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PROCEEDINGS OF THE DAVENPORT ACADEMY OF SCIENCES 


Davenport, lowa, March, 1907 Vol. XI, Pages 125-417 


THE BIRDS OF lOWA., 


By RUDOLPH MARTIN ANDERSON. 


A THESIS 


Submitted to the Faculty of the Graduate College of the State University 
of Iowa, in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the 
Degree of Doctor of Philosophy. 


PREFACE. 


The continued and increasirg interest in the various branches 
of zoological science, and the number of new observers who are 
entering the field of ornithology, are sufficient reasons for a work 
of this kind. It is well recognized that only by long-continued 
observations of the faunae of certain localized areas can the great 
problems of distribution, migration, and ecology be satisfactorily 
explained. While a few favored localities, counties and states 
have had their avi-fauna mapped out with approximate exact- 
ness, other equally important districts have been neglected, either 
from lack of competent observers or a failure to make public what 
has been accomplished. 

Within the past few years state lists of the birds of neighboring 
commonwealths have been published as follows: Kansas (Goss, 
1891, Lantz, 1899); Indiana (Butler, 1892); Minnesota (Hatch, 
1892); Michigan (Cook, 1893); Illinois (Ridgway, 1895); Ohio, 
(Jones, 1903); Wyoming. (Knight, 1902); Wisconsin (Kumlien 
and Hollister, 1903); Nebraska (Bruner, Wolcott; and Swenk, 
1904). While the list of ornithological students in Iowa has been 
large, and their printed notes are numerous and voluminous, the 
publication of the same in scattered books and scientific periodi- 
cals has rendered them inaccessible to the majority of ornitholo- 
gists in the state. The only published lists which treat of the 


[Proc. D. A, S.,-VoL.-XI,] 19 [July 24, 1906.] 


126 DAVENPORT ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. 


birds of Iowa as a whole are the nominal unannotated catalogues 
of J. A. Allen (1870) and Herbert Osborn (1892), and the prelimi- 
nary annotated catalogue by Chas. R. Keyes and H. 5. Williams 
in 1889. 

Feeling the need for a state catalogue of Iowa birds which 
should embody the latest results of field work and conform to the 
present accepted code of nomenclature, the writer began to collect 
material for the present volume in the fall of 1903, as a graduate 
student at the State University of Iowa. ‘The library of the 
department of zoology and the Talbot collection of books in the 
general library of the University, the latter rich in books of early 
North American travel and rare scientific volumes, were quite 
well supplied with the necessary bibliographical material, and 
through the courtesy of the library authorities a number of rare 
books were obtained from the Library of Congress in furtherance 
of the work. 

The Museum of Natural History of the State University of Iowa 
is particularly rich in birds, containing the collections of C. C. 
Nutting, Frank Bond, Dr. Horr, D. H. Talbot, and others. The 
Talbot collection, donated by Mr. D. Talbot of Sioux City, com- 
prises several thousand specimens and many exceptionally large 
series, chiefly from the Mississippi Valley, which are invaluable in 
determining the status of certain disputed forms. The writer’s 
small private collection and field notes, running from the year 
1890 to the present time, have also been freely used. 

Great indebtedness is acknowledged to Dr. Paul Bartsch of the 
Smithsonian Institution, whose unpublished thesis on ‘‘The Lit- 
erature of Iowa Birds,’’ giving a quite complete list of the papers 
relating to Iowa birds, published annually from 1804 to 1899, fur- 
nished me with many bibliographical hints. All references used 
in the present work were personally verified from the original 
sources by the writer. 

In pursuance of the line of work adopted, about one hundred 
check lists of North American birds weré sent out to persons inter- 
ested in ornithology throughout the state, requesting them to mark 
such species as were found in their respective localities, and fur- 
nish notes respecting their relative abundance, migrations, nesting, 
etc. <A list of those who kindly contributed notes and other assist- 
ance will be found elsewhere, 


ANDERSON—THE BIRDS OF IOWA. M27, 


In presenting this work the writer desires to express his great 
obligation and gratitude to Professor C. C. Nutting for continued 
encouragement and assistance, as well as the liberal extension of 
facilities, including free access to material and specimens neces- 
sary to carry on the work; and to Professor H. F. Wickham for 
valuable literature and notes furnished, and for helpful sugges- 
tions and criticism. Mr. Robert Ridgway, curator of birds, 
United States National Museum, very kindly identified some 
sixty-seven specimens which were submitted to him for examin- 
ation, while Dr. B. H. Bailey, professor of zoology at Coe Col- 
lege, very kind ly permitted me to make extended examinations 
of the collections in that institution. 

In the main, the nomenclature adopted in the following list is 
that of the American Ornithological Union Check List, Second 
Edition, and Supplements succeeding. Ina few cases I have been 
impelled to follow the nomenclature of Robert Ridgway’s ‘‘Birds 
of Middle and North America,’’ Vols. I-III. 


128 DAVENPORT ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. 


INTRODUCTION: 


SCOPE. 


The limits of these pages forbid any attempt to introduce 
descriptions of species. All of the species and subspecies of North 
American birds have been so completely and minutely described 
by numerous and readily accessible authorities that an effort to 
add descriptions to a faunal list means simply added bulk and 
repetition of work. With the different species already well char- 
acterized and delimited, the province of a work of this kind should 
be to add some contributions to our knowledge of their habits and 
economic relations, their migrations; to trace their local distri- 
bution and comparative abundance at the present time, and to 
determine, if possible, what changes the rapid growth of settle- 
ment and civilization have wrought in our avi-fauna during the 
comparatively brief period since the settlement of our state; what 
species have been compelled to succumb, and what species have 
succeeded in adapting themselves to the radical change in envi- 
ronment which has almost universally taken place. 


HISTORICAL WORK. 


The earliest references which can be identified as relating to 
birds actually observed within the present limits of the state of 
Iowa are found in the history of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, 
which journeyed up the Missouri River during the summer of 
1804 and returned by the same route in the fall of 1806. Dr. 
Elliott Coues, in his copious and critical notes upon this history, ! 
has identified many of the species mentioned in the narrative, 
and referred them to various points on the banks of the Missouri 
in western Iowa. 

The next contribution to Iowa ornithology was made by the 


1. History of the Expedition under the command of Lewis and Clark to the source 
of the Missouri River, thence across the Rocky Mountains to the Pacific Ocean, per- 
formed during the years 1804-5-6, by order of the Government of the United States. A 
New Edition, Faithfully reprinted from the authorized edition of 1814, by Elliott Coues, 
Four vols. Francis P. Harper. 1893. 


ANDERSON—THE BIRDS OF IOWA. ‘129 


noted naturalist, Thomas Say,! who with Major Long’s exploring 
party remained from September 19, 1819, to June 6, 1820, at 
Engineers’ Cantonment, on the west bank of the Missouri, about 
half a mile above Fort Lisa, five miles below Council Bluffs, and 
three miles above the mouth of Boyer’s River—41° 25’ 03.9” N. 
Lat. and'95° 45’ 50” W. of Greenwich. He gives a catalogue of 
animals, which were observed at Engineers’ Cantonment, or at 
other indicated places, on the journey to that post. One hundred 
forty-three species were observed at Engineers’ Cantonment. He 
also makes observations relative to the arrival and departure of 
birds at Engineers’ Cantonment. 

The ascent of the Missouri River in 1833, and descent in 1834, 
by Maximilian Prince of Wied,” furnished notes on thirty-four 
species of Iowa birds. 

The veteran ornithologist, John James Audubon, touched upon 
Iowa territory in his journey up the Missouri River in 1843.3 
Most of the species mentioned are not very clearly distinguishable 
as Iowa or Nebraska records, from the inadequate description of 
landing places. 

The works of Baird, Cassin and Lawrence‘ (1858), Baird’s 
‘Birds of North America’’ (1860), Baird, Brewer and Ridgway’s 
‘‘History of North American Birds’’ (Land Birds, 1874, Water 
Birds, 1884), and other memorable works contain many scattered 
references to Iowa birds. 

John Krider’s ‘‘Forty Years’ Notes of a Field Ornithologist’’ 
(Philadelphia, 1879), contain many notes on Iowa birds. He col- 
lected in Iowa at various times from 1870 to 1875, and while 
many inaccuracies appear in his published works there is much of 
interest in them from the fact that they were made when north- 


*1r. Account of an Expedition frcm Pittsburg to the Rocky Mountains, performed in 
the Years 1819-1820, by order of the Hon. J. C. Calhoun, Secretary of War, under the 
command of Maj.S. H. Long of the U. S. Topographical Engineers. Compiled from the 
notes of Major Long, Mr. T. Say, and other gentlemen of the party, by Edwin James, 
botanist and geologist to the Expedition. In three volumes. I, II, III. London: Printed 
for Longman, Hurst, Reese, Orme & Brown. Paternoster Row. 1823. 


2. Reise in das Innere Nord America in den Jahren 1832 bis 1835 von Maximilian 
Prinz zu Wied. Coblenz: Vol. I, 1839. Vol. IT, 1843. 


3. Audubon and His Journals. By Maria R. Audubon, with zoélogical and other 
notes by Elliott Coues. Vols. I-II. New York: Chas. Scribner's Sons. 1897. Vol. I, pp. 
474-480. Vol. II, pp. 170-172. 


4. Reports of Explorations and Surveys to ascertain the most practical and eco- 
nomical route fora railroad from the Mississippi River to the Pacific Ocean. Made under 
the direction of the Secretary of War, in 1853-6. Vol. IX. Washington: A, O. P. Nich- 
olson, Printer. 1858. 


130 DAVENPORT ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. 


ern Iowa was practically an unsettled prairie, with abundant 
marshland, and the habits and relative abundance of species dif- 
fered materially from the conditions of the present day, with a 
farm on almost every quarter-section, large planted groves, and 
the sloughs and marshes largely drained or naturally dried up. 
Mr. Krider’s notes on Iowa birds are particularly interesting to 
the writer from having been made principally in Winnebago 
county, where most of his own early observations were made. I 
have heard old settlers tell many tales of Mr. Krider and the great 
quantities of birds collected by him in Winnebago county. 

The first formal list which was exclusively Iowan appeared in 
White’s Geology of Iowa in 1870.' This enumerated 283 species, 
not annotated. Ninety-two species were marked as having been 
observed within or near the borders of the state in the breeding 
season. 

An impulse was given to ornithological work in Iowa by the 
efforts of Professor W. W. Cooke, in 1881-2, to secure the assist- 
ance of the ornithologists of Iowa in studying the migrations of 
birds. In 1883 the scope of the work was extended to include 
the whole Mississippi Valley, four observers reporting from Iowa. 
In 1884 twenty-six observers sent reports from eighteen stations 
in Iowa. In 1885 fourteen new observers reported from Iowa. 
These collected records form a valuable contribution to the study 
of migration. * 

In 1889 Charles R. Keyes and Dr. H. S. Williams published a 
‘Preliminary Annotated Catalogue of the Birds of Iowa.? This 
included brief notes on 262 species, mostly observed in the vicinity 
of Charles City, Des Moines, and Iowa City, the dates of arrivals 
and departure being based entirely upon studies conducted in the 
vicinity of Des Moines, a place of central location, representing 
nearly a mean for the arrivals and departures over the whole state. 

Herbert Osborn’s ‘‘Partial Catalogue of the Animals of Iowa 
Represented in the Collections of the Iowa Agriculural College’’ 
(1892), contains a list of birds condensed from the catalogue of 
Keyes and Williams. 


1. Report on the Geological Survey of the State of Iowa, by Charles A. White. Vol. 
II, 1870. Appendix B. A Catalogue of the Birds of Iowa, by J. A. Allen, pp. 419-427. 

2. Bird Migration in the Mississippi Valley in the Years 1884 and 1885, by W. W. 
Cooke. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Division of Economic Ornithology, Bulletin 
No. 2. 1888. 


3. Proc. of the Tavenport Academy of Natural Sciences, Vol. V, pp. 113-161. 1889. 


ANDERSON—THE BIRDS OF IOWA. Wait 


The founding of the Iowa Ornithologists’ Association in 1894 
revived interest among the bird students of the state. About fifty 
members were enrolled, and a quarterly journal, called 7he Jowa 
Ornithologist, was published for some four years. Several fami- 
lies of birds were studied in detail, and the aggregated notes were 
published in the official organ. A committee was appointed to 
collect material for a book on the birds of Iowa, but with the 
demise of the association, in 1899, the work was allowed to drop. 


A list of the more important publications which contain refer- 
ences to Jowa birds will be found in the bibliographical appendix. 


RELATIVE ABUNDANCE. 


The relative abundance of the different species has been gener- 
ally arrived at from the statements of published authorities and 
from about thirty local and county lists which have been furnished 
by bird students scattered over the greater portion of the state. 
In work of this kind the compiler finds his greatest difficulties 
arising from the lack of a definite system for recording the rela- 
tive abundance or scarcity of species in a given locality. The 
amount of time spent in the field, the topography of the region 
covered, the season of observation, and the personal equation of 
the observer, have a great effect upon the records made. It is 
evident that if most of the time be spent 1n woodlands, the swamp- 
and prairie-loving species will be seldom seen, and if field excur- 
sions are made only at irregular and infrequent intervals, some of 
the migrant species which spend only a few days with us may be 
entirely overlooked. Unfamiliarity with songs and notes may 
cause the omission of certain secretive species. The classification 
of a species as ‘‘rare’’ by a trained and indefatigable observer 
would be much more conclusive than such a characterization bya 
student who spent but little time in the field. For these reasons 
more or less discrepancy is frequently found in the reports of accu- 
rate and conscientious observers working in very similar localities. 
Thus it is only when the reports of all observers substantially 
agree, that the records may be considered as more than approxi- 
mately accurate. 


The definition of terms used to indicate relative abundance by 


132 DAVENPORT ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. 
Professor Lynds Jones in his ‘‘ Birds of Ohio’’! may well be fol- 
lowed as indicating the mean of expression by the average student 
of birds. 

“In a general way the term ‘abundant’ signifies that the species 
to which it is applied are so numerous as to force themselves upon 
one’s notice. The English Sparrow is the only bird to which this 
term can be applied the year through.’’ The Robin may be con- 
sidered abundant in summer in most localities, while the Red- 
winged Blackbird may be abundant in swampy districts and wholly 
absent from other localities near by. 

‘A species is regarded as ‘common’ when a considerable num- 
ber of individuals may be found without much effort or expendi- 
ture of time.’’ ‘The Chickadee may be regarded as common in 
woodland throughout the year. The Catbird is common in most 
localities in summer. 

“““Tolerably common’ is used to indicate the fact that the indi- 
viduals of the species designated are so few that they must be 
searched for under normal conditions, and yet present in the 
region.’’ The Scarlet Tanager may be regarded as tolerably com- 
mon in woodlands throughout the state. 

‘“‘Rare’’’ is the term reserved for a species which is represented 
by so few individuals that a record of its occurrence is regarded 
as unusual.’’ The Golden Eagle is generally rare in Iowa, more 
than one or two records of its appearance ina year being unusual 
in a given locality. 

‘“«Casual’ means that the species to which it is applied visits 
the state only under unusual circumstances.’’ Thus the Great 
Gray Owl could not be expected to reach Iowa except during an 
unusually severe winter when its food supply in the north failed. 
Casual stands very close to accidental. A Red-tailed Hawk would 
be casual in a city park, because that park lies within its range in 
the surrounding region. A Bullock Oriole would be accidental 
there because its home is in regions far removed. 

“Tn the use of any of these terms except ‘casual,’ account must 
be taken of the habits of the birds. Account must also be taken 
of the size of the birds to which the terms are applied in each 
instance. ‘Thus a dozen Red-tailed Hawks in a township would 


t. Ohio State Academy of Science. Special Papers, No.6. The Birds of Ohio. A 
Revised Catalogue, by Lynds Jones, M.Se. Oberlin College. Published by the Academy 
of Science with the Emerson McMillan Research Fund. October 15, 1903. 


ANDERSON—THE BIRDS OF IOWA. 133 
make that hawk appear almost abundant, while a dozen Chipping 
Sparrows or Robins in that same township would be almost rare 
for these species.”’ 

BREEDING. 


While, in general, the presence of individuals of a species in a 
given locality during the summer is considered indicative of their 
breeding there, stich evidence is not always to be taken as prima 
facie proof of the fact. Many unmated birds wander far from 
their usual summer habitat, and wounded birds may be unable to 
make the journey northward in spring. Various species of Sand- 
pipers linger in the Northern Iowa marshes until after June 1, and 
large numbers frequently move southward into the state early in 
July. Some of the southern species of Herons frequently wander 
far north of their breeding range in late summer and early autumn. 
Many species, notably among the Ducks and Geese, which are 
known to have nested commonly in Iowa a few years ago, very 
seldom do so at the present time. On the other hand, the exten- 
sive planting of groves in treeless prairie regions has induced 
many woodland species to make their summer homies in localities 
where they were absent a few years ago. Therefore, generaliza- 
tions in the matter of nesting habits become very difficult, owing 
to the rapid and complicating change of conditions, and deduc- 
tions based upon the records of a few years ago are apt to be 
erroneous and misleading. 

: FOOD. 


The question of the food of birds is one which is probably of 
the most importance economically. It is universally conceded 
that the great majority of species are directly beneficial, and in 
many cases indispensable, to agriculture and horticulture, either 
by destroying noxious insects or the seeds of weeds, while but 
a few are directly injurious by feeding upon fruits and grains, 
preying upon poultry, game birds, and valuable small birds, or 
indirectly by destroying insects which are in some measure bene- 
ficial to agriculture. Even those birds which are generally 
regarded as injurious, as the Hawks and Owls, have been proved 
to more than balance their account by the destruction of multi- 
tudes of the vermin which prey upon the crops of the farmer. A 


[Proc. D. A. S., VOL. XI.] 20 [August 1, 1906, | 


134 DAVENPORT ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. 


discussion of the food habits will usually be placed under the 
heading of the order or family. 


MIGRATION. 


The proper study of migration requires voluminous data from 
many observers, extending over long periods. ‘The position of the 
State of Iowa, between the two great channels of migration for 
the interior of the United States, affords unequaled opportunities 
for such work. ‘he data which has been received in this branch 
has been too scanty and isolated to warrant more than general 
statements of the times of appearance and departure. 

The Biological Survey of the United States Department of Agri- 
culture has for nearly twenty years been accumulating data on 
the migration of birds, receiving reports in the spring and fall of 
each year from hundreds of observers. The Yearbook of the 
Department of Agriculture for 1903, pp. 371-386, ‘‘Some New 
Facts About the Migration of Birds,’’ by Wells W. Cooke, Assist- 
ant, Biological Survey, contains the following statement: 


‘“‘RFor more than two thousatid years the phenomena of bird 
migration have been noted, but while the extent and course of the 
routes traveled have of late become better known, no conclusive 
answer has been found to the question, why do birds migrate? . .. 
The broad statement can be made that the beginnings of migration 
ages ago were intimately connected with periodic changes in the 
food supply, but this motive is at present so intermingled with 
others unknown, or but imperfectly known, that the migration 
movements seem now to bear little relation to the abundance or 
absence of food. . . . Data recently collected at the Florida 
light-houses by the Biological Survey show that southward migra- 
tion begins at least by the roth, and probably by the tst of July, 
insect-eating birds departing when their food supplies are most 
plentiful, and seed-eaters just before the heyday of harvest.’’ 


It is undoubtedly true that many birds return to the far north 
during the breeding season in order to find undisturbed solitude 
during the season of incubation and moulting. The northward 
retreat of the ducks and geese which nested commonly in Iowa 
before its settlement, tends to confirm this. On the other hand, 
many common birds return to breed in thickly populated locali- 
ties here, leaving southern points which would apparently supply 
greater seclusion and an equal food supply. 


ANDERSON—THE BIRDS OF IOWA. tas 


Among day migrants, according to Mr. Cooke, sight is prob- 
ably the principal guide, and undoubtedly plays a part in guiding 
the night journeys also, it being noticeable that they pass higher 
overhead on clear, bright nights, flying lower on dark, cloudy 
nights. He believes that they also possess a power, whatever its 
nature, that may be called a ‘‘ sense of direction,’’ which serves 
to guide them unerringly over ocean wastes. ‘The truth seems 
to be that birds pay little attention to natural physical highways 
except when large bodies of water force them to deviate from the 
desired course. Probably there are many short zigzags from one 
favored feeding ground to another, but the general course between 
the summer and winter homes is as straight as the birds can find 
without missing the usual stopping places.”’ 

Commenting on the above, Dr. J. A. Allen' says: 

‘“Tt does not follow, however, that because all the birds of 
a district do not concentrate and move in masses along river 
valleys and coast lines, that they are not guided in their courses 
by the prominent features of the landscape, even in the case of 
those species which pass from the upper Mississippi Valley to the 
coast of South Carolina and Georgia. Nor is it true that river 
valleys, etc., do not form migration routes for many species of 
birds.”’ 

The general north and south direction of the rivers and streams 
of the state and its boundaries renders this particularly true in 
Iowa. The Mississippi River on the east and the Missouri on 
the west form the main routes, from which in the eastern part 
of the state the wave of migration diverges in general to the 
northwest, following the trend of the larger tributaries of the 
Mississippi, while in the western part of the state the streams 
flowing into the Missouri lead it somewhat northeasterly. The 
water birds naturally follow the streams, while the land birds, as 
a rule, frequent the natural woodland, which in a prairie state, 
reaches its greatest luxuriance as a fringe along the water- 
courses. 

The migration of most land birds in Iowa is fairly constant in 
spring and fall, while the migration of water birds is apt to fluc- 
tuate, both in course and numbers, particularly in the spring 
flight. The great variation in the numbers of the spring flight 
from year to year has been explained by the hypothesis that when 


1. Aux, XXi, 4, 1904. 


136 DAVENPORT ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. 


the Mississippi is open at the time the van-guard reaches Iowa, 
the water birds are apt to follow its channel in greater numbers, 
barely touching the borders of Iowa, while if the Mississippi is 
blocked by ice in early spring, the flight may be diverted into 
the valleys of the Des Moines, Iowa, and Cedar rivers, and a 
larger number reach the interior of the state. 

Throughout most of north central and northern Iowa, migra- 
tion is more diffused. As has been pointed out by Mr. Wilmon 
Newell,! in the region of the Wisconsin drift sheet, the uneven 
dumping of the drift has resulted in lulls and moraines, and 
numerous swales or marshy ponds. ‘‘The southern limit of 
the region being near Des Moines, on the Des Moines River, the 
spring migration of the Rallid@, Gallinulide, Scolopacide, and, 
to a certain extent, that of the Azseres, is diverted from the 
river valleys to this territory, and passes through central Iowa to 
the northern Iowa and Minnesota lakes. In the autumn, most 
of the ponds being dried up, the same birds follow almost exclu- 
sively the river channels. However, the summer residents of the 
pond region take their way southward over the prairie region, 
following the line of their spring migration.” 

This diffusion of the line of migration evidently induces a 
more leisurely journey toward the north, the birds stopping to 
rest and feed along the way. This appears to explain the condi- 
tions noted by W. W. Cooke (Bird Migr. in Miss. Val., 1884-5, pp. 
61-5): 

‘During the spring migration of 1884 it was noted by Mr. 
Miller that ducks came to Heron Lake, Minn., not far from the 
Iowa line, from the west, as if they were a part of the Missouri 
River flight. In 1885 they must have come from the same direc- 
tion, since in the region south of Heron Lake, in Iowa, in an 
equally favorable locality (Kmmetsburg), none were seen until 
about two weeks later. There can be no doubt ‘that in the 
spring of 1885 the flight of ducks and geese along the Missouri 
River was several days earlier than at corresponding latitudes 
along the Mississippi River.’’ 

While it is true that apparently delicate species of birds are 
able to endure great extremes of temperature without apparent 
discomfort, their occurrence and abundance is closely related to 
the climatic conditions and food supply of the region. Graniv- 


1, ‘Topography as Influencing Migration,’ Western Ornithologist, v, 111, 1900, 55-9. 


ANDERSON—THE BIRDS OF IOWA. ay 


orous birds are dependent upon the plants and insectivorous birds 
upon the insects which appear with the rejuvenescence of plant 
life. Through its effect upon the flora, therefore, climate has an 
indirect but intimate effect upon the movements of most birds, with 
the exception of a few resident species whose diet and source of 
food supply are only slightly affected by the season. 


RANGE IN IOWA. 


The range of the different species in the state has been taken 
largely from the reports received from numerous observers, from 
specimens in various collections, and from all available published 
records. ‘The following rule has been adopted for the admission 
of a species to a state list: A specimen of the species must have 
been captured within the limits of the state and preserved, or 
critically examined by some person familiar with the species, or 
capable of making a positive identification. A local or county 
record, if casual or accidental for the region, must be substanti- 
ated by a specimen captured and critically examined, or if con- 
spicuously marked, observed under favorable conditions by one 
familiar with that species. . 

I have been compelled to omit some species from lists which 
have been furnished me, as well as to relegate to a State Hvpo- 
thetical List some species which have been reported on insufhi- 
cient evidence as occurring in the state. The wide-ranging habits 
of birds, and the facilities for extended locomotion possessed by 
them, make the occurrence of extra-limital species possible at 
almost any time or place, and render the criticism of any observ- 
er’s records extremely unsafe. Experience has shown, however, 
that additions are easily made to a faunal list, while errors seem 
to have a facility in indefinitely perpetuating themselves. 


TOPOGRAPHY OF IOWA. 


The state of Iowa is situated between 40° 20’ and 43° 30’ north 
latitude and go° 15’ and 96° 43’ west longitude. Its extreme length 
is from east to west, about 328 miles, its greatest width from 
north to south, about 215 miles. Its areais approximately 55,475 
square miles. The following extracts are taken from a chapter 


138 DAVENPORT ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. 


on the ‘‘Physiography of Iowa,’’ by Professor Samuel Calvin, 
State Geologist of Iowa:! 


‘The state is simply an extensive plain—over large areas a very 
monotonous plain—lying between the great rivers and rising but 
little above them at any point. The relief is small. The zero 
point on the river gauge at Keokuk has an elevation above tide 
of 477 feet; the elevation at Sibley, the highest important railway 
station in Iowa, is 1,572 feet. It is probable that Ocheyedan 
mound or some of the morainic prominences in Osceola county 
rises 100 feet higher than Sibley, but even then there is less than 
1,200 feet of difference between the lowest and the highest points 
in the state. 

“On the eastern border of the state the Mississippi flows in a 
gorge, which at New Albin and Lansing, measured from the sum- 
mit of the bluffs facing the valley, is goo feet in depth. . . The 
depth of the Mississippi gorge diminishes toward the south. The 
valley of the Missouri is very different from that of the Missis- 
sippi. It is bordered by a series of high bluffs unique in appear- 
ance, and more unique in structure, for they have been built up 
largely of fine dust transported by the winds. The constantly 
shifting meanders of the stream and the great width of the allu- 
vial flood plain are among the striking characteristics of this 
peculiar valley. . 

‘‘ Another of the larger topographic features is the great water- 
shed. This is the ill-defined ridge which extends in a sinuous 
course from Dickinson county to Wayne and forms the line of 
parting between the waters flowing to the Mississippi on the one 
side and to the Missouri on the other. ‘The watershed is in 
reality the southward extension of the noted ridge of the Dako- 
tas and southwestern Minnesota, known as the Coteau des 
Prairies. An area somewhat greater than two-thirds of the 
state lies east of the watershed; less than one-third lies on the 
west. 

‘“On the basis of the effect produced by the great ice sheets of 
the glacial epoch, the surface of Iowa may be divided into two 
parts, to be known respectively as the Driftless Area and the 
Drift-covered Area.’’ 


The Driftless area covers only a small area—Allamakee and 
portions of Winneshiek, Fayette, Clayton, Dubuque, and Jack- 
son counties. It is a land of thin soils, high, rocky precipices, 
long, steep hills and deep rock-cut valleys. The Drift-covered 
area occupies much the larger portion of the state. It presents 
four well-defined areas, each having at the surface a sheet of drift 


1. Atlas of the State of Iowa. Published under the direction and supervision of M. 
Huebinger,C. E. By the Iowa Publishing Co.,Ine. Davenport, Iowa. 1904. P. 258. 


a a a Ae ge 


ANDERSON—THE BIRDS OF IOWA. 139 


differing in age, and to some extent in origin from the drift of 
either of the others. 


The Kansan drift covers the greater part of southern, south- 
central and western Iowa. Its whole surface has been carved 
and shaped by flowing water and developed into an intricate 
system of rounded hills and ridges separated by steep-sided 
ravines. Every foot of the surface is thoroughly drained. A 
more level surface is found in the small area covered by the IIli- 
noian drift in Scott, Muscatine, Louisa, Des Moines, Henry, and 
Lee counties in southeastern Iowa. 

Embracing Buchanan, Blackhawk, Bremer, Chickasaw, Mitch- 
ell and a number of other counties in northeastern Towa, is an 
area of what is known to geologists as the Iowan drift. There 
has been practically no erosion, the streams flow in narrow, shal- 
low trenches, and before the settlement of the region there were 
extensive undrained sloughs. 

The youngest drift area is the Wisconsin drift, covering a tri- 
angular lobe extending down from Minnesota, the base extending 
from Worth county to Osceola, the apex at Des Moines. Over 
the greater part of the Wisconsin plain even the rudiments and 
beginnings of effective drainage have not yet been established, 
and marshes and sloughs are abundant. ‘The Wisconsin, more 
than any of its predecessors, was a moraine-forming ice sheet. 
Part of the transported materials was piled up around the mar- 
gin of the lobe in a bewildering series of disorderly hills or 
knobs, varying from eighty to one hundred and fifty feet in 
height. 


‘‘Intimately related to the subject of Wisconsin moraines are 
the many charming lakes of Iowa. There are no lakes worthy of 
note in the Kansan, Illinoisan or Iowan areas. All of our lakes 
are of Wisconsin age, and most of them occupy basins in the 
irregularly- piled morainic ridges. . . . Clear Lake lies in such a 
basin in the eastern moraine, surrounded by prominent construc- 
tional hills and knobs. Spirit Lake, the Okobojis, and a number 
of beautiful but less important sheets of water in the same part of 
the state, are all located in an extensive morainic belt belonging 
to the recessional series.’ 


CLIMATE OF IOWA. 
‘‘Climatology of Iowa.’’ From Annual Report of lowa Weather 
and Crop Service. By John R. Sage, Director. (Atlas of Iowa): 


I40 DAVENPORT ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. 


‘“Too far inland to receive the equalizing effects of winds blow- 
ing directly from the ocean, the climate of Iowa is strictly conti- 
nental in type. This implies a very wide range of temperature, 
winters of considerable severity, summers of almost tropical heat, 
and a large percentage of sunshine as compared with insular 
regions. «As there are no mountain ranges nor considerable dif- 
ferences in the altitude of the several sections, the climate of the 
state is quite homogeneous.” 


The records of the Iowa Weather and Crop Service for the past 
thirteen years show the average amount of rainfall precipitated 
to have been 31.07 inches. ‘The southeast district has a yearly 
average of 5.49 inches more than the northwest district and 1.05 
inches more than the southwest district. The average annual 
rainfall of the three Mississippi River districts is 30.04-inches. 
These figures show a quite regular gradient of decrease in yearly 
amount of rainfall from south to north as well as from east to 
west. 


‘The mean temperature of the state is 47.5°. By sections the 
mean temperatures are as follows: Northern section, 45.7°; cen- 
tral section, 47.3°; southern section, 50°. 

‘In this part of the Mississippi Valley the summers are warmer 
and the winters colder than on the same parallels near the Atlantic 
coast. In July the 75° isotherm passes through the southern 
half of Iowa, dips southeastward below Cincinnati, passing 
between Baltimore and Philadelphia. ‘The mean maximum of the 
state for July is 85°, and the midsummer temperature is about as 
high as that of Virginia and North Carolina. In January the 
larger part of Iowa is within the isothermal belt 15° to 20°. These 
lines run northeastward through northern Michigan, Ontario, 
northern New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. 
The midwinter temperature corresponds to that of the vicinity of 
Montreal, while the summers are as warm as at Washington, D. 
C., and Richmond, Va. The winters, however, are shorter than 
in the same latitude in the Atlantic states. The transition from 
winter to summer is usually quite rapid, the average increase in 
temperature in April being more than half a degree daily. The 
daily mean of April is 17° higher than that of March, and May 
averages 11° per day higher than April. . . . The records of the 
United States Weather Bureau, covering a period of about thirty 
years, show that the average date of the latest killing frost in the 
spring has been April 20th, and the earliest in autumn October 
oth. In every season there have been light frosts at later and 
ealier dates, causing no appreciable damage to vegetation. 

‘‘A distinctive feature of the climate as compared with the 


Oe on 


ANDERSON—THE BIRDS OF IOWA. I4I 


eastern states is the large percentage of clear skies in the winter 
season. . . . For the year the average of the state is as follows: 
156 clear, 107 partly cloudy, and 102 cloudy days.’’ 


FAUNAL AREAS, 


Dr. C.{Hart Merriam has shown! that the continent of North 
Anierica is divided into three primary life regions—Boreal, Aus- 
tral, and Tropical—each of transcontinental extent. Their bound- 
aries are sinuous, conforming to the distribution of temperature. 
The Austral region is likewise sub-divided into three transconti- 
nental zones: (1) a Transition zone; (2) an Upper Austral zone: 
(3) a Lower Austral zone; each of which may be sub-divided in 
an east and west direction into two or more areas, some of which 
are based on humidity instead of temperature. ‘The eastern ends 
of these three belts have long been recognized by zodlogists, and 
are known as the Alleghanian, Caroijinian, and Austroriparian 
faunas. Dr. Merriam’s map included the greater part of Iowa in 
the Carolinian fauna, an eastward extension or loop of the Great 
Plains fauna covering the northwestern corner of the state and part 
of southwestern Minnesota. 

In a later paper’ Dr. Merriam maps the northern boundary of 
the humid division of the Upper Austral (Carolinian) fauna as 
passing from central South Dakota across southwestern Minne- 
sota, crossing the western part of the Iowa-Minnesota line, dip- 
ping down into Northern Iowa, crossing the Minnesota line again 
not far from the Mississippi, following the Mississippi bottoms a 
short distance into southeastern Minnesota, passing down across 
the southwestern corner of Wisconsin, extending a small loop 
into northern Illinois, then passing some distance up along the 
lake shore in southeastern Wisconsin. ‘The eastern or humid 
division of the Transition (Alleghanian) zone covers only a small 
strip in the extreme northern part of Iowa, not more than two or 
three counties deep in its widest portion, extending from about 
the western third of the state line almost to the Mississippi River. 

In ‘‘the eastern humid or Alleghanian area . . . the chestnut, 
walnut, oaks and hickories of the south meet and overlap the 


1. ‘“fhe Geographic Distribution of Animals and Plants in North America.’ Year- 
book of the U. S. Department of Agriculture. 1894. Pp. 203-214. 

2. Bulletin No. 10. U.S. Dept. of Agriculture. Division of Biological Survey. Life 
Zones and Crop Zones of the United States. By C. Hart Merriam, Chief, Biological Sur- 
vey. Washington: Government Printing Office. 189s. 


[Proc, D. A. S., VOL, XI.] 21 [Angust 8, 1906, ] 


142 DAVENPORT ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. 


‘ 


beech, birch, hemlock, and sugar maple of the north; the south- 
ern mole and cottontail rabbit meet the northern star-nosed and 
Brewer’s moles and varying hare, and the southern bobwhite, 
Baltimore oriole, bluebird, catbird, chewink, thrasher and wood 
thrush live in or near the haunts of the bobolink, solitary vireo, 
and the hermit and Wilson’s thrushes. . . . The northward pro- 
longations of southern zones do not carry the complete faunas 
and floras of the areas to which they belong, but lack certain 
species from the start and become more and more dilute to the 
northward till it is hard to say where they really end. Their 
northward boundaries, therefore, must be drawn arbitrarily or 
must be based upon the presence or absence of particular species 
rather than the usual association of species. Counting from the 
north, the Carolinian area is that in which the sassafras, tulip 
tree, hackberry, sycamore, sweet gum, rose magnolia, red bud, 
persimmon and short-leaf pine first make their appearance, 
together with the opossum, gray fox, fox squirrel, cardinal bird, 
Carolina wren, tufted tit, gnatcatcher, summer tanager and yel- 
low-breasted chat.’’ 

The western part of the upper Austral (Upper Sonoran) is the 
arid land termination of the Carolinian area. Its eastern bound- 
ary passes almost directly north and south through the center of 
South Dakota, Nebraska and Kansas. The Lower Austral (Aus- 
troriparian) occupies the greater part of the Southern States, 
sending up prolongations into southeastern Missouri, southern 
Illinois and Indiana, and southeastern Kansas. Its characteristic 
birds are the mockingbird, painted bunting, prothonotary war- 
bler, red-cockaded woodpecker, chuck-will’s-widow, and the swal- 
low-tail and Mississippi kites. 

‘Investigations conducted by the Biological Survey have shown 
that the northward distribution of terrestrial animals and plants ts 
governed by the sum of the positive temperatures for the entire season 
of growth and reproduction, and that the southward distribution ts 
governed by the mean temperature of a brief period during the hottest 
part of the year. ‘Transition zone species . . . can not endure a 
summer temperature the mean of which for the six hottest con- 
secutive weeks exceeds 22° C. (71.6 F.), therefore its southern 
boundary is coincident with the isotherm of 22° C. for the six 
hottest weeks . . . the southern boundary of the Upper Austral 


zone agrees very closely with the isotherm of 26° C. (78.8 F.) for 
the six hottest weeks.”’ 


ANDERSON—THE BIRDS OF IOWA. 143 


The geographical position of the State of Iowa, near the center 
of the United States, and of the great Mississippi Valley, causes its 
bird fauna to be rich in number of species, and its life zones diffi- 
cult to map definitely. Its cold winters bring many Boreal visit- 
ors from the north, and the hot summer attracts many species 
which are distinctly southern. Thus the Mockingbird, a typical 
Lower Austral form, frequently reaches southern Iowa, the Pro- 
thonotary Warbler follows the Mississippi bottoms for some dis- 
tance past the Minnesota line! and has been taken in the Des 
Moines River valley as far north as Algona. Iowa is also near 
the border line where the eastern varieties of many common birds 
begin to shade off into the western forms. The occurrence of the 
Burrowing Owl and Lark Bunting on the prairies of northwestern 
Iowa is indicative of a close connection with the typical fauna of 
the Great Plains. Reports from a number of observers indicate 
that the Cardinal Grosbeak has extended its range considerably 
to the northward in Iowa during the past few years, while proofs 
are not lacking that numerous woodland birds have become com- 
mon in northwestern Iowa within the past twenty years, during 
which time that part of the state has been rapidly settled, and its 
surface modified by the planting of groves. The Cape May War- 
bler is believed to have extended its common range well westward 
into Iowa within the past twenty-five years, while the Western 
Meadowlark has in the same time spread over nearly the entire 
eastern part of the state. 

The intermediate character of the Iowa bird fauna may be indi- 
cated by a comparison between two recent standard field text- 
books on the birds of the eastern and western United States 
respectively: 

Chapman’s Handbook of the Birds of Eastern North America® 
omits the following twenty-one species, all of which have been 
taken in Iowa: Western and American Eared Grebes, Harris 
Hawk, Western Redtail, Mexican Goshawk, Richardson Merlin, 
Burrowing Owl, Northern Hairy Woodpecker, Western Night- 
hawk, Sennett Nighthawk, Magpie, Clarke Nutcracker, Gray- 


1. Roberts, Auk, xvi, 1899, pp. 236-246. 

2. Handbook of Birds of Eastern North America, with keys to the species and 
descriptions of their plumage, nests and eggs, their distribution and migrations anda 
brief account of their haunts and habits, with introductory chapters on the study of 
ornithology, etc., by Frank M. Chapman, Assistant Curator of the Department of Mam- 
malogy and Ornithology in the American Museum of Natural History, New York City, 
etc. New York. 1903. 


144 DAVENPORT ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. 


crowned Leucosticte, Western Grasshopper Sparrow, Baird Spar- 
row, Harris Sparrow, Gambel Sparrow, Sprague Pipit, Rock 
Wren, Long-billed Chickadee, Chestnut-backed Bluebird, and 
mentions as stragglers into this region, but does not describe, the 
Red-shafted Flicker, Arkansas Kingbird, Say Phcebe, Brewer 
Blackbird, Chestnut-collared Longspur, McCown Longspur, Mon- 
tana Junco (as shufeldti), and Lark Bunting. 


Bailey’s Handbook of the Birds of the Western United States? | 


omits about twenty-eight Iowa species: Brtinnich Murre, Black 
Duck, American Eider, King Eider, Blue Goose, King Rail, 
Purple Gallinule, Harlan Hawk, Yellow-bellied and Green- 
crested Flycatchers, Philadelphia Vireo, Yellow-throated Vireo, 
Prothonotary, Worm-eating, Blue-winged, Golden-winged, Cape 
May, Bay-breasted, Sycamore, Pine, and Prairie Warblers, Lou- 
isiana Water-thrush, Kentucky Warbler, Mourning Warbler, Yel- 
low-breasted Chat, Hooded Warbler, Tufted Titmouse, and Car- 
olina Chickadee. It also lists only the western varieties of the 
following: Brown Pelican, Willet, Piping Plover, Ruffed Grouse, 
Red-shouldered Hawk, Great Horned Owl, Hairy Woodpecker, 
Downy Woodpecker, Hoyt Horned Lark, Meadow Lark, Even- 
ing Grosbeak, Vesper, Savanna, Grasshopper, Henslow, Field, 
and Tree Sparrows, Nashville Warbler, Mockingbird, Bewick 
Wren, Brown Creeper, Wilson and Hermit Thrushes. 


CONTRIBUTORS. 


The following persons have kindly furnished me with more or 
less extended notes, or lists of the birds of the counties under 
which their names are found. While many counties are unrep- 
resented, most parts of the state are fairly covered, with no very 
extensive gaps. Without the ready and willing cooperation of 
these local observers the range of the various species would have 
been much less accurately determined: 

Allamakee. Dr. B. H. Bailey of Cedar Rapids allowed me to 
examine a series of specimens in the Coe College museum, col- 
lected in the summer of 1904, mostly near Lansing. 

Blackhawk. Prof. Morton R. Peck, Department of Biology, 


1. Handbook of Birds of the Western United States, including the Great Plains, 
Great Basin, Pacific Slope, and Lower Rio Grande Valley, by Florence Merriam Bailey, 
with thirty-three full-page plates by louis Agassiz Fuertes, and over six hundred cuts in 
the text. Cambridge. 1902, 


‘ 


ANDERSON—THE BIRDS OF IOWA. 145 


Ellsworth College, Iowa Falls, lists 233 species, from both his 
father’s observations and his own, covering a period of rather 
more than thirty years (Laporte City); Prof. G. W. Walters, lowa 
State Normal School, 165 species, observed from 1895 to 1904 
(Cedar Falls); Charles K. Salisbury, 161 species, restricted to 
Lincoln township (near Reinbeck). 

Boone. Carl Fritz Henning gives 185 species in an annotated 
list published in the Boone Daily News, Feb. 20, 1904, (Boone). 

Cass. Frank C. Pellett of Salem, Mo., lists 85 species, found 
in vicinity of Atlantic. 

Cerro Gordo. Dr. F. G. Richardson of Mason City gives notes 
on a number of species observed at Clear Lake and other places. 

Dallas. J. Eugene Law of Pomona, Cal., has given me many 
notes from the vicinity of Perry. 

Delaware. Mrs. Mary lL. Ratin, assisted by Mrs. M. A. Triem, 
lists 150 species (Manchester). 

Des Moines. Samuel B. Matson lists 96 species (Mediapolis). 

Dickinson. Notes by George H. Berry, Charles K. Salisbury, 
W. H. Bingaman, and R. M. Anderson, mostly from Spirit Lake 
and the Okoboji lakes. 

Franklin. Frank H. Shoemaker lists 150 species ina list of the 
birds of Franklin county, 1896 (Hanipton). 

Grundy. W. HH. Bingaman, of Algona, a former resident of 
Grundy county, gives a few notes. 

Hancock. M. Earl Halvorsen, Dr. B. H. Bailey and R. M. 
Anderson furnished many notes. 

Hardin. Prof. Morton E. Peck and M. Earl Halvorsen give a 
few notes from Iowa Falls. 

Henry. David I. Savage of Salem gives many notes. Walter 
G. Savage gives a few notes with his Van Buren county list. 

Howard. E.B. Webster of Cresco sends a few notes. 

Jackson. H.J. Giddings lists 215 species from the most eastern 
station in the state (Sabula). 

Jasper. Joseph C. Sloanaker (Newton) and J. W. Preston 
(Baxter) give a few notes. 

Johnson. R.M. Anderson lists 215 species, from several years’ 
observations, supplemented by records of specimens in the collec- 
tions of the Museum of Natural History of the State University 
of Iowa (Iowa City). 


146 DAVENPORT ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. 


Kossuth. W.. Bingaman lists 157 species, with some partic- 
ularly valuable notes on the water birds (Algona). 

Lee. Edmonde S. Currier of Tacoma, Wash., lists 238 species 
observed in Lee county from 1888 to 1903; William G. Praeger 
of the University of Chicago lists 262 species observed in ‘‘ the 
Keokuk district’? (Lee county, Iowa), including some observed 
across the Mississippi (Hancock county, Ill.), and across the Des 
Moines River (Clark county, Mo.). 

Linn. Prof. B. H. Bailey, M. D., of Coe College, lists, 186 
species (Cedar Rapids); Prof. Charles R. Keyes of Cornell Col- 
lege lists 152 species (Mt. Vernon); George H. Berry. lists 266 
species (Cedar Rapids). 

Mills. Isador S. Trostler, M. D., of Niobrara, Neb. (formerly 
of Omaha, Neb.), lists 227 species from Mills and Pottawattamie 
counties. 

Polk. A.1. Johnson lists 147 species, observed since 1890 (Des 
Moines). 

Pottawattamie. Isador S. Trostler, M. D., lists 227 species from 
Pottawattamie and Mills counties, the records from the two coun- 
ties being separated. 

Poweshiek. Prof. Lynds Jones of Oberlin, Ohio, furnishes a 
transcript of Carl Kelsey’s ‘‘Birds of Poweshiek County”? (O. & 
O., Xvi, 9, 1891, pp. 131-34), with corrections and emendations to 
the same, listing 230 species (Grinnell). Joseph C. Sloanaker 
gives a few notes from Grinnell. 

Scott. Burtis H. Wilson of Rock Island, Ill., lists 168 species 
observed from 1884 to 1894, on Iowa side of Mississippi River, 
principally around Davenport. He adds 24 species from Rock 
Island Arsenal, and the Illinois side of the Mississippi, opposite 
Iowa. 

Stoux. A.1. Johnson of Des Moines lists 91 species observed 
in 1890-1891 in the vicinity of Hull. George H. Berry of Cedar 
Rapids reports 21 species noted at Hawarden during the last 
week of May and first week of June, 1890. 

Van Buren. Walter G. Savage of Monteer, Mo., lists 232 
species, mostly from the vicinity of Hillsboro. 

Warren. Arthur A. Jeffrey lists 134 species (Indianola). He 
notes that water birds are not nearly so numerous as they were 
in Page county, where he lived previous to 1893. 


ANDERSON—THE BIRDS OF IOWA. 147 


Wayne. Albert J. Brown. A list of 127 species was obtained 
from him by Dr. Frank A. Stromsten of the University of Iowa 
(Melrose). 

Webster. Melvin P. Somes lists 152 species (Fort Dodge). 

Winnebago. KR. M. Anderson lists 222 species, mostly observed 
around Forest City, on the line between Winnebago and Han- 
cock counties. J. Eugene Law of Pomona, Cal., and: M. Earl 
Halvorsen of Forest City, both of whom collected with the writer 
for several years in that locality, also furnished many notes. 

Winneshiek. Carsten C. Smith, M.D., lists 185 species from his 
own notes and from those of Hall Thomas of Decorah. He attrib- 
utes the scarcity of water birds in this portion of the ‘‘ driftless’’ 
area to the absence of lakes or extensive marshes (Decorah). 

Woodbury. Guy C. Rich, M. D., lists 210 species from a terri- 
tory included within a 25-mile circle of Sioux City. ‘‘ This, of 
course, includes some of Nebraska and South Dakota, but birds 
found that close to our border may be reasonably expected across 
a border line, often only marked by a small river or an imagin- 
ary line.’’ 

Several counties, from which I received no notes personally, 
have been well covered, in certain groups, at least, by the obser- 
vations of then resident ornithologists, whose systematic compila- 
tions were published in 7he /owa Ornithologist a few years ago. 
Among such may be mentioned: Awena Vista (John V. Crone); 
Fayette (Paul C. Woods); Lyon (Carleton R. Ball); J/ahaska (Wm. 
Alanson Bryan); A/arshall (A. P. Godley); Scott (J. H. Brown); 
Stoux (Wilmon Newell); Story (Carleton R. Ball, Wm. A. Bryan, 
and Wilmon Newell). Indebtedness must also be acknowledged 
to Wm. Alanson Bryan, curator of the Bernice Pauahi Bishop 
Museum, Honolulu, author of ‘‘Birds of Hawaii,’’ and to Wilmon 
Newell, State Entomologist of Georgia, Atlanta, for helpful sug- 
gestions. 


THE BERDSTOE TOWAz: 


Class AVES. 
Subclass CARINAT. Birds with keeled sternum. 
Order PYGOPODES. The Diving Birds. 
Suborder PODICIPIDES. Grebes. 
Family PODICIEMoE, ~iGrebes, 


The Grebes are usually classed as having the lowest type of 
organization and structure among birds. They are the most emi- 
nently aquatic of birds, possessing marvelous powers of diving. 
The short legs, placed at the posterior extremity of the body, make 
their movements on land very awkward, and they rarely leave the 
water. Grebes feed largely on fish, which are pursued and caught 
under water. 

Genus A!CHMOPHORUS Lawrence. 


1. (1).* Atchmophorus occidentalis (lawrence). Western Grebe. 


This large Western species was reported from Iowa by two 
observers. ‘‘T'wo or three accidental specimens noted in Black- . 
hawk county in early spring. Recorded by my father, George D. 
Peck, the last time about seventeen years ago. The specimens 
were not taken, but his familiarity with Iowa birds is such that I 
think the record trustworthy.’’ (Morton EF. Peck.) Dr. Trostler 
reports it as a rare migrant in Pottawattamie and Mills. The 
species has been taken twtce at Lake Koshkonong, Wis. (Kum- 
lien and Hollister); reported twice from Nebraska, once from Cut- 
off Lake, near Omaha (Rev. Bds. Neb., p. 16), twice from Minne- 
sota: Red River and Big Stone Lake (Hatch). Rev. P. B. Pea- 
body found two nests at Heron Lake, Minn., June 2, 1894 (Oolo- 
gist, Xli, i, 1895, 15). From the last record it appears probable 
that it may rarely occur in summer in western Iowa. 


Genus CoLympBus Linnzeus. 


2. (2). . Colymbus holbelli (Reinh.). Holbcell Grebe. 


This species appears to be very rare in Iowa. It was listed by 
J. A. Allen (White’s Geol. of Iowa, 1870), and reported from 


* The numbers at the left are the Iowa numbers and those in parenthesis are the A. 
O. U. numbers of the species. 


ANDERSON—THE BIRDS OF IOWA. 149 
Linn county as a ‘‘rare winter visitant’’ (G. H. Berry). Kum- 
lien and Hollister report it as occurring sparingly as a migrant in 
Wisconsin, remaining all winter where there is open water. It 
has also been reported from Minnesota, once from Fillmore 
county, near the Iowa line (Hatch). 


3. (3). Colymbus auritus Linn. Horned Grebe. 


The Horned Grebe was given as a rather common migrant in 
Iowa by Keyes and Williams, but it appears from the reports of 
observers to be generally rare at present. ‘The earliest record is 
that of Thomas Say, ‘‘Colymbus cornutus. Arrived May 5, 
1820, Engineers’ Cantonment’’ (Long’s Exp. to Rocky Mts. 1, 
266). Dr. B. H. Bailey has three specimens taken in a slough 
near Cedar Rapids, showing three distinct phases of plumage: 
April 19, 1903, male, full plumage; April 19, 1903, plumage 
changing, head and neck mottled; Nov, 11, 1902, female, winter 
plumage. The Horned Grebe was reported by Dr. Hvoslef as 
breeding in the vicinity of Lanesboro, Fillmore county, near the 
southern border of the state (Hatch, Bds. of Minn. 1892, p. 6). 

County records: Blackhawk—‘‘occasional summer visitant, 
nesting; specimen mounted by myself in I.S. N.S. Museum”’ 
(Walters) ; ‘‘ rare transient’’ (Salisbury). Cerro Gordo—‘‘ one 
specinen April 6, 1890’’ (Richardson). Des Moines—(Bartsch). 
Jackson—‘‘ common transient’’ (Giddings). Keokuk district— 
‘“rare transient’’ (Praeger). Linn—(Bailey, Berry). Powe- 
shiek—‘‘ rare transient’’ (Kelsey, Jones). : 


4. (4). Colymbus nigricollis californicus (Heerm.). American 
Eared Grebe. 


This species appears to be somewhat locally and irregularly 
distributed in Iowa, although common at certain points. ‘‘It has 
been found breeding in small numbers at West Point and Omaha’’ 
(Rev. Bds: Neb:, p. 17). 

County records: Hancock—Dr. B. H. Bailey found this spe- 
cies quite common at Eagle Lake, in July, 1902. They were 
more common than the Pied-billed Grebe. Three adult speci- 
mens were shot there July 18-19, t902, and many were seen lead- 
ing their young. Hesays: ‘‘I took eggsand also photographed 
and shot birds in June, 1903.’’ Pottawattamie— Mills—‘*‘ com- 


[PRoc, D. A. S., VoL. XI. 22 [August 11, 1906.] 


150 DAVENPORT ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. 


Dr. Rich reports a speci- 


mon migrant’? (Trostler). Woodbury 
men taken at Sioux City (West. Orn. v, 1, 1900,‘p. 24). Linn— 
‘“tolerably common migrant’’ (Berry). 


Genus PopiLyMBus Lesson. 


5. (6). Podilymbus podiceps (Linn.). Pied-billed Grebe. 


This familiar little Grebe is by all means the most common rep- 
resentative of the order in Iowa. It is reported by all observers 
as common on all lakes, ponds and streams of the state during the 
spring and fall, and is found nesting in almost any locality where 
a marsh, pond or slough is to be found in summer. Most gun- 
ners are familiar with its adeptness in diving, which has gained 
for it the almost universal name of ‘‘Hell-diver.’’ ‘The nest is a 
floating mass of wet, decaying vegetation, in a pond or marsh, 
usually situated where the grass leaves patches of open water. 
The old bird is very seldom seen near the nest, and the eggs are 
almost invariably buried in the wet, rotten, nest material. The 
eggs are six to nine in number, pale blue when first laid, but rap- 
idly becoming stained a dirty brown. In Winnebago county eggs 
are laid about June 1. However, on June 4, 1897, I saw a Grebe 
followed by downy young, and the same day took a set of slightly 
incubated eggs. C.F. Henning records a set of nine eggs May 20, 
1897 (Boone); and John V. Crone a set of six May 23, 1891, in 
Palo Alto (Iowa Orn., i, 2, 1895, pp. 44-45). 


The writer kept two specimens alive for several days at the Sci- 
ence Building of the University. When placed on the floor they 
progressed by a series of hops, with breast resting on the floor, or 
raising the body suddenly, running on the toes, flapping the wings 
at the same time. They appeared unable to fly up from the floor. 
In swimming and diving the grebes paddled alternately with the 
legs, the lobate webs on each side of the toes folding together 
during the forward stroke and opening out with the backward 
stroke. In dressing the plumage the bird would lie on one side, 
with one foot out of water, and paddle around in a circle with the 
other foot. A young bird in the down, which I once caught, 
appeared very tame, and when replaced in the water made frantic 
efforts to overtake the boat, ‘‘peeping’’ like a lost chick, 


ANDERSON—THE BIRDS OF IOWA. D5a 


Suborder CKPPHI. lLoons, Auks, Murres, etc. 
Family GAVIIDA. Loons. 


Three species of this family are found in Iowa, but only one is 
at allcommon. The Loons are similar to the Grebes in structure 
and habits, but are considerably larger birds. 


Genus GAvrA Forster. 


6. (7). Gavia imber (Gunn). Loon. 


The Loon is reported as common during the migrations in 
nearly all parts of the state, though a few observers report it as 
arare transient. The spring migration is usually in April and 
the fall migration in November. 

The Loon appears to be a summer resident only in the northern 
part of the state. Prof. Walters reports the Loon as an ‘‘occa- 
sional summer visitant’’ in Blackhawk county. Dr. B. H. Bailey 
observed them on Clear Lake (Cerro Gordo) July 7 to 14, and on 
Eagle Lake (Hancock) July 19, 1902. At Rice Lake (Winnebago) 
J. Eugene Law took a set of eggs from the top of an old muskrat 
house about the last of May or first of June, 1893, and M. Earl 
Halvorsen has observed the species in summer at the same place. 
The writer saw three and shot one at Rite Lake June 1, 1895, and 
saw one specimen on Swan Lake, near Lake Mills (Winnebago), 
May 30, 1895: also mounted one shot on Silver Lake (Worth) 
June 1, 1897. April 21, 1905, I caught a Loon alive within the 
limits of Iowa City, the morning after a severe thunder-storm. 
It seemed to be unable to fly up from the ground, although appar- 
ently uninjured. When approached, it made frantic efforts to 
escape, fluttering and dashing along the ground for several rods 
atatime. The voice of the Loon has something weird and mys- 
terious about it when heard at night on a quiet lake, sometimes 
resembling a peal of maniacal chuckles or laughter. 


7. (9). Gavia arctica (Linn.). Black-throated Loon. 


The Black-throated Loon is a northern species which very cas- 
ually visits Iowa. Two specimens have been taken in Jackson 
county. J. Giddings reports (Iowa Orn., li, 4, 1896, 73): ‘“Nov. 


15, 1895, a male Black-throated Loon was shot while swimming 
in the Mississippi River a little way from the shore opposite 


152 DAVENPORT ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. 


Sabula, by Mr. W. Eldridge. Identified by Dr. C. Hart Mer- 
riam.’’ H. J. Giddings reports (West. Orn., v, 3, 1900, 60): “‘On 
Nov. 26, 1899, an immature male was shot on the Mississippi 
River at this place [Sabula] and sent to me for mounting.’’ A 
specimen in the University Museum, No. 10175, in juvenile plum- 
age, was taken at Burlington; recorded by Prof. C. C. Nutting 
(Proc. Iowa Acad. Sci., 1894, 44). 


8. (10). Gavia lumme (Gunn). Red-throated Loon. 


Like the preceding species, the Red-throated Loon is rare in 
Iowa. It is listed by J. A. Allen (White’s Geol. of Iowa, 1870). 
Kumlien and Hollister give the species as ‘‘a regular and com- 
mon resident on Lake Michigan in winter. . . . On the larger 
inland lakes and ponds and streams it is seldom seen in spring, 
but occurs sparingly in October and November, or until the ice 
forms’’ (Bds. of Wis., 1903, 7). There are two Nebraska records, 
both males, taken on the Missouri near Omaha, one Sept. 28, 
1894, another April 6, 1897, reported by I. S. Trostler (Rev. Bds. 
Neb., 1904, 7). 

County records: Blackhawk —‘‘rare winter or fall visitor ”’ 
(Peck). Franklin—‘‘ three years ago saw a flock on a small lake 
in Franklin county and secured two at one shot’’ (‘‘Sea Birds 
that Visit Iowa,’’ Iowa Orn., 11, 2, 1896, 32). Jackson—“‘‘ very 
rare’’ (H. J. Giddings). Polk—‘‘I mounted one which must 
have been a straggler. Although the party who shot it said 
there were others, he might have been mistaken’’ (Johnson). 


Family ALCIDA. Auks. 


The Auks are without exception maritime birds, confined to 
the northern parts of the northern hemisphere. The occurrence 
of any of the species in Iowa must be regarded as accidental. 


Subfamily ALCINAS. Auks. 


Genus URIA Brisson: 


9. (31). Uvria lomvia (Linn.). Brunnich Murre. 


Dr. Elliott Coues (Key to North American Birds, 5th Ed., Vol. 
II, p. 1084) says: ‘‘ Individuals of any species are liable to be 
blown inland or otherwise beyond their range. Thus, a storm of 


ANDERSON—THE BIRDS OF IOWA. 153 


Dec. 16, 1896, scattered a flight of Brtunnich’s Murres over the 
U.S. from Michigan and Indiana to South Carolina; a few of 
these were captured and recorded (Auk, Apr., 1897, pp. 197-199, 
202, 203, 226, 228).’’ Frank C. Pellett reports ‘‘a lost specimen, 
caught alive in December’’ (Cass). J. H. Brown (‘‘ An Acci- 
dental Visitor,’ Iowa Orn., ili, 1, 1897, 11) says: ‘‘Mr. Frank 
Pellett of Atlantic sends me a description of what will prove to 
be one of the Murres, probably the Atlantic form, Uria troile 
Linn. It was captured alive, but thoroughly exhausted, Dec. 
20th, near Atlantic, and died some time after. It has been 
mounted and is now in Mr. Pellett’s collection.’’ Mr. George C. 
Hoover of West Branch wrote to me under date of April 4, 1897: 
“T had given to me perhaps one of the most rare and strange 
birds ever found in the state. It was a specimen of the Auk 
family known as the Murre (Uva voile). It was found in John- 
son county in January of this year. I mounted it and now have 
it in my collection.’ 

Both of these specimens were undoubtedly stragglers from the 
great flight of Brunnich Murres recorded above. 


Order LONGIPENNES. The Long-winged Swimmers. 
Family STERCORARIIDA. Jeegers, or Skuas. 


The Jeegers are inhabitants of northern regions, usually pelagic, 
and only occasionally appearing inland. They are rapacious and 
generally subsist by robbing Gulls and Terns. 


Genus STERCORARIUS. 


10. (37). Stercorarius parasiticus (Linn.). Parasitic Jaeger. 
One specimen is reported from Lee county by Mr. William G. 
Praeger: ‘Accidental, one record; shot on the Mississippi oppo- 
site Keokuk and brought to me Oct. 6, 1896.’’ Edmonde S$. Cur- 
rier says of this specimen: ‘‘It was shot on the Des Moines Rapids 
of the Mississippi at Keokuk, Oct. 6, 1896. I saw the skin in Mr. 
Praeger’s collection and think that it was properly identified. 
The locality is correctly Iowan.’’ In the Coe College collection 
Dr. B. H. Bailey has a specimen shot Sept. 20, 1905, at Eagle 
Lake, near Britt, Hancock county, by James Ward. Length, 18 
inches; extent of wing, 41% inches; iris hazel. Sex, female (?), 


doubtful, ‘on account of the specimen being badly shot. 


154 DAVENPORT ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. 
Family LARIDA. Gulls and Terns. 


The Gulls and Terns are birds of strong flight, graceful on the 
wing, and usually found over water. Their food consists chiefly 
of fish, either caught alive or found dead, and garbage found in 
the water. In general the Gulls are larger than the Terns, with 
thicker, more strongly hooked bill. In flight the Gulls usually 
hold the bill horizontally, in line with the body, while the Terns 
fly with the bill pointing downward instead of forward. Most of 
the Terns, as well as the Gulls, are valuable as insect destroyers, 
particularly of the larvae of water-breeding insects. 


Subfamily LARINA. Gulls. 


Genus LArus Linnzeus. 


Ir. (51). Larus argentatus Brunn. Herring Gull. 


The Herring Gull appears to be fairly common as a migrant 
along the larger rivers of the state, being most numerous along 
the Mississippi. Currier and Praeger report it as a ‘‘common win- 
ter resident; abundant migrant’’ in Lee county. All other observ- 
ers report it simply as a migrant. The University museum has 
specimens collected on the following dates: March 29, 1887, by 
Jacob Ham; March 12, 1898, by Wm. Mathes (Johnson); Sept. 
15, 1890, by Paul Bartsch (Des Moines county); March 21, 1904, 
by P. G. Bayers (Marengo, Iowa county); male in Bond collec- 
tion, Greencastle (no date). 


County records: Blackhawk—(Peck, Walters); Des Moines— 
(Bartsch); Dickinson—(Berry); Iowa—(Bayers); Jackson—(Gid- 
dings); Lee—(Currier, Praeger); Polk—(Johnson); Woodbury— 
(Rich). ‘‘Common transient on Mississippi River near Rock 
Island, Ill.’’ (Wilson). 


12. (54). Larus delawarensis Ord. Ring-billed Gull. 

The Ring-billed Gull is probably the most common representa- 
tive of the genus in Iowa. ‘There is no evidence of its nesting in 
Iowa, although many observers report it to be generally common 
as a migrant. 

County records: Blackhawk—( Peck); Boone—( Henning ); 
Dickinson—(Berry); Hancock—“‘‘one shot from a flock of three 
on Lake Edwards, May 13, 1893’’ (Anderson); Jasper—Powe- 


ANDERSON—THE BIRDS OF IOWA. 155 


on 


shiek—(H. W. Parker, Am. Nat., v, 1871, 169); Johnson—(An- 
derson); Lee—(Currier, Praeger); Linn—( Bailey, Berry); Jack- 
son — (Giddings); Mills—Pottawattamie — (Trostler); Sioux— 
(Johnson); Woodbury——( Rich). 


13. (58). Larus atricila Linn. Laughing Gull. 


This gull is a southern species, rarely found as far north as 
Iowa, in the interior. Thomas Say (Long’s Exp., i, pp. 266-70), 
notes ‘‘ Larus ridibundus. Large flocks flying northward May 
20, 1820.’’ (Engineers’ Cantonment). The species has been 
reported from Omaha by L. Skow (Rev. Bds. Neb., 20). Dr. 
Trostler reported the Laughing Gull as a ‘‘scarce migrant in 
Pottawattamie and Mills counties. I have seen them frequently 
at Big Lake and Manawa Lake (Pottawattamie), and along the 
river in Millscounty. One killed Oct. 10, 1894, at Blencoe, Iowa, 
by H. W. Kerr (reported to me by J. A. Dickinson, of Gresham, 
INeb=).”” 


14. (59). Larus franklini Sw. and Rich. Franklin Gull. 


The Franklin Gull is an inhabitant of the inland waters, and 
has not been recorded from either coast. It appears to be a fre- 
quent migrant in Iowa, according to nearly all observers, but it 
is doubtful whether it breeds in Iowa at the present time. Col. N. 
S. Goss (Bds. of Kan., 26) states: ‘‘They have been found breed- 
ing as far south as northern Iowa. . . . one set of three eggs 
taken May 20, 1885, by Mr. J. W. Preston, on Marsh Lake, 
Minn.’’ Keyes and Williams state that ‘‘Mr. J. W. Preston found 
the species breeding at Heron Lake, Minn., a few miles from the 
northern boundary of Iowa.’’ Rev. P. B. Peabody (‘‘ Water 
Birds of Heron Lake.’’ Ool. xii., 1, 1895, 16) says that ‘‘Though 
the Franklin Gulls were present by the hundred all summer long, 
increasing greatly in numbers during the autumn, not a nest was 
found.’’ G.H. Berry reports that the species was an abundant 
summer resident at Spirit Lake in 1892 and 1893. 

County records: Cerro Gordo—‘‘several killed at Clear Lake 
in October, 1893; occasional summer visitor’? (Richardson). Des 
Moines—Aug. 3, 1892, Burlington (Bartsch). Hancock—‘“ Crys- 
tal Lake’’ (Halvorsen) ‘‘ saw four or five Oct. 16, 1894’’ (Ander- 
son). Kossuth—‘‘transient’’ (Bingaman). Lee— ‘‘common 


156 DAVENPORT ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. 


migrant’’ (Currier and Praeger). Linn—(Bailey). Pottawattamie 
——Mills—‘‘common migrant’’ (Trostler). Poweshiek—‘‘rare tran- 
sient’’ (Kelsey). Webster—‘‘frequent migrant’’ (Somes). Wood- 
bury—‘‘uncommon transient’’ (Rich); a female specimen in the 
University museum, taken at Sioux City, May 6’’ (Anderson). 


15. (60). Larus philadelphia (Ord). Bonaparte Gull. 


The Bonaparte Gull is one of the most widely dispersed species 
in North America. Breeding chiefly in high latitudes, it only 
reaches Iowa during the migrations. It is not usually as common 
as the Franklin Gull. Dr. B. H. Bailey has a female specimen 
taken April 30, 1902, ona slough near Cedar Rapids. Dr. Trost- 
ler gives it as a common migrant in Pottawattamie and Mills, 
seen in very large flocks in autumn and smaller flocks in spring. 
Recorded from Linn as a ‘‘rare migrant’’ (Bailey); Jackson—‘‘tol- 
erably common transient’’ (Giddings); Kossuth—“‘ transient’’ 
(Bingaman). 

Genus XEMA Leach. 


16. (62). Nema sabinii (Sab.). Sabine Gull. 


Only two specimens of this species have been recorded as cap- 
tured in Iowa. Dr. Paul Bartsch (Auk, xvi, 1899, 86), says: ‘‘My 
collection of Iowa birds contains two immature specimens of 
Sabine’s Gull, both of which were taken on the sandbar immed1- 
ately above Burlington, Iowa. No. 50 (S. U. I. No. 15981) male, 
was shot Oct. 15; 18913, No: 51 (S) USI No. 15082) female? Oct: 
12, 1894. These I believe are the first records of this species for 
Iowa. ‘The specimens are deposited at the State University at 
Iowa City.’’ 


Subfamily STERNINAY. Terns. 


Genus STERNA Linneeus. 


Subgenus THALASSEUS Boie. 


17. (64). Sterna caspia Pallas. Caspian Tern. 

The Caspian Tern appears to be a tolerably common but some- 
what irregular migrant in Iowa, frequently appearing in consid- 
erable numbers. ‘The species was listed by Allen (1870), and 
Cooke (Bird Migr. in Miss. Val. 1884-5, 57,) states that Mr. J. 
W. Preston ‘has taken it in central Iowa. Prof. C. C. Nutting 


ANDERSON—THE BIRDS OF IOWA. OV 7/ 


records a specimen in the University museum, taken in Johnson 
county (Proc. Iowa Acad. Sci., 1892, 40). Dr. B. H. Bailey has 
specimens taken at Cedar Rapids March 10, 1903, Sept. 11 and 28, 
1903. He states that during September, 1903, large numbers 
were flying over Cedar Rapids in scattered flocks, and several 
other specimens were taken, both in adult and juvenile plumage. 

Wn. E. Praeger states that it is ‘‘a regular fall migrant but 
never recorded in the spring. Small flocks frequently stay for 
days on some favorite sandbar, earliest date Sept. 9, latest Oct. 
15’’ (Keokuk district). G.H. Berry reports it as a ‘‘ tolerably 
common migrant’’ (Linn); and B. H. Wilson as a ‘‘strageler ; 
one record, near Rock Island, Ill.’’ 

The University museum has several specimens: No. 3680, 
female, Johnson county, Sept. 16, 1889, E. R. Griffin; 16267, 
Burlington, Sept. 17, 1898, Paul Bartsch; 10581, male, Oct. 3, 
1894, Johnson county, D. L. Gorton ; 3923, Iowa, no date; 15983, 
Sept. 25, 1895, Henderson county, Ill. (oppposite Burlington), 
Paul Bartsch. 


Subgenus STERNA Nuttall. 


18. (69). Sterna forsteri Nutt. Forster Tern. 

This species is a tolerably common migrant over most of the 
state,and a few are found throughout the summer on various 
lakes of northern Iowa. I have found no authentic records of 
the Forster Tern nesting in Iowa, although Rev. P. B. Peabody 
found a small colony nesting at Heron Lake, Minn., on muskrat 
houses, May 26 and June 10, 1894 (Osprey, i, 1, 1896, 1-3, ‘‘ A 
Tern Study’’). 

County records: Boone—‘‘ arrives about last week in April, 
becomes quite common during spring and fall migrations; small 
flocks of ten or twelve may often be seen at the large ponds where 
they remain for several weeks’’ (Henning). Cerro Gordo— 
‘*common summer resident. I havea male taken at Clear Lake, 
June 10, 1891’’ (Richardson). Clinton—(Parker, Am. Nat. v, 
1871, 169). Dickinson—‘‘ abundant summer resident; Spirit 
Lake’’ (Berry) ; ‘‘ several shot at Spirit Lake the last week in 
July, t902’’ (Bailey) ; ‘‘common on West Okoboji Lake, Aug. 
13-19, 1g01’’ (Anderson). Franklin—‘‘frequent migrant’’ (Shoe- 
maker). Hancock—‘‘ migrant’’ (Anderson). Jackson—‘‘ com- 


[Proc, D. A. S., VOL. XI.] 23 [August 15, 1906.] 


158 DAVENPORT ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. 


mon transient ’’ (Giddings). Johnson—‘‘ specimen in University 
Museum shot May 5, 1888, Iowa City, by C. Houseworth”’ 
(Anderson). Kossuth—‘‘rare transient’’ (Bingaman). Lee— 
‘(common migrant ’’ (Currier, Praeger). Linn—‘‘shot one May 
21, 1904, Cedar Rapids’’ { Bailey). Pottawattamie — Mills — 
‘‘abundant migrant’’ (Trostler). Poweshiek—“‘‘ rare transient’’ 
(Kelsey). Sioux—‘‘common’’ (Johnson). Winnebago—‘‘fre- 
quent migrant’’ ( Anderson). Winneshiek—‘‘rare visitant ; 
reported by Hall Thomas’’ (Smith). Woodbury—‘‘ uncommon 
transient’’ (Rich). The species was observed at Bear Lake, 
Minn., May 27, 1896, just across the state line from Winnebago 
county, by J. Eugene Law. 


19. (70). Sterna hirundo Linn. Common Tern. 


This species appears to be less common in Iowa than the pre- 
ceding. The earliest Iowa record is that of Prince Maximilian 
(Reise in das Innere N. A., li, 341), above Boyer’s Creek, near 
Council Bluffs, May 12, 1834. He says: ‘‘ Hin Flug der roth- 
schnabligen Meerschwalbe (Sterna hirundo) strich uber uns weg, 
wovon wir eine erlegten.’’ Allen lists it (1870), and Cooke 
states that it was taken by Mr. Preston in central Iowa (Bird 
Migr. in Miss. Val., 1884-5). Prof. Nutting reports a specimen 
from Johnson county in the University museum (Proc. Iowa 
Acad. Sci., 1892, 40). 

County records: Blackhawk—‘‘common transient’ (Salisbury). 
Des Moines—two specimens in the University museum were taken 
at Burlington, May 26, 1893, by Paul Bartsch. Linn—“‘‘rare’’ 
(Berry). Pottawattamie—Mills—‘‘abundant migrant’’ (Trost- 
ler); Poweshiek—‘‘transient’’ (Kelsey, Jones). 


20. (74). Sterna antillarum (Less.). Teast Tern. 


This dainty little Tern does not appear to be common in Iowa 
at any time. ‘Thomas Say records the arrival of the Lesser Tern 
(Sterna minuta) at Engineers’ Cantonment April 2, 1820 (Long’s 
Exp., 1, 216). John Krider (Porty Mears) Notes) 1379, pace). 
says: ‘“‘I found it very plenty on Clear Lake, Iowa. Breeds on 
the drift along the shore of the lake.’’ ‘‘L. Skow found it breed- 
ing at Cut-off Lake, near Omaha, in 1893. Numerous migration 
records from Omaha,”’ etc. (Rev. Bds. Neb., 21.) 


ANDERSON—THE BIRDS OF IOWA. 159 


County records: Lee—‘‘I find I have never seen it, but speci- 
mens locally obtained are in local collections, with no data. Cur- 
rier has seen them on June 20, 1888, on bars of Des Moines, act- 
ing as if they were nesting’’ (Praeger). Linn—‘‘rare migrant’’ 
(Berry). Polk—‘‘rare’’ (Johnson). Pottawattamie—‘‘ scarce 
migrant’’ (Trostler). Sioux—‘‘rare’’ (Johnson). Winnebago— 
‘‘several seen in company with Black Terns at Rice Lake, June 1, 
1895; one shot’’ (Anderson). 


Genus HyDROCHELIDON Boie. 
21. (77). Hydrochelidon nigra surinamensis (Gmel.). Black Tern. 

The Black Tern, usually known in Iowa as the ‘‘Slough Gull,’’ 
is an abundant migrant over all sections of the state, nesting 
commonly in suitable localities in the northern half of the state. 
The writer has observed only a few specimens in Johnson county, in 
the month of May, but in Winnebago and Hancock has observed 
them abundantly from the early part of May until September. In 
early spring hundreds may sometimes be seen at one time, and if 
one is shot the others will hover over their fallen comrade in the 
water. Later in the season they are not generally seen in such 
large flocks, being scattered around in different sloughs, nesting. 
In some sloughs only one pair may be found, while others have 
from ten to fifty pairs. The Black Tern seems to prefer grassy 
and reedy marshes, in which the nest, an almost flat mass of 
grass, reeds, moss and mud is placed, raised a little above the 
surface of the water, and often floating. The eggs are two or 
three in number, varying remarkably in size, shape, and colora- 
tion, no two sets being alike; but all eggs from the same set have 
a close similarity. In this locality the Black Tern rears two 
broods in a season, the first set being deposited in the latter part 
of May or first of June, and the second set in July. In only one 
instance have I found a nest that was not placed over water— 
this was simply a few weeds arranged in a circular form on a piece 
of low ground quite a little distance from the water. 

Dr. J. A. Allen records ‘‘great numbers, July 20, about Wall 
Lake, in Sac county. ‘The young had already flown and were 
accompanying the parents’? (Mem. Bost. Soc., i, 1868, 502). In 
Decatur and Mahaska, T’. M. Trippe observed them ‘‘about pools 
of water on the prairies in May only’’ (Proc. Bost. Soc., xv, 1872, 


160 DAVENPORT ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. 


241). C.F. Henning found the Black Tern breeding in Hamilton 
county June 26, 1893 (West. Orn., v, 2, 1900, 87). Dr. C. C. Smith 
reports it ‘‘an irregular visitant, seen most commonly in the latter 
half of May. I have also seen it in June and July’’ (Winneshiek). 
W. A. Bingaman as ‘‘abundant; breeding’’ (Kossuth); F. H. 
Shoemaker as a “rare summer: resident’ (Franklin); Dr: 1. S: 
Trostler as an ‘‘abundant migrant; rare summer resident’’ (Potta- 
wattamie— Mills). All other observers report the species only as 
a migrant. 

The Black Terns do not seem to be deterred from nest-building 
by proximity to houses and passing railway trains. ‘They evince 
little fear of man and large numbers will often follow a man plow- 
ing, hovering over his head, and looking for grubs turned up by the 
plow. They are often killed with a whip at such times. Dr. Bailey 
observed hundreds of Black Terns at Eagle Lake, Hancock county, 
July 17-20, 1902, mostly feeding on crayfish. They have also 
been noted as feeding upon the nymphe of the dragon-fly in large 
numbers. The food of the species in summer consists to a great 
extent of the larvee of aquatic insects, small insects, small mol- 
luses, ete., which are found upon the surface of the water. 


Order STEGANOPODES.: Totipalmate Swimmers. 
Family ANHINGIDA. Darters. 


The Western Continent has only one spieces representing this 
peculiar family. The Darter or Snake-bird is a common species 
in tropical and sub-tropical America and is casual or accidental 
north of southern Illinois. 


Genus ANHINGA Brisson. 


22. (118). Anhinga anhinga (Linn.). Anhinga. Snake-bird. 

The only known record of the occurrence of this species in 
Iowa was given me by Walter G. Savage in a letter of Feb. 25, 
1904. He says: ‘‘About twenty years ago one was killed in 
Henry county. This one is the only record that I have of any 
being in the state. Ihave no specimen; it was killed before I put 
up any, but I well remember the bird as being the Snakebird. It 
was killed on a little stream called ‘Little Cedar,’ in Henry county, 
Iowa, near Salem, and the man knew what a Cormorant was and 


ANDERSON—THE BIRDS OF IOWA. 161 


so did I. It is a positive fact that a Snakebird was killed in 
Iowa.’’ Although reported by no other observers, Mr. Savage's 
long experience as a collector and observer of bird migrations 
makes this record appear an authentic one.’’ 

The species was reported in Bruner’s list as a Nebraska bird on 
the authority of a specimen shot supposedly near Omaha, but it 
has since developed that the bird may have been secured either in 
Iowa or Missouri (Rev. Bds. Neb., 21-22). 


Family PHALACROCORACIDA. Cormorants. 


A single species of this family is found in Iowa. ‘The Cormo- 
rants are large fish-eating birds, capturing their prey by pursuing 
it under water. They are gregarious at most seasons, but in 
Iowa, at least, are usually seen singly, in twos and threes, or 
straggling flocks, during migrations. 


Genus PHALACROCORAX Brisson. 


23. (120). Phalacrocorax dilophus (Sw. and Rich.). Double- 
crested Cormorant. 

The Double-crested Cormorant is a regular and fairly common 
migrant over the whole of the state, being reported by nearly all 
the observers. In spring it appears from about the last week of 
March until the middle of April, and in fall from the latter part 
of September through October. B.H. Wilson reports fourteen 
seen Aug. 18, 1892; six seen Aug. 6, 1893 (Scott). W.W.Cooke 
states: ‘“The Cormorant used to breed abundantly in a few places 
in northern Iowa, where Mr. Preston of Newton, Iowa, says he 
has taken a great many sets of eggs’’ (Bird. Migr. in Miss. Val., 
1884-5, 59). Keyes and Williams (1889) also give the species as 
breeding in the northern part of the state. At the present time 
I am unable to find any records which show any recent nesting 
localities in the state. 


Family PELECANID. Pelicans. 


The Pelicans are large aquatic birds, feeding on fish which are 
scooped up in the large pouch below the lower mandibles. They 
are heavy-appearing birds, but swim lightly on the water owing 
to the large air-sacs beneath the skin. 


162 DAVENPORT ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. 


Genus PELECANUS Linnzeus. 


24. (125). Felecanus erythrorhynchos Gmel. American White 
Pelican. 


The White Pelican is a rather rare but regular migrant across 
the state, quite large flocks being sometimes seen flying, or even 
alighting, in unexpected localities. It has not been known to 
nest in the state. 

The earliest records appear to be those of Lewis and Clark 
(Hist. of L. and C. Exp., i, 70): ‘‘August 8, 1804— Two miles 
beyond this river (Little Sioux) is a long island which we called 
Pelican Island, from the numbers of that bird which were feeding 
on it; one of these being killed, we poured into his bag five gal- 
lons of water. . . . We camped on the north (in Monona county, 
Iowa). . . . Sept. 4, 1806 (Floyd’s Bluff, below Sioux City). 
There is no game on the river except wild geese and pelicans.”’ 
Thomas Say records the arrival of the Rough-billed Pelican (7. 
erythrorhynchos) at Engineers’ Cantonment, April 8, 1820 (Long’s 
Exp., 1, 266-270). Prince Maximilian (Reise, i, 287) observed 
the flight of a flock of more than one hundred Pelicans, above the 
mouth of the Little Nemaha, on the right bank. John James 
Audubon (Journals, i, 484), on May 11, 1843, says: ‘‘We have 
seen several pelicans,’’ etc. (below mouth of Little Sioux, Har- 
rison county, Iowa); and ‘‘Oct. 3 (Little Sioux), several pelicans. 

Oct. 6 (below Fort Croghan), killed two pelicans, but got 
only one.’’ 

Several specimens of the White Pelican are reported as killed 
every year, but the number seems to be decreasing in the state 
owing to the practice of hunters wantonly slaughtering any such 
rare or unusual bird which appears within gun-range. The 
majority of the spring records appear to come in April, but occa- 
sionally they come in March, and J. Eugene Law saw one on Bear 
Lake, Minn., just across the state line from Winnebago county, 
on May 27, 1896. In the fall they migrate from the middle of 
September until early October. One specimen in the University 
collection, No. 1412, was taken August 8, 1896, in Johnson county, 
by John Bauer; others, September 25, 1888 (Johnson); September 
22, 1886 (Jonhson); October 1, 1902, (Johnson); September 28, 
1go2 (Iowa county). 


ANDERSON—THE BIRDS OF IOWA. 163 


25. (126). Felecanus occidentalis (Linn.). Brown Pelican. 


The Brown Pelican was first recorded from Iowa by Thomas 
Say (Long’s Exp., i, 266), as Pelecanus fuscus, from Engineers’ 
Cantonment. The only recent record which I find is that by 
Carl Fritz Henning (‘‘ A Southern Bird in Central Iowa,’’ Annals 
of Iowa, v, 1, April, 1905, 62-3): ‘‘ Last week a Brown Pelican 
(Pelecanus fuscus) was captured by the Fritcher brothers on the 
Des Moines River, about nine miles northwest of Boone. 
first seen swimming in a bayou.’’ This bird was described in 
detail, also its habitat, in the Boone Standard, July 14, 1900. 


Family FREGATIDA. Man-o’-war Birds. 


The Man-o’-war or Frigate Bird is an almost strictly maritime, 
predaceous bird, with wonderful powers of flight. Only one 
species occurs in America, and is not uncommon on southern 
coasts. W. W. Cooke (Bird Migr. in Miss. Val., 1884-5, 60) 
reports two instances of its occurrence at a distance of eight hun- 
dred miles from the nearest salt water; one killed in Osborne 
county, Kansas, Aug. 16, 1880; and one killed a few miles north 
of Milwaukee, Wis., in August, 1880. 


Genus FREGATA Cuvier. 


26. (124). Svegata aguila (Linn.). Man-o’-war Bird. 

The Man-o’-war Bird is only an accidental visitant in Iowa. 
Morton E. Peck (Iowa Orn., ii, 2, 1896, 34) reports the occurrence 
of a specimen at LaPorte, Iowa (Blackhawk county), and Dr. 
Paul Bartsch told me of a specimen taken near Burlington, Iowa, 
by a gunner in'the latter part of September, 1903, but as it was 
not known whether obtained on the Iowa or Illinois side of the 
Mississippi River, the latter may hardly be considered as an offi- 
cial Iowa record. 


Order ANSERES. Lamellirostral Swimmers. 
Family ANATIDA®. Ducks, Geese, and Swans. 
Subfamily MERGIN. Mergansers. 
All of the three American species of this subfamily occur in 


Iowa. ‘The Mergansers, known also as the Saw-bills, or Fish 
Ducks, are characterized by a narrow, nearly cylindrical bill, with 


164 DAVENPORT ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. 


the lamellze of the mandibles developed into prominent serrations. 
They feed principally upon fish, and their flesh is consequently 
somewhat rank and fishy, although the Hooded Merganser is 
usually accounted quite palatable. 


Genus MERGANSER Brisson. 


27. (129). Merganser americanus (Cass.). American Mergan- 
ser. 

The American Merganser is a fairly common migrant in Iowa, 
being reported by most observers. It is a cold weather bird, 
appearing early in the spring with the first open water, and late 
in the fall. Dr. F. G. Richardson notes that in Cerro Gordo 
county he has observed only one sex in a migrating flock, either 
all males or all females. The American Merganser has been 
found breeding in northern Iowa by Mr. Preston of Newton, Iowa, 
according to W. W.-Cooke (Bird Migr. in Miss. Val., 1884-5, 
60-61). There seems to be no recent nesting record, but Dr. C. 
C. Smith has seen them as late as May 16, in Winneshiek county. 
W.H. Bingaman reports the Species as a ‘‘ winter resident in 
Kossuth county; on open water along the Des Moines River, 
caused by springs. At these open holes this species is generally 
found; however, very wild. Three were shot at our annual rab- 
bit hunt last winter. Saw two birds Dec. 30, 1905.’’ 


28. (130). Merganser serrator (Linn.). Red-breasted Mer- 
ganser. 

Most observers report the Red-breasted Merganser as a migrant, 
but rarer than the preceding species in Iowa. ‘Three observers 
— Henning (Boone), Peck (Blackhawk), and Berry (Linn), report 
it as more common than the American Merganser. It usually 
migrates at the same time as that species, appearing just as the 
streams and lakes are opening up in the spring or at freezing 
time in the fall. The Red-breasted Merganser has not been 
known to nest in Iowa. 


Genus LopHODYTES Reichenbach. 


29. (131). Lophodytes cucullatus (Linn.). Hooded Merganser. 


This striking little Merganser is tolerably common throughout 
Iowa as a migrant, and still nests occasionally in the state. Like 


ANDERSON—THE BIRDS OF IOWA. 165 


the Wood Duck, the Hooded Merganser builds its nest in a hol- 
low tree. Baird, Brewer and Ridgway (N. A. Birds. Water 
Birds, ii, 124) describe the eggs as pure ivory-white, and of a 
rounded oval, almost globular form, from a specimen in the Smith- 
sonian Institution, collected in Iowa. 

jes W> Preston says (“Notes on Bird Flight,’’ O. & O., xvii, 3, 
March, 1892, 42): ‘‘While camping on Little Twin Lakes, north- 
ern Iowa, some years since, I noticed a male Hooded Merganser 
circling around a grove so often that it seemed certain that he was 
feeding his mate, which they do at incubating time. I concealed 
myself and watched for a long time, and finally was rewarded by 
seeing the fellow fly plump into a hollow in a gigantic oak. It 
would seem to be a piece of recklessness; certainly if he had not 
aimed well he would have suffered for the error. . . . I timed 
one of this species, and it made its mile in less than one minute.”’ 

Nearly all observers in the state regard the species as a migrant. 
A few other records are given: 

Blackhawk—‘‘this species formerly bred quite frequently in 
Blackhawk county, but no nest has been known there for 
many years. Has been known to breed in the same tree with the 
Wood Duck’’ (Peck). Des Moines—two specimens in the Uni- 
versity museum were taken July 5 and Aug. 13, 1894, at Burling- 
ton, by Paul Bartsch. Franklin—‘‘mature birds have been seen 
during latter May’’ (Shoemaker). Lee—‘‘common migrant; rare 
summer resident’? —Keokuk district’’ (Praeger); ‘‘ abundant 
migrant; rare resident’’ (Currier). Winnebago— Hancock— 
‘common migrant; rare summer resident. Have frequently seen 
young birds along wooded streams in August’’ (Anderson). Win- 
neshiek—‘‘common migrant in the spring; seen usually in May. 
I have never seen it in the fall. Observed as early as March 30 
and as late as June’’ (Smith). 


Subfamily ANATINA. River Ducks. 


The Ducks of this subfamily are distinguished by the absence 
of a lobe on the hind toe. They are broad-billed ducks and feed 
by probing the bottoms of sluggish streams, ponds and marshes, 
picking up molluscs, crustaceans, insect larvae, and the seeds and 
roots of aquatic plants. Many of our commonest ducks belong 
to this group. 


[Proc. D, A, S., VoL. XI.] 24 [August 21, 1906.] 


166 DAVENPORT ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. 


Genus ANAS Linnzeus. 


Subgenus ANAS Linneeus. 


30. (132). Anas boschas Linn. Mallard. 


The Mallard, or typical ‘‘wild duck,’’ from its close resemblance 
to its domesticated descendants, is probably the best known of all 
the species of ducks. It is a common migrant in all parts of the 
state, and at times abundant locally. Indeed, as Mr. Brewer has 
once said, during the migration season ducks are liable to alight 
wherever there is as much as a wash-basin of water. The Mallard 
nested very commonly in Iowa, particularly in the northern part 
of the state, until within a few years ago, and broods are still not 
infrequent in localities where undrained marshes are found of suf- 
ficient size to hide the young during the period of growth. The 
nest is almost invariably placed on dry ground, but not far from 
water. 

TM. lrippe (Procy Bost. Soc:, &v, 1872, 241) states that 
few remain all summer and breed. Said to have been in large 
numbers formerly’’ (Decatur and Mahaska). C. F. Henning 
(West. Orn., v, 3, 1900, 54-5) says that in former years the Mal- 
lard bred extensively in Boone county, but now only a few pairs 
remain. Most observers give the Mallard the status of only a 
migrant in Iowa. A few additional notes are given: 

Blackhawk—‘‘ Common summer resident; nesting’’ (Walters); 
‘‘abundant summer resident; nests’’ (Salisbury); ‘‘ common 
migrant’’ (Peck). Jackson—‘‘common resident’’ (Giddings). 
Hancock —‘‘rather rare summer resident. Found a nest with 
nine fresh eggs, May 5, 1894, in Ellington township. The 
nest was on the ground, on a small knoll near a slough, placed 
under a small willow bush in high grass’’ (Anderson). Lee— 
“‘resident; breeds’’ (Praeger); ‘‘resident, not common; abundant 
migrant’’ (Currier). Pottawattamie—Mills—‘‘abundant migrant; 
formerly rare summer resident’ (Trostler). Poweshiek—“‘‘rarely 
breeds’? (L,. Jones). Linn—‘‘no recent records of breeding here, 
though formerly they bred, according to ‘old settler’ reports’’ 
(Keyes). Winnebago—'‘‘found one nest in May, 1go1, near Rake’’ 
(Halvorsen); ‘‘abundant migrant; formerly a common summer 
resident, but now rare, although a few still nest in the county’’ 
(Anderson). Woodbury—‘‘common summer resident’’ (Rich). 


ce 


a 


ANDERSON—THE BIRDS OF IOWA. 167 


In the spring and fall the Mallards frequently range over stub- 
ble-fields and corn-fields, particularly in the evening and early 
morning, picking up grain that has fallen on the ground. Some- 
times, in early spring, large flocks are delayed by snow and sleet 
storms, and fall an easy prey to gunners. "The Mallard appears 
early in the season—from early March until May, usually,—and 
lingers in the fall until the streams and ponds freeze over, often 
until December, in the northern part of the state. 


31. (133). Azas obscura Gmel. Black Duck. 


This species has recently been divided into two forms (Azas 
obscura Gmel. and Anas obscura rubripes Brewst.) and it is prob- 
able that some of the records refer to the latter form. I have no 
positive proof of vwbvifes having been taken in Iowa. 

The Black Duck is principally a bird of the Eastern states, par- 
ticularly the Atlantic coast, and Iowa is very near the western 
limit of its range. Stragglers, however, have been taken as far 
west as Nebraska and Kansas. 

J. A. Allen states that it is ‘‘not uncommon in summer along 
the rivers and in grassy ponds’’ (Mem. Bost. Soc., i, 1868, 50). 

County records: Blackhawk —‘‘rare transient’’ (Salisbury); 
‘thas been known to occur two or three times in the county’’ 
(Peck); ‘‘rare migrant; specimen in Iowa State Normal School 
museum’’ (Walters). Cerro Gordo—specimens have been taken 
at Clear Lake, according to Richardson and others (Anderson). 
Delaware—(Mrs. M. A. Triem). Des Moines—Two specimens in 
the University museum; male, March 21, 1892; female, March 
22, 1893, taken at Burlington by Paul Bartsch. Jackson—‘‘rare 
transient’’ (Giddings). Lee—‘‘migrant; irregular in numbers and 
occurrence’’ (Currier); ‘‘rare migrant; Keokuk district’’ (Praeger). 
Pottawattamie—Mills—‘‘rare migrant; Manawa Lake, Oct. 20, 
1894; Oct. 30, 1895. Missouri River, Iowa side (Mills) Oct. 29, 
1896, and Nov. 2, 1896—birds killed by myself and others from 
flocks of Azas boschas’’ (Trostler). Poweshiek—‘‘rare transient”? 
(Kelsey). Webster—‘‘rare. In the spring of 1893 a few were 
reported, and in May, 1897, one was killed here and brought to 
me for identification. It was about normal except neck slightly 
barred and lining of wing black rather than dusky’’ (Somes). 
Winnebago—‘‘rare; took a young male in my collection at Rice 


168 DAVENPORT ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. 


Lake, Oct. 8, 1888. It was with a flock of Mallards’’ (Richard- 
son); ‘Julius George shot one at Thompson in 1903, and I traded 
a Mallard for it’? (Halvorsen). 


Genus CHAULELASMUS Bonaparte. 


32. (135). Chaulelasmus streperus (Linn.). Gadwall. 


The Gadwall or Gray Duck is reported by most observers in the 
state as a tolerably common migrant, though a few report it as 
rare. Keyes and Williams (Birds of Iowa, Proc. Davenport Acad. 
Sci., 1889, 116) gives the Gadwall as a ‘‘spring and fall migrant, 
rather common. Doubtless breeds in northern Iowa, inasmuch 
as the young have been taken at ‘the Lakes’ in August.’’ 

No records of the species nesting in Iowa came to my notice 
until W. H. Bingaman sent me a check list on which was marked 
“rare: two nests taken’’ (Kossuth county). Ina recent letter he 
says: ‘‘I secured a set of ten eggs of the Gadwall at Anderson’s 
Slough, five miles northwest of Algona, on May 29, 1901. Have 
found the young almost every year since at that place. It is also 
reported breeding at Union Slough in this county. 


Genus MARECA Stephens. 


33. (137). Mareca americana (Gmel.) Baldpate. 


The Baldpate or American Widgeon is a tolerably common 
migrant in most parts of the state, only a few observers reporting 
it rare. It appears to be more uniformly common along the Mis- 
sissippi and Missouri rivers than in the interior of the state. C. 
F. Henning states that ‘‘this handsome species arrives a little 
later than some of the other ducks, and prefers the Des Moines 
River to the small ponds. It is rarely met with in Boone county.”’ 
According to Kumlien and Hollister (Bds. of Wis., 1903, 18), ‘‘this 
species is to a certain extent a parasite of the Canvasback, allow- 
ing the latter to dive and bring to the surface a bill full of Naiad- 
aceze, and gobbling up the nutlets before the rightful owner can 
get at them.’’ ‘The Baldpate is not known to nest in Iowa. In 
North Dakota, where I found many nests of the species in 1899, 
the eggs were deposited later in the season than those of most 
other ducks, very few sets being completed before June 20. 


ANDERSON—THE BIRDS OF IOWA. 169 


Genus NETTION Kaup. 
34. (139). Nettion carolinensis (Gmel.) -Green-winged Teal. 

This little Teal is reported by all observers who furnished lists 
as either a common or abundant migrant. It is not known to 
nest in the state, breeding in general north of the United States 
boundary. 

‘Like the Mallard, this isa hardy species, and remains to winter 
just as far north as open water extends. . . . In the fall of 1884 
the bulk arrived at Des Moines October 25, and the last left there 
November 17. In the spring of 1885 the record of its northern 
migration was too irregular to be of much value. It was recorded 
from Des Moines March 18; Heron Lake, Minn., March 26. In 
the fall of 1885 the first was seen at Des Moines Sept. ro. None 
was seen at Des Moines after Nov. 4’’ (Cooke, Bird Migr. in Miss. 
Val.). On Feb. 29, 1896, I shot a male specimen which was sit- 
ting with two others on the ice in Lime Creek just south of Forest 
City, in Hancock county—my earliest record for that locality. 

The habits of the Green-winged Teal are very similar to those 
of the other river ducks. 


Genus QUERQUEDULA Stephens. 


35. (140). Ouerguedula discors (Linn.). Blue-winged Teal. 

The Blue-winged Teal is probably the commonest of the species 
of ducks which are found in Iowa. Both sexes may be recog- 
nized by the patch of clear grayish blue on the wing coverts. It 
occurs abundantly as a migrant in all parts of the state, arriving 
somewhat later in the spring than the bulk of the ducks, seldom 
appearing in northern Iowa before April 1, and passing to the 
south before the great flights arrive from the north, usually before 
the last of September. It nests rather commonly in various local- 
ities in the state, wherever sloughs or the marshy borders of ponds 
render them reasonably free from molestation. 

The young of this species are hatched about the middle of June 
and the downy little ducks leave the nest as soon as the shell is 
off their backs. Fresh eggs may be found from the middle to the 
last of May, although an accident to the first set may cause a 
second set to be deposited later in the season. On June 12, 1894, 
I procured a set of ten fresh eggs which were taken the day 


170 DAVENPORT ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. 


before in Hancock county, evidently a delayed set. The nest, so 
far as my observation goes, 1s invariably built on dry ground, gen- 
erally not far from a marsh or other body of water, being simply 
a slight hollow in the ground, lined with fine dry grass and soft 
gray down from the duck’s breast. The tiny pellets of down are 
dark gray-colored, with paler center, which gives the down of the 
nest a mottled appearance. The female duck frequently leaves 
the nest for the greater part of the day, pulling a compactly- 
adhering cushion of down together so as to completely cover the 
eggs, keeping them warm and at the same time concealing them 
admirably. On more than one occasion I have visited a Teal’s 
nest, where almost the exact location was known, and been 
obliged to search carefully for some time before finding the nest 
again. A nest found June 3, 1894, contained ten eggs, advanced 
in incubation; shape elongated oval and pale buffy or creamy in 
color. ‘The nest was placed a few rods from a slough, on dry 
ground, where the meadow grass was about eight inches high 
(Winnebago). May 15, 1897, founda nest with seven fresh eggs, 
ona hummock in a dry slough, surrounded by long, wiry, slough 
grass; female on nest; May 25, 1897, seven fresh eggs (Hancock). 

County records (other than in migration): Boone—‘‘a few 
remain to breed’’ (Henning). Kossuth—‘‘common; breeds near 
Union Slough’’ (Bingaman). Lee—‘‘summier resident; breeds— 
Keokuk district’? (Praeger). Winnebago—‘‘summer resident ; 
nests’? (Halvorsen). Winneshiek—‘‘ probably breeds’’ (Smith). 


36. (141). Querquedula cyanoptera (Vieill.). Cinnamon Teal. 


This beautiful Western species occasionally appears in Iowa as 
a straggler. The male has the under parts deep cinnamon; the 
female closely resembles the same sex of Querquedula discors. ‘The 
species has been taken in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, and 
Nebraska. ‘‘ Reported from Omaha, April ro, 1896, and April 
12, 1897 (Rev. Bds. INebe; 27): 

County records: Blackhawk—‘‘ migrant; specimen mounted 
by myself in museum I.S.N.S.’’ (Walters). Jackson—‘‘Sabula 
rare; have had hunters tell me they had shot it a few times ”’ 
(Giddings). Pottawattamie—-Mills—‘‘I saw two that were killed 
by sportsmen April 8, 1894, at Big Lake (Pottawattamie), and sev- 
eral more that were killed in Mills county March 26, 1897, (south 


ANDERSON—THE BIRDS OF IOWA. 171 


of Manawa Lake)’’ (Trostler). Woodbury—‘‘ There have been 
three or four birds shot in the neigborhood of Sioux City, but 
whether in the state I can’t say. I have only one measurement, 
from a Nebraska bird shot in April, 1897’’ (Rich). 


Genus SPATULA Boie. 


37. (142). Spatula dypeata (Linn.). Shoveller. 

The Shoveller or Spoonbill Duck is a common migrant in all 
parts of the state; reported by nearly all observers. I have been 
unable to find any authentic records of its nesting in the state of 
Iowa, though small numbers are present during the summer 
among the lakes and marshes of the northern counties. W. W. 
Cooke (Bird Migr. in Miss. Val., 69) says: ‘‘Breeds in great num- 
bers at Heron Lake, Minn. Its time of migration is two or three 
days behind that of the Gadwall. In the fall of 1884 the first 
Shoveller was reported from Des Moines, Oct. 28. In the spring 
of 1885 an early migrant was seen at Sioux City, March 27. The 
regular advance was reported from Des Moines and LaPorte City, 
March 21 and April1. Inthe fall of 1885 the last at Heron Lake, 
Minn., was seen Nov. 12.’’ 

County records (summer): Boone—‘‘ used to breed in Boone 
county . .. now rarely seen during the summer months; may 
breed during favorable seasons’’ (Henning). Dickinson—“‘‘occa- 
sional summer resident at Spirit Lake’’ (Berry). Hancock— 
“common both in spring and fall migrations. In early spring 
they appear in small flocks, but later are seen only in pairs or 
singly. May 25, 1895, saw large numbers at Goose Lake; one 
male shot May 26, 1895, at Lake Edwards; May 28 and 29, 1897, 
numbers seen; June 12, 1896, one male seen in a pond by the road- 
side; very tame’’ (Anderson). Winnebago—common migrant; 
one seen on Rice Lake June 1, 1895 (Anderson). 


Genus DAFILA Boie. 


38. (143). Dafila acuta (Linn.). Pintail. 


The Pintail is one of the commonest migrant ducks which are 
found in Iowa. It is one of the hardiest ducks and migrates 
early, frequently appearing in northern Iowa early in March. A 
few individuals and pairs remain in northern Iowa during the 
summer, and very rarely breed. ‘‘ They breed principally in 


LG /P- DAVENPORT ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. 


British America, but also at Spirit Lake, Iowa, Heron Lake, 
Minn., and sparingly in northern Illinois’’ (Cooke, Bird Migr. 
in Miss. Val., 68). N.S. Goss (Birds of Kansas, 71) says: ‘‘“Their 
nests are placed on low but dry, grassy land, and not far from 
the water, usually under the shelter of a bush; a mere depres- 
sion in the ground, lined with grass and down. Eggs usually 
seven to ten. <A set of seven, collected May 1, 1879, in Hancock 
county, Iowa (extreme southern breeding limits known) 

pale grayish green to olive buff; in form, oval to ovate.’’ The 
writer observed one nest in Hancock county, May 26, 1894, on 
freshly broken prairie sod, near a large slough; birds seen. In 
north Dakota I have frequently found nests in old wheat stubble. 
Dr. B. H. Bailey shot a female July 18, 1902, at Eagle Lake, 
Hancock county, and saw several others. C.F. Henning states 
that the species used to breed in Boone county, but they now go 
farther north. 

M. E. Halvorsen wrote me that the Pintails were still staying 
around, May 22, 1go1, in the vicinity of Rake, Winnebago county. 
I also saw two males as lateas May 25, 1897, in Hancock county. 
E. S. Currier reports that the Pintail is a very abundant migrant, 
and a winter resident in mild winters, in Lee county. All other 
observers report it as a common or abundant migrant, particu- 
larly in the spring. It appears to be much less frequently 
observed in the fall. 


Genus AIx Boie. 


39. (144). Aix sponsa (Linn.). Wood Duck. 

The Wood Duck or Summer Duck, the most elegantly plum- 
aged of our native ducks, is a tolerably common migrant in all 
parts of the state. It formerly nested quite commonly around 
all water courses or lakes bordered by timber, where the nest was 
placed in hollow trees. The Wood Duck still rears its young in 
many favorable localities, but its numbers have greatly diminished 
of late years. The species is sometimes domesticated. 

Thomas Say (Long’s Exp., i, 267-270) mentions the occurrence 
of the Summer Ducks (472% sfonsa) with their young, May 30, 
1820, at Engineers’ Cantonment. Prince Maximilian, in his 
journey up the Missouri, in April, 1833, and May, 1834, men- 
tions the large numbers of paired Wood Ducks seen everywhere 


Se ee 


ANDERSON—THE BIRDS OF IOWA. 173 


(Reise, i, 282 ; ii, 339-40). ‘‘ Rather common; breeds’’—Deca- 
tur and Mahaska (T. M. Trippe, Proc. Bost. Soc., xv, 1872, 241). 
Morton E. Peck states: ‘‘Formerly it was the most common of 


the ducks breeding in the valley of the Cedar. In late summer 
the ponds and small streams swarmed with the young birds. 
Within the past ten years they have almost ceased to breed in 
Blackhawk county. Rare in Linn’ and Hardin counties.’’ ‘‘I 
know of four places where four families of Wood Ducks were 
reared last year (1905) in Jasper county’’ (J. L. Sloanaker). In 
Winnebago and Hancock counties a few pairs are found every 
summer along Lime Creek. In the western part of the state the 
Wood Duck appears to be less common than in the eastern por- 
tions. Dr. Trostler reports it as a rare summer resident in Potta- 
wattamie county, and Dr. Rich that it is an uncommon transient 
and has bred in the vicinity of Sioux City. 

The Wood Duck is remarkable for its habit of frequently alight- 
ing in trees and also for foraging in the timber, feeding largely 
on acorns at certain seasons. It is quite a hardy species, appear- 
ing early in the spring and remaining until late October. 


Subfamily FULIGULINZ2. Sea Ducks. 


The members of this subfamily are distinguished from the pre- 
ceding by the presence of a lobe or web on the hind toe. They 
usually frequent open water,—bays, lakes, etc.,—and obtain their 
food principally by diving, sometimes descending to a great 
depth. Their food consists principally of- molluscs, crustaceans, 
and the seeds and roots of aquatic plants. 


Genus AyTHYA Boie. 
Subgenus AyTHYA Boie. 


40. (146). Aythyva americana (Eyt.). Redhead. 

The Redhead is very generally distributed over the state during 
the migrations, but very few observers class it as common in the 
interior of the state. Along the Mississippi River it seems to be 
more common. In the Keokuk district it is given asa ‘‘common 
migrant’’ (Praeger); Lee—‘‘ migrant, in irregular abundance”’ 
(Currier); Jackson—‘‘ common transient ’’ (Giddings). On the 


Missouri, Dr. Trostler reports it as an abundant migrant in Potta- 
wattamie and Mills. 


te 
on 


[Proc. D. A. S., VOL. XI.] [August 24, 1906. ] 


174 DAVENPORT ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. 


It is doubtful whether the Redhead nests in Iowa at the present 
time, as no observers have reported the species in summer during 
recent years. G. H. Berry reported it as a ‘‘rare summer resi- 
dent’’ at Spirit Lake in 1891-2. In 1885 the most southerly 
breeding reported to W. W. Cooke came from Clear Lake, Iowa 
(Bird Migr. in Miss. Val., 70). P. B. Peabody took a set of eggs 
at Heron Lake, Minn., June 22, 1895, (Ool., xii, 8, 1895, 126). 

The Redhead is quite often confused with the Canvas-back by 
untrained observers, but the two species are easily distinguished in 
any plumage. The Redhead’s forehead arches abruptly up and 
away from the base of the bill, while the Canvas-back’s bill slopes 
gradually up to the top of the head in line with the sweep of the 
forehead, somewhat like a Goose’s 1n shape. 

The Redhead and Canvas-back are among the few species of 
ducks which usually build their nests directly over the water. 
All nests which I have examined resembled those of the American 
Coot, being a platform of dead rushes bent down over the water. 


AI. (147). Aythya vallisneria (Wils.). Canvas-back 


The Canvas-back, from its supposed preeminence as a table duck, 
has been hunted so pesistently all over the United States that it 
now appears to be rarely seen in Iowa even as a migrant. Most 
observers consider it as a rare migrant, or irregular. Only three 
observers report it as at all common. In the Keokuk district 
Praeger gives it as a common migrant; Currier, in Lee county, 
as a migrant, irregular in abundance. Dr. Trostler lists it as an 
abundant migrant in Pottawattamie and Mills. 

There are no records of the Canvas-back nesting in Iowa, though 
the birds may linger late in the spring in favorable localities. In 
a letter of May 22, r901, M.E.Halvorsen wrote me: ‘‘There are 
two or three pairs of Canvas-backs that seem to be nesting down 
around the Buffalo Fork swamp, but I have not been able to find 
any nests yet’? (Rake, Winnebago county). 

When feeding upon wild celery the flesh of the Canvas-back is 
said to acquire a peculiarly fine flavor. ‘‘Mr. Skavlem of Janes- 
ville has shown that the so-called ‘celery buds’ upon which these 
ducks often feed are no part of the plant Vallisneria spiralis, but 
the bemmee or nutlets of one of the pond-weed family (Vazad- 
acee).’’ (Birds of Wis., 1903). 


ANDERSON—THE BIRDS OF IOWA. 175 


42. (148). Aythya marila Linn. Greater Scaup Duck. 

The Great Scaup, Blackhead, or Bluebill is a common migrant 
in Iowa. It usually appears in large flocks early in the spring and 
late in the fall and shows a tendency to bunch together closely in 
the water. There are no recent records of the species breeding 
in the state. W.W. Cooke (Bird Migr. in Miss. Val., 71), says: 
‘“The most southern breeding record of this species was at Clear 
Lake, Iowa (lat. 43° 26’).’’ John Krider (Forty Years’ Notes of 
a Field Ornithologist, 74) says of /2ix marila Baird: ‘‘I found 
one breeding in Iowa in 1874. Eggs eight. Shot the parent bird 
in: lame Creek.””- 

The Greater Scaup is reported by nearly all observers as a com- — 
mon migrant, but as somewhat rare by Currier and Praeger (Keo- 
kuk district), and by Savage (Van Buren). 


43. (149). Aythya affinis (Eyt.).. Lesser Scaup Duck. 

The Lesser Scaup, Little Blackhead, or Little Bluebill is a com- 
mon migrant over all parts of the state, being classed as abundant 
by some observers. It seems to be generally more numerous than 
the preceding species, which it resembles in appearance and hab- 
its, and with which it is often confused. 

The Lesser Scaup is known to nest in Iowa, but very rarely and 
locally. W.W. Cooke (Bird Migr. in Miss. Val., 71) says that it 
is known to breed as far south as Clear Lake, Iowa. John Krider 
gives the species as breeding in Iowa and Minnesota (Forty Years’ 
Notes, 74). 

Wm. E. Praeger reports it to be ‘‘an abundant migrant. Evi- 
dence as to its breeding is circumstantial. I have positively iden- 
tified the birds on June 11 and July 4. Have heard several times 
of broods seen with their parents in the neighborhood, and all. 
hunters say it breeds, but of course you know what questionable 
recorders they are. However, I am of the opinion that it breeds 
in small numbers’’ (Keokuk district). 

From the same locality Edmonde S. Currier reports: ‘‘Summer 
resident, rare: winter resident, not common; migrant, abundant. 
I know this bird to be a rare summer resident along the Missis- 
sippi, near Keokuk, and have observed it in June and July. June 
25, 1896, an old duck and four young were seen in the canal three 
miles north of Keokuk, and three of the young were killed, I 


ce 


176 DAVENPORT ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. 


talked with the party who got them, and from his description of 
the bird I do not doubt but what it was this species. I think 
that they occasionally nest on the levee or ‘dump’ between the 
Mississippi River and the Des Moines Rapids canal. This dump 
is seven miles long, and being isolated, is only visited by fisher- 
men,’’ etc. (Lee county). 

Dr. B. H. Bailey observed several Lesser Scaups at Eagle Lake, 
Hancock county, July 17-20, 1902, and took one old bird and sev- 
eral young in the down. 

44. (150). Aythyva collarvis (Donov.). Ring-necked Duck. 

The Ring-necked Duck or Ring-bill is generally distributed over 
the state during migrations. There is some variance in the 
reports as to number, a few observers considering the species rare 
or uncommon, while the majority list it as common or even abund- 
ant. Its habits are similar to those of the Scaups. Keyes and 
Williams (Birds of Iowa, 168) give it as a spring and fall migrant, 
abundant from the middle of March to the middle of April, and 
from the middle of October to the middle of November. Some- 
times winters about the rapids in the streams, even in the north- 
ern part of the state.’’ The only record observer who reports 
the Ring-necked Duck other than as a migrant is G. H. Berry, 
who lists it as an ‘‘occasional resident’’ in Linn county. ‘‘It was 
reported breeding at Clear Lake, Iowa, and thence northward’’ 
(Cooke, Bird Migr. in Miss. Val., 1884-5, 72). 


Genus CLANGULA Leach. 


45. (151). Clangula cdangula americana Faxon. American 
Golden-eye. 

The American Golden-eye or Whistler is rather an uncommon 
migrant in most parts of the state. A few observers report it as 
a common migrant, remaining all winter where there is open 
water. It does not breed in the state. 

The Golden-eye was reported as a migrant in Franklin county 
(Shoemaker); Cerro Gordo—‘‘frequent at Clear Lake’’ (Richard- 
son); Woodbury—( Rich); Polk—(Johnson ); Sioux—(Johnson); 
Webster—(Somes); Linn—(Bailey); Blackhawk—(Walters); Jack- 
son—( Giddings); Kossuth—(Bingaman); Winnebago—( Ander- 
son); Poweshiek—(Kelsey). 


ANDERSON—THE BIRDS OF IOWA. Lig ig/ 


“Found in Blackhawk county in winter and early spring on 
the Cedar; scarce’’ (Peck). Linn—‘‘rare winter resident?’ (Berry); 
Lee—‘‘abundant winter resident—-Keokuk district’? (Praeger); 
‘winter resident; very abundant’’ (Currier). Scott—‘‘common 
winter resident when river is open—Rock Island’’ (Wilson). Des 
Moines—Specimens in University museum, taken Jan. 29, 1893; 
March 22, 1893; Nov. 11, 1894, Burlington, by Paul Bartsch. 


46. (152). Clangula islandica (Gmel.). Barrow Golden-eye. 

The Barrow Golden-eye is a very rare or infrequent visitor in 
the state. This is even a more hardy species than the preceding 
and is most apt to occur in the winter where open water is found. 
A specimen in the University museum was taken at Independence 
Oct: 11, 1892, by Robert H. Leach, (C. C. Nutting, Proc. Iowa 
Acad. Sci., 1892, 40). It was reported from Pottawattamie and 

Mills as a “‘rare migrant’’ (Trostler); Linn—‘‘rare winter visit- 
ant’’ (Berry); Lee— ‘‘rare winter resident — Keokuk district ’’ 
(Praeger); ‘‘rare winter visitant’’ (Currier). 

‘‘Last year one was sent me from near the Iowa state line which 
was a typical bird, and Dr. Hvoslef (Lanesboro) has a female of 
this species in typical plumage’’ (Hatch, Bds. of Minn., 65). ‘‘A 
rare winter visitant in eastern Nebraska; more numerous west- 
ward. Reported from Omaha,’’ etc. (Rev. Bds. Neb., 28-29). 


Genus CHARITONETTA Stejnejer. 


47. (153). Charitonetta albeola (Linn.). \ Buffle-head. 

The Buffle-head, Butter-duck, or Spirit Duck is a common 
migrant in nearly all parts of the state. It seems to be rarer along 
the Missouri, being reported as a ‘‘scarce migrant in Pottawat- 
tamie and Mills’’ (Trostler), and as an ‘‘uncommon transient’’ at 
Sioux City (Rich). W. W. Cooke states that it ‘‘breeds at Clear 
Lake, Iowa, and Heron Lake, Minn., and northward’”’ (Bird Migr. 
in Miss. Val., 73), but it is not known to remain during the summer 
at the present time. The Buffle-head is a very expert diver, and 
relying upon its agility for protection, sometimes lets a hunter 
approach quite closely. 


Genus HARELDA Stephens. 
48. (154). Harelda hyemalis (Linn.). Old-squaw. 
The Old-squaw or Long-tailed Duck is a far Northern visitor 


178 DAVENPORT ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. 


which is an irregular and rather uncommon winter visitant on 
the larger rivers and streams of the state. The species is men- 
tioned by Thomas Say as occurring at Engineers’ Cantonment 
during the winter of 1819-20 (Long’s Exp.,i, 267). It is also 
listed by J. A. Allen (White’s Geol. of Iowa, ii, 427). Prof. C.C. 
Nutting records a specimen in the University museum, No. 10176, 
taken Nov. 29, 1892, at Burlington, by Paul Bartsch (Proc. Iowa 
Acad. Sci., 1892, 44). ‘‘A regular but not common winter visitor, 
specimens being taken every winter on the Missouri River in the 
vicinity of Omaha’’ (Rev. Bds. Neb., 29). 

County records: Des Moines—Museum Nos. 14157, Nov. 22, 
1895, male; 16063, Nov. 23, 1895; Burlington (Bartsch). Jackson 
—“‘rare transient’’ (Giddings). Lee——‘‘rare migrant—Keokuk 
district’’ (Praeger); ‘‘rare visitant’’ (Currier). Pottawattamie— 
‘“‘straggler’’ (Trostler). Woodbury—‘‘only record, a bird shot at 
Rodney, Iowa, January, 1904. I saw the bird, typical winter 
plumage, probably male’’ (Rich). 

Genus HIsTRIonicus Lesson. 
49. (155). ffistrionicus histrionicus (Linn.). Harlequin Duck. 

The Harlequin Duck is another northern species which occa- 
sionally straggles into the Mississippi Valley in winter or during 
the migrations. It has been taken in winter in Wisconsin and 
Illinois and as far south as St. Louis, Mo. ‘‘I'wo definite records 
for Nebraska, I. S. Trostler recording the taking of two specimens 
on the Missouri River at Omaha, Sept. 16, 1893, and of another 
at Florence Lake, near Omaha, Sept. 19, 1895’’ (Rev. Bds. Neb., 29.) 

County records: Pottawattamie—‘‘Two Harlequin Ducks were 
brought to me for identification. They were killed at Big Lake, 
Pottawattamie county, Sept. 26, 1895’’ (Trostler). Sioux—‘‘saw 
a part of a skin—head, skin of one side; and wing—shot at Hawar- 
den in 1886.’ (Berry). Van Buren—‘‘about eleven years ago a 
hunter shot three at one shot. This is the only time I ever knew 
of them being in our locality—Hillsboro’’ (W. G. Savage). 


Genus SOMATERIA Leach. 


50. (160). Somateria dresservi Sharpe. American Eider. 


The American Eider is only an accidental visitor in Iowa. G. 
H. Berry reports it as a ‘‘rare winter visitant’’ in Linn county. 


—ee 


ANDERSON—THE BIRDS OF IOWA. 179 


Dr. G.C. Rich writes: ‘‘Rare transient. I have a mounted speci- 
men, male, shot in Woodbury county, Nov. 1, 1gor.’’ 

Kumlien and Hollister report it as rare on Lake Michigan in 
winter, Racine, 1875(Hoy); two at Milwaukee; one at Lake Kosh- 
konong, Nov. 1891 (Bds. of Wis., 25-26). 

Subgenus ERITONETTA Coues. 
51. (162). Somateria spectabilis (Linn.). King Eider. 

Like the preceding, the King Eider is an Arctic species and 
there is only one record of its occurence in Iowa. 

Wn. E. Praeger, Keokuk, Iowa: ‘‘On the 18th of November, 
1894, a boy brought mea Somateria spectabilis that he had shot on 
the Mississippi. It was a male in brown plumage, but showing 
a few black and white feathers. The stomach contained nothing 
but fine quartz gravel.’’ (Iowa Orn., i, 2, 1895, 52. Reprinted 
from The Auk). E.S. Currier also states there is a ‘‘male in Mr. 
Praeger’s collection, killed on Des Moines Rapids’’ (Lee county) 


Genus OrpEmIA Fleming. 
Subgenus OrpEMIA Fleming. 


52. (163). Oidemia americana Sw. and Rich. American Scoter. 
- The American Scoter can only be considered a rare or casual 
visitor in Iowa. ‘The Scoters or Sea Coots are most abundant 
along the coasts and bays, feeding upon mussels, clams, etc. 
Kumlien and Hollister give the American Scoter as a “‘rather 
common winter resident on Lake Michigan. Less common in the 
interior, occurring principally as a migrant’’ (Bds. of Wis., 26). 

County records: Blackhawk—‘‘a casual specimen taken some 
years ago’’ (Peck). Jackson—‘‘rare transient’’ (Giddings). Lee 
—‘‘one specimen taken Oct. 31, 1891—the only record”’ (Praeger); 
‘rare visitor’’ (Currier). Linn—‘‘tolerably common winter vis- 
itant’’ (Berry). Pottawattamie—‘‘straggler; Cut-off Lake, Iowa 
(No-man’s Land); several killed by Omaha sportsmen and mounted 
by taxidermists’’ (Trostler). 


Subgenus MELANITTA Bole. 


53. (164). Oidemia deglandi Bonap. White-winged Scoter. 
The White-winged Scoter appears to be more common in the 
interior than the other two species. It occurs in Iowa only as a 


180 DAVENPORT ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. 


migrant. The White-winged Scoter, until the last few years, was 
known to breed only in British America and Labrador, but recently 
a few nests have been found in restricted localities in North 
Dakota. In 1899 the writer found one White-winged Scoter’s 
nest with ten eggs, June 23, and one containing eleven eggs and 
three eggs of the Baldpate, on June 25; both nests on the ground 
on small rocky islands in the Devil’s Lake region. The latter 
nest was placed uuder a small wild gooseberry bush, and I caught 
the female duck on the nest with my hands. 

County records: Blackhawk—‘‘one specimen taken some years 
ago and a few others observed’’ (Peck). Des Moines—‘‘Nov. 15, 
1890, Burlington, by Paul Bartsch’’ (C. C. Nutting, Proc. Iowa 
Acad. Sci., 1894,44). Clay—-Palo Alto—‘‘Nov. 24, 1891, received 
a male which, with one other, was obtained from a flock of five at 
Lost Island Lake, Iowa’’ (Frank W. Sheldon, O. & O., March, 
1892, xvii, 3,46). Lee—‘‘one specimen taken Oct. 26, 1894—only 
record—Keokuk district’’ (Praeger); ‘‘rare visitor; specimen in 
Mr. Praeger’s collection ’’ (Currier). Linn —‘‘ fall migrant’’ 
(Bailey); ‘‘tolerably common winter visitant’’ (Berry). Palo Alto 
—‘‘mounted and photographed a female shot by M. Shaw at Pick- 
erel Lake, October, 1902’’ (A. D. Whedon). Woodbury—“‘‘rare 
transient’? (Rich); a female specimen sent to the University 
museum was killed Nov. 16, 1903, at Crystal Lake, Neb., an old 
channel of the Missouri River, two and one-half miles southwest 
of Sioux City, Iowa, by R. E. Rathbone. 


Subgenus PELIONETTA Kaup. 


54. (166). Oidemia perspicillata (Linn.). Surf Scoter. 

The Surf Scoter is only a casual visitor in lowa. W.W. Cooke 
states that it ‘‘occurs in winter on all the larger streams in Ih- 
nois, as well as on Lake Michigan. Has been taken at St. Louis, 
Mo., and at LaPorte City, Iowa.”’ 

County records: Des Moines—two specimens in University 
museum, collected at Burlington by Paul Bartsch; No. 16077, 
male juv., March 28, 1893; No. 16079, Nov. 22, 1895. Tee— 
‘one specimen Oct. 20, 1895, and one Oct. 22, 1896, are my only 
records—Keokuk district’? (Praeger). Linn—‘‘rare winter vis- 
itant’’ (Berry). Pottawattamie—‘‘Iowa side of Cut-off Lake (No- 
man’s-land); straggler’’ (Trostler). 


ANDERSON 


THE BIRDS OF IOWA. ISI 


Genus ERISMATURA Bonaparte. 


55. (167). L“rismatura rubida (Gmel.). Ruddy Duck. 

The Ruddy Duck is quite generally distributed over Iowa dur- 
ing the spring and fall migrations, but appears to be somewhat 
locally distributed and in irregular numbers. A few undoubtedly 
breed in favored localities in the state. Dr. B. H. Bailey writes: 
‘“‘T did not personally collect eggs of the Ruddy Duck, but am 
positive that they nest at Eagle Lake (Hancock county), as they 
are there in full breeding plumage and the boys there have found 
their nests. I shot a male in full plumage there about June 15, 
T9032) 

County records: Blackhawk—‘‘rare migrant’’ (Walters); ‘‘a 
scarce but regular migrant’’ (Peck). Boone—‘‘rare migrant’’ 
(Henning). Hancock—‘‘pair seen on Lake Edwards, May 5, 1893; 
male shot’’ (Anderson). Howard—‘‘the Ruddy Duck I have 
shot at Cresco’ (E. B. Webster).. Johnson—occasional migrant; 
female shot April 27, 1902, above Coralville (Anderson). Lee— 
‘“common migrant’’ (Praeger); ‘‘migrant, in irregular abundance’’ 
(Currier). Linn—‘‘migrant’’ (Bailey). Polk—‘‘migrant’’ (John- 


son). Pottawattamie— Mills—‘‘common migrant’’ (Trostler). 
Des Moines, Nov. 11, 1890, male and female; Oct. 22, 1895, 
female, Burlington, (Bartsch). Scott—‘‘ migrant; Mississippi 


River’’ (Wilson). Winnebago—‘‘rare; have seen a few on Rice 
Lake’’ (Richardson). Woodbury—‘‘uncommon transient’’ (Rich). 


Subfamily ANSERIN Geese. 


The Geese are large birds, much more terrestrial than the 
Ducks, and feed principally upon grass and green vegetation. 
When on the water they feed much as the river ducks do, by dip- 
ping the head and neck under water with the tail pointing 
upward. At least eight species and varieties are found in Iowa, 
all of which are migratory, only one species breeding in the state 
at all, and that only in very small numbers. 


Genus CHEN Boie. 


56. (169). Chen hyperborea (Pall.). Lesser Snow Goose. 

The Leser and Greater Snow Geese, both of which are found 
in Iowa during the migrations, resemble each other so closely in ° 
form and coloration that they are only distinguishable from each 


[Proc. D. A. S., VoL. XI.] 26 [August 29, 1906.] 


182 DAVENPORT ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. 


other by their measurements. Dr. Coues says of the Greater 
Snow Goose (Key to N: A. Birds, 5th Ed., ii, 900): ‘‘ The 
dimensions grade down to those of the preceding; both vary 
much and are specifically inseparable, but their extremes are far 
apart, and there is generally a difference which enables us to refer 
specimens to one or the other.’’ The Lesser Snow Goose is said 
by most authorities to be found chiefly in western North Amer- 
ica, commonly in the Mississippi Valley, and less regularly along 
the Atlantic coast; while the Greater Snow Goose is said to be 
confined more to eastern North America. Both species breed in 
the far north, passing through the United States only during 
migrations. Both species are commonly known as ‘“‘ White 
Brant’’ in Iowa, and their close similarity has led to great con- 
fusion of records, it being practically impossible to distinguish 
them apart unless the bird is in the hand. 

The reports of observers vary as to its abundance: Black- 
hawk—“‘ occasional migrant’’ (Walters); ‘‘ frequent migrant’’ 
(Peck). Decatur—Mahaska—‘‘ common spring and fall migrant; 
rarely alights ’’ (T'rippe, Proc. Bost. Soc., xv, 1872, 241). Frank- 
lin—‘‘ abundant migrant’’ (Shoemaker). Boone—‘‘ comes to us 
from the south sometimes as early as January, and scatter along 
through February and March, according to the season. Can 
often be found along the Des Moines River, at times in company 
with the more hardy species of ducks’’ (Henning). Jackson— 
‘“‘rare transient’’ (Giddings). Lee—(reported by H. W. Parker, 


Am. Nat., v,.1871, 169); “rare migrant’ (Praeger); 9. amicrant 
not common’’ (Currier). Linn—‘‘spring and fall migrant’’ 
(Bailey). _Polk—Sioux—‘‘ migrant’’ (Johnson). Pottawattamie 
—Mills —‘‘ common migrant’’ (Trostler). Scott —‘‘ rare tran- 


sient; always seen in flocks with the Canada Goose. Seven 
April 16, 1886; four March 22, 1890; four April 1, 1891’’ (Wil- 
son). Van Buren—‘‘ spring migrant, very rare’’ (Savage). 
Winnebago—‘‘ migrant’’.(Halvorsen); ‘‘I have only observed it 
asa rare straggler with flocks of American White-fronted Geese’’ 
(Anderson). Woodbury —‘‘common transient. The Lesser is 
often in the market’’ (Rich). John Krider (Forty Years’ Notes, 
71), states that he found it in Iowa, where they pass in great 
‘numbers in April, stopping to feed in the grain fields.’’ 
The Museum of Natural History in the State University of 


ANDERSON—THE BIRDS OF IOWA. 183 


Iowa contains a very large series of Snow Geese in the D. H. 
Talbot collection, mostly collected in the Mississippi Valley. The 
writer examined and took careful measurements of seventy-eight 
skins collected in Iowa. The length of wing (from bend of 
closed wing to tip of longest primary), and the length of bill 
(chord of the culmen) being the most constant dimensions, were 
taken as a basis of comparison for determining what proportion 
might be referred to Chen hyperborea and what to Chen hyper- 
borea nivalis. Dr. Coues gives the average measurements of C. 
hyperborea as: Length about 25.00; wing 14.50-17-00 ; tail 5.50; 
tarsus 2.73-3.253; bill 2.00-2.12. Chen hyperborea nivalis—length 
27.00-31.00 OF more; wing 17.00 or more; tail 6.50; tarsus 
3.00—3.50, bill 2:35-2:65. 

One of the specimens measured was taken at Sloan, Iowa, and 
all of the others at Whiting, Iowa, from March 7 to April 8, 1885, 
and March 23 to April 6, 1886. Three specimens had wings 
measuring less than 15 inches; thirty specimens between 15 and 
16 inches; seventeen between 16 and 16.50 inches; twenty. between 
16.50 and 17 inches; and eight over 17 inches, the maximum being 
17.50inches. Twenty-six specimens had bill measuring between 
1.90 and 2.12 inches (Ayferborea), forty-two between 2.12 and 2.35 
inches (intermediate); and ten over 2.35 inches, the maximum 
being 2.48 inches (zzvatis). On the basis of these measurements 
only ten or twelve per cent of the specimens from Iowa can defi- 
nitely be considered as Greater Snow Geese, the remainder being 
the Lesser variety, with every grade of intermediates between. In 
the face of such perfect intergradation, the attempt to differenti- 
ate between the varieties seems to be almost a useless refinement. 


57. (169a). Chen hyperborea nivalis (Forst.). Greater Snow 
Goose. 


What has been said under the preceding species applies equally 
to this variety. It appears to be less common in Iowa than the 
Lesser Snow Goose, but unless birds are captured it is impossible 
for an observer to distinguish between the two. In Wisconsin, 
Kumlien and Hollister class the Greater Snow Goose as a 
‘migrant, formerly abundant, but now rather rare. . . . Of the 
specimens examined, taken during the past sixty years and mostly 
when the birds were abundant, about one-half are typical of either 


184 DAVENPORT ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. 


hyperborea or nivalis, and in about equal numbers, the balance 
intermediate. They feed sparingly now about the larger corn- 
fields in Southern Wisconsin, especially in spring, where they 
formerly resorted in large numbers’’ (Birds of Wis., 1903, 27). 

County records. Blackhawk—‘‘rare transient’’ (Salisbury). 
Cerro Gordo—‘‘ commonly called Brant in this locality ’’ (Rich- 
ardson). Linn—‘‘tolerably common migrant. In spring of 1898 
two hunters shot twenty-seven Snow Geese in one day, at Cone, 
Iowa’’ (Berry). Pottawattamiie — Mills—‘‘common migrant’’ 
(Trostler). Warren—‘‘rare migrant’’ (Jeffrey). Winnebago— 
‘taken at Forest City’’ (Anderson). Woodbury—‘‘common tran- 
sient. I am quite sure that I have seen large and small white 
geese in the markets of Sioux City, not in late years, however’’ 
(Rich). 

58. (169.1). Chen caerulescens (Linn.). Blue Goose. 

The Blue Goose is quite rare in Iowa, which appears to be 
its status everywhere in the United States. W. W. Cooke states 
that it ‘‘breeds on Hudson Bay, migrates through the Missis- 
sippi Valley. During migrations it was noticed at Burlington, 
Iowa, where the bulk arrived March 20, 1884’’ (Bird Migr. in 
Miss. Val., 1884-5, 74). Kumlien and Hollister state that ‘‘it is 
of irregular and erratic occurrence anywhere in Wisconsin except 
along the Mississippi’’ (Bds. of Wis., 28). 

County records. Blackhawk—‘‘a regular and not uncommon 
migrant across Blackhawk county. Sometimes alights in corn- 
fields in the spring migration’’ (Peck). Lee—‘‘rare migrant’’— 
Keokuk district’? (Praeger). Linn—‘‘spring and fall migrant’ 
(Bailey). Pottawattamie—Mills—‘‘scarce migrant’’ (Trostler). 

The University museum contains six Iowa specimens. Male, 
March 12, 1891; female, March, 1891, Burlington, Paul Bartsch; 
two males, Clinton, C. P. Chase; male, March 30, 1886, Whiting, 
by A. T. Dailey; male, Whiting (no date). 

Genus ANSER Brisson. 
59. (171a). Axnser albifrons ganibeli (Hartl.). American White- 
fronted Goose. 


The American White-fronted Goose is the species commonly 
called ‘‘Brant’’ or ‘‘Gray Brant’’ in Iowa.. It is a tolerably com- 
mon migrant in most parts of the state, appearing in the latter 


ANDERSON—THE BIRDS OF IOWA. 185 


part of March or first of April, and again in November, frequently 
alighting to feed in stubble-fields and corn-fields. ‘They are usu- 
ally seen in large flocks and, may be recognized by the white fore- 
head and whitish breast marked with black blotches. From the 
reports of observers the species appears to be more abundant in 
the northern part of the state and along the Missouri River than 
it is on the Mississippi. The Talbot collection in the University 
museum contains several specimens from Whiting, Iowa, which 
are very variable in the shade of upper parts and black spotting 
on belly. There are also two specimens from Burlington, col- 
lected by Paul Bartsch. 


Genus BRANTA Scopoli. 


60. (172). Branta canadensis (Linn.). Canada Goose. 


The Canada Goose is the species commonly and popularly 
known as the ‘‘Wild Goose.’’ It is the only Goose which is 
known to have nested in Iowa. Before the general settlement of 
the state the Canada Goose nested quite commonly in various 
parts of the state and a few pairs still linger throughout the sum- 
mer in loealities which are not too thickly settled. Eggs have 
frequently been taken, hatched under domestic fowls, and the 
young domesticated. I have seen specimens reared in this man- 
ner which became as tame as the domestic goose. In Forest and 
Stream (vill, 12, 177) there is an account of the domestication of 
the Canada Goose at Benson Grove, Winnebago county, Iowa. 
The University museum has a specimen, No. 9038, hybrid between 
the Common Goose and Canada Goose, bred by D. H. Talbot of 
Sioux City. The body is like that of the Canada Goose; fore- 
head, lores, cheeks, and throat white; front of neck mottled, back 
of neck from center of head black, with a few white feathers; 
received Nov. 2, 1892. 

The earliest Iowa record is probably that of Lewis and Clarke 
(Coues) Hist. of L. and C. Exp., i, 49): ‘‘ Great quantities of 
young geese were seen today’’ (Fremont county, Iowa, a little 
above present site of Nebraska City, Neb.). ‘‘July 31—the hunt- 
ers supplied us with deer, turkeys, geese, and beaver’’ (north of 
Boyer’s Creek). Thomas Say (Long’s Exp., i, 266-70) noted 
Canada Geese at Engineers’ Cantonment, ‘‘flying to the north, 
Feb. 21, 1820.’’ Prince Maximilian, (Reise, i, 282) says: ‘‘Auch 


186 DAVENPORT ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. 


das nest einer wilden Gans (Azser canadensis) fanden wir auf einem 
solchen Baume’’ (near mouth Nadaway River, in Missouri, April 
25, 1833). . . (i, 308-9), May 9, 1833, above mouth of Big Sioux), 
““An der Mundung des Ayowa (Ioway) Flusses, welcher an sud- 
lichen Ufer sehr spitzwinkhg in den Missouri tritt, . . . haufig 
beobachteten wir die wilden Ganse, die jetzt ehre kleinen Jungen, 
deren sie nie mehr als 4 bis 6 hatten, am Ufer vor uns in Sicher- 
heit zu bringen suchten. Kam man ihnen sehr nahe, so flutterte 
die Mutter angstlich fort und leiss ihre hochstimme horen.’’ 
Audubon (Journals, 1, 477) mentions observing geese at various 
points along the Missouri in 1843,-—-May g (near mouth of Platte); 
May 11 (below mouth of Little Sioux); May 13 (below mouth of 
Little Sioux) ‘‘we saw a good number of geese, though fewer than 
yesterday.”* (Ibid., 11, 173). Oct. 1, 1843, ‘‘geese very abundant” 
(mouth of Big Sioux.) ‘‘Camped at mouth of the Omaha River, 
six miles from the village. The wild geese are innumerable.” 
Oct. 3—‘‘passed the Little Sioux River. Saw .. . two Swans, 
several Pelicans, and abundance of Geese and Ducks. Passed 
Soldier River at three o’clock . . . killed two Mallards; the geese 
and ducks are abundant beyond description.” 

Keyes and Williams (Bds. of Iowa, 1889, 118) state that the 
species ‘‘breeds in the vicinity of Spirit Lake and other localities 
in northern Iowa.’”’ Most observers at the present time speak of 
the Canada Goose as a common or abundant migrant, flying in 
large V-shaped wedges as early in the spring as open water can 
be found, and returning with the first general freeze-up in the 
fall. Its resonant and sonorous ‘‘honk” is known to all. 

The Canada Goose is only reported as a winter resident from 
the extreme southeastern portion of the state: ‘‘abundant migrant 
and winter resident--Keokuk district” (Praeger); ‘‘winter resi- 
dent, common; formerly bred here—Lee”’ (Currier). ‘‘Usually 
reaches Boone county the last week in January, and from that on 
to the last of March, according to the season; formerly breeding”’ 
(Henning). The species isa common migrant in Winnebago and 
Hancock counties, but is exceedingly wary and very seldom cap- 
tured. ‘They formerly nested quite commonly in that locality, 
and a few isolated pairs have continued to remain during the 
summer until quite recently (four or five years ago) at Goose Lake 
and Eagle Lake (Hancock), along the Buffalo Forks (Winnebago), 


ANDERSON—THE BIRDS OF IOWA. 187 


and a few other suitable localities. In North Dakota I have seen 
nests placed both upon a muskrat house in the center of a large 
slough and upon the ground on small rocky islands. 

The Canada Goose runs into varieties westward. ‘The Museum 
of Natural History, State University of Iowa, has a series of over 
five hundred skins of ABrvanta canadensis, mostly from Nebraska 
and Iowa,:+in which almost every phase of variation is repre- 
sented. The greater number of the Iowa specimens are the large 
canadensis proper, but many specimens are found which are clearly 
referable to hutchinsii and minima. 

A typical male in the University collection, shot by D. H. Talbot 
near Sioux City, Nov. 17, 1886, measured: extent (spread of 
wings) 72; wing 21%; tail 7%; bill 2.44; weight 13% pounds; 
tail 18-feathered; white cheek-patches confluent on throat. 


61. (172a). Branta canadensis hutchinsii (Sw.and Rich.). Hutch- 
ins Goose. 


The Hutchins Goose is colored exactly like the Canada Goose 
but its size is much less. Ridgway (Manual N. A. Birds) gives 
the average measurements: wings usually less than 16; culmen 
less than 1.75; length 25-34; wing 14.75-17-75; culmen 1.20- 
1.90; tail normally 16-feathered. 

A specimen from the University museum, No, 6730, was iden- 
tified by Robert Ridgway; male, shot by D. H. Talbot near 
Sloan, Iowa, April 14, 1884; wing 16.37; bill 1.52; narrow mot- 
tled black strip along median line of throat; conspicuous white 
collar on lower neck. ‘There are several other specimens in the 
collection: 7953, Whiting, April 3, 1885; tail feathers 16; cheek- 
patches not separated. 6550, Whiting, April 16, 1884. 6636, 
Whiting, March 23, 1886; wing 15.50; culmen 1.60; weight 6 
pounds. 6726, Whiting, spring, 1885; wing 18.37; bill 1.49; 
weight 3 pounds; tail 18-feathered; cheek-patches not separated. 

Hutchins Goose breeds only in the far North, migrating chiefly 
through the western United States and Mississippi. It is fre- 
quently observed in Iowa as a migrant, every shade of intergrad- 
ation between this variety and the true canadensis having been 
taken in the state. 

County records: Delaware—(Mrs.M.A.Triem). Cerro Gordo 
—(Richardson). Linn—‘‘spring and fall migrant’’ (Bailey). Polk 


188 DAVENPORT ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. 


—‘‘have one specimen killed at Twin Lakes, Iowa, now in the 
collection of the State Historical Department’’ (Johnson). Sioux 
—‘‘rare migrant’’ (Berry). Pottawattamie—Mills— ‘‘abundant 
migrant’’ (Trostler). Winnebago—Hancock—‘‘rare migrant’’ 


(Anderson). Woodbury—‘‘uncommon transient—Sioux City’’ 

(Rich). . 

62. (172c). 4ranta canadensis minima Ridgway. Cackling 
Goose. 


The Cackling Goose is the smallest representative of the Granta 
canadensis group. It is characterized by small size, dark under 
parts, white collar around lower neck usually very distinct; white 
cheek-patches usually separated by a black throat stripe or black 
mottling on throat. Ridgway gives the following as measure- 
ments: Length 23-25; wing 13.60-14.50; culmen .95-1.15; tail 
feathers usually 14 to 16. 

Eleven specimens in the Talbot collection, taken in Iowa, are 
clearly referable to minima. ‘Three were identified by Robert 
Ridgway, No’s. 5077, 6586, and 7994. 

5077.. Whiting, Iowa, 1885; female; length 24.50; wing 13.37; 
bill 1.30; weight 3 lbs.; tail 16-feathered; grayish below, anal 
region white, sharply contrasted; black stripe continuous along 
throat from bill to neck, separating the white cheek-patches, 
lower portion of stripe mottled with white; whitish collar quite 
distinct at base of black neck. The bird was about the size of a 
Mallard Duck. 

6586. Whiting, Iowa, April 6, 1886; length 25.75; wing 14.63; 
tail 5.25 (16-feathered); weight 3% lbs.; cheek-patches separa- 
ted by continuous black line, slightly mottled posteriorly. 

7994. Whiting, Iowa, April 7, 1885; length 25.80; wing 14.50; 
tail 6.13 (14-feathered) ; weight 3% lbs,; cheek-patches not sep- 
arated in front. 

8091. Whiting, Iowa, April 7, 1885; length 26.25; wing 14.13; 
bill 1.38; weight 31% lbs; tail 16-feathered; white cheek-patches 
separated by black stripe; no white collar. 

5116. Whiting, Iowa, April 7, 1885; length 26; wing 14.50; 
tail 6.00 (15-feathered); weight 3% lbs.; white cheek-patches 
separated by only slight trace of black mottling on median line of 
throat anteriorly. 


ANDERSON—THE BIRDS OF IOWA. 189g 


6543. Whiting, Iowa, April 7, 1885; length 26.50; wing 14 38; 
bill 1.25; tail 16-feathered; weight 5% lbs.; faint traces of black 
mottling on median line of throat. 

5344. Whiting, Iowa, March 23, 1886; weight 4% lbs.; tail 
14-feathered. 

7988. Whiting, Iowa, April 7, 1885; weight 5 lbs. 

5338. Whiting, Iowa. 

6724. Wolf Creek, Iowa, April 5, 1884. 

6728. Near Sloan, Iowa, April, 1884. 

The Cackling Goose was not reported by any observers in the 
state and I am not aware of any published record of its occurrence 
in Iowa. It is chiefly an inhabitant of western North America, 
especially of the Pacific coast, and only occasionally appears in 
the Mississippi Valley. It has not been recorded farther east 
than Illinois and Wisconsin and there are no authentic published 
records from Nebraska, although I have examined several Ne- 
braska specimens in the Talbot collection which are undoubtedly 
minima. ‘The species must be considered as only a casual migrant 
in Iowa. 


63. (173). Lranta bernicla glaucogastra (Brehm). Brant. 

The Brant or Brant Goose is chiefly found along the Atlantic 
coast and only rarely in the interior, principally along the Great 
Lakes and rivers in migration. The species breeds within the 
Arctic Circle. Dr. Coues (Birds of the Northwest, p. 557) says: 
“While ascending the Missouri in October, 1872, I observed vast 
numbers of the Common Brant in flocks on the banks and mud- 
bars of the river.”’ 

County records: Blackhawk —‘‘frequent migrant’’ (Peck). 
Boone—‘‘rare migrant’’ (Henning). Jowa—‘‘rare migrant; the 
only one I ever saw was shot at Amana in 1902’’ (Berry). Jack- 
son—Sabula—‘‘I have never handled specimens taken in Iowa, 
but have seen birds very close which I and others took for Brant’’ 
(H. A. Giddings). Poweshiek—‘‘tolerably common transient ’’ 
(Kelsey); ‘‘large flocks B. bventa Steph.; doubtless this species ”’ 
(Poweshiek and Jasper, H. W. Parker, Am. Nat., v, 1871, 169). 

The only definite record of this species for Nebraska is ‘‘reported 
by I. S. Trostler, who saw three that were killed on the Missouri 
River at Omaha, Nov. 9, 1895’’ (Rev. Bds. Neb., p. 30). From 


[PRoc. D. A. S., VoL. XI.] 27 [Sept. 12, 1906.] 


Igo DAVENPORT ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. 


the above records it appears certain that the Brant is an irregular 
or very casual migrant in Iowa. 


Subfamily CYGNINA. Swans. 


Two species of Swans are found in the state, during the migra- 
tions only. Both are large, heavy birds, pure white when in full 
plumage, and remarkable for the long, slender neck. Swans are 
chiefly vegetarian, but feed to some extent on small molluscs. 


Genus OLOoR Wagler. 
64. (180). Olor columbianus (Ord). Whistling Swan. 


Though the reports of observers are somewhat at variance on 
the question of abundance, the Whistling Swan appears to be 
much more common than the Trumpeter Swan in Iowa. It breeds 
in the far North, but passes regularly through Iowa both in the 
spring and fall, when its large size and striking appearance make 
it a conspicuous target for the gunners who take delight in slaugh- 
tering every unusual bird or mammal which passes within their 
notice. In this manner many species which are conspicuous either 
by reason of their large size or striking coloration, although not 
useful for food, have been practically exterminated or their num- 
bers greatly reduced in localities where they were formerly abund- 
ant. 

The Whistling Swan is an early migrant in spring. Thomas 
Say records Anas (Cygnus Meyer) cygnus at Engineers’ Canton- 
ment, ‘‘flying to the north, Feb. 22, 1820’’ (Long’s Exp., i, 226— 
270). ‘The usual time of migration is in March, but specimens 
have been taken the first week in April. In the fall they seldom 
appear before November. 

County records: Boone—‘‘arrive here usually in March; not 
nearly so plentiful as in former years. After becoming bewil- 
dered during a north-wester’ they become an easy mark for the 
hunter and many are killed at such times throughout the county”’ 
(Henning). Hancock—mounted one shot on Lake Edwards, 
March 24, 1896 (Anderson). Jackson—‘‘tolerably common tran- 
sient; my last record is March 27, 1892, a specimen sent to me for 
mounting’’ (Giddings). Johnson—‘‘specimens in University mu- 
seum—a young female (gray plumage) shot three miles south of 
Iowa City, Nov.15, 1902, by W.J. Kubichek; three seen; female, 


ANDERSON—THE BIRDS OF IOWA. I9gI 


Pleasant Valley, March 26, 1903, by Carl Spencer’’ (Anderson). 
Lee—“‘rare migrant’’ (Praeger). Linn—“‘‘rare migrant’’ (Berry). 
Pottawattamie—Mills—‘‘rare migrant’’ (Trostler). Polk—‘‘mi- 
grant’’ (Johnson). Poweshiek—‘‘rare transient’’ (Kelsey, Jones). 
Washington — mounted two males shot near Brighton, Nov. 7, 
1905 (Anderson). Webster—‘‘transient’’ (Somes). Winnebago 
—saw one which was shot near Forest City, April 6th, 1894 
(Anderson); ‘‘one shot near Leland by Rudolph Isaacs’’ (Halvor- 
sen). Woodbury—‘‘uncommon transient; I have the bird’’ (Rich). 
Harrison—‘‘specimen in University museum, 5163, shot at Ball’s 
Lake, near California Junction, by Wm. Olinger, April 5, 1886’’ 
(Anderson). There is also a specimen shot at Whiting, March 
30, 1886. 

The Whistling Swan may be distinguished by having a spot of 
yellow on the lores, and distance from eye to nostril greater than 
the distance from the nostril to the tip of the bill. 


65. (181). Olor buccinator (Rich.). Trumpeter Swan. 


At the present time the Trumpeter Swan is a rare bird in Iowa. 
‘During the early days the species undoubtedly nested in Iowa, 
though probably not commonly. A great many authorities have 
given the Trumpeter Swan as ‘‘breeding from Iowa northward,’’ 
but there is little definiteness about the records. (Snow, Bds. of 
Kan, 1873, 11; Cowes, Bds. of N. W., 1874, 544; Krider, Forty 
Yrs. Notes, 1879, 70; Ridgway, Cat. Aqu. and Fish-eating Bads.., 
1883, 19; Baird, Brewer and Ridgway, N. A. Bds., 1884, i, 430; 
Cooke, Bd. Migr. in Miss. Val., 1884-5, 79; Keyes and Williams, 
Bds. of Iowa, 1889, 119; Coues, Key to N. A. Bds., 1887, 682; A. 
O. U. Check List, 1886, 130; Goss, Bds. Kan., 1891, 108; Chap- 
man, Bds. of Hast. N. A., 1903, 124; Bailey, Bds. of West. N.A.., 
Ig02, 70). 

W.W. Cooke states: ‘‘Breeds from Iowa and Minnesota north- 
ward. It was reported breeding near Newton, Iowa, and at Heron 
Lake, Minn., as well as along the Red River of the North’’ (Bird 
Migr. in Miss. Val., 1884-5, 79). 

- The only definite record of the nesting of the Trumpeter Swan 
in Iowa which I have been able to trace was received from the 
veteran collector, J. W. Preston, ina letter dated March 22, 1904: 
‘‘A pair of ‘Trumpeters’ reared a brood of young in a slough near 


192 DAVENPORT ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. 


Little Twin Lakes, Hancock county, in the season of 1883, not 
many miles from where some good finds in the way of sets of 
Whooping Cranes were made. This was positively Olor buccina- 
tor. ‘The nest was placed on a large tussock in a marshy slough 
or creek, and had been used for years by the swans, as I was cred- 
ibly informed; but the nest mentioned above, so far as I am 
aware, was the last in that locality. During the earlier days the 
Trumpeter Swan was not an uncommon summer resident, being 
occasionally found nesting in some remote and hidden place, and 
as late as 1875 there were a few pairs known to breed on the 
headwaters of the Des Moines River. Of course the species of 
Swans have been somewhat confused in the minds of untrained 
observers, but to one familiar with the two American species there 
would be no chance of mistake. For many years I have not seen 


) 


a Trumpeter Swan in the State.’’ 


County records: Blackhawk—‘‘rare migrant; a specimen 
mounted by myself in museum of Iowa State Normal School’’ 
(Walters). Jackson—‘‘tolerably common transient’’ (Giddings). 
Linn—“‘‘spring and fall migrant’’ (Bailey). Pottawattamie—Mills 
—‘‘frequent migrant. I have seen the Trumpeters on the Mis- 
souri flying over from the Nebraska side of the river to the Iowa 
side, and in other directions, at numerous times. The following 
dates are noted by mein particular: April 5, 1893; Sept. 30, 1894; 
April 15, 1896; Sept, 20, 1897, and at various times since. They 
were Trumpeters’’ (Trostler). Poweshiek —‘‘rare transient’’ (Kel- 
sey). Sioux—‘‘rare migrant’’ (Johnson). Webster—‘‘migrant; 
from specimens actually in hand, and having no yellow at lores 
and having nostrils nearer eye than tip of bill’’ (Somes). 


Order HERODIONES. Herons, Storks, Ibises, etc. 
Sub-order IBIDES. Ibis series. 
Family IBIDIDAY. The Ibises. 


The Ibises are long-necked, long-legged, and small-bodied 
birds, resembling Herons in habits. The bill is long, slender, 
and slightly curved, giving somewhat the appearance of a Curlew. 
They seek their food along the borders of lakes, bays, marshes, 


and mud flats. 


ANDERSON—THE BIRDS OF IOWA. 193 


Genus PLEGADIS Kaup. 
66. (186). Mlegadis autumnalis (Hasselq.). Glossy Ibis. 


The Glossy Ibis is only a straggler into Iowa from the south. 
Kumlien and Hollister record it from Wisconsin as a ‘‘ rare strag- 
gler, usually in late autumn [August, 1862, September, 1872, 
Lake Koshkonong; November 3, 1879, Lake Horicon]. We 
have positively seen this bird on the Mississippi near Prairie du 
Chien in August some twenty years ago.’’ (Bds. Wis., 1903, 
32-3.) ‘‘A specimen taken near Omaha, Bruner thinks at Cut-off 
Lake, is in the University museum’’ (Rev. Bds. Neb., 1904, 31). 

County records: Boone— ‘“‘ Accidental visitor. Only one Ibis 
was ever taken in this county that I know of. It was identified 
as the Glossy Ibis, but may have been Plegadis guarauna’’ (Hen- 
ning). Woodbury—Recorded from Sioux City by Dr. Guy C. 
Rich (Iowa Orn., i, 2, 1895, 49). Ina letter he says: ‘‘I have 
an immature specimen mounted; shot in Nebraska just across the 
river, Oct. 1, 1893. It is an immature bird, z. ¢., the head and 
neck are speckled; no white shows on forehead.’’ 


67. (187). Mlegadis guarauna (Linn.). White-faced Glossy 
Ibis. 

The White-faced Glossy Ibis is also a rare straggler in Iowa, 
from the southwestern United States. This species was first 
reported from Iowa by Prof. C. C. Nutting (Proc. Iowa Acad. 
Sci., 1892, 40), a specimen in the University museum, No. 4839, 
having been taken near Rippey (Calhoun county) in April, 1891, 
by B. F. Osborn, reported that there was a flock of thirteen near 
Rippey, but only one was secured. 

At Heron Lake, Minn., a short distance north of the Iowa line, 
Rev. P. B. Peabody saw six Ibises in a rookery of Black-crowned 
Night Herons on the south side of the lake, June 26, 1894, and 
found two nests, one of four, the other of two eggs, on broken- 
down rushes. ‘Two birds had been shot at Heron Lake in No- 
vember, 1893 (reported by Dr. Roberts). Rev. Peabody learned 
from Iowa pot-hunters that two or three had been taken during 
each of the two autumns previous (Nidologist, ii, 9, 1895, 116- 
117). In 1895, Mr. Peabody reports: ‘‘ June 22, I took at Heron 
Lake my third and fourth sets of White-faced Glossy Ibis, with 


194 DAVENPORT ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. 


a magnificent male, the first mature bird of this species ever 
taken, to my knowledge, in the state of Minnesota’’ (Oologist, 
xli, 8, 1895, 126). 

‘“’Two specimens recorded from Omaha by I.S. Trostler and 
L. Skow, one killed near Florence Lake, Aug. 19, 1893, and a 
second near Cut-off Lake, April 6, 1897’’ (Rev. Bds. Neb, 31). 


Suborder HERODII. 
Family ARDEID. Herons and Bitterns. 
Subfamily BOTAURIN A.  Bitterns. 


Two species of Bitterns are found in the state. Asa rule they 
are solitary birds, frequenting grassy marshes. ‘Their food con- 
sists principally of frogs, small fishes, tadpoles, ete., which are 
captured by striking with the sharp-pointed beak. 


Genus BOTAURUS Stephens. 


68. (190). Lotaurus lentiginosus {Montag.). American Bittern. 


The American Bittern is a common migrant in all parts of the 
state and considerable numbers remain during the summer where- 
ever there are secluded marshes or sloughs. It cannot be consid- 
ered as an abundant summer resident, for its habits are solitary, 
and usually not more than one or two pairs are found nesting in 
the same slough. The Bittern’s peculiar note, sounding like the 
noise made by an old pump, or the strokes of a mallet upon a 
stake, has gained for it the popular colloquial names of ‘‘ Thun- 
der-pumper’’ and ‘‘ Stake-driver.’’ When suddenly startled at 
close range, the bird frequently remains standing perfectly motion- 
less, with the long neck and bill pointed vertically upwards, in 
which position the broad longitudinal stripes on the neck blend 
with the surrounding reeds and rushes, and the. bird becomes 
almost invisible. : 

The American Bittern is an early migrant, appearing as soon 
as the ice is fairly out of the marshes. It also remains quite late 
in the fall. I mounted a male bird shot by Louis Dennis near 
Cedar Rapids, Nov. 12, 1905. The stomach of a specimen shot 
near Forest City, Oct. 8, 1892, contained two whole frogs with 
their backs broken, and parts of several other frogs. When incu- 
bating, the female sits quite closely, frequently remaining on the 


ANDERSON—THE BIRDS OF IOWA. 195 


nest until taken off, trying to frighten away the intruder by 
erecting the feathers and thrusting with the strong, sharp bill. 
The nest is placed on low, damp ground near the edge of a slough 
or in the middle of a slough ina bed of rushes over the water. 
The eggs number four or five, brownish-drab in color, and sets 
are complete about the first of June in northern Iowa. ‘The 
latest date I have is June 22, 1890, when I found a nest contain- 
ing five eggs nearly ready to hatch in Winnebago county. 
Genus ARDETTA Gray. 

69. (191). Avdetia exilis (Gmel.).. Least Bittern. 

The Least Bittern, although from the reports of observers ap- 
pearing.to be generally distributed over the state, is not so com- 
mon as the larger species. It is much more locally distributed 
and appears to be abundant at only a few points. The shy and 
retiring disposition of the species and the habit of keeping close 
cover in the matted jungles of reeds and rushes in large marshes 
may have much to do with its apparent rarity at many places. 
The Least Bittern may be found nesting in any part of the state 
where reedy swamps or sloughs exist. 

On July 7, 1892, I took a set of five highly incubated eggs near 
Forest City, and June 16, 1894, found three nests containing five 
eggs each and one containing four eggs, in the bulrushes around 
the edge of a small lake in Hancock county. The nests were 
simply slight platforms of dry reeds placed several inches above 
the water in clumps of rushes. 

The only locality where I have found the Least Bittern really 
abundant was in Dickinson county. During the early part of 
August, 1901, large numbers were seen in dense beds of reeds 
lining ‘‘ The Narrows’’ between Spirit Lake and East Okoboji. 
They did not appear in flocks but every rod of two one would fly 
up, or climbing up a reed-stalk, would hang to it until the 
intruder came quite near. Both adults and fledged young birds 
were taken. 

Dr. B. H. Bailey found them abundant at Clear Lake (Cerro 
Gordo) July 7-15, and at Eagle Lake (Hancock) July 17-20, 1902; 
also nesting commonly at Eagle Lake in June, 1903. The spe- 
cies is only tolerably common in Johnson county owing to the 
‘scarcity of sloughs. May 8, 1904, I saw eight birds in a small 


196 DAVENPORT ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. 


slough near Iowa City, and a nest containing five young birds 
was found in the same slough by Harry Weber about a week 
later. E.S. Currier reports it as a very abundant summer resi- 
dent in Lee county. Most other observers report the species as 
only fairly common. 


Subfamily ARDEIN. Herons and Egrets. 


The Herons form a large group, very similar to the Bitterns. 
As a rule they seek their food in more open situations than the 
Bitterns, wading in the water and frequently stalking their prey. 
Many of the species are gregarious and nest in large rookeries. 
Seven species have been recorded as captured in Iowa. 


Genus ARDEA Linnzeus. 


70. (194). Ardea herodias Linn. Great Blue Heron. 


y 


The Great Blue Heron, popularly called “* Blue Crane,”’ is a 
tolerably common migrant in all parts of the state, and is fre- 
quently seen along the banks of wooded streams or lakes during 
the summer months. ‘The Herons usually become more numerous 
after the middle of July, and during August and September are 
generally quite common. The species“almost°certainly nests in 
the state, but I have not been able to learn’of any rookeries or, 
indeed, to find any nesting records of recent years. Keyes and 
Williams state that it ‘‘breeds in the vicinity of Spirit Lake and 
other parts of northern Iowa’’ (Birds of Iowa, 1889, 119). I ob- 
served large numbers around the shores and in trees on the banks 
of East Okoboji and Spirit Lakes in August, 1901, and they prob- 
ably nest in that vicinity still. The Great Blue Heron feeds 
principally upon frogs and small fish, either standing motionless 
in shallow water and darting its long sharp bill at any prey which 
ventures too near, or stealthily advancing and surprising its luck- 
less victim. The prey is bolted whole, and I have taken a com- 
mon sucker at least ten inches long from the stomach of one 
killed on Lime Creek at Forest City. 

The beautiful and graceful Great Blue Heron may well be taken 
as the typical form which calls to mind the quiet and solitude of 
our sluggish-flowing wooded streams during the sultry, heated 
days of summer. 


ANDERSON—THE BIRDS OF IOWA. 197 


Genus HERODIAS Boie. 
71. (196). Herodias egretta (Gmelin). American Egret. 

At the present time the American Egret can only be accounted 
a casual or irregular visitor in Iowa. ‘The first Iowa record is 
that of Lewis and Clarke (Coues Hist. of L. and C. Exp., i, 73). 
“ Aug. 11th, great numbers of herrons [herons, /erodias egretta] 
were observed today. [Near the present Badger Lake, Monona 
county, Iowa. Of the ‘herrons,’ Lewis’ Ms. of Aug. 2d gives a 
long and good description.—E. Coues.]’’ The species is listed 
by J. A. Allen (White’s Geol. of Iowa, ii, 426), and John Krider 
(Forty Years’ Notes, 58) says: ‘‘I found this bird along the 
streams as far west as Iowa.’’ W. W. Cooke (Bird Migr. in Miss. 
Val., 82-83) states: ‘‘ The few which leave the vicinity of the 
vicinity of the sea-coast straggle up the Mississippi even to Min- 
nesota. The greatest wanderers are the young, which, in the 
fall, often stray zorthward into regions where the species is not 
known to breed.”’ 

This species is one which has suffered greatly from the persecu- 
tions of plume-hunters, the trailing nuptial plumes or ‘‘aigrettes’’ 
being greatly prized. In Wisconsin, Kumlien and Hollister state: 
‘‘so rare at the present time that three or four individuals only 
visit Lake Koshkonong each year where hundreds were found 
thirty years ago during August and September’’ (Bds. of Wis., 
1903). ‘‘Four records from Nebraska. A specimen was killed 
near Omaha July 12, 1894, and reported by I. S. Trostler’’ (Rev. 
Bds. Neb., 33). 

County records: Jackson—‘‘ have no late records; have for- 
merly seen hundreds of them at a time on sand-bars in Missis- 
sippi River’’ (Giddings). Lee—‘‘ mounted specimens without 
dates often seen. They used to becommon. One on April 6th 
my only date—Keokuk district’’ (Praeger); ‘‘I have only two 
records for this species; April 17, 1894, on Des Moines River, 
near Vincennes, Lee county; May 6, 1896, Des Moines River, 
near Bedford, Lee county ’’ (Currier). .Van Buren—‘‘ five. years 
ago one was shot near Hillsboro’’ (W.J. Savage). Wayne—(A. 
J. Brown). 

Genus EGRETTA Forster. 
72. (197). Lgretta candidissima (Gmelin). Snowy Heron. 

The Snowy Heron, like the preceding, is only a casual visitor 


fProc. D: A.S:, Vou. XL] 28 [Sept. 26, 1906.] 


198 DAVENPORT ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. 


in Iowa. ‘The species is listed by J. A. Allen (White’s Geol. of 
Iowa, ii, 426). Keyes and Williams report it as ‘‘very rare. Has 
been taken at Des Moines and in Floyd county in August’’ (Bds. 
of Iowa, 1889, 120). 

County records: Blackhawk—‘‘an uncertain late summer and 
fall migrant from the south; young birds wander northward prob- 
ably as soon as fledged. Sometimes appears in considerable num- 
bers in Blackhawk county. One spring visitor, probably acci- 
dental, recorded’’(Peck). Lee—‘‘rare; mounted specimens with- 
out dates often seen. A flock on August 29th is my only date— 
Keokuk district’? (Praeger); ‘‘rare summer visitant. I think 
both the Snowy Heron and Little Blue Heron were present around 
Keokuk in August, 1891. I positively identified two young birds, 
male, shot’’ (Berry.) 


Genus FLORIDA Baird. 


73. (200). Florida cerulea (Linn.). LI,ttle Blue Heron. 


The Little Blue Heron is also a casual visitor or straggler in 
Iowa. ‘This species is remarkable for exhibiting dichromatism, 
adult being slaty- or grayish-blue, and immature birds pure white, 
or nearly so, sometimes mixed with bluish. 

The species was listed by J. A. Allen (White’s Geol. of Iowa, 
ii, 426), and Keyes and Williams (Bds. of Iowa, 1889, 120) report 
it as ‘‘rare; observed during the summer in the eastern part of 
the state.’’ It was ‘‘observed by Trostler near Omaha June 15, 
1897, and August 15, 1903. Bruner records a specimen from near 
Omaha years ago, brought to F. J. Breeze to be mounted, but 
whether killed in Iowa or Nebraska is not known. It has been 
reported as breeding north of Omaha on the Iowa side of the 
river, but this is probably an error. Possibly some of the records 
of the preceding species may have referred to the young of this 
species, since at that age it is white’’ (Rev. Bds. Neb., 33). 

County records: Jackson—‘‘common summer resident’’ (Gid- 
dings). Lee—‘‘I think both Snowy Herons and Little Blue Her- 
ons were present around Keokuk in August, 1901. Although I 
did not shoot any Little Blue Herons, still I saw several birds 
that were in a mixed plumage and I could not place them any- 
where else’ (Berry). Linn—‘‘last fall (1903) a white Heron was 
shot about five miles from Cedar Rapids, and from what I could 


ANDERSON—THE BIRDS OF IOWA. 199 


see of it, in a semi-putrid condition, I would call it a young Little 
Blue in the white phase’’ (Berry). Mills—Pottawattamie—‘‘rare 
summer resident. Seen during summer, but no record of breed- 
ing (no nests seen)’’ (Trostler). Van Buren—‘‘about fifteen years 
ago two were seen, and eight years ago one was seen in our local- 
ity—Hillsboro. They were dark (adults). Afterwards a farmer 
of reliability and some knowledge of birds told me he saw four 
little Cranes, three dark blue ones and one white with some blue 
feathers.’’ (W. G. Savage). Webster—‘‘rare; one killed in Aug., 
1898, and one seen later in same month, about Aug. 27’’(Somes). 


Genus BuTORIDES Blythe. 


74. (201). SButorides virescens (Linn.). Green Heron. 

The Green Heron is the commonest and best known of all the 
Heron family found in the state. It is a solitary species, fre- 
quenting the shores of wooded streams and ponds, where it may 
often be seen dozing, with neck drawn back, on a dead limb or 
stub overhanging the water, or standing on one foot upon a mud- 
bank. When surprised it starts up with an alarming squawk, 
flying up-stream for a short distance, where it alights and gazes 
about with outstretched neck. It is generally common from 
about the middle of April until the last of September. 

The Green Herons frequently nest in small colonies. Keyes 
and Williams say that they ‘‘usually nest in small colonies among 
the willows in swampy localities. Often a single pair is found 
nesting a mile or two from water, and, occasionally, also in ever- 
greens’’ (Bds. of Iowa, 120). C.F. Henning tells of a heronry in 
a grove of maples in Boone county which the birds have used 
since 1888 (O. & O., xviii, 1893, 123). In Winnebago and Han- 
cock I have only found the nests singly, and in wild crab-apple 
and plum thickets near streams; eggs laid about the last of May 
or first week of June. Practically every observer who reported 
gave the Green Heron as a common or abundant summer resident 


in Iowa. 
Genus NycTicoRAx Stephens. 


Subgenus NycTiIcoRAX Stephens. 
75. (202). MNycticorax nycticorax nevius (Bodd.). Black-crowned 
Night Heron. 
The Black-crowned Night Heron is reported by most observers 


200 DAVENPORT ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. 


in the state as a rather rare summer resident. In southeastern 
Iowa the species appears to be less frequent. Walter G. Savage 
reports one specimen shot ten years ago, the only specimen cap- 
tured in that locality (Hillsboro, Van Buren county). Praeger 
and Currier both report it as a rare visitant in Lee county (the 
Keokuk district), and Matson records one specimen at Mediapo- 
lis, Des Moines county. 

Paul C. Woods describes a heronry near Spencer, Iowa, visited 
in June, 1895, in an oak thicket, ‘‘which must have extended 80 
rods and hardly a tree that did not have one or two nests on it. 
The trees were rather small, and as they were very scraggly and 
inclined to sway, the nests were somewhat difficult to reach.’’ 
(Iowa Orn., i, 2, 1895, 13). Dr. Trostler writes that the species 
is a ‘“‘rare summer resident in Mills county. Dr. R. H. Wolcott, 
myself and party took a set of five eggs south of Manawa Lake, 
in Mills county, Iowa, May 15, 1904.’’ 

The Black-crowned Night Heron is a common summer resident 
in Winnebago and Hancock counties. I have observed great 
numbers at Rice Lake (Winnebago) in early June, and at Goose 
Lake (Hancock) the last week of May. Dr. B. H. Bailey found 
them ‘‘very common at Eagle Lake (Hancock), July 17-21, 1902, 
flying and squawking all night. No signs of a rookery. Known 
locally as ‘‘Lake Owls.’’ In these localities the species is seldom 
seen along the streams in spring and early summer, but after the 
first of August birds in brown juvenile plumage are common, fly- 
ing up from almost every bend in the streams. ‘The species 
doubtless breeds at many points in the state, where it is.found in 
summer, nesting either in trees or in reedy marshes. Great num- 
bers breed annually at Heron Lake, Jackson county, Minn., mak- 
ing their nests in clumps of reeds. 


Genus NyCraNnassa Stejnejer. 


76. (203). Myctanassa violacea (Linn.). Yellow-crowned Night 
Heron. 

The Yellow-crowned Night Heron is a southern species, rarely 
venturing farther north than southern Illinois, and can only be 
accounted a rare straggler in Iowa. Audubon, in his ‘‘Journals,’’ 
(ii, 481), under date of May 10, 1843, records two Yellow-crowned 
Night Herons near Council Bluffs. ‘‘One was killed at Omaha, 


ANDERSON—THE BIRDS OF IOWA. 201 


on the Jowa side of the Missouri River, May 1, 1892, and recorded 
by I. S. Trostler, who also reported one near Florence Lake Aug. 
23, 1903’’ (Rev. Bds. Neb., 34). Other Iowa records are as fol- 
lows: 

Boone—“‘rare; only one record of its occurrence in the county. 
I have the specimen’’ (Henning). Jackson—‘‘have a record of a 
specimen taken Sept. 15, 1892—Sabula’’ (Giddings). Sioux— 
““rare; one male—Hawarden”’ (Berry). 


Order PALUDICOLA,. Cranes, Rails, Coots, etc. 
* Suborder GRUES. Cranes, 
Family GRUID. Cranes. 


All three of the North American species of Cranes are found in 
Iowa. ‘The Cranes are long-legged, long-necked wading birds, 
but have the front of the head sparsely covered with bristle-like 
feathers instead of being bare. The hind toe is short and ele- 
vated. They are omnivorous in diet, feeding on frogs, snakes, 
field-mice, and vegetable food. While the Cranes generally 
spend most of the time in marshes, they are also frequently found 
on uplands, cornfields, etc., particularly in spring and fall. They 
are gregarious during the migrating season and fly in long files, 
but become more solitary during the nesting season. Their 
voices are very loud and resonant. 


Genus Grus Pallas. 


77. (204). Grus americana (Linn.). Whooping Crane. 


It is highly probable that at the present time the Whooping 
Crane or White Crane can be accounted no more than a rare mi- 
grant in Iowa. This magnificent and striking bird, perhaps the 
most imposing species native to Iowa, was formerly a well-known 
and fairly common summer resident in the state, breeding in the 
large marshes which were at that time characteristic of northern 
Iowa. 

Thomas Say mentions the arrival of the ‘‘Hooping Crane’ 
Engineers’ Cantonment March 19, 1820 (Long’s Exp., 1, 266-270). 
T. M. Trippe states: ‘‘Quite a number seen in fall in Decatur 
county. Said to have been quite common formerly’’ (Pr. Bost. 
Soc., xv, 1872, 240). He also describes their migration in south- 


b] 


at 


202 DAVENPORT ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. 


ern Iowa, in company with the Sandhill Crane, Nov. 10-12, 1871, 
just prior to a severe storm (Am. Nat., v,'1873, 346). John Kri- 
der, in a letter to the editor of Forest and Stream (i, 15, 1873, 235), 
gives the species as very common at Lake Mills, Winnebago 
county; and in his ‘‘Forty Years’ Notes’’ (1879, p. 57), he says: 
‘“This bird I found breeding in Winnebago county, Iowa, and was 
very shy and hard to approach. It flies in‘ great numbers in 
autumn, toward the south.’” H.W. Parker also records the spe- 
cies from Tama county (Am. Nat., v, 1873, 169). 

Dr. Coues says (Bds. of N. W.,'1874,'530-1): ‘‘Its, principal 
line of migration appears to be the; Mississippi Valley at large. 

. a queried but probably correct set of eggs is in the ee 
sonian] collection from Dubuque, Iowa.’’ 

W. W. Cooke states (Bird Migr. in:Miss, Val, 1884-5, ae 85): 
‘In the spring of 1885 the Whooping Crane appeared at La Porte 
City, March 30; Emmetsburg, March 23; Heron Lake, Minn., 
March 31. It wascommon at Emmetsburg April 1; Heron Lake, 
April3. It has been known to breed at Clear Lake, Iowa.’ N. 
S. Goss (Bds. of Kan., 132-3), says: ‘‘A set taken May 2nd, 1882, 
in Franklin county, Iowa, from a nest placed in a swale, and made 
of flags and rushes, a platform raised a little above the-water, are 
in dimensions 4.01xX2.60, 4.08x2.66.’’ Keyes:and Williams (Bds. 
of Iowa, 1889, 120) state that it is ‘‘not uncommon during migra- 
tions. Occasionally breeds in the northern part of the state.’’ 

J. W. Preston, in an article entitled ‘‘Some Prairie Birds’’ (O. & 
O., xvili, 6,.1893, 81), describes the nesting of the Whooping 
Crane along the headwaters of the Iowa River, south of Crystal 
Lake, in Hancock county, ‘‘years ago, when northwestern Iowa 
was a vast prairie, out into which few settlers had ventured and 
the monotony was seldom broken save by some wood-fringed lake 
or a herder’s shanty.’’ In early May, in the immense marsh 
lying north from Eagle Lake, he secured a number of eggs of the 
White Crane. ‘‘They had chosen the center of the marsh for a 
nesting-place, and there, a mile from the higher;shores, the 
mother birds could be seen upon the nests, which were formed of 
grass gathered together in a firm heap about one and one-half 
feet high, and placed on firm sod, out of water, but very near it. 
In the top of this heap was a very slight depression for the eggs.”’ 

The writer explored the same locality on May 26, 1894 (Oolo- 


ANDERSON—THE BIRDS OF IOWA. 203 


gist, ix, 8, 1894; Davies Nests and Eggs of N. A. Bds., 5th ed., 
p. 120), having been told by a farmer’s boy that a pair of White 
Cranes were frequenting a large marsh. A number had been 
seen in the locality early in the spring, but only one pair had 
remained. As we came over a low ridge on one side of the marsh, 
two great white birds rose up several hundred yards away, and 
flew with slow, heavy flaps to the further side, where they stalked 
along with stately strides as fast as a man could walk. Occa- 
sionally one would utter a loud, ringing, resonant ‘‘ whoop,”’ 
that could be heard for a long distance. Near one end of the 
slough, in a small branch or inlet, several old Crane’s nests, or 
muskrat houses, were found only a few rods apart. On one of 
these were two large greenish-brown eggs, spotted quite thickly 
over the whole surface with brown and buff spots and purplish 
shell markings. Both eggs were perfectly fresh and measured 
4.06x2.38 and 4.03x2.50. The nest was a mass of grass, rushes 
and reeds, about two feet across and rose eight or ten inches 
above the water, which was about eighteen inches deep. The 
nest was so solidly built that I sat down on it without sinking it 
into the water. The water was open for a few feet around the 
nest, but in most places was grown up with rushes and sawgrass. 
The two Cranes stalked along the hill-side some distance away, 
keeping close together and apparently trying to divert our atten- 
tion by holding their heads down, dragging one leg, or spreading 
their wings. They finally approached within about twenty rods 
and would stand perfectly still for a minute at a time, with the 
wings wide-spread and held out from the body, making a beauti- 
ful picture with their graceful snowy-white bodies and great 
black-tipped wings. On our moving towards them, they flew a 
short distance and alighted again, but defied closer approach. 
This was the first and last nest which has come under my 
observation, though I visited the locality several times. On May 
15, 1897, Isaw one White Crane circling overhead near this vicin- 
ity, and on June 5, 1897, was told by several different farmers 
near here that a pair had remained all spring and been seen 
always within a half a mile of the same place. ‘Two boys said 
they had seen the cranes that very day. Since then the Whoop- 
ing Crane seems to have disappeared from Winnebago and Han- 
cock, except as a rare migrant, and, with the recent extensive 


204 DAVENPORT ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. — 


county ditches and reclamation of marsh land in that part of the 
state, it is extremely doubtful whether the species will ever nest 
again in Iowa. 

County records: Blackhawk—“‘ scarce migrant’’ (Peck). Polk 
—‘‘rare’’ (Johnson. Pottawattamie—Mills —‘‘rare migrant” 
(Trostler). Poweshiek—‘‘ rare transient’’ (Kelsey). Sioux— 
‘“migrant’’ (Johnson); ‘‘ rare summer resident, near Hawarden, 
in 1890’’ (Berry). Warren—‘‘rare; of late years the cranes 
have become rare in this vicinity ’’’ (Jeffrey). Wayne—(Brown). 
Woodbury—“‘ rare transient ; usually passes here so high in the 
air that you can search often before seeing them’’ (Rich). 


78. (205). Grus canadensis (Linn.). Little Brown Crane. 


The Little Brown Crane or Northern Brown Crane is supposed 
to be confined in the breeding season to Arctic and northern 
North America, migrating through the western United States. 
Its plumage is substantially the same as that of the Sandhill 
Crane, but the bird is distinguishable by its smaller size. Coues 
gives the average measurements: Length 36; wing 18-19; tail 
7; bill 3-4; tibia bare for about three inches. 

The University museum has several Iowa specimens averaging 
as small as this. One specimen, No. 6258, was sent to Robert 
Ridgway, who identified it as G. canadensis: female; Holly 
Springs, Iowa, April 8, 1887; D. MH: Talbot Coll’ TW. 34:50;88. 
68° W.06.75; 126.80; Bias72: Usa5.50; Wl ba(bare portion)iesso: 

Seventeen other specimens in the Talbot collection from west- 
ern Iowa come well within the limits of caxadensis as given by 
Coues’ Key and Ridgway’s Manual. Nos. 5205, 5215, 5222, 
5364,6251,6256,6261, all taken near Holly Springs, April 8, 1887; 
5206, Whiting, April 12, 1887; 5206 and 5213, Whiting, April 12, 
1886; 5199, Holly Springs, April 18, 1887; 5209, Sloan, April 28, 
1884; 5217, Sloan, April, 1884; 5365, Whiting, April 6, 1886; 
6252, Whiting, April 9, 1886; 5402 and 6255, Sloan (no date). 

Wm. E. Praeger writes that he has ‘‘one record; shot April 10, 
1896, in Missouri, just across the Des Moines River—Keokuk 
district;’’ also reported as a “‘rare migrant in Lee county’’ (Cur- 
rier); and as a ‘“‘rare migrant in Kossuth’’ (Bingaman). 

Kumlien and Hollister record two positive specimens from Wis- 
consin (Bds. of Wis., 37). ‘‘L. Skow has reported it from Omaha; 
very rare migrant’’ (Rev. Bds. Neb., 34). . 


ANDERSON—THE BIRDS OF IOWA. 205 


It is probable that the Little Brown Crane occurs as a migrant 
in Iowa rather more commonly than has been supposed, its close 
resemblance to the Sandhill Crane making their confusion easy. 


79. (206). Grus mexicana (Mull.). Sandhill Crane. 


The Sandhill Crane or Brown Crane is the commonest Crane in 
Iowa. It formerly nested quite commonly in the marshes of north- 
ern Iowa, where a few pairs still breed, and is still fairly com- 
mon on the prairies as a migrant, though much less abundant than 
before. Fifteen years ago flocks of hundreds, or even thous- 
ands, were frequently seen trooping over cornfields and plowed 
ground in the early spring in Winnebago and Hancock counties. 
In the spring large flocks frequently perform graceful aerial evo- 
lutions high over their feeding grounds, each bird soaring in 
an ever ascending spiral until the birds are almost lost to view at 
a great height, and only the faint echo of their loud, discordant 
cries comes to the ear. 

Thomas Say (Long’s Exp., i, 266-270) noted the species in Pot- 
tawattamie county and at Engineers’ Cantonment, arriving March 
24, 1820; and Edwin James (ibid, 11, 67-68) noted large numbers 
April 13, 1820, along Boyer Creek, Pottawattamie county, refer- 
ring to their habit of removing the surface of the soil by scratch- 
ing with their feet in search of the radical tubers of the pea-vine, 
which seem to afford them a very palatable food. 

J. A. Allen (Mem. Bost. Soc., i, 1868, 501) states: ‘‘Saw several 
in August stalking about on an uninhabited prairie, and often in 
September, flying over at great heights. Said to breed abund- 
antly in the marshes of the Skunk River country, near the middle 
of the state.’’ T. M. Trippe (Am. Nat., 1873, 346) describes the 
migration of vast flocks in southern Iowa Nov. 10-12, 1872, just 
prior to a storm; both species noted; also (Pr. Bost. Soc., xv, 
1872, 740) ‘‘said to have bred in the marshes before the settle- 
ment of the country’’ [Decatur and Mahaska]. John Krider 
(Forty Years’ Notes, 1879, 57) says: ‘‘I found them very plenty 
in Iowa, breeding in May. I found the eggs late in June and 
hatched them under a hen. . . . I have found the young upon 
the prairies, only one at a time, and not far distant I would find 
the other, and if put together they would fight.’’ J.W. Preston, 
(O. & O., xviii, 1893, 81) describes the taking of several sets of 


[Proc. D. A. S., VOL. XI.] 29 [Oct. 2, 1906. ] 


206 DAVENPORT ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. 


eggs, at an early day, in Hancock county. ‘‘Their nests being 
uniformly in the water, formed by tramping rush stalks down 
until the pile reached the surface, these nests often float about 
with the mother birds upon them.’’ 

On May 24, 1894, I purchased two eggs of the Sandhill Crane 
from a boy who had taken them one week previously in a marsh 
along the headwaters of the Iowa River, northwest of Hayfield, 
Hancock county. He showed me the nest (apparently an old 
muskrat house) in a narrow, reedy slough between two low, grav- 
elly hills. We saw several Cranes in the vicinity but they were 
very wary, and we could locate no more nests. The eggs were 
slightly incubated, lacked the greenish tint observed in a set of 
Whooping Cranes, and the shells had a much smoother surface. 
I have not visited this locality for several years and do not know 
whether any Cranes are still nesting there. 

G. H. Berry noted the Sandhill Crane as a rare summer resi- 
dent near Hawarden, Sioux county, in 1890. Nearly all the later 
observers report the species present, but only as a migrant. The 
only differing report came from W. H. Bingaman, who reported 
it as a ‘‘rare breeder’’ in Kossuth county (1905). 

The University museum has several specimens from various 
Iowa points which measure up to the average of G. mexicana as 
given by Coues, viz.: Length 4o-48; wing 22; bill 5-6; tail 9. 


Suborder RALLI. Rails, Gallinules, and Coots. 
Family RALLIDA. Rails, Gallinules, and Coots. 


This is a large family of marsh-inhabiting birds, generally with 
the body narrow and compressed and the legs strong, enabling 
them to make their way with ease through dense, reedy marshes. 
Their food consists of both animal and vegetable matter, picked 
up from the surface of the ground or water. 


Subfamily RALLINZ. Rails. 
Family RALLUS Linneeus. 


80. (208). Rallus elegans Aud. King Rail. 


The King Rail or Fresh-water Marsh Hen is a tolerably com- 
mon summer resident in nearly all parts of the state and breeds 
wherever suitable sloughs and marshes are found. ‘The species 
is retiring in its habits, hiding in the thick clumps of sedges, and 
is rarely seen unless its favorite haunts are penetrated for this 


ANDERSON—THE BIRDS OF IOWA. 207 


express purpose. The nest is usually placed near the bottom of 
a clump of rushes or sedges, generally over water, and contains 
nine to twelve eggs, deposited about the last of May. 

County records: ‘‘Rare summer resident’’—Boone (Henning); 
Franklin (Shoemaker); Mills—Pottawattamie (Trostler); Van 
Buren (Savage); Winneshiek (Smith); Blackhawk (Peck). 

“Common summer resident’’—Hardin (Peck); Lee (Praeger, 
Currier); Linn (Bailey, Berry); Polk (Johnson); Kossuth (Bing- 
aman); Winnebago (Anderson, Halvorsen). 

‘“Transient’’—Jackson (Giddinger); Poweshiek (Kelsey); Scott 
(‘‘Rare; one shot April 30, 1891’’—Wilson). 

81. (212). Rallus virginianus Linn. Virginia Rail. 

The Virginia Rail in appearance and habits is an almost per- 
fect miniature of the King Rail. Observers in all parts of the 
state agree in considering the species as a somewhat rare and 
uncommon summer resident. A few report it as common during 
migration. W.H. Bingaman gives it as a ‘‘common breeder’’ in 
Kossuth county. In Winnebago and Hancock counties I have 
found it tolerably common in summer. While seen less fre- 
quently than the King Rail, probably on acconnt of its smaller 
size, I have found more nests than of those of the latter species. 
Nests are composed of dried grasses and reeds, forming a small 
platform near the bottom of a clump of sedges. June 5, 1895, took 
seven fresh eggs from a nest which contained six on June 1 (Win- 
nebago); June 6, 1894, nine eggs, slightly incubated (Hancock); 
June 23, 1894, caught downy young bird, color dark green, almost 
black; June 3, 1897, six eggs; June 10, 1897, nine eggs, incuba- 
tion begun (Winnebago). 


Genus PorzANA Vieillot. 
Subgenus PoRZzANA Vieillot. 


82. (213). Forzana carolina (Linn.). Sora. 

The Sora or Carolina Rail is reported by observers in nearly all 
parts of the state asa common or abundant migrant. It does not 
appear to nest commonly south of the central line of the state, 
but in northern Iowa it breeds abundantly. A.1I. Johnson reports 
the Sora as a common summer resident and nesting in Polk 
county. A few nest in Johnson county, and E.S. Currier reports 


208 DAVENPORT ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. 


it as a ‘‘very abundant.migrant and rare summer resident in Lee 
county.’’ 

In Winnebago and Hancock counties the Sora is particularly 
abundant, there being scarcely a sedge-grown slough which does 
not harbor several pairs during the breeding season. In early 
May I have found the Soras so tame that they could hardly be 
made to fly by wading after them as they tried to hide in the thin 
grass, with short, stubby tails bobbing nervously as they walked, 
and standing erect when they stood still. 

J. Eugene Law took twenty-seven sets of the Sora near Lake 
Mills (Winnebago) in the spring of 1893. June 7, 1892, I found 
about a dozen nests, containing from three to eleven eggs, all 
placed in clumps of saw-grass around the edge of a slough, 
about where the water-line began, outside of the area of rushes 
and reeds, Sometimes the nest is placed in shallow water. It is 
built by piling up short bits of rushes or cat-tail leaves until a 


dry platform is formed. Nests are frequently found with eggs in ~ 


all stages of incubation, from fresh eggs to those nearly ready to 
hatch. Seventeen eggs is the largest number I have found in a 
single nest. May 30, 1893, I found about a dozen nests contain- 
ing from one to nine eggs. Jyine 22, 1894, caught a young Sora, 
just hatched, and covered with jet-black down. 

During the nesting season the Soras are very noisy, particularly 
towards evening, and frequently at night, making the marshes 
resound with their weird and piercing notes. ; 

Subgenus Corurnicops Bonaparte. 

83. (215). Porzana noveboracensis (Gmel.). - Yellow Rail. 

he Yellow Rail or Crake is a rare species, occurring in sum- 
mer. Its small size and secretive habits doubtless prevent its 
being observed more frequently. The species was listed by J. A. 
Allen (White’s Geol. of Iowa, ii, 426), and John Krider states 
that ‘‘it breeds in Iowa, where I found its nest with eight eggs’’ 
(Forty Years’ Notes, 69). Keyes and Williams give it as an oc- 
casional in Iowa, frequenting the prairie sloughs (Birds of Iowa, 
1889, 121). 

County records: Blackhawk —‘‘has been taken once in Black- 
hawk county. The bird never seems to take flight when pur- 
sued, but may be captured with the hands’’ (Peck). Dickinson— 


ANDERSON—THE BIRDS OF IOWA. 209 


“noted from Lake Park in fall of 1895’’ (Salisbury). Johnson— 
“one specimen secured near Iowa City, Mus. No. 8948, female, 
May 27, 1892, Vogt’s Swamp, by F. Carroll (Proc. Iowa Acad. 
Sci., 1892, 41).’’ Lee—‘‘rare migrant in spring’’ (Praeger); mi- 
grant, but very irregular in numbers and occurrence’’ (Currier). 
Linn—‘‘rare migrant; occasional summer resident’’ (Berry). Scott 
——‘‘rare migrant; one shot Sept. 20, 18go’’ (Wilson). A male and 
female in the Bartsch collection were shot Sept. 9, 1898, in Hen- 
derson county, Ill., (across the river from Burlington, Iowa). 


Subgenus Creciscus Cabanis. 


84. (216). FPorzana jamaicensis (Gmel.). Black Rail. 

The Black Rail appears to be even rarer than the preceding 
species, its range not extending so far to the north. Its habits 
are similar. 

County records: Blackhawk—‘‘rare migrant; one specimen 
mounted’’ (Walters). Des Moines—‘‘Burlington, Iowa, 1892— 
specimen in the flesh examined by me’’ (Nutting, Proc. lowa 
Acad. Sci., 1892, 41). Lee—‘‘very rare—Keokuk district’’ (Prae- 
ger). Linn——‘‘a set of eggs was found by myself in 1899, too far 
incubated to save’’ (Berry). Van Buren—‘‘some 17 or 18 years 
ago a farmer caught one with his hands while plowing ina swamp 
and brought it tome. ‘This is the only time that I have known 
it to occur here—Hillsboro’’ (W. J. Savage). Webster—‘‘rare; 
July 11, 1899, killed a small rail of some sort new to me, along 
the edge of the slough in Black’s field just east of the rendering 
works (Fort Dodge). It is 5% inches in length; dark slate on 
head and breast, back dark brown tinging toa reddish at back of 
neck’’ (Somes). 


Subfamily GALLINULINA. Gallinules. 
Genus IONORNIS Reichenbach. 


85. (218). J/onornis martinica (Linn.). Purple Gallinule. 

This brilliant southern species is only an accidental visitor in 
Iowa. It is listed by J. A. Allen (White’s Geol. of Iowa, ii, 1870, 
426), and John Krider states that he found it breeding in Iowa 
(Forty Years’ Notes, 60). Morton E. Peck reports: ‘‘One speci- 
men from Blackhawk county, an estray from the south.”’ 


210 DAVENPORT ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. 


Kumlien and Hollister consider it as an exceedingly rare strag- 
gler in Wisconsin; recorded from Racine, Milwaukee, and Janes- 
ville (Birds of Wis., 93). It has been recorded once from Ne- 
braska—seen by Prof. Bruner at West Point, in June or July, 
1894 or 1895 (Rev. Bds. Neb., 36). 


Genus GALLINULA Brisson. 


86. (219). Gallinula galeata (Licht.). Florida Gallinule. 

The Florida Gallinule or Red-billed Mud-hen is generally dis- 
tributed throughout the state and breeds in suitable localities, 
but can hardly be considered common. It ranges as far north as 
central Minnesota, breeding along the Minnesota river bottoms 
(Hatch, Geol. and Nat. Hist. Minn., 1880, p. 460), and commonly 
at. Heron Lake, Minn? (Peabody, Ool-\ xis, i, 18055 15)s aba. 
Woods reports collecting a set of fifteen eggs there in 1896 (Iowa 
Orne ti, 491890, p. 30): 

County records: Blackhawk—'‘‘apparently a regular visitor to 
the state but rare. A set of eggs was taken many years ago in 
Blackhawk county by George D. Peck, when it was found breed- 
ing in company with Coots’’ (M. E. Peck); ‘‘rare migrant’’ (Wal- 
ters). Hancock—‘‘shot male July 18, 1902, at Eagle Lake’’ 
(Bailey). Linn—‘‘rare summer resident’’ (Bailey, Berry); ‘‘hardly 
common, though it has several times been found breeding in this 
vicinity, in situations similar to Rallus elegans’’ (Keyes). Lee— 
‘scarce summer resident; breeds in Keokuk district’’ (Praeger); 
‘“‘Ssummer resident, not common’’ (Currier). Poweshiek—“‘‘rare 
summer resident’’ (Kelsey). Pottawattamie—Mills—‘‘ abundant 
migrant; used to breed in considerable numbers in both counties, 
but none found nesting since 1898’’ (Trostler). Woodbury— 
“uncommon transient’’ (Rich). Winnebago—‘‘rare summer res- 
ident; took a set of ten eggs at Forest City, June 4, 1897, and shot 
two birds at Rice Lake, Sept. 10, 1903’’ (Anderson). 


Subfamily FULICINZ. Coots. 
Genus FuLicA Linnzeus. 


87. (221). Fulica americana (Gmel.). American Coot. 
The American Coot, Common Coot, or ‘‘Mud-hen,’’ is one of 
the best known representatives of the family in the state. It is 


readily recognized, even at a distance, by its slaty-black plumage 


ANDERSON—THE BIRDS OF IOWA. PHVA 


and white bill, and most young sportsmen have killed specimens, 
taking them for ducks. Coots are good swimmers and are usually 
found on the lakes or reedy marshes containing much open water, 
though they are often found on rivers during migration. When 
sufficiently alarmed to fly up the bird usually patters along the 
surface of the water for some distance, with a noisy splashing, 
before rising up. 

The American Coot breeds in suitable localities throughout the 
state, but more commonly in the northern portions. Both Cur- 
rier and Praeger give it as a scarce summer resident in Lee county 
(Keokuk). Dr. Trostler reports it as ‘‘an abundant migrant in 
Pottawattamie and Mills; used to breed in considerable numbers 
in both counties, but none found nesting since 1898.’’ Black- 
hawk—“‘‘formerly a not rare breeder in Blackhawk, but now 
almost unknown except during migrations’’ (Peck). Boone— 
‘fairly common summer resident’’ (Henning). Franklin—‘‘sum- 
mer resident, not common’’ (Shoemaker). 

In Winnebago and Hancock counties the species is an abund- 
ant summer resident, nesting in every slough which contains open 
water. The nests consist of platforms of dead reeds placed in 
clumps of cat-tails or reeds surrounded or reached by avenues of 
open water. The eggs are eight to fourteen in number, light 
clay-colored or creamy, thickly specked over the entire surface 
with pin-points of black, and are laid from the middle of May 
until the early part of June. While usually not considered a 
game bird, the Coot is accounted excellent eating by many sports- 
men, equal to the flesh of most ducks. 


Order LIMICOLA. Shore Birds. 
Family PHALAROPODID. Phalaropes. 


This is a small family of three species, resembling Sandpipers, 
but distinguished by having lobate feet. The under plumage is 
duck-like, and the birds swim well. 


Genus CRYMOPHILUS Vieillot. 


88. (222). Crymophilus fulicarius (LAnn.). Red Phalarope. 


The Red Phalarope ‘‘breeds in the far north, coming south in 
winter to the northern half of the Mississippi Valley. Has been 
recorded from Illinois (Nelson) and from Minnesota (Hatch)’’ 


212 DAVENPORT ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. 


(Cooke, Bird Migr. in Miss. Val., 1884-85, p. 89). The species is 
listed by J. A. Allen (White’s Geol. of Iowa, 1870, 426). G. H. 
Berry reports it asa ‘‘rare migrant’’ at Hawarden, Sioux county. 

Kumlien and Hollister state: ‘‘Small flocks may be met on Lake 
Michigan and Lake Superior in autumn, and occasionally strag- 
gling individuals wander to the inland lakes . . . four on Lake 
Koshkonong, September 3, 1891, one June 4, 1877’’ (Bds. of Wis., 
1903, 41). 

Genus PHALAROPUS Brisson. 
Subgenus PHALAROPUS Brisson. 


89. (223). Phalaropus lobatus (Linn.). Northern Phalarope. 


This species is also a far northern bird and is a rare migrant 
through the Mississippi Valley. Kumlien and Hollister report 
it as much more common than the Red Phalarope in Wisconsin; 
noted on Lakes Michigan and Superior in September and Octo- 
ber, and a regular spring and fall migrant on Lake Koshkonong 
(Birds of Wis., 1903, 41). ‘‘Reported from Omaha by I. S. Trost- 
ler, where a specimen was taken May 6, 1896’’ (Rev. Bds. Neb., 
1904, 37)- 

A specimen in the University museum, No. 16525, was taken at 
Burlington, Iowa, Aug. ro, 1894, by Paul Bartsch. Dr. Trostler 
also reports the species as a rare migrant on the Missouri River, 
in Pottawattamie county. 


Genus STEGANOPUS Vieillot. 
Subgenus STEGANOPUS Vieillot. 


90. (224). Steganopus tricolor (Vieillot). Wilson Phalarope. 


The Wilson Phalarope, probably the most beautiful and dainty 
of all the shore birds found in Iowa, appears to be somewhat 
locally distributed, breeding only in the northern part of the state. 
The species is remarkable, like the other Phalaropes, for the 
female being larger and much brighter colored than the male. 
Following out the general rule of protective coloration, the duller- 
colored sex appears to assume most of the duties of incubation. 
I have several times, at least, flushed the male Phalarope from 
the nest of eggs, both in Iowa and in North Dakota, while I have 
never seen the female leave the nest, although she is usually 
found in the vicinity. 


ANDERSON—THE BIRDS OF IOWA. 


to 
= 
wo 


In Winnebago and Hancock counties the Wilson Phalarope is 
a common summer resident on the larger marshes, particularly on 
peat beds around their margins, where the ground is spongy and 
saturated with water. As these are usually burned over in the 
fall, the grass is short in the spring, and the nest is simply com- 
posed of a few straws placed in a little hollow of a peaty hum- 
mock, scarcely concealed by the straggling green sprigs of grass. 
The eggs are four in number, distinctly pyriform in shape, much 
resembling the eggs of the Spotted Sandpiper, and always ar- 
ranged with the points together. While in the vicinity of the 
nesting place, all of the Phalaropes in the neighborhood, often 
more than a dozen, will hover over the intruder’s head, ruffling 
out the feathers of the neck and uttering a peculiarly gentle, 
crooning note, apparently trying to draw him away. ‘They fre- 
quently swim on ponds, like small ducks, and often one will be 
seen whirling giddily round and round in the water as if on a 
pivot, seemingly engaged in capturing small water bugs. 

The eggs are usually laid about the 20th of May in northern 
Iowa. I took a set of four eggs June 2, 1894, in a slough near 
Leland (Winnebago), which was advanced in incubation; and 
May 13, 1893, removed an egg, fully developed but lacking the 
pigment spots, from the oviduct of a female shot in Hancock 
county. June 11, 1892, caught a downy young specimen, light- 
colored, with black stripes on hind neck and rump. ‘This species 
is practically confined to the interior of North America, while the 
other two Phalaropes are found principally on the coasts. 


Family RECURVIROSTRIDA. Avocets and Stilts. 


This is a small family characterized by extremely long and slen- 
der legs and long slender bill; feet either fully or partially webbed. 
They feed in shallow water, swimming when necessary. 


Genus RECURVIROSTRA Linnzeus. 


gt. (225). Aecurvirostra americana Gmel. American Avocet. 

The American Avocet or ‘‘Blue-stocking’’ is a species of strik- 
ing appearance, known at once by its contrasting colors, long re- 
curved bill, and blue shanks. It is only rarely found in Iowa, 
being more abundant in the West. Thomas Say observed the 
species at Engineers’ Cantonment, February 20, 1820 (Long’s 
Exp., i, 266-270). 


[PROG) Di A.S., VOL. XI] 30 [Oct. 6, 1906. ] 


214 DAVENPORT ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. 


County records: Dickinson—‘‘Lake Park, fall of 1890’’ (Salis- 
bury). Johnson—‘‘mounted a female for University museum, 
shot on Iowa River near Butler’s Landing, north of Iowa City, 
April 22, 1902’’ (Anderson). Lee—‘‘accidental; one record, Keo- 
kuk district’’ (Praeger); ‘‘rare visitant’’ (Currier).. Pottawatta- 
mie—Mills—‘‘common migrant’’ (Trostler). Sioux—‘‘June 2, 
1900, I collected a set of four eggs of the American Avocet but 
was unable to blow them as they were too far advanced. I saw 
two or three pairs of the birds; locality, prairie, about three miles 
east of Hawarden’’ (Berry). Woodbury—“‘rare transient’’ (Rich). 


Genus HIMANvtTopuS Brisson. 


gt. (226). AHimantopus mexicanus (Mull.). Black-necked Stilt. 

This is a species of tropical America, only rarely venturing up 
the Mississippi Valley as far north as Iowa. It is listed by Allen 
(White’s Geol. of Iowa, 11, 1870, 426). ‘‘Has only been observed 
in Nebraska in the vicinity of Omaha, from where L. Skow and 
I. S. Trostler record it, the latter giving the following dates: May 
18, 1893; May 6, 1894; April 10, 1895, and October 3 and 9g, 1894”’ 
(Rev. Bds. Neb:,37): 

County records: Mills— Pottawattamie —‘' scarce migrant’’ 
(Trostler). Sioux—‘‘shot one female at Hawarden in 1890”’ 
(Berry). Webster—‘‘several were killed here in summer of 1898”’ 
—Fort Dodge (Somes). Wayne—(Brown). Woodbury—‘‘rare 
transient—Sioux City’’ (Rich). 


Family SCOLOPACIDAY. Snipes, Sandpipers. 


This is a large family, including about forty-five North Amer- 
ican species. They are usually gregarious during migrations and 
are found in large flocks, generally along the shores of bays, lakes, 
ponds or rivers, where they pick up their food from the mud and 
ooze. They are rarely found far from water and, with the Plov- 
ers, are known collectively as Shore Birds or Bay Birds. 


Subfamily SCOLOPACIN AL. Snipe. 
Genus PHILOHELA Gray. 


93. (228). Philohela minor (Gmel.). American Woodcock. 
The American Woodcock, although quite well known, appears 
to be nowhere a comimon bird in the state. In the spring its pref- 


ANDERSON—THE BIRDS OF IOWA. 215 


x 


erence seems to be for low thickets in bottom lands; in late sum- 
mer it is frequently found in cornfields near woods, and in autumn 
is often found on wooded hillsides. Its presence in a locality may 
always be detected by its “‘borings’’ in soft, damp ground, where 
the long bill has been probed for earthworms. 

Formerly the species was much more common in the state. J. 
A. Allen reported it as common in western Iowa (Mem. Bost. Soc., 
i, 1868, 501); and F. V. Hayden as ‘‘not uncommon near Council 
Bluffs’’ (Trans. Am. Philos. Soc., xii, 1863, 174). Morton E. Peck 
says it was ‘‘once a common migrant in most wooded localities; 
now quite scarce. Bred frequently in Blackhawk county twenty 
years ago, where on April evenings in low woods the peculiar 
nesting call was no uncommon sound.’’ In Winnebago county 
the species is also much less common than formerly. At the pres- 
ent time all observers who reported consider the Woodcock as a 
rare summer resident in Iowa. 


Genus GALLINAGO Leach. 


94. (230). Gallinago delicata (Ord). Wilson Snipe. 

The Wilson Snipe, the popular ‘‘Jack-snipe’’ of nearly all gun- 
ners, is an abundant migrant in almost all parts of the state, being 
most common in April. It frequents the edges of marshes and 
water-soaked meadows, where it probes with its long, sensitive 
bill in the soft ground for its food. When flushed the bird springs 
up into the air in a swift, tortuous spiral, uttering a hoarse ‘‘scape’’ 
and forming a very difficult target until, poising for a moment in 
mid-air, it dashes away in a straight course. 

The Wilson Snipe generally breeds farther north than the Iowa 
line, returning in September, remaining through October, and 
frequently tarrying until late in November around some springy 
run. In such localities the species has been known to remain 
until midwinter, even in Minnesota (Roberts) and Wisconsin 
(Kumlien and Hollister). I have seen the bird in Winnebago 
county as early as August 11 (1894), and flushed one specimen 
from a springy bog in Ellington township, Hancock county, in 
midwinter. 

John Krider states that he ‘‘found it breeding in Iowa’’ (Forty 
Years’ Notes, 1879, p. 63), but the only recent record is that of 
W.H. Bingaman, who reports: ‘‘One set taken in Union Slough 


216 DAVENPORT ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. 


(Kossuth county), May 3, 1901, the only pair that I think ever 
nested around here.’’ 


Subfamily TRINGIN A. Sandpipers. 
Genus MACRORHAMPHUS Leach. 


95. (231). JMJacrorhamphus griseus (Gmel.). Dowitcher. 

The Dowitcher or Red-breasted Snipe is a not very common 
migrant in Iowa. It was listed by Allen (White’s Geol. of Iowa, 
ii, 1870, 425). Trippe reported it as ‘‘not common; seen in spring 
only’’—Decatur and Mahaska (Pr. Bost. Soc., xv, 1872, 241), and 
Parker from ‘‘Clinton county’’ (Am. Nat., v, 1871, 169). Keyes 
and Williams give the species as ‘‘not uncommon during the mi- 
gratory period’’ (Bds. of Iowa, 1899, 122). Peabody reported it 
from Heron Lake, Minn., fall of 1894 (Ool., xii, 1, 1895). 

County records: Des Moines—'‘‘two specimens in the Univer- 
ity museum, taken at Burlington by Paul Bartsch: No. 16290, 
Aug.6, 1893; INo. 162901, Aug. 16, 16935) Wee rare Keokuk 
district’’ (Praeger). Polk—‘‘common’’ (Johnson). Pottawatta- 
mie—‘‘rare migrant’’ {Trostler). Sioux—‘‘rare’’ (Johnson). 
Woodbury—‘‘uncommon transient; Sioux City’’ (Rich). 


96. (232). Macrorhamphus scolopaceus (Say). Long-billed Dow- 
itcher. 

This species is very much like the last but is more highly col- 
ored and averages larger. It is generally regarded as having a 
more western range, but both varieties are known to occur at 
large over the whole of North America. It is interesting to Iowa 
ornithologists to know that the species was originally described 
by Thomas Say as “imosa scolopacea, from several specimens shot 
ina pond near the ‘‘Bowyer Creek,’’ Pottawattamie county, Iowa 
(Long’s Exp., 1819-20, 1. INotes,7p13355) 

Kumlien and Hollister state that formerly both gv7sews and 
scolopaceus were very common, 1865-1875, during May, June, July, 
August and September (less in July), but very few bred. In Wis- 
consin, at the present time, they are known only during migra- 
tions and then sparingly (Birds of Wis., 1903, 44). John Krider 
noted: ‘‘Arrives in Iowa about the first of June, feeding on the 
burnt prairies’’ (Forty Years’ Notes, 1879, 64). G.H. Berry noted 
the species as a ‘rare summer resident’? at Hawarden, Sioux 
county, in 1890. 


ANDERSON—THE BIRDS OF IOWA. ZiT 


Genus MICROPALAMA Baird. 


97. (233). Wicropalama himantopus (Bonap.). Stilt Sandpiper. 

The Stilt Sandpiper has only been recorded from a few locali- 
ties in Iowa and seems to be somewhat irregular in its occurrence. 
It is listed by Allen (White’s Geol. of Iowa, 1870, 425). Keyes 
and Williams’ state that they observed it but once, ‘‘in early 
autumn on the open prairie in Floyd county. ‘There were four 
individuals wading about in a small pond; a single specimen only 
was secured’’ (Bds. of Iowa, 1889, 122). P.B. Peabody saw four 
or five and shot one at Heron Lake, Minn., May 19, 1894 (Ool., 
SA. I, 1895). 

County records: Allamakee—‘‘shot one Aug. 10, 1904, at Lan- 
sing’ (Bailey). Des Moines— Museum No. 16504, shot at Bur- 
lington Sept. 28, 1889, by Paul Bartsch. Mills—Pottawattamie— 
“common migrant’’ (Trostler). Winneshiek—‘'I shot a bird of 
this species Aug. 26, 1896, the only record of its occurrence here’’ 


(Smith). 


ce 


Genus ACTODROMAS Kaup. 


98. (239). Actodromas maculata (Vieillot). Pectoral Sandpiper. 

The Pectoral Sandpiper, Grass Snipe, or Jack-snipe, commonly 
known to Iowa hunters as the ‘‘Prairie Pigeon,’’ is an abundant 
migrant in nearly all parts of the state. This species is seldom 
found along beaches, preferring wet, grassy meadows or muddy 
flats, and frequently feeding on higher grounds, usually in small, 
compact flocks. The Pectoral Sandpipers often arrive in Iowa 
early in April and remain until late in May. They pass north to 
breed, but return very early, usually by the first week in August. 
I shot two in Winnebago county July 27, 1904, and saw a large 
flock at Dubuque, July 27, 1901. A flock of about forty was seen 
‘inan upland pasture August 6, 1901, and three shot (Winnebago). 
Dr. C. C. Smith reports that he has seen it ‘‘as early as March 29 
and as late as October 31, in Winneshiek; rather rare since the 
spring of 1895.’’ During the fall migration the birds are usually 
very heavy and fat, so that the skin of the breast often breaks 
as the bird drops to the ground when shot. 


99. (240). Actodromas fuscicollis (Vieillot). Bonaparte Sandpiper. 
This species was reported from Iowa by only a few observers. 
Thomas Say (Long’s Exp., 1819-20, i, 337) describes a specimen 


218 DAVENPORT ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. 


of Pelidna cinclus, saying: ‘‘Yhis bird was shot in November near 
Engineers’ Cantonment and is probably a variety of the very var- 
iable Cinc/us in its winter plumage.’’ Keyes and Williams give 
it as a “‘rather common migrant, appearing the last of March 
about the quiet pools near the watercourses.’’ (Bds. of Iowa, 1889, 
122). 

County records: Dickinson—‘‘ rare migrant; Spirit Lake’ 
(Berry). Lee—‘‘migrant, very abundant’’ (Currier). Polk—‘‘no- 
ticed at Des Moines March 31, 1884’’ (Cooke, Bird Migr. in Miss. 
Val., 1884-5, 93). Pottawattamie—‘‘rare migrant’’ (Trostler). 
Poweshiek—‘‘tolerably common transient’’ (Kelsey). Woodbury 
——‘‘transient, Sioux City’’ (Rich). 


b] 


100. (241). <Actodromas bairdii Coues. Baird Sandpiper. 


The Baird Sandpiper is a species of the interior of North Amer- 
ica, breeding in the Arctic regions, and migrating through the 
Mississippi Valley; rare on both coasts. 

County records: Des Moines—two specimens in the University 
museum were taken at Burlington Oct. 2, 1895, by Paul Bartsch. 
Johnson—‘‘two specimens killed near Iowa City last spring, now 
in University museum’’ (Nutting, Proc. Iowa Acad. Sci., 1892, 
41). Lee—‘‘common migrant, Keokuk District’’ (Praeger). Linn 
—‘‘spring and fall migrant’’ (Bailey). Mills-Pottawatamie— 
‘‘common migrant’’ (Trostler). Webster—‘‘rare; two specimens’’ 
(Somes). Woodbury—a specimen shot by C. Brown on Brown's 


Lake, near Sioux City, was sent me by Dr. G. C. Rich for identi- 
fication. 


101. (242). Actodromas minutilla (Vieillot). Least Sandpiper. 


The Least Sandpiper or Peep, the smallest member of the fam- 
ily, is an abundant migrant in Iowa, being found everywhere along 
the muddy shores of ponds or streams. The spring migration is 
generally confined to the month of May, but the autumnal migra- 
tion is more prolonged. I have shot specimens on July 31, 1893, 
and July 28, 1894, and numbers in the first half of August. They 
are frequently seen in company with other species and are fre- 
quently confounded with Lvreunetes pusillus, but may be readily 
identified by having the toes cleft to their bases. 

All observers but one report the species as migrant only. Chas. 
R. Keyes gives it as a rare summer resident in Linn county and 


ANDERSON—THE BIRDS OF IOWA. 219 


says that the late Joseph Brown of Norway, Iowa, hada breeding 
record for Benton county. Mr. Brown’s daughter, Miss Nina 
Brown, writes: ‘‘My father has in his collection a set of four 
Least Sandpiper eggs of his own taking. There is no date with 
them and his book of field notes is lost, so the exact date and 
locality, etc., is undeterminable.”’ 


Genus PELIDNA Cuvier. 


102. (243a). felidna alpina sakhalina (Vieillot). Red-breasted 
Sandpiper. 

This species does not appear to be common anywhere in Iowa. 

J. A. Allen lists it (White’s Geol. of Iowa, ii, 425), and John Kri- 
der states that he ‘“‘found it in September in Iowa, in large flocks’’ 
(Forty Years’ Notes, 1879, 64). Kumlien and Hollister state that 
it is a ‘‘very abundant migrant in May, along Rock River. 
We saw in May, 1899, fifty-three individuals killed by the dis- 
charge of a double-barrelled shot-gun. In September and Octo- 
ber it is much less common, except along Lake Michigan’’ (Bds. 
of Wis., 1903, 47). P.B. Peabody describes myriads of waders 
at Heron Lake, Minn., May 19, 1894, the Red-backed Sandpipers 
everywhere, outnumbering all others five to one (Ool., xii, 1, 
1895). J.E.Law shot a pair May 26, 1896, at Bear Lake, Minn., 
just across the state line from Winnebago county. 

County records: Linn—‘‘rare migrant’’ (Berry). Lee—“‘‘rare, 
Keokuk district’’ (Praeger). Polk—‘‘rare’’ (Johnson). Pottawat- 
tamie—‘‘rare migrant’’ (Trostler). Woodbury—‘‘ uncommon 
transient’’ (Rich). 


senus HKREUNETES Illiger. 


103. (246). Lreunetus pusillus (Linn.). Semipalmated Sand- 
piper. 

The little Semipalmated Sandpipers are common migrants in 
Towa, usually in company with the Least Sandpipers. The spring 
migration is in May and the fall migration from the latter part of 
July until October. In Winnebago county I shot specimens on 
July 29 and 31, 1893, and in the University museum there are 
specimens taken at Burlington by Paul Bartsch on August 25 and 
October 15. On May 15, 1897, I picked up a crippled specimen 
under a rural telephone wire in Hancock county. <A few observ- 


220 DAVENPORT ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. 


ers report the species as rare: Van Buren (Savage); Winneshiek 
(Smith); Blackhawk (Walters). 


104. (247). “Lveunetes occidentalis Lawrence. Western Semi- 
palmated Sandpiper. 


This species closely resembles the preceding, but differs in hav- 
ing richer chestnut or rusty tints on back, and averaging slightly 
larger. Though called a western variety, it ranges to the Atlan- 
tic coast, in company with pwsi//ws. Coues’ Key gives the average 
length of bill as .66—.87 for pusz//us, and .85-1.15 for occidentalis. 
Two specimens in the University museum, males, were taken at 
Burlington by Paul Bartsch, October 15, 1895; No. 16363, bill .96 
inch; No. 16364, bill .g5 inch. 

The species is probably more common than the Iowa records 
would indicate, but the bird must be taken to be identified and 1s 
apt to be confused with the preceding. Both species are too small 
to be considered as ‘‘game birds,’’ and are seldom shot. 


>) 


Genus CALIDRIS Cuvier. 
105. (248). Calidris arvedaria (Linn.). Sanderling. 

The Sanderling, a typical beach bird, is instantly recognized by 
its having no hind toe. ‘The species is irregularly distributed in 
Iowa, being reported by only a few observers. Keyes and Will- 
iams stated that it was ‘‘not common. Occurs during migrations 


about the lakes of northern Iowa’’ (Bds. of Iowa, 1889, 122). In 
an irregular migrant, sometimes numerous; re- 


ce 


Nebraska it is 
ported from Omaha by Trostler and Skow’’ (Rev. Bds. Neb., 41). 

County records: Des Moines—a female specimen, juv., taken 
at Burlington October 15, 1895, by Paul Bartsch; Mus. Nat. Hist. 
No. 16339. Lee——‘‘flocks are not rare about the middle of Sep- 
tember. Earliest dates August 24; latest September ro. I have 
no spring records; Keokuk district’’ (Praeger). Linn—‘‘rare 
migrant’’ (Berry). Mulls-Pottawattamie—‘‘ common migrant ’’ 
(Trostler). 

Genus Limosa Brisson. 


106. (249). Limosa fedoa (Linn.). Marbled Godwit. 

The Marbled Godwit, the largest of the Bay Birds excepting 
the Long-billed Curlew, breeds chiefly in the interior of North 
America. It was formerly a tolerably common migrant in Iowa 


ANDERSON—THE BIRDS OF IOWA. 2 


to 
= 


agid nested in various localities in the state. Of late years it has 
become very rare. Keyes and Williams give it as ‘‘ migratory, 
not very common. Frequents prairie ponds during migratory 
periods’’ (Bds. of Iowa, 1889, 123). ‘‘ Very common at Lake 
Malls; lowa’°9( Krider, Forest and. Stream, i,-15, 1873, 235) 
‘“Seen occasionally in spring only’’ ( Decatur and Mahaska 
Sounties Iiippe, Proc. Bost. Soc., xv, 1872, 241). ‘‘ A set of 
four eggs taken April 29, 1878, from a nest on a marsh at Oak- 
land Valley, lowa’’ (Goss, Birds of Kan., 187). J. W. Preston 
found the species breeding in Kossuth county in the early ’80’s 
(O. & O., xviii, 1893, 82), and it was also reported by Mr. Preston 
as ‘‘ breeding at Clear Lake, Iowa’’ (Cooke, Bird Migr. in Miss. 
Val., 1884-85, 94). 

County records: Boone —‘‘ migrant, quite rare’’ (Henning). 
Lee—‘‘ scarce migrant; Keokuk district’’ (Praeger). Mills—Pot- 
tawattamie —‘‘rare migrant’’ ( Trostler). Sioux —‘‘ tolerably 
common summer resident at Hawarden in 1890”’ (Berry). Web- 
ster—‘‘occasional’’ (Somes). Winnebago—formerly summer res- 
dent, now very rare migrant. J. EK. Law saw two flocks of seven 
each over the state line at Bear Lake, Minn., May 27, 1896, and 
shot three for identification (Anderson). 

The species is conspicuous among the waders on account of its 
size and reddish color. When alighting, the bird has the habit 
of raising the wings over the back as it touches the ground. 


107. (251). Limosa hemastica (Linn.). Hudsonian Godwit. 

This species is even rarer in Iowa than the preceding and there 
are only a few records. 

County records: Blackhawk—‘‘a rare spring migrant in Black- 
hawk county, where several specimens have been taken’’ (Peck). 
Linn—“‘ rare migrant’’ (Berry). Monona—Mus. No. 17094, shot 
by D. H. Talbot at Blue Lake, May 7, 1884. Webster—“‘ rare; 
three killed from a small flock by Earl Black in spring of 1897’ 
(Somes). Woodbury—‘‘ rare transient ’’ (Rich); Mus. No. 17093, 
in Talbot collection, taken at Sioux City by J. F. Baker (no date). 


Genus Toranus Bechstein. 


108. (254).  Totanus melanoleucus (Gmel.). Greater Yellow-legs. 
The Greater Yellow-legs is a fairly common migrant in nearly 
all parts of the state, and abundant in some localities. It is found 


[PRoc. D. A. S.. VOL. XI.] 31 [Oct, 13, 1906. ] 


DAVENPORT ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. 


No 
No 
No 


in spring chiefly during the month of April, but it has been 
noted as early as March 28 and as late as May 14 in Winneshiek 
county (Smith), and in the fall in September and October. The 
species has been reported as breeding in Iowa (Goss, Bds. of Kan., 
189; Ridgway, Manual N. A. Birds, 165), but I have been able 
to find no definite records. The habit which many Sandpipers 
have of dallying about favorite feeding grounds until late in the 
spring and returning 1n midsummer has led many observers to 
consider them as breeding residents. The presence of straggling 
or unmated birds throughout the whole season is not necessarily 
proof of their nesting, however. The Yellow-legs are birds of 
restless habits, and their melodious whistle calls immediate atten- 
tion to their presence in the vicinity. Cooke reported the Greater 
Yellow-legs as a comimon summer resident at Heron Lake, Minn. 
(Bird Migr. in Miss. Val., 1884-85, 95). 

109. (255). Zotanus flavipes (Gmel.). Yellow-legs. 

The Yellow-legs, or Lesser Tell-tale, is a common migrant in 
Iowa, perhaps even more common than the Greater Yellow-legs. 
The two species are almost identical in form and coloration, but 
are readily distinguished by the size. It has been noted by prac- 
tically all observers in the state. Cooke (Bird Migr. in Miss. Val., 
1884-85, 95) states that ‘‘it is a common summer resident at Heron 
Lake, Minn., and has been found breeding in northern I[llinois.’’ 

I have seen numbers of the birds lingering on the marshes of 
the Iowa River flats in Hancock county in the latter part of May, 
acting as if they were nesting, in company with Wilson Phala- 
ropes, but have never found a nest. The Yellow-legs return 
early; shot one specimen July 27, 1893 (Winnebago), and they 
are usually numerous during the first half of August, in northern 
Iowa. 

Genus HELODROMAS Kaup. 
110. (256). Ffelodromas solitarius (Wils.). Solitary Sandpiper. 

The Solitary Sandpiper, or Solitary Tattler, is a common 
migrant in most parts of the state and occasionally a summer 
resident. It usually arrives in the latter part of April and 
remains during the early part of May, returning in midsummer 
and remaining along the shores of ponds and banks of wooded 
streams until October. I have shot specimens July 15, 22 and 


ANDERSON—THE BIRDS OF IOWA. 223 


29, 1893, July 14, 24 and 27, 1894; May 18, 1895,a female in 
which the ovaries were undeveloped (all in Winnebago county). 
Dr. C. C. Smith states that it isa ‘‘ common migrant and possibly 
a summer resident in Winneshiek county. I have seen it in 
spring between April 25 and May 22, and in summer and fall 
between July 6 and October 2.’’ Wm. E. Praeger gives it asa 
common summer resident in the Keokuk district. 

The Solitary Sandpiper is such an adept at concealing its nest 
that only one or two nests of eggs have ever been reported in 
print. It usually utters a low whistle when flushed from its 
haunts along a shaded stream, and, after alighting, generally 
raises the wings, displaying the beautifully barred axillaries. 


Genus SYMPHEMIA Rafinesque. 


I1rt. (258). Syaphemia semipalmata (Gmel.). Willet. 


The Willet is a rather rare migrant in Iowa. It was listed by 
Allen (White’s Geol. of Iowa, 1870, ii, 425). Thomas Say 
recorded its arrival at Engineers’ Cantonment, May 6, 1820 
(Long’s Exp., 1, 266-270). Hatch (Bds. of Minn., 1892, 140) 
says: ‘‘ The Willet must breed, in occasional instances, in the 
most southern counties, for individuals are seen there during the 
summer months. . . . The nests have been found quite remote 
from water of any kind on the dry prairie south of the Minne- 
sota River, and in the bottoms of that river.’?’ Kumlien and 
Hollister (Bds. of Wis., 1903, 50) state that: ‘‘ Some numbers 
pass up the Mississippi and remain, or at least did, during June 
in the marshy tracts in the western part of the state, possibly a 
few nesting.’’ Keyes and Williams (Bds. of Iowa, 1889, 123) give 
the Willet as ‘‘ migratory; not uncommon about the sloughs.’’ 

County records: Jee—‘‘rare migrant, Keokuk district’’ (Prae- 
ger). Winneshiek —‘‘rare; reported by Mr. Hall Thomas”’ 
(Smith). Woodbury—‘‘ uncommon transient; probably 258a’’ 
(Rich). 

112. (258a). Symphemia semipalmata inornata Brewster. West- 
ern Willet. 

This subspecies is slightly larger and paler than the eastern 
form. While nominally a western variety, it has also been found 
along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts. 


224 DAVENPORT ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. 


County records: Jasper—‘‘ Mr. Preston reported it as a rare 
breeder near Newton, Iowa’’ (Cooke, Bird Migr. in Miss. Val., 
1884-85, 96). Jee—'‘‘a very rare visitant’’ (Currier). Poweshiek 
—‘‘tolerably common transient’’ (Kelsey). Sioux—'‘‘I took a set 
of four eggs and shot the female of the Western Willet, June 2, 
1900, near Hawarden, about a half mile from where I found the 
American Avocet. I still have the eggs in my possession’’ (Berry). 

The University museum has two typical Iowa specimens: No. 
1014, April 27, 1887, Johnson county, collected by G. Clark, meas- 
uring—wing 8.50; tail 3.91; bill 2.55; tarsus 2.72. A specimen 
taken August 15, 1893, at Burlington by Paul Bartsch, has the bill 
2.63 inches long; body rufescent or salmon-tinted below, back 
and head much paler; no black except on tips of primaries. 


Genus BARTRAMIA Lesson. 


113. (261). Lartramia longicauda (Bechst.). Bartramian Sand- 
piper. 

The Bartramian or Upland Sandpiper is the species most com- 

in Iowa. It is a tolerably common 


) 


monly known as ‘‘Plover’ 
summer resident in most parts of the state, more frequent during 
migrations. In the earlier days it was generally found in the 
short grass of the upland prairies, but at the present time it is a 
resident of pastures, seldom appearing on low ground. The ear- 
lier observers: (Irippe, Prec. Bost) Soc,, xv, 1872, 240; eodlen 
Mem. Bost. Soc., i, 1868, 501) speak of the species as very tame 
and unsuspicious, but persecution has made the bird more wary 
of recent years. 

The Bartramian Sandpiper has a mellow, flute-like whistle, very 
melodious, and often given from the top of a post by the roadside. 
When alighting, the birds raise the wings to their fullest extent, 
holding them poised a moment before folding them. The nest is 
placed on the ground, usually on a hillside. I took a set of three 
slightly incubated eggs June 17, 1892, shooting the male bird 
from the nest (Winnebago); also four eggs, advanced in incuba- 
tion, May 25, 1895, near Crystal Lake (Hancock). The eggs are 
excessively large for the size of the bird,—about as large as those 
of the Guinea-fowl. This gentle, confiding bird is one of the 
most attractive and pleasing features of the prairie country, and 
should be strictly protected. 


ANDERSON—THE BIRDS OF IOWA. 225 


Genus TRYNGITES Cabanis. 
II4. (262). Trvngites subruficollis (Vieill.). Buff-breasted Sand- 
piper. 

This species appears to be very rare or irregular in Iowa. It 
was listed by Allen (White’s Geol. of Iowa, ii, 1870, 425). Kum- 
lien and Hollister give it as a rare migrant in Wisconsin; and it 
has been reported from Omaha (Rev. Birds Neb., 42). 

The University museum has three specimens, in the Talbot col- 
lection, killed at Sioux City, August 2, 1884. G.H. Berry reports 
it asa ‘‘rare migrant; examined two birds shot at Norway, Iowa, 
in April, 1903, on Mud Creek.”’ 


Genus ACTITIS Boie. 


115. (263). <Actitis macularia (LAnn.). Spotted Sandpiper. 


The little Spotted Sandpiper is a common summer resident in 
all parts of the state. It may be known by its lustrous brownish- 
gray back and spotted under parts, as well as by its habit of inces- 
sant ‘‘teetering’’ or balancing fore and aft upon its legs, bobbing 
the tail up and down. ‘The species is familiar to all who have 
spent any time along the banks of our streams in summer. It 
usually nests on sand-bars in the rivers or along their banks, but 
sometimes away from the water. 

Dr. C. C. Smith states that he has seen the birds as early as 
April 17 and as late as October 17; eggs as early as May Io, in 
Winneshiek county. A downy young specimen in the University 
museum was caught May 31, 1901, at Iowa City, by S. B. Matson. 


Subfamily NUMENINZ. Curlews. 


Genus NUMENIUS Brisson. 


116. (264). Nemenius longirostris Wils. Long-billed Curlew. 


C!The Long-billed Curlew is the largest of our species of Limzr- 
cole and is known by its sickle-shaped bill, four to eight inches 
long. It was formerly a common summer resident in Iowa, but 
now appears to be only a migrant, having disappeared from its 
former summer haunts with the breaking up of the original 
prairie sod. 

Thomas Say mentions the arrival of the Long-billed Curlew at 
Engineers’ Cantonment April 1, 1820 (Long’s Exp., 1, 266-270). 


226 DAVENPOR’TT ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. 


J. A. Allen stated that it was common in spring in western Iowa, 
and doubtless bred about the marshes (Mem. Bost. Soc., 1, 1868, 
sor). T. M. Trippe says ‘‘a few seen in spring in Decatur county, 
where I was informed that formerly it bred quite commonly’’ 
(Proc. Bost. Soc., xv, 1872, 241). .In 1884 the species passed 
through central Iowa April 15, and in 1885, from April ro to 15, 
it was noted at Emmetsburg, Iowa, Heron Lake, Minn., etc., 
(Cooke, Bird Migr. in Miss. Val., 1884-85, 97-8). Keyes and 
Williams give it as ‘‘migratory, rather common. A few remain 
(Birds of Iowa, 


) 


during the summer and nest on the open prairies’ 
1889, 123). 

In early May, in the ’80’s, J. W. Preston found the species nest- 
ing in northern Iowa. Hesays ‘‘Lying away to the west were 
the dim flats of Kossuth county. Not a sound, no shrubs for 
sighing winds, the wheels rolled muffled in the prairie grass. At 
one point, where the ground lay more rolling and dryer, were 
many Long-billed Curlews guarding their nests, and hovering 
near the wagon, uttering that peculiar mellow whistle so charac- 
teristic of the wild free prairie. Soon I was delighted to see.an 
old Curlew flutter from the horses’ feet, leaving the four speckled 
eggs exposed. Further on a mother Curlew led her mottled 
downy chicks from danger.’’ (‘‘Some Prairie Birds,’’ O. & O., 
XVil1, 1893, 82). 

Dr. Trostler reports the Long-billed Curlew as a common mi- 
grant in Pottawattamie and Mills counties. A.I. Johnson reports 
it as a migrapt in Sioux county, northwestern Iowa, saying: ‘‘I 
do not know of its nesting since I came to the state in 18go. 
Have only known of them during migration, and not very many 
at that.’’ All others who reported list the species as a rare mi- 
grant. 


117. (265). Numenius hudsonicus Lath. Hudsonian Curlew. 


This species 1s a rare migrant in Iowa. It was listed by Allen 
(White’s Geol. of Iowa, ti, 1870, 426). Cooke (Bird Migr. in 
Miss. Val., 1884-85, 98) says: ‘‘ The only record received came 
from Heron Lake, Minn., May 1, 1884.’ 

G. H. Berry reports it as a rare migrant in Linn county. I 
have a female specimen of the Hudsonian Curlew in my private 
collection, shot on the prairie west of Crystal Lake, Hancock 


7. 


ANDERSON—THE BIRDS OF IOWA. 227 
county, May 25,1895. The bird was alone and very wary and 
much careful stalking was necessary in order to secure it. 

T18. (266). Numenius borealis (Forst.). Eskimo Curlew. 

The Eskimo Curlew is also a rare migrant in Iowa. It was 
listed by Allen (White's Geol. of Iowa, ii, 1870, 426), and John 
Krider says: ‘‘I found it in Iowa in May, migrating westward”’ 
(Forty Years’ Notes, 1879, 68). 

County records: Des Moines—Mus. No. 16803, taken at Bur- 
lington, April 5, 1893, by Paul Bartsch. Jackson—‘‘rare tran- 
sient ’’ (Giddings). Johnson—specimens in University museum 
taken by Frank Bond (Nutting, Proc. Iowa Acad. Sci., 1892). 
Van Buren—“‘ spring migrant, very rare’’ (W. G. Savage). 


Family CHARADRIIDA. Plovers. 


The Plovers, in a general way, resemble the true Suipe, but 
have, as a rule, shorter, thicker bills, which are not adapted for 
probing. They pick up their food from the surface of the ground, 
and are found on uplands quite as frequently as upon the shores. 


Genus SQUATAROLA Cuvier. 


119. (270). Sguatarola squatarola (Liun.). Black-bellied Plover. 

The Black-bellied Plover is a rather rare migrant in Iowa, and 
somewhat irregular in its occurrence. In some plumages it 
resembles the Golden Plover, but may be recognized by the pres- 
ence of a very small hind toe. John Krider mentions the species 
as ‘‘abundant in Iowa, where it arrives about the first of May, 
feeding over the plowed ground’’ (Forty Years’ Notes, 1879, 61); 
also as ‘‘ very common at Lake Mills, lowa’’ (forest and Stream, 
i, 15, 1873, 235). Shoemaker listed the Black-bellied Plover as an 
abundant migrant in Franklin county (1896), and Berry as a tol- 
erably common migrant in Linn. Most observers consider the 
species as rare. A specimen in the University museum, No. 
16304, was taken at Burlington, Aug. 13, 1894, by Paul Bartsch. 


Genus CHARADRIUS Linnzeus. 
120. (272). Charadrius dominicus Mull. American Golden Plover. 
The American Golden Plover is rather more common in Iowa 


than the preceding species and may be readily distinguished by 
its lack of a hind toe. It occurs only as a migrant. ‘‘In the 


228 DAVENPORT ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. 


spring of 1884 it was noted from latitude 39° in Missouri to 41° 
42' in Iowa between March 21 and 27. Then no more records 
were made until after the April storms. April 29 it reached 
Heron Lake, Minn. In 1885 they came to Des Moines April 16; 
Heron Lake, Minn., May 4’’ (Cooke, Bird Migr. in Miss. Val., 
1884-85, 99). Trippe reported it as abundant in spring and fall 
in Decatur and Mahaska counties (Pr. Bost. Soc., xv, 1872, 240), 
and Allen as ‘‘not seen until September 18th [in western Iowa], 
when it became common’’ (Mem. Bost. Soc., i, 1868, 501). J. W. 
Preston observed large flocks wheeling over the burned tracts of 
prairie in early May in Kossuth county (O. & O., xvili, 1893, 82). 
The reports of observers vary as to the abundance of the Golden 
Plover, some listing it as rare, others as a common migrant. 

‘“At Davenport, October 24, 1889, one was found in the morning 
lying dead under a hundred-foot electric light tower which it had 
struck while migrating during the night’’ (Burtis H. Wilson). “‘I 
never have seen this bird alive in Iowa, but about 1889 (in May) 
there was a heavy shower, almost a cloud-burst, about 8:10 p. m., 
and the streets were full of drowned birds, among them about a 
hundred Golden Plover’’ (G. H. Berry, Cedar Rapids). 

Genus OXYECHUS Reichenbach. 
121. (273). Oxyechus vociferus (Linn.). Killdeer. 

The Killdeer or Killdeer Plover is the commonest representa- 
tive of the family in Iowa. It is an abundant summer resident 
in all parts of the state and is generally known from its shrill, 
plaintive ‘‘A7//-dee’’ note, which is often repeated and heard at all 
times and places along the shores of ponds, on pastures and fields, 
or when migrating at night. The four eggs are laid on the 
ground, without much pretence of a nest, in pastures or even in 
plowed fields. I have found several nests placed upon the hills 
of a frequently cultivated potato patch. The bird becomes very 
noisy and feigns lameness when the nesting site is closely ap- 
proached, but usually slinks away for some distance before giving 
voice, so that its exact location is difficult to discover. The Kill- 
deer is very restless when feeding, running rapidly from one point 
to another and frequently flying for short distances. It is an 
early migrant, arriving in March with the ducks and remaining 
until late in October. 


ANDERSON—THE BIRDS OF IOWA. 229 


Genus AAGIALITIS Boie. 
122. (274). -#gialitis semipalmata Bonap. Semipalmated Plover. 

The Semipalmated Plover is occasionally taken in Iowa during 
the migrations, but is not known to breed in the state. In Wis- 
consin, Kumlien and Hollister state that it is a common migrant 
during May and the first two weeks of June, and again during 
August and September. Numbers remain about the larger inland 
lakes and Lake Michigan during the summer (Birds of Wis., 
1903, 54). 

County records: Blackhawk—‘‘appears to be generally distrib- 
uted over the state in spring and fall migration, but not very 
abundant. Usually seen in small flocks in company with Kill- 
deers, Spotted Sandpipers and other waders’’ (Peck). Des Moines 
—Mus. No. 16480, August 13, 1891; No. 16338, August 19, 1891; 
Burlington (Paul Bartsch). Jefferson—‘‘observed about Jefferson 
in September’ (Allen, Mem. Bost. Soc., 1, 1868, 501). Johnson— 
‘secured near Iowa City last spring. Specimen in University 
museum [Vogt’s Swamp, May 27, 1892]’’ (Nutting, Proc. Iowa 
Acad. Sci., 1892). Lee—‘‘common migrant’’ (Praeger); ‘‘mi- 
grant, not common’’ (Currier). Linn—‘‘rare migrant’’ (Berry). 
Mills-Pottawattamie—‘‘abundant migrant’’ (Trostler). Winne- 
shiek—'‘'‘rare migrant; have seen it only two or three times; taken 
May 27, 1897’’ (Smith). 

123. (277). -&gialitis meloda (Ord). Piping Plover. 

The Piping Plover isarare migrant in lowa. Some of the rec- 
ords of the next variety may be confused with this, the only dif- 
ference being that in .#. m. circumcincta the black patches on the 
sides of the neck coalesce in front. In Wisconsin, Kumlien and 
Hollister state that from 1870 to 1900 more specimens were pro- 
cured with the complete ‘‘ring’’ than without (Birds. of Wis., 
1903, 54). 

C.C. Nutting reports: ‘‘Piping Plover -/:gialitis meloda Ord, 
Burlington, Iowa, Aug. 21, 1892, Paul Bartsch. This specimen 
was killed nearer the Illinois than the Iowa side of the river and 
is, therefore, not strictly an Iowa record’’ (Proc. Iowa Acad. Sci., 
1894, 44). Wm. E. Praeger writes: ‘‘One specimen shot by my- 
self on-August 25, 1894, Keokuk, Iowa. I have recorded it as 
277, but no longer have the skin; expect my record will stand.”’ 


[PRoc DLA. S., Vou. XI. 32 [Oct. 14, 1906. ] 


230 DAVENPORT ACADEMY OF SCIENCKS. 


124. (277a). -dgialitis meloda circumcincta Ridgway. Belted 
Piping Plover. 

This subspecies of the Piping Plover is considered the typical 
form of the interior, ‘‘breeding from Illinois to Lake Winnipeg.’’ 
Cooke states that ‘‘it was reported as breeding at Grinnell, but 
was not noted during migration’’ (Bird Migr. in Miss. Val., 1884— 
85, LOL): : 

County records: Des Moines—A specimen in the University 
museum, No. 16342, taken at Burlington, August 27, 1893, by 
Paul Bartsch, has the dusky collar nearly meeting across breast. 
Dickinson—‘‘shot specimens at Spirit Lake July 30, 1902’’ (Bailey). 
Linn—‘‘spring and fall migrant’’ (Bailey); ‘‘tolerably common 
migrant; occasional summer resident’’ (Berry). Lee—‘‘migrant; 
not common’’ (Currier). Poweshiek—'‘rare transient’’ (Kelsey). 
Webster—'‘‘few’’ (Somes). Winnebago—‘‘quite numerous near 
Rake, May 22, 1891’’ (Halvorsen). Woodbury —‘‘ uncommon 
transient’’ (Rich). 


Family APHRIZID. _ Surf-birds and Turnstones. 


This is a small family, with three North American species. 
They are almost strictly maritime and only occur as stragglers in 
the interior. 

Genus ARENARIA Brisson. 


123. (283.1). Avenaria marinella (LAnn.). Ruddy Turnstone. 


The Turnstone is of very rare occurrence in Iowa. John Krider 
states (Forty Years’ Notes, 1879, 62): ‘‘Strepsilas interpres Mig. 
Very abundant about the roth of May along the seashore, feed- 
ing upon the eggs of the king-crab; and arrives about the same 
time in Iowa in great numbers, feeding on the craw-fish about 
the sloughs on the prairie.”’ 

Paul Bartsch records ‘‘First Record of the Turnstone in Iowa, 
May 21, 1892’’ (Iowa Orn., iv, 3, 1898, 3): ‘‘A pair seen on rail- 
road tracks near Burlington bridge. When started up, crossed 
river, circled over city of Burlington, and returned to same place. 
Both killed in Illinois, but will have to be added to the list of 
Iowa birds as we also observed them in Iowa.’’ One of these 
specimens is now in the University museum. 

George H. Berry gives the Turnstone as a ‘‘rare migrant in 
Linn county; one shot in 1890 on Prairie Creek, between Cedar 


ANDERSON—THE BIRDS OF IOWA. 220 
Rapids and Fairfax, by a hunter from Cedar Rapids.’ ‘‘Spring 
and fall migrant—Linn”’ (Bailey). ‘‘Straggler— Mills county’’ 


(Trostler). 


Order GALLIN#. Gallinaceous Birds. 
Suborder PHASIANI. ‘True Fowls. 
Family TETRAONID.®. Grouse, Partridges, Quails. 


The Grouse are heavy, ground-inhabiting birds, usually found 
in coveys or flocks after the nesting season. ‘They are the most 
highly prized of the game birds, and their habits are too well 
known to need description. While their food consists to a con- 
siderable extent of grain and seeds, the large numbers of insects 
which they destroy in summer make them valuable allies of the 
farmers. Moreover, the grain which is consumed by them is usu- 
ally gleanings or scatterings which otherwise would be wasted. 


Subfamily PERDICIN.  Partridges. 
Genus Co1iinus Lesson. 


126. (289). Colinus virginianus (IAnn.). Bob-white. 


The Bob-white, universally known as ‘‘Quail’’ in Iowa, is a 
common or abundant resident in all parts of the state. It was 
much less common during the early days of settlement of the 
state, particularly in the northern and northwestern sections, but 
with the clearing of the woods and cultivation of the prairies the 
Quails became more numerous and, when protected, very tame and 
almost semi-domesticated at times. The cheery ‘‘ 406-white’’ 
note of the male bird may be heard during the whole summer 
from the tops of country fence-posts. As nests with eggs are 
found during the summer from the first of June until the last of 
August it is probable that two broods are hatched. I found a 
nest containing fifteen eggs June 5, 1897, in the grass by the 
roadside, in Hancock county, and a nest with twelve eggs by the 
road between Spirit Lake and Okoboj1, August 18, 1901, most of 
the eggs in the latter nest being pipped. C. F. Henning (Boone) 
records a set of fourteen eggs, August 27, and a nest with thir- 
teen eggs one week later (O. & G., xviii, 1893, 143). 

Many of the Bob-whites are frozen to death during severe win- 
ters, a flock being snowed under as it huddles in a compact bunch 


232 DAVENPORT ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. 


in some fence-corner. About 1890 the species was nearly extinct 
in Winnebago and Hancock counties, but the number rapidly in- 
creased from year to year until it is now common. Dr. Smith 
has noticed the same state of affairs in Winneshiek county. 
Though the pairs scatter during the nesting season they assemble 
later in coveys, frequenting grain-fields in the fall and thickets, 
corn-fields and bottom-lands in the winter. 


Genus CALLIPEPLA Wagler. 
Subgenus CALLIPEPLA Wagler. 


127. (293). Callipepla squamata (Vig.). Scaled Partridge. 

‘‘A single specimen of this southwestern bird, shot at Tabor, 
Iowa, May 2, 1889, was exhibited by Prof. J. EK. Todd at the meet- 
ing of the Iowa Academy of Sciences, September 5, 1899. It was 
doubtless a straggler, and the species cannot be considered as be- 
longing to our state fauna’’ (Herbert Osborn, Catalogue of Ani- 
mals represented in the collection of the Iowa Agricultural Col- 


lesen 1801, Pp. 7). 
Subfamily TETRAONINA. Grouse. 
Genus BoNnasA Stephens. 


128. (300). Lonasa umbellus (Lann.). Ruffed Grouse. 


b] 


The Ruffed Grouse, commonly known as ‘‘Partridge’’ or 
‘¢Pheasant,’’ is now a rare bird in most localities in the state, 
where it was formerly common. It isa resident species and a few 
pairs still linger wherever the native woodland remains uncleared, 
and in the springtime, and rarely in autumn and winter, the dull, 
muffled drumming of the male bird may be heard as, standing on 
some fallen log or stump, he beats the air with his wings. The 
species is reported as still common in restricted localities in the 
state. G.H. Berry reported that one hunter killed over twenty 
in one day along the Cedar River in Linn county in 1go03. 

Major Bendire states in his Life Histories of North American 
Birds: ‘‘Mr. Lynds Jones of Grinnell found a nest of the Ruffed 
Grouse in a hollow stump”’’ (vol. i, 61). ‘‘Sets of sixteen eggs or 
over are of rare occurrence, but I have a reliable record of one 
numbering twenty-three eggs. Mr. John F. Paintin of Coralville, 
Iowa, found the set May 26, 1886, near the Iowa River, ten miles 
north of Iowa City. He was walking along in-the timber, and 


ANDERSON—THE BIRDS OF IOWA. 


to 
Ww 
ios) 


in stepping over a rotten log almost stepped upon the grouse. 
The eggs were carefully counted and the number found to be 
twenty-three; they were almost hatched and were not disturbed’’ 
@bid; 1, 53): 

I have noticed that the Ruffed Grouse sits very close, depend- 
ing upon its protective coloration harmonizing with the dead 
brown leaves which invariably cover the ground around the nest. 

Genus TyMpANUCHUS Gloger. 
129. (305). Zympanuchus americanus (Reich.). Prairie Hen. 

Though the species has been dignified by the book-names of 
Pinnated Grouse and Prairie Hen, in the vernacular of sportsmen, 
hunters, and all who have known the bird in its native haunts, 
the name has always been, and bids fair to remain, ‘‘ Prairie 
Chicken ’”’ or simply ‘‘ Chicken.’’ ‘The Prairie Chicken was for- 
merly an abundant bird in all parts of the state, resident through- 
out the year, and in many cases supplying the early settler with 
his main supply of fresh meat. From continual persecution by 
hunters—farmers’ boys and city sportsmen—with guns, dogs, and 
traps, the destruction of the eggs and young, their numbers have 
been greatly reduced until, while perhaps not actually extinct in 
any county of the state, in most localities the Prairie Chicken is 
very rare and can only be considered common in the northern 
and northwestern portions of the state. 

The Prairie Chicken formerly nested upon the upland prairie 
hillsides, but of recent years, owing to the thick settlement of the 
country, practically all such land is used for cultivation or pastur- 
age and the Chickens have been forced to resort to the taller grass 
around the edges of sloughs and ditches. The burning of the 
slough grass in the spring is responsible for the destruction of 
many nests, and a wet spring and summer always results in a 
small crop of Prairie Chickens. In late summer and early fall 
(from my observations in Winnebago county) they frequent the 
shade of tall weeds around sloughs, feeding on the stubble-fields 
in the evening and morning. About October 1st the survivors 
of the coveys take to the corn-fields, becoming very wary, and 
remain there most of the winter. A hunter may flush a covey, 
~igark them down at the edge of another field and, following them 
up, fd that they have run silently and rapidly to the other side 


234 DAVENPORT ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. 


of the field, perhaps a quarter of a mile away, taking flight as 
soon as he enters the field. 

While a certain number remain throughout the winter, large 
flocks pass southward early in the winter, returning in March. 
On a few occasions I have seen Chickens roosting in trees in the 
winter time, but this is unusual. They frequently burrow in 
snow-banks for the night, and are often snowed under. On the 
afternoon of February 9th, 1894, while wading through deep, soft 
snow in a slough, two Chickens burst up through the thin crust 
not ten feet away. Several other burrows were noticed in the 
snow in the vicinity. In winter, I have heard many authentic 
reports of Chickens being killed by flying against telegraph and 
telephone wires. 

W. W. Cooke, in ‘‘Bird Migration in the Mississippi Valley, 
1884-5,’ Pp. 104-6, Says: 

‘The Prairie Chicken is commonly said to be a resident bird, 
and so it is in the larger part of its range; but in Iowa a regular 
but local migration takes place. . . . In November and Decem- 
ber large flocks of Prairie Chickens come from northern Iowa and 
southern Minnesota 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 
wet, cold spring the northward movement in March and. April is 
largely arrested on the arrival of the flocks in northern Iowa, but 
an early spring, with fine weather, finds them abundant in the 
southern tier of counties in Minnesota, and many flocks pass still 
farther north. The most notable feature is found in the sex of 
the migrants. It is the females that migrate, leaving the males 
to bear the winter’s cold.’’ 

In the spring of 1897 I had a good opportunity to study the 
or so-called courtship antics of the male birds, in 


bf 


‘booming’ 
Winnebago county. <A certain number of males resort to the 
same spot every morning and evening for a period of about two 
months in the spring. 

March 24—Saw about a dozen Chickens ‘‘booming’’ for the 
first time this spring, upon a low, flat-topped hill, nearly sur- 
rounded by a slough. The sound is very deceptive; when close 


it appears far away, and when a mile away may seem very neay~ 


April 6—Built a ‘‘blind’’ on same hill, covering it with hay. 


tw lathes 


ANDERSON—THE BIRDS OF IOWA. Pa 


April 1o—Observed Chickens from ‘‘blind.’’ ‘They began to fly 
in about 5:45 p.m. All were males, as on all subsequent occa- 
sions, which leads me to doubt that the performance is entirely 
for the benefit of the hen birds. When ready‘ to ‘‘boom,’’ or 
‘“coo,’’ as I should prefer to call it, the cock scratches the ground 
with both feet very rapidly for a second, then bending the body 
forward and downward, wings drooping to the ground, and tail 
spread, the orange-yellow neck-sacs are inflated and the air is 
forced out with a rolling dee—doo—doo, the last syllable prolonged 
and the head bobbing with each sound. ‘The bird then straight- 
ens up, deliberately walks a few steps, and repeats the operation. 
Frequently two or three cocks are cooing at once, making a pro- 
longed and continuous doo——-oo—oo——doo, often intermingled with 
a clucking fook! took! took! took! or a loud shrill ca—ca—ca—ca—- 
caa/ the last syllable very shrill. While cooing, the sack under 
the throat becomes nearly spherical, but the feathers along the 
median line dividing the yellow skin sometimes make it appear 
to bulge out at the sides. The cooing continued for some time 
after dark. ‘The birds seemed very pugnacious and many spec- 
tacular and ceremonious combats occurred, two cocks advancing 
toward each other, bowing deliberately, until they would sud- 
denly spring together, one sometimes jumping over the other’s 
head. None seemed to be injured by these tilts, however. 

In the mornings they begin to coo by five o’clock or earlier, 
usually ceasing before seven. On cold days they were not so 
noisy. On April 22 they were noisy at times, but strangely quiet 
at intervals, being only aroused from their apathy to answer an- 
other distant chorus from the west. The last cooing ‘of the 
Prairie Chickens for the season which I heard was on the morn- 
ing of May 27. 

The eggs are usually laid in May, although unfavorable seas- 
ons may delay the hatching time until after the middle of June. 
May 5, 1895, I found a nest containing ten fresh eggs in tall dead 
grass, about three feet from a ditch containing running water; 
May 18, 1895, twelve fresh eggs, on dry ground, in a low place; 
May 25, 1895, twelve eggs, nearly ready to hatch, on upland 
prairie, all in Hancock county, Iowa. While I have seen a num- 
ber of Prairie Chicken’s eggs hatched out under domestic hens, 
the deeply inherent wildness of the chicks prevented them from 
being raised to maturity. 


236 DAVENPORT ACADEMY OF SCIENCES 


Genus PEDIOCAHTES Baird. 
130. (308b). Pediocetes phasianellus campestris Ridgw. Prairie 
Sharp-tailed Grouse. 

The Prairie Sharp-tailed Grouse, the ‘‘Pintail Chicken’’ of the 
Northwest, east of the Rocky Mountains, is probably extinct in 
Iowa, although it was undoubtedly found in the state formerly. 
Thomas Say mentions its occurrence at Engineers’ Cantonment 
in 1819-20 (Long’s Exp., i, 265). John Krider says: ‘‘I found 
this bird in Iowa and Minnesota, where it breeds’’ era? Years’ 
Notes, 1879, 56), and ‘‘very common at Lake Mills, lowa’’ (Fores? 
and Stream, i, 15, 1873, 235). ‘“Ihey were recorded as rare resi- 
dents at Grinnell, Iowa’’ (Cooke, Bird Migr. in Miss. Val., 1884— 
85, 106-7). Keyes and Williams give it as ‘‘common on the 
prairies of northwestern Iowa’? (Bds. of Iowa, 1889, 125). F. V. 
Hayden says: ‘‘This bird is seldom seen below Council Bluffs. 
From thence to the mountains it is very abundant’’ (Trans. Am. 
Philos. Soc., xii, 1863, 172). Dr. Coues, tracing the habitat of 
the Sharp-tailed Grouse, in 1874 (Birds of the Northwest, page 
407), Says: 

‘The latter inhabits the western portions of Minnesota and 
Iowa, all of Dakota, thence diagonally across Nebraska and Kan- 
sas to Colorado. . . . Its southwest trend is confirmed by Mr. 
Trippe, who believes that the Sharp-tailed scarcely* comes to 
Iowa. (*But I am reliably informed of its occurrence, with Cz- 
idonia, in northwestern portions of Iowa); and more particularly 
by my own observations, between Fort Randall and Yankton. 

. The Cupidones are unquestionably creeping up the Missouri 
just as the Quail have done, although they have not, apparently, 
as yet progressed quite so far: and with their advancement, the 
Sharp-tailed are probably receding along this line as elsew here.” 

This westward extension of the limits of the Pinnated Grouse 
and simultaneous recession of the Sharp-tailed species is still 
going on. In 1899, in North Dakota, I found the limits of the 
two species overlapping in Nelson county, in about the region of 
Stump Lake. Mr. Alf. Eastgate, a resident collector of many 
years’ experience, informed me that the Prairie Sharp-tailed 
Grouse were rapidly disappearing from that region as the Pin- 
nated Grouse moved westward. at 

G. H. Berry writes: ‘“The only birds I ever saw in Lowa wete 
in Winneshiek county, in 1889, when I shot two birds out of 


A. He x 


ee ee 


ANDERSON—THE BIRDS OF IOWA. 237 


about nine, some four or five miles southeast of Hesper (near State 
line) in the northeastern part of Winneshiek county, on what was 
called the Casterton Farm. I have never been there since, but a 
friend of mine says he shot a prairie chicken three years ago di- 
rectly south of Decorah, ‘same county, that was unlike the rest 
they shot, and the only ones he ever saw like it were some shot 
in North Dakota, so I think there may be a scattering few yet 
remaining in that locality.’’ 

A. I. Johnson writes: ‘‘The years of 1890-91 I lived at Hull, 
Sioux county, Iowa, and hunted considerably, but although I 
was on the lookout for this bird I never found one or knew of one 
being taken anywhere in that locality.’ W.H. Bingaman of 
Algona writes: ‘‘I have never seen or heard of Prairie Sharp- 
tailed Grouse in this state, and every fall I shoot hundreds of 
chickens and formerly bought for market, but I have never seen 
one that was taken in Iowa’’ (Kossuth). 


Family PHASIANID.. Pheasants, Turkeys. 


This family includes the common fowl and various Old World 
Pheasants, the only American representatives being the Turkeys. 


Subfamily MELEAGRINZ. ‘Turkeys. 
Genus MELEAGRIS Linnzeus. 


131. (310a). JMJeleagris gallopavo silvestris (Vieill.). Wild Turkey. 

The Wild Turkey, the noblest American game bird, was once 
fairly common in the wooded districts of the state, but is now 
practically extinct. A few straggling birds are said to still sur- 
vive on a protected farm in Lee county. 

The Lewis and Clark Expedition in 1804 (Coues’ Hist. of L. & 
C. Exp., i, 54) found Turkeys common at various points along 
the Missouri—July 22-26, 1804, below mouth of Mosquito Creek, 
Mills county; July 31—north of Boyer’s Creek; August 9—Mon- 
ona county. Thomas Say found them at Engineers’ Cantonment 
in 1819-20. Prince Maximilian observed numbers at various 
points along the Missouri in 1834 (Reise, il, 343): May 13, 1834, 
below Boyer’s Creek; May 13, near Bellevue, Nebraska; May 14, 
‘““Wheeping-water Creek . . . wir steigen ofters an das Land, 
um wilde Truthtner zu jagen, deren Stimmen zu uns bertiber 
schalten. Oefters trafen wir diese stolzen Vogel in hohen luft- 


[PRroc. D. A. S., VoL. XI.] 33 [Oct. 24, 1906. ] 


238 DAVENPORT ACADEMY OF SCIENCKS. 


igen Waldstammen an, unter welchen ein uppiger Grasswachs 
aufsprosste; sie standen aber zu hoch fur die Schrotflinte.”’ 

In 1843 Audubon saw three Turkeys above Council Bluffs, on 
May 10 (Journals, i, 482); May 13, ‘‘started several Turkey cocks 
from their roost’’ (Floyd’s Bluff and mouth of Big Sioux, Ibid., 
488-9); October 1, ‘‘landed below the [Big] Sioux River to shoot 
Turkeys, having seen a big male on the bluffs. Bell killed a hen 
and Harris two young birds’’ (Ibid., 11, 70). 

T. M. Trippe, writing from Decatur and Mahaska counties 
(Proc. Bost. Soc., xv, 1872, 240), says the Turkey is ‘‘not uncom- 
mon, but from its being constantly persecuted, very shy and vig- 
ilant.’’ In 1889 (Bds. of Iowa, 125), Keyes and Williams give it 
as ‘‘resident; formerly very abundant, but becoming less abund- 
ant each year. A few are occasionally taken in the heavily tim- 
bered districts along the streams.”’ 

A number of observers have reported the Turkey as formerly 
occurring but now extinct in their localities. Paul Bartsch (Iowa 
Orn., ii, 1, 1895, 3) tells how a Burlington game dealer discovered 


a flock two years before and succeeded in killing every one of the | 


thirteen birds. W. G. Savage informs me that they were very 
plentiful thirty years ago in Van Buren county, but now none are 
to be found, the last one being seen six years ago. W. G. Prae- 
ger states that he was ‘‘recently informed that they are now quite 
extinct near Keokuk, were still fairly common up to 1890, and 
the last I heard of was about 1895.’’ ; 
Edmonde S. Currier reports: ‘‘This bird is almost extinct in 
Iowa, but not quite. October 24, 1903, two were fltished in a 
woodland west of Donnellson, Lee county. This was on a large 
farm where no shooting has been allowed for many years, and a 
small flock of turkeys can be seen there even yet. November 13, 
1898, I saw a fine male that had been killed from a gang of seven 
three miles west of Summitville, Lee county, on Grape Creek.’’ 
In rg00 and 1902 Mr. Currier also saw fresh tracks of Turkeys 
and heard the birds calling in the woodland in the latter locality. 


Order COLUMBE. Pigeons. 
Family COLUMBIDA. Pigeons and Doves. 


Only two species of the family are found in Iowa, one of these 
being practically extinct. They are principally ground-feeding 
birds, living almost wholly upon grains and seeds. 


nt ee 


ANDERSON—THE BIRDS OF IOWA. 239 


Subfamily COLUMBIN#. Arboreal Pigeons. 


Genus ECTOPISTES Swainson. 


132. (315). “ctopistes migratorius (Linn.). Passenger Pigeon. 

The Passenger Pigeon, the ‘‘ Wild Pigeon’’? whose enormous 
flights were the wonder of the early settler, is now practically ex- 
tinct in Iowa, although there are a few records of straggling mi- 
grants during recent years. 

Thomas Say noted the arrival of the species at Engineers’ Can- 
tonment, May 2, 1820. S.F. Baird records a specimen taken at 
the mouth of the Big Sioux, May 3, 1856, by Dr. Hayden (gth 
Pac. R. R. Rep., Part 2, Birds, 600). .In Decatur and. Mahaska 
counties, T. M. Trippe observes that it ‘‘occurs regularly, chiefly 
in spring and fall, sometimes in large flocks. Not observed to 
breed’’ (Proc. Bost..Soc., xv, 1872; 240). John Krider states: ‘‘I 
found it in Iowa in 1875, breeding in Benson Grove [now Leland, 
‘Winnebago county], and also at Clear Lake, where it was more 
plenty’’ (Forty Years’, Notes, 55). Keyes and Williams state: 
-“Targe flocks occasionally appear in different. parts of the state. 
A few are usually seen each spring, and a few pairs sometimes 
breed within the limits of the state. A nest with one egg was 
taken at Charles City, June 14, 1879’’ (Bds. of Iowa, £889, 125). 
‘A few of the later records are given below: 

Blackhawk—‘‘our latest record is eighteen years old’’ (Peck). 
Des Moines—Last record, a flock of about twenty on Mississippi 
between Burlington and Dallas in fall of 1891 (Bartsch, Iowa Orn., 
il, 4, 1895, 1-2). Franklin—‘‘a flock of about twenty birds was 
seen frequently in Mayne’s Grove during the spring of 1893 
and one was found dead; this is my only record’’ (Shoemaker). 
Kossuth—‘‘three were seen April 6, 1903’’ (Bingaman). Lee— 
‘“‘saw a single female May 19, 1896, and shot a single young male 
Sept. 7, same year. They are said to have been common in 1884”’ 
(Praeger); ‘‘last ones seen May 13, 1899’’ (Currier). Linn—‘‘two 
seen in May, 1901, a couple miles below Cedar Rapids, the only 
ones I ever saw in Iowa’’ (Berry). Poweshiek—‘'I saw two flocks 
and killed six birds about 1881’’ (Lynds Jones). Winneshiek— 
‘‘T have never seen this species. It was very common 15-20 years 
ago. A farmer tells me of seeing a small flock in April, 1895. 
He told me that it used to be seen in immense flocks in April and 


240 DAVENPORT ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. 


in the fall, remaining about two weeks. A few remained to 
breed’’ (Smith). My mother tells of immense flocks which vis- 
ited Winneshiek county in the ’50’s, alighting in the timber, 
where the boys killed large numbers at night by knocking them 
from the branches with sticks. 


Subfamily ZENAIDIN. Ground Doves. 
Genus ZENAIDURA Bonaparte. 


133. (316). Zenaidura macroura (LAnn.). Mourning Doves. 

The Mourning Dove or Turtle Dove is an abundant and famil- 
iar summer resident in all parts of the state, and the mournful 
cooing note may be heard almost anywhere during the mating 
season. ‘Two or three broods are reared during the season. I 
have found fresh eggs in Winnebago county in all the months 
from April 30 to September 1. The nest is a very carelessly made 
affair, composed of a few twigs loosely thrown together, usually 
in a bush or a low tree. In Clyde county, Kansas, I found one 
nest July 21 and one July 22, 1903, on the ground in freshly-cut 
wheat stubbie. Dr. Rich also records several instances of the 
Mourning Dove breeding on the ground (West. Orn., v, 1, 1900). 

The Mourning Dove usually arrives from the south in March 
and departs in the latter part of October. During the nesting 
season they are usually in pairs, but in the fall assemble in flocks 
of varying size and frequent grain and stubble fields. At sunset 
numbers regularly gather on the shores of some pooi to drink. 
A few birds frequently remain during mild winters as far north 
as the center of the state. 

Winter records: Blackhawk—‘‘from one to five generally re- 
main here all winter; none observed here in winter of 1903-04’’ 
(Salisbury). Jackson—‘‘abundant; resident’’ (Giddings). Jasper 
—“‘reported all winter in 1890, at Baxter, about the stock yards, 
by J. W. Preston’’ (Bendire, Life Hist. N. A. Bds., 141-42). John- 
son—occasional in winter (Anderson). Lee—‘‘a few remain all 
winter’’ (Currier). Linn—‘‘a few are spending the winter here 
(1903-04); as many as twelve have been seen at one time’’ 
(Keyes). Muscatine—‘‘Jan. 26, saw two common Doves; ground 
entirely covered with snow, and 6° below zero. In mild weather 
they are sometimes seen in January and February, but this has 
been an unusually severe winter’ (C.N.P.,O. & O., vi, 1, 1881, 7). 


— = 


ANDERSON—THE BIRDS OF IOWA. 241 


Boone—‘‘I have met with it during mild winters in the heavy 
timber along the Des Moines River bottoms’’ (Henning). Win- 
neshiek——‘‘a few remain throughout the winter in cattle yards’’ 


(Smith). 


Order RAPTORES. Birds of Prey. 
Suborder SARCORHAMPHI. American Vultures. 
Family CATHARTIDAY. American Vultures. 


The Vultures are large, heavy birds, with great powers of soar- 
ing flight. They feed’ principally upon carrion and are exceed- 
ingly useful as scavengers in southern localities. 


Genus CATHARTesS Illiger. 


134. (325). Cathartes aura (Linn.). ‘Turkey Vulture. 

The Turkey Vulture, or Turkey Buzzard, as it is more famili- 
arly known, is a tolerably common summer resident in some parts 
of the state, arriving early in April and leaving in November, and 
a rare or infrequent visitor in other parts. Nests are occasionally 
found. In the earlier days the species was apparently more com- 
mon. J. A. Allen (Mem. Bost. Soc., i, 1868, 500) says: ‘‘At Pan- 
ora I once saw them congregated in hundreds, attracted by two 
dead pigs. Frequently observed them resting on the fences and 
wheat stacks, in very hot days opening their wings to catch the 
breeze, the very picture of indolence. In southern Guthrie county 
is a locality known as ‘Buzzards’ Roost,’ it is said from the num- 
ber of these birds that resort there.” 

Major Bendire, in “his ‘‘Life Histories,” 1892, p. 163, Says: 
‘“Mr. Lynds Jones writes me from Grinnell, Iowa, ‘I once started 
a Turkey Buzzard from her nest and found, among the matter 
thrown up, mice and pieces of a skunk, evidently very recently 
killed. . . . The nesting site was a hollow stump, resorted to 
year after year.’ . . . Mr. J. W. Preston states: ‘At Spirit Lake, 
Iowa, I took a set of two eggs from an old elm tree, which leaned 
in the form of an arch; the bird made its way into the tree at the 
broken-off top and deposited the eggs near the roots of the tree.’ ”’ 

E. B. Webster writes me, March 1, 1897: ‘‘Breeds, or one pair 
of them did, on the upper Iowa River in the northern part of our 
county (Howard) a few years ago; frequently see them.’’ Mor- 

_ton E. Peck says it ‘‘formerly bred quite frequently in Blackhawk 


242 DAVENPORT ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. 


county in hollow trees, and more recently on the Palisades of the 
Cedar River in Linn county. Now seldom seen except in migra- 
tion.’’ Chas. R. Keyes gives it as a ‘‘fairly common summer res- 
ident in Linn county. Breeds in caves along the Cedar River.”’ 


Suborder FALCONES. Diurnal Birds of Prey. 


Family FALCONIDA. Vultures, Falcons, Hawks, 
Eagles, Etc. 


The birds included in this family are well-marked in structure 
and characteristics. They possess great bodily strength and 
strong powers of flight, obtaining their food, which consists of 
small mammals, birds, reptiles, and insects, by capturing it alive. 
Nearly every species is of great benefit to the farmer as a destroyer 
of the multitudes of the small rodents which injure the crops. 
Great masses of statistics have been collected which show that the 
value of the poultry and game birds consumed by them 1s infini- 
tesimal when compared with the services rendered in other ways. 
With the possible exception of two or three species, they should 
be strictly protected. 


Subfamily ACCIPITRINA. . Hawks. 
Genus ELANOIDES Vieillot. 

135. (327). Flanoides forficatus (Linn.). Swallow-tailed Kite. 

The Swallow-tailed Kite was formerly a tolerably common 
summer resident throughout the state, but of recent years it is of 
infrequent occurrence, though reported by nearly all observers. 

Thomas Say observed the species in Pottawattamie county in 
1819-20. Prince Maximilian also observed it on the Missouri 
(Reise, i, 306): May 8, 1833—‘‘Etwas weiter aufwarts  tritt 
Floyd’s-River hervor, und an den Floyd’s Hugeln zeigen sich 
einzelne Nadelholz-Baume, uber dene der weisse gabelschwanzige 
Milan (/alco furcatus) in der Luft schwebte.”’ . . . (Ibid. 11, 340) 
May II, 1834 (mouth of Little Sioux), ‘‘bemerkten in der Luft 
ein Paar der schonen weiss und schwarzen Milanen, welchen die 
franzosichen Abkommlinge am Mississippi la fregata nennen.’’ 
Audubon noted ‘‘a Swallow-tailed Kite’’ near Council Bluffs in 
1843 (Journals, i, 481). 

J. A. Allen (Mem. Bost. Soc., i, 1868, 500) writes: ‘‘ Common. 
Often seen in considerable numbers, and generally over or near 


ANDERSON—THE BIRDS OF IOWA. . 243 


the timber skirting the streams. At Denison, in the timber of 
the Boyer River, they were very common and nesting ; the nests 
being placed on horizontal branches, at some distance from the 
trunk. By the middle of July the young had not flown. With 
a peculiarly graceful, swallow-like flight this beautiful bird was 
seen not infrequently skimming over the prairie, singly or two or 
three in company, eagerly searching for their reptile food.’’ John 
Krider (Forty Years’ Notes, 1879, 10) says: ‘‘I have found it 
very abundant in Iowa, Minnesota and Kansas, where they breed. 
The first nest I found was at Coon Lake, Iowa. I watched the 
birds building, and only obtained one egg, which is now in the 
Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D. C.’’» Baird, Brewer and 
Ridgway (N. A. Birds, iii, 1875, 192) describe an egg taken in 
Iowa by Krider; and Bendire, in his ‘‘ Life Histories,’’ figures a 
type specimen of an egg taken in Blackhawk county, June 3, 
1875. Morton E. Peck writes me that it ‘‘once bred regularly 
in Blackhawk and Benton counties, where a number of sets of 
eggs were taken by George D. Peck, the last in about 1877. At 
present it rarely if ever appears in the county.”’ 

Various observers give the food of this species as consisting 
chiefly of snakes, frogs and grasshoppers. It has been recorded 
in Iowa at various dates from April until December, but the 
larger number of specimens appear to be seen in September. 

Genus IcTIniA Vieillot. 
136. (329). <“ctinia miississippiensis (Wils.). Mississippi Kite. 

Though the Mississippi Kite has been quoted by nearly all 
authorities as ranging north ‘‘ casually to Iowa and Wisconsin,”’ 
I was for a long time constrained to place it in the hypothetical 
list for want of a definite, authentic record of its capture in Iowa. 
It has been referred nominally to Iowa by Thomas Say, Baird, 
Brewer and Ridgway, Allen, Goss, Fisher, Coues, Ridgway, 
Bendire and others, but no recent records have appeared in print. 

County records: Blackhawk—‘‘ only one observed here. I 
remained over half an hour within twenty feet of the bird when 
it was resting on a post in hedge, so that identification is posi- 
tive’’ (Salisbury). Linn—‘‘rare summer resident’’ (Berry). 
Van Buren—‘‘a kite of this species occurred one spring on Big 
Cedar at a certain place and stayed four or five weeks, then dis- 


244 DAVENPORT ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. 


appeared. I saw the bird many times and once while fishing it 
came and sat within twenty yards of me, so I positively identi- 
fied it. The stream running about east and west, it ranged in 
Van Buren and Henry counties, four and one-half miles north 
and a little east of Hillsboro’’ (W. G. Savage). Webster—‘‘a 
specimen was seen around Duncombe’s Stucco Mill (Ft. Dodge) 
nearly every day, and I finally shot him a mile further down the 
stream (Des Moines River); length 14.5 inches; dark bluish, gray- 
ish to slate color; tail nearly black’’ (Somes). _Woodbury—‘‘ac- 
cording to D. H. Talbot, formerly visited this county’’ (Rich). 


Genus Circus Lacépede. 


137. (331). Circus hudsonius (Linn.). Marsh Hawk. 

The Marsh Hawk or Harrier is a common summer resident in 
most parts of the state, nesting most frequently in northern Iowa, 
and is given as a rare winter resident in Lee county (Currier). 
It is a low-flying Hawk, hovering low over the meadows, and 
may be identified by the conspicuous white rump. Its food con- 
sists almost entirely of field mice and gophers or ground squirrels, 
of which it kills large numbers. C. F. Henning states that the 
stomach and throat of a Marsh Hawk collected Oct. 20, 1890, 
contained three adult and eight young field mice. Small birds 
are very seldom molested and Mr. J. W. Preston notes a female 
Marsh Hawk anda Prairie Hen incubating their eggs on nests 
not eight feet apart (Bendire, Life Hist., 91). 

In Winnebago and Hancock counties the Marsh Hawk arrives 
about the middle of March and leaves the last of November. I 
have found nests from May 13 to June 2, placed on dry ground 
on the open prairie, either meadows or hillsides, in brushy clear- 
ings, or over open water in sloughs; eggs three to five; pale blue, 
normally unspotted. 

Dr. A. K. Fisher states: ‘‘Of 124 stomachs examined, 7 con- 
tained poultry or game birds; 34, other birds; 57, mice; 22, other 
mammals; 7, reptiles; 2, frogs; 14, insects; 1, indeterminate mat- 
ter, and 8 were empty’’ (Hawks and Owls of the U.S., 27). 


Genus ACCIPITER Brisson. 
138. (332). Aatpiter velox (Wils.). Sharp-shinned Hawk. 


This small and dashing Hawk is a common spring and fall 


ANDERSON—THE BIRDS OF IOWA. 245 


migrant in nearly all parts of the state, and a few observers report 
it as an uncommon summer resident in the northern part of the 
state. It is more injurious than most Hawks, feeding princi- 
pally on small birds. ‘‘ Little can be said in favor of this Hawk. 

Of 159 stomachs examined, 6 contained poultry or game 
birds ; 99, other birds; 6, mice; 5, insects; and 52 were empty 
(Fisher, Hawks and Owls, 33-37). 

There are a few nesting records from Iowa. ‘‘Mr. Lynds Jones 
of Grinnell, Iowa, has found eggs of this species on May 2, and 
writes me that ‘in this locality they breed occasionally in hollows 
of American Lindens, and in such cases the nest is made of the 
inner bark of this tree, and of the wild grape vine, with a lining 
of grass and feathers. When built in a tree (an open nest) sticks 
are used. It generally chooses limbless trees, most frequently 
oaks, to nest in, from 15 to 20 feet up.’’’ (Bendire, Life Hist. of 
N.A. Birds, 1892, 189). 

W.H. Bingaman writes: ‘‘Breeds in the timber south of here 
(Algona, Kossuth county), generally among the thick second- 
growth burr-oaks, usually at the very top branches. Of course 
it is not common—about one set every two years.’’ Dr. C. C. 
Smith gives it as a ‘‘not uncommon summer resident in Winne- 
shiek,’’ and H. J. Giddings as a ‘‘common summer resident’’ in 
Jackson. Shoemaker lists it as a common migrant and uncom- 
mon summer resident (Franklin), and Henning as a fairly com- 
‘mon summer resident (Boone). J. Eugene Law took a set of eggs 
near Lake Mills (Winnebago) in the spring of 1893. 


139. (333). <decipiter coopert (Bonap.). Cooper Hawk. 


The Cooper Hawk or ‘‘Blue Hen-hawk’’ is a common summer 
resident in all parts of the state. Its habits are much like the 
preceding species, which it much resembles, and owing to its 
larger size is much more destructive to poultry and game birds. 
It probably destroys more poultry than all of the larger ‘‘Hen- 
hawks’’ together. ‘‘Of 133 stomachs examined, 34 contained 
poultry or game birds; 52, other birds; 11, mammals; 1, frog; 3, 
lizards; 2, insects, and 3 were empty’’ (Fisher). 

The Cooper Hawk nests usually in small or second-growth 
timber, generally not over thirty feet from the ground, and fre- 
quently very close to farm-houses or barns. The bird is so quiet 


[Proc. D. A. S., VOL. XI.] 34 \ [ Oct, 27, 1906. ] 


246 DAVENPORT ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. 


and wary that its daring proximity is often not suspected. The 
eggs are usually laid in the early part of May, in an open nest 
composed of sticks and small twigs, frequently unlined. 
Subgenus AstTuR Lacépéde. 

140. (334). <decipiter atricapillus (Wils.). American Goshawk. 

The American Goshawk is a rather ‘rare and somewhat irreg- 
ular winter resident in Iowa. It occurs from November to April, 
and has been recorded from most sections of the state. Itisa 
handsome species, bold and dashing in its habits, feeding princi- 
pally upon game birds, rabbits, etc. It is usually found in or 
near the woods. W.H. Bingaman reports it as ‘“‘quite common 
in winter’’ (Kossuth). A specimen in my collection was taken in 
January, near Forest City (Winnebago). 

Genus PARABUTEO. 

141. (335). Parabuteo unicinctus harrisi (Aud.). Harris Hawk. 

This strikingly marked Hawk is an inhabitant of the southern 
border of the United States from Mississippi to Lower California, 
and south to Panama. Its admission to the Iowa list is based 
upon a single specimen captured in Van Buren county, near Hills- 
boro. Walter G. Savage writes concerning it, February 25, 1904: 
‘‘Nine years ago a trapper caught one in a steel trap and brought 
it tome. ‘This is the only one that I can positively identify in 
our locality. My father took this Hawk and now has a fine 
painting from it, true to nature. It is identical with your de- 
scription, and also Coues’. It is surely a Harris Hawk.”’ 


Genus Burro Cuvier. 


142. (337). GButeo borealis (Gmel.). Red-tailed Hawk. 

The Red-tailed Hawk, the common ‘‘Hen-hawk,’’ is a common 
summer resident and breeds in all parts of the state. South of 
the middle line of the state the Red-tail is generally resident 
throughout the year; at least many individuals remain during 
the winter except during very severe weather. They become 
common in all sections by the latter part of February or first of 
March, and the eggs are laid by the first of April (sometimes 
early in March) in southern Iowa, while in the northern part of 
the state sets are rarely completed before the last week of April 


ANDERSON—THE BIRDS OF IOWA. 247 


or first of May. ‘The nest is a bulky mass of sticks and twigs, 
placed near the top of a large tree, and is frequently used year 
after year. 

‘““Of 562 stomachs examined, 54 contained poultry or game 
birds; 51, other birds; 278, mice; 131, other mammals; 37, batra- 
chians or reptiles; 47, insects; 8, crawfish; 1, centipede; 13, offal; 
and 89 were empty.’’ (Fisher). Contrary to the popular belief, 
the Red-tail very seldom visits poultry-vards, and its food-habits 
should cause it to be protected by the agriculturist rather than 
persecuted. 

I examined a specimen in the collection of Dr. B. H. Bailey, 
taken at Clear Lake, Iowa, in July, 1892, which was changing 
from juvenile to the adult plumage. Most of the tail feathers 
were of the grayish barred type, but some were of the red adult 
phase. One red tail-feather was only half grown out. W. G. 
Savage reports that an apparently snow-white Red-tail was seen 
near Hillsboro (Osprey, 1, 10, 136). The Red-tail shows great 
variability in the shades of its plumage, hardly two specimens 
being found exactly alike. 


143. (337a). Luteo borealis krideri Hoopes. Krider Hawk. 


The Krider Hawk is a paler phase of the Red-tailed Hawk; 
chiefly inhabiting the Great Plains, but occurring quite commonly 
in Iowa. It is similar to -7. dorealis but has much more white in 
the plumage, under parts only lightly streaked and the tail pale 
rufous, usually without a subterminal black band. This variety 
was described by Bernard A. Hoopes from specimens collected in 
Winnebago county, Iowa, September, 1872, by John Krider 
ferec, Phila. Acad, 1373, p.238, pl. 5; forest and Stream, 1, 10, 
1873, 150). Krider says (Forty Years’ Notes, 1879, 7): ‘‘This 
bird I have found in Winnebago county, Iowa, in 1870. I first 
observed it flying at a distance, and at first took it for an albino, 
but seeing several of them in company together, was very anxious 
to secure one. . . . I was able to get one that was shot by Mr. 
Hill, a farmer in the county. . . The second bird was watching 
a flock of prairie chickens. The third specimen I obtained in 
1873, in the same county, and in 1874 I found in the same place 
quite a number, but could not get near them. . . . The first two 
specimens are in the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadel- 


248 DAVENPORT ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. 


phia. This bird was described and named by B. A. Hoopes, Esq.”’ 

May 14, 1895, I took a set of two eggs, advanced in incubation, 
together with female parent, in Winnebago county. The bird 
was identified by Robert Ridgway and is now in the Smithsonian 
Institution (Accession 30869). The nest and eggs did not differ 
materially from those of the common Red-tail. May 2, 1896, took 
three slightly incubated eggs in Hancock county; nest in a burr- 
oak, 65 feet from the ground, composed of sticks and one corn- 
stalk, lined with strips of stringy bark. The nest also contained 
a number of White Poplar twigs with young green leaves. April 
27, 1897, three eggs, slightly incubated; May 1, 1897, three eggs, 
slightly incubated, female bird shot (Hancock county). 

County records: Kossuth—‘‘common; breeds’’ (Bingaman). 
Hardin—‘‘this ill-defined variety not rare in Hardin county, 
where the type is specially abundant’’ (Peck). Lee—‘‘rare resi- 
dent; breeds’’ (Praeger). Linn—‘‘rare summer resident’’ (Berry). 
Warren—‘‘tolerably common resident’’ (Jeffrey). Webster— 
‘“‘rare’’ (Somes). Winnebago—'‘‘summer resident’’ (Halvorsen). 
144. (337b). Buteo borealis calurus (Cass.). Western Red-tail. 

The typical Western Red-tail is chocolate-brown or darker, 
quite unicolor, with rich red tail crossed by several black bars; 
from which phase it grades insensibly into the ordinary éorealis 
type. Kumlien and Hollister report it as of ‘‘rare but regular 
occurrence in Wisconsin in the late fall’’ (Bds. of Wis., 1903, 
63). In Nebraska, ‘‘ during migrations, straggling over entire 
state . . . Omaha, etc.’’ (Rev. Bds. Neb., 1904). 

A male in the Coe College collection, taken at Cedar Rapids 
in 1902, was pronounced by Prof. Charles R. Keyes to be darker 
than many specimens he had observed in California. 

County records: Linn—‘‘ summer resident; nests’’ (Bailey). 
Polk—‘‘ rare summer resident; nests. Have found but one nest 
in Iowa. That was in a quite large piece of timber southeast of 
here near the Des Moines River; shot one of the birds. This 
was about 1898’’ (Johnson). Van Buren—“‘ rare fall migrant ’’ 
(Savage). B.H. Wilson records a specimen from Rock Island, Ill. 


145. (338). Buteo borealis harlani (Aud.). Harlan Hawk. 


The Harlan Hawk or Black Hawk is a sooty or black phase 
of the dorealis group, of which svidert represents the opposite 


ANDERSON—THE BIRDS OF IOWA. 249 


extreme. Its range is generally given as ‘‘ Gulf States and lower 
Mississippi Valley; north (casually) to Kansas, Iowa, [linois 
and Pennsylvania.’’ 

Robert Ridgway states in an article, ‘‘ Harlan’s Hawk a Race 
of the Red-tail, and not a distinct species’’ (Auk, vii, 1890, 205): 
‘“An adult specimen belonging to the Iowa College museum, 
Grinnell, Iowa, which Dr. Merriam has kindly submitted to me 
for examination, is so clearly intermediate between &. har/ani and 
B. borealis that I have no longer any doubt that the former is 
simply a peculiar variation of the latter, in which the coloration 
of the tail is chiefly affected. In this Iowa specimen the plum- 
age is in every respect, except the tail, that of typical 2. dorealis, 
while the tail has the curious mixed coloration so characteristic 
of the so-called 2B. harlani.’’ 

County records: Blackhawk —‘‘ migrant’’ (Walters). Linn 
—‘‘spring and fall migrant’’ (Bailey). Webster — ‘‘rare’’ 
(Somes). Woodbury—specimens taken at Sioux City by D. A. 
Talbot, showing strong melanistic character (Auk, vii, 1890, 285). 
Winnebago —two specimens are in my private collection, one 
brought to me Oct. 27, 1891, and another which I shot along the 
bed of Lime Creek north of Forest City, Nov. 5, 1898. 


146. (339). Luteo lineatus (Gmel.). Red-shouldered Hawk. 

The Red-shouldered Hawk is a tolerably common summer res- 
ident in the southern part of the state, particularly in the south- 
eastern portion; rare in the northern portion, and not reported 
from the western part of the state. Currier reports it as a ‘‘com- 
mon resident’’ in Lee county and Savage does the same in Van 
Buren county, while Henning states that it is ‘‘occasionally met 
with throughout the year’’ in Boone county. It probably occurs 
along the Missouri River in Iowa, as it is reported from Nebraska 
as ‘‘not uncommon in the eastern part of the state, where it breeds 
abundantly along the Missouri River bluffs—QOmaha, Bellevue, 
etc.’’ (Rev. Bds. Neb., 51). I never observed the species in either 
Hancock or Winnebago counties, although I studied Hawks ex- 
tensively in that locality. M.E. Halvorsen, however, reports that 
he has observed it at Forest City, and W. H. Bingaman reports it 
as rare in Kossuth county. It is generally reported from south- 
ern and eastern Iowa, where it is said to elude observation by 
keeping strictly to heavy timber in bottom lands. 


250 DAVENPORT ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. 


Dr. A. K. Fisher states: ‘‘The diet is probably more varied 
than that of most birds of prey . . . the writer in his field ex- 
perience has never seen one attack a fowl, nor has he found the 
remains of one in the stomachs of those examined. . . . Of 220 
stomachs examined, 3 contained poultry; 12, other birds; 102, 
mice; 40, other mammals; 20, reptiles; 39, batracians; 92, insects: 
16, spiders; 7, crawfish; 1, earthworm; 2, offal; 3, fish; and 14 
were empty’? (Hawks and Owls of the U.S., 62-70). 


Subgenus TACHYTRIORCHIS Kaup. 


147. (342). Puteo swainsoni Bonap. Swainson Hawk. 


The Swainson Hawk is probably the commonest Hawk in most 
parts of the West, rarely coming east of the Mississippi. It is 
fairly well distributed over Iowa as a migrant and nests from the 
central to the northern portions of the state. The Swainson 
Hawk nests somewhat later than the Red-tail,—in the early part 
of May in northern Iowa. The nest, is built in the small rem- 
nants of native groves, or moderately timbered tracts, and the 
bird seems quite careless about its concealment. Almost invari- 
ably fresh sprigs of green leaves are found in nests containing 
eggs. May 16, 1894, I found a pair occupying an old nest of the 
preceding year, in an oak, about fifty feet from the ground. The 
nest contained three fresh eggs. A dead green snake about fit- 
teen inches long hung on a limb about a foot below the nest. 
One of the Hawks was sitting on a dead tree not far off, and the 
other remained on the nest until I had climed up several feet. 
May 14, 1895, I found two considerably incubated eggs; May 18, 
1897, four fresh eggs (Hancock). May 4, 1897, found a nest just 
completed, but the nest was destroyed after the eggs were laid, 
and an entirely new nest was built near by which contained two 
eggs on May 18 (Winnebago). 

Fisher describes the food as ‘‘extremely varied, but consists of 
more insect matter than is usually the case in birds of prey of this 


group. . . . of 18 stomachs examined, 7 contained small mam- 
mals; 8, insects; 3, reptiles; 3, batracians; and 3 empty. . . . of 


65 stomachs examined, 2 contained small birds; 15, mice; 13, 
other mammals; 11, reptiles; 13, batracians; 30, insects; 2, earth- 
worms; 4, crawfish, and 7 were empty’? (Hawks and Owls, 72). 


ANDERSON—THE BIRDS OF IOWA. 2 


Subgenus Burro Cuvier (part). 


148. (343). Luteo platypterus (Vieill.). Broad-winged Hawk. 

The Broad-winged Hawk appears to be somewhat irregularly 
distributed in Iowa, as a number of observers fail to report its 
occurrence, some report it as a common migrant, and others as 
rare. W.H. Bingaman reports it as ‘‘common; a few breed’’ 
(Kossuth). In Winnebago county I have found it common in 
spring and fall and rare in summer. J. Kugene Law took a set of 
eggs near Lake Mills (Winnebago) in the latter part of May, 
1893. The Broad-wings are rather sluggish in their movements, 
and are very tame and unsuspicious in the spring. A man may 
frequently approach within easy gunshot range, and when the 
Hawk is scared up it usually flies only a short distance and alights 
in another tree. J. W. Preston took a melanistic female specimen 
near Crystal Lake, Hancock county, May 3, 1883; described by R. 
Ridgway (Proc. U.S. Natl. Mus., ix, 1886, 248-9). 

Dr. Fisher says: ‘‘The only act of the Broad-winged Hawk 
which seems injurious to agriculture is the killing of toads and 
small snakes, the former of which are exclusively insect-eaters, 
the latter very largely so. In one respect its enormous value 
ranks above all other birds, and that is the destruction of immense 
numbers of injurious larvee of large moths, which most birds are 
either unable or disinclined to cope with.’’ 


Genus ASTURNIA Vieillot. 


149. (346). <Asturnia plagiata Schleg. Mexican Goshawk. 


This is a species of Mexico and the southwestern United States, 
said to straggle up the Mississippi Valley to southern Illinois. 
There is but one Iowa record (Iowa Orn., i, 4, 1895, 89): ‘‘Wal- 
ter G. Savage of Hillsboro feels proud over securing a female 
specimen of Gray Star Buzzard, on May 25, 1895, in Van Buren 
county, Iowa, near hishome.’’ Ina letter, Mr. Savage says: ‘‘In 
1895 I shot a pair of these, the only ones that I ever knew of oc- 
curring in our locality—Mexican Goshawk is Gray Star Buzzard. 
I have the skins of two of these Hawks, and am positive of iden- 
tity; killed in Van Buren county, on Big Cedar.”’ 


Genus ARCHIBUTEO Brehm. 


150. (347a). <Archibuteo lagopus sancti-johannis (Gmel.) Ameri- 
can Rough-legged Hawk. 


252 DAVENPORT ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. 


The two species of Rough-legged Hawks are characterized 
from the other Hawks by the tarsi being feathered to the toes. 
The American Rough-legged Hawk is a large dusky-colored 
Hawk which occurs quite commonly in all sections of the state 
as a winter resident, arriving in October or November and depart- 
ing in March. Reported by most observers. 

“Of 49 stomachs examined, 40 contained mice; 5, other mam- 
mals; 1, lizard; 1, insects; and four were empty’’ (Fisher). 

This species varies much in coloration, from dark brown or 
blackish to specimens tinged with much rufous or ochraceous, 
which latter approach to 4. ferrugineus, but are distinguishable 
by a smaller bill and narrower gape. 


151. (347a). <Archibutea ferrugineus (Licht.). Ferrugineous 
Rough-leg. 


The Ferrugineous Rough-leg occurs occasionally in Iowa dur- 
ing the migrations. It is a bird of the western United States, 
occasionally straggling east to Iowa or even to Illinois and Wis- 
consin. Major Bendire states (Life Hist. of N. A. Birds, 259-60) 
that it ‘‘has been reported as nesting near Grinnell, but the rec- 
ord has not been fully verified.’’ Mr. Lynds Jones says of this: 
‘‘T know nothing about the Ferruginous Rough-leg at Grinnell. 
Bendire concluded that the Grinnell bird must be Ferruginous, 
and so stated upon his own motion. I always questioned it.’ In 
Nebraska it is ‘‘the common Rough-legged Hawk in the state, 
and occurs throughout. It is less common in the eastern por- 
tion’’ (Rev. Bds. Neb., 1904, 52). 

County records: Blackhawk—‘‘rare winter visitant; specimen 
in museum of I.S. N.S.’’ (Walters). Kossuth—‘‘a few seen. I 
am sure of identity of this species, as it is well known to me’’ 
(Bingaman). Linn—‘‘a pair of Ferruginous Rough-legs winter 
every year at Gordon’s grove, Waubeck; have seen them there 
four different years. They are larger birds than the Swainson, 
but are white or nearly so below, with feathered legs. Mr.J.W. 
Preston collected a set of Ferruginous Rough-leg near Newton”’ 
(Berry). Pottawattamie—‘‘straggler’’ (Trostler). Woodbury— 
“rare: it is not uncommon in the various mounted Hawks seen 
in the stores of Sioux City. I have never handled a fresh speci- 
men’’ (Rich). 


ANDERSON—THE BIRDS OF IOWA. 25 


ee 


Genus AQUILA Brisson. 


152 (349). Aguila chrysaetos (Linn.). Golden Eagle. 

The Golden Eagle is a rather rare but fairly regular visitor to 
Iowa, at least specimens are killed in different parts of the state 
nearly every year. It is sometimes taken in winter, although 
most of the specimens are observed in March and April and in 
October. It does not breed in the state, and its wanderings seem 
to follow the migrations of the other birds, waterfowl, etc., which 
form the bulk of its food. 

“It may be stated that in sections of the country where rab- 
bits, prairie dogs or gophers are abundant the Golden Eagle is 
very beneficial, confining its attention mainly to these noxious 
animals; but in places where wild game is scarce it is often very 
destructive to the young of domesticated animals’’ (Fisher). One 
stomach which I examined, taken in Hancock county, contained 
several large frogs, and others contained the remains of rabbits. 

The Golden Eagle seems to have been more abundant in the 
early days. Thomas Say mentions its occurrence at Engineers’ 
Cantonment in 1819-20, as Falco (Aguila Briss. fulvus), ‘‘Ring- 
tailed Eagle Wilson; War-eagle of the Omawhaws’’ (Long’s 
Exp.). Keyes and Williams state that several were taken in the 
eastern part of the state in 1886. Cooke states that ‘‘several were 
seen and some captured in central and northern Iowa in the win- 
ter of 1883-84, the last ones leaving from March 15 to 22’’ (Bird 
Migr. in Miss. Val., 107-8). C.F. Henning writes that it was 
fairly common in the early days, but he has had several fine spec- 
imens brought to him during the past ten years. Some of the 
more recent specimens which I have handled in the flesh were 
taken as follows: December 7, 1900, Davis City, Iowa, taken by 
Guy Bailey; April 14, 1903, by Dr. J. H. McKay; October 25, 
1904, Iowa City; March 16, 1905, six miles south of Iowa City. 
The Golden Eagle may be known from the Bald Eagle in any 
plumage by having the tarsus feathered to the toes. 


Genus HALL#ETUS Savigny. 


153. (352). Halieetus leucocephalus (Linn.). Bald Eagle. 

The Bald Eagle has been characterized by Dr. Coues: ‘‘North 
America, anywhere, common—for an Eagle; piscivorous; a pirat- 
ical parasite of the Osprey: otherwise notorious as the emblem of 


[Proc. D. A. S., VoL. XI.] 35 [Oct, 30, 1906. | 


254 DAVENPORT ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. 


the republic.’’ The Bald Eagle was formerly common in Iowa 
and frequently nested in favorable localities. At the present time 
it can only be considered as tolerably common along the larger 
water-courses during migrations, and occasionally during the 
winter. A nesting pair is of very exceptional occurrence in the 
state. 

Prince Maximilian (Reise, 1, 282) states (April 25, 1833): ‘‘Der 
Canal zwischen der genannten Insel and dem Festland wird Nad- 
away-Slew genannt. . . . Der weisskopfige Adler (Bald Eagle) 
nestete haufig auf hohen Baumen am Ufer.’’ He also noted a 
nest above the mouth of Wolf River and observed the birds above 
the Nishnabotna River. These notes were made along the Mis- 
souri a short distance below the southwestern corner of Iowa. 

In his ‘‘Life Histories of North American Birds’’ (Plate ix, fig. 
7), Major Bendire figures an egg of the Bald Eagle, from a set of 
two obtained at Alden, Iowa, April 18, 1873, and which was 
slightly incubated when found. Chas. R. Keyes writes: ‘‘The 
birds occasionally shot are, as a rule, young. Bred along the 
Cedar River near Mt. Vernon twenty-five years ago. No recent 
records of breeding here’’ (Linn). M. E. Peck states that it bred 
sparingly in Blackhawk county thirty-five years ago. The only 
report of nesting within recent years comes from J. L. Sloanaker 
of Newton (Jasper county), who writes: ‘‘I know where a Bald 
Eagle recently nested near Kellogg. Eagles have been taken 
here every summer past for several years. One firm here had a 
large cage with three young in it last summer (1905), two of them 
captured near Kellogg. . . . Moreover, old Eagles have been seen 
at Kellogg in June and July. They used to nest there several 
years ago. Carl Kelsey’s old chum collector said that they had 
taken eggs at Kellogg at a certain bluff near town.”’ 


Subfamily FALCONIN 2&. 
Genus FALco Linneus. 
Subgenus HIEROFALCO Cuvier. 


154. (355). alco mexicanus Schleg. Prairie Falcon. 

The Prairie Falcon is an inhabitant of the Western Plains and 
is only an occasional visitant in Iowa. W. W. Cooke (Bird Migr. 
in Miss. Val., 1884-85, 118) states: ‘‘It has been found in central 
Iowa and as far east as Illinois.’’ 


ANDERSON—THE BIRDS OF IOWA. 25 


On 


County records: Blackhawk—‘‘one specimen taken in Black- 
hawk county many years ago by George D. Peck’’ (M. E. Peck). 
Buena Vista—‘‘Storm Lake, Iowa, Frank Bond. Specimen in 
University museum’’—No. 3576, male (C. C. Nutting, Proc. Iowa 
Acad. Sci., 1892, 41). Lee—‘‘a rare visitant’’ (Currier). Linn— 
‘“‘rare; occasional visitant’’ (Berry). Mills-Pottawattamie—‘‘rare 
migrant. Though I have seen this species a number of times in 
Pottawattamie and Mills counties, the only notation of date I have 
is July 4, 1892, one killed at Honey Creek Lake while trying to 
catch young Mallard ducks. I have seen it in Mills county dur- 
ing the last five years, in the spring time (April), but have no 
exact notations’’ (Trostler). Sioux—‘‘shot male at Hawarden, 
in 1890’’ (Berry). 


155. (356). Falco peregrinus anatum (Bonap.). Duck Hawk. 


The Duck Hawk or Peregrine Falcon inhabits all of North 
America and the greater part of South America but can nowhere 
be considered common. It is reported as a rare migrant from 
several stations in Iowa, and as a rare summer resident in a very 
few favorable localities. 

Wm. Wood, M. D., in an article on ‘‘ The Game Falcons of 
New England’’ (Am. Nat., v, 1871, 83), says: ‘‘I do not find 
the duck hawk included in Mr. J. A. Allen’s list of the birds of 
western Iowa, yet Mr. L. E. Ricksecker writes me that he has a 
fine specimen of the eggs, collected in Iowa, March 2ist, 1868.” 
H. W. Parker also records it from Clinton county (Ibid., 169). 

Geo. H. Burge (Iowa Orn., ti, 2, 14-19) describes the nesting of 
the Duck Hawk on cliffs of the Cedar River about fifteen miles 
below Cedar Rapids. He was told by an old hunter who has 
lived along the river for about twenty-five years, that there had 
been a pair of them there ever since he had been there, usually 
arriving about the middle of March. He took his first set of four 
eggs, April 28, 1892, from a hole in the face of bluff about eighty 
feet from the water and twenty feet from the top of the bluff; 
second set May 27, 1892, in same place. In 1893 the eggs were 
hatched. In 1894 , four eggs were taken April 20, and a second 
set on May 2, by B. H. Bailey—three eggs. Dr. Bailey contin- 
ues the history of this pair (‘‘ The Duck Hawk in Iowa,”’ Proc. 
Iowa Acad. Sci., x,1902, 93-98), which nested every year along 


256 DAVENPORT ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. 


the ‘‘ Palisades’’ of the Cedar River, extending in the southeast- 
ern part of Linn county, and the northeastern part of Johnson 
county. The birds seemed to cling to their nesting place with 
remarkable persistency, and when robbed of the first set of eggs, 
would lay another in the immediate vicinity. Dr. Bailey states 
that the Duck Hawks nested there until 1898. May 1, 1897, 
four fresh eggs were taken. 

In 1898, the last set of eggs was taken from this pair of birds, 
six fresh eggs, on April 6, at the old nesting site at the Upper 
Palisades, in the upper cliff. A second set was laid some dis- 
tance below and on the opposite side of the river, and the young 
were allowed to hatch, but were killed before reaching maturity. 
Since then none of this species have been seen in the vicinity of 
the Palisades. Dr. Bailey describes a series of thirty-three eggs 
taken in this locality; two sets of six, one of five, and four of 
four each, varying from almost unmarked specimens to eggs 
which show almost no trace of the ground color and whose spots 
are in places almost black. In no case where a second set was 
laid did the number exceed three. 

County records: Blackhawk—‘‘ rare migrant’’ (Walters) ; ‘‘a 
regular but infrequent migrant in Blackhawk county, where it 
once bred sparingly, on one occasion occupying a deserted nest of 
the Bald Eagle’’ (Peck). Des Moines—Mus. No. 16159, male, 
Burlington, Sept. 8, 1894, Paul Bartsch. Jackson—‘‘ tolerably 
common migrant’’ (Giddings). Lee—‘‘scarce migrant ’’ (Prae- 
ger); ‘‘ migrant, not common’’ (Currier). Linn —‘‘ formerly 
bred on cliffs along the Cedar River’’ (Keyes). Winnebago— 
‘“migrant at Forest City; at Coon Grove, in 1903, watched one 
catch a duck in the air and then eat it’’ (Halvorsen). 

Subgenus TINNUNCULUS Vieillot. 
156. (357). Falco columbarius Linn. Pigeon Hawk. 

The Pigeon Hawk is tolerably common during the migrations 
in Iowa and has very rarely been known to nest in the state. 
Major Bendire, in his ‘‘Life Histories of North American Birds’’ 
(p. 299), says: ‘‘Mr. Lynds Jones writes me that he found a nest 
of this species near Grinnell, Iowa, on April 28, containing four 
eggs. ‘They were placed in a hole in an American Linden tree, 
about eight feet from the ground. The nest was made of dry 


died 


ANDERSON—THE BIRDS OF IOWA. 257 


grasses, fibrous bark, and a few feathers. The birds hovered near 
when the nest was disturbed, but did not offer any resistance. 
Mr. J. W. Preston of Baxter, Iowa, informs me that a pair of these 
birds remained one season near Iowa City under circumstances 


which led him to believe they were nesting.’’ Mr. Jones corrob- 
orates this record in a recent letter. Dr. Trostler records the spe- 
cies as a straggler in Pottawattamie county. He says: ‘‘I re- 


moved an egg from a female bird shot near Sioux City some years 
ago; egg now in the National Museum.’’ 

Currier records it as a common migrant, occasionally seen in 
winter, in Lee county. In Winnebago county I have found it 
only as a rare migrant, but shot one bird December 18, 1894. 
Other observers report the Pigeon Hawk only as a spring and fall 
migrant, usually in March, April, and October. 


157. (358). Falco richardsont Ridgw. Richardson Merlin. 


The Richardson Merlin very closely resembles the Pigeon Hawk 
but has a more restricted range in North America and Is rare east 
of the Mississippi. T here. are only a few casual records from 
Iowa. It has been taken at West Point and Omaha, Neb., by 
Bruner (Rev. Bds. Neb., 1903). 

County records: Blackhawk—‘‘an accidental visitor has been 
recorded from Ia Porte City, Iowa’’ (Cooke, Bird Migr. in Miss. 
Val., 1884-85, 119); ‘‘an accidental specimen taken in Blackhawk 
county by George D. Peck’’ (Morton E. Peck). Buena Vista— 
‘Storm Lake, Iowa. Frank Bond. Specimen in University mu- 
seum’’ (C. C. Nutting, Proc. lowa Acad. Sci., 1892, 41): 


Subgenus CERCHNEIS Boie. 


158. (360). falco sparverius Linn. American Sparrow Hawk. 


The American Sparrow Hawk is a common migrant in all parts 
of the state and somewhat less common as a summer resident, 
although found nesting in all suitable localities. The nest is usu- 
ally placed in a hollow of a tree or a deserted woodpecker’s hole, 
but Lynds Jones has found them breeding in open nests at Grin- 
nell, usually old Crows’ nests, using very little new material in 
remodeling the nest (Bendire, Life Hist., 310-11). The Sparrow 
Hawks arrive from the south in March or April and remain until 
late in the fall. A male specimen was shot at Iowa City, Novem- 


258 DAVENPORT ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. 


ber 28, 1905. In autumn, numbers are often seen perched upon 
telegraph wires along the railroads. 

‘‘Of 320 stomachs examined, 1 contained a game bird; 53, other 
birds; 89, mice; 12, other mammals; 12, reptiles or batrachians; 
215, insects; 29, spiders; and 29 were empty. . . . The Sparrow 
Hawk is almost exclusively insectivorous, except when insect 
food is difficult to obtain’’ (Fisher, Hawks and Owls). Grasshop- 
pers form a favorite article of diet when obtainable. 


Subfamily PANDIONIN@. Fish Hawks. 
Genus PANDION Savigny. 


159. (364). Pandion halietus carolinensis (Gmelin). American 
Osprey. 

The American Osprey or Fish Hawk appears to be only a spring 
and fall migrant in Iowa, rather rare in general, but sometimes 
tolerably common along the larger water-courses. Keyes and 
Williams classed it as a rare summer resident (Birds of Iowa, 1889, 
128). ‘‘It formerly bred along the Missouri River near Rock- 
ford, where Bruner observed birds carry food to the nest’’ (Rev. 
Bds. Neb., 1894, 53). There are skins in the University museum 
collection taken in the vicinity of Iowa City, Clermont, and Sioux 
City. September 21, 1894, I mounted a female specimen killed 
at Lake Edwards, Hancock county, by Rev. Jas. P. Taken. The 
food of the Osprey consists almost entirely of fish, which it gen- 
erally captures alive. 


Suborder STRIGES. Owls. 
Family STRIGIDA. Barn Owls. 
One species of this family is represented in Iowa. It is char- 
acterized by having the facial disc well developed and sub-trian- 


gular in shape, and the inner edge of middle claw usually (but 
not invariably) serrate or pectinate. 


Genus STRIX Linnzeus. 


160. (365). Strix pratincola Bonap. American Barn Owl. 

The American Barn Owl, or ‘‘Monkey-faced Owl,’’ is a rather 
rare resident in the southern half of the state, and very rarely 
appears north of the middle line of the state. Dr. Fisher says: 


ANDERSON—THE BIRDS OF IOWA. 259 


“It migrates more or less in the northern parts of its range, and 
there is an appreciable increase in the number of individuals to 
the southward during the fall months. . . Of 39 stomachs exam- 
ined, 1 contained poultry; 3, other birds; 17, mice; 17, other mam- 
mals; 4, insects; and 7 were empty’’ (Hawks and Owls of the U. 
Say 132). 

County records: Blackhawk—‘‘rare resident’’ (Salisbury, Wal- 
ters); two nests found in hollow trees in Blackhawk county’’ 
(Peck). Boone—‘‘rarely seen’’ (Henning). Cass—Pellett. Des 
Moines—‘‘rare’’ (Matson); female taken at Burlington Nov. 23, 
1895, by Paul Bartsch. Franklin—‘‘noted once only’’ (Shoe- 
maker). Johnson—‘‘several seen near Iowa City, December, 
1876, by John Williams’’ (Nutting, Proc. Iowa Acad. Sci., 1892); 
mounted a female shot near Morse, Dec. 4, 1903 (Anderson). Lee 
—‘‘accidental’’ (Praeger); ‘‘rare visitant’’ (Currier). Linn—‘‘a 
pair used to breed in abandoned grain shoots or ventilators of our 
old stone mill. This was from about 18g0-93’’ (Keyes); ‘‘occa- 
sional’’ (Bailey); ‘‘rare resident’’ (Berry). Polk—‘‘rare resident; 
nests’’ (Johnson). Webster—‘‘few’’ (Somes). Poweshiek—‘‘rare 
accidental visitor’’ (Kelsey). Woodbury—‘‘uncommon summer 
resident; breeds’’ (Rich). Wayne—(Brown). 


Family BUBONID. Horned Owls, etc. 


The Owls are mostly woodland birds and with few exceptions 
are nocturnal birds of prey. For this reason they feed more 
largely on the smaller mammals and are therefore of even greater 
value to the farmer than the Hawks. The structure of the Owls 
is much like that of the Hawks, but the plumage is softer and 
looser in texture, rendering the flight noiseless. The outer toe is 
more perfectly reversible. The eggs of the Owls are uniformly 
white and sub-spherical in shape. 


Genus AsIo Brisson. 


161. (366). Aso wilsontanus (Less.). American Long-eared Owl. 


The American Long-eared Owl is a tolerably common resident 
in most parts of the state, appearing to be rare in a few localities. 
It is more strictly nocturnal in its habits than most of the Owls, 
and usually spends the day hidden in thick evergreens or dense 
shrubbery. The Long-eared Owl lays its eggs, five to seven in 


260 DAVENPORT ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. 


number, in an open nest, usually the deserted nests of Crows, 
Cooper Hawks, or squirrels, from fifteen to thirty-five feet from 
the ground, from the last of March to the middle of April. 

Fisher states that it is ‘‘one of our most beneficial species, de- 
stroying vast numbers of injurious rodents and seldom touching 
insectivorous birds. . . . Of 107 stomachs examined, 1 contained 
a game bird; 15, other birds; 84, mice; 5, other mammals; 1, in- 
sects; and 15 were empty’’ (Hawks and Owls). 

The species may migrate tosome extent. I have found it much 
less common in winter in Winnebago county than at other seas- 
ons. At Davenport, B. H. Wilson gives it as more abundant in 
winter than in summer; colonies of a dozen or more winter to- 
gether in evergreens in the cemeteries. 

The Long-eared Owl generally builds its nest in rather open, 
second-growth timber, frequently in a small tree overgrown with 
wild grape vines or ivy. When disturbed on the nest this Owl 
has the habit of snapping its mandibles together with a sharp, 
clicking sound. 


162. (367). Asto accipitrinus (Pall.). Short-eared Owl. 


The Short-eared Owl is a tolerably common resident in most 
parts of the state, but becomes much more common during the 
winter months. It differs in habits from most Owls, living upon 
the marshes and prairies and very seldom entering woodland. It 
is quite diurnal in habits, and is often seen hawking for field mice 
low down over the grass tops. When alert and on the open 
prairie it is very wary and difficult to approach, although the bird 
is frequently flushed from the slough grass almost at one’s feet. 

“Fully 75 per cent of the stomachs examined by the Depart- 
ment of Agriculture contained mice. The remains of as many as 
six of these little animals were found in one stomach, and several 
contained three or four each. Prof. F.E.L. Beal reported finding 
nothing but mice in the stomachs of a pair which he killed in 
Story county, Iowa. They were shot in an artificial grove 
swarming with small birds.’’ . . . A specimen killed in Hancock 
county, Iowa, July 15, 1889, contained. 2 meadow mice and 2 
shrews (Fisher, Hawks and Owls). 

In Winnebago county I have found the Short-eared Owl very 
abundant during some winters and rare during others. It isa 


ANDERSON 


THE BIRDS OF IOWA. 261 


rather rare summer resident. A set of six eggs in my collection 
was found by M. E. Halvorsen, May 16, 1896, near Forest City. 
The nest was on the ground in a nearly dried marsh, placed be- 
tween two bog clumps of earth; composed of a few blades of grass 
and some feathers. 


Genus SYRNIUM Savigny. 


163. (368). Svrntum vorium (Barton). Barred Owl. 


The Barred Owl, or ‘‘ Hoot Owl,’ is a tolerably common resi- 
dent in Iowa, particularly in the eastern part of the state, wher- 
ever there are considerable tracts of heavy timber. Their weird, 
sonorous, and often-repeated note of whoo-whoo-whoo, with many 
variations, has earned for them the common name of Hoot-owls. 
This hooting sometimes sounds like a hollow laugh, dying away 
in a mournful wail. The effect is often startling. The nest is 
usually in a hollow tree or stub, very rarely an open nest, and the 
eggs are generally laid. in the latter part of March or in April. A 
very early record is given by Bendire: ‘‘The type specimen (egg) 
No. 20633, Bendire collection, from a set of three, was taken by 
Mr. G. Peck in Blackhawk county, Iowa, March 2, 1878. It is 
figured on plate xii, fig. 4’’ (Life Histories of N. A. Birds, 336). 

‘‘Of tog stomachs, 5 contained poultry or game; 13, other birds; 
46, mice; 18, other mammals; 4, frogs; 1,a lizard; 14, insects; 2, 
spiders; 9, crawfish, and 20 were empty. . . . Ifa fair balance 
be struck, therefore, it must be considered that this Owl is on the 
whole beneficial, and hence should occupy a place on the list of 
birds to be protected’’ (Fisher, Hawks and Owls, 150-55). 


Genus SCOTIAPTEX Swainson. 


164. (370). Scotiaptex nebulosa (Forster). Great Gray Owl. 
The Great Gray Owl is a resident of the far north and only 
occurs in Iowa as a casual straggler in winter. It was listed by 
J. A. Allen in White’s Geology of Iowa, 1870 (p. 424), and it has 
been ‘‘reported on Dec. 17, 1893, near Omaha, by I. S. Trostler’’ 
(Rev. Bds. Neb., 55). T. M. Trippe records (Proc. Bost. Soc., xv, 
1872, 233): ‘‘Syrnium cinereum. A very large bird was killed at 
Oskaloosa, in Mahaska county, which, from the description given 
me by the person who shot it, must have been this species.”’ 
Walter G. Savage writes from Hillsboro, Van Buren county: 


PPRoc; DEA. S;, VOL. XI.} 36 [ Nov. 6, 1906. ] 


262 DAVENPORT ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. 


‘Ty 1860 my father shot one. J have not known them to occur 
since. ‘There is no mistake in this owl. My father shot it ina 
tree standing in our dooryard one night, and it was nothing else 
but a Great Gray Owl.’’ David L. Savage, writing in 1894, says: 
‘(A friend in Van Buren county shot a Great Gray Owl a few 
winters ago. ‘his is the only time I ever heard of this species 
being found in Iowa, but the identity is certain.”’ 


Genus CRYPTOGLAUX Richmond. 


165. (372). Cryvptoglaux ecadica (Gmel.). Saw-whet Owl. 

The little Saw-whet or Acadian Owl is generally distributed 
throughout the state, being most frequently observed in winter, 
although a few observers report it as a rare resident. It seems 
to be somewhat irregular in its occurrence, being tolerably com- 
mon at times and then not seen again in the same locality for sev- 
eral years. More specimens have been taken in October and 
November than any other months. 

‘It is known to breed quite regularly across the river from 
Omaha and probably does on the Nebraska side also’’ (Rev. Bds. 
Neb., 1904, 55). Dr. Trostler also records it as a scarce summer 
resident in Pottawattamie county. D.L. Savage writes: ‘‘The 
6th of May, 1893, while out in the woods, I shot a female Saw- 
whet Owl, the first one I have found in this county’’ (Henry). 

On March 16, 1893, some boys presented me with a live Saw- 
whet Owl which they had caught alive two days before, near 
Forest City, as it dozed on the limb of a low tree. I kept it in 
captivity eight months and found it unusually mild-tempered, 
never attempting to bite or scratch. From the first day I got it 
the owl would take birds or mice from my hands and eat them. 
Frequently during the night its querulous whistle could be heard 
repeated again and again. Another was captured which had 
flown against a store window, Nov. 6, 1894. 

‘‘Of 22 stomachs examined, 17 contained mice; 1, a bird; 1, an 
insect, and three were empty’’ (Fisher). 


Genus MEGAScoprs Kaup. 


166. (373). MZegascops asio (Linn.). Screech Owl. 


The Screech Owl is by far the commonest Owl in Iowa, being 
found throughout the year in all parts of the state. It occurs 


ANDERSON—THE BIRDS OF IOWA. 263 


in two distinct phases of coloration, the red and the gray, both 
being about equally numerous. The color phases are not depend- 
ent upon age, sex, or season, and both phases are sometimes rep- 
resented in the same brood. The nest is placed in a natural hol- 
low of an old tree, frequently in an old apple orchard. The 
nesting time is usually in April, but is somewhat irregular. April 
27, 1895, I found a nest in the top of a dead basswood stub near 
Forest City, thirty feet from the ground, containing five fresh 
eggs, while another nest, a short distance from the first, con- 
tained five young birds on April 27, 1896. The Screech Owl fre- 
quently comes into towns, and its weird, tremulous, wailing 
whistle may often be heard at night from the shade trees at our 
doors. 

‘“Of 225 stomachs examined, 1 contained poultry; 38, other 

birds; g1, mice; 11, other mammals; 2, lizards; 4, batrachians; 
1, fish; 100, insects; 5, spiders; 9, crawfish; 7, miscellaneous 
matter; 2, scorpions; 2, earthworms; and 43 were empty. 
At nightfall they begin their rounds, inspecting the vicinity 
of farm houses, barns and corncribs, making trips through the 
orchard and nurseries, gliding silently across the meadows or 
encircling the stacks of grain in search of mice and _ insects. 
Thousands upon thousands of mice of different kinds thus fall 
victims to their industry. ‘Their economic relations, therefore, 
are of the greatest importance, particularly on account of the 
abundance of the species in many of the farming districts, and 
whoever destroys them through ignorance or prejudice should 
be severely condemned ’’ (Fisher, Hawks and Owls,166-173). 


Genus Buso Dumeéril. 


167. (375). B&ubo virginianus (Gmel.). Great Horned Owl. 
The Great Horned Owl is a tolerably common resident in all 
parts of the state wherever moderate-sized patches of timber 
remain. The amount of territory required to support a pair of 
rapacious birds, and the constant persecution to which they are 
subjected, prevent the species from ever becoming abundant. 
The Great Horned Owl is generally considered as injurious, 
being the only one of our Owls which preys on poultry and birds 
to any extent. It feeds upon rabbits largely, and where the rab- 
bits are so numerous as to be injurious to trees and shrubbery, 


264 DAVENPORT ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. 


the Owl may render valuable service in their destruction. The 
Skunk is also frequently eaten, and the nest and plumage of the 
Great Horned Owl in the springtime very frequently evidence 
this by their odor. Where chickens are allowed to roost out of 
doors in wooded regions, it cannot be disputed that the Great 
Horned Owl considers them legitimate prey, and makes period- 
ical visits to the hen-roost. 

The Great Horned Owl nests the earliest of any of our Iowa 
birds. The eggs are usually laid during the last half of Febru- 
ary, but I found a nest containing three slightly incubated eggs 
on February 6, 1904, near Coralville (Johnson county). Ellison 
Orr records the finding of a set February 1, 1896, in an old squir- 
rel’s nest in the fork of an elm tree near Postville (Fayette 
county), also two eggs from an old Hawk’s nest February 8, 1896. 
I have found ten nests containing eggs in Hancock county, all 
being open nests, usually old nests of the Red-tail or Swainson 
Hawk, in large trees, 35 to 50 feet from the ground. On March 
3, 1894, found two nests, one with two slightly incubated eggs, 
one with two fresh eggs; on April 6 the second nest contained 
two more slightly incubated eggs; March 8, 1895, one with three 
fresh, one with two considerably incubated eggs, snow and ice on 
the edge of both nests; April 3, three eggs in nest from which 
eggs were taken twice in 1894. February 22, 1896, three eggs, 
slightly incubated; February 29, two eggs advanced in incuba- 
tion, one egg more so than the other; March 14, 1896, two fresh 
eggs; March 22, two more eggs in nest found February 29, 
which I left ; on May 2 it contained one young bird covered 
with whitish down, and with the eyes not yet opened. The 
nest contained the hindquarters of a large rat and a pocket 
gopher. ‘The Great Horned Owl lays a second set of eggs when 
the first set is taken, usually in the same nest, or in the immedi- 
ate vicinity. Both parents forage extensively when the young 
are in the nest and keep them well supplied with food. Mr. W. 
G. Savage records one nest near Hillsboro, Van Buren cotinty, 
which contained thirty-eight field mice and one Quail (Osprey, 1, 
16, 1897130). 

The note of the Great Horned Owl is a deep-toned whoo-whoo, 
often repeated, all on the same pitch, and is seldom heard except 
in late winter and early spring. The presence of an Owl in the 


ANDERSON—THE BIRDS OF IOWA. 265 


woods is generally indicated by the flocking and cawing of all the 
Crows in the neighborhood. The Crows will follow an Owl from 
place to place for hours, but their noisy demonstrations appear to 
cause the Owl but slight annoyance. 


168. (375a). Bubovirginianus pallescens Stone. Western Horned 
Owl. 

There has been much confusion in the names of this paler-col- 
ored variety of the Great Horned Owl, it having been variously 
described as ZB. v. subarcticus (Hoy), B. v. arcticus Swains., B. v. 
occidentalis Stone, 2. v. pallescens Stone, and Asio magellanicus occi- 
dentalis (Stone) Oberholser. 

Witmer Stone, in a ‘‘Revision of the N. A. Horned Owls, With 
Description of a New Subspecies,’’ (Auk, xiii, 1896, 153-156), pro- 
poses the name occidentalis in place of subarcticus Hoy, the latter 
being a synonym of avcticus Swains., selecting a type specimen 
from Mitchell county, Iowa (No. 26435, Coll. Acad. Nat. Sci. 
Phila., Mitchell county, Iowa, winter, 1880, coll. by W. L. Abbott), 
‘‘probably a female; measures: wing 16; culmen 1.80; tarsus (to 
insertion of hind toe) 2.50; middle claw to sheath 1.25.’’ Later, 
(Am. Nat., 1897, 236-7), he says: ‘“This specimen, however, un- 
fortunately, proves to be intermediate between 4. virginianus and 
arcticus, and does not belong to the race which I had intended to 
rename, the latter not extending so far east (see Auk, Jan., 1897, 
1ay2)) He proposes for the Horned Owl of the interior United 
States (swbarcticus of authors) the name pallescens. ““L. v. palles- 
cens is smaller and paler than the true wrgznianus (the wing meas- 
uring 15.75 in.), with much less rufous admixture. The barring 
on the belly is much finer and the feet almost pure white.’’ 

Harry C. Oberholser describes the species as Asio magellanicus 
occidentalis (Stone), (‘‘Revision of the Horned Owls of the Genus 
Bubo,’’ Proc. U.S. Natl. Mus., xxvii, 1904, 191), giving the range 
of pallescens as confined to the southwest. The geographical range 
of occidentalis is given as ‘‘western U. S. from Minnesota and 
Kansas to Nevada, southeastern Oregon, Utah and Montana, 
south in winter to Iowa;’’ type locality, Mitchell county, Iowa; 
also specimen from Grinnell. The Arctic Horned Owl, 4. m. wap- 
acuthu, ranges from northern Canada south in winter to northern U. 
S. from Idaho to Wisconsin. Hesays: ‘‘The breeding bird of Iowa 
is undoubtedly virginianus, though occidentalis occurs in winter.”’ 


”) 


266 DAVENPORT ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. 


County records: Hancock—I have three specimens taken in 
Hancock county, in typical pale plumage, one in April, 1891, 
and one January 26, 1894; shot a fine male on the edge of a 
grove near Lake Edwards, November 14, 1898 (Anderson). 
Johnson—Mus. No. 3347, female, January, 1887; rather pale, 
facial disc brownish, feet dusky; ochraceous tint not very pro- 
nounced but visible on nearly all parts. No. 3341, female, Jan- 
uary 18, 1889; back whitish, slightly mottled and penciled with 
dusky ; very little pale buffy on surface, seen only on parting 
feathers; feet and tarsi pure white; under parts white with 
sparse transverse marks and black spots on each side of breast; 
facial disc whitish; a rather small bird—length, 13.25; wing, 14; 
tail, 9.50; the general whitish appearance of this bird is very 
close to that of the typical Arctic Horned Owl, and is much 
lighter in color than many specimens of the Snowy Owl. Linn 
—'‘‘resident’’ (Bailey) ; ‘‘ have found two nests of a very light- 
colored variety of the Horned Owl—am not sure as to whether 
this is ‘Western’ or ‘Arctic’’’ (Berry). Monona—A University 
museum specimen taken at Little Sioux Dec. 8, 1884, is rather 
pale, intermediate in type (Anderson). Woodbury —Mus. No. 
11612, Sioux City, February, 1889, shot by Chas. Hagelin, typical 
pale bird; No. 11610, female, Sioux City, 1889, D. H. Talbot, has 
feet nearly white; dusky bars below about half as wide as white 
bars, no dark patch on breast. 

The extreme variability in plumage of the. Western varieties of 
the Horned Owl makes an accurate determination of the sub- 
species very difficult. The typical ochraceous-tinted virginianus 
is by far the most common variety found in Iowa at all seasons, 
while the western form padlescens is quite often met with in win- 
ter and perhaps nests occasionally, as the April record from 
Hancock county (supra) would seem to indicate. The typical 
northern variety arcticus probably occurs rarely in winter, or at 
least, an intermediate between wrginzianus and arcticus (Witmer 
Stone, sepra). 

Genus NycTEA Stephens. 


169. (376). Nyctea nyctea (Linn.). Snowy Owl. 


The Snowy Owl is a rather rare winter visitant in Iowa and 
somewhat irregular in its occurrence. Some winters numbers are 


ANDERSON—THE BIRDS OF IOWA. 267 


seen and other seasons none are reported. It is a diurnal species 
and is usually found on the prairies. The appearance of the bird 
varies greatly, according to the number of dusky bars on the 
white plumage. A specimen in the University museum, taken at 
Aurelia, Iowa, January 18, 1885, is pure white, and one which I 
mounted February 18, 1895, taken at Buffalo Center, Iowa, was 
pure white, with only four or five dark spots on the tip of each 
wing and two or three on the head. A female taken December 
10, 1896, at Buffalo Center, was very dark, having sides, wings, 
and tail barred heavily with dark brown. 

The Snowy Owl rarely appears in Iowa before December and 
usually leaves in March. W.H. Bingaman reports one taken in 
Kossuth county, April 18, 1900. Cooke (Bird Migr. in Miss. Val., 
1884-85, 123) says: ‘“‘It seems to have been less common than 
usual in the winter of 1883-4, though Mr. Lindley, Mitchell, 
Iowa, had the good fortune to see nine.’’ D.H. Talbot notes the 
occurrence of many Snowy Owls at Sioux City during February, 
1883 (Bull. Nuttall Orn. Club., viii, 4, 240). 

The Museum of Natural History of the University of Iowa has 
skins taken at Plover, January 24, 1887; Hospers, March, 1887; 
Jolley, 1885; Sheldon, January 25, 1887; Little Sioux (no date); 
Sioux City, two, March 14, 1887; March 15, 1887; April 16, 1887 
(very dark plumage); Bradgate, December 17, 1884; Hawarden, 
January 3, 1886; Sloan, December 17, 1886; Alta, two specimens 
(no date); Merrill, January 22, 1887; Forest City, March 19, rgor; 
Johnson county, March 17, 1890. 


Genus SURNIA Duméril. 


170. (377). Surnia ulula caparoch (Mull.). American Hawk Owl. 


The American Hawk Owl can only be considered as an exceed- 
ingly rare straggler in Iowa, in the winter time. It has been re- 
ported rarely in southern Minnesota by Roberts (Geol. and Nat. 
Hist. Surv. of Minn., 1880, 471), and in Southern Wisconsin by 
Kumlien and Hollister (Bds. of Wis., 1903, 72). 

George H. Berry reports the Hawk Owl as a rare winter visi- 
tant in Linn county. He states that he has taken one specimen 
in Iowa and also observed one specimen in December, 1903, near 
Cedar Rapids, but did not secure it. 


268 DAVENPORT ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. 


Genus SpEotyro Gloger. 
171. (378). Speotyvto cunicularia hypog@a Bonap. Burrowing Owl. 

The Burrowing Owl is essentially a bird of the Great Plains 
region of the United States, where it is common locally, nesting 
in the deserted burrows of prairie dogs, badgers, and gophers. 
Thomas I. Roberts observed the species July 19, 1881, in Swift 
county, western Minnesota, and states that many weeks spent in 
traveling through the prairie portions of that state failed to dis- 
cover the presence of this bird in any other locality. Though the 
Burrowing Owl occurs sparingly at various points in northwest- 
ern Iowa, I have been unable to discover any published records 
of the fact. 

County records: Dickinson—In the early fall of 1895, seven 
miles southwest of Lake Park, I believe that I saw a Burrowing 
Owl, or an owl having general characteristics of one rose from a 
collection of ground-hog or badger holes, but was not procured. 
I can say that it was not a Short-eared Owl. The bird rose within 
six feet of me. After watching it until out of gunshot it dawned 
upon me that it was an owl new to me, and from its size, color, 
action, location, etc., I/:made out that it was a Burrowing Owl”’ 
(Salisbury). 

Kossuth—‘‘One taken in Kossuth county, Iowa, two miles 
south of Minnesota line, two and one-half miles southwest of 
Elmore, Minn. It was shot either June 8th or 9th, 1904, ina 
pasture, and only one bird was seen’’ (Bingaman). ‘This is the 
most eastern record I have seen, with the exception of stragglers 
(probably from captivity) in New York City and in Massachu- 
setts. 

Lyon—Prof. Bohumil Shimek states that the species is fairly 
common on the prairies of Lyon county, in the north-central and 
southwestern portions of the county, two or three being usually 
seen ina day’s drive. He first observed them in 1896, and at 
other times later, while investigating the flora of the northwest 
corner of the state. 

Sioux—‘‘Summer resident, common; nests. The season of 
1902 I found them in Sioux county, and at that time the young 
birds were out of the hole in which they lived, but could hardly fly 
at all, so I knew they were hatched there. This brood was at the 


ANDERSON—THE BIRDS OF IOWA. 269 


mouth of a badger hole. It is quite a common occurrence to find 
them towards evening standing at the mouth of the badger holes’’ 
(Johnson). ‘‘The Burrowing Owl in 1890 was fairly common on 
the prairie around Hawarden and, I think, occupied the old holes 
of the gray prairie squirrel. I shot three males and one female. 
Thirty-four miles west of Hawarden, at Beresford and Center- 
ville, Lincoln county, S. D., they are abundant, and one can see 
a dozen of them ina mile walk across the prairie in the early 
twilight. On my way home from Dakota in August I caught a 
young male ina burrow, which I kept in captivity for over a 
year, when he escaped ’’ (Berry). 

Woodbury—‘‘ Uncommon summer resident ; breeds. I have 
seen this bird more than once in Iowa—three or more on one 
occasion. A farmer friend of mine told me about a pair or more 
that bred on his farm in this county. H.L,. Bond, on Feb. 5, 
1898, writes: ‘A small colony of Burrowing Owls near town 
here (Meriden, Iowa) which affords me considerable amusement 
and instruction. I took a full set of eggs from one of their bur- 
rows’’’ (Rich). ‘* Hearsay record but fairly authentic. An old 
Winnebago Indian that used to live upon the Winnebago Indian 
Reservation told me a short time ago that the “‘ little ground 
owls’’ used to live in a prairie-dog town in the northwest corner 
of Woodbury county, Iowa. He saw them there about twenty 
years ago and the last time about fifteen years ago. He used to 
hunt in this region of Iowa often and is sure that the birds are 
as above mentioned’’ (Trostler). 


Order PSITTACI. Parrots, Macaws, Paroquets, etc. 
FAMILY PSITTACIDZ. Parrots and Paroquets. 


The only species of this large family that ever occurred in the 
wild state in Iowa is the Carolina Paroquet, which is now practic- 
ally extinct except in a few localities along the Gulf coast and in 
Florida. 

Subfamily CONURINA. Wedge-tailed American 
Parrots. 
Genus Conurus Kuhl. 
172. (382). Conurus carolinensis (Linn.). Carolina Paroquet. 
The beautiful Carolina Paroquet formerly ranged in flocks as 


[PrRoc. D. A. S., VoL. XI.] 37 [Nov. 14, 1906.] 


270 : DAVENPORT ACADEMY OF SCIENCHS. 


far as the northern part of the state, but has not been observed 
in the state for at least thirty years and has practically been 
exterminated throughout the United States. Frank M. Chap- 
man gives four reasons for its disappearance: ‘‘ First, it was 
destructive to fruit orchards, and for this reason was killed by 
agriculturists ; second, it has been trapped and bagged in enor- 
mous numbers by professional bird-catchers ; third, it has been 
killed in myriads for its plumage; and fourth, it has been wan- 
tonly slaughtered by so-called sportsmen’’ (Birds Kast. N. A., p. 
222). 

Thomas Say states that the ‘‘ Carolina perroquet’’ was seen 
several times during the winter of 1819-20 at Engineers’ Canton- 
ment (Long’s Exp., 1, pp. 265-270). Prince Maximilian on May 
14, 1834 (a little below ‘‘Wheeping-water River’’), records: ‘‘Auch 
Papageien wurden gesehen, deren Gardner schon oben an l’eau 
qui court [Niobrara River] bemerkt hatte,’’ etc. (Reise 11, 345). 
Audubon noted the species several times along the Missouri 
(Journals 1, 476) ; (May 8, 1843), ‘‘ we saw Parrakeets and many 
small birds but nothing new or very rare’’ (southwest corner of 
Iowa), (Ibid, 477, Bellevue, Sarpy county, Neb., May 9, 1843); 
(Ibid, 481, near Council Bluffs, May 10, 1843), ‘‘ Parrakeets and 
Wild Turkeys plentiful;’’ they were also heard by Bell between 
Ft. George and the Great Bend of the Missouri September 15, 
1843 (Ibid, 11, p. 165). As late as 1863, F. V. Hayden noted the 
Paroquet as ‘‘ very abundant in the Mississippi Valley along the 
thickly wooded bottoms as far up the Missouri as Fort Leaven- 
worth, possibly as high as the mouth of the Platte, but never 
seen above that point’’ (Trans. Am. Philos. Soc., xii, 1863, p. 
154). 

The last Iowa record is that given by Dr. Coues in his ‘‘ Birds 
of the Northwest,’’ (1874 p. 296). ‘‘In Iowa, according to Mr. 
Trippe, the Parrot still occurs. ‘A resident of Decatur county 
told me that he had several times seen a flock of Parrots in the 
southern part of the county on a tall, dead cottonwood tree, 
known to the neighboring inhabitants as the ‘‘ parrot tree,’’ from 
its having been frequented at intervals by the same flock for sev- 
eral years . . . . and that he had shot one of them on one occa- 
sion’ (Pr, Bost. Soc., xv, 1572) P4233) 

Paul Bartsch, in an article on ‘‘ Birds Extinct in Iowa and 


ANDERSON—THE BIRDS OF IOWA. 271 


Those Becoming So’’ (Iowa Orn., 11, 1895, pp. 2-3), states that the 
Paroquet formally ranged as far north as Spirit Lake, where it 
would frequently remain until the cold snow would drive it 
southward. Its food in winter consisted chiefly of the seeds of 
the cocklebur. Its nature was so peculiar that when one of the 
number was killed or wounded, the others would gather around 
it with shrill cries and in this way the entire flock could easily 
be annihilated. 

Dr. Rich states that many years ago the Paroquets were noticed 
just across the river from Sioux City, in Nebraska. Some were 
captured and kept as cage pets. A series of about a dozen speci- 
mens in the University museum were taken by D. H. Talbot’s 
collectors at the mouth of the Arkansas River in 1882. 


Order COCCYGES. Cuckoos, Kingfishers, etc. 
Suborder CUCULI. 
Family CUCULIDA. Cuckoos, Anis, etc. 


Two species of Cuckoos represent this family in Iowa. They 
are slender brownish-gray birds with somewhat lustrous plum- 
age. The voice is a rather hoarse croak. The American 
Cuckoos very seldom lay their eggs in the nests of other birds, 
but cases are known in which they have done so, and quite com- 
monly the two species deposit eggs in each others’ nests. ‘ 


Subfamily COCCYZIN 2. Cuckoos. 
Genus Coccyzus Vieillot. 


173. (387). Coccygus americanus (Linn.). Yellow-billed Cuckoo. 


The Yellow-billed Cuckoo is a common summer resident in all 
parts of the state, arriving in May and remaining until October. 
Its harsh notes have caused it to be sometimes known as ‘‘ Rain- 
crow.’’ ‘The nests are usually placed in small trees or bushes, 
not over eight or ten feet from the ground and rather flimsily 
constructed. The eggs are laid in June, July and August, and 
half-fledged young birds are often found in the same nest with 
partially incubated, or even fresh eggs. Occasionally an egg of 
the Yellow-billed Cuckoo is found in a Black-billed Cuckoo’s 
nest, or vice versa, but the Cuckoos are not habitually parasitic. 


22 DAVENPORT ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. 


The Cuckoos are mostly insectivorous in diet, and a favorite 
food seems to be the ‘‘tent caterpillars,’’ which so commonly 
infest shade and fruit trees. 


174. (388). Coccyzus erythrophthalmus (Wils.). Black - billed 
Cuckoo. 

The Black-billed Cuckoo is also a summer resident in Iowa. 
In some localities it appears to be less common than the Yellow- 
billed, while in other localities it is more abundant. Their habits 
are almost identical. The Black-billed Cuckoo seems to nest a 
little earlier in the season—from May to August. On May 25, 
1891, I found a nest containing one egg, and the next day found 
it to contain four fresh eggs. The bird was on the nest on both 
occasions. June 27, 1892, found one nest containing three eggs; 
June 27, 1893, one nest containing a young bird nearly able to fly, 
the other contained one young bird, one egg that appeared to be 
nearly fresh, and another egg somewhat larger and paler (appar- 
ently a Yellow-billed Cuckoo’s). July 2, 1893, found a nest con- 
taining one egg, about two feet from the ground, in a wild willow 
near a creek; July 7, this nest contained five eggs. All were ob- 
served around Forest City, Winnebago county. Both species of 
the Cuckoos are frequently heard in shade trees in cities, but are 
not very easy to observe, as they keep in the higher branches. 


Suborder ALCYONES. Kingfishers. 
Family ALCEDINID. Kingfishers. 


The single species of Kingfisher which is found in Iowa, 1s very 
familiar along the banks of streams and ponds, where its favorite 
perch is on some limb overhanging the water, from which it 
plunges into the water after small fishes, crawfish, etc. Its note 
is a harsh rattle which is often repeated. 


Genus CERYLE Boie. 
Subgenus STREPTOCERYLE Bonaparte. 


175. (390). Ceryle alcyon (Linn.). Belted Kingfisher. 


The Belted Kingfisher is a common summer resident along the 
streams in all parts of the state, arriving early in March and 
remaining until the rivers and creeks freeze over—usually in 
November. It was observed once in Winneshiek county, January 


ANDERSON—THE BIRDS OF IOWA. 273 


8, 1897, by Mr. Hall Thomas. The nest is placed in a burrow dug 
in the perpendicular face of a cut bank, usually along a stream, 
but I have found them in railroad cuts and sandpits. The hole 
is generally six to eight feet in length and enlarged at the further 
extremity, where the five to eight pure white eggs are deposited 
upon a pile of fish bones and scales and crawfish shells. Mr. W. 
F. Loucks states: ‘‘Along the Cedar River, in Iowa, I found these 
birds in great numbers. A large clay bank along the river resem- 
bled a honeycomb, so numerous were the holes made by this bird. 
This is the only case that I know of where Kingfishers have been 
found breeding in close proximity’’ (Bendire, Life Histories of N. 
A. Birds, li, p. 25). The eggs are deposited from the middle to 
the latter part of May. Both the male and female birds incu- 
bate, and the bird will frequently remain on the nest until re- 
moved with the hands. 


Order PICI. Woodpeckers, Wrynecks, etc. 
Family PICIDAY. Woodpeckers. 


The Woodpeckers are particularly adapted for climbing or 
creeping upon the bark of trees. The stout bill is used to chip 
away wood and bark and expose the hiding place of grubs and 
other larvee, which are impaled upon the long, distensible, sharp- 
tipped tongue. They thus destroy large quantities of injurious 
insects which could be reached in no other way. All the Wood- 
peckers are thus distinctly beneficial. The eggs are uniformly 
white and are placed in a hole in a tree, generally in a dead limb 
hollowed out by the bird. 


Genus DRYOBATES Boie. 


176. (393). Dryobates villosus (Linn.). Hairy Woodpeckers. 


The Hairy Woodpecker is a common resident in all parts of the 
state, but is most frequently observed in winter, when it often 
appears in towns. Speaking of the rolling tattoo of some Wood- 
peckers, Mr. Brewster says: ‘‘P. pubescens has a long, unbroken 
roll, P. villosus, a shorter and louder one with a greater interval 
between each stroke, while .S. vavizs, commencing with a short 
roll, ends very emphatically with five or six distinct disconnected 
taps’’ (Ann. Lyc. Nat. His., xi, 1875, p. 144). Keyes and Will- 
iams state that the eggs are laid about the last of April. 


274 DAVENPORT ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. 


177. (3938). Dryobates villosus leucomelas (Bodd.). Northern 
Hairy Woodpecker. 

The Northern Hairy Woodpecker is a variety inhabiting the 
northern tier of the United States, through British America to the 
Pacific in Alaska. It is distinguished by its larger average size 
and hairy appearance. ‘‘Large specimens of the Hairy Wood- 
pecker taken at Omaha in winter have been referred to this form 
by Skow and Trostler, but probably represent the maximum of 
villosus’’ (Rev. Bds. Neb., 1903, p. 59). A series of eight speci- 
mens from the Talbot collection, taken at Sioux City in Novem- 
ber, 1885, and December, 1884, were sent to Robert Ridgway for 
identification. He says: ‘‘All these specimens are intermediate 
between wv7//osus and leucomelas.’’ 

Nos 13500; ‘Decs12; 19,5 Wes; 223363" devcoelas. 
No. 13499. Nov. 13, 1885, L.9; W.5; T.3%; ‘‘leucomelas.”’ 
No. 13498. Dec. 6,L.9; W.434; T.334; ‘‘not typical deucomelas.”’ 

The examination of a large series of winter Hairy Woodpeckers 
from northern Iowa will be necessary to determine the status of 
this subspecies in the state. 


178. (394). Dyryobates pubescens medianus (Swains.). Northern 
Downy Woodpecker. 


The Downy Woodpecker is an almost exact counterpart of the 
Hairy Woodpecker, differing only in its smaller size. Their hab- 
its are similar, but the Downy Woodpecker is perhaps the more 
familiar, often appearing in towns, even condescending to peck at 
dead weed-stalks for food. The nest 1s frequently dug in a dead 
limb in an orchard. Charles R. Keyes reports that the eggs are 
laid early in May (Linn), and Dr.C. C. Smith, about May 20 (Win- 
neshiek). 

The species is of great value as a destroyer of the various wood- 
boring insects. In general, the Downy Woodpecker is a more 
abundant resident than the Hairy Woodpecker. 


Genus PIcoIpEs Lacépéde. 


179. (400). Picoides arcticus (Swains.). Arctic Three-toed Wood- 
pecker. 

The Arctic Three-toed Woodpecker may only be expected as a 

casual winter visitant in Iowa, if it occurs at all at the present 


ANDERSON—THE BIRDS OF IOWA. 275 


time. Walter G. Savage writes: ‘‘ About twenty years ago my 
father shot one, the only record I have in our locality. I havea 
painting of the bird and was with the man when he shot it. It 
was taken in the western part of Henry county, on Big Cedar.’’ 

W. W. Cooke states: ‘‘ This is one of the migratory wood- 
peckers, but its movements are not extensive. In the Mississippi 
Valley these movements are limited to a migration from its sum- 
mer home in British America to the United States, where it 
remains during the winter, returning in the spring. . . . Indi- 
viduals have been known to occur in northern Illinois, but are 
seldom seen south of latitude 40°’’ (Bird Migr. in Miss. Val., 1884- 
85, p. 129). 

It has been taken three times in the state, twice at Omaha, 
once by I.S. Trostler, December 15, 1895, and again by F. J. 
Breese, and at Dakota City by Wallace Bruner (Rev. Bds. Neb., 
Pp. 59). 

Genus SPHYRAPICUS Baird. 


180. (402). Sphyrapicus varius (Linn.). Yellow-bellied Sap- 
sucker. 

The Yellow-bellied Sapsucker is a common migrant over the 
whole of Iowa, and a tolerably common summer resident in most 
parts of the state, especially in the northern parts. The species 
usually arrives in the early part of April. ‘‘In the winter of 
1884 it was found as far north as Danville, Illinois, and Morning 
Sun, Iowa, but was rare at both places. . . . Though rarely 
breeding south of latitude 42°, it nests regularly but a short dis- 
tance farther north. It has been known to breed at La Porte 
City, Iowa (42°, 18’),’’ (Cooke, Bird Migr. in Miss. Val., 1884-85 
p. 129). Walter J. Savage reports: ‘‘Common summier resident; 
I have two sets of eggs taken in Van Buren county.’’ ‘‘Rather 
common; breeds; migratory,’’ (Decatur and Mahaska counties, 
Trippe, Proc. Bost. Soc., xv, 1872, p. 233). J. E. Law took a set 
of eggs at Lake Mills in spring of 1893 (Winnebago). It is re- 
corded as a summer resident from Poweshiek (Kelsey); Pottawat- 
tamie—Mills (Trostler); Polk (Johnson, Keyes and Williams); 
Blackhawk (Peck, Salisbury); Lee (Praeger, Currier); Linn 
(Keyes, Bailey, Berry); Warren (Jeffrey). 


276 DAVENPORT ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. 


Genus CEOPHL@US Cabanis. 


181. (405a). Ceophleus pileatus abieticola Bangs. Northern Pile- 
ated Woodpecker. 

The Northern Pileated Woodpecker was formerly a not uncom- 
mon resident in heavily timbered portions of Iowa, and an indi- 
vidual or isolated pair is still occasionally reported from localities 
where belts of native timber yet remain. Thomas Say noted it 
at Engineers’ Cantonment February 28, 1820 (Long’s Exp., 1, 
265-269), and Audubon, near the mouth of the Big Sioux, Octo- 
ber 1, 1843 (Journals, ii, p. 170). F. V. Hayden says: ‘‘We often 
met with it along the wooded bottoms of the Missouri, especially 
in the state of Missouri, and in Kansas and Iowa’’ (Trans. Am. 
Phil. Soc., xii, 1863, p. 155-56). 

County records: Blackhawk—‘‘rare migrant’’ (Peck). Boone 
—‘‘have only collected one specimen. About ten years ago a pair 
stayed in the heavy timber along the Des Moines River’’ (Hen- 
ning). Decatur—‘‘seen once or twice in spring’’ (Trippe, Proc. 
Bost. Soc., xv, 1872, p. 233). Henry—‘‘three specimens noted in 
heavy timber near Big Cedar Creek, Sept. 15, 1894’’ (D.L.Savage). 
Kossuth—‘‘two birds six miles south of Algona, now, 1905”’ 
(Bingaman). I,ee—‘‘resident; now scarce’’ (Praeger); ‘‘resident; 
very rare’’ (Currier); (Parker, Am. Nat., v, 1871, p. 169). Linn— 
“rare resident’ (Berry); ‘‘pair near Cedar Rapids during summer 
of 1894’’ (Bailey). Polk—‘‘rare summer resident’’ (Johnson). 
Van Buren—‘‘resident; tolerably common’’ (W.G.Savage). Win- 
neshiek—‘‘shot one bird Feb. 29, 1896, the only record of its oc- 
currence’’ (Smith). . Woodbury —‘‘ Probably accidental. One 
was shot along Big Sioux River and mounted about ten or twelve 
years ago’’ (Rich). 


Genus MELANERPES Swainson. 


182. (406). Melanerpes erythrocephalus (Linn.). Red-headed 
Woodpecker. 

The Red-headed Woodpecker is a common summer resident in 
Iowa and a few individuals occasionally remain through the win- 
ter, but not regularly. Their occurrence in winter seems to be 
dependent upon food supply rather than temperature, for I 
observed a single specimen all winter at Forest City during the 


ANDERSON—THE BIRDS OF IOWA. 277 


severe season of 1898-99 when the thermometer went for many 
days to 30° below zero. The bulk of the birds arrive about the 
first of May and leave the last of September. The Red-headed 
Woodpeckers do not confine themselves to woodland, but range 
out to the prairie farms, sometimes boring their nesting holes in 
telegraph poles. While mainly insectivorous, many of the birds 
are guilty of puncturing apples in orchards and eating other fruit 
at times. On the whole, however, they should be considered very 
beneficial. 

In an article ‘‘On Changes of Habit Among Woodpeckers ’”’ 
(Am. Nat., xi, 1877, p.471), Dr. Samuel Calvin says: ‘‘ Within 
the past two or three years I have frequently had the pleasure of 
observing the red-headed woodpecker in the act of catching flies 
on the wing.’’ He notes perching birds that have taken to tree 
climbing (A7niotilta varia, Certhia, Sitta) and considers that com- 
petition with climbing perchers may constitute a large share of 
the disturbing cause which has compelled certain woodpeckers of 
late to abandon the habits of their ancestors. 

Chas. Aldrich noted one in the summer of 1877, on prairie half 
a mile from timber, eating grasshoppers (Bull., Nutt. Orn. Club, 
ili, 4, 1878, p. 189); and Major Bendire notes several instances of 
the species killing and eating other birds. 

While the above variations in diet are exceptional, it is a fact 
that the Red-headed Woodpecker shows an adaptability to its 
surroundings which enables the species to hold its own under 
almost any conditions. 


Genus CENTURUS Swainson. 


183. (409). Centurus carolinus (Linn.). Red-bellied Woodpecker. 


The Red-bellied Woodpecker is a tolerably common resident in 
the southern and central parts of the state, being reported by 
nearly all observers, but appears to be of very rare occurrence in 
northern Iowa. Dr.C.C.Smithsays: ‘‘I shot a bird of this spe- 
cies March 28, 1897; very rare here’ (Winneshiek); and Dr. B. H. 
Bailey shot a female in juvenile plumage at Lansing, August 12, 
1904 (Allamakee). F.H.Shoemaker says: ‘‘ A single bird was 
seen near Hampton on March 1, 1896, this being the only record 
of its occurrence’’ (Franklin). I never observed the species in 
Winnebago or Hancock counties. 


[Proc. D. A. S., VoL. XI] 38 [Nov. 16, 1906, ] 


278 DAVENPORT ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. 


Dr. T. S. Roberts (Auk., xvi, 1899, -p. 236-246) reports the 
occurrence of the Red-bellied Woodpecker in Minnesota for the 
first time in the heavy timber of the Mississippi bottom lands in 
Houston county, a station many miles north of the usually as- 
signed northernmost limit of its range in the Mississippi Valley. 
‘‘’They undoubtedly occur here regularly, and not so very infre- 
quently, over a small area extending northward not to exceed 
twenty or thirty miles from the Iowa line, 43° 30’ N. latitude. 

In Iowa the species is more or less migratory. The fact that 
it appears to be more abundant during the winter in some sec- 
tions in the northern parts of its range has led some observers to 
believe that the species wanders northward in winter (Cooke, 
Bird Migr. in Miss. Val., 1884-85, p. 132; Coues, Birds of N. W., 
p. 289). Nesting records are rare in Iowa, but Morton E. Peck 
states that it breeds rather infrequently in Blackhawk county, 
and is a frequent winter resident. 


Genus CoLAPTES Swainson. 


184. (412). Colaptes auratus luteus Bangs. Northern Flicker. 


The northern variety of the Yellow-shafted Flicker, the ‘‘ Yel- 
low-hammer’’ or Golden-winged Woodpecker, is the commonest 
Woodpecker in Iowa, being an abundant summer resident in all 
parts of the state. It arrives early in March and usually departs 
in September. Occasionally individuals are observed in winter. 
In Winnebago county, I have seen specimens in November, De- 
cember and February, but very rarely during these months. The 
nest is usually in a hole in a tree but sometimes other locations 
are chosen. Dr. G. C. Rich describes a nest near Sioux City 
with eggs in a hole in the bank of a ‘‘ washout ’’ (West. Orn., v, 
3, 1900, p. 60), and W. A. Bryan saw a Flicker excavate a nest 
in the perpendicular-cut side of a haystack; hole twenty inches 
deep, eight feet from ground, dug directly into the stack for six 
inches, then turning directly downward; seven eggs taken May 
28, 1890, and a second set June 14. When the eggs are taken 
the birds will frequently keep on laying eggs in the same nest. 
I have known as many as thirty eggs to be taken from a single 
pair of birds in this manner, and Keyes and Williams state that 
more than fifty have been taken. 


Gi 


ANDERSON—THE BIRDS OF IOWA. 279 


185. (413). Colaptes cafer collaris (Vigors). Red-shafted Flicker. 

The Red-shafted Flicker is the species found from the Plains 
to the Pacific, overlapping the range of the preceding species 
and intermingling and intergrading with it in many instances. 
The intermediate specimens have been sometimes classed as a 
separate species, Colaptes hybridus Baird, etc. It occurs rather 
frequently near the western border of Iowa, and individuals occa- 
sionally straggle to other portions of the state. 

County records: Blackhawk—‘‘ A pair reported from Black- 
hawk county by Mr. Field of the State Normal. I think they 
were taken last fall—1go3’’ (Peck). Boone—T wo were seen and 
one shot near Boone by Cal Brown, Dec. 29, 1895 (Henning, Iowa 
Orn., li, 3, p. 75). Cass—‘‘only record, one in my collection 
killed near Atlantic, Sept. 25, 1896’’ (Pellett). Hardin—‘‘ In 
September, 1897, I found the remains of a specimen that had 
been killed’’ (Peck). Pottawattamie—Mills—‘‘ common summer 
resident’’ (Trostlez). Sioux—‘‘tolerably common near Hawarden; 
shot two’’ (Berry). ‘T'ama—‘‘a pair observed in Tama county 
about twenty years ago by Mrs. E. M. Poyneer. The record. is 
perfectly reliable’’ (Peck). Van Buren—‘‘ This flicker was shot 
about fifteen years ago and after a lot of overhauling was pro- 
nounced a hybrid’’ (W. J. Savage). Woodbury—‘‘ uncommon 
summer resident. One shot Sept. 23, 1894; another Oct. 25, 
1900 ; also a record of one male Oct. 19, 1900. Others have been 
seen and shot’’ (Rich). ‘‘ While the bird is not common in this 
part of the state, yet itis very frequently found. I have observed 
it here nearly every season for twenty odd years and have secured 
quite a number of specimens, including several hybrids, as I sup- 
pose them to be the offspring representing the crosses between 
the Red-shafted and Yellow-shafted Flicker’’ (D. H. Talbot, 
Sioux City, Iowa Orn., i, 3, 1895, p. 74). Winnebago—I have 
one specimen in my collection which was shot at Forest City in 
winter of 1890 or 1891 (Anderson). 


Order MACROCHIRES. Goatsuckers, Hummingbirds, etc. 
Suborder CAPRIMULGI. Goatsuckers. 
Family CAPRIMULGID#. _ Goatsuckers. 


The Goatsucker family, so named from a traditional supersti- 
tion, comprises the Whipporwills and Nighthawks. They are 


280 DAVENPORT ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. 


mainly nocturnal, strictly insectivorous, and capture their prey in 
their capacious mouths while on the wing. During the day they 
generally pass the time crouching on the ground or igseented 
lengthwise upon the branches of trees. 


Genus ANTROSTOMUS Gould. 


186. (417). Aztrostomus vociferus (Wils.). Whipporwill. 


The Whipporwill is a common summer resident in all wooded 
portions of the state, arriving in the latter part of April and 
departing in September. The species is almost strictly nocturnal, 
lying close in thick woodland during the day, and thus is very 
seldom seen. At night it is very active, hawking for night-flying 
insects with almost noiseless flight, and frequently alighting to 
utter its familiar whtp-poor-will notes, which are well known 
to many people who have never seen the bird. When heard 
from a distance the notes give an attractive addition to a summer 
evening, but at close range are almost startling in their vehem- 
ence. The two eggs are deposited on dead leaves in the woods 
from the latter part of May until the middle of June, no nest 
being made. ‘There is good evidence to the fact that both eggs 
and young are often removed in the parent bird’s mouth if the 
nesting place is disturbed. However, I flushed a Whipporwill 
from her two eggs on three different days without causing her to 
change the location. The nest was found on a high bank of the 
Iowa River above Iowa City during the latter part of June, 1906. 


Genus CHORDEILES Swainson. 


187. (420). Chordeiles virginianus (Gmel.). Nighthawk. 

The Nighthawk is an abundant summer resident in all parts of 
the state, arriving early in May and remaining until the first of 
October. It is more a bird of the open than the Whipporwill, 
and may be recognized by a conspicuous white spot on the prim- 
aries. It is sometimes seen perched lengthwise upon the limb of 
a tree in woodland, but more frequently roosts upon the ground 
in open situations. The two eggs are generally placed upon a 
bare spot on a hill top, but in cities the species frequently depos- 
its its eggs upon the flat, gravel-topped roofs of large buildings, 
usually in early June. While the Nighthawk is generally more 
active in the early dawn of the morning and from late afternoon 


ANDERSON—THE BIRDS OF IOWA. 281 


until after dark, it often flies in the middle of the day, particu- 
larly in cloudy weather. Frequently the Nighthawk performs 
_ curious evolutions in the air, swooping rapidly downward with a 
rush, producing a-dull, booming sound as the flight is checked. 
This habit has given it the name of ‘‘ Bull-bat’’ in some localities. 
In September large scattered flocks are often seen leisurely flying 
southward for days in succession. . 


188. (420a). Chordeiles virginianus henryi (Cass.). Western 
Nighthawk. 

This is a lighter colored variety of the Nighthawk in which 
the gray and fulvous tints exceed the darker colors. It is a bird 
of the western plains, but specimens have been recorded from 
western Minnesota, Illinois and Wisconsin. Kumlien and Hol- 
lister state: ‘‘ Three specimens in Kumlien collection ( pro- 
nounced typical by Dr. Coues). ‘T'wo specimens secured later by 
Thure Kumlien in September, 1880’’ (Bds. of Wis., 1903, p. 79). 

County records: Dickinson—‘‘a large flock of the western 
variety was observed within a short distance of the state line, 
north of Lake Park, of which one specimen was shot and proved 
to be the gray western variety; about Aug. 20, 1895’’ (Salisbury). 
Hardin—a male in the Coe College collection, killed July 3, 1902, 
by Dr. B. H. Bailey, near Owasa, on the Iowa River, is very light 
colored on the wings, approaching very closely to C. v. henuryi. 
Johnson — ‘‘ Johnson county, Iowa, specimens in University 
musenm  (C. C. Nutting, Proc. lowa Acad. Sci., i, 1892, p. 41). 


189. (420c). Chordeiles virginianus sennetti (Coues). Sennett 
Nighthawk. 

The Sennett Nighthawk is an extremely pale variety inhabit- 
ing the unwooded country from Texas to Dakota. A silvery 
grayish-white coloration predominates above, the white below 
greatly in excess of the narrow, irregular or broken dark bars, 
and there is little or no rufous anywhere. 

The first published record for Iowa is by Dr. Paul Bartsch 
(Auk., xvi, 1899, p. 86): ‘‘The Smithsonian Institution recently 
received a specimen of Sennett’s Nighthawk from Mr. C. F. Hen- 
ning of Boone, Iowa, taken four miles southwest of that place. 
This variety seems so far to have escaped Iowa observers and it 
gives me pleasure to add it to our list.’’ 


282 DAVENPORT ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. 


Two specimens in the D. H. Talbot collection, University 
museum, were sent to Robert Ridgway and identified as sezzette. 
No. 19833, male, Sioux City, Iowa, July 21, 1884; No. 17887, 
juvenile, Monona county, Iowa, Sept. 11, 1885. Dr. I. S. Trostler 
writes that the species is an ‘‘ abundant migrant, common sum- 
mer resident. This is the common variety (Pottawattamie—Mills). 
C. v. henryi also probably occurs. I have killed no henryi in 
Iowa, but have done so in Nebraska near the Missouri River.’’ 


Suborder CYPSELI. Swifts. 
Family MICROPODID. Swifts. 


The common Chimney Swift is the only representative of this 
family in Iowa. ‘They are commonly but erroneously called 
Chimney ‘‘Swallows,’’ chiefly from the similarity in their feed- 
ing habits with the true Swallows. ‘They are strictly insectivor- 
ous, feeding entirely while flving, and a Swift is almost never 
seen to alight. 


Subfamily CHAVTURINAS. Spine-tail Swifts. 


Genus CHA#TURA Stephens. 
190. (423). Chetura pelagica (Linn.). Chimney Swift. 


The Chimney Swift is an abundant sumimer resident in Iowa 
from the middle of April to the middle of September. They may 
be seen dashing overhead and twittering at all hours of the day, 
flying lower in cloudy weather. At the present time the nests 
are built almost exclusively in chimneys, composed of short dead 
twigs snapped off by the bird while on the wing and cemented 
together and to the chimney wall by the vascid saliva of the birds. 
In 1867 J. A. Allen (Notes on the. Birds Observed in western 
Iowa, Mem. Bost. Soc., i, 1868, p. 498), reported the bird as 
‘Common. Breeds in hollow trees. In no instance could I hear 
of its resorting to chimneys, which in general are poorly adapted 
to its needs, consisting either of a joint of stovepipe, or a patent 
one of cast-iron.’’ The species has now almost forgotten its tree- 
nesting habits in Iowa, although Dr. Charles P. Keyes writes: 
‘In June, 1894, I collected at intervals of two weeks, two nests 
and sets of four and five eggs of this species from_a large hollow 
linden’”’ (Linn county). 


ANDERSON—THE BIRDS OF IOWA. 283 


In the fall the Swifts congregate in flocks of hundreds at their 
favorite roosting place, usually some tall deserted chimney, for the 
night, soaring overhead and dashing in one by one. ‘‘The flocks 
drift slowly south, joining with other bands, until on the north- 
ern coast of the Gulf of Mexico they become an innumerable 
host. Then they disappear. Did they drop into the water and 
hibernate in the mud, as was believed of old, their obliteration 
could not be more complete. In the last week in March a joyous 
twittering far overhead announces their return to the Gulf coast, 
but the intervening five months is still the Swift’s secret’? (W.W. 
Cooke, ‘‘Some New Facts About the Migration of Birds.’’ Year- 
book Dept. Agri., 1903, p. 386). 


Suborder TROCHILI. Hummingbirds. 
Family TROCHILIDA. Hummingbirds. 


The Hummingbirds compose a family of five hundred species, 
all confined to the new world. Seventeen species are found in the 
United States, and only one species reaches Iowa. They feed 
largely on insects, which they generally capture in flowers, and 
they also feed on the juices of flowers. Two white eggs consti- 
tute the nest complement. 


Genus TROCHILUS Linnzus. 


191. (428). Zvochilus colubris (Linn.). Ruby-throated Humming- 
bird. 

The Ruby-throated Hummingbird is a common summer resi- 
dent in all parts of the state from the second week in May to the 
last of September. John Krider noted the species as very abund- 
ant in Iowa, ‘‘owing to the vast quantities of wild flowers which 
grow upon the prairies’’ (Forty Years’ Notes, 1879, p. 20). At 
the present time the species is very commonly found in flower- 
beds in dooryards, although the nest seems to be generally built 
in timber—a delicate affair resembling a lichen-covered knot. H. 
Heaton of Glendale says: ‘‘Last June when the black locust trees 
were in bloom in my dooryard, not fewer than forty humming- 
birds at a time could be counted flitting among the blossoms’’ 
(West. Orn., v, 3, 1900, p. 60). 


Order PASSERES. Perching Birds. 


This order includes about stx thousand known species, or more 
than half of all the kinds of birds. ‘The toes are always four, the 


284 DAVENPORT ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. 


hind toe on the level of the rest, and the feet are fitted for perch- 
ing. ‘The musical apparatus is more or less developed. The 
young are hatched weak and naked and must be fed in the nest 
by the parents for some time. Dr. Coues says: ‘‘They represent 
the highest grade of physiological development, as well as the 
most perfect physical organization of the class of birds. ‘Their 
nervous irritability is great, coordinate with rapidity of respira- 
tion and circulation; they consume the most oxygen, and live the 
fastest, of all birds. They habitually reside above the earth, in 
the air that surrounds it, among the plants that with them adorn 
it; not on the ground, nor on the waters under the earth.”’ 


Suborder CLAMATORES. Songless Passeres. 
Family TYRANNIDA. ‘Tyrant Flycatchers. 


The family is peculiar to America and most abundant in the 
tropics. Asarule they are sedentary and solitary, sitting motion- 
less upon a limb or post, awaiting passing insects, upon which 
they pounce, returning to the same post after each capture. They 
are not voiceless, but have comparatively limited vocal powers. 


Genus TYRANNUS Cuvier. 


192. (444). Tyrannus tyrannus (Linn.). Kingbird. 


The Kingbird is an abundant summer resident in Iowa from 
the last of April or first of May until the early part of September. 
The nesting season is from the first of June to the middle of July. 
B. H. Wilson reports the earliest nesting date as May 21, 1877 
(Scott). The site varies widely,—in dooryards, in groves near 
dwellings, on farm machinery in yards and in the fields, in rows 
of trees along roads, and in thickets along streams. The most 
comnion situation is a tree along the roadside, about 15-20 feet 
from the ground, and the birds usually make noisy demonstra- 
tions when an intruder is in the vicinity. The Kingbird does 
not hesitate to attack a Crow or large Hawk, and never fails to 
put the enemy ignominiously to flight, flying above it and dash- 
ing down at its head. It is said to eat honey-bees at times, and 
is sometimes known as the ‘‘ Bee-bird.’’ Dr. Coues says it ‘‘ de- 
stroys a thousand noxious insects for every bee it eats.”’ 

I once found a nest on the top of a slightly branched willow 
fence post in the middle of a slough, and another in a small iso- 


} 


ANDERSON—THE BIRDS OF IOWA. 285 


lated scrub oak in a pasture. The eggs are usually four in num- 
ber and exhibit two phases of coloration, some sets being spotted 
-with clear bright brown, and others with dull purplish brown. I 
have found a runt egg normally marked, but smaller than a 
Wren’s egg, in a Kingbird’s nest. 

193. (447). Tyrannus verticalis Say. Arkansas Kingbird. 

The Arkansas Kingbird is the Kingbird of the Plains and the 
Pacific Coast, resembling the common Kingbird in size and habits, 
but having the black replaced by olivaceous and the white by 
yellow. It has been observed in Iowa somewhat rarely, princi- 
pally in the western part of the state. 

Dr. J. A. Allen states: ‘‘ At Boonesboro a pair of large Fly- 
catchers were seen in the timber, which I scarcely doubt were of 
this species. Having no gun with me at the time, I was unable 
to get them and did not meet with the species elsewhere.’’ (Mem. 
Bost. Soc., i, 1868). 

‘“ Has until the last two years always been considered as a rarity 
in eastern Nebraska, where it occurs asa migrant. During the 
past month of May, 1905, it has been reported frequently, and in 
some localities as common, one Omaha observer having seen 
twelve in one day. ‘There would seem to be considerable found- 
ation for a belief that the species is extending its line of migra- 
tion eastward’’ (Myron H. Swenk, Auk, xxii, 3, 1905, p. 320). 


County records: Dickinson—‘‘ one nest found at Spirit Lake, 
June 15, 1902’’ (Bingaman). ‘‘ Shot one July 30, 1902, at Spirit 
Lake; two others seen’’ (Bailey). Sioux—‘‘ tolerably common 


summer resident at Hawarden in 1895’’ (Berry); killed one, a 
male bird, the first one I ever found here, Hull, Iowa’’ (A.I. J., 
O. & O., xvii, 9, 1892, p. 133). Woodbury —‘‘ uncommon sum- 
mer resident. Several were seen and two shot in September, 1903; 
also August 10 and 16, 1901; May 4, 1902; at Sioux City’’ 
(Rich). 
Genus MyIArcCHuS Cabanis. 

194. (452). Aviarchus crinitus (Linn.). Crested Flycatcher. 

The Crested Flycatcher is a rather rare summer resident in 
nearly all portions of the state, but was reported as only a spring 
and fall migrant in a few localities. In the southern and south- 
eastern sections it is a tolerably common summer resident, being 


[Proc. D. A. S., VoL. XI.] 39 [Nov, 20, 1906, ] 


286 DAVENPORT ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. 


reported as ‘‘ abundant ’’ (Currier) and ‘‘ common’? (Praeger) in 
Lee county; ‘‘common’’ in Van Buren (Savage) and Scott (Wil- 
son). The eggs are generally laid in a hole in a tree, a deserted 
Woodpecker’s hole. B. H. Wilson reports that in 1887 a pair 
nested ina birdhouse in an oak tree in the heart of the city of 
Davenport. Its habit of always using a bit of. cast-off snake skin 
in the construction of its nest is famous and traditional. 


Genus SAYORNIS Bonaparte. 
195. (456). Sayornis phebe (Lath.). Phoebe. 


The familiar Phoebe, Phcebe-bird, or Pewee, is an abundant 
summer resident in all parts of Iowa. Its monotonous note of 
pewit-phebe is heard very early in the spring, as the birds fre- 
quently arrive by the first of March and nest early in April. 
The nest is usually affixed to the vertical side or on top of a cross 
beam under a bridge, and few little country bridges can not boast 
of a Phcebe’s nest. Sometimes the nest is placed in the crevice 
of a cliff, usually near a stream or in sheds and deserted buildings. 
The eggs are three to five in number, normally white, but occa- 
sionally sparsely dotted with brown. In 1893, one pair, I think, 
built four different nests, and eggs were taken from four different 
spots under the same bridge, as follows: June 3, four eggs, 
advanced in incubation; June 13, four fresh eggs; July 3, four 
eggs, slightly incubated; July 22, four eggs; all were unspotted. 
Its attachment to particular spots is very strong, and the birds 
return to nest in the same place year after year. 

196. (457). Sayornis saya (Bonap.). Say Phoebe. 

The Say Phcebe is a western species, of accidental occurrence 
east of the Mississippi. It has been found in northern Illinois, 
Wisconsin, Iowa, and more recently on Cape Cod, Massachusetts 
(Miller, Auk, vii, 1890, p. 228). In Nebraska it is ‘‘ practically 
confined to the to the semi-arid portions of the state. Very com- 
mon summer resident east to Chadron. Migrant in Holt county 
and once at Lincoln. Extending slowly eastward’’ (Rev. Bds. 
Neb, 1904, p. 67). 

Dr. I. S. Trostler records the species as a rare summer resident 
in Mills county, and G. H. Berry states that he shot one female 
at Hawarden, Sioux county, in 18go. 


ANDERSON—THE BIRDS OF IOWA. 287 


Genus NUTTALLORNIS Ridgway. 


197. (459). Nuttallornis borealis (Swains.). Olive-sided Fly- 
catcher. 

The Olive-sided Flycatcher is generally reported as a rather 
rare spring and fall migrant throughout the state during the lat- 
ter part of May and the last week of August and first half of 
September. In a few localities it appears to be more common— 
Blackhawk (Peck); Kossuth (Bingaman); Dallas (Law, Iowa 
Orn., i, 2, 1895, p. 20); Winnebago (Anderson). On August 28, 
1897, shot one male; September 4, saw one; September 5, saw 
two; September 12, 1901, saw several, at Forest City. They 
were generally perched upon the topmost branches of large dead 
trees and appeared rather heavy and slow in their movements. 


Genus ContTopus Cabanis. 


Subgenus ContTupus Cabanis. 


198. (461). Contopus virens (Linn.}. Wood Pewee. 


The Wood Pewee is a common summer resident in woodlands 
in all parts of the state from the middle of May until September. 
Its drawling, plaintive note of pee-a-wee may be heard at all hours 
of the day throughout theseason. The Wood Pewee nests rather 
late, saddling a very neat, lichen-covered nest upon a horizontal 
limb, usually at some distance from the ground, and often diffi- 
cult to distinguish from a knot on the limb. B.H. Wilson gives 
the earliest nesting date in Scott county as June 15, 1889. I 
found two nests containing three eggs each on June 1g, 1894, in 
Winnebago county, where the average date for complete sets is 
about June 25. 

Genus EMPIDONAX Cabanis. 


199. (463). LEmpidonax flaviventris Baird. Yellow-bellied Fly- 
catcher. 


The Yellow-bellied Flycatcher is a rather rare migrant anda 
casual summer resident in Iowa. 


County records: Blackhawk—‘ regular and common migrant 
and rare breeder in Blackhawk county’’ (Peck). Boone—‘‘ not 
common’’ (Henning). Lee—‘‘ migrant, not common’’ (Currier, 


Praeger). Linn—‘‘rare migrant’’ (Berry). Polk—‘‘ arrived at 


288 DAVENPORT ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. 


Des Moines May 9g, 1884’’ (Cooke, Bird Migr. in Miss. Val., p. 
153). Poweshiek —‘‘tolerably common transient’’ (Kelsey ); 
‘“summer, not rare, Poweshiek and Jasper, tolerably common 
from May 15 toJune1’’ (L. Jones); (Parker, Am. Nat., v, 1871, 
169). Scott—‘‘rare migrant, May 24, 1890; June 2, 1889; Sept. 
6, 1890; Sept. 16, 1889’’ (Wilson). Van Buren—‘‘ one record, 
shot in 1895’’ (Savage). Winnebago—‘‘ one specimen taken in 
September, 1890’’ (Law). Winneshiek—‘‘ rare summer resident. 
Reported by Hall Thomas ’’ (Smith). 


200. (465). Empidonax virescens (Vieill.). Green-crested Fly- 
catcher. 


The Flycatchers of the Ampidonax group are rather difficult 
to distinguish from each other, as their plumage, general habits, 
and notes are quite similar. A peculiar choice of nesting sites is 
generally characteristic of each species, but this varies consider- 
ably. The Green-crested or ‘‘Acadian’’ Flycatcher is more eastern 
in its range, and is not reported by very many observers in Iowa. 

Ernest Irons describes the species as nesting around Council 
Bluffs rather commonly from June 1st to 28th, frequenting dark, 
shady woods and deep ravines. All nests were in bushes or small 
trees on the side, near the bottom, of a ravine, preferably in iron- 
wood saplings, though two were in hickories. Eggs are two to 
four, with markings distinct in outline and not blotched, as is 
sometimes the case with the eggs of ¢vazl/i (‘‘The Acadian Fly- 
catcher in Pottawattamie County,’’ Iowa Orn., ii, 4, 1896, pp. 80- 
81). 

Charles R. Keyes reports the species as a ‘‘common summer 
resident in the heavier woods along Cedar River in Linn county. 
Several occupied nests can be found in a few hours’ search during 
last week of May and first two or three weeks in June. Nests are 
swung to lower, outer branches of hard maples, ironwoods, pig- 
hickory, and whiteoaks.’’ In Winnebago county it israre. June 
16, 1896, I took a nest with two eggs, found June 14, in a small 
bush, three feet from the ground, near a winding woodland road; 
birds very shy; one shot. 

The Green-crested Flycatcher was also reported as a common 
summer resident in Blackhawk (Salisbury); ‘‘infrequent’’ (Peck); 


‘ 


Lee (Praeger, Currier); Poweshiek (Kelsey, Jones); Warren (Jeff- . 


ANDERSON—THE BIRDS OF IOWA. 289 


rey). B.H. Wilson reports it as ‘‘rare in Scott county; only one 
seen, shot May 21, 1888.’’ 


201. (466). Lmpidonax trailli (Aud.). Traill Flycatcher. 


The Traill Flycatcher is reported as a tolerably common sum- 
mer resident in nearly all parts of the state from the early part of 
May until September. Dr. Coues says (Key to N. A. Birds, 5th 
Ed., 1903, 1, p. 529): ‘‘Replaces a/norum in western North Amer- 
ica from the Plains to the Pacific; but specimens absolutely like 
alnorum are found in the West even to British Columbia, and 
others like ¢vaz//i proper, east to Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, 
etc., showing that in the Mississippi Valley at large no line can 
be drawn between the two forms. . . . May usually be recog- 
nized by its duller or more fuscous coloration, the quite lively oli- 
vaceous and yellowish shades of a/zorwm being subdued or over- 
cast; wing bars duller and less conspicuous; bill larger; tarsi 
longer, the feet being nearly as in vivescens.’’ William Brewster 
(Auk, xii, 2, April, 1895) classes the Mississippi Valley birds 
south of latitude 42° as /vaz//i, and northern and eastern birds as 
alnorum. 

E. E. Irons records the species as nesting quite commonly in 
Pottawattamie county, in a valley or draw where the ground is 
damp and spongy, in a dense growth of small willows, where he 
took eggs at various dates from June 15 to July 14 (Iowa Orn., 11, 
3, 1896, pp. 53-55). C.R. Ball reports it as a tolerably common 
summer resident in Lyon county, nesting beginning June roth 
and lasting about three weeks. John V. Crone states that in 1889 
he took three sets from the same hedge, and undoubtedly from 
the same birds. A fourth nest was found later with young—in 
Buena Vista county (Iowa Orn., 1, 2, 1895, pp. 31-32). 

In Winnebago county I have found the species rather common 
in restricted localities and absent from others. I examined about 
twenty-five occupied nests from 1894 to 1897, all of which were 
placed in dense thickets of small wild willows along the bank of a 
creek or a low piece of ground, at an average height of four feet 
from the ground. The eggs number three or four, usually four, 
and are deposited about the 25th of June. Accidents to the first 
set will cause second sets to be laid during the early part of July. 
The birds are very shy and are seldom surprised on the nest, the 


290 DAVENPORT ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. 


only indication of the bird’s presence being an occasional nervous 
peep in the dense surrounding thicket. The eggs are of a rich 
creamy color, sparsely speckled over the entire surface, or 
wreathed around the larger end with rich brown or burnt sienna 
color. 

Robert Ridgway identified specimens taken in Winnebago 
county June 29, 1897, and Johnson county in May, 1892 (Mus. 
No. 14507), as ¢vazllz. 


202. (466a). Empidonax trailli alnorum Brewster. Alder Fly- 
catcher: 


This is the common Traill Flycatcher of the eastern and north- 
ern states, ‘‘difficult if not impossible to distinguish from the 
western stock form . . . its western limits can not be given with 
precision, because this form shades into /vaz/li proper in the Mis- 
sissippi Valley’’ (Coues). Kumlien and Hollister state: ‘‘Mr. 
Brewster has kindly examined our small series of this group and 
pronounced the birds of late May and June typical a/norum, sug- 
gesting that it is no doubt the breeding form. He writes that it 
is interesting to find typical examples of the two forms in the 
same locality’’ (Birds of Wis., 1902, p. 83). 

Prof. Charles R. Keyes writes from Mt. Vernon (Linn county): 
£:. t. alnorum—trom two to three pairs regularly nest in a thicket 
less than‘a half-acre in extent along Abbey Creek, one mile north 
of town. The four eggs are laid by June 22. Have never found 
them elsewhere but once, when a nest was found in hazel brush a 
half-mile further down the creek. The birds have occupied the 
little thicket mentioned for at least ten years.’’ 


sh 


203. (467). LEmpidonax minimus Baird. Least Flycatcher. 


The Least Flycatcher is a common or abundant migrant in all 
parts of the state, but appears to be a summer resident and breeds 
commonly only north of the middle line of the state. Trippe, 
however, gives the species as ‘“‘breeding in large numbers in Ma- 
haska county, far less abundant in Decatur’’ (Proc. Bost. Soc., xv., 
1872, p. 234). Dr. Trostler reports it as a ‘‘rare summer resi- 
dent’’ (Pottawattamie); Peck, as an ‘“‘infrequent breeder, mostly 
in open woods or about houses’’ (Blackhawk); Giddings, as a ‘‘tol- 
erably conimon summer resident’’ (Jackson). The observers from 
southern Iowa unanimously report it as a migrant. In Winne- 


ANDERSON—THE BIRDS OF IOWA. 291 


bago the Least Flycatcher is an abundant summer resident, nest- 
ing almost anywhere, in trees along the roadside or in artificial 
groves near houses, sometimes in open woods, seldom more than 
fifteen feet from the ground. Four creamy-white unspotted eggs 
are laid about the middle of June, approximately a week before 
trailli. ‘The birds are very tame and can frequently be caught 
by hand while on the nest. 


Suborder OSCINES. Singing Birds. 
Family ALAUDIDA. Larks. 


The Horned Larks are the only representatives of their family 
found in America. There are about one hundred Old World spe- 
cies, of which the Skylark is the best known. They are almost 
strictly terrestrial and are sweet singers in the springtime. 


Genus OTocorIs Bonaparte. 


294. (474). Otocoris alpestris alpestris (Linn.). Horned Lark. 

The Horned Lark question has become so complicated of recent 
years by the differentiation of varieties that most of the records 
are confused. It is clear that the Prairie Horned Lark is the 
common resident and breeding variety in Iowa, while O. a. alpes- 
tris occurs in winter as a straggler from the northeast and O. a. 
hoyti from the northwest. The range of the large, dark-colored 
gipesivis is given by Oberholser (Proc. U.S. N. M., xxiv, 1902, 
pp. 807-10) ‘‘in winter west to Manitoba and the Mississippi Val- 
ley, south regularly to Illinois, Ohio and the Carolinas, casually 
to Louisiana’’ [specimens from Hibbing, Minn., Mt. Carmel, 
Maywood, Cook County, Ill., etc.]. Kumlien and Hollister state 
that in Wisconsin it is ‘‘ found on the prairies during winter, oft- 
times in considerable numbers. . . . It does not occur anywhere, 
under our observation, except on the larger prairies, while pratv- 
cola is found in almost any field or pasture, even when quite small 
and surrounded by woods”’ (Bds. of Wis., 1903, p. 83). ‘‘ A sin- 
gle specimen, taken at Lincoln, has been identified by Oberholser 
as typical alpestris. "This record extends the known winter rec- 
ord of this species considerably westward ’’ (Rev. Bds. Neb., 1904, 
p. 69). 

The early Iowa records listed all the Horned Larks as a/fesiris, 
and it is questionable whether many of the later winter records 


292 DAVENPORT ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. 


are not referable to foy#i. B.H. Wilson lists a/pestris as a ‘‘toler- 
ably common winter resident’ in Scott county and M. P. Somes as 
‘‘few’’ in Webster county. 


205. (474a). Otocoris alpestris praticola Hensh. Prairie Horned 
Lark. 

The Prairie Horned Lark is a common resident on prairies and 
fields throughout the state. The species is more or less migra- 
tory, and while a few birds may remain through the winter in the 
northern parts of the state, they are less numerous in the dead of 
winter. Large flocks usually appear in February. In Winne- 
bago county the first set of eggs is generally completed by the 
first of April, although eggs are occasionally found in March. In 
southern and central Iowa the bird frequently breeds by the mid- 
dle of March. These early nests are often covered by deep snows. 

The early nests are almost invariably placed in pastures, on the 
ground upon a grassy knoll, while the second nest of the season 
is nearly always placed in a cornfield beside a hill of growing 
corn. Large numbers of nests are annually destroyed by the corn 
cultivator. C.R. Ball states that three broods are raised in a 
season, the finding of fresh eggs as late as July 15th being not 
uncommon in Lyon county (Iowa Orn., i, 2, 1895, 32-34). The 
female bird is a close sitter, and the nest may be almost stepped 
on before she will fly. The eggs number three to six. 

In the springtime the Prairie Horned Larks are often seen 
perched on a fence post or a little rise of ground, uttering a low 
but pleasing song of a few notes. Occasionally in early spring 
the song is heard while the bird ascends high in the air by little 
short flights, then soars down to the ground with a long sweep. 
The birds show little fear of persons or animals, and in northern 
Iowa is the species which probably is most commonly included 
under the vague but comprehensive name of ‘‘ground-bird.”’ 

The Prairie Horned Lark is a species which has changed its 
range very much since the settlement of the United States. As 
the country has been cleared and the forests removed it has ex- 
tended its range from the Mississippi Valley to New York and 
even to New England. 


206. (474k). Otocoris alpestris hoyti Bishop. Hoyt Horned Lark. 


‘ 


This large pale variety ranges ‘‘in summer, British America 


a 


ANDERSON—THE BIRDS OF IOWA. 293 


from the west shore of Hudson Bay to the valley of the Mack- 
enzie, north to Arctic Coast, south to Lake Athabasca; in winter 
southwest to Nevada, Utah, Kansas and Michigan, casually to 
Ohio and New York (Long Island). . . . In winter Aoyéi ranges 
southward into the upper Mississippi Valley at least as far as 
Kansas, but keeps chiefly west of the river. [Specimens from 
Sargeant Bluffs, Iowa, Madison, Minn., Grand Rapids, Mich.]’’ 
(Oberholzer, ‘‘Review of the Larks of the Genus Otocoris.’’ 
Proc. U.S. N. M., xxiv, 1902, pp. 812-815). 

A typical specimen in the Talbot collection, Mus. No. 14124, 
was killed at Sergeant Bluffs, Iowa, January 1, 1886; L. 7.38; 
W. 4.40; T. 2.88; skinned by John E. Swanson. Two other 
specimens, one dated February 9, 1886, and one March 21, 1886, 
skinned by Swanson, but with no locality mark, are probably 
from the Sioux City neighborhood. 

Prof. Lynds Jones of Oberlin, Ohio, writes: ‘‘I made a care- 
ful study of upwards of fifty specimens taken in winter at Grin- 
nell before oyti was elaborated, and then concluded that the 
large birds must be a/festris in spite of the fact that they were 
far too light. I am now convinced that they were foyti. The 
Horned Lark question awaited the solution which the form hoy 
demanded.”’ 

In Nebraska oyé occurs as a ‘‘ regular winter visitant, occur- 
ring over the entire state, appearing usually in February. . . 
Omaha, West Point, Covington.’’ Ofocoris alpestris leucolema 
(Pallid Horned Lark) is given as an abundant resident, breeding 
east to at least the 99th meridian, in winter over whole state, but 
uncommon eastward (Rev. Bds. Neb., 1904, p. 67). Oberholser 
also records a specimen of /eucolema from Omaha, Neb. (Proc. U. 
S.N. M., xxiv, 1902, pp. 812-15), so that it 1s probable that it 
occasionally occurs as a straggler in westerm Iowa in winter, 
although no Iowa specimens have been recorded. 


‘ 


Family CORVID4. Crows, Jays, Magpies. 


The Corvide inhabit wooded regions and are usually resident 
species, although they are migratory to a certain extent. They 
are omnivorous, eating fruits, grain, insects, eggs, or even car- 
rion. 


[PRoc. D. A. S., VoL, XI.] 40 [ Nov. 22, 1906. ] 


294 DAVENPORT ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. 


Subfamily GARRULIN. Jays and Pies. 
Genus Pica Cuvier. 
207. (475). Pica pica hudsonica (Sabine). American Magpie. 

There have been no records of the occurrence of the Magpie in 
Iowa during recent years, and if any are taken they must be con- 
sidered only as accidental stragglers from the northwest. In the 
early days the occurrence of the Magpie in the state was not 
uncommon. ‘Thomas Say noted the bird at Engineers’ Canton- 
ment in winter, stating that it ‘‘ retired northward March 23, 
1820’’ (Long’s Exp., 1819-20). In 1843 Audubon says that at 
Fort Croghan (near Omaha), ‘‘I saw two Magpies in a cage that 
had been caught in nooses by the legs’’ (Journals, 1, pp. 480-1). 
F. V. Hayden states: ‘‘I have never observed them below 
Council Bluffs, and from thence to the mountains they increase 
in numbers’’ (Trans. Am. Philos. Soc., xii, 1863, p. 171); ‘‘known 
to have been taken in Lee county’’ (Parker, Am. Nat., v, 1871, 
p. 169). Dr. Elliott Coues states: ‘‘In ascending the Missouri 
I saw the first Magpie near Sioux City, Iowa, a point immedi- 
ately on the border of its eastward dispersion’’ (Birds of the N. 
W., 1874, p. 212). John Krider reports: ‘‘I was fortunate 
enough to find one specimen of this bird in the spring of 1875 in 
Winnebago county, Iowa’’ (Forty Years’ Notes, p. 54). 

Morton E. Peck writes: ‘‘ A specimen was taken in a steel 
trap in Blackhawk county by a trapper who was perfectly famil- 
iar with the bird in the West. This is an old record, perhaps 
thirty years old, but I am sure it is quite authentic.”’ 

‘The only record I know of for Lee county is the mounted 
bird now in possession of Dr. R. Heiser of Keokuk. It was 
killed four miles west of the city by a Mr. Turner, a farmer. It 
was in the winter time and the bird came about the barnyard, 
but I cannot give the date. It was in the ’7o’s, I think’’ (K. 5. 
Currier). ‘‘ A mounted specimen, destroyed before I saw it; was 
obtained in Lee county, close to Keokuk, about 1893. The bird 
is so peculiar I don’t think there can be any mistake of the facts. 
I made careful inquiries’’ (W. E. Praeger). 

‘‘T have no record of birds taken in Iowa, but the Magpie 
years ago was not uncommon here (Sioux City), so I have been 
told. The specimen I have measured was shot in Nebraska just 


ANDERSON—THE BIRDS OF IOWA. 295 


a few miles from city limits across the Missouri River’’ (Dr. Guy 
©: Rich). 
Genus CyanociTra Strickland. 


208. (477). Cvyanocitta cristata (Linn.). Blue Jay. 

The Blue Jay is an abundant and familiar resident in all parts 
of the state. While common throughout the year, the species 
seems to perform an imperfect migration, as scattering flocks 
containing hundreds of individuals are often seen flying south- 
ward in September or October, and northward in the spring. 
The Blue Jay feeds principally upon acorns and hazelnuts in the 
fall, often haunts the vicinity of farmers’ corncribs during the 
winter, and in summer has a fondness for berries and fruits. The 
most reprehensible habit of the Blue Jay is its penchant for 
destroying the nests of other birds, eating the eggs or nestlings. 

The Blue Jay’s eggs are generally laid in Iowa from the second 
to the last week in April, according to latitude, and second sets 
are to be found during the whole month of June. ‘The nests are 
rather bulky, composed of sticks and lined with fine rootlets, 
placed either in deep woods or in evergreens or shade trees in 
dooryards. ‘The disposition of the bird varies from that of a bold, 
saucy marauder, stealing the small boy’s store of hazelnuts from 
a shed roof, perching on the corn-crib roof, picking up kernels in 
the pig-pen or crumbs from the dooryard, to the wild, wary fel- 
low haunting the tree-tops in deep woods, his loud chay chay 
apprising all its denizens of the approach of anintruder. A flock 
of Blue Jays appear to take great delight in tormenting an owl, 
and will follow one for hours, making the woods ring with their 
screams. 

Genus Corvus Linneeus. 
209. (486). Corvus corax sinuatus (Wagl.). American Raven. 

The Raven probably does not occur in Iowa at the present time. 
If it does it can only be accounted as a very rare or accidental 
straggler. Formerly it ranged over the whole of the United 
States but now is restricted to wild and restricted localities. 
‘The restriction of its range in the United States is probably 
reducible to a fortuitous matter, since this bird, like some others, 
sooner or later finds the advances of civilization unsupportable, 
and retires to regions more congenial to its wild and wary nature’’ 
(Coues, Birds of N. W., p. 205). 


296 DAVENPORT ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. 


Thomas Say notes the raven at Engineers’ Cantonment—‘‘the 
young nearly able to fly May 12, 1820’’ (Long’s Exp., i, pp. 265 
—269). Prince Maximilian noted the ‘‘ Kolkrabe’’ above the 
Nishnabotna River May 1, 1833, and at the mouth of the Platte, 
May 3, 1833 (Reise, i, p. 290). Audubon writes May 11, 1843: 
‘“A fine large Raven passed at one hundred yards from us, but 
I did not shoot [below mouth of Little Sioux]’’ (Journals, i, p. 
484). 

T. M. Trippe states that ‘‘a resident of Decatur county who 
had become familiar with the Raven in the northwest assures me 
that he had occasionally seen it in this county’’ (Pr. Bost. Soc., 
XV O72, Pa210)- 

Mr. George H. Berry reports that a correspondent observed a 
specimen near Rockford, Iowa, in 1900, feeding with Crows. It 
was also observed to be much larger than the Crows, which makes 
the record appear probable. ; 

Kumlien and Hollister report that while the Northern Raven 
(C. c. principalis Ridgw.) is common at several points along Lake 
Superior, it has been rarely seen in southern Wisconsin of late 
years. Nelson found it a rare winter visitant in northern I]linois 
in 1876 (Birds of Wis., pp. 85-86). Whether any of the Iowa 
records pertain to this northern and eastern variety can not now 
be determined. 


210. (488). Corvus brachyrhynchos C.1,. Brehm. American Crow. 


The Common or American Crow is an abundant resident in all 
parts of the state. Inspring and summertime the Crows are less 
gregarious than at other times, but in winter they usually con- 
gregate in large flocks, patrolling wide areas of country daily in 
search of food and at night returning to regular roosting places 
where hundreds or thousands may spend the nights. J. W.Preston 
records a roost near Baxter, Iowa, where during the winter of 1891- 
g2 the number was estimated at forty thousand birds. He notes 
many birds dying of starvation, due to blindness from freezing of 
the cornea in severe weather (Bendire, Life Hist. N. A. Birds, ii, 
409-410). 

The Crow is omnivorous, and the question of its economic 
value or injuriousness has been much discussed. The Crow pulls 
up much corn in the springtime, but he destroys multitudes of cut- 


ANDERSON—THE BIRDS OF IOWA. 297 


worms; also mice, grasshoppers, crickets, grubs, etc.; he destroys 
many nests of small birds and robs the poultry yard of eggs and 
small chickens very frequently. He also acts as a scavenger, 
feeding commonly upon carrion. In the wintertime the vicinity 
of slaughter-houses is a favorite rendezvous for Crows. The 
Crows seem to have a natural antipathy toward the Hawks and 
Owls and large numbers will congregate to mob an unfortunate 
member of this family. Whether injurious or beneficial, the Crow 
seems well able to take care of himself, adjusting himself to every 
new condition, for in spite of continuous persecution for genera- 
tions there seems to be no diminution in the numbers of this spe- 
cies in nearly all parts of the country and, indeed, an increase in 
most parts of Iowa since the settlement of the state. 

Contrary to the general rule in the East, the Crows in Iowa 
commonly build their nests in rather small trees, second-growth 
oaks or poplars in small groves, usually not over thirty-five feet 
from the ground, sometimes not over fifteen feet. The usual 
number of eggs is five, but four, six or seven are sometimes 
found, from the latter part of March until the first of May. Oc- 
casionally a white or albino Crow is observed. W. A. Bryan 
reports having seen one with a white head near New Sharon, and 
mounted one taken in Story county in 1882, which was a dirty 
white color all over (Iowa Orn., i, 3, 1895, pp. 58-62). Although 
a wary bird, the Crow becomes remarkably tame when taken 
from the nest while young. 


Genus NUCIFRAGA Linnzus. 


211. (491). Nucifraga columbiana (Wilson). Clarke Nutcracker. 


The Clarke Nutcracker is essentially a bird of the coniferous 
forests of the West, occasionally straggling eastward to Dakota, 
Nebraska and Kansas. ‘‘Dr. Agersborg took a specimen at Ver- 
million, S. D., in October, 1883 (Cooke, Bird Migr. in Miss. Val., 
p. 159), and a specimen was shot in the western outskirts of Mil- 
waukee in the fall of 1875 (Kumlien and Hollister, Birds of Wis., 
p. 86). In Nebraska, ‘‘in fall and winter, spreading south and 
east to Sidney, Kearney, North Platte, and even to Omaha’’ (Rev. 
Birds Neb., p. 72). 

The only Iowa record is a spetimen in the museum of the Uni- 
versity of Iowa, No. 10753, shot by Cal Brown four miles south 


298 DAVENPORT ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. 


of Boone, Iowa, September 23, 1894, and donated to the museum 
by Carl Fritz Henning. (Recorded by Nutting, Proc. Iowa Acad. 
Sci., 1894, p. 44; and by Henning, Iowa Orn., i, 3, 1895, p. 63). 


Family ICTERIDAS. Blackbirds, Orioles, etc. 


This is a distinctively American family, some species of which 
are with difficulty distinguished from the /7ingillide. ‘They 
inhabit plains and marshes as well as woodland, and feed on 
fruit, seeds and insects. 


Subfamily AGELASIN A. Marsh Blackbirds. 
Genus DOLICHONYX Swainson. 


212. (494). Dolichonyx oryzivorus (Linn.). Bobolink. 

The Bobolink is a common migrant in all parts of the state, 
and while it is found in summer in most favorable localities in the 
state, does not now appear to breed commonly except in the cen- 
tral and northern portions. It arrives in the state in the first 
part of May, the male coming some days in advance of the female. 
The male is a musical songster in spring and during the period of 
incubation, restlessly flitting over the meadows, balancing on 
swinging weed-stalks and fairly bubbling over with the ringing 
bob-o-link notes. ‘The female is a dull-colored sparrow-like bird 
and is seldom seen. ‘TI. M. Trippe noted the species as breeding 
abundantly in Decatur county, southern Iowa, but rare in Ma- 
haska (Proc, Bost. Soc, xv, 1872, p. 238). Prof. Cy ©) Nutting 
(Proc. Iowa Acad. Sci., 1892, p. 41) reported the species as in- 
creasing near Iowa City, but it appears to be rare here at the 
present time. B.H. Wilson gives it as a common summer resi- 
dent in Scott county; earliest seen April 28, 1887, and set of five 
fresh eggs taken May 28, 1889. 

In Winnebago and Hancock counties the Bobolink is an abund- 
ant summer resident, frequenting grassy meadows, where the nest 
is very carefully concealed in the center of a clump of grass, half- 
way between the short upland grasses and the long slough grass. 
The female bird has a habit of running through the grass for 
some distance before taking flight, making the nest difficult to 
locate. Eggs are laid about June rst. After the young are 
hatched, males, females, and youn assume the same dull yellowish 
plumage, and during the latter part of July and August frequent 


ANDERSON—THE BIRDS OF IOWA. 299 
rushes, weeds and wild rice along creeks and sloughs, departing 
for the south about the middle of September. 


Genus MOLUTHRUS Swainson. 


213. (495). M@oluthrus ater (Bodd.). Cowbird. 


The Cowbird is an abundant summer resident in all parts of the 
state, arriving about the middle of April and remaining until the 
latter part of October. A few birds sometimes remain through- 
out the winter in southern Iowa. The Cowbird is the only Iowa 
bird which is habitually and notoriously parasitic, never building 
a nest of its own and depositing its eggs in the nests of other, 
usually smaller, birds. The eggs are generally laid before the 
owner of the nest has completed laying, and as the Cowbird’s egg 
hatches in about ten days, sooner than those of most birds, the 
rightful owner’s offspring are often crushed to death and crowded 
from the nest. Most birds do not seem to mind the imposition 
and I have seen a tiny Warbler busily feeding a young Cowbird 
twice as large as herself, after it has left the nest. I have found 
a number of nests of the Yellow Warbler in which a second story 
has been added to the nest after a Cowbird’s egg has been laid, 
imbedding it in the bottom of the nest. This is not done if the 
Warbler has laid any of her own eggs. W. A. Bryan has also 
found a Traill Flycatcher’s nest with a Cowbird’s egg imbedded. 

In ‘‘Observations on the Cowbird’’ (Iowa Orn., iii, 1897, pp. 
4-7), David L. Savage reports the finding of eggs from April 22 to 
July 27, nests containing from one to five Cowbird’s eggs. He 
notes twenty species which are imposed upon, viz.: Robin, Tow- 
hee, Vesper Sparrow, Chipping Sparrow, Field Sparrow, Blue- 
gray Gnatcatcher, Blue-winged Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Worm- 
eating Warbler, Baltimore Oriole, Orchard Oriole, Pewee, King- 
bird, Red-eyed Vireo, Wood Thrush, Indigo Bird, Scarlet Tana- 
ger, Prairie Horned Lark, Yellow-breasted Chat, Water Thrush, 
Western Yellow-throat, Ovenbird, Meadow Lark, Rose-breasted 
Grosbeak, and Redstart. The Field Sparrow and the Indigo 
Bird were most imposed upon, and the Kingbird was the only 
species that objected. Other observers in Iowa have reported the 
Bluebird, Brown Thrasher, Warbling Vireo, Bobolink, and Barn 
Swallow, and I have noted in addition the Red-winged Blackbird, 
Least Flycatcher, Traill Flycatcher, Yellow-throated Vireo, and 


300 DAVENPORT ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. 


Dickcissel. The species is polygamous and usually stays in small 

flocks during the summer, frequenting pastures, feeding about 

the feet of horses and cattle, and often alighting upon the ami- 

mals’ backs. . 
Genus XANTHOCEPHALUS Swainson. 


214. (497). NXanthocephalus xanthocephalus (Bonap.). Yellow- 
headed Blackbird. 

The Yellow-headed Blackbird occurs as a straggler in all.por- 
tions of the state. It is only found as a common summer resi- 
dent in the northern and western parts of the state, where in some 
places it breeds in colonies of hundreds or thousands in large 
prairie sloughs. ‘The eggs are laid during the last week of May 
and first of June, usually three or four in number, but I have 
found two or three sets of five in several hundred nests examined 
in Winnebago and Hancock counties. Thenests are rather bulky 
structures, composed of blades of dead slough grass and lined 
with thinner strips of gyvass-leaves, hung between last year’s 
standing stalks of cat-tails or the tall, slender miniature canes of 
the common reed (Phragmites). In some localities—Big Lake, 
Pottawattamie county, etc., (Trostler)—the species was reported 
as building its nest in wild rice. 

While the Yellow-headed Blackbirds feed upon seeds toa great 
extent, in the springtime large numbers of grubs are picked up 
on the plowed fields. The species shows a great fondness for 
certain localities, where they may abound, while other suitable 
marshes in the near vicinity may not show a single bird. 

In some counties the species is very rare. C. C. Nutting 
records one specimen taken in Johnson county in 1892 by J. T. 
Paintin (Proc. Iowa Acad.Sci., 1892, p. 41); twospecimens taken 
near Burlington (Bartsch); seen twice in Mahaska (W. A. Bryan, 
Iowa Orn., i, 2, 1895); a few seen in May, 1895, Winneshiek (Dr. 
C) C. Smith); “‘rare in Linn county; none seen im the last ten 
years’’ (Keyes); ‘‘rare visitant at Keokuk; breeding in Clark 
county, Mo.’’ (Currier); ‘‘ breeding commonly near Perry, Dal- 
las county ’’ (Law). 


Genus AGELAIUS Vieillot. 


215. (498). Agelaius pheniceus (Linn.). Red-winged Black- 
bird. 
The Red-winged Blackbird is a common or abundant summer 


ANDERSON—THE BIRDS OF IOWA. 301 


resident in all parts of the state from the middle of March until 
the middle of November. ‘The nest is generally placed in a bunch 
of grass, sedges or cat-tails in marshy situations, but sometimes 


_in willows along the banks of streams. “They nest usually in 


colonies, and the ringing note of kong-quer-veé may be heard 
throughout thesummer. In the fall they congregate in immense 
flocks and sometimes do damage to grain-fields. W.W. Cooke 
estimated that 300,000 birds of this species were living on Mus- 
eatine Island in April, 1878. On April 6, 1883, Mr. W. A. Les- 
ter notes the same state of affairs, saying that they have been 
roosting by thousands in the timber on Muscatine Island for a 
month or more (O. & O., 1883, p. 51). Occasionally a few indi- 
viduals are seen in winter, even in the northern part of the state. 
I have seen a single specimen near Forest City during the early 
part of January. 

Carl Fritz Henning reports a perfect albino shot north of Boone 
September 17, 1893, (O., 30, xvill, 1893, p. 143). M. HE. Halvor- 
sen also shot one in Winnebago county about July 1, 1go1, and 
saw another, analbino, at the same time. The Winnebago county 
specimen is in my collection. The eggs are usually laid from the 
15th to the 30th of May, four or five in number, pale blue, vari- 
ously streaked, spotted and blotched with black in fantastic pat- 
terns. 

Charles Aldrich of Webster City, in 1881, noted a diminution 
in number during the preceding twenty-five years, due to the 
drainage and tillage (Am. Nat., xv, 1881, pp. 476-7). This dim- 
inution has probably occurred in all parts of the state as settle- 
ment proceeded, although the Blackbirds easily adapt themselves 
to circumstances, and hold their own fairly well. 


216. (498). Agelaius pheniceus fortis Ridgw. Thick-billed Red- 
wing. 

‘The Thick-billed or Northern Redwing is similar to 4. A. 
pheniceus but decidedly larger and with the bill relatively much 
shorter and thicker; adult male and female in winter plumage, 
and immature male similar in coloration to the same of 4. f. son- 
oriensis, differing from the latter in larger size and conspicuously 
shorter and thicker bill. Breeding range, Mackenzie R., Atha- 
basca, atid other interior districts of British America. During 


[PrRoc. D. A. S., VOL. XI.] 41 [ Nov. 26, 1906.] 


~ 302 DAVENPORT ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. 


migrations, the Great Plains, from eastern base of Rocky Moun- 
tains to Manitoba, Minnesota (Fort Snelling, May 11); Nebraska 
(Omaha, March g); Iowa (Burlington, Oct.), etc.; western IlIli- 
nois (Henderson county, Morgan county, March).’’ (Ridgway, 
Bds. of N. and Mid. Am. Part II.) 

Four specimens from the Talbot collection at the University ~ 
were submitted to Robert Ridgway who pronounced them /or‘#is. 
No. 12467, Blue Lake, Lowa, October 22, 1884. W. 1205 
8e=™: B. (culmen) 21; Bys(depth) 11.57 = “9124660, (Blue wsbakes 
16385, W. 123, 1. 86; B. (culmen) 233) Bo(depth)er255.s1246e 
Monona county, Iowa, October 14, 1884, W. 122; T. 82; B. 24; 
B. (depth) 13. 12459, Monona county, Iowa, October 14, 1884, 
W. 1245) 1. 93°" B: (culmen) 2453. (depth) ans: 

The collection contains ten other specimens from Blue Lake 
and Monona county, 1884-85, which conform to the measure- 
ments given for fortis. The Thick-billed Redwing will without 
doubt prove to be a fairly common migrant in Iowa when series 
of specimens taken in migrations are examined critically. 


Subfamily STURNELLINAY. Meadow Starlings. 
Genus STURNELLA Vieillot. 


217. (501). Sturnella magna (Linn.). Meadow Lark. 


The Meadow Lark is a summer resident in all parts of Iowa, 
being found in nearly all meadows and pastures in the eastern 
part of the state, arriving in the middle of March and remaining 
sometimes until the middle of October. In western Iowa the 
Western Meadow Lark is the more common form. C. R. Ball 
reports magna as breeding in Lyon county (Iowa Orn., i, 2, 1895, 
p- 40), and Dr. Trostler reports it as a scarce resident in Pottawat- 
tamie and Mills. 

The eastern form magna is distinguished by having the black 
bars on wings and tail confluent along shaft of the feathers and 
yellow of chin usually confined between rami of lower mandible. 
The western form zeg/ecta is duller and paler, with black on wings 
and tail usually resolved into distinct bars, and the yellow of chin 
usually encroaching on sides of lower jaw. The notes of the two 
species are strikingly different, the Eastern Lark having a clear, 
plaintive whistle, while the Western bird has a much louder tone, 


ANDERSON—THE BIRDS OF IOWA. 303 


with a rich, mellow, almost flute-like timbre. When once heard 
it can not be mistaken. 

The Meadow Lark is a hardy bird, appearing with the earliest 
migrants, and a few occasionally remain during the winter in 
southern Iowa, Lee county (Praeger, Currier); Scott county (Wil- 
son); and a few have been seen in midwinter in Buena Vista 
(John B. Crone, Iowa Orn., i, 2, 1895, py4o). They begin to nest 
about the last of April and eggs have been found as late as July, 
so that it is probable that two broods may be reared. ‘The nest 
is placed on the ground in meadows and pastures, very carefully 
concealed. While pairs are usually isolated during the summer, 
the Meadow Larks assemble in flocks in spring and fall. 

An albino specimen in the University museum, No. 3684, male, 
was collected by J. T. Paintin at Coralville, Johnson county, July 
30, 1889. The back is white with faint brownish tracings on 
secondaries and scapulars; throat and belly tinged with pale 
canary yellow, brighter along median line of breast, and fading 
anteriorly and posteriorly. 


218. (501). Sturnella magna neglecta (Aud.). Western Meadow 
Wari: 


The Western Meadow Lark is the commoner form of the spe- 
cies in the western half of the state, and specimens have been 
reported from a number of the eastern counties. There is con- 
siderable evidence to show that this form is slowly extending its 
range eastward. The two forms are found together in most 
parts of the state, but there appears to be very little intergration 
and specimens are readily differentiated. 

Dr. J. A. Allen states: ‘‘ In 1867 I found var. xeglecta the pre- 
vailing form in central and western Iowa, from Boone county 
westward ’’ (Bull. Nutt. Orn. Club, v, 1, 1880, p. 53). Prof. W. 
J. McGee (Ibid, p. 53) noted neglecta in Chickasaw county, May 
25, 1879, one hundred miles farther east than any in which he 
had previously seen the species. During the next few days he 
saw perhaps a dozen individuals of zeg/ecta in Floyd and Mitchell 
counties. He also says: ‘‘I saw several individuals (notably 
one near Rudd, Floyd County) which I was totally unable to 
identify as either S. magna or S. neglecta, either by markings, 
habits, attitude or voice. They seem to hold an intermediate posi- 


> 


304 DAVENPORT ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. 


tion in all characters between the best marked extremes.’’ In 
the American Naturalist (xxii, 1888, p. 1122-24) a review of Prof. 
W. J. McGee’s paper before the A. O. U. states: ‘‘ The two 
species or geograpical varieties, whichever they may be, are dis- 
tinguished by certain peculiarities in their song. The eastern 
species, Sturnclla magna, extends about two-thirds way across 
the state of Iowa, while the western form, S. xeglecta, is found 
nearly as far east as the Mississippi River. At the extremes of 
distribution both of the forms are easily recognized and are typi- 
cal examples. But in the intervening region, where the two 
overlap, as it were, the birds were not to be positively separated 
by note alone, a sight of the bird being generally necessary for 
positive identification. Whether the variation in song was due to 
imitation of one by the other or to an actual intermingling of the 
two, he did not attempt to decide.’’ : 

T. M. Trippe noted the occurrence of the two forms together 
in Decatur and Mahaska counties, S. magna predominating (Proc. 
Bost. Soc., xv, 1872, p. 239), saying: ‘‘ The former (zeglecta) is 
never heard after the first of September, although it arrives as 
soon, or a little before the other, viz., early in March, while the 
latter remains till November. I have never heard a bird whose 
notes were intermediate between the two.’’ 

A series of fifty-six skins in the Talbot collection, University 
museum, collected at Sioux City, Iowa, mostly in June, July and 
August, are all typical zeglecta, showing no intergradation, aver- 
aging as pale as a series from Nebraska and Indian Territory, 
and paler than a specimen from Provo, Utah. One specimen, 
No. 18004, male, Sioux City, June 15, 1884, is darker than the 
others, with anterior bars confluent, but with yellow encroaching 
on cheeks; a very similarly marked specimen, No. 17786, was 
taken in Johnson county, April 12, 1890. No. 17786, taken at 
Elm Creek, Nebraska, November 6, 1884, has the bill curved in 
an are like that of the California Thrasher, but the bill is more 
slender. Some county records of interest are given: 


‘‘One was killed at Iowa City this year. The species is gradu-’ 


ally moving eastward; quite common in Fayette’’ (Paul Bartsch); 
a specimen taken in spring of 1892 by H. J. Giddings, in Jackson 
county (Iowa Orn., i, 2, 895, p. 41). ‘‘In Blackhawk and Har- 
din counties this form seems to be gradually crowding out the 


ANDERSON—THE BIRDS OF IOWA. 305 


type of the species. Twenty years ago the western Lark was con- 
sidered uncommon; at present they are largely in the majority’’ 
(M.E. Peck). ‘‘Do not know the proportion it bears to the pre- 
ceding. They appeared last fall (1903) to be more common in 
migration than as breeders in Linn county’’ (Charles R. Keyes). 
‘Rare about Decorah, but becoming more common. Mcre com- 
mon in western portion of Winneshiek county’’ (Dr.C.C. Smith). 
Found in Winnebago and Hancock counties in about the same 
numbers as .S. magna (Anderson). 


Subfamily ICTERINA. American Orioles. 
Genus IcTERUS Brisson. 
Subgenus PENDULINUS Vieillot. 


219. (506). /cferus spurius (Linn.). Orchard Oriole. 

The Orchard Oriole is a common summer resident in all parts 
of Iowa, arriving about the first of May and departing in Septem- 
ber. B.H. Wilson reports the earliest date of arrival as April 26, 
in Scott county. The eggs are laid from the latter part of May 
until the middle of June; three to four in number. The nest isa 
very beautiful structure, not exactly pensile, but generally sus- 
pended between slender twigs of upright branches, composed of 
fine green grass blades, which cure like hay, retaining some 
greenness for a long time, and is lined with cottony substances. 
The nests are not generally placed so high as the Baltimore Ori- 
ole’s, from ten to thirty feet from the ground, usually in artificial 
groves, Lombardy poplars or willows, near houses or in orchards. 
The song of the Orchard Oriole is loud, clear, and richly modu- 
lated. ; 

Subgenus YPHANTES Vieillot. 
220. (507). /cterus galbula (Linn.). Baltimore Oriole. 


The beautiful Baltimore Oriole is an abundant summer resident 
in all parts of the state, arriving about the first of May and re- 
maining until the middle of September. It is one of our most 
familiar birds, known by its clear, whistling notes and by the won- 
derfully woven nest, which is suspended like a pouch from the 
top of some swaying branch. The favorite nesting site appears 
to be elm trees and maples, in dooryards, and sometimes in pop- 
lars, willgws, cottonwoods, etc. The bird is equally at home 


306 DAVENPORT ACADEMY OF SCIENCKS. 


around country farmhouses or in villages and towns, constructing 
its nest of strings, thread, hairs, bits of cloth, or anything fibrous 
that can be woven into a compact fabric. The eggs are four to 
six in number, dull white, commonly blotched, clouded and 
scrawled with black, brown and purplish markings. The eggs 
are generally laid by the first of June. 


Subfamily QUISCALIN 4. American Grackles. 


Genus KUPHAGUS Cassin. 


221. (509). Luphagus carolinus (Muller). Rusty Blackbird. 


The Rusty Blackbird is a common migrant in all parts of the 
state, appearing in small flocks, often in company with Red- 
winged Blackbirds, from the middle of March until the latter part 
of April and from the middle of September until the early part of 
December. B.H. Wilson reports a pair wintering at Rock Island 
Arsenal in 1899-1900, becoming very tame and coming to the 
guard-house every day for crumbs. Fall specimens are much 
more rusty-plumaged. They feed on the ground in fields or in 
open swampy woods on and along the borders of streams.  Fre- 
quently, in spring, a flock will be seen densely massed in a tree, 
all singing at once, in a confusing medley. The uniform color 
of plumage and pale eyes distinguish the species from other 
Blackbirds at this season. 

222. (510). Luphagus cyanocephalus (Wagl.). Brewer Blackbird. 

The Brewer Blackbird is a western species, distinguished from 
£:. carvolinus by its violet-purple head and comparative absence. of 
rusty tips to the feathers. It is a rather rare straggler in Iowa 
during the migrations, occasionally reaching even to Illinois and 
Wisconsin. It is recorded from the whole of Nebraska, ‘‘Omaha, 
etc.,—migratory, passing in October and latter part of March and 
April’ (Rev. Bds. Neb., 1904, p. 75). Cooke (Bird Migr. in Miss. 
Val., 1884-85, pp. 173-74) records their appearance at La Porte 
City, Iowa, March 26, 1885. W.H. Bingaman writes that ‘‘the - 
Brewer Blackbird is a rare migrant in Kossuth county; not un- 
usual during the fall migration. Iam well acquinted with the 
species and secured many sets in Canada.’’ Ridgway, Coues, 
Bendire, and other authorities also give the species as occurring 
in Iowa. 


ANDERSON—THE BIRDS OF IOWA. 307 


Genus QUISCALUS Vieillot. 


223. (511b). Oudtscalus guiscalus eneus (Ridgway). Bronzed 
Grackle. 


The Bronzed Grackle is an abundant summer resident in all 
parts of the state from the early part of March until November, 
and a few occasionally remaining during the winter. They nest in 
colonies in groves about farmhouses and sometimes in shade trees 
in cities, when they are often seen walking slowly upon the lawns, 
apparently not noticing passers-by. Sometimes several nests are 
placed in one tree. J. W. Preston describes a vast colony which 
nested in the tops of wild plum trees near Cairo Lake, Hamilton 
county, in 1881 (Bendire, Life Histories, ii, p. 503). About the 
first of August they begin to gather in flocks and in September 
and October enormous quantities are sometimes seen, frequently 
doing considerable damage to the corn crops. 

Charles R. Keyes (The Auk, v, 1888, p. 207) describes immense 
flocks composed of about equal numbers of Red-winged Black- 
birds, Rusty Blackbirds, and Bronzed Grackles, which congre- 
gated in the swamps and woodlands opposite Burlington, Iowa, 
during September and October, flocks of several thousands pass- 
ing the day in the cornfields of Iowa, returning to the Illinois 
side at night. ‘‘These flocks are often a quarter of a mile in 
width and more than an hour in passing. . . . Making liberal 
deductions for any possibility of overestimating, the numerical 
minimum of individuals in a single flock cannot be far from 
twenty millions.’’ Paul Bartsch, in 1895, states that ‘‘the species 
has decreased in numbers . . . seven or eight years ago, enorm- 
ous flocks at Burlington’’ (Iowa Orn., i, 2, 1895, pp. 43-44). 


Family FRINGILLID#. Finches, Sparrows, etc. 


This is the largest family of birds, both in number of species 
and of individuals. In North America about one-seventh of all 
the birds are /rvingillide. Dr. Coues says: ‘‘Any one United 
States locality of average attractiveness to birds has a bird fauna 
of over two hundred species, and if it be away from the seacoast, 
and consequently uninhabited by marine birds, about one-fourth 
of the species are W/nioltiltide and /ringillide together, the latter 
somewhat in excess of the former.’’ All are distinguished by a 


308 DAVENPORT ACADEMY OF SCIENCKS. 


conical bill, adapted for seed-crushing, and feed largely on seeds, 
but also eat berries and insects. 


Genus HESPERIPHONA Bonaparte. 


224. (514). Hesperiphona vespertina (W. Cooper). Evening Gros- 
beak. 

The Evening Grosbeak is an erratic wanderer, and while large 
flocks may occur in any part of Iowa from September to April, or 
even May, its appearance is very irregular and the bird may be 
absent from the same locality for several years before appearing 
again. Charles R. Keyes (Auk, v, 1888, p. 114) notes their ap- | 
pearance in the vicinity of Iowa City in February, 1884, and in 
the winter of 1886-87 from December to April 30. From Febru- 
ary 23 to April 30 a flock of about one hundred visited the Uni- 
versity campus daily, feeding principally upon the samare or 
key-fruits of the box-elder trees, also the seeds of sugar-maples, 
and leaf buds. ‘They were very tame. It was also reported from 
Charles City in March, Grinnell in December, April and May, 
and at Burlington. C.C. Nutting reports two secured in Decem- 
ber near Iowa City by J. T. Paintin (Proc. Iowa Acad. Sci., 1892, 
joy 8) 

Recent records: Dickinson—‘‘ observed it on or about Sept. 
20, 1895, at Lake Park’’ (Salisbury). Johnson—saw one male 
on University campus Feb. 14, 1902 (Anderson). Winnebago 
—‘‘killed two at Forest City in 1902’’ (Halvorsen). Winne- 
shiek—‘‘ on March 7, 1896, Mr. Hall Thomas took two specimens, 
and on April 18, two more; very large flocks’’ (Smith). Linn— 
‘*T saw a flock of ten in Blairstown, Dec. 2, 1894. Two shot at 
Mt. Vernon in spring of 1895’’ (Keyes); ‘‘ flocks remained in 
Cedar Rapids for some time during February, 1904; several spec- 
imens shot’’ (Bailey). 


Genus PINICOLA Vieillot. 


225. (515). Pinicola enuclealor canadensis (Cab.). . American 
Pine Grosbeak. 

The Pine Grosbeak is an inhabitant of the northern coniferous 
forests, and consequently is not to be expected regularly in Iowa, 
although it occasionally appears as a straggler in winter. 

County records: Floyd—‘‘a few small flocks appeared in the 


ANDERSON—THE BIRDS OF IOWA. 309 


vicinity of Charles City in winter of 1878-79’’ (Keyes and Wil- 
liams, Bds. of Iowa, p. 43). Hardin—‘‘a rare autumn and 
spring visitor’’ (Peck). Jackson—'‘‘ Dec. 1, 1903, two males were 
shot near the mouth of the Maquoketa River and sent to me— 
my only record’’ (Giddings). Linn—‘‘rare winter visitant’’ 
(Berry). Mitchell—‘‘ three during winter 1883-84’’ (J. W. Lind- 
ley, O. & O., 1883, p. 33); (Cooke, Bird Migr. in Miss. Valley, 
1884-85, pp. 178-79). Story—‘‘one specimen taken at Ames 
Dee, 23, 1889 (Osborn, Cat. Coll. Ia. Agr. Coll., p. 8): Web- 
ster—‘‘ few; winter’’ (Somes). 


Genus CARPODACUS Kaup. 


226. (517). Carpodacus purpureus (Gmel.). Purple Finch. 

The Purple Finch is acommon migrant in the northern and 
central portion of the state, and a winter resident in the southern 
portions of the state. Praeger reports it as a ‘‘common winter 
resident ’’ and Currier as an ‘‘ abundant winter resident’’ in Lee; 
Trostler as an ‘‘irregular winter visitant’’ in Pottawattamie and 
Mills; Berry as a ‘‘common winter visitant’’? in Linn; William 
Savage as ‘“‘rare in winter’’ in Van Buren (Iowa Orn., i, 1, 1894, 
pp. 1-2); W. G. Savage as a ‘‘common winter resident’’ in Van 
Buren; Giddings as an ‘‘occasional resident in winter’’ in Jack- 
son. The Purple Finches usually appear in central Iowa in 
March and April and leave northern Iowa early in May; reap- 
pear in fall from September to December. 

The only nesting record for Iowa is that of David L. Savage, 
who found a nest near Salem, Henry county, June 2, 1892, in an 
apple tree, eighteen feet from the ground. The Purple Finch is 
a sweet songster in the spring. In migrating flocks usually not 
more than one-fourth to one-eighth of the birds show the rosy or 
so-called purple plumage of the adult males, the remainder being 
dusky streaked females or young males. 


Genus Loxia Linneeus. 
227. (521). Loxia curvirostra minor (Brehm.). American Cross- 


bill. 


The American Crossbill or Common Crossbill is a rather com- 
mon winter visitant in Iowa but is somewhat erratic in its wan- 
derings and may be entirely absent from a locality for a number 


(PRoc. D. A: S.. Vor. XI | 42 [Dec. 4, 1906.] 


310 DAVENPORT ACADEMY OF SCIENCHS. 


of years and then reappear in large flocks. Keyes and Williams 
state that ‘‘at Charles City, during the spring of 1878, it appeared 
in large numbers, remaining until the first week in May. In July 
of the same year a flock was also noted in Floyd county’’ (Birds 
of Iowa, p. 141). W. W. Cooke (Bird Migr. in Miss. Val. in 
1884-85, p. 141) says that ‘‘not a single record was made during 
the winter of 1883-84 . . . The winter of 1884-85 was marked 
ornithologically, in the upper Mississippi Valley, by the great 
abundance of Crossbills of both species. In Iowa they stayed all 
winter at Coralville and were seen April 18 at Knoxville (fifty 
birds), and May 1 in Grinnell. The latest records are Coralville, 
Marya2i5 2 etc: 

While the mandibles of the Crossbill are so constructed as to 
be most useful in shelling the seeds from pine cones, the birds are 
not confined to evergreen groves in Iowa, but feed commonly on 
sunflower and hemp seeds and the seeds of various weeds. While 
the species has been recorded from nearly all portions of the state 
it occurs more regularly in the northern parts of Iowa and is rare 
in the southern counties. The majority of the records are in the 
months from October to February. 


228. (552) Loxia leucoptera (Gmel.). White-winged Crossbill. 


This species usually appears with flocks of American Cross- 
bills, but is much rarer. Keyes and Williams state that it is usu- 
ally only noticed in midwinter. 

County records: Blackhawk—‘‘one shot by myself early in 
fall, four or five years ago—only one ever observed here’’ (Salis- 
bury). Hardin—‘‘fall of 1900 at Iowa Falls’’ (Halvorsen). John- 
son—‘‘a flock summered near Iowa City in 1885’’ (J. T. Paintin), 
(Nutting, Proc. Iowa Acad. Sci., 1892, p. 41). Linn—‘‘shot one 
in town in winter of 1893, the only one I ever saw here (Cedar 
Rapids). It was with about twenty Common Crossbills’’ (Berry). 
Pottawattamie- Mills—‘‘ irregular winter visitant’’ (Trostler). 
Poweshiek— ‘‘rare winter visitant’’ (Iyynds Jones). Story—‘‘rare 
at Amies’’ (Osborn, Cat. Col. lowa Agri. Coll., 1891, p. 8). Van 
Buren—‘‘ten years ago one was shot and brought to me for iden- 
tification’ (W. G. Savage); ‘‘one specimen with flock of Ameri- 
can Crossbills in 1881’’ (Wm. Savage, Iowa Orn., i, I, 1894, p. 2). 
Woodbury—‘‘uncommon winter resident’’ (Rich). 


ANDERSON—THE BIRDS OF IOWA. gata 


Genus LEUCOSTICTE Swainson. 


229. (524). Leucosticte tephrocotis Swainson. Gray-crowned Leu- 
costicte. 

‘“Breeding on higher mountains from Rocky Mts. of British 
America to Mt. Whitney, Calif.; migrating in winter through 
Rocky Mt. district of U. S. to Colorado; east, occasionally to 
western Iowa’’ (Ridgway). ‘‘Once recorded from Omaha by L. 
Skow, who knew it in the western part of the state’’ (Rev. Birds 
Neb., p. 84). The only definite Iowa record I have found is that 
of D. H. Talbot, at Sioux City, who states that in February, 1883, 
(an extremely cold month) several specimens were captured by 
boys in the western part of the city. A specimen kept alive had 
lost all rosy color after moulting—August 22 (‘‘The Gray-crowned 
Finch in Confinement,’’ Bull. Nutt. Orn. Club, viii, 4, 1883, pp. 
240-42). 

Genus ACANTHIS Bechstein. 
230. (528). <Acanthis inaria (IAnn.). Redpoll. 

The Common Redpoll or Redpoll Linnet is a somewhat irregu- 
lar but abundant winter visitor. Some winters flocks of hun- 
dreds are seen, and during other seasons they will be rare. In 
southern Iowa the species is rarely seen, but in northern Iowa 
they appear nearly every winter, often visiting towns. Its prin- 
cipal food is the seed of ragweeds and various large weeds which 
project through the snow. Flocks alight upon these in large 
numbers, picking off the seeds which cling to the stalks as well 
as those which fall upon the snow. It frequently happens that 
only two or three rosy-pink males are found in a flock of two or 
three hundred specimens. The Redpolls are generally found 
from December until March, but Dr. C. C. Smith has noted them 
as early as Dec. 3 and as late as April 5 in Winneshiek county. 


231. (528b). Acanthis linaria rostrata (Coues). Greater Redpoll. 


‘A northern species, rarely seen in the U.S. The only in- 
stance of its capture within the Mississippi Valley is the record 
of.a specimen taken Nov. 2, 1878, at Chicago, Ill., by Mr. H. K. 
Coale’’ (Cooke, Bird Migr. in Miss. Val., 1884-85, p. 182). 

“Mr. J. H. Brown, Iowa City, Iowa, writes: ‘‘I shot three 
Greater Redpolls on Jan. 11, and one the 13th inst. They were 
undoubtedly of the variety Acanthis linaria rostrata Coues. I 


312 DAVENPORT ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. 


have never seen mention of this variety occurring in the state 
before’’ (Iowa Orn., li, 2, 1896, p. 50). 


Genus ASTRAGALINUS Cab. 


232. (529). <Astragalinus tristis (Linn.). American Goldfinch. 

The American Goldfinch or ‘‘ Yellow-bird,’’ known by its 
bright yellow body and black cap, wings and tail, is a common 
resident throughout the year in all parts of Iowa, but is usually 
less common during the winter. The winter birds of both sexes 
assume a dusky, grayish-brown plumage with an olive tinge, and 
wander about in flocks, feeding upon weed seeds. The birds 
remain in flocks through most of the year, delaying the nesting 
period until late in the summer, usually until the thistles have 
ripened their down. ‘The nests are built during July, August 
and September, in thistles, bushes or small trees, from four to 
twenty feet from the ground, composed of grass, fine rootlets, etc., 
and almost invariably lined with the soft white down of the this- 
tle; eggs pale blue, unspotted. On September 5, 1897, I took a 
set of four eggs, advanced in incubation, from a nest six and one- 
half feet from the ground in a burr-oak (Winnebago). David L. 
Savage records a set of four eggs, September 16, 1893, from a 
nest placed in a thistle (Van Buren). “(@Ool-, x, 127 18923" p: 326.) 

In summer and fall the diet is varied, the favorite food being 
thistle seeds, sunflower, hemp and lettuce seeds. The song is 
frequently given as the bird wings its undulating up-and-down 
course through the air. 


Genus SPINUS Koch. 


233. (533). Spinus pinus (Wils.). Pine Siskin. 

The Pine Siskin is a tolerably common but somewhat irregular 
visitant in Iowa, appearing in varying numbers from September 
until the spring migration. It is frequently found in company 
with the American Goldfinch, feeding upon lettuce, cabbage and 
beet seed-tops in gardens in the fall. Large quantities of the 
seeds of the ragweed are also consumed. The birds are very 
tame, allowing a person to approach within a few feet before fly- 
ing, and returning again ina few minutes. During the season 
of 1896-97 the Siskins were unusually numerous in many local- 
ities. G.H. Berry reported large flocks around Cedar Rapids 
during February, 1904. 


ANDERSON—THE BIRDS OF IOWA. ans 


Genus PASSERINA Vieillot. 


234. (534). VPasserina nivalis (Linn.). Snowflake. 


The Snowflake or Snow Bunting is only found in Iowa 4s a 
winter visitant, in large flocks, which remain almost exclusively 
on the fields and prairies. In the northern portions of the state 
the Snowflake is a tolerably common and regular winter resident, 
large flocks often appearing in November and are observed at 
irregular intervals until March. W. W. Cooke notes that ‘‘in 
the spring of 1885 the last were reported from Grinnell, April 25’’ 
(Bird Migr.in Miss. Val., p. 184). In southern Iowa they are 
rarely seen, appearing only during severe winter. Wm. Savage 
states that he has seen only two flocks in thirty years in Van 
Buren county (Iowa Orn., i, 1, 1894, p. 3). 


Genus CALCARIUS Bechstein. 


235. (536). Calcarius lapponicus (Linn.). Lapland Longspur. 

The Lapland Longspur is a regular and abundant winter vis- 
itant in all prairie regions of the state. Flocks of thousands are 
often seen on the fields in early spring, restlessly running about, 
squatting close to the ground when approached, and frequently 
rising by hundreds as by a common impulse, circling about and 
alighting in another place. In northern Iowa the greater num- 
bers are seen in October, November and early December, and 
again in February and March, often remaining until the middle 
of April. In southern and central Iowa they are more frequent 
in midwinter. — 


236. (537). Calcarius pictus (Swains.) Smith Longspur. 

The Smith Longspur is a rather rare migrant or winter visitant 
in the state, straying from the northwest. 

County records: Blackhawk —(Salisbury). Decatur —‘‘the 
Plectrophanes pictus visited southern Iowa last fall in great num- 
bers, appearing toward the close of October. In its habits it does 
very similar to the Lapland Longspur, but differed in being less 
gregarious and in showing a partiality for wet meadows and moist 
low-lying prairie swales, while the Longspur prefers the corn- 
fields and higher grounds, as a rule, and does not appear until 
. some weeks after pictus’’ (Trippe, Am. Nat., 1873, p. 500). John- 
son—one specimen in Bond collection, University museum, from 


314 DAVENPORT ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. 


Tiffin, Iowa (Anderson). Lee—‘‘I have dates of April 11 and 20, 
but believe I have seen it at other times’’ (Praeger); ‘‘common 
migrant’’ (Currier). Linn—“‘rare winter visitant; shot one from 
a mixed flock in December, 1902’’ (Berry). Pottawattamie- Mills 
—‘‘common winter visitant’’ (Trostler). Poweshiek—‘‘tolerably 
common winter visitant’’ (Kelsey). Polk—‘‘one specimen se- 
cured at Des Moines, April 18, 1885, is now in Iowa Agricultural 
museum, Aimes’’ (W. A. Bryan); another specimen taken at Des 
Moines, on same date, by Prof. C. C. Nutting, is in the University 
museum, No. 1473 (Anderson). Scott—‘‘not common migrant in 
spring, March 30 to April 16; no fall records’’ (Wilson). 


237. (538). Calcarius ornatus (Towns.). Chestnut-collared 
Longspur. 

The Chestnut-collared Longspur 1s a bird of the western plains, 
occurring in Iowa rather early as a migrant or winter visitant. 
The species is not known to breed in Iowa, although in 1896 J. 
H. Brown and J. Eugene Law found two nests in Jackson county, 
Minnesota, a short distance north of the Iowa line. 

County records: Howard—‘‘ more common than any other 
species in winter. ‘They are, I believe, the most common bird 
breeding in South Dakota. Do not breed here’’ (E. B. Webster, 
Cresco). Jefferson—‘‘I identified this bird in Jefferson county, 
Iowa, in 1896’ (W. G. Savage). Linn—‘‘ Cedar Rapids, Iowa, 
—Bailey’’ (Nutting, Proc. Iowa Acad. Sci., 1892, p. 40); ‘‘ com- 


mon winter visitant’’ (Berry). Poweshiek—‘‘ rare winter visit- 

ant’’ (Kelsey). Pottawattamie—‘‘common migrant’’ (Trost- 

ler). Van Buren—‘‘ winter resident; very rare’’ (W. G. Savage). 
5 


Winnebago—‘‘ shot at Forest City in 1903’’ (Halvorsen). 
Genus RHYNCHOPHANES Baird. 
238. (538). Aynchophanes mecowni (Lawr.). McCown Longspur. 
‘“The McCown Longspur is a bird of the region of the upper 
Missouri and its tributaries, north to the Saskatchewan. . 
East probably to lowa and Missouri’’ (Coues) ; ‘‘ of casual occur- 
rence in Illinois’? (Chapman, Hd. Bk. Bds. E. N. A., p. 290). 


‘“An uncommon migrant... . Omaha,’’ etc.(Rev. Bds. Neb., 
p. 85). Dr. I. S. Trostler reports it as a ‘‘common migrant in 


Pottawattamie county. I have identified specimens which I shot . 


to be McCown’s.”’ 


ANDERSON—THE BIRDS OF IOWA. B15 


Genus Pooca&TEs Baird. 


239. (540). Poocetes gramineus (Gmel.). Vesper Sparrow. 

The Vesper Sparrow, Bay-winged Bunting, or Grass Finch, is 
acommon migrant in all parts of the state and breeds in most 
portions, but appears to be more common in summer in the cen- 
tral and northern parts of the state. Nests are built on the 
ground in pastures, meadows and cornfields. H. J. Giddings 
notes a nest in a potato patch (Jackson county). Carleton R. 
Ball reports that the species has increased rapidly in the last few 
years in Lyon county (Iowa Orn., i, 1, 1894, p. 4). The birds ar- 
rive from the south in the early part of April and remain until 
October. The Vesper Sparrow is a pleasing songster, usually 
uttering its song from a fence-post or other elevated spot in the 
early morning ard late afternoon. The species is easily recog- 
nized by the chestnut bend of wing and white outer tail feathers. 
Specimens from Sioux City were identified by Robert Ridgway as 
belonging to the eastern variety, P. g. confinis not appearing in 
Iowa. 

Genus PASSERCULUS Bonaparte. 


240. (542a). FPasserculus sandwichensis savanna (Wils.) Savanna 
Sparrow. 


The Savanna Sparrow is a tolerably common migrant in all 
parts of the state and is asummoer resident in a few localities. It 
arrives early in April and has been observed as late as October 
26 (Scott county). 

County records: Booone—‘‘fairly common’’ (Henning). De- 
catur and Mahaska—‘‘not very common; breeds. An inhabitant 
of the bushy margins of pools and watercourses on the prairies’’ 
(Trippe, Proc. Bost. Soc., xv, 1872, p. 237). Hancock—shot three 
specimens May 15, 1897 (Anderson). Jackson —‘‘rare summer 
resident’ (Giddings). Johnson—shot male, April 13, 1901 (An- 
derson). Lee—‘‘scarce migrant’’ (Praeger); ‘‘common migrant’’ 
(Currier). Polk—‘‘has been observed during the summer on the 
prairie sloughs of Polk county’’ (Keyes and Williams, Birds of 
Iowa, 1899, p. 142). Poweshiek—‘‘tolerably common summer 
resident’’ (Kelsey). Van Buren—‘‘common, nesting on the ground 
by a tuft of grass or large weed’’ (Wm. Savage, Iowa Orn., i, 1, 
1894, p. 4). Webster ‘‘few’’ (Somes). Winneshiek—‘‘have seen 


316 DAVENPORT ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. 


‘“ancommon summer resi- 


it a few times’ (Smith). Woodbury 
dent’’ (Rich). 
Genus CENTRONYX Baird. 


241. (545). Centronyx bairdi (Audubon). Baird Sparrow. 


The Baird Sparrow is a common but locally distributed species 
of the western plains, sometimes occurring in Iowa during migra- 
tion. W. W. Cooke states: ‘‘It was noted in migration at 
Grinnell, Iowa, April 25. At Grinnell it occurs in fall as well as 
spring’’ (Bird Migr. in Miss. Val., 1884-85, pp. 189-90). Carl 
Kelsey reported it as a ‘ 
and Lynds Jones as a “‘rare transient visitant”’ in Poweshiek 
county. Dr.I.S. Trostler gives the Baird Sparrow as a ‘‘ com- 


‘tolerably common transient visitant’’ 


ce 


mon migrant in Pottawattamie county April to to May 10, never 
recorded in fall.’’ 

On June 14, 1899, I took a set of five slightly incubated eggs, 
with female parent, in Nelson county, North Dakota. ‘he nest 
was placed in thick grass on high upland prairie. 


Genus COTURNICULUS Bonaparte. 


Subgenus COTURNICULUS Bonaparte. 


242. (546). Coturniculus savannarum passerinus (Wils.) Grass- 
hopper Sparrow. 

The Grasshopper Sparrow is a tolerably common summer resi- 
dent in most parts of the state from the latter part of April until 
October. Its favorite resorts are upland prairie and old weed- 
grown stubble-fields or ‘‘ summer fallow’’ land. It has a pecu- 
liar insect-like note, like the stridulation of a grasshopper, and is 
often quite plentiful although rarely seen. Charles R. Keyes 
states that in Linn county they begin nesting in the middle of 
May and keep it up through July. ‘The nests are well concealed 
in the grass and are often roofed over; eggs three to six. 


243. (546a). Colurniculus savannarum bimaculatus (Swains.). 
Western Grasshopper Sparrow. 


This pale-colored, grayer western variety of the Grasshopper 
Sparrow is found quite commonly in western and northwestern 
Iowa. ‘The varieties are hard to distinguish except by compari- 
son of both forms, and as their ranges overlap, it is questionable 


ANDERSON—THE BIRDS OF IOWA. Silly} 


how many of the Iowa records of fasserinus refer to this subspe- 
cies. Robert Ridgway (Birds of N. and Mid. Am., i, p. 20) gives 
its range as extending ‘‘east to western Minnesota and Iowa, 
eastern Kansas, etc.’’ 

Two specimens from my collection, taken at Forest City, Win- 
nebago county, one, a male, June 3, 1893, and one October 5, 
1894, were identified by Ridgway as perpallidus [bimaculatus] , 
while he identified a female from the Iowa University museum, 
taken at Sioux City August 12, as passerinus. On August 6, 
1897, M. K. Halvorsen showed mea nest near Forest City con- 
taining one egg and three young birds, just hatched, in the short 
grass of a clover and timothy field that had been mowed a few 
weeks previously. 

W. H. Bingaman reports the Western Grasshopper Sparrow as 
a ‘‘common breeder’’ in Kossuth, and Dr. I. S. Trostler as a 
‘“common summer resident’’ in Pottawattamie county. 


Genus AMMODRAMUS Swainson. 


244. (547). Ammodramus henslowi (Aud.). Henslow Sparrow. 


The Henslow Sparrow is a tolerably common summer resident 
in some portions of the state and appears to be rare in others. J. 
A. Allen noted the species as less common than the Grasshopper 
Sparrow in western Iowa, frequenting the same situations (Mem. 
Bost. Soc., i, 1868, p. 495). T.M. Trippe found it common and 
breeding in Decatur and Mahaska counties, frequenting the edges 
of hazel’copses (Proc. Bost. Soc., xv, 1872, p. 237). 

County records: Dallas—‘‘ taken in spring of 1895 at Perry’’ 
(J. E. Law). Grundy—‘‘one nest found and female shot in 
1899’’ (Bingaman). Johnson—a specimen taken at Tiffin, Iowa, 
in the Bond collection, University museum (Anderson). Lee— 
‘summer resident, not common’’ (Currier); ‘‘ scarce summer 
resident; breeds,— Keokuk district’’ (Praeger). Linn— ‘‘toler- 
ably common summer resident. I found about ten pairs of these 
birds in 1900-breeding in a small patch of hazel and blackberry 
briars, perhaps about a half acre in extent, and shot one for 
identification. All-had young’’ (Berry). Poweshiek—“‘ toler- 
ably common summer resident’’ (Kelsey); ‘‘ almost common at 
Grinnell during the whole summer’’ (Lynds Jones). Pottawat- 
tamie —‘‘ scarce migrant. I have no specimens but identified 
those killed to be the eastern bird’’ (Trostler). 

[PrRoc. D. A. S.. VoL..XI | 43 [Dec. 7, 1906. ] 


318 DAVENPORT ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. 


Mr. I. Jones states that in Iowa the favorite resorts of this 
sparrow, during the breeding season are neglected fields and pas- 
ture lands. Its nest is placed on the ground, sometimes in a 
slight depression beneath a tussock of grass. The composition is 
of fine and coarse grasses, with a few cow-hairs. The eggs are 
deposited about May 25 (Davie’s Nests and Eggs of N. A. Birds). 


245. (548). Ammodramus lecontei (Aud.). Leconte Sparrow. 


The Leconte Sparrow is a regular and probably a rather com- 
mon migrant through Iowa. It appears in the latter part of 
March and in April, and in September and October. It is sel- 
dom seen on account of its habit of skulking in the thick dead 
grass along the borders of sloughs and in low places. It seldom 
rises unless almost stepped on, flies a short distance, dropping out 
of sight again in the dense grasses. 

County records: Buena Vista—‘‘at Storm Lake, Iowa, dur- 
ing the latter part of September, 1887, Dr. A. K. Fisher found 
Leconte’s Sparrow common and secured specimens not yet out of 
‘first plumage,’ showing that they had been hatched in the 
neighborhood—Dr. C. H. Merriam’’ (Cooke, Bird Migr. in Miss. 
Val., p.'191). Hancock-—one shot Oct. 9, 1898; saw one Sept. 
. 11, 1902 (Anderson). Jasper—Newton, 1875 (Coues’ Key, 5th 
Ed., i, p. 411). Johnson—a specimen taken at Tiffin, Iowa, in 
Bond collection, University museum. Shot one male near Iowa 
City, March 29, 1901 (Anderson). Lee—‘‘common migrant”’ 
(Currier); ‘‘irregular migrant’’ (Praeger). Linn —‘‘rare mi- 
grant ’’ (Berry). Polk—‘‘a specimen taken April 19, 1886, now 
in Iowa Agri. museum at Ames’’ (W. A. Bryan, Iowa Orn., 1, 1, 
1894, p. 5). Poweshiek—‘‘ I took but one specimen’’ (L,. Jones). 
Story—‘‘ twenty-two specimens taken in a small slough at Colo, 
Story county, in October, 1876’’ (H. B. Bailey, Bull. Nutt. Club, 
ii, 1, 1877, pp. 26-27). Webster—‘‘common’’ (Somes). Win- 
neshiek—‘‘ shot one Oct. 3, 1896; saw several others at the same 
time’ (Smith). _Winnebago—shot one adult male Oct. 15, 1892; 
a juvenile specimen in yellowish plumage Sept. 10, 1896; adult 
male and female Oct. 2, 1896; male April 9, 1897 (Anderson). 


246. (549.1). Ammodramus nelsoni Allen. Nelson Sparrow. 


This interior representative of the Sharp-tailed Sparrow 
‘“breeds in the marshes of the interior from northern Illinois 


ANDERSON—THE BIRDS OF IOWA. 319 


northward to Dakota and Manitoba, according to various author- 
ities. It does not appear to be common anywhere, and there is 
only one published record of its occurrence in Iowa. 

Dr. Paul Bartsch took an adult male specimen October 12, 
1894, in an old stubble field bordering the Iowa River, opposite 
Regan’s Park, Iowa City, Iowa (‘‘ Ammodramus nelsoni in Iowa,’ 
Auk, xvi, 1899, pp. 276-7). G.H. Berry reports the species as a 
‘‘rare summer resident’’ in Linn county, but has taken no speci- 
mens. 

On May 27, 1904, while wading in shallow water along the 
edge of a slough near Coralville, Johnson county, I caught fre- 
quent glimpses of a small bird bobbing up in the sedge, and 
finally shot it—a male ze/son?. A little farther on saw another 
one, still shyer, which finally flew out on the closely cropped pas- 
ture near the edge of the slough, where the grass was almost too 
short to conceal anything. The bird would crouch down at 
intervals and then run along the ground with great speed, almost 
like a mouse, until stopped with a load of dust shot. This proved 
to be a female ze/sonz. Both birds were very quick and nervous 
in their actions, and hardly remained still for a second at a time. 


Genus CHONDESTES Swainson. 


247. (552). Chondestes grammacus (Say). Lark Sparrow. 


The Lark Sparrow is a common summer resident in all parts 
of Iowa from the latter part of April until October, frequenting 
roadsides, pastures and fields, where it nests on the ground. Two 
broods are reared in a season, in May, June and July. 

The Lark Sparrows are not shy and the song is sweet and 
pleasing, resembling that of the Vesper Sparrow. ‘The species is 
most common in the west, being rare east of Illinois. The type 
specimen, described by Thomas Say, was shot at Belle Fontaine 
on the Missouri, and they were subsequently observed at Engi- 
neers’ Cantonment (Long’s Exp., 1819-20, Vol. i, p. 321). In 
1868, J. A. Allen noted the Lark Sparrow in western Iowa as 
‘not abundant, yet at times rather frequently met with; a true 
prairie bird as often seen out on the wild prairie as elsewhere”’ 
(Mem. Bost. Soc., i, 1868, p. 495). At the present time it seems 
to be more a bird of the cultivated fields, pastures and clearings. 

The Western Lark Sparrow (C. ¢. strigatus) does not appear to 


320 DAVENPORT ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. 


be found in Iowa. Robert Ridgway identified several specimens 
taken at Sioux City in June as typical gvammacus. 


Genus ZONOTRICHIA Swainson. 


248. (553). Zonotrichia gquerula (Nutt.). Harris Sparrow. 


The Harris Sparrow or Black-hooded Sparrow is a regular and 
common migrant, both spring and fall, in the western and middle 
portions of the state, but is rare and irregular in the eastern third 
of the state, although it has been taken in nearly every county, 
and occasionally straggles to Wisconsin and Illinois. The species 
was formerly accounted rare. Baird, Brewer, and Ridgway (N. A. 
Birds, Land Birds, i, 1875, p. 578) state that ‘‘since 1840 but little 
information has been obtained in regard to their general habits, 
their geographical distribution, or their mode of breeding, single 
specimens only having been taken at considerable intervals in the 
valley of the Missouri and elsewhere until 1872. . . . More re- 
cently this bird was taken twice by Mr. H. W. Parker in Jasper 
county, Iowa. ‘The latest of these was secured May 19.’’ 

On May 13, 1834, Prince Maximilian observed the Harris Spar- 
row between the mouth of Boyer’s Creek and the Platte River 
(Reise, ii, 344); he considered the species as new and described a 
specimen as /vingille comata (lbid., p. 352). 

In Winnebago and Hancock counties I have found the species 
to be acommon migrant, often abundant in the fall, from Sep- 
tember 26 to October 26 and from April 5 to May 12 (Davies’ 
Nests and Eggs of N. A. Birds, p. 377). In October I have heard 
them utter a quite loud but rather pleasing song of a few notes, 
repeated at short intervals. Spring and fall plumages differ con- 
siderably, the black being much obscured, and the birds in gen- 
eral being suffused with rich brown, in autumn. 

In eastern Iowa the species is rarely seen: Johnson—four taken 
by Bartsch October 28, 1893; observed once in October, 1905, by 
myself (Anderson). Lee—‘‘rare’’ (Currier, Praeger). Scott— 
‘Cone shot April 16, one May 3, 1891—only records’’ (Wilson). 
Winneshiek—‘ ‘three records—small flock May 14, 1895; two May 
19, 1895; one Sept. 23, 1895’ (Smith). Wan Buren—‘ very rare” 
(W. G. Savage). Records from central and western Iowa are very 
abundant. 

The species possessed unusual interest for many years from the 


ANDERSON—THE BIRDS OF IOWA. 321 


fact that its nest, eggs, and breeding habits were unknown. KE. 
A. Preble first found the adults of both sexes and young just 
from the nest, July 23 to 30, 1900, at Fort Churchill, on the west 
shore of Hudson Bay, frequenting dwarf spruces in small valleys 
and ravines (N. A. Fauna, 22, Biol. Surv., 1902, p. 120). 


249. (554). Zonotrichia leucophrys (¥orst.). White-crowned 
Sparrow. 

This large, handsome Sparrow is a rather uncommon migrant 
in most parts of Iowa, although generally distributed, but be- 
comes fairly common at times. They have been noted in Iowa 
from April 5 to May 23 and from September 26 to October 26. 
They usually appear a little later than 7. aldzcollis, but the two 
species are frequently seen together, frequenting the same situa- 
tions—the borders of woods, thickets and hedge-rows, where it 
sometimes utters a rather pleasing song in the springtime. The 
White-crowned Sparrow breeds, principally, north of the United 
States and has not been observed in Iowa in summer. 


250. (554a). Zonotrichia leucophrys gambeli (Nutt.). Intermedi- 
ate Sparrow. 


The Intermediate or Gambel Sparrow resembles the preceding 
very much, but is distinguished by having the lores gray or ashy, 
continuous with white stripe over eye, the black of forehead not 
descending to eye. The species has been rarely taken in Iowa. 
during migrations. Ridgway gives its range as “‘straggling east- 
ward across the Great Plains to E. Texas, Kansas, Iowa and Min- 
nesota (Minneapolis)’’ (Bds. N. and Mid. Am., i, 340). 

T. M. Trippe first records it from Iowa: ‘‘Zonotrichia Gambellit. 
A specimen shot in spring, in Decatur county, agrees precisely 
with Baird’s description’’ (Proc. Bost. Soc., xv, 1872, p. 273). 
John Krider states: ‘‘In the month of May, 1875, I shot two 
specimens in Iowa, the first of this bird I ever met with’’ (Forty 
Years’ Notes, p. 47). W. W. Cooke (Bird Migr. in Miss. Val., 
1884-85, p. 196) says: ‘‘A single specimen was reported from 
Iowa years ago. . . It is the more liable to be overlooked, as it 
arrives after the other (Z. /eucophrys) and without close examina- 
tion is naturally mistaken for it.’’ 

Dr. I. S. Trostler writes that the species is a common migrant 
in Mills and Pottawattamie counties. Two specimens in my col- 


B22 DAVENPORT ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. 


lection, one female, taken October 5, 1894, and one male, October 
3, 1896, at Forest City, Winnebago county, were identified by 
Robert Ridgway. 


251. (558). Zonotrichia albicollis (Gmel.). White-throated Spar- 
row. 

The White-throated Sparrow is an abundant spring and fall . 
migrant in all parts of the state. They have been noted from 
March 17 to May 23 and from September 18 to October 30. I 
shot one female at Iowa City on May 20, 1894, a week after the 
bulk had gone north. In April and October they are most abund- 
ant, often the most common bird, in large scattered flocks, fre- 
quenting low bushes, shrubbery and hedge-rows, spending much 
time on the ground among dead leaves. In late spring the famil- 
iar song note of pea-peabody, peabody, peabody, is often heard, giv- 
ing rise to the common name of ‘‘ Peabody-bird.’’ The only 
report of its occurrence 1n summer came from G. H. Berry of 
Cedar Rapids, who says: ‘‘All through June and July, 1905, I 
could hear one or two of these sparrows in a swamp near here, 
and think either they bred here or else they were bachelors that 
remained here.’’ 


Genus SPIZELLA Bonaparte. 
252. (559). Spizella monticola (Gmel.). ‘Tree Sparrow. 


The Tree Sparrow is an abundant winter visitant in all parts of 
Iowa. ‘The species is abundant from October to April in the cen- 
tral and southern parts of the state, and while flocks remain 
throughout the winter in all portions of the state, in northern 
Iowa they are less common in mid-winter than during the mi- 
grating seasons. They remain in scattered flocks, feeding almost 
entirely upon the seeds of various weeds, and seem to find enough 
of these projecting above the snow to support them even in the 
severest weather. ‘Towards spring they become quite musical 
and sing a sweetly modulated but rather feeble song. 

The Tree Sparrow resembles the Chipping Sparrow in general 
appearance, but is somewhat larger, with a Sone Peto. dusky 
spot on the otherwise unmarked breast. 


253. (560). Spizella socialis (Wils.). Chipping Sparrow. 
The Chipping Sparrow, ‘‘Chippy,’’ or ‘‘Hair-bird,’’ is a com- 


ANDERSON—THE BIRDS OF IOWA. 323 


mon summer resident in all parts of the state from about’the first 
week in April until the middle of October. It isan inconspicuous 
bird with a rather high-keyed monotonous song, chippy-chippy- 
chippy, often repeated. It nests commonly about houses, in trees 
and shrubs, or in low bushes in open woods, building a nest of 
fine dried grass, lined with horse-hair. ‘The eggs are laid from 
the first week of May until July. 

Although the species was found here before the settlement of 
the state, being noted by Thomas Say at Engineers’ Cantonment 
in 1819-20 {Long’s Exp., 1, p. 264), and by Audubon near Coun- 
cil Bluffs, May 10, 1843 (Journals, i, p. 481), the species has 
undoubtedly increased in numbers with the cultivation of the 
land and the growth of artificial shrubbery. In 1868 J. A. Allen 
noted the species as rather rare in western Iowa as well as in IIli- 
nois, only observed about the settlements (Mem. Bost. Soc., i 
1868, p. 446). 

In some localities the species seems to be less frequent about 
towns than it was a few years ago, however, owing to persecu- 
tion by the omnipresent and pugnacious English Sparrow. 


d 


254. (561). Shrzella pallida (Swains.). Clay-colored Sparrow. 


The Clay-colored Sparrow is a bird of the central region of the 
United States and British America, east to Iowa and Illinois. It 
is reported from nearly all parts of the state as a migrant, rare in 
most localities in eastern Iowa, and tolerably common in central 
and western Iowa, migrating in the latter part of April, more 
numerously in early May and during September and October. 

It is found rather sparingly as a summer resident in the 
northern part of the state and a few nests have been found. J. 
W. Preston found it breeding in Winnebago county in June, 1885, 
frequenting the edges of brush and timber. The nests were 
placed on the ground; one, however, was built in the branches of 
a low hazel. . The materials used in the construction of the nests 
were fine, round grasses and blades, with a lining of hair; eggs 
three to five, usually four, similar in size and color to those of 
the Chipping Sparrow (Davie’s Nests and Eggs of N. A. Birds, 
1889, p. 308; 5th Ed., 1898, p. 380). A set of four eggs were 
taken at Lake Mills by J. Eugene Law, birds identified by Lattin. 
I have frequently seen the birds in summer in Winnebago and 


324 DAVENPORT ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. 


Hancock counties, usually in low hazel thickets. In September 
and October, 1896, the Clay-colored Sparrows were abundant 
around Forest City. H.J. Giddings gives the species as a rare 
summer resident, a few nesting, in Jackson county; and W. H. 
Bingaman as a common migrant and rare breeder in Kossuth. 
255. (563). Spizella pusilla (Wils.). Field Sparrow. 

The Field Sparrow is a common summer resident in all parts of 
Iowa, arriving during the last week of March or first of April and 
remaining until the middle of October. It is more a bird of pas- 
ture lands and the borders of thickets than of the fields, nesting, 
usually, upon the ground,-but sometimes in low bushes. "Two 
broods are raised in a season, and eggs have been found from May 
1 to July 26. Morton E. Peck says that the Field Sparrow is 
‘fone of the few Iowa birds that seems to have become more 
abundant within the last twenty or thirty years.’’ 


Genus JuNco Wagler. 


256. (567). /unco hyemalis (Linn.). Slate-colored Junco. 

The Slate-colored Junco is a very abundant migrant in all parts 
of the state, usually arriving from the north in large numbers 
about the first of October and the bulk leaving the state by the 
first week of May. Dr. C.C. Smith has noted them at Decorah 
as early as September 16 and as late as May 16. The Junco is a 
common winter resident from the central part of the state south- 
ward, but is most abundant in October, November, March, and 
April. It isa sprightly and familiar bird, frequently appearing 
in door yards, and readily known by its slate-colored back, head 
and breast, white belly and white outer tail feathers. This spe- 
cies is the bird commonly called the ‘‘ Snowbird.’’ 


257. (567.1). /unco montanus Ridgw. Montana Junco. 


To this newly described species should probably be referred all 
the Mississippi Valley records of Juncos outside of the typical 
Eastern hyemalis,—(/.h.oregonus Towns., /. shufeldti Coale, and /. 
h. connectens Coues). Its geographical distribution is given in the 
oth Supp. A. ©: U- Check Wist\(Auk- xvi, 18995) p. 110) mas: 
‘‘ Northwestern Montana and northern Idaho, north to Alberta; 
in winter south to northern Mexico, Texas, etc., and east, irreg- 
ularly or casually, to the Mississippi Valley, and even to Indi- 


ANDERSON—THE BIRDS OF IOWA. 


” 


ana. A single specimen was taken at Delevan, Wis., October 
20, 1898, and pronounced typical by Wm. Brewster (Bds. of Wis., 
pp. 100-1). 

Wm. K. Praeger states: ‘‘On the 16th of December, 1892, I shot 
a specimen of /. hyemadlis shufeldti on the Ulinois shore just oppo- 
site this city (Keokuk, Iowa). It was with several Juncos, all, as 
far as I could tell, of the common variety’ (Auk). R. Ridgway 
refers this record to /anco montanus (Bds. N. and Mid. Am., i, p.- 
291). H.S. Currier reperts it from Hancock county, Ill. (oppo- 
site Keokuk), and G. H. Berry reports it as a spring and fall mi- 
grant in Linn county. Mrs. Mary L. Rann of Manchester writes: 
‘“The bird I have called the Pink-sided Junco I have seen with 
one flock of Juncos several times. Its markings are decidedly 
pink in the spring, extending from the edge of the wing toward 
the breast’’ (Delaware county). 


Genus MELospiza Baird. 


258. (581). Melospiza cinerea melodia (Wilson). Song Sparrow. 

The Song Sparrow is a common migrant in all parts of the state, 
a common summer resident from the south-central part of the 
state northward, a common winter resident in southeastern Iowa 
(Lee county), and occasional in winter as far north as Iowa City 
(Johnson county). In Winnebago county it is an abundant sum- 
mer resident, nesting through May, June and July, usually on the 
ground in thickets near streams. The bulk of the Song Sparrows 
arrive from the south in March and depart in October. It isa 
very pleasing and melodious songster, at all hours of the day and 
at any season. 

In 1872, T. M. Trippe recorded the Song Sparrow as abundant 
in spring and fall in Decatur and Mahaska counties, but not ob- 
served to breed. ‘They were shy and retiring, in complete con- 
trast to the habits of the Eastern Song Sparrow (Proc. Bost. Soc., 
XV, 1872, p. 237). The species seems to have increased in num- 
bers and become more familiar in its habits since the settlement 
of the state. 


259. (583). MWelospiza lincolni (Aud.). Lincoln Sparrow. 


The Lincoln Sparrow is only found in Iowa as a migrant, ap- 
pearing from the latter part of April to the middle of May and 


(Proc. D. A. S.. VoL. XI] ad [Dec. 12, 1906.] 


326 DAVENPORT ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. 


from the latter part of September to the end of October. It is a 
shy species, skulking in dense weeds and bushes, and seen much 
less frequently in spring than in fall. The species is generally 
distributed over the state, in most localities being considered rare, 
but tolerably common at other points. They were very common 
at Forest City during the month of October, 1896, in company 
with Clay-colored and White-throated Sparrows. 


260. (584). MWelospiza georgiana (Lath.). Swamp Sparrow. 

The Swamp Sparrow is a common migrant in all parts of the 
state, but is seldom seen on account of its shy and retiring hab- 
its; most common in April and October, although they have been 
reported as early as May 25 (Scott) and as late as October 29 (Polk). 
A few remain during the summer in various parts of the state, al- 
though by far the greater number go further north to breed. 
Although usually found in wet meadows or along reedy streams, 
the Swamp Sparrow occasionally is found in dry fields or thick- 
ets. It is reported as a rare summer resident in Boone (Henning); 
Jackson, ‘‘common summer resident’’ (Giddings); Kossuth (Bing- 
aman); Lee (Currier); Linn (Berry); Van Buren (Wm. Savage); 
Winnebago (Anderson); Winneshiek (Smith); Dickinson—com- 
mon, Aug. 18, near Spirit Lake (Anderson). 


Genus PASSERELLA Swainson. 


261. (585). Passerella iliaca (Merrem). Fox Sparrow. 


The Fox Sparrow is one of the most abundant as well as one 
of the largest and handsomest Sparrows found in Iowa during the 
migrations. It is not known to breed within the United States. 
The extremes of migration given are March 12—April 23, and 
September 25—~November 25, in Scott county (Wilson). In Win- 
nebago county I have found them, usually, most abundant during 
the first week of April and first week of October. It generally 
frequents thickets and hedges, rustling for most of its food among 
the dead leaves which cover the ground at that season. 


Genus Prpr1io Vieillot. 


262. (587). Pipilo erythrophthalmus (Linn.). Towhee. 


The Towhee or Chewink is a common summer resident in nearly 
all portions of the state and abundant in some localities. Wm. 


ANDERSON—THE BIRDS OF IOWA. S27/ 


Savage reports that a few stay throughout the winter in Van 
Buren county (Iowa Orn., i, 1, 1894, p. 9). B. H. Wilson has also 
noted a female around Rock Island Arsenal in winter, his only 
winter record. Chas. Aldrich notes a ’Towhee wintering at Web- 
ster City, enduring weather from 20° to 35°, and very tame; 
killed by a Blue Jay on January 18 (Am. Nat., xix, 1885, pp. 
513-14). In Winnebago and Hancock counties a few are seen in 
spring and fall, but I have never observed the species in summer. 
The Towhee frequents thickets, underbrush, and bushy clearings, 
where the nest is placed on the ground or in a small bush. Two 
broods are usually reared, ‘‘the first set laid in first half of June, 
the second, in first week’ in August, Linn county’’ (Keyes). 
David L,. Savage found a nest in Henry county, May 17, 1893, 
which contained three eggs of the Towhee and five eggs of the 
Cowbird (Oologist, x, 12, 1893, 325). 

Prince Maximilian noted the species as common at various 
points along the Missouri. At the mouth of the Little Sioux 
River, on May 11, 1834, he writes: ‘‘An den freien Weisenplatzen 
fanden wir uberall den rothaugigen Fink (fring. erythrophthalma), 
einen der gemeinsten Vogel von Nord Amerika’’ (Reise, i, p. 287). 

The Towhee usually arrives in the latter part of March, de- 
parting in October. 


Genus CARDINALIS Bonaparte. 
263. (593). Cardinalts cardinalis (Linn.). Cardinal. 


The Cardinal is one of the birds which seems to be extending 
its range northward in Iowa. W. W. Cooke states: ‘‘South of 
latitude 41° it is stationary, while north of this parallel some re- 
main in the winter, but most go south. . . the most northern 
record received was from Iowa City, where one was seen April 
17, but it may have been an escaped cage bird. In the spring of 
1885 two Cardinals were seen in January at Morning Sun, but 
they were not recorded during the winter of 1884-85 from any 
other place in Iowa. They returned to Ferry, Iowa, March 29, 
and to Denmark, Iowa, April 19. In the fall of 1885 a Cardinal 
was taken at Iowa City October 29, being the first one captured 
in that county that was certainly a wild bird’’ (Bird Migr. in 
Miss. Val., 1884-85, pp. 215-16). Henry A. Berry reported a 
specimen taken in a box trap at Iowa City in February, 1882 (O. 


328 DAVENPORT ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. 


and O., vil, 1882, p. 174). Keyes and Williams state that it is 
only occasionally seen in central Iowa, but noticed more often in 
the southern part of the state (Birds of Iowa, 1889, p. 145). 

At the present time the Cardinal appears to be more abundant 
in Iowa than formerly, and certainly occurs further north, as the 
following reports testify: 

Blackhawk—‘‘twenty years ago it was considered accidental in 
Blackhawk, but at present it is frequently seen there, especially 
in winter. No nest from that locality, however, has yet been re- 
corded’’ (Peck). Des Moines—‘‘common permanent residents at 
Burlington, frequenting the undergrowth along the bluffs during 
the breeding season and coming to the back doorsteps in winter 
to eat table crumbs’’ (Sloanaker). Jackson—‘‘rare transient’’ 
(Giddings). Johnson—rather rare but constant resident at Iowa 
City; most frequently observed in winter (Anderson). Jasper— 
‘‘have seen only one specimen, at Colfax, Aug. 5, 1902’’ (Sloan- 
aker). Linn—this species has extended its range to our latitude 
the last three years. Many persons have observed them here 
since the summer of 1901, and I have myself seen males here dur- 
ing the fall and winter of 1903-04”’ (Keyes). Lee—‘**‘common 
resident’? (Praeger, Currier). Polk—‘‘rare; winter’’ (Johnson). 
Mahaska—‘‘very common; nesting in low bushes’’ W. A. Bryan, 
Iowa Orn., i, 1, 1894, p. 9). Webster—‘‘few’’ (Somes). Wood- 
bury—‘‘comparatively recent visitor here. Only noticed in the 
last few years’’ (Rich). A male specimen was sent to the Uni- 
versity by D. H. Talbot, killed at Sioux City, March 28, 1904. B. 
H. Wilson reports the Cardinal as resident at Rock Island, be- 
coming more abundant every year. Warren—‘‘tolerably common 
resident, found only in a certain locality about six miles from 
Indianola’’ (Jeffrey). 


Genus ZAMELODIA Coues. 


264. (595). Zamelodia ludoviciana (Linn.). Rose-breasted Gros- 
beak. 


The Rose-breasted Grosbeak is an abundant summer resident 
and breeds in all parts of the state. It arrives from the south 
early in May, sometimes the last of April, the males coming a few 
days before the females. The males are very melodious songsters 
in spring, but with the beginning of summer become quiet, and 


ANDERSON—THE BIRDS OF IOWA. 329 


the species is very inconspicuous during the latter part of sum- 
mer, departing in September. The nests are placed in trees, from 
eight to forty feet from the ground, usually not over fifteen feet, 
in almost any situation—wild crab and plum thickets, orchards, 
shade trees in yards, woods, or willows along streams, both in the 
heart of town and in secluded situations; eggs laid during last of 
May and first of June. 

The Rose-breasted Grosbeak frequently visits berry patches 
and gardens and has a fondness for green peas, but it is largely 
insectivorous. ‘‘Prof.C. E. Bessey of the Iowa Agricultural Col- 
lege has noted the Rose-breasted Grosbeak’s habit of feeding on 
the Colorado potato beetle, and this useful propensity was again 
remarked during the past year by a correspondent of Forest and 
Stream, of Coralville, Iowa, and by another at Ames, in the same 
state’ (Am. Nat., xiv, 1880, pp. 521-22). On the whole, the spe- 
cies is beneficial and should be protected. 


Genus CyAnospizaA Baird. 
265. (598). Cvanospiza cyanea (IAnn.). Indigo Bunting. 

The Indigo Bunting is a common summer resident in all parts 
of the state from the early part of May until the last of Septem- 
ber. It frequents low bushes and thickets, nesting rather late, 
from the latter part of June until the middle of August. The 
later dates are probably second sets, as the birds will build second 
or third nests in the same vicinity if the first nest is destroyed. 
The nest is rather loosely and slovenly built, usually with long 
straws hanging down from the periphery, and seldom placed more 
than four feet from the ground. The eggs are from two to four 
in number, white or very pale bluish, unspotted, and the nest 
very frequently contains eggs of the Cowbird. The female is a 
plain brown bird, closely resembling a Sparrow, and very shy and 
retiring, while the male, plumaged in rich blue, delights to perch 
upon the topmost branch of a dead tree or on a telegraph wire 
and sing for hours, continuing during the whole summer. 


Genus Sp1zA Bonaparte. 


266. (604). Spiza americana (Gmel.). Dickcissel. 
The Black-throated Bunting or Dickcissel is an abundant sum- 
mer resident in all parts of Iowa, usually arriving early in May, 


330 DAVENPORT ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. 


sometimes in the latter part of April, and remaining until the 
latter part of September. It is one of the most characteristic 
birds of the country in summer, where the male may be heard at 
intervals throughout the day, even during the hottest, most sul- 
try days of summer, perched upon a weed, a fencepost, or the top- 
most branch of a hedge, earnestly uttering a rather loud and 
scarcely musical chip-chip-chee, chee, chee. 

This species has changed its range somewhat during regent 
years. It was formerly common along the Atlantic coast, but 
within the last thirty or forty years has become practically extinct 
east of the Alleghanies (Auk, xxi, 3, 1904). Its numbers appear 
to have changed little in Iowa since the settlement of the state. 
In 1868 J. A. Allen gave it as one of the most abundant birds in 
eastern Iowa, ‘‘eminently a prairie species, and one of the few 
inhabitants of the wide open stretches’’ (Mem. Bost. Soc., 1, 
1868, p. 446). Many observers give the species as building its 
nest on the ground, but of the dozens of nests which I have 
examined none were directly on the ground; a few were placed 
in clumps of tall grass a few inches above the ground, several in 
Canada thistles, and the majority in small bushes and low trees, 
rose-bushes, willows, wild crab, scrub-oak, wild cherry, apple 
trees, etc., from a few inches to three and one-half feet above the 
ground. July 11-12, 1902, found four nests in a young orchard, 
all in small apple trees two or three feet up, surrounded by tall 
weeds and containing eggs and young, newly-hatched young and 
fledged young ; July 9, 1894, found four nests in small bushes; 
August 19, 1893, found anest containing two eggs and two young 
birds; all in Winnebago county. In July, 1905, I found”a num- 
ber of nests in a large weed patch in Johnson county. The eggs 
are four or five in number and pale blue in color, very closely re- 
sembling eggs of the Bluebird. 


Genus CALAMOSPIZA Bonaparte. 


267. (605). Calamospiza melancorys Stejn. Lark Bunting. 
The Lark Bunting or ‘‘ White-winged Blackbird’? is a bird of 
the western plains and rarely strays east to Iowa. Audubon 
observed the species at Blackbird’s Hill, on the Missouri, May 13, 
1843, saying: ‘‘ During the wood-cutting, Bell walked to the 
top of the hill and shot two Lark Buntings and a Lincoln’s 


i 


ANDERSON—THE BIRDS OF IOWA. =- 331 


Finch’’ (Journals, i, 486). John Krider states: ‘‘ Calamospiza 
bicolor Bonap.—I shot two specimens in the spring of 1875 in 
Winnebago county, Iowa’’ (Forty Years’ Notes, p. 49). 

Dr. I. S. Trostler reports the Lark Bunting as a ‘‘ scarce sum- 
mer resident’’ in Pottawattamie county, and G. H. Berry ‘‘ shot 

two male birds in 1890 at Hawarden, Sioux county.’’ Dr. G.C. 
’ Rich reports that ‘‘one male was shot west of Sioux City, in 
Iowa; June 6, 1897; also seen May 21, 1901. It is rare, but 
have seen it several times.’’ 

Dr. Hatch (Birds of Minn., 1892, p. 346) gives the species as 
reported by Dr. Hvoslef from Fillmore county (near the Iowa 
line) as late as the 19th of June, also the 12th of May; and Mr. 
P. Lewis in several places between the last named and Redwood, 
and supposes the species to breed in southern Minnesota, as the 
times of its observation included the earliest part of July. 


Family TANAGRIDA. ‘Tanagers. 


The Tanagers area distinctly American family, most abundant 
in the tropics. They are frugivorous and insectivorous, and usu- 
ally brilliantly colored. The genus /’vanga is distinguished from 
the Finches by its turgid bill, slightly notched at tip and toothed 
or lobed near the middle of cutting edge of upper mandible. 


Genus PIRANGA Vieillot. 


268. (608). Piranga erythromelas Vieillot. Scarlet Tanager. 

The Scarlet Tanager, probably the most brilliantly colored bird 
found in the state, is a common summer resident in all wooded 
portions of Iowa from the first of May until the middle of Sep- 
tember. ‘The sexes are very unlike, the male bright scarlet with 
black wings and tail, and the female light olive-green above and 
greenish yellow below. The Scarlet Tanager nests in open woods, 
groves and orchards, building a rather flimsy nest upon a hori- 
zontal limb, from fifteen to forty feet from the ground. ‘The eggs 
are three or four in number, laid during the early part of June. 
This species is very often imposed upon by the Cowbird. 


269. (610). Piranga rubra (Linn.). Summer Tanager. 


The Summer Tanager differs from the preceding in the rose- 
red or vermilion tint of its plumage, including the wings and tail; 
the female is brownish-olive above and dull yellow below. It is 


332 DAVENPORT ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. 


a bird of southern distribution and is rare in southern Iowa, sel- 
dom appearing as far north as the center of the state. Keyes and 
Williams state that ‘‘during the season of 1889 this species was 
observed at Des Moines and three nests with eggs taken, but 
since then has not been noticed in that vicinity. Oneof the nests, 
taken July 23, contained two eggs about half incubated. The 
nest was placed on the horizontal limb of an elm tree in a rather 
open grove, and was about fifteen feet from the ground. 

County records: Des Moines —‘‘took a specimen in the spring 
of 1889 at Burlington’’ (Bartsch, Iowa Orn., 1, 3, 1895, p. 64). 
Lee—‘‘ rare’’ (Praeger); ‘‘ rare summer visitant; may breed’’ 
(Currier); ‘‘rare summer resident’’ (Berry). Marshall—‘‘rare; 
only observed a few times’’ (A. P. Godley, Iowa Orn., i, 1895, p. 
64). Scott—‘‘not a regular bird in Scott county, and rarely 
seen. May, 1889, I took my first. Have never seen more than 
one at a time and that only in May’’ (J. H. Brown, Iowa Orn., 
i, 1895, p. 64); ‘‘rare straggler, only one seen, shot April 20, 
1899’’ (Wilson). Van Buren—‘‘in 1895 I shot an immature 
male. This is the only one I have known to occur in one vicin- 
ity’’ (W. G. Savage). 


Family HIRUNDINIDA. Swallows. 


The Swallows are a well-known family, distributed throughout 
the world. They have long, powerful wings and small, weak 
feet; fissirostral, with wide, deep gape, enabling them to capture 
insects, which form their food almost exclusively, upon the wing. 
They migrate usually by day. 


Genus PROGNE Boie. 


270. (611). Progne subis (Linn.). Purple Martin. 


The Purple Martin is a common summer resident in all parts 
of the state, arriving with great regularity, usually during the 
first ten days of April, but a few stragglers sometimes come in the 
last of March. The Martins nest in bird-boxes or in cornices of 
buildings, returning to the same spot year after year. Of late 
years they have decreased in numbers in many localities, owing 
to the fact that the English Sparrows preempt their nesting- 
places in the early spring. Formerly the Martins nested in trees. 
F. V. Hayden stated that the Martin was ‘“‘abundant throughout 


- 


ANDERSON—THE BIRDS OF IOWA. 333 


the Northwest, along the wooded bottoms of streams, where the 
dry trees are its favorite breeding places’’ (Trans. Am. Philos. 
Soc., xii, 1863, p. 162). This primitive habit of nesting in hol- 
low trees seems to have been abandoned for many years, at least 
in Iowa. During the latter part of August large flocks congre- 
gate, usually making their rendezvous upon the roof of some 
large building, or church spire, and all disappearing at once about 
the last of August. 

The Martin is strictly insectivorous, capturing its prey on the 
wing. Mr.O. Widman of Old Orchard, Mo., observed a colony 
of sixteen pairs from 4 a. m. to 8 p. m., during which time the 
parents visited their offspring 3,277 times, or an average of 205 
times for each pair. The males made 1,454, the females 1,823 
visits (Forest and Stream, xxii, 1884, p. 484). 

Genus PETROCHELIDON Cabanis. 
271. (612). Fetrochelidon ludifrons (Say). Cliff Swallow. 

The Cliff Swallow or Eave Swallow is a common summer resi- 
dent in all parts of the state from the latter part of April until 
September. It is rather locally distributed, remaining quite close 
to its breeding place, where the bottle-shaped nests are placed in 
large colonies under the eaves of barns and other large buildings. 
Before the settlement of the country this Swallow plastered its 
nest of mud pellets on the vertical sides of cliffs and river bluffs. 
Prince Maximilian noted large colonies along the Missouri River 
bluffs in 1833 (Reise, 1, p. 90, etc.), and F. V. Hayden describes 
colonies along the Missouri ‘‘often covering the vertical sides of 
the river bluff with their nests.’’ With the settlement of the 
country the species has almost abandoned the cliff-nesting habit, 
finding the eaves of buildings more suitable. This has resulted 
in a much more general diffusion of the species over the prairie 
country. 

J. A. Allen says: ‘‘The older settlers in Dallas county told me 
it made its first appearance there three years before, when a col- 
ony settled in Redfield, building under the eaves of a large sand- 
stone store. This season there were several large colonies in the 
same vicinity, resorting to the eaves of barns for nesting sites’’ 
(Mem. Bost. Soc., i, 1868, p. 495). Wailmon Newell reports that 
in Sioux county, ‘‘alomg the Rock and Big Sioux Rivers, these 


(Proc. D. A. S,, Vor. XI.] 45 [Dec. 16, 1906, ] 


334 DAVENPORT ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. 


birds build upon the faces of high perpendicular cliffs wherever 
these may be found. For the last three years they have increased 
rapidly. In the absence of any high cliffs the nest is placed under 
the eaves of a barn or other high building’’ (Iowa Orn., 1, 3, 1895, 
pp. 65-66). The Cliff Swallows often have battles with the En- 
glish Sparrows for the possession of their nests, but the Swallows 
usually come off victorious. "The Swallows are generally wel- 
comed about farm-yards on account of the large numbers of mos- 
quitoes and other insects which they destroy. 


Genus HIrRuNbDO Linnzeus. 


272. (613). Mirundo erythrogastra Bodd. Barn Swallow. 


The Barn Swallow, known from the Cliff Swallow by its deeply 
forked tail, is a common summer resident in all parts of Iowa 
from the middle of April until September first. The Barn Swal- 
low is less inclined to associate in colonies than the Cliff Swallow, 
and while the nest is occasionally built under eaves, it is generally 
placed under the roof of an open shed or outbuilding, stuck to the 
side of a rafter or upon the top of a horizontal beam. The nest 
is often placed under a small bridge. The Barn Swallow seems 
to have been less generally distributed in the earlier days. F. V. 
Hayden speaks of the species building its nests on the vertical 
sides of the bluffs along the Missouri in countless numbers (Trans. 
Am. Philos. Soc., xii, 1863, pp. 161-62). J. A. Allen stated that 
the Barn Swallow was not generally common in western Iowa. 
Sometimes none were seen for long intervals. In some sections 
persons who had resided there for years claimed never to have 
seen them (Mem. Bott. Soc., i, 1868, pp. 494-95). T. M. Trippe 
reported that they were not seen in Mahaska county, and only 
observed in a single locality in Decatur county, where a single 
pair had appeared five or six years before and increased to a col- 
ony of thirty or forty (Proc. Bost. Soc., xv, 1872, p. 225). At the 
present time there is scarcely a farm in the state that does not 
have one or more pairs of Barn Swallows nesting in its buildings. 


Genus IRIDOPROCNE Coues. 
273. (614). /ridoprocne bicolor (Vieillot). White-bellied Swallow. 


The White-bellied Swallow or Tree Swallow is a common mi- 
grant in most parts of the state and a tolerably common summer 


ANDERSON 


THE BIRDS OF IOWA. 33 


on 


resident in many localities, but appears to breed rather locally. 
It is the earliest Swallow to migrate in spring, arriving in the 
latter part of March or first of April, and remaining in the fall 
until the latter part of September. 

In Jackson county H. J. Giddings reports that it ‘‘nests in 
holes in trees and stubs. Have never found a nest except near 
water. Breeds plentifully along the sloughs and lakes bordering 
the Mississippi River.’’ Blackhawk—‘‘common migrant; rather 
rare breeder’’ (Peck). Lee—‘‘rare summer resident; common 
migrant’’ (Praeger, Currier). Mills—‘‘common summer resi- 
dent’’ (Trostler). Scott—‘‘common summer resident’’ (Wilson). 
Polk—‘‘common summer resident; nests’’ (Johnson). Woodbury 
—‘‘common summer resident; nests’’ (Rich). Winnebago— 
found one nest June 4, 1894, in the top of an old pump, standing 
in a foot of water in a slough; four pure white eggs. In August 
the species becomes very abundant, and hundreds may be seen in 
rows upon the telegraph or telephone wires in the country (An- 
derson). Other observers report the species only as a migrant. 

Genus CLIVICOLA Forster. 
274. (616). Chivicola riparia (Linn.). Bank Swallow. 

The Bank Swallow or ‘‘Sand Swallow’’ is an abundant summer 
resident in Iowa from the latter part of April until the middle of 
September. It breeds abundantly in large colonies wherever suit- 
able banks or cuts are found in which the nesting burrows can be 
excavated. These are usually dug in the vertical side of the 
clayey banks of streams, but any suitable bank in a railroad cut 
or sand-pit may be tenanted by them. Sometimes a bank will be 
literally honeycombed with the burrows, which vary from a few 
inches to three feet in depth, enlarged at the further extremity, 
in which five or six white eggs are laid upon a few grasses and 
feathers. This species is often confused with the Rough-winged 
Swallow, but may be readily distinguished by its dusky pectoral 
band contrasting with whitish under parts. The only Iowa local- 
ity from which the species was not reported was Winneshiek 
county, Dr. C. C. Smith reporting that all the birds he had shot 
were of the Rough-winged species. In Winnebago, Hancock, and 
Johnson counties I have found the Bank Swallows nesting in very 
large colonies. 


336 DAVENPORT ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. 


Genus STELGIDOPTERYX Baird. 


275. (617). Stelgidopteryx serripennis (Aud.) Rough-winged 
Swallow. 

The Rough-winged Swallow is a tolerably common summer 
resident in most parts of the state. It resembles the Bank Swal- 
low in general appearance and habits, but lacks the whitish under 
parts and dark pectoral collar. The hooklets of the outer pri- 
mary are only fully developed in adult birds. Keyes and Will- 
iams state that ‘‘in central Iowa, especially in Polk and the con- 
tiguous counties, this species is quite abundant, almost to the ex- 
clusion of the Bank Swallow. The nests are usually built in the 
alluvial banks of the streams or in the sides of gravel pits and in 
road cuts’’ (Birds of Iowa, 1899, p. 148). From the fact that the 
species is reported rare or absent in many places and common in 
similar and adjacent localities, it is probable that the Rough- 
winged Swallow is often confounded with the Bank Swallow. 
The Rough-winged Swallow does not always nest in holes in 
banks, but sometimes nests about bridges and abutments. In 
Linn county Dr. B. H. Bailey states: ‘‘I have found four nests in 
the last four years, three of which I think were by the same pair 
of birds, under a bridge over a creek.’ 

In Johnson county I have frequently seen the birds in spring, 
excavating burrows in the lceess banks along roads, but never 
more than two or three pairs together. 


Famiy AMPELIDA. Waxwings. 


The two species of this family which are found in Iowa are 
cinnamon-tinted birds with soft, silky plumage, conspicuous 
crests, tail yellow-tipped, and tips of primaries, and sometimes — 
rectrices, usually with a small red ‘‘sealing-wax’’ appendage. 
They are chiefly frugivorous, feeding on berries, but are also 
largely insectivorous in summer. 


Subfamily AMPELIN A. 
Genus AMPELIS Linneus. 
276. (618). <Ampelis garrulus Linn. Bohemian Waxwing. 


The Bohemian Waxwing is at times an abundant winter resi- 
dent in Iowa, but is an erratic wanderer and its appearance and 


ANDERSON—THE BIRDS OF IOWA. 237 


distribution are very irregular. ‘They have been reported from 
nearly all portions of Iowa but are most commonly observed in 
the northern part of the state. Large flocks appear some winters 
and may remain in a neighborhood for months, feeding princi- 
pally upon hackberries, bittersweet berries and the fruit of the 
mountain-ash tree. They may appear for several winters in suc- 
cession and then absent themselves for an equally long period. 
The earliest date I have seen them was November 24, 1894, when 
two were seen; a large flock seen December 16, 1891, and from 
January 24 to 31, 1892, a large flock remained in Forest City, 
feeding upon mountain-ash berries in dooryards. Dr.C.C. Smith 
shot one from a large flock, March 18, 1896, the first time he had 
observed the species. Since then he has many times observed 
large flocks. The Bohemian Waxwing has been observed in 
Iowa City on a number of occasions. ‘They are usually quite 
tame and unsuspicious. 


277. (619). Ampelis cedrorum (Vieill.). Cedar Waxwing. 


The Cedar Waxwing, Cedar-bird, or Cherry-bird is common in 
all parts of Iowa. While it is most common during the migrating 
season, large flocks are apt to appear in any month of the year, 
and a few remain to breed. Flocks are most frequently seen in 
February and March, and during the cherry season they usually 
do not fail to visit the orchards. In winter, the bittersweet and 
mountain-ash and cedar-berries are favorite foods. The Cedar- 
birds nest later in the season than most birds, usually in July and 
August, building indiscriminately in shade trees, orchards, or on 
the borders of woods and streams. Paul Bartsch records a set of 
eggs taken May 26, 1888, in an apple tree, at Burlington, and C. 
F. Henning a set taken June 15, 1890, in Boone county. Bartsch 
states that at times they nest quite commonly in willows border- 
ing the Mississippi (lowa Orn., i, 4, 1895, pp. 83-85). Though 
the Cedar-birds at times consume quantities of cherries and other 
small fruits, they destroy many noxious insects, particularly can- 
ker-worms in orchards. J. Eugene Law says: ‘“‘A pair built two 
nests and raised two broods, one year, in our yard in the center of 
Forest City, Iowa; the first nest was within one rod of the house’”’ 
(Iowa Orn., i, 1, 1894, p. 26). I have found fresh eggs at Forest 
City in June, and as late as August 8 (Winnebago). 


338 DAVENPORT ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. 


Family LANIIDA. Shrikes. 


The Shrikes or Butcher Birds are passerine birds with hawk- 
like proclivities, preying chiefly upon mice, small birds, and in- 
sects, which they have the habit of impaling upon thorns, sharp 
twigs or barb-wire fences. ‘Their clearly massed colors of black, 
white and cadet gray render them easily distinguishable. 


Genus LANtusS Linneeus. 


278. (621). Lanius boreahs Vieill. Northern Shrike. 

The Northern Shrike is a common winter resident in all parts 
of the state. It usually appears during the latter part of Octo- 
ber and remains until March, having been observed as early as 
October 20 and as late as April 3. The English Sparrow is fre- 
quently captured by the Northern Shrike, but Tree Sparrows and 
Juncos are also destroyed. H. J. Giddings has noticed them fre- 
quently on the ground picking up insects, and once during a warm 
spell in February saw one catching large insects on the wing, cap- 
turing twenty-five in the short time that he watched it. This 
species frequently enters towns in winter in pursuit of Sparrows 
and seem to be quite fearless. 


279. (622a). Lantus ludovicianus excubitorides (Swains.). White- 
rumped Shrike. 

The status of the two summer-resident forms of Shrikes in 
Iowa is an unsettled question. Most recorders refer to the breed- 
ing birds as White-rumped and Loggerhead Shrikes rather in- 
discriminately, and the records are therefore of doubtful value. 

Ridgway (Bds. N. and Mid. Amer., tii, p. 246) describes excuér- 
- torides as ‘‘similar to L. /. migrans, but gray of upper parts 
decidedly paler; changing abruptly to white on upper tail cov- 
erts; white of scapulars more extended (occupying practically 
the whole of scapular region) and more abruptly contrasted with 
gray of back; forehead and supraloral region paler gray than 


crown, sometimes whitish; under parts pure white; size averag- 


ing slightly larger.’’ . 

T. M. Trippe (Am. Nat., 1873, p. 497), writing before the form 
L. 1. migrans was elaborated, states: ‘‘In a residence of two 
years in central and southern Iowa (Decatur and Mahaska coun- 
ties) I killed a large number of Shrikes, and although the larger 


¥ 


ANDERSON—THE BIRDS OF IOWA. 339 


number were plainly referable to Col/urio excubitorides, there were 
some that I could not satisfactorily place as belonging either to 
C. excubitorides or C. ludovicianus . . . While occasional observa- 
tions or observations for a limited space of time, would probably 
result in the conclusion that C. excuditorides was the only form, 
close and extended observation would show a variation in many 
cases toward the C. /udovicianus type, while rarely a specimen 
would be found that would appear absolutely of that species.’’ 

The White-rumped Shrike is reported by observers as a toler- 
ably common summer resident in all parts of the state, but it ap- 
pears to be less common in the northern part of the state. The 
nest is usually placed in osage-orange hedges in central and south- 
ern Iowa, while north of the osage-hedge districts it is placed in 
willows along country roads or in isolated trees in pastures. 
Most of the White-rumped Shrike records from Iowa should un- 
doubtedly refer to the Migrant Shrike. 


280. (622e). Lantus ludovicianus migrans Palmer. Northern 
Loggerhead Shrike. 


The Northern Loggerhead Shrike is described by Ridgway 
(Bds. N. and Mid. Amer., iii, p. 243) as ‘‘ practically identical in 
coloration with ZL. /. dudovicianus, but gray of upper parts aver- 
aging slightly paler (especially the gray along upper margin of . 
the black loral space) and under parts less purely white, etc. . 
bill much smaller and the tail decidedly shorter than wing, in- 


stead of the reverse’? . . . Range—‘‘ Greater part of United 
States east of the Great Plains... breeding north to New 
Brunswick . . . Michigan, Wisconsin and Minnesota, and south- 


ward to midland Virginia and western North Carolina, Kentucky 
and eastern Kansas, etc.”’ 

Bruner, Wolcott and Swenk give the Migrant Shrike as occur- 
ring regularly in eastern Nebraska, but only locally common. 
The White-rumped Shrike occurs over the entire state. Both 
varieties are reported from Omaha, Lincoln, Beatrice, etc. (Rev. 
Bds. Neb., 1904, p. 95). 

In Lee county W. E. Praeger reports all his records as of /udov- 
mwianus, and none of 622a, but is not certain that it does not occur. 
ky. S. Currier states: ‘“‘I have seen birds that I could call Z. 
excubitorides, and others that I could not. The common bird is 


* 


340 DAVENPORT ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. 


not strictly either. The conspicuously White-rumped form is not 
the abundant bird near Keokuk, but does occur.’’ 

I have examined two specimens in the Coe College collection, 
taken by Dr. B. H. Bailey, one near Rockwell (Cerro Gordo 
county), July 5, 1902, and one taken August 3, 1902, in Sac 
county, which are typical mzgvans, with breast plain, and rump 
not pale ; two others, one taken near Traer, June 20, 1902, and 
one between Chapin and Rockwell, July 5, 1902, are more like 
excubttorides, with breast faintly barred and rump paler. 

Dr. I. S. Trostler reports that he took a set of six eggs and 
killed female bird May 16, 1897, 1n the south part of Pottawat- 
tamie county. 

It is probable that the majority of the summer-resident Shrikes 
in Iowa, particularly in the eastern portions of the state, belong 
to the form migrans, but the form has been so recently elaborated 
that the majority of observers have not differentiated it from the 
excubitorides type. (See W. Palmer, ‘‘ Northern Loggerhead 
Shrike,’’ Auk, xv, July, 1898, p. 248). 


Family VIREONID. Vireos. 


The Vireos or Greenlets resemble ‘‘small, insectivorous 
Shrikes.’’ ‘They feed upon small insects, which they diligently 
gather from the surfaces of leaves, being most frequently hidden 
in the leaves at the tips of branches. The nest is pensile, hung 
between the forked branches of asmall limb. All the species are 
pleasing singers. 

Genus VIREO Vieillot. 


Subgenus VIREOSYLVA Bonaparte. 
281. (624). Vireo olivaceus (Linn.). Red-eyed Vireo. 


The Red-eyed Vireo is a common summer resident in all parts 
of the state from the first of May or latter part of April until 
early in October, although it is more abundant as a migrant. 
The nest is a pensile structure, hung from ten to thirty feet from 
the ground, and the eggs are laid in the early part of June. The 
Red-eyed Vireo is an incessant songster at all hours of the day, 
and through the hottest days of summer its rambling, discursive 
warble may be heard in woodlands. It is also found commonly 
in shade trees on lawns and in orchards. 


ANDERSON—THE BIRDS OF IOWA. 341 
282. (626). Vireo philadelphicus (Cass.). Philadelphia Vireo. 
The Philadelphia Vireo is apparently quite rare in Iowa ox else 
is generally overlooked by observers, owing to its close resem- 
blance to the Warbling Vireo. Keyes and Williams gave the 
species as ‘‘ migratory ; common; arriving the second week in 
May. It first appears in scattered companies, moving in leisurely 
flights through the tops of the trees along the water courses, and 
associating with various species of Warblers. In the fall it ap- 
pears about the first of September’’ (Birds of Iowa, 1889, p. 150). 
County records: Jackson—‘‘Mr. Giddings thinks it may breed 
in Jackson county—noted three during breeding season; very 
rare, seen only a few times. First seen in 1895 on June 1’’ (Iowa 
Orn., 11, 2, 1896, p. 42). Johnson—shot one female May 20, 1904, 
at Iowa City (Anderson). Linn—‘‘tolerably common migrant’’ 
(Berry). Scott—‘‘tolerably common migrant, May 11-20, Sept. 
21-28’’ (Wilson); ‘‘ Mr. J. H. Brown finds it not uncommon in 
Scott county, in some seasons a quite common migrant’’ (Iowa 
Orn., 11, 2, 1896, p. 42). Woodbury— Dr. G. C. Rich sent me for 
identification a specimen shot by Lloyd Brown at Morningside, 
Sioux City, Iowa, May 11, 1903. Winnebago—shot a female at 
Forest City, Aug. 31, 1901, in a small hazel thicket in a pasture 
(Anderson). 


283. (627). Vireo gilvus (Vieill.) Warbling Vireo. 

The Warbling Vireo is a common summer resident in nearly 
all parts of the state, arriving in the latter part of April or first 
of May, and departing early in September. It is generally a lit- 
tle less common than the Red-eyed Vireo, which it resembles in 
habits. Its nest is built higher than most of the Vireos, from 
twenty to forty feet from the ground, suspended at the extremity 
of a branch of a maple or elm tree in the dooryard or along the 
street, or in woodland. It is a beautiful singer. Chapman com- 
pares it with the Red-eye: ‘‘ Instead of the Red-eye’s broken, 
rambling recitation, the song of the Warbling Vireo is a firm, 
rich, continuous warble with a singular alto undertone ’’ (Bds. E. 
N. A., p. 330). When the nest is approached the birds have a 
rather harsh, squeaky, complaining note. The nest is difficult 
to observe from the ground, being generally concealed by dense 
foliage. On one occasion I found the Warbling Vireo’s nest by 


[PRoc, D. A. S., VoL. XI,] 46 [Dec. 18, 1906,] 


342 DAVENPORT ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. 


climbing up to a Robin’s nest which chanced to be near it. The 
usual nesting date is about June 20 in northern Iowa. 


Subgenus LANIVIREO Baird. 


284. (628). Vireo flavifrons Vieill. Yellow-throated:Vireo. 

The Yellow-throated Vireo is reported as a tolerably common 
summer resident in most portions of the state, and rather rare in 
others. It appears to be less common than either the Red-eyed 
or Warbling Vireo, although its bright yellow breast makes it 
conspicuous. It isa less pleasing singer than either of the pre- 
ceding species, and has the habit of greeting the intruder into its 
haunts with a peevish, scolding note, particularly if near the 
nesting site. The only nest I ever found was at Forest City, 
June 18, r8g1, containing four eggs of the Vireo and one of the 
Cowbird, suspended from a crotch about twenty feet up in a burr- 
oak, composed of dried grass, cottony substances, thin pieces of 
bark, moss, and nearly covered with small bits of newspaper, 
lined with fine strips of reddish grapevine bark. The nest was 
in the same tree with occupied nests of a Robin and a Mourning 
Dove. An unusual nesting site was reported from Dallas county 
by J. E. Law, in a hazel bush one foot up (Iowa Orn., 11, 2, 1896, 
Pp. 44-46). 

285. (629). Vireo solitarius (Wils.). Blue-headed Vireo. 

The Blue-headed Vireo is a regular migrant in Iowa during the 
first two weeks of May. In the fall it remains for a longer time, 
being more common during the middle of September, although I 
took a specimen as early as August 24, 1901, at Forest City, and 
Prof. C. C. Nutting took one ds late as October 5, 1886, at Iowa 
City. W. W. Cooke estimated that in 1884 the species moved 
northward at the rate of more than eighty miles a day, the most 
rapid speed among more than a hundred species whose rate of ad- 
vance was calculated. The same rapidity of migration was noted 
in 1885 (Bird Migr. in Miss. Val., 1884-85, pp. 235-36). 

The Blue-headed Vireo is quite generally distributed over Iowa 
during migration, usually keeping to the heavier woods.  Esti- 
mates as to its abundance are variable, it being considered toler- 
ably common in many localities and rather rare in others. In 
Winnebago county the Blue-headed Vireo is quite common and 


ANDERSON—THE BIRDS OF IOWA. 343 


regular in migration, and I have also observed it in Johnson 
county. It does not nest in the state. 
286. (631). Vireo noveboracensis (Gmel.). White-eyed Vireo. 

The White-eyed Vireo is a tolerably common summer resident 
in southern Iowa and rather rare or irregular in the central part 
of the state. The most northern record in Iowa is from Sioux 
City, although the species has been reported from Heron Lake, 
Minn., May 26, 1884 (Bird Migr. in Miss. Val., 1884-85, pp. 
236-37). 

County records: Boone—‘‘ fairly common’’ (Henning). Black- 
hawk—“‘rare; nests’’ (Walters). Des Moines—‘‘ the bird pre- 
fers the low, dense willows and especially small trees overgrown 
by a dense mass of grapevines’’ (Bartsch, Iowa Orn., ii, 2, 1896, 
pp. 46-47). Jackson—‘‘ common summer resident ’’ (Giddings). 
Jasper—Poweshiek—‘‘ June tst’’ (Parker, Am. Nat., v, 1870, p. 
168). Henry —‘‘not common’’ (D. L. Savage). Johnson—A few 
specimens have been taken at Iowa City, but I have never ob- 
served it personally (Anderson). Tee—‘‘ common summer resi- 
dent’’ (Currier); ‘‘scarce summer resident; breeds’’ (Praeger). 
Linn—*‘ common summer resident’’ (Berry). Mahaska—“‘‘speci- 
mens taken by W. A. Bryan’’ (Iowa Orn., ii, 2, 1896, pp. 46-47). 
Poweshiek—‘‘ never found but once by me at Grinnell’’ (Lynds 
Jones). Pottawattamie—‘‘ common summer resident ’’(Trostler). 
Story—‘“‘ reported by W. A. Bryan as quite common’’ (Iowa Orn., 
il, 2, 1896, pp. 46-47). Van Buren—‘‘common summer resident; 
nest with two eggs July 18, 1894, in hazel bush, eighteen inches 
up’ (Wm. G. Savage). _Woodbury—“‘ one shot April 18, 1900”’’ 
(Rich). 

287. (633). Vireo deli Aud. Bell Vireo. 


The Bell Vireo is reported from all sections of the state as a 
common or abundant summer resident, in some localities the 
commonest of the Vireos. It usually arrives in the early part of 
May and remains until September first. However, I have exam- 
ined a specimen sent by Dr. G.C. Rich, which was shot by C. 
Brown at Brown’s Lake, Woodbury county, October 16, Igor. 
The bird frequents low thickets, shrubbery and hazel bushes 
rather than the woods, and the nest is usually suspended ina low 
bush. Nests have been found in the state from the latter part of 


344 DAVENPORT ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. 


May until August, although June is the favorite nesting time. 
Charles R. Keyes describes a nest placed in a small bush situated 
within eight feet of a railroad track over which cars were passing 
continually, and notwithstanding the violent swaying of the bush 
caused by the strong current of air created by each rapidly mov- 
ing train, the young birds were successfully reared (‘‘ The Iowa 
Greenlets;? O2162.©O),- xia p44) 

The species was described and named by John James Audubon 
after the veteran taxidermist, J. G. Beli, who accompanied him on 
his Missouri River expedition in 1843. Dr. Paul Bartsch gives 
an Iowa reference to the species as being found in Audubon’s 
great work on ‘‘ The Birds of North America,’’ 1844, p. 333. 


Family MNIOTILTIDA. Wood Warblers. 


The Wood Warblers are a very large family of strictly Ameri- 
can birds. ‘They are generally brightly colored, at least the 
males, and are almost wholly insectivorous. All of the species 
are migratory in Iowa, mostly passing north to breed, and only a 
few species nest in the state. 

‘““The name ‘Warbler’ comes from their resemblance to the 
Warblers of Europe (Sy/viid@) and not from any distinguished 
musical quality of their own’’ (Jordan, ‘‘Manual of the Verte- 
brates; 2p. 207). 

The Warblers usually appear in the spring just as the leaf buds 
are bursting on the trees, and their great numbers, and the assi- 
duity with which they search out the insect life which appears 
in the foliage at this time, render them particularly useful and 
valuable allies in forest protection. The majority of the species 
are unknown to most people, as they are with us for only a few 
days in the spring and fall, and generally keep to the tree-tops. 


Genus MNIOTILTA Vieillot. 


288. (636). MZJniotilta varia (Iinn.). Black and White Warbler. 
The Black and White Warbler is a Warbler with the habits 


of a Creeper or Nuthatch, generally seen nervously climbing — 


over the trunks and larger branches of trees, but it also gleans 
among the smaller twigs and foliage. It is generally distributed 
over Iowa as a tolerably common migrant from the middle of 
April until the latter part of May and from about August 20 to 


ANDERSON—THE BIRDS OF IOWA. 345 


the latter part of September. The Black and White Warbler has 
been found nesting in a few restricted localities in Iowa, but it is 
not generally found in summer. 


County records: Blackhawk—‘‘known to breed sparingly in 
Linn and Blackhawk counties’ (Peck). Franklin—‘‘summer res- 
ident and migrant; fairly common’’ (Shoemaker). Henry—‘‘com- 


mon summer resident’’ (W.-G. Savage). Lee—‘‘migrant, not com- 
mon; rare summer resident. June 4, 1901, nest and eggs found 
by myself, four miles west of Keokuk, is the only one I ever’saw 
in that locality’’ (Currier). Linn—‘‘I have seen it several times 
in June and July and last year saw one feeding young’’ (Berry). 
Scott—‘‘the bulk go further north, but a few must breed here, 
for although I have never found a nest, I have seen both male 
and female birds during the summer’’ (Wilson). Polk—‘‘at Des 
Moines has been observed in June’and July and consequently may 
be regarded as a summer resident, but not a common one’’ (Keyes 
and Williams, Birds of Iowa, p. 151). Van Buren—‘‘a very com- 
mon summer resident of Van Buren and Henry counties. The 
last week in May, 1896, I found one nest on a hillside on the 
ground, protected by a small bush, burrowed deep down in old 
leaves, open at the top, but very small entrance; composed of very 
fine grass stems and cowtail hair’’ (W. G. Savage). Woodbury— 
“uncommon summer resident. Iam ashamed to find that I made 
no note of the date. I noticed a pair that undoubtedly had a nest 
near. It was in early spring’’ (Rich). Winneshiek—‘‘rare sum- 
mer resident, oftenest observed in August’’ (Smith). In Winne- 
bago, Hancock, and Johnson counties I have observed the species 
regularly, but only as migrants. 


Genus PROTONOTARIA Baird. 


289. (637). Protonotaria citrea (Bodd.). Prothonotary Warbler. 


The Prothonotary Warbler is a beautiful golden-yellow species, 
frequenting wooded swamps and river bottoms and nesting in 
holes and cavities in stumps and dead trees. It is a bird of south- 
ern distribution and is only tolerably common along the bottom 
lands of the larger rivers in southern Iowa. It reaches to about 
its northern limit on the Iowa River in Johnson county, on the 
Cedar River in Blackhawk county (Peck), and the Des Moines 
River in Webster county (Somes). Dr. Trostler reports it asa 


346 DAVENPORT ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. 


common summer resident, but becoming scarce, in Mills county, 
on the Missouri, while Dr. Rich reports it as rare at Sioux City. 
Dr. B. H. Bailey shot two males at Lansing, Allamakee county, 
Iowa, in 1904. ‘The most northern record outside of the Missis- 
sippi bottoms was one male, seen alone along the Des Moines 
River in Kossuth county by W. H. Bingaman, May 20, Igor. 
The bird was not taken, but identity is positive, Mr. Bingaman 
having found many nests in southern Illinois. 

The northward range of the Prothonotary Warbler has been 
greatly extended by the observations of Dr. T.S. Roberts (Auk, 
Xvi, 1899, pp. 236-46), who found the species breeding commonly 
in the low heavily-timbered bottom lands bordering the Missis- 
sippi River nearly to Hastings, Minn., eighty-five miles directly 
north from the Iowa line. ‘‘As we advanced southward toward 
the Iowa line it became one of the most frequent and noticeable 
of the birds. They were found only in the bottomland and ap- 
parently do not pass up the heavily-wooded and deep ravines of 
the tributary rivers and streams.’’ This low-lying and sheltered 
valley is shown to be an extensive northern prolongation of the 
Carolinian (Upper Austral) fauna. The vegetation also has a 
strong Carolinian trend. The black walnut, red mulberry, Ken- 
tucky coffee-tree, and, to a more limited extent, the shellbark 
hickory, find a foothold here, and the woods of Houston county 
are full of the May-apple (Podophyllum peltatum). The Louisiana 
Water Thrush and the Red-bellied Woodpecker were also com- 
mon. Dr. Roberts noted the species nesting commonly in bird- 
boxes on the iron railroad bridge between La Crosse, Wis., and 
La Crescent, Minn. F.L. Grundtvig states: ‘‘I found it breeding 
in large numbers as far north as Sabula, (Jackson county, Iowa), 
near the Mississippi River’’ (Proc. Wis. Acad. Sci., Let. and Arts, 
x; PP. 140-41). 

The species is arare summer resident in low bottom lands of 
the Iowa River in Johnson county. I found a nest in a deserted 
Woodpecker’s hole in a dead stub, about five feet from the ground, 
on May 30, 1904, at which time it contained two eggs; June 3, 
1904, the nest contained five eggs; female sitting very close. June 
25, 1905, I found a nest containing five well-feathered young birds 
by watching both parents carry food to the nest in a dead stump, 
about ten feet from the ground, just below the mouth of Turkey 
Creek (Johnson county). 


, 


ANDERSON—THE BIRDS OF IOWA. 347 


Genus HELMINTHEROS Rafinesque. 


290. (639). ffelmintheros vermivorus (Gmel.). Worm- eating 
Warbler. 


The Worm-eating Warbler is a rare summer resident in south- 
ern Iowa, very seldom reaching the central part of the state. I 
have only one record from northern Iowa, in the Des Moines Val- 
ley (Kossuth). 

County records: Henry—‘‘a set of five eggs found May 25, 
1892, placed on a hillside in dense woods, composed of leaves, 
lined with hair-like moss and horse-hairs’’ (D. L. Savage, OOl., 
X, 12, 1895, p. 352). Mr. Savage took another set of two eggs, 
with three eggs of the Cowbird, near Salem, in 1895. Kossuth— 
“nest with five badly incubated eggs taken June 4, 1904, in quite 
heavy timber on slightly sloping hillside; male taken’’ (Binga- 
man). Linn—‘‘only one, an immature specimen, taken Aug. 2, 
1889’’ (Berry); ‘‘spring and fall migrant, not plentiful. Collected 
here by M. E. Peck, spring of 1896’’ (Keyes). Lee—‘‘rare mi- 
grant’’ (Praeger, Currier). Van Buren—‘‘a common bird in Van 
Buren and Henry counties; I have found their nests in June in 
the thick wooded hillsides; nests on the ground, in old leaves, 
usually by some little brush or sprouts; very shy about the nest’’ 
(W. G. Savage). 


Genus HELMINTHOPHILA Ridgway. 


291. (640). Helminthophila pinus (Linn.). Blue-winged Warbler. 


The Blue-winged Warbler is reported as a tolerably common 
summer resident in most localities, north as far as the central part 
of the state. There is only one record from northern Iowa, Dr. 
C.C. Smith of Decorah having seen a nest with young late in 
June, 1895, and observed old and young birds at other times 
(Winneshiek). 

County records: Blackhawk—‘‘common in migration and 
breeds sparingly in Linn and Blackhawk counties. Nest on the 
ground in masses of fallen leaves’’ (Peck). Decatur- Mahaska 
‘‘breeding’’ (Trippe, Proc. Essex Inst., xv, 1873, p. 234). Henry 
—‘‘found nest June 2, 1893, on ground in clump of May-apples’’ 
(Ool., x, 12, 1893, p. 326). Jackson—“‘‘rather rare breeder; nests 
in low vines and bushes’’ (Giddings). Johnson—Specimens in 


348 DAVENPORT ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. 


University museum, taken at Iowa City and Tiffin (Anderson). ° 


Lee—‘‘ summer resident, common’’ (Currier); ‘‘rare; breeds’’ 
(Praeger). Scott—‘‘rare migrant’’ (Wilson). Poweshiek—‘‘tol- 
erably common summer resident’’ (Kelsey). Pottawattamie— 
‘common migrant; scarce summer resident’’ (Trostler). Linn— 
‘‘summer resident’ (Bailey, Berry); ‘‘not common; nest with two 
fresh eggs found May 22, 1896’’ (Keyes). Scott—‘‘rare migrant’’ 
(Wilson). Webster—‘‘occasional’’ (Somes). Van Buren—‘‘sum- 
mer resident; common; nesting on ground usually; one nest four 
inches from ground between four hazel bushes’’ (W. G. Savage). 

‘In Van Buren county the Blue-winged Warbler arrives about 
the last week in April and stays throughout the summer; has a 
low and not very pleasing song; sings often at noon-day when 
most other birds are hushed and the scorching sun is pouring 
forth its hottest rays’’ (W.S. Savage, Iowa Orn., 1, 1, 1894, p. 11). 


292. (642). Helminthophila chrysoptera (Linn.). Golden-winged 
Warbler. 

The Golden-winged Warbler is a rather rare migrant in Iowa, 
and is reported as breeding in Grundy county. 

County records: Blackhawk——‘‘a regular and uncommon mi- 
grant in Blackhawk county. It issaid to breed in some localities 
in the state, but I have never found it in any part of Iowa during 
the nesting season’’ (Peck). Grundy——‘‘took two sets, three and 
four eggs, both incubated, in early June, 1898. Both nests were 
among the grass within four inches of the ground, in a dry willow 
coulée’’ (Bingaman). Johnson—‘‘taken at Iowa City and else- 
where in the state’’ (Keyes and Williams, Birds of Iowa, p. 152); 
‘‘at Iowa City the first was reported May 17, 1885’’ (Cooke, Bird 
Migr. in Miss. Val., 1884-85, pp. 240-41); two specimens in Uni- 
versity museum were taken by C. C. Nutting and Loren Akers, 
May 9, 1887. Shot one male May 6, 1903, and one male May 11, 
1904, at Iowa City (Anderson). Lee—‘‘scarce migrant’’ (Praeger); 
‘common migrant’’ (Currier). Linn—“‘‘collected here by Morton 
E. Peck in spring of 1896’’ (Keyes); ‘‘shot one female in last of 
June and saw one a couple of years since feeding a young Cow- 
bird’’ (Berry). Mahaska—‘‘a single specimen taken in May’’ 
(Trippe, Proc. Bost. Soc., xv, 1872, p. 234). Van Buren—‘‘mi- 
grant, some years very abundant, while others not so plentiful; 


ANDERSON—THE BIRDS OF IOWA. 349 


usually appears the first of May and not staying more than ten 
days’ (W.G. Savage). Winnebago—shot one female specimen at 
Forest City, August 17, 1896 (Anderson). Winneshiek—‘‘rare ; 
reported by Hall Thomas’’ (Dr. C. C. Smith). 


293. (645). Helminthophila rubricapilla (Wils.). Nashville War- 
bler. 

The Nashville Warbler is a tolerably common migrant in most 
sections of the state, arriving about the first of May and remain- 
ing until the third week in May, and in fall from the last of 
August until about the middle of September. The small size and 
inconspicuous coloration of this species allow it to escape notice 
unless carefully watched for. I have taken specimens on Septem- 
ber 7 and 12, 1896; September 17, 1900; and August 30, rgor, at 
Forest City (Winnebago); and on May 15 and 20, 1904, at Iowa 
City (Johnson county). A specimen in the University museum 
was taken in Johnson county April 29, 1887, by Loran Akers. 
The species is usually observed in the tree tops in rather open 
woodland along streams. 


294. (646). flelminthophila celata (Say). Orange-crowned War- 
bler. 


The Orange-crowned Warbler is a tolerably common migrant, 
having been noted in the state from April 28 (Johnson) to May 28 
(Winnebago) and from September 17 (Winnebago) to October 17 
(Scott). Like the preceding, this species is inconspicuous and dif- 
ficult to observe. Keyes and Williams state that “‘it frequents 
rather open woodland and seems to be extremely partial to the 
hawthorn trees’’ (Birds of Iowa, p. 152). The species was orig- 
inally described by Thomas Say as Sylvius celatus, from a speci- 
men shot at Engineers’ Cantonment early in May, 1820 (Long’s 
Exp., 1, Notes, p. 334). 


295. (647). Helminthophila peregrina (Wils.). ‘Tennessee War- 
bler. 

The Tennessee Warbler is a rather common migrant in all parts 
of Iowa. Several observers note the fact that it varies much in 
numbers from season to season, sometimes appearing in great 
abundance and other seasons it is seldom seen. It usually occurs 


[Proc. D. A. S.. VoL. XI.] 47 [Dec, 26, 1906.] 


350 DAVENPORT ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. 


during the first two weeks of May, though I took one specimen as 
late as May 21, in Winnebago county. In fall it appears during 
the month of September. Morton E. Peck states that it is the 
noisiest of the Warblers during migration, and does not usually 
appear until the leaves are out. H.J. Giddings reports it as one 
of the most common Warblers in Jackson county, being abundant 
every spring, and not varying much in numbers. 

Dr. I. S. Trostler reports the Tennessee Warbler as a summer 
resident in Mills and Pottawattamie counties, but he has no rec- 
ords of nesting there. The species is usually found in the tree 
tops during migrations, and frequently in low bushes, but seldom 
on the ground. 


Genus COMPSOTHLYPIS Cabanis. 


296. (648a). Compsothlypis americana ramaline Ridgway. West- 
ern Parula Warbler. 

The Western Parula Warbler is a fairly common migrant in 
eastern Iowa during the first two weeks in May, but was not re- 
ported by any observers west of the middle line of the state. The 
only specimen that I have observed in life was a female shot out 
of the top of a tall tree at Forest City, Winnebago county, August 
21, 1896. 

F. V. Hayden noted the Parula Warbler as ‘‘very abundant in 
the months of May and June along the wooded bottoms of the 
Missouri. Its minute size and rapid flight from limb to limb 
among the tallest branches of the lofty cottonwoods render it a 
somewhat difficult bird to secure. It is most abundant on the 
lower Missouri below Fort Pierre’’ (Trans. Amer. Philos. Soc., 
XV, 1863, pp. 159-60). 

A male specimen in the Bond collection, No. 3,636, Mus. Univ. 
of Iowa, taken at Tiffin (Johnson county), is typical vamaline, 
with broad dusky band across chest, bordered by chestnut poster- 
iorly, and with chestnut-streaked sides. No. 8,g11, male, was 
taken at Iowa City, April 5, 1892. 


Genus DENDROICA Gray. 
Subgenus PERISSOGLOSSA Baird. 


297. (650). Dendroica tigrina (Gmel.). Cape May Warbler. 
The Cape May Warbler is a species which seems to bé extend- 


ANDERSON—THE BIRDS OF IOWA. 351 


ing its range westward. In 1878, Dr. Coues states that it was 
“only known west to the Mississippi’ (Birds of the Colorado Val- 
ley, p. 246), but at the present time it is rather frequently ob- 
served as a migrant in Iowa during the months of May and Sep- 
tember. 

County records: Blackhawk—‘‘this species, once considered 
accidental in Blackhawk county, has in recent years become com- 
paratively common’’ (Peck). Jackson—‘‘common transient?’ 
(Giddings). Johnson—‘‘a specimen was taken at Iowa City, Nov. 
27, 1886’ (Keyes and Williams, Birds of Iowa, p. 153); specimen 
in the University museum, taken at Iowa City, May 6, 1887, and 
at Tiffin. Saw one male on Iowa University campus, May 10, 
1905, and they were also observed by W. B. Bell on May 12, 1905 
(Anderson). Linn—‘“‘spring and fall migrant’’ (Bailey, Berry). 
Poweshiek—‘‘tolerably common transient’’ (Kelsey). Scott— 
“rather rare migrant, May 14-23; not seen in fall’’ (Wilson). Van 
Buren—‘‘spring migrant, very rare’’ (W. G. Savage). Winne- 
shiek—‘‘rare; reported by Hall Thomas’’ (Smith). 

The species was not reported from western Iowa. ‘There are 
two definite Nebraska records,—a male taken at Alda, May 12, 
1883, by F. V. Powell, and another at Omaha, May 24, 1893, by 
L. Skow (Rev. Birds Neb., 1904, pp. 1o1—102). 


Subgenus DENDROICA Gray. 


298. (652). Dendroica estiva (Gmel.). Yellow Warbler. 

The Yellow Warbler is an abundant summer resident in all 
parts of the state from the latter part of April or early May until 
September. This is the species popularly called ‘‘Wild Canary,’’ 
although the American Goldfinch also shares this name. It nests 
commonly in willow or hazel thickets, sometimes in hedges or 
small groves, from two to eight feet from the ground. The 
nest is composed of grasses and fibrous threads and usually lined 
with white cottonwood down; eggs three to five, generally laid in 
the last week of May and first two weeks of June. The eggs of 
the Cowbird are frequently laid in the Yellow Warbler’s nest, but 
if one is deposited before the rightful owner’s eggs are laid, the 
Warbler will build a second story to the nest, imbedding the Cow- 
bird’s egg in the bottom. 


352 DAVENPORT ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. 


299. (654). Dendroica cerulescens (Gmel.). Black-throated Blue 
Warbler. 

The Black-throated Blue Warbler is a rare migrant in Iowa and 
was not reported from the western half of the state, although 
Prof. Bruner has noted it on rare occasions at West Point and 
Omaha, Neb. (Rev. Birds Neb., p. 102). 

County records: Blackhawk—‘‘rare transient’’ (Salisbury); 
‘quite rare, though probably a regular visitor in the migrating 
season’’ (Peck). Jackson—‘‘one of our rarest Warblers; have 
only noted it a few times’’ (Giddings). Linn—‘‘rare migrant’’ 
(Berry); ‘‘noted in migration May 15, 1g01’’ (Keyes). Mahaska 
—‘‘noted a few times in Mahaska county’’ (Proc. Bost. Soc-, xv, 
1883, p. 235). Poweshiek—‘‘rare transient’’ (Kelsey, Jones). 
Scott—‘‘rare migrant, May 1-14; two seen Sept. 26, 1891, the 
only fall record’’ (Wilson). Van Buren—‘‘shot one male in 1895, 
only record’’ (W. G. Savage). Webster—‘‘rare’’ (Somes). Win- 
nebago—Shot one male May 14, 1892, a day when warm, rainy 
weather brought a great wave of migrating Warblers (Anderson); 
“shot one in spring of 1903, at Forest City’’ (Halvorsen). 


300. (655). Dendroica coronata(Linn.). Myrtle Warbler. 

The Yellow Warbler or Yellow-rumped Warbler is probably the 
most abundant migrant Warbler in Iowa. It is the earliest to 
arrive in the spring, sometimes before the snow is off the ground, 
usually from the first to the middle of April, remaining frequently 
until May 20; arriving from the north from about last of Septem- 
ber until November 1, being most abundant during October. M. 
HE. Peck states that in migration the females usually appear sev- 
eral days before the males. W. W. Cooke says, ‘‘It is the hardi- 
est of our Warblers—has been known to endure a temperature of 
20° below zero without apparent inconvenience. With plenty of 
poison ivy berries to eat, it seems not to care how the mercury 
stands’’ (Bird Migr. in Miss. Val., 1884-85, pp. 246-48). Their 
winter food in the south consists largely of myrtle or bayberries, 
but in spring and fall they become largely insectivorous. 


301. (657). Dendroica maculosa (Gmel.). Magnolia Warbler. 
The Magnolia Warbler or Black and Yellow Warbler is a beau- 

tiful species which is a common spring and fall migrant in eastern 

and central Iowa, It was not reported from western Iowa, al- 


ANDERSON—THE BIRDS OF IOWA. 353 


uv 


though it has been rarely taken in eastern Kansas and Nebraska. 
It usually migrates during the second and third weeks of May 
and from the last week in August to the middle of September, 
although specimens have been taken as early as April 18 (John- 
son county) and October 5 (Scott). It isa rapid migrant in spring. 
Cooke gives the average rate of advance through the Mississippi 
Valley in 1883 as thirty-five miles a day, and in 1884 as thirty- 
two miles. It is an active fly-catching species, usually appearing 
after the green leaves of the forest are out. 


302. (658). Dendroica cerulea (Wils.). Cerulean Warbler. 


The Cerulean Warbler is a tolerably common migrant anda 
rather rare summer resident in most parts of the state, but is 
seldom seen on account of its shyness and its habit of keeping to 
tops of the tallest trees, where the nest is placed on a horizontal 
limb, 20-50 feet from the ground. Dr. J. A. Allen found the spe- 
cies quite common at Boonesboro, 1868, where it was the only 
woodland Dendroica observed (Mem. Bost. Soc., i, 1868, p. 494). 
I never observed the species in Winnebago or Hancock counties, 
but W. H. Bingaman reports it as arare summer resident in Kos- 
suth county, northern Iowa. 


303. (659). Dendroica pensylvanica (Linn.). Chestnut-sided War- 
bler. 


The Chestnut-sided Warbler is an abundant migrant, May 1- 
June 1, and September 9-23, in all parts of the state, and breeds 
in many localities, but is rather locally distributed in summer. 

County records—(breeding): Blackhawk—‘‘breeds sparingly 
in Blackhawk, Linn and Tama counties’ (Peck). Henry—‘‘sum- 
mer resident’ (D.L,.Savage). Franklin—‘‘common summer resi- 
dent’’ (Shoemaker). Jackson—‘‘common migrant; rare breeder; 

‘saw a female feeding a young Cowbird, July 1, 1894’’ (Giddings). 
Lee—‘‘abundant migrant; rare summer resident; see one or more 
individuals every summer near certain thickets. May 29, 1898, 
found a nest in a clump of Indian currents containing one egg. 
Another time, near the same place, saw a female building ina 
clump of hazel’’ (Currier). Linn—‘‘fairly common summer resi- 
dent’? (Keyes, Berry). Mahaska—‘‘ abundant; many breed”? 
(Trippe, Proc. Bost. Soc., xv, 1872, p. 235). Pottawattamie—‘“‘I 
have a set of two eggs of this species taken in Pottawattamie 


354 DAVENPORT ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. 


county’’ (EK. Irons, Iowa Orn., i, 1, 1894, pp. 13-14); ‘‘common 
migrant; scarce summer resident’? (Trostler). Poweshiek— 
‘breeds rarely’’ (L. Jones). Van Buren—‘‘common summer res- 
ident, nesting two or three feet from ground, usually in a hazel 
thicket’? (W.G.Savage). Tama—B. H. Bailey shot one specimen 
June 22, 1902, near Traer. Kossuth——‘‘common summer resi- 
nent; have secured the nest and eggs several times and have three 
sets now in my collection, all taken in Kossuth’’ (Bingaman). 
The species is an abundant migrant in Winnebago and Hancock 
counties, but I have not observed it during the breeding season; 
shot a juvenile female August 15, 1896, at Forest City. 


304. (660). Dendroica castanea (Wils.). Bay-breasted Warbler. 


The Bay-breasted Warbler is a rather rare migrant in spring 
and fall in eastern Iowa, the only western Iowa record being a 
single specimen observed at Spencer by Paul C. Wood, April 21, 
1896 (Iowa Orn., li, 4, 1896, p. 86). 

County records: Blackhawk—‘‘rare migrant’’ (Salisbury, Peck); 
Lee (Praeger); Poweshiek (I. Jones); Johnson—May 15, on Uni- 
versity campus (Anderson); Scott—‘‘seen only on May 9g and 26, 
1888’’ (Wilson); Van Buren (Wm. Savage); Winneshiek (Smith). 

In Jackson county H. J. Giddings reports the Bay-breasted 
Warbler as ‘‘a rather common migrant. ‘This species varies much 
in number in different seasons; a few times I have found it to be 


as common as the Chestnut-sided’’ (Iowa Orn., iii, 1, 1897, p. 8). 


(305). (661). Dendroica striata (Forst.). Black-poll Warbler. 
The Black-poll Warbler is a common migrant in nearly all local- 
ities reported from. It is usually the latest Warbler to migrate, 
arriving in southern Iowa from the first to the middle of May and 
sometimes tarrying in the state until the first week in June; very 
seldom seen in the fall. M.E. Peck says: ‘‘No other Warbler 
has so extreme a range of migration—its limits are the equator 
and the Arctic Ocean. Economically, the Black-poll is the most 
important of the family. It arrives just when the trees are 
swarming with larvee, and its usefulness in destroying these can 
hardly be overestimated’’ (Iowa Orn., ii, 3, 1896, pp. 62-63). It 
has been reported once as breeding in Iowa, a nest found in Dal- 
las county, May 20, 1894, by Mr. Fred Hamlin. The nest was 
ten inches from the ground in a small thorn-bush, one rod from 


ANDERSON—THE BIRDS OF IOWA. 355 


bank of Raccoon River; contained four eggs; female captured; 
male not seen’’ (Iowa Orn., i, 1, 1894, p. 14). During migration 
the Black-poll frequents the lower trees in thick woodland. 


306. (662). Dendroica blackburnie (Gmel.). Blackburnian War- 
bler. 

The Orange-throated or Blackburnian Warbler is a tolerably 
common spring and fall migrant in eastern Iowa. It was not re- 
ported from the western part of the state, although it has been 
reported from Nebraska(Omaha and West Point, by Bruner), anda 
specimen was taken by J.J. Audubon, May 12, 1843, near Decatur, 
Burt county, Nebraska, a little above the mouth of the Little 
Sioux River (Journals, i, 485). The species appears to be some- 
what irregular in numbers, some seasons being quite common, 
rare during others. It has been reported in Iowa from the first 
week of May until May 30. I have taken specimens in Winne- 
bago county from August 17 to August 21, 1896, when they were 
very numerous; and also rarely in May, both in Johnson and Win- 
nebago counties. 


307.. (663a). Dendroica dominica albilora Ridgway. Sycamore 
Warbler. 

The Yellow-throated Warbler (D. dominica) was listed as an 
Iowa species by J. A. Allen (White’s Geol. of Iowa, ii, 1870, p. 
421), but it appears from the range of the two varieties that all 
Iowa or central Mississippi Valley records should be referred to 
D.d. albilora. "The species is of southern distribution. There 
are three records from southern Wisconsin (Kumlien and Hollis- 
ter, Birds of Wis., 1903, p. 113), and I have found only one defi- 
nite Iowa record. I have examined a specimen from the collec- 
tion of Mr. George H. Berry of Cedar Rapids, which he shot at 
Keokuk (Lee county), Iowa, May 4, 1888. It measured: Length 
4.75; wing 2.69; tail 2.13; bill .50; agrees with Coues’ Key and 
Ridgway’s Manual in most particulars; superciliary stripe from 
base of bill to a point just anterior to eye, bright yellow, and very 
narrow; from a point just anterior to eye to about ong-fourth 
inch behind eye pure white and broader (typical of dominica, 
Ridgway); ‘‘with yellow of chin cut off from bill by white’’ (typ- 
ical of a/bilora, Coues [except at base, where there is the narrow- 
est possible edging of white feathers]. Mr. Berry says there was 


356 DAVENPORT ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. 


a great wave of migration on this date, and he also took the only 
Iowa specimen of Carolina Chickadee the same day. 


308. (667). Dendroica virens (Gmel.). Black-throated Green 
Warbler. 


The Black-throated Green Warbler was reported by a number 
of observers in the eastern and central parts of the state as a tol- 
erably common migrant, and by a few as rare. It is a rather late 
migrant, B. H. Wilson giving dates of May 1o-16 and September 
4-23 in Scott county; in Winnebago county I have usually noted 
it during the latter part of May, while it has been reported as late 


as June 5 at Des Moines (Cooke, Bird Migr. in Miss. Val., 1884-- 


85, p. 253). Ihave no records from the western part of the state, 
although Prof. Bruner reports the species as a rare migrant in 
the eastern third of Nebraska. The Black-throated Green War- 
bler has not been known to breed in Iowa. 


309. (671). Dendroica vigorsi (Aud.). Pine Warbler. 


The Pine Warbler is rarely found outside of pine woods, and, 
as a consequence, is very locally distributed in Iowa, although it 
frequently appears in considerable numbers during migrations. 

County records: Blackhawk —‘‘A regular but not uncom- 
mon migrant in Blackhawk county’’ (Peck). Dallas—‘‘ J. E. 
Law took one specimen Sept. 11, 1894. This species is very rare 
in the state and was not reported by any of the other members of 
the IO. Aq’ (WowarOrn,,.4,. 1, 92So4,p. 17). Jackson—‘‘ very 
rare; shot a male April 17, 1896, and saw another April 24, the 
first I have ever noted here’’ (Giddings). Johnson—specimen in 
University museum, taken in spring of 1892 [May 6, 1892, E. G. 
Decker] (Nutting, Proc. Iowa Acad. Sci., 1892). Linn—‘“‘ A 
specimen in collection of Geo. R. Berry was taken near Cedar 
Rapids April 11, 1902. He said that it was very common and 
that he could have taken two hundred specimens. Berry also 
reported that he shot a female near Cedar Rapids in July, 1903, 
and saw the male at same time. Scott—‘‘In spring of 1889 a 
friend and myself obtained several specimens near Davenport, 
and, in fact, they were not uncommon for a short time’’ (J. H. 
Brown, Iowa Orn., i, 2, 1895, p. 47); ‘‘ratherrare migrant, April 
14—May 16; Sept. 21, 1889, my only fall record’’ (B. H. Wilson). 


ANDERSON—THE BIRDS OF IOWA. 357 


Lee —‘‘common migrant’’ (Currier). Van Buren —‘‘ spring 
migrant; rare’’ (W. G. Savage). 
310. (672). Dendroica discolor (Vieill.). Prairie Warbler. 

The Prairie Warbler is not, as its name implies, a true prairie 
bird, but usually inhabits bushy clearings, thickets and old fields. 
It is a bird of the eastern United States, chiefly the middle and 
southern districts, and only occurs in Iowa as a rare straggler. 
The species has been accredited to Iowa by various authors, from 
W. W. Cooke (Bird Migr. in Miss. Val., 1884-85, p. 255) to R. 
Ridgway (Birds of N. and Mid. Amer., ii, 1902) on the strength of a 
specimen said to have been taken by Dr. EK. H. King at West Lib- 
erty, Iowa. Through the kindness of Dr. B. H. Bailey, I exam- - 
ined the original mounted specimen in the Coe College collection 
at Cedar Rapids and found it to be a female Kentucky Warbler 
(Geothlypis formosa). The original label on bottom of stand reads, 
“Dendroica discolor, Prairie Warbler, West Liberty, Iowa, May 21, 
mse [u(e), last gure blprred]; L,. 5.25; W. 1.75; I's. .75; Toe -75.” 

Morton EF. Peck writes: ‘‘I once spent several hours trying to 
secure one of these birds while collecting in Linn county in 1896. 
While I did not succeed in taking it I could not have been mis- 
taken as to its identity, as I have observed the species in abund- 
ance in southern Missouri.’’ G.H. Berry states that he has never 
seen the Prairie Warbler in Linn county, but in 1893 found both 
old birds and newly-fledged young in June, near Des Moines. 

In Nebraska, ‘‘Bruner has noted it at West Point and Omaha, 
and L,. Skow at the latter locality also’’ (Rev. Birds Neb., p. 104). 


Genus SEIURUS Swainson. 


312. (674.) Seiurus aurocapillus (Linn.). Oven-bird. 

The Oven-bird isa common summer resident in all parts of the 
state wherever there is natural woodland. Its loud, ringing chant 
may be heard in almost any secluded bit of timber during the 
nesting season. The nest is built on the ground, usually among 
fallen leaves, and is neatly roofed over like an oven. The species 
arrives from the south about the first of May and remains until 
the middle of September, nesting in June. The Oven-bird is 
rather difficult to observe in late summer and fall, as it becomes 
silent and spends most of the time on the ground in dense under- 
brush. 


[Proc. D. A. S., Vo. XI.] 48 [Dec, 29, 1906. ] 


358 DAVENPORT ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. 


313. (675a). Seiurus noveboracensis notabilis (Grinn.). Grinnell 
Water-Thrush. 


The notes upon the Grinnell Water-Thrush and the eastern 
variety (.S.-20voboracensis) are somewhat confused in Iowa records 
as most observers fail to differentiate between them. 5S. 2. nofa- 
bilis is described as identical in coloration with the eastern Water- 
Thrush, but larger, length 6.00-6.25; wing 3.00-3.25; bill over 
.50, etc.; habitat chiefly in interior of North America, east to 
Illinois and western Indiana. Kumlien and Hollister state that 
the two varieties occur together in southeastern Wisconsin, which 
seems to be on the dividing line (Birds of Wis., pp. 116-17). All 
Iowa specimens which I have examined appear to belong to xo/a- 
bilis. ‘The species is a tolerably common migrant in nearly all 
parts of the state in the first half of May and the middle of Sep- 
tember, but has been taken as late as October 10 (Scott). It is 
nearly always found in damp woods, usually near ravines or water- 
courses, running rapidly along the ground and occaionally perch- 
ing in low trees, where the peculiar see-saw or jerking movements 
of the tail render it somewhat conspicuous. 

The Grinnell Water-Thrush is rarely found in Iowa as a sum- 
mer resident. Keyes and Williams state that a female was taken 
in June, 1884, a few miles north of Des Moines, feeding young 
just from the nest (Birds of Iowa, 155). In Blackhawk county 
M. E. Peck gives it as an abundant migrant and quite common 
during the breeding season. Prof. G. W. Walters reports it as an 
occasional migrant and nesting in Blackhawk. H. J. Giddings 
gives it as a common summer resident in Jackson county and W. 
G. Savage as a common summer resident in Poweshiek, while 
Lynds Jones gave it as a tolerably common transient in the same 
county. 


314. (676). Seiurus motacilla (Vieill.). Louisiana Water-Thrush. 


The Louisiana Water-Thrush or Large-billed Water-Thrush or 
Wagtail is a species of more southern distribution, but occurs in 
summer along the Mississippi bottoms as far north as Red Wing, 
Minnesota (Roberts, Auk, xvi, 1899, pp. 239-46). 

It is found in most parts of Lowa, breeding sparingly through- 
out its range, but is generally rare north of the middle of the 
state. ‘The bird arrives from the south rather early, from the 


ANDERSON—THE BIRDS OF IOWA. 359 


18th to the latter part of April, and departs in September. The 
nest is usually concealed among the roots of a tree, on the steep 
banks of a ravine near a watercourse. 

County records: Blackhawk—‘‘abundant migrant; scarce sum- 
mer resident’ (Peck). Decatur-Mahaska—‘‘common; some re- 
main to breed’’ (Trippe, Proc. Bost. Soc., xv, 1872, p. 234). How- 
ard—‘ ‘observed at Cresco’’ (Webster). Johnson—Museum speci- 
men No. 8,998,.taken April 23, 1892, at Iowa City, by E. G. 
Decker. Kossuth—‘‘rare breeder; two sets taken in May, 1903 
and 1904’’ (Bingaman). Lee—‘‘regular migrant; rarer in fall 
than spring; rare breeder. Currier found a nest’’ (Praeger); 
“common migrant; rare summer migrant’’ (Currier.) Linn— 
‘‘rather common summer resident; collected set of five fresh eggs 
June 2, 1896’ (Keyes); ‘‘rare summer resident’’ (Berry). Potta- 
wattamie—‘‘scarce summer resident’’ (Trostler). Polk—‘‘one 
specimen taken May 22, 1885’’ (Bryan, Iowa Orn., i, 1, 1894, p. 
15). Poweshiek—‘‘tolerably common summer resident’? (Lynds 
Jones). Scott—‘‘rather rare; seen only in spring, April 26, 18go, 
April 25, t891’’ (Wilson). Winneshiek—‘‘common summer res- 
ident, arriving middle of April and departing in late summer; 
eggs laid by middle of May or earlier. The identification of these 
two species (Grinnell and Louisiana Water-Thrushes) was verified 
at National Museum’’ (Smith). Van Buren—‘‘common summer 
resident’ (W. G. Savage). 


Genus GEOTHLYPIS Cabanis. 
Subgenus OPoRORNIS Baird. 


315. (667). Geothlypis formosa (Wils.). Kentucky Warbler. 


The Kentucky Warbler is a bird of the southern and eastern 
United States and is reported only in the southeastern portion of 
Iowa, reaching about its northern limit in Jackson and Black- 
hawk counties. 

County records: Blackhawk—‘‘took one specimen at La Porte 
City’’ (Peck). Des Moines—Taken at Burlington, May 11, 1884, 
by Dr. F. Knitham and Prof. C. J. Reed’ (L. Jones, Iowa Orn., 
ii, 3, 1896, p. 64). Jackson—‘‘rather rare, but a few breed here 
every season; nest May 1g’’ (Giddings). Lee—‘‘common sum- 
mer resident; breeds’’ (Praeger); ‘‘summer resident; common, but 


360 DAVENPORT ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. 


very local’’ (Currier); ‘‘rare summer resident’’ (Berry). Linn— 
female taken at West Liberty by Dr. EK. H. King, on May 1, 
188(12); recorded by various writers as J). discolor (Anderson). 
Van Buren—‘‘summer resident; common. I found a nest in the 
early part of June, 1894, placed in a buckberry bush about three 
inches above the ground and containing four young only a few 
days old’’ (W. G. Savage). Wayne—(A. J. Brown). 

316. (678). Geothlypis agilis (Wils.). Connecticut Warbler. 

The Connecticut Warbler is a rare migrant in Iowa and has 
only been reported by a few observers. It is probably the latest of 
the Warblers to migrate in the spring, having been observed mi- 
grating during the early part of June. This species has gener- 
ally been considered as only a spring migrant in the Mississippi 
Valley and supposed to migrate southward by the Atlantic coast 
route. Kumlien and Hollister state, however, that they are as 
common in fall as in spring in Wisconsin (Birds of Wis., 1903, 
pp. 117-18). They are very shy, frequenting dense thickets and 
shrubbery during migration. 

County records: ILee—‘‘rare visitor. I have no records for the 
autumnal migration of either this species or philadelphia. It is 
very possible that they return by another route or pass over with- 
out astop’’ (Currier). Linn—‘‘rare and shy; one specimen taken 
in Linn county and one or two others observed’’ (Peck); ‘‘taken 
in spring of 1896 by Morton E. Peck’’ (Keyes). Van Buren—‘‘I 
have taken a few specimens in Van Buren county; rare’’ (Wm. 
Savage, Iowa Orn., i, 1, 1894; p. 15); ‘‘in 1895 I shot one male. 
This is the only one I ever observed in our locality’? Walter G. 
Savage). Winnebago-Hancock—Shot a male in my collection 
May 22, 1897 (Hancock) and female June 4, 1897, at Forest City 
(Winnebago). A few others were seen in dense thickets, but very 
shy. ‘The species resembles G. philadelphia closely, but may be 
distinguished by the whitish orbital ring (Anderson). 

_ Subgenus GEOTHLYPIS Cabanis. 
317. (679). Geothlypis philadelphia (Wils.). Mourning Warbler. 

The Mourning Warbler closely resembles the preceding species 
in appearance and habits, but is rather more common and usually 
migrates earlier, though it sometimes is found in company with 
the Connecticut Warbler. It is usually found in thickets or low 


ANDERSON—THE BIRDS OF IOWA. 361 


trees along streams. The bird’s name is derived from the ashy 
veiling of the black feathers on throat and breast, which suggests 
the appearance of crape. ; 

County records: Blackhawk—‘‘migrant; late in season’’ (Peck). 
Hancock—Shot male May 22, 1897 (Anderson). Jackson—‘‘com- 
mon transient’’ (Giddings). Johnson—migrant; not rare; male 
found dead on University campus, May 29, 1903; shot male May 
I1, 1905 (Anderson). -Linn—‘‘ taken here in spring of 1896”’ 
(Keyes); ‘‘a specimen in my collection taken June 4, 1901” 
(Berry); ‘‘migrant’’ (Bailey). Lee—‘‘scarce migrant’’ (Praeger, 
Currier). Scott—‘‘rare migrant; seen only in spring, May 14-22”’ 
(Wilson). Winnebago—saw one August 28, 1901, at Forest City 
(Anderson). Winneshiek—‘‘rare migrant; reported by Hall 
Thomas’ (Smith). Van Buren—‘‘spring and fall migrant; tol- 
erably common’’ (W. G. Savage). 


318. (681). Geothlypis trichas brachidactyla (Swainson). Northern 
Yellow-throat. 


The Iowa records of Yellow-throats have been variously refer- 
red to G. ¢trichas (Maryland Yellow-throat) and G. ¢. occidentalis 
(Western Yellow-throat), but from the range of this new variety 
—‘‘northeastern U.S. and southeastern British Provinces 
westward to northern Ontario, Mich., Wis., Minn., and eastern 
North Dakota, and southward through Mississippi Valley to up- 
land districts of the Gulf States’’ (Ridgway, Birds N. and Mid. 
Amer., ii, p. 665)—it is apparent that all Iowa records should be 
referred to this subspecies. The Northern Yellow-throat is a 
common or abundant summer resident in all portions of the state, 
arriving in the early part of May and remaining until the latter 
part of September. While it is most common near grassy sloughs 
and along willow-grown creek banks, it is often seen in hedges 
along roadsides or gardens. The species is readily identified by 
its bright yellow throat and black mask along forehead and sides 
of cheeks. The nest is placed near the ground in clumps of grass 
or low bushes. On July 7, 1893, I found a nest containing two 
Yellow-throat’s and two Cowbird’s eggs, ina clump of weeds and 
wild willow shoots, about fifteen inches from the ground; and 
July 14, 1893, a slightly incubated set of three eggs in tall saw- 
grass ina nearly dry slough, about four inches above the ground. 


362 DAVENPORT ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. 


Genus IcrEerIA Viellot. 
319. (683). Jcteria virens (Linn.). Yellow-breasted Chat. 

The Yellow-breasted Chat is the largest species of Warbler 
found in Iowa. It is acommon summer resident as far north as 
the center of the state, abundant in the southeastern part, and 
rather rare in most localities in northern Iowa. Dr. Hatch states 
that the species rarely passes beyond the lower tier of counties of 
Minnesota (Birds of Minn., 1892, p. 400). - The Chat is a noisy 
inhabitant of thickets and partly cleared woodland, where the 
nest is built in tangled bushes a few feet from the ground. Mor- 
ton E. Peck states that the species was once very common in 
Blackhawk county, but now becoming scarce owing to the close 
pasturing of the woods and consequent breaking up of the favor- 
ite breeding sites. S. B. Watson notes the same condition in Des 
Moines county. I never observed the species in Winnebago or 
Hancock counties, but have a specimen in my collection taken in 
Cerro Gordo county by J. E. Law, May 30, 1891. W. H. Binga- 
man notes it as a common summer resident, nesting, in Kossuth 
county, while Dr. Rich reports it as an uncommon summer resi- 
dent in Woodbury county. 


Genus WILSONIA Bonaparte. 


320. (684). Wilsonia mitrata (Gmel.). Hooded Warbler. 

The Hooded Warbler is a southern species, of rare occurrence 
in southern Iowa. Its range and habits are much the same as 
those of the Kentucky Warbler. 

County records: Blackhawk—‘‘I have observed it once at La 
Porte City, which is the most northerly record of its occurrence 
west of the Mississippi’’ (Peck). Des Moines—‘‘A single speci- 
men taken near Burlington by Paul Bartsch, May 25, 1892’’ (lowa 
Orn., i, 2, 1895, p. 28). Jackson—‘‘I have only one record of this 
species, the first of June, the present season’’ (Giddings, lowa 
Orn., iii, 1, 1897, p.9). ‘“T’he only specimen I have is a male, 
shot here in the breeding season; the female was seen at the same 
time’’ (Berry). Lee—‘‘rare summer resident; not common, and 
very local’’ (Currier); ‘‘summer resident; breeds’’ (Praeger). Ma- 
haska—‘‘One taken in May’’ (Trippe, Proc. Bost. Soc., xv, 1872, 
p. 235). Poweshiek—‘‘One taken May 18, 1888’’ (Lynds Jones). 
Burtis S. Wilson reports it as rare at Rock Island; one record. 


ANDERSON—THE BIRDS OF IOWA. 363 


Edmonde §S. Currier, in an article on ‘The Hooded Warbler,’’ 
(Iowa Orn., i, 3, 1895, pp. 67-70), describes the species as nesting 
commonly on low wet land near junction of Des Moines and Mis- 
sissippi Rivers, in woodland of giant elms, sycamores, and locusts, 
with smaller undergrowth, and dense tangles of smartweed, net- 
tles, etc. They arrive in May and depart in August, seldom wan- 
dering from the edge of their thicket. The sets are completed 
about the third week in June; nest usually placed in the fork of 
a small shrub standing in a thick growth of weeds, four to thirty 
inches from the ground. ‘‘I know of no other locality near here 
where they are so plentiful, but they are not uncommon through- 
out the wooded bottom-land on both sides of the Mississippi near 
here (Keokuk). Their haunts are almost the same as those of 
the Prothonotary Warbler, the Prothonotary over the water, the 
Hooded Warbler at its edge.’’ 


321. (685). Waelsonia pusilla (Wils.). Wilson Warbler. 


The Wilson Warbler or Black-capped Fly-catching Warbler is 
a tolerably common summer migrant in the eastern and central 
portions of the state, occurring from the first to the latter part of 
May and from August 17 (Winnebago) to September 25 (Scott). 
It usually frequents the smaller trees in woodland, and captures 
many insects on the wing, like a Flycatcher. The species is rec- 
ognizable by its general olive-green upper parts without wing- 
bars or tail-patches, yellow under parts and black crown. 


322. (686). Welsonia canadensis (Linn.). Canadian Warbler. 


The Canadian Warbler is a tolerably common spring and fall 
migrant in most portions of eastern and central Jowa, although 
reported as rare by a few observers. It was not reported from 
western Iowa by any observer, although the species was noted at 
Engineers’ Cantonment by Thomas Say in 1819-20 as Muscipapa 
canadensis (Long’s Exp., i, p. 263). It has been noted in spring 
from May 11 (Johnson) to May 27 (Winnebago). The Canadian 
Warbler migrates regularly in Winnebago county from August 
15 to 25 and is quite common at that time, frequenting the larger 
groves of native timber, actively flycatching in the tree-tops, and 
often also in the smaller undergrowth. 


Genus SETOPHAGA Swainson. 


323. (687). Setophaga ruticilla (Linn.). :American Redstart. 
The American Redstart is a common or abundant summer res- 


364 DAVENPORT ACADEMY’ OF SCIENCES. 


ident in all portions of the state, being usually more numerous 
during the migrating seasons. It generally arrives about the first 
week of May, departing the second week in September. W. W. 
Cooke says: ‘‘This is one of the species in which the period of 
arrival at any locality extends over several weeks, the bulk com- 
ing many days behind the first. The bulk never arrives till a 
week after the first, and ten to twelve days is the ordinary time’’ 
(Bird Migr. in Miss. Val., 1884-85, pp. 262-63). The nest is usu- 
ally placed from eight to twenty feet from the ground in a small 
tree or sapling in open woodland, neatly and compactly built, 
much like that of a Yellow Warbler; eggs are laid in the latter 
part of May or first of June. While the species occurs in most 
localities it is of rather local distribution, being abundant in some 
groves and rare in others. ‘The species is very conspicuous in 
spite of its small size, as it is an active flycatcher on the wing, 
and from the habit of spreading the tail feathers, exposing con- 
spicuous tail-markings, salmon-red in the male and yellow in the 
female. 


Family MOTACILLIDA. Wagtails and Pipits. 


This is a small family of mainly Old World species, chiefly ter- 
restial, running upon the ground like Larks. ‘The two species 
which occur in Iowa are strictly terrestrial, migratory and insec- 
tivorous, and are usually seen in flocks. They have the habit of 
constantly bobbing or wagging the tail, ‘‘as if they were using it 
to balance themselves upon unsteady footing’’ (Coues). 


Genus ANTHUS Bechstein. 
Subgenus ANTHUS Bechstein. 


324. (697). Anthus pensilvanicus (Lath.) American Pipit. 

The American Pipit is a tolerably common migrant in Iowa, 
usually in April and in September, in large flocks, most frequently 
on ploughed ground or old fields. 

County records: Blackhawk—‘‘ frequent migrant’’ (Peck). 
Decatur- Mahaska—‘‘abundant, spring and fall’’ (Trippe, Proc. 
Bost. Soc., xv, 1872, p. 234). Hancock—several seen in early 
spring along banks of Lime Creek (Anderson). Lee—‘‘scarce 
winter visitant, Keokuk’’ (Praeger); ‘‘winter visitant; not com- 
mon or regular’’ (Currier). Polk—“‘‘arrived at Des Moines April 
18’’ (Cooke, Bird Migr. in Miss. Val.,'1884—-85, pp. 263-64). Win- 


ANDERSON—THE BIRDS OF IOWA. 365 


nebago—shot male near Forest City, April 30, 1892. Several 
were seen running about the bank of a small meadow pond; they 
were very wild and wary (Anderson). Woodbury—‘‘rare tran- 
sient’’ (Rich). Greene—‘‘seen at Jefferson, September 18th to 
2oth, in considerable numbers, running about in loose flocks over 
the furrows of new breakings’’ (Allen, Mem. Bost. Soc., i, 1868, 
Pp. 494). 
Subgenus NrEocorys Bechstein. 


325. (700). <Anthus spraguei (Aud.). Sprague Pipit. 

The Sprague Pipit is a bird of the Great Plains region but has 
been taken rather commonly in western Minnesota (Hatch) and 
as far east as Omaha, West Point and Lincoln, Neb. (Rev. Birds 
Neb., 1904, p. 106). The only Iowa record I have is that of Dr. 
I. S. Trostler, who reports it as a straggler in Pottawattamie 
county,—one killed near Manawa Lake, September 14, 1895. 


Family MIMIDA. Wrens, Thrashers, Mocking Birds, etc. 


This family includes about fifty species of Thrashers and Mock- 
ingbirds (J/imine) and about one hundred and fifty species of 
Wrens (7voglodytine). ‘They are all vocalists of great ability, the 
former being the most accomplished musicians among our birds. 
They are usually plain-colored birds, gray or brown, and are 
chiefly insectivorous, though many species feed largely on fruits 
and berries. Their nests are generally placed in low bushes. The 
Wrens in general are smaller birds, haunting thickets, and often 
nesting close to the dwellings of man, usually in holes or cavities, 
or in bird-boxes. 


Subfamily MIMIN. Mockingbirds, Thrashers, etc. 
Genus Mimus Boie. 


326. (703). AZimus polyglottos (Linn.). Mockingbird. 

The Mockingbird, that most renowned of American singing 
birds, is a rare but regular summer resident in the southern part 
of Iowa and there are a number of records of its occurrence in 
central and even in northern Iowa. The frequency of caged birds 
escaping from captivity renders it doubtful whether the most 
northern records are a normal extension of the birds’ range, which 
is usually fixed at about 40° North. 


iFRoc DIA. S,, VOL. XI-] 49 { Jan. 12, 1907.] 


366 DAVENPORT ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. 


County records: * Blackhawk—‘‘accidental’’ (Peck); ‘‘once in 
May, 1808, at Cedar Falls’ (Walters). Des Moines—‘‘even so far 
north as Burlington, Iowa, it was twice seen during the winter. 
It is possible that these last were escaped cage birds, but there 
was nothing in their actions to indicate it’’ (Cooke, Bird Migr. in 
Miss. Val., 1884-85, p. 265). Floyd—‘‘A single specimen taken 
at Charles City’’ (Keyes and Williams, Birds of Iowa, p. 156). 
Lee—‘‘scarce summer resident; breeds’’ (Praeger); ‘‘summer res- 
ident, irregular in numbers’’ (Currier); ‘‘rare summer resident’’ 
(Berry). Marshall—‘‘one seen September 3, 1894, in company 
with about thirty Kingbirds’’ (Iowa Orn., i, 2, 1895, p.52). Pow- 
eshiek-Jasper —‘‘June 25, August 24, and October 21, in both the 
central counties mentioned’’ (H. W. Parker, Am. Nat., v, 1871, p. 
168). Polk—‘‘Have mounted one or two killed near here; very 
rare’ (Johnson). Sioux—‘‘I have found only one nest, in an ev- 
ergreen tree in the front yard of Mr. Okey, in Hull, Iowa’’ (John- 
son). Van Buren—‘‘One observed in 1894’’ (W. G. Savage). 
Woodbury—‘‘Rare summer resident. Possibly only a single bird, 
but was seen at several localities, all in same suburb, May 30, 
June 1, :902. Was said to have been seen a year before in same 
neighborhood’’ (Rich). Wayne—‘‘summer’’(A.J.Brown). War- 
ren—‘‘Found just once, nesting, May 8-20, 1898’’ (Jeffrey). 
Thomas Say also observed the species (7z7vdus polyglottos) 1819- 
20, at Engineers’ Cantonment (Long’s Exp., 1, p. 263). 

. Genus GALEOSCOPTES Cabanis. 
327. (704). Galeoscoptes carolinensis (Linn.). Catbird. 

The Catbird is a very familiar and abundant summer resident 
in all parts of the state, arriving from the 2oth to the 30th of 
April and remaining until the latter part of September. B. H. 
Wilson reports a single specimen at Rock Island Arsenal as 
late as November 5, 1899, and C. K. Salisbury reports that a 
Catbird, probably a cripple, stayed during nearly all the winter of 
1902-03 in an orchard in Blackhawk county. The eggs are gen- 
erally five in number, rich greenish-blue in color, laid in the latter 
part of May and first part of June, although Wilson reports a set 
of two eggs as early as May 17 (Scott), and they are frequently 
found as late as July. The nests are usually placed in thickets, 
in gooseberry, raspberry and other bushes, or in tangled grape 


ANDERSON—THE BIRDS OF IOWA. 367 


arbors, from one to ten feet from the ground. Although the Cat- 
bird is known to eat fruits in garden and orchard, the large num- 
bers of insects destroyed more than compensate for the other 
damage. Although, when disturbed or near the nest, the note 
of the Catbird is a harsh and derisive ‘‘ew,’’ the true song is 
very melodious and pleasing. 


Genus Toxostoma Vieillot. 


Subgenus Toxostoma Vieillot. 


328. (705). Zoxostoma rufum (Linn.). Brown Thrasher. 

The Brown Thrasher is an abundant summer resident in all 
portions of Iowa, though perhaps more abundant as a migrant in 
many localities. It arrives during the latter part of April and 
departs about the latter part of September. B.H. Wilson reports 
a straggler shot March 22, 1890 (Scott). The nests are usually 
placed in thickets, dense bushes, or brush heaps, usually not more 
than six or eight feet from the ground. I found one nest which 
was placed on the ground in an open space in a willow thicket 
near Lime Creek, Winnebago county. The eggs are three to six 
in number, usually deposited from the early part of May until 
July. The Brown Thrasher is an accomplished musician, usually 
singing from the upper branches of a tree in the morning and 
evening. He also frequently mocks the notes of other birds with 
remarkable fidelity. 


Subfamily TROGLODYTINZ. Wrens. 
Genus SALPINCTES Cabanis. 


329. (715). Salpinctes obsoletus (Say). Rock Wren. 


The Rock Wren is a Western bird which lsas very rarely been 
observed in Iowa. It was first recorded from Iowa by T. Martin 
Trippe, who took a specimen in October, and saw several others, 
in Decatur county (Proc. Bost. Soc., xv, 1872, p. 236). He states: 
‘It was seen on several occasions, far out on the prairie, running 
over the ties on the railroad track, retreating, when alarmed, into 
the dense prairie grass’’ (Am. Nat., 1873, p. 566). This record is 
also quoted by Coues, Birds of the Colo. Val., p. 161; Birds of the 
N. W., p. 28; Key to N. A. Birds, p. 276; Baird, Brewer, and 
Ridgway, Land Birds, iii, p. 503; Cooke, Bird Migr.in Miss. Val., 


368 DAVENPORT ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. 


p. 270; Keyes and Williams, Birds of Iowa, p. 157; Goss, Birds of 
Kansas, p. 606. 

Dr. Guy C. Rich writes from Sioux City: ‘‘The Rock Wrens 
were here and bred for two or three years, but I have not seen 
them now for several years. A nest of eggs were discovered on 
June 25, 1898, badly incubated. On May 28, 1899, the birds were 
again seen. On June 1, 1899, I saw two and possibly three birds. 
They sing a great deal. Found nonest, though. I thought them 
to be breeding. On June 10, 1900, the birds were discovered in 
another deep dirt-cut along railroad; no nest found. On Sep- 
tember 15, 1gor, had a bird brought in from another locality. I 
have also seen the measurements of two birds shot June 22, 1898.”’ 


Genus THRYOTHORUS Vieillot. 


Subgenus THRYOTHORUS Vieillot. 


330. (718). Thryothorus ludovicianus (Lath.). Carolina Wren. 

The Carolina Wren is a large Southern species which is very 
rare and local in Iowa, although it has been taken sporadically in 
Minnesota (Hatch, Birds of Minn., p. 415). Thomas Say reported 
the ‘‘Great Carolina Wren’’ at Engineers’ Cantonment in 1819- 
20 (Long’s Exp., i, p. 264) and the species was listed by J. A. 
Allen in 1870. 

County records: Tee—‘‘resident; not common and very local’’ 
(Currier). Linn—“‘‘rare summer resident’’ (Berry). Van Buren 
—‘‘about fifteen years ago two were observed, three years later 
three were observed, and in 1896 two were seen’’ (W. G. Savage). 
Webster—‘‘few’’ (Somes). Chapman (Birds E. N. A.) and Ridg- 
way (Birds N. and Mid. Am.) give the Carolina Wren as ranging 
north to southern Towa. 


Genus THRYOMANES Sclater. 


331. (719). Thryomanes bewicki (Aud.). Bewick Wren. 


The Bewick Wren is also rare and very locally distributed in 
Iowa, although it has been known to occur in southern Minnesota 
(T'rippe, Proc. Essex Inst., vi, 1871, p. 115; Hatch, Birds of Mann? 
p. 416; Cooke, Bird Migr., p. 271). 

County records: Des Moines—‘‘A specimen taken by Paul 
Bartsch at Burlington, April 10, 1893, reported by C.C. Nutting 


ANDERSON—THE BIRDS OF IOWA. 369 


(Proc. Iowa Acad. Sci., 1894, p. 44). ‘‘“The fourth in order of 
abundance; a rather uncertain summer resident; for some years 
he will fail to put in an appearance and the next he may be quite 
abundant . . . seeks the habitation of man. ‘Two nests within 
the city limits—May 25, 1892, and May 30, 1893’’ (Paul Bartsch, 
‘‘The Wrens of Burlington, Iowa,’’ Iowa Orn., iii, 2, 1897, p223)) 
Jackson—‘‘rare transient. The last record I have is a single bird 
seen April 6, 1890, one seen again next day, and several on April 
8, 1890’’ (Giddings). Lee—‘‘scarce summer resident; breeds’’ 
(Praeger); ‘‘summer resident; not common’’ (Currier). Linn— 
“‘One specimen seen in May, 1903’’ (Berry). Van Buren—‘‘sum- 
mer resident; tolerably common’’ (W. G. Savage). Webster— 
“‘rare; one specimen’’ (Somes). 


Genus TROGLODYTES Vieillot. 
Subgenus TROGLODYTES Viellot. 


332. (721). Tvroglodytes aédon parkmani (Aud.). Western House 
Wren. 


The Western House Wren is an abundant summer resident in 
all portions of the state from about the middle of April until Oc- 
tober. Late fall records are apt to be confused with the Winter 
Wren, which it resembles very much. ‘There has been much con- 
fusion as to the status of the House Wrens of the upper Missis- 
sippi Valley, they having been referred both to the eastern form 
T.aédon and the western form of 7. a. aztecus (= 7. a. parkmani). 
Dr. T.S. Roberts (Geol. and Nat. Hist. Minn., 1880, p. 157) reports 
that R. Ridgway pronounced a series from different localities in 
the state to be all typical pavkmant. In eastern and southern 
Wisconsin Mr. Wm. Brewster finds typical examples of both forms, 
aédon and aztecus, the latter slightly predominating in numbers 
(Kumlien and Hollister, Birds of Wis., p. 122). Robert Ridgway 
states: ‘‘7.a.aédon has come from the east or northeast and 7. a. 
parkmani from the west or northwest until they have practically 
met (or perhaps by the present time overlapped) in the lower 
Wabash Valley . . . previous to about 1870 7hryomanes bewicki 
having been the only ‘house wren’ of that region’’ (Birds of N. 
and Mid. Am., iii, 1904, p. 583). 

The Western House Wren in Iowa is a very tame and familiar 


370 + DAVENPORT ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. 


bird, nesting anywhere about houses, in bird-boxes, or under the 
thatched roofs of straw sheds, in outbuildings, or in deserted 
Woodpeckers’ holes in the woods. ‘The nest is ‘very large and 
bulky, the Wren seeming determined to carry in enough twigs to 
fill the nesting cavity, no matter what its size. Two or three 
broods are reared in a season. The House Wren is an exceed- 
ingly energetic songster throughout the summer. 

Genus OLBIORCHILUS Oberholser. 
333. (722). Olbiorchilus hiemalis (Vieill.). Winter Wren. 

The Winter Wren is a rather rare migrant but occurs in most 
portions of the state, most commonly in April and October. It 
was reported as a common winter resident in Lee county by Cur- 
rier and rare in winter by Praeger, but an abundant migrant; as 
a rare winter visitant in Pottawattamie (Trostler), and a rather 
uncommon but regular winter resident upon the bluffs of the Mis- 
sissipp1 at Burlington (Bartsch, Iowa Orn., iii, 2, 1897, p. 23). 
The Winter Wren is much shyer than the common House Wren 
and usually is found in old wood and brush heaps and thick 
shrubbery and brambles along ravines and creeks. B. H. Wilson 
observed the species in Scott county but four times in spring dur- 
ing five years’ observation; from April 13 to 30; more common 
in fall; observed from September 21 to November 8. In Winne- 
bago county I only observed one specimen during several years’ 
collecting, taking a female specimen April 17, 1897; M. E. Hal- 
vorsen, however, reports a specimen observed at Forest City in 
December, 1903. It is doubtful whether the Winter Wren breeds 
in Iowa at the present time, although W. W. Cooke states that 
‘‘Mr. Preston has found it as a not common breeder in central 
Iowa’’ (Bird Migr. in Miss. Val., 1884-85, pp. 178-79). 


Genus CIsToTHORUS Cabanis. 
Subgenus CristToTHOROUS Cabanis. 


334. (724). Cistothorous stellaris (Licht.). Short-billed Marsh 
Wren. 

The Short-billed Marsh Wren is a tolerably common migrant in 
all parts of the state and a summer resident in favorable localities 
from the latter part of April until the latter part of October. It 
is much less common than the Long-billed Marsh Wren, and as a 


i} 


ANDERSON—THE BIRDS OF IOWA. 371 
rule frequents dryer situations, wet meadows, and the borders of 
swamps and marshes, where the nest is hung quite close to the 
ground in meadow grass. ‘The eggs are 5-7 in number and pure 
white. The Short-billed Marsh Wren is rather difficult to ob- 
serve, as it is shyer than the other species and slinks away through 
the grass and reeds with great secretiveness. 


Genus TELMATODYTES Cabanis. 


335. (725). Zelmatodytes palustris iliacus Ridgway. Prairie Marsh 
Wren. 


The Long-billed Marsh Wren, or rather its new subspecies, the 
Prairie Marsh Wren of Ridgway, is a common summer resident 
in all parts of the state where suitable sloughs and marshes may 
be found, being even abundant in some marshes, where its ‘‘rip- 
pling, bubbling, gurgling song’’ may be heard as the little per- 
former clings to the stem of a swaying reed. The song is often 
heard at night, having the effect of a tiny bell tinkling in the 
darkness. Several pairs are often found breeding in the same 
marsh, and in such places dozens of the large globular nests may 
be easily found, made of plaited rushes and saw-grass, with a tiny 
hole in the side, suspended in reeds, rushes or saw-grass, about a 
foot above the water. There will usually be at least half a dozen 
of these conspicuous, new, unlined nests to each pair of birds, but 
whether they are built as ‘‘decoys,’’ for the residence of the male 
birds, or as an expression of superabundant home-making energy, 
is not known. The true nest which contains the eggs is invari- 
ably a more dilapidated affair, more securely hidden, and nearer 
the ground or water’s edge. The eggs number four to seven, 
very dark-colored, so thickly dotted with chocolate-brown as to 
appear almost unicolored, the brown frequently forming a dark 
wreath around the larger end. In Hancock county I found sev- 
eral nests containing from one to seven fresh or very slightly in- 
cubated eggs on June 12, 1897. 

The Prairie Marsh Wren appears in Iowa from the middle of 
of April to the first of May, and departs in September. In many 
parts of the state both species of Marsh Wrens are growing much 
scarcer from year to year, owing to the restriction of their breed- 
ing grounds by the extensive draining of sloughs and tiling of 
meadows. 


BZ DAVENPORT ACADEMY OF SCIENCHS. 


Family CERTHIDAt. Creepers. 


This is an Old World family of about twelve species, of which 
only one species with several varieties is found in America. They 
creep upon the bark of trees, using the stiffened tail feathers as a 
prop in climbing, like the Woodpeckers. The Creepers’ are of 
great service in destroying insects which lurk in the crevices of 


bark. 
Genus CERTHIA Linnzeus. 


336. (726). Certhia familiaris americana (Bonaparte). Brown 
Creeper. 

The Brown Creeper is abundant as a migrant and tolerably 
common as a winter resident in nearly all portions of the state, 
although it is rather rare and irregular in winter in the northern 
parts of Iowa. It is usually found from the latter part of Sep- 
tember until the last of April, and very rarely remains during the 
summer. The only authentic record of its nesting in Iowa was 
reported by Burtis R. Wilson (Oologist, x, 9, 1893, p. 260). He 
found a nest containing three newly-hatched young on an island 
in the Mississippi River five miles below Davenport, May 10, 1891; 
nest fifteen feet up, behind a loose strip of bark hanging to the 
side of a large dead willow stub. Both birds were seen to visit 
the nest with food for the young. <A.I. Johnson reports the 
Brown Creeper as a summer resident, nesting, in Polk county; 
Dr. G. C. Rich reports it as a rare resident in Woodbury county; 
and Dr. I. S. Trostler as a scarce resident in Pottawattamie and 
Mills counties. ‘‘’Trostler has evidence of its breeding near 
Omaha, rarely’’ (Rev. Birds Neb., p. 110). 

The Creeper pays little attention to observers, creeping up in 
spirals around a tree-trunk, then dropping to the foot of another 
tree, occasionally uttering a few squeaky notes. 


Family SITTIDAY. Nuthatches. 


The Nuthatches are represented by two species in Iowa, one 
resident and one migratory. ‘They are the most agile of Creep- 
ers, clinging to the tree-trunks and larger branches in every im- 
aginable position, with the head downward as readily as upward. 
They cling to the bark by the feet alone, deriving no support 
from the tail. ‘They are chiefly insectivorous, but acorns, beech- 
nuts, etc., are occasionally opened. 


ANDERSON—THE BIRDS OF IOWA. a7 
Genus SITTA Linnzus. 


337- (727). Sitta carolinensis Lath. White-breasted Nuthatch. 


The White-breasted Nuthatch is a common resident through- 
.out the year in all parts of Iowa. It is perhaps more commonly 
noticed in winter, when it is frequently seen creeping over tree- 
trunks in door-yards, uttering a peculiar nasal guank, guank, as it 
peers into crevices in the bark. The species nests rather early, 
usually in the latter part of April or first of May, in a natural or 
ex cavated cavity in a tree, at some distance from the ground. 
Keyes and Williams (Birds of Iowa, p. 158) record taking a set of 
five eggs April 15, 1880, from a cavity thirty feet from the 
ground in a large white-oak. ‘The nest was visited quite fre- 
quently for the next two or three weeks—until fifteen eggs had 
been taken out. 


338. (728). Sztta canadensis Linn. Red-breasted Nuthatch. 


The Red-breasted Nuthatch is reported as a rather rare and 
somewhat irregular migrant in most portions of Iowa, and only re- 
ported as tolerably common by Peck (Blackhawk), Kelsey (Pow- 
_eshiek), Johnson (Polk), Keyes (Linn), and Giddings (Jackson). 
They are more commonly observed in fall, recorded from Septem- 
ber 21 to October 23 (Scott), October 13-31 (Linn), and I have 
taken one specimen as early as August 30 (Winnebago), though 
the species is most conimon in September. Wilson reported it in 
spring from May 1 to 10 (Scott). The Red-breasted Nuthatch 
was reported in summer from Polo, in northern Illinois, and at 
Newton, in central Iowa, it was recorded as a resident (Cooke, 
Bird Migr. in Miss. Val., 1884-85, p. 276). Dr. C. Hart Merrian 
is of the opinion that these summer records need verification. 


Family PARIDA. ‘Titmice or Chicadees. 


The Titmice are, superficially, very much like miniature Jays 
in appearance, but are all small birds, hardy, and very slightly 
migratory. They are somewhat gregarious after the breeding 
season and wander through the woods in scattering groups, ex- 
ploring branches, twigs, crevices of bark, leaf-buds, and in winter 
picking at fruit which still hangs on the branches. 


[PRoc. D.A.S Vor XI.] 50 [Jan 24, 1907.] 


374 DAVENPORT ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. 


Subfamily PARINA‘. ‘True Titmice. 
Genus Ba&Lopnuus Cabanis. 


339. (731). Belophus bicolor (Linn.). Tufted Titmouse. 

The Tufted Titmouse is a rather rare resident in southern Jowa, 
seldom reaching the northern part of the state, although it has 
been occasionally taken in the extreme southern counties of Min- 
nesota. 

County records: Blackhawk—‘‘ Have seen persons who have 
collected them occasionally in the vicinity of Cedar Falls, lowa’’ 
(Hatch, Birds of Minn., 1892, p. 427); ‘‘accidental’’ (Peck); ‘‘one 
specimen in May, 1900; in I.S. N.S. museum’’ (Walters). De- 
catur- Mahaska—“‘‘ resident throughout the year; abundant’’ 
(Trippe, Proc. Bost. Soc., xv, 1873, p. 236). Johnson—Two spec- 
imens in Bond collection, taken at Iowa City. Delaware—‘‘ not 
common; seen only in woods’’ (Rann). Lee—‘‘common resident; 
breeds’? (Currier, Praeger). Linn—‘‘spring migrant?’ (Bailey); 
‘“rare summer resident ’’ (Berry). Poweshiek—“‘‘ I found it once, 
October 14, 1886, and this is the only Grinnell record ’’ (I. Jones). 
Van Buren—‘‘rare resident’’ (W. G. Savage). Warren—“‘‘ resi- 
dent; common in certain localities’’ (Jeffrey). ‘‘ ‘Tabor, Iowa, 
noticed rarely in winter’ (J. E. Todd, Am. Nat., xiv, 1880, p.602). 


Genus Parus Linnezeus. 
Subgenus Parus Linneeus. 


340. (735). farus atricafillus Linn. Chickadee. 

The Black-capped Chickadee is reported as a familiar and 
abundant resident throughout the state, although in the western 
parts of the state it is largely replaced by the Long-tailed Chicka- 
dee. ‘The two forms are so much alike that, without more mate- 
rial at hand, it is impossible to limit the ranges of the two in the 
state. ‘‘In extreme eastern Nebraska an occasional Chickadee is 
found nearer to atricapil/us than the following form, but such are 
not plentiful, and most of the eastern Nebraska birds are inter- 
mediate’’ (Rev. Birds Neb., p. 112). During winter months the 
Chickadees come regularly into towns in search of food, but in 
spring and summer they retire to woodlands. ‘The nest is exca- 
vated in a decayed post or dead stub, usually only a few feet from 
the ground, and six or seven eggs are laid the last of April or first 


ANDERSON—THE BIRDS OF IOWA. 375 


of May, but I have found young birds in the nest early in July,. 
in Winnebago, so two broods are probably reared. ‘The usual 
note of the bird is the familiar chick-a-dee, but in the springtime 
they frequently utter a clearly-whistled Ace-we-o note, much like 
the Phcebe’s note. 


341. (735a). FParus atricapillus septentrionalis (Harris). Long- 
tailed Chickadee. 

This is a Western form, best developed in the upper Missouri 
and Rocky Mountain region, averaging larger, with tail longer, 
rather exceeding wing in length, and wings and tail more con- 
spicuously white-edged; average measurements: length 5.25- 
5.50; wings 2.50-2.75; tail 2.60-2.80. This is probably the com- 
mon form in western Iowa, the most eastern record in the state 
being a specimen in my collection taken at Iowa City, Johnson 
county, (identified by Robert Ridgway). 

County records: Fremont—‘‘nesting’’ (Norris H. Reed, Ool., 
vii, 9, 1890, p. 142). Johnson—Shot one male at Iowa City, De- 
cember 30, 1899 (Anderson). Mitchell-Winnebago—‘‘breeding”’ 
(Ridgway, Birds N. and Mid. Amer., ili, p. 400). Pottawattamie 
and Mills—‘‘common resident; breeds’’ (Trostler). Polk—‘‘com- 
mon resident; nests. I have no specimens now. They area trifle 
larger than the common form [which also occurs in Polk county | 
and have a longer tail. I looked them up at the time and they 
corresponded to the description given by Coues’’ (Johnson). 
Sioux—‘‘summer resident; shot a pair near Hawarden, in 1890, 
which I think were this form; they had all the earmarks, any- 
way”’ (Berry). Woodbury—R. Ridgway identified four speci 
mens, Mus. Nos. 17,609-11-12-18, all taken at Sioux City, in 
December, as septentrionalis. Eleven other specimens taken at 
Sioux City in December average about the same in measurements 


(Anderson). 
342. (736). FParus carolinensis Aud. Carolina Chickadee. 


The only Iowa record of this small Southern species is a speci- 
men which I have examined, from the collection of Geo. H. Berry 
of Cedar Rapids. He shot the bird at Keokuk, Iowa, May 4, 
1888. It measures: lL. 4; W. 2.38; T. 2.06. The specimen in 
general appears very much smaller than the common Chickadee, 
quills, tertials and rectrices with very indistinct whitish edgings, 


376 DAVENPORT ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. 


almost obliterated on tail; in all respects typical carolinensis as 
described by Coues, Ridgway, and Baird, Brewer and Ridgway. 
A specimen of the Sycamore Warbler (another Southern form) 
was taken by Mr. Berry the same day—probably carried north by 
the same migration wave. 


Family SYLVIIDA!. Warblers, Kinglets, and Gnat- 
catchers. 


This family comprises the Old World true Warblers, the King- 
lets, of which two species are found in Iowa, and the Gnatcatch- 
ers, of which we have one species. ‘They are active, restless little 
birds, and are almost strictly insectivorous. They are quite mel- 
odious songsters, although the Kinglets rarely sing before they 
reach their summer homes, and the Gnatcatcher’s notes are rather 
weak. 

Subfamily REGULIN®. Kinglets. 
Genus REGULUS Cuvier: 
343. (748). Regulus satrapa Licht. Golden-crowned Kinglet. 

The Golden-crowned Kinglet is a common migrant in all parts 
of the state, rather common as a winter visitant in southern Iowa, 
and irregularly and rarely found in winter in northern Iowa. I 
shot a specimen at Forest City (Winnebago), December 31, r8gr, 
and Dr. C. C. Smith has observed it in February and April in Win- 
neshiek. ‘The species usually arrives from the south about April 


Ist and is common until the 15th, (recorded March 24—May 7 in- 


Scott county), and in fall is most abundant in October (recorded 
September rg—December 1 in Scott county). The Golden-crowned 
Kinglets are generally seen flitting about the terminal branches 


of low trees, frequently in willows along water-courses, but they - 


are also common in larger timber. 


344. (749). Regulus calendula (Linn.). Ruby-crowned Kinglet. 


The Ruby-crowned Kinglet isan abundant migrant in all parts 
of the state, being in general more common than the Golden- 
crowned Kinglet, the bulk arriving later in the spring and earlier 
in the fall. B.H. Wilson has noted the species from April 4 to 
May 20 and from September 18 to October 26 (Scott). The spe- 
cies is not very often observed in winter, the only record being 
that of Dr. Trostler, who reports it as an irregular winter visitant 


ANDERSON—THE BIRDS OF IOWA. S/F) 


in Pottawattamie and Mills counties. Chas. R. Keyes writes 
that ‘‘in 1903 they were plentiful from October 1 to October 15, 
and a single bird remained about the house until November 26 at 
least. A number of times I noticed the species singing the first 
half of its song’’ (Mt. Vernon, Linn county). Like the Golden- 
crowned Kinglet, this species gathers most of its food from leaf 
and twig, but also catches insects on the wing. 


Subfamily POLIOPTILIN#. Gnatcatchers. 
Genus PoOLIopTriLA Sclater. 


345. (751). Polioptila cerulea (Vinn.). Blue-gray Gnatcatcher. 


The Blue-gray Gnatcatcher is a common summer resident in 
the southern part of Iowa from the latter part of April until the 
latter part of September. While the species occurs quite regu- 
larly in summer as far north as the central part of the state, it 
very seldom reaches northern Iowa. ‘The bird frequents wood- © 
land, keeping in the tops of the higher trees, where the nest is 
placed on a horizontal limb—a beautiful, deeply-cupped, lichen- 
covered structure, like the nest of a hummingbird, but larger. 
David LL. Savage describes the nesting habits of the Blue-gray 
Gnatcatcher in Henry county (Nidologist, i, 9, pp. 137-38), where 
he has found many nests; sometimes placed in the very top of the 
tallest trees, fifty feet from the ground, and at other times no 
more than ten feet, but more often fifteen or twenty feet from the 
ground. ‘The nest nearly always contains one or more eggs of 
the Cowbird. 

County records: Blackhawk—‘‘frequent breeder in Blackhawk 
county, which seems to be near their northern limit’’ (Peck). De- 
catur-Mahaska (Trippe). Henry (Savage). Johnson (Akers and 
others). Delaware(Rann). Lee (Currier, Praeger). Linn (Keyes, 
Bailey, Berry). Muscatine (Wilson). Poweshiek (Kelsey, Jones). 
Pottawattamie (Trostler). Polk (Cooke). Scott (Wilson). Van 
Buren (W. G. Savage). Warren (Jeffrey). 


Family TURDIDA. Thrushes, Bluebirds, etc. 


The Thrushes form a rather large and not very distinctly de- 
fined family, including about twelve species, with many varieties, 
inhabiting the United States. About eight varieties are known 
to occur in Iowa. ‘They are birds with rather long, not conical, 


378 DAVENPORT ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. 


bill, rictus bristled, and nostrils not concealed. The tarsus is al- 
ways ‘‘booted,’’ i. e., the scutella fused together. They are all 
songsters of great sweetness and power, and are placed by most 
ornithologists as the highest type of bird in structure and organ- 
ization. ‘They feed upon insects and soft fruits. 


Subfamily TURDIN#. Thrushes, Bluebirds. 
Genus HyLocicHLa Baird. 


346. (755). Avlocichla mustelina (Gmel.). Wood Thrush. 


The Wood Thrush is a common or abundant summer resident 
in all parts of Iowa from the early part of May until September. 
While it is most common in thick, shady woods, the Wood Thrush 
frequently appears on shaded lawns. It is a beautiful songster, 
with tones of a mellow, flute-like quality. The species is recog- 
nized at sight by the bright cinnamon upper parts and conspicu- 
ously spotted breast and sides. The nest is a substantial struct- 
ure of leaves, rootlets and weeds, well plastered with mud and 
lined with fine rootlets; usually placed in a small tree from six 
to fifteen feet from the ground, rarely as high as thirty feet. 
The Wood Thrush is frequently imposed upon by the Cowbird, 
Keyes and Williams noting instances in which the Thrush was 
sitting on eggs of the Cowbird, with none of its own, and another 
nest contained four eggs of each species—eight in all. The eggs 
are three to five in number and plain greenish-blue in color. 

347. (756). Hylocichla fuscescens (Steph.). Wilson Thrush. 

The Wilson Thrush or Tawny Thrush is a tolerably common 
migrant in eastern and central Iowa and very rare in the western 
part of the state. ‘‘In his notes on the Birds of Iowa, Allen re- 
ports 7. fuscescens as being very common in western Iowa [July, 
Mem. Bost. Soc., i, 1868, p. 493]; but in the course of two years’ 
careful observation in the southern part of the state (Decatur and 
Mahaska counties) I have never seen or heard a single individual 
of this species’ (T. M. Trippe, Proc. Bost. Soc., xv, 1872, p. 234). 
The Wilson Thrush occurs very rarely as a summer resident 
from central Iowa northward, frequenting low, damp woods and 
thickets, and is very shy and retiring in its habits. Keyes and 
Williams state that several nests have been taken at Des Moines 
which are thought to belong to this species (Birds of Iowa, 1889, 


\ 


A 


ANDERSON—THE BIRDS OF IOWA. 370 


p. 160). Carl Kelsey reported it as a tolerably common summer 
resident in Poweshiek county and W. H. Bingaman writes that 
he has found one nest, containing four fresh eggs, May 30, 1903, 
on the ground in a swampy place along King Creek in Kossuth 
county. I have observed the species on very rare occasions in 
Winnebago county, in summer, but have found no nests, although 
the species occurs quite commonly during migration. B.H. W1l- 
son reports the species as a “‘rare migrant; one shot June 9, 1889, 
and another May 14, 1892’’ (Scott). 


348. (757). Hylocichla alicig (Baird). Gray-cheeked Thrush. 

The Gray-cheeked Thrush is a tolerably common migrant in 
most parts of the state, usually during the first three weeks of 
May, but it has been observed as early as April 24 and as late as 
May 30 (Scott). The bird is usually observed in open woods, fre- 
quenting low trees and shrubs. The species resemble the Olive- 
backed Thrush very closely, but may be known from it by having 
no buff ring around eye. ; 

County records: Franklin—‘‘ migrant, not common’’ (Shoe- 
maker. Jackson—‘‘tolerably common migrant’’ (Giddings). 
Johnson—common migrant; shot specimens May 11 and May 15, 
1905, at Iowa City—identified by Robert Ridgway (Anderson); 
Mus. No. 3,650, Bond collection, Tiffin, Iowa. Lee—‘‘ rare mi- 
grant; only record May 13, 1888’’ (Praeger); ‘‘common migrant’’ 
(Currier). Polk—“‘‘ first seen at Des Moines May 8, where it re- 
mained only three days’’ (Cooke, Bird Migr. in Miss. Val., 1884— 
85, p. 285). Poweshiek—‘‘tolerably common transient’’ (Kelsey). 
Scott—‘‘abundant migrant in spring, April 24 to May 30; Sep- 
tember 20, 1889, is my only fall record’’ (Wilson). Sioux—‘‘shot 
bird at Hawarden in 1890’’ (Berry). Winneshiek—‘‘only record, 
one bird shot in May, 1896’’ (Smith). F. V. Hayden records the 
species ‘‘as most abundant along the wooded bottoms of the Mis- 
sissippi and the lower Missouri; not observed above the mouth 
of the Niobrara river on the Missouri’’ (Trans. Am. Philos. Soc., 
mil, 1863, p. 159). 

349. (758a). Hyloichla ustulata swainson (Cab.). Olive-backed 
Thrush. 


The Olive-backed Thrush is a tolerably common migrant in all 
parts of the state and is even abundant at times. The usual time 


380 DAVENPORT ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. 


of migration is during the first three weeks of May-and the last 
three weeks of September, at which time the birds are not con- 
fined to the woods but are also found in underbrush, along hedge- 
rows and roadsides, spending most of the time on the ground in 
company with Sparrows and other migrants. B.H. Wilson has 
noted the species from April 24 to May 27 and from September 21 
to October 17, 1n Scott county. I shot one specimen September 7, 
1896, at Forest City, (identified by R. Ridgway); a number were 
seen at the same time. The species is a very common migrant at 
Iowa City. ‘The Olive-backed Thrush has not been known to 
breed in the state, although Dr. I. S. Trostler reports it as a rare 
summer resident in Mills and Pottawattamie counties. 


350. (759b). Aylocichla aonalaschke pallasi (Cabanis). Hermit 
Thrush. 


The Hermit Thrush is a rather common migrant in eastern and 
central Iowa, but rare in the western part of the state. It arrives 
the earliest in the spring and departs the latest in the fall of any 
of our Thrushes. B.H. Wilson has noted the species from April 
4 to May 4 and from September 20 to October 5, in Scott county. 
It appears most abundantly in central Iowa about April ro. It 
is a quiet, sombre-colored bird, and is rather retiring, staying 
most of the time in thickets, where it spends much time on the 
ground, flying at short intervals to some horizontal limb where it 
will frequently remain, perfectly motionless, for some time. None 
of the recent observers report the Hermit Thrush in summer, but 
W. W. Cooke states: ‘‘comparatively few instances have been re- 
corded of the breeding of the Hermit Thrush within the Missis- 
sippi Valley. At Grinnell, Iowa, the nest was found and identi- 
fied with the bird upon it. The nest and eggs are now in the 
Iowa College at Grinnell. At Des Moines they have been seen 
in the breeding season, but no nest has been found’’ (Bird Migr. 
in Miss. Val., 1884-85, p. 286). 


Genus MERULA Leach. 


351. (761). Merula migratoria (Linn.). American Robin. 


The Robin is probably the most familiar and best known of our 
native birds. It is an abundant summer resident in all parts of 
the state, nesting commonly in shade trees and groves about 


ANDERSON—THE BIRDS OF IOWA. 381 


houses. The Robin is an early migrant, usually arriving about 
the first week in March, though often appearing in February and 
remaining until the first of November. A few individuals fre- 
quently remain throughout the winter. Thomas Say states that 
they ‘‘arrived April 11, 1820, at Engineers’ Cantonment’’ (Long’s 
Exp.) 4). 

J. E. Todd (Am. Nat., xiv, 1880, p. 601-2) states: ‘‘ In west- 
ern Iowa, at about the same latitude (of Evanston, Ill.) robins 
remain in wooded valleys throughout the winter. Last Decem- 
ber I observed them in flocks in the underbrush along the Mis- 
souri River, opposite Plattsmouth, Neb. On the uplands, which 
are about three hundred feet higher and more open, they are not 
so frequently seen during the winter months.’’ 

Chas. Aldrich noted Robins at Webster City in January and 
February, 1881 (Am. Nat., xv, r881, p. 477); and they were 
observed at Muscatine, January 1 and 5, 1881, when the ground 
was covered with snow and the thermometer down to zero (O. & 
O., vi, 1, 1881, p.7). Two were taken at Des Moines Nov. 25, 
1895, by A. I. Johnson (Iowa Orn., ii, 2, 1896, p. 50). In Lee 
county it was reported frequent in winter (Praeger, Currier); in 
Linn county a few occasionally spend the winter in protected 
places (Keyes), and sometimes.remain in Boone county all win- 
ter (Henning). In Winnebago county I shot a male from a 
flock of five or six, Feb. 14, 1891, which is my earliest record for 
that locality. The Robins are gregarious in fall, winter and early 
spring; sometimes a flock will number hundreds in October. 

The first set of eggs are laid about the middle of April and I 
have found fresh eggs as late as July 14, at Forest City. Two 
broods are generally reared. In summer the Robin generally 
consumes a considerable quantity of berries and other small fruits, 
but the immense quantities of worms and grubs which are de- 
stroyed in the spring, and other insects in late summer, much 
more than compensate for the damages inflicted. 

The Robin has unquestionably increased in numbers since the 
settlement of the state. Audubon noted that Robins were very 
scarce near Council Bluffs May ro, 1843 (Journals, i, p. 481). In 
1868, J. A. Allen states that they were ‘‘ nowhere very common. 
Seen chiefly along the skirts of the timber, in which it is forced 
to breed, the prairies being, of course, naturally treeless, and the 


[PRoc. D. A. S., VOL. XI.] SI [Jan. 28, 1907.] 


382 DAVENPORT ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. 


county too recently settled to possess orchards. West of Boones- 
boro, during a period of over two months, I saw not more than 
fifty individuals altogether. Said to be pretty common in spring”’ 
(Mem. Bost. Soc., xv, 1868, p. 493). 

In Decatur and Mahaska counties, T. M. Trippe states: ‘‘ Not 
as familiar as the Robin of the East. In spring and fall it is 
more abundant than in summer, though many remain to breed. 
Not seen in winter.’” (Proc: Bost. Soc., xv, 18725, p. 234): 

W. W. Searles of Lime Springs, Iowa, records: ‘‘ Two years 
ago an albino Robin built its nest just about four rods from my 
gallery door. He was not all white, but marked like the Belted 
Kingfisher’’ (lowa Orn, i, 4, 1893, p. 90). I shot a specimen Oc- 
tober 30, 1896, near Forest City, which had large white-blotched 
areas in the plumage, particularly about the head. 

Genus SIALIA Swainson. 
352. (766). Siala stalis 1inn.). Bluebird. 

The Bluebird is a common summer resident in all parts of the 
state frdm about the first of March until the first of November. 
Its gentle, mellow notes are among the surest and most welcome 
signs of spring. In the winter of 1893-1894 the Bluebirds were 
almost exterminated by the severe weather which prevailed in 
the South during that season, and for two or three years the 
species was only seen very rarely in Iowa. ‘The numbers have 
been increasing every year, until now the Bluebirds have almost 
regained their former numbers. ‘They formerly nested very 
commonly in bird-boxes, cornices of houses, or even tin cans 
nailed up, but the English Sparrows have nearly driven them 
from the towns. ‘The nests are usually placed in deserted holes 
of the Woodpecker, and the four or five pale-blue eggs are laid 
about the middle or last of April. The eggs of the Bluebird are 
occasionally pure white; so-called ‘‘albino sets’’ have been 
reported by G. H. Berry at Cedar Rapids (O. & O., xvili, 1893, 
p-99) and by D.F. Hall at Creston (Oologist, xii, 8, 1895, pp. 
131-2). Mr. Hall noted a pair about May 1 carrying nest mater- 
ial into a deserted Woodpecker’s excavation, in which they reared 
one brood in safety. A second nest was built in an old paint 
bucket hung on the broken limb of a crab-apple tree, and the 
eggs, which were pure white, deposited June 13th, 14th, r5th, 


ANDERSON—THE BIRDS OF IOWA. 383 


17th and roth. A new nest was built in another paint pail about 
eighteen inches from the first, the first egg, also white, being laid 
June 29th; set of four eggs taken July 5th; after which the 
old birds did not build again but joined the first brood and 
remained in the neighborhood about two weeks. 

On July 10, 1893, I took a set of three white eggs from a nest 
in a cavity in a fence post by the side of a much travelled road 
near Forest City, lowa. The birds showed no appreciable differ- 
ence from ordinary Bluebirds. 


353- (767a). Stalia mexicana bairdi Ridgway. Chestnut- 
backed Bluebird. 

This is a bird of the West and only occurs very rarely as a 
straggler in Iowa. It has been reported from Iowa as the West- 
ern Bluebird (Szalia mexicana), by various authorities. Baird 
Brewer and Ridgway state that the species has been observed in 
western Iowa by Mr. Atkinson (Birds of N. A., Land Birds, iii, 
1875, p. 501). Dr. Elliott Coues states: ‘‘‘ The Western Blue- 
bird apparently inhabits only a limited area in the southwestern 
part of the Missouri region. Mr. Ridgway informs me of its 
occurrence in Iowa, but this must be highly exceptional’’ (Birds 
of the N. W., 1874, p. 14). ‘‘Stragglers have been recorded 
from Minnesota and Iowa’’ (Cooke, Bird Migr. in Miss. Val., 
p. 294). ‘‘ Occasionally taken in western Iowa’’ (Keyes and 
Williams, p. 161). The Chestnut-backed Bluebird is included in 
the Nebraska list on Aughey’s record, about seven miles from 
the mouth of the Niobrara River in August. . . ‘‘ accidental 
east to Iowa and Minnesota. . . occurring regularly asa migrant 
along the eastern base of the Rockies’’ (Rev. Bds. Neb., p. 115). 

George H. Berry writes: ‘‘In the spring of 1903, I saw one 
bird near Cedar Rapids with a flock of typical sza/is that had a 
blue breast instead of the usual brownish chestnut. Had a good 
long look at it.’’ 


384 DAVENPORT ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. 


INTRODUCED SPECIES. 


Order PASSERES. 
Family FRINGILLIDA. 
Subfamily PASSERINE. 
Genus PASSER Brisson. 


Passer domesticus (1inn.). European House Sparrow. 


The European House Sparrow or English Sparrow is the most 
abundant bird in Iowa, resident throughout the year, and equally 
abundant in city and in country. In 1884-85 W. W. Cooke 
reported the English Sparrow as absent from the northwestern 
corner of Iowa. 

Waiter B. Barrows, in his book on ‘‘ The English Sparrow in 
North America’’ (U.S. Dept. Agri., Div. Econ. Orn. and Mam., 
Bulletin 1, 1889), traces the history of its introduction and 
spread in North America. It was first introduced into the 
United States at Brooklyn, N. Y., in 1851 and 1852. Specimens 
were introduced directly from Europe, at Iowa City, in 1881; at 
Cedar Rapids they were introduced from Massachusetts, about 
1874; Davenport, 1870, ten pairs; Dubuque, 1876, twenty. pairs. 
They appeared at Burlington in 1869-70, and may have been 
introduced, although not so reported. Inthe autumn of 1886 the 
Sparrow was reported present at 59 places in Iowa, mostly in the 
eastern part of the state, and not present at 142 places, mostly in 
the western part of the state, but some in eastern Iowa. At first 
they remained closely in towns and cities and only spread into 
the surrounding country when the city became too crowded, 
probably due largely to lack of nesting places for all. The injury 
caused by Sparrows may be summed up:—filthiness about houses 
and granaries; injury to grain, fruits, garden vegetables; destruc- 
tion of fruit-buds and blossoms; and, most important of all, driv- 
away the native birds from the haunts of man. They have failed 
in the chief reason of their introduction—the destruction of insect 
pests, the insects which they do eat are those which are accept- 
able to other birds, and many other injurious insects, such as 


| 
| 
| 
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\ 


a a 


ANDERSON—THE BIRDS OF IOWA. 385 


hairy caterpillars, they never touch. ‘The nests are placed any- 
where about buildings and sheds, sometimes in trees and vines, 
and as several broods are raised in a season their increase in 
numbers is exceedingly rapid. ‘ 

‘“At the present time (1899) it is found in every state and 
territory except Alaska, Arizona, Montana and Nevada’’ 
(Palmer); (F. M. Bailey, Handbook Bds. Wn. N. A., p. 324). 


Ey PORE DIiCAL aL lSi: 


The species included in this list are those which have been 
taken in adjoining states, very close to the borders of Iowa, and 
such as may at any time be expected to occur within the limits 
of the state. A few species, which have heretofore been reported 
as occurring in Iowa upon what appears to be insufficient evi- 
dence, are also relegated to this list. 


Family LARID/. Gulls and Terns. 


1. (47). Larus marinus Linn. Great Black-backed Gull. 
This species was listed by J. A. Allen (White’s Geol. of Iowa, 
ll, 1870, p. 427). It is included in the Nebraska list on Aughey’s 
record of a specimen shot on the Missouri River and brought to 
Dakota City in May, 1871 (Rev. Bds. Neb., p. 19): C.K. Salis- 
bury reported the species as a rare transient in Blackhawk 
county. ‘The species occurs on the Great Lakes in winter. 


2. (40). Aissa tridactyla (Linn.). Kittiwake. 


George H. Berry writes: ‘‘ Rare summer resident (Dickinson 
county). I didnot shoot any of the birds, but from what I could 
see of them would place them as the Kittiwake. In 1891 they 
bred on an island in Loon Lake, Minn., about a mile beyond 
Spirit Lake, and I found about a dozen nests with young on a 
small lake about three-quarters of a mile southeast of Spirit Lake, 
on the prairie. ‘They were not the Herring Gull, and from the 
best of my recollection (the Kittiwake being very abundant on 
the coast of Maine, my old home), it exactly resembles the Kit- 
tiwake.’’ ‘The Kittiwake has been taken quite frequently on the 
Great Lakes, but it is doubtful if it ever occurs in Iowa except 
as a rare straggler. 


386 DAVENPORT ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. 


3. (63). Gelochelidon nilotica (Hasselq.). Gull-billed Tern. 
The Gull-billed Tern was included by J. A. Allen in his list 
(1870). ‘Thomas Say reported the ‘‘ Marsh Tern’’ (Sterna ar- 
anca Wilson) at Engineers’ Cantonment in 1819-20, but perhaps 
referred to the Black Tern (Long’s Exp.). The species is of south- 
ern distribution, but has been recorded from linois and Michigan. 


Family ANATIDAY. Ducks and Geese. 


4. (138). ettion crecca (1inn.). European Teal. 

John Krider states: ‘‘ Nettion crecca Kaup. English Teal. I 
found two specimens in the year 1874 in Winnebago county, Iowa. 
Rare’’ (Forty Years’ Notes, p. 72). This species is of casual oc- 
currence in North America, closely resembling JV. carolinensis. 


5. (176). Philacte canagaca (Sevast.). Emperor Goose. 


The Emperor Goose is a species of the Northwest coast, from 
Alaska south to California; rare in the United States. J. G. 
Smith reported the Emperor Goose as occurring at Algona, Iowa 
(Forest and Stream, xviii, 6, 1882, p.107). Prof. C. C. Nutting 
reported a specimen taken at Coralville, Johnson county, Iowa, in 
1892 (Report of Com. on State Fauna, Proc. Iowa Acad. Sci., 
1892, p. 40). This was probably a mistaken identification, as 
Prof. Nutting says it was identified by him from a verbal descrip- 
tion by Mr. Paintin. 


Family IBIDIDA. The Ibises. 


6. (184). Guara alba (Linn.). White Ibis. 

‘“Coming north regularly to southern Indiana and southern 
Illinois (Ridgway). Dr. Agersborg shot a specimen and saw an- 
other in southeastern Dakota in May, 1879’’ (Cooke, Bird Migr. 
in Miss. Val., 1884-85, p. 20). 


Family CICONIIDA. The Storks. 


7. (188). Zantalus loculator Linn. Wood Ibis. 


This species was listed by J. A. Allen (White’s Geol. of Iowa, 
1870, ii, p. 426). Kumlien and Hollister state: ‘‘ There are re- 
corded several captures of this southern species within the state. 
Can be classed only as a very rare midsummer straggler at the 
present day, however’’ (Birds of Wis., 1903, p. 32). “‘A few 


ANDERSON—THE BIRDS OF IOWA. 387 


ascend the Mississippi Valley, where they have been taken in In- 
diana, Illinois, Missouri, Wisconsin and Kansas’’ (Cooke, Bird 
Migr. in Miss. Val., 1884-85, p. 80). 


Family SCOLOPACID. Snipes, Sandpipers. 


8. (234). Tringa canutus Linn. Knot. 


The Knot was listed by J. A. Allen (White’s Geol. of Iowa, 
1870, li, p. 426), and reported by John Krider, who ‘‘ found it in 
the month of May, marching westward, stopping a day or two in 
Iowa, feeding along the sloughs. Very easy to approach”’ (Forty 
Years’ Note, 1879, p. 64). It was taken once by Dr. Hvoslef at 
Lanesboro, Minn., [near the Iowa line] (Cooke, Bird Migr. in 
Miss. Val., 1884-85, p. 92). Kumlien and Hollister state that 
‘“Thirty years ago it was a rather common migrant in May and 
June, and more sparingly in autumn ; of late years decidedly rare 
at any season’’ (Birds of Wis., 1903, p. 45). It has been reported 
from Kansas (Snow), Illinois (Ridgway), and once from Ne- 
braska, at Omaha, September 30, 1893 (Trostler). 


9. (235). Arquatella maritima (Brunnich). Purple Sandpiper. 


The Purple Sandpiper was listed by Allen (White’s Geol. of 
Iowa, 1870, 11, p. 425); reported from western Missouri (Hoy, 
Smithsonian Rept., 1864, p. 538); Illinois (Ridgway, Ann. Lye. 
N. Y., x, 1874, p. 384); Wisconsin (Kumlien and Hollister, Birds 
of Wis., 1903, p. 45). 

10. (326). Catharista urubu (Vieill.). Black Vulture. 

‘“Breeds in Lower Sonoran and Tropical Zones from the Atlan- 
tic to western Texas and from N. C., Ind. and Kan. south over 
most of South America. Straggles to N. EK. and South Dakota’’ 
(F. M. Bailey, Handbook Birds West. N. A., p. 146). Kumlien 
and Hollister state: ‘‘We do not consider the records of this spe- 
cies for Wisconsin sufficiently authentic to warrant us in giving it 
a place at the present time. Will no doubt straggle to the state at 
some time via the Mississippi River’’ (Birds of Wis., 1903, p. 131). 

Family BUBONIDA®. Horned Owls, etc. 


It. (371). Cryptoglaux tengmalmi richardsoni (Bonap.).  Rich- 
ardson Owl. 
This is a northern species, ranging south in winter to northern 


388 DAVENPORT ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. 


United States. It was listed by Allen (White’s Geol. of Iowa, 
1870, ii, p. 424), and given by Cooke as “ occurring in winter in 
Minnesota, Wisconsin and Iowa’’ (Bird Migr. in Miss. Val., 1884— 
85, p. 121). It has been reported from Illinois—at Kenilworth, 
December 26, 1902 (Deane, Auk, xx, 1903), and Rockford, Octo- 
ber 15, 1884 (O. & O., x, 1885). 

G. H. Berry reports the species as a rare winter visitant in Linn 
county, and M. P. Somes as rare in Webster county. No speci- 
mens have been taken, however. 


Family TYRANNID#. Tyrant Flycatchers. 


12. (462). Contopus richardsoni (Swainson). Western Wood 
Pewee. 

The Western Wood Pewee is listed as a common summer resi- 
dent in western Nebraska; east, but not common, to Dismal River, 
Thomas county ; also reported from Sidney and Wood River’’ 
(Rev. Birds Neb., pp. 67-8). Kumilien and Hollister state: ‘‘Sev- 
eral typical Western Wood Pewees have been taken at Lake 
Koshkonong. One pajr, with nest and eggs, were identified by 
Dr. Coues as unquestionably of this species’’ (Birds of Wis., 1903, 
p. 82). As Iowa is midway between these points, the species may 
unquestionably be expected to occur in the state. 


Family FRINGILLIDA. Finches, Sparrows, etc. 


13. (527a). Acanthis hornemanni exilipis (Coues). Hoary Redpoll. 

“South in winter, occasionally to the northern U.S. Occasion- 
ally from Mass., Ill., Maine, and Mich.’’ (Bailey, Birds West. N. 
A., p. 318). The species was reported from Linn county as a 
rare winter visitant by G. H. Berry, but no specimens have been 
preserved. 


14. (5478). Ammodramus henslowi occidentalis Brewst. Western 
Henslow Sparrow. 

This form of the Henslow Sparrow very probably occurs in 
western Iowa. Its habitat is given as ‘‘ South Dakota in summer. 
(Range very imperfectly known)’’ (Ridgway, Birds of N. and Mid. 
Am., i, p. 228). In Nebraska, ‘‘a rare migrant. It may occa- 
sionally breed locally in the state, since Trostler took a set of eggs, 
with female bird, at Omaha, belonging to this species and prob- 
ably to this form’’ (Rev. Birds Neb., p. 86). 


ANDERSON—THE BIRDS OF IOWA. 389 


15. (557). Zonotrichia coronata (Pall.). Golden-crowned Sparrow. 


This Western bird has been taken several times in Wisconsin, 
near Racine, from 1853 to 1858, both spring and fall, by Dr. Hoy 
(Birds of Wis., 1903, p. 99). John Krider states: ‘‘I shot one 
of these birds in September, 1872, in a garden in Lake Mills, 
Winnebago county, Iowa’’ (Forty Years’ Notes, p. 47). Refer- 
ring to this record, Witner Stone, of the Philadelphia Academy 
of Science, says: ‘‘ His Z. coronata may be a female or young of 
Z. queriula or the last (Z. leucophrys gambeli).’’ M. E. Halvorsen 
reports a specimen taken at Forest City, Winnebago county, say- 
ing: ‘‘I identified the bird for Dr. Irish, but may have been 
mistaken.’’ 


16. (588). Pipilo maculatus arcticus (Sw.). Arctic Towhee. 


Dr. Coues gives the range of this species as ‘‘ Central region of 
North America from limit of exythrophthalmus in Kansas, Nebraska 
and Dakota to that of ovegonus in Oregon, Washington and Brit- 
ish Columbia, etc.’’ ‘‘ Casually to lowa (Dubuque), and even to 
Wisconsin (Milwaukee)’’ (Ridgway, Birds N. and Mid. Am., i, 
p. 423; Nelson, Bull. Essex. Inst., viii, 1876, p. 110). Kumlien 
and Hollister state that one was noted by Dr. Hoy in a collection 
of birds at Dubuque, which had been taken on the Wisconsin 
side of the river. One specimen has been shot in Jefferson 
county and another near Milwaukee (Bds. of Wis., p. 102). 
‘* Northern and western Nebraska in summer, whole state during 
migration—east in Niobrara valley to its mouth—West Point, 
Omaha, etc.’’ (Rev. Bds. Neb., p. 91). I carefully examined a 
large series of Towhees from western Iowa, Sioux City, etc., in 
the Talbot collection, but was unable to find a specimen referable 
to Pipilo maculatus arcticus, all the Iowa birds being unmistak- 
ably erythrophthalmus. 


17. (597). Zamelodia melanocephala (Swainson). Black-headed 
Grosbeak. 


There are no Iowa records, but in Nebraska it is reported 
‘(during migration over the state, rarely to Neligh, York, 
Omaha’”’ (Rev. Bds. Neb., 1904, p. 91). 


[Proc. D. A. S., Vor. XI.] 52 [Jan. 30, 1907.] 


390 DAVENPORT ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. 


18. (597). Gutraca cerulea lazula (Lesson). Western Blue Gros- 
beak. 


The Blue Grosbeak was listed by Allen (White’s Geol. of Iowa, 
1870, ii, p. 422). A rare straggler in Wisconsin, probably the 
Eastern variety, was taken at Lake Koshkonong, Milwaukee, 
etc. (Birds of Wis., p. 102). In Nebraska, ‘‘over the entire state, 
locally common summer resident and breeder . . . less common 
[eastern Nebraska], Grand Island, Red Cloud, Beatrice, Omaha 
and Lincoln (Rev. Birds Neb. p. 91). 


Family TANAGRIDA. Tanagers. 


19. 607. Piranga luidoviciana (Wilson). Louisiana Tanager. 
oO 


The Louisiana Tanager was reported by Thomas Say from 
Engineers’ Cantonment in 1819-20 (Long’s Exp., i, p. 263). 
‘*Common summer resident in northwest Nebraska’’ (Rev. Bds. 
Neb., 1904, p. 93). ‘‘Straggles eastward in migration to the 
Atlantic states’’ (Bailey, Bds. Wn. U.S., p. 379). ‘‘ During the 
latter part of May, 1877, Thure Kumlien found this species nest- 
ing in Jefferson county [Wisconsin]. Nest, eggs and parents were 
secured and are now preserved in the museum of the State Uni- 
versity at Madison. . . A second male was procured the next 
June (1878); and in July, 1891, another, also an adult male, was 
shot in the same locality by L. Kumlien’’ (Bds. of Wis, p. 103). 


Family MNIOTILTIDA. Wood Warblers. 


20. (670). Dendroica kirtlandi (Baird). Kirtland Warbler. 


This is one of the rarest species of North American Warblers. 
Frank M. Chapman (Auk, xv, 1898, pp. 289-93, and xvi, 1899, 
p. 80) records the total number of specimens taken as 75,—in 
Bahamas, 55; in the United States, 20. ‘‘ Has been taken in the 
following states: Ohio, Indiana, Illinois (Winnebago and Cook 
counties), Missouri (St. Louis county), Minnesota (Minneapolis), 
Wisconsin (Racine), Michigan (Ann Arbor), Virginia and South 
Carolina.’’ See ‘‘The Migration Route of Kirtland’s Warbler,’’ 
by Chas. C. Adams. Bull. Mich. Ornith. Club, Vol. V, pp. 14-21, 
March, 1904. 

Geo. H. Berry writes: ‘‘In Linn county I found a dead War- 
bler (male, I think) that as near as I could, I identified as this 


ANDERSON—THE BIRDS OF IOWA. 391 


species. Would not be sure, as the way I chanced to notice it 
was by the sexton beetles moving it.’’ The species will undoubt- 
edly be taken in Iowa, as the state lies in the Mississippi River 
migration route and specimens have been taken both north and 
south of us. 


Family TURDIDZ. Thrushes. 


21. (754). yadestes townsendi (Aud.). ‘Townsend Solitaire. 


“A rare straggler from the western United States. The only 
accounts of it inthe Mississippi Valley district refer to its occa- 
sional occurrence in winter’’ [Niobrara River, Neb., in 1877; 
Alda, Neb., Jan. 17, 1880; southeastern Nebraska. One was 
killed at Waukegan, Ill., Dec. 16, 1875—Nelson], (Cooke, Bird 
Migr. in Miss. Val., 1884-85, p. 282). ‘‘ Resident in northwest- 
ern Nebraska. . .in winter spreading eastward over entire 
States (kev. Bds, Neb., p. 114). 


22. (756a). Sylocichla fuscescens salicicolus (Ridgw.). Wilson 
Thrush. 


This western form of the Wilson Thrush has been taken as an 


accidental straggler at Chicago, IIll., Sept. 16, 1877, by H. K. 
Coale (Cooke, Bird Migr. in Miss. Val., 1884-85, p. 284). ‘“‘A 
single specimen taken at Delevan, Wis., May 6, 1899, and identi- 
fied by Mr. Wim. Brewster, is the sole claim for introducing this 
. species here. We are of the opinion that a careful examination 
of the migratory /uscescens will reveal numbers of this form, espe- 
cially, it would seem, in the western part of the state’’ (Kumlien 
and Hollister, Bds. of Wis., p. 126). 


23. (758c). fylocichla ustulata alm Oberholser. Alma Thrush. 


This western variety of the Olive-backed Thrush is a common 
migrant in western Nebraska (Rev. Bds. Neb., p. 115). ‘‘Among 
specimens of Thrushes sent Mr. Wm. Brewster for examination 
were two of this subspecies. Both were shot at Lake Koshko- 
nong early in May. ‘The difference was detected at once on com- 
paring with others of swazzsoni, and it must be very uncommon 
in Wisconsin, although Mr. Brewster later pronounced a speci- 
men from Delevan as ‘almost if not quite gray enough for a/me’’’ 
(Kumlien and Hollister, Bds. of Wis., p. 127). 


392 DAVENPORT ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. 


24. (768). Stalia arctica Swains. Mountain Bluebird. 


This species has occurred accidentally in Illinois, opposite 
Dubuque, Iowa (Cooke, Bird Migr. in Miss. Val., 1884-85, pp. 
294-5). Dr. Hoy examined a specimen of this species in a local 
collection, said to have been shot in Wisconsin across the river 
from Dubuque, Iowa. In a personal letter to I. K. he says: 
‘“There can be no doubt of this record;’’ and adds that ‘‘a second 
specimen was taken near La Crosse late in the autumn of 1856”’ 
(Bds. of Wis., p. 134). 


SUMMARY 
Species found more or less regularly in Iowa . . . 308 
Casualtor accidental). 0rx4.. 28) ale ie ee 
Imported from Europese a) oe) een eee 
Extinct st ge Re. Sail echy Sate on tae I 
Whole numbers actually recorded in the state. . . 353 
Hypothetical 25) 2.0.) ee es = 2 a, Be eh 
Number, of speciesitreated an'this list | 4) eases 


ee 


. ANDERSON—THE BIRDS OF IOWA. 393 


BIBEIOGRAPHY. 


In this appendix appear the names of the most important books, cata- 
logues, and periodicals containing references to Iowa birds, and other papers 
which have been consulted in the preparation of this list. In the pursuance 
of the work, the writer must acknowledge the great aid received from the 
manuscript thesis of Dr. Paul Bartsch of the Smithsonian Institution on 
“The Literature of Iowa Birds,’’ presented to the State University of Iowa 
in 1899 asa thesis for the degree of Master of Science (3 vols., Univ. Library, 
Nos. 57,302-3-4). This contains most of the important published references 
to the birds of Iowa, from 1804 to 1899. All quotations in the present work 
have been verified by the writer from the original sources, unless otherwise 
stated. The list has been arranged chronologically in the order of publi- 
cation. 


1814. 


LEWIS AND CLARKE.—History of the Expedition under the command 
of Captains Lewis and Clarke, to the sources of the Missouri, thence across 
the Rocky Mountains and down the River Columbia to the Pacific Ocean. 
Performed during the years 1804-1805-1806. By order of the government of 
the United States. Philadelphia: 1814. S8vo, 2 vols. [Not available, except 
through Dr. Coues’ 1893 edition ]. 


1823. 


Say, THomaAs.—Account of an Expedition from Pittsburg to the Rocky 
Mountains, performed in the years 181g, 1820. By order of the Hon. J. C. 
Calhoun, Secretary of War, under the command of Major Stephen H. Long, 
of the U.S. Top. Engineers. Compiled from the notes of Major Long, Mr. T. 
Say, and other gentlemen of the exploring party, by Edwin James, Botanist 
and Geologist to the Expedition. In three volumes, I, IJ, II. London: 
Printed for Longman, Hurst, Rees, Orme, and Brown. Paternoster Row. 
1823. 

1839-1841. 


MAXIMILIAN, PRINz ZU WIED.—Reise in das Innere Nord-America in 
den Jahren 1832 bis 1835 von Maximilian, Prinz zu Wied. Mit 48 Kupfern, 
33 Vignetten, vielen Holzschnitten und einer Charte. Hiner [Zweiter] Band. 
Coblenz: 1839 [1841]. Bei J. Hoelscher. 2 vols., 4to. 


1843. 


MAXIMILIAN, PRINCE OF WIED.—Travels in the Interior of North 
America. By Maximilian, Prince of Wied. With numerous engravings on 
wood, anda large map. Translated from the German by H. Evans Loyd. 


394 DAVENPORT ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. 


To accompany the original series of eighty-one elaborately colored plates, 
size, imperial folio. London: Ackerman & Co., 96 Strand. 1843. [Not 
available]. 


1844. 


AUDUBON, JOHN JAMES.—The Birds of North America, from drawings 
made in the United States and their Territories. By John James Audubon, 
F.R.SS. L. & E.; Fellow of the Linnzean and Zoological Societies of Lon- 
don; Member of the Lyceum of Natural History of New York, of the Nat- 
ural History Society of Paris, the Wernerian Natural History Society of Ed- 
inburgh. Honorary Member of the Society of Natural History of Manches- 
ter and of the Royal Scottish Academy of Painting, Sculpture and Architec- 
ture; Member of the American Philosophical Society, of the Academy of 
Natural Sciences of Philadelphia, of the Natural History Societies of: Boston, 
of Charleston in South Carolina, the Quebec Literary and Historical Society, 
the Ornithological Society in London, the Societé Francaise de Statistique 
Universelle de Paris, etc., etc. J.J. Audubon, 77 William Street, N. Y., 34 
North Front Street, Philadelphia. 1844. 8 vols. 


1858. 


BAIRD, CASSIN AND LAWRENCE.—Thirty-third Congress, 2nd Session. 
House of Representatives. Ex. Doc. No. 91. Reports of Explorations and 
Surveys, to ascertain the most practicable and economical route for a rail- 
road from the Mississippi River to the Pacific Ocean. Made under the direc- 
tion of the Secretary of War, in 1853-6, according to Acts of Congress of 
March 3d, 1853, May 31st, 1854, and Aug. 5, 1854. Vol. IX. Washington: 
A.O.P. Nicholson, Printer. 1858. 4to. Subtitled as follows: Explorations 
and Surveys for a Railroad from the Mississippi River to the Pacific Ocean. 
War Department. 

Birds: By Spencer F. Baird, Assistant Secretary Smithsonian Institu- 
tion, with the cooperation of John Cassin and George N. Lawrence. Wash- 
ington, D.C. 1858. 

1860. 


BAIRD, S. F.—The Birds of North America; the description of species 
based on the collections in the Museum of the Smithsonian Institution, with 
the codperation of John Cassin of the Academy of Natural Science of Phila- 
delphia, and George N. Lawrence oi the Lyceum of Natural History of New 
York, With an Atlas of One Hundred Plates. Text. Philadelphia: J. B. 
Lippincott & Co. 1860. 4to. 


1863. 


HAYDEN, F. V.—‘‘On the Geology and Natural History of the Upper 
Missouri.’’ Transactions of the American Philosophical Society, held in 
Philadelphia, for Promoting Useful Knowledge. Vol. XII. New Series. 
Published by the Society. Philadelphia: C. Sherman, Son & Co., Printers. 
1863. 


ANDERSON—THE BIRDS OF IOWA. 395 


1864. 


BAIRD, S. F.—Smithsonian Miscellaneous Collection. 181. Review of 
American Birds in the Museum of the Smithsonian Institution, by S. F. Baird. 


Part I. North and North America. Washington: Smithsonian Institution. 
[Dated June, 1864]. 
1868. 


ALLEN, J. A.—‘‘ Notes on the Birds observed in western Iowa, in the 
months of July, August and September; also on Birds observed in northern 
Ilinois in May and June, and at Richmond, Wayne Co., Indiana, between 
June third and tenth.”” Memoirs read before the Boston Society of Natural 
History. Being a new series of the Boston Journal of Natural History. Vol. 
I. Boston: Published by the Society. New York: William Wood & Co., 
61 Walker St.; 440 Broadway; lL. W. Schmidt, 24 Barclay St., London; 
Trubner & Co., 60 Paternoster Row,E.C. 1866-1869. Pp. 488-526. 


1870. 


ALLEN, J. A.—Catalogue of the Birds of Iowa. Report on the Geolog- 
ical Survey of the State of Iowa, by Charles A. White. Vol. II, 1870. Ap- 
pendix B. Pp. 419-427. 
LS72. 

TRIPPE, T. MARTIN.—‘‘ Notes on the Birds of Southern Iowa’’ [Decatur 
and Mahaska Counties]. Proceedings of the Boston Society of Natural His- 
tory, Vol. xv, 1872-1873. Boston. 1873. 


1874. 

BAIRD, BREWER AND RIDGWAY.—A History of North American Birds, 
by S. F. Baird, T. M. Brewer and R. Ridgway. Land Birds. Tlustrated by 
64 colored plates and 593 woodcuts. Vols. I-III. Boston: Little, Brown & 
Company. 1874. 


CouEs, ELLIOTT.—Departiment of the Interior. United States Geolog- 
ical Survey of the Territories. F. V. Hayden, U.S. Geologist in Charge. 
Miscellaneous Publications No. 3. Birds of the Northwest. A Handbook 
of the Ornithology of the Region drained by the Missouri River and its 
Tributaries. By Elliott Coues, Captain and Assistant Surgeon, U. S. Army. 
Dept. of Int., U.S. Geol. Survey. Miscell. Pub. No.3. Washington. 1874. 


1875. 

HENSHAW, H.W.—Chapter III. Report upon the Ornithological col- 
lections made in portions of Nevada, Utah, California, Colorado, New Mex- 
ico, and Arizona, during the years 1871, 1872, 1873, 1874. By H. W. Hen- 
shaw. Vol. V of the Geographical and Geological Explorations and Surveys 
west of the 1ooth Meridian. Lt. Geo. M. Wheeler in charge. 1875. 


1878. 


Cours, ELLIoTT.—Department of the Interior. United States Geolog- 
ical Survey of the Territories. IF. V. Hayden, U.S. Geologist, in Charge. 


396 DAVENPORT ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. 


Miscellaneous Publications No. 11. Birds of the Colorado Valley. A Repos- 
itory of Scientific and Popular Information concerning North American Or- 
nithology. By Elliott Coues. Part First. Passeres and Laniidee. Biblio- 
graphical appendix. Seventy Illustrations. Washington: Government 
Printing Office. 1878. 

1879. = 


KRIDER, JOHN.—Forty Years’ Notes of a Field Ornithologist. By John 
Krider, Member of the Philadelphia Academy of Natural Sciences and author 
of Krider’s Sporting Anecdotes. Giving a description of all birds killed and 
prepared by him. Philadelphia: Press of Joseph H. Weston, 438 Walnut 


Street. 1879. 
1880. 


RoBERTs. T. S.—‘‘ The Winter Birds of Minnesota.’’ The Geological 
and Natural History Survey of Minnesota. Ninth Annual Report. 1880. 


1881. 


FOREST AND STREAM.—An Index and Summary of all the Ornitholog- 
ical Matter contained in ‘‘ Forest and Stream,’’ Vols. I-XII, compiled by H. 
L. Bailey. New York. 1881. 


1883. 


STEARNS, W. A.—The Utility of Birds in Agriculture and in Migration. 
By Prof. W. A. Stearns, Amherst, Mass. [From the Report of the Secretary 
of Connecticut Board of Agriculture, 1882]. Hartford, Conn.: 1883. Pp. 1-37. 


1884. 


BAIRD, BREWER AND RIDGWAyY.—Memnnoirs of the Museum of Compara- 
tive Zodlogy at Harvard College. Vol. XII. The Water Birds of North 
America, by S. F. Baird, T. M. Brewer and R. Ridgway. Issued in continu- 
ation of the publications of the Geological Survey of California. J.D. Whit- 
ney, State Geologist. Vol. I-II. Boston: Little, Brown & Co. 1884. 


CoukEs, ELriorr.—Key to North American Birds. Containing a concise 
account of every species of living and fossil bird at present known from the 
continent north of the Mexican and United States Boundary, inclusive of 
Greenland. Second Edition. By Elliott Coues, M. D., M. A., Ph. D., Mem- 
ber of the National Academy of Sciences, etc., ete. Boston: Estes & Lauriat. 
1884. 

1886. 


THE CODE OF NOMENCLATURE and CHECK List of North American Birds 
adopted by the American Ornithologist’s Union. Being the report of the 
committee of the Union on Classification and Nomenclature. Zoological 
nomenclature is a means, not an end, of Zoological Science. New York: 
1886. [Fifteen supplements to this have appeared in ‘“The Auk,”’ the official 
quarterly publication of the A. O. U.] 


ANDERSON—THE BIRDS OF IOWA. 397 


1887. 


CouES, ELLiorTr.—Key to North American Birds. Containing a concise 
account of every known species of living and fossil bird at present known 
from the continent north of the Mexican and United States Boundary, in- 
clusive of Greenland and Lower California, with which are incorporated : 
General Ornithology, an outline of the structure and classification of Birds 
and Field Ornithology, a manual of collecting and preserving birds. The 
Third Edition, exhibiting the nomenclature of the American Ornithologists’ 
Union, and including description of additional species, ete. By Elliott Coues, 
A.M., M. D., Ph. D., Late Captain and Assistant Surgeon in the U.S. Army, 
and Secretary of the U.S. Geological Survey; Vice-President of the Ameri- 
can Ornithologists’ Union, and Chairman of the Committee on the Classifi- 
cation and Nomenclature of the North American Birds. Foreign Member of 
the British Ornithologists’ Union ; Corresponding Member of the Zodlogical ' 
Society of London; Member of the National Academy of Science, of the Fac- 
ulty of the National Medical College, of the Philosophical and Biological 
Societies of Washington, of the General Council of the Theosophical Society 
of India, etc. Profusely illustrated. Boston: Estes & Lauriat. 1887. 


FISHER, A. K.—‘‘ Notes on the Depredations of the Blackbirds and Go- 
phers in Northern Iowa and Southern Minnesota in the Fall of 1887.’? An- 
nual Report of the Department of Agriculture. Washington. 1877. Pp. 
454-6. 


RIDGWAY, ROBERT.—A Manual of North American Birds, by Robert 
Ridgway. Illustrated by 464 outline drawings of the generic characters. 
Philadelphia: J. B. Lippincott Company. 1887. 


1888. 


CooKE, W. W.—U.S. Department of Agriculture. Division of Economic 
Ornithology. Bulletin No.2. Report on Bird Migration in the Mississippi 
Valley in the Years 1884 and 1885, by W. W. Cooke. Edited and revised by 
C. Hart Merriam. Washington: Government Printing Office. 1888. 


1889. 


BaRRows, W. B.—U. S. Dept. of Agriculture. Division of Economic 
Ornithology and Mammalogy. Bulletin 1. The English Sparrow (Passer 
domesticus) in North America, especially in Its Relations to Agriculture. 
Prepared under the direction of Dr. C. Hart Merriam, Ornithologist, by Wal- 
ter B. Barrows, Asst. Ornithologist. Washington: Government Printing 
Office. 1889. 


KEYES AND WILLIAMS.—A Preliminary Annotated Catalogue of the 
Birds of Iowa, by Chas. R. Keyes and H.§S. Williams, M. D. Proceedings 
of the Davenport Academy of Natural Sciences. Vol. V, 1889, pp. 113-161. 
Davenport. 1889. [Reprint; Extract from same. Davenport, lowa. 1589. 
Pp. 1-49]. 


[Proc. D. A. S., Vor. XI.] [Feb, 12, 1907.] 


on 
WwW 


398 DAVENPORT ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. 


189QI. 


Goss, N. S.—History of the Birds of Kansas, by N.S. Goss. Illustrat- 
ing 529 Birds. Topeka, Kansas: Geo. W. Crone & Co., Printers and Bind- 
Gide | Melee § 


1892. 


BENDIRE, CHAS.—Ljife Histories of North American Birds, with special 
reference to their breeding habits and eggs, with twelve lithographic plates, 
by Charles Bendire, Captain U.S. Army (Retired), Honorary Curator of the 
Department of Oology, U.S. National Museum, Member of A.O.U. Smith- 
sonian Institution. United States National Museum. Special Bulletin No. 1. 
Washington. 1892. 


BUTLER, AMos W.—The Birds of Indiana, with Illustrations of many of 
the species. Prepared by the Indiana Horticultural Society and Originally 
published in the Transactions for 1890, by Amos W. Butler of Brookville. 
Wm. B. Bradford, Printer. 1892. 


Hatcu, P. I,.—The Geological and Natural History of Minnesota. First 
Report of the State Zoologist, accompanied with notes on the Birds of Min- 
nesota, by Dr. P. L. Hatch. Henry F. Nachtrieb, State Zoologist. June, 
1892. Minneapolis: Harrison & Smith, Printers. 1892. 


OSBORN, HERBERT.—A Partial Catalogue of the Animals of Iowa Rep- 
resented in the collection of the Department of Zoology and Entomology of 
the Iowa Agricultural College. Prepared by Herbert Osborn. Published by 
Authority of the Board of Trustees. Ames, Iowa. 1892. 


1893. 


Cours, ELLioTr.—History of the Expedition under the command of 
Lewis and Clarke to the source of the Missouri River, thence across the 
Rocky Mountains and down the River Columbia to the Pacific Ocean, per- 
formed during the years 1804—5—6, by order of the Government of the United 
States. A New Edition, Faithfully reprinted from the only authorized edi- 
tion of 1814, with copious, critical commenting, prepared upon examination 
of unpublished official archives and many other sources of information, in- 
cluding a diligent study of the original manuscript journals and field note- 
books of the explorers, together with a new biographical and bibliographical 
introduction, new maps, and other illustrations, and a complete index, by 
Elliott Coues, Late Captain and Assistant Surgeon U.S. Army, and Secretary 
and Naturalist of the Geological Survey. In four volumes. New York: 
Francis P. Harper. 1893. 


FISHER, A. K.—U.S. Department of Agriculture, Division of Ornithol- 
ogy and Mammalogy. Bulletin No.3. ‘The Hawks and Owls of the United 
States in their relation to Agriculture. Prepared under the direction of Dr. 
C. Hart Merriam, Ornithologist, by A. K. Fisher, M. D., Assistant Ornithol- 
ogist. Washington: Government Printing Office. 1893. 


ANDERSON—THE BIRDS OF IOWA. 399 


NEHRLING, H.—North American Birds. By H. Nehrling. With 36 
colored plates after water color paintings by Robert Ridgway, Smithsonian 
Institution, Washington, D.C., Prof. A. Gaering, Leipzig, and Gustave Nuet- 
zel, Berlin. Milwaukee, Wis. [Published in parts. 1893-1897]. 


JoRDAN, DAVID STARR.—A Manual of the Vertebrate Animals of the 
Northern United States, including the district north and east of the Ozark 
Mountains, south of the Laurentian Hills, north of the southern boundary of 
Virginia, and east of the Missouri River, inclusive of Marine Species. By 
David Starr Jordan, President of the University of Indiana. Seventh Edi- 
tion. Chicago: A.C. McClurg & Company. 1894. 


Cook, A. J.—Bulletin 94. April, 1893. Michigan Agricultural Exper- 
iment Station, State Agricultural College. Zodlogical Department. Birds 
of Michigan. Illustrated. By A.J. Cook. 


1895. 


BEAL, F. E. L.—Bulletin No. 7. U. S. Department of Agriculture. 
Division of Mammalogy and Ornithology. Preliminary Report on the Food 
of the Woodpeckers, by F. E. L. Beal, Assistant Ornithologist. Washing- 
ton: Government Printing Office. 1895. 


BENDIRE, C.—Smithsonian Institution, U.S. National Museum. Special 
Bulletin. Life Histories of North American Birds, from the Parrot to the 
Grackles, with special reference to their breeding habits and eggs, hy Charles 
Bendire, Captain and Brevet Major U.S. Army (Retired), Honorary Curator 
of the Department of Oology of the United States National Museum, Mem- 
ber of the American Ornithological Union; with seven lithographic plates. 
Washington: Government Printing Office. 1895. Also published as ‘‘Smith- 
sonian Contributions to Knowledge,’’? No. XXVIII. 1892. 


GRUNTWIG, F. I,.— On the Birds of Shiocton in Bovina, Outagamie 
County, Wisconsin. Transactions of the Wisconsin Academy of Science, 
Letters and Arts. Vol.10o. 1894-5. Translated by Charles E. Faxon, from 
the Videnskabelige Meddelser fra den Naturhistoriske Forening i Kjobnhavn 
for Aaret 1887. Copenhagen. 1888. 


CHECK List OF NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS. Prepared by a Committee of 
the American Ornithologists’ Union. Second and Revised Edition. Zoodlog- 
ical Nomenclature is a means, not an end, of Zoological Science. New York: 
American Ornithologists’ Union. 1895. 


RIDGWAY, ROBERT.—Natural History Survey of Illinois. Laboratory of 
Natural History. S.A. Forbes, Director. The Ornithology of Illinois. Part 
1. Descriptive Catalogue, by Robert Ridgway. Vol.2. Part 1. Published 
by Authority of the State Legislature. Springfield, Ill.: H. W. Rokker, 


Printer and Binder. 
1896. 


BRUNER, LAWRENCE.—Some Notes on Nebraska Birds. A list of the 
species and subspecies found in the state, with notes on their distribution, 


400 DAVENPORT ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. 


habits, etc., corrected to April 22d, 1896. By Lawrence Bruner, Professor of 
Entomology and Ornithology, University of Nebraska. [Reprint from the 
Report of the Nebraska State Horticultural Society for the year 1896]. Lin- 
coln, Neb.: State Journal Company, Printers. 1896. 


CouEs, ELLIoTT.—Key to North American Birds. Fourth Edition. 
Boston. 1896. 


RIDGWAY, ROBERT.—A Manual of North American Birds. Second 
Edition. Philadelphia. 1896. 


SHOEMAKER, FRANK H.—A Partial List of the Birds of Franklin County, 
Iowa. Compiled by Frank H. Shoemaker. Hampton, Iowa. 1896. 


1897. 


ANDERSON, R. M.—A Last of the Birds of Winnebago and Hancock 
Counties, Iowa. With notes on 216 species, by Rudolph M. Anderson. For- 
est City, lowa. 1897. 


AUDUBON, M. R. AND Cours, E.—Audubon and his Journals, by Maria 
R. Audubon, with Zoological and other notes by Elliott Coues. New York. 
1897. 2 Vols. 


BEAL, F. FE. 1,.—Birds that Injure Grain. Yearbook of the U.S. Depart- 
ment of Agriculture. 1897. 
1898. 


DAVIE, OLIVER.—Nests and Eggs of North American Birds, by Oliver 
Davie, author of ‘‘Methods in the Art of Taxidermy.’’ The Fifth Edition. 
Revised, Augmented and Ilustrated. Columbus: The London Press. 1898. 


1899. 


Cory, CHARLES B.—The Birds of Eastern North America known to 
occur east of the Ninetieth Meridian. Water Birds. Part 1. Key to the 
Families and Species, by Charles B. Cory, Curator of the Department of Or- 
nithology in the Field Columbian Museum, Chicago; Vice-President of the 
American Ornithologists’ Union; Fellow of the Linneean and Zoological 
Societies of London; Member of the British Ornithologists’ Union ; Honor- 
ary Member of the California Academy of Sciences; Cor. Member New York 
Academy of Sciences, etc., etc. Author of ‘‘The Beautiful and Curious Birds 
of the World,’ ‘‘The Birds of the Bahama Islands,”’ ‘‘The Birds of Haiti 
and San Domingo,’’ ‘‘The Birds of the West Indies,’’ ‘‘A Naturalist in the 
Magdalen Islands,” ‘‘ Hunting and Fishing in Florida,’’ ‘‘ Key to the Water 
Birds of Florida,’’ ‘‘ How to Know the Shore Birds of North America,”’’ 
‘“How to Know the Ducks, Geese and Swans,”’ etc., etc. Special Edition. 
Printed for the Field Columbian Museum, Chicago, Ill. 1899. Ibid. Land 
Birds. Part II. 


BARTSCH, PAuL.—The Literature of Iowa Birds. A Complete Record 
of the Published Writings on the Birds of Iowa. Consisting, First, of a list 


ANDERSON—THE BIRDS OF IOWA. 401 


of the species with the references to each chronologically arranged under it; 
Second, a Bibliography citing the papers published annually from the time 
of the Lewis and Clark Expedition (1804) to the present date (1899). By 
Paul Bartsch. Presented to the State University of Iowa as ‘‘A Thesis for 
the Degree of Master of Science.’’ [In Mss. (typewritten), 3 vols., bound. 
University Library, Sec 5892, Nos. 57302-3-4]. 


1gOo. 


JONES, LyNnps.—Laboratory Bulletin. No. 10. Oberlin College. The 
Songs of the Warblers (Mniotiltide). J,ynds Jones, M.S. Instructor in 
Zoology. Also issued as a Wilson Bulletin, No. 30. Oberlin, Ohio. March 
20, 1900. 

Igol. 


RIDGWAY, ROBERT.—Smithsonian Institution. United States National 
Museum. No. 50. Washington: Government Printing Office. Igo1. The 
Birds of North and Middle America. A descriptive catalogue of the higher 

‘groups, genera, species and subspecies of birds known to occur in North 
America, from the Arctic Lands to the Isthmus of Panama, the West Indies, 
and other Islands of the Caribbean Sea, and the Galapagos Archipelago. By 
Robert Ridgway, Curator, Division of Birds. Part 1. Family Fringillidae— 
The Finches. Washington: Government Printing Office. Igor. 


1902. 


BAILEY, F. M.—Handbook of Birds of the Western Unites, including 
the Great Plains, Great Basin, Pacific Slope, and Lower Rio Grande Valley, 
by Florence Merriam Bailey, with thirty-three full-page plates by Louis 
Agassiz Fuertes, and over six hundred cuts in the text. Boston and New York: 
Houghton, Mifflin & Company. The Riverside Press, Cambridge. 1902. 


PREBLE, E. A.—U.S. Department of Agriculture. Division of Biolog- 
ical Survey. North American Fauna, No. 22. A Biological Investigation of 
the Hudson Bay Region by Edward A. Preble, Assistant Biologist, Biological 
Survey. Prepared under the Direction of Dr. C. Hart Merriam, Chief of 
Division of Biological Survey. Washington: Government Printing Office. 
1902. 


RipGway, R.—Birds of North and Middle America. Part II. Family 
Tanagride—The Tanagers. Family Icteridae—The Troupials. Family Coer- 
ebide—The Honey-creepers. Family Mniotiltidae—The Wood Warblers. 
Washington: Government Printing Office. 1go2. 


1903. 
CooKkE, W. W.—Some New Facts about the Migration of Birds, by 


Wells W. Cooke, Assistant, Biological Survey. Reprint from Yearbook of 
Department of Agriculture for 1903. 


JoNnEs, LyNps.—Ohio State Academy of Science. Special Papers No. 6. 
The Birds of Ohio. A Revised Catalogue by Lynds Jones, M. Sc., Oberlin 


402 DAVENPORT ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. 


College. Published by the Academy of Science with the Emerson McMillan 
Research Fund. Publication Committee: J. H. Schaffner, L.H. McFadden, 
Gerard Fowke. October 15, 1903. 


KUMLIEN AND HoLLIsTER.—Bulletin of the Wisconsin Natural History 
Society. Vol. 3 (new series). January, April, July, 1903, Nos. 1, 2, and 3. 
The Birds of Wisconsin. By lL. Kumlien and N. Hollister. Published with 
the codperation of the Board of Trustees of the Milwaukee Public Museum. 
Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 


CHAPMAN, F. M.—Handbook of Birds of Eastern North America, with 
Keys to the species and description of their plumage, nests, and eggs, their 
distribution and migrations and a brief account or their haunts and habits, 
with introductory chapters on the study of Ornithology, etc., by Frank M. 
Chapman, Assistant Curator of the Department of Mammalogy and Ornith- 
ology in the American Museum of Natural History, New York City; Mem- 
ber of the American Ornithologists’ Union, ete. With full-page plates in 
color and black and white, and upwards of one hundred and fifty cuts in the 
text. Sixth Edition. New York: D. Appleton & Co. Igo2. 


Igo4. 
PAARMANN, J. H.—Davenport Academy of Sciences. Special Circular. 


Birds of Davenport and Vicinity. By J. H. Paarmann, Curator, Davenport 
Academy of Sciences. Davenport. 1903. Pp. I-4. 


ApAms, C. C.—The Migration Route of Kirtland’s Warbler. By Chas. 
C. Adams. [Bull. Mich. Ornith. Club, Vol. V, pp. 14-21, March, 1904]. From 
the University Museum, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Mich. 1904. 


BRUNER, WOLCOTT, AND SWENK.—A Preliminary Review of the Birds 
of Nebraska, with Synopses, by Lawrence Bruner, Robert H. Wolcott, Myron 
H. Swenk. ° Klopp & Bartlett Co., Printing, Lithographing, Book Binding. 
Omaha, Neb. [1904]. 


RipGway, ROBERT.—Birds of North and Middle America. Part III. 
Family Motacillida —The Wagtails and Pipits. Family Hirundinidee — 
The Swallows. Family Ampelide—The Waxwings. Family Ptilogonatide 
—The Silky Flycatchers. Family Dulida—The Palm Chats. Family Vire- 
onidze—The Vireos. Family Laniidaee—The Shrikes. Family Corvidae—The 
Crows and Jays. Family Paride—The Titmice. Family Sittidae—The Nut- 
hatches. Family Certhiide—The Creepers. Family Troglodytida—The 
Wrens. Family Cinclide—The Dippers. Family Chameidee—The Wren- 
Tits. Family Sylviida—The Warblers. Washington: Government Print- 
ing Office. 1904. 


Cours, ELtiiorr.—Key to N. A. Birds. Fifth Edition. Revised and 
Enlarged. Two Vols. 1904. 


ANDERSON—THE BIRDS OF IOWA. 403 


The following periodicals and stated publications have contained many 

references to Iowa birds. Space forbids the enumeration of the notes, but 

~ many of the more important ones have been incorporated in the body of this 

work. Some of these publications have been ephemeral and are now almost 

unobtainable, and while many of their published notes have been of the 

amateur collector type, there has also been much of scientific value found in 
them : 


American Naturalist. 

Annals of Iowa. Des Moines. 

Auk, The. New York City. 

Bulletin of the Nuttall Ornithological Club. Continued as The Auk. 
Bulletin Michigan Ornithological Club. Detroit, Mich. 

Forest and Stream. New York City. 

Iowa Ornithologist. Salem, Iowa. Discontinued. 

Midland Monthly, The. Des Moines. Discontinued. 

Museum, The. Discontinued. 

Nidologist, The. Alameda, Cal. New York City. Discontinued. 
Observer, The. Discontinued. 

Oologist, The. Albion, N. Y. 

Oregon Naturalist, The. Oregon City, Ore. Discontinued. 
Ornithologist and Botanist. Des Moines. Discontinued. 
Ornithologist and Oologist. Hyde Park, Mass. Discontinued. 
Osprey, The. Washington, D.C. 

Proceedings Davenport Academy of Sciences. Davenport. 
Proceedings Iowa Academy of Sciences. Des Moines. 
Proceedings United States National Museum. Washington. 
Transactions Wisconsin Academy Science, Letters and Arts. Milwaukee. 
Western Ornithologist, The. Avoca, Iowa. Discontinued. 
Wilson Bulletin, The. Oberlin, Ohio. 

Young Oologist. Continued as Oologist. 


404 DAVENPORT ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. 


ADDENDA. 


Family CAPRIMULGID. The Goat-suckers. 
Genus PHALAHNOPTILUS Ridgway. 


354. (418). Phalenoptilus nuttalli (Aud.). Poorwill. 


The Poorwill is a species which has been reported from Iowa 
upon more or less questionable records, but seems to occasionally 
straggle into the state from the west. 

Professor H. W. Cooke says: ‘‘The scarcity of the preceding 
species [Whippoorwill] on the plains has been noted. Its place 
there is taken by the present species, which is a rather common 
summer resident in Texas, Kansas, Nebraska, and Dakota, pass- 
ing eastward, even to Grinnell, Iowa, where an accidental visitant 
was taken in 1880’’ (Bird Migr. in Miss. Val., 1884-85, p. 136). 
Colonel N.S. Goss (Birds of Kansas, 1891, p. 345) gives the range 
of the species as ‘‘western U.S., east into Iowa and Missouri; ”’ 
and Major Charles Bendire (Life Hist. of N. A. Birds, ii, 1895, p. 
153) as ‘‘casual east to Iowa and Missouri.’’ Bruner, Wolcott, 
and Swenk give the status of the species in Nebraska as ‘‘ west- 
ern part of state, common; breeding in the canyons of Sioux 
county and east at least to Long Pine canyon, probably across the 
state northward.’’ (Rev. Birds of Neb., 1904, p. 61). 

Carl Kelsey gives the Poorwill as a ‘‘rare accidental visitant’’ 
in Poweshiek county (O. & O., xvi, 9, 1891, pp. 131-4), but Pro- 
fessor Lynds Jones of Oberlin, Ohio, in a letter of March 3, 1904, 
states that this was ‘‘Wrongly entered. Records based upon 
hearing alone. . . closely resembled the cry of the birds which 
I heard in Algona in 1900. I have suppressed the record.’’ 

Dr. Isidor S. Trostler gives the species as a ‘‘ Very rare summer 
resident in Pottawattamie county. I took a set of two eggs May 
5, 1895; bird shot almost to pieces, but enough saved to make 


) 


identity certain.’ 


a a 


b ae VAP et 


ANDERSON—THE BIRDS OF IOWA. 405 


Family FRINGILLIDA. 
Genus DENDROICA Gray. 


*310. (672). Dendroica palmarum (Gmel.). Palm Warbler. 


The Palm Warbler or Red-poll Warbler is a common spring and 
fall migrant in the eastern and central portions of the state. I 
have found no recent records from western Iowa, although Audu- 
bon reports observing the ‘‘ Yellow Red-poll Warbler’’ near Coun- 
cil Bluffs, May 10, 1843 (Journals, i, p. 481). ‘*‘’The only Nebraska 
record is a specimen taken at Omaha, May 4, 1893, by L. Skow’”’ 
(Rev. Birds Neb., p. 104). 

The Palm Warbler migrates rather early, usually in the latter 
part of April or first week of May. It has been taken as early as 
April 25, 1892, in Johnson county (M. FE. Williams) and as late as 
May £1, 1897, in Winnebago county (R. M. Anderson). In Han- 
cock and Winnebago counties I have found the species abundant 
at times. The fall migration occurs late in September. The 
species differs in habits from most of its congeners in frequenting 
fields, roadsides and low bushes, very rarely being seen in the 
larger trees. 


ADDENDUM TO HYPOTHETICAL LIST. 


Family FRINGILLIDA. 
Genus PrucatA Audubon. 


25. (5754). Peucea estivalis bachmanii (Audubon). Bachman 
Sparrow. 

The Bachman Sparrow or Oak-woods Sparrow is a species of 
Southern distribution, and although there are no absolutely au- 
thentic Iowa records at hand, it is probable that the species occa- 
sionally straggles northward into the state. According to Pro- 
fessor Lynds Jones (Birds of Ohio, 1903, p. 150), it has appeared 
in Ohio since 1890, apparently from the southwest. 

Keyes and Williams (Birds of Iowa, 1889, p. 144) enter the spe- 
cies in their list upon the strength of a set of five eggs taken near 


*Omitted from body of work by mistake. Dendroica palmarum should follow D. vig- 
ors? ON page 337. 


[PRoc. D. A. S., VoL. XI.] 54 {March 21, 1907.] 


406 DAVENPORT ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. 


Des Moines, June 2, 1884, from a nest on the ground in a clover 
field. The bird was seen twice, but was not secured. Concerning 
this Professor J. A. Allen states (/é7d): ‘‘I have compared the eggs 
with those of P. estiva, P. cassini, and P. carpalis, and with those 
of other species laying white or whitish eggs. "Taking into con- 
sideration the situation of the nest—on the ground—and the geo- 
graphical distribution of the other species of Peucea and the few 
other species of Finch which lay white eggs, I should say that 
your conclusions that these eggs are those of P. estivalis bach- 
mani is highly probable—in fact, almost beyond question.’’ 

Robert Ridgway (Birds of North and Middle Amer., i, p. 256) 
gives the distribution of the species [Azmophila estivalis bach- 
manit (Audubon)]| as ‘‘north to southern Virginia, Maryland, 
southern Indiana, southern Illinois (north, locally, at least to par- 
allel of 40°), and southeastern Iowa, citing Keyes and Williams’ 
Des Moines record (supra) as ‘‘ Doubtful.” 


ANDERSON—THE BIRDS OF IOWA. 407 


HRRATA. 


Page 135, footnote 1, read Auk for Aux. 

Page 174, line 37, read gemmez for bemmez. 

Page 175, line 2, read greater Scaup for great Scaup, 

Page 181, line 2, read jamaicensis for rubida. 

Page 183, line 23, read nivalis for nivatis. 

Page 193, line 26, after Osborn insert who. 

Page 207, line 10, read Giddings for Giddinger. 

Page 220, line 17, read avenarza for aredaria. 

Page 251, line 24, read ASTURINA for ASTURNIA. 

Page 251, line 25, read Asturina for Asturnia. 

Page 252, line 13, read Archibuteo for Archibutea. 

Page 252, line 13, read Ferruginous for Ferrugineous.. 

Page 252, line 15, read Ferruginous for Ferrugineous. 

Page 258, line 11, read aliaétus for halictus. 

Page 261, line 7, read varium for vorium. 

Page 262, line 9, read acadica for @cadica. 

Page 268, line 13, insert quotation marks before 4th word. 

Page 273, line 28, read Woodpecker for Woodpeckers. 

Page 282, line 26, read viscid for vascid. 

Page 293, line 8, read Oberholser for Oberholzer. 

Page 312, line 3, read Cabanis for Cab. 

Page 320, line 21, read Avingilla for Fringtlle. 

Page 333, line 16, read /unifrons for ludifrons. 

Page 335, line 19, read RIPARIA Forster for CLIVICOLA Forster. 

Page 335, line 20, read Aiparia for Clivicola. 

Page 357, after 2nd line insert 310. (672). Dendroica palmarum. See 
Addenda, page 404. 

Page 357, line 3, read 311. (673). for 310. (672). 

Page 360, line 2, read May 21 for May 1. 

Page 370, line 31, read C1istoTHORUS for CISTOTHOROUS. 

Page 390, line 32, read C7stothorus for Cistothorous. 

Page 373, line 27, read Merriam for Merrian. 

Page 373, line 29, read Chickadees for Chicadees. 

Page 379, line 35, read swaznsoni for swainson, 

Page 387, after line 23, insert Family CATHARTID. 

Page 391, line 16, read Willow for Wilson. 

Page 392, line 15, read number for numbers. 


408 DAVENPORT ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. 
1GADS FAD) Aen De 
PAGE PAGE 
Neanthisplaittartaeen .syics aise aor 311 Aquila chrysaétos .... . 253 
hornemanni exilipes......... 388 Archibuteo ferrugineus.......... 252 
OSG np Goons coos ED coos DSOE 311 lagopus sancti- -johannis...... 251 
Accipiter atrcapillus 2.220 240 AT deaHerodiise qjeter on meee 196 
COOPCEIAS ea cit icisl-cin Gon Geet BA'5 sAndeidat <i. chose ete cree 194 
VElOK c.cmehed eased se naee tee 6244s Amd ell cew rar eeiioen cen eee 196 
NCEP IEEIM AS, gears stipes yes eee a 242. Ardetta exiliSo.e-/2 see eee 195 
Actitis macularia......... aoe 225) Areasw annals Ree a WAG 
INGtOdromas baincie seas see aro Arenarial marinellanse. ss. een aoe 230 
PUSCUCOMMS yeieren rsuepstels oeeerey Loker. 207 Arouatllamaarc tit ase ieee 387 
TOKO Com AtaiD AS on ecd DOS Mig, ASO ACOyoHsiwsvGooo5s00ers aoe 260 
mH, SGoqgancgceos occH cnc 218 magellanicus occidentalis.... 265 
Wd dendanenss scp Gore ee eter 4o4 magellanicus wapacuthu .... 265 
Echmophorus occidentalis ...... 148 Wilsonianus:. jo). tec e eee 259 
AB cialitisamelodays .- <2 eects cere 229 Astragalinus tristis......... Bz 
meloda circumcincta ........ 230). sAStUT! rns aber gee eee 246 
Semipalmataene meet aie eee 226) -AStunina plagiata see eee 251 
Agelaeince. i istent.mescese ee oiscude = 208°) AWKSE es on cos ocnseisyaee deer 152 
Agcelaius plhceniceuSa. ics see 300 Avocet, American... Pepa ris PIS) 
PHOEHICEUS MOLES Be claee GOL) sy cbnyea an Serercmyee eer.) een 175 
Agriculture, relation ‘tO, ct. ie AMCEI Calla cekec ae on eee 173 
ENTXES POM SAieieisceieuae aa cise ere cise 172 COATS 2 fet ase eer el7.6 
Adandidce rae erscis cee ais srere Os © sete 291 ina lamaewae ie. cee Ape eee 175 
INGE So 6c saith isan oo ees US 2 vallismeniavessiiassie seit 174 
PA NICITIER Sk acd taxefoticets syne Bie eis LG 152 B 
ANE XebbowGS 5 nGodgsacacg booO esas ac 272 
IN Kes Koren ag wes OO eee Pip MEX) Oo US |OWCGOMO? 550000 000000 374 
Ammodramus henslowi ......... 317. Baldpate*=..ccon cece eee 168 
henslowi occidentalis ....... 388 Bartramia longicauda........... 224 
LECONTEl yas eee nee hee aer Bite) . Irilolbroysawyalhy San paos0b05 cosocce 393 
NEISONI <<) ere Se ee toe STO eBitteriy Am cil Carine ann eee 194 
tanh etalbts Gere nyeri ana concentra aces ae 336 TE aStc wins ogee, cee eee 195 
Ampelinc Fe atich adee ee ye GO" blackbird, sBrewernmeeer <i 800 
Ampelis cedrorum shars fannie Slee Aes 337 N orthern Red- winged.. eles ytisvets 301 
grea Poco GAGono ubc0 odbano 336 Red=wingediews =. Aaa 300 
JATIAS) DOSCHAS ease eiteicie me = 166 ISU Bion Boas ce egnatloo. 306 
ObSCUirae nae: cee saeigcne see 167 Bhickebillediee eee 301 
ODSCluLa HUDELPeSie ae 4s Ser 167 Vellow-headedten. sem oeer 300 
Aciati das sitslaus serena eee or ey Solo IephewSorigel fo, 955 sage yoda usoc code 382 
Arathi] |e eae soe ah OD Chestnut backed: <..cee 383 
Anhinga anliitigaler, pc ll sere 160 Mountain & f5,0 ssn) seats oe ee 392 
Anhingide: .. GAGE oc Gena an. 160, Bobolink oc sac ae ee eee 298 
Anser albifrons Pamieli. ese. 784. Bobwhite ee sceneries ones 231 
INTISSRES A sn gde om cecbo cn eec6> Foe 163 Bonasa impels meester 232 
ASIREMNNES 555 50000059050 oo¢oeuc LSi Botavtinee: 0p. sterile 194 
Anthus pensilvanicus... .. ... 364 Botaurus lentiginosus.... peo MGV 
Sjoyeeasl aye esgotods ssdcce 365 Brant.. s 184 189 
Antrostomus vociferus .......... 280 Branta bernicla glaucogastra aeaae 189 
Aphrizidz .... 2... --.- see eee eee 230 Canad ensSiss2.5 2 citeecie ere 185 
Appendix, Bibliographical....... 393 canadensis hutchinsii........ 187 


ANDERSON—THE BIRDS OF IOWA. 


Branta canadensis minima....... 
Bubonided 2. s.....+- 
Bubo virginianus................ 
virginianus arcticus. 
virginianus pallescens. . 
virginianus subarcticus...... 
Bufflehead........ 
Bunting, Black- throated. . 
HEMI SO sae cise: cjeleione'e ois) c's =. 
Wars - ; 
STM OWiow dere otek 
Buteo borealis 
borealis calunmllSs 4.65). - : 
borealusshanlanie... 8-2 2-.- - 
borealis krideri...... 
lineatus 


swaittsoni. 
Butorides virescens. : 
PAUAZ AGG D EKEY’ ctricicn- sis)». 's'e tie «2s 


Cc 


Calamospiza melanocorys........ 
Calearius lapponicus .. 
OnMaAuISy =... 
pictus 
Calrdiisvarenaniamessesy ces 2... 
Callipepla squamata 0.4... 6.625 
Camivasbackr ina 1< tikes 6% sclte cos 
Caprimullicin een =... hte 
apmMUlsidee .. sc 's265 See. pee « s 
Cardinal. 
Cardinalis cardinalis .....0...... 
(Carnbigiieeis Se Scan onto en nee eos 
Carpodacus purpureus........... 
(Cantril, soq06 
CAtaGteSpalitapmctaes ose ses 
TIPO, Aaa ob Oa ate are 
Cathartidee 
Cemerotiyes AICI ys... 66s essen © 
Centurus carolinus 
pecenous pileatus abieticola.... 
Ceppitr os.) =. a 
Certhia familiaris americana..... 
Certhiide 
CERS MOG eo. seco sued aoddoas 
Whizemira PelagiCal sy. 6 eee. 6... 
Cheeturinze 
Charadride. 
Charadrius dominicus........... 
Charitonetta albeola... 
Chat, Yellow-breasted 
Chaulelasmus streperus......... i 
Chen czerulescens.. 
hyperborea 
hyperborea nivalis 
Chewink ....... 
Winickadees Jaasencs css sasebesa 


OC OOO 


DRO COORCONO Su COROME 


ew © 6) 6.60 6)\'e ie eis 6 0 ee @ «2 60.8 


stehehe) (sie) ee) fee e¢) « 06 


ee 


SiSiet@llelea es; 878.0 « 6 allele) ele, 0 es. 


siiwelaileieieie wiv ele 9 0 8.0 » eee 


ee twee tee 


ef.e.celleyelel<)jsleF = eee 


Chickadee, Carolina. ............ 
WOT SECAVEG) Ne, ce scticlaate eee 
Chiekent’ Pinta. 5240. aes sce 
VEN fi hhe (vay ae, Seana Mee Meneame SS» 
Chondestes grammacus.......... 
grammacus strigatus 
Chordeiles v IG SMAMIS: «6... 
virginianus henryi 
virginianus sennetti 
Ciconidee 
Cireus idsommSeaae- ese vee 
@istothorus stellaniss. v3 o5 44.2. 
Clamatores 
Clangula clangula americana..... 
Slain dices vases scicu asc ase 
Clivicola (Riparia) riparia 
Coccyges 


Coccyzusamencanus......:.. 202-4 
erythrophthalmus. .... 
Colaptes auratus luteus....... .. 
Cater collanisece. . «.eeaec ace 
Colinusvirsinianus:......5-.... 
Colermbae ik Seeeeie,. 1s Se atsinysy< cies 


holboelli.... 

nigricollis californicus. .. - 
Compsothlypis americana rama- 

line 


VAT ELIS: Meio en. yore cere ates 
Contributors........ 
Conurus carolinensis 
Coot 


Corvidee .. 
Corvus brachyrhynchos. 
corax principalis 
CORA SIMMALUS aie ee 
Coturnicops..... 
Coturniculus savannarum bimacu- 
latus 
savannarum passerinus...... 
Cowbird 
Crane, Little Brown 
Sandhya. scree cs see rae 
Whooping 
Creciscus 
Creeper, Brown 
Crossbill, American 
Wihite= winced ea eneeean ace 
Crow, American........ ; 
Crymophilus fulicarius .. 
Cry ptoglaix acadicay nyse ees er = 
tengmalmi richardsoni....... 
Cuckoo, Black-billed ...... 


410 


Cunlewarls kim Osment eine 
Fiudsonitanly nephew se ees 
Wongabilledaeeerereeieecieeee 

Cyanocitta cristata 

Cyanospiza cyanea 

Cygninz 

@ypseli. smitten: Sem: 


stele) ele)'sco!) wie te/io dele 
DECRG ML OMOCECECH CHO YEO ECCI CHC 


ORUTIIE, Gi 64 spon pheeoode wane 
Dendrolcasestivac estate ere 
blackburniz . 
czerulescens. 
castanea 
cerulea 
COronatal es. ase 
discolor, s.. 
dominica 
dominicaalbilota. Ssa..45 40. 
ieintlandigaee eee 
maculosa 
pensylvanica 
palmarum 
striata 
iDeinbNn. ococs 
vigorsi. ... 
virens 
IDtekKcrssely. Men eeea ceva ee 
Dolichonyx oryzivorus. 
Dons, MOhbbnebbale nooo bees ose J5° 
Doves 
Dowitcher 4 
Long-billed. : oe 
Dryobates pubescens medianus. oye 
VALOSULS Pere aie 
villosus jeneomelase 
Duck, American Eider. 
American Golden-eye. 
Baldpate. 
Barrow Golden-eye 
Blackie 
Blackhead 
Bluebill. 
Buthleheadee sce cr ieee 
(Canvasbackem a ener corn cei 
Fish. 
Gray . 
Greater Scaup. 
Harlequin 
NGhaker IONS oad edad Goon obaee 
Lesser Scaup 
Mallard 
Old=sqiaw*t< ese-o ier 
Pintail 
Redhead {ncieeet scien eee 


ster a! (6 ase) vi vefa je) 


see ee 


eee cere es 


a ee 


DAVENPORT ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. 


Duck, Ring-pilledy. oe cmece ene eee 176 
Runge ec xedaaae eieeet eer 176 
Ruddy vce sista eek cheer 181 
SCAUP sicisey sree on Sie wisels este ey ney 
Shovelleni.ce sence ereereee 171 
Spoonbill... 6 eka ones eer w7it 
SUMINEL ase crs Seles ee ere 172 
WOOdt secre ce eerie io eeu 

E 

Bagle wBaldpaxssonenecs soe reeee 253 
Golden: ht .ce ageecrce err 254 

HH CONOMmIG Waltiekes cre eee Mey dieyAl 

Ectopistes migratorius........... 239 

Benet Wooler 555550 o000d0000¢ 197 

Egretta candidissima ......:...6 197 

Ialoleig, MISMO Gogn05. cdosoace 178 
Kain 9:5. ac ee eegaie in eiee eee ere 179 

Mlanoidées forhicatusy pei eee 242 

Empidonax flaviventris.......... 287 
{MAN IITINISS eovesste le crovesesyetnereciorene 290 
tramllisc. ade otis etc cies cere 289 
trailliralmotneer cei eee 290 
VITESCENS 2 tienes ane 288 

Ereunetes occidentalis........... 220 
pusillus..... PE Ie etorT ooo c 219 

Erismatura jamaicensis (rubida). 181 

Hritonetta te acome nee cecceerenen 179 

FOnratals nee es cee . 407 

Euphagus carolinus | «aisle -o sevehtoslans 306 

Cyanoceplalusmerers.ieceteee 306 

1eyp- HOME G NAST sanconagoudoo- 269 392 

F 

HallcorcolimbarntttSseesesee sees 256 
{VERT CATIUS Senne ce ae eee 254 
peresrinus anatum ee eee 255 
TAKOOvnMOIOIO! sor ascascooeoouse 251 
SOAKOANIS S56 copa npocdo ONS 257 

Hallcon Rete sri eseae- nines 255 
Prairie sans coerce nie 254 

alcones:cjacdkniesieu ok chee ee 242 

Falconidzen teitoeee ete 242 

Hal coiminice seme eens bse 

JenbnGawiGrsicG, sono douucd boas CSD 315 
Putplessciadcen ceo one 309 

Flicker, North’n (Yellow-shafted) 278 
Redeshartedya4 nee ere 279 

Florida extulea 24.2) aoe 198 

Hiyeatcher, Acadian) 2: ee-en.cee 288 
ATOEr Ace ieee Cee eeee 290 
Crested!) °..5 7 ak sceuee eee 285 
Green-crested .........-.6+. 288 
WG CASUm, Site ait oye renter tale 290 
Olive-sided = 252.006 Aerie 287 
Trails. Mies. sctet ne eee 289 
Wellow-beliiiedReeareeeeeeiee 287 

BOO hoe sacs acs, acioevetniee newer 133 


ANDERSON—THE 


prevata aquila ./..5:0. 16+... ee 163 
ame e MEIC eisia wale i= Wills ces ae’ n o's 163 
PPA eB iris Geis «sss 2a. 163 
(Eg T@aU0 GG 2 ee ae 307 388 
SM Cay AMeTICAN A... .o0.000.5- 210 
EMME LINES Met sVefere.v ie. cls vis/e'ss¥%. 8-00 « 210 
POMBE ZS eee sa ck weak wets 173 
A MATA. kets ss 175 
G 

Cach vail Sanne snr ae meee 168 
Galeoscoptes carolinensis........ 215 
(atkinago delicata............-- 215 
Galkinnlavealeatas jos. ss. 00 «6 210 
Galinule Florida... 0. ...s..s 210 
UIT LS pereteiens. ies etal. eysisiepaie-eieis 209 
(GolSts bbe Se ee cr 209 
(CariqillinGe ye poanes hoOeneee OCC cae 294 
(Canaan Chi Cama tens cea erces< <5: I51 
UTA Glee tire crel oer cPesorevevonevsi cla. a.3 I51 
lnarrastrl Che tpaetes erates est faves o.5.cis, 5 152 
(GAWitG Eon sn een Bo CO Oona eemoe 151 
Gelochelidon nilotica............ 386 
Geothilypis-agilis . 2 s.ls ess ces 360 
HOTT OS Aes ary ereyentciay sis) <.«iatcel arn 0° 359 
Eeplitladel pia 2 52.55.2266... 360 
EMC WAS Seg cysieoa gc) eases 361 
trichas brachidactyla........ 361 
tniehas, occidentalis... ..,.. . 361 
Gnatcatcher, Blue-gray.......... 207, 
(Goatsuckensisce) --s4.<5 ‘eae Ate 279 
CGodwit, Eudsonian../....-...... 221 
IVa LEG iors ctire a aeisle wie was + - 220 
Golden-eye, American........... 176 
Barrow (Rocky Mountain)... 177 
Goldfinch, American ............ 12 
(Goose wOlUetee ns oes cies. aisava odie 184 
(CHO Ibias Ae 188 
CHTAG ERS CNBC OI OSE eee 185 

Es PHPELO Leese ee teie< We sexe 0 3:5, 300 
(Gideminere Silo choad sooeoodoe ac 183 
Ait GMa remiarety caste Ais.ce ve rave 187 
NGESSETOMOWey-cieieleras «cre «1 /- 181 
Wihitte-fronted. oss. no0-o2-. +. 184 
Goshawk, American............. 246 
INES (0 ea ae eee or 251 
Grackle, Bronzed. . eee 307, 
Grebe, American Eared.......... 149 
Holbcell 3.008 CORES TO SOIL Cran 148 
HTOTM eC eyes ca. aeela Mies cass, LAO 
125166 STS) N26 (Aa en 150 
IWIES Le talent ere ein levercisl es: cienevs 2/6 148 
Grosbeak, Black-headed......... 389 
ISGISS soon Dono Cen OC CnEEe 390 

Bay CAIN Ogee giac cis « < 2i-is's 7 /0\si<'s « 308 
NCHS CATINIE ITO. 2). cl. - [sie 308 
INOSE-DLGASEE Geren cies epee « 328 
WIEStGGMINDINIG Is -s).0 sche @ 390 


BIRDS OF IOWA. Art 
Grouse, Pinnated cic ace o. <0 ousck 233 
Prairie Sharp-tailed......... 236 
Grouse, Ruffled. / jc. .....-.... 232 
GENE Siem aye toa matt peie sters a Ce 201 
Cridae ere eer dec tas 201 
Gris AMERICAN a) aie sey ta 201 
CALaGenSiSaas asses, aoe coo 204 
Texel CATIC MME! Win ea ate). SE tos 205 
Guar aral bauer sites oct os: 386 
Guiraca czrulea lazula.......... 390 
Gull} Bonaparte..2.4.5..0... 204. 156 
1 Grech allel hbo Bee i en Re eA 155 
Great Black-backed......... 385 
UG tere OF. Sue erates Pee ates oycioichent 154 
Keita er, ccna ge ap ues 2h 385 
Waitt Shit Ge erator ee, ee 155 
Ronse lec te aie eee ete ee 154 
Sa DINes tee ene ae sor 156 
TOLOUST CNM yaa oe asterer 159 
H 
Halhietus leucocephalus ........ 253 
Harelda iyemalisn.=. i5..-. ue. 177 
Hawk, American Rough-legged.. 251 
Blackatie ene ea ee 248 
Broad-winged............... 251 
Coopernne mens eek see 245 
DOW CRAIYS ci eater es eek. - 255 
Ferruginous Rough legged . 252 
HIS faidyetarsce tae 8 apse els eae | 258 
Elana eee eee 248 
ELantiSie sacar seen eae 246 
Cte Een ebro fis Suey Chaka 247 
Mats lines aor ne ter eins oes water one 244 
BIG CON: Aa enc ou oe ebay eae 256 
Red-shouldered............. 249 
Red=tarl edie anan eas 4 sce ae 246 
Sharp-shinnedi is. ccnssiran as 244 
SPBLLO Were sictarcoisici sie 1s spe/ekehns 257 
SHMUTISONS wo cok ooo Facc Ge de~ 250 
Western Red-tailed.......... 248 
Helmintheros vermivorus........ 347 
Helminthophila celata........... 349 
Chingy SOptetasratac cir ieee 348 
Pere sriNaey veer sete 349 
PINUS Hh = ee ceceeee nea ies 347 
PUDEICADU Ay farcry rane seers 349 
Helodromas solitarius........... 222 
Fen, Mlanshlerr. a). ayer -feve nc iere gintets is 206 
ARAAGICHS, ue. cv aterere yersts sires eo 233 
HMerodiasteprettay: or. <1cq aea.en vais 197 
Hlerodityn. ceric asst ses oer oolanete 194 
HlerodioneSmanee sateen eer 192 
Heron, Black-crowned Night..... 199 
(Coxeriy ABIROKES Sc Gham Moe Aa aOe eS - 196 
(igs ipleconcn ape cancers. - 199 
Itt ISIBISGS so obeboce soc As dc 198 
SHOWA, HOEGconOCe coct 6 oomore 197 


412 
Heron, Yellow-crowned Night ... 200 
Hesperiphona vespertina ........ 308 
Eierofaleo. 7). jee 2.2 al 254 
Hamantopus miexiCanuSan... 1/1 214 
JsbbesbaGbwaboS 5o6ococpaoncoecooee 332 
Hirundo erythrogastra.........- 334 
Historical Work, Iowa........... 128 
Histrionicus histrionicus ....... 178 
Horticulture, Relation to........ 133 


Hummingbird, Ruby-throated ... 253 
Hydrochelidon nigra surinamensis 159 


iylocichilaralicice errr mes. seer 379 
aonalaschke pallasi......... 350 
HUSCESCEMS Se oem ines cere 378 
fuscescens salicicolus........ 391 
MIU Stel ita eee eee 378 
MStullatatalmlcese eerie ere 391 
WStulataSwaltlSOni 40 eee 379 

Ely pothetical Meister eerie eee 384 

iL 

EDIG CSI cesses tne meee 192 

Tio lice Mky.c, eects, <a eee 192 356 

TpisNG lossy sews. Sakae eee eee 193 
Wilhttesid Sierra. wee eee 356 
White-faced Glossy ......... 193 
WiOOG Sci Siiae tine pee Sree 386 

NcterianvinenS merece ae 362 

Rcterias: Sees nee oat craig cael 305 

Teterinse OM. eee eee eerie: 305 

eternusicalbulasanseeeeee eee 305 
SPURS ag, Solely eels etic sete 305 

Ictinea mississippiensis.......... 243 

imtroduced Species... ae er 384 

UnitrOdt Cli OL fey eet seen ler sie =g0 128 

Vonontiisimartinica ye saeeee aeneee 209 

Iowa, Climatology of............ 139 
Geological formation of...... 138 
Map of i095. neces facing 125 
Physiograply Of een. sanee 138 
Topography ote cee sees. 137 

inidoprocie picolerass- essence 334 

J 

JeSeh arasiiewmee sare eee loc 153 

i aivapB Lie) eee. fee a te Gna 295 

Jumco hy emalic ce eer naataer B24. 
Montana ins ct psc mme see 322 
agkopaleboia. Seance asnobodcsduE 32 
Pin ke<sidled) (oe bos ane ia: 325 
Slate=coloredaaner ere 324 
Shiutel d tie eee 324 

Kk 

Kalicdeer woe eaves Ae 228 

Kang bird 54 sis oo eee see 284 
Aransas fro ee ments case te 285 

Kinglet, Golden-crowned........ 376 


DAVENPORT ACADEMY OF SCIENCKS. 


Kinglet, Ruby-crowned.......... 376 
RGHS, MUIGSES OOM oo cogs oepoososce 243 
Rates Swalllow-talleqdiae meee 242 
Kittiwake tats oc Soe 385 
KnOt Re aictna os oeysier dere Catone 387 
‘ L 
Vand 67, nisin Ocean ee 338 
Lanius borealis.. e Fol Bets 
ludovicianus excubitorides.. = 338 
ludovicianus migrans........ 339 
Wanivired 2 k0le: setae a ee 342 
Waridce eee ee oir aee 154 395 
LARUE ne eg oe eo eee 154 
ark. Desert Hormed ssa 50. aeee 293 
Hornede ee foes ae ee eceee 293 
Oy te elonned ie ee eee 292 
Praine Tloredes jeer Mey a, PAS? 
WanWS areentatu San ane renee 154 
atricililaca*. ss). eee eee 155 
delawarensis........... 154 
frat triteeyeas ee eee 155 
MATINUS Facet ee ee 385 
philadel phiata.wace eae 156 
Leucosticte, Gray-crowned....... 311 
tephTecotisnss 2 ...56 seer 31 
Limicola-.. 274.5... eee ae 211 
Limosa tedoay ssa ce aoe 220 
heemlastica +. os cae 221 
Longipennes ts. 2-452 see 153 
Longspur, Chestnut-collared..... 314 
Tapland!e: a.) 6.2 eerie 313 
Mic Cowilistiy.: cea cere 5 gia 
Smith. .j4., -cn sk oes aeee eee 313 
T7OOM = 15 sos, appar Aes oe a Ee ISI 
Blackethroatedtmaeen senate 151 
Red-throated eee 152 
Lophodytes cucullatus........... 164 
Loxia curvirostra minor......... 309 
leweopterdrese eee eee eer 310 
M 
Miacrochires ies. sc: eee eee 279 
Macrorhamphus griseus........ 216 
scolopaceus! 2.. 54250. =e eee 
Magpie. 2 crac os ait eee 294 
Mallard . ee ten Siro oder G 166 
Man-o’-war Bird .............. 163 
Mareca americana. sa-sseen. ees 
Wlehewinals Ie weAOMES Wf cco nechance se 332 
Meadowlark auc.) eee 302 
Western 94.2 .Naaseo- er eee OB 
Megascops asio. .... 2% Oe 
Melanerpes erythrocephalus _ tet 2 2G 
Melanitta'n..2° 338 eee 179 
Miclea casita See 237 
Meleagris gallopavo silvestris .__ 237 
Melospiza cinerea melodia ...... 325 


- ’ s i Cig ee ee ee 


ANDERSON—THE BIRDS OF IOWA. 


Melospiza georgiana 
lia CO ITER ee ey oso eco oe eve 
NersanseryAmerncans ...... 
americana 
Hooded . 
Red- breasted. . 
serrator 
Mergine . . S000 os00 DBE 
Merlin, Richardson . NRO : 


elielaials eueiv eiee.0 ee ele eo» 


Merula migratoria. ‘ 380 
Micropalama himaniopus soo so0d 217 
Micropodide .. 282 
iterations ier eres 5255 voce. 134 
Migration Routes ........... 135 
PVE gpa stereo iaioih.c) sions sis'eieic Ds. 305 
IMDbaNDOES Geman aiae AOC heer 365 
WHETHSEpOly@lOttOS).. J... 262s 3s 365 
Vii talany aid aes seen Sees or 344 
MIO AS sieves wees. os 344 390 
WKOCKANS DITA: cer wse ces see ene 365 
GME TS) averse eicciee ese «a 299 
Mota cil daar Saerrciasteisictelsisie.e 6.5.01 364 
Mitre ws nttmiaiehhee=- ccs. 22... 152 
Myadestes townsendi....... 301 
Mryjarchuserinitus:...... ..:... 285 
N 

INGOCOGY Si art eeroenateishc «ef eisie's sic 365 
Nettion carolinensis. ............ 169 

CHE CCAM ayer sisics cas ofele b.cie's'c 386 
IGT E RAW Rae oe Siaele. cs wiv. cia Scie tas 280 

DIOUHEt Leon cars <acists ese ols’ 281 

WGSIGEN GS odo omaco Senter anee 281 
Nucifraga columbiana........... 297 
Numenine .... Sapo Ona 225 
Numenius borealis .............. 227 

MIRE SOUICHS Sects dra vinjs.0)5<' + =e 226 

POM SIROSEIS ey a Ue syn 3iea\cls 2s). 225 
NiiterackeryClanke=.s)2... «25s 207 
Wuthatch, Ried-breasted ......... 373 

Wibite=breasted2a.5 2.4... .4- 373 
INuttalillonnis borealis ......4..... 287 
Nyctanassa violacea ... 200 
ING CUCAR TRY. CLEA, co =. sacs cctis 2 cisic,0 266 
Nycticorax nycticorax nzevius.. 199 

O 

Oidemia americana.............. 179 

SST ANGI oo. sias5 0 0 we 179 

MGRSDICUNALA, 5 recs case eis'as sreie's 180 
Olbiorchilus hiemalis............ 370 
@ldesquawea. fastaesalece cass os 177 
WOT OU CEMIALOT  <c's occ) Cieie)s @ aye'e IgI 

COltiMMOTANUIS a0. sejes c= « clei 1g0 
Oporormis. ........... eee ee eeee 359 
OriolewBaltimOre. sso. ses) oes nse 305 

(Crrchtixéle pp geeas SoOC OE maooe 305 
CO RGHINESG 0 ape C OU nnDO Boeri 291 


(Proc. D. A. S., Vor, XI.] 


on 
on 


Osprey, American.. : Goce 3 25s. 
Otocoris alpestris alpestris. malernetye 291 
aUIDESEEIS HOE | ose. qn 292 
alpestris leucolaeema ......... 293 


alpestris praticola........... 292 
Ovenbird 


- Ss eae cis aon (oie lwatald. oispeteyerale apy 
Owl, American Hawk ........... 267 
Arctic Horned!.......... -265 266 
Bare hie sokeee hone mae 255 
IBALTeM sy susciccre oo Da dea oe 261 
Burrowiten 7 ist? eae ge coe 268 
GreainGtayy cons cease cokes 261 
Greathlormed.. sce amas en 263 
Wong-eared: Gos ce sce ven 8, 250 
Richardson ..2 ha..cs ge eeeny 387 
SAWHWHEES wens creme tere 262 
Sereechie ee cei eee 262 
SAO MAeeNRAEl 4 cotcaooduabobuen 260 
TOMY crapattene ore siotovers Aeon @e tere 266 
NVESEEEnMOriued says er aeieree 265 
Osyechus;vOcieniss. ose oe eee 228 
P 
Balnaieo le Leecataer <'S tase aioe ate 201 
Pandion haliaetus carolinensis... 258 
Parabuteo unicinctus harrisi..... 246 
Ranid acer ats eins seer aye 
Ie hob okseyaemomis ridge MEROe BO.CH Ee A 374 
Paroquet, Carolina seer soe 269 
PALS ey yacttrrs |< /cterrtooee icin 232 
Scaled ae restorers ene 232 
Parus atricapillus otereqeeee toons 374 
atricapillus septentrionalis. . TS 
Carols pee eeeEereeeeeeerter 375 
Passerculus sandwichensis  sav- 
AMMA ro nisi, cieis ojeeiers sis ee eee 315 
Basser omestl cusses oeiee 384 
passerelilasiliacaune sere mieceeccate 326 
Passehlias MivaliSy-y prem eiieeee ae Bir) 
Pedioczetes phasianellus campes- 
Lit See ccisen = ceric oe armete eee 236 
Pelecanidee. Sh..00 clase etree oe 161 
Pelecanus erythrorhynchos...... 162 
fUISCUS oeiiercte Pong otateieeon tee 163 
occidentalisteeaass. eee eee 163 
Pelican Browtilt. seins cece cet 163 
WIKIES Saxo steer cision ein Sevens 162 
Pelidna alpina sakhalina......... 219 
IREITOME CCA crper cre Sretersts cher terel =o oncrs 180 
Pen Gulinisy tvereieo ce cieve cele sere t= 305 
Perdicinee ens. occ ac caste lee 231 
Petrochelidon lunifrons.......... 331 
Peuczea cestivalis bachmannii.... 405 
IRE KES sana coaenosouoKdooeUdoobde 286 
SAYe Hava owsie ove sletaya sas efapeaeieienere 286 
Wood. Fe otto ereas seme eee 
Western PWood ivy ieee eee 388 
Phalzenoptilus nuttaili. ......... 404 


{March 29, 1907.] 


414 DAVENPORT ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. 
PRhalacrocoracid2eee rem eieeeieeiei LOl OLS Cellini = i en 306 
Phalacrocorax dilophus.......... 161 Quisculus quiscula zneus........ 307 
Pitalarope sNonrthermyera ieee es 212 R 
ROG ecgiets nists Sisistericlapiesiestar Dyer 
WallSOnees Gr aietaneran 2 ceicnc ers 212” Rail Blacks...ct er cena 209 
Phalaropodida enc erisc: steer aoe 211 Carolina... aves se se slasineniee 207 
Rhalaropuslobatuseessccc--6 246- 212 Kae os ances ors i eae ume 206 
Bhlasianieye ws coeee secs e sk eeoe SOLdy2 6: pees oem eeas sae LOW, 
iPhalsianiGoomeas er serertot ara 5 BAT Wirginia.. <0 se see eee 207 
Philacte Sele Mee veievavejeie Sle seees 386 VWeWOWescacieucnets oe eee oe 208 
Philohela minor. . L aucates eats Qucrentey 2 UA eaRUel Lt er eee bec I 206 
LEGIONS niin ond oF og Ioana boD. Aso) IRENBGES 555500 62a: 6 Shs bho IO 206 
DAY, a2 Fee cise cieies vies e cin “1 ee 286. Ralline cocks cae ence eee eee 206 
Picagoicaiidsonica. . a... esse ae 294 Rallus'elegans <j... ome Cee 206 
UCT ie eee mac inulais « 2.s'o ta cieiehs iiss 273 VIESINIANUS 42... eee eee 207 
IOVGUOE Sok -s BACAR n mae ORI Sri os 273 Range of Species:mace: . gee ae 137 
Picoidessarctieus.)./.. -6 ..0cesuues 277A) RA DUOLES ney. eee ee eee 241 
JENGRNOIL, JPARS SEES oon sooo onodKe 220) (Raven Ameri canter rinse eee 295 
Pigeons. . aio, 0, POSES 238 Northern. vende asia s eee 296 
Pinicola enucleator canadensis. . . 308 Recurvirostra americana.....-..- 213 
ina teaall Sepa eyes erecors. sices nee ea retene WAL AN cberbro seo 544. 54a coon cuc- 213 
Pipilo erythrophthalmus...... 3261359) Redhead ease ene eect 
maculatus arcticus .......... 389° -Redpoll (5.4. Sac smeee pre eae 311 
Pipit; American. 2... .2.5.2cstenes S04 Greaters a. .5 cect inscn dst ene 311 
S PLAGE ae ee sac seein’ mater 365 EROALY:. hos.ciet ss Ge Rate eee 388 
Pirangaerytaromelas. 2236. sa-- Sole Neds tart eAcn era Cataene se aera 363 
ICONGR, s556bca00c0d00ne 390. “Rfed=taillee as amaaceoer ieee 246 
MUD TAS 6 Gb isk cite mare 33 WieStert) aco ciescicts ys clom tere 248 
Plegadis autumnalis............. 193), Reouilitize: {amare sine sete eee 246 
guarauna Bee EN One ee Log) Resulusicalendulay. 4.49 seaee 376 
Plover, American Golden........ 22 SACKADA 5 as) Jaedenar 376 
Belted PAPI odie starches Ss ee ser 230 Rhynchophanes macowni........ 314 
Blackebellied: <.:5.c2- aceeos ser 227 Riparia (Clivicola) riparia ....... 335 
Kill deer aan eeatastes oeacerm, 220) HRuSSantridactylametsaen er eect 385 
PAP Gs fo 5 a. cis aiceste2) cave sie bys eteke 229) INobiny Amen Canleew acess 380 
Semipalmated. ..:.-.2.6. 2. 229) Rouph-leg, Americana c.cw-esmere 257 
Rodicipidzeanesnrccete Se eee ee LAS 9) | Herr ginousmeoeceeeeeeeeee 252 
POCICIpIGES 5.2 cues weno eve 148 S 
Podilymbus podiceps............ 150 
Polioptilarczsnulleasg a. <..-ce cio: 377) Salpincteslobsoletuszs aseeeeere 367 
Polioptilinze o\5. ssasicseewesormen & B778 (Sanderlings sess seis eee 220 
Roocetes pramineuss jae «esses 315 Sandpiper; Bairdeit. -s3.eeaees 218 
gramineus confinis.......... a5 Battramianee= senescent 
ROOT Wall cotisicte cars aieeieiorel a nclsrsye 4o4 Butt-breasted!:..- es eeenee aioe 225 
IOWA CAROLITA, o5 on doodococcbon 207 TGASE,..cat Ris ee han coeur 218 
JANN Al COMSISY. 10,0 074 Stcjeiersieys 655) 209 Pectorala x races ceric errrt 212 
MOVEDOLACEHSIS ya easier 208 Red=breastedaucecieeece eee) 
Praline HIE ss ken sia daeiecineieuse nese 222 Semii-palmated! 22. ss... +- se) 209 
REOSNE SUDISH aie yatee cies Wiens ce) vase 332 SOlitaiayajesctivorreais eee etre 222 
PrOtonotaGiaelenedle eerie te 345 Spotted si is.csierncrn coomerameee ae 225 
IPSItCACH 5 scishadaiosuersieterevs: solstice 269 Stilts ct. ghada te vaceneoees 207, 
Peittacidas:, jesssiasutsc pe sisiae east 269 Upland ..2.3505 <>. ocem aa 224 
Py SOpodes: cc seuss ssc one sel oles 148 Western Semi-palmated ..... 220 
O Sapsucker, Yellow-bellied........ 275 
Sarcorhamphi.: ca... 2.15 eae 241 
Oral pels seco econerbecal oie phen eessaan ete 227) *Sawibill.i. Sos Saacssass sae eeareeeree 163 
Querquedula cyanoptera......... 170 Gayornis phoebe.-2.= 2.4 samesmee 200 


CISCOLS asses siae ocean 169 SAY Ata every as, arcrereie chroot ene 286 


ANDERSON—THE 


Scaup, Greater... 
Lesser . 
Scolopacidee 
Scolopacinze 
BCUteie AUNCMICAN, ceases caensie 
Siete EA a: S poroid Cotes 
White- winged... 534 OC eT OLROL aae 
Scotiaptex nebulosa 
Selucus aurocapillus...2-........ 
motacilla 
novoboracensis notabilis.... . 
Setophaga ruticilla 
Shoveller .. 
SiimlkenINonthertinescs.s2s 2-206 
Migrant 
Northern Loggerhead 
White-rumped 
Sialia arctica. ... 


SiN (el@ie 9/86 66 =e vly «6 = 6 6 « 


Se es ee Yi 


soe e Feet wo eee 


ae 
ee oS, 
Wor cee ce 
ie a ukeces 
ee ere: 


ase2e Cites ecauaece 


sialis 
STS athe ot1 pee repeats ieis:sicce myc a.aian3 
SittameaimaGdensSiS. «cess. 6 cece cs ss 
CArOlMeNSISeemcictoeccrm ens oo 8 
Sittidee 
SHA Pe MAISON a, <i einseincse apes <* 
ACK Sa ecmcrersana ci esas 
Sin@norindl, A gage ee ORC cei es 
Snowflake 
Solitaire, Lownsend :-...:...5.... 
Somateria dresseri............... 
Seals 
Sora. 


= ele iPielaie, Selec: oe ee «6.4 6 610 6 
ee ey 


nile ele ks\e1si= 01° «66/6 =e o-oo, 61° 


ee 


Baird Pheer MaCciars mise eee 5.6 


Gaps 
Clayecolored irae a clases A 
English 
LIGIGS GSR 6 Shek eer eee eae 


Riciwiisisisis = nse (elein ese 0 


wiekie) (oi sh.e} (sie 6ce (sia) a) 16) .#.)0':0)'s 0) ‘6 


IS arrays Ae sg r oe eae eae 


1 LANE ee =, Seek ee eee aa 
Leconte 
Lincoln 
Nelson 


46/0) « pie sie © 0 a6 6 « owes te 
CMB Wie 0400 eo do us a 6.6 6 6 


ee 


Vesper 
Western Grasshopper........ 
Western Henslow:. <5. ./:4..- 
Westerman... ccs fteas. 


sw efal eye caja -)ee.0 0 =. ds 0 6 2m 


BIRDS OF IOWA 415 
Sparrow, White-crowned ........ 21 
Winite-throated eee... .s.5ae5 332 
Spatula clypeata..osc55 .4seec08 Lyi 
Spliyraphicus varnis ......c4e eee 275 
Speotyto cunicularia hypogzea ... 268 
Spinus pinus Rick Dichs CGO Sine Nes ict a . 312 
Dplza americana. st: 2... ese ns cue 329 
Spizella monticolavr cs. 67 s.esbes 322 
pallidate ter 4 ie ess0tcho ee 32 
PUStl ae een ts sar be Soe 324 
SOCIdNISE Scie rasta can cs \cae noes 22 
Squatarola squatarola ........... 227 
SlLESAnOPOUESeen Een ae sence 160 
SLELaAMOpls) HrICOlOm.sss..s52. 5s 212 
Stelgidopteryx serripennis....... 336 
Sterconida eee. 2. y.scaine: 153 
Stercorarius parasiticus.......... 153 
Sterna antillarum.......... 158 
CAS DIGe tear ames ie scare cs 156 
LOXESteMH Ae ae ee octet 157 
Iniran dO weise ears < stece oe 1538 
Stermlinceyc sere mete s hcl eee nee 156 
Stilt, Black-neckeds. .7..:..2:;.. 214 
SEreplocemyle me cemaaeee see cee 272) 
Simi gesien ate Graeme tals oon eeea 258 
Strigidee. : . 258 
Strix pratincola .. 258 
S Elite ell agra osname eiee i eists eee 302 
magna neglecta eepers oreieles seas 302 
Sturnellinze eta teLore ats. sis) crete e 302 
SUMMA A. sees elie oes ale 392 
Surnia ulula caparoch........... 267 
Swallow, bankets.. sete see cee eis 335 
Bail aysiaieitcreta sate 63st sie ieee 334 
Gite vec eer cae wise winrec cnt 333 
Rouch=wittted sec. cee sel er 335 
GES Hs tere ie reyes ales 1st Pe 334 
Wihite-bellicdeaen ose. oe see 334 
Swat, (rum peters ics. «sess o18 IgI 
IW HISEMIG has oe. Mea dease 1g0 
Swift, Chimney...... 282 
Sylviidae nF see eee theese oe 376 
Symphemia semipalmata........ 223 
semipalmata inornata ....... 22 
Shale Wawairrl 5 oe coancos aooot 261 
at 
Tachytriorchis . 250 
Tanager, Louisiana.. 390 
SCALlebieage sees sae ease ee 331 
SS LMTTUTT C521 cio) oteiel ov skew siecle ish eiere 331 
Managridaewace eee ae Meee ees 331 390 
Mantalusdocwlatotr. ace esses ee 386 
deal eb lne=win ecient er. eer 160 
@innamonit sansa ses seen 170 
EVULOPEAN eee Meyckeaes Hee ee 386 
Green-witlSed. 225.200 s2000- 169 
Telmatodytes palustris iliacus.... 371 


416 
Meany BECO cao oconsoo0ndae0DaC0 159 
CASE Gobcccdc bon coco addr 156 
Commi onaseee ee ert eerer 158 
MOKSterici.cceacehensters sveteioetenesene 157 
(Guill-billedee ieee eceeiaecror 386 
IVEASG Goge c0és ScocacaoudoNr 158 
shetraonidae peace ior 231 
Retraominlee/e eer ercielers 232 
AM aA TET, BARON, ooe.socoeo0e poor 367 
Tehs1iShi pA Cerne a iatoacioe coceructe 379 
INT Se Go Cobo O06 C000 6000 Dx 391 
Gray-cheekede aay rtcieiiersl S79 
LER bays easels tersieta schon ia 380 
Olive - backed terete poacher 379 
Wall Owe Sa tacteiercite syccoeceessicuets, stene 391 
\WiISobdl sHGobod kobe. oboe dd c 378 
AW OO Cetera ic cisetreeienekren eters 378 
iiryonianes) DewiCki ej ee 368 
Thryothorus ludovicianus ....... 368 
AibakayROKOIMS Grogcoobocsoccad acne 256 
DuharowS), Awl Sos Se Ondo oKe 374 
ANG WARMEE) SENAHNSS So50 bb00 coe cobE 222 


telanOleniCliUSh a. sie see ee 


MONEE = sad odds dnaactc Coon oscc 326 
AT CLIC Fremersets Mertee vette sce rei 389 
Moxostomay nubile syle eres 367 
Iabayege, Csalbhew, . cc0052¢0009 cocc 387 
rin gince exes eb ee eee aes. 1200. 
ABREU Greats agabacecDs opuors 283 
AMRe bE Coys cao gua nace co0000C 283 
srochilistcolubi Seeeeeieeereeceet 283 
Troglodytes aedon aztecus....... 369 
aédon parkmani .... 369 
AOAC HARITES G55 Gdee Goon 4560 50C 367 
Tryngites subruticollis. yi... = 22 
AMGIRENC ES. 5 song 0000 aon 377 391 
Thibgebools sean eaaaroG shas ooo GIOd oo 37 
ask ey; pNWall ine eerie ieee 237 
Avuniaistomes Rare diye ese rele 230 
Tympanuchus americanus....... 233 
AMweihlcBennas Saco coos dans bo 284 389 
Ayagehebonbls wyisqebadawS. G55aGn5 000006 284 
VenELCAliSi semmreciemeinere -heco 
U 
Wray lomviak. Secteoscimettcree o: 152 
(SgoNSn cio beanoadodas Hooch UoGL 153 
Vi 
Wireorbelliy cate eeancnactniee ects 343 
MW osa onda dacanoue ovo occas 343 
Blwe=Wead ediney-ry-teraele keris 342 
Lien pbagoiwnn Gann adae- Gaus Gc 342 
GAL VUS Se ysieyeveyetehere.s coeredeteraiciotere 341 
HOVeEHOLraCeuSIS jee eat 343 
OMVACECUS Se pee crane: trent: 340 
Pivilad elipliaepercreeee meee 341 
philadelphiicus Sacensctere arora 341 


DAVENPORT ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. 


Wireoy Red-eycdeeerereerreeerre 340 
Solitarilish ames ce eee 342 
Solitary, Wace cnase er eee 342 
Warbling: 22a. anes] pe eeireere 341 
Winite-eyvediyeccr areca 343 
Vellow-throated: -a.cee sees 342 

Wireonide aes cece ene 340 

WATREOS ANI co 54 coonq008 » 340 

Wnllaibds, EWC 655 56nouno0s4ouos 241 
Durkeyi vais os sere see 387 

W 

Woactalls ti ua.ccts smc eeeeeee 364 

Warbler, Bay-breasted...:..... .. 354 
Blackburniani.. seo ee 355 
Black-=pollly soe seo 354 
Black=throatedsBliuew: = semen 352 
Black-throated Green ....... 356 
Bivieaviin ed eae ieee 347 
BlackvandiWihites see eee 344 
Canadian... .8 its o22 cna 363 
Capes Mary ia. sas ca ts neeenee 350 
Cerulean pose ectaeene ease 353 
@hestiut-sided asses nene 353 
Connecticut: pseu see 360 
Golden=winged-=... = sees ae 348 
Hooded Stscreiees 362 
Kentucky ieee coerce 359 
Kirtland), hoa ese eee 390 
Magnolia <cc..i0s: sk anos eeee 352 
Motmnine eee ee. 360 
Mlayactl eset eierete 352 
Nashivilles 235s) tee eee 349 
INothernieeatullae anne 350 
@range-crowiledieeee ee eeeee 349 
Orange-throatediaa eee 355 
) S05 60 MRR RM ele Bes A 405 
Parulass Sieg eaioeee ieee eee 350 
Pine. 2..sGcen eee 356 
Prairi 6 Pikigsccon ee eee 357 
Pro thon tany aera s eee 345 
Sycamore meee eee 355 
LENNESSCC aa <2.2. epee eee 349 
Wiesternuearuilla yee eee 350 
WialSOT a2 vcictorots neato ere ee 363 
Wiormrea tino ee seer 347 
Well Owe neater 351 
Vellow-throateds sen ae 355 

Water-Thrush, Grinnell ........ 358 
Towisiana.. 4) ccc 5 ee 359 

Waxwing, Bohemian............ 336 
Cedar <a-..oectn see ane eeee 

Whippoorwill scene scene 280 

Waidséon, Amenican teense] seer 168 

\WeUN Rees Seca ee sy sco eess soos ee 223 
Western isi.a cris wer nacersileene 22 

Walsoniascanadensiss---ee eee 363 
Mitrata = ccwaescrasere ase 362 


ie a ll I oe att 


| 
| 


‘-ANDERSON—THE BIRDS OF IOWA. | 417 


Walsonia pusilla, -.5.....5.06... 363 Yi 
Woodcock... 222. .:.. 214 
Woodpecker, Arctic Three-toed. . 274 Yellow-legs, Greater. oo. 222 
Golden-winged. .:...... 1. 278 Teasers eC ee an 
airy fo. 2: "srr seeees 273° Yellow-throat, Maryland Faoese SON 
Northern Downy. SUES IE ie Norther Ths cGac. wesc at tas 361 
Northern Hairy ........--. ZI Nester: 5:(eeys Sta ae gO 
Norinerm Pileated.-......... 276 YVphantes......... ih s05 
Jed] ei MG eA aie 277 oP id 
Red=-headed= 9. ........... 276 
BMett BOWICK Fait y oe c5c esos 0's 368 . Z 
Carolinas. “2s sae 2= 5: 5a {she 
EL OUSC HINES i react sos = 369 
Long-billed Marsh ...... .. 371 Zamelodia ludoviciana. ......... 328 
ratte Marsh. iia. k eo. 4 25.5 371 melanocephalas oy. 250. 389 
IRCOke. Tea heer Boyer Zena Gincee eee a ees re de 2 .. 240 
Short-billed Marsh ......... 370 Zenaidura macroura.............. 240 
NVGSteEiE el ONSG ammeter 6300) Zones, Vite! aoc. sc ss. - sass sn. « 141 
\NAUOUES” 5g — Sey SO Un eee 370 Zonotrichia albicollis............ 322 
x COROMALART 5 Se arte coe ra 3heS) 
LeTCOphiny Ss aemta eae en 321 
Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus. 300 leucophrys gambeli ......... 321 
PMCSMARSAINTIII oe ssa. wea ore o's 3 3 156 Cuenullan ae ee sot ae nee 320 
ERRATA. 


Page 144, line 3, read Long-tailed for Long-billed. 

Page 282, line 33, read Charles R. Keyes for Charles P. Keyes. 
Page 379, line 35, read swazusont for swainson. 

Page 4ol, line 22, read Birds of the Western United States. 
Page 405, line 34, read page 357 for 337. 


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7 Nee 


THE BIRDS OF IOWA 


= BY RUDOLPH M. ANDERSON: = eS eee 


es 
Maat ar taabeg 39 


4 
if 
K 
, 
5 
ii 


- Beginning with Volunie) XI the Deine Radome. of aa 
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CEEDINGS. To avoid the delay incident to waiting for vol- 
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DAVENPORT, Iowa, °° EY SS Fees CSREES ce eee ag a 
March, 1907... ee eas pe eee. 


Aa oye Ba 


Pata aa 


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nhbird O 
The bird 


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