glance to dis- tinguish it among the eggs of the Ovenbird, the Towhee, the Yellow-breasted Chat, the Field. Grasshopper, and Song Sparrows, and even the Yellow Warbler. [6 Till-'. COWBIRD. Much was formerly made, especially in New England, of the mysterious disappearance of the Cowbirds during- the months of July and August. At this season they gather in large flocks, but are not much noticed because i if their almost unbroken silence. Late in summer the}" are moulting and keep pretty closely to out-of-the-way woods during this trying time. In northern Ohio I have repeatedly watched companies of from five hundred to two thousand during August, as they passed silently about the tree-tops, or as they settled to their accustomed roosts in a grove. On the other hand I once spent ten days at the same season, along the Muskingum and Ohio Rivers, without seeing a single Cowbird. \"et I have no reason to doubt that there were as many bird- in the latter region as in the former. Specimens shot in August contained, besides small quantities of wheat gleaned from the ground, large numbers of grasshoppers. If one were ever disposed to be lenient toward this repulsive bird, it might well be during the grasshopper season. THf: BIRDS' MIRROR. Photo by F THE YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRD. No. 6. YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRD. A. O. U. Xo. 407. Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus i Bonap.). Description. — Adult male: Head, neck all around, and breast orange yel- low ; lores and leathers skirting eyes and bill, black ; a double white patch on folded wing formed by greater and lesser coverts, but interrupted by black of bastard wing ; usually a little yellow about vent and on tibiae ; the remaining plumage black, dull or subdued, and turning brown on wing-tips ami tail, female : Dark brown; line over eye. throat, and upper breast dull yellow. Length to.O i- n.oo (254.-279.4); wing 5-3O-S-60 (134.6-142.2); tail 4.00-4.50 (101.6-114.3) ; bill .90 1 22. 1 ; tarsus 1.25 (31.8). Eemale smaller, length 8.00-9.50 (203.2- 241.3). Recognition Marks. — Robin size; yellow head and breast. "Nest, a light but large, thick-brimmed fabric of dried reeds and grasses slung to growing ones. 5-6 inches in diameter and about as deep. Eggs, 3-6, 1.00-1.15 (25. 4-29. j 1 long b) 0.75 ( 19.1) broad ; grayish-green, spotted as in Scolecophagus, with reddish-brown, not -crawled as in Agelaius" (Coues). General Range. — Western North America from Wisconsin, Illinois and Texas to the Pacific Coast, and from British Columbia and the Saskatchewan River southward to the Valley of Mexico. Accidental in Middle and Atlantic States. Range in Ohio. — Of rare and casual occurrence only. THIS Blackbird is essentially a bird 1 if the Prairies, and it is eminently fit- ted for obtaining its living on the ground, since its legs and feet are strongly de- veloped as if by and for scratching. Large numbers spend the winter sociably in the title swamps of Texas and Califi irnia, breaking up into smaller companies after the migration has been accomplished, and distributing themselves among the inland marshes of the Great Plains, and locally throughout the West, where they breed much after the fashion of Redwings. The species i* of a rather roving disposition, one specimen having been taken in Greenland in 1820. Small bunches have several times been recognized on the wing by competent observers here in Ohio, and Wheaton cites the instance of a pair being seen in a low meadow near Groveport, in Franklin County, where it was thought to have bred, in the summer of 1873. THE RED-WINGED BLACKT.1KI >. .No. 7. RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD. A. ( I. CJ. No. 498. Agelaius phoeniceus (Linn.). Synonyms. — Marsh Blackbird; Swamp Blackbird; Redwing; Red- shoulderEd Blackbird. Description. — Adult male: ('.lossy black; "shoulder patches" (lesser wing coverts) of bright scarlet, partially concealed in repose by black scapulars and bound by a broad buff border posteriorly : bill and feet horn black. Female : Brownish gray, mottled and streaked, sharply below, less distinctly above ; feath- CAI, XKSTIXO swamp ers of back edged by butt or bay, shoulders subdued red; throat, chin, cheeks, and superciliary stripe faintly ruddy. Young, similar to female, but darker. Young males exhibit every intermediate phase of plumage. Males in fall have their uniform black interrupted by whitish, butty, and tawny edgings of the feathers. The epaulets at this season are a sickly orange-red. Males, length 9.00 (228.6) ; wing 4.84 (122.9): tail 3.82 (97.); bill .85 (21.6) ; depth of bill at base .50 I 12.7 1. Female, length about 8.00 1 203.2) : wing 4.06 1 103. 1 1 ; tail 3.23 (82.) : bill .76 (19.3) : depth at base .43 1 10. 9). THE RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD. Recognition Marks. — Chewink to Robin size ; bright red epaulets of male ; general streakiness of female. Nest, a neatly woven but rather bulky basket of grasses and cat-tail leaves, swung usually from upright stalks of the cat-tail ; lining of fine grass of uniform size. Eggs 4-7, usually 5, light blue, scrawled, blotched or clouded with dark purple or black, and chiefly about the larger end. Av. size, 1.04 x .72 (26.4 x 18.3). General Range. — "Eastern United States and more southern British Prov- inces, except Florida and Gulf Coast ; west to eastern base of Rocky Mountains ; north to Nova Scotia, Province of Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, etc." (Ridgway).1 Range in Ohio. — Common summer resident throughout the state wherever cat-tail swamps or their equivalent are to be found. Markedly decreasing in numbers because of the drainage of the swamps. Wgfifm Hftjsy mm 'HE REDWING'S NEST. IN speaking of Blackbirds three pictures almost invariably present them- selves to the mind's eye. One is of a wet day in early March. The untidy land is surfeited with waters, partly from the tardy-melting snows, partly from the iterative dashes of rain which wreak their sullen spite alike on ghostly grove and sodden meadow. But the bird-man has seen a great company of Blackbirds trooping overhead, and settling in the first tree-top to northward ; so he hastens after, manger shower and slop. The birds are swarming in the upper branches, and giving rise to a perfect babel of noises. Clicks, clacks, whistles, squeaks, and ringing challenges make up the boisterous medley of those most sociable and garrulous of birds. It is a mixed company, for Grackles, "Rusties," and 1 "The Birds of North and Middle America." by Robert Ridgway. Part II. p. 332. THE RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD. Cowbirds make common cause with Redwings in the northern migrations; but the last named preponderate, and it is they who are must vivacious, most resplendent, and must nearly musical. The Redwing's mellow kongqueree or occasional tipsy whoop-er-way-up is the life of the party. Almost before we know it, our friends, to the number of a dozen pairs or more, have taken up their residence in a cat-tail swamp — nowhere else, if you please, unless driven to it — and here in early May a dozen baskets of matchless weave are swung or lodged midway of the growing plants. Your distant approach is commented upon from the tops of bordering willows by keyrings and other notes. At close range the lordly male, he of the brilliant epaulets and proper military swagger, shakes out his tine clothes and says Kongqueree, in a voice in which anxiety is quite outweighed by vanity and proffered good fellowship withal. But if you push roughly through the outlying sedges, anxiety obtains the mastery. The alarm is sounded. There i> a hubbub in the marsh. Bustling, frowsy females appear, and scold you roundly. The lazy gallants are all fathers now, and they join direful threats to courteous expostu- lations, as they flutter wildly around the intruder's head. To the mischevious boy the chance frequently to call out these frantic attentions is irresistible, even when no harm is intended. The third picture is of a cloud of Blackbirds — plain Blackbirds now, male, female, or young, it matters not — bearing down relentlessly upon a field of ripening corn. The terror of the black scourge belonged chiefly to a former day. Besides we will not dilate upon the weaknesses of our friends. I have said that the Redwing prefers cat -tails for nesting; but in the vicinity of the larger swamps, or wherever there is danger of high water, they take readily to bushes or even small trees. Second broods, too, are more apt to be reared in elevated situations. The local attachment of Redwings is quite marked, and indeed sometimes almosl pathetic. I once visited the region of a famous swamp, the "Goose Pond," in Pickaway County, only to find that the misdirected energies of the local Hans had drained off the water some two years before, leaving the "ancient bottom of unfathomable ooze" as dry as tinder. Of course the drain- age of the swamp had involved the total destruction of its charasteristic vegetation. Nevertheless a few pairs of Redwings lingered about the scene of their former happiness — their birthplace, no doubt, but now a dessicated waste — quite unable to grasp the meaning of the changed conditions. THE THICK-BILLED REDWING. No. 8. THICK-BILLED REDWING. A. U. U. No. 4g8d. Agelaius phoeniceus fortis Ridgvv. Synonym. — Northern Redwing. Description. — "Similar to A. p. phoeniceus (preceding species), but de- cidedly larger and with the bill usually relatively much shorter and thicker" (Ridgw. ). Adult female averaging paler than A. phoeniceus. Adult male, length, av. 8.79 (223.1) ; wing 4.96 (126.) ; tail 3.86 (98.) ; culmen .92 (23.3) ; depth of bill at base .53 (13.5). Adult female, av. length j.$i, (186.2); wing 4.15 (105.5); tail 3-°8 (78-1); culmen .75 (19.1); depth of bill at base .46 (11.8). Nest and Eggs. — Not distinguishable from those of A. phoeniceus. Does not breed in Ohio. General Range. — "Central North America, breeding northward; in migra- tions from Manitoba south to Illinois, Indian Territory, and Western Texas, westward to and including the Rocky Mountains, and south to Arizona and Chihuahua" (A. O. U. ). Also east at least to Ohio, Kentucky (Mason county), etc. Range in Ohio. — Probably not uncommon during migrations in early spring and late fall. Sparingly resident in winter in south-middle and southern portions of state. A singularly large and handsome male seen a few miles west of Columbus, while in company with Professor Lynds Jones, on December First last, aroused me to the probable presence of winter stragglers of Mr. Ridgway's newly elaborated subspecies, A. p. fortis. A careful examination of several of the large collections affords material which supports the conclusion indifferently well ; but fuller study is necessary to prove that the larger-billed variety is hab- itually present in winter, or to determine whether all the winter specimens of Redwing belong to this form. It seemed to me also last spring that certain differences of voice and note obtain between the local and migrant birds. — the kongkeree call of the latter being hoarser and less finished, and their clack note of scolding both stronger and more husky. But one cannot afford to be dogmatic on such points just at present. THE AlK \I" iWLARK. No. 9. MEADOW LARK. \. 1 I. I'. No. 501. Sturnella magna (L,inn.). Synonyms. — Fiiclu Lark; AIkulakk; Mudlark (corruption) ; Medlar (po- etical J. Description. — Male: General color of upper parts brownish black modified by tawny and buffish gray edgings of the feathers, the latter heaviest on second- aries and upper tail-feathers, where it takes the form of partial bands; cheeks, median, and superciliary lines sordid white ; a large crescent on upper breast black; chin, upper throat, breast, middle belly, and line over eye bright yellow; sides and crissum black-streaked on a white or flaxen ground ; bill singularly variegated, tawny, black, and white. Female : Like male but smaller and paler. The plumage of both sexes is duller in fall and winter, the normal colors being restrained by a profuse buffy overlay. Adult male, length 10.00-11.00 (254.- 279.4); av. of four Columbus males, wing 4.66 (118.4); tail 3.10 (78.7); bill 1.26 (32.). Recognition Marks. — Robin size ; yellow with black or blackish collar, be- low; general streaky appearance above. Nest, a thin bed of dried grasses on the ground, usually covered or over- arched by growing grass. Eggs, 4-6, white, speckled and spotted with cin- namon-brown or purplish. Av. size, 1.12 x .80 (28.5 x 20.3). General Range. — Eastern United States and southern Canada to the Plains. Breeds from the Cult of Mexico northward. Range in Ohio. — Wheaton's words, penned twenty-five years ago. are still apt: "Abundant. Summer resident in northern, in part resident in middle, and resident, but less numerous in winter, in southern I >hio " THE MEADOWLARK. 23 LAND is, by courtesy, said to belong to this person or that because he happens to hold a parchment whereupon are inscribed certain characters, a deed in legal phrase ; but if the earth belongs to those who use it, and if he is a ben- efactor who causes two blades of grass to grow where was only one before, then, surely, the Meadow Lark has clear title of eminent domain. Fortunately, however, the claims of the farmer and the Lark do not conflict. The Lark asks but shelter, and if the man wants crops, lo ! here is his most faithful servitor. It is difficult to overestimate the economic value of the Meadow Lark. The bird is by choice almost exclusively insectivorous. If, however, when hard pressed, he takes toll of the fallen wheat or clover seed, he is as easily justifiable as is the hired man who consumes the farmer's biscuits that he may have the strength to wield the hoe against the farmer's weeds. Being provided with a long and sensitive bill, the Meadow Lark not only gleans its insect prey from the surface of the ground, but works among the grass roots, and actually probes the earth in its search for wire- and cut-worms, those most dreaded pests. Be- sides devouring injurious grubs and insects of many kinds, the Lark has a great fondness for grasshoppers, subsisting almost entirely upon these in the season of their greatest abundance. In the matter of grasshopper consumption alone Meadow Larks of average distribution, are estimated by no less an authority than Professor Beal, to be worth about twenty-four dollars per month, per township, in saving the hay crop. To the individual farmer this may seem a small matter, but in the aggregate the saving to the nation amounts to some hundreds of thousands of dollars each year. Even in winter, when a tew individuals or occasional companies of Larks are still to be found, a large proportion of their food consists of hardy beetles and other insects, while weed-seed and scattering grain is laid under tribute, as it were, reluctantly. While not strictly resident to a large extent, the Meadow Lark is likely to occur almost anywhere in winter, and it arrives so earlv in February and March as to cause frequent confusion with the strict winter residents. Numbers of them also pass through our borders into Ontario. A certain raw day in early spring— March 18, 1889, it was— appeared re- markable for the number of Meadow Larks that were piled up on the Lake Erie shore; not dead, nor literally heaped up. indeed, but gathered thickly in the bordering meadows and bluff pasture lands because of the aspect of the Lake, which was so forbidding that the birds feared to cross it. In a walk of four or five miles, not tens nor hundreds, but thousands were seen, and they made a mighty and incessant chorus throughout the distance. Every now and then a bunch of forty or fifty birds would charge out over the lake, but always reconsidered the motion and beat back hastily to shore; and we saw none actually setting out upon the final passage. THE MHADOWLARK. r 4£ v 1 ^^>^'1,,