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Pes; DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULIURE.
DIVISION OF ECONOMIC ORNITHOLOGY.
BULLETIN No. 2.
lid eG Jagde
ON
BIRD MIGRATION
IN THE
WEES olor i VAL xe
Pie. YEARS. 1634 AND 13685;
BY
Ww. W. COOKE.
BDLEE DY AND. REVISED BY DRC. HART MERRIAM,
WASHINGTON:
GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE.
1888.
7365—Bull. No. 2.
Write i Wirt
CON TEN ES:
Page
WEEN ROR DT RANGMIUEAD Gs sincice cscelre=- ccc soccee wesc enasinssase omss eecelsss 3
rh AOR Varn E Re eet asi S aes \seme wclocee salcae's scm sale'eels sceie celeste as 5-6
IDISR SHE TUTE ees 6 ORR ORS Oe Be OG DOE ONG CaO RO OE COS TIEEe COCO OROS DSOLEOO OSnn ne 7-49
Bird Migration in the Mississippi Valley:
ACEO MU GHION ese a es ee acre eae reece aan sole ccc eselen Seca e seme 9-10
Theoretical Considerations ...--...--...- Oe ee eee 11-12
Speedratawhich: birds; Micratec..c. soo 08- oes toss sooeis Sooo ceo eee 12-16
Relation of Migration to Barometric Pressure and Temperature ...-... 16-25
A Study of the ‘‘ Bird Waves” which passed up the Mississippi Valley
during the Spring of 1884 ..........-.++-.-----+5 2-20 ------ +--+: 25-33
Synopsis of Migration at Saint Louis from Jinamenae 1 to May 27, 1884. 33-37
Progress of Vegetation and Awakening of Animal Life in the Nace
sippi Valley, during the Spring of 1884 ._5-. . 225. 3-5. = eee 37-Al
List. of: Stations and: Observers for 1884 220. 55. ances os Sree 41-43
List:of new Stations and: Observers for 1885: ...--< -2.2--2--s-oessoeee 43-44
Horm orschedule usedtin (885.2222 2c coe e ose cniase oe cocaine ee eee 45
Notes on the Migration and Distribution of each Species reported as in- i
habiting, the: Mississtppi Valley. ..ss- 2. so.0- ec. sce soe eee eee eee 46-49
SI ACOSO) LEING tee oe oo Geoc He CO Una COGEEO COU ADS OEEO Boor BECO REEcée Uoecob boce 51
SV SLOMALICMNEDOLL 2. ace. sccecn tat clecmace sscc se ee sede 5 oSncee ce cere «03-295
ISM Gabonese Oe ORO SSEDISCOo HOdeeSOH60 cbdu 6cO0 Gono CHOe SDOOOS EGOS DaNO Sé PAY.
LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL.
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE,
DIVISION OF ECONOMIC ORNITHOLOGY AND MAMMALOGY,
Washington, D. C., July 20, 1887.
Str: I have the honor to transmit herewith, for publication as Bul-
letin No. 2 of the Division of Economic Ornithology and Mammalogy, a
special report upon Bird Migration in the Mississippi Valley in 1884 and
1885, by Prof. W. W. Cooke.
Respectfully,
C, HART MERRIAM,
Ornithologist.
Hon. NORMAN J. COLMAN,
Commissioner of Agriculture.
3
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PREFATORY LETTER.
The present report, which has been prepared by Prof. W. W. Cooke,
with the assistance of Mr. Otto Widmann and Prof. D. E. Lantz, is the
first fruit of the co-operative labors of the Division of Economie Or-
nithology of the Department of Agriculture and the Committee on
Bird Migration of the American Ornithologists’ Union. It consists of
two parts: (1) an introductory portion treating of the history and
methods of the work, together with a general study of the subject of
Bird Migration, including the influence of the weather upon the move-
ments of birds, the progression of bird waves and causes affecting the
same, the influence of topography and altitude upon migration, and the
rates of flight in the various speries; and (2) a systematic portion in
which the five hundred and sixty species of birds known to occur in the
Mississippi Valley are treated serially, the movements of each during
the seasons of 1884 and 1885 being traced with as much exactness as
the records furnished by the one hundred and seventy cbservers in the
district permit.
The chapters entitled “The Relation of Migration to Barometric Press-
ure and Temperature,” and “A Study of the Bird Waves which passed
up the Mississippi Valley during the Spring of 1884,” are worthy of the
most careful perusal; and the articles on the Kingbird and Purple
Martin, in the systematic portion of the report, are particularly in-
structive. Indeed, I feel no hesitancy in expressing the belief that the
present report is the most valuable contribution ever made to the sub-
ject of Bird Migration.
For the opinions herein expressed, relating to the theoretical questions
involved in the study of Bird Migration, Professor Cooke alone is re-
sponsible. Some of these opinions are diametrically opposed to those
held by the editor, but in a few instances only has the editor taken the
liberty to add his views on the subject; in all such cases the interpo-
lated remarks will be found in bracketed foot notes, over his initials.
In fact, it has not been thought proper to make any changes in the First
Part of the report, save the verbal alterations necessary in preparing it
for the press. In the Second Part, or ‘Systematic Report,” the case is
entirely different, for this portion of the report deals with fact instead
of theory. Here the editor has deemed it his duty to make the subject-
matter conform to the present state of knowledge on the subject. With
5
6
this end in view, changes have been made freely, and the portions re.
lating to the geographical distribution of the various species and sub-
species have been largely rewritten. In this task the editor has received
invaluable assistance from Mr. Robert Ridgway, Curator of Birds in
the U. S. National Museum.
The nomenclature adopted is that of the new Check List of the
American Ornithologists’ Union, with the additions and corrections
contained in Ridgway’s Manual of North American Birds, which, for-
tunately, became available just as this report was going to press. The
number in brackets following each name is that which the species bears
in Ridgway’s Nomenclature of North American Birds, as published in
Bulletin 21 of the U. S. National Museum, 1881.
The admirable map which accompanies this report has been prepared
under the supervision of Mr. Henry Gannett, chief geographer of the
U.S. Geological Survey. 7
My own connection with the report has consisted in bringing together
under the head of each species the matter contributed separately for the
two years; in arranging it in accordance with the nomenclature of the
American Ornithologists’ Union; in revising* the systematic portion
of the report (Part Second); in incorporating the original Appendix t
into the body of the text, and in the editorial revision of the manu-
script of the whole report—a labor which, for the past year and a half,
has consumed all of the time not required in the performance of my
routine official duties.
©. HART MERRIAM,
Editor.
WASHINGTON, D. C., July 20, 1887.
* This revision has consisted in rewriting the habitats of most of the species and
subspecies; in casting out some forms which had been included upon erroneous
identification or insufficient evidence; in correcting statements of fact; in transfer-
ring (in a few cases) the notes sent under a stated species or subspecies to a nearly re-
lated species or subspecies known to inhabit the region under consideration to the
exclusion of the form reported ; in the addition of a number of species and subspecies
now known to inhabit the region; in the insertion of additional matter under species
already given; in the interpolation of authorities for second-hand statements; and
in the omission of matter of questionable reliability. In all of these directions the
editor feels that the report is susceptible of still further improvement, but want of
time and reluctance to longer delay the publication of an already long-delayed and
much-clamored-for document must be his excuse for its incompleteness and imper-
fections.
t The original appendix consisted ofa very briefly annotated list of about one hundred
and forty birds supposed to inhabit the District, but concerning which no reports had
been received from our observers. Some of these have been eliminated, as resting upon
insufficient evidence ; the remainder, for the convenience of those who use this book,
have been incorporated in their proper places in the general text, accompanied by a
statement of their geographical distribution, and such other facts of interest as might
be added without too greatly increasing tue bulk of the report.
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BIRD MIGRATION IN THE MISSISSIPPL VALLEY.
By W. W. COooKkE.
In the winter of 188182 the attempt was made to secure the assist-
ance of the ornithologists of Iowa in studying the migrations of birds ;
but a change of residence on the part of the author from Iowa to Minn-
esota necessitated a modification of the original scheme, and it was de-
cided to increase the size of the area to be investigated so as to include
the whole Mississippi Valley. All the ornithologists of that district were
‘invited to co-operate by contributing notes on the winter birds and re-
porting dates of the spring arrivals. Answers were received from 26
persons who promised to aid in the work, but at the end of the season
it was found that but 13 had actually forwarded observations. These
13 were distributed as follows: Arkansas, 1; Missouri, 2; Kansas, 1;
Illinois, 3; Nebraska, 1; lowa, 2; Minnesota, 2; Wisconsin, 1. Thus
it will be seen that a small part only of the Mississippi Valley was rep-
resented. The notes contributed were published, without comment
or change, in Forest and Stream for October, November, and Decem-
we, 1882.
The same work was undertaken for the spring of 1883, and, by a lib-
eral use of the press, a much larger corps of observers was obtained.
The names of 42 persons were received, but of these 26 only furnished
reports. ‘They were distributed as follows: Texas, 1; Mississippi, 25
Tennessee, 1; Kansas, 2; Arkansas, 1; Missouri, 3; Illinois, 7; lowa,
4; Wisconsin, 2; Minnesota, 3—thus leaving Louisiana, Indian Terri.
tory, Nebraska, and Dakota with no representatives.
The larger part of the hundreds of notes received from these observ-
- ers was never written up, and for that reason frequent reference will
be made to them in the present report.* Some of the species were
treated in the Ornithologist and Oolégist for 1883, and the full notes
from two of the stations appeared in the American Field for December,
1883, and January, 1884, and were afterwards issued as Bulletin No. 1
of the Ridgway Ornithological Club of Chicago.
The founding of the American Ornithologists’ Union (in September,
1883) greatly enlarged the scope of the work, but did not materially
[* Since the above was written most of these notes have been printed in the Orni-
thologist and Odlogist.—C. H. M.]
9
10
alter its character. As is well known, this society was formed of the
most prominent ornithologists of North America, and gathered to itself
the best of the younger active field workers.
When, therefore, it was announced that, at the first meeting of the
new Union, ‘‘a committee was also appointed on the ‘migration of birds,’
to co-operate with Mr. W. W. Cooke in connection with his work on
this subject in the Mississippi Valley, and consists of the following
gentlemen, with power to add to their number: Merriam, Brown, Pur-
die, Wheaton, Chamberlain, Grinnell, Henshaw, Cory, Merrill, Fisher,
Bicknell, Mearns, and MclIlwraith,”* a new impulse was given to the
work, and ornithologists all over the district hastened to send their
offers of aid.
Under the efficient management of the chairman of the committee,
Dr. C. Hart Merriam, arrangements for the spring campaign were soon
completed. The whole of the United States, British America, and Alaska
were included in the scheme, and the field was divided into fourteen
districts, each under the charge of its own superintendent. ‘The su-
perintendency of the work in the Mississippi Valley remained in the
same hands as for the two previous years, and the district was made to
include Mississippi, the portions of Kentucky and Tennessee west of
the Tennessee river, Illinois, Wisconsin, the northern peninsula of
Michigan, Louisiana, Arkansas, Missouri, lowa, Minnesota, Texas, In-
dian Territory, Kansas, Nebraska, Dakota, and Manitoba.
The work begun in the Mississippi Valley December 1, 1883, under
the auspices of the American Ornithologists’ Union, has been carried
on uninterruptedly to the present date. Its progress has been chron-
icled from time to time in The Auk, and in the Ornithologist and Oélo-
gist, in which latter magazine, for May, 18384, appeared a list of the
observers and a rough map of the district, showing the location of the
stations. Since then the names of many new observers have been added
until the number at the close of the season of 1884 was 160. Reports
on spring migration in 1884 were received from 109 stations. These
reports may be characterized as follows: Merely a few notes, 25; a
scattered report on the whole or a part of the migration, 50; a full re-
port on the whole migration, 34. These 109 stations were distributed
over the Mississippi Valley as follows: Mississippi, 6; Tennessee, 1;
Illinois, 22; Wisconsin, 14; Louisiana, 2; Arkansas, 1; Missouri, 9;
Towa, 18; Minnesota, 11; Texas,4; Indian Territory, 2; Kansas, 5;
Nebraska, 3; Dakota, 8, and Manitoba, 3.
Reports were received on the fall migration of 1884 from about half a
dozen observers. Individually, these reports were of a high grade of
excellence, but their number was too small to allow of any accurate
tracing of the southward movements of the various species. They will
be found incorporated in the body of this report.
*Bull. Nutt. Ornith. Club, Vol. VIII, 1883, p. 225.
ue
THEORETICAL CONSIDERATIONS.
Before proceeding to treat in detail of the phenomena presented by the
reccrds of the migration observers, it may be well to glance tor a moment
at the general causes of migration, and at some of its more striking
and interesting features.
Without entering into a discussion of the causes which long ago
started birds on their periodical change of habitation, we shall not be
far out of the way in considering their present migrations the result of
inherited experience. To be more explicit, the first migrations were
doubtless very limited in extent and probably were intelligent move-
ments which through repetition became habitual, and the habit was
transmitted from parent to offspring until it has become, as we see it
now, the governing impulse of the bird’s life. It is undoubtedly true
that love of the nesting ground, which is to them their home, is the
foundation of the desire for migration;* and year after year they find
their way thousands of miles back to the same box or tree by the exer-
cise of memory—not always the memory of the individual, but the
memory inherited from numberless preceding geierations which have
passed and repassed over the same route.
In the study of the yearly cycle of migrations there are two movements
for which we must seek the cause—the restless pushing northward in
the spring, in spite of cold, rain, sleet, and snow; and the southward
journey in the fall. We have already stated that the northward move-
ment is caused by a strong home love—an overpowering desire to be
once more among the familiar scenes of the previous summer. The re-
turn movement is obviously the result of two causes—the approach of
winter and the failure of the food supply. Of these two, the latter is
probably by far the more powerful, since it is well known that single
individuals of species which retire far to the south often remain behind,
and, favored by an abundance of food, withstand the most severe
weather. Thus, many Red-headed Woodpeckers remain through the
winter in the cold climate of northeastern New York, frequenting the
heavy timber where there is a great quantity of their favorite food ;t
and it is not unusual for a few Robins to spend the winter in north-
central Wisconsin, sheltered in the thick pine forests; while Dacks and
even Wilson’s Snipe have been known to remain throughout the whole
{*I cannot concur with Professor Cooke in the belief that ‘‘love of the nesting
ground * * * is the foundation of the desire for migration.” Ina lecture on Bird
Migration which it was my privilege to deliver in the U. S. National Museum, April
3, 1886, I said: ‘‘ Some ornithologists of note have laid special stress upon the ‘ strong
home affection’ which prompts birds to leave the South and return to their breeding
grounds. To me this explanation is forced and unnecessary. Birds desert their
winter homes because the food supply fails; because the climatic conditions be-
come unsuited to their needs ; because the approach of the breeding season gives rise
to physiological restlessness; and because they inherit an irresistible impulse to move
at this particular time of the year.”—C. H. M.]
t Merriam, Bull. Nutt. Ornith. Club, Vol. III, No.3, July, 1878, pp. 123-124.
12
winter in Wyoming, near the hot springs, whose warmth keeps the neigh-
boring waters and ground from freezing. Nevertheless, itis as yet un-
explained why some birds, notably many of the warblers, retire in winter
to such a great distance south, some even crossing the equator and pass-
ing several hundred miles beyond. Certainly neither cold nor hunger
ean be the cause of such wanderings.
It has been often noticed that during the fall migration many birds
seem to be able to foretell the approach of storms from the north, and
hurriedly depart southward, before human eyes can detect any signs of
the coming change. There is a large accumulation of evidence on this
point, all seemingly in support of the proposition which has been for-
mulated by one of our leading ornithologists in the following words:
‘‘Birds discern approaching meteorological changes.”* Some ornithol-
ogists deny this, saying that in such cases the birds have out-traveled
the storm, in which they were at first caught, their superior powers of
flight enabling them to pass ahead of it; or that they have been warned
by the hasty approach of more northern birds coming from the area
over which the storm was moving.
If we study fall migration merely, there seems to be no doubt of the
truth of this statement, but if we include spring migration the question
becomes much.more involved. If birds discern approaching meteor-
ological changes, why is it that so many thousands perish each year
by being caught in storms and frozen to death? Certainly an approach-
ing storm in spring must give just as plain and early a warning as one
in the fall, yet the same birds which are said to foresee it at the latter
time and escape, rush blindly forward a few months later and are over-
taken, their death paying the penalty of their rashness. The hardy
waterfowl (Ducks and Geese) push northward in the spring, encounter
storms, and are turned back, only to repeat the same thing a dozen
times before they reach their summer quarters, but each time, instead
of avoiding the approaching storm, they do not retreat until its actual
presence drives them back. If they can foresee these changes, then
their love of home and their desire to return to it must be wonderfully
strong. :
SPEED AT WHICH BIRDS MIGRATE.
In studying the speed at which birds proceed northward in their mi-
grations one is beset by many difficulties. To determine the compara-
tive speed of the several species is easy enough, but to determine the
absolute rate—the exact number of miles which a particular bird makes
during one day’s journey—is beyond our power. If migration were a
steady movement northward, with the same individuals always in the
van, numerous careful observations might make it possible to arrive at
an approximation to the truth; but instead of this, migration is per-
formed something after the manner of a game of leap-frog. While in
*J, A. Allen, in Seribner’s Monthly Magazine for October, 1881, p. 938.
13
the fall migration the younger birds lead,* in the spring they loiter be-
hind, and it is the old birds, those in whom we may suppose the love
of home and the desire for procreation are strongest, which press for-
ward so eagerly. Moreover, of these old birds, those which arrive first
at a given place, as a rule, are birds which lived there the previous
summer and which will remain there to breed.j Thus the vanguard is
constantly arresting itself, and the forward movement must await the
arrival of the next corps, which may be near at hand or far in the rear.
The movement of migration, then, is made up of a series of constant
overlappings, and the real speed is evidently much greater than the
apparent. Of this real speed of transit we can take no account, and our
calculated rates, therefore, are of value only in so far as they show the
relative speed of migration of the different species. In the accompany-
jng report the speed of migration is calculated in the following manner:
The most southern reliable record is selected for comparison with the
most northern record of the same character; the distance in miles be-
tween these two Stations is divided by the number of days elapsing from
the time the species made its appearance at the southern station to the
date at which it was seen by the northern observer. The result gives
the average daily rate of migration in miles for the species. For exam-
ple: The Baltimore Oriole was seen at Rodney, Miss. (lat. 31° 52’), April
7. It was not seen at Oak Point, Manitoba (lat. 50° 30’), until May 25.
It was therefore 48 days in passing over the 1,298 miles between the
two stations, which gives an average speed of 27 milesa day. This
subject will be treated as thoroughly as possible, since it has received
little or no attention heretofore; indeed, there were no data in existence
for its study until the notes were collected on which the present report
is based.
The first records published in this country relating directly to the
speed at which birds travel appeared in the Ornithologist and Odlogist
for January, 1884 (pp. 1 and 2). These notes were based on the records
of six species in the spring of 1883; and though the notes for 1884 are
many fold more numerous they do not give grounds for a change in
the general rate of speed set forth.in that article. It must be kept
constantly in mind, however, that no complete and scientific study of
the subject is as yet possible, and that the present records are given
merely because they are the best now obtainable, and because they
may furnish some material for the use of the future student.
The records of fifty-eight species for the spring of 1883 give an
average speed of 23 miles a day for an average distance of 420 miles.
[* The opinion here expressed by Professor Cooke, namely, that in fall young birds
migrate before their parents, has been long accepted in Europe, but is contrary to
the experience of most leading American ornithologists and to the evidence collected
by the Committee on Migration of the American Ornithologists’ Union, as will appear
in a future publication of the Division. See, also, Mr. Brewster’s recent essay on the
subject, in the Memoirs of the Nuttall Ornithological Club.—C. H. M.]
[tThis statement needs much qualification.—C.H.M.]
14
A slightly smaller number of species for the spring of 1884 give exactly
the same average speed over an average distance of 861 miles. Hence
it is probable that future observations will not materially change this
estimate.
A study of the records for 1883 led to the statement that in spring
birds migrate more rapidly in the northern portion of their routes of
travel than in the southern. As this statement was based on the notes
of one year only, it became a matter of much interest to ascertain
whether the facts observed would hold good in future seasons and thus
admit of formulation as a general law, or whether they had been the
results of specially favorable conditions in the latter part of a single
season. Accordingly, in the spring of 1884, twenty-five species of well-
known birds, concerning which we had full records, were selected for -
careful study. The result bears out the foregoing statement. The dis-
tance traveled was divided as nearly as possible into two equal por-
tions and the speed was calculated for each. Some of the records do
not admit of division ; others show an equal speed throughout; while
six show an increase of 77 per cent. in speed for the northern half, and
three show a decrease of 47 per cent. Thus it will be seen that the
record is strongly in favor of the inerease. The same result may be
reached by calculating the average speed of these twenty-five species
separately for each of the different months in which migration is per-
formed; the average speed for March is 19 miles, for April 23 miles,
and for May 26 miles, per day. The record for 1884 also confirms the
statement that the later a bird migrates the higher average speed it
will attain. This would naturally be inferred from the preceding re-
marks.
~ These calculations are averages which give the rate of speed at which
the bird would travel provided it moved regularly each day. But we
know that many pauses occur, that on many days there is no advance ;
hence, on the days of movement the speed must be much higher than
that given. Thisis clearly seen in the case of the Purple Martin. From
latitude 38° 40’ to 46° its average rate is but 13 miles a day; but we
have good reason to believe that there was a pause from April 3 to
April 14, and another from April 18 to May 3. Taking out the first of
these pauses, the rate is raised between latitude 38° 40’ and latitude
43° 43’ to 35 miles a day, and, not counting the second pause, the rate
for the rest of the distance is 28 miles.
We must also take into consideration the fact that in all probability
the same bird seldom migrates for several nights in succession, but
stops to rest after a flight of a night or two, so that the birds migrating
one night are not the same individuals that were moving the night be-
fore.
It has been stated above that the average rate for April is greater
than that for March, and is exceeded by that for May; but it cannot
be said that the actual number of miles performed in a night’s journey
15
is therefore greater. This may or may not be the case. The facts
observed will be sufficiently clear if it is remembered that the later in
the season a species moves the less hindrance it will meet from the ele-
ments, and the fewer pauses will be necessitated in its journey. Dur-
ing the month of May there are few if any nights in which migration
does not take place; while a bird that migrates in March must expect
to be stopped by storms at least one week in four.
In regard to the relative speed at which the different species travel,
all that can be said at present is that those which migrate later have,
as a rule, the highest rate. Thus the average speed of the Robin, Cow-
bird, and Golden-shafted Flicker is about 12 miles a day, while the aver-
age of the Summer Redbird, Baltimore Oriole, Ruby-throated Hummer,
and Nighthawk is 28 miles. If we try to calculate the relative speed of
the different families, we find that some of the species in a family mi-
grate early and slowly, others late and rapidly, bringing the average
of most of the families very close to the general average of all, which,
as already stated, is 23 miles a day.
Birds have seldom been seen while on their way in undisturbed mi-
eration at night. The observations given by W. E. D. Scott and J. A.
Allen (Bull. Nutt. Ornith. Club, Vol. VI, 1851, pp. 97-100, and 188) are
the most important, but in these nothing is said concerning the speed
at which the birds were supposed to be moving. It is known that birds
do not move rapidly, as a rule, when migrating in the day-time, but
from the meager material at hand it may be inferred that the speed at
night is considerably greater. During day-migration the smaller land
birds rarely fly faster than 15 miles an hour, though the larger birds,
such as Cranes, Geese, Ducks, etc., move much more rapidly. At Red
Rock, Ind. Ter., between August 25 and September 5, 1884, the Cliff
Swallows and Nighthawks were conspicuous every morning and even-
ing, slowly drifting south and southwest in their fall migration. For
an hour and a half parties of birds would pass by in almost unbroken
succession. Many hundred Nighthawks were seen during a single even-
ing, and the number of Swallows was much greater. The result of
timing them on several occasions gave a rate of about 10 to 14 miles an
hour, the former being the more usual speed. This slow rate was
caused by the irregularity of the flight, as the birds captured their
evening and morning meals on the wing. The morning flight lasted an
hour only, and was made at about the same speed. ‘Thus a distance of
about 30 miles would be traveled by each individual during the morn-
ing and evening together, but no one can say how much farther, if any,
they traveled during the night.*
The advance of the hosts of Warblers, as they move incessantly for-
ward from tree-top to tree-top, is still slower, probably being but a few
miles during a whole day. Geese in their northward flight along the
[* The material gathered from the keepers of light-houses seems to indicate that
neither Swallows nor Nighthawks migrate to any extent after night fall_—C. H. M.]
16
Atlantic coast traverse great distances, sometimes covering from 300 to ©
600 miles at a single flight; and it cannot be said positively that the
larger birds do not do the same over the land. Still, the records so far
made seem to indicate that the smaller land birds, such as Warblers,
Finches, and the like, do not perform long journeys at one time when
over land, but their voyages over the Gulf of Mexico prove that even
these small species possess great power of flight.
The preceding discussion shews that we are entirely wanting in exact
knowledge on the subject, and that for some time to come all we can
hope to do is to gather material. In this connection the facts accumu-
lated by the keepers of light-houses are of the utmost importance, and
the publication of the report containing these data is looked for with
great interest.
THE RELATION OF MIGRATION TO BAROMETRIC PRESSURE AND TEM-
PERATURE.
In studying the spring migration of 1884 use was made of the tri-daily
weather reports of the Signal Service, of which about 50 stations were
in or near the Mississippi Valley. These reports give the temperature,
state of barometer, dew point, direction and force of wind, amount of
rainfall, and character of the sky. The observations on which they are
based were taken at7a.m.,3p.m.,andilp.m. In the following study
the 11 p. m. records were used for those birds which migrate by night,
and the 7 a. m. records for such species as Ducks and Geese, which per-
form the bulk of their movements in the forenoon.
To render the study more easy, weather maps were made, one for each
day, based on the 11 p.m. observations. The maps were made as nearly
as possible like those now printed daily by the Signal Service at Wash-
ington; that is, the state of the weather and the direction of the wind
were marked at each station on the map in symbols which are plain and
easily comprehended, so that the eye could take in at a glance the gen.
eral state of the weather in the whole Mississippi Valley. At each
station the temperature, state of barometer, and force of wind were indi-
cated. Dotted lines were then drawn connecting all places having the
same temperature, and solid lines connecting places of equal baromet-
ric pressure. The former, called isothermal lines, were drawn for every
five degrees of Fahrenheit; while the latter, called isobaric lines, were
drawn for every tenth of an inch of pressure. The area of the lowest
pressure is never stationary, but is constantly moving, and in an east-
erly direction. It may be moving northeast, east, or southeast, and
rarely north or south; but never northwest, west, nor southwest. The
usual direction in the Mississippi Valley is a little south of east. It so
happens that the particular wave which we study moves northeast-
ward, but this is an exception to the general rule. Though it may-
move south or north for a time, it will surely turn east in the end.
In the body of the report, under the Purple Martin, the relation of
17
migration to atmospheric cold and warm waves is discussed, and the
statement is there made that the warm waves begin in the northwest
and move toward the southeast. The cause of this lies in the move-
ment of the area of low pressure. It is a law of the movement of winds
that they go toward an area of low pressure, and from an area of high
pressure. If, then, an area of low pressure develops, say in southwestern
Dakota, it will be but a few hours before a south or southeast wind will
be blowing over Nebraska and Kansas, and a warm wave will be started
in these States. As this area passes eastward to Minnesota its effect
will begin to be felt in Iowa, Missouri, and Arkansas, while by the time
it has reached Lake Michigan it will probably have produced southeast
winds even to the Gulf of Mexico. But an area of low pressure is fol-
lowed by one of high pressure, producing an opposite effect, and the
isotherms which bent north to welcome the coming of the low area turn
rapidly southward before the icy breath which blows from an area of
high pressure. Thus the cold and warm waves both come frem the
same quarter, and both move in the same direction; that is, the direc-
tion in which the area of low pressure is advancing. Since it is known
that low pressure is generally accompanied by clouds and rain, while
areas of high pressure are cloudless, it would be naturally supposed
that migration would take place during high pressure; but, as has
already been stated, the area of low pressure attracts a south wind, and
the increased warmth more than overbalances the cloudiness. Fully 60
per cent. of the spring migration of 1884 took place in cloudy weather.
It is probable, though I am not aware that it has as yet been proved,
that in the fall migration the reverse is the case, and the larger move-
ment takes place in clear weather.
Following is a full record of the relation of migration to atmospheric
conditions for the seven days from March 19 to 25, 1884, contrasted with
a week’s migration in May.
March 18,1884, at 11 p. m., there was no marked ‘atmospheric dis-
turbance throughout the United States. The minimum of the cold
wave had occurred the day before and the temperature was gradually
rising in the Upper Mississippi Valley. It is this part of the Mississippi
Valley (from latitude 39° northward) to which the present study is con-
fined. The temperature was quite high (50° at Saint Louis, and 37° at
Saint Paul), but fell rapidly from Saint Paul northward tili it reached
20° at Moorhead, Minn.* The barometer varied only two-tenths of an
inch from 29.9 inches in eastern Arkansas and southern Illinois to 30.1
at Moorhead, Minn. The prevailing winds were very light EH. to N.
The weather was cloudy, with several light rains. There was little
change toward the morning of March 19, except the shifting of the wind
to N. and NW., while the area of low pressure moved east to Cape
Hatteras. Very little migration took place, and the few birds that
*It need hardly be said that no one can follow these remarks intelligently without
referring to the map accompanying this report. °
7365—Bull. 2 2
18
were moving northward may be well called “birds of the first wave,”
that is, Ducks, Geese, Blackbirds, Meadowlarks, Robins, and Blue-
birds. These are the birds with which we have to deal in the study of
these seven days. Migration was reported from southern Wisconsin
and northern Illinois. against a northeast wind, with the temperature
but two or three degrees above freezing, and from east-central Kansas
under slightly warmer conditions. It seems likely that some of these
notes belong to a warm wave which occurred two days before, but it is
also certain that some Ducks and Geese were migrating in the early
morning hours, straight against the northerly winds.
March 19 at 11 p. m. an area of sightly lower pressure had just passed
over the Upper Mississippi Valley, and the barometer rose steadily
all night. Between Saint Pdul and Saint Louis the temperature re-
mained the same as the day before; northward it was slightly higher;
the winds were light, and were everywhere from NE., NW., and W.-
The temperature ranged from 45° at Saint Louis to 26° at Moorhead.
The average barometer, at 11 p. m., was 30.07 inches, and at 7 a.m. of
the 20th, 30.15 inches. Cloudy weather was reported everywhere ex-
cept in the Lake Superior region. In general, the condition may be
said to have been very unfavorable for migration, yet new arrivals were
still noted from the same places as on the day previous, with the ad-
dition of records from southeastern Dakota, eastern Iowa, and south-
central Iowa. It would seem that the Ducks and Geese were so desirous
of reaching their breeding grounds that they pushed northward in
spite of the wind and the clouds, as soon as the temperature rose two
or three degrees above freezing, regardless of the fact that the winter’s
snow still covered the ground, and the lakes and rivers were still bound
with ice. Not until a week later did any streams open in the region
which was now being invaded by the migrating hosts.
March 20 was characterized by very high barometer and by a marked
advance of the isotherm of 30° to points north of Duluth ana Moor-
head. There was no place in the Upper Mississippi Valley at 11 p. m.,
March 20, where the pressure was less than 30.2, and in western Da-
kota it was 30.3. Calm weather orvery light north winds prevailed, with
clear weather along the Mississippi and the Great Lakes, and cloudy
weather with light rains on the Missouri. The minimum tempera-
ture at Saint Louis was 43°; at La Crosse 37°; at Saint Paul 20°, and
at Moorhead 23°. It was a moderately fair night for migration. The
culmination of the high pressure was reached, and already in the soutia-
ern Rocky Mountain region the low pressure was developing which
was to bring about the immense movements which took place during
the next three days; already the isotherms in that quarter were begin-
ning to move northward and the wind along the Gulf coast had changed
to SE. The birds seemed to have a foreknowledge of the approaching
change, for twice as many ‘firsts’ were recorded as during the two
previous days. Some of these came from central Missouri, where the
19
change was at this time slightly felt. The main portion came from the
same districts as on the day previous. There was practically no ad-
vance of the van, but a filling up of the country already traversed by
the scouts.
On the night of March 21, at 11 p. m., an area of low barometer (29.9
inches) was passing eastward across the Upper Mississippi Valley and
was central at North Platte, Nebr. It produced SH. winds of moderate
strength in all the Mississippi Valley except the extreme northern part,
above La Crosse. The temperature rose throughout the district to 56°
at Saint Louis and 35° at Saint Paul; but north of this, beyond the in-
fluence of the SE. wind, it fell rapidly to 18° at Moorhead and 11° at
Saint Vincent. The isotherm of 40° was carried up to La Crosse. As
morning approached, the temperature still rose in the northern part
and the sky became overcast with some local clouds and rain. It was
a night of much migration, owing to the influence of the area of low
pressure, which at 7 a. m., March 22, was central at Omaha and Yank-
ton, where the barometer at 3 p. m. registered 29.74 inches. This was
a fall at Yankton of .32 inch during sixteen hours, while the center of
the low area moved but a few miles; and the necessary result was a
great rise in temperature and consequently great movements among
birds. But the movements took place only to the east of the low press-
ure area; for it is a law of atmospheric circulation that the winds are
attracted from the south, not directly toward the center of the low press-
ure area, but toward places to the east of it in the same direction that
it is moving, while the winds which it attracts from the north move
toward places to the west or behind it. Migration, therefore, would be
looked for in vain to the south, west, or north of Yankton. The whole
of this immense movement, which in number of records was as great as
that of the three previous days together, and in number of individuals
was many times greater, took place to the southeast and east of Yank-
ton. The SEH. winds prevailed up to La Crosse, and this place also
marked the limit of the night’s movement in that direction. A map
was made of the migration which took place on this day, and it was
found to cover a very nearly circular area, 200 miles in diameter, the
center of which was midway between Keokuk and Davenport. Some
idea of the great number of birds which were migrating during this ni ght
may be had from the fact that at Saint Louis twenty-six different species
were noted as having arrived or increased. It is well to bear in mind
that all these birds were migrating on a rapidly falling barometer, hence
in the face of what is usually considered a sign of an approaching storm ;
and it may be noted also that all this great movement did not advazce
the van, which remained where it had been before.
March 23, bird migration was at a standstill. The area of low press-
ure, which was central at Yankton in the afternoon of the 22d, had
moved to Saint Paul by 11 p. m., the barometer falling steadily to 29.61
inches. During the night it moved NE. to Marquette, Mich., falling
20
still more to 29.56 inches. In the mean time an area of high pressure
developed at Dodge City, Kans. The effect on the wind was as fol-
lows: From Saint Louis southward the winds began to shift to SW.; to
the northwest of that place they became NW. and N.; while to the
northeast of Saint Louis they shifted to SW. and W. As would be
expected, those places which had W. and NW. winds had clear skies,
while the district from Saint Panl and La Crosse to Chicago and east-
ward was cloudy. The temperature from Saint Paul northwest, north,
and northeast rose. At Saint Paulit was stationary, and thence south-
ward it feil a few degrees, but stillremained warm. The wave of migra-
tion seems to have exhausted itself in a single night. Some forty
‘firsts’ were recorded for this day, but, except at two places, they
seem to have been arrivals of the previous day, which had been over-
looked. These two stations, Waupaca, Wis., and Heron Take, Minn.
(with its neighborhood), furnished one-half of the forty records, and
both are on the northern edge of the district covered by the preceding
night’s migration. It seems, then, that at these places there was a local,
though, in the case of Heron Lake, a very large migration.
March 24 was marked by cloudy weather after a clear night. South-
erly winds prevailed over the Upper Mississippi Vailey, varying from
SH. to SW., and mostly light. The temperature had fallen, on an av-
erage, 5° from Chicago to Bismarck and northward. It had risen
strongly 9° to 11° at Yankton and Omaha, this rise probably being the
cause of the arrival of immense numbers of water-fowl during the day ©
at Heron Lake, Minn., all coming from the west, that is, from the
direction of Yankton, at which place at 7 a. m. aS. wind was blowing.
It was a day of general low pressure. The whole district, from Cairo
to Moorhead, was included between 29.80 and 29.89 inches. Northward
and eastward, in Manitoba and at Marquette, Mich., the barometer fell
to 29.65; in the southwest, at Fort Smith, Ark., it fell to 29.71; and
westward, at Deadwood, Dak., it rose to 30. An area of low pressure
developed at Fort Smith, Ark., in the early evening of March 23, and
became pronounced during the next twenty-four hours. At 7 a. m. of
the 24th the effect of this area was hardly felt, but by night the wind
had been attracted to it over most of the Upper Mississippi Valley,
bringing from the north colder, clearer weather. This day, therefore,
was the turning point, and the beginning of a cold wave which was
already felt to the northwestward of Cheyenne. The temperature at
il p. m., March 24, was 47° at Saint Louis, 42° at Chicago, 50° at Des
Moines, 37° at Saint Paul, and 32° at Moorhead.
This was the last day of the warm wave which commenced on the
evening of March 21, and the birds made the most of their opportunity
aud advanced a whole degree farther north. The hosts which had
rested during the night of the 22d moved forward and fully occupied
all the country up to latitude 45°, with an innumerable host along the
Mississippi River at 45° 25’, and scouts up even to 47° on the Mis-
souri.
21
That this was the culmination is easily seen from the records, which
fell from seventy-three notes on the 24th to but seventeen the next day.
Let us now calculate the average conditions under which birds were
migrating during these seven days. A few more than three hundred
records of ‘firsts’ were contributed for these seven days, and the tem-
perature at which the species were migrating is found to be as follows:
25°, one record (a Goose, in more senses than one) ; 29°, a cousin to the
last; 31°, eighteen firsts; 33°, twelve firsts; 35°, eleven firsts; 37°,
forty firsts; 39°, forty-one firsts; 41°, fifty-two firsts; 43°, sixteen
firsts ; 45°, twenty-five firsts; 479, five firsts; 49°, seventeen firsts; 519°,
nine firsts. Thus it will be seen that the favorite temperature for mi-
gration of “birds of the first wave” ranges from 37° to 41° Fahrenheit.
In cloudy weather there were 143 records; in clear weather 101, or
exactly 60 per cent. cloudy, to 40 per cent. clear.
With reference to the wind, it has been found that with the wind
north there were 29 records; NE., 31; H.,12; SH., 75; 8., 23; SW.,
27; W., 39; and NW., 9. It will be noticed that the most unfavorable
winds, namely, the EK. and NW., are directly opposite those winds
which have the greatest number of records. Combining, we have for
K. and W., 51 records; for NW., N., and NE., 69; and for SH., 8., and
and SW., 125 records, showing how greatly the birds prefer a southerly
wind to help them on their journey.
The effect of barometric pressure will appear from the following
statement: March 19 there were 24 records with an average pressure
of 30 inches; March 20, 35 records at 50.04inches; March 21, 43 records
at 30.24 inches ; the 22d, 82 records at 30.15 inches ; the 23d, 45 records
at 29.80 inches ; the 24th, 73 records at 29.85; and the 25th, 17 records
at 29.86 inches. These give an average of exactly 30 inches, or the
normal pressure; but it must be remembered that the great wave of
the 22d began when the pressure was very high and took place on a
falling barometer. It is probable that a large number of observations
taken throughout the season would give from 29.93 to 29.95 as the
average pressure at which most birds migrate.
The above study of the influence of atmospheric conditions upon mi-
gration pertains to a single week in March, when the first wave was
passing over the Upper Mississippi Valley. A similar study will now
be made for a week in May, just before the close of migration for the
spring. The seven days from May 4 to May 10, 1884, have been chosen.
This brief period includes two warm waves and an interim of inde-
terminate nature. Naturally, the birds were migrating under very dif-
ferent conditions, and, as a result, a very different set of birds was con-
cerned. One may look in vain for notes on Ducks, Geese, Robins, and
other early species. In their stead the brilliantly-colored Orioles, Gros-
beaks, Indigos, and Tanagers will be found. In the place of the frost
and cold of March, there is a summer temperature with frostless nights,
and swarms of insects are ready for the Warblers, Vireos, and Fly-
22
catchers. But the laws of atmospheric movements remain unchanged,
and their effect on the movements of birds is the same in kind, but
slightly different in degree. A north wind still retards their move-
‘ments, but it comes with no icy breath, and when the fancy takes them
they move easily against its no longer dreaded force.
May 3, the record began at 11 p. m., at which time there was an area
of low pressure in northeastern Dakota and Manitoba, the barometer
being very low at Qu’Appelle (29.38 inches). Most of the Mississippi
Valley was included between 29.7 inches and 30.0 inches, the latter
being the reading all along our eastern border.
This low area produced southerly winds over most of the district,
there being nothing but 8S., SE., and SW. winds in the region north of
Saint Louis. The temperature was high (58° to 61°) along the Missis-
Sippi and the lower Missouri to Saint Paul and Omaha, falling to 55°
at Saint Vincent and Bismarck, and falling rapidly around the lakes to ~
42° at Marquette. South of Milwaukee and Omaha the weather was
cloudy; north of these places, clear. During the night the low area
moved south to a point alittle below Bismarck, the south wind still blow-
ing over the Mississippi Valley, with increased cloudiness in the north-
ern part. By 3 p.m. May 4, West Las Animas, Colo., was the center
of the low area, and there was a decided fall in pressure over all the
United States east of the Rocky mountains, causing the south wind to
blow still harder, with clouds and local rains in the Upper Mississippi
Valley. Such was the preparation for the bird wave of the night of
May 4, for after 3 p. m. the low area turned northeastward and passed
directly across the upper part of the district, being central at Yankton
at 11 p. m., with a pressure of 29.64 inches. Thus all the migration
during the nights of May 3 and 4 was on a falling barometer—on the
night of the 4th with cloudiness, and on both nights with warm south-
erly winds.
In the study of migration in May, one must deal almost entirely with
the 11 p. m. weather observations, for towards the latter end of migra-
tion the movement is for the most part by night. It is true that a few
birds, the Warblers for instance, move a little during the daytime, pass-
ing slowly from tree to tree; but short distances only are made in these
journeyings, leaving the bulk of the movement to be performed at night.
During the night of May 3 but few movements took place, and more
than half of these were around Saint Paul and to the northward, where
the influence of the low area in Manitoba was already beginning to be
felt. The full advance was postponed until the next night, which was
one of great movement over most if not all of the country between Saint
Louis and Manitoba. The districts which furnished but nine records
for the night of May 3, on the next night showed nearly seventy. The
wave seems to have been most pronounced in Iowa, northern linois,
southern Wisconsin, and at Saint Louis, with a heavy wave in Mani-
toba and another in northern Texas; but it is not unlikely that this
23
seeming volume was due in part to the greater number of observers,
for in each district the number of records of this wave was about pro-
portionate to the number and excellence of the observers. It seems
probable that to the northeastward the limit of the wave was at Madi.
son, Wis., and thence up the Mississippi to Saint Paul. There is a
striking similarity in the species which were reported from the sta-
tions between Saint Paul and Saint Louis, but while the northern
stations reported the first males, Saint Louis reported the first females
and bulk. Nearly one-half of the record is made up of notes on the
Baltimore Oriole, Orchard Oriole, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Indigo Bunt-
ing, Bobolink, Catbird, and Redheaded Woodpecker. No less than
twelve records of the Baltimore Oriole were sent from six different
States. These species would now be looked for in vain in the notes
from Manitoba. A great bird wave was felt there, it is true, but the
species composing it were totally different, being those, like the Yellow-
rumped Warbler and White-crowned Sparrow, which passed through
the central district some weeks before. As in the great wave studied in
March, about half as many notes were reported the day after the wave
had passed (in this case May 6), but these notes came from the same
places as the day before, and were in ones and twos, indicating that
they treated of species which arrived the day before but escaped notice.
The only exception to this was in ncrtheastern Wisconsin, where the
notes indicated a large local wave; but, even here, it seems more likely
that the observer was unable to be in the field May 5, and consequently
did not see the arrivals until the next day.
The period described above was followed by a north wind. The low
area had passed east of the Mississippi Valley, and was followed by
colder and at the same time cloudier weather. During May 7 and 8
there was not a record of the whole eighty with a S., SH., or SW. wind.
But the birds did not stop. There seems to have been a regular though
not rapid advance, for on the night of May 6 there were thirty-six rec-
ords, every one with N. or NW. wind and cloudy sky. Had this state
of things lasted but a single night, one might be inclined to regard the
records as mistakes on the part of the observers, but the whole eighty
records for the two nights can not be wrong, and the inference is that
during the latter part of migration there is no night so unfavorable but
that some migration takes place.
The least movement of the seven nights under consideration took
place on the night previous to May 9. A low area had developed two
days before in Manitoba and had passed across Lake Superior, becom-
ing central at Port Huron May 8, at 11 p.m. It had produced a great
rise of temperature (5° to 11°) in the Upper Mississippi Valley—so much
so as to make this section actually warmer than the middle portion. At
La Crosse the thermometer registered 70°; at Saint Louis, 65°; Omaha,
69°; Little Rock, 669; Bismarck, 55°; Fort Elliott, 53°; but the area
extended so far north that the south wind it caused was of too short
24
duration to start migration. The notes received came from places where
the southerly winds were felt, principally in northeastern Illinois, with
the single exception of a batch of records from central lowa, where a
northwest wind prevailed. The weather over the whole of the district
was clear, with an average barometric pressure of about 30 inches.
In western Nebraska and eastern Colorado the barometer, though
high, was falling, and during the daytime of May 9 it fellrapidly. At
Yankton, during the sixteen hours previous to 11 p. m., May 9, the press-
ure fell .34 inch to 29.74inches. Thus the low area developed right in
the Mississippi Valley, and its influence was speedily felt, bringing on
southerly winds and sending northward almost the last great wave of
the spring migration. The temperature did not vary much from that
of the night-before, except to rise a little in the immediate vicinity of
the low area and to fall at La Crosse and northeastward; the sky was
mostly clear; the wind variable—the low area not having had time to
fully affect the winds. All the records came from places where the
winds were southerly—consequently from the cloudy places—so that
although the larger part of the Upper Mississippi region was clear, the
cloudy records form 73 per cent. of the whole number. Another thing
was noticeable, namely, that notwithstanding the fact that the sky was
cloudy, yet the dew point was many degrees below the temperature,
showing that the air was very dry. The average of the difference be-
tween the temperature and dew point of the records of May 5 is only
four degrees, with a range from 0° to 8°, showing that the air was al-
most fully saturated with moisture. The records of May 1i show an
average difference of fifteen degrees, with a range from 11° to 33°.
Thus it will be seen that the humidity of the atmosphere has little or
no effect on migration, and can be left out of future investigations.
This wave of the night of May 9, like the one of five days before, was
very extended. Along the western shores of Lake Michigan, where the
weather had been cold and disagreeable for the four days previous, it
was most strongly felt. Then little or no movement was noted until
_ the Mississippi was crossed. Here, from Keokuk to Moorhead, the
~-night was marked by great activity, and the movement extended in a
southwesterly direction as far as southern Nebraska and Kansas. No
notes were sent from southern Dakota, and itis probable that almost
no migration took placein that Territory, as certainly none did in Man-
itoba. Nor was the movement of special importance south of Keokuk.
The influence of the low area had not yet extended south of that point,
and it was not until the next night that a full bird wave occurred at
Saint Louis. The above is an excellent example of a bird wave and a
warm wave both working from the north southward.
Recapitulating, in the same manner as was done for the March notes,
it is found that the temperatures at which migration was made are as
follows: At46° there were 29 records of firsts; at 52°, 11 records ; 55°,
116 records; 59°, 66 records; 63°, 70 records; 67°, 9 records. Thus, in-
25
stead of a favorite temperature ranging from 37° to 41°, as was the case
in March, it is found that from 55° to 60° is the favorite temperature for
nearly the last wave. Indeed, 63° is about the average temperature at
which the real rear guard, composed of Cuckoos, Whippoorwills, ete.,
usually moves.
In cloudy weather there were 184 records, and in clear weather 113 ;
or 62 per cent. in cloudy to 38 per cent. in clear weather, as against 60
and 40 per cent., respectively, in March. The records with relation to
the wind are as follows: Wind N., 64 records; NH.,0; H.,6; SH., 47;
S., 49; SW.,42; W., 23; NW., 33; or for N., NE., and NW., 97; with
138 for S., SE., and SW.
The average barometer for 298 records was 29.88 inches, against 30
inches,in March.
A STUDY OF THE ‘BIRD WAVES” WHICH PASSED UP THE MISSIS-
SIPPI VALLEY DURING THE SPRING OF 1884.
The following study, for obvious reasons, must be considered as an
experiment, known to be incomplete, and wanting in many essential de-
tails. The project was not thought of until migration had commenced ;
no instructions were issued to observers to note bird waves; only a few
sent in any specific notes on the subject, and most of the information
relating to it had to be picked out of a mass of notes not pertaining to
the question, and so intimately connected with other themes as to be
difficult of separation. Under such adverse conditions no attempt
would have been made to study the bird waves were it not for the ex-
treme importance of the subject. It is during the nights of bird waves
that the bulk of migration takes place. This is especially true of fall
migration, though to a large extent of spring also. To study migration
successfully it must be studied when most active. Moreover, it is on
bird waves that the action of the weather is most apparent; hence, these
waves furnish the readiest means of studying the relation between me-
teorology and migration. The greatest drawback is met with in the
difficulty of accurately observing and reporting bird waves. It is by
far the hardest part of the field work in the study of migration, and
requires more time and more constant presence in the field than most
observers can give.
The only station at which the successive bird waves were accurately
and fully noted was that at Saint Louis, Mo, where Mr. Otto Wid-
mann, the most careful, competent, and painstaking observer in the
district, spent nearly the whole time in the field. For the present,
then, all that can be done is to take the bird waves of Saint Louis as a
text and see how far they extended, and how the movements of birds
at other places agreed with them. From the absence of material, it
will be impossible to study all the waves of the Mississippi Valley.
Those observed at Saint Louis will be given in full, not only to serve
26
as a basis of comparison, but also to serve as a model for observers in
future years.
The expression “bird wave” has been used many times. The term
is capable of two interpretations; consequently, two methods of study
are possible.
(1) A “bird wave” may be considered to consist of a very large num-
ber of individuals, of one or many species, which suddenly invade a
certain area. In studying such a wave it is necessary to ascertain the
species of which it is composed and the boundaries of the area over
which it extends.
(2) Certain species, known to be migrating in company on a given
day, may be considered to constitute a ‘* wave,” and their progress may
be watched from day to day and from week to week.
This latter mode of study is applicable to the earliest waves only, for
it is only early in the season, if at all, that the same species which are
together in the south keep together during the entire journey. In all
the later waves the species migrating in company change from day
to day. Hence no attempt will be made to follow waves of this char-
acter; and the first, or bird waves proper, will alone be dealt with.
It is usually believed that all birds reach their winter quarters by
the end of December, but in this respect the winter of 1883-’84 was
exceptional. The fall of 1883 was very warm, and: from latitude 39°
southward there was no cold weather before Christmas. About this
time, however, the real winter set in, and by January 2 it had extended
southward to latitude 33°. Hence, fall migration did not end until the
first week in January; and since spring migration began in central
Mississippi on January 11, but little time was left between the end of
the southward and beginning of the northward movement. It is to be
observed, however, that the southward movement of January 1 was con-
fined chiefly to the Thrush and Sparrow families, while the northward
movement consisted wholly of water-birds. As examples of this late
staying of birds at the north the following may be selected: Dr. G.S.
Agersborg reported from Vermillion, Dak. (latitude 42° 56’), that ‘in
early January birds were few, probably owing to previous mild weather.
On January 5 winter set in, with the thermometer at 344° below zero,
and by the end of the month all our winter residents were here except
the Bohemian Waxwing, the Evening Grosbeak, and the Magpie. Pur-
ple Grakles and Cowbirds did not leave until December 26, a later date
by twenty-seven days than any noted since 1867, when i commenced
to record arrivals and departures.”
At Saint Louis, Mo. (lat. 38° 40’), the cold spell set in with a snow-
storm January 1, causing most of the Bluebirds, Shrikes, Red-tailed
Hawks, Red-shouldered Hawks, and Gulls to retreat southward, and
bringing down large numbers of Crows. )
From Anna, Ill. (lat. 37° 30’), C. W. Butler reported: ‘Until Janu-
ary 2, I could pick strawberry biossoms growing out of doors and
27
uncovered; and all our winter residents were herein great numbers.
But January 2 a heavy storm set in, and on the 4th the mercury was
—21°, the coldest day for twenty years. Ducks and a great majority of
our winter birds left and stayed away during the cold spell, which
lasted through January.” Stillfarther south, H. Nehrling, from Pierce
City, Mo. (lat. 36° 56’), reported that “ilarris’s Sparrow, the Fox
Sparrow, the Song Sparrow, and Towhee, after being common in the
early winter, all left about January 1.” At Caddo, Ind. Ter. (lat. 34°
11’), the children were barefoot on Christmas Day, and the woods were
full of birds and bird song; after the cold spell of January 2 the woods
were found still and almost tenantless.
First wave of 1884.—Turning now to northward movements, it is
found that the first spring wave occurred at Saint Louis (lat. 38° 40’),
in the latter part of January. Its record is as follows: January 25,
a warm wave set in which continued until February 5; the warmest
day (maximum 67°) was January 30. During this time the creeks were
free from ice after the 29th, and the ice broke up in the Mississippi.
The first wave brought the advance guard of Robins (ierula migrato-
ria), Red-winged Blackbirds (Agelaius pheniceus), Purple Grackles
(Quiscalus quiscula), Mallards (Anas boschas), Sprig-tails (Dafila
acuta), and Canada Geese (Branta canadensis). The Bluebirds (Siahia
sialis), Shrikes (Lanius ludovicianus), Red-tailed Hawks (Buteo boreal-
is), Red-shouldered Hawks (Buteo lineatus), and Gulls (Larus argen-
tatus smithsonianus), which had left during the coldest term, returned.
Many Gulls passed, going north, and the vast multitude of Crows
(Corvus americanus), whose numbers had swelled to something near
50,000 during the first half of January, decreased rapidly after the 26th.
This being the state of atfairs at Saint Louis, it remains to deter-
mine the boundaries of the wave. As would naturally be expected, a
large stretch of country south of Saint Louis was affected. In the
extreme south, in Mississippi, the same wave of warm weather was
found, but since water-fowl and other birds had been passing and re-
passing all the month no special effect on migration was noted. On
reaching southern Illinois a state of things exactly similar to that at
Saint Louis was found. Thus at Anna, Ill. (lat. 37° 30’), the “Ducks,
which had left January 2, began to return and remained off and on
during February, which was variable, raining and freezing alternately”
(C. W. Butler). West of Anna, at Pierce City, Mo. (lat. 36° 56’), on
January 30 and 31, the Robins and Bluebirds, which had been sent
South by the cold of January 2, returned; and large flocks of Red-
winged Blackbirds passed north, followed a day or two afterward by
large flocks of Canada Geese, Brant, Snow Geese, Mallards, Pintails,
and Teal. Even as far southwest as Caddo, Ind. Ter. (lat. 34° 11’),
the same wave was felt. It began there January 24, but was not de-
cidedly felt until the 28th. It entirely obliterated all signs of winter
and started the first spring migration. Ducks and Geese moved a
28
little, and most of the birds deserted their thick winter coverts, ap-
pearing in town and on the prairie, while all the songsters burst forth
in full spring melody. Blackbirds, both Red-winged and Cowbirds,
increased decidedly ; grass started everywhere, and one wild flower
was found. ;
Directly east of Saint Louis the wave can be traced to Odin, Ill. (lat.
38° 39’), where the atmosphere was warm from January 27 to February
4, The snow had all gone, and Geese appeared January 31, followed by
Ducks February 2. West of Saint Louis the migration of Bluebirds
was observed at Mount Carmel, Mo. (lat. 38° 45’), and of Robins and
Geese at Glasgow, Mo. (lat. 39° 14’).
Above are the limits of this wave, which, although of great extent to
the south, east, and west of Saint Louis, proceeded no farther north.
A study of the Signal Service report shows the reason for this. AlJ-
though the warm wave was felt for several hundred miles north of Saint
Louis, yet its power was not sufficient to produce any marked thaw or
breaking up of the streams. Indeed, even in the latitude of Saint
Louis, no marked effect was observed, except in the lowlands. Stations
in the vicinity of Saint Louis, and only 30 or 40 miles farther north, did
not feel its influence. And the same is true in the West. In Kansas
there was no movement of birds. At Manhattan (lat. 39° 12’), though
in the same latitude, there was no migration, and the Signal Service
reports show that the nights were cold, and winter reigned until a month
later. An apparently accidental movement was reported from Unadilla,
Nebr. (lat. 40° 53’, I’. C. Kenyon), where Geese arrived January 31, and
Ducks February 2; butit is possible that these birds were driven back
from the north, as both Ducks and Geese had been reported January 11
from Vermillion, Dak. (lat. 42° 56’)—a locality where they had never
before been seen in winter.
places, but am not aware that there are any facts.on which the notion is based.—
CHM, 7
a
thence northward. In the spring of 1884 they appeared at Gainesville,
Tex., March 2; Manhattan, Kans., March 8; Saint Louis, March 11;
and Heron Lake, Minn., March 24. At Waupaca, Wis., they were seen
March 29, and at Vermillion, Dak., April 38. April 16 they were re-
ported from Portage la Prairie, Manitoba.
In the spring of 1885 the first were seen at Emporia, Kans., March
18; at Heron Lake, Minn., March 30, where they were common ihe next
day. They were reported ol Taporte City and Emmetsburgh, Iowa,
April 1; and from Menoken, Dak., and Ossowo, Manitoba, April 6
and 7. In the fall of 1885 the last left Heron Lake, Minn., November
27. Mr. Lloyd says that in Tom Green and Concho counties, Tex.,
they are tolerably common in early winter.
148. Aythya marila nearctica Stejn. [614.] Blue-bill; Scaup Duck.
After wintering in the Southern States, especially along the Gulf
coast, the Big Black-head passes over the entire length of the Missis-
sippi Valley, to nest in Manitoba and northward. In 1884 it was re-
ported from Carlinville, Ill., February 13; Laporte City, Iowa, March
22, and the next day reached Heron Lake, Minn., where a few remained
to breed. It arrived at Portage la Prairie, Manitoba, April 16.
In the spring of 1885 this was the only species of Duck whose record
did not contain an irregular note. It was seen at Laporte City, Iowa,
(lat. 42° 18’), March 27; Emmetsburgh, Iowa (lat. 43° 8’), March 30;
Heron Lake, Minn. (lat. 43° 48’), April 1; Huron, Dak., (lat. 44° 21’,
two observers), and Menoken, Dak. (lat. 46° 58’), April 3; and Shell
River, Manitoba (lat. 50°), April 7. The most southern breeding record
of this species was from Clear Lake, Iowa (lat. 43° 26’), In the fall of
1885 the last was seen at Heron Lake, Minn. (iat. 43° 18’), November 27.
149. Aythya affinis (Eyt.) [615.] Little Blue-bill; Lesser Scaup Duck.
Range much the same as that of the last, but known to breed as far
south as Clear Lake, Iowa. It is an abundant summer resident in
western Manitoba. In 1884 it came to Saint Louis, February 26, and
after being driven away by the cold, returned March 11; advanced to
Burlington, lowa, March 12, and on the 24th was reported from Ver-
million, Dak., Storm Lake, Iowa, Heron Lake, Minn., and Portage la
Prairie, Manitoba.
in the fall of 1884 the first migrant appeared at Emporia, Kans., ©
November 8. ;
In the spring of 1885 the notes on its migration were too irregular to
be of any value. In the fall of 1885 the last was seen at Heron Lake,
Minn., November 9. The first migrant appeared at Saint Louis, Mo.,
September 22. In western Texas it is tolerably common in winter.
150. Aythya collaris (Donov.). [616.] Ring-necked Duck.
This is known in northern Minnesotaas the “Fall Duck,” and is very
abundant during fall migration. A few breed in Minnesota, at least as
12
far south as Minneapolis, where its eggs have been taken by Dr. Thomas
S. Roberts. It was reported as breeding at Clear Lake, lowa, and thence
northward. Its range is much the same as that of the Scaup Ducks.
In 1884 it was seen at Saint Louis, Mo., and Manhattan, Kans., March
20 and 21, at Green Bay, Wis., March 26, and Red Wing, Minn., April 2.
In the fall of 1884 the first migrant appeared at Emporia, Kans., Octo-
ber 24. :
In the spring of 1885 the first was seen at Des Moines, lowa, March
19, and at Heron Lake, Minn., April 1. The last was seen at Des
Moines April 9, and at Heron Lake April 15. In the fall of 1885 the
first was seen at lowa City, lowa, October 3, and at Emporia, Kans.,
October 10. The last record from Heron Lake, Minn., was November
%; and a few were still present at Lanesboro, Minn., November 30.
Mr. Lloyd states that they are common in Concho county, Tex.
151. Glaucionetta clanguia americana (Bonap.). [620.] Golden-eye; Whistler.
Breeds in the Northern States. During the winter the Golden-eye is
found wherever there is open water, even as far north as the Great
Lakes. It was seen on Lake Michigan (near Chicago) ail winter in
188384, and also winters on Lake Hrie. A flock was reported as re-
maining all winter in an open creek near Fridley, Minn., but probably
it was composed of Barrow’s Golden-eye (G. islandica), which has been
found often in Minnesota during the winter. In migration in the spring
of 1884 the common Golden-eye reached Laporte City, Iowa, March
16, Heron Lake, Minn., March 23, and Green Bay, Wis., March 28.
The bulk arrived at Green Bay April 13.
During the winter of 1884-85 many Golden-eyed Ducks remained,
-as usual, at the southern part of Lake Michigan, near Chicago.
In the spring of 1885 migrants were noted at Laporte City, lowa,
March 30, Fernwood, Ill., April 4, Heron Lake, Minn., April 1, Green
Bay, Wis., April 10, and Shell River, Manitoba, April 28.
152. Glaucionetta islandica (Gmel.). [619.] Barrow’s Golden-eye.
A northern species, coming south in winter irregularly to Manitoba
and the Upper Mississippi Valley. One was taken at Mount Carmel,
Ill., in December, 1874 (Nelson), and one at Minneapolis, Minn., Jan-
uary 13, 1877 (Roberts). Dr. Roberts states that a few years ago, at
the falls of Saint Anthony, in Minnesota, ‘‘a flock of these ducks used
to spend the winter in the pool below the cataract.”
153. Charitonetita albeola (Linn.). [621.] Sutterball: Buffle-head.
Breeds at Clear Lake, Iowa, Heron Lake, Minn., and northward,
Winters on Lake Michigan (at Chicago); on the Lower Missouri river,
and southward. In eastern Texas it is abundant in winter near the
coast (Nehrling). in 1884 the bulk arrived at Burlington, Iowa, March
13, and at Vermillion, Dak., the first were seen the same day. They
arrived at Storm Lake, Iowa, and at Heron Lake, Minn., March 24.
13
March 25 they were seen at Polo, Ill., and April 4 at Red Wing, Minn.
In the spring of 1885 the first were noted at Shawneetown, Il., Feb-
ruary 27, Emporia, Kans., March 13, Des Moines, Iowa, March 24,
Laporte City, Iowa, March 30, Fernwood, Iil., March 31, New Cassel
and Luck, Wis, April 4, and Shell River, Manitoba, April 27.
In the fall of 1885 they returned to Fernwood, Ill., September 12,
were common there October 3, and ieft Heron Lake, Minn., No-
vember 30. Rare in Concho county, Texas, where one was shot in the
spring of 1886 (Lloyd).
154. Clangula hyemalis (Linn.). [623.] Old-squaw.
This and the six following species breed in the far North, entering
the Mississippi Valley in winter only, and chiefly in the northern and
middle portions, near the great rivers and lakes. The Old-squaw is
found throughout Illinois in winter, and small flocks are occasionally
seen during the fall migration at Saint Louis, Mo., Vermillion, Dak.,
and in Minnesota.
155. Histrionicus histrionicus (Linn.). [622.] Harlequin Duck.
The Harlequin Duck breeds in British America and migrates south-
ward in fall. Itis found throughout Dlinois in winter, and has been
taken at Saint Louis, Mo.
160. Somateria dresseri Sharpe. [627a.] American [ider.
Breeds along the Atlantic coast from Maine to Labrador; migrates
south and southwest in winter, often reaching the Great Lakes. Has
been taken in Illinois (Nelson), and Wisconsin (Hoy).
162. Somateria spectabilis (Linn.). [629.] King Eider.
Breeds in the northern portions of the northern hemisphere; in fall
migrates south, occurring on the Great Lakes in winter. There are
records from Illinois (Ridgway), and Wisconsin (Hoy).
163. Oidemia americana Sw. and Rich. [630.] Black Scoter.
Breeds far north, coming south in winter to the United States. It
has been found at Saint Louis, Mo., and Laporte City, Iowa, and
is a rare visitant to Minnesota. Mr. C. W. Butler writes that on May
2, 1883, he saw fifty at Anna, IIL, all busily engaged in picking up
millet seed that had just been sown.
165. Oidemia deglandi Bonap. [632.] White-winged Scoter.
Generally distributed throughout Illinois in winter, but most common
on Lake Michigan. Has been taken once at West DePere, Wis., twice
in Minnesota, and once at Saint Louis, Mo.
266. Oidemia perspicillata (Linn.) [633.] Surf Scoter.
Occurs in winter on all the larger streams in Illinois, as well as on
Lake Michigan. Has been taken at Saint Louis, Mo., and at Laporte
City, Lowa.
74
167. Hrismatura rubida (Wils.). [634.] Ruddy Duck.
The Ruddy Duck breeds over much of the Mississippi Valley, from
Texas to Minnesota, and winters from southern [llinois southward.
Dr. Watson recorded it from Ellis, Kans., in these words: “A variably
common transient visitor; once a pair nested here.” In the spring of
1884 the first was seen at Saint Louis February 26, and Vermillion,
Dak., March 28. It was seen at Caddo, Ind. Ter., during fall migra-
tion, but not in the spring. In the fall of 1884 the first was seen at
Emporia, Kans., October 24.
In the spring of 1885 the only note received was the record of its
arrival at Emporia, Kans., April 18. In the fall of 1885 the last was
seen at Heron Lake, Minn., November 7.
168. Nomonyx dominicus (Linn.). [635.] Masked Duck.
A tropical American species, accidental in the United States; one
specimen taken at Lake Koshkonong in Wisconsin (Kumlien).
Chen cerulescens (Linn.). [590.] Blue Goose.
Breeds on Hudson Bay; migrates through the Mississippi Valley,
and winters along the Gulf coast, in mild winters extending up to
northern Mississippi and southern Llinois. During migration it was
noticed at Burlington, Lowa, where the bulk arrived March 20, 1884.
169. Chen hyperborea (Pall.). [59la.] Lesser Snow Goose.
Breeds in Alaska; a regular migrant in the Mississippi Valley ; win-
ters abundantly on the Gulf of Mexico. In Kansas it is a common
migrant, and a few sometimes winter. In 1884 it was reported from
West DePere, Wis., and Alda, Nebr. In Tom Green and Concho coun-
ties, Tex., it is tolerably common during spring migration.
It migrates early. In 1884 large flocks were seen at Pierce City,
Mo., by the last of January, and one flock had arrived at Saint Louis.
No more wererecorded until after the ‘‘second winter.” At Caddo, Ind.
Ter., it was first seen March 10. March 19 and March 20 it appeared at
Manhattan, Kans., and again came to Saint Louis. March 21 it reached
Vermillion, Dak., and four days later was at Huron, Dak. It was re-
ported from Menoken, Dak., April 12, and the next day at Larimore.
Farther east the bulk reached Burlington, Iowa, April 1, and the first
came to Storm Lake, Iowa, March 25, the bulk following on the 14th,
which was the day that the last was seen at Saint Louis. |
In the fall of 1884 the first flock of Snow Geese was seen at Emporia,
Kans., October 20, after which date the species was common there.
In the spring of 1885 it was noted from Richmond, Kans., March 4;
Fayette, Mo., March 10; Unadilla, Nebr., March 11; Linwood, Nebr.,
March 25; Sioux City, Iowa, March 30; Huron, Dak., March 31; Grand
View, Dak., April 1; Fernwood, Hl., April 4, and Two Rivers, Mani-
toba, April 14. In the fall of 1885 it returned to Argusville, Dak.,
September 20; to Saint Louis, Mo., October 27, and to Bonham, Tex.,
15
October 3. It was common at Argusville, October 4, and at Bonham
October 23.
169a. Chen hyperborea nivalis (Forst.). [591.] Greater Snow Goose.
The eastern representative of the preceding ; occurs in winter chiefly
along the Atlantic coast, but sometimes enters the Mississippi Valley.
In western Manitoba it was reported to be an abundant spring migrant,
but less common in the fall (Thompson). Possibly the foregoing was
mistaken for it.
171a. Anser albifrons gambeli (Hartl.). [593a.] White-fronted Goose.
Breeds in the far North; winters in the Gulf States and southward,
in mild winters occurring as far north as southern Illinois. Migratory
over the rest of the Mississippi Valley. In 1884 the first reached Man-
hattan, Kans., March 8, where they were common March 15. March
20 they arrived at Saint Louis; and April 1 at Vermillion, Dak. The
bulk came to Storm Lake, Lowa, April 14.
In the spring of 1885 the first report of arrival was from Des Moines,
Iowa, April 1. The only other notes were from Menoken, Dak., April
23, and Ossowo, Manitoba, May 11. In the fall of 1885 the last was
seen at Heron Lake, Minn., November 2.
Dr. Agersborg says that in southeastern Dakota it is a rare migrant,
‘always found associating with the Snow Geese.” Mr. Lloyd states
that in Tom Green and Concho counties, Tex., it is “ tolerably common
in winter.” Mr. Nehrling states that in eastern Texas, near Houston,
it “is the first Goose to arrive from the North in autumn, but they all
migrate further south.”
172. Branta canadensis (Linn.). [594.] Canada Goose.
Winters in the southern half of the United States, and breeds on both
sides of our northern boundary. It breeds regulariy at Heron Lake,
Minn., and has been known to breed in southern Illinois (Nelson). Such
is a brief statement of its range, but the records in the winter of 1883~84.
furnish material for a more detailed statement. During December
Geese were not uncommon up to latitude 38°, but during the extreme
cold of January only stragglers could be found north of latitude 35°.
January 11 a flock of 25 to 30 was seen at Vermillion, Dak., where
they had never before been seen in winter. January 4 a flock of fifty
passed over Manhattan, Kans., flying east. Krom Caddo, ind. Ter.,
southward they were seen all winter, or at least every few days. The
first movement took place in January. January 11 they passed over
Yazoo City, Miss., flying north, and when the warm waves came the
last of the month they pressed rapidly forward. They reached Saint
Louis January 22. January 25 was a great day for Geese, many troops
going north. February 1 they passed north over Pierce City, Mo., in
large flocks, and arrived at Glasgow, Mo., Odin, Il., and Unadilla,
Nebr. February 4 the first movement was noticed at Abbeville, La.,
16
among the flocks which had been wintering there. But all this move-
ment was cut short by the cold of February and the first week of March.
During the rest of February there was but little movement and no real
progress. Geese were reported during February from Richmond, Iowa,
Osceola, Il., and Linwood, Nebr., but were not noted from neighbor-
ing stations, and were not followed by more until March. They must
be considered as irregular migrants possessed of more ambition than
brains.
The real migratory movement dates from February 26. On this day
the regular migrants began to pass over Eagle Pass, Tex., and the great
bulk began to leave southern Louisiana. This wave reached Caddo,
ind. Ter., March 3; Darlington, Ind. Ter., March 5, and latitude 39° in
Missouri and Illinois about the 10th. From this parallel northward the
advance will be traced along the three lines of migration: east and
west of the Mississippi, and along the prairie region. March 13 the
flight advanced to latitude 41° 36’ in Illinois; March 15 to latitude 319°
51’ at Chicago, where a flock of over a thousand was seen flying east,
probably aiming for the open waters of the lake; March 16 to latitude
41° 58/ in Illinois, and latitude 42° 37’ in Wisconsin; March 20 and 21
to latitude 43° 02’, 45° 06’, and 43° 47’ in Wisconsin. West of the Mis-
sissippi the record reads: March 13 the advance was at latitude 41°
05’, and latitude 419 19’ in Iowa; March 12 it was at latitude 41° 38/
and 41° 42’ in Iowa; March 14 at latitude 41° 40’ and latitude 42° 01’
in Iowa; March 15 at latitude 42° and 42° 55’ in Iowa. Hence it ap-
pears that from the 12th tothe 15th of March many Geese were passing
through central Iowa. March 20 they were reported at latitude 43° 19’
in Iowa; March 22 at latitude 43° 43’ in Minnesota; and March 23 at
latitude 44° 47’, 45° 05’, and 45° 25’ in Minnesota, and at Portage la
Prairie, Manitoba (latitude 50°).
On the prairies the notes indicate arrivals, March 13, at latitude 42°
56’, in Dakota; March 20, at latitude 44° 15’, 44° 21’, and 469°, in Dakota;
March 24, at latitude 46° 58’ and 47° 52’, in Dakota; and April 3, at
Two Rivers, Manitoba, latitude 49° 28’.
The bulk passed through northern Illinois about March 19, through
southern Wisconsin March 23, and the middle of the State March 27.
It crossed Iowa from March 20 to March 22, and reached central Min-
nesota about the Ist of April. Still further west the bulk came to
latitude 39°, in Kansas, about the middle of March, passed through Ne-
braska the 18th to 20th, and was uniformly reported in Dakota, up to
latitude 46°, on March 24; and then, as if delayed by the April storms,
was not given at latitude 46° 58’, in Dakota, until April 22. The bulk
left southern Wisconsin about April 1, and Kansas the first week of the
month. Wecan not help envying Mr. Powell, who writes, that April
11 they were gradually leaving Alda, Nebr., after coming all in a bunch,
and that he killed forty in one day over decoys in the Platte river.
(i
In the fall of 1884 the first migrant was reported from Mount Carmel,
Mo., November 11. It first appeared at Emporia, Kans., September 25,
and the species had become common there by October 20.
In the spring of 1885 few Geese left their winter home until the
migration season had fairly opened; the winter had been too severe to
invite them to remain north of their usual winter range. |
taken April 18. ‘
In the fall of 1885 the first came to Lanesboro, Minn., August 21; to
Emporia, Kans., August 31. It was last seen at Saint Louis, Mo., |
August 31. E,|
247. Hreunetes occidentalis Lawr. [541?.] West-rn Sandpiper.
An inhabitant of the western province of North America; breeding
in the far North. Mr. Lloyd states that in Tom Green and Concho |
counties, Texas, it is ‘common in spring and fall, arriving in spring,
April 10 to May 12; in the fall, from September 4 to October 20.”
248. Calidris arenaria (Linn.). [542.] Sanderling.
Breeds in the high North; in migration one of the rarest of the family
in the Mississippi Valley, but common along the sea-coast. Has been
reported from Lawrence, Kans., and from Missouri, Dlinois, Minnesota,
and Manitoba. In winter and early spring it is common along the coast
of Texas (Merrill and Sennett).
249. Limosa fedoa (Linn.). [543.] Marbled Godwit.
A common summer resident in Manitoba; also breeds within our bor-
der. In June, 1879, it was found breeding abundantly in the Traverse
Lake region, in western Minnesota (Roberts and Benner, Bull. N. O.
C., Vol. V, 1880, pp. 13, 18). It was reported by Mr. Preston as breed-
ing at Clear Lake, fowa, and is known to breed in Nebraska, Dakota,
and Minnesota (and perhaps also in Texas). It is not known to breed
in Kansas. In southeastern Texas it is aspring and fall migrant.
In the spring of 1885 about twenty birds of this species were seen at
Huron, Dak., May 3.
251. Limosa hemastica (Linn.). -[545.] Hudsonian Godwit.
A migrant in our district; has been noted from a few localities only.
Though generally considered a rarer bird than the preceding, Dr.
95
Agersborg gave it as more common—indeed, as an abundant species
‘during migration in southeastern Dakota. In 1884 the bulk arrived at
Vermillion, Dak., May 3. In 1885 a flock of twenty-five was seen at
Emporia, Kans., May 8.
254. Totanus melanoleucus (Gmelin). [548.] Greater Yellow-legs.
Breeds from the Northern States northward, and occurs in thousands
along the Gulf coast in winter. In 1884 migration commenced early in
March. March 11it was seen at Caddo, Ind. Ter.; the nextday at Alton,
Ill., and during the last week of March it was reported from Manhattan,
Kans., and Newton and Laporte City, Iowa. During the first week of
April it appeared at Alda, Nebr., and Polo, ll.; southern Minnesota
was reached April 19, and southeastern Dakota two days later. May
4 it was reported from Menoken, Dak., and about May 12 it reached
Portage la Prairie, Manitoba. This species was still abundant in south-
ern Louisiana March 12, but left soon after. It has been seldom found
breeding in the United States, but has been so noted from northern
Illinois, and from Heron Lake, Minn., where it is a common summer
resident. In the fall of 1884 the first migrant appeared at Emporia,
Kans., October 12.
In the spring of 1885 it appeared at Gainesville, Tex., March 11;
Saint Louis, Mo., March 26; Emporia, Kans., March 27; Sioux City,
Iowa, April 12; Heron Lake, Minn., April 12; Des Moines, Iowa, April
16; Fernwood, Ill., and Lanesboro, Minn., April 20; and Shell River,
Manitoba, April 24.
In the fall of 1885, ‘ firsts’ were noted from Lanesboro, Minn., Sep-
tember 7; Milwaukee, Wis., August 17; Emporia, Kans., August 12;
and San Angelo, Tex., September 4. At Lanesboro, Minn., the last
was seen October 23.
255. Totanus flavipes (Gmelin). [549.] Yellow-legs.
The movements of this species are much the same as those of its
larger congener, with which itis oftenfound. Like the Greater Yellow-
legs, if is a common summer resident at Heron Lake, Minn., and has
been found breeding in northern Tlinois. Its times of migration agree
very closely with those of the last.
In the fall of 1884 the first flock of Yellow-legs appeared at Emporia,
Kans., September 13.
In the spring of 1885 but few notes were received on the movements
of this species. It reached Shell River, Manitoba, in company with
the Greater Yellow-legs, April 24. In the fall of 1885 the returning
flocks were first noted at Emporia, Kans., August 12.
266. Totanus solitarius (Wils.). [550.] Solitary Sandpiper.
A common inigrant throughout most of the Mississippi Valley; breeds
from Illinois northward, and probably also in Kansas and Nebraska,
In 1884 it appeared at Gainesville, Tex., March 14; and at Des Moines,
96
Towa, April 26. At Saint Louis, Mo., the first record was May 5 and
the last May 22.
In the spring of 1885 no records were received of the movements of
the Solitary Sandpiper from any point south of Emporia, Kans., where
it arrived April 23. The next day it was seen at Saint Louis, Mo., and
Aledo, Hl.; May 2 at Manhattan, Kans.; May 3 at Huron, Dak.; May
4 at Des Moines, Iowa, and May 9 at Lanesboro, Minn. At Saint Louis,
Mo., the last was noted May 12.
In the fall of 1885, it was seen for the last time at Fernwood, IIL,
September 26, and at Saint Louis, Mo., September 25. It had appeared
at San Angelo, Tex., September 7. Dr. Agersborg says itis very rare
in southeastern Dakota. Mr. Lloyd says that in western Texas it is
tolerably common in September, but rare in spring.
Symphemia semipalmata inornata Brewster. [552 in part.] Western Willet.
Breeds from the Gulf States northward. Occurs during migration
throughout the Mississippi Valley, and, unlike the previously mentioned
members of the family, does not proceed far northward. Near Hous-
ton, in eastern Texas, it is a common resident (Nehrling). It breeds
throughout Illinois, and Mr. Preston reported it as a rare breeder near
Newton, Iowa. In Kansas and southern Dakota it was marked as a
rare migrant in the spring of 1884, the bulk arriving at the latter place
May 3. In northern Dakota and western and northwestern Minnesota
it breeds abundantly. It was seen at Chicago, Ill., May 13, though of
course this record must not be considered that of first arrival.
In the spring of 1885 but two records were received of the movements
ofthe Willet. It arrived at Emporia, Kans., May 2, and at Heron Lake,
Minn., May 10. (For the description of this recently separated sub-
species, see the Auk, Vol. IV, No. 2, April, 1887, pp. 145-147).
261. Bartramia longicauda (Bechst.). [555.] Bartramian Sandpiper; Field Plover.
The Upland Plover is common throughout our district, and breeds
from Kansas and Illinois northward. Usually it is thought not to
winter in the United States, but Mr. Lloyd shot one at San Angelo,
Tex., in January, 1883. In the spring of 1884 migration commenced
early in March, and the van reached Saint Louis March 17. March
25 aud 26 it was reported from Ellis, Kans., Storm Lake, Iowa, and
Tampico, Ill. There was evidently a halt called when the storms of
April commenced, and no further advance occurred until April 14, with
the exception of some stragglers at Linwood, Nebr. On that day and
the next it appeared at Polo, IIL, Laporte City, Iowa, and Unadilla,
Nebr. During the rest of April it passed on to latitude 45° in Minne-
sota, and to Vermillion, Dak., latitude 42° 56. Upland Plover were seen
at Barton and Huron, Dak., May 4 and 5; at Argusville, Dak. (lat. 47°
8’), May 10; and at Menoken, Dak. (latitude 46° 58’), May 1; these last
must have been stragglers. At Red Rock, Ind. Ter., they were constantly
seen and heard all summer, so that although no nests were found they
3
may be put down as summer residents in the Territory. During the
spring thousands passed over, reminding one strongly of the great
flocks of Passenger Pigeons seen in Wisconsin and Minnesota.
In the fall of 1884 the first Field Plover appeared at Abbeville, La.,
August 1, where the species became common August 4.
In the spring of 1885 the migration was about two weeks later than
in 1884. The first appeared at Abbeville, La., March 20; at Bonham
and Gainesville, Tex., March 28; at Saint Louis, Mo., and Odin, IIL,
April 2; Hennepin, Il., April 5; Emporia, Kans., April 7; and from
April 10 to 15 at Manhattan, Kans., Unadilla and Linwood, Nebr.,
Grand View, Dak., Newton, Grinnell, and Emmetsburgh, lowa, and
Aledo, Ill. From April 20 to 23 it was seen at Stoughton, Lake Mills,
and Leeds Centre, Wis.; April 27, at Huron, Dak. (two observers);
April 28 at Heron Lake, Minn., and May 4 at Menoken, Dak., and Shell
River, Manitoba.
In fall migration in 1885 it was very common at San Angelo, Tex.,
July 7, and was last seen at Bonham, Tex., September 2.
262. Tryngites subruficollis (Vieill.). [556.] Buff-breasted Sandpiper.
A rather rare and very irregular migrant in the Mississippi Valley.
Dr. Agersborg states that it is an abundant spring migrant in south-
eastern Dakota; and Dr. A. K. Fisher tells me that in August, 1874, he
saw hundreds of Buff-breasted Sandpipers on the dry prairie at May-
wood, Cook county, Ill., only 10 miles from Chicago, and that he shot
numbers of them.
In the spring of 1884 a flock was seen at Gainesville, Tex., May 5.
(For additional remarks on its occurrence in Texas see Bull. Nutt.
Ornith. Club, Vol. VI, 1881, pp. 61, 62.)
263. Actitis macularia (Linn.). [557.] Spotled Sandpiper.
An abundant migrant in most parts of the Mississippi Valley. Breeds
commonly in Manitoba, and many stop to breed all along their course,
after wintering in the southern States. April 23 and April 26 it ap-
peared at Manhattan, Kans., and Saint Louis, Mo. The next two days
it was found in southern Minnesota and northern Illinois. At Alda,
Nebr., it arrived May 2, and at Portage la Prairie, Manitoba, May 5.
In the fall of 1884 the last Spotted Sandpiper left Des Moines, Towa,
September 17. Z
In the spring of 1885 the notes were very irregular. The first was
seen at San Angelo, Tex., March 9; at Paris, Ill., and Lanesboro, Minn.,
April 23; Des Moines, Iowa, April 24; Manhattan, Kans., and Iowa
City, lowa, May 2; and Minneapolis, Minn., May 11.
In the fall of 1885 the last was seen at Lanesboro, Minn., October 22.
264. Numenius longirostris Wils. [558.] Long-billed Curlew.
Occurs over the whole of the Mississippi Valley, and is known to
breed throughout most of its range. It winters in the southern States,
7365—Bull. 2——7
98
where it is resident, and occasionally is found in winter in southern
Illinois. Colonel Goss states that in Kansas it is a rare summer
resident, but a common migrant. Mr. Lloyd says that in Texas it
winters in Concho county, but not in Tom Green county. It migrates
early, and March 11, 1884, at Darlington, Ind. Ter., hundreds were seen
in three flocks. For afew days it flew east and northeast at night,
and in the opposite direction in the morning. April 3 it reached Alda,
Nebr., and two days later Vermillion, Dak:; April 16 it reached Ar-
gusville, Dak., and April 24 Menoken, Dak. By May 4 it had come to
Larimore, Dak.; and May 9 was reported from Oak Point, Manitoba.
It passed Saint Louis April 1, and through central Iowa April 15.
During the winter of 1884~85 the Long-billed Curlew remained at
Eagle Pass, Tex., where it was seen January 7 and February 9.
In the spring migration of 1885, from April 10 to April 15, it was
noted at Emporia, Kans.; Emmetsburgh, Iowa; Heron Lake, Minn. ;
Grand View, Dak., and Huron, Dak. It reached Larimore, Dak., April
26. In the fall of 1885, the returning flocks appeared at Emporia, Kans.,
August 5, and at San Angelo, Tex., August 20. At Fernwood, Il, the
last were seen October 13.
265. Numenius hudsonicus Lath. [559.] Hudsonian Curlew.
A common migrant in most parts of the Mississippi Valley, winter.
ing in the Southern States. Rare in Kansas (Goss). It does not breed
within our limits. The only record received came from Heron Lake,
Minn., May 1, 1884.
266. Numenius borealis (Forst.). [560.] Eskimo Curlew.
The most abundant of the three Curlews. Migrates through the Mis-
sissippi Valley in immense numbers, but does not stay to breed or to
winter. In the spring of 1884 the first came to Saint Louis, Mo., and to
Caddo, Ind. Ter., March 25, and the prairies were fairly alive with them
at Caddo, April 2. On the same day they were noted from Wise county,
Tex., and Alda, Nebr. April 3 found a few at Heron Lake, Minn., and
the bulk arrived at Vermillion, Dak., May 3.
In the spring of 1885 the first Eskimo Curlew appeared at Gaines-
ville, Tex., March 7; one was found in the Saint Louis market April 6;
they reached Emporia, Kans., April 13, and Heron Lake, Minn., April
24.
270. Charadrius squatarola (Linn.). [513.] Black-bellied Plover.
This species is more numerous along the coast of the United States
than it 1s in the interior, but it has been found throughout the Missis-
sippi Valley and in Manitoba during its migrations. It breeds in the
far North. In most of the State lists it is marked rare, but we have
several records of its occurrence in anything but small numbers. The
most interesting came from Alda, Nebr., whence Mr. Powell writes:
‘¢ In southeastern Nebraska it is usually rare, but May 21, 1883, I saw
thousands of them on the Platte river. The weather had been rainy
99
for a few days before I saw them, with the wind from the south, but on
that day the wind blew stiff from the north, with broken clouds flying,
and the air pretty cold. The birds were on the hay-flats on the south
side of the river. I drove up the valley seven or eight miles, and was
not out of sight of large flocks any of the time. They were wild and I
Killed only three.”
In the spring of 1884 there was no regularity in the notes on this
species, and probably the fault was in the birds. At Polo, U1, the first
was seen April 30, and the day before at Heron Lake, Minn., they were
found in flocks which stayed about two weeks. At Alda, Nebr., a good
many passed over during the nights of April 25 and 27. On April 16,
flocks of thousands were seen at Argusville, Dak., and the bulk was
given as arriving at Vermillion, Dak., May 5.
In the spring of 1885 the first Black-bellied Plover was seen at Hen-
nepin, Il., April 2; at Heron Lake, Minn., April 24; and at Huron,
Dak., May 5. The last at Hennepin, Ill., was seen May 3.
272. Charadrius dominicus Miill. [515.] Golden Plover.
Breeds in the Arctic regions, and occurs in migration throughout the
Mississippi Valley and Manitoba. Inthe spring of 1884, at Caddo, Ind.
Ter., the first came about March 11; between March 21 and 27, it was
noted from latitude 39° in Missouri to latitude 41° 42’ in Iowa, and to
Chicago, Ill. Then no more records were made until after the April
storms. About April 16, it began to move again, and April 24 it was
reported from Unadilla, Nebr., and Leeds Centre, Wis.; April 29 it
reached Heron Lake, Minn., and the first week in May was reported
from Argusville and Larimore, Dak. In southeastern Dakota it is very
abundant during migration.
In the fall of 1884 the first Golden Plover was seen at Emporia, Kans.,
October 22; and at San Angelo, Tex., where it was reported as a winter
visitant, flocks of hundreds were seen in November.
In the spring of 1885 the van reached Gainesville, Tex., March 17,
They were found in the Saint Louis market March 26, and the same day
were seen at Odin, IIl., and Richmond, Kans. At Hennepin, II, a flock
was seen March 31. They came to Des Moines, Iowa, April 16; Fern-
wood, Ill., April 25; Heron Lake, Minn., and Argusville, Dak., May 4.
The last at Richmond, Kans., was seen May 8.
In the fall of 1885 the first was noted from Fernwood, Ul, July 15;
no more until August 3; common August 20; disappeared October 12,
Dr. F. W. Langdon states that in West Baton Rouge parish, La.,
in the spring of 1881, Golden Plover ‘frequented the pastures and
Stubble-fields from April 2 to 15, in flocks numbering from a dozen to
twenty individuals.” (Jour. Cin. Soc. Nat. Hist., Vol. IV, 1881, p. 154.)
273. Aigialitis vocifera (Linn.) [516.] Killdeer.
Breeds throughout the Mississippi Valley and Manitoba; an abun-
dant winter resident along the coast, and for 100 miles inland; less com-
400s
mon norin to raistade so~ ; and only occasional up vo southern Miinois,
In Texas it does not ordinarily winter north of latitude 33°. This is the
first plover to move northward, asually keeping but a few days behind
the Ducks, Blackbirds, and Robins. In the spring of 1884 Killdeer com-
menced their journey as usual in the latter part of February, but did
not make much progress during that month. A single one was seen at
Caddo, Ind. Ter., February 22, but it was a week later before the general
advance began. At San Angelo, Tex., Mr. Lloyd’s report states: ‘“ Al-
though many stay here all winter, they have been arriving in great
numbers since March 1, and will breed in a week or so.” Fresh eggs
were found at Eagle Pass, Tex., March 18, and at San Angelo from
March 9 to June 24. This wave of March 1 reached Gainesville, Tex.,
and Caddo, Ind. Ter., March 5 and 6, making the species quite common ;
but the buik did not arrive until March 11, by which time the first had
traveled to Saint Louis, Mo.; Odin, Hl.; Ellis, Kans.; and Manhattan,
Kans. Here then we have the van of migration stretching in an almost
- straight line due east and west for 700 miles. The northern limit of the
area over which the Kildeer wintered is a line curving southward as it
passes to the west, but the first spring wave started earlier in the West
than near the Mississippi, and by March 11 they were even all along the
line. From here the advance in Illinois took place March 13, and a cor-
responding advance in lowa March 16 to latitude 42°. March 23 and
24 there was an advance all along the line to latitude 43° 47’ in eastern
Wisconsin; to latitude 45° in Minnesota and western Wisconsin near —
the Mississippi ; to latitude 43° 48’ in western Minnesota, and up the Mis-
souri river to latitude 42° 56’ in Dakota. Continuing northward in the
West, they were observed at latitude 44° 21’ in Dakota on March 27, and
_April 14, had passed on up the Missouri to Menoken, Dak., latitude
46° 58’, April 23 they were at Portage la Prairie, Manitoba.
In the fall of 1884 the last Kildeer left Des Moines, Iowa, August 15.
At Mount Carmel, Mo., the first migrant was seen August 30, and the
last October 1.
In the spring of 1885 the record began with two irregular occurrences:
February 28 it was reported from Richmond, Kans., and Odin, III.
The regular advance was as follows: Corinth, Miss., March 1; Saint
Louis, Mo., and Ellsworth, Kans., March 2; Shawneetown, Ill., March
4; Paris, Il]., March 5; Glasgow, Mo., March 10; Unadilla, Nebr.,
March 11; Ferry, Iowa, March 12. And on March 14 it appeared at
Des Moines, Laporte City (two observers) and Newton, lowa, and at
Tampico (two observers) and Hennepin, Ill. From March 25 to 26 a
slight advance was made to Batavia, Iil., Delavan, Wis., and KEmmets-
burgh, Iowa. March31 and April 1 the Kildeer, with thousands of other
birds, made a long journey, appearing at Clinton, Milwaukee, Lake
Mills, Leeds Centre, New Cassel, and New Richmond, Wis.; Heron
Lake, Minn., and Huron, Dak. (two observers). It was reported April
4 at Argusville, Dak., and April 17 at Oak Point, Manitoba.
101
In the fall of 1885 the last was seen at River Falls, Wis., September
29; at Fernwood, Ill., September 10; at Grinneli, Iowa, October 17;
and at Iowa City, Iowa, October 24. The first migrant reached Bon-
ham, Tex., November 3; the next, November 4, and it had become com-
mon by the 11th.
274. Aigialitis semipalmata Bonap. [517.] Semipalmated Plover.
Winters from the Gulf coast and Texas southward, and passes up the
Mississippi Valley during April and May, to breed in the far North.
No dates of its migration were given in 1854.
In the spring of 1885 the only note on the northward migration of the
Semipalmated Plover was that of its arrival at Emporia, Kans., April
25, at which place it was common April 30. On its return it was noted
at Huron, Dak., September 1, and at Lanesboro, Minn., September 3.
277a. Aigialitis meloda circumcincta Ridgw. [520a.] Belted Piping Plover.
This is the form of the Piping Plover which inhabits the Missis-
sippi Valley, wintering south of our border, and breeding abundantly
from northern Illinois and Nebraska northward to Lake Winnipeg.
It is not yet known from Kansas. It was reported as breeding at Grin-
nell, Iowa, but was not noted during migration.
278. Aigialitis nivosa Cass. [521.] Snowy Plover.
A bird of the western province of North America, recently added to
our district by Col. N. 8. Goss, who, in June, 1886, found it breeding
plentifully on the salt plains along the Cimarron river in Indian Terri-
tory and southern Kansas. Still more recently, Mr. Sennett has pro-
cured it from southern Texas.
280. 4gialitis wilsonia (Ord). [522.] Wilson’s Plover.
A southern species, breeding along the South Atlantic and Guif
coasts; abundant along the coasts of Texas and Louisiana. Not
known from the interior.
281. Agialitis montana (Towns.). [523.] -Wountain Plover.
Inhabits the western portion of our district from western Texas to
western Dakota; breeds from Kansas northward. Mr. Lloyd says
that at San Angelo, Tex., it is Common in spring and fall, and that
some remain through the winter. Mr. Brown took it at Boerne, Tex.
At Ellis, Kans., it is a regular summer resident and is common.
283. Arenaria interpres (Linn.). [509.] Turnstone.
A bird of wide distribution. Breeds along the coast of Texas. Its
home is on the sea-coast, but it sometimes wanders into the interior,
and has been taken in Manitoba, Minnesota, and along Lake Michigan.
It was reported as an accidental visitant at West De Pere, Wis.
286. Hematopus palliatus Temm. [507.] Oyster-catcher.
Breeds plentifully along the Gulf coast, whence reported from Texas.
It is stated that the Oyster-catcher was always observed flying in pairs,
and that not more than two were ever seen together.
102
288. Jacana gymnostoma (Wagl.). [568.] Mexican Jacana.
A southern species, coming north to the valley of the Rio Grande, in
Texas (Merrill).
289. Colinus virginianus (Linn.). [480.] Bob-white; Quail.
Resident over all of the Mississippi Valley, except in the extreme west
and northwest. In Minnesota it has followed up the settlements, and
in the eastern part of the State has reached the line of the Northern
Pacific Railroad, about latitude 46°. At latitude 47° I neither saw it
nor heard of it. In southeastern Dakota it is abundant and has ad-
vanced to about latitude 44° 30’... Northwestern Minnesota and most of
Dakota are yet to be occupied by this species.
The question is often asked whether the habit Quail have of “lying
to a dog” is natural or acquired. To get a satisfactory answer one has
only to hunt in different parts of Indian Territory. In the region west
of Fort Sill the Quail never think of stopping when they see a dog,
but run as fast as possible, and upon his near approach they flush im-
mediately, just as we may suppose they do on the approach of a coyote.
In the eastern part of the Territory, near the railroad, the Quail lie quite
well toa dog, and as they are exceedingly abundant, excellent sport
may be had from November to March.
289b. Colinus virginianus texanus (Lawr.). [480).] Texas Bob-white; Texas
Quail.
This is the form which inhabits Texas, where all the stations reported
it as resident and common. Its range extends northward to western
Kansas.
Mr. Atwater writes from San Antonio, Tex.: “These Quails often
come close to the ranch and lay eggs in hens’ nests—I suppose on ac-
count of the protection thus afforded against snakes. I have hardly
ever found nests of any kind of bird on the ground. Lark Finches
always build in trees in this locality. These facts I explain on the
snake theory.” Mr. Lioyd found nests at San Angelo, Tex., May 12
and 14, 1882. These Quails raise two broods a year, nests having been
found in 1883 as late as August 18. Clutches of 12, 13, 14, 15, 14, and
12 eggs have been taken.
293. Callipepla sguamata (Vig.). [484.] Scaled Partridge; Blue Quail.
Like the last, the Blue Quail is resident in western Texas. It was
reported as rare at Eagle Pass, and common at San Angelo and Mason.
Mr. Henry says it is common for 75 miles north and west of Mason, Tex.
Mr. Lloyd gives the following information concerning its range: ‘The
habitat of this bird runs east [of San Angelo] about 30 miles. I shot
both male and female last May near the mouth of the [Concho] river,
and on inquiry found they were the first ever seen beyond the above
limit. The northeastern boundary of their range I believe is Runnels
and Taylor counties, near Abilene, on the Texas and Pacific Railroad.”
103
In 1882 Mr. Lloyd took a nest with 13 eggs at San Angelo, Tex.,
April 26, and another, containing 6 eggs, May 13. In 1884 a nest with
12 eggs was taken May 7.
Two specimens were shot at Bonham, Tex., latitude 33° 34’, in De-
cember, 1885, from a covey of about a dozen. The species had never
been seen before in that vicinity.
293a. Callipepla squamata castanogastris Brewst. [—]. Chestnut-bellied Scaled
Partridge.
This beautiful Quail inhabits eastern Mexico and the Lower Rio
Grande valley in Texas. The eastern limit of its range is defined by
the foothills of the Rio Grande, about 100 miles from the coast, below
which it is a rare straggler (Sennett).
295. Callipepla gambeli (Nuttall). [483.] Gambel’s Quail.
An inhabitant of northwestern Mexico and contiguous portions of the
United States; resident in western 'Fexas.
296. Cyrtonyx montezumee (Vig.). [485.] Massena Partridge; Massena Quail.
This species is found from western Texas westward and southwest-
ward. Mr. Henry recorded it as a rare resident at Mason, and Mr.
Lloyd says it is resident in Tom Green county, 20 miles west of San
Angelo.
297. Dendragapus obscurus (Say). [471.] Dusky Grouse.
A Rocky mountain species, recorded from the Black Hills.
298. Dendragapus canadensis (Linn.). [472.] Canada Grouse ; Spruce Partridge.
Principally resident in British America, but in winter occurs as far
south as Racine, Wis. In Minnesota it is resident from Minneap-
olis northward, becoming quite common in the immense forests of the
northeastern part of the State, and extending westward to the edge
of the prairie at White Earth.
300. Bonasa umbellus (Linn.). [473.] Ruffed Grouse.
hesident over all the Mississippi Valley except the southwestern
quarter. In Nebraska it has been seen in the southeastern portion
only, and though formerly known as a resident in eastern Kansas, is
not now known to occur in the State. Itis still reported from Missouri,
and is common in Iowa. It is very scarce in northwestern Arkansas
and is said not to occur in Louisiana, as it certainly does not in Indian
Territory and Texas.
300a. Bonasa umbellus togata (Linn.). [—.] Canadian Ruffed Grouse.
This sub-species is the form inhabiting the dense evergreen forests
of northern Maine and the British Provinces. It occurs as far west as
eastern Oregon and Washington Territory. Specimens collected by
Mr. Ernest E. Thompson have been sent from Manitoba and Lake of
the Woods to Mr. Ridgway, who pronounces them typical togata.
104
300b. Bonasa umbellus umbelloides (Dougl.). [473a.] Gray Ruffed Grouse.
This is a bird of the Rocky Mountain region and western British
America. Mr. Ridgway has examined specimens of it collected near
Carberry, in western Manitoba, by Mr. Ernest E. Thompson.
SOl. Lagopus lagopus (Linn.). [474.] Willow ‘Ptarmigan.
The Willow Grouse has been exterminated or driven away from most
of its range in the United States. Formerly it visited northern Illinois
in winter, but is not known to do so now. A few are still found in
Minnesota, where it is so rare that the Indians have no name for it.
The Willow Grouse was noted during the winter of 1883-1884 at Portage
la Prairie, Manitoba, by Mr. Nash, who states that it visits Lake Mani-
toba every winter.
$05. Tympanuchus americanus (Reich.). [477.] Prairie Hen; Pinnated Grouse.
The Prairie Hen is common on the prairies of the Mississippi Valley
from southeastern Texas and Louisiana aorthward as far as our bound-
ary, Which it reached in 1881. In 1883 it began to be common at Pem-
bina. In 1884 it became common at Winnipeg, Manitoba, and appeared
in large numbers at Portage la Prairie, on the Assiniboine River (lati-
tude 50°).* It has been gradually spreading westward, and previous to
the great extension of the railroad it kept just about abreast of the set-
tlements. Dr. Coues, writing in 1874, said that it then inhabited the east-
ern half of Minnesota, but he had no reason to believe that it occurred at
all in northwestern Minnesota or northern Dakota. In June, 1879, Rob-
erts and Benner saw several at Herman, Minn., 40 miles from the Dakota
line.t In 1880 I found it abundant in northwestern Minnesota up to
latitude 47° and only 40 miles from the Dakota line. I also heard that
it was then not uncommon across the Red river, at Grand Forks, Dak.
Now it has occupied the whole length of eastern Dakota, covering a strip
from 30 to 60 miles in width. At the same time it has spread from
middle to western Kansas, and from eastern Texas to Colman county,
a little west of the middle of the State. Mr. Nehrling says of it in south-
eastern Texas near Houston: “* Common resident on all the flat, grassy
prairies. Is becoming scarcer every year.” (Bull. Nut. Ornith. Club,
Vol. VII, 1882, p. 175.) In Indian Territory it is found as far west at
least as the middle of the State.
The following letter from Mr. OC. W. Nash, of Portage la Prairie,
Manitoba (latitude 50°), gives an interesting account of the invasion of
that locality by this species :
The first information I received of the appearance of the Pinnated Grouse in this
Province was from a farmer living about 8 miles north of this town (Portage la Prai-
rie), who had shot one in the fall of 1882. I did not see the bird, but from the descrip-
tion he gave me of it I could not mistake it. I immediately made inquiries among
the hunters of this locality, but no one else had seen it. In the fall of 1883 I again
heard of the bird in one or two places, but saw none myself. In the fall of 1884 it
2 * Ernest E. Thompson in The Auk, Vol. III, 1886, p. 153.
t Bull. Nutt. Ornith. Club, Vol. V, 1880, p. 18.
105
became plentiful, comparatively speaking, in this neighborhood and to the eastward,
that is to say, between here and Winnipeg. I had the good fortune to secure two
specimens in rather a lucky fashion. Iwas out with a friend, chicken shooting, Octo-
ber 6, 1884, at Burnside, a settlement 10 miles west of this town, when we saw a large
flock of Grouse alight in a stubble field near us. When we reached the field three
birds got up, of which I killed two with the first barrel, and the other with the sec-
ond barrel. Of the two first killed, one was a Pinnated Grouse, and the other a Sharp-
tailed Grouse; the one killed with the second barrel was a Pinnated Grouse. I got
no others, but heard of them from nearly all of my acquaintances who hunt. Strange
to say, all that were obtained, except one, appear to have been young birds, and this
one was in full plumage, having on each side of the neck the long, pointed feathers
peculiar to the species. So far as I can learn with any degree of certainty, these
birds are not yet (March, 1885) fonnd much west of the place where I killed mine,
nor farther north than 10 or 12 miles from Portage la Prairie. They are evidently
working in here from Minnesota and Dakota, and are following the grain. Up to this
time the Sharp-tailed Grouse has been very abundant, but, as might be expected, it
is getting scarcer in the vicinity of the towns. So far, both birds here associate to-
gether when they pack and find food in the stubbles.
We have here a case of northward migration of young birds in the
fall, similar to that which has been noticed so often in the case of the
Herons.
At Portage la Prairie none were seen in spring until 1885, when a
few were noticed and its *‘ booming” was heard for the first time.
The Prairie Chicken is commonly said to be a resident bird, and so it
is in the larger part of its range; but in lowaa regular though local
migration takes place. This has been mentioned by former writers, and
in the spring of 1884 a special study was made of the matter. Many
observers unite in testifying to the facts in the case, and, what is still
more important, there is not a dissenting voice. One of the observers
does not exaggerate when he says: ‘ Prairie Chickens migrate as reg-
ularly as the Canada Goose.” Summing up all the information received,
the facts of the case are as follows: In November and December large
flocks of Prairie Chickens come from northern Iowa and southern Min-
nesota, to settle for the winter in northern Missouri and southern Iowa.
This migration varies in bulk with the severity of the winter.
During an early cold snap immense flocks come from the northern
prairies to southern Iowa, while in mild, open winters the migration is
much less pronounced. During a cold, wet spring the northward move-
ment in March and April is largely arrested on the arrival of the flocks
in northern Iowa; but an early spring, with fair weather, finds them
abundant in the southern tier of counties in Minnesota, and many flocks
pass still farther north. The most remarkable feature of this movement
is found in the sev of the migrants. It is the females that migrate,
leaving the males to brave the winter’s cold. Mr. Miller, of Heron Lake,
Minn., fairly states the case when he says: “ The females in this lat-
itude migrate south in the fall and come back in the spring about one
or two days after the first Ducks, and they keep coming in flocks of
from ten to thirty for about three days, all flying north. The Grouse
that stay all winter are males.”
106
In the spring of 1884, at Iowa City, Iowa, the first flocks passed over
March 10, and the bulk March 22; at Newton, Iowa, the bulk was noted
March 23. The “ booming” of the species was recorded from March 7,
at Caddo, Ind. Ter., to March 24, at Barton, Dak. In the spring of 1885,
the commencement of booming” was noted at Richmond, Kans., March
1, and at Argusville, Dak., March 27. At Newton, Iowa, the northward
movement was very pronounced March 11.
Early nesting was reported at Durand, Wis., March 28; while at Ver-
million, Dak., in 1884, a nest with sixteen fresh eggs was found as late
as June 9.
In the fall of 1885, at Des Moines, Lowa, Pinnated Grouse were moy-
ing south in large numbers October 17.
307. Tympanuchus pallidicinctus (Ridgw.). [477a.] Lesser Prairie Hen.
This Prairie Hen inhabits the eastern border of the Great Plains,
from southwestern Kansas to western Texas. Colonel Goss records it as
“resident in southern Kansas; rare.” In Texas Mr. Lloyd states that
itis a winter visitor. He says:
Seen in October and November in Concho county, and also in winter on Middle
Concho, in Tom Green county. Abundant near Colorado City, on the Texas and
Pacific Railroad. I believe this record extends the range to the southwest. West-
ward it was abundant to the foot-hills of the Davis mountains. Said to have been
driven from the Pan Handle counties by the numerous prairie fires. (The Auk, Vol. IV,
1887, p. 187.)
308. Pediocetes phasianellus (Linn.). [478.] Northern Sharp-tailed Grouse.
The typical form is a British-American bird, reaching the United
States only along our northern boundary. It is resident in Manitoba,
and was reported as common at Portage la Prairie. Specimens sent
to Mr. Ridgway from western Manitoba by Mr. HK. E. Thompson are in-
termediate between true phasianellus and phasianellus campestris.
308b. Pedioceztes phasianellus campestris Ridgw. [—.] Prairie or Common
Sharp-tailed Grouse.
The home of the Prairie Sharp-tailed Grouse is on the plains and prai-
ries of the United States east of the Rocky mountains and south to
New Mexico. Dr. Agersborg states that at Vermillion, Dak., it ‘‘is get-
ting rarer every year.” I am indebted to Mr. Carr, of Waupaca, Wis.,
for the boundaries of its range in that State. He writes:
Sharp-tailed Grouse are quite abundant on Sisson’s prairie, Portage county, in the
fall of the year, but as soon as cold weather sets in they keep in the edge of the
woods. They are associated with the Prairie Hen (Tympanuchus americanus). They
range in the northwestern portion of the State, from about the center of Waushara
county, but are found most abundant in Waushara, Waupaca, Portage, Shawano,
and Marathon counties, though there are not many in the two latter.
Colonel Goss says they are still resident in middle and western Kan-
sas, but are becoming rare; while Dr. Watson says that in the vicinity
of Ellis, Kans., they disappeared in 1875 and since then the Prairie
Hen (7. americanus) has taken their place. Even in Illinois a few are
still found, according to Mr. Ridgway, on the prairies of the northern
107
part of the State, but are very scarce. They were recorded as rare resi-
dents at Grinnell, Iowa. In Grant and Traverse counties, in western
Minnesota, they are “tbe common Grouse of the region.” (Roberts and
Benner, Bull. Nutt. Ornith. Clab, Vol. V, 1880, p. 17.)
309. Centrocercus urophasianus (Bonap.). [479.] Sage.Grouse; Sage Cock.
In the Mississippi Valley district the Sage Cock is found only along
the extreme western edge of Kansas, Nebraska, and Dakota. Colonel
Goss gives it as resident in western Kansas, and cites Mr. Cavanaugh as
having often killed it among the sage brush in the southwestern corner
of the State. The Colonel does not state whether or not there is any
other record of the occurrence of the species in the State. This record
has been called in question by Dr. Watson, of Ellis, Kans., who says
there is not, and never has been, any sage brush in the southwestern
part of the State, and hence no Sage Cock. He suggests that the bird
Mr. Cavanaugh saw was the Chaparral Cock (Geococcyx californianus).
There is no reason to doubt the other records.
310. Meleagris gallopavo Linn. [470a.] Wild Turkey.
Occurs locally throughout the Mississippi Valley, south to eastern
Texas, and west to the plains; resident wherever found. The range of
this “the noblest of American game-birds” has been gradually con-
tracted by its extermination in tne settled parts of the country. In 1874
Dr. Coues gave its northern limit as not far from the southern boundary
of Minnesota. Dr. Agersborg states that it is resident, though not
common, in southeastern Dakota. In 1881 it was common in Knox
county, Ind. (Ridgway). It is still reported from Nebraska, Kansas,
and Illinois, growing more abundant to the southward until in Indian
Territory it is no longer uncommon. That itis abundant around Red
Rock, Indian Territory, I can testify from personal experience. Here
it rivals the Prairie Hen in numbers, and lying wel) to a dog affords
splendid sport. In the winter of 1883-84 flocks were seen which were
variously estimated as comprising from two hundred to five hundred
individuals. In the southern part of the Territory I have seen the
bottom of a lumber wagon piled up with the results of a single night’s
sport. If one wants Turkey hunting let him come to Indian Territory
from December 1 to the middle of January.
310a. Meleagris gallopavo mexicana (Gould). [470.] Mexican Turkey.
This, the original ancestor of the domesticated Turkey, inhabits the
table-lands of Mexico, western Texas, and Arizona. Specimens referred
to this form were taken by Mr. Atwater at San Antonio, Tex., where
the species is resident; its eggs also were secured. Mr. Lloyd says of
it in western Texas:
Resident. Once very abundant on every creek, but now rarely to be met with. I
flushed a hen from her nest—a depression in a patch of low bushes—May 29, 1882, con-
108
taining eight eggs; but I have frequently heard of them further south with ten to
fourteen eggs. Another brood was raised on a small rushy island in Brady creek, in
the eastern part of Concho county, the young running about June 1, 18383. (The Auk,
Vol. IV, 1887, p. 187.)
$11. Ortalis vetula maccalli Baird. [469.] Chachalaca.
The Chachalaca is an inhabitant of northeastern Mexico and the
valley of the Lower Rio Grande in Texas, where it is abundant.
313. Columba flavirostris Wagl. [457.] Red-billed Pigeon.
This large Pigeon inhabits Mexico and Central America, coming north
in summer to the Lower Rio Grande valley in Texas, where it breeds
plentifally.
315. Ectopistes migratorius (Linn.). [459.] Passenger Pigeon.
The Pigeonis irregular in all its movements, wandering both in winter
and summer in search of sufficient food to satisfy the hunger of its im-
mense hordes. Mr. Lloyd tells us that the Nueces cation, in southwestern
Texas, is the winter home of countless myriads of Pigeons, but for the
most part it is not a common species in the West. It winters usually
from latitude 37° and always from latitude 36° southward, though Iam
confident that not a bird wintered within 20 miles of Caddo, Ind. Ter., in
the winter of 1883~84, and most of the local gunners claim that it never
occurs in that part of the Territory. I never saw it there either in fall,
winter, or spring.
In fie spring of 1884 its northward journey commenced about the
middle of March, and by March 16, stations here and there had noticed
it up to latitude 42°. It was found about the forty-fourth parallel
March 23, and reached Elk River, Minn. (latitude 45° 25’), March 29.
The storms of April evidently delayed its progress, as it was not re-
- ported from Barton, Dak., until May 4, and did not reach Oak Point,
Manitoba, until May 20. The bulk was reported from Portage la Prairie,
Manitoba, May 12, a few having been seen previously. On May 21
fresh eggs were found.
In the fall of 1884 the bulk of Passenger Pigeons departed from
Williamstown, Iowa, September 15, and the last was seen there Sep-
tember 27. At Mount Carmel, Mo., the first migrant was seen Septem-
ber 9, and the last September 21. _
In the spring of 1885 the northward movement began somewhat
later than in 1884. The only records made previous to April 1 were:
Hennepin, Il., March 26, and Milwaukee, Wis., March 31. During the
first half of April migration was rapid though irregular, and April 18
the first arrived at Ossowo, Manitoba. In the fall of 1885 the first
appeared at Saint Louis, Mo., September 19; Mount Carmel, Mo., Sep-
tember 27;and at Shawneetown, IIl., October 3. The last at Elk River,
Minn., was recorded September 26, and at Mount Carmel, September 30.
This Pigeon is a common summer resident in Manitoba (Seton).
109
316. Zenaidura macroura (Linn.). [460.] Mourning Dove ; Carolina Dove.
A common breeder throughout the Mississippi Valley. From lati-
tude 36° southward this Dove can be found regularly and abundantly
throughout the year. Between latitude 36° and latitude 38° it isa
regular winter resident, occurring in flocks, butis not abundant; north
of latitude 38°, although many are found each winter, they are merely
single birds, that have found exceptionally favorable quarters. In the
winter of 188384 it was reported from as far north as southern Wis-
consin (at Delavan). In the West it is not common in winter north of
latitude 33°. In the spring of 1884, during the latter part of February,
slight movements occurred, and a few ‘firsts’ were noted, but probably
these were birds that had wintered not far off and were merely chang-
ing their feeding grounds. No real movement took place until about
a week after the Passenger Pigeons commenced fying. In its north-
ward progress the Carolina Dove averages about one week behind the
Pigeon. March 23 and 24 it appeared at Saint Louis and neighboring
points. March 28 to 30 seem to have been days of much movement,
the van advancing from latitude 42° on the 28th to latitude 48° 43/ on
the 30th. By April 6 it had reached Elk River, Minn. (latitude 45°
45’), and on the 11th, farther west, was reported from Linwood, Nebr.,
and Vermillion, Dak. The Dove ceases to be common as we approach
our northern boundary, which has been given as the northern limit
of its range. Nevertheless, I always found a few in Minnesota at lat-
itude 47°, arriving the first week in May, and on the last day of May,
in 1884, it appeared at Portage la Prairie, Manitoba (latitude 50°), where
the species is common (Nash). At Winnepeg, Manitoba, it is rare
(Seton).
In the fall of 1884 the bulk left Des Moines, Iowa, August 25, and
the last was seen there the next day. During the winter of 1884~’85
the Mourning Dove was noted from Glasgow, Mo. ; Reeds, Mo.; Shaw-
neetown, Ill.; and Peoria, Ill. At Aledo, Ill., they are said to have
been present during all previous winters, but none were seen there in
1885 until April. Migration began at Manhattan, Kans., March 5, and
Paris, Hl., March 23. The birds reached Saint Louis, Mo., and Emporia,
Kans., March 31, with a very early arrival at Leeds Centre, Wis., on
the same date. During the first five days of April they were reported
from Fayette, Mo.; Ferry, Iowa; Mount Pleasant, lowa; Ames, Iowa;
Grinnell, Iowa; Peoria, Il.; Aledo, Ill.; Rockford, Il.; and Durand,
Wis.; but no regular progression can be traced from the first to the fifth
of these days. There was no further advance until April 17 to 20, when
they were noted from Fernwood, Il].; Delavan, Wis.; New Cassel, Wis.;
Ripon, Wis.; River Falls, Wis.; and Lanesboro, Minn. They were seen
at Huron, Dak., April 23; Hastings, Minn., April 24; Argusville, Dak.,
April 25; and Menoken, Dak., May 10.
In the fall of 1885 the last was seen at Elk River, Minn., October 7;
at Grinnell, Iowa, November 4; at Iowa City, Iowa, October 11; and at
110
Des Moines, Iowa, October 24. They began to flock at Shawneetown,
Iil., August 20.
318. Engyptila albifrons (Bonap.). [463.] White-fronted Dove.
This Mexican species comes north in summer as far as the Lower Rio
Grande valley in Texas, where it is not an uncommon breeder (Sennett
and Merrill).
319. Melopelia leucoptera (Linn.). [464.] /Vhite-winged Dove.
This tropical American Dove comes north regularly as far as south-
ern Texas, where it breeds abundantly. It was reported as a summer
resident at Eagle Pass.
320. Columbigallina passerina (Linn.). [465.] Ground Dove.
Like the last, this Dove was reported from Eagle Pass only; but it
ranges during the summer through most of the Southern States south
of latitude 32°, being most common near the coast; a straggler was once
taken at Locke, Mich.
321. Scardafella inca (Less.). [466.] Inca Dove.
A Mexican species, coming north to southern Texas. At Laredo,
Tex., itis abundant. (Dr. H. B. Butcher, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila.,
Vol. XX, 1868, p. 150.)
325. Cathartes aura (Linn.). [454.] Turkey Buzzard; Turkey Vulture.
An abundant breeder throughout most of the Mississippi Valley.
Ordinarily it winters from about latitude 39° southward, though it was
reported by Dr. Agersborg as usually resident at Vermillion, Dak.,
latitude 42° 56’. A short distance south of latitude 39° it is an abun-
dant resident. Dr. Watson saw it at Ellis, Kans., during the warm
intervals in the winter of 1883~84. At Caddo, Ind. Ter., it was a
most abundant winter as well as summer resident, and yet so great
was the mortality among the cattle, that all the Buzzards and Carrion
Crows together could not rid the prairies of their careasses. In the
fall and early winter, when cattle feed was good and dead animals were
few, these two species had hard work to get a living. They could be
seen Sailing overhead in great flocks watching for food, or sitting in long
lines on_ the fences. An animal killed:in the morning would be picked
clean by night, and there was great quarreling and fighting over the
carcass. After the snows and freezing rains came cattle began to die
by the hundred, and before spring more than 15,000 died within 30
miles of Caddo. Then scarcely a Buzzard was ever seen in the air.
They became so particular that they would not touch a careass on the
prairie, but selecting those that had fallen in or near timber, would
gorge themselves, fly heavily to the nearest tree, and stay there until
there was room in their bodies for more of their disgusting food. All -
Texas observers except Mr. Lloyd record the Turkey Buzzard as a
winter resident. Mr. Lioyd states that it never winters in Tom Green
sa
or Concho counties (where it is an abundant summer resident), though
he found it wintering in great numbers at the Nueces canon, south of
San Angelo. In the spring of 1884 the first reached San Angelo March
11, and the next day they were numerous. A single one had been seen
at. Saint Louis February 26, but the general movement commenced there
three weeks later. On March 16 they appeared at Hillsborough, Il.
(latitude 39° 12’), and at Mount Carmel, Mo. (latitude 38° ee: By March
27 they had advanced to latitude 40°. April 4 and 5 found them at
latitude 41° and 42° in Iowa, and April 9 at latitude 41° 58/ in Illinois ;
April 12 they were seen at Williamstown, Iowa (latitude 42° do’), and
April 20, at Huron, Dek. (latitude 44° 21’), This is rather late migra-
tion, for i used to note them at latitude 47° in Minnesota the first week
in April. They were not reported from Portage la Prairie, Manitoba,
until May 23. They are common in summer in the Assiniboine valley
(Seton). Their farthest extension north occurs in our district, where
they have been traced to latitude 53° in Manitoba, while on the Atlan-
tic coast they are rare above latitude 40°.
In the fall of 1884 the bulk of Turkey Buzzards left Williamatonnt
Iowa, September 25; and the last was seen at Mount Carmel, Mo., Octo-
ber 22.. It is feponca to have spent the winter of 188485 at Shae
neetown, Ill.
The records of the northward movement in the spring of 1885 are too
irregular for systematic arrangement. The most northern records re-
ceived are: Manhattan, Kans., April 4; Lanesboro, Minn., April 27;
and Hennepin, Ill, April 6. In none of the records for 1883, 1884, or
1885 do the dates of arrival correspond with the times at which I noted the
species at White Earth, Minn., during the three previous years. They
came there with the first large wave of spring migration. In 1880 the
first was seen April 1, just after the arrival of the Robin, Red-winged
Blackbird, and Mallard, which came during the last days of March.
The next year, 1881, spring migration was late, and no Turkey Buzzards
were seen until April 8; the first Robin, April 14; the first Golden-
shafted Flickers, Red-winged Blackbirds, and Mallards, April 17. The
average temperature from April 1 to 6 was 3 degrees below zero. April
2 and 3, 1882, were very different, snow melting rapidly, roads so bare
as to forbid the use of sleighs, and a general feeling of spring every-
where. During these two days the first arrivals were noted of Turkey
Buzzards, Canada Geese, Red-tailed Hawks, Marsh Hawks, Sparrow
Hawks, Red-winged Blackbirds, Killdeer, Meadowlarks, and Ring-
billed Gulls, with the first Robin two days later. During the spring of
1585 I happened to revisit White Earth just as the first wave of migra-
tion arrived. April 4, 5, and 6 it brought the Sparrow Hawk, Red-
tailed Hawk, Marsh Hawk, Killdeer, Robin, Red-winged Blackbird,
Brewer’s Blackbird, Meadowlark, and Brown Crane, but not a single
Turkey Buzzard was seen. In the fall of 1885, at lowa City, Lowa, the
112
last Turkey Buzzard was seen October 3; at Grinnell, lowa, Novem-
ber 4, and at Fayette, Mo., October 28.
326. Catharista atrata (Bartr.). [455.] Black Vulture; Carrion Crow.
This short-winged cousin of the Turkey Buzzard is his constant com-
panion in the Southern States, but is left far behind in the vernal race
for the frigid zone. The Carrion Crow is content to remain in or near
his winter home and become common scavenger all the yearround. He
is scarcely migratory, his movements being wanderings rather than
migrations. As in the case of the Turkey Buzzard, he shuns San An-
gelo during the winter, though he returned there March 19, 1884. Up
the Mississippi Valley he is found resident as far north as southern Ili-
nois, and has been taken once in Ohio. He has been seen twice in
southern Kansas and once nested there. At Hillis, in western Kansas,
Dr. Watsen captured one March 27, 1885, the only record for that
locality. Irom latitude 36° to 38° he has the mixed character of beth
resident and summer resident, remaining in some places the whole year
and appearing at others in the summer only.
327. Blanoides forficatus (Linn.). [425.] Swallow-tailed Kite.
This beautiful and graceful species breeds sparingly throughout the
Mississippi Valley from the Gulf of Mexico to Minnesota and Dakota,
but is most abundant in the Southern States. It winters in Central
and South America, but Mr. Bibbins recorded it as a rare winter Vis.
itant at Mermenton, La., and Major Young mentioned it as a winter
bird at Waverly, Miss. A most extraordinary winter record is that
given in the Bull. Nutt. Ornith. Club (Vol. III, 1878 p. 147), where the
species is said to be found in winter and early spring on the James
river, in southeastern Dakota. Again, November 14, 1881, Mr. D. H.
- Talbot saw several a short distance west of Jamestown, Dak., and three
days later, about midway between Jamestown and Bismarck, he saw
fifty or more in a flock (Bull. Nutt Ornith. Club, Vol. VII, 1882, p. 59).
It is incomprehensible how a bird which so constantly shuns cold
weather could stand the terrible winters of southern Dakota. It is
safe to say that none were within the limits of Dakota in January, 1884.
In the spring of 1884 I observed it at Caddo, Ind. Ter., April 1,
and then, changing my residence to Red Rock, in the northern part of
the Territory, I again noted its arrival April12. At Fayette, Mo., it
was seen May 9, and at Iowa City, Iowa, May 13. It is in the Missis-
sippi Valley that the species finds its most northern range. In Min-
nesota it has been traced to Red Lake (latitude 48° 30’), and in Dakota,
to Pembina (latitude 49°). Recently it has been recorded from Mani-
toba (The Auk, Vol. III, 1886, p. 328).
In the spring of 1885 the Swallow-tailed Kite reached Elk River,
Minn., May 4. In the fall of 1885 the first arrival was recorded from
Grinnell, Iowa, September 16. It was last seen at Saint Louis, Mo.,
August 20.. Dr. Agersborg states that a few spend the summer at Ver- .
million, Dak.
113
328. Elanus leucurus (Vieill.). [427.] White-tailed Kite.
A southern species, ranging from southern [llinois and Indian Terri-
tory to Chili and Buenos Ayres. In western Texas Mr. Lloyd records
it as a rare fall visitor. In the valley of the Lower Rio Grande it is
rather rare (Merrill and Sennett). In eastern Texas, near Houston,
Mr. Nehrling says of it:
This rare and beautiful bird I have seen several times sailing over cotton fields.
Its flight is easy and graceful, but not rapid; sometimes if stops a few moments and
then descends with great velocity to the ground to capture a lizard or asnake. It is
not shy, and is easily recognized by its white tail.
329. Ictinia mississippiensis (Wils.). [428.] Mississippi Kite.
Winters from the Southern States southward, and in summer passes
up the Mississippi Valley regularly to Kansas and southern [linois, and
rarely to Wisconsin. At San Angelo, Tex., it is common in fall, and a
few remain through the summer. In the spring of 1884 it arrived at
Gainesville, Tex., April 23, and at Saint Louis, Mo., May 10.
In the fall of 1884, during September and October, it was common in
small flocks at San Angelo, Tex.
In the spring of 1885 if appeared at Gainesville, Tex., May 6. In the
fall of 1885 it was last seen at Saint Louis, Mo., August 18. In eastern
Texas, near Houston, it breeds, but is not common (Nehrling).
331. Circus hudsonius (Linn.)._ [430.] Marsh Hawk.
Occurs over the whole of Manitoba and the Mississippi Valley in
summer, and from northern Illinois and northern Kansas southward
in winter. In western Texas it is an abundant resident. The most
northern record in the winter of 1883~84 was from Vermillion, Dak.,
where a few were seen inJanuary. At Newton, lowa, Mr. Preston says
they usually winter, but none were seen from the fall of 1883 until
March, 1884. At Caddo, Ind. Ter., they were twice as numerous dur-
ing the winter of 1883-’84 as all the other species of hawks together,
and were in the proportion of about three brown-colored to one blue
individual. In the spring of 1884 they came to Saint Louis, Mo.,
and Newton, lowa, March 10 and 11. March 18 they were seen at
Lanesboro, Minn.; March 24 at Elk River, Minn.; April 11 at Portage
la Prairie, Manitoba; and April 27 at Oak Point, Manitoba.
During the winter of 1884~85 the Marsh Hawk was plentiful at
Paris, Ill.
The notes on the spring migration in 1885 were very irregular, and
extended over an entire month, from March 9, when the first was noted
in central Iowa, to April 9, when it arrived at latitude 50° in Manitoba.
In the fall of 1885 the last at Ossowo, Manitoba, was seen November
12; at Grinnell, Iowa, October 11; and November 6 it became common
at Bonham, Tex.
7365—Bull. 2——-8
114
332. Accipiter velox (Wils.). [432.] Sharp-shinned Hawk.
Range much the same as that of Cooper’s Hawk, but a little more
northern. In the spring of 1884 very few notes were contributed on
its movements, and they relate to its arrival at latitude 41° 30/ in Ili-
nois and Iowa about the middle of March, and at Portage la Prairie,
Manitoba, April 16.
In the spring of 1885 the Sharp-shinned Hawk was noted, without
any regularity, from various stations from Mount Carmel, Mo., Febru-
ary 17 (next one seen April 7), to Minneapolis, Minn., April 9.
In the fall of 1885 the first was seen at Bonham, Tex., October 14,
and the last at Mount Carmel, Mo., October 16. In western Texas it
is ‘abundant in fall; less so in winter” (Lloyd).
333. Accipiter cooperi (Bonap.). [431.] Cooper’s Hawk.
Breeds throughout the Mississippi Valley, wintering in the southern
parts. In the winter of 1883-84 there was no record north of lati-
tude 38°. One was caught at Pierce City, Mo., in the latter part of
February, whose feathers were so coated with ice that it could not fly.
In the spring of 1884 it reached Saint Louis March 11; March 25 and 26
was seen at Danville, Ill., and Laporte City, lowa; and was reported
from Fridley, Minn., March i8.
In the spring of 1885 the first Cooper’s Hawk was seen at Mount
Carmel, Mo., April 5, and the last May 10. The first was noted at Grin-
nell, Iowa, March 31; Laporte City, Iowa, and Lake City, Minn., April
26. In the fall of 1885 the last was seen at Mount Carmel October 30.
In western Texas it is found with the preceding, common in fall and
not rare in winter.
334. Accipiter atricapillus (Wils.) [433.] Goshawk.
A tolerably common fall and winter visitant in Manitoba (Seton), and
a rare winter visitant to the northern part of the Mississippi Valley,
coming south to Kansas, Missouri, and Illinois. Given by Mr. Agers-
borg as a winter visitor at Vermillion, Dak., but rare.
In the spring of 1885 a Goshawk was seen at Lanesboro, Minn.,
April 4.
334a. Accipiter atricapillus striatulus Ridgw. [433a.] Western Geshawk.
Mr. Lloyd states that in western Texas, in December, 1885, he shot a
male Western Goshawk and saw its mate several times.
335. Parabuteo unicinctus harrisi (Aud.). [434.] Harris’s Hawk.
The normal range of Harris’s Hawk is from southern Louisiana and
southern Texas southward. In the valley of the Lower Rio Grande, in
Texas, it is an abundantresident. At Eagle Pass, in southwestern
Texas, it was reported as an abundant summer resident.
337. Buteo borealis (Gmel.). [436.] Sed-tailed Hawk.
Breeds throughout Manitoba and the Mississippi Valley, and stays
quite far north in winter. During the winter of 188485 it was reported
from Vermillion, Dak., and Chicago, III.
1S
In the spring of 1884 it was reported from various parts of Iowa,
about the middle of March; from Lanesboro, Minn., March 2 (two
being seen during a furious storm, and it was repeatedly seen the next
week). April 3it appeared at Two Rivers, Manitoba (latitude 49° 28’) ;
and April 12 it reached Oak Point, Manitoba.
In the spring of 1885 the Red-tailed Hawk was seen at Laporte City,
Iowa, March 3, and at Lake City, Minn., March 26. Various irregular
notes were given from intervening places.
In the fall of 1885 the first returning migrants reached Bonham,
Tex., November 10, and were common there November 19.
337a. Buteo borealis kriderii Hoopes. [436a.] Krider's Hawk.
An inhabitant of the Great Plains, the eastern limit of its range cover-
ing the western part of the Mississippi Valley from Minnesota to Texas.
Has been taken in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, northeastern Illinois,
Kansas, and Texas. Roberts and Benner took a young Krider’s Hawk
from the nest in western Minnesota in June, 1879, and Mr. Ridgway
tells me he has examined two females shot from the nest in Minnesota.
337b. Buteo borealis calurus (Cass.). [436).] Western Red-tail.
The Western Red-tail reaches the western border of the Mississippi
Valley district. Colonel Goss records it as not uncommon in Kansas in
winter. it has been taken also in Illinois, near Chicago (Nelson). The
only observer who has had the good fortune to secure it is Mr. Lloyd,
who finds it an abundant resident in Concho county, Tex., where it
breeds from April 22 to May 22.
338. Buteo harlani(Aud.). [438.] Harlan’s Hawk.
Harlan’s Hawk is an inhabitant of the Gulf States and the lower
Mississippi Valley, and has been found as far north as Kansas, Illinois,
and lowa. It was reported by one of the observers in former years
from Liter, Il]., and has also been found at Warsaw, Ill., and at Gaines-
ville, Tex. Nothing is known of its movements and breeding habits.
The species was described by Audubon from a specimen killed in
Louisiana. ;
339. Buteo lineatus (Gmel.). [439.] Red-shouldered Hawk.
The movements of this species are similar to those of the Red-tailed
Hawk, with which it is often found during migration, but it does not
go so far north, seldom passing beyond our northern boundary. In
eastern Kansas it is a common resident (Goss). Both it and the
Red-tail intended to spend the winter of 1883~84, as usual, in the
vicinity of Saint Louis, but the severe cold of the first week in January
proved too much for them, and they migrated, to return with the first
warm wave the last of the month. It was reported as wintering at
Chicago, and as a rare winter resident in southern Missouri. It mi-
grated at the same time as the Red-tail, and at Elk River, Minn., where
the latter was not seen, it arrived March 24,
116
In the spring of 1885 the only record received on the migration of
the Red-shouldered Hawk was a note of its arrival at Mount Carmel,
Mo., April 5. In the fall of 1885 it appeared at Bonham, Tex., Novein-
ber 23. Mr. Lioyd says it is a rare resident in western Texas,
340. Buteo abbreviatus Caban. [440.] Zone-tailed Hawk.
This southwestern Hawk is a fali visitant in Tom Green and Concho
counties, Tex., where it was noted September 10, 1884 (Lloyd). In
Comal county, Tex., it was found breeding in May, 1878, by Mr. W. H.
Werner, who secured a male specimen and a set of eggs. Two pairs
were observed (Brewster, Bull. Nutt. Ornith. Club, Vol. IV, 1879, p. 80).
341. Buteo albicaudatus Vieill. [441.] White-tailed Hawk.
A southwestern species, breeding along the Rio Grande in Texas
(Sennett and Merrill), and occurring in western Texas in fall and win-
ter (Lloyd).
342. Buteo swainsoni Bonap. [442.] Swainson’s Hawk.
Swainson’s Hawk is common in Manitoba and along the Red River of
the North, and it occurs throughout most of the Mississippi Valley, and
thence west to the Pacific. It remains in the West quite far north dur-
ing cold weather, and is a common resident in western Kansas and
western Texas. Even in eastern Texas, near Houston, it is ‘not un-
common during the breeding season” (Nehrling). In 1884 a few were
seen in January at Vermillion, Dak. It was not seen in Iowa until migra-
tion commenced. About April 1 it appeared at Newton and Laporte
City. |
In the spring of 1885 Swainson’s Hawk was recorded at Newton,
Towa, April 16, and March 23 at Laporte City, lowa. A nest with
three eggs was found May 13 at San Angelo, Tex.
In the fall of 1885 the first south-bound migrant was seen at Emporia,
Kans., October 10.
343. Buteo latissimus (Wils.). [443.] Broad-winged Hawk.
This is the only distinctively eastern Hawk occurring in the Missis-
sippi Valley. It is found only rarely so far west as Kansas, the most
westerly record being that of Dr. Watson, at Ellis, Kans. It breeds
principally in the northern part of its range, being quite common in
Minnesota (though it has been known to nest even in southern Texas),
and in winter it passes south to Florida, and even to Central and South
America. In spring migration in 1884 it passed through central lowa
about the middle of April, but only a few notes on it were reported.
In the spring of 1885 the Broad-winged Hawk arrived at Mount Car-
mel, Mo., March 23, at Laporte City, Iowa, March 30, and at Grinnell,
Towa, April 17. In the fall of 1885 none were seen at Mount Carmel,
Mo., after September 12,
117
346. Asturina plagiata Schlegel. [445.] Mexican Goshawk.
The Mexican Goshawk occurs reguiarly as far north as the southern
border of the United States, and occasionally up the Mississippi Valley
to southern [linois.
347a. Archibuteo lagopus sancti-johannis (Gmel.). [447.] American Rough-legged
Hawk.
The whole army of these Hawks crosses our northern boundary twice
ayear. During the winter they are distributed over most of the Missis-
sippi Valley, the exceptions being the extreme northern and extreme
southern portions. They are most numerous in the middle sections,
thinning out each way. At Elk River, Minn., all had passed south by
December 24, 1883. A little south of this point they remained all
winter. At Vermillion, Dak., ten were seen during a day’s tramp in
January, 1884. At Mount Carmel, Mo., they were quite common all win-
ter on the prairies, the bulk leaving March 10, and the last on the 24th.
In the fail of 1884 the first Rough-legged Hawk was seen at Mount
Carmel, Mo., November 7. It used to be abundant there during the
winter, but now is somewhat rare.
In the spring of 1885 the Jast was seen at Mount Carmel March 15.
The first appeared at Oak Point, Manitoba, April 7, and they were
common there April 10. In the fall of 1885 they returned to Mount
Carmel November 10; the next was seen November 12, and by Novem-
ber 20 they were in usual winter numbers.
348. Archibuteo ferrugineus (Licht.). [448.] erruginous Rough-leg; Ferruginous
Buzzard.
Chiefly a western species, a few coming east into the Mississippi
Valley. It is resident in western Kansas, where Dr. Watson says it is
tolerably common at Ellis every year. It has also been seen in western
Nebraska, and is abundant in western Texas in winter. It has been
seen once at Rock Island, Ill., and has been found nesting at Vermil-
lion, Dak., and Grinnell, Lowa.
Mr. Balmer writes from Paris, [ll.: *‘OnJanuary 19, 1886, I had the
good fortune to capture what [ consider a rare bird for this State, viz,
Archibuteo ferrugineus. He seems to have got a long way out of his lati-
tude. Hecame with a thaw, in a south wind, after our big, big blizzard.
I shot him out of a tree after dark, having marked him down for the
night. The bird is a male, and measured 53 inches in extent.”
349. Aquila chrysaétos (Linn.). [449.] Golden Eagle.
In the western mountains this species comes far south in winter, even
to New Mexico and Arizona, but nearer the Mississippi it comes only
to Kansas. Some years ago one was taken in November at Fayette, in
central Missouri, but it is very rare so far south. Several were seen
and some captured in central and northern Iowa in the winter of
1883-84, the last ones leaving from March 15 to 22. Most Golden
118
Eagles retire in spring to British America to breed, but Mr. Ridgway
says that a few still breed in Northern Illinois, and they probably do
so in northern Minnesota, as I have seen them there about the first of
June.
In the spring of 1885 a Golden Eagle was reported from Paris, IIL,
March 6; from Laporte City, Iowa, March 14; and from Williamstown,
Iowa, March 30. Even as late as April 19 one was shot at Mount
Carmel, Mo.
350. Thrasaétus harpyia(Linn.). [450.] Harpy Eagle.
A tropical American species, rarely straggling as far north as our
southern border. Said to have been taken once in Texas, at the delta
of the Rio Grande (Oswald, Am. Nat., 1878, p. 151).
352. Halizétus leucocephalus (Linn.). [451.] Bald Eagle.
Locally distributed throughout the whole of North America. It has
* noregular migration, but after breeding throughout the Mississippi
Valley it disappears from some places for the winter, while it remains
at others. Generally speaking, it leaves the North when the freezing
of the waters prevents it from getting its accustomed food, but some-
times it remains through the winter even as far north as latitude 47° in
Minnesota, where, in the heavy pine forests, I have found it throughout
the year, and where it nests quite commonly. In the spring of 1884
it moved back to Summer quarters in northern Iowa about March 20.
In western Texas it is an abundant resident (Lloyd). In the fall of
1885, at Saint Louis, Mo., the first Bald Eagle was seen September 9.
November 7 four were seen, and the next day two more.
354. Faico rusticolus Linn. [41l2a.] Gray Gyrfalcon; Iceland Gyrfalcon.
An accidental winter visitant from the north. A specimen was cap-
tured at Manhattan, Kans., December 1, 1880.
354a. Falco rusticolus gyrfalco (Linn.). [412b.] Gyrfalcon: McFarlane’s Gyr-
falcon.
Like the last, an accidental visitor in winter. Taken by Dr. Agers-
borg, at Vermillion, Dak., October 21, 1880.
354b. Falco rusticolus obsoletus (Gmel.). [412¢c.] Black Gyrfalcon; Labrador
Gyrfalcon.
Has been taken in Minnesota a few times as a rare winter visitant;
a Specimen has been examined by Mr. Ridgway.
355. Falco mexicanus Schleg. [413.] Prairie Falcon.
This hawk is found principally in the West, but occurs east to the
eastern border of the plains in Texas, Indian Territory, Missouri, Kan-
sas, Nebraska, and Dakota. It winters from Kansas southward, and
passes north in the summer to central Dakota, where it was noted as
being very common in August.: Dr. Agersborg gave it as a rare mi-
119
erant in southeastern Dakota, but it is known to breed in Kansas, Mis-
souri (Goss), and Texas. Mr. Nehrling states that it is resident, but
not common, near Houston, in eastern Texas. It has been found in cen-
tral Iowa, and even as far east as Illinois.
356. Falco peregrinus anatum (Bonap.). [414.] Duck Hawk; Peregrine Falcon.
This species occurs locally throughout the Mississippi Valley. It
breeds more particularly in Manitoba and the northern half of the
United States, but is known to breed also in Kansas, Mississippi, and
Texas. In the fall of 1884 the last Duck Hawk was seen at Mount
Carmel, Mo., November 12.
in the ie of 1885 it was seen April 4 at Lake City, Minn., and
April 25 at Mount Carmel, Mo.
357. Falco columbarius Linn. [417.] Pigeon Hawk.
Occurs over the whole of the Mississipi Valley, but is nowhere abun-
dant; winters in the Southern States and southward; breeds in Brit-
ish America. A few stragglers were found at San Angelo, Tex., in the
winter of 1883-84, the last of which left February 1, being the first bird
to migrate. Near Houston, in eastern Texas, it is common in fall and
winter (Nehrling). At Heron Lake, Minn., the first was noted March
27; and none were seen at Manhattan, Kans., until April 12. In the
spring of 1885 the Pigeon Hawk was recorded from Ferry, lowa, March
30; Clinton, Wis., March 31; Delavan, Wis., April 11; and Ossowo,
Manitoba, April 18. In the fall of 1885 the first at Emporia, Kans.,
was noted October 10.
358. Falco richardsonii Ridgw. [418.] MLichardson’s Merlin.
Found principally on the Great Plains, and thence westward, but is
most common just east of the Rocky mountains; south to Texas in
winter; has occurred accidently in Michigan, and occasionally in Minne-
sota. Professor Aughey recorded it as rather common, and breeding, in
Nebraska. Dr. Agersborg says it is a migrant in southeastern Dakota.
Mr. Powell reports it from southeastern Nebraska. It probably breeds
in western Kansas, where Colonel Goss saysit isnot uncommon. At
Ellis, Kans., Dr. Watson noted the arrival of the first April 15, 1884.
An accidental visitor has been recorded from Laporte City, Iowa.
- $59. Falco fusco-ccerulescens Vieill. [419.] Aplomado Falcon.
A tropical American species, breeding in the valley of the Lower
Rio Grande in Texas (Merrill).
360. Palco sparverius Linn. [420.] Sparrow Hawk.
Inhabits the whole of Manitoba and the Mississippi Valley, and breeds
throughout its range; but in Indian Territory and eastern Texas it is
apparently rare and local asa breeder.- In Tom Green and Concho
counties, Tex., it is an abundant resident (Lloyd), but the summer
birds pass south in winter and their places are taken by northern birds,
120
so that the species is found all the time, though the same individuals
are not present. Nests containing, respectively, fiveand six eggs were
found near San Angelo March 15 and July 1, indicating two broods.
This Hawk is said to have remained at Chicago the whole of the winter
of 1883-84. With this exception no winter record was received from
any point north of latitude 37°.
In the spring of 1884 a single bird was seen at Saint Louis February
26, and a few days later (March 3) most of the winter residents were
leaving Caddo, Ind. Ter. (latitude 34° 11’). In the case of this species,
as in many others, no records of movement were made during the first
two and one-half weeks of March. March 21 it appeared at Tampico,
Ill. (latitude 41° 36’), and at Ellis, Kans. (latitude 38° 55’). By March
26 it had been seen along the Mississippi river as far north as Elk
River, Minn. (latitude 45° 25’); and almost a month later (April 20) it
appeared at Oak Point, Manitoba (latitude 50° 30’). In northern Illi-
nois and Wisconsin arrivals were recorded until April 2.
In the fall of 1884 the last Sparrow Hawk at Mount Carmel, Mo., was
seen September 27. It was reported as wintering at Shawneetown, Ill.
In the spring of 1885 the records of its northward movement were
very irregular. They fell between the dates of March 14, at Tampico,
{ll., and April 15, at Oak Point, Manitoba. The first was seen at White
Earth, Minn., April 4. In the fall of 1885 the last at Grinnell, Ia., was
recorded October 10, and at Mount Carmel, Mo., October 22.
362. Polyborus cheriway (Jacq.). [423.] Audubon’s Caracara; Caracara Eagle.
Common along the Gulf coast, and abundant in southern Texas. At
Eagle Pass and Mason, Tex., it was recorded as common and resident.
At Eagle Pass it was building March 16, 1884.
Mr. Lloyd says of it:
Resident in the eastern part of Concho county; a few visit the western half in fall;
none seen in Tom Green county. Breeds. Nest found in live-oak, about 18 feet from
the ground, with three eggs, April 24,1881. The same nest was used for two years
after. Thoughin the southern part of Texas they prey on carrion, in Menard and
Concho counties they hunt prairie dogs in couples. (The Auk, Vol. IV, 1887, p. 189.)
Mr. Nehrling states that in eastern Texas, near Houston, it is regu-
larly distributed, but not so common as in the interior. He says of it:
It is a very showy bird, and the flight is extremely elegant and quick. Although
it is very shy and not easily to be approached, it often builds its nest in trees not far
from farm houses. The farmers say they are as harmless as Turkey Buzzards. The
nest is usually from 25 to 30 feet above the ground, and is built of sticks, sometimes
lined with bits of cotton and Spanish moss; the cavity is shallow. Often the birds,
commonly single individuals, are to be observed with Vultures, feeding together on
carrion. (Bull. Nutt. Orinth. Club, Vol. VII, 1882, p. 173.)
364. Pandion haliaétus carolinensis (Gmel.). [425.] Osprey; Fish-Hawk.
Ocecupies the southern half of our district in winter, and the whole
Mississippi Valley in summer. It migrates rather late. In 1884 it ap-
peared at Newton, Iowa, April 12; at Laporte City, Iowa, April 15;
121
at Ellis, Kans., April i6; at Lanesboro and Red Wing, Mivn., April
18 and 20, and at Alda, Nebr., April 25.
In the fall of 1885 the first southward migrant was seen at Emporia,
Kans., September 30.
365. Strix pratincola Bonap. [394.] Barn Owl.
The Barn Owl! is most abundant in the Southern States, where it is
resident. It occurs north to Minnesota and Wisconsin (noted from La
Crosse and Ripon), and west to Kansas and Nebraska. In western
Texas it is rare (Lloyd); in eastern Texas common (Nehrling).
366. Asio wilsonianus (Less.). [395.] Long-eared Owl.
A common summer resident in western Manitoba; resident through-
out the Mississippi Valley.
367. Asio accipitrinus (Pall.). [396.] “Short-eared Owl.
A common summer resident in western Manitoba and Dakota. It oc-
cupies the whole of the Mississippi Valley; Resident in the northern
half; occurs in the lower half chiefly in fall and winter.
368. Syrnium nebulosum (Forst.). [897.] Barred Owl.
The most common Owl of. the Southern States, and found also over
the whole of the Mississippi Valley and Manitoba; resident except in
the extreme northern part of its range. At Caddo, Ind. Ter., the pellets
thrown up at one time by a Barred Owl contained parts of a Brewer's
Blackbird, a Cardinal Grosbeak, and a Le Conte’s Sparrow.
368a. Syrnium nebulosum alleni Ridgw. (397a.) Florida Barred Ow’.
Recently Mr. Ragsdale has taken this owl, previously known only
from Florida, in Cook County, Tex. A specimen has been examined by
Mr. Ridgway, and is now in the U. 8. National Museum.
370. Ulula cinerea (Gmel.). [399.1 Great Gray Owl.
A northern species; found occasionally in winter in Minnesota, Wis-
consin, and Lilinois.
371. Nyctala tengmalmi richardsoni (Bonap.). [400.] Richardson’s Owl.
Another northern bird, occurring in winter in Minnesota, Wisconsin,
and Lowa.
372. Nyctala acadica (Gmel.). [401.] Saw-whet Owl.
A common resident from northern Illinois northward; south of this
a rare winter visitant.
373. Megascops asio (Linn.). [402.] Screech Owl.
An abundant resident throughout most of the Mississippi Valley, but
said not to be very common in Minnesota. Mr. Carr killed one in the
winter of 1883-84 at Waupaca, Wis., which bad nothing in its stomach
but wheat, buckwheat, and miscellaneous seeds.
122
373a. Megascops asio floridanus (Ridgw.). [402a.] Florida Screech Owl.
This form of the Screech Owl, previously known only from South
Carolina to Florida, was procured in southern Louisiana by Dr. A. K.
Fisher, who examined several specimens.
373b. Megascops asio mecallii (Cass.). [402b.] Texas Screech Owl.
Resident in Texas, whence reported from Tom Green and Concho
counties, where it is abundant in winter from about September 10 to
March 10 (Lloyd). In eastern Texas, near Houston, it seems to be com-
mon (Nehrling).
375. Bubo virginianus (Gmel.). [405.] Great Horned Owl.
A common resident over the whole of the Mississippi Valley east of
the Great Plains.
The following unique owl story was contributed by Mr. H. F. Peters,
of Bonham, in northeastern Texas:
On the 10th of March, 1883, I was out hunting in some woods, and flushed a Great
Horned Owl from a large stump about 20 feet high. I shot at and missed it, but
coming up to the stump I could see an Owl’s head above the top of it. I would not
shoot him there as I did not want to climb for him. It was hard work to make him
leave the stump, but, by nearly hitting him with a stick, he flew off and I killed him.
He was a young Great Horned Owl. When he left the nest I distinctly saw some-
thing move there. Myson climbed up and found two owlets about six or eight days
old. We left them there, and that evening at dusk I killed a female Barred Owl, and
the next morning a ifiale Barred Owl off the top of the same stump where the young
ones were. We then secured the two young owls and kept them a year, until they
grew to be two fine Barred Owls. A few days later I killed two Great Horned Owls
(a male and female) in close proximity to the place. Thus we have a case of two
species of owls breeding at the same time in the same nest, with at least a month’s
difference in the ages of the young. The young Horned Owl was barely fledged, and
Iam sure had never been out of the nest until I drove him out. There were bones
and offal around the stump, showing that it had been used for some time as a breed-
ing place.
375a. Bubo virginianus subarcticus (Hoy). [405a in part.] Western Horned Owl.
This is the western representative of the Great Horned Owl. It
breeds from western Manitoba and Dakota southward, over the Great
Plains, to Texas, and even to the table-lands of Mexico. Stragglers
have been taken in Wisconsin and northern Illinois. Dr. Agersborg
states that it occurs in southeastern Dakota nearly every winter. In
Tom Green and Concho counties, in western Texas, where it is an
‘abundant resident,” Mr. Lloyd says of it:
Breeds from February 20 to end of May in hackberry or mesquit on prairies, and in
holes in the large pecans on rivers. I have rarely found more than two eggs in one
clutch; three, however, occur in about one nest in six. Feeds on poultry, skunks,
and rabbits, and is often on wing during the day. The birds seem to grow lighter
with age. (The Auk, Vol. IV, 1887, p. 190.)
$75b. Bubo virginianus arcticus (Swains.). [405).] Arctic Horned Owl.
Breeds in Arctic America, coming south in winter, irregularly and
rarely te Dakota, Montana, and Wyoming.
123
376. Nyctea nyctea (Linn.). [406.] Snowy Owl.
A great wanderer in winter, visiting the United States, and appear-
ing without any regularity in all of the northern tier of States, and
southward into Kansas, Missouri, and Illinois, and has been taken even
in Texas. It seems to have been less common than usual in the winter
of 1883-84, though Mr. Lindley, at Mitchell, Iowa, had the good fortune
to see nine. At Linwood, Nebr., the last seen in 1884 was noted Feb-
ruary 1, but at Heron Lake, Minn., one was seen as late as April3. The
winter of 1876~77 was noted for the great numbers of Snowy Owls
which migrated into the United States. They came November 22, 1876,
and for two weeks afterwards were common as far south as Saint Louis.
At Omaha and Denver they were specially abundant. One taxidermist
in the East had thirty Snowy Owls sent him from this single flight.
In the spring of 1885 a Snowy Owl was seen at Clinton, Wis., Feb-
ruary 23, and at Huron, Dak., March 7. In the fall of 1885 the first
came to Elk River, Minn., October 23. At Chicago. Ill., one was seen in
the city November 3. A magnificent specimen, almost pure white, was
shot at Chrisman, IIL, the latter part of January, 1886.
377a. Surnia ulula caparoch (Miill.). [407.] Hawk Owl.
The Hawk Owl visits the upper Mississippi Valley in winter. It has
been taken in winter in Minnesota and Wisconsin, and once in northern
Illinois. Occasionally in severe winters it has been found in the East as
far south as Pennsylvania. It is therefore the more strange that one
should be found so far south as Mississippi. Dr. Rawlings Young, of
Corinth, Miss., writes: ‘‘In January, 1882, I was shooting quail over
a brace of setters in a thick sedge grass 300 or 400 yards from the
timber, and while working up a scattered bevy the dogs pointed.
Walking in, a Hawk Owl, much to my astonishment, got up from the
grass right under the dogs’ noses. As he went off I cut him down, and
had no trouble in identifying him from the cuts seen in Wilson.”
In the fall of 1884 a Hawk Owl was reported from Elk River, Minn.,
October 27. At Mount Carmel, Mo., the first was seen December 26.
In January, 1885, about a dozen were reported as wintering at Elk
River, Minn. In the spring of 1885, at Mount Carmel, Mo., the last was
seen March19. In the fall of 1885 the first returned to Elk River, Minn.,
October 23.
378. Speotyto cunicularia hypogea (Bonap.). [408.] Burrowing Owl.
Wherever prairie dogs exist Burrowing Owls are also very likely to
be found, so that their range may be said to include most of the open
prairie ground west of the Mississippi river. They are especially
abundant in western Nebraska, middle and western Kansas, and In-
dian Territory ; and as I write from Red Rock, in that Territory, I can
look out on a dog town several miles in extent, in which the Burrowing
Owls are usually numerous. Even as far east as Waverly, Miss., Major
Young writes that they were formerly quite common, but have not been
fee
seen for some time. Mr. Nehrling states that near Houston, in eastern
Texas, they are “every year increasing in numbers.” At San Angelo,
Tex., they have been found breeding from April 1, to May 10.
The Burrowing Owl is resident from southeastern Dakota southward.
By many it is erroneously supposed to hibernate, and it may be that
some of the northernmost colonies change their dwelling places during
the winter so as to disappear from certain localities at this season. Dr.
Agersborg says that it isa permanent resident in southeastern Dakota,
where from seven to nine eggs constitute a full clutch. He further
states :
In the winter as many as twenty of these birds may be found nestling together in
one hole. They are always at such times abundantly supplied with food. I have
found at one time forty-three mice and several Shore Larks scattered along the run
to their common apartment. They forage in fine weather, and retreat to their dirty
- abodes when cold weather threatens.
It is possible that those individuals that spend the summer far north
in Dakota actually and regularly migrate. In 1884 Mr. Edwards noted
their return to Argusville, Dak. (latitude 47° 08’), April 30.
380. Glaucidium phaleenoides (Daud.). [410.] Serruginous Pigmy Owl.
A tropical American species, coming north to the valley of the Lower
Rio Grande in Texas (Sennett).
382. Conurus carolinensis (Linn.). [392.] Carolina Paroquet or Parakeet.
This beautiful Parrot formerly was resident throughout the Missis-
sippi Valley and the South Atlantic and Gulf States. It no longer ex-
ists in the northern part of its former range, and can scarcely be found
north of latitude 36°. So far as known, it is now confined to isolated
localities in the Gulf States and the lower Mississippi Valley. At Fay-
ette, Mo., it was reported as present, though almost extinct. Formerly
immense flocks were found all over Indian Territory. At present it is
almost extinct in the eastern part of the Territory, though a few are still
found around Caddo, and in the middie and western parts they are
almost aS numerous as ever.
Rhynchopsitta pachyrhyncha (Swains.). [391.] Thick-billed Parrot.
An abundant inhabitant of the pine forests of centrai and northern
Mexico, coming north into southwestern Texas.
384. Crotophaga sulcirostris Swains. [390.] Groove- billed Ani.
A middle American species, coming north to Texas. It occurs in the
valley of the Rio Grande (Sennett); and is a fall visitor in Concho and
Tom Green counties, Tex., where one was shot in October, 1885, and
several seen in October, 1886 (Lloyd).
385. Geococcyx californianus (Less.). [385.] Road-runner ; Chapparal Cock.
A southwestern bird, noted by the Texas observers ; resident wher-
ever found. It wasreported as abundant at Mason, Tex., and in Concho
and Tom Green counties, breeding in the latter region from March 30
125
~
to May 8. Clutches of five, six, and seven eggs were taken. This spe-
cies has been captured as an accidental visitor in Arkansas, near Fort
Lyons; and was seen by Mr. Trippe in Colorado north at least to latitude
38°, which has led to the surmise that it was the species seen by Mr.
Cavanaugh in southwestern Kansas, and reported by him to Colonel
Goss as the Sage Cock. Colonel Goss, in a recent communication, states
that in September, 1884, Mr. Charles Dyer saw two of these birds in
western Kansas, along the line of the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fé
Railway, about 15 miles east of the western boundary of the State; and
that he “has seen them quite often in Colorado, near the State line.”
Colonel Goss further states:
The birds are known to breed as far east as Las Animas, and I feel confident that
they occasionally breed in the southwestern corner of this State [Kansas], a natural
habitat of the birds, but unsettled and little known, especially as to its bird life.
(The Auk, Vol. III, 1886, p. 114).
386. Coccyzus minor (Gmel.). [386.] Mangrove Cuckoo.
This tropical Cuckoo has been found as far north ‘as the coast of Lou-
isiana.
387. Coccyzus americanus (Linn.). [387.] Yellow-billed Cuckoo.
The range of this species is considerably more southern than that of
the next. It breeds from the Gulf of Mexico to the northern tier of
States. Both species are said to winter in Florida, but the bulk passes
still further south.
In the spring of 1884 the Yellow-billed Cuckoo entered our southern
border the latter part of April, appearing at Rodney, Miss., and at Ma-
son, Tex., April 28 and 29. At San Angelo, Tex., and Saint Louis, Mo.,
it was seen May 5 and 6, and at Burlington, Iowa, May 8. At Gaines-
ville, Tex., and Ellis, Kans., it arrived May 12, and at Manhattan,
Kans., and Iowa City, lowa, May 20. It came to Laporte City, Iowa,
May 27. In Tom Green and Concho counties, Tex., it breeds in June.
At Laporte, Iowa, on June 11, 1884, a female was shot with eggs ready
for the nest.
In the fall of 1884 the bulk was reported as leaving Williamstown,
Iowa, August 15, and the last August 27. The last was reported from
Des Moines, Iowa, October 1; from Mount Carmel, Mo., September 21;
and from San Angelo, Tex., August 15.
For the spring of 1885 the records of the movements of this species
in the West were quite full. It appeared at San Antonio, Tex., April
17; at Mason, Tex., Apri! 22; Bonham, Tex., April 29 (though it had been
noticed April 20 at Gainesville, Tex.). May 14 it reached Manhattan,
Kans. In Missouri it was seen at Saint Louis May 15, and at Mount
Carmel May 17. By May 20 it had reached Des Moines, Iowa, and
Fernwood, Ill.
In the fall of 1885 the last was seen at [owa City, Lowa, August 26,
and at Fernwood, Ill., September 11. At Saint Louis, Mo., it was con-
126
spicuous September 22, was present in bulk September 25, and was last
seen September 27.
388. Coccyzus erythrophthalmus (Wils.). [388.] Black-billed Cuckoo.
A common summer resident in Manitoba and most parts of the Mis-
sissippi Valley except the extreme southern portion. in the spring of
1884 no records were received relating to the date when it entered the
United States, but it appeared at Saint Louis, Mo., and at Hennepin,
Ill., May 5. May 12 it was seen at Coralville, lowa; May 16 at Lake
Mills and New Cassel, Wis.; May 22 at Elk River, Minn.; May 31 at
Portage la Prairie, Manitoba, and June 1 at Oak Point, Manitoba (lati-
tude 50° 30’).
In the fall of 1884 the bulk left Williamstown, Lowa, August 10, and
none were seen there after that date.
In the spring of 1885 no notes were sent but those of ‘firsts,’ and they
are aS follows: Saint Louis, Mo., May 15; Des Moines and Grinnell,
Iowa, May 16; lowa-City, Iowa, and Hennepin, Fernwood, and Rock-
ford, Ill., May 17; Heron Lake and Elk River, Minn., May 22; and Shell
River, Manitoba, June 16. .
In the fall of 1885, at Elk River, Minn., it was last seen September 7.
At Saint Louis, Mo., it became conspicuous September 22; the bulk
was present September 25, and departed September 29; and the last was
seen October 16. In Concho county, Tex., it is a spring and fall migrant.
389. Trogon ambiguus Gould. [384.] Coppery-tailed Trogon.
The home of this Trogon is in central and northern Mexico. Two
specimens were killed in southern Texas in the summer of 1877 (Merrill,
Proc. U.S. Nat. Mus., Vol. I, 1878, p. 118).
390. Ceryle alcyon (Linn.). [382.] Belted Kingfisher.
The Kingfisher is a common summer resident in Manitoba and the
Mississippi Valley. its winter home is bounded on the north by the
southern limit of frozen water. His food is found in the water, and when
eut off from it by the ice he must migrate or perish. The extreme
cold of the winter of 1883-84 sent him much further south than usual.
While often seen in ordinary winters at latitude 39° in Kansas, none
stayed in this latitude during the winter of 1883~84, nor was there a
record from any point north of latitude 36°, though it is probable that
at favorable places, such as spring-holes, a few may have wintered.
From the nature of the case the northward movement of the Kingfisher
is irregular. Near rivers which open early he will be among the first
birds to arrive, while at neighboring ponds and lakes many days may
pass before he appears. But even the presence or absence of ice fails
to explain a large share of the irregular notes. In Concho and Tom
Green counties, Tex., it is an abundant resident (Lloyd).
In the spring of 1884 a single individual was seen at Saint Louis,
Mo., February 25, but the regular movement did not begin until March
127
22 and 23, when the species suddenly spread from latitude 39° to lati-
tude 41° 38’ in Iowa, and latitude 41° 36’ in Illinois, with an adven-
turous bird at latitude 42° 18’ in Iowa and another at latitude 43° 43/ in
Minnesota, which latter was reported to have been seen at intervals all
winter. By April 6 the van had reached latitude 44° 47’ in Minnesota,
and latitude 44° 22’ in Wisconsin. April 14 they were recorded from
Elk River, Minn. (latitude 45° 25’); April 20 from Frazee City, Minn.
(latitude 46° 33’), and May 5 from Portage la Prairie, Manitoba. Inthe
West, as usual, they were later. At Gainesville, Tex., the first was
heard March 17, and at Manhattan, Kans., two days later. At Ellis,
Kans., none were seen until April3; and April 21 they came to Ver-.
million, Dak.
In the fall of 1884 the bulk of the Kingfishers left Williamstown,
Iowa, August 28, and the last on the same day. At Des Moines, lowa,
the last was seen September 17, and at Mount Carmel, Mo., October 12.
At Lanesboro, Minn., a Kingfisher was seen December 5.
In the spring of 1885 the first noted in migration was seen at Paris,
Ill., March 5, the next at Shawneetown, [ll., March 12; the next at Glas-
gow. Mo., and the next March 26, at Laporte City, Iowa, and at Mount
Carmel, Mo. During the rest of March arrivals were noted from Man-
hattan, Kans.; Emporia, Kans.; Hennepin, Ill.; Saint Louis, Mo.; and
Grinnell, lowa. During the first two days of April they appeared at
Peoria, Ill.; Knoxville, lowa; Iowa City, Iowa; Aledo, Ill.; Tampico,
Ill., and Lanesboro, Minn. From April 4 to April 6 they were reported
from Fernwood, Ill.; Milwaukee, Wis.; Durand, Wis.; Hastings, Minn.;
and Elk River, Minn. They reached Luck, Wis., April 24, and Shell
River, Manitoba, May 1.
In the fall of 1885, at Elk River, Minn., the last was seen September
16; at River Falls, Wis., October 9; at Des Moines, lowa, October 24;
while at Lanesboro, Minn., near a rapid stream, which is very late in
freezing, they were still present November 30.
391. Ceryle cabanisi (Tschnd.). [383.] Texas Kingfisher.
As its name implies, this bird inhabits Texas, though the center of
its distribution is in tropical America. Mr. Lloyd says he has found it
in Nueces and Frio Canons, in Edwards county, but not further north.
Mr. Henry recorded it as a rare summer resident in Mason county, a
few miles northeast of Edwards county. In April, 1878, its eggs were
taken in Comal county, Tex., by Mr. W. H. Werner (Bull. Nutt. Ornith.
Club, Vol. IV, 1879, pp. 79, 80). It is probably resident throughout its
range.
392. Campephilus principalis (Linn.). [359.] Jvory-billed Woodpecker.
This is the largest Woodpecker of the Mississippi Valley, to the
southern part of which it is limited, as far as our district is concerned.
It is a resident wherever found. Ridgway says it was formerly resident
in southern Illinois, but is now extinct in most parts of that State. At
128
Fayette, Mo., Mr. Lientz marks it as formerly breeding, but not known
to do so at present. It is still found in northeastern Arkansas, being
abundant at Newport, and not very wild or wary, and thence westward
to Caddo, Ind. Ter., where a few were seen during the winter of 1883-84
in the heaviest timber of the bottom lands, together with the Pileated
Woodpecker. receding, the bulk arrived at latitude 42° 56’ in Dakota; the first at
latitude 44° 22’ in Wisconsin and at latitude 45° in Minnesota, while
on the day of the maximum “firsts” were recorded at latitude 43° 43’
and 44° 30/ in Wisconsin, latitude 44° 32’ in Minnesota, latitude 38°
55’ in Kansas, and latitude 47° 08’ in Dakota, with new arrivals of bulk
at latitude 43° 06’ in Wisconsin and 41° 36’ in Iowa. Thus there was
nearly as much real advance during these nights as during the last
wave of April, the difference being that the April wave spread over all
145
the stations during the same night, while the present wave occupied
two nights. For the next three days there were six notes from the Up-
per Mississippi Valley, which probably belong to this wave, though the
next two nights after the maximum were also warm and the birds very
likely did some migrating. These six do not indicate any advance be-
yond previous records, but are the filling in from stations in the rear
which had not before reported.
Another wave occurred on the night of May 17, but all the notes re-
ceived on Kingbirds were made the previous day, which was also warm.
These records mark the arrival of the bulk at latitude 43° in Wisconsin,
and of the first at latitude 46° 33’ in Minnesota, while—and the fact
is significant—it marked, as it should, the last transients seen at Saint
Louis, for certainly all lasts should be seen just before the maximum of
a warm wave.
But few waves remain in which the Kingbird is concerned. One on
May 20 brought the bulk to latitude 43° 48’ and 46° 33’ in Minnesota,
and the first to latitude 46° 58’ in Dakota, and lastly, on June 3, the
first appeared at Oak Point, Manitoba (latitude 50° 30’). To recapitu-
late, 76 observations were contributed on the mevements of the King-
bird. Of these, 12 were made on the day before tne maximum; 10 the day
after the maximum; 9 exactly at the minimum, that is, when the polar
wave was at its height; 4 are evidently mistakes in identification, and
8 occurred at intermediate times when there was no decided wave either
cold or warm. This leaves 33 notes which agree exactly with the max-
imum of the warm waves. It is perfectly natural that when a warm
period is gradually increasing the birds should be influenced by it before
it reaches the maximum, so that the first 12 records spoken of may be
considered correct. Omitting the four mjstakes, 72 records remain, of
which 11 per cent. are indeterminate, 28 per cent. do not agree with
the waves, and 61 per cent. agree exactly.
Considering the lack of experience in noting migration on the part of
most of the observers, this is a very creditable showing.
The average speed at which the Kingbird migrates has been calecu-
lated in the light of the above-mentioned cold and warm waves. Ithas
been assumed that no movement took place during the nights of pro-
nounced cold waves, and also that none occurred until at least the day
before the maximum, with the exception of the indeterminate times on
which there were notes. The record began at latitude 31° 52’ in Mis-
sissippi March 31, and ended at latitude 59° 30’ in Manitoba June
3d. The species thus passed over 1,286 miles in sixty-four days, which
gives an average of twenty miles a day. Subtracting the nights of
no movement, but retaining all the nights on which there was any
possibility of movement, we find that there were thirty-two nights on
which migration might have taken place, which would give an aver-
age of forty miles a night. That the above estimate of the number of
non-n , ement nights is not too high may be seen from the records at
.069—Bull 2——10
146
Saint Louis, where there were only about twenty-seven nights from Mareh
ol to June 3 on which migratory movements took place; and it is safe
to assume that the favorable nights as far north as Minnesota would
have been fewer than at Saint Louis. Hence it is probable that on no
night during which Kingbirds moved did they gq less than forty miles,
while on the night of April 29 they traversed over two hundred miles,
and on the nights of May 9 and 10 more than ahundred miles each
night,
If each station had furnished a record (similar to that kept by Mr.
Widmann at Saint Lonis) of all the nights when decided bird move-
ments took place, when slight movements took place, and when no
movement occurred, the advance of the various species could be eal-
culated with great accuracy, and a long step forward would have been
made in our knowledge of the phenomena of migration.
In the fall of 1884 the bulk left Williamstown, Iowa, August 20, and
the last was seen there August 28. At Des Moines, Iowa, the last was
seen August 26.
In the spring of 1885 the earliest record of the presence of the King-
bird in the Mississippi Valley came from Houma, La., where it was
seen March 19. At Gainesville, Tex., 4 degrees farther north, the first
was seen April 10; at Reeds, Mo., Apri] 13; Shawneetown, Ill., April
16, and Odin, UL, April 19. April 19 was the date of the beginning of
the most pronounced warm wave which occurred in the Mississippi
Valley during the whole season of migration. The rising temperature
was first felt at Saint Vincent, Minn., the evening of April 18, and
reached the maximum at New Orleans, La., the night of April 22, Its
intensity may be judged from the fact that at La Crosse, Wis., the
temperature at 11 p. m., April 17, was 38°, while the next night it was
58°; at Keokuk the temperature rose from 42° on the 17th to 68° dur-
ing the night of the 21st. Of course, this great rising temperature sent
a large bird-wave northward. The Kingbird was prominent in this
wave, traveling in company with the Whippoorwill, Brown Thrasher,
and many others. Now it is a queer fact that, although this bird-wave
was plainly noticed at every station in southern Iowa and central
Illinois, yet each station reported a different set of birds out of the ten
or a dozen well-known species which there is good reason to believe
were then migrating together. Thus, for example, during spring mi-
gration in 1885 the three birds already mentioned, namely, the King-
‘bird, Brown Thrasher, and Whippoorwill, were all reported from the
following thirteen stations: Griggsville, Aledo, and Hennepin, II1.,
and Morning Sun, Ferry, Knoxville, Des Moines, Iowa City, Coral-
ville, Newton, Grinnell, Ames, and La Porte City, lowa. During the
five days from April 19 to April 23 the Kingbird was reported from
six of these stations, the Brown Thrasher from eleven, and the Whip-
poorwill from nine. One station reported the Brown Thrasher only,
and another the Kingbird only. The Kingbird and Brown Thrasher,
147
without the Whippoorwill, were reported by two stations; the other
two without the Kingbird by six stations, and one station reported the
Kingbird and Whippoorwill without the Brown Thrasher. At two
stations all three were seen. Now what conclusions can be drawn from
these facts? It is evident that the peculiarity of the records must be
due to irregularity of migration or to irregular or incomplete observa-
tion, and it is probable that both causes affect the result. These rec-
ords show also how necessary it is, in studying migration, to have notes
from a large number of stations. The seven of the above mentioned
stations which did not report the Kingbird by April 23 recorded its
arrival the following number of days afterwards, namely, one, fourteen,
nine, six, eight, four, and twenty days, respectively.
Returning again to the regular migration of the Kingbird, the records
show that it was seen at Odin, Ill., April 19; the next day at Saint
Louis and Glasgow, Mo.; April 21 at Mount Carmel, Mo., and Manhattan,
Kans.; April 22 and 23 at Paris and Hennepin, Ul., and Ferry, Coral-
ville, Knoxville, and La Porte City, fowa.
Although this same warm wave carried the Whippoorwill and the
Brown Thrasher a full hundred miles farther north than any of these
stations, no further advance of the Kingbird was noted during the rest
of the month. Its advance from the region where the last wave left it
to latitude 45° seems to have taken place in two separate flights, about
a week apart, both passing over the same country. And since the in-
terval between these two flights was oecupied by snow-storms and
freezing weather, it may be inferred that the advance-guard of King-
birds had encountered the cold wave, which delayed the arrival of any
other detachments uutil the weather moderated. The stations visited
by the scouts on May 4 and 5 were Batavia, Hl., Delavan, Wis. (where
it was first seen May 1), Stoughton, Wis., Lake Mills, Wis., New Cassel,
Wis., Rochester, Minn., Excelsior, Minn. (first seen May 2), and Min-
neapolis, Minn. The second detachment was noted from May 11 to 13
at Batavia, Ill. (common); Rockford, Ul. (common); Lake Mills, Wis-
(bulk arrived); Leeds Centre, Wis. (first); Ripon, Wis. (first); River
Falls, Wis. (first); Ames, Iowa (first); Williamstown, Iowa (first);
Waukon, Iowa (first); Lanesboro, Minn. (first); Heron Lake, Minn.
(first); Lake City, Minn. (first), and Huron, Dak. (first). The first at
Elk River, Minn., was seen May 14; at New Richmond, Wis, May 15;
at Menoken, Dak., May 17; Two Rivers, Manitoba, and Oak Point,
Manitoba, May 21. The two notes from Nebraska (Unadilla April 27
and Linwood May 2) agreed very well with records from both Kansas
and Dakota.
_ In the fall of 1885 the last Kingbird was reported from Elk River,
Minn., September 1; Grinnell, lowa, August 4; Saint Louis, Mo.,
August 18; Mount Carmel, Mo., September 17; and Bonham, Tex.,
October 17. In Concho and Tom Green Counties, Tex., it is a rather
rare fall visitant.
148
445. Tyrannus dominicensis (Gmel.). [303.] Gray Kingbird.
The Gray Kingbird is a tropical species, a few coming north aeons
to the Gulf States to breed.
446. Tyrannus melancholicus couchii (Baird). [305.] Couch’s Kingbird.
A tropical American species, coming north to southern Texas. Its
nest and eggs have been taken at Lomita Ranch, on the Lower Rio
Grande (Sennett).
447. Tyrannus verticalis Say. [306.] Arkansas Flycatcher ; Western Kingbird.
A western species occurring in the western row of States in our dis-
trict. It was ascertained to breed in wesiern Minnesota by Thomas 8S.
Roberts and Franklin Benner, who found two ofits nests in the Trav-
erse Lake region in June, 1879 (Bull. Nutt. Ornith. Club, Vol. V, 1880,
pp. 15-16). It is common in middle and western Kansas (Goss); has
been taken in Texas, in Kansas as far east as Fort Hays, and in both
southwestern and southeastern Nebraska; is a rare summer resident in
southeastern Dakota; abundant in central Dakota, and has occurred
accidentally in Iowa, the District of Colambia, Maine, New Jersey, and
New York. In 1884 few notes were contributed relating to its move-
ménts during the spring migration. It was seen at San Angelo, Tex.,
and V ermillion, Dak., during the first week in May, and at Ellis, Kans.,
May 22. |
In the spring of 1885 the first Arkansas Flycatcher was seen at San
Angelo, Tex., May 6, the next May 8, and the last May 18.
448. Tyrannus vociferans Swains. [307.] Cassin’s Kingbird.
A southwestern species, recorded from western Texas.
449. Pitangus derbianus (Kaup). [308.] Mexican Pitangus ; Derby Flycatcher. |
An inhabitant of tropical America, coming north to the Lower Rio
Grande Valley, in Texas, where it was found by Mr. Sennett, who pro-
cured several specimens near Lomita ranch, above Hidalgo.
450. Myiozetetes texensis (Giraud). [309.] Giraud’s Flycatcher.
An inhabitant of tropical America, coming north to Texas (Giraud).
Giraud’s type is in the U. S. National Museum. |
452. Myiarchus crinitus (Linn.). [812]. Gvreat-cresled Flycatcher.
A common summer resident of the Mississippi Valley; rare as far
north as Manitoba. Winters extralimitally, entering our district in
April. In the spring of 1884 it was recorded at Gainesville, Tex.,
April 13; Manhattan, Kans., April 26, and Burlington, Iowa, April 27.
About the same time if was observed at Pierce City, Mount Carmel,
and Saint Louis, in Missouri, The three stations near the thirty-ninth
parallel reported the arrival of the bulk about May 1. By May 3 the
van had advanced to central Iowa (latitude 41° 36’ and 41° 38’), while
on the 10th, at West Depere, Wis., Mr. S. W. Willard shot the first he
had ever seen in that neighborhood. The species seldom goes farther
149
north than this. In Minnesota it has been traced up to latitude 45°
and possibly a little further, but at latitude 47° I never saw it. It
breeds throughout its United States range. In the fall of 1884 the last
Great-crested Flycatcher was seen at Des Moines, Iowa, August 26.
At Mount Carmel, Mo., the bulk left August 15 and the last September
9. The last left San Angelo, Tex., September 27.
In the spring of 1885 the earliest record was from Gainesville, Tex.,
where the species was seen April 9. It appeared at. Saint Louis, Mo.,
April 21; Paris, Ill., April 22; Mount Carmel, Mo., April 23; Manhattan,
Kans., May 4; Des Moines, Iowa, May 5, and Elk River, Minn., May
21. In the fall of 1885 the last left Grinnell, Iowa, September 26, and
Saint Louis, Mo., September 21.
In Concho and Tom Green Counties, Tex., it is a summer resident,
and is particularly abundant in fall migration; and at Houston, in east-
ern Texas, it is also a common breeder.
453. Myiarchus mexicanus (Kaup). [311.] Mexican Crested Flycatcher.
But one record of this Mexican species was received. Mr. Atwater
found it a summer resident at San Antonio, Tex., where it arrived
about the 1st of April in 1884. This point probably is not far from the
northern limit of its range. Previously it was not known north of the
valley of the Lower Rio Grande, where it is abundant.
454. Myiarchus cinerascens Lawr. [313.] Ash-throated Flycatcher.
This western Flycatcher reaches our district in Texas, where it is a
summer resident. In the spring of 1884 the first male arrived at San
Angelo March 23, followed three days later by the female; April 7
both sexes were numerous. Three nests were found May 9, May 19,
and June 9. They contained clutches of four, five, and five eggs,
respectively. The last noted in 1883 was on August 30.
In the spring of 1885 the first Ash-throated Flycatcher came to
Mason, Tex., April 5, where they were common by April 10. At San
Angelo, Tex., the first was seen March 15. They appeared at Bon-
ham, Tex., April 22, and were common April 26. In the fall of 1885,
at Bonham, Tex., the last was seen October 17.
455. Myiarchus lawrenceii (Gir.). [314.] Lawrence’s Fiycatcher.
An inhabitant of eastern Mexico, coming north to the Lower Rio
Grande Valley, in Texas.
456. Sayornis phoebe (Lath.). [315.] Phabe; Pewee.
This familiar bird is a common summer resident in the Mississippi
Valley. In eastern Texas, near Houston, it is common in winter from
December tiil March, but none remain to breed (Nehrling). In the
spring of 1884 fifty observers reported the date of its first appear-
ance. At the different stations there were great differences in the
number of individuals seen. At one station they were reported as
common, while at another, not far distant, they may have been very
150
rare. Mermenton, La., near the Gulf coast, was the only station report-
ing it to be a permanent resident. Farther west, at San Angelo, Tex.,
a single bird was taken February 1, 1882.
were seen at Gainesville, Tex., and Caddo, Ind. Ter., but no more fol-
lowed for some days, and on this date they were marked at Abbeville,
La., as still remaining in the same numbers as when they arrived ten days
before. March 9 the first male appeared at Rodney, Miss., and was
followed ten days later by the first female. By March 11, they returned
to Caddo, Ind. Ter.:; were seen at Newport, Ark., and also at Waverly,
Miss. Still, ail these were merely scouts, and it was not until March
13 and March 14 that the species become common in the Gulf States.
On these days they were marked as numerous at Eagle Pass, Tex., and
as arriving more plentifully at Abbeville, La., and beginning to sing a
little. March 21 this regular advance moved to southern Missouri, at
Jatitude 36° 56’ and latitude 37° 08’, and March 24 to Saint Louis. The
next day it was noticed at Griggsville, Ili, and Manhattan, Kans.
March 26, more came to Manhattan, and on the same date it was
reported from latitude 39°08’ and latitude 39°14’, in Missouri, and
an irregular scout moved to Tampico, Ill. (lat. 41°36’). March 30
and April 1 a small company invaded southeastern Lowa, appearing
at four stations, and April 3 some of them even reached latitude 41° 42’,
in Iowa, and letitude 43° 43’, in Minnesota, but this was their last effort
before the April storms drove them southward. We find no records from
April 3to April 10. On this latter date they began moving northward,
being seen at places in the rear of the position of the van of April 1.
About Apri! 14 the advance was fairly under way and had proceeded
northward through the rest of Lowa to latitude 45° 43’ in southern Min-
nesota, and through northern Dlinois to latitude 43° 06’ in Wisconsin,
with a scout north in Wisconsin to latitude 44° 30’. April 16 marked
an advance to latitude 44° 26’, in Minnesota; April 17 to latitude 449°
o2’ and latitude 45°; and April 18 to latitude 45° 25’. Then came a
long pause, and it was not until after May 1 that any more movements
were recorded. May 3 the species appeared at latitude 46° 33’ in Min-
nesota, and latitude 47° 32’ in Dakota, though it is probable that the
former of these dates is later than the normal. May 19 they were seen
at Portage La Prairie, Manitoba, and May 23 at Oak Point, Manitoba.
Mr. Small, the observer at Oak Point, says that they were the first he
ever saw there. It is probable that in the line of migration from New
Orleans to Lake Winnepeg almost the entire migration tock place dur-
ing the following twelve nights: March 10, 20, 25,27; April 11, 12, 18, 17;
May 3,9,17, and 19. The distanee is 1,440) miles, hence the average
ee ee ee ee |
NE ee ee eT
225
speed must have been 120 miles a night for every night of movement.
To show how much can be learned from the study of the movements of
a single species in a single locality, the full record from SainteLouis is
given. Mr. Widmann had a number of Martin houses set up in his
back yard, and kept a full and accurate account of all the movements
which took place there. His record reads : .
March 24, at 5.45 p. m., the first birds were seen, being three scouts; March 25, at
4.45 p. m., the first of our Martins, one male; March 28, second male arrived; March
29, first transient seen passing; March 30, first female arrived and several tran-
sients went north; March 31, an increase, ten per cent. were now present; April 3
to 13 there was no increase in our colony; April 13 it increased to ten birds, the
next day to sixteen, and April 16 it numbered eighteen (ten males and eight
females). April 17 added one male and one femaie; April 18 there were nine pairs
and three odd males in the boxes; April 23 about a dozen refugees from the north
crowded into the boxes at night, and among them was the first male of last year in a
half-starved condition; April 25 all the transient visitors were off again; our colony
now numbered twenty-three birds; April 26, twenty-seven birds; April 27, twenty-
eight birds; April 30, thirty birds. The bulk of the species arrived during these last
five days. During the first week of May the numbers gradually increased to thirty-
four birds. May 10 the last increase of old birds occurred, and now there were
eighteen pairs that had taken quarters. May 11 the bulk of last year’s birds were
present, but did not take possession of nor sleep in the boxes. May 12 all old Mar-
tins were building earnestly, and some have been sitting on eggs since about May 9;
May 20 the first pair cf young birds took possession of a box and began to build;
May 18 first eggs hatched; May 24 the second pair of young took a box, and June
5 the third pair did likewise.
In the fall of 1884 the last Purple Martin at Wiliiamstown, Iowa, was
seen August 19, and at Unadilla, Nebr., August 13. The bulk left Des
Moines, lowa, September 1, and the last seen was September11i. None
were seen at Mount Carmel, Mo., after August 18.
In the spring of 1885 the Purple Martin did not remain long in its
winter home, but returned to the United States early in February. It
was seen at Houma, La., February 8, and at San Antonio, Tex., Feb-
ruary 23. Those seen at Houma were probably irregular migrants, for
no more were reported from the other stations in Louisiana until the
last of the month. Those at San Antonio must have been part of the
regular advance, since only two weeks later (March 6 and 7) Martins
were reported from Bonham and Gainesville, Tex. During the month
of March the Martins passed from latitude 30° to latitude 38°. The
exact date of their movements can not be told, for in the year 1885 there
was not a single observer in the country along the Mississippi River
from New Orleans to Saint Louis. Here lies a vast area, 200,000 square
miles in extent—larger than the whole United Kingdom of Great Brit-
ain—and yet the most thorough and painstaking search failed to dis-
cover one person sufficiently interested in the study of ornithology to
make a record of the movements of birds !
The Purple Martins were reported from Emporia, Kans., March 26;
Corinth, Miss., March 28, and a straggler was seen the same day at
Fayette, Mo. The grand wave of migration, the largest of the whole
4365—Bull. 2 15
226
season, passed up the Mississippi Valley during the last two days or
March, and the first day of April. During these three days the arrival
of Martins was noted at Pierce City, Mo.; Reeds, Mo.; St. Louis,
Mo.; Glasgow, Mo.; Richmond, Kans.; Manhattan, Kans.; Shawnee-
town, Ill. (two observers); Paris, [ll.; Peoria, Ill.; Tampico, Ill.; Chi-
cago, Ill.; Milwaukee, Wis.; Knoxville, Iowa; Iowa City, lowa, and
Unadilla, Nebr.
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MISSISSIPPI VALLEY,
Showing the Stations of the Obstrcers
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ADEN TE
AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGISTS UNION
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LIBRARY
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(20 Stat. 171, June 15, 1878.)
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8—7888
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