-1 FOKTHE PEOPLE FOR EDVCATION FOR SCIENCE LIBRARY OF THE AMERICAN MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ■■^' COOPER ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB PACIFIC COAST AVIFAUNA NUMBER 14 A DISTRIBUTIONAL LIST OF THE BIRDS OF MONTANA WITH NOTES ON THE MIGRATION AND NESTING OF THE BETTER KNOWN SPECIES BY ARETAS A. SAUNDERS BERKELEY, CALIFORNIA Published by the Club February 1, 1921 ■r*** Edited by JOSEPH GRINNKtL and HARRY S. SWARTH at the Museum of Vertehralc Zoology University of California NOTE Pacific Coast Avifauna No. 14 is the fourteenth in a series of publications issued by the Cooper Ornithological Club for the accommodation of papers whose length prohibits their appearance in The Condor. The publications of the Cooper Ornithological Club consist of two series — • The Condor, which is the bi-monthly official organ, and the Pacific Coast Avifauna. For information as to either of the above series, address the Club Business Manager, W. Lee Chambers, Eagle Rock, Los Angeles County, California. CONTENTS PAo: Introduction 5 Distributional Areas in Montana 9 Map 10 List of Species '. 26 Recently Extinct Species 171 Introduced Species 172 Hypothetical List 173 Bi])liography 177 Index 187 INTRODUCTION THE ORNITHOLOGY of Montana, as compared with that of most other western states, is still in a primitive condition. While the earliest explor- ations and reports were made at about the same time as those of other western states, ornithological work since that time has not kept pace witli what has been done elsewhere. Settlement of the state, until recently, has been slow, and there have been comparatively few resident ornithologists. Little collecting has been done. Series of specimens are almost unknown. Most of the sj)ecimens that have been collected are scattered through private collec- tions. The results of much of this field work have never been published, and when they have, identifications have often been rather loosely made. For these reasons the present list cannot compare in either completeness or detailed ac- curacy with other recently published state lists. There is much of importance 3^et to be learned of the local distribution of even the commoner species. Sub- specific status is in many cases unsettled. The future will probably see many changes and additions on the basis of the present list, and it is hoped that its publication will stimulate work that will sooner bring these changes to accom- plishment. The portion of this paper which is based on my own field studies is the re- sult of five years of almost continuous work in various parts of the state, from 1908 to 1913, as well as two additional summers, at Flathead Lake and in the Glacier Park, in 1914 and 1915. I have supplemented the results of this field work with a careful study of all the published records that I have been able to find. The bibliography published with this list is the result of eight years of compilation. I have examined nearly all of the publications listed, and have used all of the records in them which have proven of value in working out dis- tribution, or times of nesting and migration. References to these various sources of information are given in the text. Where records are without refer- ence, they are from my own, hitherto unpublished, notes. In addition to these sources of information I have been fortunate in secur- ing from a number of other ornithologists manuscript lists of birds observed by them in various parts of the state. Without these lists, mj' work would have been so far from complete that it would, perhaps, not have been worth printing. I have referred to these lists in the text with the surnames of the contributors. The full names of the latter, with acknowledgements, arc given in the para- graphs immediately following. 6 PACIFIC COAST AVIFAUNA No. 14 Mr. Bernard Bailey, former-ly of Corvallis. Montana, now of Elk Rive]'. Minnesota, has sent me a very complete list of the birds observed by him in the Bitterroot Valley. This comprises almost tlit- only data T could obtain from that part of the state. Mr. A. I). Dul^ois, of Duttoii. hiis sent me much informa- tion on birds observed both at Dutton and at IJcltoii, where he sjieiit two snin- iiici's. I am also further indebted to liim for the usi of a iiimihcr of xci'v cxce!- h'lit j)liotographs, which do mueii to make thix i)apei' attractive. Lieut. Joseph Kittrcdge, Jr., formerly located at Missoula with the Forest Service, and later in France with the regiment of Forest Engineers, has fui'nished notes from Missoula and from many other parts of the state which his jjrevious work gave him op])ortunity to visit. Mr. Nelson Lundwall, of l^ozeman, has sent me the records of several species new to the Gallatin Valley, which are particularly interesting as extreme western records in the state. Mr. J. L. Sloanaker, of Kalispell, has sent me many notes on birds in that vicinity and at Flathead Lake. Ilis notes are particularly valuable, as they .supplement the previous knowledge of summer birds in this region with knowledge of those si)ecies which occur in the migrations and in winter. Mr. Gerald B. Thomas, of Bill- ings, whose friendship I made at Bozeman during my first year in the state, has sent me the most recent of these manuscript lists, relating mainly to the vicinity of Billings, a portion of the state from which very little was previously known. His notes on the breeding water birds of the lake basin country north of Billings are of unusual interest ; they have added many valuable records and several new species to the state list. Mr. C. F. Hedges, of Miles City, who collected a large number of the birds now at the University of Montana in Mis- soula, has renewed his interest in birds and has sent me the results of his recent collecting. These results have added two new subspecies to the state list, and have widened the known ranges of several other species and subspecies. In addition to the above lists, received direct from field observers, I have received encouragement and assistance from ornithologists v.iienevei' it has been needed and wherever T have turned. Dr. Louis B. Bishop has aided uw from the first, identifying subspecies of nearly all the birds I have collected in the state, and more recently those which ~Mv. Hedges luis sent m>'. and gi'anting me the use of both his library and collection in my search for records. The late Wells W. Cooke, to whom 1 wrote of my intentiou to write a Montana list, less than two months be Fore his death sent me not oidy the information for which T fii'st wrote him but also a long list of T'eferences to publications on Montana birds, many of which were new to me. It is interesting to know that Cooke once contemplated living in Montana, and that he had gathered these references with the idea that he might himself some day write a state list. This contribution did much, both to, complete my bibliography of the state, and to give me previously unknown sources of infornmtion. Since Prof. Cooke's death, Dr. H. C. Oberholser has sent me information from the records of the Biological Survey, whcnevei- T have requested it. shoAving the same spirit of interest and helpfulness. To Prof. Morton J. Elrod, of the University of Mon- tana. 1 am indebted foi- tlie op])ortunity to spend two sinnmers in bird study 1921 IXTRODUCTION 7 at the University Biological Station at Flathead Lake, and for the privilege of examining the collection of birds at the University. Montana is a state that is now being developed very rapidly. In the last ten years many changes have taken place, changes that have had a great effect on its bird life. Many of the most interesting species are becoming rare. The Trumpeter Swan, the Sandhill and Whooping cranes and other pic- turesque species are no longer common. The day is fast approaching when the Long-billed Curlew and the Sage Hen will be ver}^ rare, even in the more remote localities. The cause of these changes in bird life is the rapid settle- ment of the country, involving the building of railroads, and the clearing, plowing and irrigating of the lands. Even though these threatened species are protected by law, they must go sooner or later; for the cause of their scarcity is not so much the shooting or other persecution on the part of man, as his mere presence, his occupation of the ground wher(^ they had been accustomed to breed. Species like the Killdeer can adapt themselves to the new conditions, and can become even more abundant in the presence of man than before. But such l)irds as the Curlew cannot accustom themselves to the change, and there seems to be no way that man can help them. They are doomed to become rare, perhaps total- ly extinct. The study of these changing conditions and their effects on bird life is an important one for the future ornithologist in Montana. Another sort of change that is taking place, that causes many puzzles to the student of distribution, is that which concerns geographical names. The map accompanying this list is taken from the most recent one I could obtain, one dated 1917. But no map can keep up with the rapid changes in names that are taking place. New towns appear, and often older towns, remote from newly built railroads, become deserted and remain as memories only. It is already diffi- CLdt to find the location on accessible maps of many of the older records. Coun- ties have been created in eonsideral)le nnmlier in the past few years. The area covered by j\Ir. E. S. Cameron's work, including Custer and Dawson counties, now covers seven counties, Richland, Dawson, Wibaux, Prairie, Custer, Fallon, and Carter. In the text I have referred to this area still as "Custer and Dawson counties" because it was not possible in such cnses to locate the Cameron records more closely. However, a large majority of these records, those located at Terry and Fallon, are in what is now Prairie County. I have shown on the map, wher- ever it was possible to do so, all the important localities mentione>I in the text. In the writing of this list I have followed the American Ornitholo-rists' Union Check-List. 1910, and its supplement, in nearly all particulars. In the use of certain English names I have departed somewhat from the authority of this list. I have added to names of eastern subspecies and species, the adjective "eastern" when the Check-List does not do so. Thus, Astvagalinus tristis tristis is the Eastern Goldfinch and A. t. palUdiis the Western Goldfinch. To call the eastern form simply Goldfinch is unsatisfactory to any ornithologist whose field experience is wider than the range of the eastern subspecies. In the same man- ner this principle may apply to species in some cases. Stialia sialis should not be tJ'e Bluebird, but the Eastern Bluebird. At least this is so from the stand- point of a resident of ^Montana, where S. currucoides is the Bluebird. I have 8 PACIFIC COAST AVIFAUNA No. 14 made this change believing that it improves and betters the list, and with the hope that a similar change will be adopted by the makers of the Check-List them- selves wiien the next edition is published. While the work of eonipiling a list sncli as tlic present one is often tedious and irksome, yet the original field work on whicii it is based has given me some of the gi'eatest pleasures that I have had, pleasures that only the field ornitholo- gist, bor'n w ith the love of wild birds, can appreciate. Thus, as I have gone over these pages, recording references and migration dates, or \vorkin,'^ out ranges, I have relieved the tedium by living over in retrospect many happy hours in the field, in what is ornithologically one of the most interesting and wonderful of our states. I have seen again the rolling prairies on a bright June morning, with countless McCown Longsj)urs, rising into the air, and parachuting down into the grass, or a male Curlew, charging with loud protest toward the man who has ventured near his nest. I have seen tlie prairie ponds, dotted with ducks of many species, with })ink and white Avocets wading about the muddy shores, and Coots and Grebes swinuuing among tJie tules that border the fai-ther side. On the same prairies, bleak with the winter snow and cold, I remember the whirling flocks of Snow Buntings, Horned Larks, or Rosy Finches, or a single Snowy Owl, sit- ting on a rise of ground, and flying silently away at my approach. The ever changing mountains have been pictured in my memory; the wonderful little Dipper, diving under a waterfall and emerging to sit on a wet stone and sing, the friendly Rocky Mountain Jays, who came at the noon hour to shai'c my lunch in the pine forest ; the cock Franklin Grouse, sitting in a dark green spruce top, opening and closing the red "comb" over his eye; the Solitaire rising in flight- song above the mountain peaks, his voice ringing loudly and melodiously through the clear air; and the sweet evening chant of the White-crowned Spari-ow in the willows near our camp by the lake shore. However scientifierdly "cut and dried" the text of this list may seem, back of it is a living Montana, teeming with interesting and wonderful bird life, worthy of greater attention from the future ornithologist. To those who find pleasure in the birds of ]\Iontana in the fu- ture, I hope that this list will be a help, and an inspiration to publish w^hatever of their observations will make knowledge of our ])irds more perfect. Aretas a. Saunders. Nonralk, Connecticut, Dcccmhcr 2, 1919. 1921 9 DISTRIBUTIONAL AREAS IN MONTANA IN discussing the factors that influence the distribution of birds in ^lontana it is first necessary to emphasize the incompleteness of our present knowledge of this subject. I have been unable to visit all parts of the state myself, and r find the writings of others frequently inadej.(uate in the details which would help one to determine life-zones or to learn much of either faunal or associational distril)ution. However, I feel that the knowledge that has been obtained on this subject is sufficiently valuable to warrant a digest of it here. As in other regions the factors concerned can be most easily comprehended by considering three kinds of distributional areas, faunal, zonal and associa- tional. In ^lontana the larger faunal areas are primary ones, rather than the zonal. Even to the superficial observer crossing the state on one of the trans- continental railways the division of the state into two large areas is apparent. These are the prairie region of the eastern half and the mountain region of the western. The line between these two areas crosses the state diagonally from northwest to southeast, and the prairie region is about twice the area of the mountain region. The prairie region is characterized by such breeding birds as the IMcCown Longspur, the Chestnut-collared Longspur, and the Clay-colored Sparrov/. Other species found throughout the eastern United States find the western limits of their normal breeding range in this region. Such species are the Red-headed Woodpecker, Bronzed Grackle and Brown Thrasher. Other eastern species mi- grate regularly through the prairie region, but are rare or unknown west of it. Such are the ]Myrtle and Blackpoll warblers. The mountain region is characterized by a large number of Rocky Mountain species such as the Richardson Grouse, Lewis Woodpecker, Rufous Hummingbird, Black-headed Jay, Western Tanager, and JMountain Chickadee. There are a certain numlier of w^estern species that range over both regions and are found well distributed throughout the state, such as the Magpie, Black-headed Gros- beak and Western ]\Ieadowlark. My personal acquaintance with the prairie region is less than with other parts of the state. Certain large areas in it have never been studied ornitholog- ically, at least, if so, the results have not been published. For these reasons the statements made about this region will probably be subject to considerable future modification. The region may be divided faunally into three parts. These are the southern region, the northeastern and the northwestern. The southern prairie region extends over the southeastern part of the state, west ta the foothills of the mountains in Carbon, Sweet Grass and Meagher coun- ties, and north about to the divide between the Yellowstone and Missouri drain- ages. The region is characterized by the regular occurrence of such species as the Pinyon Jay, Western Lark Sparrow, Western Field Sparrow and White- winged Junco, and by the western limits of such eastern species as tlie Black- billed Cuckoo, Chimney Swift and Ovenbird. The northeastern prairie region lies north of the southern, extending west to tlie middle of Choteau and Fergus counties. It is very little known except \/lO>iVa HJJ109 ^ I'j21 BIRDS OF MONTANA 11 through the writings of early explorers. It is characterized mainly by the ab- sence of certain species, rather than by the presence of new ones. All those mentioned as characteristic of the southern prairie region are lacking or rare here. The region differs from the northwestern prairies by the presence of sage- brush and of the Sage Hen and perhaps other sage-loving species. It also differ.-; in the rarity and perhaps entire lack of the Sprague Pipit and Baird Sparrow, these species being found l)oth east of this region in North Dakota and west of it in the northwestern prairie region (Cones, 1874b, pp. 559-563). It differs ma- terially from the southern prairie region in the greater abundance of ducks and other breeding water birds, especially along the Milk River. The northwestern prairie region occupies the western half of Choteau and Fergus counties, nearly all of Toole, Teton and Cascade counties, and the north- eastern corner of Lewis and Clark county. It differs from both the other prairie regions in the entire absence of sage-brush and therefore of such sage-loving spe- cies as the Sage Hen. It lacks the species characteristic of the southern prairies but is enriched by a greater abundance of water birds, such as ducks, grebes, avocets and phalaropes, and by the abundance of the Sprague Pipit, and by the occurrence of the Baird Sparrow^ as a breeding bird. Like the prairies, the mountain region may be divided into three faunal areas, the southern, northeastern and northwestern. In each of these three re- gions a division of the areas into mountains and mountain valleys is at once ap- parent. The mountain valleys are flat or rolling country, from 8,000 to 5,000 feet in altitude, treeless except along the borders of streams, and in many re- spects similar in character to the prairie region. The mountains are for the most part timbered with coniferous forests and broken into high ridges and peaks, steep slopes and deep steep-sided canyons. They begin at from 3,000 to 5,000 feet, and extend up to 11,000 feet in some places. The southern mountain region extends from the western limit of tlie south- ern p.rairie region in Carbon and Sweet Grass counties, westward to the western border of the state, and northward to include western ^leagher and Broadwater counties and southern Powell County. The Big Horn Mountains and other smaller areas isolated within the prairie region may also be considered outlying portions of this region. The region crosses the continental divide in Silver Bow, Deer Lodge and Powell counties, the divide here having little effect on the fauna. Whether it should be extended to include Granite and Ravalli counties is uncer- tain. The birds of Ravalli County show a condition rather intermediate between the southern and northwestern mountain regions. The southern mountain re- gion is characterized by southern species, such as the Williamson Sapsucker and the Green-tailed Towhee. The breeding range of the Pink-sided Junco defines it well . The northeastern mountain region occupies a narrow strip of country west of the prairies and east of the continental divide. It includes most of Lewis and Clark County, and the mountainous portions of Cascade and Teton counties. It is characterized by lack of the southern and western forms of the other moun- tain regions, and hy the; breeding in small numbers of such northern species as 12 PACIFIC COAST AVIFAUNA No. 14 the Bohemian Waxwing and Iludsonian Chickadee. The Montana J unco I'cplaees the Pink-sided as it does in the northwestern region. The northwestern monntain region includes the rest of the state. It lies entirely west of the continental divide, from the western boundaries of the north- eastern mountain region and the northern boundaries of the southern mountain region, westward and northward to the limits of the state. It miglit readily he termed the humid mountain region, for it is much more humid i7i climate than any other part of the state. It is characterized by a good many species and sub- species, such as Townsend Warbler, Chestnut-backed Chickadee, Varied Thrush, Merrill Song Sparrow^ and Dusky Horned Lark. It really forms part of a re- gion which includes northern Idaho and northeastern Washington, a region where the rainfall is considerably greater than in surrounding areas both east- ward and westward, and where many Pacific Coast species find their eastei-n limits. A more detailed study of the region, with a greater amount of collecting, ought to bring out many interesting points and probably show some new sub- species. The life-zones found in iMontana are the Upper Sonoran, Transition, Cana- dian, Iludsonian and Alpine-Arctic. These zones cross the faunal areas, their boundaries being mainly at right angles to the mountain slopes. The Upper So- noran occupies the areas of lowest elevation, and the Alpine-Arctic those of high- est. Since these zones are better characterized by their vegetation, particularly their trees, than by their birds, I shall give the species of trees which character- ize them in IMontana, to serve as an aid to others in studying this phase of dis- tribution. The Upper Sonoran zone occupies the lower valleys of the state, mainly the areas below 4,000 feet in elevation east of the continental divide, and those below 3,000 feet west of it. It occupies nearly all of the southern prairie region, and extends in long narrow strips along the rivers to the westward. While the map of life-zones accompanying the 1910 A. O. U. Check-List shows this zone only in the southern prairie region, I am inclined, after a study of Cary 's (1917 i recent paper on Wyoming life-zones, to think that this zone also occupies certain of the valleys in the mountain region which are of low elevation. If such species as the ]\Iourning Dove, Bullock Oriole, Arkansas Kingbird, Lazuli Bunting and (-atbird are characteristic of the Upper Sonoran in IMontana, as they an^ in Wyoming, then there must be many areas of upper Sonoran witliin the moun- tains. I believe that th(^ IMissouri Valley in Broadwater County, and areas along the IMissouri as far south as Three Forks and perhaps up the Jefferson and Madi- son, should be considered Upper Sonoran. I believe this is also true of areas west of the continental divide, up the Hell Gate River at least as far as IMissoula, and on the Pend-Oreille nearly to Poison, and perha])s above Flathc^ad Lake about Kalispcll. However, it seems fjuite certain that the species last named above breed locally in the Transition. As in Wyoming, it is true that the line between these two zones is indefinite and difficult to draw. Tl'erc are no very characteristic trees in this zone. Junipers and cedars, which are characteristic in other regions, nrc scarce, and grow quite as abundantly in the Transition as in this zone. Cottonwoods are the commonest trees, but are also common in the 1921 BIRDS OF MONTANA 13 Transition. One tree, the box elder (Acer negundo) is found only in this zone, in the eastern part of the state, and the green ash (Fraxinus lanccolata) occurs sparingly in the same region. But these two trees are not found in all the Sono- ran areas of the state. The Transition zone occupies the largest area of any of the zones. There are easily observed two definite sorts of Transition, that of the prairies and mountain valleys, and that of the lower mountain slopes, foothills and pine hills. All the faunal regions of the state contain areas of this zone. In the prairies and mountain valleys the chief trees are the cottonwoods (Populus halsamifera, P. angustifolia and P. trkliocarpa) , the last named only in mountain valleys on the west side of the continental divide. In the foothills and lower mountains the principal trees are the yellow^ pine (Pinus scopulorum) and the Douglas fir {Pseudoisuga taxifolia). The yellow pine is the only one thoroughly character- istic, as the fir is found also in the Canadian zone. Engelmann spruce {Picca engelmanni) occurs to a limited extent in this zone, and limber pine (Pinus flex- ilis) and tamarack (Larix occidentalis) are common in it in certain localities. The chief Transition areas in the southern prairie region are the pine hills. These are flat-topped prairie buttes, whose tops are open grass land, but whose sides are clothed with yellow pine, usually scattering and sparse, but occasionally, as in the Long Pine Hills of Carter County, forming fairly dense forests of tall trees. These pine hills mark isolated tracts of Transition surrounded by Upper Sonoran areas. The two northern prairie regions are entirely Transition, and the greatest part of the mountain valleys and all the lower slopesi and canyons also belong to this zone. The prairies and valleys are mainly grass land, with sage-brush areas in some parts of the state, and with cottonwood groves and willow thickets along the streams. The foothills are partly grass and partly timber, with occasional areas of forest of either yellow pine or fir. East of the continental divide the Transition zone occurs from about 4,000 to 6,000 feet in the southern part of the state, and from 3,500 to 5,500 in the northern. West of the divide, where the valleys are generally lower, this zone goes down to 3,000 feet, even in the north- ern part of the state. In the northwestern mountain region conditions occur which make it diffi- cult to define the limits of this zone. The humidity of slopes facing west is much greater than those facing east. This causes conditions much like the Canadian zone at elevations as low as 3,000 feet, while not many miles away are much less humid areas, where the elevation is no lower, but which I strongly suspect are Upper Sonoran. Thus, on the east shore of Flathead Lake, directly at the base of the Mission Mountains, are dense forests of Englemann spruce, where Cana- dian birds such as the Golden-crowned Kinglet and Winter Wren breed. On all of the mountain slopes surrounding these areas are Transition forests of yellow pine, fir and tamarack, extending at least 1000 feet higher. Both above Flat- head Lake and below its outlet, are areas of the same elevation as these, inhabited by L^pper Sonoran species, such as the Grasshopper Sparrow, Bullock Oriole, and Arkansas Kingbird. These phenomena are brought about either by soil or atmo- spheric moisture conditions, rather than by changes in temperature. Therefore 14 PACIFIC COAST AVIFAUNA No. 14 they should be considered local areas within one life-zone simulating those of another, rather than areas really belonging to that other life-zone. The Canadian zone is found in all the higher mountains of the western part of the state. It occurs from about 5.500 feet in the north and 6,000 in the south to 7,500 or 8.000 feet. Its characteristic tree is the lodgepole pine {Pinus mur- rayana) . With this tree are found Douglas fir, Engelmann spruce, and alpiuf? fir {Abies lasiocarpa) . West of the divide several other species ar(.' found, such as western white pine {Pinus monticola) , western hemlock {Tsuga lulerophylla), arbor-vitae {'Thuya plicata), and lowland fir {Abies grandis). Some of the birds typical of this zone are the Franklin Grouse, the three-toed woodpeckers, Hammond Flycatcher, Rocky Mountain Jay, Lincoln Sparrow, Pilcolated Warb- ler, and ^loLintain Chickadee. There is much less difference in the conditions of this zone on the two sides of the divide than in the case of the Transitioii zone. The Hudsonian zone occurs in all the higher mountains of tlic western half of the state. It occupies comparatively small areas on the higlier mountain slopes, varying little in different parts of the state. It lies from 7,500 to 8,000 feet up to 9,000 or 9,500, but its upper limit varies greatly. The "one is easily recognized by the stunted and often misshapen character of the ti-f^es. It occurs from the point where the trees begin to take on this character, up to timberline, tlie limit of tree growth. Thei species of trees found in tliis zone ai'o alpine fir, spruce, limber pine, and white-bark pine {Pi)uis albiccniJis) . The hist si)ecies is the only one entirely characteristic of the zone. The one characteristic bird is the Rocky Mountain Pine Grosbeak. The Clark Nutcracker is usually more abundant in this zone than elsewhere, and other species, found chiefly in the Canadian zone, range up into this zone. Such species are tlic Montana and Pink- sided juncos and Audubon Warbler. The Alpine-Arctic zone occupies the tops of the highest mountains above timber line. In most parts of the state it covers only small scattered areas on the peaks of the highest mountains or along very high ridges. Northward it covers a larger proportion of the mountain area. It can be best observed in the Glacier National Park. The birds characteristic of this zone are the White-tailed Ptarmi|?an, the Rosy Finches, and the Pipit. These birds have been found breed- ing only in the northern part of the state, so that this zone in the south, so far as it is known, has no characteristic breeding birds. It is probable that the Black Rosy Fincli, however, breeds in this zone in the southwestern ranges. The associational areas are those which have the same conditions of soil, moisture or exposure, and hence a certain association of ])lants and animals which depend either on those conditions directly, or on other forms of life in the associations. Some associations are local in distribution, while others are found over the greater part of the state. Some are limited to a single faunal area, while others are found in several such areas and often in more than one life zone. A complete study of associational distribution in the state is not pos- sible at present, hut the following data on the more impoi'tant and more widely distributed associations should be of value. Associations are the most fundamental of distributional areas, for it is oC 1921 BIRDS OF MONTANA 15 them that faunal and zonal areas are composed. The immediate, local distribu- tion of life in a given locality is determined by the associations. We may classify all associations conveniently as follows: Grass associations, water associations, rocks, shrubs, trees, and artificial associations, the latter produced by the pres- ence of buildings, bridges arid other similar man-provided structures. Grass associations may be divided into three main kinds, meadows, benches and foothills. A more detailed study would undoubtedly show many more than this, particularly if the study. were concerned with the distribution of some other class of animals than birds. These three, however, are the main ones, most easily recognizable, and most distinct in the bird species inhabiting them. Meadows are lands that are near streams and that are moist in soil, though seldom wet or swampy. They are agricultural in character, and the greater part of them are now under cultivation, or cut over for hay each year. They are clothed with tall wild grasses of such genera as CaJamagrostis and Festuca, and. Fig. 2. Priest Butte, Teton County; Maech, 1912. Transition Zone. The VIEW illustrates grass benches, a prairie lake and a BUTTE. where cultivated, Phlenm and Agrostis. The characteristic breeding birds are Sharp-tailed Grouse, Bobolink, Meadowlark, and Savannah Sparrow. This asso- ciation occurs mainly in the Upper Sonoran and Transition Zones, but I have seen large areas of it in the Canadian in. some places. The most conspicuous of these isolated tracts is in White-tail Park, in Jefferson County, at an elevation of 7,100 feet, where the above named birds, supposedly Transition species, breed in meadows that are surrounded by lodgepole pines and spruces, tlie forests of these trees being inhabited by true Canadian species, such as Franklin Grouse and Mountain Chickadee. In portions of the prairie region the meadows are alkaline in character, and form a somewhat different association. These areas are usually about the bor- ders of alkaline ponds or in hollows in the prairies, where temporary ponds are liable to occur in wet weather. The grasses are shorter and coarser than in the 16 PACIFIC COAST AVIFAUNA No. 14 ordinary meadows, with many species of sedges {Carer) taking the place of the true grasses. In these areas the Savannah Sparrow, Chestnut-collared Long- spur and Sprague Pipit are characteristic. Where these areas border ponds and become somewliat marshy in character, the Wilson Phalarope and several species of ducks are liable to be found breeding. Benches (see fig. 2) are much dryer areas, chiefly found in tlie prairie re- gion but also to some extent in the mountain region at low elevations. While these areas are mostly comprised in the flat-topped benches, they may be found on rolling prairie lands or sides of hills, the dry soil and character of the vegeta- tion being the factors that influence bird distribution rather than the flatness of the ground. The grass on these areas is short, such species as gramma grass (Bouteloua) predominating. The one definite, characteristic species of this asso- ciation, throughout the state, is the Horned Lark. In the prairie region the McCown Longspur is also abundant in it, and in thinly settled regions the Up- land Plover and Long-billed Curlew. Foothills occur mainly along the lower spurs of the mountains, in the* Trans- ition zone, and extend up to the limits of this zone on south slopes. The soil is more moist than that of the benches, and the grasses are of taller species, such as wheat grass {Agropyron) and bunch-grass (Aristida) . Many species of wild flowers grow in this association, the most al)undant and widely distributed l)eing blue lupine (Lupiniis) . The two most widely distributed and characteristic breeding birds of this association are the Meadowlark and Vesper Sparrow. Water associations are peculiar in that a large number of the species de pendent on them are rare or local in distribution, and very few can definitely be said to be found regularly in any given association. Five water associations are easily recognizable, as found throughout large parts of the state. They vary considerably locally, but the general conditions of each one are about the same. These five are prairie lakes, mountain lakes, rivers, mountain streams, and cata tail or tule marshes. Prairie lakes (see fig. 2) differ from mountain lakes not only in location but also in the more significant fact that their borders are grass grown and without trees. They are found mainly in the prairie region of the state and are most abundant along the northern border. A large area of them in the southern part of the state is comprised in the lake basin region near Billings. They are found to some extent in the mountain region, even west of the divide, there being many of them on the Flathead Indian Reservation in nortliern Missoula County. The sliores of these lakes form the l)reeding ground of large numlx'i-s of water birds, such as grebes, gulls, ducks and avoeets. Perliaps the only species that is widel}' and universally enough distributed over the entire state to be thoi'oiiglily charac- teristic of this association is the Mallard. J\Iountain lakes are ])odies of water in the Transition or Canadian zone of the mountains, whose shores ai'c bordered hy evergreen forests. Tliese lakes are also liable to have patches of willow thicket bordering their shores at the inlet or outlet. They are generally glacial in origin and often very deep. They vary greatly in size, Flathead Lake, the largest, being a})out thirty l)y fifteen miles in extent, while small lakes of the same general character may often be found 1921 BIRDS OF MONTANA 17 which are less than a hundred feet across. They are only found in the moun- tainous parts of the state, and are more abundant in the northwestern part of it, particularly in the Glacier Park, where there are said to he at least two hundred and fifty. As in the case of prairie lakes, the l)ird life of these lakes is very vari- able. One species, the Spotted Sandpiper, is characteristic of tlieir shores, and may be practically always found about them. Other species are local, such as ducks (particularly tree nesting species, like the mergansers, golden-eyes and Buffle-head), the Canada Goose, Osprey, Kingfisher and Tree Swallow. Rivers (see fig. 3) flow mainly through the prairie region and the moun- tain valleys. They are much varied in character, and might perhaps be divided into several stream-border associations, according to whether their banks were bordered by grass-meadows, cottonwood groves, or rocky cliffs. The birds breed- Fig. 3. View ox the Teton River, ivEAit Button, Teton County, Montan.\. GRASS-tOVERED BENCH-LANDS IN THE FOREGROUND AND IN THE DISTANCE, AND COTTONWOOD GROVES BORDERING THE RIVER. TRANSITION ZONE. PHOTO BY A. D. Dubois. ing along these rivers vary, and, as in the case of mountain lakes, the Spotted Sandpiper is the only species that is entirely characteristic. Other species found more or less locally along rivers are the Great Blue Heron, Killdeer, Kingfisher, Kingbird, and Bank Swallow. Where steep cliffs border the sides of rivers, some species nest in the cliffs, but since their presence is due to the rocks rather than the water, they should be considered as belonging to a rock association. Mountain streams (see fig. 4) are somewhat similar to rivers, except that their current is swifter and that they contain frequent waterfalls and rapids. In some places well within the mountains the streams often take on the quieter character of rivers, and in such cases the one characteristic bird of river borders 18 PACIFIC COAST AVIFAUNA No. 14 and mountain lakt'S. the Spotted Sandpiper, is atrain sure to be ])resent. The true mountain stream has ))ut one eharaeteristie l)ird, the Dipper, and that hird is souH'tiiiies absent if the stream is not clear. A second species i'ound iu this association in a few k)calities is the Harlequin Duck. Cat-tail and tule nuirshesare not strictly water associations alone as they take their character from the vegetation that grows in ihe water. Cat-tails and tules really form two separate associations, but from the standpoint of bird distri- i)ution they are about alike. These associations are marshes where the water is fi'om a few inches to a foot deep, grown with either cat-tails or tules standing in the water. The one most characteristic bird is the Red-winged Blaci\l)ird. Many other species are also found in this association, though they are mon' or less local in distribution. Grebes, the Black Tern, a few species of dnck's. th" Coot, Sora, Uittt-rn. Marsh llawk, Ycllow-lieadcd P>la<'len, Long-tailed Chickadee and Robin. The aspen grove is found chiefly in the lower mountains in the western half of the state, occupying the Transition and lower Canadian zones. It consists almost entirely of the aspen (Populus tremuloides) , which forms small groves in somewhat moist soil in the lower mountains. The area of this association is not great, but there are a few species of birds that are characteristic of it and in 22 PACIFIC COAST AVIFAUNA No. 14 the breeding season are found nowhei-e else. Tliesc birds arc the ^VKrl)linj>; Vireo and Orange-crowned WarbU^r. Otlier species found in lliis association occasion- ally are the Red-naped Sai)sueker, Hammond Flycatclier, ^lacGillivray Warbhu" and Rol)in. The one association of mixed bi^oad-lcal' -.mhI conifcious trees is found in the norlliwcstern mountain region, as fd)()ut the shores ol" l-Mathcad l.akc. In this association the main trees are conifers, most of the broad-leaf trees being small ones which form an undergrowth beneatli the conifers. The conifers ai-e mainly yellow pine, Douglas fir and tamarack, and the ])road-leafs are cotton wood, birch \Iiviula papyrifcra and B. fo)}titialis) , alder (Ahnis tciniifolin) . and a few smaller species that are hardly more than shrub si/e. The l)irds of this associa- tion are the Cedar Waxwing, Red-eyed and Warbling vii-eos, AuduI)on Warbler, Redstart, Eastern Chickadee, Olive-backed Tlu-ush, and Robin. The coniferous ti'ee associations occur entirely in the mountains, except the yellow ])ine, which occurs on the slopes of the pine hills and })rairie buttes in the l)r'airie region, as well as in the mountains. The chief associations ai-e yellow pine, lodgepole pine, limber pine, white-bark pine, Douglas fir, fir and tanuiracK. p]ngelmann spruce, and arbor-vitae. Western white pine also forms an associa- tion locally, we.st of the continental divide, but it is an association T have not seen and, except for the report that the Chestnut-backed Chickadee is found in it, 1 know nothing about it. Yellow pine is entirely a Transition association, occurring in tlie i)inc hills of the prairie region and on the lower mountain slopes. Across the continental divide it is found mainly through the center of the state. East of the divide it is not found up to the upper limits of the Transition zone, but is (^itirely belov*- 4,500 feet' elevation. In southwestern JMontana it is not found at all, the eleva- tions in the lower mountains being too high. The southern limits of its range southward are on Sixteen Mile Creek in extreme northern Gallatin County, on the Boulder River south to Basin in Jefferson County, and on Pike's Peak Creek near Pioneer in Powell County. The northern limits of this association east of the divide are on the Dearborn River, in Lewis and Clark County, but west of 1lie divide the association extends iioiHi into Glaciei' Park and ])r(»bably to tlie northern boundary of the state. The distribution of this association accounts for the breeding ranges of its most chai-acteristic species in the state, and they will be sought in the breeding season in vain in |)laces whei'e yellow |)ine is nor found. These species are the Crossl)ill and Red-breasted Nuthatch, and west of the divide the Pileated Woodpecker. The Evening (Ji-osbeak and Pygmy Nut- hatch arc probably also cliar'acteristic. Othei- s])ecies bi'ccdiug in this associa- tion are the Spai-row Hawk, Haii-y Woodjiecker, Flicker, Westc;-n Wood Pewee, Cassin l*ur])le Finch, Pine Siskin. Kobiu and Mountain Bluebird. The lodgepole pine association is characteristic of the ('ar.adian zone, being found entirely within that zone. (See fig. 7.) It consists of a rather dense for- est of lodgepole pine, with pi'actically no other trees. The forest floor is some- times open and carpeted with pine needles and a few small plants such as a small red-bei'ried V(ii< in'ni iii : soiiiet iiiies, esi)eeiall\' wliei'e there have been forest fires, it is covered with down timber, and sometimes, in moist situations, with a 1921 BIRDS OF MONTANA 23 dense undergrowth of slirubs, such as alder, wild eurrant and mounlain l)ufi'alo- l)erry {SIk p/ierdia caitadrnsis) . These differences make different associations as far as some forms of life are concerned, but they seem to have little influence on the distribution of tui'd life, in fact this association has comparatively little bird life. It is important because it covers large areas, particularly in the soutli- western part of the state, but most of its birds are very few in number, and found mainly about the edges of small open grass areas or "parks'". There; appear to be no characteristic species, all birds found in it being also found in other coniferous associations. The species most commonly found in it are the Hairy Woodpecker, Alpine Three-toed Woodpecker, Pine Siskin, Pink-sided and Fig. 7. A LOlXiEPOLR PINE FOREST OX DIVIDE Creek, Silver Bow County; May, 1910. Canadian zone. Montana juncos. Chipping Sparrow, Audubon Warbler, and liol)in. The Rocky JMountain Jay is also seen most commonly in this association in summer, but 1 am not certain that it breeds there. The white-bark pine association is found entirely in the Iludsonian zone. It consists of rather open groves of this tree, with a few other species, such as spruce and alpine fir. In many places, particularly in the southern part of the state. liml)er pine occurs with this species, and then it is exceedingly difficult to sejia- rate the two. This association has but one characteristic bird, the Pine Gros- beak. The Clark Nutcracker is more abundant in it than elsewhere, however. Other species that breed in it are the juncos, Cassin Purple Finch, Audubon 24 PACIFIC COAST AVIFAUNA No. 14 Warbler, and the Rocky Mountain Nuthatch. This is the only easily reco.unized tree association of the Iludsonian zone. The Douglas fir association is one of tlie most inii)oi'tant of tiie coniferous tree associations from the standpoint of bird life. It occurs in the Transition and Canadian zones. The firs form a rather open forest, mainly on north slopes in the lower foothills of the Transition, and on steep south slopes of rocky soil in the Canadian. A number of birds show a decided preference for tiiis association over others, and most of the species breeding in the lodgepole pine are found in greater numbers in the firs. The characteristic species are the Olive-sided Fly- Fig. 8. A SPRUCE FOREST IN GERMAN GULCH, SIL- VER Bow County; May, 1910. Brekdixg GROUND of Rocky Mountain Creeper, Goi.- UEN-CROWNEI) KlN(iLET AND WINTER WREN. Canadian zone. catcher, Western Tanager and Ruby-crowned Kinglet. Others I'ound in it are the Ruffed Grouse, Sparrow Hawk, Pygmy Owl, Hairy Woo(lp«>cl>:er, the three- toed woodpeckers, Ked-shafted Flicker, Hammond Flyeatcher, Black-headed Jay, Clark Nutcracker, Chipping Sparrow. Ihc juncos, Audul)ou Warbh'i-. Mountain Chickadee, Olive-backed Thrush, and Robin. West of the continental divide, in tile northwestern mountain region, a variation of this association is found in a mixture of fir and tamarack. The same species of birds are foiim! in it, excejit that two northwest species, Cassin Virco and Towuseud Warl)ler, arc added. .\t low elevations firs occur scattered througli tlic foothills, bordering on either the 1921 BIRDS OF MONTANA 25 foothill or sage-brush associations, the fir association apparently slowly en- croaching upon the others. Tn such situations species of the different associa- tions are to be found together. The Engelmann spruce association occurs mainly along the borders of moun- tain streams, or on moist slopes where springs are abundant. (8ee fig. 8.) It consists chiefly of spruce, with a small proportion of alpine fir, and west of the divide, at low elevations, of lowland fir. It is mainly characteristic of the Cana- dian zone, but occurs in some places in the Transition and in the lower Hudson- ian, where the trees are stunted in growth and there is a greater mixture of alpine fir. It forms the darkest and most dense of the coniferous forests, usually Avith an undergrowth of small shrubs and of young spruce and fir. There are three characteristic birds breeding in this association, the Western Winter Wren, Rocky Mountain Creeper, and Golden-crowned Kinglet. I believe that the Sharjv shinned Hawk and the Goshawk also breed in it in preference to other locations. Most of the other mountain species that breed in both the Douglas fir and lodge- pole pine associations are found in this one. The limber pine association occurs in limited areas in the northeastern mountain region only, in the Transition foothills. It takes the place of the yellow pine, found in similar situations farther south. It consists of an open grove of misshapen and crooked trees, much like the white-bark pine of the Hudsonian in appearance. The trees grow in this manner, however, more because of the lack of moisture and the strong sweep of the winds, than because of the shortness of the growing season. This association is inhabited by a mixture of mountain and prairie species. No species is entirely characteristic, but the commonest ones breeding in it are the Swainson Hawk, Red-shafted Flicker, Western AVood Pewee, Clark Nutcracker, Pine Siskin, White-crowned and Gambel sparrows, ^Montana Junco, Long-tailed Chickadee, Robin, and ^Mountain Bluebird. The arbor-vitae is another local association, found chiefly in moist situations of low elevation in the northwestern mountain region. It consists of arbor-vitae, mixed with spruce and lowland fir. It may be seen at its best about the shores of Lake MacDonald and other lakes west of the divide in Glacier Park. The birds breeding in it are mainly similar to those breeding in spruces, bat there is also to be added to the list the Varied Thrush. Artificial associations are those formed by buildings, bridges, fences, plowed fields, and various other men-wrought changes in the natural surroundings that have an influence on the distribution of bird life. Such changes are the direct causes of the scarcity or disappearance of certain species, of which the Long- l)illed Curlew and Sage Hen are conspicuous examples in Montana. On the other hand they cause certain other birds to be more abundant, by providing nesting sites for them or supplies of food, where such did not exist before. With- out attempting to classify artificial associations, I will merely name the species dependent on them for nesting sites, with a mention of the sites chosen in cases where it may not be obvious. These birds are: Killdeer (breeding in plowed fields and along irrigation ditches), Red-shafted Flicker, Arkansas Kingbird, Say Phoebe, English Sparrow, Purple Martin, Cliff, Barn and Tree swallows, Dipper (breeding under bridges). House Wren, Robin, and ^lountain Blue])ird. 26 PACIFIC COAST AVIFAUNA No. 14 Many other species may also be influenced by artificial conditions. Keservoirs built for irrigation pnr])oses have attracted many breeding water birds in cer- tain areas. Grain fields attract Meadowlarks and Sharp-tailed Grouse in the breeding season, and many other species in late summer and fall. Wherever cottouwoods are planted for shade trees, as along streets in the residence districts of cities, all of the smaller species nesting in the cottonwood grove association are liable to be found. These associations will become more and more' import- ant as the state is more thickly settled, until, as is the case in many parts of tli.- eastern United States, the natural associations will have been largely supplanted bv them. LIST OF SPPX'IES 1. Aechmophorus occidentalis (Lawrence) Western Grebe A migrant in the northwestern part of the state, po*ssibly breeding in some favorable localities. Records: Great Falls, three seen and one taken May 0, 1887 (Williams, 1888a, j). 14) ; Flathead Lake, a reguhir migrant in September; two mounted specimens in the collection of H. P. Stanford of Kalisjiell (Saun- ders, 19151), p. 114) ; seen on Foy's Lake, Kalispell, October 20, 1917 (Sloanaker, MS). Occurs on Lake MacDonald and the North Fork of the Flathead River, Glacier xNational Park. A nest reported in the Park (F. .M. Bailey, 1918, p. 52). 2. Colymbus holboelli (Reinhardt) HoLBOEi.L Grebe Breeds at Swan Lake, Flathead County, and found in migration in ollici- localities in tiu' western part of \hv state. Breeding records: Seven nests found, at Swan Lake between June 4 and 17, 1902, and five between June IS and 22, 1908 (Silloway, 190:^1), j)p. 298-2!)!), l!)()2d, pp. 129-181). Migration records: One taken at Three Forks, Gallatin County, October 17, 1909 (Saunders, 1911a, ]). 81); seen at Lubec, Teton (^ounty, September 25-27, 1911 (Saunders, 1914a, p. 127) ; a dead bii-d found at Pokon in October, 1912. Reported from Lake MacDonald and Waterton Lake (F. M. BaiUy, 1918, p. 52). 8. Colymbus auritus Linnaeus 1 loK'XKI) (Jk'KKK A migrant aud a rare hreeder iu tlie uorllieni pai't of the state. K'eroi'ds of this species ai'c few. It is probably eoniinon iu iiiigrat ion hut confused with tile next species. Records: Abundant migi-ant on the Missouri and all streams and pools in the mountains (Gi'innell. lS7(i, p. (155). .Xbuudant on St. ^Fary Lakes and head of Milk K'iver (Griiuiejl, 1SSS. p. 8(iS). One shot ou the .Madison 1921 BIRDS OF MONTANA 27 River, Gallatin County, November 15, 1914, and two from a flock of about twelve secured between Comanche and Broadview, Yellowstone County, October 12, 1917 (Thomas, MS). Breeding records: A nest and eggs of this species found at Dutton, June H, 1917 (see figs. 9 and 10). The nest contained two eggs when found, three eggs June 5, four June 7, five June 9, and six June 12, when complete (DuBois, -MS). Occurs on St. JNIary's Lake, and a nest found on a pond above Swiftcur- rent Lakes, Glacier National Park. (F. M. Bailey, 191S, p. 52). 4. Colymbus nigricollis calif omicus (Heermaun) Eared Grebe A fairly eonnnon sunnner resident throughout the nortiu^-n part of the state. Breeding records: Flathead Lake, three young taken June 20, 1901 (Silloway, 1901a, p. 37) ; summer resident in Teton County (Saunders, 1914a, p. 127) ; a colony of about one hundred nests found on Priest Butte Lake, Teton >.„ 1 \ - tV • f HiBBBiHIItti Fig. 9. A PAIR OF HORKED GREBES AND THEIR NEST. MALE NEARER THE Near Button, Teton County; June, 1917. Photo by A. D. DuBois. County, June 14, 1916. They contained from one to five fresh eggs each (Du Bois, MS). Migration records: Spring: Yellowstone River, May 7, 1904 (Cameron, 1907, p. 247) ; Fort Keogh, May 14, 1892 (Thorne, 1895, p. 212) ; Lewistown, May 2, 1903 (Silloway, 1903a, p. 11); Teton County, May 1, 1912 (Saunders, 1914a, p. 127). Fall: Tongue River, September 2, 1873 (Allen, 1874, p. 68) ; j\Iilk River, August 30, 1874 (Cones, 1874b, p. 657) ; Lewistown, August 23, 1901 (Silloway, 1903a, p. 11). Terry, October 2, 1904 (Cameron, 1907, p. 247); Rock Creek Lake, Powell County, flock of 175, September 17, 1910 (Saunders, 1912a, p. 23). Priest Butte Lake, Teton County, September 4, 1911 (Saunders, 1914a, p. 127). Kalispell, October 14 and 20, 1917 (Sloanaker, MS). 28 PACIFIC COAST AVIFAUNA No. 14 \ 5. Podilymbus podiceps (Litiiiaeus) Pied-billed Grebe A siiiiiiner resident, not reported from many localities, and apparently eom- iiion only in tiie sontliern half of the state. Records: Regnlar summer resident in Fergus County (Silloway, l!)():5a. j). 11.) Noted once at Flathead Lake (Silloway, 1901a, [). 37). In small numbers on the Big Horn River (McChesney, 1879, p. 2895). Yellowstone River, .May 23 and 31, 1904 (Cameron, 1907, p. 247). Gallatin County, August 2!). 19()S (Saunders, 1911a, p. 32). Rare in summer in Teton County (Saunders, l!)14a, p. 127). Nests commonly on little lakes in vicinity of Billings (Thomas, MS). Fig. 10. Female Horxed Grebe on the xest. Near Dutto.n, Teton County, Montana; June, 1917. Photo by A. D. DuBois. 6. Gavia immer (lirunnich) Loon A summer i-esident in suitable localities, mainly in the northwestern part of the state. Noted as a migrant elscnvhere, b\it records in the eastern |)art of the state are few. Records: Flathead Lake, common summer resident. (Silloway, li)01a, p. 37). Abundant on the Missouri (Grinnell, 1876, p. (ir)")). Gallatin Valley (Saunders, 1911a, p. 32). Priest Butte Lake. Teton County, May 2(5. 1912 (Saunders, 1914a, j). 127). Stevensville, Ravalli County, taken in April, 1908, in April or May, 1910, and in the fall of 1912 (Bailey, MS). Winter records: Found dead in ice on Foy's Lake, Kalispell, December 24, 1917. Two seen on Flathead Lake, January 12, 1917 (Sloanaker, MS). Seen on the Yellowstone 1921 BIRDS OF MONTANA 29 in ^[arch and April, and near Custer May 25, 1917, where it possil)ly breeds on islands. Nest with two eggs found at Big Lake, Stillwater County, June 6, 1918 (Thomas, MS). Nests commonly on more remote lakes, in Glacier Park (F. M. Bailey, 1918, p. 52). Seen at Helena April 9, 1911. 7. Gavia stellata (Pontoppidan) Red-throated Loon One taken at Mud Lake, Flathead County, July 15, 1901 (Silloway, 1901a, p. 38). The specimen is in the collection of the University of Montana. Occurs on the Yellowstone, near Billings in migrations and winter (Thomas, MS). 8. Larus occidentalis Audubon Western Gull One, in juvenal plumage, taken at Flathead Lake, August 29, 1900 (Sillo- way, 1901a, p. 38). The identification of this specimen was later questioned by Mr. Silloway. I have examined the bird and believe that it is properly identified. It is in the collection of the TTniversity of Montana. 9. Larus arg-entatus Pontoppidan Herring Gull A migrant in the eastern part of the state, breeding rarely. Common on the Missouri in fall (Silloway, 1903a, p. 11). Taken at Fort Benton by J. H. Beatty, September 8, 187-4 (Coues, 1874b, p. 655). Common on the Yellowstone in fall in Custer and Dawson counties (Cameron, 1907, p. 247). Twenty on the Yellowstone at Billings, May 4, 1917. A nest with five eggs taken at Big Lake, June 4, 1918 (Thomas, MS). 10. Larus califomicus Lawrence Calipornlv Gull One seen in September, 1888, on the Jefferson River, Gallatin County (Richmond and KnoMdton, 1894, p. 301). I secured a young bird at Flathead Lake, July 2, 1914. The bird was one in partly mature plumage, and I supposed it delaivarensis. Mr. Sloanaker examined it later, and wrote me that he l)elieved it to be califomicus. Later, at my request, he sent it to Dr. Grinnell, at the Museum of Vertebrate Zoology, who confirmed his identification. Mr. Sloanaker writes me that mounted birds in Kalispell are undoubtedly this species, and that he l)elieved it more eonnnon at Flathead Lake than delairarensis. 11. Larus delaw^arensis Ord Ring-billed Gull A summer resident locally, mainly in the northern part of the state, and a migrant elsewhere, wherever there are streams and lakes. This is the common- est and most widely distributed gull in the state. Breeding records : A colony found breeding on an island in Lake Bowdoin, near Malta, June 4, 1903 (Willett, 1907, p. 106). Young unable to fly seen near Strater, July 18, 1910 by Anthony (Cooke, 1915a, p. 34). About ten pairs 30 PACIFIC COAST AVIFAUNA No. 14 breed on Big Lake, Stillwater County (Thomas, MS). The bii-d is common in summer at Flathead Lake (Silloway, 1901a, p. 88) and in Teton County (Saun- ders, 1914a, p. 137), but is not known to breed at either place. This species has been repoi-ted from many localities in the state in migration, indicating that it ranges practically throughout the state, t)ut it may be more or less replaced by caUfovhicus west oi' the continental divide. Definite dates of migration are few. These are Teton County, Ai)ril 16, 1912, and Xovembei- 19, 1912 (Saunders, 1914a, p. 127) and Helena, April 9, 1911. A winter record is that of a bii-d found dead at Jjewistown, December ol, 1908 (Silloway. 1908a, p. 11). 12. Larus franklini Richardson FrANKLIxV GuiiT. A large colony was bi-eeding on Big Lake, Stillwater County, in 1917, but was not present in li>18 (Thomas, MS). This ap|)eai's to be the only record oi this species in the state. 13. Larus Philadelphia (Ord) Bonaparte (lii-i/ A rare migrant or erratic visitor in summei". The only recoi'ds are Custer and DaAvson counties, August 12, 1904, and July 31, 1905 (Camei-on. 1907, p. 247); Teton County, a flock seen October 31, 1912 (Saunders, 1914a, p. 127) and Flathead Lake, where it is an unconnnon migrant, Stanfor-d having mounted two in past years (Sloanaker, MS). 14. Xema sabini (J. Sabine) Sahine CJum. One shot and twenty-five others seen at Terry, Custer County, S(^ptember 23, 1904 (Cameron, 190r)a, p. 7«i). 15. Sterna caspia Pallas Caspian Tern An adult male taken at P.ig Lake, Stillwater County, May 1, 1917. Three others were seen at the same time, and se\'eT'al were seen in the spring oT li)18 (Thonuis, MS). 16. Sterna forsteri Nut tall FoHSTER Tern One taken from a flock at Flathead Lake, August 23, 1900 (Silloway, 1901a. p. 38). One killed by Dr. C. R. Thornton at Corvallis, Ravalli County, in the summer of 1909 (Bailey, MS). Thirty seen in <-ai'ly spring about Toluca, Big llor'u County, in 1917, tlie last leaving late in Ai)ril (Thomas, MS). 17. Sterna hirundo Linnaeus Common Tekn Noted as abundant and lu'sting at Lake Powdoin, near .Malta, Phillips Comity, June 28, 1903 (Willett, 1907, p. 105). 1921 BIRDS OF MONTANA 31 18. Sterna antillarura (Lesson) Least Tern One taken on the Yellowstone River, July 2, 1857, by Lient. Warren's Expe- dition (Baird, 1858, p. 8(54) . 19. Hydrochelidon nigra surinamensis (Gnielin) BLxVCk Tern A summer resident, breeding in suitable places, mainly in the northern part of the state. Occurs as a migrant, rather erratically in many localities. Breeding records: A pair seen at Somers, north end of Flathead Lake, June 23, 1915, were evidently breeding (Saunders, 1916a, p. 85). Common at Kalispell, nesting in suitable sloughs (Sloanaker, IMS). A large colony seen at Grassy Lake, Teton County, June 12, 1916, and two at Priest Butte Lake, June 14, were probably breeding (DuBois, MS). Breeds in the Lake Basin near Bill- ings, where nests with eggs were found at Big Lake, June 22, 1918 (Thomas, MS\ Migrant records: Custer and Dawson counties, several erratic records from ^lay to August (Cameron, 1907, p. 247). One taken at Bozeman is in the col- lection of the Montana Agricultural College (Saunders, 1911 a, p. 82). One seen at Missoula, :\ray 80, 1917 (Kittredge, IMS). 20. Phalacrocorax auritus auritus (Lesson) Double-crested Cormorant A rare migrant along the larger rivers, mainly in the eastern part of the state. Records: One on Upper St. Mary Lake, October 15, 1887 (Grinnell, 1888, p. 368). One seen on the Yellowstone in Custer County, October 15, 1904 (Cameron, 1907, p. 247). One taken at Miles City in September, 1902, by R. C. Morrison. This specimen was examined in the flesh and identified by C. F. Hedges. It was mounted by T. J. Newmail, a taxidermist in IMiles City, but was later destroyed (Hedges, MS). Two seen on the Missouri River at Lombard, Gallatin County, April 22 and 23, 1909 (Saunders. 1911 a, p. 32). 21. Pelecamis erythrorhynchos Gmelin White Pelican Breeds in at least two localities in the prairie region of the state, and occurs in summer or migrations in many other places. Found breeding at Lake Bow- doin, young and eggs being seen on July 4, 1903 (Willett, 1907, p. 106). This colony is evidently still in existence, for I saw a number of birds of this species on this lake, from the train, on June 22, 1915. A colony of eight pairs breeds on an island in Big Lake, Stillwater County, observed there in 1918 (Thomas, MS). IMigrant records of this species are numerous and scattered through the state. In many smaii towns of the state mounted specimens of this bird are to be seen in taxidermists' shops or store windows, testifying to its widespread occurrence. Definite dates of its occurrence are hard to get, however. The only ones available are as follows: Miles City, September 5, 1898 (Cameron, 1907, p. 247). Camp Thorne (site of what is now Glendive), September 12, 1873 \ \ 32 PACIFIC COAST AVIFAUNA No. 14 (Allen, 1874, p. 68). Helena, four shot by Wni. JMuth and A. L. Palmer in August, 1901 (Silloway, from an unpublished manuscript in the possession ol" the University of Montana). Statements are made that this species remain? until the ponds and lakes freeze in (^arly winter, but thci-e are no definite dates on record to show this. 22. Mergns americanus Cassin Merganser A sunnner resident in the western part of the state, nuiinly west of the con- tinental divide, where it is reported to breed. Occurs in migration tiiroufihout the state. Summer records: Flathead Lake, probably breeding (Silloway. l!)()la. n 88). Bitterroot Valley, common breeder (Bailey, MS). Breeds in (Jlaeier i'ark (F. M. Bailey, 1918, p. 58). Records in migration : Powder River and Deer Creek, Custer County, May 3-19, and September 19, 1860 (Coues, 1874a, p. 584). IMiles City, October, 1889 (Thorne, 1895, p. 212). Terry, November 12, 1904 '(Cameron, 1907, pp. 287-288). Lewistown, April 27, 1903 (Silloway, 1903a, p. 12). Choteau, April 16-17. 1912 (Saunders, 1914a, p. 127). Corvallis, Ravalli County, j\larch 1, 1911 ; :\larch 7, 1912 and February 15, 1913 (Bailey, MS). This species has also been recorded without dates from the Little Blackfoot River (Cooper, 1869, p. 84) and from Gallatin County (Saunders, 1911a, p. 32). In Glacier National Park, Mergansers are reported to remain all winter in open water (F. M. Bailey, 1918, p. 58). The only data which indicate the time when tliey nest are from the Bitter- root Valley, as follows: "They breed regularly along the river. I have found them breeding as early as I\Iarch, (]\rarch 28, 1912) and have foimd young no more than a week old in June (June 10, 1910) " (Bailey. ]\IS). 23. Mergus serrator Linnaeus Red-breasted Merganser A migrant, fairly common in most localities, and recorded thi-oughout the state. The bird has been frecpiently seen in August and Septembei- in the mountainous parts of the state, and may breed in such localities, though there is nothing to indicate this at present. The only record west of the continental divide is at Lake iMacDonald, where one was shot by a forest I'anger (Sloannker, MS). Spring migration dates are as follows: Fort Keogh, April 27, 1889 (Thorne. 1895, p. 212). Lombard, Gallatin bounty, April 22, 1909 (Saunders, 1911a, p 32). Dawson County, Ai)ril 7, 1890 ((-ameron, 1907a, p. 248). Buxton, Silver P.OW County, May 6, 1910, and Anaconda. May 1, 1911 (Saunders, 1912a, p. 23). Choteau. .May 28, 1912 (Saunders, 1914a, p. 127). 24. Lophodytes cucullatus (Liunaeus) Hooded Merganser Widely distril)uted ovei- the state, apparently bi'ceding in suitable localities, everywhere, but not common anywhere. Summei- I'ccords of the species are 1921 BIRDS OF MONTANA 33 most common. Young liave been noted, but there is no record that tlie nest has ever been found. Records: Upper Missouri and Milk rivers (Coues, 1874a, p. 585). Mis- souri River (Grinnell, 1876, p. 655). Dawson County (Cameron, 1907, p. 248). Fort Keogh (Thorne, 1895, p. 212). Flathead Lake (Sillovvay, 1901a, p. 38). Fergus County in migration (Silloway, 1903a, p. 12). Gallatin County (Saun- ders, 1911a, p. 32). A female and young bird were seen on the Upper Two Medi- cine Lake, Glacier National Park, August 5, 1914. The only dates that indicate the time of migration are the following : Yel- lowstone River, May 7, 1905 (Cameron, 1907, p. 248), and Corvallis, September 2, 1911, one shot (Bailey, MS). 25. Anas platyrhynchos Linnaeus Mallard Alumdant tliroughout the state. The most abundant and widely distributed duck in Montana. Breeds commonly in most jiarts of the state ])ut reported as becoming rare as a breeder in Custer and Dawson counties (Cameron, 1907, p. 248). Abundant in migration everywhere. Winters commonly in mountain valleys throughout the w^estern half of the state, the easternmost point where it is reported to winter being Fergus County (Silloway, 19()3a, p. 12). Migration dates in the western half of the state are difficult to obtain witli accuracy because so many birds winter, but the height of the migrations is evidently in April and October. For the eastern half the only date obtainable is the average arrival at Terry, which is March 26 (Cooke, 1906a, p. 23). ^[allards begin nesting in April, and the young may be found commonly in June. At Great Falls the latest date for fresh eggs is given as jMay 24 (Williams, 1888a, p. 17), but there is a much, later date from Malta, June 28, 1903 (Wil- lett, 1907, p. 105). 26. Chaulelasmus streperus (Linnaeus) Gadwall Prol)al)ly occurs throughout the state as a migrant but not as yet reported from the soutliwestern portion. Breeds in the northern half of the state, east of the continental divide, and is reported as occurring in summer in the Bitter- root Valley (Bailey, MS). Breeds in the Milk River region (Coues, 1874b, ix 650), and in Teton County, where downy young may be seen in June and July (Saunders, 1914a, p. 128). This species has also been found with downy young in Glacier National Park (F. M. Bailey, 1918, p. 53). Reported as a migrant only in Custer and Dawson counties (Cameron, 1907, p. 248), and Fergus County (Silloway, 1903a, p. 12) and at Fort Keogh (Thorne, 1895, p. 212). Reported in September "on the road to Ft. Ellis" (McChesney, 1879, p. 2394). In the Bitterroot Valley it is fairly common in spring and sum- mer and abundant in fall (Bailey, MS). A fairly common migrant in Yellow- stone and Stillw'ater counties (Thomas, MS). Migration dates: Terry, about April 1 (Cooke, 1906a, p. 27). Dawson Count}', April 7, 1890 (Cameron, 1907, p. 248). Corvallis, April 5, 1913 (Bailey, irS.), and Choteau April 17, 1912 (Saanders, 1914a, p. 128). \ \ 34 PACIFIC COAST AVIFAUNA No. 14 27. Mareca americana (Gmelin) B.VLDPATE A coiiiinon migrant tliroughout the state, and a summer resident in some localities. Breeds abundantly along the northern border of the state (Coues, 1874a, p. 564), near Malta (Willett, 1907, p. 105), in Teton County (Saunders, 1914a, p. 128) and in Gallatin County (Saunders, 1911a, p. 32). In migration this species is reported from practically all localities where extensive work has been done. In eastern Montana it does not appear to be very common, but in the western part it is one of the most abundant migrant ducks. In the Bitterroot Valley it is reported as rare in spring, and very common in fall (Bailey, MS). Dates of migration are as follows: Terry, average spring arrival, April 8 (Cooke, 1906a, p. 29). Gallatin County, April 25-i\Iay 14, 1909 (Saunders, 1911a, p. 32), Buxton, Silver Bow County, May 7, 1910, and Anaconda, April 20- May 27, 1911 (Saunders, 1912a, p. 23), Choteau, April 17, 1912, and November 28, 1912 (Saunders,1914a, p 128), and Corvallis, February 19, 1911 (Bailey, MS). 28. Nettion carolinense (Gmelin) Green-winged Teal A regular summer resident, breeding in suitable localities throughout the state. Very abundant in migrations. A few winter in the western lialf of thf state. Breeds most abundantly in northern Montana, east of the continental divide. August records are common in many parts of the state, indicating either breeding, or very early fall migration. Breeding is definitely reported in the following localities: Custer and Daw- son counties (Cameron, 1907, p. 248) ; Big Horn River (McChesney, 1879, p. 2394) ; Fort Keogh (Thorne, 1895, p. 212) ; Milk River (Coues, 1874b, p. 650) ; eastern Montana (Grinnell, 1876, p. 654) ; Teton County (Saunders, 1914a, p. 128) ; Bitterroot Valley (Bailey, MS). ^rigiation dates are reported as follows: Great Falls, I^Iay 9, 1887 (Wil- liams, 18S8a, p. 17) ; Terry, average, March 23 (Cooke, 1906a, p. 31) ; Buxton, April 23, 1910; Anaconda, April 23, 1911, and Race Track, October 30. 1910 (Saunders, 1912a, p. 23) ; Choteau, April 16, 1912 (Saunders, 1914a, p. 128) ; Three Forks, October 17, 1909. Winter records: Great Falls (Williams, 1888a, p. 17) ; Deerfield, Decem- her 5, 1902 (Silloway, 1903a, p. 13); Anaconda, January 8, 1911 (Saunders, 1912a, p. 23) ; Choteau, December 27, 1912 (Saunders, 1914a, p. 128; and Bit- terroot Valley, several in 1910 and 1911, and two males January 2, 1912 (Bailey, MS). 29. Querquedula discors (Linnaeus) Blue- WINGED Teal A wry abundant migrant, and less common as a summer resident through- out the stale. Re])orted practically everywher(> and by nearly all observers in mignitions. Breeding recoi-ds ai-e from the followiiui: localities: Missouri and \ 1921 BIRDS OP MONTANA 35 Milk rivers (Coues, 1874b, p. 651) ; Big Horn River (McChesney, 1879, p. 2394) ; near IMalta (Willett, 1907, p. 105) ; Custer and Dawson counties (Cameron, 1907, pp. 248-249) ; Gallatin County (Saunders, 1911a, p. 83) ; Teton County (Saunders, 1914a, p. 128) ; Bitterroot Valley, breeds very rarely (Bailey, ]\IS). The only date for nesting tliat I know of is July 15, 1.911, when a set of seveu eggs was found on the Dearborn River, in northern Lewis and Clark County. Migration dates: Rosebud, September 9, 1860 (Coues, 1874a, p. 567); Great Falls, May 9, 1887 (Williams, 1888a, p. 17); Anaconda, April 23, 1911, and Willow Creek, Powell County, September 26, 1910 (Saunders, 1912a, p. 23). 30. Querquedula cyanoptera (Vieillot) Cinnamon Teal Breeds in some localities west of the continental divide, and occurs in migra- tion rarely in other parts of the state. Reported at present from only six locali- ties. The only records in the eastern half of the state are from Popoagie Creek. May 22, 1860 (Coues, 1874a, p. 567), and Billings, May 1, 1917 (Thomas, MS). Other records are as follows : Flocks seen between Thompson 's Falls and Flat- head River, August 11, 1900 (Jones and Dawson, 1900, pp. 28-29) ; Gallatin County, May 14, 1909 (Saunders, 1911a, p. 33) ; Silver Bow, May 21, 1911 (Saunders, 1912a, p. 23) ; Bitterroot Valley, fairly common breeder, remaining till about September 1. Spring arrival IMay 12, 1912 (Bailey, IMS). 31. Spatula clypeata (Linnaeus) Shoveller A common migrant throughout the state. Breeds, or occurs in summer, in the more suitable localities. Summer records : Custer and Dawson counties (Cameron, 1907, p. 249) ; Milk River, breeds (Coues, 1874a, p. 571) ; Malta, nest and nine eggs on June 19, 1903, and other nests June 28, 1903 (Willett, 1907, p. 105) ; Teton County (Saunders, 1914a, p. 128) ; Bitterroot Valley, rare l)reeder (Bailey, MS) ; Pend-Oreille River at Poison, July 27, 1915 (Saunders, 1916c, p. 85) ; breeds near Billings (Thomas, MS). Migration dates are as follows: Terry, average arrival April 13 (Cooke, 1906a, p. 37) ; Missoula, April 19, 1897 (specimen in collection of University of Montana) ; Gallatin County, April 22, 1909 (Saunders, 1911a, p. 33) ; Fridley, Park County, May 13, 1909, Stuart, Silver Bow County, April 30, 1911, Race Track, Deer Lodge County, September 26, 1910, and French Gulch, Deer Lodge County, May 14, 1911 (Saunders, 1912a, p. 23); Choteaii, March 24, 1912, October 1, 1911, and November 9, 1912 (Saunders, 1914a, p. 128) 32. Dafila acuta (Linnaeus) Pintail A common migrant throughout the state, occurring in smaller numl^ers in summer and breeding in suitable places. Breeds in the follov.'ing localities : Milk River (Coues, 1874b, p. 650) ; Big Horn River (McChesney, 1879, p. 2394) ; Dawson County (Cameron, 1907, p. 249) ; Gallatin County (Saunders, 1911a, p. \ \ 36 PACIFIC COAST AVIFAUNA No. 14 33) ; and Teton County (Saunders, l!)Ua, p. 128). I?rol)al)ly ])reeds at Flathead Lake (Silloway, 1901a, p. 39). Breeds at Big Lake (Thomas, MS). Reported as a migrant in Fergus County (Silloway, 19()3a, p. 13) and in the Bitterroot Valley in fall (Bailey, ]\IS). The only migration vlates are Terry, average April 1, and earliest March 10, 1902, and Great Falls, average Mareli 16, and earliest March 10, 1889 (Cooke, 1906a, p. 39). A winter record is Clio- teau, December 27, 1912 (Saunders, 1914a, p. 128). 33. Aix sponsa (Linnaeus) Wood Duck Rare. Recorded from but six localities, as follows : Taken in spring and fall at Fort Custer by Capt. :\Iix (McChesney, 1879, p. 2394). Brood seen a1 Flathead Lake, and young male taken July 31, 1901 (Silloway, 1901a, p. 39). Gallatin County, migrant and breeds in mountains, according to Cooley (Saun- ders, 1911a, p. 33). Bitterroot Valley, one male captured alive near Corvallis in the fall of 1915 (Bailey, MS). Two ol)served on tlie Yellowstone near Billings in 1912 by C. S. IMacFarland, who was familiar with this species in the cast. The birds were observed at close range for ten minutes (Thomas, ]\IS). 34. Marila americana (Eyton) Redhead A rather uncommon migrant, principally in the eastern part of the state. There are no records west of the continental divide. There are no definite breeding records, and only one case of its occurrence in summer, in Gallatin County, June 29-30, 1909 (Saunders, 1911a, p. 33). .Migrant records are Fort Keogh (Thorne, 1895, p. 212), Custer and Dawson counties (Cameron, 1907, }). 249), Fergus County (Silloway, 1903a, p. 14) and as l)elow. Migration dates: Terry, September 26, 1903 (Cameron, 1907, p. 249); northern Montana, average April 13, and earliest April 7, 1895 (Cooke, 1906a, p. 42); Choteau, April 17, 1912, and September 13, 1911 (Saunders, 1914a, p. 128) ; and Helena, April 9, 1911. 35. Marila valisineria (Wilson) Canvasback A migrant in numy localities in the state, but evidently not common. Breeds in the vicinity of Malta, nine eggs being secured June 19, 1903, and a nest found June 28 (Willett, 1907, p. 105). Breeds in the Lak(> Basin of Yel- lowstone and Stillwater counties (Thomas, MS). Recorded as a migrant in Fergus County fSilloway, 1903a. p 14'), (lallatiu County (Saunders, 1911a, p. 33) and as below. ^Migration dates: Corvallis, October 15. 1911 (Baihy, ^IS) ; Choteau, April 17, 1912, and November 24, 1912 (Saunders, 1914a, p. 128) : Helena, Api'il !>, 1911; Kalispell, October 21, 1917 (Sloanaker, MS). Occurs on Flathead Lake in winter, until the lake freezes over, sometimes until late in January (Sloanaker, MS). 1921 BIRDS OF MONTANA 37 ;36. Marila af finis (Eyton) Lesser Scaup Duck A common migrant lliroiighoiit the state. Breeds along the northern border on the east side of the continental divide. Breeding records : Milk River (Coues, 1874a, p. 574); Teton County (Saunders, 1914a, p. 128). Migration records are in Fergus County (Silloway, 1903a, p. 14), at Flathead Lake (Sloanaker, MS) and as below. Migration dates: Fort Keogh, March, 1889 (Thorne, 1895, p. 212) ; Terry, May 7, 1905 (Cameron, 1907, p. 249) ; Gallatin County, I\Iay 7 and 14, 1909; Great Falls, May 1, 1912; Button, May 12, 1917 (DuBois, MS). 37. Marila collaris (Donovan) Ring-necked Duck Rare migrant. At present known definitely from two localities only. Two birds were taken from a flock of eight or nine on Storey Creek, near Belgrade, Gallatin County, October 10, 1912, by Thomas (Saunders, 1915d, p. 238), and three more Avere taken from a flock of fifteen in the same locality November 17, 1914 (Thomas, MS). Dr. Coues mentions a specimen of this bird in "Daw- son's collection" (1874b, p. 651) but as the locality and date are unknown, it is doubtful whether the bird came from Montana. This may be the same Dawson who collected a specimen of the Hudsonian Godwit, "east of the Milk River" and the duck may have come from that region. Reported from swampy ground in Glacier National Park in summer (F. M. Bailey, 1918, p. 53). 38. Clangula clangula americana Bonaparte Golden-eye Summer resident in the northwestern part of the state, breeding. Common winter visitor along all the larger rivers of the western half of the state, where the water is swift enough to remain open. Migrant in the eastern half of the state, and not common there. Breeding records: Flathead Lake (Silloway, 1901a, p. 40) ; Lake Josephine, Glacier National Park, August 9, 1915. A few pairs are believed to breed along the Yellowstone River in the vicinity of Bill- ings (Thomas, MS). Winter records: Gallatin County (Saunders, 1911a, p. 33); Jefferson County (Saunders, 1912a, p. 23) ; Teton County (Saunders, 1914a, p. 128). Win- ters commonly all along the IMissouri River from Three Forks to Great Falls, and along the Yellowstone above Livingston. Judith River (Silloway, 1903a, p. 14). Bitterroot Valley, common December to IMarch (Bailey, i\IS). Winters at Billings (Thomas, MS) and at Flathead Lake (Sloanaker, MS). iMigration records: In the eastern half of the state, the only records ar(; from Custer and Dawson counties, October, 1903, September 26, 1904, and Octo- ber 10, 1906 (Cameron, 1907, p. 249) and from Fort Keogh, April 17, 1889 (Thorne, 1895, p. 212). In the western half of the state the following dates rep- resent the earliest arrivals of birds in localities where they do not winter: Cho- teaii, April 17, 1912 (Saunders, 1914a, p. 128), and Helena, April 9, ]911. The \ 38 PACIFIC COAST AVIFAUNA No. 14 latest spring dates in localities where the birds do not breed are as follows: Cho- teau, May 3, 1912 (Saunders, 1914a, p. 128), Lombard, April 23, 1909 (Saun- ders, 1911a, p. 33), Great Falls, May 17 (Williams, 1888a, p. 16). Latest dates in the Bitterroot Valley are March 7, IDll, Man-li 20, 1912, au.l April :5, 1913 (Bailey, IMS). 89. Clangula islandica (Gmelin) Barrow Golden-eye Bi'ocds raiH'ly in tlic mountains of northwestern .Montana, and winters rarely on rivers. Breeding record: Chief Mountain Lake, now in Glacier Na- tional Park, August 21, 1874; a female and brood of young secured (Cones, 1874b, p. 652). Winter record: Great Falls (Williams, 1888a, p. 16). A fall migrant on the Yellowstone near Billings (Thomas, MS). 40. Charitonetta albeola (Linnaeus) Bmffleiiead A migrant tiiroughout the state, rare in some localities, conniion in others. Breeds mainly along the northern border. Breeding records : Milk River (Coues, 1874b, p. 653) ; Deep Creek, near Camp Baker (location now in IMeagher County), female and young secured (Grinnell, 1876, p. 654) ; Flathead Lake, 3^oung bird taken July 30, 1901 (Silloway, 1901a, p. 40). A pair bred on the Yellowstone within one mile of Billings, having eight young in Ihe water June 12, 1917 (Thomas, MS). Recorded in migration from the following localities: Fort Keogh fi''lioi-nt\ 1895, p. 212) ; Fergus County (Silloway, 1903a, p. 14) ; Gallatin County (Saun- ders, 1911a, p. 33) ; Bitterroot Valley, rare in fall (Bailey, MS), and as below. r^Iigration dates: Choteau, April '[7-M'dy 14, 1912, and November 9-24, 1912 (Saunders, 1914a, p. 128). Winter record: St. Mary's (now in northern Teton County, near the east- ern border of Glacier National Park) December 18, 1853, taken l)y Dr. Suckley (Baird, 1858, p. 798). 41. Harelda hyemalis fLinnaeus) Old-squaw One, an adult female, shot on a slough near Kalispell, De-temlier 5. 1917 (Sloanakci-, MS). Two [)airs shot on lloliings Lake, three miles east of Billings, in October, 1916, ai'c now mounted in a store in Billings (Thomas, MS). 42. Histrionicus histrionicus (Linnaeus) ILVRLEQITIN Dt^ck A rare summer resident in tlic mountains along streams and lakes. Evi- dently most common in the nortliwcstern part of the state. Tliere appears to be but one record ol" Ihe species in migration. Records: Bi'ecding at Chief Mountain Lake, August, 1874 (Coues, 1874b, p. 653). Two taken on a mountain stream by G. H. Trook, IMay 31, 1860 (Coues, 1874a, p. 579). While this latter record is not definite as to locality it is probably from the Big Horn Mountains, 1921 BIRDS OF MONTANA 39 as otlier records IVoiii this saiue pul)li('ation show that Trook was collecting in this vicinity in May, 1860. Several pairs seen in the Big Horn Mountains by J. C. Merrill, and thought to be breeding (AVade, 1881, p. 44). Birch Creek, Teton County, .May 80 to June 3, 1912 (Saunders, 1914a, p. 128). Iceberg Lake, Glacier National Park, a pair observed June 27, 1918 (Warren, 1!)14. p. 585). Tpper Two Medicine Lake, Glacier National Park, August 5, 1914 (Saunders, 1915c, p. 225). A pair taken on Flathead Lake without date, were mounted by Stanford (Sloanaker, MS), Seven seen on the West Gallatiu River September •80. 1917 (Thomas, MS). 48. Oidemia deglandi Bonaparte WiiiTE-wixGED Scoter A Tall migrant in the western part of the state, occurring in some numbers in August, indicating that it may possibly breed in the state. The only i-ecords are as follows : Headwaters of the Missouri ({)robably mainly Broadwater County), August 11, 1900, abundant (Jones and Dawson, 1900, p. 29). A fall migrant on Flathead Lake according to Stanford (Saunders, 1915b, p. 114). Upper Two ^ledicine Lake, Glacier National Park, one seen August 5, 1914. A migrant at Billings (Thomas, AIS). 44. Oidemia perspicillata (Linnaeus) Surf Scoter Occurs on Flathead Lake in fall. Three speciminis mounted by Stanford (Saunders, 1915b, p. 114), Several occurred on Big Lake, Stillwater County, in the fall of 1917 (Thomas, MS). 45. Erismatura jamaicensis (Gmeliu; Ruddy Duck A migrant, {)ro])ably throughout the state, though records are lacking in some localities. Breeds along the northern border. Breeding records : Milk River (Cones, 1874b, p. 654) ; Flathead Indian Reservation, ^Missoula County (Silloway, 1908b, p. 80). Breeds in the lake basin near Billings, eggs having been secured June 4, 1918. Eggs were found in nests of the Pintail and Shovel- ler (Thomas, MS). Migration records: Fort Keogh, April 21, 1889 (Thorne, 1895, p. 212); Yellowstone River (Cameron, 1907, p. 250) ; Fergus County (Silloway, 1903a, p. 14) ; Anaconda, October, 1910 (Saunders, 1912a, p. 28) : Bitterroot Valley, rare fall migrant. Found at Corvallis in October, 1910 and 1911. One, Octobei- 10, 1911 (Bailey, MS). 16. Chen hyperboreus hyperboreus (Pallas) Snow Goose A common migrant on prairies and in valleys practically throughout the state, but not reported from some localities. Records, with migration dates, are as follows: Custer and Dawson counties, April 7, 1890; September 12. 1904, and November 12, 1903 (Cameron, 1907, p. 250). I'pper Missouri in October 40 PACIFIC COAST AVIFAUNA No. 14 (GriniK'll, 1876, ]). 654). Central Montana, average April 6 (Cooke, 1906a, pp. 66-67). Teton County, April 9-23, 1912; October 24-31, 1911, and November 9-24, 1912 (Saunders, 1914a, p. 128). Bitterroot Valley, April 17-25, 1911, Apj-il 13-18, 1912, and April 19, 1913 (i^ailey, .AIS). Button, October 24, 1915, and April 9-18, 1917 (UuBois, MS). Flathead Lake (Sloanaker, MS). Billings (Thomas, MS). 47. Chen hyperboreus nivalis (J. R. Forster) Greater Snow Goose Five killed near Corvallis, Bitterroot Valley, from a flock oC about twenty or twenty-five in the fall of 1915 by Mr. H. D. Hoblitt (Bailey, MS). Accord- ing to statements of sportsmen this form has been shot on Flathead Lake and on Lake Bowdoin in Phillips County, but specimens are not preserved (Sloanaker, MS). 48. Chen rossi (Cassin) Ivoss Goose A fairly common migrant. Records are scattered over most of the state, but the center of abundance seems to be just east of the mountains. Fort Keogh, April 25, 1892 (Thorne, 1895, p. 212). Lewistown, March 14, 1903 (Silloway, 1903a, p. 15). Great Falls, a large flock, several thousand in number, remained from April 17 to 26, 1885 (Williams, 1886, p. 274). Gallatin County (Saunders. 1911a, p. 33). Teton River, May 8, 1912 (Saunders, 1914a, p. 129). Average arrival at Great Falls, April 7, at Columbia Falls, April 8. Latest date, centi-al ^Montana, April 24. Fall dates: Columbia Falls, October 10, 1893, average October 15, latest October 28, 1896 (Cooke, 1906a, pp. 69-70). Twelve at Hay- cock Lake, Yellowstone County, September 1, 1917, and nine at Big Lake, Still- water County, October 20, 1917 (Thomas, MS). 49. Anser albifrons gambeli Ilartlaub White-fronted Goose A fairly common migrant in the vicinity of Billings (Thomas, ]MS). There seems to be no reason why this species should not be eonunon elsewhere in the state, l)ut it has evidently been overlooked, this being the only locality Troin V which it is i'ej)oi'ted. 50. Branta canadensis canadensis (Linnaeus) Canada ({oosk Foi'inerly bi'cd 1 liroughoiit the stale, along I'ivei's and about lakes. Si ill l)rec(ling in the more I'cniote localities, and a eonunon migrant e\'eiy w liei'e. Breeding records: ("uster and Dawson counties, until 19(Mi (Caiiiei-on, 1907, pp. 250-251) ; Fergus County (Silloway. l!)03a. p. 15) ; Lake I'.owdoin (Willelt. 1!)()7, |). 105); Marias River (Saunders, 1914a. |). 129); Flathead Lake (Sillo- way, 1901 a, p. 40). Still l)i'eeding on some of the small islands of Flathead Lake, up to 1!)15. Also repoi'tcd to breed at that time on islands in the Pend-Oreille I\ivei', on tlu' boundary of Missoula and Sanders counties. 1921 BIRDS OF MONTANA 41 In early records the bird was reported breeding on tlie ^lissouri (Cones, 1874b, p. 649; Cooper, 1869a, p. 83; Grinnell, 1876, p. 654), and on the Yellow- stone and IMussellshell rivers (Allen, 1874, p. 67). In these early reports, and also in some of the recent ones, the birds are reported to nest in trees, in old nests of hawks and ospreys (^Merrill, 1883, pp. 124-125). Where breeding on islands, however, they frequently also nest on the ground. Migration records are numerous and practically throughout the state. Dates of migration are as follows: Average arrival in Custer and Dawson counties, March 27 (Cameron, 1907, pp. 250-251) ; Terry, average of ten years, March 27 (earliest February 28, 1892, latest April 4, 1897) ; Columbia Falls, average of five years, March 24 (earliest, March 17, 1895) ; Great Falls, average of three years, March 12 (earliest, March 10, 1889). Fall migration: Columbia Falls, average of four years, November 20 (latest, November 24, 1895) (Cooke, 1906a, pp. 74-77). Norton Gulch, Silver Bow County, March 23, 1910. Teton County, November 24-28, 1912 (Saunders, 1914a, p. 129). Bitterroot Valley, April 17-20, 1911; April 13-14, 1912 (Bailey, MS). 51. Branta canadensis hutchinsi (Richardson) HuTCHiNS Goose A migrant, reported from but two localities: Terry, October 4, 1903 (Cam- eron, 1907, p. 251), and September 22, 1904 (Cooke, 1906a, p. 78) ; and Big Horn River, three secured from a large flock in November, 1917 (Thomas, IMS). 52. Olor columbianus (Ord) Whistling Swan A migrant, probably in most parts of the state, though difficulty in dis- tinguishing this species from the next, makes it hard to say -just how abundant the bird is. It has been recorded certainly from Custer and Dawson counties (Cameron, 1907, p. 250), the High wood Lakes (Felton), Teton County (Saun- ders, 1914a, p. 129), and Gallatin County (Saunders, 1911a, p. 33). A large flock was reported from Madison Lake in September, 1917 (Thomas, MS). Migrant swans that probably belong to this species are also recorded from Jefferson and Deer Lodge counties (Saunders, 1912a, p. 24). In the Bitterroot Valley a swan is reported as a rare migrant, but the species is in question. The birds occurred April 11-15, 1910, and April 17-20, 1911 (Bailey, MS). Other migration data that are probably mainly for this species are Teton County, April 23, 1912, October 31, 1911, and November 9-28, 1912. 53. Olor buccinator (Richardson) Trumpeter Swan Formerly a summer resident in suitable localities throughout the state. Now still found in some numbers in migration, and perhaps even conuuoner at that season than the above species. The species possibly breeds in the more remote parts of the state, but recent data concerning the breeding are from unsatisfac- tory sources, and attempts to locate breeding areas have been unsuccessful. The most recent breeding records are as follows: Highland Lakes (Silloway, 1903a, \ 42 PACIFIC COAST AVIFAUNA No. 14 p. 15). Three obtained from the nest alive in 1906, locality not given (Coale, 1915, p. S9). Three pairs and a single bird seen June 28, 1914, north of Havre in northern Choteau Coimty, by W. L. Thomas. A pair reported by ranchers to have remained on Big Lake, Stillwater County, throughout the summer of .1917, and to have raised three young, two of which were shot. These birds were present again in 1918 (Thomas, MS). Th(^ following is a summary of Montana records from ^Ir. II. K. Coale 's recent article on this species (1915, pp. 82-90) : Common up to twenty years ago, and formerly wintered regularly in ^lontana. Nested up to 1881 on Rodgers Lake, twenty miles west of Kalispell, and on Swan Lake and lakes in the Clear- water. An adult male was taken at the mouth of the Flathead River, November 16, 1910. Taken at St. Mary's Lake in the fall of 1912, and at Cut Bank, Teton County. November 10, 1913, and at Stillwater Lake I\Iarch 11, 1902. Records of this species from other sources are from Custer and Dawson counties May 1, 1884, and October 27, 1905 (Cameron, 1907, p. 251). Breeds on the Yellowstone (Coues, 1874a, p. 544) ; August 27, 1856 (Baird, 1858, p. 759). One killed hy Col. Buell about December 10, 1877, at Fort T. C. Smith (iMcChesney, 1879. p. 2394). 54. Mycteria americana Linnaeus Wood Ibis A young bird was taken at Ennis, on the Madison River in Octobei-. 1902 (Cooley, 1903, p. 210). This specimen, mounted, is now in the collection of the ^lontana Agricultural College at Bozeman. An adult was observed on the Yel- lowstone, near Custer, on May 4,1918, from a distance of about 50 yards (Thomas, MS). Mr. Thomas became familiar with this species on a collecting trip in Mexico. He writes that a rancher showed him this bird and stated that it had been there the previous year. 55. Botaurus lentiginosus (Montagu) Bittern Migrant in suitable localities probably throughout the state. Summer resi- dent, at least along the northern border, and probably anywhere in the state where grounds suitable for its breeding exist. Breeding records : Flathead Lake (Silloway, 1901a, p. 40) ; Malta (Willett, 1907, p. 105) ; Teton County (Saun- ders, 1914a, p. 129) ; Bitterroot Valley, rare breeder (Bailey. MS). Records in migration are from Custer and Dawson counties (Cameron, 1907, p. 251) ; Gal- latin County (Richmond and Knowlton, 1894, p. 302) ; Fergus County (Silloway, 1903a, p. 15) ; and Bitterroot Valley, several seen every fall (Bailey, MS). ^ligration dates are as follows: Terry, April 23, 1893 (Cooke, 1913ii, p. 28); Lewistown, May 19 (Silloway, 1903a, p. 15); and Choteau, i\Iay 13, 1912 (Saunders, 1914a, p. 129). 56. Ixobrychus exilis (Gmelin) Least Bittern A (lead bird, badly (h'coinposed, found at Big Lake, Stillwater County, in 1921 BIRDS OF MONTANA 43 the fall of 1!)1T. Seen twice in 1918 in the same locality, and a pair with i)ai'- tially completed nest found on ]\Iay 19 (Thomas, MS). 57. Ardea herodias herodias Linnaeus Great Blue Heron C'ommon smnmer resident along the larger rivers on the east side of the continental divide. Recorded as a migrant only west of the divide. Records: Fort Benton (Cooper, 1869a, p. 82) ; IMissouri River (Grinnell, 1876, p. 653) ; Yellowstone River (AlcChesney, 1879, p. 2394) ; Custer and Dawson counties (Cameron, 1907, p. 251). For a detailed account of the nesting in this part of the state see also Cameron (1906, pp. 253-262). Nesting at Lake Bowdoin (Wil- lett, 1907, p. 106) ; Gallatin County (Saunders, 1911a, p. 34) ; Jefferson County (Saunders, 1912a, p. 24). Recorded in migration only in Fergus County (Sillo- way, 1903a, p. 16), and in the Bitterroot Valley (Bailey, MS). This species is common all summer along the Missouri River in Cascade, Lewis and Clark, and Broadwater counties. Migration dates : Terry, average May 7, earliest May 2, 1905. In fall, Sep- tember 21, latest September 24, 1905 (Cooke, 1913a, p. 39). Lombard, April 23, 1909, and Cascade, May 2, 1912. Nesting data: Nesting on the ground on an island in Lake Bowdoin, July 4, 1903 (Willett, 1907, p. 106). Colonies nest on islands in the Yellowstone River (Cameron, 1906, p. 252), below Three Forks (Saunders, 1911a, p. 34), and near Billings (Thomas, MS). I 58. Grus americana (Linnaeus) Whooping Crane A rare migrant in the eastern part of the state. There are records from but three localities: Big Sandy, May 1 to 5, 1903 (Coubeaux), Terry, October 5, 1904 (Cameron) (Cooke, 1914a, p. 6), and Billings, April 8, 1918 (Thomas, MS). 59. Gnis canadensis (Linnaeus) Little Brown Crane Regular fall migrant in extreme eastern Montana. Not recorded elsewhere, though it may be commoner than supposed and found throughout the state. The only region where it has been recorded is in Custer and Dawson counties, where it is a migrant in fall (Cameron, 1907, p. 251). Migration dates in the vicinity of Terry are September 24, 1894, and October 10, 1898. 60. Grus mexicana (Miiller) Sandhill Crane Found throughout the state, principally in migrations, but not connnon anywhere. There are a number of summer records, and the bird may breed in remote localities that are suitable. It formerly bred commonly, and there is one recent report by Vernon Bailey, of breeding near Midvale. now Glacier Park, in Teton C^ounty (Cooke, 1914a, pp. 11-13). Other summer records are: Flat- \ 44 PACIFIC COAST AVIFAUNA No. 14 head Lake (Silloway, 19081), p. 30), Bitterroot Valley, one in June and three in July, 1910 (Bailey, MS). Migration records are : Custer and Dawson counties, September 22, 1893 (Cameron, 1907, p. 251); Fergus County, formerly common, now rare (Sillo- way, 1903a, p. 16) ; Fort Shaw, February 28, 1868, Big Sandy, April 6, 1905, and Terry, November 10, 1903 (Cooke, 1914a, pp. 11-13) ; Stuart, Silver Bow County, April 16, 1911 (Saunders, 1912a, p. 24) ; Choteau, April 28, 1912 (Saun- ders, 1914a, p. 129) ; Bitterroot Valley, April 20, 1912 (Bailey, ]\1S) ; and Bill- ings, April 8 and September 15, 1918 (Thomas, MS). 61. Rallus virg-inianus Linnaeus Virginia Rail Probably a summer resident in suitable localities throughout the state, but at present records are few and widely scattered. Recorded in summer from Cus- ter County (Thorne, 1895, p. 213) ; Columbia Falls, breeding, arriving May 16, 1894; and Fort Custer, May 11, 1885 (Cooke; 1914a, pp. 22-24) ; Bitterroot Val- ley, fairly common from April to November (Bailey, MS). Winter record, Helena, February 22 and March 12, 1911 (Saunders, 1911c, p. 108). 62. Porzana Carolina (Linnaeus) SORA A summer resident throughout the state, wherever there are suitable marshes for its breeding. Reported breeding in the following localities : Custer and Dawson counties (Cameron, 1907, p. 252) ; Fergus County (Silloway, 1904b, p. 150) ; Gallatin County (Saunders, 1911a, p. 34) ; Jefferson County (Saunders, 1912a, p. 24) ; Teton County (Saunders, 1913d, p. 128, and 1914a, p. 129) ; Bit- terroot Valley (Bailey, MS). Dates of nesting are: Custer County, June 18, 1898; Lewistown, June 17; Choteau, June 18, 1912. Reported in sununer also at Flathead Lake (Silloway, 1901a, p. 40) ; Duttou, July 7 and 9, 1917 (eggs), July 22 (downy young) (DuBois, MS). Migration dates for this species are: Terry, May 9. liX'O; and in fall, aver- age, September 12, latest October 17, 1908 (Cooke, 1914a, jx 31). Teton County, May 14, 1912 (Saunders, 1914a, p. 129). 63. Fulica americana G me I in Coot A sununer resident tlirouglioul most of the state, but reported only in migra- tion fi'om tlu! southwestern ])art. Breeding records: Milk and .Missouri rivers, eggs found July 1 and 8, 1874 (Coues, 1874b, p. 647) ; Custer County (Cameron, 1907, p. 252); Yellowstone and Musselshell rivers (Allen, 1874, p. 67); Fort Keogh (Thorne, 1895, p. 213) ; Fergus County (Silloway, 1903a, p. 16) ; Flat- head Lake (Silloway, 1903b, ]>. 301) ; seen with downy youns: at Flathead Lake in July, 1!)14; Lake Bowdoin, nests al)uudiuit -luue 19, 1903 (Willett, 1907. p. 105) ; Teton County (Saunders, 1914a, p. 129) ; Billings (Thomas, MS). Migrant records: Gallatin County, (Saunders, 1911a, ]). 34); Deer Lodge County (Saunders, 1912a, p. 24); IJitterroot Valley (Bailey, MS). Migration 1921 BIRDS OF MONTANA 45 dates : Gallatin County, I\Iay 26, 1909 ; Teton County, :\Iay 26, 1912, and Novem- ber 9, 1912. Fergus County, A\n'\\ 28, 1908 ; Great Falls, April 26, 1892 ; Terry, October 4, 1903 (Cooke, 1914a, pp. 45-46) ; Button, April 26, 1916 (DuBois, MS) ; and Flathead Lake, October 23, 1917 (Sloanaker, MS). 64. Lobipes lobatus (Linnaeus) Northern Phalarope A migrant throughout the state. The present records show that it is a spring migrant mainly, if not entirely, in the eastern half, and a fall migrant in the western half. Spring records are from Custer and Dawson counties only, where three were shot on May 21, 1899, and others seen later (Cameron, 1907, p. 252; 1900, pp. 67-70). Four were taken at Fort Keogh, June 18, 1899 (Thorne, 1895, p. 213). Fall records: Rocky Moun- tains, August 16, 1874 (Coues, 1874b, p. 637) ; Fort Ellis, thirty or forty seea in August (Grinnell, 1876, p. 651) ; Gallatin County, September (Rich- mond and Knowlton, 1894, p. 302) ; Teton County, August 13-September 4, 1911 (Saunders, 1914a, p. 129) ; Flathead Lake, regular migrant, taken August 27, 1900 (Silloway, 1901a, p. 41). In Bitterroot Valley it is a regu- lar fall migrant. A young of the year taken July 5, 1909. Two secured Aug- ust 24, 1910. Three seen in Septem- ber, 1910. Two taken September 7, 1911. Common in August and early September, 1912, and late August, 1913 (Bailey, MS). The bird is also recorded as taken in Fergus County, pjg. n. ne^t and eggs of the Sora. but the date is not given, so whether Choteau, Teton County; June IS, spring or fall migrant in this locality ^^^^- Eighteen eggs were in this ^ . ,,^.,, ^r^r^^ -.r^s,' NEST, FIFTEEN OF WHICH ARE VISIBLE IS not certain (Sdloway, 1903a, p. 17). jj^ ^jjg picture. 65. Steg-anopus tricolor Vieillot Wilson Phalarope Summer resident along the northern border of the state, and less commonly farther south. Migrant in the eastern part. Breeding records: Milk River and vicinity (Coues, 1874b, p. 637) ; Lake Bowdoin, pair- probably breeding, June 19, 1903 (Willett, 1907, p. 105) ; Gallatin County (Saunders, 1911a, p. 34) ; near Helena (Saunders, 1912c, p. 218) ; Teton County, downy young found in June (Saunders, 1914a, p. 130) ; Bitterroot Valley, one taken June 7, 1913 (Bailey, 1913b, p. 184) ; Button, downy young found July 5, 1917 (BuBois, MS). 46 PACIFIC COAST AVIFAUNA No. 14 A set of four eggs taken at Big Lake, JStilhvater County, June 22, 1918, and two other sets found earlier in the season (Thomas, MS). Migrant records: Custer and Dawson counties, earliest May 21, 1889 (Cam- eron, 1907, p. 252) ; Fort Custer (McChesney, 1879, p. 2393; Fort Keogh, ]\Iay and June (Thorne, 1895, p. 213) ; Teton County May 23, 1912 (Saunders, 1914a, p. 130). Fall migration takes place very early, evidently in July. The latest dates that I have seen birds on the breeding grounds are July 3, 1911, and July 7, 1912, both times in Teton County. Other July dates from the state are Hele- na, July 12, 1911, and Milk River, July 21, 1874 (Coues, 1874b, p. 637). There are no records later than July reported anywhere in the state. 66. Recurvirostra americana Gmelin AVOCET A summer resident in suitable localities, mainly along tlie northern l)order of the state, and a migrant elsewhere. Migration dates in most parts of the state are in fall. Spring dates are either in the extreme eastern part or on the breeding grounds. Breeding records: Milk River (Coues, 1874b, pp. 635-636) ; Lake Bowdoin (Willett, 1907, p. 105) ; Teton and northern Lewis and Clark counties (Saunders, 1914a, p. 130) ; and Lake Basin near Billings (Thomas, ]\rS). Nearly all observers mention the occurrence of this bird in migration from all parts of the state. It is apparently more abundant east of the continental divide, however, and has not been recorded from the Bitterroot Valley. The species has been reported during the spring migrations in Custer and Dawson counties, and at Great Falls; in spring and fall in Fergus County; and in fall only in all other localities, including points as far east as Fort Custer and the Musselshell River. Migration dates are as follows: Spring: Average arrival at Great Falls, April 24 (Cooke, 1910a, pp. 19-20) ; Terry, May 1, 1904, May 7, 1905, and May 16, 1906 (Cameron, 1907, p. 253) ; Fergus County, arrives end oC April (Silloway, 1903a, p. 17). Fall: Flathead Lake, August 11, 1903 (Sillo- way, 1903b, pp. 301-302) ; between Yellowstone and Musselshell, August 18, 1873 (Allen, 1874, p. 66) ; Milk River, August 22, 1874 (Coues, 1874b, 'pp. 635-636) ; Fort Custer, August 8 and 13, 1878 (McChesney, 1879, p. 2393) ; Fort Ellis, August 17, 1909; Lewistown, August 23, 1901 (Silloway 1903a, p. 17); Teton County, September 1, 1911 (Saunders, 1914a, p. 130). 67. Philohela minor (Gmelin) Woodcock I'liree bii-ds were found and all throe secured at Billings, October 23, 1917 (Thomas, xMS). The birds are now mounted and in the possession of Mr. Thomas. 68. Gallinago delicata (Ord) Wilson Snh'e A permanent resident throughout the state. Whil" the iii(livi(hials pr()bal)ly migrate, this bird is reported both in winter and sununer from localities all over Montana; in most places it is just as common in wintei" as in summer. It is always more ahiuidant in iiiigi'ations tlian at othci- tiiius. and in most localities 1921 BIRDS OF MONTANA 47 is reported as most abundant in fall. Breeding records : Custer and Dawson counties (Cameron, 1907, p. 253) ; PVrgus County (Silloway, 1903a, pp. 17-18) ; Flathead Lake (Silloway, 1901a, p. 41) ; Gallatin County (Saunders, 1911a, p. 34, and 1912e, p. 170) ; Jefferson County (Saunders, 1910a, p. 198) ; Teton County (Saunders, 1914a, p. 130) ; and at Fridley, Park County, June, 1909. Dates for nesting are as follows : Gallatin County, June 7, 1909, and Jefferson County, June 12, 1910. Winter records for this species are Custer and Dawson counties (Cameron, 1907, p. 253; northern Montana (Cooke, 1910a, p. 24) ; Teton and Gallatin coun- ties (Saunders, 1911a, p. 34, 1913a, p. 116, 1914a, p. 130) ; Helena (Saunders, 1911b, p. 108) ; Bitterroot Valley (Bailey, 1913a, p. 94) ; Missoula (Kittredgo, 1916, p. 30) ; and Flathead Lake (Sloanaker, MS). The migrations of this bird Fig. 12. Nest and eggs of Wilson Snipe. Pipe- stone Basin, Jefferson County, Mon- tana; June 12, 1910. evidently take place in April and October, from the increased abundance at those seasons, but dates are difficult to give with certainty. Cooke (1910a, p. 25) gives a number of dates of supposed migration. 69. Macrorhamphus griseus scolopaceus (Say) Long-billed Dowitcher Obtained on the Little Horn River in the spring of 1878 by Col. Brackett (McChesney, 1879, p. 2393). Recorded as a migrant in Fergus County (Sillo- way, 1903a, p. 18). Coues (1874a, p. 478) mentions this bird as very abundant on the Upper jNIissouri, but this may apply to Dakota rather than Montana, as the scarcity of other records in the latter state would show that the species is rare. Common between Acton and Broadview, Yellowstone County, fall of 1917 (Thomas, MS). 48 PACIFIC COAST AVIFAUNA No. 14 70. Micropalama himantopus (IJoiiaparte) Stilt Sandpiper Seven specimens taken August 1(5 and 29, 1874, at a pool at the l)ase of Ww Rocky Mountains (Cones, 1874b, p. 689). This i-ccorcl is evidently from noftiiei-n Teton county, along the Canadian bord(>r. 71. Pisobia maculata (Vieillot) Pectoral Sandpiper A migrant, probably throughout the state, but I'ceords are la.eking in many places. Usually rather rare. Rocky Mountains and west of the Sweet Grass Hills, August 11 to 16, 1874 (Cones, 1874b, p. 641) ; Custer County, October 18 and 21, 1905 (Cameron, 1907, p. 253) ; Miles City, August 14 and 15, 1900 (C. F. Hedges, coll. Univ. Montana) ; Fergus County, common migrant, March and April, and August to October. Dates: April 22, 1901 ; October 18, 1900. Win- ter: February 22, 1903 (Silloway, 1903a, p. 18). Flathead Lake, August 23, 1914 (Saunders, 1915a, p. 114) ; Teton County, September 4, 1911 (Saunders, 1914a, p. 130) ; Flathead Lake, 10 shot October 20, 1916 (Sloanaker, MS). 72. Pisobia fuscicoUis (Vieillot) WiiiTE-RUMPED Sandpiper Two records from the Yellowstone River are all that are known at present. Taken by Lieut. Warren's expedition, date not given (Baird, 1858, p. 723). Above Fort Keogh, August 8 to 13, 1878 (McChesney, 1879, p. 2393). 73. Pisobia bairdi (Cones) Baird Sandpiper A rare spring and abundant fall migrant throughout the state. In fall this species is on the whole the most abundant of the migrant sandpipers. Spring records: Fort Keogh, rare (Thome, 1895, p. 213) ; Bitterroot Valley, two, Islny 18, 1913 (Bailey, 19131), p. 184). Fall records: Head of Milk River, west of Sweet Grass Hills, and Rocky Mountains, August 10 to 29, 1874 (Cones, 1874b, p. 640) ; Forts Ellis and Gardiner in August (Grinnell, 1876, p. 652) ; Yellow- stone and Musselshell in September (Allen, 1874, p. 66) ; Flathead Lake (Sillo- way, 1901a, p. 41) ; Fergus County, September 1-15 (Silloway. 1903a, p. 18) ; Teton County, August 13 to September 4, 1911 (Saunders, 1914a, p. 30) ; Bit- terroot Valley, common fall migrant, August 5 to 7, 1911 (Baile.y, MS). 74. Pisobia minutilla (Vieillot) Least Sandpipkr A common migrant throughout the state. In most places found only in fall, but in the eastern part more common in spring. Spring records: Custer and Dawson counties. May 21, 1899, and common later (Cameron, 1907, p. 253) ; Fort Keogh, common in spi'ing, few in fall (Thoi'ue, 1895, ]). 2i;>) ; Corvalbs. two. May 12, 1912 (Bailey, MS). Fall records: West of Sweet Grass Hills. August 9-11, 1873 (Coues, 1874b, p. 640) ; abundant at Fort Ellis, summer of 1875 (Grinnell, 1876, p. 652) ; Miles City, six si)eeiinens dated Augnst 14 to Sep- 1921 BIRDS OF MONTANA 49 tember 24, 1900 (Hedges, coll. Univ. Montana) ; Fergus county, abundant Aug- ust 28 to September 4 (Silloway, 1903a, pp. 18-19) ; Teton County, August 13 to September 4, 1911 (Saunders, 1914a, p. 130) ; Bitterroot Valley, rare mi- grant, six seen August 6, and three August 19, 1911 (Bailey, MS). 75. Ereunetes pusillus (Linnaeus) Semipalmated Sandpiper A migrant throughout the state, principally in fall, but in the eastern part eonnnoner in sin-ing. Spring records: Fort Keogh, common in spring, few in fall (Thorne, 1895, p. 213). Fall records: West of Sweet Grass Hills August 1], 1874 (Cones, 1874b, p. 636) ; Fergus County, rare (Silloway, 1903a, p. 19) ; Billings, August 11, 1900 (Jones and Dawson, 1900, p. 31) ; Miles City, August 14 and 15, 1900 (Hedges, in coll. Univ. of IMont.). 76. Calidris leucophaea (Pallas) Sanderling A regular fall migrant at Flathead Lake. Specimens taken August 29, 1900 (Silloway, 1901a, p. 41). 77. Limosa fedoa (Linnaeus) ]\LVRBLED GODWIT One seen at Priest Butte Lakes, Teton County, ^lay 26, 1912 (Saunders, 1914a, p. 130). A pair of birds seen near Acton, Yellowstone County, in 1917, were apparently breeding by their actions, but neither eggs nor young could be found (Thomas, MS). 78. Limosa haemastica (Linnaeus) Hudsonian Godwit Taken east of the Milk River by G. M. Dawson (Coues, 1874b, p. 641). One shot at Terry, IMay 10, 1899. Another seen April 7, 1890, but species questioiied (Cameron, 1907, p. 254). 79. Totanus melanoleucus (Gmelin) Greater YEiiLOWLEos A very common fall migrant throughout the state. Occurs in spring less commonly. There are a few summer records, but wJiether they are possible lireeding birds, or very early fall migrants, is not clear Spring records: Fort Keogh, common in spring (Thorne, 1895, p. 213) ; Great Falls, April 17, 1892 (Cooke, 1910a, p. 55) ; Choteau, May 19, 1912 (Saunders, 1914a, p. 130) ; and Helena, April 9, 1911. Fall records: Rocky Mountains and Head of Milk River, August 13 and 29, 1874 (Coues, 1874b, p. 642) ; Big Sandy, September 30, 1860 (Coues, 1874a, p. 497) ; Missouri River, September (Grinnell, 1876, p. 653) ; Fort Keogh, few in fall (Thorne, 1895, p. 213) ; Custer County, common (Cameron, 1907, p. 254) ; Fergus County, very comnion middle of August to middle of September (Silloway, 1903a, p. 19) ; Musselshell and Yellowstone rivers in September (Allen, 1874, p. 66) ; Gallatin County, common in Septem- 50 PACIFIC COAST AVIFAUNA No. 14 ber (Richmond and Knowlton, 1894, p. 302) ; Flathead Lake (Silloway, 1901a, p. 41) ; between jMiles City and Billings, August 13, 1900 (Jones and Dawson, 1900, p. 31) ; Teton County, September 4, 1911 (Saunders, 1914a, p. 130) ; Bit- terroot Valley, conniion in fall, earliest arrival August 4, 1911 (Bailey, MS). Summer records: ^lilk River, July 24, 1874 (Coues, 1874b, p. G12) ; Bitterroot Valley, one at Corvallis in middle of July, 1909, and one at Stevensville in mid- dle of July, 1910 (IJailey, MS) ; Button, May 26 and June 18, 1915 (DuBois, MS). 80. Tetanus flavipes (Gmelin) Yellow^legs Abundant migrant throughout the state in fall. Less common in spring. Fall records are from practically every part of the state, and by nearly all observers. Where definite dates of migration are given, they are as follows: Spring records: Teton County, ]\Iay 8-23, 1912 (Saunders, 1914a, y>. 130) ; Bit- terroot Valley, May 30-31, 1912 (Bailey, MS). Common at Fort Keogh in spring (Thorne, 1895, p. 213). Fall records: Rocky Mountains, August 16 to 29, 1874 (Coues, 1874b, p. 642) ; Billings, and en route to Miles City, August 12-13, 1900 (Jones and Dawson, 1900, p. 31) ; Teton County, August 5 to September 4, 1911 (Saunders, 1914a, p. 130) ; Button, August 29, 1916 (Du Bois, MS). Thorne reports that this species may breed at Fort Keogh, indicating that he evidently found it in summer. Coues records a specimen on the Milk River, July 25, 1874. There is no evidence that it really does breed, and summer birds are probably only very early fall migrants. Silloway (1903a, p. 19) contrasts the abundance of this species with the last mentioned, by the statement that in Fergus County T. flavipes occurs in the proportion of three or four to one of T. melanoleucus. 81. Helodromas solitarius solitarius (Wilson) p] ASTERN Solitary Sandpiper A migrant, probably throughout the state, and commoner eastward, but in many cases not clearly separated from the western subsjx'cies. iiut two definite records ai'e known. These are from Miles City, August 14, 1900 (specimens col- lected ])y Hedges are in the collection of the University of ^lontana), and from Gold Creek, Powell County, August 20, 1910 (Saundei-s, 1912a, p. 24). 82. Helodromas solitarius ciimamomeus (Brewster) Western Solitary Sandpiper A common fall migrant throughout the state, occurring also in spring in the eastern i)art. The only spring records are from Terry, Islay 7, 1903, and May 9, 1904 (Cooke, 1910a, p. 60). Fall records are abundant everywhere ; some of them in July or early August have led observers to believe the species breeds in the state. Dates for fall migration are as follow^s: Glendive, July 28, 1873 (Allen. 1874, p. 66) ; head of Milk River and west of Sweet Grass Hills, August 10 to 29, 1874 (Coues, 1874b, p. 643) ; Teton County, August 5 to 18, 1911, and San River, August 13, 1912 (Saunders, 1914a, p. 130); Flathead Lake, August 8, 1921 BIRDS OF MONTANA 51 1900 (Silloway, 1901a, p. 42) ; Gallatin Valley, August 24, 1908: Mystic Lake, Gallatin County, August 4, 1909; Silver Bow, August 25, 1909; Gold Creek, Powell County, August 20, 1910; Race Track, Deer Lodge County, September 26, 1910; Bitterroot Valley, September 7, 1911 (Bailey, MS) ; Kalispell, August 1, 1914. S3. Catoptrophorus semipalmatus inornatus (Brewster) Western Willet A rather rare summer resident, or migrant, principally in the eastern part of the state. There are no records at present west of the continental divide. Breeding records: Breeds, Rocky Mountains (Coues, 1874b, p. 642) ; i\Ioreland (now Manhattan, Gallatiu County), August 19, 1888 (Richmond and Knowl- ton, 1894, p. 302) ; two nests found near Belgrade, Gallatin County, 1911, by W. L. Thomas (Saunders, 1913a, p. 116) ; nests commonly near Billings (Thomas. ]\IS). Migration records: Custer and Dawson counties, May 25, 1902; May 27, 1903; September 5 and 8, 1903 (Cameron, 1907, p. 254) ; Fort Keogh, rare in spring (Thorne, 1895, p. 213) ; Lewistown, May 2, 1903 (Silloway, 19()3a, p. 20) ; Dutton, eight. May 9, 1917 (DuBois, MS). 84. Bartramia longicauda (Bechstein) Upland Plover Formerly an abundant summer resident throughout the state on the prairies and in the valleys of the mountainous half. Now still found in many localities and common locally, but becoming steadily rarer. Breeding records : Nests with fresh eggs found June 14 to July 15, 1873 (Allen, 1874, p. 67) ; Quaking Ash River, eggs and bird obtained June 26, 1874 (Coues, 1874b, pp. 644-645) ; abundant, upper Missouri, young obtained in July (Grinnell, 1876, p. 653) ; common to eastern base of mountains (Cooper, 1869b, p. 298) ; Yellowstone River (McChesney, 1879, p. 2393) ; Dearborn River, nest with eggs hatching, June 21 (Croft, 1882, p. 107) ; Custer and Dawson counties, nests and young found early in July (Cameron, 1907, p. 254) ; Flathead Lake, adult and downy young taken June 21, 1901 (Silloway, 1901a, p. 42) ; Fort Keogh, breeds (Thorne, 1895, p. 213) ; Fergus County, nests at Lewistown, May 25, 1904 (Silloway, 1904b, p. 149, and 1903a, p. 20) ; Gallatin County, July 30, 1908 and July 22, 1909 (Saim- ders, 1911a, p. 34) ; Teton County, June 27, 1911 (Saunders, 1914a, p.l30) ; newly hatched young found near Billings, June 7, 1918 (Thomas, MS). .Aligration dates: Big Sandy, September 6, 1903 (Coubeaux), and Columbia Falls, average May 12, earliest April 27, 1894 (Cooke, 1910a, pp. 66-67). 85. Tryngites subruficoUis (Vieillot) Buff-breasted Sandpiper Several flocks, numbering fifty to seventy-five birds each, were found in the Lake Basin country of Yellowstone County, Septeniher 1, 1917. Several 1)ir(ls were secured for identification (Thomas, IMS). 52 PACIFIC COAST AVIFAUNA No. 14 86. Actitis macularia (Linnaeus) Spotted Sandpiper An extremely al)un(lant sinnmer resident throughout the state. Bi-ceds along rivers and streams in the prairies and valh^vs, about the shores of lakes, and up into the mountains to the limit of the Canadian zone. Practically all reports from all parts of the state contain references to this bird and its breed- ing. The species nests principally in June. A bird taken in the Bitterroot Valley on May 27, 1910, contained an egg ready to be deposited (Bailey, IMS). This is the only indication of niisting in May. The earliest nest recorded is June 4, 1901, at Lewistown (Silioway, 190;^a, p. 20). Other dates of nesting are June 18 to Fig. 13. Nest and kchis ok tuk Spottkd Sand- piper. Choteau, Teton County; June 10, 1912. 27, 1900, at Flathead Lake (Silioway, J!)Ola, pp. ;i2-.iS) ; Lake Bowdoin, Jum- 28, 1903 (Willett, 1907, p. 105). An egg has been found freshly laid in the nest as late as June 29, 1915, at Flathead Lake. Downy young hav(^ been found in Teton County as early as June 22, 1912 (Saunders, 1914a, p. 130) and young able to fly in Powell County, as early as July 31, 1910 (Saunders, 1912a, p. 24). Spring migration comes about the middle of May, somewhat earlier west of the continental divide. Dates are as follows: Columbia Falls, earliest May 4, 1896, average May 7 (Cooke, 1910a, p. 70) ; Custer County, May 18, 1905 (Cam- ei-on, 1907, p. 254) ; Gallatin County, May 21, 1909, German Gulch, Silver Bow County, May 28, 1910, Anaconda, May 17, 1911, and Teton County, May 17, 1912 (Saunders, 19r2a, ]). 24 and 1914a, p. 130); Bitterroot Valley May 12, Dll, May 17, 1912, and xMay 8, 1913 (P.ailey, ^IS). Fall departure evidently 1921 BIRDS OF MONTAi\A 53 takes place in August. The latest dates that I can find are Gallatin County, August 18, 1908, Shields River, Park County, August 8, 1909, Gold Creek, Powell County, August 17, 1910, and Flathead Lake, August 21, 1914. Other August dates, probably indicating about the latest dates of the species for those years, are August 12, 187-1: (Cones, 1874b, p. 644), and Billings, August 18, 1900 (Jones and Dawson, 1900, p. 29). 87. Numenius americanus Bechstein Long-billed Curlew Formerly a very abundant summer resident throughout the state, breeding on the plains and prairies of the eastern part, and in the broad mountain valleys of the western half. Still found in considerable numbers in the more remote dis- tricts, but becoming steadily rarer. Nearly all observers report this species from all parts of the state, and the earlier ones note its abundance. The bird nests in ]\Iay and June, most eggs having been found in ]May. Sill- oway records many nests from Fergus County, the earliest date for eggs being May 5, and the latest June 1 (1900a, pp. 79-82, and 1902a, pp. 33-34). Other nest- ing dates are May 18, 1906 (Abbott, 1906, p. 152) ; May 20, Fort Benton (Croft, 1882, p. 107). An unusually late date is from Frenchman's River, July 4, 1874 (Cones, lS74b, p. 645). P^ggs were found hatching at Button, June 6, 1915 (DuBois, MS). Spring migration takes place in April. Dates are as follows : Terry, aver- age April 16, earliest April 7, 1906, and Big Sandy, average Api'll 19, earliest April 13, 1903 (Cooke, 1910a, p. 72) ; Lewistown, April 24, 1899, and April 25, 1900 (Silloway, 1900a, p. 79) ; Teton County, April 20, 1912 (Saunders, 1914a, p. 130) ; Bitterroot Valley, first seen April 7, 1911, and not again till April 20, 1911 (Bailey, MS) ; Button, April 28, 1915, April 26, 1916, and April 22, 1917 (Dubois. MS). Fall migration evidently takes place in August and September, but definite dates are lacking. Silloway gives the middle of Sep- tember (1903a, pp. 20-23), but the only definite date for this month is September 4, 1911, for Teton County (Saunders, 1914a, p. 130). In my experience the great flocks of curlews that gather around the prairie ponds in July and August are gone before September. 88. Numenius borealis (J. R. Forster) Eskimo Cltrlew Formerly a migrant. ^lay still occur in small numbers, but recent records are lacking. There are two reports of its occurrence in the state, but one of these is probably not authentic. Three specimens from- the Upper Missouri col- lected in 1841 by Lieut. Warren (Baird, 1858, p. 741). Breeding at Fort Ben- ton, downy young caught in July (Cooper, 1869a, p. 83). This record is obvi- ously to be questioned, as other sources do not indicate that this species ever bred so far south. 89. Squatarola squatarola (Linnaeus) Black-bellied Plover Several birds of this species were seen at Priest Butte Lakes, September 4, \ 54 PACIFIC COAST AVIFAUNA No. 14 11)11 (Saunders, 1914a, p. 130). Taken every fall l)y hunters at Flathead Lake (Sioanaker, MS). These are the only records. yo. Charadrius dominicus dominicus ( Midler ) Golden PivOver A migrant in the eastern part of the state. There are no records west of the continental divide, and records east of it are not common. Kcported at St. Mary's Lake, October 1, 1853, by Suckley (Baird, 1858, p. 691). A migi-ant in the Big Horn region (McChesney, 1879, p. 2392). Regular migrant in Fergus County, common eastward (Silloway, 1903a, p. 23). Occasional fall migrant in Custer and Daw.son counties. Flocks seen September 9, 16 and 30, 1898 (Cam- eron, lf)()7, p. 255). Abundant near Billings in August and early September, 1!)17, the last seen September 10 (Thomas, MS). 91. Oxyechus vociferus (Linnaeus) KiLLDEER A very abundant sunnner resident throughont the state, recorded by all observers. Occurs in the prairies and valleys of the mountains, in the Cpper Sonoran and Transition zones, but not in the mountains themselves. In the Bit- terroot Valley it is reported as a permanent resident, and it is also recorded in winter from other points west of the continental divide. Nesting data: Indications are that this species begins nesting in late April or early May. The ])irds leave the flocks in which they arrive, and are scattered out in pairs on the breediug grounds, by the second week' in April. There are few definite dates of nesting on recojxl, however, though the species undoubtedly is oru' of the commonest breeding ])irds of the state. ]\Iilk River, four eggs, June 30, 1874 (Coues, 1874b, ]>. 633). Bitterroot Valley, a nest with three eggs, April 28, 1913, had four eggs April 30. Another nest found April 30, 1913, with foiii' eggs, Avhich hatched May 18 and 19 (Bailey, MS). Young able to fly have been seen in the Gallatin Valley early in June. Migration: This species arrives late in March or early in April. My experience shows that the birds are first found in flocks in the larger river val- leys, and eight or- ten days later scatter out in pairs to the breeding grounds, I)laces that are often many miles from tlie nuiin river valleys, and a thousand feet higher in elevation. Dates of spring arrival are as follows : Terry, average April 6, earliest March 29, 1897 (Cameron) ; Big Sandy, average April 6. earliest April 3, 1904 (Cooke, 1910a, p. 87) ; Gallatin Valley, April 2, 1909, Silver Bow, Ai)ril 8, 1910 (Saunders, 1912a, p. 24); Collins, Teton County. March 26, 1912 (Saunders, 1914a. p. 130); Helena, March 26, 1911; High- wood, March 27, 1914, and Dutton, March 21, 1915, and Maivli 17. 1917 (Du- Bois, i\IS). Fall migration appears to be in September or October. Few dates are to be had, and these indicate little because so widely separated. Pioneer, Powell County, September 13, 1910 (Saunders, 1912a, p. 24) ; Choteau, Octol)er 12, 1912 (Saunders, 1914a, p. 130) ; Dutton, October 12, 1916 (DuBois. MS). The occurrence of this six'cies in ^lontaua in winter seems to be something \ 1921 ' BIRDS OF MONTANA 55 entirely new, as the winter range of the species is usually given as much farther south. This fact is first recorded by Bailey (1913a, p. 94), and in his notes from the Bitterroot Valley he classes the bird as resident. Another winter record is that of three l)irds at ^lissoula, December 25, 1915 (Kittredge, 1916, p. 30 j. 92. Podasocys montanus (J. K. Townsend) ^Mountain Plover A rather rare summer resident of the prairie regions of the state, east of the continental divide. Breeding records: July 1 to 28, 1874, Frenchman's River and Milk River. Eggs collected July 9 (Coues, 1874b, pp. 034-635) ; Hay- makers Creek, young secured August 1, 1874 (Grinnell, 1876, p. 652) ; rare to eastern base of mountains (Cooper, 1869b, p. 298) ; rare. Fort Keogh (Thorne, 1895, p. 213) ; Custer and Dawson counties, rare, eggs jMay 23, and newly hatched young June 15, 1898 (Cameron, 1907, pp. 255-256) ; Fergus County, summer resident, ]\Iay to September (Silloway, 1903a, p. 24) ; Sun River and Great Falls (Cooke, 1910a, p. 94). The only record within the mountain val- leys, west of the true prairie region of the state, is Three Forks, June, 1909, observed by Thomas (Saunders, 1911a, p. 34). There are no definite dates of migration on record for this species. Silloway 's statement, given above, Allen's records in September, and McChesney's statement that it is abundant in spring at Fort Custer (1879, p. 2393) are all the data available relating to migration. 93. Dendragapus obscurus obscurus (Say) Dusky Grouse A permanent resident iu mountains of the southern part of the state, inter- grading with the form ricliardsoni. Few birds are entirely typical of this sub- species, the great majority being more nearly allied to richardsoni. Records: Big Horn :\lountains (McChesney, 1879, p. 2393) ; Traill Creek, Park County (Grinnell, 1876, pp. 650-651) ; Gallatin County (Richmond and Knowlton, 1894, p. 302; Saunders, 1911a, p. 35). 94. Dendragapus obscurus fuljginosus (Ridgway) Sooty Grouse Permanent resident in the mountains of extreme western ^lontana, inter- grading with richardsoni. Records : East to western spurs of Bitterroot Moun- tains, Montana (Bendire, 1888a, p. 32). Big Hole Basin (Forrest, 1914, p. 195). Intergrading with }icl\ardsoni at Columbia Falls (Bendire, 1892, p. 50). 95. Dendragapus obscurus richardsoni (Douglas) Richardson Grouse A permanent resident of the mountainous half of the state, extending its range east to the easternmost mountain ranges, and intergrading with obscurus on the south and fuliginosus on the west. All observers in the mountains reeoi'd this species. The easternmost records of this species are Big Horn Mountains (Mearns, 1904, p. 20), Big Snowy Mountains (Silloway, 1903a, p. 24), and Belt ^lountains (Williams, 1882a, p. 63). 56 PACIFIC COAST AVIFAUNA No. 14 In most niouiitains of the .state tliis species is still abundant, but in the vicin- ity of some of the larger to\vns, such as Butte, it is becoming very rare. While the birds are permanent residents, they have a slight migratory movement up and down the mountain slopes with the season, ])ut, curiously, in just the reverse direction from that of most mountain birds, coming tlown to lower elevations in Ihc spring, and going up to the higher ridges in fall. The downward movement in spi-ing takes ])lace in Ajiril or iMay, according to how fast the snow leaves the lower mountain slopes. Then the courtship and mating of the birds takes place, and nesting begins by the middle of May. There are no definite dates for actual nesting given in any publications, and I know of but one definite date, that of a nest and eleven eggs fonnd by a U. S. Forest Service officer in German Gulch, Silver Bow County, May 81, 1910. Young only a few days out of the egg are first seen about the middle of June. These young may l)e found with the female parent in the lower mountain meadows till August and early September, when they are nearly full grown. The food late in the season is largely grasshoppers, and the time when the first snows of the fall kill the grasshoppei-s in the latter half of September, marks the time when the birds move up the mountain slopes to their winter quarters. On the high ridges the snow is usually blown away l>y the wind, and berries, which form the principal winter food, may be found in (luantity. When the berries are covered, the birds feed on fir and pine needles and appear to thrive on such a diet in spite of the intense cold at these altitudes. Fig. 14. Fk.mai.i: Fkanki.in Gkousk. Flathead National Forest, near Rki/ion. Piioro liY A. D. DuB' IS. 1921 BIRDS OF MONTANA 57 96. Canachites franklini (Douglas) Franklin Grouse A eomiiion permanent resident of the mountains of the western part of the state, ranging east to the eastern slopes of the continental divide. The eastern- most boundaries of its range are marked by the following records: St. Mary's Lake (Baird, 1858, p. 624); Belt Mountains (Williams, 1882a, p. 61); Teton and northern Lewis and Clark counties, on headwaters of Sun River (Saunders. 1914a, p. 131) ; Jefferson and Silver Bow counties east to the divide (Saunders, 1912a, p. 24) ; and Big Hole Basin (Forrest, 1914, p. 194). This bird is almost universally known in Montana as "fool hen". (See fig. 14.) ITnlike the dusky grouse, it shows no migratory movement u^p or down the mountain slopes, but remains in the dense spruce and arbor-vitae forests of the Canadian zone throughout the year. There are no data on the nesting of this bird in Montana. The nesting probably takes lAace in June, for half -grown young are to be seen in July. 97. Bonasa umbellus togata (Linnaeus) Canada Ruffed Grouse A common permanent resident in all mountain ranges of the state, in the pine hills of the eastern part, and in the lower foothills. The easternmost rec- ords are as follows: Big Horn ^Mountains (McChesney, 1879, p. 2392) ; Fergus County (Silloway, 1903a, p. 24) ; and Long Pine Hills, Carter County (Visher. 1911, p. 10). All observers in the mountains west of these points have recorded this species. The nesting takes place in June, or perhaps begins in late May. The only definite dates given are June 7, 15, and 16, 1902, at Flathead Lake. The eggs on the last date were ready to hatch (Silloway, 1903b, p. 297). This species inhabits the Transition and lower Canadian zones, being more abundant in the Transition. It is found in mixed thickets of \villow, alder, cottonwood and spruce, along the beds of the lower mountain streams. 98. Bonasa umbellus umbelloides (Douglas) Gray Ruffed Grouse This subspecies has been attributed to Montana by many writers. In fact most of the records cited above are for this form rather than togata. After try- ing in vain to work out the ranges of two subspecies in the state, and examining as many specimens as possible, I have come to the conclusion that the two birds range together over the greater part of the state, and that what is written above under togata can apply equally as well to umbcUoides. In regions where collect- ing has been done, and specimens carefully determined, the majority of the birds belong to togata. If unihelloides always has a gray tail, as the descrij)- tions state, then togata ranges everywhere in the state that I have been. Montana specimens wiiich I have examined, determined to belong to both forms, do not show enough difference to warrant subspecific distinction as far as this state is 58 PACIFIC COAST AVIFAUNA No. 14 concerned. 1 am ol' tlie opinion that tuyata only should be listed from the state, and that those birds showing the characters of umbelloides should be considered individual variants. Until more extensive collecting has been done, this appears to be the best solution of the problem. i)9. Lag-opus lagopus lagopus (Linnaeus) Willow Ptarmigan Three birds of this species were taken in the Glacier National Park in the winter of 1918-14 (Stanford, 1914, p. 899). These are now mounted and dis- played in the lobby of the Glacier Park Hotel, 100. Lagopus leucurus leucurus (Swainson) White-tailed Ptarmigan Resident of the high mountains of the northwestern part of the state, south to northern Lewis and Clark County along the continental divide. Found in several ranges west of the divide, but just where the southern limit occurs in these ranges is not determined. Records: Bitterroot Mountains and St. ]\rary's Lake (Bendire, 1892, p. 83) ; Teton and northern Lewis and Clark counties (Saunders, 1914a, p. 181) ; Glacier National Park, found about Sperry Glacier and other high points. There are no data on the nesting of this species in the state, but broods of lialf grown young may be seen in Glacier Park early in August. One was taken in the Beartooth Mountains of Ctirbon County by sportsmen (Thomas, MS). 101. Tympanuchus americanus americaims (Reichenbach) Praikie Chicken One bird taken by John R. Bane on the Hervey Bench, southwest of Hunt- ley, in the fall of 1917 (Thomas, MS). At present the only record for the state. 102. Pedioecetes phasianellus columbianus (Ord) Columbian Sharp-tailed Grouse A fairly common permanent resident of the mountain valleys in the western half of the state, intergrading eastward with ((iiHpr.'ifris. The line between tlu; ranges of this and the next subspecies is not very well worked out. but it is pr-oba- ble that west of the divide all ])ir(ls belong to coJiunbinn^is. Those from mountain valleys east of tlie divide have proven mostly iutergrades, while those of the prairies are probably caynpestrix, though some specimens, from as far east as the Dakota border show the characters of the western race. This hii-d was Foriiiei'ly very conunon, but is becoming rarer each year, though, except in the vicinity of the larger cities, it still occurs in considerable; numbers. It is confined to open grass lands and grain fields of tlie valleys though occasionally found among eottonwoods and willows or pine hills in winter. Tt is not found in the mountains, nor anvwhere hii,dier tiian the Transition /one. 1921 BIRDS OF MONTANA 59 103. Pedioecetes phasianellus campestris Ridgway Prairie Sharp-tailed Grouse A permanent resident of the prairies and plains in the eastern half of the state, intergrading westward with columlnanns. In the less thickly settled re- gions this bird is still abundant, but in most places it is rapidly deci'easing in numbers, thougli, even in regions that have been long settled it remains in small numbers in the grain fields. There is not a great deal published about the nesting of this species, and the only definite dates are those of Silloway for the vicinity of Levvistown. These are May 19 and 24, 1900, and June 4, 1901 (1903a, p. 25), and May 28, 1901, two nests (1902a, pp. 32-33). 104. Centrocercus urophasianus (Bonaparte) Sage Hen A permanent resident of sage-brush plains of the eastern part of the state, extending westward into the mountain valleys wherever there are large areas of sage-brush. There are no recent records west of the continental divide, but the bird is reported as formerly common at Silver Bow (Saunders, 1912a, p. 25). It was once abundant nearly throughout the state, but is becoming rare every- where. In the northwestern part of the prairie region there is a large area where sage-brush is unknown and where this species is absent. There have been Imt few dates published for the nesting of this species. Willett records about fifty nests found between JMay and July, 1903, in Choteau and Valley counties (probably what is now Phillips County). These nests usu- ally contained ten to thirteen eggs, with the extremes ranging from eight to fif- teen (1906a, p. 75). N 105. Zenaidura macroura marginella (Woodhouse) Western Mourning Dove An abundant summer resident throughout the state, becoming somewhat less connnon northward. Reported as not common at Flathead Lake (Silloway, 1901a, p. 45), and in Teton County (Saunders, 1914a, p. 131). In all other localities reported as abundant. There are but few nesting dates given. These are June 18, 1862 (Cooper, lS69b, p. 295) ; June 21, 1909, a dozen nests in the Bitterroot Valley; June 25, 1911, three nests, one with young; and first young out of nest seen June 28, 1913 (Bailey, MS). I have found a nest with eggs in Teton County as late as July 9, 1912. This bird is very abundant in sage-brush where it nests commonly on the ground, and in cultivated land, where it nests both on the ground and in bushes, frequently those overhanging a stream. Migration dates in spring : Bozeman, May 9, 1909 ; Stuart, Silver Bow County, April 29, 1911 (Saunders, 1912a, p. 25) ; Choteau, May 19, 1912 (Saun- ders, 1914a, p. 131) ; Great Falls, May 5, 1887 (Williams, 1888a, p. 17) ; Bitter- root Valley, April 30, 1910, April 29, 1911, May 4, 1912, and May 4, 1913 (Bailey, \ \ 60 PACIFIC COAST AVIFAUNA No. 14 MS). Fall dates: Sedan, Gallatin County, September 2(i, 1!)()S; Kaee Tniek, Deer Lodge County, September 26, 1910 (Sannders, 1912a, p. 25). 106. Cathartes aura septentrionalis Wied Turkey Vulture Formerly abundant, at least in the eastern half of the state. .Xow I'are everywhere, and not recorded at all from the extreme noj-thern pai-t. Th<' slaughter of the bison in the early days has been given as the reason for tiie for- mer abundance and present rarity of this species. Early records: Yellowstone River, 1872 (Allen, 1874, p. 65) ; Fort Custer, 1878 (IMcChesney, 1879, p. 2)592), and 1889 (Mearns, 1904, p. 20) ; abundant generally, 1862 (Hayden, 1862, p. 151) ; abundant on the plains of the upper ^lissouri (Grinnell, 1876, p. 650) ; common, Gallatin County, 1888-90 (Richmond and Knowlton. 1894, p. 302). Recent records : Custer and Dawson counties, formerly abundant, numer- ous in the fall of 1883, nested till 1887, and records of its occurrence until 1906 (Cameron, 1907, p. 259); Gallatin County, rare in 1909 (Saunders, 1911a, |). 35); seen at Lombard, April 23, 1909; Deer Lodge and Silver Bow counties, rare, but reported nesting; seen November 1, 1910 (Saunders, 1912a, p. 25) ; Ravalli County, rare, seen May 4 and November 29, 1911, reported to breed in the mountains (Bailey, ^IS). Occurs near Billings, where it is neither common nor rare, and probably breeds (Thomas, MS). 107. Circus hudsonius (Linnaeus) Marrh Hawk An abundant summer resident on the plains and prairies, and in the moun- tain valleys throughout the state. Reported by nearly all observers, and noted as breeding. One of the most abundant of ^lontana hawks. Winters occasion- ally west of the continental divide. Nesting data: Marsh Hawks evidently nest the last of ]May in Montana. Nesting occupies about two months, and the young are on the wing in August, when the species suddenly becomes very abundant in the valleys. Dates for nesting are as follows: ^lay 26, 1912, nest with the first egg laid. Set of six completed June 6, Teton County. Another in same locality had the first egg May 27 and four eggs June 8, 1912 (Saunders, 1913b, pp. 99-104). Fergus County, nest with the first egg May 18, 1901, and five eggs May 25. A second nest ^lay 30, with five eggs, advanced in incubation (Silloway, lf)()3a, p. 45). .Migrations: Spring arrival, Bozeman, March 19, li)09: Stuart, Silvei- Row- County, April K;, 1911: Teton County, April'7. 1912; Dutton, April 3, 1915; .Alarch 22. 1916; April 11, 1917 (DuBois, .MS). Fall departure: Three Forks, October 17, 1909; Missoula. October 30, 1902 (P]lrod, coll. Fniv. Montana). Winter I'ecoi-d : A f(nv i-ciiinin all the year in the I>itterroot Valley (Bailey, MS). 108. Accipiter velox (Wilson) SiiARi'-siiiNNED Hawk A common siiiniiicr i-esident in the mounlains of the w<'stiTn liall* ol' the \ 1921 BIRDS OF MONTANA 61 state. Records in the eastern part of the state are few. There are no records of this species by the earlier observers, which leads to the belief that the species has become common in recent years. Winters occasionally on the west side of the divide. Records in the eastern half of the state : Custer and Dawson counties, summer resident, probably breeds (Cameron, 1907, p. 260) ; Fergus County, nest and four eggs, June 6, 1900 (Silloway, 190;3a, pp. 27-28, and 1901c, pp. 70-71) ; nest at Flathead Lake, July 3, 1900, four eggs advanced in incubation (Sillo- way, 1901a, p. 31). Young are nearly full grown and ready to leave the nest by about August 25 in Powell and Deer Lodge counties. This bird nests most commonly in the mountains in low thick growths of spruce. In the prairie region they probably nest in cotton wood groves, but the nest has yet to be found there. Migration dates: Spring. May 13, 1909, Big Creek, Park County; April 12, 1910, Divide Creek, Silver Bow County; April 23, 1911, Anaconda; May 8, 1912, Choteau. Fall. October 6, 1908, Gallatin County; September 26, 1910, Race Track; September 18, 1911, and September 13, 1912, Choteau. Winter records: Silver Bow, January 2, 1911 (Saunders, 1912a, p. 25); Bitterroot Valley, usually rare in winter, but common at that season when Red- polls are abundant (Bailey, MS). 109. Accipiter cooperi (Bonaparte) Cooper Hawk Summer resident throughout the state but commoner in the western half in the mountains. Less common than A. velox. There are no nesting records from extreme eastern JVIontana, where it may be only a migrant, though there are sev- eral records in late summer. There are no definite nesting records from any section ; so far as records show the nest has never been found in the state. In most places the hawk is regarded as rare, but Bendire calls it the commonest hawk in southwestern Montana (1892, p. 194). Migration dates: Dawson County, April 30, 1903 (Cameron, 1907, p. 260) ; Silver Bow County, April 30, 1910 ; Anaconda, April 20, 1911 ; Choteau, April 22, 1912. Fall: Custer County, September 13, 1893 (Cameron, 1. c). 110. Astur atricapillus atricapillus (Wilson) Eastern GoshaW'K A fall migrant through the eastern half of the state, extending its range west into the mountains east of the continental divide, and perhaps farther west- ward. This form may be a summer resident in some parts of the state, but the only definite identification of a breeding bird proved to be that of the western subspecies. Records: Custer and Dawson counties, September 22, 1903, October 18, 1905, November 19, 1905, September-October, 1906, October 18-27, 1906 (Cameron, 1907, pp. 261-262). Gallatin County, three seen and one taken (Richmond and Knowlton, 1895, p. 302). Gallatin River, October 30, 1908 (Saunders, 1911a, p. 36). Park County, October 21-25, 1908. Winter record: Gallatin County, December 21, 1908 (Saunders, '1909a, p. 35). \ 62 PACIFIC COAST AVIFAUNA No. 14 111. Astur atricapillus striatulus Ridgway Western _ Gosi i a w k Suiiiitiei' I'csidcnt in thr riiountainous h;ilf ol' Hie state. 'Vlw Goshawk ha.s been found in the ))reeding season in Gallatin County (Saunders, 1911a, p. 36), in Lewis and Clark County (Saunders, 1914a, j). 132), and in the Big Hole Basin, where a nest and four young were found June 1, 1913 (Forrest, 1914, p. 194). in tlie last case the birds were definitely identified as belonging to the western race, l)ut in the other cases the birds may have been of either race. Goshawks are reported to be rare winter visitors in the Bitterroot Valley, where they are probably of the western race (Bailey, MS). Kalispell. one, Sep- tem])er 22, 1917 (Sloanaker, IMS). 112. Buteo borealis krideri Iloopes Krider Hawk Seen between Billings and J\Iiles City, August 13, 1900 (Jones and Dawson, 1900, p. 32). Nests at Toluca, Big Horn County, where a specimen was taken in May, 1918 (Tliomas, MS). 113. Buteo borealis calurus Cassiu < Western Red-tail A common summer resident, found throughout the state, but evidently most rtl)undant in the mountains of the western half. In the Canadian zone of the mountains it is the only common hawk. Reported to breed in Caster and Daw- son counties (Cameron, 1907, p. 262) ; Fergus County (Silloway, 1903a, p. 29) ; Flathead Lake (Silloway, 1901a, p. 46) ; Gallatin County (Saunders, 1911a, p. 36) ; southwestern Montana (Saunders, 1912a, p. 25) ; Big Hole Basin (Forrest, 1914, p. 194) ; Belt Mountains (Williams, 1882a, p. 63) ; Teton County (Saun- ders, 1914a, p. 132) ; Bitterroot Valley, rare (Bailey, MS). A nest and two eggs reported between Forts Union and Benton, June 18, 1862 (Cooper, 1869b, p. 295). No other definite dates for nesting are availa])le, but I have found the nests twice in June, in the Sixteen Mile Canyon, Gallatin County, in 1909, and near ]^>ernice, Jefferson County, in 1911, when it was impossible to ascertain whether they contained eggs or young. These uests, and others 1ha1 1 luive lo- cated in the Sun River country, were built on rock cliffs, and 1 believe this spe- cies nests more frequently in such situations than in trees in westei'u jMontana. Migration dates: Sedan, Galhitin County, April L 190!) ; Silver Bow County, April 5, 1910; Braekett Creek, Gallatin County. October 12, 1908; Three Forks, October 17, 1909; Deer Lodge (bounty, October 9, 1910 (Saunders, 1912a, ]). 25). 114. Buteo swainsoni iSonaparle Sw.MNSON IIaWK A connnon sunnner I'esideiit on Ihe prjiirics and in the luoiinlain valleys throughout the slate. Repofted by nearly all ohsei'vcrs, and IVoiii all I'egions 1921 BIRDS OF MONTANA 63 where extensive ornithological work has been done except Flathead Lake. It is evidently much commoner on the prairies of the eastern half of the state than in the mountain valleys of the western half. It nests in the Tapper Sonoran and Transition zones, never in the mountains, but only in the valleys of lower foot- hills. It breeds most commonly in cottonwood groves along streams, but also in evergreens growing along the foothills. Dates of nesting : The earliest date for eggs in the state is May 7, in Custer County (Cameron, 1913, p. 170). Silloway records a set of three with incuba- tion advanced on May 9, 1903 (1903a, pp. 29-30). Cameron gives June 27 as the latest date he has seen eggs, and Coues (1874b, pp. 625-626) records eggs at the forks of the Milk River, July 16, 1874. According to my experience the majority of birds do not nest until after the middle of May, and nests may be found most commonly in June. The young are out of the nest and able to fly at any time from the first of July to the last of August. Migration dates: Gallatin Valley, April 17, 1909. Silver Bow, April 8, 1910 (Saunders, 1914a, p. 25). Cameron records a large flight of about 2000 birds in Custer County, in April, 1890 (1907, p. 263). Fall dates seem very irregular. Cameron states that the birds leave soon after the young are able to fly. The only fall dates which I have are Sun River, September 27, 1912 (1914a, p. 132), and Bridger Mountains, November 18, 1908. 115. Archibuteo lagopus sancti-johannis (Gmelin) Rough-legged Haw^k A winter visitor in the mountain valleys and on the prairies. Common locally, and apparently distributed through most of the state, but not reported from the Bitterroot Valley nor from Fergus County. I have found it abundant in winter in the Gallatin Valley (1911a, p. 36), rare in Teton County (1914a, p. 132), and have not observed it in southwestern Montana. In Custer and Daw- son counties it is reported common, but becoming rare (Cameron, 1907, pp. 263-264). It is also reported from Fort Custer in February, 1878 (McChesney, 1879, p. 2391), and from the vicinity of Billings in winter (Thomas, MS). There are a number of summer records of this species, and it possibly breeds, or formerly did so. Cameron records a nest found in the badlands in May, of which the identification is doubtful. Common in summer at Flathead Lake (Silloway, 1901a, p. 46) ; abundant at Gardiner at the end of August (Grinnell, 1876, p. 649). Migration : In the Gallatin Valley this species first appeared October 9, 1908, and was last seen April 17, 1909. 116. Archibuteo ferrugineus (Lichtenstein) Ferruginoi;s Rough-leg An abundant summer resident of the prairies in the eastern part of the state. Less common in valleys of the mountains, and rather rare west of the continental divide. Nearly all observers record it in the eastern regions. It is reported to winter in the eastern part of the state, in Custer and Dawson coun- 64 PACIFIC COAST AVIFAUNA No. 14 ties (Cameron, 1907, p. 264), in Fergus County (Silloway, 1908a, pp. 80-;31), and at Billings (Thomas, IMS). The westernmost records for this species are Gallatin County (Saunders, 1911a, p. 26), Gold Creek, Powell County (Saun- ders, 1912a, p. 25), and Kalispell (Sloanaker, MS). The earliest date for nesting is April 25, 1900, in Fergus County (Silloway). The latest date for eggs is June 2, 1912, in Teton County (Saunders). The earliest date for young is IMay 21, 1916, at Button (DuP>ois, IMS). In addition to these there are numerous other nesting notes from vai-ious points in eastern iMontana, the dates hetween the extremes given. ^Migration dates: Dates of migration are not availahle from nmst i)laees, as many of the hirds winter in the eastern part of the state. Tlie only records I have are Stuart, Silver Bow County, April 16, 1911, Pipestone Creek, Jeffer- son County, October !), 1!)10, and Kalispell, Xovember IS, 1916, oue taken (Sloanaker, MS). 117. Aquila chrysaetos (Linnaeus) Golden Eagle A permanent resident throughout the state. Formcn-ly common, now rather rare. Reported hy most observers from various localities scattered over the entire state. Nests mainly in the pine hills and badlands in the eastern ])art of the state, and in the mountains in the western half. Seldom seen in the valleys or on the prairies in summer, but frequently common in such i)laces in winter. Nesting data: Pryor's Fork of the Yellowstone, near Fort Custer, a nest found with eggs May 22, 1883, by Dr. J. C. Merrill (Bendire, 1892. p. 268). Other detailed accounts of the nesting of this species in Montana may be found in the writings of Cameron (1905b, pp. 158-167, and 1908b. })p. 251-268). 118. Haliaeetus leucocephalus alascanus C. H. Townsend Northern Bald Eagle A rare permanent resident throughout the state, though in greatest num- bers in the mountains of the northwestern ])art. Commoner in Novembtn- and March than at other seasons, but evidently found throughout the year. Summer records: Rare on the Yellowstone and Musselshell (Allen, 1874, p. 65). Seen on the Missouri (Grjnnell, 1876, p. 650). Generally distributed (Hayden, 1862, p. 153). Bozeman, July, 1909 (Saunders 1911a. p. 36). Rare at Flatliead Lake (Silloway, 1!)(»1a, p. 47). Rare breeder in Ravalli County (Bailey, MS). Belton, June 30, 1915, and Dutton, June 23, 1916 (Dubois, MS). There is little that is definite about the nesting of this species in the state, nor any dates to show when it nests. A pair are rejiorted lo have nested on Ihe Boulder River near Big Timber (Thomas, MS). Migration dates: Custer County, IMarch 17, 1905. and Xoveiiilx'i- (i. 1905 (Cameron, 1907, p. 265) ; Gallatin County, Xoveiubei- 10, 1!)0S (Sauiulei's. 1911a, p. 36); liitterroot Valley, March, 1911 (Bailey, MS). 1 found this species almost <'ominon on several days from November 23 to Deceinber 2, 1909, in the Long Pine Hills of extreme southeastern Cai'tei- Count v. The hirds were high \ 1921 BIRDS OF MONTANA 65 overhead, evidently migrating, for they were all flying southeast against a strong wind. The only specimen definitely identified as to subspecies, so far as I know, is one from the South Fork of the Flathead River (Saunders, 1914a, p. 132). 119. Falco rusticolus nisticolus Linnaeus Gray Gyrfalcon One record only. One seen at Collins, Teton ('oiuity, January 8, 1912 (Saunders, 191 -la, p. 182). 120. Falco mexicaims Schlegel Prairie Falcon A rather rare permanent resident throughout the state. Apparently only a summer resident in most places. Records west of the continental divide are few. Summer and nesting records : Two Forks of the Milk River, nest and young, July 18, 1874 (Coues, 1874b, pp. 621-622, and 1874a, p. 596) ; Cone Butte, in Judith Mountains, not common (Grinnell, 1876, p. 649) ;. various localities along the Upper Missouri (Hayden, 1862, p. 152) ; several specimens from the Upper Missouri and Yellowstone (Baird, 1858, p. 12) ; Custer County, perma- nent resident, nesting in the badlands, two eggs May 10, 1906 (Cameron, 1907, pp. 265-266) ; Gallatin County, rare summer resident (Saunders, 1911a, p. 36) ; Gold Creek, Powell County, July- August, 1910 (Saunders, 1912a, p. 25) ; Teton County, summer resident on prairies (Saunders, 1914a, p. 132) ; Wild Horse Island, Flathead Lake, July 2, 1914 (Saunders, 19151), p. 112) ; Bitterroot Val- ley, rare in winter, one taken January 10, 1911, one seen January 15, 1912 (Bailey, MS). 121. Falco peregrinus anatum Bonaparte Duck Hawk A rather rare summer resident throughout most of the state ; perhaps in some localities a permanent resident. Records are almost lacking west of the continental divide, and the bird appears to be, on the whole, commoner east- ward in the prairies. Nesting records: Ne.st and young at Two Forks of ^lilk River, July 17. 1874 (Coues, 1874b, p. 622) ; nests and young along ^iMissouri (Grinnell, 1876, p. 649) ; nest on Squaw Creek, Gallatin County (Saunders, 1911a, p. 36) ; nests on cliffs along the Yellowstone near Billings (Thomas, MS). Migration dates: Spring: Gallatin Valley, April 17, 1909; German Gulch, Silver Bow County, March 23, 1910; Anaconda, April 23, 1911 (Saunders, 1910a, p. 132). Fall; Rock Creek, Park County, October 26, 1908. Cameron records the bird as resident in Custer and Dawson counties so it evidently occurs there in winter. Deer Lodge and Silver Bow counties are the only points where it has been recorded on the w^est side of the divide. \ \ \ 66 PACIFIC COAST AVIFAUNA " No. 14 122. Falco columbarius columbarius Linnaeus Pigeon Hawk A rare summer resident locally in the mountains, occurring in fall migra- tion in parts of the valleys. The status of this subspecies in its relation with the next in tliis state is not clear. This form has been found in the breeding sea- son at Flathead Lake (Silloway, lilO.Sb, p. 302). There are a number of records for eastern ]\Iontana, most of them in late summer and fall. There are no records later than 1902, ])erhaps indicating that the species is decreasing. Custer and Dawson counties, common fall migrant; August 20, 1899, and September 5, 1899 (Cameron, 1907. p. 267). Lewistown, October, 1902 (Silloway, ]90;3a, p. 32). Yellowstone Kiver in September (Allen, 1874, p. 64). Big Horn ^lountains, August 27 (McChesney, 1879, p. 2391). Abundant along streams (Ilayden, 1862, p. 152). 123. Falco columbarms richardsoni Ridgway Richardson Pigeon Hawk A rare summer resident of northwestern Montana, also occurring in various other parts of the state in fall migration. Summer record : Taken July 26, 1902, at Swan Lake (Silloway, 1903b, p. 302). Migration records: Bridger ^lountains, September 5, 1874 (Grinnell, 1876, p. 649) ; Madison River, Sep- tember 23, 1888 (Richmond and Knowlton, 1894, p. 303) ; two taken at Fort Keogh in fall of 1889 (Thorne, 1895, p. 214) ; Dawson County, August, 1904 (Cameron, 1907, p. 267). 1 observed a bird that belonged to this species, but 1o whicli subspecies I could not ])e sure, at Flatliead Lalpt in this region, where the Marsh Hawk exceeds it in numbers, it may be said to he the commonest Montana hawk. All observers record this species from all pai-ts of the state. In spite of its abundance there are no definite dates of finding of nests on record. The bird nests very commonly, and young may be seen just out of the \ 1921 BIRDS OP MONTANA 67 nest in the latter part of July. I have seen young on the wing in Powell County, July 31, 1910; in Teton County, July 14, 1912; and near Belton, Glacier National Park, August 3, 1914. JMigration dates are rather variable from year to year. Cameron gives the end of ^larch and middle of October as times of arrival and departure in Custer and Dawson counties (1907, p. 267). Other dates are as follow^s: Spring: Lombard, April 22, 1909; Big Hole River, April 27, 1910; French Gulch, Deer Lodge County, May 5, 1911; Teton County, May 19, 1912 (Saunders, 1914a, p. 132) ; Bitterroot Valley, February 28, 1910, March 27, 1911, April 18, 1912, and March 29, 1913 (Bailey, MS); Highwood, April 3, 1914 (DuBois, MS;. Fall: Bozeman, October 6, 1908; Race Track, Deer Lodge County, September 25, 1910; Whitetail Park, Jefferson County, September 26, 1909; Teton County, September 28, 1911 (Saunders, 1914a, p. 132). 126. Pandion haliaetus carolinensis (Gmelin) OSPREY A regular and formerly common summer resident of the western lialf of the state, along streams and near lakes, occurring also along the larger rivers eastward. ^lost observers in the eastern half of the state do not list this species. It breeds regularly at Flathead Lake, and probably rarely all through the moun- tainous half of the state, as there are scattered summer records throughout this region. At Flathead Lake old nests testify to its former abundance, but now there are only a few pairs still breeding on some of the islands. The only date for nesting is from Flathead Lake, a nest containing young, June 14, 1900, young still in this nest on August 6 (Silloway, 1901a, p. 30). Other localities for summer records are Gallatin County (Richmond and Knowl- ton, 1894, p. 303); Park County; Big Hole Basin (Forrest, 1914, p. 194); Bitterroot Valley (Bailey, MS) ; Belton, August 3, 1914. Records east of the mountains are from the Missouri River above Carroll (Grinnell, 1876, p. 650) ; ])etween Billings and Miles City (Jones and Dawson, 1900, p. 32) ; Fergus County (Silloway, 1903a, p. 33). Migration dates are as follows: Spring: Fridley, Park County, May 3 3, 1909; Big Hole River, May 1, 1910 (Saunders, 1912a, p. 25) ; Teton River, May 19, 1912 (Saunders, 1914a, p 132) ; Bitterroot Valley, April 17, 1911 (Bailey, MS). Fall: Belton, October 2, 1915 (DuBois, MS). 127. Asio wilsonianus (Lesson) Long-eared Owl A regular permanent resident evidently throughout the state. Most of the nesting records are east of the mountains, Init the bird evidently nests west of them also, and occurs at considerable elevation in the mountains. Winter rec- ords are all from eastern IMontana, but it is not unlikely that the bird is resi- dent wherever found. Nesting records: Custer County, female found dead on six eggs, IMay 7, 1907 (Cameron, 1908a, p. 56) ; nesting at Bozeman (Saunders, 1911a, p. 37) ; Lewis- \ 68 PACIFIC COAST AVIFAUNA No. 14 town, June 2, 1900, 4 eggs, Uny U, 1901, 8 eggs. May 10, 1902, -t eggs, and May 13, 1903, 6 eggs (Silloway, 1903a, pp. 33-34) ; Steveusville, Ravalli (^ounty, April 14. 1912, 2 eggs (Bailey, MS); Collins, Teton (V)iinty, May 18, 1917, o eggs (DuBois, .MS). Records in the mountains: Deer Lodge County, 7000 feet, August 27, 1909, and Homestake, Jefferson County, 5800 feet, J\ine 25, 1910 (Saundei's, 1912a, p. 25) ; Red Eagle Lake, Glacier National Park. August 9, 1914. 128. Asio flammeus (Pontoppidan) Short-eared Owl A regular permanent resident throughout the state in the mountain valleys and on the prairies. Quite common in many places. Most observers record tliis species. It nests in most localities where it is found, i)ut is not recorded nesting in the extreme eastern ])art of the state. Cameron re|)orted it from that section as an erratic winter visitor, thougli other observers have found it there in sum- mer. Nesting records: Great Falls. June 13, 1889, 6 eggs, incubation advanced (Bendire, 1892, p. 334) ; Lewistown, June, 1907, 8 eggs (Silloway, 1909, pp. 89-90) ; Choteau, 9 young, June 10, 1912, and later (Saunders, 1913c, pp. 121- 125) ; Bitterroot Valley, 6 eggs, April 14, 1912, and 3 eggs, April 3, 1913 ( P>ai- ley, MS). Also reported to nest in the Gallatin and Deer Lodges valleys (Saun- ders, 1911a, p. 37, and 1912a, p. 26). 129. Strix varia varia Barton Barred Owl A rare permanent resident in the eastern part of the state. There are but three records, all east of the continental divide and in the southern half of the state. Yellowstone and Mussellshell rivers (Allen, 1874, p. (U) ; Gallatin County, one seen August 5, 1909 (Saund(»rs. 19na, ]>. .')7 ) ; two taken at P.illiugs (Thomas, MS). 130. Scotiaptex nebulosa nebulosa (J. R. Forster) (iREAT Gray Owl A winter visitor, mainly in the northwestern ])art of the state, but with one or two scatto-ing j-ecor-ds to indi('at(^ that it nuiy occur i-jirely anywhere. Several mounted specimens are in the collection of TL P. Stanford, at Kalispell. taken in that vicinity (Saunders, 1915b, p. 115). A specimen from Columbia Falls, December 24, 1900, taken by E. S. Bryant, is in the collection of Dr. L. B. Bishop. ITas been taken in the Bitterroot Valley nearly every wintei-, one on December 3L 1910, and another December 2, 1911 (iiailey, MS). One t:iken at Billings in tlie winter of 1!)17-18, and one seen on Buffalo-horn Cri'ck in tiie AVest (iallatin country in Noveiubei-. 1 91 (! (Thomas, MS). 1921 BIRDS OF MONTANA 69 131. Cryptog-laux funerea richardsoni (Bonaparte) Richardson Owl A specimen of this owl, taken at Columbia Falls December 9, 1902, by E. S. Bryant is in the collection of Dr. L. B. Bishop. This species is also reported coiiHiion in winter in Glacier Park (F. M, Bailey, 1918, p. 57). It has not been reported from any other part of the state. 182. Cryptoglaux acadica acadica (Guielin) Saw-whet Owl A rare resident, most common in the northw^estern part of the state, l)ut re- ported from scattered localities elsewhere. Records: Custer County, one young of the year, July 12, 1907 (Cameron, 1908a, pp. 55-56). One from the Yellow- stone River at Miles City, February 21, 1900, taken by C. F. Hedges and in the collection of L. B. Bishop. Resident in the mountains, southwestern ^lontana (Saunders, 1912a, p. 26). Rare resident in the Bitterroot Valley and moun- tains (Bailey, ]MS). One seen at Bozeman, December 25, 1915 (Lundwall, 1916, 1). 80). Occurs regularly at Kalispell in winter. One found dead January 21, 1916 (Sloanaker, MS). 188. Otus asio maxwelliae (Ridgway) Rocky Mountain Screech Owl A rare permanent resident in the eastern part of the state. i\Iost of the records are from Custer County. Fort Custer, one taken December 1, 1884, and four others later that same winter (Bendire, 1892, p. 86-1). Three seen at Fort Keogh (Thorne, 1895, p. 214). Four, two young and two old, found on Horse Creek, Custer County, in July, 1897, and four on Sheep Creek, Custer County, in July, 1905 (Cameron, 1908a, p. 56). One seen at Lewistown. (Silloway, 1908a, p. 48). A screech owl heard on Bridger Creek, Gallatin County, by Thomas (Saunders, 1911a, p. 37), probably also belongs to this race. Occurs at Billings and nests there (Thomas, MS). 134. Otus asio macfarlanei (Brewster) ]\IacFarlane Screech Owl A permanent resident in western Montana west of the continental divide. Eastern slopes of the Bitterroot Mountains (Bendire, 1892, p. 371). Hell Gate, Missoula County (Brewster, 1891, p. 141). Rare resident of the Bitterroot Val- ley and mountains (Bailey, ]MS). A screech owl was taken on Post Creek, ]\Iis- soula County ( Silloway, 1901a, p. 48). This last bird is recorded as maxwelliae, but the early specimens taken at the Biological Station at Flathead Lake have never been compared with those in other collections, and from the locality one would suspect this bird to belong to macfarlanei. Screech owls heard on the Soutli Fork of the Flathead River, at Cabin Parks and Spotted Bear, in the summer of 1916 (Betts, 1916, p. 162), probably also belong to this race. There are no data on the nesting of this species in the state. \ 70 PACIFIC COAST AVIFAUNA No. 14 l;35. Bubo virginianus pallescens Stone Western Horned Owl A common ])(>r'manent resident thronghont the stat(\ exee[)t perhaps the northwestern part, where it is pr()hal)ly i-ephieed, in thr mountains at h'ast. by saturaius. This s[)eeies ranges over prairies, valleys antl mountains, hut it is decidedly commoner in the prairies and valleys. It is l)ecoming rare in the more thickly settled regions. Nearly all ol)servers record it. This species nests early in the year. Twa sets, of three and fonr eggs, re- spectively, were taken at Lewistown, March 16, 1900 (Silloway, lOOld, pp. 97- 98), and a second set of two eggs, on April 18, 1900 (Silloway, 190;}a, i)p. :M-35). Young on the wing were noted at Choteau in ^lay, 1012 (Saunders, IDl-ta, p. 1.T2). l;J6. Bubo virginianus subarcticus Hoy Arctic Horned Owl A rare winter visitor thronghont the state. Of twenty-eight birds from Foi-t Custer in the winter of 188-4-85, two approached this form (Bendire, 1892, pp. 385 and 387). Thorne records this subspecies as common at Fort Keogh, adding the statement that some breed (1895, p. 214), which seems extremely donbtful. A specimen taken at Miles City, January 15, 1900 (Hedges, coll. Ctniv. Mont.). A very rare winter visitor in the Bitterroot Valley. Two at Cor- vallis in the winter of 1907-08 (Bailey, ^IS). This last is the only record from the western part of the state. 137. Bubo virginianus saturatus Ridgway Dusky Horned Owl Found regularly in the mountains about Kalispell, wliei'e it is a pei-manent resident. ^Ir. H. P. Stanford has mounted a, number of specimens. It is prob- ably the regular form in the northwestern part of the state, at least in the moun- tains, but data on which to determine this with certainty are lacking. Flathead l^ake specimens are listed as pallescenH (Silloway, 1901a, ])p. 48-49), and the horned owl which is a common resident in the Bitterroot Valley (Bailey, MS) has not been identified as to subspecies. 138. Nyctea nyctea (Lirnuieus) SN()W^■ Owl An erratic and usually rare winter visitor, occurring throughout the state. This species has been recorded by nearly all observers whose work covers periods in the winter. It is fourul chiefly in the valleys ami (,n the pi'airies. Silloway states that it occurs fr-om the first of XovemlxM- to early March (;l9()3a, p. 35). The only other dates to indicate the time of ils migrations are October 2(i, 1908, in Tom Minor Basin. Park County, and October 14. 1!M7, at Kalispell (Sloan- aker, MS). 1921 BIRDS OF MONTANA 71 139. Sumia ulula caparoch (Miiller) Hawk Owl A winter visitor, mainly in the northwestern part of the state, witii one known occurrence in summer. Records: Madison River, August 11, 1872 (Mer- riam, 1873, p. 696) ; Summit, Teton County, November 8, 1912, one seen (Saun- ders, 1914a, p. 133) ; Kalispell, not uncommon in winter, several mounted each year (Sloanaker, MS). One taken at Billings in the winter of 1916-17 (Thomas, MS). 140. Speotyto cunicularia hypogaea (Bonaparte) Burrowing Owl A connnon permanent resident in the prairie region of tiie state, particu- larly in the southeastern part. Also found in the Bitterroot Valley, and may occur in other valleys within the mountains. Records are numerous in Custer County and vicinity, but less so northward and westward. The northernmost records are Frenchman's River, July 9, 187-1, and Sweet Grass Hills. August 3, 1874 (Coues, 1874b, p. 619). Tlie more western records in the prairie region are from Fort Benton, September 20, 1853 (Baird, 1858, p. 60), Fergus County (Silloway, 1903a, p. 35), and Billings (Thomas, MS). In the Bitterroot Valley a specimen was taken at Corvallis, April 15, 1911, and one was seen May 4, 1912 (Bailey, MS) . At Billings it is believed to be sunmier resident only. 141. Glaucidium gnoma pinicola Nelson Rocky Mountain Pygmy Owl A permanent resident of the mountains in the western haK of th.e state. There is one record in the eastern half, and the bird may occur rarely througli- out the state. It probably occurs in all the mountain ranges, but it has not been reported from the more eastern ones. In most places it is reported as rare, but I believe that it is merel}^ overlooked, and that on the whole it is the commonest owl in the mountains. The easternmost records of this owl are as follows : Tongue River, one bird, January 4, 1895 (Cameron, 1907, p. 269) ; Gold Run, April 14, 1882 (Williams, 1883, p. 59) ; Gallatin County (Saunders, 1911a, p. 37) ; and Teton, and Lewis and Clark counties (Saunders, 1914a, p. 133). The only definite knowledge of the nesting of this species in the state is the record of a nest and newly hatched young found on Bridger Creek, Gallatin County, by Mr. Thomas in June, 1909 (Saunders, 1911a, p. 37). 142. Coccyzus erythrophthalmus (Wilson) Black-billed Cuckoo A summer resident of eastern Montana. On the Upper Missouri as far as Wolf Point (Grinnell, 1876, p. 648). A cuckoo seen in the Yellowstone Valley was probably of this species (Allen, 1874, p. 63). Pryor's Fork of the Yellow- stone, also breeding on Little Horn River and at Fort Custer, June 25, 1885 (Bendire, 1895, pp. 27 and 30). A rare summer resident of Custer and Dawson 72 PACIFIC COAST AVIFAUNA No. 14 eountics, arriving at the end of May. A nest and si.\ eggs found June 1:], 11)00 (Cameron, 1907, p. 269). Three specimens taken at Miles City, June 8, 3902, by C F. Hedges, are in the collection of the rniversity of ^lontana. Suuiiiiei- resi- dent at Billings (Tliomas, MS). 14;J. Ceryle alcyon alcyon (Linnaeus) Bei/fel) Kingfisher A yvvy common sunnner resident throughout the state, along rivers and about the borders of lakes. All observers report this 8i)>fcies from all parts of the statt>, though it is probably found in greater numbers in the western half, where streams containing fish are more abundant. The spring migration tjikes l)lace in JMarch or April, and the fall migration in Oetobei". Migration dates: Bozeman, April 6, 1909; Dewey, Silver Bow County, April 'M). 1910; Anaconda, April 26, 1911; Choteau, April 9, 1912; Highwood, :\larch 28, 1914 (DuBois, MS) ; Bozeman, October 6, 1908; Whitetail Park, Jefferson County. September 26, 1909; Two Medicine River, Teton County, September 27, 1912; JMissoula, April 25 to November 14 (Kittredge, MS). Nesting data are not numerous, though there is no doubt that the species nests al)undantly within the state, mainly in June. A pair were nesting June 4, 1905, on the Powder River (Cameron, 1907, p. 270). This seems to be the only definite date of nesting on record. This bird winters in small numbers in the western half of the state, and probably (piite commonly on the west side of the divide. Winter records are as follows: Reported nearly every month of the year in Fergus County (Sillo- way, 1903a, p. 35) ; Three Forks. February 12, 1910 (Saunders, 1911a, p. 37) ; Bitterroot Valley, a few all winter (Bailey, MS) ; Big Fork, December 26, 1916 (Sloanaker, MS). Winters at Missoula (Kittredge, MS), and occasionally near Billings (Thomas, MS). 144. Dryobates villosus villosus (Linnaeus) Eastern Hairy Woodpecker A permanent resident of extreme eastern ^Fontana, breeding in tlu' pine bills. Custer and Dawson counties (Cameron, 1907, p. 270). Rare, Fort Keogh (Tliornc. 1895, ]>. 214). F.astern Montana, winter of 1884-85 (Bendire. 1895, pp. 46 and 50). 145. Dryobates villosus leucomelas (Boddaert) NoRTiiKRN IJAiin' Woodpecker A rare winP'r visitor. Possibly breeds along ttic norllu'i'i) boi'der of Ihe state, wlicrc llie common breeding form, iiioiiticola, shows signs of intergrada- tion with tiiis form. One taken on liig Horn l^ivci', A])ril 19, 1885 (Bendiiv. 1895, p. 50). ,\n inlcrgrade with tixDil idiUi i'rom Summit, am) a typical l)ird froin the l>ig Snowy .MoiiuPiins. dated .\u4i. \ 1921 BIRDS OF MONTANA T3 146. Dryobates villosus monticola Anthony Rocky IMountain Hairy Woodpecker A common permanent resident throughout the western half ol' the state in Ihe mountains. Winters mainly in the valleys in eottonwood groves, but does not breed there. Intergrades with leucomelas along the northern border of the state. The eastern limits of its range are evidently the eastern foothills of the mountains. Just wiiieh form breeds in the more eastern mountain ranges is not definitely determined. In the mountains this bird has been recorded by all ob- servers. It is common everywhere, and usually the commonest oC the mountain woodpeckers. There are few published records of the nesting, of this species in the state. Young, one week old, were found in the Belt Mountains, June 25 (Williams, 1882a, p. 62). I have found nests in June, and full grown young on the wing in August. 147. Dryobates pubescens homorus Cabanis and Heine Batchelder Woodpecker A rare permanent resident throughout, or nearly throughout the state, l)ut probably replaced by mcdianus in the extreme eastern portions. The liird is re- corded by nearly all observers, but most of them consider it rare. It is certainly much rarer in the mountainous part of the state than the hairy woodpecker. Dr. Merrill found this species nesting near Fort Shaw early in June, 1879, a set of four eggs being taken ou June 12 (Bendire, 1895, pp. 60-61). This is evidently the only published record of the nesting of this species in the state. Writers in the eastern part of the state differ in statements as to which form of downy woodpecker is found there. Cameron lists homorus for Custer and Dawson coun- ties (1907, p. 270), but Thorne lists mcdianus from the vicinity of Fort Keqgh (1895, p. 214). McChesney (1879, p. 2390) and Bendire (1895, p. 60) record this form from Fort Custer. This species, like the hairy woodpecker, while a permanent resident in the state, is found in summer and probably breeds in the mountains or pine hills, and winters in the eottonwood groves in the valleys and prairies. 148. Dryobates pubescens medianus (Swainson) Eastern Downy Woodpecker Permanent resident of extreme eastern Montana, intergrading westwarr] with homorus. Irregular in ^lontana (Bendire, 1895, p. 55). Fort Keogh, com- mon, breeds (Thorne, 1895, p. 214). 149. Dryobates pubescens nelsoni Oberholser Nelson Downy Woodpecker A rare winter visitor. One taken at Fort Custer, January 28, 1885 (Ben- dire, 1895, p. 56). This subspecies was not described at the time Bendire wrote, but his remarks and description of the specimen leave no doubt about its iden- tity. It is probable that the subspecies occurs more commonly in winter than this 74 PACIFIC COAST AVIFAUNA No. 14 single record indicates. In nearly two years' observations in Teton County, 1 met with this species but once, January 5, 1913, and am inclined to think that the l)ird \vould have proved ol' this form had it been collected. 150. Picoides arcticus (Swainson) Arctic Three-toed Woodpecker A regular permanent resident of the mountains in the westei-n half of thi' state, evidently commoner in the northwestern part of the state than elsewliere. The species has not been recorded from the most eastern mountain ranges. Its easternmost records are Gallatin County (Richmond and Knowlton, 1894, p. 303) and Belt Mountains (Williams, 1882a, p. 62). This bird is not generally common. Williams calls it tolerably common at Columbia Falls (Bendire, 1895, p. 75), and rather common in the Belt Mountains, but other observers find the bird generally rare. In my own experience it is rare, for in six years' work in the mountains of Montana I have seen this species on only four occasions. It was found breeding in the Prickly Pear Canyon in northern Lewis and Clark Coun- ty by Dr. IMerrill (Bendire, 1895, p. 75). This species has been found twice in the prairie region in winter or migration, a specimen having been taken at Bill- ings, in the winter of 1917-18 (Thomas, MS) and a male on Little Pumpkin Creek, Custer County, April 25, 1900 (Hedges, coll. Univ. Mont.) 151. Picoides americanus fasciatus IJaird Alaska Three-toed Woodpecker A rather rare permanent resident of northwestern Montana, chiefly on the west side of the divide. It is probable that the birds of this species found on the east side of the divide in the mountain ranges of Teton and Lewis and Clark counties also belong to this form, though they have been previously listed as dorsalis (Saunders, 1914a, p. 133). Those from northwestern Montana have been previously listed as americanus (Bangs, 1899, pp. 130-140). This form in- tergrades with dorsalis southward. Birds with barred rather than continuously white backs have been found even in the southern part of the state, as in Gallatin County (Saunders, 1911a, p. 37) and Jefferson County (Saunders, 1912a, p. 26). These birds were recorded as americanus but are more probably fasciatus. There are no definite records of the nesting of this subsjiecies in Montana, al- though it undoubtedly does so regularl.v in the mountains. 152. Picoides americanus dorsalis Haird Alpine Tiiree-toed Woodpecker A regular permanent resident of the mountains of southwestern Montana. In most places it is rather rare, though I found it almost common in the moun- tains of Gallatin County, and it is mentioned as common in the mountains of the Big Hole Basin (Forrest, 1914, p. 195). Gallatin County and the Belt Moun- tains (Williams, 1882a, p. 62) appear to be the easternmost points at wliich it has been found. 1921 BIRDS OF MONTANA 75 Birds of this species were found hollowing out a nest in Gallatin County in June, 1909 (Saunders, 1911a, p. 37), but this nest was deserted before any eggs were laid. There are no other records of the finding of the nest of this species in the state. 153. Sphyrapicus varius nuchalis Baird Red-naped Sapsucker A regular summer resident of the lower mountain sloi)es and foothills throughout the western half of the state, and eastward to the easternmost ranges. The easternmost records are JMussellshell River (Allen, 1874, p. 63), and Big Horn ^Mountains and Little Big Horn River (Merrill, 1881, pp. 206-207). Occurs in rather small numbers, but is widely distributed and not rare. There are few Fig. 15. Red-xapp:d Sapsuckers at nest-hole; male at left, female at BIGHT. Near Homestake, Jefferson County; June 21, 1910. This nest is in a dead fir; the species most commonly nests in live aspens. dates to indicate the season of its migration. The earliest date of arrival at ^lissoula is April 18 (Kittredge, MS). The earliest date among my own records is Sedan, Gallatin County, May 20, 1909. The only fall date I have obtained is Kalispell, October 1, 1917 (Sloanaker, MS). This species nests in June and July. Dr. Merrill found a nest on the Little Big Horn River in June, 1880, containing five eggs. Silloway secured six fresh eggs at Lewistown on June 7, 1904 (1904b, p. 149), and found birds feeding young at Flathead Lake, June 26, 1900 (1901a, p. 29). The aest and young were found in Gallatin County in July, 1909 (Saunders, 1911a, p. 37), and a nest probably containing eggs, in Jefferson County in late June, 1910 (Saunders, 1912a, p. 24). (See fig. 15.) A nest containing young was found at Belton, July 3, 1915 (DuBois, MS). 76 PACIFIC COAST AVIFAUNA No. 14 154. Sphyrapicus thyroideus (Cassia) Williamson Sapsucker A rare snmnu'r resident, mainly in the soiitlnvestei-n part of the state. Oe- curs mostly in the mountains in the Transition zone. There are only a IVw rec- ords, as follows: Gallatin Basin, August 28 to September 3, 1890, three young taken (Riehmond and Knowlton, 1894, p. 303). Madison River, August 13, 1872 (Merriam, 1873, p. 694). Seen in numbers throughout the Big Horn Region .-uid on the Yellowstone River; specimens collected August 20, 24 and 29, 1878 (Mc- Chesney,1879. p. 2390) . This record is unusual, because other observers have not mentioned this species in that region, and it is the only record out of the moun- tains, l)esides being the easternmost record for the state. Nesting on Bridgei- Fig. 16. Williamson Sap.sl'ckeks at xest-hole; jiale at left, female at kight. little pipestone creek, jefferson County; Jitly 8, 1910. Creek, Gallatin County in June, 1909 (Saunders, ^'^^^u. \). 'A^). Divide Creek, Silver Bow County, April 23, 1910, several seen and one taken, and Charcoal Gulch, Silver Bow County, April 30, 1910, one seen (Saunders, ]9r2a, p. 2(t). A nest where the ])arents were feeding young found on I'ipestone Creek, fief fci son County, July 6, 1910 (Saunders, 19l6d, pp. 203-204). (See fig. 16.) The norili- ernmost locality is Glacier Park, where there are a number of records .it low elevations (F. M. Bailey, 191S, p. 58). 155. Phloeotomus pileatus abieticola (Uangs) Northern Pileated Woodpecker A common permanent resident of the more heavily timbered mountains of northwestern Montana, M'est of the continental divide. There an' also two rec- ords from exircme eastern ^lontana. Tlie eastern limit of tlic rriiuhir I'aiige of 1921 BIRDS OF MONTANA 77 this species in the state is the upper limit of the Transition zone on the western slopes of the divide, for the birds are found only in the heavy timbered forests of Douglas fir and yellow pine of that zone. The southernmost records are in the Bitterroot Valley, where it is reported as rare (Bailey, MS), and about Gold Creek and Pioneer in Powell County (Saunders, 1912a, p. 26). The eastern rec- ords are of one seen April 25, 1894, and another August 12, 1898, in Custer and Dawson counties (Cameron, 1907, p. 270). While this species is found mainly in the mountains, it is reported to occur in the Bitterrcot Valley in winter (Bailey, MS). There are no dates for the nesting of this species in the state, Fig. 17. Tkuxk ok a yellow pine, showing work ok the pileated woodpecker. yellow bay, Flathead Lake; summer of 1916. Photo by J. L. Sloanakeb. and occupied nests have not been found and recorded. I have seen the nest holes of this species at Flathead Lake high up in tall yellow pines. It at first seems rather curious that the principal Montana hal)itat of tliis species, which ranges east to the Atlantic in other states, is almost exactly tlie same as the breeding ranges of certain other distinctly western species, such as the Townsend Warbler and the Chestnut-backed Chickadee. This is explained, however, by the preference of this woodpecker for forests of large evergreen trees, which grow only in the liumid region of northwestern ^lontana, and are \ 78 PACIFIC COAST AVIFAUNA No. 14 lacking in tlie mountains of soutliwestci-n Montana or the pine hills of the eastern half. (See fig. 17.) 156. Melanerpes erythrocephalus (Linnaeus) Red-headed Woodpecker A common summer resident of eastern Montana, ranging west to the foot- hills of the mountains, but becoming rare westward. Observers in the eastern part all record this species as common. West of the middle of the state, how- ever, it becomes rare. The westernmost records are from the Belt Mountains, one seen (Williams. 18S2a, p. 63) ; Gallatin County, near Bozeman, one taken, now in the collection of the Montana Agricultural College (Saunders, 1911a, p. 38) ; Choteau, July 16, 1911, one seen; and Strabane, Teton County, June 5, 1912, two seen (Saunders, 1914a, p. 133). Jones and Dawson (1900, p. 32) first noted this species between Billings and Miles City, when travelling eastward across the state. This species is said to arrive in the middle of May and leave the middle of September (Cameron, 1907, p. 133). Nests have been found in Custer and Dawson counties, in June, but there seems to be nothing more definite than this about the nesting of this species in the state. 157. Asyndesmus lewisi Riley Lewis Woodpecker A common summer resident in the western half of the state. Breeds in the Transition zone, in cottonwood groves or yellow pines at low elevations. The easternmost records are Lewistown, May 18, 1899 (Silloway, 1903a, p. 'Sii), Camp Baker, Meagher County (Grinnell, 1876, p. 648), Sun River (Cooper, 1869b, p. 298), base of Rocky Mountains along the northern border of the state (Coues, 1874b, p. 617), and Billings (Thomas, MS). At the last place it is reported rare, but it becomes more common westward in the pine hills about Big Timber, which evidently marks the most eastern point where the species occurs commonly in the southern part of the state. This species is not a bird of the mountains in ^Nlon- tana, as some writers would lead one to suppose. It occurs mainly in the foot- hills, in yellow pines and in cottonwood groves along stream borders. Migration dates are as follows: Chestnut, Gallatin County, ^lay 8, 1909; Big Hole River, May 1, 1910 (Saunders, l})12a, p. 26) ; Missoula, May 9 (Kittredge, MS). Fall dates are Gold Creek, September 21, 1910 (Saunders, 1912a. p. 26), and Missoula, September 17 (Kittredge. MS). The only definite nesting dates would indicate rather late l)reeding on the part of this species. The birds were found feeding young in a nest at Flathead Lake, July 28, 1900 (Silloway, 1901a, pp. 52-53), and again near Garrison, Pow- ell County, July 26, 1910 (Saunders, 1912a, p. 26). 158. Colaptes auratus luteus IJangs Northern Flicker A rare summer resident of eastern Montana, occui-i'ing west to the moun- \ 1921 BIRDS OF MONTANA 79 tains. Hybridizes with the next species so that birds are seldom typical. The following records of this species have been published: Seen west to the Mussel- shell (Allen, 1876, p. 62) ; occasional on the Little Horn River (McChesney, 1879, p. 2391) ; upper ^Missouri (Baird, 1858, p. 119) ; one taken August 23, 1874, at base of Rocky Mountains (Coues, 1874b, p. 618) ; Gallatin County, not com- mon (Saunders, 1911a, p. 38) ; Divide Creek, Silver Bow County, April 17, 1910 (Saunders, 1912a, p. 26) ; common summer resident, nesting, Custer and Daw- son counties (Cameron, 1907, p. 270). 159. Colaptes cafer coUaris Vigors Red-shafted Flicker A very common summer resident throughout the state. East of the conti- nental divide the majority of birds are hybrids with the last mentioned species {C. auratus luteus), but most of such hybrids are nearer coUaj'is than luteus. West of the divide the majority of birds are typical collaris. All observers rec- ord this species as very common, and it is on the w^hole the commonest and most widely distributed woodpecker in the state. It breeds mainly in the Transition zone, in the Cottonwood groves of the prairies and valleys, in the pine hills of the eastern half of the state, and on the lower mountain slopes of the western half. The migrations evidently take place in IMarch or early April, and in Novem- ber. It is difficult to determine dates exactly because a few individuals winter not uncommonly. Dates of arrival are : Bozeman, April 2, 1909 ; Silver Bow, March 29, 1910; Bozeman, March 19, 1911; Choteau, April 7, 1912; Lewistown, March 30, 1901 (Sillow^ay, 1903a, p. 36) ; Ilighwood, April 7, 1914 (DuBois, MS). The only fall dates I have are from Bozeman, November 5, 1908, and Three Forks, October 17, 1909. This species winters in small numbers in the western half of the state, and evidently quite regularly west of the divide. I have noted it in winter at Living- stone, Lombard, and Choteau. West of the divide it is reported as common in the Bitterroot Valley in winter (Bailey, MS), and it is reported from Missoula, December 25, 1915 (Kittredge, 1916, p. 39). This bird nests very commonly, but, as is true with some other common spe- cies, dates of finding of nests or taking of eggs have not been put on record. Young w^ere hatching on June 28 in the Belt Mountains (Williams, 1882a, p. 63). A nest containing nearly full-grown young was found at Flathead Lake in late July, 1915 (Saunders, 1916b. p. 82). 160. Phalaenoptilus nuttalli nuttalli (Audubon) Poor-will A common summer resident of extreme eastern Montana, and occurring westward in the mountains, but much rarer there. One record west of the con- tinental divide. Seen along the ^Musselshell (Allen, 1874, p. 62) ; Yellowstone River, August 8, 1856 (Baird, 1858, p. 150) ; Big Horn Mountains, heard (Mc- Chesney, 1879, pp. 2389-2390) ; Fergus County, in mountains to 7000 feet (Sillo- way, 1903a, p. 37) ; Custer and Dawson counties (Cameron, 1907, p. 389) ; Galla- 80 PACIFIC COAST AVIFAUNA No. 14 tin County, several on July 20-21, li)()9, one secured -luly 21 (Saiuiders, IDlla, p. 38) ; Poison, one heard July 26, 1915 (Saunders, l!)l(ie, p. So) ; rare at Bill- in easternmost places where this form has ])e('n rc^ported ai'c .MiTk liivei-. Sun River and Great Falls in the breeding season, and Johnson Lake, Valley County, in migration (Oberholser, 1914, j). 50). Reported conunon or abundant in all pai'ts of the state except the iiig Hole Basin, whei'e it is rare, only one hii'd being seen in a season's work (Forrest, 1914, p. 195). This species is one of the latest birds to arrive in spring, the date usually being in the first week of .lunc it leaves in late August or cai'lN' Scptcnibcf. 1921 BIRDS OF MONTANA 81 V Spring: Sedan, Gallatin County, June 12, 1909; Homestake, Jefferson County, June 2, 1910; Bozeman, May 28, 1911 ; Choteau, June 7, 1912 ; Bitterroot Valley, June 11, 1910; May 31, 1911; June 4, 1912, and June 4, 1913 (Bailey, MS) ; Button, June 18, 1915, and June 19, 1916 (DuBois, :\1S) ; Missoula, May 29 (Kittredge, IMS) ; Johnson Lake, Valley County, June 3, 1910 (Oberholser, 1914, p. 50). Fall: Bozeman, August 31, 1908; Jefferson River, August 25, 1909; Bozeman, September 5, 1910; Sun River, August 28, 1911; Choteau, August 29, 1912; Belton, September 3, 1915 (DuBois, MS) ; Missoula, September 15 (Kitt- redge, MS). The nest of this species has been found very frequently, and there are many published records of taking of the eggs, or finding of young. These indicate that the birds begin nesting late in June, and continue until early in Augast. The earliest date of taking eggs is Flathead Lake, June 26, 1902 (Silloway, 1903'), p. 298) ; the latest. Poison, July 27, 1915. Newly hatched young have been found in Powell County as late as August 6, 1910 (Saunders, 1912a, p. 26). 162. Chordeiles virginianus sennetti Coues Sennett Nighthawk A common summer resident of the eastern part of the state, in the prairie region, probably intergrading westward with Jiesperis. Probal)ly occurs far- ther west in migrations. Records wiiere this form has been definitely identified are as follows: Fort Custer, common (Mearns, 1904, p. 20) ; Fort Keogh, June 3, 1889; Darnell's Ranch, 30 miles south of Glasgow, Dawson Count}^ July S, 1910; Strater, Phillips County, July 16 and 18, 1910 (Oberholser, 1914, p. 56). The migrations and nesting of this form take place at about the same time as those of lies peris. The earliest date for eggs is from Fort Benton, about June 25, 1860 (Cooper, 1869b, p. 297), and the latest date, August 13, 1860 (ibid., p. 298). It is interesting to note that among early records the eggs w'ere taken on the Milk River, July 1, 1874 (Coues, 1874b, p. 613), and on the Upper Missouri the same day and year (Grinnell, 1876, p. 647). This form has been taken west of the continental divide in migration on Gold Creek, Powell County, August 26, 1910 (Saunders, 1912a, p. 27). 163. Chaetura pelagica (Linnaeus) Chimney Swift A rare summer resident of extreme eastern Montana. Seen at the mouth of Tongue River (Allen, 1874, p. 62). Merrill (1897, p. 355), discussing C. vauxi, says "I have frequently seen swifts on the Yellowstone River in Montana, but have been unable to secure any for identification". Four seen at Miles City, May 20, 1917 (Kittredge, MS). Two taken in Custer County, July 17 and 27, 1919, by C. F. Hedges. 164. Chaetura vauxi (J. K. Townsend) Vaitx Swift A rare summer resident of northwestern Montana, uiainly west of the con- 82 PACIFIC COAST AVIFAUNA No. 14 tinental divide. There are only a few records. One taken at ''Silvei-. Missoula County," June 25, 1891, by C. P. Streator (Bendire, 1895, p. IS'-)). At present the only place in the state named Silver is in Lewis and Clark County, north of Helena. If this was formerly in Missoula County, and is the locality referred to, it is especially interesting because east of the divide. One seen at Yellow Bay, Flathead Lake, August 25, 1914. Swifts were also seen at Somers by H. P. Stanford (Saunders, 1915b, p. 114). I noted this species again, in the same place July 25, 1915. Other records are : Missoula, July 25, 1915, and Seeley Lake, August 20, 1915 (Kittredge, :\1S) ; South Fork of Flathead River (Betts, 1916, p. 162), identification questionable; Kalispell, May 30, 1916, and Wood's Bay, Flathead Lake, August 12, 1916 (Sloanaker, MS) ; seen at Many Glacier Hotel, Glacier Park, in midsummer {F. ^I. Bailey, 1918, p. 58). 165. Aeronautes melanoleucus (Baird) White-throated Swift A very rare or local summer resident, occurring in scattered localities over the state, though the majority of records are in the eastern half. Seen June 22, 1860, between Forts Union and Benton (Cooper, 1869b, p. 296) ; Belt River Can- yon, feeding young in crevices of the rock in July, 1881 (Williams, 1882c, p. 122) ; seen by Bowman on the Powder River (Cameron, 1907, p. 390) ; Billings, August 12, 1900, and between Billings and Miles City, August 13, 1900 (Jone^ and Dawson, 1900, p. 32) ; six seen at Corvallis, Bitterroot Valle3% May 19, 1911, two. May 27. 3 911, and two. May 22, 1912 (Bailey, MS). At least twelve colo- nies of these birds nest in the vicinity of Billings, in rim-rocks. A set of two eggs was taken thirty miles below Billings on the Yellowstone, June 17, 1918. The set was evidently complete, as the two eggs had remained in the nest several days without an additional egg being added (Thomas, ^IS). 166. Archilochus alexandri (Bourcier & Mulsant) Black-chinned Hummingbird A rare summer resident of extreme northwestern Jlontana, west of the con- tinental divide. Taken at Columbia Falls, May 27, 1893. by Williams (Bendire, 1895, p. l!)f)) ; two males seen at Stevensville, I\Liy 28, 1912 (Bailey, MS) ; seen at Yellow Bay, Flathead Lake (Silloway, from an unpublished manuscript) ; seen at Missoula, June 6 and July 17 (Kittredge, MS). These constitute th<} only records. 167. Selasphorus platycercus (Swaiiison) BuoAD-TAIIiED HUMMINGBIRD But two definite records of this si)ecies. One takcu by Lieut fuaut Colonel Wirt Robinson in 1907 at Chico, Park County, according to information sent me by Mr. :\1. P. Skinner. One taken at Cpper St. Mary's Lake, Glacier National Park in 1895 by Bailey and Howell ( F. M. Bailey, 1!)1S. p. 58). This bird, liow- ever, may be common in the southern part of the state. My recoi-d of tlie nesting of this species in Gallatin County must remain doubtful (190i)b, p. 197, and 1921 BIRDS OF MONTANA 83 1910c, p. 204), but I am inclined to think the bird was correctly identified m the first place. 168. Selasphorus rnfus (Gmelin) Rufous Hummingbird A summer resident of the mountains of western Montana, luost abundant in the northwestern part, and perhaps only a migrant in the southwest. There are no definite eastern records, though a hummingbird thought to be of this species was seen in the Big Horn Mountains (iMcChesney, 1879, p. 2390). The eastern- most definite records of this species are all in the mountains of Teton and Lewis and Clark counties (Saunders. 1914a, p. 134). The Gallatin County record is in question (Saunders, 1909b, p. 197; 1910c, p. 204; 1911a, p. 38). Fig. 19. Female Rufois Huilmingbiro feeding young. 1915. Photo by A. D. DuBois. Ne.\r Belton; July, The migrations take place in late 'May or June, and in September or tho last of August. Dates of migration : German Gulch, Silver Bow County, May 30, 1910; Bernice, Jefferson County, June 6, 1911; Anaconda, September 11, 1909; Gold Creek, Powell County, August 24, 1910; seen at Belton, Septemlier 14. 1915, by Mr. Sutherland (DuBois, MS). The nest has been found at Flathead Lake by Silloway. A nest containini; newly hatched young was found at Belton, July 17, 1914. and a bird was ob- served feeding young, July 2, 1915 (DuBois, MS). A nest found in Gallatin \ 84 ' PACIFIC COAST AVIFAUNA No. 14 County, the identification of the parent being in (luestion, contained eggs on June 28, 1909, and well-grown young, July 13 (Saunders, 1909b, p. 197). 169. Stellula calliope (Gould) Calliope IIuMJiiNcinuu) A coinnion sunnner resident of the lower uioiiulains in the western iuilf ol' the state. Rare in the eastern half. Abundant in the northwest, west of the di- vide. Nests mainly in the Transition zone of the foothills and lower mountain slopes. Jn eastern Montana this bird was seen by Bowman at Knowlton in Sep- tember, 1889, and it was found nesting in Custer County by F. Z. Gray (Came- ron, 1907, p. 390). All other records are in the western half of the state. The eastern limits of its common range are indicated by the following i)ublish<'(l notes: Teton County (Saunders, 1914a, p. 13-4); Gold Run, Casc.ide Couiily (Williams, 1883, ]). 59); and Cokedale, Park County (Saunders, iDlla. p. 38). Nearly all observers west of these points mention the species. I\rigration takes place in May. Dates are: Gold Run, May 24, 1882 (Wil- liams) ; Cokedale, Uay 29, 1909; and Birch Creek, Teton County, June 2, 1912. I can find no dates to indicate fall migration, the latest date, aside from the Sep- tember record in eastern ^lontana, being Bear Creek, Gallatin County, August 12, 1890 (Richmond and Knowlton, 1894, p. 304). The only nesting records are from Custer County, as given above, and from Flathead Lake. A nest was found at Yellow Bay, in the latter locality, in June and July, 1914 (Saunders, 1915b, p. 113), and another, probably of the same individual, in the same locality but somewhat higher from the ground, in 1915. A nest was found in this same locality in 191(5 on a limb of a cedar. It con- tained eggs on June 18. 1916, and large young, July 10 (Sloanaker, MS). 170. Tyrannus tyrannus (Linnaeus) Kingbird A common sunnner resident tliroughout the state. Found in the Transition and Upper Sonoran zones of the prairies and mountain vaHeys, nesting in l)ushes bordering streams and lakes or standing alone on the ])r'airie, or in cottonwood groves. All observers record it and it is equally common at eastei'n and western extremes of the state. In migration it arrives during the lattei- half of Alay and leaves in lati' August or September. At Terry, seven years give the average date of ai-rival as May 16, the earliest date, May 13, 1905; at Columbia Falls four yeai-s average is May 21, with the earliest May 15, 1896 (Cooke, 1908, p. 167). Other dates are: Bridger Creek, Gallatin County, May 19, 1909; Gregson, Deei- Lodge County, May 30, 1910; Choteau, May 23, 1912; Bitterroot Valley, May 22, 1910. May 16. 1911, May 19, 1912, and iMay 18, 1913 (Bailey, IMS) ; Dutton, May 28, 1915. and May 21, 1916 (DuBois, IMS). Fall dates: Columbia Falls, Septembei- 11, 1895 (Cooke, 1908, p. 167) ; Bozenum, August 31, 1908; Jefferson River, August 25. 1909 ; and Choteau, August 22, 1911. Nesting takes place mainly in June and July. In eastern .Montana young \ 1921 BIRDS OF MONTANA 85 <• are on the wing at the end of July (Cameron, 1907, p. 390). At Flathead Lake young were found July 6 (Silloway, 1901a, p. 28). In Teton County eggs aiM laid about the middle of June, and the young leave the nests in the latter half of July (Saunders, 1914a, p. 134). Eggs were found at Button June 19, 1916 (DuBois, MS). There is probably only one brood in a year. 171. Tyrannus verticalis Say Arkansas Kingbird A common summer resident through most of the state, but rare in some lo- calities. Breeds in the Transition and Tpper Sonoran zones, and is most abund- ant in the lower valleys, being rather rare above 4500 feet in the southern part of the state, and above 4000 in the northern. On the whole, less common than T. tyrannus, but in some localities, that are probably Upper Sonoran, more common. The migrations of this species take place in May and August, evidently a little earlier than those of T. tijrannus. At higher elevations, where tliis king- bird is rare, dates show that it arrives later instead. Eight years at Terry give an average of May 17, the earliest being jMay 8, 1894 (Cooke, 1908, p. 16). Other spring dates are : Gallatin Valley, May 26, 1909, and Choteau, May 28, 1912. West of the divide its migrations are considerably earlier, as shown from data from the Bitterroot Valley, where dates of arrival are JMay 6, 1910, April 29, 1911, May 8, 1912, and April 27, 1913 (Bailey, MS). Kalispell, May 6, 1913 (Sloanaker, MS). This species nests commonly and there are many notes on the nesting, wdiich evidently begins early in June. In eastern Montana young are on the wing by July 15 (Cameron, 1907, p. 391). Eggs were taken at the mouth of the IMilk River, June 21, 22 and 28, 1874 (Coues, 1874b, p. 610). A set of three eggs was taken at St. Ignatius and the sx^ecies noted nesting at JMissoula (Silloway, 191)la, pp. 36 and 55). Birds were observed feeding young at Toston, Broadwater County, July 11, 1911 (Saunders, 1912f, p. 218). Half grown young in the nest were noted at JNIissoula, July 1 (Kittredge, MS). Birds were nest-building at Kalispell, July 1 (Sloanaker, MS). 172. Sayornis sayus (Bonaparte) Say Phoebe A common summer resident of eastern Montana, east of the mountains, occurring rarely in the mountain valleys, and at present unknown west of the continental divide. Breeds in the Transition zone on rocks in badlands or river canyons, or about the edges of prairie buttes, and about ranch buildings and under bridges. Most observers in the prairie region record this species, but the only record west of the mountains is Gallatin County, where two were taken (Richmond and Knowlton, 1894, p. 304). Arrives in spring in April, early April in southeastern ^Montana, and later in the northwestern part of its range in the state. Five years at Terry show an average of April 9, with the earliest April 7, 1889 (Cooke, 1908, p. 212). Other \ \ 86 PACIFIC COAST AVIFAUNA No. 14 dates are Lewistown, April 12, 1901 (Silloway, 1903a, p. 38) ; Choteaii, April 28. 1912 (Saunders, 1914a, p. 134) ; Dutton, April 18, 1915, April 22, 1916, and April 24, 1917 (DuBois, ]\IS). 1 can find no dates of fall migration. This species begins nesting in the latter part of May, and usually raises t\\o lu'oods in a season, the second brood, under normal conditions, starting early in .Inly. Nests containing eggs were found at Crooked Falls of the Missouri, May 21, 1888, and June 3, 1889, by Williams (Bendire, 1895, j). 278). A nest con- taining young was found at Choteau, June 21. 1911, the young flying about July 4. The same nest the following year contained seven eggs of the first laying. Incubation began May 21, 1912-, the eggs hatched June 4, and the young left the nest June 23. The second brood was started with three eggs by July 2 (Saun- ders, 1914a, p. 134). A nest with six eggs was found at Dutton, June 18, 1915, and a nest containing young, June 23, 1916 (DuBois, MS). 173. Nuttallomis borealis (Swaiuson) Olive-sided Flycatcher A summer resident of the mountains in tlic western half of the state. Not common but widely distributed. Breeds mainly in the Canadian zone, preferring mountain slopes that are mainly open grass land with scattered clumps of Douglas fir, or land that has been denuded of all but a few clumps of trees by forest fires. While the bird is not common, the loud whistle of tlu^ male, coming from his perch in the dead top of a fir, carries for a long distance and proclaims his presence. The easternmost records of the species in summer are the moun- tains of Teton and Lewis and Clark counties (Saunders, 1914a, p. 134), the Belt ^Mountains (Williams, 1882a, p. 62), and Traill Creek, Park County (Richmond and Knowlton, 1894, p. 304). West of these points, most observers in the moun- tains record the presence of this species. In migration this bird occurs rarely in the i)rairie region, It arrives in early June, and there are three records of its occurrence east of the mountains. These are ^liles City, June 8, 1902, taken by C. F. Hedges and in the collection of the University of .Montana; Miles City, August 19, 1919 (Hedges) ; and Cho- teau, Ma.y 26, 1912, one taken (Saunders, 1914a, p. 131). ^ligration records in the mountains are as follows: Columbia Falls, May 21, 1897 (Cooke, 1908, p. 258) ; Bridger Creek, Gallatin County, June 4, 1909; Bernice, Jefferson County, June 8, 1911 ; Belton, June 9, 1914 (DuBois, MS). German Gulch, Silver Bow County, May 31, 1910. Fall migration probably takes place in August or Sep- tember. The only September dat(> I have is from .Mill Creek, Deer Lodge County. September 5, 1909. There is no doubt that this species breeds in the iiioiintnins, hut there ai'e no published records of the finding of the nest or of the young. 174. Myiochanes richardsoni richardsoni (Swaiuson) Western Wood Pewee A eomiiion sunnuei- I'esideul throughout the state in cottonwood gi-oves or in the o])en yellow pine forests of the Transition zone. Recorded by all observei's \ 1921 BIRDS OF MONTANA 87 throughout the state, nearly all agreeing that it is eotnnion or abundant in the proper localities. It is reported not common in the Bitterroot Valley, but com- mon on the lower mountain slopes (Bailey, ^IS). T did not note it in Silver Bow County, probably because the elevations are too high there for it, but it is com- mon in the lower valleys of the surrounding counties, Jefferson and Deer Lodge Cameron records it as rare in Custer and Dawson counties (1907, p. 392), but Thorne states that it is common and breeds at Fort Keogh (1895, p. 215 j, and the latter statement is corroborated by a series of specimens from IVIiles City, in- cluding young of the year, taken by C. F. Hedges and in the collection of the University of Montana. Further than this, the March, April and early May dates given by Mr, Cameron for the occurrence of this species are so contrary to the experience of other observers, that it is evident that he mistook some other bird for this one, ^-od c ^^s rlooked the real Wood Pewee. This bird '* oi^e of the latest of common breeding species to arrive. At Columbia Falls, five years give May 27 for an average, and May 20 (1897), for the earliest date (Cooke, 1908, p. 170). Other dates of arrival are: East Galla- tin River, June 10, 1909; Bozeman, May 29, 1911; Choteau, June 6, 1912; Miles City, May 28, 1902 (Hedges) ; Bitterroot Valley, May 21, 1910, 'Slay 80, 1911, May 22, 1912, and June 1, 1913 (Bailey, MS). Fall dates are: Columbia Falls, September 9, 1895 (Cooke, 1908, p. 170) ; Bozeman, September 4, 1908, and Sep- tember 5, 1910; Missoula, September 10 (Kittredge, MS). This species probably nests commonly enough, but notes on the nesting are rare. A set of four eggs, advanced in incubation, was taken at Flathead Lake, Julyi 8, 1902 (Silloway, 1903b, p. 297). I have seen nests of this species in late June or July both at Bozeman and Choteau, but not having determined whether they contained eggs or young, have not recorded the exact dates. 175. Empidonax difficilis difficilis Baird Western Flycatcher A very rare summer resident, known only by a few records from the western half of the state. Evidently nests in the lower parts of the mountains. Found nesting in the Belt River Canyon, Cascade County, by R. S. Williams,, and a set of eggs taken July 6, 1889 (Bendire, 1895, p. 299). On page 301 of this same publication a nest is mentioned from the same locality on July 6, 1891, perhaps two different nests, or possibly the same with a mistake in the date of one. Two of these birds were seen at Lake Como, Ravalli County, August 2. 1911 (Bailey, MS). The species has been seen at Gunsight and at Lake MacDonald in Glacier Park (P. M. Bailey, 1918, p. 59). I am quite certain that 1 saw it once on Wolf Creek, Lewis and Clark County, July 14, 1911. The records from Terry (Cooke, 1908, p. 77) are evidently errors. Cameron, who made the observations, records these dates for E. trailli, and does not list the present species at all in his Custer and Dawson counties list (1907, p. 392). ^Ir. Oberholser has written me re- cently that he believes this an error, due to recording species by check-list number only. It is therefor evident that the Western Flycatcher has not been found in the eastern part of the state. \ \ 88 PACIFIC COAST AVIFAUNA No. 14 176. Empidonax trailli trailli (Audubon) Traill Flycatcher xV coninion summer resident of western Montana, west of the eontincntal di- vide. Occurs more rarely on the east side of the divide, and intergrades with alnorum eastward. This species is common at Flathead Lake (Silloway, 19()la, ]). 56), bnt not anywhere else in the state. It is not recorded from the Bitterroot Valley. It may be commoner than supposed, however, bt'ing a species that is easily overlooked. It has been recorded as a rare summer resident in the follow- ing localities: Gallatin County (Saunders, 1911a, p. 39); northern Lewis and Clark County (Saunders, 1914a, p. 134) ; Lewistown, one taken August 30, 1898 (Silloway, 1903a, p. 39). The spring migration takes place in ]May, the fall movement is prol)ab]y in August, for there seem to be no dates later than this. Dates of migration are as follows: Bracket Creek, Gallatin County, IMay 2], 1909, one bird taken wiiich is an intergrade between this form and alnorutn ; Choteau, May 24, 1912. August dates are the one above at Lewistown, and one from Gold Creek, Powell County, August 27, 1910. The nest has been found only at Flathead Lake, where the bird breeds very commonly in the thickets of alder, willow and thorn that line the edge of the lake and the banks of riyers and streams. A nest containing three young was found July 8, 1902 (Silloway, 1903b, p. 297). On July 27, 1915, I found two nests of this species at Poison, along the banks of the Pend Oreille River, near the outlet of Flathead Lake. The nests were in thorn bushes, and about twenty-five feet apart. Each nest contained five young ready to leave, in fact they left at my neai" approach. 177. Empidonax trailli alnorum Brewster Alder Flycatcher Probably a rai'e summer resident of extreme eastern xMontana, intergrading with trailli westward. This form is stated to breed in eastern Montana (Ameri- can Ornithologists' Lnion, 1910, ]). 21()), and it i)robably does so. ])ut 1 know of no definite published breeding record. Taken at Fort Keogh, June 8 (Thorne, 1895, p. 215) ; seen at Terry, May 18, 1894, and :\Iay 11 to 19, 189() ((^amei-on. 1907, p. 392). An intergrade between this form and traiJJi was t:iken on lii-ack- ett Creek, Gallatin County, May 21, 1909 (Saunders, 1911a, !>. 39). it is st;ited to be ''pretty generally distril)ut('d . . . through . . . Montana" (Bendire. 1895, p. 305), but no si)ecifi(' Montana occurrence is cited. 178. Empidonax minimus (W. M. & S. P. IJaird) Least Fl,^•(;ATCHER A conuHon sumnuu- rt'sident in th(> ( astern hall" of the state, evidently in- creasing in numbers, and slowly spreading its range westward. ft has l)een found ])ractic;dly throughout the state, but is still i-;irc west of the coniiiiciital divide. All early writers report this species as rare, oi- not couuiioiL but the most n^cent observations show that in suitable localities it is now abundant, ll bi-eeds \ 1921 BIRDS OF MONTANA 89 in Cottonwood groves of the Transition zone, and is not found in the mountains. In extreme eastern ^lontana it is reported as not common at Fort Keogh (Thorne, 1895, p. 392). This was in the period from 1888 to 1892. Two other records are cited for Custer County, May 25, 1893, and May 18, 1894 (Cameron, 1907, p. 392). In the University of Montana collection there are seven speci- mens, including young of the year, taken in 1900 and 1902 in the vicinity of Miles City liy C. F. Hedges. In Gallatin County one was taken on Bear Creek as the result of two season's work, in 1888 (Richmond and Knowlton, 1891, p. 301), but in 1908 and 1909 the bird was found to be breeding regularly in the Cottonwood lined streets of Bozeman (Saunders, 1911a, p. 39). The bird is now an abundant summer resident in Teton and Lewis and Clark counties (Saun- ders, 1914a, p. 134) and is also common at Livingstone, and along the Missouri River in Broadwater County. It has recently occurred w^est of the continental divide, where it may be expected to increase in numbers in the near future. These records are at Big Fork, Flathead Lake, June 30, 1914 (Saunders, 1915b, p. Ill) ; a specimen taken at Big Fork in 1916 (Sloanaker, MS) ; at Missoula, where it was noted June 22, 1915, and later, and was evidently breeding on the University of Montana campus (Kittredge, MS). The spring migrations take place the latter part of IMay. Dates are as fol- lows: Huntley, May 13, 1886 (Cooke, 1908, p. 117) ; Custer County. :\lay 25, 1893, and I\Iay 18, 1894 (Cameron, 1907, p. 392) ; Bozeman, May 27, 1909. iMay 28. 1911 ; Choteau, May 22, 1912; Miles City, JMay 4, 1902 (Hedges, in coll. Univ. Montana). Fall migration evidently takes place in August, at least there are no records later than that month. Occurrences at Bozeman, August 8, 1908, and August 2, 1909, and at Allies City, August 4, 1900 (Hedges, coll. Univ. ■Montana) comprise the only August records of which I know. The nest of this species w'as first found in Montana on June 17, 1862, be- tween Forts Union and Benton (Cooper, 1869b, p. 295), indicating that the spe- cies has bred in the state many years. Another nest is recorded from Fort Cus- ter, June 25, 1885 (Bendire, 1895, p. .312). The bird nests in Teton County, where eggs are laid about the middle of June, and young fly in the latter half of July (Saunders, 1914a, p. 134). 179. Empidonax hammondi (Xantus) Hammond Flycatcher A sunnner resident of the mountains in western Montana. Not common, and not reported from many localities. It is, liowever, probably distributed pretty well through all the mountain ranges. The species is- easily overlooked and con- fused with the next, and unless an observer is familiar with it, and the differ- ence between its notes and those of wrighti, its presence is not liable to be de- tected. The Hammond Flycatcher has been found in eastern Montana once, and evidently breeds there rarely, probably in the pine hills. The species was first found in the state August 20, 1874, in the Rocky IMountains along the northern liorder (Coues, 1874b, p. 612). It has also been recorded from Gallatin County (Riclimond and Knowlton, 1894. p. 304) ; from Silver Bow and Jefferson coun- \ 90 PACIFIC COAST AVIFAUNA No. 14 ties (Saunders, 1912a, p. 27); from Teton County (Saunders, 1914a, p. 1-35); and from Flathead Lake (Saunders, 1916c, p. 85). In eastern Montana it was found at Fort Keogh, an adult being taken July 17 and a young bird June 8 (Thome, 1895, p. 215). This s])ecies nests in the Transition and ('anadian zones of llie inouiitaiiis. being usually found at a little higher elevation than uTifjIiti. Tlie nest has bi'^n found in the mountains of Gallatin County, where four eggs, somewhat advanced in incubation, were secured July 2, 1909. Another ne?l was found at Flathead Lake, June 26, 1915. It contained eggs at that date, and young the second week in July, but how uiany was not ascertained (Saunders, 1916c, p. 85). The only migration date I have for this species is from German Gulch. Sil- ver Bow County, ^lay 28, 1910. The latest dates of its occurrence on record ai'c that of Coues, given above, and August 19-20, 1890, in Gallatin County (Rich- mond and Knowlton). 180. Empidonax wrighti Baiid WKKillT FlVCATCUEK A common sunuuer resident of the western half of the state, Found mainly in the Transition zone in the foothills and lower mountain slopes. The eastern- most records are Teton and Lewis and Clark counties (Saunders. 1914a, p. 135), Gallatin County (Richmond and Knowlton, 1894, p. 804), and Park County, where it occurs in the footliills on the west side of tlie Yellowstone. It has ])een recorded by most observers in the western part of the state, but is not noted from the Bitterroot Valley, nor from the Big Hole Basin. The nest, has been found repeatedly at Flathead Lake. Four nests were Found from June 15 to 25, 1900, containing from three to five eggs (Silloway, 1901a, p. 26, and 1901b, ]>. 6). This species usually arrives in ^May, and indications are that its migration is considerably earlier on the west side of the divide than on the east. At Colum- bia Falls the average date is May 7, and the earliest April 24, 1895 (Cooke, 1908, {). 77). At Missoula, May 9 is given as the earliest date of arrival (Kittredge^ MS). At Anaconda it was noted May 14, 1911. Fast of ttie divide dates are: Bozeman, ]\Iay 27, 1909, and Choteau, May 22, 1912. Tiie fall migration is evi- dently in August, August 20 being the latest date at Missoula (Kittredge, ^fS). Specimens were taken August 19-20, 1874, in the Rocky Mountains along the northern border of the state f Coues, 1874b, p. 612). 181. _ Otocoris alpestris arcticola (Jjinnaeus) i*Aij.iD Horned Lark A winter visitor tlwoughout the state, [)i'()l)a])ly (piite eoiniuou in most local- ities, but not always distinguished and separated from wintering examples of l( ucolaciiKi. Apparently commoner in tlie mountain valleys of western "Montani than on the prairies. In eastern Montana, JrucoUKina seems to be the ])revailiiig winter form. At Fort Keogh, 118 specimens, taken in every month of the year, l)roved to belong to that race (Thorne, 1895, ]>. 215). Camei-oti does not list tliis race from Custer and Dawson counties, but there is a speciincu taken at .Miles 1921 BIRDS OF MONTANA 91 City, March 30, 1901, by Hedges (coll. Univ. Montana). I am certain that I have seen many birds of this race just over the Montana border in Harding County, South Dakota, and I believe that more extensive collecting in eastern Montana will show it to be not uncommon in hard winters. In western ^Montana it is recorded from the Bitterroot Valley, Chief ]\Ioui)- tain Lake, and the Sun River (Dwight, 1890, p. 143) ; from the Gallatin Valley (Richmond and Knowlton, 1894. p. 304; Saunders, 1911a, p. 39); from Deer Lodge and Jefferson counties (Saunders, 1912a, p. 27) ; from Teton County (Saunders, 1914a, p. 135) ; and from the Bitterroot Valley (Bailey. MS). 1 have also seen this form near Helena, and taken it near Livingstone, in Park County. This subspecies evidently leaves in March, and arrives probably in Decem- ber. Dates are : Livingstone, December 9, 1908 ; Helena, ]\Iarch 26, 1911 ; and \ Choteau, March 10, 1912. 182. Otocoris alpestris leucolaema (Coues) Desert Horned Lark An abundant summer resident throughout all of the state except the north- western portion, where it is probably replaced by merriUi. All observers men- tion the occurrence of this species and most of them regard it as abundant. In tbe prairie region it is one of the commonest birds, breeding on the dry, short grass areas, such as occur on the higher benches. In such situations this bird is one of the very few species to be found. In the valleys of the mountainous half of the state, it is a little less common, mainly because the dry short grass areas it prefers are less common. The migrations take place very early in the spring, in fact the Desert Horned Lark is the first common song bird to arrive, preceding the Robin and Mountain Bluebird by a week or more. Although a few individuals winter, it is easy to determine the beginning of the spring migration, because the birds always mi- grate in flocks, and are suddenly common the first day of their arrival. Dates of spring arrival are as follows : Gallatin County. ^larch 9, 1909 ; Silver Bow County, March 3, 1910; Helena, :March 12. 1911; Choteau, March 10, 1912, March 3, 1913. Fall migration is less easily determined, as it is difficult to sep- arate late fall migrants from wintering birds. I believe that in Avestern Montana at least fall migration does not entirely cease till nearly the first of January, as my observations have showTi that this form of Horned Lark is more abundant late in December than in the other two winter months. I have no definite dates however. The majority of the summer birds are gone by the last of November. ]\Iost writers are silent about the winter occurrence of this bird. In eastern Montana it is undoubtedly commoner in winter than arcticola. In western Mon- tana I do not think this the case. Too little winter collecting has been done to determine this with certainty, but the two forms are not difficult to determine in the field, when observed closely in a good light, for the throat of leucolaema is most intensely yellow at this season, while that of ar<'ticola is white, and since the birds flock together, the difference in size is usually apparent. My observa- tions go to show that after the first of January flocks of horned larks are mainly arcticola with only an occasional specimen of Iciicolaciiia. 92 PACIFIC COAST AVIFAUNA No. 14 Nests of this bird have been found very frequently and there is a large amonnt of data on the subject. These data go to sho'.v that there are normally two broods in a season, the first beginning in April or "arly ^lay, and the second in June. The earliest nest of wliicli I have record is one containing three eggs, April 16, 1915 (UuBois. MS). The latest date for eggsi of what is evidently the first brood, is .Alay 20, 1900, at Lewistown (Silloway, 1903a, p. 41). The eai-liest date for young on the wing is May 5, 1916, at Button (Dul^ois, MS). Second Fig. 20. Male Desert Hokm:i) Lahk; Di'ttox. PiioK) i!V A. D. DuBois. bi-ood nests may be found with eggs in June and -July. 'i'iic eai'liest (hitf for eggs is June 19, 1862 (Cooper, lS69b, i). 295), and the hitcst, July 18. 1874 (Cones, 1874b, p. 557). xV second laying at Dutlon had the last egg of tiiree deposited July 8, 1916. The eggs hatched July 17 and 18, and the young left the nest July 28 (UuBois, MS). This gives a period of about twenty days from the laying of the last egg to the hatching of the young. It would scimh, figuring at this rate, that there would be time for a brood to be reared hclwren the middle 1921 BIRDS OF MONTANA 93 of "Slay, when the first brood is on the wing, and the middle of June when the second begins. Very few nests, however, seem to be dated between the middle of May and the middle of June, which would indicate that the few found at that season are late stragglers of the first brood. Fig. 21. Fkmalk Dkskkt Hokxkd Lark on hek ne«t; Duttox. Photo by A. D. Dubois. 183. Otocoris alpestris merrilli Dwight Dusky Horned Lark Summer resident of plains and open grass land in northwestern Montana. Breeds at Missoula and is a permanent resident there (Kittredge, MS). Listed by Sloanaker (MS) as the breeding form at Flathead Lake. Sillowaj^ (1901a, p. 56) considered the subspecies at that point to be Icucolaema. Leucolaema i& listed as breeding in the Bitterroot Valley also (Bailey, ^IS). Leucolaema does occur on the west side of the divide, and has been taken at Missoula, March 25, in a flock of merrilli (Kittredge, IMS), but it seems quite probable that nierrilli is the prevailing breeding form, though many of the birds in this region are prol)- ably intergrades. I secured a breeding bird at Silver Bow, just west of the di- vide, which proved to be leucolaema. This was to be expected, however, as the grass area where this bird was secured actually crossed the divide a few miles farther south, and the main part of it lay on the east side, forming the north slope of the Big Hole River. Intergrades between merrilli and leucolaema have been taken in the Gallatin Valley in fall migration (Richmond and Knowlton, 1894, p. 304). There are no published accounts of the finding of nests of m.errilli in Mon- tana. Young were seen out of the nest June 6 at IMissoula (Kittredge, MS). \ \ 94 PACIB'IC COAST AVIFAUNA No. 14 184. Otocoris alpestris hoyti JJishop llOYT lioKXED J^AKK An adult female was taken at MWes City, Xoveniher !). 1!)19, by Hedges. ^Ir. Hedges wrote me that with binoculars he pieked this dark-colored bird out of a flock of lighter colored ones, just at dusk. The specimen was sent to Dr. 'Bishop who wrote me that he considers it lioyti but approaching arcticola. 185. Pica pica hudsonia (Sabine) Magpie An abundant permanent resident throughout the state. Breeds in the Tran- sition zone, in cottonwood groves, willow and alder thickets, or in thorn bushes. Karel}" breeds in evergreens in the foothills of the mountains, and not found in the mountains in the breeding season above the Transition zone. All observers mention the abundance of this species in every part of the state. While the Magpie is a permanent resident, there is a movement of many birds up into the mountains in the fall. This occurs in October, with the first cold weather and snowstorms. At such times I have seen Magpies in the Hud- sonian zone at elevations between eight and nine thousand feet. They evidently do not stay long as they are not seen at such places in winter. Nesting begins in April. The birds have been seen nest-building on High- wood Creek, Choteau County, March 28, 1914 (DuBois, MS). The earliest eggs on record were found at Choteau, April 7, 1912 (Saunders, 1914a, p. 135). The majority of nests are finished and with' incubation begun before the first day of May, but nests with fresh eggs may be occasionally found late in ^lay. Such nests have been found at Button, ^lay 21, 1916 (DuBois, >MS) and at Choteau, May 26, 1912. The young are first seen out of the nest the last of May or early in June. There is evidently no second brood. The eggs usually number from six to ten, but one nest containing thirteen was found at Lewistown (Silloway, 1904b, p. 148). 186. Cyanocitta stelleri annectens (Baird) Black-headed Jay A permanent resident of the mountains of western ^lontana, found mainly in the (-anadian zone. This species has been recorded from all mountainous parts of the state where ornithological woi-k has been done, except the Big Horn Mountains. It is never very connnon and is more or less local in distribution, being most often met with in the vicinity of saw-mills and luiiil)er caiiijjs, where it feeds on garbage and scraps and becomes remarkably tame. The easternmost records of its occurrence are the Snowy Mountains (Silloway, 1903a, p. 42), and the Belt Mountains (Williams, 1882a, p. 61). I have seen this species in Park County, in Tom Minor Basin, and at other points on the west side of tiie Yellow- stone, and I do not doubt its occurrence in the Absaroka and Crazy mountains farther east, though it is not as yet reported from those rangi's. While this species is not inigi-atory, it is sonietiuu's seen iu the valleys at \ 1921 BIRDS OF MONTANA 95 points not far from the mountains, in spring and fall. Thus I have noted it at Bozeman, October 8, 1908, and in the Prickly Pear Valley, near Helena, March 19, 1911. Only one finding of the nest is on record. Four eggs, advanced in incuba- tion, were secured at Flathead Lake, June 28, 1901 (Silloway, 1901a, p. 57). 187. Perisoreus canadensis capitalis Ridgway Rocky Mountain Jay A common permanent resident throughout the western half of the state, occurring in the mountains and mainly in the Canadian zone. Its range is almost exactly like that of the Black-headed Jay, it having been recorded from all mountain ranges where observations have been made except the Big Horn Mountains in the southeastern part of the state. The easternmost points where it has been recorded are Rocky ^lountains, along the northern border (Coues, 1874b, p. 608) ; the Belt IMountains (Williams, 1882a, p. 62) ; Fergus County (Silloway, 1903a, p. 42) ; and Park County, where I have noted it on Traill Creek and in Tom Minor Basin. Its range extends a little higher into the mountains than that of the Black-headed Jay, it being sometimes seen in the Hudsonian zone, very likely breeding there. At certain times of the year it is much more abundant than the Black-headed Jay. The movements of the Rocky Mountain Jay in the mountains, and its sudden changes from rarity to extreme abundance, are not yet satisfactorily explained. From late in February until early in August it is seldom seen, but from August to February it is very common, appearing about camps in considerable numbers, ])ecoming exceedingly tame and sometimes troublesome. If one stops to eat a lunch in the forest, at any time in late summer or fall, the birds arrive silently, apparently from nowhere, and wait their opportunity to feast on the remnants. In 1910 I was in the mountains in camp from late February until October. After February 26 and until August 5 I have but twelve records of this species, nearly always but a single bird at a time. After August 5 and until October the species was seen almost daily, and usually in large numbers. Not one bird was seen in the month of March, when the species is supposed to nest. However, at that season it is almost impossible to get into the higher mountains, where the birds very likely breed. They are almost equally scarce in the month of July. So far as I know, no record of the nesting of this species in Montana is known. It probably nests in the month of March or in early April. I secured a female in Gallatin County, February 26, 1909, which on dissection showed that the breeding season was approaching, but I know of no other evidence from Montana to show when the species breeds. 188. Corvus corax sinuatus Wagler Raven A permanent resident, occurring throughout the state, but rare or local in distribution. In the northwestern part it is fairly common in the mountains. In most other localities it is reported rare. In Custer and Dawson counties it is 96 PACIFIC COAST AVIFAUNA No. 14 reported a straggler and l)nt two instances of its oeenrrence are given, November 21 and December 19, 1898 (Cameron, 1907, i). :W.i) . On the Yellowstone and Mussellshell rivers it is reported as seen almost daily but not common (Allen, 1874, p. 61). At Fort Custer it is reported as connnon (^learns, 1904, p. 21). It is reported common west of Carroll on the Upper Missouri (Grinnell, 1876, p. 647) ; not common at Fort Keogh (Thorne, 1895, p. 215) ; and as breeding at Fort Custer (jMcChesney, 1879, p. 2388). It is common about Billings, nesting on rim-rocks (Thomas, MS). These are all the records in the prairie region of the state. In the mountains the only records in the southern part of the state are from Park and Gallatin counties. Ravens were observed about Electric Peak in the northern end of Yellowstone Park, October 22, 1908, and in Tom .Minor Basin and about Ramshorn Peak in the Gallatin Range, October 27 to 29, 1!)0S (Saunders, 1911a, p. 39). In northwestern Montana the si)ecies is fairly com- mon, occurring regularly al)out Flathead Lake, and at Kalisi)ell and Columbiji Falls. It is also common in Glacier National Park, and occurs less connnonly in the mountains of Teton County east of the divide. In Ravalli County it is re- ported as a rare breeder in the mountains, occurring in the valley in winter (Bailey, MS). There are no published records of the nesting of this species in the state, though it undoubtedly does so. Two skins from Columbia Falls, in the collection of L. B. Bishop, are nearer to the race sinuatiis than any otlier, though they are perhaps somewhat intermediate with principalis. 189. Corvus brachyrhynchos hesperis Ridgway Western Crow A common sunnner resident throughout most of the state, though reported as not breeding in recent years in southeastern Montana. Occurs in small niim- l)ers in winter in the western half of the state. Breeds in the Transition zone, in Cottonwood groves and willow thickets of the prairies and valleys, up to the foot- hills of the mountains. The migrations take place in late March and October. In regions where the birds winter regularly it is difficult to determine exact dates. At Lewistown it was first observed April 7, 1900, and March 30, 1901, and in Tall Ci'ows were seen until October 12, 1899 (Silloway, 1903a, p. 43). Other records are: Boze- man, March 30, 1909, and October 18, 1908; Midvale (now Glaci(>r Park), April 2, 1912; and Gregson, Silver Bow County, March 26, 1910. This species winters in small numbers in many places. hi the Gallatin Valley it winters regularly in the vicinity of certain slaughter houses where the refuse furnishes food. I have seen it in winter near Helena. It is also reported in winter at Fort Keogh (Thome, 1895, ]>. 215), and in tlie Bilteri-oot V;illey (Bailey, MS), and rarely in Teton County (Saunders, 1914a, p. 135). This species nests in late April or May. There are few notes giving exact dates, but I have found nests containing fresh eggs in the hitler part of A])ri], and containing young in May and June. A nest with four young was found on the Teton River, June 4, 1916 (DuBois, MS). Nesting is evidently sometimes \ 1921 BIRDS OF MONTANA 97 prolonged into late June, but there appears to be no regular second brood. An example of a late nest is one containing five eggs on the Quaking Asp River, June 26, 1874 (Coues, 1874b, p. 606). 190. Nucifraga columbiana (Wilson) Clark Nutcracker An abundant permanent resident of the mountains throughout the western half of the state, ranging eastward to the easternmost mountain ranges. All observers in the mountainous parts of the state report this species as conunon. The normal eastward range is indicated by the following records : Belt ]\lountains (Williams, 1882a, p. 62) ; Camp Baker (Grinnell, 1876, p. 647) ; Big Horn Mountains (McChesney, 1879, p. 2389) ; and Fergus County (Silloway, 1908a, p. 43). An exceptional instance, indicating the rare occurrence of this species in the prairie region in winter, is afforded by Mr. C. F. Hedges, in the observation of several of the birds in Miles City during the winter of 1919-20 and the capture of. one specimen January 4, 1920. Unlike many permanent residents in the mountains, the Clark Nutcracker shows no regular movements up and down the mountain slopes according to season. It does move up and down more or less, but such movements are irregular and evidently governed more by the abundance of its food supply. It feeds largely in fall and winter on pine seeds, preferring those of the white-bark and limber pines {Finns albicaulis and /'. flexilis) but also eating those of yellow pine (P. ponderosa) when the others are not to be had. Since white-bark pine is a Hudsonian zone tree, yellow pine a Transition species, and limber pine ranging from Hudsonian down through Canadian and into Transition, tiic abundance of Nutcrackers at various elevations in fall and winter, varies with the abundance of the seeds of these various species. Nesting begins very early, and the almost impenetrable condition of the mountains at this season has made the nest, in spite of the abundance of the bird, a rare find. Since at least some individuals breed in the Transition zone, the nest is by no means so hard to find as that of the Rocky Mountain Jay, which is probably always in Canadian or Hudsonian. Nutcrackers were noted gather- ing nesting material at Trego, February 26, 1916 (Kitfcredge, MS). A nest was discovered near Salesville, Gallatin County, in March (Pyfer, 1897, p. 100). A nest was found in Norton Gulch, Silver Bow County, March 14, 1910, when it was about completed. The first egg w^as laid March 18, and five eggs were laid altogether. The nest was robbed, probably by a squirrel, on March 23 (Saun- ders, 1910d, p. 195). Another nest, discovered in Charcoal Gulch, Silver Bow County, April 28, 1910, contained two fully fledged young (Saunders, 1. c). Young out of the nest have been noted May 9, 1903, in Fergus County (Silloway, 1903a, p. 43). 191. Cyanocephalus cyanocephalus (Wied) PiNYON Jay A common permanent resident of extreme southeastern ^lontana, nesting in 98 PACIFIC COAST AVIFAUNA No. 14 the pine hills. Occurs as a straggler farthei- west, hut there are no records I'roiu the west side of the diviile. A regular permanent resident in Custer and Dawson counties (Cameron, 1907, j). ;VJ-1). This part of the state appears to be the only place where it is common. I have noted the Pinyon Jay in the Long Pine Hills vf southeastern Carter County in November and December, 1909. Elsewhere in the state they have been found on the Marias River (Wied, 1841, p. 22), and i)i Gallatin County, where forty were observed at Bozeman, September 11, 1911 (Saunders, 1913a, p. 110), and where they have been seen several times in two different seasons (Lundwall, MS). The nest has been found twice in Custer County. One was being built on May 19, and incubation was begun on five eggs on May 28. The young were hatched June 15 and destroyed by some enemy, the last young bird to remain l)eing in the nest and fully fledged on July 2 (Cameron, 1907, p. 394). Otliei- data show that i)erhaps tlie majority of birds breed nuich earlier than this. A colony of nine nests was found about fourteen miles north of Pompey's Pillar, Yellowstone County, on April 27, 1918. Five of the nests were in the same tree. All contained young fully fledged, looking as though all the nine nests had hatched their young on the same day (Thomas, IMS). 192. Dolichonyx oryzivorus (Linnaeus) Bobolink A common summer resident of all except extreme eastern ^Montana, breeding in the wet meadows and irrigated fields of the i)rairie region, and in the valleys of the mountain region. This species has not been reported from Custer and Dawson counties by any of the observers who have worked in tliat region. It has been found, however, east to the Big Horn River and Fort Custer (McChes- ney, 1879, p. 2388), and somewhere on the Yellowstone (Allen, 1874, p. 59). It has also been noted in Harding County, South Dakota, just east of the Montana border (Visher, 1911, p. 13). It may therefore occur locally in this intervening region and have been overlooked. In most parts of the state tlu' Bobolink is increasing with the extension of irrigation. In the mountain valleys of western Montana it is locally very abundant, and has been recorded from practically all localities where ornithological work has been done except in the extreme south- west, where it has not been recorded from Jefferson, Deer Lodge or Silver Bow counties, nor from the Big Hole Basin. It is abundant, however, in parts of tlie Gallatin Valley, in the region about Three Forks, in the Missouri Valley in Broadwater County, and on tiie prairies just east of the mountains in Fergus County (Silloway, 1903a, p. 44), and Teton County (Saunders, 1914a, p. 135). It was first recorded in the Bitterroot Valley in 1860 (Cooper, 1882a, p. 78), and is now repoi-ted as a very conunon breeder tliei-e (Bailey, MS). In migi-ation this l)ird arrives in xMay and leaves in August. Dates of arrival are as follows: Bozeman, May 19, 1909; Choteau, May 25, 191^: Boze- man, May 28, 1913 (Lundwall. 1!)131), p. 113) ; Bitterroot Valley, May 24, 1!U0. May 15, 1911, May 18, 1912, and May 15, 1913 (Bailey, .MS) : Missouhi, May 27 to August 27 (Kittredge, MS). Fall dates appear to be scarce. I find in my 1921 BIRDS OF MONTANA 99 records, Shields River, Park County, August 8, 1908, and Teton County, August 13, 1911. Another August date on record is Chief ^Mountain Lake, August 26, 1874 (Coues, 1874b, p. 600). The only nesting records in the state are from the vicinity of Lewistown. where a nest containing three eggs of the Bobolink and two of the Cowbird was found June 14, 1904, and other nests containing seven Bobolink eggs were found later (Silloway, 19()4b, p. 150). 193. Molothrus ater ater (Boddaert) Cowbird An abundant summer resident throughout most of the state, probably most numerous eastward, though it is decidedly common in the extreme western part also. Practically all observers report the species as common in prairie and valley regions. It is said to be rare at Flathead Lake, but should not be expected to be common on the heavily wooded shores there. In my experience it is conmion about Kalispell, north of the lake, and on the Flathead Reservation south of it. The Cowbird is found chiefly in open grass country, feeding in such places, and laying its eggs in the nests of species that nest there or in neighboring cotton- wood groves, or clumps of bushes. In the evergreen forests of the mountains the Cowbird is absent, and the nests of small songbirds are free from its persecu- tion. The Cowbird arrives in spring in the early part of May, and probably leaves in September, though I can find little data to show just when it leaves in fall. Spring dates are as follows: Great Falls, May 9, 1887 (Williams, 1888a, p. 15) ; Bozeman, May 9, 1909; Silver Bow, May 20, 1910; Anaconda, May 12, 1911; Choteau, May 10, 1912 ; Bitterroot Valley, May 18, 1910, May 14, 1911, May 9, 1912, and May 7, 1913 (Bailey, MS). Fall migration dates are almost missing. The only date I can find among my own records is from Choteau, September 8, 1911, and I can find nothing whatever from other sources. Although Cowbird eggs have been taken very frequently in the state, but few dates of their finding are published. Most of them are found in June or late May. I have found them in May in the nests of the Brewer Blackbird, in June in nests of various species, and in July in nests of the Cedar Waxwing and Black-headed Grosbeak. The latest found were laid July 8 and 9 in the nest of a Cedar Waxwing. The eggs are very commonly laid in the nest of the Brewer Blackbird, and record of this fact is made by most writers on the nesting of this species in ]Montana. It seems unusual, however, because the Blackbird is a larger species with a larger egg. Cowbird eggs have also been found in the nests of Western Vesper and Chipping sparrows, Arctic Towhee, and Long-tailed Chat (Cameron, 1907, p. 397); Bobolink (Silloway, 1904b, p. 150); Yellow Warbler, Black-headed Grosbeak, Slate-colored Fox Sparrow, and Cedar Wax- wing (Saunders, 1911a, p. 40, and 1914a, p. 136) ; and Lazuli Bunting, Vesper Sparrow, Western xMeadowlark, Western Yellowthroat, and Yellow Warbler (Bailey, MS). 100 PACIFIC COAST AVIFAUNA No. 14 194. Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus ( IJoiuiparte) Yellow-headed Blackbird A siinnnei' resident, scattered throughout most of the state, breeding locally, but more liable to be abundant in the migrations. Breeds in marshes of the Transition zone, not above 4500 feet elevation. It i)refers marshes of tules, but sometimes also nests in cat-tails. The bird is reported as a migrant only in Fergus County (Sillovvay, 1903a, p. 45). It is reported to breed locally in Cus- ter and Dawson counties (Cameron. 1907, p. 897) ; to breed at Swan Lake (Sil- loway, 19031), p. 302) ; in the Jefferson and Deer Lodge valleys (Saunders, 1912a, p. 27) ; at Three Forks (Saunders, 1911a, p. 40) ; and in Teton and Lewis and Clark counties (Saunders, 1914a, p. 136). I have also noted it breeding at Somers, at the north end of Flathead Lake, and found one empty nest, but no birds, in rushes at Poison Swamp, near the southern end of the lake. In the Bitterroot Valley this species was reported as common in the fall of 1911, but not seen at any other time (Bailey, MS). This species migrates in ^lay and September. Dates are as follows: Fridley. Park County, May 13, 1909; Silver Bow, May 21, 1911; (^loteau, May 7, 1912. At Dutton it was first observed ]\Iay 18, 1916 (DuBois, MS). The only fall date that I have is from Choteau, September 8, 1911. In Custer and Dawson coun- ties it is reported to leave at the end of September (Cameron, 1907, p. 397). So far as I can find, dates for the breeding of this species in Montana arc not on record. It appears to nest irregularly and locally, and I am of the opinion that it does not always return to the same spot each year. I found a nest witli five eggs in a small rush slough on the Dearborn River, Lewis and Clark County, July 15, 1911. This is the only occupied nest of which I have any date, and it indicates rather late breeding. In Teton County I searched for nests several times in June and was unsuccessful. 195. Agelaiiis phoeniceus fortis Ridgway Thick-billed Redwing A common summer resident throughout all parts of the state east of the con- tinental divide. AVest of the divide this species is also common, but the sub- species has not been definitely (ictci'iniucd. Probably it is not forfls. Ui-eeds in the Transition zone, in cat-tail marshes oi' tules, api)earing to havt^ a prefer- ence for the former. The natui'e of the breeding habitat of this specie's makes its distribution at tluit season more or less local, but it is much comiiionci- tlian the Yellow-headed Blackl)ird, and moi-e certain to be found whei-c mai'slies that suit it occur. It is rcjiorted commonly by observers from all parts of the state. It occurs rarely in wintei" in tlie western ])art. The migrations take place in April and i)robably October, tliough definite tall dates are lacking. Arrivals are recorded as follows: Fergus County, April 9, 1900, and March 22, 1902 (Silloway, 1903a, p. 45) ; Bozeman, April 17, 1909; Helena, April 9, 1911 ; Choteau, April 15, 1912; Dutton, April 25, 1916 (DiiBois. .MS). In ]\Iontana I do not think that there is such a difference in the dates of 1921 BIRDS OF MONTANA lOL the arrivals of males and females as there is in the eastern United States. 1 have often noticed female birds the same date that I have seen the first males, or within a week of that time. This species occasionally winters. Two were secured on the Shields River, December 9, 1908 (Saunders, 1911a, p. 40). Red-winged Blackbirds are reported to M'inter in small numbers in the Bitterroot Valley (Bailey, MS, and 1913a, p. 94). though the birds there may not belong to the subspecies fortis. A flock, mixed with Brewer Blackbirds, is reported from Billings in January, 1919 (Thomas, MS). This species begins nesting in late ^lay, and eggs may l)e found until nearly H'"-'S ^i^ A. J^ ^ Fig. 22. Nkst and eggs of the Thick-billed Red- wing. Choteau; June 8, 1912. the end of June. The earliest nest of whicli 1 have record was at Choteau, May 17, 1912. Young birds on the wing are common after the nu'ddle of June. Pjggs and young have been found June 11, 1894, in eastern Montana (Cameron, 1907, p. 397). 196. Agelaius phoeniceus caurinus Ridgway Northwestern Redwing This subspecies is the one that I believe will be found to breed throughout northwesten Montana on the west side of the divide. An adult male secured at Silver Bow, May 21, 1911, and undoubtedly a breeding bird, is typical of this race (Saunders, 1912c, p. 107). I have examined specimens from Flathead Lake 102 PACIFIC COAST AVIFAUNA No. 14 \ in tlic riii\crsity of Montana collection and believe that tliey all helon;^ to this race, or at least to a race with a much longer, more slender bill than either forth or ncutralis. I had no specimens of neidralis at tlic time to comi)are them with, but there was more difference between them and forti.s than between specimens of fortis and neutralis that I have since examined. While the Silver Bow record is the only one that can at the pi-esent time be definitely ascribed to cdtirinus, I am considering that all records west of the divide belong to it. Assuming this, its migrations and nesting dates are earlier than those of fortis. At ^lissoula the earliest and latest dates are February 28 and Xovembei- 28, respectively (Kittredge, MS). A nest containing newly liatclied young and eggs was found at Silver Bow, May 21, 1911. (/. *. »1*. ^^'.\ ^ViSV 197. Fig. 23. Ni;sr am) i:(i(;s ob tiik VVksikk.n Mkadowi.akk. Cue TEAL'; Ji;xE 10, 1912. Sturnella neglecta Audubon Western M k.vdowi.akk An abundant siimmer i-esident on the praii-ies ami in inouutain \alleys throughout ^Montana. Occurs in winter in the westei-u half ol' the state, occur- ring in large numbers at this season west of the divide. The Meadowlark is one of the commonest birds in the state, and one of the best-known ones, it bi-eeds commonly in oj)en grass lands, pai'ticuhifly in irrigated hay fi( his and in the more moist meadows in thi' stream valleys. It is also conunou in the gi'ass lands 1921 BIRDS OP MONTANA 103 of the I'oothills. It is eouiiiion throughout tlie Transition zone, and is found in the Canadian, where areas suited to it occur in that zone. It is common in White- tail Park, Jefferson County, a large grass area within the Canadian zone, situ- ated at an elevation of 7100 feet. The migrations take place in late ^larch or early April, and in October or November. West of the divide it is so common in winter that migration dates cannot be determined with certainty. In Custer County, eighteen years give an average arrival of March 30, with the earliest, March 20 (1907), while the aver- age of fall dates is October 20 (Cameron, 1907, p. 399). Other dates are: Bozeman, March 19, 1909, and ]\Iarch 19, 1911 ; Helena, March 20. 1911 ; Clio- teau, April 4, 1912; Highwood, March 27, 1914; Button, April 11, 1915, March 17, 1916, and April 6, 1917 (DuBois, MS). Fall dates are: Bozeman, November 17, 1908; Three Forks, October 17, 1909; Button. October 11. 1916 (Bubois, ]\IS). The Western ^leadowlark is a regular winter bird in the lower valleys west of the continental divide, such as the Bitterroot Valley and the valley of the Flathead River about Kalispell. East of the divide it occurs in winter in scat- tered localities and in small numbers. It is reported to winter in Custer ( 'Ounty (Cameron, 1907, p. 400), in Gallatin County (Saunders. 1911a, p. 40^ at Helena (Saunders, 1911b, p. 108), and at Billings (Thomas, .MS). Nesting begins the latter half of May. and eggs may be found from then until late June. Young are leaving the nests from the middle of -June until early in August. Whether there are two broods or not is not apparent, as there seems to be no general break in the finding of eggs. The earliest nest on record is one from the Bitterroot Valley, May 12, 1911, and tlie latest record of nesting is that of young unable to fly, August 10, 1908, in the same locality (Bailey, MS). The latest eggs are June 28, 1874, on Porcupine Creek (Coues, 1874b, [>. 603), but it is probable that eggs may be found much later than this. 198. Icterus galbula (Linnaeus) Baltimore Oriole A rare summer resident of extreme eastern Montana. Tliree specimens were taken by Br. Hayden on the Yellowstone and at the mouth of the Powder River in 1856, one of w^hich is dated August 4 (Baird, 1858, p. 549). Mr. Thomas wrote me that he saw a bird of this species at Glendive in August, 1909. These appear to be the only records. 199. Icterus buUocki (Swainson) Bullock Oriole A summer resident of the prairies and lower mountain valleys, breeding in Cottonwood groves along streams, mainly in the Upper Sonoran zone. Common in eastern JMontana, and becoming rare westward, but found throughout the state in suitable localities. Rare at elevations above 4000 feet in the northern part of the state, and above 4500 in the southern. Because of this, this species is not recorded from southwestern ^lontana west of Gallatin County, where the valleys are nearly all above 4500 feet. The only place where I have found it \ 104 PACIFIC COAST AVIFAUNA No. 14 coiniiion in the western half of the state is along the Missouri ixivei- iu Broad- water County. It is extremely rare in the Gallatin Valley, and rare in Teton County. Tt is reported to be fairly common in the Bitterroot Valley (Bailey, MS) and about Poison (Silloway, 1901a, p. 59). The migrations take place late in May and in August. iMay 20 is the aver- age date in Custer County (Cameron, 1907, p. 400). Other dates are: Choteau, May 25, 1912 (Saunders, 1914a, p. 136), and Bitterroot Valley, May 27, 1910. May 11, 1911, May 17, 1912, and May 13, 1913 (Bailey, MS). The only August dates I can find on record are August 13, 1900, between Billings and Miles City (Jones and Dawson, 1900, p. 32), and as below. In Custer County eggs may be found by June 15 (Cameron, 1907, p. 400). Bii'ds were observed feeding young at Poison, August 12, 1916 (Sloanaker, ]\IS). In regions where it is common, nests are consi)icuous objects in the eottonwoods during the winter. 200. Euphagus carolinus (.Miiller) Rusty Blackbird A rare migrant in eastern Montana. One, killed by a Sharp-shinned Hawk, found April 26, 1903, in Custer County, and seven or eight others seen in the same locality the same day (Cameron, 1907, p. 400). Eight birds w^ere shot at Miles City, October 7, 1919, by C. F. Hedges. Five skins were saved. 201. Euphagus cyanocephalus (Wagler) Brewer Blackbird An abundant summer resident of the prairies and valleys throughout the state. All observers record this species, which is one of the most abundant and conspicuous birds. It breeds in the Transition zone, in thickets of willow, wild- rose, cinquefoil, and similai- small bushes, the birds being seen most commonly feeding in open grass country. It winters occasionally in Custer County (Cam- eron, 1907, p. 400), and a flock, mixed with Red-wings, is reported from iiilliugs in January. 1919 (Thomas, MS). Arrives in spring in late April or early i\Iay, and leaves in fall in October. Dates are as follows: Great Falls, :\Iay 9, 1887 (Williaujs, 1888a. p. 15) ; Fergus County, April 29, 1899, April 23, 1900. April 27. 1901, April 28, 1902 (Sillo- way, 1903a, p. 47) J Bozeman, :May 2. 1909; Silver Bow. April 24. 1910; Stuart. Silver Bow County. April 16, 1911; Choteau, IMay 8. 1912; Bitterroot Valley, May 1. 1910, April 25. 1911, May 6, 1912, :\Iay 8, 1913 (Bailey, MS). Fall dates are less abundant: Custer County. October 6. 1898 (Cameron. 1907, p. 400); Tom Minor Basin. Park County, October 20, 1908: Anaconda. October 11, 1910, and Choteau, September 18, 1911. Nesting takes ])bi('(' iu late May and .Iiinc. and tli'Tc appears to he but ()n(> brood a year. Tlie hii-ds breed largely in colonies, and they arc FriMjucnt vic- liiiis of tile Cowbii'd. The earliest indication of nesting of whicli 1 have i-ecord is a bird seen with nest matei'ial in her bill. May 15. 1!)12. at Choteau. The first nest was found half ('oin|)le1e on .May 16, 1!)12. the first egg \v;.s laid Ihereiu 1<,21 BIRDS OF MONTANA 105 'Slay 20, and the set of six was completed ^lay 25. Two other sets of six were found on this same date, and on May 27 a set of seven and one of eight were found. The latest nest of which I have record had the set of five eggs com- l)leted on June 6, 1912. These nests were all in the same colony. From other sources the earliest nest is May 31, 1902, at Poison (Silloway, 1903h, p. 297). T liave found the nest in Gallatin County with four eggs, ^lay 28, 1909. The latest record for eggs is June 28, 1905, in Custer County (Cameron, 1907, [). -lOO). 202. Quiscalus quiscula aeneus Ridgway Bronzed Grackle A common summer resident of eastern Montana, ranging westward to the bases of the mountains. All observers in eastern Montana record this species as common or abundant, but westward it becomes rare. The westernmost rec- ords are from the Rocky Mountains, August 28, 1874 (Coues, 1874b, p. 606) ; Choteau, a pair taken :\ray 25, 1912 (Saunders, 1914a, p. 136) ; Great Falls (Williams, 1888a, p. 15) ; and Bozeman and Belgrade, Gallatin County (Saun- ders, 1911a, p. 41). The Bronzed Grackle is stated to arrive at the end of April in Custer County, xVpril 25, 1895, and April 25, 1896, being given as dates of arrival (Cameron, 1907, p. 401). These are the only migration dates available at pres- ent for the spring, and there are none for the fall. I have noted the species in Great Falls, May 1, 1912, when several pairs were seen. These birds, however, may have arrived earlier than this date, as I was at Great Falls only for a few hoars at the time. Eggs have been found June 1, 1893, and June 3, 1894, in Custer County. Eggs were observed to hatch on June 11, and young noted on the wing by July 15 (Cameron, 1907, p. 401). Others have mentioned the nesting of this species, but there are no other definite dates. 203. Hesperiphona vespertina montana Ridgway Western Evening Grosbeak An erratic resident, found throughout the state at various seasons. Pj'ob- ably breeds in yellow pine forests in the mountains, and in the pine hills of the Transition zone. Most common in migrations, but found frequently in winter and sometimes in summer, when there are no indications that it breeds. Summer records: Flathead Lake, common, probably breeding (Silloway, 1903a, p. 60). It still occurs regularly in the yellow pine woods at Flathead Lake every summer, but the nest has never been located. Fort Custer, flock seen July 24, 1889 (Mearns, 1904, p. 21). June 6, 1900, one male, Custer County, and August 23, 1904, one male, Dawson County (Cameron, 1907, p. 402). Bitterroot Valley, seen throughout the summer of 1908 (Baik^y, MS). Belton. July 28, 1914, and July 22, 1915 (DuBois, MS). Willow Creek, Powell County, September 14, 1910 (Saunders, 1912a, p. 28). These are all the records that may indicate the breeding of this species. The nest has never been found in the state. 106 PACIFIC COAST AVIFAUNA No. J4 Wiiite]' rc't'ords: Bo/enian. Januaiy 2, 1911 (Saunders, 19i;5a, p. llti); Gallatin Valley, three seen January 1, 1917 (Lundwall, MS); Bitterroot Val- ley, common in winter (Bailey, ^LS) ; Helena, one, February 27, 1911; not com- mon at Kalispell in winter (Sloanaker, MS). Spring and fall records : In most localities the Western Evening Grosbeak is most commonly seen in spring and fall, occurring at those seasons in large flocks. Gallatin County, common from March 20 to April 9, 1909, and one male seen May 8, 1909; Helena, flocks abundant from :\larch 10 to 28, 1911; Tongue River, three on April 26, 1891 (Thorne, 1895, p. 216) ; Bitterroot Val- ley, seen up to Ai)fil li». lilll, and common till June in 1908 (Bailey, MS). Fall: Bozeman, November 2(;, 1908. and October 16, 1910. 204. Pinicola enucleator montana Ridgway R()(M. 402). 208. Loxia leucoptera Gmelin White-winged Crossbill A r'arc suiiiiiier i-esident in the mountains of noitliw cstciii Montana, oe- cuT-ring very rarely elsewhere in the state in migrations oi- in winter. Summer records: One male seen at Swan Lake, and one female at Lake MacDonald (Sil- loway, 1905b, p. 176) ; two seen on the road between Helton and Lake MacDon- ald, Glacier National Park, July 4, 1915 (DuBois, IMS). One male and two. fe- males seen on the South Fork of the Flathead River at Riverside, August 18, 1915 (lietts, 1916, p. 163). Records in migration: Big Sandy, April 22. 1905, and September 12, 1905 (Cooke, li)12. ]). 46). Winter records: Occurs irregu- larly in winter in the mountains of Fergus ('ounty (Silloway, 1903a, p. 49) : four birds, a mal(> and thi-ee females. W(>re taken at Miles City, N()\-eiiil)ei' K', 1919, hy Hedges. These birds wei-e in a draw among wild rose b\ishes and Span- ish bayonet, three-<|uarters of a mile From the neai'est trees and twelve miles from the nearest pines. 1921 BIRDS OF MONTANA 109 209. Leucosticte tephrocotis tephrocotis Swainsoii Gray-crowned Rosy Finch An irregular, but sometimes very common winter visitor to the prairies in the eastern half of the state. An irregular migrant, occurring more rarely in winter, in the mountain valleys of the western half of the state. A summer res- ident of the Alpine zone in the high mountains of Glacier National Park, and perhaps elsewhere in northwestern Montana. In summer this species occurs about the Blackfoot and Sperrj' glaciers, and probably in other similar localities in Glacier National Park. I noted a few in August, 1914, and found the birds common in August, 1915. 1 am informed that Mr. Silloway and Dr. Elrod found them at Sperry Glaciei- several yc'ars before this, but the fact has not been published. Probably the species breeJs in these localities, placing its nest in crevices between the rocks of the glacial moraines, but the nest is yet to be found in the state. In the western half of Montana it is often common in migrations, and sometimes occurs in winter. The fall migrant flocks are usually small ones, the birds evidently gathering in larger and larger groups through the winter, until in the spring the flocks number thousands. Fall migration begins in October, the first birds usually being seen in the mountains. Dates for the first appear- ance are: Lewistown, October 30, 1899 (Silloway, 1908a, p. 49); Ramshorn Peak, Gallatin Range, October 29, 1908; Anaconda, October 29, 1910; Big George Creek, Teton County, October 22, 1911; Belton, October 6, 1914 (DuBois, ]\IS). The spring migration takes place in the mountains from March to May. I am of the opinion that the majority of the birds winter on the prairies in the eastern half of the state, and return to the western half by the middle of March. In the higher mountain valleys, where spring is late, and late spring snowstorms are liable to occur until almost the first of June, the flocks appear with every snowstorm, disappearing again as soon as good weather prevails. Thus I have seen large flocks late in May in the Gallatin Valley, and at Anaconda until May 27, when dissection of specimens secured showed that the time for breeding was not far distant. Winter records in the western half of the state are as follows: Park County, February, 1909, flocks seen at a ranch for several days; Helena, flock seen Feb- ruary 25, 1911; Trego, flocks of 10 to 200 seen in the Canadian zone, February n to 26, 1916 (Kittredge, MS). In the eastern half of the state this bird is usually a common winter visitor. In Custer and Dawson counties it is abundant, but none occurred in 1905-06. It arrives there October 25 and leaves March 15 (Cameron, 1907, p. 402). In Fergus County it is abundant from October to the middle of Ai)ril (Silloway, 1903a, p. 49). It is also reported from P'ort Keogh (Tliorne, 1895, p. 216), and from Fort Custer (^IcChesney, 1879, p. 2386). Its migrations are as follows. At Big Sandy it arrived October 1, 1900, and October 3, 1906. At Terry, October 18, 1903, and November 1, 1904. It left Terry March 13, 1904, and was noted at Columbia Falls, April 6, 1893 (Cooke, 1913b, p. 364). \ 110 PACIFIC COAST AVIFAUNA No. 14 210. Leucosticte tephrocotis littoralis I^aird Hepburn Rosy Finch An irregular winter visitor or migrant, oeenrring throughout the state, but chiefly in the eastern half in winter, and in migrations only, in the western half. This form occurs in company with the last mentioned, always in smaller num- bers. Careful observations of flocks will usually disclose both foi-ms, Hiloraiit; and tephrocotis, this being one of the few cases of subspecies that can be distin- guished certainly in the field. Jn Custer County tliis form occurs in the pro- portion of one to twenty of tephrocotis (Thorne, 1895, p. 21'o, and Cameron, 1907, p. 403). Farther west it seems to be more numerous, the proportion Ijcing one to six or eight in Fergus County (Silloway, 1903a, p. 50). In the western lialf of the state littoralis has not been recorded in winter, but it probably occurs with the other. I do not remember ever having examined a winter flock closely enough to distinguish both forms. The Hepburn Rosy Finch appears early in spring, however, for it has been found in Silver Bow County, iVIarcli 12. 1910, and in Gallatin County, March 19, 1911. In the spring of 1911 liitoralis re- mained with flocks of tephrocotis in the vicinity of Anaconda till May 8, but in a flock of tephrocotis and eitrntei seen "Slay 27, 1911. none of littoralis was found. 211. Leucosticte atrata Ridgway . Black Rosy Finch Rare in summer or migrations in southw'estern Montana. Probably l)reeds in high mountain ranges of that part of the state. There are but three records for the state, and one of these is probably an error. On May 27, 1911, a large flock of Rosy Finches, about five thousand, was seen at Anaconda. About 10 per cent of the flock were of this species, the remainder being tephrocotis. An adult male in advanced breeding condition was secured (Saunders, 1912a, p. 28). An adult female, in worn' breeding plumage, was taken on Rock Creek, above Lake Como, Ravalli County, August 2, 1911 (Bailey, MS). The third record is from Terry, November 1, 1903 (Cooke, 1913b, p. 365). The last record I question, because this species is not mentioned in Cameron's "Birds of Custer and Dawson counties", and because another similar error has evidently been made in the case of Empielona.r (lifficilis. The occurrence of Leucosticte atrata in that part of the state would be decidedly unusual. I am informed by Mr. H. C. Oberholser that in transposing records. Prof. Cooke at one time designated species by check-list number and not by name, and an error might have arisen in that way. 212. Acanthis homemanni exilipes (Coues) IIoARY Redpoll A very rare winter visitor- in extreme eastern Montana, Two s|)ecimens have been taken at Miles City, on February 26, 1900, and Marcli 12, 1900, re- spectively, by C. F. Hedges (Bishop, 1901, ]). 195). One seen in Dawson Coun- ty, March 9. 1905 (Cameron, 1907, p. 403). 1921 BIRDS OF MONTANA 111 213. Acanthis linaria linaria (Linnaeus) Redpoll An abundant but rather irregular winter visitor throughout the state. All observers who have extended their observations to the winter season, mention the occurrence and abundance of this species. It is found every winter, but there is some difference in its abundance from year to year, and considerable irregrularity in the dates of appearance. It usually appears in October and re- mains till April, but in the mountains, or in valleys of high elevation in the western half of the state, it sometimes arrives in September and remains until ]\Iay. Dates of migration are as follows : Fall arrival, average of three years at Terry, October 29, earliest, October 23, 1903 ; Columbia Falls, average of four years; October 24, earliest, October 7, 1895 (Cooke, 1914b, p. 19) ; Bear Canyon, Gallatin County, September 11, 1908 ; Three Forks, October 17, 1909 ; Anaconda, October 12, 1910 ; and Big George Creek, Teton County, October 22, 1911 ; ear- liest arrival at Missoula, November 7; at Neihart, October 7, 1915 (Kittredge, MS), Spring departure, average at Terry, four years, April 14, latest April 17, 1896 (Cooke, 1. c.) ; Bridger Canyon, Gallatin County, May 21, 1909; Ana- conda, April 26, 1911; Choteau, April 23, 1912; Bitterroot Valley, March 26, 1912, and April 5, 1913 (Bailey, MS) ; ^lissoula, April 23 (Kittredge, MS) ; Button, May 18, 1917 (DuBois, MS). In the spring of 1910 this species evi- dently left very early. 1 was in the field constantly that year from February 24 till summer, but did not note the birds at all. This was in the mountains of Silver Bow and Jefferson counties. Redpolls had been present during the win- ter as I had noted them in January and earlier in February. 214. Acanthis linaria holboelli (Brehm) HoLBOELL Redpoll Two taken at I\Iiles City, March 2, 1900, by C. F. Hedges (Bishop, 1901, p. 195). This form may be commoner than this one record indicates, but consid- erable collecting will be necessary to detect its presence. 215. Acanthis linaria rostrata (Coues) » Greater Redpoll Three taken at Miles City, March 1 and 6, 1900, by C. F. Hedges (Bishop, 1901, p. 195). The remark concerning the last mentioned species will apply here also. Mr. Silloway believes that he has seen all the four ^lontana forms of Acanthis at Lewisto^\^l (1903a, p. 51). He states that the subspecies rostrata is seen more commonly with rosy finches than with other redpolls. With the hope of finding it, I have collected several redpolls found in company with Leucos- ticte, but they have all proved the common form, linaria. il6. Astragalinus tristis tristis (Linnaeus) Eastern Goldfinch Summer resident of extreme eastern ^lontana, intergrading westward with 112 PACIFIC COAST AVIFAUNA No. 14 the western form. A. t. trislis is ivcorded as breeding in Custer and Dawson counties (Cameron, 1907, p. 404). Intergrades occur farther west, one having been taken at Three Forks, Gallatin County (Saunders, 1911a, p. 42). An adult female, from Custer County, July 6, 1919, belongs to this race, as identified by Dr. Bishop. Migration dates of arrival at Terry average May 28 for six years, the ear- liest date being May 21, 1900 (Cooke, 1910b, p. 141). There is a winter record from Miles City, December 25, 1899 (Hedges, coll. Cniv. Montana). 217. Astragalinus tristis pallidus (Mearns) Western Goldfinch A common summer resident of western Montana, intergrading eastward with the eastern subspecies. Found practically throughout the western half oi' the state. Occurs rarely in various localities in winter. This form has not been recorded from Flathead Lake. I noticed its omission from Silloway's publica- tions and made special search for it in two season's work there, but did not find it. This is only a local condition, however, for it is common enough at Missoula, and it occurs at Kalispell (Sloanaker, MS) and at Columbia Falls (Kitt- redge, MS). The migrations of this species are decidedly irregular. At Big Sandy tiie average arrival is June 6, and the earliest, May 28, 1906. At Fort Cluster it ar- rived May 3, 1885 (Cooke, 1910b, p. 141). Other dates are: Bozeman, May 2, 1909; Choteau, May 23, 1912; Bitterroot Valley, April 2, 1910, .May 31, 1911, and June 4, 1912 (Bailey, MS). Fall records are: Big Sandy, October l(j, 1906 (Cooke, 1910b, p. 141); Cinnabar Basin, Park County, October 25, 1908; Mill Creek, Deer Lodge County, September 15, 1909. Winter records are as follows: Three Forks, a flock, February 12, 1910 (Saunders, 1911a, p. 42) ; Bozeman, flock of 100, Deceml)er 24, 1914 (Lundwail 1915, p. 45) ; Missoula, December 25, 1915 (Kittredge, 191G, p. 30). There can be no doubt that this species nests commonly in all parts of Mon- tana where it occurs, but there are no records of its nesting that I can find. The birds probably nest rather late, as they do in other regions, for in my observa- tions tliey are still in flocks late in June. They inhabit cottonwood groves, and undoubtedly nest mainly in the cottonwood trees. * ^i^- Spinus pinus (Wilson) Pine Siskin An abundant summer n^sitlent throughout the western half of the state, and found locally in the eastern half. I breeds most commonly in the Canadian /on(^ of the mountains, but also in the ^^ransition, and i)rol)ably in the Transition pine hills in the eastern half of the state. All observei's in the western half of the state mention the occurrence of this species, in the eastern lialf it seems to liave escaped the notice of most observers, but it is recorded between Forts Fnion and Benton (Hayden, 1862, p. 165); in Custer and Dawson counties in July (Cameron, 1907, p. 404) ; and at Billings, August 12, 1900 (Jones and Dawson 1921 BIRDS OP MONTANA 113 1900, p. 81). The occurrence of the Pine Siskin in sunnner in the eastern part of the state indicates that it breeds there, probably mainly in the pine hills. In western Montana it breeds both in evergreen forests and in cottonwood groves. In some localities it is found in the valleys, where not far distant from the moun- tains, such as the Gallatin Valley (Saunders, 1911a, p. 42), but it is abundant only in the mountains. Tlie migrations are somewhat irregular. Spring dates are as follows: Colum- ])ia Falls, April 10, 1894 (Cooke, 1910b, p. 140) ; Gallatin County, May 26, 1909; Divide Creek, Silver Bow County, Ajiril 23, 1910; Bozeman, May 27, 1911; .Missoula, April 15 (Kittredge, MS). Fall dates are: Bozeman, September 13, 1908 ; Pipestone Basin, Jefferson County, September 24, 1909 ; Elk Park, Silver Bow County, September 8, 1910; Lubec, Teton County, September 27, 1911, and Sun River, Lewis and Clark County, September 12, 1912. There is one winter record of this species in the state, at Bitterroot Valley, Fe])ruary 24, 1912 V Bailey, MS). This species undoubtedly nests commonly, but there are few records of the finding of nests. One which I found on Middle Creek, Gallatin County, was half built on June 21, 1909, and the last of four eggs M^as laid June 26. This nest was situated in a cottonwood only a few feet from the ground, at the bottom of a mountain canyon. Another nest, containing young, M'as shown me by Mr. Thomas in Bozeman. It was Iniilt in a young planted Douglas fir, about five feet from the ground, and the four young left the nest on the evening of August 19, 1909. Young were noted on the wing at Belton, August 21, 1915 (DiiBois, MS). 219. Plectrophenax nivalis nivalis (Linnaeus) Snow Bunting A common but erratic and somewhat irregular winter visitor. Found in valleys and on prairies, mainly at low elevations, throughout the state, but records are most common from the prairies east of the divide. Through the prairie region of the state, all observers who have made observations in winter note its occurrence. In the mountain valleys it has been recorded in Gallatin Valley (Pyfer, 1898, p. 15), at Missoula, November 28, and at Trego, February 19 (Kittredge, MS). ^ligrations are as follows : Northern Montana, average of six years arrival, October 31, earliest, October 26, 1895 ; average of six years departure, March 17, latest April 2, 1890 (Cooke, 1913, p. 17) ; Custer and Dawson counties, earli- est, November 18, and latest, March 16 (Cameron, 1907, p. 405) ; Fort Keogh, arrives November 14, and leaves March 17 (Thorne, 1895, p. 216). 220. Calcarius lapponicus alascensis Ridgway AlaskxV Longspur An erratic winter visitor, chiefly in the eastern half of the state, on the prairies, but occurring in the mountain valleys in migrations. Most of the rec- ords are given as lapponiciis, but the only specimens that have been carefully \ 114 PACIFIC COAST AVIFAUNA No. 14 determined, those taken by Hedges in (hister (bounty, have proven to he alas- censis. Records of this species west of the prairie region are as follows: Galla- tin County, March 30, April 1 and 17, 1909 (Saunders, 1911a, p. 42) ; Race Track, Deer Lodge County, October 30, 1910, and Anaconda, April 30, 1911 (Saunders, 1912a, p. 28). Fall and winter occurrences are as follows : Custer and Dawson counties, of erratic appearance in severe winters (Cameron, 1907, p. 405) ; Fergus County, common in winter (Silloway, 1903a, p. 52) ; Fort Custer. April 4, 1885, and Great Falls, September 13, 1889 (Cooke, 1910b, p. 241) ; Miles City, series of twelve specimens in the University of Montana collection, taken by C. F. Hedges, from September 20 to 27, 1900, and March 17, 1902 ; one in collection of L. B. Bishop, taken September 24, 1900; Teton and Lewis and Clark counties, conunon in winter and migrations, arriving October 31, 1912 (Saunders, 1914a, p. 137). In the winter months these birds are generally found in company with Horned Larks and Snow Buntings. 221. Calcarius omatus (J. K. Townsend) Chestnut-collared Longspur A common summer resident of the prairie region of the state, west to the bases of the easternmost mountain ranges, but unknown west c!" those moun- tains, even on the east side of the continental divide. All observers in the prairie region mention the occurrence of this species. Its western limits are marked by a line which crosses the state from northwest to southeast, beginning at the eastern base of the mountains on the Blackfoot Reservation in Teton County, and probably ending in Stillwater and Carbon counties. The line at the north extends south to northern Lewis and Clark County, covering, the drainage of the Sun River, then turns east along the divide between the Sun and Dearborn riv- ers, rounds the north end of the Belt ^lountains about at Great Falls, and con- tinues south in Fergus County on the east side of the mountains. Farther south than this it cannot be traced definitely, because of lack of field work, but the westernmost breeding area known is in the Lake Basin near Billings (Thomas, MS). This species is common, but somewhat locally distributed, being found in areas of rather long grass bordering marshy ground, or in wet hollows wliere the soil is alkaline. The migrations take place in April and September. The average arrival at Terry, from three years' observations, is May 2, the earliest April 26, 1908; at Big Sandy the average of two years is May 3, with April 21, 1904, the earliest (Cooke, 1910b, p. 240). Specimens in the University of Montana collection, taken at Miles City by C. F. Hedges, are dated April 20, 1900, and April 28, 1901. At Dutton dates of its arrival are April 14, 1915, April 13, 1916, and April 20, 1917 (DuBois, MS). Fall dates are: Terry, September 23, 1903 (Cooke, 1910b, p. 241) and Miles City, September 27, 1900 (Hedges, coll. Univ. Montana). The nest has been found quite frequently. Nesting begins in ^lay and continues, either as a second brood or as delayed nestings, till July. At Dutton the earliest nest with eggs was found May 8, 1915, and the latest, July 1921 BIRDS OP MONTANA 115 10, 1916, with numerous nests found at intervening dates (DuBois, MS). These are the earliest and latest dates available from any locality in the state. Another July date is that of six eggs found at Milk River, July 6, 1874 (Coues, 1874b, p. 582). V 09-: 22. Fig. 24. Chestxut-c'oi.lakei) Lu.ngspuk with FOOD FOR young; Duttox. Photo by A. D. Dubois. Rhynchophanes mccowni (Lawrence) MCCOWN LONGSPUR An abundant summer resident of the eastern half of the state in the prairie region. The area where it nests is almost coincident with that of the Chestnut- collared Longspur, but it has been found also in one locality in the mountain valleys, west of the first ranges. This locality is in Broadwater County, about two miles west of the Missouri River and about fifteen miles south of Raders- burg. At this locality there is a comparatively small area where the conditions are exactly those of the prairie benches in the prairie region, and there the McCown Longspur is a common breeding bird (Saunders, 1912f, p. 217). It is quite possible that similar areas may be found in other places, probably in Jef- ferson, Madison and Beaverhead counties. Through the prairie region this spe- cies is more abundant and more widelv distributed than Calcarius ornatus. This 116 PACIFIC COAST AVIFAUNA No. 14 bird prefers tlie high, dry prairie l)enehes, areas that extend for many s(|uai'(' jniles throngli the prairie region, and where the only other bird to be found is the Desert Horned Lark. In such places the grass is shorter than in places in- ha])ited by C. oriiahis. Areas do occur, howevei-, where the two species of Hum- nier longspurs may be found together. Migrations take place in April and September. At Terry the average date of arrival for nine years is April 26, and the earliest April 22, 1894. At Big Sandy, four years give an average of May 2, with April 28, 1904, for the earliest (Cooke, 1911, p. 16). Other dates are: Choteau, April 16, 1912 (Saunders, ]914a, p. 187); Dutton. April 18. 1915, April 14, 1916, and April 18. 1917 Fig. 25. Nest am) Kc.ds ok iiik McCown l^(i.\(i- spuK. Choteau; July 6, 1912. (DuBois, ]\IS). Fall dates are few. The only observation that 1, personally, have made is from Choteau, October l(i, li)l 1. Others are : Miles City, Septemb.-i- 27, 1900 (Hedges, coll. Univ. Montana) and October 19, 1919 (Hedges). Nesting begins in May and lasts until July; the birds evidently usually hav- ing two broods. The earliest date for eggs from any point in the state is fi-oiti Dutton, May 9, 1915 (DuBois, MS). There are numerous records for nests in late May and early June, and also a good many for eggs early in July. T\w latest is from Dutton, July 28, 1916, four eggs (DuBois, .MS). The earliest date for young is from Choteau, May 23, 1912, when the young were already half- grown. \ 1921 BIRDS OP MONTANA 117 223. Pooecetes gramineus confinis J^aird Western Vesper Sparrow An abundant summer resident throughout the state. Found in grass mea- dows of the prairie region and in the mountain valleys, and on grassy slopes about the foothills of the mountains throughout the Upper Sonoran and Transi- tion zones. All observers report this species as common or abundant. The migrations "occur in late April or early May, and in September or Octo- ber. The average date of arrival in three years at Terry is April 28, with the earliest April 27, 1896. Three years average at Great Falls, April 29, earliest April 27, 1889. At Columbia Falls, three years' average May 6, with the earliest April 26, 1894 (Cooke, 1911, p. 87). Other dates are: Gallatin Valley, April 30, 1909; Divide Creek, Silver Bow County, April 27, 1910: Anaconda, April 20, 1911; Choteau, April 28, 1912; Lewistown, May 1, 1900, and April 25, 1901 (Silloway, 1903a, p. 54) ; Bitterroot Valley, April 29, 1911, .May 3, 1912, April 13, 1913 (Bailey, MS); Button, May 1, 1915, May 4, 1916, and May 9. 1917 (DuBois, MS) ; Missoula, April 21 (Kittredge, MS). Fall departure dates are: Big Sandy, October 30, 1906 (Cooke, 1911, p. 87) ; Bozeman, September 28, 1908; White-tail Park, Jefferson County, September 26, 1909; Gold Creek, Powell County, September 21, 1910; Collins, Teton County, September 18, 1911 ; Missoula, September 24 (Kittredge, MS). One occurrence of this species in the state in winter is recorded : Missoula, December 25, 1915 (Kittredge, 1916, p. 30). The Western Vesper Sparrow nests late in May or early in June, probably a little earlier on the west side of the divide. The earliest date for eggs is from Flathead Lake, May 30, 1902; another nest in this locality had newly-hatched young on June 2 (Silloway, 1903b, p. 296). East of the divide the earliest nest is Lewistown, June 4, 1900 (Silloway, 1903a, p. 54). There are evidently two broods, the latest nest recorded being in Gallatin County, near ^Manhattan, with fresh eggs August 16, 1918 (Thomas, ^MS). 224. Passerculus sandwichensis alaudinus Bonaparte Western Savannah Sparrow A common summer resident of the northwestern part of the state, west of the continental divide. Up to a few years- ago this form was listed as occurring throughout the state, but the evidence now goes to show that the form breeding on the east side of the divide is nevadensis, and that alaudinus is confined to the west side. Too little collecting has been done to make any certain statements a.bout either form. There are birds from various parts of the state that are not typical of either subspecies. Specimens from Flathead Lake are more nearly alaudinus than any other form, but not perfectly typical. This species breeds throughout the Transition zone in wet meadows, where it is generally commou, though often overlooked by observers. It is reported from the Bitterroot Val- ley (Bailey, MS), from Missoula (Kittredge, MS) and from Flathead Lake (Saunders, 1916c, p. 86). Migration dates are : Columbia Falls, average of two years. May 2, earliest 118 PACIFIC COAST AVIFAUNA No. 14 April 30, 1894 (Cooke, 1911, p. 145), and Missoula, arrival April 30, departure September 24 (Kittredge). There is no doiibt that this form breeds in Mon- tana, young of the year having been taken at Flathead Lake, but there is no \ record of the finding of the nest. 225. Passerculus sandwichensis nevadensis Grinnell Nevada Savannah Sparrow A common summer resident of wet meadows east of the continental divide. Breeds throughout the Transition zone and probably also in the Upper Sonoran. Most observers mention this species, but some have evidently overlooked it. It is found both on the prairies and in mountain valleys, and is particularly abund- ant in valleys where irrigation has gone on for some time and where areas of wet grasslands are common. The identification of races is not well worked out at present. I am assimiing tluit all birds east of the continental divide are nevadensis, and all birds west of it alaudinus. A breeding bird from the Galla- tin Valley has proven to be nevadensis, liut birds from Teton County are doubt- ful, one being thought to be savanna. There is a considerable series of specimens from ]Miles City, taken by C. F. Hedges, in the r'niversity of Montana collection, which have recently been identified as ncradcnsis by Dr. Bishop. Two of these birds, however, are nearer alaudinus. Migrations take place in April or May, and probably in September. Dates are as follows: Traill Creek, Park County, May 14, 1909; Big Hole River, :\ray 6, 1910; Anaconda, May 12, 1911 ; Choteau, April 30, 1912; Dutton, May 3, 1915, May 1, 1916, and May 9, 1917 (DuBois, ]MS). The only fall date is from Miles City, September 24, 1900 (Hedges, coll. Univ. Montana). While this bird is undoubtedly a common breeder, the finding of the nest has been recorded only a few times. I found two at Warm Spi'ings, Deer Lodge County, June 16, 1911, both containing eggs, and another at Priest Butte Lalces, Teton County, June 9, 1912, containing three newly hatched young and an egg. Young are common on the wing by June 30. 226. Ammodramus bairdi (Audubon) Baird Sparrow A rare and little known summer resident or migrant on the prairies of the eastern half of the state. Recorded from but two localities : In Custer and Daw- • son counties it is an irregular migrant in September, where the birds were com- mon September 6 to 10, 1902 (Cameron, 1908a, p. 39). In Teton County birds were noted September 4, 1911, and May 23, 1912 (Saunders, 1914a, p. 138), where they were suspected to be breeding, and where the species has since been found breeding, near Dutton. Two nests have been found there, one with six eggs, advanced in incubation, July 18, 1916, and the other with four eggs, the last one laid July 20, 1916 (DuBois, MS). Mr. DuBois also gives May 24, 1917, as the chite of its arrival in spring migration at Dutton. It is possible that this bii-d also breeds in more eastern parts of Montana, for it has been found breeding in Dakota, at one point, Harding County (Yisher. 1911, p. 14), within a few miles of the Montana border. 1921 BIRDS OF MONTANA 119 227. Ammodramus savannarum bimaculatus Swainson Western Grasshopper Sparrow A summer resident of prairies and of the lower mountain valleys throughout the state. Rare in most places. ^lost common on the prairies to the eastward, and recorded from only two localities within the mountains. In eastern ^lontana it is reported as common on the Yellowstone and Musselshell (Allen, 1874, p. 57), common on the Upper IMissouri (Grinnell, 1876, p. 645), and common in Fergus County (Silloway, 1903a, p. 55). It is reported also from Dawson County (Cameron, 1908a, p. 39). In the western part of the state it is reported from Gallatin County (Richmond and Knowlton, 1894, p. 305, and Saunders, 1911a, p. 42), and from Flathead Lake (Silloway, 1901a, p. 62), the last being the only locality west of the continental divide. There are few data on the migration of this species. In Fergus County it arrives about May 10 (Silloway, 1903a, p. 55). It is reported to arrive at Great Falls, May 8, 1885, and May 9, 1887 (Williams, 1888a, p. 15), and the only fall date is Dawson County, September 16, 1904 (Cameron, 1908a, p. 39). The only breeding record is of a nest found at Poison, July 27, 1915, con- taining four eggs with incubation advanced (Saunders, 1916c, p. .86). \ 228. Chondestes grammacus strigutus Swainson Western Lark ' Sparrow An abundant summer resident of eastern JMontana, becoming rare west- ward. Found chiefly in the prairie region, but Avith one or two records in the mountains, and one west of the continental divide. This species is evidently one of the few in the state that are characteristic of the Upper Sonoran zone. In Custer and Dawson counties it is very abundant, nesting in the pine hills, in the badlands, and on the prairies (Cameron, 1908a, p. 39). It is also reported as abundant on the Yellowstone and Musselshell (Allen, 1874, p. 58), on the Upper Missouri (Grinnell, 1876, p. 646), in the Big Horn region (McChesney, 1879, p. 2387), at Fort Custer (Mearns, 1904, p. 21), and at Fort Benton (Cooper, 1869a, p. 77). West of these localities the species becomes rare, not having been noted at Lewistown (Silloway, 1903a, p. 55), nor commonly by other observers at points farther west. It is reported from Billings (Jones and Dawson, 1900, p. 32) and from Gallatin County (Richmond and Knowlton, 1894, p. 306; Saunders, 1911a, p. 42). It is rare in Teton County. Seen once near Choteau, July 18, 1911 (Saunders, 1914a, p. 138), and on two occasions at Dutton. one June 24, 1915, and three June 4, 1916 (DuBois, MS). The only records w^est of the di- vide are from Missoula, wdiere single birds w^ere seen May 27 and June 28, 1917 (Kittredge, MS). The migrations take place in late April or early May. Six years' observa- tions at Terry give an average date of arrival as May .7, with April 27 (1897) the earliest. Three years at Great Falls average May 12, with May 8 (1899) the earliest (Cooke, 1911, p. 85). No information regarding the fall migration is available. \ 120 PACIFIC COAST AVIFAUNA No. 14 The only information concerning nesting is from Custer and Dawson coun- ties. There the eggs are laid by the middle of June, the young are out by July 15, and there is probably a second brood (Cameron. 1908a, p. 39). 229. Zonotrichia querula (Nuttall) Harris Sparrow A rare fall migrant in the eastern part of the state, occurring westwai-d to Cascade and Gallatin counties. Very rare in spring. Records are as follows: Fort Keogh, September 22 to October 13, 1889 (Thorne, 1895, p. 217) ; Fort (hister, October 21, 1885 (Cooke, 1913b, p. 303) ; Miles City, one September 22, 1900 (Hedges, coll. of L. B. Bishop) ; Gallatin Valley, October 11 to 29, 1913, October 13, 1915, and October 20 to 30, 1916 (Lundwall, MS) ; Great Falls, October 10, 1915 (Kittredge, MS). There is a single spring record, from Knowlton, Custer County, one bird seen ]\Iay 24-25, 1907 (Cameron, 190Sa, ]). 40). 230. Zonotrichia leucophrys leucophrys (J. R. Forster) White-crowned Sparrow A common summer resident of the mountains east of the continental divide, particularly southward. Common in migrations throughout the state, and may breed rarely west of the continental divide. Found chiefly in the Canadian zone, but in some localities breeds down into the upper Transition in the valleys, where these are not far distant from the mountains. The status and breeding range of this subspecies, as compared with the next, are not thoroughly worked out. Few specimens have been taken in the breeding season, but l( ucop/n-ijs and (/amheli are not difficult to distinguish in the field, when seen closely and in a clear light. At present the data seem to show that leucoplirys breeds throughout the western half of the state, east of the divide, and that gamhcli breeds in the northern half of the mountainous section of the state, over the same areas as leucophrtja. There appear to be no intergrades between the two forms. 1 have observed a sitting female of leucophrys in Gallatin County from a distance of three or four feet. In Teton County 1 fed birds in a corral where they were exceedingly tame and allowed an approach to within five or six feet, and where they remained all summer. In the summers of 1914 and 1915 I found both leucophrys and gamheli in Glacier National Park, w'here frequent observa- tions showed that the two forms were about equally common. I have never seen fjauibcli in the mountains of the southern part of the state in the breeding sea- son. Leucophrys has been taken on the Madison River. August 12, 1872 (Merri- am, 1873, p. 687), and at Flathead Lake, June 9, 1906 (Silloway. 1907, p. 53). It has been obsci'wd at Helton. July 14. 1915 ( DuBois, :\rS). Tile migrations take place in Api-il and ^May in the spring, and during September and October in the fall. Since the two forms, leucophrys and (jaui- beli, are found together at those seasons, it is often difficult to s('i)ai';it(' them and be sure of dates for each. The general data, however, indicate that ya»ibeli arrives a little earlier in spi'ing, and leaves a little later in fall, than leucoplirys. 1-J21 BIRDS OF MONTANA 121 Dates of arrival for Icucophrys are as follows: Terry, average of five years May 5, earliest April 21, 1900; Columbia Falls, average four years, April 80, earliest, April 28, 1896 (Cooke, 1912, p. 99) , Bozeman, "Slay 4, 1909; Big Hole River, .Alay 6, 1910; Mill Creek, Deer Lodge County, I\Iay 10, 1911; Choteau, May 22, 1912; Corvallis, May 18, 1912 (Bailey, MS). Fall: Big Sandy, arrival, average of three years, September 16. earliest, September 10, 1906; departure, average of three years October 7, latest October 16, 1906 (Cooke, 1912, p. 101). Boze- man, September 13, 1908 ; Three Forks, October 17, 1909 ; Great Falls, Septem- ber 18, 1886 (Williams, 1888a, p. 17) ; Livingstone, October 11, 1915 (Kitt- redge, MS). Few nests are on record, though the White-crowned Sparrow nests com- monly enough in the mountains of the southwestern part of the state. A nest containing four eggs was found on Middle Creek, Gallatin County, June 21, 1909, at an elevation of 7100 feet. Another nest was found by G. B. Thomas in June, 1909, near Bozeman, where the species breeds away from the mountains. 231. Zonotrichia leucophrys gambeli (Nuttall) Gambel Sparrow A common migrant throughout the state, being found in summer, and evi- dently breeding, in the mountains of the northern part, particularly east of the continental divide. All observers who have done work during the migration season, have mentioned the occurrence of this bird. It is found then chiefly in the mountain valleys, and on the prairies along streams. It has been found in summer on Birch Creek, Teton County (Saunders, 1914a, p. 138) and in Glacier National Park. It is also reported to breed in the Belt ^lountains (Wil- liams, 1888a, p. 17) and in Gallatin County (Richmond and Knowlton, 1894, p. 306). The latter record I believe to be an error for leucophrys. Migration dates are as follows : Gallatin County, May 8 to 19, 1909 ; Silver Bow County. May 5 to 12, 1910; Deer Lodge County, April 29 to :\Iay 14, 1911 ; Choteau, May 8 to 28, 1912; Great Falls, May 9, 1887 (AVilliams, 1888a, p. 17) ; Bitterroot Valley, April 29 to May 20, 1911, May 3 to 22, 1912. April 28 to May 22, 1913 (Bailey, MS) ; Dutton, May 4 to 21, 1916, May 9 to 18, 1917 (DuBois. MS) ; Missoula and Kalispell, May 2 to June 7 (Kittredge, MS). Fall dates: Gallatin County, September 26 to October 13, 1908; Powell County, September 21 to October 9, 1910; Teton County, September 23 to October 1, 1911; Missoula and Kalispell, September 3 to 23 (Kittredge, MS). While this species undoubtedly breeds in the more northern mountains, there is no record of the nest having been found. 232. Zonotrichia albicollis (Gmelin) White-throated Sparrow A rare migrant in the eastern part of the state, occurring west to Gallatin and Cascade counties. Records: Great Falls, :May 12, 1890; Fallon, October 5, 1908 (Cooke, 1912, pp. 102, 105) ; Fallon Creek, September 6, 1896 (Cameron. 1908a, p. 40) ; Fort Keogh. September 22, 1900 (Hedges, coll. Univ. Montana^ ; 122 PACIFIC COAST AVIFAUNA No. 14 Gallatin Valley, one bird, Jnne 8, 1915 (Lundwall, MS) ; Miles City, September 26 and 30, 1919 ( Pledges) . 2:i'S. Spizella monticola ochracea Brewster Western Tree Sparrow An abundant migrant and eommon winter visitor in valleys and on prairies throughout the state. Reported by all observers who have done work during migrations or in winter. Occurs in grass lands or brush areas in the mountains in migrations, but not in winter. The migrations of the Western Tree Sparrow are generally in October and April, but in the mountains it often appears early in September, and sometimes remains till IMay. In Custer and Dawson counties it is reported only in migra- tions, and not in winter (Cameron, 1908a, p. 40). .Migration dates are as fol- lows: Fall arrival: Terry, average of two years October 16, earliest, September 26, 1896 (Cooke, 1909c, p. 254) ; taken in Bridger Mountains early in September (Grinnell, 1876, p. 645); Bear Creek, Gallatin County, September 11, 1908; Three Forks, October 17, 1909; Race Track, Deer Lodge County, October 30, 1910; Choteau, October 1, 1911; Belton, September 25, 1915; Button, October 11, 1915 (DuBois, MS) ; Great Falls, October 10, 1915 (Kittredge, MS). Spring departure: Big Sandy, average of two years March 16, latest ]May 9, 1907; Columbia Falls, March 25, 1894 (Cooke, 1909c, p. 254) ; Sixteen Mile Creelc, Gallatin County, April 23, 1909; Helena, April 9, 1911; Collins, Teton County, April 3, 1912; Bitterroot Valley, March 26, 1912; April 5, 1913 (Bailey, MS) ; Highwood, March 28, 1914; Button, April 1, 1915, April 3, 1916 (DuBois, MS) : Missoula, March 25 (Kittredge, MS). One record appears to be m July, though the date is not given. A few were reported as seen between Fort Custer and Terry, and a specimen taken (MeChes- ney, 1879, p. 2387). From the dates of other specimens taken, and reported upon in this work, this must be a summer record, a decidedly unusual occur- rence if the record is authentic. 234. Spizella passerina arizonae Coues Western Chipping Sparrow A common summer resident throughout the state. Breeds commonly in mountains, in mountain valleys, and in the prairie region, in pine hills and '-ot- tonwood groves of the Transition zone, and in Douglas fir or lodgepole pine for ests of the Canadian. Reported by observers from all localities in the state. Less common in cotton wood groves of the prairie region than elsewhere, but «till very numerous; often abundant in the mountains. Tlie migrations take place mainly in May and September. At Columbia Falls th(! average of four years is May 9 and the eai'liest April 26, 189-1. At Terry the average of four years is .May 10, earliest iMay (i. 1893 (Cooke, 1909c, p. 257). Other dates of arrival are: Bridger Creek, Gallatin County, Mi\y 21. 1909; Divide Creek, Silver Bow County, May 8, 1910; French Gulch, Deer Lodge County, May 5, 1911 ; Choteau, :\lay 18, 1912; Bitterroot Valley, May 20. 1921 BIRDS OF MONTANA 123 1912, and May 22, 1913 (Bailey, MS) ; Missoula, April 19 (Kittredge, MS). Fall dates: Columbia Falls, October 7, 1893 (Cooke, 1909c, p. 258); Bozeman, Sep- tember 13, 1908; ^Missoula, September 23 (Kittredge, MS). Nesting takes place mainly in June and July, and there are usually two l)roods. There are not many published dates of nesting. The earliest date 1 can find for eggs is May 28, in Custer County (Cameron, 1908a, p. 11). Young have been seen out of the nest June 17 and 24 at Missoula (Kittredge, MS). I found numerous nests on Pipestone Creek, Jefferson County, in June, 1910, in which the eggs hatched almost uniformly about June 20. The latest nest on record contained eggs July 15, in Custer County (Cameron, 1908a, p. 11). Cam- eron lists the bird in Custer County as the eastern race, but recent examination of four birds from Miles City (Hedges, coll. Univ. ^lontana) by Dr. Bishop shows them to be of the western race. Fig. 26. Wester X Chipping Sparrow on XEST. PiPESIONE BASIN, JEFFERSON County; June 16, 1910. 235. Spizella pallida (Swainson) Clay-colored Sparrow A common summer resident in the prairie region of the eastern part of the state. Not known to occur west of the true prairies. It is reported by all ob- servers in this eastern section, and its western limits in Montana are evidently about Yellowstone County at the south, Fergus County in the middle, and Teton County at the north. It breeds in most places in sage brush, but in regions where sage does not occur, as in Cascade and Teton counties, it occurs in areas of shrubby cinquefoil, buffalo berry and other prairie shrubs. Migrations take place in ^lay and September. Tiie average of two years' arrival at Terry is May 17, the earliest May 16, 1905. At Great Falls the aver- age of three years is May 24 and earliest May 16, 1891 (Cooke, 1909c, p. 259). 124 PACIFIC COAST AVIFAUNA No. 14 Otlier spring dates are fi'om Choteau, May 12, 1912 (Saundei-s. 1!)1-1:M, p. 188), and KStacey, May 19, 1917 (Kittredge, MS). The only f;ill diitc is from (Jr<";it Falls, September 9, 1891 (Cooke, 1909c, p. 260). While this bird occurs in summer throughout its range in the state, iind undoubtedly l)r(HHls, the linding of the nest has not been recorded. 286. Spizella breweri Cassin Brewer Sparrow A common summer resident of eastern ^lontana, occurring westward lo Teton and Gallatin counties. There are not many records of occurrence, but in most places where it has been found it is fairly conmion. It l)reeds in sage brush, and is somewhat more western in its range than »S'. pallida. Records: Common, breeds at Fort Keogli (Tliorne, 1895, p. 217) ; numerous on the Yellowstone and Musselshell (Allen, 1874, p. C8) ; coiiunon in Gallatin County (Richmond and Knowlton, 1894, p. 306) ; rare in Teton County (Saun- ders, 1914a, p. 138). The only date of migration published is from Fort Custer, May 15. 1885 (Cooke, 1909c, p. 260). The only nesting data are those of a nest and eggs found at Fort Keogh, June 16 (Thorne, 1895, p. 217), and young out of the n'^st found at Sedan, Gallatin County, July 28, 1909 (Saunders, 1911a, p. 43). In addition to the above records I have found this species common in the Shields Rive)' Valley of northern Park County. 237. Spizella pusilla arenacea Chadbourne Western Field Sparrow A rather rare summer resident of southeastern ^Montana. This is probably one of the species that is characteristic of the Upper Sonoran zone. It is either rare, or else it is overlooked by most observers. It is reported from Billings. August 12, 1900 (Jones and Dawson, 1900, p. 32), L'rom the Long Pine Hills along the South Dakota border (Visher, 1911, p. 14), and from Miles City, ^lay 11, 1902 (Hedges, coll. Univ. ^Montana). Tliese a})pear to he all tlic records. 238. Junco aikeni Ridgway White-winged Junco A permanent resident of southeastern ^Montana in the piiic hills. This spe- cies was evidently first found in the state by C. F. IK'dgcs. there l)eing a series of eleven specimens in the Cniversity of ^lontana colleclion, taK'en ])y him in th ■ vicinity of .Aliles Cit.v between April 22 and 27, 1900. and a single specimen from the same locality and date in the collection of L. B. Bishop. In November and December, 1909, 1 found this species in the Long Pine Hills of Carter Coun- ty, close to the South Dakota border, securing one i'or ideiit i fieat ion Deeeiiiher 5. The following sunniier the species was nott'tl again in that place, young lieini"; found in the Long Pine Hills, July 20, 1910 (Visher, 1!)11, |). 14). The species was again found there, and also on the ( 'ustei- .\a1ional i^'orest in Rosebud ( o\inty \ 1921 BIRDS OF MONTANA 125 in ^lay, 1917 (Kittredge, MS). An unusual record is that of a single bird, found in a flock of J. h. vonnectens at ^lissoula, April 15, 1915 (Kittredge, MS). 239. Junco hyemalis hyemalis (Linnaeus) Slate-colored Junco A regular migrant in the eastern part of the state, being fouud occasionally west to the mountain valleys, but not yet reported from west of the continental divide. Reported to breed in eastern Montana, but the fact that only one ob- server reports this suggests that aikcni may have been mistaken for kyerimlis. Reported from Fort Keogh, with the statement that a few breed (Tliorne, 1005, p. 217), in Custer and Dawson counties (Cameron, 1908a, p. 42), from 'ixallatiu County (Saunders, 1911a, p. 43), and from other localities mentioned ]»elow. The migrations take place in April and from September to >s'ovember, as indicated in the following records. Spring: March 2, 1900, one; April 5, 13 and 16, 1902, three more at Miles City (Hedges, coll. Univ. Montana'! ; Galla- tin County, April 16 to May 19, 1909, and April 2, 1911; Dutton, April 11 and 22, 1915, and April 11 and 25, 1916 (DuBois, MS). Fall; Gallatin County, September 11 to November 11, 1908; Choteau, November 7, 1912; Great Falls, October 10, 1915 (Kittredge, MS). 240. Junco hyemalis oreg-anus (J. K. Townsend) Oregon Junco A rare migrant in the western part of the state. The only definite record is that of one taken on Clear Creek, Deer Lodge County, October 9, 1910 (Saun- ders, 1912c, p. 107). I believe, however, that this form will prove to be rather commoner than this single record indicates. I secured a male bird in Gallatin County, October 6, 1908, which I believe to have been oreganus, but was unable to save the specimen. I have seen many others that appeared to belong to orfi- ganns rather than connectens. 241. Junco hyemalis connectens Coues Shufeldt Junco An abundant migrant in the western part of the state, wintering in smaller numbers on the west side of the divide, and evidently breeding in the northwest- ern part. In the northern half of ^lontana this form is rare on the east side oi" the divide in migrations, but the migrant flocks evidently cross the divide in la)-ge numbers about the middle of the state, for in the valleys and lower moun- tains in the southwestern part this bird is very abundant in migrations. This bird was originally reported as the breeding form at Flathead Lake fSilloway, 1901a, p. 35), but more recently a breeding bird taken there proved to be nioii- ianus (Saunders, 1916c, p. 86). Mr. Kittredge, however, has found connectens ])reeding at Missoula and in other places in northwestern ^lontana. Tf identi- fications are all correct, this seems to indicate that the two forms are ideally sep- arate species, as was supposed at first. 126 PACIFIC COAST AVIFAUNA No. 14 The migrations of this suhsi)ecies take place in April and from September to November. In soutlnvestern ^lontana it appears to ])e a little earlier in spring and later in fall than mearnsi and nwntanus. ■ Dates of migration are as follows: Gallatin Connty, April 1 to May 8, 1909; Silver Bow County, .March 10 to April o, 1910; Helena, ]\Iarch 26, 1911; Anaconda, April 30, 1911; Missoula, March 1 (Kittredge, MS). Fall dates: Gallatin County, October 6 to November 17, 1908; Jefferson County, September 22 to October 13, 1909; Deer Lodge County, October 14, 1910; Taylor's Fork, Gallatin County, September 7-8, 1890 (Rich- mond and Knowlton, 1894, p. 306) ; Elk Park, Silver Bow County, September 8, 1910; Missoula, November 28 (Kittredge, MS). Winter records: iMissoula, uncommon in winter (Kittredge, MS) ; Kalispell, December 26, 1916 (Sloanaker, MS). The only record for eastern ^Montana is from Miles City, January 15, 1900 (Hedges, coll. Univ. Montana). The only notes on nesting that relate to this form are of a nest and four (>ggs found at Flathead Lake, July 9, 1902 (Silloway, 1901a, p. 35). Young out of the nest seen at Missoula, May 15 and June 13 (Kittredge, MS). Fig. 27. Nkst and egos of Mont\na Junto. Photo my A. D. DuBois. Belton; May, 1914. 1921 BIRDS OF MONTANA 127 242. Junco hyemalis montanus Ridgway Montana Junco A common summer resident of the mountains of northwestern Montana, east of the edge of the prairie region. A migrant in southwestern Montana, and perhaps found in winter in the lower mountain valleys west of tlie divide. Occurs rarely in migrations in the eastern part of the state: One tnk'_m at ^Miles City, October 5, 1919 (Hedges, MS). This is the common breeding junco in the north- ern half of the mountainous section of the state. Tlie exact limits of its breed- ing range are not completely worked out, but it breeds at Tobacco Plains, Sum- Fig. 28. Montana Junco on nest. Photo by A. D. DuBois. Belton; May, 1914. mit, St. Mary's Lake and Columbia Falls (Ridgway, 1898, p. 319), and I have found it in the breeding season jn Teton and northern Lewis and Clark counties, in the Glacier National Park, and at Flathead Lake (1916c, p. 86). The south- ern limit of its breeding range is apparently at about the line of the Nortlicrn Pacific Railroad between Helena and Missoula. What form of junco breeds in the Snowy Mountains and other ranges to the eastward is still in question (Sillo- way, 1903a, p. 57), but there seems reason to think it should be tnearnsi and not hhjiilanus. It is possible, however, that the two forms are distinct species, as at 128 PACIFIC COAST AVIFAUNA No. 14 first supposed, and the answer to this (juestion coidd he l)est worked out hy eoliecting on the breeding' ranges in Montana. Dates for the migration of this form are as follows : Silver Bow ( "ounty, .March 10 to April 5, 1910; Bozeman, April 20, 1909, and April 2, 1911; Cho- teau, April 2, 1912; Helena, March 23, 1915 (Kittredge, MS) ; Bozeman, October 9, 1908 ; Jefferson County, September 27 to October 13, 1909 ; Powell and Deei- Lodge counties, September 8 to October 14, 1910; Neihart, October 7, 1915 (Kittredge, MS) ; Corvallis, April 17, 1911 (Bailey, MS). The only notes on the breeding of this form are of a nest and four eggs at Belton, May 26, 1914, of which the eggs hatched May 30, and the young left the nest June 12 ; and of another nest with two eggs found at the same place July 2. 1915 (DuBois, MS). 243. Junco hyemalis mearnsi Ridgway Pink-sided Junco A common sunnner resident of the mountains of southwestern Montana. The exact range of this form is not completely worked out,, but in the western half of the state it probably ranges north to about the line of the Northern Paci- fic Railroad between Helena and Missoula. East of the continental divide it may range north to the northern border of the state in the more eastern mountain ranges, but the subspecies in these ranges has not been determined. Mearnsi has been found breeding in the Big Horn Mountains (Merrill, 1881, p. 205) ; in Gallatin County (Richmond and Knowlton, 1894, p. 306) ; in Jefferson, Silver Bow", Deer Lodge and southern Powell counties (Saunders, 1912a, p. 29), where it breeds north at least as far as Gold Creek; and in Park County. It has also been found at Helena and in the Bitterroot Valley in migration. The migrations take place in ]\Iarch and April, and in September and Octo- l)er. Spring dates are : Bozeman, April 11, 1909 ; German Gulch, Silver Bow- County, March 23, 1910; Helena, March 26, 1911; Corvallis. March 22, ]f>13 a^ailey, MS). Fall: Tom Minor Basin, Park County, Oetobei' 21, 1908; Home- stake, Jefferson County, October 23, 1909; Willow Ci'edc, Powell County. Sep- tember 25, 1910. Only two nests are on record. One found in the Big Horn INIountains con- tained five eggs advanced in incubation June 13, 1880 (Merrill, 1881, p. 205). A nest with four eggs advanced in incubation was found in the Bridger Moun- tains, Gallatin County, July 19, 1908 (Saunders, 1911a, p. 43). I have found young out of the nest and on the wing in Jeffei-son County. June 24, 1910. and again July 11, 1910. 244. Amphispiza nevadensis nevadensis (Ridgway) Sage Sparrow A locally connuon summer resident in southern Montana. Tliis bird has been found, so far, only in Gallatin and Park counties, but it probably occurs in other neighboring counties both eastward and westward. The fact that it occurs in Fremont County, Idaho (Rust, 1917, p. 39") indicates that it sliould almost 1921 BIRDS OF MONTANA 129 certainly be found in suitable localities in ^ladison and Beaverhead counties. It lu)s been recorded from the Gallatin Basin, and from tiic neighborliood of Sedan in Callatm County (Saunders, 1911a, p. 44), where it is quite common in sage brush areas. I have also noted it common in Park County, in the Shields River Valk'y. on Traill Creek, and at other points a few miles west of Livingstone. Thes" are tiie only records. No migration dates are available, and, although the bird undoubtedly nests, there are no records of its nesting at present. \ H \ . A'^ ) #1' Fig. 29. Nest and eggs of Mountain Song Spar- • Kow. Homestake, Jefferson County; June 22, 1910. 245. Melospiza melodia montana Henshaw ^louNTAiN Song Sparrov^ A common summer resident of the western half of the state. Also found somewhat less commonly in many localities throughout the winter. Breeds in the Transition zone in the mountain valleys and lower mountains, in willow thickets along streams. Found eastward to the edge of the prairies but not in the prairie region itself. The easternmost localities where it breeds are Teton County at the north (Saunders, 1914a, p. 138), Fergus County in the center of the state (Silloway, 1903a, p. 57), and Columbus, Stillwater County, and Joliet, 1.30 PACIFIC COAST AVIFAUNA No. 14 Larbon County in the south (Thomas, MS). Tliis species is repoi-ted by all ob- servers in mountainous i)arts of the state, but the form breeding west of the mountains is in doubt, and is probably merrilli instead of montana. Migrations take place in late March or April, in the spring, and pi'ohjibly during October in the fall. At Columbia Falls the average arrival is .March 21, the earliest March 19, 1896. At Great Falls the average is April 8, and the earliest March 27. 1887 (Cooke, 1911, p. 68). The only other dates 1 have ob- tained are from Silver Bow County, .March 31, 1910 (Saunders, 1912a, p. 29^. and from Corvallis, .Alarch 11, 1912, and October 4, 1911 (Bailey, MS). The latter two dates refer to specimens definitely identified as montana, but the Columbia Falls dates given above may belong to merrilli. In other localities it is hard to get migration dates because of the number of birds that winter. I have found this species in winter in Gallatin, Park and southern Lewis ami (lark counties, and it lias l)ecn repoi'ted, with subspecies [)erhaps doubtful, at .Missoula (Kittredge, 1916, p. 39). The nesting probably takes place in late ^lay and June, but records of the nesting have not been published. All that 1 have pertains to a nest and four eggs found at Ilomestake, Jefferson County, June 22, 1910. This is evidently a later date than the average for eggs, as young are usually seen after the middle of June. 246. Melospiza melodia juddi Bisho]) Dakota Song Sparrow A summer resident in the vicinity of Miles City, and probably in other l^arts of extreme eastern Montana. A series of specimens taken by Mr. C. F. Hedges has recently been examined by Dr. Bishop, and compared with birds from the type locality in his collection. They are entirely typical of juddi. The series includes nine birds in the University of Montana collection, most of them taken between April 3 and ]\Iay 3, 1900, and 1902, one taken February 17, 1900, and three juveniles, taken August 3 and 10, and September 27, 19()(;. In addi- tion, there are ten birds taken at various dates between July 20 and August 24, 1919, including adults and juveniles of both sexes. This bird has not been found nesting, but the occurrence of juveniles in Aagust leaves Imrdly any doiiI)t that it does so. The Fcbrnaiy date indicates that the Dakota Song Snai'- row sometimes winters, though this wintci- bird is not (|uitc as typical of the race as others. A specimen taken April 16, ISS!). and rcfei'rcd to melodia (Tliornc, 1895, p. 217) probably also belongs to this i-ace, as Thome's list was pu))lislics, 1874b, p. 599). The species is frequently imposed u])()n by the ( 'ow bird. Out of eighteen nests found on the Yellowstone and Musselshell, five contained ('owhii'd's eggs (Allen. 1874. p. '^>^). 258. Piranga ludoviciana ( Wilson) Western Tanager A common suniuu i' rt'sident of the western half of the slate, eastward to the \ li,21 BIRDS OF MONTANA 137 most eastern mountain ranges. Occurs rarely in migration in the prairie region, l-^reeds in the Transition and Canadian zones, showing a marked preference for forests of Douglas fir on the east side of the divide, and for mixed forests of Douglas fir, yellow pine and larch on the west side. Occurs in migration in coi tonwood groves in the valleys. .Migrations take place in late ^lay or early June, and in August. The aver- age of five years at Columbia Falls is ^lay IS, and the earliest May 18, 1807 vOberholser, 1918, p. 18). Other dates are: Bozeman, June 10, 1909; Fipestone Basin, June 5, 1910; Bozeman, May 29, 1911, and Teton County, June 4, 1912: Dutton, ]\Iay 27, 1914 (DuBois, MS), and Kalispell, June 5, 1916 (Sloanaker, MS). Fall dates are: Columbia Falls, September 10, 1894, and Missoula, Sep- tember 11, 1915 (Oberholser, 1918, p. 19) ; Gold Creek, August 27, 1910 ; Ilannari Gulch, Teton County, August 28, 1911, and Flathead Lake, August 20, 1914. One from Fort Keogh, June 1, 1902 (Hedges, coll. Univ. Montana) is the only record from the prairie region. This species begins nesting in the latter part of June. It was noted building its nest in the Belt ^fountains June 26, the nest being complete but empty, July 3 ("Williams, 1882a, p. 62). At Flathead Lake a nest containing three young was found June 21, 1900 (Silloway, 1901a, p. 23), and another with four eggs, July 4, 1903 (Silloway, 1903b, p. 299). Another nest was being built at Yellow Bay, Flathead Lake, June 24, 1916, and the birds were seen feeding young July 22 (Sloanaker, MS). Young out of the nest were observed at Belton, July 15. 1916 (DuBois, MS). 259. Progne subis subis (Linnaeus) Purple Martin A summer resident, })erhaps throughout the state, but most of the records are in the eastern part in the prairie region. Records are as follows: Seen frc- 'juently on the Yellowstone between Tongue River and Pompey's Pillar (Allen. 1874b, p. 54). A pair seen on the Yellowstone (McChesney, 1879, p. 2386). Abundant in mountains, breeds (Grinnell, 1876, p. 644). Numerous in timbered river bottom at Fort Custer (Mearns, 1904, p. 21). Several seen at Lewistown, May 10, 1902 (Silloway, 1903a, p. 59). Not common in Custer and Dawson counties. Arrives about May 15 (Cameron, 1908a, p. 44). Rare at Bill- ings (Thomas, MS). Bozeman, June and July, 1909 (Saunders, 1911a, p. 45). Very plentiful at Bowen, Big Hole Basin, breeding in bird boxes (Forrest. 1914, p. 195). The last two records are the only ones that are not from the prairie region of the state. Three years give an average of May 14 for spring arrival at Great Falls, with the earliest :\ray 10, 1906 (Oberholser, 1918, p. 148). 260. Petrochelidon lunifrons lunifrons (Say) Cliff Swallow^ An abundant sununer resident throughout the state, reported by all observ- ers. On the whole the most abundant and widely distributed swallow in the state. Breeds in the rpi)er Sonoran and Transition zones, on cliffs in badlands \ 138 PACIFIC COAST AVIFAUNA No. 14 and along river canyons, and on buildings, ])rt'ferring eitlu'i- stone buildings or wooden ones that are not painted. Nests in colonies that are sometimes vei'v large. The migrations take place in May and August. The birds evidently arrive somewhat earlier in the pi-airie region than in the mountain v^dieys. Six years at Terry give an average of May 16, with the earliest date iMay 8. 1900. Four years at Big Sandy average May 12, with the earliest ^lay 2, 1905 (Oberholsei-, 1917, p. 321). In more western localities dates are as follows: Gallatin County, June 4, 1909; Gregson, Silver Bow County, ^lay 30, 1910; Anaconda, .May 28. 1911; and Chotean, May 17, 1912; Bitterroot Valley, May 27. 1910, May 24, 1911, May 25, 1912, and :May 16, 1913 (Bailey, IMS). Fall dates are: Columbia Falls, September 4, 1895 (Oberholsei-, 1917, p. 322) ; Logan, Gallatin County, August 25, 1909; Xyack, August 21, 1915 (DuBois, MS). This species nests very abundantly, but there seem to be no records to show when eggs are laid. I have noted birds building nests or gathering material from June 23 until as late as July 11. One colony at Choteau began building on July 1, but had no eggs laid or nests lined by July 6. The nests wen^ knocked down by the owner of the building a day or two later, and I found out nothing more. 1 have noted broken egg shells at the foot of a cliff on which th'^se swallows were nesting, late in July, shells that I believe were thrown out of the nest by the oM liii'ds immediately after the eggs hatched. 261. Hirundo erythrogaster IJoddaert Barn Swallow A regular summer resident throughout the state, commoner eastward, bui nowliere abundant. The numbers of this species are very few when compared to the Cliff Swallow. Reported by nearly all observers and from westernmost localities where it occurs are Gallatin County (Richmond and Knowllon, 1894, p. 307), Teton and northern Lewis and Clark counties (Saunders, 1914a, |). 140), Rocky Mountains, along northern border (Coues, 1874b, p. 576), at Tlclena, and at ^lissoula. The migr-ations seem to be irregular. The species arrives on its breeding grounds early in April, but migrant birds have been seen in the foothills of the ll>21 BIRDS OF MONTANA 143 uioiintains, where the species does not breed, antil the middle oi* May. There are few records to sliow just when fall migration takes place. Dates of spring arrival on breeding grounds are as follows : Helena, April 9, 1911 ; Choteau, April 9, 1912; Button, April 3, 1915 (DuBois, MS) ; :\Iissoula, March 19, 1916 (Oberholser, 1918, p. 289). Bates of migration in the foothills are from Gallatin County, May 2 to 15, 1909 (Saunders, 1911a, j). 46). The only fall occurrences on record are from Gallatin County, in the mountains in September (Richmond and Knowlton, 1894, p. 307), from Fort Keogh, three seen in the fall of 1892 vThorne, 1895, p. 218), and from .Alissoula, October 12, 1915 (Oberholser, 1918, p. 290). The few nesting records in the state show that breeding takes place in Jane. A nest with six eggs was found on the ^Missouri between Forts Union and Benton June 18, 1862 (Cooper, 1869b, p. 295). A nest with eggs was found in Custer County, June 16, 1898, and one with young, June 25, 1894 (Cameron, 1908a. p. 49). 270. Lanius ludovicianus gambeli Ridgway California Shrike A shrike identified as belonging to this subspecies was taken near Anacond.i, May 14, 1911 (Saunders, 1912a, p. 30, and 1915a, p. 102). 271. Vireosylva olivacea (Linnaeus) Red-eyed Vireo A common summer resident at low elevations probably throughout the state. Occurs in migration throughout the Transition zone, but breeds only at elevations lower than 4500 feet in the southern part of the state, and below 4000 feet in the northern. Breeds chiefly in cottonwood groves east of the continental di- vide. West of it, it breeds in a mixed broad-leaf and coniferous forest, com posed of cottonwood, tamarack and Douglas fir, with a smaller propor^''^" "f otlier species. The migrations take place in JMay and June, and in August. Four years' observations in northwestern Montana give May 24 for an average, and May 19, 1896, the earliest date of arrival (Cooke, 1909b, p. 81). Other dates are: Cn.ster County, .Alay 23, 1893, and May 16, 1899 (Cameron, 1908a, p. 49) ; Miles City, May 23, 1902 (Hedges, coll. Univ. Montana) ; Anaconda, June 3, 1911; and Cho- teau, May 24, 1912. The only fall dates I have, are from Bozeman, August 30, 1908, and Logan, Gallatin County, August 25, 1909. The Bozeman and Ana- conda records are in localities where the species does not breed, the rest where it evidently does. The only records of the nesting of this species are at Flathead Lake, wiiere two nests with fre-sh eggs were found June 16, 1900 (Silloway, 1901a, p. 21). 272. Vireosylva gilva gilva (Vieillot) p] astern Warbling Vireo A summer resident of extreme eastern Montana, breeding in cottonw^oocl groves in the Transition and Tapper Sonoran zones. Probably intergrades west- \ 144 PACIFIC COAST AVIFAUNA No. 14 ward with swainsom. Recorded as follows : Fort Keogli, breeds, young taken July 24 (Thorne, 1895, p. 218) ; Custer and Dawson counties, common migrant, noted 31ay 16, 1899 (Cameron, 1908a, p. 49) ; .Miles City, six skins dated from .May 11 to June 8, 1902 (Hedges, coll. Univ. Montana). The last mentioned spe- cimens have recently been compared by Dr. Bishop and myself witli liirds in the former's collection. They are typical of the eastern race. 273. Vireosylva gilva swainsoni (Baird) Western Warbling Vireo A common summer resident throughout the western part of the state, inte)-- grading eastward, in the prairie region, w^ith gilva. Breeds in cottonwood groves of the prairie region and mountain valleys, and in aspen groves of the moun tains, in the Transition and C'anadian zones. Occurring up to 7000 feet in \\\r southern part of the state, and to 6500 in the northern. Reported by all ob- servers, and one of the commonest summer birds in tlie mountains, where it is particularly characteristic of the aspen groves. The migrations take place in ]\Iay and August, the species arriving about th<' middle of I\Iay at low elevations, but in the mountains often not until Jmie. At (.'olumbia Falls, three years give jMay 16 for the average and May 14, 1895, the earliest (Cooke, 1909b, p. 80). Other dates are Bozeman, June 1, 1909; German Gulch, Silver Bow County, May 28, 1910; Bozeman, May 28, 1911; Bitterroot V^alley, May 6, 1911 (Bailey, MS). Fall dates are: Bozeuum. August 10, 1908, ;ind August 16, 1909; Gold Creek, Powell County, August 27, 1910; Belton, Aug- ust 27, 1915 (DuBois, MS). Nesting takes place in June and July. The earliest nest on record is one at Flathead Lake containing three fresh eggs June 15, 1900. Another at tliis same locality contained three young June 23, 1900 (Silloway, 1901a, p. 19). The latest nest I have record of is one on Little Pipestone Creek, Jefferson Coun- ty, which contained four eggs July 13, 1910. 274. Lanivireo solitarius cassini (Xautus) CaSSIN VlREO A summer resident in the northwestern part of the state, west of the con- tinental divide, occurring rarely in migration east of the divide in the moun- tains. Breeds chiefly in tlie Transition, in Douglas fir and tamarack forests. Records: First reported from the state from Columl)ia Falls (Cooke, 1909b, p. 168), where the average arrival is April 28, the earliest April 26, 1895, and a date of fall migration, September 12, 1895. Breeds at Flathead Lake commonly (Saunders, 1915b, p. 111). A nest at Yellow Bay, Flathead Lake, found jiartly huilt June 22, 1916. The young flew July 25 (Sloanaker, MS). Taken at 6000 ieet near Corvallis, September 10, 1909, by Vernon Bailey (Bailey, MS). Sev- eral seen on Willow ('reek, Powell County, September 12 aiui 1.'?, 1910 (S;nm ders, 1912a, p. 30). One seen on the West Fork of the Sun River, east of the continental divide, September 3, 1912 (Saunders, 1914a, p. Ml"). 1921 BIRDS OF MONTANA 145 275. Lanivireo solitarius plumbeus (Coues) Plumbeous Vireo Occurs rarely in the Big Horn Mountains and perhaps in other similar places in the southern part of the state. Noted in small numbers August 30, 1878 (McChesney, 1879, p. 2386). This bird is reported as Vireo solitarius, but the statement tJiat it is the pale variety, and the measurements given, too large i"or either solitarius or cassini, as well as the locality, point to plumbeus as the proper identilication. 276. Mniotilta varia (Linnaeus) Black and White Warbler A rare migrant in the eastern part of Montana. Three records only : Great Falls, September 18, 1889 (Chapman, 1907, p. 41); Miles City, May 21, 1902 (fledges, coll. Univ. :\Iontana) ; and Lake MacDonald (F. M. Bailey, 1918, p. 62). 277. Vermivora ruficapilla g-utturalis (Ridgway) Calaveras Warbler One record. One taken at Yellow Bay, Flathead Lake, August 6, 1912, by Silloway, now in the collection of the University of ^Montana (Saunders, 1916c, p. 86).' 278. Vermivora celata celata (Say) Orange-crowned Warbler A summer resident of the mountains in the western half of the state, ranging throughout the state in migrations. Common westward, and rather rare as a breeding bird in the more eastern parts of the mountains. Breeds in the Tran- sition and lower Canadian zones. On the east side of the divide the species is characteristic of the aspen groves, but on the west side it is found in second growth of shrubs on cut or burned over land. Breeding records are as follows: Flathead Lake, nest and five eggs, with female bird, secured June 11, 1906 (Sil- !oway, 1907, p. 54). This is the only record of nesting, but the bird is summer resident in Deer Lodge, Jefferson, Silver Bow and Powell counties (Saunders, i912a, p. 30), in Teton and Lewis and Clark counties (Saunders, 1914a, p. 141). and in Gallatin County (Saunders, 1913a, p. 116, and Lundwall, MS). In migration this species is found throughout the state. Records in spring migration are as follows: Knowlton, May 27, 1907 (Cameron, 1908a, p. 50); P'ort Keogh, April and May (Thorne, 1895, p. 218) ; Miles City and vicinity, nine specimens, "Slay 4 to 9, 1902 (Hedges, coll. Univ. ^Montana) ; Gallatin County, :\lay 8, 1909; German Gulch, Silver Bow County, May 28, 1910; Anaconda, May 27, 1911 ; Dupuyer Creek, Teton County, May 30, 1912. Fall migration : GaUatin County, September 2 and 15, 1890 (Richmond and Knowlton, 1894, p. 307;; Mill Creek, Deer Lodge County, September 4, 1909. If the subspecies or est era should later be accepted, the birds mentioned hen; will belong to two forms, celata, migrating through the eastern part of the state. \ 146 PACIFIC COAST AVIFAUNA No. 14 aiKl orcst(ra, migrating in the eastci-n part and l)r(H'ding in the western (sec Oherholser. 1905, p. 24:5). 279. Vermivora celata lutescens (Ridgway) LuTEsCENT Warbler A migrant in western Montana, probably chiefly, if not entirely, west of the continental divide. This form is reported from Columbia Falls, where five years '^ive an average spring arrival of May 5, the earliest April 30, 1897 (Cooke, 1904a, p. 42). A fall date in this same locality is September 12, 1895 (Chapman, 1907, p. 88). 280. Vermivora peregrina (Wilson) Tennessee Warbler A rare summer resident of northwestern ^lontana, evidently breeding local- ly. This form was found at Flathead Lake in the summer of 1904, when a male was taken June 29, a female was observed with nesting material July 3, and other males were lieard in song until the end of July (Silloway, 1905a, p. 21). This bird occurs in migration in the eastern part of the state. P^ive were taken at Miles City, May 13 to 21, 1920 (Hedges, MS). 281. Dendroica aestiva aestiva (Gmelin) Yellow Warbler An abundant sunnner resident throughout tlie state. Reported by all ol)- s'-rvers, from all parts of the state. Breeds in the [Ipper Sonoran and Transi- tion zones, in the prairie region and in the mountain valleys, and sometimes in the lower mountain canyons. Breeds in cottonwood groves, willow thickets, and similar habitats. Arrives in the spring in JMay and leaves in August. Tlio average date of arrival at Great Falls is ^May 16, and the earliest ^lay 11, Ls91. according to Cliapman (1907, p. 115). There is an earlier date of arrival recorded from (j-reat Falls, however, ]\Iay 9, 1887 (Williams, 1888a, p. IH). Other records of spring arrival are: Sedan, Gallatin County, ^fay 19, 1909; German Gulch, Silver P.ow County, IMay 28, 1910; Silver Bow, May 21, 1911 ; Choteau, .May 22, 1912; Bitterroot Valley, ]\ray 27, 1910; :\Iay 21, 1911; and :\lay 18, 1913 (Bailey, MS) ; Dutton. May 26, 1915, and .May 21, 1916 (DuBois, MS). Fall dates are: Great I'^ails, September 13, 1899 (C'hapman, 1907, p. 115) ; Bozeman. August 25, 1908. Logan, Gallatin Country, August 25, 1909; Gold Creek, Powell County, August 26, 1910; Choteau, August 18, 1911. The nest has b(M'n found and rtH'orded fre(iuently. All records, however, are in -lune and early Jidy. and there is no indication of moic than one brood. The earliest nest is one which T observed at Choteau. It was found with thi-iv' eggs June 11, 1912. Two of the eggs hatched June 21, the third being infertile. The young were full grown and left the nest June 28. The latest record is tha^^ of a young bird just out of the nest July 4, 1912, at Choteau. Other records are all between these two dates. 1921 BIRDS OP MONTANA 147 282. Dendroica coronata (Linnaeus) Myrtle Warbler A migrant in eastern Montana, not found west of the prairie region. Fort Keogli, common in spring (Thorne, 1895, p. 218) ; Great Falls, one taken May !.', 1887 (Williams, 1888a, p. 16) ; Custer and Dawson counties (Cameron, 1908a, p. 50) ; Lew-istown, common migrant, taken April 26, 1903 (Silloway, 1903a, p. 63) ; Terry, four years' average May 6, earliest May 2, 1894 (Chapman, 1907, p. 143). Three specimens, Tusler, April 27, 1902; Fort Keogh, May 4, 1902, and .Miles City, May 3, 1902 (Hedges, coll. Univ. Montana). 283. Dendroica auduboni auduboni (J. K. Townsend) Audubon Warbler A common summer resident in all mountainous parts of the state, and a migrant probably throughout the state, though records are not very common from the prairie region. Breeds in all the mountain ranges, to the most eastern, and may also breed in pine hills in the extreme eastern part of the state. Re- ported by all observers in mountainous regions. Breeds in evergreen forests in the Canadian zone, and locally in the Transition. Appears indifferent to the different types of evergreen forest, being equally common in pine, fir or spruce. The only records from extreme eastern ^Montana are from Little Pumpkin Cieelv, April 23, 26 and 27, 1900, and from Fort Keogh, May 25, 1902 (Hedges, coll, Univ. Montana). This species breeds in the pine hills of Harding County, South Dakota (Visher, 1911, p. 15), and therefore should be expected to breed in simi- lar places just across the Montana border, such as in the Long Pines of Carter County. ^Migration dates, beside those given above, are as follows : Spring, average at Great Falls, April 29; average at Columbia Falls, April 23 (Cooke, 1904a, p. 05) ; Bridger Creek, Gallatin County, May 9, 1909 ; Big Hole River, May 6, 1910, Anaconda, May 1, 1911 ; Choteau, May 12, 1912 ; Bitterroot Valley, ]\Iay 4, 191(», May 12, 1911, April 28, 1912, April 27, 1913 (Bailey, MS). Fall: Leaves north- ern Montana about October 10 (Cooke, 1904a, p. 66) ; Bozeman. October 17, 1908 ; Pipestone Creek, Jefferson County, September 30, 1909. A nest w^as found in the Big Horn Mountains at ;m elevation of 6500 feet, June 17, 1880. It contained five eggs advanced in incubation (^lerrill, 1881, p. 205). A number of nests have been found at Flathead Lake, the earliest with five eggs June 1, 1906 (Silloway, 1906, p. 109), and the latest with newly iiatched young July 2, 1900 (Silloway, 1901a, p. 17). 284. Dendroica castanea (Wilson) Bay-breasted Warbler One taken at Big Sandy May 24, 1903, by Eugene Coubeaux (Cooke, 1904a, p. 74). 285. Dendroica striata (J. R. Forster) Black-poll Warbler A migrant in eastern Montana, found only in the prairie region of the 148 PACIFIC COAST AVIFAUNA No. 14 \ state, and so far reported only in spring. Recorded as follows: Fort Keogli, common in May (Thorne, 1895, p. 218). Regular migrant in Fergus County, :\Iay 18 and 28, 1908 (Silloway, 1908a, p. 64). Great Falls, average of thi-ee years May 19, earliest May 18, 1892 (Chapman, 1907, ]). !)(i). ("hoteaii, eominou May 22 to 25, 1912 (Saunders. 1914a, p. 141 ). 286. Dendroica virens ( Gmelin) Black-t[ih()ated Green Warbler One seen on the Teton River below Collins, June 4, 1916 (DuBois, MS). While this is a sight record only, the species is easily identified, and 'Sir. DuBois was previously acquainted with it. I expect that sooner or later most of the eastern warblers will be found to occur occasionally in the prairie region of the state in migrations. 287. Dendroica townsendi (J. K. Townseud) TowNsEND Warbler A common sumDiei- resident of northwestern Montana, west of the conti- nental divide. This species has been found in the following localities: Columbia Falls (Cooke, 1904a, p. 91); Flathead Lake (Silloway, 1901a, p. 69); Belton (DuBois, MS) ; and Glacier National Park, where I observed it in the summers of 1914 and 1915. It has also been found during migration in extreme eastern .Montana, in Custer County and at Great Falls, as detailed below. Migration dates are as follows: Average arrival at Columbia Falls, Ma.y 7, earliest May 4, 1897; Great Falls, May 28, 1890 (Cooke, 1904a, p. 90) ; Custer County, May 18, 1894, and IMay 11, 1896 (Cameron, 1908a. p. 50). Fall de- parture: Columbia Falls, August 17, 1895 (Cooke, 1904a, p. 91) ; Belton, August 27, 1915 (DuBois, MS). The nest has been found twice at Flathead Lake. The first, found July 15, 1908, contained five well grow'n young, which were afflicted with i)arasites (Silloway, 1908b, p. 299). The second nest was found June 2, 1906, aqd con- tained five eggs advanced in incubation (Silloway, 190(), j). 110). 288. Dendroica palmarum palmarum (Gmelin) Palm Warbler One recorded in iniiiratioii. Great Falls, Sepleiiiber 18. 1889 (Chaptnaii. 1907. p. 112). 289. Seiurus aurocapillus (Linnaeus) Oven-bird A rare summer resident in the jiine hills of extreme southeastei'u .Montana. One male taken July 28, 188S, at Fort Keogh (Thorne, 1895, j). 218) ; .Mih's City, four specimens from May 18 to 81, 1902 (Hedges, coll. I'niv. Montana) ; nesting in the Long Pine Hills, young seen July 20, 1910 (Visher, 1911, p. 15). Wliile this last is published in a list of the birds of Harding County, South Dakota. \ 1921 BIRDS OF MONTANA 149 ^Ir. Vislier has written me that it pertains to a locality across the border in Montana. 290. Seiurus noveboracensis notabilis Ridgway Grinnell Water-tiir[:sii A summer resident in the western half of the state, chiefly along mountain streams in the upper Transition zone. Evidently breeds in dense willow and alder thickets, bordering streams that are swampy in character. Rare in most places. Occurs as a migrant, very rarely in eastern Montana. Records in migration: Columbia Falls, average of five years. May 20, earli- est ]May 18, 1895 (Cooke, 1904a, p. 106) ; one juvenile taken at Fort Keogh, Sep- tember 12, 1889 (Thorne, 1895, p. 218); Custer County, May 24, 1905 (Came- ron, 1908a, p. 50) ; Bozeman, May 30, 1909; German Gulch, May 16, 1910; Gold Creek, August 20, 1910; Chief ^fountain Lake, and west of Sweet Grass Hills, obtained August 12, 1874 (Coues, 1874b, p. 567) ; Billings, August 12, 1900 (Jones and Dawson, 1900, p. 30). Records in breeding season: Rare summer resident. Gallatin County (Saun- ders, 1911a, p. 46) ; one taken at Swan Lake, July 10, 1903 (Silloway, 1903b, p. 303) ; seen on the Boulder River near Bernice, Jefferson County, in June, 1911 ; rare but regular breeder in the Bitterroot Valley, feeding young eJuly 12, 1910 V Bailey, MS). 291. Oporornis tolmiei (J. K. Townsend) MacGillivray AVarbler A common summer resident of the western half of the state, ranging east to tlie easternmost mountains, and occurring occasionally in migrations to the more eastern parts of the state. Breeds in the Transition zone in clumps of willow and alder, wild rose or other shrubs, mainly in moist situations along the foot- iiills or lower mountain canyons. The easternmost points where it is known to breed are Fergus County (Silloway, 1903a, p. 64) and the Musselshell River (Allen, 1874, p. 52). The easternmost records in migrations are from Fort Keogh, May 25, 1902 (Hedges, coll. Univ. Montana) and Miles City, August 17 and 22, 1919 (Hedges, MS). The migrations take place during the latter half of .May and in August. The average date of arrival at Great Falls is ^lay 28, and an early arrival at Colum- bia Falls is May 19, 1885 (Cooke, 1904a, p. 115^. Other dates are as follows: l^ozeman, May 27, 1909, and May 29, 1911 ; Choteau, May 23, 1912 ; Corvallis, May 19, 1913 (Bailey, MS). Fall dates are: Rocky Mountains, August 23, 1871 (Coues, 1874b, p. 569) ; Belton, August 30, 1915 (DuBois, MS^ This species nests in June and July, evidently sometimes raising two broods. A nest and five eggs, advanced in incubation, were found at Flathead Lake, June 14, 1900 (Silloway, 1901a, p. 14), and young were seen flying June 30, 1901 (ibid., p. 34). A nest and four eggs were found at Belton, June 30, 1914, and another with fresh eggs July 6, 1915 ; young were noted on the wing July 8, 1916 i DuBois, MS). \ 150 PACIFIC COAST AVIFAUNA No. 14 292. Geothlypis trichas occidentalis Brewster Western Yellovvtiiroat A very conmion summer resident in the western half of the state, east to the Avestern part of the prairie region. Apparently rare in the more eastern part of the prairie region, and occurring there only in migration. Breeds throughout the Transition zone, on the prairies, and in the mountain valleys and foothills. Nests in thickets of willow, wild-rose and other similar shrubs, iii moist places along streams. The breeding range of the Western Yellowthroat in ^lontana is almost exactly coincident with that of the oMacGillivray Warbler, both being found east to Fergus County and the INInsselshell River, but the Yellowthroat is much commoner at low elevations in valleys, and much less common in the mountain foothills. In many localities, however, the two species are found to- gether. The migrations take place in May and September. At Great J^'alls and Columbia Falls the Western Yellowthroat arrives during the second week in Alay (Cooke, 1904a, p. 119). Other dates are: Sedan, Gallatin County, .May 21. 1909; Silver Bow, Tday 21, 1911 ; Choteau, May 19, 1912- Bitterroot Valley. May 20, 1911, May 12, 1912, and May 28, 1918 (Bailey, MS). The only fall date T have is from Gold Creek, Sei)teml)er 21, 1910. In eastern Montana, where it occurs only in migration, it has been taken at Fort Keogh in spring (Thorne, 1895, p. 218). While this species undoubtedly nests very commonly, there is only one rec- ord of the taking of eggs in the state. This pertains to a set of four fresh eggs taken at Flathead Lake, June 29, 1901 (Silloway. 1901a. p. 34). I l)elieve that this date is a little later than that of the average nest, foi- I have noted young out of the nest commonly early in July, and found one such \oung bird, at Homestake, Jefferson County, in late June. 293. Icteria virens longicauda Lawrence Long-tailed Chat A common siunmei- resident in eastern ^Montana, occurring rarely also west- ward to the western limits of the state. It is common only in the eastern part of the prairie region, and evidently liecomes rare north of the ^lissouri River. West of the center of the state it occurs en-atically, being found for a year oi- so in certain localities, but not persisting there. Tn the eastern part of th(> state it is evidently found chiefly in the Cpper Sonoran zone, but in the western part It sometimes occurs in the Transition. It evidently breeds in thickets of shi'ubs, such as wild-rose, thorn and gooselx^i-ry. The western limits of its couuuon range are Fergus County (Silloway, 1903a. |). (if)) jind the .Musselshell River (Allen, 1874, p. 52). Records west of this |)oint are as follows: Selish (now Ravalli). IMissoula County, June l(i. 1900, l)eginning nestinir (Silloway, lOOla, p. 70) ; Big Fork, Flathead Lake, sunniier of 1903 (Silloway, 1904a, ]). 12) ; Gal- latin Valley, seen a number of times, one season only (Lundwall, .MS"); and Collins, Teton County, two, June 4, 1916 (DuBois, MS). 1921 BIRDS OF MONTANA 151 Spring migration takes place in late ]\Iay. About .May 25 in Custer and Dawson counties (Cameron, 1908a, p. 51). Specimens from Miles City are dated :\ray 25 and 28, 1902 (Hedges, coll. Univ. Montana). There are no dates on record later than July, and, therefore, nothing to indicate when the fall migra- tion takes place. Nesting begins in June. A nest containing three eggs and a cowbird's was found in Custer County, on the Yellowstone River, June 11, 1894 (Cameron, 1908a, p. 51). A nest with four eggs was found between Forts Union and Ben- ton, June 19, 1860 (Cooper, 1869b, p. 295). 294. Wilsonia pusilla pusilla (Wilson) Wilson Warbler A migrant in the eastern part of the state, probably mainly, if not entirely, in the prairie region. One male taken at Fort Keogh, ^lay 19. 1889 (Thorne, 1895, p. 218). A breeding bird taken at Upi)er Two :\Iedicine Lake. Teton County, August 5, 1914, is an intergrade between this form and pileolata. \ Fig. 32. Nest axd eggs of Pileolated Wakblei:. Pipestone Basin, Jefferson County; June 16, 1910. Nest beneath the roots of a wh.low. 295. Wilsonia pusilla pileolata (Pallas) Pileolated Warbler A connnon summer resident of the mountains in the western half of Mio 152 PACIFIC COAST AVIFAUNA No. 14 state, and a common migrant in tlic mountain valleys and at the edge of the prairie region near the mountains. A rare migi-ant in the eastern part of th' state. Breeds in the Canadian zone, in willow thiekets along mountain streams or bordering mountain lakes. West of the divide the Pileolated Warbler breeds in arbor-vitae forests. The eastern limit of its breeding range, as far as known, is marked by Teton and Lewis and Clark counties in the northern part of the state (Saunders, 1914a, p. 142) and by Gallatin County (Saunders, 1911a, p. 47) and Park County in the southern part. The species has not been reported in the breeding season east of these points. The only records in eastern ^Montana are from Fort Keogh, September 22, 1900 (Hedges, coll. L. B. Bishop), and from Custer County, August 24, 1919 (Hedges, MS). The migrations take place in late May and in August and Septemlx'r. In the valleys, this warbler is most conspicuous during the fall migration. It be- comes very abundant about the middle of August, remaining so till the first cold weather, which comes about September 1, and stragglers are seen up to the mid- dle of the month. Dates of spring arrival are : Great Falls, May 23, 1892 (Cooke, 1904a, p. 129) ; Bozeman, June 6, 1909; German Gulch, ISlay 28, 1910: Anaconda, May 14, 1911; Choteau, May 25, 1912; Bitterroot Valley, May 20, 1918 (Bailey, MS) ; Belton, May 80, 1914; Teton River, May 28. 1915 (DuBois, .MS). Fall dates are : Great Falls, August 17, 1889 (Cooke, 1904a, p. 129) ; Bear Canyon, Gallatin County, August 26, 1908; MiW Creek, Deer Lodge County, September 14, 1909; Willow Creek, Powell County, September 17, 1910; Willow Creek, Lewis and Clark County, August 28, 1911 ; West Fork of Sun River, Lewis and Clark County, August 2(), 1912; Belton, September 15, 1915 (DuBois, .\1S). The nest has been found t^vice in the state. One was discovered at Lake ^lacDonald, Missoula County. June 24, 1901, which contained four eggs ad- vanced in incubation (Silloway, 1901a, ]). 84). A nest with five eggs was found in Pipestone Basin, Jefferson County, June 16, 1910 (Saunders, 191(H1, p. 199). 296. Setophag-a ruticilla (Linnaeus) Redstart A sunnner resident throughout most of the state, but not reported from the Bitterroot Valley. Breeds in the Transition and ri)per Sonoran zones, in dense thickets of willow and alder, particularly in the vicinity of water. Connnon at low elevations, rather rare above 4000 feet in the northern ])art of the state, and above 4500 in the southern part. Found throughout the Transition zone. About Flathead Lake, breeds in areas of mi.xed evergreens and bi-oad leaf trees, such as Cottonwood and birch, mixed with fir and tamarack. Migrations take place in IVIay and September. The average arrival at Terry is May 16, at Great Falls, May 21, and at Columbia Falls, May 24 (Cooke, 1904a. p. 188). Other dates are : Pozeman, May 27, 1909; German GuU-h, May 28, 191(1, Silver Bow, May 21. 1911; Choteau, May 22, 1912; Lewistowu, May 17, 1!)(>8 (Silloway, 1908a, p. 65) ; Belton, iMay 80. 1914; Teton River. May 28. 1!)15, and May 21. l!)l(i (I)uPois, .MS). Fall dates are: Great Kails, Srptrinher 14, 1889 (Cooke, l!)()4a. p. 188) ; Gold Creek, .\ugust 21. 1910. l;,21 BIRDS OF MONTANA 153 Elight nests were found between Forts Union and Benton, June 19 to 22, 1860 (Cooper, 1869b, p. 295). Nests have been found frequently at Flathead Lake, where fresh eggs were taken as late as June 30, 1900, and nests with youn^g found as early as June 28 (Silloway, 1901a, p. 13). ^ 297. Anthus rubescens (Tunstall) Pipit A summer resident of high mountains in the northwestern part of tlie state, and perhaps of more southern ranges also. A very common migrant throughout the state in open grass areas of the prairie region and in mountain valleys. In the breeding season found only in the Alpine zone. Summer records are as follows: Tw^o taken at Chief Mountain Lake, August 29, 1874 (Coues, 1874b, p. 558). Seen in snows at highest point of the Bridger Mountains (Grinnell, 1876, p. 643). Occurs commonly in the Alpine zone in Glacier National Park, about Sperry Glacier, Gunsight Pass, Blackfoot Glacier and other similar localities. In migration there are numerous records from all parts of the state. This bird is common both in spring and fall migration, but perhaps more abundant in fall. Dates of spring migration are as follows: Helena, April 9, 1911; Anaconda, April 15 to May 20, 1911; Bitterroot Valley. April 24 to May 15, 1912 (Bailey, MS). Dates of arrival in fall: Big Creek, Park County, Sep- tember 16, 1908; Mill Creek, Deer Lodge County, September 14, 1909; Pioneer, Powell County, September 11, 1910; Choteau, September 17, 1911. Dates of departure : Fridley, Park County, October 20, 1908 ; Three Forks, October 17, 1909; Anaconda, October 23, 1910; Choteau, October 1, 1911. An earlier date for fall arrival is Powder River, September 6, 1873 (Allen, 1874, p. 50). There are no records of the finding of the nest of this species in ^Montana. 298. Anthus spragnei (Audubon) Sprague Pipit A locally common summer resident in parts of the prairie region. Appar- ently most abundant just east of the easternmost mountain ranges in Teton, Cascade, and Fergus counties. Not reported by any observers in Custer and Dawson counties. Evidently prefers wet prairie lands, about the edges of alka- line ponds, or in hollows where ponds exist for a part of the year only. Not found in wet meadows where the grass is tall. Breeds mainly, and perhaps entirely, in the Transition zone. Records are as follows: Yellowstone and Mus- selshell rivers, rare on the Yellowstone, a nest with five eggs found (Allen, 1874, p. 50). Not found over most of the Missouri and Milk River regions, but taken at the head of Milk River. August 13, 1874 (Coues. 1874b, p. 559). Seen between Camps Lewis and Baker (Grinnell, 1876, p. 643). Great Falls, nesting .iust outside the Belt Mountains (Williams, 1882a, p. 62). Rare in summer (Silloway, 1903a, p. 66). Common summer resident in Teton and northern Lewis and Clark counties (Saunders, 1914a, p. 142). Migration dates for this species are as follows: Great Falls, May 9, 1887, .ind :\Iay 8, 1885 (Williams, 1888a, p. 15) ; Choteau, May 23, 1912. There are \ 154 PACIFIC COAST AVIFAUNA No. 14 no definite dates of fall migration tlionyh it i)r'()t)at)ly occurs in August and September. The nest has been found in Fergus County. :\Iay 29, 1901 (Silloway, liXK^a, p. 66) ; also one on the Yellowstone, cited above, for which the date is not given. 299. Cinclus mexicanus unicolor l>onaparte Dipper A regular permanent resident, locally common, in the westei'U half of the state. Breeds in the mountains of the Canadian and Upper Transition zones, along clear mountain streams, on rocks or nnder bridges, preferably in the vicin- ity of watei-falls. Has been reported from all the mountain ranges, east to tlie Belt ^fountains (Williams, 1882a, p. 61), the Snowy ^fountains (Silloway, 1903a, p. 66), the Big Horn Mountains (^IcChesney, 1879, p. 2385), and on Locate Creek, Custer County (Cameron, 1908a, p. 51). The last is not in a truly moini- tainons region, and it is the most eastern record in the state. The Dipper occurs sometimes in the valleys and in the prairie region in winter, as at Lewistown (Silloway, 1903a, p. 66), at Bozeman (Saunders, 1911a, p. 47). in the Bitterroot Valley (Bailey, MS), and at Race Track, Deer Lodge Valley, where I observed one October 30, 1910. In the winter this species is not found in the same localities as in summei-. Streams occupied during the summer are liable to be frozen in w inter, the deej' pools where the birds obtain most of their food in the nesting season being too still to remain open. In winter the Dipper prefers shallow rapids, rather than waterfalls and i)ools, the rapids keeping open throughout the cold months. Tiie movement from sunnner to winter haunts takes place in Octobe)- and Mai-ch, and constitutes the only migration undertaken by the species. Nesting begins in late ^la}^ and lasts until August, the birds probably rais- ing two broods. The earliest nest I know of was half-built on May 19, 1909, on liridger (,'reek, Gallatin County. This nest contained four eggs June 2, and five June 5, when I collected it. I haAe also found a nest in process of construc- tion in Gallatin County as late as June 21, and young leaving the nest wer-e seen July 20. At Trick Falls, Glacier National Park, birds were still feeding young on August 4, 1914. 300. Oreoscoptes montanus (d. K. Townsend) Sack Tjirasiikr A rare sunnner resident, found chiefly in the priiirie ivgion. but [)robably originally found throughout the state in suitable localities. Records indicate tnat the species is rar-er today than it was when the earlier ornithological work was being done in the state, twenty years ago or more. There ai'e but few records from points other than in the prairie region, and only one west of the continen- tal divide. p]xi)lieit records are as follows: Seen at rare intervals between the Musselshell and Yellowstone (Allen. 1874, p. 49). Two on the Tongue River, August, 1890 (Thorne, 1895, p. 218). Abundant on the Yellowstone (Park County, between Livingstone and Gardiner) in 1873 (Grinnell. 1S7(i, p. 642). 1921 BIRDS OF MONTANA 155 Although I rode through the last mentioned region a number of times in 1908 and 1909, I saw nothing of the Sage Thrasher there. Big Horn Mountains and on the road to Fort Ellis (McChesney, 1879, p. 2384). Gallatin Valley, two secured in 1888 (Richmond and Knowlton, 1894. p. .'307). Common at Port Custer, 1904 (Mearns, 1904, p. 21). Sedan, Gallatin County, June 8, 1909 (Saunders, 1911a, p. 47). Silver Bow, May 21, 1910 (Saunders, 1912a, p. 31). Southwestern Broadwater County, about five miles north of Three Forks, July 11, 1911 (Saunders, 191 2f, p. 217). Each of these last three records pertains to a single male bird in song. The Silver Bow record is the only one west of tlie divide. Seen rarely north of Forsythe (Thomas, MS). The nest has been reported once from the state. It was found at Fort Cus- ter, July 2, 1885, when five eggs were collected by Bendire (Norris, 1888b, p. 162). 301. Dumetella carolinensis (Linnaeus) Catbird A common summer resident throughout the state. Breeds in the Upper Sonoran and Transition zones, in thickets of wild rose, gooseberry, thorn and other small shrubs. Reported by nearly all observers, and from all parts of the state. The migrations take place in j\lay and September. Spring migration dates are : Bozeman, ]\lay 27, 1909, and May 28, 1911 ; Choteau, IMay 23, 1912 ; Bitter- root Valley, May 31, 1910, May 29, 1911, May 26, 1912, and May 24, 1913 (Bailey, MS); Teton River, May 28, 1915 (DuBois, MS), Fall: Bozeman, September 13, 1908; Salesville, Gallatin County, September 5, 1910. The nest has been found in Montana quite frequently. Nesting takes place m June and July. Nests were found between Forts Tnion and Benton about July 20, 1860 (Cooper, 1869b, p. 295). Eggs were found on Big Muddy Creek, June 22, 1874 (Coues, 1874b, p. 551). Several nests have been found at Flat- head Lake, the earliest July 2. 1900 (Silloway, 1901a, p. 13), and the latest July 22, 1902 (Silloway, 1903b, \). 296), both containing eggs. 302. Toxostoma rufum (Linnaeus) Brown Thrasher A common summer resident of extreme eastern Montana, ranging westward less commonly to the western limits of the prairie region. Not known in the mountain valleys. All observers in the extreme eastern parts of the state report this species as common. Its western limits are indicated by the following records : Fergus County, rare, but connnon at Deerfield (Silloway, 1903a, p 67) ; Great Falls, two, ]\Iay 9, 1887 (Williams, 1888a, p. 16) ; Collins, Teton County, one, June 6, 1915, and three, June 4, 1916 (DuBois, MS). In the southern part of the state it is common west to the Big Horn River (Mearns, 1904, p. 21), and I have received second hand information of its occurrence at Billings (though Mr. Thomas does not record it from this region), and even at Dillon, but the source of this information was indefinite. \ 156 PACIFIC COAST AVIFAUNA No. 14 The occurrt'iicr ;i1 (iiTat Fjills. cited above, is the only record which may indicate the date of arrival. The Brown Thrasher nests in June (Caniei'on, 1908a, p. 52) ; a nest was found l)etween Forts Union and Benton, June 22, 18G() (Cooper, 18fi9b, p. 296). ;}03. Salpinctes obsoletus obsoletus (Say) Rock Wren A common suuuiici- resident throughout tiie stat(\ P>ree(ls in the I'pper Sonoran and Transition zones, in badlands and about the sides of prairie buttes in the prairie region, and in rocky situations aliout the foothills of the mountains in the western half of the state. Prefers arid rocks in regions that are more o)' less treeless. Occurs rarely in the Boreal zone in migration. Rcporttnl l)y lU'arly all observers. The migrations take {)laee in ]\Iay and September. The species arrives about May 15 in Custer and Dawson counties (Cameron, 1908a, p 58). Otlier dates are: Divide Creek, Silver Bow Count.y, one seen April 13, 1910. not common ti'l May 1 (Saunders, 1914a, p 31) ; Traill Creek, Park County, May 14, 1909; Ana- conda, May 20, 1911; Rattlesnake Butte, Teton County, May 27, 1912. Fall dates are : Deer Lodge County, September 8, 1909, two birds observed in rocks above timberline at 9000 feet; Willow Creek, Powell County, September 18, 1910. There are several records of the finding of the nest of tlie Rock Wren in Montana, but none with definite date of nesting. A nest was found with eight eggs at Fort Benton about June 25, 1860 (Cooper, 1869b, p. 297). Young are full-feathered l\y July 3 (Cameron, 1908a, p. 53). I have observed young oat of the nest on Fish Creek, Silver Bow County, July 10. 1910, and on Wild Horse Island, Flathead Lake, July 2, 1914. 304. Thryothorus ludoviciaims ludovicianus (Latham) C.\R()LiNA Wren Hare in the southeastern part of the state. Two obtaineil in Ma.y on tiie (livi(h' between Powder and Tongue rivers, and one in May and two in August at Lame Deer (Thorne, 1894, p. 218). Seen neai- Billings in 191S (Thomas, MS). 305. Troglodytes aedon parkmani Audubon Western IlorsE Wren A common sunnner i-esident cvei- most of the state P)ree(is in the Transition zone, in holes in trees, in groves of c()ttonw(»()(l or yellow piiu'^. or in bird boxes and crevices of buildings about ranches and in towns. Rare in the southwestern part of the state, whei-e it is not rei)or1(Ml fi-om Jefferson, Silver liow. Deei' Ijodge or Powell counlics, nor from the IVig lioh' Basin, it is rai'e, though breeding, occasionally, near Stevensville. in tiie iJil terroot \'all. This second nest was in the same stump with a nest of the Red-naped Sap- sucker, somewhat higher up in the stump and on the opposite side (Saunders, IDJOd, p. 200). mm Fig. 33. Mountain Chickadee ap- proaching NEST WITH I''OOD. PIPE- STONE Creek, Jefferson County; June 25, 1910. 316. Penthestes hudsonicus hudsonicus (J. R. Forster) IIlJDSONJAiN CjUCKADEE A rare permanent resident of the mountains of northwestern Montana on both sides of the continental divide. Taken at St. Mary's Lake in 1888 by Grinnell (Rhoads, 1898, p. 332). A i)air with six young out of the nest seen on the Teton River, August 1, 1911 (Saunders, 1914:a, p. 14:^). Two seen on S[)otted Bear Mountain. South Fork of the Flathead River, in the summer oi 1915 (Betts. 1916, p. 163). 317. Penthestes rufescens rufescens (J. K. Townsend) ClIEHTNTJT-BACKED ("lIICKADEE A permanent resident of northwestern Montana, west of the continental divide. Reported from the CoCui' d'Alene Mountains in 1863 (Cooper, 1869a, p. 75). Common at Flathead Lake in 1915, and one secured June 30 (Saunders, 1916c, p. 86). Seen at Lake IMacDonald, Glacier National Park, August 8, 1915. Several seen at Coalbank, South Fork of the Flath(>ad Riv(>r. in the summer of \ \ 1921 BIRDS OF MONTANA 163 1915 (Betts, 1916, p. 163). The. fact that three of these four records are in the year 1915 suggests that this species was unusually common that year. Fifteen years' previous work in the vicinity of Flathead Lake had not revealed its pres- ence. j\lr. Kittredge informed me that he had met with the Chestnut-backed Chickadee on the Lolo and Blackfeet National Forests, and that it shows a pre- ference for forests of western white pine, a tree that is uncommon in Montana, except as scattered individuals. 318. Regulus satrapa olivaceus Baird Western Golden-crowned Kinglet A common summer resident of the mountains in the western half of the state. Breeds in spruce forests in the Canadian zone, and west of the divide in clie Transition zone. Occurs rarely away from the mountains in migration. Winters rarely in valleys, and still more rarely in the mountains. The eastern- most point where it is reported to breed is in the mountains of Fergus County (Silloway, 1903a, p. 6S). In southern JMontana I have noted it in Park County, west of the Yellowstone. It has been found once in migration in extreme eastern Montana in the Long Pine Hills of Custer County, November 16, 1909 (Saun- ders, 1916d, p. 204). This record may refer to the subspecies satrapa, as may other records east of the divide in the state. All Montana speciniens that 1 have examined belong to olivacvus, l)ut, except from Flathead Lake, they were not breeding birds. The migrations take place in March and November. Three years at Colum- l)ia Falls give an average of March 24, with the earliest March 21, 1893 (Cooke, 1915c, p. 119). Other dates are: Sour Dough Canyon, Gallatin County, March 25, 1909; Divide Creek, Silver Bow County, April 22, 1910. Fall dates are: Columbia Falls, November 20, 1892 (Cooke, 1915c, p. 121) ; Sour Dough Canyon, Gallatin County, November 24, 1908; Dry Cottonwood Creek, Deer Lodge Coun- ty, November 5, 1910. There is a record of this species in migration away from the mountains at Great Falls, rare in fall (Williams. 1888a, p. 15). Winter records are: Sour Dough Canyon, Gallatin County, February 26, 1909 (Saun- ders, 1911a, p. 48) ; Bitterroot Valley, five seen December 10, 1911, three, De- cember 20, 1911, three, January 20, 1912, and the species common from January 20 till spring (Bailey, MS). There is no doubt that this species breeds, as it is common all summer in iJie I'ight ])laees in the mountains, but the nest appears not to have been found and recorded. I have seen young out of the nest at Flathead Lake, July 23, 1911. 319. Regulus calendula calendula (Linnaeus) Ruby-crowned Kinglet A common summer resident of the mountains in the western half of the state. Breeds in the Canadian and upper Transition zones in forests of Douglas fir on the east side of the continental divide, and in mixed forests of fir and tam- arack on the west side. Reported by all observers in the mountains. The eastern limits of its breeding range are found in the mountains of Teton County to the 164 PACIFIC COAST AVIFAUNA No. 14 north (Saunders, 1914a, p. 143), the Belt Mountains (Williaros, 1882a, p. 62), Fergus County (Silloway, 1903a, p. 68), and the Big Horn Mountains (Merrill, 1881, p. 204). Occurs in migration in the valleys and in the prairie region, in (;ottonwood groves, willow thickets and similar places. It is rare eastward ou the i)rairies, however. The migrations take j)lace mainly in April and early May, and in Septem- her. Five years at Columbia Falls give an average of April 14, with the earliest date April 11, 1893 (_ Cooke, 1915c, p. 122). Other dates are: Gallatin County, May 7, 1909; Norton Gulch, Silver Bow County, ^larch 31, 1910. a single male secured, l)ut the species not common till April 12; Anaconda. April 20. 1911. Fall dates are as follows: Columbia Falls, two years' average October 10, latesr October 12, 1896 (Cooke, 1915c, p. 125) ; Pipestone Creek, Jefferson County, September 26, 1909 ; Gold Creek, Powell County, September 20, 1910. Records of migration in the valleys and on the prairies are as follows : Fort Keogh, Sep- tember, 1889, one (Thorne, 1895, p. 218). Fort Keogh, September 22, 1900, one male (Hedges, coll. Univ. Montana) ; Great Falls, May 9, 1887 (Williams, 1888a, p. 15) ; Choteau, May 25. 1912; Bitterroot Valley, April 20, 1911. May 12. 1911, and May 27, 1913. A nest with eight eggs was found in the Big Horn Mountains. June IS. 1880 (Merrill, 1881, p. 204), and a nest with eight young a^: Flatheatl Lake. July 6, 1903 (Silloway, 1903b, p. 300). 320. Myadestes townsendi (Audubon) TOWNSEND SOIJTAIKE A regular summer resident of the mountains in the western half of the state, occurring more rarely in summer in the badlands of the eastern half. A rather rare winter visitor to the mountain valleys in the western half, and to the badlands of the eastern half. Breeds chiefly in the Canadian and Hudsonian zones, but also occasionally in the Transition. Found in the vicinity of rocks, either about rock cliffs and slid(\s in tlie mountains, about morainal rocks below glaciers, or on the sides of canyons, on prairie buttes and in the badlands. Xol reported by all observers, as the bird is rather rare in most localities and liabK to be overlooked. This is particularly true in winter, or in late summci-. when it is not in song, and is (juiet and inconsi)icuous. Summer i-ecords are as follows: Flathead Lake, two seen, one taken (Sillo- way, 1901a, ]). 73). Six in July and one in August, 1892, at Lame Deer, Custer County (Thorne, 1895, p. 218). Gallatin County, in the mountains (Saunders. 1911a, ]). 48). Southwestern Montana, common in the mountains (Saunders, 1912a, p. 32). Helena, July 11, 1911 (Saunders, 1912f, p. 219). Mountains of Teton and northern Lewis and Clark counties (Saunders, 1914a. p. 143). Rare breeder in the mountains of Ravalli County (Bailey, MS). Records in migration, with dates, where given, ai-e as follows: Fei-gus Coun- ty, seen once in fall (Silloway, 1903a, p. 69). Arrivals in spring: Middle Creek, Gallatin County, May 1, 1909; Norton Gulch, Silver Bow County. :\larch 15, 1910. Departure in fall: Traill Creek, Octobei- 10, 1908; Pi[)estone Creek, Oc- 1921 BIRDS OF MONTANA 165 tober 2, 1909 ; Warm Springs Creek, Deer Lodge County, October 14, 1910. Date of arrival at winter quarters in Custer County is September 9, 1906, and date of departure April 16, 1906 (Cameron, 1908a, p. 54). Winter records are: Great Falls (Williams, 1890a, p. 98) ; Custer and Daw- son counties, uncommon in winter in badlands (Cameron, 1908a, p. 54) ; winters regularly at Lombard, Gallatin County (Saunders, 1911a, p. 48) ; one at Boze- iiian, December 25, 1911 (Saunders, 1912h, p. 43) ; Bitterroot Valley at Cor- vallis, March 10, 1911, January 15, 1912, and December 26, 1912 (Bailey, MS). There are no records of the finding of a nest in the state, although it is found all summer in the mountains and undoubtedly does breed there. I have seen it in the Glacier National Park in the summers of 1914 and 1915, a record that has not been previously published. 321. Hylocichla fuscescens salicicola Ridgway Willow Thrush A regular summer resident of the western half of the state, occurring also, though rarely, in the eastern part, in migrations at least. Breeds in the Transi- tion zone in thickets of willows along streams or about lakes, in the higher moun tain valleys, and in the foothills and lower mountain canyons. Found breeding east to the Belt Mountains (Williams, 1890b, p. 292), to Fergus County (Sillo- way, 1903a, p. 69), and, in the southern part of the state, at least to Park County. The only migration records from the eastern part of the state are from Allies City and Fort Keogh, May 11, 18 and 25, 1902 (Hedges, coll. Univ. Montana) and from Custer County, August 28, 1919 (Hedges). The migrations take place in late May or June, and in August or Septem- ber. In the Belt ]Mountains the Willow Thrush arrives about May 15 ; the latest fall date is September 7. Other dates are : Bozeman, May 29, 1909 ; Pipestone Basin, Jefferson County, June 5, 1910; Anaconda, June 5, 1911; Choteau, June ~, 1912. Fall dates are: Bozeman, August 24, 1908; Gold Creek, August 27, 1910. In the Bitterroot Valley it arrived May 8, 1913 (Bailey, ^IS). The nest has been found at Flathead Lake, June 29, 1900, and June 16, 1901, with eggs advanced in incubation in each ease (Silloway, 1901a, pp. 12 and 33). A nest was found in Fergus County, Jvine 8, 1901, with two eggs (Silloway. 1903a, p. 69). 322. Hylocichla aliciae aliciae (Baird) Gray-cheeked Thrush A migrant in extreme eastern Montana in May. Not known in fall. One taken at Fort Keogh, May 18, 1889 (Thorne, 1895, p. 218), and one in Dawsou County, May 13, 1904 (Cameron, 1908a, p. 54). 323. Hylocichla ustulata swainsoni (Tschudi) Olive-backed Thrush A common summer resident in the mountains throughout the western half of the state. Very abundant on the west side of the continental divide, where 166 PACIFIC COAST AVIFAUNA No. 14 it is the eommont'st species i'oiind on the sliores of Flathead Laki'. lii'eeds in the Tj-ansition and Canadian zones, in coniferous forests oi' in forests of conifers and hi-oaddeaf trees mixed. Occurs in migration in the eastern part of the state, where^ it is regular hut not connnon. The easternmost records of its hreeding are from the Belt ilountains (Willianis, 1890b, p. 292), the mountains of Fergus County (Silloway, 19(K5a, p. 69), and the Big Horn iMountains (McChesney, 1879, p. 2384). \ The migrations take place in May and September. Dates of spring migra- tion in i)ortions of the state where it does not breed are as follows: Custer Coun- ty, May ;3], 1906 (Cameron, 1908a, p. 55) ; Miles City and vicinity, May U to June 7, 1902, thirteen specimens (Hedges, coll. Univ. JNIontana). In regions where this species breeds it arrives about the middle of ^lay. Three years at Fig. 34. NiosT AND EGGS OF THE Olive-backed Thhusii. Yellow Bay, Flathead Lake; June 29, 1914. Great Falls, give an average of Uny 15, and llie earliest May 3, 1892; three years at Columbia Falls average .May 19, the earliest May 17, 1896 (Cooke, 1907, p. 122). In the Belt IMountains it is said to arrive IMay 10 (Williams, 18901), p. 292). Other dates are : l^ozeman, June 1, 1909 ; Norton Gulch, Silvei- Bow Comi- ty, May 16, 1910; Anaconda, Mny 14, 1911 ; (^hoteau. May 22, 1912; Teton River, May 28, 1915; and Dutton, May 27-June 4,' 1916 (l)uBois, MS). Fall migration takes [)lace from September 1 to Octo])er 10 (Williams. 1S!)01), p, 294). The lat- est (late at Columbia Falls is September 23, 1895 (Cooke, 1907, p. 124). The only other definite fall date 1 kuow of is from Sun River, Se])tvmber 4, 1912. Nesting begins about the iiiilieasant (Bailey, MS). Passer domesticus (Linnaeus) English Sparrow All abundant i)ermaiient resident neai'ly thi'ougbout Ihe state at the present time. While the species is most common in towns tliat are on the railroads, it is also found in towns and about ranclies that are considerable dislances therefrom. In fact; in my experience, the i-ailroads are less responsible ioi' its introduction than the presence of grain. I liave noted it in the following |)la('es that were not on railroads at the time, nor neai- them : Sedan, (lallatin County. 1908; i'lyde Park, Park County, 1908; Sahsville. Callatin County. 1909; (^hoteau, Bynum, and I'anehes not near any town, Teton County. 1!)11 aiul 1912. As to Ihe time of introduction, it seems to have begun about 1898. The Hnglish Spar- row was first seen at Terry, Decembei- (i, 1899 (Cameron, 1907. |). 404). It was 1921 BIRDS OF MONTANA 173 first noted in Fergus County in 1903, and at Helena in 1902 (Silloway, 1903a, p. 70). It reached Bozeman, somewhere between 1898 and 1908 (Saunders, 1911a, p. 42). It was stated to be absent in northern Montana in 1906 (Esta- brook, 1907, p. 131). While it is entirely absent in wild country away from the haunts of man, it is by no means limited to cities, but is found at any cluster of ranch buildings, where grain is scattered in sufficient quantity to keep the birds alive. HYPOTHETICAL LIST Marila marila (Linnaeus) Scaup Duck Found in large numbers on Lake MacDonald in April, 1918 (F. M. Bailey, 1918, p. 53). This is evidently a sight record. While I do not doubt that this species occurs as a migrant in Montana, all the records based on specimens prove to be M. affinis, and the two species are too nearly alike to admit one to the list on sight identification only. Somateria dresseri Sharpe Eider One shot at Glendive and identified by a Norwegian (Cameron, 1907, p. 250). Since Mr. Cameron evidently did not see this bird, and the name of the person who identified it is missing, the record is best considered doubtful. Nycticorax nycticorax naevius (Boddaert) Black-crowned Night Heron Two birds seen close to the North Dakota line in June, 1917 (Thomas, MS). While this record is probably entirely correct, it seems best to leave the species on the hypothetical list until a specimen has been collected. Himantopus mexicanus (Mliller) Black-necked Stilt A rare summer resident of the Lake Basin, near Billings, breeding at Big Lake and at other places in the vicinity (Thomas, MS). This is rather far north of the known breeding range of this species. Mr. Thomas' observations were first made in 1917. He saw the birds again in 1918, and attempted to verify the record by securing a specimen, but was unable to do so. I have therefore placed the species in the hypothetical list, with the hope that the record will be verified in the near future. Buteo borealis harlani (Audubon) Harlan Haw^k Seen in Dawson County, August 25, 1905 (Cameron, 1907, p. 263). Since this subspecies has been taken in North Dakota, its occurrence in eastern Monta- 174 PACIFIC COAST AVIFAUNA No. 14 na would not be so unusual as might be implied from the range as given in the A. 0. U. Check-List. This, however, is not a strong enough reason to admit to the state list a subspecies of so variable a ])ird as B. horcalis, on sight identifi- cation alone, when so far from its normal range. Coccyzus americanus occidentalis Hidgway California Cuckoo An Q.Q^^ evidently that of a cuckoo, was picked up at Flathead Lake, July 3. 1900 (Silloway, 1901a, pp. 29-30). The bird itself has never been seen in that region. Since this subspecies has been found in nortliern Idaho, it may also occur rarely in northwestern Montana. At any rate it is more likely to have been a subspecies of Coccyzus americanus whose egg was found than C. erythrophthal- mus, whose western limit in eastern Montana lies in a totally different fauna! region. Xenopicus albolarvatus (Cassin) White-headed Woodpecker Seen several times in the Gallatin Canyon in summer and fall, a single bird at a time (Thomas, MS). This is rather far east of tlie normal range for this sr»e('ies. It is another case where we uuist wait for a si)ecimen to verify the record. Archilochus colubris (Linnaeus) JiUBY-TilKOATED HUMMINGBIRD Rare in Custer County. Nests said to have been found on the Powder River and in Miles City (Cameron, 1907, p. 390). This species was not observed by Mr. Cameron himself, but by others, who found the nests mentioned. Since iStcllula calUo2)c occurs in the region, it would be easy to mistake the two spe- cies, particularly the females, wliich would be liable to be the only ones seen about the nest. Aphelocoma woodhousei (!^>aird) WooDHOUSE Jay Seen at Billings, August 12, 1900 (Jones and Dawson, 1900, p. 32). It seems entirely possiI)le to mistake tlie F'inyon Jay in the field for this bird, par- ticularly if the ol)server had no previous ac(iuaintaiice witli either sj^ecies. Mr. Thomas has been looking for the Woodiiouse Jay about Billings at my rectuest. He writes that the Pinyon Jay is connnon, and he supposed it was woodhousei till he collected one. This was exactly my own experience in Carter County in the winter of 1909. Hntil stronger evidence is ])resented. the case of the Wood house Jay must be considered not proved. Corvus cryptoleucus Couch White-necked Raven One seen in Custer County, September 14, 1902 (Cameron, 1907, p. 393). 1921 BIRDS OP MONTANA 175 The bird was not seen by Mr. Cameron himself, and it is another case of sight identification of a bird far from its normal range. Carpodacus purpureus purpureus (Gmelin) Purple Finch Two seen in the Belt Mountains in June, 1880 (Williams, 1882a, p. 62). T believe this is a mistake for Carpodacus cassini. The birds could certainly not be easily separated in the field on sight alone. Passerherbulus lecontei (Audubon) LeConte Sparrow Seen at Billings, August 12, 1900 (Jones and Dawson, 1900, p. 31). While this identification is probably correct, the species has never been taken in the state. It is an inconspicuous species, difficult to identify in the field, and this would be the extreme western limit of its range. The record had best wait for verification, before being admitted. Cistothoms stellaris (Naumann) Short-billed Marsh Wren One seen at Lombard, Gallatin County, April 23, 1909 (Saunders, 1911a, p. 48). While I feel .just as sure that this record is correct as when I first pub- lished it, yet the bird is inconspicuous, and, in this case, it was out of its normal range. Under such circumstances I do not feel justified in placing it in the state list. Anticipating possible changes in the A. O. U. Check-List, the following bird names are inserted. These are subspecies, described, but not at present accepted, which have been found in Montana. These changes for the most part involve alteration of names rather than the addition of species. No attempt has been made to make this list complete. Ardea herodias treganzai. This is the form of Blue Heron occurring throughout all, or nearly all, of the state (Cooke, 1913a, p. 38). Otocoris alpestris enthymia. Breeds throughout the eastern part of the prairie region (Oberholser, 1918, p. 345). Molothrus ater artemisiae. This is probably the form throughout all of the state, with the possible exception of the northwestern region. Dr. Bishop has identified birds taken at Anaconda. Agelaius phoeniceus arctolegus. This form of Redwing is the one breeding over all of the state except probably the southwestern and northwestern portions. 176 PACIFIC COAST AVIFAUNA , No. 14 Loxia curvirostra bendirei. This is the form of red crossbill found throughout the greater part of the state. All specimens that have been identified, from various parts of the state, belong to this subspecies. Melospiza melodia inexpectata. A bird identified as of this race was taken in the Bitterroot Valley, near Corvallis, December 2, 1911 (Bailey, MS). Lanius borealis invictus. Two birds from Gallatin County are identified by Dr. Bishop as of this race, and this is probably the form most commonly found in western Montana in winter. Vermivora celata orestera. The breeding subspecies throughout all of Montana (Oberholser, 1905, p. 244). Regulus calendula cineraceus. This is the form of Ruby-crowned Kinglet breed- ing in Colorado and British Columbia, as Dr. Bishop has recently written me, and is undoubtedly the form that breeds in Montana. 1921 177 BIBLIOGRAPHY Abbott, G. A. 1906. Up the Yellowstone on a Pinto. Birds, pp. 52-64. Baird, S. F., Cassin, .1., and Lawrence, G. N. 1858. Pacific Railroad Reports, Vol. ix, 1858. Explorations and Surveys for a Rail- road Route from the Mississippi River to the Pacific Ocean. Birds by Spencer F. Baird. With the co-operation of John Cassin and George N. Lawrence. Washington. D. C. ; pp. lvi + 1005. An important publication, containing a large number of early Mon- tana records. Baird, S. F., Bkfjwer, T. M., and Ridgway, R. 1874. A History of North American Birds. Land Birds. Vols, i-iii. Contains the original description of Cyanocitta stelleri annectens, from the vicinity of Missoula. 178 PACIFIC COAST AVIFAUNA No. 14 Bangs, O. 1900. A Review of the Three-toed Woodpeckers of North America. Zoology, pp. 640-655. 1888. Some Autumn Birds of the St. Mary Lakes Region. < Forest and Stream, xxx, p. 365. Harris, E. 1845. Description of a new species of Parus from the Upper Missouri. Birds, pp. 670-704. An important early list of birds, containing a number of records from Ft. Ellis and the Madison River. Mehhim,, .1. C. 1880. Notes on the Winter Plumage of Leucosticte tephrovotis, Sw., and L. tcphro- cotis var. littoralis, Bd. or; 96 pp. - - 3.00 By J. R. PBMBBRTON No. 14, 1921 The Birds of Montana, 194 pp. , with 35 illustrations - 6.00 By Arbxas a. Saundbrs For Sale by W. LEE CHAMBERS, Business Manager Eagle Rock, Los Angeles Co., California AMNH LIBRARY 100110030