Taxidermists’

Vol. 4, No. 3.

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°

THE SUNNY SOUTH OOLOGIST. -

SS

Yol. 1. No. 3.

GAINESVILLE, Texas, May, 1886.

Published Monthly, 50 Cents per Year.

[For the Sunny South Odlogist.] THE ORIOLES.

(Icterninae.)

The Genera of birds are remarkable for their beautiful plumage, and the ingenious manner in which they construct their nests. The billis of medium length and conical, both mandibles are of equal length, and the toes are calculated for perching and grasp- ing. ‘Iheir peculiar mode of nest building renders this necessary. They feed chiefly on insects which they glean from the foliage and branches of trees. The majority of these birds are residents of more tropical climates—only two species, the Baltimore and the Orchard Orioles, being summer visitants of Ontario, and the latter of these confines its visits to the south and Lake Erie regions of this province.

THE BALTIMORE ORIOLE. (Icterus Baltimore. )

The male of this species is noted for the beauty of his plumage, and his mellow notes, and the female for the ingenuity that she displays in the formation of her nest. The male is seven inches in length, the head, throat, and upper parts of the wings are black, the whole under part are of a bright orange hue, deepening into vermillion on the breast, the back is also crossed by an orange band; the plumage of the female is similarly marked but the hue is dull. The food of this species consists chiefly of insects, such as beetles, bugs, small moths, various cat- terpillars, and also earth worms; it doubtless also occasionally feeds on small ripe fruit, Its song is a clear, mellow whistle, repeated as it gleans among the green foliage of the trees and bushes, where the greater portion of its time is spent. There is in these notes a certain playfulness and vivacity which to the interested listener is very pleasing, as it is not uttered with the rapidity of some more melodious songsters, but rather pleasing tranquility of a careless school-boy, perform- ing for his own amusement. When alarmed,

or when anything approaches that he regards as an enemy, he makes a rapid twittering, very different to his usual notes. This species appears to inhabit the greater part of temperate North America. It is not a resident of the backwoods, or new settlements of Canada, but prefers the orchards, groves, shade trees, and margins of the woods in the older settled districts where, during the sum- mer months, the beautiful plumage and art- less manners of the male bird renders it, in the hours of recreation, an attractive study for the labors of ornithology. This bird is also bold and courageous, and while the fe- male attends to her nesting duties, the male makes no hesitation in attempting to drive off all intruders of the feathered race; and should he not succeed himself, the female comes to his assistance; or he will keep on the watch until he can unite with the King, or Blackbird, in a general attack, whether the foe is a crow, or some species of the hawk family.

Its nest, a purse-like structure, is generally suspended among the drooping branches of trees that stand on the margin of the woods, overhanging a water-course, or that have been planted for the purpose of shade, sur- rounding farm dwellings, or in the streets of towns and even cities. The eggs, five to seven in the set, are of a creamy-white color, marbled over the surface with streaks and dots, of a blackish-purple hue. The nest of the Oriole is one of the wonders of bird architecture. Whether we contemplate it as the work exclusively of instinct, or whether memory and judgment are brought into requisition, it is a study worthy of the nat- uralist. The favorite trees for her nest are the weeping willow, elm, and maple. The smaller branches of these trees are pendant, and she begins by uniting two or three twigs together with a cord, so as to be like a small hoop, and to this she suspends the frame work. The nest, when complete, will re- semble a long, narrow pocket, open at the top, and six or eight inches in length. The

26

variety of materials used is astonishing; nothing comes amiss—flax, hemp, cotton straw, grass, wool, hair, strips of bark, sometimes thread or small pieces of lace will be appropriated; horse hair, two feet long, will be sewed through and through from the top to the bottom, then up to the other side and back again; and when all this is done it will be so matted together as to be almost as firm as a felt hat. The nest of the Oriole is indeed a combination of weaving and felting. So solicitous is this bird to procure proper materials for the construction of her nest that it is often necessary to watch thread that may be out bleaching, and the farmer must secure his young grafts, as this bird will carry off the former, and the strings that tie the latter to serve her purpose in building. Clothes lines are also attacked, and all need- ed materials taken therefrom. The nest when finished is well secured from sun and rain, and also from observation below by the thick foliage and branches among which it is placed. The young Orioles remain in the nest until they are able to fly, but for some time before they take their flight the nest is easily discovered by their peculiar notes, which resembles the piping of young goslings.

THE ORCHARD ORIOLE. © (Icterus shurius, )

This species is seven inches in length. The plumage of the male, on the upper parts, is dusty black, that on the lower parts brown- ish chestnut, while that of the female has a grayish hue above and light yellow beneath. It is quite common in the southeastern states, but until recent years it has been rather a rare summer visitor to the southern parts of Ontario. In these parts, however, it is be- coming more common, and yearly penetrates further into the inland districts. It frequents orchards and willow groves, as well as other shady places in the vicinity of towns and farm residences, where it forms its curiously woven nests among the pendant branches. This structure is composed of dry grass, wool, and other fiberous materials; the eggs, four to six in number, measure .85x.55, and are of a bluish-white hue, marbled with lines and spots of a brownish hue. It feeds on small fruits and many species of insects, in their various stages of development. It is

THE SUNNY SOUTH OOLOGIST.

sometimes called the tailor bird, on account of the ingenious manner in which its nest is composed, and for this purpose it is provided with a long, straight bill. Its plumage un- dergoes various changes, and it does not acquire its adult plumage until the fourth year. Its rapidly repeated notes are not so loud and clear as are those of the Baltimore Oriole.

THE MEADOW LARK. (Sturnella magna. )

This familiar and handsome bird is among the best, most pleasing, and continuous of American song birds. It is also among the first of our summer residents to return and cheer the rural agriculturist with its melodi- ous notes, when the long cold winter of this region is drawing to a close. Generally toward the latter part of March, or in the early days of April, while the air is still chilly, and snow and ice stil! linger on the margins of the fields and deep in the woods, if the sun shines and there are indications of more spring-like weather, among the sound of returning bird-life that greets the listening ear, from detached tree or fence-post, or on the margins of the wood, is sure to be heard the pleasing song-notes of the meadow lark; and these varied sounds may be daily heard from every grass-field, through all the sum- mer days, until the late autumn, when al! the rest of our summer visitors have fled from our woods and fields to their winter homes in the sunny south. Even after the first snow has fallen, and severe frost has put an end for the season to the growth of vegetation, and the appearance of the Snow- buntings heralds the near advent of the icy king, this bird still lingers in our fields, and during the day may be seen in small compan- ies, frisking among the stubble, or chasing each other over the meadows with as much animation as though it was the long sunny days of the summer season. Its general hab- itat is the meadow or pasture-field, though sometimes it finds a suitable nesting-place among the growing-grain, especially fall- wheat, and in the grassy field it finds its favorite food, which consists chiefly of various species of insects, and seeds, and among old stubble or growing grass its nest

THE SUNNY SOUTH OOLOGIST.

27

is generally placed. This is usually sunk in the ground, and has either a natural or arti- ficial canopy over it. The nest is composed of stubble, vines and grasses, neatly pressed together by the female lark, on whom the duty of nest building, as well as incubation, wholly devolves. The set of eggs is from four to six. These are of a clear white color, variously marked with redish spots, and measure 1-10x.80 of an inch. The female exhibits much cunning in her attempts to conceal her nest, and prevent it from being discovered if she has any suspicion that she is being watched, but sometimes, when not suspecting danger, she will drop down close to the nest, followed by her mate, and that unguarded act may lead the oologist to dis- cover the treasure that she is most solicitous to keep hid; but when she finds that her nest is being sought for, she sits very close and will not flush until almost trodden upon; then finding her effort vain she darts up with a scream and flies off to a considerable dis- tance. If her first efforts at brood-raising are successful she does not nest again that season, but if robbed will soon deposit another set. The first nest is generally early in May, and the young are able to fly by the end of June or early in July, but sometimes nests with eggs are found while haying is in progress, by the middle of the latter month. The young generally remain with their parents to the end of the season, and move about in scattered flocks, after the manner of the quail or grouse; and when they alight on a tree or bush it is always on the topmost branches, and from such positions their songs and varied call-notes are wafted over the fields. The Meadow Lark is not an adven- turous colonist, for not until the wildwoods have given place to grassy fields and pasture lands does it become a tenant on the premises of the Canadian farmer, but when it has once arrived in a district, and is not much disturbed, it is pretty certain to return, with great regularity, to the same place, year after year. This species is over ten inches in length; the color of the plumage on the upper parts is variegated with dark brown, bay,

and yellowish white; beneath it is yellow, with a velvet black crescent on the throat.

THE COW BIRD. (Molothrus pecoris. )

The plumage of the male of this species is deep black, except on the neck and breast, which has a brownish hue; that of the female is of a dusty brown color. In length it is about eight inches. It generally moves about in parties of six or eight, and frequents the pasture fields, or the margins of the woods, or along the roads in the older settle- ments, being seldom found in the newly settled districts. It is often observed where horses or cattle are feeding, sometimes in the shadow or among the feet of these animals. Its object there is probably to secure the flies that are disabled by the whisking tails of these animals, or to feed on the grubs that are found in their excrements. Besides in- sects it also feeds on grain, seeds, and berries of various kinds. Fhe affectionate care which is exhibited by most birds for their nests and young is not evinced by this species, for it neither makes a nest, hatches its eggs, nor feeds its young; these obligations it im- poses on other birds, by depositing its eggs in their nests. The nests generally chosen as the cradle of its progeny are those of the different species of sparrows, warblers and vireos. I have seen the eggs of this bird in the nests of the following species: Red-eyed birds, Song Sparrows. White-throated, and Chipping Sparrows, Black Snowbird, Redstart Chestnut-sided, and Yellow Warbler, Gold- finch,and Water and Golden-crown Thrushes; but the same bird does not appear to deposit more than one or two eggs in the same nest, for though more than that number is some- times found in a nest, these would seem to have been deposited by different females of this species, and when they do so they gen- erally always remove one of the eggs of the rightful owner, so that sometimes a nest will be found containing several eggs of the cow- bird, undergoing the process of incubation in which there is not a single egg of the fos- ter bird. The eggs of this species are whi- tish, thickly dotted with brownish spots, and the general size .85 by .65 of an inch, but both in size and marking there is much vari- ation. The young cowbirds do not, like the young cuckoos of Europe, try to evict their fellow nestlings, but their superior size and

verocity is a heavy tax on the industry of their foster parents, whose own young are often starved to death or overlaid in the nest. Sometimes the Cow bird deposits an egg in a new made nest, before the owner has laid any of her own eggs, in which case the nest is generally forsaken by the owner, but when one or more eggs have been deposited by the owner, no attention appears to be taken at the intrusion of the Cow bird on the part of the majority thus imposed upon, though some have been known to resent the imposition, by covering the egg and raising a new nest above it. When impelled by the only maternal im- pulse by which nature has endowed her; the female cow bird leaves her companions, and goes in search of the nest of some other bird; her mate sometimes follows, and while she is seated, he perches on some neighboring branch and by a peculiar note gives her warning if danger approaches. Should she find a nest, the eggs of which have been sometime in- cubated, which she either knows by instinct, or discovers by breaking one, she does not deposit an egg therein, but goes to seek an- other nest where incubation has not com- menced. After the breeding season is over these birds collect in large flocks, and with other species, on the approach of cold weath-

er, make towards the tropical regions, where |,

they pass the winter season, and they are seen no more until the return of spring re- calls them again to the budding woods and emerald fields of Canada. It isalso very re- markable how the young of this species, when able to provide for themselves, forsake their foster parents, and associate only with their own kind. Sometimes a few of these birds make their appearance in Ontario in the early daysof April, but they are seldom numerous until late in May, and some of them still linger - here until the latter part of October. Last fall I saw one of these birds among a flock of English sparrows, on December 2nd. Wo. L. Ke tts, Listowel, Ont., Can.

a te [For the Sunny South Odlogist.]

BELL’S VIREO.

(Vireo belli Aud.) This little bird (often called swinger) is one of our commonest summer residents in festing our orchards and groves in large

THE SUNNY SOUTH OOLOGIST.

{male in trying to defend it.

numbers. It arrives from the south early in April, and begins nesting about the 15th of the same month.

It has a very pleasing, warbling song, com- posed of five or six syllables, and considering - its vocal powers, can be heard for a long dis- tance.

This little song may be very pretty and sweet, but during the breeding season is very treacherous to the bird itself, as it serves as a guide to the egg collector in finding the whereabouts of the nest. The male always remains in the vicinity of the nest, and often very near, warbling his little ditty. If any one approaches the nest, the female joins the I have never had one to fly at me, but they fly from limb to limb keeping close to the nest, uttering the simple and repeated ‘‘Chee, chee, chee,” in quick succession, at the same time seem- ing to fan itself with its wings, and ruffling its feathers about its head. The nest is a very neat and strong cup-sla ed structure, pensile from the forks of a smail horizonal branch of a tree or bush, usually from four. to eight feet from the ground. Its favorite nesting places is in our well shaded orchards or on the north side of a hedge of the Osage Orange. The material used in the construct- ion of the nest is coarse grass, leaves, paper, rags, etc., lined with horse hair and fibrous roots. The number of eggs usually deposit- ed is four, of a pure white color, sparingly sprinkled with reddish-brown, chiefly at the greater end. I have found sets of eggs in which they were perfectly void of any color- ing whatever. The size usually averages

.62 x .58 of an inch. EK, C. Davis.

—+ Oe {For the Sunny South Odlogist.] NEST OF THE GREAT HORNED OWL.

(Bubo virginiannis.)

The ‘‘Booby” or Virginian Owl is quite a rare specimen in Central Maryland, though the little barn Owl is quite common. On the evening of April 13, 1886, I started to visit an old tree, in which an owl had been shot shortly before. After an hour’s walk I arrived at the woods and proceeded to hunt the tree. I found it at last. The tree was a large, tall and cragged chestnut; a smaller

THE SUNNY SOUTH OOLOGIST.

29

—

one had been cut The top was broken off about sixty feet above the ground, anda hole two feet deep was left. It was situated ina low, gloomy and unfrequented part of the woods, near a large stagnant pool of water.

I at once prepared to climb this smaller tree, andafter quite a frightened and laborious task I reached the top. Now as I had not expected to find any eggs, you can imagine my delight to see three large white eggs, which were nearly globular in form.

The next troubling question was;—How was I to get the eggs safe to ‘“‘terra firma?” I thought of several ways, and as I had not brought any box, I at last struck a model idea. I took off my shirt and tied them separately in the final part. (To all collect- ors should they ever be in my ‘‘fix,” I rec- commend thisas a safe and sure way to carry eggs.)

After much slipping and sliding I reached ground safe once more. The eggs are now in my collection. *

Frank H. Cooper, Towson, Md. see — |For the Sunny South Odlogist.]

COLORADO BIRDS.

THE LARK BUNTING. (Calomospiza bicolor.)

Dreary would the plains be indeed were it not for this happy little bird that, in the breed ing season and summer months, are found here in large quantities. They are scattered over all of Weld county and the farther from a ‘‘water hole” you may go the more of them you will find. Among the ‘‘ccw boys and sheep herders” this bird is known as the Whitewinged blackbird, while the folks of the village whose memory of the bobolink is still fresh and strong, call it the Colorado Bobolink. Call them what you may, no bird is more happier and no _bird’s song is as pleasant to me as that of the Lark Bunting.

The male has the habit of soaring toa height of forty or fifty feet while singing the seven or eight distinct strains that composes its song. During the breeding season its Soaring and singing is very energetic, and you may be sure the nest is near by. A careful walk will flush the female, who leaves mien |)

and thrown against it. |

and is not seen again. There are but few species of birds the sexes of which differ much as the male and female of this species. White-winged black-bird is an appropriate name for the male but the female looks more like some ground sparrow.

The nest is either under the shelter of some low grass wood or sage bush or yucca plant; and I have found them under the good protection of a large ‘‘prickly pear cactus.” It is well made of fine grasses and sunken to a general level with the prairie.

The eggs are either four or five of a pale bluish green .90 x .65 or 70 generally un- marked yet now and then one or two of the eggs in a set will be slightly speckled with black around the larger end. I have never found a set where all the eggs were speckled.

The bird arrives about the middle of May, and fresh eggs can be taken about the 10th

of June.

MOUNTAIN PLOVER (Podasocys montanus)

A bird which is almost as common on our plains as the Lark Bunting but not quite so popular, is the Mountain or Prairie Plover. They seem to be wholly independent of water as I have found their nests in the dry- est parts of the country as well asnear some creek. Their whistle is very strong and somewhat resembles that of our Curlew, Sexes are very much alike and before and after the breeding season they move about in small flocks of ten or twelve.

This bird when flushed from her nest can make the best show of being crippled and in the worst misery of any I ever observed. If you appear more interested in the nest than in her, she will crawl to your very feet, ut- tering her agonizing shrieks. The nest is on the bare ground with no lining whatever, eggs usually four in numter averaging 1.49 x 1.10, but not as pointed as most plover’s eggs.

No other writer has described the eggs in better words than Cone. He says: ‘‘They are of an olive-drab with a brown shade pro- fusely dotted all over but especially at the larger end, with black, dark brown ‘and neu- tral tints. Markings all mere dots and points, largest scarcely exceeding a pin’s head.”

ot arrive about the 20th of April, fresh

ges can be taken the last of May. Frep M. Drie, Greeley, Col.

as

30

THE SUNNY SOUTH OOLOGIST.

— TELS —

Sunny South Oologist.

A Monthly Devoted to the Interests of Ornithologists and Oologists.

EDITED AND PUBLISHED BY SEIEESININ/ folee Gon | cD eNO Ny ioe GAINESVILLE, TEXAS.

We request all of our readers to send us de- scriptions of their collecting trips, or any items of interest relating to birds, their nests or eggs.

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Entered at the post-office at Gainesville as second-class matter.

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With pleasure I present to you this month the Sunny SoutH Oo.oetsr in an enlarged form; not in size, but in quantity of reading matter. [have added tomy magazine four more pages, thus making in all sixteen pages of good reading matter, and four pages of ad- vertisements. For this I will not advance the price; but shall continue to receive sub- scriptions at the extreme low price of 50 cents per annum.

Students of Ornithology and Oology wish- ing a reliable guide to the nesting habits of birds, should,—if not already a subscriber —send in their subscriptions at once, as we shall continue to give the same amount of reading matter each month, and will guur-

antee to give more for the money than any Journal in America.

9—_____

Subscribe now, as you will not receive an- other specimen copy.

Since our last issue we received a letter froma young collector asking if rabbits

, really laid eggs, and where to look for their

nests.

Many thanks to friends for sending in ar- ticles on Geology; but as this magazine is devoted exclusively to Ornithology and Oology I shall have to refuse them.

Remember that every subscriber. of this magazine is allowed the privilege of insert- ing his exchange or want notice free, thereby making exchanges with every collector in the land.

Brother editors will please be so kind as to giye us due credit for any article copied from the Sunny SourH Ootosist. We have no- ticed several short articles belonging to us, but minus the credit.

As the collecting season has now fairly begun, we shall expect to receive notes of your rare finds, collecting trips; etc., and will gladly publish anything sent in by you, relating to birds, their nests or eggs. -

Mr. W. O. Emerson of Haywards, Cal., not being content with finding a Humming bird’s nest with eggs on the 22d of February, 1885, now comes to the front by reporting the finding of a nest and eggs of this little species on the 19th of January, this year.

Two beautiful specimens of the Laughing Gull (larus atricilla,) were killed near Gaines- ville, Texas, on the 10th of April; a very rare bird for Cooke county, being over three hun- dred miles from any large body of water. They were killed out of a flock of six in number.

The Audubon Society (named after the great naturalist), founded in February, 1885, is rapidly increasing its membership in alj

‘

THE SUNNY SOUTH OOLOGIST.

parts of the country. The purpose of the society is to prevent (1) the killing of any wild bird not used for food. (2) The taking or destroying of the eggs or nests of any wild birds. (3) The wearing of the feathers of wild birds. The office isat No. 40 Park Row, New York.

The society wishes a local secretary in every town and village to secure signers of its pledges; and will upon apqlication furnish circulars of information and pledge forms. Upon the return of the signed pledges certif- icates of membership will be issued. Beyond the promise contained in the pledges no obli- gation nor responsibility is incurred. There are no fees, no dues, nor any expenses of any kind. There are no conditions as to age.

The promoters of the movement are san- cuine of effecting a great change of senti- ment relative to the destruction of our song- sters and insect-destroying birds for hat dec- oration.

——- 9 For the Sunny South Oologist. THE HORNED LARK.

(Eremophila alpestris.)

The Horned or Shore Larks have been very plentiful here this winter and I think we can cal] them an occasional winter res- ident. I saw them late in December, 1885, and early in February of this year.

I have shot several specimens this winter and all of them are nearly uniform in size, the male being always the largest. The average measurements are as follows: Males from 4 to 5 inches around body and 6 to 7 inches in length, tip of bill to tip of tail; clear spread 12 1-2 inches. Females 3 to 4 inches around body, and 5 1-2 to 6 inches from bill to tip of tail; clear spread 10 1:2 in- ches.

Dnring the winter the males are of a red- dish color on the shoulders and neck, but in the spring this changes to olive. The males have long tufts on their heads which may be seen at quitea distance. I have shot sev- eral specimens whose tufts or horns were half an inch in length. The females are not so nicely marked as the males.

These birds commence to nest about the middle of April, and fresh eggs may be ob-

31

tained by the first of May. I found last year, the 2d of May, a nest containing young large enough to fly.

ARRIVALS.

Hawks, Bluebirds, Robins, Meadow Larks, Blackbirds, Kingfishers, Song Sparrows and Purple Finches have arrived. Hawks have commenced to build. I founda nest of the Red-shouldered Hawk yesterday (April 3rd) all completed.

ALBERT G. PriLL, Springville, N. Y.

—+ oe

[For the Sunny South Odlogist.]

While out wolf hunting in February I went through a ravine which was overgrown with weeds, and among the weeds was a flock of from fifty to seventy of these birds feed- ing on the seeds. Having nothing but a Winchester rifle with me I passed them with- out taking any specimens. A few days later I visited the place, this time armed with a breech-loading shot gun, and found the birds not in the weeds but spread through a grove of box-alders feeding on the seeds. Securing several good specimens, together with a pair of Red Crossbills and Northern Waxwings I returned home.

The Evening Grosbeak arrives with us about the middle of January, and remains until the latter part of March, frequenting the Jowlands, and feeding principally on the seeds of the box-alder. The only notes lL have heard this bird utter is a shrill whistle, which may be heard a considerable distance, also an occasional chirrup. While with us these birds go in flocks and are quite tame, but after a gun has been fired among them, very soon become wild and restless. I know nothing of its nesting habits for it nests much farther north than Minnesota; but should like to hear from some collector acquainted with them in their northern home. In size itis about the same as the Rose-breasted Grosbeak, though appearing slightly larger, from having a thicker coat of feathers. The bill which very is thick and strong is of a dark yellowish color; the wings are black, with two white spots on each; a band of yellow reaches around the neck and under each

32

wing; the black resembles that of the Cedar Waxwing, with slightly more yellow,

THE RED CROSSBILL. (Loxia curvirostra. Americana.)

The Red or American Crossbill has been very common here this fall and winter, arriv- ing late in August and is with us still. Its principal food is the seeds of the sun flower, and when feeding it is person can often get close enough to observe their movements quite plainly. I have never known a nest to be found in this locality,

though it must have nested very near here |

last season, for in the latter part of the sum- mer the young of these birds were very com- mon.

The Red Crossbill is a very handsome bird in color, much resembling the Purple Finch, only larger and of a darker red. The tail which is very noticeable when flying, is very short, with a deep nitch in the end. The under mandible, which is quite short, crosses to the left, while the upper mandible, being about twice the length of the under, crosses to the right.

F. A. Patron, Lake City, Minn.

— Oo

[For the Sunny South Odlogist.] MINNESOTA’S RESIDENTS.

From the title, the contents of this sketch may ill be told. But, as all of my readers who are interested in Ornithology know, this term is applied to those birds which remain in any particular locality the year round. Almost all of our birds migrate to some ex- tent and thus the species which are entirely resident are limited somewhat in number. They are chiefly different kinds of Owls, Woodpeckers and Grouse, although some notice is also taken of various other species.

Though comparatively few, they afford plenty of material for close and profitable study; this may easily be done since they are always within reach and do not seek South- ern homes in winter as do the other birds.

The largest among them is the White or Snowy Owl (Nyctea scandiaca), a beautiful bird at any age, but especially so when in its first soft, white down. In the south-eastern portion of the State, the bird is very rare,

so tame that a

THE SUNNY SOUTH OOLOGIST.

while in the western and northern parts it is quite common. One was shot here (on the | Miss. river.) on Nov. 17. 1885, and was the first seen since 1882; this bird was an adult /male in full plumage, measuring about twen- ty-five inches in length and fifty-eight inches in extent.

This species, unlike most of the Owls, builds its nest on the ground in an open prair- ie; it is a large heap of sticks, straw, grass, etc., and is used for several] years if the birds are undisturbed. It is generally placed in a natural hollow in the ground, surrounded by a dense growth of grass. In this, during | the month of March, are deposited the set of from three to five eggs. These are nearly pure white, and measure somewhat less than the egg of the Great-horned owl. This bird is not very sociable, as regards either man or those of its own kind, for in winter if is gen- erally found away from its mate, and hardly ever near the habitations of man. But it is very fierce, and proves to be no mean antag- onist even for a man to deal with.

The Great-horned Owl] (Bubo virginianus) is next in size and importance, and is very much more common than the foregoing species. This bird is not found except in limited numbers in the western portions of the State, but prefers the wooded regions of the north. It has less fear of man than any other owl,and on some occasions is quite socia- ble. Many a farmer’s son has watched early and late for the stranger who was nightly reducing the number of his chickens. And from this same cause a great many owls come to an untimely end. Living together for several years, winter and summer alike, they begin to build their nest and lay their egegsin the month of March, and by the first of April the young are generally hatched. The eggs are two, three, or rarely, four in number, nearly round, measuring about 2.55 by 2.05 inches; the color is a dirty or creamy white, unspotted. The nest is usually one used the year before by a pair of Red-tailed Hawks, or other large birds; seldom of its own construction. The young are able to fly by the first of June,

The Barred Ow] (strix nebulosa) is a some- what smaller bird, and is much less common, if indeed it is not to be called rare. Its

THE SUNNY SOUTH OOLOGIST. oo

habits are about the same as those of the Great-horned Owl, except that the former is much more solitary. The eggs are about the same, only a little smaller, and pure white in color, They are placed in almost any kind of a nest or hole, in a tree or rock that will hold them. The nesting season is a few weeks after that of the preceding species.

The Great Northern Shrike (Lanius borea- lis) is another of our residents, coming early in December to the southern countries, in very small numbers. It returns about the middle of March to breed in the northern part of the State. It is considerably larger than the White-+umped Shrike or ‘‘Butcher- bird,” and has a broad band of black extend- ing from the base of the bill around the back of the head. Its habits are about the same as those of the other shrikes, and is, even more than them, addicted to the practice of killing small birds. One of its chief articles of food in winter is the little American Gold- finch.

The Northern Waxwing (Ampelis garrulus) probably nests in the northern portions of this State, visiting the southern parts in win- ter and early spring. These birds are a trifle larger, and in all other ways closely resem- bles the common Waxwing or Cedar-bird. They assemble in flocks late in the fall, and roam about the lower counties during the winter in considerable numbers. On_ arriv- ing at a suitable locality, a flock of about thirty take up their abode there for a few months, wandering quite a distance in day- time in search of food, but always returning at nightfall to the same roosting place, if they are undisturbed.

The chief sound seems to be a few chips and those are only varied by their cries of alarm.

This year very few were seen in this local- ity until the middle of January, when they became quite common. About the 10th of March they left in a body to nest in early spring in our northern conntries.

The eggs are almost exactly the same as those of the Cedar bird, and are three, four or five in number.

In company with this species the Evening Grosbeak (Hesperiphona vespertina) comes in the role of a winter visitor, but it undoul t

edly breeds in the northern parts of the State. Its stay is comparatively short here, for, coming in the latter part of December, it re- turns before January is spent. This bird is the most beautiful of all the species found in winter; the anterior half of the body is yellowish olive; wings, crown, upper tail, coverts and tail, black; most of other parts yellow; there is some white on the wings and back, making altogether an odd-looking but beautiful bird. The female is some- what lighter and the back is a dark brown. These birds are not so numerous as the Wax- wings and go in flocks of about the same sz. They are found in old fields, picking the seeds from the blue maples and from various weeds. When one of a flock is kill- ed, the remainder fly around and _ will not leave the place, and in this way the whole flock is easily taken. The males are few compared with females, being about one- third the number. They are very tame and easily approached.

With these the pine Grosbeak (Pincola enucleator), a smaller bird is often seen. They are very few in number, travelling in pairs and in three andfours. In habits they are similar to the Grosbeaks and nest in the same latitude.

The Common Redpole (Aegiothus linaria) arrives here early in December and remains until February. Flocks of about twenty- five are often seen in the trees about old farm houses. This bird breeds early in the spring and deposits three, four, or sometimes five eges about the first of May. The ergs are a light blue, marked irregularly about the lar- ger end with black.

One of the best known as well as one of the commonest residents of this State is the American Goldfinch (Astrogalinus tristis). This little bird is called by quite a variety of names; in almost every part of the state it is: called ‘‘Wild Canary,” and in many sections it is known, especially to the egg-collcctor, as ‘“Thistle-bird,” ‘‘Yellow-bird,” ete. Who would think that the little brown twittering birds he sees picking seeds and grain out of the snow were the ones, briljliant with bright yellow and black, singing so merrily among the green leaves of summer? But it is true, though the color and habits change, they

34

will return with the warm summer sun and these birds will be as bright and joyous as before. It is one of our latest, if not the la- test bird to breed in the state, never begin- ning to nest until July and often some es- pecially tardy ones will be found building their nests early in August. This nest is made principally of soft fine thistle down and is about three inches by two. Generally this structure is placed three or four feet from the ground in a thistle or small bush. The eggs are from four to seven in num- ber more often five; they are unspotted, of a beautiful light blue tint after being blown. Before this the yolk gives the shell the ap- pearance of being pink.

The Bluejay (Cyanocilla cristata) is one of our most abundant birds. In winter it is very sociable, coming into the yard and hop- ping about the buildings after any morsel of food that may chance to be there. It is gen- erally found in the vicinity of a corn-crib in winter, as then its chief article of food is corn; while in the summer months its diet is com- posed almost of various worms and insects. Being so much about the farm houses, this bird is.a great protection against hawks and owls, rarely failing to drive them away. Rather early in May the first sticks which ‘are to compose the nest are placed in position, and in a week or so the first egg is deposited. ‘The nest is usually a rather slim affair, being occasionally so thin that the eges may be

easily counted from below; it is made most- ly of sticks and fis lined thinly with grass. The eggs are four or five in number, varying from a light bluish drab to a light blue ground color, spotted quite evenly over the entire surface with lilac and light brown. This species is very easily tamed and is one of the hardiest of our birds. A moderate amount of ill-treatment, sufficient to kill almost any other bird, has no perceptible effect on it. In winter it is as lively and ‘Spry as in spring or summer, and if the weath- er suddenly grows extremely cold itis found to be the more enlivened by its very severity. ‘This bird is accused, and quite justly, of stealing the eggs of other smaller birds for food; the Chipping Sparrow seems to be a favorite with it in this habit of plunder.

My. Bluejay will eat two or three eggs

ges and

THE SUNNY SOUTH OOLOGIST.

then, pursued by the owners he will tri- umphantly bear away the last one on his bill, as if in mockery of their cries of anger and alarm.

The Bluejay is the only mocking bird in the State. Its powers ot mimicry are unexcelled. In its vocabulary are many dozen cries of its own, besides numbers of songs and chirps, peculiar to other birds. Many a time has the writer mis- taken the shrill screech of the Bluejay for the cry of the Red-tailed Hawk!

The Common Crow (Corvus frugivorsus) is a regular resident, but occasionally, during the coldest parts of the winter, it is somewhat in- clined to go south a little ways. All are familiar withsthe appearance of this bird. Early in the spring it begins to nest, building a solid struc- ture of sticks, moss, dry leaves, ete., in which the female deposits four, five or six eggs about the 15th or 20th of April, The eggs are light-blue, spotted and blotched over the white surface with lilac and grayish brown. They measure about 1.52 by 1.18) inches. The nest is placed in a high tree, and is always well guarded by its owners. In winter this species is often seen in small flocks, hovering about cattle yards and slaughter houses. Like the Bluejay, the Crow is a great nest-robber, even taking half-fledged birds from their nests to feed its own young. It is very difficult to approach these birds with a gun, and they are seldom shot except by sérate- gem.

The Hairy Woodpecker (Picus villosus) is one of our most sociable winter friends, while in summer its habits of nesting in the deepest woods preclude the possibility of closely wateh- ing its breeding habits. Always seen singly in winter, and, apparently having no particular home or lodging place, it wanders from tree to tree in search of food. In spring it nests eariy, placing its eggs in holes in dead trees. The height of the nest is from thirty to sixty feet, and it is generally in such a position as to make climbing very difficult and dangerous. The eggs are four or five in number, pure white. If com- pared with those of the Red-bearded Wood-_ pecker, no difference can be foundin many cases. The female generally begins to set by the middle of May. This species is not humerous, although it is found over the entire State gener- ally.

The Downy Woodpecker (Picus pubescens) is a much smaller species, and is still more familiar than the previously described bird. Very often a single individual takes up his abode in a hole in some dead tree in the yard, in early winter, and stays there until spring, never coming out except for something te eat. But as spring comes on these birds pair off and commence their summer’s labors. Their habits of nesting are about the same as those of the rest of the Picidae. The eggs are about the size and shape

THE SUNNY SOUTH OOLOGIST.

35

cof a Blue-bird’s, four or five innumber, and pure, ‘glossy white in color. ~ The Golden-bellied Woodpecker (Sphyrapicus varius) is a rather uncommon bird, and is seldom ‘seen during the extreme cold weather. In ad- ‘dition to the general characteristics of the fam- ily, this species is much addicted to the habit of boring fruit trees in search of worms, etec., and eventually this destroys the tree. In the forests this bird chooses a locality in which there are many birch trees, and it lives to a great extent -on the insects, ete., obtained by boring the bark. In early summer the sap flows freely from the holes thus made, and attracts great swarms of bees to the trees, they too thus becoming food for the voracious bird. This bird is a little _ smaller than the Hairy Woodpecker, and the ‘eges are much the same, except being more elongated; they number four or five.

The Pileated Woodpecker (Hylotomus pilea- tus) is a rare resident, and is the largest of the family breeding in the State. About half a dozen are seen here annually, and most of these dur- ing the breeding season. They are very wary and not easily approached with a gun.

The Ruffled Grouse or “Common Partridge” (Bonasa umbellus) needs no introduction to my readers. It is very abundant during the early fall in most portions of the State and is much sought for by sportsmen; the flesh is by many preferred to rabbit, quail or prairie chicken. In the winter it returns to the deeper river bottoms and there remains in comfortable solitude until spring. It is an early breeder and many eggs are deposited by the middle ot April. The nest, a mere hollow scratched in the ground, and lined with grass, is placed in some small grove or on the banks of some small, wooded stream. The completed set contains from eight to fourteen eggs, which are a brownish or yellowish-white, with a few blotches and spots of light brown irregularly scattered over the entire surface. ‘The young are able to fly in a few weeks, and, as ‘soon as hatched, run about and pick up seed and insects like a young chicken. They are about the exact color of the dead leaves, and are not very easily detected after they have once hid- den. Pushing their little brown heads under a large brown leaf, they appear to think them_ selves perfectly safe. The young are nearly full grown by the time the fall shooiing fairly be- gins. Partridge shooting is considerable sport, and in this State is largely indulged in.

Closely allied to this species is the Pinnated Grouse, or common Prairie chicken (Cupidonia cupido), which oceurs here in still greater num bers. In the winter, incompany with the Part_ ridge, it retires to the deep river bottoms and forests, and in early spring returns to the plains and prairies. In early May, sometimes during the latter part of April, this bird begins to pre- pare furits summer’s duties; first, by scooping out quite a hollow in a ridge between two plowed

fields, and then lining this thickly with dry grass and straw. In this the set of from eight to seventeen eggs are placed; the set is usually completed by the middle of May, often sooner. The eggs are generally from eight to thirteen, but occasionally a larger set of fourteen to seven- teen is formed. They are a brownish or dirty white, sometimes almost cream color, rarely spotted, and then only minutely with light brown. They measure 2.00 by 1.45 inches. As soon as the law allows, (the 15th of August being the first day) from almost every city and town in the State go hunting parties, and the number of birds slaughtered on that day alone is simply amazing; as a result of this day’s shoot last year over 500 birds were brought into this city. Few hunters are there who cannot in a day bring down twenty or thirty birds, if the day is fairand if they are accompanied by good dogs.

A once much more common species‘is the com- mon Snail or Bob-white (Ortyx Virginiana). This bird is small, being only nine inches long and thirteen in alar extent. Dressed up prettily in brown and black, with a moderate edging of white, it is almost the color of dry leaves in the fall and can not be eaily seen on this ac- count.

This bird is more lively during the winter months than the Grouse, and in small flocks wanders about all the time. Few are now found compared to the great numbers that were to be seen here years ago. Although they are not hunted now to any extent, and although the set is from fifteen to thirty. this species has not per- ceptibly increased in numbers for several years. The flight of this bird, like that of the Grouse, is performed by three or four flappings of the wings in rapid succession, and then by sailing for some distance; this operation being rapidly repeated, finally gives them a great speed. Its most popular name, ‘‘Bob-white,”’ seems to have arisen from its peculiar call. Sometimes this is changed, and we hear ‘‘More-whet”’ echoed over the fields, and from this it is thought by many to predict rain.

This bird nests early in spring, and lays, ina nest of grass placed in a meadow, from twelve to twenty eggs usually, but sometimes a set of twenty-eight or thirty is found. They are creamy- white in color, very much pointed at the smaller end, and measure .91 by 1.11 inches. After the eggs are hatched, the whole family keeps to- gether until cold weather. In winter this bird lives chiefly in hollow trees and in cavities under rocks, and travels a great distance after food.

This completes the list of residents of this State, so far as I have learned by observation for some years. Although the descriptions are very short, the aim has been to give a general idea, rather than a concise one, of the ordinary win- ter and summer habits of these birds.

GEORGE H. SELOVER, Lake City, Minn.

THE SUNNY SOUTH OOLOGIST.

Interesting Items from a Dakota Note- Book.

93. Summer Yellow Bird.—This bird begins nesting about June Ist. and lays four bluish-white or creamy-white eggs, spotted and blotched with different shades of brown. It and its nest is found usual- ly in the low bnshes near water, and sometimes in the cultivated trees. The nest is small and neat, made of the out- side bark of weeds and lined with down. I found one nest last season with three Yeliow-bird’s eggs, and a Cow-bird’s egg tightly woven into the bottom of the nest, and [ could not get it out without smashing it.

123. YELLow Breast CHAT arrives May 12th, and lays about June 15th, four or five eggs. Nest found July 7th con- tained three eggs. ‘The birds and nests are usually found on the sides of very steep banks, covered thickly with bushes and small trees, near creeks. Oceasion- ally they nest in cultivated trees near

houses. The nest is similar to that of the King-bird. 197a. Western Grass FIncH is

seen commonly in the roads and around farm houses. The only set I have taken ~was found May 30th, ’85; the nest was about four inches deep and two inches in diameter, placed in some ‘straw mulch- ing,” and constructed of grass and straw, lined with horse hair. It contained four much incubated eggs, of a grayish-white, spotted and blotched with redish-brown. The female runs from the nest like a lark, and skulks twenty or thirty feet before taking wing.

254. Brack-Turoarep Buntinc.— This bird is most common in the high grass of the river bottoms, where its nest is generally found. The only nest I ever found was in the long slough-grass, about two or three feet from the ground, con- structed of dry grass. and contained four blue eggs. They were found between June 15th and 26th, 1884.

270. OrcHarp Orio_e.—It inhabits

green grass, lined with down; begins nesting about June 10th, laying five light- blue or bluish-white eggs, with brown and black marks, spots and scratches.

325a. Traits Frycatcuer.—This bird inhabits cultivated tree claims and bushy creek banks. I found July Ist, two nests containing four eggs each. They were in the forks of ash trees, about four feet from the ground. Another set taken July 7th, consisted of three fresh eggs. ‘The nests are most always found in a fork of more than three branches, each one about the size of a lead pencil. The nest is constructed of weed stalks, grass, etc., lined with down and hair. The eggs are creamy-white, dotted around the larger end with reddish- brown.

3597a WESTERN NIGHTHAWE arrives May 20th. Eggs.are laid on bare ground, generally on stony bluffs, someiimes on rocks and breaking. Fresh set of two eggs found June 2nd, 1885, and another set of fresh eggs found August Ist. Leaves for the South about August 28th.

388. BLACK-BILLED CUCKOO arrives June 13th, commences nesting June 25th. It inhabits chiefly steep banks over creeks, and small trees near rivers. The nest is placed on a ho:izontal branch, and composed of a few sticks loosely laid to- gether, very frail and flat, The eggs are four in number, of a blue ground, some- times clouded with darker blue.

442. Swarnson’s Hawk nests in the small trees near the river. I think I have taken sets of eggs of this species soon after the first of May. I took a set of very highly colored eggs (showing them to be the first of the season by that bird), Juue 14th, also a set of highly colored, and a set of plain dull white eggs on the 9th of June. For three years | took a set each year from one nest, and the second year I took three sets of two ‘ges each from the same. They fre- quently build in the low bushes on the steep creek banks. The eggs are the same as other hawks’ eggs, grayish-white,

the small water-willows along the banks| with red and reddish-brown spots, marks, of rivers, and builds a pensile nest of| ete,

THE SUNNY SOUTH OOLOGIST.

555. Batram’s SANDPIPER; very common; arriving here about April 27th. It frequents both uplands and river bot- toms, but is found only where the grass is very short. The nest is always in short grass, but is well concealed, it being a mere hollow lined with a few grasses. The bird is a very close sitter, fluttering away from one’s very feet and feigning lameness. The eggs are sometimes three iu number, generally four; they are larger than the eggs of the Prairie hen, and are the color of other “tattler’s” eggs. They commence laying the last of May, and I have found fresh eggs July 6th. They depart about August 31st.

572. VireintaN Raitt —The same as the preceding species in its nesting habits. I found a nest containing ten eggs on June 5th, 1884. They were of a creamy-white, spotted with reddish and

obscure shell marks.

574. Gora Rairt.—This bird is usu- ally found in the long grass near rivers or sloughs. The nest is generally placed in a clump of grass eight inches from water, and constructed of coarse grass. I have collected three sets of nine each. The eggs were of a dun or brownish clay color, and marked with darker-brown and stone-gray shell marks.

Gero. WiLp_er, Huron, Dakota.

oo SOME OF OUR SOUTHERN BIRDS.

Taken from notes made during several years’ collecting in North Carolina.

36. Tufted Titmouse—Lophophanes nicolor. Permanent resident; com- mences to nest about May Ist. Gener- ally inhabits dense woods, sometimes open country. Nest usually placed about ten feet from the ground in a hollow in a living tree, composed of cedar bark, leaves, hair and feathers, and lined with downy substances.

41. Black-capped Chickadee—Parus atricapillus. Permanent resident; com- mences to nest the 25th of April. In- habiting dense woods, lowland and up- land, nest being a hollowed-out cavity in

raat ol

a tree or dead sapling, composed of cotton and wool, sometimes hair.

42. Carolina Chickadee— Parus car- olinensis. Permanent’ resident, com- mencing to nest April 5th. Generally

found in open country, upland and low- land. The nest ranges from two to twenty feet from the ground, placed in a hollow in a decayed stump or tree eight inches in depth, Composed of pine leaves, wool, cotton and down.

85. Nashville Warbler—Helmintho- phaga ruficapilla. Arrives May 21st, commences to nest about May 25th, in- habits upland oak woods as a_ general thing, placing its nest iu small saplings 6 to 12 feet from the ground, constructed of cedar bark, moss, bits of grass and weeds; and lined with fine yellow grass. Departs July 31st.

117. Large-billed Water Thrush— Sinrus motacilla. Arrives May Ist, and commences to nest May 15th. Inhabits dense woods, in low aud damp localities, nest placed on the ground, being a hollow rounded out under some bush on the side ofa bank, near water, composed of mud, leaves and grass, lined with fine rootlets, Departs August 15th.

122. Maryland Yellow-throat—Geo- thlypis trichas. Arrives May Ist, and commences to nest May 15th, Inhabits dense thickets of reeds and small under- groth, usually in low localities. Nest placed from 1 to 9 feet from the ground, and composed of reed leaves, grass and weeds, and lined with fine grasses. De- parts August Ist.

124. Hooded Warbler—-Myiodioctes mitratus. Arrives May 10th, and begins nesting about May 25th, sometimes earl- ier. Inhabits dense woods upland and lowland, the nest being pensile is placed in some mossy tree 10 to 20 ft. from the ground, and constructed of moss woven together, forming a basket, lined with soft cotton, feathers and down; aperture

just large enough to admit bird. De- parts July 15th. 145. Bell’s Vireo—Vireo belli. Ar-

rives May 5th, and commences to nest

39

THE SUNNY SOUTH OOLOGIST.

about June 1. Inhabits uplands and dense woods. The nest is pensile from the fork of a limb 9 to 18 ft. from the ground, and composed of green moss, bark linings, and hornet nests, lined with fine grasses. Departs July 22nd.

164. Summer Redbird—Pyranga aestiva. Arrives about May Ist, and commences to nest June Ist. Generally inhabiting uplands. The nest is placed from 10 to 30 feet from the ground, and constructed of bits of weeds and grasses, sometimes roots, and lined with fine green- ish-yellowish grass. Departs Séptember

ist. 242. Cardinal Grosbeak—Cardinalis virginianus. Permanent resident, com-

mences to nest about May, Ist, generally inhabiting lowland, sometimes upland. Nest placed from 4 to 18 feet from the ground, and composed of dry leaves, weeds and rootlets; lined with fine grasses.

244. Rose-breasted Grosbeak—Za- melodia ludoviciana. Permanent resident, commences to nest May 20th. Inhabiting low and dense woods, undergrowth, etc., placing its nest from 2 to 10 feet from the ground; nest constructed of roots, leaves, barks and twigs, lined with fine yellow grass as a general thing.

271. Baltimore Oriole—Icterus gal- bula. Arrives about April 25th, and commences to nest May loth. Inhabits open upland country. Nest placed from 25 to 50 feet from the ground, and com- posed outwardly of grasses interwoven, and lined with yellowish cotton, down or wool.

273. Rusty Blackbird—Scolecopha- gus ferrugineus. Arrives April 15th and commences to nest May 10th. In- habits low swampy reed thickets. The nest is always 3 to 10 feet from water, (seldom near dry land,) and composed of fibrous grasses iuterwoven with the reeds, and lined with moss and fine grass- es, Departs July 15th.

312. Gt. Crested Flycatcher—Mpyiar- chus crinitus. Arrives April Ist, and commences tc nest May 20th. General- ly inhabits upland open country. Nest placed in some hollow from 5 to 18 ft.

from the ground, and composed of feath- ers, leaves, rags and always a cast off snake skin; lined with hair. Departs Aug. 25th.

326. Least Flycatcher—Empidonax minimus. Arrives May Ist, and com- mences to nest May loth. Inhabits dense woods, generally lowland. nest placed four to twenty feet from the ground, constructed of dry grass and straw woven together, and lined with fine rootlets, resembling horse hair. Depazts August 25th.

F. D. & J. H. FoxHatt1, Tarborough, N. C.

The above notes were compiled as a special favor for me by Messrs F. D. & J. H. Foxhail in December last.— Epiror.

= —<—h =

NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS.

I will give each month in this column, as near as possible the breeding places, and the time of nesting of the birds of North America.

Continued from the April number.

19. AmericAN Water Ovzer— Clinclus Mexicanus. Nests place by running streams with swift currents, such as wild mountain streams and cascades. Begins nesting in April. Habitation Rocky Mountain regions, from Alaska to Guatemala.

21. Sronge Cuat—Saxicola Oenanthe. Inhabits rocky places, building its nests in holes, in rocks or ground, crevices of stone walls, etc. Commences to nest in May. Habitation Greenland, Labrador and Old World.

22. BLuEBrRD—Sialia Sialis. Nests placed most anywhere, in bird boxes, hollow posts, holes in trees, etc. Begins nesting April Ist. Habitation North America, east of the Rocky Mountains.

23. CaLirorniA BLuEBrRp.—Sialia Mexicana. Nesting habits about the same as the Eastern species. Habitation Western North America, from Rocky Mountains to the Pacifie.

s

THE SUNNY SOUTH OOLOGIST.

24. Sialia Artica. Nesting habits similar to’ foregoing species. Begins nesting early in April. Habitation Rocky Mountain | regions.

25. Townsenp’s SoLITaAIRE—M yiad- estes Townsendi. Nests placed in the crevices or under a shelving rock, some- times on the ground. Begins nesting early in April. Habitation Mountainous regions of Western United States.

26. Briack-Crestep FlycarcHER— Phainopepla Nitens. Common in upland timber, mountainous regions, building its nest in small trees. Begins nesting early in May. Habitation South West- ern United States.

Rocky Mountain BLUEBIRD— |

27. Burivue-Gray GNatTcATCHER— Polioptila Caerulea. Inhabits both dense thickets and open woods. Begins nesting April 15th in the South, and a

week later in the North. Habitation United States at iarge. 28. PrLumBerous GNATCATCHER—

Polioptila Plumbea. trees at various heights. about May 15th.

30. Rusy-Crownep Kine et — Reg- ulus Calendula. Abundant in wooded regions. Begins nesting early in April, nests placed on the boughs of trees.

Nests placed in Begins nesting Habitation Arizona.

Habitation whole of North America.

33. GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLET— regulus satrapa. Common in woodland and shrubbery ; begins nesting the latter part of April. Nests placed on low limbs of trees. Habitation New England northward.

35. Grounp Tir—chamae fasciata. Nest placed near the ground in shrub- bery. Begins nesting early in April. Habitation California coast region.

36. Turrep TirmousrE—lophophanes atrocristatus. Abundant in all woodland, building its nest in natural cavities of trees. Begins nesting the latter part of

southerly. [To be continued. |

39

CORRESPONDENCE.

Anyone desiring questions auswered relating to Birds, their Nests and Eggs will favor us by Send g them in, and we will answer them through this column to the best of our ability.

We collected a set of Buzzard’s eggs yesterday (Mar. 26th) of two eggs. Do you not think it quite early for them?

R. E. R. and Son., Grigsby’s Bluff, Texas.

Fresh eggs of the Buzzard may be found in your latitude from March 20th to April 10th.—Ed.

_ I found a nest of the Gt. Horned Owl containing two eggs, in a very advanced state of incubation on March 22d. This is very early for this latitude. Frank Harris, La Crescent, Minn.

While out collecting last summer I came across a nest of the Wilson’s Thrush, which was placed on the ground under a large weed in the depth of the forest. The female was on the nest and seemed inclined not to get off when J approached her; I got within two feet of her, then she flew to a neighboring bush and began to chirp, which soon brought her mate, and both seemed to watch my movements very carefully. I lifted a leaf that was hanging over the nest and to my joy saw five dark-green eggs, re- sembling those of the Catbird very much in regard to color. They were slightly incubated, but I succeeded in blowing them and laying them aside in my cabinet for private use.

Pau B. Hupson, Sherwood, N. Y.

For the last three years a pair of Red Shafted Flickers (8786) have occupied a hole and reared their family in the eaves of my house, but this spring a-pair of the Rocky Mountain Screech Owl (402c) have driven out the Flickers and taken full possession. I would prefer having the Flickers if it was not for the rare

Re F set. of eggs that I anticipate. March. Habitation eastern U. S., her | ste P

While I was digging out some burrow- ing owls yesterday. in the hopes of ob- taining a few eggs, I came across the

AQ)

THE SUNNY SOUTH OOLOGIST.

“Your paper is (recording to my judg-| remains of two human skeletons, which ment) the best I have ever received. | proved to be what was left of a white

Hope you every success.” Frank H. Cooper, Towson, Md.

“I am very well pleased with your paper, and wish you the best of success.” James B. GREEN, Des Moines, Iowa “JT have received a copy of your bright, little paper, the Sunny South Odlogist and you will know that I was pleased with it by finding a postal note enclosed for one year’s subscription. I hope it has come to stay and that it will prove a great success.” I. S. Rerrr, Philadelphia, Pa.

HUMMING Birds bogs

FROM CALIFORNIA,

Which I will send post-paid to any address for

25 CENTS EACH. Address

E. C DAVSIS,

P. O. Box 405.

Gainesville, Texas.

GEORGE F CUELF, BROCKFORT, N. Y.,

DEALER IN Minerals, Curiosities,

OOLOGISTS’ SUPPLIES, BOOKS, Etc.

man and woman, murdered by the In- dians in 1849, and on digging deeper I unearthed the perfect skeleton of an In- dian with all his war accoutrements. These three now adorn (?) my museum, Frep M. Ditue, Greeley, Col. April 18th.

Exchanges and Wants.

Brief exchange or want notices, not exceeding thirty words, will be inserted free in this column to subscribers only. Notices over thirty words will be charged at the rate of one-half cent per word. To outsiders, 25 cents for each insertion; cash with order.

First-class California eggs in sets and single, to exchange for other sets and single eggs; must be first class.

JULIUS SCHNEIDER, Anahein, Cala.

I will exchange fine sets of local Rap- tores and Blue-yellow backed Warbler, for American or foreign Bird Books.

J. M. W., Norwich, Conn.

A cloth bound gilt lettered Internation- al stamp album, containing 600 Foreign stamps, for the best offer of first-class side-blown bird’s eggs in sets or single.

Harry M. Forp, Chatham, N. Y.

Good sets of Gambrel’s Quails eggs for other species of Quail. Wanted, Heavy colored sets of Hawks egg, will give good exchange.

Frep M. Dille, Greeley, Col

KIND WORDS.

‘Your newsy paper is at hand, and is well done, I wish it long life and “lots” of subscribers.”

W. Orro, Haywards, Cala.

“The copy of the S. S. O. was received last week, and am pleased with its ap- pearance. I take many papers, but think yours one of the the best that has yet started. I wish you success.”

W. K. Ke tts. Listowel, Ontario.

34 saventh street,

ADVERTISEMENTS.

In answering, advartiscinonts please mention this Dapen {

THE

COLLECTOR'S SCIENCE MONTHLY.

To appear on March ist, 1886, and will be sent regularly on the first of each month thereafter. It is to be a large illustrated magazine, devoted to Oology, Geology, Philately, Numismatics, ete. Price, for a short time, 75 cents peryear. Adver- E fising rates 60 cents per inch, $7.50 per page. Productions from scientific writers solicited. Exchanges free to subscribers at once. No nee _ minis will be given. FS

pee s. M. PUBLISHING CO., Battle oe Mich.

AH, THERE!

To send immediately for one of my excellent Three Line Rubber Stamps, re — WITH INK AND PADS, ; all ina neat box; just the thing for collectors, for

marking packages, envelopes ane cards. All sent. post-paid for

Diy 30 Cents. .

‘EC. DAVIS.

|g Os Box 405, GAINESVILLE, TEXAS.

[a READ! READ! READ! 24

The YOUTH’S PILOT, a handsome eight-page monthly, devoted to the interest of boys and girls. It has a Puzzle, Amateurdom and Stamp Department Subscription per year, 60 cents; 6 months, 30 cents. Send stamp for sample copy. _ Advertisers will find ita good advertising me-

dium; rates upon application. ;

Address _ YOUTH’S PILOT, San Antonio, Texas.

08 cs

Hoosier Naturalist,

having enlarged to a 24page magazine, and hay- ing secured the services of several prominent Ornithologists and Oologists as regular corre- spondents, is, with its beautifully illustrated articles, acknowledged to be the leading low priced journal of the kind published. c Subscription 60 cents per year; sample 7 cents. Liberal terms to agents. +.

R. B. TROUSLOT, Editor and Publisher,

VALPARAISO, IND.

Has also information of PRIME importance to ALL interested in any branch of natural history, and if you willfavor him with your address on a postal card you will receive a “surprise party” by return mail.

Sins EGGS.

First-class sets of 4 Wood Thrush, 5 Long-billed Marsh Wren, and 5 House Wren, at 30 cents per set, and also sets of 5 Yellow-shafted Flicker, 20 cents; 3 Black-crowned Night Heron, 35 cts.

O. PAYNE, Little Neck, N. Y.

IF YOU WANT

to receive FREE samples, circulars and news- papers from novelty dealers and publishers all over the United States and Canada, send 20 cents and have your name entered in the cosas s NAME DIRECTORY.”

CIRCULAR MAIL AGENCY,

Lock Box 472, Pottstown, Penn.

RARE AND CHEAP!

Texas Bird Skins, Eggs

——— AN

CURIOSITIES.

—_———_- -——

G. H. RAGSDALE,

Gainesville, Texas.

ADVERTISEMENTS.

In answering advertisements please mention this paper.

Cologist of New Eneland.

A full and complete description of the Eggs; Nests and breeding habits of all the birds known to breed in New England. with 323 full size chro- mo lithographic illustrations. This is a work that should, be inthe hands of every egg collector in the country. ’

PRICES: Complete—25 plates and Text, 1 vol. cloth $15.00 oy un 1-2 morocco, $18.00

E. A. CAPEN, Canton, Mass.

Office—Room 9, 409 Washington St., Boston, Mass. My ane

OCKY MOUNTAIN CURIOSITIES jalty,

am headquarters for the celebrated f

oming Moss Agates, finest in the world

for jewelry or cabinets, samples mailed for 50 cents. Wyoming petrified wood, agatized as hard as flint, and suitable for cabinet specimens or jewelry, samples 50 cents. Wyom- ing opal stones, hard and transparent, beautiful for jewelry 22d specimens for ¢ vbinets, samples 90 cents. Mineral scarf pins, each pin contains some beautiful gem from the “Rockies,” 50 cents each. Specimens of Wyoming gold, silver, copper and red hematite ores, 25 cents each. Petrified dung of deer and fossil shells, said by Prof. Aughy to be a million years old, 50 cents. Paper cutters or knives, made from the horns of the bright eyed antelope and fleet footed deer, $1.50 each; a novel and useful ornament on any desk. A collection of 20 different minerals, gems? petrifactions and crystals mailed for $1.50. Post age Stamps accepted in sums of less than $1. No postals, no exchanges. send for cireular.

G. G. MEAD, Ferris, Wyoming.

Wholesale Lots of Hggs Wanted

in exchange for stamps. 24-page catalogue vf eoins, etc., ~10 cents. Egg list 2 cents. W. F. GREANY, 827 Brannan street, San Francisco, Cal.

GET READY FOR THE COLLECTING SEASON,

1 Good Blow Pipe, 15 cts. 1 Good Nickle Blow Pipe, 25 cts. 1 Good Egg Drill, 10 ets.

EB. C. DAVIS, P. O. Box405, GAINESVILLE, TEXAS.

NATURALISTS’

SUPPLY DEPOT.

A full line of all. goods required by Taxider- mists, Thomas Hurst’s Artificial Glass Eyes— the best in the market.

BIRDS’ EGGS!

(Send for Ulustrated Catalogue. FRANK B. WEBSTER, 409 Washington street., Boston, Mass: , BIRDS’ EGGS.

I offer for sale a few fine sets of

COMMON TERN, LAUGHING GULL, | LEACH’S PETREL, and BLACK GUILLEMOT.

V.E.PISTON, Rockland, Maine.

“SCRAPS FROM EVERYWHERE,”

Is the title of the New Humorous and Instructive : a

Magazine,which contains in their regular depart-

ments Stories of Adventure, Travel and Seience,

pleasantly commingled with Original Humor,

Everything fresh, interesting and instructing. Monthly, 50 cents per year.

GOOD AGEN a WANTED

In every city, town and Aiiage in the United — am States and Canada. To such we will pay Goop commissions! Write for terms; enclosing stamp,

SCRAPS PUBLISHING COMPANY, Box 533,

Mexico, Mo.