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\ Special Papers No. 6

THE BIRDS OF OHIO

A REVISED CATALOGUE

BY
LYNDS JONES, M. Sc.

OBERLIN COLLEGE

PUBLISHED BY THE ACADEMY OF SCIENCE WITH THE
EMERSON MCMILLIN RESEARCH FUND

Publication Committee :

J. H. ScHAFFNER, L. H. MCFADDEN, GERARD FOWKE

OCTOBER 15, 1903

> UF

NOTE. :

The study upon which this paper is based was carried on
under two grants of thirty-five and seventy-five dollars
each from the Emerson McMillin Research Fund, and the
expense of publication is met by the further aid of the

same fund.
WILLIAM R. LazENByY.

F, M. WEBSTER,
Joun H. ScHAFFNER,
Trustees.

PREFACE.

Dr. J. M. Wheaton transmitted his monumental “Report
on the Birds of Ohio” to Prof. J. S. Newberry, Chief Geol-
ogist of Ohio, on November 1, 1879. It was finally printed
by the state and distributed in 1882. One year later, at the
first Congress of American Ornithologists’ Union, held in
New York, September 26-29, 1883, a committee was ap-
pointed to whom was referred the question of revising the
classification and nomenclature of the Birds of North Amer-
ica. That committee’s work was completed, accepted, and
the results printed in a Check-List* early in 1886. Until
the publication of this Check-List there had been no uni-
formity in the nomenclature of birds, each author practically
building his own system. Dr. Wheaton adopted, in a some-
what modified form, “The nomenclature...... of Dr.
(Elliot E.) Coues in his Check-List of North American
Birds,” published in 1874. That system followed the cus-
toms of the time by beginning with the highest and ending
with the lowest forms. The nomenclature adopted by the
committee of the American Ornithologists’ Union* turned
the old system about, beginning with the lowest and ending
with the highest forms, as they were then regarded. Seven
years after the completion of his work and four years after
its publication, therefore, the nomenclature of Dr. Wheaton
became obsolete, for the new nomenclature found immediate
acceptance the country over, and has since been the working
basis of all American Ornithologists.

The need of a Revised Catalogue of the Birds of Ohio
has been sorely felt, chiefly that the nomenclature might be
uniform with that of all more recent publications on Orni-
thology. The score of years which have elapsed since Dr.
Wheaton’s Catalogue was issued have seen other changes

*The A. O. U. Check-List of North American Birds, for sale
by L. S. Foster, 30 Pine street, New York City.

2 PREFACE.

as well as those of nomenclature, making the call for a re-
vision all the more imperative. The changes in the physical
features incident to the fuller settlement of the state have
been attended by changes in the whole fauna, the bird pop-
ulation changing with the rest.

Keenly feeling the need for a state catalogue of our birds
which should embody the latest results of field work and
conform to the adopted system of nomenclature, the writer
appealed to the Ohio State Academy of Science, at its meet-
ing in December, 1900, and found ready sympathy in the
plan for a revision. A liberal portion of the McMillin fund
was placed at his disposal for the purpose of prosecuting
the work, and it is largely that substantial help which makes
it possible to present the finished report at this early date.
With this fund it was possible to mail upward of two hun-
dred lists of birds of probable occurrence to different parts of
the state for reports from local bird students, and to visit
several little known regions of the state for the purpose of
studying the bird fauna there at first hand. A list of those
who kindly contributed notes and who gave other assistance
will be found elsewhere.

The nomenclature adopted in this Catalogue conforms to
that of the American Ornithologists’ Union Check-List, Sec-
ond Edition and Supplements succeeding. While this sys-
tem is not free from faults, and while another revision seems
imminent, it is not within the province of this catalogue to
anticipate much of such revision. Some questions relating
to the validity of species and subspecies which occur in Ohio
await settlement. In these few cases I have been obliged to
use my best judgment respecting the questions at issue. If
that judgment proves unsound I trust that the reader will
consider the limitations of time and material under which I
am obliged to complete this work.

INTRODUCTION.

SCoPE.

This is not a treatise on descriptive ornithology. The
reader who turns to the list of species expecting to learn the
color patterns and other characteristics of the several species
treated within these covers will be disappointed. Books up-
on descriptive ornithology are both so numerous and so
readily accessible now that it is no longer the province of
faunal lists and catalogues to describe birds; they should
rather endeavor to contribute to our knowledge of the habits
and economic relations. There are added reasons why this
catalogue should not attempt to describe the species enumer-
ated. In 1903, there will be ready for distribution a popular
scientific work upon the “Birds of Ohio.”* This book will
be based upon this catalogue, and is being prepared by my
friend and colaborer, Rev. William Leon Dawson, of Co-
lumbus.

This catalogue is a revision of Dr. J. M. Wheaton’s cata-
logue issued in 1882 as a part of Volume IV of the Ohio
Geological Survey. An attempt has been made to draw
comparisons between the conditions prevailing then and
now, especially as regards the bird life, and to add such facts
as further study and improved methods have brought to
light. I have not deemed it advisable to reprint much of Dr.
Wheaton’s catalogue, because a considerable number of cop-
ies of that important work may be secured from Mrs. Whea-
ton, who still resides in Columbus.

*“The Birds of Ohio,” A complete, scientific and popular de-
scription of the species of birds found in the state. By William
Leon Dawson, B.D., with introduction and analytical keys by
Lynds Jones, S.M., Instructor in Oberlin College. Illustrated
by 80 plates in color-photography, and more than 200 original
half-tones, showing the favorite haunts of the birds, flocking,
feeding, nesting, etc., from photographs taken by the author
and others. Sold only by subscription by The Wheaton Publish-
ing Co., Columbus, Ohio.

4 BIRDS OF OHIO.

Tue Task.

The task of revision involves far more than merely a re-
arrangement of the groups and species to conform to the
present accepted alignment. Many names have been
changed wholly or in part, species have been divided into
two or more forms, the status of each of which must be de-
termined where they affect Ohio birds. There have been
changes in the distribution of some species in the state.
Questions of the validity of records of species occurring
in Ohio, old as well as new, have presented themselves. The
influences of more complete settlement have needed atten-
tion. Twice as much time as has been allotted me for this
task could have been used profitably, but it is hoped that
some worthy results are here presented.

THe PLAN.

While Dr. Wheaton used a somewhat modified form of
Dr. Elliot Coues’ system of 1874, the present catalogue con-
forms pretty strictly to the nomenclature and arrangement
of the American Ornithologists’ Union, revised to date.

The scientific names, with the authority for them, as well
as the English names, conform to the above-named Check-
List. Under the caption “Synonyms” are given first, the
scientific, and second, the English names which have been
used to designate the species in other works, the names used
by Dr. Wheaton in his 1882 catalogue being given prefer-
ence where they differ from the present names.

BIBLIOGRAPHY.

Under the caption “Bibliography” only the first published
reference to the species as occurring in Ohio is given. While
the author has endeavored to verify all references and make
certain of accuracy here, his limited reference library must
account for inaccuracies. The bibliography of Ohio birds
is less extensive than that of many other states, but it is
scattered over many minor publications which are difficult
to secure. In the appendix will be found as complete a bib-
liography as the writer has been able to compile after much

RELATIVE ABUNDANCE, 5

patient search. Additions to this list would’ be gladly re-
ceived.

RELATIVE ABUNDANCE.

In speaking of the relative abundance in Ohio of the sev-
eral species of this catalaogue I have made use of the more
than threescore reports contributed by bird students scat-
tered over most of the state. None of these reports give
evidence of any more system in determining the relative
abundance than Dr. Wheaton’s and his colaborers’ work
shows, hence the comparisons drawn will seem fair. It is
to be hoped that some system for the determination of the
relative abundance of birds may soon be brought forward;
until that is done we cannot hope for accurate results in this
field of knowledge. Dr. Wheaton’s observations and those
of the persons on whom he relied for information covered
only a small fraction of the state, to be sure, but the regions
covered may be assumed to have been representative of most
of the state at least. It will appear in the discussion of this
interesting subject that the author has often quoted him-
self without the mention of others. Where that is the case
the reports received from observers have been too conflict-
ing to be of use, and he has been driven from the unknown
to the known. The necessary differences prevailing among
bird students as regards the time spent in study, the time
of ‘day when the observations are made and the topography
covered, furnish no means of comparison unless these ele-
ments are known. Field work done at noon only will fail
to discover such birds as are quiet during that time. Field
work which does not cover certain regions will result in
omitting such species as resort only to such regions. Unfa-
miliarity with notes and songs will often result in the failure
to discover certain secretive species, or will fail to notice
more than a few where there may be great numbers. Thus
it is that only where pretty general agreement obtains, or
where there is an evident gradation from one region to an-
other at some distance, that these reports can be wholly re-
lied upon. This does not mean that the accuracy of any ob-

6 BIRDS OF OHIO.

server is questioned, but it only indicates my own ignorance
of the conditions under which he worked.

DEFINITION oF TERMS UseED To INDICATE RELATIVE
ABUNDANCE.

Lack of any system for indicating what is meant by the
terms “Abundant,” “Common,” ‘Tolerably Common,”
“Rare,” and “Casual,” makes it necessary for each person
using them to define his own system. The terms “Acci-
dental,” “Hypothetical,” and “Introduced,” are defined
where they are used, after the treatment of the species in the
body of the catalogue.

In a general way, the term “Abundant” signifies that the
species to which it is applied are so numerous in individ-
uals as to force themselves upon one’s notice. The English
Sparrow is the only bird to which this term can be applied
the year through. A number of species may be abundant at
certain times, as the Robin, Vesper Sparrow, Meadowlark,
Wood Pewee, and Bronzed Grackle. These and others may
be abundant in certain regions and not in others; or in cer-
tain restricted localities and either less numerous or even
almost wholly absent from other localities near.

A species is regarded as “Common” when a considerable
number of individuals may be found without much effort
or much expenditure of time. In the use of this term ac-
count must always be taken of the habits of the species’ to
which it is applied. Thus, the Oven-bird may properly be
entered as common in a region if it be remembered that it is
strictly a woods bird. “Common in woods” would be the
accurate designation.

“Tolerably Common” is used to indicate the fact that the
individuals of the species designated are so few that they
must be searched for under normal conditions, and yet pres-
ent in the region. The Blue-gray Gnatcatcher is a fair ex-
ample in all parts of the state which I have visited.

“Rare” is the. term reserved for a species which is repre-
sented by so few individuals that a record of its occurrence
is regarded as unusual. In Lorain county the Golden Eagle

BREEDING. a4

is rare, because one or two records of its appearance in a
year is all my books show.

“Casual,” as used in this catalogue, means that the species
to which it is applied visits the state only under unusual
circumstances. Thus, the Great Gray Owl could not be ex-
pected to reach Ohio except during an unusually severe win-
ter when its food supply north failed. Casual stands close
to accidental. A Red-tailed Hawk would be casual in a
small city park, because that park lies within its range in
the surrounding region. A Bullock Oriole would be acci-
dental there because its home is in regions far removed.

In the use of any of these terms except “Casual,” account
must be taken of the habits of the birds. The Red-winged
Blackbird may be abundant in the marshes of any county,
but practically absent from the rest of that county. In the
body of the work I have endeavored to indicate what are
the regions preferred by the different species. Account
must also be taken of the size of the birds to which the
terms are applied in each instance. Thus a dozen Red-
tailed Hawks in a township would make that hawk appear
almost abundant, while a dozen Chipping Sparrows or
Robins in that same township would be almost rare for the
species.

Some prophet must arise who will be able to develop a
system of relative terms for general use. Such a system
is greatly needed in the further development of the depart-
ment of field ornithology.

BREEDING.

Not the least difficult of the problems presenting them-
selves for solution has been that relating to the breeding of
many species within the state. So little was known of the
general breeding range of many species when Dr. Wheaton
completed his work, that it is not strange that he should
have regarded as “probably breeding in the northern parts
of the state” several species whose breeding range lies well
to the north. It is also more than probable that several
species which remained to breed before the state became

8 BIRDS OF OHIO.

so well settled, no longer do so. Remembering the almost
total lack of information regarding the southward migra-
tions of many species at that time, we can readily under-
stand how even such keen observers as Drs. Wheaton and
Kirtland should have been led to regard as breeding within
the state some species which were found in late July. Now
we know that they are the vanguard of the southward mov-
ing host. We also know that the presence of individuals of a
species in summer is not prima facie evidence of its breeding,
because many unmated birds wander about considerably, and
wounded water-birds may be unable to complete their jour-
ney and vet be unable to breed where they are obliged to
remain. Nor does the author regard the presence of young
which the parent or parents are still feeding positive evi-
dence of breeding, if the occurrence lies close to the state
border, because it is well known that many young birds
which are still largely dependent upon their parents for
food are able to fly considerable distances. Such evidence,
however, would be strongly probable of breeding. It
should not be necessary to actually find a nest with either
eggs or young to establish a breeding record. The contin-
uous presence of an evident pair of birds during the season
when they would normally breed, in any given restricted
region, ought to be taken as clear evidence of the breeding
of that pair. It is frequently not possible to find the nest
and examine its contents.

The presence in the north of individuals of a species whose
normal range lies well south of such occurrence does not in-
dicate that the species breeds in that northern region. Dur-
ing the migrations and after the breeding season individuals
may wander considerable distances from their normal breed-
ing places. While the conclusions here reached are by no
means to be considered final, they are at least conservative.
It may very likely be that some of the warblers supposed
to cross Lake Erie to breed will yet prove summer residents
on this side. In editing the notes contributed on the breed-
ing of our birds some records have been withheld because
of the lack of positive evidence.

RANGE IN OHIO. 9

Foon.

An effort has been made to indicate what constitutes the
food of the birds which spend much time in the state. In
many instances this has been done under the discussion of
the individual species, where the species seems to have a
strong influence upon agriculture or other economic inter-
ests, and where the food differs in some important respects
from that of the other members of the group. When the
group is not an important factor, or the food of the species
is much the same throughout the group, a discussion will
be found under the heading of the whole group. Informa-
tion upon the food habits of the birds has been gleaned
from various sources, acknowledgment of which will be
found elsewhere. An effort has been made to acquaint the
reader with the facts so far as they are known, and thus to
show what species are injurious and what beneficial to our
interests.

MIGRATION.

The subject of the migrations of the birds into and
across Ohio has not received sufficient careful attention to
warrant tabulation of the dates of appearance and disap-
pearance of such species as migrate, nor any plotting of the
routes of migrations most generally followed. It is true
that several voluntary observers have worked faithfully and
well with the time at their disposal, and the results have
greatly extended our knowledge of the migrations, but
their time and means have been too limited for exact re-
sults. They have made possible general statements, how-
ever, which will indicate the times of appearance and dis-
appearance and the general routes of movement across the
state. These general results are given in this catalogue.

RANGE IN OHIO.

The present Ohio range of the different species has been
largely taken from the numerous reports received, supple-
mented by published records and by the writer’s work at

10 BIRDS OF OHIO.

Oberlin and in the several regions of the state visited since
the préparation of this catalogue began, two years ago. Inac-
cepting records for the state and also for the different coun-
ties the following rule has been adopted: In order to have
a place on the state list a specimen of the species must have
been captured and preserved for some time where it could
be critically examined. In order to have a place on a coun-
ty list a species which is rare or casual or accidental in that
county must have had a specimen captured and critically ex-
amined, or, if a conspicuously marked species, must have
been seen under the most favorable conditions by one famil-
iar with that species. This rule has necessarily resulted in
the elimination of some species from some of the lists hand-
ed me, and has relegated to the state Hypothetical List some
species reported on insufficient evidence as occurring in the
state. I submit, however, that it is a fair rule, one which
will safeguard our work. It is far easier to add a species
to such a list than it is to eliminate it after it is wrongly
placed there.

TOPOGRAPHY.

“The state of Ohio is situated between 38° 25’ and 42°
north latitude and 80° 30’ and 84° 50’ west longitude.
De@ee It is thus the most southern of the northern tier of
states, its northern border corresponding in latitude with
the southern border of Michigan and New York. Its ex-
treme length is, from east to west, about 220 miles, its great-
est width from north to south about 210 miles. Its area is
approximately 40,000 square miles (41,060: land, 40,760;
water, 300.)” (Wheaton.) About three-fourths of the
state is under cultivation, and of the remaining fourth
nearly all is woodland. “Before cultivation a few small prai-
ries in the western and central portions of the state inter-
rupted the general woodland.” The disappearance of the
forests has resulted in the almost total extermination of a
few birds, a marked decrease in the numbers of a large num-

ber, and an influx of a few species which live in the open
fields.

TOPOGRAPHY. 11

DRAINAGE.

“Two-thirds of the state may be considered as forming a
part of the great Mississippi Valley, while about the north-
ern third is in the basin of the great lakes. The water-shed
which divides the streams flowing into Lake Erie from
those tributary to the Ohio, traverses the state from near
the north-east corner in a south-westerly direction as a low
ridge the greatest elevation of which is nowhere more than
1400 feet above the sea. This water-shed is lower in Ohio
than in Pennsylvania and New York.” (Wheaton.)

ELEVATIONS.

The surface of Lake Erie is 573 feet above the ocean.
During low water the Ohio river is about 426 feet above the
ocean at the extreme south-west corner of the state, near
Gravel Pit, rising to 687 feet at Wellsville in Columbiana
county. The Ohio river at its lowest point is thus 147 feet
below the surface of lake Erie. The variations in the general
surface of the state range from those given above to 1540
feet, which elevation is reached in Logan county a short dis-
tance east of Bellefontaine, where two hills rise, the one to
1500 the other to 1540 feet above tide. A hill in Richland
county reaches an elevation of 1475 feet. Nowhere else does
the state reach 1400 feet elevation. It will thus be clear that
nowhere does altitude play any important part in the distri-
bution of the birds.

EROSION.

The lake Erie drainage plain is generally a gradual slope
northward, with gorges cut into the underlying shale and
rock by the larger streams, but without hills of any conse-
quence. The northern and western parts of the Ohio river
drainage plain is also level, but growing rougher as the
streams descend and enlarge, reaching a maximum of rough-
ness in the south-eastern and southern parts’ of the state.
The unglaciated region presents the greatest erosion and
consequently the highest ridges and deepest valleys. Here
the streams have cut completely through the upper coal
strata.

12 BIRDS OF OHIO.

RIVERS.

Only two of the rivers which flow into Lake Erie are of
much importance topographically—the Maumee at its west-
ern end, and the Grand, near the eastern border of the state.
Between these the Portage, Sandusky, Huron, Vermilion,
Black, Rocky, and Cuyahoga form greater or lesser valleys,
and more or less extensive swamps at their junction with
the lake. The principal tributaries of the Ohio are the Mus-
kingum, Scioto, and Miami, and their tributaries, penetrat-
ing well into the northern third of the state. They are im-
portant highways for the birds in their migrations, and sev-
eral species belonging to the southern counties follow the
courses of these rivers farther north than they venture
elsewhere.

LAKES.

Natural lakes of any considerable extent are lacking, but
within the drift area in the north-east numerous small glacial
lakes are scattered. Four reservoirs built by the state to
supply the system of canals, furnish inland waters for many -
species as feeding and nesting places. St. Mary’s or Grand
reservoir, situated in Mercer and Auglaize counties, with
an area of 17,000 acres, is the largest; the Lewiston, in Lo-
gan county; the Loramie, in Shelby; and the Licking, in
Licking, Fairfield, and Perry counties, are of smaller di-
mensions. The marshes which have formed in and around
these reservoirs support as abundant swamp life as the delta
marshes at the lake shore.

THE BIRDS AND THE WATER BopIEs.

On the south the Ohio river exerts a marked influence
upon the bird fauna of that part of the state. Being a main
tributary of the great Mississippi river, and extending in a
somewhat northerly direction from that great thoroughfare
of the birds, it receives its portion of the northward moving
host each spring. The course of the Ohio river is so little
varied in character that it is not strange that some species
with somewhat southern tendencies should wander along

TOPOGRAPHY. 13

its course and unwittingly reach a higher latitude than else-
where. The river itself has, tor the most part, little of the
character which entices swamp breeders to its shores. While
water birds follow its course they do not tarry to breed
there, but pass northward.

On the north Lake Erie is a factor to be reckoned with. It
acts as a balance between the extremes of cold in winter and
heat in summer, thus maintaining a more even temperature
at any time of year, preventing the sudden changes which
are so dangerous to both plant and animal life. Its chilling
spring influence holds vegetation back until time for it to
come forth, and by its warm breath in fall it wards off early
frosts. Recognizing this influence upon vegetation, we are
prepared for the appearance of some of the more southern
breeding birds along the shore of the lake, and for the pres-
ence all winter of some of the northern species which ordi-
narily winter much fartner south.

It has already been stated that marshes scattered sparing-
ly along the lake front, usually where streams enter the lake,
afford breeding places for many species. The archipelago
lying north of Sandusky also affords suitable summer homes
for many species not found breeding elsewhere in the state.
Wherever clay banks front the water Bank Swallows and
Belted Kingfishers nest in numbers.

CLIMATE.

For a detailed discussion of the climatic conditions of
Ohio the reader is referred to a paper on “Some Climatic
Conditions of Ohio,” by Mr. Otto E. Jennings, in the Ohio
Naturalist for January, 1903. It is sufficient to say here
that the mean range of temperature, which is 49° F. in the
north and 55° F. in the south, and the much greater depth
of snowfall in the extreme north-eastern corner of the state,
are the principal factors which exert any marked influence
upon bird life. A number of species are not only more com-
mon in the warmer southern counties, but several never
reach even the middle of the state. Greater snowfall means
covered food in winter, and consequently fewer birds during

14 BIRDS OF OHIO.

the period of snow. The rapacious birds, especially, go
where food is more easily obtainable during the winter
months.

FAUNAL AREAS.

“By far the largest part of the State is strictly Carolinian
in its faunal characters; a small portion, the north-eastern
corner, is as emphatically Alleghenian.” (Wheaton.) Dr.
C. Hart Merriam, in “Life Zones and Crop Zones, of the
United States,” 1898, shows clearly the extent of this arm
of the Alleghenian fauna, so far as plant life is affected. I
have attempted to indicate this area on the accompanying
map. Topographically there seems to be nothing which
indicates this difference. It is possible that the influence
of the strictly Alleghenian region flows over into Ohio to
that extent without any attendant local conditions of topog-
raphy. A strong hint of the reason for it fies in the much
greater snowfall over a large part of this Alleghenian area.
The fact that the Hooded Warbler, Worm-eating Warbler,
Kentucky Warbler, Golden-winged Warbler, White-eyed
Vireo and Summer Tanager invade this area to breed, sev-
eral of them reaching the lake shore in Ashtabula county,
and do not breed as far north anywhere else in the state,
would seem to indicate that the conditions which so strongly
affect plant life have little or no influence upon these birds.
They belong in the Carolinian Fauna.

In northern Ohio there seems a strong tendency toward
the Transition Zone, and in the south a strongly typical
Carolinian Fauna in the Upper Austral Zone. Thus the
Bobolink breeds plentifully all over the northern third of the
state, but is scarcely found in summer south of the 40th
parallel. Wilson Thrush also breeds north but is absent
in summer south. The Black and Common Terns are found
only at the lake shore in summer, but the Carolina Wren
and Cardinal nest sparingly, but in increasing numbers,.
even to the lake shore. South of the 40th parallel, except
in the extreme north-east, the Kentucky Warbler and Sum-
mer Tanager spend the summer.

FAUNAL AREAS. 15

Careful scrutiny of Dr. Wheaton’s work will make appar-
ent to any one that there has been a very perceptible move-
ment of many species northward or north-eastward during
the last two decades. Several species known then to breed
near the lake shore clearly do not breed there now, or if
at all very rarely. Several species which did not reach the
lake shore then are regular breeders there now. Some spe-
cies which were confined to the southern border of the state
twenty years ago have now reached the central counties,
or pushed even farther north-eastward. Bewick Wren, at
least, has invaded the state from the south-west. There is
some indication of an invasion of the Blue Grosbeak and
Nonpareil soon. In winter, we in the north now have Rob-
ins and Bluebirds with us in small numbers, where seven
years ago none remained. The temperature is not chang-
ing, but the birds are gradually developing into hardier an-
imals.

The species involved in this north-eastward movement
may be mentioned. Of the. warblers: the Prothonotary,
Worm-eating, Golden-winged, Chestnut-sided, Magnolia,
Kentucky, and the Hooded. Besides these the Summer:
Tanager; White-eyed Vireo; Pine Siskin; Lark Sparrow;
Dickcissel ; Cardinal; Carolina Wren; Bewick Wren; Tur-
key Vulture; and Wilson Snipe. These are the species most
affected. It is more than likely that the whole bird host is
gradually shifting northward as the weaker ones perish, leav-
ing only the hardier individuals to occupy the arena of daily
strife for existence.

From WueEnce Birps Have Come Into Onto.

Birds seem to have appeared upon the earth during the
lower Jurassic or possibly even during the upper Triassic
times in the world’s history. No fossil birds of these times
have been found in Ohio, yet it is not impossible that such
occurred in the region now named Ohio. However that
may be, it is certainly true that-the great ice invasion from
the north, marking the close of the Tertiary Period and the

16 BIRDS OF OHIO.

beginning of the Quaternary, with its revolutionary changes
of climate from almost universal tropic to frigid conditions
over the northern half of the northern hemisphere, drove all
life out of what is now Ohio. We are therefore concerned
only with the reappearance of the birds in the region.

A glance at the accompanying map will indicate the ex-
tent of the ice-cap over Ohio. It will be noticed that the
south-eastern counties escaped with nothing more than flood-
ing by water in the lowlands when the ice-cap began to
recede by melting. It will also be clear that the whole of the
state must have been frigid during the most of the year,
with perhaps short periods of freedom from snow and ice
when the sun was highest in mid-summer. Clearly the con-
ditions were not favorable anywhere in the state then for
breeding. Such birds as survived the changes occasioned
by the ice invasion, the crowding into the tropics, and the
necessary change of diet, must have remained well south
of the ice barrier for long periods.

As the ice-cap began to recede in consequence of another
change of climate to warmer, the birds, under the necessity
of securing more favorable conditions for breeding, must
have pushed northward to the limit of the ice, only to be
forced south with the approach of winter. With the recur-
rence of summer and the further recession of the ice these an-
nual migrations would extend farther and farther north-
ward, and the instinct for regular migrations be formed.

This being true, it is clear that the reoccupation of Ohio
must have been from a southerly direction. But since the
mountains lying eastward and southward now form a con-
siderable barrier to the migrations of the birds, it is likely
that they did to an even greater extent then, since time has
served to lessen their height. Remembering, also, that
birds follow large features of topography in their annual
migrations, like river valleys and coast lines, it will seem
more than likely that the Ohio tributary of the great Missis-
sippi river served as a highway for the birds living at the
close of the Glacial epoch as it does to-day. We are there-
fore safe in assuming that the first invasion of the region

FROM WHENCE BIRDS HAVE COME INTO OHIO. 17

which is now bounded as Ohio came from the south-west.
This is made clearer when we know. that the species which
have come into the state during the last twenty years to be-
come regular summer residents, have come from the south-
west or west. Of the thirteen species regarded as accidental
within the state seven must have come from the south-west
or west, while five may have come from the east or north-
east, at least two of which were pretty clearly driven out of
their course by severe storms.

The species which have come into the state since Dr.
Wheaton finished his catalogue, or which were not known
to him, at least, are as follows: From the south-west and
west: Prairie Horned Lark, Henslow Sparrow, Nelson
Sparrow, Bachman Sparrow, Little Blue Heron, and Black
Rail. The following species have been found as migrants,
and can hardly be classed as invaders in the true sense:
Parasitic Jaeger, Barrow Golden-eye, American Eider, and
Long-billed Dowitcher. Caspian Tern is probably a wander-
er from the south.

The following species, known to Dr. Wheaton, have con-
siderably extended their range eastward and north-east-
ward: Lark Sparrow, Grasshopper Sparrow, Dickcissel,
White-eyed Vireo, Prothonotary Warbler, Worm-eating
Warbler, Golden-winged Warbler,, Kentucky Warbler,
Hooded Warbler, Carolina Wren, Bewick Wren, and Car-
olina Chickadee.

It has already been hinted that there is strong’ evidence
for the belief that several species which earlier ornitholo-
gists reported as breeding in the north-eastern counties have
ceased to do so, going farther north to spend the summer
now. This north-eastward movement can hardly be due
to settlement of the country in later years, but rather seems
in direct accord with the movement in the same direction
of the several species enumerated above. Dr. Merriam
shows that a tongue of the Lower Austral life zone reaches
about the middle of southern Indiana along the course of
the Ohio river. The strong tendency of the birds to follow
the course of the Ohio until-they reach a latitude considera-

18 BIRDS OF OHIO.

bly north of their normal summer range in Ohio, seems to
indicate that this Lower Austral extension may be approach-
ing our southern border, as far as the birds are concerned.
This impression is emphasized by the numerous unconfirmed
reports of the occurrence of the Nonpareil and Blue Gros-
beak in the vicinity of Cincinnati. A further indication of
the tendency of the birds, in the latitude of Ohio, to move
gradually northward with their breeding range, is shown in
the increasing number of species which remain during the
entire winter. It indicates that hardier individuals are grad-
ually being developed. Since Ohio lies near the northern bor-
der of the breeding range of several species, and just above
the northern range of some others, we may expect that the
hardiest individuals of such species will gradually invade
regions to the north of their range which have not known
them hitherto. This law of differentiation is recognized
in a practical manner by those who see sub-specific differ-
ences between the individuals of certain species which habit-
ually remain well south to breed and those which habitu-
ally push well north to breed. This seems to be one of the
methods for the development of species. |

The appearance of northern breeding birds in the state
in winter cannot properly be classed as invasions, because
they are forced south by the stress of hunger, and return
at the first opportunity. It seems clear that during the mi-
grations of the species which breed north of the state, the
movement of species in the western end of the state is a
little west of north, and in the eastern part of the state a lit-
tle east of north. While Lake Erie is not an insurmountable
barrier to most species, they seem to prefer not to cross it di-
rectly or at all if possible. I have repeatedly seen Killdeers
and Meadowlarks strike out boldly for the Canada side,
with a favorable wind, only to turn back before they had
passed out of sight. It is more than likely that many indi-
viduals of the species which migrate by day pass around
the ends of the lake, or cross at Sandusky.

SOURCES OF INFORMATION—CONTRIBUTORS. 19
SourcEs oF INFORMATION.

In the preparation of this catalogue the author has re-
ceived much valuable assistance from many sources. He
has freely consulted first of all Dr. J. M. Wheaton’s great
work, and has taken from it many facts. Cook’s “Birds of
Michigan,” Butler’s “Birds of Indiana,” Warren’s “Birds
of Pennsylvania,” Ridgway’s “Birds of North and Middle
America,” and Nehrling’s “Our Native Birds of Song and
Beauty,” have proved valuable helps in many ways. With-
out the material support and hearty codperation of the Ohio
State Academy of Science, particularly its committee having
in charge the McMillin Fund for research, this catalogue
would not have appeared at this time. To Professor Albert
A. Wright, for valuable and timely suggestions and for
help in the selection of a map; and to Rev. W. L. Dawson,
for codperation and criticism in the compilation of the list
of species, I desire to make grateful acknowledgment here.
To all those whose names appear below, who gave freely
of their time and knowledge of the birds in their localities,
is largely due the approximation to completeness of this
catalogue. Many have gone out of their way to help the
work along. With such an enthusiastic company of friends
there is great hope for the future of our native birds.

CONTRIBUTORS.

The following persons have returned lists of the birds of
their localities checked upon provisional lists which were
furnished for that purpose:

Allen—Homer C. Bennett, M.D., Lima.

Ashland—C. L. Metcalf, McZena.

Ashtabula—W. P. Holt, Rev. J. M. Keck, Geneva, Robt. J.
Sim, A. W. Galpin, Jefferson.

Clark—Leander S. Keyser, Springfield.

Columbiana—T. C. Randolph, J. W. Suliot, Salem.

Crawford—Hiram B. Sears, Bucyrus,

Cuyahoga—A. Hall, Lakewood; Prof. Francis H. Herrick, R. J.
Tozer, Cleveland.

20 BIRDS OF OHIO.

Defiance—Charles E. Slocum, M.D., Defiance.

Delaware—Miss Ida Newell, Prof. Edward L. Rice. Delaware.

Erie—R. L. Baird, Prof. E. L. Moseley, R: D. L. Ransom, San-
dusky; Carl Tuttle, M.D., Berlin Heights.

Franklin—Rev. W. L. Dawson, Prof. J. 8. Hine, Columbus.

Fulton—Thomas Mikesell, Wauseon.

Geauga—Rev. J. M. Keck, Orange Cook, Chardon.

Greene—Eliza G. Rice, Yellow Springs.

Hamilton—Charles Dury, Russell Everett, Laura Gano, F. W.
Langdon, M.D., Joshua Lindhal, Morris Peck, C. C. Smith, Fran-
cis P. Smith, Cincinnati; R. F. Souter, Bond Hill.

Hardin—George H. Palmer, Kenton; Agnew Welsh, Ada.

Harrison—Harry B. McConnell, Cadiz.

Knox—T. E. Haughey, Academia.

Lake—E. A. Doolittle, V. E. and T. B. Wyman, Painesville;
Rev. J. M. Keck, Mentor. ;

Licking—Irving A. Field, Granville; Raymond Osburn, Va-
natta.

Logan—Homer C. Bennett, M.D., Bellefontaine.

Lorain—Lynds Jones, Oberlin.

Lucas—F. H. Burglehause, Miss Lucy J. Retscher, Toledo.

Madison—Max Morse, London. ;

Mahoning—B. W. Vickers, Ellsworth.

Morgan—E. J. Arrick, C. H. Morris, McConnellsville.

Perry—Rev. Henry Beeman, New Lexington; Geo. W. DeLong,
Corning.

Pike—Rev. W. F. Henninger, Waverly.

Portage—Cornelius Baldwin, Nelson; Geo. H. Colton, Hiram;
Roscoe J. Webb, Garrettsville.

Preble—Julia K. Holn, Lewisburg.

Scioto—Rev. W. F. Henninger, South Webster.

Summit—Hugene F. Cranz, Ira; Wm. B. Haynes, Akron.

Union—Lizzie A. Copp, Richwood.

Warren—Anna C. Stenson, Harveysburg.

Wayne—J. G. Black, Scott G. Harry, Harry C. Oberholser,
Ethel Dane Roberts, Wooster.

Wyandot—Thos. A. Bonser, Carey; Paul Smith, Upper San-
dusky.

In addition to the names mentioned above, valuable notes
have been received from Dr. W. H. Fisher, of Cincinnati;
from his records of specimens in his private collection, relat-
ing to food and the occurrence of many species, and from
Mr. E. B. Williamson, giving dates of nesting of many
species in various places in the state. Clippings from lo-

CONTRIBUTORS. 21

cal newspapers in which birds are mentioned, which have
been sent to me by many helpers, are too numerous and the
sources from which they came too various to be given in-
dividual mention here.

Dr. Frank W. Langdon, Mr. Charles Dury and Dr. Josua
Lindahl have contributed notes covering a long series of
years in the vicinity of Cincinnati and elsewhere in the state ;
and Mr. Wm. B. Haynes, of Akron, has given special at-
tention to the shore birds of the natural lakes of that vicin-
ity.

Mr. H. C. Oberholser has been good enough to go over
the list of species here recorded, making suggestions and
comments which have greatly aided me in the final arrange-
ment of the catalogue. His “Birds of Wayne County,
Ohio,” and Rev. W. F. Henninger’s “Birds of Middle
Southern Ohio,” have been valuable aids in the revision of
the work.

In 1891 Messrs. L. M. McCormick and G. D. Wilder pre-
pared a list of the birds of Lorain county, from which I
have been able to add not a little to our knowledge of the
birds of the northern parts of our state.

To these gentlemen and to all who have given so freely
of their time and notes I wish to tender my grateful thanks.
They have made a difficult task possible of accomplishment.

In addition to the counties represented upon the list given
above, the writer has been able to spend a greater or less time
in studying the birds in the following counties: Athens,
Fairfield, Gallia, Huron, Lawrence, Medina, Meigs, Mus-
kingum, Ottawa (islands only), Perry, and Washington.
The work in all of these counties, except Huron and Medi-
na, was done in company with Rev. W. L. Dawson. At
Chippewa Lake, Medina county, Mr. R. L. Baird accom-
panied me. Mr. Baird has also been associated with me
in considerable of the later work about Oberlin. At the
Licking Reservoir, which included parts of Licking, Fair-
field, and Perry counties, Messrs. E. J. Arrick and Irving
A. Field also participated. Several days were spent in the
vicinity of Jefferson, Ashtabula county, with Mr. Robt. J,

22 BIRDS OF OHIO.

Sim. Most of the work in Erie and Huron counties has
been without company.

From the foregoing remarks it will be clear that a consid-
erable portion of the state remains to be explored ornitho-
logically, particularly in the south and west. Some per-
sons with considerable leisure ought to be posted along our
southern and western borders to watch for invasions of
species from Kentucky and Indiana. I earnestly hope that
the appearance of this catalogue will mark the beginning
of an era of unusual activity in the study of the birds of our
fair state.

TELE BIRDS OF OHIO,

OrpeEr PYGOPODES. Diving Birds.

SuBoRDER PODICIPEDES. Grebes.
Family Popicipip#. Grebes.

This family is represented in our state by three species,
one large and two small. The food consists of fish, aquatic
insects, crustaceans, batrachians, and considerable aquatic
vegetable matter. The grebes pursue the fish under water,
using only the feet in swimming under water. A Horned
Grebe found on the streets of Oberlin, February 9, 1895, by
Mr. H. C. Tracy, had completely filled its gizzard with
small rubber bands, probably picked up on the sireet under
the supposition that they were worms. The bird was found
in an exhausted condition, and soon died.

(The first number at the left is the serial number of this cat-
alogue. The second number, which is in parenthesis, is the
present number of the species in the Check-List of the American
Ornithologists’ Union. The number to the right of the scien-
tific name and authority is the number found in Dr. Wheaton’s
Check-List, pages 571-584, of his catalogue.)

1. (2.) CoLtyMBUS HOLBELLII (Reinh.). 287.
Holbcell Grebe. :
Synonyms: Podiceps ‘grisigena var. holbeelli, P. holbcelli, P.

grisigena.
American Red-necked Grebe, Red-necked Grebe.

Kirtland, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1838, 166, 187. (Podiceps rubricollis.)

This is a rare and irregular winter visitor and migrant,
upon almost any of the Ohio lakes, reservoirs or rivers.
There have been fewer records since Dr. Wheaton’s cata-
logue was printed than before.

24 BIRDS OF OHIO.

2. (8.) CoLtymBus auritus Linn, 288.
Horned Grebe.

Synonyms: Dytes auritus, Podiceps cornutus.
Audubon, Orn. Biog., III, 1835, 429.

While this grebe is not common during the migrations
it can hardly be called rare in most parts of the state. It
is somewhat regular as a migrant, but may be fosnd during
the winter. Companies of a dozen or more individuals in
full spring dress are not infrequent on Lake Erie. During
the southward migration there is a strong tendency for the
birds to occur two at a time on the smaller waters. The
report of the breeding of this species in Ottawa covnty has
not been confirmed.

This grebe is as good a diver as the more familiar Pied-
billed, for which it is often mistaken. The slenderness of
the bill should always easily distinguish it from that species.

In the migrations the Horned Grebe reaches Oberlin
about the middle of April and remains until about the first
of May. It returns early in October and tarries until ice
forms on the ponds, and may be found at any time during
the winter about open water.

3. (6.) PopiLymsBus popicers (Linn.). 289.
Pied-billed Grebe.

Synonyms: Podiceps carolinensis, Colymbus podiceps.
Pied-billed Dabchick, Thick-billed Grebe, Dabchick, Dipper,
Didipper, Diedapper, Water-witch, Hell-diver, Devil-diver.

Kirtland, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1838, 166, 187.

This is the most familiar grebe in Ohio, known by a di-
versity of names to suit the experiences of each individual.
hunter. However, the modern shot-gun or rifle is too quick
for him. To be sure he sometimes succeeds in dodging the
lead thrown at him, but far oftener he falls a victim to it,.
as the breasts which may be seen on hats and in boas too
well show.

This grebe nests sparingly all over the state where con-
ditions may be favorable. One could hardly call the species

PYGOPODES. 25

common anywhere, but individuals are to be found during
the spring and fall months, on almost any body of water a
half acre in extent.

Lorain county dates for spring appearance fall within the
last week of March, and the departures during the second
week in October.

SUBORDER CEPPHI. Loons, Auks, Murres etc.
Family Gaviip#. Loons.

Three species belonging to this family inhabit Ohio more
or less regularly. Only one species, the Loon, is regular in
its appearance, the other two reach the state only in severe
winters. The food is similar to that of the Grebes, with a
larger proportion of fish, probably, and somewhat less of
vegetable matter.

4, (7.) Gavia IMBER (Gunn.). 290.
Loon.
Synonyms: Colymbus torquatus, C. imber, C. glacialis, Urina-
tor imber.

Great Northern Diver, Common Loon.
Kirtland, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1838, 166, 186.

The Loon is no longer a common bird anywhere in the
state, but it is not infrequently seen during the migrations
on the larger waters. It is apparently a rare summer resi-
dent in the region of Sandusky and Toledo, and possibly
elsewhere along the lake shore.

At Oberlin it has been seen in late April and early Oc-
tober, but no definite dates of migration can be given. Rev.
Mr. Henninger has found it as ‘ate as the first of May at
Piketon.

5. (9.) Gavia arctica (Linn.). 291.
BLACK-THROATED LOON.

Synonyms: Colymbus.arcticus, Urinator arcticus.
Black-throated Diver.

Wheaton, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1882, 565.

26 BIRDS OF OHIO.

This loon is casual as a winter visitor in the state. There
have been a number of specimens captured since that re-
corded by Dr. Wheaton, which was captured neai Kelley’s
Island instead of in Sandusky Bay, Mr. Roscoe J. Webb,
who secured the specimen from Mr. Crane in whose col-
lection it was, tells me.

6. (11.) Gavia LuMME (Gunn.). 292.
Red-throated Loon.
Synonyms: Colymbus septentrionalis, Urinator lumme, Colym-

bus lumme.
Red-throated Diver.

Wheaton, Ohio Agri. Rep. for 1860, 371, 379.

This loon is everywhere rare in the state. It has been
taken at Cincinnati, according to Mr. Dury and Dr. Lang-
don, and at Wheelersburg, Scioto county, by Rev. Mr. Hen-
ninger. It is rare on Lake Erie. No dates of migration
can be given, but it is probably to be found in late March.
OrpER LONGIPENNES. Long-winged Swimmers.

-

Family STeRcorARIIDZ. Skuas and Jaegers.

Two species of this small family reach our state more or
less regularly, but are rare everywhere. They are the birds
of prey among the gulls and terns, getting a large part of
their living by forcing the gulls and terns to drop their
catch of fish, thus stealing it from them. It is not clear
whether these birds ever eat the garbage thrown out from
cities into the ocean; if hard pressed for food they might
do so.

% (36.) STERCORARIUS POMARINUS (Temm.). 286.
; Pomarine Jaeger.

Synonyms: Stercorarius pomatorhinus, Larus pomarinus.
Wheaton, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1882, 545.

The records of this rare species are as follows: H. E.
Chubb, Cleveland, fall of 1880 (Wheaton, 1882); E. L.

*

LONGIPENNES. 27

Moseley, Sandusky, Oct., 1889 (Cook, Birds of Michigan,
26); A. Hengartner, Lorain, date not known. It is likely

to be found on any of the larger waters with flocks or com-
panies of gulls.

8. (37.) STERcoRARIUS PARAsITIcUS (Linn.). —
Parasitic Jaeger.
Synonyms: Larus parasiticus.
Smith, Raymond W., Journal Cin. Soc. Nat. Hist., XIV, 1891,
107.

The specimen here recorded was captured near Lebanon,
at the close of a week of very stormy weather, in the latter
part of March or the early part of April, 1880. Name of
captor not given. It was given to Mr. J. E. Gould, who
preserved it in his collection. This appears to be the first
published record.

E. L. Moseley reports three specimens preserved in local
collections in Sandusky as follows: Oct. 6, 1895; Sept. 13,
1899; also ‘a Jaeger probably of this species Sept. 20, 1889,’
Frey. There is a specimen of this species in the collection
of Mr. A. Hengartner, Lorain, which Mr. Hengartner shot
near Lorain on the lake shore.

Another specimen is recorded by Prof. F. M. Comstock,
in The Auk, XIII, 1896, 171, captured near Sandusky, in
November, 1895. Prof. Cor:stock also mentions a record
in the Cleveland Academy of Science Proceedings, by Dr.
Kirtland, of a specimen probably of this species captured
at the mouth of Rocky River, in November, 1857. Volume
and date of the publication not given.

Family Larwz. Gulls and Terns.

Sub-family Lartnz. Gulls.

The gulls differ from the terns in generally larger size
and in their manner of feeding, as well as somewhat in the
food eaten. There are two gulls regularly found in the

28 BIRDS OF OHIO.

state at some time of the year, and five which appear oc-
casionally.

While flying over the water in search of food they hold
the head horizontally, so that the bill is in a line with the
body. They do not plunge into the water for a fish or other
food, but settle upon it, or take fish or other food from the
surface. They catch fish alive, eat dead fish which may be
thrown upon the shore by the waves, and eat greedily of
the garbage thrown out from coast cities. The smaller
gulls may also eat some insects. Gulls often follow in the
wake of ships and snatch any morsel of food which may be
thrown into the water.

As scavengers the gulls take first rank because they are
the most numerous birds along our coasts. The: congre-
gate about the garbage scows in great numbers and prevent
garbage from washing ashore to pollute earth and air. The
laws for their protection should leave no room for a doubt
as to their meaning in the mind of any one.

9. (48.) Larus LEUCOPTERUS Faber. 274.
Iceland Gull.

Synonyms: White-winged Gull.
Wheaton, Ohio Agri. Report, 1860, 370, 379.

Besides the record which Dr. Wheaton has left us, of the
capture of two or three specimens in Cleveland harbor, on
the authority of Mr. R. K. Winslow, the only record is for
Lorain, Dec. 22, 1888, on the authority of Mr. L. M. Me-
Cormick. A specimen was captured near Lorain on the
lake, and preseved in the Oberlin College museum.

10. (47.) Larus marinus Linn. 275.
Great Black-backed Gull.

Synonyms: Saddle-back, Coffin-carrier, Cobb.
Audubon, Orn. Biog., III, 1835, 98.

Dr. Wheaton’s records for this gull are admittedly weak,
and I am therefore glad to strengthen them by one actual
capture and one other record which is hardly open to ques-

LONGIPENNES. 29

tion. Mr. E. W. Vickers reports “One found dead floating
among ice in the creek near Canton.” Rev.W. F. Henninger
adds another record for Pike county, March 21, 1901.
(Wilson Bulletin No. 40, 1902, page 79.) Individuals
should be found occasionally on Lake Erie during the win-
ter, and wanderers might occasionally reach Kentucky.

11. (51.) Larus arcentatrus Briinn. 276.
Herring Gull.
Synonyms: Larus argentatus smithsonianus.
American Herring Gull.
Audubon, Orn. Biog., III, 1835, 98.

It is, perhaps, not quite true that this gull is a resident in
the state in spite of the fact that birds have been seen on the
lake shore during every week in the year, because there are
no breeding records. Probably the summer birds were wan-
dering males or unmated birds. It isa common bird locally
on the larger streams and lakes during the migzations, but
does not seem to be a winter resident upon any of the inland
waters, except possibly the Ohio river.

The Lake Erie flocks are much larger after the middle of
March than during the winter. Only during the period
when the lake is well filled with ice are the numbers few.
During the severest weather they remain near the fish
houses or follow the ice cutters, unless there be rifts of
open water not far out.

12. (54.) Larus DELAWARENSIS Ord. 277%.
Ring-billed Gull.

Synonyms: Common American Gull.
Audubon, Orn. Biog., III, 1835, 98.

I have looked for this gull in vain. It is reported as rare
everywhere in the state. What Dr. Wheaton says of it
would indicate that even as he wrote in 1882, the numbers
were growing considerably less. There appears to be no
evidence of its breeding within the state. It is possible that
several of the gulls formerly nested on the islands within

30 BIRDS OF OHIO.

the international boundary, before they were so fully settled,

but positive evidence of the breeding of this species is lack-

ing.

13. (60.) Larus PHILADELPHIA (Ord.). 278.
Bonaparte Gull.

Synonyms: Larus capistriatus, L. bonapartii, Choicocepha-

lus philadelphia, Sterna philadelphia.
Bonaparte’s Rosy Gull.

Audubon, Orn. Biog., IV, 1838, 212.

This is the most common small gull, but it is only locally
common during the migrations. It is said to breed on Gull
Island in Lake Erie, but I have been unable to verify this
statement. It was not found on the small islands north of
our boundary. Migration dates are unsatisfactory and irreg-
ular. The species probably reaches the state in late April.

14. (62.) XeEMaA sSABINtI (Sab.). 279.
Sabine Guill.
Synonyms: Larus sabinii, Xema sabinei.
Fork-tailed Gull.
Wheaton, Ohio Agri. Report, 1860, 371, 379.

This record is apparently based upon a single specimen
in immature plumage captured in Cleveland harbor by Mr.
R. K. Winslow, earlier than 1880, and preserved for a time
in the collection of the Ohio Medical College. It had been
destroyed previous to 1882.

Subfamily STERNINz”. Terns.

Seven species of terns occur in Ohio, the Common and
Black being the only regular visitors in summer. Terns fly
with the bill pointing down instead of forward, and the
species which we find have a forked tail, while the gulls
have a square cut tail. The terns dive into the water for fish.
They also eat garbage, and the smaller ones, at least, feed
upon insects after the fashion of the swallows. As scaven-
gers they are useful birds, but doubly increase our debt to

LONGIPENNES. 31

them by feeding upon insects as well. The law against
killing or injuring gulls and terns should be carefully ob-
served and rigidly enforced. It is unlawful to possess any
part of a gull or tern, as well as any part of most other wild
birds, in Ohio.

15. (63.) GELOCHELIDON NiLoTIcA (Hasselq.). 280.
Gull-billed Tern.
Synonyms: Sterna anglica, S. aranea, S. nilotica.
Marsh Tern.
Kirtland, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1838, 166, 185.

Its place on our list is based upon the above reference, and
upon specimens reported by Mr. R. K. Winslow for the vi-
cinity of Cleveland. It seems likely that more familiarity
with this species will prove that it is more regular as a sum-
mer visitor than has been supposed.

It has not been found in Indiana nor in the western part
of Pennsylvania, but it is reported as breeding on the St.
Clair flats.

16. (64.) Srerna caspia (Pall.). —.
Caspian Tern.
Synonyms: Sterna tschegrava.
Imperial Tern.
Dury, Catalogue of Birds, Animals and Fishes, 1886, 4.

Mr. Charles Dury reports specimens from Ross lake,
Little Miami river, Ohio river near the Miami river;
specimens from which places are in his collection and in
that of the Cincinnati Society of Natural History. Prof.
Moseley reports it from Sandusky. I have a record for
Licking reservoir, May 31, 1902. It must be regarded as
a stimmer straggler in the state.

17%. (69.) STERNA ForSTERI Nutt. 281.
Forster Tern.

Wheaton, Ohio Agri. Report, 1874, 515.

Forster Tern is apparently casual in the state. I have
received no records since those given by Dr. Wheaton. The

32 BIRDS OF OHIO.

difficulty of identifying this tern renders it probable that
many occurrences are not noted.

“Mr. Langdon gives it as a rare migrant in the vicinity
of Cincinnati, where Messrs. Dury and Freeman note six
specimens taken May 4, 1879. My own experience with
the bird in this vicinity is limited to a single specimen taken
in the fall of 1861 or 1862.” (Wheaton.)

18. (70.) STERNA HIRUNDO Linn. 282.
Common Tern.
Synonyms: Sterna fluviatilis, S. wilsonii.

Wilson’s Tern, Sea Swallow.
Nuttall, Man., II, 1834, 271.

As its name implies, this tern is the common form during
the migrations wherever there is a lake or large stream. It
is not everywhere common, however, but may be locally so
anywhere in the state. It breeds in large numbers on the
islands just north of our boundary, and less numerously on
a few of the smaller islands within our boundary. It has
been reported as breeding at Sandusky, but no nests appear
to have been found there. The birds seen during the sum-
mer in the bay and that vicinity are clearly not breeding
birds but wanderers in search of food.

During the second week in May it is abundant along the
lake front, then usually appearing in loose companies of
from ten to fifty or more individuals.

The migrations occur during the first week in May, or
the last week in April, and from the first week in August

well into October or even November in the southern coun-
ties.

19. (%2.) STERNA DOUGALLI Montag. 283.
Roseate Tern.
Synonyms: Sterna paradisea.
Paradise Tern.

Audubon, Orn. Biog. III, 1835, 98.

According to the records this species has been found in
Ohio less than a half dozen times, once at Cincinnati by Dr.
Frank W. Tangdon, and the others at the lake shore.

LONGIPENNES. 33

20. (74.) STERNA ANTILLARUM (Less.). 284.
Least Tern.
Synonyms: Sterna minuta, S. frenata, S. superciliaris, Sternula
antillarum, Sterna superciliaris antillarum.
Audubon, Orn. Biog., IV, 1838, 175.

The records for this tern are few but well scattered over
the state. It appears to be a rare migrant everywhere. I
have never seen it at the lake shore. Its routes of migra-
tion may be largely confined to the western half of the state.

21. (77.) HypRocHELIDON NIGRA SURINAMENSIS (Gmel.).
285.

; Black Tern.

Synonyms: MHydrochelidon lariformis surinamensis, H. larifor-
mis, H. plumbea, H. fissipes, Sterna nigra, S. surinamen-
sis.

Short-tailed Tern.
Audubon, Orn. Biog., III, 1835, 535.

The Black Tern is nowhere as common as the Common
Tern, but it is not at all rare as a summer resident in the
vicinity of Sandusky and Toledo. I have been unable to
find it farther east as a summer resident. While the Com-
mon Terns breed upon the islands well up from the water
the Black Terns choose the marshes, building a nest on the
rotten floating vegetation in the swamps where there is no
danger from waves.

The spring migrations occur during the second week in
May at Oberlin, but probably a weel earlier in the region
of Sandusky. I have no records for the departure south-
ward. We found them on the Ohio river late in August.

Orper STEGANOPODES. Totipalmate Swimmers.

Family PHatacrocoracip#. Cormorants.

One member of this family passes across Ohio, and
nested in former years. Cormorants are great fish eat-
ers, and probably eat little if anything else. The Chinese
train them to fish for them.

34 BIRDS OF OHIO.

22. (120.) PHALACROCORAX DILOPHUS (Swain). 272.
Double-crested Cormorant.

Synonyms: Graculus dilophus, Pelecanus (Carbo) dilophus.
Wheaton, Ohio Agri. Report, 1874, 575.

The cormorants are not well enough known to give us
much of an idea of their distribution in the state. This one
appears to be a rare migrant in the western half, probably,
passing across the state without stopping usually, since
there is no suitable feeding place except the reservoirs. Dr.
Wheaton states that this species may have nested at the
Licking reservoir in earlier years. Mr. Dury found it
nesting at St. Mary’s reservoir more than twenty years ago.

Family Perecanip#. Pelicans.

Of the three species in this family only the American
White Pelican is found in Ohio. This pelican lives upon
fish which it scoops up from the water in the capacious
pouch hanging to its lower mandible. There is no evi-
dence that it carries either fish or water in the pouch while
flying, since its young are fed upon partially digested fish
disgorged from its crop.

28. (125.) PELECANUS ERYTHRORHYNCHOS Cmel. 271.
American White Pelican.
Synonyms: Pelecanus trachyrhynchus, P. onocrotalus.
White Pelican.
Kirtland, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1838, 166, 187.

The pelican is a rare migrant across the state. So con-
spicuous a bird would be reported generally if it occurred.
One was shot at the Licking reservoir about May 15, 1902.
It has been seen at Oberlin twice. The records are few and
scattering, but seem to indicate that it is confined to the
western half of the state.

ANSERES. 35
OrverR ANSERES. Lamellirostral Swimmers.

Family Anatipa@. Ducks, Geese, and Swans.

The members of this order must be treated under the sub-
family groups.

Subfamily Mercin. Mergansers.

All three American members of this subfamily occur in
Ohio somewhat regularly during the migrations. They are
properly designated “Fish Ducks,” because they feed largely
upon fish, but probably also eat mollusks, crustaceans, frogs,
and other aquatic animals to some extent. Dr. Warren
states that in diving they use the wings as well as the feet
for propulsion. On the surface of the water they certainly
use their wings when hard pressed to get away, but are un-
able to fly up. The flesh of the two larger species is rank
and fishy, but the Hooded Merganser is a table delicacy. —

24. (129.) MERGANSER AMERICANUS (Cass.). 268.
American Merganser.
Synonyms: Mergus merganser, M. m. americanus, M. amerl-

icanus.
Merganser, Goosander, Fish Duck, American Sheldrake.

Kirtland, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1838, 166, 187.

Both mergansers remain all winter where there may be
open water sufficient for feeding. This form appears to be
the more common of the two belonging to the genus Mer-
ganser. It is found on Lake Erie well into January, but is
not found during the period when the lake is ice bound—
during the most of February and sometimes the first week
of March. It has passed north by the third week in April.

25. (130.) MERGANSER SERRATOR (Linn.). 26y.
Red-breasted Merganser.
Synonyms: Mergus serrator.
Red-breasted Sheldrake.
Kirtland, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1838, 166, 187.

36 BIRDS OF OHIO.

This “Fish Duck” is not only less common than the pre-
ceding species, but is even rare over most of the state. It is
seldom seen during the winter months, but must still be con-
sidered a winter visitor as well as a rare migrant across the
state. Its occurrences are too few and too scattered to
assign migration dates.

26. (131.) LopHopyres cucutLatus (Linn.). 270.
Hooded Merganser.

Snyonyms: Mergus cucullatus.
Saw-bill, Topknot, Hooded Sheldrake.

Kirtland, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1838, 166, 187.

While this merganser is rather more numerous than
either of the larger species, it is only locally common in the
state as a migrant. There are no records of its breeding
within our borders. While the others are more frequently
seen on the lakes and larger streams, this is a river
duck as far as its habits and routes of migration are con-
cerned. I have never seen it except on the smaller streams
and ponds. It visits the Oberlin water-works reservoir
during the spring, with the hosts of other ducks, but always
keeps to itself while resting and feeding. The conspicuous
“hood” with the large white patch in its center, furnishes a
mark for certain identification of the breeding males.

The Hooded Merganser passes Oberlin about the middle
of April. It is seldom seen during more than a week all
together.

Subfamily Anatin#. River Ducks.

This subfamily is represented by an even dozen species
and subspecies in Ohio, two of which are accidental in the
state. The River Ducks are dabblers in shallow water,
turning tail up and immersing only the head, neck, and fore
part of the body when feeding. It does not, therefore,
follow that they never dive, for they often do. The food
of this group is largely vegetable, both aquatic and non-
aquatic; weed seeds comprise a good part. The flesh

ANSERES. 37

of all is considered a great delicacy. The birds do not feed
entirely in the water, but may often be found on the land,
especially during the summer months.

27. (132.) Anas BoscHAs Linn. 247.
Mallard.

Synonyms: Anas domestica.
Kirtland, Preliminary Report, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1838, 67.

The Mallard is locally common during the migrations,
but it is almost absent from many localities. It breeds irreg-
ularly from the southern border of the state at least to Co-
lumbus, and seems rather more common as a summer resi-
dent in the northern half, but is very local in its summer dis-
tribution anywhere in the state. It is seldom that anything
but small flocks are seen in the migrations. At the lakes
and marshes they may be found in greater numbers to-
gether. It is probably true that males of this species may be
found during the summer much farther south and in many
localities in the state where there are no breeding females.
The males are wanderers and apparently have no care for
the brood.

The migrations of the Mallard begin during the first
week in March, at Oberlin, and continue well toward the
close of the month. Individuals that were clearly migrating
have been seen as late as the middle of April. Tke south-
ward migrations are at their height about the middle of
November, but vary with the weather.

28. (133.) Anas opscurA Gmel. 248.’
Black Duck.

Synonym: Dusky Duck.
Kirtland, Preliminary Report, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1838, 67.

The recent division of this species into two forms makes it
doubtful what the status of the two forms for Ohio is. An
examination of skins in two collections indicates that this
form is the less common in Ohio.

Dr. Wheaton regarded the Black Duck as a casual sum-

38 BIRDS OF OHIO.

mer resident in the northern parts of the state, but I find no
corroborative evidence to that effect. It is more often seen
in pairs or singly than the Mallard, and appears to be less
wary, frequenting small ponds and streams which the Mal-
lard avoids.

The migrations occur at the same time as the Mallard,
with possibly a little earlier return in the autumn.

29. (133a.) ANAS OBSCURA RUBRIPES Brewst.
Red-legged Black Duck.

Henninger, Wilson Bulletin, No. 41, 1902, page 134.

The recent addition of this subspecies to our fatina makes
any statement about its range in the state of little value. It
seems likely to be found not uncommon during the migra-
tions, probably in company with the Black Duck. Collec-
tions seem to indicate that this is the more common form for
Ohio, if it does not prove to be the regular migrant to the
almost exclusion of the other form. Ohio collections con-
tain both forms.

30. (135.) CHAULELASMUS STREPERUS (Linn.). 249..
Gadwall.

Synonyms: Anas strepera.
Gray Duck.

Kirtland, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1838, 166, 186.

The Gadwall appears to be rare as a migrant. Reports
are not only few but generally unsatisfactory. It is cer-
tainly among the disappearing ducks in Lorain county.
Prior to 1885 it was one of the market ducks on the lake
shore, but it is not seen there now. I have no migration
records that will give any idea of the movements of this
species.

31. (187.) Mareca AMERICANA (Gmel.). 2851.
Baldpate.

Synonyms: Anas americana.
American Widgeon.

Kirtland, Preliminary Report, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1832, 67.

ANSERES. 39

This once abundant duck is now common only locally and
there only occasionally. It has become wary and hard to ap-
proach. In Lorain county I have seen only single individ-
uals and two together, and they on the smaller unirequent-
ed ponds. Lately several have formed the habit of visiting
our water-works reservoir, in spite of the fact that it lies
well within the town. If it breeds within the state now there
is no mention of that fact in the reports received. Dr. Lang-
don mentions its breeding in Ottawa county.

Migration dates for the spring movements fall within
the third week of March for southern Ohio, but almost a
month later for Oberlin. The southward movement occurs
late in October.

32. (139). NETTION CAROLINENSIS (Gmel.). 254.
Green-winged Teal.
Synonyms: Anas carolinensis, Querquedula carolinensis.
American Green-winged Teal.
Audubon, Orn. Biog., III, 1835, 219.

This teal is reported as a common migrant across the
state. It is the earlier of the two teals, arriving with the
Mallards and other early ducks. I have seen several indi-
viduals of this species migrating in flocks of Mallards. It
has not yet been found in Lorain county during my studies
anywhere but on the lake. None have visited ovr water-
works reservoir.

33. (140.) QuERQUEDULA pDiscors (Linn.). 253,
Blue-winged Teal.

Synonyms: Anas discors.
Kirtland, Preliminary Report Ohio Geol. Surv., 1838, 67.

This is a common duck locally during the migrations, but
it is clearly less common than during Dr. Wheaton’s time.
It may be found on the smaller streams and ponds as well
as on the larger rivers and lakes. In Lorain county I have
found it only on the small ponds in twos and threes or
singly. Flocks are sometimes seen passing northward.

40 BIRDS OF OHIO.

The spring migrations are late for a duck, occurring dur-
ing late April, and the fall migrations in October.

Dr. Langdon found it breeding in Ottawa cotnty years
ago, but there are no recent records of its nesting there.

34. (142.) SparuLa cLypeaTA (Linn.) 252.
Shoveller.

Synonyms: Anas clypeata.
Spoon-bill, Broad-bill.

Kirtland, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1838, 166.

From a ‘“‘very common migrant” this duck has become
almost rare everywhere in the state. It has been recorded
less than a dozen times, in the last fifteen years, in Lorain
county, and then either singly or in small companies. If it
once nested in the state it has ceased to do so. Dr.
Wheaton inclined to the belief that it would be found nest-
ing in the northwestern counties. I have been unable to
verify this.

It may be found during March and as late as December.
Migration dates are too scattering to give its movements ac-
curately.

35. (148.) Darira acuta (Linn.). 250.
Pintail.
Synonyms: Anas acuta.
Spring-tail, Sprig-tail.
Kirtland, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1838, 166, 186.

The Pintail appears to be about the most numerous of the
ducks sought after by the hunters. It is seen in consider-
able flocks during both the spring and autumn migrations,
and not infrequently stops on the smaller ponds and streams.
It is always wary and hard to approach. It sometimes re-
mains all winter in favorable localities, but has not been
known to breed.

The migrations of this duck begin late in February or
early in March, and may continue until the first week in
April at the lake shore. It comes south with the first touch

ANSERES. 41

of winter, and is gone from the northern parts of the state
with the freezing of the streams and ponds.

36. (144.) Arx sponsa (Linn.). 255.
Wood Duck.

Synonyms: Anas sponsa.
Summer Duck, Tree Duck, The Bride.
Audubon, Orn. Biog., III, 1835, 52.

This duck breeds throughout the state in favorable local-
ities. It nests in the woods some distance from water, but
must have feeding places within reach of the nest. The
young are said to be carried to the water when hatched.
There seems to be little difference in numbers during the
migrations from those during summer. It can hardly be
called a common species, yet it is hardly rare. The first
birds appear at Oberlin about the middle of April and are
gone by the last of October.

Subfamily Furtcutinz. Sea and Bay Ducks.

Fourteen species represent this family in our state, some
of them being rare. The members of this group dive when
feeding, frequently to considerable depths. Their food con-
sists of the seeds and roots of aquatic plants, mollusks,
crustaceans, and some fish in winter. Some members of the
group dive as readily as the true divers. Most of the
species are found in flocks of varying size during the mi-
grations.

37. (146.) AvyrHya AMERICANA (Eyt.). 260.
Redhead.
Synonyms: A®thya americana, Fuligula ferina var. americana,

F. ferina, F. americana.
Pochard, American Pochard.

Kirtland, Preliminary Report Ohio Geol. Surv., 1838, 67.

The Redhead is only tolerably common as a migrant. It
visits the ponds .and.-small streams as well as the larger
bodies of water. It is a fairly regular visitor to the Oberlin
water-works reservoir both spring and autumn.

42 BIRDS OF OHIO.

Its migrations cover the period from the second week in
March to the second week in April, and at the same period
in October and November, except that it may tarry even into
December in favorable years.

38. (147.) AyTHYA VALLISNERIA (Wils.). 259.
Canvas-back.
Synonyms: A¢thya vallisneria, Fuligula vallisneria, Anas val-

lisneria.
Canvas-back Duck.

Kirtland, Ohio, Geol. Surv., 1838, 166, 187.

The delight of the epicure, and therefore hunted down by
every market hunter, this duck has become scarce. I have
seen it twice in Lorain county in the last ten years, once
when it visited the Oberlin water-works reservoir.

It appears to migrate at the same time as the Redhead,
but migration dates are too few to make any positive state-
ments possible.

39. (148.) AvyTHya MaRILA Linn. 256.
Greater Scaup Duck.
Synonyms: Fulix marila, Fuligula marila, Aythya marila ne-
arctica. :

Greater Black-head, Big Black-head, Blue-bill, Broad-bill,
Raft-duck, Flocking Fowl, Shuffler, American Scaup Duck.

Kirtland, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1838, 166, 187.

In my experience this Scaup Duck is about one-fourth as
numerous as the Lesser Scaup; that would make it hardly
common. There is often one or two of this species in the
flocks of Lesser Scaups which visit the Oberlin water-
works reservoir every year. There is no evidence that this
species breeds within the state. The birds which may be
found on the reservoirs during the summer, while they may
be of both sexes, are not breeding, but are no doubt wound-
ed birds unable to migrate. Their bodily condition would
make breeding out of the question.

The migrations are rather late, occurring late in March or
early in April, and continuing for two or three weeks, In

ANSERES, 43

the autumn they begin in late October and continue well
toward the close of November, or later if the conditions be
favorable.

40. (149.) AyrHya arrFinis (Eyt.). 25. 7
Lesser Scaup Duck.
Synonyms: Fulix affinis, Fuligula affinis.
Lesser Black-head, Little Black-head, Little Blue-bill.
Audubon, B. Am., VI, 1848, 316.

This is probably the most familiar duck to residents of
Ohio. It is apparently less numerous than the Pintail, but
is far less wary and so more frequently seen by the casual
bird student or hunter. It seems to prefer the smaller
waters, and is a regular and numerous visitor. to the Oberlin
water-works reservoir. It is a rare summer resident
in Lorain county, and has been reported as breeding in
Summit county. It probably breeds sparingly in the north-
ern third of the state. Considerable numbers of both sexes
of this species were found during the summer on both the
Licking and Lewiston reservoirs, but they proved to be
crippled birds and were not breeding.

The migrations begin late in March or early in April,
and flocks of considerable numbers are seen at Oberlin as
late as May 5th. Their return is dependent in large measure
upon the weather. The first are usually seen during the sec-
ond week in October, and some may tarry well into No-
vember.

41. (150.) AyTHya coLLaris (Donov.). 258.
Ring-necked Duck.
Synonyms: Fulix collaris, Anas collaris, Fuligula collaris,
Fuligula rufitorques. ;
Ring-bill, Ring-billed Black-head, Ring-necked Scaup Duck,
Marsh Blue-bill.

Kirtland, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1838, 166, 186.

This duck is little known, and is reported as rare through-
out the state. Dr. Wheaton reported it as abundant. I
have found it but once in Lorain county, and that once on

44 BIRDS OF OHIO.

the Oberlin water-works reservoir. It appears to migrate
with the other members of its genus, but there is no evi-
dence that it breeds within the state.

42. (151.) CLANGULA CLANGULA AMERICANA (Bonap.).
261.
American Golden-eye.
Synonyms: Clangula glaucium americana, Bucephala clangula,
B. americana, Clangula americana; C. glaucium, Glau-
cionetta clangula americana, Fuligula clangula.
Golden-eyed Duck, Whistler, Garrot, Great-head, Whistle-
wing.
Kirtland, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1838, 166, 187.

The Golden-eye is hardly common regularly, and fre-
quently rare. It sometimes appears in considerable numbers
on the rivers and lakes, and may sometimes be found on
the larger ponds. It may remain during the winter in fa-
vorable localities under favorable conditions. It has not
been seen on Lake Erie during the entire winter, but some-
times remains into January. It does not breed in the state.

The Golden-eye is one of the earlier migrants in spring
and later in autumn, migrating with the Mallard and Pin-
tail.

43, (152.) CLANGULA ISLANDICA (Gmel.). —
Barrow Golden-eye.
Synonyms: Glaucionetta islandica, Anas islandica.
Rocky Mountain Garrot or Golden-eye.
McCormick, Auk, 1892, 397.

If one could judge from the records, this is an almost un-
known bird in Ohio. It is reported from Sandusky Bay, by
Prof. E. -L. Moseley, and has been taken twice in Lorain
county, once by Mr. L. M. McCormick (see above refer-
ence) and once by the writer, on the Oberlin water-works
reservoir. It should be found during the winter on the
waters of the northern part of the state.

ANSERES. 45

44. (153.) CHARITONETTA ALBEOLA (Linn.). 262.
Buffle-head.

Synonyms: Clangula albeola, Bucephala albeola, Fuligula al-
beola, Anas albeola.
Buffleheaded Duck, Butter Duck, Butter-ball, Dipper, Spir-
it Duck, Dipper Duck, Butter-box, Hell-diver.

Kirtland, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1838, 166, 187.

The little Buffle-head is common during the migrations,
both spring and autumn. It visits the smaller lakes and
ponds, where it is oftener seen than on larger waters. It is
not wary, trusting to its agility in diving for protection.
There is no likelihood that it breeds within the state, but it
may remain all winter in suitable localities well sonth.

Its migrations occupy the last week in March and the
first two weeks in April. It appears to be less common
during its southward migration, which begins early in Octo-
ber and continues well into November, or later.

45. (154.) HareLpA HYEMALIs (Linn.). 263.
Old-squaw.

Synonyms: Harelda glacialis, Anas glacialis, A. hyemalis, Clan-
gula hiemalis, C. hyemalis.
Long-tailed Duck, Old-wife, South-southerly.

Wheaton, Ohio Agri. Report, 1860, 370, 378.

This is a winter duck, sometimes passing to the south-
ern border of the state. It is not at all regular even in the
northern part, and does not appear to be governed wholly
by weather conditions. During some winters it is decidedly
numerous anywhere on the lake front, and may venture well
inland upon the smaller lakes and reservoirs, to the Ohio
river, and several winters may pass without another visita-
tion. Specimens have been taken from the gill nets off Lo-
rain in five fathoms of water where they had dived for fish
and became tangled in the nets and drowned. Several
spent the winter of 1901-02 on the lake shore in Lorain
county.

46 BIRDS OF OHIO.

46. (160.) SoMATERIA DRESSERI Sharpe. —.
American Eider.

Synonyms: Somateria mollissima dresseri.

Davie, Nests and:Eggs of N. Am. Birds, 1898, 92.

The specimen here reported by Mr. Davie was captured at
the Licking reservoir, November 11, 1895, by Mr. William
Harlow. ‘Ilse specimen is a female and is preserved in the
private collection of Mr. Davie.

The fact that this species has been found a number of
times well inland makes it necessary to regard it a cas-
ual rather than an accidental visitor to the state.

47. (162). SoMATERIA SPECTABILIS (Linn.). 264.
King Eider.

Synonyms: Anas spectabilis.

Wheaton, Ohio Agri. Report, 1860, 370, 378.

I have been unable to find any later records for the oc-
currence of this species in Ohio than those given by Dr.
Wheaton in his catalogue of 1882, 535. They are: An
immature bird taken at Sandusky bay (?), by Dr. Lang-
don during the winter of 1877-8; one found in the Colum-
bus market, November 4, 1880, by Dr. Wheaton; and the
statement that a specimen was taken at Sandusky bay and

one at Cleveland “many years since,” on the authority of
Mr. R. K. Winslow.

48. (163). OMmEMIA AMERICANA Swains. 265.
American Scoter.
Synonyms: (C£demia americana.

American Black Scoter, Sea Coot, Butter-billed Coot, Hol-
low-billed Coot.

Merriam, Trans. Conn. Acad., IV, 1877, 127.

There seem to be four records of the occurrence of this
species in the state. Licking reservoir, December, 1876,
in Dr. Theodore Jasper’s collection in Columbus; taken on
Portage river by Mr. R. K. Winslow; one taken from a
flock of three on Lake Erie, by Mr. H. E. Chubb; Alum

: ANSERES. 4”

Creek, Columbus, December 3, 1895, in the collection of
Oliver Davie, Columbus.
It seems pretty clear that this is a casual winter visitor.

49. (165.) OmEMIA DEGLANDI Bonap. 266.
White-winged Scoter.
_Synonyms: Melanetta velvetina, Gidemia fusca (var.?) velvet-
ina, Gidemina fusca.

Velvet Scoter, White-winged Surf Duck, White-winged
Coot, Black Surf Duck, Velvet Duck, Sea Coot

Wheaton, Ohio Agri. Report, 1860, 370, 378.

Dr. Wheaton states that Mr. R. K. Winslow recorded the
occurence of this duck at Cleveland. and Sandusky bay.
The records which are based upon specimens captured are:
one taken on the Scioto river near Columbus, and an im-
mature bird taken at the Licking reservoir in December,
1876, both specimens having been examined by Dr. Whea-
ton. There are two specimens in the Oberlin Coltege col-
lection, one taken April 27, the other May 3, 1892, by
Harry Warden, of Lorain. These specimens were taken.
at Lorain.

One might judge from these records that this scoter is a:
rare migrant across the state, or possibly a winter visitor.
It is rare at any rate.

50. (167). ErismMaTURA JAMAICENSIS (Gmel.). 267.
Ruddy Duck.
Synonyms: Erismatura rubida, Fuligula rubida, Anas rubida.
Black Jack, Bristle-tail, Fool Duck.
Kirtland, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1838, 166, 186.

My experience with this small duck proves that at Ober-
lin it is almost as numerous as the Bufflehead on the water-
works reservoir. It is seen there regularly every spring and
autumn in twos and fours, rarely more, and is even less wary
than the Bufflehead. There is no evidence of the breeding
of this species in the state. It is reported as not common
by most observers. It is probably somewhat local in its dis-
tribution.

48 BIRDS OF OHIO.

They reach Oberlin about the middle of April and may
linger until the 10th of May. The return is early in Octo-
ber and some remain a month or six weeks.

Subfamily ANSERINz. Geese.

There are six species of geese in the state, none of them
really common now, none of them breeding here. They are
much more terrestrial than any of the ducks, feeding upon
grains and the green herbage. In the water they feed like
river ducks (by tipping up, searching the bottom of a shal-
low pool for the roots and fruit of aquatic plants). They fly
in regular order with a leader.

51. (169.) CHEN HyPERBOREA (Pall.). 243 (part).
Lesser Snow Goose.
Synonyms: Chen hyperboreus, Anser hyperboreus, Chen hyper-

boreus albatus.
Alaska Goose, White Brant.

"There is no published record of this species as an Ohio
bird. Reports give it as rare in Allen, Erie, Hamilton, and
Perry counties. Everywhere it is reported as rare, and as
usually occurring in company with the other species.

52. (169a.) CHEN HYPERBOREA NIVALIS (Forst.). 243

(part).
Greater Snow Goose.
‘Synonyms: Chen hyperboreus Anser nivalis, A. hyperboreus.
Snow Goose, Alaska Goose, White Brant.
Kirtland, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1838, 166, 186.

This larger species seems to be no more common than
the last. It is reported from Scioto, Pike, Perry, Hamilton,
and Erie counties. These Snow Geese are too conspicuous-
ly different from the other geese to make any mistake of
identification possible. It is very desirable that specimens
in the collections be critically examined to determine the
status of each form.

ANSERES. 49

538. (169.1.) CHEN c#RULEScENS (Linn.). 242.
Blue Goose.
Synonyms: Anser ceerulescens.
Blue Snow Goose.
Wheaton, Ohio Agri. Report, 1874, 574.

This peculiarly colored goose is not so rare as was sup-
posed before Dr. Wheaton’s catalogue called attention to it.
It is not a regular visitor to any locality, but may be found
anywhere in the state. where there is water sufficient to sus-
tain aquatic life and afford feeding grounds. Two were
captured on the Oberlin water-works reservoir, October 28,
1896. It is a migrant across the state, the most of the rec-
ords falling in October.

54, (171la.) ANSER ALBIFRONS GAMBELI (Hartl.). 244.
American White-fronted Goose.
Synonyms: Anser albifrons, A. gambelii.
Laughing Goose, Gray Brant, Speckle-belly.
Kirtland, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1838, 166, 186.

This goose is rare as a migrant across the state, but is re-
ported as a rare winter resident in Hamilton county. Mr.
Ridgway states that it frequents open fields and feeds upon
the scattered grain and tender blades of growing grain.
Little seems to be known of it as a bird of Ohio.

55. - (172.) BRANTA CANADENSIS (Linn.). 245.
Canada Goose.
Synonyms: Bernicla canadensis, Anser canadensis.
Wild Goose, Common Wild Goose.
Audubon, Orn. Biog. III, 1835, 1.

This is the “Wild Goose” of the popular mind. In the
vicinity of Oberlin it is not at all common as a migrant.
Usually the season’s records include one large flock during
each migrating period, and possibly a single individual or
two. It is resident all winter in southern Ohio, where it re-
mains from November until April. It feeds in the open
fields rather than in the water, being very much of a vege-

50 BIRDS OF OHIO.

tarian. This goose may be domesticated with little difficulty,
but measures should be taken to prevent its migration
when the season approaches.

The migrations are not regular, but may begin late in
February and continue well into April. Few or none are
seen in autumn before the first touch of winter drives them
south.

56. (172a.) BRANTA CANADENSIS HUTCHINSII (Rich.).
245a,
Hutchins Goose.

Synonyms: Bernicla hutchinsii, B. canadensis hutchinsii, An-
ser hutchinsii. :
Lesser Canada Goose, Little Wild Goose.

Wheaton, Ohio Agri. Report, 1860, 370, 378.

Dr. Wheaton admitted this species to his list on the au-
thority of Mr. R. K. Winslow, who stated that several speci-
mens had been taken in Sandusky bay. No specimens seem
to have been preserved. A live specimen in the possession
of Mr. William Harlow, of Millersport, on Licking reser-
voir, has been carefully examined by Mr. W. L. Dawson,
and proves to belong to this form. It was captured in the
wild state and has been domesticated by Mr. Harlow.

Subfamily Cycnina. Swans.

Two species of swans are found in the state, both of them
during the migrations only. They are seldom seen, except
when the weather conditions force them near the ground in
their migrations, when flocks may be noticed during the
northward movement. Such large birds, with such long
slender necks, could not be expected to dive for food. They
are not so undignified as to tip up, but simply immerse the
head and neck to glean from the surface of the mud bottom.
Their food is almost wholly vegetation, but some mollusks
seem to be eaten sometimes.

HERODIONES. 51

5%. (180.) Oxor coLumBianus (Ord.). 240.
Whistling Swan.
Synonyms: Olor americanus, Cygnus americanus, C. musicus,

C. columbianus, Anas columbianus.
Common American Swan, American Whistling Swan.

Kirtland, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1838, 166, 187.

During the spring of 1899 this swan was numerous in
Lorain county where many were killed by hunters. It is a
rare migrant in the state, seldom being seen in its passage
unless stopped by stormy weather. Migration records are
wanting.

58. (181.) Otor BuccinaTor (Rich.). 241.
Trumpeter Swan.

Synonyms: Cygnus buccinnator.

Wheaton, Ohio Agri. Report, 1860, 369, 378; Reprint, 1861, 11,
20.

The Trumpeter Swan is even less numerous than the
Whistling, but passes across the state in its migrations. It
has been taken on Lake Erie several times within the past
ten years. Very little seems to be known of it as an Ohio
bird. This swan may remain in the state during the winter.

Orper HERODIONES. Bitterns, Herons,
Storks, Ibises, Egrets.

Susorper CICONL. Wood Ibis.
Family Ciconrip%. Wood Ibis.

The single species comprising this family rarely wanders
to the southern part of the state.

59. (188.) Tanratus LocuLator Linn. 192.
Wood Ibis.

Synonyms: American Wood Stork, Colorado Turkey, “Gannet,”
“Water Turkey.”

Wheaton, Reprint, Ohio Agri. Report, 1861, 21.

Apparently the only absolutely unquestionable record of

-

52 BIRDS OF OHIO.

this bird’s occurrence in Ohio is that of Mr. H. E. Chubb,
of Cleveland, who mounted a young male which was cap-
tured ten miles west of Cleveland. Dr. Langdon’s inferen-
tial record should not be omitted. Specimens captured on
the Whitewater river in Indiana very likely followed that
river to its junction with the Big Miami and.so into Ohio.

SuporpER HERODII. Bitterns, Herons, Egrets.

Family Arprmw#. Bitterns, Herons, Egrets.
Subfamily Boraurin. Bitterns.

All the species comprising this group are found in the
state. They are strictly swamp haunters, feeding and nesting
there. They usually stand quietly and wait for the prey to
come within striking distance, when they strike it with the
strong, sharp-pointed bill. I have seen them pursue the
frog or fish or tadpole. Apparently they eat any small ani-
mal which comes in their way in the swamps, except
birds.

60. (190.) Boraurus LENtTIGINosuS (Montag.). 190.
American Bittern.
Synonyms: Botaurus minor, Ardea minor, A. lentiginosus.
Bittern, Indian Hen, Stake Driver, Bog-bull, Thunder Pump,
Kirtland, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1838, 165.

The Bittern will not be known to those who do not go
into the marshes and swamps. It is seldom seen on running
streams, preferring the unfrequented swamps and bogs,
feeding in the stagnant pools among the reeds and brush.
It is reported as fairly common over the state, but will be
absent from places lacking swampy ground, and therefore
must be considered local in its distribution in summer. It
is more frequently seen during the migrations than at any
other time. While visiting in Medina in May, 1901, while
out with a party of bird students on a wet morning, we saw
a Bittern in an orchard in the heart of the residence district
of the village. It permitted an approach within a rod, and

HERODIONES, 5S

even then merely hopped into the foliage a little closer.
Later I learned that we failed to see the young bird which
was crouching in the grass. This bird is a summer resident,
probably breeding throughout the state wherever suitable
places may be found.

The first reach Oberlin late in March or early in April,
and the last return south late in October.

61. (191.) ARpETTA ExILis (Gmel.). 191.
Least Bittern.

Synonyms: Ardea exilis.
Kirtland, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1838, 165.

This little bittern is more local in its distribution than the
last species. At the Licking reservoir it was the most
numerous of the swamp haunting birds, but we were unable
to find one at the Lewiston reservoir. It nests in the San-
dusky bay swamps, and a pair has usually been found at
the Oak Point swamps. Elsewhere I have no knowledge of
it. The birds are so reluctant to leave their reedy retreats
that it is no wonder few are seen by any but the ardent orni-
thologist. It is likely that this bittern breeds locally through-
out the state, but the reports are not positive on that point.

The migrations are late in April or early in May, and the
last return south by the middle of September.

‘Subfamily Arpein. Herons and Egrets.

Six species of this group are found in Ohio. All of them
are wading birds and therefore feed in shallow water. They
choose more open water than the bitterns, trusting more to
watchfulness and stalking for their food. Their nests are
built in trees or bushes instead of in the rushes, and the
birds are found among the trees. Their colors do not blend
so perfectly with their surroundings. Their food is much
the same as that of the bitterns.

54 BIRDS OF OHIO.

62. (194.) ArRpEA HeERopIAS Linn. 185.
Great Blue Heron.

Synonyms: Blue Crane.
Kirtland, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1838, 165.

This, the largest of our herons, is being jostled about at
an alarming rate as its wooded retreats disappear. It is a
stmmer resident in all parts of the state, but the large
heronries once accommodating great numbers of pairs are
either greatly reduced or wholly destroyed. I have reports
of a great heronry at Richmond, and another, already re-
duced to half its-former size, some eight miles southeast of
Jefferson. The water is being drained off and the trees
made into lumber, and the birds must go. In Lorain county
half a dozen pairs nest each year, but there is no apparent
increase in numbers from year to year. Their nesting re-
treats have not yet been discovered, so they are lilely to re-
main in peace for some time.

Unlike the bitterns, the herons prefer either running water
or stagnant water free from much growing vegetation. The
Great Blue feeds mostly from the fish nets in Lake Erie,
taking the fish out of the “pounds.” Batrachians are cap-
tured in the streams and ponds, and some grasshoppers are
used to vary the diet.

The first reach Oberlin about March 20th, and the last
return south about the middle of October.

63. (196.) HeERoprAs EGRETTA (Gmel.). 186.
American Egret.

Synonyms: Herodias alba egretta, Ardea egretta.
Great White Egret, Great White Heron, White Crane.
Kirtland, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1838, 165, 185.

Dr. Wheaton wrote of this heron, “‘Rather common vis-
itor in July, August, and September.” It is now not only
not common, but any record is counted worthy of special
mention. Specimens have been taken in Erie, Lorain, Cuya-
hoga, and Ashtabula counties in recent years, besides the
numerous records from counties farther south. D1, Whea-

HERODIONES. 55

ton knew of no breeding records, but spoke of seeing young
birds. His statements seem to indicate that he regarded the
occurrence of this heron in Ohio as the result of a northward
migration after the breeding season. I have been unable to
find any actual breeding records. One of the two Lorain
county specimens, taken by Mr. R. E. Jump, near Oberlin,
was found during the spring. The majority of occurrences
seem to fall in July and August.

64. (197.) Ecretra cANDIDISSIMA (Gmel.). 187.
Snowy Heron.
Synonyms: Garzetta candidissima, Ardea candidissima.
Little White Egret.
Wheaton, Ohio Agri. Report, 1860, 368, 377.

The occurrence of this heron in the state nearly duplicates
that just given for the American Egret. While every record
is regarded as practically accidental for that county in which
the record falls, it is significant that the records cover prac-
tically all of the state except the extreme northwestern and
extreme southeastern parts. On the lake shore, Erie, Lo-
rain, Lake, Ashtabula; inland, Licking, Hardin, Defiance;
and Hamilton on the southwestern border are certainly rep-
resentative of the whole state. With our present knowledge
of this bird we must regard it as rare and irregular as a
summer visitor.

65. (200.) Frorma c#rutea (Linn.). —.
Little Blue Heron.

Synonym: Ardea czrulea.

Entered as hypothetical by Wheaton, Reprint, Ohio Agri. Re-
port, 1861, 21, and also in his 1882 Catalogue. Also as hypo-
thetical by Langdon, Cat. Birds of Cin., 1877, 15. The first
published record of this species as unquestionablv a bird of
Ohio is as follows:

McCormick, L. M., Auk, X, Oct., 1892, 397. Record of a bird
captured near Oberlin by Mr. R. E. Jump, about 1882.

The distribution of this little heron in Ohio is hardly less
irregular than that of the two egrets. Since the publication
of the Lorain county specimen others have been taken in

56 BIRDS OF OHIO.

Hamilton (Dury and C. C. Smith), Morgan (Morris and
Arrick), where it was found breeding, Ashtabula (Sim),
Perry (DeLong), Pike (Henninger). Reports from Colum-
biana and Defiance clearly refer to the Green Heron. The
movements of this heron are too erratic to make predictions
of its probable occurrence worth while.

66. (201.) BurtoripEs virescens (Linn.). 188.
Green Heron.
Synonyms: Ardea virescens.
Fly-up-the-creek, Shytepoke.
Kirtland, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1838, 165.

This is the common and well-known heron in Ohio. It is
common and breeds everywhere in the state where there is
water enough to furnish food and trees or other cover
enough to hide the nest and young. In Lorain county it
frequently nests in orchards bordering swamps, or in the
thick second growth on a hillside.

The Green Heron consumes quantities of grasshoppers,
and probably other large insects, besides its diet of tadpoles
and water insects, and small batrachians. It is too useful
to be persecuted for its ungainly carriage.

The first reach the state during the last week in April,
usually, and the most have gone south by the first of Octo-
ber, but individuals may tarry even after the middle of
November where the fishing is good.

67. (202.) NycTIcoRAX NYCTICORAX N#&vIUS. (Bodd.).
189.
Black-crowned Night Heron.

Synonyms: Nyctiardea grisea var. nevia, Ardea discors, Nycti-
ardea gardneri, Ardea nevia.
Night Heron, Quawk, Squawk, Qua-bird, American Night
Heron, Night Raven.

Kirtland, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1838, 165, 184.

This heron is locally common in the state, but seems to
be absent from many regions. It is a summer resident
wherever it is found. Its semi-nocturnal habits probably

PALUDICOLA. 57

account for its apparent absence from many places where it
should breed. It is another of the swamp loving hirds, nest-
ing in the trees and bushes which grow in the swamps or in
wet places.

Migration dates are lacking. It is likely that it winters
in some favorable places in the state. Observers should be
on the lookout for it.

Orper PALUDICOLZ. Cranes, Rails, Coots, Gallinules.
SUBORDER GRUES. Cranes.

Family Gruipa. Cranes.

All three of the North American cranes have been found
in Ohio, one of them having wandered from the west. In
general appearance the cranes show a marked resemblance
to the herons, but the space in front of the eye is covered
with bristles instead of being bare. While migrating they
fly in long files. They are not such strict marsh haunters
as the herons, but frequent uplands also. They are omnivo-
rous feeders, often swallowing indigestible matter and dis-
gorging it after a time. Frogs, lizards, snakes, field-mice
and probably insects, and vegetable food are eaten with
equal relish apparently.

68. (204.) GRus AMERICANA (Linn.). 238.
Whooping Crane.
Synonyms: Ardea americana.

White Crane.
Kirtland, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1838, 165.

The reports of the occurrence of this bird come from the
western half of the state, where it appears to be a rare mi-
grant.

I find no dates of migration. Judging from the migrations
in Iowa at nearly the same latitude, they should be seen
passing northward in a long thin line during the last week
in March and the first week in April.

58 BIRDS OF OHIO.

69. (206.) Grus Mexicana (Miull.). 239.
Sandhill Crane.

Synonyms: Grus canadensis, Ardea canadensis, A. moxicana.
Brown Crane, Southern. Sandhill Crane, Comnion Brown
Crane.

Wheaton, Ohio Agri. Report, 1860, 370, 480.

While this crane is by no means common it is rather more
numerous than the preceding species. It has been found
breeding at Chicago Junction, and near Toledo. The eggs
taken at Chicago Junction were successfully hatched and
the young reared and kept in captivity until their natural
death. One of the three birds of this lot was preserved by
Mr. E. E. Masterman, of New London, and is now in the
Oberlin College museum. It is a fine large bird in almost
perfect plumage.

The migrations should occur at the same time as those
of the Whooping Crane. The cranes may be distinguished
from other birds in flight by the manner of flight. After
perhaps ten deliberate wing strokes there is a period
of soaring flight of nearly the same duration, then
another beating of the wings followed by a soaring,
and so on. When the birds settle too close to the ground
in this straight-away flight they circle upward by means of
the same style of flight as when going straight ahead. At
intervals they croak in concert, creating a disturbance that
must arrest attention. In flight, legs and neck are stretched
out at full length.

SuporpDeR RALLI. Rails, Gallinules, Coots.
Family RaLiipe.

In food habits the species comprising this family agree in
general. All eat seeds, tender vegetation, worms, insects,
crustaceans, mollusks, and with these some rubbish. The
rails and gallinules live in the swamp’ vegetation very largely
while the coots live and feed more in the open water and are
therefore more often seen. The rails are averse to leaving
the cover of the grass, and will do so only when suddenly

PALUDICOLZ. 59

disturbed. They are so protectively colored, and know so

well how to assume protective attitudes, that they have small
need to leave their covers.

70. (208.) Rattus erecans Aud. 231.

King Rail.
Synonyms: Fresh-water Marsh Hen, Red-breasted Rail.
Wheaton, Ohio Agri. Report, 1860, 369, 378.

Inland this does not appear to be a common bird, but in
shallow ponds or lagoons near the lake it is common. It is
probably a summer resident wherever it occurs in the state,
nesting in the marshes.

It reaches Oberlin about the first of May, but I have no
records for the southward migration.

71. (212.) Rattus vircinranus Linn. 282.
Virginia Rail.
Nuttall, Man. IT, 1835, 205.

This is probably the most common of the rails along the
lake front where it is found in every marsh of any extent,
and may even resort to wet meadows to nest. He is so sly
and so hard to flush in spring that few but those who are
on the lookout and know where to find him realize his pres-
ence. The nest is generally placed on a hummock formed
by the roots of a bush or tuft of grass in the marsh, often
without concealment. In movement this bird resembles a
chicken, just as the King Rail resembles a hen. It is less
common than the Sora away from the lake marshes, becom-
ing even rare as a summer resident near our southern bor-
der.

The Virginia Rail reaches Lorain county about the first of
May, and has gone south by the middle of September.

72. (214.) PorzAna caroLina (Linn.). 233.
Sora.
Synonyms: Rallus carolirus.
Carolina Rail, Ortolan, Crake, Carolina Crake, Common Rail.
Kirtland, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1838, 165, 185.

60 BIRDS OF OHIO.

The Sora is a fairly common inhabitant of the marshes
and wet meadows wherever they occur in the state. It ap-
pears to be a little less numerous south than north. It fre-
quently nests in wet meadows or in the tall grass bordering
ditches. During the migrations it not infrequently strikes
buildings or wires or other obstructions, and is either killed
or hurt or dazed and is brought to notice more frequently
than any of the other rails in this way. One that had been
injured in the breast was found in the court of Peters Hall,
Oberlin, when the building was opened in the morning.
There had been no open doors or windows, nor any broken
window where it might have entered. Its appearance there
could not be accounted for unless it had squeezed under a
door in the basement.

The Sora reaches Oberlin shortly after the first of May,
according to my records. It probably arrives earlier but is
unnoticed at first. I have no records of its departure south-
ward, but since the date of capture of the one mentioned
above was October 23, 1896, it seems likely that the depart-
ure is not far from that date.

73. (215.) PorzANA NOVEBORACENSIS (Gmel.). 234.
Yellow Rail.

Synonyms: Rallus noveboracensis, Fulica noveboracensis.
Yellow-breasted Rail, Upland Rail, Yellow Crake, Little
Yellow Rail.

Kirtland, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1838, 165, 185.

This little rail is reported as rare in the six *counties
where it has been found. There is good reason to believe
that it is much more numerous than the records show, be-
cause it is both so small and so hard to flush from its reedy
retreats that we almost never see it. Systematic search
should reveal it in many localities where it has never been
seen.

I can find no records of nests actually found within the
state, but the dates upon which many specimens have been
found clearly indicate that this rail breeds in the northern

part of the state at least.
*Ashtabula, Cuyahoga, Erie, Hamilton, Lorain, Portage.

PALUDICOLA. 61

%4, (216.) PorzANA JAMAICENSIS (Gmel.). —
Black Rail.

Synonyms: Rallus jamaicensis.
Little Black Rail, Little Black Crake.

Entered as hypothetical by Dr. Wheaton in his 1882 Catalogue
on the authority of Dr. Langdon, whose record was also hypo-
thetical. The first published record must therefore stand as fol-
lows:

Dury, Charles, Journal Cin. Soc. Nat. Hist., 13, July, 1890, 97.

This specimen, one of two seen, was captured near Car-
thage, May 17, 1890, at Ross Lake. I find no other authen-
tic record.

7%. (218.) Ionornis mMartinica (Linn.). 235.
Purple Gallinule.
Synonyms: Porphyrio martinica, Gallinula martinica, Fulica
martinica.

Wheaton, Ohio Agri. Report, 1860, 369, 378, hypothetical. The
first unquestioned record seems to be as follows:

Wheaton, Bull. Nut. Orn. Club, II, 1877, 83. Specimen captured
by Dr. Howard EH. Jones, at Circleville, May 10, 1877.

The first specimen captured in the state of which we have
any record seems to be that reported to Dr. Wheaton. “Dr.
Hunt informs me of the capture of this species near the
mouth of the Big Miami river, on March 31, 1877.” “Two
specimens * * * * have since been taken at Madisonville,
one by the writer in the latter part of April, and another
by Mr. William H. Whetsel, early in May. Mr. John W.
Shorten also reports one killed May 1, at Jones’ Station
(about thirty miles from Cincinnati), by J. H. Kelly, Esq.”
( Wheaton.)

Prof. E. L. Moseley reports a specimen captured at San-
dusky bay, April 28, 1896; Dr. Carl Tuttle, one which had
flown against the telegraph wires and was killed, “along
the lake shore,” September 2, 1894 (Auk XII, 191).

No other records than these have come to my knowledge.

62 BIRDS OF OHIO.

76. (219.) GALLINULA GALEATA (Linn.). 236.
Florida Gallinule.
Synonyms: Gallinula chloropus, Crex galeata.
Common Gallinule, Red-billed Mud-hen.
Kirtland, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1838, 165, 185.

This rather conspicuous swamp bird is fairly common
over the entire state where there are marshes large enough
to accommodate it. In many of the larger swamps it is al-
most abundant. At Licking reservoir we found it in con-
siderable numbers. At the Sandusky bay marshes it is
more than common. I have not found it at the small
swamps at Oak Point. A few were to be found at Lorain
before the ship yards were established there. It does not
flush readily from its retreats, but makes such a disturbance
when running through the reeds and grasses that it can
readily be traced by sound. In the vicinity of the young
it is possible to approach within studying distance of the
parents.

They first reach northern Ohio about the first of May,
and the last is seen about the middle of September.

YY. (221.) Furica AMERICANA Gmel. 237.
American Coot.

Synonyms: Coot, Mud-hen, Crow Duck, White-billed Mud-hen.
Wheaton, Ohio Agri. Report, 1860, 369.

While the Coot is more.often seen than the Florida Galli-
nule by the casual bird student, it is not as numerous in
individuals in the state. It generally visits the Oberlin
water-works reservoir during both migrations, and may
visit the open water and ponds in the vicinity of the lake
shore at such times. If it remains all winter in the south-
ern counties it does so rarely. It was not found breeding
at either the Licking or Lewiston reservoirs, nor at Chippe-
wa lake, but one bird was seen by me at the Sandusky bay
swamps in July. It appears to breed sparingly in our most
northern marshes, but is not generally common in summer.

The Coot enters the state late in March, reaches the lake

LIMICOLA. 63

shore soon after the first of April, and returns south again
during late October.

Orper LIMICOLA. Shore Birds.

The Shore Birds very largely subsist on such animal food
as may be found in the soft mud or along the borders of
streams and ponds or on the shore of lake or ocean. All spe-
cies found in Ohio except the Plovers probe the mud for the
worms, insects and their larve, mollusks and other small
animals found there, but the Plovers glean mostly from the
surface and may also take some vegetable matter. They
are decidedly useful birds, keeping in check insects which
other birds would not destroy.

Family PHataropopip#. Phalaropes.

Two of the three species of this family are found in Ohio,
and the other one may yet be discovered. At best they are
unusual and wary, wading in the water and swimming on
its surface with ease.

%8. (223.) PHALAROPUS LoBATUS (Linn.). 227. a
Northern Phalarope. |
Synonyms: Lobipes hyperboreus, Phalaropus hyperboreus,
Tringa lobata.
Red-necked Phalarope.

Kirtland, Am. Journal Sci. and Arts, XL, 1841, 21.

I have been unable to add any records of this species to
those given by Dr. Wheaton, which are as follows: A sin-
gle specimen (not a pair) taken near the pier in Cleveland
harbor in November, 1840 (?), and preserved in Dr. Kirt-
land’s collection. A pair taken by Dr. Jasper, on the Scioto
river, also in winter plumage, one of them preserved in Dr.
Wheaton’s, the other in Oliver Davies’ collection. Dr.
Wheaton also remarks that others have been taken by Mr.
R. K. Winslow and others on the lake shore. The
status of the species as an Ohio bird must rest upon the
three captured specimens.

64 BIRDS OF OHIO.

79. (224.) STEGANOPUS TRICOLOR Vieill. 228.
Wilson Phalarope.
Synonyms: Steganopus wilsoni, Phalaropus wilsonii, Phalar-
opus tricolor.
Kirtland, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1838, 165, 185.

This phalarope is reported only from Erie county where
it is stated it may breed. It has been found in Lorain county
three times, each time during the first week in May. While
it may breed in the north-western part of the state there is
no record of its doing so.

The few notes upon its migration seem to indicate that it
reaches the northern counties soon after the first of May.
A more careful search for this interesting bird should dis-
cover it in many places where it is not known at present.
It is wary and difficult to approach.

Family Recurvirostrip&. Avocets and Stilts.

Both North American members of this family have been
found in the state. They are also rare, and, like the last
family, are waders. They do not swim as well, since their
toes lack the lobes on their sides.

80. (225.) RECURVIROSTRA AMERICANA Gmel. 229.
American Avocet.

Kirtland, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1837, 166 185.

The rarity of this species in the state is attested by the
paucity of reports of its occurrence. Dr. Wheaton placed
it upon his list on the authority of Dr. Kirtland, who report-
ed specimens that had been killed near Cincinnati by sports-
men. Mr. Charles Dury makes this later record, “Has been
seen on sandbar of Ohio river.” Mr. A. Hall “saw a
specimen taken near Cleveland.” Rev. W. L. Dawson in-
forms me of a specimen secured at St. Mary’s reservoir,
Nov. 10, 1882, by Mr. Clemens Utter, which is now in the
collection of the State University. Mr. R. W. Smith re-
ports “One specimen, in winter plumage, taken at Lebanon

LIMICOLA. 65

reservoir, in the spring of 1880, and now in Mr. Gould’s
collection.”

This exhausts what we know of the Avocet as an Ohio
bird.

81. (226.) Himantopus MExicanus (Mull.). 230.
Black-necked Stilt.
Synonyms: Himantopus nigricollis, Charadrius mexicanus.
Stilt, Long-shanks, Lawyer.
Langdon, Journal Cin. Soc. Nat. Hist., I, 1879, 182.

The above citation rests upon the authority of Mr. Dury.
Dr. Wheaton also states that “The Stilt has been repeatedly
taken on Lake Erie, as I am informed by Mr. Winslow.”
There are no more recent records.

Family Scotopacip#. Snipes, Sandpipers, etc.

Ohio is credited with twenty-seven members of this var-
ied family. The Woodcock is strictly sylvan, found no-
where but in the wet woods. Many are shore haunters,
some feed in wet meadows, and most of them are likely to
be found in or around the field ponds and spring flooded
places where the water stands for a few days or weeks. All
have sensitive bills with which they are able to feel the
worm or insect in the mud, and some are able to move the
tip of the bill without moving the rest of the bill. Some
- travel in flocks of varying size while some are solitary. Ref-
erence to the individual species will discover other points
which it would not be possible to treat here.

82. (228.) PHILoHELA MINOR (Gmel.). 200.
American Woodcock.

Synonyms: Scolopax minor.
Bog-sucker, Big Mud Snipe, Big-headed Snipe, Blind Snipe,
Whistling Snipe, Timber Doodle, Bog Bird, Night Partridge,
Night Peck, Hookum Pake, “Pewee,” Labarador Twister,
Whistler.

Kirtland, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1838, 165.

The Woodcock is too much sought after and therefore

66 BIRDS OF OHIO.

.too well known as a game bird to pass unnoticed in any lo-
cality. It is generally reported as being a fairly common
-breeding bird throughout the state. Naturally it is more
numerous in wet or damp woods than elsewhere, and may
become even abundant in restricted localities which afford
it both cover and abundant food. Being semi-nocturnal,
it must be flushed to be seen during the day. At twilight
one may be favored with the so-called song and peculiar
mazy dancing flight during the mating season, in regions
where the birds are numerous.

Woodcock is the only woods-haunting bird which probes
deep into the mud for the worms and insect larvae which
lurk there. It therefore performs an office as an insect de-
stroyer which is shared by no other bird. As its name im-
plies, it is strictly sylvan, seldom venturing out of the brushy
retreats except to pass from woods to woods, or during the
mating flight.

One would naturally expect a bird which depended upon
mud-inhabiting insects for food to tarry south until warm
weather insured an abundant supply of its food; but the
Woodcock reaches Oberlin during the last week in March
at the latest, often by the middle of that month, and does
not return south until early November.

83. (230.) GALLINAGO DELICATA (Ord). 201.
Wilson Snipe.
Synonyms: Gallinago wilsoni, G. media wilsoni, Scolopax wil-

sonii, S. delicata.
American Snipe, Jack Snipe.

Kirtland, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1838, 165.

The Jack Snipe is still an abundant migrant in some lo-
calities, but is becoming scarce in others. It is the mud pro-
ber of the fields and treeless bottom lands, complementing
the work of the Woodcock. There can be no doubt that this
snipe does good service for the farmer in ridding his wet
fields of the insect larva which burrow there ready for the
young crop soon to appear. It is a pity that the erratic flight
of the snipe offers so many temptations to the sportsman,

LIMICOLA, 67

and his flesh to the epicure. He is a necessary factor in the
economy of agricultural science.

Reports of the breeding of this species in several counties
pretty clearly indicate mistaken identification of the bird.
So far as I have been able to judge, there are still no authen-
tic records of nests or young actually found in the state. It
may yet be found breeding in the north-western counties,
and possibly elsewhere.

There is unmistakable evidence that this snipe sometimes
winters in the state. Prof. E. L. Moseley records them in
winter some miles west of Sandusky where springs prevent
the freezing of the mud and water. In the southern counties
there are January records which can hardly be migrating
birds.

The first migrants reach Oberlin about the first of April,
and some remain well into May. Their return in autumn is
too irregular to make any definite statements possible, ex-
cept that the last tarry well toward the end of October.

84. (231.) MacroRHAMPHUS GRISEUS (Gmel.). 202.
Dowitcher.
Synonyms: Scolopax grisea.
Red-breasted Snipe, Gray Snipe, Gray-back, Gray-backed
Snipe, Long-billed Dowitcher, Brown-back.
Kirtland, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1838, 165.

Judging from the reports, it is a decidedly rare bird in
Ohio. Dr. Langdon and Mr. Dury report it without com-
ment as rare near Cincinnati, and Prof. Moseley reports it
rare without comment at Sandusky. It is not mentioned
by others. It has never been taken in Lorain county.

It should be looked for in April and May, and again in
late July, in August and probably in September.

85. (232.) MacRORHAMPHUS SCOLOPACEUS (Say.). 202a.
Long-billed Dowitcher.

Synonyms: Macrorhamphus griseus scolopaceus, Limosa scol-
pacea.
Western Dowitcher, Red-bellied Snipe, Greater Long-neck.
Wheaton, Ohio Agri. Report, 1884, 1875, 572.

68 BIRDS OF OHIO.

There seemed to be considerable confusion in Dr. Whea-
ton’s mind regarding the two Dowitchers, since this species
was not included in the body of his catalogue, but was
given a place in his check-list. It seems likely that his M.
griseus covered this species which was then regarded as a
subspecies. I have but two specific references to this spe-
cies, both from Cincinnati. Mr. William Hubbell Fisher
has permitted me to examine a specimen in his private col-
lection, and Mr. Charles Dury reports it as rare. If there
be other specimens in collections they have not been brought
to my notice. Its normal range would seem to lie west of
Ohio, although the other species is the rarer in Indiana, ac-
cording to Butler.

86. .(233.) MicropALAMA HIMANTOPUS (Bonap.). 203.
Stilt Sandpiper.

Synonyms: Tringa himantopus.
Wheaton, Ohio Agri. Report, 1874, 1875, 572.

Dr. Wheaton admits it to his catalogue on the authority
of Mr. Winslow. Mr. A. Hall enters it as “Very rare,”
near Cleveland. The only other record is the following:
Forest and Stream, XX XIII, No. 1816, p. 265 (?). Dr. E.
Sterling. 1889.

8%. (234.) Trinca canutus Linn. 204.
Knot.

Synonyms: Red-breasted Sandpiper, Gray-back, Robin Snipe,
May Bird, Ash-colored Sandpiper, White-bellied Snipe, Sil-
ver-back, Red-breast Plover, Beach Robin, Horse-foot Snipe,
Robin-breast, White Robin Snipe, Red Sandpiper, Blue Plo-

_ ver. .

Wheaton, Ohio Agri. Report, 1860, 380, hypothetical. The first
published record: of a specimen actually taken seems to be
the following:

Wheaton, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1882, Vol. IV, Pt. 1, 478.

“Mr. Ed. Savage, of this city, captured a fine male, of a
pair in full breeding plumage, at the Licking reservoir,
May 27, 1878.”-

LIMICOLA. 69

Prof. E. L. Moseley, of Sandusky, is the only contributor
to report it.

88. (235.) ARQUATELLA MARITIMA (Briinn.). 205.
Purple Sandpiper.

Synonyms: Tringa maritima.

Wheaton, Ohio Agri, Report, 1860, 380, hypothetical.

Apparently the only specimen actually captured in the
state is that reported by Mr. Winslow from near Cleveland,
which he says was preserved in the collection of the Cleve-
land Academy of Sciences.

89. (239.) AcTopRoMAS MACULATA (Vieill.). 206.
Pectoral Sandpiper.
Synonyms: ‘Tringa maculata.
Grass Snipe, “Jack Snipe,’ Krieker.
Wheaton, Ohio Agri. Report, 1860, 369.

This distinctively field sandpiper is fairly common as a
migrant in all parts of the state. It may be abundant at
some times during the migrations. It travels in flocks of
from half a dozen to fifty or more birds which move as one
bird. In general habits these birds resemble the plovers
more than the sandpipers, apparently gleaning as well as
probing for food. They must be classed as true benefactors

to the farmer.

' The first migrants reach Oberlin about the middle of
April, and some tarry into the first week of May. The first
return late in July and some remain about the wet bottom-
lands until the first of October.

90. (240.) AcrToproMas FUSCICOLLIS (Vieill.). 207.
White-rumped Sandpiper.
Synonyms: Actodromas bonapartii. Tringa bonapartii. Trin-

ga fuscicollis.
Bonaparte’s Sandpiper.

Wheaton, Ohio Agri. Report, 1860, 369.

In spite of the statement by Dr. Wheaton that this sand-
piper is a “not uncommon spring and fall migrant on Lake

70 BIRDS OF OHIO,

Erie, rare in the interior of the state,” there remain only
the records mentioned by him in his 1882 catalogue. Dr.
Wheaton found it once, “in a locality known as the ‘Broom-
corn’ fields, near Shadeville in Franklin county, late in Oc-
tober, 1875.” Dr. Langdon’s record follows: ‘Two speci-
mens, the first recorded for this vicinity, taken September
6, 1879, near Glendale, Ohio, by Mr. J. B. Porter; both
were males.” The records of Mr. R. K. Winslow must be
discounted, in the absence of specimens.

Bird students should be on the lookout for this species,
which should be found in some numbers in the state.

91. (241.) AcTopromMAS BAIRDII Coues. 208.
Baird Sandpiper.

Synonyms: Tringa bairdii.

Wheaton, Ohio Agri. Report, 1874, 572.

While this sandpiper is reported by Mr. Dury alone of
all those who have handed lists to me, it cannot be as rare
as that would indicate. It has been taken in Lorain county
several times during its southward migration, but never in
spring that Iam aware of. It should be found in some num-
bers with the other sandpipers. Probably the whole trou-
ble is that none know the bird in the field. The winter plu-
mage is not as distinctive as one could wish, but identifica-
tion is not difficult.

92. (242. AcTODRAMAS MINUTILLA (Vieill.). 209.
Least Sandpiper.

Synonyms: Tringa minutilla, T. wilsonii.

Kirtland, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1838, 165.

The Least Sandpiper usually reaches Oberlin in flocks
after May 10. It is easily approached and readily identified,
yet few seem to know it. I have always found it along the
borders of ponds probing in the mud, or bathing in the wa-
ter's edge. It was found in considerable numbers by Mr.
Dawson and myself on Middle Bass Island during the first
week in August, 1901. I have not seen it in the southward
migration in Lorain county.

LIMICOLA. val

93. (243a.) PELIDNA ALPINA PACIFICA (Cous). 210.
Red-backed Sandpiper.
Synonyms: Tringa alpina var. americana, Pelidna alpina amer-
icana, P. pacifica, Tringa schinzii.

American Dunlin, Black-breast, Black-bellied Sandpiper, Ox
Bird.

Kirtland, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1838, 165, 185.

There has apparently been a considerable decrease in the
numbers of this species since Dr. Wheaton prepared his
catalogue. It is nowhere given as common in the state. It
is rare in Lorain county at any time of year, but has been
recorded more often in the autumn than during the spring
migrations. It is strictly a migrant across the state.

Migration dates are too few to be of service in determin-
ing the time of migration, but they indicate a northward
movement during late April or early May, continuing well
toward the close of May; and a return late in September
or early October.

94. (246.) ErREUNETES PUSILLUS (Linn.). 211.
Semipalmated Sandpiper.
Synonyms: Ereunetes petrificatus, Tringa pusilla.
Peep.
Wheaton, Ohio Agri. Report, 1860, 369.

This and the Least Sandpiper might easily be confused
by any one not familiar with the two species. The differ-
ence in size would hardly be apparent unless the birds were
ear together. It is reported generally as not common dur-
mg the migrations, but may be in some localities during fa-
vorable seasons. They often mingle with the Least Sand-
pipers in the fall at the common feeding-grounds of the
shore birds. Both species, with many others, were recorded
at the lagoon on Middle Bass Island during the first week of
August, 1901, by Mr. Dawson and myself.

They appear to migrate somewhat earlier than the Least
Sandpipers, in spring, but may return with them.

72 BIRDS OF OHIO.

95. (248.) CaLIpRIS ARENARIA (Linn.). 212.
Sanderling.
Synonyms: Tringa arenaria.
Ruddy Plover, Beach-bird.
Wheaton, Ohio Agri. Report, 1860, 480.

This light colored sandpiper is often common along the
lake shore during both migrations. It appears to be less com-
mon in the interior of the state, but should be found on the
gravelly beach of lake or large pond or reservoir. In flight
the flocks are compact and move as one bird. I saw eleven
killed from a flock of less than thirty birds with one dis-
charge of the shot-gun. I have never seen the birds except
in flocks of from six to fifty individuals.

The food consists largely of the insects washed ashore
by the waves. and any other fragments of animal matter
whivh the birds care for. They seldom run out on the beach
far 1rom the water, but depend largely upon the waves for
food.

It passes through Lorain county during May, rarely tarry-
ing into the first week of June, and returns by the middle
of August, remaining well toward October.

96. (249.) Limosa Fepoa (Linn.). 213.
Marbled Godwit. ;
Synonyms: Limosa feda, Scolopax fedoa.
Great Marbled Godwit, Doe Bird, Dough Bird, Marlin.
Kirtland, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1838, 165, 185.

I am able to add nothing to Dr. Wheaton’s records of
this bird in the state. “Dr. Kirtland notes its capture in sev-
eral instances in northern Ohio. Mr. Langdon states on the
authority of Mr. Dury, that thirty-three were ‘shot in one
day, near the mouth of the Little Miami, some years ago, by
Charles Weeks, Esq.’ A specimen was taken by a son of
Dr. Jasper in the immediate vicinity of this city (Colum-
bus), April 21, 1879.” The wariness of the shore birds
and the absolute necessity of securing specimens of most of
them to make the identifications sure, are reasons which
make the records of so many so unsatisfactory.

LIMICOLA. "3

97. (251.) Limosa Ha@mastica (Linn.). 214.
Hudsonian Godwit.
Synonyms: Scolopax hemastica.

Smaller Doe-bird, American Black-tailed Godwit, Ring-tailed
Marlin.

Kirtland, Ohio, Geol. Surv., 1838, 165, 185.

The records which Dr. Wheaton gives for this species are
all that I have been able to find. “Dr. Kirtland notes its
capture in the vicinity of Cincinnati, and Mr. Winslow
mentiohs its occurrence near Cleveland. I met a flock of
eight birds, in the spring of 1858, wading in a shallow pond
in an old brickyard within the city (Columbus) limits, but
was not so fortunate as to secure specimens. In the spring
of 1861 a fine specimen was taken below the State dam, near
the city, by a sportsman and taxidermist, which was pre-
served until recently.” There appear to have been but two
specimens actually captured in the state. We should make
a better record than this for Ohio.

98. (254.) ToraNus MELANOLEUCUS (Gmel.). 215.
Greater Yellow-legs.

Snyonyms: Scolopax melanoleuca, Gambetta melanoleuca,
Totanus vociferus.
Greater Tell-tale, Greater Yellow-shanks, Long-legged Tat-
tler, Stone-snipe.

Kirtland, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1838, 165.

Fairly common during the migrations over the entire
state. It may be absent from some restricted localities
where there are no ponds or wet meadows to furnish feed-
ing places. Both Yellow-legs feed standing “knee” deep in
the water, often immersing the entire head, but oftener dart-
ing about and thrusting here and there for some fleeing in-
sect or tadpole. While they are not distinctly beneficial they
are certainly not harmful to agricultural interests. They
may often be seen in small flocks of about a dozen or less
individuals, or singly on the borders of ponds of almost any
extent, or on the lake shore.

4 BIRDS OF OHIO.

This species reaches Oberlin about April 20th, and often
tarries well into May. It returns again about the middle of
September and remains a month. Rev. W. F. Henninger
has a record for March 14, 1899, which is certainly early .
for the species, for southern Ohio.

99. (255.) Toranus FLAVIPES (Gmel.). 216.
Yellow-legs.
Synonyms: Scolopax flavipes, Gambetta flavipes.
Lesser Tell-tale, Common Yellow-legs, Lesser Yellow-shanks.
Kirtland, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1838, 161.

Judging from my own experience, this is the commoner
form of this genus in northern Ohio at least. It is found
in the same situations as the larger species, and frequently
associates with it, while feeding, but seems to prefer to fly
only with its own kind. I have seen companies of fifteen to
twenty birds, in the ratio of two of the Greater to three
of the Lesser Yellow-legs, feeding together, in starting up
from the pool immediately separate, each species flying by
itself.

Rev. W. F. Henninger has a record for southern Ohio
on March 18, 1901. This is undoubtedly the earliest record
for the appearance of this species for the state. The average
date of arrival at Oberlin falls close to the first of May.
This may be too late, since there are records for the middle
of April. The southward movement begins early in Au-
gust and continues to the end of September.

100. (256.) HELopRoMAs soLitaRius (Wils.). 217.
Solitary Sandpiper.
Synonyms: Totanus solitarius, T. chlorypigius. Rhyacophilus
solitarius, Tringa solitaria.
American Green Sandpiper, Solitary Tattler, Wagtail, Tip-up.
Kirtland, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1838, 165.

As its name implies, this bird is solitary in its habits, and
does not occur in flocks. It clearly prefers a small pond in
the borders of some open woods, or in the midst of a pas-
ture in which there remain scattering trees. It may also be

LIMICOL2. 15

found in more open situations during the migration period,
rarely loosely associated with Yellow-legs. I have never
seen it in merely damp places, but it sometimes frequents
small temporary streams which run through meadows.
There seems good evidence that this. sandpiper- breeds spar-
ingly from the vicinity of Columbus northward. I have
seen individuals in each summer month. Dr. Wheaton
found a young bird in the care of its parents near Columbus.
The ease with which this species may be confounded with
the Spotted Sandpiper may account for its apparent absence
during the summer. It has the general appearance, and a
note which closely resembles that of the Spotted Sandpiper,
but lacks the round spots on the underparts, and has white
spots on its back. The white spotted back should positively
separate it from the Spotted Sandpiper, and its note should
be equally distinctive from the Yellow-legs which also has
white dorsal spots.

This sandpiper reaches Oberlin during the third week of
April, and returns south rather late in October.

101. (258.) SyMPHEMIA SEMIPALMATA (Gmel.). 218.
Willet. -

Synonyms: Totanus semipalmatus, Scolopax semipalmata.
Semipalmated Tattler.

Kirtland, Ohio Geol, Surv., 1838, 165.

Besides Dr. Wheaton’s records, Dr. Langdon and Mr.
Dury are the only ones who report this species. It has not
been taken in Lorain county. Dr. Wheaton’s statement,
clearly based upon Dr. Kirtland’s information, that it is
‘Not a common spring and fall migrant, probably breeds in
northern Ohio,” indicates that since 1838, when Dr. Kirt-
land found it in summer on the lake shore, it has become not
only rare but almost extinct. If it still occurs near Cincin-
nati it is very rarely. Observers should watch carefully for
the birds and report any occurrences.

76 BIRDS OF OHIO.

i
102. (261.) BarTRaMIA LONGICAUDA (Bechst.). 220.
Bartramian Sandpiper.
Synonyms: Actiturus bartramius, Totanus bartramius, Tringa
pbartramia, Tringa longicauda.
Upland Plover, Bartram’s Tattler, Field Plover, Grass Plo-
ver, Prairie Pigeon, Prairie Snipe.
Audubon, Orn. Biog., IV, 1838, 24.

This large upland sandpiper is fairly common during the
entire summer over the greater part of the state, being
rather less common along our southern border as a summer
resident. ‘While a few breed in the vicinity of Oberlin
each year, the individuals are so few that they might easily
be counted and their breeding places located. These birds
are rather gleaners than probers, and therefore feed upon
the insect life at the surface of the ground and among the
grass, doing good service in meadows.

The average appearance for Oberlin is April 15, and the
average date of last seen October 15. Rev. W. F. Hennin-
ger has a record for March 21, 1902, for southern Ohio.
The birds leave the state about October 25. a

103. (262.) TRYNGITES sUBRUFICOLLIS (Vieill.). 221.
Buff-breasted Sandpiper.
Synonyms: Tryngites rufescens, Tringa subruficollis, T. rufe-
scens.
Kirtland, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1838, 165.

“Rare migrant, only noted in the fall. In addition to its
occurrence noted by Dr. Kirtland (Cleveland, two specimens
captured in August, 1840), it has since been taken on sever-
al occasions near Cleveland. A specimen was taken in the
immediate vicinity of this city, August 31, 1876, which is
now in the collection of the Ohio State University. This
bird was in company with Semipalmated Plover and Semi-
palmated Sandpipers, on a gravelly bank of the Scioto
river.” (Wheaton, 1882.) Nothing more has been report-
ed concerning this species.

LIMICOLA. V7

104. (263.) AcrTiTIs MACULARIA (Linn.). 222.
Spotted Sandpiper.
Synonyms: Tringoides macularius, Totanus macularius, Tringa
macularia.

Sandpiper, Spotted Tattler, Peet-weet, Wag-tail, Tip-up,
Teeter-tail, Sand-lark.

Kirtland, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1838, 165.

This is the common little sandpiper throughout the state.
No one who has walked by a lake shore or along the mar-
gins of any considerable stream or moderate to large pond,
can have failed to see this bird. It is common everywhere
all summer, breeding in fields or on the steep banks of lakes
and rivers. Only once have I failed to find it on the lake
shore in summer, gleaning among the debris thrown up by
the waves. I have also watched it gleaning in the meadows
and plowed fields.

The first reach Oberlin about April 17th, and the last are
seen during the first week of September. These dates do
not vary materially from those for southern Ohio contrib-
uted by Rev. Mr. Henninger.

105. (264.) NuMENIUS LoNcIRosTRIS Wils. 223.
Long-billed Curlew.

Synonyms: Sickle-bill.
Kirtland, Ohio Ohio Geol. Surv., 1838, 165, 185.

The reports indicate that this rather conspicuous bird is
rarely seen within the state, but the places of occurrence
are so well scattered that it may be expected to occur occa-
sionally over practically the whole of the state except the
southeastern fifth. Dr. Wheaton records specimens taken
near Cleveland by Dr. Kirtland; at Licking reservoir, spec-
imens captured there having been examined by Dr. Whea-
ton, and the probability of its occurrence at St. Mary’s res-
ervoir; and Dr. Langdon’s records of several specimens
taken near Cincinnati. To these may be added Defiance
(Slocum), Erie (Moseley), and an additional record of a
flock of seven at Licking reservoir, May 31, 1902, recorded
by the writer and Mr. Irving A. Field. While it is possible

78 BIRDS OF OHIO.

that this species may be found breeding in some parts of the
state, no positive record has yet been made to that effect.

It is likely that the birds arrive from the south about the
middle of April, tarrying well toward June as the records
prove. They might-be mistaken for the Bartramian Sand-
piper when so far away that the extremely long curved bill
cannot be seen, but otherwise they should be easy of identi-
fication.

106. (265.) Numenrus Hupsonicus Lath. 224.
Hudsonian Curlew.
Synonyms: Jack Curlew, Short-billed Curlew, American Wim-
brel.
Kirtland, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1838, 165, 185.

Dr. Wheaton gives practically the same records for this
curlew as for the Long-billed. Records from Defiance
(Slocum), Erie (Moseley), and Ashtabula (Sim) have
come to me. This species was regarded as less likely to oc-
cur than the preceding, by Dr. Wheaton. So far as the re-
ports received are concerned it would appear to be scattered
over the state about the same. It is strictly a migrant in the
state Ur. Wheaton had never seen it in Ohio.

10%. (266.) NuMeENruS BoREALIS (Forst.). 225.
Eskimo Curlew.
Synonyms: Scolopax borealis.
Esquimaux Curlew, Dough-bird.
Wheaton, Ohio Agri. Report, 1860, 380, 480.

Dr. Wheaton’s statement that it isa “Not common spring
and fall migrant” seems to be pretty largely based upon a
report from Mr. R. K. Winslow that “it is not rare in the
vicinity of Cleveland,” without specimens to prove the state-
ment. Dr. Wheaton records only the capture of a speci-
men taken near Cincinnati by Mr. Shorten, in September,
1878, but states that he saw a single bird in a flock of
Golden Plovers in the vicinity of Columbus. Prof. E. L.
Moseley reports it-as rare in Erie county as seen by Dr.
Graffe. The similarity of this and the last species makes

LIMICOLZ. "9

any records other than.those of actual captures of questioni-
able value. Fortunately we have a specimen taken within
the state.

Family Cuarapriip#. Plovers.

The Plovers have short beaks which are not fitted for
probing in the mud, but for gleaning from the surface.
They wade some, but seem to prefer to keep near the edge
of the water. They have a strong tendency to flock, but
may also be found singly, even during the migrations.

108. (270.) SQuUATAROLA SQUATAROLA (Linn.). 195.
Black-bellied Plover.
Synonyms: Squatarola helvetica, Charadrius helveticus, C.
squatarola, Tringa squatarola, T. helvetica.

Swiss Plover, Bull-head Plover, Whistling Field Plover, Ox:.
eye, Beetle-head.

Kirtland, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1838, 165, 185.

This plover appears to be rare throughout the stat>. It
has not been generally reported, but such reports as have
been made indicate that it may be found occasionally every-
where except in the south-eastern fifth. Its migrations begin
about the middle of April and may continue well toward
June. In the autumn they should be found in August and
September.

109. (272..) CHARADRIUS DomiInicus Mull. 196.
American Golden Plover.
Synonyms: Charadrius fulvus var. virginicus, C. pluvialis, C.
virginicus, C. fulvus.
Golden Plover, Field Plover, Bull-head Plover, Bull-head,
Green-back, Green Plover.

Kirtland, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1838, 165, 184.

From common or even abundant during the spring migra-
tions up to the time Dr. Wheaton’s work closed, this plover
has become hardly more than casual in most sections of the
state. It is still found in some numbers occasionally, in
spring, in regions where the small lakes are numerous, and

80 BIRDS OF OHIO.

sometimes on the shore of Lake Erie. Several reports to the
contrary notwithstanding, it does not nest in the state. Late
spring and early autumn records of many of this group of
birds do not necessarily indicate that they breed in the re-
gion where such records have been made. The “Shore
Birds” linger late and return early.

The Golden Plover, as well as several other species, mi-
grates in flocks which fly as one bird. When one individ-
ual has been shot from a flock the rest return for the lost
one, and may be in danger of a similar fate at the hands of
a thoughtless hunter. They should be looked for about the
middle of April, and again in late August or early Septem-
ber.

110. (273.) OxyEcHus vociFerus (Linn.). 19%.
Killdeer.
Synonyms: Charadrius vociferus. Adgialitis vocifera.
Killdeer Plover, Ring Plover.
Kirtland, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1838, 165.

Of all members of this group of birds the Killdeer is
probably the best known, because he talks about himself so
much! He is among the first birds to come from the south
in early March, not seldom reaching the lake shore with the
Robin and Bluebird, but more often about a week behind
them. One would expect a bird of his tastes to fare poorly
while snow still covers the ground for days at a time, but
he seems to find enough to keep him warm and active. At
first he stays close to some low, wet place, gleaning from the
surface of the mud, or searches out the fields which have
been well kept and therefore furnish him with a clear sur-
face to feed upon. It seems likely that the Killdeer some-
times eats soft seeds when insects, worms, and other soft
animals are difficult to find, but I have no direct evidence
of it. At any rate, he must be classed with the distinctly
beneficial birds because of the insect larvee which he eats.

The first decidedly spring thaw, which may occur late in
February or not till the second week in March, brings this
bird to Lorain county. He stays all winter in the southern

LIMICOLA. 81

part of the state. His stay in the autumn is determined by
weather conditions, but he is usually to be found until the
first of November, and sometimes well toward the close of
that month.

111. (274.) AEcrIaLiTis semrpaLmata Bonap. 198.
Semipalmated Plover.
Synonyms: Charadrius semipalmatus.
Ring-neck, Ring Plover, Semipalmated Ring Plover.
Kirtland, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1838, 168, 184.

This little plover is far more common in autumn than in
spring, and Dr. Wheaton records it but once in spring at
Columbus—May, 1880. It is not uncommon at the lake
shore in autumn, from the last week in July until the mid-
dle of September. It often associates with Killdeer and the
Sanderlings, but in flight flocks separately. It is generally
seen in small flocks, but single individuals are sometimes
found on the lake shore as well as on the smaller ponds.
Its single black breast band easily distinguishes it from
Killdeer if its smaller size does not. -I have never seen it
feeding except at the water’s edge or among the recently
thrown-up wash on the shore. Its food seems to be largely
insects and small mollusks.

112. (277.) AEGIALITIs MELoDA (Ord). 199.
Piping Plover.
Synonyms: Charadrius melodus, Agialitis melodus.
Ring-neck.
Kirtland, Am. Journal Sci. and Arts, XL, 1841, 24.

It seems more than likely that the A. O. U. committee
will finally reduce this and the next form to one species, but
in the absence of legislation it seems necessary to include both
forms. The interrupted black breast band of this form and
the continuous breast band of the subspecies, .a difference
upon which the subdivision of the species was largely based,
does not seem to be a good character.

Reports of the occurrence of this small plover are meager
Dr. Langdon and Mr. Dury report it from Cincinnati, Prof.

82 BIRDS OF OHIO.

Moseley from Sandusky, there are specimens taken in Lo-
rain county, and the record of Dr. Wheaton for the vicini-
ty of Columbus exhaust the records. It is certainly a rare
migrant across the state, probably in late April.

113. (27%a.) AEGIALITIS MELODA CIRCUMCINCTA Ridgw.
Belted Piping Plover.

Dr. Wheaton said of this form, in his 1882 catalogue,
“Mr. Ridgway describes as a geographical race of this spe-
cies, var. circumcinctus, from the Missouri region. To this
variety Mr. Nelson refers the birds taken in Illinois by him,
and doubtless Ohio birds are the same. But specimens of
circumcinctus have been taken in various localities on the
Atlantic coast and doubtless, as held by Mr. Brewster, the
variety is untenable.”

There are specimens of both forms in Ohio collections,
but circumcincta appears to be the more numerous. Just as
we go to press, Mr. W. L. Dawson, Prof. J. S. Hine and the
writer have found some half-dozen pairs of this form breed-
ing on'the beach of Cedar Point, across from Sandusky,
near the new Lake Laboratory of the Ohio State University.
A set of four eggs was taken there, in an advanced state of
incubation, June 26. This form should be found breeding
in any suitable localities over the state.

Family Apurizipz. Turnstone.

The species which is found in Ohio always occurs in
flocks while it is with us. I have never seen it except on the
lake shore, where it was gleaning among the rubbish thrown
up by the waves. It is a striking looking bird, easily identi-
fied.

114. (283.) ARENARIA INTERPRES (Linn.). 194.
Turnstone.
Synonyms: Strepsilas interpres, Tringa interpres.
Brant Bird, Calico-black, Bead Bird, Horse-foot Snipe.
Kirtland, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1838, 165, 184.

GALLINA, 83

. The Turnstone appears to be liftle known in the interior
of the state. It has been recorded at Cincinnati (Langdon),
but not elsewhere away from the lake shore. It is also re-
ported from Erie and Cuyahoga counties. It is somewhat
irregular in Lorain county, but generally seen during the
spring migrations in small flocks. All of my records fall
between May 16 and 20. I have not seen it in autumn.
While here it remains near the water’s edge, gleaning from
the wash of the waves. I have rarely seen it feeding on
the loose sand among the larger stones a rod or more from
the water. Dr. Wheaton did not find it near Columbus.

OrpeErR GALLINZ. Gallinaceous Birds.

To this group belong the Game Birds par excellence.
Their flesh is pleasant because they feed so largely upon
vegetable matter of various kinds. Careful investigation
of the food of these birds reveals the fact that the propor-
tion of cultivated grain eaten is very small, while the weed
seeds form a large proportion. There can be no doubt that
of the. grain eaten much is what has fallen during harvest,
and so would be wasted if the birds did not get it. In some
localities members of this group do eat grain to a considera-
ble extent, but the habit is not general by any means. In
winter buds and tender shoots of trees are eaten, and in
summer insects are freely destroyed. There is always great
danger that the birds comprising this group will suffer ex-
tinction because they are killed both for sport and for their
flesh. Legislation limiting their destruction needs to be
specific and not disregarded by citizens.

Family TETRAONID.Z GROUSE, etc.

115. (289.) CoLinus vircinianus (Linn.). 184.
Bob-white.
Synonyms: Ortyx virginianus, Perdix virginiana, Tetrao vir-
ginianus.
Virginia Partridge, “Quail,” Partridge.
Wilson, Am. Orn., VI, 1812, 21.

Bob-white is still common in all portions of the state, but

84 BIRDS OF OHIO.

is evidently less numerous than a score of years ago. It
is reported as abundant from a few localities. The prohib-
itive laws have prevented any great diminution in numbers.
It seems likely that the modern restrictions thrown around
the sportsmen will tend to diminish their numbers or at
least dampen their ardor for the chase, thereby increasing
the chances of life for the “Quail.” It would be a distinct
zesthetic loss if the Bob-white should wholly. disappear from
our fields and woods. Literature is too full of references
to his prophetic warning or encouragement for us to consent
to his extinction.

I find no evidence that Bob-white migrates to any appre-
ciable extent. It is probably hardly proof that he does not
because a flock or covey is known to occupy the same re-
gion the year through, but it looks in that direction. Unfor-
tunately we have almost no means of knowing for a certain-
ty the individual birds, and so are unable to follow them all
the year. It seems likely that there is some small southward
movement during the colder weather, or with the appear-
ance of considerable snow.

Dr. Sylvester D. Judd has proved that Bob-white eats
very little grain, and that little is probably largely waste
grain, but he does consume great quantities of weed seeds,
particularly those of the ragweed. Farmers can coax a flock
of Bob-whites to their barn-yards by throwing grain out to
the flock, but it would be a pity to do so for the purpose of
killing them.

116. (300.) Bonasa uMBELLUS (Linn.). 182.
Ruffed Grouse.
Synonyms: Tetrao umbellus,
Partridge, Pheasant.
Kirtland, Preliminary Report, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1838, 67.

This strictly woods game bird has rapidly decreased in
numbers in the last decade; partly because it has been so
‘persistently hunted and partly because its breeding haunts
have been destroyed in so many places. It is reported as
still fairly common in the north-eastern third of the state,

COLUMBA. 85

and locally elsewhere, but it is rare in most other localities.
None have been seen in Lorain county west of Elyria for
three years. Ten years ago it was frequently met in the
woods about Oberlin. It is resident where it occurs at all,
remaining in the deep woods. Its drum call is familiar to
every countryman.

Family PHaAsIANIDA, TURKEYS.

117. (310a.) MELEAGRIS GALLOPAVO SYLVESTRIS (Vieill.).
181. :
Wild Turkey.
Synonyms: Meleagris gallopavo var. americana, M. gallopavo,

M. g. var. gallopavo, M. fera, M. gallopavo fera.
Common Wild Turkey, Eastern Wild Turkey.

Bonaparte, Am. Orn., I, 1825, 80.

This, the noblest of the game birds, is all but extinct with-
in the state. It should not be placed upon the list of extinct
species until the southern counties between the Scioto river
and Cincinnati have been more thoroughly worked. It may
be present there still.

OrperR COLUMB. Pigeons.

Of the two members of this order found in Ohio only one
is now numerous enough to receive attention as regards its
food. That has been done under the discussion of the spe-
cies. It is noteworthy that in the eastern parts of the United
States the Mourning Dove builds its nests well above the
ground, almost always, but in the west on the ground, and in
the middle west indifferently on the ground or above it. Of
course there are exceptions in each region.

118. (315.) Ecropistes micratorius (Linn.). 179.
Passenger Pigeon.

Synonyms: Ectopistes macrura, Columba migratoria.
Wild Pigeon.

Wilson, Am. Orn., I, 1808, 102.

This once extremely abundant species is now of casual

86. BIRDS OF OHIO.

occurrence during the migrations. It is likely that scatter-
ing records of single individuals or very small companies
may be made from time to time. Many localities on the
Western Reserve have their histories of great flights and im-
mense rookeries. Before they have entirely passed from the
memory of those who knew of them personally these places
should be mapped for future reference.

119. (316.) ZeNAIDURA MACROURA (Linn.). 180.
Mourning Dove.

Synonyms: Zenaidura carolinensis, Columba carolinensis, C.
macroura.

Carolina Dove, Turtle Dove, Wild Dove.
Kirtland, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1838, 164.

The Mourning Dove ranks well up among the familiar
birds, because it frequently nests in the orchard or shrub-
bery in towns and the suburbs of cities. It is a familiar
bird along country roads in summer, taking dust-baths or
gleaning for food. A few hardy individuals remain even
in the extreme northern parts of the state all winter, but many
pass the winter in the southern parts of the state. The bulk
of the migrations occur about the middle of April in Lorain
county. It is impossible to tell when the most go south,
because they are so quiet about it. Few are seen during
the molting period, which begins after the last brood is
raised, and nests with eggs are found even during the first
week in September.

Observations upon the food of the doves and examina-
tions of their stomachs prove that while in spring and sum-
mer a good deal of wheat is eaten, by far the largest pro-
portion of the dove’s food consists of the seeds of noxious
weeds. Undoubtedly the most of the wheat eaten is what
the birds find among the stubble after the crop has been har-
vested. I have many times flushed doves from cornfields,
during July and August, and found that they were eating
the partly ripe seeds of the grasses which are the plague of
the farmer’s life. The Mourning Dove seldom occurs in
flocs of any size, and therefore any depredations upon
grain fields will hardly be noticed.

RAPTORES. 8%
OrpER RAPTORES. Birds of Prey.
SuBorDER SARCORHAMPHI. American Vultures.
Family CATHARTID&. American Vultures.

120. (825.) CatuartTes aura (Linn.). 177
Turkey Vulture.
Synonyms: Vultur aura, Rhinogryphus aura.

Turkey Buzzard.
Wilson, Am. Orn., IV, 1812, 89.

The Turkey Vulture is fairly common during the summer
throughout the state, even to the lake shore, the books upon
birds to the contrary notwithstanding. During my resi-
dence at Oberlin, beginning in 1890, it has been almost com-
mon, nesting in fallen hollow logs or hollow stumps. It re-
mains all winter in the southern parts of the state, but is ab-
sent in winter north. I have found it as early as the 7th of
March at Oberlin.

Its habit of feeding on carrion is well known.

If the birds are too far away for one to see the bare head,
the soaring flight- without any flapping of the wings, or
only an occasional stroke to regain balance, readily identi-
fies the species. The hawks soar, it is true, but they also flap
their wings a good deal, or soar in circles, while the vulture
soars almost straightaway, without wing strokes.

121. (326.) CaTHARISTA URUBU (Vieill.). 178.
Black Vulture.
Snyonyms: Carthates atratus, C. iota, Catharista atrata, Vul-

tur atratus.
Carrion Crow.

Audubon, Orn. Biog., II, 1834, 33.

The foregoing reference by Audubon that this species
summers in Ohio as far as Cincinnati; three specimens seen
by Dr. Langdon, “On or about December 20, 1876,” one of
which he secured on January 1, 187%, it having been killed
a few days previous by Mr. Edwin Leonard, of Madison-
ville ; and a specimen in Mr. Oliver Davie’s collection, killed

88 BIRDS OF OHIO.

February 6, 1895, four miles north of Reynoldsburg, seem
to constitute the Ohio records for this southern species.

SuporpER FALCONES. Kites, Hawks, Eagles, Falcons,
Osprey.
Family Fatconip®. Same as above.

The food habits are fully given under eaeh species.

122. (327.) ELaNowes ForFicatus (Linn.). 166.
Swallow-tailed Kite.

Synonyms: Falco furcatus, Nauclerus furcatus, Falco forficatus.
Wilson, Am. Orn., VI, 1812, 70.

Writing in 1812, Wilson said that this Kite “is very abun-
dant in South Carolina and Georgia, and still more so in
West Florida, and the extensive prairies of Ohio and the
Indiana Territory.” Dr. Kirtland found it “in considerable
numbers in Portage and Stark counties” in the mid-
dle thirties, but noted its absence in 1838. Mr. Kirkpatrick
found it occasionally in Crawford county, where it had been
numerous before, in 1858. This was the last seen of this
elegant bird until a specimen came into Dr. Wheaton’s hands
from Pataskala, where it was killed August 22, 1878.
Twenty years later in August, 1898, Rev. W. F. Henninger
notes a specimen shot in Ross county near Chillicothe. This
seems to close the records to date.

123. (331.) Circus Hupsonius (Linn.). 167,

Marsh Hawk.
Synonyms: Circus cyaneus var. hudsonius, Falco cyaneus, F.
hudsonius.
Marsh Harrier, Harrier, Mouse Hawk, Blue Hawk, American
Marsh Hawk.

Kirtland, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1838, 161, 178.

In habits this hawk is unlike any of the other hawks. It
lives in the open country, nesting and perching on the
ground. It may always be known by its white rump spot
or patch, and by its relatively small body and long, pointed

RAPTORES. 89

wings and long tail. It flies more like a swallow than a
hawk, as it skims over the meadows or sweeps upward and
away with graceful, easy strokes. It is hardly common
generally over the state, but is found in considerable num-
bers in especially favorable places.

The food of this hawk proves it to be one of the most
beneficial of all our predaceous birds. It does sometimes
eat poultry and small birds, but the proportion of these to
the whole food of mice, snakes, insects, and squirrels is so
small that it should not count against him. While their
young were still in the nest I have seen the male return from
a search over the meadows with a good-sized snake,
apparently not yet dead, in his talons, and drop it from a
considerable height to the female who would always catch
it before it reached the ground.

The Marsh Hawk is not a common winter resident, even
in the southern counties, and breeds but rarely if at all there.
It passes north early in March, reaching the lake shore be-
fore the first of April, sometimes as early as the last week in
-February. It has not been found in Lorain county after the
middle of October.

124. (332.) AccIPITER VELOx (Wils.). 169.
Sharp-shinned Hawk.
Synonyms: Accipter fuscus, Falco velox, Falco fuscus, Nisus

fuscus.
“Pigeon Hawk.”

Kirtland, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1838, 161, 178.

This little hawk is hardly common anywhere in the state,
but it is everywhere present all the year. While it prefers
the woods, skulking through the smaller growth low down
if it has been feeding, it may often be seen flying across the
open. In flight it may be known from the Sparrow Hawk
by its larger size, long barred tail, lack of reddish in the
feathers of the back, and by the fact that it does not hover
over the meadows but skulks in the woods.

It lives principally upon small birds and young poultry
and English Sparrows, only occasionally killing mice and

90 BIRDS OF OHIO.

other small mammals. It is distinctly injurious, but is be-
coming less so in winter because it now prefers English
Sparrows to other birds. It is therefore becoming more
numerous in the cities and towns and less so in the country.
If he will only grow fonder of the sparrow pests and leave
the young poultry alone we can easily forgive the past and
give him encouragement for the future.

125. (333.) AccrIpITER coopeRtI (Bonap.). 168.
Cooper Hawk.
Synonyms: Falco cooperi, Astur cooperi, Nisus cooperi.

Chicken Hawk, Big Blue Hawk, Big Blue-tailed Hawk, Long-
tailed Dart, Darter.

Kirtland, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1838, 164, 179.

This medium-sized hawk is more often found in the woods
than elsewhere. Indeed, it is seldom seen out of the woods
except while it is soaring up almost out of sight, or while
it is making a raid upon the poultry yard. It differs from
the Sharp-shinned Hawk in having a long, rounded tail
and rounded instead of rather pointed wings. To one who
knows these two birds there is no difficulty in identifying
them, but the difference is hard to explain. In general, the
Sharp-shinned gives the impression of sharp angles with its
pointed wings and square cut tail, while the Cooper has
a decidedly rounded outline for both wings and tail. The
Cooper is a larger bird. Its metallic “tic, tic, tic, tic,” is its
characteristic call, usually uttered during the breeding sea-
son.

This hawk is a common resident in the southern parts of
the state, but is rare in winter north of Columbus. The in-
dividuals which migrate reach Oberlin about the middle of
April, and depart late in October.

Like the Sharp-shinned, this hawk lives principally upon
small birds, poultry also composing a large share of its food.
It occasionally eats snakes and small mammals, but distinct-
ly prefers the hot-blooded birds. If it eats English Spar-
rows their numbers must be small, because it does not come
into the cities and towns for them. The maledictions heaped

RAPTORES. 91

upon him are his death knell. We can only hope that he
will not take down with him the manv hawks which are dis-
tinetly beneficial, thus depriving us of Nature’s bulancers for
the injurious rodents and larger insects.

126. (834.) AccrpPIrer aTRICAPILLUS (Wils.). 170.
American Goshawk.
Synonyms: Astur atricapillus, Falco palumbarius, A. p. var.

atricapillus.
Goshawk, Blue Hen Hawk, Chicken Hawk.

Kirtland, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1838, 161, 178.

The Goshawk is so much like the Cooper Hawk that it
is not known by more than a few of the more experienced
Ohio ornithologists. It is larger, with a relatively shorter
tail, and the general color is bluish-slate, so much so that the
bird is often called the “Blue Hawk.” It is much more
northern in its distribution, reaching Ohio only in winter,
and then occurring over the entire state in small numbers.
It seems likely that some of the northern winter records for
the Cooper Hawk may really be for this species. The
records of its occurrence in the state are too few to make any
statement of the time when it may be expected to reach the
state from the north reliable. It seems likely that it arrives
with the first cold and snow.

In food habits this species resembles the Sharp-shinned
and Cooper Hawks, but its larger size necessitates larger
quarry. It lives principally upon birds, the grouse forms
contributing the most to its bill of fare. It can easily make
off with an ordinary sized chicken, which it is very willing to
come into the barn-yard for. It is so bold a hunter that the
presence of man seems to make no difference whatever.
Many instances have been recorded when it has picked up
a chicken from the ground at the feet of persons who were
feeding the flock. The Ptarmigan and Ruffed Grouse are
favorite tidbits in its summer home. In summing up the
evidence Dr. Fisher says: “Little can be said in favor of
this Hawk, as the destruction of a few injurious rodents is
a very meager offset for the great number of game birds

92 BIRDS OF OHIO.

and poultry it destroys.” Fortunately it is not numerous
enough in our state to inflict any appreciable damage.

127. (337.) Burro BorEALIS (Gmel.). 171.
Red-tailed Hawk.
Synonyms: Buteo aquilinus, Falco borealis, F. aquilinus.
Red-tailed Buzzard, Hen Hawk.
Kirtland, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1838, 161, 178.

This large hawk appears to be migratory to some extent,
passing farther south in winter when the ground is covered
with snow. However, it is a fairly common resident over
the entire state. It is sometimes absent from the northern
counties for two or three weeks during the period of snow
covered ground, usually in the early part of February. It
has the undeserved title of “Hen Hawk,” which should be
transferred to the Goshawk. While it is true that this large
hawk sometimes feeds upon poultry in some regions more
than in others, it clearly prefers other quarry. Dr.
Fisher says, “Abundant proof is at hand to show that this
Hawk greatly prefers the smaller mammals, reptiles and
batrachians, taking little else when these are obtainable in
sufficient numbers ; but if hard pressed by hunger it will eat
almost any form of animal life, such as poultry and other
birds, insects, crawfish, or even offal or carrion. .... It
is to be remarked that young Hawks are less particular as
to the character of their food, and they are more frequently
found to be the depredators of the poultry yards.” Rev.
Mr. Henninger has found that in southern Ohio, at least in
Pike and Scioto counties, the Red-tails feed almost exclu-
sively upon birds and poultry.

With the evidence all in we must say that while this large
hawk is sometimes a menace to the poultry yard and at such
times must be killed, it is generally far more beneficial than
injurious, and therefore should not be persecuted unto death
whenever found.

This hawk may be seen soaring in ascending spirals al-
most anywhere in any region of the state on fair days. It
nests in the woods, but apparently feeds as much in the open

RAPTORES. 93

fields as in the woods. It may be easily distinguished from
the other large hawks by the bright rufous of its tail, which
may have a band of dusky near the tip.

128. (339.) ButTEo LinEatus (Gmel.). 172.
Red-shouldered Hawk.
Synonyms: Falco hyemalis, F. lineatus, F. buteodes.
Red-shouldered Buzzard, Winter Hawk, Chicken Hawk.
Kirtland, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1838, 161, 178.

In northern Ohio this hawk is the most numerous large
hawk, the little Sparrow Hawk alone outnumbering it. It is
less common during the winter than during the summer, and
may be absent for three or four weeks in the latter part of
January and February when the cold is severest. It seems
to be much less common, if present at all, in the southern
part of the state in summer. I did not see it along the Ohio
river in August. It may be known from the other large
hawks by the lack of any rufous on the tail and by the mod-
erate length of its tail. Its cry is pil ye, pil ye, differing
from the cry of the Red-tail, which is a continuous scream.

There seems to be no evidence that this hawk eats poul-
try. Dr. Fisher states that it eats mammals, birds, snakes,
frogs, fish, insects, centipeds, spiders, crawfish, earth-
worms, and snails. Its food is therefore more varied than
that of any other member of this order. It is distinctly
beneficial, and if injurious at all so very little so that it may
not be counted as cause for the death sentence except on the
rarest of occasions.

The general habits of this hawk resemble those of the
Red-tail, but its nest is not placed so high, usually, and it
is not quite so wary.

129. (348.) ButrEo PLATYPTERUS (Vieill.). 173.
Broad-winged Hawk.

Synonyms: Buteo pennsylvanicus, Falco pennsylvanicus, F. latis-
simus, B. latissimus.
Broad-winged Buzzard.

Kirtland, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1838, 161, 178.

‘94 BIRDS OF OHIO.

This is another little known hawk, not because it is rare,
for it is present in some numbers throughout the state, but
because it apparently differs but little from several other
middle-sized hawks. It is about the size of the Cooper
Hawk, but differs from that species in having a much short-
er tail and in having the wings more slender and therefore
more pointed instead of rounded. It differs from the Sharp-
shinned in being larger and in its habit of soaring like the
other hawks of the genus Buteo. Perhaps the most reliable
‘character is its unsuspiciousness of man. It will permit a
near approach without manifesting either uneasiness or curi-
osity.

Dr. Fisher says: “The food of this hawk consists prin-
cipally of insects, small mammals, reptiles, and batrachians,
-and occasionally of young or disabled birds. A specimen
secured by the writer just after a shower was gorged with
earthworms. In spring when toads frequent ponds to spawn,
it devours large numbers of them, and later in the season
it is a not uncommon occurrence to see an individual with a
snake or frog dangling from its talons.” Probably the great-
est service which this hawk renders is in the destruction of
large numbers of the large insect larve which most birds
do not touch. While it eats some animals which are bene-
ficial it is too useful a bird to be killed indiscriminately, but
should be accorded protection.

This hawk should be found wintering in the state south of
Columbus, but probably in small numbers. It reaches north-
ern Ohio in the spring about the middle of March, and has
gone south again by the middle of November.

130. (34%a.) ARCHIBUTEO LAGOPUS SANCTI-JOHANNIS
(Gmel.). 174.
American Rough-legged Hawk.
Synonyms: Falco sancti-johannis, Archibuteo sancti-johannis,

A. lagopus.
Rough-legged Buzzard, Black Hawk.

Kirtland, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1838, 161, 178.

This large hawk occurs only during the winter, when it

RAPTORES. 95

ranges across the state. Being semi-nocturnal in habits it
is not often seen by those who go out only during bright
day, and so is regarded rare or absent from many regions
where it undoubtedly occurs. I have found it in Lorain
county only after the holidays, usually in late winter and
early spring. In feeding habits it somewhat resembles the
Marsh Hawk, beating low over the meadows and fields and
pouncing upon the mice and moles from its low flight.

Dr. Fisher says: “Its food consists principally, if not
almost exclusively, of the smaller rodents, and most promi-
nent among them are the arvicoline mice and lemmings.”
It is therefore clear that this hawk should be welcomed to
our fields and meadows and orchards where these pests
abound.

Probably the chief character which will distinguish this
large hawk from all the others in flight is its dark color. It
is so much smaller than the eagles that the comparison
would appeal to any one at once.

131. (349.) AguiILA cHRySAETOS (Linn.). 175,
Golden Eagle.
Synonyms: Aquila chrysaetus var. canadensis, Falco fulvus, F..
chrysaetus, Aquila canadensis.
Ring-tailed Eagle.
Kirtland, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1858, 67, 177.

It is not at all likely that this eagle nests in the state. It
seems to be a rare winter visitor, but is reported from all
sections. Mr. Harry B. McConnell tells me that three have
been captured in the vicinity of Cadiz within the past three
years. I have four records for Lorain county within the
last five years. One was shot, not far from Oberlin, in the
act of carrying off a hen from a barn-yard.

“The food consists mainly of mammals and birds, of
which spermophiles, rabbits, fawns, lambs, turkeys, water
fowl and other large birds form the principal part, though
offal and carrion are sometimes taken.

“To sum up, it may be stated that in sections of the coun-
try where rabbits, prairie dogs and gophers are abundant

96 BIRDS OF OHIO.

the Golden Eagle is very beneficial, confining its attention
mainly to those noxious animals; but in places where wild
game ‘is scarce it is often very destructive to the young of
domesticated animals, and hence in such places has to be
‘kept in check.” (Fisher.)

There are many accounts of the ferocity and cruelty of
.this large bird of prey, some of which are probably true. It
has been known to kill a good sized black-tailed deer, and in
rare instances to attack a man who interfered with it while
it was feeding. Even in defense of its young it is usually
not courageous but an arrant coward. It is more than like-
ly that the accounts of the capture of children by this bird
are good illustrations of vivid imagination. While a hun-
gry bird might. pounce-upon an unprotected infant it is ex-
-tremely unlikely that a child’old enough to walk would be
molested.

132. (852.) HaALi@eTUS LEUCOCEPHALUS (Linn.). 176.
Bald Eagle.
Synonyms: Falco leucocephalus, F. washingtonianus, F. wash-
ingtonii. :
Whie-headed Eagle, Bird of Washington.
Wilson, Am. Orn., IV, 1812, 890.

,

While the Bald Eagle is common near Sandusky and
among the islands north of there, it is rare in the other parts
of the state. It does not seem to migrate southward in win-
ter, but is strictly resident wherever it occurs. The two
eagles are too large to be confused with the hawks, and the
white head and tail of this species is wholly distinctive.

“The favorite food of the Bald Eagle is fish, and where
this vertebrate can be procured the bird will touch little else.
Of the hundreds of these Eagles which the writer has
watched, none were observed ever to touch anything except
fish or offal picked up from rivers or along their shores.
What proportion of the fish consumed is taken from the
Osprey is hard: to estimate, but the number must be very
great.

“What we have said in reference to the Golden Eagle

RAPTORES. , 97

applies equally well to the bird under consideration, namely,
that over the greater part of the country where the natural
food, fish in the present case, is abundant it is a harmless
bird and should be protected; while in sections where it is
injurious to sheep or other domesticated animals it should
not be allowed to become numerous.” (Fisher.)

There seem to be several well authenticated instances
when this eagle has attacked human beings, for one cause or
another, but it is equally true that it does not often do so.
Indeed, the provocation would have to be great, for the
birds are usually cowards in the presence of man.

It is well known that the Bald Eagle’s regular practice
is to wait until the Osprey has captured a fish when the
eagle attacks him and forces him to drop it, whereupon the
eagle secures it for himself. While it is hard on the Osprey
it is easy for the eagle.

133. (356.) FALco PEREGRINUS ANATUM (Bonap.). 162.
Duck Hawk.
Synonyms: Falco communis var. anatum, Falco peregrinus na-

vius, F. peregrinus, F. anatum, F. communis.
Peregrine Falcon, Great-footed Hawk, Wandering Falcon.

Kirtland, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1838, 161, 178.

The Duck, Hawk seems to be the least known of our
smaller hawks, yet it must be pretty well distributed over
the state, at least in winter. It is one of the most fearless
of our birds of prey, and a true Falcon in its swiftness of
wing, quickness, and dash. It is able to overtake and kill
a pigeon or teal in full flight. Nothing seems able to es-
cape by its swiftness alone. It is also persistent to the last
degree, following a flock of ducks or other birds for miles,
often for days, killing whenever hungry. Hunters often
complain that their kills have been seized by this hawk from
under their hands.

Concerning the actual records for this hawk within the
state there is little to say. Mr. Dury has taken several
specimens at St. Mary’s reservoir; Dr. Jasper took one at
Columbus; there is a specimen in the collection of Mr.

98 BIRDS OF OHIO.

A, Hengartner, of Lorain, taken near the lake shore; and a
specimen was taken in one of the State University buildings
during the winter of 1902-3. Mr. W. L. Dawson reports
one positively identified, at Columbus, March 5, 1902. There
are reports of other birds having been seen, but if there have
been any captures they have not been reported. Dr. Whea-
ton supposed that it might be found nesting in the north-
western part of the state, but if it does it is unknown to me.

The large size for a Falcon and the boldness and swift-
ness of this hawk are about all the field characteristics that
I can give. It could not be taken for one of the Buteo group,
nor for anything but a Falcon. It is the largest of that
group inhabiting Ohio.

“The food of this hawk consists almost exclusively of
birds, of which water-fowl and shore birds form the greater
part. In sections of the country where its nest is surrounded
by cultivated lands, the bird is bitterly complained of by
the farmers on account of its inroads on the poultry.”
( Fisher.)

134. (357.) Fatco cotumsarius Linn. 163.
Pigeon Hawk.
Synonyms: A®isalon columbarius, Hypotriorchis columbarius,
Falco lithifalco var. columbarius. .
Kirtland, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1838 161, 178.

This little Falcon appears to be rare in the state, as a
migrant or winter resident everywhere except in the north-
ern tier of counties where it has been found breeding rarely.
There are generally several records each winter near Ober-
lin. During the migrations it may be found near or even
traveling a little behind the flocks of blackbirds and other
small flocking birds, preying upon them. It should be
found during the winter in the southern parts of the state
pretty regularly, but in small numbers.

“The food of the Pigeon Hawk consists mainly of small
and medium sized birds, especially the gregarious species,
insects, and occasionally small mammals. Pigeons, Flickers
and Grackles are about as large birds as it usually attacks,

RAPTORES. 99

though Dr. Dall in one instance saw it kill a Ptarmigan, and
Dr. E. A. Mearns speaks of a specimen shot in the act of de-
stroying a hen. Among insects dragon flies are favorite
morsels for this Hawk, and the apparent ease with which
it captures these nimble winged insects demonstrates better
than anything else its remarkable power of flight. The
writer has also found grasshoppers, crickets and beetles
among the stomach contents.” (Fisher.)

It is not easy to distinguish between this and some others
of the small hawks. However, this is one of the smallest and
darkest, with the habits of a Falcon, snatching its prey
from the ground or in the air without stopping its flight
instead of pouncing upon it and bearing it down by its
weight.

135. (360.) Fatco sparvertus Linn. 164.
a American Sparrow Hawk.

Synonyms: ‘Tinnunculus sparverius.
Sparrow Hawk, Rusty-crowned Falcon.

Kirtland, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1838, 161, 178.

This is universally conceded to be the commonest of our
hawks. It is common everywhere during the summer, but
is less common in the northern third of the state in winter
than in summer. It frequently comes into towns and city
parks at almost any time, to catch English Sparrows, and is
therefore seen by many persons who know nothing about
any other hawks. It is readily distinguished from all other
hawks by its bright rufous back and tail, and in the field by
its habit of hovering over a meadow as it scans the ground
for a mouse or insect. I have seen one spend an hour looking
over a ten-acre field in this way, hovering in one place for
about a minute, then change its position and hover again,
and finally fly to another field when unsuccessful.

“The Sparrow Hawk is almost exclusively insectivorous
except when insect food is difficult to obtain. In localities
where grasshoppers and crickets are abundant these hawks
congregate, often in moderate sized flocks, and gorge them-
selves continuously. Rarely do they touch any other kind

100 BIRDS OF OHIO.

of food until, either by the advancing season, or for other
natural catises, the grasshopper crop is so lessened that they
can no longer appease their hunger except by undue exer-
tion. Then other kinds of insects and other forms of life
contribute to their fare; and beetles, spiders, mice, shrews,
small snakes, lizards or even small birds are required to
bring up the balance.” (Fisher.) It therefore seems cer-
tain that the farmer has no better friend than this little Fal-
con. He may rarely exact toll in the form of chicken meat,
but that should no more count against the whole group of
Sparrow Hawks than an occasional .chicken stealing cat
should count against all cats.

While this hawk nests in hollow trees in the woods, or
more properly on the borders of woods preferably, it is more
often seen in the open than in the woods, except when nest-
ing. It feeds in the open then but stays near home.

136. (864.) PANDION HALIAETUS CAROLINENSIS (Gmel.).
165.
American Osprey.
Synonyms: Pandion haliaetus, Falco haliaetus, Pandion carolin-

ensis, Falco carolinensis.
Fish Hawk, Osprey.

Kirtland, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1838, 161.

The Osprey is not common anywhere in the state, but it
is likely to be present wherever fish are to be found near the
surface of the water. It should breed at the large reser-
voirs and lakes, but there are no such reports from those
regions. It is found all summer at the lake shore, but I am
not aware that a nest has actually been found. Rev. Mr.
Henninger states that it occurs in Scioto and Pike counties
during the winter and during the spring and autumn migra-
tions in some numbers, feeding along the Scioto river. It
visits the Oberlin water-works reservoir pretty regularly
the first or second week in May, often tarrying for several
days in the vicinity because the fish are so numerous and so
easy to catch.

The Osprey’s food is exclusively fish, almost always cap-

RAPTORES. 10

tured alive, but rarely dead ones are picked up from the
surface of the water if the bird is hard pressed for food.
T have seen it catch fish so large that it was barely able to
get out of the water with its catch. There are instances
when the bird has struck so large a fish that, unable to loos-
en his hold, he has been drawn under the water and
drowned. Large fish have been washed ashore with an Os-
prey still clinging to them in death, the claws set too firmly
in flesh and scales to be loosened.

It has been stated that where Bald Eagles are found there
the Osprey will be also. That has not proved true in the
region of Sandusky where the eagles are more numerous
than elsewhere in the state. Perhaps the Ospreys have
learned to avoid that region.

SuporperR STRIGES. Owls.
Family Srricipz. Barn Owls.

t
137%. (365.) Strix pRATINCOLA Bonap. 152.
x American Barn Owl.
Synonyms: Strix flammea var. americana, S. flammea, Aluco

flammeus americanus.
Barn Owl, Monkey-faced Owl.

Kirkpatrick, Ohio Farmer, VIII, 1859, 35.

“Rare visitor. Not over half a dozen individuals record-
ed.” (Wheaton.) There has been a very manifest increase
in the numbers of this owl since Dr. Wheaton wrote the
above quotation. It is now almost common in the southern
parts of the state, being even common locally. In the north-
ern half of the state it is generally reported as rare. Num-
bers of specimens have been taken along the whole lake
front. It is resident-everywhere, and will usually be found
in barns and church steeples or similar places where it
spends the day, sallying forth at dusk for its daily catch of
rats and mice.

The bird may be known at once by its “monkey face,”
lack of ear tufts, and bright reddish-brown color. It is

102 BIRDS OF OHIO.

considerably larger than the Screech Owl, which may be
reddish, but has ear tufts.

“All testimony goes to show that the Barn Owl is one of
the most beneficial of rapacious birds. .... Its food un-
doubtedly consists principally of several species of rodents
which, from their great number and destructive habits, are
a curse to the country they inhabit..... In the east its
food consists largely of mice and rats which it destroys
with as much energy as it does the gophers of the west.
All the common species, including the meadow, house, and
white-footed mice, as well as the common rat are eaten with
equal relish” (Fisher). Mr. Charles Dury gives an ac-
count of a colony of these owls which lived in the town hall
in Glendale, Ohio, in which he says, “But the strangest
part of the curious habitation was the flock of domestic
pigeons that were living seemingly on intimate terms with
the owls, and, judging from the old pigeon nests, I presume
the pigeons had actually nested and reared their young
there. The floor where they lived was literally covered
with the pellets which the birds had disgorged, after the
manner of the owl tribe.” It seems to be beyond question
that one Barn Owl is worth a whole family of cats as a
mouser, and that it is far less likely to steal a chicken than
the average cat is.

Family Buzsonip#. Other Owls.

138. (366.) Asto WILsonIANUS (Less.). 153.
American Long-eared Owl.
Synonyms: Otus vulgaris var. wilsonianus, Asio americanus,
Otus vulgaris, O. wilsonianus.
Long-eared Owl, Cat Owl.
Audubon, Orn. Biog., IV, 1838, 572.

One must look in the woods for this owl, where it nests
and where it feeds by night and rests by day. It is not
common anywhere in the state, but is pretty generally dis-
tributed. In Lorain county it has been found both singly
and in companies of six individuals in winter, and its cry is
sometimes heard during the summer while it is nesting. It

RAPTORES — . , 108

inhabits the stream. gorges in which there is a considerable
growth of evergreen trees, in winter, and may be closely ap-
proached there. While it is strictly nocturnal it can see
well enough in bright sunlight to thread its way in rapid
flight through the mazes of the trees. Its confidence in its
protective colors and attitude often proves fatal.

This owl may be identfied in the field as a medium-
sized bird with conspicuous ear tufts. The only other owls
with conspicuous ear tufts are either so much smaller or so
much larger that one should have no difficulty in making
the determination.

“The Long-eared Owl is one of our most beneficial spe-
cies, destroying vast numbers of injurious rodents and sel-
dom touching insectivorous birds. ..... As this owl is
readily destroyed, it is the one that suffers most when short-
sighted legislators enact laws for the destruction of the
birds of prey...... It is both cruel and pernicious to mo-
lest a bird so valuable and innocent as the one under con-
sideration.” (Fisher.) Like other birds of prey, this owl
will attack poultry or even small dogs when hard pressed
for food. Insects may:.form a fair proportion. of the sum-
mer diet of these birds where they are easier to obtain than
rodents.

139. (367.) Asio acciprTrINus (Pall.). 154.
Short-eared Owl.

Synonyms: Brachyotus palustris, Strix brachyotus, Brachyo-
tus cassinii, Otus brachyotus, Strix accipitrinus.
Marsh Owl, Prairie Owl.

Kirtland, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1838, 161, 179.

This owl is just as truly a bird of the open fields as the
Long-eared is of the woods. It even nests on the ground,
and roosts under overhanging banks in almost any ditch or
considerable gorge. In Lorain county I have never seen
more than two together, and they on the lake shore in win-
ter. Several are seen each winter or early spring, but it
must be regarded as uncommon if not rare. I have never
seen it in summer. It appears to be common during the win-

104 BIBDS OF OHIO.

ter in some parts of the southern counties, and likely nests
in the more extensive prairies and swampy regions. It may
be known by its habit of feeding during the early forenoon
and late afternoon in broad day, and by its habit of feeding
in the fields. While it has ear tufts'they are too small to be
seen unless the bird raises them in excitement.

“The food of this Owl consists largely of mice and other
small mammals. A number of species of insects, birds, and
reptiles also may be mentioned as occasionally contributing
to its fare. Fully 75 per cent of the stomachs examined in
the Department of Agriculture contained mice. ... Of the
other mammals which this Owl feeds upon may be men-
tioned shrews, gophers, and sometimes small rabbits.”
(Fisher.) The verdict.is clearly for protection of this owl,
even if he does sometimes kill useful animals.

140. (368.) Syrnium vartumM (Barton). 155.

Barred Owl.

Synonyms: Strix nebulosa. Syrnium nebulosum.
Hoot Owl, American Wood Owl, Round-headed Owl.

Kirtland, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1838, 161.

This is the most common large owl, and_stands next to
the Screech Owl in numbers. It is strictly resident through-
out the state, and as strictly arboreal. It is nocturnal, but
sometimes feeds during dark days or at twilight. Its cry
“who cooks for you, who cooks for you, whol’ may be
heard in almost ‘any large woods during the early evening
or early morning hours, while its blood-curdling caterwaul-
ings are more often reserved for the small hours when the
camper is sure to be asleep! In these later days some of
the thrilling accounts of “encounters” with wild cats and
panthers in the more settled districts of the state are trace-
able to the night calls of this owl. Certain it is that’a sud-
den awakening in the wee hours with the unearthly squalls
from this owl, perched just overhead, ringing in your ears,
meets instant response from your hair!

“In summing up the facts relating to the food habits of
this Owl it appears that, while the general statements of

Fs. ee eee

RAPTORES. 105

certain authors, especially the earlier ones, charge the bird
with destruction to poultry, game, and small birds, such de-
structive habits are comparatively uncommon. That it
does occasionally make inroads upon -poultry yards, and
does more or less damage among game birds, is true;
but the systematic collection and examination of a large
number of stomachs show the exceptional character of such
acts and reveal the fact that the larger part of the food
consists of mammals. And it is to be noted that among the
list are some of the most destructive rodents the farmer
has to contend with. Ifa fair balance is'to be struck, there-
fore, it must be considered that this Owl is on the whole
beneficial, and hence should occupy a place on: the list of
birds to be protected.” (Fisher.)

141, .(370.) ScoTIAPTEX NEBULOSA (Forst.)._ 156.
Great Gray Owl.
Synonyms: Syrnium cinereum, Ulula cinerea, S. lapponicum
var. cinereum, Strix cinerea. Scotiaptex cinerea.
Spectral Owl.
Kirkpatrick, Ohio Farmer, VIII, 1859, 107.

The records given by Dr. Wheaton remain the only ones
for the state. They are: Mr. Kirkpatrick, Huntsburg, Ge-
auga county; and Mr. Charles Dury, Clarke county. It
must therefore be regarded as a casual visitor.

142. (372.) Nycrata acapicA (Gmel.). 157.
Saw-whet Owl.
Synonyms: Nyctale acadica, Strix acadica, Ulula acadica.
Acadian Owl.
Audubon, Orn. Biog., II, 1834, 537.

This little owl, the smallest of the group in Ohio, is al-
most wholly a winter resident in the state, breeding only
rarely in the northern counties. It is probably more numer-
ous than the reports show, for it is the most strictly noctur-
-nal..of.the: owls,»and:.thetefore seldom seen. Its small size
is also a good protection from prying eyes. Like the Barred
Owl, it has no ear tufts. It seems partial. to evergreen

106 BIRDS OF OHIO.

woods, but has been found on several occasions in an out-
house of one of the lake summer resorts. The most of the
reports of its occurrence fall within the colder part of the
year, but it has been seen at Cincinnati in May (Dury), and
it was found in May at Licking reservoir (Dawson).

“The food of this little Owl is composed almost wholly of
mice, of which the wood-dwelling species seem to predomi-
nate. At times it attacks larger mammals, such as rats, half-
grown red squirrels and chipmunks. .... It rarely molests
small birds, ‘unless its favorite food—mice—for some rea-
son, is scarce. Occasionally it feeds on scraps of raw or
cooked meat which it has been observed to pick up in the
vicinity of camps, and in winter, in the north, it will feed
on the carcasses of comparatively large animals. .... It
also feeds to some extent on insects of various kinds. Thus
it will be seen that while the diminutive size of the Saw-
whet limits its powers of usefulness, its mode of life ren-
ders it a useful adjunct to the farmer, and, small though it
be, yet in districts where it abounds the number of mice it
annually destroys must be very large.” (Fisher.)

143. (373.) MecAscops asio (Linn.). 158.
Screech Owl.
Synonyms: Scops asio, Strix nevia.
Mottled Owl, Little Horned Owl, Red Owl.
Kirtland, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1838, 161, 179.

This is one of the most numerous and best known of our
owls, and is the bird from which most persons get their
idea of what an owl is like. In the more settled districts
this owl seems to prefer to live in buildings other than
dwellings, or in hollow shade trees. There are numerous
instances of captures during the evening church service
which, from all accounts, left neither the owl nor the audi-
ence in a worshipful frame of mind! The natural home of
the Screech Owl is the deeper woods, where it frequently
roosts and always nests in hollows in trees. It also spends
the day in some thick foliaged tree. On the Oberlin Col-
lege campus a male is in the habit of spending the day in

RAPTORES. 107

an evergreen near the main walk leading from the Library
to the Chapel building. His presence would never be sus-
pected if the Blue Jays would mind their own business in-
stead of his. This pair rears its brood in the loft of either
French: Hall-:or the Chapel.*

This little owl may be known by its conspicuous ear tufts
and reddish or grayish mottled plumage. Its quavering
call is often heard during the spring months.

“Their food consists of a great variety of animal life,
including mammals, birds, reptiles, batrachians, fish, crus-
taceans, and insects...... Their economic relations, there-
fore, are of the greatest importance, particularly on account
of the abundance of the species in many of the farming
districts, and whoever destroys them through ignorance or
prejudice should be severely condemned.” (Fisher.)

144. (375.) Buso vircrntanus (Gmel.). 159.
Great Horned Owl.
Synonyms: Strix virginanus.
Hoot Owl, Cat Owl, Hooter.
Wilson, Am. Orn., 1812, 52.

This is the largest of our “horned” owls, and is generally
reported as fairly common but disappearing near the large
cities. It is rare in Lorain county, but three individuals
being known in the western half of the county. Its large
size should make it a conspicuous bird. I have found it
only when crows and hawks have routed it from its retreat.
It inhabits the larger, heavier woods, and is hardly more
than semi-nocturnal, sometimes feeding by day. It nests
indifferently in open nests or hollow trees.

It may be known at a glance by its white throat patch,
large ear tufrs, and powerful build.

“The food of this species is of great variety; birds and
mammals as well as reptiles, fish, crustaceans, and insects
contribute to its fare. Among the birds most often taken
may be mentioned all kinds of poultry (including half-

*Since the above was written the chapel has burned. I am
glad to report that the owl escaped unscorched.

108 BIRDS OF OHIO.

grown turkeys}, grouse, quail, doves, and wild ducks.
Even hawks, crows, and other owls do not escape the vo-
racity of this tiger among birds, and the targe hawks are
emong those attacked and eaten.

“Of all the birds of prey, with the exception possibly of
the Goshawk and Cooper Hawk, the Great Horned Owl
is the most destructive to poultry. Ail kinds of poultry
seem to be taken, though when Guinea fowis and turkeys
are obtainable it shows a preference for these.” (Fisher.)
While this bird does a great deal of good in ridding the
country of injurious animals, its natural taste for poultry
sounds its death knell. We must feel a sort of compassion
for him in his unequal struggle for life. He sees no reason
for changing his manner of life and we cannot overlook his
failings.

145. (8%76.) NycTEA NycTEA (Linn.). 160.
Snowy Owl.
Synonyms: Nyctale scandica, Nyctea scandiaca, N. nivea, N.
scandiaca var. arctica, Surnia nyctea.
White Owl..
Wilson, Am. Orn. IV, 1812, 53.

The Snowy Owl visits the state only in winter and even
then in small numbers unless there be some special provoca-
tion in the matter of failure of food supply farther north.
It occasionally wanders completely across the state, but is
clearly more numerous along the lake shore than in the
interior. It also seems to be more numerous in the western
third than farther east. We could hardly expect to find it
except when the ground is covered, and the weather cold.

This bird is not pure white, but so near that color as to
appear white. No one would confuse it with any other
species of birds.

The favorite food of this large, smooth-headed owl seems
to be mice and other rodents and fish. Its numbers in Ohio
are too small to make it of any appreciable benefit, but it
must be regarded as more beneficial than injurious. It
probably does eat birds, and may even catch poultry on a
pinch, but the numbers captured are very small.

COCCYGES. 109

146. (37%a.) SuRNIA ULULA cAPAROCcH (Miill.). 161.
American Hawk Owl.
Synonyms: Surnia ulula var. hudsonia §S. funerea, S. ulula,
Strix ulula, S. hudsonia, S. caparoch.
Hawk Owl, Day Owl.
Kirkpatrick, Ohio Farmer, VIII, 1859, 67.

The above reference and the remark that “Mr. Langdon
thinks that he has seen this species at St. Mary’s reservoir,”
are all that Dr.. Wheaton knew of this species as an Ohio
bird.. There is a specimen in Mr. R. E. Jump’s collection,
captured near Oberlin some twenty years ago. Messrs. C.
H. Morris and E. J. Arrick report one in Morgan county
during. the winter 1901-02, which was not captured. It
therefore appears. that-the only specimen which can be ex-
amined is the Jump specimen.

This owl is so named because in appearance and habits
of feeding it resembles a hawk more closely than an owl.
In habits it is almost wholly diurnal, feeding and flying
from place to place in broad day.

While in the state its food consists of small mammals
and birds. It is probably somewhat injurious, but its num-
bers are so small as to count for nothing economically.

Orper COCCYGES. Cuckoos and Kingfishers.
SuporpER CUCULI. Cuckoos.
Family CucuLtipz. Cuckoos.

14%. (387.) Coccyzus AMERICANUS (Linn.), 149.
Yellow-billed Cuckoo.

Synonyms: Cuculus americanus.
Rain Cuckoo, Rain Crow, Rain Pigeon, Wood Pigeon, Cow-
cow, Indian-hen.
Kirtland, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1838, 162.

This is the commoner of the two cuckoos in Ohio, and
seems to be pretty uniformly distributed over the state
during the summer. There is no evidence of an appreciable
change in numbers since Dr. Wheaton’s catalogue was pub-
lished.

110 BIRDS OF OHIO.

It is well known that the cuckoos are fond of the “hairy”
caterpillars, and destroy great numbers of them. I have
seen one bird disposed of a moderate sized colony of tent
caterpillars at one sitting, in the nesting season. Both
cuckoos deserve protection and good treatment for their
services in ridding us of many ‘insects which most other
birds will not touch.

This is the darker of the two species, and in flight the
wings show the rufous of the inner vanes of the feathers.
.The call is on a lower key, is given slower and is not
phrased. It.is only after some experience with the cuckoos
that one can hope to be certain which species he has afield.

The migration records are far from satisfactory. They
make it appear that the first arrive in the state shortly
after the first of May and the last tarry until the third week
in September. I have to say, however, that I have repeat-
-edly found nests with eggs almost ready to hatch the first
week in May, thus indicating an early April arrival.

148. (388.) CoccyzUS ERYTHROPHTHALMuS (Wils.).
150.
Black-billed Cuckoo.

Synonyms: Cuculus erythropthalmus.
Rain Crow, Rain Dove, Chow-chow, Cow-cow.

Audubon, Orn. Biog., I, 1831, 170.

Dr. Wheaton’s statement that this cuckoo is a very com-
mon summer resident throughout the state is no longer ap-
plicable. The reports from observers are nearly uniform in
pronouncing it decidedly less common than the preceding
species. In habits it is practically the same as the Yellow-
billed. The cry is phrased instead of being uttered in a
uniform monotone.

PICI. 114

SusporperR ALCYONES. Kingfishers.

Family Atcepinip#. Kingfishers.

149. (390.) CrERLYLE aLycon (Linn.). 148.
Belted Kingfisher.
Synonyms: Alcedo alcyon.
Kingfisher, Fisher.
Wilson, Am. Orn., III, 1811, 59.

The Kingfisher is a resident in favorable places, where
open water may be found the winter through, and where
fish are plentiful; but it is not known as a winter bird from
most localities, simply because open water is not found in
the coldest weather. In Lorain county there is no open
water, regularly, even along the lake shore, where fish can
be found;* but at Norwalk a pool which is fed by warm
water from a manufacturing plant furnishes at least one
Kingfisher with winter rations. In the southern part of
the state it is more commonly found all winter and summer.
Migrants reach Oberlin about the middle of March.

The Kingfisher feeds entirely upon fish, but cannot be
considered in any degree injurious to the fishing industry.

*Since the above was written a pool of open water has been
discovered about two miles north of Elyria where a Kingfisher
spends the winter.

Orver PICI. Woodpeckers, Sapsuckers and Flickers.

Family Picipa. Woodpeckers.

150. (393.) Dryopates vittosus (Linn.). 140
Hairy Woodpecker.
Synonyms: Picus villosus, P. rubricapillus.
“Sapsucker.”
Kirtland, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1838, 162.

This is a common resident throughout the state, but ap-
parently is less common in summer than in winter. Its
secretive habits during the nesting season probably give a
false impression. This and the next species frequent the

112 BIRDS OF OHIO.

orchards and shade trees during the winter and spring,
sometimes nesting in old apple trees. Their search after
insects within the bark of trees has earned for them the mis-
taken title of Sapsucker, and with the title a measure of
persecution. It is doubtful whether either of these birds
have ever done as much damage as good to the tree from
which they have taken injurious insects. Wood-boring
beetles, both adults and larve, caterpillars, mostly tree-bur-
rowing, and wood-boring ants comprise the chief summer
food. It is therefore clear that this woodpecker is one of
our best preservers of the forests. In winter they may eat
nuts, frozen fruit, and weed seeds when insects are hard to
find. They also eat the inner bark of some trees.

There seems to be no direct evidence that this and the
next species migrate at all.

151. (394c.) DryoBATES PUBESCENS MEDIANUS (Swains.).
141.
Downy Woodpecker.

Synonyms: Picus pubescens, P. medianus, Dryobates pubes-
cens.
“Sapsucker,” Little Sapsucker, Small Sapsucker.

Kirtland, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1838, 162, 179.

This is the more familiar and better known of our two
small winter woodpeckers. A little encouragement in the
way of broken nut meats or suet tied or nailed to some tree
or board placed for that purpose, will make him a regular
winter visitor even to the window sill. In summer he is
likely to choose a useless apple tree for his nest, if not
startled away.

This and the preceding species troop through the woods,
in winter, with the Chickadees, Tufted Tits, Nuthatches,
and Goldfinches, and often others, making an otherwise
dreary waste of timber full of life and interest.

In habits this little woodpecker resembles the Hairy
closely, eating the same kind of food. It may be known
from the Hairy by its smaller size and weaker bill, and
higher pitched voice.

PICI. 113

152. (400.) Prcomes arcticus (Swains.). 142.
Arctic Three-toed Woodpecker.
Synonyms: Picus (Apternus) arcticus. ;
Black-backed Woodpecker, Black-backed Three-toed Wood-
pecker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Banded-backed Three-
toed Woodpecker.

Wheaton, Ohio Agri. Report, 1860, 379, hypothetical.
Baird, Brewer, Ridgway, II, 1874, 531.

The specimen reported by Dr. Brewer in the second ci-
tation above, was taken at Akron, Summit county. Ober-
lin College has since come into possession of a specimen
collected and mounted by Mr. John C. Catlin at Ravenna,
Portage county. It is not unlikely that Mr. Catlin secured
his specimen first, but this is the first mention of it in print.

Prof. J. S. Hine, of Columbus, gives it as occasional in
Franklin county.

It would occur only in severe winters.

153. (402.) Spuyrapicus varius (Linn.). 143.
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker.

Synonyms: Picus varius.
Yellow-bellied Woodpecker, Sapsucker, Common Sapsucker.

Wilson, Am. Orn., I, 1808, 147.

This is the true “Sapsucker,” and should not be confused
with our familiar winter woodpeckers. It feeds upon the
sap of the maple and pine trees in spring, and often causes
some damage to the trees, sometimes girdling the tree with
one or more rows of holes. It is undoubtedly true that the
insects which swarm about the exuding sap are also eaten,
so the object which the woodpecker has in view in tapping
the tree may be twofold. During the rest of the year the
birds eat insects, some mast, the inner bark of trees, and

‘such vegetable food as can be found.

It is common as a migrant across the state, both spring
and autumn, but nests in small numbers in the northern
part of the state. It winters in small numbers in the south-
west corner, reaching the lake shore in the northward mi-
gration during the middle of March. It crosses the state

114 BIRDS OF OHIO.

again during the first half of October. A few individuals
remain in almost any locality all winter.

154. (405a.) CEOPHL@US PILEATUS ABIETICOLA Bangs.
144,
Northern Pileated Woodpecker.
Synonyms: Hylotomus pileatus, Picus pileatus, Ceophloeus
pileatus.
Pileated Woodpecker, Logcock, Woodcock, Big Black Wood-
pecker, Black Woodpecker, King of the Woods, Cock of
the Woods.

Kirtland, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1838, 162.

The decrease in the numbers of this species heralded by
Dr. Wheaton in 1882, has gone on steadily, but less rapidly
than during his long term of study. From all reports it is
now almost gone from the northwestern parts of the state,
but can be found in the eastern and middle-southern parts
where some heavy timber is still allowed to stand. The
cutting down of a large tract of swampy woods in Ashta-
bula county has driven some of the birds remaining there
to the woods surrounding Jefferson, where Mr. Robert J.
Sim enjoyed the rare opportunity of watching a pair at
their household affairs during last spring. The writer saw
the tree, in September of the same year, and listened to the
weird laugh of the birds. If the woods are doomed the
Pileated Woodpecker’s days are numbered. We cannot but
mourn the passing of this majestic “King of the Woods.”

The food consists principally of the larve of wood-boring
beetles, ants, and wild fruits. It is, therefore, one of our
best forest preservers.

155. (406.) MELANERPES ERYTHROCEPHALUS (Linn.) 146.
Red-headed Woodpecker.
Synonyms: Picus erythrocephalus.

Red-head, Tricolor.
Kirtland, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1838, 162.

The Red-head is one of our commonest summer birds. It
miay fairly be called abundant after the young have left the

PICI. 115

nest, and until the first frosts give warning of the coming
winter. It reaches southern Ohio about the 25th of April,
and the northern counties within three days afterward.
Frequently a few individuals remain all winter even at the
lake shore, but the majority have left the northern regions
before the last of September.

The Red-head is not quite a true woodpecker, since he
does not search the bark of trees for insects and worms as
mutch as he looks for them on posts and such surfaces, but
he has developed the flycatcher habit of darting out for fly-
ing insects, catching them as adroitly as any Kingbird. The
late General J. D. Cox told with evident relish how as a boy
he took advantage of this flycatching habit to catch the bird.
By tossing a small stone up past the bird alert upon the top
of some broken topped dead tree, as the stone fell downward
the bird would invariably dart out to catch it, but was
stunned and fluttered to the ground only to be pounced
upon and carried off in triumph by the young general!

“The Red-head makes the best showing in the kinds of
insects eaten. It consumes fewer ants and more beetles than
any of the other species, in this respect standing at the head,
and it has a pronounced taste for beetles of very large size.
Unfortunately, however, its fondness for predaceous beetles
must be reckoned against it. It also leads in the consumption
of grasshoppers ; these and beetles together forming 36 per
cent. of its whole food.” (Beal.) It also eats a little corn,
a good deal of wild and cultivated fruit, and beech-nuts. It
does not injure trees by pecking them. The nest is dug out
of almost any woody substance, preferably a tree, but fre-
quently a post will do as well.

156. (409.) CentTuRUS cAROLINUS (Linn.). 145.
Red-bellied Woodpecker.
Synonyms: Melanerpes carolinus, Picus carolinus.

Zebra Bird, Guinea Woodpecker, Carolina Woodpecker,
Checkered Woodpecker, Zebra Woodpecker, Orange
Woodpecker or Sapsucker.

Wilson, Am. Orn., I, 1808, 113.

The Red-bellied Woodpecker is fairly common in the

116 BIRDS OF OHIO.

southern part of the state, but less numerous in the northern
part. It is a resident everywhere, nesting in the deeper
woods.

In addition to its usual diet of insects and worms it is a
lover of ripe apples, and in winter finds acorns and beech-
nuts good forage. It has been detected in the act of storing
away acorns and nuts for winter consumption.

157. (412a.) CoLApTEs AURATUS LUTEUS Bangs. 147.
Northern Flicker.

Synonyms: Colaptes auratus, Picus auratus Cuculus auratus.
Golden-winged Woodpecker, Flicker, High-holder. For the
remainder of the 125 English synonyms see “The Wilson
Bulletin,’ No. 31, for sale by the author at 25 cents a copy.

Kirtland, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1838, 162.

The Flicker is probably strictly migratory in its habits,
in spite of the fact that it is resident throughout the state—
in small numbers in the north, common in the south. It is
abundant as a migrant, but hardly more than common dur-
ing the nesting season. In winter it will eat anything that
can be found. In summer it seems to crave ants, of which it
consumes quantities. During harvest days it becomes lazy
and then feeds on the ground like a Meadowlark, catch-
ing the young grasshoppers and crickets and fattening upon
them. It must be classed among the distinctly useful birds,
both as a destroyer of insects and as an alarm clock if you
have been so unwise as to cover any part of your roof with
tin! 3:30 in spring, 4:00 in summer and 4:30 in autumn are
the hours which he loudly heralds for the beginning of day.
You can’t drive him away.

The migrating host of Flickers reaches northern Ohio
during the third week in March. Its numbers are con-
siderable up to the middle of October, or even the first of
November.

MACROCHIRES. 117

Orver MACROCHIRES. Goatsuckers, Swifts, Humming-
birds.

SuBoRDER CAPRIMULGI. Goatsuckers.
Family CaprimuLciIp®. Nighthawk and Whippoorwill.

158. (417.) ANtTRostomus vociFERuS (Wils.). 188.
Whip-poor-will.
Synonyms: Caprimulgus vociferus.
Night-Jar.
Kirtland, Ohio Geol. Sury., 1838, 162, 180.

The Whip-poor-will is decidedly local in its distribution,
being common at one place and unknown at another not far
away, with no apparent reason. It is strictly nocturnal in
habits, and is therefore more often heard than seen. Even
when flushed in daylight it flies but a few rods and settles
down again, trusting to its protective coloration for conceal-
ment. So perfectly does its plumage and posture simulate a
part of a log, or a knot on a log, that it is perfectly hidden
from all but practiced and discriminating eves. Being
strictly insectivorous it is strictly migratory in habits, reach-
ing southern Ohio during the third week in April and the
northern counties shortly after the first of May. It has left
the state by September 22.

In northern Ohio one must look for the Whip-poor-will in
the wilder and rougher parts of the region. River gorges
and rocky bluffs may harbor numbers of pairs.

159. (420.) CHORDEILES VIRGINIANUS (Gmel.). 139.
Nighthawk.

Synonyms: Chordeiles popetue, Caprimulgus virginianus, C.
popetue var. popetue.
Bull Bat, Goatsucker, Night Jar, Mosquito-hawk, Pisk.
Kirtland, Ohio. Geol. Surv., 1838, 162.

Contrary to its name, the Nighthawk is not strictly noc-
turnal, but is rather a bird of the twilight and dark days, but
it is frequently seen at broad day, particularly during the
season of southward migration. It is more numerous dur-

118 BIRDS OF OHIO.

ing twilight, when it may be seen leisurely flitting about in
crazy fashion gathering its harvest of flying insects, with an
occasional quick dart here or there after some larger and
quicker prey. It is strictly migratory, reaching our southern
border about the first of May, and the lake shore a week lat-
er; departing southward again about the middle of Septem-
ber. It is thus a little later in appearing and a little earlier
in leaving than Whip-poor-will.

In northern Ohio, at least, it seems to nest preferably on
the tops of our taller city buildings. I have yet to learn of
a nest that has been found in the woods within thirty miles
of Cleveland.

The Whip-poor-will and Nighthawk take up the destruc-
tion of insects where the swallows and flycatchers leave it.
We could wish there were more of all kinds of insect eaters,
particularly those which feed at night.

SuporpErR CYPSELI. Swifts.
Family MICROPODID. Swifts.

160. (423.) CHarurA PELAGICA (Linn.). 137.
Chimney Swift.
Synonyms: Hirundo pelasgia, H. pelagica, Cypselus pelasgius,
Chetura pelasgica.

Chimney Swallow, Common Swift, Swift.
Wilson, Am. Orn., V, 1812, 48.

This familiar bird is pronounced abundant over the entire
state. It nests in the smaller chimneys, and roosts in com-
munities in the larger chimneys. I find no records of nest-
ing in hollow trees. Dr. Wheaton speaks of the probabili-
ty that a few pairs nested in an old hollow tree three miles
east of Columbus, prior to 1882.

The Swifts reach Ohio about the middle of April, and
seem to distribute themselves pretty generally at once. Mi-
gration dates for the southern and northern counties do not
differ materially. They do not leave the vicinity of Oberlin
until mid-October, sometimes lingering well into the third
week.

MACROCHIRES. 119

Presumably the Swifts must rest at some time, but when
seems a mystery. We see them only on the wing, never
perched, unless it be in a chimney near or on the nest. Of
course their food consists entirely of flying insects captured
while flying. No one ever questioned the usefulness of this
strong-winged bird.

SuporDER TROCHILI. Hummingbirds.
Family TROCHILID#. Hummingbirds.

161. (428.) Trocuitus coLusris Linn, 136.
Ruby-throated Hummingbird.
Kirtland, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1838, 164.

This is the only Hummingbird which ever visits Ohio.
It is common all summer over the entire state, nesting either
near dwellings or in the woods as fancy may dictate. The
head contains no poison gland, so the thrust of the beak is
not poisonous unless the bird has just been feeding upon
some plant whose blossom is poisonous.

The Hummingbird is not one of the strongest winged
birds, but frequently perches for rest. It has brought to per-
fection the art of hovering and darting as well as forward
flight, but cannot soar. It is a great fighter in its way, eas-
ily putting to rout Catbirds, Robins and Blue Jays; not by
striking with either wings or beak (its feet are too small
and weak to be used in that way), but by hovering and danc-
ing close to the bird which it chooses to put to flight. The
buzzing, jiggling movement seems to confuse its adversary.

The Hummer reaches our southern border about the first
of May, but is a week later at the lake shore. It leaves the
state about the middle of September, often tarrying a little
longer at the south.

Probably no bird could long live upon a diet of honey
alone. It must certainly be true that the Hummingbird eats
honey, because its tongue is made that way, but it is just as
true that it eats insects which it finds in the blossoms with
the honey. It is therefore a useful bird as well as a pleasing
feature of our flower gardens.

120 BIRDS OF OHIO.
Orper PASSERES. Perching Birds.

SusorpER CLAMATORES. Songless Perching Birds.
Family TYRANNIDZ. Tyrant Flycatchers.

The birds which belong to this family are preéminently
flycatchers, but while they feed so largely upon flying in-
sects, catching them in mid-air by a sally from some position
where they have been waiting, they also eat wild fruits in
their season to some extent. Sometimes they descend to
the ground to pick up insects seen there. The only member
of the family about which complaints have been made is the
Kingbird. He is fond of honey bees, and will sometimes
nearly destroy a hive if not interrupted in his feast. As a
group the flycatchers are among our most useful insect de-
stroyers, supplementing the work of the swallows and
Nighthawk, Whip-poor-will, and Chimney Swift.

162. (444.) Tyrannus TYyRANNUS (Linn.). 127.
Kingbird.
Synonyms: Tyrannus carolinensis, T. intrepidus, Muscicapa ty-
rannus, Lanius tyrannus.

Bee Martin, Bee Bird, Tyrant Flycatcher, Tyrant.
Kirtland, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1838, 163.

The Kingbird is well known to all. It is common during
the summer in all parts of the state. While it may be harm-
ful in some individual cases to bee raisers, it is a decidedly
useful bird in general.

The Kingbird reaches the Ohio river about April 20, and
Lake Erie five days later. It remains only until the first
week in September.

163. (452.) Myrarcuus crinitus (Linn.). 128.
Crested Flycatcher.
Synonyms: Musicapa crinita, Tyrannus crinitus.

Great Crested Flycatcher.
Kirtland, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1838, 163.

This bird is almost as well known as the Kingbird, from
which it may be easily distinguished by the reddish instead

PASSERES—TYRANNID&. 121

of white-tipped tail. It has taken a notion to che orchards,
frequently nesting in the hollow apple trees, in spite of the
English Sparrow.

Its arrival follows that of Kingbird within five days, both
in the south and north. It generally lingers longer in au-
tumn, not infrequently tarrying until mid-October at Ober-
lin.

164, (456.) Savyornis pHa@BE (Lath.). 129.
Pheebe.
Synonyms: Sayornis fuscus, Muscicapa fuscus, Tyrannus fuscus.

Pewee, Pewit, Bridge Pewee, Water Pewee, Pewit Fly-
catcher, Phoebe Bird, Barn Pewee, House Pewee,

Kirtland, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1838, 163.

The Phcebe is almost a household bird in many parts of
the state, nesting in barns and out-buildings. It also selects
bridges, but still clings to its ancient nesting places when
possible. Almost any rocky bluff furnishes a home for one
or more pairs of Phcoebes, whether a river gorge, a deserted
quarry, or a natural rock face.

While a true flycatcher it is one of the early spring birds,
not infrequently announcing its arrival before the 20th of
March at the lake shore. It rarely departs for the south
before the leaves have fallen from the trees, which is late
October.

During the cold, snowy days of late March I have found
Pheebe in the deep woods gleaning from the blossoms of
the witch-hazel, or apparently eating the buds from a lin-
den tree.

165. (459.) NuTTALORNIS BOREALIS (Swains.). 130.
Olive-sided Flycatcher.

Synonyms: Sayornis borealis, Tyrannus borealis.
Wheaton, Ohio Agri. Report, 1860, 1861, 379, 480.

I find no records for this flycatcher east of Clarke county.
While Dr. Wheaton throws some doubt upon the admissi-
bility of the records upon which he gave the species a place
in his catalogue, except Dr. Langdon’s statement for 1877,

122 BIRDS OF OHIO.

there can be no reasonable question that it is a rare migrant
in the western third of the state.

166. (461.) ContTopus virens (Linn.). 131.
Wood Pewee.
Synonyms: Muscicapa virens, Tyrannus virens.
Pewee, Pewee Flycatcher.
Kirtland, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1838, 163.

Wood Pewee is more than common. In northern Ohio it
is easily the most numerous of any of our flycatchers, be-
cause found everywhere where there are trees, except in the
deep woods, and where found it is too numerous to escape
the notice of the most inattentive. Its plaintive call must
be familiar to every one. It is probably less numerous in
the more hilly south-eastern parts of the state.

Wood Pewee is among the later arrivals from the south,
rarely appearing in the southern counties before May 5th,
and in the north not seldom as late as the 10th. It remains
with us in Lorain county until the middle of September, but
tarries until October along our southern border.

167. (463.) EmprmipoNAxX FLAVIVENTRIS Baird. 132.
Yellow-bellied Flycatcher.

Synonyms: Tyrannula flaviventris.
Kirkpatrick, Ohio Farmer, IX, 1860, 139.

Dr. Wheaton speaks of this species as “A common spring
and fall migrant,” apparently meaning over the entire state.
I have never found it in Lorain county, although it has been
taken there. It is not well known if a common migrant.
Probably it has greatly decreased in numbers since Dr.
Wheaton laid down his work. I find no records of its breed-
ing within the state.

Dr. Wheaton states that this flycatcher is different in hab-
its from the other small flycatchers, in that it frequents
fence-rows and is timid, darting into a thicket and remain-
ing hidden when one approaches. This may account for
its apparent scarcity.

PASSERES—TYRAN NIDA. 123

168. (465.) EMprponax viREScENS (Vieill.). 133.
Green-crested Flycatcher.
Synonyms: Empidonax acadicus, Tyrannus acadicus, Platyr-

hinchos virescens.
Acadian Flycatcher, Small Green-crested Flycatcher.

Kirtland,-Ohio Geol. :Surv., 1838, 163.

Apparently more pairs of this woods haunting flycatcher
nest in the northen half of the state than in the southern
half. It is fairly common everywhere, but may almost be
called abundant inthe heavier woods in the north. Its
small size and weak voice cause it to be overlooked by many
who should know it.

In its northward migration it reaches the lake shore about
the first of May, and does not return south before the second
week in September.

169. (466.) Empiponax rraitiit (Aud.). 134.
Traill Flycatcher.
Synonyms: Empidonax pusillus traillii, Tyrannus traillii, Mus-
cicapa traillii.
Little Flycatcher.
Read, Fam. Visitor, III, 1853, 359.

This is another little known species, probably rather be-
cause it is so difficult to distinguish between the small fly-
catchers unless one knows the song, than because the bird
is rare. As a migrant it seems to be fairly common in most

counties, but only a few remain to breed in the southern
tier of counties. I found it breeding in considerable num-

bers at Licking reservoir and at Lewiston reservoir. It
prefers a willow or alder fringed lake or marsh for its sum-
mer home. A short distance from such places it may not
be found at all.

This is one of the last of the migratory birds to appear ;
sometimes not reaching northern Ohio before the middle of
May, rarely before the 10th day. It is gone again by the
first of September.

124 BIRDS OF OHIO.

170. (467%.) Empirponax MiniMus Baird. 135.
Least Flycatcher.
Synonyms: Tyrannus acadicus, Tyrannula minima.
Chebec, Sewick.
Read, Family Visitor, III, 1853, 359.

While this is common as a migrant throughout the state
it appears to be rare as a summer resident, especially in the
south. I have yet to-find a pair breeding in Lorain county.
It is, however, given as breeding in Erie county, and as pos-
sibly breeding in Scioto county by Rev. W. F. Henninger.
It seems likely that it is local in its summer distribution. In
August we found it along the Ohio river from Marietta to
Ironton.

The Least Flycatcher reaches Lorain county by the 25th
of April and departs about the first of September.

SuporDER OSCINES. Song Birds.
Family ALAUDID. Larks.

The true larks are found in flocks of from a few to several
hundred individuals except during the breeding season.
Their food consists of weed seeds and such grains as may
be scattered in the fields or by the roadside, and the eggs
and larve of insects. Probably adult insects are also eaten
to some extent. They are useful birds.

171. (474.) Orocoris ALPEsTRIs (Linn.). 126.
Horned Lark.
Synonyms: Eremophila alpestris, E. cornuta, Alauda alpestris.
Shore Lark.
Kirtland, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1838, 164, 183.

It is unfortunate that so few persons are able to distin-
guish certainly between our three forms of Otocoris. The
evidence seems to be pretty clear that there has been a shift-
ing about of alpestris and an invasion of praticola since Dr.
Wheaton wrote in 1882. He was familiar with the winter
bird but knew nothing of the summer form, which he
would have known had it been as common as it is now.

PASSERES—ALAUDIDA. 125

“Abundant winter resident” is the term he applies to alpes-
tris, the form known to him. After an experience of twelve
years in Lorain county I would not consider it more than
common. In 1882 it apparently ranged completely across
the state, but now there are no extreme southern records.
This, again, may be due to unfamiliarity with the birds. At
any rate itis more common north than south. I have sel-
dom seen true Horned Larks before the first considerable
cold wave which brings snow. This may be late in Novem4
ber or not until the second week in January. Most of the
Horned Larks have gone north by the middle of March, but
individuals sometimes tarry until early May.

During the winter the Horned Lark is largely a seed
eater, and destroys quantities of noxious weeds in embryo.
During the period of snow covered landscape he searches
out the freshly spread manure, or goes into the pastures
where fodder has been scattered, picking up what the cattle
have left or uncovered. Flocks of several hundred are not
uncommon at such times.

172. (474b.) OrocorIs ALPESTRIS PRATICOLA Hensh. —
Prairie Horned Lark.

Dwight, Auk, VII, 1890, 145.

This is the first specific reference. In a general way Hen-
shaw covered Ohio in his review in 1884, but made no specific
reference to Ohio. This form was not elaborated until two
years after Dr. Wheaton had seen his catalogue out of the press,
but since he makes no mention of the breeding of the Horned
Lark it seems likely that he did not know this form. It is very
probable that it invaded the state just after Dr. Wheaton laid
down his work.

O. a. praticola is now the common resident form nearly
throughout the state. It is naturally more numerous in the
more level northern and western parts than in the rougher
south-eastern. Naturally it is confused with alpestris by
many of the Ohio men, particularly those who are familiar
with the earlier classification which Dr. Wheaton used.

In general habits this form agrees with alpestris. During

126 BIRDS OF OHIO.

the summer, particularly the breeding season, the regular
diet. of weed seeds is supplemented with insect larvze.

Since these birds may usually be rather closely approached
during the winter when they associate together, and always
head into the wind, they may be readily distinguished by
the yellow line above the eye in the true Horned Lark, and
by the white line, with no trace of yellow, in Prairie Horned
Lark. Both have yellow or yellowish throats, Horned Lark
the brighter and clearer. The form hoytt is as large as al-
pestris, but is lighter than praticola, and with no yellow over
the eye.

173. (474k.) OvocoRIS ALPESTRIS HOYTI Bishop. —.
Hoyt Horned Lark.
Synonyms: Otocoris alpestris leucolema.
Oberholser, A Review of the Larks of the Genus Otocoris, Pro-
ceedings of the U. S. National Museum, XXIV, No. 1271, 812.
The specimen above referred to, captured at Wooster,
one in the Oberlin College collection, and at least three in
the collection of the Ohio State University, are all of which
I have any record. A critical examination of local collec-
tions may reveal others. The recent elaboration of this
subspecies makes it impossible to say what its status in our
state is. From the small amount of evidence I would infer
that it is a winter visitor with the Horned Lark, ranging
into the state from the north-west.

Family Corvinz. Crows, Jays, Magpies, etc.

The food habits of the three representatives of this family
which occur in Ohio are given under the species.

174. (477.) Cyanocirta cristata (Linn.). 125
Blue Jay.
Synonyms: Cyanurus cristatus, Cyanura cristata, Corvus cris-
tatus, Garrulus cristatus.
Jay Bird.

Kirtland, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1838, 162.

Blue Jay is a familiar and common resident throughout
the state except in the south-eastern portion. He is usually

PASSERES—CORVID&. 127

more in evidence during the winter than during the sum-
mer, no doubt because he finds food more plentiful and more
easily obtained in towns and cities. During the winter the
jay is a great scavenger, visiting the kitchen waste barrel

. regularly. He -will-eat.almost.anything.that.can be digested,

and sometimes other things as well. Corn and nuts furnish
a good share of his winter food, where they are plentiful.
His friends keep still about what he eats during the summer.
There is no doubt that many nests despoiled of eggs or even
young must be laid to his mischievous propensities. One
might be allowed to judge of his character by the manner
in which his neighbors receive him. The appearance of a
jay in any neighborhood is the signal for all the birds to
band together to drive him away. Prof. F. E. L. Beal’s ex-
amination of 292 stomachs failed to sustain the almost uni-
versal testimony of the robbing proclivities of this bird.
There was some evidence of it but too little upon which to
base a sweeping condemnation. On the other hand, the Blue
Jay certainly does destroy large numbers of injurious in-
sects.

While it is probably true that the Blue Jay is migratory
to some extent, the northernmost birds receding south a
greater or less distance to spend the winter, and the others
also crowding south to give place to them, it is not an ap-
preciable movement in Ohio.

175. (486a.) Corvus CORAX PRINCIPALIS Ridgw. 123.
Northern Raven.

Synonyms: Corvus corax, C. corax var. carnivorous, C. carniy-
orus.
Raven, American Raven.

Wilson, Am. Orn., IX, 1825, 136.

The records seem to indicate that in Wilson’s time the
Raven was so common along the lake shore, particularly
easterly, as to entirely supplant the Crow. It gradually de-
creased in numbers, until none were known except in the
extreme northwest. In 1882 Dr. Wheaton regarded it as
a “Rare winter visitor.” Mr. Thos. Mikesell, of Wauseon,

128 BIRDS OF OHIO.

is the only person who reports its occurrence at the present
time. Other residents of Fulton county corroborate Mr.
Mikesell’s statement. Apparently it has been in the habit
of nesting in that corner of the state and in the adjoining
parts of Indiana. Doubtless the next decade will witness
its complete extinction from the state.

176. (488.) Corvus AMERIcANUS Aud. 124.
American Crow.
Synonyms: Corvus frugivorus, C. corone.

Crow, Common Crow.
Kirtland, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1838, 162.

Our common Crow is resident in some numbers in the
southern portion of the state, and may be found in small
numbers in favorable places even to the lake shore. Cold,
snowy winters are likely to drive most if not a dividuals
south at least to the center of the state. The northward
movement of the Crow host reaches Lorain county early in
March, but it is almost wholly dependent upon weather con-
ditions. Not infrequently small companies of these birds
may be seen moving north during the last week of February.
Considerable numbers remain well into December in all but
exceptionally cold winters which begin early.

It is well known that the Crow is a social bird to an un-
usual degree, except when nesting. Crow “Roosts” are
readily located by noting the converging lines of flight dur-
ing the afternoon in spring and fall, and in winter in the
southern counties.

It would be superfluous to discuss the food habits of this
interesting bird here. The reader can obtain an exhaustive
paper upon the Crow by writing to the Secretary of Agri-
culture, Washington, D. C. The evidence which will be
found there is slightly favorable to the Crow. But it must
be admitted that during planting time he is a mischievous
bird, and then may deserve a warm reception. But that he
does eat many insects which destroy quantities of grain must
also be freely admitted.

Mictamitardmaccnst a8 eine de (SSSeieiae oe. eeeeaadns

PASSERES—ICTERID. 129

Family Icteripz#. Blackbirds, Orioles, Meadowlarks, etc.

Most members of this family are among the best known
of our birds, because they either live about dwellings or
in our parks, or because they are-conspicuous in either color
or voice. Their food habits are discussed in detail under
each species.

177. (494.) DoticHonyx oryzivorus (Linn.). 114.
Bobolink.
Synonyms: Icterus agripennis, Fringula oryzivorus.
Reedbird, Ricebird, White-winged Blackbird, Skunk Black-

bird, Bob Lincoln, Butterbird, Ortolan, Meadow-wink, May-
bird. :

Nuttall, Manual, I, 1832, 185. =

In his full wedding dress the Bobolink is a’ well-known
bird, but, in-his traveling suit of drab and yellow he is to
most persons a common sparrow. I was somewhat sur-
prised to learn that while the Bobolink is one of our most
familiar meadow inhabitants in northern Ohio, it is not
found at all during the summer in the southern part, only
passing through as a migrant twice a year. I found it
breding sparingly at both the Licking and Lewiston res-
ervoirs. It is reported as common all summer as far south
as Delaware, but apparently at the Licking reservoir it is
near its southern breeding limit.

Being a meadow haunting bird, its appearance in the
state must have followed the disappearance of the forests,
except in the more open north-western counties. Dr. Whea-
ton places its first appearance in Geauga county in 1857,

Bobolink reaches Lorain county during the last week of
April. The males change their garb during July and early
August, after which the species may be found in flocks of
varying size, making ready for their journey to the Florida
rice fields. They are gone by the middle of September. In
the southern part of the state they remain but about a week
after their first appearance in spring, and return again dur-
ing the second week in September, to remain but a few
days.

130 BIRDS OF OHIO.

With us the Bobolink is both interesting and useful. His
irresistible burst of song is one of our treasures, and his
destruction of insects and’ weed seeds makes him an aid to
the farmer. But in the south he has found the rice fields a
never failing source of food, and often pays the penalty of
thieving with his life. The year through he is more useful
than harmful.

178. (495.) Motorurus ater (Bodd.). 115.
Cowbird.

Synonyms: Icterus pecoris, Molothrus pecoris, Fringilla pecoris.
Cowbird, Cow Blackbird, Cow Troupial, Cow Bunting, Com-
mon Cowbird, Chuckold, Blackbird, Shinyeye, Lazy Bird,

Clodhopper, Buffalo Bird.

Kirtland, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1838, 162, 180.

It is hard to find anything good to say about this lazy
tramp. He is, unfortunately, common all summer,over the
entire state, so that nowhere can the other birds find refuge
from his depredations. We may have small pity for the stu-
pidity of the other birds in permitting the alien egg to remain
in their nests to work the destruction of their own young, but
how different are we when we find a poor human waif which
somebody may be too lazy to care for? Some birds, par-
ticularly the larger ones, do throw the egg out of their nest,
but few of the smaller ones seem to make any effort to free
themselves of the incubus. The presence of a young Cow-
bird in the nest of a species which is smaller than the Cow-
bird, frequently results in the death of the rightful inhab-
itants of the nest, and so great damage is done in the de-
struction of really beneficial birds.

There are perhaps two good things about the Cowbird.
It eats the insects and grubs which are more or less injuri-
ous to cattle, and which are found in the pastures among
the herds, and its flesh is good to eat! Cowbird and Eng-
lish Sparrow should find their way to the bill of fare of our
hotels. They are dainty tidbits. Call them Ricebirds if
you prefer.

The Cowbird reaches Ohio during the middle of March
and returns south late in October. It frequently associates

PASSERES—ICTERID&. 131

with the Bronzed Grackles in their roosts during the sum-
mer-and autumn, and may sometimes be found in the north-
ward moving flocks made up of the several species of
“Blackbirds.” During the summer it is found in companies
of five to eight individuals, both males and females, about
the woodlands and pastures.

179. (498.) AcGELArUs PH@NIcEus (Linn.). 117,
Red-winged Blackbird.

Synonyms: Agelzeus phcenicus, Icterus phcenicus, Oriolus
pheeniceus.
Swamp Blackbird, Red-winged Starling, Red-and-buff-shoul-
dered Marsh Blackbird, Blackbird.

Kirtland, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1838, 162.

This is probably the most familiar bird of the swamps
and marshes in all parts of the state, where it nests in large
numbers. In some regions where its natural nesting places
of rushes and cat-tails have disappeared on account of
drainage, it has gone into the clover fields and meadows.
In others it has taken to the brush.

The testimony of the examination of large numbers of
stomachs of this bird shows that it may prove harmful in
some places and under some circumstances, but that its
harmfulness is about one-eighth, as represented by the
grains which it eats. The harmful insects and weed seeds
which it destroys should far outweigh any damage done to
agriculture. No doubt a large part of the grain eaten is
waste grain.

The Red-wing is one of spring’s harbingers. He reaches
Ohio not far from the first of March, but is inclined to be
a few days later than the Bluebird and Robin. When the
season is late he may come in a large flock of “Blackbirds,”
but earlier he seems to prefer to travel with a small company
of his own kind only. Like the other birds of his color he
loves company, and after the young are able to fly, a whole
swamp full select a place to spend the nights, which may
be with the other species, or possibly a roosting-place ex-
clusively of his own species. The most of our Red-wings

132 BIRDS OF OHIO.

have gone south by the last of October, but a few remain
well toward December, especially in the southern counties.

180. (498a.) AGELAIUS PHGENICEUS FoRTIS Ridgway.
Thick-billed Red-wing.

There is a specimen in the Oberlin College collection
which seems clearly to belong to this new race. It was
taken October 25, 1890, by C. A. Kofoid, at Oberlin. Ap-
parently this form should be found among the early spring
and late autumn Red-wings. The form has been so recently
elaborated that it has not been possible to examine specimens
in the different collections.

181. (501.) StrurNELLA MAGNA (Linn.). 118.
Meadowlark.
Synonyms: Sturnus ludovicianus, Sturnella ludoviciana, Alauda
magna.
Fieldlark, Old Fieldlark, Meadow Starling, Marsh Quail.
Kirtland, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1838, 162.

Like the Crow, Meadowlark may remain in small num-
bers in the northern part of the state all winter. Long con-
tinued cold, and particularly snow, will usually drive all
south, or into some region not covered by snow. Inthe
southern counties, decreasingly northward, it is a regular
winter resident. No doubt the present condition of the
Meadowlark is due to the clearing away of the forests, but
unlike the Bobolink, it does not require so extensive fields
and therefore probably found natural clearings in the for-
ests possible breeding grounds before the appearance of the
white settlers. Ifso his numbers were far less than now.

There should be no note of condemnation for this bird.
His services in the meadow and fields cannot be estimated
in values. Even during the winter insects comprise a large
proportion of his food, while practically no grain that could
be saved is eaten at any time. To say that 73 per cent. of
the whole amount eaten is insects, a large part of which eat
grains, is telling but half of the story. Being a ground
haunter, the insects destroyed are such as the other birds

PASSERES—ICTERIDA. 133

TRARY ye re

do not touch. It is therefore one of the birds which should
be rigidly protected.

182. (506.) IcTERUS spuRIUS (Linn.). 119.
Orchard Oriole.

Synonyms: Oriolus spurius.
Kirtland, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1838, 162.

The Orchard Oriole is a fairly common summer resident
throughout the state. In Lorain county it has increased,
during the last ten years, from scarcely more than casual
to fairly common. Writing in 1882, Dr. Wheaton states
that in the vicinity of Columbus, at least, it resorts to “the
low banks of sparsely wooded streams and willow thickets,”
preferring such places to orchards. In Lorain county it is
more often found in orchards than elsewhere.

The birds are not numerous enough to figure economical-
ly, but if they were their food would be found to consist
largely of insects injurious to fruit. The birds probably eat
some ripe fruit in its season, but so little of it as to be of
no consequence. Ripe mulberries are eaten with a good deal
of relish.

The Orchard Oriole reaches our southern border during
the last week in April and spends nearly a week in travers-
ing the state, seldom appearing at Oberlin before the first
of May. Its departure southward is a little uncertain, but
seems to be about the middle of August.

183. (507.) IcreRus carBuLa (Linn.). 120.
Baltimore Oriole.

Synonyms: Icterus baltimore, Oriolus baltimore, Coracias gal-
bula.
Golden Robin, Hangnest, Firebird, Peabird, Hanging-bird.

Kirtland, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1838, 162.

This is the common Oriole throughout the state, and is
apparently on the increase in most sections. It is one of the
first birds which the would-be bird student sees and hears,
because it comes into the door-yard to nest, and sings fear-

134 BIRDS OF OHIO.

eae.” Its pendant nest is a familiar sight on almost every
street, after the leaves have fallen.

Its food consists largely of injurious insects, particularly

caterpillars and the small plant and bark lice which are over-
looked by most other birds. It is true that some ripe fruit
is eaten, but so little, usually, that little harm is done. A
mulberry tree will prove a safeguard from anything which
the Baltimore Oriole might be inclined to do with other
fruit, for he does love ripe mulberries.
- This Oriole reaches our southern border early in the last
week of April, and loses little time in crossing the state,
passing south about September 5, in the northern, and the
10th in the southern counties. A few individuals may lin-
ger well toward October.

184. (509.) ScoLecopHacus caRoLINus (Mill.). 121.
Rusty Blackbird.

Synonyms: Scolecophagus ferrugineus, Quicalus ferrugineus,
_Oriolus ferrugineus, Turdus carolinus.
Rusty Grackle, Thrush Blackbird.

Kirtland, Ohio Geol. Surv.; 1838, 162.

The little known Rusty Blackbird is a regular migrant
across the state both spring and autumn, usually fairly com-
mon but seldom, if ever, very prominent. In the southern
counties it is a tolerably common winter resident. As a
migrant it could do no harm if it would, except possibly to
the ripe corn crop. There is no evidence that it is ever
harmful.

It is among the earlier spring birds, arriving during the
first week in March and remaining until the end of the first
week in May, returning again about the middle of Septem-
ber and remaining well into November, in the north. There
is one record for February 13, 1897, when a female was shot
in the marshes on Lake Erie. It must have wintered there.

PASSERES—ICTERIDA. 185

185. (511b.) QuiscALus QuISCULA @NEUS (Ridgw.). 122.
Bronzed Grackle.

Synonyms: Quiscalus purpureus var. eneus, Q. versicolor, Q.
purpureus, Q. #neus.

Crow Blackbird, Common . Blackbird, Purple Grackle,
Bronzed Crow Blackbird, Brass Grackle, Western Crow
Blackbird.

Kirtland, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1838, 162, 180.

This is the common “Blackbird” of lawns and shade trees.
Its steel-blue head and neck and bronze-colored body would
at once distinguish it from the other blackbirds. Dr. Whea-
ton states that it is “Found everywhere, but is especially
numerous in sycamore groves along streams, and in oak
woodland.” I am not aware that it is now found breeding
away from the immediate vicinity of human habitations.
It is particularly numerous at farm dwellings where Lom-
bardy poplars are numerous, and in towns and parks
among the evergreen trees. It also roosts in the shade trees
in parks and along the streets where shade trees form a suf-
ficiently thick growth.

There can be no question that this species does more good
than harm the whole year-throwgh, but that is not saying
that the birds should always be left to do as they choose. It
is too true that during the fall, when the small grains are
standing in shock and the corn is in the milk, the grackles
do great damage, sometimes descending in immense flocks
upon a field, filling themselves with the grain. They also
eat ripe fruit to some extent. During the spring they are
decidedly beneficial in ridding the newly turned soil of
grubs and other insect larve. The farmer must be his own
judge and execute his sentence—if he can.

The Bronzed Grackles reach northern Ohio during the
first week in March, not seldom with the other first spring
birds. At Oberlin the arrivals usually fly first to the trees
in which the roost was selected the previous summer, and
then station themselves about town to suit their own fancy.
The bulk of individuals leave for the south about November
10, but stragglers remain into December, or rarely all win-
ter long.

136 BIRDS OF OHIO.

Family FRINGILLIDA. Finches, Sparrows, Buntings,
etc.

Of this group there have been found in Ohio 33 species
native to North America, and one imported species. Only
one other family of birds exceeds this in number of species,
and probably none exceeds it in the numbers of individual
birds, for the sparrows are always numerous. These birds
are also among the most puzzling to the average student.
Their food habits are given under each species.

186. (514.) HESPERIPHONA VESPERTINA (Coop.). 84.
Evening Grosbeak.

Synonyms: Coccothraustes vespertina, Fringilla vespertina.
Kirtland, Ohio Farmer (newspaper), IX, 1860, 91.

Dr. Wheaton knew of but one record for this northern
species, in the reference given above. A female was taken
by Mr. Charles Pease, Jr., and several others were seen by
Dr. Kirtland, a few days previous to March 24, 1860. There
was a small flight southward during the latter part of Jan-
uary, 1890, when a specimen was secured by Dr. Carl Tut-
tle, of Berlin Heights, Erie county, January 30, 1890; a
number were seen by Mr. A. Hall, of Cleveland, and by
Rev. J. M. Keck, in Lake county.. At best it is a rare winter
visitor to northern Ohio.

187. (515.) PINICOLA ENUCLEATOR LEUCURA (Miill.). 85
Canadian Pine Grosbeak.
Synonyms: Pinicola enucleator, Corythus enucleator, Pinicola
canadensis, Loxia enucleator.
Kirtland, Am. Journal Sci. and Arts, XIII, 1852, 218.

The records of the occurrence of this northern bird are
few, and, except Audubon’s inferential reference to speci-
mens captured at the mouth of the Big Guyandotte, in West
Virginia, are confined to northern Ohio. Dr. Wheaton
gives three records, two besides Audubon’s. Dr. Kirtland
recorded it from near Cleveland, and the statement by Mr.
Read that it is “rare, though occasionally seen during most
of the year,” seems to me a decidedly questionable

PASSERES—FRINGILLIDZ. * 137

record. Possibly the Purple Finch was meant. The only
other records that I have are one by Mr. A. Hall, of Cleve-
land, who captured a specimen, date not known, and one
by myself in-Lorain county, January 1, 1902. It seems like-
ly that more activity in field work during the winter would
result in other records of this interesting species.

188. (517.) CaRPopACUS PURPUREUS (Gmel.). 86.
Purple Finch.
Synonyms: Fringilla purpurea.
Purple Grosbeak, Crimson Finch, Linnet.
Kirtland, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1838, 164, 184.

The Purple Finch is a regular, but hardly common, mi-
grant, and less numerous winter resident in all parts of the
state. With us it occurs in small flocks, frequently asso-
ciated with Goldfinch. In Lorain county it is too irregular
to make any definite statements about its appearance in
spring or autumn worth anything. Singing individuals
have been recorded after the middle of May, and as early
as the first of September.

While in the state the food of this species is not such as
to affect agricultural interests, if it ever does. J have seen
it breaking off and scattering the buds from trees, working
at the pine cones, and eating weed seeds from near the
ground.

189. (521.) Loxia cURVIROSTRA MINOR (Brehm.). 87.
American Crossbill. ,

Synonyms: Loxia curvirostra var. americana, L. curvirostra,
Curvirostra americana, Curvirostra minor.
Common Crossbill, American Red Crossbill, Red Crossbill.

Kirtland, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1838, 164, 184.

This Crossbill is an irregular winter visitor, and possibly
breeds occasionally. Its appearance and disappearance are
unaccountable. It has appeared at Oberlin during early
autumn and been common both in the village and surround-
ing region until the following June, and then disappeared
completely for months or years. Considerable flights some-

138 BIRDS OF OHIO.

times occur during the winter or early spring only, followed
abruptly by total disappearance. It may be found anywhere
in the state where coniferous trees furnish food. Mr. E. A.
Doolittle informs me that flocks are present now (late
June) at Painesville. I have found a flock at Oberlin dur-
ing the last week in June, 1903.

I have never seen the birds feeding on anything but pine
nuts which are taken from the cones either on the trees or
as they lie on the ground.

190. (522.) Loxiza LEUCOPTERA Gmel. 88.
White-winged Crossbill.

Synonyms: Curvirostra leucoptera.

Wheaton, Ohio Agri. Report, 1860, 346, 366.

This Crossbill is rare in Ohio. There appear to have been
three flights, of which we have records, which may have
reached Ohio. One was in 1868-9, when Dr. Langdon
found considerable numbers of them associated with the
Red Crossbills in the proportion of two of the White-
winged to one of the other, in the vicinity of Cincinnati.
Another flight mentioned by Mr. A. W. Butler (Birds of
Indiana, 921) occurred in 1883-4, when numerous Indiana
records were made, but apparently no Ohio records have
come to light for this flight. The third and last occurred
during the winter of 1901-2, when a flock remained near
Elyria, Lorain county, for at least two weeks early in Jan-
uary, 1902. Other records are scattering and probably do
rot have to do with large flights. At best the species is ir-
regular, requiring unusual weather and food conditions to
be forced south. ,

191. (528.) AcANTHIS LINARIA (Linn.). 89.
Redpoll.
Synonyms: Adgiothus linaria, Fringilla linaria.
Red-poll Linnet, Common Red-poll, Lesser Red-poll.
Kirtland, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1838, 164, 183.

The Redpoll is probably a little less rare. than the last

PASSERES—FRINGILLIDA. 139

species, but it has ceased to be the “Tolerably regular win-
ter resident in northern Ohio” that Dr. Wheaton knew.
During my ten years’ residence in Oberlin I have never
seen it, in spite of many winter days spent afield in search
for it. The rare occasions when it does cross Lake Erie are
notable ones, for then the birds are among.the most numer-
ous of winter birds. Stragglers may be found occasionally.
One was taken by Mr. Charles Dury in January, 1869,.at
Cincinnati.

The Redpoll feeds much after the fashion of the Gold-
finch, the flock taking possession of a weed and apparently
cleaning out the seeds before leaving, twittering all the
while. They are not wary and allow a close approach.

192. (529.) ASTRAGALINUS TRISTIS (Linn.). 90.
American Goldfinch.

Synonyms: Chrysomitris tristis, Fringilla tristis, Carduelis
tristis, Spinus tristis.
Yellow-bird, Thistle-bird, Lettuce-bird, Salad-bird, Wild
Canary.

Audubon, Orn. Biog., 1831, 172.

Goldfinch is one of our commoner birds the year through,
but during the colder part of the year—from October to
April—he is known as a common sparrow, by the majority
of persons, because his bright yellow and deep black dress
has given place to drab only tinted with yellow. He has
lost his cheerful, rollicking song, also, substituting a con-
versational twitter while he feeds or flies. During the more
inclement weather flocks of Goldfinches take refuge in the
woods, where they feed upon such weed and grass seeds as
may be found there in the more open places. At other
times they range the fields for food. Goldfinches and Tree
Sparrows are frequently found in flocks together, both in
woods and open fields.

The winter food of Goldfinch consists largely of weed
and grass seeds taken from standing weeds and grass. In
summer and autumn thistle seeds are much in favor, as
they are in winter if there are any left. Insects are

140 BIRDS OF OHIO.

eaten and fed to the young during July and August, with
some seeds after the young are able to digest such hard food.
The great usefulness in destroying quantities of weed
seeds cannot be questioned. If he ever does damage I have
not heard of it.

193. (533.) Sprnus pryus (Wils.). 91.
Pine Siskin.
Synonyms: Chrysomitris pinus, Fringilla pinea, Linaria pinus.
Pine Linnet, Pine Finch American Siskin.
Storer, Proc. Bost. Soc. Nat. Hist., II, 1845, 52.

The Pine Siskin has certainly decreased in numbers since
Dr. Wheaton knew it in 1882, when he regarded it as abun-
dant. It is reported as rare from the southern, and only
locally common from the central portion of the state. In
the northern counties, particularly those touching Lake Erie,
it may frequently become common during the autumn and
spring, less so during winter. There is no authentic record
of its breeding in the state, unless Dr. Kirtland’s circum-
stantial evidence of mating and presence in June and July,
1850, be so considered. He states that both old and young
appeared for three successive years early in July. No nests
were found.

I have never found the Pine Siskin before the first week
in September nor later than the first week in May in Lorain
county. It is not always present all winter, but may be.
I have found it usually associated with Goldfinch feeding
with them and like them, but occasionally in small flocks
by themselves feeding in the pine and cedar trees and hem-
locks.

194. (534.) PassERINA NIvALIS (Linn.). 92.
Snowflake.
Synonyms: Plectrophanes nivalis, Emberiza nivalis, Plectrophe-
nax nivalis.
Snow Bunting, Snowbird, White Snowbird.
Audubon, Orn. Biog., II, 1834, 515.

Snowflake seldom appears in northern Ohio before the

PASSERES—FRINGILLID. 141

new year opens. It could hardly be called common, in the
usual acceptance of that term, at any time, because the birds
band themselves together in greater or lesser flocks and are
not found in any other fashion. The flocks range over con-
siderable territory, appearing and reappearing at any one
place but few times during the winter. The flocks may
range from a few to several hundred individuals. Rarely
single birds may be found with the flocks of Horned Larks
or Lapland Longspurs. The species is less and less numer-
ous as one proceeds southward from the lake shore, becom-
ing only occasional in southern Ohio, in exceptional
weather.

Feeding wholly on the ground, Snowflake picks up such
seeds as may have been dropped or missed by the other spar-
rows. When the ground is completely covered with snow
they are driven to feed upon the standing weed tops which
project above the snow. A favorite feeding-place is a rail-
road track, where grains of wheat and oats sift through
the cars and afford easy picking.

The Snowflakes are strictly winter birds, seldom appear-
ing before the country is well snow-bound, or they drive
down just in front of a blizzard to give fair warning. They
are gone before April, usually not long after the first of
March.

195. (536.) Catcarius Lapponicus (Linn.). 93.
Lapland Longspur.
Synonyms: Plectrophanes lapponicus, Centrophanes lapponi-
cus, Fringilla lapponica.
Wheaton, Ohio Agri. Report, 1860, 366.

Dr. Wheaton’s statements regarding this winter species
still hold good for practically all of the state, except that I
would not term it common at any time. “The first to ap-
pear are single birds, in company with Shore Larks. Aft-
erward they may be seen in compact flocks of from ten to
thirty, frequenting old brick-yards, and fields where cattle
are fed, in company with Shore Larks, with which they as-
sociate on the ground, but fly by themselves in close flocks.

142 BIRDS OF OHIO.

Frequently when first flushed they utter a rapid rattling
note.” To this we can fully agree.

The first severe winter weather marks their appearance,
which is about the first of December, in the vicinity of Ober-
lin. I have seen flocks as late as April 23.

The food is chiefly weed and grass seed and grain, with
a little insect food intermingled, even in winter. The birds
are strictly beneficial. ,

196. (540.) PoacETES GRAMINEUS (Gmel.). 95.
Vesper Sparrow.
Synonyms: Pcecetes gramineus, Fringilla graminea.
Bay-winged Bunting, Grass Finch, Gray-bird, Vesper-bird,
Ground-bird.
Kirtland, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1838, 164.

This is our common “Ground Sparrow” so called. It
does not disdain a perch on a fence, nor even a tree, but
is more often found skulking or running on the ground in
the grass. The first part of its song is a weak imitation of
Meadowlark’s usual song. The bird may be readily recog-
nized by its two white outer tail feathers.

The food of the Vesper Sparrow varies with the season.
While it remains in the state it eats more insects than vege-
table matter, but during the winter it eats seeds and grain
almost exclusively. During the warmer part of the summer
its diet is 90 per cent. insect. A large part of the grain eaten
is undoubtedly gleaned from the stubble, and would be
wasted if the sparrow did not find it, or spring up in next
year’s cornfield only to make trouble. The good done in
the destruction of injurious insects is greater than that of any
other sparrow. Add to this the weed seeds destroyed dur-
ing the autumn and you have a strong case for this sparrow.

Vesper Sparrow reaches Oberlin during the last week in
March, and is common on the day of arrival, singing lus-
tily. In a few days the numbers have greatly increased un-
til almost every other bird seen is of this species. They lit-
erally swarm over the fields and pastures. As the migra-
tions progress the numbers are reduced somewhat, but all

PASSERES—FRINGILLIDA. 143

summer long it is an abundant species. The bulk of indi-
viduals has gone south by the first of October, but scatter-
ing individuals may remain well into November.

197. (542a.) PassERCULUS SANDWICHENSIS SAVANNA
(Wils.). 94.
Savanna Sparrow.
Synonyms: Passerculus savanna, Ammodramus sandwichensis

savanna, Fringilla savanna.
Common Savanna Sparrow.

Wheaton, Ohio Agri. Report, 1860, 366.

Judging from the reports that have come to me, this is
not a common species, certainly not ‘‘Very common,” as
Dr. Wheaton found it. The apparent rarity may well be
due to unfamiliarity. I have not found it even common in
Lorain county; a half-dozen records for the season is unu-
sually good success. I have utterly failed to find this bird
in summer. Rev. Mr. Henninger reports it as common
during the migrations, but a rare breeder in southern Ohio
(Scioto and Pike counties). In the nature of the case, it
must be of local distribution. It is a great skulker in the
grass and may easily escape notice.

This, with other sparrows of the genus, prefers insects to
seeds and grain, while they are with us. This sparrow in
particular is the greatest of all beetle-eaters. Weevils and
other destructive species form a large part of its diet during
June, July, and August. The seeds eaten are weed seeds
that we are anxious to get rid of, and the grain is almost
wholly waste, since these birds do not go in flocks, but skulk
about rather than expose themselves to view.

The Savanna Sparrow appears in southern Ohio during
the first week in April, and has reached our northern coun-
ties a week later (March 21, 1903). It leaves us about the
last week in October.

144 BIRDS OF OHIO.

198. (546.) CoTURNICULUS SAVANNARUM PASSERINUS

(Wils.). 96.
Grasshopper Sparrow.

Synonyms: Coturniculus passerinus, Ammodramus savannarum
passerinus, Fringilla passerina.
Yellow-winged Sparrow, Quail Sparrow, Cricket Sparrow.

Kirtland, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1838, 164.

This little sparrow is local in its distribution, but may
be fairly common in suitable regions, over the entire state.
Its diminutive size and weak voice serve to hide it from all
but the unusually interested. It seldom essays a higher
perch than the top of a fence-post, and is usually content
with a weed stalk or bunch of grass. It nests on the ground
in meadows or neglected fields.

The food consists of insects and weed seeds and grain,
but almost half of the whole food consists of injurious in-
sects, and the grain is waste. The seeds are wholly of injur-
ious weeds and grasses. As a destroyer of injurious insects
this sparrow leads all the sparrows and equals some of the
larger birds, like the Robin, which are supposed to feed
largely upon insects and worms.

It appears in Ohio during the last week in April and re-
mains until the first of October. During this time it must
be looked for on the uplands, not in low places.

199. (547.) AmMoprRaMuUS HENSLow1 (Aud.). 97.
Henslow Sparrow.
Synonyms: Coturniculus henslovii, C. henslowi, Emberiza hen-
slowii.
Henslow’s Bunting, Henslow’s Grasshopper Sparrow.
Jones, Auk, XII, 1895, 241.

Dr. Wheaton gives it in his catalogue of 1882, citing ref-
erences to Audubon, Birds Am., ITI, 1841, 76, and his own
publications based upon Audubon’s statement and upon a
supposed specimen which Dr. Wheaton collected in the vi-
cinity of Columbus in 1856, which proved to be the young
of A. s. passerinus. Dr. Wheaton eliminates these records
and says,“In all probability Henslow’s Bunting will be found
not uncommon in restricted localities, particularly in the

PASSERES—FRINGILLIDA 145

southern and western portions of the state.” It seems,
therefore, that the reference given above should stand as
the first published record for the state. During the entire
summer of 1894 this sparrow was found in considerable
numbers about Oberlin, and several specimens were taken.
I have looked for it in vain every year since then. There
are no other reports of its occurrence within the state.

200. (549.1.) AmMopRAMUS NELSONI (Allen). —~
Nelson Sparrow.

Synonyms: Ammodramus caudacutus nelsoni.
Nelson’s Sharp-tailed Sparrow.

To Mr. Robt. J. Sim, of Jefferson, belongs the honor
of adding this interesting bird to our state list. The bird
was captured in the vicinity of Geneva, Ashtabula county,
on May 17, 1902, and sent to me for identification. It
proved to be a fine specimen in full spring dress. When
captured the bird was on a bit of high, almost barren ground
which lies between two arms of the extensive marsh near
the lake shore. It seems probable that this secretive bird
may be found sparingly throughout the state in suitable
places.

201. (552.) CHONDESTES GRAMMACUS (Say). 98.
Lark Sparrow.
Synonyms: Chondestes grammaca, Fringilla grammaca.
Lark Finch. :
Wheaton, Field Notes, I, 1861, 129.

The appearance and spread of this, one of the most beau-
tiful singers among the sparrows, is very interesting. Dr.
Wheaton records the first ones seen in 1861. In 1882 it
had spread well over the southern half of the state, at least
as far as the Scioto river, but was not known north of the
central portion. In 1890, when I came to Oberlin, it was
not known in Lorain county, but two years later Mr. L. M.
McCormick found it on the Vermilion river bottoms. Since
that time it has been found regularly, but in small numbers
in the western half of the county, and has also reached

146 BIRDS OF OHIO.

Cleveland. Mr. I. A. Field has found it not uncommon at
Granville and at Licking reservoir. It has not been report-
ed from the eastern third of the state, but may be found’
there within a few years.

This is one of the great grasshopper-eating sparrows.
During its stay it eats almost no grain, but does eat grass,
clover and weed seeds, and numbers of weevils, besides the
grasshoppers. It is therefore deserving of protection, and
should never be persecuted.

It does not reach Ohio before the first of May, and is
gone again early in September. It must be looked for in
fields bordering woods, where it nests on the ground.

202. (554.) ZoNoTRICHIA LEUCOPHRYS (Forst.). 99.
White-crowned Sparrow.

Synonyms: Fringilla leucophrys, Emberiza leucophrys.
White-browed Sparrow, White-browed Crowned Sparrow,
White-crowned Bunting.

Audubon, Orn. Biog., II, 1834, 88.

There is little danger of confusing this with the next
species in the spring, but far more in the autumn when the
black head stripes of spring have given place to brown, and
the white is reduced to gray. A little careful attention will
discover the difference between them at any time.

In Lorain county we look for the White-crowns in the
brush fringing woods. Sometimes the White-throats may
invade their favorite places, but I have never found them
invading the thickets which the White-throats regard their
own. This species is strictly migratory, and has never been
known to breed in Ohio, although Dr. Kirtland recorded
them in July, 1850, near Cleveland.

While with us the food consists of vegetable matter three-
fourths to the animal matter one-fourth. Of the vegetable
matter but a small proportion is grain, and a good propor-
tion of that is probably waste. Some fruit is eaten during.
the summer, but none during the southward journey, or
so little as to amount to nothing. The animal food is about
a. third. caterpillars, the rest being ants, wasps, beetles and

PASSERES—-FRINGILLID&. 147

but few grasshoppers. It would thus appear that this spar-
row is deserving of protection for the large numbers of
weed seeds destroyed, and for its part in keeping in check
the insect pests.

The White-crowned Sparrow reaches Ohio during the
first five days of May and remains nearly two weeks. It
returns again early in October and remains about two
weeks.

203. (558.) ZoNOTRICHIA ALBICOLLIS (Gmel.). 100.
White-throated Sparrow.

Synonyms: Fringilla pennsylvanica, F. albicollis.
White-throated Crown Sparrow, Peabody-bird, White-throat,
Yellow-browed Sparrow, Bush Sparrow.

Kirtland, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1838, 164, 183.

If the White-crowned Sparrow be considered common
during its migrations the White-throat is abundant usually.
There is no direct evidence that it ever breeds in the state.
It prefers the brushy tangles bordering woods, but may be
found in almost any brushy places away from woods, par-
ticularly if it be abundant. It associates with Song, Field
and Vesper Sparrows more or less, and with Juncos some-
times. The clear, whistled call or song may rarely be heard
during the southward movement, but is given full-voiced
during the northward one. To one familiar with the bird
its alarm call is characteristic.

Weed seeds comprise half of what this sparrow eats,
only 3 per cent. is grain; about 30 per cent. is wild fruit
in the season of fruit. The insects eaten are chiefly harmful
species. The debt is therefore wholly on our side of the
account.

The White-throat reaches northern Ohio from its winter
sojourn in the southern counties, early in April and remains
well into May. It returns again late in September and re-
mains about five weeks.

148 BIRDS OF OHIO.

204. (559.) SpizELLA MONTICOLA (Gmel.). 101.
Tree Sparrow.
Synonyms: Spizella montana, Fringilla canadensis, F. monti-
cola.
Winter Chippy, Winter Chip-bird, American Tree Sparrow,
Canadian Sparrow. :

Kirtland, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1838, 164.

Tree Sparrow is by far our most abundant winter bird.
It ranges both woods and fields, cleaning up every weed
patch in the country. It lives in flocks of from ten or a
dozen to several hundred individuals, and not infrequently
sings in the dead of winter. One could not watch a flock
of these birds for five minutes and retain a fit of the “blues.”
In the coldest and stormiest weather they find something to
be happy about.

These birds seem to have a preference for grass seed,
and will clean up anything that may be left exposed. ‘But
surely no thrifty farmer will leave his millet or timothy
shocks out all winter long. In the absence of cultivated
grasses great quantities of injurious grass seeds are de-
stroyed. Only two per cent. of animal matter is eaten, hence
the service of these birds lies in the weed seeds destroyed.

They reach Ohio about the beginning of the second week
in October and remain until the middle of April, or some-
times even into the last week of April.

205. (560.) SprzELLa socratis (Wils.). 102.
Chipping Sparrow.
Synonyms: Spizella domestica, Fringilla socialis.
Chippy, Chip-bird, Hair-bird, Chipping-bird, Chipper.
Kirtland, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1838, 164.

This sociable little bird is one of the door-yard birds
which must be well known to all who take any interest in
their feathered visitors. He may nest in the vine which
covers the trellis, if not disturbed; or at least in one of the
ornamenal trees in your yard, or in the grape-vine. Some
have supposed that this and the Tree Sparrow were the
same, but this sparrow goes south in winter. It is really

PASSERES—FRINGILLID&. 149

ae Sean

abundant during the entire summer throughout the state.

The food consists of 62 per cent. vegetable to 38 animal
matter. Only 4 per cent. of the food is grain, and there
seems to be no evidence that any fruit is eaten. Of the 38
per cent. of animal food a large part consists of the cater-
pillars of some of our most injurious insects. In large
part these are such insects as other birds do not find be-
cause they are afraid to come so near human habitations.
Although not larger than your thumb, this little bird is
among the most useful of our sparrows.

It may be a resident in the southern counties, unless the
weather is too severe. In northern Ohio it appears close to
the first of April, but does not become common before the
last of the month. The last ones leave the lake shore about
the middle of October.

206. (563.) SpizeLta pusiLta (Wils.). 103.
Field Sparrow.
Synonyms: Fringilla pusilla, F. junccrum, Spizella agrestis.

Wocd Sparrow, Bush Sparrow, Field Chippy, Red-billed
Chippy, Feo-feo.

Kirtland, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1838, 164.

“The Field Sparrow is really a bush-haunting sparrow,
and is not infrequently called the brush sparrow. The
brush fringing woods is the favorite haunt of this species.
Brushy pastures are usually full of them and their nests.
Their peculiar accelerando song is characteristic of such
places.

The food habits and food are very similar to those of
Chipping Sparrow: Both deserve strict protection.

The Field Sparrow spends the entire winter south of
Ohio, and returns during the third week in March, rarely
earlier. It remains well into October, and may linger until
November in the extreme southern part of the state.

150 BIRDS OF OHIO.

207. (567.) Junco HYEMALIS (Linn.). 104.
Slate-colored Junco.
Synonyms: Fringilla hyemalis.
Snowbird, Eastern Snowbird, Black Snowbird, Common
Snowbird, Junco, White-bill.

Kirtland, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1838. 164, 183.

This “Snowbird” is a winter resident over the whole
state, but is not usually common during January and Feb-
ruary in the extreme north. When it is present during
these months it is pretty closely confined to the deeper
stream gorges, where it finds food, and protection from the
cold winds. In the central and southern parts of the state
it may be found with the flocks of Tree Sparrows and Gold-
finches, well scattered over the country. There it may pass
the night in the corn shocks.

During the winter Junco eats weed and grass seeds al-
most exclusively, only nine per cent. of its entire food being
animal. There is so little grain eaten that it does not figure.
Hence the Junco is a great aid to the agricultural inter-
ests in the destruction of weeds.

Junco appears in northern Ohio about the first of October
and within a week has made his way to our southern bor-
der. He leaves that border about the middle of April, often
later, but tarries along the lake shore until the first of May.

208. (57%5a.) PEuCaA sSTIVALIS BACHMANII (Aud.), —
Bachman Sparrow.
Synonyms: Fringilla bachmanii.
Oak-woods Sparrow.
Henninger, Bulietin Michigan Orn. Club, II, 1898, 7.

The first specimen was captured by C. M. Weed, August
18, 1890, at Columbus. The specimens reported by Rev.
Mr. Henninger in the above reference were taken on April
23, and a second observed on May 3, 1897, at South Web-
‘ster. Miss Laura Gano reports several on April 27%, and
later, on Grosbeck Hill, Avondale, and College Hill, Cin-
cinnati. Leander S. Keyser sends a questionable record
for Clarke county. The invasion has been from the south-

PASSERES—FRINGILLIDZ. 151

west, with an apparent intention of remaining to possess
the state. Let us hope so.

209. (581.) MELOSPIZA CINEREA MELODIA (Wils.). 105.
Song Sparrow.
Synonyms: Melospiza fasciata, M. melodia, Fringilla melodia,

F. fasciata.
Silver-tongue.

Kirtland, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1838, 164.

Next to the Chipping Sparrow, this is probably our best
known sparrow (always omitting mention of Britain’s con-
stant representative). It is present during the entire year
in all parts of the state, but, unlike Junco, is far less com-
mon in the northern third in winter than elsewhere, and far
less than it is during the summer. In summer it lives in
the brushy tangles bordering woods and swamps, or the
fields where weeds are allowed to grow, or even the back
yards in the more thinly settled parts of towns and villages.
In winter it loves brush piles in the woods, provided there
is a good supply of food at hand. It is also found in some
numbers in the thick tangle of grass and sedges bordering
the swamps and bogs. It begins to sing early in February
if there be bright days. The early spring songs differ from
the later ones.

Only six per cent. of the food of this sparrow could pos-
sibly be of any use to man, while the weeds and injurious
insects destroyed are something enormous in quantity when
the abundance of the species is considered. It is true that
its increasing familiarity tends to develop in it a taste for
ripe fruits and more grain, but the useful things destroyed
are so completely overbalanced by the good it does that we
can afford to freely forgive and forget.

The great increase in the numbers of this sparrow in
Lorain county occurs about the first of April; then large
numbers arrive from the south and swell the numbers al-
ready here.

152 BIRDS OF OHIO.

#10. (583.) MeEtospizaA Lincotntr (Aud.). 107,
Lincoln Sparrow.
Synonyms: Fringilla lincolnii.
Lincoln’s Finch, Lincoln’s Song Sparrow.
Wheaton, Ohio Agri. Report, 1874, 566.

Little seems to be known of this sparrow. Its close re-
semblance to Song Sparrow probably causes it to be con-
fused with that species. It is nowhere common in the
state, even during the height of the migrations. It does
not breed with us, but passes north. I have usually found
it in low brushy woods, rarely in the fields bordering woods.
It skulks about in the grass and weeds more than the Song
Sparrow, and has a very different song. One would not
confuse the two a second time. Rev. Mr. Henninger re-
gards it as common during the migrations in Scioto county.

It arrives in southern Ohio early in April, but Lorain
county records all fall in May. It is not unlikely that the
birds passing up the Scioto river are earlier than those
which travel overland to reach Lorain county. The birds
stay but a few days and pass north. In the autumn they re-
turn late in September or early in October.

211. (584.) MeELospizA GEORGIANA (Lath.). 106.
Swamp Sparrow.
Synonyms: Melospiza palustris, Fringilla palustris, F. georgi-
ana.

Swamp Song Sparrow, Spotted Swamp Sparrow.
Kirtland, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1838, 164.

The Swamp Sparrow is so much confused with the Song
and other brush-haunting sparrows that it is difficult to
determine its exact standing. Judging from the reports it
is not common during the migrations. It is reported as
breeding near Circleville, by Dr. Howard Jones, who found
a nest in May, 1881, which contained five eggs. The bird
was shot.* I have looked for it in vain from Cleveland to
Sandusky on the lake shore, in summer. My own experi-

ence with it would indicate that it is fairly common during
*Ilustrations of the Nests and Eggs of Ohio Birds, p. 186.

PASSERES—FRINGILLIDZ. 153

the spring migrations in Lorain county. It frequents rather
wet woods which are much grown with brush, as well as the
more swampy places.

In food habits this sparrow is not injurious, but its pref-
erence for swampy places, where it feeds upon the insects
and seeds, does not give it a high standing as a beneficial
species. However, it must be classed as one of the sparrows
which does more good than harm.

This sparrow reaches Lorain county about April 21,
and remains until about the middle of May, returning again
late in September for ten days or two weeks.

212. (585.) PAssERELLA tL1aca (Merr.). 108.
Fox Sparrow.
Synonyms: Fringilla iliaca.
Eastern Fox Sparrow, Fox-colored Sparrow, Rufous Spar-
row.

Kirtland, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1838, 164.

This is a common migrant both spring and autumn. It
is found in the brushy woods in company with the other
sparrows which haunt such places, but it seems to feel an
aloofness to them. It is rather slow and sedate in carriage,
not skulking in the brush piles as much as the others.

Fox Sparrow is fond of millipeds in April, and eats
many ground beetles during that month also. Of the 86 per
cent. of vegetable matter which constitutes its food, some
30 per cent. consists of the seeds of fruit. The remaining
vegetable matter is largely seeds of ragweeds and poly-
gonum. While some of the insects are useful, and possibly
some of the fruit is cultivated, the destruction of weed
seeds is so large that the birds perform a great service to
agriculture.

This is one of the early spring sparrows, arriving at
Oberlin about the middle of March and remaining five
weeks. It returns again during the last week in September,
or the first week in October, and remains a month.

154 BIRDS OF OHIO.

213. (587.) Preto ERYTHROPHTHALMUS (Linn.). 109.
Towhee.
Synonyms: Fringilla erythrophthalma.

Towhee Bunting, Chewink, Ground Robin, Marsh Robin,
Red-eyed Towhee, Jewee, Joree, Pink-pink, Wink, Wink-
wink, Pipilo, Turkey Sparrow.

Kirtland, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1838, 164.

Towhee is a resident over most of the state, but in small
numbers north. It is likely that the resident birds are males
while the females are more migratory. In northern Ohio
the winter birds must be looked for in well protected places
where food is easily obtainable. During the summer the
Towhee may be found in almost any thicket bordered
woods, or in the lower brushy second growth. I have found
nests in the higher, more open woods, as well as in the
brushy tangles. No one who visits the woods can have
failed to make the acquaintance of this strong-voiced bird.

The food habits do not seem to have been carefully in-
vestigated, but from the structure and general habits one’
might infer that this rather unsparrow-like sparrow feeds
more after the fashion of the Robin. Such insects as haunt
the ground are eaten in considerable quantities, as well as
the weed seeds that may be found in the woods. It is cer-
tainly true that Towhee is useful as a weed destroyer.

The migrating females reach southern Ohio about the
middle of April and depart about the middle of November.
The migrating males reach Oberlin about the middle of
March, and but few remain after the first of November.

214. (593.) CARDINALIS CARDINALIS (Linn.). 110.
Cardinal.

Synonyms: Cardinalis virginianus, Fringilla cardinalis, Pity-
lus cardinalis, Loxia cardinalis.
Cardinal Redbird, Crested Redbird, Top-knot, Redbird.

Audubon, Orn. Biog., IJ, 1834, 366.

Cardinal is now a common resident over the entire state.
Ten years ago it was scarce in Lorain county, and even now
is far less numerous at the lake shore than twenty miles

PASSERES——FRINGILLIDE. 155

south. Lately it has appeared at London, Ontario. Clear-
ly it is extending its range from year to year. With more
thorough protection it will soon become one of our most
familiar birds.

This large, strong beaked bird is made for a diet of seeds
which most other sparrows could not crush. I sometimes
wonder what the birds which apparently spend all their time
in towns and villages find to eat there. But there are al-
ways gardens with more weeds than vegetables. Weed
seeds must form a large proportion of its food, with a small
proportion of insects and fruit. I have yet to hear com-
plaints about the destructiveness of this brilliant plumaged
bird. Its loud, clear whistled calls and song are familiar
to most persons, whether they go into the woods or not.

Away from towns and villages the birds are thicket
haunters. They are often more numerous along the courses
of streams than elsewhere, especially during the winter.

215. (595.) ZAMELODIA LUDOVICIANA (Linn.). 111.
Rose-breasted Grosbeak.
Synonyms: Goniaphea ludoviciana, Fringilla ludoviciana, Coc

cothraustes ludoviciana, Guiraca ludoviciana, Hedy-
meles ludoviciana, Habia ludoviciana.

Rose-breasted Song Grosbeak, Rose-breast, Redbreast, Red-
breasted Song Grosbeak, Red-breasted Grosbeak, Potato-
bug Bird.

Audubon, Orn. Biog. II, 1834, 166.

The Rose-breasted Grosbeak is hardly common as a mi-
grant in the southern half of the state. It is a summer
resident in the northern half, but is rare as far south as
Columbus, and not common at the lake shore. It is not
infrequently seen among the shade trees bordering village
streets, and may nest in the parks if not persecuted. Its
favorite nesting-place is a woods in which there are patches
of second growth or large bushes. Briar patches and
brushy tangles do not seem to offer many inducements.

The “gross” beak is adapted for crushing strong seeds,
upon which it feeds to a large extent. It is also accused of
eating ripe fruit. I have seen it. eating the buds from

156 BIRDS OF OHIO.

trees. The birds are not numerous enough to be of much
use or harm, but they are certainly more useful than harm-
ful.

These grosbeaks reach Oberlin close to the first of May
and remain until the middle of September.

216. (598.) CyANosPIzA CYANEA (Linn.). 112.
Indigo Bunting.

Synonyms: Passerina czerulea, Passerina cyanea, Fringilla
cyanea, Tanagra cyanea.
Indigobird, Indigo Painted Finch, Indigo Painted Bunting,
Indigo Bluebird, Blue Linnet, Green Linnet, Indigo, Green
Bird, Blue Nonpareil.

Kirtland, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1838, 164, 183.

The Indigobird is a common sttmmer bird over the entire
state, being almost abundant in some places. It is fond
of any sort of thicket, from the brush fringing woods
and weedy briar tangles to the rank vegetation bordering
streams, marshes, and ponds, where it breeds. .

Its food is similar to that of the Field Sparrow, with
which it lives in perfect harmony. It is therefore one of
the more useful of sparrows, of great service to agriculture
because it is so numerous.

It reaches the state about the first of May and stays until
October.

217. (604.) SprzA AMERICANA (Gmel.). 113.
Dickcissel.
Synonyms: Euspiza americana, Fringilla americana, Emberiza
americana,
Biack-throated Bunting, Little Meadowlark, Little Field
Lark, Judas Bird, Judas Iscariot.
Kirtland, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1838, 164, 183.

Dr. Wheaton’s statement that this species is an “Abun-
dant summer resident from May to September, in Middle
and Southern, less common in Northern Ohio,” hardly ap-
plies now. It is fairly common, and locally abundant, east
to Licking county, and north to Columbus, but is rare north
to Cleveland, and seems to be wholly unknown east of
Cleveland. It is more numerous in the northwestern part

PASSERES—TANAGRID.E. 15?

of the state than east of Toledo. It is a summer resident
wherever it occurs, living and nesting in the fields much
after the manner of the Meadowlark.

Unlike most of the sparrows, Dickcissel eats more than
twice as much animal matter as vegetable matter. Of the
vegetable matter only three per cent. is grain, the rest being
weed seeds. Of the animal matter fully half of all food
eaten is grasshoppers and crickets. A small percentage of
useful insects is eaten, but it is so small a proportion
that no account of them need be taken. This is, therefore,
one of our most useful summer sparrows.

Rev. Mr. Henninger states that it is a rare summer resi-
dent in both Pike and Scioto counties where it has been
unknown until within the last six years.

Family Tanacripa&. Tanagers.

Only one of the two members of this family found in
Ohio is distributed over the entire state. Both have bril-
liant plumage, and both are fairly good singers. While
they are woods-haunting birds, the Scarlet Tanager fre-
quently nests in parks and shade trees in cities and towns.

218. (608.) PrrRANGA ERYTHROMELAS Vieill. 82.
Scarlet’ Tanager.
Synonyms: Pyranga rubra, Tanagra rubra, P. erythromelas.
Black-winged Redbird, Pocket-bird, Scarlet Sparrow, Can-
ada Tanager, Red Tanager, Scarlet Black-winged Tanager.
Kirtland, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1838, 164.

In spite of his brilliant dress, and in spite of the fact that
he is one of our common birds in every part of the state,
there are many persons who do not know the Scarlet Tan-
ager. When chance throws him so directly in their path that
they must see him, he is heralded as the rarest of birds
dropped down from —Limbo! How many there are who,
having eyes, see not! There is no part of the state where
this is not a common summer resident. It sometimes nests
in our city and village parks, well up among the branches.

This bird destroys insects, weed seeds, and eats wild

158 BIRDS OF OHIO.

fruit. I have seen it cutting the tender buds from elm trees
and eating them. It is not injurious in any way, and is of
considerable service to the farmer.

The Scarlet Tanager reaches Ohio about the first of May,
frequently earlier, and returns to the south late in Sep-
tember.

219. (610.) PrraNnca RuBRA (Linn.). 83.
Summer Tanager.

Synonyms: Pyranga estiva, Tanagra estiva, Fringilla rubra.
Summer Redbird, Rose Tanager, Red Bee-bird, Flaxbird,
Redbird, Mississippi Tanager, Variegated Tanager.

Audubon, Orn. Biog., I, 1831, 232.

The distribution of this southern species in our state is
rather remarkable. It is found in Trumbull, Portage and
Columbiana counties in the east, but does not go beyond
Franklin in the center nor Montgomery in the west, except
casually. It thus appears to remain close to the Ohio river
or its main tributaries. Its northeast range appears to be due
to a recent movement, since Dr. Wheaton says nothing about
it. There is no direct evidence, except the northeast move-
ment, that its range is being much extended. No doubt
there will be records of individuals from further north, as
our activity in field work increases, but any considerable ex-
tension of its range in the next half century does not seem
likely.

The deep ravines and gorges of the southeastern and
southern parts of the state seem to be the favorite abiding
places of this not very brilliant tanager. During a boating
trip down the Muskingum and Ohio rivers, from Zanes-
ville to Ironton, with my friend and fellow bird student,
Rev. William Leon Dawson, during August of 1902, we
found these birds at almost every stop below Marietta.
They are not uncommon about McConnellsville, where
Messrs. C. H. Morris and E. J. Arrick have found them
nesting, but we were not fortunate in finding them during
our stay there. Mr. Arrick well described the peculiar call
note, which: was often heard along the Ohio river, by the

ae SS ene

PASSERES—HIRUNDINID. 159

syllables, cluckity chuckity chuck, or chuckity tuckity tuck.
This tanager’s food is like that of the Scarlet Tanager—
insects, varied by frequent helps of weed seeds and wild
fruits in their season. It is distinctly useful.
It seems to slightly precede the Scarlet Tanager in its
arrival, appearing during the last week in April and tarry-
ing well into September.

Family Hrrunpinipa. Swallows and Martins.

Five swallows and one martin spend the summer in Ohio.
These birds pass most of their days on the wing feeding and
playing. The martins are less active on the wing, but are
good flycatchers nevertheless. All of this family not only
rival but exceed the true Flycatchers as destroyers of fly-
ing insects, usually feeding upon the insects which fly high-
er or in the more open fields. Some glean from the top of
the grass as they fly. A large colony of swallows under the
eaves of a stock barn is the best friend of the milkman.

220. (611.) Procne supts (Linn.). 176.
Purple Martin.
Synonyms: Hirundo purpurea, H. subis, Progne purpurea.

Martin, Purple Swallow, Black Martin, Black Swallow, Great
American Martin, Blackbird Swallow.

Kirtland, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1838, 162.

Dr. Wheaton reported this as an “Abundant summer res-
ident.” If abundant anywhere now it is not so reported.
There may still be a few colonies where iarge numbers of
individuals breed. I have seen more at Lewiston reservoir,
where we found them nesting in the stumps projecting
above the water, than elsewhere. But even here they were
not abundant. It seems clear that twenty years have served
to greatly diminish their numbers over the entire state.
What the cause of this decrease may be is hard to determine.
Many have declared that since both Martins and English
Sparrows use the bird-houses, and since the sparrows are
on hand all winter, the Martins find their homes preémpted
when they return, and are unable to regain possession. If,

160 BIRDS OF OHIO.

as we are told by Dr. W. B. Barrows in his report upon the
English Sparrow, the sparrows are successful in driving
the Martins away only half of the time, that would: fully
account for the decrease in numbers. There can be little
question that at least a part of the decrease must be attrib-
uted to the sparrow.

It should not be necessary to state that the food of the
Purple Martin consists largely of flying insects. During
the time the young are fed the old birds are driven to search
the ground as well as the air for grasshoppers and other
large insects to appease the appetite of the always hungry
young ones. Their services to mankind will only be appre-
ciated when they are gone and nothing takes their place
as destroyers of the insects which cause us so great annoy-
ance.

The Martin not infrequently reaches our southern border
during the second week in March, and the lake shore dur-
ing the third week. It moves south again about
September 15. Rev. Mr. Henninger reports an albino at
South Webster, Scioto county, March 29, 1895.

221. (612.) PErROCHELIDON LUNIFRONS (Say.). 7%.
Cliff Swallow.

Synonyms: Hirundo fulva, H. lunifrons.
Have Swallow, Crescent Swallow, Mud Swallow, Mud Daub-
er, Square-tailed Barn Swallow, White-fronted Swallow,
Rocky Mountain Swallow, Republican.

Bonaparte, I, 1825, 65.

The Cliff Swallow nests in colonies, and is therefore
common and may be abundant in a few places. It is hardly
common in Lorain county. There is no record of a colony
nesting away from human habitations in Ohio since its set-
tlement by civilized people. Their favorite nesting-place is
under the eaves of a barn or other similar building, often in
companies of several hundred, where the building affords
enough room. The flask-shaped mud nests are familiar to
every farm boy.

" Like the other swallows, the Cliff Swallow feeds upon

PASSERES—HIRUNDINID.E ' 161

the insects that fly a good deal, catching them in mid-air.
These swallows are much liked by intelligent stock farmers
and dairymen, for they keep in check the flies that annoy
the herds and milch cows. °

The Cliff Swallow appears at Oberlin during the last
week in April. It leaves its nesting-places early in July
and is gone south by the last of September.

222, (613.) Hrrunpo ERYTHROGASTER Bodd. 78.
Barn Swallow.
Synonyms: Hirundo rufa, H. horreorum, H.erythrogaster var.
horreorum, Chelidon erythrogastra.

Fork-tailed Barn Swallow, American Barn Swallow, House
Swallow.

Kirtland, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1838, 162.

This is the most common and familiar of our swallows,
always remembering that the Chimney Swift is not a swal-
low. While it is not in such great numbers as the Vesper
Sparrow, it may be fairly called abundant in practically all
parts of the state as a summer resident. It nests in barns
or almost any large out-building, or unused house; or under
bridges. There is no record of the nests of this species
under cliffs or in caves, as its habit was before civilized man
appeared in America. In Oberlin the Barn Swallow is a
familiar bird, nesting in any barn that may be left open for
it. One may see them flying about the streets catching in-
sects at any time of day, during the summer.

This swallow frequently gleans from the grass tops, as it
skims along without apparent effort. House flies are also
eaten, as well as the species of dancing flies which annoy
the wheelman.

The appearance of Barn Swallows in spring largely de-
pends upon the weather. They are such strong fliers that
they may venture north for a single day early in March,
during one of the spring-like days which are pretty sure to
come, or they may tarry south until early April. The most
have gone south by the first of September, but individuals
usually remain until the last week in September.

162 BIRDS OF OHIO,

223. (614.) IrtpopRocNeE BIcoLor (Vieill.). 79.
Tree Swallow.
Synonyms: Hirundo bicolor, Tachycineta bicolor.

White-bellied Swallow, Blue-backed Swallow, Field Swallow,
River Swallow, Wood Swallow, Green-blue Swallow,

Black-and-white Swallow.
Kirtland, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1838, 162.

Dr. Wheaton reported this as a “Very common summer
resident.” The only place where I have found it abundant
was at Lewiston reservoir in July, where the birds
swarmed about the multitudes of stumps in which they
nested. Not even the English Sparrow ventured to disturb
them there. In late July and early August the Tree Swal-
lows roost in our northern marshes at night, or line the
telegraph wires which pass such localities. They are
abundant enough then, but where they have come from is a
mystery. Certainly not from the immediate region, for they
are not found except in small numbers during the summer.
A few are willing to occupy the bird boxes erected for them
and the Martins and Bluebirds, but most of them prefer to
cling to their primitive habits of nesting in hollow trees.

The food differs from that of the other members of this
group only in the difference in insects which naturally in-
habit such regions as these swallows frequent a part of the
year. During the weeks when the swallows are collecting
for their southward journey they roost together in mixed
companies of the several species, but one species usually
predominates.

The Tree Swallows arrive and depart with the Cliff Swal-
lows.

224, (616.) Cxrvicota RIPARIA (Linn.). 80.
Bank Swallow.
Synonyms: Cotyle riparia, Hirundo riparia, Riparia riparia.
Sand Martin, Sand Swallow.
Kirtland, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1838, 162.

The Bank Swallow shifts its breeding-places to suit local
conditions and therefore may be reported as common at one

PASSERES—HIRUNDINIDA. 163

locality for a term of years and afterward wholly absent.
The banks in which it burrows to rear its brood are con-
stantly changing, sometimes wholly disappearing. Rail-
road cuts furnish suitable places for a short time, and then
become unfitted by the caving of the perpendicuar banks to
form a sloping bank. River banks and the clay banks fac-
ing Lake Erie are not alike two years in succession. Where
a colony of some 200 pairs of the Bank Swallow nested for
‘three years not one is to be found now. The bank caved off
back of the nests twice in succession during the same
spring, both times after many nests had been finished and
the eggs deposited. That was too much for the swallows.
Now there is but one large colony in Lorain county on the
lake shore, but there are several small colonies. At the
lake shore the birds might justly be called decidedly com-
mon, but elsewhere in the county they are scarce. Before
the spread of the English Sparrows into the country ham-
lets Bank Swallows nested in the shale cliffs on Vermilion
river, but now the sparrows occupy all of the available
nesting-places.

With the restriction that this swallow may be found
where cliffs or banks afford nesting-places, and not over
the country generally, it may be called common over the
entire state, during the summer. It is, of course, locally
common.

Bank Swallow reaches the lake shore about the begin-
ning of the last week in April, leaves its nesting-places early
in July, and has gone south by the middle of September.

225. (617.) STELGIDOPTERYX SERRIPENNIS (Aud.). 81.
Rough-winged Swallow.
Synonyms: Cotyle. serripennis, Hirundo serripennis.
“Bank Swallow,’ Rough-wing.
Kirkpatrick, Ohio Farmer, VIII, 1859, 290.

This species is so little known, probably because of its
resemblance to the Bank Swallow, that reports are meager.
Dr. Wheaton says, “Next to the Barn Swallow, this appears
to be our most abundant species.” Judging from my own

164 BIRDS OF OHIO.

observations in several representative places in the state, such
is not the case now. The term common better applies.
These birds may be found about bridges, perpendicular
rocky cliffs, and sometimes in company with the Bank
Swallow, with which it nests to a limited degree. I have
never seen it in such large companies as the Bank Swallow,
but six to ten birds together is not uncommon. The nest is
usually made in a crevice of the rocks, and is not made by
the birds, although it may be cleared of loose earth or
rubbish.

The food is not much unlike that of the other members of
this group. It may be seen swinging back and forth over
the fields or up and down a rock walled stream, usually
feeding below the top of the cliffs.

The Rough-wing arrives a few days later than the Bank
Swallow, and does not leave the streams before the middle
of July. It has gone south by the first of September.

Family AmpeLtip#. Waxwings.

Both waxwings have been found in Ohio, only the Cedar
regularly. They are almost silent birds, having no true
song and but a weak chatter. They are erratic in habits,
usually occur in flocks, and frequently nest in our orchards.
Their plumage is soft and delicate. The conspicuous
crest is a good field mark.

226. (618.) AmpELIs GARRULUS Linn. 74.
Bohemian Waxwing.
Synonyms: Bombycilla garrula, Lanius garrulus.
Bohemian Chatterer, Northern Chatterer, European Chat-

terer, Waxen Chatterer, Northern Waxwing, European
Waxwing.

Kirtland, Am. Journal Sci. and Arts, XL, 1841, 20.

There is nothing to add to what Dr. Wheaton has said
about this winter bird. From that account it appears that
the species was a somewhat regular winter visitor in the
vicinity of Cleveland to about 1860. Since that time I have
been unable to find records for Ohio. It is just possible that

PASSERES—LANIIDA 165

the bird does reach our northern border sometimes still,
but is not distinguished from the Cedar Waxwing. Ob-
servers should be on the watch during our cold weather,
and especially be suspicious of any Waxwing which appears
during such severe cold.

Dr. Kirtland states that these birds were “attracted by the
berries of the mountain ash and hawthorn, and the fruit of
the persimmon.”

227%. (619.) AMPELIS CEDRORUM (Vieill.). 75.
Cedar Waxwing.
Synonyms: Bombycilla carolinensis, B. cedrorum.

Cherry Bird, Cedar Bird, Carolina Waxwing, Southern Wax-
wing, Little Waxwing, Carolina Chatterer, Spider-bird.

Kirtland, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1838, 162.

This is a somewhat irregular species, but may be consid-
ered a common resident over the entire state. However, it
is sometimes scarce or wholly wanting from some localities
and abundant at others during the same time: It is gener-
ally seen in flocks even during the nesting season.

Its food consists of 13 per cent. animal and 87 vegetable
matter. A few snails are eaten, but the bulk of the animal
matter consists of beetles, with a few bark and plant lice.
The vegetable matter is 87 per cent. wild fruit and seeds and
only 13 per cent. cultivated fruits, with the probability that
a large part of the raspberries and blackberries are also wild
fruit. Early cherries are scarcely touched. At any time
the Cherry-bird prefers mulberries to cherries. A single
bearing mulberry-tree has saved a whole orchard of cherries.
A Cherry-bird was brought to me which had killed itself by
eating too many ripe mulberries. Taken the year through
this bird is far more useful than harmful and should be pro-
tected.

Family Lanupa. Shrikes.

The name “Butcher-bird” was applied to members of this
family because of their habit of impaling their victims upon
thorns. It was long supposed that they gloated over the

166 BIRDS OF OHIO.

struggles and sufferings of their victims like veritable bar-
barians. That this is a libel on the character of the shrikes
any one may prove by studying them at first hand. They
are pretty fair singers, but the summer form is seldom heard
singing unless one happens upon the performer unobserved.
The Northern Shrike sings from his tree-top perch in the
midst of a snowstorm in midwinter. All shrikes are soli-
tary birds except while nesting and for some time after the
young have left the nest.

228. (621.) Lawnius poreatis Vieill. 72.
Northern Shrike.
Synonyms: Lanius septentrionalis, Collyrio borealis, Collurio
borealis.
Great Northern Shrike, Butcher-bird, Great American
Shrike, Great Butcher Shrike. &
Kirtland, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1838, 163, 181.
“ This solitary shrike is a winter resident over the entire
state, but it is irregular south and rare everywhere, except
occasionally along the lake front. It visits towns and vil-
lages during extreme weather for the sake of the hordes of
English Sparrows. In the fields and woods it is always on
the lookout for field mice or other rodents, and unwary spar-
rows.

The food of this bird consists of birds 35 per cent., insects
40 per cent., mice 25 per cent. Of the birds many are En-
glish Sparrows. While the other birds are useful species they
constitute less than 25 per cent. of the whole food. It seems
clear, therefore, that, contrary to his reputation, the Butch-
er-bird is one of our useful winter visitors and should be
encouraged to visit the settlements where English Sparrows
are to be so easily found. The habit of impaling its victims
on thorns has grown out of the necessity of storing food
against a time of scarcity, and is not an indication of the
savage or barbarous instincts so often attributed to these
birds.

The Northern Shrike reaches northern Ohio about the
first of October and the southern counties a week later. It
sometimes tarries until the first of April in Lorain county. |

PASSERES—LANIID&. 167

229. (622d.) LANIUS LUDOVICIANUS MIGRANS W. Pal-
mer. 73 and 73a.
Migrant Shrike.

Synonyms: Lanius ludovicianus, L. 1. excubitorides.
Loggerhead Shrike, White-rumped Shrike.

W. Palmer, Auk, XV, 1898, 257.

Awaiting the action of the A. O. U. committee on nom-
enclature upon the proposed subspecies migrans, there seems
nothing left one but to accept this tentative name instead of
reverting to the former now obsolete names, so far as the
shrikes of Ohio are concerned. In the Oberlin College col-
jection there are a few more specimens referable to L. ludo-
vicianus excubitorides than to L. ludovicianus, with two or
three specimens indeterminate. With such a condition il-
lustrated by specimens taken within a few miles of Oberlin,
this proposed creation of a new subspecies which shall erad-
icate the confusion hitherto so apparent, seems desirable. At
any rate it is not wise to return to the old classification.
The two names used by Dr. Wheaton will therefore refer
to this new subspecies. It is clear from Dr. Wheaton’s re-
marks that his mind was not at rest concerning the summer
shrikes. The apparent shifting westward of the excubito-
rides form noted by him, and by Prof. Ridgway in Illinois,
was not satisfactorily accounted for.

The food of this shrike differs from that of the Northern
only in the larger percentage of insects eaten and the small-
er percentage of birds. While feeding its young many
snakes are killed, and many of the spiny caterpillars. Grass-
hoppers are eaten in quantities. It is clear, from the care-
ful study of the food of this bird, and from the examination
of stomachs, that it is far more beneficial than injurious,
and should be protected at all times.

It appears certain that this form winters as far north as
Columbus in small numbers. It is hardly common any-
where in the state, except locally. The southeastern coun-
ties are too deeply gashed and are so lacking in suitable
nesting-places that it is practically absent from that region.

168 BIRDS OF OHIO.

This shrike reaches northern Ohio about the middle of
March and returns south about the first of October.

Family VIREONID. Vireos.

Of the six vireos found in Ohio four remain to breed,
and one of the four is found only in the southern parts of
the state. These birds closely resemble the warblers in hab-
its and carriage, but are more deliberate in their movements,
and glean from leaves rather than from the twigs and stems,
but they must sometimes make sallies into the air for flying
insects, and frequently act like warblers. They usually sing
all the time between mouthfuls, and may be known by their
songs even when other characteristics fail. For the most
part they are sober-colored, one species having a yellow
throat. Their colors are shades of gray with some green
and yellow. In contrast to the warblers, they are not patchy
in color.

The vireos are preéminently leaf gleaners, but they some-
times catch flying insects after the manner of the warblers.
Their food is therefore more largely eggs and larve of in-
sects than the winged forms. It is just possible that they
may take a little ripe fruit in its season, but if so, in too small
quantities to count.

230. (624.) VirEo oLtvaceus (Linn.). 66.
Red-eyed Vireo.

Synonyms: Vireosylvia olivacea, Muscicapa olivacea.
Red-eyed Greenlet, Red-eyed Flycatcher, Red-eye, Preacher-
bird.

Kirtland, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1838, 163.

This vireo is almost abundant in woods throughout the
state. Its perpetual phrased song is likened to the admoni-
tions of a preacher, and has given it the name of “Preacher
Bird.” Its woven pensile nest is an easy mark for the Cow-
bird, which is pretty sure to deposit one or more of its par-
asitic eggs in the nest. I have found three eggs of the Cow-
bird and but two of the rightful owner in one nest. The

PASSERES—VIREONIDA. 169

duped vireo seems to offer no protest to this persistent im-
position. The birds are not confined to the woods, but fre-
quently nest in our city parks. The noise of traffic may
almost completely drown the cheerful voice, but it cannot
stop it.

This vireo reaches the lake shore about the 23d of April
and departs about the 25th of October.

231. (626.) VIREO PHILADELPHICUS (Cass.). 67.
Philadelphia Vireo.
Synonyms: Vireosylvia philadelphica.
Brotherly Love Vireo, Brotherly Love Greenlet.
Baird, P. R. R. Report, IX, 1858, 335.

This vireo seems to be irregular as a migrant in Ohio. I
have never found it in Lorain county, nor elsewhere in the
state. If it were even fairly common it could hardly have
escaped so many observers entirely.

Rev. Mr. Henninger found it late in April and again late
in September, in southern Ohio.

232. (627) Vireo Gitvus (Vieill.). 68.
Warbling Vireo.
Synonyms: 'Vireosylvia gilva, Muscicapa gilva.
Warbling Greenlet, Warbling Flycatcher.
Kirtland, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1838, 163, 180.

This is the vireo which lives in the shade trees and parks
all summer. It is almost abundant over the entire state.
The peculiar rolling song and rasping scolding notes must
be familiar to all. They may be heard just outside your door
at almost any time from May to August.

This vireo seems to travel with the Red-eyed Vireo, some-
times arriving a day or two earlier. Southern Ohio dates
of arrival range from April 19 to May 9, while Lorain coun-
ty arrivals range from April 28 to May 1. They have left the
lake shore by September 15, but tarry a month longer in the
southern counties.

170 BIRDS OF OHIO.

233. (628.) VIREO FLAVIFRONS Vieill. 69.
Yellow-throated Vireo.

Synonyms: Vireosylvia flavifrons, Lanivireo flavifrons.
Yellow-throated Greenlet.

Kirtland, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1838, 163.

Most people are not acquainted with this vireo, probably
because it prefers the taller timber and is seldom seen about
human habitations. It is hardly common as a summer res-
ident except in certain localities where tall oak timber is
plentiful. Its song closely resembles the song of the Red-
eyed, but may be readily distinguished after careful study
of both.

This species arrives during late April, perhaps a little
later than the two foregoing species, and remains until Sep-
tember.

234, (629.) Vireo soLitartus. (Wils.). 70.
: Blue-headed Vireo.
Synonyms: Lanivireo solitarus, Muscicapa solitaria.
Solitary Vireo, Solitary Greenlet, Blue-headed Greenlet.
Wheaton, Ohio Agri. Report, 1860, 365, 375.

Like the Yellow-throated Vireo, this is little known, part-
ly because it seldom gets out of the woods, and partly be-
cause it is strictly a migrant across the state. Its song has
a fairly close resemblance to the song of the Red-eyed Vireo,
but it is not difficult to distinguish after a little study. I
have found the Blue-headed on the College campus and in
the shade trees lining our streets.

This vireo reaches Lorain county the first week in May,
usually near the first ; or even the last days of April, is fairly
common for a week, and passes north about the 15th ‘of
May. It returns about the middle of September, remaining
but a short time. It leaves southern Ohio shortly after the
middle of October. A better acquaintance with this bird
will undoubtedly prove it to be not uncommon during the
migrations across the state.

PASSERES——-MNIOTILTIDZ. 171

235. (631.) VIREO NOvVEBORACENSIS (Gmel.). 71.
White-eyed Vireo.
Synonyms: Muscicapa noveboracensis.
White-eyed Greenlet, Little Green Hangingbird, Chickity-
beaver, Politician, Hanging Flycatcher, Green Flycatcher.
Kirtland, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1838, 163.

The White-eyed Vireo is distinctly southern in its distri-
bution, in Ohio. It is a fairly common summer resident in
the southern half of the state, ranging at least to the south-
ern border of Franklin county, but Dr. Wheaton did not
find it at all at Columbus, nor have others found it there as
more than a casual visitor. In the eastern half of the state
it ranges north into Cuyahoga and Ashtabula counties, be-
ing fairly common at Jefferson all summer. There is no
record for Lorain county. I did not find it in Medina coun-
ty, where the conditions are unusually favorable, nor at
either the Licking or Lewiston reservoirs. Dr. Wheaton
regarded it as of local distribution over the state. If that
be true at the present time evidence is lacking.

It reaches our southern border early in May and retires
southward early in September.

Family MNIOTILTID. Wood Warblers.

The species of this family found in Ohio are both the most
numerous and the most interesting of birds. Thirty-six
species are regularly found, one has-wandered from the east,
and two belong to the Hypothetical List of the A. O. U. He
who can resist the temptations to get into the woods which
“Warbler Time” brings is hopeless from an ornithological
standpoint! Most of them pass through the state twice
each year, but fully fifteen species remain to breed while
three others occasionally do. Some of the species which
nest well north in the state in small numbers and are mi-
grants elsewhere must be regarded as rare breeders, the
most of the individuals passing well north to breed.

Most members of this group are insect eaters, but most of
them also eat fruit and berries in their season, some of them
to a considerable extent. Some are gleaners from leaf and

172 ~ BIRDS OF OHIO.

branch, some feed largely upon the ground, while some
catch flying insects after the manner of the true Flycatchers.
All are useful birds and none seem to be at all injurious.

236. (636.) Mwntorirta varta (Linn.). 28.
Black and White Warbler.

Synonyms: Mniotilta varia borealis, Sylvia varia, Motacilla
varia.
Black-and-white Creeper, Black and White Creeping War-
bler.
Kirtland, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1838, 163, 182.

Dr. Wheaton gives this warbler as a “Common summer
resident.” It is so reported by a few observers well scat-
tered about the state, but is regarded by most as common.
only during the migrations. My studies in different parts
of the state have convinced me that it is to be found breed-
ing in suitable places over the entire state, but is common
only locally. It breeds sparingly about Oberlin. During
the summer it must be sought in the deeper high woods.
Its creeping habits and weak song make it an inconspicuous
bird at best, and in the deep shadows of the woods it may be
easily overlooked.

This warbler is among the first of the great host of warb-
lers which pass across the state—a few of them remaining all
summer—late in April and early in May. It appears on our
southern border about April 25th, and our northern border
about three days later. In Lorain county it is common up
to the middle of May and then the few which remain to
breed retire to the deeper woods. The last have left the
county by the 25th of September.

23%. (63%.) PROTONOTARIA CITREA (Bodd.). 29.
Prothonotary Warbler.
Synonyms: Motacilla citrea.
Golden Swamp Warbler, Willow Warbler, Golden Warbler.
Wheaton, Ohio Agri. Report, 1860, 363, 373.

The distribution of this handsome warbler is largely de-
termined by the special conditions favorable to its breeding.

PASSERES—M NIOTILTIDA. 173

Dr. Wheaton says of it: “The Prothonotary Warbler is
only known in this state as a summer resident in western
Ohio, especially in the vicinity of St. Mary’s reservoir.”
I have found it fairly common at Licking reservoir, in all
three counties in which that reservoir lies; but it was not
found at Lewiston reservoir in spite of the fact that breed-
ing places seemed plentiful. In “Birds of Indiana,” page
1022, Mr. Butler mentions a Cleveland record for this spe-
cies. I have been unable to verify this record. Mr. Charles
Dury reports its presence at Cincinnati and St. Mary’s res-
ervoir, as stated above. These are the only positive state
records. It is likely that the bird occurs in other suitable
localities in the state. Its local distribution is well illustrated
by the finding of breeding birds in eastern Minnesota. There
seems to be some indirect evidence that this species is ex-
tending its range northward where conditions are favorable.

I have no records of its migrations, but it must reach
Licking reservoir early in May, for during the last week
in May we found a nest which was the second for that pair
of birds, the first having been robbed two weeks previously.

238. (639). HELMITHEROS VERMIVoRUS (Gmel.). 30.
Worm-eating Warbler.
Synonyms: Helmintotherus vermivorus, Sylvia vermivora, Hel-
inaia vermivora, Motacilla vermivora, Vermivora penn-

sylvanica.
Worm-eating Swamp Warbler, Worm-eater.

Kirtland, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1838, 163, 182.

Like the last species, this one is among those of more
southern distribution. Dr. Wheaton regarded it as rare in
summer. It now seems to be common in many places in the
southern part of the state, and ranges well north in the east-
ern half, breeding in Cuyahoga and Ashtabula counties.
There is a doubtful record for Lorain county. Without
doubt this species is. extending its range northward, and
further study by trained men will no doubt greatly increase
the Ohio records.

The Worm-eating Warbler reaches Ohio during the first

174 BIRDS OF OHIO.

week in May and departs southward about the middle of
September.

239. (641.) HELMINTHOPHILA PINUS (Linn.). 32.
Blue-winged Warbler.
Synonyms: Helminthophaga pinus, Sylvia solitaria, Vermivora

solitaria, Certhia pinus.
Blue-winged Yellow Warbler, Blue-winged Swamp Warbler.

Kirtland, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1838, 163, 182.

This warbler is tolerably common during the migrations,
but is less numerous as a breeding bird over the entire state.
Given a wet woods with a fringe of brush and the Blue-wing
is pretty certain to be present. One hearing of the curious
song is enough to fix it in mind. While the nest is placed
near the ground in the grass or rarely low bushes, the birds
must usually be looked for in the tree-tops, or at least in the
upper branches of the taller trees. If the bird be near the
ground it is pretty certain proof of the presence of the nest.

This warbler reaches northern Ohio during the last week
in April, and remains until the middle of September.

240. (642). HELMINTHOPHILA CHRYSOPTERA (Linn.). 33.
Golden-winged Warbler.
Synonyms: Helminthophaga chrysoptera, Sylvia chrysoptera,
Vermivora chrysoptera, Motacilla chrysoptera.
Blue Golden-winged Warbler, Golden-winged Swamp Warb-
ler.
Kirtland, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1838, 1638, 182.

The distribution of this warbler in Ohio seems to be al-
most identical with that of the Worm-eating Warbler, with
the exception that it seems to be a little more northern. It
has been found in Lorain county a half-dozen times, but
is not kriown to have bred there. It is reported as breeding
in Cuyahoga and Ashtabula counties, and is common lo-
cally in the southern half of the state. It also nests on the
ground, but is not so fond of the tree-tops for a perch.
It is unwary, permitting a near approach. Its lazily uttered
zee zee zee zee is unlike the song of any other bird, but
might be mistaken for an insect.

PASSERES—M NIOTILTID. 175

This Warbler reaches Lorain county during the first week
in May. I have no autumn records of the return south. It
probably tarries until the first of September at least.

241. (645.) HELMINTHOPHILA RUBRICAPILLA (Wils.). 34.
Nashville Warbler.

Synonyms: Helminthophaga ruficapilla, Sylvia rubricapilla,
Vermivora rubricapilla, Sylvia ruficapilla.
Nashville Swamp Warbler, Nashville Worm-eater.

Kirtland, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1838, 168, 182.

The Nashville Warbler is a common migrant, passing
entirely across the state twice each year. It is not confined
to the woods but is just as common in the parks and along
the tree-lined streets, and in the door-yards among the fruit
and ornamental trees, busily engaged in cleaning out the in-
sect pests from bud and leaf.

This warbler reaches Lorain county about the first of May
and is common for two and sometimes three weeks, often
tarrying until the 23d of May. It returns in force early
in September and remains about four weeks. There is little
doubt that this is a late date for the return of this and many
other warblers, but the records show no earlier dates.

242. (646.) HELMINTHOPHILA CELATA (Say). 35.
Orange-crowned Warbler.

Synonyms: Helminthophaga celata, Sylvia celata.
Wheaton, Ohio Agri. Report, 1860 363, 373.

Dr. Wheaton’s statement that this is a “Rare spring and
fall migrant” remains true to-day. The bird is little known.
I have found it but a half-dozen times at Oberlin, and not
more than one bird for each record. Once it was feeding
in an orchard just out of the village, the other times in the
woods low down in the brush.

My dates of spring migration fall within the first week of
May. I have no autumn records.

176 BIRDS OF OHIO.

243 (647.) HELMINTHOPHILA PEREGRINA (Wils.). 36.
Tennessee Warbler.
Synonyms: Helminthophaga peregrina, Sylvia peregrina, Ver-
mivora peregrina.
Tennessee Swamp Warbler.
Kirtland, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1838, 163, 182.

This is probably the most numerous warbler of the shade
trees and orchards during both spring and autumn migra-
tions. It passes entirely across the state, none remaining to
breed. In spring it literally swarms about our trees and
lawns, but is unnoticed by the majority of people, because
it is so small and because its song is so like that of the Chip-
ping Sparrow, and some insects. In autumn it is more con-
fined to the woods, but is not uncommon in orchards and
shade trees. It is one of our best friends, gleaning every-
where for the eggs, larve or the perfect insects which do so
great damage to fruit. Yet I have known of fruit growers
who made war upon them for eating off the buds! They
are after the bug that eats the bud or the fruit.

The Tennessee Warbler is among the later warblers to ar-
rive, appearing about May 5, and remaining two weeks.
It passes south again in September, leaving the state during
the first week in October.

244. (648a.) CoMPSOTHLYPIS AMERICANA USNEZ Brewst.
37 (part).
Northern Parula Warbler.

Synonyms: Dendreca tigrina, Perissoglossa tigrina, Sylvia
americana, Parus americanus, Compsothlypis america-
na (part).

Blue Yellow-backed Warbler, Parula Warbler.

Kirtland, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1838, 163, 182.

Judging only from the specimens in the Ohio State Uni-
versity and Oberlin College museums, six in all, this form is
pretty clearly a regular migrant across the state in spring,
during the first two weeks of May. There appear to be no
breeding specimens in collections. It is not common any-
where, but is fairly numerous during favorable years for
the spring migrations of the warblers.

PASSERES—M NIOTILTIDA. 177

245. (648b.) CoMPSOTHLYPIS AMERICANA RAMALINA.
Ridgway. 37 (part).
Western Parula Warbler.

The synonyms and reference should stand as in the pre-
ceding form. In “Birds of North and Middle America,”
Vol. II, 486, Prof. Ridgway gives the following reference:
Read, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., vi., 1853 (n. Ohio).
Mr. H. C. Oberholser also informs me that this is likely
the breeding form for Ohio. A specimen in the Ohio State
University collection, and one in the Oberlin College col-
lection, both taken rather late for the migratory movement,
are decidedly small. In the absence of contradictory evi-
dence it seems necessary to regard this form as the Ohio
breeding Parula Warbler. It is little known in the breed-
ing season, having been noted only by Dr. Langdon and Mr.
Dury near Cincinnati. It would appear to be a little later
than the preceding form in its migrations.

246. (650.) DENpROICA TIGRINA (Gmel.). 38.
Cape Mav Warbler.

Synonyms: Dendreeca tigrina, Perissoglossa tigrina, Sylvia
maritima, Sylvicola maritima, Motacilli tigrina.

Kirtland, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1838, 163, 181.

The Lorain county records for this warbler number less
than a dozen, all in the first week of May. There are no
reports of any greater number anywhere in the state in the
spring migrations, but Rev. Mr. Henninger notes it as com-
mon during the autumn migrations in Scioto county, “
pecially in upland beech woods.” It is strictly a migrant
in the state, stopping but a short time in spring, but passing
south more leisurely.:

It reaches southern Ohio late in’ April, and northern Ohio
a week. later ; returning about the middle of: September, ‘and
may ‘be found. 4 in SeEkD alec as ‘ate* as Otisbele. ets

178 BIRDS OF OHIO.
her

247. (652.) DEnpRoIca #stIva (Gmel.). 39.
Yellow Warbler.
Synonyms: Dendreca_ estiva, Sylvicola estiva, Sylvia
zstiva, Motacilla estiva.

Summer Warbler, Summer Yellowbird, Blue-eyed Yellow
-Warbler, Golden Warbler, Yellow-bird, Yellow-poll Warbler,
Wild Canary.

Kirtland, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1838, 163, 182.

This, well-known warbler is our commonest summer warb-
ler in all parts of the state. It has the capacity of accommo-
dating itself to almost any conditions, seeming as much at
home in the orchard or ornamental trees as in its primitive
briar tangle in some drying swamp. Its nest may be within
a few feet of the ground or in the tree-tops if necessary. As
an inhabitant of the orchards it is kept busy with the insect
pests which make the life of the fruit-grower miserable.
Here it is a great aid in keeping in check fruit destroying
insects.

The Yellow Warbler is among the earlier warblers to ap-
pear in spring, reaching our southern border before the 20th
of April, or even during the first week of April, in favorable
years. It is usually found at Oberlin about the 22d of
April, often earlier. The departure in the autumn is not so
easy to trace. I have found them in Oberlin as late as Sep-
tember 7. It is likely that individuals remain much later
but the majority have gone before the first of September.

248. (654.) DENDROICA CHRULESCENS (Gmel.). 40.
Black-throated Blue Warbler.
Synonyms: Dendreeca cerulescens, Sylvia canadensis, Sylvico-
la canadensis, Dendroica canadensis, Motacilla canaden-
sis, M. cerulescens.

Canadian Warbler, Pine Swamp Warbler.
Kirtland, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1838, 163, 182.

This is one of the fairly common migrants, passing en-
tirely across the state twice each year. It is as often seen
in parks and along shaded streets in spring as in the woods,
but seems to avoid human habitations on its return journey.
It is an inhabitant of the lower stories of the woods, even

PASSERES—M NIOTILTIDA. 179

feeding upon the ground, when the white wing-spot is con-
spicuous against the blue-black wing.

It reaches southern Ohio as early as the 15th of April in
favorable years, but seldom appears at Oberlin before the
first of May. It remains about two weeks, and returns
again early in September or even late in August, to remain
until about the first of October.

249. (655.) DENpDRoIcA coronaTa (Linn.). 41,
Myrtle Warbler.

Synonyms: Dendrceca coronata, Sylvia coronata, Sylvicola cor-
onata, Motacilla coronata.
Yellow-rumped Warbler, Yellow-crowned Warbler, Yellow-
rump, Myrtlebird, Yellow-rumped Wood Warbler.

Kirtland, Ohio Geol. Sury., 1838, 163, 181.

This is an irregular warbler, sometimes being abundant
and again hardly even common. It is the carliest to appear
in spring and the latest to depart southward in autumn. It
does not breed in the state as far as known. In its north-
ward movement it is well distributed in the woods and
parks, but in its southward journey it prefers to travel in
the more open country, often with the Chipping Sparrow.
At such times it may be seen in the fields gleaning among
the weeds like a sparrow, or searching for insects in weed
stems. It derives its name from its fondness for the berries
of the myrtle (Myrica cerifera).

During the spring passage of this species the insect food
is greatly in the preponderance, although even then myrtle
berries are eaten when they can be found, but during the
autumn passage southward, when the fruit of the myrtle is
abundant, it has been determined that fully 62 per cent. of the
food is the myrtle berries. It seems remarkable that a bird
supposed to be an insect eater should feed so largely upon
this particular fruit. The myrtle berries are good for noth-
ing, while the insects eaten are injurious. It is clear that
this warbler deserves protection equally with the other warb-
lers.

The Myrtle Warbler appears in Lorain county about the

180 BIRDS OF OHIO.

middle of April, depending on the weather at that time, and
tarries until the middle of May, or later sometimes. It re-
turns late.in September and is fairly common until the 20th
of ‘October, scattering individuals remaining into the first
week of November.

250. (657.) DENDROICA MACULOSA (Gmel.). 42.
Magnolia Warbler.
Synonyms: Dendrceeca maculosa, Sylvia magnolia, S. maculosa,
Sylvicola maculosa, Motacilla maculosa.
Black and Yellow Warbler.
Wilson, Am. Orn., III, 1811, 63.

Dr. Wheaton says of this species, “Abundant and regular
spring and fall migrant in middle Ohio, summer resident
in small numbers in north-eastern Ohio.’’ At the present
time it is generally regarded as not common as a migrant,
except occasionally, when it becomes common. I find no
evidence that this warbler now breeds within the state.
While few of us find the first warblers on their return in
late July or early August, it is well known that they migrate
as early as that. Middle of the summer specimens do not,
therefore, indicate that the birds have bred in the vicinity.
Late June records would more likely indicate breeding birds.
. The Magnolia Warbler reaches northern Ohio early in
May, and the last has passed north about May 21. It re-
turns late in July or early in August, judging from the
records, and remains until about September 20.

251. (658.) DENDROICA RARA Wils. 483.
Cerulean Warbler.

Synonyms: Dendroeca cerulea, Sylvia azurea, S. rara, Dendroi-
ca cerulea.
,- Azure Warbler, Blue Warbler.

Kirtland, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1838, 163, 182.

Dr. Wheaton’s statement, “Abundant summer resident,”
no longer applies to this woods-haunting warbler. It is uni-
versally reported as not common during the summer. It
would be hard-to assign a reason for this decrease in num-

PASSERES—MNIOTILTIDA. 181

bers, since the places where the bird now nests are numer-
ous enough for its purposes. True, it does not go out of the
taller woods to breed, but it seems to find woods enough
suitable for breeding places. It may be, however, that dur-
ing the earlier days it was confined to the deeper woods and
the rapid disappearance of them has driven many to other
regions. In Lorain county it is to be found in every con-
siderable woods, but is only common here.

The Cerulean Warbler arrives with the warbler host,
about the first of May in northern Ohio, and is fairly com-
mon for two weeks. The departure northward of a major-
ity of the individuals leaves the state thinly settled with
Ceruleans. It passes south during the last week of Septem-
ber.

252. (659.) DENDROICA PENSYLVANICA (Linn.). 44.
Chestnut- sided Warbler.

Synonyms: Dendreeca pennsylvanica, Sylvia icterocephala,
Sylvicola icterocephala, Motacilla pennsylvanica, M. ic-
terocephala.

Quebec Warbler, Yellow-crowned Warbler.

Kirtland, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1838, 163, 181.

Of all the warbler host this is to me the most interesting,
in its parti-colored dress and confiding ways. The day that
brings them is the brightest day of the season. In their
northward movement they are not particular about the places
where they feed, provided the insects are numerous and the
trees are not too far apart. Every year we see numbers of
them on the College Campus. I have seen them in the door-
yard, in the apple-trees, and in the deep woods among the
highest branches. It is common only locally, apparently.
Dr. Wheaton gives it as a summer resident in the north-east-
ern parts of the state. It is not unlikely that it still breeds
in the northern part of the state, but if so it has not been so
reported to me. None have been found in summer in Lorain
county.

This is one of the warbler host which reaches Oberlin
about the first of May, remaining about two weeks and then

182 BIRDS OF OHIO.

passing north. It returns early in September and remains
until the last week of the month.

253. (660.) DENDROICA CASTANEA (Wils.). 45.
Bay-breasted Warbler.
Synonyms: Dendrceca castanea, Sylvia castanea, Sylvicola cas-

tanea.
Bay-breast.

Kirtland, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1838, 163, 181.

Apparently this warbler is not well enough known to
make .any statements of its spring migrations reliable. In
Lorain county it is fairly common every spring, and usually
more numerous in the autumn. That seems to be the gen-
eral verdict, except that in many places the species is not
at all common. The whole warbler group is perhaps less
known by the average bird student than any other. The
reason for this lack of acquaintance is not easy to explain,
because the usually bright patchy coloring of these birds
makes them somewhat conspicuous. Their small size and
arboreal habits, and the difficulty of detecting them among
the foliage, doutbless contribute largely to the difficulties.

This is among the later arrivals in spring, not appearing
in Lorain county before May 5, generally, and has gone
northward by the 23d. In its southward migrations it
reaches Ohio about the middle of August, and tarries in the
southern counties until the middle of October.

254. (661.) DENDROICA STRIATA (Forst.). 46.
Black-poll Warbler.
Synonyms: Dendreeca striata, Sylvia striata, Sylvicola striata,

Muscicapa striata.
Black-poll.

Kirtland, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1838, 163, 182.

This warbler arrives even a little later in spring than the
Bay-breast, and is frequently associated with it. Judging
from the reports it is a little more numerous in spring and
fully so in the autumn. Fall specimens of these two warb-
lers are so nearly alike that one not well acquainted with

PASSERES—M NIOTILTIDA, 183

them will probably not be able to distinguish between them
in life. A good pair of field glasses, such as the 8-power
prism glasses, usually makes their identification possible
at a range of twenty-five yards. But under any circum-
stances close scrutiny is necessary to detect the tint of cream-
buff on the underparts of the Bay-breast and the distinctly
yellow tint of the same parts of Black-poll. Both species
are wood birds, but they also feed in wooded parks within
the city limits, at times. In their southward migrations
they are partial to the hillsides bordering streams where
the trees are not so tall.

The Black-poll does not reach Oberlin until after May
10, and remains but a week or ten days. It returns during
the last half of August and does not leave our southern bor-
der before the 10th of October.

255. (662.) DENDROICA BLACKBURNIZ (Gmel.). 47.
Blackburnian Warbler.

Synonyms: Dendreca blackburniz, Sylvia blackburnie, Sylvi-
cola blackburniz, Motacilla blackburnie.
Hemlock Warbler, Orange-throated Warbler.

Kirtland, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1838, 163, 181.

Dr. Wheaton regarded this beautiful warbler as an
abundant migrant. It appears to have decreased in numbers
until it is only common in most parts of the state, and un-
common in others. At Oberlin it is usually common during
both migration periods. It is a bird of the tree-tops, sel-
dom descending below the middle story of the woods, unless
the weather be inclement. It is one of the few birds which
attract the attention of the casual passer whose eyes are
ever raised above the ground. Its brilliant orange throat
gleams like a sunbeam amid the foliage.

This winged Prometheus comes with the opening buds
near May-day, usually after rather than before, and remains
until the foliage hides him. During the first two weeks only
males in brilliant dress may be found, but during the last
week these have made way for the host of plainer colored
females. The last are seen about May 22. The return

184 BIRDS OF OHIO.

may be as early as the middle of August, the last passing
south about September 25.

256. (663a.) DENDROICA DOMINICA ALBILORA Ridgw. 48.
Sycamore Warbler.

Synonyms: Dendrceca dominica var. albilora, Sylvia pensilis,

Sylvicola pensilis, Dendroica superciliosa, D. dominica.

White-browed Yellow-throated Warbler, White-cheeked

Warbler.
Kirtland, Am. Journal Sci. & Arts, XL, 1841, 21. The first refer-
ence for the subspecific name as it now stands should be

Ridgway, Am. Nat., VII, 1873, 606.

This species appears to breed sparingly across the state,
but is known by few observers. I have never seen it. Dr.
Wheaton states that it is the earliest of all the warblers in
spring, even preceding the Myrtle. If it has passed through
Lorain county it has entirely eluded careful search for a
half-dozen years. It certainly does not breed in the western
half of the county or it would have been found at some
time. It has actually been found breeding at Cleveland, Mt.
Vernon, Wauseon, and Cincinnati. More careful search
for this early warbler should reveal its presence in many
parts of the state where it is not now known even as a mi-
grant.

Reliable migration dates are wanting, but it appears that
the birds should be looked for early in April, and that some
remain in the southern counties well into October. Syca-
more groves appear to be the favorite places for these
birds.

257. (667.) DENDROICA vIRENS (Gmel.). 49.
Black-throated Green Warbler.
Synonyms: Dendreca virens, Sylvia virens, Sylvicola virens,
Motacilla virens.
Kirtland, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1838, 163, 181.

Unlike the two following species, this one is among our
commonest, migrant warblers. Dr. Wheaton’s designation
of “Abundant spring and fall migrant,” still applies. It is
gommon inj the woods, but seems to prefer the lawns, parks,

PASSERES—MNIOTILTID&. 185

and shaded streets. At almost any hour of the day, during
the first two weeks of May, several may be heard singing
about the library building on the Oberlin College campus.
It is no less numerous anywhere else in the state, judging’
from the reports.

In the spring migrations it reaches southern Ohio about
April 25 and the lake shore about two days later; passing
north about May 20, but often remaining several days
longer, singing all the time. The first return during the
latter part of August and tarry into the first week of Oc-
tober. It is just possible that a few pairs remain to breed
in the northern counties.

258. (670.) DENDROICA KIRTLANDI Baird. 50.
Kirtland Warbler.

Synonyms: Dendreca kirtlandi, Sylvicola kirtlandi.
Baird, Ann. Lyc. N. Y., V. 1852, 217.

Our state enjoys the honor of furnishing the type speci-
men of this rare and little known species, and to Charles
Pease belongs the coveted honor of securing that specimen.
The state records should be brought down to date. The
name of the collector, place and date are given.

Charles Pease, near Cleveland, May 13, 1851 (type).

R. K. Winslow, near Cleveland, June (May?), 1860.

Charles Dury, Cincinnati, first week in May, 1872.

W.and J. Hall, Rockport (Cuyahoga county), May, 1878.

H. E. Chubb, Cleveland, May 4, 1880.

H. E. Chubb, Cleveland, May 12, 1880.

L. S. Keyser, Springfield (?), 1891.

Lynds Jones, Oberlin, May 11, 1900.

Lynds Jones and W. L. Dawson, near Ironton, August
28, 1902 (two).

No other state can boast so many specimens, but Mich-
igan is fast approaching us in numbers. Better acquaintance
with the species and greater activity in field work will prob-
ably prove this supposably rare warbler not “The rarest of
all the warblers.”

186 BIRDS OF OHIO.

259. (671.) Denprorca vicorstr (Aud.). 51.
Pine Warbler.
Synonyms: Dendreeca pinus, Sylvia pinus.
Pine-creeping Warbler, ‘“Vigor’s Vireo.”
Wheaton, Ohio Agri. Report, 1860, 364.

This is another of the almost ornithological mysteries to
the writer. I have found just one specimen in Lorain
county, and that one an early migrant. It is reported as a
rare migrant by most persons, but is reported on good au-
thority as breeding in the southern part of the state. Dr.
Wheaton did not know of any record of its breeding. Be-
yond doubt it should be one of the breeding warblers of the
state. It needs careful looking after by competent field
observers everywhere.

Migration dates are meager, but they indicate that this
warbler makes its appearance late in April, and departs
about October 10 from the southern counties.

260. (6%2.) DENDROICA PALMARUM (Gmel.). 52.
Palm Warbler.
Synonyms: Dendreca palmarum var. palmarum, Sylvia pete-

chia, Sylvicola ruficapilla, Motacilla palmarum.
Red-poll Warbler, Red-poll.

Kirtland, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1838, 163.

The general verdict is that this warbler is not common as
a migrant. In some regions it seems to be fairly common,
and probably is sometimes so in most localities. It is a bird
of the underbrush, mostly, and will not often be seen with
the other warblers. It seems to be fond of feeding about
and in old brush-piles in spring, and wanders along railroad
tracks and fence rows during its southward migration.

The Palm Warbler reaches the state about May 22 and
remains two weeks or more if conditions are favorable. It
returns during the first week of September and. remains
about a month.

PASSERES—MNIOTILTIDZ. 187

261. (673.) DrnpRoica piscotor (Vieill.). 53.
Prairie Warbler.

Snyonyms: Dendreeca discolor, Sylvicola discolor, Sylvia dis-
color.
Red-backed Warbler, Parti-colored Warbler, Pasture Warb-
ler, Wildwood Warbler.

Audubon, B. Am., IT, 1841, 68.

This interesting little warbler is little known by Ohio or-
nithologists, who regard it as a rare migrant. There are
two Lorain county records of single specimens which did
not remain to breed. Dr. Wheaton states that it breeds in
northern Ohio but is migratory in the southern half. It
should be found breeding wherever it is found in the state,
but its rarity makes any records notable. Rev. Mr. Hen-
ninger regarded the specimen taken in Scioto county on Oc-
tober 8, 1894, as accidental. It will be found in brushy
pastures and shrubby clearings, not in the woods. It is usu-
ally so confiding that a near approach is easy. Its song will
not fail to arrest the attention of any one who has an ear
for strange sounds. This is a warbler which all should be
watchful for during the early days of May. °

Migration dates are almost entirely lacking, but it is likely
that records will fall within the first five days of May, for
the first appearance in spring, and somewhere near the first
of October for the departure in autumn from the southern
counties.

262. (674.) SrruRUS AUROCAPILLUS (Linn.). 54.
Oven-bird.
Synonyms: Siurus auricapillus, Sylvia aurocapillus, Motacilla
aurocapillus, Turdus aurocapillus.

Golden-crowned Thrush, Accentor, Golden-crowned Accen-
tor, Golden-crowned Wag-tail Warbler, Wagtail, Land
Kickup.

Kirtland, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1838, 163.

The Oven-bird is a common summer resident over the en-
tire state, and may be abundant in suitable localities. It
must have dark woods, preferably damp, but not swampy.
In hilly regions it frequently nests well up on the hillside.

188 BIRDS OF OHIO.

Its oven-shaped nest is not readily seen among the dead
leaves, of which the exterior is made. The crescendo chant is
one of the characteristics of some woods. The bird’s dress so
hamonizes with the environment that the chant may well
be considered a spirit chant coming from everywhere and
nowhere. The birds seldom mount high in the trees, but
remain near the ground, walking about as any civilized bird
should.

The Oven-bird reaches Oberlin near the 24th of April,
sings until July 10, rarely later, and leaves us for the south
during the last week of September, sometimes later.

263. (6%5.) SEIURUS NOVEBORACENSIS (Gmel.). 55.
Water-Thrush.
Synonyms: Siurus nevius, Sylvia noveboracensis, Turdus nove-
boracensis, Motacilla nevia, M. noveboracensis.

Water Wagtail, Water Thrush, Small-billed Water-Thrush,
Bessy Kickup, River Pink, Aquatic Accentor, New York
Aquatic Thrush.

Kirtland, Ohio, Geol. Surv., 1838, 163, 181 (part).

This warbler. is hardly common in most sections of the
state. It is sometimes almost so at Oberlin, for a few days
in spring. Like the other members of this genus it is a
lover of damp places, preferring those that are somewhat
swampy, while with us. I have never seen it higher up in
the trees than ten feet, and then only when it was greatly
disturbed. Its wild ringing song is given from a low perch
or from the ground. When being pursued the bird has a
habit of darting off and returning behind the pursuer or
siléntly running ahead several rods and flitting close to the
ground to appear far at one side. The quest is a nerve-
wearing one, but if once in a dozen times you see the bird
a moment before he glides away that is reward enough. You
don’t wish to have all birds perch on your nose!

The Water-Thrush reaches Oberlin about the 3d of May
and passes north with the warbler host about May 22. It
returns during the early days of September and remains un-
til, the. ist of Ose

PASSERES—-M NIOTILTIDA. 189

264. (6%6.) SErURUS MOTACILLA (Vieill.). 56.
Louisiana Water-Thrush.

Synonyms: Siurus motacilla, Sylvia noveboracensis, Turdus

noveboracensis, Seirus ludovicianus, Turdus motacilla.

Large-billed Water-Thrush, Large-billed Accentor, Water
Wagtail, Large-billed Wagtail Warbler.

Kirtland, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1838, 163, 181 (part).

This is really the earliest of all the warbler group, but
does not get the credit it deserves becatise its name is not
warbler. I have found it at Oberlin the last of March. It
is only locally common as a summer resident in the state;
in most places it is not common, but can hardly be consider-
ed rare. In Lorain county it is pretty strictly confined to
the deep stream gorges or to the hills and banks at the lake
shore. Somewhere in every stream gorge a pair or more
may be found during the summer. Of course the gorges
must be wooded, and with a stream flowing at the bottom.
This species prefers to remain on the ground, seldom perch-
ing in a tree unless disturbed about its nest or young. Its
wild song echoes and reéchoes in the steep walled yorge, re-
calling the untamed spirit of the Red man whose hunting
ground this once was.

The average dates of arrival for this species fall within
the first week of April, for southern Ohio, and a week later
for Lorain county. The last ones leave the state during the
middle of October.

265. (677.) GEOTHLYPIS FoRMOSA (Wils.). 58.
Kentucky Warbler.
Synonyms: Oporornis formosa, Sylvia formosa, Myiodioctes for-

mosa,Sylvicola formosa.
Kentucky Yellow-throat.

Audubon, Orn. Biog., 1, 1831, 196.

Dr. Wheaton says of this warbler, “Rare summer resident ;
in particular localities only.” It is now fairly common over
most of the southern third of the state, and ranges ‘nearly
to the lake in the western half, and rarety to the lake in the

190 BIRDS OF OHIO.

eastern half of the state. There are three probable records
of its occurrence in Lorain county.* In the rougher parts of
the state this warbler is to be found in. the gorges well
grown with brush and trees. It seems partial to the steep
hillsides in such localities.

The first appear in southern Ohio during late April or
early May, and return south late in September.

266. (678.) GrarHLypPis aciLtis (Wils.). 57.
Connecticut Warbler.

Synonyms: Oporornis agilis, Sylvia agilis, Trichas agilis. .
Kirtland, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1838, 162, 182.

This is one of the rare warblers which pass entirely across
the state. Dr. Wheaton recorded five specimens taken in the
state. The unquestionable records since 1882 are hardly
more. But three have been recorded for Lorain county, one
of them May 24, 1902. It must be looked for on or near
the ground in brushy places, but not necessarily where it
is wet. The birds are timid and retiring, but may be closely
approached with care. I have never heard the song to know
it.

The migrations appear to occur rather late in spring, and
the return in fall is during the early part of August.

267. (679.) GEOTHLYPIS PHILADELPHIA (Wils.). 59.
Mourning Warbler.
Synonyms: Sylvia philadelphia.
Philadelphia Warbler, Black-throated Ground Warbler.
Wheaton, Ohio Agri. Report, 1860, 363, 373.

While this species seems to be more numerous than the
last, it is by no means common anywhere in the state. It
does not remain to breed, but passes north of our border.
During their migrations these birds are to be found on or
near the ground, rarely mounting into the lower branches
of the trees. “They seem to prefer brushy tangles within

*Since the above was written a specimen has been secured at-
Qberlin by the. writer.

PASSERES—M NIOTILTIDA. 191

the woods, and have been found only in rather damp places
in Lorain county. They are usually silent while here.

The individuals recorded at Oberlin have been among
the latest arrivals—between the 10th and 15th of May.
They remain but a week or ten days and then pass north-
ward, returning early in August.

268. (681d.) GEOTHLYPIS TRICHAS BRACHIDACTYLA
(Swain). 60.
Northern Yellow-throat.
Synonyms: Geothlypis trichas, Sylvia trichas, Trichas mary-
landica, Turdus trichas.

Yellow-throated Ground Warbler, Ground Warbier, Black-
masked Ground Warbler, Black-cheeked Ground Warbler,
Black-necked Yellow-throat, Briar Wren, Yellow Briar
Wren, Maryland Yellow-throat.

Kirtland, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1838, 163, 182.

This little brush warbler is everywhere common, and lo-
cally abundant in Ohio. It will be found in the brushy
woods, weed-grown! swales, or sloughs, in second-growth
slashings, or in the fringe of brush surrounding high woods.
In general it prefers damp situations, but may nest almost
anywhere if the conditions are suitable for a nest. No doubt
there are places in the hilly south-eastern parts of the state
where this bird is rare if present, because the conditions
which entice him are wanting.

The Northern Yellow-throat reaches Ohio during the
last week in April and is soon common even to the northern
counties. It sings during its entire stay, leaving the state
early in October.

269. (683.) IcrERIA virens (Linn.). 61.
Yellow-breasted Chat.
Synonyms: Icteria viridis, Turdus virens, Muscicapa viridis.
Yellow Mockingbird.

Audubon, Orn. Biog., IT, 1834, 223.

This large unwarbler-like warbler is far more common
in the southern counties than at the lake shore. Appar-
ently the gradation is a nearly uniform one from the Ohio

192 BIRDS OF OHIO.

river to Lake Erie. It is locally abundant in the southern
counties and is almost rare in the northern, except locally,
where it may become fairly common. This is another thick-
et loving bird, and is found in nearly the same situations as
the Maryland Yellow-throat, but in the smaller growth of
trees. The birds live higher up, and usually nest higher;
but, like the Yellow-throats, they must have brushy condi-
tions, at least.

The Chat reaches Oberlin about the first of May and tar-
ries until the first week of September.

270. (684.) WHILSONIA MITRATA (Gmel.). 62.
Hooded Warbler.

Synonyms: Myiodioctes mitratus, Sylvania mitrata, Motacilla

mitrata.
Hooded Fly-catching Warbler, Mitred Warbler, Black-headed

Warbler, Selby’s Warbler.
Read, Fam. Visitor, III, 1853, 367.

The summer distribution of this warbler is somewhat pe-
culiar. In general it is more common southerly than north-
erly, but about Jefferson it is almost common. It is reported
as rare during the summer near Cleveland. There is but
a single record for Lorain county, and that was not a breed-
ing bird.* It is certain that the species would have been
found if it breeds in the vicinity of Oberlin. Even in the
southern counties it is only locally common.

The Hooded Warbler frequents the undergrowth of the
woods, but often mounts high up among the branches to
sing. Its nest is in the undergrowth. In my experience
the preferred nesting-place is in some rather flat woods
among the spice bushes or other shrubbery which grows well
under tall trees.

The migration records are somewhat uncertain, but seem
to be during the first week of May and the last week of
September.

*Since the above was written another specimen has been found
at Oberlin.

PASSERES—M NIOTILTIDA. 193

271. (685.) Witsonta pusILta (Wils.). 63.
Wilson Warbler.
Synonyms: Myiodioctes pusillus, Sylvia wilsonii, Muscicapa
pusilla. :
Green Black-capped Fly-catching Warbler, Green Black-cap-

ped Yellow Warbler, Wilson’s Black-cap, Black-capped
Yellow Warbler.

Kirtland, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1838, 163, 182.

Wilson Warbler is strictly migratory, passing completely
across the state both spring and autumn. Dr. Wheaton said
of it, “Not common migrant in spring; abundant in fall.” I
have never found it common at Oberlin in spring, and even
less numerous in fall. Its numbers appear to have decreased
since Dr. Wheaton’s time. It may be found in the shrub-
bery of woods, or even well up in the trees, when migrating.
I have found it in orchards not infrequently, in company
with the other migrating host of warblers.

This warbler is usually rather late in putting in an ap-
pearance, but the fact that it is sometimes recorded late in
April argues that it may well be placed with the group of
warblers which arrive about May 1. It passes north about
May 20, and returns early in August, to remain three
weeks or more.

272. (686.) WHILSONIA CANADENSIS (Linn.). 64.
Canadian Warbler.
Synonyms: Myiodioctes canadensis, Sylvia pardalina, Sylvicola
pardalina, Muscicapa canadensis.

Canada Fly-catching Warbler, Canadian Fly-catching Warb-
ler, Speckled Canada Warbler, Necklaced Warbler, Cana-
da Flycatcher.

Kirtland, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1838, 163, 181.

The Canadian Warbler should be found as a migrant
anywhere in the state, both spring and autumn. It is not as
numerous as many species, but is certain to be seen during
each migration if one be on the lookout for it. I have found
it more frequently in the higher woods than elsewhere, but
it also feeds in the shade trees and orchards. In the woods
it prefers the middle stories of the trees.

194 BIRDS OF OHIO.

At Oberlin this warbler makes its appearance about May
7, remaining until about the 20th. It returns early in Au-
gust and individuals may be found as late as September
25.

273. (687.) SETOPHAGA RUTICILLA (Linn.). 65.
American Redstart.
Synonyms: Muscicapa ruticilla.
Redstart, Redstart Warbler, Redstart Flycatcher.
Kirtland, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1838, 163.

Redstart is a common summer resident everywhere in the
state, and in many localities is really abundant. It is par-
tial to woods which contain many small trees among the
larger timber. I have never found it nesting in deep woods
devoid of underbrush or some small growth, but it is usually
numerous in small second-growth timber.

It reaches the state during the last week in April, and has
passed to the lake shore by the 1st of May. None are seen
in Lorain county after September 25, but a few individu-
als may tarry in southern Ohio until the middle of October.

Family MOTACILLIDA. Wagtails.

The single species which inhabits Ohio is generally found
in flocks in the spring and fall months, and may linger into
the winter in the middle and southern parts of the state.
Its usually small numbers make it unimportant economic-
ally.

274. (697.) ANTHUS PENSILVANICUS (Lath.). 2%.
American Pipit.
Synonyms: Anthus ludovicianus, A. spinvletta, Alauda pensil-
vanica.

Brown Lark, Titlark, Pipit, Louisiana Pipit, American Tit-
lark, Wagtail, Prairie Titlark, Reddish-brown Titlark,
Louisiana Lark, Hudsonian Wagtail.

Kirtland, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1838, 168, 182.

The Pipit is so erratic in its movements that one is at a
loss what to say about it. It is hardly common for more
than a few days at a time, if a flock be regarded as an indi-

PASSERES—TROGLODYTIDZ. 195

vidual. The most of my dates of first appearance fall within
the first week of May, but there is one record for March
15,1901. The last have gone north by May 20. I have
but one autumn record, which is October 19, 1896.

While the Pipit is a bird of the fields it may also perch in
trees, and in that particular differs from the Horned Larks,
which it somewhat closely resembles in general habits and
appearance. The slight wag to the tail is always a good field
mark.

From the habits and haunts of these birds one would con-
clude that their chief food must be the larvee of insects, with
perhaps a good deal of weed seed or grain of one sort or an-
other. They are fond of searching over newly plowed
fields, where they may be seen feeding.

Family TROGLODYTID/. Mockers, Thrashers, Wrens.

This family is so varied that it seems best to subdivide it
into the two subfamilies.

Subfamily MIMINZAZ. Mockers, Catbirds, Thrashers.

To this subfamily belong the larger birds which are nearly
the size of the Robin. Three species occur in Ohio, one of
them rarely, while the other two are common enough to be
well known. The Catbird is the familiar slate-colored bird
of the brushy tangles of the woods or garden, while the
Brown Thrasher is more often seen along hedgerows where
it nests. All members of this subfamily are famous singers
and mockers.

275. (703.) Mimus potyctottos (Linn.). 7.
Mockingbird.
Synonyms: Turdus polyglottus.
Mocking Thrush, Mimic Thrush.
Kirtland, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1838, 163, 181.

As an.Ohio bird the Mockingbird is certainly rare. The
unquestioned records seem to be as follows: Cincinnati,
Langdon, Dury; Waverly, Henninger; Perry, Beeman;

196 BIRDS OF OHIO.

Morgan, Morris, Arrick, Davie; Oberlin, Jump (specimen) ;
Columbus, Wheaton, Davie. The Cleveland records need
confirmation. In Morgan county they were present all sum-
mer in 1896, and in the autumn of that year twenty birds
were to be found. The same colony returned in 1897 but
left during the cold May and June of that year, and have
not been found since. There are a number of unconfirmed
records of the Mockingbird from northern Ohio which may
prove to be good records. But the likelihood of the presence
of escaped cage-birds in the vicinity of cities, from which
these reports come, throws some doubt upon the records.

Since the above was written Mr. C. H. Morris writes me
that on January 25, 1903, in company with Mr E. J. Ar-
rick, he found and captured a Mockingbird near McCon-
nellsville. Let us hope that this is an indication of an inva-
sion of this beautiful singer and mimic.

276. (704.) GALEOSCOPTES CAROLINENSIS (Linn.). 8.
Catbird.
Synonyms: Mimus carolinensis, Turdus felivox, Mimus felivox,

Muscicapa carolinensis.
Cat Flycatcher, Merle Catbird, Chat.

Kirtland, Ohio, Geol. Surv., 1838, 163.

Catbird is everywhere common during the summer, and
abundant in many localities. It is probably too well known
to make necessary the mention of its brush-loving proclivi-
ties. It is bold enough to make its summer home in the
door-yard if a suitable nesting-place be furnished.

Forty-four per cent. of the Catbird’s food consists of in-
sects, and 56 per cent. vegetable matter. Of this 56 per
cent. only one-third consists of fruit which might be culti-
vated. In most parts of Ohio it is certain that a large part
of the fruit eaten is wild fruit. Hence the Catbird is really
a decidedly beneficial bird. It cannot be denied that he
eats some fruit on occasion, and may be punished for it.
He is neither a witch nor a wizard, as many persons seem
to think, but a plain everyday sort of bird, mostly concerned
with his ‘own business, wanting nothing only to be Jet alone.

PASSERES—TROGLODYTIDE ° 197%

The Catbird reaches the state shortly after April 20,
rarely earlier, and soon becomes common. The bulk of the
species has gone south by the 10th of September, but indi-
viduals may remain well into October.

277. (7%05.) Toxostoma ruFuM (Linn.). 9.
Brown Thrasher.
Synonyms: Harporhynchus rufus, Turdus rufus, Mimus rufus,

Brown Thrush, Thrasher, Sand Mockingbird, French Mock-
ingbird, Ferrugineous Thrush, Fox-colored Mockbird.

Kirtland, Ohio, Geol. Surv., 1838 163.

Although fairly common, the Brown Thrasher is far less
numerous than its cousin, the Catbird. It is a great lover
of hedgerows and overgrown line fences where narrow
thickets have formed. It may also be found in brushy tan-
gles, but not in woods proper.

Sixty-four per cent. of what the Brown Thrasher eats is
animal matter, mostly injurious insects, while only 36 per
cent. is vegetable. This bird also eats fruit in its season,
but the bulk of its vegetable food is of no use to man. It is
one of the distinctly beneficial species which sometimes does
some damage.

Contrary to what we might expect, this bird is an early
April arrival from the south, rarely appearing late in
March. The late snow-storms do not seem to inconvenience
it. Individuals may be found during the first week in
October.

Subfamily TRocGLopyTInz. Wrens.

Six species of wrens are found in Ohio. In the north the
House, and in the south Carolina and Bewick are famil-
iar about dwellings. The two Marsh Wrens have spoiled
their voices by living so much in the damp of the marshes,
but the other members of the group are good singers. The
tireless energy of these birds makes the classical ant look to
his laurels. We have nothing but commendation for the
services rendered by these birds, even if they do occasionally
usurp the dwellings of other birds.

198 BIRDS OF OHIO.

278. (718.) THRyoTHoRUS LuUDovicIaNUS (Lath.). 21.
Carolina Wren. ,

Synonyms: Troglodytes ludovicianus, Sylvia ludoviciana.
Great Carolina Wren; Mocking Wren, Louisiana Wren, Ham-
mock or Hummock Wren, Palmetto Wren, Large Wood
Wren.

Kirtland, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1838, 168, 183.

Dr. Wheaton’s statement, “Abundant in Southern, com-
mon and resident in Middle, rare in Northern Ohio,”’ still
holds good in the main. There is good evidence that its
northern range is extending, and that the birds are becom-
ing more common north than he knew them. They seem to
be resident wherever they occur. We found them on East
Sister Island, Lake Erie, and there are records even into
Ontario.

In many places this wren is as familiar as the House
Wren, building under the porch roof. It is fond of brushy
tangles and bushy ravines or gorges. The borders of
streams afford good cover.

The food of this wren is almost entirely animal, and the
most of that insects. It is likely that in winter more vege-
table waste may be eaten if other food is hard to secure,
‘but at any time this large wren is one of the most beneficial
of our birds.

279. ( 719.) THRYOMANES BEWICKII (Aud.). 22.
Bewick Wren.

Synonyms: Thryothorous bewickii, T. b. var. bewickii, Troglo-
dytes bewickii.

Southern House Wren, Long-tailed House Wren, Song Wren,
Long-tailed Wren.

Dury and Freeman, Journal Cin. Soc. Nat. Hist., LI, 1879, 101.
While Dr. Wheaton and Dr. Langdon admitted this wren to
their earlier lists they removed it from their later ones because

the records upon which statements were made proved unfound-
-ed. The above reference is the first authentic record.

It appears that this wren, which was unknown as an Ohio
bird in 1882, has extended its range northeastward almost

PASSERES—TROGLODYTID&. 199

if not quite to our northern border as far east as Oberlin,
where it has twice been recorded within the last five years.
It is gradually but surely replacing the House Wren in the
southern counties, possibly because it is the resident form
while the House Wren inigrates. It is common now as far
east as Scioto county, and nearly as far north as Columbus.

The food of this wren does not differ materially from that
of the Carolina Wren. It is distinctly beneficial in its food
habits.

280. (721.) TrRoGLopyTes AEDON Vieill. 23.
House Wren.
Synonyms: Trogoldytes domesticus, Motacilla domestica.
Eastern House Wren, Short-tailed House Wren, Wood Wren.
Read, Proc. Phil. Acad. Nat. Sci., VI, 1853, 396.

The House Wren, once a common summer resident in all
parts of the state, is now being forced out by the invasion
of Bewick Wren. It does not appear to be increasing in
those parts of the state not yet covered by the last species,
but is holding its own there. I have been disappointed in not
finding more House Wrens about the houses. The woods
are much more preferred in Ohio than in the central parts
of Iowa. In certain parts of every town this wren may be
found, but it is not present everywhere that a place offers.

The food consists almost wholly of insects that harm
fruit-trees. It has lately been discovered that if a pair of
House Wrens are driven from a box or other nesting-
place which they have selected, and are permitted to nest
in the vicinity, they will destroy the eggs of any birds which
may nest in that place desired by them but denied them.
One would not suppose vindictivenesss to be a vice of Jenny
Wren.

The House Wrens appear in southern Ohio about the
middle of April, and a week later at Oberlin. They return
south about October 1.

200 BIRDS OF OHIO.

281. (722.) OLBIORCHILUS HIEMALIS (Vieill.). 24.
Winter Wren.

Synonyms: Anorthura troglodytes var. hyemalis, Troglodytes
europeus, T. hyemalis, T. parvulus var. hyemalis, Syl-
via troglodytes.

Bunty Wren.

Kirtland, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1838, 163.

Dr. Wheaton stated that this little wren is a common
winter resident. It is now not at all common in most locali-
ties. Possibly its small size and lowly habits cause it to be
overlooked. It is more numerous during the migrations, in
Lorain county, than during the winter, arguing that the
majority of individuals pass farther south to winter.

During the winter it haunts brush-piles, where it is able to
pick up a respectable living of animal matter, and the stream
gorges, probably passing the nights in the little caves in
the rocks.

Individuals may be found as late as May 10, in spring. I
have never found one before the 40th of October in autumn.

282. (7%24.) CISTOTHORUS STELLARIS (Licht.). 26.
Short-billed Marsh Wren.
Synonyms: Troglcdytes brevirostris, Troglodytes stellaris.
Fresh Water Marsh Wren, Meadow Wren.
Read, Proc. Phil. Acad. Nat. Sci., VI, 1853, 395.

This is a rare bird in Ohio. It appears to breed in suit-
able localities anywhere in the state, but is too rare to be
noticed by any but the ornithologist who is on the lookout
for it. There are two Lorain county records, but neither of
them of breeding birds.

Unlike the next species, this wren does not prefer the
large marshes, but rather wet lands which have a rank
growth of coarse grass. Here the birds build their mouse-
like nest, lashing it to the grass stems. I have never seen
the birds in brushy places, nor in the immediate vicinity of
true marshes.

The food differs from that of the more arboreal wrens
only in the kinds of insects eaten.

PASSERES—CERTHIID&. 201

Its Ohio migrations cannot be accurately given because
we have no data. It is likely that the birds reach Ohio
during the first ten days of May, and depart southward
again during the middle of September.

283. (725.) TELMATODYTES PALUSTRIS (Wils.). 25.
Long-billed Marsh Wren.
Synonyms: Cistothorus palustris, Troglodytes palustris, Mot-

acilla palustris, Certhia palustris.
Salt-water Marsh Wren, Marsh Wren.

Kirtland, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1838, 163.

This Marsh Wren is abundant about most of our large
marshes. Regions without marshes or marshy conditions
will not be visited by this species. I found them literally
swarming at Licking and Lewiston reservoirs, Sandusky
Bay marshes and Chippewa Lake. A few pairs remain in
the rapidly narrowing marshes at Lorain and Oak Point.

These birds are true swamp birds, lashing their nests to
reeds and cat-tails which stand in the water. In my mind
they are associated with Coot, Florida Gallinule, and Black
Tern.

The food is largely insects, and probably also some other
small animals inhabiting such regions.

This wren reaches Lorain county during the first five
days of May, and is gone by the middle of September.

Family CerTHip#®. Creepers.

284. (726.) CERTHIA FAMILIARIS AMERICANA (Bonap.).
20.
Brown Creeper.
Synonyms: Certhia familiaris, C. f. rufa, C. americana.
American Creeper, Little Brown Creeper.
Kirtland, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1838, 164.

The Brown Creeper is sometimes common during the mi-
grations, but is less common as a winter resident over the
entire state. His small size and weak voice and resem-
blance to the bark of trees serve to hide him from all -but

202: BIRDS OF OHIO.

the inquiring eye. In winter he prefers the deep woods,
though often found in towns; but during the migrations he
frequently pursues his search for insects and larvee in the
bark of our shade trees. In winter I have usually found
him among the company of nuthatches, woodpeckers, and
titmice.

In spring he tarries well into May, returning late in Sep-
tember.

Family Parip#. Nuthatches and Titmice.

Subfamily Srrtrnz. Nuthatches.

The nuthatches are so different from all other birds in
their manner of feeding that they attract attention at once.
They much prefer to cling head downward on a perpendic-
ular tree trunk, prying into the crevices of the bark, or
“hatching” the kernel from some nut or seed. They always
want to know what you are and what you propose to do
about it. They are poor singers, but the voice is strong
and carries far. The term “sapsucker” is wholly misap-
plied to these birds. They are wholly useful.

285. (727.) SirTa cAROLINENSIS Lath. 17.
White-breasted Nuthatch.

Synonyms: White-bellied Nuthatch, Carolina Nuthatch.
Kirtland, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1838, 164.

All must know this interesting inhabitant of the trees,
for he is common all the year everywhere in the state, com-
ing into the parks and not infrequently building his nest
there or in the shade trees along the streets. He may be
found everywhere that trees grow, especially in winter. He
is usually the first of the winter company to make his pres-
ence known in the woods. His habit of clinging and feed-
ing head down on the trunk of a tree attracts attention to
him at once.

The food of this bird is both insects and yegetable mat-
ter. The insects are such as inhabit the bark of trees, most-
ly, and the vegetable matter seems to be largely the beech-

PASSERES—PARIDA. 203

nuts and the other small forest nuts and fruits. I have
seen the nuthatch descend to the ground for weed seed and
other tidbits which have fallen upon the snow. He also
sometimes searches about the decaying stumps and about
the roots of the trees. There is nothing in the statement
that he is one of the “sapsuckers” and so injures trees.
He is a very useful bird at all times.

286. (728.) Sirra caNaDENsis Linn. 18.
Red-breasted Nuthatch.

Synonyms: Red-bellied Nuthatch, Canada Nuthatch.
Kirtland, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1838, 164.

This nuthatch is usually less common than the preced-
ing, and is not resident anywhere in the state. It is more
common as a migrant both spring and autumn, but it win-
ters in small numbers over the entire state, more numerous-
ly in the southwestern part. It is found in nearly the same
situations as the White-breasted, and frequently ranges
with it. Its food seems to be much the same.

In its migrations it reaches the state early in April and is
gone north by the middle of May, returning again about the
middle of September. Most have gone south again a
morth later, a few remaining all winter.

Subfamily Partn.z. Titmice.

Of the members of this group which live in Ohio one is
southern, scarcely reaching even the middle of the state.
The other two are among the most common winter birds,
the Chickadee often feeding about our houses. The Tufted
Titmouse not infrequently comes into town, especially dur-
ing March and April, when he is calling lustily. A whistled
imitation of their calls will almost invariably bring one or
more within reach of your hand. They are not so much in
evidence in summer because they are busy with household
affairs then.

204 BIRDS OF OHIO.

287. (731.) B#oLopHus BicoLor Linn. 14.
Tufted Titmouse.

Synonyms: Lophophanes bicolor.
Crested Titmouse, Toupet Titmouse, Peter-peter, Sugar-

bird.
Kirtland, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1838, 164.

This Titmouse is common all the year over the entire
state. Its loud voice and unwariness make it a familiar
woodland object. It also ventures into town during the
winter and early spring, but keeps mostly to the woods. In
winter it forms one of the company of small birds which
range through the timber.

Its food consists of both animal and vegetable matter.
The animal food is largely insects and the vegetable weed
seeds and small nuts. It is at all times a useful bird.

288. (7%35.) Parus aTRIcaPILLus Linn. 15.
Chickadee.
Synonyms: Black-capped Chickadee, Eastern Chickadee,
Black-capped Titmouse, Black-cap.
Kirtland, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1838, 164.

There is hardly a more familiar bird in the state than
either this more northern Chickadee or the next species. It
comes into the dooryard during the winter, looking for any
chance crumb, or for the suet which you may have thrown
out or tied to some convenient tree. It generally retires to
the woods at nesting-time, and is little seen then, but a
whistled imitation of the pe te call will usually bring an
answer and the bird himself after a little. The Chickadee
is one of the most inquisitive of birds, and can readily be
taught to feed from one’s hand. It is well worth while to
take a little time to cultivate the acquaintance of the birds
which are sure to visit your yard at some time during the
winter, for once they find provisions put out for them they
become regular visitors, and soon call other birds to the
feast. A bone not too closely picked, tied to a tree or nailed
to a board placed convenient to the window, will do very
well. They are also fond of suet, and broken nut meats are
eagerly taken. .

PASSERES—-SYLVIIDZ. 205

The food of this smaller titmouse is not unlike that of
the Tufted. The Chickadee is probably a greater weed-seed
destroyer.

289. (736.) Parus CAROLINENSIS Aud. 16.
Carolina Chickadee.
Synonyms: Parus atricapillus var. carolinensis.
Southern Chickadee, Carolina Titmouse.
Wheaton, Ohio Agri. Report, 1874, 562.

It is difficult to distinguish between the two Chickadees
at first, but one soon learns to note the smaller size of the
Carolina. The notes and calls are also different, being
higher pitched and more rapidly given than the Chickadee
of the poets, and usually of more syllables.

The distribution of this Chickadee is not clearly worked
out for Ohio. It is the more common form south, but
does not appear to displace the other anywhere. The evi-
dence seems to point to a more northerly distribution in the
western part of the state, where it is known as far north as
Columbus and Granville, but it seems to be absent from
Morgan county and east of there, We need to study the
chickadees more carefully before any definite statement can
be made of the distribution of this form.

Family Sytvip#. Kinglets and Gnatcatchers.

Next to the hummingbirds these are the smallest of our
native birds. They are strictly arboreal, but sometimes
glean from the ground. In their passage north and south
the kinglets feed plentifully in our orchards and shade
trees, only the Gnatcatcher remaining to nest.

Subfamily RecuLtinz. Kinglets.

290. (748.) REGULUS sATRAPA Licht. 13.
Golden-crowned Kinglet.
Synonyms: Regulus cristatus, R. tricolor.
Golden-crested Kinglet, American Golden-crested Kinglet,

Fiery-crowned Wren.
Kirtland, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1838, 163.

206 BIRDS OF OHIO.

This kinglet is common as a transient, but less common
as a winter resident. It is sometimes even abundant dur-
ing the migrations in certain localities. The kinglets are
leaf and twig gleaners, but also make sallies after flying in-
sects. They are to be found among the evergreen trees dur-
ing the winter more often than elsewhere, but also frequent
well protected brushy: woods to feed. Their food seems to
be wholly insects.

This kinglet goes north about the middle of April and re-
turns again about the first of October.

291. (749.) Recutus cALENDULA (Linn.). 12.
Ruby-crowned Kinglet.
Synonyms: Motacilla calendula.

Ruby-crown, Ruby-crowned Wren, Ruby-crowned Warbler.
Kirtland, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1838, 163, 183.

The Ruby-crowned Kinglet is rather more common
during its migrations than the Golden-crowned, but it does
not remain during the winter, nor is there any record of its
breeding within the state. It is found in the same situations
as the Golden-crowned, both appearing in our parks and
orchards in spring and autumn. The Ruby-crowned has a
louder voice than its cousin ,and may be more readily found
on that account. The food is the same as that of the other
species.

This kinglet reaches Ohio: about the middle of April and
remains four weeks, returning about October 1 and pass-
ing south in about three weeks.

Subfamily Portopritinaz. Gnatcatchers.

292. (751.) PoLrpoTita C#RULEA (Linn.). 11.
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher.
Synonyms: Sylvia cerulea, Sylvania cerulea, Motacilla

ceerulea.
Blue-gray Flycatcher, Little Blue-gray Flycatcher.

Kirtland, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1838, 163.

The Gnatcatcher is a fairly common summer resident in
many localities, but less common in others. It is found in

PASSERES—TURDID. 207

brushy woods, nesting well up in the trees. It is so unwary
that a near approach is easy, even if the birds do not come
near to inspect you. The delicate little song carries well
and must arrest the attention of the unobserving. As the
name suggests, -it feeds upon flying insects, but also gleans
from leaves and branches.

One might expect so small and apparently delicate a
bird to tarry in the south late, but it reaches Lorain county
as early as the first week in April in favorable seasons. It
apparently passes south again late in September, but au-
tumn records are not wholly satisfactory.

Family Turpip#. Thrushes, Robins, Bluebirds.

The Thrushes have been placed at the top of the bird
branch because of their musical ability. It does not seem
likely that they will remain there long, because their struct-
ure pretty clearly points to a lower place. But wherever
they may finally rest in classification they will never cease to
attract the earnest attention of all those who love good bird
music. Added to this zsthetic value of the thrushes, there is
their undoubted usefulness economically. For the most
part they are woods birds, but during the migrations most
of them may be seen in the shade trees or in the back yards
which have been left bushy. Robin and Bluebird are too
familiar to call for any remarks of mine. They need no
added encouragement to live with us, but with a little en-
couragement the Wood Thrush, that “Nightingale of
America,” may easily be induced to make its nest in the
back orchard, from whence he will give you a charming ser-
enade twice each day during the summer season.

293. (755.) HyLociIcHLA MUSTELINA (Gmel.). 1.
Wood Thrush.

Synonyms: Turdus mustelinus.
Wood Robin, Wood Nightingale, American Song Thrush,
Song Thrush.

Kirtland, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1838, 163.

208 BIRDS OF OHIO.

The Wood Thrush is a common summer bird in all parts
of the state. It announces its arrival with a burst of song,
and may be heard singing well into August. Brushy
woods or small second growth seem to be preferred for
nesting-places. It is not so much a bird of thorny tangles
as the Catbird, preferring a growth of young trees. Some
make their way into the towns and villages, nesting in the
orchards and berry patches in back lots. During the sum-
mer of 1902, a pair successfully reared a brood within five
rods of the Chapel building on the Oberlin campus.

The food of this thrush is very largely such insects and
worms as may be found on the ground among the leaves.
It has not been accused of eating either fruit or garden veg-
etables. Its beautiful song adds to its usefulness a charm
which every true bird lover cannot but wish to make a part
of his summer life.

Wood Thrush comes to Ohio during the last days of
April and remains well into September, but is silent during
the last weeks of its stay.

294. (%56.) TyLocICHLA FUSCESCENS (Steph.). 2.
Wilson Thrush.

Synonyms: Turdus fuscescens, T. wilsonii.
Veery, Tawny Thrush, Nightingale.

Kirtland, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1838, 163.

The Veery is much less common than the Wood Thrush,
but during the migrations may be fairly common. Occa-
sionally a few remain to breed even south to our southern
border. In the northern tier of counties it is regularly found
all summer, but in small numbers. Its vocal powers are of
an entirely different order from the.Wood Thrush, being
rather weird than beautiful. It lives in close company with
the Wood Thrush, apparently nesting in much the same
localities. The food habits do not seem to be materially
different.

Wilson Thrush is usually a few days later than the
Wood Thrush, in spring, and departs a little earlier.

PASSERES—TURDIDA. 209

295. (757.) Hybocicuia aticrm (Baird). 38.
Gray-cheeked Thrush.
Synonyms: Turdus swainsoni var. alicix, T. alicie.
Alice’s Thrush.
Baird, Rev. N. Am. Birds, 1864, 23.

Dr. Wheaton records this thrush as a “Common spring
and fall migrant.’ It has been universaily reported as a
rare migrant. I have no doubt that closer acquaintance
with it will prove it to be less rare. It is not easy to distin-
guish between, this and the next species. I have found it
only in the brushy woods in company with the Olive-backed.
It appears to keep closer to the woods than the Olive-
backed, feeding there on or near the ground. Its food
probably consists of insects and worms largely.

Migration records are not satisfactory. Lorain
county dates fall close to May 10, which is apparently
near the end of the spring migration. I have no autumn
dates.

296. (%58a.) HyLociIcHLA SWAINSONI (Cab.). 4.
Olive-backed Thrush.

Synonyms: Turdus swainsoni.
Swainson’s Thrush, Little Thrush, Swamp Robin.

Wheaton, Ohio Agri. Report, 1860 (1861), 379, hypothetical, Re-
print, 5.

“Abundant»migrant” characterizes this species in a few
localities, as it apparently did for Columbus, at least when
Dr. Wheaton was working. At most localities it is only
common. This thrush is often seen in the parks and shade
trees during its migration, where I have seen it feeding upon
the tender shoots of trees, probably the young buds of the

elms. Rev. Mr. Henninger found it eating gum berries in

September. Its food must consist of insects cap-
tured on the ground or in trees indifferently. I have
often seen it making sallies after flying insects, much after
the manner of the flycatchers.

This thrush appears at Oberlin during the last five days
of April and has gone north by May 23. It returns early
in September and tarries about four weeks.

210 BIRDS OF OHIO.

297. (%59b.) Hy ocicHLa GUTTATA PALLASII (Cab.). 5.
Hermit Thrush.
Synonyms: Hylocichla unalasce pallasi, Turdus pallasi, T. mi-
nor, T. solitarius, T. aonalaschke pallasii.
Solitary Thrush, Rufous-tailed Thrush, Eastern Hermit
Thrush, Swamp Robin, Ground Swamp Robin.

Kirtland, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1838, 163.

This thrush must be looked for early in April or late in
March, and for that reason may be overlooked by many stu-
dents of the migrations. It remains in the deeper woods
during its stay, and is usually silent. I have heard it sing
on only one occasion. Dr. Langdon reports the breeding
of this species in the vicinity of Cincinnati, on the authori-
ty of Mr. Charles Dury. It appears to be the only breeding
record for the state.

The food habits do not seem to differ materially from
those of the other thrushes, except that it is found earlier
and does not venture into our parks and gardens.

As suggested above, this thrush arrives early in April,
usually departing about the time the other thrushes arrive.
It returns in October and is present but a short time.

298. (761.) MeERULA mMicraTorIA (Linn.). 6.
American Robin.

Synonyms: Turdus migratorius.
Robin, Robin Redbreast, Migratory Thrush, Red-breasted
Thrush.

Kirtland, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1838, 163.

Robin is a common resident in the southern counties,
much less common in the middle parts and rare as a resi-.
dent in the northern counties in favorable situations. As a
summer resident it is abundant from the middle of the state
north, but less so south. While a few individuals remain
all winter well north it should be regarded as a spring ar-
rival and summer resident there. During the breeding sea-
son it is to bé found everywhere except in the deep woods
and swamps. During the molting season it retires to the
deep woods in some numbers, but many still remain about

PASSERES—TURDID&. 211

our lawns. It roosts at night with the blackbirds in consid-
erable numbers, or forms roosts of its own.

The food of the Robin is varied according to the season
largely. Prof. F. E. L. Bea! has made a careful study of
the food of this bird and it is worth while quoting exten-
sively from his report here.

“An examination of 330 stomachs shows that over 42 per
cent. of its food is animal matter, principally insects, while
the remainder is made up largely of small fruits and ber-
ries. Over 19 per cent. consists of beetles, about one-third
of which are useful ground beetles, taken mostly in spring
and fall when other insects are scarce. Grasshoppers make
up about one-tenth of the whole food, but in August com-
prise over 30 per cent. Caterpillars comprise about 6 per
cent., while the rest of the animal food, about 7 per cent., is
made up of various insects, with a few spiders, snails and
angle worms. All the grasshoppers, caterpillars and bugs,
with a large proportion of the beetles, are injurious, and it
is safe to say that noxious insects comprise more than one-
third of the Robin’s food.

“Vegetable food forms nearly 58 per cent. of the stomach
contents, over 47 per cent. being wild fruits, and only a lit-
tle more than 4 per cent. being possibly cultivated varieties.
Cultivated fruits amounting to about 25 per cent. were found
in the stomachs in June and July, but only a trifle in Au-
gust. Wild fruit, on the contrary, is eaten in every month,
and comprises a staple food during half the year.

“The depredations of the Robin seem to be confined to
the smaller and earlier fruits, and few, if any, complaints
have been made against it on the score of eating apples,
peaches, pears, grapes, or even late cherries.”

From this it appears that the Robin is one of our most
useful birds and should be rigidly protected.

The Robin is one of the first birds to greet us in spring
and among the last to depart south. Dates of arrival for
Oberlin fall very nearly on the first of March. The last are
seen about the middle of November. A few remain all win-
ter even on the lake shore.

212 BIRDS OF OHIO.

299. (766.) Stata statis (Linn.). 10.
Bluebird.

Synonyms: Saxicola sialis, Sialia wilsonii, Motacilla sialis.
Eastern Bluebird, Blue Robin, Blue Redbreast, Blue War-
bler, Cottage Warbler, Blue-backed Redbreast Warbler,
Common Bluebird Wilson’s Bluebird, American Bluebird.

Kirtland, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1838, 163.

Bluebird is familiar to all who ever look at birds. Pre-
vious to that disastrous cold winter—1894-5—when the
Bluebirds were all but exterminated in Kentucky and Ten-
nessee, it was decidedly common all summer. Its recovery
from that calamity has been steady and rapid until it
has become common again. Previous to that time there
were no records for its wintering in northern Ohio, but
since then it is regularly found all winter in small numbers.
The survivors were a hardier race which has pushed its
range farther north. Bluebirds are found everywhere ex-
cept in the deep woods during the breeding season. They
easily adapt themselves to the changing conditions due to
the settlement of the country, and readily breed in boxes
erected for their use.

They feed to a small extent upon wild fruits and their
seeds, but 76 per cent. of the food is animal, mostly noxious
insects. There can be no question of the usefulness of
Bluebird.

Robin and Bluebird arrive very near together, and tarry
equally long into November. The Bluebird is considered
the “Harbinger of Spring.”

? . ACCIDENTAL. 213

ACCIDENTAL.

The species classed under this head are such as have wan-
dered into the state from regions considerably removed
which they regularly inhabit at some time of year. Their
presence in the state cannot be accounted for in any other
way than by supposing that some accident is responsible
for their appearance in a place so far removed from their
regular habitat, and therefore they cannot be expected to
occur again under normal conditions.

OrpErR PYGOPODES. Diving Birds.

Family Atcip#. Auks, Murres, and Puffins.

The only representative of this salt-water inhabiting
family is the Briinnich Murre, which was probably blown
across Canada by a severe northeast storm. It is accidental
in the state, and so would not figure in the economy of the
state.

1. (31.) Urta tomvia (Linn.). —.
Briinnich Murre.
Butler, reported by E. L. Moseley as occurring at Sandusky on
Lake Erie, Auk, 1897, 198.

The records that have come to me of the capture of
specimens of this species in Ohio are: Ashtabula 1, Lake 2,
Lorain 4, Erie 3, and likely Ottawa counties, all during the
last half of December, 1896. Fairport, December 18;
Sandusky, December 19. The Lorain and Ashtabula rec-
ords are given as late December, probably about Christ-
mas. It is not unlikely that individuals of this large inland
flight penetrated to some of the interior waters of this state,
but if so, records are lacking.

A wanderer from the northeast.

214 BIRDS OF OHIO.

OrpER TUBINARES. Tube-nosed Swimmers.

The order is represented by a single species, three indi-
viduals of which were probably blown inland by a severe
southeast storm, reaching Cincinnati on the Ohio river.
Being wholly accidental in the state, and unlikely to occur
again except under similar conditions, the species does not
figure economically.

Family ProceLtarip#&. Petrels, etc.

2. (98.) AHsTRELATA HasiTaTA (Kuhl.). —.
Black-capped Petrel.

Synonym: Procellaria hasitata.

Lindahl, Auk, XVI, 1899, 75.

This reference may not be earlier than the Seventh Annual
Report, Ohio State Academy Sciences, 56, same author, but ab-
sence of a specific date in that publication makes the above
reference take precedence.

Two specimens were taken alive on October 5, 1898, on
the Ohio shore, and one on October 4, the preceding day, on
the Kentucky shore. All died in captivity and found their
way into the collection of the Cin. Soc. Nat. Hist. All were
in a starved condition, and therefore easily captured. Dr.
Lindahl says that a severe northeast storm probably drove
them inland.

Accidental from the east.

OrverR STEGANOPODES. Totipalmate Birds.

Family Frecatip®. Man-o’-War Bird.

But a single specimen of the single species comprising
this family has been taken in the state, reference to which is
given under the species.

3. (128.) Frecata aguira Linn. —.,
Man-o’-War Bird.
Synonyms: Pelecanus aquilus, Tachypetes aquilus.
Frigate, Frigate Pelican, Hurricane Bird.
Davie, Nests and Eggs of N. Am. Birds, 1898, 74.

ACCIDENTAL, 215

The single specimen for Ohio, according to Oliver Davie,
in the above reference, “is now in the possession of Dr.
Renshaw, of Sugar Grove, Ohio, and was taken by Mr.
Emmet Adcock, in Fairfield county, Ohio, in the spring of
1880.”

OrpER ANSERES. Ducks, Geese, Swans.
Subfamily ANATINA.

4. (136.) Mareca PENELOPE (Linn.). —.
Widgeon.
Synonyms: Anas penelope.
European Widgeon.
Jones, The Wilson Bulletin, 1902, 71.

The specimen here recorded was captured on the Lick-
ing reservoir, March 29, 1902, by Mr. Peter Hayden, of
Columbus. The specimen was given to Mr. Irving A.
Field who mounted it for the museum of Dennison Univer-
sity, Granville, Ohio, who reported this and another speci-
men captured there April 1.

Accidental-from the east.

5. (141.) QurguEepULA cYANOPTERA (Vieill.). —.
Cinnamon Teal.

Synonyms: Anas cyanoptera.
Davie, Nests and Eggs of N. Am. Birds, 1898, 81.

“On the 4th of April, 1895, a fine male of this species was
killed... .. at the Licking county reservoir, by William
Harlow.” The specimen is now in Mr. Davie’s private
collection.

A wanderer from the west.

OrpER HERODIONES. Bitterns, Herons, Storks,
: Ibises, Egrets.
SuporperR IBIDES. Spoonbills and Ibises.
Family Ipipip#. = Ibises.

A single species of this family rarely wanders north to
Ohio.

216 BIRDS OF OHIO.

6. (186.) PLecapIs AUTUMNALIS (Hasselq.). 193.
Glossy Ibis.
Synonyms: Plegadis falcinellus, Ibis ordii, Ibis falcinellis, Ibis
falcinellus var. ordii, Tringa autumnalis.
Black Snipe, Black Curlew.

Dr. Wheaton records the only specimen of this species
which has ever been taken in Ohio, as follows: “Dr. Kirt-
land, after quoting from the Boston Traveler (June 28),
1850, an account of the capture of this species at Cam-
bridge and Middleboro, Massachusetts, and Middletown,
Connecticut, says: “To the above we would add that two of
these interesting birds, probably a pair, were seen two years
since near Fairport, Lake county. One of them, a beauti-
ful male, was shot by Mr. Pruden, and forwarded to us.
It was duly skinned and mounted, and may now be seen
alongside of a Scarlet Ibis, from the banks of the Amazon,
in the second case south of the door, in the cabinet of Nat.
Hist., at Cleve. Med. Col.’ ”

A wanderer from the south.

Crvek PALUDICOL/E. Cranes, Rails, etc.
Family Gruiwa&. Cranes.

% (205.) Grus CANADENSIS (Linn.). —.
Little Brown Crane.

Synonyms: Ardea canadensis.
Davie, Nests and Eggs of North American Birds, Fifth Edition,
1898, 121.

“I mounted a specimen of this bird which was taken in
the spring of 1884, from a flock of seven or eight birds near
Springfield, Ohio. It is a rare migrant in the state.” This
is the only state record, and must be regarded as strictly
accidental. It is not given by Butler as a bird of Indiana,
and is regarded as a doubtful species in northern Michigan.

A wanderer from the west.

ACCIDENTAL. 217
Orper LIMICOL. Shore Birds.
Family Scotopacip#. Snipes, Sandpipers, etc.

8. (260.) PavoncELLa PUGNAX (Linn.). [219.]
Ruff.
Synonyms: Machetes pugnax, Trigna pugnax, Philomacus pug:
nax.

Reeve, Combatant, Gambetta.
Wheaton, Bull. Nuttall Orn. Club, II, 1877, 83.

The above citation is of a specimen obtained by Dr.
Theodore Jasper, at Licking reservoir, November 10, 1872.
Rev. W. L. Dawson informs me that there is another speci-
men in the collection of the Ohio State University bearing
date of April 28, 1878, taken at Columbus.

The credit for the preservation and final identification of
the first specimen belongs to Dr. Wheaton.

A wanderer from the east.

Orver RAPTORES. Birds of Prey.
Family Fatconip#. Hawks, etc.

9.(337b.) BUTEO BOREALIS CALURUS (Cass.). —.
Western Red-tail.
Synonyms: Buteo calurus.
Black Red-tail.

A specimen in the collection of the Ohio State Universi-
ty proves to belong to this form. It was captured Novem-
ber 20, 1875, by Theodore Jasper, presumably near Colum-
bus, since it is labeled “ Franklin Co.” in Dr. Jasper’s hand-
writing. It is labeled a female.

Orper PICI. Woodpeckers.

‘Family Picipz.

10. (895.) DryopaTEs BoREALIS (Vieill.). —.
Red-cockaded Woodpecker.

Synonyms: Picus borealis.
Pine-bark Woodpecker. “Sapsucker.”

218 BIRDS OF OHIO.

A specimen in the Ohio State University collection bears
the following inscription: “Picus borealis. March 15, 1872.
Loc. Columbus, O. It was in company with another of its
own kind and 2 or 3-sapsuckers, .nuthatches, etc., and shot
from a high tree between the canal and Scioto river.” It
proves to be a typical specimen of this species.

Orver PASSERES. Perching Birds.
Family TyraANNip#. Flycatchers.

11. (443.) Musctvora ForFicata (Gmel.). —.
Scissor-tailed Flycatcher.
Synonyms: Muscicapa forficata, Milvulus forficatus.
“Fork-tailed Flycatcher,” Swallow-tailed Flycatcher.
Davie, Nests and Eggs of North American Birds, Fifth Edition,
1898, 297.

“A male specimen of the Scissor-tailed Flycatcher was
taken near Marietta, O., May 20, 1894, by Mr. Frank H.
Welder, the skin of which is now in his collection.”

A wanderer from the southwest.

Family Icter1p#. Blackbirds, etc.

12. (497.) XANTHOCEPHALUS XANTHOCEPHALUS .
(Bonap.). [116.]
Yellow-headed Blackbird.

Synonyms: Xanthocephalus icterocephalus, Icterus xantho-

. cephalus.

Wheaton, Ohio Agri. Report, 1874, 567. Mentioned by Coues,
Birds N. W. as probable in Ohio.

There is a specimen in the collection of F. Frey, of San-
dusky. A flock of six passed over Oberlin just above the
treetops, October 9, 1896.

One is reported from McConnellsville, Morgan county,
by Mr. E. J. Arrick.

These, with the statement of Dr. Wheaton that a pair was
seen by Mr. W. R. Limpert, in the summer of 1873, near
Groveport, Franklin county, exhaust the Ohio records that
I have been able to find.

A wanderer from the west.

INTRODUCED. 219

Family FRINGILLID#. Sparrows, etc.

13. (553.) ZoNOTRICHIA QUERULA (Nutt.). —.
Harris Sparrow.
Synonyms: Fringilla querula.
Hooded’ Crown’ Sparrow, Black-hood Sparrow.
Davie, Nests and Eges of N. Am. Birds, 1898, 337.

“On the 29th of April, 1889, Mr. J. E. Gould shot a spec-
imen of Harris Sparrow two miles north of Columbus, Ohio.
Four or five others were observed feeding in a thicket in
company with the White-throated Sparrow, Z. albicollis.”
The specimen was presented to Mr. Davie, and his identifi-
cation corroborated by Mr. C. F. Batchelder. The skin is
now in the collection of the Ohio State University. This
small group must have wandered far out of their way in
the northward migration.

A wanderer from the west.

Family Mniotittip#. Wood Warblers.

14. (672a.) DENDROICA PALMARUM HYPOCHRYSEA
Ridgw. —.
Yellow Palm Warbler.

McCormick, Auk, IX, 1892, 397.

This specimen, captured on April 10 (not 16 as in the
Auk, 1892), remains the only record for the state. It was
taken by Mr. G. D. Wilder, at Oberlin.

A wanderer from the east.

Family Parip#. ‘Titmice, etc.
15. (729.) Srrra pusttta Lath. [19.]
Brown-headed Nuthatch.

Kirtland, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1838, 164, 183.

Dr. Kirtland’s statement, “I once killed a specimen in the
northern part of the state,’ remains the only instance of
its occurrence within our limits.

220 BIRDS OF OHIO.

INTRODUCED.

Of the four species which have been introduced into
Ohio but two are to be found now. The English Sparrow
has become not only a nuisance, but a menace to the bal-
ance of nature between the insects and those birds which
feed upon insects, by crowding the native birds out in many
instances. It is not at all certain that the Mongolian or
Ring-necked Pheasant may not, ere long, also prove a men-
ace to the agricultural interests by a too great increase in
numbers. Happily the other two foreign species were un-
able to gain a foothold in our state. They might not have
proved injurious if they had succeeded in becoming accli-
matized, but it is never safe to make predictions. Recent
legislation forbids the importation of other birds and mam-
mals into the United States except under proper super-
vision. It is not likely that we shall have to learn over
again the folly of precipitate action of this sort.

Orper GALLIN-A.

Family PHASIANIDA.

1. PHASIANUS TORQUATUS.
Ring-necked Pheasant.
Synonyms: Mongolian Pheasant.
Successfully introduced into Allen, Ashtabula, Crawford,
Erie, Hamilton, Hardin, Madison, Morgan, Scioto, and
Summit counties, and probably others.

Orper PASSERES.

Family FRINGILLIDA.

2. PAssER poMEsticus (Linn.). * [unnumbered.]
English Sparrow.
Synonyms: Pyrgita domestica, Fringilla domestica.

European House Sparrow, Philip Sparrow, Parasite Gamin,
Hoodlum, Tramp, The Sparrow.

Wheaton, Ohio Agri. Report, 1874, 566.

EXTINCT. 221

The first importation of this pest into the state directly
from Europe was into Cleveland, in 1869, twenty pairs.
During the same year thirty-three pairs were taken from
New York to Cincinnati and Warren. Then followed im-
portations into Marietta, 1870, Coshocton and Portsmouth,
1874, Steubenville, about 1880 or 1881, Wapakoneta,
about 1882, which seems to have been the last importation.
Since that time it has spread well over the state, in the more
settled districts, even invading the country places and farm
buildings, until the tendency to nest in the woods grows
strong. About Oberlin several pairs have already invaded
the trees rightfully belonging to Bluebirds and Crested Fly-
catchers, in the woods a mile from the village.

EXTINCT.

But two native and two introduced species have become
extinct in historic times. At least three others are rapidly
approaching extinction: these are Wild Turkey, Passenger
Pigeon, and Swallow-tailed Kite. It was supposed that
these would prove extinct, but records of occurrence with-
in the past ten years make it necessary to retain them for
the present. The causes for the disappearance of these two
native birds and the great decrease of the others are not
far to seek. They have been mercilessly hunted and their
natural breeding places have been destroyed in the settle-
ment of the state. Lacking the ability to change their hab-
its with the changing conditions, it was inevitable that they
should die out.

Orper GALLINZA.

Subfamily TETRAONINA.

1. (305.) TymMpaNnucHUS AMERICANUS (Reich.). 183.
Prairie Hen.

Synonyms: Cupidonia cupidio, C. americanus, Tetrao cupido.
Pinnated Grouse, Prairie Chicken.

222 BIRDS OF OHIO.

The last trace I have been able to find of the presence of
this bird in the state is that of Prof. E. L. Moseley, who re-
ports a capture in 1880, near Sandusky. It is now ex-
tinct within the state.

Apparently this bird has always been confined to the
northwestern prairies of the state, and can hardly have been
common at any time within the history of the state as a
state.

Orpver PSITTACI. Parrots.

The single species representing this order in Ohio is now
extinct in the state

Family Psirracip#. Parrots and Paroquets.

2. (382.) ConuRus CAROLINENSIS (Linn.).
Carolina Paroquet.

Synonyms: Psittacus carolinensis.
Orange-headed Parrot, Carolina Parakeet, Carolina Parrot,
Parakeet, Illinois Parrot.

Wilson, Am. Orn., III, 1811, 89.

It is probably true that this almost extinct species was an
inhabitant of the larger part of Ohio during the first decade
of the 19th century and previously, reaching Lake Erie at
its western end at least. In 1831 Audubon remarked upon
the rapid decline in numbers. Later than that the birds
were largely confined to the southwest corner of the state,
occurring in small and scattered flocks as far north as Sum-
mit county up to 1853. “In July, 1862, a flock numbering
from twenty-five to thirty made their appearance in the
Capitol Square of Columbus,” remaining a.couple of hours
in the elm trees in front of the residence of Wm. S. Sulli-
vant, LL.D., who reported this occurrence to Dr. Wheaton.

Mr. Oliver Davie says: ‘The last record we have’ of this
bird being taken in Ohio is October 9, 1884. A specimen
was shot by Mr. A. Lee Hoskinson, near Newark, and
mounted by S. G. Hamilton..... It is still in Mr. Hoskin-

EXTINCT. 223

son’s possession.” It is not impossible that this was an es-
caped cage-bird.

There can be no doubt that this belongs to the extinct
species of the state.

* Orper PASSERES. Perching Birds.

. Family Avaupip#. Larks.

3. (473.) ALAUDA ARVENSIS Linn. [unnumbered]
Skylark.

Synonym: European Skylark.

Langdon, Journal Cin. Soc. Nat. Hist., I, 1878, 111.

The first attempt to introduce this European species into
the state was by a Mr. Bateham in the autumn of 1851,
when a cage of them was liberated in the grove back of the
Lunatic Asylum, Cincinnati. Colonel Harris stated that
these shortly disappeared. Another more successful attempt
seems to have been made during the seventies, since Dr.
Langdon, in his list of 1878, states that they had been found
breeding in the outskirts of Cincinnati. This colony must
have disappeared shortly after Dr. Langdon’s list was pub-
lished, for nothing more was known about them when Dr.
Wheaton published his catalogue in 1882. Skylarks are un-
known in the state now.

Family FRincILLID&. Sparrows, etc.

4. CARDUELIS CARDUELIS (Linn.). —.
Goldfinch.
Synonyms: Fringilla carduelis.
European Goldfinch, Thistlefinch.
Langdon, Journal Cin. Soc. Nat. Hist., IV, 1881, 342.

Introduced at Cincinnati during the years 1872-4. Ap-
parently they did not thrive, since nothing has been heard
from them since their introduction.

224 BIRDS OF OHIO.

HYPOTHETICAL.

The species included under this head are mostly those
whose known range should cover Ohio either during their
migrations or during their regular wanderings, but which
have not yet been found in the state. Two of the species
are here placed because they are regarded as hypothetical
forms in the United States. The Cincinnati Warbler is
still represented by a single specimen, and Brewster
Warbler has not yet been given the distinction of a sub-
specific rank. It will probably be some time before the
question of hybridism as applying to these two forms is’
settled. I have deemed it wise to place here some species
included in Dr. Wheaton’s catalogue on what appears now
to be insufficient evidence. It is not enough -to say that a
species is or has been found; the statement must always be
verified by specimens where ‘the species is at all rare:
No record should be allowed to stand unquestioned without
the evidence of a specimen to prove that the species has oc-
curred within the state. Rot te 4 epee a

1. (88.) STERCORARIUS LONGICAUDUS. Vieill. .
Long-tailed Jaeger.

This Jaeger may pass across the state in its migrations.

2. (40.) Rissa TRIDACTYLA (Linn.). 273.
Kittiwake.
Syronyms: Larus tridactylus.
common Kittiwake.
Wheaton, Ohio Agri. Report, 1860, 371, 379.

There are two records for Ohio. That of three speci-
mens reported by Mr. R. K. Winslow in Cleveland harbor,
clearly before the eighties, and the report of Mr. E. W.
Vickers for Mahoning county. I am unable to find evi-
dence of the preservation of specimens of this gull. The
fact that it is regarded as rare or even doubtful as a winter
visitor in Michigan, and has never been found in Indiana

HYPOTHETICAL, 225

nor in Pennsylvania, throws doubt upon any record not
accompanied by specimens.

3. (42.) Larus cLaucus Brinn.
Glaucous Gull.

Arctic regions, south in winter to the Great Lakes and
Long Island. :

4. (65.) SreERNA MAxIMA Bodd.
Royal Tern.

Tropical America and warmer parts of North America,
casually northward to Massachusetts, the Great Lakes and
California.

5. (71.) STERNA PARADISEA Briinn.
Arctic Tern.

This tern should be found passing across the state during
the migrations.

6. (120a.) PHALACROCORAX DILOPHUS FLORIDANUS
(Aud.). 22a.
Florida Cormorant.

Synonyms: Graculus dilophus var. floridanus, G. floridanus,

Phalacrocorax floridanus.
Water Turkey.

Wheaton, Ohio Agri. Report, 1874, 575.
The evidence that this form nested in considerable num-

bers at the St. Mary’s reservoir prior to 1875, is not be-
yond question.

Y. (155.) Husrrronicus HisTRionicus (Linn.).
Harlequin Duck.

Synonyms: Anas histrionicus, Histrionicus torquatus.

Admitted to Dr. Wheaton’s list in error. It may be
found in the state.

226 BIRDS OF OHIO.

8. (166.) OmmeMra PERSPICILLATA (Linn.).
Surf Scoter.

Synonyms: Anas perspicillata.

It is likely to be found on Lake Erie.

9. (173.) BRANTA BERNICLA (Linn.). 246.
Brant.
Synonyms: Bernicla brenta, Anser bernicla, Anas bernicla.
Brant Goose.
Kirtland, Preliminary Report, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1838, 67.

The lack of specimens from Ohio necessitates placing
this goose on the list of Hypothetical species.

10. (191.1.) ARDETTA NEOXENA Cory.
Cory Least Bittern.

If this be a good species it should be found in Ohio as a
migrant and probably also breeding. It has been found
breeding in Ontario, hence its migration route must cross
Ohio.

11. (222.) Crymopuitus FuLIcARUS (Linn.). 226.
Red Phalarope.
Synonyms: Phalaropus fulicaruis, Tringa fulicaria.
Coot-footed Tringa, Gray Phalarope.
Wheaton, Ohio Agri. Report, 1861, 380, hypothetical.

This published record is based upon the statement of Mr.
R. K. Winslow, of Cleveland, “that two or three specimens
had been taken on Lake Erie.” There being no other rec-
ord, and no specimens preserved, it seems necessary to
place the species in the Hypothetical list.

12. (392.) CAMPEPHILUS PRINCIPALIS (Linn.).
Ivory-billed Woodpecker.
Synonym: Picus principalis.
White-billed Logcock, White-billed Woodcock.
The evidence of the probable former presence of this
regal woodpecker in Ohio is strong. A specimen was taken

HYPOTHETICAL. 227

in Franklin county, Indiana, which borders Ohio. The
map in the Auk, 1891, by Hasbrouck, illustrating the present
and former range of this bird in the United States, is made
to cover the extreme southwest corner of Ohio. We shall
probably never have positive evidence of its occurrence
in Ohio.

15. (466a.) EMPIDOMAX TRAILLII ALNORUM Brewst.
. Alder Flycatcher.

Faades Wilson Bulletin, No. 20, 1898, 37.

This subspecies was elaborated after Dr. Wheaton’s
time. While it has not been reported hy any ornithologists
in the state, there can be no reasonable doubt that it mi-
‘grates across regularly. No doubt a critical examination of
specimens in the local collections throughout the state will
Feveal specimens of this form now supposed to be trailli.

14. -(597,) GUIRACA CRULEA ae
am Blue Grosbeak.

Reported at College Hill, Cincinnati, June 12, 1899, by
‘Laura Gano. No specimen was secured. It seems likely
that it may ocasionally reach our southwestern, border.

15. (601.) Cyanospiza ciris (Linn.).
Painted Bunting.

Réported from Sandusky by Prof. E. L. Moseley. No
specimen was secured. This record, if authentic, would
seem to be-a case of escaped cage-bird. It is likely that
wariderers may sometimes reach the vicinity of Cincinnati.

16. (6%5a.) SEIURUS NOVEBORACENSIS NOTABILIS

(Ridgw.).
Grinnell Water-Thrush..,

Synonyms: Seiurus neevius notabilis.
Having been: found at Brookville, Indiana, not far from

our western border, it is entirely possible that it may be
found.in the western part of the state.

228 BIRDS OF OHIO.

1%. (21.) HeLMINTHOPILA LEUCOBRONCHIALIS (Brewst.).
Brewster Warbler.

Synonym: Helminthophaga leucobronchialis.

Jones, Wilson Bulletin, No. 42, June 15, 1903, 68.

On May 23, 1902, while out with my class for
early morning study, we discovered a singing: male
of this interesting form. The first part of the song
was clearly Blue-wing in all particulars, while the
last was just as clearly Golden-wing. The students
noticed the oddity of the song without having their atten-
tion especially called to it. We studied the bird in all
lights and positions for half an hour, many times within
fifty feet, with a pair of stereo-binoculars, clearly making
out the white underparts, faintly tinted with yellow on the
breast and a slight darkening of the chin feathers, the yel-
low crown and great yellow wing patch. On the 28th we
again found the bird in the same situation, on the border
of an open woods, and gave it even more attention than be-
fore. It was in full song, and seemed less wary than be-
fore. A week later it was gone. The evidence of nesting
seemed so strong that I was unwilling to collect* the bird,
hoping to secure a breeding record and be able to study the .
hybrid family. The bird was probably not strictly typical
leucobronchialis, but came near to it, as indicated by both
song and plumage.

During the spring of 1903 two almost typical specimens
have been secured and at least one other seems to be tarry-
ing to nest in a woods half a mile west of Oberlin.. I am
hoping to add some direct testimony to the life history of
this interesting variation.

18. (22.) HELMINTHOPILA CINCINNATIENSIS (Langd.).
31.
Cincinnati Warbler.
Synonym.. Helminthophaga cincinnatiensis.
Langdon, Journal Cin. Soc. Nat. Hist., III, 1880, 119.
‘The single specimen collected by Dr. Langdon, May 1,
1880, at Madisonville, from which his description was

SUMMARY. 229

made, remains unique. In the absence of other specimens
the theory of hybridism seems probable. If a hybrid it was
probably between H. pinus and G. formosa. The forma-
tion of hybrids between H. pinus and some closely allied
species seems not uncommon.

(3871.) NycTALA TENGMALMI RICHARDSONI (Bonap.).
Richardson Owl.
Synonyms: Nyctale richardsoni.

Tengmalm’s Owl, Arctic American Saw-whet Owl, Ameri-
can Sparrow Owl.

Coues, Birds of N. W., 1874, 314.

There seems to be no question but this reference was an
error.

UE

More or : ieee regularly found in the state:...... Do opines 299
Accidental in the state...... aK eM eee Gay gp Ray Dew eae S Ke 15
Imported from EHurope............:-.e.eeeees Suen oe ‘wet ee 2
POSING sles yes yamine yas heme aees des Sagas ios SRE Ea 4
Hypothetical on the A. O. U. Check- List ions ca ernie are wate eie 2

Whole number of species actually recorded in the state... .322
Hy POUR GtiCal 2 a4 nusigce eek Head R80 Ba tease 6 Sod See Ga Rel e teayeid 8a aaa 16

Whele number of species treated in this Catalogue...... 338
Dr. J. M. Wheaton’s Catalogue............ ccc cece eee en eeee 298

230 BIRDS OF OHIO.

BIBLIOGRAPHY OF OHIO ORNITHOLOGY

This bibliography includes that given by Dr. Wheaton,
in a somewhat abbreviated form, and such other books, cat-
alogues and periodicals as have appeared since 1882, which
contain references to Ohio birds. It makes no pretensions
to being a complete bibliography, but serves to show from
what sources my information has been derived. Some ref-
erences are of a decidedly general nature, others specific.

1808-14.

Wilson, Alexander. American Ornithology. Vols. I-IX.
1825-33.

Bonaparte, C. L. American Ornithology. Vols I-IV.
1831-39.

Audubon, J. J. Ornithological Biography. Vols. I-IV.
1832-34,

Nuttall, T. A Manual of the Ornithology of the United States
and of Canada. Vols. I-II.

1838.

Atwater, Caleb. A History of the State of Ohio, Natural and
Civil.

1838-74.

Kirtland, Jared P., M.D. Various writings: First and Second
Annual Reports on the Geological Survey of the State of Ohio,
1838; articles in the Am. Jour. Sci. and Arts, 1841, 1852; articles
in Family Visitor, 1850-52; Ohio Farmer, 1860; Proc. Cleveland
Acad. Nat. Sci., 1874.

1840-44.
Audubon, J. J. The Birds of America, from drawings made
in the United States and their Territories. Seven volumes.
1845.
Storer, D. H. Proc. Boston Soc. Nat. Hist. II.
1852.

Baird, S. F. Description of a new species of Sylvicola (Den-

droica kirtlandi). Ann. Lyc. N. Y., V, 217.
1852-3.

Read, M. C. (Editor.) Family Visitor. Catalogue of Birds

of Ohio.

BIBLIOGRAPHY. 231

1854.
Zuchold. Journal fiir Ornithologie. (Copy of description of
D. kirtlandi.)

1855.
Cassin, J. Illustrations, etc. (of D. kirtlandi.)
1858. ;
Baird, S. F. Birds, Pacific R. R. Report.
1859.

Brewer, T. M. North Am. Oology. Smithsonian Contribu-
tions.
Kirkpatrick, John. Articles in Ohio Farmer and Ohio Agri.
Report.
1861.
Trembly, J. B. Articles in Field Notes. "3
Wheaton, J. M. Articles in Field Notes. Also Catalogue of
Birds of Ohio (Ohio Agri. Report for 1860), and Reprint of same.
Collins, W. O. Fifteenth Annual Report Ohio State Board of
Agri. for 1860. po
Harris, S. D. (Editor.) Field Notes, I, Introduction of Skylark
at Columbus. :
. 1864. ;
Hough, F. B. Executive Document No. 55, House of. Repre-
sentatives, 36th Congress, lst Session. (Migration dates.)
Baird, S. F. Smithsonian Miscellaneous Collections.

1867.
Brewer, T. M. Article in the American Naturalist on habits
of birds.
1868.
March, P. G. Kingfisher’s Nest again. Am. Naturalist, Il.
Garlick, T. Migrations of Birds. Am. Naturalist, II.

1869.
Ingersoll, Ernest. Variation of Bluebird’s Eggs. Am. Natur-
alist, III.
1872.
Coues, Elliott. Key to North American Birds.-:
Cope, E. D. Zoological Sketch of Ohio. Topographical Atlas.
Maynard, C. J. A Catalogue of the Birds of Coos county, N.
H., and Oxford county, Me. Proc. Boston Soc. Nat. Hist.

1874.
Ridgway, Robert. Birds of Illinois. Ann. Lyc. Nat. Hist., N.
¥,, X:
’ Baird, Brewer, and Ridgway. A History of North American
Birds. Vols. I-III.

232 BIRDS OF OHIO.

Coues, Elliott. U.S. Geol. Surv. of the Territories. Birds of

the Northwest.
Wheaton, J. M. Notes in Birds of the Northwest.

1875.

Wheaton, J. M. The Food of Birds as Related to Agriculture.
O. Agri. Report for 1874.

1876.

Jordon, D. S. Manual of the Vertebrates of the Northern U. S.
_Henshaw, H. W. On two Empidonaces, traillii and acadicus.
Bull. Nut. Orn. Club, I.

1877-80.

Langdon, F. W., M. D. Articles in the Bull. Nutt. Orn. Club,
and Journal Cin. Soc. Nat. Hist.
Dury, Charles. Same references.
Wheaton, J. M. Same references.

oa

: 1877-8.

Merriam C. Hart. A Review of the Birds ‘of Connecticut.
Trans. Conn. Acad. 1877. Remarks on some of the Birds of Lew-
is county, Northern New York. Bull. Nutt. Orn. Club, III.

1878.
Ridgway, Robert. Eastward range of Peo ear eee
Bull. Nutt. Orn. Club, III..
Ballou, W. H. The Natural History of, the winds of. ‘Take
Erie. Field and Forest, III.
Coues, Elliott. U.S. Geol. Surv. of the Territories. Birds of
Colorado Valley. ne wi
1878-9.
Brewster, W. Descriptions’ ‘of the First Plumage in various
species of North American Birds. -Bull. Nutt. Orn. Club, HI-IV.

1878-82.
Jones, G. E. and Shultze, E: J. Illustrations of the Nests and
Eggs of the Birds of Ohio with text. Circleville, Ohio.

1879.

Brewer, T. M. The Eggs of the Redstart. Bull. Nutt. Orn.
Club, IV. .

Marshall, D. M. The Butcher Bird. Journal of Science, new
series, II.

Purdie, H. A. Another Kirtland Warbler. Bull. Nutt. Orn.
Club, IV.
: 1880.

Chubb, H. E. Spring Field Notes. Forest and Stream, XIV,
807.

Ingersoll, Seym. Articles in Forest and Stream.

BIBLIOGRAPHY. 233

Ridgway, Robert. Note of Helminthophaga cincinnatiensis.
Bull. Nutt. Orn. Club, V.
1882.
Wheaton, J. M. Report upon the Birds of Ohio. Geol. Surv.
of Ohio, IV. First published separately in 1879.

1884.

Coues, Elliott. Key to North American Birds.

_Langille, Rev. J. H. Our Birds in Their Haunts.

Chubb, H. E. Birds and Electric Lights. Forest and Stream,
XXII, 26.
2 1887.
.. American Ornithologists, Union Check-List.

Ridgway, Robert. Manual of North American Birds.

1889.
Davie, Oliver. Nests and Eggs of North American Birds.
Ridgway, Robert. Birds of Illinois.
‘Barrows, Walter B. The English Sparrow.
Dwight, Jonathan Jr. The Horned Larks of North America.

1890.
Warren, B. H. Birds of Pennsylvania.

1891.
Keyser, Leander S. Bird-dom.

1892.

Bendire, Maj. Charles E. Life Histories of North American
Birds.

Wilcox, E. V. Ohio Agri. Ex. Sta., Bulletin 43, Food of Robins.

1893.

Fisher, A. K., M.D. Hawks and Owls as Related to the Far-
mer.

Fisher, A. K., M. D. The Hawks and Owls of the United
States.

Cook, A. J. Birds of Michigan. '

1895.
Chapman, Frank M. Handbook of the Birds of Eastern North
America.
Barrows, W. B. and Schwarz, E. A. The Common Crow of the
United States.
Beal, F. E. L. Preliminary Report on the Food of Wood-
peckers.
1896.
Oberholser, H. C. Birds of Wayne county, Ohio.

1897.
Butler, A. W. Birds of Indiana.

2384 BIRDS OF OHIO.

1898.
Apgar, A. C. Birds of the United States.
1899.
’ Chapman, F. M. _ Bird-Life.
1900-1903.

Ridgway, Robert. Birds of North and Middle America.

The following list of periodicals has contained so many

references to Ohio birds that it is not deemed necessary to
assign the particular references to the several years and au-
thors. Some of these periodicals have long since been un-
obtainable, some have ceased’ to be, some are sca.cely out of
their swaddling clothes.

American Ornithology. Published at Worcester, Mass.
Annual Reports, Ohio State Academy Science, Columbus, Ohio.
Auk, The. New York City.

Bird-Lore. Harrisville, Pa.

Birds and Nature. Chicago, Ill.

Bulletin Michigan Ornithological Club. Detroit, Mich.

Iowa Ornithologist. Long since discontinued.

Journal Cincinnati Society of Natural History. Cincinnati,

Ohio.

s

Journal Columbus Horticultural Society.
Museum, The. Discontinued.

, Forest and Stream, New, York City.

Observer, The. Discontinued.
Oologist, The. Albion, N. Y..

‘Ornithologist and Oologist, The. Discontinued.

Ornithologists’ and Oologists’ Semi-Annual. Continued as

Wilson Bulletin.

Osprey, The. Washington, D. C.
Popular Science News.
Science. Lancaster, Pa.

- Swill-Cross. Discontinued.

Taxidermist, The. Discontinued.

Wilson Bulletin, The. Oberlin, Ohio.

Wilson Quarterly. Continued as Wilson Bulletin.
Young Oologist. Continued as Oologist.

INDEX.

Acanthis linaria, 138.
Accipiter atricapillus, 91.
cooperi, 90.
velox, 89.
Actitis macularia, 77.
Actodromas bairdii, 70.
fuscicollis, 69.
maculata, 69.
poinutilla, 70.
4Hgialitis meloda, 81.
circumcincta, 82.
semipalmata, 81.
vocifera, 80. .
Aistrelata hasitata, 214.
Agelaius phoniceus, 131.
fortis, 132.
Aix sponsa, 41.
Alauda arvensis, 223.
Ammodramus henslowii, 144.
nelsoni, 145.
sandwichensis savanna, 143.
savannarum passerinus, 144.
Ampelis cedrorum, 165.
garrulus, 164.
Anas boschas, 37.
obscura, 37.
rubripes, 38.
Anser albifrons gambeli, 49.
Anthus pensilvanicus, 194.
Antrostomus vociferus, 117.
Aquila chrysaetos, 95.
Archibuteo lagopus sancti-jo-
hannis, 94.
Ardea candidissima, 55.
cerulea, 55.
egretta, 54.
herodias, 54.
virescens, 56.
Ardetta exilis, 53.
neoxena, 226.
Arenaria interpres, 82.
Arquatella maritima, 69.
Asio accipitrinus, 103.
wilsonianus, 102.
Astragalinus tristis, 139.
Avocet, American, 64.
Aythya affinis, 43.
americana, 41.
collaris, 43.

marila, 42.
vallisneria, 42.
Beolophus bicolor, 204.
Baldpate, 38.
Bartramia longicauda, 76.
Bittern, American, 52.
Cory Least, 226.
Least, 53.
Blackbird, Red-winged, 7, 132.
Rusty, 134.
Thick-billed, 1382.
Yellow-headed, 218.
Bluebird, 15, 211.
Bob-white, 83, 84.
Bobolink, 14, 129.
Bonasa umbellus, 84.
Botaurus lentiginosus, 52.
Brant, 226.
Branta bernicla, 226.
canadensis, 49.
hutchinsii, 50.
Bubo virginianus, 107.
Bufflhead, 45.
Bunting, Indigo, 156.
Painted, 227.
Buteo borealis, 92.
d calurus,
lineatus, 93.
platypterus, 93.
Butorides virescens, 56.
Calearius lapponicus, 141.
Calidris arenaria, 72.
Campephilus principalis,
Canvas-back, 42.
Cardinal, 14, 15, 154.
Cardinalis cardinalis, 154.
Carduelis carduelis, 223.
Carpodacus purpureus, 137.
Catbird, 196.
Catharistes urubu, 87.
Cathartes aura, 87. '
Centurus carolinus, 115.
Ceophleeus pileatus abieticola,
114.
Certhia familiaris americana,
201.

217.

226.

Ceryle alcyon, 111.
Chetura pelagica, 118.
Charadrius dominicus, 79.

206

Charitonetta albeola, 45.

Chat, Yellow-breasted, 191.

Chaulelasmus streperus, 38.

Chen czrulescens, 49.
hyperborea, 48.

nivalis, 48.

Chewink, 154.

Chickadee, 204.

Carolina, 17, 205.
Chondestes grammacus, 145.
Chordeiles virginianus, 117.
Circus hudsonius, 88.
Cistothorus palustris, 201.

stellaris, 200.

Clangula clangula americana, 44.
islandica, 44.

Clivicola riparia, 162.

Coccothraustes vespertinus, 136.

Coccyzus americanus, 109.
erythrophthalmus, 110.

Colaptes auratus luteus, 116.

Colinus virginianus, 83.

Colymbus auritus, 22.
holbeellii, 23.

Compsothlypis americana us-

nee, 176.
ramaline, 177

Contopus borealis, 121.
virens, 122.

Conurus carolinensis, 222.

Coot, American, 62.

Cormorant, Double-crested, 34.
Florida, 225.

Corvus americanus, 128.
corax principalis, 127.
Coturniculus savannarum pas-

serinus, 144.

Cowbird, 130.

Crane, Little Brown, 216.
Sandhill, 58.

Whooping, 57.

-Creeper, Brown, 201.

Crossbill, American, 137.
White-winged, 138.

Crow, American, 128.

Carrion, 127.

Crymophilus fulicarius, 226

Cuckoo, Black-billed, 110.
Yellow-billed, 109.

Curlew, Eskimo, 78.
Hudsonian, 78.
Long-billed, 77.

Cyanocitta cristata, 126.

Cyanospiza ciris, 227.
cyanea, 156.

Dabchick, 24.

Dafila acuta, 40.

BIRDS OF OHIO.

Dendroica estiva, 178.
blackburniz, 183.
cerulescens, 178.
castanea, 182.
coronata, 179.
discolor, 187.
dominica albilora, 184.
kirtlandi, 185.
maculosa, 180.
palmarum, 186.

hypochrysea, 219..
pensylvanica, 181. -

rara, 180.

striata, 182.

tigrina, 177.

vigorsii, 186.

virens, 184.

Dickcissel, 15, 17, 156.

Dolichonyx, oryzivorus, 129.

Dowitcher, 67.

Long-billed, 17, 67.
Dove, Mourning, 86.
Dryobates borealis, 217.

pubescens medianus. 112:

villosus, 111.

Duck, Black, 37.

American Hider, 46.

Harlequin, 225.

King Hider, 46.

Lesser Scaup, 43.

Red-legged Black, 38.

Ring-necked, 43.

Ruddy, 47.

Scaup, 42.

Wood,. 41.

Eagle, Bald, 96.

Golden, 6, 95.
Ectopistes migratorius, 85.
Egret, American, 54.
Egretta candidissima, 55.
Hider, American, 17, 46.

King, 46.

Elanoides forficatus, 88.

Empidonax flaviventris, 122.
minimus, 124.
traillii, 123.

alnorum, 227.

virescens, 123.
Hreunetes pusillus 71.
Erismatura jamaicensis, 47.
Falco columbarius, 98.

peregrinus anatum, 97.

sparverius, 99.

Finch, Purple, 137.

Flicker, Northern, 116.

Florida czrulea, 55.

Flycatcher, Alder, 227.

INDEX.

Crested, 120.
Green-crested, 123.
Least, 124.
Olive-sided : Flycatcher, 121.
Scissor-tailed, 218.
Traill, 123.
Yellow-bellied, 122.
Fregata aquila, 214.
Fulica americana, 62.
Gadwall, 38.
Galeoscoptes carolinensis, 196.
Gallinago delicata, 66.
Gallinula galeata, 62.
Gallinule, Florida, 62.
Purple, 61.
Gavia arctica, 25.
imber, 25.
lumme, 26.
Gelochelidon nilotica, 31.
Geothlypis agilis, 190.
formosa, 189.
philadelphia, 190.
trichas brachydactyla, 191.
Gnatcatcher, Blue-gray, 6, 206.
Godwit, Hudsonian, 73.
Marbled, 72. °
Golden-eye, American, 44.
Barrows, 17, 44.
Goldfinch, European, 223.
American, 139.
Goose, American White-fronted,
or : 49.

Blue, 49.
Canada, 49.
Greater Snow, 48.
Hutchins, 50.
Lesser Snow, 48.
Goshawk, American, 91.
Grackle, Bronzed, 6, 131, 135.
Grebe, Holbecell, 33.
Horned, 28, 24.
Pied-billed, 24:
Grosbeak, Blue, 15, 227.
Canadian Pine, 136.
Evening, 136.
Rose-breasted, 155.
Grouse, Ruffed, 84.
Grus americana, 57.
canadensis, 216. .
mexicana, 58.
Guiraca cerulea, 227.
Gull, Bonaparte, 30.
Herring, 29.
Iceland, 28.
Glaucus, 225.
Great’ Black-backed, 28.
Ring-billed, 29.

237

Sabine, 30.
Halizetus leucocephalus, 96.
Harelda hyemalis, 45.
Hawk, American Rough-legged,
94,

American Sparrow, 99.
Broad-winged, 93.
Cooper, 90.
Duck, 97.
Marsh, 88.
Pigeon, 98.
Red-shouldered, 93.
Red-tailed, 7, 92.
Sharp-shinned, 89.
Western Red-tailed, 217.
Helmitheros vermivorus, 173.
Helminthopila celata, 175.
cincinnatiensis, 228.
chrysoptera, 174.
leucobronchialis,, 228.
peregrina, 176.
pinus, 174.
rubricapilla, 175.
Helodromas solitarius. 74.
Hen, Prairie, 221.
Herodias egretta, 54.
Heron, Black-crowned Night, 56.
Great Blue, 54.
Green, 56.
Little Blue, 17, 55.
Snowy, 55.
Hesperiphona vespertina, 136.
Himantopus mexicanus, 65.
Hirundo erythrogaster, 161.
Histrionicus histrionicus, 225.
Hummingbird, Ruby-throated,
119.
Hydrochelidon nigra surinam-
ensis, 33.
Hylocichla aliciz, 209.
fuscescens, 208.
guttata pallasii, 210.
mustelina, 207.
swainsoni, 209.
Ibis, Glossy, 216.
Wood, 51.
Icteria virens, 191.
Icterus galbula, 133.
spurius, 133.
Ionornis martinica, 61.
Iridoprocne bicolor, 162.
Jeger, Long-tailed, 224.
Parasitic, 17, 27.
Pomarine, 26.
Jay, Blue, 126.
Junco hyemalis, 150.
Junco, Slate-colored, 150.

238

Killdeer, 18, 80.

Kingbird, 120.

Kingfisher, Belted, 111.

Kinglet, Golden-crowned, 205.
Ruby-crowned, 206.

Kite, Swallow-tailed, 88.

Kittiwake, 224.

Knot, 68.

Lanius borealis, 166.
ludovicianus, 167.

excubitorides, 167.
migrans, 167.

Lark, Horned, 124.
Hoyt Horned, 126.
Prairie Horned, 17, 125.

Larus argentatus, 29.
delawarensis, 29.
glaucus, 225.
leucopterus, 28.
marinus, 28.
philadelphia, 30.
sabinii, 30.

Limosa fedoa, 72.
hemastica, 73.

Longspur, Lapland, 141.

Loon, 25.
Black-throated, 25.
Red-throated, 26.

Lophodytes cucullatus, 36.

Loxia curvirostra minor, 137.
lucoptera, 138.

Macrorhamphus griseus, 67.
scolopaceus, 67.

Mallard, 37.

Man-o’-War Bird, 214.

Mareca americana 38.
penelope, 215.

Martin, Purple, 159.

Meadowlark, 6, 18, 132.

Megascops asio, 106.

Melanerpes carolinus, 115.
erythrocephalus, 114.

Meleagris gallopavo sylvestris,

85

Melospiza cinerea melodia, 151
georgiana, 152.
lincolni, 152.

Merganser americanus, 35.
serrator, 35.

Merganser, American, 35.
Hooded, 36.
Red-breasted, 35.

Merula migratoria, 210.

Micropalama himantopus, 68.

Mimus polyglottos, 195.

Mniotilta varia, 172.

Mockingbird, 195.

BIRDS OF OHIO.

Molothrus ater, 130.

Murre, Briinnich, 213.

Muscivora forficata, 218.

Myiarchus crinitus, 120.

Nettion carolinensis, 39.

Nighthawk, 117.

Nonpareil, 15.

Numenius borealis, 78.
hudsonicus, 78.
longirostris, 77.

Nuthatch, Brown-headed, 219. ’
Red-breasted, 203.
White-breasted, 202.

Nyctala acadica, 105.

Nyctea nyctea, 108.

Nycticorax nycticorax sae

Oidemia americana, 46.
deglandi, 47.
perspicillata,. 226.

Olbiorchilus hiemalis, 200.

Old-squaw, 45.

Olor buccinator, 51.
columbianus, 51.

Oriole, Baltimore, 133.
Orchard, 133.

Osprey, American, 100.

Otocoris alpestris, 124.

hoyti, 126.
praticola, 125.

Oven-bird, 6, 187.

Owl, American Hawk, 109.
American Long-eared, 102.
Barn, 101.

Barred, 104.

Great Gray, 7, 105.

Great Horned, 107.

Saw-whet, 105.

Screech, 106.

Short-eared, 103.

Snowy, 108.
Oxyechus vociferus, 80.
Pandion haliaetus carolinensis,

100.

Paroquet, Carolina, 222.

Parus atricapillus, 204.
bicolor, 204.
carolinensis, 205.

Passer domesticus, 220.

Passerculus sandwichensis sa-

vanna, 143.

Passerella iliaca, 153.

-Passerina nivalis, 140.

Pavoncella pugnax, 217.
Pelecanus erythrorhynchos, 34.
Pelican, American White, 34.
Pelidna alpina pacifica, 71:

INDEX.

Petrel, Black-capped, 214.
Petrochelidon lunifrons, 160.
Peuczea estivalis bachmanii,
150
Pewee, Wood, 6, 122.
Phalacrocorax dilophus, 34.
floridanus, 225.
Phalarope, Northern, 63.

Red, 226.

Wilson, 64.

Phalaropus lobatus, 63.
Phasianus torquatus, 220.
Pheasant, Ring-necked, 220.
Philohela minor, 65.

Pheebe, 121.

Picoides arcticus, 113.

Pigeon, Passenger, 85.
Pinicola enucleator leucura, 136.
Pintail, 40.

Pipilo erythrophthalmus, 154.
Pipit, American, 194.

Piranga erythromelas, 157.

rubra, 158.

Plegadis autumnalis, 216.
Plover, American Golden, 79.

Belted Piping, 82.

Black-bellied, 79.

Piping, 81.

Semipalmated, 81.
Podilymbus podiceps 24.
Polioptila caerulea, 206.
Pocecetes gramineus, 142.
Porzana carolina, 59.

jamaicensis, 61.

noveboracensis, 60.
Progne subis, 159.
Protonotaria citrea, 172.
Querquedula cyanoptera, 215.

discors; 39.-

Quiscalus quiscula zneus, 135.
Rail, Black, 17, 61.

King, 59.

Virginia, 59.

Yellow, 60.

Rallus elegans, 59.

' virginianus, 59.
Raven, Northern, 127.
Recurvirostra americana, 64.
Red-head, 41.
Redpoll, 138..
Red-tail, western, 217.
Red-wing, 132.

Thick-billed, 132.
Regulus calendula, 206.

satrapa, 205.

Riparia riparia, 162.
Rissa tridactyla, 224.

239

Robin, American, 6, 7, 15, 210.

Ruff, 217.

Sanderling, 72.

Sandpiper, Baird, 70.
Bartramian, 76.
Buff-breasted, 76.

Least, 70.

Pectoral, 69

Purple, 69.

Red-backed, 71.

Semipalmated, 71.

Solitary, 74.

Spotted, 77.

Stilt, 68.

White-rumped, 69.
Sapsucker, Yellow-bellied, 113.
Sayornis phoebe, 121.
Scolecophagus carolinus, 134.
Scoter, American, 46.

Surf, 226.

White-winged, 47.
Scotiaptex nebulosa, 105.
Setophaga ruticilla, 194.
Seiurus aurocapillus, 187.

motacilla, 189.

noveboracensis, 188.

notabilis, 227.

Shoveller, 40.

Shrike, Loggerhead, 167.
Migrant, 167.
Northern, 166.
White-rumped, 167.

Sialia sialis, 212.

Siskin, Pine, 15, 140.

Sitta canadensis, 203.
carolinensis, 202.
pusilla, 219.

Skylark, 223.

‘Snipe, Wilson, 15, 66.
‘Snowflake, 140.

Somateria dresseri, 46.
spectabilis, 46.

Sora, 59.

Sparrow, Bachman, 17, 150.
Chipping, 148.
English, 6, 220.
Field, 149.

Fox, 153.
Grasshopper, 17, 144.
Harris, 219.
Henslow, 17, 144.
Lark, 15, 17, 145.
Lincoln, 152.

Nelson, 17, 145.
Savanna, 143.

Song, 151.

Swamp, 152.

1

240 BIRDS OF OHIO.

Tree, 148.

Vesper, 6, 142.

White-crowned, 146.

White-throated, 147.
Spatula clypeata, 40.
Sphyrapicus varius, 113.
Spinus pinus, 140.
Spiza americana, 156.
Spizella monticola, 148.

pusilla, 149.

-socialis, 148.
Squatarola squatarola, 79.
Steganopus tricolor, 64.

Stelgidopteryx serripennis, 163.

Sercorarius longicaudus, 224.
parasiticus, 27.
pomarinus, 26.

Sterna antillarum, 33.
caspia, 31.
dougalli, 32.
fosteri, 31.
hirundo, 32.
maxima, 225.
paradiszea, 225.

Stilt, Black-necked, 65.

Strix pratincola, 101.

Sturnella magna, 132.

Surnia ulula caparoch, 109.

Swallow, Bank, 162.

Barn, 161.
Cliff, 160.
Rough-winged, 163.
Tree, 162.

Swan, Trumpeter, 51.
Whistling, 51.

Swift, Chimney, 118.

Symphemia semipalmata, 75.

Syrnium varium, 104.

Tachycineta bicolor, 162.

Tanager, Scarlet, 157.
Summer, 14, 15, 158.

Tantalus loculator, 51.

Teal, Blue-winged, 39.
Cinnamon, 215. ~
Green-winged, 39.

Telmatodytes palustris, 201.

Tern, Arctic, 225.

Black, 14, 33.

Caspian, 17, 31.-

Common, 14, 32.

Forster, 31.

Gull-billed, 31.'

Least, 33.- ;

Roseate, 32. .»..

Royal, 225..-5 0 wd nue
Thrasher, Brown, 197.
Thrush, Gray-cheeked, 209.

Hermit, 210.
. Olive-backed, 209.
Wilson, 14, 208.
-Wood, 207.

Thryomanes pewickii, 198.

Thryothorus ludovicianus, 198.

Titmouse, Tufted, 204.

Totanus flavipes,. 74.
melanoleucus, sed

Towhee, 154. '

Toxostoma rufum, 197. :

Tringa alpina pacifica, 71.
bairdii, 70.
canutus, 68.
fuscicollis, 69.
maculata, 69.
maritima, 69.
minutilla, 70.

Trochilus colubris, 119.

Troglodytes aedon, 199.

Tryngites subruficollis,. i

Turkey, Wild, 85.

Turnstone, 82.

Tympanuchus americanus, _ oe.

Tyrannus tyrannus, 120.

Uria lomvia, 213.

Vireo flavifrons, 170.
gilvus, 169.
noveboracensis, 171.
olivaceus, 168.
philadelphicus, 169.
solitarius, 170.

Vireo, Blue-headed, 170.
Philadelphia, 169.
Red-eyed, 168.

Warbling, 169.

White-eyed, 14, 15, 17, 171.

Yellow-throated, 170.
Vulture, Black, 87.

Turkey, 15, 87.

Warbler, Bay-breasted, 182.
Black and White, 172.
Blackburnian, 1383.
Black-poll, 182.
Black-throated Blue, 178: °
. Black:throated Green, 184.
Blue-winged, 174. . Ww
Brewster, 228. ~ ~
Canadian, 193. F
Cape May, 177. 22 » a
Cerulean, 180.. {-.° °
Chestant-sidedysas, 181.;, a
Cincinnati, 228. -
Connectieut, 190i: Sst Se
Golden: witged, 14,15, Mow

174,
Hooded, 14, 15, 17, 192.

Kentucky, 14, 15, 17, 189.

Kirtland, 185.
Magnolia, 15, 180.
Mourning, 190.
Myrtle, 179.
Nashville, 175.

Northern Parula, 176.

Orange-crowned, 175.
Palm, 186.

Pine, 186.

Prairie, 187.
Prothonotary, 15, 17,
Sycamore, 184.
Tennessee, 176.
Western Parula, 177.
Wilson, 193.

Worm-eating, 14, 15, 17,,
173

Yellow, 178.

Yellow Palm, 219.
Water-Thrush, 188.

Grinnell, 227.

Louisiana, 189.
Waxwing, Bohemian, 164.

Cedar, 165.
Whippoorwill, 117.
Widgeon, European, 215.
Willett, 75.
Wilsonia canadensis, 193.

INDEX. 241

mitrata, 192.
pusilla, 193.
Woodcock, American, 65.
Woodpecker, Arctic Three-toed,
113
Downy, 112.
Hairy, 111.
Ivory-billed, 226.
Northern Pileated, 114.
Red-bellied, 115.
Red-cockaded, 217.
Red-headed, 114.

Wren, Bewick, 15, 17, 198.
Carolina, 14, 15, 17, 198.
House, 199. :
Long-billed Marsh, 201.
Short-billed Marsh, 200.
Winter, 200.

Xanthocephalus xanthocepha-

lus, 218.

Xema sabinii, 30.

Yelow-legs, 74.

Greater, 73.

Yellow-throat, Northern, 191.

Zamelodia ludoviciana, 155.

Zenaidura macroura, 86.

Zonotrichia albicollis, 147.
leucophrys, 146.
querula, 219.

«Laboratory of Urnitnotagy
“159 Sapsucker Woods Roze
Cornell University
Ithaca, New York 14850

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