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ALBERT R. MANN 
LIBRARY 


Cornett University 


Wiliam E. Davis, Jr. 


INELL UNIVERSITY LIBRARY 


Cornell University 


Library 


The original of this book is in 
the Cornell University Library. 


There are no known copyright restrictions in 
the United States on the use of the text. 


http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924090279849 


UNIVERSITY OF WYOMING. 


Agricultural College Department. 


WYOMING EXPERIMENT STATION, 


BULLETIN NO. 55. 
SEPTEMBER, 1902. 


Le /* 
“ih ROCKY MOUNTAIN JAY 
“Came ROBBER.” 


The Birds of Wyoming. 


By WILBUR C. KNIGHT. 


. 


Bulletins will be sent free upon request. Address: Director Experinieét 
Station, Laramie, Wyo. * De ABS ee 


——$__— 


gs 
Wyoming Agricul wel Experinet station, 


UNIVERSITY OF WYOMING. 


.BOARD OF TRUSTEES, 


Hon. OTTO GRAMM, President, Laramie.................0005 1903 
Hon. GRACE RAYMOND HEBARD, B.S.,Ph.D.,Sec’y, Cheyenne.1903 
Hon. HENRY L. STEVENS, M. D.,. Laramie...............0000- 1903 
Hon. TIMOTHY F. BURKE, LL. B., Vice President, Cheyenne. 1907 
Hon. JOHN C. DAVIS, Treasurer, Rawlins..............+0.000- 1907 
Hon. MORTIMER JESURUN, M. D., Douglas...............055 1907 
Hon. ARTHUR C. JONES, Laramie............. cece eee renee 1903 
Hon. JOHN A. BECKWITH, Evanston..............--0 see seers 1905 
Hon. S. CONANT PARKS, Ph. D., Lander................-0005 1905 
State Supt. of Public Instruction T. T. TYNAN.........66- Ex-officio 
President ELMER E. SMILEY, A. M., D. D............0055 Ex-officio 


Agricultural Committee of the Board of Trustees. 


H. L. STEVENS, Chairman...:......... cece cece cece ees Laramie 
OTTO! GRAMM. «wii sawec is awa ceive nes ones nersiwe se seees Laramie 
As GWJONES | 2s distaste. cio hans cae eee Mise es cha oe4 gees Laramie 


President of the University of Wyoming, 
ELMER E. SMILEY, A. M., D. D. 


STATION COUNCIL. 


BE. E, SMILEY, Ay Mi [De Diss .soeiiessn dow ceians ce neva ces’. President 
B. C. BUFFUM, M.S&...... Director, Agriculturist and Horticulturist 
A. NELSON, M. S., A. M............ FEES CADEETAA MATS Cu ceE Botanist 
HB. B, SLOSSON, M. S., PH. Di... ce. cece eee cence cece enees Chemist 
W. C. KNIGHT, A. M., PH. Do... ... ce cece eee n eee tenes Geologist 
C. B. RIDGAWAY, A. M.... cece eee eee Physicist and Meteorologist 
G. R. HEBARD, A. M., Ph. D.......... Ss Aa astaneea ae Secretary 
BURTON P. FLEMING, B. S........--eeeeecees Irrigation Engineer 
ELIAS B. NELSON, A. M........ceeeeeeees Assistant Horticulturist 


WO BN. SIGMAN 6 sesie te iece acon She tases Shree Foreman Experiment Farm 


Introduction. 


Being a geologist it may appear strange for me to pose as 
the author of a bird bulletin. No doubt I should apologize for 
undertaking work of this nature. A simple staternent of the 
case will, I trust, make it plain to all why I have taken up this 
study. For a number of years we have had constant inquiries 
at the University for some literature on the birds of the state. 
As time went on these became more numerous but there was no 
one to take up the subject. Being the curator of the museum 
I volunteered my services five years ago, and the board have 
been very generous in granting me assistance. While I make 
no pretense at being an ornithologist, I have always been deep- 
ly interested in the birds, and at one time when a young man 
did spend considerable time in studying them. 

Upon taking up the work there were three avenues open 
from which I could secure data: 1, the published reports per- 
taining to the birds of the state. 2, observations of ornitholo- 
gists or collectors in the state that had not been published. 3, 
to make a collection of skins, and secure as much data as possi- 
ble first hand. While there was considerable material available 
under the first and second divisions, yet there was a wide field 
that had not been worked, and a great deal of valuable infor- 
mation to be secured. A collection was immediately started 
and with the valuable assistance of Chas. W. Gilmore, who 
was a student at that time, but at the present is in the depart- 
ment of palaeontology of the Carnegie Museum, rapid progress 
was made. ‘The collection at this time numbers a little less 
than 600 skins ; but in many instances there is but a single skin 
representing a species. 


2 Wyoming Experiment Station. 


Those in the state who have been sufficiently interested 
in the birds to make collections have furnished valuable infor- 
mation, all of which is duly accredited under the heading “Ac- 
knowledgments.” 

The published notes have not been satisfactorily disposed 
of. Some of the earlier work is a half century old, and to make 
this conform to the present nomenclature without having the 
specimens to consult, is more difficult than it appears on the 
onset. Where the early data could be placed unquestionably 
this was done. In other cases they were as a rule. placed in 
accordance with the recent geographical distribution of the 
species. Since there are many eastern and western forms 
that iningle in eastern Wyoming it will be necessary to have 
extensive collections made before many points can be settled. 
The fact that many new species and varieties have been named 
during the last quarter of a century caused a great deal of 
confusion, since in many cases it was impossible to tell anything 
about the specimens that had been collected. 

The material in this bulletin is a very insignificant contri- 
bution to the history of the birds of the state, and is offered 
as an aid rather than a study of this great subject. Vast areas 
in the state remain without having been visited and no locality 
has been sufficiently worked to secure all of the attainable data. 
Southwestern Wyoming offers special inducements for the 
study of birds, and there are only a few references to Uinta 
county in this publication. 

In collecting these data there has been but one aim—scientific 
accuracy. No attempt has been made to swell the list so that it 
might compare favorably with or exceed the adjoining states. 
Unless there has been good reasons for including data they have 
been set aside. Those who have furnished data have in every 
instance been fully competent to judge as to the legality of 
the determinations, and it is hoped that there will be but few 
if any birds included in this list which will not be found by fu- 
ture collectors. It is my opinion that within the next ten years 
the list will be increased by at least fifteen or twenty species. 


The Birds of Wyoming. 3 


A PARTIAL LIST OF THE PUBLICATIONS PER- 
TAINING TO WYOMING BIRDS. 


While this list includes most of the important papers there 
are a good many others to be found in the various journals that 
have made a specialty of publishing notes on ornithological 
topics. 

Wood, W. S. Lieut. Bryan’s Wagon Road Expedition to 
Salt Lake and Return, 1856-57. Notes 18 species of birds taken 
in Wyoming. 

Hayden, Dr. Lieut. Warren’s Expedition, 1857. Hayden 
notes 22 species taken in Wyoming. 

U. P. Railroad Surveys, Vol. IX, 1853-56, lists 80 species 
of birds taken in Wyoming. This includes all of the work of 
earlier authors. In the appendix of the same volume there is 
a list of 110 species collected in Wyoming by Mr. Drexel, an 
assistant to Dr. Cooper in the year 1858. All but a few of these 
were taken at Fort Bridger and represent nearly all of the col- 
lecting done in southwestern Wyoming. 

Collection of birds by Chas. S. McCarthy, Exploration 
across the Great Basin of Utah, 1859, appendix K., pp. 377-381 
inclusive, enumerating 50 species taken in Wyoming. 

U. S. Geol. Sur. of the Territories, Hayden, 1870. Smith 
and Stevenson reported a list of 124 species from Wyoming. 

Hayden’s U. S. Geol. Sur. of the Territories, 1872, pp. 
670-704 inclusive, in which Dr. Merriam, author of the section, 

mentions 34 species taken in Wyoming. 

Bulletin of the Museum of Comparative Zoology, Vol. 3, 
No. 6. Notes of an Orinthological Reconnoissance of Portions 
of Kansas, Colorado, Wyoming and Utah. By J. A. Allen. 
In this paper theré are 28 species that were taken in Wyoming. 

Notes on the Birds of Wyoming and Colorado, by C. H. 
Holden, Jr., with additional memoranda by C. E. Aiken. Pro- 
ceedings of the Boston Society of National History, pages 193- 
210 inclusive, Vol. XV, 1873. This list numbers 142 species. 


4 Wyoming Experiment Station. 


Most of these were collected’in the vicinity of Sherman, Wyo., 
and southward into Colorado and in but few instances were. 
exact locations given. 

Black Hills of Dakota, Ludlow, 1874, pages 85-102, by 
G: B. Grinnell, a list of 110 species of birds taken on this ex- 
pedition. Although near the Wyoming boundary on the east 
and north only 5 species are accredited to Wyoming. There 
are, however, very few, if any, reported that have not been 
found in this state. : 

Birds of the Northwest. Coues, 1874. Refers 159 species 
to Wyoming. This list includes the work of Dr. Coues and 
all previously published records. 

G. B. Grinnell, Carroll, Montana, to Yellowstone National 
Park, 1875, pp. 73 to 92 inclusive. Dr. Grinnell enumerates 
52 species taken in Wyoming and adds a list of 81 birds known 
in the Park, which represents the work of Dr. Merriam and 
himself. 

S. W. Williston, with notes by G. B. Grinnell, Forest and 
Stream, Vol. XII, four papers citing 109 species taken in Car- 
bon county. 

State Agricultural College, Bulletin No. 44, Ft. Collins, 
Colo. Further Notes on the Birds of Colorado, by W. W. 
Cook. In this bulletin Mr. Cook makes several references to 
Wyoming birds. The most of these data were obtained through 
this university, and without our consent or permission were 
used in the above publication. There are also several refer- 
ences to specimens that had been collected by this institution 
which he published and did not give credit to this institution 
or the collector. I wish to call attention to the following in 
this bulletin: No. 120, p. 156; No. 187, p. 157—the data re- 
garding this specimen was secured by me. No. 222, p. 1 58; 
No. 434, p. 162, the data on which he extended the range of this 
species was secured by C. W. Gilmore and was taken from this 
institution. Likewise is the note on No. 607, p. 167. On page 
168, No. 645a, Mr. Cook is-in error, for this is a typical Nash- 


The Birds of Wyoming. 5 


ville Warbler. All of the above data were collected for this 
bulletin and shown Mr. Cook upon his request; but he did 
not ask permission to use it in his bulletin, nor did he suggest 
more than that he wanted it for his private information. 


NOTES PUBLISHED IN THE AUK. 

Auk, Vol. VI, p. 341, May 23, 1889—Dendroica pennsyl- 
vanica, one—Bond. 

Auk, Vol. VI, p. 341, May 25, 1889—Micropalama himan- 
topus, 2 bds.—Bond. 

Auk, Vol. VI, p. 341, May 28, 1889—Piranga erythromelas, 
one—Bond. 

Auk, Vol. X, p. 206, May 20, 1893—Ridgway recalls cap- 
ture of birds at Fort Bridger which he called Junco Ridgwayi, 
but this name was referred to annectens afterwards. ... 

Auk, Vol. XI, p. 258————,, 1894—Mimus polyglottos 
nesting at Cheyenne, Bond. aga 

Auk, Vol. XIV, p. 94—Ridgway cites the capture of 
Juncos at Fort Bridger which is (Auk, 1897) called Junco 
mearnst. 

Auk, Vol. XVI, 1899, July 12—Pelecanus occidentalis, 
Cheyenne, first record, Bond. 

Auk, Vol. XVIII, 1901—Scotiaptex cimerea—specimen 
found mounted at Wells P. O. near head of Green River. Kill- 
ed by Wm. Wells with snowshoe pole in April, 1899. Bond. 


ACKNOWLEDGMENTS. 


I take this opportunity to sincerely thank those who have 
assisted me in the preparation of this bulletin. I wish to es- 
pecially mention the names of Mr. Robt. Ridgway and Dr. 
Merriam of Washington, who have identified skins and fur- 
nished me with literature and. other valuable data; Mr. Frank 
Bond, of Cheyenne; Dr. Mortimer Jesurun, of Douglas; Mr. 
West, of Buffalo, and Mr. Burnett, of Little Medicine, for fur- 


6 Wyoming Experiment Station. 


nishing valuable data regarding the birds of their own vicinity; 
all of which is acknowledged in the body of the Bulletin. 
Messrs. Bond and Jesurun each furnished data pertaining to 
over 200 species. Tio Mr. Chas. W. Gilmore, a faithful and 
deserving student, I wish to more than thank, for without his 
assistance this bulletin would have been an impossibility. Again 
I thank Mr. Bond for the excellent work he’ chas done in mak- 
ing the drawings, and also for donating all of the line work from 
which the zinc etchings were made. 


NOMENCLATURE. 


In this bulletin the A. O. U. check list has been followed as 
closely as possible. With the exception of the ninth and tenth 
supplements of the revised second edition I'am unfamiliar, and 
there may be some changes adopted in the supplements number- 
ing from 1 to 8, inclusive, that I-have not included. In a few 
instances I have followed Ridgway in his Bulletin No. 50, 
Smithsonian Institution, and have placed an interrogation after 
the number, not knowing whether . they have been adopted by 
the committee or not. 


A NOTE ON STUDYING BIRDS. 


The study of birds is one of those intensely interesting 
subjects that can be taken up-by any one. I do not mean by 
this statement that any one can become an ornithologist; but 
that all can with due care and study become well acquainted 
with the birds of their own vicinity, and add much valuable 
data to the bird literature by careful observations. 

In case you are not familiar with birds, the first thing 
will be to purchase a few books that will describe the characters 
that are used in description. After one is fairly well posted on 
this line it will be well to purchase a book entitled Robert Ridg- 


AECHMOPHORUS OCCIDENTALIS. Western Grebe. 


1. COLYMBUS HOLBGLLII. Holbell’s Grebe. 


COLYMBUS NIGRICOLLIS CALIFORNICUS. American Eared Grebe, 


The Birds of Wyoming. T 


way’s Manual of North American Birds. With this purchase 
the latest check list of the A. O. U., and become a member of 
the American Ornithologists’ Union. Then with this bulletin 
to tell you what has been done with the birds of Wyoming you 
are ready to commence work. I would recommend that you 
commence to make a collection of skins immediately, for in no 
other way can you accumulate really valuable data. There are 
numerous small publications that will explain in detail how to 
make bird skins. 

As soon as you commence to study, do not think that you 
will have to quit work to study birds. Get up before the sun 
in the morning and about your own home you will find ample 
material to keep you busy for several seasons. Then upon your 
vacations and holidays you will always find ample time.to add 
data to your collection. Provide yourself with a large note book. 
Do not simply note that you have seen a certain species ot that 
you have captured one; but take careful notes on migration, 
nesting, food habits and every phase of a bird’s life. In this 
way you will within the space of a few years, if you are diligent, 
accumulate a large amount of very interesting and valuable 
data. 

In identifying birds there is always more or less difficulty 
with a few groups; but on the whole one can very soon learn 
to recognize the most of the birds that he meets. When there 
are difficult specimens, as for instance the sparrows, it is al- 
ways advisable to call upon some one that has a large collection 
of skins that are properly identified, for comparison. The 
university will always be glad to grant any aid it possibly can 
to those in the state who will study the birds. When there are 
difficult problems to solve I would recommend that the skin be 
sent to the National Museum or to the Department of Agri- 
culture at Washington, D. C., for determination. 

To the citizens of Wyoming, let me ask that they interest 
their boys in the study of birds. Give them an opportunity 
to become acquainted with birds, and in learning to study them 


8 Wyoming Experiment Station. 


you will create a desire to study something else. It is a health- 
ful exercise, it will keep your boys in good company and pre- 
vent them from looking up some less hélpful recreation, as 
well as stimulate them for greater exertions. The university 
will always be very glad to assist any one in starting upon this 
subject in the way of giving advice, identifying birds or recom- 
mending the best publications for the various lines of work. 


Birds in Their Relation to Agriculture. 


There are as a rule only a few persons in each vicinity 
that pay any attention to birds. Some note their beauty, oth- 
ers their song, while the vast majority ask the question—are 
they good to eat? In case they are not, then they are con- 
sidered as valueless and it matters not whether they receive 
any attention from man or not. While there are many species 
of birds that are valuable for food, the part they play in the 
economy of an agricultural or grazing region is insignificant 
as compared with the numerous other species that act as an 
army to keep down insect pests, or destroy troublesome goph- 
ers, mice and prairie dogs. On account of the great benefit 
that is to be derivéd from birds taken as a whole, I take great 
pleasure in publishing the following article which was written 
by Prof. Laurence Bruner of the University of Nebraska, and 
published in the proceedings of the second annual meeting of 
the Nebraska Ornithologists’ Union, pp. 18-29, 1901, under 
the title, “Birds in Their Relation To Agriculture.” 

“When civilized man takes possession of new regions and 
begins cultivating the soil and establishes his sovereignty 
there, the equilibrium as it existed upon his arrival is very 
quickly disturbed. One or more of the many forms of life, 
plant and animal, that were previously held within certain lim- 
its gain ascendency. The introduction of new crops that furn- 


The Birds of W ‘yoming. 9 


ish an abundance of the proper food for some insect, enables 
this form to increase out of all proportions and harm soon 
results. The killing off of certain other forms of life that nat- 
urally keep still others in check also assists in disturbing the 
equilibrium further. The cutting down and clearing away of 
forests removes the shelter and homes of others, as does also 
the turning under of prairie grasses. Then, too, many of the 
natural residents of primeval forests and virgin prairies shun 
the sight of man, hence they gradually withdraw from the 
region, and their influence for good or evil goes with them. 
Since the majority of such forms are timid and inoffensive 
creatures, their withdrawal only adds that much more to the 
already overbalanced conditions. Year by year the gap which 
at first was scarcely noticeable becomes widened, so that fre- 
quent inroads are made and harm results. Instead of trying 
to ascertain the true cause for all this trouble perhaps exactly 
the wrong thing is done by the settlers. This of course only 
has the effect of further widening the gap between safety and 
danger. Since an insect or other animal becomes noticeably 
harmful only when present in alarming numbers, it stands to 
reason that anything which favors such an abnormal increase 
is a factor in disturbing nature and should be quickly rectified 
where possible. In order that these disturbances should be 
looked after the all-wise God of the universe created birds 
and gave them the power of flight that they might the more 
readily move about rapidly from place to place where their 
services might be needed in balancing affairs. Hence birds 
have naturally and rightfully been called the ‘balancers’ in na- 
ture. This being true, let us see just what their relations are 
to agriculture. 

“The farmer sows in order that he may reap an increased 
measure of what he has sown. In doing this he must first 
turn over the soil. This destroys many existing plants as well 
as animals that depend upon them for food. The plants thus 
turned down cannot regain their position and must of neces- 


10 : Wyoming Experiment Station. 


sity die. Not so with many of the animals, however, which 
soon work their way to the surface. Some of these attack 
the growing plants which have.been made to occupy the place 
of those destroyed by the plow. Others take wing and seek 
suitable food in adjoining districts where they add 'to the num- 
bers already drawing upon the vegetation up to the point of 
possible continued supply. Here, then, the scales begin to 
vibrate. In the field the new and tender crop entices the ever- 
shifting individuals of myriads of forms that have been 
crowded out elsewhere. The result here too is, or would be, 
very disastrous were it not for the timely visit of flocks of birds 
likewise in search of food. 

“Tt is during the period of first settlement of a country, 
when the fields are small, few and widely separated, that in- 
jury may and frequently does result from birds. It is then 
a ptoblem that needs careful consideration, not only for the 
time being, but also for the future welfare of that countty. 
If animal life is destroyed indiscriminately and without intel- 
ligent forethought, calamities unforeseen are sure to follow 
in the not distant future. 

“Birds can be useful to man in many ways. ‘They can 
benefit him by carrying the seeds of various plants from place 
to place so as to assist him in establishing new groves in which 
to find shelter from the cold in winter and refuge from the heat 
of the noonday sun in summer. They plant various shrubs 
by the wayside that spring up and later are laden with luscious 
fruit. They also carry the spawn of fishes and small crus- 
taceans among their feathers into new waters, and feed upon 
the countless seeds of weeds that are scattered broadcast over 
the face of the earth. Some kinds live almost exclusively upon 
insects, while others hunt out the small rodents that would, 
if left to themselves, destroy great quantities of grain and 
other vegetation. Still other birds benefit mankind by acting 
as scavengers in the removal of putrid and other offensive 
matter which would endanger our health. In addition to dll 


The Birds of Wyoming. 11 


these varied direct benefits which are brought about by the 
presence of birds, man is further indebted to these creatures 
for the cheer which their gay music, bright plumage and 
pleasant manners bring to him. The birds form a carefully 
organized army of police which is engaged in keeping affairs 
balanced in nature. ’ , 

“But we can go even further summing up the benefits 
that men may derive from the birds. A great many kinds 
make excellent food, while others furnish sport and pleasure 
to a large number of men and boys who seem to require a cer- 
tain kind of entertainment while accompanied with dog ana 
gun, Dead birds when embalmed as mummies and attached 
to the head-gear worn by some girls and women are also 
claimed to cause much happiness. 

“Birps AS ENEMIES.—It would be ridiculous for me to 
assert here that no injury ever resulted from the presence of 
birds on the farm or in the orchard. Quite a number of differ- 
ent species are continually stepping over to the wrong side of 
the ‘ledger’ as it were, and committing depredations of various 
kinds which if considered alone would render the perpetrators 
liable to severe punishment—in some cases even unto death. 
Some of the crimes that can be charged to the feathered tribe 
are cherry and berry-stealing, grape-puncturing, apple-pecking, 
corn-pulling, grain-eating, the unintentional carrying from 
place to place of some kinds of scale insects that happen to 
crawl on their legs and feet, the possible spreading of hog 
cholera by crows and buzzards, the robbing of the poultry 
yards, and lastly some birds are accused of making noises that 
awaken us from our slumbers in the morning. 

“Some of these crimes are genuine and are to be deplored, 
while others are more imaginary than real. A few of them 
could be prevented in part or altogether, while others might 
be diminished if we were inclined to take the trouble to do it. 

“After all that can be said pro and con concerning the 
usefulness of birds in general there remains no doubt, in the 


12 Wyoming Experiment Station. 


minds of thinking people at least, as to the value of these crea- 
tures. It is only the vicious, biased, and thoughtless persons 
who continue ruthlessly to destroy birds indiscriminately with- 
out first pausing to consider whether or not, it is a proper thing 
to do, whether it is right or wrong. 

“Foop Hasrrs.—So varied is this task of evening up in 
nature mentioned above that if attended to properly the work- 
ers must be numerous in individuals and possess widely differ- 
ent habits. That such is the case can readily be seen by the 
following brief account of the various groups of our Nebraska 
birds, along with brief statements of their food-habits. 

“The Grebes and Loons feed chiefly upon snails and oth- 
er aquatic animals such as are found about their haunts. They 
also capture many grasshoppers and similar insects that hap- 
pen in their way. They cannot, therefore, be classed among 
the especially bebeficial birds, néither can they be termed in- 
jurious on account of what they eat. 

“The Gulls, provided as they are with long wings and 
great powers for flight, are not confined to the sea-coast, hence 
they reach far inland in their migrations, feeding extensively 
upon insects like locusts, June-beetles, crickets, etc., large num- 
bers of which they destroy annually. Several kinds of these 
birds are known to follow the plow and pick up the white 
grubs and other insects that are turned up and laid bare. In 
early days, when grasshoppers did much harm in this state, 
numerous flocks of these birds were seen to feed upon these 
insects. 

“The Cormorants and Pelicans are chiefly destroyers of 
fishes and frogs, hence can hardly be classed among the most 
beneficial forms, but whether or not they do any more than to 
maintain the necessary equilibrium in that particular part of 
the vast field of nature it is difficult to judge without time for 
investigation. 

“The various Ducks and Geese which are also nearly as 
aquatic in their habits as some of the foregoing, frequently 


: The Birds of Wyoming. 13 


leave their haunts and make excursions into the surrounding 
country where in summer they feed upon locusts, beetles and 
other injurious insects. They also partake of considerable 
quantities of vegetable food, as grains, weed seeds, grasses and 
other herbage. While not included among the insectivorous 
forms these birds do much towards diminishing the-ever in- 
creasing horde of creeping and jumping things. Ducks and 
geese on the other hand are largely utilized by us as food; 
while their feathers make comfortable pillows and coverlets. 

“The Herons, Cranes, and Rails are frequenters of 
marshes and the margins of streams and bodies of water, where 
they assist in keeping the various forms among the animal life 
balanced. Fishes, frogs, snails, insects, and crustaceans are 
alike devoured by them. 

“The Snipe, Sandpipers, Plovers, Phalaropes, Curlews, 
etc., are great destroyers of insects. Moving as many of them 
do in great flocks and spreading out over the meadows, pas- 
tures, and hillsides, as well as among the cultivated fields, they 
do a large amount of careful police service in arresting the cul- 
prits among insects. They even pry them out of burrows and 
crevices in the earth where these creatures lurk during day- 
time only to come forth after nightfall to destroy vegetation. 
The large flocks of Eskimo Curlews that formerly passed 
through eastern Nebraska did magnificent work during years 
when the Rocky Mountain Locust was with us, as did also 
the equally large flocks of Golden Plovers. The Bartramian 
Sandpiper even now is a great factor each summer in check- 
ing the increasing locusts on our prairies. 

“The various members of the Grouse family, while be- 
longing to a grain-eating group, are certainly quite prominent 
as insect destroyers. Especially is this true with respect to 
the Quail, Prairie Hen, Sharp-tailed Grouse, and Wild Tur- 
key, all of which are occupied most of the summer months in 
capturing and destroying vast numbers of such insects as are 
found on the prairies. Grasshoppers, locusts, crickets, cater- 


14 Wyoming Experiment Station. 


pillars, and similar insects comprise the bulk of their insect 
food—forms that are all among the most numerous as well 
as destructive species. In writing about these birds as in- 
sect destroyers Prof. Samuel Aughey writes: ‘I happened to 
be in the Republican valley, in southwestern Nebraska, in Au- 
gust, 1874, when the locust invaded that region. Prairie 
chickens and quails, that previous. to- their coming had a large 
number of seeds in their stomachs, when dissected, seemed 
now for a time to abandon all other kinds of food: At least 
from this onward for a month little else than locusts were 
found in their stomachs. All the birds seemed now to live 
solely on locusts for a while.’ In winter and at other times 
of the year when insect life is scarce and difficult to obtain 
these birds feed more or less extensively upon seeds and other 
Kinds of vegetation. Some even enter cultivated grounds and 
seek food that belongs to the farmer, thereby doing more or 
less direct injury. The extent of such injury, of course, de- 
pends upon the number of birds engaged in the depredations, 
and, also on the time over which it is allowed to extend. If 
corn and other. grain is harvested at the proper time, but little 
damage ensues ; but if allowed to remain in the field through- 
out winter, much of the crop is liable to be taken by the birds. 

“Perhaps no other bird that frequents the farm pays high- 
er prices for the grain it eats than does the Quail. Living 
about the hedgerows, groves and ravines, where insect ene- 
mies gather and lurk during the greater part of the year, this 
bird not only seizes large numbers of these enemies daily dur- 
ing the summer months when they are ‘abroad in the land,’ 
but all winter through it scratches among the fallen leaves and 
other rubbish that accumulates about its haunts seeking for 
hibernating insects of various kinds. Being a timid little crea- 
ture, the Quail seldom leaves cover to feed openly in the fields, 
and therefore does but little actual harm in the way of de- 
stroying grain. In fact it only takes stray kernels that other- 
wise might be lost. This bird is one of the few that feeds 


1. GAVIA IMBER. Loon. 2. HYDROCHELIDON NIGRA SURINAMENSIS. Black Tern. 8. STERNA HIRUNDO. Common Tern, 


‘y7ng palnig-Buly “SISNIYYMYTIG SNYYT ‘11ND s,azavdouog “y/HdTFGVTIHd SN4VT “Lk 


The Birds of Wyoming. 15 


upon that unsavory insect, the chinch-bug; and the number 
of this pest that occasionally are destroyed by it is really as- 
tonishing. No farmer or fruit-grower should ever kill a quail 
himself nor allow anyone else to hunt it on his premises. 

“Our domestic fowls, save ducks and geese, from which 
so much direct income is derived throughout the year, belong 
here. It would be folly on my part to assert that they are 
useless to the farmer. Besides furnishing eggs and meat for 
the table, they ‘are great aids in keeping down a variety of 
noxious insects during spring, summer and fall. 

“The various species of Doves or Pigeons are not, as a 
tule, thought of as being especially harmful, yet repeated ex- 
aminations of their stomach contents would indicate that their 
food seldom, if ever, consists of anything but grains and vari- 
ous kinds of seeds along with other particles of vegetation. 
The good done by these birds as destroyers of weed seeds more 
than pays for the harm done by them as grain-eaters. 

“Recent careful study with reference to the food habits 
of Hawks and Owls carried on by the United States Depart- 
ment of Agriculture go to show that these birds, with but few 
exceptions, are the farmer’s friends rather than his enemies. 
It appears that the good which they accomplish in the way 
of destroying mice, gophers, rabbits and other small mam- 
mals along with great quantities of noxious insects far exceeds 
the possible harm they do by the occasional destruction of 
poultry and other birds. A critical examination of the actual 
contents of abotit 2,700 stomachs of these birds showed that 
only six of the seventy-three species found in the United States 
are injurious. Three of these are so rare that they need not 
be considered. Of the remaining three the Fish Hawk is only 
indirectly injurious ; hence but two remain to be considered, 
viz., the Sharp-shinned and Cooper’s Hawks. ‘Omitting the 
six species that feed largely on poultry and game, 2,212 stom- 
achs were examined, of which 56 per cent contained mice and 
other small mammals, 27 per cent insects, and only 3% per 
cent poultry and game birds.’ 


16 Wyoming Experiment Station. 


“The food habits of both the Turkey Vulture and the Car- 
rion Crow, or Black Vulture, are of such a nature that the 
destruction of these birds should be prohibited. In fact, in 
many of the states this is done by law. They live almost ex- 
clusively upon carrion or decomposing animal matter, and in 
this manner aid in the prevention of diseases that might re- 
sult from the presence of such filth, They may, however, be 
the cause of indirectly spreading hog cholera where animals 
that have died from this disease are left unburied or unburned. 

“The Cuckoos are among the few birds that habitually, 
feed upon hairy caterpillars, such as the various ‘tent-making’ 
species. They also destroy large numbers of other caterpil- 
lars, and do not object to beetles and other insects which they 
find among the foliage of trees. Although shy birds they are 
frequently seen in cities, where they do their share in protect- 
ing the shade trees from the ravages of insect defoliators. 

“Taking the Woodpeckers as a family, there are few per- 
sons but who will readily admit that these birds comprise a 
very useful group. Feeding, in fact, as most of them do, upon 
the larvae of. wood boring insects, they can readily do much 
greater good for the actual number of insects destroyed than 
if they destroyed only those that feed upon the foliage of trees. 
Not unfrequently will a single borer kill an entire tree if left 
to itself, while hundreds of foliage-feeding caterpillars of the 
same size have but little effect upon the appearance, to say 
nothing of the health, of the same tree. 

“Mr. F. E. L. Beal, assistant in the Division of Ornitholo- 
gy and Mammalogy of the United States Department of Ag- 
riculture, in summing up the results obtained from the ex- 
amination of. 679 stomachs of these birds, writes as follows: 

““In reviewing the results of these investigations and 
comparing one species with another; without losing sight of 
the fact that comparative good is not necessarily positive good, 
it appears that of seven species considered the Downy Wood- 
pecker is the most beneficial.’ He then goes on to give the 


The Birds of Wyoming. 17 


food habits based on contents of the stomachs of our most 
common species. ‘Judged by the stomach examinations the 
Downy and Hairy Woodpecker and Flicker it would be hard 
to find three other species of our common birds with fewer 
harmful qualities.’ 

“The Flicker is one of our most common woodpeckers in 
Nebraska and does much towards keeping down a number 
of different kinds of insects. It is very fond of ants as a diet, im 
fact is partial to them, and this element forms almost half of its 
entire food-supply during the year. It also occasionally feeds. 
upon the chinch-bug, as can be attested by the fact that the 
stomach of a specimen killed near Lincoln contained in the 
vicinity of 1,000 of these bugs. It is also a fruit-eater to the 
extent of about one-quarter of its entire bill of fare, but na- 
ture, not man, furnishes the supply. It takes the wild kinds in 
preference to those that are cultivated. 

“The Whippoorwill, Night Hawk, and Swifts feed entire- 
ly on insects, and must consequently be classed among the 
beneficial birds. They all capture their prey while upon the 
wing, and naturally destroy large numbers of troublesome 
kinds. 

“The various species of Flycatchers, as the name implies, 
destroy insects which they capture for the most part while on 
the wing. Flies and allied insects are quite prominent on their 
bill of fare but these by no means are the only kinds of in- 
sects destroyed by them. Many a luckless locust, butterfly, 
moth or even beetle is snapped up and devoured by the differ- 
ent species of the family. The Bee-bird, or King-bird as it 
is more frequently called, sometimes even catches bees. These 
latter, however, consist largely of drones, henee comparative- 
ly little harm is done. 

“One should be unprejudiced in order to write a fair bi- 
ography of even a bird, or group of birds. To say that I am 
without such prejudice with reference to some of the mem- 
bers of the family of birds now to be considered, would be a 
falsehood. Still, I shall endeavor to give as unbiased testi- 


18 Wyoming Experiment Station. 


mony as possible with reference to their food habits at least, 
and let the reader judge for himself as to what would be the 
proper treatment for these birds. Taking the family as a 
whole that which is made up of birds like the Crows, Ravens, 
Magpies, Jays, Nut-crackers, ‘Camp-robbers,’ etc., though 
some of them have unenviable names and reputations at least, 
are not really as bad as we are sometimes requested to believe 
them to be. 

“The Crows, Ravens, Magpies and immediate relatives 
are what might be termed ‘omnivorous’ in fodd-habits, eating 
everything that comes their way. Crows, however, have been 
shown to feed largely on insects, which in great measure at 
least, offsets the harm done in other directions. They also 
feed on various substances, the removal of which is for the 
general good. 

“The Raven is too rare a bird in this state to be taken into 
consideration in respect to food-habits, and the Magpie cer- 
tainly can be put out of the question of doing any possible 
harm for the same reason. This leaves then to be considered, 
the Jays, of which we seem to have six or seven distinct kinds; 
but only two of these are at all common. The Blue Jay is 
found over the entire state and-is familiar to everybody. The 
second species is found only in the western and northwestern 
portions among the pine forests, and is known as the Pinon Jay 
or ‘Camp-robber,’ the latter name not very flattering to the bird 
I must confess. 

“The Blue Jay does much of the mischief that is laid at 
the door of the Robin, Orioles, Thrushes and other birds, and 
then sneaks away unobserved. He also destroys large num- 
bers of insects and robs the nest of small birds. 

“Tn the Bobolink, Meadowlark, Orioles and Blackbirds 
we have some of the most important insect destroyers among 
the feathered tribes. The Bobolink is with us duting the sum- 
mer months when it is entirely insectivorous, and the same 
can be said of the Cowbird, although the latter has the bad 
habit of compelling other birds to rear its young. 


The Birds of Wyoming. 19 


“In the Red-winged Blackbird we havea friend that we lit- 
tle dream of when we see the large flocks gathering about our 
cornfields during late summer and early fall. During the 
balance of the year it is engaged most of the time in waging 
war on various insect pests, including such forms as the ‘grub- 
worm,’ cut-worms, grasshoppers, army worm, beet caterpil- 
lar, etc. Eyven when it visits our corn fields it more than pays 
for the corn it eats by the destruction of the worms that lurk 
under the husks of a large per cent of the ears in every field. 

“Several years ago the beet fields in the vicinity of Grand 
Island were threatened great injury by a certain caterpillar 
that had nearly defoliated all the beets growing in many of 
them. At about this time large flocks of this bird appeared and 
after a week’s sojourn the caterpillar plague had vanished, it 
having been converted into bird tissues. Numerous other rec- 
ords of the efficiency of their labor as destroyers of insect 
pests might be quoted in favor of this bird, but I do not be- 
lieve this to be necessary, although considerable evidence has 
been recorded of its destroying both fruits and grains. 

“The Baltimore Oriole has received such a bad reputation 
here in Nebraska as a grape thief during the past few years 
that I feel inclined to give extra time and space in endeavoring 
to ‘clear him’ of such an unenviable charge. This, however, 
I hardly think necessary when the facts in the case are known. 
As insect destroyers both this bird and the Orchard Oriole 
have had an undisputed reputation for many years; and the 
kinds of insects destroyed by both are of such a class as to 
count greatly in favor. Caterpillars and beetles belonging to 
injurious species comprising 96 per cent of the food of three 
specimens killed is the record we have in their favor. On the 
other hand, grapes have been punctured only ‘presumably by 
this bird, since he has so frequently been found in the vine- 
yard and must be the culprit.’ Now I myself have seen the 
oriole in apple orchards under compromising circumstances, 
and have heard pretty strong evidence to the effect that it will 
occasionally puncture ripe apples. It also belongs in the same 


20 Wyoming Experiment Station. 


family with some generally accepted ‘rascals,’ hence I will 
admit that possibly some of the charges with which he is cred- 
ited may be true, but I still believe that most of the injuries 
to grapes in this and other states must be laid to the English 
Sparrow. 

“If we take pains to water our birds during the dry sea- 
sons they will be much less apt to steal this supply from the 
juices of fruits that are so temptingly near at hand. Place lit- 
tle pans of water in the orchard and vineyard where the birds 
can visit them without fear of being seized by the house cat 
or knocked over by a missile from the alert ‘small boy,’ and 
I am sure that the injury to fruit, to a great extent at least, will 
cease. 

“Recent investigations tend to prove that the Grackle or 
Crow-Blackbird does more good than harm and should be pro- 
tected. 

“Our Sparrows and their allies, taken together, form a 
very extensive family of very beautiful as well as useful birds. 
Like the warblers, they occupy themselves with searching for 
and destroying insects all summer long; but this is not all they 
do that is good. In fall, winter and early spring, when Mother 
Earth has lost her brilliant green and rests in sombre browns 
or beneath ice and snow, the Longspurs, Snow Bunting, Snow- 
bird, and some 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 searching for and pick- 
ing up little seeds of grass, grain and weeds, of shrubs and 
trees, and appropriating the same to their use, chirping mer- 
rily as they work away. The European House Sparrow, or 
the English Sparrow as it is more commonly called, has the 
worst reputation of the entire family. But even this bird has 
some redeeming traits. 

“The Tanagers are insect destroyers, feeding for the most 
part on such forms as attack the foliage of trees. 

“All of our Swallows are insect destroyers, capturing such 
forms as gnats, flies, etc., which they seize while on the wing. 


The Birds of Wyoming. 21 


The large colonies of different species of these birds that 
breed within the state, as well as those that pass through dur- 
ing their migrations, destroy vast numbers of these insects. 
They should be protected. 

“The Waxwings, both the Cedar Bird and Bohemian Wax- 
wing, feed principally upon berries, etc., which they find 
throughout the year. Still in his studies of the food contents 
‘of the stomachs of a variety of birds taken in a certain orchard 
that was overrun with cankerworms, Professor Forbes found 
that the seven specimens of the Cedar Waxwing had eaten 
nothing but canker-worms and a few dung beetles, the latter 
in such small numbers as to scarcely count. The number of 
caterpillars eaten by each bird ranged from 70 to Io1. 

“The Shrikes or ‘Butcher Birds,’ are known as veritable 
“‘brigands’ or ‘pirates’ when it comes to the destruction of oth- 
er forms of life. They are true to their name, and ‘butcher’ 
for pastime large numbers of insects, mice, lizards, small 
snakes, and even a few birds. They then fly to some thorn 
bush or barbed-wire fence and impale the luckless victim and 
leave it for future use, or to dry up and finally blow away. The. 
good they do will outweigh the harm. 

“The food of the various Greenlets or Vireos is made up 
almost entirely of insects, of which a large percent are cater- 
pillars, such as infest shade trees and the larger shrubs. They 
should be protected and encouraged, about the orchard in par- 
ticular. 

“Tn the words of that pleasing writer, Dr. Elliott Coues: 
‘The Warblers we have always with us, all in their own good 
time; they come out of the south, pass on, return, and are 
away again, their appearance and withdrawal scarcely less than 
a mystery; many stay with us all summer long, and some 
brave the winters in our midst. Some of these slight creatures 
guided by unerring instinct, travel true to the meridian in the 
hours of darkness, slipping past like a ‘thief in the night,’ 
stopping at daybreak from their lofty flights to rest and re- 
cruit for the next stage of the journey. Others pass more 


22 Wyoming Experiment Station. 


leisurely from tree to tree, in a ceaseless tide of migration, 
gleaning as they go; the hardier males, in full song and plum- 
age, lead the way for the weaker females and yearlings. With 
tireless industry do the warblers befriend the human race; 
their unconscious zeal plays due part in the nice adjustment 
of nature’s forces, helping to bring about the balance of vege- 
table and insect life without which agriculture would be in 
vain. They visit. the orchard when the apple and pear, the 
peach, plum and cherry are in bloom, seeming to revel care- 
lessly amid the sweet-scented and delicately-tinted blossoms, 
‘but never faltering in their good work. They peer into the 
crevices of the bark, scrutinize each leaf, and explore the very 
heart of the buds, to detect, drag forth, and destroy those tiny 
creatures, singly insignificant, collectively a scourge, which 
‘prey upon the hopes of the fruit-grower, and which, if undis- 
turbed, would bring his care to naught. Some warblers flit 
incessantly in the terminal foliage of the tallest trees, others 
hug closely to the scored trunks and gnarled boughs of the 
forest kings, some peep from the thicket, coppice, the impene- 
trable mantle of shrubbery that decks tiny water-courses, play- 
ing at hide-and-seek with all comers; others humbler still, de- 
scend to the ground, where they glide with pretty mincing 
‘steps and affected turning of the head this-way and that, their 
delicate flesh-tinted feet just stirring the layer of withered 
leaves with which a past season carpeted the ground. We may 
seek warblers everywhere in the seasons; we shall find them a 
‘continued surprise; all mood and circumstance is theirs.’ 

“Much could be written concerning the food-habits of the 
various members of the group of Thrushes, Mocking-birds and 
Wrens. Three of the species at least are known to be more 
or less destructive to fruits, viz.: Catbird, Brown Thrasher 
and Mocking-bird. Still, if we take into account what these 
birds eat during the entire time spent within the state, the bal- 
ance sheet stands on favor of the birds as insect destroyers. 
The wrens are pre-eminently insect destroyers, and the others 
are not much behind them in this respect. 


MERGANSER AMERICANUS. American Merganser. 


‘upaljad umo4g *S/TVLNIGIIIO SNNVIITId suvaljad BUY M U_I14aUY *SOHONAHYOUHLAYT SANVOITId *L 


pet 


The Birds of Wyoming. 23 


“The members of the family of Nuthatches and Tits feeds 
for the most part on insects. But we lack very definite figures 
regarding the kinds and number of insects that each destroys. 
We can be sure, however, that any favors showns them. will not 
be thrown away. , 

“The Thrushes, Solitaires, Bluebirds, etc., are all bene- 
ficial as insect destroyers, and might be well compared with the 
Robin, which ‘is described quite fully beyond, only they are 
even less liable to commit injuries to fruits. 

“The Robin has certainly. been accused often enough of 
being a first-class rascal to warrant the belief that there must 
be at least some grounds for such accusations being made. In 
his examination of 114 stomachs of this bird, taken during ten 
months of the year, Professor Forbes, of Illinois, found the 
contents to consist of 65 per cent insects and 34 per cent of 
fruits and seeds. In the estimates of these food percentages 
taken by the Robin, as well as by other birds, bulk for bulk 
is taken, i. e., a quart of caterpillars or other insects is equiva- 
lent to a quart of cherries or a quart of berries. Professor 
Forbes asks this question: ‘Will the destruction of seventeen 
quarts of average caterpillars, including at least eight quarts 
of cut-worms, pay for twenty-four quarts of cherries, currants, 
and grapes?’ and then answers it in these words: ‘To this 
question I, for my own part, can only reply that I do not be- 
lieve that the horticulturist can sell his small fruits anywhere 
in the ordinary markets of the world at so high a price as to 
the Robin, provided that he uses proper diligence that the lit- 
tle huckster doesn’t overreach him in the bargain.’ 

“Much more might be said in favor of the Robin had I 
the time and space at my command. 

“After having carefully scanned the foregoing notes con- 
cerning the food-habits of our birds we cannot afford to con- 
tinue indifferent in our treatment of them, nor can we even al- 
low our neighbors to kill them though we ourselves have de- 
cided to reform in this respect. We must work for a change 
of heart in our neighbors also.” 


24 


<s 


fi 


SOME CUR/IOUS FEET. 


A Preliminary List of the Birds of 
Wyoming, With Notes. 


GREBES. 


This family includes many species of expert divers. Us- 
ually they are called “hell divers” by hunters. They feed upon 
snails and insects and also upon fish. They are harmless and 
their flesh is not valued for food. There is but one species of 
Grebe that breeds abundantly in this state, and this is found 
in large numbers about ponds varying from 4,000 to 8,000 feet 
above the sea level. 


1. Aichmophorus occidentalis (Lawr.). 
Western Grebe. 


Migratory; rare. Thus far this species has been found 
only in southeastern Wyoming; but should be found in greater 
abundance in the southwestern counties. Mr. Bond has mount- 
ed one specimen for the Cheyenne high school and has also 
observed others during autumn months in the lakes near Chey- 
enne. Dr. Jesurun took one of these birds at Douglas on Oct. 
13, 1897. 

2. Colymbus holbeellii (RiEnu.). 
Holboell’s Grebe. 

Migratory; rare. Dr. Jesurun of Douglas has one speci- 
men taken Oct. 18, 1893 and Mr. Bond has mounted one for 
the Cheyenne high school collection. Mr. Bond has seen sev- 
eral others on the lakes at Cheyenne. 


4. Colymbus nigricollis californicus (HrERM.). 
American Eared Grebe, 


Summer resident and common. Usually found about 
small lakes and ponds up to 8,000 feet. Breeds abundantly 


26 Wyoming Experiment Station. 


upon the Laramie plains. In speaking of this species at Lake 
Como, Carbon county, Dr. Williston remarks: ‘No bird is 
so characteristic of the lake, and none so common as this. A 
single individual was seen May 4th, and in a week there were 
thousands covering the lakes for acres. I do not remember 
of seeing one leave the water. They began to lay their eggs 
on the 2nd and 3rd of June. One can hardly speak of their 
nest, for they have none. Out in the water, sometimes when 
four feet deep, a few reeds are broken down to float upon the 
surface, there forming a raft upon’ which the eggs are laid, 
almost invariably five in number. In more than a score of 
cases hardly one of the eggs were dry; but lying more or less 
in the water.” Coues, Bond and Jesurun report this species 
as abundant. Grinnell records it from Yellowstone Park, 1875, 
and McCarthy took specimens from the Sweetwater river in 
1859. In the University. collection there are three specimens, 
taken as follows: Howell lake, Sept. 1, 1897; Hutton’s lake, 
Nov. 16, 1898; Hutton’s lake, October, 1898. 
6. Podilymbus podiceps Linn. 
Pied-billed Grebe, 

Migratory; very rare. The only records are those of 
Bond of Cheyenne and Dr. Jesurun of Douglas. Dr. Jesurun 
took one specimen at Douglas, May 5, 1891. 


LOONS. 
7. Gavia imber (GUNN.). 
Loon, 

Migratory; common: Found on large ponds and lakes, 
usually during early spring and late fall. I have seen these 
birds nearly every season, at Hutton’s lakes. A single bird 
was taken at Rock Creek station by Mr. Griffin in the fall of 
1897. Dr. Jesurun has notes on two specimens taken from the 
North Platte river near Douglas. Mr. Bond has several rec- 
ords of them being seen at Cheyenne. Mr. West of Buffalo 
has mounted several that have been taken from Lake DeSmet. 


The Birds of Wyoming. 27 


GULLS AND TERNS. 
40. Rissa tridactyla (Linwn.). 
Kittiwake, 
Accidental and very rare. The Wyoming record is based 
upon a single specimen taken at Douglas by Dr. Jesurun, Nov. 


18, 1898. This bird has also been taken in Colorado and oc- 
casional stragglers may be looked for. 


. 51 am Larus argentatus smithsonianus Cougs. 
American Herring Gull, 
Migratory; very rare. The only Wyoming record comes 
from Mr. Bond, who has taken a specimen at Cheyenne. 


54. Larus delawarensis Orv. 
Ring-billed Gull. 

Summer resident; but not common. Common during mi- 
gration. Breeds on the Laramie Plains. This is the common 
gull of the state and during migration is found in considerable 
numbers. Dr. Jesurun reports it as common at Douglas. Bond 
has found it common at Cheyenne. Williston found it com- 
mon at Como lake from early spring until the middle of June. 
Grinnell repofts it common on Yellowstone lake in 1875. T’he 
specimens in the University collection were taken from the Lar- 
amie Plains. Wood took a specimen on the Laramie river July 


23, 1857. 
60. Larus philadelphia (Orp.). 


Bonaparte’s Gull. 

Migratory; rather rare. Wood took one specimen on 
July 23, 1857, on the Laramie river, which would lead one to 
believe that they: occasionally breed within the borders of the 
state. Williston reports a dozen of these birds, seen at Como 
lake, May 2 to 17th, 1879. Bond has taken one specimen at 
Cheyenne and has records.of several others. West, of Buffalo, 
had one specimen mounted in his collection that had been killed 
near Buffalo. There are ten specimens !n the University col- 


28 Wyoming Experiment Station. 


lection that were taken in the fall of the year on the Laramie 
Plains. 


69. Sterna caspia Nurt. 
Forster’s Tern, 

Migratory; rare. Apparently a rare bird in Wyoming; 
and has been reported only from the southeastern corner of 
the state. Mr. Bond reports it from Cheyenne and Dr. Jesurun 
from Douglas. I would naturally expect to find this species 
as a summer resident.. 


70. Sterna hirundo Linn. 
Common Tern, 


Migratory; rare. Two specimens were taken by McCar- 
thy on Horse creek, Sweetwater river, 1859. It has also been 
taken at Cheyenne by Bond. 


77. Wydrochelidon nigra surinamensis (GMEL.). 
Black Tern, 

Migratory; rare. Williston reports taking this bird on 
May 20, 1879, at Como lake. Bond has taken it at Cheyenne, 
and I have seen what I concluded must be this species at Hut- 
ton’s lake in November, 1898. Dr. Jesurun has seen this spe- 
cies at Douglas. 


CORMORANTS. 


119. Phalacrocorax carbo (LINN.). 
Cormorant, 


Probably accidental. There is but one recorded for Wyo- 
ming and that is from Bond of Cheyenne. 


120. Phalacrocorax dilophus (Swain.). 
Double-crested Cormorant, 


Summer resident; rare. A single specimen was taken from 
a small lake in the Clear Creek valley just west of Buffalo in 
July, 1897. This was a female and judging from her actions 
had a brood at some place about the lake. This specimen is 


The Birds of Wyoming. 


29 


FLPST 
PRIMARIES. 


LWILLET. 2. PRAIRIE FALCON, 3- MARBLED GODWIT 
4. CURLEW S.RING-BILLEOGULL.. & BONAPARTE'S GULL. 


30 Wyoming Experiment Station. 


in the Wyoming collection and was donated by Mr. West of 
Buffalo. 


PELICANS. 
125. Pelecanus erythrorhynchos GMEL. 
American White Pelican. 

Resident, rare; migratory, common. In late spring this 
species usually visits the large ponds and sub-alpine lakes and 
breeds in a few localities. Dr. Grinnell in a private letter to me 
states that he found several fledglings on the Medicine Bow 
river about the year 1881; he also reports them from the Yel- 
lowstone lake, 1875. Bond reports them from Cheyenne; Dr. 
Jesurun from Douglas. Several have been killed at Hutton’s 
lake, Albany county, and I have seen large flocks about these 
lakes several times in late spring. 


126. Pelecanus occidentalis Linn. 
Brown Pelican, 
Accidental. A single-specimen has been taken by Bond 
at Cheyenne and is now in the high school collection in Chey- 
enne. 


DUCKS, GEESE AND SWANS. 
129. Merganser americanus (Cass.). 
American Merganser, 

Summer resident; common. This bird is usually called 
a “fish duck” or “saw bill.” It breeds along nearly all the 
streams in the state below 8,000 feet. Flesh unfit for food, 
since they feed almost entirely upon fish. Reported common 
by Bond, Jesurun and Coues. Williston reports it from Como 
lake; Allen from Fort Fred Steele; Grinnell reports the young 
unable to fly on Yellowstone lake in August, 1875. The Uni- 
versity records are as follows: Hutton’s lake; Clear creek, 
Johnson county; Grey Bull river, Big Horn county; and Green 
river, Uinta county. Hayden, 1870, reports specimens from 
Fort Bridger and Sweetwater river. , 


1. ERISMATURA RUBIDA. Ruddy Duck. 


2. AYTHYA VALLISNERIA. Ganvas-Bach. 3. AYTHYA AMERICANA. Red-Head. 


“poay-aiing “YTOF91Y YLLINOLIYYHO °& ‘aAa-uapjop undjsauy -YNYOIYINY YINONYTO VINONYIO °L 


The Birds of Wyoming. 31 


130. Merganser serrator (LINN.). 
Red-breasted Merganser, 


Migratory; rare. Bond has taken this species at Chey- 
enne. Williston’s list of birds taken at Como lake has the fol- 
lowing note: “This species was abundant in Rock creek 
throughout September.” 


131. Lophodytes cucullatus (LINN.). 
Hooded Merganser, 


Probably a summer resident, quite common, but there 
are no breeding records. Hayden reports this species from 
Green river, 1870. Allen took a specimen at Fort Fred Steele 
October, 1871. Bond reports it from Cheyenne. Coues, Birds 
of the Northwest, reports several specimens from Deer creek 
and Powder river. There are two specimens in the University 
collection that were taken on the Laramie Plains. 


132. Anas boschas LINN. 
Mallard, 


Resident; common. This species breeds in favorite places 
below 8,000 feet, all over Wyoming. In the fall the majority 
of the birds go south; but a considerable number linger about 
warm springs and streams adjacent. There are also - flocks 
found about rapids and falls in our largest streams during the 
winter months. Coues reports this species from Deer creek. 
Williston found them breeding at Como lake. McCarthy took 
one specimen on Big Sandy river, 1859. Jesurun and Bond 
report them common at Douglas and Cheyenne respectively. 
The University records are as follows: Head of Green river; 
Green River city; Big Horn basin; along the Grey Bull river 
and at the head of Meeteese.creek when young ducks were 
taken in August, 1897; Sweetwater river; North Platte river ; 
Lake DeSmet; Little and Big Laramie rivers. 


135. Chaulelasmus streperus LINN. 
Gadwall, 


Summer resident. On the Laramie Plains these ducks ar- 
rive in vast numbers about the middle of April and remain 


32 Wyoming Experiment Station. 


for some time. I have seen several flocks as late as June 1oth 
about ponds and believe that they breed on the plains. Willis- 
ton reports them breeding near Lake Como. Jesurun says they 
are common at Douglas and Bond has found them at Cheyenne. 
The University records are Big Horn basin, Buffalo, and Hut- 
ton’s lakes. 


137. Mareca americana GMEL. 
Baldpate, 

Probably a summer resident. Arrives from the south with 
Gadwall and remains on the Laramie Plains about the same 
length of time about the lakes. Bond reports them common at 
Cheyenne, and Jesurun finds them annually at Douglas. Coues 
reports one taken at Pass creek. The University records are 
Hutton’s lakes, Buffalo and Green River. 


139. Nettion carolinensis (GMEL.). 
Green-winged Teal. 


Summer resident; rather common. ‘This species nests 
along very small streams below 8,000 feet, and usually in iso- 
lated pairs. They arrive rather late in the spring, when they 
live about lakes and ponds; but some soon make their homes 
along streams. Jesurun finds them plentiful at Douglas and 
Bond the same at Cheyenne. Cowes reports several Wyoming 
records from Deer creek and Green river. Drexel found them 
at Fort Bridger and Williston at Lake Como. McCarthy cap- 
tured specimens at Sweetwater and Woods at Pole creek. Uni- 
versity records: Green river; Muddy creek, Uinta county; 
Horse creek, Natrona county; Clear creek, Dyer’s ranch, Car- 
bon county, and the Laramie Plains. 


140. Querquedula discors (LINN.). 
Blue-winged Teal. 


Summer resident; rather common. Breeds in considera- 
ble numbers on the Laramie Plains. During migration these 
ducks are found in great numbers along the. small streams and 
rivers at elevations below 8,000 feet. They arrive from the 


The Birds of Wyoming. 33 


‘south about the first of April and all leave by the time the 
streams freeze in late fall. The following Wyoming records 
relate to this species: Pole creek, 1856, Wood; Fort Bridger, 
1858, Drexel; Fort Bridger, Sweetwater river, McCarthy; 
Douglas, Jesurun; Cheyenne, Bond; Sherman, Aiken; Grey 
Bull river, Powder river, Tongue river, Big Wind river, Upper 
Green river, Cumberland, Evanston, Laramie Plains, Knight. 


141. Querquedula cyanoptera (VIEILI..). 
Cinnamon Teal, 


Summer resident. Breeds in considerable numbers in 
marshy places on the Laramie Plains. Arrives very late in the 
spring. Williston reports the first birds arrive about May 5th 
and by the first week in June there were thousands about Lake 
Como, where he found many breeding. Coues records this 
species from Popo Agie river, Sweetwater and the North 
Platte river; Jesurun from Douglas; Bond from Cheyenne and 
McCarthy from the Sweetwater river. There are three speci- 
mens in the University collection, which were taken May 23, 
1897, at Hutton’s lakes, where they breed. 


142. Spatula clypeata (LINnw.). 


Shoveller, 

Summer resident and common. Breeds all over Wyo- 
ming in suitable places below 8,000 feet. Coues reports speci- 
mens taken on the Sweetwater and Green river; Jesurun finds 
them abundant in Converse county, and Bond in the vicinity 
of Cheyenne; Williston rather common at Lake Como. There 
are two skins in the Wyoming collection. One was taken in 
the fall the other in the spring at Hutton’s lake. 


143. Dafila acuta (LINN.). 
Pintail.” 

Summer resident; not common. In migration they are 
very common all over the state and are found in large flocks. 
They follow the Red Heads in spring migration; and are not 
eommon until the sloughs and streams are open. They are 


34 Wyoming Experiment Station. 


seldom found on lakes or large ponds. During the middle of 
May, 1899, Mr. Chas. Granger of the Palaeontological depart- 
ment of the American Museum, called my attention to a nest 
of this species that was built in a bunch of greasewood over 
Ioo yards from a temporary pond. A blizzard of unusual 
severity came up in the afternoon and lasted upwards of 24 
hours. Upon visiting the nest a second time it was found that 
the duck had either abandoned it or she had been captured by 
some animal, and the eggs were frozen. This is the only rec- 
ord of a nest in the state. I have, however, seen this species 
above the McGill ranch on the Laramie Plains in the vicinity 
of ponds as late as June 15th, and am very certain that they 
were nesting. During migration this species is found as high 
as 8,000 feet, and thousands of them remain for several weeks 
at elevations varying from 6,500 to 7,500 feet. Coues reports 
the Pintail from Rock creek and Shoshone lake; Bond, common 
at Cheyenne; Jesurun, common at Douglas; Grinnell, very 
abundant at Lake Como in September, and considerable num- 
bers on Yellowstone lake. University records: Near Buffalo, 
Hutton’s lakes, Laramie Plains and head of Green river. 


144. Aix sponsa (LINN.). 
Wood Duck, 

Possibly a summer resident. Rare as either'a resident or 
migrant. Bond has mounted one specimen that was killed at 
the lakes near Cheyenne. Mr. Fred Bond, state engineer, has 
noted this species along Piney creek, Big Horn mountains; 
but no specimens were secured. It has also been reported from 
the oak lands in Crook county, but this lacks confirmation. 


146. Aythya americana (Eyv.). 
Redhead, : 

Migratory; very common. This is the first of the ducks 
to arrive from the south and usually reaches the Laramie 
‘Plains about the middle of March, and remains if there are a 
few open places in the lakes. I have seen an opening of a 


The Birds of Wyoming. 35 


couple of acres in the ice on Hutton’s lakes completely covered 
with these ducks during the last week in’ March. They have 
been taken at Hutton’s lakes as late as January 10, 1896. ‘The 
University records are as follows: Green River, Buffalo and 
the Laramie Plains. Jesurun reports them common during 
migration at Douglas, and Bond plentiful at Cheyenne. 


147. Aythya vallisneria (WILS.). 
Canvas-back, 

Migratory; rather uncommon. A few of this species are 
usually found with the Red Heads. In Wyoming they are 
more abundant in the fall than spring and are taken every 
year by the hunters. Bond finds them rather common at Chey- 
enne and Jesurun reports them common at Douglas. The 
University records are Hutton’s lakes and Lake DeSmet. 


148. Aythya marila (LINN.). 
American Scaup Duck, 

Migratory; exceedingly rare. There is no reason why 
this bird should not be found more frequently. Up to the pres- 
ent the only authentic record has been given by Jesurun of 
Douglas and but a single bird has been taken. 

149. Aythya affinis (EyvT.). 
Lesser Scaup Duck, 

Migratory; common. Probably resident. They arrive on 
the Laramie Plains as soon as the rivers are open and remain 
for about a month, and are seldom seen on the lakes. Williston 
reports them common and remaining all summer near Lake 
Como; but cites no breeding records. Bond finds them com- 
mon at Cheyenne and Jesurun the same at Douglas. The 
University records all relate to specimens taken on the Laramie 
Plains in the spring. 

150. Aythya collaris (Donov.). 
Ring-necked Duck, 

Migratory; very rare. Coues reports one specimen’ taken 
at Green River and Jesurun has taken one specimen at Doug- 
las. 


36 Wyoming Experiment Station. 


151. Clangula clangula americana (Faxon.). 
American Golden-eye, 


Migratory; very rare. In Williston’s notes there is a 
statement signed M. G., stating that a single female was taken 
on Como lake September 20. Jesurun has taken this species 
at Douglas; Bond has taken several of this species at Chey- 
enne; West has one mounted in his collection at Buffalo that 
was taken on Lake DeSmet. There is a fine male bird in the 
University collection that was taken by G. W. Lovejoy at 
Hutton’s lakes in the fall of 1897. 


152. Glaucionetta islandica (GMEL.). 
Barrow’s Golden-eye, 

Migratory; rather common. In early spring there are 
many “whistlers,” as they are usually called, about the lakes 
on the Laramie Plains; but they are quite difficult of approach 
though they are, occasionally taken by the hunters. About the 
middle of April I have stood in shallow water at Hutton’s 
lake about sunset, when the evening flight of ducks were com- 
ing in and could hear “whistlers” passing in large flocks. Oft- 
en I have kept my place long after sundown and shot at the 
merest vision of a duck, and for a period of an hour these 
Golden-eyes would continue to fly; but I have been able to take 
but a single specimen. I anticipate that a portion of these 
birds may belong to American Golden-eye. Records of this 
species are very scarce. Bond has taken a few specimens at 
Cheyenne and there is a single specimen in the University col- 
lection, taken April 17, 1897. 


153. Charitonetta albeola (LinN.). 
Buffle-head. 


Rather abundant during migration and probably an un- 
common resident in northern Wyoming. This species is com- 
mon on the Laramie Plains both spring and fall. Jesurun re- 
ports it common at Douglas; Bond rather common at Chey- 
enne. Coues reports one specimen taken at Fort Sanders. 


The Birds of Wyoming. 37 


Stevenson reports them from Yellowstone Park, 1872. Grin- 
nell reports it from Yellowstone Park in 1875. In early Au- 
gust, 1897, I found a few young birds near the head of Mee- 
teese creek that were unable to fly. There is one specimen in 
the University collection that was taken at Hutton’s lakes. 


163. Oidemia americana Sw. & RIcH. 
American Scoter, 
Migratory; probably accidental. Wyoming record rests 
upon a single specimen taken by Bond at Cheyenne. 


165. Oidemia deglandi Bonap. 
White-winged Scoter, 

Migratory; rare. A few of this species are usually seen 
during migration. Grinnell has the following note: “Seen 
on Yellowstone lake in August. I mention this species with a 
query because although I recognized it satisfactorily to my- 
self I took no specimens.” There is a beautiful specimen in 
the University collection that was taken at Lake DeSmet and 
presented by H. A. West. I have seen one good specimen that 
was taken at Hutton’s lakes, March, 18098. 


166. Oidemia perspicillata (LINnN.). 
Surf Scoter, 
Accidental; extremely rare. Dr. Jesurun has one speci- 
men which he shot on Oct. 19, 1893, at one of the ponds near 
Douglas. 


167. Erismatura rubida (WILS.). 
Ruddy Duck, 

Probably a summer resident. During migration these 
ducks are quite common all over the state. Coues reports 
them from Pacific creek; Bond from Cheyenne, and Jesurun 
from Douglas. McCarthy took one specimen on the Sweet- 
water, Oct. 10, 1857. West says it is common at Lake De- 
Smet. The University records all relate to the Laramie Plains, 
where it is common during migration. 


38 


Wyoming Experiment Station. 


} alii WHITE adedasi 


IGHY HERON, 46 ; 
Fra SWOW Goose. 


ROSTRAL. VARIATION AMONeG WADERS ANDO SWIMMERS, 


The Birds of Wyoming. 39 


169. Chen hyperborea (PALL.). . 
Lesser Snow Goose, ; 

Migratory; rare. Grinnell reports having seen a flock 
of these birds on the Yellowstone river near the lake, 1875. 
Bond has taken a few at Cheyenne. I have seen several flocks 
of white geese about Hutton’s lakes which I anticipate were 
of this species; but since none were killed the record is ques- 
tioned. 


171 a. Anser albifrous gambeli (Har t.). 
American White-fronted Goose, 


Accidental; very rare. Bond reports this species as fol- 
lows: “I have mounted a fresh specimen which was said to 
have been killed at the Cheyenne lakes.” 


172, Branta canadensis (LINN.). 
Canada Goose, 

Summer resident; rather common. During migration 
they are rather abundant about lakes, and often remain until 
the 1st of December. Dr. Jesurun has found them nesting 
in dead trees along the North Platte river near Douglas. The 
nests were usually from 18 to 25 feet from the ground. They 
also breed about the lower mountain lakes. I have seen sev- 
eral flocks of this species at the head of Green river and along 
the Snake river about the middle of August and have also 
seen several broods just large enough to fly near the mouth of 
the Grand Canon of the North Platte. Williston found them 
breeding at Lake Como, and remarks: ‘‘Nest was found in 
marsh May 2, built up securely with weeds and sticks about 
18 inches above the water, eggs fresh.” Grinnell reports them 
numerous on Yellowstone lake in 1875. Drexel found them at 
Fort Bridger, 1858. Jesurun reports them common at Doug- 
las and Bond at Cheyenne. Coues reports the Canada goose 
from Yellowstone river and Sweetwater river. 


172 a. Branta canadensis hutchinsii (Ricu.). 
Hutchin’s Goose, 


Migratory. I am inclined to believe that this species is 


40 Wyoming Experiment Station. 


rather common and has not always been distinguished from 
the Canada goose. Bond has taken this species at Cheyenne 
and Jesurun at Douglas. Hunters at Laramie often secure 
a good bag of them from the Laramie river. Mr. Maynard of 
Laramie presented the University with the only specimen in 
the collection. This was killed some 25 miles below Laramie, 
where there are some artificial lakes. 


180. Olor columbianus (Orp.). 
Whistling Swan, 

Migratory; very rare. A bird of this species. was killed 
at the lakes, Cheyenne, by Dr. Wyman, and he has the speci- 
men mounted in his office. This determination was made by 
Bond of Cheyenne and is the only record of this beautiful and 
graceful bird in Wyoming. 


181. Olor buccinator (Ric#.). 
Trumpeter Swan, 


Summer resident; not common. Breeds at the lakes near 
the head of Green river and in Jackson’s Hole, where I have 
seen them in July and August. Bond reports having taken 
this bird at Cheyenne and Jesurun at Douglas. Grinnell re- 
ports seeing a swan in flight at Yellowstone lake, which he 
thought to be this species, and states that Merriam took one on 
the lake in 1872. One was killed at lake DeSmet by Mr. Van 
Dyke of Buffalo in the spring of 1897. A swan was taken at 
Hutton’s lakes, Nov. 19, 1897; but the bird was dressed before 
notifying the University and whether it was this or the fore- 
going species is not known. Coues reports this species from 
the Yellowstone river and also from the Snake river. 


IBISES. 
187. Plegadis guarauna (LINN.). 
White-faced Glossy Ibis, 
Probably summer resident. While the records of this bird 
in Wyoming are not abundant they are sufficierit to extend its 


The Birds of Wyoming. 41 


range well across the state and nearly to the Montana boundary 
on the north. Hayden took the first bird of this species from 
Pole creek, August, 1856, which would signify that it was a 
summer resident. Drexel took one of these birds at Fort Bridg- 
er in 1858. In the spring of 1893 R. A. Wallen of Red Bank, 
Wyo., killed one of these birds and had it mounted. In the 
spring of 1894 F. J. Niswander killed a young bird near Lara- 
mie. In early August, 1899, W. H. Wyman of Cokeville sent 
to the University a beautiful specimen. I was away from home 
at the time and the bird spoiled before my return. Mr. Wy- 
man wrote me later that he had killed three or four of these 
birds during the last ten years. The records are sufficient to 
prove that this bird is not a straggler. 


HERONS, EGRETS, BITTERNS, ETC. 


190. Botaurus lentiginosus (Monrvac.). 
: American Bittern, 


Summer resident; common. Usually breeds along the 
swampy irrigated valleys. Jesurun, quite common at Douglas; 
Coues notes one specimen from Sweetwater river; McCarthy 
from the North Platte river; Williston reports it from Lake 
Como. The University records are from Green river, North 
Platte river, Big Horn Basin and Laramie -Plains. 


197. Ardea candidissima GMEL. 
Snowy Heron. 


Accidental. About the first of May, 1902, Mr. Lindsey 
of Red Mountain killed a bird of this species on Sportsman’s 
lake, about 13 miles southwest of Laramie. This specimen was 
presented to J. A. Johnson, who had it mounted and placed 
in his collection. The bird is a remarkable specimen in full 
plumage. This is the only Wyoming record and probably is 
the northernmost point in the Rocky Mountains that this spe- 
cies has been found. 


42 Wyoming Experiment Station. 


191. Ardetta exilis (GMEL.). 
Least Bittern. 


Accidental. Mr. Bond has informed me that he has identi- 
fied this bird in the collection of M. E. Clark of Cheyenne. 
Mr. Clark stated that the bird was killed on Crow creek near 
Cheyenne by some boys. This is the only record in the state. 


194. Ardea herodias LINN. 
Great Blue Heron. 

Summer resident. Rather common along streams and 
near lakes at elevations less than 8,000 feet. These birds arrive 
on the Laramie Plains about the time the ice disappears from 
the lakes and for the first few weeks feed almost entirely upon 
the fish that have died during the winter. About six miles 
above Laramie there is quite a heronry where some thirty or 
more nests are built in the tops of cottonwood trees. Mr. C. 
W. Gilmore visited this heronry on May 21, 1897, and found 
incubation well advanced. He also observed that the nest con- 
tained on an average five eggs. The lowest number found was 
four and a few had six. On May 12, 1901, he made a second 
visit and found the eggs quite fresh. Heronrys are uncommon 
in the state, but will be found occasionally along wooded 
streams. A second one has been reported to me between Fort 
Laramie and Guernsey on the North Platte river. As a rule 
these birds breed as isolated pairs. Unfortunately the average 
hunter takes delight in killing this beautiful heron, although 
he must realize that the bird is worthless to him. ‘The flesh 
is wholly unfit for food and the bird is.in no way detrimental 
to the farmer or grazer. Bond reports them common at Chey- 
enne; Jesurun at Douglas. The University records are all from 
the Laramie Plains. I have seen these birds near: Sheridan, 
in the Big Horn Basin, near Otto, and on the Shoshone river, 
on Clear creek, near Green river, on the Snake river, on the 

-Bear river and near Fort Steele on the Platte. 


7. ARDEA HERODIAS. Great Blue Heron. 
3. BOTAURUS LENTIGINOSUS. American Bittern. 


2. NYCTICORAX NYETICORAX NAVIUS. Black-Crowned Night Heron. 


‘adodvjDyg U4BYLION “SNLYGOT SNdOYVIVHd ‘adodvJoyd 8,uOs}IM “YOTOOIUL SNdOYVIVHd *L 


The Birds of Wyoming. ° 43 


202. Nycticorax nycticorax nzvius (Bopp.). 
Black-crowned Night Heron, 

Summer resident; rare. Drexel took one specimen on 
the North Platte river in 1858. There-is a beautiful male bird 
in the University collection that was killed at Laramie. A 
few of these birds nest on the Little Laramie near Sheep Moun- 
tain annually. On July 11, 1900, I saw an old bird carrying 
food in its bill into a clump of trees on the opposite side of the 
Yiver. 


CRANES. 


205. Grus canadensis (LINN.). 
Little Brown Crane, 


Migratory; possibly summer resident. Very rare in the 
greater portion of Wyoming. Grinnell reports them very 
abundant in the Yellowstone Park, 1875. Drexel took a speci- 
men at Fort Bridger, 1858. Wood took a specimen on Medi- 
cine Bow creek, Aug. 7, 1856. Jesurun took a specimen at 
Glendo, Oct. 7, 1898. ‘The early records in this case are prob- 
ably confused with Grus mexicana, for Coues did not make any 
distinction in these cranes until 1874. 


206. Grus mexicana (MULL.). 
Sandhill Crane, 

Migratory; rare. Bond has taken this bird at Cheyenne. 
One bird was killed from a flock on Shell creek, Laramie Plains, 
Oct. 10, 1896. I identified the bird from the head. I have also 
seen one specimen that had been killed near Buffalo. 


RAILS AND COOTS. 


214. Porzana carolina (Lrnw.). 
Sora, 

Probably a summer resident. Jesurun reports it from 
Douglas, having taken it in May and November. Bond has 
taken one specimen at Cheyenne, June 23, 1889. Williston 
reports them common at Lake Como. Drexel took a specimen 


44 Wyoming Experiment Station. 


at Fort Bridger, 1858. ‘The University data are all from the 
Laramie Plains, where they have been taken in May and July. 


221. Fulica americana GMEL. 
American Coot, 

Summer resident. They are found in vast numbers breed- 
ing about small lakes and ponds below 8,000 feet. They are 
as a rule ruthlessly slaughtered by duck hunters, they claiming 
that they ruin the feeding grounds for ducks long before the 
ducks arrive from the north. In the west they are seldom 
used as food, although highly praised by a few. In the fall 
of the year it is not an uncommon thing to see flocks contain- 
ing several hundred on the-small lakes on the Laramie plains. 
When fired upon they half run and half fly, just touching the 
tips of their toes to the water and soon settle’in a new place 
not far from where they were shot at. They arrive late in 
March upon the Laramie Plains and in one instance I found 
a bird with feet frozen in the ice and still alive. Every spring 
a few of these birds follow the Red-heads and on account of 
the lakes freezing over after they arrive they usually perish. 
These birds are so numerous about their breeding places that 
records are hardly necessary. It can be said that nearly all 
who have interested themselves in Wyoming birds have found 
them abundant. 


SHORE BIRDS. 


PHALAROPES. 


222. Crymophilus fulicarius (Linw.). 
Red Phalarope, 

Very rare if not accidental. The only specimen taken in 
Wyoming was that by C. W. Gilmore on the Laramie plains 
during the fall of 1897. This skin was identified by Mr. Robert 
Ridgway of Washington, D. C. 


The Birds of Wyoming. 45 


223. Phalaropus lobatus (Linvn.). 
Northern Phalarope. 


Migratory; not common. Williston reports having seen 
two flocks of 75 birds each at Lake Como. ‘They arrived May 
18 and remained ten days. Rather common at Douglas, Jes- 
urun. Uncommon at Cheyenne, Bond. Coues reports one 
specimen from Big Sandy river, Wyoming. The University 
has no data relating to this species. 


224. Phalaropus tricolor (VIEILL.). 
Wilson’s Phalarope, 


Summer resident; common. Breeds in large numbers on 
the Laramie Plains in marshy places. Arrives from the south 
late in April or the first week in May. Williston found them 
rather common at Lake Como, and states that they undoubtedly 
breed. He took a specimen June 9th with a perfect egg in 
the oviduct. Drexel took this bird at Fort Bridger in 1858. 
Common at Douglas, Jesurun. Common at Cheyenne, Bond. 
Taken at Camp Carlin, Coues. There are seven skins in the 
University collection that were taken May 23, July 28 and Sept. 
31 in Albany and Carbon counties. 


AVOCETS. 
225. Recurvirostra americana GMEL. 
American Avocet, 

Summer resident. Common about rather small alkali ponds. 
They arrive on the Laramie Plains during the last week in 
April and the first week in May and remain in flocks for a 
short time, then separate and go to their nesting places; usually 
several pairs nest in the same locality. Williston found them 
common and breeding at Lake Como. Common at Cheyenne, 
Bond. Common about Douglas, Jesurun. Taken on Yellow- 
stone river, Coues. Taker at Fort Bridger, 1858, Drexel. 
“They were quite numerous on.the Yellowstone river above 
the falls where the stream is wide and many were seen on ‘the 
shore of the lake, 1875,” Grinnell. Four specimens taken on 


46 Wyoming Experiment Station. 


the Sweetwater river, McCarthy, 1859.‘ Taken on Laramie 
river, July 23, and on the west slope’ of the Medicine Bow 
Mountains, same date, 1857, Wood. I have noted these birds 
in the Green River valley above Green River city, in the Big 
Horn Basin near Otto, along Clear creek, Johnson county, and 
along the Rattlesnake Mountains in Natrona county. There 
are nine skins in the University collection that have been col- 
lected during the months of June, August and September in 
Albany and Carbon counties. 


SNIPES, SANDPIPERS, ETC. 


230. Gallinago delicata (ORD.). 
Wilson’s Snipe, 

Resident; probably breeds.. This bird often remains all 
winter in marshy places where there are warm springs. There 
are no breeding records; but in-all probability such will be re- 
ported. In spring and fall these birds are rather common 
in swampy places along the small streams. On Aug. 20th, 
1898, I took one in the Medicine Bow Mountains at an eleva- 
tion of 9,000 feet, where it was feeding along a small brook. 
Rather common at Cheyenne, Bond. Rather common at Doug- 
las, Jesurun. Fort Sanders, Black Hills, Wyoming, Coues. 
Fort Bridger, McCarthy and Drexel.. Fort Laramie, Dr. Coop- 
er. Took one bird May sth and another two weeks later at 
Lake Como,: Williston. The University records all relate to 
the Laramie Plains. This species has been taken as late as 
Jan. 27, when a pair of birds were seen. 


232. Macrorhamphus scolopaceus (Say.). 
Long-billed Dowitcher, 


Migratory; rather rare. They reach the Laramie Plains 
about the 12th of May. All records are confined to south 
eastern Wyoming. ‘Two specimens taken May sth, afterwards 
common at Lake Como for two weeks or more, Williston. 
Rock Creek, September, 1856, Wood. Bond has one specimen 
in his collection taken at Cheyenne May 3, 1889. ‘There are 


1. SYMPHEMIA SEMIPALMATA INORNATA. Western Willet. 
LIMOSA FEDOA. Marbled Godwit. 


The Birds of Wyoming. 47 


three of these birds in the University collection that were 
taken at Hutton’s lakes, Oct. 14, 1899. 


<<. 


WILSON'S SNIPE. LONG -BILLED DOWITCHER. 


233. Micropalama himantopus (Bonap.). 
Stilt Sandpiper, 

Migratory; rare. But little is known of this species in 
Wyoming. From the records one can judge that it will be 
found occasionally in all of the non-mountainous parts of the 
state. In Bond’s collection there is a female bird that was tak- 
en March 25, 1889, from a flock of four or five birds. Jesurun 
has taken this bird at Douglas and Coues reports it from Fort 
Bridger. 


241. Tringa bairdii (CovuEs.). 
Baird’s Sandpiper. 

Migratory; abundant. These birds reach the Laramie 
Plains in flocks the first week in April and remain for a couple 
of weeks, Bond has taken them the last of March and the 
first of April at Cheyenne, when they were abundant. Coues 
reports them from North Platte, Little Sandy, Lower Geyser 
Basin, and two general references to this state. Rather com- 
mon on Lake Como in September in scattering flock, Grinnell. 
Noticed in flocks of from 50 to 60, 1875, Grinnell. There are 

—(4) 


48 Wyoming Experiment Station. 


four skins in the University collection that were taken in Car- 
bon and Albany counties. 


\ 


BAIRDS SANDPIPER LEAST SANDPIPER 


242. Tringa minutilla (VIEILL.). 
Least Sandpiper. 

Migratory; quite common. This species reaches the Lar- 
amie Plains about the first of May, and remains three or four 
weeks. It is known that these birds breed north of the United 
States and it appears highly probable that they also breed 
upon some of the plateaus in the mountains. The fact that the 
Wyoming records date as late as May 27 and as early as Aug. 
20 in the fall does not give ample time for these birds to reach 
the British possessions, rear their young and return. Com- 
mon at Douglas, Jesurun. Common at Cheyenne, Bond. Took 
a single specimen May 2, Williston. Taken at Fort Bridger, 
1858, Drexel. Taken on North Fork of the Platte, Coop- 
er, 1857. 


246. Ereunetes pusillus (LINN.). 
Semi-palmated Sandpiper. 


Migratory; rather rare. One specimen taken at Horse 
creek, 1859, McCarthy. Taken at Fort Bridger, 1858, Drexel. 
There is a single skin in the University collection that was 
taken at Alkali lake, Oct. 31, 1897. All of the Wyoming rec- 
ords are from the southern part of the state. 


The Birds of Wyoming. 49 


248. Calidris arenaria (LINN.). ° 
Sanderling, 


Migratory and usually rare.: Dr. Jesurun reports them 
quite common in the springtime at Douglas and‘has four skins 
in his collection. These were taken’'on May 18, 23, and 26, 
1892. Williston reports having taken one May 5 at Lake 
Como. : 


249. Limosa fedoa (LINN.). 
Marbled Godwit. 


Migratory, but very likely a summer resident. Dr. Jesur- 
un finds them rather common at Douglas and has taken speci- 
mens on May 15 and July 31. The latter indicates that they 
breed. Bond reports them from Cheyenne. 


254. Totanus melanoleucus (GMEL.). 
Greater Yellow-legs. 


Rather common during migration and probably a summer 
resident. Williston reports a single specimen taken at Lake 
Como, May 2. Grinnell reports them from’ Yellowstone Park 
in 1875. Drexel took this species at Fort Bridger in 1858. 
Jesurun reports them rather common at Douglas. Bond not 
common at Cheyenne. Coues reports this bird from several 
Wyoming localities. West has taken this species at Buffalo. 
There are no University records. 


GREATER YELLOW-LEGS | YELLOW- LEGS 


50 Wyoming Experiment Station. 


255. Totanus flavipes (GMEL.). 
Yellow-legs, 

Migratory ; rather common, much more so than the Great- 
er Yellow-legs. Woods secured specimens along the Big Lar- 
amie and Platte rivers in 1857. Williston took a single bird 
on Lake Como in 1879. Jesurun reports them from Douglas 
and Bond from Cheyenne. Coues reports them from Bitter 
Cottonwood creek, La Bonte creek and North Platte river. 
There are three specimens in the University collection. One 
was taken at Laramie and the others at Hutton’s lakes. 


256. Helodromas solitarius (WILS.). 
Solitary Sandpiper, ; 

Quite common during migration and probably there are 
a few summer residents. I have never seen a nest or eggs, 
nor very small young; but the fact that they have been taken 
during July and August leads me to consider them as residents. 
Bond reports them as common at Cheyenne. Tesurun as com- 
mon at Douglas. Wood took a specimen on Pole creek, July 
29, 1856. Allen observed them in Wyoming in August, 1871. 
Grinnell observed one in the Upper Geyser Basin, 1875. 
There is a single skin in the University collection that was 
taken by Mr. Gilmore on the Little Medicine river, in Carbon 
county, on Aug. 15, 1897. sony 


258a. Symphemia semipalmata inornata BREwsT. 
Western Willet, 

Summer resident and rather common about semi-alpine 
lakes and ponds. Drexel reports this bird from Fort Bridger, 
1858; McCarthy from Big Sandy river, 1859; Grinnell found 
them abundant at Yellowstone lake, 1875; Williston as quite 
common at Lake Como for the two weeks following May 2. 
Bond reports them rather common at Cheyenne and Jesurun 
the same from Douglas. In the University collection there 
are three skins. One was taken from a pond near the Cloud’s 
Peak ranch on the Big Horn mountains at an elevation of 


1. AGIALITIS SEMIPALMATA. Semipalmated Plover. 
AGIALITIS MELODA CIRCUMCINCTA. Belted Piping Plover. 


AGIALITIS MONTANA. Mountain Plover. 


The Birds of Wyoming. 51 


about 8,000 feet. The second specimen was taken at Buffalo 
by West and a third from a pond near Laramie. 


261. Bartramia longicauda (Brcust.). 
Bartramian Sandpiper, 

Probably a summer resident. Rather common during mi- 
gration; but usually confined to valleys and table lands, and 
never seen above 8,000 feet. Noted only from eastern part of 
the state. Woods took a specimen on Elk creek, Medicine 
Bow mountains, Aug. 4, 1857. Williston at Lake Como, May 
5, 1879. Bond reports them rather common at Cheyenne and 
has mounted specimens for the Cheyenne high school. There 
is a single specimen in the University collection. That was 
taken by Gilmore on the North Fork of Little Medicine, Aug. 


15, 1897. 


263. Actitis macularia (LINv.). 
Spotted Sandpiper, 
Summer resident; common. Breeds in the mountains up 


to 9,000 feet and possibly higher. In summer time they are 
usually found scattered about the sub-alpine lakes. Drexel re- 
ports this species from Fort Bridger, 1858. Allen found them 
in Wyoming in the summer of 1871. Williston reports them as 
arriving at Lake Como on May 2nd, but not abundant until 
the 15th. Bond reports them common at Cheyenne and Jes- 
urun rather abundant at Douglas. Coues reports this bird 
from Wind river, Fort Fetterman, North Platte and one gen- 
eral reference to Wyoming. The University specimens were 
taken in Carbon county on the 3d and 4th of August, and one 
specimen was a young bird. 
Numenius longirostris WILs. 

Long-billed Curlew, 
Summer resident; common. Breeds rather abundantly 
upon the higher plateaus and lower mountains. These birds 
are numerous upon the Laramie Mountains and Plains. Will- 
jston reports them as common at Lake Como in June. West 


264. 


52 Wyoming Experiment S tation. 


has ‘taken ‘many. specimens, at Buffalo, Bond finds. them rather 
common at Cheyenne. during migration. Jesurun reports them 
common at Douglas and breeding. Cary found them rather 
abundant about Newcastle during the’ siimmer months. “There 
are two specimens in the University collection one of which 
was taken on the: ‘Little Medicine river and thé other on the 
Laramie’ Plains: I have found these’ birds all’ over the’ state 
during the summer. 


PLOVERS. . 
270. Charadrius squatarola (LINN.’) 
Black-bellied Plover, 
Migratory and very rare. Cook has reported eight Colo- 
rado records and states that the bird is confined to the plains 
below 5,000 feet. The only Wyoming record is from Bond, 


who has taken a single bird at Cheyenne, ' which i is over 6,000 
feet elevation. 


272. Charadrius dominicus. MuLt. 
American Golden Plover. 
Migratory ;.quite rare. Bond reports them as rare at Chey- 
enne and Coues.reports one specimen taken at Rock Creek. 


273. Egialitis: utter CaS ): 
Killdeer. ' 

Summer resident and very common in sadtabis ele They 
are among the earliest birds to arrive from the south, and have 
been known to reach the Laramie plains before the ice was out 
of the streams or the lakes open. One specimen in the Uni- 

versity collection was taken at Laramie on March 16th. All 
of the collectors of birds in Wyoming have, noted ‘these noisy 
fellows and ‘the records are too voluminous to publish. I have 
noted them breeding at 8,000 feet, but. not above, nor have I 
ever seen them about alpine lakes. 


The Birds of Waaining. 53 


Site a, ©. Se ae 


274. Mgialitis semipalmata BONAe,” 
Semipalmated Plover. : 


Migratory; very rare. Bond has: taken and. mounted two 
specimens at Sone There are no other records pertaining 
to’ Wyomirigy ° 


277 a. . Hgialitis, dings. eineuimicinets Rinew. 
Belted Piping Plover. 


Migratory; very rare, Bond has a single aaa in his 
collection that was taken at Cheyenne May 30, ue 


278, Zigialitis nivosa Cass. 
Snowy Plover, 


Migratory; very rare. Thus far but a single specimen of 
this species has been taken in Wyoming, by Bond of Cheyenne. 
There is no reason why these birds should not be found each 
year during migration. 


281. Aigialitis montana (Towns.). 
Mountain Plover, 


Summer resident and abundant on the higher plateaus. 
They usually breed in great numbers at elevations varying from 
5,000 to 8,000 feet. They occur west of the front range of the 
Rocky Mountains in vast numbers and I have seen them near 
the western border of Wyoming and also quite abundant near 
the Montana line. Records are numerous. Wood took this 
species at Pole Creek, 1857; Drexel reports them as not rare 
at Fort Bridger, 1858; McCarthy took 3 specimens on the 
Sweetwater river in 1859; Allen reported them from the plains 
of Wyoming, 1871; Williston- found them. common at Lake 
Como ; Carey took specimens at Newcastle, 1899; Bond reports 
them common at Cheyenne. 


54 Wyoming Experiment Station. 


PHEASANTS, GROUSE, PARTRIDGES, 
QUAILS, ETC. 


297. Dendragapus obscurus (Say.). 
‘Dusky Grouse, ~ 


Resident and rather abundant. This admirable but un- 
gamy bird lives in the forests only, or about open parks asso- 
ciated with them. Its usual haunt is about spruce-clad canons 
and ravines. It is seldom seen below 7,500 feet in Wyoming 
and it is not uncommon at timber line. Of all the edible birds 
of the west thi. and the following variety are the most desira- 
ble. The flesh is i. i. thly flavored, tender, juicy and as white 
4s that of a tame fowl. They occupy practically the same place 
“Summer and winter. I have Seen them in January and February 
about spruce groves where they also were in the early fall. 
They are a foolish bird as a rule and not easily frightened. 
When a covey lights in a tree one can easily kill them all if he 
will shoot the lowest one first and kill them in order so that none 
of the dead ones will fall and strike near the living birds. Al- 
though they are very expert in hiding in the foliage ‘of the 
spruce; yet they are easily hunted and it often happens than an 
entire covey is killed. So far as investigations have gone this 
species is found only in the southern half of Wyoming, the 
northern limit of the range being the North Platte river and 
westward on this meridian to the Idaho line. I have taken 
the Dusky Grouse in the Laramie, Shirley, Seminoe, Ferris. 
Medicine Bow, Sierre Madre and along the Uinta mountains. 


They have been reported by all of the collectors of Wyoming 
birds. 


297b. Dendragapus obscurus richardsonii (Dovct.). 
Richardson’s Grouse, 


This variety replaces the Dusky Grouse in the northern 
half of Wyoming, and they are very similar to them in every 
respect. I have taken these birds on the Teton, Wind River, 
Shoshone, Absaraka, and Big Horn mountains, where they are 


BONASA UMBELLUS UMBELLOIDES. Gray Ruffled Grouse. 


PEDIOCATES PHASIANELLUS CAMPESTRIS. Prairie Sharp-tailed Grouse. 


The Birds of Wyoming. 55 


common. While climbing Cloud Peak in 1897 I found these 
birds at an elevation of 11,500 feet, in localities where there 
was little vegetation and apparently nothing for them to eat. 
Coues reports this variety from the Yellowstone river and the 
Wind River mountains. Grinnell reports them from the Yel- 
lowstone Park. 


30a, Bonasa umbellus togata (LINN.). 
« Canadian Ruffed Grouse. 


ge asesident and common in northeastern Wyoming along the 
western slope of the Black Hills and in the Bear Lodge moun- 
tains. They are found along some of the streams in the north- 
ern Big Horn mountains and westward into Idaho. Several 
birds have been reported from southwestern Wyoming. Bond 
has one specimen in his collection that was killed near Fort 
Bridger, and there is a skin in the University collection that 
was taken by West in the vicinity of Buffalo. 


300 b. Bonasa umbellus umbelloides (Dovuct.). 
Gray Ruffed Grouse, 


Resident and quite common in northwestern Wyoming; 
but unknown in the southeastern part of the state. This 
species of Ruffed Grouse is much more common in the desirable 
localities than the previous one noted. Drexel found this species 
at Fort Bridger, 1858; McCarthy found them in the same lo- 
cality in 1859; Allen reports them from Wyoming and Montana, 
1871; Grinnell reports them from the Yellowstone park in 
1875. There is one skin in the University collection that was 
taken by West at Buffalo. I found this species quite common 
along the Snake river in Jackson’s Hole in 1894. 


304. Lagopus leticurus altipetens Oscoop. 
Southern White-tailed Ptarmigan. 


Resident and quite common in alpine districts. They are 
seldom seen below timber line. ‘The only Wyoming record is 
based upon my own observation in the Medicine Bow moun- 


56 Wyoming Experiment ‘Station. 


tains, wheré I have seen them ‘several times among the glacial 
boulders. In July of 1890 I'fourid an old bird with a covey of 
ten or ‘a dozen young ‘that were less than half grown. When 
the méther gave ‘a ote of alarni the birds dropped close to the 
ground ‘when in the open; or ‘skiiiked into the dwarf willows 
and hid. After the fright the old one commenced calling and 
the young responded very much like young quail. I believe that 
the Ptarmigan lives in all alpine-districts in the state arrd=tg 
one record is due to the fact that other ranRee have not been 
examined thoroughly. 


308 a. Peédicecetes phasianellus. columbianus (OrD.). 
Columbian Sharp- tailed Grouse. 

Resident, but not common. The* records of this species in 
Wyoming are very unsatisfactory’; but there is no doubt but 
that ‘this grouse is found in the state. McCarthy reports this 
species 100 miles from ‘Fort Latamie; Allen states that it is 
found on the plains of Wyoming, and Coues notes that it is 
found in Laramie and Upper Platte regions. ‘So far, as I can 
learn from hunters and from personal observations these birds 
have never been found on the Laramie plains, Although, T have 
traveled extensively i in its state I have never seen one of these 
birds. 


308 b. Pedicecetes phasianellus campestris Rivew. 
Prairie Sharp-tailed Grouse. 


Resident and common in eastern and northwestern’ Wyo- 
ming. -I have never seen this species west of the Big Horn or 
Laramie mountains. They are very abundant in Crook county 
and are found along the streams on the north and éast of the 
Big Horn mountains. They are rather common in the valley 

of the Platte. below Casper and southward along thé Laramie 
mountains. Jesurun reports them cormon at Douglas; Bond 
has taken them at ‘Cheyenne ; West at Buffalo. I have killed a 
number of these’ birds in Crook county, Carey reports this 
species at Newcastle. 


‘The Bieds.of Wyoming: ° 57 


.309.. : Centrocercus alt seme (Bonap.). 
-, Sage Grouse. .-- 


i, Resident: very common. Of all the grouse this i is the most 
abundant and. occurs all over thesete. ranging from the lowest 
elevations up to 8,090 feet,, .They.nest away. from water, and 
on the Laramie plains commence to.lay between. the first and 
tenth of May. The nests are usually partially hidden in sage 
brush and are made of grass and imperfectly lined with feathers. 
The young apparently do without -water-until they are large 
enough to fly, which is usually about the last of June. After 
reaching a spring or stream they remain near by and drink 
at least.twice a, day. In some localities they are so numerous 
that one can. locate at least.a dozen coveys in going a mile. 
The young birds are excellent eating, but as soon as frost comes 
they commence to feed upon sage, which makes their flesh very 
rank. By the middle of September these birds rely almost en- 
tirely upon the sage for food and do not change their diet until 
spring time brings fresh vegetation and an abundance of in- 
sects. I have noticed that these birds do not eat sage unless 
they are driven to it. In localities where there are large alfalfa 
fields the sage hens, as they are usually called, feed entirely 
upon alfalfa as long as it remains green. 


PIGEONS. 


31 5: Ectopistes migratorius (Lrnn.). 
Passenger Pigeon. 


Accidental. There’ is but one record for Wyoming of 
this bird. McCarthy reports that he took a single specimen 40 
miles west of Fort Laramie in 1859. Robert Ridgway informs 
me that alti report is correct. 


ver eey 


316. Zenaidhira macroura (LINN.). ~ .<.- 
Mourning Dove. : Fer. 


Summer resident; very common. They breed all over the 
state up to an-elevation of 8,000 feet. Usually they nest upon 


58 Wyoming Experiment Station. 


the ground and in many localities a wire fence is the only thing 
that they can substitute for the dead limbs of trees in other 
regions, where they can rest above the ground. In Wyoming 
these birds live almost entirely upon weed seeds. For this 
Teason they should be protected and not suffer as they do by 
the raids of small boys with guns seeking for something to 
kill. The records are numerous and for this reason are omitted. 


AMERICAN VULTURES. 


325. Cathartes aura (LINN.). 
Turkey Vulture. 


Summer resident; rather common in eastern Wyoming. 
Allen found them in Wyoming during the summer of 1871; 
Jesurun states that they are common about Douglas; Bond 
finds them about Cheyenne; Gilmore has noted them on the 
Laramie plains; Cary observed them in the vicinity of New- 
castle and reports them common. I have seen them in the fol- 
lowing places: Laramie plains, Big Horn basin, near Buffalo, 
in Crook county and along the Rattlesnake mountains. 


VULTURES, FALCONS, HAWKS, EAGLES, ETC. 


331. Circus hudsonius (LINN.). 
Marsh Hawk, 


Summer resident; very common. This is the most com- 
mon hawk in the state and breeds in great numbers along 
streams and marshes up to 8,000 feet. I have seen them in the 
fall of the year in marshy parks of the mountains nearly to 
timber line. They arrive on the Laramie Plains the last week 
in March and remain until ice forms over the streams. This 
is one-of the most beneficial hawks in the west and should be 
protected by all. The amount of insects and detrimental mam- 
mals they devour annually can not be estimated. The hunter 
will do well to encourage the protection of these birds and the 
agriculturists should encourage them to breed in their fields. 
There are voluminous notes concerning the food of these birds 


The Birds of Wyoming. 59 


and I quote the following from Fisher’s Hawks and Owls of the 
United States, pages 27, 28, and 29: 

“When prey is discovered the hawk poises for a moment 
over the spot and then drops quickly on it, and if unsuccessful 
is sure to beat over the same place before leaving. It generally 
devours its quarry on or near the spot where captured, instead 
of carrying it away. Its food consists largely of small rodents, 
such as meadow mice, halfgrown squirrels, rabbits, and sper- 
mophiles or ground squirrels. In fact, so extensively does it 
feed on the last-named animals that the writer rarely has ex- 
amined a stomach from the west which did not contain their 
remains. In addition to the above it preys upon lizards, frogs. 
snakes, insects, and birds; of the latter, the smaller ground- 
dwelling species usually are taken. When hard pressed it is 
said to feed on offal and carrion; and in spring and fall, when 
water fowl are abundant, it occasionally preys upon the dead 
and wounded birds left by gunners. It seldom chases birds on 
the wing, though the writer has seen it do so in a few instances. 

“Mr. H. W. Henshaw, whose great field experience in 
the west enables him to speak authoritatively on the subject, 
says: ‘They were seen at all hours of the day in search of 
mice and gophers, which, when obtainable, constitute the major 
part of its food. When urged by hunger, it may attack birds; 
and I remember to have been once robbed of a widgeon I had 
killed and kept lying in the water, by one of these birds; but 
generally they confine their attacks to the humblest kind of 
game, which possess neither the strength to enable them to re- 
sist nor the activity to evade the sudden descent of their winged 
enemy.’ 

“Although this hawk occasionally carries off poultry and 
game birds, its economic value as a destroyer of mammal pests 
is so great that its slight irregularities should be pardoned. Un- 
fortunately, however, the farmer and sportsman shoot it down 
at sight, regardless or ignorant of the fact that it preserves an 
immense quantity of grain, thousands of fruit trees, and in- 


60 Wyoming Experiment Station. 


numerable nests of game birds by destroying the vermin .which 
eat the grain, girdle the trees, and devour the eggs and young 
of the birds. 

“The Marsh Hawk is unquestionably one of the most bene- 
ficial as itis one of the most abundant hawks, and its presence 
and increase should be encouraged in every way possible, not 
only by protecting it by law, but by disseminating a knowledge 
of the benefits it confers. It is probably the most active and de- 
termined foe of meadow mice and ground squirrels, destroy- 
ing greater numbers of these pests than any other species, and 
this fact alone should entitle it to protection, even if it de- 
stroyed no other injurious animals.” 

The Wyoniing records are from all parts of the state and 
the stomach contents reported are usually mice and ground 
squirrels. 


332. Accipiter velox. (WILS.). 
Sharp-shinned Hawk, 


Summer resident; common. A daring bird eater. An en- 
emy to the domestic fowls, as well as to the beneficial small 
birds. Fisher refers to this bird as follows (Hawks and Owls 
of the United States, pp. 32-33.) : 

“The food of this hawk consists chiefly of birds of vari- 
ous sizes, from the smallest of our warblers to the Passenger 
Pigeon and young chicken, the latter appearing- to afford a 
special temptation to it, as has been above related. I am also 
aware that it feeds occasionally on small reptiles and insects, 
and I shot the male represented in the plate, on wing, whilst 
it held in its claws the small Shrew also represented. 

“Little can be said in favor of this hawk although its dar- 
ing, courage, and impudence are to be admired. On this and 
the two following species mainly rest the responsibility for the 
ill favor with which the other hawks are regarded. A score of 
valuable species suffer because they belong to a class which in- 
cludes two or three noxious kinds. However, like most vil- 


The Birds of. panne: 61 


lains, it has at least one redeeming quality, and that is its fond- 
ness for the English sparrow, our imported bird-nuisance. This 
hawk is gradually learning that there is a never-failing supply 
of food for it in the larger towns and cities. The Sharp-shinned 
hawk is now common in Central park, New York, all through 
the winter, where the writer has witnessed it chasing sparrows, 
as he has also in some of the larger parks in Washington, D. C. 
Numerous reports from various towns and villages show that 
the habit of visiting such places for the sparrow is. becoming 
common.’ 

These birds have ‘een taken or reported in Wyoming 
as follows: Grinnell, Yellowstone Park; McCarthy, Big 
Sandy; Fisher, Carter; Drexel, Fort Bridger; Woods, Bridg- 
er’s Pass; Bond, Cheyenne; Jesurun, Douglas; Coues, Powder 
river, and one general reference to the state; Knight, Sundance, 
Jackson Hole, South Pass, Otto, Kemmerer; Cary, Newcastle. 


333. Accipiter cooperii (Bonap.). 
Cooper’s Hawk, 


Summer resident; rather uncommon. None of our hawks 
cause a continued reign of terror among other birds equal to 
this constant seeker of other birds to devour. He favors poul- 
try, but always finds ample food when it is scarce, in the way 
of sparrows and even larger birds. He is also a very sly bird 
and will often visit a ranch many times and carry off a num- 
ber of young chickens before he is found out. I believe that 
hunters as well as agriculturists are at all times warranted in 
killing this enemy of both bird and man. Fisher in “The 
Hawks and Owls of the United States” pp. 38-39, refers to 
this hawk as follows: 

“The food of this Hawk, like that of its smaller congener, 
consists almost entirely of wild birds and poultry, though 
from its superior size and strength it is able to cope success- 
fully with much larger birds, and hence is much more to be 
dreaded. Besides birds, it occasionally captures small mam- 


62 Wyoming Experiment Station. 


mals, batrachians, and insects. Mr. Clavin Rawson saw one 
of these Hawks make a bold dash at a muskrat, but it was un- 
successful in the capture. From the following quotation by 
Mr. Charles F. Morrison, it would appear that in Colorado | 
it feeds more extensively on insects than in most parts of the 
country: ‘It preys upon grouse, hares and reptiles. Its fond- 
ness for the ranchman’s poultry is very nearly paid for by 
the insects it eats; both this and the preceding adding grass- 
hoppers and bugs to their bill of fare.’ 

“The following examination, made by Dr. B. H. War- 
ren, gives a very good summary of this Hawk’s food: ‘Of 
the thirty-four birds which I have examined, sixteen showed 
the food taken to have been chickens; ten revealed small birds 
—sparrows, warblers, and meadow-larks ; two, quail ; one, bull- 
frog; three, mice and insects; two, hare and other remains 
of small quadrupeds.’ (Birds of Pennsylvania, 1888, p. 80.) 

“This species is preeminently a ‘Chicken Hawk,’ as may 
be seen from the foregoing citations. Its devastations in this 
direction are much greater than those of all the other hawks 
and owls together, with the possible exception of the Sharp- 
shinned Hawk, which attacks much smaller chickens.” 

Drexel reports this bird from Fort Bridger; Wood from 
Bridger Pass; Bond from Cheyenne; Knight from Big Horn 
basin, Freezeout hills and Sundance. 


334. Accipiter atricapillus (WILS.). 


American Goshawk. 

Probably a winter resident, but very rare if we are to 
judge from the records. This bird should be found in reason- 
able abundance. The only Wyoming record is the one re- 
ported by Coues of a specimen taken on Deer creek by G. H. 
Trook in 1860. 

This is another hawk that causes great destruction among 
birds and poultry and for this reason is a very undesirable 
bird to allow about a ranch or farm. Fisher in “The Hawks 


ACCIPITER VELOX. Sharp-shinned Hawk. 


*y009 avg “SANVISYHdOUN SNOYFIOOYLNID 


The Birds of Wyoming. 63 


and Owls of the United States,” pp: 43-44-45, has the follow- 
ing to say regarding its habits: 

“The Goshawk, like the two preceding species of the 
genus, feeds largely on the flesh of birds, and to a less extent 
on mammals. Poultry, ducks, grouse, and many of the small- 
er birds, together with hares, squirrels, and other rodents 
make up its fare. Fortunately, in most farming districts, at 
least in the United States, it is comparatively rare except dur- 
ing the fall and winter months, otherwise its depredations 
among the poultry would be a very serious matter. Its large 
size and greater strength enable it to carry off heavier quarry 
than Cooper’s Hawk, and consequently its powers for mis- 
chief are more to be dreaded by the poultrymen. Mr. L. M. 
Turner states that in Alaska the lemming forms a considerable 
part of its food. 

“In the general character of its flight, as well as the 
mode of hunting and capturing its prey, it closely resembles 
Cooper’s Hawk, though it frequents the thick woods rather 
more than the latter bird. In the fall this Hawk is common 
along the smaller water courses where it is very destructive 
to wild ducks and other water fowl, and is able to strike down 
a bird as large as a full-grown mallard. If its prey is a bird 
of this. size it rarely eats more than the flesh from the breast, 
leaving the rest of the carcass untouched. Scorning to feed 
upon carrion, another victim is secured when hunger returns. 

“Of the upland game birds the ptarmigan in the north 
and the ruffed grouse in the middle districts suffer severely 
from the attacks of this powerful Hawk. Dr. William H, 
Dall, who found it common in the valley of the Yukon river, 
states that it feeds largely on the white ptarmigan, the flocks 
of which it follows from place to place. E. W. Nelson and 
L. M. Turner both corroborate its destructiveness among these 
birds. In some parts of the country the Goshawk hunts the 
ruffed grouse. so persistently that it is known by the name 
of ‘Partridge Hawk,’ and this bird probably has no worse en- 

—(5) 


64 Wyoming Experiment Station. 


emy except man. As Audubon-was passing down the Ohio 
he observed one of these Hawks dive into a flock of grackles 
which was crossing the river, and kill four or five of them. 
After giving each victim a fatal squeeze the Hawk allowed it 
to fall to the water and at the close of the chase returned and 
picked up all from the surface.” 


337 a. Buteo borealis kriderii Hoopes. 
Krider’s Hawk, 


Summer resident; uncommon. A. O. U. check list re- 
fers this species to Wyoming and probably some of the early 
reports on Red-tail Hawks should also be included. Cary 
found three of these birds near Newcast]e in the summer of 
1899. The food habits of this species will be referred to un- 
der the Western Red-tail, which is a close ally. 


337 b. Buteo borealis calurus (Cass.). 
Western Red-tail.. 


Summer resident; abundant, and a few may remain all 
winter. In Wyoming this bird is seldom seen about a ranch, 
as it depends almost entirely upon small mammals for food. 
The records from all parts of the United States prove that it 
is not seriously detrimental to the farm yard. The greater 
portion of the records cited concerning its food have been col- 
lected in thickly settled agricultural districts, when from ne- 
cessity they occasionally visit the poultry yard. ‘This and 
the allied species should be especially protected in Wyoming, 
where they feed largely upon prairie dogs, ground squirrels 

-and mice, which are, taken as a whole, very detrimental to 
. farmers and ranchmen. Fisher in discussing their food habits 
says (Hawks and Owls of the United States, pp. 49-50) : 
ie “Meadow mice seem to form the staple article of its food, 
. although at times other species of mice, arboreal and ground 
‘squirrels, rabbits, or an occasional mole or shrew are found 
among the stomach contents. This Hawk and its allied species 
render valuable service in reducing the number of ground 


ieee 


The Birds of Wyoming. 65 


squirrels (Spermophilus and Tamias) and rabbits, so abundant 
and excessively injurious to crops in some parts of the west. 
In western Texas Mr. Lloyd states that the Red-tail ‘feeds. 
on prairie dogs, cotton-tails, jack-rabbits, and occasionally 
brings a scaled quail to the young.’ (Auk, Vol. IV, 1887, 
p. 188.) 

“Of 562 stomachs examined by the author, 54 contained 
poultry or game birds; 51, other birds; 278, mice; 131, other 
mammals; 37, batrachians and reptiles; 47, insects; 8, craw- 
fish; 13, offal; and 89 were empty. It has been demonstrated 
by careful stomach examination that poultry and game birds. 
do not constitute more than Io per cent of the food -of this. 
Hawk, and that all the other beneficial animals preyed upon, 
including snakes, will not increase this proportion to 15 per 
cent. Thus the balance in favor of the Hawk is at least 85, 
per cent, made up largely of various species of injurious ro- 
dents—a fact that every thoughtful farmer should remem- 
ber. It is not to be denied that a good deal of poultry is de- 
stroyed by this Hawk, but the damage done is usually among 
the less vigorous fowls in the late fall, and in view of the 
great number of injurious rodents as well as other noxious. 
animals which this Hawk destroys it should seem equivalent 
to a misdemeanor to kill one, except in the act of carrying 
off poultry. The fact that there are robbers among Hawks is 
no sound argument for exterminating any and every one.” 

Jesurun states that these birds are numerous at Douglas; 
Bond finds them common at Cheyenne, and Coues found them 
in Wyoming; Grinnell found them abundant in Yellowstone 
park; Drexel took one specimen west of Fort Laramie, 1857; 
Cary reports them from Newcastle. There are two skins in 
the University collection. 


342. Buteo swainsoni Bonap. 
Swainson’s Hawk, 


Summer resident; common. Nest usually in low trees, 
the nest being only a few feet from the ground. On the Lar- 


66 ork Wyoming Experiment Station. 


amie Plains they usually nest during the last half of May. This 
species must be considered a ranchman’s friend and should 
be protected in all possible ways. They seldom if ever visit 
the poultry yard. Their chief food is ground squirrels, mice 
and insects. The testimonials referring to the food of this 
bird are very numerous and they, almost unanimously agree. 
Quoting from Fisher again (Hawks and Owls of the United 
States, pp. 73, 75 and 76,) will amplify this statement: . 

“The food of this Hawk, like that of the other Buteos, 
is extremely varied, but generally consists of more insect mat- 
ter than is usually the case in birds of prey of this group. Be- 
sides insects, it feeds extensively on gophers (ground squir- 
rels) and other small rodents, reptiles, batrachians, and occa- 
sionally on birds. 

“Dr. C. Hart Merriam, in the Forest and Stream of De- 
cember 27, 1888, page 455, gives a very interesting account 
of a flock of these birds which he saw feeding on grasshoppers 
in Oregon in the summer of 1888, which is here added: ‘Dur- 
ing the evening of August 20, 1888, Mr. H. W. Henshaw and 
I drove from Pendleton to the Umatilla Indian Agency, in 
northeastérn Oregon, about 50 miles east of the Great Bend 
of the Columbia. It had been so hot during the day, the ther- 
mometer standing at 104 degrees in the shade, that we were 
unable to go out. Driving along the crest of the plateau just 
south of the Umatilla river, at about sundown, we were aston- 
ished to see a very large number of large hawks hopping about 
on the ground, catching grasshoppers. We counted about 
150 of these hawks, and there must have been at least 200 in 
the immediate neighborhood. At first we took them to be 
rough-legs, but later ascertained that nearly if not all were 
Swainson’s hawks (Buteo swainsoni). ‘The period between 
sundown and dark in that region is so short that the birds were 
still catching grasshoppers when overtaken by darkness. 

“‘About 6 o’clock the next morning I visited the same 
place and was gratified to find the hawks engaged in making 


The Birds of Wyoming. 67 


their breakfast of grasshoppers. They were scattered over a 
larger area than when we saw them the previous evening. Be- 
fore 8 o’clock most of them had left the hills and settled down 
for the day in the poplar trees along the river bottom. Here 
I found the trees literally full of hawks, and counted as many 
as thirteen in one tree. Two of the three whose stomachs were 
examined contained grasshoppers and no other food. The 
third contained, in addition to grasshoppers, the head of a 
meadow mouse of the genus Arvicola (subgenus Chilotus). 
One contained 88 grasshoppers, another 96, and the third 106. 
Most of the grasshoppers were a large species of Oedipoda, 
though a few belonged to the genus Caloptenus. 

“‘Assuming that each hawk captured 200 grasshoppers 
a day and that there were 200 hawks, the daily catch would 
be 40,000 grasshoppers. At this rate ‘these hawks would de- 
stroy 280,000 grasshoppers in a week and 1,200,000 in a month. 
I have no means of knowing how long the hawks remained in 
the neighborhood of Pendleton, but was told that they had 
been there before our visit. When in southern California, 
about a month later, I was told by Mr. Edward Merriam that 
on three occasions he had noticed similar gatherings of hawks 
in San Diego county. Once he saw a flock of several hun- 
dred large hawks catching crickets in cracked adobe soil in 
the San Marcos valley. At night the hawks came into the 
live oaks at the head of the valley to rest. He shot one and 
found its stomach packed full of large black crickets. On 
two other occasions he saw large flocks of these hawks similar- 
ly engaged in catching the same species of cricket. The time 
was during the latter part of September.’ 

“Mr. A. S. Bennet, writing to the U. S. Department of 
Agriculture from Lay, Colo., states that on July 10, 1889, he 
saw flocks of large hawks, some of which were circling near 
the ground, while others were perched on it. The mass con- 
tained at least 500 individuals, and were feeding upon species 
of cricket (Anabrus ‘purpurascens), which covered over fully 


68 Wyoming Experiment Station. 


4 acres of surface. A specimen shot for identification con- 
tained six of the insects in its stomach. At the report of the 
rifle the flocks left the vicinity, but in a short time returned to 
resume their feast. 

“From the above testimony it will be seen that Swain- 
son’s. Hawk, although one of the larger species, is a most 
beneficial bird, as it destroys immense numbers of noxious 
mammals and insects and rarely touches poultry or other birds. 
The services thus rendered should gain for it the good will 
and protection of all fair-minded. farmers and sportsmen, and 
not the short-sighted prejudice and enmity too commonly 
shown by these classes of men.’ 

These birds have been observed by nearly every collector 
in the state. They have been reported by Jesurun from Doug- 
las; Williston from Lake Como; Grinnell from Yellowstone 
park, Drexel from Fort Bridger ; Wood from Medicine Bow 
river, Cary from Newcastle, and Coues from Powder and Gros- 
ventre rivers, and two other Wyoming localities. ‘There are 
two skins in the University collection that were taken on the 
Laramie plains. 


349. Aquila chrysaetos (Linv.). 
Golden Eagle, 

Resident and common. Of the two species of eagle found 
in the state this is by far the most abundant. They usually 
live ina rather rugged country, but visit the plateaus for food. 
Numerous authors have cited instances of this magnificent bird 
breeding at very high elevations. While they may all be cor- 
rect in their observation I have not found any Wyoming birds 
living high upon the mountains. I have seen at least a dozen 
eagles’ nests and they have all been in the broken country of 
the foot hills, where there are deep and shelving canons. Their 
nests were always in inaccessible places in rocks or notches of 
a canon wall, usually a hundred or more feet from the ground 
and from 25 to 100 feet from the top of the canon wall. The 


The Birds of Wyoming. 69 


nesting places thus far observed by me have varied from 6,000 
to 9,000 feet. It has generally been supposed that they breed 
only in unsettled districts. Here they often nest near a ranch 
and also near villages. In Wyoming the golden eagle must 
be classed with the useful birds. I have never heard of one 
visiting a poultry yard. And although Wyoming is one of the 
greatest if not the greatest sheep growing states in the United 
States, there have been but few serious complaints sent in by 
the flock masters, of their injuring lambs: There is no ques- 
tion but that they will prey upon lambs or the young of other 
animals if driven to it by hunger. Since there is an abundance 
of food during the early spring months in the way of rabbits 
and'smaller rodents, besides plenty of birds, there is little or 
no reason for these eagles visiting the herds of sheep. - While 
they doubtless prefer game of their own killing, they feed 
largely upon carrion. This is especially true during cold 
weather. It often happens that people put out poison or traps 
for wolves and catch eagles. 

_ here is no record in Wyoming of an eagle molesting 
children.’ The following quotation from Fisher (Hawks and 
Owls of the United States, pp 94-95) is of special interest 
concerning the nurnerous reports that are continuously being 
circulated regarding thesé birds preying upon various kinds of 
animals. ' 

“Dr. E. A. Mearns, U. S. Army, in a note on the Golden 
Eagle, says: ‘Several years ago a Golden Eagle was shot 
opposite those cliffs by a farmer at Cold Spring (New York) 
while in the act of destroying a goose belonging to the farmer.’ 
(Bull. Nutt. Ornith. Club, Vol. III, 1878, p 100.) 

“Mr. George A. Boardman captured a Golden Eagle un- 
der the following circumstances: ‘When out snipe shooting 
October 16, (1880), a big Blue Heron flew up and almost im- 
mediately dropped to the ground. Instantly a large bird came 
like a meteor and struck the Heron with full force, and in their 
excitement I got a fine specimen of the Golden Eagle.’ 


70 Wyoming Experiment Station. 


“Although this eagle usually attacks quarry which is easy 
to secure, Mr. Robert Ridgway shows that it is capable of 
capturing agile game: ‘At Camp 19, on the last-named moun- 
tains, (East Humboldt, Nev.,) on the 2gth of July we were 
so fortunate as to witness the chase and capture of a Sage- 
hen (Centrocercus urophasianus). by a pair of these Eagles. 
We were standing a few yards in the rear of a tent when our 
attention was arrested by a rushing noise, and upon looking 
up the slope of the mountain we.saw flying down its wooded 
side with the rapidity of an arrow a Sage-hen pursued by two 
Eagles. The Hen was about 20 yards in advance of her pur- 
suers, exerting herself to the utmost to escape, her wings, 
from their. rapid motion, being scarcely visible. The Eagles 
in hot pursuit (the larger of the two leading), followed the 
undulation of the fugitive’s course, steadily lessening the dis- 
tance between them andthe object of their pursuit; their wings 
not moving, except when a slight inclination was necessary to 
enable them to follow a curve in the course of the fugitive. 
So intent were they in the. chase that. they passed within 20 
yards of us. They had scarcely gone by, however, when the 
Sage-hen, wearied by her continued exertion, and hoping, 
probably, to conceal herself among the bushes, dropped to 
the ground; but no sooner had she touched it than she was 
immediately snatched up by the foremost of her relentless pur- 
suers, who not stopping in its flight, bore the prize rapidly 
toward the rocky summits of the higher peaks, accompanied by 
its mate.’ (U. S. Geol. Expl. of the Fortieth Parallel, King, 
Vol. IV, 1877, p. 5901.) 

“Numerous sensational stories. have ise from time 
to time relating to the carrying off of children by Eagles, the 
great majority of which have originated in the fertile brains 
of their versatile reporters. There is little doubt that if a 
hungry Eagle found a young baby unprotected it would carry 
if off. The statement that babies have been carried away by 
Eagles and later recovered from the nest uninjured are as 
ridiculous as they are untrue. 


Swainson's Hawk. 


BUTEO SWAINSONI. 


4. Normal Plumage. 2. Melanistic Plumage. 


1. HALIZETUS LEUCOCEPHALUS. Bald Eagle. AQUILA CHRYSAETOS. Golden Eagle, 


The Birds of Wvoming. 71 


“Birds of prey always strike their talons deeply into 
their quarry before carrying it off, unless they are interrupted 
at the moment they strike. It is possible that some of .the 
stories found in the older books, especially those relating to 
Europe, may be true, but we know of no authentic instance 
within the past fifty years of Eagles attacking children.” 

On page 96 of the same publication, Fisher refers to 
the food habits of the Golden Eagle as follows: 

“To sum up, it may be stated that in sections of the coun- 
try where rabbits, prairie dogs, or gophers are abundant the 
Golden Eagle is very beneficial, confining its attention mainly 
to these noxious animals; but in places where wild game is 
scarce it is often very destructive to the young of domesti- 
cated animals, and hence in such places has. to be kept in 
check.” 

My experience with the eagle in this state is similar to 
Fisher’s report. They are usually cowards; and although 
there are young in the nest nearly ready to fly they will de- 
sert the region upon the appearance of man and not offer as 
much protection to their young as many common birds. 

They nest early, and the young can usually fly by the 
roth of June. Bond reports them from Cheyenne; Allen 
reports them from Wyoming, summer 1871; Grinnell, com- 
mon in winter upon plains, but in summer they remain in the 
mountains. There are three specimens in the collection, 6 
of which were taken in Albany county. I have observed these 
birds in the following localities: Buffalo, Hyattville, Evanston, 
Green River, Ferris, Ervay and Alcova. 


352. Halizetus leucocephalus (LINN.). 
Bald Eagle. 


Resident; not common. In traveling through the state 
one will see a dozen or more of the Golden Eagles to one of 
the Bald. There are no records of this species molesting lambs 
ot fowls-in Wyoming. They are a desirable resident and 


72 Wyoming Experiment Station. 


should be encouraged in every way possible. From Fisher 
(Hawks and Owls of the United States, pp. 98-100) I quote 
the following: 

In parts of the West and Southwest this bird often does 
considerable good in destroying noxious mammals. Dr. J. 
G. Cooper says: ‘The Spanish inhabitants rather encourage 
its presence, on account of the great number of squirrels it 
kills; and I have been told of instances where young ones 
raised from the nest have been kept for several years in a 
domestic state, going out daily to kill squirrels and returning 
to the house at night.” j 

“Mr. Lloyd, in a letter dated February 18, 1887, says: 
‘I went to a Bald Eagle’s nest on January 28, and though. dis- 
appointed at finding young jtist ready to fly, yet I watched the 
parents bring two prairie dogs to the nest, and skins of this 
mammal were mixed up in the debris of the riest.’ 

“What we have said in reference to the Golden Eagle ap- 
plies equally well to the bird under consideration, namely that 
over the greater part of the country where the natural food, 
fish in the present case, is abundant it is a harmless bird and 
should be protected; while in sections where it is injurious to 
sheep or other domesticated animals ‘it should not be allowed 
to become numerous.” ' 

‘While these birds have been found in all parts of the 
state, they are never abundant. Bond has mounted several 
specimens that have been taken in southeastern Wyoming; 
Jesurun has observed several about Douglas; West has mount- 
ed one that was killed at Buffalo; Allen found them in Wyo- 
ming during the summer of 1871; Cary reports them from 
the neighborhood of Newcastle; I have seen this species in 
Jackson’s Hole, at the head of the Green river, DuBois, and 
Big Horn mountains, west of Buffalo. 


The Birds of Wyoming. 73 


355. Falco mexicanus ScHLEc. 
Prairie Falcon. 


‘Summer resident; abundant. In Wyoming this bird can 
be said to be very beneficial. There are no notes of conse- 
quence regarding the food of this species in the state. An- 
nually during the last week in July and the first week in Au- 
gust I have seen the young of this species on the table lands 
in considerable numbers, where they were hunting. By 8 or 
9 o’clock a. m., they had usually gorged themselves upon 
young squirrels and prairie dogs, and would be so torpid that 
one could drive to within twenty yards before they would 
fly from the rock or possibly from the ground where they 
were resting. I have killed several birds when in this stupid 
condition and found that they had all been feeding upon ro- 
dents chiefly. Occasionally a young bird had been included 
in a meal ; but these were nothing as compared with the ground 
squirrels, 7 Fisher, (Hawks and Owls of the United States, 
p. 104) has the following note on the food of this Falcon: 

“The. food of this Falcon consists of birds, mammals, rep- 
tiles, and the larger, insects. Among birds it is partial to 
prairie hens, doves, blackbirds, and in fact any species, whose 
size furnishes a tempting lure. In the destruction of injurious 
rodents it is of considerable service. Gophers, prairie dogs, 
rabbits, and mice are greedily devoured, and often in locali- 
ties, where colonies of the first two animals occur it is seen fly- 
ing over or. sitting near the ‘towns’ on the lookout for the ap- 
pearance of its prey. Lizards are occasionally taken, and, 
among the insects, the large crickets and grasshoppers which 
are so abundant in some sections of the West, ate also eaten. 

“Dr. George Bird Grinnell says of this Falcon: ‘It was 
seen daily pursuing the blackbirds about the station, and at 
Medicine Bow one of these birds had almost depopulated the 
only dove-cote in the town.’ (Forest and Stream, Vol. XII, 
1879, p. 365.)” 


Bond reports them common at Cheyenne; Jesurun, quite 


74 Wyoming Experiment Station. 


common at Douglas; Coues, “very numerous in Wyoming, 
where it is the characteristic species of its genus;” Grinnell, 
“this species was very abundant throughout the plains and 
mountain regions about Como and breeds.” Fisher reports one 
specimen taken at Cheyenne and one from the Laramie moun- 
tains, both of which had been feeding upon ground squirrels. 
There are three specimens in the University collection. One 
nest has been found and Gilmore made the following note: 
Nest taken with four eggs, had built in a crevice in the weath- 
ered rocks at Sand creek, Albany county. The nest was built 
of small branches, lined with grass and a few feathers. Eggs 
fresh, and the nest was about 15 feet from the ground.’ May 


9, 1899. 


356. Falco peregrinus anatum (Bonar.). 
Duck Hawk. 


Summer resident; very rare. This vicious falcon has 
been observed by only two collectors in Wyoming, and these 
observations were made over a quarter of a century ago. 
While this is probably the greatest destroyer of birds of any 
of the hawks or falcons, yet it is not worthy of considera- 
tion here on account of its scarcity. Although I have traveled 
extensively over the state I have never seen one of these 
birds. 

- Allen found them on the plains in Wyoming, 1871. Grin- 
nell makes the following note: “This species was abundant 
in the valley of the Yellowstone above Emigrant peak, and had 
no doubt been breeding there, as I took a very young bird.” 


357. Falco columbarius Linn. 
Pigeon Hawk, 


Migratory ; rare; possibly may breed in the alpine districts. 
We know nothing of this blood-thirsty hawk. None of the 
collectors in recent years have reported them. Hayden in 
his annual report of 1870 mentions six specimens that were 
taken on La Bonte creek and Green river and Coues notes that 


The Birds of Wyoming. 75 


one specimen had been taken on Green river. With the ex- 
ception of Coues’ data there is no absolute evidence that this 
species has ever been found in Wyoming. Coues remarks 
on p. 346 (Birds of the North West): “It is apparently not 
common in the interior of the west, and even less so than has 
been supposed, a part of the quoted instances like Dr. Hay- 
den’s, for instance, really referring to the next species, the 
history of which has only recently been disentangled from 
that of the true Pigeon Hawk.” 

On account of its rarity it is not necessary to go into de- 
tail as to its food habits; but simply understand that it feeds 
almost entirely upon other birds. 


358. Falco richardsonii Ripew. 
Richardson's Merlin. 


Probably a summer resident, but there are no breeding 
records. Locally it is quite abundant, and during mild winters 
probably remains during the coldest weather. There is one 
record of it being taken as late as Nov. 27th on the Laramie 
plains. Fisher (Hawks and Owls of the United States, p. 
114) has the following to say of its food habits: 

“This Falcon is so closely related to the Pigeon Hawk, 
the main difference being its lighter color, that it is with the 
greatest hesitation that the writer treats of it separately, es- 
pecially as intermediate specimens are at hand. So far as 
known there is nothing in the food, nesting, or other habits 
in which it differs in the least respect from the Pigeon Hawk, 
and what is said under the latter bird applies equally well to 
the former.” 

Coues reports specimens that were taken at La Bonte 
creek, Green river and the Sweetwater river. Dr. Jesurun 
has four skins in his collection that were taken near Douglas 
on the following dates: May 16, 1893; Sept. 24, 25 and Oct. 
9, 1894. He reports them as very common along the Platte 
river. In the university collection there is a single skin that 
was taken on the Laramie plains, Nov. 27, 1895. 


76 Wyoming Experiment Station. 


360. Falco sparverius LINN. 
American Sparrow Hawk, 


There is no doubt but that this species and Desert Sparrow 
Hawk mingle in eastern Wyoming and on this account there 
is no possible way by which the early records can be adjusted, 
unless the specimens can be found. On this account I have 
placed nearly all of the Wyoming records under the American 
Sparrow Hawk; but fully realizing that many of them be- 
long to the succeeding variety. In accordance with the re- 
striction placed upon the range of these two birds, the Desert 
Sparrow Hawk is the one that should be found in greatest 
abundance and inhabiting by far the greater portion of the 
state. The Sparrow Hawk is everywhere abundant, below 
the alpine districts, and is especially so in the valleys and on 
the plateaus. They occur in vast numbers where the only 
resting place they find is a wire fence. They are a great 
friend to the ranchman and farmer and depend largely upon 
insects and mice for their food. Fisher (Hawks and Owls 
of the United States, pp. 116-119) has the following to say 
of these birds: 

“The subject of the food of this Hawk is one of great 
interest, and considered in its economic bearings is one that 
should be carefully studied. The Sparrow Hawk is almost 
exclusively insectivorous except when insect food is difficult 
to obtain. In localities where grasshoppers and crickets are 
abundant these hawks congregate, often in moderate-sized 
flocks, and gorge themselves continuously. Rarely do they 
touch any other form of food until, either by the advancing 
season or other natural causes, the grasshopper crop is so 
lessened that their hunger can not be appeased without un- 
due exertion. Then other kinds of insects and other forms 
of life contribute to their fare; and beetles, spiders, mice, 
shrews, small snakes, lizards, or, even birds may be required 
to bring up the balance. In some places in the West and 
South telegraph lines pass for miles through treeless plains 


The Birds of Wyoming. T7 


and savannas. For lack of better perches the Sparrow Hawk 
often uses these poles for resting places, from which they 
make short trips to pick up a grasshopper or mouse which 
they carry back to their perch. At times, when grasshoppers 
are abundant, such a line of poles is pretty well occupied by 
these hawks. 

“In the opinion of many people, unaccountable as it may 
appear, the benefit accruing from the destruction of a great 
number of mice or other injurious mammals or insects by 
hawks does not offset the damage done by the capture of one 
bird or chicken. This, of course, is not the case with those 
intelligent farmers who recognize the benefit done by this lit- 
tle hawk, and are not prejudiced against it if it exacts a mod- 
erate interest now and then in the shape of a young chicken 
or bird. In May and June, when the hawks are busy hatch- 
ing their eggs and rearing their young, there is less time for 
them to procure their favorite food. 

“Tt is during this period, as we might expect, that a very 
large proportion of the birds which they capture in the course 
of the year is taken. It is also at this time that we hear com- 
plaints of their depredations in the poultry yard.” 

Bond reports them common at Cheyenne; Jesurun very 
common at Douglas; Coues cites numerous references relating 
to Wyoming; Williston reports them common at Lake Como, 
and that he found them preying upon Meadowlarks; Grinnell 
reported them abundant along the Yellowstone, 1875; Mc- 
Carthy found them at Little Sandy, 27 miles west of Fort 
Laramie, and on the North Fork of the Platte river, 1859; 
Drexel took specimens at Fort Bridger; Wood took specimens 
at Medicine Bow creek and Pole creek, 1856; Cary reports 
them common at Newcastle and states that they were com- 
mencing to nest June 9. 


78 Wyoming Experiment Station. 


360a. Falco sparverius deserticolus MEARNS. 
Desert Sparrow Hawk, 


Summer resident and very common. They arrive on the 
Laramie plains as early as March 2gth, and are quite common 
by the middle of April. Their food is identical with the prev- 
ious species, and what Fisher has said of that species refers to 
this western form, with the exception that the great difference 
in environment would make some slight changes. 

I have taken this variety at the following places: Sand 
creek, Albany county; Hutton’s lake, Buffalo, Otto, Chug- 
water, Evanston, Green river, South Pass and Ervay. There 
is a single skin in the University collection. 


364. Pandion haliaetus carolinensis (GMEL.). 
American Osprey, 


Summer resident and common in suitable localities. 
Known to be only along wooded streams, where the trees are 
of considerable size and the stream abounds with fish. With 
the exception of this bird feeding upon fish, there can be no 
possible objections to it. In Wyoming they feed largely upon 
trout, which are so‘abundant. I have found these birds most 
numerous along the Big Wind, Gros Ventre, and Snake riv- 
ers, while in Jackson’s Hole in 1894 I killed three of these 
birds and prepared their skins; but these, together with all 
other collections, were consumed by fire while in transit on 
the Union Pacific railroad. One of these birds was killed as 
it was about to light on a nest in the very top of a dead spruce 
tree. It had capturd a trout weighing about a pound, which I 
secured. 

Jesurun reports these birds common at Douglas; Bond 
has taken them at Cheyenne; Coues reports one specimen 
from the Wind river; Grinnell makes the following state- 
ments: ‘Nowhere as abundant as on the Yellowstone river. 
Saw from 6 to 12 birds every day. At the falls of the Yellow- 
stone this species was constantly in sight;” Drexel reports 
a single specimen taken at Fort Bridger, 1858. 


1. FALCO SPARVERIUS. American Sparrow Hawk. 
FALCO MEXICANUS. Prairie Falcon 


1. ASIO WILSONIANUS. American Long-eared Owl. 
ASIO ACCIPITRINUS. Short-eared Owl 


The Birds of Wyoming. 79 


OWLS. 


Owls taken as a whole are very desirable birds and should 
never be molested. They usually feed upon rodents and in- 
sects that are enemies to the stockman and farmer alike and 
seldom prey upon birds of any kind. Unfortunately the av- 
erage hunter shoots these birds upon sight without provoca- 
tion, just to see them die. For after looking at a specimen he 
always throws it aside and probably never considers that he 
has taken from a community a bird that was of greater bene- 
fit as a mouser than any cat in the settlement. By all means 
protect these birds, and try and encourage their living about 
your homes and you will not be overrun with mice, which 
create such havoc about the Wyoming ranches. 


366. Asio wilsonianus (LEss.). 
American Long-eared Owl, 


Resident; the most common owl in the state. It usually 
breeds up to 8,000 feet. The following extract from Fishers’ 
Hawks and Owls of the United States, p. 140, presents this 
species to the public in its true light: 

“The Long-eared Owl is one of our most beneficial spe- 
cies, destroying vast numbers of injurious rodents and seldom 
touching insectivorous birds. The birds killed by it are most- 
ly seed-eating species which do not benefit the agriculturist 
to any great exterit. As this owl is readily destroyed, it is 
the one that suffers most when short-sighted legislators enact 
laws for the destruction of birds of prey. It will be seen from 
the following testimony that it is both cruel and pernicious to 
molest a bird so valuable and innocent as the one under con- 
sideration. 

“Audubon says: ‘It preys chiefly on quadrupeds of the 
genus Arvicola and in the summer destroys beetles.’ Ornith. 
Biography, Vol. IV, p. 573.) 

“Nuttall remarks: ‘Besides mice and rats this species 
also preys on field mice, moles and beetles.’ (Land Birds, 


1832, p. 131.) 
—(6) 


80 Wyoming Experiment Station. 


“Mr. H. V. Henshaw says: ‘Their food consists almost 
exclusively of field mice, of: which they kill vast numbers, a 
fact which should earn them the protection of the farmer.’ 
(Report of the Chief of Engineers, U. S. A., p. 1311.) 

“Mr. Townsend Glover says: ‘The stomach of one speci- 
men of the Long-eared Owl in the collection contained the 
skulls and bones of at least 8 field mice and therefore, when 
about barns and granaries, these birds must be very useful.’ 
(U. S. Agl. Rept., 1865, p. 37:): 

“Capt. Charles E. Bendire, writing from Camp Harney, 
Oregon, states: ‘Their food consists principally of mice and 
the smaller rodents.’ (Ornithologist and Oologist, Vol. VI, 
1882, p. 82.) 

“Dr. B. H. Warren gives the following: ‘I have ex- 
amined the stomachs of twenty-three Long-eared Owls and 
found that twenty-two of them had fed only on mice; the oth- 
er examination made of a specimen taken late in the spring 
showed some beetles and portions of a small bird.’ (Birds of 
Pennsylvania, 1888, p. 107.)” 

Jesurun reports them common at Douglas; Bond has 
taken several specimens at Cheyenne; Williston published 
the following note on this species at Lake Como: “In sage 
brush near lake May 5th. Common.afterwards on Rock creek. 
Nest May 31, two eggs, fresh. June 8, 5 eggs, fresh. June 
10, 4 eggs, slightly incubated.” Grinnell reports them from 
Yellowstone park, 1875. Cary found a nest with young near 
Newcastle June 3, 1900; Coues reports taking this species at 
Powder and Popo Agie rivers. There are two skins in the 
University collection that were taken on the Laramie plain. I 
have taken this bird in every county in the state. 


367. Asio accipitrinus (PALL.). 
Short-eared Owl. 
Resident; but rather uncommon. A valuable bird to any 
community as the following will prove: 


The Birds of Wyoming. . 81 


“The food of this Owl consists largely of mice and other 
small mammals. A number of species of insects, birds, and 
reptiles also may be mentioned as occasionally contributing to 
its fare. Fully 75. per cent of the stomachs examined in the 
Department of Agriculture contained mice. The remains of 
as many as six of these little mammals were found in one stom- 
ach, and several contained three or four each. Prof. F. E. 
L. Beal reported finding nothing but mice in the stomachs of 
a pair which he killed in Story county, Iowa. They were 
shot in an artificial grove swarming with small birds. Mr. 
Austin F. Park, of Troy, N. Y., in a report on the food of 
Hawks and Owls, which he kindly sent to this Department, 
mentions mice and no other kind of food as found in the stom- 
achs of this species.” (Fisher, Hawks and Owls of the United 
States, pp. 145-6.) 

The Wyoming records are not numerous. Coues reports 
two specimens that were taken by Hayden survey, Sweetwater 
river, 1870. Bond has taken them at Cheyenne and Jesurun 
at Douglas. 


370. Scotiaptex cinerea (GMEL.). 
Great Gray Owl. 


Very rare; probably accidental; but since this bird has 
been frequently reported from northern Montana, the Wyo- 
ming record simply extends its range to the southward, which 
would be quite natural since in the east they are found in win- 
ter as far south as the Ohio river. 

Several years ago Mr. Wells, of Wells, Uinta county, 
Wyoming, killed one of these beautiful birds near the great 
bend in the Green river. He had it mounted and in the fall 
of 1900 Mr. Frank Bond of Cheyenne visited this section and 
identified the specimen. This is the only Wyoming record. 


372. Nyctala acadica (GMEL.). 
Saw-whet Owl. 


Resident and quite rare. None of the early collectors 
found this bird in Wyoming. Bond has taken a few specimens 


82 Wyoming Experiment Station. 


at Cheyenne. Cary noted this bird at Newcastle as follows: 
“On June 11, 1900, while walking down the ‘rocky bed of a 
deep canon, three of these little owls flushed from the thick- 
est top of a small cedar tree where they had been taking their 
noonday siesta, and alighted further down the canon. I se- 
cured one of them, which proved to be an immature bird, with 
breast and belly of a deep fawn color.” There are two skins 
in the University collection; one was taken .on the Laramie 
plains and the other in Carbon county. 


373¢ Megascops asio maxwelliz (Ripcw.). 
Rocky Mountain Screech Owl. 

Resident; but very little is known of this bird in Wyo- 
ming. A. O. U. Check List, 2nd Ed., gives the geographical 
distribution, “Rocky Mountains from Colorado to Montana,” 
which would indicate that it ought to be quite abundant. I 
travel a great deal and often remain in the field for several 
weeks at a time, and in seventeen years’ experience I have 
never heard any kind of a Screech Owl in Wyoming. Judg- 
ing from this I am inclined to think that they are very rare. 
Jesurun took one of these birds on Jan. 29, 1897, at Douglas, 
and this is the only one that I have ever seen in Wyoming. 
Bond has taken this bird at Cheyenne. 


375 a. Bubo virginianus pallescens Stone. 
Western Horned Owl, 


Resident ‘and common. I am inclined to believe that the 
records. of the Horned Owls in Wyoming are badly mixed. 
Formerly all were referred to the Great Horned Owls. Prob- 
ably the majority of early records have been placed under this 
head. The food of this variety is practically the same as the 
eastern form. The record of a stomach is from Wood, who 
took one at Bridger Pass that contained a wood rat, a meadow 
mouse and a white-footed mouse. Fisher (Hawks and Owls 
of the United States, p. 176) refers to the food of the Horned 
Ow! as follows: 


The Birds of Wyoming. 83 


“The rabbit undoubtedly stands at the head of the list 
of the mammals most often fed upon by this Owl. In fact its 
great love for the flesh of rabbits is one of this Owl’s redeem- 
ing qualities. In some parts of the West, where rabbits are 
so numerous that it is next to impossible to bring to maturity 
any large proportion of the crops, this Owl feeds on this de- 
structive rodent almost to the exclusion of other food. The ex- 
amination of a number of stomachs revealed the fact that even 
in the east, where rabbits are not so abundant, their remains 
constitute a fairly large proportion of the contents. The writer 
is of the belief that where rabbits are comparatively abundant 
the species under consideration rarely molests poultry, and is 
a prime factor in destroying these destructive rodents.” 

In the west the abundance of mice, ground squirrels, as 
well as rabbits, furnish abundant food for these owls, so that 
they do not need to prey upon poultry or wild birds. 

Coues reports this species from Powder river and Deer 
creek; Jesurun finds them common at Douglas; Bond has tak- 
en several specimens at Horse creek; Wood reports them from 
Bridger Pass and Medicine Bow river; Drexel took one speci- 
men at Fort Bridger; I have taken this species at Sundance, 
No Wood river, Big Laramie river and Bates’ Hole. 


375 b. Bubo virginianus arcticus (SWaINs.). 
Arctic Horned Owl. 

Probably a winter resident. None of the Wyoming col- 
lectors have found this bird and it has been included in the 
list upon the report in the A. O. U. Check List, 2nd Ed., p. 
148, which reads as follows: “Geographical distribution 
Arctic America, chiefly in the interior, south, in winter, to 
Idaho, Montana, Wyoming and South Dakota. 


376. Nyctea nyctea (LINN.). 


Snowy Owl. 
Winter resident; rare. But little is known of this beau- 
tiful bird in Wyoming. Bond has taken a specimen at Chey- 


84 Wyoming Experiment Station. 


enne, Jesurun at Douglas, and soci specimens have been 
taken near Sherman. 


378. Speotyto cunicularia hypogea (Bonap.).: 
Burrowing Owl, 


Resident and common. Usually found from the plain 
country which varies from 4,000 to 6,000 feet, to the table 
lands varying from 6,000 to 7,500. I have never seen this pe- 
culiar owl above 8,000 feet. Stories are very common in this 
state concerning the relationship of this owl to the prairie 
dog, whose home this bird appropriates, and the rattlesnake. 
The majority of these are unfounded and have been gleaned 
from the work of unscientific story writers who have no re- 
gard for the truth. The following interesting account is an 
extract from Fisher, (Hawks and Owls of the United States, 
p. 194), which is largely taken from Coues’ “Birds of. the 
Northwest :” 

“Many stories have been fabricated in regard to the as- 
sociation of the prairie dog, owl, and rattlesnake, some of 
which are unequaled among fairy tales. The whole story is 
ably told by Dr. Coues in the ‘Birds of the Northwest.’ After 
giving a rather exaggerated account of the relations existing 
between the reptile, mammal, and bird, according to the views 
of some, he then explains exactly how matters stand in the 
colony. The following is his account: 

“*The case is further complicated by the introduction of 
the rattlesnakes; and no little pure bosh is in type respect- 
ing the harmonious and confidential relations imagined to sub- 
sist between the trio, which, like the ‘happy family’ of Bar- 
num, lead Utopian existences. According to the dense pathos 
of such nursery tales, in this underground: Elysium the snakes 
give their rattles to the puppies to play with, the old dogs 
cuddle the owlets, and farm out their own litters to the grave 
and careful birds; when an owl and a dog come home, paw- 
in-wing, they are often mistaken by their respective progeny, 


The Birds of Wyoming. 85 


the little dogs nosing the owls in search of the maternal font 
and the old dogs left to wonder why the baby owls will not 
nurse. It is a pity to spoil a good story for the sake of a few 
facts, but, as the case stands, it would be well for the Society 
for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals to take it up. First, 
as to the reptiles, it may be observed that they are, like other 
rattlesnakes, dangerous, venomous creatures; they have no 
business in the burrows, and are after no good when they do 
enter. They wriggle into the holes, partly because there is no 
other place for them to crawl into on the bare, flat plain, and 
partly in search of owls’ eggs, owlets, and puppies to eat. 
Next, the owls themselves are simply attracted to the villages 
of the prairie dogs as the most convenient places for shelter 
and nidification, where they find eligible ready-made burrows 
and are spared the trouble of digging for themselves. Commu- 
nity of interest makes them gregarious to an extent unusual 
among rapacious birds; while the exigencies of life on the 
plains cast their lot with the rodents. That the owls live at 
ease in the settlement and on familiar terms with their four- 
footed neighbors is an undoubted fact; but that they inhabit 
the same burrows or have any intimate domestic relations, is 
quite another thing. It is no proof that the quadruped and 
the bird live together that they are often seen to scuttle at each 
other’s heels into the same hole when alarmed; for in such 
case the two simply seek the nearest shelter, independently of 
each other. The probability is that young dogs often furnish 
a meal to the owls, and that, in return, the latter are often 
robbed of their eggs; while certainly the young of both and 
the owls’ eggs are eaten by the snakes.’ ” 

In Wyoming these birds live in small colonies in prairie- 
dog towns. They feed chiefly upon insects; but also eat car- 
rion, and occasionally small rodents. Consequently this is a 
very beneficial bird and should never be destroyed. Nearly 
all of the early expeditions to Wyoming found this curious 
little owl. Coues furnishes the following records: Powder 


86 Wyoming Experiment Station. 


river, Tongue river, Running Water, Big Sandy, and several 
general references; McCarthy recorded a specimen from the 
North Platte river; Williston reports them rather abundant 
in the vicinity of Medicine Bow; Jesurun reports them com- 
mon in the vicinity of Douglas; Bond finds them common about 
Cheyenne; Fisher gives the following interesting records: 
“Specimens taken at Cheyenne, Aug. 21, 1888, stomach con- 
tained 10 grasshoppers, 45 beetles and other insects. Speci- 
men taken August 23, 1888, stomach contained 35 grasshoppers, 
20 beetles, etc. Specithen taken Aug. 23, 1888, stomach con- 
tained 15 grasshoppers and 5 beetles.” Cary states that he 
has found colonies in the vicinity of Newcastle about prairie 
dog towns. I have found this species near the following places 
in the state: Sundance, Moorcroft, Douglas, Newcastle, Uva, 
Rock Creek, Casper, Fort Mashalas Otto, Laramie, and Fort 
Steele. 


CUCKOOS, ETC. 
-388. Coccyzus erythrophthalmus (WILs.). 
Black-billed Cuckoo, 

Probably resident; but quite rare. But two collectors* 
have recorded specimens from this state. Dr. Jesurun reports 
that they are frequently seen during migration along the val- 
-ley of the North Platte river and that he capttired one May 
21, 1893, and a second May 28, 1895. 

C. H. Trook reports that he took two specimens on the 
Big Horn on June sth, r860. It-is probable that the birds 
taken by Trook were: breeding; but we have no data on this 
point. Williston while collecting at Lake Como, 1879, re- 
ports hearing the yellow-billed cuckoo but he did not take any 
specimens. It is quite probable that it was the black-billed 
that he heard, in place of the yellow-billed. The California 
variety has not been taken; but may be expected. 


*On the last of May, 1902, I noted this species on the Little Popo Agie river, twelve miles. 
southeast of Lander, 


1. DRYOBATES VILLOSUS MONTICOLA. Rocky Mountain Hairy Woodpecker. 
MELANERPES TORQUATUS. Lewis's Woodpecker. 


The Birds of Wyoming. 87 


KINGFISHERS. 
390. Ceryle alcyon (Linv.). 
Belted Kingfisher, 

Summer resident and common along wooded streams up 
to 8,000 feet. The only objection to this beautiful bird is that 
it depletes the streams of the small fry; but this is not of suf- 
ficient importance to warrant any step to be taken for their 
extermination. As compared with many other species they 
are few in number. They are truly expert fishers and seldom 
miss their prey when seeking it. In September, 1896, while 
I was standing on the bank of the Little Popo Agie river, south- 
east of Lander some ten miles, a Kingfisher alighted on a 
dead tree overhanging a deep pool. He had rested only an 
instant when he plunged into the water and disappeared while 
I breathlessly waited his reappearance. I would not say how 
long he remained under water; but it was many seconds and 
after I had almost concluded that he had in some manner be- 
come entangled in the pool he came to the surface three or 
four yards from where he disappeared with a good sized fish 
in his bill, flew to the place where he first alighted and pro- 
ceeded to swallow the fish. ‘his is the only instance when I 
have ever seen the Kingfisher disappear beneath the surface 
of the stream, where he must have had an exciting chase while 
swimming under water. Nearly all of the bird collectors in Wy- 
‘oming have reported this species. Coues reports three speci- 
mens without giving exact locality. Drexel took specimens at 
Fort Bridger in 1858; Allen reports them in 1871; Grinnell 
from the Y: ellowstone park in 1875; Jesurun from Douglas ; 
Bond from Cheyenne; Cary from Newcastle. Williston re- 

orts them May 1st from Lake Como and later occasionally 
n along Rock creek. I have noted these birds from every 


ee! 
n the state. 


county 


88 Wyoming Experiment Station. 


WOODPECKERS. 


The notes on the Woodpeckers in the state are anything 
but satisfactory. Many of the records were made long before 
the varieties were established. It is very confusing when Coues 
tells us that Hayden took a Harris’s woodpecker at Laramie 
peak in 1860, and then turn to the check list and find that 
Harris’s Woodpecker is a Pacific coast variety. On account 
of this and a great many other problems in the proper arrange- 
ment of the data pertaining to this group I have placed the 
various records where I considered that they might naturally 
belong. In selecting this method I trust it will avoid confu- 
sion and that ultimately the data may be placed under ‘the 
proper headings. 

The Woodpeckers as a group are very desirable birds, in 
no way detrimental to settlement or individuals and being of 
the greatest value, since they feed upon insects that are in- 
jurious to all kinds of trees. 


393d. Dryobates villosus hyloscopus (Cas.). 


Cabanis’s, Woodpecker, 

Resident; not common. In all probability a portion of 
the records referred to the Harris’s Woodpecker belong to this 
variety. But few collectors have noted them, and as a rule 
have referred it to some other form. Thus far the Wyoming 
records have been made by the National Museum only, which 
are as follows: Nos. 38270 and 38272, taken at Laramie peak 
by Exp. Expd. West of the Missouri River; No. 10789, taken 
at Fort Bridger by South Pass Wagon Road Expd. 


393 e. Dryobates villosus monticola Antu, 
Rocky Mountain Hairy Woodpecker. 


Resident; common. But very few collectors have rec- 
orded this variety in Wyoming’; but in all probability nearly 
all of the records pertaining to Harris’s Woodpecker should 
be placed here. The following notes have been placed under 
this heading conditionally: Merriam, Yellowstone; Drexel, 


The Birds of Wyoming. 89 


Fort Bridger; Jesurun, Douglas; Bond, Cheyenne; Coues, 
Wyoming; Cary, Newcastle. The following unquestionably 
refer to this variety: Bond, Cheyenne; Nos. 60360 and 5226 
of the National Museum. There is one Albarly county skin in 
the University collection that has been identified by Mr. Ridg- 
way. 


394 b. Dryobates pubescens homorus Ba‘tcH. 
Batchelder’s Woodpecker, 


Resident; rather common. The data referring to Gardi- 
ner’s Woodpecker in Wyoming has been. placed under this 
heading. The following have reported this bird: Bond, Chey- 
enne; Jesurun, Douglas; Drexel, Fort Bridger; Wood, Lara- 
mie river, 1856. There are two skins in the University col- 
lection that have been identified by Robert Ridgway. 


400. Picoides arcticus (SWAINs.). 
Arctic Three-toed Woodpecker, 


Resident; but uncommon. All of the records come from 
the northwestern corner of the state. Merriam reported 
this species from the Yellowstone park in 1872; Coues re- 
fers to a specimen captured in the lower geyser basins of 
the park. No. 62261 of the National Museum was taken in 
Wyoming. 


401 b. Picoides americanus dorsalis Batrp. 
Alpine Three-toed Woodpecker. 


Resident and common in alpine regions. Merriam re- 
ports this species from Yellowstone park (1872). Hayden 
captured several specimens at Laramie peak in 1857. National 
Museum numbers 8809, 38276 and 62262 were all taken in 
Wyoming. I have often seen this species in the Big Horn 
mountains and in August, 1897, captured one at Ten Sleep 
lake at an elevation of 9,500 feet. 


90 Wyoming Experiment Station. 


402. Sphyrapicus varius (Linn.). 
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker. 

Possibly a summer resident; but there are no breeding 
records. Grinnell reports it rather abundant among the large 
timber on the Medicine Bow river; Hayden captured speci- 
mens Aug. oth at Laramie peak in 1856; Wood took:specimens 
on the Medicine Bow river August 9th, 1856; Holden reports 
it from the vicinity of Sherman. There is one specimen in the 
University collection that was taken in Carbon county. 


402a. Sphyrapicus varius nuchalis Barrp. 
Red-naped Sapsucker, 


Summer resident; common. The following have reported 
this variety: Drexel, Fort Bridger; Bond, Cheyenne; Coues 
(Hayden) Wind River mountains and Popo Agie river. Nos. 
10779, 38280, 10785, 10783, 10776, 19181-4, 8807, 60804 and 
61090, 61091, 61092, 61095 from the National Museum have 
all been taken in Wyoming. There are four skins in the Uni- 
versity collection that have been taken in Albany and Carbon 
counties. I have observed them at Buffalo, Meeteese, Sun- 
dance, Hyattville, Garrett and Sheep mountain. 


404. Sphyrapicus thyroideus (Cass.). 
Williamson’s Sapsucker, 

Summer resident; rather common. There are the fol- 
lowing records of this bird in the state: Hayden, Laramie 
peak; Merriam, Yellow- 
stone park; Grinnell, 
“observed but once near 
Tower creek, Yellow- 
stone park;” Jesurun 
reports one specimen 
from Douglas; Bond, 
“rather common during 
migration at Cheyenne ;” 
Nos. 38286, 38285, 8803, 8804, and 62262 from the National 
Museum have been taken in Wyoming. 


WILLIAMSON'S GAPSUCHER., 


The Birds of Wyoming. 91 


406. Melanerpes erythrocephalus (LINN.). 
Red-headed Woodpecker. 


Summer resident in eastern Wyoming, rather common; 
but decreasing in number to the westward. They have been 
reported as follows: Drexel, Fort Laramie; McCarthy, La- 
Bonte creek; Williston, a dozen seen from May 26 to June 26 
at Lake Como; Bond, common at Cheyenne; Jesurun, common 
at Douglas; West, from Buffalo; Nos. 38303, 88148 and 88150 
taken from Fort Laramie, and Laramie peak, by collectors for 
the Smithsonian Institution. Coues also reports specimens 
taken from Bitter Cottonwood and LaBonte creeks. To the 
westward from the Laramie mountains, this. species becomes 
less and less abundant and near the western line of the state is 
quite rare. There are four specimens in the University col- 
lection. Three were taken at Laramie and one at Buffalo. 


408. Melanerpes torquatus (WILS.). 
Lewis’s Woodpecker, 


Summer resident and very common in northern Wyoming, 
where they breed in great numbers. In the southern part of 


LEWIS’ WOODPECHER, 


the state there are a few that remain each year in the moun- 
tainous country and breed. I have found this beautiful bird 
in greatest abundance along the streams flowing into the west- 


92 Wyoming Experiment Station. 


ern side of the Big Horn basin. One August while driving 
up Meeteese creek they were almost constantly in sight and 
in many bends of the creek I could count upwards of a dozen 
perched on the very tops of the tall cottonwood trees. In this 
locality they were easily approachable and entirely different 
from what they usually-are when migrating or found as iso- 
lated pairs. 

In 1856 Wood found these birds on Pole creek on Aug. 
2nd; Hayden captured 6 specimens at Laramie peak, Aug. 
24, 1857; Drexel took a specimen west of Fort Laramie, 1858; 
Grinnell reports them from Yellowstone park, 1875, and notes 
“seen in considerable numbers along little timbered streams 
running into the Yellowstone river.” Grinnell also makes the 
following comment on this species in Wyoming: “Abundant. 
in the mountains near Como” (Medicine Bow mountains,) 
“and both adult and newly fledged young were secured.” 
Jesurun reports them common at Douglas; Bond reports them 
rather common at Cheyenne during migration. Coues re- 
ports eight other specimens besides those taken by Hayden 
from the following localities: Snake river, Wind River moun- 
tains, Yellowstone river, Big Horn mountains, Wyoming gen- 
eral. West has taken several birds at Buffalo. Cary has furn- 
ished the following note concerning this woodpecker at New- 
castle: “This fine woodpecker is partial to burnt timber on 
the sides of canons. They are frequently seen to launch into 
the air from a dead stub in such a situation and after a few 
aerial evolutions, to return to the former perch. Whether 
or not the bird is catching an insect at such times I am un- 
able to state; but it is my firm belief that such is the case. I 
have found Lewis’s Woodpecker at all times to be an extreme- 
ly wary bird and very difficult to approach. 


412a. Colaptes auratus luteus Bancs. 
Northern Flicker, 


Summer resident and breeding in eastern Wyoming. 
They are seldom seen west of the Laramie or Big Horn moun-- 


The Birds of Wyoming. 93 


tains in Wyoming and there are no breeding records west of 
these places. : eas 

But few of the early collectors reported this species. Jesu- 
run reports them from Douglas; West has taken several of 
these birds at Buffalo; Cary reports them fairly common at 
Newcastle and that on June 4, 1899, he took a nest with nine 
eggs. Coues reports several specimens from Wyoming under 
C. auratus, which were taken by Fremont and later expedi- 
tions. He also remarks that many specimens are hybrids. 
Along the line where cafer and luteus mingle hybrids are ex- 
tremely common. .In fact it is seldom that one sees typical 
C. a. luteus. They are generally tinged with cafer. The 
following note from Coues’ Birds of the Northwest, p. 293, 
seems quite appropriate here: 

“Dr. Hayden’s numerous examples are principally those 
that enabled Prof. Baird to elucidate one of the most remark- 
able cases in American ornithology—the perfect intergrada- 
-tion of two such distinct species as auratus and me-xicanus. 
This author adopted without qualification, the hypothesis of 
hybridization, remarking in proposing the name of hybridus: 
‘By the above name I intend to cover a remarkable series of 
Woodpeckers, from the Upper Missouri and Yellowstone, 
combining the characteristics of Colaptes auratus and mexi- 
canus, in proportions varying with almost each individual, and 
leading irresistibly to the conclusion that they are the descend- 
ants of originals of the species mentioned above, mixed up by 
interbreeding of successive generations, to a degree unpar- 
alleled in the annals of ornithology.’ He traces the succes- 
sive steps of departure from the typical auratus into mexi- 
canus, and forcibly illustrates the gradations with a compara- 
tive tabulation of the varying characters. The first deviation 
is the appearance of red feathers in the black maxillary patches; 
these increase till they prevail, finally to the exclusion of the 
black, resulting in the wholly red patch of the mexicanus. 
With this occurs the diminution and final extinction of the 


94 Wyoming Experiment Station. 


scarlet nuchal crescent, where coincidently we find the char- 
acteristics golden-yellow on the wing and tail passing through 
an intermediate orange into the red of mexicanus, a change 
which accompanied with another affecting the peculiar lilac- 
brown of the throat and olive-green of the back, which be- 
come respectively merged into ashen and purplish-gray. 

“Tf there ever was a case of hybridization to an unlim- 
ited extent, resulting in fertile offspring, that again and again 
interbred, this would appear to be one; and it has been so ac- 
cepted by the majority of ornithologists without hesitation. 
But we may well pause before committing otirselves to an 
hypothesis of hybridization on such an immense scale. In the 
light of late researches upon the question of climatic variation 
according to inflexible and infallible laws, most of the lesser 
instances of supposed hybridity have seemed: less weighty. 
The present may be considered a test case—the strongest ar- 
gument of those who maintain hybridity.” 


413. Colaptes cafer collaris (Vicors.). 
Red-shafted Flicker. 


Summer resident and common in wooded districts up to 
9,000 feet. Cook in Birds of. Colorado, p. 85, says that this 
bird “breeds from the plains up to: 12,000 and is almost as 
common at II,000 feet as on the plains.” Since timberline is 
about 10,000 feet in this section of the Rocky mountains I 
can not: understand how this species breeds above the limit 
of trees. In Wyoming and Colorado I visit the mountain 
country a great deal; but have never found these birds above 
10,000 feet. On the ‘other hand I have often seen them upon 
the desert country feeding in the sagebrush and greasewood 
and many miles from a tree of any size. Records are abundant 
from all parts of the state; but this species is more abund- 
ant west of the Laramie mountains than east of them. Dr. 
Cooper took a specimen at Fort Laramie in 1857; Drexel at 
Fort Bridger in 1858; Grinnell found them abundant in Yel- 


PHALANOPTILUS NUTTALLI!. Poor-Will. 


r 


SPHYRAPICUS THYROIDEUS. Williamson's Sapsucker. 


The Birds of Wyoming. 95 


lowstone park, 1875. Williston makes the following note: 
“Not common in the vicinity of Como, owing probably to the 
scarcity of timber (very abundant in the mountains).” Jesur- 
un finds them abundant at Douglas; Bond states that they ar- 
tive at Cheyenne the last week in March. On the Laramie 


FREO-SHAFTED FLICHER. 


plains the earliest record of their arrival is April 6. From 
the Smithsonian collections I have secured the following data: 
No. 38309 taken at Laramie peak by Expd. West of Missouri 
River. No. 38309 taken at Laramie peak by R. B. Hitz.” 
Cary found this species more abundant at Newcastle than the 
previous. In the University collection there are five skins 
that have been taken from various localities in the state. 


GOATSUCKERS, SWIFTS, ETC. 
418. Phalznoptilus nuttallii (Avup.). 
Poor-will. : 

Summer resident; common; but I anticipate that they are 
never found in any considerable number. I have found them 
most numerous in regions where fires have devastated the for- 
ests at less than 9,000 feet elevation, and there are occasional 
clusters of second growth pines. It favors.a dead fallen tree 
with limbs somewhat above the ground to perch upon. 

As the weary traveller makes his bed beside some moun- 
tain stream where nature reigns supreme and is undisturbed, 

—(7) 


96 Wyoming Experiment Station. 


the solemnity and loneliness are doubled as the darkness low- 
ers over all, by the incessant semi-human and doleful call of the 
poor-will. , “ 

I have found this species in all parts of Wyoming below 
9,000 feet, but never above ‘that elevation and seldom above 
8,000 feet. Coues reports specimens from Powder river and 
Big Horn river; Bond has taken several specimens at, Chey- 
enne; West has taken specimens at. Buffalo. Cary remarks 
“the monotonous notes of these birds were heard every night 
near Newcastle.” In the University there are four skins that 
were taken-in Albany and Carbon counties. 


420a. Chordeiles virginianus henryi (Cass.). 
Western Nighthawk, 


Summer resident and very common. ‘This species has 
been noted by nearly every collector of birds in Wyoming. It 
should be protected in every possible way from the would-be 
sportsman, who takes special pains to shoot it on the wing for 
practice. Its food is essentially insects. Wood took four 
specimens at Bridger Pass, 1856; Cooper took specimens at 
Fort Laramie, Sept. 16, 1857; Drexel found them at Fort 
Bridger, 1858; McCarthy took specimens on La Bonte creek, 
1859; Williston reported them common at Lake Como after May 
31st; Coues makes several references to Wyoming specimens; 
Jesurun finds them abundant at Douglas; Bond reports them 
abundant at Cheyenne; Cary reports what he considered this 
variety from Newcastle. In the University collection there 
are four skins that were taken in Carbon county. 


425. Aeronautes melanoleucus (Bairp.). 
White-throated Swift. 


‘Summer resident ; but very little is known as to its abund- 
ance or range. I have seen this species ‘in the canons about the 
base of the Black hills, along the foothills of the eastern’ slopes 
of the Big Horn mountains, and along Medicine Lodge creek 
on the eastern side of the Big Horn Basin. A..O. U. Check 


The Birds of Wyoming. 97 


List, 2nd edition, refers this species to Wyoming; but upon 
what authority I am unable to state. The Smithsonian In- 
stitution reports that their number 88,1 38 was taken by R. W. 
Shufeldt at Hunter’s ranch, which is in southern Carbon coun- 
ty. Cary notes “abundant breeding in June, in the most inac- 
cessible cracks and crevices on the face of the sandstone cliffs 
near Newcastle.” 


HUMMINGBIRDS. 


432. Selasphorus platycercus (Swaltns.). 
Broad-tailed Hummingbird. 

Summer resident and very common. This is the only 
hummingbird that is found in any number in Wyoming. They 
nest usually in spruce trees up to 8,000 feet. In the Laramie 
mountains, ten miles east of Laramie, I have seen a half dozen 
of these birds resting on the. branches of a dead tree. The 
nests are usually fastened to the upper side of the limb of a 
tree not over six or eight feet from the ground and are covered 
with moss. The nests that I have taken contained two white 
eggs. Drexel took specimens of this species at Fort Bridger 
in 1858; Coues refers to several specimens that have been 
taken in Wyoming; Grinnell found them abundant in the moun- 
tains about Lake Como; Jesurun finds them numerous at 
Douglas and Bond common at Cheyenne. 


433. Selasphorus rufus (GMEL.). 


Kufous Hummingbird. 

Probably a summer resident. The Wyoming record rests 
upon two specimens, one of which is in the University museum 
and the other was taken by Bond at Cheyenne in 1go1, The Uni- 
versity specimen was taken by Charles Gilmore on Aug. 24, 
1897, in the Freezeout hills.. Gilmore notes that it was: feeding 
upon a thistle when taken. This record was published by 
Cooke in Bull. 44, but credit was overlooked. 


98 Wyoming Experiment Station. 


TYRANT FLYCATCHERS. 


444. Tyrannus tyrannus (LINN.). 
Kingbird. 


Summer resident and common up to 8,000 feet in east- 
‘ern Wyoming. In the western half of the state this species 
‘is rather scarce; but I have seen quite a number of these birds 
on the western side of the Big Horn basin and Drexel took a 
specimen at Fort Bridger in 1858. Cooper reports taking a 
specimen at Fort Laramie in 1857; Coues makes a few refer- 
ences to Wyoming records; Bond finds them common at 
Cheyenne; Jesurun reports them common at Douglas; Cary, 
“fairly common along Beaver creek, seven miles from New- 
castle.” I have also noted this species from the following 
places: Sundance, Buffalo, Casper, Chugwater, and Alcova. 
‘There are two skins in the University collection. 


447. Tyrannus verticalis Say. 
Arkansas Kingbird. 


Summer resident and common up to 6,000 and occasion- 
ally breeding up to 7,000 feet. This bird prefers the plains 
and breeds along wooded streams in great numbers. Wood 
took four specimens on Pole creek July 28 and 29, 1856; Drex- 
el reports specimens taken at Fort Bridger in 1858; McCar- 
‘thy took specimens at Fort Laramie, Aug. 27, 1857; Grinnell 
reports this species from Yellowstone park, 1875, and also the 
following note from Lake Como, 1879: ‘Seen several times 
on Rock creek, where no doubt it bred, as it certainly did on 
Foot creek, 25 miles further southwest. On the latter stream 
young birds just from the nest were taken. Bond finds them 
common at Cheyenne; Jesurun reports thei plentiful at Doug- 
las. I have observed or taken this bird from the following ‘lo- 
calities: Sundance, Newcastle, Casper, Fort Steele, Evanston, 
‘Alcova, and Bates’ Hole. 


VOCIFERANS Sains, 
L397 PRIMARY. 
Ti 


1. TYRANNUS VERTICALIS. Arkansas Kingbird. 
TYRANNUS VOCIFERANS. Cassin's Kingbird. 


1. MYIARCHUS CINERASCENS. Ash-throated Flycatcher. 
CONTOPUS BOREALIS. Olive-sided Flycatcher. 


The Birds of Wyoming. 


448. Tyrannus vociferans Swatns. 
Cassin’s Kingbird. 

Probably a summer resident, but quite rare. Drexel took 
one specimen west of Fort Laramie, Sept. 8th, 1857; Coues re- 
ports one specimen taken at Cheyenne; Jesurun has two skins 
in his collection that were taken May 19, 1890, and May 6, 1892; 
Bond reports them uncommon at Cheyenne; but he has secured 
a few specimens. In the Smithsonian collection No. 80438 was 
taken by J. S. Newberry at Laramie. I have never seen a live 
specimen in Wyoming. 


\ 


452. Myiarchus crinitus (Linw.). 
Crested Flycatcher, ; 
Rare and probably accidental. The Wyoming record rests 
upon a single specimen taken by Dr. Jesurun of Douglas: on 
June 14, 1896. The-skin is in the doctor’s collection-at the 


present writing. 


454. Myiarchus cinerascens (Lawr.). 
Ash-throated Flycatcher. 


Very rare; but. may be found as a summer resident, 
Coues, Birds of the Northwest, p. 240, remarks: ‘As in the 
case of the preceding species, Mr. Akins again furnishes a 
northernmost quotation, carrying the known range into Wyo- 
ming.” I have been unable to find Akins’ note on the occur- 
rence of M. crinitus in Wyoming, which this note refers to. 
Bond has also taken a single specimen which is at the present. 
time in the Cheyenne High School collection. 


456. Sayornis pheebe (LaTH.). 
Phoebe, 

Very rare; probably a summer resident in eastern Wyo- 
ming, as it is only known from the very eastern side of the 
state. Cary reports a single specimen from Newcastle. I 
have heard this bird calling in the vicinity of Sundance and 
Fort Laramie; but have never taken a specimen. 


100 Wyoming Experiment Station. ~ 


457. Sayornis saya (Bonap.). 
Say’s Phoebe, 

Summer resident and abundant. A peculiar bird. that 
makes its home alike in the midst of a lonely desert or about 
the houses of western towns. It cares but little where it makes 
a nest. I have found them in a sagebrush, in medium sized 
trees, on large rocks and in nooks about houses and in aband- 
oned buildings. They arrive on the Laramie plains about the 
middle of April. One season the first bird was seen on April 
11, and another as late as April 25th. I have seen this bird in 
every county in the state. It seeks the lower elevations, but is 
occasionally, found breeding at 8,000 feet where there are scat- 
tering trees or brush. 

Wood reports a specimen taken near Pole creek, July 
24th, 1857; Williston found them at Lake Como and notes, 
“April 24, very common here. While nesting they were quite 
fearless, not leaving eggs or young till closely pressed.” Cotes 
reports three or more specimens from this state; Bond states 
that they are very common at Cheyenne; Jesurun finds them 
abundant at Douglas. The following data has been secured 
from the Smithsonian institution: No. 88126, taken at Fort 
Laramie by R. W. Shufeldt, and No. 72965, taken at Cheyenne 
by the U.S. G..S. of the Ters., 1876.. Cary furnishes the fol- 
lowing note on the occurrence of this species at Newcastle: 
“This interesting flycatcher is. quite common in the canons, 
where its sweet but somewhat melancholy note may be heard 
at all times of the day. The favorite perch of this bird is on a 
boulder in the bottom of the canon, from which it darts forth 
every few moments to capture a passing insect. But one nest 
was found, containing two eggs on June 11, 1899, which was 
situated’on a small ledge in a récess of the canon wall. “This 
nest, which was composed almost entirely of moss, was-te- 
markably shallow, the center Being not more than: two-thirds 
of an inch lower than the edge.” 


The Birds of Wyoming. 101 


459. Contopus borealis (SwaIns.). 
Olive-sided Flycatcher, 


Summer resident; but very little is known of this bird in 
Wyoming. Drexel took a specimen at Fort Bridger in 1858; 
Merriam. found them in Yellowstone park in 1872; Williston 
took a single specimen at Lake Como in early June, 1879 ; Bond 
has taken them at, Cheyenne and there is a specimen taken and 
mounted by him in the Cheyenne High School. More data 
concerning this species is very desirable and all of those inter- 
ested in the birds of the state should keep a sharp lookout. 


462. Contopus richardsonii (Swains.). 
Western Wood Pewee, 


Summer resident; common. Breeds usually in the pine 
and spruce timber up to 9,000 feet. Drexel took this species 
at Fort Bridger, 1858. Grinnell has furnished notes on this 
species as follows: “Taken Yellowstone park, 1875. I fre- 
quently notice this species in the Lower Geyser basin (Yel- 
lowstone park), but did not observe it at any other point on 
the route. Very abundant on the Medicine Bow river, wherev- 
er large timber was to be found.” Merriam reports it from 
“Yellowstone park; Coues refers to two specimens taken on 
Bitter Cottonwood creek; Jesurun notes that they are common 
about Douglas; Bond has taken numerous specimens at Chey- 
enne. Cary makes the following note on the occurrence of 
this species near Newcastle: “Partial to ‘wait-a-bit’ brush in 
the rocky heads of the canons. Here the shy little flycatcher 
is frequently seen catching insects around the rim rock on a 
hot day, uttering at intervals its sharp ‘ke-wick, ke-wick.’ ” 

I have observed this bird.in the Bear Lodge mountains, 
near Sundance, in the Big’ Horn mountains near Buffalo, on 
Meeteese creek in the Absaraka range, in the Medicine Bow 
and Laramie mountains. There are three skins in the Uni- 
versity collection that were taken in Albany caunty. 


102 Wyoming Experiment Station. 


464. Empidonax difficilis Barrp. 
Western Flycatcher, 

Summer resident; but the records. will not warrant an 
expression as to its range or abundance. Dr. Jesurun has 
three skins in his collection that were taken near Douglas on 
the following dates: 1 specimen, Sept. 13, 1894; 2 specimens 
May 29, 1895. I have never seen this species alive in the 
state. It is very strange that no collector except Dr. Jesurun 
has observed and taken this flycatcher. 


466. Empidonax traillii (Aup.). 
Traill’s Flycatcher, 


Probably a summer resident; but data are quite limited 
and very little is known of this species in the state. Merriam 
found this bird in the Yellowstone park in 1872; Bond has 
taken three specimens at Cheyenrie; Aiken has reported this 
species near Sherman. There are no skins in the University. 
collection. 


467. Empidonax minimus Bairp.. 
: Least Flycatcher, 


Summer resident; but there is very little data as to its. 
distribution and abundance. Drexel took a specimen of this 
species at Fort Bridger, 1858; Jesurun reports them rather 
common at Douglas; Bond finds them common at Cheyenne ; 
Cary reports them as common breeders in the choke-cherry 
thickets in the canons near Newcastle and that he took an in- 
complete set of eggs (2 eggs) in that section on June 15, 
1900. From the evidence in hand they appear to be partial 
to the lower elevations of the state. 


468. Empidonax hammondi (Xantvs.). 
Hammond’s Flycatcher, . 


Summer resident; but little is known of its occurrence. 
Coues reports one specimen taken at Pacific Springs; Allen 
reports this species from Fort Steele; Jesurun has taken one at 
Douglas. There are three Wyoming skins in the Smithsonian 


iy Merssiien 
igen EP 


OTOCORIS ALPESTRIS ARENICOLA. Desert Horned Lark. 


1. PERISOREUS CANADENSIS CAPITALIS. Rocky Mountain Jay. ‘* Camp Robber.” 
CYANOCITTA STELLERI DIADEMATA. Long-crested Jay. 


The Birds of Wyoming. 103 


collection. No. 38348 and 10880 were taken at Fort Laramie, 
the latter skin by Dr. Cooper. No. 10868 was taken at Fort 
Bridger by Drexel. 


469. Empidonax wrightii Baro. 
Wright’s Flycatcher, 


Summer resident; abundant. Drexel reports this species 
from Fort Bridger; Jesurun finds them abundant at Doug- 
las; Bond has noted them at Cheyenne; Gilmore found them 
abundant in the Freezeout hills in 1897. There are three skins 
in the University collection. 


LARKS. 


474.c. Otocoris alpestris arenicola HENsH. 
Desert Horned Lark. 


Resident and abundant. The early collectors referred 
many specimens of horned larks to O. a. leucolema; but upon 
careful investigation I can not find a single authentic record 
of leucolema in Wyoming. This does not prove that it does 
not exist. J have made large collections of these birds at 
various tires in the year, and many of these have been re- 
ferred to Mr. Ridgway of the National Museum and in every 
case he has referred the Wyoming birds to arenicola. Dr. 
Jesurun from Douglas has likewise studied the horned larks 
and has also found only the Desert Horned Lark in this state. 
This is the most abundant bird in Wyoming and-remains in 
vast numbers all winter. I doubt if they migrate at all. Dur- 
ing the approach of a severe blizzard, in the winter, these birds 
congregate about ranches and towns in great flocks. I am 
safe in saying that I have seen flocks with over a thousand 
birds in, feeding about sheltered places, where the ground 
was bare. As soon as the storm is over they scatter out, and 
in passing over the plains one will find them everywhere. Their 
food during the cold weather is entirely weed seeds. The rec- 
ords of this species in the state are very abundant. Every col- 


104 Wyoming Experiment Station. 


lector has reported them. The National Museum has 16 skins 
or more taken from various places in the state. The Universi- 
ty collection contains upwards of a dozen skins. 


CROWS, JAYS, MAGPIES, ETC. 


475. Pica pica hudsonica (Saz.). 
Magpie, 

Resident and common. ‘They breed up to 8,000 feet, and 
are occasionally seen above that elevation. They select a stream 
where there are willow trees with very thick brushy tops in 
which to build their nests, which are very bulky affairs made 
of sticks and well enclosed. Those that I have examined 
usually have but one opening, while others have two nearly op- 
posite. On the Laramie plains they nest late in April and 
lay from five to nine eggs. It is a common practice in the 
west. to catch the young birds in early June and place them 
in a cage, where they become very tame and usually talk as 
well as a parrot. Many people keeping these birds have be- 
lieved it necessary to split their tongues before they could 
learn to talk. This is wholly. unnecessary and. cruel and should 
be prevented by law if not stopped. Nearly all of the mag- 
pies that I have seen in captivity talk more or less. 

The magpie is very common all over the state below 8,000 
feet.. They usually live near a ranch or a settlement; but are 
seldom seen near towns. In some respects they are a nuisance, 
since they are always stealing fresh meat and eggs if it-is 
possible. On the other hand they feed to.a large extent upon 
carrion and in this way ‘are serviceable. In two instances 
ranchmen have told me that they have troubled cattle or horses 
that have sores upon their backs. This is, however, exception- 
al.. All collectors of Wyoming birds have noticed this scold- 
ing but remarkably beautiful bird, consequently the data will 
not be included here. 

Concerning these birds talking I have secured the fol- 
lowing data: 


The Birds of Wyoming. -. 105. 


They usually learn to repeat all of their words and phrases 
by the time they are a year old. I have not found'any one who 
has paid special attention to teaching them to talk; but believe 
that one could by spending a reasonable amount of time teach 
them many times as much as they generally know. In three 
instances I have collected data as to what the magpies say, 
with the following results: 

No. I. ‘Owner, Mrs. J. Rhone; bird’s name, Mike; words 
or ‘phrases repeated: Sic-em; Hello; Good-by; Here, Major; 
Hello, Major; Hello, Mag; Get out of these; Come in; What 
do you say? Stick of wood; Eliza. This bird also laughs. 

‘* No. II. Owner, Mrs. Dr. Coburn; bird’s name, Topsy; 
words or phrases repeated: Topsy; Hello; Good-by; Quit; 
Topsy-opsie; Pshaw; Pshawie; Oh! Topsy; Pretty Topsy; 
Ah there. This bird chattérs, but words not distinguishable. 
It whistles, laughs and coughs. When quite young there was 
a lady neighbor of Mrs. Coburn’s, who had a very ‘bad con- 
sumptive’s cough. The magpie soon learned to imitate the 
cough and has practiced it ever since. Age of bird, 12 years. 

No. III. Owner of bird, Mrs. Hertzog; name, Jack; age 
of bird, 1 5 years; words or phrases repeated: Hello; Good 
morning; Good-by; Pretty ‘polly; What’s the matter with the 
bird—he’s a dreadful nice bird—rats; What’s the matter with 
the bird—precious bird; Maggie; Good-by, love; Get there; 
Come in; Oh, Clara; Nettie; What. This bird laughs, sneezes 
and coughs. Mrs. Hertzog has two birds. They call each 
other by name and answer—what. They dre also great’ imi- 
tators. Upon seéing Mrs. Hertzog picking flowers they will 
do the same. They are also very anxious'to ride upon a wheel- 
barrow when in motion or upon a swinging gate. Her birds 
are very quick to find cut-worms about plants and will steal 
eggs and little chickens and eat them. They will not eat angle 
worms ; but will catch and hang them over their perches. I am 
greatly indebted to the owners of these birds for this infor- 
mation. 


106 Wyoming Experiment Station. 


47&c. Cyanocitta stelleri annectens (Batrp.). 
Black-headed Jay. 

Resident and rather common in regions with pine-clad 
hills and mountains. All of the early records of this species 
have been placed under the Long-crested Jay; but since this. 
bird has been restricted to the southern Rocky mountain re- 
gion all of these records have been transferred conditionally 
to this species. It is quite possible that the Long-crested Jay 
may now and then stray as far north as Wyoming. Hayden 
took specimens of this species at Laramie peak in 1857; Coues. 
refers to several specimens that have been takn in this state; 
but calls them the Long-crested Jay; Bond has taken a number 
of specimens at Cheyenne; Allen records them from the Med~ 
icine Bow mountains; Grinnell records them from Yellow- 
stone park in 1875; Aiken found them at Sherman. There are 
two skins in the University collection. Concerning the food 
of the Jay, Coues has the following interesting note (Birds. 
of the Northwest, pp. 217-18) : 

“The Long-crested Jay will eat anything eatable. It.is 
said Jays kill and devour small birds, and doubtless they do so 
on occasion, though I do not think it is habitual with them. 
They suck eggs, despoiling many a pretty nest; and if they 
cannot catch winged insects, fat larvae and beetles do not come 
amiss; but after all, they are principally vegetarians, feeding 
mainly upon seeds, hard fruits, and berries. In the mountains. 
where the Long-crested Jay lives, pine-seeds afford most of its 
fare. I have often watched the bird hammering away at a 
pine-cone, which he would sometimes wedge in a crotch, and 
sometimes hold under his feet. Though most at home in the 
pineries, where this particular source of supply is unfailing; 
he often strays into the adjoining oak openings, and into juni- 
per patches, after acorns or berries, or to pick a quarrel with 
Woodhouse’s Jay and frighten the Sparrows.” 


The Birds of Wyoming. 107 


480. Aphelocoma woodhouseii (Barrp.). 
Woodhouse’s Jay. 


Resident; but the data is too limited to judge of its 
abundance and distribution. But few collectors have found 
this Jay in the state. Coues reports two specimens, but does 
not give the exact location; Aiken found them nesting near 
Sherman. From the present data this bird has been found 
vonly in the southeastern corner of the state; but it should be 
found to the westward and northward toward Montana. 


484 a. Perisoreus canadensis capitalis Ripcw. 
Rocky Mountain Jay, 


Resident and common in all of the pine forests of the state. 
Usually this bird is called the “camp robber,” a name which 
he earnestly deserves. In traveling in the forest-clad moun- 
‘tains one hardly halts for camp when a half dozen of these 
noisy fellows will take up their abode in the near-by trees and 
make ready to feed upon the camp refuse, or possibly upon 
thecamp supplies if 
they are not prop- 
erly cared for. 
They are usually 
quite tame and will 
ordinarily hop to 
within a few feet 
of one while eating 

Mi nocxy mouwraw vay and pick up and 

AN RRB carry away bits of 

bread or other edibles. When a party camps for several days 
in a place they will, if not disturbed, come up and take a piece 
of bread from one’s hand. They are very fond of fresh meat. 
Some years ago while deer hunting we had several carcasses 
hanging in the trees near by and some quarters that had been 
skinned. I noticed the birds flying away from the meat when- 
ever I came into camp and upon examining the quarters that 


108 Wyoming Experiment Station. 


were skinned, I found that they had made several holes through 
the dried surface, large enough to admit their heads, and that 
they had eaten from-each opening from one to two pounds of 
‘meat: and had entirely destroyed the quarters. There are many 
stories circulating of their petty thieving about camps and car- 
rying off cooking utensils, etc., but with an acquaintance of 
upwards of 15 years with the Wyoming birds I have never 
‘known them to take ‘anything except edibles. In Wyoming 
this: bird ranges from 6,000 feet up to timber line. Cook 
(Birds of. Colorado, p. 90) cites this species as breeding .at 
11,500 feet. Since this is 1,500 feet above timber line it is 
unreasonable to think of this lover of pine trees nesting upon 
cold isolated peaks, where it would be impossible to secure any 
food during the breeding period. In Crook county I have 
taken these birds in August in’ Rattlesnake canon, at an eleva- 
tion of about 6,000 feet. In other parts of the state they are 
usually fourid between 8,000 and 9,000 feet. There are abund- 
ant records of this species from all of the mountainous country 
of the state. 


486. Corvus corax sinuatus (WAGL.). 
Raven, 


Resident; but probably not common. The data collected 
regarding this species would not furnish any opinion as to the 
bird’s abundance or distribution. Drexel took a specimen at 
Fort Bridger in 1858; Williston saw flocks in winter time at 
Lake Como, and notes that they were not'very common during 
summer; Cotes reports two specimens from Wyoming; W. 
N. McGraw took a specimen ‘at Fort Laramie, Sept. 13, 1857. 
I have often observed these birds in going over the state,. but 
find it very difficult to secure specimens. Usually, when one 
approaches their haunts they utter a few harsh notes and.fly 
high in the air and remain circling about their abodes ‘for 
hours at a time. 


The Birds of Wyoming. 109 


488. Corvus americanus Aub. 
Crow, 

Resident; not common. Although the crow has been re- 
ported from all parts of the state except the southwestern 
corner and the western border, they are never seen in large 
flocks. Usually there are a few, three or four pairs, that breed 
in a community. When winter arrives most of them migrate. 
The next season about the same number will be found living 
in any particular place. As compared with the east Wyoming 
has not one crow to Iowa’s 100. I have observed the crows 
in the following places: Fort Steele, Casper, Fort Fetterman, 
Otto, Sundance, Red Buttes, Buffalo, and Kaycee. Cary 
notes a small flock some six miles southeast of Newcastle in 
1900; Coues has reported a specimen from La Bonte creek; 
Holden records specimens taken in Wyoming; Jesurun finds 
them rather common at Douglas, and Bond has noted a few 
specimens at Cheyenne. 


491. Nucifraga columbiana (WILS.). 
Clark’s Nutcracker, ‘ 


Resident ; common in pine forests of the mountains. This 
bird is usually known by its old name, “Clark’s crow.” It is 
also wrongly called the “camp robber” by many. While they 
prefer a mountainous country varying from 8,000 to 10,000 
feet, they are often seen down to 4,000 feet, during early 
spring and. late fall. They go about in small flocks and as 
a rule keep away from civilization. In September, 1898, I 
found these birds in vast numbers about the towns at the 
foot of the Wind River mountains. They remained for the 
ten days that I was in the locality and fed daily about the back 
doors of the miners’ cabins and became very bold. This was 
the fall prior to the very severe winter in this region. Since 
that time I have never seen them in flocks about a village. 
They breed in the Medicine Bow, Wind River, Laramie and 
Big Horn mountains; where I have seenithem in early spring, 
but:no nests or eggs have been reported. All. of the collectors 


110 Wyoming Experiment Station. 


of birds in the state have noted this peculiar bird, and the data 
are too voluminous to publish. 


492. Cyanocephalus cyanocephalus (WIED.). 


Pinon Jay, 

Summer resident; common locally. During migration, 
especially i in the spring, they often appear in good sized flocks. 
Possibly some may remain in the state all winter. There are 
no breeding records: from southern Wyoming. I have found 
young birds near the Montana line north of Corbet in a brok- 
en country with scattering pines and also at the foot of the 
Big Horn mountains above Hyattville. But few collectors 
have found this bird in the state. Coues reports six speci- 
_mens from Wyoming, three of which were taken in the Big 
‘Horn mountains ; Bond sees them occasionally at Cheyenne ; 
_Aiken reports them from Sherman; Cary has furnished the 
following note, which applies to the Newcastle vicinity: “This 
bird is universally disliked by ranchmen, on account of the 
damage it does to growing crops, and large numbers are killed 
and poisoned. It is very difficult to get within gunshot of 
these Jays in summer, but"I was told that in cold weather, 
when driven to the ranch by hunger, they became very bold, 
even entering the kitchen of the ranch house in search of food. 
When ravaging the crops Pinon Jays go about in immense 
flocks, and always keep sentinels posted to warn them of im- 
pending danger. They are partial to the foothills, and are 
seldom seen back in heavy timber. Fully grown young were 
common on June 4th in 1900.” 


BLACKBIRDS, ORIOLES, ETC. 
494. Dolichonyx oryzivorus (Linn.). 
Bobolink. 
Summer resident; rather common in eastern Wyoming, 
but decreasing in numbers rapidly to the westward. The atti- 
tude of the citizens of Wyoming toward the Bobolink is entire- 


Bullock's Oriole. & Q Nest. 


ICTERUS BULLOCKI. 


*fiop uould “SNIVHAFOONVAD SNTVHAFOONVAD “E = “UaNDY UDIMeWYy “BHLVINIS AVaUY ONnauY = 
"SMO¥D ONINOAM NOT 


The Birds of Wyoming. 111 


ly different from that of the people of the South Atlantic 
coast. In the rice growing districts there is no question but 
what they often seriously injure a crop and for that reason 
they are the despised bird of that region, where they are 
slaughtered by the thousands, and still they annoy the rice 
grower and many claim that they destroy as high as five bushels 
of rice per acre each season. 

‘ Unquestionably they wage a serious war upon the rice 
grower and can truly be considered his worst enemy. In Wyo- 
ming their food is almost entirely weed seeds and insects and 
no oné thinks of them as a detrimental species, but all favor 
their existence. Both Drexel and McCarthy reported this 
species from Fort Bridger; Williston reports a single speci- 
men at Lake Como; Bond notes that the bobolinks are not un- 
common at Cheyenne, that he has taken them yearly for sev- 
eral years and sometimes within the city limits; Jesurun finds 
them quite common at Douglas; Hayden reported a bobolink 
from Wyoming on one of his first expeditions to the state. 


495. Molothrus ater (Bopp.). 
Cowbird. 


Summer resident; common. ‘This is the little black bird 
that likes to live with the cattle upon the plains. They are 
usually seen feeding near the -head of a steer, for while eat- 
ing he is continually scaring up insects which fall easy prey to 
the cowbird. It is not an unusual thing to see them perched 
upon the cattle’s backs. These birds never rear their young. 
They always deposit their eggs in other birds’ nests and are 
dependent upon the kindness of their associates to perpetu- 
ate their kind. There has been a great deal of discussion con- 
cerning the food habits of this species, and. whether or not 
they are beneficial to the farmer and ranchmen. F. E. L. Beal 
(Bul. 13, U. S. D. Ag., Div. of Biol., pp. 29 and 30) gives 
the following note concerning the food of this species: 


“Of the 544 stomachs only 2 were filled with grain alone, 
—(8) 


112 Wyoming Experiment Station. 


while 94 contained nothing but weed seed. The amount of 
weed seed destroyed by birds in a single year in the United 

States is immense, and it is evident that the cowbird is one 
of the noteworthy agents by which the already overflowing 
tide of noxious weeds is kept within its present limits. 

“In summing up the results of the investigation, the fol- 
lowing points may be considered as fairly established: (1) 
Twenty per cent of the cowbird’s food consists of insects, whic 
are either harmful or annoying. (2) Sixteen per cent is grain, 
the consumption of which may be considered a loss, though it 
is practically certain'that half of this is waste. (3) More 
than 50 per cent consists of the seeds of noxious weeds, whose 
destruction is a positive benefit to the farmer. (4) Fruit 
is practically ‘not eaten: 

“In view of the fact that so much has been said in con- 
demnation of the cowbird’s parasitic habits, it may not be out 
of place to inquire whether this parasitism is necessarily as in- 
jurious as has been claimed. When a single young cowbird 
replaces a brood of four other birds, each of which has food 
habits as good as its own, there is, of course, a distinct loss; 
but, as already shown, the cowbird must be rated high in the 
economic scale on account of its food habits, and it must be 
remembered that in most cases the birds destroyed are much 
smaller than the intruder, and so of less effect in their feed- 
ing, and that two or three cowbird eggs are often deposited 
in one nest.” 

The records of this bird in Wyoming are fairly abund- 
ant. Drexel found them at Fort Bridger, 1858; Wood took 
some specimens on Pole creek; 1856; Williston has published 
the following note from Lake Como: “a pair was seen among 
the Brewer’s Blackbirds May 12th, but I did not find them at all 
common afterward;’ Gilmore has noted them in the Freeze- 
out hills; Coues reports them from La Bonte creek; Jesurun 
finds them common at Douglas; Bond rather common at Chey- 
enne. I have noted them at Sundance, Buffalo, Bonanza, Lan- 
der, Casper, Ferris and on the Laramie plains. 


The Birds of Wyoming. 113 


497. Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus ones 
Yellow-headed Blackbird. 


Summer resident and common: about anes places be- 
‘low 8,000 feet, while breeding. This bird.is found all over 
the state in regions below the pine forests. Although knowmr 
to feed upori grain in farming districts, yet there has been no- 
complaint offered that they are in any way detrimental here.. 
Concerning their food F. E. L. Beal (Bul. 13, U.S. Dep. of 
Ag., pp. 32-33) gives the following summary: 

“From this brief review some conclusions may be drawn, 
but the somewhat fragmentary nature of the evidence makes 
it probable that they may be sub- 
ject to considerable modification 
in future. It is almost certain 
‘that the rather peculiar distribu- 
’ tion of the various items of food 
through the season will prove to- 
be more apparent than real in 
the light of more extensive obser- 
vations. In the meantime we 
may safely conclude (1) that the 
Yellowhead feeds principally 
upon insects, grain, and weed 
seed, and does not attack fruit 
1, YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIAO, or garden produce; (2) that it 
Re pee does much good by eating nox- 
ious insects and troublesome weeds, and (3) that where too 
abundant it is likely to be injurious to grain. 

' “When it is considered that the ‘Redwing has been ac- 
cused of doing immense damage to grain fields, it is evident 
that the Yellowhead, which has been found to eat nearly three 
times as much grain as the former, must be capable of much 
mischief in localities where it becomes superabundant.” 

Data are rather abundant on the occurrence of this species 
in Wyoming. Cooper reports it from Fort’ Laramie, 1857; 
Williston found them abundant at Lake Como; Coues reports 


114 Wyoming Experiment Station. 


specimens from Devil’s Gate, Sweetwater, and Green river; 
Bond reports thern from Cheyenne; Jesurun reports them com- 
mon at Douglas. The National Museum records include the 
following: No. 88087 taken by Shufeldt at Fort Laramie, 
No. 71278 taken at Fort Bridger by Shufeldt, No. 8221 taken 
at Fort Laramie, and No. 38514 taken at Laramie peak. There 
are a half dozen skins in the University collection. Five of 
them were taken on the Laramie plains and one by West of 
Buffalo. They breed in considerable numbers on the Laramie 
plains at elevations varying from 7,250 to 7,500 feet. Aiken 
reports them from near Sherman. 


498. Agelaius phoeniceus (LINvN.). 
Red-winged Blackbird. 


Summer resident; rather common, but never abundant. 
They nest with the Yellow-headed Blackbird about the marshes 
and lakes and also with Brewer’s along the small streams up to 
an elevation of 8,000 feet. The Red-wings nesting with Brew- 
er’s are different from those found about the marshes. The 
ted patches on their wings are a brick color, and most of the 
feathers of the back and wings of the male are edged with 
rufous. Although these differences are persistent, Mr. Ridg- 
way refers'this bird to phoeniceus. In Wyoming the Red-wings 
do not gather in vast flocks as they do further east and al- 
though they eat some grain, the insects and weed seeds they 
devour pay for the grain eaten a hundred-fold. F. E. L. Beal 
has the following to say of their food (Bul. 13, U. S. D. Ag., 
Div. of Biol., p. 32): 

“Weed seed is apparently the favorite food of the Red- 
wings, since the total amount of grass and weeds is 54.6 per 
cent, more than half of the year’s food, and more than four 
times the total grain consumption. ‘These seeds are the prin- 
cipal article of diet of the birds in the northern states in the 
early spring and late fall, and the stomachs received from the 
south during the winter are filled with them almost exclusive- 


ly. 


The Birds of Wyoming. 115 


“In summing up the economic status of the Redwing the 
principal point to attract attention is the small percentage of 
grain in the year’s food, seemingly so much at variance with 
the complaints of the bird’s destructive habits. Judged by the 
contents of its stomach alone, the Redwing is most decidedly 
a useful bird. The service rendered by the destruction of 
noxious insects and weed seeds far outweighs the damage due 
to its consumption of grain. The destruction that it some- 
times causes must be attributed entirely to its great abundance 
in some localities.” , 

McCarthy reports five specimens from the North Platte 
river, 1859; Drexel reports them from Fort Bridger, 1858; 
Hayden’s report, 1870, reports them from Camp Stevenson 
on Henry’s Fork; Williston reports them from Lake Como, 
and Grinnell from the same place; Aiken found them near 
Sherman; Bond has taken numerous specimens at Cheyenne; 
Jesurun reports them common at Douglas. I have noted these 
birds from every county in the state. There are seven skins 
in the University collection, all of which were taken in Al- 
bany county. 


501 b. Sturnella magna neglecta (AvpD.). 
Western Meadowlark. 

Summer resident; common. One of the earliest of the 
migratory birds to reach the state in the spring and they re- 
main very late in the fall; but no records of them remaining 
during the coldest months. Found all over the state below ele: 
vations of 8,000 feet. The following data concerning their oc- 
currence in Wyoming has been collected: Taken at Fort 
Bridger by Drexel, 1858; on Pole creek by Wood, 1857; Wil- 
liston, common at Lake Como; Allen, plains of Wyoming, 
1871; a dozen or more specimens reported by Coues; Jesurun, 
common at Douglas; Bond, common at Cheyenne. There are 
four skins in the University collection that were taken in Al- 
bany county. I have observed this bird in every county in the 


116 Wyoming Experiment S tation. 


state. Cary reports them abundant and breeding at Newt: 
tle; Aiken reports them from Sherman. ; ee 


508. Icterus bullocki (Swarns.). 
Bullock’s Oriole, ; 

Summer resident; rather common in suitable places. They 
arrive on the Laramie plains as early as May 18th, but most 
of them remain only a short time and pass on northward. They 
nest at Cheyenne (Bond) and Laramie. They have been re- 
ported as follows: Drexel from Fort Bridger; McCarthy 
from LaBonte creek; Grinnell from the Yellowstone park; 
Bond from Cheyenne, and Jesurun from Douglas; Coues re- 
ports them from Popo Agie river, Big Horn mountains and 
river and from the Wind river. The National Museum has 
the following specimens that have been taken in Wyoming, 
88108, 88109, 88117, 11282 and 69885. 


510. Scolecophagus cyanocephalus (WaAcL.). 
Brewer’s Blackbird, 


Summer resident; common. This is the common black- 
bird of the state. They usually arrive on the Laramie plains 
early in April and remain until cold weather. They favor the 
low mountain ranges to breed in and nest usually in willows 
along small brooks. Nests have also been found in tall grass 
about willow trees, but not in marshy places. Some have re- 
ported these birds breeding in the high mountains and also 
seen as high as 13,000 feet. In Wyoming you seldom see a 
Brewer’s blackbird at an elevation of 9,000 feet. If any black- 
bird could be considered detrimental to farming and stock 
raising, surely this would be the one for Wyoming. There 
are 100 of these birds to one of any of the other kinds. They 
usually breed in isolated places away from ranches and towns 
and during the months of May and June live entirely upon in- 
‘sects and seeds of the wild plants. When they arrive in the 
‘spring they feed about the ranches in large flocks; but what 


The Birds of Wyoming. 117 


they get must be considered waste grain. In the late. summer 
they may damage grain in the shock, or stack; but in Wyo- 
ming this has not been considered a serious matter. , Until 
they are found in greater numbers and do a great deal more 
damage there will be but few who consider. them enemies. F. 
E. L. Beal (Bul. 13, U. S. D. Ag., Div. of Biol., pp. 51 and 52) 
sums up the food habits of Brewer’s Blackbird as follows: 

“In summing up the results of this investigation it must 
be acknowledged that the stomachs examined are too few, and 
are not distributed widely enough geographically, to justify a 
final economic classification of the bird. Nevertheless some 
very salient points seem to have been brought out, viz: (1) 
No order of insects is especially sought except grasshoppers 
(Orthoptera), which constitute more than half of the animal 
food; (2) more than 88 per cent of the vegetable food consists 
of grain, which is eaten freely at all seasons, even when in- 
sects are abundant; and (3) seeds of harmful weeds are eaten 
sparingly. 

“In spite of this apparently discreditable record com- 
plaints of this Blackbird have been fewer than of several other 
species, while on the other hand, some observers speak highly of 
it. Prof. A. J. Cook, of Claremont, Cal., says that he considers 
it one of the most valuable species in that state. So far as 
shown by field observation and stomach examination it does 
not attack fruit, and this is an important point in a California 
bird. Mr. J. F. Illingworth, of Ontario, Cal., in a paper read 
before the Pomona Farmers’ club, speaks of the species as a 
beneficial one that should be protected. It is possible that the 
large amount of grain found in the stomachs consists princi- 
pally of gleanings from the harvested fields, corrals, and other 
places ; but even if this be true, a bird with such a pronounced 
taste for grain would, if abundant, always be a menace to rip- 
ening crops.” 

The Wyoming records are too numerous to include in this 
bulletin. 


118 Wyoming Experiment Station. 


511b. Quiscalus quiscula zneus (R1IDGw.). 
Bronzed Grackle. 


~ Summer resident ; but not common. With one exception 
all of the Wyoming records are confined to the eastern half 
of the state. They do, however, cross the range of the Rocky 
mountains annually; but are only occasionally seen. ‘There 
are so few of these birds in Wyoming that it is not necessary 
to discuss whether or not they are of economic importance. 
Drexel reported this species as rare at Fort Bridger, 1858; 
Bond has taken a few specimens at Cheyenne; Jesurun has 
taken one specimen at Douglas; Cary states that he saw them 
occasionally near Newcastle. I saw one carrying food to its 
young on the Little Laramie river in early June, 1900. Also 
noted a pair of these birds on Crazy Woman creek, Johnson 
county, in August, 1901. 


FINCHES, SPARROWS, ETC. 


514a. Coccothraustes vespertinus montanus (Ripcew.). 
Western Evening Grosbeak. 


It is not known whether this bird is resident or mere- 
ly a visitant. The records are few. Aiken-reports that he 
saw several in the foothills near Sherman on Jan. 20, 1872. 
Bond has taken one specimen at Cheyenne and notes seeing 
several others. : 


515a. Pinicola enucleator montana Ripew. 
Rocky Mountain Pine Grosbeak, 


Summer resident; but not common. Cary reports having 
taken one at Newcastle, June 8th, 1900. I have seen this 
species at Sundance and taken them at Hyattville in the Big 
Horn basin. In the vicinity of Hyattville they were quite num- 
erous, among them several young birds. There is one skin in 
the University collection. 


1. COCCOTHRAUSTES VESPERTINUS MONTANUS. Western Evening Grosbeak. 
HABIA MELANOCEPHALA. Black-Headed Grosbeak. 


i nerg hye 
nee aya Lae 


1. LOXIA CURVIROSTRA BENDIRE!. Bendire's Crossbill 
LOXIA LEUCOPTERA. White-winged Crossbill. 


The Birds of Wyoming. 119 


518. Carpodacus cassini Bairp. 
Cassin’s Purple Finch, 


Summer resident; but not common. Coues (Key to N. 
A. Birds, p. 347) has the following note on the distribution 
of this species: ‘Rocky mountains of the United States and 
westward, especially in the southern Rocky mountain region, 
as Utah, Nevada, Arizona and New Mexico; North to British 
Columbia; east to Wind River mountains.” Grinnell notes 
that they were quite abundant in the Medicine Bow moun- 
tains, where he took a number of specimens. Grinnell also 
reports having taken one at the Mud volcano in Yellowstone 
park in 1875; Merriam reports them in the Yellowstone park 
in 1872; Aiken reports this species from Sherman; Jesurun 
has taken a few of them at Douglas. 


519. Carpodacus mexicanus frontalis (Say.). 
House Finch. 


Summer resident; and common in southeast Wyoming. 
With the exception of Aiken none of the early collectors found 
this species in the state, and the A. O. U. check list does not 
include Wyoming in its geographical distribution. Bond has 
taken numerous specimens at Cheyenne. At Laramie and 
Cheyenne they breed in considerable numbers annually. There 
are five specimens in the University collection that were tak- 
en near Laramie. Bond reports that they remained in Chey- 
enne all winter, IQoI-2. They arrive on the Laramie plains 
usually between the 1oth and 15th of April. 


521 (b?) Loxia curvirostra bendirei Ripcw. 
Bendire’s Crossbill. 


Resident ; common in the pine forests. In accordance with 
Mr. Ridgway’s latest classification, (Birds of North and Mid- 
dle America, Bul. Smithsonian Inst. No. 50, p. 50) Bendire’s 
Crossbill includes the Crossbills of Wyoming that have pre- 
viously been called L. c. minor and L. ¢. strickland:. Drex- 
el took this species at Fort Bridger, 1858; Hayden at Laramie 


120 Wyoming Experiment Station. 


peak in 1857; Grinnell has the following note from the Yel- 
lowstone: “This species was found in great numbers near 
the falls of the Yellowstone in August. It had undoubtedly 
bred in the immediate vicinity, as I saw old birds feeding young 
just from the nest. The food seemed to consist entirely of the 
seeds of the pine.” Coues also notes other records and Ridg- 
way still others in Bulletin No. 50. I have observed this bird 
in all of the pine-clad mountains of the state. In 1897 whilt 
in the Bear Lodge mountain I saw these birds in flocks of sev- 
eral hundred. It was on the 24th of July and the young were 
full grown. At this time I took a dozen specimens, three of 
which are in the University collection. 


522. Loxia leucoptera GMEL. 
White-winged Crossbill. 


Resident; not common. None of these birds have been 
reported in recent years. Hayden reports two specimens tak- 
en at Laramie-peak, Aug. 25, 1857, and two specimens taken 
on the west side of the Wind River mountains June 5, 1860. 
Coues reports one specimen taken at Box Elder creek, Aug. 
21, 1870. From. these records, there is no doubt about their 
breeding in the state and I am quite certain that they remain 
all winter; but there are no winter specimens reported. 


524. Leucosticte tephrocotis Swains. 
Gray-crowned Leucosticte. 


Winter resident; very common in eastern Wyoming. 
Their arrival from the north depends upon the severity of the 
season. ‘The earliest record that I have recorded is Oct. 25, 
1898, which was prior to the coldest and longest winter ever 
recorded for the Rocky mountains. In the fall of I901 they 
did not arrive until Dec. 2nd. They depart for the north be- 
tween the Ist and middle of April. In their winter home they 
are partial to civilization, and congregate in large flocks about 
the towns and ranches. At Laramie I have seen as high as 
500 in a single flock feeding upon weed seeds. Annually quite 


‘ 


The Birds of Wyoming. 121 


a number live about the University building in the nooks and 
recesses, I have also noted small flocks about ranches on the 
Laramie plains, above Casper and south of Buffalo. All of the 
Wyoming records are from the south and eastern portions of 
the state, but there can be but little doubt that they are com- — 
mon in the western and northwestern parts. Coues refers to 


1. GRAY CROWNED LEVCOSTICTE 2,.SNOW BUNTING. 
3. LARK @UNTING. #& GREEN-TAILED TOWHEE 
SJ. CHESTNUT-COLLARED LONGSPUR | 


a great many specimens that were taken in the winter of 1859- 
60 by Hayden and Trook at Deer creek. Some of these speci- 
mens may belong to the other varieties or species, but the most 
of them can safely be placed here. Jesurun reports them very 
abundant during the winter at Douglas; Bond reports them 
common at Cheyenne during the winter; Allen noted them in 
December, 1871, in Carbon county. Burnett sent me one of 
these birds late in the winter of 1900 that he had taken at the 
head of Little Medicine river. There is quite a series of skins 


122 Wyoming Experiment Station. 


in the University collection that have been taken on the Lara- 
mie plains. The following data have been received from the 
National Museum: Nos. 88042, 88039, 88043 and 88041, all 
taken at Fort Fetterman by R. W. Shufeldt ; Nos. 60896, 68668 
and 68661, taken at Sherman by C. E. Aiken; 68404 taken at 
Fort Sanders by A. G. Brackett. 


524.a. Leucosticte tephrocotis littoralis (Barrp.). 
Hepburn’s Leucosticte. 


Winter resident; not common and only known from the 
southeastern part of the state. Jesurun has four specimens 
that were taken at the following dates at Douglas: Oct. 5 
and 22, 1891; two March 18, 1899. Dr. A. G. Brackett took 
three specimens at Fort Sanders in February and March, about 
1870. Specimens numbered 88045 and 88044 of the National 
Museum were taken at Fort Fetterman by R. W. Shufeldt.. 


525. Leucosticte atrata Ripéw. 
Black Leucosticte. 


But very little is known of this species in Wyoming. The 
first specimens known to science were taken at Sherman. Ai- 
ken notes the following in speaking of a specimen that was 
taken prior to the one reported by him from Sherman: “It 
was shot at Sherman, Wyoming, by J. Deuchman and sent by 
express to Mr. Holden in Chicago. This specimen is still in 
Mr. Holden’s collectidn.” None of these birds have been re- 
ported in recent years and I have never seen them in Wyoming. 


528. Acanthis linaria (LinN.). 
Redpoll, 

Winter resident; and common. about the foothills. They 
arrive on the Laramie plains between the Ist and 15th of No- 
vember and large flocks are not uncommon during the winter. 
They prefer the mountainous region; but when these are cov- 
ered with snow often remain in and about towns for weeks at 
a time. Coues reports a number of Wyomiing specimens, but 


The Birds of Wyoming. 123 


does not cite localities ; Jesurun finds them common at Douglas 
in winter; Bond finds them common at Cheyenne and has tak- 
en a number of specimens; Hayden’s Annual Report, 1870 
(Stevenson), gives the following localities where they have 
been taken: Camp Reynolds, Green river, Rock creek, Sulphur 
springs and Laramie river. There are five specimens in the 
University collection that have been: taken on the Laramie 
plains. The following data have been received from the Na- 
tional Museum: Nos. 88046, 88048, taken at Fort Laramie 
by R. W. Shufeldt; No. 60979, taken on Little Laramie by 
U.S. Geol. Sur. of the Ters. 


529a. Astragalinus tristis pallidus M&arns. 
Western Goldfinch, 


Summer resident; rather uncommon. More abundant be- 
low 7,000 feet than above. All of the Wyoming records have 
been referred to the western form. Until recently, however, 
all of these birds have referred to the American Goldfinch. 
Coues refers to a half dozen specimens taken in Wyoming; 
Bond reports them rather common at Cheyenne; Jesurun, com- 
mon.at Douglas; Dr. Cooper reports a specimen taken at Fort 
Laramie, Sept. 8, 1857; The National Museum reports one 
specimen, No. 69856, taken at Laramie by Dr. J. S. Newberry; 
Cary reports them from near Newcastle about creeks and 
springs; West reports them from Buffalo. There are five 
skins in the University collection that were taken in Big Horn, 
Crook, Johnson and Albany counties. I have noted these 
birds at the following places: Sundance, Belle Fourche Oil 
Field, Welcome, Cambria, Buffalo, Hyattville, Otto, Glenrock, 
Casper, Guernsey, Chugwater, Laramie and Centennial valley. 


530. Astragalinus psaltria (Say.). 
Arkansas Goldfinch, 


Probably very rare if not accidental. The Wyoming rec- 
ord rests upon a single specimen taken by Bond at Cheyenne, 
May 26, 1889. Mr. Bond has the skin in his collection. 


124 Wyoming Experiment Station. 


533. Spinus pinus (WILS.). 
Pine Siskin, ; 

Summer resident and rather common.in the pine forests 
and ranging from 5,900 to 10,000 feet in elevation. Drexel 
took this species at Fort Bridger in 1857. Grinnell has pub- 
lished the following notes: “Abundant while migrating in the 
Medicine Bow mountains. Though this species was noted 
several times while in the park, it did not seem to be common 
there. The birds were seen among the pines or else feeding 
on the thistles below, after the manner of C. tristus (1875).” 
The National Museum notes that No. 69866 was taken at Lar- 
amie by Dr. J. S. Newberry. Merriam reports them from 
Yellowstone park. 

Bond reports them from Cheyenne, where they have been 
taken during migration, and Jesurun reports them from Doug- 
las; Aiken found these birds in the vicinity of Sherman in 
1870; Cary reports that he saw this species once or twice in 
the vicinity of Newcastle. There is a single skin in the Uni- 
versity collection that was taken by Gilmore in the northwest- 
ern corner of Albany county. 


Passer domesticus (Linn.). 
European House Sparrow, 


Resident and gradually becoming more and more com- 
mon over the state. In localities above 7,000 feet most of them 
migrate for the winter. These birds have been in Cheyenne 
for upwards of ten years, but have been kept down through 
the persistent efforts of Mr. Frank Bond. In the winter time 
when there are no other birds about he feeds them with wheat 
soaked in a solution of strychnine and in a single day has 
picked up over 180 dead birds. At Laramie they never have 
been abundant, but each season there are a few more. At the 
University buildings they have taken absolute possession and 
driven away the blue birds, house finches, phoebes and wrens. 
In my opinion every effort possible should be put forth to ex- 


The Birds of Wyoming. . 195 


terminate these birds, whose continual monotonous notes are 
enough to drive any sane man distracted. Not-only this, they 
drive away the few song birds that would gladly seek our 
towns for a home, and also possess many other disagreeable 
‘traits. 


534. Passerina nivalis (LINN.). 
~~ Snowflake, 

Winter resident ; rather common and found in large flocks. 
While these birds have often been observed all of the known 
specimens have been taken by Bond and Jesurun. Bond has 
six skins in his collection which were ‘taken on Feb. 17 to 19, 
1889. Jesurun has taken this species at Douglas in November, 
species about Laramie; but have never taken any specimens. 
I am aware that Ridgway has recently (Bul. No. 50, Birds of 
North and Mid. America, p. 148) placed this bird under the 
name Passerina nivalis nivalis (Linn.). Whether this will 
take the place of 534 of the Check List or is to be given a place 
as 534b I have been unable to learn. 


536a. Calcarius lapponicus alascensis Ripcw. 
Alaskan Longspur, 


Winter resident and rather common. Prior to Mr. Ridg- 
December and February. I have often seen flocks of this 
_way describing this variety all of the Wyoming records were 
placed under Calcarius lapponicus. It has been thought best 
to refer all of the records to this new variety, since. Wyoming 
is wholly within the geographical limitation assigned by Mr. 
Ridgway. Drexel reported this species as early as 1857, from 
Fort Laramie; Coues reports three specimens from Deer creek 
and one from the source of the Cheyenne river; Jesurun has 
two skins in his collection that were taken Feb. 17 and Nov. 
29, 1893; Bond has two specimens that were taken Feb. 17 
and 18, 1889. ‘There are three skins in the University collec- 
tion that were taken on the 1st and:3d of April, 1899. - 


126 Wyoming Experiment Station. 


538. Calcarius ornatus (Towns.). 
Chestnut-collared Longspur. 


Summer resident; but so far as known rare. There are 
some records given by Coues, such as Black hills and Running 
Water which may belong to Wyoming; but are not so con- 
sidered here. In Coues’ Key to North American Birds, p. 360, 
there is the following note: “Breeds in profusion on the prair- 
ies of Colorado, northward, in parts of Dakota and Montana, 
etc.” The only absolute records of this species in Wyoming 
are those from Bond, who has taken at Cheyenne the following 
specimens: In 1889, on April 17, 2; April 18, 1; April 21, 2; 
March 16, 1890, I. 


539. Rhynchophanes mccownii (Lawr.). 


McCown’s Longspur, 

Summer resident, and locally breeding in great numbers. 
These are nearly as abundant during the breeding season on 
the Laramie plains as the Desert Horned Lark, and the West- 
ern Vesper Sparrow. Cowes reports this species from Wyo- 
ming. Allen has published the following note (Bul. M. C. 
Z., III, 1872, pp. 145-177) : Cheyenne, Wyoming Terr., abund- 
ant, breeding. Jesurun finds them abundant at Cheyenne. 
Specimens in Bond’s collection were taken April 8, 17, 18, 
1888-89, and on Oct. 14th and 20th, 1888. ‘here are three 
skins in the University collection that were taken on the Lara- 

" thie plains on the 2ist and 23rd of ‘May, 1897. I have also 
taken one specimen on Chugwater creek on May 29, 1898. 


540a. Pocecetes gramineus confinis Bairp. 
Western Vesper Sparrow, 


Summer resident, and abundant. Found at’ the lower 
elevations all over the state. The following have reported this 
species: Wood, Pole creek, Aug. 4, 1856; Cooper, Fort Lara- 
mie, 1858; Drexel, Fort Bridger, 1858; Aiken, Sherman, 1870; 
Grinnell, Yellowstone park, 1875; Merriam, Yellowstone park, 
1872; Williston, breeding at Lake Como, 1879; Bond, abundant 


1. CALCARIUS ORNATUS. Chestnut-collared Longspur. 
RHYNCHOPHANES MCCOWNII. 


McCown's Longspur. 


1. AMMODRAMUS SANDWICHENSIS ALAUDINUS. Western Savanna Sparrow. 
AMPHISPIZA BELLI NEVADENSIS. Sage Sparrow. 


The Birds of Wyoming. 127 


at Cheyenne; Jesurun, abundant at Douglas. They arrive quite 
early from the south, some having been taken as early as April 
12, National Museum records No. 88054 taken by Shufeldt 
at Fort Laramie. West has sent in one specimen from Buffalo. 
There are three skins in the University collection, besides nests 
and eggs. The number of eggs varies from 6 to 7 in the 
nests taken. Nests built at the base of bushes, or in thick 
grass. 


542a. Ammodramus sandwichensis savanna (WILS.). 
Savanna Sparrow. 


Accidental. This has been placed in the Wyoming list 
upon a single specimen which Dr. Jesurun has taken at Doug- 
las. I have examined the skin and I am unable to distinguish 
it from the typical eastern bird. 


542b. Ammodramus sandwichensis alaudinus (Bonap.). 
Western Savanna Sparrow, 


Summer resident; common. They arrive early in April 
and remain until rather late in the fall. Coues reports sev- 
eral specimens which must belong to this variety; Drexel re- 
ports them common at Fort Bridger, 1858; Williston reports 
them quite abundant at Lake Como and generally in open 
country; Bond notes that they are very common at Cheyenne; 
Jesurun claims them abundant at Douglas. There are two 
specimens in the University collection that were taken on the 
Laramie plains and identified by Robert. Ridgway. 


552a. Chondestes grammacus strigatus (SwAINs.). 
Western Lark Sparrow. 


Summer resident; common. This variety has been re- 
ported as follows: Holden, Wyoming; Coues, Yellowstone 
park, Bitter Cottonwood creek and other references; Bond, 
common at Cheyenne; Jesurun, common at Douglas; Grinnell, 
Yellowstone park; National Museum, Fort Laramie by Schu- 
feldt; Cary, “common breeder at Newcastle. A nest contain- 

—(9) 


128 Wyoming Experiment Station. 


ing five slightly incubated eggs was.found on June 14, 1900. 
The nest was on the ground and composed of grass, the lining 
was fine grass and horse-hair. Eggs similar to those of C. 
grammacus.” 


553. Zonotrichia querula (Nuv7t.). 
Harris’s Sparrow. 


Migratory; rare. Dr. Jesurun has two skins in his col- 
lection that were taken on Oct. 7 and 15, 1894. No other Wyo- 
ming records. It is quite probable that this species is more 
abundant to the northward, for they are occasionally reported 
from Oregon. 


554. Zonotrichia leucophrys (Forsv.). 
White-crowned Sparrow. 


Summer resident, and common in the lower mountain re- 
gions. Breeds abundantly from 8,000 to 9,000 feet. It has 
not been noted above timber line in Wyoming. The following 
records have been secured: Taken by Wood, Cheyenne pass 
and Pole creek, July 20 and 28, 1856; Stevenson, Wyoming, 
1870; Aiken, Sherman, 1870; Coues, several Wyoming speci- 
mens ;’ Grinnell “abundant in Yellowstone park. It was seen 
during August and September in small flocks of 10-12 indi- 
viduals, old and young, feeding on the ground in company with 
A. arctica and a host of small sparrows (1875).” Also report- 
ed by Merriam from the Yellowstone park, 1872; Bond, com- 
mon at Cheyenne. There are a half dozen skins in the Uni- 
versity collection that have been taken from the following lo- 
calities: Chugwater, Tepee creek, Ten Sleep lake and Lara- 
mie. The National Museum reports Nos. 11141 and. 11148 
taken at Fort Bridger and No. 88060 at Fort Laramie. I have 
observed these birds at Atlantic, Evanston, Fossil, Saratoga, 
Casper Mountain, Ervay, Meeteese creek, head of Clear creek, 
near Buffalo and Medicine Bow mountains. I am inclined to 
think that the early records are not reliable in this instance and 
may prove to be in part 554a. Ridgway in Bull. 50 (Birds of 


The Birds of Wyoming. . 129 


North and Middle America, p. 336) refers this species ‘to Zono- 
trichia leucophrys leucophrys (Forster.). 


554a. Zonotrichia leucophrys gambelii (Nutt.). 


Gambel’s Sparrow, 

Migratory ; but common. ‘There have been so many 
changes in the arrangement of the varieties of this species and 
: of this genus, that more or less 
confusion will doubtless re- 
sult, and some of the data giv- 
en here must be considered 
tentative. Drexel reported 
this variety from Fort Bridg- 
er, and I have learned that 
this has been passed upon by 
Mr. Ridgway as a typical 
form. Bond has also had Mr. 
Ridgway identify four skins 
as gambellu. Holden’s skins 
taken at Sherman belong to 
this variety. Probably some 
of the material collected or 
published by Coues belongs 
here. Dr. Jesurun has report- 
oor previo cleaias ‘fauct/ ed sparrows under the name 
Intermediate Sparrow, which 
has been replaced by Gambel’s Sparrow and they are included 
here for that reason. Merriam has also included a Yellowstone 
park record under intermedia which is probably gambelui. Wil- 
liston also noted an abundance of what was then known as 
Gambel’s Sparrow, near Lake Como and in the Medicine Bow 
mountains. These data have also been included under this 

head. 


130 Wyoming Experiment Station. 


558. Zonotrichia albicollis (GMEL.). 
White-throated Sparrow, 

Summer resident; but there are very little data in hand, 
and nothing can be said of its distribution or abundance. The 
Check List, 1895, notes, “Breeds in Montana and Northern 
Wyoming,” etc. Ridgway notes (Bull. 50, Birds of North 
and Middle America, p. 345) that it has been taken on the 
North Platte river; but does not refer to collector. Dr. Jesur- 


un has the only specimen that I have seen from Wyoming. 
He took this on Oct. 8, 1894, at Douglas. 


559a. Spizella monticola ochracea Brews. 
Western Tree Sparrow. 


Probably resident; common. These birds are most num- 
erous in fall'and spring, but they have been taken at all times 
in the year. They are most abundant on the Laramie plains 
during November and April. The records are numerous. 
Hayden reports them from Laramie peak for the months of 
January and March; Coues notes a dozen specimens taken from 
various , localities ; Wood took a specimen at Pole creek Aug. 
2, 1857; Drexel found them at Fort Bridger, 1858; Bond re- 
ports them common at Cheyenne; Jesurtn, common at Doug- 
las. There are seven specimens in the University collection 
that have been taken on the Laramie plains. Holden reports 
them from Sherman; Stevenson from Green river, Henry’s 
‘Fork and Rock creek. 


560. Spizella socialis (WILS.). 
Chipping Sparrow. 

Probably a summer resident; but rare. The record of this 
species in the state comes from the National Museum. Speci- 
men No. 38477 was taken at Laramie peak and No. 11213 at 
Fort Bridger. It is quite probable that it may be common 
along the eastern border of the state. 


1. SPIZELLA SOCIALIS ARIZONAE. Western Chipping Sparrow. 


2. SPIZELLA PALLIDA. Clay-colored Sparrow. 9. SPIZELLA BREWERI. Brewer’s Sparrow. 


The Birds of Wyoming.. 131 


560a. Spizella socialis arizonz CovuEs. 
Western Chipping Sparrow. 


Summer resident; common. Breeds rather abundantly 
over the entire state. Arrives on the Laramie plains early 
in May. Wood took a specimen on Pole creek, 1856; Drexel 
reports them from Fort Bridger, 1858; Coues reports it from 
Green river, Little Sandy and one general.reference; Grinnell 
reports them from the Yellowstone park; Jesurun reports them 
common at Douglas; Bond states that they are common at 
Cheyenne. There are seven specimens in the University col- 
lection that have been taken in Carbon and Albany counties. 


361. Spizella pallida (Swains.). . 
Clay-colored Sparrow. 

Summer resident; rather common. Williston notes that 
it was first seen at Lake Como May 12; Wood records a speci- 
men taken on Pole creek, Aug. Ist, 1856; Bond reports them 
from Cheyenne and Jesurun from Douglas. West of Buffalo 
has sent one skin to the University. The National Museum re- 
ports No. 88063 taken at Fort Laramie. 


562. Spizella breweri Cass. 
Brewer’s Sparrow. ; 


Summer resident and abundant. They arrive on the Lara- 
mie plains from the 1oth to the 2oth of May and have been taken 
as late as Oct. 21st. Drexel found this species.at Fort Bridger, 
1858; Coues reports it from Bitter Cottonwood, Fort. Fetter- 
man, Big Sandy and Green river; Jesurun states that they are 
common about Douglas; Bond finds them common at Chey- 
enne. There are seven skins in the University’ collection that 
have been taken in Albany and Carbon counties. 


566. Junco aikeni Rinew.’ ° 
White-winged Junco, 
Summer resident, and rather common in the ‘northern 
mountains during the summer. It is very desirous that we 


182 Wyoming Experiment Station. 


should know more of this species in Wyoming. Present data 
do not give one an idea as to its range and abundance. Jesurun 
has taken one specimen at Douglas, on March 26, 1893; Cary 
reports it as a common breeder near Newcastle. He saw sev- 
eral families of young birds near that place on June 11, 1900. 
There is a single skin in the University collection that was 
taken in the Laramie mountains Oct. 23, 1897, by Gilmore. 
I have noted this species on the Wyoming side of the Black 
hills, in the Bear Lodge mountains and in the Big Horn moun- 
tains during July and August, 1897. Ridgway (Bull. No. 50, 
Birds of North and Middle America, p. 277,) notes that they 
breed in the Bear Lodge mountains. I have seen the young 
in this range; but it was too late to tell whether they bred or 
not. I have also found them common at 9,000 feet in the Med- 
icine Bow mountains and am quite certain they breed along 
that range. 


567. Junco hyemalis (Linn.). 
Slate-colored Junco. 

Migratory; probably breeds in the northern mountains. 
This species is most abundant during early spring and’ late fall. 
Aiken notes, “None seen (Sherman) until about March 2oth. 
From that date they were common for about three weeks.” 
Jesurun finds them common during the spring and fall at Doug- 
las. The following data pertain to the National Museum col- 
lection: No. 61025, Green river ; 71115, no locality ; Nos. 11190, 
11191, Fort Bridger ;.No. 115711, Green river. There are two 
skins in the University collection that were taken in April and 
May, in Albany county. 


567b. Junco hyemalis connectens CouEs. 
Intermediate Junco, 

But little is known of this variety, which must be quite 
abundant in Wyoming during migration. The National Mu- 
seum has specimens Nos. 11181 and 11184 that were taken at 
Fort Bridger by Drexel. Stevenson reports it from Green 
river and Holden and Aiken from near Sherman. 


The Birds of Wyoming. 133 


‘5071. Junco montana Ripew. 
Montana Junco, 


Possibly a winter resident. But little is known of this 
species. It is very certain that data originally referred to the 
Oregon Junco in part belongs to this species. These birds ar- 
rive in Laramie about the middle of March and remain for 
only a few weeks. There is one skin in the University col- 
lection that was taken at Lararnie, Sept. 27, 1898. The Na- 
tional Museum has the following numbers belonging to this 
species, that were taken in Wyoming: 71114, taken by A. G. 
Brackett, and 11180 and 11186, taken by Drexel at Fort 
Bridger. 


568. Junco mearnsi Ripvew. 
Pink-sided Junco. 


Probably a summer resident, and rather common in the 
mountains of the northern part of the state. During migra- 
tion common over the state. Bond has taken several specimens 
at Cheyenne and states that they are common during the spring ; 
Jesurun reports them common about Douglas. The following 
numbers of the National Museum collection belong to this 
species: 11168, taken at Fort Bridger; 138543, South pass, 
U. S. Dept. Ag.; 11187, Fort Bridger, Drexel. West has sent 
one skin from Buffalo. There are three other skins in the 
University collection that were taken on the Laramie plains. I 
have seen this species in the Big Horn mountains near Ten 
Sleep lake during the months of July and August. Many of 
the birds were quite young. While I am quite certain they 
breed in that region I have never seen their eggs nor nests. 


569. Junco caniceps (WoopH.). 
Gray-headed Junco. 

Summer resident, and a few may remain all winter. Com- 
mon in the mountainous districts from 8,000 to 10,000 feet. 
Breeds in the Laramie’ and Medicine Bow mountains and 
Freezeout hills. There are-the following records pertaining to 
the capture of this species in Wyoming: Drexel, Fort Bridger, 


134 Wyoming Experiment Station. 


1858; Hayden, Laramie peak, 1857; Williston, Elk mountain, 
1879; Merriam, Fort Bridger; Jesurun, Douglas; Bond, Chey- 
enne. There are five skins im the University collection that 
have been-taken in Albany and Carbon counties during May 
and July. In August, 1897, I saw this species near Sundance 
and also above Hyattville om Paint Rock creek. 


574a. Amphispiza belli nevadensis (Rivew.). 
Sage Sparrow. 


Summer resident; common. Reported by Drexel as very 
abundant near Fort Bridger. Stevenson reports it from Hen- 
ry’s Fork, Green river and Rock creek; Ridgway, (Bull. 50, 
Birds of North and Middle America, p. 270) in southern Wyo- 
ming, east to eastern base of the Rocky mountains in Wyo- 
ming, (near Cheyenne) ; Bond has taken one specimen at Chey- 
enne, which is now inthe Cheyenne. High School. 


581 b. Melospiza cinera montana Hensu. 
Mountain Song Sparrow. — 


Summer resident; abundant. All of the early collectors 
referred a great many sparrows to the Desert Song. I have 
provisionally referred the records of Drexel, Coues, Grinnell, 
Williston, and others that were originally under the Desert 
Song Sparrow to this variety. Drexel reports it from Fort 
Bridger; Coues reports two dozen specimens from. various 
Wyoming localities, but remarks that they are variety fallax; 
Grinnell reported them from Yellowstone park in 1875; Mer- 
riam from Yellowstone. park. 1872; Bond finds them common 
at Cheyenne. There are three skins in the University collec- 
tion that were taken in Carbon and Albany counties. The Na- 
tional Museum refers their Nos. 11224 and 114048 to this va- 
riety. Holden reports them from Sherman. 


583. Melospiza lincolnii (Aun. ). 


Lincoln’s Sparrow. 
Probably a summer resident in the mountains. Common 
during migration. There are the following records: Drexel, 


1. PIPLIO CHLORURUS. Green-tailed Towhee. PIPILO MACULATIIS ARTIONIS 


Auntin Trent = 


7. CALAMOSPIZA MELANOCORYS. Lark Bunting. 
2. LEUCOSTICTE TEPHROCOTIS. Gray-Crowned Leucosticte. 


3. PLECTROPENAX NIVALIS. Snowflake. 


The Birds of Wyoming. 135 


taken at Fort Bridger; Dr. Cooper, taken at Fort Laramie; 
Jesurun, taken at Douglas; Bond, taken at Cheyenne; Steven- 
son, Wyoming; Holden, Wyoming; Coues, Henry’s Fork and 
Green river. 


588. Pipilo maculatus arcticus (SwAINS.). 
Arctic Towhee. 


Summer resident; rather common in northern Wiowiing. 
Dr. Cooper took this variety at Fort Laramie, Sept. 12, 1857; 
Drexel reports it from Fort Bridger, 1858; McCarthy from La- 
Bonte creek, 1859; Stevenson from Wyoming, 1870; Bond 
has taken several specimens at Cheyenne during migration; 
Jesurun reports them rather common at Douglas; The Nation- 
al Museum reports Nos. 38495, 38499,38503,38503 all taken 
at Laramie peak, 1864, and Nos. 8219 and 69895 taken at Lar- 
amie; Holden reported this variety from Sherman, 1872. Cary 
furnishes the following interesting note in reference to New- 
castle: “Abundant breeder. Two nests were found, the first 
on June 3, 1900, containing four fresh eggs ; the second on June 
13, containing four young. Both nests were on the sloping 
sides of a canon about six feet from the bottom, beside small 
rocks. They were composed of pine needles and lined with 
fine grass.” I saw these birds at Lander in May, 1902. 

I am of the opinion that some of this data belongs to megal- 
onyx. Along the eastern part of the state it is very difficult 
to separate the arctic variety from the spurred. -T'wo skins 
belonging to the University collection, which were taken in 
Johnson and Crook counties, have been identified:by Ridgway 
as megalonyx. se ots 


588 a. Pipilo maculatus megalonyx (Barrp.). 
Spurred Towhee, 


Summer resident in northeastern Wyoming and abundant. 
I have found these birds in great numbers about Sundance 
mountain and the Bear Lodge mountains early in July, with 
‘their young just able to fly. There are but three recorded 


136 Wyoming Experiment Station. 


skins. Drexel reports one from Fort Bridger, and there is 
one ‘skin in the University collection that was taken by West 
at Buffalo and another that was taken at Sundance. Coues re- 
ports this variety from Powder river, The Tower, and five 
specimens in general from the state. 


592-1. Oreospiza chlorura (AvD.). | 
Green-tailed Towhee. 


Summer resident and abundant over the state. They pre- - 
fer a hilly or mountainous country, where there is an abund- 
ance of brush and scattering trees. I have found them breed- 
ing in the Laramie, Medicine Bow, Ferris, Rattlesnake, Big 
Horn, Bear Lodge and Wind River mountains at elevations 
varying from 6,000 to 8,000 feet. Nearly all observers have re- 
ported them and the records are too voluminous to publish. 


596. Zamelodia melanocephala (Swarns.). 
; Black-headed Grosbeak, 


‘Summer resident in Big Horn, Johnson and Crook coun- 
ties and probably further southward; not common. ‘There are 
: no breeding records from south- 

ern and western Wyoming. Coues 
records this species from Sinking 
creek and the Big Horn river; 
Grinnell from Yellowstone park; 
Jesurun from Douglas; Bond 
from Cheyenne and Silver 
Crown. The following records 
have been obtained from the Na- 
tional Museum: Nos. 88077 and 
88078, taken at Fort Laramie; 
No. 68889, taken at Laramie; 
Nos, 11241, 11246 and 11248, ta- 
ie Gadus paneer eupieck: ken at Fort Bridger. West has 
2. EVENING GROSEEAK, sent one skin from. Buffalo. 
There are two Wyoming skins in the University colllection- 


1387 Wyoming Experiment Station. 


599. Cyanospiza amoena (SAyY.). 
Lazuli Bunting, 


Probably a summer resident, but there are no breeding 
records; not common. During migration these birds appear 
annually; but never in great numbers. Coues refers to speci- 
mens that have been taken at Laramie peak, Yellowstone river 
and Wind river; Allen reports them from Cheyenne; Jesurun 
finds them annually at Douglas; Bond reports the capture ot 
a few at Cheyenne. West has sent in one skin taken at Buffalo. 


605. Calamospiza melanocorys STEJN. 
Lark Bunting. 


Summer resident and abundant on the east side of the 
Big Horn and Laramie mountains up to 6,500 feet; and a few 
breeding as high as 7,300 feet. To the westward of these 
ranges they decrease in abundance very rapidly and in western 
Wyoming are seldom seen. Between Fort Laramie and Raw- 
hide Buttes there are places where there are a dozen or more 
pairs breeding on each section. The following are the import- 
ant records: Wood, Pole creek, 1856; Stevenson, Wyoming, 
1870; Holden, Wyoming, 1872; Coues, Big Horn mountains 
and Bitter Cottonwood creek; Williston, common, Lake Como; 
Jesurun, common at Douglas; Cary, common south of the B. 
M. R. R. south of Newcastle; The National Museum reports 
three specimens taken at Laramie and Cheyenne. There are 
two specimens taken at Laramie in the University collection. 


607. Piranga ludoviciana (WiLS.). 
Louisiana Tanager, 


Summer resident and rather common in regions below 
7,500 feet. Much has been said about the vertical range of 
this species in the Rocky mountains. In Wyoming I have 
never found it breeding at 8,000 feet, nor have I ever seen it 
above that elevation. During migration they arrive on the 
Laramie plains about the 1sth of May, remain a week or so 
and disappear. From an elevation of 6,000 feet, downward, 


138 Wyoming Experiment Station. 


they are abundant along streams with thickets and groves. In 
no place have I found.them breeding in such abundance as in 
the Bear Lodge mountains at elevations varying from 4,500 
to 5,500 feet. From the days of Wood, 1856, every collector 
of any note in the state has reported this bird. The records 
cover nearly every part of Wyoming and are too extended to 
publish here. 


608. Piranga erythromelas VIEILL. 
Scarlet Tanager. 

Accidental. But a single specimen has been reported from 
Wyoming. Mr. Frank Bond took one at Cheyenne on May 
28th, 1889. The skin is in his collection. It is a male bird, 
in gorgeous plumage, and was alone. 


SWALLOWS. 


611. Progne subis (Linvn.). 
Purple Martin, 

Probably a summer resident; but uncommon. All of the 
Wyoming records are from the eastern part of the state and 
chiefly from the valley of the North Platte river, where they 
are most abundant. McCarthy reports taking one specimen 
27 miles west of Laramie, 1859; Coues reports two specimens 
from Bitter Cottonwood creek; No. 38382 of the National 
Museum was taken at Laramie peak; Bond reports them from 
Cheyenne; Jesurun states that they are common at Douglas. 


612. Petrochelidon lunifrons (Say,). 
Cliff Swallow. é 

Summer resident; abundant. They breed ordinarily up to 
8,000 feet. Some breed about buildings, but where there are 
protected rock walls they appear to prefer. the isolated life. 
Nests by the hundreds are,common over the state on the walls 
of red sandstone. This species has. been taken as follows: 
Wood, Pole creek, 1856; Drexel, Fort Bridger, 1858; Merriam, 
Yellowstone park, 1872; Grinnell, Yellowstone park, 1875; Dr. 


The Birds of Wyoming. 139 


Hammond, Fort Laramie, 1857; Bond, common at Cheyenne; 
Jesurun, abundant at Douglas; Gilmore, nest built under the 
eaves of water tank, Harper’s; nest with three eggs and no lin- 
ing; Holden, Black hills (Sherman), 1872; Coues, two Wyo- 
ming references ; Williston, abundant Lake Como. 


613. Hirundo erythrogastra Bopp. 
Barn Swallow, 


Summer resident; common. Breeding below 7,500 feet. 
Drexel reports them from Fort Bridger, 1858; Merriam, Yel- 
lowstone park, 1872; Grinnell from Yellowstone park, 1875; 
Williston as abundant at Lake Como, 1879; Jesurun, common 
at Douglas; Bond, common at Cheyenne; Coues reports them 
from Lower Geyser Basin and Yellowstone river; Cary, com- 
mon breeder under ranch sheds about: Newcastle; Aiken re- 
ported them from near Sherman. I have seen this species in 
the following localities: Sundance, Sheridan, Buffalo, Otto, 
Bonanza, near Casper and on the Laramie plains. There are 
five skins in the University collection that have been taken in 
Albany and Carbon counties. 


614. Tachycineta bicolor (VIEILL.). 
Tree Swallow. 


Summer resident; not common. Locally they seem to be 
plentiful, but are very particular in selecting a breeding place. 
Drexel reported this species from Fort Bridger in 1858; Bond 
has taken a few at Cheyenne; Cary has observed them near 
Newcastle. I have found them breeding on the Little Laramie 
river, 20 miles west of Laramie, and along Medicine Lodge 
creek in Big Horn county. 


615. Tachycineta thalassina (Swatns.). 
Violet-green Swallow, 


Summer resident and abundant in desirable localities. 
They arrive on the Laramie plains about the 1st of May and 
by the 15th they are seen in great numbers in the vicinity 


140 Wyoming Experiment Station. 


of their breeding places. They are partial to red sandstone 
walls where there are slight crevices and wind-made cavities. 
Usually the nests are out of sight and I have reached into 
an opening an arm’s length and could not touch the nest. Al- 
though common there are only a few collectors that have ob- 
served this most gorgeous swallow. Coues reports this spe- 
cies from Wind river and Grey Bull river; Drexel captured 
them at Fort Bridger and stated that they were numerous; 
Wood reports having taken them at Bridger pass and Medi- 
cine Bow creek, 1857; Grinnell reports them from Medicine 
Bow mountains and Yellowstone park. There are two skins 
in the University collection. One was taken at Sand creek, 
Albany county, and the other from Medicine Lodge creek, 
Big Horn county. I have also noted these birds on the Sho- 
shone river, above Cody, along Wood river, Paint Rock, Canon 
creek and South Fork of Powder river. 


616. Riparia riparia (LINN.). 
Bank Swallow, 

Summer resident; but can not say just how abundant. 
From present data they breed in greater numbers in northern 
Wyoming than in any other place. But few have observed 
them. Coues reports Hayden’s specimen taken on the Wind 
river’ in 1860; Grinnell reports having seen them at Lake 
Como; Aiken found them near Sherman. There is one skin in 
the University collection that was taken at Ten Sleep lake. 
I have seen this species nesting in considerable numbers along 
the vertical walls of the Big Horn and Grey Bull rivers and 
have taken specimens from Chugwater creek. In June, 1902, 
noted them nesting on the Big Popo Agie river east of Lander. 


617. Stelgidopteryx serripennis (AvD.). 
Rough-winged Swallow, 

Probably a summer resident; but data insufficient to war- 
rant further suggestions as to its occurrence in Wyoming. 
Bond has taken this species at Cheyenne, and Drexel reports. 
it from Fort Bridger. 


The Birds of Wyoming. 141 


WAXWINGS. 
618. Ampelis garrulus Linn. 
Bohemian Waxwing, 

Winter resident; locally abundant. They usually arrive 
from the north in late October and remain as late as the last 
of April. They are most abundant along the foot-hills and oc- 
casionally visit towns during the winter. Flocks numbering 
several hundred are not uncommon in localities where they 
remain all winter. Coues cites eight specimens taken by Hay- 
den on Deer creek in January and February, 1860; Drexel 
reports taking this species at Fort Bridger; Bond has taken 
several specimens at Cheyenne; Jesurun reports them rather 
common at Douglas; West of Buffalo has sent a skin to the 
University that he captured on the 24th of November; No. 
70719. of the National Museum was taken at Fort Sanders 
by A. G. Brackett;' Aiken reports them from near Sherman. 
There are annual records of their visiting Laramie. I have seen 
them in large flocks in November in the Seminoe and Ferris 
mountains and during the month of December noted many 
flocks on the North Fork of the Laramie river. 


619. Ampelis cedrorum (VIEILL.). 
Cedar Waxwing, 


Resident, and common in suitable localities. Aiken re- 
ports them from near Sherman; Bond notes them as not un- 
common at Cheyenne and Jesurun has taken them at Doug- 
las. I have noted this species in the fall of the year, Septem- 
ber and October, in the following localities: Wind river, 
Little Popo Agie river, Rattlesnake mountains, Big Horn 
mountains, above Spring creek, Ferris mountains, along Sand 
creek, and in the canon of the North Platte below Douglas. 


SHRIKES. 
621. Lanius borealis VIEILL. 
Northern Shrike, 
Winter resident and rather common. This is the most 
vicious bird that I am acquainted with in the state. He is 


142 Wyoming Experiment Station. 


not only vicious, but possesses an unpardonable desire to kill 
any and all kinds of birds that are small enough for him to 
conquer. He not only kills them to eat but apparently for 
pastime. I have often found a headless sparrow pinned to a 
barb on a wire fence in the vicinity where this wicked bird 
lives. Their boldness in securing prey is almost incompre- 
hensible. Last fall while in the field I was taking a picture 


The sparrow circled and returned, 
‘passing me again. This time I threw 
my hammer at the shrike, but with 
no effect. I then gathered a handful 
of stones and the sparrow came 
nearer and nearer as the shrike in 
close pursuit seemed absolutely cer- 
tain of securing his prey. After 
throwing a dozen or more times one 
stone passed so near the shrike’s 
wings that he lost his balance and in 
a second the sparrow sought ref- 
uge in some small bushes. The 
1 NORTHERN SHRIKE, shrike did not give up the chase, 
Sala kta however, and after resting for a 
moment on a. stick commenced to look again for the spar- 
row, and it is useless to say that my arm was lame long before 


I made the shrike abandon his search. Dr. Jesurun of Doug- 


las reports that he considers these birds beneficial since in 
the vicinity of Douglas during the winter months, they feed 
upon English Sparrows. Although this is a desirable trait, 
the fact that they destroy hundreds and thousands of bene- 
ficial birds, annually is enough to absolutely condemn them as 
residents of any locality. The following collectors have re- 
ported this bird from Wyoming: Drexel, Fort Bridger, 1858; 
McCarthy, Fort Laramie, 1859; Coues, Rock creek and Green 


1, SETOPHAGA RUTICILLA. American Redstart. 
1. GEOTHLYPIS TRICHAS OCCIDENTALIS. Western Yellow Throat. 


DENDROICA AUDOBONI. Audobon’s Warbler. 


GEOTHLYPIS TOLMIE!. Macgillivray’s Warbler. 


The Birds of Wyoming. 143 


river; Jesurun, Douglas; Bond, Cheyenne, and Aiken, Sher- 
man. ‘There are three skins in the University collection that 
were taken at Laramie. 


622a. Lanius ludovicianus excubitorides (SwaIns.). 
White-rumped Shrike, 

Summer resident, and abundant at elevations below 8,000 
feet. Although closely related to the Northern Shrike, this 
variety is a much smaller bird and depends to a considerable 
extent upon insects for its food. To be sure it kills birds, but 
not to the extent of the larger species. Just what percentage 
of the food of the White-rumped Shrike is insects I am un- 
able to state, but they in part, at least, make up for the dam- 
age they do to desirable bird life by eating injurious insects. 

This variety is so common that nearly every collector in 
Wyoming has reported it and has something to say of its 
habits. The data is too voluminous to be included here. 


VIREOS. 


624. Vireo olivaceus (LInN.). 
' Red-eyed Vireo, 

Possibly a summer resident; but quite rare and largely 
confined to eastern Wyoming. But a single record comes 
from west of the Laramie mountains. Drexel reported this 
species from Fort Bridger in 1858; Jesurun took one specimen 
at Douglas on May 26, 1899; Bond took one specimen at Chey- 
enne May 26, 1889; Cary reports having seen this bird at 
Newcastle occasionally during the summer of 1900. 


627. Vireo gilvus (VIEILL.). 
Warbling Vireo, 

Summer resident and rather common. So far as known 
this is the most common Vireo found in the state. They breed 
in brush patches along the small streams up to 8,000 feet. 
There are the following records for Wyoming: Drexel, Fort 


Bridger, 1858; Coues, Green river; Bond, Cheyenne; Jesurun, 
—{10) 


144 Wyoming Experiment Station. 


Douglas, July 12, 1892, and Aiken, Sherman. There are three 
skins in the University collection that were taken in Albany 
and Carbon counties. 


629. Vireo solitarius (WILS.). 
Blue-headed Vireo. 
Accidental. ‘The Wyoming record is based upon a single 
specimen taken by Drexel at Fort Bridger, 1858. 


629 b. Vireo solitarius plumbeus (CoUvuES.). 
Plumbeous Vireo. 


Probably a summer resident; but no breeding records. 
Coues (B. N. W., p. 100) notes that Dr. R. B. Hitz captured 
several specimens at Laramie peak. No. 38428 of the Nation- 
al Museum was taken at Laramie peak and No 11064 was 
taken at Fort Bridger; Cary reports seeing this variety fre- 
quently near Newcastle during the summer of 1900; Aiken 
reported this bird from Sherman; Jesurun took one specimen 
at Douglas, Sept. 12, 1896. 


633. Vireo bellii Aun. 


Bell’s Vireo, 

Probably accidental. The only Wyoming record comes 
from Grinnell, which is as follows: “Quite abundant late in 
August among the timber and low brush on the streams flow- 
ing out from the Freezeout mountains where the writer took 
specimens.” 


WOOD WARBLERS. 


636. Mniotilta varia (LINN.). 
Black and White Warbler, 


Accidental. Dr. Jesurun has one specimen in his col- 
lection that he captured at Douglas, May 17, 1899. The bird 
was alone. 


644. Helminthophila virginie (Barrp.). 
Virginia’s Warbler, 
It seems singular, but little is known of this bird in Wyo- 
ming. In accordance’ with its geographical distribution it 


The Birds of Wyoming. 145 


should be a summer resident, but none of the recent observers 
have reported it. The A. O. U. Check List, Sec. Ed., reports. 
it as belonging to Wyoming. Besides this Aiken is the only: 
one to report it from the state. He notes the following: “A 
fine singer usually found on the hillsides covered with brush.” 
He also states that he took eggs and nests. Further notes on 
this species are very desirable. 


645. Helminthophila rubricapilla (WILs.). 
Nashville Warbler, 

Rare summer resident. Bond has taken a single speci- 
men at Cheyenne and I have taken one specimen on Chugwa- 
ter creek, May 29, 1898. Mr. Chas Gilmore captured two. 
specimens in the Freezeout hills in 1897, both of which are 
in the University collection. One of these skins was condi- 
tionally referred to the Calaveras Warbler by W. W. Cooke 
(Further Notes on the Birds of Colorado, Bull. 44., State Ag. 
Col., Colo., March, 1898, p. 168.) 


646. Helminthophila celata (Say.). 


Orange-crowned Warbler, 

Summer resident; not common. The following records 
have been collected: Drexel, Fort Bridger; McCarthy, Green 
river; Grinnell, Como bluff; Jesurun, Douglas; Bond, Chey- 
enne. 


646a. Helminthophila celata lutescens (Ripcw.). 
Lutescent Warbler. 


The data regarding this variety is insufficient to war- 
rant an expression as to its occurrence in the state. It is al- 
together probable that this bird is a common resident of west-. 
ern Wyoming, and that this and the Orange-crown Warbler 
commingle in central Wyoming. Coues reports two speci- 
mens taken at Fort Bridger and Little Sandy and one from 
Green river. Aiken reports seeing them near Sherman on 
May 2nd, rare on May 14th, but afterward common for a short 
time. 


446 Wyoming Experiment Station. 


647. Helminthophila peregrina (WILS.). ° 
Tennessee Warbler. 
Accidental. Mr. Bond has a single specimen that he 
‘captured at Cheyenne on May 24, 1888. There are no other 
‘Wyoming records. 


648. Compsothlypis americana (LINN.). 
_Parula Warbler, 


Accidental. There are but two records of this bird be- 
ing taken in Wyoming, and they are both from the southeast- 
ern corner of the state. Bond has one specimen that he took 
May 30, 1888, at Cheyenne; Aiken reports killing a single 
‘specimen near Sherman on May 11, 1870. * 


652. Dendroica zstiva (GMEL.). 
Yellow Warbler, 


Summer resident and common in brush patches along the 
‘streams up to 8,000 feet. I have taken specimens at 9,500 
during late August. This species has been taken by the fol- 
lowing collectors: Drexel, Fort Bridger; Coues (Hayden, 
‘Wind river), Powder river, Bitter Cottonwood creek, La 
Bonte creek; Fort Bridger and Green river; Williston, Lake 
Como; J. A. Allen, Cheyenne; Nos. 69879 and 68878, Nation- 
zal Museum, Newberry, Laramie; Holden, Sherman; Cary, 
Newcastle; Jesurun, Douglas; Bond, Cheyenne; West, Buffa- 
lo. There are four skins in the University collection that 
were taken in Johnson, Albany and Carbon counties. 


655. Dendroica coronata (LINN.). 
Myrtle Warbler, : 

Migratory and rather uncommon. Williston reports tak- 
ing two specimens on Rock creek, May 2; Bond reports them 
not uncommon at Cheyenne during spring migrations having 
‘taken one specimen April 27 and a second May 10; Jesurun 
‘has taken specimens at Douglas; Aiken reports them rather 
‘uncommon at Sherman, but took one specimen April 29; No. 
69873 from the National Museum was taken at Laramie by 
J. S. Newberry. 


The Birds of Wyoming. 147 


656. Dendroica auduboni (Towns.). 
Audubon’s Warbler, ie 

Summer resident and common in the pine forests. Breeds. 
most abundantly between 7,000 and 9,000 feet, and as low as 
5,000 in northeastern Wyoming. Cooke cites this species. 
breeding above timber line; but I have never seen this beau- 
tiful bird above the limit of the pines, nor have I found it. 
breeding at timberline. It has been observed by all collectors 
in Wyoming. Data too extended to warrant publishing. 


659. Dendroica pensylvanica (LINN.). 
Chestnut-sided Warbler. 

Probably accidental. The Wyoming record rests upon a 
single specimen taken at Cheyenne, May 23, 1889, by Mr. 
Frank Bond. Mr. Bond published this record in The Auk, 
VI, 1889, 341, and has the skin in his collection. 


661. Dendroica striata (Forst.). 
Black-Poll Warbler. 

Possibly a summer resident; but no data. A very rare 
eastern bird that occasionally reaches Wyoming. Jesurun re- 
ports having taken it at Douglas, and Bond has two skins in 
his collection that were taken at Cheyenne. Williston reports 
2 single specimen taken at Lake Como. 


668. Dendroica townsendi (Towns.). 
Townsend’s Warbler, 


Probably a summer resident in western Wyoming. The 
only record of the occurrence of this bird in Wyoming comes 
from Dr. Jesurun. He took one specimen on Oct. 6, 1893, 
and another on Sept. 25, 1894, at Douglas. These data ex- 
tend the geographical range to the eastward for a consider- 
able distance. 


675 a. Seiurus noveboracensis notabilis (Riwew.). 
Grinnell’s Water-Thrush, 
Probably a summer resident. There are but little. data 
regarding this variety, the type of which was taken by Dr. 


148 Wyoming Experiment Station. 


Williston at Lake Como on May 10, 1878. Bond has taken a 
few specimens at Cheyenne, and the specimen taken by Drexel 
at Fort Bridger, 1858, and originally placed under the name 
Water-Thrush, proved to belong to this variety. (So de- 
termined by U. S. National Museum.) 


680. Geothlypis tolmiei (Towws.). 
Macgillivray’s Warbler, 

Summer resident; quite common. Arrives on the Lara- 
mie plains late in May, and breeds up to 8,000 feet. Drexel 
reports them as very common at Fort Bridger, 1858; Dr. 
‘Cooper captured two specimens at Fort Laramie, Aug. 31, 
1857; Grinnell reports them from the Yellowstone park, 
1875; Coues reports one specimen from Box Elder creek; Ai- 
ken found them in the vicinity of Sherman; Jesurun reports 
them common at Douglas; Bond has found them rather com- 
mon at Cheyenne. There are four skins in the University col- 
lection that have been taken in Albany and Carbon counties. 


681 a. Geothlypis trichas occidentalis BrEwst. 
Western Yellow-throat, 


Summer resident; rather common. All of the early rec- 
ords of this variety have been included under the Maryland 
Yellow-throat, and have been transferred purely upon the 
geographical range of the two birds. Drexel reports this spe- 
cies from Fort Bridger, 1858; Dr. Cooper took a specimen at 
Fort Laramie, 1855; the National Museum No. 69863 was tak- 
en at Laramie by Dr. Newberry; Coues reports a specimen 
taken at La Bonte creek; Aiken found them near Sherman; 
Jesurun finds them rather common at Douglas; Bond has tak- 
en numerous specimens at Cheyenne; Cary found them abund- 
ant near Newcastle; West has sent in one skin taken at Buf- 
falo, to the University. 

683 a. Icteria virens longicauda (Lawr.). 
Long-tailed Chat, 

Summer resident; common below 7,000 feet; above that 

elevation rare. Although there are but few reports, there are 


The Birds of Wyoming. 149 


abundant observations on this variety. Living as it does in 
dense thickets and being extremely shy accounts for so few 
records. Jesurun reports it common at Douglas; West has 
presented the University with a specimen taken at Buffalo; 
the National Museum No. 38402 was taken at Laramie peak; 
Cary reports them from near Newcastle. I have observed 
these birds in the following places: Sundance, Lander, Lin- 
den, Guernsey, Horseshoe creek and Clear creek. 


685. Wilsonia pusilla (WILS.). 
Wilson’s Warbler. 

Summer resident; not uncommon. Breeds from: 7,000 to 
9,000 feet. There are the following records: Drexel, Fort 
Bridger; Coues, Henry’s Fork, Lower Geyser Basin and Te- 
ton lakes; National Museum No. 87997 taken at Fort Fetter- 
man by Shufeldt; No. 8799 taken at Fort Laramie; Bond, 
Cheyenne; Jesurun, Douglas. There are three skins in the 
University collection that were taken in Big Horn, Albany 
and Carbon counties respectively. JI have observed this spe- 
cies in the Bear Lodge, Absaraka and Big Horn mountains. 


687. Setophaga ruticilla (LINN.). 
Redstart. 

Summer resident; not common. Reported by the follow- 
ing collectors: Drexel, Fort Bridger; Coues (Hayden) Wind 
river, La Bonte creek; Jesurun, Douglas; Bond, Cheyenne; 
West, Buffalo; Aiken, Sherman. There is a single specimen 
in the University collection that was taken on the Laramie 
mountains. 


WAGTAILS. 


697. Anthus pensilvanicus (LaTHu.). 
Pipit, 
Probably a summer resident. They are quite abundant 
in marshy places for the last week of April and the first two 
weeks in May. No one has reported them breeding. There 


150 Wyoming Experiment Station. 


are the following records for Wyoming: Coues, Henry’s 
Fork and Snake river; Aiken, Sherman; Jesurun, Douglas; 
Williston, Lake Como, Merriam, Yellowstone park; Drexel, 
Fort Bridger. There are five skins in the University collec- 
tion that have been taken on the Laramie plains. 


7oo. Anthus spragueii (Avp.). 
Sprague’s Pipit. 

Thus far this species has been reported only by Mr. Bond 
of Cheyenne, who has two skins in his collection that were 
taken April 24, 1888. This will probably prove a rare species 
in Wyoming, but not accidental. 


DIPPERS. 
zor. Cinclus mexicanus Swa1ns. 
Dipper. ; 
Resident and quite common along the mountain streams. 
In summer it reaches the very head of the mountain streams, 
but whether it breeds at high altitudes has not been deter- 
mined. The highest point that I have observed a nest is 10,000 
feet. This bird loves rough.canons, rapids and waterfalls and 
appears to enjoy especially the spray-covered coves and nooks. 
No lover of birds could fail to see this curious little fellow 
along all of the mountain streams. There are the following 
records of its occurrence in the state: Drexel, Fort Bridger 
(abundant) ; Coues, seven specimens from Laramie peak; 
Jesurun, Douglas; Bond, Cheyenne; Merriam, Yellowstone 
park; Grinnell, Yellowstone park; Aiken, Sherman. I have 
observed this bird in the following localities: Gros Ventre 
river, Jackson Hole, Big Wind river, Meeteese creek, Tongue 
river, Little Horn river, Ten Sleep creek, Clear creek, Little 
Laramie river, Big Laramie river, Rock .creek, Sweetwater 
river and Ham’s Fork. 
While I have not made’ careful observation on the nest- 
ing habits of this species I have found three nests, all of which 
were attached to nearly vertical. walls in canons and in shape 


CINCLUS MEXICANUS. American Dipper. 


(Nest in Background.) 


& 


1. ANTHUS SPRAGUEI!. Sprague's Pipit. 
SE/URUS NOVEBORACENSIS NOTABILIS. Grinnell’s Water Thrush. 


The Birds of Wyoming. 151 


resembled that of a Cliff Swallow. One nest that I observed 
at Ten Sleep creek was about a foot in diameter and was so 
near a water fall that the exterior was constantly moistened 
with spray. The opening was near the water’s edge, circular, 
and reminded me of the neck-like opening of the nest of the 
Cliff Swallow. See the illustrations in the background of the 
Picture of this species. 


THRASHERS. 
702. Oroscoptes montanus (Towns.). 
Sage Thrasher, 

Summer resident, and common. Formerly this remark- 
able singer was known as the “Rocky Mountain Mocking Bird,” 
and it seems a pity that this befitting name could not have 
been retained. This is the most remarkable songster of the 
Rocky Mountain region. To be sure there is an occasional 
Mocking Bird found in the southeastern part of Wyoming, 
which is not considered as common to the Rocky mountains. 
They are shy birds, seldom seen about towns or ranches, pre- 
ferring the sage brush country to live in. ‘On one occasion I 
found a nest containing four young of this species in a grease- 
wood bush within five feet of the Rawlins and Lander trail, 
which is used constantly. I have never seen this bird above 
the limit of the sage brush, although it has been reported to 
breed up to 10,000 feet. The records of this bird in Wyoming 
are plentiful, as it is common in every county in the state. 


703. Mimus polyglottos (LINN.). 
Mockingbird, 

Summer resident; not common in southeastern Wyoming. 
Until recent years this species was not known in Wyoming. 
Mr. Bond captured’ the first specimen near Cheyenne some ten 
years ago, and since. that time they have been noticed breed- 
ing along Crow creek. Annually they cross the Laramie moun- 
tains, but seldom remain to breed. In 1897 one pair remained 
in Laramie and reared their young. ‘These were taken by Dr. 
Coburn who has one of them caged at the present time. A 


152 Wyoming Experiment Station. 


single record from Carbon county makes the extreme western 
limit of this species in this state. Bond has five skins in his 
collection that were taken at Cheyenne; Jesurun has three 
skins that were taken at Douglas. There is one skin in the 
University collection that was taken in Carbon county. 


704. Galeoscoptes carolinensis (LINN.). 
Catbird, 


Summer resident; rather common below 7,500 feet along 
water courses. The following collectors have reported this 
species: Drexel, common at Fort Bridger; Merriam, Yellow- 
stone park; Grinnell, Yellowstone park; Williston, Lake Como; 
Bond, Cheyenne; Jesurtun, Douglas; U. S$. National Museum 
Nos. 69891 and 80423 were taken at Laramie. There is a 
single skin in the University collection that was taken at Ta- 
ble mountain, Laramie county. I have also observed this bird 
in the following places: Sundance, Welcome, Buffalo, Basin 
City, Otto, Cody, Lander and Chugwater. Cary has observed 
it at Newcastle. 


705. Toxostoma rufum (LINN.). 
Brown Thrasher, 


Summer resident; not uncommon in eastern: Wyoming, 
especially in areas that are below 7,000 feet elevation. Cowes 
reports this species from Bitter Cottonwood creek; Bond, 
Cheyenne; Jesurun, Douglas; West, Buffalo; U. S. National 
Museum Nos. 69,894, 38,447, 38,449, ‘38,440 and 38,444 were 
all taken at Laramie, Fort Laramie and Laramie peak; Cary 
reports them breeding near Newcastle; Williston found them 
common along Rock creek. Central Wyoming seems to be the 
western limit of this species in this state. 


WRENS. 
715. Salpinctes obsoletus (Say.). 
Rock Wren. 
Summer resident and abundant in suitable places. Nearly 
every collector of birds visiting or living in Wyoming has 


The Birds of Wyoming. 153 


found this a common species. Data too voluminous to pub- 
lish. 


717a. Catherpes mexicanus conspersus Ripcw. 
Canon Wren, 


The only authentic record of this bird being found in 
Wyoming is that of Aiken (Bull. M. C. Z., 1872, p. 196), in 
which he states: “Quite a rare resident in winter. Found 
only in the mountains among large masses of rock on the 
faces of cliffs. Has a peculiar note, which one might easily 
mistake for a chirping cricket.” The A. O. U. Check List in- 
cludes it as a Wyoming bird, but probably from the above 
data. 


721 b. Troglodytes aedon aztecus Bairp. 
‘Western House Wren, 


Summer resident; common. It is very probable that 
the references to Parkman’s Wren, relating to Wyoming, 
should be included under this variety. The following collect- 
ors have taken this bird in Wyoming: Jesurun, Douglas; 
Cary, common breeder, Newcastle; Aiken, Sherman. I have 
observed this species at Sundance, Chugwater, Bonanza and 
Buffalo. There are three specimens in the University collec- 
tion that were taken in Albany and Carbon counties. 


722a. Olbiorchilus hiemalis pacificus (Batrrp.). 
Western Winter Wren, 


Probably a rare summer resident. Mr. Gilmore during 
the summer of 1897 found, in the Freezeout hills, a nest con- 
taining two young just ready to fly. He noted that the nest 
was in a hole in a dead tree and was composed of small twigs. 
The specimen taken from this nest was identified by Mr. Ridg- 
way. This extends the range of the species eastward for a 
considerable distance, for prior to this time its eastern limit 
was placed in the mountains of Idaho. 


154 Wyoming Experiment Station. 


724. Cistothorus stellaris (Licut.). 
Short-billed Marsh Wren. 
Accidental. Mr. Bond of Cheyenne has a single skin in 
his collection that has been identified at Washington. 


725. Cistothorus palustris (WILS.). 
Long-billed Marsh Wren, 


But very little is ‘known ‘of ‘this bird in the state, and 
there is a possibility that the following data should refer to 
some other species: Williston reports them as not uncom- 
mon about Lake Como. Grinnell notes, “seen but once on a 
muddy slough near the bridge over the Yellowstone river.” 


725c. Cistothorus palustris plesius OBERHOLSER. 
Western Marsh Wren, 

Until quite recently this variety. was placed with the 
southwestern form under the Tule Wren. In 1899 (See Auk, 
Vol. XVI.) the Western Marsh Wren was recognized and the 
Tule Wren restricted to the Pacific coast region. On this ac- 
count the records of Jesurun and Bond have been changed to 
agree with the geographical distribution. This variety is un- 
doubtedly a summer resident; but there are no breeding rec- 
ords. Jesurun has taken them at Douglas, and Bond at Chey- 
enne. There is one skin in the University collection that was 
taken at Hutton’s lake by Mr. Bond and presented to the Uni- 
versity. 

CREEPERS. 
726b. Certhia familiaris montana Rincw. 
Rocky Mountain Creeper, 

Summer resident; but very little i is known of this varie- 
ty in the state. Bond has taken them at. Cheyenne and Jesurun 
at Douglas, which includes all of the records. 


NUTHATCHES. 


7a7a. Sitta carolinensis aculeata (Cass.). 
Slender-billed Nuthatch, 


Resident; quite common. The following collectors have 


The Birds of Wyoming. 155 


taken or reported this variety: Drexel, Fort Bridger ; Merriam, 
Yellowstone park; Jesurun, Douglas; Bond, Cheyenne; Cary, 
Newcastle; Aiken, Sherman. 


728. Sitta canadensis LINN. 
Red-breasted Nuthatch, 


Resident; rather common in wooded districts. But few 
have noticed this species, which is locally abundant. Drexel 
reports them from Fort Bridger; Coues from Green river and 
other localities; Bond from Cheyenne; Jesurun from Doug- 
las, and Grinnell from Freezeout hills. I have observed this 
bird near Steamboat mountain, at Atlantic, Laramie peak and 
on Douglas creek. 


730. Sitta pygmea Vic. 
Pygmy Nuthatch, 


But little is known of this species. It should be found 
rather abundant. Bond has the only specimen that I have ever 
seen that has been taken in the state. Aiken reports them as 
winter residents near Sherman. 


CHICKADEES. 


735.a. Parus atricapillus septentrionalis (Harris.). 
Long-tailed Chickadee. 


Resident; common in the mountains. This variety has 
been noted by many. Coues reports it from Bitter Cotton- 
wood creek, Fort Bridger and Green river; Jesurun from 
Douglas; Drexel from Fort Bridger; Allen from Green river; 
Grinnell from Yellowstone park; West from Buffalo; Aiken 
from Sherman; and Cary from Newcastle. There are two 
skins in the University collection. 


738. Parus gambeli Ripcw. 


Mountain Chickadee, 
Resident; the common chickadee of the state. Coues 
makes several references to Wyoming specimens; Bond re- 
ports them from Cheyenne; Jesurun from Douglas; Grinnell 


156 Wyoming Experiment Station. 


from Freezeout hills; Merriam from Yellowstone park; 
Wood, Medicine Bow creek, and Aiken from Sherman. I 
have observed them on Douglas creek, Bear Lodge mountains, 
near Buffalo and Lander. There are three skins in the Uni- 
versity collection that have been taken in Albany county. 


BUSH-TITS. 


744. Psaltriparus plumbeus Bairp. 
Lead-colored Bush-Tit, 


Resident; uncommon, More abundant in western than 
eastern Wyoming. Stevenson reports one specimen taken at 
Green river; Aiken notes seeing them in flocks during the 
winter near Sherman; Ridgway notes (Manual of N. A. 
Birds, p. 565) that this species extends from western Colorado 
and Wyoming to eastern Oregon, etc. 


KINGLETS. 


748. Regulus satrapa LicHT. 
Golden-crowned Kinglet, 


The only record of this species being found in Wyoming 
was made by Aiken. He notes that they were first seen on 
April 23rd and were rather common. In my opinion they are 
extremely rare, if not accidental. 


749. Regulus calendula (Linw.). 
Ruby-crowned Kinglet. 


Summer resident; rather common. Reported by Drexel, 
Fort Bridger; Merriam, Yellowstone park; Stevenson, Green 
river and Henry’s Fork; Coues, Green river and Little Sandy; 
Aiken, Sherman; Jesurun, Douglas; Bond, Cheyenne. ‘There 
is one skin in the University collection that was taken in Al- 
bany county. 


754. Myadestes townsendii (Aup.). 
Townsend’s Solitaire, 


Resident; common. Breeds from 7,000 to 10,000 feet, 
quite abundant on the high sage-brush covered table lands.. 


The Buds of Wyoming. 157 


This bird has been taken by all collectors in Wyoming. There 
are a half dozen skins in the University collection. 


THRUSHES. 
756a. Hylocichla fuscescens salicicola Ripcw. 
Willow Thrush. 

Summer resident; rather common. The records of Drexel, 
Coues and Stevenson referring to Wilson’s Thrush have been 
included under this variety. Reported by Drexel, Fort Bridg- 
er; Stevenson, Green river; Baird, Fort Bridger; West, Bufta- 
lo; Jesurun, Douglas. There is one skin in the University 
collection that was taken in Johnson county. 


758a MHylocichla ustulata swainsonii (Caz.). 
Olive-backed Thrush, 


Summer resident; common in northern Wyoming. Dur- 
ing migration they are abundant over the entire state. The 
following have reported this variety: Drexel, Fort Bridger; 
Cooper, Fort Laramie; Hayden, Wind river; Bond, Cheyenne; 
Jesurun, Douglas. There are two skins in the University col- 
lection that have been taken in Albany county. 


759. Hylocichla guttata (PALLas.). 
Alaska Hermit Thrush, 


There is but a single record for Wyoming. I took this 
specimen at Laramie, Sept. 9, 1898. Mr. Ridgway identified 
the bird. 


759a. Hylocichla guttata auduboni (Bairp.). 
Audubon’s Hermit Thrush, 


Although this bird should be found commonly in Wyo- 
ming, there is but one record for the state. That is of Drexel, 
taken at Fort Bridger. I have learned through Mr. Ridgway 
that this identification is correct. , 


761. Merula migratoria (LInN.). 
Robin, 
Summer resident, east of the Laramie mountains and 
north and eastward to the Black hills. Reported by Bond of 


158 Wyoming Experiment Station. 


Cheyenne, Jesurun of Douglas, and Cary. Bond has several 
skins in his collection and reports this species common on the 
plains about Cheyenne. 


761a. Merula migratoria propinqua Ripcw. 
Western Robin, 


Summer resident; aburidant. This is the typical robin 
of the state and is found throughout central and western Wyo- 
ming. In the eastern portion of the state this and the east- 
ern.species intermingle. Records are very abundant. They 
remain very late in the fall and during a warm spell have been 
seen late in January, also in February; but they do not re- 
main. Usually they appear in great numbers on the Laramie 
plains about April roth. 


766. Sialia sialis (LINN.). 
Bluebird, 


It is a question whether this species breeds in Wyoming. 
Possibly it may along the eastern borders of the state. Bond 
of Cheyenne has captured several specimens, two of these 
last fall. These are the only Wyoming records. 


767a. Sialia mexicana bairdi Ripcw. 
Chestnut-backed Bluebird, 


There is only one authentic record for Wyoming. This 
was made by McCarthy, who took a specimen on the Sweet- 
water river in 1859. There is no doubt but what they frequent 
southwestern Wyoming and probably breed. 


768. Sialia arctica Swatns. 
Mountain Bluebird, 


Summer resident; abundant. One of the first birds to 
arrive from the south. The common bluebird of the state. 
They seem to enjoy civilization and will nest in the door yard 
if there is a small box placed in a tree. They also breed in 
the most lonely places about the foothills, usually occupying an 
abandoned woodpecker’s nest or hollow limb. The records 
are very abundant and will not be included. 


|| 


Ait : L 


1. PARUS GAMBELI. Mountain Chickadee. SITTA PYGMAA. Pygmy Nuthatch. 


MYADESTES TOWNSENDI!. Townsend's Solitaire. 


Hypothetical List. 


Since there are a few records of birds in Wyoming that 
have not been satisfactorily. disposed of, it has been deemed 
advisable to place them in a hypothetical list. These data were 
prepared for the regular list and have been: transferred as 
written. 


204. Grus americanus (LINN.). 
Whooping Crane, 
Reported by C. E. Aiken, 1872; but lacks confirmation. 


212. Rallus virginianus LINN. 
Virginia Rail. 
Reported by C. E. Aiken, 1872; but lacks confirmation. 


465. Empidonax virescens (VIEILL.). 
Green-crested Flycatcher, 


Accidental, if it is entitled to a place in the Wyoming 
fauna. The only record is that of Drexel who reported it 
from Fort Bridger in 1858. 


474.a. Otocoris alpestris leucolama (CoUuES.). 
Pallid Horned Lark. 


There are numerous records referring to this variety as 
occurring in Wyoming. I have endeavored to confirm the 
evidence offered ; but have been wholly unable to locate a single 
skin or specimen that has been taken. On this account it has 
been placed in this list and further investigations as to its west- 
ern range are very desirable. 


478. Cyanocitta stelleri (GMEL.). 
Steller’s Jay, 
Rare or accidental. The only possible record of this 


bird being taken in Wyoming comes from the National Muse- 
—(11) 


160 Wyoming Experiment Station. 


um. Their No. 62243 reads “taken at Shoshone lake by Dr. 
C. Hart Merriam.” 


478b. Cyanocitta stelleri diademata (Bonap.). 
Long-crested Jay, 


Owing to the numerous references to the Long-crested 
Jay, by all of the early and some of the recent collectors, I 
place it conditionally among the Wyoming birds. If it belongs 
to Wyoming it will be found only along the southern boundary 
of the state. 


487. Corvus cryptoleucus CoucH. 
White-necked Raven, 


Rare, so far as known. The Wyoming record is based 
upon the observation of C. E. Aiken (Am. Nat., VII, 1873, 16) 
Cheyenne, Wyo. He also states in his article in Pr. Bost. Soc., 
1872, 203, “Very common along the base of the mountains.” 
No other collector has found this raven in the state. 


509. Scolecophagus carolinus (MULL.). 
Rusty Blackbird. 


It is with some hesitancy that I place this among the Wyo- 
ming birds. Yet the data seem unquestionable and come from 
high authority. Dr. Brewer in his communication to Boston 
Society of Natural History, 1872, p. 193, which was data se- 
cured by Holden and Aiken.in the vicinity of Sherman, has 
the following note: “The character of the region of Sher- 
man, which is 8,o00 feet above the sea level, is dreary in the 
extreme. It consists of several level plateaus, interspersed, with 
canons and meadows. I found no birds plentiful with the ex- 
ception of the Rusty Blackbird, and it was difficult to obtain 
more than four or five specimens in a day.” It is evident that 
this was written by either Holden or Aiken. It is strange that 
no other collector has ever taken this species in the state, and it 
must be considered very rare. 


The Birds of Wyoming. 161 


563 a. Spizella pusilla arenacea CHADB. 
Western Field Sparrow. 


Practically nothing is known of this variety in Wyoming. 
The only record is one from Dr. Allen (Bull. Mus. Comp. 
Zool., III, 1872, 145) in which he notes taking this bird at 
Cheyenne. 


585 cc. Passerella iliaca schistacea (Barrp.). 
Slate-colored Sparrow. 


Probably a summer resident; but nothing is known of 
this variety in Wyoming except the data obtained by Drexel, 
and he remarked that they were common. It is quite probable 
that this variety is common in the western part of the state 
and seldom if ever reaches the eastern boundary. 


683. Icteria virens (LInn.). 
Yellow-breasted Chat, 


Allen reported this species from Cheyenne, Mus. Comp. 
Zool., IIT., 1872. This bird is not known to occur in the state 
and possibly it may refer to 683a. 


733 a. Parus inornatus griseus Ripcw. 
3 Gray Titmouse, 


The Wyoming record rests upon the report of Aiken. He 
notes it as a “common winter resident, gregarious during the 
first part of the winter, but since January seen only singly or 
in pairs.” 


Addenda. 


Through some unaccounted for mistake three species as 
given below were omitted from the regular list, and are in- 
cluded here. 


239. Tringa maculata VIEILL. 
Pectoral Sandpiper. 


Migratory and rare. It has been taken by Jesurun at 
Douglas and once upon the Laramie Plains. The latter speci- 
‘men is in the University collection and was taken at Seven 
Mile Lake in November, 1897. 


347a. Archibuteo lagopus sancti-johannis (GMEL.). 
American Rough-legged Hawk. 


Migratory and rather common. ‘This species may be a 

-winter resident. Hayden reported this bird from Fort Laramie, 
1860. Jesurun has taken them at Douglas and Bond at Chey- 
‘enne. Grinnell notes that it is not common in the vicinity of 
‘Lake Como. Allen reports it abundant in Carbon county in 
‘winter. Grinnell also reports it from the Yellowstone Park. 
There is one specimen in the University collection that was 
taken on the Laramie Plains during the fall of 1897. Its stom- 
ach contained portions of a rabbit. 
Although this is a large, powerful hawk, it seldom attacks birds 
‘of any kind. In the fall of the year it feeds chiefly upon ro- 
‘dents in this state, and is especially fond of ground squirrels, 
rabbits and mice. 


348. Archibuteo ferrugineus (LicuHT.). 
Ferruginous Rough-leg. 


Summer resident and common. This is one of the mos! 
valuable hawks known to this state. They feed almost entirely 


The Birds of Wyoming. 163 


upon various kinds of ground squirrels and young prairie dogs. 
In nesting they select a place near water and build upon inac- 
cessible pinnacles of rock or in the tops of scrubby pine trees. 
Their nests are usually built of small sticks and lined with 
grass. In the valley of Sand Creek, twenty miles south-west of 
Laramie, there is a nest built upon a pillar of sandstone that is: 
twenty-five or thirty feet above the ground. The nest stands. 
over four feet high and is three feet across at its base. This. 
has been occupied for many years by this species of hawk and 
each season they add a little to its height. 

Jesurun reports them common at Douglas and Bond the 
same at Cheyenne. Williston reports them from Lake Como. 
I have taken them in the Big Horn Basin, Buffalo, Sundance, 
Chugwater and on the Laramie Plains. There are two skins in 
the collection and two nests of eggs. One was secured on April 
30th and the other on May oth. 


Total number of species and varieties of birds known to 
have been taken in Wyoming up to date, 288. 


NOTE. 


xs 
Inadvertently I omitted to include the name of Mr. Merritt 
Cary among those who have furnished valuable notes for this 
bulletin, under “Acknowledgments,” and take this opportunity 
to thank him for his list that was taken at Newcastle. 


I also take pleasure in thanking Dr. A. K. Fisher of the 
Department of Agriculture for valuable suggestions and aid 
while this bulletin has been passing through the press. 


Supplement. 


Since there are so few people in Wyoming that are ac- 
quainted with our laws protecting birds, and making an open 
season for those that are justly entitled to be called “game 
birds,” I have included these laws in this bulletin, hoping that 
they may have a greater support and a wider recognition. 


PROTECTION OF BIRDS. 
(Chapter 37, Session Laws of 1901.) 

Secrion 1. Any persen who shall, within the State of Wy- 
oming, kill or catch or have in his possession, living or dead, 
any wild bird other than a game bird, or who shall purchase, 
offer, or expose for sale any such wild bird after it has been 
killed or caught, shall for each offense, be subject to a fine of 
not more than five dollars for each such bird killed or caught, or 
had in possession living or dead, or imprisonment for not more 
than ten days, or both, at the discretion of the court. For the 
purposes of this act the following only shall be considered game 
birds: The Anatidae, commonly known as Swans, Geese, 
Brant and River and Lake Ducks; the Rallidae, commonly 
known as Rails, Coots and Mud-hens; the Limicolae, common- 
ly known as Shore-birds, Plovers, Snipe, Sandpipers, Tatlers, 
Willets, Curlews, Godwits and Avocets; the Gallinae, common- 
ly known as Grouse, Prairie Chickens, Pheasants, Sagehens, 
Partridges and Quails. 

Sec. 2. Any person who shall, within the State of Wyo- 
ming, take or needlessly destroy the nest or the eggs of any wild 
bird, or shall have such nest or eggs in his or her possession, 
shall be subject for each offense to a fine of not more than five 
dollars, or imprisonment for not more than ten days, or both, at 
the discretion of the court. 

SEC. 3. Sections 1 and 2 of this act shall not apply to any 
person holding a certificate giving the right to take birds, their 


The Birds of Wyoming. 165 


nests and eggs, for scientific purposes, as provided for in Sec- 
tion 4 of this act. 

SEc. 4. Certificates may be granted by the superintendent 
of public instruction to any properly accredited person of the 
age of fifteen years or upwards, permitting the holder thereof 
to collect birds, their nests or eggs, for strictly scientific pur- 
poses only. No such certificate shall be issued until the appli- 
cant therefor shall have filed with the said superintendent of 
public instruction written testimonials from two well known 
scientific men or educators, certifying to the good character and 
fitness of said applicant to be entrusted with such privilege. 
Said applicant must file with said persons or officers a properly 
executed bond, in the sum.of two hundred dollars, signed by 
two responsible citizens of the state as sureties. ‘This bond shall 
be forfeited to the state, and the certificate become void, upon 
proof that the holder of such certificate has killed any birds or 
taken the nest or eggs of any bird, for other than the purposes 
named.in Sections 3 and 4 of this act, and shall be further sub- 
ject for each offense to the penalties provided therefor in Sec- 
tions 1 and 2 of this act. 

Sec. 5. The certificate authorized by this act shall be in 
force for one year only from the date of their issue, and shall 
not be transferable. 

Sec. 6. The English or European House Sparrow (Passer 
domesticus) and Mlagpies are not included among the birds 
protected by this act. 


OPEN SEASON FOR GAME BIRDS. 

No person shall kill, net or trap within this state, except as 
hereinafter provided, any snipe, green shank, tatler, godwit, 
curlew, avocet, or other wader or plover, nor quail, lark, whip- 
poorwill, finch, thrush, snowbird, turkey buzzard, robin or other 
insectivorous birds, except that partridges, pheasant, prairie 
chicken, prairie hen or grouse may be shot from August fif- 
teenth to December first of each year, and sage chickens may be 
shot from July fifteenth to October fifteenth of each year; and 


166 Wyoming Experiment Station. 


if at any time any person shall be found in possession of any 
partridge, pheasant, prairie hen, prairie chicken or grouse, or 
sage chicken at any other time than between the dates above 
mentioned, or any other of the fowls or birds mentioned in this 
section, except in the season, it shall be prima facie evidence 
that the same was killed, netted, ensnared or trapped by such 
person in violation of the provisions of law. Provided, That 
snipe, green shank, tatler, godwit, curlew, avocet, or other 
wader or plover, may be shot from the first day of September to 
the first day of May, in each year; Provided, also, That this 
section shall not be construed to prohibit any person from im- 
porting or dealing in quail, partridge, prairie’ chicken, prairie 
hen, pheasant or grouse imported into this state from any other 
state or territory, said person to furnish proof that. such game 
birds were killed out of this state. Any person who shall vio- 
late any of the provisions of this section shall be deemed guilty 
of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction thereof shall be fined in 
any sum not less than ten, nor more than fifty dollars, together 
with costs of suit, and shall be prosecuted and punished in the 
same manner as in other cases of misdemeanor.—( Section 2105, 
Revised Statutes. ) 

No person or persons shall ensnare, net or trap within this 
state any wild duck, wild goose, or wild swan at any time. Any 
person or persons who shall violate the provisions of this sec- 
tion shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon convic- 
tion thereof shall be fined not less than twenty nor more than 
fifty dollars for each duck, goose or swan so ensnared, netted or 
trapped. There shall be established from the first day of Sep- 
tember until the first day of May, an open season in which 
ducks, brant or geese may be shot, killed or taken by means of 
gun shot, but nothing but shoulder guns may be used at any 
time. And it shall be unlawful to kill any of the above men- 
tioned water fowls by any other means, or during any other 
period, than above specified; Provided, That it shall be unlaw- 
ful for any person or. persons to kill any wild swan in the state 
of Wyoming. Any person or persons who shall violate the pro- 
visions of this section shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, 
and upon conviction thereof shall be fined not less than ten nor 
more than twenty-five dollars for each offense, and may be im- 
prisoned in the county jail for not more than sixty days. — 
(Section 2106, Revised Statutes.) 


1. CISTOTHORUS PALUSTRIS PLESIUS. Western Marsh Wren. 
SALPINCTES OBSOLETUS. Rock Wren. 


OROSCOPTES MONTANUS. Sage Thrasher. 


A 


Acanthis linaria, 122. 
Accipiter, 61-62. 

atricapillus, 62. 

cooperi, 61. 

velox, 60. 
Xchmophorus occidentalis, 25. 
Adgialitis, 52-53. 

meloda circumcincta, 53. 

montana, 53. 

nivosa, 53. 

semipalmata, 53. 

vocifera, 52. 
Aeronautes melanoleucus, 96. 
Agelaius pheeniceus, 114. . 
Aix sponsa, 34. 
Ammodramus, 127. 


sandwichensis alaudinus, 127. 


sandwichensis savanna, 127. 
Ampelis cedrorum, 141. 
garrulus, 141. 


Amphispiza belli nevadensis, 134. 


Anas boschas, 31. 
Anser albifrons gambeli, 39. 
Anthus, 149. 
pensilvanicus, 149. 
spragueii, 150. 
Aphelocoma woodhouseli, 107. 
Aquila chrysaetos, 68. 
Archibuteo, 162. 
lagopus sancti-johannis, 162. 
ferrugineus, 162, 
Ardea, 41-42. 
candidissima, 41. 
herodias, 42. 
Ardetta exilis, 42. 
.Asio, 79-80. 
accipitrinus, 80. 
wilsonianus, 79. 
Astragalinus, 123. 
psaltria, 123. 
tristis pallidus, 123. 
Avocet, 45. 
American, 45. 


Index. 


Aythya, 34-35. 
americana, 34. 
affinis, 35. 
collaris, 35. 
marila, 35. 
vallisneria, 35. 


Bartramia longicauda, 51. 

Birds, relation to agriculture, 8-23 

Bittern, 41-42. 

American, 41. 
Least, 42. 

Blackbird, 118, 114, 116, 160. 
Brewer’s, 116. 
Red-winged, 114. 

Rusty, 160: : 
Yellow-headed, 113. 

Bluebird, 158. 
Chestnut-backed, 158. 
Mountain, 158. 

Bobolink, 110. 

Bonasa umbellus togata, 55. 
umbellus umbelloides,- 55. 

Botaurus lentiginosus, 41. 

Branta canadensis, 39. 
canadensis hutchinsii, 39. 

Bubo virginianus arcticus, 83. 
virginianus pallescens, 82. 

Bunting, 137. 

Lark, 137. 
Lazuli, 137. 

Bush-tit, 156. 
Lead-colored, 156. 

Buteo borealis calurus, 64. 
borealis kriderii, 64. 
Swainsoni, 65. 


c. 


Calamospiza melanocorys, 137. 
Calcarius lapponicus alascensis, 1 
ornatus, 126. ; 

Calidris arenaria, 49. 


168 


Index. 


Carpodacus cassini, 119. 
mexicanus frontalis, 119. 

Catbird, 152. 

Cathartes aura, 58. 


Catherpes mexicanus conspersus, 153. 
Centrocercus urophasianus, 57. 
Certhia familiaris montana, 154. 


Ceryle alcyon, 87. 
Charadrius dominicus, 52. 
squatarola, 52. 
Charitonetta albeola, 36. 
Chat, 148, 161. 
Long-tailed, 148. 
Yellow-breasted, 161. 
Chaulelasmus streperus, 31. 
Chen hyperborea, 39. 
Chickadee, 155. 
Long-tailed, 155. 
Mountain, 155. 


Chondestes grammacus strigatus, 127. 
Chordeiles virginianus henryi, 96. 


Cinclus mexicanus, 150. 

Circus hudsonius, 58. 

Cistothorus palustris, 154. 
palustris plesius, 154. 
stellaris, 154. 


Clangula clangula americana, 36. 
Coccothraustes vespertinus montanus, 


118. 


Coccyzus erythrophthalmus, 86. 


Colaptes auratus luteus, 92, 
cafer collaris, 94. 
Colymbus holbeellii, 25. 
nigricollis californicus, 25. 
Compsothlypis americana, 146. 
Contopus borealis, 101. 
richardsonii, 101. 
Coot, 43. 
American, 44. 
Cormorant, 28. 
Double-crested, 28. 
Corvus, 108, 109, 160. 
americanus, 109. 
corax sinuatus, 108. 
cryptoleucus, 160. 
Cowbird, 111. 
Crane, 43. 
Little Brown, 43. 
Sandhill, 43. 
Whooping, 159. 
Creeper, 154. 
Rocky Mountain, 154. 


Crossbill, 119, 120. 
Bendire’s, 119. 
White-winged, 120. 

Crow, 109. 

Crymophilus fulicarius, 44. 

Cuckoo, 86. 

Black-billed, 86. 
Curlew, 51. 

Long-billed, 51. 
Cyanocephalus cyanocephalus 
Cyanocitta stelleri, 159. 

stelleri annectens, 106. 

stelleri diademata, 160: 
Cyanospiza amoena, 137. 


Dafila acuta, 33. 
Dendragapus, 54. 
obscurus, 54. 
obscurus richardsonii, 54 
Dendroica, 146; 147. 
estiva, 146. 
auduboni, 147. 
coronata, 146. 
pensylvanica, 147. 
striata, -147. 
townsendi, 147. 
Dipper, 150. 
Dolichonyx oryzivorus, 110. 
Dove, 57. 
Mourning, 57. 
Dowitcher, 46. 
Long-billed, 46. 
Dryobates, 88. 
pubescens homorus, 89. 
villosus hyloscopus, 88. 
villosus monticola, 88. 
Duck, 32-36. 
American Scaup, 35. 
Baldpate, 32. 
Blue-winged Teal, 32. 
Buffle-head, 36. 
Canvas-back, 35. 
Cinnamon Teal, 33. 
Gadwall, 31. 
Green-winged Teal, 32. 
Lesser Scaup, 35. 
Mallard, 31. 
Pintail, 33. 
Redhead, 34. 
Ring-necked, 35. 


Index. 


Duck. Gavia imber, 26. 
Ruddy, 37. Geothlypis, 148. 
Shoveller, 33. tolmiei, 148. 
Wood, 34. trichas occidentalis, 148. 
Glaucionetta islandica, 36. 
E. Golden-eye, 36. 
Eagle, 68. American, 36. 
Bald, 71. Barrow’s, 36. 
Golden, 68. Goldfinch, 123. 

Ectopistes migratorius, 57. Arkansas, 1238. 

Empidonax, 102, 103, 159. Western, 123. 
difficilis, 102. Godwit, 49. 
hammondi, 102. Marbled, 49. 
minimus, 102. Goose, 39. 
trailii, 102. American White-fronted, 39. 
virescens, 159. Canada, 39. 
wrightii, 103. Hutchin’s, 39. 

Ereunetes pusillus, 48. Lesser Snow, 39. 

Erismatura rubida, 37. Goshawk, 62. 

American, 62. 
F. Grackle, 118. 

Falco, 73-78. Bronzed, 118. 
columbarius, 74. Grebe, 25-26. 
mexicanus, 73. American Eared, 25. 
peregrinus anatum, 74. Holbeell’s, 25. 
richardsonii, 75. Pied-billed, 26. 
sparverius, 76. Western, 25. 
sparverius deserticolus, 78. Grosbeak, 118, 136. 

Falcon, 73. Black-headed, 136. 
Prairie, 73. Rocky Moutain Pine, 118. 

Feet, some curious, 24. Western Evening, 118. 

Finch, 119. Grouse, 54-56. 

Cassin’s Purple, 119. Canadian Ruffed, 55. 
House, 119. Columbian Sharp-tailed, 56. 

First primaries, 29. Dusky, 54. 

Flicker, 92. Gray Ruffed, 55. 
Northern, 92. Prairie Sharp-tailed, 56. 
Red-shafted, 94. Richardson’s, 54. 

Flycatcher, 99-103, 159. Sage, 57. 

Ash-throated, 99. Grus, 48, 159. 
Crested, 99. americana, 159. 
Green-crested, 159. canadensis, 43. 
Hammond’s, 102. mexicana, 43. 
Least, 102. Gull, 27. 
Olive-sided, 101. American Herring, 27. 
Traill’s, 102. Bonaparte’s, 27. 
Western, 102. Ring-billed, 27. 
Wright’s, 103. 
Fulica americana, 44. H. 
Haliewetus leucocephalus, 71. 
G. Hawk, 58-78. 
Galeoscoptes carolinensis, 152. American Rough-legged, 162 


Gallinago delicata, 46. American Sparrow, 76. 


170 Index. 


Hawk. Junco. 
Cooper’s, 61. hyemalis, 132. 
Desert Sparrow, 78. hyemalis connectens, 132. 
Duck, 74. : mearnsi, 133. 
Ferruginous Rough-legged, 162. montana, 133. 
Krider’s, 64. Junco, 131-133. 
Marsh, 58. Gray-headed, 133. 
Pigeon, 74. Intermediate, 132. 
Sharp-shinned, 60. Montana, 133. 
Swainson’s, 65. Pink-sided, 133. 
Western Red-tail, 64. Slate-colored, 132. 
Helminthophila, 144-146. White-winged, 131. 
celata, 145. 
celata lutescens, 145. K 
peregrina, 146. : : 
rubricapilla, 145. Killdeer, 52. 
virginie, 144. Kingbird, 98. 
Helodromas solitarius, 50. Arkansas, 98. 
Heron, 41-43. ; Cassin’s, 99. 
Black-crowned Night, 43. Kingfisher, 87. 
Great Blue, 42. _ Belted, 87. 
Snowy, 41. Kinglet, 156. 
Hirundo erythrogastra, 139. Golden-crowned, 156. 
Hummingbird, 97. __ Ruby-crowned, 156. 
Broad-tailed, 97. Kittiwake, 27. 
Rufous, 97. 
Hydrochelidon nigra surinamensis, 28. L. 
Hylocichla, 157. : 
fuscescens salicicola, 157. met sar ke aluipetens; “Ob 


guttata, 157. 


guttata auduboni, 157. Borealis, UL, 


ludovicianus excubitorides, 


ustulata swainsonii, 157. 
Hypothetical List, 161. a oe ee 
, Pallid Horned, 159. 
: . Larus, 27. 

Ibis, 40. argentatus smithsonianus, 
White-faced Glossy, 40. delawarensis, 27. 

Icteria virens longicauda, 148. philadelphia, 27. 

Icterus, 116, 148. Leucosticte, 120-122. 
pullocki, 116. atrata, 122. 
virens, 161. tephrocotis, 120. 

tephrocotis littoralis, 122. 
J. Leucosticte, 120-122. 

Jay, 106, 107, 110, 159. Black, 122. 
Black-headed, 106. Gray-crowned, 120. 
Long-crested, 106, 161. Hepburn’s, 122. 

Pinon, 110. Limosa fedoa, 49. 

Rocky Mountain, 107. Longspur, 125. 

Steller’s, 159. Alaskan, 125. 
Woodhouse’s, 107. Chestnut-collared, 126. 

Junco, 131-133. McCown’s, 126. 
aikeni, 131. Loon, 26. 


caniceps, 133. Lophodytes cucuilatus, 31. 


Index. 1 


Loxia, 119-120. 
curvirostra bendirei, 119. 
leucoptera, 120. 


M. 


Macrorhampus scolopaceus, 46. 


Magpie, 104. 
Mareca americana, 32. 
Martin, 138. 
Purple, 138. 
Meadowlark, 115. 
Western, 115. 


Megascops asio maxwelliz, 82. 


Melaneryes, 91. 
erythrocephalus, 91. 
torquatus, 91. 

Melospiza, 134. 
cinera montana, 134. 
lincolnii, 134. 

Merganser, 30, 31. 
americanus, 30. 
serrator, 31. 

Merganser, 31. 
American, 30. 
Hooded, 31. 
Red-breasted, 31. 

Merlin, 75. 
Richardson’s, 75. 

Merula, 157, 158. 
migratoria, 157. 


migratoria propinqua, 158. 


Micropalama himantopus, 47. 
Mimus polyglottos, 151. 
Mniotilta varia, 144. 
Mockingbird, 151. 
Molathrus ater, 111. 
Myadestes townsendii, 156. 
Myiarchus, 99. 

cinerascens, 99. 

crinitus, 99. 


N. 


Nettion carolinensis, 32. 
Nighthawk, 96. . 

Western, 96. 
Nucifraga columbiana, 109. 
Numenius longirostris, 51. 
Nutcracker, 109. 

Clark’s, 109. 
Nuthatch, 155. 

Pygmy, 155. 

Red-breasted, 155. 

Slender-billed, 154. 


Nyctala acadica, 81. 
Nyctea nyctea, 83. 
Nycticorax nycticorax nevius, 43. 


Oo. 


Oidemia, 37. 

americana, 37. 

deglandi, 37. 

perspicillata, 37. 
Olbiorchilus hiemalis pacificus, 153 
Olor, 40. 

buccinator, 40. 

columbianus, 40. 
Oreospiza chlorura, 136. 
Oriole, 116. 

Bullock’s, 116. 
Oroscoptes montanus, 151. 
Osprey, 78. 
Otocoris, 103, 159. 

alpestris arenicola, 103. 

alpestris leucoleema, 159. 
Owl, 79-82. 

American Long-eared, 79. 

Arctic Horned, 83. 

Burrowing, 84. 

Great Gray, 81. 

Rocky Mountain Screech, 82. 

Saw-whet, 81. 

Short-eared, 80. 

Snowy, 83. 

Western Horned, 82. 


P. 


Pandion haliaetus carolinensis, 78. 
Parus, 155, 161. 
atricapillus septentrionalis, 155 
gambeli, 155. 
inornatus griseus, 161. 
Passer domesticus, 124. 
Passerella iliaca schistacea, 161. 
Passerina nivalis, 125. 
Pediccetes, 56. 
phasianellus campestris, 56. 
phasianellus columbianus, 56. 
Pelecanus, 30. 
erythrorhynchos, 30. 
occidentalis, 30. 
Pelican, 30. p 
American White, 30. 
Brown, 30. 
Perisoreus canadensis capitalis, 107 


172 


Index. 


Petrochelidon lunifrons, 138. 
Pewee, 101. 

Western Wood, 101. 
Phaiacrocorax, 28. 

carbo, 28. 

dilophus, 28. 
Phalenoptilus nuttallii, 95. 
Phalarope, 44. 

Northern, 465. 

Red, 44. 

Wilson’s, 45. 
Phalaropus, 45. 

lobatus, 45, 

tricolor, 45. 
Pheebe, 99. 

Say’s, 100. 
Pica pica hudsonica, 104. 
Picoides, 89. 

americanus dorsalis, 89. 

arcticus, 89.., 
Pigeon, 57. 

Passenger, 57. 


Pinicola enucleator montana, 118. 


Pipilo, 135. 
maculatus arcticus, 135. 
maculatus megalotyx, 135. 
Pipit, 149. , 
Sprague’s, 150. 
Piranga, 137, 138. 
erythromelas, 138. 
ludoviciana, 137. 
Plegadis guarauna, 40. 
Plover, 52-53. 
American Golden, 52. 
Belted Piping, 53. 
Black-bellied, 52. 
Mountain, 53. 
Semipalmated, 53. 
Snowy, 53. 
Podilymbus podiceps, 26. 


Pocecetes gramineus confinis, 126. 


Poor-will, 95. 

Porzana carolina, 43. 

Progne subis, 138. 

Psaltriparus plumbeus, 156. 

Ptarmigan, 55. 
Southern White-tailed, 55. 

Publications, List of, 3, 4, 5. 


Qa. 
Querquedula, 32. 
eyanoptera, 33. 
discors, 32. 


Quiscalus quiscula zneus, 118. 


R. 
Rail, 159. 

Virginia, 159. 
Rallus virginianus, 159. 
Raven, 108. 3 

White-necked, 160. 
Recurvirostra americana, 45, 
Redpoll, 122. 

Redstart, 149. 

Regulus, 156. 
calendula, 156. 
satrapa, 156. 


Rhynchophanes mccownii 126. 


Riparia riparia, 140. 
Rissa tridactyla, 27. 
Robin, 157. 

Western, 158. 
Rostral Variations, 38. 


s. 

Salpinctes, obsoletus, 152. 

Sanderling, 49. 

Sandpiper, 47-51. 
Baird’s, 47. 
Bartramian, 651. 
Least, 48. 

Pectoral, 162. 
Semipalmated, 48. 
Solitary, 50. 
Spotted, 51. 

Stilt, 47. 

Sapsucker, 90. 
Red-naped, 90. 
Williamson’s, 90. 
Yellow-bellied, 90. 

Sayornis, 99-100. 
phoebe, 99. 
saya, 100. 

Scolecophagus carolinus, 160. 
cyanocephalus, 116. 

Seoter, 37. 

American, 37. 
Surf, 37. 
White-winged, 37. 

Scotiaptex cinerea, 81. 


Seiurus noveboracensis notabili 


Selasphorus, 97. 
platycercus, 97. 
rufus, 97. 

Setophaga ruticilla, 149. 


Index. 


Shrike, 141-143. 

Northern, 141. 
White-rumped, 143. 

Sialia, 158. 
arctica, 158. 
mexicana bairdi, 158. 
sialis, 158. 

Siskin, 124. 

Pine 124. 

Sitta, 154, 155. 
canadensis, 155. 
earolinensis aculeata, 154. 
pygmea, 155. 

Snipe, 46. 

Wilson’s, 46. 

Snowflake, 125. 

Solitaire, 156. 

Townsend’s, 156. 

Sora, 43. 

Sparrow, 124, 134, 161. 
Brewer’s, 131. 
Chipping, 130. 
Clay-colored, 131. 
Huropean House, 124. 
Gambel’s, 129. 
Harris’s, 128. 
Lincoln’s, 134. 
Mountain Song, 134. 
Sage, 134. 

Savanna, 127. 
Slate-colored, 161. 
Western Chipping, 131. 
Western Field, 161. 
Western Lark, 127. . 
Western Savanna, 127. 
Western Tree, 130. 
Western Vesper, 126.. 
White-crowned, 128. 
White-throated, 130. 

Spatula clypeata, 33. 

Speotyto cunicularia hypogma, 84. 

Sphyrapicus, 90. . 
thyroideus, 90. 
varius, 90. 
varius nuchalis, 90. 

Spinus pinus, 124. 

Spizella, 130-131, 161. 
breweri, 131. ; 
monticola ochracea, 130. 
pallida, 131. 
pusilla arenacea, 161. 
socialis, 130. 
socialis arizonex, 131. 


Stelgidopteryx serripennis, 140. 
Sterna, 28. 
caspia, 28. 
hirundo, 28. 
Studying Birds, Note on, 6, 7, 8. 
Sturnella magna neglecta, 115. 
Swallow, 140. 
. Bank, 140. 
Barn, 139. 
Cliff, 138. 
Rough-winged, 140. 
Tree, 139. 
Violet-green, 139. 
Swan, 40. 
Trumpeter, 40. 
Whistling, 40. 
Swift, 96. 
White-throated, 96. 
Symphemia semipalmata inornata 


T. 


Tachycineta, 139. 
bicolor, 139. 
thalassina, 139. 

Tanager, 138. °- 
Louisiana, 137. 
Scarlet, 138. 

Tern, 28. 

Black, 28. 
Common, 28. 
Forster’s, 28. 

Thrasher, 152. 
Brown, 152. 
Sage, 151. 

Thrush, 157. 

Alaska Hermit, 157. 
Audubon’s Hermit, 157. 
Olive-backed, 157. 
Willow, 157. 

Titmouse, 161. 

Gray, 161. 

Totanus, 49, 50. 
flavipes, 50. 
melanoleucus, 49. 

Toxostoma rufum, 152. 

Towhee, 135. 

Arctic, 135. 
Green-tailed, 136. 
Spurred, 135. 

Tringa, 47, 48. 
bairdii, 47. 
maculata, 162. 
minutilla, 48. 


174 Index. 


Troglodytes aedon aztecus, 153. Waxwing, 141. 
Tyrannus, 98, 99. Bohemian, 141. 
tyrannus, 98. Cedar, 141. 

verticalis, 98. Willet, 50. 
vociferans, 99. Western, 50. 


Wilsonia pusilla, 149. 
Woodpecker, 89-91. 


Me Alpine Three-toed, 89. 

Vireo, 148, 144. Arctic Three-toed, 89. 

pellii, 144. Batchelder’s, 89. 

gilvus, 143. Cabanis’s, 88. 

olivaceus, 143. Lewis’s, 91. 

solitarius, 144. Red-headed, 91. 

solitarius plumbeus, 144. Rocky Mountain Hairy, 88. 
‘Vireo, 143, 144. Wren, 152-154, 

Bell’s, 144. Canon, 153. 

Blue-headed, 144. Long-billed Marsh, 154. 

Plumbeous, 144. Rock, 152. 

Red-eyed, 143. Short-billed Marsh, 154. 

Warbling, 143. Western House, 153. 
Vulture, 58. Western Marsh, 154.. 

Turkey, 58. Western Winter, 153. 

WwW. xX. 

‘Warbler, 144-148. Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus, 113 | | 

Audubon’s, 147. 

Black and White, 144. -Y¥ 

Black-poll, 147. 

Chestnut-sided, 147. Yellow-legs, 50. 

Lutescent, 145. Greater, 49. 

Maegillivray’s, 148. Yellow-throat, 148. 

Myrtle, 146. Western, 148. 

Nasliville, 145: 

Orange-crowned, 145. z 

Parula, 146. 

Tennessee, 146. Zamelodia melanocephala, 136. 

Townsend’s, 147. Zenaidura macroura, 57. 

Virginia’s, 144. Zonotrichia, 128-130. 

Wilson’s, 149. albicollis, 130. 

Yellow, 146. leucophrys, 128. 
‘Water-Thrush, 147. leucophrys gambeli, 129. 


Grinnell’s, 147. querula, 128.