IC-NRLF B 3 THE LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA Biology BEQUEST OF Theodore S, Palmer Check List of the Birds of Illinois i Published by the inois Audubon Society , s. r, CHECK LIST of the BIRDS OF ILLINOIS Together with a short list of 200 commoner birds and Allen's Key to Birds Nests Published by the ILLINOIS AUDUBON SOCIETY 10 South La Salle Street CHICAGO GIF1 I3G3 &0/. iik CONTENTS Page Zone Map of Illinois Frontispiece Preface 5 Author's Foreword 7 List of 200 Illinois Birds 9 Key to Birds' Nests 16 Comprehensive List of Illinois Birds 23 490 Transition Upper Austral Lower Austraj Northei Central Southern MAP OF ILLINOIS SHOWING LIFE ZONES Preface A tentative "Check List" of Illinois birds ap- peared in the Spring 1917 Bulletin of the Illinois Audubon Society and again with certain revisions and additions in the succeeding number. The value of efforts of this sort was so evident that it was de- cided to undertake the preparation of a check list which would recognize as far as possible all authen- ticated data relating to the occurrence of birds in Illinois, and serve as a standard for the recording of bird notes in every portion of the state. The so- called "Comprehensive Check List of the Birds of Illinois" which occupies the greater portion of this booklet is the outcome. It is the work of Benjamin T. Gault, a member of the Board of Directors of the Illinois Audubon Society, and an ornithologist whose peculiar fitness for this task is known to all students of bird migration in the Illinois area. For many years an accurate and discriminating ob- server, he had accumulated private records which have been of the greatest value in the preparation of this list. The project has involved an almost endless amount of work and a great deal of pains- taking research. Mr. Gault's sole compensation for this is to be in the assistance which the Check List will render to observers and students of bird life everywhere in Illinois. Elsewhere, Mr. Gault acknowledges his indebted- ness to Mr. Robert Ridgway and others whose con- tributions to the Check List have been of the highest importance, and who have generously co- operated in every possible way. To all these and to Mr. Gault, likewise, the Illinois Audubon Society wishes to extend its thanks and the assurance of deepest appreciation of service rendered. The So- ciety is honored in being permitted to put its im- print on this composite effort. For some years the Illinois Audubon Society has furnished schools with a wall chart containing a 1th list of two hundred of the more common birds of Illinois. It is purely arbitrary in its nature and represents a sort of compromise on the part of those who were asked to state their opinion as to the two hundred birds which are "more common" in Illinois. This list is included in this booklet with the hope that it will be of value for ready reference and that the beginner may look upon it as a satisfactory working list. The key to birds' nests which is also included in this booklet is the work of Doctor Arthur A. Allen, of Syracuse, New York, and has appeared in a recent number of "Bird Lore." Doctor Allen has waived the copyright privileges for its use in this Check List, and the Illinois Audubon Society is greatly indebted to him for this favor. The key should prove to be of great service to observers in the field. The Illinois Audubon Society hopes that ob- servers will find that the form in which this book- let is issued lends itself to pocket use and the exi- gencies of field work, and that the wide margins will invite pencil notes made "on the spot." J. L. S. Foreword To the writer is allotted a little space to comment on the map which faces the title page of this book- let, and to make acknowledgment of the expert ad- vice and assistance which has made it possible for him to complete the task of putting together the "Comprehensive List of Birds" with which the greater portion of this booklet is concerned. The map defines for the first time the three divis- ions of the state hitherto referred to as Northern, Central, and Southern Illinois. It also illustrates in color the faunal areas or life zones described by Mr. Ridgway in the introduction to the list just mentioned. The original idea as suggested by Mr. Ridgway has been followed out by making the divis- ional lines of separation between the stated areas run as nearly as practicable along isothermal lines. The isotherm selected in marking the separation between the Northern and Central divisions is the mean annual of 51 degrees, while that between the Central and Southern is 55 degrees. The division lines as they appear heavily shaded are made to follow county lines. This procedure is somewhat arbitrary but it is probable that it fairly approx- imates the true boundaries, and there is consider- able gain to students in the field by bringing out geographic limitations so definitely. The Introduc- tion to the Comprehensive Check List by Mr. Ridg- way, which appears in its proper place, clearly sets forth the significance of the zonal areas and their importance in explaining the distribution of bird life. Mr. Ridgway's discussion is a valuable con- tribution to this subject. It remains to acknowledge the liberal support and assistance given the writer in the preparation of the Check List. For the contribution of notes, observations, and items of interest, for original sug- gestions and careful criticism, and for expert advice and help in the actual preparation of the booklet, the writer wishes to express his appreciation and thanks to each of the following persons : R. Magoon Barnes, Henry K. Coale, Ruthven Deane, C. W. G. Eifrig, Chreswell J. Hunt, Orpheus M. Schantz, George P. Lewis, Nathan Leopold, Jr., Frederic H. Pattee, Colin C. Sanborn, Jesse L. Smith, Herbert L. Stoddard, Harry S. Swarth, and Otto Widmann. In addition to the foregoing, special reference should be made to the four following names : Edward R. Ford, who has contributed the nesting and breeding records for the northern part of the state, chiefly that portion known as the "Chicago Area," a careful observer and a specialist in his line ; Isaac E. Hess, a conscientious ornithologist who has done exceedingly good work in the Champaign County district in the central part of the state, and has supplied, on this occasion, the breeding data for that portion of the county within a ten-mile radius of his home in Philo ; C. B. Vandercook, a bird- student of long years' standing who, likewise, has rendered a similar service for the Marion, and a portion of the Clinton County, district of Southern Illinois ; and, finally, our good friend, the veteran ornithologist, Robert Ridgway, who, independent of his other achievements, which have given him an in- ternational reputation, is regarded as the leading authority on the birds of this state. These gentle- men have very generously contributed the specific information relating to the birds of their respective districts, and to them are especially due the thanks of the writer and of the Illinois Audubon Society. BENJAMIN T. GAULT. A List of 200 Commoner Birds of Illinois In compiling the "List of 200 Illinois Birds" the customary arrangement of families and species, fol- lowed by ornithologists, has been reversed in order that the more familiar birds should be at the be- ginning rather than at the end of the list. Since the north and south extension of the state is approximately 400 miles, there is considerable variation in the species to be found in areas so widely separated. A combined list of the birds com- mon in different portions of the state will therefore not be workable in every portion of the state, un- less qualifying marks of some sort are used. In the following list this is accomplished by placing after the names of those common only in certain portions of the state, (N) indicating North, (C) Central, and (S) Southern. For example, the Car- dinal, although found here and there in northern Illinois, can be said to be common only in central and southern Illinois. It therefore appears in the list as follows: — Cardinal (C) (S). All names on the list not followed by bracketed letters represent birds that are common throughout the state. It should be noted that this entire list is included in the "Comprehensive Check List" to- gether with many more birds more or less rare in the state. The latter list is to be found on pages 23 to 80. Thrushes and Bluebird Bluebird Robin Hermit Thrush Olive-backed Thrush Gray-cheeked Thrush Willow Thrush Wood Thrush Kinglets and Gnatcatcher Blue-gray Gnatcatcher Ruby-crowned Kinglet Golden-crowned Kinglet L I S T O I Nuthatches and Titmice Carolina Chickadee (S) Chickadee (N) (C) Tufted Titmouse (C) (S) Red-breasted Nuthatch White-breasted Nuthatch Creeper Brown Creeper Mockingbirds, Wrens, Etc. Long-billed Marsh Wren Short-billed Marsh Wren Winter Wren House Wren Bewick's Wren (S) Carolina Wren (C) (S) Brown Thrasher Catbird Mockingbird (S) Pipit Pipit Warblers Redstart Canadian Warbler Wilson's Warbler Hooded Warbler (S) Yellow-breasted Chat (C) (S) Maryland Yellow-throat Mourning Warbler Connecticut Warbler Kentucky Warbler (C) (S) Louisiana Water-thrush (C) (S) Grinnell's Water-thrush Oven-bird Palm Warbler Pine Warbler Black-throated Green Warbler Blackburnian Warbler Black-poll Warbler Bay-breasted Warbler Chestnut-sided Warbler 10 ILLINOIS BIRDS Cerulean Warbler Magnolia Warbler Myrtle Warbler Black-throated Blue Warbler Yellow Warbler Cape May Warbler Northern Parula Warbler Tennessee Warbler Nashville Warbler Golden-winged Warbler Blue-winged Warbler (C) (S) Worm-eating Warbler (S) Prothonotary Warbler (C) (S) Black and White Warbler Vireos White-eyed Vireo (C) (S) Yellow-throated Vireo Warbling Vireo Red-eyed Vireo Shrike Migrant Shrike Waxwing Cedar Waxwing Swallows Rough-winged Swallow Bank Swallow Tree Swallow Barn Swallow Cliff Swallow Purple Martin Tanagers Summer Tanager (C) (S) Scarlet Tanager Finches, Sparrows, Etc. Dickcissel Indigo Bunting Rose-breasted Grosbeak Cardinal (C) (S) Towhee 11 Fox Sparrow Swamp Sparrow Song Sparrow Slate-colored Junco Field Sparrow Chipping Sparrow Tree Sparrow (N) (C) White-throated Sparrow White-crowned Sparrow Lark Sparrow Henslow's Sparrow Grasshopper Sparrow Savannah Sparrow Vesper Sparrow Lapland Longspur (N) (C) Snow Bunting (N) Pine Siskin Goldfinch Redpoll Crossbill (N) House Sparrow Purple Finch Blackbirds, Orioles, Etc. Bronzed Crackle Rusty Blackbird Baltimore Oriole Orchard Oriole Meadowlark Red-winged Blackbird Cowbird Bobolink Crow and Jay Crow Blue Jay Lark Prairie Horned Lark Flycatchers Least Flycatcher Traill's Flycatcher Acadian Flycatcher Yellow-bellied Flycatcher 12 ILLINOIS BIRD Wood Pewee Olive-sided Flycatcher Phoebe Crested Flycatcher Kingbird Whip-Poor- Will, Nighthawk Swift and Hummingbird Ruby-throated Hummingbird Chimney Swift Nighthawk Whip-poor-will Woodpeckers Northern Flicker Red-bellied Woodpecker (C) (S) Red-headed Woodpecker Yellow-bellied Sapsucker Downy Woodpecker Hairy Woodpecker Cuckoos and Kingfisher Belted Kingfisher Black-billed Cuckoo Yellow-billed Cuckoo Owls Great Horned Owl Screech Owl Barred Owl Short-eared Owl Long-eared Owl Hawks Sparrow Hawk Rough-legged Hawk (N) (C) Broad-winged Hawk Red-shouldered Hawk Red-tailed Hawk Cooper's Hawk Sharp-shinned Hawk Marsh Hawk 13 I Vulture Turkey Vulture (C) (S) Dove Mourning Dove Bob- White and Grouse Prairie Chicken (N) (C) Ruffed Grouse Bob-white Plovers Semipalmated Plover Killdeer Snipe, Sandpipers, Etc. Spotted Sandpiper Bartramian Sandpiper (N) (C) Solitary Sandpiper Yellow-legs Semipalmated Sandpiper Least Sandpiper Pectoral Sandpiper Wilson's Snipe Woodcock Rails, Gallinule, and Coot Coot Florida Gallinule Sora Virginia Rail King Rail Bitterns, Herons, Etc. Black— crowned Night Heron Green Heron Great Blue Heron Least Bittern Bittern Ducks and Geese Canada Goose Buffle-head Golden-eye (N) (C) Ring-necked Duck 14 ILLINOIS BIRDS Lesser Scaup Duck Canvas-back Redhead Wood Duck Pintail Shoveller Blue-winged Teal Green-winged Teal Baldpate Mallard Hooded Merganser Red-breasted Merganser Merganser Cormorant Double-crested Cormorant Gulls and Terns Black Tern Common Tern Forster's Tern Bonaparte's Gull Ring-billed Gull Herring Gull Loon Loon Grebes Pied-billed Grebe Horned Grebe J5 Key to Birds' Nests By Dr. Arthur A. Allen Ithaca, N. Y. A. On the ground or in tussocks of grass I AA. In the ground (in burrows) II AAA. Above ground, in bushes or trees, on cliffs, or about buildings. B. Hanging or semi-pensile nests Ill BB. Not hanging. C. In holes in trees or in bird-boxes IV CC. Not in holes. D. Containing sticks' or large twigs V DD. With no sticks. E. Felted nests of cottony materials... VI EE. Not felted. F. Containing an inner layer of mud. . VII FF. With no mud. G. Covered with lichens VIII GG. With no lichens. H. Mostly of bark, fibers and rootlets, with or without horsehair lining IX HH. Mostly of grasses, rootlets, straws, and leaves, usually with horsehair in the lining. J. Not spherical X JJ. Spherical nests XI I. On the Ground or in Tussocks of Grass: These nests are seldom found except when occupied, and then can be identified by the birds. Only a list will be given. See also spherical nests. In Fields: Bobolink, Bob-white, Field Sparrow, Grasshopper Sparrow, Horned Lark, Killdeer, Meadowlark, Nighthawk, Pheasant, Savannah Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Spotted Sandpiper, Ves- per Sparrow. 16 KEY TO BIRDS' NESTS In Woods: Black and White Warbler, Brown Thrasher, Canadian Warbler, Hermit Thrush, Junco, Louisiana Water-thrush, Mourning War- bler, Ovenbird, Ruffed Grouse, Song Sparrow, Towhee, Veery, Water-thrush, Whip-poor-will, Woodcock. In Marshes: Bittern, Black Duck, Black Tern, Coot, Florida Gallinule, King Rail, Loon, Marsh Hawk, Maryland Yellow-throat, Pied-billed Grebe, Short-eared Owl, Sora Rail, Swamp Spar- row, Virginia Rail, Wilson's Snipe. II. In Burrows in the Ground : A. Nesting in colonies in sand-banks. . . . Bank Swallow AA. Nesting singly. B. Drilling its own burrow Kingfisher BB. Utilizing some other burrow Rough-winged Swallow III. Hanging or Semi-pensile Nests: A. In reeds or swamp bushes. B. Open above. 1. A platform only slightly hollowed. . Least Bittern 2. Deeply hollowed. Red-winged Blackbird BB. Spherical nests-opening side Long and Short-billed Marsh Wrens AA. In upland bushes and trees. B. Small, less than 2 inches deep inside, fully suspended. 1. In berry bushes. White-eyed Vireo 2. In low branches or saplings. . . Red-eyed Vireo 3. In evergreens (usually) Blue-headed Vireo 4. In middle of tree Yellow-throated Vireo 5. In tree top or outer branches. . Warbling Vireo BB. Small, semi-pensile, partially sup- ported Acadian Flycatcher 17 KEY TO BIRDS' NESTS BBB. Larger, over 2 inches deep inside. 1. Of dried grasses, sometimes partially supported Orchard Oriole 2. Of fibers, strings, and the like. Baltimore Oriole IV. In Holes in Trees or in Bird-Boxes. A. Nesting in colonies Purple Martin AA. Nesting singly. B. Drilling holes, no nest at bottom. 1. Opening about iy2 inches Downy Woodpecker 2. Opening about 1^4 inches.... Hairy Woodpecker 3. Opening about 2 inches Red-headed Woodpecker 4. Opening over 2 inches. .... .Flicker BB. Using old Woodpecker holes or natural cavities of the same size or bird- houses with similar openings, build- ing a nest at bottom of cavity. 1. Nest of sticks lined with feath- ers House Wren 2. Nest entirely of grasses. . .Bluebird 3. Nest of straws and feathers. a. Nest cup-like, open above. Tree Swallow b. Nest spherical or partially arched House (English) Sparrow 4. Nest of fibers, moss, wool, and feathers. .Chickadee and Nuthatch 5. Nest usually containing a cast snake-skin .... Crested Flycatcher BBB. Using Flicker holes or natural cavities of similar size, no nest built. . . . Sparrow Hawk, Screech Owl, and Saw-whet Owl BBBB. Using larger natural cavities Barred Owl, Great-horned Owl, and Wood Duck 18 KEY TO BIRDS' NESTS V. Containing Sticks or Large Twigs. A. Bulky nests in trees, 15 to 60 inches outside diameter. 1. Very large, 30 to 60 inches Fish Hawk and Bald Eagle 2. Smaller, no lining, flat Herons 3. Hollowed, lining of bark Crow and Owl Great-horned Long-eared 4. Hollowed, lining of fresh leaves or evergreens Hawks Red-shouldered Red-tailed Cooper's Sharp-shinned 5. Spherical nests Squirrels AA. Smaller nests, less than 15 inches outside. B. Cup-like chimneys, hollow trees, or silos Chimney Swift BB. Otherwise. C. Platform, very shallow. 1. No lining .. . Mourning Dove 2. A little lining Cuckoos CC. Deeply hollowed, 1 to 3 inches deep. D. In thickets or scrubby trees, under 3^2 inches inside diameter. 1. Lining of leaves and rootlets. Catbird and Brown Thrasher 2. Lining of bark and wool. . . Migrant Shrike DD. In trees usually evergreen, over 3^ inches inside diameter. . . Blue Jay VI. Felted Nest of Cottony Materials: A. Nests wider than high, containing thistledown Goldfinch AA. Nests higher than wide, no thistledown. B. Thick walled, usually in vertical fork of bush or tree. .Yellow Warbler 19 KEY TO BIRDS' NESTS BB. Thick walled, usually on horizon- tal branch of apple or similar tree usually decorated with bits of paper Least Flycatcher BBB. Thin walled, usually close to trunk of small sapling Redstart VII. Containing Layer of Mud : A. Built in trees. B. Of grasses and mud, usually no moss, or dead leaves. 1. Under 4 inches inside diam- eter Robin 2. Over 4 inches inside diameter. Bronzed Crackle BB. Containing dead leaves and usually moss Wood Thursh AA. Built on buildings, bridges or cliffs. B. Outer layer of grasses, mud within. 1. Under 4 inches diameter Robin 2. Over 4 inches inside diameter. Bronzed Crackle BB. Outer layer of mud, some grasses. 1. Open at top, cup-shaped Barn Swallow 2. Open at side, gourd-shaped. . . Cliff Swallow BBB. Outer layer of moss and mud. . .Phoebe VIII. With an Outer Covering of Lichens, Saddled on Branch. A. Very small, less than 1^ inches out- side diameter Ruby-throated Hummingbird AA. Larger, over 1^ inches outside diameter. 1. Very deep, over 1^ inches Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 2. Shallow, under 1^ inches Wood Pewee IX. Mostly of Bark, Fibers, and Rootlets, With or Without Horsehair Lining. A. Small woodland nests, usually in ever- greens, less than 2 inches in diameter 20 KEY TO BIRDS' NESTS (seldom found).. Pine Warbler, Mag- nolia Warbler, Black-throated Green Warbler, Purple Finch, Blackburnian Warbler. AA. Small woodland nests, less than 2 inches in diameter usually in bushes or sprouts. 1. No dead wood in bottom Chestnut-sided Warbler 2. Bits of dead wood in bottom. . Black-throated Blue Warbler AAA. Orchard or woodland nests, over 2 inches inside diameter. B. Unusually thin, flimsy structures. 1. Little or no lining, usually in high bushes Rose-breasted Grosbeak 2. Considerable lining, usually in trees Scarlet Tanager BB. Thick, well-formed structures with some cotton or wool. 1. Shallow, about 1 inch deep. .Kingbird 2. Deeper, about 1^ inches deep. . Cedar Waxwing X. Mostly of Grasses, Rootlets, Straws, and Leaves, Usually with Horsehair in the Lining, and not Spherical. A. With many leaves, placed in weeds, ferns, or low bushes. 1. Under 2 inches inside diameter. Indigo Bunting 2. Over 2 inches inside diameter. a. Nest placed on mat of leaves. Veery b. Leaves woven into nest. . . . Yellow-breasted Chat AA. With few or no leaves. B. Less than 1^4 inches inside diameter. 1. With thick horsehair lining. . . . Chipping Sparrow 2. With few hairs, or none Field Sparrow 21 KEY TO BIRDS' NESTS BB. Over 2 inches inside diameter. 1. With many or few hairs in lining. Song Sparrow 2. No hairs, a few leaves Yellow-breasted Chat XI. Spherical Nests of Grasses, Bark, or Fibers : A. On the ground very thickly lined with soft grasses Meadow Mouse AA. In bushes or vines, usually on some old bird's nest and lined with cot- ton or wool Deer Mouse AAA. In trees or about buildings. 1. Of bark and fibers, no lining, us- ually some leaves or sticks, often on an old crow's nest. Squirrel 2. Of grasses lined with feathers. . House Sparrow Introduction to Comprehensive List This Check List of the Birds of Illinois, prepared by Mr. Gault, is intended for the use of local observers. As shown on the map, the State of Illinois includes portions of the three life-zones into which the Austral Region of North America is divided.a These life-zones are based primarily on temperature, which is without doubt a controlling factor, especially the mean tem- perature of the breeding season (corresponding to the growing season of plants) and of the colder months (corresponding to the dormant season of vegetation), the latter as influencing the southward migration of birds; and the bioclimatic law of latitude, longitude and altitude.5 But temperature alone is not sufficient to explain all the phenomena of geographic distribution ; obviously other factors must be considered, such as ecological conditions, and past geological history. While unquestionably the best graphic presentation of the subject extant, the Biological Survey zone-map, nevertheless, requires more or less modification in minor details. It shows the Transition and Lower Austral zones as barely touching the northern and southern edges, respectively, of Illinois, more than ninety-nine per cent of the area of the state being occupied by the Upper Austral Zone. Obviously this is so far from being correct that a division of the state into three approximately equal divisions would -far better express the facts. It should be borne in mind, however, that in reality there are no "hard and fast lines" or sharply defined boundaries between the life-zones, each blend- ing gradually into the next, or when, as sometimes happens locally, the transition is abrupt, the two areas interdigitate ; and, therefore, that when a sharp division is shown on a map the line of demarcation must be considered an arbitrary one, especially when county lines are followed, as has been done in the present case for the convenience of observers. By far the greater number of birds (as well as other animals and plants) occuring in Illinois have a range 23 COMPREHENSIVE LIST covering, as a whole, the entire state; but a certain number of species have a more or less restricted breed- ing range, one set being confined to the more northern, the other to the more southern portion of the state. Some of the Transition Zone species occupy, during the breeding season, only the northern portion of that zone, others most of that area, while others invade, to a greater or lesser extent, the Upper Austral Zone. In like manner some species are restricted to the more southern portion of the Lower Austral Zone, while others extend, in some cases at least as recent invaders, farther northward, some of them nearly across the Upper Austral Zone, or even to within the edge of the Transition Zone. The Upper Austral Zone, there- fore, is an area of overlapping of Transition Zone and Lower Austral Zone species, there being none peculiar to the area. In reality, the life-zones, as generally understood and accepted, are more or less indefinite and even unstable. As an able writer on the subject has remarked, "the present aspects of dispersal are a result of past conditions — a fauna is the expression of a certain adjustment between organisms and their environment, and the most important direct factor in any environment is the nature of the vegetation which is conditioned by soil and by the climatic factors of heat and moisture, and that our so-called faunas in reality represent a somewhat temporary state of groups of species in relation to breeding areas, and the more or less arbitrary boundaries of these faunas represent our knowledge only of the present conditions of distribution. "c That the breeding range of some species of birds has been subject to mutations of very considerable extent within the memory of persons now living is a well-known fact. The practical disappearance of the Dickcissel from the entire country east of the Alleghenies is a case in point. Here in Illinois three notable examples may be cited : the song-sparrow, which in seven years extended its breeding range one hundred miles farther southward in the Wabash Valley (from Paris to Grayville) ; the House Wren, which previous to 1869 was absolutely unknown in south- eastern Illinois, where it has since become abundant 24 OF ILLINOIS BIRDS and now almost replaces Bewick's Wren; the Tufted Titmouse, Carolina Wren, Prothonotary Warbler, Long-billed Marsh Wren and Cardinal, which have recently occupied, as breeding birds, portions of the Transition Zone; and Bachman's Sparrow, originally a Lower Austral species but now found breeding in the Upper Austral if not in the Transition Zone. It is also well known to observers that different species of birds vary greatly in relative numbers in different years, and also that while a few seem to be increasing in numbers others are becoming more scarce, some to the point of virtual extirpation, at least locally; while several have completely disappeared in Illinois, as the Passenger Pigeon the Carolina Paroquet and the Ivory- billed Woodpecker, the first for some years actually extinct, the other two very nearly so. As late as 1871 the Swallow-tailed Kite and Mississippi Kite were abundant in Richland County, both breeding here. Of the former I have neither seen a specimen nor heard of anyone else seeing one during the past forty years, and the last individuals (a pair) of the latter seen by me were observed in July, 1910. Here in Richland County the Wood Thrush and Carolina Wren are both so rare now that not more than one or two, if that many, are seen or heard each season. The Barn Swallow and Cliff Swallow have here both entirely disappeared as breeding birds, in their case the imported House Sparrow being directly responsible. Matters of this kind are not only interesting in them- selves but have a more or less important bearing on the problems of geographic distribution, and local observers have therefore the opportunity of adding much valuable information on the subject. So much remains to be done in the way of working out in detail the distribution of every species whose breeding range includes only a portion of the state, that until we have carefully prepared annotated lists of the birds of practically every county we cannot hope to indicate on a map with more than approximate ac- curacy the limits of the several life-zones; the best that we can do at present is to draw the boundaries as they appear most probable in the light of our im- perfect knowledge. 25 COMPREHENSIVE LIST As previously stated, there are certain species of birds which are confined during the breeding season to the northern third (more or less) of Illinois, and others which breed only in the southern third (more or less). These, together with the trees peculiar to each section, and, therefore, also characterizing the two extreme faunal areas, are, in part, the following: — Illinois birds which breed only in the Northern Third (more or less} of the state. Wilson's Snipe, Solitary Sandpiper, Wilson's Phala- rope, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Least Flycatcher. Bobolink, Yellow-headed Blackbird, Purple Finch, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Savanna Sparrow, Nelson's Sparrow, White-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow (except along the Wabash River), Philadelphia Vireo, Golden-winged Warbler, Nashville Warbler, Chestnut-sided Warbler, Grinnell's Water-thrush, Short-billed Marsh Wren, Brown Creeper, Red-breast- ed Nuthatch, Chickadee,** Veery. Illinois trees occurring only in the northern third (more or less) of the state. White Pine, Jack Pine, Larch (Tamarack), Arbor- vitae, Aspen, Balsam Poplar, Gray Birch, Paper Birch, Hill's Oak, Cork Elm, Mountain Ash, Pin Cherry, Choke Cherry, Canada Plum. Illinois birds breeding or at least occurring in sum- mer only in the southern third (more or less) of the state. Water Turkey, Mexican Cormorant, Wood Ibis, Snowy Egret, Reddish Egret, Little Blue Heron, Yel- low-crowned Night Heron, Black Vulture, Mississippi Kite, Chuck-will's widow, Blue Grosbeak, Swainson's Warbler, Bachman's Warbler, Carolina Chickadee. To these might be added several species were they not now completely extirpated, among them the Carolina Paroquet and the Ivory-billed Woodpecker. Illinois trees occurring only in the southern third (more or less) of the state. Bald Cypress, Pecan, Water Hickory, Arkansas Hickory, Swamp Cottonwood, Ward's Willow, Span- ish Oak, Water Oak, Willow Oak, Overcup Oak, Cow 26 O F ILLINOIS BIRDS Oak, Winged Elm, Southern Red Elm, Planer Tree, Mississippi Hackberry, Cucumber Tree, Sweet Gum, Narrow-leaved Crab-apple, Lance-leaved Crab-apple, Green Haw, Shining Haw, Washington Haw, Bar- berry-leaved Haw, Wild Goose Plum, Chickasa Plum, Water Locust, Black Locust, Deciduous Holly, Yellow Buckeye, Carolina Buckthorn, Florida Linden, Mi- chaux's Linden, Hercules Club, Swamp Tupelo, Fark- elberry, Woolly Bumelia, Southern Bumelia, Pumpkin Ash, Catalpa, Southern Black Haw. In addition to the species of birds which character- ize the Lower Austral Zone in Illinois, there are many subspecies, for, as a rule, whenever a species of wide distribution is represented in the Gulf States by a peculiar subspecies it is the latter which breeds in Southern Illinois, at least the extreme southern portion and in the lower Wabash Valley. Species thus repre- sented by their southern subspecies are: Great Blue Heron, Screech Owl, Hairy Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, Pileated Woodpecker, Flicker, Night- hawk, Bluejay, Crow, Red-winged Blackbird, Meadow- lark, White-breasted Nuthatch and Robin. The Lower Austral Zone is negatively characterized by the absence (total or comparative) during winter of many northern birds which are more or less common during the season in the more northern portions of the state. None of the following, for example, has ever been observed, even during the most severe winters here in Richland County though some of them may occur in other parts of southern Illinois : Goshawk, Great Gray Owl, Saw- whet Owl, Evening Grosbeak, Pine Grosbeak, Redpoll, Snowflake, Bohemian Wax-wing, Northern Shrike and Chickadee.** As might be expected from the geographic position of Illinois, its bird fauna contains a few western species. So far as known these are as follows, those breeding (or formerly breeding) in Illinois being in 27 COMPREHENSIVE LIST italics: Wilson's Phalarope, Marbled Godwit, Ferru- ginous Rough-legged Hawk, Swainson's Hawk, Prairie Falcon, yellow-headed Blackbird, Western Meadow- lark, Smith's Longspur, McCown's Longspur, Le Conte's Sparrow, Harris' Sparrow, Clay-colored Spar- row, Montana Junco and Bell's Vireo. ROBERT RIDGWAY. aSee the Biological Survey Zone Map of North America, published with the American Ornithologists' Union Check List, third edition. &As explained by Hopkins in the Scientific Monthly, Vol. 8, June, 1919, pages 495 to 513. cSpencer Trotter, M. D. The Faunal Divisions of Eastern North America. Journal of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Phila- delphia, Vol. XV, Second Series, 1912, pp. 297-218. dOf course the northern species of (P. atricapillus) is meant, the Chickadee of southern Illinois being P. carolinensis. Explanation For the sake of compactness and to avoid repeti- tion of unnecessary printing, abbreviations and sym- bols have been used largely throughout this list. Thus we have, for example in heavy faced type, wherever appearing immediately after the name of bird, the following : P. R. Permanent resident. Resident, or to be found the year round. S. R. Summer resident. Present during the warmer months only and usually found nesting. T. V. Transient visitant. A migrant, usually occurring both spring and fall ; simply passing through. W. V. Winter visitant. Present during the colder months only. In cases, however, where these letters have been used in the body of the text a lighter-faced type has been employed. The following capitals also have been used, viz : — N. Northern Illinois. C. Central Illinois. S. Southern Illinois. N. C. S. would therefore, mean the species is to be met with in practically all parts, at least the three divisions of the state. 28 OF ILLINOIS BIRDS Breeding Symbols: The sectional mark [§] stands for N. 111., mainly understood to be the Chicago Area, and unless otherwise stated, is given on the authority of Edward R. Ford. A single dagger [f] is intended for the Philo, or Champaign County, district of C. 111., and used on the authority of Isaac E. Hess. A double dagger [J] denotes, or indicates the Marion County district of S. 111. — authority C. B. Vandercook. The dash [— ] is for the Richland district of S. 111., the home county and used on authority of Robert Ridgway. The asterisk [*] is for extreme S. 111., and unless otherwise stated, on the authority of Robert Ridg- way. A combination like this [§ft — *] would mean the species has been found nesting or breeding prac- tically over the entire state. 29 COMPREHENSIVE LIST A Comprehensive List of the Birds of Illinois GREBES. Holboell's Grebe. T.V. Uncommon late fall and early spring migrant on Lake Michigan. Rare W. §Horned Grebe. S.R., N. Probably very rare, if not questionable, as a breeder at present day. Formerly casual S. R. in N. 111. Regu- lar T. V. in state. Eared Grebe. T.V. Rare visitant from the west. Listed by Nelson who re- garded it a not uncommon winter visitant to Lake Michigan. Positive records have been made for the ad- joining states of Ind. and Wis. §Pied-billed Grebe. S.R., N. C. S. Common. Most numerous perhaps in N. 111. LOONS. §Loon. S.R., N. No recent nesting records, so far as known. Formerly regular S. R. in 111. Fairly common migrant in state. Winters in S. 111., and also on Lake Michigan. Red-throated Loon. T.V. Regular T. V. to parts of state. W. V. on Lake Michi- gan. Not as common as the preceding. 30 OF ILLINOIS BIRDS JAEGERS. Pomarine Jaeger. Rare straggler to 111. Met with by Nelson near Chi- cago. However, in addition to the foregoing, what may be regarded as an unquestion- ably good record of this bird, considering the care- fully detailed description and the amount of time de- voted to its study — the bet- er part of a day — was made by Lewis and Watson at Lincoln Park, Chicago, on Oct. 16, 1921. The speci- men was in the dark or sooty plumage, the mela- notic phase, largely diag- nostic, if not characteristic of this bird, as compared with the following, the Long-tailed Jaeger. Long-tailed Jaeger. The above remark also ap- plies to some extent here, though it probably is more numerous than the preced- ing. Recorded by Ridgway from near Cairo. Positive records have been made by Woodruff for the adjoining states of Wis. and Ind., and Stoddard also has recorded it from N. W. In- diana. Doubtless occurs quite regularly at the south- ern-end of Lake Michigan, if not actually within our borders. GULLS AND TERNS. Kittiwake Gull. Rare straggler. Lake Mich- igan and Illinois River rec- ords are given by Wood- ruff. Also included in his list of N. E. 111. Birds, by Nelson. 31 CO MPREHENSIVE LIST Glaucous Gull. Has occurred rarely on Lake Michigan. Both Nel- son and Ridgway include it in their lists. Positive rec- ords for N. W. Indiana and Milwaukee, Wis. Iceland Gull. W. V. to Lake Michigan. Apparently of uncommon occurrence. Listed by Nel- son. Kumlein and Hollis- ter also give it for Wis. Great Black-backed Gull. T.V. And W. R. on Lake Michi- gan. Not common. Met with by Nelson who re- garded it as not uncommon. There are Wis. records, but is not included by Woodruff in the Chicago Area list. Herring Gull. T.V. In parts of state. Common W. R. on Lake Michigan. Some immature and non- breeding birds summer regularly on Lake Michi- gan. Ring-billed Gull. T.V. Common as a migrant. Some winter on Lake Michigan and, like the pre- ceding, also summer within our limits, on Lake Michi- gan, but to a much lesser extent. Laughing Gull. Rare straggler inland. Probably accidental within our limits. Positive records of its actual occurrence, however, appear to be lack- ing. There is, however, a positive record for Wis. 32 OF ILLINOIS BIRDS Franklin's Gull. Rare straggler from the in- terior. Recorded by Ridg- way from near Warsaw on the positive authority of Worthen. Sight records, although for the most part of young, winter-plumaged, or im- mature birds, but unques- tionably referable to this gull, were made by Lewis, Watson and the writer at Lincoln Park, Chicago dur- ing the present fall season of 1921. Bonaparte's Gull. T.V. Common as a migrant, even abundant on Lake Michigan, where a few also have been reported as win- tering. It also summers, at least occasionally, in considerable numbers, within our limits on Lake Michigan. Sabine's Gull. Accidental visitant to Lake Michigan and Mississippi River from the Arctic re- gions. Records from near Chicago (Nelson), and Warsaw (Fleming). Gull-billed Tern. Of exceedingly rare and questionable occurrence on Lake Michigan. Positive records lacking although listed by both Nelson and Ridgway. Caspian Tern. T.V. Apparently of regular but not common occurrence within our limits on Lake Michigan. 33 COMPREHENSIVE LIST Royal Tern. Probably accidental. Actual evidence of its occurrence seems lacking. Listed on the authority of Nelson. §Forster's Tern. S.R., N. Fairly common during mi- grations. Common Tern. T.V. Common migrant on Lake Michigan. Least Tern. Rare summer visitant with- in our limits. A positive record from the Chicago Area by Nelson. §BlackTern. S.R., N. And locally common. Com- mon summer visitant to Lake Michigan. ANHINGA. Water-Turkey. S.R., S. Not uncommon in extreme S. 111. during the summer months, and may nest. CORMORANTS. Double-crested Cormorant. S.R., C. Chiefly T. V. Common on Illinois River during mi- grations, where it has been recorded as breeding (Smith). *Florida Cormorant. S.R., S. Regular S. R. in S. 111. Straggler to other parts of state. Mexican Cormorant. S.R., S. Breeding status not deter- mined. Probably a casual visitor from the Gulf coast. 34 OF ILLINOIS BIRDS PELICANS. White Pelican. T.V. Rare visitant to western border of state, during mi- grations. There is also a positive record for the Chi- cago Area. Brown Pelican. Rare straggler from the gulf coast. But one positive record, viz: — Lacon, Mar- shall County (Gault), on the authority of Barnes. MAN-OF-WAR BIRD. Man-of-War Bird. Accidental straggler from the Gulf coast or subtropi- cal West Indian Islands. Recorded by Coale from Il- linois side of the Missis- sippi opposite Henderson County. DUCKS AND GEESE. Merganser. T.V. Common. Occasional W. V. within the state, al- though wintering common- ly and regularly on Lake Michigan. §Red-breasted Merganser. S.R., N. Occasional W. V. to all parts of state. Fairly com- mon T. V. Winters quite commonly on Lake Michi- gan. $*Hooded Merganser. S.R., N.C.S. Common migrant in state. §Mallard. S.R., N. Probably confined as a breeder to northern half of state. Abundant mi- grant. And, along with several other species of ducks, reported wintering — 35 COMPREHENSIVE LIST some night-roosting only, within our limits — in ex- treme southern part of state. §BlackDuck. S.R., N. Not common as a breeder, but apparently on the in- crease as a T. V. Gadwall. T.V. Nelson records it as a very rare S. R. in N. E. 111. Fairly common, but appar- ently only on the inland waters of the state. European Widgeon. Rare visitant from abroad. Several records for this and adjoining states. Baldpate. T.V. And a possible breeder in N. 111. Fairly common T. V. §Green-winged Teal. S.R., N. Not common. Common during migrations, some wintering it is said in southern part of state. §*Blue-winged Teal. S.R., N. C.S. Not uncommon. Cinnamon Teal. Rare visitant from the west. Listed by Ridgway. §Shoveller. T.V. Nested formerly in N. 111., and may do so now. Fairly common migrant. §Pintail. S.R., N. But rarely, if so, now. A common migrant, at least during the early spring. f +*Wood Duck. S. R., N.C.S. Still reported quite com- mon on the Illinois River. Decreasing generally, but 36 OF ILLINOIS BIRDS apparently increasing in certain localities since the discontinuance of spring hunting. Quite local, how- ever, in distribution. Redhead. T.V. Fairly common migrant, but not as plentiful as for- merly. Canvas-back. T.V. Once abundant. Still fairly common, but chiefly on some of the inland waters. Formerly abundant within the Chicago Area. Scaup Duck. T.V. Few in number, compared with following, with which it is sometimes associated. §Lesser Scaup Duck. S.R., N. Rare breeder, but common migrant. The most abun- dant of our ducks, and oc- casionally wintering on Lake Michigan, and else- where within the state. §Ring-necked Duck. S.R., N. Rare breeder, but common migrant. Golden-eye. T.V. Common W. V. on Lake Michigan. Fairly common migrant within the state, and wintering to some ex- tent. Barrow's Golden-eye. W.V. Rare W. V. on Lake Michi- gan. A few records of oc- currence, during the winter months, from other parts of state. Buffle-head. T.V. And also a winter resident on Lake Michigan. Com- 37 COMPREHENSIVE LIST mon throughout the state, but less so than formerly within the Chicago Area. Old-Squaw. T.V. A common W. V. to Lake Michigan. Harlequin Duck. W.V. Rare W. V. on Lake Michi- gan. Rare visitant to other parts of state. Eider. W.V. Several winter records for Lake Michigan. Possibly more common than gener- ally supposed. King Eider. W.V. Rare W. V. to Lake Michi- gan and other parts of state. Scoter. W.V. Not uncommon W. V. on Lake Michigan. White- Winged Scoter. T.V. Quite common and regular in migrations. W. R. on Lake Michigan. Found in- land during migrations. Surf Scoter. T.V. According to Nelson a common winter resident on Lake Michigan, and a fall and winter visitor to other waters of the state. §RuddyDuck. S.R., N. But rarely. Common dur- ing migrations. Snow Goose. T.V. Not uncommon during mi- grations, and possibly more plentiful on the Mississippi River than inland in state. Greater Snow Goose. T.V. Probably more numerous than the preceding, as well as commoner on the Mis- sissippi than elsewhere in state. 38 OF ILLINOIS BIRDS Blue Goose. T.V. Occurs regularly within our borders. Said to be fairly common on the Mis- sissippi River but less so than formerly in other por- tions of state. White-fronted Goose. T.V. At times quite plentiful on the Illinois River. §Canada Goose. S.R., N. Rare. Very doubtful as a breeder at present day. The most common goose occurring within our bor- ders during migrations. Winters occasionally on Lake Michigan, and other parts of state. Hutchins' Goose. T. V. Far less plentiful than the preceding, if not an uncom- mon bird within our limits. Cackling Goose. Probably accidental visi- tant from the west. At least one positive record for the state, viz: — Addison, DuPage County (Eifrig). Brant. Illinois records question- able; at least formerly. An accidental straggler from the Atlantic coast. A positive record, however, seems to have been made at Lacon, Marshall Coun- ty, Nov. 9, 1921, in the capture of a young or im- mature specimen, which undoubtedly may be re- ferred to this the east- ern bird. It was brought to Chicago on the above date, by H. S. Hanson of that city, and left in the care of Richard A. Turtle, taxidermist, through whose courtesy a later inspection of same was made by the 39 COMPREHENSIVE LIST writer and several others. The puzzling character of this bird's plumage created considerable interest among a number of Chicago orni- thologists. SWANS. Whistling Swan. T.V. Formerly fairly common. Now an uncommon visitor within our limits. Trumpeter Swan. No recent records. Ex- tremely rare and possibly extinct in state. SPOONBILL AND IBISES. Glossy Ibis. Probably rare straggler to S. 111. Good records for the adjoining states; but those for Illinois are not altogether satisfactory. Wood Ibis. S.V. Not uncommon late sum- mer visitor to Southern and Central Illinois. Roseate Spoonbill. No recent records. Very likely occurred as an occa- sional visitant from the south many years ago. The only positive record for Wisconsin is that of a speci- men taken near Janesville, in August, 1845. Both Nel- son and Ridgway list it for Illinois, hut on rather indefi- nite evid< White Ibis. Rare summer visitant to S. 111. Ridgway has re- ported it from Mt. Carmel, Wabash County, as seen there during the spring of 1878, and which appears to be the only record for the state. 40 OF ILLINOIS BIRDS BITTERNS AND HERONS. §fBittern. S.R., N.C. Common. May occur as a breeder also in S. Illinois. §*Least Bittern. S.R., X.C.S. Common. Cory's Least Bittern. A peculiar color-phase of the Least Bittern — one rec- ord, Lake County (Eifrig). §ti*Great Blue Heron. S.R., N.C.S. Chiefly T. V. and not un- common. *Ward's Heron. S.R., S. *Egret. S.R. S. Probably not nesting now in S. 111. Formerly com- mon S. R. and a visitant, if not breeder, in other por- tions of the state. Snowy Egret. Originally not uncommon late summer visitant to S. I11M and also, not abun- dantly, to other parts of state. Reported by Kenni- cptt and Nelson as occur- ring in N. E. 111. Reddish Egret. Recorded by Nelson as quite common late summer visitant to extreme S. 111. No recent records. Little Blue Heron. S.R. Late S. R. in S. 111. Not uncommon. — *Green Heron. S.R., X.C.S. Common. §f — *Black-crowned Night Her- on. S.R., N.C.S. Locally quite common. *Yellow-crowned Night Heron. S.R., S. Rather local and not very common. A rare straggler to other parts of state. 41 COMPREHENSIVE LIST CRANES. Whooping Crane. Very rare, and possibly now extinct in state. No recent records. Nelson re- ported it nesting sparingly in the central part of state. fSandhill Crane. S.R., C. Nested formerly, but doubt- less not now. Still occurs as a T. V. Not common. Hess reports the last nest- ing date for his section as 1872, on the authority of S. S. Love. The eggs were placed under a domestic goose for incubation; and one of the Cranes thus hatched and reared by Mr. Love, is still there. COURLAN. Limpkin. A semi-tropical and acci- dental straggler to the state. One reported from Cham- paign County by Hess. RAILS, GALLINULES AND COOT. -*King RaiL S.RM N .c s. Common. §f Virginia Rail. S.R., N.C.S. Common. Replaced by the former in some localities. §fSora. S.R, N.C.S. Common. Probably the most numerous of the Rails; at least formerly. *Yellow Rail. S.R., N.C.S. And possibly more com- mon than generally sup- posed. According to Nel- son, quoting Baird, there is a nesting record for N. 111. §tBlackRail. S.R., N.C. And possibly in S. 111. Same remark, as in the case of the preceding, may ap- ply to this Rail also. 42 O F ILLINOIS BIRDS Purple Gallinule. Rare visitant from farther south. Several records for this and adjoining states. §t*Florida Gallinule. S.R., N. C.S. Common. §fCoot. S.R., N.C.S. Common. Very common locally during fall migra- tion. PHALAROPES. Red Phalarope. T.V., N. A very rare migrant, and given on the authority of Nelson. There are several positive records for Wis. Northern Phalarope. T.V. Not common. Positive rec- ords for the Chicago Area are given by Woodruff. §Wilson's Phalarope. S.R., N. Fairly common, but local. AVOCET AND STILT. Avocet. T.V. Probably a rare visitant at the present day. No recent records so far as known. May 5, 1889 is the most re- cent for the Chicago Area, and made on the authority of Brandler by Stoddard. ("The Auk," Jan., 1921, p. 110). Black-necked Stilt. T.V. Equally as rare as the pre- ceding at the present time. Nelson gives it as "an ex- ceedingly rare visitant." SNIPE, SANDPIPERS, ETC. — *Woodcock. S.R., N.C.S. Possibly not as plentiful as formerly, although locally quite common. 43 COMPREHENSIVE LIST §Wilson's Snipe. S.R., N. Abundant T. V. Dowitcher. T.V. Probably of uncommon oc- currence. Long-billed Dowitcher. T. V. Formerly plentiful. Now quite rare. Stilt Sandpiper. T.V. Rare spring, but not un- common fall migrant. Knot. T.V. Occurs sparingly and chief- ly along the shores of Lake Michigan. Purple Sandpiper. T.V. Of very rare occurrence. Two records only for the Chicago Area, (Nelson), (Woodruff). Pectoral Sandpiper. T.V. A few S. R., but do not nest. Common T. V. White-rumped Sandpiper. T.V. Very rare. Records are few. Woodruff gives positive records for Lake and Mor- gan counties, and the writer also has taken this Sand- piper within our limits (Chicago, Oct. 20, 1877). Recently, Aug. 29, 1920, a single bird was seen by him and studied at close range, on the grass-field at the north end of Lincoln Park, Chicago. Baird's Sandpiper. T.V. Occurs quite regularly. Not common, though possibly more plentiful than gener- ally supposed. Least Sandpiper. T.V. May have nested very rare- ly in former years. Com- mon T. V. 44 OF ILLINOIS BIRDS Red-backed Sandpiper. T. V. Common, but possibly less so than formerly. Semipalmated Sandpiper. T.V. Occasional S. R., but do not nest. T. V., regular and common. Western Sandpiper. T.V. Of regular occurrence and classed as common, but ap- parently uncommon at the present day. Sanderling. T.V. Common on shores of Lake Michigan. Marbled Godwit. T.V. Rarely met with at present time. The latest record for the Chicago Area is May 15, 1889 (Brandler) and re- cently ("The Auk," Jan. 1921, p., 110) reported by Stoddard. Hudsonian Godwit. T.V. Now of very rare occur- rence. So far as known, the most recent records within our limits are those of Brand- ler, fall of 1889, for Cook County, since reported by Stoddard ("The Auk," Jan., 1921, p., 110), and later the summer records of Wood- ruff, June, 1892, for Lake County. Greater Yellow-legs. T.V. Occasional S. R., and may breed in N. 111. Fairly com- mon T. V. §Yellow-legs. S.R., N. Very rare breeder, a T. V., and possibly more plentiful than the preceding. 45 COMPREHENSIVE LIST Solitary Sandpiper. T.V. Casual S. R. in N. 111., but never found actually breed- ing. Chiefly T. V., regular, and quite common. Willet. Not common, if it actually does occur within our lim- its. Possibly confounded with the following. Defi- nite information is lacking. Western Willet. S.R., N. Authority — W. W. Cooke. Not common even as a T. V. Nelson also lists the Willet as a rare summer resident in N. 111. §t$*Bartramian Sandpiper. S. R., N.C.S. Formerly common. Num- bers now greatly reduced. Perhaps absent as a breed- er in extreme S. 111. Buff-breasted Sandpiper. T.V. Of extreme rarity at the present day. The few rec- ords are from N. E. 111. Of equal rarity in the adjoin- ing states of Wis. and Ind. The seasons of 1921, spring and fall, were noteworthy, however, in contributing materially to pur local his- tory of this bird. Oct. 2 a positive record was made by Sanborn at Beach, Lake County. Sight rec- ords also were made within the Chicago Area as fol- lows: Lewis, April 7, one at Jackson Park; Aug. 23, two in Lincoln Park, and ob- served frequently after that, or up to Sept. 15, when but one was present and last seen. Sept. 9 the writer was able to study one carefully at close range among some 46 OF ILLINOIS BIRDS dump-piles at the north end of Lincoln Park, or in what is now being con- verted into new-made land. Aug. 28, four birds seen among a flock of Pectorals, in the grass-field adjoining, undoubtedly were of this species, although listed by the writer at that time, as doubtful. §f— *Spotted Sandpiper. S.R., N.C.S. Common. §Long-billed Curlew. S.R., N. Authority of Nelson, who once found it nesting in N. E. 111. No recent records of its occurrence within the state. The latest for the Chicago Area is Sept. 22, 1889, and made on the au- thority of Brandler by Stoddard ("The Auk," Jan., 1921, p., 110). Hudsonian Curlew. T.V. But probably of very rare occurrence. Recently, however, it has appeared within the Chi- cago Area (Leopold in "The Auk," Jan., 1921, p., 123), a specimen being seen Sept. 7, 1920, on the beach at Jackson Park. Some time afterward two birds, answering this cur- lew's description, were re- ported to the writer as hav- ing been seen about the same time on the grass- field at the north end of Lincoln Park. The gentle- man giving the information, a sportsman of experience, claimed to be familiar with the bird, to have hunted it years ago in Texas; and, al- though he had lived near the park for twenty years and over, frequently visit- 47 COMPREHENSIVE LIST ing it, these were the first he had seen outside that state. Eskimo Curlew. No recent records. Pos- sibly extinct in state. PLOVERS. Black-bellied Plover. T.V. A few non-breeding birds are S. R. Fairly common T. V. along the shores of Lake Michigan and also, sparingly, inland. Golden Plover. T.V. Once common; now scarce and local. Small flocks and individual birds visited the Lake Michigan shore-front the past season, twenty birds at least, in two small flocks, being seen by Hunt and the writer on the Waveland Ave. beach, Lincoln Park, Chicago, the morning of Oct. 2, 1921. §tt— *Killdeer. S.R., N.C.S. Common. Semipalmated Plover. T.V. A few remain S. R., and may breed in N. 111. Fairly common T. V. §Piping Plover. S.R., N. Breeds locally. Not com- mon. TURNSTONE. Ruddy Turnstone. T.V. And at times fairly com- mon on shores of Lake Michigan. BOB-WHITE, GROUSE, ETC. §t$— *Bob-white. P.R., N.C.S. Classed as common through- out this state, but more common south. 48 OF ILLINOIS BIRDS §J— *Ruffed Grouse. P.R., N.C.S. Now rather scarce and lo- cal. §f:j:— *Prairie Chicken. P.R., N.C. S. Still quite common locally. Prairie Sharp-tailed Grouse. Supposed to have nested formerly in N. E. 111. near Waukegan, Lake County. Reported as occurring within recent years in the dune region of N. W. In- diana, near Tremont (See Brennan in "The Auk" for Jan., 1918, p. 75.), where it is said to breed. There are no recent records for this state. And those referred to by Nelson in 1877 as being found in the vicinity of Waukegan during the fall season of 1863, or 1864, on the authority of T. H. Douglas of that place, are the latest, so far as known. For that reason alone the above mentioned citation from a neighboring state might readily be discred- ited, or regarded as doubt- ful at least, were it not possible to account for the occurrence on the theory of introduced birds, or de- scendants therefrom, used originally for game-stock- ing purposes. The forego- ing is the first and only given record for that state; and we have been told also that specimens of this Grouse were "planted" in parts of Indiana for the special purpose named. t*Wild Turkey. P.R., S. Scarce and local. §English Pheasant. P.R. An introduced game-bird which seems to be quite well established in some 49 COMPREHENSIVE LIST places within our state, lo- cal conditions being favor- able, and where some added protection has been given it. In most cases, however, the experiment has proven a venture without yielding the best results. PIGEON AND DOVE. Passenger Pigeon. Supposed to have once nested sparingly in N. E. 111. Now extinct. Former- ly occurred abundantly as a T. V. throughout the state. §t$— *Mourning Dove. S.R., N.C. S. Common, though numbers much reduced in recent years. Winters occasion- ally in N. and C. 111. and is present all winter in parts of S. 111. VULTURES. ft— *Turkey Vulture. S.R., N.C. S. Chiefly C. and S. Rare S. R. in N. 111. P. R. in S. 111. *Black Vulture. S.R., S. Not uncommon in S. 111. HAWKS AND EAGLES. — *Swallow-tailed Kite. S.R., S. Now rare. Irregular and uncommon T. V. in other parts of state. White-tailed Kite. Recorded as a S. R. in S. 111. (Mt. Carmel) Authority — Ridgway. Mississippi Kite. S.V. A summer visitant to S. 111., probably less plentiful than formerly. 50 OF ILLINOIS BIRDS §f— Marsh Hawk. S.R., N.C.S. A rare breeder in S. 111. Common T. V. in many parts of state, and winters more or less plentifully over the entire state. — *Sharp-shinned Hawk. S.R., N.C.S. Not common. Fairly com- mon T. V., and wintering, as in the case of the pre- ceding, in all sections of the state. §fj— *Cooper's Hawk. S.R., N.C. o. Breeds quite commonly throughout the state, and is also more or less a P. R. This and the foregoing are reported more common in winter in the southern third of state. Goshawk. W.V. Chiefly N. 111. Some sea- sons quite plentiful. Western Goshawk. Accidental visitant from the west. Worthen has taken it near Warsaw. §t+— *Red-tailed Hawk. S.R., N. C. Apparently decreasing as a breeder in this state. A permanent resident in S. 111., and also occurs spar- ingly during the winter in N. and C. 111. Krider's Red-tailed Hawk. Probably accidental in 111. A visitant from farther west. But one record so far as known, viz: — near Half Day, Lake County (Coale). Western Red-tailed Hawk. An occasional straggler from the west. Nelson gives a positive record near 51 COMPREHENSIVE LIST Chicago, and Worthen states it has been taken near Warsaw. Harlan's Hawk. Accidental no doubt in 111. A visitor from the south. Reported by Ridgway and Worthen from near War- saw, and also from the Chi- cago Area by Woodruff. — *Red-shouldered Hawk. S. R., N.C. The common hawk in many portions of the state. P. R. in S. 111., and winter- ing to some extent in N. and C. 111. •)•— Swainson's Hawk. S.R., C. S. And possibly N. 111. A casual breeder in the state. §fBroad-winged Hawk. S.R., N.C.S. Fairly common. More com- mon during migrations. Mexican Goshawk. Reported by Ridgway from Richland County. An ac- cidental summer visitor from the tropics. Rough-legged Hawk. T.V. Late fall, winter and early spring visitant to many parts of state, but occurring perhaps most abundantly in the open country of Central 111. Also a winter resident in S. 111. Ferruginous Rough-legged Hawk. Accidental in 111., two rec- ords only so far as known, viz: — near the Mississippi River (Coues), and Paris, Edgar County (Cooke). 52 OF ILLINOIS BIRDS Golden Eagle. Formerly nested in differ- ent parts of state, as has been stated. Now a rare T. V. *Bald Eagle. S.R., N.C.S. But now rare. Of regular, though not very common, occurrence during migra- tions. Prairie Falcon. Accidental visitor from far- ther west. But few records. Ridgway gives a positive one for Rock Island Coun- ty, and also mentions see- ing it in Lawrence and Wabash Counties. *Duck Hawk. S.R., S. Rare. Not common as a migrant or T. V. in other parts of state. Pigeon Hawk. T.V. Rare S. R. in N. 111. Breed- ing status doubtful, but probably does not nest. Occurs regularly as a T. V« but cannot be classed as common anywhere in state. Richardson's Pigeon Hawk. Probably very unusual, if not of accidental, occur- rence in state. Met with by Worthen at Warsaw. §t:f— *Sparrow Hawk. S.R., N. Fairly common. Occasional W. R. in N. 111., and a per- manent resident in C. and S. 111., where common. — *Osprey. S.R., N.C.S. Not common. Chiefly T. V., regular in parts of state, and not very com- mon. 53 COMPREHENSIVE LIST OWLS. ft— *Barn Owl. P.R., C.S.A. And nesting more or less commonly. Of casual oc- currence in N. 111. :— *Long-eared Qwl pR} N c.s. Not uncommon in portions of state, and migrating to some extent locally. §t— • Short-eared Owl. S.R., N. C.S. Winters more or less abundantly in C. and S. 111., and to a lesser extent in N. 111. Now rare as a breeder in southern portion of state. Common during migrations in many parts of state, al- though might be classed a permanent resident in the northern half of Illinois. *Barred Owl. P.R., N.C.S. A permanent resident where found. Common in many places. Great Gray Owl. Rare and unusual winter visitant from the far north. No recent records. Both Kennicott and Nelson in- clude it in their lists. Richardson's Owl. Of occasional, though rare, occurrence in state. There are several positive records from the Chicago Area, and at least two from within the state. JSaw-whet Owl. S.R., S. One breeding record for the state, so far as known, viz: — Marion County (Van- dercook), but a probable breeder in N. C. 111. Not uncommon T. V., and oc- casional W. R. in N. 111., 54 OF ILLINOIS BIRDS where noted in summer to some extent. The Marion County nesting record of this bird, March 18, 1890, probably stands unique in several respects, and worthy perhaps of special mention in this connection. The eggs then taken are now a part of the Vandercook collection, the sitting female also being captured at the time. Besides, as Mr. Van- dercook reports, and so far as he is aware, there are no further evidences of this Owl occurring in that lo- cality either before or since that date. §ttScreech Owl. P.R., N.C. And questionable in S. 111. Common resident. — ^Southern Screech Owl. P. R., S. §tt—*Great Horned Owl. P.R., N.C.S. Common resident in por- tions of the state. Arctic Horned Owl. Apparently no definite rec- ord for this state. Included by Nelson and reported from states adjoining. Snowy Owl. T.V. Irregular W. V. At times quite common, at least for- merly, in the vicinity of Lake Michigan. Hess re- ports it from his district, but apparently it is rare in S. 111. Hawk Owl. Probably very rare visitor within our limits. Reported by Nelson from Kane County (Velie) Sept. 1, 1869. Also reported from Wisconsin. 55 COMPREHENSIVE LIST PAROQUET. Louisiana (Carolina) Paro- quet. Long extinct. Even in Audubon's day was fast disappearing, though still quite common in this state. CUCKOOS and KINGFISHER. — *Yellow-billed Cuckoo. S.R., N.C.S. Common to all parts of state. §— *Black-billed Cuckoo. S.R., N.C.S. Regarded as common, but of a more limited distribu- tion apparently than the preceding. §f:|:_*Belted Kingfisher. S.R., N. C.S. Of regular distribution throughout the state and remaining at times all win- ter, about open water, even in the northern part of state. WOODPECKERS. Ivory-billed Woodpecker. Probably extinct in Illinois. Audubon seems to have met with it within our lim- its. Ridgway has a dis- tinct recollection of having seen it in his early days, and the present writer feels quite certain of hearing its call note in a swamp near Ullin, Pulaski County, in the fall of 1900. Widmann records it as taken near Morley, Scott County, Mo., Nov. 8, 1895. §f$Hairy Woodpecker. P.R., N.C. And questionable in S. 111. Common where found. 56 OF ILLINOIS BIRDS — *Southern Hairy Woodpeck- er. P.R., S. Common. — *Southern Downy Wood- pecker. P.R., S. Common. §f$Downy Woodpecker. P.R., N.C. And questionable in S. 111. Common where found. Arctic Three-toed Wood- pecker. W.V. Irregular fall and winter visitor to N. 111. Several seen within the Chicago Area during the fall of 1920. §Yellow-bellied Sapsucker. S.R., N. Not common. Hess writes of photographing full grown young in Putnam County, N. 111., June 1st. Common migrant. W. R. in C. and S. 111. $— *Pileated Woodpecker. P.R., S. Not uncommon. Northern Pileated Wood- pecker. P.R., N.C. Rare in C. and N. 111. Very doubtful as a breeder at present time, and probably of casual occurrence only as a T. V. According to Nelson and Woodruff, has occurred as a straggler within the Chicago Area, and Kennicott listed it as formerly not uncommon. §t$— *Red-headed Woodpecker. S.R., N.C.S. Common. A few winter in N. and C. 111. Common W. R. in S. 111. 57 COMPREHENSIVE LIST §f:j:— *Red-bellied Woodpecker. S.R., N.C. But rare in N. 111. Com- mon in southern portion of state all the year round, casually occurring in win- ter in C. 111. $— *Flicker. P.R., S. Common the year round. §tNorthern Flicker. S.R., N. C. Common. Some also win- ter in N. and C. 111. WHIP-POOR-WILLS, NIGHT- HAWKS, SWIFT and HUM- MINGBIRD. — *Chuck-wiirs-widow. S.R., S. Not uncommon. §^_ * Whip-poor-will. S.R., N.C. S. Common in many places throughout the state. Also reported as becoming scarce, from some cause unknown, in places where once fairly common. §t$*Nighthawk. S.R., N.C.S. But probably replaced largely in N. and C. 111. by Sennett's Nighthawk, and by the following in S. 111. — *Florida Nighthawk. S.R., S. Sennett's Nighthawk. S.R., N.C. §f:j:_*Chimney Swift. S.R., N.C. S, Common throughout the state. §f J — *Ruby-throated Humming- bird. S.R., N.C.S. Common in many portions of the state. 58 OF ILLINOIS BIRDS FLYCATCHERS. §t:f— *Kingbird. S.R., N.C.S. Common. Arkansas Kingbird. Accidental within our lim- its, a straggler from the west, and listed here on the authority of Edward R. Ford, who reports seeing one at Willow Springs, Cook County, early in June of 1912, or 1913, the exact date of occurrence he is unable to give. Was fight- ing with a common King- bird at the time, and the latter succeeded in driving it from the field. Has wandered at times as far east as the Atlantic coast, and there are rec- ords for Mo., Iowa and Wis., but this seems to be its first appearance in Il- linois. §t±— *Crested Flycatcher. S.R., N.C.S. Fairly common, frequently occupying bird boxes with- in the settlements on pri- vate grounds. §f^_-*phoebe. S.R., N.C.S. Quite common in S. 111., but seemingly less plentiful than formerly in northern part of state. Say's Phoebe. An accidental straggler from the west. Recorded from Cook County (Nel- son). Olive-sided Flycatcher. T. V. Regular, but not very com- mon. §t|_*Wood Pevvee. S.R., N.C.S. Common. 59 COMPREHENSIVE LIST Yellow-bellied Flycatcher. T.V. Regular and not uncom- mon. §tt— * Acadian Flycatcher. S.R., N.C.S. Fairly common, north; more common in S. 111. §tt— *Traill's Flycatcher. S.R., N.C.S. Quite common in favored localities. Alder Flycatcher. T.V. Spring and fall. Not un- common. §^Least Flycatcher. S.R., N. C.S. Possibly absent as a breed- er in extreme S. 111. Com- mon where found. More common during migrations. LARKS. Horned Lark. T.V. Unusual, if not rare, late fall and winter visitor to N. 111., although according to Nelson, formerly com- mon. A flock of about two dozen was first seen by the writer Oct. 31, and later in Nov., in Grant Park, Chi- cago, during the fall of 1921. §f $— *Prairie Horned Lark. P.R., N.C.S. Found commonly through- out the state. CROWS, JAYS, MAGPIES, ETC. Magpie. Kennicott recorded it in 1854 as not uncommon in winter. Its occurrence here at this day must be re- garded as accidental. Has 60 OF ILLINOIS BIRDS been reported from Cham- paign County in the spring, —April 26, 1914 (Hess). §t*Blue Jay. P.R., N.C. And questionable as a breeder in S. 111. A com- mon resident where found. — ^Florida Blue Jay. P.R., S. Resident in S. 111. Raven. Formerly resident, but now very rare if not absent en- tirely. Northern Raven. T.V. Occurring at very rare in- tervals. Resident in N. 111. many years ago. §ttCrow. P.R., N.C. And questionable as a breeder in S. 111. Common. — ^Southern Crow. P.R., S. Resident in S. 111. Clarke's Nutcracker. Accidental straggler from the west. Coale records it from Cook County. BLACKBIRDS, ORIOLES, ETC. §tBobolink. S.R., N.C. Common, and a common migrant throughout the state. §tt— *Cowbird. S.R., N.C.S. Common. §Yellow-headed Blackbird. S.R., N. But very locally distributed. §t$— *Red-winged Blackbird. S. R., N. C. Abundant migrant and common breeder in state. During mild seasons a few winter in suitable places throughout the state. 61 COMPREHENSIVE LIST *Florida Red-winged Black- bird. S. R., S. §tMeadowlark. S.R., N.C.S. Questionable in S. 111. Casual W. R. in N. and C. 111. :£ — *Southern Meadowlark. S. R., S. Breeding status not fully determined. Probably resi- dent in S. 111., and common there throughout the year. §Western Meadowlark. N. Same comment as above. Reported as nesting in N. W. 111., at least, in the vi- cinity of Rockford, Winne- bago County, where Stpd- dard regards it a fairly common summer resident. §f|__*Orchard Oriole. S.R., N.C. S. More common in S. 111. §^_*Baltimore Oriole. S.R., N. C.S. Common in many places. Rusty Blackbird. T.V. Common. Reported as win- tering rarely in N. 111. Not common W. R. in S. 111. Brewer's Blackbird. Accidental straggler from the west. Apparently but one positive record for the state — Mt. Carmel (Ridg- way). §-j--j.__*Bronzed Grackle. S.R., N. C.S. Common. Nests commonly in the Chicago parks. Dur- ing mild seasons a few win- ter in suitable places in all parts of state. FINCHES, SPARROWS, ETC. Evening Grosbeak. T.V. Irregular W. V. to N. Ill, and found chiefly near Lake Michigan. 62 OF ILLINOIS BIRDS Pine Grosbeak. T.V. Very irregular late fall and winter visitor to N. 111., and found in same places as the preceding. Purple Finch. S.R., N. Common T. V. A few winter in parts of the state, and casually in N. 111. *House Sparrow. P.R., N.C. S. Abundant, particularly in and about the larger cities and towns. European Tree Sparrow. P. R.,S. Like the preceding an in- troduced species, though, in this instance, but locally es- tablished, or naturalized, in the vicinity of St. Louis. Otto Widmann writes under date of Nov. 19, 1921, of finding it as far back as twenty-five years ago in at least four of the Illinois counties, and the probabili- ties are its range has been extended somewhat since then. The counties named, and places mentioned where found, are as follows, viz: — Jersey (Grafton); Madison (Alton and Godfrey); St. Clair (Belleville, etc.), and Monroe (Columbia). Local observers in this state apparently have over- looked this interesting bird, owing perhaps to its mod- est and retiring habits, or confused it, possibly, in some way with its more boisterous and aggressive cousin the House Sparrow. Crossbill. T.V. Irregular and erratic in its movements, and confined 63 COMPREHENSIVE LIST for the most part to the region about Lake Michi- gan. Newfoundland Crossbill. T.V. Has occurred with the pre- ceding in Lake County, where Coale, Sanborn, and Stoddard found it in large flocks, almost to the exclu- sion of the former, during the late fall and early win- ter of 1916-17. The last was seen on Jan. 11, by Thomas H. Douglas of Waukegan. These occurrences have been verified from speci- mens taken at the time, by such good authorities as Oberholser, Bent and Bangs, and also by other equally well-known orni- thologists. White-winged Crossbill. T.V. Very irregular late fall and winter visitor to N. 111., and chiefly in the vicinity of Lake Michigan. Hoary Redpoll. Rare winter visitant. Re- ported from both N. and S. 111. by Ridgway. Redpoll. W.V. At least to northern part of state, and some seasons quite common. Holboeirs Redpoll. (?) May occur very rarely as a T. V., but the records are much confused. Greater Redpoll. Very rare fall and prob- ably W. V. Records from the Chicago Area by Cooke and Woodruff. 64 OF ILLINOIS BIRDS — *Goldfinch. S.R., N., And wintering quite com- monly at times. P. R. in C. and S. 111., where com- mon. Pine Siskin. T.V. Irregular and erratic. Some seasons abundant. An oc- casional W. R. in S. 111. Snow Bunting. T.V. Late fall and winter visi- tant to N. 111. Quite com- mon at times along the shore of Lake Michigan. Lapland Longspun T.V. Abundant fall, winter and spring visitant, to N. and C. 111., remaining quite late in spring, some years well into May, in N. 111. Smith's Longspur. T.V. Not infrequent and prob- ably more common than generally supposed, both spring and fall, in N. 111. Chestnut-collared Long- spur. Accidental straggler from the western plains. Record- ed from near Orland, Cook County (Coale). McCown's Longspur. Accidental visitant from the west. Coale reports three from Champaign County. — -*Vesper Sparrow. S.R., N.C. S. Common in N. and C. 111., but uncommon to very rare summer resident in S. 111. §* Savannah Sparrow. S.R., N.S. Common T. V., and fairly common breeder in N. 111., but very rare in S. 111. Probably winters to some extent in S. 111., and may, very rarely, in C. 111. 65 COMPREHENSIVE LIST — *Grasshopper Sparrow. S.R., N.CS. Common. Possibly less so in the Chicago Area than formerly. §— *Henslow's Sparrow. S.R., N.CS. Common in some locali- ties, but rather locally dis- tributed. §Leconte's Sparrow. Recorded by Abbott as breeding in N. E. 111., but record questioned. How- ever, egg specimens, repre- senting the foregoing, and reported from this state, were pronounced by the Smithsonian authorities as belonging to this bird (Ford). §Nelson's Sparrow. S.R., N. Not common. Chiefly T. V. Reported by Woodruff as a breeder in N. E. 111., and nesting within the Chi- cago Area. §f:j:— *Lark Sparrow. S.R., N.C.S. Of local distribution and apparently not as common as formerly; at least in N. 111. Harris's Sparrow. T.V. Irregular visitor from far- ther west. Records fairly numerous, and more regu- lar in recent years. White-crowned Sparrow. T.V. Possibly a rare breeder in extreme Northern Illinois, as it is known to be a cas- ual S. R. in Southern Wis- consin, and according to Kumlein and Hollister, has nested near Madison. Dr. Hoy also reports a few nesting near Racine. 60 OF ILLINOIS BIRDS Regular T. V. Cannot be classed as extremely com- mon, though some seasons fairly numerous. Ridgway gives it as a W. R., some- times in large numbers, in Southern Illinois. White-throated Sparrow. T.V. Probably nests sparingly in the northern counties ot the state. Abundant T. V., spring and fall, and com- mon to abundant winter resident in C. and S. 111. Tree Sparrow. W.V. Common winter visitant to all sections of state. §t$— *Chipping Sparrow. S.R., N. C.S. Quite common, but far less plentiful than formerly in N. E. 111. Clay-colored Sparrow. S. R., N. Classified as S. R. in N. 111. Possibly more plentiful as a migrant than generally supposed. — * Field Sparrow. S.R., N.C.S. Common in all parts of state. Common W. R. in S. 111. Slate-colored Junco. T.V. Abundant fall, winter and spring in all portions of the state. Numbers less in winter in N. 111. Shufeldt's Junco. Accidental straggler from the west. Met with by Coale and Praeger in Lake and Hancock Counties re- spectively. Sanborn re- ports the capture of a third specimen, the latter being taken by himself, at Beach Lake Co., March 19, 1916. 67 COMPREHENSIVE LIST Montana Junco. T.V. Has been regarded as acci- dental, but probably more numerous than the records indicate. Rare, or absent, and again sometimes com- mon, as a winter resident in Southern Illinois, Ridgway writes. There are positive records for the Chicago Area, by Ridgway and Woodruff, and a number of unques- tionably good sight records made within the same dis- trict. ^ — *Bachman's Sparrow. S. R., N.C.S. But chiefly S. 111. Rare in N. 111. §t$*Song Sparrow. S.R., N.C.S. Rather rare S. R. in S. 111. Common to abundant in most parts of state. Oc- casional W. R. in N. and C. 111., and common in win- ter in S. 111. §Lincoln's Sparrow. S.R., N. Not common. Fairly com- mon migrant. Winters in S. 111., and rarely in the northern part of state. StSwamp Sparrow. S.R., N. C.S. But questionable in ex- treme S. 111. Fairly com- mon. More plentiful dur- ing migrations. Winters in S. 111. Hess regards it a rare breeder in his sec- tion. Fox Sparrow. T.V. Common. Winters casual- ly in N. 111., but common during the same period in C. and S. 111. §^__*Xowhee. S.R., N.C.S. Common. Rather common W. R. in S. 111., and of cas- 68 OF ILLINOIS BIRDS ual, or rare, occurrence in the more northern parts of state. Arctic Towhee. Accidental. One record for N. E. 111. (Woodruff), and reported from S. Wis. §^_*Cardinal. P.R., N.C.S. Common in lower half of state. §ftRose-breasted Grosbeak. S. R., N.C.S. But rare or wanting, as a breeder, in extreme S. 111. Fairly common in many places. Also a migrant, or T. V., throughout the state. —Blue Grosbeak. S.R., S. Reported by Ridgway and Nelson as rare in S. 111. §tt— *Indigo Bunting. S.R., N.C. S. Common to all parts of state. Painted Bunting. Rare summer visitor to S. 111. Ridgway reports it from Wabash County. §t:f.— *Dickcissel. s R ^ N c s Common generally, though erratic at times and change- able in abundance. TANAGERS. §f:j:— *Scarlet Tanager. S.R., N.C. S. Locally common and of general distribution through- out the state. ft— *Summer Tanager. S.R., N. C.S. Rare S. R. in N. 111. Com- mon in southern portion of state. 69 COMPREHENSIVE LIST SWALLOWS. §^_*purple Martin. S.R., N.C.S. But numbers reduced, or wanting now, in many places. §f— *Cliff Swallow. S.R., N.C.S. Formerly common, but scarce now, or wanting, in many parts of state. More common T. V. §f :f_-.*Barn Swallow. S.R., N.C.S. Quite common. Less plen- tiful than formerly, though apparently increasing. §t*Tree Swallow. S.R., N.C.S. Common locally. More abundant during migra- tions. Northern Violet-green Swallow. Accidental visitor from the west. Reported from Chi- cago by Woodruff. §t£-*Bank Swallow. S.R., N.C.S. Of marked sociability, nest- ing together in good sized colonies and distributed well throughout the state. §f — *Rough-winged Swallow. S. R., N.C.S. Far less sociable, often nesting in isolated pairs. WAXWINGS. *Bohemian Waxwing. T.V. Irregular and rare W. V., chiefly to N. 111. A heavy flight occurred in the re- gion about Lake Michigan during the winter of 1919- 20. Also recorded from Pulaski County, S. 111. (Forbes). §f-_*Cedar Waxwing. S.R., N.C. S. Sometimes W. R., but rather erratic in move- ments. 70 OF ILLINOIS BIRDS SHRIKES. Northern Shrike. W.V. Formerly common in N. 111. Now less plentiful. Casual in C. 111., but rare or wanting in S. 111. Loggerhead Shrike. S.R., S. Regarded by Cory as a summer resident in S. 111. Evidently rare. His con- clusions are based on three specimens from that sec- tion. The majority, he thinks, are intermediate be- tween this and the follow- ing. §f:j:_-*Migrant Shrike. S.R., N.C. P. R. in S. 111., but not abundant. The common Shrike of the state. VIREOS. §f:j:—*Red-eyed vireo. S.R., N.C. S. Common. Philadelphia Vireo. T.V. Possibly nests in N. Ill, and very rarely in north- central part of state. Not very common T. V. Nelson, however, regarded it a common migrant. §f:j:— *Warbling Vireo. S.R., N.C. o. Fairly common in some lo- calities. §_*Yellow-throated Vireo. S. R., N.C.S. More common in southern portion of state. Blue-headed Vireo. T.V. Regular migrant, though not extremely common. •ft— *White-eyed vireo. S.R., N. C.S. Not common S. R. in N. 111. Common in the more southern portions of state. 71 COMPREHENSIVE LIST §f— *Bell's Vireo. S.R., N.C.S. Not common S. R. in N. 111. More or less of local dis- tribution and quite com- mon in parts of the state, chiefly south. WARBLERS. §— *Black and White Warbler. S.R., N.S. And possibly nesting in C. 111. Common T. V. §t*Prothonotary Warbler. S. R., N.C.S. Locally abundant. Not common in N. 111. Swainson's Warbler. S.R., S. Rare and somewhat local. tfWorm-eating Warbler. S. R., N.C.S. Rare S. R. in N. 111. Com- mon in S. 111. Bachman's Warbler. S.R., S. Listed here as new to Il- linois on the authority of Robert Ridgway, who states positively of having found it in the vicinity of Mt. Carmel, Wabash Coun- ty, during the spring, or breeding season, of 1878, while investigating the bird-life of that locality in company with William Brewster. Considering the supposed extreme rarity of this War- bler, and the fact that no specimen was taken, it was not thought advisable at that time to publish the record, fearing it might be seriously questioned; and the above statement until now never has ap- • peared in print. Future in- 72 OF ILLINOIS BIRDS vestigations doubtless will clearly establish the fact of its being a regular summer resident within our bor- ders, though perhaps lim- ited as to numbers, and of very local distribution, in the extreme southern por- tions of state. §$— *Blue-winged Warbler. S. R., N.C.S. Rather rare and local in N. 111. jGolden-winged Warbler. S. R., N.C.S. But chiefly N. 111. Of local distribution as a S. R. More common during mi- grations. Nashville Warbler. S.R., N. Authority of Ridgway. Common T. V. Orange-crowned Warbler. T.V. Apparently not common, though easily overlooked. Tennessee Warbler. T.V. Common both spring and fall. ^Northern Parula Warbler. S.R., N.C.S. Rather local as a breeder, but not uncommon T. V. Cape May Warbler. T.V. Regular, and some seasons quite numerous. §tt— *Yellow Warbler. S.R., N.C. S. Common. Black-throated Blue War- bler. T.V. Common. Myrtle Warbler. T.V. Abundant. Casual W. R. in S. 111. 73 COMPREHENSIVE LIST Magnolia Warbler. T.V. Very nearly as plentiful as the preceding. §__*Cerulean Warbler. S.R., N. C.S. Breeds locally in N. 111. Common in S. 111. Chestnut-sided Warbler. S. R., N. May nest in S. 111., as there is a breeding record for S. E. Missouri (Gault). Com- mon migrant spring and fall. Bay-breasted Warbler. T. V. Common. Black-poll Warbler. T.V. Common. Blackburnian Warbler. T. V. Common. *Sycamore Warbler. S.R. Apparently confined as S. R. to S. 111., where com- mon. Rare in N. 111. Black-throated Green War- bler. S.R., N. Authority of Nelson. Com- mon T. V. Kirtland's Warbler. T.V. The rarest of pur warblers. Definite spring records from Glen Ellyn, DuPage County (Gault); Winne- bago County (Dickinson), and Morgan Park, Chicago (Blackwelder); made in the order named. The Southward flight to its winter home in the Baha- mas is east of Illinois. *Pine Warbler. S.R., N.C.S. A local breeder and not very common migrant at the present day. 74 OF ILLINOIS BIRDS Palm Warbler. T.V. Abundant. §*Prairie Warbler. S.R., N.C. S. But uncommon in N. 111. Scattered records for this state. Apparently not very common. §•(•_ *Oven-bird. S.R., N.C.S. Common. Water-thrush. T.V. Fairly common. Grinnell's Water-thrush. T.V. Quite likely a S. R. in N. 111. Apparently outnumber- ing the preceding; at least in N. E. 111. §tt — ^Louisiana Water-thrush. S.R., N.C.S. But chiefly C. and S. Com- mon south. Found nesting in Lake County, N. E. 111. (Gault). §t$— *Kentucky Warbler. S.R., N.C.S. But rare in N. 111. Common in S. 111. Hess reports find- ing its nest in Putnam County, N. 111. Connecticut Warbler. T.V. Tolerably common in spring, late summer and fall. Mourning Warbler. T.V. Fairly common, some sea- sons quite common. §tt— ^Maryland Yellow-throat. S. R., N.C.S. Probably the most abun- dant of our S. R. Warblers. §f $— .*Yellow-breasted Chat. S.R., N.C.S. A rather local breeder in N. 111. Common in southern portions of state. But ex- 75 COMPREHENSIVE LIST ceedingly rare now, in places, according to Ridg- way's observations. t*Hooded Warbler. S.R., N. C.S. Rare S. R. in N. 111. Nests abundantly in S. 111. — local- ly at least. Wilson's Warbler. T.V. Common. Canadian Warbler. T.V. Common. §t— *Redstart S.R., N.C.S. Common in many portions of the state. Less numer- ous in N. 111. than formerly. PIPIT. Pipit. T.V. Common in many parts of the open country. Sparing- ly W. R. in S. 111. MOCKINGBIRDS, WRENS, ETC. ^-^Mockingbird. S.R., N.C. P. R. in S. 111., though rare now, in places, as Ridgway informs us. Rare S. R. in N. 111., and there are in- stances known of its hav- ing wintered in that sec- tion of the state. §tt—*Catbird. S.R., N.C.S. Breeds abundantly through- out the state. §f:j:— *Brown Thrasher. S.R., N. C.S. Nests commonly in all parts of the state. §f±_*Carolina Wren. S.R., N.C. O • Not common S. R. in N. 111. Common in southern half of state, although prac- tically extirpated in places, according to Ridgway. Winters casually in N. 111. 76 OF ILLINOIS BIRDS §f:j:_-*Bewick's Wren. S.R., N.C. S. Rare S. R. in N. 111. Com- mon in S. 111., to some extent being replaced there by the following. §t**House Wren. S.R., N.C.S. Common. Increasing, ap- parently in N. 111. as well as in the southern parts of state. — *Western House Wren. Apparently more common than the preceding, but breeding status not fully determined. Winter Wren. T.V. Fairly common spring and fall in N. 111. Hess also reports it common in win- ter in his section, while Ridgway regards it rare in his locality, and found in winter only. Evidently of more or less local and unequal distribution, while within our limits, taking state as a whole. §Short-billed Marsh Wren. S.R., N.C.S. Common locally. §t— "Long-billed Marsh Wren. S.R., N.C.S. Common in suitable locali- ties. Prairie Marsh Wren. S.R., N. But breeding status not fully determined. CREEPERS. Brown Creeper, T.V. Chiefly, and a possible breeder N. C. S. Common during migrations. W. R. in S. 111., and winters casually in N. 111. 77 COMPREHENSIVE LIST NUTHATCHES AND TIT- MICE. §fWhite-breasted Nuthatch. P.R., N.C And questionable, as a breeder (resident form), in S. 111. — *Florida White-breasted Nuthatch. P.R., S. §Red-breasted Nuthatch. S. R., N. Rare. Tolerably common migrant, occasionally win- tering, a few at least, in C. and S. 111. Also rare W. R. in N. 111. §f:j:— *Tufted Titmouse. P.R., N. C.S. Uncommon S. R. in N. 111., although wintering there to some extent. Common in southern portions of state. §tChickadee. P.R., N.C. Common. £__ *Carolina Chickadee. P.R., S. Apparently confined to S. 111., as a resident bird. Hudsonian Chickadee. Very irregular and rare winter visitor to N. 111. KINGLETS AND GNAT- CATCHERS. Golden-crowned Kinglet. T.V. Common, a few wintering in all parts of state. Ruby-crowned Kinglet. T. V. Perhaps more numerous than the preceding. Casual W. R. in N. 111. 78 OF ILLINOIS BIRDS §1$— *Blue-gray Gnatcatcher. S. R., N.C.S. Commoner in the southern portions of the state. Now rare in some places, where formerly it nested regular- ly, in northern part of state. Townsend's Solitaire. Accidental visitor from the west. One record — Wau- kegan, Lake County, (Nel- son). THRUSHES, BLUEBIRDS, ETC. §f:j:--*Wood Thrush. S.R., N.C.S. Common in places, though exceedingly rare now in Richland County. So Ridg- way informs us. §fVeery. S.R., N.C. Chiefly T. V. Willow Thrush. S.R. The common form in Northeastern Illinois. Very likely nests within our limits. Gray-cheeked Thrush. T.V. Very common. Bicknell's Thrush. T.V. Possibly a straggler within our limits. Records from Hancock County (Ridg- way), and Lake County (Coale), the latter having met with it twice, the last a crippled specimen found Sept. 22, 1921 in his yard at Highland Park, Lake County. Olive-backed Thrush. T.V. Probably the most numer- ous of our Thrushes. 79 COMPREHENSIVE LIST Alaska Hermit Thrush. Accidental visitor from the west. One record from N. E. 111., Lake County, (Coale). Hermit Thrush. T.V. Common. Sometimes found all winter in S. III. §tRobin. S.R., N.C. Abundant. Casual W. R. in all sections of the state — individuals N. and C, and remaining in small numbers in S. 111. $— ^Southern Robin. S.R., S. §f$--*Bluebird. S.R., N.C. Not as plentiful in parts of states as formerly, especial- ly N. E. 111. P. R. in S. 111. 80