Toronto, Ont. Royal Ontario
Museum. Dept. of Education

Check list of the birds of
Ontario and catalogue of birds
in the biological section of
the Museum

Digitized by the Internet Archive
in 2008 with funding from
Microsoft Corporation

http://www.archive.org/details/checklistofbirdsOOontauoft

CHECK LIST

OF THE

BIRDS OF ONTARIO

AND

CATALOGUE OF BIRDS IN THE BIOLOGICAL SECTION

OF THE

MUSEUM.

_ DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

TORONTO.
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PREFACE.

In the following Check List I have cH ion sae to include all the
birds that have been Poste kaown ‘to oceur in the Province of
Ontario.

In cases where I have no pareandl knowledge of the record, I have
given the authority for it.

The nomenclature adopted is that of the Cheek List of the
American Ornithologists Union.

; C. wW. NASH.

Toronto, Ontario, April 12th, 1990.

[3]

namie
SS

—

- CHECK LIST
oF THE

BIRDS OF ONTARIO.

The number in the margin opposite the species corresponds with
the number on the label of each specimen of that species in the
Biological Section of the Museum of the Department of Education.

Species marked (*) are wanting to complete the collection.

Order PYGOPODES. Diving Birds
Suborder PODICIPEDES. (Grebes.
FAMILY PODICIPIDA. GREBES.

Genus COLYMBUS.

Suscenus COLYMBUS.

1. Holboell’s Grebe.
(Colymbus holbeelli_)
A regular but never a common spring and autumn visitor to the

waters of southern Ontario. Probably breeds in the northern part of
the Province.

Suscenus DYTES.

2. Horned Grebe.
(Colymbus auritus.)
Abundant on the great lakes and all large bodies of water through-

out the Province in spring and autumn, breeding in the large marshes.
A few remain on Lake Ontario through the winter.

: GENus PODILYMBUS.

3. Pied-billed Grebe.
(Podilymbus podiceps.)

A common summer resident of marshes all over the Province,

breeding throughout its range. Arrives early in April, departs about
the middle of October.

[5]

6 ae CHECK LIST OF THE

Suborder CEPPHI. Loons, Etc.
Famity GAVIIDAL.
Genus GAVIA.
4. Loon
(Gavia imber.)

Common on all large bodies of water in spring and autumn, breed-
ing about the lakes and ponds of the interior, some few remain on the
great lakes all through the winter, but the bulk go south during the
coldest part of the season.

*5. Black-throated Loon.
(Gavia arctica.) -

A very rare winter visitor.

6. Red-throated Loon.

(Gavia lumme.)

A common spring and autumn visitor to our waters, breeding in
the far north and retiring southward as its haunts freeze up.

Famity ALCIDA. Avuxs, MurRREs, Ere,
SuBFAMILY ALCINAL. AuKs AND MURRES.
Genus URIA.,
7. Brunnich’s Murre.
(Uria lomvia.)
An oceasional visitor to Lake Ontario, it is common on the
Atlantic coast.

During the winter of 1893 a large number of these birds appeared
on Lake Ontario and each season since that time a few have been seen
there.

GENUS ALCA.
*8. Razor-billed Auk.
(Alea torda )

An accidental visitor to Lake Ontario in winter.

Order LONGIPENNES. Long-winged Swimmers.
Famity STERCORARIIDA. SkuAs AnD JAEGERS.

Genus STERCORARIUS.
9. Pomarine Jaeger.
(Stercorarius pomarinus.)

BIRDS OF ONTARIO. 7

An occasional winter visitor to the great lakes.
0. Parasitic Jaeger.
(Stercorarius parasiticus.)
An occasional spring and autumn visitor to the great lakes.

Famity LARIDA. GuLLs AND TERNS.

Genus PAGOPHILA.
11. Ivory Gull.

(Pagophila alba.)
A regular but not common winter visitor to the great lakes.
Genus RISSA.
12. Kittiwake.
(Rissa tridactyla.)

A regular but not common winter visitor to the great lakes.

Genus LARUS.
13 Glaucous Gull
(Larus glaucus.)

A regular but not common winter visitor to the great lakes.

14. Great Black-backed Gull. ©
(Larus marinus.)

A regular but not abundant winter visitor to the great lakes;
more frequently observed than either of the preceding species.

15. American Herring Gull.
(Larus argentatus smithsonianus.)

A very common resident, frequenting the great lakes at all sea-
sons, but most abundant in winter.

16 Ring-billed Gull.
(Larus delawarensis.)
A common resident ; like the last, most abundant in winter.
*17. Laughing Gull.
(Larus atricilla.)
An accidental visitor in summer.

18. Franklin’s Gull.
(Larus franklinii.)

8 CHECK LIST OF THE

A rare summer visitor, occasionally straggling here from the
prairie sloughs, where they are abundant.

19. Bonaparte’s Gull.
(Larus philadelphia.)
A common spring and ‘autumn visitor to the great lakes, arriving

in April and departing at the end of November. It is probable that
some breed in the northern part of the province.

SUBFAMILY STERNINA. Terns.
Genus STERNA.

SusBcGENUS THALASSEUS.
20. Caspian Tern.
(Sterna caspia.)

A regular but not common spring oe autumn visitor to the
great lakes.

' Suscenus ACTOCHELIDON.
*21. Cabot’s Tern.
(Sterna sandvicensis acuflavida.)

The capture of a specimen of this tern in the spring of 1882, at
Lucknow, is recorded by Mr. MclIlwraith.

Suscenus STERNA.
22. Forster's Tern.
(Sterna forsteri.)
An uncommon summer visitor, breeds throughout its range.
23. Common Tern
(Sterna hirundo.)

A regular summer visitor, more frequently seen in spring and
autumn,

Suspcenus STERNULA.
24. Least Tern.

(Sterna antillarum.)
An accidental visitor.
Genus HYDROCHELIDON.
25. Black Tern.
(Hydrochelidon nigra surinamensis.)
‘his Tern is common in some of the large marshes throughout

the Province during the summer, but it is not generally distributed.
Breeds where it occurs.

BIRDS OF ONTARIO. i

Order STEGANOPODES. Totipalmate Swimmers.

Famity SULIDZ. GaNNETs.
Genus SULA.

Suspcenus DYSPORUS.

26. Gannet.
(Sula bassana.)

An accidental visitor from the Atlantic coast.

Famity PHALACROCORACID.
Genus PHALACROCORAX.
Supcenus PHALACROCORAX.

27. Cormorant.
(Phalacrocorax carbo.)

' An uncommon spring and autumn visitor to the larger bodies of
water. Probably breeds in the northern part of the Province.

28 Double-crested Cormorant.
(Phalacrocorax dilophus.)

A regular but not a common spring and autumn visitor to our
lakes, ‘probably breeds about the waters of the northern part of the
Province,

Famity PELECANID.
Genus PELECANUS.
SupGENuS CYRTOPELICANUS.

29. American White Pelican.
(Pelicanus erythrorhynchos.)

An accidental visitor to the great lakes.

Order ANSERES. Lamellirostral Swimmers.
| Famity ANATID. Ducks, GEESE AND SWANS.
SUBFAMILY MERGIN AX. MERGANSERS.
Genus MERGANSER.

30. American Merganser.
(Merganser americanus.)

10 CHECK LIST OF THE

A common resident, breeding in the northern part of the Province
and spending the winter on the open water of the lakes, and rapid
rivers near our southern boundary.

These birds are very destructive to our fisheries.
31. Red-breasted Merganser.
(Merganser serrator.)

A common resident, more abundant than the last and equally
destructive to fish. Breeds in the interior of the Province and winters
wherever there is open water.

Genus LOPHODYTES.
32. Hooded Merganser.
(Lophodytes cucullatus.)

A tolerably common summer resident breeding throughout the
interior of the Province and retiring southward as ice forms.

SuspramMity ANATINA. River Ducks.
Genus ANAS.
33, Mallard.
(Anas boschas.)

Common summer resident of the western part of the Province
less abundant in the east, retires southward as the shallow waters it
frequents become frozen over.

Breeds throughout its range.

34. Black Duck.
(Anas obscura.)

A very common summer resident, breeding in all suitable places
throughout the Province.

Arrives as soon as the marshes are open and retires when they
freeze up.

Genus CHAULELASMUS.

35. Gadwall.
(Chaulelasmus streperus.)

A very rare summer resident.

Genus MARECA.

36. Baldpate.
(Mareca americana. )

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BIRDS OF ONTARIO. tL

A fairly common summer resident, breeding in the interior of the
Province.

Arrives in April and leaves with the first frost.

Genus NETTION.

37. Green- winged Teal.
(Nettion carolinensis.)

Common summer resident, breeding in the north.

Arrives as soon as the marshes are open and remains until the
early part of November.

Genus QUERQUEDULA.
38. Blue-winged Teal.
(Querguedula discors.)

A common summer resident, breeding in all suitable places
throughout this Province.

Arrives in April and leaves about the end of September.

Genus SPATULA.
39. Shoveller.
(Spatula clypeata.)

A regular but uncommon summer resident, breeds throughout its
range. :

Genus DAFILA.
(Dafila acuta.)

A common spring and autumn visitor ‘to southern Ontario,
occasionally breeding in the marshes about Lake Erie and probably
regularly breeding in the interior of the Province.

Arrives as soon as the marshes open and leaves when they freeze
up.

Genus AIX.
41, Wood Duck.
(Aix sponsa.)

Formerly an abundant summer resident, breeding everywhere

throughout the Province, it is still common but its numbers are
decreasing.

Arrives as soon as the ice is out of the marshes, departs about the
end of September.

12 CHECK LIST OF THE

SupraMity FULIGULINA. Sea Ducks.

Genus AYTHYA.

42. Redhead.
(Aythya americana.)
A common summer resident, most abundant in southern Ontario
in spring and autumn.

They breed in the marshes of the north, and the bulk of them
retire to the south when their haunts are froeen over, in some seasons
a considerable number spend the winter on Lake Ontario,

43 Canvas-back
(Aythya vallisneria.)
A regular but uncommon visitor to this Province, it breeds in the
northwest and may perhaps sometimes do so in our northern marshes.

Suspcenus FULIGULA.

44, American Scaup Duck.
(Aythya marila.)
The great majority of these birds are spring and autumn visitor

to southern Ontario but they do not go very far north to breed and a
great many spend the winter along the shores of Lake Ontario.

45. Lesser Staup Duck.
(Aythya affinis.)
Common summer resident, breeding 1 in the large marshes through-
out the Province.

It arrives as soon as the ice moves in the spring and remains until
the marshes and bays freeze up. I have not observed it during the
winter.

46. Ring-necked Duck.
(Aythya collaris.)
Regular summer resident, less abundant than either of the pre-
ceding species.
Genus CLANGULA.,

47. Golden-eye Duck.
(Clangula clangula americana.)

Common winter visitor. may perhaps breed in the Northern part
of the Province, as it regularly does so in Southern Manitoba.

BIRDS OF ONTARIO. 13

The bulk arrive in Southern Ontario about the end of October
and remain until the ice breaks up in the spring.
48. Barrows Golden-eye.
(Clangula islandieca.)

An occasional visitor in winter.

Genus CHARITONETTA.

49. Buffle-headed Duck.
(Charitonetta albeola.)
Common spring and autumn visitor throughout the Province,

breeding at some points in Southern Ontario and probably doing so
regularly in the more northern portions.

They arrive as soon as the ice goes out in spring and remain in

- the autumn until their haunts are frozen over.

Genus HARELDA.

50. Long-tailed Duck.
(Harelda hyemalis.)

A very abundant winter resident, arriving about the beginning of
November and departing at the end of April.
: Genus HISTRIONICUS.
51. Harlequin Duck.
(Histrionicus histrionicus.)
A very rare visitor.
Genus SOMATERIA.

Suseenus SOMATERIA.

52. American Eider.
(Somateria dresseri.)

An occasional winter visitor, all the specimens of this duck that
have been taken here are in immature plumage so far as I have been
able to learn.

Supcenus ERIONETTA.
53. King Eider.
(Somateria spectabilis.)

Occurring more frequently than the last, but still only an occas-
ional winter visitor. .

14 CHECK LIST OF THE

Adult specimens of this duck in full plumage have several times
been taken on our lakes in the late autumn and early spring.

Genus OIDEMIA.

SupaEenus OIDEMIA.
54. Black Scoter—(American Scoter.)
(Oidemia americana.)

A regular winter resident on the great lakes, sometimes moving
southward for a short time if the weather is very severe.

Suscenus MELANITTA.
55. White-winged Scoter.
(Oidemia deglandi.)
A common winter resident, frequenting the great lakes.

SusGgEenus PELIONETTA.
56. Surf Scoter.
(Oidemia perspicillata.) fe

A regular visitor to our lakes in spring and autumn, probably
remaining through the winter, though I have never observed it here
in the coldest part of the season.

Genus ERISMATURA.
57. Ruddy Duck.
(Erismatura jamaicensis.)

Common in spring and autumn. Breeds from our southern board.
ary northward.

SuBFAMILY ANSERIN/.
GrEnus CHEN.

58. Greater Snow Goose.
(Chen hyperborea nivalis)

A rare visitor to the Western part of this Province.
Genus ANSER.

59. White fronted Goose.
(Anser albifrons gambeli.)

O1 very rare occurrence.

I

BIRDS OF ONTARIO. 15

Mr. McIlwraith records-the capture of one specimen at St. Clair
flats, the only one I have heard of.

Genus BRANTA.
60. Canada Goose.
(Branta canadensis.)

A regular spring and autumn visitor to our marshes but not
nearly so abundant now as formerly. Some probably breed in the
unfrequented marshes of the northern part of the Province, as they
bred in Southern Manitoba before the settlement of the country.

61. Hutchin’s Goose.
(Branta canadensis hutchinsii.)
An occasional spring and autumn visitor.
62. Brant.
(Branta bernicla.)
A rare visitor.
SUBFAMILY CYGNIN &.

Genus OLOR.
63. Whistling Swan.

(Olor columbianus.)
Of somewhat irregular occurrence, generally a few are seen in the
spring.
64. Trumpeter Swan,
(Olor buccinator.)

Like the last, rarely seen now. Some few of this species may
however breed in the northern part of the Province, as they do so in
Iowa, Minnesota and Dakota.

Order HERODIONES. Herons, Ibises, etc.
Suborder IBIDES. Ibises, etc.
Famity IBIDID. Ipiszs.
Genus PLEGADIS.

*65. Glossy Ibis.
(Plegadis autumnalis.)

An accidental visitor.

16 CHECK LIST OF THE

Mr. MeclIlwraith records the capture of two near Hamilton in 1857.
I have not heard of any others.

Sub-order HERODII. Herons, Bitterns, etc.
Famity ARDEID. Herons, BITTERNs, ETC,
SupraMILy BOTAURIN. BirreErns.

Genus BOTAURUS.
66. American Bittern.

(Botaurus lentiginosus.)

A common summer resident, breeding throughout its range in
this Province.

Arrives about the middle of April, departs about the middle of
October.

Genus ARDETTA.
67. Least Bittern.
(Ardetta exilis.)

An adundant summer resident of the larger marshes in southern
Ontario, breeding throughout its range.
68. Cory’s Least Bittern.
(Ardetta neoxena.)

This species seems now to be a regular summer visitor to the
marsh near Toronto. During the last nine years over a dozen speci-
mens having been taken there. I have not heard of its capture in any
other part of the Province.

SusraMILy ARDEIN. Henons, ETC.
Genus ARDEA.

SuscEenus ARDEA.
69 Great Blue Heron.
(Ardea herodias.)

A common summer resident, breeding in communities in the
interior of the Province.

Arrives early in April, departs about the middle of September.
Suscenus HERODIAS.

70. American Egret.
(Ardea egretta.)

An accidental visitor to our southern border.

Tak ag, ory mows

BIRDS UF ONTARIO. 17

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Scsperxus GARZETTA.
71. Snowy Heron
(Ardea candidissima )
An accidental visitor to our southern border.
SuspGenus BUTORIDES.

72. Green Heron.
(Ardea virescens.)

A regular though never a common summer resident of southern
Ontario, it is not generally distributed and is more frequently found
breeding in the swamps near Lake Erie than elsewhere.

Genus NYCTICORAX.
Suspcenus NYCTICORAX.
73. Black-Crowned Night Heron.

(Nycticorax nycticorax nzvius.)
A regular and in places a common summer resident, they breed

in the interior of the Province in communities.

As they are quite nocturnal in their habits they are not often
observed even where they are common.

Order PALUDICOLZ. Cranes, Rails, etc.
Suborder GRUES. Cranes.
Famity GRUIDA. Cranes.

Genus GRUS.
74. Whooping Crane.
(Grus americana.)
Mr. MclIlwraith records the capture of a specimen of this Crane

in the County of Addington in September, 1871, the only one I ever
heard of here.

75. Sandhill Crane

(Grus mexicana.)
An accidental visitor from the western prairies.
Suborder RALLI. Rails, Coots, etc.
Famity RALLIDZ. Rats, Coors, Etc.
SuBraMiILy RALLINZ. Ratts.

18 CHECK LIST OF THE

Genus RALLUS.

76. King Rail.
(Rallus elegans.)

A regular summer resident of the marshes at the western end of
Lake Erie.

I have not heard of its occurrence elsewhere.
77. Virginia Rail.
(Rallus virginianus.)

An abundant summer rerident of the mar shies of southern Ontario,
breeding throughout its rang » in the Province.

Arrives about the midwle of April and leaves early in October.
GENUS PORZANA.

SusGENuUS PORZANA.

78. Carolina Rail.
(Porzana carolina.)

Very abundant summer resident of the marshes all over the
Province, breeding throughout its range.

Arrives about the middle of April, departs about the ‘iid of
October.

Suscenus COTURNICOPS.
79. Yellow Rail.

(Porzana noveboracensis. )

A regular but not a common summer resident of our marshes.

SuBGENUS CRECISCUS.
*80. Black Rail.

(Porzana jamaicensis.) .

Very rare, probably a summer resident where it occurs.

SuBFAMILY GALLINULINA. Ga Lutnutes..

GEeNus IONORNIS.
81. Purple Gallinule.
(Tdnornis martinica.)

Of accidental occurrence here, one was taken in the marsh on
the Rouge river east of. Toronto in 1892, but I know of no others.

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BIRDS OF ONTARIO.

Genus GALLINULA.

"82. Florida Gallinule.
(Gallinula galeata.)

A common summer resident of the marshes of southern Ontario,
breeding throughout its range.

Arrives about the middle of April, departs towards the end of
October.

SupraMiIty FULICIN. Coots.

Genus FULICA..

83 American Coot.
(Fulica americana. )

Common spring and autumn visitor to Southern Ontario. Breeds
in the north.

Order LIMICOLAs. Shore birds.
Famity PHALAROPODIDZE. PuALAROPES.
Genus CRYMOPHILUS.
84 Red Phalarope.
(Crymophilus fulicarius.)
An irregular spring and autumn visitor of rare occurrence.

Genus PHALAROPUS.

SuspcEnus PHALAROPUS.

85. Northern Phalarope.
(Phalaropus lobatus )

An irregular spring and autumn visitor of rare occurrence.
Genus STEGANOPUS.

86 Wilson's Phalarope.
(Steganopus tricolor.)

An irregular spring and autumn visitor, but rather more
frequently met with than either of the preceding Phalaropes.

Famity RECUR VIROSTRIDA. Avocets, ETC.

GENus RECURVIROSTRA.
87. Avocet.

- (Recurvirostra americana )

20 CHECK LIST OF THE

An accidental visitor from the western prairies.

Famity SCOLOPACIDZ. Syipes, SANDPIPERS, ETC.
GENus PHILOHELA.

88. Woodcock. (American Wocdcock.)
(Philohela minor.)
Formerly an abundant summer resident of our swampy woods;
but now becoming scarce. Breeds throughout its range.
Arrives about the end of March and departs in November, usually
remaining until the first severe frost.

Genus GALLINAGO.

89 Wilson’s Snipe.
(Gallinago delicata )

Abundant in spring and autumn in Southern Ontario, the majority |
going north to breed. Some few, however, raise their young in all the
larger marshes throughout the Province from our southern border
northward.

The first arrivals in spring generally appear before the end of
March, and in the autumn the last stragglers remain until the marshes
freeze up.

Genus MACRORHAMPHUS.
90. Dowitcher.
(Macrorhamphus griseus.)
A rather rare spring and autumn visitor.

Genus MICROPALAMA.

91. Stilt Sandpiper.
(Micropalama himantopus.)

A rare visitor, most frequently met with in summer. I have
taken several, most of them in July and August.

GrENus TRINGA.

SusncEnus TRINGA.
92 Knot. "a
(Tringa canutus.)

In the neighbourhood of Toronto and Hamilton I have found this
species abundant from the twenty-fifth of May to the end of the first
week in June. In the autumn it is seldom seen. Two or three times
I have taken specimens in immature plumage in August, but that is all.

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BIRDS OF ONTARIO. 21

Suscenus ARQUATELLA.
93. Purple Sandpiper.
(Tringa maritima.)
A very rare visitor from the sea coast, usually occurring late in
the autumn.

SuspcEnus ACTODROMAS.
94. Pectoral Sandpiper. (Grats Plover.)
(Tringa maculata.)

A common autumn visitor to our marshes and sandbars. Not
observed by me in the spring. ;
Arrives in July, departs about the end of October.
95. White-rumped Sandpiper.
(Tringa fuscicollis.) ‘
Rather an uncommon species. Possibly breeding, as I have found
them here from the middle of June to the middle of October.

96. Baird’s Sandpiper.
(Tringa bairdii.)
A regular and not uncommon autumn visitor in the neighbour-
hood of Toronto and at Dundas. Not seen in spring.
Arrives in July, departs early in October.

97. Least Sandpiper. (Stint.)
(Tringa minutilla.)
Common spring and autumn visitor, arriving about the twentieth
of May, departing early in September.
The bulk of these birds go north to breed, but I think some few
nest throughout their range in this Province, for some few pairs are
always to be found on our sandy beaches all through the summer.

SuBGENus PELIDNA.

98. Red-backed Sandpiper. (Black-heart Plover.)
(Tringa alpina pacifica.)
A very »bundant visitor in the spring, arriving about the twenti-

ages May and departing northward about the end of the first week
in June.

In the autumn they are much less abundant, the bulk going south

by another route. The first arrive early in October and by the end of
the first week in November the last has gone.

22 CHECK LIST OF THE

Genus EREUNETES.
99. Semipalmated Sandpiper. (Stint.)
(Ereunetes pusillus.)

_ Very abundant from about the twentieth of May to the end of
the first week in June, and from the middle of July until the end of
the first week in September.

The bulk of them go further north to breed, but I have always
found some pairs here during the summer.
Genus CALIDRIS.

100. Sanderling.
(Calidris arenaria )

Very abundant in spring and autumn along the lake shores.
Arrive about the tenth of May, depart in October.
Breeds in the far north.

Genus LIMOSA.

101. Marbled Godwit.
(Limosa fedoa.)

A very rare visitor.
102. Hudsonian Godwit.
(Limosa heemastica. )

Rather more frequently seen than the last, but still very rare.

Genus TOTAN US.
Suscenvus GLOTTIS.

103 Greater Yellow-legs.
(Totanus melanoleucus.)

Common in spring from early in April until the first week in May’

In the autumn sometimes abundant, arriving towards the end of
July and remaining until the end of October.

Breeds in the far north.

104 Yellow legs.
(Totanus flavipes.)

Not common in spring, abundant in autumn, its movements in the
spring correspond with those of the last species.

In the fall it arrives early in July and leaves before the middle
of September.

Breeds in the far north.

—S oo

‘BIRDS OF ONTARIO. 23

Genus HELODROMAS.
105. Solitary Sandpiper.
(Helodromas solitarius.)

Generally distributed throughout the Province but nowhere
abundant. |

Dr. C. K. Clarke of Kingston has found this bird breeding near
that town, and, no doubt, it regularly breeds in the interior of the
Province. ; :

As I have never found it in the spring I ‘cannot give the date of
its arrival. In July it may be found along the margins of our streams
or upon muddy flats in the marshes, it departs about the end of Sep-
tember.

Genus SYMPHEMIA.
106 Willet.
(Symphemia semipalmata. )
A rare visitor.

Genus PAVONCELLA.
107. Ruff.
(Pavoncella pugnax.)

A specimen of this European bird in some way wandered to
Toronto and was taken there in- 1882. There are a few other records
of its occurrence in America, but it can only be regarded asa straggler
on this continent.

Genus BARTRAMIA.

108. Bartramian Sandpiper. (Upland Plover )
(Bartramia longicauda.) -
This is a bird of the prairie and is of rare and local occurrence

here. I have found it breeding in the Counties of Brant and Norfolk,
and Dr. C. K. Clarke reports it as regularly nesting near Kingston.

- Genus - TRYNGITES.

109. Buff-breasted Sandpiper.
(Tryngites subruficollis.)

A rather rare and irregular autumn visitor in Ontario. I have
usually found it in August.

Mr. McIwraith on the authority of Dr. Macallum records the dis-
covery of a nest and eggs of this species near Dunnville.

24 CHECK LIST OF THE

Genus ACTITIS.
110. Spotted Sandpiper.
(Actitis macularia.)
An abundant summer resident, breeding throughout the Province,

Arrives about the first of May, departs about the middle of Sep-
tember.

Genus NOUMENIUS.
111. Long-billed Curlew.

(Numenius longirostris.)
A very rare visitor, usually in the spring.
112. Hudsonian Curlew.
(Numenius hudsonicus. )

An irregular visitor, sometimes occurring in large numbers : in
spring, in the autumn it is rarely seen..

Breeds in the far north.
113.. Eskimo Curlew.
(Numenius borealis.)

A very rare visitor.

Famity CHARADRIIDA. PLOVERS.
GENUS SQUATAROLA.
114. Black-bellied Plover.
(Squatarola squatarola )

Common spring and autumn visitor, passing through in the spring
migration between the twentieth of May and the end of the first week
in June, they return from the north in August and remain until about
the middle of October.

Breeds in the far north.

‘Genus CHARADRIUS.

SuBGENUS CHARADRIUS.
115 Golden Plover. (American Golden Plover.)
(Charadrius dominicus.)

I have never found the Golden Plover in Ontario in the spring.
Dr. C. K. Clarke informs me that it sometimes occurs near Kingston
at that season.

OE — —

BIRDS OF ONTARIO. 25

—

In the autumn it is generally fairly abundant in most parts of the
country, visiting the newly ploughed fields, the muddy flats of marshes
and the sand bars of the lakes.

It arrives from the north towards the end of August and departs
about the middle of October.

Breeds in the Arctic regions.
Genus AGIALITIS.
Suscenus OXYECHUS.
116. Killdeer.
(Aigialitis vocifera.)

A common summer resident, generally distributed over the Pro-
vince, breeding through its range.
Arrives about the end of March, departs early in October.

Suscenus AGIALITIS.
117. Semipalmated Plover.
(Aigialitis semipalmata.) ,

Common in spring from about the middle of May to the end of
first week in June when it goes north to breed. In July they return
and are again abundant until the end of September, sometimes remain-
ing even later.

118 Piping Plover.
(Aigialitis meloda.)

A regular, but not a common summer resident.

They arrive early in May and probably leave as soon as the young
can fly as I have never found them in autumn.

119. Snowy Plover.
(Agialitis nivosa.)

Only two specimens have been taken in the Province to my know-
ledge.

Famity APHRIZIDA. TuRNSTONEs, ETC.

SUBFAMILY ARENARIIN. TuRNSTONES.
Genus ARENARIA.

120. Turnstone. (Redshank.)
(Arenaria interpres.)

Very abundant at some points along the lake shores in spring,
arriving about the twenty-fifth of May and remaing until the middle

26 CHECK LIsT OF THE

of June. In the fall they are never common, a few: in immature plur-
age return this way about the first of August and remain ‘until the
middle of September. Breeds far north.

Order GALLIN AL. Gallinaceous Birds.
Sub-order PHASIANI Grouse, Partridges, etc.
Famity TETRAONIDA. Grouse, PARTRIDGES, ETC.

SUBFAMILY PERDICIN A. PartRIDGEs. ..
GENusS COLINUS.
121. Quail. (Bob White.)
(Colinus virginianus.)

A common resident in the south-western counties of Ontario
A valuable game bird and one of the farmer's best friends.

Supramity TETRAONINA. Grouse. .
Genus DENDRAGAPUS.
Genus CANACHITES.
122 Canada Grouse. (Spruce Partridge.)
(Canachites canadensis.) be,
Common resident in the northern counties of Ontario:

GENUS BONASA.

123. Ruffed Grouse. ( Partridge.)
(Bonasa umbellus. )

A common resident throughout the Province.
Three sub-species have been separated from the typical form, all
of which are found here with endless intermediate variations,
GENus LAGUPUS.
124. Willow Ptarmigan.
(Lagopus lagopus.)

A regular winter visitor to the extreme northern parts of the
Province.

Genus TYMPANUCHUS,

125. Pinnated Grouse. (Prairie hen.)
(Tympanuchus americanus.)

BIRDS OF ONTARIO. 27

Formerly a resident of the open country along our southwestern
border but now extinct there.

Genus PEDICECETES.
126. Sharp-tailed Grouse.
(Pedicecetes phasianellus.)
A resident of the northwestern part of the Province.

Famity PHASIANID&.
Supramity MELEAGRIN2.

. Genus MELEAGRIS.
127. Wild Turkey.
_ (Meleagris gallapavo fera.)

Formerly common in all the southwestern counties. There are
still a few left in that district, but they are very scarce.

Resident wherever found.

Order COLUMBZ. Pigeons.

Famity COLUMBID. PIGEons.

Genus ECTOPISTES.
128. Passenger Pigeon.
(Ectopistes migratorius. )
Formerly a very abundant summer resident, occurring in flocks
of countless thousands, but now very scarce.

Dr. C. K. Clarke informs me that he found a small colony breed-
ing in Eastern Ontario in 1898.

Genus ZEN AIDURA.

129. Mourning Dove. (Carolina Dove.)
(Zenaidura macroura.)

A common summer resident, but somewhat locally distributed.
Breeding throughout its range.

Arrives early in April and departs in October, stragglers -some-
times remaining until the middle of November.

28 CHECK LIST OF THE

Order RAPTORES. Birds of prey.

Suborder SARCORHAMPHI. American Vultures.
Famity CATHARTIDA. AMERICAN VULTURES.

' Genus CATHARTES.

130. Turkey Vulture.
(Cathartes aura.)

Of occasional occurrence, specimens having been taken at many
places from east to west.

Suborder FALCONES. Faicons, Hawks, Eagles, etc.
Famity FALCONIDA. Fatcons, Hawks, EAGLEs, ETC.
SupraMILy ACCIPITRINA. Kires, Hawks, EAGuss, ETC.
Genus ELANOIDES.

131, Swallow-Tailed Kite. :
(Elanoides forficatus.)
Mr. MclIlwraith records the occurrence of this species in Ontario,
and it is quite likely to be seen here again as it is a great wanderer.
GENus CIRCUS.

132. Marsh Hawk.
(Circus hudsonius.)

Very common summer resident, breeding in the marshes of the
interior.

Arrives early in April, departs about the end of October.

One of our most useful hawks.

Genus ACCIPITER.
Suscenus ACCIPITER.
133. Sharp-shinned Hawk.
(Accipiter velox.)

Common summer resident, breeding through its range. Arrives
early in April. The bulk depart about the middle of September, but
stragglers often remain until the end of October.

This bird is very destructive to young poultry.

134, Cooper’s Hawk.
(Accipiter cooperi.)

BIRDS OF ONTARIO. 29

A summer resident, put not nearly so abundant asthe last. Breeds
in the interior of the Province.
A very destructive hawk.

SuBGENus ASTUR.

135. Goshawk.
(Accipiter atricapillus.)
A winter visitor to Southern Ontario. Probably resident in the
northern part of the Province.
This hawk is capable of killing full grown fowls and does so at
every opportunity.
Genus BUTEO.

136. Red-tailed Hawk.
(Buteo borealis.)

A common summer resident, breeding in the interior. Arrives
early in March, departs at the beginning of November. A few have
been seen in winter.

A useful hawk feeding ebially on mice, polo peace 2 and frogs.

137. Red-shouldered Hawk.
(Buteo lineatus.)

Common summer resident. Less frequently seen than the last.
Breeds in the interior. Arrives a little later than the Red-tail, and
leaves towards the end of October.

A useful hawk feeds chiefly on mice, reptiles and grasshoppers.
Suscenus TACHYTRIORCHIS.

138. Swainson’s Hawk.
(Buteo swainsoni.)

A rare visitor from the western prairies where it is abundant.

139. Broad-winged Hawk.
(Buteo latissimus.)

A common summer resident. 2 ae through its range. A use-
ful species.

Genus ARCHIBUTEO.

140. American Rough-legged Hawk.
(Archibuteo lagopus sancti-johannis.)

30° CHECK LIST OF THE

A common visitor in spring and autumn, probably a summer resi-
dent in the northern portion of the Province.

They arrive early in April and the bulk have departed by the end
of November.

One of our most beneficial birds, its food consisting almost entirely
of mice and grasshoppers. .

Genus AQUILA.

141. Golden Eagle.
(Aquila chrysaétos.)

An irregular visitor to southern Ontario, probably resident in the
unsettled portions of the north.

Gunus HALIZETUS.
142. Eald Eagle.
(Halizeetus leucocephalus.)

A resident species, which until a few years ago regularly bred in
certain localities along the shores of our lakes, but which has now
retired to the quiet of the interior to raise its young, visiting southern
Ontario in winter.

SuBFAMILY FALCONINAL. Fatcons.
Genus FALCO.
SuspGenus HIEROFALCO.

*143. White Gyrfalcon.
(Falco islandus.)

An accidental visitor.
SuBGENUS RHYNCHODON :

144 Duck Hawk. (Peregrine Falcon.)
(Falco peregrinus anatum.)

A regular but not a common autumn visitor to southern Ontario.
Rarely seen in spring. May possibly breed in the northern part of
the Province.

SuspGENUS ASSALON.

145. Pigeon Hawk
(Falco columbarius.)

A common visitor in autumn, not very frequently seen in spring,
breeds in the north and retires southward by the end of September.

BIRDS OF ONTARIO. 31

Suscenus TINNUNCULUS.
146 Sparrow Hawk (American Sparrow Hawk.)
(Falco sparverius.)

A common summer resident, breeds throughout its range. Arrives
early in April, departs about the end of September.
A very useful bird, feeding on mice and insects chiefly.
Genus POLYBORUS.

147. See s Caracara.
(Polyborus cheriway.)

An accidental visitor from the south.
Mr. G. E. Atkinson bas recorded the finding of a speciinen on the
north shore of Lake Superior on the 18th of July, 1892.

SuBraMity PANDIONIN ©.
Genus PANDION.

148. Osprey. (Fish Hawk.)
(Pandion haliaétus carolinensis.)

A common summer resident, breeding in suitable places through
the Province.
Arrives in April, departs at the end of September.

Supurper STRIGES. Owt1s.
Famity STRIGID. Barn Owls.
Genus STRIX.

149. Barn Owl. (American Barn Owl.)

(Strix pratincola.)
A very rare visitor from the south.

Famity BUBONID. Hornep OWLs, ETC.

/ Genus ASIO.
15u. Long-eared Owl.

(Asio wilsonianus.)

A fairly common summer resident, batine: in the northern parts

of the Province, more frequently seen in the autumn than at any other
season.

151. Short-eared Owl.
(Asio accipitrinus.)

32 CHECK LIST OF THE

This owl is sometimes very common in the autumn, about the low
meadows and marshes. In such places I have found them also during
the winter at times.

It probably breeds in the interior of the Province.

Genus SYRNIUM.

152. Barred Owl.
(Syrnium nebulosum.)

A few of these birds generally occur in the southern parts of the
Province every autumn, but I have not heard of its being observed at
any other season. Probably resident in the interior.

GENus SCOTIAPTEX.
153. Great Grey Owl. (Cinereus Owl.)
(Scotiaptex cinerea.)
A winter visitor. A few being found here nearly every season.
Probably resident in the northern part of the Province.
Genus NYCTALA.

154. Richardson’s Owl.
(Nyctala tengmalmi richardsoni.)

A winter visitor from the far north, seldom seen in southern
Ontario.

155. Saw-whet Owl.
(Nyctala acadica.)

_ An irregular winter visitor, sometimes occurring in considerable
numbers, and sometimes absent.
Probably breeds in the interior of the Province, as it is said to do
so from Illinois northward.
Genus MEGASCOPS.
156. Screech Owl.
(Megascops asio.)
A common resident in southern Ontario, breeding throughout its
range.
A very useful bird, feeding almost entirely on mice and insects.
| a Genus BUBO.
157. Great Horned Owl.
(Bubo virginianus.)
A common resident, breeding throughout its range.

|
:
4

BIRDS OF ONTARIO. 33

Very destructive to poultry, but destroying many rats and small
mammals.

Genus NYCTEA.
158. Snowy Owl.
(Nyctea nyctea.)
A winter visitor occurring in varying numbers almost every
season.
Genus SURNIA.
159. Hawk Owl. (American Hawk Owl.)
(Surnia ulula caparoch.)

A regular winter visitor in northern Ontario, not often seen in
the southern portions of the Province.

Order COCCYGES. Cuckoos, etc.

Suborder CUCULI. Cuckoos etc.
Famity CUCULIDZ. Cwuckoos, ETc.
Supramity COCCYZINZ. American Cuckous.
Genus COCCYZUS.
160. Yellow-billed Cuckoo.
(Coceyzus americanus.)
; A regular but rather rare summer resident, breeding throughout
its range.
161. Black-billed Cuckoo.
(Coecyzus erythfopthalmus.)

A common summer resident, breeding throughout its range.
_ Arrives about the twentieth of May, departs about the end of
September.

Suborder ALCYONES. Kingfishers.

Famity ALCEDINIDA. KtneFisHers.
m Genus CERYLE.
Supcenus STREPTOCERYLE.
162. Belted Kingfisher.
(Ceryle alcyon.)

A common summer resident, breeding throughout its range.

Arrives about the beginning of April, departs early in October.

I have several times found these birds spending the winter on
rapid streams in southern Ontario.

r

34 CHECK LIST OF THE

Order PICI. Woodpeckers, etc.
FamiIty PICIDAL, WooDPECKERS. |

GENUS DRYOBATES.
.163 Hairy Woodpecker.
(Dryohates villosus.)
A common resident, breeding throughout the Province.

164. Downy Woodpecker.
(Dryobates pubescens medianus.)
A common resident, breeding throughout the Province.

Genus. PICOIDES.

165. Arctic three-toed Woodpecker.
(Picoides arcticus.)

Common resident in the northern part of the Province, rare winter —
visitor in the southern part. Breeds in the northern portion of its
range.

166. American three-toed Woodpecker.
(Picoides americanus.)

Resident in the northern part of Ontario but much Jess abundant
than the last. I have no record of its occurrence in southern Ontario.

Genus SPHYRAPICUS.

167. Yellow-bellied Woodpecker. (Sapsucker)
(Sphyrapicus varius.)

A common summer resident, breeding throughout its range in the
Provinee. /
ein? Arrives about the middle of April, departs about the middle of
September.

Puce It is this species only that bores holes in a bark of trees for the
purpose of obtaining the sap.

Genus CEOPHLCUS.

168. Pileated Woodpecker. (Cock of the woods.)
(Ceophlceus pileatus abieticola.)

. Resident, but restricted to that part of the country still covered
with heavy timber. Breeds throughout its range in the Province.

7

BIRDS OF ONTARIO. 35

- ee ee ee ee A, ee yy ee a ae ae a . 7
- 5 | y L ‘ *. f ‘ 7 et ,
. : | . ? are ,
¥ iy
: "
: : ¥e a
:

Genus MELANERPES. |
SupceNnus MELANERPES.

169. Red-headed Woodpecker.

(Melanerpes erythrocephalous.)
A summer resident, still common but much less abundant than it
was a few years ago. Breeds throughout its range.
_ Arrives early in May, departs early in September.
SUBGENUS CENTURUS.

170. Red-bellied Woodpecker.
(Melanerpes carolinus.)
Rare summer’ resident in the south-western counties, occurring

regularly as far east as the County of Wentworth.

Breeds throughout its range in the Province.
Genus COLAPTES.

171. Flicker. (Golden-winged Woodpecker, Higholder.)

(Cclaptes auratus luteus.)

Common summer resident, breeds throughout the Province.
Arrives about the middle of April, departs early in October.

Order MACROCHIRES. Goatsuckers, Swifts, etc.

- Suborder CAPRIMULGI. Goatsuckers, etc.
Famity CAPRIMULGID. GOATSUCKERS, ETC.
| Genus ANTROSTOMUS.
172. Whip-poor-will.
(Antrostomus vociferus.)
A common summer resident in the woods. Breeds throughout

‘its range in the Province.

Arrives early in May, departs early in October.

Genus CHORDEILES.
173. Night Hawk.
(Chordeiles virginianus.)

An abundant summer resident, breeds throughout its range in
the Province. ‘ ig Be
Arrives about the middle of May, departs early in September.

36 CHECK LIST OF THE

Suborder CYPSELI. Swifts.
Famity MICROPODIDZ. Swirrts.
SuBFAMILY CHAXTURINAL. SPINE-TAILED SwiIrtTs.
Genus CHATURA.

174. Chimney Swift. (Chimney Swallow.)
(Cheetura pelagica.)

An abundant summer resident, breeds throughout its range in the
Province. Formerly nested in hollow trees, but has abandoned them
and now takes up its residence in chimneys and barns.

Arrives early in May, departs at the end of August or early in
September. .

Suborder TROCHILI. Humming birds.
Famity TROCHILID. Hummine Birps.
7 Genus TROCHILUS.

Suseenus TROCHILUS.
175. Ruby-throated Hummingbird.
(Trochilus colubris. )

A common summer resident, breeds throughout its range in the
Province. Arrives early in May departs about the middle of Septem-

ber.

Order PASSERES. Perching Birds.
Suborder CLAMATORES. Songless Perching Birds.
Famity TYRANNIDA Tyrant FLycatcuers.

Genus TYRANNUS.

176. Kingbird.
(Tyrannus tyrannus.)

An abundant summer resident, breeds throughout its range in the
Province. ‘ Arrives about the tenth of May, departs about the end of

August.
Genus MYIARCHUS.
177. Crested Flycatcher.
(Myiarchus crinitus )
Common summer resident, breeding in woods throughout its

BIRDS OF ONTARIO. 37

_ range in the Province. Arrives about the middle of M ay. departs

_ about the end of August.

%: - *. Genus SAYORNIS.

178. Phoebe.
(Sayornis phcebe.)

_An abundant summer resident, breeding about farm buildings
and bridges throughout its range in the Province. Arrives early in
_ April, departs early in October. :

iy Gunus CONTOPUS.
; Supcenus NUTTALLORNIS.
179 Olive-Sided Flycatcher.
(Contopus borealis.)
; A regular but uncommon visitor. I have found one or two each
_ spring for several yearr, but have not seen it at any other season.
SuBGENuS CONTOPUS.
180. Wood Pewee.
(Contopus virens.)

- Common summer resident, breeding in woods throughout its
range in the ProVince. Arrives about the middle of May, departs
about the middle of September.

g Genus EMPIDONAX.
181. Yellow-bellied Flycatcher.

(Empidonax flaviventris.)
An uncommon visitor. I have seen a few each spring, but have
' never seen the species later than June. It probably breeds through-
_ out its range in the Province.

182. Traill’s Flycatcher.
(Empidonax traillii.)

. A regular Visitor, generally distributed, but never common, I
have only found it in spring in South€rn Ontario.
_ Breeds in the interior.

q 183. Least Flycatcher.
(Empidonax minimus.)

. Common summer resident, breeding in orchards, shrubberies and
_ woodlands throughout its range in the Province.
__ Arrives about the middle of May, departs at the end of August.

38 CHECK LIST OF THE

Suborder OSCINES. Song Rirds.
Famity ALAUDIDA. Larks.

Genus OTOCORIS.
184. Horned Lark (Shore Lark),
(Otocoris alpestris.)

This form of Shore Lark is a winter visitor in Ontario, and is
rarely seen now. ;

Twenty-five years ago it was common here in severe weather,
frequently with the Snow Bunting.

1840. Prairie Horned Lark.
(Otocoris alpestris praticola.)

This sub-species is now a common summer resident, breeding in —
open fields wherever it occurs in the Province. It appears to have
extended its range from the prairies as the timber has been cleared off,
and the land brought under cultivation.

Arrives about the tenth of February, departs late in November.
Famity CORVIDA. Crows, Jays, Ero.
SuBFAMILY GARRULINZ. Jays, Etc.

Genus CYANOCITTA. ~

185. Blue Jay.
(Cyanocitta cristata.)

A common resident, breeding throughout its range in the Province, —

Grenus PERISOREUS.
186. Oanada Jay.
(Perisoreus canadensis.)

' ‘ ;
A common resident in the northern part of the Province, breeding
where it occurs.

SUBFAMILY CORVIN 2A. Crows.

Genus Corvus.
187. Northern Raven.
(Corvus corax principalis.)

Tolerably common in the interior of the Province, probably breeds
in the remote forests:

188. Common Crow.
(Corvus americanus.)

BIRDS OF ONTARIO. - 39

Abundant resident in Southern Ontario, summer resident in the
northerly portions of the Province ; breeds throughout its range.

Famity ICTERIDA. Btacxsrrps, Or1oLEs, Erc.
Genus DOLICHONYX.

189 Bobolink. a6
(Dolichonyx oryzivorous.)
Abundant summer resident, breeds in the hay meadows through-

out its range, which does not extend north of the cultivated country.
Arrives about the 10th of May, departs about the end of August.

Phe Genus MOLOTHRUS.
190. Cowbird:
(Molothrus ater.)

An abundant summer resident, deposits its eggs in the nests of
other small birds, breeding throughout its range.

Arrives about the first of April, departs early in October.

This is the most injurious bird we have. as each egg deposited by
it means the destruction of a whole brood of one of our beneficial
‘species.

Genus XANTHOCEPHALUS.
191. Yellow-headed Blackbird.
(Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus.)

A very rare summer visitor from the western prairies.

Genus AGELAIUS.

192. Red-winged Blackbird.
(Agelaius phceniceus)
A very abundant summer resident, breeding in marshes throughout
its range.
Arrives about.the middle of March, departs about the middle of
October.
Genus STURNELLA.

193. Meadow Lark.
(Sturnella magna.)

g _ Acommon summer resident in southern Ontario, gradually extend-
'._ ing its range northward as the land is cleared. Breeds on the ground
in meadows throughout it range.
Arrives towards the end of March, departs late in October or early
in November.

40 CHECK LIST OF THE

In mild seasons these birds frequently stay very late and I have
on several occasions found small parties of them spending the winter
here. | |

Genus ICTERUS.
SuBGENUS PENDULINUS.

194. Orchard Oriole.
(Icterus spurius.)

\

A rare summer resident in the south-western counties, breeding in
orchards and shrubberies. I found it regularly in the counties of Hal-
dimand and Norfolk, but it is not common.

‘ Supcenus YPHANTES.

_ 195. Baltimore Oriole.
(Icterus galbula.)

A common summer resident, breeding throughout its range in the
Province.
Arrives early in May, departs about the end of August.

Genus SCOLECOPHAGUS.
196. Rusty Blackbird. | .
(Scolecophagus carolinus.)

A common migrant through Ontario, it arrives in spring about
the middle of April and passes northward without much delay; about
the end of September they return and soon become abundant in the
marshes where they remain until the end of October.

Probably breed in the northern part of the Province.

Genus QUISCALUS.

SupGEnus QUISCALUS.

197. Bronzed Grackle.
(Quiscalus quiscula zeneus.)

AE

A common summer resident breeding in colonies throughout its
range in the Province.
Arrives about the middle of March, departs early in October.

Famity FRINGILLIDA. Fincues, Sparrows, ETC.
Genus COCCOTHRAUSTES.
Suscenus HESPERIPHONA.

198. Evening Grosbeak.
(Coccothraustes vespertinus. )

BIRDS OF ONTARIO. ~ 41

=

An accidental visitor from the west sometimes occurring in winter.

Genus PINICOLA.

199, Pine Grosbeak.
(Pinicola enucleator canadensis.)

An irregular winter visjter to southern Ontario, in some seasons
uite common, in others entirely absent.
y

_ Probably breeds in the extreme north of the Province.

GeNus CARPODACUS.

- 200. Purple Finch.
(Carpodacus purpureus.)

Common resident, breeds throughout its range in the Province

Genus LOXIA.

201 American Crossbill.
(Loxia curvirostra minor.)
A regular and sometimes an abundant winter visitor.

As I have found representatives of this species in sc:thern Ontario
in nearly every month of the year, I think they breed throughout the
Province.

202 White-winged Crossbill.
(Loxia leucoptera.) .

An irregular winter visitor to southern Ontario, never abundant. _

_ Of regular occurrence in the northern part of the Province where it is
resident. é

yes Genus ACANTHIS.
203. Greenland Redpoll.
; (Acanthis hornemannii.) :

Probably occurs as a winter visitor, but I have no satisfactory
record of it.
203a. Hoary Redpoll.

(Acanthis hornemannii exilipes.)

A somewhat irregular winter visitor occuring in varying-numbers

at any time between September and May.

204. Common Redpoll.
- (Acanthis linaria.)

42 CHECK LIST OF THE

Generally common in winter, but sometimes entirely absent.
Breeds in the far north.

204a. Holboell’s Redpoll.
(Acanthis linaria holbcellii.)
Occurs in winter sparingly with the peer Redpolls.
- 2040. Greater Redpoll.
(Acanthis linaria rostrata.)
Occurs in winter sparingly with the other Redpolls.

Genus ASTRAGALINUS.
205. American Goldfinch.
(Astragalinus tristis.)

A common resident in southern Ontario, more abundant in ‘sum-
mer than in winter, a large number going south at the approach of
cold weather.

Gencs SPINUS.
206. Pine Siskin. (Pine Finch.) |

(Spinus pinus.)
A winter visitor, generally abundant.

Genus PASSER.
207. House Sparrow. (English Sparrow.)
(Passer domesticus.)

An importation from Europe, now an abundant resident, breeding
whereever it occurs.

Genus PASSERINA.
208. Snow Sunting. (Snowbird.)
(Passerina nivalis.)

A common winter visitor. Arrives about the end of October ; de-
parts about the middle of March.
Breeds in the Arctic regions.

Genus CALCARIUS.

209. Lapland Longspur.
(Calcarius lapponicus.)
An irregular winter visitor, most frequently found in late autumn

and early spring.
Breeds in the far north.

BIRDS OF ONTARIO. 43

Genus POCECETES.
210. Vesper Sparrow. (Baywing )
(Pocecetes gramineus.)

An abundant summer resident. Breeds throughout its range
in the Province. .
Arrives about the middle of April ; departs early in October.

Genus AMMODRAMUS.

Suspcenus PASSERCULUS.

211. Savanna Sparrow.
(Ammodramus sandwicheasis savanna.)

A common summer resident, breeding throughout its range in
the Province.
Arrives about the middle of April; departs early in October.

Suspcenus COTURNICULUS.

212 Grasshopper Sparrow.
(Ammodramus savannarum passerinus.)
A very rare visitor to southern Ontario.
213. Le Conte’s Sparrow.
(Ammodramus lecontei.) _
An accidental visitor from the western prairies.

Suspcenus AMMODRAMUS.

214 Nelson’s Sharp-tailed Sparrow.

(Ammodramus nelsoni.)

A regular but not a common visitor in autumn to the neighbor-

hood of Toronto. Rare in spring.
GENUS CHONDESTES.
215. Lark Sparrow.

(Chondestes grammacus.)

A regular but not a common summer resident of some localities
in southern Ontario. Breeding where it occurs.

Genus ZONOTRICHIA.
216. White crowned Sparrow.
- (Zonotrichia leucophrys.)

44 CHECK LIST OF THE

A common migrant, arriving about the tenth of May, and soon
passing northward, returning towards the end of September, and
departing southward late in October.

Breeds in the far north.

217. White-thiroated Sparrow. (Peabody.)
(Zonotrichia albicollis, )

Very abundant during the migrations, and a regular, though not
common, summer resident in southern Ontario, where a few pairs
always reinain to breed.

Arrives about the end of April; departs southward early in
October.

Genus SPIZELLA.
218. Tree Sparrow.
(Spizella monticola.)

A common winter visitor. Breeds in the far north.
Arrives early in October; departs late in April.

219. Chipping Sparrow. (Hairbird )
(Spizella socialis.)

An abundant summer resident. seein throughout its range in
the Province. :
Arrives about the middle of April; Aepactas in September.

220. Field Sparrow.
(Spizella pusilla.)

A common summer resident in southern Ontario. Breeds thbouph:
out its range in the Province.
Arrives about the middle of April; departs early in October.

_ Genus JONCO.

221. Junco
(Junco hyemalis.)

A common resident ; breeds throughout its range in the Province,
but is most abundant in the spring and late autumn migrations.

Genus MELOSPIZA.
222. Song Sparrow.
(Melospiza fasciata.)

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BIRDS OF ONTARIO. 45

An abundant summer resident; breeds throughout its range in
the Province.
Arrives about the middle of March; departs late in October.

223. Lincoln's Sparrow.
(Melospiza lincolni.)

A regular but never a common visitor in the spring; perhaps .-
breeds here, but so far I have only found it in May. It frequently
accompanies the white-crowned sparrows.

224 Swamp Sparrow.
(Melospiza georgiana.)

A very abundant summer resident in marshes; breeds throughout
its range in the Province.
Arrives about the middle of April; departs early in November.

Genus PASSERELLA.
225. Fox Sparrow.
(Passerella iliaca.)

A very rapid migrant. Large numbers pass through southern
Ontario about the middle of April, seldom resting here for more than
a day or two. In the autumn a few are always to be found, but they
are not common at that season. Breeds in the north.

Genus PIPILO.
226. Towhee.
(Pipilo erythropthalmus.)

An abundant summer resident in the woods of Southern Ontario ;
breeds throughout its range in the Province.
- Arrives about the end of April: departs early in October.

Genus CARDINALIS.
227. Cardinal.

(Cardinalis cardinalis.)

' A rare summer resident of the South Western counties.

Genus ZAMELODIA.

228. Rose-breasted Grosbeak.

(Zamelodia ludoviciana.)

A tolerably common summer resident; breeds throughout its
range in the Province.

46 CHECK LIST OF THE

Arrives about the middle of May; departs towards ie end of
August.

This is one of the few birds that will eat the potato bug.

Genus CYANOSPIZA.
229. Indigo Bunting.
(Cyanospiza cyanea.)

A common summer resident, breeding Eiponuaiont? its range in the
Province.

Arrives early in May; departs about the end of August.

Genus SPIZA.

230. Dickcissel.
(Spiza americana.)
Mr. Saunders has recorded the occurrence of this bird in South-
western Ontario as a summer resident, and I have heard of it at other
points along our southern boundary.

é

Famity TANAGRIDAL. TaNnaGers.

Genus PIRANGA.
231. Scarlet Tanager.
_ (Piranga erythromelas.)

Tolerably common summer resident, breeding throughout its
range in the Province.

Arrives early in May, departs in August.

232. Summer Tanager.
(Piranga rubra.)

A very rare summer visitor to the south-western part of the |

Province.

Famity HIRUNDINIDA.

Genus PROGNE,

233 Purple Martin.
(Progne subis.) .
A common summer resident, breeding throughout its range in the
Province. |
Arrives about the fifteenth of April, departs early in September,

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BIRDS OF ONTARIO. 47

GENUS 2 SEE ARON:
234. oust Swallow.
(Petrochelidon lunifrons.)
A regular summer resident, somewhat irregularly distributed,
being abundant at some points and absent from others. Breeds in

colonies’ under the eaves of barns, etc. throughout its range in the
Province.

Arrives early in May, departs in August.

Genus HIRUNDO.
235. Barn Swallow. :
(Hirundo erythrogaster.)

A common summer resident, breeds throughout its range in the
Province. ;

Arrives about the Aes) of April, departs early in September.
Genus TACHYCINETA.
236. White-breasted Swallow. (Tree Swailow.)
(Tachycineta bicolor.)

A common summer resident, breeding in holes in the side of build-
ings, nest boxes, etc., throughout its range in the Province.
Arrives quite early i in April, departs about the end of September
Genus CLIVICOLA.
237. Bank Swallow. (Sand Martin )
(Clivicola riparia.)

An abundant summer resident, breeding in colonies in holes in
sandbanks throughout its range in the Province.

Arrives about the beginning of May, departs about the middle of
September.

Genus STELGIDOPTERYX.
238. Rough winged Swallow.
_(Stelgidopteryx serripennis.)

A rare summer resident of our southern border, where it has been
found as far east as Toronto.

Famity AMPELIDA. Waxwinas, ETC.
Supramity AMPELINA. Waxwixcs.

Genus AMPELIS.
239. Bohemian Waxwing.
(Ampelis garrulus.)

*

48 CHECK LIST OF THE

An irregular winter visitor, never abundant. Breeds in the far
north.

- 240. Cedar Waxwing.
(Ampelis cedrorum.)

A resident species, common, and generally distributed in summer,
irregular in winter, its movements at that season probably depending —
upon the food supply.

Famity LANIIDA. SHRIKEs.

GEenus LANIUS.

241. Northern Shrike.
(Lanius borealis.)

A regular, but not abundant winter visitor. Breeding far north.
Arrives in October, departs in April.
242. Loggerhead Shrike.

(Lanius !udovicianus.)

A regular, but not abundant summer ditional breeds throughout
its range in the Province.

Our form is probably referable to subspecies L. 1. migrans.

Arrives early in April, departs about the end of August.

Famity VIREONIDZ. Vireos.
: Genus VIREO.

Suscenus VIREOSYLVA.
243. Red-eyed Vireo.
(Vireo olivaceus.)

A common summer resident in woods. Breeds throughout its
range in the Province.
Arrives early in May, departs towards the end of September.
244. Philadelphia Vireo.
(Vireo philadelphicus.)
Tolerably common summer resident, breeds throughout its range

in the Province.
Arrives about the middle of May, departs at the end of September.

245. Warbling Vireo.
(Vireo gilvus,)

Common summer resident, breeds throughout its range in the
Province,

BIRDS OF ONTARIU. 49

Arrives about the middle of May, departs in September.

Suscenus LANIVIREO.

246. Yellow-throated Vireo
(Vireo flavifrons.)

An uncommon summer resident, breeds throughout its range in
the Province.
Arrives about the beginning of May, departs early in September.

247. Blue headed Vireo ~ (Solitary Vireo )
(Vireo solitarius.) es

A regular migrant in spring and autumn, probably breeds in the
interior of the Province.
Arrives early in May, departs at the end of September.

SusBGENus VIREO.

248. White-eyed Vireo.
(Vireo noveboracensis.)

Mr. W. L. Kells has recorded the capture of one specimen near
Listowell, in the middle of October, 1890.

FaMILy MNIOTILTIDA. Woop WaRBLERs.

Genus MNIOTILTA.

249 Black and White Warbler.
(Mniotilta varia.)

A very common summer resident, breeding throughout its range
in the Province.

Arrives about the first of May, departs early in September.

Genus PROTONOTARIA.
*250 Prothonotary Warbler.
(Protonotaria citrea.)

Mr. McIlwraith has recorded the capture of one specimen near
Hamilton, in May, 1888, which is all I have heard of.

GeNus HELMINTHOPHILA.

251 Golden-winged Warbler.
(Helminthophila chrysoptera).

A rare summer visitor, recorded from several places in the southern
4 - -

50 CHECK LIST OF THE

and western counties, and Mr. Kells has found it breeding near
Listowell.

252. Nashville Warbler.
(Helminthophila rubricapilla.)

A common migrant. Breeds sparingly in Southern Ontario, and
no doubt regularly in the interior.
Arrives early in May, departs early in October.

253. Orange-crowned Warbler.
(Helminthophila celata.)
A rare summer visitor.
254. Tennessee Warbler.
(Helminthophila perigrina.)

A regular but not a common visitor in spring. I have not found
it at any other season.
Arrives about the middle of May.

. Genus COMPSOTHLYPIS.
255 Parula Warbler.
(Compsothlypis americana usnez.)

A common spring and autumn migrant. Probably breeds in the

interior.
Arrives about the fifteenth of May, departs towards the end of
September.

Genus DENDROICA.

SuBGENUS PERISSOGLOSSA.

256. Cape May Warbler.
(Dendroica tigrina.)
A rare summer visitor. I have only found this species in the
spring.
SuspeEeNuS DENDROICA.

257. Yellow Warbler.
(Dendroica zstiva.)

A very abundant summer resident. Breeds throughout its range
in the Province.
Arrives early in May, departs about the end of August.
258. Black-throated blue Warbler.
(Dendroica czerulesc ens.)

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BIRDS OF ONTARIO. 51

A common suminer resident. Breeding in the interior.
Arrives early in May, departs at the end of September.

259 Myrtle Warbler. (Yellow-rumped Warbler.)
(Dendroica coronata.)

A very abundant summer resident. Breeds in the interior.
Arrives towards the end of April, departs about the end of the
first week in Uctober.

260. Magnolia Warbler.
(Dendroica maculosa. ) 5
A common migrant in spring and autumn. Probably breeds in
the interior. :
Arrives early in May, departs about the end of September.
261. Cerulean Warbler.
(Dendroica rara.)

A regular but rare summer resident. Breeds throughout its range
in the Province.

262. Chestnut-sided Warbler.
(Dendroica pensylvanica.)
A common summer resident. Breeds throughout its range in the

Province.
Arrives early in May, departs early in September.

263. Bay-breasted Warbler.
(Dendroica castanea )

A regular but never a common summer resident. Breeds in the
interior. This species is most frequently seen in the spring. I have
seldom met with it in autumn.

Arrives early in May, departs at the end of September.

264 Black-poil Warbler.
(Dendroica striata )
A regular but not generally a common migrant in spring and
autumn. Probably breeds in the northern part of the Province.

Arrives about the twentieth of May, departs at the end of Sep-
tember.

265. Blackburnian Warbler.
(Dendroica black burniz.)

A tolerably common spring and autumn migrant in Southern
Ontario. Probably breeds in the interior.

52 CHECK LIST OF THE

Arrives early in May, departs at the end of September.

266. Black-throated green Warbler.
(Dendroica virens.)

A common summer resident, breeding throughout its range in the

Province.
Arrives early in May, departs early in October.

267. Pine Warbler.
(Dendroica vigorsil.)

An irregular summer resident, sometimes common and in other
seasons scarce. Breeds throughout its range in the Province.
Arrives towards the end of April, departs in September.

268 Palm Warbler.
(Dendroica palmarum.)

A tolerably common migrant in spring and autumn. Probably
breeds in the northern part of the Province.
Arrives early in May, departs about the first of October.
Our form may be referable to D. p. hypochrysea. Specimens
taken by me vary very much in the brilliancy of the yellow coloring.
Genus SEIURUS.

269. Ovenbird.- (Golden crowned Thrush.)
(Seiurus aurocapillus.)

An abundant summer resident in woods. Breeds throughout its
range in the Province.
Arrives early in May, departs about the first of September.

270. Water Thrush.
(Seiurus noveboracensis.)

A common summer resident. Breeds in the interior of the Province.
Arrives early in May, departs early in September.

271, Louisiana Water Thrush.
(Seiurus motacilla.)
A rare summer visitor along our southern border.)

Genus GEOTHLYPIS.

SusBGENUS OPORORNIS.
272. Connecticut Warbler.
(Geothlypis agilis.)
A rare summer resident.

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BIRDS OF ONTARIO. 53

Mr. W. L. Kells records having found several nests near Listowel,
and I have found it in summer near Toronto.

Arrives about the middle of May, departs at the end of August.

Suspcenus GEOTHLYPIS.
273. Mourning Warbler.
(Geothlypis philadelphia.)

A rather rare summer resident. Breeds throughout its range in
the Province.

Arrives about the twentieth of May; departs at the end of August.

274. Maryland Warbler.
(Geothlypis trichas.)

A common summer resident. Breeds throughout its range in the
Province.

Arrives about the tenth of May, departs at the end of September.

Genus ICTERIA.
275. Yellow-breasted Chat.

(Icteria virens.)

A very rare summer resident of the southwestern part of the
Province.

Genus WILSONIA.
*27€, Hooded Warbler.
(Wilsonia mitrata.)
A very rare summer visitor to the south-western counties.

£77. Wilson’s Warbler.
(Wilsonia pusilla.)
A rather rare migrant in spring and autumn, probably breeding
in the northern part of the Province.
Arrives about the twentieth of May, departs early in September.

278. Canadian Warbler.
(Wilsonia canadensis.)
Common summer resident, breeds throughout its range in the
Province.
Arrives early in May, departs at the end of August.

54 CHECK LIST OF THE

Genus SETOPHAGA.

279. American Redstart.
(Setophaga ruticilla.)
_ A common summer resident, breeding throughout its range in the
Province.
Arrives about the tenth of May, departs early in September.

Famity MOTACILLIDA. Pirits, ETc.
Genus ANTHUS.
Suspcenus ANTHUS.

280. American Pipit.
(Anthus pennsilvanicus.)

An abundant migrant, more frequently seen in autumn than in
spring.

Breeds in the far nortb.

Arrives about the tenth of May and passes on northward very
quickly. Early in September they return and remain until about the
end of the first week in November.

Famity TROGLODYTIDA. WRENS, THRASHERS, ETC,
SuBFAMILY MIMINA. THRASHERS.
GENus GALEOSCOPTES.
281. Catbird.
(Galeoscoptes carolinensis.)
A very common summer resident ; breeds throughout its range in

the Province.
Arrives about the middle of May, departs early in October.

Genus HARPORHYNCHUS.
Suscenus METHRIOPTERUS.

282. Brown Thrasher. (Brown Thrush )
(Harporhynchus rufus.)

A common summer resident, breeds throughout its range in the
Province.
Arrives at the end of April, departs early in October.

SUBFAMILY TROGLODYTINA. WRENs.
Genus THRYOTHORUS.

Suspcenus THRYOTHORUS.
283. Carolina Wren.
(Thryothorus ludovicianus.)

BIRDS OF ONTARIO. 55

Mr. McIlwraith has recorded the capture of a specimen at Mount
Forest.

Genus TROGLODYTES.
Suscenus TROGLODYTES.
284. House Wren.
(Troglodytes aédon )

A common summer resident, breeds throughout its range in the
Province.
Arrives about the first of May, departs early in October.

Genus ANORTHURA.

285. Winter Wren
(Anorthura hiemalis.)

A summer resident, breeding throughout its range in the Pro-
vince, commonly in the interior and northward.
Arrives about the middle of April, departs late in October.

Genus CISTOTHORUS.
Suscenus CISTOTHORUS.
286 Short-billed Marsh Wren.
(Cistothorus stellaris.)

A regular summer resident of the south-western part of the Pro-
vince, but never abundant. Very rare elsewhere. I have taken two
at Toronto, but know of no others.

Breeds wherever found.

Suseenus TELMATODYTES.
287. Long-billed Marsh Wren.
(Cistothorus palustris.)

A very abundant summer resident in marshes. Breeds through-
out its range in the Province.

Arrives at the beginning of May, departs about the middle of
October.

Famity CERTHIID CREEPERS.

Genus CERTHIA.
288, Brown Creeper.
(Certhia familiaris fusca.)

56 CHECK LIST OF THE

A common resident, most abundant in southern Ontario during
the migrations. Breeds occasionally in the southern portion of the
~ Province and regularly in the interior and northward.

FamiILy PARIDA. NvtHatTcHES and TIrTs.

SUBFAMILY SITTIN A. NutTHATCHES.
GENUS SITTA.

289. White-breasted Nuthatch.
(Sitta carolinensis.)
A common resident, breeds throughout its range in the Province
wherever there is heavy timber.

290. Red-Breasted Nuthatch
(Sitta canadensis.)

A resident species, but most frequently observed during the
migrations. In winter it is fairly common. I once found a pair evi-
dently breeding near Toronto, and it regularly breeds in the interior
and northward.

SUBFAMILY PARINA. TitMIce.
Gunus PARUS.

SusGENuS PARUS.

291. Chickadee
(Parus atricapillus.)

A very common resident, breeds throughout its range in the
Province.

292. Hudsonian Chickadee.
(Parus hudsonicus.)

In southern Ontario this is only a very rare straggler from the
north.

FAMILY SYLVIID A. KINGLETS, GNATCATCHERS, ETC.
SUBFAMILY REGULINA. KINGLETS.
GENUS REGULUS.

293. Golden-crowned Kinglet.
(Regulus satrapa.)

An abundant migrant and common winter resident. Probably
breeds in our northern forests.

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BIRDS OF ONTARIO. ‘87

294. Ruby-crowned Kinglet
(Regulus calendula..)

Common during the spring and autumn migrations. Probably
breeds in the interior.
Arrives about the middle of April, departs at the end of October.

SusraMiLy POLIOPTILINA. GNATCATCHERS.
Genus POLIOPTILA.
295. Blue-gray Gnatcatcher.
(Polioptila czerulea.)

A rare summer resident of the south-western obuinitiod! breeding
where it occurs.

Famity TURDID. THRvSHES, BLUEBIRDS, ETC.

SupFaMILy TURDINZ. THRUSHEs.
Genus HYLOCICHLA.
296. Wood Thrush.
(Hylocichla mustelina.)

Fairly well distributed throughout southern Ontario but nowhere
abundant. Breeds wherever it occurs.
Arrives early in May, departs about the middle of September.

297. Wilson’s Thrush.
(Hylocichla fuscescens.)

An abundant summer resident, breeds throughout its range in the
Province.
Arrives early in May, departs at the end of August.

298. Grey-cheeked Thrush.
(Hylocichla aliciz.)
A common migrant in spring and autumn, breeds far north.
Arrives about the middle of May, departs early in October.
299. Olive-backed Thrush.
(Hylocichla ustulata swainsonii.)
A common migrant in spring and autumn. Breeds far north.
Arrives about the middle of April. departs early in October.

300. Hermit Thrush.
_ (Hylocichla aonalaschke pallasii).

58 CHECK LIST OF THE

A common migrant in spring and autumn in Southern Ontario, a
summer resident breeding in our northern woods.
Arrives about the tenth of April, departs at the end of October.

Genus MERULA.

301. American Robin.
(Merula migratoria)

An abundant summer resident, breeding throughout its range in
the Province.

Arrives early in March, the bulk usually depart early in Novem-
ber, but some small flocks remain where food is plentiful until severe
frost comes and a few always remain in sheltered gardens, etc, all the
winter. :

Genus SIALIA.
302. Bluebird.
(Sialia sialis.)
_ A common resident, breeding throughout its range in the Pro-
vince.

Arrives about the middle of March; departs towards the end of
October.

el

N\ LIBRARY

| BioMed.

Toronto, Ont. Royal Ontario
Museum. Dept. of Education

Check list of the birds of
Ontario and catalogue of birds
in the biological section of
the Museum