_| THE BIRDS OF WYOMING
~~} > Wir aN EXPLANATION oF RECENT CHANGES IN
OF THEIR DISTRIBUTION
Economic ASPECTS ALSO CONSIDERED
BY :
B. H. GRAVE anp ERNEST P. WALKER
UNIVERSITY OF WYOMING
JUNE 1, 1913
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THE BIRDS OF WYOMING
WITH AN EXPLANATION OF RECENT CHANGES IN THEIR
DISTRIBUTION
ECONOMIC ASPECTS ALSO CONSIDERED
BY
B. H. GRAVE AND ERNEST P. WALKER
UNIVERSITY OF WYOMING
JUNE 1, 1913
GON TEN ES
PAGE
Discussion of Wyoming conditions in regard to birds... 5
~ Complete list of birds known to occur in Wyoming..... 23
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Pipe tO Perici... ks ry > fo. s et Ri eo gat 131
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Rocky MouNTAIN SCREECH OWL
(Afegascops asio maxwelliae) Young
Sheridan, Wyoming Photo by Chas. W. Metz
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WYOMING BIRDS
This bulletin is the outcome of a survey conducted by the
Department of Zoology of the University of Wyoming for
the purpose of ascertaining whether the balance of nature
has been disturbed as more and more of the territory of the
state has come under cultivation. It was thought that the
changing conditions in the state, including increased raising
of grain and planting of shade trees, would enable more
birds to find food and suitable nesting places than formerly.
The birds seemed as likely to be affected as any group of
animals and the extensive data collected at an earlier pe-
riod seemed to furnish a basis for comparison.
Mr. Walker, who had had experience in collecting and
who is now in the government service, was employed to
assist with the work of the survey. He has spent two sum-
mers in the field collecting and has brought together all
available data from former collectors in the state. Letters
were also written to prominent citizens of Wyoming in
regard to the abundance of birds now as compared with ten
years ago. The results of the work of collectors and the
observations of citizens all indicate that many birds are on
the increase, especially those which live partly or wholly
upon seeds or insects and which are consequently of most
benefit to farmers in the control of insect pests and weeds.
Old residents of the state, and collectors whose experi-
ence extends over a period of several years, are almost uni-
versally of the opinion that certain birds are much more
abundant now than formerly. In their replies to circular
letters sent out, they have frequently specified the species
which have been affected in this way. It will readiy be
6 WyYoMING BIRDS.
seen that those mentioned are the ones which would .be
expected to show the influences of the factors indicated
above. ‘Those most frequently mentioned as having in-
creased in numbers include the Robin, Meadow Lark, Blue-
bird, Mourning Dove, Crow, Brewer’s Blackbird and Cow-
bird.
Many birds which were reported as rare in W. C. Knight’s
“Birds of Wyoming,” published in 1902, are now reported
by collectors as being fairly common. It seems, therefore,
that Wyoming is rapidly becoming a more hospitable place
for birds in general.
There is considerable evidence to show that the quail has
only recently migrated into the state, and that its migration
was from Nebraska up the valley of the Platte River. At
present it has penetrated as far as the mouth of Horse Shoe
Creek, on the Platte, and as far as Uva; om the Waramie
River, which is tributary to the Platte. The quail seems to
have appeared in Wyoming first about 1890, and one in-
formant thinks that it dies off during the winters from lack
of food, and is prevented from further migration into Wyo-
ming only because of lack of seeds.
A similar evidence of the effect of food supply on the
presence of birds in the state is given by Stanley Jewitt, of
the U. S. Biological Survey, who says:
“I found some kinds (of birds) very common in the
more cultivated sections of Idaho and Wyoming during the
last three years that were almost, if not entirely, unknown
a few years ago. Such birds as the Bobolink, Yellow-
headed Blackbird, and Lark Bunting follow the farmer as
soon as irrigation systems are completed.”
One of the most interesting points ascertained is in re-
gard to the English Sparrow. In reply to a query as to
whether there are any isolated towns in Wyoming to which
WyYoMING Birbs. yi
this sparrow has not yet found its way, Professor B. C.
Buffum replied that there seem to be none of these spar-
rows in some of the smaller interior towns, such as Ten-
sleep and Nowood. Mrs. Eva G. Lambertson of Lander,
Wyoming, reports that there were no English Sparrows in
that town ten years ago, but that they are rather numerous
now, having come mostly during the past five years.
Forty-five species of birds new to the state have been
reported since the publication of Professor W. C. Knight's
bulletin. It is hardly possible that these have all come into
the state since that time. Most of them had probably been
overlooked before.
The. following quotations are extracts from letters re-
ceived in reply to questions sent out by the writers, and are
representative of the numerous letters received from the
people who have had wide experience in the state.
QUOTATIONS FROM LETTERS RECEIVED.
tr. From William Richard, Taxidermist, Cody, Wyo-
ming :
“It has been my opinion for several years that the birds
are on the increase, excepting the sage hens, ducks, and
eagles, which seem to be decreasing.”
2. From Louis Knowles, Forest Supervisor, Sundance
National Forest, Sundance, Wyoming:
“There has been a marked increase in the number of
birds in this region during the last ten or fifteen years.
The increase has been in numbers and not in species. The
increase is undoubtedly due to the gradual increase of cul-
tivated areas.”
3. From John Hunton, Fort Laramie, Wyoming:
“The Quail or Bobwhite first made its appearance in the
Wyoming section of the Platte Valley at the Wyoming-
8 WyomInc BIrbs.
Nebraska line in the summer of 1890. They have grad-
ually worked up the valley until they have reached the
vicinity of Guernsey. ‘They have also worked up the Lar-
amie River to the neighborhood of Uva. They are not and
have not been numerous, being pioneers, as it were. Dur-
ing the winter of 1908-9 a covey of twenty-two frequented
my yard here and fed with my chickens. On last Friday
morning, June 14, I heard two Bobwhites on my meadow
at Gray Rocks, on the Laramie River, ten miles west of
here. Occasional coveys are to be seen or heard along the
valleys of both rivers as far as I have indicated. The quail
evidently followed the course of the Platte Valley from
Nebraska, and they are gradually working farther up the
tributaries of the Platte as fast as the grain belt advances.
I believe the cultivation of the soil to grains of various
kinds is the only thing which has induced them to migrate
west.”
We, therefore, feel justified in concluding that the
changed conditions in the state in respect to increased
raising of grain, tree planting, and the irrigation of large
tracts have been the direct cause of the increase in the num-
ber of birds, an increase which has been so marked that
residents of the state in general have noticed and com-
mented upon it.
Although many birds are steadily increasing in numbers,
it seems likely that game birds are decreasing, owing to
excessive hunting. It is rather difficult to judge of the
relative numbers of certain game birds as compared with
former years, because they do not nest in the state. ‘They
may seem to vary from year to year, possibly taking dif-
ferent routes in migration. Collectors as a rule report sev-
eral species of duck less numerous than in years past. In
fact, 1t is generally recognized that they are decreasing in
WyoMING Birpbs. )
all parts of the country. The eagles are also decreasing in
numbers, probably because gunners are too likely to shoot
when the opportunity comes. ‘These birds are also fre-
quently caught in traps set for coyotes and other animals.
THE ECONOMIC VALUE OF BIRDS.
It is well known that birds are among the most important
factors in checking the damage done by insects to agricul-
tural crops. It is an established fact that insects became
terrible pests in Australia shortly after the wholesale de-
struction of the birds from eating poisoned grain intended
for rabbits. Certain families of birds feed almost exclu-
sively upon insects. Certain other families are efficient
agents for destroying weed seeds. The Sparrows, Horned
Larks, and Finches, and in fact all birds which have a
short, thick, conical bill, are mainly seed eaters.
THE AMOUNT OF FOOD CONSUMED BY BIRDS.
One is likely to suppose that the birds can not be of any
great economic importance because they are small and in-
significant in appearance. Before deciding upon this point
it might be well to consider that they occur in enormous
numbers and eat amounts altogether out of proportion to
their size, when judged from our standards. Digestion
goes on very rapidly in these warm-blooded, active animals,
and so they eat almost constantly. In cases investigated, it
has been shown that food passes entirely through the diges-
tive tract in the course of an hour or an hour and a half.
Birds frequently eat the equivalent of eight full meals per
day and consume approximately their own weight of food.
This is true more especially of young birds, which in
a few cases investigated have been shown to swallow
more than their own weight of food and increase from
twenty to forty per cent in weight daily. Some one has
1O WyYoMING BIRDS.
said that young nestling birds seem to be all mouth and
stomach. ‘These facts become significant when you con-
sider that if human beings ate at the same rate, one man
would require about one hundred pounds of beef steak per
day, and the high cost of living would become a problem,
sure enough.
The United States Department of Agriculture employs a
number of reliable scientific men to investigate and report
on the food and habits of birds. These men are publishing
interesting figures to show the economic importance of this
eroup of animals. ‘The following figures are taken largely
from these reports.
SOME SPECIFIC EXAMPLES.
tr. “A Palm Warbler has been seen to capture from 40
to 60 insects per minute. It worked at this rate for four
hours and, therefore, must have gathered about nine thou-
sand five hundred insects in that time.”
2. A Northern Yellow-throat ate eighty-nine aphids in
a minute and worked at this rate for forty minutes.
3. A Nashville Warbler ate forty-two Brown Tail Cat-
erpillars in thirty minutes.
4. Prof. Beal of the U. S$. Department of Agriculture
has reported that seventy entire grasshoppers and the jaws
of fifty-six more were taken from the stomach of a Frank-
lin’s Gull.
5. Dr. Judd is authority for the statement that seventeen
hundred weed seeds were taken from the stomach of a
Bob-white.
6. ‘The stomachs of Sparrows are always found full of
weed seeds and, being so numerous, they must be regarded
as important factors in checking weeds.
7. Prof. Aughey states that, during the locust outbreak
in Nebraska, he saw a pair of Iong-billed Marsh Wrens
WyoMING BIrbs. II
take thirty-one small locusts to their nest in an hour. A
pair of Rock Wrens took thirty-two locusts to their nest
in an equal period of time.
INSTANCES OF EFFECTIVE WORK BY BIRDS.
Many instances might be given to show that birds are
actually effective in checking outbreaks of insect pests. It
seems that birds are able to collect where insects appear in
unusual numbers, and so they put down uprisings which
tiveaten- 10 do damage: -It appears that. Prof. Forbes of
Illinois was the first to notice this ability of birds.
1. Mr. O. E. Bremmer, in a letter to the Biological Sur-
vey, dated at San Francisco, March 16, 1908, says:
“The canker worm episode is quite a common one with
uc here. -In.one district *- *-* ‘there has been a threat-
ened invasion of the prune trees several times, but each
time the Brewer’s Blackbirds came to the rescue and com-
pletely cleaned them out. I have often seen bands of black-
birds working in an infested orchard. They work from
tree to tree, taking them clean as they go. If a worm tries
to escape by webbing down, they will dive and catch him in
mid air.”’
2. ‘There is a true story which reads like a myth, since
it tells how the pioneers of Utah were saved from starva-
tion by the timely appearance of a flock of gulls. In the
spring of 1848, the Mormons had planted several hundred
acres of wheat in the valleys southeast of the present site
of Salt Lake City. In May the fields were green and beau-
tiful, but in the latter part of this month a horde of Rocky
Mountain Crickets came down from the hills and devoured
every green thing in their path. The fields were black with
these clumsy insects and the people were desperate. After
trying in vain to destroy them by various means, they were
almost disheartened, when a flock of Sea Gulls came from
12 WYoMING Birps.
the islands of the Great Salt Lake and began to devour the
crickets. The strangest part of the story is that the Gulls,
after filling their crops, would go to the streams and after
drinking some water, would disgorge, and then return to
the feast. After a few days the fields were rid of the crick-
ets and the Gulls returned to their island homes. To this
day the pioneers delight to tell how they were saved from
starvation by the intervention of God in their behalf. “Both
sentiment and law prevent people from killing the Gulls. In
fact, when these white-winged birds are seen, they inspire
a feeling of reverence.’ On October I, 1913, a monument
to the Gulls was unveiled in Salt Lake City. One side of
it bears a bronze tablet with the following inscription :
SEA “GULL MONUMENT
ERECTED IN GRATEFUL REMEMBRANCE *
** OF THE MERCY OF GOD *
TO THE MORMON PIONEERS
al. - ~ ale le
> >K *K x > > *K *K
3. The following quotations are from Mr. Edward
Forbush of the Massachusetts Board of Agriculture:
“T once noticed that in an orchard infested by canker
worms, those trees nearest some woods were soon cleared
of these worms, mainly by Warblers which came from the
woods and sprout land to feed upon them.”
“The enormous numbers of insects that breeding War-
blers must secure to feed their young may be inferred from
the fact that each young bird requires fully half its own
weight of insects each day. As the young are fed very
largely on caterpillars, and as they are reared_at a time
when these insects are most plentiful, there is no doubt re-
garding the restraining influence exerted upon the increase
WyYoMING Birpbs. 13
of such insect life throughout the north temperate zone by
a family of birds so abundant and widely distributed as the
Warblers. The usefulness of these birds in migration con-
sists in their eminently insectivorous habits and in the power
possessed by them, in common with most other birds, of as-
sembling quickly where food is plentiful. They thus form
a sort of aerial police, whose chief function is to put down
uprisings of injurious insects.”
One fine Sunday im October; 1904, I saw.a. flock of
Warblers about a few poplar trees near the river. They
were feeding on swarms of mature aphids. I watched them
at intervals all day. The flock seldom exceeded fifteen
birds, mostly Blackpoll and Myrtle Warblers. Before night
the swarms of insects that had been so numerous in the
morning had dwindled so that it was rather difficult for me
to secure a specimen, although the birds still found some.
When I went there the next morning a single remaining
bird was still finding a few, but I could not see a specimen,
nor have I seen one there since.”
“In 1905, I returned to my home at Wareham, Massa-
chusetts, the first week in November, and found a flock of
Myrtle Warblers busy hunting over the limbs and twigs of
some apple trees and pear trees near my house. From the
actions of the birds I concluded that they had discovered
an outbreak of some pest, but at first I could see nothing on
the twigs that they were inspecting. By watching them with
a glass, however, I soon saw exactly where they were find-
ing food. I saw that they were feeding on a minute cicada-
shaped, black insect. This, indeed was the only species of
insect I could find on those trees. Three of these insects
were secured and two were sent to Dr. L. O. Howard, Chief
of the Bureau of Entomology at Washington. He identified
them as the imago of the pear tree Psylla, a pest which has
4 WyoMING Birrps.
been very destructive to pear orchards in Maryland and
New Jersey. I learned that the birds had been visiting
these trees for about two weeks. At the time of my return
they had evidently disposed of most of the last brood of the
season, for although they were still finding a good many on
the day of my return, they found very few afterwards,
though they visited the trees daily for a week longer. These
insects hibernate on the trees by hiding in the crevices be-
tween the twigs and are thus exposed to the attacks of birds
all winter.”’
4. From Special Bulletin No. 3, University of Nebraska,
by Bruner, I take the following interesting computations :
“In nearly every case where the food habits of our birds
have been carefully studied, we find that the good done far
exceeds the possible harm that might be inflicted by our
birds. Allowing twenty-five insects per day as an average
diet for each individual bird, and estimating that we have
about one and one-half birds to the acre, or in round num-
bers, 75,000,000 birds in Nebraska, there would be required
1,875,000,000 insects for each day’s rations. Again, esti-
mating the number of insects required to fill a bushel at
120,000, it would take 15,625 bushels of insects to feed our
birds for a single day, or 937,500 bushels for sixty days, or
2,343,750 bushels for one hundred and fifty days.”
When put in this way, the economic value of the birds is
easily comprehended as a real fact.
5. From an article by Dr. Sylvester Judd, of the U. S.
Department of Agriculture, these figures are taken to show
the amount of weed seeds destroyed by seed-eating birds:
“Prof. F. E. L. Beal, who has carefully studied this sub-
ject in the Upper Mississippi Valley, has estimated the
amount of weed seed eaten by the Tree Sparrow (Spizella
monticola), Junco (Junco hyemalis), and other Sparrows
WyomINc Birps. 15
~
that swarm down from Canada in the fall and feed on the
rank growth of weeds bordering roadsides and cultivated
fields. He examined the stomachs of many Tree Sparrows
and found them entirely filled with weed seed, and con-
cluded that each bird consumed at least a quarter of an
ounce daily. Upon this basis, after making a fair allow-
ance of the number of birds to the square mile, he calcu-
lated that in the State of Iowa alone the Tree Sparrow an-
nually destrays about 1,750,000 pounds, or about 875 tons,
of weed seed during its winter sojourn.”
These quotations are, perhaps, sufficient to call attention
to the fact of the enormous economic value of birds. We
are likely to underestimate their services until we study
their habits more carefully than is our custom. Many birds
destroy a certain amount of grain and fruit, but even these
do more good than harm in nearly every case. With very
few exceptions, birds are beneficial and are protected by law.
Aside from their practical value, birds add to our pleas-
ure. That being the case, it is well to attract them to our
homes by placing food where they are likely to seek it and
by planting shrubs and trees to which they may come and
build their nests.
This bulletin is not intended to take the place of Prof.
W. C. Knight’s bulletin on “The Birds of Wyoming,” which
contains descriptions of the birds and many figures. It in
no way replaces the earlier work, but furnishes local lists
which should be of service to any who may wish to study
the birds of a certain locality. It brings together the work
of various collectors and observers who have given the sub-
ject considerable attention. It brings the result of the com-
bined efforts of all collectors up to date. As stated above,
forty-five new records for the state are established, as well
as a few new breeding records. Comments are added at the
10 \WYOMING Birbs.
end of each local list concerning the new or interesting
points contained in it. The first list in the bulletin includes
all the birds which are known to occur in ‘the state, and
immediately following it a hypothetical list will be found.
Particular attention is called to the former list because it
contains an account of the food and nesting habits of the
various families and should furnish valuable information to
anyone who cares to learn what any particular bird feeds
upon. Finally it is hoped that this bulletin will succeed in
calling the attention of citizens of the state to the value of
the birds and thereby arouse a sentiment which will lead to
their better protection, not necessarily through law, but
through a kindlier feeling of appreciation.
RECOM MENDATIONS.
The laws of the state are good and are quite sufficient
if enforced. Lawless people should be made to feel inse-
cure when they violate the statute quoted below. Public
sentiment is a good thing to make a law a living force.
Little can be accomplished by multiplying laws, but a
great deal can be done to attract birds to the home. Birds
do not like to stay where cats are numerous. ‘They will go
where food and water are to be had and where there are
trees suitable for shelter and nesting.
Bao *GeAvie
WyomInc Birps. 17
The State Law in Reference to Birds
(From the Wyoming Compiled Statutes, 1910, Page 721.)
“SEc. 2788. UNLAwFuL To Kni—PEenarty. Any person who
shall, within the State of Wyoming, kill or catch or have in his
possession, living or dead, any wild bird other than a game bird, or
who shall purchase. offer, or expose for sale any such wild bird
after it has been killed or caught, shall for each offense, be subject
to a fine of not more than five dollars for each such bird killed or
caught, or had in possession living or dead, or imprisonment for not
more than ten days, or both, at the discretion of the court. For the
purposes of this chapter the following only shall be considered game
birds: The Anatidae, commonly known as swans, geese, brant and
river and lake ducks; the Rallidae, commonly known as rails, coots,
and mud-hens; the Limicolae, commonly known as_ shore-birds,
plovers, snipe, sandpipers, tatlers, willets, curlews, godwits, and avo-
cets, sagehens, partridges and quails.
“Sec. 2789. DESTRUCTION oF EcGs—PENALTY. Any person who
shall, within the State of Wyoming, take or needlessly destroy the
nest or the eggs of any wild bird, or shall have such a nest or eggs
in his or her possession, shall be subject for each offense to a fine
of not more than five dollars, or imprisonment for not more than
ten days, or both, at the discretion of the court.
“Sec. 2793. Birps Nor Prorecrenp. The following named birds
shall be exempt from protection under the provisions of this chap-
ter, viz.: English sparrow, magpie, sharp-shinned hawk, Cooper’s
hawk, gos hawk, duck hawk, golden or brown eagle, kingfisher and
blue heron.”
cyt
6.
NI
Y.
WYyoMING BIRDS.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Some Common Birds in Their Relation to Agriculture: F. E.
L,. Beal. Farmers’ Bulletin No. 54.
Our Meadow Larks in Relation to Agriculture: F. E. L. Beal.
Yearbook, Department Agriculture, 1912.
The Crow Blackbirds and Their Food: F. E. L. Beal. Year-
book, Department Agriculture, 1894.
Food of the Woodpeckers of the United States: F. E. L. Beal.
Biological Survey—Bulletin No. 37.
Food of Our More Important Flycatchers: F. EF. L. Beal. Bio-
logical Survey—Bulletin No. 44.
Relations Between Birds and Insects: F. E. L. Beal. Year-
book, Department Agriculture, 1908.
Food of the Bobolink, Blackbirds, and Grackles: F. E. L. Beal.
Biological Survey—Bulletin No. 13.
The Relation of Birds to Fruit Growing in California: F. I. L.
Beal. Yearbook, Department Agriculture, 1904.
The Warblers of North America: Frank Chapman. Appleton
Company.
The English Sparrow as a Pest: Ned Dearborn. Farmers’ Bul-
letin No. 493.
Hawks and Owls from Standpoint of the Farmer: A. K. Fisher.
Biological Survey—Circular No. 61.
Useful Birds and Their Protection: Edw. Forbush. Massachu-
setts Board Agriculture, 1907.
Game Birds, Wild Fowl and Shore Birds: Edw. Forbush. Mas-
sachusetts Board of Agriculture, 1912.
Fifty Common Birds of Farm and Orchard: Henry W. Hen-
shaw. National Geographic Magazine, June, 1913.
Value of Swallows as Insect Destroyers: Henry W. Henshaw.
Biological Survey—Circular No. 56.
Does It Pay the Farmer to Protect Birds? Henry W. Hen-
shaw. Yearbook, Department Agriculture, 1907.
Food of Nestling Birds: Sylvester D. Judd. Yearbook, Depart-
ment Agriculture, 1900.
Birds of a Maryland Farm: Sylvester D. Judd. Biological Sur-
vey—Bulletin No. 17.
WYoMING Birps. 19
19.
20.
2h.
IN
The Relation of Sparrows to Agriculture: Sylvester D. Judd.
Biological Survey—Bulletin No. 15.
The Bobwhite and Other Quails of U. S. in Their Economic Re-
lations: §S. D. Judd. Biological Survey—Bulletin No. 21.
Birds as Weed Destroyers: Sylvester D. Judd. Yearbook, De-
partment of Agriculture, 1908.
Three Important Wild Duck Foods: W. L. McAtee. Biolog-
ical Survey—Circular No. 81.
Our Grosbeaks and Their Value to Agriculture: W. L. MicAtee.
Farmers’ Bulietin 456.
. Our Vanishing Shorebirds: W. L. McAtee. Biological Sur-
vey—Circular No. 79.
5. Index to Papers Relating to the Food of Birds: W. L. McAtee.
Biological Survey—Bulletin No. 43.
Relation of Birds to Grain Aphides: W. L. McAtee. Year-
book, Department Agriculture, 1912.
. The Horned Larks and Their Relation to Agriculture: W. L.
McAtee. Biological Survey—Bulletin No. 23.
The North American Eagles and Their Economic Relations: H.
C. Oberholser. Biological Survey—Bulletin No. 27.
Cuckoos and Shrikes in Their Relation to Agriculture: Beal
and Judd. Biological Survey—Bulletin No. 9.
Some Common Game, Aquatic, and Rapacious Birds in Rela-
tion to Man: McAtee and Beal. Farmers’ Bulletin 497.
. Food of Some Well-known Birds of Forest, Farm, and Garden:
Beal and McAtee. Farmers’ Bulletin No. 506.
. Bulletin No. 20, State Geological and Natural History Survey of
Connecticut, 1913.
BIRD NOTES |
COMPLETE LIST OF THE BIRDS OF WYOMING, WITH
NOTES AS TO THEIR DISTRIBUTION AND
ECONOMIC VALUE
REVISED TO JUNE 1, 1913
COMPILED FROM ALL AVAILABLE SOURCES
BY
B. H. GRAVE AND ERNEST P. WALKER
Grek Ak EIS i
ORDER I. PYGOPODES.
COLYMBIDAE (Grebes).
The Grebes are not numerous enough in this state to have any
great economic importance. They feed upon a varied diet, consist-
ing of small fish, tadpoles, small crustaceans, aquatic and land in-
sects. They also eat a great deal of vegetable matter (grasses and
water plant). They are considered harmless and their glossy feath-
ers are valued for millinery purposes.
REFERENCES :
1. Forbush: “Game Birds and Shore Birds.” Massachusetts
Board of Agriculture, 1912, pp. 45 and 48.
2. U.S. Biological Survey Bulletin No. 17, p. 79.
U. S. Biological Survey Bulletin No. 38, p. 14.
1. Aechmophorus occidentalis: Western Grebe.
Apparently quite rare in this state. Since the publication
of Knight’s book it has been reported but once. This rec-
ord is by Blackwelder, in the Tetons.
2. Colymbus holboelli: Holboell’s Grebe.
“Migratory; rare. Dr. Jesurun of Douglas has one speci-
men taken October 18, 1893, and Mr. Bond has mounted one
for the Cheyenne High School collection. Mr. Bond has
seen several on the lakes at Cheyenne.” (Knight.)
4. Colymbus nigricollis californicus: Eared Grebe.
The most common Grebe of the state, found in almost all
suitable localities up to 8,000 feet. Reported by almost every
observer.
6. Podilymbus podiceps: Pied-billed Grebe.
“Migratory; very rare. The only records are those of
Bond of Cheyenne and Dr. Jesurun of Douglas. Dr. Jesu-
run took one specimen at Douglas, May 5, 1891.” (Knight.)
24 WyoMING Birps.
GAVIIDAE (Loons).
The Loons are not abundant enough in Wyoming to be of any
considerable economic importance. ‘They feed very largely upon
fish.
REFERENCES :
1. “Game Birds and Shore Birds,’ Forbush. Massachusetts
Board of Agriculture, 1912, p. 55.
?, Yearbook of the Department of Agriculture, 1900, p. 433.
7. Gavia immer: Loon.
Fairly common migrant and possibly some are summer res-
idents.
ALCIDAE (Auks, Murres, and Puffins).
34. Alle alle: Dovekie.
Accidental visitant. Reported by Lockwood. Specimen
taken near [,aramie, 1904.
ORDER II. LONGIPENNES.
LARIDAE (Gulls and Terns).
The only Gull which occurs in sufficient numbers with us to be
of economic value is the Ring-billed. While this group of birds
feeds largely upon materials picked up from the surface of the water
(dead or dying fish, garbage, etc.), the inland forms eat large num-
bers of grasshoppers and crickets. The larger species also feed upon
mice and other small rodents. They have been known to rid a large
territory of a pest of crickets. (See page 11, this Bulletin.) The
Terns also feed upon grasshoppers and other insects.
REFERENCES :
1. Year Book, Department of Agriculture, 1908, p. 194.
2. Chapman’s Hand Book of Birds, 1912, p. 152.
3. Bulletin No. 20, Connecticut Geological and Natural History r
Survey, 1913, pp. 264-265.
4. Bancroft’s “History of Utah,’ p. 280.
“Sea Gull Monument,” pp. 267-274; “Young Woman's Jour-
nal,” Salt Lake City, November, 1913.
ot
40.
51.
53.
54.
30:
59:
60.
62.
69.
WyromInc BIRDS. ; 2
On|
Rissa tridactyla tridactyla: Kittiwake.
“Accidental and very rare. The Wyoming record is based
upon a single specimen taken at Douglas by Dr. Jesurun,
November 18, 1898. This bird has also been taken in Colorado
and occasional stragglers may be looked for.” (Knight. )
Larus argentatus: Herring Gull.
Apparently increasing in numbers. Reported by Mr. Rich-
ard as being a common summer resident at Yellowstone
Lake and in Big Horn Basin. There is a specimen in Chey-
enne which is said to have been taken on a lake near there.
Fe le
Larus californicus: California Gull.
Mr. Lockwood reports several from the Laramie Plains.
Breeds on Yellowstone Lake. See Skinner.
Larus delawarensis: Ring-billed Gull.
Abundant summer resident on the Laramie Plaitis, and in
the northern portion of the state. Probably occurs over al-
most the entire state.
Larus brachyrhynchus: Short-billed Gull.
Exceedingly rare. Mr. Lockwood reports it from the Lar-
amie Plains.
Larus franklini: Franklin’s Gull.
One was taken May 6th, 1912, near,-Wheatland, Wyoming.
See Lockwood.
Larus philadelphia: Bonaparte’s Gull.
In addition to Knight’s records in regard to this bird, it has
been reported only by Metz, from Sheridan.
Xema sabini: Sabine’s Gull.
Two birds have been taken from the Laramie Plains. See
Lockwood. 4
Sterna forsteri: Forster’s Tern.
“Migratory; rare. Apparently a rare bird in.Wyoming;
and has been reported only from the southeastern corner
of the state. Mr. Bond reports it from Cheyenne and Dr.
Jesurun from Douglas. I would naturally expect to: find
this species as a summer resident.”” ( Knight.)
20 WyYyoMING BIRDS.
70. Sterna hirundo: Common Tern.
Blackwelder in the Teton region saw what he judged to be
this bird. This is our only record other than that in 1902
by Knight.
77. WHydrochelidon nigra surinamensis: Black Tern.
The records of this bird are from Cody, Sheridan, Lake
Como, Cheyenne and Douglas.
ORDER IV. STEGANOPODES.
PHALACROCORACIDAE (Cormorants).
From the economic standpoint the Cormorants in Wyoming are
of no importance. They feed upon fish.
119. Phalacrocorax carbo: Cormorant.
“Probably accidental. There is but one recorded for Wyo-
ming and that is from Bond of Cheyenne.” (Knight.)
120. Phalacrocorax auritus auritus: Double-crested Cormorant.
There are but three Wyoming records, two from the Lar-
amie Plains and one from near Buffalo. See Lockwood
and Knight.
PELECANIDAE (Pelicans).
The Pelican feeds upon fish and, what is more serious, it is
said to spread disease among the fish of the lakes in and near the
Yellowstone Park.
REFERENCES :
1. Year Book, Department of Agriculture, 1900, p. 434.
2. Chapman’s Hand Book of Birds, 1912, p. 184.
125. Pelecanus erythrorynchos: White Pelican.
Fairly common summer resident in the northwestern part
of the state.
126. Pelecanus occidentalis: Brown Pelican.
“Accidental. A single specimen has been taken by Bond at
Cheyenne and is now in the High School collection in
Cheyenne.” (Knight. )
WYOMING BIrps.
to
N
ORDER V. ANSERES.
ANATIDAE (Ducks, Geese, and Swans).
The ducks and geese are among the principal game birds of this
region. The fact that they are decreasing in numbers is interesting,
if not alarming. All those that breed with us should be protected
in every possible way during the breeding season. A strict compli-
ance with game laws and perhaps a restriction of the size of the
bag should be fostered by sportsmen.
The food of ducks consists of mollusks, crustaceans, insects
and their larvae, and roots and seeds of aquatic plants. The youhg
are frequently fed upon grasshoppers and shore insects. Their bills
are adapted to straining the food from the mud.
The Merganser is an exception, being a fish eater.
REFERENCES :
1. Chapman's Hand Book of Birds, 1912, p. 190.
2. Year Book, Department of Agriculture, 1900, p. 435.
3. North American Fauna, 7, p. 15.
4. Bureau of Biological Survey, Circular No. 81.
129. Mergus americanus: Merganser.
Fairly common summer resident over most of the state.
130. MerQus serrator: Red-breased Merganser.
Uncommon migrant. Reported by Knight, and from the
western part of the state by Blackwelder. Clearwaters also
records it. |
131. Lophodytes curcullatus: Hooded Merganser.
Probably a summer resident over the entire state. The re-
cent records are very meager. 7
132. Anas platyrhynchos: Mallard.
The most plentiful duck of the state. Summer resident in
almost all localities. A few winter with us.
135. Chaulelasmus streperus: Gadwall.
Fairly common summer resident over most of the state.
136. Mareca penelope: European Widgeon.
Mr. Percival reports having taken a male specimen in 1910.
There is one specimen in the collection of mounted birds
at the Cheyenne High School which was presumably taken
in that vicinity.
28
137.
139.
140.
141.
142.
143.
144,
146.
147.
148.
149.
TOO:
shea ks
WYOMING BIRDS.
Mareca americana: § Baldpate.
A few during migrations. Probably decreasing in numbers.
Nettion carolinense: Green-winged Teal.
Common summer resident throughout the entire state.
Querquedula discors: Blue-winged Teal.
Common summer resident throughout the entire state.
Querquedula cyanoptera: Cinnamon Teal
Fairly common summer resident over most of the state.
Spatula clypeata: Shoveller.
Fairly common summer resident over most of the state.
Dafila acuta: Pintail.
Uncommon summer resident. Common during migrations.
Aix sponsa: \Vood Duck.
Knight recorded this bird from Cheyenne and Big Horn
Mountains on the authority of Frank and Fred Bond. Since
then it has been observed by Richard, Metz, Buck and
Clearwaters.
Marila americana: Redhead.
A fairly common migrant, but evidently decreasing in num-
bers.
Marila valisineria: Canvas-back.
Occurs over almost the entire state during migrations, but
is at no place common.
Marila marila: Scaup Duck.
“Up to the present the only authentic record has been
given by Jesurun of Douglas and but a single bird has
been taken.” (Knight.)
Marila affinis: Lesser Scaup Duck.
Fairly common migrant.
Marila collaris: Ring-necked Duck.
Mr. Richard reports that this duck is occasionally found
about Cody. Knight recorded it from Green River and
Douglas.
Clangula clangula americana: Golden-eye.
Apparently rather rare in this state. It has been recorded
from Lake Como, Douglas, Cheyenne, Lake DeSmet, the
152.
153.
154.
155.
165.
166.
WyYomING Birps. 29
Laramie Plains, and Blackwelder reports it as a summer
resident in the Big Horn Mountains.
Clangula islandica: Barrow’s Golden-eye.
Fairly cmmon resident over most of the. state except the
southern portion.
Charitonetta albeola: Buffle-head.
Common summer resident over most of the state. It win-
ters about Cody.
Harelda hyemalis: Old-squaw.
The only record of this bird in Wyoming is from Mr.
Richard, who reports that three specimens were taken
near Cody in the fall of 1911.
Histrionicus histrionicus: Harlequin Duck.
Until recently this duck has not been reported in this state.
In The Auk for February, 1913, there was a_ published
record. Mr. Richard reports that these birds are resident
in the mountains, a few being found on each river. Black-
welder found it in the Tetons.
Oidemia americana: Scoter.
“Migratory; probably accidental. The Wyoming record
rests upon a single specimen taken by Bond at Cheyenne.”
(Knight. )
Cidemia deglandi: White-winged Scoter.
“Migratory; rare. A few of this species are usually seen
during migrations. Grinnell has the following note: ‘Seen
on Yellowstone Lake in August. [I mention this species
with a query because, although I recognized it satisfac-
torily to myself, I took no specimens.’ There is a beau-
tiful specimen in the University collection that was taken
at Lake DeSmet and presented by H. A. West. I have
seen one good specimen that was taken at Hutton’s Lakes.
March, 1898.” (Knight. )
Oidemia perspicillata: Surf Scoter.
“Accidental; extremely rare. Dr. Jesurun has one spec-
imen which he shot on October 19, 1898, at one of the
ponds near Douglas.” (Knight.)
320 WYoMING BIRDS.
167. Erismatura jamaicensis: Ruddy Duck.
Common migrant; and occasional winter resident.
169. Chen hyperboreus hyperboreus: Snow Goose.
A. rare migrant in this state. The only record that we
have since 1902 is by Richard, who records that one was
taken at Cody in the fall of 1910.
171a. Anser albifrons gambeli: White-fronted Goose. 2
Bond reported: “I have mounted a fresh specimen which
was said to have been killed at the Cheyenne Lakes.”
172. Branta canadensis canadensis: Canada Goose.
Common migrant over entire state. It is a fairly common
breeder from the central to the northern portion of the
state. Probably a part of the records which are now ac-
credited to this form should belong to hutchinst.
172a. Branta canadensis hutchinsi: Huchin’s Goose.
Mr. Lockwood reports this form. Probably many of those
that are recorded under the previous form really belong
here.
180. Olor columbianus: Whistling Swan.
Lockwood reports this from the Laramie Plains and there
is one bird in the University Museum. Knight reported a
Cheyenne record. Skinner reports it as common in the
Yellowstone.
181. Olor buccinator: Trumpeter Swan.
Rare summer resident. Mr. Richard records two speci-
mens taken during the fall migration of 1909. Metz also
reported it. Knight gave a few other records.
ORDER VII. HERODIONES.
IBIDIDAE (Ibises).
187. Plegadis guarauna: White-faced Glossy Ibis.
An uncommon bird in the state. Knight reported it and
thought it was probably a summer resident. Since then we
have but one record, that by Mr. Percival.
ans.
WyYoMING Birps. 31
ARDEIDAE (Herons, Egrets, Bitterns, etc.)
The Herons feed mostly upon frogs, fish, snakes, and crustace-
They also destroy large numbers of grasshoppers and mice.
The Black-crowned Night Heron and the Great Blue Heron are
the only ones of this family which occur in Wyoming in sufficient
numbers to be of any economic value. Both are known to feed
largely on grasshoppers and mice when these pests are abundant.
REFERENCES:
190.
191,
194.
qt.
201.
202.
K.
Z
a
“a
Bulletin No. 20. State Geological and Natural History Sur-
vey of Connecticut, 1913, pp. 265-266.
University of California Publications.
Bulletin 31, U. S. Biological Survey, p. 52.
Bulletin 38, U. S. Biological Survey, p. 26.
Botaurus lentiginosus: Bittern.
Common summer resident in southern Wyoming. Less
common in the northern portion of the state.
Ixobrychus exilis: Least Bittern.
Lockwood reports a specimen from the vicinity of Lake
Como. At Cody there is a mounted specimen that was
probably taken near there. Knight reported it as acci-
dental, a specimen having been taken near Cheyenne.
Ardea herodias herodias: Great Blue Heron.
Abundant summer resident of the lower altitudes of the
entire state.
Egretta candidissima candidissima: Snowy Egret.
The records for this bird are Lake Como, by Lockwood,
and Bamforth Lakes, by Walker. Knight reports one in
his book and mentions in a more recent note that one was
taken at Walden, Colo., in 1901.
Butorides virescens: Green Heron.
The first record of this species is from Laramie County,
near the Nebraska line, by Clearwaters.
Nycticora nycticora naevius: Black-crowned Night Heron.
Quite common in suitable localities across southern Wyo-
ming. Knight recorded it as being rare, but it is evidently
increasing.
22 WyoMINcG Burbs.
ORDER VIII. PALUDICOLAE.
GRUIDAE (Cranes).
The Cranes are rapidly disappearing and in time will probably
become extinct. They feed upon frogs, small mammals, and in-
sects. They devour enormous numbers of insects, but they also
take up growing grain.
REFERENCES :
1. “Game Birds, Wild Fowl, and Shore Birds,” Forbush, Mass.
Board of Agriculture, 1912, pp. 482-483.
2, Bulletin No. 31, U. S. Biological Survey, p. 53.
3. North American Fauna, 7, p. 20-21.
204. Grus americana: Whooping Crane.
Mr. Richard reports that it is a summer resident in Yellow-
stone Park and Jackson Hole. Occasional spring migrant
at Cody. There is a specimen at the University, which
Prof. Reed says was taken from Wyoming.
205. Grus canadensis: Little Brown Crane.
An uncommon migrant. On April 3, 1912, one was brought
to Mr. Lockwood to be mounted. It had been killed near
the Sodergreen ranch on the Big Laramie. He was told
that there had been a flock of five about there for several
days. Knight recorded them as migratory.
206. Grus mexicana: Sandhill Crane.
Warren found this bird near the headwaters of the Green
River. This is the only record since 1902.
RALLIDAE (Rails and Coots).
The Rails feed mostly upon grasshoppers, snails, small crus-
taceans and aquatic insects. Some also eat vegetable food.
REFERENCES :
1. Weed and Dearborn: “Birds in. Their Relation to Man,”
pp. 233-234.
212. Rallus virginianus: Virgina Rail.
An uncommon summer resident. Lockwood reports it
from near Laramie. Richard reports it from near Cody.
Peabody also records it.
WYOMING Birps. Bg
214. Porzana carolina: Sora.
On September 14, 1911, Walker took one at Hatton. Metz
records it from Sheridan, Blackwelder from the Teton
region, and Peabody from Hat Creek. Knight gave other
records of it, but it is rare.
221. Fulica americana: Coot.
Common summer resident over almost the entire state.
ORDER IX. LIMICOLAE.
PHALAROPODIDAE (Phalaropes).
The shore birds as a whole perform a valuable service by de-
stroying great numbers of mosquitoes and mosquito larvae. Most
of them feed also upon other insect pests, besides animals of less
economic importance. The Phalaropes feed upon small animals
found in the mud on shores, including worms, crustaceae, and
small molluscs. They also catch flies and mosquitoes from the
air, and the larvae of these insects from the water. They are
strictly beneficial. All shore birds, or nearly all, seem to be de-
creasing in numbers, which is to be regretted.
REFERENCES:
1. “Birds in Their Relation to Man,” Weed and Dearborn,
pa 233.
Bureau of the Biological Survey Bulletin No. 79, by S. D.
Judd.
3. .Game Birds, Wild Fowl, and Shore. Birds,’ Forbush;
Massachusetts Board of Agriculture, 1912, p. 230.
4. “Birds of Connecticut,” Bulletin No. 20, Geological and
Natural History Survey, pp. 266-267.
bo
222. Phalaropus fulicarius: Red Phalarope.
“Very rare, if not accidental. The only specimen taken
in Wyoming was that by C. W. Gilmore on the Laramie
Plains during the fall of 1897. This skin was identified
by Mr. Robert Ridgway of Washington, D. C.” (Knight. )
223. Lobipes lobatus: Northern Phalarope.
Blackwelder found this species in the Teton region. “Lew-
iston reported them at Lake Como, Jesurun from Douglas,
34 WyomInG Brrps.
Bond from Cheyenne, Coues from Big Sandy River.”
( Knight.)
224. Steganopus tricolor: Wilson’s Phalarope.
Very abundant breeder about all water in southeastern
Wyoming. Metz records it from Sheridan; Clearwaters
says it is very abundant at Arlington; Knight gave numer-
ous records.
RECURVIROSTRIDAE (Avocets and Stilts).
These long-legged waders are given credit for eating cutworms
and grasshoppers, but their principal food is molluscs, crustaceans,
and worms, which they secure from the mud. The Avocet’s method
of teeding is interesting and is described by Chapman as follows:
“They frequent shores and shallow pools, and, in searching for
shells, crustaceans, etc., their peculiar recurved bill is used in a
most interesting manner. Dropping it beneath the surface of the
water until its convexity touches the bottom, they move rapidly
forward, and with every step swing their bill from side to side, as
a mower does his scythe. In this way they secure food which the
muddy water would prevent them from seeing.”
REFERENCES :
1. Handbook of Birds of Eastern North America, Frank
Chapman, p. 242.
2. “Game Birds, Wild Fowl, and Shore Birds,’ Edward For-
bush p. 232:
225. Recurvirostra americana: Avocet.
Abundant summer resident over almost the entire state.
SCOLOPACIDAE (Snipes, Sandpipers, etc.).
These birds have long, sensitive bills, with which they probe
the mud in search of worms, molluscs, crustaceae, and insect
larvae. They also devour large numbers of mosquitoes, flies and
their larvae. Though fitted by their long, bare legs and peculiar
bills to live along shores and mud flats, several species prefer the
open fields, as, for example, the Curlews, Woodcocks, and Upland
Plovers. These birds are of considerable economic value as de-
stroyers of grasshoppers, crickets, plant beetles, cutworms, wire
WyYomINcG BIRDS. a5
worms, grubs, etc. They are numerous enough in Wyoming.to be
of very considerable economic value.
REFERENCES :
1. “Birds in Their Relation to Man,’ Weed and Dearborn,
pp. 229-232.
2. Bulletin No. 17, U. S. Biological Survey, pp. 82-83.
228. Philohela minor: Woodcock.
Richard reports that one was shot near Cody in September,
1906. Probably the bird is only an accidental visitor in
this state.
230. Gallinago delicata: Wilson’s Snipe.
The early records of this bird were very meager, but since
1902 almost all the observers have noted it. Walker took
parent and young in June, 1911. A few days later he
found a set of four fresh eggs at the head of Centennial
Valley. In the fall of 1911 these birds were common about
the ice ponds and the Big Laramie River near Laramie.
232. Macrorhamphus griseus scolopaceus: Long-billed Dowitcher.
We have no records of this bird other than those giver by
Knight.
233. Micropalama himantopus: Stilt Sandpiper.
“Migratory; rare. But little is known of this species in
Wyoming. From the records one can judge that it will be
found occasionally in all of the non-mountainous parts of
the state. In Bond’s collection there is a female bird that
was taken March 25, 1889, from a flock of four or five
birds. Jesurun has taken this bird at Douglas and Coues
reports it from Fort Bridger.” (Knight. )
239. Pisobia maculata: Pectoral Sandpiper.
“Migratory and rare. It has been taken by Jesurun at
Douglas and once upon the Laramie Plains. The latter
specimen is in the University collection and was taken at
Seven Mile Lake in November, 1897.” (Knight.)
241. Pisobia bairdi: Baird’s Sandpiper. 3
Fairly common migrant over the southern half of Wyo-
ming. -Probably occurs in the northern portion.
30 WYoMING Brrpbs.
242. Pisobia minutilla: Least Sandpiper.
Fairly common migrant, but most of the records are for
the southern half of the state.
246. Ereunetes pusillus: Semipalmated Sandpiper.
Knight records it as a rare migrant from the southern
portion of the state. The only other record is by Richard,
who reports that there are a few about Cody during spring
migrations.
248. Calidris leucophaea: Sanderling.
“Migratroy and usually rare. Dr. Jesurun reports them
quite common in the springtime at Douglas and has four
skins in his collection. These were taken on May 18, 23,
and 26, 1892. Williston reports having taken one May 5, at
Lake Como.” (Knight.)
249. Limosa fedoa: Marbled Godwit.
Summer resident of the Laramie Plains. Lockwood secured
a specimen September 3, 1911, that was in juvenile plum-
age, indicating that it was reared on the plains. They are
also found at Douglas and Cheyenne.
254. Totanus melanoleucus: Greater Yellow-legs.
Probably decreasing in number. Since Knight's records we
have only that by Mr. Richard, in which he says that there
are a few about Cody during migrations.
255. Totanus flavipes: Yellow-legs.
Common migrant over most of Wyoming. Possibly some
may breed in the state. Flocks of several hundred were
noted by Walker, in August, 1911.
256. Helodromas solitarius solitarius: Solitary Sandpiper.
Knight recorded this form, but all records are here con-
sidered as referring to the following: species.
256a. Helodromas solitarius cinnamomeus: Western Solitary
Sandpiper.
Fairly common summer resident over most of the state.
. Sawyer found nests and eggs at Hermosa, Albany County.
Reported also by Walker and Jewett and doubtfully by:
Clearwaters and Blackwelder.
WYOMING Birpbs. 27
258a. Catoptrophorus semipalmatus inornatus: Western Willet.
This species is probably decreasing in this state. Knight
said it was a rather common summer resident about semi-
alpine lakes and ponds. Richard, Blackwelder, Warren and
Walker report it. Most of the records are for the lower
altitudes and during migrations.
261. Bartramia longicaude: Upland Plover.
This bird, better known as Bartramian Sandpiper, has been
' reported recently by only Metz and Clearwaters.
263. Actitis macularius: Spotted Sandpiper.
Abundant summer resident from the lower altitudes to the |
alpine lakes.
264. Numenius americanus: Long-billed Curlew.
Fairly common summer resident over most of Wyoming.
CHARADRIIDAE (Plovers).
The Plovers are typically shore birds like the Snipes, but they
have shorter bills, not adapted to probing, so that they collect their
food mostly from the surface. They are also quite likely to breed
in the meadows away from the water. They feed almost entirely
upon insects, including locusts, crickets, caterpillars, moths, wire
worms, cut worms, plant beetles, mosquitoes, and mosquito larvae.
They are of considerable economic value and are not harmful in
the slightest degree.
REFERENCES:
1. “Birds in Their Relation to Man”: Weed and Dearborn.
pp. 228-229.
2. Biological Survey Circular 79, p. 2.
270. Squatarola squatarola: Black-bellied Plover.
Mr. Clark of Cheyenne has a specimen in his collection
which: he says was taken at Sloan's Lake; near there.
Knight says “migratory, very rare,’ and gives a record
from Cheyenne.
272. Charadrius dominicus dominicus: Golden Plover.
Lockwood reports this bird from the Laramie Plains.
Knight reported it as a rare migrant.
273. Oxyechus vociferus: Killdeer.
Exceedingly abundant summer resident up to 8,000 feet.
238 WYOMING Brrpbs.
274. Aegialitis semipalmata: Semipalmated Plover.
“Migratory; very rare. Bond has taken and mounted two
specimens at Cheyenne. ‘There are no other records per-
taining to Wyoming.” (Knight).
277. Aegialitis meloda: Piping Plover.
“Migratory; very rare. Bond has a single spectmen in his
collection that was taken at Cheyenne May 30, 1892.”
(Knight).
278. Aegialitis nivosa: Snowy Plover.
“Migratory; very rare. Thus far but-a single specimen of
this species has been taken in Wyoming, by Bond of Chey-
enne. There is no reason why these birds should not be
found each year during migration.” (Knight).
281. Podasocys montanus: Mountain Plover.
Common summer resident on the plains.
ORDER X. GALLINAE.
*" ODOCNTOPHORIDAE (Bob-whites).
The Bob-whites are known particularly as destroyers of weed
seed, but during the summer months they capture large numbers of
chinch bugs, grasshoppers, and various kinds of beetles. They are
among the most valuable birds on the farm. It is estimated that
they consume annually 1,340 tons of weed seed in Virginia and Cali-
fornia. They also eat grain, but this is unharvested grain and
hence of little value. Bob-whites have been protected by law
largely because they are game birds. Even with the restriction
of hunting they are frequently very much reduced in numbers.
Man and cold, snowy weather are among their principal enemies.
REFERENCES:
1. Bulletin No. 21, U. S. Biological Survey, 1905.
2. Bulletin No. 24, U. S. Biological Survey, 1905.
3. “Birds in Their Relation to Man,’ Weed and Dearborn, pp.
222-223.
289. Colinus virginianus virginianus: Bob-white.
Small coveys are to be found on the lower portions of
the Platte and Laramie Rivers, near the eastern side of
the state. Seen by Aven Nelson and others.
WyYoMING Birps. 39
The Grouse and Sage Hens are important game birds of the
State,
but they are decreasing in numbers. They feed during the
summer upon grasshoppers, caterpillars, and berries of various
kinds.
During the winter their diet is largely vegetable, including
the buds of trees. In this way they may do considerable damage.
The food of the Sage Hens is about the same.
REFERENCES:
1.
RYN
our.
297b.
299.
300a.
300b.
304.
308a.
“Birds in Their Relation to Man,” Weed and Dearborn,
pp. 224-227.
“Useful Birds and Their Protection,” Forbush, pp. 267-274.
Year Book of the Department of Agriculture, 1907, p. 172.
“North American Fauna,” No. 27, pp. 340-342.
Dendragapus obscurus obscurus: Dusky Grouse.
Common resident in the mountains of the southern portion
of the state.
Dendragapus obscurus richardsoni: Richardson’s Grouse.
In the northern portion of the state this species replaces
obscurus, having been found by Jewett, Metz and Black-
welder in both the Tetons and Big Horns.
Canachites franklini: Franklin’s Grouse.
Our only record of this is from Blackwelder, who reports
it from the Teton region.
Bonasa umbellus togata: Canada Ruffed Grouse.
Knight recorded it from northeastern Wyoming. Jewett
reports it from Star Valley. Warren, Richard and Pea-
body also report it.
Bonasa umbellus umbelloides: Gray Ruffed Grouse.
Fairly common resident in northwestern Wyoming.
Lagopus leucurus leucurus: White-tailed Ptarmigan.
Probably a common resident in all the alpine regions of
the state, but recorded only by Walker in this survey.
Knight reported it as a common resident in alpine districts.
Pedioecetes phasianellus columbianus: Columbian Sharp-
tailed Grouse.
The early records were very unsatisfactory, but now it is
reported from almost all the observers in the northern por-
tion of the state. Probably rather uncommon.
40 WyoMING BIRDs.
308b. Pedioecetes phasianellus campestris: Prairie Sharp-tailed
Grouse.
“Resident and common in eastern and northwestern Wyo-
ming. I have never seen this species west of the Big Horn
or Laramie Mountains.” (Knight.) Warren records what
he thinks was this form from the western portion of the
state.
*
309. Centrocercus urophasianus: Sage Hen.
Common resident throughout the sage-brush region of the
state. Not ranging into the timbered portions.
ORDER XI. COLUMBIDAE.
COLUMBIDAE (Doves and Pigeons).
These birds feed exclusively upon a vegetable diet. The Mourn-
ing Dove consumes enormous quantities of weed seeds. At times its
crop contains over seven thousand small weed seeds. Doves also
eat grain, mostly that which is unharvested or otherwise of small
value.
REFERENCES:
1. Farmers’ Bulletin No. 54, p. 6.
2. “Useful Birds and Their Protection,’ Massachusetts Board
of Agriculture, 1913, p. 324.
3. “Birds in Their Relation to Man,” Weed and Dearborn, pp.
219-222.
4. “Birds as Weed Destroyers,’ Judd, Year Book of the De-
partment of Agriculture, 1898, pp. 231-232.
315. Ectopistes migratorius: Passenger Pigeon.
“Accidental. There is but one record for Wyoming of this
bird. McCarthy reports that he took a single specimen 40
miles west’ of Fort Laramie in 1859. Robert Ridgway in-
forms me that this report is correct.” (Knight.)
316. Zenaidura macroura carolinensis: Mourning Dove.
Very abundant summer resident over the entire state up to
about 9,500 feet and possibly higher.
WYOMING Birpbs. AI
ORDER XII. RAPTORES.
CATHARTIDAE (American Vultures).
The Vultures feed upon carrion. In some localities they are
regarded as valuable scavengers, while in others they are disliked
as nuisances. They may be the means of spreading hog cholera.
REFERENCES:
1. “Birds in Their Relation to Man,” Weed and Dearborn, pp.
215-218.
> Circular No. 76, U.-S. Biological Survey, pp. 9-10.
325. Cathartes aura septentrionalis: Turkey Vulture.
Rather uncommon summer resident over the eastern half
of the state. Our most westerly record is by Blackwelder
in the Teton region.
BUTEONIDAE (Hawks, Eagles, Kites, etc.).
The Hawks are valuable to the agriculturist in Wyoming, be-
cause they consume great numbers of destructive rodents and in-
sects. The Marsh Hawk and Swainson’s Hawk are the two most
important ones in this state. Their crops are always filled with
mice and gophers. The Sharp-shinned Hawk, Cooper's Hawk, and
Goshawk are not protected because of their preference for birds.
The Bald Eagle feeds both upon carrion and animals which it cap-
tures by its own efforts. It is fond of fish and eats many which it
finds washed up on the shore or which it steals from the Osprey.
The Eagle also feeds upon ducks, geese and other game birds, as
well as wild mammals of various kinds (rodents, mostly). It has
been known also to attack domestic animals. The Eagle can, there-
fore, not be defended altogether, but it should be protected for its
aesthetic value to the country.
REFERENCES: >
1. Biological Survey Bulletin No. 27.
2. Biological Survey Circular No. 61.
3. Farmers’ Bulletin No. 497, pp. 26-29.
331. Circus hudsonius: Marsh Hawk.
Common summer resident over almost the entire state at
the lower altitudes.
234a.
337a.
337b.
342.
347a.
348.
349.
WyYoMING BIrpDsS.
Accipiter velox: Sharp-shinned Hawk.
Rather an uncommon summer resident over the entire state.
Accipiter cooperi: ‘Cooper’s Hawk.
Uncommon summer resident in the northern half of the
state. There are no records for the southern portion.
Astur atricapillus atricapillus: Goshawk.
Knight gave but one record for this bird. Lockwood re-
ports it and Walker conditionally refers one record to this
species.
Astur atricapillus striatulus: Western Goshawk.
Very uncommon in the state. The only records are by
Metz, Lockwood and Buck.
Buteo borealis krideri: Krider's Hawk.
Knight recorded it as an uncommon summer residettt. Pea-
body is the only recent observer who reports it. Probably
many of the records which are accredited to ca/urus should
belong to this form.
Buteo borealis calurus: Western Red-tail. %
Rather uncommon summer resident over most of the state.
Buteo swainsoni: Swainson’s Hawk.
An abundant hawk over almost the entire state.
Archibuteo lagopus sancti-johannis: Rough-legged Hawk.
Our only recent records are from Peabody and Lockwood,
who merely record this bird. Knight reported it as a
rather common migrant.
Archibuteo ferrugineus: Ferruginous Rough-leg.
Apparently a fairly common resident over most of the
state.
Aquila chrysaetos: Golden Eagle.
lhe most common eagle of the state, found throughout al-
most all the mountain region.
Haliaeetus leucocephalus leucocephalus: Bald Eagle.
Rather rare resident over the entire state. Apparently most
common. in the vicinity of Yellowstone National Park.
WYoMING BIrRDs. ; A3
FALCONIDAE (The Falcons).
Of the Falcons which we have with us in Wyoming, the two
most important are the Prairie Falcon and the Sparrow Hawk.
The former are actively engaged in catching small mammals and
some small birds. The latter confine themselves largely to mice
and the larger insects, such as grasshoppers; crickets and butter-
flies.
- REFERENCES:
F.
355.
Biological Survey Bulletin No. 61.
Falco mexicanus: Prairie Falcon.
Fairly common over most of the southern part of the state.
356a. Falco peregrinus anatum: Duck Hawk.
SDT,
Rather rare. Since Knight’s book was published, Metz and
Lockwood are the only observers who have noted it. “This
vicious falcon has been observed by only two collectors in
Wyoming, and these observations were made over a quarter
of a century ago.” (Knight.)
Falco columbarius columbarius: Pigeon Hawk.
In the Big Horns, Blackwelder saw what he thought was
this bird. Metz records it and Blackwelder again noted it
in the Teton region. “Migratory; rare; possibly may breed
in the alpine regions. We know nothing of this blood-
thirsty hawk.” ( Knight.)
357b. Falco columbarius richardsoni: Richardson’s Pigeon Hawk.
360.
Found mainly in southern Wyoming, probably a summer
resident. But there are no breeding records. Walker took
two specimens at Green River in September, 1910. See
also Lockwood.
Falco sparverius sparverius: Sparrow Hawk.
The records of this and phalaena are badly confused. Un-
doubtedly the two species mingle in this state. One or the
other occurs over the entire state at all the lower altitudes.
Repored by Blackwelder, Richard and Clearwaters.
360a. Falco sparverius phalaena: Desert Sparrow Hawk.
Reported by Blackwelder, Metz, Peabody and Clearwaters.
44 WyomINncG Birps.
PANDIONIDAE (Ospreys).
The Osprey lives almost entirely upon fish, which it captures
alive. If allowed to nest near the barnyard, the Osprey will keep
all hawks away.
REFERENCES :
1. “Useful Birds and Their Protection,’ Massachusetts Board
of Agriculture, 1913, p. 413.
2. Hand Book of Birds of Eastern North America, by Chap-
man, p. 307-308.
364. Pandion haliaetus carolinensis: Osprey.
Fairly common near the larger streams where fish are to be
had.
STRIGIDAE (Horned Owls, etc.).
Almost all the Owls of the state are of economic importance.
They destroy large numbers of rodents. The Long-eared Owls of
the plains and foothills regions keep up a constant warfare on the
mice and other small mammals. The Great Horned Owl and its
sub-species are among the greatest enemies of rats and small ground
squirrels. Most of the owls also feed upon insects and birds to
some extent.
REFERENCES :
1. Biological Survey Bulletin No. 61.
2. “Birds in Their Relation to Man,” Weed and Dearborn, pp.
195-204.
365. Aluco pratinoola: Barn Owl.
Accidental. One specimen reported by Mr. M. P. Skinner
from the Yellowstone Park.
366. Asio wilsonianus: Long-eared Owl.
Fairly common on the plains and into the mountain regions
in southern Wyoming. Less common toward the northern
part of the state.
367. Asio flammeus: Short-eared Owl.
Apparently a rare owl in this state. The only recent rec-
ords are from Richard, Peabody and Lockwood, all of
whom indicate that but few occur.
370.
372.
373e.
of Dds
375b.
376.
378.
379.
WYOMING BiIrbs. 4
Cyt
Scotiaptex nebulosa nebulosa: Great Gray Owl.
Peabody reports that a single feather was found in the
nest of a Canada Jay and satisfactorily identifies it as be-
longing to this bird. The A. O. U. list, third, edition,
records it from Wyoming, probably upon the authority of
Knight, who reported that one was killed in Uinta County.
CryptoQlaux acadica acadica: Saw-whet Owl.
Since Knight's work was published, but three collectors
have recorded this species. All indicate that it is rare or
uncommon. Probably a resident.
Otus asio maxwelliae: Rocky Mountain Screech Owl.
Several recent observers record this owl, but it still re-
mains quite rare. Mletz has found it nesting and has photos
of young birds from near Sheridan. Clearwaters has found
it breeding at Arlington. Buch and Cary also record it.
Lockwood reports having heard of it in Saratoga Valley.
Walker doubtfully reports it from Green River,
Bubo virginianus pallescens: Western Horned Owl.
Common resident.
Bubo virginianus subarcticus: Arctic Horned Owl.
Lockwood reports specimens from the Laramie Plains.
Knight recorded it upon the authority of the second A. O.
Us-bst
Nyctea nyctea: Snowy Owl.
Rare winter resident. his owl is probably more common
than is generally supposed, owing to the fact that so few
observations are made in the mountains during the. time
this bird is with us.
*
Speoyto cunicularia hypogaea: Burrowing Owl.
Abundant summer resident about nearly all the “dog-towns.”’
Glaucidium gnoma gnoma: Pygmy Owl.
Exceedinly rare. Blackwelder has reported it. See his
Teton list. Reported also by Skinner.
40 WYOMING BIRDS.
ORDER XIV. COCCYGES.
CUCULIDAE (Cuckoos, Anis, etc.)
The Cuckoos are shy birds which seek the cover of dense foliage
in orchards, etc. Where they are abundant they are of great eco-
nomic value because of their habit of feeding upon caterpillars of
various kinds. They also eat beetles, grasshoppers, katydids, and
other insects. The charge that they are enemies to other birds is
unfounded. They are too rare in Wyoming to be of any economic
importance.
REFERENCES:
1. “Birds in Their Relation to Man,” Weed and Dearborn, pp.
192-194.
2. Biological Survey Bulletin No. 9.
387. Coccyzus americanus americanus: Yellow-billed Cuckoo.
There is a specimen in the University collection, which was
found dead on the campus, June 8, 1908.
388. Coccyzus erythrophthalmus: ‘Black-billed Cuckoo.
Up to 1902 but two observers reported this species. Since
then Walker is the only one who has secured specimens.
Peabody doubtfully records it.
ALCEDINIDAE (Kingfishers).
The Kingfishers feed almost entirely upon fish and must be re-
garded as detrimental from the economic standpoint.
REFERENCES:
1. Year Book of the Department of Agriculture, 1900, pp. 411-
428.
2. “Birds in Their Relation to Man,” Weed and Dearborn, pp.
191-192.
390. Ceryle alcyon: Belted Kingfisher.
Very abundant summer resident along all streams in which
fish may be found.
WyomINc Birps. 47
ORDER XV. PICI.
PICIDAE (Woodpeckers).
The Woodpeckers are most important friends of the forest.
They live largely upon the larvae of boring beetles and Lipidoptera.
Their adaptations of tongue, tail, and feet are evidences that these
insects are their natural food. Some of the Woodpeckers are
wholly beneficial, since they feed almost entirely upon these injurious
larvae. The so-called Sapsuckers vary their diet of insect larvae
with the cambium and sap of trees and may do considerable damage.
The Red-headed Woodpecker is particularly fond of fruit, beech
nuts, and grain, as well as grasshoppers, etc. The Flicker, like
most Woodpeckers, eats large numbers of ants. He also feeds upon
chinch bugs, grasshoppers, crickets, and cock roaches. He inhabits
the open country and is found frequently upon the ground. “With
the single exception of the Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers, all our Wood-
peckers appear to be extremely beneficial.”
REFERENCES:
1. “Food of the Woodpeckers of the United States,’ F. E.
L. Beal, Biological Survey Bulletin No. 37.
2. “Birds in Their Relation to Man,’ Weed and Dearborn, pp.
181-191.
3. Farmers’ Bulletin No. 506, pp. 5-14.
393d. Dryobates villosus hyloscopus: Cabanis’s Woodpecker.
“Resident; not common. In all probability a portion of the
records referred to the Harris’s Woodpecker belong to this
variety. But few collectors have noted them, and as a rule
have referred it to some other form. Thus far the Wyo-
ming records have been made by the National Museum
only, which are as follows: Nos. 38270 and 38272, taken
at Laramie Peak by Exp. Expd. West of the Missouri River;
No. 10789, taken at Fort Bridger by South Pass Wagor
Koad Expd.” (Knight.)
393e. Dryobates villosus monticola: Rocky Mountain Hairy Wood-
pecker.
Fairly common summer resident over most of the wooded
regions of the state.
48 WYoMING BIRDS.
394b. Dryobates pubescens homorus: Batchelders’ Woodpecker.
Fairly common summer resident over most of the state.
Specimens which approach gairdneri are frequently found.
400. Picoides arcticus: Arctic Three-toed Woodpecker.
Uncommon resident in the northern portion of the state.
Knight’s records were all from the northwestern part,
while recent records by Peabody and Cary are from north-
eastern Wyoming.
401b. Picoides americanus dorsalis: Alpine Three-toed Wood-
pecker.
Knight said: ‘Common in alpine regions.” Recent ob-
servers have failed to report it, with the. exception of
Walker, who found it in the Medicine Bow Mountains.
402. Sphyrapicus varius varius: Yellow-bellied Sapsucker.
“Possibly a summer resident; but there are no breeding
records. Grinnell reports it rather abundant amone the
large timber on the Medicine Bow River; Hayden cap-
tured specimens, August 9th,. at Laramie Peak, in 1856;
Wood took specimens on the Medicine Bow River, August
9th, 1856; Holden reports it from the vicinity of Sherman.
There is one specimen in the University collection that was
taken in Carbon County.” (Knight.)
402a. Sphyrapicus varius nuchalis: Red-naped Sapsucker.
Fairly common summer resident at the lower and middle’
altitudes, in the timbered regions.
404. Sphyrapicus thyroideus: Williamson’s Sapsucker.
“Summer resident; rather common. There are the fol-
lowing records of this bird in the state: Hayden, Lar-
amie Peak; Merriam, Yellowstone Park: Grinnell, ‘ob-
served but once near Tower Creek, Yellowstone Park’:
Jesurun reports one specimen from Douglas; Bond, ‘rather
common during migration at Cheyenne’; Nos. 38286, 38285,
8203, 8804, and 62262 from the National Museum, have
been taken in Wyoming.” (Knight.)
406. Melanerpes erythrocephalus: Red-headed Woodpecker.
Fairly common summer resident of the eastern and north-
ern portions of the state, not found in the southwestern
portion.
WYOMING BiIrDs. 49
408. Asyndesmus lewisi: Lewis’ Woodpecker.
Common summer resident in northern Wyoming.
412a. Colaptes auratus luteus: Northern Flicker.
Rather uncommon summer resident as compared with the
following form. All records so far are from the eastern
portions of the state.
413. Colaptes cafer collaris: Red-shafted Flicker.
Abundant summer resident throughout the state, from the
plains region to timber line.
ORDER XVI. MACROCHIRES.
CAPRIMULGIDAE (Nighthawks, Whip-poor-wills, etc.).
Enormous numbers of flying insects are consumed by Night-
hawks and Whip-poor-wills. Like the swallows, these birds catch
their food while on the wing. ‘Their wide mouths are kept open
and so serve as traps for mosquitoes, gnats, flies, beetles, Mny flies,
locusts, etc. Prof. Aughey of Nebraska examined seven stomachs
of Nighthawks, which contained altogether three hundred and forty-
eight Rocky Mountain locusts. Their principal food is insects
which fly at dusk. They are very useful birds.
REFERENCES :
1. Farmers’ Bulletin No. 54, pp. 13-14.
2. Biological Survey Bulletin No. 38, p. 9.
3. Year Book of the Department of Agriculture, 1904, p. 514.
4. “Birds in Their Relation to Man,” Weed and Dearborn, pp.
178-180.
418. Phalaenoptilus nuttalli nuttalli: Poor-will.
Fairly common summer resident at the lower altitudes
throughout the state.
-420a. Chordelles virginianus henryi: Western Nighthawk.
Most of the records of Nighthawks in the state refer to
this form, which is abundant summer resident at almost
all altitudes up to 11,000 feet.
50 WyYoMINnc Birps.
MICROPODIDAE (Swifts).
The Swifts are not numerous enough in Wyoming to deserve
more than mere mention. They, like their allies, feed entirely upon
insects which they catch while on the wing. Mosquitoes form a
considerable part of their diet.
REFERENCES :
1. Biological Survey Bulletin No. 38, p. 9.
2. “Birds in Their Relation to Man,’ Weed and Dearborn,
pp. 177-178.
3. “Useful Birds and Their Protection,” Forbush, p. 340.
425. Aeronautes melanoleucus: White-throated Swift.
Knight reported that but little was known of this bird or
its abundance in Wyoming. Apparently it is increasing
and extending its range, especially in the northern portion
of the state, where Richard and Metz both report it. Pea-
body and Blackwelder also record it. It should be found
through central and southwestern Wyoming, but careful
search by Walker about Green River failed to reveal any
of these birds.
TROCHILIDAE (Hummingbirds).
Hummingbirds are not of great economic importance. They
feed upon the nectar of flowers and a few insects. The young are
fed chiefly upon small insects.
REFERENCES:
1. Year Book of the Department of Agriculture, 1900, p. 427.
“Birds in Their Relation to Man,’ Ward and Dearborn, p.
IVE
3. Farmers’ Bulletin No. 506, pp. 15-17.
LS)
432. Selasphorus platycercus: Broad-tailed Hummingbird.
Common summer resident upon the plains and high up into.
the mountains.
433. Selasphorus rufus: Rufous Hummingbird.
Knight recorded two specimens being taken. Since then
Metz has noted it about Sheridan, and Blackwelder found
it in the Teton region.
WyYoMING Birps. 51
436. Stellula calliope: Calliope Hummingbird.
An exceedingly rare summer resident. Metz has found it
nesting at Sheridan. In the third edition of the A. O. U.
check list the statement is made: “Casual in Wyoming and
Colorado.”
ORDER XVII. PASSERES.
TYRANNIDAE (Tyrant Flycatchers).
The Flycatchers, as their name indicates, feed almost entirely
upon insects, which are caught on the wing. The habits of these
birds are well known to all. About 90 per cent of their food con-
sists of insects, most of which are noxious species. The Kingbird
sometimes catches honey bees, but this is not a common habit with
it. About 10 per cent of the food of the common Flycatchers con-
sists of small fruits, such as elderberries, wild cherries, blackberries,
etc. All Flycatchers are highly beneficial and are among the best
friends of the agriculturist.
REFERENCES:
1. “Food of Our More Common Flycatchers,” Biological Sur-
vey Bulletin No. 44.
2. “Birds in Their Relation to Man,’ Weed and Dearborn, pp.
174-177.
3. Farmers’ Bulletin No. 506, pp. 18-23.
444. Tyrannus tyrannus: Kingbird.
Fairly common summer resident in eastern Wyoming; to
the westward it becomes much less common.
447. Tyrannus verticalis: Arkansas Kingbird.
Common summer resident of the lower altitudes over the
entire state.
448. Tyrannus vociferans: Cassin’s Kingbird.
Knight says: “Probably a summer resident, but quite rare.”
Our only recent records of it are by Percival, and Walker
in Albany County.
452. Myiarchus crinitus: Crested Flycatcher.
“Rare and probably accidental. The Wyoming record rests
upon a single specimen taken by Dr. Jesurun of Douglas on
454.
456.
457.
459,
462.
464.
WYOMING BIRDS.
June 14, 1896. The skin is in the doctor’s collection at:
the present writing.” (Knight.)
Myiarchus cCinerascens Cinerascens: Ash-throated Fly-
catcher.
“Very rare; but may be found as a summer resident.
Coues, ‘Birds of the Northwest,’ p. 240, remarks: ‘As in
the case of the preceding species, Mr. Akins again fur-
nishes a northernmost quotation, carrying the known range
into Wyoming.’ I have been unable to find Akins’ note on
the occurrence of M. crinitus in Wyoming, which this note
refers to. Bond has also taken a single specimen, which is
at the present time in the Cheyenne High School collec-
tion.” (Knight.) The third edition of the A. O. U. check
list says: ‘Accidental in northern Wyoming and northern
Colorado.” We do not know their authority for the state-
ment “northern Wyoming”; there are no recent records of
the bird in this state, so far as we have been able to ascer-
tain.
Sayornis phoebe: Phoebe.
“Very rare; probably a summer resident in eastern Wyo-
ming, as it is only known from the very eastern side of the
state. Cary reports a single specimen from Newcastle. I
have heard this bird calling in the vicinity of Sundance
and Fort Laramie, but have never taken a _ specimen.”
(Knight. )
Sayornis sayus: Say’s Phoebe.
Fairly common summer resident throughout the entire
state at the lower altitudes.
Nuttallornis borealis: Olive-sided Flycatcher.
Metz and Walker are the only recent observers who record
this bird. Apparently it is rare over the entire state.
Myiochanes richardsoni richardsoni: Western Wood Pewee.
Very abundant summer resident in the aspen groves of the
lower and middle altitudes.
Empidonax difficilis diffiicilis: Western Flycatcher.
Probably occurs over the entire state. Blackwelder ob-
served them in the Tetons and Walker found them during
a migration at Green River. Dr. Jesurun was the only
early observer who found this bird.
Wyomince Birps. 53
466. Empidonax trailli trailli: Traill’s Flycatcher.
There is but little additional information in regard to this
species. Jewett reports it as common in the vicinity of Star
Valley. Cary found it at Newcastle. Walker took speci-
mens at Green River when great numbers of small Fly-
catchers were about. Knight was evidently unable to secure
much more definite information.
467. Empidonax minimus: Least Flycatcher.
We have no recent record of this Flycatcher. Knight said:
“Summer resident, but there is very little data as to its
distribution and abundance.”
468. Empidonax hammondi: Hammond’s Flycatcher.
“Summer resident; but little is known of its occurrence.
Coues reports one specimen taken at Pacific Springs; Allen
reports this species from Fort Steele; Jesurun has taken
one at Douglas. There are three Wyoming skins in the
Smithsonian collection. Nos. 38348 and 10880 were: taken
at Fort Laramie, the latter skin by Dr. Cooper. No. 10868
was taken at Fort Bridger by Drewel.”’ ( Knight.)
469. Empidonax wrighti: Wright’s Flycatcher.
“Summer resident; abundant.” (Knight.) Our recent
records are by Metz, Peabody, and Lockwood. The small
Flycatchers are frequently a puzzle in the field and doubt-
less some of the more common ones have been given the
credit when it should have belonged to some other form.
ALAUDIDAE (Larks).
The Horned Larks are the most abundant birds of the plains re-
gions. During the winter months they feed almost exclusively
upon weed seeds. During the summer insects (caterpillars, beetle
larvae, June beetles, grasshoppers, etc.) constitute from 20 to 40
per cent of their food. It is their ability to consume large quan-
tities of weed seeds that make these birds of great economic value.
They also feed to some extent upon waste grain, but do not injure
growing crops nor grain in the shock.
REFERENCES :
1. “The Horned Larks and Their Relation to Agriculture.”
Biological Survey Bulletin No. 23.
2. Farmers’ Bulletin No. 506, pp. 23-25.
54 WYOMING BIRDS.
474c. Otocoris alpestris leucolaema: Desert Horned Lark.
The most abundant resident of the plains region, going in
great flocks in the winter. At this time the Snow-flake is
found with them.
CORVIDAE (Crows, Jays, Magpies, etc.).
The Crows and Magpies are not among the protected birds in
most states, and there seems to be no good reason to create a
sentiment in their favor, although it is probable that the harm
which they do in destroying eggs and grain and committing other
depredations is balanced by the good they do in destroying small
mammals, carrion, and injurious insects, grubs, etc. Young pet
crows have been known to keep the cabbage patch free from the
larvae of the cabbage butterfly. The crow has the habit of pulling
up young corn and other growing grain. Later in the season he
tears open the husk of the young ears and destroys the corn before
it is mature. He is also fond of eggs and young birds.
The Magpie has even a worse record. He eats many birds’
eggs and young birds and attacks wounded animals. He also
steals the hunters’ lunch and game. He is by nature a thief and a
murderer.
The Blue Jay’s habits are less open to criticism. He prefers
nuts to all other food (beech nuts and acorns). They constitute
40 per cent of his food. Jays frequently eat corn and various
kinds of small fruit, such as blackberries and raspberries, mulber-
ries, and currants. Like the crow, the jays are sometimes guilty
of robbing birds’ nests of eggs or young. They also capture many
injurious insects and are as a rule considered beneficial.
REFERENCES :
1. Biological Survey Bulletin No. 54, pp. 15-17, 18-19.
2. Year Book of the Department of Agriculture, 1900, p. 424.
3. Year Book of the Department of Agriculture, 1907, pp. 171-
N72,
4. “Birds in Their Relation to Man,” Weed and Dearborn, pp.
167-173.
475. Pica pica hudsonia: Magpie.
An abundant bird found from the plains well up into the
mountains wherever brush or timber exists.
477.
478b.
478c.
480.
484.
484a.
486.
488.
488b.
WYOMING BIrRDs. 55
Cyanocitta cristata cristata: Blue Jay.
Clearwaters reports this species as well as a few other
eastern forms from the vicinity of La Grange, near the
Nebraska line. Buck reports it from his region, but he
probably confused it with one of the following species.
Cyanocitta stelleri diademata: Long-crested Jay.
Along the southern boundary of the state we have a jay,
some specimens of which are referable to this form. Far-
ther to the north the Black-headed Jay is the common spe-
cies and some may occur here with diademata. Reported
by Lockwood and Walker. There are specimens of both
species in the Wyoming collection.
Cyanocitta stelleri annectens: Black-headed Jay.
Fairly common resident. In the southern portion of the
state it intergrades with the preceding species.
Aphelocoma Woodhousei: Woodhouse’s Jay.
Occurs only along the southern portion of the state.
Walker has found it at Green River and Lockwood in the
vicinity of Laramie. These are the only recent records.
Perisoreus canadensis canadensis: Canada Jay.
Knight reported only the Rocky Mountain Jay, but Metz
and Peabody have both found this species.
Perisoreus canadensis capitalis: Rocky Mountain Jay.
Abundant resident almost throughout the entire state.
Corvus corax sinuatus: Raven.
Fairly common through the central and northern portions
of the state. It should occur in southern Wyoming, but
the only records for it are from Saratoga Valley and Riv-
erton.
Corvus brachyrhynchos brachyrhynchos: Crow.
Common summer resident throughout almost the entire
- state. Buck reports both it and the Raven from his region,
which is the only case that we have both recorded from
the same vicinity.
Corvus brachyrhynchos hesperis: ‘Western Crow.
Blackwelder reports it from the Tetons and Clearwaters
records it. As to whether this or the preceding form is ot
more common occurrence in this state, we cannot say.
56 WYOMING BIRDS.
491. Nucifraga columbiana: Clarke’s Nutcracker.
Abundant resident in the mountains of the state. It ranges
from 8,000 feet to timber line and above. Almost its en-
tire food in Laramie Hills consists of the seeds of Pinus
scopulorum.
492. Cyanocephalus cyanocephalus: Pinon Jay.
Apparently a fairly common resident over most of the
state. .
ICTERIDAE (Blackbirds, Orioles, Meadow ‘Larks, etc.).
This family includes hirds which vary considerably in food and
nesting habits. In the main they are decidedly beneficial, but a few
must be considered injurious.
The Bobolink, during the breeding season, consumes enormous
numbers of injurious insects. At other times its food consists prin-
cipally of weed seeds. During the spring and fall migrations it
devastates rice fields and does great damage in the Southern states.
The Meadow Lark is decidedly beneficial, and since it is one of
the most abundant birds of the plains, it is of great economic value.
For some reason it has increased wonderfully in numbers recently.
It feeds upon weed seeds and injurious insects (grasshoppers, May
beetles, cut worms, etc.).
The various Blackbirds feed upon injurious insects, weed seeds,
and grain. Some Blackbirds become quite tame during the plowing
season. They follow the plow closely and pick up grub, cut worms,
and other insect larvae. As a rule they are beneficial, but some
species are condemned in part.
The Orioles feed upon fruit to some extent, but mainly upon
injurious caterpillars. They are valuable birds.
REFERENCES:
1. Year Book of Department of Agriculture, 1895, pp. 419-430.
2. Biological Survey Bulletin No. 13.
3. Year Book of Department of Agriculture, 1894, pp. 233-248.
4. Year Book of Department of Agriculture, 1912, pp. 279-284.
5. Year Book of Department of Agriculture, 1898, pp. 227-233.
6. “Birds in Their Relation to Man,” Weed and Dearborn, pp.
156-167.
494.
_ 495.
497.
498.
498d.
WYOMING BIRDS. iy
Dolichonyx oryzivorus: Bobolink.
Fairly common summer resident in suitable portions of the
state. Jewett found it to be common at Afton.
Molothrus ater ater: Cowbird.
Exceedingly common summer resident over the entire state
at the lower altitudes.
Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus: Yellow-headed Blackbird.
Abundant summer resident about the marshes of the lower
altitudes throughout the entire state.
Agelaius phoeniceus phoeniceus: Red-winged Blackbird.
Knight reported only the Red-wing, and many of the recent
observers record it, from the eastern portion of the state.
Blackwelder reports it from the Teton region. It is prob-
able that some of the records should belong to some of the
succeeding forms.
Acelaius rhoeniceus fortis: Thick-billed Redwing.
At the lower and middle altitudes of the entire state Red-
wings are found, and it is probable that most of the records
should be for this species. It has been reported by Richard,
Peabody, Buck, Clearwaters, and Walker. Specimens taken
near Laramie are very evidently of this species.
501—1. €turnella neglecta: Western Meadowlark.
501.
507.
508.
Almost all the records for Meadowlarks are for neglecta,
but Percival reports both this and neglecta. He has skins
of both. (See his local list.)
Sturnella neQiecta: Western Meadowlark.
Very abundant summer resident throughout Wyoming at
the lower and middle altitudes.
Icterus galbula: Baltimore Oriole.
Percival reports that it is a fairly common summer resident
in the region of Hat Creek. The third edition of the A. O.
U. list reports it from Wyoming, but we know nothing of
their authority for the statement.
Icterus bullocki: Bullock’s Oriole.
Fairly common over most of the state; occurs in less num-
bers in the northern portion than in the central portion and
southward.
58° Wyominc Birps.
509. Euphagus carolinus: Rusty Blackbird.
Knight placed this bird in his hypothetical list. Sawyer,
Peabody, and Lockwood record it now.
510. Euphagus cyanocephalus: Brewer’s Blackbird.
Abundant summer resident from the plains and. well up into
the mountains throughout the entire state.
511b. Quiscalus quiscula aeneus: ‘Bronzed Grackle.
Knight reported it as not common, and since 1902 there are
two observers who record it.
FRINGILLIDAE (Finches, Sparrows, etc.).
In Wyoming, as elsewhere, the Sparrows and Finches are much
more abundant than any other family. This, together with their
habit of consuming enormous numbers of weed seeds and noxious
insects, makes them of the greatest value to the farmer and ranch-
man. During the summer months they feed largely upon insects
and insect larvae. The young of many species are raised upon cater-
pillars of various kinds, including cut worms as a favorite article
of food. During the colder months the Sparrows feed almost ex-
clusively upon the seeds of weeds, and elsewhere in this bulletin
figures are given to show that they destroy many tons of weed seed.
The Sparrows are of very great economic value.
REFERENCES :
1. Year Book of the Department of Agriculture, 1898, pp. 221-
232.
2. Biological Survey Bulletin No. 15.
3. Farmers’ Bulletin No. 493.
4. Farmers’ Bulletin No. 506, pp. 25-29.
5. “The Food of Nesting Birds,” Year Book of the Department
of Agriculture, 1900.
514. Hesperiphona vespertina vespertina: Evening Grosbeak.
Peabody has taken specimens of this species from Crook
County. This and his other skins were verified by Ober-
holser. Many eastern forms are found in the region in
which he worked.
WYOMING Birps. 59
514a. Hesperiphona vespertina montana: Western Evening Gros-
beak.
Metz and Lockwood are the only observers of recent date
who note it. Knight had but little information in regard
to it.
515a. Pinicola enucleator montana: Rocky Mountain Pine Gros-
An uncommon summer resident in the mountain rections
beak.
: over the entire state.
518. Carpodacus cassini: Cassin’s Purple Finch.
Fairly common summer resident in the timbered mountains
over the entire state.
519. Carpodacus mexicanus frontalis: House Finch.
Abundant summer resident in the southern portion of the
state. Our most northerly record is from Douglas, and it
is doubtful if this bird ever goes much farther north in
the state. It has increased remarkably in numbers during
recent years.
521. Loxia curvirostra minor: Crossbill.
Knight recorded only Bendier’s Crossbill. Richard reports
that they are common winter residents high in the moun-
tains and he thinks he has seen them there in the summer.
Lockwood also reports them. There is one specimen in
the collection “of mounted birds at the Cheyenne High
School.
521a. Loxia curvirostra strickland: Mexican Crossbill.
Knight’s records were for bendirei, which is synonymous
with this species. It is a fairly common summer resident
in the mountains and doubtless they winter with us.
522. Loxia leucoptera: White-winged Crossbill.
“Resident; not common. None of these bires have been
reported in recent years. Hayden reports two specimens
taken at Laramie Peak, August 25, 1857, and two speci-
mens taken on the west side of the Wind River Mountains,
June 5, 1860. Coues reports one specimen taken at Box
Elder Creek, August 21, 1870. From these records there
is no doubt about their breeding in the state and I am
quite certain that they remain all winter; but there are no
winter specimens reported.” (Knight. )
60 WYOMING BIRDS.
524. Leucosticte tephrocotis tephrocotis: Gray-crowned Rosy
Finch.
Knight gave no records of the occurrence of this bird in
the state during the summer. He merely said that it was
a winter resident, with the idea in mind that it was
probably a summer resident at the high altitudes. Records
for it as a summer resident are now quite numerous. It
is not found in summer in the Medicine Bow Mountains
as was expected, but Blackwelder reports it from both the
Big Horn and Teton Mountains during the summer. War-
ren also saw Rosy Finches: They winter quite commonly
in the mountains and out on the plains. On March 16,
1912, Walker found flocks near Laramie, and in November
and December at 9,000 feet, when the snow was 18 inches
deep, he found them in the Medicine Bow Mountains.
524a. Leucosticte tephrocotis littoralis: Hepburn’s Rosy Finch.
Lockwood and Peabody are the only observers of recent
years who report it. Knight said it was a winter resident
and was only known in the southeastern part of the state.
525. Leucosticte atrata: Black Rosy Finch.
Richard says this form is a common winter resident about
Cody, with tephrocotis. The A. O. U. list says, “winters
south to southeastern Wyoming.” Ridgeway, in Vol. I,
“Birds of North and Middle America,” pp. 75 and 76, says
it breeds on Uinta Mountains, Wyoming. Chapman, in
“Color Key to North American Birds,” p. 179, says, “Breeds
in Idaho and Wyoming.” Knight said that none of them
had been reported in recent years.
528. Acanthis linaria linaria: Redpoll.
Fairly common winter resident, as reported by many of
the collectors, but it has not occurred about Laramie during
the winters of 1911, 1912, and 1913, as they formerly did.
529. Astragalinus tristis tristis: Goldfinch.
Messrs. Jewett and Peabody both report this species, but
Jewett probably confuses it with the Pale Goldfinch, 529a.
Peabody is no doubt correct, since he collected in a region
where it is likely to occur and he has had his identification
verified by an expert.
530.
533.
534.
536.
536a.
538.
539.
540a.
WYOMING BIrRDs. 61
Astragalinus tristis pallidus: Pale Goldfinch.
A fairly common summer resident along streams and
brushy places at the lower altitudes.
Astragalinus psaltria: Arkansas Goldfinch.
“Probably very rare, if not accidental. The Wyoming rec-
ord rests upon a single specimen taken by Bond at Chey-
enne, May 26, 1889. Mir. Bond has the skin in his collec-
tion.” (Knight.)
Spinus pinus: Pine Siskin.
Abundant summer resident in the foothills and mountains.
Plectrophenax nivalis nivalis: Snow Bunting.
Common winter resident on the plains with the Desert
Horned Larks.
Calcarius lappcnicus lapponicus: Lapland Longspur.
There are skins in the University collection which were
taken by Knight and verified by Ridgeway, but Knight
failed to record this form in his bulletin. Specimens taken
by Walker about Laramie in the spring of 1912 belong to
the succeeding species.
Calcarius lapponicus alascensis: Alaska Longspur.
Peabody and Walker have taken specimens of this species.
Lockwood’s. record is conditionally referred to this form,
but may belong to the preceding.
Calcarius ornatus: Chestnut-collared Longspur.
Peabody and Percival record this and indicate that it is
very common. Knight recorded that it was rare. Biolog-
ical Survey collectors have found it to be fairly common
summer resident in the northeastern portion of the state,
and it is on this authority that the third edition of the A.
O. U. check list records it.
Rynchophanes mccowni: McCown’s Longspur.
Abundant summer resident on the plains and southern por-
tion of the state, and is reported by Metz from the north-
ern part.
Pooecetes gramineus confinis: Western Vesper Sparrow.
Very abundant summer resident at all the lower altitudes
over the entire state and occurs occasionally almost to
timber line.
62
542a.
542b.
546a.
552a.
553.
554.
554a.
558.
559a.
560.
WYOMING BIRDS.
Ammodramus sandwichensis savanna: Savannah Sparrow.
“Accidental. ‘This has been placed in the Wyoming list
upon a single specimen which Dr. Jesurun has taken at
Douglas. I have examined the skin and I am unable to
distinguish it from the typical eastern bird.” (Knight.)
Passerculus sandwichensis alaudinus: Western Savannah
Sparrow.
Very abundant ‘summer resident about marshy places from
the plains up to at least 9,000 feet and probably higher.
Ammondramus savannarum bimaculatus: Western Grass-
hopper Sparrow.
Knight did not record this bird, but Peabody, Lockwood,
and Blackwelder have found it in the state.
Chondestes grammacus strigatus: Western Lark Sparrow.
Rather an uncommon summer resident over the plains re-
gion and lower foothills of the state.
Zonotrichia querula: MHarris’ Sparrow.
Knight said migratory, rare; and that but two specimens
had been found in the state. Peabody now has found it.
Zonotrichia leucophrys leucophrys: White-crowned Sparrow.
From the foothills to timber line, and even above, this bird
is an abundant summer resident.
Zonotrichia leucophrys gambeli: Gambel’s Sparrow.
Metz is the only recent observer who positively records it.
Jewett noticed White-crowned Sparrows that were pos-
sibly of this species.
Zonotrichia albicollis: White-throated Sparrow.
Lockwood has found this bird. His is the only record
since that by Knight, who recorded but one specimen from
the state.
Spizella monticola ochracea: Western Tree Sparrow.
Apparently a rather uncommon migrant ; probably a summer
resident, as it has been found during late winter and early
spring in southern Wyoming.
Spizella passerina passerina: Chipping Sparrow.
“Probably a summer resident, but rare. The record of this
species in the state comes from the National Museum.
Specimen No. 38477 was taken at Laramie Peak and No.
WyYomMING Birps. 63
560a.
561.
562.
566.
567.
567b.
567f.
567g.
11213 at Fort Bridger. It is quite probable that it may be
common along the eastern border of the state.” (Knight.)
Spizella passerina arigonae: Western Chipping Sparrow.
Fairly common summer resident over most of the state.
Spizella pallida: Clay-colored Sparrow.
Knight recorded this as a rather common summer resident,
but Blackwelder in his Teton list is the only one who re-
ports it.
Spizella breweri: Brewer’s Sparrow.
Very abundant summer resident throughout the state at
the lower altitudes and ranges up to almost 9,000 feet.
Junco aikeni: White-winged Junco.
Reported as fairly common summer resident from the
central to the northern portion of the state, and almost a
winter resident.
Junco hyemalis hyemalis: Slate-colored Junco.
Rather uncommon migrant and possibly a summer resident.
Junco hyemalis connectens: Schufeldt’s Junco.
Blackwelder has found it in the Tetons and Percival took
a male specimen in June, 1912. These are the only rec-
ords of it since Knight’s record that it was quite abund-
ant in Wyoming during migrations.
Junco hyemalis montanus: Montana Junco.
“Possibly a winter resident. But little is known of this
species. It is very certain that data originally referred to
the Oregon Junco in part belongs to this species. These
birds arrive in Laramie about the middle of March and
remain for only a few weeks. There is one skin in the
University collection that was taken at Laramie, September
27, 1898. The National Museum has the following num-
bers belonging to this species, that were taken in Wyo-
ming: 71114, taken by A. G. Brackett, and 11180 and 11186,
taken by Drexel at Fort Bridger.”
Junco hyemalis mearnsi: Pink-sided Junco.
The most abundant Junco during migration, at least in
southern Wyoming. It is evidently a summer resident in
the northern portion’ of the state, but has not been found
as such in the southern region.
64
WYOMING BIRDS.
567h. Junco hyemalis annectens: Ridgway’s Junco.
Fort Bridger is the type locality for this Junco. F. M.
sailey, in “Handbook of Birds of the Western United
States,” mentions it as from Wyoming. We have no re-
cent records of it.
570b. Junco phaeonotus caniceps: Gray-headed Junco.
574—1.
An exceedingly abundant Junco in the Laramie Hills and
Medicine Bow Mountains. Walker is the only recent ob-
server who records it. Knight indicated that it occurred
only in southern Wyoming and so does the A. O. U. check
list of recent issue.
Amphispiza nevadensis nevadensis: Sage Sparrow.
Knight reported that it was a common summer resident,
but the only recent observers who report it are Metz from
Sheridan and Walker from Albany County. The A. O. U.
list records it from central Wyoming, probably upon
Knight’s record.
581b. Melospiza melodia montana: Mountain Song Sparrow.
Fairly common summer resident in certain parts of the
state, but the only recent records of it are by Blackwelder
in the Teton region, Jewett, Lockwood, Clearwaters, and
Walker.
583. Melospiza lincolni lincolni: Lincoln’s Sparrow.
Knight said that it was “probably a summer resident in
the mountains, common during migrations.” The recent
observers to record it are Metz, Clearwaters, Blackwelder
in the Teton region, and Walker from Albany County.
Walker makes the following comments on it: “Very abund-
ant summer resident fram the plains up to almost 9,000
feet. Nest, with newly hatched young, found near Albany
on June the 28th.” (1912.)
585c. Passerella iliaca schistacea: Slate-colored Fox Sparrow.
Our only record of this species is by Jewett, who found
them near Afton; possibly Peabody’s record of the Fox
Sparrow should belong to it. See hypothetical list.
588. Pipilo maculatus arcticus: Arctic Towhee.
Fairly common summer resident over most of the state.
WYOMING BIrRpbs. 65
588a. Pipilo maculatus montanus: Spurred Towhee.
Lockwood thinks he has found this bird. The recent A. O.
U. check list records it from eastern Wyoming, probably
upon the authority of Knight, who said it was an abundant
summer resident in the northeastern portion of the state.
592—1. Oreospiza chlorura: Green-tailed Towhee.
Common summer resident in the sage-brush region through-
out almost the entire state.
593. Cardinalis cardina!lis cardinalis: Cardinal.
Our only record of this is by Clearwaters, who records it
from the eastern portion of the state.
596. Zamelodia melanocephala: Black-headed Grosbeak.
The first record of its occurrence in summer in southern
Wyoming is by Walker, who took one male on June 26,
1911, in Centennial Valley. Metz, Peabody, Lockwood, and
Blackwelder report it. Apparently found rather commonly
in northeastern Wyoming.
599. Passerina amoema: Lazuli Bunting.
Reported by Walker, Metz, Peabody, and Blackwelder in
the Teton regions. While not common, this bird is evi-
dently more abundant than formerly.
604. Spiza americana: Dickcissel.
Metz and Peabody record this from the northern and east-
ern portions of the state. Clearwaters has found it in
eastern Wyoming. Probably it is extending its range
westward and becoming a summer resident.
605. Calamospiza melanocorys: Lark Bunting.
One of the most abundant birds of the plains region of
the state; and during post breeding migrations it occa-
sionally goes to the higher altitudes.
TANGARIDAE (Tanagers).
During the fall migrations the Tanagers come to the lower alti-
tudes and while there they feed largely upon the wild fruits, seeds,
and insects. In California they have at times done damage to
fruit. Their food is principally insects and insect larvae, which
they destroy in great numbers. In the east they are efficient protec-
tors of the oak and chestnut trees.
66 WyYoMING BIRDS.
REFERENCES:
1. North American Fauna No. 7, p. 108.
North American Fauna No. 16, p. 127.
Year Book of the Department of Agriculture, 1904, p. 242.
“Useful Birds and Their Protection,” Forbush, pp. 262-275.
eh
607. Piranga ludoviciana: Western Tanager.
Fairly common summer resident over the middle altitudes
of the state.
608. Piranga erythromelas: Scarlet Tanager.
“Accidental. But a single specimen has been reported from
Wyoming. Mr. Frank Bond took one at Cheyenne on
May. 28th, 1889. The skin is in his collection. It is a male
bird, in gorgeous plumage, and was alone.” (Knight.)
HIRUNDINIDAE: (Swallows).
The Swallows spend much time on the wing. Their habit of
fying above meadows in search of insects is well known to all.
They are almost entirely insectivorous during the summer months.
They destroy enormous numbers of injurious insects, as well as
some beneficial species. Their long pointed wings and wide gapes
adapt them well to their mode of life. They feed upon mosquitoes,
flies, gnats, moths, and various beetles, including the June beetles
and striped cucumber beetle.
The government has issued a bulletin urging the protection of
Swallows because they destroy the cotton boll weevil during migra-
tions.
REFERENCES:
1. “Value of Swallows as Insect Destroyers,” Biological Sur-
vey Circular No. 56.
Year Book of the Department of Agriculture, 1910, p. 418.
Farmers’ Bulletin No. 54, pp. 36-38.
“Useful Birds and Their Protection,’ Forebush, pp. 343-348.
Reh
611. Pregne subis subis: Purple Martin.
Peabody reports this from the eastern portion of the state.
Knight recorded it also.
612. Petrochelidon lunifrons lunifrons: Cliff Swallow.
Exceedingly abundant summer resident over the lower or
middle altitudes of the state.
Wyominc Birps. 67
613. Hirundo erythtrogastra: Barn Swallow.
Common summer resident over most of the state at the
lower altitudes.
614. Iridoprocne bicolor: Tree Swallow.
Knight said that it was summer resident; not common and
distributed rather locally. This evidently is still the case,
as only Blackwelder, Walker, and Clearwaters have noted it.
615. Tachycineta thalassina lepida: Northern - Violet-green
Swallow.
Abundant summer resident from the foothills to timber
line in many portions of the state.
616. Riparia riparia: Bank Swallow.
Abundant summer resident over most of the state.
617. Stelgidopteryx serripennis: Rough-winged Swallow.
Knight said that it is probably a summer resident, but that
the data was insufficient to mark its occurrence in Wyo-
ming. Blackwelder has since recorded it from the Teton
region. This is the only recent record. It is probable
that many are recorded under the preceding form which
should properly be placed under serripennts.
BOMBYCILLIDAE (Waxwings).
The Waxwings are fond of wild and cultivated fruits of vari-
ous kinds. They are sometimes a nuisance in cherry trees. The
young are fed mostly on insects and their larvae, and the adults
are ereat insect destroyers. When a flock of these birds enters
an orchard infested by canker worms, they are likely to rid it of
these pests. Elm trees are also protected from elm leaf beetles.
The Waxwings feed upon a variety of insects and they are. great
eluttons, stuffing on fruit or insects until they can swallow no more.
They are on the whole beneficial and deserve protection.
REFERENCES :
1. North American Fauna 19, p. 89.
2. “Useful Birds and Their Protection,” Forebush, pp. 209-211.
618. Eombycilla carrula: Bohemian Waxwing.
Knight reported that it was a winter resident and locally
abundant. Richard now reports that they are common
68 WyomiInc Birps.
a ee
residents in the mountains, which would indicate that they
breed there. Metz, Peabody, and Percival also report it.
619. Bombycilla cedrorum: Cedar Waxwing.
Common resident in portions of the state. Metz, Black-
welder, and Clearwaters record it.
LANIIDAE (Shrikes).
The Shrikes are flesh eaters exclusively, their food consisting
of grasshopjers, beetles, mice, and sparrows. During the summer
months 75 per cent of the food of the Loggerhead Shrike consists
of grasshoppers. During the winter months they feed upon birds
and mice. On the whole, the Shrikes are considered beneficial.
REFERENCES :
1. Year Book of the Department of Agriculture, 1900, pp. 300-
302 and 416-417.
2, Biological Survey Bulletin No. 9, pp. 15-25.
621. Lanius borealis: Northern Shrike.
Common winter resident.
622a. Lanius !udovicianus excubitorides: White-rumped Shrike.
Common summer resident over most of the state.
VIREONIDAE (Vireos).
The Vireos are among the most valuable insect destroyers.
They are fond of caterpillars and the larvae of beetles which de-
foliate the trees. They also feed upon aphids and various species
of beetles, bugs, and orthoptera. Some wild fruits are eaten also.
The Western Warbling Vireo is the only member of the family
that is abundant in this state. It feeds almost exclusively upon
insects that it finds on the aspens and trees of the foothills and along
the streams.
REFERENCES :
1. Biological Survey Bulletin No. 30, pp. 39-40.
2. Year Book of the Department of Agriculture, 1906, pp. 194-
195.
3. Year Book of the Department of Agriculture, 1900, p. 416.
“Useful Birds and Bheir Protection,” Forebush, pp. 203-208.
os
WyYoMINc Birps. 69
624. Vireosylva olivacea: Red-eyed Vireo.
Knight said it was possibly a summer resident, but quite
rare and largely confined to eastern Wyoming. The only
recent record of it is by Walker, who found one at Green
River well toward the western portion of thp state. This
specimen was taken during the fall migration of 1911.
627. Vireosylva gilva gilva: Warbling Vireo.
Knight considered all records of the Warbling Vireos under
this head and said: “Summer resident and rather com-
mon.” The only one reporting it now is Sawyer. All
other observers record swainsoni.
627a. Vireosylva gilva swainsoni: Western Warbling Vireo.
Common summer resident in the foothills and about timber
over almost the entire state.
629. Lanivireo solitarius solitarius: Blue-headed Vireo.
“Accidental. The Wyoming record is based upon a single
specimen taken by Drexel at Fort Bridger, 1858.” (Knight. )
629b. Lanivireo soltarius plumbeus: Plumbeus Vireo.
Knight said it was probably a summer resident, but that
there were no breeding records. Peabody has since found
it breeding in Weston and Crook Counties.
633. Vireo belli belli: Bell’s Vireo.
“Probably accidental. The only Wyoming record comes
from Grinnell, which is as follows: ‘Quite abundant late
in August among the timber and low brush on the streams
flowing out from the Freezeout Mountains, where the
writer took specimens.’” (Knight.)
MNIOTILTIDAE (Wood Warblers).
For their size probably no birds consume more insects than the
Warblers do. They seem to be always hungry and hunting for
food. They capture almost incredible numbers of small, noxious
insects. They also eat caterpillars, beetle larvae, and insects of
various kinds. The Warblers probably rank first among birds as
insect destroyers. Chapman, in his “Warblers of North America,”
gives interesting figures on the food of these birds.
70 WyYoMING Birps.
OTHER REFERENCES:
1. “Useful Birds and Their Protection,’ Forebush, pp. 185-203.
2. “Birds in Their Relation to Man,’ Weed and Dearborn, pp.
112-119.
636. Mniotilta varia: Black and White Warbler.
“Accidental. Dr. Jesurun has one specimen in his collec-
tion that he captured at Douglas, May 17, 1899. The bird
was alone.” (Knight.)
644. Vermivora virginiae: Virginia Warbler.
“Tt seems singular, but little is known of this bird in Wyo-
ming. In accordance with its geographical distribution, it
should be a summer resident, but none of the recent ob-
servers have reported it. The A. O. U. check list, second
edition, reports it as belonging to Wyoming. Besides this,
Aiken is the only one to report it from the state. He notes
the following: ‘A fine singer, usually found on the hill-
sides covered with brush.’ He also states that he took
eggs and nests. Further notes on this species are very
desirable.” (Knight.)
645. Vermivora rubricapilla rubricapilla: Nashville Warbler.
“Rare summer resident. Bond has taken a single specimen
at Cheyenne and | have taken one specimen on Chugwater
Creek, May 29, 1898. Mr. Chas. Gilmore captured two
specimens in the Freezeout hills in 1897, both of which
are in the University collection. One of these skins was
conditionally referred to the Calaveras Warbler by W. W.
Cooke. (‘Further Notes on the Birds of Colorado,’ Bul-
letin 44, State Agricultural College, Colorado, March, 1898,
p. 168.)” (Knight.)
645a. Vermivora rubricapilla gutturalis: Calaveras Warbler.
One specimen found dead in a poisonous cave by, Mie SEs
Skinner of the Yellowstone Park.
646. Vermivora celata celata: Orange-crowned Warbler.
“Summer resident; not common. ‘The following records
have been collected: Drexel, Fort Bridger; McCarthy,
Green River; Grinnell, Como Bluff; Jesurun, Douglas;
3ond, Cheyenne.” (Knight.) Walker took a specimen
which appears to be this form, but it has not been positively
identified.
WyYoMING Birps. 71
646a. Vermivora celata lutescens: Lutescent Warbler.
“The data regarding this variety is insufficient to warrant
an expression as to the extent of its occurrence in the
state.” (Knight.) Lockwood thinks he has found it in
Albany County. Knight gives a few authentic records.
647. Vermivora peregrina: Tennessee Warbler.
Knight records it as accidental. Peabody is the only re-
cent observer who records it.
648a. Compsothlypis americana usneae: Northern Parula War-
bler:
The recent A. O. U. list records it as casual in Wyoming
and Colorado. They have probably based their statement
on Knight’s record of 648, in which he stated it was acci-
dental; there being but two records of the Parula Warbler
in Wyoming.
652. Dendroica aestive aestiva: Yellow Warbler.
Abundent at all the lower and middle altitudes where it
can find brush or timber suitable for nesting.
654. Dendroica caerulescens caerulescens: Black-throated Blue
Warbler.
Mr. Lockwood reports that in 1893 he took a specimen at
Casper.
655. Dendroica coronata: Myrtle Warbler.
The only recent records are by Richard, who reports that
they are common about Cody during migrations; and by
Sawyer, who reported it from the Laramie Hills. Knight
said migratory, and rather uncommon, and cited a few
references.
656. Dendroica audubonisauduboni: Audubon’s Warbler.
Common breeder in the lower timbered regions of the
mountains.
659. Dendroica pennsylvanica: Chestnut-sided Warbler.
“Probably accidental. The Wyoming record rests upon a
single specimen taken at Cheyenne, May 23, 1889, by Mr.
Frank Bond. Mr. Bond published this record in The Auk,
VI, 1889, 341, and has the skin in his-collection.” (Knight. )
N
i)
661.
668.
674.
675a.
680.
681a.
WYOMING Barbs.
.Dendroica striata: Black-poll Warbler.
“Possibly a summer resident; but no data.. A very rare
eastern bird that occasionally reaches Wyoming. Jesurun
reports having taken it at Douglas, and Bond has two
skins in his collection that were taken at Cheyenne. Wil-
liston reports a single specimen taken at Lake Como.”
(Knight. )
Dendroica townsendi: Townsend’s Warbler.
Knight said that it was probably a summer resident in
western Wyoming and cited Dr. Jesurun’s taking them at
Douglas. Since then, Jewett reports that one was noted
at 7,500 feet in Star Valley. Cook, in “Birds of Colo-
rado,” Bulletin 56, page 219, states that there is a young
bird in the Bond collection. Walker took one at Green
River, September 1, 1911, and another at Hatton, in Albany
County, on September 13, 1911. This probably extends its
range far to the eastward of any previous record.
Seiurus aurocapillus: Oven-bird.
The first report we had of this in Wyoming was from
Fisher of the University of South Dakota, who recorded
it at Hulett and Sundance in June, 1911. He stated that
they were fairly common summer residents there. Peabody
and Clearwaters also record it.
Seiurus noveboracensis notabilis: Grinnell’s Water-thrush.
Lockwood reports it from Natrona County. Knight said
that 1t was probably a summer resident, but that little was
known of it in Wyoming. The type specimen was taken
by Dr. Williston at Lake Como, on June 10, 1878. Bond
took one at Cheyenne.
Oporornis tolmiei: Macgillivray’s Warbler.
Moderately common summer resident over most of the
state along the brushy streams of the foothills at the
lower altitudes.
Geothlypis trichas occidentalis: Western Yellow-throat.
Rather an uncommon summer resident. Knight said it is
a rather common summer resident, but there are very few
to be found in southern Wyoming. Northward they may
be more common.
WyYomING Birps. Fa
683a.
icteria virens longicauda: Long-tailed Chat.
Rather common summer resident over most of the state at
the lower altitudes where they can find suitable brushy
streams.
685. Wilsonia pusilla pusilla: Wilson’s Warbler.
Knight reported that it is a summer resident not uncom-
mon. Most of the recent observers have reported the
Pileolated Warbler as quite common. If there is a recog.
nizable form such as pileolata, it certainly occurs in this
region.
= ss
685a. Wilsonia pusilla pileolata: Pileolated Warbler.
Abundant summer resident and ranging well up into the
mountains. (See comments under the preceding species.)
687. Setophaga ruticilla: Redstart.
Knight recorded it as an uncommon summer resident and
cited a few occurrences. Metz is the only recent observer
who records it. |
MOTACILLIDAE (Wagtails).
The Pipits live at high altitudes and are of but slight economic
importance in Wyoming, except during migrations, when they de-
scend to the lower altitudes and catch many insects.
REFERENCES :
1. Biological Survey Bulletin No. 38, p. 84.
697. Anthus rubescens: Pipit.
Knight said this was probably a summer resident and quite
abundant in marshy places during the spring. Walker has
found it breeding abundantly above timber line in alpine
meadows in July. Jewett, Metz, Peabody, and Blackwelder
record it.
700. Anthus spraguei: Sprague’s Pipit.
“Thus far this species has been reported only by Mr. Bond
of Cheyenne, who has two skins in his collection that were
taken April 24, 1888. This will probably prove a rare spe-
cies in Wyoming, but not accidental.” (Knight.)
74, WyYoMING Birps.
CINCLIDAE (Dippers).
701. Cinclus mexicanus unicolor: Dipper.
Fairly common summer resident on the mountain streams.
Its migrations are mainly vertical. During the summer they
nest far up in the mountains and in the winters they de-
scend to the foothills and streams, where they can find open
water.
MIMIDAE (Thrashers, Mockingbirds, etc.).
’ The Thrashers and Catbirds nest in small bushes or shrubs.
They stay near the ground as a general thing and feed their young
upon cutworms, grubs, various kinds of caterpillars, and adult in-
sects. The adult birds also consume many insects, but they are also
fond of fruit. A Catbird now and then will feed upon honey bees.
These birds like to build near human dwellings and their company
is worth cultivating.
REFERENCES :
1. “Useful Birds and Their Protection,’ Forebush, pp. 178-184.
2. Farmers’ Bulletin No. 54, pp. 33-35 and 39-41.
3. Year Book of the Department of Agriculture, 1900, pp. 303-
304 and 415-416.
4. North American Fauna No. 33, p. 241.
702. Oreoscoptes montanus: Sage Thrasher.
Common summer resident throughout the sage-brush and
plains region. The type specimen was taken at Sandy Creek,
Wyoming.
703a. Mimus polyglottos leucopterus: Western Mockingbird.
Knight recorded polyglottos, but the record is here consid-
ered as leucopterus. Peabody records it. Uncommon in
this state.
704. Dumetella carolinensis: Catbird.
Common summer resident along the streams of the plains
and lower altitudes.
705. Texostoma rufum: Brown Thrasher.
Knight recorded it as summer resident not uncommon in
eastern Wyoming, especially in areas that are below 7,000
feet elevation. Metz, Lockwood, Clearwaters, and Percival
all record it.
WYoMING Birps. 75
TROGLODYTIDAE (Wrens).
The Wrens are almost entirely insectivorous. They feed upon
caterpillars, grasshoppers, beetles, and bugs. All are valuable birds;
the House Wren is particularly so.
REFERENCES :
“Useful Birds and Their Protection,’ Forebush, pp. 292-294.
2. Year Book of the Department of Agriculture, 1897, p. 670.
3. Biological Survey Bulletin No. 54, pp. 35-36.
4. Year Book of the Department of Agriculture, 1900, pp. 413-
415.
5. Biological Survey Bulletin No. 30, pp. 65-66.
715. Salpinctes obsoletus obsoletus: Rock Wren.
Common summer resident along all the foothills, and in
—
.
places extending out on the plains.
717a. Catherpes mexicanus conspersus: Canon Wren.
Knight had only one authentic record for this state, but
evidently the bird has recently increased or extended its
range, or both. Both Richard and Metz report it as a
fairly common summer resident in northern Wyoming.
Blackwelder found it in the Teton region. Lockwood has
seen a bird in the vicinity of Laramie which he thinks was
the Canon Wren.
721a. Troglodytes aedon parkmani: Western House Wren.
Common summer resident throughout the state at the lower
and middle altitudes.
722a. Nannus hiemalis pacificus: \Western Winter Wren.
Lockwood and Blackwelder are the only recent observers
who have found this bird. Knight recorded that it was
probably a rare summer resident.
724. Cistothorus stellaris: Short-billed Marsh Wren.
“Accidental. Mr. Bond of Cheyenne has a single skin in
his collection that has been identified at. Washington.”
(Knight. )
725. Telmatodytes palustris palustris: Long-billed Marsh Wren.
Peabody has found a Wren which he thinks should be re-
corded as this species. Lockwood and Knight also record-
ed it.
76 WyYomING Birps.
725c. Telmatodytes palustris plesius: Western Marsh Wren.
The only recent record is by Lockwood and Walker, who
took two specimens while collecting together in May, 1912.
Knight indicated that it was probably a summer resident,
but so far there are no breeding records. Lockwood had
found it before in this locality.
CERTHIIDAE (Creepers).
The Brown Creepers are efficient friends of the forest. They
climb the tree trunks, rarely being found upon the branches. Their
stiff tail feathers, sharp claws, and long, curved bills adapt them to
this mode of life. They feed upon insects and their eggs, larvae,
and pupae, which are hidden away in the crevices of the bark.
REFERENCES :
1. “Useful Birds and Their Protection,” Forebush, pp. 177-178.
2. Year Book of the Department of Agriculture, 1908, p. 346.
3. Year Book of the Department of Agriculture, 1906, p. 197.
4. Year Book of the Department of Agriculture, 1900, pp. 296-
297.
_726b. Certhia familiaris montana: Rocky Mountain Creeper.
Knight said it is a summer resident, but that very little is
known of it in the state. The recent records are by Rich-
ard, who reports that they are summer residents about Cody
and Yellowstone Park. Metz, Peabody, and Blackwelder
also reported it. It is possible that they are winter resi-
dents as well, because Walker found it in December in the
mountains at 9,100 feet.
SITTIDAE (Nuthatches).
The Nuthatches have habits similar to those of the Brown
Creeper, except that they do not confine their attentions so exclu-
sively to the trunks of the trees. They creep over all the branches.
frequently hanging head down. They feed upon insects and their
larvae, which are hidden away in the bark. They are most valuable
destroyers of insect pests and their habits are very interesting
They stay with us ail winter long, which makes them the more val-
uable. In winter they eat some seeds as well as insects.
WyYomINc Birps. yi)
N
REFERENCES :
1. “Useful Birds and Their Protection,” Forebush, pp. 171-177.
2. Biological Survey Bulletin No. 30, p. 68.
3. Yearbook of the Department of Agriculture, 1900, pp. 296-
297.
727a. Sitta carolinensis aculeata: Slender-billed Nuthatch.
Knight reported it as a common resident and indicated that
it is found over the entire state. The only recent observer
who has noted it is Blackwelder, who found it to be quite
common in the Teton region.
727c. Sitta carolinensis nelsoni: Rocky Mountain Nuthatch.
Peabody reports this bird as being a fairly common resident
in the region in which he worked. He has skins and pho-
tographs to verify his statement.
728. Sitta canadensis: Red-breasted Nuthatch.
A rather uncommon Nuthatch in most of the regions.
Blackwelder, however, found it to be quite common on the
west slope of the Teton range.
730. Sitta pygmaea pygmaea: Pygmy Nuthatch.
Blackwelder found it in the Tetons. The early records
were from near Cheyenne and at Sherman. The A. O. U
list includes it in southeastern Wyoming, probably upon
Knight's authority.
PARIDAE (Titmice).
Fhe. Chickadees stay with us during the entire wear and do
valiant service in destroying destructive insects. During the winter
they feed upon the eggs of plant lice which they find clinging to
the bark. They also destroy the larvae and pupae of various in-
sects which are hidden away in crevices or beneath scales of bark.
The Titmice eat a small amount of seeds when insect food is not
found in quantity sufficient for their needs. ;
REFERENCES :
1. “Birds in Their Relation to Man,” Weed and Dearborn, pp.
106-109.
2. “Useful Birds and Their Protection,” Forebush, pp. 163-171.
3. Year Book of the Department of Agriculture, 1907, p. 169.
4. Farmers’ Bulletin No. 54, p. 42-44.
78 WyomIneG Birps.
735a. Penthestes atricapillus septentrionalis: Long-tailed Chick-
adee. :
Very abundant summer resident at the lower and middle
altitudes throughout the entire state.
738. Penthestes gambeli gambeli: Mountain Chickadee.
Fully as common as the last and having the same range ex-
cept vertically. It ranges from about 9,000 feet almost to
timber line during the summer. In winter it merely makes
a vertical migration, descending to the lower altitudes and
takes the place of the preceding form, which goes south-
ward.
744. Psaltriparus plumbeus: Lead-colored Bush-Tit,
“Resident; uncommon. More abundant in western than
eastern Wyoming. Stevenson reports one specimen taken
at Green River; Aiken notes seeing them in flocks during
the winter near Sherman; Ridgeway notes (Manual of N.
A. Birds, p. 565) that this species extends from western
Colorado and Wyoming to eastern Oregon, ete.” (Knight.)
SYLVIIDAE (Kinglets and Gnatcatchers).
The Kinglets and Gnatcatchers are extremely small birds, but
they are active insect destroyers. They feed upon plant lice, their
eggs, and various small insects found upon the leaves and twigs of
trees. These birds are of special value to the spruce and pine for-
ests of the state.
REFERENCES”
1. Year Book of the Department of Agriculture, 1906, pp. 197-
198.
2. “Useful Birds and Their Protection,” Forebush, pp. 160-163.
3, Farmers’ Bulletin No. 506, pp. 34-35.
748. Regulus satrapa satrapa: Golden-crowned Kinglet.
Knight had but one record, that from Aiken. Jewett ob-
served this bird in Star Valley. Sweeney saw one flock at
Foxpark, October 9, 1912. Blackwelder observed it in the
Tetons.
749. Regulus calendula calendula: Ruby-crowned Kinglet.
Abundant summer resident in the pine and spruce forests.
Wyominec Birps. 79
TURDIDAE (Thrushes, Robins, Bluebirds, etc.).
Many of the Thrushes live in deep woods, but the Bluebirds
and Robins nest in the more open country near human habitations.
The Bluebirds and Robins feed upon cutworms and other cater-
pillars, butterflies, moths, grasshoppers, crickets, bugs, beetles, ete.
The Robin is fond of cultivated fruit. Both birds eat wild fruit to
some extent. The young birds are fed almost entirely upon insects
and their larvae, principally caterpillars and grasshoppers. The
Thrushes’ food does not differ materially from that of the Robin
and Bluebird, except that the fruit taken is wild fruit.
This entire family of birds is beneficial, not excepting the Robin,
about which some doubt has been expressed.
REFERENCES : :
1. “Useful Birds and Their Protection,’ Forebush, pp. 155-160,
282-292.
2. Year Book of the Department of Agriculture, 1897, p. 670.
3. Farmers’ Bulletin No. 54, pp. 44-46.
4. Year Book of the Department of Agriculture, 1907, pp. 168-
169. ;
754. Myadestes townsendi: Townsend’s Solitaire.
Common summer resident from the plains almost to timber
line.
756a. Hylocichla fuscescens salicicola: Willow Thrush.
Rather common in the pine forests of the mountain region.
757. WHylocichla aliciae aliciae: Gray-cheeked Thrush.
Two or three specimens taken by Lockwood near Laramie
during spring migrations.
758a. Hylocichla ustulata swainsoni: Olive-backed Thrush.
Lockwood has taken them in Albany County. Peabody and
Clearwaters both record them. Walker has observed it
also. (Peabody reported Almas Thrush, but that is now a
synonym of the Olive-backed. )
759. Hylocichla guttata guttata: Alaska Hermit Thrush.
“There is but a single record for Wyoming. I took this
specimen at Laramie, September 9, 1898. Mr. Ridgway iden-
tified the bird.” ( Knight.)
WYOMING BIRDS.
761.
761a.
766.
767a.
768.
Hylocichla guttata auduboni: Audubon’s Hermit Thrush.
Knight gave but one record. Metz has found it nesting.
Blackwelder records it from the Teton region. Taken by
Lockwood from near Laramie.
Planesticus migratorius migratorius: Robin.
This form occurs in southeastern Wyoming. It and pro-
pinguus are both found here, the latter in far greater num-
bers.
Planesticus migratorius propingquus: Western Robin.
Very abundant summer resident over the entire state.
Sialia sialis sialis: Bluebird.
Knight was doubtful as to whether or not this bird breeds
in Wyoming. His only records were that several specimens
had been taken by Bond of Cheyenne. Peabody now records
it, and Clearwaters has seen it nesting in Laramie County.
Sialia mexicani bairdi: Chestnut-backed Bluebird.
“There is only one authentic record for Wyoming. This
was made by McCarthy, who took a specimen on the Sweet-
water River in 1859. There is no doubt but what they
frequent southwestern Wyoming and_ probably breed.”
( Knight. )
Sialia currucoides: Mountain Bluebird.
Abundant summer resident on the plains and timber land.
Found over the entire state.
Passer domesticus: English Sparrow.
This bird is gradually spreading in Wyoming and_ has
reached almost all the towns. It is seldom seen at any
ereat distance from towns or ranches.
Pe ee EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEeEEeEeEOEeEeEeEeEeEeEeEeEeEeEeEeEeereeeeeeeeoorrereerrerrr ee rr
WYOMING BiIrps. SI
COMMENTS
It is quite likely that collectors have not distinguished
correctly between certain species. For example Knight
gives 256 (Solitary Sandpiper) as fairly common, while all
recent collectors refer it to 256a (Western Solitary Sand-
piper). It may be that 627 (Warbling Vireo) and 627a
(Western Warbling Vireo) have likewise been confused.
The latter is probably the Wyoming species, 1f this sup-
position is correct, and 256a is the Sandpiper. We had a
large number of skins of Wilson's and Pileolated War-
blers, or at least some were labeled the one and some the
other. They were indistinguishable except that there was
a slight variation in color.
It is quite possible that some collectors have confused
two species of Red Wing Blackbirds and that only one 1s
-represented in Wyoming. The probability is that both 498
(The Red-winged Blackbird) and 498d (The Thick-billed
Redwing) are to be found in the state.
The Long-crested and Black-headed Jays are quite sim-
ilar, but there seems good evidence that both species occur
in southern Wyoming. It is possible that they are all varia-
tions of a single species.
Knight gives 204, 212, 478b and 585c in his hypothetical
list.
NEW - RECORDS FOR THE STATE:
Since the publication of W. C. Knight's “Birds of Wyo-
ming,’ in 1G02, the following forty-five birds, not recorded
by him, have been found by one or more of the collectors
who have worked in Wyoming. The records for these
82 WYOMING BIRDS.
birds may be found by referring to the general and local
lists :
BA,.53; 55, 505. 62, 130.0 054, 155) 201, 201 eee bees,
256a, 289, 299, 3344, 357b, 365, 379, 387, 430, 477, 478b,
484, 488b, 498d, 501, 507, 509, 514, 521, 529, 536, -546a,
567h, 585¢, 593, 604, 627a, 645a, 654, 674, 685a, 727¢, 757.
No. 627a is no doubt the same species which Knight
records as 627, and hence is not new.
The same may be said of 685 and 685a, and also 256
and 256a.
NEW BREEDING RECORDS.
Since the publication of Knight’s “Birds of Wyoming,”
the following forty-three birds which.were not known be-
fore to breed in this state have been found as summer
residents or breeders:
fo S1453,08S1 152. 155, 200, 212.230, 2407025 oa cane
289, 299, 300, 373¢€, 375, 420, 436, 466a, 478b, 484, 488b,
498d, 501, 507, 509, 515, 524, 529, 563a, 567g, 583, 585¢.
593, 599, 604, 518, 527a, 529b, 674, 717a, 759a, and 766.
SUMMARY.
Number of birds positively recorded by Knight........ 288
New birds foundvin the state... (2422 2h tee 45
Total positively-recorded; 2b se ee es en 333
Nomber: An *hypotheticeal: listt 2s5s 5 5 nae ses eee 20
New summer residents and breeders not recorded by
aioli Wie at io eae ee ee Di Re ee cnt 44
a iN i li ei ee i a
WYOMING Birps. 83
HYPOTHETICAL LIST
A few records are not sufficiently well authenticated to
warrant their being placed in the regular list, so are placed
here.
133. Anas rubripes: Black Duck.
Hunters who were familiar with this duck in the east re-
ported to Mr. Lockwood that they had taken specimens
near Laramie.
174. Branta nigricana: Black Brant.
Our only record of this bird is from Clearwaters, who re-
ports that he saw a small flock that was probably of this
species. Hie did not secure a specimen.
215. Coturnicops noveboracensis: Yellow Rail.
Blackwelder records birds which he says appeared to be of
this species, but none were taken, so the record is ques-
tionable.
310a. Meleagris gallepavo silvestris: Wild Turkey.
Clearwaters records that he has seen a specimen which
bore a tag, probably in Knight’s handwriting, which indi-
cated that the specimen was taken near the southern bound-
ary of the state. Prof. William Reed reports them from
abount 25 miles south of the Wyoming boundary.
337. Buteo berealis harlani: MHarlan’s Hawk.
Lockwood reports one or two specimens.
356b. Faleo perigrinus pealei: Peale’s Falcon.
Mr. Lockwood reports having mounted a well-marked spec-
imen at Casper. In a letter he expresses doubt of the cor-
rectness of his determination because of lack of proper
means for determination at hand.
368. Strix varia variat: Barred Owl.
The records of this Owl in Wyoming are very unsatisfac-
tory. Clearwaters reports that there is a mounted speci-
men at Newcastle, which is said to have been taken near
there. In April, 1912, Walker observed an Owl in the Med-
375.
420.
466a.
474a.
474b.
478.
WYOMING BIRDS.
icine Bow Mountains, which he thought was this form, but
identification was not satisfactory. The A. O. U. list, third
edition, says “west to eastern Wyoming,” but upon what
authority we cannot say.
Bubo virginianus: Great Horned Owl.
Mr. Lockwood reports having taken specimens in Albany
County which show all gradations between this and the
succeeding species (375a). Reported also by Buck and
Walker. Because of the possibility that they confused it
with the western species, it is placed in the hypothetical list.
Chordeiles virginianus virginianus: Nighthawk.
This bird was reported by Richard, but may have been con-
fused with 420a. See local list by Richard.
Empidonax virescens: Green-crested Flycatcher.
“Accidental, if it is entitled to a place in fhe Wyoming
fauna. The only record is that of Drexel, who reported
it from Fort Bridger in 1858.” (Knight.)
Epidonax trailli alnorum: Alder’s Flycatcher.
Our only record of this species is from Blackwelder’s Teton
list. It is no doubt authentic, as is also his record for 563a.
Octocoris alpestris leucolaema: Pallid Horned Lark.
“There are numerous records referring to this variety as
occurring in Wyoming. I have endeavored to confirm the
evidence offered, but have been wholly unable to lecate a
single skin or specimen that has been taken. On this ac-
count, it has been placed in this list and further investi-
gation as to its western range is very desirable.” (Knight.)
Octocoris alpestris practicola: Prairie Pallid Horned Lark.
Percival merely reports this form. It is our only record
of it other than Knight’s record for leucolaecma of Coues,
which he calls the Pallid Horned Lark.
Cyanocitta stelleri: Steller’s Jay.
“Rare or accidental. The only possible record of this bird
being taken in Wyoming comes from the National Museum.
Their No. 64443 reads, ‘Taken at Shoshone Lake by Dr.
C. Hart Merriam’.”” (Knight.)
WYOMING BIrRps. 8
Cyu
487.
499.
500.
559.
563a.
581a.
585.
Corvus cryptoleucus: .White-necked Raven.
“Rare so far as known. The Wyoming record is based
upon the observation of C. E. Aiken (Am. Nat. VII, 1873,
16), Cheyenne, Wyoming. He also states in his article in
Pr. Bost. Soc., 1872, 203: ‘Very common along the base
of the mountains. No other collector has found this
Raven in the state.’ (Knight.) On page 122 of “Birds
of Nebraska,’ by Bruner, this bird is mentioned and it
should be found in this state.
Agelaius gubernator californicus: Bicolored Redwing.
In The Auk for 1899, Vol. 6, page 341, Bond recorded the
capture of one bird, April 14, 1889. It is also mentioned
by Cook in “Birds of Colorado.” This record by Bond
was published some years ago, before Knight’s work was
prepared, but Knight did not record this species.
Agleiaus tricolor: Tricolored Redwing.
Sawyer reports it from near Laramie, but it is probable
that he should refer to fortis, which is so abundant in that
region. |
Spizella monticola monticola: Tree Sparrow.
Reported by Percival, but should probably be referred to
ochraceac.
Spizella pucilla arenacea: Western Field Sparrow.
The only record we have of this bird is by Blackwelder,
from the Teton region. See local list by Blackwelder. See
also Knight.
Melospiza melodia fallax: Desert Song Sparrow.
Peabody reports this form, but it is quite probable that his
record should be for montana. If it occurs in Wyoming,
it is probably along the southern or southwestern region
only. Walker expected to find it-at Green River, but found
only montana.
Passerella illiaca illiaca: Fox Sparrow.
Peabody caught one brief glimpse of a bird which he thinks
should be recorded as this species.
86
598.
683.
733a.
748a.
767.
WYOMING BIRDS.
Passerina cyanea: Indigo Bunting.
Clearwaters reports that he has heard of it in the eastern
portion of the state, but he has never seen a specimen from
that region. ,
Icteria virens: Yellow-breasted Chat.
“Allen reported this species from Cheyenne. (Mus. Comp.
Zool. III, 1872.) This bird is not known to occur in the
state and possibly it may refer to 683a.” (Knight.)
Parus inornatus griseus: Gray Titmouse.
“The Wyoming record rests upon the report of Aiken. He
notes it as a common winter resident, gregarious during ~
the first part of the winter, but since January seen only
singly or in pairs.” (Knight.)
Regulus satrapa olivaceus: Western Golden-crowned King-
Tet:
Peabody reports this species, but it is probable that his
record should refer to 748.
Sialia mexicana occidentalis: Western Bluebird.
The only record of this species is by Percival, who merely
reports it.
LOCAL LISTS
Local List No. 1.
FROM WESTERN WYOMING.
BY ELIOT BLACKWELDER.
The observations on which the following list is based were
made in the course of two geological expeditions in the western
part of the Rocky Mountains. In a good many cases identifications
are more or less uncertain, as indicated by the question marks
after the names. ‘This arises from the fact that no specimens were
collected and in only a few cases were birds shot for identification.
On the other hand, a very strong Zeiss field glass (12 power) was
used to great advantage, and this permitted the recognition of many
species which with the unaided eye would have remained uncertain.
ANNOTATED LIST.
1. Western Grebe. Apparently rather rare. One seen on Lower
Dinwoodie Lake.
7. Loon. (?) Three seen on pond near Wind River postoffice.
70. Common Tern. (?) Several near pond near Fort Washakie.
130. Red-breasted Merganser. A rather common summer resident
on mountain lakes and rivers throughout the district. Fam-
ilies of them frequently seen on swift mountain rivers.
132. Mallard. (?) A few on Bull Lake, September 6th, 1910.
139. Green-winged Teal. The commonest summer duck, on rivers
from 7,000 to 9,000 feet.
140. Blue-winged Teal. (?) A small flock near Jackson, July 30th,
1910.
143. Pintail. (?) Single specimen seen in Snake River canyon,
July 23rd.
152. Barrow’s Golden-eye. (?) Rather common summer resident
on high mountain lakes.
230.
Al.
256a.
258a.
263.
264.
213.
297b.
300b.
308a.
309,
WyYyoMING Brrbs.
Harlequin Duck. (2?) Immature individuals rather common.
In same situation as the last. :
Canada Goose. Either this species or one of its varieties is a
summer resident in the canyon of Snake River, south of
Jackson. :
Great Blue Heron. Rather common summer resident.
Sora. (?) A rail believed to: be this species heard clearly
several times near Afton and around Jackson in July.
Yellow Rail. Very small yellowish brown rails, almost cer-
tainly this species,-were flushed from wet meadows in the
bottoms near Kendall, August 21st, 1910, and near Union
on Green River, August 13th, 1910. Elevations 8,000 to
9,000 feet.
Coot. Abundant on ponds and irrigation ditches early in Sep-
tember near Fort Washakie.
Northern Phalarope. About twenty of these trim and ner-
vous little birds were seen swimming on a sedgy pond with
coots and ducks, near Fort Washakie, September 13th, 1910.
Wilson’s Snipe. One flushed from the bank of Wind River,
below Circle, September 3, 1910.
Baird’s Sandpiper. A small flock seen August 23rd, 1911, near
the extreme head of Gros Ventre River; elevation 10,000
feet.
Western Solitary Sandpiper. (?) A few seen near Union
Pass, August 22nd.
Western Willet. Abundant about July Ist on irrigated mead-
Ows.
Spotted Sandpiper. The most abundant wader in the district.
Long-billed Curlew. Same as 258a, but not so numerous.
Killdeer. Common only locally.
Richardson’s Grouse. This species is fairly common in the
mountain forests.
Franklin’s Grouse. Fairly common in pine forests.
Gray Ruffed Grouse. A small covey of nearly full grown
birds seen near Teton Pass, September 15th, 1911.
Columbian Sharp-tailed Grouse. (?) Partridges which may
well belong to this species were seen at several points
around Jackson’s Hole during the summer.
Sage Hen. Abundant on the grassy and sage-covered foot-
hills.
ES a. es a
WYOMING Birbs. 89
316.
325.
36C0a.
364.
365.
STALE
390).
Mourning Dove. Plentiful in the Salt River Valley near
Afton.
Turkey Vulture. Apparently common only in the cattle coun-
try along Green River. One was seen at Teton Pass, an-
other in Hoback Canyon, and a few near Bondurant.
Marsh Hawk. We met this occasionally throughout the dis-
trict. .
Sharp-shinned Hawk. (?) A single small hawk believed to
be of this species seen near the west end of the Gros Ventre
range, August 15th, 1911.
Cooper's Hawk. (?) Hawks probably of this species seen
near Kendall in August, 1910, and in the middle Wind
River valley early in September, 1910.
Western Red-tail. Apparently a bird of the ranch country.
Swainson’ Hawk. A little less common than the last. It
seems to prefer the foothills and lower parts of the moun-
tains where the country is fairly open, but has some timber.
Golden Eagle. Not uncommon in the high mountain ranges.
Prairie Falcon. Not very common. Seems to prefer the dry
foothills.
Pigeon Hawk. A hawk almost certainly of this species ex-
amined several times at close range and with a glass. Three
near the west end of the Wind River Range. Others near
the southeast end of the Gros Ventre Mountains.
. Richardson’s Pigeon Hawk. (7?) Probably this species, but
possibly A. velox. ‘We saw two in the canyon of Little
Wind River, September 11th, 1910; another on Dell Creek,
July, 1911, and one east of Kendall, July 23rd, 1911.
Desert Sparrow Hawk. Common in the open country and
foothills, especially near ranches. ,
Osprey. Found occasionally wherever the fishing is good.
Long-eared Owl. (?) An owl believed to be this species
seen in the forest near the east end of the Gros Ventre
Range, August 21st, 1910.
5a. Western Horned Owl. Rather common in the forest of the
mountains.
Pygmy Owl. One seen in the foothills northeast of Jackson.
Belted Kingfisher. Seen occasionally along most of the rivers.
gO
393e.
394b.
402a.
408.
413.
418.
40a.
425.
432.
433.
447.
457.
464.
46a.
474c.
475.
478&c.
48Aa.
486.
WYOMING BIRDS.
Rocky Mountain Hairy Woodpecker. Rather common in the
lower parts of the timber belt from 7,000 to 8,500 feet
altitude.
Batchelder’s Woodpecker. Less common than the last.
Red-naped Sapsucker. Moderately common from the west
end of the Wind River Range west to Idaho.
Lewis’s Woodpecker. Not at all common in this district, ex-
cept along Snake River below Jackson.
Red-shafted Flicker. Abundant nearly everywhere in the
woods.
Poor-will. Fairly common below the spruce forest.
Western Night Hawk. Rather common.
White-throated Swift. Rather rare. We found them nesting
around the sandstone cliffs on Dinwoodie Lake and saw
others in the canyon of the Popo Agie River and near
Thermopolis. ‘
Broad-tailed Hummingbird. Appears to be the commonest
hummingbird in Wyoming.
Rufous Hummingbird. Apparently rare. One seen near Ken-
dall late in July. ;
Arkansas Kingbird. Common only in the extreme west of
Wyoming.
Say’s Phoebe. Common in the open pine and aspen groves of
the foothills.
Western Flycatcher. (?) A few believed to be of this species
seen near Kendall and in Fall River Basin in July.
Alder Flycatcher. (?) Even less common than the last.
Desert Horned Lark. Rather common in suitable localities.
Magpie. Not very common in this part of the state.
Black-headed Jay. Found only in the dense spruce forests
between 8,000 and 10,000 feet and not abundant even there.
Rocky Mountain Jay. A characteristic but not abundant den-
izen of the spruce forests from 7,500 to 10,000 feet.
Raven. A raven, probably this variety, seen occasionally in
mountain valleys only. They are generally very shy, and
soar away to great heights. One near Irwin, Idaho, a few
near Bull Lake and around the head of Green River, and
still more along the Gros Ventre Valley. Young birds just
learning to fly were found Atvigust 4th among the rocky
sandstone crags 3,000 feet in the Gros Ventre Valley. Late
WYOMING Birps. gi
in August, 1911, fifteen of them were encountered feeding
on a dead elk.
Western Crow. Rather rare. Two seen at Lander, Septem-
ber, 1910.
Clarke’s Nutcracker. Abundant everywhere in the spruce for-
ests. On the mountains.
Pinon Jay. Inhabits the juniper zone below the same forest.
Bobolink. A single individual seen near Afton in July, 1910.
Cowbird. Fairly common in the cultivated valleys near Afton.
Yellow-headed Blackbird. A large flock seen in the marshes
north of Afton, but none elsewhere.
Red-winged Blackbird. Practically the same distribution as
the cowbird.
Western Meadowlark. Common about the ranches.
Bullock’s Oriole. Rare. One seen near Afton.
Brewer’s Blackbird. One of the most abundant birds around
the ranches.
5a. Rocky Mountain Pine Grosbeak. As this is a shy, quiet bird,
it is easily overlooked. Its home is in the upper part of the
spruce forest on the mountains between 9,000 and 10,000
Reet
Cassin’s Purple Finch. Apparently frequents the lower edge
of the timber belt in the mountains.
Gray-crowned Rosy Finch. In summer it is common around
the high peaks. Early in September they collect in flocks
and descend into the valleys.
. Pale Goldfinch. Apparently tolerably common near settle-
ments.
Pine Siskin. Common in the spruce forests.
. Western Vesper Sparrow. Inhabits the open country. Abund-
ant where there is sage brush and aspen.
_ Western Grasshopper Sparrow. (?) Rare. <A_ sharp-tailed
finch apparently of this species seen in the hay meadows
near Afton and Jackson.
White-crowned Sparrow. The most characteristic bird of the
open glades in the forests.
. Western Chipping Sparrow. Not very common.
Clay-colored Sparrow. (?) Abundant on the sage-covered
plain.
581b.
583.
588.
507-1.
596.
599.
607.
6l2.
614.
615.
617.
619.
622a.
627a.
652.
656.
680.
O68la.
685a.
697.
WyYoMING BIRDS.
Brewer's Sparrow. Seen along fences in the irrigated ranch
country.
. Western Field Sparrow. (?) Sparrows apparently of this
species plentiful in Jackson Hole.
ge, Pink-sided Junco. Common in the mountain forests from
8,000 to 10,000 feet.
English Sparrow. Common at Lander and a few seen at Big
Piney. It is entirely absent elsewhere in the district.
Mountain Song Sparrow. Seen only around settlements.
Lincoln’s Sparrow. Seen on the willow-covered meadows.
Arctic Towhee. A common bird near Afton.
Green-tailed Towhee. <A characteristic bird of the lower
edge of the forest where there are aspen groves and
grassy openings. ;
Black-headed Grosbeak. Rather common near Afton.
Lazuli Bunting. Mostly below 7,000 feet and apparently rare
east of the continental divide.
Western Tanager. One of the characteristic birds of the
spruce forest.
Cliff Swallow. Locally abundant.
Tree Swallow... (?) Rather common along Salt River.
Northern Violet-green Swallow. The commonest of the swal-
lows. |
Rough-winged Swallow. (?) Several seen in Pierre’s Hole.
Cedar Waxwing. A few occurred at Torrey Lake.
White-rumped Shrike. Rather rare. A single individual at
Dinwoodie Lake, September Ist, 1910.
Western Warbling Vireo. (?) Generally seen in willow thick-
ets.
Yellow Warbler. Common in the large open valleys.
Audubon’s Warbler. Fairly common.
MacGillivray’s Warbler. Characteristic bird of the dense wil-
low and alder thickets along the mountain creeks.
Western Yellow-throat. Common in the marshes north of
Afton.
Pileolated Warbler. Same situation as MiacGillivray’s War-
bler.
Pipit. Commonest summer resident in the alpine zone.
Breeds on the mossy flats above 10,000 feet. Comes down
ve eS Sa
Site
WYOMING BIRDS. 02
w)
to the open valleys and plains 6,000 to 7,000 feet in Sep-
tember.
701. Dipper. It is common along the swift mountain brooks.
702. Sage Thrasher. Common on the dry sage-covered plains.
704. Catbird. A few seen in the Wind River Basin.
715. Rock Wren. Common in dry, rocky canyons below the timber
belt.
717a. Canon Wren. A single family found-in the rocky gorge of a
mountain creek at 8,000 feet near Old Kendall.
72la. Western House Wren. Not common. A few seen near Afton.
722a. Western Winter Wren. (?) One seen on Upper Crystal
Creek.
726b. Rocky Mountain Creeper. Rather common in the spruce for-
ests. i
727d. Slender-billed Nuthatch. Common nuthatch in summer in the
spruce belt.
728. Red-breasted Nuthatch. Probably less common than the last,
but seen in July in the Teton Range and Hoback Ridge.
730. Pygmy Nuthatch. Two seen in the pine forest.
735a. Long-tailed Chickadee. Characteristic of the willow thickets
below 8,000 feet.
738. Mountain Chickadee. Common in the spruce forests.
748. Golden-crowned Kinglet. Associated with the last.
754. ‘Townsend’s Solitaire. Widely distributed, but not common.
756a. Willow Thrush. (?) Rather common among the willows.
759a. Audubon’s Hermit Thrush. Moderately common in the spruce
forests.
76la. Western Robin. Abundant.
768. Mountain Bluebird. Common.
Many other species of birds were seen, but not satisfactorily
identified.
COMMENTS.
Mr. Blackwelder has traveled extensively through the
northern portions of the state and has made observations
on the birds. His list includes a number of species not
before reported as occurring in the state, viz.: 155, 256a,
299, 379, 488, 546a, 627a, 685a.
O4 WYOMING Brrbs.
Two or three of these and others are reported doubtfully
as indicated by the question mark. In every case the doubt-
ful records have been referred to the hypothetical list unless
they were reported by other observers.
Mr. Blackwelder reports the Pipit and Gray-crowned
Rosyfinch as summer residents. His list includes also a
considerable number of rare species and some not reported
in northern Wyoming up to this time. Note especially 1,
70, 308a, 357, 433, 515a, 599, 7174, 7224, 730, 748, and 7594.
Local List No. 2.
FROM THE VICINITY OF CODY AND THE YELLOW-
STONE NATIONAL PARK.
Observations extending from the Spring of 1906 to February, 1912.
BY WILLIAM RICHARD, CODY, WYOMING,
4. Eared Grebe. Summer resident.
7. Loon. Found during the spring and fall, occasionally in winter. —
51. Herring Gull. Common summer resident.
77. Black Tern. One specimen taken at Cody during the fall.
125. White Pelican. Common resident in the Park.
129. Merganser. Resident on all streams.
132. Mallard. Common summer resident about Cody. Winter res-
ident in mild winters.
Gadwall. Spring and fall migrant about Cody.
Baldpate. Common about Cody during spring and fall migra-
tions.
139. Green-winged Teal. Occasionally found about Cody.
140. Blue-winged Teal. Occasionally found about Cody.
141. Cinnamon Teal. Occasionally occurs about Cody as migrant.
One pair was observed as a summer resident.
142. Shoveller. Common about Cody during migrations.
143. Pin-tail. Spring and fall migrant at Cody.
144. Wood Duck. During the fall of 1903 three or four were
noted on the Greybull River.
WYOMING BIrRDs._ 9
ey
Redhead. A few about Cody during migrations.
Canvas-back. A few about Cody during spring migrations.
Ring-necked Duck. Occasionally found about Cody during
migrations.
Barrow’s Golden-eye. Common resident.
Buffle-head. Common winter resident.
Old-squaw. Three were taken near Cody during the fall of
1911.
Harlequin Duck. Resident in the mountains. A few on each
river. Noted on Crandall Creek and headwaters of Clark's
Fork. Female and young seen on South Fork of Shoshone
in summer of 1911.
Ruddy Duck. Common during migrations, occasional winter
resident.
Snow Goose. One taken at Cody in the fall of 1910.
Canada Goose. Uncommon winter resident.
Trumpeter Swan. Two specimens taken during fall migration
of 1909.
Bittern. One specimen taken in the fall of 1911.
Great Blue Heron. Summer resident. Not common.
Whooping Crane. Summer resident in Yellowstone Park, at
Jackson’s Lake, and occasionally found at Cody during
spring migrations.
Virginia Rail. Specimen taken on the Greybull River, Sep-
tember, 1902.
Coot. Common summer resident.
Wilson’s Phalarope. A few about during migrations. Prob-
ably a summer resident.
Avocet. A few about during migrations.
Woodcock. One was shot near Cody in 1906.
Wilson’s Snipe. A few about Cody during migrations. Some
winter in the neighborhood by warm springs.
Baird’s Sandpiper. Occasional summer resident. Common
during migrations.
Semipalmated Sandpiper. A few about Cody during migra-
tions.
Greater Yellow-legs. A few about Cody during migrations.
Yellow-legs. A few about during migrations.
a. Western Willet. A few about Cody during migrations.
Long-billed Curlew. Abundant summer resident.
06
Bia:
281.
297).
300a.
308a.
309.
316.
aoe
BOL.
Sao:
337b.
348.
349.
WYOMING BirDs.
Killdeer. Common summer resident.
Mountain Plover. Common summer resident at altitudes not
higher than Cody, 5,000.
Richardson’s Grouse. Common resident, mainly at timber line.
Canada Ruffed Grouse. Common resident. Found up to 5,990
feet.
Columbian Sharp-tailed Grouse. Rare resident on Clark’s
Fork. During the winter of 1910-1911 took one specimen
of a flock of four. |
Sage Hen. Resident, but becoming scarce. Ranging from
4,000 to 5,900 feet.
Mourning Dove. Common summer resident.
Marsh Hawk. Common during migrations.
Sharp-shinned Hawk. Summer resident, but not common.
Cooper’s Hawk. Summer resident, but not common.
Western Red-tail. An uncommon summer resident.
Ferruginous Rough-leg. Noted only in winter.
Golden Eagle. Resident, becoming less common. Many are
killed and trapped annually.
3ald Eagle. Uncommon resident.
Sparrow Hawk. Common summer resident.
Osprey. Common summer resident in Yellowstone Park.
Long-eared Ow!. One specimen taken at Cody.
Short-eared Owl. One specimen taken at Cody.
Saw-whet Owl. Rare winter resident.
Great Horned Owl. Common resident.
Snowy Owl. Rare winter resident at Powell.
Burrowing Owl. Common summer resident about Cody.
Belted Kingfisher. Common summer resident.
Red-headed Woodpecker. Common summer resident.
Lewis's Woodpecker. Common summer resident at Cody and
lower.
Red-shafted Flicker. Common summer resident.
Nighthawk. Abundant summer resident.
White-throated Swift. Common summer resident.
Magpie. Abundant resident.
Black-headed Jay. Common resident high in the mountains.
Rocky Mountain Jay. Common resident high in the moun-
tains.
Pinon Jay. Common resident.
WYOMING Birps. Q7
Yellow-headed Blackbird. Common summer resident.
Thick-billed Redwing. Common summer resident about Cody.
Rocky Mountain Pine Grosbeak. Resident high in the moun-
tains.
Cassin’s Purple Finch. Common summer resident high in the
mountains. 2
Crossbill. Common winter resident high in the mountains.
Probably there in the summer. Specimen taken on Rock
Creek, 1902.
Gray-crowned Rosy Finch. Winter resident. Common at
Cody.
Black Rosy Finch. Winter resident. Common at Cody.
Redpoll. Winter resident about Cody, but not common.
White-crowned Sparrow. Common about Cody during migra-
tions.
White-winged Junco. Common summer resident and almost a
winter resident.
Lazuli Bunting. Common summer resident at Cody and higher.
Lark Bunting. Abundant summer resident.
Western Tanager. Common summer resident in the moun-
tains about Cody. :
Bohemian Waxwing. Common resident in the mountains.
Yellow Warbler. Common about Cody during migrations.
Myrtle Warbler. Common about Cody during migrations.
. Western Yellow-throat. Common about Cody during migra-
tions.
. Long-tailed Chat. Summer resident on Greybull River.
Dipper. Common resident.
Sage Thrasher. Common resident about Cody.
Rock Wren. Common summer resident.
. Canon Wren. Common summer resident in the canyon of
Spring Creek.
. Western House Wren. Common summer resident.
. Rocky Mountain Creeper. Common summer resident.
. Long-tailed Chickadee. Common summer resident in the
mountains.
Mountain Bluebird. Common summer resident about Cody
and higher.
English Sparrow. Becoming too common.
Set Rg a
98 WYoMING BiIrps.
COMMENTS.
Mr. Richard was for a long time located at Cody as a
taxidermist and is well acquainted with the birds of that
region. He reports a number of new records in the fore-
going list, -viz.:.-154,: 155, 204, 212,228, 4osd,and 7521.
Some others are rare, as for example: 51, 655, and 717a.
Numbers 425, 525, 599, and 717a are ranging more widely
and increasing in numbers. Number 246 had not been
found so far north before.
Local List No. a:
FROM SHERIDAN AND VICINITY.
For the years 1906-1908.
BY CHAS. W. METZ.
4. Eared Grebe. Common summer resident.
7. Loon. Occasional summer resident.
54. Ring-billed Gull. Common summer resident on Lake Desmet.
60. Bonaparte’s Gull. One specimen taken.
77. Black Tern. Fairly common; doubtful summer resident.
125. White Pelican. Summer resident. Rare.
129. Merganser. Common summer resident, decreasing in num-
bers.
132. Mallard. Common summer resident.
139. Green-winged Teal. Fairly common summer resident.
140. Blue-winged Teal. Common summer resident.
141. Cinnamon Teal. Summer resident. Not common.
142. Shoveller. Summer resident. Not common.
143. Pintail. Rare. Doubtful resident.
144. Wood Duck. Formerly a summer resident. Very rare.
146. Redhead. Fairly common. Doubtful summer resident.
147. Canvas-back. Fairly common. Doubtful summer resident.
167. Ruddy Duck. Fairly common.. Doubtful summer resident.
172. Canada Goose. Uncommon summer resident.
et
WYOMING Brrps. 99
181.
261.
263.
LASS
297b.
308a.
309.
316.
325:
Jol;
SEPA
334a.
337b.
342.
349.
a2:
356a.
B57.
Trumpeter Swan. Three or four specimens have been killed
by hunters near Sheridan.
Bittern. Common summer resident, becoming less common.
Great Blue Heron. Uncommon summer resident; decreasing
in numbers. Two rookeries in tall cottonwoods near Sher-
idan, 14-20 nests.
Virginia Rail. Doubtful summer resident. Rare. Have taken
one or two specimens.
Sora (Carolina Rail). Common summer resident.
Coot. Common summer resident.
Wilson’s Phalarope. Doubtful summer resident. Fairly com-
mon.
Avocet. Probably summer resident. Not common.
Wilson’s Snipe. Probably summer resident. Fairly common.
‘Upland Plover. Rare summer resident. Nest and eggs found
in early June.
Spotted Sandpiper. Common summer resident.
Long-billed Curlew. Common summer resident.
Kildeer. Common summer resident.
Richardson’s Grouse. Common resident in Big Horn Moun-
tains; becoming less common.
Columbian Sharp-tailed Grouse. Common resident from 3,300
to 5,000 feet.
Sage Hien. Common resident.
Mourning Dove. Abundant summer resident; becoming less
common.
Turkey. Vulture. Common summer resident.
Marsh Hawk. Common summer resident; possibly winter
resident.
Shap-shinned Hawk. Rare summer resident; possibly a win-
ter resident.
Western Goshawk. Rare summer resident; doubtful winter
resident.
Western Red-tail. Common summer resident; doubtful win-
ter resident.
Swainson’s Hawk. I have taken only one specimen.
Golden Eagle. Rare resident.
Bald Eagle. Very rare.
Duck Hawk. Only a few seen.
Pigeon Hawk. One male taken.
100
360a.
364.
366.
373e.
375a.
376.
378.
390.
5) Bet
394b.
4006.
408.
412a.
a HIGe
418.
420a.
425.
432.
433.
436.
444.
447,
457.
459.
462.
469.
474c.
475.
484.
488.
491.
WYOMING BirDs.
Desert Sparrow Hawk. Common summer resident; doubtful
winter resident.
Osprey. Rare.
Long-eared Owl. Fairly common resident.
Rocky Mountain Screech Owl. Rare summer resident; doubt-
ful winter resident. Have found it nesting.
Western Horned Owl. Rather uncommon resident.
Snowy Owl. Two specimens from Crook County.
Burrowing Owl. Common resident in prairie dog towns.
Belted Kingfisher. Uncommon summer resident.
Rocky Mountain Hairy Woodpecker. Common summer resi-
dent; doubtful winter resident.
Batchelder’s Woodpecker. An uncommon summer resident.
Red-headed Woodpecker. Common summer resident.
Lewis’s Woodpecker. Common summer resident in mountains.
Northern Flicker. Rare summer resident.
Red-shafted Flicker. Common summer resident.
Poor-will. Rare summer resident. A female and young taken
in foothills in August.
Western Nighthawk. Common summer resident.
White-throated Swift. Rare summer resident. _
Broad-tailed Hummingbird. Rare summer resident in eastern
foothills of Big Horn Mountains.
Rufous Hummingbird. Rare summer resident in eastern foot-
hills of Big Horn Mountains.
Calliope Hummingbird. Very rare summer resident in de-
ciduous trees at lower altitudes than the preceding. JT have
taken a set of eggs.
Kingbird. Common summer resident.
Arkansas Kingbird. Common summer resident.
Say’s Phoebe. Common summer resident.
Olive-sided Flycatcher. Not rare in mountains in summer.
Western Wood Pewee. Abundant summer resident.
Wright’s Flycatcher. Common summer resident.
Desert Horned Lark. Abundant resident.
Magpie. Common resident.
Canada Jay. Common resident.
Crow. Common summer resident.
Clarke’s Nutcracker. Fairly common resident.
WYoMING Brrps. IOI
Bobolink. Common summer resident. More plentiful than
formerly.
Cowbird. Common summer resident.
Yellow-headed Blackbird. Common summer resident.
Thick-billed Red-wing. Abundant summer resident.
Western Meadowlark. Abundant summer resident.
Bullock’s Oriole. Common summer resident.
Brewer’s Blackbird. Summer resident. Not common.
Bronzed Grackle. Common summer resident.
Western Evening Grosbeck. Rare. Probably a summer resi-
dent; have taken young. .
Cassin’s Purple Finch. Two or three taken in the mountains
in June.
Mexican Crossbill. Common summer resident in mountains.
Redpoll. Common winter resident; doubtful summer resident.
Pale Goldfinch. Common summer resident.
Pine Siskin. Common summer resident; doubtful winter
resident.
Snow Bunting. Uncommon winter resident.
McCown’s Longspur. Fairly common summer resident:
. Western Vesper Sparrow. Abundant summer resident.
. Western Savannah Sparrow. Summer resident.
. Western Lark Sparrow. Common summer resident.
. Gambel’s Sparrow. Common during migrations; doubtful
summer resident.
. Western Tree Sparrow. Uncommon summer resident.
. Western Chipping Sparrow. Common summer resident.
Brewer’s Sparrow. Summer resident; not common.
eg. Pink-sided Junco. Common summer resident in the moun-
tains.
. Sage -Sparrow. Summer resident. Little known of its
abundance.
b. Mountain Song Sparrow. Summer resident in mountains.
Abundance not known.
Lincoln’s Sparrow. Probably a summer resident. Only a few
specimens taken.
Arctic Towhee. Common summer resident in foothills.
Green-tailed Towhee. Noted only on western slope of Big
Horn Mountains.
Black-headed Grosbeak. Common summer resident.
WYOMING BIRDS.
Lazuli Bunting. Common summer resident.
Dickcissel. A flock of 20 to 30 noted September 7th, 1907.
Lark Bunting. Abundant summer resident.
Western Tanager. Common summer resident.
Cliff Swallow. Common summer resident.
Barn swallow. Common summer resident.
Northern Violet-green Swallow. Common summer resrdent.
Bank Swallow. Common summer resident.
Bohemian Waxwing. Winter resident; common at times.
Cedar Waxwing. Summer resident; not common.
Northern Shrike. Only a few seen.
. White-rumped Shrike. Common summer resident.
. Western Warbling Vireo. Summer resident; not common.
Yellow Warbler. Common summer resident.
Audubon’s Warbler. .Common summer resident.
Macgillivray’s Warbler. Common summer resident. 72
. Western Yellow-throat. Common summer resident.
. Long-tailed Chat. One specimen taken in July at 7,000 feet.
. Pileolated Warbler... Rather rare summer resident.
Redstart. Common summer resident.
Pipit. Summer resident; not common.
Dipper. Common summer resident in mountains.
Sage Thrasher. Summer resident; only a few noted.
Catbird. Common summer resident.
Brown Thrasher. Uncommon summer resident.
Rock Wren. Common summer resident.
. Canon Wren. One specimen taken in July on Shell Creek, on
west slope of Big Horn Mountains.
. Western House Wren. Abundant summer resident.
. Rocky Mountain Creeper. Summer resident; not common.
. Rocky Mountain Nuthatch. Uncommon summer resident.
. Long-tailed Chickadee. Fairly common resident.
Mountain Chickadee. Common resident.
Ruby-crowned Kinglet. Fairly common summer resident.
. Olive-backed Thrush. Uncommon summer resident.
. Audubon’s Hermit Thrush. Uncommon summer resident.
. Western Robin. Abundant summer resident.
Mountain Bluebird.
WYOMING Birps. 103
COMMENTS.
This list by Metz contains a number of new records, and
notes upon a few rare species which should be mentioned
particularly. The new records are as follows: 212, 436,
484, 498d, 604, 627a, 685a, and 727¢c.
Among the rare species we note: 261, 356a, 373e, 450,
and 717A.
Numbers 425, 554a, 599, and 717a seem to be extending
their range and becoming more abundant, 7. e., coming into
Wyoming from the northwest.
Local List No. 4.
FROM WESTON AND CROOK COUNTIES.
BY REV. P. B. PEABODY.
132. Mallard. Uncommon migrant.
i37. Baldpate. Rare. Decreasing in number.
139. Green-winged Teal. Migrant; not common. Possibly breeds
in Crook County.
149. Lesser Scaup Duck. Very rare.
167. Ruddy Duck. Migrant. Rare.
172. Canada Goose. Migrant. Uncommon. Decreasing in num-
bers.
212. Virginia Rail. Uncommon resident.
Sora (Carolina Rail). Uncommon resident.
230. Wilson’s Snipe. Common during migrations. Winter resi-
dent.
256a. Western Solitary Sandpiper. Quite common migrant.
264. Long-billed Curlew. Common summer resident.
273. Killdeer. Summer resident; not common.
300a. Canada Ruffed Grouse. Common resident.
308a. Columbia Sharp-tailed Grouse. Common resident.
309. Sage Hen. Very common resident.
316. Mourning Dove, Common summer resident.
104
O25.
Jol.
S52.
S33!
Sa7a-
337b.
37 5a:
378.
393e.
394h.
400.
402a.
406.
408.
412.
413.
418. -
WYOMING BIRDS.
Turkey Vulture. Common summer resident. .
Marsh Hawk. Uncommon summer resident; rarely winter
resident.
Sharp-shinned Hawk. Common summer resident.
Cooper’s Hawk. One specimen seen on fence in Weston Coun-
ty, summer.
Krider’s Hawk. Rather rare summer resident.
Western Red-tail. Summer resident. Rare.
Swainson’s Hawk. Abundant summer resident.
. Rough-legged Hawk. Common winter resident.
Ferruginous Rough-leg. Doubtful winter resident; uncom-
mon.
Golden Eagle. Common winter resident. Rarely summer res-
ident. .
Bald Eagle. Very rare.
Prairie Falcon. Rare summer resident.
. Richardson’s Pigeon Hawk. Rare winter resident.
. Desert Sparrow Hawk. Common summer resident.
Long-eared Owl. Uncommon summer resident; doubtful win-
ter resident.
Short-eared Owl. Uncommon winter resident.
Great Gray Owl. Rare winter resident. A single contour
feather found in nest of Peris canadensis.
. Rocky Mountain Screech Owl. Not uncommon resident in
Crook County. Never seen in Weston County, though
credibly reported there. But one specimen ever seen or
taken, a juvenile—Crook County.
Western Horned Owl. Common resident. Breeds in rocks.
Burrowing Owl. Resident; not very common.
Rocky Mountain Hairy Woodpecker. Rather rare resident.
Batchelder’s Woodpecker. Very rare resident.
Arctic Three-toed Woodpecker. Winter resident. Rare. One
specimen (neutral female), Bear Lodge, June.
Red-naped Sapsucker. Very rare migrant. One fine male
found dead at Sundance, September.
Red-headed Woodpecker. Common resident..
Lewis's Woodpecker. Common resident.
Northern Flicker. Common resident.
Red-shafted Flicker. Common. resident.
Poor-will. Common summer resident.
j
:
:
WyYoMING Birps. 105
. Western Nighthawk. Common summer resident.
White-throated Swift. Common summer resident.
Broad-tailed Hummingbird. Very rare summer resident.
Kingbird. Common summer resident.
Say’s Phoebe. Common summer resident.
Western Wood Pewee. Very common in summer.
Western Flycatcher. Weston County, summer. Rare.
Wright's Flycatcher. Common summer resident.
. Desert Horned Lark. Abundant resident; commoner in mi-
grations.
Magpie. Abundant resident.
Canada Jay. Resident. Very common.
Western Crow. Very rare.
Clarke’s Nutcracker. Straggler.
Pinon Jay. Resident. Common in Weston County; rare in
Crook County. Occurs as straggler as far southwest as
Crawford, Nebr. >
Cowbird. Summer resident; not common.
Yellow-headed Blackbird. Nests, not uncommonly, in swales
and creek margins of Weston County.
. Thick-billed Red-wing. Common summer resident.
. Western Meadowlark. Common summer resident.
Bullock’s Oriole. Common summer resident.
Rusty Blackbird. Rare. Birds seen only; record hence
doubtful. :
Brewer’s Blackbird. Common summer resident.
. Bronzed Grackle. Common during migrations; occasionally
nests in Crook County.
Evening Grosbeak. Common winter resident in Crook Coun-
ty; rare in Weston County. None of montana have been
found.
Cassin’s Purple Finch. Very rare summer resident.
. Sierra Crossbill. Resident, varying in numbers from year to
year.
Gray-crowned Rosy Finch. Common winter resident.
. Hepburn’s Rosy Finch. Winter resident. About one-tenth
as common as tep/rocotts.
Redpoll. Fairly common winter resident.
Goldfinch.’ Common summer resident.
Pine Siskin. - Irregular transient, varying in numbers.
WYOMING BIRDS.
Snow Bunting (Snow-flake). Rare winter resident in Crook
County.
. Alaska Longspur. Rather uncommon winter resident.
Chestnut-collared Longspur. Occasional migrant in Weston
County.
McCown’s Longspur. Common migrant in Crook County ;
rare in Weston County. Probably breeds in Crook County.
. Western Vesper Sparrow. Common summer resident.
. Western Savannah Sparrow. Uncommon summer resident.
. Western Grasshopper Sparrow. Summer resident. Rather
common locally.
. Western Lark Sparrow. Common summer resident in Weston
County.
Harris’s Sparrow. Very rare in Crook County; never seen
in Weston.
White-crowned Sparrow. Common migrant in Weston
County. :
. Western Tree Sparrow. Abundant winter resident.
. Western Chipping Sparrow. Common summer resident.
Brewer's Sparrow. Common summer resident.
White-winged Junco. Common resident.
Slate-colored Junco. Not uncommon winter transient.
. Pink-sided Junco. Rare winter resident.
. Desert Song Sparrow. Very rare in Crook County, and rarer
in Weston.
Arctic Towhee. Abundant summer resident.
Black-headed Grosbeak. Common summer resident.
Lazuli Bunting. Rare summer resident.
Dickcissel. Very rare summér resident in Crook County.
Lark Bunting. Common summer resident.
Western Tanager. Common summer resident.
Cliff Swallow. Common summer resident in Weston County.
Barn Swallow. Common summer resident.
Northern Violet-green Swallow. Common breeder in both
counties.
Bohemian Waxwing. Abundant winter habitant in Crook
County.
Northern Shrike. Rare winter resident.
Western Warbling Vireo. Common summer resident in Crook
County.
Np lite,
WYOMING Birps. 107
. Plumbeous Vireo. Common summer resident in Crook Coun-
ty; uncommon in Weston.
Tennessee Warbler. Irregular visitant.
Yellow Warbler. Common summer resident.
Audubon’s Warbler. Common summer resident.
Oven-bird. Rather rare summer resident.
Macgillivray’s Warbler. Common summer resident.
. Western Yellow-throat. Rather uncommon summer resident.
. Long-tailed Chat. Common summer resident.
. Pileolated Warbler. Specifically unidentified. Only two birds
seen.
Pipit. Common migrant.
Sage Thrasher. Common summer resident.
Catbird. Common summer resident.
Rock Wren. Common summer resident.
. Western House Wren. Common summer resident.
. Rocky Mountain Creeper. Exceeding rare winter resident in
Crook County.
. Rocky Mountain Nuthatch. Common resident.
Red-breasted Nuthatch. Very rare migrant. One specimen,
Bear Lodge, October 29.
. Long-tailed Chickadee. Common resident.
. Western Golden-crowned Kinglet. Very rare migrant.
Ruby-crowned Kinglet. Very rare migrant.
Townsend’s Solitaire. Common resident.
. Willow Thrush. Common locally—Crook County only.
. Olive-backed Thrush. Summer resident. Common locally.
. Western Robin. Abundant resident.
Bluebird. One taken, three heard.
Mountain Bluebird. Common summer resident.
COMMENTS.
The region in which Peabody collected corresponds more
nearly with the eastern portion of the United States than
does any other part of the state. The rainfall is greater,
permitting agricultural work to be carried on without irri-
gation. In the lower altitudes there is a considerable growth
of elm and oak. We may not, therefore, be surprised to
108 WyroMING BIRDS.
find sonte eastern species among the birds. ‘The Canada
Jay, Rusty Blackbird, Goldfinch, and Dickcissel seem to be
entering the state from the east and northeast.
The following extracts were taken from a letter received
from Mr. Peabody: “All my Wyoming material was fully
verified by Oberholser. All Grosbeaks taken in Crook
County were vespertina; the only Spinus taken was tristis.
The data for 727c include photographs.”
The following new records may be ascribed to Peabody :
212, 484, 509, 514, 529, 546a, 604, 674, 727¢.
Local List No. 5.
FROM THE VICINITY OF HAT CREEK, CONVERSE
COUNTY.
BY GCG, De) BERGIVAL:
132. Mallard. 242. Least Sandpiper.
135. Gadwall. 263. Spotted Sandpiper.
136. Europeon Widgeon. One 264. Long-billed Curlew.
male taken October 3rd, 273. Kiulldeer.
1910, from flock of No. ~ 309. Sage Hen.
137. 331. Miarsh Hawk.
137. Baldpate. 333.° Cooper’s Hawk.
139. Green-winged Teal. 352. Bald. Haete:
140. Blue-winged Teal. 360. Sparrow Hawk.
147. Canvas-back. 375. Great Horned Owl.
172. Canada Goose. 378. Burrowing. Owl.
187. White-faced Glossy Ibis. 406. KRed-headed Woodpecker.
One male taken May 413. Red-shafted Flicker.
20th, 1910. Only one 420a. Western Nighthawk.
seen. 444. Kingbird.
194. Great Blue Heron. 448. Cassin’s Kingbird. One
22AY COG. male taken June 23rd,
230. Wilson’s Snipe. 1911.
—e
457.
474c.
474b.
475.
492.
495.
497.
498.
501.
501-1.
507.
524.
528.
529a.
534.
538.
Mr. Percival here records three
Viz. :
WYOMING Brrps.
Say’s Phoebe. 539.
Desert Horned Lark. 554.
Prairie Horned Lark. 559.
Magpie. 560.
Pinon Jay. 567.
Cowbird. 567b.
Yellow-headed Blackbird.
Red-winged Blackbird.
Meadowlark. I havea pair
of both the meadowlark 567g.
and western meadow- 588.
lark taken in June, 1912. 605.
Western Meadowlark. 613.
Baltimore Oriole. Fairly 618.
common summer resi- 622a.
dent. Have found 15 68la.
nests. 704.
Gray-crowned Rosy Finch. 705.
Redpoll. 735a.
Pale Goldfinch: 754.
Snow Bunting. 767.
Chestnut-collared Long- 768.
spur.
COMMENTS.
LOO
McCown’s Longspur.
White-crowned Sparrow.
Tree Sparrow.
White-winged Junco.
Slate-colored Junco.
Schufeldt’s Junco. Took
male specimen with flock
of White-winged Juncos
in June, 1912.
Pink-sided Junco.
Arctic Towhee.
Lark Bunting.
Barn Swallow.
Bohemian Waxwing.
White-rumped Shrike.
Western Yellow-throat.
Catbird.
Brown Thrasher.
Long-tailed Chickadee.
Townsend’s Solitaire.
Western Bluebird.
Mountain Bluebird.
species which are new,
136, 501, and 507. The list also includes a number of
rare species, among which may be mentioned 187, 448,
and 705.
IIo
WYOMING BIRDS.
Local List No. 6.
FROM THE VICINITY OF ARLINGTON, CARBON
COUNTY, UNLESS OTHERWISE SPECIFIED.
BY REV. JOHN CLEARWATERS.
Loon. I saw a mounted specimen at Torrington that was
killed on the Platte River, near there.
White Pelican. There is a mounted pelican at Thermopolis
that was reported to have been killed on a pond near there.
Red-breasted Merganser. ‘Two males and one female seen.
Mallard. Abundant summer resident.
Gadwall. I have. killed several specimens.
Green-winged Teal.
Blue-winged Teal.
Pintail.— Have taken’ it.
Wood Duck. Reported as summer resident in the eastern
portion of the state on Bear Creek, Goshen County.
Redhead.
Canada Goose or possibly Hutchinson.
Black Brant. Small flock noted.
Bittern.
Least Bittern. I saw a Least Bittern at Cody.
Great Blue Heron. Abundant breeder.
Green Heron. Seen on Bear and Horse Creek, in Laramie
County.
Wilson’s Phalarope. Véry abundant.
Wilson’s Snipe. Very abundant resident. Have noted it
around warm springs in winter.
Western Solitary Sandpiper. Have seen what I judged to be
this form.
Upland Plover. Common summer resident.
Spotted Sandpiper. Summer resident.
Killdeer. Everywhere.
Dusky Grouse. Killed female.
Sage Hen. Very abundant in all suitable localities.|
Mourning Dove. Abundant.
Turkey Vulture.
331.
ou:
337b.
349.
474c.
475.
477.
478c.
WYOMING Birps. III
Marsh Hawk. Have specimen.
Sharp-shinned Hawk.
Western Red-tail. Possibly some noted have been Kridert.
Swainson’s Hawk. Common.
Golden Eagle. Have seen nest said to have been there 28
years.
Sparrow Hawk. Summer resident.
. Desert Sparrow Hawk. Summer resident.
Barred Owl. Mounted specimen at Newcastle.
Saw-whet Owl. I have a specimen.
. Rocky Mountain Screech Owl. Nests about Arlington. :
. Western Horned Owl. Very abundant.
Burrowing Owl. Abundant about the “dog towns.”
Belted Kinghsher. Abundant. Breeder.
. Rocky Mountain Woodpecker. Probably this form, but doubt-
ful.
. Batchelder’s Woodpecker. Have seen it in Laramie County.
Red-headed Woodpecker. Very common.
. Northern Flicker. In the proportion of 1 to 20 of 413.
Red-shafted Flicker. Abundant.
Poor-will. Have heard them.
. Western Nighthawk. Abundant. Nests on bare, gravelly
knolls.
Broad-tailed Hummingbird. Abundant.
Kingbird. In Laramie County.
Arkansas Kingbird. Abundant.
Say’s Phoebe. Common.
Western Wood Pewee. Have them in eastern Laramie County.
Desert Horned Lark. Abundant. Resident and is around the
ranch all winter. During the winter of 1911-12 an elevator
burned at Pine Bluffs, Wyoming, and 50 carloads of grain
were destroyed. These birds collected there in immense
flocks to feed upon the scattered grain. They remained the
entire winter.
Magpie. Abundant. Breeder.
Blue Jay. Reported in Carbon County. I saw a Blue Jay
about 12 miles over the line at Edgemont, South Dakota.
Black-headed Jay. Abundant about Arlington, in the Wind
River Mountains.
488b.
495.
497.
498d.
501-1.
508.
510.
519,
52La.
524.
529.
533:
534.
539.
540a.
5a24.
554.
562.
567.
581b.
583.
588.
a, St
WYOMING BIRDS.
. Rocky Mountain Jay. Found in the Medicine Bow Mountains
and in Wind River Mountains.
Raven. Found in the Wind River Mountains and in Big Horn
Basin. One specimen killed at Ralston, Wyoming.
Western Crow. Abundant in Carbon County.
‘Cowbird. Common summer resident.
Yellow-headed Blackbird. Abundant. Breeder.
Thick-billed Red-wing. Abundant. Nesting everywhere.
Western Meadowlark. Abundant. .
3ullock’s Oriole. I saw the old nests in Laramie County.
Brewer’s Blackbird.
House Finch. Have seen them in Douglas.
Mexican Crossbill. Birds probably of this form were noted.
Gray-crowned Rosy Finch. I find them abundant winter resi-
dents.
Goldfinch.
Pine Siskin.
Snow Bunting. I saw them near Casper.
McCown’s Longspur.
Western Vesper Sparrow. Common summer resident.
Western Lark Sparrow. :
White-crowned Sparrow. [ have seen it at Arlington.
Brewer’s Sparrow.
Slate-colored Junco.
Mountain Song Sparrow.
Lincoln’s Sparrow. Abundant summer resident.
Arctic Towhee. Have seen in Laramie County what | think
was this form.
Green-tailed Towhee. Seen in Laramie County.
Cardinal. Along the streams, Bear Creek and Horse Creek.
Dickcissel. Have seen it in eastern part of state.
Lark Bunting. Abundant summer resident.
Cliff Swallow. Very abundant.
Barn Swallow.
Tree Swallow. A form nesting in trees probably is this species.
Bank Swallow or possibly Rough-winged. We have one or
the other of these forms.
Cedar Waxwing.
White-rumped Shrike. Very abundant in east end of this
state.
WyomING Birps. ise
627a. Western Warbling Vireo.
652.. Yellow Warbler. Occurs over the entire region.
656. Audubon’s Warbler.
674. Oven-bird. Caught several in traps. They nest in mountains,
not above timber line.
705. Brown Thrasher. In Laramie County, July, 1910, I heard one
call and saw it.
721a. Western House Wren. Summer resident.
728. Red-breasted Nuthatch.
735a. Long-tailed Chickadee. Common. Possibly gambecli also.
749. Ruby-crowned Kinglet. Probably this form.
754. ‘Townsend's Solitaire.
758. Olive-backed Thrush. Probably this species.
761. Robin. Have seen this species.
76la. Western Robin. :
766. Bluebird. Have seen them in Laramie County, where they nest.
768. Mountain Bluebird.
COMMENTS.
Clearwaters has a number of interesting records, mostly
of eastern forms which were taken near the Nebraska line.
In answer to questions about the possibility of error in
his identification, Mr. Clearwaters wrote as follows: “As
to the Cardinal, 593, I can be positive. I saw both male
and female and heard the male give the characteristic notes.
‘IT am sure about 477, Blue Jay; 604, Dickcissel, and 201,
Greem iierony. -
The eastern forms, 593, 477, 604, and 201, were all seen
in what is now Goshen County, almost upon the Ne®raska
line, near La Grange.
The new species reported by Mr. Clearwaters are the
following: 201, 256a, 477, 488b, 498d, 593, 604, 627a and
674.
114
34.
oat
(os)
62.
120.
129:
131-1.
£32:
133:
L35;
ae
139,
WYOMING BIRDS.
Local List No. 7.
FROM ALBANY COUNTY, UNLESS OTHERWISE
STATED.
For the years 1906 to 1913.
BY A. FE. LOCKWOOD.
Dovekie. One specimen
taken from the lakes 20
miles southwest from
Laramie, 1904. Two
specimens were seen.
California Gull. Specimen
taken near Laramie.
Short-billed Gull. Speci-
men taken near Lara-
mie.
Franklin’s Gull. Specimen
mounted for customer
at Wheatland, May 6,
AON:
Sabine’s Gull. Got two
specimens; one was
from James Lake, the
other nearer Laramie.
Both taken in the fall.
Double-crested Cormorant.
Two specimens taken
from Laramie Plains.
Merganser.
omew.
Mallard.
Black Duck.
port of several hunters
Only on re-
who were familiar with
it in the East.
Gadwall.
Baldpate.
European Teal.
140.
141.
142.
143.
149.
ee
52:
153.
lear
2a
120.
19).
191.
194.
197.
Blue-winged Teal.
Cinnamon Teal.
Shoveller.
Pintail.
Lesser Scaup Duck.
Golden-eye.
Barree’s Golden-eye.
Buffle-head.
White-fronted Goose.
Hutchin’s Goose.
Whistling Swan.
Bittern (?).
Least Bittern.
Great Blue Heron.
Snowy Egret. Specimen
taken from Lake Como.
Black-crowned Night
Heron (?).
Little Brown Crane.
Mounted = specimen
April 3, 1912.
Virginia Rail.
near Jaramie
spring of 1902.
Wilson’s Phalarope (?).
Wilson’s Snipe (?).
Marbled Godwit. Two
specimens were taken in
September, 1911, and 4
or 5 others were seen.
Those taken were in
juvenile plumage.
on
One taken
in the
WYomINc Birrps.
115
331.
S02.
334.
334a.
337b.
337d.
342.
347a.
348.
349.
B52:
355:
356a.
356b.
357b.
Spotted Sandpiper.
Long-billed Curlew.
Golden Plover.
Killdeer.
Mountain Plover.
Dusky Grouse.
White-tailed Ptarmigan.
Mourning Dove. |
Turkey Vulture. A small
specimen, apparently a
hybrid between this and
the Black Vulture, was
taken.
Marsh Hawk.
Sharp-shinned Hawk.
Goshawk.
Western Goshawk.
eral specimens, some of
which were taken in
Natrona and
Counties.
Western Red-tail (?).
Harlan’s Hawk. One or
two specimens. taken
which may have been
confused with 337b.
Swainson’s Hawk.
Rough-legged Hawk.
erruginous Rough-leg.
Golden Eagle.
Bald Eagle.
Prairie Falcon.
Sev-
Duck Hawk. Specimen
taken at Casper.
Peale’s Falcon. Well
marked specimen taken
near Casper, 1892.
Richardson’s Pigeon Hawk.
Specimen mounted in
Natrona County.
Albany
360.
447.
. Rocky
. Western
5c. Dusky Horned Owl.
, Pactic
. Rocky
Sparrow Hawk.
. Desert Sparrow Hawk.
Osprey.
Long-eared Owl.
Short-eared Owl.
Saw-whet Owl.
Mountain Screech
Owl. Reported to me
from Saratoga Valley.
Great Horned Owl. The
owls seem to intergrade
in Albany County, and I
have taken them until
the sub-species seemed
to blend right into each
other. Have probably
taken 375 in for mount-
ing, as I had many owls
looking more like it than
375a.
Horned Owl.
Taken near Laramie,
the common species.
Sev-
eral taken near Laramie.
Horned Owl. A
few taken in Albany
County.
Snowy Owl. Taken in
Albany County.
Burrowing Owl.
Belted Kingfisher.
Mountain
‘Woodpecker.
Red-headed Woodpecker. -
Red-shafted Flicker.
Hairy
. Nighthawk.
Broad-tailed Humming-
bird.
Arkansas Kingbird.
a. Western
WYOMING BIRDS.
Say’s ‘Phoebe.
Western Wood Pewee.
Wright’s Flycatcher.’
Desert Horned Lark.
Magpie.
Long-crested Jay.
Black-headed Jay.
Woodhouse’s Jay.
near Laramie.
Taken
Raven.
Crow.
Pinon Jay.
Thick-billed Redwing.
Western Meadowlark.
3ullock’s Oriole.
Rusty Blackbird. Speci-
men taken near Casper
in 1901 from a flock of
srewer’s Blackbirds.
3rewer’s Blackbird.
Evening Gros-
beak. Taken at Laramie.
a. Rocky Mountain Pine Gros-
beak. Laramie.
House Finch.
Crossbill. Specimens taken
in Natrona and Albany
Counties.
Gray-crowned Rosy Finch.
- Hepburn’s Rosy Finch.
Laramie.
. Redpoll.
a. Pale Goldfinch,
. Alaska Long-spur.
. Western Grasshopper Spar-
row. Specimen taken in
the vicinity of Laramie.
White-crowned Sparrow.
White-throated Sparrow.
Tree Sparrow (?).
562.
567.
567b.
581b.
588.
588a.
592-1.
656.
675a.
68la.
683a.
685a.
702.
704.
705.
FAS.
Vlvrar
72la.
F222:
Wen
3rewer's Sparrow,
Slate-colored Junco.
Schufeldt’s Junco.
Mountain Song Sparrow.
Arctic Towhee.
Spurred Towhee.
California Towhee.
Black-headed Grosbeak.
Lazuli Bunting.
Lark Bunting.
Cliff Swallow.
Bank Swallow.
Northern Shrike.
. Lutescent Warbler.
Cape May Warbler.
Black-throated Blue War-
bler. One specimen tak-
1893 in Casper.
Two or three taken in
Natrona County in the
spring of 1892.
Audubon’s Warbler.
en in
Grinnel’s ° Water. Thrush.
Noted in Natrona Coun-
ty.
Western Yellow-throat.
Long-tailed Chat.
Pileolated Warbler, Spec-
imen taken at Laramie.
Sage Thrasher.
Catbird.
Brown Thrasher.
Rock Wren.
Canon Wren. A bird which
I think was of this spe-
cies was noted near Lar-
amie.
Western House Wren.
Western Winter Wren.
Long-billed Marsh Wren.
Wyomine Birps. 117
725c. WesternMarsh Wren. 758a. Olive-backed Thrush.
754. ‘Townsend’s Solitaire. 759a. Audubon’s Hermit Thrush.
756a. Willow Thrush. 761. Robin.
757. Gray - cheeked Thrush. 76la. Western Robin.
Took two or three spec- 768. Mountain Bluebird.
imens at Laramie dur- I.C. English Sparrow.
ing spring migrations.
COMMENTS.
Mr. Lockwood has had wide experience as a collector and
taxidermist. His business brings him many specimens of
birds and mammals which he would not otherwise see. His
list includes a considerable number of species not reported
by Knight, and are as follows: 34, 54, 55, 56, 59, 62, 212,
3348, 375¢- 375d, 498d, 509, 521, 540a, 054, 685a, and 757.
In corresponding with Mr. Lockwood, I find that these
records are well authenticated.
Local List No. 8.
FROM ALBANY COUNTY.
From May, 1911, to June, 1913.
BY ERNEST P. WALKER.
54. Ring-billed Gull. Common summer resident about the alkali
lakes.
132. Mallard. Common summer resident about the alkali lakes.
135. Gadwall. Common migrant on the Laramie Plains.
139. Green-winged Teal. Common resident about streams and
lakes.
140. Blue-winged Teal. Common migrant and probably summer
resident.
142. Shoveller. On August 11th, 1911, adult and young seen.
147. Canvas-back. Common migrant.
241.
258a.
263.
Zio:
281.
297.
304.
309.
316.
WYOMING BIRDS.
Bittern. Uncommon summer resident in the Little Laramie
Valley.
Great Blue Heron. Common ‘summer resident. Formerly
there was a large rookery near Laramie, but now there
are only 3 or 4 pairs nesting there.
Snowy Egret. A specimen taken near Laramie, May 25th,
1913.
Black-crowned Night Heron. Common summer resident in
the Little Laramie Valley.
Sora. One specimen taken on September 14th, 1911, at Webb
' Lake, near Hatton.
Coot. ‘Common summer resident about some of the alkali
lakes on the Laramie Plains.
Wilson’s Phalarope. Abundant summer resident.
Avocet. Abundant summer resident about the alkali lakes.
Wilson’s Snipe. On June 10th, 1911, in the canyon east of
Pilot Knob, in the Laramie Hills, I found two young birds
that had just been hatched. On June 26th, 1913, I took a
set of 4 eggs at the head of Centennial Valley.
Baird’s Sandpiper. On August 2, 1911, a few of this form
were with a flock of Wilson’s Phalaropes about the alkali
lakes near Sprague’s Lane.
Yellow-legs. Abundant summer resident.
. Western Solitary Sandpiper. On August 3rd, one specimen
was found in the Little Laramie Valley, near Sprague’s
Lane. .
Western Willet. During August, 1911, these were in flocks
of 10 to 15 about the alkali lakes.
Spotted Sandpiper. Abundant summer resident. On July 2,
1911, at Lake Owen, altitude 9,100 feet, I found a female
with two young birds just out of the nest.
Killdeer. Abundant summer resident.
Mountain Plover. Small flocks of 4 to 15 were to be seen
about the alkali lakes in August.
Dusky Grouse. Common resident in the mountains.
White-tailed Ptarmigan. Fairly common resident on the
highest peaks of the Medicine Bow Mountains.
Sage Hen. Reported from the Laramie Hills near here.
Mourning Dove. Common summer resident.
a25:
331.
5 as
334.
337b.
342.
355.
357b.
366.
378.
387.
388.
390.
394b.
400a.
409.
412a.
413.
418.
420a.
432.
444.
447.
448.
WYOMING Brrps. 119
Turkey Vulture. On June 25th a vulture was noted near
Albany.
Marsh Hawk. Common summer resident on the plains.
Sharp-shinned Hawk. On July 24th, in the Medicine Bow
Mountains, a bird judged to be this form was noted.
Goshawk. Mr. Z. T. Sweeney told me that on October 7th,
1912, he found one dead near Foxpark.
Western Red-tail. Fairly common summer resident in the
Laramie Hills.
Swainson’s Hawk. Common summer resident on the plains
and foothills.
Prairie Falcon. A few about the plains and lower altitudes.
Richardson’s Pigeon Hawk. At Hatton on September 12th,
1911, I saw a number that I thought were of this species.
Long-eared Owl. Uncommon resident at the middle altitudes.
Burrowing Owl. Fairly common summer resident about many
of the “dog towns.”
Yellow-billed Cuckoo. There is a specimen in the University
collection which was found dead on the campus, June 8th,
1908.
Black-billed Cuckoo. On June 7th, 1911, I secured a specimen
from an aspen grove east of Pilot Knob.
Belted Kingfisher. Abundant summer resident.
Batchelder’s Woodpecker. Common summer resident in the
aspen groves.
Alaska Three-toed Woodpecker. Common summer resident
in the foothills and in timber along streams.
Red-headed Woodpecker. A few about the groves of timber
on the plains.
Northern Flicker. About one of these to 50 of No. 413.
Red-shafted Flicker. Abundant summer resident over the
plains.
Poor-will. Common summer resident in suitable places in the
foothills.
Western Nighthawk. Abundant summer resident.
Broad-tailed Hummingbird. Common summer resident.
Kingbird. Uncommon summer resident.
Arkansas Kingbird. Common summer resident.
Cassin’s Kingbird. One specimen taken at Hatton, September
18th, 1911.
484a.
488.
491.
492.
494.
495.
497.
498d.
501-1.
508.
510.
515a:
518.
519.
WYOMING BIRDS.
Say's Phoebe. Abundant summer resident, nesting around
the ranches.
Olive-sided Flycatcher. At Albany July 16th, 1911, 2 were
seen. A few days after that one was noted at Lake Owen,
9100 feet altitude.
Western Wood Pewee. Very abundant summer resident.
Western Flycatcher.. At Hiatton on September 13 I took
one specimen.
Desert Horned Lark. Abundant resident on the plains.
Magpie. Common resident.
Long-crested Jay. Messrs. Sweeney and Jeffers of the Forest
Service reported them fairly common about Foxpark and
Centennial in September, 1911. (Possibly some of them
may have been 478c.)
Rocky Mountain Jay. Fairly common resident in the moun-
tains. '
Crow. Common summer resident on plains.
Clarke’s Nutcracker. Very abundant in the Laramie Hills.
Pinon Jay. Flocks of birds which I think were of this form
were noted in the Laramie Hills in May, 1911.
Bobolink. On May 24th, 1911, I saw one male flying north-
ward over Laramie.
Cowbird. Abundant summer resident on the plains. In Au-
gust a young bird fully as large as a Horned Lark was
being fed by the foster parent.
Yellow-headed Blackbird. Common summer resident about
marshy places.
Thick-billed Red-wing. Abundant summer resident about all
marshes.
Western Meadowlark. Abundant summer resident on the
plains.
Bullock’s Oriole. Uncommon summer resident.
Brewer’s Biackbird. Abundant summer resident.
Rocky Mountain Pine Grosbeak. <A single bird was noted at
9,800 feet on the Medicine Bow Mountains.
Cassin’s Purple Finch. A few noted on July 10th at Foxpark.
House Finch. Very abundant summer resident about the
towns and ranches.
WYoMINeG Brrps. 121
Gray-crowned Rosy Finch. Winter yisitant in the foothills
and plains. On March 16th, 1912, a flock of about 15 were
found on the plains near Laramie. .
. Pale Goldfinch. Fairly common about the timber and brush
along streams.
Pine Siskin. Abundant spring migrant at the lower altitudes.
Common summer resident higher up.
Snow Bunting. Winter resident in large flocks with the
Horned Larks.
. Alaska Longspur. Very abundant migrant.
McCown’s Longspur. Very abundant summer’ resident on the
plains.
. Western Vesper Sparrow. The most abundant sparrow of
the plains region.
. Western Savannah Sparrow. Abundant summer resident
about marshes on the plains and up to 9,100 feet.
White-crowned Sparrow. Common migrant, and abundant
breeder from 8,000 feet to timber line.
. Western Treé Sparrow. In spring of 1912-13 a few were
noted about town.
. Western Chipping Sparrow. Small colonies noted in Laramie
Hills and a few about town.
Brewer’s Sparrow. The abundant sparrow of the sage-brush
region.
. Pink-sided Junco. Common migrant.
. Gray-headed Junco. Common summer resident.
. Sage Sparrow. A few noted in the Laramie Hills.
Mountain Song Sparrow. Uncommon summer resident.
Lincoln Sparrow. <A very abundant summer resident about
swamps.
Green-tailed Towhee. Common summer resident in the sage-
brush region of the foothills, nesting in the sage brush.
Black-headed Grosbeak. One specimen taken at Albany, June
26th.
Lazuli Bunting. At the head of Centennial Valley I found a
few of these birds.
Lark Bunting. Abundant summer resident on the plains.
Cliff Swallow. Very abundant resident about the ranches and
in some places nesting along the cliffs.
[22
613.
614.
615.
616.
621.
622a.
627a.
646.
652.
656.
668.
680).
68la.
E83a.
685a.
697.
702.
704.
715.
TAY
F25C;
726b.
728.
F550
WYoMING BIRDS.
Barn Swallow. Fairly common about some of the ranches on
the plains.
Tree Swallow. In June these were noted nesting abundantly
in holes in the trees about Albany.
Northern Violet-green Swallow. Common summer resident
from 8,000 feet to timber line. Nesting in holes in the
trees, coming down to the lowlands and meadows to catch
insects.
Bank Swallow. Fairly common along the Laramie River.
Northern Shrike. Fairly common winter resident.
White-rumped Shrike. A few about the plains.
Western Warbling Vireo. Very abundant summer resident.
Found in almost all of the aspen groves.
Orange-crowned Warbler. A single specimen taken in Sep-
tember, 1912.
Yellow Warbler. Abundant summer resident.
Audubon’s Warbler. Abundant summer resident.
Townsend’s Warbler. On September 13th a single specimen
was found at Hatton.
Macgillivray’s Warbler. Uncommon summer resident.
Western Yellow-throat. Rare. One was noted on May 24th
and another was seen May 19th.
Long-tailed Chat. Common summer resident in the brushy
swamps.
Pileolated Warbler. Very abundant from 8,000 feet to 9,000
feet in the brushy swamps.
Pipit. Abundant summer resident above timber line. Young
were seen just out of the nest July 19th-25th.
Sage Thrasher. Very abundant summer resident.
Catbird. Common summer resident along the streams.
Rock Wren. Common from the plains to about 9,000 feet.
Western House Wren. Abundant summer resident.
Western Marsh Wren. ‘Two specimens were taken May 19th,
1912, by Mr. Lockwood and myself.
Rocky Mountain Creeper. Apparently a winter resident, as I
found one on November 27th, at 9,100 feet, in the Medicine
Bow Mountains.
Red-breasted Nuthatch. One seen in town on May 21, 1912.
Long-tailed Chickadee. Common summer resident. A_ nest
was found May 21st at Centennial.
WYOMING Birps. 123
738. Mountain Chickadee. Common resident. During the winter
this form works downward and replaces septentrionalis,
which goes southward.
748. Golden-crowned Kinglet. Mr. Sweeney reported to me that
on October 2nd, 1912, he noted a small flock at Foxpark.
Apparently this form is very rare throughout this region.
749. Ruby-crowned Kinglet. Very abundant summer resident. In
all the heavy timber.
754. Townsend’s Solitaire. Common summer resident.
756a. Willow Thrush. Common summer resident.
758a. Olive-backed Thrush. This form is probably more common
than the preceding.
761. Robin. This and the following ferm are both found here.
About one of migratorius to 25 of propinquus. .
76la. Western Robin. Very common summer resident.
768. Mountain Bluebird. Abundant summer resident.
I. S. English Sparrow. Very abundant nuisance about the towns.
Many are found about the ranches, but gradually spreading
to the settled regions.
COMMENTS.
This list, by Walker, contains but a single new species,
No. 387. The record is based upon a specimen which was
found dead on the University campus and is now in the
Wyoming collection of skins.
Several species included here are rare, as for example,
197, 334, 388, 448, 459, 515, 646, 725¢, and 748.
The Wilson’s Snipe, No. 230, and the Pipit, No. 697, are
reported to be summer residents for the first time.
It is worthy of note that the Lazuli Bunting is becoming
more abundant and extending its range. It, no doubt, is a
summer resident.
140.
256a.
263.
273.
390.
432.
475.
478c.
A488.
495.
498.
509.
WYOMING
JIRDS.
Local List No. 9.
FROM THE VICINITY OF HERMOSA,. ALBANY
COUNTY.
From March 21st, 1906, to July 6th, 1906.
BY C. H. SAWYER.
Blue-winged Teal.
Western Solitary Sand-
piper. Two nests in
willows, one of six and
one of eight eggs.
Spotted Sandpiper.
Killdeer.
Belted Kingfisher.
Broad-tailed Hummingbird.
Magpie.
Black-headed Jay.
Crow.
Cowbird.
Red-winged Blackbird (?).
Rusty Blackbird. Female
No. 36.) Laken June: 21,
1906. Parent of nest
with four eggs near edge
of marsh.
524. Gray-crowned Rosy Finch,
540a. Western Vesper Sparrow.
542b. Western Savannah Spar-
row.
554. White-crowned Sparrow.
592-1. Green-tailed Towhee.
605. Lark Bunting.
607. Western Tanager.
627a. Western Warbling Vireo.
652. Yellow Warbler.
655. Myrtle Warbler.
680. Macegillivray’s Warbler.
704... Catbird: «, :
728. Red-breasted Nuthatch. Fe-
male taken at Hermosa,
June 17th, 1906.
738. Mountain Chickadee.
761a. Western Robin.
768. Mountain Bluebird.
COMMENTS.
This list, by Sawyer, contains three new records, 256a,
509;
and 627A.
Nests and eggs of 256a were found. ‘The
Myrtle Warbler, which resembles Audubon’s, is rare, but
Was
reported by Knight.
WYOMING Birps. 125
Local List No. 10.
FROM GREEN RIVER.
For the latter part of August and the early part of September, 1911.
BY ERNEST P. WALKER.
194. Great Blue Heron. Fairly common summer resident.
202. Black-crowned Night Heron. On September 6th one was
noted flying southward.
256a. Western Solitary Sandpiper. One noted on September 1, and
again on September 5.
273. Killdeer.
316. Mourning Dove. Abundant from August 29th to September
8th. On August 30th I found a nest having in it one young
bird about two-thirds grown, but by the 8th many had left.
331. Marsh Hawk. One was noted September 2nd.
337b. Western Red-tail. One was séen on September 4th.
357b. Richardson’s Pigeon Hawk. On September 4th I took two
of these birds. :
366. Long-eared Owl. September 2nd I took one specimen.
373e. Rocky Mountain Screech Owl. On the evening of September
2nd I heard one or two calls which I am quite sure were
from a bird of this species.
375a. Western Horned Owl. Probably fairly common in the timber
along the streams.
390. Belted Kingfisher. Occasionally seen along Green River.
413. Red-shafted Flicker. Plentiful until about September 7th.
418. Poor-will. Late in the evening on September 5th I heard one
call.
444. Kingbird. On August 3lst I saw one specimen.
464. Western Flycatcher. A few seen and specimens taken.
474c. Desert Horned Lark. A few seen.
475. Magpie. Fairly common.
480. Woodhouse’s Jay. Common, and in flocks of 8 to 10 coming
close to camp and acting much like the Pinon Jay, with
which it so frequently associates.
491. Clarke’s Nutcracker. A few noted along the bluffs by the
river.
495. Cowbird. One female seen on September 6th.
501-1. Western Meadowlark. Uncommon at this date.
WYOMING BIRDS.
Brewer’s Blackbird. Common. -
House Finch. A flock was noted at Green River.
. Western Savannah Sparrow. A few noted.
Brewer’s Sparrow. Common.
. Pink-sided Junco. On September 6th I took a specimen.
Mountain Song Sparrow. Common at Green River on Sep-
tember 7th.
. Green-tailed Towhee. Plentiful.
Western Tanager. Females rather common. No males were
noted during this time.
Chiff Swallow. On August 3lst I saw one.
Bank Swallow. Fairly common along the Green River.
Red-eyed Vireo. On September 4th I took one, which was
the only one seen during the year.
. Western Warbling Vireo. One seen on September 4th.
Yellow Warbler. Two were seen during this time.
Townsend’s Warbler. On September Ist I took one specimen.
Macgillivray’s Warbler. On September 4th I saw 4 or 5 young
birds.
. Long-tailed Chat. Very plentiful during the early part of my
stay there, but by the latter date almost all were gone.
Sage Thrasher. Plentiful.
Catbird. Common during the winter time,
Rock Wren. On September Ist I saw one along the bluffs by
the, river.
. Western House Wren. One seen.
Red-breasted Nuthatch. A few that were apparently migrating
were noted in the trees by the river.
. Long-tailed Chickadee. Quite common.
. Western Robin. Very plentiful.
Mountain Bluebird. Bluebirds were noted in abundance. Many
young were found. Some greatly resembled the Chestnut-
backed Bluebird.
English Sparrow. Quite common about the town. None were
noted but a couple of miles down the river.
COMMENTS.
Mr. Walker’s list contains one species not before reported
in the state—256a. Some others are rare, as for example,
357b, 373e, 480, 624, and 668.
WYOMING BIrps.
127
The records for 480 and 624 are of particular interest
because they were made well toward the western portion of
the state.
before.
58a. Western Willet.
They had been reported in the southeastern part
Local List No. 11.
FROM THE GREEN RIVER BASIN, YELLOWSTONE
PARK AND JACKSON’S HOLE.
For the year 1904.
BY EDWARD R. WARREN.
Ring-billed Gull. Several
seen in Yellowstone
Park and vicinity.
White Pelican. Seen about
the Park.
Mallard. Several seen in
Jackson Hole.
Canada Goose.
at Gibbon meadow, Yel-
lowstone Park.
Sandhill Crane.
several places.
Common
Noted in
Common
in meadows Big
Piney.
Spotted Sandpiper.
in almost all
places
Long-billed Curlew. Mead-
ows near Big Piney.
Killdeer.
Dusky Grouse. Hens with
young seen Little Gros-
sent Creek, July 6th;
Jackson Hole, July 15th;
Yellowstone Park, July
27th.
near
Noted
suitable
300a.
308b.
309.
316.
asf.
337b.
342.
349.
Boe.
360a.
390.
393e.
402a.
413.
420a.
474c.
475.
484a.
486.
491.
497.
Canada Ruffed Grouse.
June 28th and 29th. Not-
ed near head of Fre-
mont Lake.
Prairie Sharp - tailed
Grouse. Common about
Jackson Hole.
Sage Hen.
Mourning Dove.
Marsh Hawk.
Western Red-tail.
Swainson’s Hawk.
Golden Eagle.
Bald Eagle.
Desert Sparrow Hawk.
Belted Kingfisher.
Rocky Mountain
Woodpecker.
Red-naped Sapsucker.
Red-shafted Flicker.
Western Nighthawk.
Desert Horned Lark.
Magpie.
Rocky Mountain Jay.
Raven.
Clarke’s Nutcracker.
Yellow-headed Blackbird.
Hairy
128 WYOMING BIRDS.
501-1. Western Meadowlark.
ut
60a. Western Chipping Sparrow.
510. Brewer’s Blackbird. 562. Brewer’s Sparrow.
515a. Rocky Mountain Pine Gros- 567g. Pink-sided Junco.
beak. 607. Western Tanager.
Gray-crowned Rosy Finch. 612. Cliff Swallow.
525" Black ORosy = Finches “-67) 613. Barn Swallow.
Birds were seen which 615. Northern Violet-green
were thought to be this Swallow.
species. 652. Yellow Warbler.
933. Pine’ Siskin. 7152~ Rock Wrem
540a. Western Vesper Sparrow. 76la. Western Robin.
554. White-crowned Sparrow. 7€8. Mountain Bluebird.
COMMENTS.
There are no new species in this list, but two are worthy
of special notice: |
206, Sandhill Crane. This is our only record of this bird
since the publication of Knight's book.
297, Dusky Grouse. ‘The ranges of this species and Rich-
ardson’s Grouse overlap in Wyoming.
Local List No. 12.
FROM STAR VALLEY AND SURROUNDING MOUN-
TAINS, LINCOLN COUNTY.
From August 10th to August 25th, 1911.
~ ; BY STANLEY G. JEWETT.
135. Gadwall. 263. Spotted Sandpiper. Abund-
139. Green-winged Teal. Com- ant.
mon. 264. Curlew. One flock of 14
141. Cinnamon Teal. Common. at Afton.
194. Great Blue Heron. Com- 273. Killdeer. Common.
mon. 297. Dusky Grouse. Common.
256a. Western Solitary Sandpip- 2°7b. Richardson's Grouse. Com-
er. Fairly common. mon.
WYOMING Birps.
129
. Black-headed Jay.
. Canada Ruffed Grouse.
One taken.
Mourning Dove.
ant.
Marsh Hawk. Fairly com-
mon.
Cooper’s Hawk.
Abund-
. Western Red-tail. Com-
mon.
Swainson’s Hawk. Com-
mon.
Prairie Falcon. One seen.
Belted Kingfisher. Com-
mon.
. Red-naped Sapsucker. One
taken.
Lewis’s Woodpecker. Com-
mon,
Red-shafted Flicker.
mon.
Com-
. Western Nighthawk.
- Abundant.
Kingbird. Abundant.
Arkansas Kingbird. Abund-
ant.
Western Wood
Common.
Traill’s Flycatcher.
_mon.
Magpie.
Pewee.
Com-
Common.
Com-
mon.
Bobolink. Common.
Cowbird. Abundant.
Yellaw-headed Blackbird.
Abundant.
. Western Meadowlark.
Abundant.
Brewer's Blackbird.
Abundant.
Pale Goldfinch. Abundant.
540a.
524b.
. Western Robin.
Western Vesper Sparrow.
Abundant.
Western Savannah
row. Common.
554a. White-crowned
Sparrow or Gambel’s
Sparrow. ‘Two taken.
Brewer’s Sparrow. Abund-
ant.
Spar-
or
. Pink-sided Junco. Com-
mon.
Mountain Song Sparrow.
Common.
. Slate-colored Fox Spar-
row. Several about Af-
ton.
3arn Swallow.
Bank Swallow.
7a. Western Warbling Vireo.
Yellow Warbler.
Townsend’s Warbler.
seen at 7,500 feet.
Macgillivray’s Warbler.
Pipit. One seen at 9,500 ‘ft.
Common.
One
Dipper. Common.
Sage Thrasher. Abundant.
Catbird. Common.
5a. Long-tailed Chickadee.
Common,
Mountain Chickadee. Com-
mon.
Golden-crowned Kinglet.
Several seen at 7,800 ft.
Townsend’s Solitaire. One
seen at 7,500 ft.
Common.
Mountain Bluebird. Com-
mon,
English Sparrow. Common
about Afton and other
towns in the valley.
130
WYOMING BIRDs.
COMMENTS.
There are two new species in this list, 256a and 585c.
Numbers 668 and 748 are rare.
Local List No. 13.
FROM THE YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK.
52:
155:
180.
204.
365.
373e.
avo:
436.
55a.
567¢.
€45a.
668.
685a.
BY M. P. SKINNER.
California Gull. Abundant summer visitant. Breeds on Yel-
lowstone Lake.
Harlequin Duck. Occasional spring migrant; may remain and
breed.
Whistling Swan. Common fall migrant.
Whooping Crane: A flock of five seen in August.
Barn Owl. Accidental. One specimen seen.
Rocky Mountain Screech Owl. Three specimens seen in 1914.
Pygmy Owl. Occasionally seen in winter.
Calliope Hummingbird. Rare summer visitant.
Rocky Mountain Pine Grosbeak. Common fall and winter
migrant.
Pink-sided Junco. Abundant breeder.
Calaveras Warbler. One specimen found dead in a poisonous
cave.
Townsend’s Warbler. Not uncommon here.
Pileolated Warbler. Occasional summer visitant.
COMMENTS.
This list from the Yellowstone Park has just been re-
ceived. It contains eight species new to the state, viz.: 53,
155,
204, 365, 379, 436, 645a, and 685a. Of this number,
two species, 365 and 645a, have not been reported by any
other collectors. The killing of birds in the park is for-
bidden, hence Mr. Skinner took no specimens.
IN DEX
This index contains page references to the General and Hypo-
thetical lists only. To refer to local lists use the A. O. U. numbers,
which are given in the general list.
A
Avocet, 34
B
Bittern, 31
Least, 31
Blackbird—
Brewer’s, 6, 11, 58
Bi-colored Red-wing, 85
Red-winged, 57
Rusty, 58
Thick-billed, 57
“Tri-colored Red-wing, 85
Yellow-headed, 6, 57
Bluebird, 6, 80
Chestnut-backed, 80
Mountain, 80
Western, &6
Bobolink, 6, 57
Bob-White, 6, 7, 10, 38
Brant—
Black, 83
Bunting—
Indigo, 86
Lark, 6, 65
Lazuli, 65
Snow, 61
Bush-tit—
Lead-colored, 78
C
Cardinal, 65
Catbird, 74
Chat—
Long-tailed, 73
Yellow-breasted, 86
Chickadee— :
Long-tailed, 78
Mountain, 78
CoatertAy 33
Cormorant, 26
Double-crested, 26
Cowbird, 6, 57
Crane—
Little Brown, 32
Sand-hill, 32
Whooping, 32
Creeper—
Rocky Mountain, 76
Crossbill, 59
Bendire’s, 59
White-winged, 59
Crow, 55
Western, 6, 55
Cuckoo—
Black-billed, 46
Yellow-billed, 46
Curlew—
Long-billed, 37
D
Dickcissel, 65
Dipper, 74
Dove—
Mourning, 6, 40
132 WYOMING Brrps.
Dovekie, 24 Finch (Continued )—
Dowitcher— Black Rosy, 60 :
Long-billed, 35 - Gray-crowned Rosy, 60
Dueck, -17, 27 Hepburn’s Rosy, 60
American Scaup, 28 House, 59
Baldpate, 28 Flicker—
Black, 83 Northern, 49
Blue-winged Teal, 28 Red-shafted, 49
Buffle-head, 29 Flycatcher—
Canvas-back, 28 Alder’s, 84
Cinnamon Teal, 28 Ash-throated, 52
Gadwvallen2/ as Crested, 51
Golden-eye, 28, 29 Green-crested, 8&4
Green-winged Teal, 28 Hiammond’s, 53
Harlequin, 29 Least, 53
Lesser Scaup, 28 Olive-sided, 52
Mallard, 27 rail sse55
Merganser, 27 Western, 52
Old-squaw, 29 Wright’s, 53
Pintail, 2&
G
Redhead, 28 Golden-eye——
Ring-necked, 28 American, 29
Ruddy, 30 Barrow’s, 29
Scoter, 29 Goldfinch, 60
Shoveller, 28 Arkansas, 61
Scaup, 28 Western, 61
Wood, 28 Godwit—
Marbled, 36
E Goose—
Hagle— American White-fronted, 30
Bald, 7, 42 anata: 17230
Golden, 7, 17, 42 Hutchin’s, 30
European Widgeon 27 Lesser Snow, 30
Goshawk, 42
F Western, 42
Falcon— ; Grackle—
Prairie, 43 Bronzed, 58
Peale’s, 83 ; Grebe—
Pinch— -American Eared, 23
Cassin’s Purple, 59 Holboell’s, 23
WYOMING Birpbs. 133
Grebe (Continued )— Hawk (Continued )—
Pied-billed, 23 Swainson’s, 42
Western, 23 Western Red-tail, 42
Grosbeak— Western Goss, 42
Black-headed, 65 Heron—
Evening, 58 | Black-crowned Night, 31
Rocky Mountain Pine, 59 Great Blue, 17, 31
Western Evening, 59 - iGreen: Si
Grouse— Snowy, 31
Canadian Ruffed, 29 Hummingbird—
Columbian Sharp-tailed, 3° Broad-tailed, 50
Dusky, 39 Calliope, 51
Franklin’s, 39 Rufous, 50
Gray Ruffed, 39
Prairie Sharp-tailed, 40 I
Richardson’s, 39 Ee :
Sage, 40 White-faced Glossy, 30
Gull— 5
American Herring, 25 ae
Bonaparte's, 25 Black-headed, 55
California, 25 hanks Blue, 55
Ring-billed, if 24, 25 Canada, 55
Franklin's, 10, 25 Long-crested, 55
eee 25 Pien5e
Sabine’s, 25 Rocky Mountain, 55
H Steller’s, 84
Hawk— Woodhouse’s, 55
Cooper’s, 17, 42 Junco—
Desert Sparrow, 43 Gray-headed, 64
Duck, 17, 43 Montana, 64, 65
Ferruginous Rough-legged, 42 Pink-sided, 63
Goss, 17, 42 Ridgway’s, 64
Harlan’s, 83 Schufeldt’s, 63
Krider’s, 42 Slate-colored, 63
Marsh, 41 White-winged, 63
Pigeon, 43 K
Richardson’s Pigeon, 43 Killdeer, 38
Rough-legged, 42 Kingbird, 51
Sharp-shinned, 17, 42 Arkansas, 51
Sparrow, 43 . Cassin’s, 51
134 WYOMING Birps.
Kingfhsher— Nuthatch—
Belted, 17, 46 Pygmy, 77
Kinglet— Red-breasted, 77
Golden-crowned, 78 Rocky Mountain, 77
Ruby-crowned, 78 Slender-billed, 77
Western Golden-crowned, 86 O
Kittiwake, 25 Old Squaw, 29
L Oriole—
Bullock’s, 57
Lark— :
Desert Horned, 9, 54 oe
; Osprey, 44
Pallid Horned, 84 Oven Bird. 72
Prairie Pallid Horned, 84 Gan g
Pe B Coste os Arctic Horned, 45
Black, 60
Barred, &3
Gray-crowned, 60 :
Han ouene 6a Burrowing, 45
L at si Barn, 44
ongspur—
Alscaaecl Great Gray, 45
Great Horned, 84
Chestnut-collared, 61 Long-eared, 44
Lapland, 61
: Pigmy, 45
ee snot , Rocky Mountain Screech, 45
Lee: Saw-whet, 45
M Short-eared, 44
Magpie, 17, 54 Snowy, 45
Wen Western Horned, 45
Purple, 66 P
Meadowlark, 6, 57 Pelican—
Western, 6, 57 American White, 26
Merganser, 27 Brown, 26
Hooded, 27 Pewee—
Red-breasted, 27 Western Wood, 52
Mockingbird— Phalarope—
Western, 74 Northern, 33
Red, 33
N Wilson’s, 34
Nighthawk, 84 Phoebe, 52
Western, 49 Says, 52
Nutcracker— Pigeon—
Clark’s, 56 Passenger, 40
WYOMING BIRDS.
135
Pipiteays
Sprague’s, 73
Plover—
Black-bellied, 37
Golden, 37
Mountain, 38
Piping, 38
Semipalmated, 38
Snowy, 38
Upland, 37
Poor-will, 49
Ptarmigan—
White-tailed, 39
Q
Oda 62 7-17;°38
R
Rail—
Carolina, 33
Virginia, 32
Yellow, &3
Raven, 55
White-necked, 85
Redpoll, 60
Redstart, 73
Robin, &0
Western, 6, 80
S)
Sagehen, 7, 17, 40
Sanderling, 36
Sandpiper—
Baird’s, 35
Least, 36
Pectoral, 35
Semipalmated, 36
Solitary, 36
Spotted, 37
Stilt, 35
Western Solitary, 36
Sapsucker—
Red-naped, 48
Williamson’s, 48
Yellow-bellied, 48
Scoter, 29
Surf, 29
White-winged, 29
Shrike—
Northern, 68
White-rumped, 68
Siskin—
Pine, 61
Snipe—
Wilson’s, 35
Snowflake, 61
Solitaire—
Townsend’s, 79
SOray..o3
Sparrow, 9
Brewer's, 63
Chipping, 62
Clay-colored, 63
Desert Song, 85
European House, 6, 17, 80
Fox, 85
Gambel’s, 62
Harris's;:6Z
Lincoln’s, 64
Mountain Song, 64
Sage, 64
Savanna, 62
Slate-colored Fox, 64
Tree, 14, 85
Western Chipping, 63
Western Field, 85
Western Grasshopper, 62
Western Lark, 62
Western Savanna, 62
Western Tree, 62 |
Western Vesper, 61
130
Sparrow (Continued )—
White-crowned, 62
White-throated, 62
Swallow—
Bank, 67
Barn, 67
Cliff, 66
Northern Violet-green, 67
Rough-winged, 67
Tree, 67
Swan, 17
Trumpeter, 30
Whistling, 30
Swift—
White-throated, 50
| Al
Tanager—
- Scarlet, 66
Western, 66
en
Blue-winged, 28
Cinnamon, 28
Green-winged, 28
ermi—
Black, 26
Common, 26
Forster’s, 25
Thrasher—
Brown, 74
Sage, 74
‘Thrish—
Alaska Hermit, 79
Audubon’s Hermit, 80
Gray-cheeked, 79
Olive-backed, 79
Willow, 79
Titmouse—
Gray, 86
WYOMING BIrpbs.
Towhee—
Arctic, 64
Green-tailed, 65
Spurred, 65
Turkey—
Wild, 83
a
Vireo—
Bell’s, 69
Blue-headed, 69
Plumbeous, 69
Red-eyed, 69
Warbling, 69
Western Warbling, 69
Vulture—
Turkey, 41
W
Warbler—
Audubon’s, 71
Black and White, 70
Black-poll, 13, 72
Black-throated Blue, 71
Chestnut-sided, 71
Calaveras, 70
Lutescent, 71
Macgillivray’s, 72
Myrtle, 13, 71
Nashville, 10, 70
Northern Parula, 71
Orange-crowned, 70
Pileolated, 73
Tennessee, 71
Townsend's, 72
Virginia’s, 70
Wilson’s, 73
Yellow, 71
Water-T hrush—
Grinnell’s, 72
WYOMING BIRDS. B23
\Vaxwing— \Vren—
Bohemian, 67 Canon, 75
Cedar, 68 Long-billed Marsh, 10, 75
\Vidgeon— Rock 16775
European, 27 Short-billed Marsh, 75
Willet— Western House, 75
Western, 36 Western Marsh, 76
\Voodcock, 35 Western Winter, 75
Woodpecker— Y
Alpine Three-toed. 48 Yellow-legs, 36
Arctic Three-toed, 48 Greater, 36
Batchelder’s, 48 Y ellow-throat—
Cabanis’s, 47 Western, 72
Lewis’s, 49
Red-headed, 48
Rocky Mountain Hairy, 47
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