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AUER 


CORNELL 
LAB of ORNITHOLOGY 


LIBRARY 


at Sapsucker Woods 
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Illustration of Bank Swallow by Louis Agassiz Fuertes 


Cornell University Library 
QL 684.N2B89 


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PRELIMINARY REVIEW 


OF THE 


BIRDS OF NEBRASKA 


WITH SYNOPSES 


BY 
LAWRENCE BRUNER ROBERT H. WOLCOTT 
MYRON H. SWENK 


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LABORATORY 
OF ORNITHOLOGY 
LIBRARY 


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CORNELL UNIVERSITY LIBRARY 


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159 Sapsucker Woods R 


Cornell University 
ithaca, New York 


A 


PRELIMINARY REVIEW 


OF THE 


BIRDS OF NEBRASKA 


WITH SYNOPSES 


BY 


LAWRENCE BRUNER ROBERT H. WOLCOTT 
MYRON H. SWENK 


KLOPP & BARTLETT CO. 
Printing, Lithographing, Stationery, Book Binding 
OMAHA, NEB. 


INTRODUCTION 


In 1896, Prof. Bruner published his list entitled ‘‘Some Notes on Nebraska 
Birds.” Asa working basis for the study of the ornithology of the state it has 
proven invaluable and it has also been greatly in demand by people not ornithol- 
ogists, who desired to ‘‘know something about our birds.” That edition was 
exhausted some time ago and its author hasbeen frequently urged to publish 
another. However, the organization of the Nebraska Ornithologists’ Union 
and the development of ornithology in the University has led to such a rapid 
increase in our knowledge in the past five years that it seemed that any publi- 
cation would soon become out of date, and so no one ventured to undertake 
the task. 

It is under these conditions that the opportunity has been offered, through 
the kindness of Ex-Governor-Furnas, Secretary of the State Board of Agricul- 
ture and an enthusiastic member of the Union, to prepare something on the 
birds of the state. It seemed too good an opportunity to be lost, and yet, 
under the circumstances, the authors of this contribution feel that it can only 
be considered, as its title states, as a preliminary review. 

It should be understood, nevertheless, preliminary in one sense as it is, that 
it has been prepared with the greatest care, and is believed to represent exactly 
the state of our knowledge at the present day. Every species has been care- 
fully considered, the specimens available examined, its occurrence in surround- 
ing states studied, the records in Bruner’s list thoroughly canvassed, as well 
as all data which have accumulated since, and the whole reduced to such 
statements as indicate clearly the limits of our knowledge in regard to the 
form under consideration. - All specimens about which there could be any 
doubt were sent to authorities east for exact: determination. Those species 
that have been previously reported from Nebraska but the right of whichtoa 
place in our fauna is questioned or denied have beenintroduced, but in brack- 
ets. There have also been added under the phrase ‘‘extralimital”’ those 
species which may possibly be found in the state in the future. 

This introduction of extralimital forms and their inclusion in the synopses 
has been thought desirable for the reason that many of them are almost 
sure to be found sooner or later, and this calling attention to them may 
result in their earlier detection and addition to our list. The aim has been 
to prepare a work which should not only reflect the present state of our 
knowledge, but at the same time be a new basis for future work. For the 
same reason all species which are known definitely to have bred within our 
limits are marked with an asterisk. It will be evident to the reader that: 
the addition of the figures showing the details of bird structure and the 
article on Birds in relation to Agriculture and Horticulture, as well as of the 
synopses themselves, is in order that the paper may be useful to any one, 
whether an ornithologist or not, and may be the means of further increasing 


4 


the interest in birds and love for them, in the state, and so advancing the 
cause of bird protection. It is not expected, however, that it will be suf- 
ficient for the student of ornithology, who should possess beside some good 
manual with full descriptions and figures of our birds, suchas Apgar’s Birds 
of the Eastern United States, Chapman & Reed’s Color Key to North 
American Birds, or if he can afford a more expensive work, either Ridgway’s 
Manual or Coues’ Key. Some day this preliminary review may be ex- 
panded into a complete, illustrated work on Nebraska birds, but it remains 
for the generosity of the state legislature or of some state society, interested 
in their preservation, to say when that shall be. 

The numbers preceding each species are those of the American Ornithol- 
ogists’ Union check list, and in regard to nomenclature the same list has 
been followed implicitly; the possessive has however been omitted from the 
common names. : ; 

The authors desire to acknowledge the assistance received, in the way of 
data, from various members of the Union and local bird club, whose names 
appear in connection with the records under different species, and also to 
recognize their indebtedness to Apgar’s Birds of the Eastern United States, 
the keys in which have formed the basis for some of the synopses here used. 

The thanks of the authors are also here extended to those of our ornitholog- 
ical authorities who have generously determined specimens sent to them— 
Messrs. H. C. Oberholser of the U. S. Biological Survey and Witmer Stone | 
of the Philadelphia Academy of Natural Sciences. 

In the working over of records and material and in the comparison of 
authorities all the authors have participated, but a large part of the clerical 
work and of the preparation of the synopses has been done by Mr. Swenk. 


BIRDS IN RELATION TO AGRICULTURE AND HORTI- 
CULTURE* 


BY LAWRENCE BRUNER 


Nebraska is a good home for birds. We know definitely as many as four 
hundred different kinds that have been found within our borders and 
the presence of 11 moreis quite probable. Of thesetwo hundred are definitely 
known to nest in the state; many more certainly should be added to the list. 
During winter months more than one hundred (120) have been recorded, 
while the others leave in the fall for the warmer south country, only to return 
to us with the advent of pleasant weather in the following spring. While 
there is much to be learned concerning the migrations, nesting, moulting, 
songs and peculiar ways of living among the different birds that we may see 
in our groves, fields, along the streams, on the prairies, and about the hedge 
rows and garden patches, the most important feature connected with their 
lives to us is their food habits. For it is by what they eat that birds can and 
do make themselves of so much value to us. Of course birds are of different 
colors, sizes; and forms, and have their beaks, feet, wings, and tails made so as 
to best conform to the uses for which they are intended. The woodpeckers 
“have hard, chisel-like beaks for cutting holes in the bark and wood, and, at 
the same time, their tail feathers are stiff and pointed so as to be of use as 
props for holding the birds in place while busily engaged at nest making or 
digging for borers. In a like manner their long tongues are barbed so as to 
spear and drag forth the ‘‘worms” when reached. The short, strong beaks 
of the sparrows and their relatives are likewise suited for cracking the many 
kinds of weed seeds eaten by these birds in winter, as well as for crushing 
such insects as are eaten by the parents or fed to their young during the sum- 
mer time. 

On account of this most important feature in connection with our birds, 
we will confine our remarks in this paper chiefly to what they eat, and leave 
the descriptions of the birds themselves, their haunts, migrations, and nest 
building for some other time. Then too, almost everybody knows a few of 
these last mentioned things about most of our common birds. 

Birds can be useful to us in many ways. They can carry the seeds of dif- 
ferent plants from one place to another so as to help start new groves in which 
we and our domestic animals may find shelter from the cold winds of winter 
and the oppressive heat insummer. They plant seeds of shrubs by the way- 


*The present Pa ad is a combination of two former papers by the author, 
on the same topic, but the subject matter has been somewhat modified and 
abridged. The first of these DapPIE appeared in the Proceedings of the Ne- 
braska Ornithologists’ Union, II, pp. 18-29, and the second in the New 
Elementary Agriculture, pp. 103-117. This last work was issued by the 
University Publishing Company of Lincoln, Nebr. 


6 


side that spring up either to give shade or later to bear good fruit. They also 
carry the spawn of fishes and small crustaceans among their feathers into new 
waters, and feed upon.the countless millions of weed seeds that are scattered 
broadcast over our fields, meadows, pastures, and prairies. Some kinds live 
almost entirely upon insects; while others hunt out and destroy such small 
animals as mice, ground squirrels, and gophers. Still others, like some of the 
useful insects, act as scavengers by helping to remove decaying things that 
would make us sick if not cleared away. 


In addition to these direct benefits which we derive from the birds, we are 
further indebted to them for the cheer which their gay music, bright plumage, 
and pleasant manners bring to us. The birds form a carefully planned army 
of, police, which is engaged in keeping things in nature about us balanced. 

But we can go even further when summing up the benefits that human 
beings derive from birds. A great many kinds provide us with excellent 
food, while others furnish downy feathers for making soft pillows upon which 
to rest our weary heads and warm coverlets for use upon our beds during the 
long cold winters. 

Everybody knows that birds sometimes also do harm. It is therefore our 
duty to learn just what this is and whether or not it is as great as some people 
try to make us believe. Quite a number of different kinds of birds are con- 
tinually doing things that we call wrong. If we only know of these wrongs 
and nothing of the good things which they do it might go pretty hard with 
our feathered neighbors. 

Some of the wrongs that are perpetrated by birds, or at least which are 
credited to them, are such as cherry stealing, grain eating, grape puncturing, 
apple pecking, corn pulling, the carrying of various kinds of bark and other 
plant lice on their legs and feet from place to place, the spreading of hog 
cholera by crows and turkey buzzards, the robbing of eggs and young birds 
from nests and even the poultry yard. ; 

Some of these so-called crimes are genuine and are to be regretted. Others 
are more imaginary than real. A few of them could be prevented in part or 
altogether, while others might be made less severe, if we were inclined to take 
the trouble to do it. After all that can be said in favor of and against the 
usefulness of birds in general, there can be but little doubt left in the minds 
of thinking and observing people as to the value of these creatures. Only 
ignorant and thoughtless persons will continue to destroy our birds indis- 
criminately after learning the actual facts about them. 

So varied is the task of ‘‘evening up” in nature spoken of above, that if 
attended to in the right way, the workers should be many and necessarily 
have widely different habits. That such really is the case, can easily be seen 
from a perusal of the following short account of the food habits of some of the 
different groups of our Nebraska birds: 

Grebes and loons feed chiefly on snails and other water animals such as are 
found about, ponds, lakes, and rivers. They also destroy grasshoppers and 
other destructive insects when these latter are found about their haunts. 

‘The gulls, with their long wings and great powers of flight, often reach far 
inland in their journeys. Whenever they do they catch large numbers of 


7 


grasshoppers, crickets, June-beetles, and other common ‘insects. Four or five 
kinds of these birds breed in our state in large numbers every summer, and 
may frequently be seen following the farmer as his plow turns up the juicy 
but destructive grubs. ° 

The ducks and geese, like their tame relatives, are also very fond of insects, 
which they catch about the margins of ponds and lakes near which they 
build their nests and raise their young. Even such birds as the bitterns and 
other herons kill many insects in addition to the snails, fishes, frogs, and other 
small animals which in part make up their bill of fare. 

The different kinds of snipes and their relatives are also great destroyers of 
insects. Moving over the landscape, as many of them do, in large flocks 
which spread out over the meadows, pastures, hillsides, and fields, they per- 
form a large amount of systematic police service in discovering and arresting 
the rascals among insects. They even pry them out of the cracks and holes 
in the ground where they have crawled and are hiding during the daytime. 
This they are enabled to do on account of the long, slender bills with which 
they are provided. 

The Prairie Chicken and Sharp-tailed Grouse, as well as the Quail or ‘‘ Bob- 
white,” all feed almost entirely on insects during the summer. They also eat 
large numbers of these creatures during the remainder of the year whenever 
they can get them. The Quail especially is to be considered one of our very 
best insect destroyers, since it eats both the Colorado potato beetle and the 
chinch-bug. Perhaps no other bird on the farm pays higher prices for the 
little grain it gets than does the Quail. Living about hedge-rows, groves, 
and in ravines, where insects gather and lurk during the greater part of the 
year, this bird discovers and devours large numbers of these enemies daily. 
Not only during the summer months when these vermin are moving about, 
but all winter, too, it scratches among the fallen leaves, and other rubbish 
seeking for hibernating insects of variouskinds. Being a timid bird it seldom 
leaves cover to feed openly in the fields, and therefore does little real harm in 
the way of destroying grain. 

Even the barnyard fowls do much in the way of destroying many different 
kinds of insects throughout the summer months. Where fields of grain can 
be gone over systematically by chickens, turkeys, guinea hens, and ducks, 
little or no damage is done by grasshoppers, cut-worms, and other similar 
pests, unless, of course, these insects are too numerous to be eaten by them. 

Ordinarily doves and pigeons are not considered harmful, yet they eat but 
fewinsects. But, on the other hand, many weed seeds, as sunflower, ragweed, 
foxtail, etc., are eaten by them. Perhaps, all told, the good done by them 
during the year will greatly overbalance the harm caused by their visits to 
the grain fields and feed lots. 

During recent years, since we began studying more carefully just what our 
various kinds of birds have been eating, it has been learned that many of those 
which we heretofore called rascals should really be considered as friends. 
Hawks and owls, all of which were killed on sight by nearly every man or 
boy who could shoot, are now spared, except when caught in the very act of 
stealing chickens. This change is due to the fact that we now know that 


8 


they feed mostly on mice, squirrels, gophers, prairie dogs, and rabbits, as 
well as on many harmful kinds of insects. 

Our Yellow-billed and Black-billed Cuckoos feed chiefly on hairy cater- 
pillars and several other kinds of insects which they find lurkimg among the 
leaves of trees. Although considered among our shyer species, they even 
come about our houses and venture into towns and cities for their favorite 
insect food. : 

There are few persons who will not admit that the woodpeckers as a family 
are very useful birds. Feeding as they do, on the young of wood-boring 
insects, they can do more relative good for the number of insects destroyed 
than if they feed on such kinds as attack the leaves. A single.borer left undis- 
turbed might kill a tree, while hundreds of leaf eaters of the same size would 
scarcely be noticed ifwarning of their presence depended on the effect their feed- 
ing had upon the appearance of the same tree. The commonest kinds of wood- 
peckers in Nebraska are the Flicker, Red-headed, Downy, and Hairy, all of 
which are often seen about our groves and orchards, where they carefully 
hunt for borers and other harmful insects. 

Birds like the Whippoorwill, Nighthawk, and Chimney Swift eat nothing 
but insects such as they catch in the air while flying about. The first two 
are night fliers, while the other is one of our birds that flies and feeds during 
daytime. 

The family to which the King-bird or Bee-bird belongs is also one that is 
made up of insect eaters. They catch such kinds as flies, butterflies, moths, 
beetles, and grasshoppers. The few bees eaten by the Bee-bird should not 
count against the other members of the family, nor should we blame even the 
bee-killer himself too much for the occasional rascal of his kind that prefers 
to sit near a hive and catch drones and, rarely, a worker. 

Crows and their relatives, the magpies and jays, are sometimes called 
rascals. Perhaps there is good reason in a number of cases for giving these 
birds so bad a name; but we must not judge them too hastily, for sometimes 
there are good deeds done even by the greatest of rascals. After finding out 
what these deeds are, good and bad, we may think that enough good has been 
done to at least give the ‘‘rascal’” another chance. All of these birds eat 
more insects, bulk for bulk, than they do of any other substance. The Blue 
Jay does much of the mischief for which we blame the Robin, orioles, and 
thrushes, and then sneaks away like a thief. He also robs the nests of our 
smaller and weaker birds at times. To partly offset these mean traits he 
destroys large numbers of injurious insects. 

The meadowlarks, orioles, and blackbirds are the most important destroyers 
of such insect pests as attack field crops. They remain with us during the 
whole year save for only a few months in the winter; gathering in large flocks, 
as several kinds.do, they can wipe out an insect plague in a short time. The 
large flocks of red-winged blackbirds which visit our cornfields do so to secure 
the destructive ear-worm which abounds at that time of the year, and not 
for the corn, as many of us suppose. Don’t kill any of these useful birds, 
because they more than pay for the vegetable food which they eat. 

Our sparrows and their relatives of the family Fringillidae form a very ex- 


9 


tensive group of highly useful, as well as beautiful, birds. They spend most 
of their time during the summer months when not actually occupied with 
nest building and rearing their young, in hunting for and destroying different, 
kinds of insects. But this is not all the good they do. In fall, winter, and 
early spring, when Mother Earth has lost her beautiful green dress and is 
clothed instead in somber browns and wrapped in a mantle of snow and ice, 
the longspurs, snowbuntings, snowbirdsandsome of the sparrows that have 
remained with us, are busily engaged in gathering for themselves a living. 
They hop and fly about from place to place hunting for and picking up little 
seeds of grasses, weeds, shrubs, and trees with which to feed themselves and 
keep alive until the warm weather of spring returns and brings back to them 
the abundant supply of nourishing insects of which they are so fond. Even 
during this busy cold season, they chirrup merrily as they work, so satisfied 
are they with the kind of life they are living. The English, or European 
House-sparrow, has the worst reputation of the entire family. But even 
this bird has some good traits which tend to secure for it ouf friendship. 

The swallows, as we all know, are insect destroyers; and, seizing their prey 
as they fly, they naturally take such forms among these pests as flies, gnats, 
and mosquitoes—our worst personal enemies. We should by all means 
encourage these birds to build their nests in our barns and sheds in order 
that they may pay rent by destroying the various flies that attack and worry 
ourselves and our domestic animals. 

The shrikes or butcher-birds are genuine brigands or pirates when it comes 
to killing other forms of life. They are true to their name, and butcher large 
numbers of insects, mice, lizards, small snakes, and even occasionally a few 
of the smaller birds. They take their prey to some thorn bush or barbwire 
fence and impale the victims for future use or to dry up and blow away. The 
good they do will more than outweigh the harm which they inflict. 

‘The vireos or greenlets, as they are commonly called, which frequent 
thickets and hedgerows, live almost entirely upon an insect diet. Their food 
is composed chiefly of little caterpillars and grubs picked from the leaves of 
small trees.and shrubs which form the shelter in which they make their homes. 
They are not entirely averse to eating some of the hairy forms, and in this 
respect aid the cuckoos mentioned in a preceding paragraph. 

The warblers are insect destroyers. Brightly-colored, active creatures as 
they are, they fill a gap in nature which would be empty without them. 
They flit about the terminal twigs and leaves of our trees and shrubs where 
they detect and capture many of our smaller, but at the same time very 
dangerous, insect pests. Plant-lice and the smaller caterpillars are at times 
quite prominent in their bill of fare. 

Much could be written about birds like the wrens, the Mockingbird, and the 
Catbird, but they are too well known in one way or another to make it neces- 
sary to spend time or space here for the purpose of introducing them anew. 
Suffice it to say, that they more than pay for what they eat by killing off 
some of the decidedly harmful insects. Then, too, they are to be numbered 
among the most beautiful singers of the feathered choir, which latter fact 
in itself fully offsets the harm done by them in the way of fruit eating. 


10 


The nuthatches, titmice, and others of our winter and early spring birds 
are too well known as friends to make it necessary here to even hint at 
their usefulness. The eggs of many hibernating insects are quite prominent 
among the things eaten by them throughout the season when the trees are 
bare and bird food is scarce. 

The Robin and the Bluebird need no introduction even to our boys and 
girls. We all know them only to wish that their numbers could be greatly 
increased. The former as it hops over the grass-covered lawn in search of 
cut-worms, is engaged in its chief occupation. Seventeen quarts of caterpil- 
lars, it is claimed, is the average numberof such insects destroyed by each 
robin annually; and of this quantity about one-half or more are cut-worms. 
We need not stop to ask whether or not the destruction of these will pay for 
the cherries and berries eaten. 

Summing up the work of our birds as relates to their destruction of insects, 
it can be briefly stated as follows: 

‘In the air swallows and swifts are coursing rapidly to and fro, ever .n 
pursuit of the insects which constitute their sole food. When they retire, 
the night-hawks and whippoorwills take up the chase, catching moths and 
other nocturnal insects which would escape the dayflying birds. Flycatchers 
lie in wait, darting from ambush at passing prey, and with a suggestive click 
of the bill returning to their post. The warblers, light, active creatures, 
flutter about the terminal foliage, and with almost the skill of a humming- 
bird, pick insects from leaf or blossom. The vireos patiently explore the 
under sides of leaves and odd nooks and corners to see that no skulker escapes. 
The woodpeckers, nuthatches, and creepers attend to the trunks and limbs, 
examining carefully each inch of bark for insects’ eggs and larvae, or excavat- 
ing for the ants and borers they hear within. On the ground the hunt is con- 
tinued bythe thrushes, sparrows, and other birds that feed on the innumer- 
able forms of terrestrial insects. Few places in which insects exist are neg- 
lected; even some species which pass their entire lives in the water are preyed 
upon by aquatic birds.’”’* . 

In nearly every case where the food habits of our birds have been care- 
fully studied, do 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 numbers 75,000,000 
birds in Nebraska, there would be required 1,875,000,000 insects for each 
day’s rations. 

Again estimating 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 
2,343,750 bushels for 150 days. These estimates are very low when we take 
into account the numbers of insects that various kinds of our birds have 
been known to destroy in a single day. For example, the stomach of four 
chickadees contained 1,028 eggs of cankerworms. Four others contained 
about 600 eggs and 105 mature females of this same insect. The stomach 

o 


*Frank M. Chapman in Bird Life—D. Appleton & Co. 


11 


of a single Bob-white contained 101 potato-beetles; and that of another 
upwards of 500 chinch-bugs. A yellow-billed cuckoo shot at six jp the 
morning contained forty-three tent caterpillars. A robin had eaten 175 
larvae of Bibio, which feed upon the roots of grasses, etc. 

Birds, like all other animals, feed upon that food which is most readily 
obtained, hence the insectivorous kinds destroy those insects which are the 
most numerous—the injurious species; and likewise the seed-eaters subsist 
largely upon the seeds of our weeds. 


"mM~NOQahwWhNre 


TOPOGRAPHY OF BOHEMIAN WAXWING FOR BEGINNERS 


Upper mandible. 
Culmen. 

Nostril. 
Forehead. 

Lores. 


Superciliary stripe. 


Crown. 
Crest. 


9 
10 
11 
12 
13 
14 
15 
16 


Occput. 

Auriculars or ear-coverts. 
Nape. 

Interscapular region. 
Back. 

Scapulars. 

Tertials. 

Rump. 


17 
18 
19 
20 
21 
22 
23 
24 
25 
26 
27 
28 


39 
40 
41 
42 


13 


Upper tail-coverts. 29 Greater wing-coverts. 
Tail feathers, _. 80 Middle wing-coverts 
First primary. 31 Breast. 
Primaries. 32 Lesser wing-coverts. 
Tarsus. 33 Carpal joint. 
Hind toe. 34 Jugulum. 
Outer toe. : 35 Throat. 
Middle toe. "36 Chin. 
Inner toe. 37 Gape. 
Abdomen or belly. 38 Lower mandible. 
Secondaries. 39a Cere on bill. 
Side. 

TYPES OF BILLS AND FEET 
Strongly hooked bill of hawk. 43 Lobate foot of Pied-billed Grebe. 


Falcate bill of Mexican Crossbill. 44 Palmate foot of duck. 
Tubular nostril of Fulmar Petrel. 45 Totipalmate foot of cormorant. 
Raptorial foot of Long-eared 

Owl. 


DIAGRAM SHOWING THE VARIOUS FEATHER TRACTS ON THE WING OF A BIRD 


(FROM CORY’S BIRDS OF EASTERN NORTH AMERICA) 


138. 


13. 


15 


SYNOPSES AND LIST 


THE ORDERS OF NEBRASKA BIRDS 


Hind toe connected by web with inner front toe....... III. Steganopodes. 
Hind toe, if present, not connected with inner front toe............(2) 
2. Cutting edges of bill more or less fringed or serrated . IV. Anseres. 
2. Cutting edges of bill not fringed or serrated... .............. (3) 
Legs inserted in the rear of the body; toes webbed or lobed. I. Pygopodes. 
Legs inserted near middle of body, or else toes not webbed... ........(4) 


4. Front toes distinctly webbed, and tarsus shorter than tail.... 
Rie Miatec santin dss siete ay pantera les eatawle tlasapet meher acs ig 3 . II. Longipennes. 
4. Front toes not distinctly webbed, or else tarsus longer than tail. (5) 
Tibia more or less naked below; waders.............. 000s eens (6) 
Tibia entirely feathered; not waders. ... ........ 0. cece eee ee eee (8) 

6. Hind toe long and on the same level as the others; lores naked 
eT ee ee ee ee ... V. Herodiones. 
6. Hind toe, if present, small and elevated; lores feathered... ... (7) 

If more than 3 feet long, hind toe elevated; if less, on the same level. 
LIRA a ERE ET eae Mie Paid cole, 

Never more than three feet long, hind toe, if present, elevated..... 


si pitt auinaeeada ie AAMAS at then SMSUN ach Baa cateytla-t aided Gus whiny VII. Limicolz. 

8. Bill strongly hooked, and with distinct naked cere at base..... (9) 

8. Bill not both strongly hooked and cered; or if cered the bill straight 
Sdibtcctc Achy la Codnee) eal frye) dilioe Mee ceanciuct eich iret ia tod eC LO) 

Toes 38 in front, the outer toe sometimes reversible. . .X. Raptores. 
Toes. 2 in front, 2 behind. « 4 <5 ¢s60406 Wr dae peeadiecce XI. Psittaci. 
10. Hind toe short, decidedly elevated. ... ......VIII. Galline. 
10. Hind toe but very slightly elevated, ifatall............... (11) 
Bill with a soft swollen cere... 0... eee IX. Columbe. 
Bill “without; CPs sis cece-y Piece We Wa thon Pardee dua een A Ae aR (12) 


12. Wing very long, tail feathers 10, gape very wide and deeply cleft; 
or else bill long and slender and secondaries 6. ..XIV. Macrochires. 
12. Wing not very long and gape not wide or deeply cleft; or else 


tail feathers: 12. ssseue<couve canis sie x deena sr Shieiak Cia (13) 

Toes 2 in front, or if 3, middle and outer toes connected for one-half their 
LOTUS Sates, dit aes tee teat aed. ged Fe a de ORS eae id nadine ReaD (14) 
Toes 3 in front, middle and outer ones not connected for one-half their 
lenPth Sis ee Gey eee e Ha eek Rae pate oheea aH XV. Passeres. 
14. Tail feathers stiffand pointed...................XIUIIL. Pici. 


14. Tail feathers not stiff, nor pointed... ..........XII. Coccyges. 


PP 


16 


Orper I. PYGOPODES—Divine Birps 


Feet lobed but not webbed... . 01... cee cece ee eee ene Podicipide. 
Feet webbedes. 4 o..54 cay reeves vt aes sad ea ga wees eaet ned Gaviide. 


Famity PODICIPIDZ—GrzBeEs 


Bill longer than head (3 inches), five times as long as deep, slender, acute, 
straight; size very large; neck very long; above slaty, crown and hind 
neck black, elsewhere pure white... ............Western Grebe. 

Bill shorter than head (1 inch), less than twice as long as deep, very stout, 
compressed sideways, hooked at tip; size small; in summer throat 
and band on bill black.... ....................Pied-billed Grebe. 

Bill equal to or shorter than head (1 to 24 inches), less than fourtimes as 
long as deep, stoutish, dg size small to aia neck moderate; 


in summer head crested. ‘ (2) 
2. Wing about 74 inches: “pill shout. as lem: as 5 tags aides of Heek 
rufous in Adult. wa cczaws owadog eee Mele eal need Holbcell Grebe. 
2. Wing 5 to 6 inches; bill shorter than head.................. (3) 
Bill compressed, higher than broad at base; neck red in front in summer 
SRE Dh Md gabe Soler RE AS Horned Grebe. 
Bill depressed, broader ‘than high at base; neck black in front in sum- 
TOTS Se tepid hardy deg ade gai eaten ape ay Ue ys aa Se eae Eared Grebe. 


AXchmophorus occidentalis (Lawrence)—-WESTERN GREBE. ‘ 
A straggler from the west, breeding from North Dakota and Mani- 
toba northwards. Recorded twice from Nebraska, once from Cut-off 
lake, near Omaha by L. Skow, and again from Curtis, where Rees 
Heaton has taken a specimen. 


Colymbus holbcellii (Reinhardt) —HoLBa@.t Gress. 

A northern grebe, breeding locally north of the United States, but 
occasionally reaching the latitude of southern Nebraska in late fall 
and winter. A specimen was taken at Alda by F.W. Powell, and an- 
other shot at Curtis is now in the Rees Heaton collection at that place. 


*Colymbus auritus Linnaeus—HorNnEpD GREBE. 

Rather a rare migrant and breeder. Recorded migrating at West 
Point, Ravenna, and Lincoln. Found breeding i in the alkali lakes of 
northern Cherry county by I. 8. Trostler, and a pair, with newly made 
nest, noted at Little Alkali lake, in the same region, June 6, 1903, 
by Wolcott. : 


*Colymbus nigricollis californicus (Heerman)—-Earep GREBE. 
A common migrant throughout the state, breeding in abundance in 
the lake region of Cherry county. Also found breeding in small num- 


17 


bers at West Point and Omaha. Arrives in spring about the end of 
April; departs by the end of September. 


6. *Podilymbus podiceps (Linnzeus)—Pimrp-BILLED GREBE. 

An abundant migrant, and a common breeder in suitable localities 
throughout the state. Arrives about the middle of April and lingers 
till October. 

Famity GAVIIDA’-—Loons 


1. Back black or blackish, distinctly spotted with white... ............ (2) 
1. Back blackish, not spotted with white, but the feathers gray tipped. . (3) 
2. Throat whitish, in summer foreneck with chestnut......... 
rgebin Hehe Bar aerawnmeree go ah peseeeeeeeeeeess +. Red-throated Loon. 
2. Throat black, sides of neck with white streaks and no chestnut (3) 
Wing 13to15 inches long; crown black in summer...... .Loon. 
Wing 11 to 13 inches long; crown ashy in summer. Black-throated Loon. 


oo ow 


7. Gavia imber (Gunnison)—Loon. 
A not common migrant, breeding from northern United States 
northward. Numerous records; Omaha, Lincoln, West Point, Rock- 
port, Curtis, etc. Seen early in spring and late in fall. 


9. Gavia arcticus (Linnaeus)—-BuacK-THROATED Loon. 
A bird of the arctic regions wintering south to the northern states. 
One Nebraska record, a fine male,in the Rees Heaton collection,having 
been taken at Curtis. 


11. Gavia lumme (Gunnison)—Rep-THROATED Loon. 
Also an Arctic bird, found in the northern states in winter. Two 
records, a specimen being taken on the Missouri near Omaha, Sept. 
28, 1894, and another April 6, 1897, both males and both reported by 
“J. 8. Trostler. é 


OrpeER II. LONGIPENNES—Lone-wincep Swimmers 


A. Upper mandible of three pieces, a hook, lateral piece, and cere.... 
cedeltie <tyteat Soe Gave gee estan AAD. dale Re defok eae eG antes wis des ea es Stercoraridz. 
A. Upper mandible of one piece... .......... 0.0.0... ee, Laride. 


Famity STERCORARIDEH—Jancers 


1. Middle pair of tail feathers rounded; wing 134 and culmen over 14 inches 


long. 2 obs seg eG ERR E Ba Ea Mees coeeae accented Pomarine Jaeger. 

1. Middle pale of tailfeathers acute, wing under 134 and culmen under 14 
LINC eB ONS raises Srv ars tap aig daa es pesnere Grad GO Gadd. ee AG Hip ea he mc (2) 

2. Cere more than half as long as culmen; adult with tail about 84 
IMmches: LOM a sea 2 Sisk kek aah Ceangaen Gree ote ns Parasitic Jaeger. 

2. Cere less than half aslong as culmen; adult with tail 11 to 15 inches 

LONG nace ahantds cipihte dn canals 2 LGe wietaneamee te ya Long-tailed Jaen, 


36. Stercorarius pomarinus (Temminck)—PomaRinE JAEGER. 
A rare migrant, breeding far north. Aughey saw it once on the 


18 


Missouri river, in Dakota county, in May, 1869, and a specimen was 

, sent to him, shot on the Platte river near Fremont, in May, 1873. A 
third record is fom M. K. Barnum, of one shot at North Platte, Nov. 
11, 1895. 


87. Stercorarius parasiticus (Linnaeus)—Parasitic JAEGER. 
A rare migrant. One record for Nebraska, a specimen having been 
shot by August Hiche on Salt lake near Lincoln, Sept. 13, 1898, and 
now in his collection. 


EXTRALIMITAL: The third member of this genus in North 
America, 38. S. longicaudus Vieillot, the Long-tailed Jaeger, also 
rarely migrates through the interior, but has not been taken in 
Nebraska as yet. 

Famity LARIDZ—Gu.tuis anp TERNS 


1. Bill with upper mandible strongly curved and hooked at tip, directed 
forward in flight; tail generally even at tip, rarely slightly forked; 
voice hoarse; (Subfamily Larinze—Gulls)....................0. (2) 

1. Bill with upper mandible slightly and evenly curved throughout, sharply 
pointed and not hooked at tip, pointed downward in flight; tail forked, 
generally deeply so; voice shrill; (Subfamily Sterninz—Terns)...(11) 
2. Plumage without black, even on the primaries...... Kanaan (3) 
2. Plumage with more or less black, at least on the primaries... . . (4) 

3. Bill over 2 inches long and wing over 164 inches long. . . Glaucous Gull. 

3. Billunder 2 inches long and wing under 164 inches long. . . Iceland Gull. 
4. Hind toe very minute and without a nail; head mostly white. 


ehhh Bach SAE eye BHR AMEN Rhee 's aE RAPD Ga Sale ee Rabe Re ble <8 Kittiwake. 

4, Hind toe well formed and with anail...........0.......... (5) 

5. Tail forked for about an inch; primaries largely black, 2 to 4 white-tipped. 
Se re ee ae ee ee ee ee ee ee eee er eer me Sabine Gull. 

5. ‘Tailnotiat all forkeds gi ho sous sae sielsdey etusues ae bma ie teen eee (6) 
6. Large,wing 14 to 19 inches long; head, tail, and under parts white 
INSUMMeEr AGU... asso e ee ee eaves pi eese wea aes wEaS (7) 


6. Small, wing 10 to 13 inches long; head black in summer adult (9) 
7. Back and wings slaty black in adult, brownish in young; wing over 


IGE inch eB siicihe ods eua ea wek aeons vee es wes Great Black-backed Gull. 

7. Back and wings pearl gray in adult; wing under 174 inches long..... (8) 
8. Wing about 17 inches; feet flesh-colored; bill chrome yellow; 
young mottled iis 6 say jt ey eitiars ata a cave Pad sree ea sage Herring Gull. 


8. Wing about 163 inches; feet yellowish; bill with a red spot below. 
Daad ete cauh lone) eet ave arnaee wer daa sh get tbls. grades ara is ad . California Gull. 
8. Wing about 15 inches; feet yellowish; bill banded with black near 


GAD cteseto-s. Aah omen Suue che Ae at ars os souetanaue naan Ring-billed Gull. 

9. Outer primary wholly black; wing over 12 inches; bill reddish in sum- 
IMGT y aivgiaicd “ers ty et sie as wedded hae eeamey a oa rae Laughing Gull. 

9. Outer primary with white in adult; wing under 12 inches.......... (10) 


10. Tip of outer primary white in adult; bill red; wing about 11 
INCHES os acumen oes wea Meee ARM nee Franklin Gull, 


11. 


11. 


13. 


13. 


15. 


15. 


47. 


51. 


54, 


19 


10. Tip of outer aes black in ae bill black; wing about 10 


inches....... sae .Bonaparte Gull. 
Back,wings, and tail dlatys in summer 7 head aud aides parts black, in 
WINER WHILE Gath 5 sco cue ae ee es wea ae Ba A ade ga Black Tern. 
Back and wings pearl gray, crown more or less black............. (12) 
12. Small, wing about 6% inches; forehead white, crown and line 
through eye black, bill yellow in summer..... ....Least Tern. 

12. Medium, wing 94 +0112 inches; crown wholly black, bill redin 
BUMIMMIET oie A dues tetanic alone ahs Had mee aNEeRRD RES (13) 


12. Large, wing 14 to 17 inches; crown wholly black, bill orange (15) 
Inner web of outer tail feather gray, outer web white; under parts pure 


white... ... sipinle .Forster Tern. 
Inner oe of oben teil feather aibive, Bunce ‘eb eras ander parts gray- 
Ishi cds Ge seedeen vor ewhoGdady saw eed ere aeons ex AS Oow ee ads (14) 
14. Bill red, tippedwith black ; tarsus over ,% inch; tail one-half length 
Of WING: aes sda He eRe oS AE FREES LEST eee gee Common Tern. 

14. Bill wholly red; tarsus under ; inch; tail two-thirds length of 
WIG fate a accteunebnaenct aoveniay said ae Ae aun bad ’.... Arctic Tern. 


Primaries wholly blackish, silvery on outer web; tailless forked; larger. 
Laygercaene ob Retulget toys Made to heey ras migceslare nial eee nates alec Gale Rams Caspian Tern. 
Primaries with inner two-thirds of inner web, except tip, white, the tip 
and outer web frosty black..... 0.0... 0... cece cece ee Royal Tern. 


Larus marinus Linnaeus—Great BLacK-BACKED GULL. 

The only Nebraska record for this bird is Aughey’s, he having ex- 
amined a dead specimen which some Winnebago Indians had shot on 
the Missouri and brought to Dakota City in May, 1871. He states 
that this was the only instance of its occurrence in Nebraska knownto 
him. Some doubt has been expressed as to the acceptability of this 
record, but the bird winters regularly to the Great Lakes, and is so 
well-marked in adult plumage by its slaty mantle and even in the 
young by its very large size, that misidentification is hardly possible. 


Larus argentatus Bruennich—Herrine GuLu. 

A rather rare migrant. Aughey records two specimens, procured 
from the Winnebago Indians in May, 1870. Since then other observ- 
ers have recorded it from West Point, Lincoln, Omaha, Rockport, 
Gresham, and Beatrice. Breeds from northern states northward. 


Larus delewarensis Ord—RING-BILLED GuLL. 

A common migrant. There is a strong probability of this bird 
breeding in northern Nebraska, especially about the Cherry county 
lakes, where J. M. Bates, J. S. Hunter, R. H. Wolcott, J. E. Wallace, 
and F. H. Shoemaker have, in several different seasons, found it to 
be common throughout the summer, but as yet no one has found 
anest. Also recorded in July from along the Niobrara and Elkhorn 
rivers. Appears in spring about April 1, and lingers in fall to October. 


58. 


60. 


62. 


64. 


69. 


70. 


20 


Larus atricilla Linnaeus—LavuGHING GULL. 
A rare summer visitant, straggling up the Mississippi valley from 
the Gulf coast, where it breeds. Recorded by F. W. Powell, from 
Alda, in July, 1880, and by L. Skow, from Omaha. 


Larus franklinii Swainson and Richardson—FRANKLIN GULL. 
An abundant migrant, passing in large numbers from the middle 
of April to the end of May, and again in October. May be found 
in the state during the entire summer, but not known to breed. 


Larus philadelphia (Ord)—BonaprarTE GULL. 

An uncommon migrant, breeding north of the United States. The 
only records for this gull are from Salt lake, west of Lincoln, where it 
has been taken a number of times—on Oct. 28, 1895; Nov. 3, 1896; 
May 6, 1899; Sept. 29, 1900. 


Xema sabinii (Sabine)—SaBinEe GULL. 

Rare winter visitant. An immature specimen of this northern gull 
was captured from a flock circling about an electric light at Beatrice, 
Sept. 2, 1899, by Swenk, and a little later, on the 30th of the same 
month, another specimen, also immature, was shot at Salt lake, near 
Lincoln, by M. A. Carriker, Jr. The latter specimen is now in the 
University collection. This gull has generally been considered quite 
rare, but it has been taken a number of times in Colorado and once in 
Kansas, and may prove commoner than is generally believed. 


Sterna caspia Pallas—Caspian TERN. 

Our only record is of a specimen shot at Salt lake, near Lincoln, 
May 5, 1893, by F. L. Riser, and now in the Wesleyan University 
collection. Though its breeding range would include our state, it is 
probably only a migrant here. The Royal Tern, 65. Sterna maxima 
Boddaert, though a southern breeder, wanders in summer up the Missis- 
sippi valley even to the Great Lakes, so is likely to occur in our state 
as a straggler. 


*Sterna forsteri Nuttall—Forstrer Trern. 

A very common migrant over the state, and breeds abundantly 
throughout the lake region of Cherry county, but not recorded breed- 
ing elsewhere in Nebraska. Arrives about the middle of April and 
departs early in October. 


Sterna hirundo Linnaeus—Common TERN. 

Arare migrant. Has been taken at Omaha, West Point, and Lincoln, 
at the latter locality several times. It has been taken in Kansas and 
Wyoming also. Aughey does not record this species, but he does the 
Arctic Tern, 71. Sterna paradisea Bruennich, of which he states that 
a few were seen in Dixon county in May, 1866. But as the specimens 
are not stated to have been shot and as paradise@a is so similar to 
hirundo, which he does not mention, the chances for a misidentifica- 
tion are too great to warrant the continued inclusion of paradisea 


ral 


in our list. It has, however, been taken in Colorado twice, and it is 
very likely to eventually be taken here also. 


74. *Sterna antillarum (Lesson)—-Least TERN. 

A common migrant, and not a rare breeder, especially in north- 
eastern Nebraska. Aughey found young birds along the Missouri in 
Dixon county in July, 1866, and also records it from Cedar county in 
August and from Lancaster and Sarpy counties in June. L. Skow 
found it breeding at Cut-off lake near Omaha, in the summer of 1893. 
Wilson Tout found five nests on a basin near York during the summers 
of1896 and 1897,and Swenk found it common and breeding inJuly,1903 
on the sandbars of the Niobrara from Badger to its mouth. Numer- 
ous migration records from West Point, Omaha, Peru, and Lincoln. 


77. *Hydrochelidon nigra surinamensis (Gmelin) —Biack Tern. 
An abundant migrant and rather common breeder in suitable local- 
ities over the state; in the lakes of Cherry county it breeds in great 
numbers. Arrives late in April and departs by the middle of October. 


EXTRALIMITAL: Three species of gulls included in the above key, 
viz.: 40. Rissa tridactyla (Linnaeus)—Kittiwake, 42. Larus glaucus 
Brunnich—Glaucous Gull, and 43. Larus leucopterus Faber—Iceland 
Gull; are northern species which are not known from Nebraska, but 
which winter regularly south to the Great Lakes and even farther, so 
may straggle to our state; especially is this true of the Kittiwake which 
has straggled even toWyoming and Colorado. The California Gull, 53. 
Larus calijornicus Lawrence, has never been taken in Nebraska so 
far as known, but has been taken a few times in Colorado and once 
even in western Kansas, so may be reasonably expected as a straggler 
here also. 


Orver ITI. STEGANOPODES—Toripatmate SWIMMERS 
A. Upper mandible not hooked at tip; neck very long; plumage dark. 


phe thas wis aye aa wee ee aad a cnene sie Bua phi naNaea Rael Sa Anhingide. 

A. Upper mandible hooked at tip...................0.0.0.0000000. (B) 
B. Tail 14 to 20 inches long, forked for half its length; lores feathered 

Basaran Sia sme Sau i setts Ssua late 0 tay ele ed INN aah ac eased Fregatide. 

B. Tail 5to 10 inches long, not forked; lores bare.............. (C) 

C. Bill under 4 inches in length, its pouch moderate; plumage in adult 
tiostly black, oi. nc weer oaw euboemendaudasoee deer ea Phalacrocoracide. 

C. Bill 8to15 inches long, its pouch enormous; plumage in adult mostly 
WHITE re occ 6 th ne Rae He Ge etre eet uae AGREES Pelicanide. 


Famity ANHINGID#—Anuincas 


[The first two families included above are represented each by a single 
species in North America. To the first belongs 118. Anhinga anhinga 
(Linnaeus), the Anhinga or Snake Bird of the southern swamps, which oc- 
curs up the Mississippi valley to Kansas and southern Illinois, and which 
was included in Bruner’s list as a Nebraska bird on the authority of a speci- 


22 


men shot supposedly near Omaha, and mounted by F. J. Brezee at that place. 
It has since developed, however, that the bird may have been secured either 
in Iowa or Missouri, and unless it can be definitely determined where the 
specimen came from this species must be excluded from our list.] 


; Famity FREGATIDZ—Fricate Birps 


[The second family is represented by 128. Fregata aquila (Linnaeus), the 
Frigate Bird or Man-o’-War Bird, a species of tropical and subtropical oceans 
which because of its.extraordinary powers of flight occasionally strays in- 
land into temperate regions, and has been recorded from Texas, Kansas, 
Ohio, and Wisconsin. In the spring of 1884 Bruner saw a bird near West 
Point which he took to be this species, and a later oceanic acquaintance 
with it has convinced him of the correctness of the identification. But in 
view of the unusual nature of the record and the lack of a specimen it is not 
given full standing in the list.] 


FAMILY PHALACROCORACID —Cormorants 


1. Pouch orange, white at base; wing under 11 inches; young with belly 
10) E51 pear tert ips Ne ABP ae aI RN CORT eRe AO tO ne aE Mexican Cormorant. 
1. Pouch wholly orange; wing over 11 inches; young with belly brown. (2) 
2. Wing 12to13 inches long, tail 64, bill 24; color browner 
re aun epakbesamodacen asters L.seess...+... Double-crested Cormorant. 
2. Wing 114 to 124 inches long, tail 53, bill 2,,; color blacker 
NOES Ree Es Binet go Raa ie pc ane e Aelia aibaaete . Florida Cormorant. 


120. Phalacrocorax dilophus (Swainson and Richardson) -DovuBLE-cRESTED 
CoRMORANT. ; 
A not common migrant. West Point, Omaha, Lincoln, Nebraska 
City, York, Beatrice, Neligh, Cherry county, etc. April, and October 
and November. Breeds from northern states northward. 

[The Florida Cormorant, 120a. P. d. floridanus (Audubon) has beeh re- 
ported several times from Nebraska, but all the specimens at present availa- 
ble are referable to dilophus. However birds occur which are decidedly 
smaller than average dilophus, and since floridanus has been found north 
to southern Illinois as a breeder, it is thought best to leave its status an 
open question for the present. The Mexican Cormorant, 121. Phalacrocorax 
mexicanus (Brandt), reported by Bruner, was not seen by him personally, 
but included in his list on the statement of a friend, who probably had seen 
a specimen of the common species. It has, however, been found north to 
southern Illinois and Kansas, and may straggle to Nebraska.] 


Famity PELICANIDZA-—Pe.icans 


1. Plumage white, primaries black; crown brownish in young; tarsus over 

SR MNGCHES yx tesa ald ieee mare ancnamiaraen suoudelia bene etme noe eed White Pelican: 

1. Plumage gray above, brownish below, head white, in summer hind neck 
brown; young brownish, white below; tarsus under 34 inches... 

. Brown Pelican. 


125. 


126.. 


23 


Pelecanus erythrorhynchos Gmelin—WuiTE PELICAN. 

A common migrant throughout the state, breeding from northern 
states northward. Seenfrom late in March or early in April to early in 
May and from late in September to the end of Octeber. Three were 
seen by Wolcott on Dewey lake, Cherry county, daily during a visit 
there from May 28 to June 8, 1903. 


Pelecanus occidentalis (Linnaeus)—Brown Prxican. _ 

Rare; a subtropical species which has strayed north to Illinois and 
Wyoming as well as to Nebraska. One definite record, a male taken at 
St, Paul, Howard county, Oct. 10, 1885, and reported by D. H. Talbot. 
L.'Skow reports having seen ‘‘fragments of six specimens in a hog- 
pen where they had been thrown by the man who shot them” at 
Honey Creek lake near Omaha, in spring, but there is considerable 
chance for error in this record. 


Orpver IV. ANSERES 


Famity ANATIDA—Ducxs, GrEesz, aND Swans 


Neck as long as body; tarsus 4 inches or more; wing 20 inches, or 
more long; adult entirely white; the young dirty grayish white. . .(2) 
Neck shorter than the body; tarsus under 4 inches long............ (3) 
' 2. Bare skin in front of eye marked with yellowish; back end of nos- 
tril much nearer tip of bill than toeye......... Whistling Swan. 

2. Bare skin in front of eye without yellow; back end of nostril 
about midway from eye to tip of bill.........Trumpeter Swan. 
Tarsus, 2 to 4 inches long and longer than middle toe without claw; front of 
tarsus with rounded scales instead of square scutelle............. (4) 
Tarsus not over 2 inches long and shorter than the middle toe without 
claw; front of tarsus with distinct scutelle................0... (11y 
4. Serrations on the cutting edge of the upper mandible visible from 
the side for more than half length of bill; bill and feet pale... .(5) 

4. Serrations scarcely visible from the side at all; if visible then only 

at the base; bill, feet, and portions of the head black........: (8) 

Depth of bill at base about 4 the length of culmen; forehead white in 
Mature birds, 20) eri eiebeekd ah eens wdees White-fronted Goose. 
Depth of bill at base much greater than 4 the length of culmen.... (6) 
6. General plumage gray, grayish brown, or brown without con- 


spicuous white margins to wing-coverts...........Blue Goose. 
6. General plumage of adult white; young grayish brown with the 
wing-coverts widely margined ithe WHC. ic case an gay de (7) 


Length 23 to 28 inches, middle toe 2 to 24 inches. . . Lesser Snow Goose. 
Length 30 to 38 inches; middle toe 23 to 24 inches Greater Snow Goose. 
8. Head black; neck at sides and in front white streaked; belly 
WITS a ra, See sap ened sys yeisiergua pecs Samus Ss See ee awe uns Brant, 

8. Head partly white sisarcaat aa Aigo cys Bees ase ey cea Ge wwe eal $ sex ade (9) 
Lower parts deep grayish brown; white cheek patches generally sepa- 


11. 


11. 


13. 


138. 


15. 


24 


rated by black throat stripe or mottling........... Cackling Goose. 
9. Lower parts light brownish gray, fading gradually into white on anal 
region; white cheek patches usually confluent on throat... ......(10) 
10. Larger, 35 to 43 inches long................... Canada Goose. 
10. Smaller, 25 to 34 inches long............,.... Hutchins Goose. 
Bill nearly cylindrical, about as wide as high throughout; head always 
moreévor-lessi crested 5.00 gare peice kowmaia em wiek sane ne eraEE (12) 
Bill always wider than high near the tip; head rarely crested. ....(14) 
12. Smaller; wing 7 to 84 inches long; crest high and flattened 
SIGEWISE: «1a sx Sia Rhee sea eEaoe Mee eNO Bee T Hooded Merganser. 

12. Larger; 8}to114 inches long; crest inconspicuous......... (13) 
Wing about 104% inches long; frontal feathers extending beyond those 
OnsldeOr Bille, 6a 26 eae come eee ne oad ees American Merganser. 
Wing about 9 inches long; frontal feathers not extending beyond those 
on siderof bila. i.ais wes sok see peas phe Raceesle Red-breasted Merganser. 
14. Hind toe with a rounded membranous lobe.. ............ (15) 
14. Hind toe without a lobe-like border... .................. (27) 
Wing 7 inches or less in length.... 2.0... . cece eee ee es (16) 
Wing over 7 incheslong.... 00.0.0... 2 csc e eee ee pee en ee nenene (17) 


15. 


17. 


17. 


17. 


19. 


19. 


21. 
21. 


23. 
23. 


16. Upper tail-coverts very short; bill broad; tail flat. Ruddy Duck. 
6.. Upper tail-coverts about half as long as isil; head fluffy. . 


sph rel SAAR trig lois Beas Kul Mp ayaEaee eRe le Sais caste "bs Sy 1A ea _.Buffle-head, 

Bill appendaged with a lobe at base formed of skin of cheeks; culmen 
about one inch long... 2. 0... eee eee ee eee Harlequin Duck. 
Bill bulging at base; nail large and so united with the bill as to give 
the nail a very indistinct outline ./. 2.0... 6 eee eee (18) 
Bill of the usual duck form. .... 0.0... cee eee ee (20) 
18. Wing 104 inches long or more; a white wing patch in both 
SORES: ca. sacs sect asirdnlgadha emai manana agit White-winged Scoter. 

18. Wing. less digi TO® inches Ong sisic.2c ss 5 gare vome sass eoacac (19) 
Feathers on the culmen reaching forward as far as those on sides of 
upper mandibles s....a6 a6 emasee rece ey ee Re OH cece American Scoter. 
Feathers on the culmen reaching about an inch farther forward than 
those on side of upper mandible... .................... Surf Scoter. 


20. Tail pointed (over 6 inches long, male; about 3 inches long, 
female;) bill black and orange, nostril within less than 4 inch 
of frontal feathers................. eaewKers Old-squaw Duck. 

20. Tailnot pointed; nostril about 3 inch from frontal feathers. .(21) 

Bill high at base (over half as high as long); under tail-coverts white(22) 


Bill lower at base; under tail-coverts dark... .................,. (23) 
22. Male with the gloss of the dark head and throat green; head of 
fetalé DrO with, «0:3 occa we sews ei ele dans wee SG anheae Golden-eye. 

22. Male with the gloss of the dark head and throat purple; head 
of female brown... 0.0.2... cece eee ee Barrow Golden-eye. 

. Bill decidedly wider near tip than at base... ........0.00......., (24) 


Bill but little if any wider at tip than at base... ................ (26) 


25. 
25. 


27. 


27. 


29. 


29. 


31. 
31. 


33. 
33. 


35. 
35. 


37. 


37. 


37. 


129. 


25 


24. Male with an orange ring around neck; speculum brownish 


gray; female chiefly brown...............- Ring-necked Duck. 
24, Male with white speculum; female with white face... ......(25) 
Length 18 to 20 inches; wing over 8} inches long... ......Scaup Duck. 


Length 15 +016} inches wing under 8} inches long. . Lesser Scaup Duck. 
26. Bill about half as wide as tle length of the culmen . . Red-head. 


26. . Bill about half as wide as long... .... ; . Canvas-back. 
Bill decidedly broadened toward tip, ele agaely dete as wide here 
O86 At Dass... a aanieerw euig Re wen tae ees eae ea :....Shoveller. 

' Bill but little if any widened toward tip.. ..............00-00065 (28) 
28. Head conspicuously crested; crown green with purple reflec- 
tions; throat white. .... 0... 0... ect ee ee Wood Duck. 

28; Head not-cresteds ax. cure sa ue wear Ga ee a eke Bee Ged wie won eo (29) 
Central tail feathers over 7 inches long (male) or broad and sharp- 
pointed (female); neck unusually long... ................ Pintail. 
Tail and neck not especially lengthened... ..................45- (30) 
30. Bill decidedly shorter than the head; belly white.......... (31) 
30. Bill about as long as head, or longer... ...........-....-. (32) 
Head and throat mainly buffy, finely barred with black...... Baldpate. 
Head and throat with much brown or reddish brown European Widgeon. 
32. Wing less than 84 inches long .. ...... 4G... eee eee (33) 
32. Wing over 94 inches long.......... 0... eee ee (35) 
Wing-coverts leaden gray without blue... ........ Green-winged Teal. 
Wing-covertssky blue. i. sccsccci ae ee eae ncie p ea eee ee ewe (34) 


34. Culmen usually more than 12 inches; head, neck and lower 
parts uniform rich cinnamon brown (male); female slightly 
ruddier than same sex of Blue-winged... ..... Cinnamon Teal. 

34. Culmen generally less than 13 inches; head and neck dull 
plumbeous, with a large crescent-shaped white patch in front of 
eye; lower part pale chestnut, spotted with black (male); 


head and neck streaked with dusky......... Blue-winged Teal. 
Speculum white or grayish white. . ...................00. Gadwall. 
Speculum a rich purple with a black border. .................... (36) 
36. Speculum bordered at both ends with narrow black and white 
BATA sa) wknd mers GOIN oe NO Mlle Wis We a enh Anas tare Mallard. 


36. Speculum with only a black border, seldom with any white. .(37) 


Crown without paler margins; throat usually without markings; legs 
olivaceous brown; bill greenish black, dusky olive, or olive-green. 
Lge ekoe ee eae eA Babe ds ESSE SERRE See ee ESE 4 Black Duck. 

Crown edged with buff or gray; throat spotted; legs red; bill yellow 
Size sues Lerguelia ta sape Boye Nk hed ese RS . Red-legged Black Duck. 


Similar to the last but lighter colored and with small black spot at 
lower edge of upper mandible at base... ............. Mottled Duck. 


Merganser americanus (Cassin) AMERICAN MERGANSER. 
A regular, and in some localities, common, migrant; early in spring 
and late in fall. Breeds from Minnesota northward. 


130. 


131. 


132. 


133. 


133a. 


135. 


136. 


26 


Merganser serrator (Linnaeus)—-RErD-BREASTED MERGANSER. 

A rare migrant, but reported by one-or more observers nearly 
every season. Also seen early in spring and late in fall, breeding 
northward. Bruner reports it asseen on the Platte river in mid-winter, 


*Lophodytes cucullatus (Linnaeus)—Hooprep MERGANSER. 

A common migrant, breeding sparingly along the wooded streams 
in the eastern part of the state and also reported to have bred at least 
formerly in the timbered canyons of northern Nebraska. A young 
one was taken by Swenk from a brood of six or seven following the 
mother on the Blue river at Beatrice in July, 1900, and Bruner also 
found young on a pond at West Point years ago. A brood of half- 
grown young were seen at Lincoln Aug. 2, 1900, by J. S. Hunter. 
Migrates in Apri! and October. 


*Anas boschas Linnaeus—MALuarp. 

An abundant migrant; coming very early in spring, usually before 
the first of March, lingering late in fall, and staying all winter where 
there is open water. Breeds all over the state, more commonly than 
elsewhere in the sand-hill region. In the collection of August Eiche 
is a specimen undoubtedly a cross between this and the Black Duck, 
and another of very large size apparently a cross between the Mallard 
and some tame duck. 


Anas obscura Gmelin—Buacx Ducx. 

An uncommon migrant, not known to breed in the state. It is an 
abundant duck in eastern United States and Nebraska lies at the 
westward limit of its range. Reported from Omaha, Lincoln, and 
Cherry county. Migrates about the same time as the Mallard. All 
specimens accessible are referable to this form and not to the next, 
which has only recently been recognized, but it is possible that some 
of the records refer to the latter. 


Anas obscura rubripes Brewster—Rev-Leccrp Buack Duck. 

There is no definite record of this duck for the state, but Bruner 
is inclined to believe, from notes made at the time, that the single 
observation by himself of the Black Duck at West Point, a number 
of years ago, should refer to this subspecies.] 


*Chaulelasmus streperus (Linnaeus)—GapDWwaLL. 

A common migrant, seen from the middle of March to the middle 
of April, and from the middle of October to the middle of November. 
Also a frequent breeder about the lakes of the sand-hill region, nests and 
young having been taken by Bruner in Holt county and by Wolcott 
in Cherry county. 

Mareca penelope (Linnaeus)—EvroPEan WinGEon. 

Of this: European bird, of which stragglers have been taken from 
time to time-in various parts of this country, there is one valid record 
for Nebraska, a single specimen having been taken by Bruner at West 
Point years ago. 


137. 


139. 


140. 


141. 


142. 


143. 


27 


Mareca americana (Gmelin) —Amurican WiIpGEON; BALDPATE. 

A common migrant, found from about March 10 to the end of April 
and from the middle of September-to the middle of November. It 
is seen, though in limited numbers, during the whole summer about 
the lakes of the sand-hill region and probably breeds there. 


*Nettion carolinensis (Gmelin) -GREEN-WINGED TEAL. ‘ 

An abundant migrant, coming early in spring, about the first of. 
March, remaining till the end of April, and here again in fall from early 
in September to the end of November. It is occasionally seen in 
summer and it has been noted by observers in all parts of the state 
as wintering regularly wherever there is open water. It breeds 
chiefly north of the United States, and must be looked upon as only 
an accidental breeder in Nebraska. But in the latter part of June, 
1902, Wolcott observed, at Dewey lake, Cherry county, a pair which 
was undoubtedly breeding; they were observed on several occasions 
at a locality exactly suited to their nesting, and the actions of the 
birds showed unmistakable evidences of the presence of a nest, but 
the character of the cover was such that although a careful search 
was made, it could not be found. 


*Querquedula discors (Linnaeus)—-BLUE-wINGED TEAL. 

An abundant migrant and common summer resident. Arrives 
usually in the latter part of March and departs by the first of Novem- 
ber. It breeds sparingly in southeastern Nebraska, more commonly 
about ponds and marshes farther west and north, clear to the western 
boundary, and is an abundant breeder in the sand-hill region, every 
pond or marsh, no matter how small, having one or more pairs located 
in its vicinity. 


Querquedula cyanoptera (Vieillot)—Cinnamon TEAL. 

An occasional migrant only, its normal range being from the Rocky 
mountains westward. Reported from Omaha, West Point, Niobrara, 
Lincoln, Grand Island, and Cherry county; dates—Omaha, April 10, 
1896, and April 12, 1897, and Lincoln, April 11, 1896. 


*Spatula clypeata (Linnaeus) —SHOVELLER. 

A very common migrant and common summer resident. Arrives 
early in March and stays till the middle of November. . Breeds com- 
monly in the sand-hill region and sparingly in various other parts of 
the state. 


*Dafila acuta (Linnaeus) —PInTAIL. 

An abundant migrant, the first duck to appear in the spring and 
one of the last to pass in the fall.. Does not linger, the advance guard 
appearing with the first warm days in February, and nearly all having 
gone on by thé first of April to their breeding grounds in the states to 
the northward. A few breed in Cherry county, where a brood of 
half-grown young was seen by Wolcott on Hay lake, June 17, 1902. 


144, 


146. 


147. 


148. 


149. 


150. 


151. 


152. 


28 


*Aix sponsa (Linnaeus)—Woop Duck. 

Largely confined to the eastern half of the state; formerly com- 
mon, now somewhat rare. Breeds in suitable localities throughout 
eastern Nebraska. Arrives in spring early in April and last seen 
about the middle of October. 


Aythya americana (Eyton) —RED-HEAD. 

An abundant migrant, arriving early in March, remaining till the 
first of May, and here again throughout October and November. Al- 
though Nebraska is at the southern limit of its breeding range, a 
considerable number.stay regularly in the sand-hill region and doubt- 
less breed. 


*Aythya vallisneria (Wilson) —-CaNnvas-BACK. 

Rather an irregular migrant, some years abundant, others less 
common. Found in spring from late in February to the middle of 
April, and in the fall during October and November. Breeds chiefly 
from North Dakota northward, but a few are seen in summer about 
the lakes of Cherry county, where they are known to breed. A nest 
with eggs advanced in incubation was found near Cody, in northern 
Cherry county, by I.S. Trostler in the latter part of June, 1895, and 
J. M. Bates reports the Canvas-back as breeding at Irwin in 1896 
and 1897, and at Hackberry lake in 1897. 


Aythya marila (Linnaeus)—Scaur Duck; BLUE-BILL. 

A rare migrant, though formerly more common, and most frequent 
along the Missouri river. Omaha, Lincoln, Peru, West Point, Neligh, 
Cherry county. Breeds to the northward. 


Aythya affinis (Eyton)—Lzssrer Scaur; Lirrte BLUE-BILL. 

An abundant migrant, seen from the middle of March even to the 
latter part of May and from early in October to the end of November. 
Breeds from North Dakota northward, but a few remain about the 
lakes of Cherry county all summer and it may breed there. 


Aythya collaris (Donovan) —R1NG-NECKED Duck. 
A common migrant, being found at the same time as the preced- 


ing. It is present in Cherry county throughout the summer and 
may breed. 


Clangula clangula americana (Bonaparte) —GoLpDEN-EYE. 

A resident from the northen boundary of the United States north- 
ward, only coming down to us during the winter, when it is not un- 
common, especially on the Platte and Missouri rivers. Seen from 
the middle of November to the end of March, sometimes lingering to 
the end of April. 


Clangula islandica (Gmelin)—Rocxy Mountain or Barrow GoLpEN- 
EYES. 
‘A rare winter visitant in eastern Nebraska, more numerous west- 


153. 


154. 


155. 


163. 


165. 


29 


ward. Reported from Omaha, South Bend, Long Pine, and Grand 
Island. 


Charitonetta albeola (Linnaeus) —BUFFLE-HEAD. 
A common migrant, present from about the middle of March to 
the middle of April and during October and November. Breeds to 


the northward. 
e 
Harelda hyemalis (Linnaeus)—OLp-squaw Duck. 


A regular, but not common winter visitor, specimens Baud taken 
every season on the Missouri river in the vicinity of Omaha. Merritt 
Cary records the taking of a female near Neligh in October, 1898. 
Breeds far north, chiefly beyond the limit of trees. 


Histrionicus histrionicus (Linnaeus)—HarLequin Duck. 

Of this northern duck, there are two definite records for Nekraska, 
I. S. Trostler recording the taking of two specimens on the Missouri 
river at Omaha, Sept. 16, 1893, and of another on Florence lake near 
Omaha, Sept. 19, 1895. Bruner also notes the securing of a specimen 
in the Omaha market several years ago from among birds said to 
have been shot in Burt county. 


Oidemia americana Swainson—AMERICAN ScoTER. 

The first record for the state was based on a female specimen taken 
on Salt lake, near Lincoln, Sept. 28, 1895, by August Eiche and now 
in his collection. Specimens have since been taken at Omaha and 
it can apparently be considered an irregular winter visitant. to be 
looked for in flocks on the Platte and Missouri rivers. 


Oidemia deglandi Bonaparte—W HITE-WINGED SCOTER. 

This duck is also a winter visitant to the larger rivers and lakes in 
the state, being the most common of the scoters. Bruner in his Notes 
on Nebraska Birds refers to an indefinite record from Tekamah or 
some point in the vicinity. The first definite record is by August 
Eiche, based on a specimen secured Oct. 14, 1899, on Salt lake near 
Lincoln; he also reported a flock Nov. 13 of the same year. J. E. 
Wallace records the taking of a specimen at Cut-off lake, near Omaha, 
Dec. 8, 1900, and the species has been seen there several times since. 
It must be considered a regular and not very rare winter visitor. 


166. Oidemia perspicillata (Linnaeus)—Surr Scorer. 


Also a winter visitant to the larger bodies of water in the state, but 
apparently not so common as the last. Bruner refers to three birds 
probably of this species, shot on Salt lake, near Lincoln, in Nov., 1895, 
by university students, which were not preserved; but here again 
August Eiche has the honor of the first definite record for the state, 
having a male in his collection taken at the same place, Oct. 7, 1896. 
It has since been taken at Omaha and is probably a regular winter 
visitor. 


30 


167. *Erismatura jamaicensis (Gmelin)—Ruppy Duck. 

Avery common migrant and a common breeder on the lakes of the 
sand-hill region. Arrives about the middle of March and lingers in 
the southeastern part of the state till the end of May; in the fall 
migrates during October and November. 


169. Chen hyperborea (Pallas)—Lusszer Snow Goose. 

A very common migrant, breeding far north. Migration dates 
from about March 1 to the first of May, and from the latter part of 
September to the middle of November. Usually called ‘‘ Brant” in 
this state. 


169a. Chen hyperborea nivalis (Forster) GREATER SNow GOOSE. 
A rather rare migrant, occurring at about the same time as the last. 
Recorded from Omaha,West Point, South Bend, Lincoln, and Waco. 


169.1. Chen caerulescens (Linnaeus) BLUE GoosE. 
Formerly seen alone, according to Bruner, in small flocks, though 
never common; now rather rare and only seen flying with the snow 
geese. Breeds about Hudson’s bay. 


17la. Anser albifrons gambeli (Hartlaub)—Wuite-Fronrep Goose. 
A not uncommon migrant, seen from early in March to the middle 
of April and from the end of September to the middle of November. 
Breeds in the far north. 


172. *Branta canadensis (Linnaeus)—Canapa GoosE. 

An abundant migrant; from as early in February as the ice breaks 
up even to the middle of May, and from the middle of October to late 
in the fall. Also found on the Platte and Missouri rivers during all 
ordinary winters. Formerly bred about the lakes in the sand-hill 
region and on the islands of the Platte and Missouri rivers, and a few 
are found breeding there still. 


172a. Branta canadensis hutchinsii (Richardson) —-Hurcuins Gooss. 
A common migrant, at the same time as the preceding but appear- 
ing a little later in the spring. Breeds in Alaska. 


173. Branta bernicla glaucogastra (Brehm)—Branrt. 
The only definite record of this goose for the state is reported by 
I. S. Trostler who saw three that were killed on the Missouri river at 
Omaha, Nov. 9, 1895. L. Skow says there is, or was, a specimen in 
an Omaha gun store, said to have been shot on the Platte river. 
Breeds within the Arctic circle and seen chiefly along the Atlantic 
coast. 


180. Olor columbianus (Ord)—WuiIstTLine Swan. 
A rare migrant now, formerly more common, and more numerous 
than the next. Seen from the middle of March to the middle of April 
and late in September and in October. Breeds far north. 


31 


181. *Olor buccinator (Richardson) TRUMPETER SWAN. 

Now rare and apparently never known to be common. Recorded 
from localities along the Platte river, Omaha, North Platte, and Grant 
and Cherry counties. J. M. Bates reports this species as having for- 
merly bred on Watt’s lake, Cherry county, and it probably was once 
a breeder about many of the lakes of the sand-hill region. 


EXTRALIMITAL: 134a. Anas fulvigula maculosa (Sennett), the 
Mottled Duck, breeds from Texas to middle Kansas and may reach 
southern Nebraska. 172c. Branta canadensis minima Ridgway, the 
Cackling Goose of the northwest coast, has been taken in the interior 
as far east as Wisconsin and may reach Nebraska during migrations. 


ORDER V. HERODIONES—Herons, Srorks, Iptses, Erc. 


A. Sides of upper mandible with a deep narrow groove. Bill slender, 
nearly round, not widened at end, and decurved throughout.... 


bie ih as faa label 8 i A ad dan Aa aaa ayia sath ne ales . . ..-Tbidae. 

A. Sides of upper mandible without a groove................0.00 0005 (B) 
B. Middle toe not pectinate, hind toe elevated above others. . 

Cicontidas. 


B. Middle toe pectinate, hind fie: on same eleva with others. .Ardeidae. 
Famity IBIDAi—Iztses 
1. General color white in adult, grayish brown above and white below 


in young. SES Aa God ay fe bu a dpe MAEMO RT aie ab cat ee SB White Ibis. 
1. Chestnut with siepliak and greenish reflections in adult; dark brown 
with greenish reflections on the back in young.................. (2) 


2. Lores greenish in life; feathers around bill same color as back. 
ER aMee E aA RARE Reh eR oe oes Glossy Ibis. 
2. Lores red; feathers around bill white. . . White-faced Glossy Ibis. 
186. Plegadis autumnalis RiesuicieihGedaae Isis. 

A specimen taken near Omaha, Bruner thinks at Cut-off lake, is 
now in the University museum, and there are two specimens in the 
collection of L, Sessions, of Norfolk, taken at that place. Straggler 
in summer from the southeast. 


187. Plegadis guarauna (Linnaeus)—Wuirs-racep Guossy Isis. 
A straggler from the south. Two specimens are recorded from 
Omaha, by I. 8. Trostler and L. Skow; one killed near Florence lake, 
Aug. 19, 1893, and a second near Cut-off lake, Apr. 6, 1897. A speci- 
men was secured years ago, according to Bruner, by Frank Parmalee 
of Omaha, at Clarks. 


EXTRALIMITAL: 184. Guara alba (Linnaeus) —The White Ibis is 
stated to occur casually north to South Dakota and may be looked 
upon as a probable addition to our fauna sooner or later. 

Famity CICONIIDA—Srorxs anp Woop Isises 
A large white bird, 35 to 45 inches long, with greenish black tail and wing 


32 


quills; head and neck mostly naked; bill stout, tapering, the 
* ‘end curved downwards. psec ceaewyebeddeseaece sevens Wood Ibis. 


[188. Tantalus loculator Linnaeus—Woop Isis. 


While no records are at hand which would warrant us retaining 
this bird in our Nebraska lists, it has been definitely recorded from 
states as far north as Wisconsin and as far west as Colorado. Un- 
confirmed observations by sportsmen of single birds of the above 
description would point to its having been seen here as well.]} 


Famity ARDEIDZ—HeEnrons, Bitrerns, Etc. 


. Outer toe shorter than the inner one; nail on hind toe fully half.as 


Trig? 218). TINGS BOS iy see vata aeseleixce HA dies iceressn wleioe ai Gp add, apa eerdedo ware (2) 
. Outer toe as long or longer than the inner one; nail on hind toe less 

than half as lomg:as Its:t0@:. occ dice e es carnitine ee ese ai ecenmer ara er aeiees wok (3) 

2. Size large, length 24 to 34 inches.................... :. Bittern. 
‘ 2. Size small, length 13 inches.. .... Bee .Least Bittern. 
. Bill slender, fully four times as long as it is iol at its cpus ie iss bic ht (4) 


. Bill rather stout, only about three times as long as it is high at base. . .(9) 

4. General color white during bree = season with ei 
plumes on back.......... saeraB) 

4. General color, at least shewe: ne or breamet slate, the: viene 
rette’’ plumes short and gray, or with elongate narrow feath- 


ers instead. . 2. ... 02.2000. sepia ee wba wate ay Nee gies (7) 

Larger; length 40 inches; bill yellow; feet and legs black; back 
plumes Strate hte sy a4. 2012 clece d areas g eee marnd ware acwe med American Egret. 
. Smaller; length 22, to 24 inches............ 0... ccc cee ee ee eens (6) 
6. Bill, legs, and feet black; plumes recurved. .......Snowy Heron. 

6. Bill black, legs and feet greenish aig: tips of primaries 
bluish. 8 sts er Little Blue Heron, young. 


. Very large, length. 45 inihews eae of crown white; the occiput pro- 
vided with elongate phones legs blackish (adult); crown black, 


head not crested (young)... ..... eee eee ee Great Blue Heron. 
. Smaller, lehgth from 17 to 26 inches; head feathers forming more or 
TESS) OETA CROS Be aii vie snch cosets an i cteoedons ech atlnin daa Haar eres nceead alae dD aia eee gape (8) 


8. Length 17 inches; neck and sides of head purplish chestnut; 

back and wings ae washed with bluish gray.......... 
boetie Baee oie Gee aid Green Heron. 

8. Length 22 to 26 inches; “had and neck maroon, rest of plum- 
age slaty blue (adult)... .0 ..........0...0.. Little Blue Heron. 

. Billless than one-half an inch shorter than tarsus; its top and bottom 

but slightly convex; crown and back greenish black (adult). 

Grayish brown streaked with white above; primaries with pale 
rufous (young) ........... 00.0... 0e Black-crowned Night Heron. 

. Bill over one-half an inch shorter than tarsus; its top and bottom 

decidedly convex; blue-gray, crown and ear-coverts whitish 

(adult). Crown black, streaked with white; primaries bluish 
Sate (VOUNZ) 6c... eosdan as eweed oaadan Yellow-crowned Night Heron. 


190. 


191. 


194. 


196. 


197. 


200. 


33 
*Botaurus lentiginosus (Montague) —BITTERN. 

A common migrant throughout the state, breeding everywhere 
in suitable localities but much more commonly in the sand-hill region 
than elsewhere. Migrating during April and late in September and 
in October, lingering sometimes into December. 


*Ardetta exilis (Gmelin)—Lrastr Birrrrn. ; 

A common summer resident in the eastern portion of the state 
in suitable localities, rare in the sand-hill region, and not so far re- 
corded from the western part of the state. Arrives in the latter part 
of April or early in May and departs during the latter part of Sep- 
tember and in October. 


*Ardea hérodias Linnaeus—GreatT BLuE HERON. 
, Found along rivers and streams throughout the state, and breeds 
here and there in appropriate places; more common eastward and 
especially along the Missouri river, where it nests in colonies in the 
largest trees of the river bottom. 


Herodias egretta Gmelin—AmERICAN Ecrer. 

Of this heron there are four records for the state. Aughey states 
that he saw a single specimen on the Nemaha in Richardson county 
in May, 1873. A specimen was killed near Omaha, July 12, 1894, 
and reported by I. 8. Trostler. L. Skow reports it from Nebraska 
City, and Swenk records seeing one on Cedar creek, near Beatrice, 
July 12, 1900. A straggler from the south, occurring in southern 
and eastern Nebraska in summer. 


*Egretta candidissima Gmelin—Snowy Heron. 

An occasional straggler from the south in summer, and a rare, per- 
haps accidental, breeder. We have several records of its occurrence: 
Aughey records it from Otoe and Richardson counties; I. S. Trostler 
from near Fremont, Sept. 4, 1893; Swenk from Fairbury; and one 
was shot in the Hat creek valley in extreme northwestern Nebraska 
and the specimen mounted. August Eiche has recorded a nest of 
this bird at Lincoln, in June, 1895, the female which was shot on the 
nest being now in his collection (See Proc. N. O. U., II, 96). 


Florida caerulea Linnaeus—LittLe BuuEr Heron. 

A straggler from the south in summer, to the southern part of the 
state. Reported from Butler county, on the Platte river, by a Dr. 
Peebles, according to Bruner; also observed by Trostler near Omaha 
June 15, 1897 and Aug. 15, 1903; and a specimen is in the collection 
of Rees Heaton of Curtis, killed on an artificial lake at that place. 
Bruner also records a specimen from near Omaha years ago brought 
to F. J. Brezee to be mounted, but whether killed in Iowa or Ne- 
braska is not known. It has been reported as breeding north of 
Omaha, on the Iowa side of the Missouri river, but this is probably 
an error. Possibly some of the records of the preceding species 
may have referred to the young of this, since at that age it is white. 


34 


201. *Butorides virescens Linnaeus—GrEEN Heron. 
A very common summer resident in eastern Nebraska, but not 
reported west of the eastern one-third of the state. Omaha, Peru, 
West Point, Oakdale, Neligh, Lincoln, Gresham, Beatrice—breeding 
at all localities. Merritt Cary reports it as an abundant summer resi- 
dent and breeder at Neligh. Arrives in April, departs late in Sep- 
tember or early in October. 


202. *Nycticorax nycticorax naevius (Boddaert)—BLacK-cROWNED NIGHT 
HERON. 

A common migrant over the greater part of the state, becoming 
rare in the extreme western portion, and a common breeder here and 
there in the northern portion of the state and in the sand-hill region. 
In the latter locality it nests in the rushes about the lakes. Not 
known to breed south of about the middle portion of the state. Ar- 
rives in April, departs late in September and early in October. 


203. Nyctanassa violacea (Linnaeus) — YELLOW-CROWNED Nicut Heron. 

A rare straggler from the south in summer.’= Recorded from Val- 
ley by Bruner years ago and an immature sa shot on the Blue 
river near Beatrice by Swenk, July 19, 1901. One was killed at 
Omaha, on the Iowa side of the Missouri river, May 1, 1892, and re- 
corded by I. 8. Trostler who also reports one near Florence lake, 
Aug. 23, 1903. 


ORDER VI. PALUDICOLA—Cranzs, Rattus, Erc. 


A. Wing over 15 inches long; hind toe much elevated............. Gruide. 
A. Wing under 10 inches long; hind toe very slightly elevated... .Rallide. 


Famity GRUIDA—CraANES 


1. General plumage of adult white; of young more rusty tinged; tarsus 


102 to 13 inches long..............0 0.000000 008, Whooping Crane. 
1. General plumage of adult slaty to brownish gray. (2) 
2. Smaller, length 35 inches; tarsus 74 inches. . ‘Little ‘Brown Crane. 
2. Larger, length 44 inches; tarsus 10 inches.. ... Sandhill Crane. 


204. Grus americana (Linnaeus)—WHooPING CRANE. 

Formerly a fairly common migrant in the state, now rare, although 
as late as 1899 reported by Cary as a rather common migrant at Ne- 
ligh. Occurs from late in March, through April and again in Octo- 
ber. May have once bred in the sand-hill region. 


205. Grus canadensis (Linnaeus)—LittLe Brown Crane. 
Very rare migrant, breeding far north. Bruner has recorded speci- 
mens from West Point and Scribner and L. Skow has reported it from 
Omaha. Cary reports one killed at Neligh in May, 1895. 


206. *Grus mexicana (Mueller)—Sanpniti CRANE. 
Formerly a very abundant migrant and a common breeder in the 
marshes of the state, still frequently seen in migration and breeding 


35 
sparingly in the sand-hill region. Arrives late in March and in April 
and departs in October. 


Famity RALLIDZH—Raixs, GALLINULES, AND Coots 


1. Forehead provided with a shield-like, horny extension of the bill; 


under tail-coverts white... .....0 0.0.00 cece tee ee ee (2) 
1. Forehead without the shield-like, horny extension of bill............ (4) 
2. Toes with broad, membranous lobes; slate-colored, with 
white-tipped secondary quills... .. 2.0.0.0... 0000. e ee eee eee Coot. 
2. Toes without: Obes. sec cosce Sa dedcee yoke due segies 4 Ve Ge Se (3) 


3. Most of the head and all under parts purplish blue (in the young mot- 
tled with white); back olive-green (washed with brownish in the 


Ss “YOUN Be 0 ca. a) de! dee Saeeeteanathenl tba wate aoe Pea Bere abodes Purple Gallinule. 
3. Generally cites ealovad above, with conspicuous white streaks on the 
« Mamksy 4 li?  steiectuweewnrav hieag sai ne onan see Florida Gallinule. 


4, Bill slender, decurved, 2 or more inches long; upper parts rich 
olive-brown, streaked with black; 16 to 19 inches long. . 


ares eatin ee 4Gt eee eta os eis s - King Ra: 

4. Bill slender, decurved, 14 to 13 inches fame apes sats black 
and grayish brown; 8 to 104 inches long........ Virginia Rail. 
4. Bill stout, not deourved, 1 inch or less in length.............. (5) 
5. Feathers of the back black with broad, buffy borders....... Yellow Rail. 
5. Back blackish with round, white spots.................... Black Rail. 
5. Olive-brown, streaked with white on back and wings.............. Sora. 


208. *Rallus elegans Audubon—Kine Ralt. 

A summer resident in the eastern third of the state, but not com- 
mon, arriving early in May and breeding in June. West Point, Elk- 
horn, Omaha, and Sarpy, Lancaster, and Harlan counties—breeding 
at Omaha. In the Proc. N. O. U., II, p. 84, J. S. Hunter reports the 
King Rail from Cherry county but later experience seems to throw 
doubt on this identification, although since in the Proceedings, I, p. 
16, J. M. Bates says this species was reported to him as on Ballard’s 
lake, in the same locality, in September, 1898, its occurrence in the 
sand-hill region may later be verified. 


212. *Rallus virginianus Linnaeus—Vireinia Ratu. 

A common migrant, at times even abundant, and also a common 
breeder in the northern part of the state and in the sand-hill region, 
but a rather rare breeder in the southeastern portion of Nebraska. 
Arrives early in May, leaves about the end of September. Omaha, 
West Point, Plattsmouth, Lincoln, Gresham, Neligh, and Cherry 
county—found once breeding at Lincoln, and a common breeder at 
Neligh and in Cherry county. 


214. *Porzana carolina (Linnaeus) CAROLINA Rat; Sora. 
An abundant migrant, and rather common breeder in the eastern 
part of the state, a rare breeder in the sand-hill region. Same dates 
as the preceding. West Point, Oakland, Peru, Richardson county, 


215. 


216. 


218. 


219. 


221, 


36 


‘Lincoln, Gresham, Beatrice, Ponca, Ewing, O’Neill, North Platte, 
Cherry county; breeding at Omaha, at Neligh, and in Holt county. 


Porzana noveboracensis (Gmelin)—YELLOW Rai. 
Very rare. Bruner reports it once from Bellevue, and has seen 
it once, years ago, in the Omaha market. There is a specimen, taken 
at Norfolk, in the collection of L. Sessions of that place. 


Porzana jamaicensis (Gmelin)—Buacx Rat. 
Rare. Aughey records two, taken in Richardson county, in Sep- 
tember, 1873, and Bruner reports it from West Point, and in the 
Omaha market. It may breed. 


Ionornis martinica (Linnaeus) —PuRPLE GALLINULE. 

Only recorded once from Nebraska, a specimen being seen by 
Bruner, at West Point, in June or July of 1884 or 1885. It was dur- 
ing high water; and the bird, seen about a rush-grown, cut-off lake, 
was approached to within twenty yards or less. 


*Gallinula galatea (Lichtenstein) -FLoripa GALLINULE. 

Quite a common but locally distributed summer resident in south- 
eastern Nebraska, rare in sand-hill region. Omaha, Dunbar, Beat- 
rice, North Platte, Cherry county. Reported as a common breeder 
at Omaha, as breeding at North Platte, and breeding on the one occa- 
sion on which it was noted from Cherry county, by Wolcott. 


*Fulica americana Gmelin—Coor. 

An abundant migrant, and in the lakes of the sand-hill region an 
abundant resident; also common as a resident everywhere in the state 
where reedy sloughs.and ponds are found. Arrives during the first 
half of April and departs in October. 


ORDER VII. LIMICOLA—Snoret Birps 


A. Toes with lobed webs on the sides; tarsus much compressed........ 


Vidseei piste aeee Meenas Mee edie we wesean te so4 8x Phalaropodide. 
A. Toes not lobed on the sides; tarsus not especially compressed........ (B) 
B. Tarsus more than twice as long as middle toe and claw...... 
Sat Suu pte eanse s Uny Neto ohtaena Nese tay me enieNA de Gaecmine as ’... Recurvirostride. 
B. Tarsus less than twice as long as middle toe and claw...... .(C) 
C. Front of tarsus covered with a continuous row of transverse four- 
sided Beales. ca, algun pends dinadn GOO ovata beaeie a cake Gea wee ee (BE) 
C. Front of tarsus covered with small six-sided irregular scales......... (D) 
D. Billshorter than tarsus............ pada bays oe4 Charadriide. 
D. Billlonger thantarsus......................., Hematopodidae. 
E. Bill slender, with a bluntly rounded tip................ . Scolopacide. 
E. Bill stout, with a pointed wedge-shaped tip.................Aphrizida. 
Famity PHALAROPODIDA—PuHatarorpeEs , 
1. Larger; bill over 14 inches long..................... Wilson Phalarope. 
1. Smaller; bill under 1 inch long..................00.0....0. 0.00004. (2) 


37 


2. Bill stout’and with a flattened tip; wing more than 4} inches 


LONG: wes cee eae saeen Bee oes ey eeesee ea de eae es Red Phalarope. 
2. Bill quite slender and not flattened at tip, wing less than 43 
inches long. . . se ceeeseeeeeseeess....Northern Phalarope. 


223. ‘Phalaropus lobatus (Linnaeus) -NorRTHERN PHALAROPE. 
A rare migrant. Reported by F. W. Powell from Alda in Cooke’s 
Bird Migration in the Mississippi Valley; by I. S. Trostler from 
Omaha, where a specimen was taken May 6, 1896; and several times 
at Lincoln, by D. A. Haggard, August Hiche, and J. S. Hunter, in 
May and from the end of August to the end of October. Breeds far 
to the north. 


224. *Steganopus tricolor (Vieillot) -Wi1Lson PHALAROPE. 

An abundant migrant throughout the state and a common breeder 
in the sand-hill region. “Migrates during the latter part of April and 
the first half of May and during September and early in October. 
Omaha, Peru, West Point, Fremont, Lincoln, Fullerton, Neligh, 
Dakota and Dixon counties, North Platte, ete.—migrating; summer 
resident in Holt county, breeding in Cherry county and reported 
by J. A. Dickinson as probably breeding at Gresham, May 30, 1896, 
when two pairs were observed. 

EXTRALIMITAL: 222. Crymophilus julicarius (Linnaeus), the 
Red Phalarope, is a species breeding far to the north and coming. 
south rarely in winter to the northern Mississippi valley. Has been 
recorded from Illinois, Minnesota, and Wyoming, and it might occur 
in Nebraska. 


Famity RECURVIROSTRIDA—Avocets anp STILTS 


1. Bill decidedly curved upward, over 3 inches long; the 3 front toes 


Connected Dy WEDSs << occ g whe asd Gare glee edb band wildy a WA A hia Avocet. 
1. Bill only slightly curved upward, less than 3 inches long; the 2 outer 
toes only webbed. .... 1... eee eee eee Black-necked Stilt. 


225. *Recurvirostra americana Gmelin—Avocet. 

A rather common migrant over the state and a frequent breeder 
in the sand-hill region. Migrates late in April and during May and 
again during September and October. Omaha, West Point, Rich- 
ardson county, Lincoln, Wood river, Gresham, ete.; found by Wolcott 
breeding at Clear lake, Cherry county, in June, 1902. 


226. Himantopus mexicanus (Mueller) —BuackK-NECKED STILT. 

This bird, a southern species, but recorded from Illinois, Minne- 
sota, and Kansas as a straggler, and as breeding in Colorado, has 
only been observed in Nebraska in the vicinity of Omaha, from where 
L. Skow and I. 8. Trostler record it, the latter giving the following 
dates: May 10, 18938; May 6, 1894; Apr. 20, 1895; and Oct. 3 and 
9, 1894. May possibly breed in southwestern Nebraska. 


15. 
15. 


17. 
17. 


38 


Faminy SCOLOPACIDA:—Snipss, SaNnppipPErs, Etc. 


. Bill long amd much decurved; tarsi scaled in front only; reticulate 


behind. wiaries uce(2) 
. Bill not noucly Fenn tarsi i sunbalave bath in Seni act ere (3) 
2. Bill over 44 inches long. . vie . .Long-billed Curlew. 
2. Bill under 43 inches, but over 13 dawlips lone. , soe odes Hudsonian Curlew. 
2. Bill under 3 inches long............ 0.0.00 Eskimo Curlew. 
. Toes three, the hind toe wanting.........................Sanderling. 
. Toes four, the hind toe present. «6.6... eee (4) 
4, Eyes back of middle of head; bill twice as long as tarsus....... (5) 


4. Eyes not back of middle of head; bill not twice as long as tarsus.(6) 


. Crown banded crosswise; axillars not barred; tibie entirely feathered. 


Saas dal Sh BE ea Me ewe aS Eek S baa eee es Woodcock. 


. Crown striped lengthwise; axillars barred; joint of tibie naked.... 


Mena Tiveridnd qiennehel Mea anche dake NOMA aaclie Mcapnemaegtaneae steas : . Wilson Snipe. 


6. Front toes with at least one distinct web .................. (7) 
6. Front toes not distinctly webbed......................0. (19) 
. Bill slightly curved upward at tip............ 0.0... eee eee eee (8) 
. Bill straight throughout, or curved slightly downward..............(9) 
8. Bill 34 to 54 inches long; rump and upper tail-coverts barred 
with brown..... : .Marbled Godwit. 
8. Bill 22 to 3}inches long: jump and fail lack, with white upper 
THU-COVERtS).. 3. Merce ennemaeekas Hass Hudsonian Godwit. 
Axillars barred with black... 00.0.0... cece ee eee eee (10) 
Ascillars not barred ss, cin: caveg cq hems eevee ain & orl a eega anes (13) 
10: Legs yellow isis san sks paneees pe aaa See stedu caked Sea! (11) 
10: legs blackish. 24.0 t04 sce seta ted awe ees loan tees gee ards (12) 
. Wing over 74 inches long...................... Greater Yellow-legs. 
. Wing under 7 inches long................ 00. 0c eee Yellow-legs. 
12. Bill averaging under 24 inches long................ Dowitcher. 
12. Bill averaging over 24 inches long........ Long-billed Dowitcher. 
. Bill over 2 inches long............................ Western Willet. 
» Bil under 2inches long... e600 pire ote y en vedere Eee SETS cece wd (14) 
14. Tail with cross-bars..................00.0. Iaeesiteset sings 28. deh Says (15) 
14. Tail without cross-bars........ 00.0000... cee (17) 
Wing over 53 inches long.................... Bartramian Sandpiper. 
Wing under 53 inches long............ 0... 0... e ee cece ene eae ».(16) 
16. Upper parts brownish gray, barred with blackish; under 
parts spotted ..cc ccc cccasaccwctew as wipe ers . Spotted Sandpiper. 


16. Upper parts fuscous, spotted with white... .Solitary Sandpiper. 
16. Upper parts fuscous, spotted with buffy, inner margin of outer 
primary, speckled black and white... . Western Solitary Sandpiper, 


Bill over 1), inches long.................. 0000000005 Stilt Sandpiper. 
Bill under 1,4 inches long........ 0.000. cece cece eee (18) 
18. Bill3to4 of aninchlong.............. Semipalmated Sandpiper. 


18. Bill 4 of aninch to lgincheslong............ Western Sandpiper. 


39 


19. Inner web of outer primary speckled with blackish.............. 
aide SN IROE Gh vicnae DePa-aeienelgd hibed B Heh Ged Aa aa aS .Buff-breasted Sandpiper. 


19. Inner web of outer primary not speckled.............4-..000 200. (20) 
20. Wing over 6 inches long......... 0.0... cece ee eee Knot. 
20. Wing underG inches long...... 0.0.00. c ee cece ees (21) 
21. Bill curved downward... ......... cece eee ee Red-backed Sandpiper. 
215. Bil Straight is acc gin sce Races eae naeed OTES Wags Wea La EER SETH eas (22) 
22. Bill over 1} inches long................-.-- Purple Sandpiper. 
22. Bill under 14 inches long.......... 0.0.00. cee eee (23) 
23. Wing under 4 inches long.......... 00... 6 0c eevee Least Sandpiper. 
23. Wing overt inches long... ccc ccc ee ees eda eee eee ne haw nade es (24) 
24. Upper tail-coverts white .... ...... White-rumped Sandpiper. 
24. Upper tail-coverts black.................. Pectoral Sandpiper. 
24. Upper tail-coverts fuscous.................... Baird Sandpiper. 


228. *Philohela minor (Gmelin)—Woopcock. 

A rare migrant in the extreme eastern part of the state, breeding 
occasionally along the bottomlands of the Missouri river and other 
wooded streams flowing intoit. Omaha, West Point, and Sarpy and Otoe 
counties; stragglers reported from Beatrice and Lincoln, and even as 
far as Neligh. Arrives late in March and leaves in October. May 
winter in mild seasons. 


230. Gallinago delicata (Ord)—-Wixuson SNIPE. 

A very common migrant throughout the state and found in winter 
about springs in Holt, Cherry, Dawes, and Sioux counties, and along 
the Missouri river. It may possibly breed in northern Nebraska, 
as is claimed by some ranchmen, since it is reported staying all sum- 
mer at North Platte by M. K. Barnum, was seen in Cherry county 
by Trostler late in June, 1895, and in the same region in June, 1900, 
by J. S. Hunter. Migrates during the latter part of April and in 
May, and again from the end of September to the middle of November. 


231. Macrorhamphus griseus (Gmelin)—DowirTcHER. 

Specimens which were referred to this species have been reported 
from West Point, Lincoln, and Omaha, by Bruner; from Omaha by 
Skow and Trostler, April 30, 1893 and Sept. 15, 1894; from Neligh 
by Cary, May 16, 1899; from Cherry county by Bates; and from 
Lincoln by. August Eiche, in whose collection is a specimen with a bill 
only 2.25 inches long. Aughey’s records of this species probably 
refer to the next. It is claimed by many authorities that the 
Dowitcher is only found in the eastern states and that all western 
specimens represent simply variations of the Long-billed Dowitcher. 
So long as the authorities are not unanimous these records are al- 
lowed to stand for what they are worth. The two species differ in 
color in the breeding plumage but in the winter plumage are in- 
distinguishable. 


233. 


234, 


239. 


240. 


241. 


242. 


232. 


40 


Macrorhamphus scolopaceus (Say)—Lonc-BILLED DowI!TCHER. 

An irregular migrant, sometimes common. Aughey reported it 
years ago under the name griseus as abundant. Found from the mid- 
dle of April to the middle of May and throughout September and Oc- 
tober and even into November. Dixon, Wayne, Nemaha, and 
Sarpy counties, Omaha, West Point, Lincoln, Cherry county, North 
Platte. Breeds in British America. 


Micropalama himantopus (Bonaparte)—STILT SANDPIPER. 

Usually considered a rare migrant, but has been seen at Lincoln at 
times in large numbers, in May and again in September and October. 
Omaha, West Point, Lincoln, Neligh, Holt county, Long Pine, Cherry 
county. Breeds far north. 


Tringa canutus Linnaeus—Kwnor. 

Rare. Aughey records a specimen from Brownville, Oct., 1874; 
Trostler one from Omaha, Sept. 30, 1893; J. S. Hunter one from Lin- 
coln, May 16, 1896; and August Hiche has a specimen in his collection 
taken at Lincoln, Aug. 27, 1896. Breeds in Arctic regions. 


Actodromas maculata (Vieillot)—-PrctoraL SANDPIPER. 

A common migrant, seen late in April and in May and in Septem- 
ber and October. Frequents fields and pastures and often called 
‘‘Grass Snipe.” West Point, Lincoln, Peru, Omaha, Gresham, North 
Platte, Cherry county. Breeds far north. 


Actodromas fuscicollis (Vieillot) -WuITE-RUMPED SANDPIPER. 

A rather common migrant, though not so numerous as the preced- 
ing, and not so frequently reported. Seen at about the same time 
though more inclined to linger even to June. Omaha, Peru, Lin- 
coln, Fairbury, Cherry county. Also a breeder only to the north. 


Actodromas bairdii Coues—Bairp SANDPIPER. 

An abundant migrant, frequently lingering all summer, but only 
breeding far to the north. The earliest sandpiper to appear in the 
spring, sometimes as early as the middle of March, always by the first 
of April, remaining in large flocks till the end of May, and here again 
in fall migration from the middle of August till the end of October. 
Throughout the state. 


Actodromas minutilla (Vieillot)—Least SANDPIPER. 

An abundant migrant, also lingering, especially in northern Ne- 
braska, throughout the summer. In June and early in July 1902, 
Swenk found representatives of several species of shore birds along 
the Niobrara river; examination of sexual organs showed no evidence of 
development except in this species, of which two pairs were seen about a 
small pond acting as if breeding, and the ovaries of which showed 
a marked development. Its usual breeding grounds are in British 
America; Hatch claims that it also breeds in Minnesota. Migrating 
from the end of March or first of April to the end of May, and from 
early in August to November. Throughout the state. 


41 
248a. Pelidna alpina sakhalina (Vieillot)—Rep-BACKED SANDPIPER. 

Rare. Recorded only from Omaha, where L. Skow took a speci- 
men May 12, 1895, and from Lincoln, where specimens have been 
taken by D. A. Haggard; by J. S. Hunter, May 16, May 30, and Nov. 
7, 1896; and by August Fiche, May 22, 1899. Breeds far north. 


246. Ereunetes pusillus (Linnaeus)—SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER. 

A common migrant, usually in company with the Least Sandpiper, 
and breeding in high latitudes. Reported from localities throughout 
the state. Specimensin the collection of F. L. Riser, taken at Lincoln 
are dated June 8 and July 8, 1897. 


(247. Ereunetes occidentalis Lawrence—WESTERN SANDPIPER. 
Reported once from Omaha by L. Skow. Though Nebraska 
comes within the accepted range of the species, the identification 
does not seem to be entirely beyond question.] 


248. Calidris arenaria (Linnaeus) —SANDERLING. 
An irregular migrant, sometimes numerous. Reported from West 
Point and Lincoln by Bruner, from Omaha by Trostler and Skow, 
and from North Loup by D. H. Talbot; A. R. Graves took a specimen 
at Alliance, April 6, 1892, and specimens from Lincoln are in the col- 
lection of August Eiche, dated May 21, 1895, Aug. 22, 1896, and Oct. 
4, 1898. Chiefly maritime. 


249. Limosa fedoa (Linnaeus)—-MarBLED GopwiIT. 

A common migrant, found from the middle of April to the middle 
of May, and from the end of August to early in October. West 
Point, Omaha, Lincoln, Ashland, Gresham, and Cherry and Holt, 
counties. Aughey also reports it from Cedar and Wayne counties, 
and says it breeds in Nebraska, though so far as we know no nest 
was ever found within our limits. His statement is probably the 
basis for the inclusion of this state in the breeding range as given by 
various authorities, but since the bird is known to have bred in Iowa, 
Minnesota, and the Dakotas, and has been frequently seen here in 
summer, it almost certainly breeds in Nebraska also. 


x 


251. Limosa hemastica (Linnaeus)—Hupsonian Gopwit. 
A rare migrant, and reported by but a few observers. Recorded 
from West Point, Oakland, Lincoln, and Holt county, by Bruner; 
J.S. Hunter and August Eiche have collected specimens nearly every 
year in May at the lake near Lincoln. Breeds far north. 


254. Totanus melanoleucus (Gmelin) —-GREATER YELLOW-LEGS. 

A common migrant, from early in April to the middle of May and 
from the end of August to November. Recorded from various lo- 
calities west to Cherry county and North Platte. Reported in 
Bruner’s Notes on Nebraska Birds as breeding at Peru and in Holt 
county. The former was probably an error, but Bruner has seen 
this species in pairs in Holt county in summer, and since it has been 


42 


known to breed in northern JJlinois and in Minnesota, it is not unlikely 
that it breeds occasionally in Nebraska. 


255. Totanus flavipes (Gmelin) — YELLOW-LEGS. 


256. 


An abundant migrant; seen also all summer, but there is no evi- 
dence that it breeds. Seen at the same time as the last species. 


*Helodromas solitarius (Wilson) —Soxitary SANDPIPER. 

A common migrant; here in May and in September, and to be met 
with chiefly along creeks and small streams. Recorded from all 
parts of the state. Reported from Cherry county by J. M. Bates, 
and from Neligh by Merritt Cary as frequently and regularly seen in 
summer though no nest has been taken by either; Aughey, however, 
records seeing the young in Dakota county in August, so it probably 
is a regular though not common breeder in the northern portion of 
the state. It is known to breed from northern Illinois northward. 


258a. *Symphemia semipalmata inornata Brewster—WESTERN WILLET. 


! 


261. 


262. 


264. 


A rather common migrant, passing through from the middle of April, 
to the middle of May and again in September. Recorded from va- 
rious localities west to Cherry county. It is frequently seen in sum- 
mer, especially about the lakes of the sand-hill region, and J. M. Bates 
reports having seen young at Kennedy. 


*Bartramia longicauda (Bechstein) -BarTRAMIAN SANDPIPER. 

An abundant migrant throughout the state, breeding commonly 
in the southern and eastern portion and abundantly in the sand-hill 
region and on the high plains of the north and west. Arrives about 
the middle of April and departs about the middle of September. 


Tryngites subruficollis (Vieillot)—-Burr-BREASTED SANDPIPER. 

A rare and irregular migrant, apparently not so common as in for- 
mer times. Aughey recorded one specimen from Nebraska City, in ° 
September, 1874; Bruner reports it as formerly fairly common at 
West Point, and the same report comes from L. Sessions at Norfolk; 
it is also reported from Omaha, Lincoln, Beatrice, DeWitt, and Neligh. 
Has been taken late in July and in August at Lincoln, but breeds far 
north. 


. *Actitis macularia (Linnaeus)—Srorrep SANDPIPER. 


A common migrant; also a frequent breeder in northern Nebraska, 
and an occasional breeder in the southern part of the state. Arrives 
about the first of May, last seen about the middle of October. Reported 
from numerous localities west to Cherry county, and once by Cary 
from Andrews, Sioux county, late in May, 1901. 


*Numenius longirostris Wilson—Lonc-BILLED CuRLEW. 

Formerly an abundant migrant. throughout the state, now very 
irregular in the eastern portion, though common westward. In for- 
mer times an abundant breeder also to the eastern edge of the sand- 
hill region, still a common breeder locally from Cherry county west- 


43 


ward, nesting in dry valleys. Arrives by the middle of April, departs 
by the first of September. 


265. Numenius hudsonicus Latham—Hvupsonian CURLEW. 
Now a rare and irregular migrant, formerly more numerous. Re- 
corded once or twice from West Point, and once from Holt county, 
by Bruner; from Lincoln by August Eiche and by Wolcott, Oct. 8, 
1898. Breeds far north. 


266. Numenius borealis (Forster) Eskimo CURLEW. 

Formerly very abundant in flocks of thousands, and killed by wagon- 
loads for food in the early days of the state, now very seldom seen 
in eastern portion, but still said by sportsmen to be fairly common in 
the western. Migrating in April and October, and breeding in the 
Arctic regions. 


EXTRALIMITAL: 235. Arquatella maritima Bruennich, the Purple 
Sandpiper, is said to migrate in winter southward to the Great Lakes 
and the shores of the larger streams in the upper Mississippi valley, 
though chiefly maritime. It may be looked for on the Missouri river. 
The Western Solitary Sandpiper, 256a. H. s. ctnnamomeus Brewster, 
is a western form said to range eastward to the plains, and may be 
expected to occur in western Nebraska. 


Famtty CHARADRITIDZ—PhLovers 


1. Toes four, the hind toe present but very small; above mottled brownish 
gray and white, below white in fall, black in spring............ 

wie huiesh tanks bteuieatsr sige Sues bee teeeeeeeeseeesses...Black-bellied Plover. 

1. Toes three, the hind toe wanting ........ 0.0... eee ee cee ee eee (2) 

2. Back decidedly and brightly dotted with golden and whitish spots 

on a dark ground; below grayish in fall, varied with more or less 

black in, Spring. cco ect eananked os an meaw ans Golden Plover. 

2. Back uniform plain brown or gray, without decided spots...... (3) 

3. Rump bright orange-brown in conspicuous contrast to the brownish back; 

white lower parts crossed by a neck-ring and breast-band of black 


i Bldts Gigs Palais. aon anbs pinhiceWw apni Ay GRR eI que Ie Ines 2 .Killdeer. 
3. Rump dull colored, never bright, rust red; nit more than one black band 
OnlOWer Partsis ¢ vah ceo wos Roa di ety ean edas ere das gkeeees (4) 


4. No black patches on sides of breast or black band across it; but 
an indistinct band of buffy; adults with a crown-stripe and lore- 
stripe of black; above grayish brown varied with reddish. . 
iiesiiconieee ws RUC Wer een tag eee cotta hal dae Mountain Plover. 
4. Breast either crossed by a continuous black band or with con- 
spicuous black patches on the sides............. 0... ..000. (5) 
5. Space between eye and bill dark brown or black; a heavy black breast- 
ring, and in spring sides of head and fore crown black; toes webbed 
at base; back brownish..................0.05. Semipalmated Plover. 
5. Space between eye and bill white; toes not distinctly webbed at base... (6) 
6. Bill entirely black and a black spot on the sides of the head; also 


270. 


272. 


273. 


274. 


44 


a black line above the forehead and the sides of the breast with 

large black patches not connected; above pale grayish, below pure 

WIHIUE es ede oe Sears Bsa dua A ed ee A AR RR shee Snowy Plover. 
6. Bill yellow at base and black at tip, and sides of head not black; © 

sides of breast with black patches, which are connected by a nar- 

row breast-line; a black crown-line; back: pale grayish.... 

ARMA EE OATS RAMS TS Hewes RA mar yea Sass Belted Piping Plover. 


Squatarola squatarola (Linnaeus)—-BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER. 

A regular migrant, but not usually common. However, F. W. Powell 
records an instance in which he saw thousands on the Platte river, 
May 21, 1883 (See Cooke’s Bird Migr. in Miss. Val., p. 98). Migrating 
late in April and early in May and in September and October. Sarpy 
county, Lincoln, Omaha, Alliance, Atkinson, Neligh, Alda, North 
Platte. Breeds in Arctic regions. 


Charadrius dominicus Mueller—GotpEn Piover. 

Formerly abundant, in flocks of hundreds, still rather common; not 
recorded west of Holt county. Found from the middle of April to 
the middle of May and in September and October. Also breeds in 
Arctic regions. 


*Oxyechus vociferus (Linneaus)—KI1LLDEER. 
An abundant migrant, and also abundant summer resident in the 
sand-hill region, a common breeder over the rest of the state, especially 
northward. Arrives early in March and remains till November. 


Aegialitis semipalmata Bonaparte—SEMIPALMATED PLOVER. 
A common migrant. Seen during May and September and the first 
half of October. Breeds in British America. Not reported west of 
Neligh. 


277a. *Aegialitis meloda circumcincta Ridgway—Br.rep Piping PLover. 


278. 


A fairly common migrant; breeds about the lakes in the sand-hill 
region, along the Niobrara river, in northern Nebraska, on the Loup 
at Dannebrog, along the Platte, and perhaps on any .of the rivers of 

‘ the state where are the sand-bars on which it nests. Aughey recorded 
it breeding in Dakota county in July, 1866, where he found two nests. 
Arrives in May and departs during the latter part of September. 


Aegialitis nivosa Cassin—Snowy PLover. 

This ‘species was included in Bruner’s Notes on Nebraska Birds 
based on the seeing of a flock of what was supposed to be this plover 
in Holt county in the spring of 1885. But the first definite record, 
and so far the only one, was established by the taking of two specimens 
at the lake near Lincoln, May 17,1903,by Swenk. It must be looked 
upon as a rare straggler from the west. 


281. Podasocys montanus (Townsend)—Mountain PLoveER. 


Not uncommon in extreme western Nebraska, where Bruner has 


45 


observed it at Sidney, Marsland, and Harrison. It was seen in sum- 
mer and probably breeds. It is a common breeder in Wyoming. 


Famity APHRIZID/—Surr Birps anp TURNSTONES 


A medium sized, stout billed, brightly marked bird; above mottled 
bright rufous, black and white, the rufous replaced by gray in winter 
sb a Pals Masa TA LSA a eee elses ema ae LES Ruddy Turnstone. 


283.1. Arenaria morinella (Linnaeus)—-Ruppy TuRNSTONE. 


A regular but not common migrant. So far all specimens seen have 
been in May. Omaha,’ Lincoln, Norfolk, Long Pine. Breeds far 
north; more frequent along sea-coasts. 


[286. Haematopus palliatus Temminck, the American Oyster-catcher, be- 


longing to the family Haematopodidae, should be omitted from our 
list. The evidence on which it was included in Bruner’s Notes on 
Nebraska Birds is not sufficient to warrant the retention of this bird, 
which is entirely maritime, and has never been recorded inland.] 


ORDER VIII. GALLINZ—Gatuinacreous Brrps 


. Tarsi without spurs... 6 0... eee eee eee Tetraonidz. 
. Pars WithSpurs.cooG. eee ne oy pened ed we eee UavTas scat fg it Phasianide. 


Famity TETRAONIDZ—Grovsz, PARTRIDGES, ETC. 


. Wing, 10 inches or more long; tail feathers stiff and pointed; tail about as 


long'as'the wings vic pate wanes aekien hanes Gas Lae Sage Grouse. 
. Wing under 10 inches; the tail feathers not especially stiff............ (2) 
2. Wing 8 to 10 inches long............ 000.000 eee eens ye (3) 
2. Wing 8 inches or less. ...... 0.0... cece ee eee (7) 
. Tail about 2 inches shorter than wing, square, black with a distinct ter- 
minal gray bands: vcc.sese see te Ge thao osm ean ewan ® Dusky Grouse. 
.- Tail 34 to 5 inches shorter than wing.......... 2.0... cece eee eee (4) 
4, Tail pointed, wedge shaped; tarsus fully feathered........... (5) 
Ae) Var TOUNCE 35 5s c/a 9 esd hands asap aac BANAT nae 24 hs Ram oe (6) 
. Ground-color, above ata or pale oe clay-color, with little or no rusty 
tinge...... Iaediod . Columbian Sharp-tailed Grouse. 
. Ground-color, shave: more 2 rusty or oehraceous, Prairie Sharp-tailed Grouse. 
6. Tarsus fully feathered, no bare strip behind...... Prairie Hen. 

6. Tarsus scantily feathered, exposing a bdre strip behind...... 
ih dn-asisg ohn tasers cathe arDIA yar wr w Cone hbate a haces atiy leased eit Lesser Prairie Hen. 
. Larger, 15} to 19 inches long, with a ruff of black feathers on each side of 
neck, and broad, fan-shaped tail................... Ruffed Grouse. 
. Smaller, 10 inches long; brownish- mottled, white throated, bare legged 
ply oka Gaede RP ERS ROY Rae Dees et whee abe ce BY ede eae Bob-white. 


289. *Colinus virginianus (Linnaeus)—BoB-wHirTs, 


Formerly confined to the eastern portion of Nebraska; now prac- 
tically over the entire state, especially along river and creek valleys 


’ 


(297. 


300. 


305. 


307. 


308b 


309. 


46 


and about farms where natural shelter occurs. It is exceptionally 
abundant on the upper Elkhorn and the streams emptying into the 
Missouri river west of Yankton, South Dakota. During recent years 
showing a tendency towards domestication. 


Dendragapus obscurus (Say)—Dusxy GRouSsE. 

The range of the Dusky Grouse points to its probable occurrence 
among the pines of Sioux and Dawes counties. While spending a 
short time in that region a number of years ago Bruner was informed 
by some ranchmen of the presence of the ‘‘ Fool Hen” on Indian creek 
only a mile or two west of the state line.] 


*Bonasa umbellus (Linneaus)—RuFFED GROUSE. 
This Grouse is confined to the wooded portions of the eastern one- 
fifth of the state where it is rare. Rockport, South Omaha—breeding 
(L. Skow); Weeping Water, Waverly, Richardson county. 


*Tympanuchus americanus (Reichenbach)—Pratriz HEN. 

Entire state. Formerly abundent in the eastern portion, where it 
is still common; now plentiful in central portions, especially north- 
ward; becoming rarer towards the western end; partially migratory, 
moving southeastward in fall and northwestward in spring. 


Tympanuchus pallidicinctus Ridgway—Lrssrer Prairie Hen. 

The Lesser Prairie Hen formerly occurred in Cuming and Washing- 
ton counties where a number were shot in the early seventies 
by Omaha and local sportsmen. Some of these specimens were mount- 
ed and are supposed to be still in existence. Bruner saw a living bird 
at West Point during the winter of 1871-72 which was approached 
to within a few yards, but was not taken. It has also been reported from 
Clay county, South Dakota, by Dr. Agersborg. To our knowledge it 
has not been seen nor taken within the state since the above dates. 


. *Pedicecetes phasianellus campestris Ridgway— Prairie SHARP-TAILED 


GROUSE. 

A common bird in the sand-hill region of the middle and western 
portions of the state where it breeds; formerly spreading to the east- 
ward in winter to Cuming and Dodge counties. 

*Centrocercus urophasianus (Bonaparte)—Sacre Grouse. 

Not common and confined to the extreme northwestern portions 
of the state in regions where sage-brush (Artemesia tridentata) 
abounds; along Hat. Antelope, and Indian creeks in Sioux county, 
where it has several times been reported to breed and where Carriker 
and Cary found old birds with half-grown young in the summer of 
1901 (Proc. N. O. U., III, p. 77). 

EXTRALIMITAL: The Columbian Sharp-tailed Grouse, 308a. P. 
p.columbianus (Ord), referred to in Bruner’s Notes on Nebraska 
Birds was an error and based on rather light-colored specimens of 
P. p. campestris taken in the northwestern part of the state along the 
Pine ridge. ; 


47 


Famity PHASIANIDA— PHEASANTS, TURKEYS, ETC. 


1. Very large, 40 to 50 inches long; tail broad; plumage lustrous; head and 
upper neck without feathers; breast with tuft of hair-like feathers 
Lypdesse Seoa ge ebewan ieee eh es Se ee Meee eee AES eed gs Wild Turkey. 

1. Medium sized, 20 to 30 inches long; tail lengthened and graduated, the 
feathers tapering to a point; adult male with white neck-ring, the neck 
and head feathered, breast rich coppery chestnut, with metallic purple 
and coppery reflections; female brownish, more or less spotted and 
mottled with darker................-. 000005 Ring-necked Pheasant. 


310. Meleagris gallopavo silvestris (Vieillot)—Witp Turkey. 

This magnificent bird was formerly abundant throughout the 
wooded portions of the state and even on the adjoining prairies as 
far west along the Platte and Republican rivers as McCook and North 
Platte. Now, if present at all, very rare; confined to the heavier 
bodies of timber between the mouth of the Niobrara and Sioux City 
in the vicinity of Rockport north of Omaha, and between Brownville 
and Rulo. In territorial days it was common along the Elkhorn, the 
Big and Little Blue rivers, and on the Niobrara to Long Pine, as well 
as along the wooded borders of others of our streams. 


000. Phasianus torquatus Gmelin—RING-NECKED PHEASANT. 

This introduced Asiatic pheasant seems to have gained a precarious 
foothold in portions of southeastern Nebraska where individual birds 
are occasionally to be met with. A few of them are shot each year 
although there is a statute making their killing a misdemeanor pun- 
ishable by a fine of fifty dollars for each bird so destroyed. Table Rock, 
Pawnee, and Barnston. 


ORDER IX. COLUMBZ—Doves anp Picrons 
Famity COLUMBIDZA—Doves 
1. Larger, 15 to 17 inches long; tail 8} inches, pointed; back slate-blue; 


below chestnut near chin to whitish toward tail .... Passenger Pigeon. 
1. Smaller, 11 to 13 inches long; tail 53 inches, less pointed; back brownish; 
under parts brownish to yellow or buff............ Mourning Dove. 


315. Ectopistes migratorius (Linnaeus)—-PassENGER PIGEON. 

Formerly rather common along the Missouri river. Now very 
rare, and probably entirely absent from the state. The last records 
of its presence as a Nebraska bird are from West Point, Norfolk, 
Florence, Papillion, and Omaha. 


316. *Zenaidura macroura (Linnaeus)—Mournine Dovz. 

An exceedingly common bird over the entire state; chiefly asummer 
resident, arriving in April and departing during November. Some 
individuals remain throughout winter in sheltered locdlities south- 
ward. It nests both in trees and on the ground, and rears from two 
to three broods of voung during the summer months. 


48 


ORDER X. RAPTORES—Birps or PREY 


A. Head entirely without feathers, nostrils longitudinal.. ... .Cathartide. 

A. Head fully featherd, nostrils vertical or roundish. .................(B) 
B. Eyes lateral, not surrounded by discs of radiating feathers... . 

micle“n ds dee batt phe we Re Dar tps Rees ee Be Rais ataes. Falconide. 

B. Eyes set in front, surrounded by discs of radiating feathers. . . (C) 

C. Middle claw pectinate. . 6. 1... cece cece ete e eens Strigide. 


C. Middle claw not pectinate 2... 0 1... eee eee Bubonide. 


Famity CATHARTID—AmERICAN VULTURES 


1. A very large bird, 26 to 32 inches long, dull black, naked headed, hook 
billed; tail rounded, nostrils large and broad; skin of neck and head 


POC a jics eaphe hte Sy win eee oe Geen a in einah a depen ee Turkey Vulture. 
1. Somewhat smaller, 22 to 27 inches long; blacker; tail square; nostrils 
small and narrow; skin of head and neck black..... Black Vulture. 


325. *Cathartes aura (Linnaeus)—TurRKEY VULTURE; TURKEY BuzzaRD. 
A moderately common bird during spring,summer and fall; rare 
in winter. It has been reported as nesting in Sioux, Cherry, Frontier, 
.Custer, Douglas, Lancaster, and Richardson counties—practically 
throughout the state in suitable localities. 


326. Catharista urubu (Vieillot)—BLack VuLTURE; CARRION Crow. 
The Black Vulture, which is confined chiefly to the warmer portions 

of the United States and tropical America, isknown to wander north- 

ward casually to Maine, Ohio, Illinois, and South Dakota. We have 

a single authentic record by D. H. Talbot, who took it on Wolf 
creek. Other, but unconfirmed, reports would point to its occasion- 

ally visiting our southern borders. 


Famity FALCONIDA—Fatcons, Hawks, Eacuss, Etc. 


1. Talons or claws all of the same length, narrowed and rounded on lower 
side; wing 17 to 22 inches long; scales of the tarsus small, rounded 
sabi H GUA ee bhe cutee iced Gaah sk a a we Na AR ACR alle te Satoh had Rinse cet .Osprey. 

1. Talons of graduated length, the hind one longest, the outer shortest... (2) 
2. Tarsus densely feathered all around and to the toes; wing 22 to 

28 inches longs... erases anise se ad eee ree Pawan Golden Eagle. 
2. Tarsus bare for at least one-third of its length, or if feathered to 
the toes, having a bare strip behind... ................... (3) 

3. Tarsus bare behind, feathered to the toes in front; length of wing, 15 to 
20 IM CHES 2-4 oe eases Rohan dh oases Aoimta BIN hae aa Saeed Uist a aeons OPES (4) 

3. Tarsus not feathered to the toes even in front; size quite variable... .. (5) 
4, Feathers of legs more or less buffy; bill small and weak. ...... 

ee er See re American Rough-legged Hawk. 
4. Feathers of legs bright brownish red with black bars; bill much 
longer and stronger.... .............. Ferruginous Rough-leg. 

5. Wing over 19 inches long; adult with white head, neck, and tail.Bald Eagle. 

5. Wing under 18 inches.... 2.2... eee cee cee vere ceee (6) 


ie) 


11. 


11. 


138. 
13. 


15. 


15. 


17. 
17. 
17. 


19. 


49 


6. Tail deeply forked; above siae bluish black, the head, rump, 


and under parts white........ F yowalowntailed Kite. 

6. Tail but slightly if at all tovksd pula sag Atak RR ge bebe a late wh alin feuds are (7) 

. Wing 7 or more times as long as tarsus; bill with no sharp teeth or notches; 
nostrils elongated and without inner bony tubercle.............. (8) 

. Wing 7 times as long as the tarsus; bill with a sharp notch and tooth back 
of tip; nostril circular and with an inner bony tubercle..........(9) 

. Wing 6 or less times as long as tarsus... 2.0.0.0... 00 cece ee eee ee (10) 


8. Tail white without bars and square tipped. White-tailed Kite. 
8. Slaty blue above, gray below; tail black, unbarred.......... 
Esa Beat asad abisibage eae es etl asl nara dohs, wads esteem Nae BC Mississippi Kite. 


. Tarsus hardly at all feathered above; sides of head black. .. Duck Hawk. 
. Tarsus feathered less than half way down in front.... .. Prairie Falcon. 
. Tarsus feathered over half way down in front and on sides. . 


Lge Ses ees eyleceede Vee ee ae Gee eben seed eats & , Biay Gyrfalcon. 
10. Upper tail-coverts white; tail gray (male), denmuginoun (female) ; 
barred with blackish. .................--00005- Marsh Hawk. 


WHEE Scag Sorc opted dactieascta shinies vata tin craca tase ea ecpian (11) 
Nostril circular and with a conspicuous central bony tubercle; upper 
mandible with a strong tooth and notch back of hooked tip... . .(12) 
Nostril oval and the upper mandible without more than one lobe or 
tooth, and that weak... 2.6... ee eee (16) 

12. Wing 11 to, 17 inches long; only one primary notched on inner 
web..............Duck Hawk, Prairie Falcon, Gray Gyrfalcon. 

12. Wing 5 to 94 inches long; two primaries notched... ........(13) 
Back bluish slate-color, or blackish and without bright rufous... ....(14) 
Back or belly with more or less of bright brownish red... .......... (15) 
14. Above slaty blue; middle tail feather with not more than four 
black bands... ... .Pigeon Hawk. 

14. Similar to preceding, ‘put ales: “riddle. tail: feather crossed by 
six light bars, counting the terminal one..... Richardson Merlin. 

Tail with one black bar; male spotted below; whole back barred; 
female tail with numerous black bars; below streaked .Sparrow Hawk. 


Similar to preceding, but slightly larger and appreciably paler, black 
bars and streaks narrower................... Desert Sparrow Hawk. 
16. Tail about 7 as long as wing... 1.2... 0.0.2... eee (17) 
16. Tail not over # as long as.wing... .......... 0.000.000 eee (19) 

Wing under 9 inches long; the tail square........ Sharp-shinned Hawk. 

Wing 9 to 11 inches long; the tail rounded... .......... Cooper Hawk, 

Wing 114 to 144 inches long... 2... (18) 


18. Above bluish slate-color, crown darker, a whitish line over eye 
.to the nape; below finely' marked with gray and white.... 

See Sean ba ee eee seo Ree eee sae Stes American Goshawk. 

18. Above dark plumbeous, markings on lower parts heavier and 

Gar kets. yo -ctne Bot et pig a dla ee Geta ae Gad A een ed ae Western Goshawk. 

Outer web of primaries with white buffy or reddish spots; four outer 


19. 


21. 


21. 


21. 


21. 


327. 


[328. 


[329. 


331. 


332. 


333. 


50 


primaries notched on the inner web........... Red-shouldered Hawk. 
Outer web of primaries not as above. .. 6.2... 0... cece cee ee (20) 
20. Four outer primaries notched on the inner web... .......... (21) 
20. Three outer primaries notched... 2.0... .... eee eee eee ee (22) 


Tail rusty brown, with a black band, sometimes broken near its tip; 
below buffy white, a band of spots across the belly; legs usually 


wWithoOWt: DAaMss 2 e) gc age py REAM eee aS eae Red-tailed Hawk. 
Similar to preceding, but nearly or wholly white below; adults usually 
without black tail-band. i : ..Krider Hawk. 


Varying from sooty brown shove amd helow: with more or less rusty to 
a light phase resembling borealis, but tail averages paler and some- 
times has more than one bar; under parts deeper and legs usually 
barred with rusty... .. . Western Red-tail. | 

Above sooty brown; tall donely mgtiled aah blackish: rusty, and whit- 
ish; below varying from white, more or less spotted on belly, to sooty 


ee WS} ox aie wea Ka eRe A os Soe eee ards Harlan Hawk. 
22. Wing 14 to 18 inches long; breast patch rusty brown (male) or 
grayish brown (female). ..................Swainson Hawk. 


22. Wing 9} to 12 inches long; tail with two whitish bands and a 
brownish tip; below barred with rusty brown............ 
devise ousvinds ein GPts Gedlnk Draraglizonpang Aan aaa eae -.......Broad-winged Hawk. 


*Elanoides forficatus (Linnaeus) -SwaLLOW-TAILED KITE. 
A regular visitor in eastern third of the state; not common. Omaha, 
West Point, Tekamah, Fullerton, Beatrice, Falls City; breeding at 
Greenwood, Rockport, and Calhoun. 


Elanus leucurus (Vieillot)—Wuits-TaiLep KiTs. 
The record given in Bruner’s Notes on Nebraska Birds of the 
occurrence of this species is an error. But its range is such as to make 
it possible that it may be taken in the state.] 


Ictinia mississippiensis (Wilson)—Mississirppr1 Kirn. 
While the known range of this kite would bring it within our borders, 
the record by R. E. Dinges as given in Bruner’s Notes on Nebraska 
Birds is very likely an error.] 


*Circus hudsonius (Linnaeus)—-Marso Hawk. 
Found over the entire state, common. In part resident—a few 
remaining throughout winter. Breeds on low ground, more com- 
monly in the sand-hills and northwestward. 


*Accipiter velox (Wilson)—SHARP-sHINNED Hawke. 
A common migrant over the entire state in spring and fall, and an 
occasional winter resident. Breeds regularly in Sioux county. Re- 
ported by all observers. 


*Accipiter cooperi (Bonaparte)—Coormr Hawk. 
Like the preceding,this hawk is found over the entire state in spring, 
summer, and fall; abundantly in the southeastern portion, common 


51 


elsewhere. Frequently seen in winter. An earlier and more general 
breeder than the Sharp-shinned. 


334. Accipiter atricapillus (Wilson)—AMERICAN GosHAWK. 
A regular, but not common, winter visitant. Observed at Omaha, 
Lincoln, Rockport, Norfolk, and in Sioux county. 


[834a. Accipiter atricapillus striatulus Ridgway—WersTERN GosHAWE. 

This western variety of the preceding species has been reported 
once from Florence, in 1896, by L. Skow, and again from Ken- 
nedy, Oct. 1896, by J. M. Bates. Very dark ‘colored goshawks are 
occasionally to be met with in the state, especially westward, which 
may be the wesern variety.] : 


337. *Buteo borealis (Gmelin)—Rrp-TaILeD Hawk. 

The typical Red-tailed Hawk is confined to the eastern half of the 
state where it is found in the timber belts along all the larger water- 
courses. It is partially migratory, but some remain throughout 
winter. Breeds over entire range and feeds chiefly on rabbits, ground 
squirrels, etc. 


337a. *Buteo borealis kriderii Hoopes—Knriprr Hawk. 
Found chiefly westward but spreading to eastern part of state 
during migrations; breeds in Sioux and Dawes counties—sometimes, 
at least, on ledges of the canyon walls. 


337b. Buteo borealis calurus (Cassin) —-WESTERN RED-TAIL. 
During migrations straggling over the entire state. Breeds com- 
monly in both Colorado and Wyoming, and may breed also in western 
Nebraska. West Point, Omaha, and Lincoln. 


337d. Buteo.borealis harlani (Audubon)—Harian Hawk. 
Casually over eastern third of the state, but not known to breed. 
West Point, Omaha, Lincoln. There is a specimen in the collection 
of August Wiche taken at the latter locality. 


339. *Buteo lineatus (Gmelin)—-RED-SHOULDERED Hawk. 

A not uncommon hawk in the eastern part of the state, where it 
breeds most abundant along the Missouri river bluffs. Omaha, Belle- 
vue, Nebraska City, Ruylo, Lincoln, Neligh. 

342. *Buteo swainsoni Bonaparte—Swainson Hawk. 

: A very common hawk over the entire state; in fall sometimes gather- 
ing in large flocks during migrations; nesting throughout the Nebraska 
range eastward in trees, westward frequently on the ground. Oc- 
curring in several color variations. 

343. *Buteo platypterus (Vieillot)—Broap-wincrp Hawk. 

A regular and rather common summer visitant and breeder along 
the Missouri river and its tributaries in the eastern part of the state; 

rare in the interior, and a straggler in western Nebraska. Observed 

once at Harrison, Sioux county, by Bruner; at Long Pine by Bates, 
and at Neligh by Cary—numerous records farther east. 


52 


347a. Archibuteo lagopus sancti-johannis (Gmelin)—American RovaGu- 
LEGGED Hawk. 

A rather rare winter visitant in middle and southern Nebraska, 
but more common in the northern part of state. Breeds chiefly north 
of the United States. West Point, Omaha, Lincoln, Neligh, Cherry 
county. 


348. *Archibuteo ferrugineus (Lichtenstein)-FERRuGINoUs RouGH-LEG. 

This is the common rough-legged hawk in the state and occurs 
throughout. It is less common in the eastern portion, but becomes 
more plentiful as we approach the middle and western sections of the 
state. It nests in moderate numbers in the sand-hills, and com- 
monly along Pine ridge and about the buttes of western and north- 
western Nebraska. It is a ground bird to a great extent, and fre- 
quents the vicinity of prairie dog towns, upon the inhabitants of 
which it preys. - 


349. *Aquila chryszetos (Linnaeus)—GoLDEN EAGLE. 

This magnificent bird is found in moderate numbers throughout 
the state in winter, but is more common westward. Owing to its 
large size, fearless nature, and carrion-eating habits, we have numer- 
ous records of its occurrence each year, and a few still breed annually 
in Scott’s Bluff, Sioux, and Dawes counties: It bred quite generally 
over the state years ago. 


352. Halizetus leucocephalus (Linnaeus)—Baup Eac te. 

Much less common than the preceding, and seems to be confined 
chiefly to our larger water-courses even during its migrations. It 
probably formerly bred in the more heavily wooded portions of 
northeastern Nebraska, and it is likely that a few still do so, but 
there are no definite breeding records. It likes to nest near where the 
Osprey makes its summer home so as to have an opportunity to rob 
the latter of its catch and save the work for itself. Many records. 


[354. Falco rusticolus Linnaeus—Gray GYRFALCON. 

This northern falcon has been taken at Vermillion, S. Dak., and is 
known to wander casually south to Kansas. It is included here on 
the strength of a record of a single specimen seen by Bruner at West 
Point, but not positively identified; another, probably the same 
species, was reported to him as seen at Norfolk.] 


355. *Falco mexicanus Schlegel—Prairig Faucon. 

Over the entire state in migrations; rare in eastern portions, rather 
common westward; a feware resident, but the majority move south 
in late fall, and return in early spring. It is a regular breeder in 
Dawes and Sioux counties, where it nests during May and June 
upon ledges on the faces of perpendicular cliffs. 


356. Falco peregrinus anatum (Bonaparte)—Duck Hawk. 
A rare but regular migrant over the entire state. Lincoln, Omaha, 
West Point, Neligh, Dawes county. It probably breeds in this last 


53 


named locality where old and young birds were observed by Bruner 
Aug. 5 to 19, 1903, flying about the cliffs 8 miles west of Ft. Robin- 
son, going in and out of a recess that may have been the nesting site. 


357. Falco columbarius Linnaeus—Picron Hawk. 
Not common, but found over the entire state during migrations. 
A few remain over winter. We have no records of its breeding in 
the state. Omaha, Lincoln, West Point, Neligh, Long Pine, Dawes 
and Sioux counties. 


358. Falco richardsonii Ridgway—Ricuarpson MERLIN. 

This small hawk seems to be rare in Nebraska at present, but 
is said by Aughey to have been formerly common and to have bred, 
but he gave no definite breeding record. ‘ Taken at West Point and 
Omaha by Bruner; and reported from southeastern Nebraska by 
Powell. The museum of the state university contains a specimen 
from the first locality. ‘ 


360. *Falco sparverius Linnaeus—Sparrow Hawk. 
Common in the eastern portion of the state; abundant westward; 
breeding throughout. Arrives early in April, departs -in October. 


360a. Falco sparverius phalena Lesson—Dersert Sparrow Hawk. 
A specimen from Sioux county taken in Jim creek canyon May 26, 
1901, by M. A. Carriker, Jr., and sent to Witmer Stone, has been 
determined as ‘‘nearly typical’ phalena. Whether or not this 
is the breeding form there we cannot say. It was not suspected 
hitherto that we had this form in the state, and careful note was not 
taken of the Sioux county birds. 


364. *Pandion haliztus carolinensis (Gmelin) —OspreEy. 

/ A regular migrant; most frequent along the Missouri and its tribu- 
taries, less so in the interior or middle, and almost or quite absent 
from the extreme western portion. Formerly bred along the Mis- 
souri river near Rockport, where Bruner observed birds carrying 
food to the nest, and may still do so occasionally in the northeastern 
part of the state. Numerous records. ' 


Famity STRIGIDZ—Barn Ow.s 


Without ear-tufts; eyes black; above gray and yellowish buff; below white 
more or less washed with buff and spotted with black.......... 
pfs ast dR au BNRcaseadaatn cme eum ariath pra a ich . Barn Owl; Monkey-faced Owl. 


365. *Strix pratincola Bonaparte—Barn Ow; Monxkry-racep OwLt. 
Practically over the entire eastern half of state, but more com- 
mon southward; becoming more generally dispersed with the 
settlement of new districts. Breeds over most of its range, selecting 
for the purpose burrows in banks, niches in rocky cliffs, hollow trees, 
nooks about buildings, etc. Lincoln, Omaha, West Point, Cherry 
county, Beatrice, Hebron, McCook. , 


11. 
11. 


13. 


13. 


15. 


15 


54 


Famity BUBONIDA—Hornep Ow1s, Etc. 


. Tarsus partly bare, twice as long as middle toe; wing 53 to 74 inches 


long. . Pe NE GRMSerStE Le meme miaunbuatang nee 


. Targus fully feathered. . ie eae Mgkeheriraareaaegee samae 2) 


2. Head with conspicuous ene-tutts, Sa behaatyed es a eatiuetane Meaty ice cat teas (3) 
2. Head without ear-tufts. 2. 2.2... oc eee (11) 


. Wing 8 inches or less in eee SMe eauladatie # kPanepasa cya duh Rican Wer wrakaamadonad-aots (4) 
. Wing over 8 inches long. . : Bageee ence 


4. Without ear-tufts; wing ‘34 ee 4 ‘Sachias ‘Teng, ...Pygmy Owl. 
4, With ear-tufts; wing over 4 inches long. . asin Megane cag ays ea CD) 


. Toes entirely naked to extreme base; ear-tufts sendy, 


Flammulated Screech Owl. 


. Toes distinctly feathered or bristled on upper ‘side; ear-tufts rather 


VARS Or 2. ceneied em Bia ne dN ae onet x wNies ide aleve dees 2 onl aan st Saul he ekntohets ahs 2 (6) 
6. Above gray, irregularly marked with black; below gray, white, 
rusty and black, (gray phase); or above bright rusty brown with 
a few black streaks; below white streaked with black and barred 
with rusty brown, (red phase). ................. Screech Owl. 
6. Very pale; above with a pale grayish buff predominating; black 
markings throughout very narrow and less numerous than in 
other forms... ... ee ..Rocky Mountain Screech Owl. 


. Size large, form robust; wine ‘14 to 18 inches MONG. i. wean aneesa-ue(B) 
. Size medium, form slender; wing 11 to 13 inches ie lahaneed dengan (10) 


8. General color davlvse, much suffused with buffy and rufous. .. 
Sih dn aieteee Perea Maan Bee Gee eae ge ay .......Great Horned Owl. 
8. General color lighter and grayer, with little or no buffy in plumage 


. Very pale throughout; the feet immaculate... ......Arctic Horned Owl. 
. Darker, but not buffy or ferruginous; the feet more or less spotted. .. 


Spdsdesi- ayer Sl So eg eoneat ch ee eeooatea Abe cep eo eee hwo . Western Horned Owl. 
10. Ear-tufts large and composed of 8to 12 feathers........... 
ee eee Pere es ee ree ee eee -American Long-eared Owl. 


10. Ear-tufts small, composed of few feathers...... Short-eared Owl. 
Wing 10'inches or under... 0. ii es eee 5a bia eee aes (12) 
Wing more than 10 inches long... ...............0.0. 0.00 ..005, (14) 


12. Wing 8 to 10 inches long; hawk-like in appearance. 
Ddge St eheetedeeed ewe dae ee ee _ American Hawk Owl. 


12. Wing 5 to 8 inches long... 1.0... ...... 0.0.0.0... eee es (13) 
Length 10 inches; above aka brown with numerous white spots, 
especially on head. anthcd ae i .Richardson Owl. 
Length 8 inches; shove cinnamon ‘brown; ‘forehead with many streaks; 
hind head with few. ................0....00.0... Saw-whet Owl. 
14. General color white, more or less barred with blackish... .... 
Gceeve de gree me wUR be eee ee ee aes een eed Snowy Owl 
14. General color gray or brown... ......................... (15) 
Length 20 inches; eyes black; breast barred... ........... Barred Owl. 


Length 27 inches; eyes vellow; breast streaked ....... Great Gray Owl. 


366. 


367. 


368. 


370. 


371. 


372. 


373. 


55 


*Asio wilsonianus (Lesson) AMERICAN LONG-EARED OWL. 
Distributed over the entire state in the wooded portions; common 
eastward, less frequent westward. Breeds throughout its range. 


*Asio accipitrinus (Pallas) -SHorT-BARED OWL. 

Found over the whole of Nebraska where it is frequently very 
plentiful during migrations, and at times is to be met with in flocks 
of a dozen or more. Some remain over winter, and others in 
the summer—the latter breeding. A nest was found in Dodge county 
on the ground in tall dead prairie grass in April by Bruner. Several 
nesting records and numerous other records are at hand. 


*Syrnium varium (Barton)—Barrep OwL. 

A not uncommon resident and breeder in the wooded districts of 
the eastern one-third of the state, but becoming rarer westward 
towards the eastern edge of Colorado and Wyoming where it seems 
to be absent. Numerous records. 


Scotiaptex nebulosa (Gmelin)—Great Gray OWL. 

A northern species which rarely reaches the state in winter. It 
was reported once, Dec. 17, 1893, near Omaha by I. S. Trostler. A 
mounted specimen in a saloon at Long Pine is claimed to have been 
taken in that vicinity. 


Cryptoglaux tengmalmi richardsoni (Bonaparte)—RicHaRpson OwL. 
The authority for including this northern owl as a Nebraska bird, 
was the taking of a live bird near Lincoln on Dec. 10, 1892, by some 
boys. It is now in the state university museum. It has been reportd 
also as of casual occurrence in Iowa and Colorado. 


*Cryptoglaux acadica (Gmelin)—Saw-wHeT Ow. | 
A not rare species over the entire state, but most plentiful in winter. 
It has been found breeding at Nebraska City by M. A. Carriker, Jr.; 
‘is known to breed quite regularly across the river from Omaha and 
probably does on the Nebraska side also. It is reported as occuring 
at Beatrice, Lincoln, Omaha, West Point, Neligh, Long Pine, and in 
Sioux county. 


*Megascops asio (Linnaeus)—Scrercnu Ow.. 
This is our most abundant and generally distributed owl. Both 
the gray and red color phases occur in most regions, but the gray 
greatly predominates. It breeds throughout its Nebraska range. 


(873e. Megascops asio maxwelliz (Ridgway)—Rocxy Mountain ScrEECH 


Own. 

While we have no definite records of the occurrence of this Rocky 
Mountain form of the Screech Owl within the state, there is little 
doubt but that it occurs in the extreme western portions of Nebraska. 
It is reported as ranging along the foothills and adjacent plains from 
Colorado to Montana.] 


56 


375. *Bubo virginianus (Gmelin)—Great Hornep Ow. 


The typical virginianus, or a race that approaches this form most 
nearly, occurs quite commonly over the eastern third of the state where 
it is resident and a regular breeder; westward merging into the next 
sub-species. 


375a. *Bubo virginianus pallescens Stone—WrsTERN Hornep OWL. 


This horned owl is resident in western Nebraska, where it is com- 
mon and spreads eastward in winter over the entire state. Breeds in 
Sioux and Dawes counties. West Point, Omaha, Lincoln. The Dusky 
Horned Owl referred to in Bruner’s Notes on Nebraska Birds 
certainly belongs to this form. 


375b. Bubo virginianus arcticus (Swainson)—Arctic HornED OwL 


Rarely into the state during winter. The University of Nebraska 
collection contains a single specimen taken at West Point by Bruner. 
It was also reported once by L. Skow at Florence. 


376. Nyctea nyctea (Linnaeus)—Snowy Ow.. ) 


Coming regularly into Nebraska from the north in winter; found 
throughout the state and sometimes abundant. Numerous records. 


377a. Surnia ulula caparoch (Mueller)—Amerrican Hawk Owu. 


This northern species winters south to northern United States, 
casually to Illinois, etc. Included as a Nebraska bird on the strength 
of a single specimen which was shot in Nov., 1891, at Raymond, by 
E. R. Mockett. The specimen was mounted and was seen by Bruner 
and August Eiche. 


378. *Speotyto cunicularia hypogea (Bonaparte)—Burrowine OWL. 


A very common owl in the middle and western parts of the state, 
becoming rare eastward. Formerly common to the Missouri river; 
now almost absent from the more thickly settled portions of the east- 
ern counties. Numerous records. Breeding throughout its range. 

EXTRALIMITAL;: A number of yearsago Bruner saw avery small 
owl near Omaha which he cannot bring himself to beiieve was the Aca- 
dian—could it have beena Pygmy Owl, 379. Glaucidium gnoma Cassin, 
which species is found in Colorado? The Flammulated Screech 
Owl comes so close to our western border that it has been considered 
wise to at least include it in the synoptic table. 


ORDER XI. PSITTACI—Parrots, Macaws, PAROQUETS, ETC. 


Famity PSITTACIDA'—Parrots anpD ParoQusts 


A small, green, long-tailed paroquet with yellow head and orange 
forehead and cheeks ..................00 00005. Carolina Paroquet. 


382. *Conurus carolinensis (Linnaeus)—CaroLina ParoQuEt. 


Formerly a common bird in the Missouri river bottoms, especially 
southward, probably not extending north of the mouth of the Platte; 
now completely extinct in the state, having disappeared about 1866. 
They used to breed on an island in the Missouri river near Brownville. 
(See Furnas, Proc. N. O. V. III, 107.) 


57 


ORDER XII. COCCYGES—Cuckoos, KINGFISHERS, ETC. 
A. Toes, two in front, two behind; bill curved downwards........ Cuculidez. 
A. Toes, three in front, one behind; bill straight............... Alcedinidz. 
Famity CUCULIDZ—Cvucxoos 


1. Bill wholly blackish; tail narrowly white-tipped; wings slightly cinnamon 
pedin gee pagan oa Lecce ee eeeeeeseeeeee +. -Black-billed Cuckoo. 


1. Bill mostly yellow below; tail broadly white-tipped; wings extensively 


CINNAMON sche esas chek od Meee TRAVERS EEE Rha a ese Ow ee hoes (2) 
2. Smaller, with smaller bill (wing under 53, tail under 6, culmen under 
Dane iat Aeetiqegdicact anvcusaia, xh Ban oe tow avend erate Yellow-billed Cuckoo. 
2. Larger, with larger bill (wing over 5%, tail over 6, culmen 1 inch 
or more).............- Ede bud TaaRepok aahees eae sae California Cuckoo. 


387. *Coccyzus americanus (Linnaeus)—-YELLOW-BILLED Cuckoo. 
Eastern half of state, a common summer resident and breeder, 
arriving the second week in May, breeding in June or early July, de- 
parting early in September. Omaha, Lincoln, Beatrice, West Point, 
Neligh, Niobrara valley, Holt county, Cherry county, Bloomington. 


388. *Coccyzus erythrophthalmus (Wilson)—BLAcK-BILLED Cuckoo. 
Entire state, but rather uncommon; dates practically as preceding; 
breeding wherever present. Omaha, Lincoln, Beatrice, West Point, 
Neligh, Niobrara valley, Long Pine, North Platte, Sioux county. 


EXTRALIMITAL: 387a. C. ¢. occidentalis Ridgway, the California 
Cuckoo, a western race of the Yellow-billed, is the form occurring 
throughout Colorado to within a few miles of the eastern boundary 
of the state, and any yellow-billed cuckoo found in western Nebraska 
is very apt to be occidentalis. 


Famity ALCEDINIDZ—KInGFISsHERS 


A large, blue backed, crested kingfisher, white below and with a 
blue band across the breast... .4...........- *....Belted Kingfisher. 


390. *Ceryle alcyon (Linnaeus)—BELTED KINGFISHER. 
Common over the entire state; breeding in sand and clay banks. 
Arrives first week in April, breeds early in June, lingers until late fall, 
and a few remain the entire winter where there is open water. 


ORDER XIII. PICI—Woopprckrrs, WRYNECKS, ETC. 
Famity PICIDA!:—WoopPEcKERS 


1. Back entirely dark, without white marks, but rump sometimes white. . (2) 


1. Back conspicuously marked with white or yellowish. ................. (7) 
2. Back shining blackish (3)—brownish with black bars; under parts 
SPOLlEd g3.ocx send oceans ne enemens ened debi ars acieatie qt ate ee (6) 


3. Head crested, the crest bright scarlet, or partly so; under parts black; 
size of CrOW............ 000000. Northern Pileated Woodpecker. 


58 


3. Head not crested; under parts not entirely black; much smaller than a 
CTO Wiss 4 Sista yise ee choke Pee Ces See eae reais Soesds (4) 

4. Under parts of stiff reddish feathers; elsewhere shining bronze- 
black, except for a grayish collar and a red face. Lewis Woodpecker. 

4. Under parts of soft feathers; without red on breast or belly... .(5) 


. Secondaries entirely white; rump white; head and neck red in adult, brown- 

ish in young; toes 4; flanks not barred......Red-headed Woodpecker. 
5. Wings black, spotted with white; rump black; crown orange in male; 
toes 3; flanks barred............... Arctic Three-toed Woodpecker. 


5. Wings black, spotted with white, a large white patch on bend of wing; 
rump white; head black with two white stripes on sides and a red one 
onthroat; toes 4; flanks barred; belly light yellow............ 
irae) soa eee eR RGe SR page beak es Williamson Sapsucker, male. 
6. Under surface of wings and tail yellow throat brownish; male with 

a black malar stripe............. 0.0.00 0005- Northern Flicker. 
6. Under surface of wings and tail orange-red; throat ashy; male with 
ared malar stripe................00 eee Red-shafted Flicker. 


Back black marked with white (9)—back mottled, black and yellowish; 
belly-yellowishs 1.129 is 2vedeeswek pak ase oe tieeine pee ahiree Pe aA (8) 
8. Nape whitish; male with a black stripe from bill to chest separat- 
ing the red throat from the white cheeks; female with whole 
chin and throat white................ Yellow-bellied Sapsucker. 
8. Nape more or less red; male with red of throat extending in 
middle to the cheeks, thus obliterating the black stripe ex- 
sue at ends; female with throat largely red.............. 
in . .Red-naped Sapsucker. 


or 


au 


9. Back Hine with conspicuous, a, white Saees EOE RAE EES ‘2 ..(10) 


9. Back with a large, broad, white streak running lengthwise, but no 
cross-bars....... ae .(12) 
10. Outer tail fentlvers. eonapienauely “entinely- whites 108s, 3; 
crown yellow in male........ American Three-toed Woodpecker. 
10. Outer tail feathers with black; toes 4; much barred with 
black aiid Whités..0cc2.c05 oveaceoi aise aiadacwweesearanss (11) 
11. Under parts acne head brown, without decided white or red. 
2% . Williamson Sapsucker, female, 
11. inter: oe raddigh ; head praylah white with more or less red on 
crown..... . Red-bellied Woodpecker. 
12. Under tail feathers white, barred with black; isis wing 
under 4 inches... .... oe . (18) 
12. Under tail feathers white, not barreds Tareen: wing over 4 
INCHES! eaten laos undiy swede 1 ew ey ahve of baad eee msieoioeud Beacw alin (14) 
13. Middle and greater wing-coverts conspicuously spotted with white. . 
ils pbs CES CO Nee doe Gh bees Northern Downy Woodpecker. 
13. Middle and greater wing-coverts plain black or but slightly spotted. . 
Sede ean sirticch nasa ari Renae ile Se ned UEY to .... Batchelder Woodpecker. 
14. Middle and greater wing-coverts plain black or the white 


59 


spots few; below pure white; wing over 5 and tail up to 4 
INCHES. 44 ha wea whee BES Rocky Mountain Hairy Woodpecker. 
14. Middle and greater wing-coverts conspicuously white silo 
lores black or mostly black. ae ee . (15) 
15. Larger, wing over 5, tail 33 to 4, eulmen 1z to rr enghues elle. 
Sodio ene RG We Rew Reis Aah ACR ONE GES . Northern Hairy Woodpecker. 
15. Smaller, wing not over 5, tail 3,4 to 33,culmen under 12 
INCHES, ees 4 da win’ aly RES REM Og GN RR eae an Hairy Woodpecker. 


393. *Dryobates villosus (Linnaeus) Harry WoopPECKER. 
A common resident over at least the eastern half of state, breeding 
in early May. Omaha, Lincoln, Peru, West Point, Neligh, Rock 
county, Cherry county. 


[393a. D. v. leucomelas (Boddaert), the Northern Hairy Woodpecker, is 
the form breeding north of the United States and reaching the north- 
ern states in winter. Largespecimens of the Hairy Woodpecker taken 
at Omaha in winter have been referred to this form by Skow and Trost- 
ler, but probably represent only the maximum of villosus.] 


393e. *Dryobates villosus monticola Anthony—Rocky Mountain Hairy 
WooDPECKER. 

A common resident in Sioux county, entirely replacing the eastern 
form. To this form must be referred all the records given as Cabanis 
Woodpecker in former Nebraska reports. A dozen or more speci- 
mens from Sioux county all agree with this form rather than with 
hyloscopus. 


394b. *Dryobates pubescens homorus (Cabanis)—-BarcHELDER Woop- 
PECKER. 
An uncommon resident in Sioux county, breeding in willow stubs; 
not so common as the corresponding variety of the Hairy. (For- 
merly referred to as Gairdner’s Woodpecker.) 


394c. *Dryobates pubescens medianus (Swainson)—NorTHERN Downy 
WoovpPECKER. 

A very common resident in the eastern third of the state, breeding 
commonly; rare and local west of this to about the middle of the 
state. Omaha, Lincoln, Beatrice, Peru, Dakota City, West Point, 
Neligh, Niobrara, Long Pine. 


400. Picoides arcticus (Swainson)—-Arctic THREE-TOED WooDPECKER. 

A northern species making its way south in winter to the northern 
states. Has been taken three times in the state, twice at Omaha, 
once by I. S. Trostler, Dec. 15, 1895 and again by F. J. Brezee, and 
at Dakota City by Wallace Bruner. 


402. Sphyrapicus varius (Linnaeus) —-YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER. 
A migratory woodpecker, found only in the eastern part of the 
state and common only in the Missouri bottoms. It has frequently 
been seen in various localities in summer but its nest has never been 


60 


found and its breeding is still open to question. Omaha, Peru, West 
Point—in summer. Migratory at Lincoln. 


405. Ceophleus pileatus abieticola Bangs—NortTHERN PitEaTtED Woop- 
PECKER. 

This magnificent woodpecker was formerly not uncommon in the 
more heavily wooded portions of the Missouri bottoms. Both L. 
Skow and Bruner have seen it in the vicinity of Rockport, and Bruner 
also found it not rare about Tekamah years ago. The last Nebraska 
record is I. S. Trostler’s, from near Omaha, May 20, 1895, a bird seen. 
It probably used to breed in these regions, for there have been noted 
in the past numerous indications of what was undoubtedly the work of 
this bird in building its nesting sites. If now present at all it is very 
rare. The Peru record of the ‘‘Ivory-billed” refers to this species. 


406. *Melanerpes erythrocephalus (Linnaeus) —-RED-HEADED WooDPECKER. 
Common throughout the whole state. Locally abundant and in- 
creasing in numbers. It winters but is rare at this season, in the 
southern part of the state, the bulk appearing about the first of May 

and remaining till late in October. Breeding throughout its range. 


408. *Asyndesmus torquatus (Wilson)—-LEwis WooDPECKER. 

Common summer resident and breeder in the pine-covered canyon 
districts of Sioux, Dawes, northern Sheridan, and Scott’s Bluff counties; 
in winter east to the eastern limits of the pines or about Long Pine 
and Valentine. 


409. *Centurus carolinus (Linnaeus)—-RED-BELLIED WOODPECKER. 
Found locally in eastern Nebraska, especially southward; breed- 
ing uncommonly and rarely remaining in winter. Omaha, Nebraska 
City, Lincoln, Beatrice, West Point. Bruner reports seeing a strag- 
gler once in Monroe canyon, Sioux county. 


412a. *Colaptes auratus luteus Bangs—NorTHERN FLICKER. 
Common all over the state, abundant eastward, breeding through- 
out, and only in part migratory. 


413. *Colaptes cafer collaris (Vigors)-RED-sHAFTED FLICKER. 
A common resident over the entire state, abundant westward, 
very common eastward in winter but becoming much less so in sum- 
mer. Sioux and Cherry counties, Lincoln, Beatrice, Omaha. 


EXTRALIMITAL: It is barely possible that the American Three- 
toed Woodpecker, 401. P. americanus Brehm, may reach our state in 
winter very rarely, but there is no record as yet. 402a. S. v. nuchalis 
Baird, the Red-naped Sapsucker, is the western variety of the Yel- 
low-bellied Sapsucker. It is common in eastern Colorado and 
Wyoming and has been taken in western Kansas, so may be 
expected in western Nebraska also. Williamson Sapsucker, 404. S. 
thyroideus (Cassin), is common in both Colorado and Wyoming, 


61 
breeding from 5,000 to 10,000 feet, and migrating commonly in the 


foothills even to Cheyenne, so it may occasionally reach Nebraska also 
during migrations. 


ORDER XIV. MACROCHIRES—Goatsuckers, SwiFTs, ETC. 


A. Bill slender and long, gape narrow; plumage metallic... .... Trochilide. 
A. Bill short and broad at base; gape very wide; plumage non-metallic. (B) 
B. Middle toe pectinated and longer than others....... Caprimulgide. 
B. Middle toe not pectinate nor longer than others. .. ..Micropodide. 


Famity CAPRIMULGIDZ—GoatsuckmErs, NIGHTHAWKS, ETC. 


1. Middle of primaries with a conspicuous white bar; tail: forked; rictal 


bristles very smalls 2s ccss ences tee Aceh me tide peru at nednes (2) 
1. Middle of primaries without a white spot; tail rounded or square; rictal 
bristles Ong’, - tncsin awe enuieae ens sn Cane en Aaicanh ACES pao anuh ives (3) 


_2. Darkest. Black markings prominent above, much in excess of 
the brown and gray sens the blackish bars below mostly 
cempiete....... . Nighthawk. 

2. Paler. Gray anil ube: in excess ee dade eoler abate, the white 

on wing, tail and throat more extensive, below often washed 

WIth TUStYs 6G es dss bee decd eee Wie eae ae Western Nighthawk, 

2. Palest. Pale silvery gray predominating above, the white below 
greatly in excess of the narrow, irregular or broken, dark bars, 

and little or no rufous feathers... .......... Sennett Nighthawk. 

3. Tarsus feathered; tail rounded, the 3 outer feathers white tipped for over 
AMINCH os yin neta eae AeA ae a een te eee ed Whippoorwill. 

3. Tarsus naked; tail even, the 3 outer feathers white tipped for less than 
BRIT CBs 26 Ya sae, suc dete ania attach aol a een eee a eh Hh Meeps wig art te gf Sa (4) 

4. Darker, the ground color of upper parts velvety gray, irregularly 
barred with black; below barred with blackish and buffy; chin 

and cheeks blackish... ........0. 0.0... ..00 cece Poorwill. 

4. Paler, the ground color of upper parts much lighter, largely frosty 

white, with the dark markings fewer and sharper; the bars 

beneath finer and paler, less conspicuous; chin and cheeks faded 

brown. iG se eueeyereeeas wecte ee ee lise Frosted Poorwill. 


417. *Antrostomus vociferus (Wilson) —WHIPPOORWILL. 
Uncommon summer resident and breeder along the Missouri river, 
more rarely westward over about the eastern half of state. Omaha, 
Peru, Nebraska City, Neligh—breeding. Noted also, but not breed- 
ing, at Lincoln, West Point, Thomas county—rare. Arrives the last 
week in April, breeds from the middle of May to well into June, 
leaves late in September. 


418. *Phalaenoptilus nuttallii (Audubon)—Poorwitt. 
Western part of state, common; breeding in the canyons of Sioux 
county and east at least to Long Pine canyon, probably across the 
state northward. 


62 
420. *Chordeiles virginianus (Gmelin) —NicHTHawK. 

The nighthawks breeding along the Missouri and a little westward 
are very clearly of this form, which occurs during migration over the 
eastern half of the state, but is not nearly soabundant as is sennetti 
westward. Arrives the second week in May, breeds in early June, 
departs before the middle of September. Omaha, Peru, Beatrice, 
Lincoln, West Point. 


420a. *Chordeiles virginianus henryi (Cassin) —-WEsTERN NIGHTHAWK. 
This rufous form is the commoner one in Sioux county, though speci- 
mens nearer sennetti also occur there. During migrations it extends 
eastward about half way across the state, flocking with sennettt. 
Indian creek, Warbonnet canyon, Harrison—breeding. 


420c. *Chordeiles virginianus sennetti (Coues)—SznneTt NicHTHAWK. 

This is the nighthawk of the whole western two-thirds of the state 
except in Sioux county where it is mostly replaced by and runs into 
henry; it occupies this region to the complete exclusion of the other 
forms during the breeding season. It is the nighthawk of the sand- 
hills, where its conspicuous paleness makes its identity unmistakable, 
but eastward it intergrades with virginianus and is more difficult to 
distinguish. Antelope, Holt, Rock, Cherry, Dawes, Thomas, Dundy, 
Red Willow counties. 

EXTRALIMITAL: 418a. P. n.nitidus Brewster,the Frosted Poorwill, 
occurs as a summer resident in western Kansas and eastern Colorado, 
and may reasonably be expected in extreme southwest Nebraska, 
though there is as yet no specimen from that locality. 


Famity MICROPODIDA—Swirts 


1. Sooty, paler below, the throat gray, wings black; tail rounded, spine 
tipped. . . Chimney Swift, 
1. Black, under ‘pacts exeopt the ‘sides whites ‘ail forked, a6 spiny. 
sins sbi aes el ah on bhabuied HAVA NA Ala thane a all ete White-throated Rock Swift. 


423. *Chetura pelagica (Linnaeus)—-CHIMNEyY SwiIrt. : 
Eastern portions of state only, west along northern border to Ne- 
ligh, O’ Neill, Atkinson, and probably Long Pine, but rare west of the 
98th meridian. Arriving third week in April, breeding the latter 
part of May, and departing second week in September. Locally very 
abundant. Omaha, Lincoln, Beatrice, Peru, West Point, Niobrara. 


425. *Aeronautes melanoleucus (Baird)—Wuitz-THROATED Rock Swirt. 
Sioux, Scott’s Bluff, and Dawes counties, common summer resi- 
dent and breeder in the high perpendicular cliffs of that region. (See 
Carriker, Proc. N. O. U., ITI, pp. 81-83.) 


Famity TROCHILIDZ—Hovmmineetirps 


1. Throat metallic red; males (2)—not wholly metallic red; females... . (4) 
2, Tail forked; outer primary broad, end turned inward; back 
golden green................... Ruby-throated Hummingbird. 


63 


2. Tail rounded; outer primary narrow, acute...... . (8) 

3. Back golden green; end of outer primary bowed eiigeaeds “Hhneat 
pink, . dae dee ECR ESE tare Broad-tailed Hummingbird. 

3. Back i iit mostly chestnut; end of outer primary bowed inward; 
throat-copperye <icscc0ie desi oeGe sea ae ae keke: Rufous Hummingbird. 

4, Tail without rufous, doubly rounded, three outer feathers 
white tipped, black barred. .... Ruby-throated Hummingbird. 

4. Tail with rufous, rounded, four outer feathers white tipped, 
middlé pair greenish. . 04265 chscwnsae nee yemnreee geen eee (5) 

5. Outer tail feather under 1 inch long and only 4 inch broad, the rufous 
equalling or exceeding the black............ Rufous Hummingbird. 

5. Outer tail feather over 1 inch long and } inch broad, the rufous less 
extensive than the black..... ......Broad-tailed Hummingbird. 


428. *Trochilus colubris Linnaeus—RuBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD. 
Eastern Nebraska, not recorded west of the 98th meridian, breeding 
quite commonly in the ravines of the Missouri river bluffs. Arrives 
second week in May, breéds in June, departs late in September. 
Omaha, Beatrice, Gresham, Lincoln, West Point. 


432. Selasphorus platycercus (Swainson)—Broap-raiLepD HUMMINGBIRD. 

During the summer of 1891, Bruner saw on several occasions on 
the Pine ridge in Sioux and Dawes counties a species of humming- 
bird which he identified as this one, and a later intimate acquaintance 
with it in Colorado confirmed his identification. The hummingbird 
reported by J. M. Bates in Bruner’s list from Cherry county (Valen- 
tine) according to his own judgment also belongs here since he later 
identified the Broad-tailed at Bassett, Sept. 10, 1899, thus establish- 
ing its range half way across the state. (See Proc. N. O. U., I, pp. 
16-17.) Inthe adjacent states of Wyoming and Coloraco this species 
is common. 

EXTRALIMITAL: 433. S. rufus (Gmelin), the Rufous Humming- 
bird, is a western species which is fairly common in Colorado and has 
been taken at Cheyenne, Wyo., only about 60 miles from the Nebraska 


line. 
ORDER XV. PASSERES—Perrcuine Birps 
A. Tarsus with its hinder edge compressed......................04.. (C) 
A. Tarsus with its hinder edge rounded......................0..0000. (B) 
B. Bill hooked at tip and with bristles at base.... .....Tyrannide. 
B. Bill not hooked at tip and without bristles............ Alaudide. 
C. Primaries 9, the outermost one much over 4 length of next........ (D) 
C. Primaries 10, the outermost one not over 4 length of next.......... (J) 
D. Bill slightly hooked at tip, narrow and straight . . Vireonidae (pt.) 
D. Bill not hooked at tip or else short and broad based, or 
toothed on cutting edge of upper mandible.............. (E) 
E. Bill very broad; its gape twice length of culmen......... Hirundinidae. 


E. Bill various, but gape never twice length of culmen................. (F) 


64 


F. Bill conoid; if compressed the tip slightly hooked, and if 
slender with a notch on upper cutting edge near tip, or the 
tip acute ......... «eal(H) 
F. Bill slender; if deep the ‘pulten much curved, ‘and? if ap- 
proaching conoid the corners of the mouth not turned 


downward . tie ae aide ae dtbin ceed chia a Set, ela Seen oe .(G) 
G. Tertials nearly as loties as priniaries.. Dieeraede ts | Motacillida, 
G. Tertials not nearly as long as primaries. ; .Mniotiltide. 
H. Rictal bristles obsolete; bill not notched ‘at fins warp Ee eos Icteridz. 
H. Rictal bristles present; bill notched at tip or nostrils feathered (I) 
I. Corners of mouth turned abruptly downward..............Fringillide. 
I. Corners of mouth not turned downward.................4- Tanagride. 
J. Front of tarsus a single continuous plate except at extreme 
PASC tics heard cei eo kh cee eae Dae oe MES Aa Rad Te ewe (T) 
J. Front of tarsus divided into foursided secales................(K) 
K. Bill very strongly hooked, and toothed near tip............... Laniide. 
K. Bill not hooked, or but slightly so... 1.6.0... ... cece eee eee (L) 
L. Tarsus not longer than middle toe with claw, bill short, de- 
PLessed air aa nS Ga Fea ae Goh Mate eas Ampelide. 
L. Tarsus longer than middle toe with claw, or else bill elongated, 
not depressed. ................. Se bdelai cai vieen tan Geen any tidal (M) 
M. Tail feathers stiff and pointed at tips...................... Certhiide. 
M. Tail feathers not stiff nor especially pointed....................... (N) 
‘N. Nasal feathers erect, not covering the nostrils. ............(O) 
N. Nasal feathers directed forward, usually covering the nostrils, .(R) 
O. Hind toe longer than outer toe ........... 00.0... 0 cee ee Troglodytide. 
O. Hind toe not longer than outer toe. be .(P) 
P. Basal joint of middle toe joined to lateral ‘toes. Vireonide (pt.) 
P. Basal joint of middle toe mostly free from lateral toes....... (Q) 
Q. Wing under 24 inches Sylviide (Polioptiline)—over 34 inches. .Mimide. 
R. Hind toe longer than outer toe, its claw large........... .Sittide 
R. Hind toe not distinctly longer than outer toe...............(8) 
S. Wing under 4 inches Paride—over 4 inches.................. Corvide. 
T. Without rictal bristles; nostrils linear; tail very short. .Cinclide. 
T. With distinct rictal bristles; nostrils oval; tailnormal........(U) 
U. Wing under 3 inches Sylviide (Sylviine, Reguline)—over 3 inches 
JAM en weed @ Rene cdo 4 oe EE ly ee ea ents baud and cicenene Turdidze 


Famity TYRANNIDZ—Ftycarcuers 
1. Tail very long, over 7 inches, forked for } its length; ashy, with 


Starlet: SIGES., ss555 wae ga gemee Ase ea os Scissor-tailed Flycatcher. 
1. Tail shorter, under 5 inches, only slightly forked, or square.......... (2) 
2. Larger, wing 3} to S5incheslong.................... Bae Aceastsa (3) 
2. Smaller, wing 3} or less, down to 24............ 0.0.00 cece ee (12) 


3. Crown with a concealed orange patch (4)—without a bright colored 


65 


4, Under parts whitish, without yellow; upper parts black; tail 


white-tipped .s<iiaw cee ecuekue ties eae bales Seas Kingbird. 
4, Under parts yellow except ashy throat and breast; above ashy; 
tail not white tipped. . Els is Gop day eRe RES e (5) 


5. Tail slightly forked, its outer feather whe eative outer web and half 
of the quill whitish; head, neck, and breast light ashy, that on 
breast lighter than that on back, the chin and throat pale ashy; 
wings blackish narrowly edged with paler, the tip of outer pri- 
maries narrowed gradually for some distance. .. . Arkansas Kingbird. 
5. Tail rounded, its outer feather with quill brown and only outer edge 
of outer web whitish; head, neck, and breast dark ashy, breast 
as dark as back, chin abruptly whitish; wings brownish, broadly 
edged with paler, the tips of outer primaries narrowed abruptly 
near the end... .. .Cassin Kingbird. 
6. Under parts wih thront anal breast ashy hanging to sulphur 
yellow on belly and under tail-coverts; wings and tail con- 


spicuously marked with chestnut... ........-.......000. (7) 
6. Under parts not as above, without decided yellow; no chestnut 
on wings or tail....... ... (8) 


7. Throat and chest dark ashy, abruptly changing +46 ‘pul eeéllowe 
above olivaceous brown; edgings on secondaries and coverts gray- 
ish, the chestnut on insier web of tail feathers extensive, the fus- 
cous stripe very narrow and not widening at tip.............. 

Mis .Great-crested Flycatcher. 
7. Throat ena enreae 3 very ee aaler ashy: former almast white, changing 
gradually to pale yellow; above grayish brown; edgings on sec- 
ondaries and coverts yellowish, the chestnut on fnnen web of tail 
feathers narrower, the fuscous stripe wider and broadening at tip 

across the feather. ..... So teahs .. Ash-throated Flycatcher. 

8. Bill narrow and entirely blade; wing 25 times as long as tarsus. .(9) 
8. Bill broad,lower mandible more or less pale; wing 6 times as 


long as tarsus... . seeeee sees CEO) 

9. Belly whitish; elsewhere glive-eray, ihe fui ducky, Siberia Ga etntv ak oe Phebe. 
9. Belly cinnamon brown; elsewhere brownish gray, the tail black.... 

En ag ie se Seteals ie etal rings MaKe Greats SO Nea SO ae Ro HE . Say Phebe. 


10. Wing 314 to 48,, averaging 4 inches; above dark oliva- 
ceous, throat whitish, breast and sides dull grayish, middle 
of belly abruptly eee white in a lengthwise streak . 
: . . Olive-sided Riveatcher. 
10. Wing 3} “ ab i iadhes pally without a defined yellowish 


white streak. be Sao .(11) 
11. Upper parts lighter, more olivaceous, belly 1 more , whitish, breast less 
olive gray; lower mandible yellowish................. Wood Pewee. 


11. Upper parts darker, more fuscous; belly more clouded, breast much 
more olive gray, generally solidly of ‘1at color; lower mandible 
HPOWNishye stages setiss see be is eee Bete Ie eS Western Wood Pewee. 
12. Under parts sulphur yellow, that n throat, breast, and sides 


66 


tinged with olive green; above dull olivaceous, not sae 


with brown; lower mandible pale. . ‘ F (18) 
12. Under pats. dull whitish, somewhat finged wile yellow on 
belly but never on throat... 0.0... eee ce eee (14) 


13. Under wing-coverts pale yellowish, wing-bands yellowish white; 
coloration purer and brighter, above more greenish olive, below 
purer yellow, the breast shaded with olive; tail longer, gener - 
ally over 24 inches. oes : . Yellow-bellied Flycatcher. 

13. Under wing-coverts pale buffy, deeper on n edge of wing; wing-bands 
buffy gray; coloration duller and more clouded, above more gray- 
ish olive, below pale dull yellow faintly clouded with dull grayish 
brown on the breast; tail shorter, generally under 24 inches.... 
yak A ice cgay ok se ad ane ba epee dels Sonatina date Western Flycatcher. 
14. Bill moderately wide, at nostrils over $ the length.......... (15) 
14. Bill very narrow, at nostrils less than 4 as wide aslong....... (18) 

15. Above uniform olive greenish not tinged with brown; wing-bars and 
eye-ring tawny; below white with breast grayish, and together 
with sides, washed with sulphur yellow; lower mandible whitish 
Ce ee eee te eae eee ee eee re eer ee Acadian Flycatcher. 

15. Above olivaceous tinged with brown; wing-bars and eye-ring buffy 
whitish; below white, breast grayish, and, together with sides, 
very slightly yellowish; lower mandible darker................ (16) 
16. Smaller, wing 2% or less long; tail slightly forked; upper 

parts more grayish, rather ashy; wing-bars Groudes: dull 

white; eye-ring grayish white; under mandible dusky.... 

ed Ghtsidins a8 sehen ecltse acti APNG a BWR aoc y vices tennay ascie™ ogg oan Least Flycatcher. 
16. Larger, wing over 23, up to 23 long; tail even or rounded; 

upper parts more brownish; wing-bars narrower, tinged with 

gray or buffy; eye-ring buffy white; under mandible paler. .(17) 

17. Above duller, more fuscous, breast more ashy and lower parts less 
yellowish; wing-bars duller, less conspicuous, more grayish white; 
bill longer and very slightly narrower, tarsus longer. Traill Flycatcher. 

17. Above clearer, more olivaceous, lower parts more yellowish; wing- 
bars more olivaceous white; bill and tarsi shorter... Alder Flycatcher. 
18. Outer web of outer tail feather not paler than inner; more 

. olivaceous, throat grayish, eye-ring and wing-bars soiled 
whitish, below more yellowish; lower mandible brown..... 
Spee ise fi tage bs glove stop aati ees at Dave Giles Seto Bo sadonaete Hammond Flycatcher. 
18. Outer web of outer tail feather abruptly paler than inner, dull 
whitish; duller and grayer, throat, eye-ring and wing-bars 
whitish, lower parts hardly yellowish; lower mandible 
brown at tip only........................ Wright Flycatcher. 


443. Muscivora forficata (Gmelin)—Sctssor-TaILED FLYCATCHER. 
Accidental. The only known instance of the occurrence of this 
bird in Nebraska is a single specimen seen south of Lincoln in the fall 
of 1872 by Bruner. There is no doubt as to the correct identification 


444. 


447. 


452. 


456. 


457. 


459. 


461. 


462. 


67 


of the species, as the view was very good and the bird known by the 
observer. ‘ 


*Tyrannus tyrannus (Linnaeus)—KINGBIRD. 

Abundant over entire state in summer, arriving the last few days 
in April or in early May, breeding from middle May through June, 
and departing the second week in September. Breeds throughout 
the state. 


*Tyrannus verticalis Say—ARKANSAS KINGBIRD. 

Presemt over entire state; an abundant breeder westward in the 
semi-arid districts, east to about the 100th meridian, and in the 
Niobrara valley to its mouth; eastwardly rare, occurring only as a 
migrant. Sioux, Cheyenne, and Dundy counties, east to Niobrara, 
Valentine, Broken Bow, Holdrege, ete.—breeding. Migrant at 
Omaha, Lincoln, Ashland, Fremont, West Point, Neligh, etc. 


*Myiarchus crinitus (Linnaeus)—GREAT-CRESTED FLYCATCHER. 

A common summer resident and breeder along the Missouri and 
in the larger timber of its principal tributaries in eastern, and’ especi- 
ally southeastern, Nebraska. Richardson county, Brownville, 
Omaha, Peru, up the Blue to Beatrice, Milford, along Salt creek to 
Lincoln, up the Elkhorn to West Point—breeding. Arrives first 
week in May, breeds in June, departs early in September. 


*Sayornis phoebe (Latham)—Pua@BE. 

More eastern portions of state; abundant summer resident and 
breeder. Omaha, Peru, Lincoln, Beatrice, West Point, Neligh, Long 
Pine, Cherry county—breeding. Arrives about third week in March, 
breeds from middle April to middle July, departs early in September. 


*Sayornis saya (Bonaparte)—Say PHa@Be. 

Like the Arkansas Kingbird this species is practically confined to 
the semi-arid portions of the state, but even more decidedly so. 
Very common summer resident and breeder, Sioux and Dundy coun- 
ties, east to Chadron, Valentine, and Rock, Custer, Dawson, and Buffalo 
counties. Migrant in Holt county and once at Lincoln. Extending 
slowly eastward. 


Nuttallornis borealis (Swainson) —OLIVE-sIDED FLYCATCHER. 
Rather rare migrant over the state, breeding north of Nebraska. 
Sioux county, West Point, Lincoln, Gresham. Passes first week in 
May and late in September. 


*Contopus virens (Linnaeus) Woop PEwEE. 

Eastern edge of state, common summer resident and breeder, 
arriving second week in May, breeding in June, and departing late 
in August. Omaha, Peru, Lincoln, Beatrice, Weeping Water, Ne- 
braska City, Dakota City, ete. 


Contopus richardsonii (Swainson)—WesteRN Woop Prewes. 
Common summer resident in Sioux County, east, but not common, 


463. 


465. 


466. 


467. 


68 


to Dismal river, Thomas county. Aughey reports it also from Sid- 
ney and the Wood river, the latter probably in Custer or Dawson 
counties. Very likely breeds in the state. 


Empidonax flaviventris Baird—YELLOW-BELLIED FLYCATCHER. 
Aughey states that this flycatcheris present sparingly in eastern 
Nebraska and that he has known it to breed along the Missouri, but 
he does not give his evidence, and the latter statement is probably 
a mistake. He shot one near Dakota City in July, 1870. It has 
been noted once at both Lincoln and West Point as a migrant by 
Bruner. It is, however, quite rare. 


‘ 


*Empidonax virescens (Vieillot)—Acapran FLYCATCHER. 

Whole of state, breeding commonly along the Missouri, less com- 
monly along the lower Platte and the Elkhorn. Omaha, West Point, 
Sioux county. Arrives second week in May, breeds in June, departs 
early in September. 


*Empidonax traillii (Audubon)—Traiut FLYcaTcHeER. 
Entire state, common, arrives first week in May or a day or so pre- 
viously, breeds in June, and departs early in September. Omaha, 

Peru, Nebraska City, Lincoln, Neligh, Sioux county. 


*Empidonax minimus Baird—lLzEast FLycaTcHER. 

Eastern Nebraska rather rare; breeding along the Missouri river. 
Omaha, Dakota City—breeding. Migrant at Lincoln, West Point, 
and Neligh. Dates same as preceding. 

EXTRALIMITAL: 448. T. vociferans Swainson, the Cassin King- 
bird, isa common summer resident in Colorado down to the foothills 
and is present, though uncommon, at Cheyenne, Wyo. It may straggle 
to western Nebraska during migration. 454. M. cinerascens (Law- 
rence), the Ash-throated Flycatcher, has been taken at Cheyenne, 
Wyo. 464. E. difficilis Baird, the Western Flycatcher, represents the 
Yellow-bellied in the western United States. It is common in sum- 
mer in Colorado, occurs in eastern Wyoming,and may reach western 
Nebraska during migrations. 466a. H.t. alnorum Brewster, the Alder 
Flycatcher, is a scarcely distinct form occurring in eastern United 
States west to Michigan, but specimens from Sioux county, in ex- 
treme northwest Nebraska, have been identified at Washington as 
alnorum. Owing to the extreme distance from the limits of its ac- 
cepted range it is not included as a Nebraska bird. Two small 
western Empidonaces, 468. E. hammondi (Xantus), the Hammond 
Flycatcher, and 496. E. wrightit Baird, the Wright Flycatcher, 
especially the latter species, are apt to straggle into western Nebraska 
during migrations. Both occur in Colorado and Wyoming, wrightii 
abundantly and even to Cheyenne. 


Famity ALAUDIDA—Larxs 


1. Larger, wing 44 to 42, averaging 43 inches, upper parts darker, 


more rufescent and less pinkish.............. 0.0.00 .c0c0e cee (2) 


69 


1. Smaller, wing 4 to 43, averaging 4! inches; upper eas paler, 


more grayish and pinkish......... . (3) 
2. Throat, forehead, and line over eye ‘deep “yellow. 4hie color 
often suffusing rest of crown, occiput and auriculars.Horned Lark. 
2. Throat pale yellow at least centrally, forehead, line over eye, 
and rest of pale areas on head white.........Hoyt Horned Lark. 


3. Throat yellowish white, the line over eye usually yellowish; upper 


parts paler, more sandy brown than blackish; nape, upper tail- 
coverts, and bend of wing more pinkish....... Desert Horned Lark. 


3. Throat pale yellow, the line over eye usually all white; upper parts 


darker, more blackish than brown; nape, upper tail-coverts and 
bend of wing less pinkish...................Prairie Horned Lark. 


474. Otocoris alpestris (Linnaeus) —Hornep Lark. 


474b. 


474c. 


474k. 


The typical form, breeding from Labrador to Hudson bay, in win- 
ter descends chiefly along the Atlantic coast, but occasionally in the 
Mississippi valley also to Illinois. A single specimen, taken at Lin- 
coln by a student in the taxidermy class (full data unfortunately lost) 
has been identified by Oberholser “as typical alpestris. This record 
extends the known winter range of this species considerably westward. 


*Otocoris alpestris praticola Henshaw—Prairig Hornep Lark. 
Eastern and especially southeastern Nebraska; common resident; 
in summer rare west of the 97th meridian, in winter straggling west- 
ward half way across the state. Breeds from late March to well into 
July. Omaha, Peru, Lincoln, Beatrice, West Point—breeding. 


*Otocoris alpestris leucolema (Coues)—Desert Hornep Lark. 

Greater portion of state especially westward; an abundant 
resident, breeding east to at least the 99th meridian and northward 
even farther, in winter over whole state but uncommon eastward. 
Sioux, Cheyenne, Dundy, and Cherry counties, to Niobrara, Neligh, 
etc.—breeding. Under this name are included those specimens re- 
ferable to Oberholser’s form enthymia which he has identified from 
specimens taken at Valentine and Harrison. 


Otocoris alpestris hoyti Bishop—Hoyt Hornep Lark. 

Regular winter visitant, occurring over the entire state, never so 
common as the two preceding forms and appearing usually in Febru- 
ary. Breeds far north, from Hudson bay to the Mackenzie river and 
south to Lake Athabasca. Oberholser has identified it from Pap- 
illion, Platte Center, and Lincoln. It is here that most, if not all, 
of the previous Nébraska records of the typical alpestris and of the 
large so-called ‘Jeucolema’ (=arcticola) belong. Omaha, West 
Point, Covington. 


Famity CORVIDZ—Jays, Crows, Macriss, Erc. 


1. Color wholly black'(2)—mostly blue (5)—neither wholly black nor 


MIOSHY DIG a oz. cco wicnae nae Heb Ra ioe wih anwar kas Beh Bae wh icc eS (9) 


70 


2. Throat feathers oval, blended; bill under 2 inches, wing 12 to 


I4Anches, os ceeds nies vawees ers dvee es eee eae ee eae Crow. 
2. Throat feathers narrow, pointed, separated; bill over 2, wing 
OVER 13 Inches: wc 4.94 ei ge-ckay i Se Se Te EME EN we BS (3) 


3. Wing 13 to 14 inches long; hind neck with feathers white at base. . 
. White-necked Raven. 


3. Wing 16 - 18 qaches dang< nad meek feathers without white........ (4) 
4. Larger, bill 23 to 3}, averaging about 3 inches, over 1 inch 
deep at nostrils: ¢ 4.0 2s curaweaetaneede es cus Northern Raven. 
4. Smaller, bill 22 to 3, averaging 2 inches, under 1 inch 
deep at nostrils... 2... eee «American Raven. 
5. Head crested (6)—not crested... 2.0... cee ee ene (8) 
6. Crest purplish blue, throat white with a black collar and front- 
let; wings and tail blue. . io des Hegpa eho BANOS Sahn Blue Jay. 
6. Crest, head, neck, and upper chest and back blackish or brown- 
ish; rump, belly, wings, and tail dark blue................ (7) 


7. White spot over eye smaller, streaks on forehead light blue, (both 
sometimes Se greater wing-coverts not barred........ 

; Ae : . Black-headed Jay. - 

7. White -apots over eye sonepicnois, sirealal on Pordliead bluish white 
or pure white (never See greater wing-coverts barred 


with black. .... ..Long-crested Jay. 
8. Wholly dull blue, hnielibar’ on heady “duller ¢ on belly, throat 
white-streaked «. as ca ei cus ease been ea ss ode ws Pinion Jay. 


8. Below gray, under tail-coverts blue, with streaks on breast 
and tinge of belly same color; back grayish blue with crown, 
nape, wings, and tail pure blue................ Woodhouse Jay. 

9. Black; shoulders, lower back, under parts, and wing tips white; tail 
9 to 12 inches. : . Magpie. 
9. Gray; wings black, “tail white with middle feathers “‘Hlepkes tail 5 
inches..... a Clarke Nutcracker. 
9. Gray; head mostly mulitte, lower parts sal: ‘iil: narrowly white tipped. (10) 

10. Occiput and hind crown blackish, this reaching to (often en- 
circling) the eye; in young crown colored as back... .Canada Jay. 

10. Occiput only plumbeous gray, this not reaching to eye; young 
with crown white tinged with grayish brown.............. 

Paap d haps Given eh ee Need sian ohare” Gre eed ys Rocky Mountain Jay. 


475. *Pica pica hudsonica (Sabine)—Macpig. 

Resident. Formerly present over entire state (Norfolk, West 
Point, Beatrice, Plattsmouth, Dixon county), now restricted to west- 
ern and especially northwestern portion of state, where it is still com- 
mon; breeding in Sioux and Dawes counties, in winter east to Long 
Pine and Badger in the Niobrara valley. 


477. *Cyanocitta cristata (Linnaeus)—Buun Jay. 
Entire state, resident, abundant eastward, uncommon westward. 
Though present in winter, the majority retire farther south at that 


71 


season, returning about middle April, breeding in May, and leaving 
again in late October. Spreading westward rapidly. 


+78c. Cyanocitta stelleri annectens (Baird) —BLACK-HEADED Jay. 

One record for the state, « bird seen in Sioux county on the tim- 
ber reserve west of Fort Robinson in April, 1891, by Bruner. This 
bird is common in eastern Wyoming. The Long-crested Jay, 478b. 
C. s. diademata (Bonaparte), is the Colorado form, occurring also in 
southern Wyoming and might occur in winter in southwestern Ne- 
braska. 


[480. Aphelocoma woodhouseii (Baird)—Woopuouss Jay. This was re- 
corded in Bruner’s list as a common ‘‘transient visitor’? at North 
Platte by M. K. Barnum, but it was confused with the Pifion Jay. 
The Woodhouse Jay, however, is a common resident in Colorado, 
and has been taken from October to April at Fort Lyon, so may 
oceasionally reach the state.] 


484. Perisoreus canadensis (Linnaeus)—Canapba Jay. 

Very rare winter visitor. The only record is the one by Bruner, 
who saw a specimen of this bird at West Point either the last few days 
in February or in early March, 1886. There is no question as to iden- 
tification as the bird was approached to within a few feet. 


484a. Perisoreus canadensis capitalis Ridgway—Rocxy Mountain Jay. 
Probably a regular winter visitant to northwest Nebraska. Bruner 
has noted it three times—near Belmont in the spring of 1889, at the 
timber reservation west of Ft. Robinson in April, 1891, and at the 
head of Monroe canyon in February, 1896. 


486. Corvus corax sinuatus (Wagler) AMERICAN RaveEN. 

Formerly frequent, now very rare if not extinct in the state. Aughey 
says it ‘‘was formerly frequently seen in Nebraska, especially in its 
northern part; latterly (1877) seldom met with.” He examined a 
single one in June, 1865. Bruner has noted it in Brown county and 
near Sidney. L. Skow reports it from Omaha. Whether any of 
these records pertain to the eastern form (468a. C.c. principalis Ridg- 
way) can not now be determined beyond doubt, but it is not probable 
thaf they do. 


487. Corvus cryptoleucus Couch—WHITE-NECKED RaveEN. 

Aughey states that he saw this raven but once in Nebraska, on the 
Republican river near the west line of the state in April, 1877. Bruner 
noted it once near Sidney. Now probably extinct within our bor- 
ders. 


488. *Corvus brachyrhynchos C. L. Beehm—Crow. 

Resident over the whole state, abundant eastward, becoming rare 
westward, but steadily spreading in that direction. Rare west of 
98th meridian, but reaching regularly up the Niobrara to Long Pine; 
only once seen at Crawford till Aug., 1903, when Bruner observed 


72 


a flock of about a dozen twelve miles west, at Glen. Breeds from 
early April to late in June. 


491. Nucifraga columbiana (Wilson)—-CLaRKE NUTCRACKER. 
Northwestern Nebraska; occasionally seen in summer on Pine 
ridge where it may breed. In fall and winter spreading south and 
east to Sidney, Kearney, North Platte, and even to Omaha. 


492. *Cyanocephalus cyanocephalus (Wied)—Pinion Jay. 

Common resident, spending the summer and occasionally breeding 
along Pine Ridge in Sioux, Dawes, and Sheridan counties; in winter 
wandering in flocks eastward to Cherry county, Long Pine, North 
Platte, Fullerton, etc. 


Famity ICTERIDA—Buacksirps, ORIOLES, AND MEADOWLARKS 


1. Body deep black with conspicuously contrasting, sharply defined, un- 
broken patches of bright yellow, scarlet, white, or chestnut some- 
where, and without streaks...... s€2) 

1. Body entirely deep black, brownish, or platy: gravish, “nustrexted 
and without an unbroken patch of bright color anywhere, though 
sometimes varied with broken rusty or yellowish which is never 


sharply defined. a). 2. Sages ese ar-blcu We dee BN ae eee Soe we ae (7) 
1. Body above brownish or dusky streaked, below lighter with conspicu- 
ous streaks on the sides... 1.2.0.0... cece ee (11) 


1. Body olivaceous above and du! yellow or orange below, unstreaked. . (15) 
2. Belly deep black; marsh birds (3)—uniform chestnut or 
orange; arboreal birds. ... 2.0 2... see eset eee een (5) 
3. Black; rump, and shoulders white, back neck buffy white; tail feath- 
ers acute at tip..... : abate . Bobolink, male. 
3. Black; head, and breast wvellaa except some iv blaely around bill; a whats 
wing-patch. . . Yellow-headed Blackbird, male. 
3. Black; shoulders scarlet bordered by buffy Saracens aera uaa eens (4) 
4, Smaller, with a longer, slenderer bill; wing about 43, depth 
of bill at base about 4 inch; middle wing-coverts paler buff 
IN: WINTER csi etitnioe mame noes e548 Red-winged Blackbird, male. 
4. Larger, with a shorter, thicker bill; wing about 5 inches, depth 
of bill at base decidedly over 4 inch; middle wing-coverts 
deeper buff in winter................ Northern Redwing, male. 
5. Black; with breast, belly, lower. back, and rump chestnut.......... 
es ek . Orchard Oriole, male. 
5. Black; HE ‘hreast, helly, lower haele, and — with most of tail 
orange...... ...(6) 
6. Head enkiaelye hacks, Suter tail feather « orange with 4 some 
black at base and greater wing-coverts black broadly edged 
with white. . eter eer ..Baltimore Oriole, male. 
6. Head black ith gheels nat line over ayes” yellow, outer tail 
feathers with the black near the tip, and a large wholly white 
patch on greater wing-coverts............Bullock Oriole, male. 
7. Tail rounded, the outer feathers about an inch shorter than inner 


73 


ones; male black with head metallic bluish purple, back metallic 
bronze, wings and tail metallic purplish black; female similar 
but duller, and less metallic; iris white............ Bronzed Grackle. 
7. Tail square, the outer feathers almost or quite as long as inner ones. . . (8) 
8. Brownish above and below with a yellowish throat and breast. 
4 . Yellow-headed Blackbird, female. 
8. Black, ‘bepwniali or a dais without any yellowish anywhere... .(9) 
9. Bill short and thick, its depth over half its length, plumage never 
rusty; male entirely glossy blue-black with brown head and neck; 


female entirely brownish gray... ................00-0000- Cowbird. 
9. Bill long and slender, its depth about half its length or less, plumage 
Ofben With PUstyse ses ence pan Gs wl) wale HDRES Eee ees (10) 


10. Male black with a faint green gloss, and a faint blue gloss on 
head, in winter upper parts conspicuously varied with rusty ; 
female entirely dull slate, varied with rusty in winter. 

Shh GRA aah A LIA i ila 2 aT Viel Hii os Bia Rusty Blackbird, 

10. Male black with a\deep green gloss, head and neck with a 
beautiful violet iridescence, in winter faintly varied with - 
grayish brown; female brownish gray without any rusty 


even in winter. .... sone .Brewer Blackbird. 
11. Under parts mostly prighe yellow, with a atoteninw ie black cres- 
cent on throat. ae ..(12) 


11. Under parts pale 5 jellgsnaye or + butte phot: a , blaek heat ereseunty (13) 
12. Yellow of throat confined to space between the maxille; 
upper parts dark brown with conspicuous black stripes; mid- 
dle tail feathers with more or less confluent black bars not 
reaching to edge of feather. ...... a8 . Meadowlark. 
12. Yellow of throat spreading on ghewke: upper : parts pale gray, 
more barred than striped; middle tail feathers with broken 


bars crossing entire feather.... .... . Western Meadowlark. 
13. Back buffy olive, streaked with black, shale sander parts yellowish 
or buffy; tail feathers stiff and pointed...........Bobolink, female. 


13. Back dusky, streaked with rusty and buffy, under parts dull white 
streaked with black, sometimes a buffy or pinkish tinge on throat; 
tail feathers blunt and soft.... 0.0.00. eee (14) 
14. Smaller, with a longer, slenderer bill, wing under 4 inches, 
depth of bill at base about 2 inch; chin and throat seldom 
pinkish, and then less deeply or extensively so.......... 
-Red-winged Blackbird, female. 
14. Darecs, sith a , shorter, eHieker’ pill; wing over 4 inches, depth 
of bill at base decidedly over 2 indie: chin and throat gener- 
ally pinkish, this color deeper and more extensive........ 
ai eag Haha: ROE aati diacetate near SE ay Northern Redwing, female. 
15. Tail and its upper coverts olive greenish tinged slightly with vel- 
lowish; female with throat dull yellow, young male with throat 
black. 4 i .Orchard Oriole, female and immature male. 
15. Tail and ea upper sayerts QUUL VEN OW ie doickis aid wa cease ade curdaGe ates (16) 


494. 


498. 


74 


16. Crown olive-gray without blackish spots, or sides of head dull 
orange with astripe over the eye of the same color; upper 
parts palerand grayer . Bullock Oriole,female and immature male. 

16. Crown streaked or spotted with black, sometimes wholly 
black, or sides of head dusky and no sinipe over eye; upper 
parts pple more oOlivaceous. .. 1... li ee ee 

.Baltimore Oriole, female and immature male. 


*Dolichonyx oryzivorus (Linnaeus)—-BoBoLINK. 

Present and breeding in suitable localities over the state, locally 
abundant, especially in the sand-hill lake region. Arrives first week 
in May, breeds from late May to middle June, departs in middle Sep- 
tember. Cherry and Holt counties, North Platte—abundant breed- 
er. Omaha, Lincoln, Beatrice, Gresham, Scribner, Norfolk, York, 
Neligh—occasional breeder. 


. *Molothrus ater (Boddert)—Cowsirp. 


Entire state, abundant; arriving about the third week in March. 
or a little earlier, breeding (parasitically) throughout the season, 
remaining commonly until late October or early November. 


. *Kanthocephalus xanthocephalus (Bonaparte) —YELLOW-HEADED 


BLACKBIRD. 

Whole of the state, abundant migrant and (locally) summer resi- 
dent and breeder, especially in the lakes of the sand-hill region, 
Omaha, Lincoln, Peru, West Point, Neligh, York, and west to Dundy 
county—occasional to common breeder. Arrives second week in 
Aprid, breeds in May, departs in late October. 


*Agelaius pheeniceus (Linnaeus)—REp-wincep BLACKBIRD. 
A common to abundant summer resident and breeder over entire 
state in the vicinity of marshy ground. Arrives first or second week 
.in March, breeds from middle May to middle July, departs in early 
November, a few remaining all winter. 


498d. Agelaius phoeniceus fortis Ridgway—NortTHERN RepwiInG. 


Common migrant. The type of this new form was taken at Omaha, 
March 9, from migrating individuals, the breeding range being the 
far northern ‘‘interior districts of British America.” In migrations 
it extends over the whole region from the Rockies to the Mississippi. 


501. Sturnella magna (Linnaeus) MEADOWLARK. 


Although nearly all our meadowlarks belong to the following species, 
there is yet an occasional occurrence of typical magna or specimens 
nearer magna than neglecta in extreme eastern Nebraska. Such 
specimens have been noted several times at Omaha, and on March 18, 
1903, a bird evidently magna by both appearance and song was care- 
fully observed by both Wolcott and Swenk near the lake west of Lin- 
coln. It is, however, rare, and its breeding doubtful. 


15 


501b. *Sturnella magna neglecta (Audubon)—-WEsTERN MEADOWLARK. 


506. 


507. 


508. 


509. 


510. 


Abundant throughout the state, arriving the first week in March, 
breeding from the latter part of April to the middle of July, the major- 
ity departing south of the state late in October, but a considerable 
number remaining in flocks through the winter. The meadowlarks 
from the lake region of Cherry county, differ from both the two forms 
here referred to in certain ways, but the sending of specimens east 
has so far failed to satisfactorily settle their relationship. 


*Icterus spurius (Linnaeus)—OrcHarp ORIOLE. 

Eastern Nebraska, common summer resident and breeder west to 
100th meridian or a little farther. Arrives first of May, breeds in 
June, leaves second week in September. Omaha, Peru, Lincoln, 
West Point, Neligh, Niobrara valley, Cherry county, North Platte. 


*Icterus galbula (Linnaeus) BALTIMORE ORIOLE. 
Eastern Nebraska, west about as far as preceding, apparently com- 
moner than spurius, its dates practically the same. Omaha, Lincoln 
West Point, Neligh, Niobrara valley to Valentine, North Platte. 


*Icterus bullocki (Swainson)—BuLLocK ORIOLE. 

Western Nebraska, east to about western limit of galbula which it 
replaces westward. It is a common breeder in Sioux, Dawes, and 
Scott’s Bluff counties, nesting mostly in cottonwoods. Also Dundy 
county to McCook and Cherry county to Long Pine, Carns—breeding. 
Once taken migrating at West Point. 


Euphagus carolinus (Mueller)—Rusty BuackBirp. 

Common migrant and occasional winter resident over about the 
eastern half of the state, appearing in early October and remaining 
well into April. Omaha, Lincoln, Beatrice, West Point, Neligh, Long 
Pine, Cherry County, etc. 


*Euphagus cyanocephalus (Wagler)—-BrewerR BLACKBIRD. 

Common summer resident and breeder in Sioux county, in migra- 
tions over entire state. Cherry and Holt counties, Neligh, West 
Point, York, Lincoln, Omaha—migratory, passing in October and 
latter part of March and in Aprl. 


511b. *Quiscalus quiscula zneus (Ridgway) -Bronzep GRACKLE. 


Abundant summer resident and breeder over entire state, not so 
common westward: arriving the third week in March, breeding dur- 
ing May, departing in large flocks in late October and early No- 
vember. A very few winter along the southern border of state. To 
this form belong all Nebraska records of the ‘‘Purple’’ Grackle, the 
eastern form, which is accidental west of the Alleghanies. 


Famity FRINGILLIDZ—Fincues, Sparrows, AND GROSBEAKS 


1. Bill very large, almost as deep at base as tarsus is long; male yellow 


1. Bill much shallower, its depth at base decidedly less than length of 


76 


tarsus; nostrils more or less concealed by one or two tufts of for- 


wardly directed plumules; winter birds....................00- (3) 
1. Bill also shallower, but nostrils exposed, or at least without distinct 
tufts of plumules; mostly summer birds..................005: (23) 


2. Bill shorter and stouter, the culmen generally under 4 inch; 
male with yellow stripe on forehead broader, generally over 
4.inch; female grayer below................ Evening Grosbeak. 

2. Bill longer and narrower; culmen generally over 4 inch; 
male with the forehead stripe generally under £ inch, fe- , 


male more buffy below............. Western Evening Grosbeak. 
3 Tips of bill distinctly crossed (4)—not crossed. F . (6) 
4. Wings black with two distinct white bara, "“White-winged ( ‘Grovebill, 
4. Wings dusky, not barred.............. 05 cece cece ee eee es (5) 

5. Smaller, wing of male about 34 inches and culmen under 3 inch, colors 
duller, x fF esis .Red Crossbill. 

5. Larger, wing of cals ag 33 jucires ‘anil ~gultaeh over ra sah colors 
brighter....... Aer . Mexican Crossbill. 

6. Bill very short ‘and thick, the euleaen adh @urved: size very 
large, the tail over 34 inches long. . ; oul £) 

6. Bill conical, the culmen but slightly aed size sgmaller, ihe 
tail less than 34 inches long................ 0.00 eu eee (8) 


7. Bill shorter and thicker; the culmen in male about #2 inch, and 
dusky centers to back feathers more pronounced, the breast and 
sides more uniformly and extensively red............Pine Grosbeak. 

7. Bill longer and narrower; culmen in male somewhat over #2 inch, 
the dusky centers to back feathers nearly obsolete, the under 
parts less extensively red, more or less broken even on the breast 
A peal oe aes ae peny ek wa meek ies yeRiae W253 Mountain Pine Grosbeak. 
8. Crown from eye backward pure ash gray; general color chest- 

Hut and TOsys 9 2 eychan teed hee wee eree eas (9) 
8. Crown not ash gray. . si i Bactidia sy aul O) 

9. Gray of crown not sprenditig 61 on sides of head below & eyes. 
sie Buh eats lly were fn he OEM geal hth ee 5 _ Gray-crowned Heucosticte: 

9. Gray of crown ee over more or less of sides of head below eyes 

. . Hepburn Leucosticte. 
10. Top ‘of ‘Wendl some ahade ‘aft red either whilly or in part (11)— 


without: any Teds. 2.062008 dead Seedy Kees desea wie (16) 
11. Chin blackish (12)—not blackish. . P alee at ave VA) 2 
12. Under tail-coverts and maint anstiesilced ‘pack feathers bor- 
dered with hoary........ 0.0.0.0... 0.050.000. Hoary Redpoll. 
12. Under tail-coverts and rump streaked; back feathers bor- 
dered with brownish....... 0.0.0.0... 00.000. c eee eee (13) 


13. Larger (wing about 3} long) with heavier bill (depth at base over } 
inch); back darker and sides more heavily streaked .Greater Redpoll. 

13. Smaller (wing 2} to 3long) with slenderer bill (under 4 inch); back 
paler, sides less streaked... 2.2. 0... Redpoll. 
14. Whole crown red; wing feathers edged with reddish. ........ (15) 


15. 


15. 


17. 


17. 


19. 
19. 


21. 


23. 


23. 


25. 


25 


27. 


29. 


77 


14. Only forehead and superciliary stripe red} wing feathers 


edged with grayish............. .........House Finch, male. 

Crimson of crown deeper than rest of body; under tail-coverts 
streaked. . gait a RRL ANS Oh ate Sal .Cassin Purple Finch, male. 

Purple of crown same shade as rest of biedly: under tail-coverts un- 
Streake dis o.3 acre daca eat oewan nmin Ree oe aoe Purple Finch, male. 
16. Back not streaked (17)—back streaked...................(19) 

Back vellow or brown; male yellow with black crown and wings, 
female brownish above, white below..........................(18) 

Back olive-green ; assis ee with a white eas spot; male with 
crown black . ee pesaabay . Arkansas Goldfinch. 

18. Larger finns 3 Snolean, tail 2); pale, more extended white 
markings...... sit . Western Goldfinch. 

18. Smaller (less than ghavel: darker, more “pestefeted white 
MATING S ss clad APES Salad eta hene Mee enbs Goldfinch. 
Not streaked below; white marked with brown and black. Snow Bunting. 
Stréakéd DelOW. oc ci se sacercrwctecGend sow yet eeenan tude we eeucken (20) 

‘20. Yellow bars on bee and tail; very streaky; wing under 
3 inches......... seseeeseeee ss... Pine Siskin. 
20. No vellow bars; wing over 3 fvlies 5 Se Wine ladd adn marcha a matieeire ae (21) 
Tail not ngtehed— Teta Finch, female—tail deeply notched....... (22) 
22. Under tail-coverts streaked........ Cassin Purple Finch, female. 
22. Under tail-coverts unstreaked... .......Purple Finch, female. 
Head conspicuously crested; male red, female gray and red... .Cardinal. 
Head: not-cresteds sn esis ads eee Gee Re SH ORR Ss Ge See ee es (24) 

24. Front claws small, little curved; hind claw straight, longer 
MANY LORS, sae cates baie ots hate Gia cas ca be outnu can non Oe RA (25) 

24. Front claws larger, curved; hind claw curved, either shorter” 

than toe or very stout..... 0.20... 0.0... 0 eee eee eee (29) 

Tail white except two middle feathers and a broad dusky tip; bill 
stout. . ere sae .McCown Longspur. 

Tail with outer Jeathors wonky white without danke tip, inner ones 
mostly dark; bill rather-slenderer........................... (26) 

26. Four outer tail feathers with much white at base.......... 
.Chestnut-collared meee 
26. Outer tail Feaititions dual at base, nly two with white. . we(20) 

. Under parts buffy ; second outer tail feather mostly white........ 


pH Ge Be IAS eG aaa aS RGU: ale eagle eee shan gy Painted Longspur. 

Under parts white; second outer tail feather with little white. ...... (28) 
28. Darker and browner; back more heavily streaked, with the 
dark centers of feathers broaderthan the light brown edgings 

Like Behe Meee CATES CEMA PEE RO BER ls Lapland Longspur. 
28. enter and more buffy; back less heavily streaked,with dark 
centers of feathers narrower thanthe pale grayish buffy edg- 

MINS e sieceiae sash Sula k Cele Saath Soacuti cs gen bide ete Rete sent a Alaskan Longspur. 

Upper parts not dark streaked; sometimes with white ones........ (30) 


29. 


31. 


31, 


33. 
33. 


35. 


35. 


37. 


39. 
39. 


39. 


41. 


41. 


43. 


78 


Upper parts decidedly, generally conspicuously, darker streaked, 


never with white ones. .... 0.0... .. cee eee eee eee nes (52) 
30. Outer tail feathers with a conspicuous amount of white (31)— 
without White. i. .26c4c00 eee ee beens Oe EEA RA Es (42) 
Plain dark and white,without any bright red, brown or yellow; tail 
MN EF, SrWCH OSs csiovie wieieee ej ask 8 oH Stas OA eed Suede y Werectae eae (32) 
Some bright red, brown.or yellow in plumage; tail over 3 inches... . (39) 
32. Three outer tail feathers white; generally two white wing- 
bands: ow acseced apne yea eae coarse Paaa ees White-winged Junco. 
32. Third outer tail feather mostly dark; no wing-bands........ (33) 
Sides gray like chest,with no pinkish tinge............:.........(84) 
Sides pinkish, cinnamon or buffy. ............ 00000 e eee ee eee “.. (35) 


34. Back with a triangular cinnamon rufous patch; head ashy.. 
Siecich iartsc ah ee Sh abate Mishoo ah at aee Aten hay on a acaanat Gray-headed Junco. 

34. Back plain slate or slightly brownish tinged; head slate.... 
Lah ee ee Ou See ore AeeS Raa Se iy ied tey Slate-colored Junco. 

Head, neck and upper chest sooty black; a squarish brownish back 
patch... aes ..........,.Shufeldt Junco, male. 
Head, abel endl chest ever or wala jigs etn So Glew Ron da diareusesessplsiieeiN wamataa a eres (36) 

36. Second outer tail feather nearly or entirely white; throat 
and chest ashy. . be .Pink-sided Junco. 

36. Second outer tail feather witli much dele; reat and chest 
SIACY. chet wahad ehauden eee ee ree deuly Cees a Meew BS (37) 
Wing 3 inches or less long (38) —wing 3 to 3} long. .Montana Junco, male. 
38. Throat and chest grayish slate....... Shufeldt Junco, female. 
38. Same parts ash-gray or slaty-gray...... Montana Junco, female. 

Plumage mostly black and white; under wing-coverts and breast 
rose . 4 reer .Rose-breasted Grosbeak, male. 

‘Siamese: mastly ‘flack sand biges, ‘nader wing-coverts selon 
breast tawny. . . Black-headed Grosbeak, male. 

Under wing- sdavente ahve pper Hpucie lanpel black; sides chestnut- 


40. Head and back sie the latter streaked with white and 

_ often with brownish edgings to feathers................... (41) 
Outer web of primaries with white edging often forming a patch; 
whole outer web of outer tail feather white, the white patch on 
inner web generally over 1} inches long; hind claw moderate.... 

ha sah etait a ty cave see wee See LOOSE Arctic Towhee. 
Outer web or primaries without distinct white edging, never forming 
a patch; only outer edge of outer web of outer tail feather white, 
the white patch on inner web generally under es inches long; hind 

claw large, stout . Sian ane . Spurred Towhee. 

42. Olive green ahave, whitch bélow. & crown “peddich F 

Shon s Haace pee aiaasd Sees His plas SA Rea) ME Ts Green-tailed Towhee. 

42. Not olive green above, or if so, no reddish crown.. ........ (48) 

Black, with a large white wing-spot...... ........ Lark Bunting, male 


43. 


45. 


47. 


49. 
49. 


51. 


53. 


55. 


55. 


57. 


Not pure black and white... 0.0.0.0... 0... eee nee (44) 
44, Throat distinctly streaked; above plain brown. Canyon Towhee. 
44. Throat never streaked: male with much blue, female brown: 

ish above, light below. ...........0 000.0. e eee eee . (45) 


. Larger, with wing over 3 inches long; conspicuous chestnut wing- 


bands........ rey . Western Blue Grosbeak. 
Smaller, wing under 3 tacliess. no a dbestnint wine-bonde ee ee (46) 
46. Wing with two white wing-bars; male head and neck blue, 
belly white; female brown above, white below. . Lazuli Bunting. 
46. Wing without white bars.... 2.0.0.0... cece eee ees (47) 
Wholly bright blue—Indigo Bunting, male—under parts not blue. . (48) 
48. Throat red (49)—throat not red. . vege eeaeee ess . (50) 
Under parts vermillion, back green, ring on: “Painted Bunting, male. 
Under parts purple, back red, rump blue........ Varied Bunting, male. 
50. Under parts whitish (51)—under parts yellowish.......... 
.Painted Bunting, female. 
Chest streaked —Indigo Bunting, feuisle—chext not streaked. 
ey saNiust nd pasescetay ha RASA DON TRAINS Gre ang WER es . .Varied Bunting, fomals, 
52. Outer pair of tail feathers decidedly shorter than. the 


middle pair, making the tail plainly rounded............. (53) 

52. Outer pair of tail feathers not decidedly shorter than 
middle pair, making the tail even or double rounded....... (70) 
Outer tail feathers with a broad white tip (54)—without white...... (55) 


54. Upper parts darker, with the streaks comparatively broad, 
the chestnut markings on head darker and more extensive 
black streaking through and below eye........... Lark Sparrow. 
54. Upper parts paler,with much narrower and sharper streaks, 
the chestnut on head paler, and black more restricted.... 
L@eerheckwas VERMEER peRETS Bet Va Western Lark Sparrow. 
Tail feathers very narrow, the tips pointed and stiff; marsh spar- 


LO WSs pee riers Oey Saco wie es act che lard chy ans gate ueee ane Noe oon cae se a Etna (56) 
Tail feathers either broad or narrow, but tips bluntly rounded and 

se MUOt (SULTS a hss my aaa tee aa Wega ons. cae gad ctis- wanda Aisetuaoa aa eave jeden Os (59) 
56. Crown with an indistinct bluish median stripe; back without 

chestnut; feet dark........0.........00.0000.. Nelson Sparrow. 


56. Crown with a distinct brownish or buffy median stripe; back 
marked with chestnut; feet pale... ...........0........ (57) 


. Tail as long as wing; edge of wing white; nape bright rufous 


streaked with black; i a over eye bright a eee Se 
4 . Leconte Sparrow. 


Tail shertes teas wing; me oe wing “ale ‘i Hoe: nape pale 
olive green streaked with black; stripe over eve olive........... (58) 


58. Darker above, with chestnut of back darker and more ex- 
tensive; under parts more buffy............. Henslow Sparrow. 


58. Palerabove,with chestnut of back paler and more restricted ; 
under parts whiter................ Western Henslow Sparrow. 
Laboratory af Dimithology 
1159 Sapsticker Woods Road 
Cornell University 
tthaca, New York 14860 


59. 


61. 


61. 


63. 


63. 


65. 


65 


67. 


67. 


69. 


69. 


71. 


80 


Some distinct vellow on head and bend of wing (60)—no yellow 
PMY WHOLE i565 3h WO raed a Sak ated: pitt Red omdelgne BH da Snes, RAO (63) 


60. Bend of wing yellow, but none on head (61)—head with yel- 


Back spotted and barred but not streaked with dusky; flanks 
broadly streaked with rusty; tail feathers lightly barred with 
disk ys onc oue ee oeeRee yee Chande tees LESS EEE Cassin Sparrow. 

Back indistinctly streaked with rusty on a gray background, these 
streaks rarely with dusky centers; flanks not streaked and tail 
feathers with no indication of bars............... Bachman Sparrow. 
62. Front of median crown-stripe yellow; throat colored as chest 

eae pay ae geeks keg a GCA nee Golden-crowned Sparrow. 
62. Upper ores yellow but none on median crown-stripe; a con- 

spicuously contrasting, square,white throat-patch.......... 

Scotia ee Mee iaineR ata ee ame | coe aaa White-throated Sparrow. 

Crown either without median stripe, or the stripe very broad and 
pure white, bordered with black........... 0.0.0.0 0 cee ee eee (64) 

Crown rufous with a lighter but not white, narrow median stripe. . (66) 
64., With a median stripe (65)—without a median stripe, often 


SOM DIAC cates asia: ats, oi decsg Bh Bly Bia tat ayE aYer arg se Harris Sparrow. 
Upper half of lores black or soit cutting the white superciliary 
stripe. . F .........White-crowned Sparrow. 
Upper half ne loves sce or ‘ashy, continuous with the supercil- 
jary stripe. . at . Intermediate Sparrow. 
‘66. Lower watts mah distinctly sirasked: crown and back largely 
CHEStHUT coedusatoacwedw ctw ceie cee R aes Swamp Sparrow. 
66. Lower parts conspicuously streaked..................2.... (67) 


Breast finely marked with narrow sharp streaks not tending to form 
a central spot and crossed by a broad cream buff band...... 
SAE SEES SR EERE PER Eee oe ee ee see Lincoln: Sparrow. 
Breast rather heavily marked, these streaks forming or tending to 
form a central spot, no buff band.................. 0.0... 000. (68) 
68. Larger; tail generally over 13 inches long, and bill slenderer, 
less than $ inch deep at base.......... Mountain Song Sparrow. 
68. Smaller; tail generally under 12 inches, and bill about 4 inch 
decp at: base. accnineree Picea in On yaa ery eeae asada (69) 
Upper parts paler, more gray, with very little or no rusty; super- 
ciliary stripe and sides of neck whitish; lower parts averaging 
less spotted. ¢i-d sc. cape ceeye ieee cancion: Dakota Song Sparrow. 
Upper parts darker, with a conspicuous amount of rusty; sup- 
erciliary stripe and sides of neck olive-grayish; lower parts 
averaging more spotted........................00.. Song Sparrow. 
70. Lower parts not distinctly streaked (71)—distinctly streaked(84) 
Edge of wing pure white (72)—yellow or yellowish................ (81) 
72. Upper tail-coverts covering half of tail; a white wing-bar; 
male with throat black .... 2.00... eee eee (73) 


73. 


75. 
75. 


77. 


77. 


79. 


79. 


81 


Crown grayish or Seniesa cau brown...... 


ad . European Tree Sparrow. 

74. dion pes ere with black in aeuilt scapes sath, Bos Soe (75) 
74. Crown reddish, either wholly chestnut or speckled with 

rusty in- adult. cascades ena aaee wn ale ews ARateED ON Redes (76) 


Crown with a distinct gray median stripe........ Clay-colored Sparrow. 
Crown streaked ponies throughout, no trace of a median stripe. 


be .Brewer Sparrow. 

76. cays with. a dusky central spots “to wine Ganda, lower 
mandible yellOw i565 cuneate aces iaw reed oom'sdeleee dee de (77) 
76. Breast without a spot... 0... 0.0... eee eee (78) 


Darker; the black streaks on back broader, with a considerable 


amount of rusty, especially on scapulars; crown chestnut, me- 
dian stripe but poorly defined; outer webs of tertials darker, 
more chestnut; edgings to tail feathers narrower, grayish; 
smaller, wing averaging under 23 inches............ . Tree Sparrow. 


Paler; the black streaks on back narrower, with very little rusty; 


crown cinnamon, median stripe generally well defined, gray- 

ish; outer web of tertials paler, more buffy; edgings to tail 

feathers broader, almost white, larger, wing averaging over 2? 

IMEHESS 65 geass gutted esgilins ayn Hem aoe a en a erndA NO She aty . Western Tree Sparrow. 

78. A black line through eye; crown bright chestnut in adult 
(young with crown brownish and breast streaked)......... (79) , 

78. No black line through eye; crown. rusty................... (80) 


Darker; ground color of back dark brown or rusty, crown darker 


chestnut, rump and sides of head mouse gray, black stripe behind 
eye broader; smaller, wing averaging under 2! inches. ; 
Geis Ram sy Cac chsth Atacama ws AAU gettin Pah hee AsOiRVS act cabana anette aes Chipping Sparrow: 


Paler; ground color of back pale brown without rusty, crown paler 


guest, rump and sides of head paler gray, black stripe behind 

eye narrower; larger, wing averaging over 24 inches. fa 

sik dys) cll we leseden se sn’ ihivan ony aa we 2 Western Clipping Sparrow. 

80. Upper parts more rusty, thes crown bright rusty, rarely with 

an indication of a median stripe; back with much rusty 

and broader black streaks, under parts, especially the 

breast, more buffy; decidedly smaller, wing 2} to 23 inches, 

tail 24 to 22 inchesinlength............... Field Sparrow. 

80. Upper parts grayer, the crown dull rusty, with a broad gray 
median stripe, sometimes almost entirely gray; back mostly 
grayish, with narrower black streaks; under parts paler, the 
breast tinged with gray; decidedly larger, wing 2} to 24 
inches, tail 23 to 24 inches in length....Western Field Sparrow. 


cd 


81. Outer tail feather with some conspicuous white; a blackish dot on 


DTCAR Gio: acc ayn da Gaiman dsare ual de gun une goal dante aleeaags Sage Sparrow. 


81. Outer tail feather without white...............0.....0.....00. -. . (82) 


82. Breast bright yellow; throat,except white chin, black.Dickcissel. 
82. Breast without yellow; throat without black.............. (83) 


83. 


83. 


85. 


85. 


87. 


89. 


91. 


91. 


82 


Darker; with broad black centers to the feathers, the hind neck 
distinctly streaked, the throat and cheeks buffy; smaller,wing av- 
eraging under 2? inches.................... Grasshopper Sparrow. 

Paler; with brown predominating on upper parts rather than black, 
the hind neck scarcely streaked, merely speckled, the throat and 
cheeks whitish; larger, wing averaging over 22 inches........ 
eyeunes Reh Ae Gan aves See Meee es Western Grasshopper Sparrow. 
84. Outer tail feathers mostly white, bend of wing chestnut...... (85) 
84. Outer tail feather with little or no white, and bend of wing 

HOtcChestitlls. va cvavecarraceaneema tv nawentaak alennes (86) 

Darker, with broader and blacker streaking; smaller, wing aver- 
aging under 3, tail under 24 inches long.......... Vesper Sparrow. 

Paler and graver, the streaking much sharper and narrower, less 
intensely black; larger, wing averaging over 3, tail over 24 inches 
VOT rash ese izcerinns Gra Nea nk we Soe aed aod hath ey Sime Western Vesper Sparrow. 
86. Under wing-coverts lemon yellow. Black-headed Grosbeak,female. 
86. Under wing-coverts orange yellow.....................-. 

SRG ee FEAR Ane Ma ae epee Bene S Rose-breasted Grosbeak, female. 

Wings and tail with much rusty red (88) —without rusty red... .... (89) 
88. Color of back gray,well streaked with chestnut,with rusty red 

upper tail-coverts and tail. . greater eeaios . Fox Sparrow. 
88. Color of back and rump plain sinatra lead pea in strong 

contrast with rusty red upper tail-coverts and tail........ 

KGAA GS BUN SiG oa ar aagee Meese isi aaNet ea Slate-colored Sparrow. 

Bend of wing with late white patch—Lark Bunting, female— 
without white patch .$ 6 occas ccewrmcimawes a eases ee ee eee wes (90) 
90. Hind claw longer than its digit; tertials shorter than pri- 

maries; head suffused with yellow,two black stripes on 
crown and conspicuous maxillary and rictal stripes........ 
sitive Ave WE AS itr eal ae eek ey anda @ era neta Baird Sparrow. 
90. Hind claw about as long as digit; tertials about as long as 
PMMALES aii 2cedig ie eee ee VERSE Aha abe yeRs eee ee (91) 

Darker and browner; streaking broader, superciliary stripe yel- 
low; smaller, wing averaging under 22 inches, bill stouter, oyer 
Linch deep at base..................0000.. gua gees Savanna Sparrow. 

Paler and grayer; streaking narrower, superciliary stripe less 
yellow, often wholly white; larger, wing averaging over 22 
inches, bill more slender, under } inch deep at base........... 

Gik-M eae pee cee cece cree eeeeeese ees Western Savanna Sparrow. 


514. Hesperiphona vespertina (Cooper)—EvENING GROSBEAK. 


An irregular and rather rare fall and winter visitant over the state. 
Has been found from October to March. Recorded from West Point, 
Lincoln, Omaha, Cedar Bluffs, Long Pine, and Curtis—all based on 
specimens taken. It is quite probable that: the western subspecies, 
H.v. montana Ridgway, may occasionally make its way in winter 
to the western part of our state, since it is resident in Colorado and 


83 


occurs in western Kansas, but as yet no specimens of this form have 
been examined. 


515. Pinicola enucleator leucura (Mueller) Pine Grosbeak. 

A rare and irregular winter visitant, occurring from November to 
late February or early March. Recorded from Lincoln, Omaha, 
Grand Island, Long Pine, Norfolk, and Neligh. As in the preceding 
species there is a western or mountain form, P. e. montana Ridgway, 
which may reach the western part of the state in winter, but has 
not yet been taken. 


517. Carpodacus purpureus (Gmelin) —Purp Le FIncu. 
An uncommon migrant and rare winter resident. Passes through 
in October, November, and in April. Omaha, Lincoln, West Point, 
Peru, and Neligh. 


(518. Carpodacus cassini Baird—Cassin Purpite Fincu. This bird has 
been recorded from Sioux county by J. B. White, but in absence of a 
specimen or further corroborative evidence it cannot be included in 
the check-list. However there is little doubt but that it does occur 
occasionally in extreme western Nebraska as well as a third member 
of the genus: 519. Carpodacus mexicanus frontalis (Say), the House 
Finch, which is common in eastern Colorado and southeastern Wyo- 
ming and has been taken in western’Kansas in January.] 


521. Loxia curvirostra minor (Brehm)—ReEp CrossBiLu. 

An irregular, but during most years rather common, winter resident, 
appearing in flocks in late September or October and remaining about 
coniferous groves until late in April or even the end of May. Speci- 
mens from eastern Nebraska for the most part agree closely in meas- 
urements with minor, but those from Sioux county in winter are uni- 
formly larger, agreeing better with Ridgway’s unaccepted sub- 
species, L.c. bendiret, Bendire Crossbill, and prcbably representing 
wintering individuals of that form from the mountains. The com- 
mon form, minor, is present throughout the summer in Sioux county 
feeding on pine seeds and sunflower seeds, but probably does not 
breed even there. 


~ 521a. Loxia curvirostra stricklandi Ridgway—Mrxican CRossBILL. 

Most of the specimens of the intermediate bendirei agree more 
closely in measurements with this than with minor, and unless called 
bendirei must be referred to this. However, there is one specimen(a 
female, Neligh, Nebr., Dec. 9,1898, Merritt Cary) which even under 
Ridgway’s restriction must be placed here, its wing measuring 88 mm. 
and exposed culmen over 20 mm. 


522. Loxia leucoptera Gmelin—WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILL. 
A rare winter Visitant. Records from West Point, Omaha, and 
Fairbury only. At the latter place Dr. M. L. Eaton took nine speci- 
mens. 


524. 


528. 


84 


Leucosticte tephracotis Swainson—Gray-crowNED LEUCOSTICTE. 

An uncommon winter resident in northwestern Nebraska, and once 
recorded from Omaha by L. Skow, who knew it in the northwestern 
part of the state. Aughey records a specimen taken in June, 1865. 
The specimens examined, all from Sioux county, are typical tephra- 
cotis, but the Hepburn Leucosticte, 524a. L. t. littoralis (Baird), occu- 
pies much the same range in winter, and has been taken casually as far 
east as Minnesota, so may be reasonably expected within our limits. 


Acanthis linaria (Linnaeus) —-REDPoLL. 
An irregular winter resident, in some seasons very abundant, gener- 
ally coming in large flocks anywhere between middle of October and 
April. Throughout the state. 


[528b. A.l. rostrata (Coues)—GREATER Reppouy. A resident in Greenland 


529. 


and in winter straggling southward and westward. It has been re- 
corded from NewYork, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan,and even Colorado,so 
we may get it also. The record in Bruner’s list, Trostler says was a 
misidentification for linaria. An examination of twenty specimens 
from this state shows all to be nearest linaria, though some are large 
enough for holbellii, but probably should be considered intermediates 
between linaria and rostrata.] 


*Astragalinus tristis (Linnaeus)—-GoLDFINCH. 
An abundant resident over the southeastern portion of the state, 
breeding from middle July to early September, remaining in flocks 
through the winter. 


529a. Astragalinus tristis pallidus Mearns—WrESTERN GOLDFINCH. 


533. 


000. 


534. 


536. 


Sioux county—a single specimen, May 16, 1901; also found along 
the Niobrara, summer of 1902, and probably the prevailing form in 
the northern and western portions of the state. No doubt breeds. 
Specimens identified by Oberholser. 


Spinus pinus (Wilson) PINE SIsKIN. 

A common, though somewhat irregular, winter resident; appearing 
in early October and remaining until into May. Present all summer 
in the pines of Sioux county where it may breed. Omaha, Lincoln, 
Beatrice, West Point, Neligh, Sioux county. 


*Passer domesticus (Linnaeus) —-ENGLISH SPARROW. 
Throughout the state—abundant. 


Passerina nivalis (Linnaeus)—SNow Buntine. 
Entire state, irregular winter resident, present from early in No- 
vember to the middle of March. Omaha, Lincoln, West Point, 
Gresham, Norfolk, Sidney, Sioux county. Breeds far north. 


Calcarius lapponicus (Linnaeus)—LarLanp Lonespur. 
Greater portion of the state eastward, abundant winter resident, 
present from middle of October to early April. Omaha, Lincoln, 


: 85 


Beatrice, West Point, Wood River, Neligh, Cherry county. Breeds 
far north. 


536a. Calcarius lapponicus alascensis Ridgway—ALasKAN LONGSPUR. 
Western Nebraska in winter, dates as preceding. In a walk from 
Wray, Colo. to Haigler, Neb., Nov. 16, 1901, Bruner and Wolcott 
found these birds lying dead by the railroad track in numbers, along 
with Desert Horned Larks. They had been killed by flying against 
the telegraph wires while circling in immense flocks. 


537. Calcarius pictus (Swainson)—-Paintep Lonespur. 

An uncommon migrant, passing in late April and October. Re- 
corded only from West Point and Lincoln, at the latter place several 
times. Specimens were secured from a flock of 50 in a corn field near 
Lincoln, April 20, 1901, by Cary and Carriker. Breeds far north. 


538. *Calcarius ornatus (Townsend) —CHESTNUT-COLLARED LONGSPUR. 

A common migrant and uncommon breeder; the latter only along 
the northern border of the state. Aughey states he has found young 
‘from June to August, while Will Colt has taken nests at Badger, Holt 
county. Carlos Bates found a half dozen nests between June 14 and 
22, 1903, only three miles from the Nebraska line in South Dakota 
north of Merriman, Neb. As a migrant it occurs from middle March 
to late April and from early to middle October over almost the whole 
state. Omaha, Lincoln, Norfolk, West Point, Neligh, O’Neill, Grand 
Isiand, Albion, Cherry county—common. 


539. *Rhynchopanes mccownii (Lawrence)—McCown Lonespur. 
An uncommon migrant over the state, breeding in Sioux county 
(See Proc. N. O. U. III, p. 74 and 84). Migrates from middle 
March to middle April and from late August to middle November. 
Breeds in June. Cherry, Harlan, and Franklin counties, Wood River, 
Neligh, West Point, Lincoln, Omaha. 


540. *Pocecetes gramineus (Gmelin)—VEsPER SPaRRow. 

Eastern edge of state, not west of 98th meridian, very common 
migrant and rare breeder; arriving second week in April, breeding in 
late May or early June, departing in October. Omaha, Peru, Lin- 
coln, West Point, Gresham. 


540a. *Pocecetes gramineus confinis Baird—-WEesTERN VxrsPeR SparRRow. 

Greater part of state, abundant westwardly, breeding commonly 

in Sioux and Cherry counties,less numerously east to Holt county, 
Neligh, Harlan county, etc. Dates as preceding. 


542a. Passerculus sandwichensis savanna (Wilson)—Savanna SPARROW. 
Eastern Nebraska, not recorded west of 99th meridian; a rather 
abundant migrant especially eastwardly, arriving in late March or 
early April, passing northward to breed, returning in October. 
Omaha, Peru, Lincoln, West Point, Neligh, O’Neill, Wood River, etc. 
Occassionally seen in summer, and may breed. 


86 


542b. Passerculus sandwichensis alaudinus (Bonaparte)—WESTERN, SA- 
VANNA SPARROW. 

Entire state, occurring only as a migrant in eastern Nebraska; may 
rarely breed westwardly, though not knowntodoso. Cherry county, 
Neligh, Lincoln,Omaha—migrating; much the same dates as savanna. 
In a series of sixteen specimens from Lincoln taken during migra- 
tions only three can be referred to alaudinus, and only one of 
these is typical. 


545. Coturniculus bairdii (Audubon)—Bairp Sparrow. 
An uncommon migrant, dates much as the Savanna Sparrow, com- 
monest in fall. Breeds north of Nebraska. Lincoln, West Point, 
O’Neill—migrating. 


546. Coturniculus savannarum passetinus (Wilson)—-GRASSHOPPER SPAR- 
ROW. j 
An occasional specimen is taken along the eastern edge of the state 
apparently nearer this than the following form, though even 
there bimaculatus predominates. Omaha, Peru, Lincoln. Breeding 
questionable. 


546a. *Coturniculus savannarum bimaculatus (Swainson) WESTERN Grass- 
HOPPER SPARROW. 

An abundant migrant and very common summer resident over al- 
most entire state, arriving first week in May, breeding from late May, 
through June, departing in early October. Sioux, Cherry and Holt 
counties, Neligh, West Point, Lincoln, Beatrice—breeding. 


(547. Ammodramus henslowii (Audubon)—-Hrenstow Sparrow. 

Has been recorded from Nebraska, and is known to occur west to 
Minnesota. The only specimen available has been indentified by 
Oberholser as the Western. Iti is likely that all, or most, of the records 
refer to that form, but until "more material is examined it cannot be 
safely assumed that they do. Its occurrence is probably analogous 
to that of the Grasshopper Sparrow. ] 


547a. *Ammodramus henslowii occidentalis Brewster—WrsTERN HENSLOW 
SPARROW. 
A rare migrant. Aughey ‘‘only occasionally met with this bird,’ 
and the only specimen he examined was taken at Kearney Junction 
in September, 1874. A specimen was taken at Lincoln, April 22, 1899, 
by Wolcott, and Bruner has seen it at West Point. It may occa- 
sionally breed locally in the state, since Trostler took a set of eggs, 
with female bird, at Omaha, belonging to this species and probably 
to this form. 


548. Ammodramus leconteii (Audubon)—LxEcontEe Sparrow. 
A very common migrant, arriving in late March and early April 
and lingering late into May, reappearing in late September and 
remaining commonly until November, occasionally even to the mid- 


87 


dle of that month. Breeds north of the state. Omaha, Lincoln, West 
Point, Neligh, Holt and Hall counties etc.; not recorded west of 99th 
meridian. 


(549.1. A. nelsoni (Allen), the Nelson Sparrow, although included in Bruner’s 
list, has as yet no definite Nebraska record, though there is no doubt 
it will eventually be taken within the state, possibly breeding.] 


552. *Chondestes grammacus (Say)—Lark Sparrow. 

Eastern edge of state; an abundant migrant and summer resident, 
arriving first week in April, breeding in late May and June, depart- 
ing by the end of September. Omaha, Peru, Beatrice, Lincoln, 
West Point, etc.; not occuring west of 98th meridian. 


552a. *Chondestes grammacus strigatus (Swainson)— WerstEerN LARK SparR- 
ROW. 

Greater part of state, abundant, especially westwardly, intergrading 
with preceding in eastern portions of state. Sioux, Dundy, and 
Cherry counties, east to Niobrara City, Neligh, etc., or to about the 

‘ 98th meridian—breeding. Dates as preceding. 


553. Zonotrichia querula (Nuttall)—Harris Sparrow. 

An abundant migrant and common winter resident in southern 
portions of state, lingering until middle or late May, reappearing in 
middle September, largest numbers present in April and October. 
Not recorded west of Cherry county. Omaha, Peru, Lincoln, Beatrice, 
West Point, Neligh, Genoa,,Wood River, etc. Breeds north of Ne- 
braska. 


554. Zonotrichia leucophrys (Forster) —-WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW. 

A common migrant, arriving in middle April and lingering until 
well into May, reappearing in late September and remaining until 
November. Breeds north of Nebraska. Omaha, Lincoln, West Point, 
Neligh—apparently only eastern third of state. 


554a. Zonotrichia leucophrys gambelii (Nuttall) INTERMEDIATE SPARROW. 

Migratory, not so common as preceding form,but occurring with it. 

Sioux and Cherry counties, Neligh, West Point, Lincoln, Crete, 
Omaha—migrant over entire state. 


557. Zonotrichia albicollis (Gmelin) —-WHITE-THROATED SPARROW. 
Eastern Nebraska; a common migrant, arriving a little earlier and 
departing a little later than leucophrys and commoner than that 
species. Omaha, Peru, Lincoln, West Point, Neligh, etc. 


559. Spizella monticola (Gmelin)—TreEr Sparrow. 
Eastern Nebraska; an abundant winter resident, appearing first 
-week in October and remaining well into April. Most of the speci- 
mens from the eastern part of the state are intermediate between this 
and the following western race, but some are practically indistin- 
guishable from Michigan and New York birds. Breeds far north. 
Omaha, Lincoln, Beatrice, West Point, etc. 


88 


559a. Spizella monticola ochracea Brewster—WEsSTERN TREE SPARROW. 
Whole state in winter; abundant westward where it is apparently 
the only form, eastward less common, giving place to and intergrad- 
ing with the preceding form. Dates as for monticola. Sioux and 
Cherry counties, Neligh, Lincoln, Omaha, etc. 


560. *Spizella socialis (Wilson)—Cuiprinc SpaRRow. 

Eastern Nebraska; arriving the middle of April, breeding in June, 
departing in late September. Peru, Omaha, Dakota City, West Point, 
Neligh, Lincoln—commonas amigrant and generally asa summer resi- 
dent and breederalso. Betweenthe 98thtobeyondthe103d meridians 
(which is much over half thelength of the state), there are few records 
for this bird until in Sioux county where it is abundant. This, to- 
gether with the fact that the western form (560a. S. s. arizonae Coues) 
is the common one in Colorado and Wyoming even within a compara- 
tively few miles of the Nebraska line (Cheyenne, Wyoming), makes 
it quite probable that the birds from that region. are the western 
subspecies. Unfortunately, there are at present no specimens 
to decide the question. 


561. *Spizella pallida (Swainson)—Ciay-coLoRED SPARROW. 
An abundant migrant over entire state, and, according to Aughey, 
an occasional breeder in the northern part. Arrives first week in 
May and lingers through that month, appearing again in early Sep- 
tember and remaining through October. 


562. *Spizella breweri Cassin—BREWER SPARROW. 
Sioux county; a common summer resident and breeder locally. 
M. A. Carriker, Jr., found it breeding commonly along the north side 
of Indian creek in the summer of 1901. (See Proc. N. O. U. III, 
pp. 70 and 85.) J. M. Bates reports taking one specimen in Cherry 
county, May 16, 1891, which was sent to Washington for identifica- 
tion. 


563. *Spizella pusilla (Wilson)—FisLip Sparrow, and 
563a. *Spizella pusilla arenacea Chadbourne—WarstTERN Freip Sparrow. 
The exact status of these two races in Nebraska is still somewhat 

uncertain, but during migrations arenacea occurs over almost the en- 
tire state. It breeds abundantly along its northern border (Valen- 
tine, Long Pine, Springview, Carns, Niobrara City) and less commonly 
southward (Broken Bow), being present as a migrant only at Neligh, 
West Point, and Lincoln. Arrives in late March and early April, 
breeds from middle May through July, departs in late September 
and early October. The birds breeding at Omaha, Peru, Rulo, Weep- 
ing Water,and other points in extreme eastern Nebraska, are certainly 
nearer pusilla than arenacea. There are not sufficient specimens 
at hand to definitely state the exact ranges of each form. 


566. *Junco aikeni Ridgway—WHITE-WINGED JUNCo. 
A rather common summer resident in Warbonnet canyon, Sioux 


89 


county, where, during 1901, it was frequently observed by Cary and 
Carriker and a nest with four young birds found by the latter on June 
29, thus establishing it as a breeder. Later Cary found another 
family of young birds two miles westward in the same canyon. In 
winter the birds breeding in the Black hills and northern Wyoming 
descend to the foothills and it becomes abundant in Sioux county. 
Bruner found it one of the most abundant birds in the region at 
Fort Robinson, Dec. 12-14, 1895, and later at Harrison, Feb. 18-29, 
1896. 
567. Junco hyemalis (Linnaeus)—SLaTE-CcOLORED JUNCO. 

An abundant winter resident over the state but more especially 
so eastward, arriving the second week in October and remaining 
until late in April. Both Aughey and Trostler record it as present 
in summer, but it probably does not breed south of northern Minne- 
sota. Lincoln, Omaha, Rulo, Beatrice, West Point, Neligh, Long 
Pine, Sioux county, etc. 


567b. Junco hyemalis shufeldti Coale—Suureipt Junco, and 

567.1. Junco montanus Ridgway—MontTana JUNCO. 

Under these two names should probably be placed some of the 
records of the ‘‘Oregon Junco,” for this state. Just which 
one is referred to in each case is now impossible to definitely state 
owing to the extreme similarity of the two species, but it is certain 
that both are represented. The former is a northwestern species 
breeding from Oregon to British Columbia and east to Montana,in win- 
ter migrating south over the Rocky mountain plateau-of the United 
States to northern Mexico, and straggling eastward. The latter 
species breeds from Montana and Idaho north to Alberta, migrating 
south in winter to Mexico and straggling eastward. Specimens of 
one or the other of these species have been taken as far east as Illinois, 
Michigan, Indiana, Massachusetts, and Maryland. A single speci- 
men of Shufeldt Junco was taken byJ. M. Bates at Long Pine and identi- 
fied by Ridgway. 

(568. J. mearnsi Ridgway—Tue PrnxK-stippp JuNco (= annectens Baird, 
in part) breeds in southern Idaho and Montana and _ winters 
south through Wyoming and Colorado to Mexico, and probably 
reaches western Nebraska during its migrations. The specimen 
(now unfortunately lost) recorded in Bruner’s list as annectens was 
in all probability montanus.] 


(569. J. caniceps (Woodhouse), THE GRAY-HEADED JuNCO, breeds in the moun- 
tains of southern Wyoming and Colorado, descending in winter to 
the foothills and straggling eastward to Michigan, so may be ex- 
pected in western Nebraska in winter. The record of caniceps from 
Siodx county published in Bruner’s list was based on an immature 
specimen of hyemalis.] 


581. Melospiza melodia (Wilson)—Sone Sparrow. 
Arrives abundantly in late March or early April and lingers until 


90 
well into May, when it becomes rare until early September brings 
the fall migrants. It remains commonly all winter, and probably a 
few breed, especially in northern Nebraska. Entire state; resident— 
Omaha, Lincoln, West Point, Neligh, Long Pine, Sioux county. 


581b. Melospiza melodia juddi (Bishop)—Daxota Sone Sparrow. 

This form, described in April, 1896, and accepted by the A. O. U. 
committee the following November, though rejected by both Ridg- 
way and Oberholser, seems to be fairly well entitled to recognition. 
A comparison of Nebraska and Michigan specimens shows many of our 
birds to be decidedly paler and grayer above, with a conspicuous sup- 
pression. of the rufous so evident in melodia, and the superciliary stripe 
and sides of neck whitish rather than olive grayish, thus apparently 
representing the form named juddi. Specimens sent to Oberholser 
were returned labellcd melodia, though according to the judgment of 
Bishop himself, to whom they were later sent, they are nearer juddi. 


583. Melospiza lincolnii (Audubon)—LIncoLn Sparrow. 

An abundant migrant over the state, passing from second week 
in April to middle of May and from middle of September to late in 
October, vere rarely wintering. Omaha, Lincoln,-Peru, West Point, 
Neligh. Not known to breed in the state. 


584. *Melospiza georgiana (Latham)—-Swamp Sparrow. 
EasternNebraska, west to about the 100th meridian ;common migrant, 
arriving late in April and lingering until middle May, reappearing 
in middle September and femaining through October, very rarely 
wintering. Omaha, Peru, Lincoln, West Point, Neligh—common 
migrant. Cherry county, Neligh—rare breeder, nesting in June. 


585. Passerella iliaca (Merrem)—Fox Sparrow. 

A common migrant in eastern Nebraska, passing in late March 
and early April and again through October to middle November, 
rarely wintering. Omaha, Peru, Lincoln, Beatrice, West Point, 
Neligh. Our birds are grayer than eastern MEE showing a 
decided tendency toward the following: form. , 


585c. Passerella iliaca schistacea (Baird) -SLATE-cOLORED SPARROW. 
Western Nebraska during migrations. According to Cooke (Birds 
of Colorado, p. 107), the type of this form came from Nebraska about 
twenty miles east of the Colorado line. 


587. *Pipilo erythrophthalmus (Linnaeus)—TowneExz. 

Southeastern Nebraska; along southern border west to about 99th 
parallel, becoming more restricted to eastern portions northward, 
and replaced along northern border by the following species. Rulo, 
Peru, Omaha, Beatrice, Lincoln, West Point, Neligh—common breeder. 
Arrives in middle to late March or early April, breeds from late 
April to July, departs in late October or early November, a few 
remaining all winter. 


91 


588. *Pipilo maculatus arcticus (Swainson)—Arctic TOWHEE. 

Northern and western Nebraska in summer, whole state during 
migrations. Sioux, Dawes, and Cherry counties, and east in Nio- 
brara valley to its mouth, southward principally west of 100th paral- 
lel—abundant breeder. West Point, Lincoln, Beatrice, Omaha— 
abundant migrant. Arrives later than preceding species, about 
first week in April, and lingers through that month, in eastern parts 
of state, appearing again in larger numbers during October, rarely 
wintering. Some Sioux county specimens show a tendency toward 
the Spurred Towhee, 588a. P. m. megalonyx (Baird), in the slightly 
less extensive white on outer tail feathers. 


(592.1. Oreospiza chlorura (Audubon), the Green-tailed Towhee, was in- 
cluded in former lists on the authority of Baird, but the locality in 
which his specimens were taken is far without the present boundaries 
of the state. It is, however, a common bird from May to October 
in Colorado and eastern Wyoming, and is likely to occur in western 
Nebraska, during migrations at least.] 


593. *Cardinalis cardinalis (Linnaeus) CARDINAL. 
Southeastern Nebraska. Rulo, Nebraska City, Omaha, Beatrice, 
Lincoln—common resident. West to Harlan county, north in winter 
rarely toWest Point, Maple Creek, and Neligh. 


595. *Zamelodia ludoviciana (Linnaeus)—-RosE-BREASTED GROSBEAK. 
Eastern third of state, or about west to 98th parallel; common 
to abundant summer resident and breeder. Omaha, Peru, Beatrice, 
Lincoln, West Point, Neligh. A straggler once at Long Pine. Arrives 
first week in May, breeds in early June, departs in middle September. 


596. *Zamelodia melanocephala (Swainson)—BLACK-HEADED GROSBBAK. 
Representing the preceding in western half of state during the 
breeding season. Sioux county east to Valentine, Long Pine and even 
Niobrara City, and Dundy county east to Holdrege, Kearney, Dan- 
nebrog, ete.—common to abundant breeder. During migrations 
over the state. rarely, to Neligh, York, Omaha. Dates as preceding. 


597a. *Guiraca caerulea lazula (Lesson)—-WESTERN BLUE GROSBEAK. 
Over the entire state; locally common summer resident and breeder. 
Arrives first week in May, breeds in June, departs from middle to: 
late September. Most common in Dundy, Thomas, and Cherry 
counties, and east in the Niobrara valley to Knox county; less com- 
mon in Sioux county, at Broken Bow, Grand Island, Red Cloud, 
Beatrice, Omaha, and Lincoln, y 


598. *Cyanospiza cyanea (Linnaeus)—INpIGo BUNTING. 

Eastern Nebraska; common summer resident and breeder west to 
the 98th meridian. Omaha, Peru, Beatrice, Lincoln, Columbus, West 
Point, Neligh—breeding. Straggling westward rarely in Niobrara 
valley to Eagle creek, Long Pine, and even Cherry county. Arrives 
first week in May, breeds early in June, departs early in September. 


92 


599. *Cyanospiza amcena (Say)—Lazu.i BuNTING. 
Sioux county; common summer resident and breeder. East during 
migrations to West Point and Lincoln. Dates as preceding. 


604. *Spiza americana (Gmelin)—Dickcissg.. 

Entire state, locally common to abundant, especially eastward; 
arriving second week in May, breeding in June and July, departing 
late in August or early in September. Omaha, West Point, Lincoln, 
Neligh, and Brown, Cherry and Sioux counties—breeding. 

605. *Calamospiza melanocorys Stejneger—Larxk BuNTING. 

Entire state; abundant westward, uncommon to rare eastward. 
Sioux to Cherry and Rock counties, Dundy to Harlan counties— 
abundant breeder. Neligh, Norfolk, Lincoln, Beatrice—occasional 
breeder, commoner during dry seasons. Dates as preceding species. 


EXTRALIMITAL: Ten species belonging to this family are in- 
cluded in the above key which have no record for Nebraska, but which 
are possible within our boundaries, viz: 527a. Acanthis hornemannii 
exilipes (Coues), the Hoary Redpoll, an arctic bird which has occurred 
in northern Michigan and Illinois; 530. Astragalinus psaliria (Say), 
the Arkansas Goldfinch of the western United States, a species com- 
mon throughout Colorado and recorded from Cheyenne, Wyoming, 
and which may eventually be recorded from Western Nebraska; 557. 
Zonotrichia coronata (Pallas), the Golden-crowned Sparrow of the 
extreme west, has strayed east in migrations to Nevada, Colorado, 
and even Wisconsin, to the latter state three times; 574a, Amphi- 
spiza belli nevadensis Ridgway, the Sage Sparrow, occurs in Colorado 
and Wyoming to within a short distance of Nebraska, and may occa- 
sionally stray to our sagebrush plains; 575a. Peucea estivalis bach- 
mannit (Audubon), the Bachman Sparrow, occurs north, locally, to 
the parallel of 40°, and has been taken in southeastern Iowa, so may 
reach us also; 578. Peucea cassini (Woodhouse) the Cassin Sparrow, 
of the arid Southwest, occurs north to western and central Kansas, 
so may be expected along our ‘southern border westwardly; 581b. 
Melospiza melodia montana (Henshaw), the Mountain Song Sparrow, 
is the Colorado form even far out on the plains, so may reach us during 
migrations; 591. Pipilo fuscus mesoleucus (Baird), the Canyon Towhee 
of eastern Colorado and southwestward might reach our limits; 600. 
Cyanospiza versicolor (Bonaparte), the Varied Bunting of southern 
Texas and southward has strayed north to Michigan; 601. Cyano- 
spiza ciris(Linnaeus),the Painted Bunting, is a southern species occur- 
ring north to southern Kansas and Illinois. 


Famity TANAGRIDA—TawnaGeErs 


1. General color red, or at least the head red. (Adult males).......... (2) 
1. General color olive-greenish above, yellow below. (Females and young 
TDL) Ses erie sees ice Coc eeereed taal ann Sha a ee ceeded bi tecig alee cpa al beh aay Goal (3) 


2. Wings and tail black; back, lower parts and head red... .... 
i i oe BE ea Si CEI egal ete ie cde taay me Smee ae Scarlet Tanager. 


93 


2. Wings and tail, along with back, lower parts and head red. .. 
Sh Romy Geeks ice Maes aie ees eae ons Summer Tanager. 
2. Wings, tail and back black; under parts yellow, head red.. .. 
af Saige Ie sag ho A Ge etn autahess eche’t te sage a sepals teu 8 Nya ey caaraates Louisiana Tanager. 
3. Wings with two vellow bands, or one yellow and one white; tail gray- 
ish brown with yellowish olive-green edgings..... Louisiana Tanager. 
3. Wings without yellow bands... 00... eee eee nes (4) 
4. Under wing-coverts yellow, without dark outer margin. ....:. 
alates ma -E Bnd SA nat dost a Bee agen Grane ARLES Summer Tanager. 
4. Under wing-coverts white, with olive, dusky, or black exterior 
DOL ED. ok eel wen earnest a trian: Sob eee A gael b Scarlet Tanager. 


607. *Piranga ludoviciana (Wilson)—Lovuisiana TANAGER. 
A common summer resident and breeder on Pine ridge in north- 
west Nebraska. 


608. *Piranga erythromelas Vieillot—ScarLet TANAGER. 
A common summer resident and breeder in eastern Nebraska. 
Arrives first week in May, breeds in June, departs in early September. 
Omaha, Lincoln, Beatrice, West Point, Weeping Water, Neligh. 


610 Piranga rubra (Linnaeus)—SumMmrr TaNaGER. 

A rare summer resident in extreme southeastern Nebraska. May 
breed. Reported from Richardson county by Aughey and from 
Douglas county by L. Skow and I. 8. Trostler, the latter observing 
a single specimen in July, 1894. 


: Famity HIRUNDINIDZ—Swatrtows 


1. Wing over 5 inches long; male shining blue-black; the female duller 
colofed:. gs: qaueer aust She mae pear eees blag e be waw bs Purple Martin. 

1. Wing 5 inches or less in length... . 0.0... ee eee (2) 
2. Tail 3 inches or more long, the notch more than an inch deep; 
under tail feathers with white blotches; throat chestnut: back 


lustrous steel-blue.. . ......................Barn Swallow. 

2. Tail 23 inches or less long .... ...................6......(8) 

3. Back with metallic luster or greenish... ..........................(A4) 
3. Back brownish, without lustre..... 0.00.0... 0. fee eee (5) 
4. Above lustrous green, beneath white... ..........Tree Swallow. 


4, Above opaque velvety green, beneath white. . Violet-green Swallow. 
4, Above steel-blue; throat chestnut or black; upper tail-coverts 


redish.. Pe TSM Neti Aca Seed Meshes AE Rd A Cliff Swallow. 
5. Breast brownish; belly and throat white..............Bank Swallow. 
5. Throat and breast brownish; belly white... ..... Rough-winged Swallow. 


611. *Progne subis (Linnaeus)—PurpLe Martin. . 

Eastern half of state, common only eastwardly. Arriving about 
first of April, breeding in the latter part of May and in June, depart- 
ing in the middle of September. Omaha, Lincoln, West Point, 
Norfolk, Callaway, North Platte, Broken Bow, Neligh. 


94 


612. *Petrochelidon lunifrons (Say)—Cuirr SwaLiow. 

Entire state; common summer resident and breeder, arriving by 
the middle of April, breeding in June, departing in early September. 
Omaha, Lincoln, West Point, Neligh, North Platte, and Cherry, Sioux 
and Dundy counties. 


613. *Hirundo erythrogastra Boddaert—Barn SwaLLow. 
Abundant over entire state, dates as preceding, but remaining into 
October. 


614. *Iridoprocne bicolor (Vieillot)—Trez SwaLiow. 

Entire state, breeding commonly along its northern border, rarely 
southward. Omaha, Lincoln, West Point, Neligh—mostly migra- 
tory, a rare breeder. Sioux county, Niobrara valley—a common 
breeder. 


615. *Tachycineta thalassina lepida (Mearns)—-VIOLET-GREEN SwALLow. 
Sioux countv; common summer resident and breeder in cliffs. 
Once taken during migration at West Point by Bruner. 


616. *Riparia riparia (Linnaeus)—-Bank SwaLLow. 
Entire state; arrives in middle April, breeds in May and June, and 
departs late in September. 


617. *Stelgidopteryx serripennis (Audubon)—RovuGH-wineep SwaLiow. 
Eastern half or more of state—common summer resident and breed- 
er in river banks, especially northwardly. Richardson county, Peru, 
Omaha, Lincoln, Beatrice, West Point, Neligh, Niobrara valley, 
Cherry county—breeding. 


Famity AMPELIDZ—Waxwines 


1. Wing-bar white; the under tail-coverts chestnut... Bohemian Waxwing. 
1. Wing-bar wanting; under tail-coverts white... ....... Cedar Waxwing. 
618.-Ampelis garrulus Linnaeus—BounEemIan Waxwina. 

An irregular winter visitor, liable to occur from the middle of No- 
vember till late in February or even March, over the entire state. 
Omaha, South Bend, Lincoln, Beatrice, West Point, Neligh, Cherry 
county, Curtis, Sioux county. 


619. *Ampelis cedrorum (Vieillot)—Crepar Waxwina. 

Eastern Nebraska; very common as a migrant, not common in 
winter, and breeding but rarely in the state, most frequently north- 
ward. Omaha, Lincoln, Beatrice, West Point, Long Pine, Cherry 
county. 

Famity LANIIDA:—Surixes 
1. Breast with wavy cross-bars; no transverse black line on forehead. . 
Ap Wn repre eats $a Gok US Pagid iy Pee Wea ONG RSE . Northern Shrike. 
1. Breast without conspicuous wavy cross-bars; a transverse black line on 
POTON GAG os - cscs 84 Read A ce sit al Suga hose acl oh ade ar se entaai CD) 
2. Rump and upper tail-coverts but little lighter than back.... 
dads Hees sth hag eee lah Sia ee esl Rk ll ee eect Goma eas Migrant Shrike, 


95 


2. Rump and upper tail-coverts siusaaanie heen colored than back. 
sees . White-rumped Shrike. 


621. Lanius borealis ‘Vieillot— eaeunew Samed 

A common winter resident over entire state, appearing in aida 
October, and remaining late into March. Rulo, Peru, Omaha, Lin- 
coln, Beatrice, West Point, Neligh, and Cherry and Sioux counties. 

622e. Lanius ludovicianus migrans W. Palmer—Micrant SHRIKE. 

This recently recognized subspecies occurs regularly in eastern 
Nebraska, but is only locally common. Breeding specimens have 
been. taken at Omaha, Lincoln, Beatrice, and West Point, which 
beyond doubt are referable to migrans. On these specimens all 
former Nebraska records of the ‘‘Loggerhead” Shrike are based. 
Other specimens intermediate between this and the following form 
are frequent. 

622a.*Lanius ludovicianus excubitorides (Swainson)— WHITE-RUMPED SHRIKE. 

Entire state; eastward partially replaced by preceding form, but 
the commoner form even there. Arives early in April, breeds late 
in April, in May, and in June, departs early in October. Omaha, 
Lincoln, Beatrice, West Point, Neligh, and Cherry and Sioux counties. 


Famity VIREONIDZ—Vireos 


1. Without distinct wing-bars. 02.00.00... eee eee (2) 
1. With distinct white or whitish wing-bars........................(4) 
- Under parts white . pits re . (3) 


. Under parts wollouaet Fess enna i over one inh oe crown 

gray with a white but no black heatering line over eye. 
dugeiglapive Gh (Aa Roah Bees Rata aoe boa eaRe | ee a Philadelphia Vireo. 

3. Yellowish on sides; larger, first primary less than one inch long. . 
CED AREA Ga ee die a og MBG 1 ere ee dgle mayne Mae a aes Warbling Vireo. 

3. Yellowish on sides; smaller, upper parts, particularly crown, grayer. . 

ere ee ee Tree ere ere eee rear a eer Western Warbling Vireo. 
3. Little or no yellowish on sides; first primary much over one inch long; 
crown slaty gray, bordered by a black and then a white band over 
GHEE VE s ccnagem saan ta See eet er EA eas to Red-eyed Vireo. 
4, First primary nearly as long as second; breast bright yellow; 
back bright olive-green; eye-ring yellow. . Yellow-throated Vireo. 
4, First primary shorter than second, less than one inch long, bréast 


MOG VElOwWs wins. - sched Bie. 54s Mehl Sb erealy SAG ARN Eee dene mete (5) 

5. Wing over 2? inches long, eye-ring white........................(6) 
5. Wing under 2} inches long, eye-ring variable....................(7) 
6. Crown and sides of head bluish gray, changing to olive-green on 

the back; below white ................... Blue-headed Vireo. 

6. Crown and sides of head bluish gray, the back of same shade; 
below less pure white. ..........-.......000, Plumbeous Vireo. 

7. Crown and sides of head black, changing to olive-green on the back; eye- 
Ting’ WHItC «oy s4<asa ehareyedas Raed ne ry vad pecans Vireo. 


7. Crown and sides of head gray or olive ........... ; 5 -(8) 


96 


8. Crown olive, much like back; a distinct yellow line over eye.. 
agatha Leen eee ee eee eevee sees ss. White-eyed Vireo. 
8. Head grayish, much like back; eye-ring white........ Bell Vireo. 


624. *Vireo olivaceus (Linnaeus)—Rep-EYED VIREO. 

Entire state. Our commonest vireo except belli; arriving first week 
in May, breeding from late in May to July, departing in the middle of 
September. Peru, Omaha, Lincoln, Beatrice, West Point, Neligh, 
and Cherry and Sioux counties—breeding throughout the state. 


626. Vireo philadelphicus (Cassin)—-PHILADELPHIA VIREO. 

Aughey claims to have found this bird common in eastern Ne- 
braska,but recent observers have not noted it. Of giluus hesays “have 
only found this species abundant in northwestern Nebraska,” and 
there is great probability that he confused the two species. Bruner’s 
records were field identifications, and, with little doubt, refer to gilvus 
also. Skow has reported it from Omaha. 


627. *Vireo gilvus (Vieillot)—Warsiine VIREO. 
Eastern portion of the state, not so common as olivaceus, its dates 
the same as for that species. Peru, Omaha, Lincoln, Beatrice, West 
Point, Neligh, and Cherry county. 


627a. *Vireo gilvus swainsoni Baird—WerEsTERN WaRBLING VIREO. 
A Sioux county specimen sent to Witmer Stone has served to con- 
firm the identification of this sub-species. So far it has only been 
found in Sioux county, where it is common and breeds. 


628. *Vireo flavifrons Vieillot—YELLOW-THROATED VIREO. 

Eastern Nebraska; not recorded west of the 97th meridian, and 
quite rare north of the Platte. Arrives the first week in May, breeds 
early in June, departs late in August. Richardson county, Peru, 
Omaha, Nebraska City, Lincoln, Fairbury—rather a rare breeder, 
most common along the. Missouri river bluffs. 


629. Vireo solitarius (Wilson)—-BLUE-HEADED VIREO. 
Eastern Nebraska in the heavier timber along Missouri and Elkhorn 
rivers; a rare summer resident, and possibly a breeder. Omaha, West 
Point. 


629b. *Vireo solitarius plumbeus Coues—PLumMBEoUS VIREO. 
Common summer resident and breeder in Sioux county. 


630. Vireo atricapillus Woodhouse—Buack-caPreD VIREO. 
Probably accidental; a single bird clearly seen and thoroughly 
identified, June 19, 1894, near Bellevue, by I. S. Trostler and L. 
Skow. 


631. *Vireo noveboracensis (Gmelin)—-WHITE-EYED VIREO. 

A not uncommon summer resident in eastern Nebraska along the 
Missouri river; not recorded west of 97th meridian. Arriving early 
in May, breeding in June, departing late in September. Aughey 


97 


found a nest of this bird in some shrubbery along the Nemaha in 
Richardson county in the spring of 1875. It is a rather common 
breeder at Omaha, and has also been noted at Lincoln and West 
Point. 


633. *Vireo bellii Audubon—BrE.Lt Vireo. 
Eastern half of state; abundant summer resident and breeder. 
Arrives first week in May; breeds late in May, in June, and in July; 
departs early in September. Peru, Omaha, Lincoln, Beatrice, Neligh 
—breeding. Long Pine, Valentine—a straggler. 


Famity MNIOTILTIDZA—Woop WarBLERS 


1. Rictal bristles conspicuous, half as long as culmen or more; bill flattened, 
wider than high at base; flycatching habits.................... (438) 
1. Rictal bristles wanting or inconspicuous, decidedly less than half as long 
as culmen; bill not flattened, as high or higher than wide at base. . (2) 
2. Bill narrowly wedge shaped, its tip.sharp and not decurved; tail 
Shorter than Wing... 60. ce eee ee on eee ee oae)) 
2. Bill slender but not wedge shaped, its tip decurved, tail shorter 
CHAD, WIDE nia sce cee eh aah ek Bee ale Bek NG We. Re alae fete (11) 
2. Bill short, stout, higher than wide at base, culmen much decurved; 
tail longer than wing. ......... 00... cece eee eee neces (42) 
3. Head buffy with four black stripes, above ee below buffy” 
: .Worm-eating Warbler. 
3. Whole head, week, end. under’ ee bright, granges back, wings, and tail 
BSL aleve th fare atts eeu nt ay yeaa as hee hee ahaa ait Gh Prothonotary Warbler. 
3. Without four black head-stripes, and whole head not orange......... (4) 
4, Wings with distinct white or yellow bars (5)—wings not barred. (7) 
5. Throat black in male, gray in female; a large yellow wing-patch.. 
Sq ata binitds Gamat wade tase Seid aes Golden-winged Warbler. 


5. Throat yellow; wings merely barred.............. 0.00.0 00 000200 (6) 
6. Whole under parts yellow; crown yellow; a black line through the 
EVO Sid chive sshishors kipadrialle bryan Shaya eek whine Blue-winged Warbler. 


6. Only throat and breast yellow; back bluish with a yellow spot 
ate AR AREAL ue NS ae Tua NS ete Needles Northern Parula Warbler. 

7. Rump greenish yellow, unlike grayish back; a yellow breast-patch. . 
Liat ek eine oe Sete we tee nA meal oe we Lata ae Virginia Warbler. 


7. Rump about the same color as back.............00...00 000000000 (8) 
8. Under tail-coverts and abdomen yellow.................... (9) 
8. Under tail-coverts and abdoman white....... Tennessee Warbler. 
9. Head gray with chin and throat yellow, and a white eye-ring...... 
ipa vaaseceie ce AGT ae eee degie OAL aes Re ge Nashville Warbler. 
9. Head olive-greenish, lighter below, no eye-ring.................... (10) 


10. Duller, above grayish olive-green, below pale olive-yellowish 
deh eecd ay eueeees eels Ged and eaes Orange-crowned Warbler. 
10. Brighter; above bright olive-green, below bright olive-yellow 
Aipisinndiacee wate Haha enya ee tie ee ee a Lutescent Warbler. 


11. 


138. 


15. 


15. 


17. 


29. 


98 


Inner web of outer tail feather with a distinct white spot (12)—without 


"ANWINIVEIS Ob sic sisiery ach 6-4 Wt highway Wea head ROA el toh a Mek Bee enata i (33) 
12. Plain black and white with a broad white median crown- 
BITIPCA aris cide ve Ee oe ew er awe es Black and White Warbler. 
12. Not plain black and white, or if so, crown poiae black or dark (18) 
Rump yellow (14)—not yellow . : ake .(17)* 
14. White on tail in middle, pietendene ‘socal over ait ‘hak middle 
pair of feathers: «2056 sea: caus yess aise oe Magnolia Warbler. 


14. White on tail near tip, or else occupying most of feathers... .(15) 
Crown black, cheeks chestnut; below yellow, streaked with black in 


adult........ SS earls hahaa homie ead hone eae Cape May Warbler. 
Crown and sides of breast more or less yellow; cheeks black or dark blue 
ee ee eee eee eee eee ee ere ee re cere orn (16) 

16. Throat white—Myrtle Warbler—yellow......Audubon Warbler. 


Wing with a white. patch at base of primaries; male, bluish above and 
white below, with cheeks, sides and throat black; female, olive above, 


yellowish below..................05-- Black-throated Blue Warbler. 

. Wing without such a white patch..............20...00 0.200000 (18) 
18. Throat and chest black or eae black (19)—without black (20) 

. Cheeks mostly blackish. . P ‘ : . Townsend Warbler. 
Cheeks mostly yellow................. “Black ‘throated Green Warbler. 
20. Wings with two distinct bands, sometimes joined to form a patch 

a igh usagi phe Ls ohne hE Oe ie ath ty Pugs ae een een ote ee ed Ua (21) 

20. Wings not banded or with but oneband................... (31) 

. Upper parts not'grayish blue.... 22.0.0... eee (22) 
. Upper parts light grayish blue.............. Cerulean Warbler, male. 
22. A light line over eye (23)—no light line over eye............ (26) 


. Throat white or yellowish white, no yellow on sides of head; above pale 


greenish: bless 2.0. 54-245e) pie ches aa hes Cerulean Warbler, female. 


. Throat yellow, orange, or buff, or else sides of head mostly yellow. . .(24) 


24. Back plain slate-gray in adult, grayish brown in young; cheeks 


and forehead black..................000005 Sycamore Warbler. 

24. Back neither gray nor plain grayish brown................ (25) 

. Back in male black and throat orange; in female streaked, throat yel- 
lowish......... ........,.Blackburnian Warbler. 

. Back diveeneen: thvaak splvally yellow: .- Townsend Warbler, young— 
throat not wholly yellow....... Black-throated Green Warbler, young. 

26. Back more or less streaked (27)—plain olivaceous; below greenish 
VelOW. Sadia stein ial uleh 22 eee te baleg ire en Pine Warbler. 

. Sides of crown or space behind eye, black.....................5. (30) 
. Sides of crown not black... 1.0.0... ce ee ee (28) 
28. Under tail-coverts white...............0....0-, Peer eee (29) 

28. Under tail-coverts buff..... ioe Bay-breasted Warbler, young. 


. Sides of head, sides, and flanks unstreaked gray................ 


ship taht a Sh Sed alag SidicereA tS at aetote NA cone mate Chestnut-sided Warbler, young. 
Sides of head, sides, and flanks olive or streaked.................. 
fg detchicva prespece DA ER aaa a ashe Gae GkN dente Black-poll Warbler, young. 


31. 


31. 


33. 
33. 
35. 


35. 


37. 
37. 


39. 


39. 


41. 


41. 


99 


30. Crown olive-yellow; sides of head, throat and chest white, sides 


chestnut. . see dns ..Chestnut-sided Warbler. 
30. Crown Srestauis aides ay Teas plgdie throat, chest, and sides 
chestnuts ccbpicis createed nae Genel a eta's Bay-breasted Warbler. 


30. Crown black, no chestnut, but wholly black and white. . 
nba: upabona- nit ake Manin cted erates a alle aba Neen If aie’ hn Black-poll Warbler. 
Back streaked with black; a white eye-ring; below pale yellow, sides 


StICAKEG, bn. oe ee Wertaahew eee anes owes aes Kirtland Warbler. 
Back not streaked with black; no eye-ring. F = . (32) 
32. A distinet ean aunt, crown ulisirealeedl ait: Balow: 
yellow... ... sis . Prairie Warbler. 


32. No wing-band; crown Pchestaut | in adult: streaked grayish in young 
VA hinew ever dyed Oeawhes eens oes Suws be ea ees Palm Warbler. 
Above greenish yellow; below bright yellow, streaked with chestnut in 
Males guvap noes Meee ees See heei Bias fos Reade eewien Yellow Warbler. 
If bright yellow below, not streaked, and sides of head with blackish(34) 
84. Under parts distinctly spotted (35)—not spotted.......... (37) 
Crown rufous, bordered uO black; a white nana but no dusky streak 
behind the eye........ ee . Ovenbird. 
Crown plain olivaceous; no eye-ring, but: with a dusky streak ‘behind the 
BNE Lod ciesaandrug ap iaghahon beled hey Bankes ied oel db sleyiacd ais BG sledesseimasia Leia noee eed (36) 
36. Line over eye narrow, yellowish; under tail-coverts yellowish; 
under parts, including throat, heavily streaked with blackish on 
a yellowish ground..................... Grinnell Water-thrush. 
36. Line over eye broad,white; under tail-coverts buffy; under parts, 
excluding throat, lightly streaked with brownish on a buffy 
BROWNS ac ectancgs diets ange ea ahaa aches caaceeeea Louisiana Water-thrush. 
Throat and chest bright yellow; sides of head with black..........(38) 
Throat and chest bluish gray to blackish (male) or brownish to grayish 
Gemiale) ouigigaraelate Shes hada weave Bae eae ave? tesa es Bowes (40) 
38. A yellow line over eye; whole crown black or grayish black 
vihw aed wee sta Seebete tea Raddy ee oe oe De es Kentucky Warbler. 
38. No yellow line over eye; only forehead black................(39)° 
Space behind black on forehead of male pale gray; yellow of under parts 
duller; female darker above Smaller, tail under 2 inches....... 


Space behind black on forehead of male white; yellow of under parta 
much brighter, more orange; female paler abiowe: Larger, tail over 
PANCN Si 5k is.215, de deareesbG aus aiinn via D3 aly o oawibies Western Yellowthroat. 
40. Tail nearly even; breast without black, a decided white eye-ring 

PSE MR ATARI COND S alone aeRO ex Connecticut Warbler. 
40. Tail rounded; breast with black; no decided eye-ring, at most 


evelids white........... ATEN A Olt naka hawhonunbenancades (41) 
No white on eyelids; tail under 2 inches; chest blacker, lores less so in 
Male. hi gae sy eodier ews WES w a Rea Hes tee -Mourning Warbler. 


A white mark on each eyelid; tail over 2 inches, hawt less black, lores 
MOTE SOlae va ee Ages y 1b ae Soe Ree com any Macgillivray Warbler. 


100 


42. Brighter olive-green above, more greenish than gray; white on 
sides of throat more restricted, occupying less than half of malar 
area; yellow paler; tail under 3 inches long. . Yellow-breasted Chat. 

42. Grayer olive-green above, usually the gray predominating; white 
on sides of throat much more extended,occupying more than for- 
ward half of malar area; yellow deeper; tail over 3 inches long 

sips .Long-tailed Chat. 

43. Base at tail, anid dla, of wines, aud. sides: prarigs émusile) or dull yellow (fe- 
MAS) ici. sara aaah ties Ss SER Ee ee a ae TEESE Redstart. 

43. No orange or dull yellow on wings or tail; belly bright yellow..... (44) 

44, Outer tail feather largely white; head black, with forehead and 
cheeks yellow. ............-0 00 eee eee ',... Hooded Warbler. 

44, Outer tail feather without white; throat yellow, not black (45) 

45. Upper parts grayish; under tail-coverts white; a necklace of dusky spots 


across breast . areas Learns .Canadian Warbler. 

45. Upper parts olivergreen; under jall-caverts wellow: forehead yellow, 
male with black cap . : ania . (46) 

46. Brighter; above more el delllowieh. plea ree below brlakter yel- 

low; wing over 24 inches.................00. Pileolated Warbler. 

46. Duller olive-green above, duller yellow below; smaller, wing 
qinder 26 Inches. ois. inde all ee eet we de Wilson Warbler. 


636. *Mniotilta varia (Linnaeus)—Biack anp WHITE WARBLER. 

A very common migrant over at least the eastern half of state, 
breeding in the wooded portions. Aughey records finding a nest 
near Lincoln in May, 1875, Swenk found it breeding commonly along. 
the Niobrara from Long Pine canyon to its mouth, Wolcott and J. 
M. Bates report it summering in Cherry county, and L. Skow found 
it breeding at Omaha. 


637. *Protonotaria citrea (Boddaert)—-ProTHonoTARY WARBLER. 

A fairly common summer resident and breeder in the heavily wooded 
Missouri bottoms, arriving late in April,breeding in June, and departing 
late in August and early in September. Aughey sawit a few times in 
Richardson county during June, 1875. It breeds every year around 
Omaha, though becoming each year less numerous, ‘and M. A. Car- 
riker, Jr., has found nests at Nebraska City. Has been seen once 
in migration at Lincoln and once at West Point. 


639. Helmitheros vermivorus (Gmelin) —-WorM-EATING WARBLER. 
Aughey found this warbler in southeastern Nebraska in June, 1875, 
F. J. Brezee and I. S. Trostler have noted it in July and August at 
Omaha, and Wolcott has noted it several times in the vicinity of 
Lincoln, on the capitol grounds and in the deep woods near Roca, 
where it was present all summer in 1903. Breeding almost certain. 


641. *Helminthophila pinus (Linnaeus)—BLur-wINGED WARBLER. 


A rather common summer resident and breeder in the wooded Mis- 
souri bottoms, arriving early in May and departing late in August. 


101 


Aughey observed it near the mouth of the Nemaha in June, 1875. 
It is present about Omaha and Peru all summer, and during 1900 
nests were taken at the former locality by J. E. Wallace. Migrat- 
ing individuals have been seen at Lincoln and Weeping, Water. 


642. Helminthophila chrysoptera (Linnaeus)—GoLDEN-WINGED WARBLER. 

The only record of this eastern warbler is the one made by Aughey 

who stated he had occasionally seen it in eastern Nebraska. As it 

occurs regularly west to Minnesota it may yet prove not rare in the 
Missouri bottoms where its breeding is quite possible. 


644. Helminthophila virginia (Baird)—Vircinia WARBLER. 

Again our only record is Aughey’s, who saw a single specimen of 
this western warbler in a narrow belt of timber in the Republican 
bottoms in Hitchcock county. Of course it must be considered but 
a straggler in our state. 


645. *Helminthophila rubricapilla (Wilson)—NasHVILLE WARBLER. 

A common migrant and rare summer resident in the Missouri 
river region along the eastern edge of the state, where it breeds. 
Aughey found a young bird just from the nest June 10, 1865; and on 
June 11, 1900, at Nebraska City, M. A. Carriker, Jr., shot a female, 
with well-formed eggs in her ovary which showed evidence of having 
a nest in the vicinity; the latter, however, he was unable to find. This 
species remains all summer in the vicinity of Omaha, and has also 
been seen at Weeping Water and West Point. 


646. Helminthophila celata (Say)—ORraNGE-CROWNED WARBLER. 

An abundant migrant, passing during the first half of May and late 
in September to the middle of October. Breeds north of United 
States except in mountains. Omaha, Lincoln, Beatrice, Peru, West 
Point, Neligh. 


647. Helminthophila peregrina (Wilson)—-TENNESSEE WARBLER. 
A common migrant in eastern Nebraska, passing early in May 
and late in September, breeding north of us. Omaha, Lincoln, Peru, 
West Point, Sioux county. 


648. Compsothlypis americana usneez Brewster—NorTHERN PaRULA WaR- 
BLER. 
Aughey says of the Parula Warbler that it reaches Nebraska about 
May 1, that it is found principally along timber belts and in orchards, 
and he has frequently seen the young soon after leaving the nest, 
but has never found the nest itself. The only addition to this record 
is a single male specimen taken April 20, 1901, near Havelock by 
Merritt Cary. This specimen agrees with Ridgway’s new form, 
C. a. ramaline, but until action is taken by the A. O. U. commutes, 
our bird must be referred to usnee. 


650. Dendroica tigrina (Gmelin)—Carze May WarBLER. 
A rare migrant. Two definite records, a male taken at Alda, May 


652. 


654. 


655. 


656. 


657. 


658. 


659. 


102 


12, 1883, by F. W. Powell, and another at Omaha, May 24, 1893, by 
L. Skow. Breeds north of the United States. 


Dendroica zstiva (Gmelin)—YELLOW WarBLER. 

An abundant summer resident and breeder throughout the state, 
especially eastward; arriving the first week in May, breeding late 
in that month, through June and into July, and departing early in 
September. 


Dendroica cerulescens (Gmelin)—BLAcK-THROATED BLUE WARBLER. 
This bird Aughey found present in small numbers during both 
spring and fall migrations, in eastern Nebraska, and he records shoot- 
ing one at Lincoln in September, 1874. Bruner has noted it on rare 
occasions at both Omaha and West Point, but no other observers 
seem to have seen it. Breeds from northern states northward. 


Dendroica coronata (Linnaeus)—-MyrTLe WARBLER. 

An abundant migrant in at least the eastern half of the state, un- 
common westward. Arrives late in April and lingers until the middle 
of May, appearing again in October and present during most of that 
month. Aughey records finding young birds in eastern Nebraska 
on several occasions, and seeing birds in June, but it has not been seen 
in summer by recent observers, and, while offering no explanation 
of Aughey’s observations, we cannot accept it as a breeder. Win- 
ters south of us. ; 


*Dendroica auduboni (Townsend)—AvupUBON WARBLER. 

A very common summer resident among the pines of Sioux county, 
where it breeds. A nest was found May 20, 1900, by the expedition 
of that year, which, however, contained no eggs. On June 14, 1901, 
Cary found a nest in Warbonnet canyon from whicha set of four fresh 
eggs was secured on the 27th of that month. 


Dendroica maculosa (Gmelin)—MacGnoLia WARBLER. 

An uncommon migrant. Aughey records it as occasionally seen 
during migrations in northeastern Nebraska and of having taken one 
near Ponca in May, 1865. A specimen taken at Omaha by F. J. Bre- 
zee is now in Bruner’s collection. Cary found them in fair numbers 
at Neligh during the spring migration, May 16 to 22, but not in the 
fall. Recorded twice from Lincoln. Breeds north of the United 
States. 


*Dendroica cerulea (Wilson)—-CeRULEAN WARBLER. 

A rather common summer resident along the wooded bluffs of the 
Missouri river, where it breeds. In the vicinity of Omaha several 
nests have been found. It arrives early in May and departs late in 
August. Cary took a female at Neligh May 17, 1899. 


*Dendroica pensylvanica (Linnaeus) —-CHESTNUT-SIDED WARBLER. 
A common migrant along the eastern edge of the state. In the 
vicinity. of Omaha it is frequently seen throughout the summer, and 


108 
has once been found breeding, a set of four eggs being taken by I. 8. 
Trostler, June 23, 1894. 


660. Dendroica castanea (Wilson)—Bay-BREASTED WARBLER. 

The right of this warbler to be considered asa Nebraska bird rests 
entirely upon Aughey’s record. He found it occasional in eastern 
Nebraska and took a specimen in September, 1874. This is an 
eastern species barely reaching the Missouri, and breeding from the 
northern states northward. 


661. Dendroica striata (Forster) —-BLACK-POLL WARBLER. 
A common migrant over the eastern half of the state, passing 
* through during the second and third weeks in May and in August. 
Breeds from the northern states northward. Omaha, Lincoln, 
Beatrice, Peru, West Point, Neligh, Cherry county. 


662. Dendroica blackburnie (Gmelin)—-BLacKBURNIAN WARBLER. 

Aughey states that he has occasionally seen this well marked 
warbler in the borders of woodlands in eastern Nebraska, and Bruner 
has noted it at West Point and Omaha. It breeds from northern 
Minnesota northward. 


663a. Dendroica dominica albilora Ridgway—SycamMore WARBLER. 

Aughey’s record of dominica undoubtedly refers to this subspecies, 
which breeds in the Mississippi valley from Texas to central Illinois 
and eastern Kansas, and stragglers even to Wisconsin and Michigan. 
He says he has seen it only along the Nemaha in southeastern Ne- 
braska, where he took a specimen in September, 1874; no one else 
has reported it. It probably occasionally breeds in the extreme 
southeastern part of the state. 


667. Dendroica virens (Gmelin)—BLack-rHROATED GREEN WARBLER. 

A rare migrant through eastern third of state. Aughey records 
taking three specimens in Dakota county June 5 and 6, 1865, and two 
in Lancaster county June 14,1875. Bruner has observed it at Omaha, 
Florence, and Weeping Water. Cary reported it twice from Neligh, 
late in April, 1898, and May 4, 1899. Breeds from northern Illinois 
northward. 


671. Dendroica vigorsii (Audubon)—PINE WaRBLER. 
Aughey says this warbler occurs here during early spring and 
autumn, and that he took specimens in Dakota county in April, 
1865, and Lancaster county in April, 1875 and 1877. He also took 
one Sept. 30, 1876. No other definite Nebraska records of this bird. 
It breeds from Minnesota and Manitoba southward, and may be found 
nesting in this state. ‘ 


672. Dendroica palmarum (Gmelin)—Patm WarB.Ler. 
Aughey recorded this species as abundant in eastern Nebraska, 
which it certainly is not now, but is rare. He noted it in both early 
spring and late, fall, and took specimens April 10,1875, and Oct. 1, 


104 


1876. The only other Nebraska record is a specimen taken at Omaha, 
May ‘4, 1893, by L. Skow. Breeds north of the United States. 


673. *Dendroica discolor (Vieillot)—Prairiz WARBLER. 
Like the preceding Aughey recorded this species as abundant in 

eastern Nebraska, but recent observers do not find it so by any 
means. He found young in Dakota county and a nest in Richard- 

son county near the Nemaha, and recorded specimens from the for- 

mer locality June 1, 1865, and from Lancaster county Sept. 5 and 20, 

1874, June 2 and 14, 1875, and June 4, 1877. Since then Bruner 

has noted it at West Point and Omaha, and L. Skow at the latter 
locality also. It should be found breeding in small numbers along 

the Missouri river, especially southward. 


674. *Seiurus aurocapillus (Linnaeus)—OvEeNnBirp. 

A common summerresident; found throughout the state, but more 
especially eastward. Arrives first week in May, breeds in June; 
departs early in September. Omaha, Peru, Beatrice, Lincoln, West 
Point, Neligh, Sioux county. 


675a. *Seiurus mnoveboracensis notabilis Ridgway—GrinNELL WatER- 
THRUSH. 
An uncommon migrant over the state, breeding in Sioux county. 
Passes during second and third week in May and early in September: 
Omaha, Lincoln, West Point, Neligh, Sioux county. 


676. *Seiurus motacilla (Vieillot)—LovisiANA WaTER-THRUSH. 

Along the eastern edge of the state; breeding rather commonly 
in suitable localities along the bluffs of the Missouri river at Omaha 
and Peru, and in Richardson county. Occurring as a migrant a little 
farther west, at Lincoln, Beatrice, etc. 


677. *Geothlypis formosa (Wilson)—-Kmentucky WARBLER. 
A common summer resident and breeder in the wooded ravines of 
the bluffs along the Missouri river, rarely as far west as Lincoln. 
Omaha, Peru, Lincoln—breeding. 


679. *Geothlypis philadelphia (Wilson)—Mournine WARBLER. 
Aughey found this bird in the eastern part of the state, and also 
found young birds being fed by the parents in the southeastern por- ° 
tion, thus establishing it as a breeder. L.Skow took twospecimens at 
Omaha, May, 21, 1893, and Cary found it a not uncommon migrant 
at Neligh, May 16 to 24, 1899. No other records. 


680. Geothlypis tolmiei (Townsend)—MacGiLiivray WarBLeER. 

Aughey records noting this species in western Nebraska, probably 
along the Republican river, late in August, 1874. Cary noted it in 
Monroe canyon, Sioux county, May 27, 1900, and later during 1901, 
several times. Breeding probable. 


681a. *Geothlypis trichas occidentalis Brewster—WrstTeERN YELLOWTHROAT. 
In the western part of the state, breeding abundantly in Sioux 


105 : 


county. During migrations specimens which approach this form, 
are found over the entire state, and such have been recorded from 
Lincoln, West Point, and Kennedy. 


681d. *Geothlypis trichas brachidactyla (Swainson)—-NorRTHERN YELLOW- 
THROAT. 

This is the yellow-throat of the eastern portion of the state, where 
it is an abundant migrant and very common breeder, arriving the 
last week in April and remaining until late in September. Westward 
it grades into and finally becomes replaced by the preceding form. 
Omaha, Peru, Beatrice, Lincoln, Norfolk, West Point, Neligh, 
Holt county, Niobrara valley, Long Pine, Cherry county—breeding. 
The more western specimens are so nearly intermediate between this 
and the preceding that it is difficult to satisfactorily place them. 


683. *Icteria virens (Linnaeus) —YELLOW-BREASTED CuHat. 

An abundant summer resident and breeder along the eastern edge 
of the state and a little westward; arriving the first week in May, 
‘breeding from late in May to July, departing in the middle of Septem- 
ber. Omaha, Peru, Weeping Water, Lincoln, etc. 


683a. *Icteria virens longicauda (Lawrence)—LoNG-TAILED CHAT. 

This is the common chat of the state, of which breeding specimens 
from Sioux and Cherry counties and the Niobrara valley are typical, 
those from east central Nebraska grading into virens but nearer this 
form. Over the whole state during migrations. Lincoln, Beatrice, 
West Point, Neligh, Valentine, Thedford, Holdrege, etc. Dates 
about as for preceding. 


684. Wilsonia mitrata (Gmelin)—Hoopep WarBLER. 
Aughey observed this well marked warbler along the Nemaha 
river in southeastern Nebraska on several occasions in September, 
1874. Recent observers have not recorded it. Breeding very prob- 
able. 


685. Wilsonia pusilla (Wilson)—-W1Lson WarBLER. 

This bird Aughey found sparingly in both eastern and western 
Nebraska, and mentions especially one seen in southwestern Nebraska 
along the Republican late in August, 1874. There is every probability 
that this bird was a Pileolated Warbler, 6852. W. p. pileolata (Pallas), 
which form occurs east across the plains to Minnesota and Missouri, 
but in the absence of this or other specimens the status of this and 
typical pusilla cannot now be determined. The Wilson Warbler . 
has been taken at both West Point and Omaha by Bruner, was found 
to be a common migrant at Neligh by Cary, April 28 to May 13 and 
Sept. 2, and was observed at Gresham by Dickinson. Breeds north 
of Nebraska. 

686. Wilsonia canadensis (Linnaeus)—CANADIAN WARBLER. 

Our only record of this bird seems to be the one by Aughey who 

observed it in spring in the eastern part of the state and shot a single 


106 


specimen on the Nemaha in Richardson county in the middle of 
May, 1875. Breeds north of Nebraska. 


687. *Setophaga ruticilla (Linnaeus) —ReEpstarr. 

An abundant breeder and summer resident over the state, arriving 
first week in May and departing in the middle of September. Omaha, 
Lincoln, Beatrice, West Point, Neligh, Long Pine, Cherry county, 
Holdrege, Sioux county-—breeding. 


EXTRALIMITAL: The Lutescent Warbler, 646a. Helminthophila 
c. lutescens Ridgway, may reach western Nebraska during migrations, 
as it occurs on the plains east of the Rockies in Colorado. 668. 
Dendroica townsends (Townsend)—The Townsend Warbler, a bird of 
western North America, found during migrations east to the plains 
of Wyoming (Cheyenne), Colorado (Ft. Lyon), and Texas, and acci- 
dental in Pennsylvania. 670. Dendroica kirtlandii Baird—The Kirt- 
land Warbler. This rare warbler has been taken in Illinois, Michigan, 
Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Missouri, and its occurrence in Nebraska 
is possible. 678. Geothlypis agilis (Wilson), the Connecticut Warbler, 
of the eastern United States, has as yet no Nebraska record, but, as 
it occurs regularly west to Minnesota and casually even to Colorado, 
its ultimate inclusion in our fauna is but a matter of time. 


Famity MOTACILLIDZ—Pipits 


1. Tail about one-half inch shorter than wing, the inner web of its outer 
feather chiefly dusky; tarsus as long as hind toe and claw, feet dark; 
colorsdull obscure: 4: ye Sealants oh ee RS Pipit. 

1. Tail about three-fourths inch shorter than wing, the inner web of its outer 
feather chiefly white; tarsus shorter than hind toe and claw, feet 
pale; colors bright, distinct................0. ee Sprague Pipit. 


679. Anthus pensilvanicus (Latham) —Ptrir. 
A common migrant, passing in April and early in May and again 
late in September and in October; breeding far north. Omaha, 
Lincoln, West Point, Neligh. 


700. Anthus spragueii (Audubon)—Spracue Piri. 
Migrant; not so common as preceding; same dates. Omaha, Lin- 
coln, West Point. 


Famity CINCLIDA!—Dirrgrs 


Slaty gray, tinged with brown on head and neck; frequenting running 
SUTCAINS sweden ode Hae eG AA Re awe eA eS ee de Dipper. 


701. Cinclus mexicanus Swainson—Dipper. 

So far as known, the only record of this bird for Nebraska is of 
the one seen by Bruner on the White river in Sioux county west of 
Crawford in May, 1891. The bird was clearly seen sporting among 
the rocks along the stream. It is a common resident in Colorado 
and Wyoming and east into the Black hills. 


107 


Famity MIMIDA:—Turasuers anp Mockers 


1. Under parts spotted (3)—not spotted... 0... 0.6 feces (2) 
2. Slaty, with black crown and tail and chestnut under tail-coverts 

wed . .Catbird. 

2. Gray abana. Soiled Ghia below: bands on wing and ouber tail 
feathers: whites: sy evase oe Mage dagen agrees Mockingbird. 

2. Slightly il above, tinged with brownish below; wing-patch 
larger. . . . Western Mockingbird. 


3. Above puowilisth gray; ‘below ‘epotted siete feaiteular dusky spots 
Sart giao Ea alee be ace PL MEE SCE eee SOS Sage Thrasher. 

3. Above rich rufous; below spotted with long brownish spots; two wing- 
bandsi cose nas eealeed Ped pea keecedousos 4 aeuse cu Drown: Thrasher: 


702. Oroscoptes montanus (Townsend)—Sacn THRASHER. 

Rare, and so far as known, confined to northwestern Nebraska. 
Baird’s ‘‘Nebraska” records are now extralimital, referring to Ft. 
Laramie and the Black hills. A. K. Fisher saw a single bird at a dis- 
tance of six feet at Alliance, Box Butte county, July 12, 1893, and 
it has been found nesting within a half mile of the Nebraska line in 
Wyoming, May 20, 1900, by Cary and Carriker. Residents of the Hat 
Creek valley report it as occasional in that region. 


703. *Mimus polyglottos (Linnaeus)—-Mockinesirp, and 
703a. *Mimus polyglottos leucopterus (Vigors)—-WersreRN MocKINGBIRD. 
This bird is found throughout the entire state; south of the Platte 
a common summer resident and breeder; rare north of middle of 
state. Arrives in the middle of April, breeds in June, departs 
about the middle of October. Rulo, Nebraska City, Weeping Water, 
Lincoln, Beatrice, Franklin, Kearney, North Platte, McCook, Strat- 
ton, Haigler, Sidney—breeding; even north to Sioux county, though 
not common—breeding. Specimens from the last locality much paler 
in color and with more extended white markings than eastern birds 
have been identified by Witmer Stone as leucopterus, and there is 
no doubt the Sidney record refers to the same form. In regard to the 
records from other localities westward, however, it is impossible, in 
the absence of specimens, to make a definite statement; nor is it pos- 
sible to limit the range of the two in the state. 
704. *Galeoscoptes carolinensis (Linnaeus)—CatTBirp. 
Whole of state; abundant eastward, common westward, arriving 
the first week in May, breeding in June, departing late in September. 
705. *Toxostoma rufum (Linnaeus)—Brown THRASHER. 
Over the entire state; abundant except in the more western por- 
tions, breeding throughout. Arrives late in April, breeds late in May, 
and in June, departs late in September. 


Famity TROGLODYTIDA—Wrens 


1. Upper parts brown, not barred nor streaked; a white line over eye; 
large WEENS: s.ccc acne cues a nals Baws minds ouateacuen OES RAN ahd (2) 


108 


1. Upper parts more or less barred crosswise; wings, tail and flanks fully 


barred; tail not fan shaped............ 0.0... cece eee eee eee ees (4) 

1. Upper parts streaked lengthwise; flanks scarcely barred; marsh wrens; 
tail Mot fat SWAPO... ods encuveuns naka mond goutami Wialeeod Chad ae EE (6) 

1. Upper parts dotted with dusky and whitish spots; tail broad and fan 
shaped siscccciccns een xs despa asia ex chan cagavinrn Sn Pa coNoace cece? ea teaser kee NS (8) 

2. Tail brownish, distinctly barred, shorter than w'ng; above redd‘sh 
brown: ¢ cewduuguacerssuicg rayne aunmnns nw wienwe Carolina Wren. 

2. Tail blackish, not fully barred, longer than wing; above sna 
brown....... has . (3) 

3. Darker, more brownish aboves : beneath, adifed ‘white, ‘Haves more < brown 
ish; smaller........ apnea . Bewick Wren. 

3. Paler, more srayish abeies beneath pure 5 aphita, flanks seucely brownish; 
larger...... Rees . Texas Bewick Wren. 

4, Tail much shore: Than wings; : dhewe bright. cinnamon, below pale 
cinnamon, heavily barred. .. . : . Winter Wren. 

4. Tail as long as wings; above pale ltimamori, , hdlow gray washed 

with brownish, lightly barred... ....... dees (5) 

5. Darker, more reddish brown above, the bars obscure; darker ‘below. 
strongly brownish. is 6 pea gags aaa lana petes ea dss House Wren. 

5. Paler, more grayish brown above, the bars distinct; paler, almost white, 
below. . ee ee re ee ee ere eee Western House Wren. 


6. Crown streaked with white; bill under 4 inch long. ......... 
re . Short-billed Marsh Wren. 
6. Ghewn Add sbreateeds pi 7: ines or more esloug a sie oe ak Bawa NS (7) 
7. Bars on middle tail feathers and both tail-coverts indistinct or lacking, 
sh csh dl cpetasda’s Svcd mp AIG = fe ave taco aia a gitge g a Geechee Long-billed Marsh Wren. 
7. Bars on middle tail feathers and tail-coverts distinct, continuous; 
palersi. ee ox Caer nie ee seid eee eden des Interior Tule Wren. 

8. Belly, rump, and tail rusty; back rusty brown; throat white 
sis Sia staixe sox de carer 3G RavchayonaeMea e aise INE ed Beate ice ataereid WO Canyon Wren. 
8. Whole under parts whitish; bathe ice brown, rump rusty 
ee ee a eee ve he ee . Rock Wren. 

715. *Salpinctes obsoletus (Say)—Rock Wren. 

An abundant breeder in the Pine ridge country of northwest 
Nebraska, south through Scott’s Bluff and Banner to Kimball and 
Cheyenne counties, east through Dawes and Sheridan counties to 
the Minnechaduza and Gorden canyons in Cherry county, breeding 
in the rim-rocks in June. Aughey records finding a nest in an old 
slab pile near Dakota City, June 3,1865, and another in an old stump 
along Salt creek in June, 1875, but recent observers have noted it as 
a migrant only in eastern Nebraska. Neligh, West Point, Eingela 
migrating in late April and early May. 


[717a. Catherpes mexicanus conspersus Ridgway—Canyron WREN. 
In Sioux county in a canyon on White river between Glen and 
Andrews, Aug. 12, 1903, Bruner saw a wren which he identified as 


109 


this species, but did not secure the specimen. There can be little 
doubt as to the correctness of the identification, but it is deemed 
advisable to withhold this bird from full standing in the list until 
the taking of a specimen places the record beyond all doubt, since it 
is a rare species in both Colorado and Wyoming.] 


718. Thryothorus ludovicianus (Latham)—CaroLina WREN. 
Aughey saw this bird but once in Nebraska, in Richardson county, 
June 12, 1875. Bruner saw it again years afterward at Rulo in the 
same county. The third and last instance of its occurrence was a 
specimen taken at Roca, Feb. 20,.1902, by J. S. Hunter (See Proc. N. 
O. U. III, p. 108). It is probably a rare resident in the extreme 
southeastern part of the state. 


719. *Thryomanes bewickii (Audubon)—Brwick Wren. 

Aughey’s record stands alone for this bird in Nebraska. He found 
a nest near the Missouri river in Otoe county, June 12, 1875, and 
watched the parents feed their young with small locusts. 

The recording of 7. b. bairdii (in part cryptus) from Nebraska was 
a guess by Taylor as to the identity of Aughey’s specimen. Since 
the rearrangement of the subspecies, (See Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 
XXI, pp. 421-450) the only other form likely to occur in this state is 
719c. T. b. eryptus Oberholser, the Texas Bewick Wren, which is found 
north to Kansas and eastern Colorado and may straggle into western 
Nebraska. 


(721. Troglodytes aedon Vieillot—Housz Wren. 

‘ Both eastern and western forms of this species have been recorded 
from this state, but a careful examination proves them all to refer to 
the western subspecies. The western range of aedon is to Indiana 
and Illinois and it probably never reaches this state.] 


721a. *Troglodytes aedon aztecus (Baird)—-Western Hovusze Wren. 
Entire state, abundant summer resident and breeder; arriving in 
the middle of April, breeding in the latter part of May, and in Juné 
and departing late in September and in October, though lingering 
even to the first of November. 


722. Olbiorchilus hiemalis (Vieillot)—-WinreR WRreEN. 
Rather rare winter resident, appearing in the middle of Septem- 
ber and present until March. Omaha, Peru, Dunbar, Blair, West 
Point, Neligh, Lincoln. Breeds north of this state. 


724. *Cistothorus stellaris (Lichtenstein)—-SHorT-BILLED MarsH WREN. 
An uncommon migrant and rare summer resident in eastern 
Nebraska. Aughey found a nest in a marsh in Dixon county in 1867, 
the only time he found it breeding. It has also been found at Omaha, 
West Point, and Lincoln in summer, and nests have been found at 
the two latter localities (See Proc. N. O. U. III, p. 108). 


110 


725. *Telmatodytes palustris iliacus Ridgway—Lone-BILLED Marsu WRreEN. 

A very common migrant and a common summer resident, arriving 

in the middle of April, breeding in the latter part of June and early 

in July and departing in September. Abundant breeder in the sand- 

hill lake region of Cherry county, common everywhere in marshes 

in the state. Omaha, Tekamah, West Point, Lincoln, Beatrice, York, 
Neligh. , 


EXTRALIMITAL: 725c. Telmatodytes p. plestus Oberholser, the 
Interior Tule Wren, is the form breeding in Colorado and Wyoming 
and has been taken to within a few miles of the state line, so may be 
found in western Nebraska during migrations. ° 


Famity CERTHIIDA:—CREEPERS 


1. Browner above, with tawny of rump less distinctly contrasted with 
color of back; smaller, with a shorter bill (wing 22 to 27,, tail 24 
to: 2,9, Inches) vo atvi get ede awe eee ue gees Brown Creeper. 
1. Grayer abioerss with tawny of rump more dtetinetly contrasted with 
color of back; larger, with a longer bill (wing 24 to 27%, tail 2,% 
to 23, bill to 4inches.................. Rocky Mountain Creeper. 


726. *Certhia familiaris americana (Bonaparte)—-BROWN CREEPER. 

Eastern Nebraska, resident; common all winter in more southern 
parts, less so northward, rare between middle April and early October 
when most of them go north to breed. - Aughey ‘‘found a nest of this 
bird in a knot-hole in the timber near Dakota City, in June, 1865,’’ 
and Trostler has evidence of its breeding near Omaha, rarely. Rulo, 
Dunbar, Omaha, West Point, Ponca, Neligh, Lincoln, Beatrice. The 
westernmost record is from St. Michael just east of the 99th meridian. 


726a. Certhia familiaris montana Ridgway—Rocky Mountain CREEPER. 
Sioux county in winter. The specimen taken there Feb. 17, 1896, 
and on which the only existing record was based, has been examined 
by Oberholser who confirms the identification. It is rare in Sioux 
county and ascends to higher altitudes in spring, probably early in 
April. 


FamiLty SITTIDA—NovuruHatcues 


1. Larger, wing about 33 inches; below white, rusty on flanks and 


under tail-coverts only... 1.0.0.0... cece ccc eee eens (2) 
1. Smaller, wing about 24 inches; whole under parts tinged with brown- 
ish, often bright rusty . ..(3) 


2. Above lighter, more phumbesds, fertisle light “phuish gray 
with large, sharply defined, oblong patches of black, the 
one on outer web of third feather rounded at end; sides of 
neck grayish oe smaller wing about 33 inches, bill 
shorter, stouter . , i . White-bellied Nuthatch. 

2, Above darker, more alate: tertials dark bluish gray with 
narrower, less sharply defined black patches, the ohe on 


111 


outer web of third feather pointed at end; sides of neck 
' pure white; larger, wing about 34 inches, bill longer, more 

slender. ae , .Rocky Mountain Nuthatch. 
3. Crown black fenatey or pHa like ‘back (female), with a black line 
through eye and a white one overit; under parts usually bright 

rusty; no spot on nape..........-.....0.005- Red-bellied Nuthatch. 
3. Crown dull brownish (adult). or gray like back (young) changing to 
‘blackish before and behind eye, but no white line over eye; nape 

with a poorly defined whitespot .................. Pygmy Nuthatch. 


727. *Sitta carolinensis Latham—WuiTE-BELLIED NUTHATCH. 
Greater part of state, eastward; common resident and breeder. 
Omaha, Lincoln, West Point, Blair, Tekamah, Ponca, Neligh, Long 
Pine, etc. Breeds usually in April and May. 


727c. *Sitta carolinensis nelsoni Mearns—Rocxy Mountain Nuruatcu. 
Sioux county, common resident and breeder. Oberholser has veri- 
fied this identification in regard to both winter specimens and breed- 
ing birds. To this form refer all the previous valid Nebraska records 
of aculeata, 


728. Sitta canadensis Linnaeus—Rrp-BELLIED NUTHATCH. 

Whole state; uncommon winter resident, present from the middle 
of October until the middle of May. There is much circumstantial 
evidence to indicate the breeding of this bird in the state, but as yet 
no definite record. Omaha, Dunbar, Lincoln, Dakota City, Neligh, 
Long Pine, Sioux county. The earliest Lincoln record is October 
26, 1903, (Swenk), the latest May 10, 1898 (J. S. Hunter). 


730. Sitta pygmza Vigors—Pyemy NurHatTcu. 

A fall and winter visitor in the pine clad region of northwest Ne- 
braska. Aughey met with this bird once (1877),in the ‘‘timbered 
bottoms and bluffs of the Niobrara river on the northern border of 
the state.” The Sioux county records for the ‘‘Brown-headed Nut- 
hatch,” (see Bruner, Birds of Nebraska, p. 160), on Feb. 26, 1896 
(L. Skow),and for the ‘‘Hudsonian Chickadee,” on Dec. 13, 1895 
(L. Bruner), were both misidentifications and should refer to this 
species. The Omaha records for the ‘‘ Pygmy Nuthatch” (1. c. p. 160) 
refer probably to immature examples of the Red-bellied. Ascends to 
higher parts in March and not breeding in the state. 


FAMILY PARID#—Tirmice 


1. Head conspicuously crested; above ashy with black forehead, below 


Cull Whiter. achwieae Seer dws a ee ee eE Me Tufted Titmouse. 

1. Head not crested; top of head and throat glossy black..............(2) 
2. Forehead and line over eye white; wings scarcely edged with 

white. : .Mountain Chickadee. 


_ Forehead black, 1 no lines over eye; - wings ‘broadly white-edged . . (3) 
3. Sle darker, above olive-gray, wings and tail moderately edged with 


112 
hoary,the latter not so terminally ; smaller with shorter tail (24 to 
23 inches) ; black on head less extensive, white less pure... Chickadee. 
3. Colors paler, above pure ash-gray, wings and tail very broadly edged 
with hoary, that on latter generally passing around the tips, that 
on former, much broader on tertials and greater wing-coverts; 
larger, with longer tail (23 to 3 inches) ; black on head more exten- 


sive on nape and reaching breast, sides of head pure white..... . 
Long-tailed Chickadee. 


731. Beolophus bicolor (Linnaeus)—TuFrrTep TITMoUsE. 

Not uncommon (locally) in eastern Nebraska in more heavily 
timbered districts, rare elsewhere and not present west of 98th meri- 
dian. Resident, and with little doubt a breeder, but as yet there 
is no taking of a nest recorded. Rulo, Peru, Dunbar, Omaha, 
Tekamah, West Point, Dakota City, Neligh, Lincoln. 


735. *Parus atricapillus Linnaeus—CHICKADEE. 

In extreme eastern Nebraska an occasional chickadee is found nearer 
to atricapillus than the following form, but such are not plentiful 
and most of the eastern Nebraska birds are intermediates. Omaha, 
Lincoln, Beatrice—breeding. 


735a. *Parus atricapillus septentrionalis (Harris) —-LoNG-TAILED CHICKADEE. 

Entire state; abundant resident, eastward running into preceding 

form; breeding in April and May. Sioux and Cherry counties, 

Niobrara valley, Neligh, West Point, Tekamah, Omaha, Dunbar, 
Lincoln, Beatrice—breeding. 


(738. Parus gambeli Ridgway—MovuntaIn CHICKADEE. 
Baird’s record referred to what is now Wyoming, so this must be 
dropped as a Nebraska bird. However it occurs at Cheyenne, Wyo., 
commonly, and may reach northwest Nebraska in winter.] 


Famity SYLVIIDZE—KInGLETS AND GNATCATCHERS 


1. Outer tail feather white; bluish gray, with blackish wings and tail... 
hamibdwe et eee ge yeas Beg Rea Rae eRe EE Blue-gray Gnatcatcher. 
1. Outer tail feather not white; above olive-green, below whitish... .... (2) 
2. A yellow crown patch bordered by black on the sides. : 
se hNty halle Gis Adouae aE ease ae aed Mead tad Golden-crowned Kinglet. 
2. A ruby crown patch (male) or none (female), and no black. . 
Rig NE AAAs ra we eMC ee ae ae Ruby-crowned Kinglet. 


748. Regulus satrapa Lichtenstein—GoLDEN-CROWNED KINGLET. 
Migratory, common; passing in April and October, but rarely 
wintering. Breeds north of Nebraska. Omaha, Lincoln, West 
Point, Dakota City, Neligh, York, Long Pine. 


749. Regulus calendula (Linnaeus)—-RuBy-cROWNED KINGLET. 
Migratory, commoner than preceding, appearing early in April and 
lingering often until the middle of May, breeding north of us, return- 
ing early in October, and lingering through that month, occasionally 


113 


wintering. Omaha, Peru, Lincoln, Beatrice, York, West Point, 
Dakota City, Neligh. 


751. *Polioptila cerulea (Linnaeus)—-BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER. 


Common migrant, passing in April and late in September over the 
eastern third of the state, breeding in suitable localities along the 
Missouri river, especially in the vicinity of Omaha, where several 
nests have been taken. Omaha, Peru, Lincoln, Beatrice, West Point, 
Dakota City, Neligh. 


FAMILY TURDIDZ—Turvsuss, BLUEBIRDS, AND SOLITAIRES 


. Color ashy, with outer tail feathers white tipped, a buff wing-band and 
‘pale eye-ring; no blue in plumage, not spotted below... ...... 

Sas BWR ao oa re Me eee, dea ANS aes iad tad alec cea Townsend Solitaire. 
. Color gray, with upper tail-coverts and base of tail white, rest of tail, 
wings, and cheeks black, throat and breast pale buff unspotted. 


Ss edahs d dana aletaanah ted aide ei nisar lath nasa dia wl ea ereatelal Greenland Wheatear. 

. Color above slaty, below mostly rusty brown, breast unspotted in adult, 
plumage without blue... 0... ee ee eee (2) 

. Color below white spotted with dark and no chestnut; no blue in plumage. 
Sots ee i acaite pte tect onthe rs Nee eaisaa: Nace . (4) 
Color mostly blues: s24. sess cs gens eee veeen es ce ee deca or geese. (10) 


a eavin eosu ast g- Bates Sue suah SOR Secs ae as a ee aie ters is he . Varied Thrush. 
2. No black-band across breast; throat white with black spots. . . (3) 
. Under tail feathers with distinct white tips on first two pairs; black of 
hind neck grading into slaty gray of back, which is spotted with 


. Under tail feathers without distinct white tips; black of hind neck 
abruptly defined against pale slaty gray back, which lacks the black 


SPOS. ssh eas chee cae eee a oak ee Re Os Western Robin. 
4. Rufous tail and upper tail-coverts decidedly brighter than olive- 

brown: backs. 4 ge ckoe enn otcicc seed ais Daag ane eect (5) 
4. Back and tail of practically the same color... ................ (6) 


4, Olive rump and tail decidedly duller than bright cinnamon-brown 
back; breast and sides with many round black spotsWood Thrush. 
. Above dull brown, more smoky in winter, flanks olive brownish; smaller, 
wing 3} to 33, tail 22? to 3 inches; bill heavier....... Hermit Thrush. 
. Above grayish brown, more olivaceous in winter; flanks light grayish; 
larger, wing 4 to 44, tail about 3} inches; bill slenderer........ 
sterile ee IN Rak Ae ana Bea EO SE aS Audubon Hermit Thrush. 
6. Upper parts cinnamon-brown throughout (7)—olive throughout.(8) 
. Upper parts light tawny brown, sides of throat cream-buff with only the 
very center immaculate, breast light tawny buff marked by narrower 
more pencilled brownish spots, sides white slightly tinged with grayish, 
under mandible not tipped with brown or but very slightly so.. 
wh each aba pedis eet ud a arheld caeitmctine 2 teeeeeeeeeesss. Wilson Thrush. 
. Upper parts olivaceous tawny most tawny on the rump, throat almost 


114 


immaculate and unmarked, breast dark olivaceous buff more heavily 
marked with blunt arrow shaped fuscous spots, sides white strongly 
tinged with olivaceous, under mandible horn color tipped with brown. 
ds tt ote nih Gitaeh A lasecsernated uti, Masry Gece Doce celeoteeaiy leu eatag' 6 . Willow Thrush. 
8. Throat, breast, lacks, eye-ring, and lores gray with a very slight 
buffy tinge... 4.6 We car neen eee eae oe Gray-cheeked Thrush. 
8. Throat, breast, cheeks, eye-ring, and lores deep cream buff... . (9) 
9. Upper parts more olivaceous, sides and flanks less grayish... ... 
MIee TAREE CLE whe ke thee sae eee eee ws Olive-backed Thrush. 
9. Upper parts more grayish, especially on rump and upper tail-coverts; 
sides, and flanks more grayish. ...............00 000s Alma Thrush. 
10 Whole upper parts blue (11)—middle of back chestnut... 
bi @ lind thi malin a ania adie 4 Hee aoe E Chestnut-backed Bluebird, 
11. Throat and breast chestnut. . spied . Bluebird. 
11. Throat and breast not chestnut, ‘but pale blue. ahh aman “Mountain Bluebird. 


754. *Myadestes townsendii (Audubon)—TowNsEnD SoLiTAIRE. 
Resident in northwest Nebraska. Common summer resident in 
Sioux county, breeding in the latter part of May, in winter spreading 
eastward over the entire state. Valentine, Long Pine, Niobrara 
valley, Neligh, Norfolk, Alda, Lincoln, Beatrice—wintering. 


755. *Hylocichla mustelina (Gmelin)—Woop THrusa. 

Entire state; abundant summer resident and breeder eastward, un- 
commonly so westward; arriving first week in May, breeding in June, 
departing by the middle of September. Omaha, Lincoln, Beatrice, 
Peru, West Point, Dakota City, Neligh, Long Pine, Sioux county— 
breeding. 


[756. Hylocichla fuscescens Stephens, the Wilson Thrush, is the form of 
Eastern North America west to Missouri (see Howe, Auk, XVII, pp. 
18-25), but may straggle west into eastern Nebraska. However, in 
the absence of specimens, all our records are referred to the fol- 
lowing.] 

756a. Hylocichla fuscescens salicicola Ridgway—-Wi1LLow THRUSH. 

An uncommon migrant, arriving the first week in May and lingering 
into June, departing early in September. It is probably an occa- 
sional breeder, but as yet the only evidence of its nesting is a pair seen 
by Wolcott near Lincoln June 2, 1898, in a locality very favorable for 
that purpose, the male in full song. Richardson county, Omaha, 
Lincoln, West Point. 


757. Hylocichla alicie (Baird)—Gray-cHEEKED THRUSH. 
An uncommon migrant, passing through in the middle of May to 
breed north of the United States. Beatrice, Lincoln—migrating. 


758a. Hylocichla ustulata swainsonii (Cabanis)—-OLIVE-BACKED THRUSH. 
An abundant migrant in eastern Nebraska, arriving the first week 
in May or a little earlier, lingering until well into June, breeding north 
of the state, reappearing in early September and present most of that 


758b. 


759a. 


759b. 


115 
month. Omaha, Lincoln, West Point, Neligh, Kearney, Long Pine, 
Valentine. 


Hylocichla ustulata almz Oberholser—ALMa THRUSH. 

The western or mountain form of ustulata and a common migrant 
in Sioux county, arriving about the middle of May and a few lingering 
through the summer in Warbonnet canyon,where it may breed. Ober- 
holser has kindly verified this determination. Some, possibly most, 
of the records provisionally placed under the preceding form may 
belong to this recently differentiated race, especially those from Valen- 
tine and Long Pine. 


Hylocichla guttata auduboni (Baird)—AupuBon Hermit THrusH. 

Migratory; our only definite record is of a specimen taken at Lin- 
coln April 9, 1900, by M. A. Carriker, Jr., and identified by Ober- 
holser as audubont. Probably a number of the records placed pro- 
visionally under the next form belong here. 


Hylocichla guttata pallasii (Cabanis) Hermit Turusa. 

An uncommon migrant in eastern Nebraska, arriving the first week 
in April and lingering through May, reappearing late in September. 
The breeding record from Alda by F. W. Powell (Bull 2. Div. Orn. p. 
287) was probably a mistake. Omaha, Lincoln, Fairbury, West Point, 
Dakota county. 


761. *Merula migratoria (Linnaeus)—Rosin. 


761la. 


766. *Sialia sialis (Linnaeus)—BLUEBIRD. 


767a. 


Over the whole state, abundant summer resident and breeder; 
arriving the first week in March, breeding from the middle of April 
through May and June, departing late in October and early in No- 
vember, present in small numbers all winter. Westward runs into the 
following form, but typical migratoria occurs over the state, though 
less common westward. Omaha, Lincoln, West Point, Neligh, Cherry 
and Sioux counties—breeding. ~ 


*Merula migratoria propinqua Ridgway—WeEsTERN RoBIn. 

Western Nebraska, not recorded east of the 100th meridian even 
during migrations. Most of our Western birds are intermediates 
with an occasional well-defined propinqua. Breeds in Sioux county, 
east in migrations to Curtis. Dates as for preceding, or somewhat 
later. ; 


. 


Entire state; abundant eastward but rare westward; arriving first 
week in March, breeding from early in May to the middle of July, 
departing from late in September to the middle of October, rarely 
wintering. Omaha, Peru, Lincoln, Beatrice, West Point, Neligh, 
Long Pine, and Cherry and Sioux counties—breeding, even in the 
latter locality. 


Sialia mexicana bairdi Ridgway—CHESTNUT-BACKED BLUEBIRD. 
Accidental. A bird of the west, occurring regularly as a migrant 


116. 


along.the eastern base of the Rockies, accidental east.to Iowa and 
Minnesota. Included on Aughey’s record, who reported it as ‘‘rare’”’ 
in the state, and to have seen ‘‘it for the first time in August on the 
-Niobrara, about seven miles from its mouth in a dense timber.” He 
was close enough to observe its feeding habits. 


768. *Sialia arctica Swainson—Mountain BLUEBIRD. 
Western Nebraska; Sioux and Dawes to Kimball and Cheyenne 
counties, breeding commonly in the higher parts of Pine Ridge in late 
May and June. 


EXTRALIMITAL: 763. Izoreus nevius (Gmelin), the Varied 
Thrush, of the Pacific coast has straggled east even to the Atlantic 
coast; 765a. Sazxicola enanthe leucorhoa (Gmelin), the Greenland 
Wheatear, has occurred in winter (accidentally) in New York, Maine, 
Michigan, and even Louisiana and Colorado. 


INDEX 


BIRDS OF NEBRASKA. 


Acanthis linaria.............. 84 
linaria rostrata ............ 84 
linaria holbeellii........... 84 

Accipiter atricapillus.......... 51 
atricapillus striatulus....... 51 
COOPETT 5.655. fick vn Gams ee ne Ss 50 
MOOK 5 xi dere en ciesaeasaeriths aek attoss 50 

Actitis macularia............. 42 

Actodromas bairdii. ........ .. 40 
fuscicollis ................. 40 
MACULAR. ccs cck ees ease ace 40 
minutilla, .............000. 40 

Aechmophorus occidentalis.... 16 

Aegialitis melodia cireumcincta. 44 
TVOSBen swe eee acne eee 44 
semipalmata.............. . 44 

Aeronautes melanoleucus.. 62 

Agelaius phoniceus........... 74 
pheeniceus fortis. . ... TA 

AIX SPONSA,. 9 2 sei tga gaia ea 28 

Ammodramus henslowii....... 86 
henslowii ooerdentals, 86 
leconteli.. i. cis cease ees 86 
MNElSOM 3 sie ind5 aig ae arora a ewese 87 

Ampelis cedrorum............ 94 

. @arrulus:..s 4-25 92a caeves as 94 

Amphispiza belli nevadensis. . 92 

Anas boschas,.............-- 26 
fulvigula maculosa......... 31 
ODSCUTAG 20.5 ae eas os ee sees 26 
obscura rubripes........... 26 

Anhinga. f.os5.03% deoccas a8 21, 22 

Anser albifrons gambeli....... 30 

Anthus pensilvanicus......... 106 
SPPAQUCH 6.6 gogo d sande eh eens 106 

Antrostomus vociferus........ 61 

‘Aphelocoma woodhousei...... 71 

Aquila chrysetos............. 52 

Archibuteo ferrugineus........ 52 
lagopus sacti-johannis.... 52 

Ardea herodias............... 33 

Ardetta exilis................ 33 

Arenaria morinella............ 45 

Arquatella maritima.......... 43 

Asio accipitrinus . tiewacete DO 
wilsonianus..,..........5. 55 

Astragalinus tristis ........... 84 
tristris pallidus . tee 84 

Asyndesmus torquatus........ 60 

AV OCOty sau dusdhs fo n4ah tugiss ee 37 

Aythya affinis................ 28 
AMETICANAs 69 45 6 4s wee we oats 28 
Collaris .. ¢s%iavarsuee se eewe 28 
Marilay is eresevimses ena 28 
vallisneria..............05- 28 


Beolophus bicolor. . fueguces 112 
Baldpate...............0... 25, 27 
Bartramia longicauda......... 42 
Birds in Relation to Agriculture 
and Horticulture. .......... 5-11 
Bittern, American...,....... 32, 33 
TOAS tis seis dee don anny do ae ape «Be, oo 
Blackbird, Brewer........... 73,75 
Northern Red-winged. ..72, 73, 74 
ee Batata ile au des 72) 73, 74 
RUBE cae ng Beene eee 73,75 
Yollow-headed eee 72,73, 74 
Bluebird................. 114, 115 
Chestnut-backed........ 114,115 
Mountain. ............., 114, 116 
Bobolink. ............,.. 72,73, 74 
Bobwhite. ...............004. 4E 
Bonasa umbellus. ............ 46 
Botaurus lentiginosus......... 33 
Brant. . . 28, 30 
Branta bernicla glaucogastra. . 30 
canadensis...........-..... 30 
canadensis hutchinsii. ...... 30 
canadensis minima. ........ 31 
Bubo virginianus.. .......... 56 
virginianus pallescens ieee 56 
virginianus arcticus........ 56 
Bufflehead................04. 29 
Bunting, Indigo............ 79,91 
POTIC igen canter ee oH auig Oe Se 78, 82,92 
Teall gsi hig cacscacs ge Sosa sede ds 79,92 
Painted sf as secs th vca'g bce da 79,92 
STO Weve 37 <4 sed stages oun nan tae oak 77, 84 
Varled oo 2 ues ead ddaarstulee 4 79,92 
Buteo borealis... ............ 51 
borealis calurus............ 51 
borealis harlani............ 51 
borealis kriderii............ 51 
lin@atus! ici2 ecec4e caewsaaw -51 
platypterus. ............... 51 
SWALDSONL 065 .c cea asus een ee 51 
Butorides virescens........... 34 
Calamospiza melanocorys...... 92 
Calcarius lapponicus. ......... 84 
lapponicus alascensis ....... 85 
OTNAtUS g.iu hikari eae eae 85 
RO GUS? ws. gender anate eoteete code eh 85 
Calidris arenaria.............. 41 
Canvasback................. 25, 28 
Cardinals .5.5.s6 a2 ecw dew sears 77,91 
Cardinalis cardinalis.. ........ 91 
Carpodacus cassini............ 83 
mexicanus frontalis. . aa 83 
purpureus. ................ 88 


INDEX 


Catbind tycoons 107, 108 
Cathartes aura............... 48 
Catharista urubu............. 48 


Catherpes mexicanus Sel ac 108 
Centrocercus urophasianus. . 46 

Centurus carolinus............ 60 
Ceophlceus pileatus abieticola.. 60 


Certhia familiaris americana. 110 
familiaris montana ........ 110 
Ceryle aleyon. ............... 57 
Chaetura pelagica............ 62 
Charadrius dominicus......... 44 
Charitonetta albeola. ......... 29 
Chat, Long-tailed.......... 100, 105 
Yellow-breasted......... 100, 105 
Chaulelasmus streperus........ 26 
Chen cerulescens............. 30 
hyperborea.. ahcmimatatanter, OO. 
hyperborea nivalis......... 30 
Chickadee... .............4. 111, 112 
Hudsonian................. 112 
Long-tailed.............. 111,112 
Mountain. .............. 111, 112 
Chondestes grammacus........ 87 
grammacus strigatus....... 87 
Chordeiles virginianus......... 62 
virginianus henryi.......... 62 
virginianus sennetti...:.... 62 
Cinclus mexicanus............ 106 
Circus hudsonius............. 50 
Cistothorus stellaris. . . 109 
Clangula clangula americana. 28 
ASIANGIC Aes oie ssw pe ceca s sctia am 28 
Coccyzus americanus.......... 57 
americanus occidentalis..... 57 
erythrophthalmus .......... 57 
Colaptes auratus luteus........ 60 
cafer collaris........:...... 60 
Colinus virginianus........... 45 
Colymbus auritus............. 16 
holbeellii.... 0.02... eee 16 
nigricollis californicus....... 16 
Compsothlypis americana usnex 101 
americana ramaline........ 101 
Contopus richardsonii......... 67 
VITCDS i xe eee ye ae ta aya ts 67 
Conurus carolinensis. cween 56 
COO ics hadi atresia hectares ,..385, 36 
Cormorant, Ha ubleorsnied. wane wee 
Plo Bis 22 Sa maceea Saath Sete dacsaneee y 22 
Mexican. ..........-....6-- 22 
Corvus brachyrhynchos....... 71 
corax principalis. .......... 71 
corax sinuatus............. 71 
eryptoleucus. . divsacapac. “OL 
Coturniculus bairdii........... 86 
savannarum bimaculatus.... 86 
savannarum passerinus... .. - 86 
COWDITES 2. oc wesc sce cate gale aes 73, 74 


Crane, Little Brown.......... 34 
Sandhill, « :ccs 205 oe e5 8H O* 34 
Whooping. ..............5. 34 

Creeper, Brown... ..........-. 100 
Rocky Mountain........... 110 

Crossbill, Bendire............. 83 
a i siencee titted Goes Reet rb 76, 83 

TRO ig is utterance tates hen 76, 83 
White-winged............. 76, 83 

CROW iy hears ne mead nan seule ae 70, 71 

Crymophilus fulicarius........ 37 

Cryptoglaux acadica.......... 55 
tengmalmi richardsoni...... 55 

Cuckoo, Black-billed. ......... 57 
California. . rr reer y | 
Yellow-billed............... 57 

Curlew, Eskimo............. 38, 43 
Hudsonian.. he Wied aoa hard POO EO! 
Long-billed. .............. 38, 42 

Cyanocitta cristata........... 70 
stelleri annectens........... 71 
stelleri diademata...... eae ay (i 

| Cyanospiza amcena,.......... 92 
CHAS yg wien alee onda duet wes 92 
CYANCAs ccs c05 cee aes Eye meas 91 
versicolor... ............4. 92 

Dafila acuta... ............... 27 

Dendragapus obscurus........ 46- 

Dendroica estiva............. 102 
auduboni................. 102 
blackburnia ............... 103 
eerulea ...... 0.28... 102 
cerulescens................ 102 
Castanea. «66a ss cee esas ess 103 
COTOWEIG, 5eoe5 i254 045-44 45 102 
discolor........-.......0.. 104 
dominica albilora.......... 103 
maculosa..............0005 102 
pensylvanica .............. 102 
palmarum................. 1038 
SEIU AU gga ed emcees wee joa & 103 
HeTiNay wiewete ees de asiiyes 101 
VAD OMS I. sss -v-bnn bane See La 103 
virens..... Te eee 103 

Dickeissel....-.........0... 81, 92 

Dippers esa ae sats cere cata va pes 106 

Dolichonyx oryzivorus........ 74 

Dove, ee sidan sea sabin cae demnaia A 

Dowitcher.................. 38, 39 


Long-billed. . 
Dryobates pubescens homorus . 59 


pubescens medianus. ....... 59 
Millosus:: bavcmedeeewere vows 59 
villosus leucomelas. ........ 59 
villosus monticola.......... 59 
Duck, Black ................ 25, 26 
Harlequin edt anecdote tects Fen 24, 29 


Lesser Scaup.............. 25 


INDEX 


Duck, Mottled............... 28 
Old-squaw ORCA DAR ESS e wt 24, 29 
Red-legged Black ......... 25, 26 
Ring-necked. .............25, 29 
Ruddy ac dantent sa ae Bae ae 24, 30 
SCalpPws cays Wie geen KS 25, 28 
Wood seth iaciawuturieec weeds 25, 29 

‘Hagle, Bald... ............2. 48, 52 

olden. . ree sian 2e48, 52 

Ectopistes migratorius. be kei: 47 

Egret, American............ 32, 33 

Eeretta candidissima......... 33 | 

Elanoides forficatus..........., 50 

Elanus leucurus.............. 50 

Empidonax difficilis.......... 68 
flaviventris............... 68 
hammondi................ 68 
MOINIMUS 5). ike asgoeemcacdoe ee a sca 68 
PPAMNT o inscdedstiensn abies aceuoue s 68 
traillii alnorum............ 68 
virescenS..............-.-. 68 
WEIGH. wis. dase cuin ales wey 68 

Ereunetes occidentalis........ 41 

usillus. ....... yas - “El 

Erismatura jamaicensis. love ung ts 30 

Euphagus carolinus. Senara "SO 
eyanocephalus.............. 75 

Falco columbarius............ 53 
mexicanus............-..-. 52 
peregrinus anatum......... 52 
richardsonii ............... 53 
TUSEICOVUS to see kid dee ela sand 52 
sparverius...............4- 53 
sparverius phalena ge ere es 53 

Falcon, Prairie.............. 49, 52 

Finch, Cassin Sern ee 77, 83 
Purple. . Lips whine a eardaah Lp OO 
HOUSES. {ccd carer e Seka d bee 77, 83 

Flicker, Northern............ 58, 60 
Red-shafted.............. 58, 60 

Florida cwerulea.............. 33 

Flycatcher, Acadian......... 66, 68 
IAVOGCT sinuiscnnd sn fed andor aiged aon unis 66, 68 
Ash-throated.............. 65, 68 
Great-crested............. 65, 67 
Hammond. . 66, 68 
NU CAS IA «cou ec aice Bh aon aw 2 Kab ba 65, 68 
Olive-sided............... 65, 67 
Scissor-tailed.............. 64, 66 
Braille oo i8 op haces awn ead 65, 68 
Wester ne: yess i e-ten srace tree anes 65 
Wright. . ne 
Vellaw callie, . ......65, 68 

Frigate DBRT Gis Site rats anew aoe a 22 

Fulica americana............. 36 

Gadiwalllinccs eee phe east cee 25, 26 


Galeoscoptes carolinensis. ..... 108 
a s 


Gallinago delicata............ 39 
Gallinula galeata. ............ 36 
Gallinule, Florida............ 35, 36 
Purples: saxeaae sega newsts 35, 36 
Gavia arcticus............... 17 
WMDEL: « sym ew eds owiyw as 17 
IMME 2 sw Ke werwlne ein aeres 17 
Geothlypis agilis............. 106 
formosa....... Gavi RY wR 104 
philadelphia ............... 104 
toliniéi sce. cceceetasa esos 104 
trichas brachidactyla....... 105 
_trichas occidentalis......... 104 
Glaucidium gnoma........... 56 


Gnatcatcher, Blue-gray.... 
Godwit, Hudsonian...........3 


Marbled.................. 38,41 
Golden-eye... .............. 24, 28 
Rocky Mountain or Barrow,24, 28 
Goldfinch. ...............0.. 77, 84 
ATKANSAS:, occ ea eo de as 77,92 
Western. ...........000 ee 77, 82 
Goose, Blue ................ 23, 30 
Clack: ocr cnra wae nance 24, 31 
Canad aiciscmivwn cnenan sewn 24, 30 
Greater Snow............23,30 
Hutchins... ............05 24, 30 
Lesser Snow ............. 23, 30 
White-fronted. ............ 23, 30 
Goshawk, American. .49,51 
Western.................. 49,51 
Grackle, Bronzed............738,75 
Grebe, Eared...............4. 16 
Holboell ois o% vale-s Geran eae’ 16 
Horned... 5 seen aes came ae » 16 
Pied-hilled. ............... 16,17 
Western eBre ne LO et 
Grosbeak, Black-headed. . .78, 82,91 
Evening. Edict ity bees . 76, 82 
Mountain Pine. .......... 76, 83 
Pin, 22 se sient es 76, 83 
Rose-breasted.......... 78, 82,91 
Western Blue. 79,91 
Western Evening nerserie ne ayaa 76, 82 
Grouse,Columbian Sharp: -tailed, 45,46 
Dusky §.oep tend racderaeleik Gash bees eke 45, 46 
Prairie Sharp-tailed........45, 46 
FRAO oo i tess 408 ected eee Hons 45, 46 
SAP Gila de dieu seicce dior decat sata 45, 46 
Grus americana... ............ 34 
canadensis................ 34 
MEXICANS. sy et wet uecwnce non 34 
Guara alba... .............-.. 31 
Guiraca cerulea lazula........ 91 
Gull, Bonaparte. ............ 19, 20 
California.....-.........-. 18, 21 
Franklitiy soc -s0 tas cease aes 18, 20 
Glaucous. .............-4. 15, 21 
Great Black-backed........ 18,19 


INDEX 


Gull, Herring.. ............. 18, 19 
Teeland): sco secs anew ed 18, 21 
Laughing. ................ 18, 20 
Ring-billed... ............ 18,19 
SADING.. 6:45 9 As lersca ges woot 18, 20 

Gyrfaleon, Gray............-- 49,52 

Hematopus palliatus......... 45 

Halixetus leucocephalus. . .. 50 

Harelda hyemalis............. 29 

Hawk, American Rough-legged, ee 52 
Broad-winged OSE REM Lea 0, 51 
COO DORs. cs vans Galena Bid eae 49, 50 
Desert Sparrow... ........ 49, 53 
Due ke sca vice sk db yo Sens antes 49,52 
Ferruginous Rough-legged. .48, 52 
Harlan iciaien ce ecaht sate deme 50, 51 
Wri WGP nis. : Seated os oe 50, 51 
Marshisey itty cd dicted oecgur 6 49, 50 
Pigeons, +4 saa eeenuree sees 49, 53 
Red-shouldered........... 50, 51 
Red-tailed................ 50, 51 
Sharp-shinned............. 49, 50 
Sparrow. ...-.-. ee ee eee 49, 53 
Swainson. .............-.. 50, 61 
Western Red-tailed........ 50, 51 

Helminthophila celata........ 101° 
celata lutescens............. 106 
chrysoptera.......-...-45. 101 
peregrina. .......-......... 101 
PIDUS. dacs cea wehs paling ace eves 100 
rubricapilla .............-. 101 
VITCINIS veces Hee e eee ees 101 

Helmitheros vermivorus....... 100 

Helodromas solitarius......... 42 
solitarius cinnamomeus..... 43 

Herodias egretta............. 33 

Heron, Black-crowned Night. .32, 34 
Great Blue... ....... Br 32, 33 
Green. . eee 
Little Blue. . Space BeBe: OO 
SNOWY ese doz slats: ieee Yeeeah a see 32, 33 
Yellow-crowned Night... .. 32, 34 

Hesperiphona yey ee ee Sees 82 
vespertina montana........ 82 

Himantopus mexicanus....... 37 

Hirundo erythrogastra. . weeeee. 94 

Histrionicus histrionicus....... 29 

Hummingbird, Broad-tailed 63 
Ruby-t roated............ 62, 63 
Rufousycaseraics ginny vccsanan 

Hiydrockel don nigra surinamen- os 

Hyloat bis alici@is, 524 eae 2053 114 
‘fuscescens ...........0605 .. 114 
fuscescens salicicola ........ 114 
guttata audubonii. 115 
gutfata pallasii.. 115 
mustelina..............0065 114 


Hylocichla, ustulata alme. .... 115 
ustulata swainsonii......... 114 
Ibis, ay bcGubiy Hbsiae Svcd Sevag aU 31 
bases dey tava non Shades, euia aE ESE 31 
Whitefaced Glossy. . ace ie 31 
WOO Aas suc aii stay aie ou adea ae 32 
Icteria virens................ 105 
virens longicauda.......... 105 
Icterus bullockii.............. 75 
galbula aii c2e2. ses remic ans 75 
spurius | Heal e ak A Berea ee Oe 75 
Ictinia mississippiensis. ....... 50 
Introduction................. 3-4 
Ionornis martinica........... 36 
Iridoprocne bicolor. . ... einen 94 
Ixoreus nevius............... 116 
Jaeger, Long-tailed .......... 17,18 
Parasitic... 0.0... 00000005 17,18 
Pomarine; xs: 44 asad4s 5452 17 
Jay, Black-headed........... 70,71 
BUG sits dietdnaracnce mea enncs eran ee 70 
(OF 210 b: eae ere 70, 71 
Long-crested.............. 70,71 
ATH OT 5 ese he ahh A aik-eeeraranleine 70, 72 
Rocky Mountain.......... 70, 75 
Woodhouse............... 70, 71 
Junco aikeni................. 88 
caniceps..... ieee EEA NEW AS 89 
Gray-headed.............. 78, 89 
hyemalis.................. 
hyemalis shufeldti......... 89 
INCSINSL « coding aren Suds o ahuchinen 89 
montanus.....,...-....... 89 
Montana.................78, 89 
Pink-sided................78, 89 
Shufeldt........0.....00.. 78, 89 
Slate-colored.............. 78, 89 
White-winged.............. 
Killdeers «i:52ya:04 greg tics ews ‘43, 44 
Kingbird. ..... TAR jen sieves @ ah aga sees 65, 67 
Arkansas................. 65, 67 
CBSSII ef ae cia-agiduiscia ninacteates tas 65, 68 
Kingfisher, Belted........... 57 
Kinglet, Golden-crowned...... 112 
Ruby-crowned............. 112 
Kite, Mississippi............. 48, 50 
Swallow-tailed Seno einade Masta cans 49, 50 
White-tailed. ............. 49, 50 
Kittiwake........ abate discon 18, 21 
HNO b spray 5 csceae wep srsncrcen aces aun 40 
Lanius borealis. ....... SSatie aes 95 
ludovicianus excubitorides .. 95 
ludovicianus migrans....... 95 
Lark, Horned............... 69 
Desert Horned............. 69 
Hoyt Horned... ........... 69 


* 


INDEX 


Lark, Prairie Horned. ........ 69 
Larus argentatus............. 19 
e@tricula so s-wacwot ss eaten ease 20 
ealifornicus................ 21 
delawarensis............... 19 
franklinii................. 20 
marinus. near ia iadéeamaae, © LO 
philadelphia. esti deiner aunland aA 20 
Leucosticte, Gray-crowned. ...76, 84 
Hepburn................. "76, 84 
tephracotis................ 84 
tephracotis littoralis . 84 
Limosa fedoa................ 41 
hemastica...............-. 41 
Longspur, Alaskan........... 77, 85 
Chestnut-collared.......... 77, 85 
Lapland.................. 77, 84 
McCown. siiicii tian as sae 77, 85 
Peintedts x enpcreae-ae ean 77, 85 
MOON cewetes inves Bx oye see cieats weeds 17 
Black-throated............. 17 
Red-throated.............. 17 
Lophodytes cucullatus........ 26 
Loxia curvirostra bendirei..... 83 
curvirostra minor.......... 83 
curvirostra stricklandi...... 83 
leucoptera ........-...000, 83 
Macrorhamphus griseus... .... 39 
scolopaceus................ 40 
Magpie. icici visu ao ans .. 70 
Mallard... oie anon tee a 25, 26 
Man-o’-War Bird............ 22 
Mareca americana. ....... ice Ghat oD 
penelope... .....--... 2.006. 26 
Martin, Purple. .............. 93 
Meadowlark. ............... 738, 74 
Western. . ieee she ce TS 
Megascops asio..... 0.00.0 sees 55 
a’io maxwelliw............ 55 
Melanerpes erythrocephalus ... 60 
Meleagris gallopavo silvestris.. 47 
Melospiza grorgians Sie dh Oipauelg 90 
lincolnii . aes Ageia das 90 
melodia... ..........0.000- 89 
melodia juddi.............. 90 
melodia montana........... 92 
Merganser, American......... 24, 25 
americanus.....,........-. 2 
Hoodéd. « vvccswsane vn aves 24, 26 
Red-breasted............. 24, 26 
SOIT atOls oscvs ck eee ae ee bo aie 26 
Merlin, Richardson... ........ 49, 53 
Merula migratoria, ........... 115 
migratoria propinqua. . 115 
Micropalama himantopus ecoatns 40 
Mimus foun occa) Sep apie a de dil 108 
polyglottos leucopterus. . 108 
Mniotilta VATIAS s aeoecnd arated 100 


Mockingbird.............. 107, 108 
Western. ............45- 107, 108 
Molothrus ater............... 75 
Muscivora forficata. .......... 66 
Myadestes townsendii......... 114 
Myiarchus crinitus........... 67 
cinerascens ........5.......- 68 
Nettion carolinensis........... 27 
Nighthawk... ..........0005 61, 62 
Esanatt. 5 Sele De Sith BG aed ae 61, 62 
Western. ..........200e eee 61, 62 
Nucifraga columbiana......... 72 
Numenius borealis............ 43 
hudsonicus............ eae 
longirostris. ............... 
Nutcracker, Clarke.......... 70, 7 
Nuthatch, Pygmy op Blowae Raw 111 
Red-bellied. ............... 111 
Rocky Mountain........... 111 
White-bellied.............. 111 
Nuttallornis borealis.......... 67 
Nyctea nyctea............... 56 
Nyctanassa violacea.......... 34 
Nycticorax nycticorax nevius.. 34 
Oidemia americana. .......... 29 
Ceglandi . oe cccecs ca eine ee ee 29 
erspicillata ............... 29 
Olbiorchilus hiemalis. ........ 109 
Old-squaw.............-.00-. 29 
Olor buccinator.. ............ 31 
columbianus............... 30 
Oreospiza chlorura. . say) Ol 
Oriole, Baltimore........ 72,74, 75 
Bullock... ............ 72, 74,75 
Orchard. ........-....-. 72,73, 75 
Oroscoptes montanus......... 108 
OSPle Yr a.g acho ae ae artel eee eid 48, 53 
Otocoris alpestris............. 69 
alpestris hoyti............. 69 
alpestris leucolema......... 69 
alpestris praticola.......... 69 
Ovenbird.................- 99, 104 
Owl, American Hawk 54, 56 
Arctic Horned... ......... 54, 56 
IB aris sip esos ae eas halen rete 
Barredss oss 2cte acces es 54, 55 
Burrowing. . yeva y Day 66 
Flammulated Screech...... 54, 56 
Great Gray.............6. 54, 55 
Great Horned............. 54, 56 
Long-eared............... 54, 55 
PYGMY: tsacid oeig we as sear 54, 56 
Richardson. .............. 54, 55 
Rocky Mountain Screech. . 54, 55 
Saw-whet...............4. 54, 56 
Screech. ..... pisod att seas 54, 55 
Short-eared............... 54, 55 


INDEX 


Owl, Snowy... ........00005 54, 56 
Western Horned.......... 54, 56 
Oxyechus vociferus........... 44 
Oyster-catcher, American. .... 45 
Pandion halietus carolinensis.. 53 
Paroquet, Carolina............ 57 
Parus atricapillus............. 112 
atricapillus septentrionalis.. 112 
Pambel ie vscacseag ye eens asx 112 
Passer domesticus. ........... 84 
Passerculus sandwichensis alau- 
GUDUS, cs Si csseasectsccy conte eeta ou 86 
sandwichensis savanna...... 85 
Passerella iliaca. ............. 90 
iliaca schistacea............ 90 
Passerina nivalis... .......... 84 
Pedicecetes phasianellus cam- 
POSbTISy so otal esis erieay gory 46 
phasianellus columbianus.... 46 
Pewee, Wood... ............ 65, 67 
Western Woods sai eo n.ees 65, 67 
Pelecanus erythrorhynchos.... 23 
occidentalis............... 23 
Pelican, Brown............. 22, 23 
AA cas Salers a emmccaundee JOH ce 22, 23 
Pelidna alpina sakhalina...... 41 
Perisoreus canadensis. ........ 7t 
canadensis capitalis........ 71 
Petrochelidon lunifrons.......... 94 
Peucea estivalis bachmanii... 92 
cassini . PELE LEBEL ETAE ERED 92 
Phalacrocorax dilophus....... 22 
dilophus floridanus......... 22 
MORIOANUS. kee wise oa ee 22 
_Phalenoptilus nuttallii....... 61 
nuttallii nitidus............ 62 
Phalarope, Northern.......... 37 
Redo is sn goa4 iowa dee ne ens 37 
Wilson 578 ah Ratics 36, 37 
Phalaropus Jobatus. .......... 37 
Phasianus torquatus.......... 47 
Pheasant, Hngeaeeled: weenee ne 47 
Philohela minor. rae 39 
Phoebens. 5-44 eb eerie ee ees 65, 67 
SRY ogg aca pape ds He heey 65, 67 
Pica pica hudsonia........... 70 
Picoides americanus... ....... 60 
ATCHCUS. sai Adee bo eechaeaces 59 
Pigeon, Passenger... .......... 47 
Pinicola enucleator leucura.... 83 
enucleator montana........ 83 
Pintall e's we ew ahaa Bn eae eis 25, 27 
Pipilo erythrophthalmus....... 90 
fuscus mesoleucus.......... 92 
maculatus arcticus.......... 91 
maculatus megalonyx....... 91 
Pip tbive hat dk kee cdtgnuine ie aud coabcend 106 
PTABUE. sce sie eee eee 106 


Piranga erythromelas. ........ 93 
ludoviciana ............... 93 
TULA. a. 4 tat teow ees He 93 

Plegadis autumnalis.......... 31 
guarauna.... 2.2.2... eee eee 31 

Plover, Belted Piping......... 44 
Black-bellied le ie geek BBLS 43, 44 
Golden. ............000005 438,44 
Mountain. ...............- 43, 44+ 
Semi-palmated............ 43, 44 
SUOWYs ache wae ket aes ebe ees 44 

Podasocys montanus.......... 44 

Podilymbus podiceps......... 17 

Polioptila cerulea. . ere 113 

Pocecetes gramineus eae en rare em $5 . 
gramineus confinis......... 85 

Poortwilly o..sca i sacane cs vane d es 61 
Wrostedh. is. ¢.cacsga edeewee oe as 61, 62 

Porzana carolina............. 
jamaicensis................ 36 
noveboracensis............. 36 

Prairie. Hen. jcc ¢i cena wees 45, 46 
Lessfe ni. kine caste ee 8 45, 46 

Progne subis............ Pere 93 

Protonotaria citrea........... 100 

Querquedula ae aaa cela ea 27 
discors. oases AH, 

Quiscalus quiscula seneus...... 75 

Rail, Blacks yi 0aas suse vin doe 35, 36 
Carolinas» c:.a0¢e cess ceed 36 
King. . ee ee ee) 
Virginia. . ea Se Se sentp Se aenac aes ora 35 
MeO Wredscs guh Git) oa auaceocedcarsue ahs 35, 36 

Rallus elegans............... 35 
virginianus ................ 35 

Raven, American. ...........70,71 
Northern. ................ 70, 71 
White-necked. geeucn nd Ovidels 

Recurvirostra americana... ... 37 

Red-head................. _..25, 28 

Redpoll. so: css asaeve nee aren 76, 84 
Greater..............0... 76, 84 
TROALY eat, Migctor i os onan o's 76, 92 

Redstart. cos. scion. 2 Gates aoe wes 100, 106 

Regulus calendula............ 112 
SALTADA «10 to dboes ears Soe eras 112 

Rhynchophanes mccowniil.. ... 85 

Riparia riparia............... 94 

ROD sis hot oe han eek eon es 113,115 
Westerns ouseis 2s 3 eects 113,115 

Salpinctes obsoletus.......... 108 

Sanderling. . Fa edcetiee ys COOy AL 

Sandpiper, Baird. ........... 39, 40 
Bartramian............... 38, 42 
Buff-breasted............. 39, 42 
THOaStois. naive drole aena mcrae 39, 40 


* INDEX 


a a Pectoral.......... 39, 40 
Purple nas airy een ane a3 Hace 39, 43 
Red backed. .............. 29° 41 
Semi-palmated............ 38, 41 
DO taTrys cb coeds ound 38, 42 
Spotted. , soca sews ana ses 38, 42 
Stilts. & occaucce udev eone aoe 38, 40 
Wresterny. 5.5 sense ce aheaigs 38, 41 
Western Solitary. ......... 38, 43 
White-rumped............ 39, 40 

Bapsucket Red-naped ....... 58, 60 

BI AMIBONS: 6 shee eee ahha o 58, 60 
Yellow-bellied............. 58, 59 

Saxicola enanthe leucorhoa.... 116 

Savornis pheebe.............. 67 
SAV Oss 35 see id erases aa od ae 67 

Scoter, American............ 24, 29 
Guiles iveaioonywate cate be 24, 29 
White-winged............. 24, 29 

Scotiaptex nebulosa.......... 55 

Seiurus aurocapillus.......... 104 
motacilla........-....2005. 104 
noveboracensis notabilis . .. 104 

Selasphorus platycercus. ...... 63 
LUTUS? jo5.0.c0 urge bene pared ols 63 

Setophaga ruticilla............ 106 

Shovellets woi4 5h.4 dss d aioe oe 25, 27 

Shrike, Northern............. 94,95 
Loggerhead. . sulwmanes 94 OO 
White-rumped. . ee eee 95 

Sialia arctica................. 116 
mexicana bairdi............ 115 
Sa Si ec ckwas aWaden as aH ae 115 

Siskin, Pine................. 77, 84 

Sitta canadensis.............. 111 
carolinensis............ Fo5.ae sb IT 
carolinensis nelsoni......... 111 
PYSMHA ....... eee eee 111 

Snipe, Wilson............... 38, 39 

Solitaire, Townsend........113, 114 

DOFAs tes saae ee acne ee ete Maes 36 

Sparrow, Bachman.......... 80, 92 
Barred ys saceeese-ay ce te oes 82, 86 
Brewer................:..81, 88 
re ee en eee aren 80,92 

EPPING. co ea ae ae Soiace 81, 88 
Clay-colored.............. 81, 88 
Dakota Song.............. 80, 90 
eis By, oc as sc pse gig dear ame 81, 84 
European Tree............. 81 
PiGlGy 2 auscor dann ddaateliawncad 81, 88 
Ose nc Mihi ilaee sh aati kde acetate 82,90 
Golden-crowned........... 80, 92. 
Grasshoper............... 82, 86 
le ia 9 (a 80, 87 
Henslow.............--6-- 79, 86 
Intermediate. ............. 80, 87 
Toate vis cade acct oe Re ay HERS 79, 87 
Leconte. ....... 0.0. e eee 79, 86 


Sparrow, Lincoln............ 80, 90 
Mountain Song. . . .80, 92 
INGISOD). geval e saw apa Rai Ooo 79, 87 
DAR Chcrc aa race mcr Pelee ah ee ted 81,92 
Savanna..........0. 0000s 82,85 
Slate-colored.............. 82,90 

OMG ca io Sik ieee elses wala aoe 80, 89 
SWAMP: se seweee dan anes 80, 90 
Tree, ..... 81, 87 
Vesper. whi eCards poets 82, 85 
Western Chipping... ...... 81, 88 
Western Cupp i edin eaathd saber ate 81, 88 
Western Seip aie ... 82, 86 
Western Henslow. . ..,..79, 86 
Western Lark............. 79, 87 
Western Savanna.......... 82, 86 
Western Tree. ............ 81, 88 
Western Vesper. .......... 82, 85 
White-crowned............ 80, 87 
White-throated.. 80, 87 

Spatula clypeata. . 27 


Speotyto cunicularia oe 56 


Sphyrapicus thyroideus....... 60 
VATIUS. cuss. eons aan hoa. a ee Seen 59 
varius nuchalis............ 60 

Spinus pinus................. 84 

Spiza amiericana.............. 92 

Spizella breweri.............. 88 
Monticola, . 2. .acesac sages 87 
monticola ochracea. ........ 88 
pallida. oiccwcewaancaaee ase 88 
pusilla. conc ad cweneedeeea ne a 88 
pusilla arenacea 88 
SOCIANS cad wn owes guna ee a 88 
socialis arizone..... 88 

Squatarola squatarola. . 44 

Steganopus tricolor........... 37 

Stelgidopteryx serripennis..... 94 

Stercorarius longicaudus....... 18 
parasiticus................ 18 
pomarinus................. 18 

Sterna antillarum............ 21 
CASPIAsoy 4s dea eet eors wees 20 
fOrsteriis sisanc ee tee oa ada 20 
hivUndo 3 os wx cca eede es eta s 20 
MAXIMS. oe eiis cese ese ae es 20 

aradis@a, ........ cece eee 20 

Stilt, Black-necked........... 37 

Strix pratincola. ............. 53 

Sturnella magna.............. 74 
magna neglecta... ......... 75 

Surnia ulula caparoch....... 65 

Swallow, Bank... ........... 93, 94 
BAP 6:5 pecs asin cates BAe Rees 93, 94 
CI HM Sateen yk otis aaa 93, 94 
Rough-winged............ 93, 94 
THEE: #434 es wo eroabeh eu ata ae es 93, 94 
Violet-green.............. 93, 94 

Swan, Trumpter............. 23, 31 


INDEX 


Swan, Whistling............. 23, 30 

Swift, Chimney... ........... 62 
White-throated Rock....... 62 

Symphemia semipalmata inor- 


PEGA e pido aia anbteaahnde ano aaataecced 42 
Syrnium varium....:......... 55 
Tachycineta thalassina lepida.. 94 
Tanager, Louisiana........... 93 

Scarleticnd o seis pos garge ies 92, a8 

Suminers.. s<ieaireoeee even ge 
Tantalus loculator............ 3 
Teal. Blue-winged. ..........25, 27 

Cinnamon.,.............. 25, 27 

Green-winged. ............ 25, 27 
Telmatodytes palustris iliacus. 110 

palustris plesius............ 110 
Tern, Arctic.............-204. 19, 20 

Blah e siaar cs sdb agagates 19, 21 

Caspians « saxfesaiaadis oh ee 19, 20 

ComMONs ie 24 ee av koko eae 19, 20 

Porsters sive yan baw bam eK 19, 20 

Least» 4.203 aecseee asses 19, 21 

Royals: .634 @ sv-geas woe Oe ee 19, 20 
ere Brown.......... 107, 108 

ects deertitiien Auivtaaand cap haa ae 107, 108 
Thrush, PATA iis caeconten specs 114,115 

Audubon Hermit........113, 115 

Gray-cheeked. ....... yea ka 114 

Hermits. mean eaten taeds 118, a 

Olive-backed. .............. 114 

Waried i. ace aca ho gamiys 113, 116 

Willow: oo degs ween eeavda as 114 

Wilson 113, 114 

Wood. . oveo0 118,114 
Thryomanes bewickii......... 109 

bewickii bairdii. ........... 109 

bewickii cryptus........... 109 
Thryothorus ludovicianus..... 109 
Titmouse, Tufted.......... 111, 112 
Topography of Bird......... 12-13 
Totanus flavipes... .......... 42 

melanoleucus.............. 41 
Tow hee se: idan Mim edes 6 78,90 

ATCC weds eee Apes Bees 78,91 

Canyons ois cieisnuese esas 79,92 

Green-tailed.............. 78, 91 
» SPUrIPed, roca ees .....78,91 
Toxostoma rufum.......... 108 
Tringa canutus............... 40 
Trochilus colubris............. 638 
Troglodytes edon....... 2... 109 

aedon aztecuS..,........... 109 
Tryngites subruficollis. . ... 42 
ES en | alana ee 47 
Turnstone, Ruddy...../.-.... 45 
Tympanuchus,americanus..... 46 

albicans, uaaeertine Aaltaed 46 


itgeanne tyfannus, ......... .. 67 


Tyrannus verticalis........... 67 
vociferans.......-2 2.0.00 68 
Vireo atricapillus.............. 96 
bellit. ss x22 Ge8a3 emer oseuN 97 
Belliceescegaeuses mean wate 96 
Black-capped........--+-- 95, 96 
Blue-headed.. .-.......... 95, 96 
flavifrons . ........00 cere ee 96 
gilvus.......... swale tearm 96 
gilvus swainsoni. .......... 96 
noveboracensis.........---- 96 
olivaceuS..........50.200005 96 
Plumbeous. . File esta ed an DOF OE 
Philadelphia. ee eee eee 95, 96 
hiladelphicus............. 96 
Radavel ae aic aeasceneee wie Ril 95, 96 
solitarius. .......---6--0008- 96 
solitarius plumbeus.... . 96 
Warbling. wee ee 95, 96 
Western “Warbling. Si yew g araee 95, 96 
White-eyed. . ere 96 
Yellow-throated. . 95, 96 
Vulture, Black ............... 48 
Turkey hori Mss Meees SERRE ESR 48 
Warbler, Audubon.......... 98, 102 
Bay-breasted........ 98, 99, 103 
Blackburnian dias cba Mae eee 98,103 
Black-poll. ...98, 99, 103 
Black- trade ted "Blue. .....98, 102 
Black-throated Green... . .98, 103 
Blue-winged., ........... 97, 100 
Black pa White......... 98. 100 
Canadian............... 100, 105 
Cape May...............98,101 
Ceritleatie sccce sc isesice tyar are ous 98, 102 
Chestnut-sided. ....... 98, 99, 102 
Connecticut. ............. 99, 106 
Golden-winged. .......... 97,101 
Hooded. ............... 100, 105 
Kentucky... ........:...99, 104 
Kirtlandeé es, gens ae watiee-ee 98, 106 
“LUtescent..i aa 4226 aa aces 97, 106 
Macgillivray............. 99, 104 
Magnolia. ............ ...98, 102 
Mourning. ............0.. 99, 104 
Myrtle... ...........0.0.. 89, 102 
Nashville. .............,. 97,101 
Northern Parula......... 97,101 
Orange-crowned.......... 97,101 
Ss Pali 26° a ale ica sw sea sake 99,103 
Pileolated............... 100 
Pine. ....... 5S eae exe es 98, 103 
PUSITICS ¢ 2256 5 hog ee eerie oes 99, 104 
Prothonotary... .......... 97, 100 
Sycamore................ 98, 103 
Tennessee... ............ 97,101 
Townsend. ee ee 98, 106 
/Virginia............ hao 97,101 


INDEX 


Warbler, Wilson .......... 100,105 | Wren, Bewick............. 107, 109 
Worm-eating............. 97, 100 CANNY O Twinn si:er ant saspaciarteand sae 107, 108 
MONO Wes semaine sae vane bokavnd 99, 102 Carolina................ 107, 109 
Water-thrush, Grinnell. . ..99, 104 PL OUBE deen hcp Mena awe 107, 109 
Louisiana................ 99, 104 Interior Tule............ 107, 110 

Waxwing, Bohemian.......... 94 Long-billed Marsh....... 107, 110 

OAT coped arauewnemive taht are kanes 94 OOK ae aice Casein ce ah a are tees 6a 108 

Wheatear, Greenland...... 113, 116 Short-billed Marsh....... 107, 109 

Whippoorwill.. .............. 61 Texas Bewick Wren. . 107, 109 

‘Widgeon, American........... 27 Western House...:...... 107, 109 
European.................. 26 Winters ciscew sie ewsca sas ws 107, 109 

wlet pees Lets waoantn endl 38, 42 
ilsonia canadensis.......... 105 
i enna ree ibe | omceeateizanieectalan 
pusilla... 0.0... .. ss. eee 105 | Xema sabinii................ 20 
pusilla pileolata............ 105 

Woodcock.................. 38, 39 

Woodpecker, American Three- : Vellowlegs: 2 svccssneas aveees 38, 42 
haath Paper RESUS DANG BoE ....58, 60 Greater: 2s aeviae hs eeu es 38, 41 
Arctic Three-toed......... 58, 59 Yellowthroat, Northern..... 89, 105 
‘Batchelder................ 58, 59 Westerninassscavearsae ees 99, 104 
Haitycia yan eae eres Satins o 59 ; 

Ivory-billed. ............... 60 | Zamelodia ludoviciana.. ...... 91 
Diewisess ss ahs erie cedars seus 58, 60 melanocephala............. 91 
Northern Downy.......... 58,59 | Zenaidura macroura.......... 47 
Northern'Hairy............ 59 | Zonotrichia albicollis.......... 87 
Northern Pileated. ........ 57, 60 COPOTIAUE:.. oc scace seu qccie actin 92 
Red-bellied. .............. 58, 60 leucophrys ..............4. 87 
Red-headed............... 58, 60 leucophrys gambelii........ 7 
Rocky Mountain Hairy. .... 59 QUEEU E635. i Seen arenes 87 


passe Nesey 
Moron