• . ••
QL
684
K4B39
1885
BIRDS
'/
KENTUCKY GEOLOaiOAL SURVEY.
JOEN' B. FROCTEB, Director.
LIST OK THE
BIRDS OF NELSON COUNTY.
By CHARLES WICKLIFFE BECKHAM.
BLEOTROTTPED FOE THB SIIEVEY BY JOHN D. WOODS, PUBLIC PBINTEB AND BINDEB, FBANKFOET, ET,
KENTUCKY CiEOLOGIOAL SURVEY
JOHN R. PROCTER, Director.
-LIST OK THB°-^°-
BIRDS OF NELSON COUNTY.
By CHARLES WICKLIFFE BECKHAM,
ELFTTROTYPEI) i't'U TUB SIHVLV KV jnllV D. WmOIIS, ri III.IC ntlNTKK AND BIM'KK, FllANKFORT, KY.
INTRODUCTORY
r
The following paper is based almost entirely ujion my for-
mer list of the birds of this locality,* written in January, 1883,
and is prepared at the suggestion of Professor Procter, State
Geologist, to accompany Mr Linny's report on the geology of
Nelson county.
So short a time has elapsed since the former paper was writ-
ten, and my opportunities for field work have been so limited,
that I can only add four species to the fauna as heretofore
given, namely : Coturniculus henslowi., lonornis martinica,
NetUon carolinensis, and Fuligula collaris. The first, third
and fourth of these were all taken by myself, and the circum-
stances which induce me to include the latter are fully set forth
in another place.
Most of the observations were made in the immediate vicin-
ity of Bardstown, which is situated in N. Lat. 37°52', W. Long.
85°18', just on the western limit of the "Bluegrass Region,"
forty miles southeast of Louisville, and about one hundred
southwest of Cincinnati.
The sylvan flora of this locality is quite diversified. The
^ A liat of the birds of Bardstown, Nelson county, Ky. Bv rharlea Wickliffo Beckham.— Jour-
nal of the Cincinnati Society of Natural History, Vol. VI., July, 1S33, pp. 136-147.
BIRDS OF NELSON COUNTY.
most characteristic trees are beech, red and white oak, black
walnut, butternut, poplar, {Liriodendron tulipifera), sycamore,
black gum, dogwood, white elm, and hickory {Carya alba, to-
mentosa et glabra), and in some places there are dense and ex-
tensive glades of red cedar.
The country is gently undulating, and is mostly in a high
state of cultivation. In summer the greater part of the small
water courses become dry, and there is a corresponding scarcity
of that desirable liquid. In ihe western part of the county
there are still many large tracts of wild, uncultivated land,
where such birds as the Pileated Woodpecker, the Ruffed
Grouse, and the Wild Turkey are still to be found.
The list represents barely two-thirds of the birds that are,
doubtless, to be found here at one season or another, but it is
thoroughly trustworthy, as far as it goes, for no species has been
admitted on any but the best of evidence. Out of the one hundred
and seventy-one enumerated, the writer is personally responsible
for all but eight of them. He here takes the opportunity to say
that any information in regard to the birds of this and neigh-
boring counties, that may be in the possession of any one into
whose hands this paper may fall, will be gratefully received.
The nomenclature followed in this catalogue may strike some
as being rather peculiar— which it doubless is— but I am merely
adopting the emendations and corrections that are being carried
out under the authority of the American Ornithologists" Union,
principally by Dr. Leonhard Stejneger, whose intimate acquaint- . ^ .
ance with the classical literature of ornithology fit him particu- n^^
larly well for this difficult task. The reasons for aU of these
changes are clearly set forth in his "Analecta Ornithologica "
articles, already published and to be published in "■The Auk.''
The average ornithologist loves diversity in the closet as weU
as in the field— when he can't find a new bird to describe, he
BIRDS OF IN'ELSOX COUNTY. O
will go to work and give a new name to an old bird — and for
most of them^
" the new has charms which the old has not,
And the stranger's face makes the friend's forgot."
But let us hope that, with the " Stricklandian Code" as a
beacon-light, our nomenclatural pilots will be enabled to steer
the name-battered old bird-ship into a safe send Jinal port before
she is engulfed by the sea of synonyms that just now surges
around her.
BIRDS OF NELSON COUNTY.
Species known to breed here are indicated by an i.Bterisfc (♦); those strongly
inferred to do so, by a dagger (t).
Order PASSEBES : Perching Birds.
Suborder OSCINES : Singing Birds.
Family TURDID^: Thrushes.
Genus Hylocichla.
1. *Hylocicblsi mustelina (Gmel.). Wood Thrush.
A common summer resident ; arrives about April 20tli ;
departs about October 15th. In quality of tone perhaps
the most gifted of our woodland vocalists. The song of
no bird that I know comes anywhere near the full, liquid
timbre of the note of the wood thrush. It is most often
heard during the last hours of the long spring and early
summer afternoons ; and he also, when in pursuit of the
"early worm," doubtless serenades the rising sun, but I
have never heard him at that unseasonable hour. The
song, however, lacks one important element of attractive-
ness—that is, quantity. The bird generally stops sing-
ing just as you prepare to give him your undivided atten-
tion. Their food is composed almost entirely of insects.
8 BIRDS OF NELSON COUNTY.
2. Sylocichh fuscescens (Steph.). Wilson's Thrush.
Transient ; uncommon in April and May. I have only
seen this bird upon two occasions in the spring, and have
never recognized it at all in thd faU. It breeds in the
northern part of the United States and in Canada.
3. Hylocicbla alicise Baird. Grey-cheeked Thrush.
Transient ; common during the last week of April and
the first week of May. Generally found in company with
the next, which it much resembles, as I have taken speci-
mens that gave me considerable trouble to distinguish
from the other sort.
4. Sylocichh ustulata swainsoni (Caban.). OUve-backed
Thrush.
Transient. The most abundant of the thrushes during
the migrations, except the robin. A few stragglers are
seen as late as May 20th.
5. Eylocichla unalascsB pallasi (Caban.). Hermit Thrush.
Transient ; common ; arrives last of March ; leaves for
the South about November 1st. It is highly probable
that a few of these thrushes winter here in sheltered
places, as I have found them common at the same latitude
in Maryland, where the temperature was as low as 6° Fah.,
and they are known to winter north of here in Illinois.
Genus Merula.
6. * Morula migratoria (Linn). American Robin.
A permanent resident. It is quite likely that the Robins
we see during winter leave in the spring, and are suc-
ceeded by birds that have wintered farther South. On
the 15th of February, 1881, immense numbers of these
began to congregate in the dense cedar groves near Fred-
ricksburg, in Washington county, nine miles from Bards-
JUKDS OK NELSOX COUNTY. 9
town, and remained about there until Marcli 8tli. Tlious-
ands of them were captured by merely picking them off
the branches of the cedars at night, and were sold as low
as ten cents a dozen. The "roost" ' was raided in force,
by a lot of men and boys, on the night of February 21st,
and eight thousand birds were killed. [See files f)f Nel-
son County Beoord for February and March, 1881.
Genus Mimus.
1. *llLmuz^oljgloiins{\jm-]s.). Mocking-bird.
A common summer resident. A few remain all the year,
as I have observed them in every one of the twelve
months. Ten years ago they were comparatively rare
here, but now there are few gardens or yards where one
or more pairs do not nest. They often sing quite late in
the fall. I heard one in full song on the 8th of Novem-
ber.
Genus Galeoscoptes.
8. ^Galeoscoptes carolinensis (Linn.). Cat-bird.
A common summer resident. An inveterate bug-hunter,
hence a good friend to the farmer, but he also enjoys
strawberry and cherry time about as well as the rest of
us, and on this account the small fruit grower regards
him with an evil eye.
Genus Harporhynchus.
9. *Ha,rporhyncbus mfus (LIN'S.). Brown Thrasher. "French
Mocking-bird.""
Common summer resident. Always one of the earliest
of the spring arrivals. In 1881 I saw one on March 3rd.
Found almost exclusively in thickets and dense shrab-
berv.
!
10 BIRDS OF NELSON COUNTY.
Genus Sialia.
10. * Sialia sialis (LiLNN.). Blue-bird.
A common permanent resident. The habits of tliis popu-
lar bird — "with the sky on his back" — are too well
known to require comment here.
Family SYLVIID^ : Old World Warblers.
Genus Polioptila.
11. * Polioptila csrulea (Linn.). Blue-gray Gnat-catcher.
An abundant summer resident. Arrives about April 1st.
Fresh eggs are found July 2nd, when fully fledged young
are flying about. The nest of this dainty little midget is
a marvel of avian architecture, rivalling in the delicate
beauty of its structure, and its ingenious illustration of
what may jierhaps be termed the principle of protective
imitation, that of the humming-bird. On account of
its outer covering of lichens, which give it the exact ap-
pearance of the limb to which it is attached, it is very
difiicult to find. The bird can not sing, but apparently
has a good time trying, as they are quite noisy after
their puny fashion.
Genus Regulus.
12. Regulus calendula (Linn.). Ruby-crowned Kinglet.
Transient. Abundant in spring and fall. Arrives about
April 1st ; departs about October 16th. Most abundant
in cedar and other evergreen trees and shrubbery. Their
song, which is not often heard with us, is one of surpris-
ing depth and sweetness.
13. Regulus Xatrapa Light. Golden-crowned Kinglet.
Transient, but a good many winter here. Inhabiting the
1
BIRDS OF NELSON COUNTY. 11
same places as the last, with which it often associates.
The last of them leave for the North about April 25th.
Family PARID.a:: Titmice, &c.
Genus Lophophanes.
14. *Lopbopbanes bicolor (Lim^.). Tufted Titmouse, "Tomtit."
Also known as "Peter- peter," in imitation of one of its
notes. An abundant permanent resident. Never taken
its nest, and it is a standino; mystery why the nest of so
common a bird should be so difficult to find, as I have no
trouble in finding those of other hole-breeding species.
Genus Parus.
15. *PArus carolinensis Aud. Carolina Chicadee.
An abundant permanent resident. Fond of the society of
the preceding. The Chicadee raises quite a large family
for such a small bird. I have several times counted seven
young "chicks" in a nest, and other observers have re-
corded as high as ten. It must keep the industrious lit-
tle birds always "a hustling" to provide for so many
gaping mouths, and they doubtless make it lively, if not
interesting, for the bugs and other creeping things.
Family SITTID.a; : Nut-thatches.
Genus Sitta.
16. * Sitta carolinensis GuEh. White-bellied Nut-thatch.
A common permanent resident. This Nut-thatch is popu-
larly "lumped" with that imaginary group, the "Sap-
suckers;" i. e., the smaller woodpeckers, but I have yet
to see the man who ever saw this useful little bird pursu-
ing this nefarious practice. Their food is strictly insect-
iverous.
12 BIRDS OF NELSON COUNTY.
17. Situ canadensis LimN. Red-bellied Nut-thatch.
An irregular fall and winter visitant, but whenever pres-
ent, always quite common.
Family CERTHIIDZE: Creepers.
Genu.j Certhia.
18. Certbia familiaris rufa (Bartr. ). Brown Creeper.
A winter resident ; sometimes quite common in spring.
Arrives about October 15th ; leaves about April 15th.
Family TROGLODYTID^ : Wrens.
Genus Thryothorus.
19. * Tbrjrotborus ludovicianus {Gmel.). Carolina Wren.
An abundant permanent resident. The liveliest and
noisiest bird for its size that I know. Appears to always
have a quarrel on hand with somebody, and their ire
reaches fever heat whenever the ubiquitous cat happens
around. Their song is very strong and melodious, and is
often heard in mid-winter.
Genus Thryomanes.
20 *Tbrjromanes bewicki (Aud.). Bewick's Wren.
Not uncommon. Probably a permanent resident, as I
have seen them in mid-winter. Found almost exclusively
in the vicinity of dwellings.
Genus Anorthura.
21. Anortbura hiemalis (Ymihu). Winter Wren.
A rather common winter resident ; arrives about October
15th.
Genus Cistothorus.
22. Cistotbonis stellaris (Light.). Short-billed Marsh Wren.
BIEDS OF NELSON COUNTY. 13^
I have never seen but one specimen of this wren, a male,
which was shot May 1st, 1882, from the top of a small
blackberry vine in a rye field, while singing, if the queer
stridulous noise he made can be called singing.
Family MOTACILLID-ffi : Wagtails and Titlarks.
Genus Anthus.
23. Antbus ludoricinianus (Gmel. ). American Titlark.
Transient. Captured as late as April 19th. Genei'ally
found in wet fields. In my foi'mer list it is stated that
this bird was sometimes seen here in winter. This state-
ment was made upon what I am now convinced, was insuf-
ficient evidence, although it doubtless does occur here at-
that season.
Family MNIOTILTIDiE : American Warblers.
Genus Muiotilta.
24. *Mniotilta rar/a (Linn.). Black and white Creeper.
An abundant summer resident. Arrived, in 1882, as eaxlj
as April 1st.
Genus Helminthophila.
26. iHelminthopbila pinus (Linn.). Blue-winged Yellow
Warbler.
Common from April. 10th to May 25th; a few probably
remain to breed. Unlike most of the arboreal Mniotilti-
dae, which generally do their so-called "warbling" while
flitting about amongst the tree-tops in pursuit of insects,
this dainty little beauty perches himself in the top of
some small tree thirty to forty feet high, and at intervals
of two or three minutes, pours forth his "screepy" solo ;
sometimes remaining fifteen or twenty minutes on the
14 BIRDS OF NELSON COUNTY.
same perch. On several occasions, although knowing that
the birds were generally only twenty or thirty feet from
me, I have haa a great difficulty in finding them, so well
do they conceal themselves in the foliage.
26. Helmintbopbilacbrysopterai'Lm'N.). Golden- winged War-
bler.
Rare ; one specimen only. On May 11th, 1877, while
sauntering through my favorite collecting ground, I saw-
four or live warblers skipping about the top of a small
willow tree ; getting two of them in line, I fired, and down
came this bird and a Cape May Warbler — two species
entirely new to me, and both very rare in this locality.
Only those who are ' ' in the secret ' ' can appreciate my
feelings upon that occasion.
27. Helminthopbila ru&capilh (Wilson). Nashville Warbler.
Transient ; not uncommon.
28. Helminthopbila, celata (Say.). Orange-crowned Warbler.
Transient.
29. Helmintbopbilaperegrina (WiLSO'S). Tennessee Warbler.
Transient ; sometimes common in the fall.
Genus Compsothylpis.
30. fCompsotbylpis americana (Linn.). Blue yellow-backed
Warbler.
A common summer resident. Very abundant in spring.
Exceedingly variable in plumage.
Genus Ferissoglossa.
31. Ferissoglossa tigrina (Gmel.). Cape May Warbler.
Transient. Rare ; two specimens only ; both taken in
May.
BIKDS OF NHLSON COUNTY- 15
Genus Dendroeca.
32. *Dendr(Bca sstiva. (Gmel.). Summer Yellow-bird.
A common summer resident; arrives about April 15th.
This warbler, which is found all over the United States
during the breeding season-" from Sandy Hook to the
Golden Gate," is perhaps the most abundant representa-
tive of the genus here.
33. Dendr(sca csrulescens (Linn.). Black-throated Blue
Warbler.
Transient. Common; arrives about May 5th; departs
October 10th to 12th. Frequenting the lower limbs of
trees and bushes in preference to the tree-tops.
34. Dandrcsca maculosa (Gmel.). Black and yellow Warbler.
Transient ; abundant. Arrives about May 7th ; departs
about October 10th.
35. Dendrceca coronata (Linn.). Yellow-rumped Warbler.
An abundant winter resident ; arrives about October 10th
and the last of them leave about May 8th. They winter in
the cedar glades near Bardstown, where their lively
"tsip" is often the only sound to be heard in those dis-
mal solitudes.
36. *Dendrcsca csmlea (Wilson). Caerulean Warbler.
A common summer resident; arrives about April 10th.
Very abundant in the spring. I have several times killed
two at one discharge of my gun.
37. Dendrceca pennsykanica (Linn.). Chestnut-sided Warbler.
Transient. Common ; particularly so in September. Ar-
rives about May 7th ; departs about October 10th. ■
38. Dendrceca castanea (Wilson). Bay-breasted Warbler.
Transient. Not common ; arrives about May 10th.
16 BIRDS OF KELSON COUNTY.
39. DendrcBca. striata (Forst.). Black-poll Warbler.
Transient. Rather uncommon ; arrives May 7tli to lOth •,
departs about October 10th.
40. Dendrceca blackburnise(GM.EL.). Blackburniaen Warbler.
Transient. Very common in September ; but all of them
are very plainly colored then as compared with the iiery
hues of the vernal costume. Generally an early arrival.
In 1882 I took one on April 3rd. They leave towards the
last of September, but I have taken stragglers as late as
October 13th.
41. *Dendrosca dominica albilora Baird. Sycamore Warbler.
A common summer resident ; arriving very early in Ai^ril.
Almost always found along streams in the sycamore trees
{Plantanus occidentalis), amongst the branches of which
they creep in their search for insects with more of the
habits of a CertJiia than those of a warbler ; occasionally
uttering their rather musical song, whicli is singularly
like that of the Indigo Bird. Their nest I have never
been able to find, although they undoubtedly breed here.
42. \DendTCEca viiens (Gmel.). Black-throated Green Warb-
ler.
Transient. Very common. Arrives about April 18th ;
departs October 10th to 15th. I saw and identified one
on July 14th, 1882, but, of course, didn't have a gun
along, and the bird was not captured. All the specimens
I have ever taken show great variation in the amount and
intensity of the black on the breast.
43. Dendrosca pinus (Wilson). Pine-creeping Warbler.
Transient. Common in April and September. It is quite
likely that this bird breeds here.
BIRDS OF NELSON COUNTY. 17
44. Dendrceca palmarum (Gmel.). Red-poll Warbler.
Transient. Quite common. A few undoubtedly winter
here in sheltered i:)Iaces, as I have seen tliem in December
and in the middle of January. Exclusively a terrestrial
bird ; generally associating in Hocks with the smaller
sparrows.
45. j-Deadrasca discolor (Vieill.). Prairie Warbler.
Common in the spring. So far as my observations have
extended, this warbler is transient here, but for reasons
too lengthy to mention now, I feel quite sure tluit a few
of them breed. An inhabitant of sassafras and cedar
bushes, etc., that have grown np in old abandoned fields,
where its ciirious song, which Dr. Coues likens to "a
mouse complaining with the toothache," can always be
heard in spring, during the intervals between his short
flights after mosquitoes, flies, and other pestiferous flying
things.
Genus Siurus.
46. j-Siurus auricapillus (Linn.). Golden-crowned Thrush.
Common in spring and fall. Nearly always found in wood-
land, where their loud monotonous chant "drowns" all
other bird music.
47. Slums noveboracensis ( GMEL.).Small-billed Water Thrush
Transient. Rare, as I have never seen but two here — on
May 17th, 1882.
•T^/ 48. * Siurus Xotacilla (Vieill.) Large-billed Water Thrush.
An abundant svimmer resident ; arrives about April 1st.
Frequenting small woodland watercourses, every one of
which generally has a pair. They are first-class musi-
cians, but do most of their singing during the first two
18 BIRDS OF NELSON COUNTY.
weeks after their arrival from the South. They are said
to build their nests among the exposed roots of trees
along the streams, but I have never been able to find one
of them.
Genus Oporornis.
49. Oporornis agilis (Wilson). Connecticut Warbler.
Transient ; rather rare. I have taken it only twice in the
spring — May 12th and 13th, and once in the fall — Octo-
ber 11th.
50. * Oporornis formosa (Wilson). Kentucky Warbler.
A common summer resident ; ai'rives about April 20th.
This handsome ground warbler is another bird that in-
dulges in the erroneous idea that he knows how to sing,
if one may judge from the stolid persistency with which
he grinds out liis wearisome ditty, but it doubtless has
the desired effect upon "Mrs. Kentucky," and he cares
not for the plaudits of any one else.
Genus Geothylpis.
51. Geothylpis Philadelphia (Wilson). Mourning Warbler.
Transient ; rather rare. I have only taken three speci-
mens, all in May. Its habits are very similar to the next,
but its song impresses me as being much finer.
52. ^Geothylpis triohas (Linn.). Maryland Yellowthroat.
An abundant summer resident. Arrives about April
20th ; departs October lOtli to 12th. An inhabitant of
bushes and tangled thickets in the neighborood of streams.
Very suggestive of the wrens in its nervous, jerky disposi-
tion and quick movements. Sometimes, during the breed-
ing season, the males indulge in a curious habit of flying
up obliquely to the height of thirty or forty feet, and
then descending, singing volubly all the time.
BIRDS OF NELSON COUNTY. 19
Genus Icteria.
53. *Icteria virens (Linn.). Yellow-breasted Chat.
A common summer resident ; arrives about April 25tli.
If birds were not known to be temperance lolks, the
Chat would be accused of "alcoholism," for this woukl
be a very logical explanation of his absurd squawkings
and clown- like gyrations in mid-air when the nuptial
ecstasy is upon him. Like the preceding species they
prefer the seclusion of thickets to all other places, and in
such haunts they generally bring up their families ; but I
once knew a pair to build their nest in a wren box on a
luazza. [See Bulletin NuttaU Ornithological Club, 1881,
Vol. vi., p. 115].
Genus Sylvania.
54. Sylvania mitrata (Gmel.). Hooded Warbler.
Transient. One of our rarer, as well as most beautiful
warblers. I have never taken but two specimens — April
19th and May 9th, 1877.
55. Sylvania pusilla (Wilson.) Black-capped Yellow
Warbler.
Transient in May ; not common. Generally in low trees
in sparsely wooded thickets.
56. Sylvania canadensis (Linn.). Canadian Fly-catching
Warbler.
Transient. Abundant in May ; arrives May 10th to 15th.
A bird of the forest. This and the Black-poll generally
form the "rear guard" of the great sylvicoline army in
their annual march towards the Noith, as it is always,
with us, the last of the warblers to appear.
20 BIRDS OF NELSON COUNTY.
Genus Setophaga.
57. *Setopbaga ruticilla (Linn.). American Redstart.
Summer resident. Very abundant during the migrations,
but not very common in summer. Arrives April 23rd ;
dejDarts about September 15th. Fresh eggs found May
27th. One of the handsomest representatives of our syl-
van ornis, and unrivalled as an insect-catcher ; it must be
a very "cold day" indeed vi^hen the Redstart has to go
without his dinner.
Family VIREONID.*;: Vireos, or Grreenlets.
Genus Vireosylvia.
58. * Vireosylvia olivicea (LmN.). Red-eyed Vireo.
An abundant summer resident ; arrives April lOtli. They
nest in the immediate vicinity of dwellings as well as in
the forest.
59. Vireosylvia pbiladelpbica Cassin. Philadelphia Vireo.
Rare. One specimen only ; shot May 19t]i, 1877.
60. * Vireosylvia gilva (Vieill.). Warbling Vireo,
A common summer resident ; arrives about the 1st of
May. All the nests of this species I have ever seen were
jjlaced near the tops of trees instead of within a few feet
of the ground — situations that the Red-ej^e and White-eye
generally select. This dull-looking, inconspicuous little
bird is one of our sweetest songsters, although his voice
is not particularly strong, and the variety of his notes
is limited.
Genus Lanivireo.
/ 61. j-Laniviref Savifrons (Vieill.). Yellow-throated Vires.
Rather common ; arrives about April 20th. I have never
BIRDS OF WELSON COUNTY. 21
taken the nest of this greenlet, but I think that they
breed here.
62, Lanivireo solitarius (Vieill.). Blue-headed Vireo.
Transient. Not common. Arrives about April 20th ;
leaves about October 20th.
Genus Vireo.
63. * Vireo noveboracensis (Gmel.). White-eyed Vireo.
Abundant in spring, and rather common in summer. Ar-
rives April 15th to 20th. Fresh eggs found May 16th.
An inhabitant of the thicket, exclusively, and an exceed-
ingly lively little bird, with a voice loud enough for one
four or five times his size. Capt. Saville Reid, in his
"Birds of the Bermudas" likens one of its characteristic
calls to the suggestive phrase "ginger-beer-quick."
Family AMPELID.a;: Waxwings.
Genus Ampelis.
64.t Ampelis cedrorum(YiEiLh.). Cedar Waxwing. "Cherry-
Bird."
An irregular, but at times very abundant, permanent resi-
dent. Common in the cedar glades, whenever here. In
Louisiana this bird is known as the "Ortolan." There
are no less than five different birds that have had this
name applied to them : 1st. The true Ortolan, Emberiza
hortulana of Europe. 2d. The Sora-Rail, Pozana Caro-
lina. 3d. The Bobolink or Reed-bird, DoUchonyx oryzi-
vorus. 4th. The Shore Lark, Otocorys alpestris (see
Lemoine's '■'■ Oisseaux du Canada,''' p. 225); and 5th, the
bird under consideration. It is suggested that those who
contend for a vernacular nomenclature, instead of a Latin
and Greek one, put this in their pipes and smoke it.
22 BIRDS OP NELSOI^ COUNTY.
Family HIRUNDINID^: Swallows.
Genus Progne.
65. *PTOgne subis (Linn.). Purple Martin.
A common summer resident ; arrives about March 20th ;
sometimes as early as the 10th. A general favorite, breed-
ing here, as elsewhere, in boxes put up for their accom-
modation, which sometimes occasion a triangular fight
between this bird, the Blue-bird and the English Sparrow.
In one three- or four-days battle, which I witnessed, the
Blue-birds came oflf victorious.
Genus Petrochelidon.
66. * Petrochelidon lunifrons (Say). Cliff Swallow.
A rather common summer resident. I have never seen
their nests.
Genus Chelidon.
67. *Chehdon eryibrogastra (Bodd.). Barn Swallow.
An abundant summer resident ; arrives about April 20th.
These swallows do not appear to be nearly as common
about here as they were ten or fifteen years ago. Boys
destroy a great many of their nests, in the barns and other
out-buildings, which has doubtless had a very appreciable
eflEect upon their numbers.
Genus Clivicola.
68. j-CIivicoIa riparia (Linn.). Bank Swallow. " Sand
Martin."
A common summer resident.
Genus Stelgidopteryx.
69. * Stelgidopteryx serripennis ( Aud.). Rough-winged Swal-
low.
BIRDS OF NELSON COUNTY- 23
A common summer resident. In the immediate neighbor-
hood of Bardstown this is the most abundant of all the
swallows. Their favorite nesting places about here are
natural cavities in the limestone cliffs that surround the
town.
Family TANAGRID^: Tanagers.
Genus Piranga.
70. Piranga, erjrtbromelas (Vieill.). Scarlet Tanager.
Transient. Abundant in May and Septentber ; not seen
during the summer ; arrives about May 1st. A bird of
the forest ; rarely seen about cultivated places.
71. * Piranga rubra (Linn.). Summer Red-bird.
A common summer resident ; arrives April 20th to 25th.
Fresh eggs are generally to be found about May 15th.
Their nesting sites are confined exclusively to "the open,"
and almost always near a path or road. The terminal
j)ortion of a lower limb is selected, upon which the nest
is ' ' saddled ; ' ' the beech being their favorite tree. They
frequently build in the immediate vicinity of dwellings.
One was taken by me in May, 1882, in a small dogwood
near a cistern, directly over a paved way, and within twenty
or thirty feet of the house. About four- fifths of the nests
contain three eggs — the remainder four. They have a
rather pleasing song, which is heard only in May and June.
In September they seem to become particularly abundant,
and wander around in an uneasy, anxious sort of way,
constantly uttering their querulous call-note.
Family FRINGILLID^: Finches, Sparrows, &c.
Genus Carpodacus.
72. Carpodacus purpureus {Gui:!..). Purple Finch.
A common transient. A few probably winter here. Prin-
24 BIRDS OF NELSON COUNTY.
cipal food the leaf -buds of trees ; those of the "poplar"'
{Liriodendron), being apparently preferred to any other.
I have heard them singing in October, but have never
seen any birds in the red plumage at that time, all of the
males being then in the sombre plumage of the female.
Genus Loxia.
73. Lozia. curvirostra americana (Wilson). American Cross-
bill.
A flock of six or eight of these birds appeared here on
November 18th, 1882, in some pine trees, the first time I
had ever observed them. They remained only a day or
two, and none were seen until the 17th of March, follow-
ing, when I shot eight out of a flock of about twenty, in
the same place where they had previously been seen. Sev-
eral flocks were observed about the same time near Bloom-
field and Glenville, in this county, and excited considerable
comment on account of their queer bills. The weather at
the time was quite mild, so their api^earance here was
probably due to some other cause.
Genus Spinus.
74. *Spinus tristis (Linn.). American Gold-finch. "Yel-
low-bird."
An abundant permanent resident ; more so in spring and
fall than in summer and winter. Always in flocks, except
for a short time while they are nesting.
75. Spinus pinus (Wilson). Pine Gold-finch.
I observed two small flocks of this bird here in November,
1882. Their habits appeared to be very similar to those
of the last species.
PIliDS OF NELSON COUNTY.
25
Genus Passer.
76. *PAS5er domesticus Auct. English House Sparrow.
These obtrusive aliens made their appearance here about
the year 1879, and are increasing at a rapid rate, and are
to be found at several places in the country, as well as in
town. They are generally appreciated by the poople at
their true value, and are regarded as an unmitigated nuis-
ance. Pert and impudent here, as everywhere else, they
act as if they owned the town. There must be something
wrong about a theory — "survival of the fittest" — that
lets this bird live — what are they tit for anyway i
Genus Passerculus.
77. Passerculus sandwicbensis savanna (Wilson). Savanna
Sparrow.
Transient ; abundant ; arrives about March 20th. Most
common in wet meadows.
Genus Pooecetes.
78. * Pooscetes gramineus {Gmel.). Grass Finch.
A common summer resident ; arrives about the middle of
February, and leaves about November 20th. A first-rate
songster; although eminently a "ground bird," when-
ever one of them experiences the musical impulse he files
to the top of the nearest high tree, and perching himself
upon the topmost twig " turns himself loose."
Genus Coturniculus.
79.' * Coturniculus savannarum (Gmel.). Grasshopper Spar-
row.
A common summer resident. Fresh eggs found May 20th.
I have taken the bird here as late as October 26th. They
build on the ground in open fields, and conceal their nests
26 BIRDS OF NELSON COUNTY.
with more dexterity than any other sparrow that I know
of. Their note is about on a par with that of an able-
bodied Kansas grasshopper.
80. Coturniculus henslom (Aud.). Henslow's Sparrow.
On October 30th, 1884, while out quail shooting one of
my dogs, a green pointer puppy whose field education
was just beginning, "came down" in a wet clover field.
Going up to the spot I flushed the bird, which turned out
to be Henslow's Sparrow, and a new one to this locality.
Of course the dog escaped the threshing he deserved for
not distinguishing the difference between a "jack-spar-
row" and a Bob White. The bird flew a few yards before
alighting, and then scurried through the short tangled
clover like a mouse, which it did so dexterously that I had
great difiiculty in getting a shot. The only other Ken-
tucky record of this sparrow that I am aware of, is that
given by Audubon (Birds of America, 1841, iii, p. 75),
who took the type of the species near the Ohio river, oppo-
site Cincinnati.
Genus Chondestes.
81. * Chondestes grammacus {iiAY). Lark Finch.
An abundant summer resident ; arrives about April 22d.
They hatch two broods ; the young of the first brood are
fully fledged and able to fly about June 25th. A most
accomijlished musician. In California, according to Mr.
Ridgway, they are in great demand as cage birds. Wal-
lace, in his ' ' Geographical Distribution of Animals ' ' (vol.
1, p. 24), mentions two species of North American birds,
TTiryothorus ludovicianus, and PetrocTieliclon lunifrons,
that have greatly extended their range since the time of
Alexander Wilson (the beginning of the century), and he
BIRDS OF NELSON COUNTY. 27
might also have included this bird. In Bonaparte's edi-
tion of Wilson' s work (1834), the Mississippi river is given
as the eastern limit of their range, but now they are very
common hundreds of miles to the East of that stream,
and have even been seen at Washington (Ridgway) and
in Massachusetts (Brewer). They certainly have increased
in numbers in this locality since I tirst began to ' ' notice ' '
birds.
Genus Zonotrichia.
82. Zonotrichia leucophrys (Foest.). White-crowned Spar-
row.
Transient. Common in May. I have seen them in the
fall as late as October 31st.
83. Zonotrichia albicollis (Gmel.). White-throated Sparrow.
Transient. Very common. A few winter here, as I have
seen them on December 24th, and on February 1st. One
of the last of our birds to leave for the North ; stragglers
sometimes seen as late as May 18th.
Genus Spizella.
84. Spizella monticola (Gmel.). Tree Sparrow.
A common winter resident ; arrives about October 12th.
85. * Spizella socialis(WihQON). Chipping Sparrow. "House
Sparrow."
An excessively abundant summer resident. It is proba-
ble that some of them winter here, as I have seen them
here in cold weather, as late as December 28th, and as
early as February 24th. Here, as in most places, the best
known and most familiar of the sparrows.
86. ^Spizella pusilla (Wilson). Field Sparrow.
An abundant summer resident ; arrives about March 1st ;
28 15IRDS OF NELSON COUNTY.
leaves about December 1st. One of the last of our birds
to leave off singing in the summer, as their pleasing song
is heard all through "blackberry-time."
Genus Junco.
87. Junco bjrem&lis (Wilson). Junco. "Snowbird."
An abundant winter resident, from October 25th to April
15th. Often caught around barns, when the snow is on
the ground, by boys in "figure 4" traps.
Genus Peucaea.
88. j-Peucxa xstivalis bacbmani (Aud.). Bachman's Finch.
Rare. Only one specimen ; shot April 28th, 1877, from a
low limb of a small oak while singing. The song was an
exceedingly soft snd sweet strain, and seemed to be some-
what ventriloquial, apparently issuing from several dif-
ferent places, as it was sometime before I could discover
the bird.
Genus Melospiza.
89. * Melospiza fasciata (Gmel.). Song Sparrow.
In the previous list this bird is given as ' 'an abundant resi-
dent." This is partially incorrect as they are quite scarce
in Summer. I have never found the nest. One of the
earliest of our birds to "tune up" for the great Spring
song festival, and on this account quite a general favorite.
90. Melospiza georgiana (Gmel.). Swamp Sparrow.
Transient. Rather uncommon ; arrives April 1st To 10th.
91. Melospiza lincolni (Aud.). Lincoln's Finch.
Transient. Not uncommon in May. Like the last an
inhabitant of wet and swampy places.
BIRDS OF NELSON COUNTY. 29
Genus Passerella.
92. Patsserella, iliaca (Merrem). Fox-colored Sparrow.
Abundant in March and November, and common during
some winters. A bird of the thickets, in preference to all
other places.
Genus Pipilo.
93. fPipilo erythrophtbalmus (Ln<!i<!.). Towhee. "Joree."
A common permanent summer resident. Thickets and
brush-piles are their favorite resorts.
Genus Cardinalis.
94. * Cardinalis cardinalis {hmN.). Cardinal Grosbeak. "Red-
bird."
An abundant permanent resident, and a favorite cage-bird.
Three is the most usual number of eggs that their nests
contain.
Genus Habia.
95. Habia ludoviciana (Linn.). Rose-breasted Grosbeak.
I have never met with this beautiful grosbeak but upon
two occasions. On May 1, 1882, I shot one out of a liock
of eight or ten individuals, and the following day, in the
same place, I saw the same liock and four more were sac-
rificed to the cause of science. They were feeding appar-
ently upon the seeds of the sycamore tree. I heard no
note from them whatever.
Genus Passerina.
96. *Passerina cyanea (Linn.). Indigo Bunting.
An abundant Summer resident from April 20th to October
18th. A voluble, but rather poor singer, compared to
some of his Fringilline cousins, but his intentions are
good and he doubtless does the best he "knows how."
30 BIRDS OF NELSON COUNTY.
At least one-third of the nests I have found contained
eggs of the cow-bird.
Genus Spiza.
97. *Spiza americana (Gmel.). Black-throated Bunting.
A very common Summer resident, but they conceal their
nests with so much skill that I have never been able to
iind one. During May they sing a great deal ; their fa-
vorite perches when they are uttering their stridulous
notes being the tops of the stakes of rail fences.
Family ICTERID.ffi : American Starlings.
Genus Molothrus.
98. *MoIothrusater (BoDD.). Cow-bird.
A common Summer resident. The only parasitic bird we
have in the Eastern part of Nortli America. They con-
gregate in large flocks in the Fall, and leave for the South
about November 20th.
Genus Agelaius.
99. *Agelaius phceniceus (Linn.). Red-and-buff-shouldered
Blackbird.
A common Summer resident. Arrives in large flocks
early in March.
Genus Sturnella.
100. * sturnella magna (Linn.). Meadow Lark. "Field
Lark. "
Kesident all the year. Abundant in Spring and Fall.
There is a current belief, doubtless well founded, that, at
certain seasons, the flesh of this bird is infested with
worms, perhaps some species of cestoidea, but I have
never observed the phenomenon myself.
BIRDS OF NELSON COUNTY. 31
Genus Icterus.
101. *Ictenis spurius (Linn.). Orchard Oriole.
A common summer resident. Arrives about April 20th.
Sings a great deal on the wing.
102. ""Icterus galbula (Linn. ). Baltimore Oriole.
A common Summer resident. Arrives about the same
time as the preceding. A great depredator upon grape
arbors. Gov. J. Proctor Knott finds them a great nuisance
in his large vineyard near Lebanon. When engaged in
their robberies they are absolutely silent, and are perfectly
aware, that, as far as they are concerned, grapes are for-
bidden fruit, for whenever a man with a gun comes into
view, they are "off like a shot" — and it may be super-
fluous to add, before they are shot.
Genus Scolecophagus.
103. Scolecophagus caTolinvs (Mij-LL.). Rusty Blackbird.
Transient. Common during the migration. Sometimes
apjjearing as early as the middle of February, and occa-
sionally seen as late as November 4th. The "rusty " part
of his name will apply as well to his voice as to his coat.
Genus Quiscalus.
104. *Quiscaluspurpureusseneus'RmGW AY. Bronzed Grackle.
A summer resident ; very abundant in early spring. This
is the commonest and best known of the three blackbirds
we have here. A noisy colony of them have for many
years bred in some tall pine trees in a large yard in Bards-
town, and one night in August, 1880, during an exceed-
ingly violent storm many of them were killed, probably
by Hying, or being violently blown against obstacles of
some sort.
32 BIRDS OF NELSON COUNTY.
Family CORVID^ : Crows and Jays.
Genus Corvus.
105. *Cor7us americanus ( Aud.). Crow.
An abundant permanent resident. Here, as everywhere
else, a pariah amongst birds, but the brainiest of them
all. He has no friends, and apparently doesn' t want any,
for he increases and multiplies in the face of the most
unrelenting persecution. He knows the range of every
gun in his Imiliwick, and in him the honest farmer's
unsightly "scare- crow" excites no emotions, save those of
derision and contempt.
Grenus Cyanocitta.
106. *Cjranocitta cristata (Linn.). Blue Jay.
A permanent resident ; very abundant in the fall. Nests
generally placed in tall trees near dwellings. A noisy,
quari'elsome, and nest-robbing pirate. The popular belief
that he is in league with the devil and visits his sulphur-
ous majesty every Friday, to report to him and consult
upon mundane affairs, is amply supported by his wicked
disposition and general "cussedness."
Family ALAUDIDiE : Larks.
Genus Otocoris.
107. Otocoris alpestris praticola E.E,^siiAW. Prairie Lark.
A common winter resident ; appearing in irregular flocks
about the tirst week of November.
Suborder CLAMATORES : Songless Perchers.
Family TYRANNID-ffi.
Genus Tyrannus.
108. * Tyrannus tjrrannus (Linn.). King Bird. "Bee Martin."
An abundant summer resident ; arrives about April 20th.
BIRDS OF NELSON COUNTY. 33
Several years ago, in May, I saw one of these birds occu-
pying an exposed perch on a pear tree in bloom, about
which many bees were darting. Several times I observed
that the bird caught the insects without leaving his perch,
by quickly turning his head and "grabbing" them. My
attention being thoroughly aroused, I noticed that many
of them seemed to fly directly towards him ; the majority
appearing to "shy off" at a short distance and change
their course, but very few that came within reach escaped
him. The question naturally suggests itself: did the
thrifty Hymenopterce mistake the fully displayed crimson
crown (I could see that the crest was erected) for a flower ?
Once since I have observed the same phenomenon, but not
as well as upon this occasion. Mr. C. C. Nutting, who
has spent considerable time studying the birds of Costa
Rica and Niagara in their native haunts, states that he
has seen Muscivora mexicana perched upon a twig, and
waving its curious and brilliant fan-shaped crest after the
manner of a flower swayed by a gentle breeze, and thus
attracting insects within reach. In fact the majority of
the fly-catchers, a family that numerically reaches its great-
est development in the Neotropical Region, all have some
lively colored coronal decoration, which, perhaps, has
been evolved for the special j^urpose above suggested. I
understand that this subject has been discussed by Mr.
H. K. Coale in a recent paper read before the Ridgway
Ornithological Club, of Chicago, but I have not seen it,
and am unaware whether or not he has touched upon this
particular phase of the matter.
Genus Myiarchus.
109. ^JlfjiarcAuj crifli^u^ (Linn.) Great-crested Fly-catcher.
An abundant summer resident ; more numerous than the
34 BIRDS OF NELSON COUNTY.
preceding. They arrive about April 20th when they im-
mediately begin to make the wood, orchards and gardens
ring with their loud call-notes. They all appear to put
in their appearance on the same day, and do not straggle
in from the South like most of the migratory birds. Fresh
eggs are to be had about a month after their arrival. All
of the few nests I have found of this species — they breed
in hollows in trees — contained the inevitable cast-off snake
skins. ^Yhether or not they act upon the idea that ' 'the
hair of a dog is good for his bite," which is merely a
homely rendition of the homeopathic canon of ' 'similibus
similibus curantor," and put the skins in to keep the
snakes out, I leave for the determination of some of our
ornithological quidnuncs.
Genus Sayornis.
110. * Sajrornis phcebe (Lath.). Pewee.
A common summer resident, and one of our best known
birds. On account of their confiding habit of building
their nests in conspicuous and easily accessible situations,
they are the most common victim of the nest-destroying-
smaU-boy vandals, who on account of the vast amount of
total depravity and original sin that is in them, break up
their well made houses "just because," as one of the little
fiends said to me, "they's so easy to punch with a stick."
The pewees build much earlier than any of our common
birds. I have found fresh eggs on March 29th. A few
undoubtedly winter here, as I have seen them in Decem-
ber, January and February.
Genus Contopus.
111. * Contopus virens (Linn.). Wood Pewee.
An abundant summer resident. I have seen them here as
BIRDS OF NELSON COUNTY. 35
late as October lOth. As its name indicates this fly-
catcher is exclusively a woodland bird, and builds the
handsomest nest of any eastern rapresentative of its fam-
ily, but it is a very difficult one to find.
Genus Empidonax.
112. Empidonax flaviventris Baird. Yellow-bellied Fly-
catcher.
Transient. Rather uncommon.
113. *Empidonsix acadicus (VmiLL.). Acadian Fly-catcher.
A common summer resident ; arrives about May 1st.
Fresh eggs found May 20th. Their nests are quite strong,
but are so slightly built that the eggs can be easily seen
by anyone standing beneath them.
114. Empidonax minimus Baird. Least Fly-catcher.
Transient in April and May. Common. An inhabitant
of orchards and open places, in preference to the wood-
land.
Order PICAEI-ffi : Picarian Birds.
Suborder CYPSELIFORMES.
Family TROCHILID.S: : Humming Birds.
Genus Trochilus.
115. *TrocbiIus coiuW^ Linn. Ruby-throated Humming
Bird.
A common summer resident ; arrives about April 25th.
On account of the differences of plumage between the
male and female Ruby-throat, it is popularly believed
that we have two species of humming birds, but out
36 BIRDS OF NELSON COUNTY.
of the four hundred kinds known to inhabit the two
American continents, only one is found east of the Mis-
sissippi river. This particular little "winged gem" has
a curious habit, when just caught alive in the hand, of
"keeling over" on its back and feigning death, but they
always neglect to close their eyes and so rarely deceive
anyone. One spring, many years ago, dozens of them
frequented an extensive honeysuckle vine, in a large tree
within ten or twelve feet of the house, and at least
twenty of them, at different times, flew into the open
windows, and were captured, all of which invariably
"played possum" in the way above indicated, to the
great interest and amusement of the inmates of the house.
They can be easily tamed and taught to feed upon sugared
water, and make very interesting pets.
Family CYPSELID^ : Swifts.
Genus Chaetura.
116. *Cbsturapekgica, CLm^i.). Chimney Swift. "Chim-
ney Swallow."
An abundant summer resident ; arrives about April 10th.
A general favorite, all of whose habits are too well known
to bear repetition here.
Family CAPRIMULGIDiE : Goat-suckers.
Genus Caprimulgus.
117. iC&primulgus vociferus Wilson. Whip-poor-will.
An uncommon summer resident. I have never heard it
in the vicinity of Bardstown.
Genus Chordeiles.
118. j-Chordelles virginianus (GrUEL.). Night Hawk. "Bull
Bat."
Summer resident. Abundant in August and September,
BIRDS OF NELSON COUNTY. 37
and excessively so during a warm "spell" whicli lasted
during the first three days of October, 1879. Bull Bat
shooting is a favorite sport here during the last hour of
the afternoon in August and September, but their uncer-
tain and devious flight taxes the skill of the most expert
gunner.
Suborder PICIFORMES: Piciform Birds.
Family TICTDJE: Woodpeckers.
Genus Dryobates.
119. ^Dryobites villosus (Linn.). Hairy Woodpecker.
Permanent resident, not very common, but more so in
winter than at any other time. A rather shy bird.
120. * Dryobates pubescens (LiNN.). Downy Woodpecker.
A common permanent resident.
/^ Genus Sphyrapicus.
*^- — --^i^ir^ Sphyrapicus varius (Linn.). Yellow-bellied Wood-
pecker.
Winter resident. Rather common in the Fall, Avhen they
are most often seen about orchards, etc., where they are
supposed to carry on their nefarious practice of "sap-
sucking." The name "sap-sucker," is popularly applied
to this bird as well as the two last, but the others should
certainly stand acquitted of the crime. In fact all of the
woodpeckers are insectivorous and are of incalculable ben-
efit to man.
Genus Ceophloeus.
122. j-Ceophlceus pileatus (Linn.). Pileated Wood-pecker.
"Wood-cock."
An uncommon permanent resident in heavily wooded por-
tions of the county. Less than fifteen years ago I often
38 BIRDS OF NELSON COUNTY.
noticed them within a mile or two of town but now they
seem to have entirely disappeared from this vicinity.
Always, a wary bird and very difficult to approach except
in Florida where I found them quite tame.
Genus Centurus.
1 23. * Centurus carolinus (Linn.). Red-bellied Wood-pecker.
"Checker-back.^'
A common permanent resident. Also, accused by the
farmers, without reason, however, of beinga "sap-sucker."
Genus Melanerpes.
124. *]£ela,nerpes erytbrocephalus (Linn.). Red-headed
Woodpecker.
A permanent resident. Very abundant at times, but dur-
ing some years none are seen for several months. They
are rolicking, noisy sort of birds, and sometimes in Octo-
ber the racket that two or three dozen of them will make
in the woods is almost deafening. Like the rest of his
family he is eminently an insect eater, but is also very
fond of a nice Ti]}e cherry, and during the season makes
frequent excursions to the orchard, where he is often shot
for his pains, along with the Cherry Birds, by the Avatch-
ful boy on guard — if the latter isn't up the tree himself.
Genus Colaptes.
125. * Colaptes auratus (Linn.). Yellow-shafted Flicker.
"Yellow hammer."
An abundant j^ermanent resident. Stays much on the
ground, feeding in company with robins. Very fond of
the berries of the black gum. Here the Flicker is the
Ijrincipal "game" of juvenile sportsmen, and some people
eat them, but they are not poj^ular as an article of diet.
BIRDS OF NELSON COUNTY. 39
Suborder CUCDXIFORMES : Cuculiform Birds.
Family ALCEDINID^: Kingfishers.
Genus Ceryle.
126. *CerjrIe alcyon (Linn.).
Rather common. Not observed in winter, but a few are
doubtless to be found here at that season.
Family CI7CULID2E: Cuckoos.
Genus Coccyzus.
127. * Coccyzus americanus (Linn.). Yellow-billed Cuckoo.
" Rain Crow."
A common summer resident ; arrives about May 1st ; de-
parts about October 12th. An inhabitant of the densest
foliage of the tree-tops, where it is easy enough to hear
him, but very difficult to see him.
128. \Coccyzus erytbropbtbalmus (Wilson). Black-billed
Cuckoo. " Eain Crow."
A rather uncommon summer resident. Similar in habits
to the last. As is very well known these two birds get
the name of "Rain Crow" from the wide-spread popular
belief that their mournful notes are only heard before a
rain. Like most signs it signally fails in dry times.
Order RAPTORES : Birds of Prey.
Suborder STRIGES: Nocturnal Birds of Prey.
Family ALUCONID^ : Barn Owls.
Genus Aluco.
129. Aluco Sammeus pratincolus (Bonap.). American Barn
Owl.
40 BIRDS OF NELSOIf COUNTY.
In the museum of the Louisville Polytechnic Society
there is a mounted specimen of this owl, which was shot
in Bullitt county, fifteen or twenty miles north of here.
Family STRIGID.a;: Owls.
Genus Asio.
130. Asio ace jpitrinus (Pall.). Short-eared Owl.
Rare : one specimen only, flushed from a clump of briars,
November 17, 1881, and shot by Mr. W. H. Rowan, of
Bardstown.
Genus Scope.
131. * Scops asio (Linn.). Little Screech Owl.
A common permanent resident. I have seen fully fledged
young birds on the wing May 31st. For two or three
years a pair bred in a locust tree on the edge of a carriage
way, and within thirty feet of the door of a large house.
Genus Bubo.
132. *Bubo virginaaus (Gmel.). Great Horned Owl.
A rather common Summer resident. A gentleman near
here caught six or eight within a week with steel traps
placed on a conspicuous perch in his barn-yard where the
big marauders were accustomed to get their suppers.
Genus Nyctea.
133. Nyctea nivea (LmN.). Snowy Owl.
A circum-polar bird that occasionally visits these climes
during severe winters. I know but two records of its
capture: Audubon mentions one being taken "neai
Bairdstown, Kentucky," and several years ago Mr. E. E.
McKay, of this place, shot one sitting on a gate-post dur
ins: a snow-storm.
BIRDS OF NELSON COUNTY. 41
Suborder ACCIPITRES: Diurnal Birds of Prey.
FamUy FALCONID^ffi: Hawks, Etc.
Genus Falco.
134. * Falco sparverius (Linn.). Sparrow Hawk.
A common jDermanent resident. Very wary ; understand-
ing as well as a crow how to take care of their skins.
Genus Accipiter.
135. Accipiter cooperi (Bo^AF.). Cooper's Hawk.
Sometimes rather common.
136. * Accipiter fuscus (Gmkl.). Sharp-shinned Hawk.
A common pennanent resident.
Genus Buteo.
137. * Buteo lineatus (Gmel.). Red-shouldered Hawk.
"Chicken Hawk."
Permanent resident ; probably the most common hawk
found here.
Genus Halietus.
1VJ 138. Halietus le^cocepbalus (Linn.). Bald Eagle. '"Gray
' Eagle."
A newspaper paragraph (Nelson County Record, June
27, 1881) mentions the fact of one of these birds having
been seen for several days near Boston, in this county.
Family PANDIONIDiE : Ospreys.
Genus Pandion.
139. Pandion halietus carolinensis (Gmel.). Fish Hawk.
Rare. Mr. Rowan Wicklifl'e, of Bardstown, shot one in
April, 1882, which is the only record of its occurrence
here that I am aware of.
42 BIRDS OF NELSON COUNTY.
Suborder CATHARTIDES : American Vultures.
Family CATHARTID^.
Genus Cathartes.
140. *Catbartes aura (Linn.). Turkey Buzzard.
A common permanent resident, most abundant in sum-
mer.
Genus Catharista.
1^1. Catbaristaatrata (Wilson). Black Vulture. Carrion
Crow.
An uncommon summer resident.
Order COLUMB-ffi : Columbine Birds.
Suborder PERISTER-ffi.
Family COLUMBID.aE : Pigeons and Doves.
Genus Ectopistes.
142. Ectopistes migratoria CLm}^.). Passenger Pigeon. "Wild
Pigeon.
Excessively common during some falls, but not nearly as
abundant as formerly. There was an enormous flight of
them here about fifteen years ago. The following extract
from Alexander Wilson's account of this species in his
"American Ornithology," published about the year 1810,
will doubtless prove interesting : ' ' Not far from Shelby-
ville, in the State of Kentucky, about five years ago, there
was one of these breeding places, which stretched through
the woods in nearly a north and south direction, and was
several miles in breadth, and was said to be upwards oi
BIRDS OF NELSON COUNTY. 43
forty milles in extent ! In this tract almost every tree
was furnished with nests, wherever the branches could ac-
commodate them. The pigeons made their first appear-
ance there about the 10th of April, and left it altogether,
with their young, before the 25th of May. As soon as
the young were fully grown, and before they left the
nests, numerous parties of the inhabitants, from all parts
of the adjacent country, came with wagons, axes, beds,
cooking utensils, many of them accompanied by the
greater part of their families, and encamped for several
days at the immense nursery. Several of them informed
me that the noise in the wood was so great as to terrify
their horses, and that it was difficult for one person to
hear another speak without bawling in his ear. The
ground was strewed with broken limbs of trees, eggs, and
squab pigeons, which had been precipitated from above,
and on which herds of hogs were fattening. Hawks, buz-
zards, and eagles were sailing about in great numbers,
and seizing the squabs from their nests at pleasure, while
from twenty feet upwards to the tops of the trees the
view through the woods presented a perpetual tumult of
crowding and fluttering multitudes of pigeons, their
wings roaring like thunder, mingled with the frequent
crash of falling timber, for now the axe-men were at work
cutting down those trees that seemed to be most crowded
with nests, and continued to fell them in such a manner
that in their descent they might bring down several
others, by which means the falling of one large tree
sometimes produced two hundred squabs, little inferior
in size to the old ones, and almost one mass of fat. On
some single trees upwards of one hundred nests were
found. It was dangerous to walk under these flying and
44 BIRDS OF WELSON COUNTY.
fluttering millions, from the freqiient falling of large
brandies, broken down by the weight of the multitudes
above, and which, in their descent, often destroyed num-
bers of the birds themselves, while the clothes of those
engaged in traversing the woods were completely covered
with the excrements of the pigeons. These circumstances
were related to me by many of the most respectable part
of the community in that quarter, and were confirmed,
in part, by what I myself witnessed. I passed for several
miles through the same breeding place, where every tree
was spotted with nests, the remains of those above de-
scribed. In many cases I counted upwards of ninety
nests on a single tree ; but the pigeons had abandoned
this for another, sixty or eighty miles off, towards Green
river, where they were said at that time to be equally
numerous. From the great numbers that were constantly
passing overhead to or from that quarter, I had no doubt
of the truth of this statement. The mast had been chiefly
consumed in Kentucky, and the pigeons, every morning
a little before sunrise, set out for the Indiana territory,
the nearest part of which was about sixty miles distant.
Many of these returned before ten o'lock, and the great
body generally appeared on their return a little after
noon." Shelby ville is about thirty-eight miles north of
Bardstown. It is hardly necessary to state that no pigeon
" roost" is known to exist in Kentucky at this day.
Genus Zenaidura.
143. * Zenaidura carolinensis (Linn.) Mourning Dove.
A common permanent resident. They congregate in large
flocks in the corn-fields during the fall and winter.
BIRDS OF NELSON COUNTY. 45
Order GALLIN-ffi: Gallinaceous Birds.
FamUy MELEAGRIDID^ : Turkeys.
Genus Meleagris.
144. fMealeagris gallopavo Linn. Wild Turkey.
Said to still occur sparingly in the western part of the
county.
Family TETRAONID.a: : Grouse.
Genus Bonasa.
145. *Bonasa umbellus (Linn.). Ruffed Grouse. "Pheas-
ant."
Permanent resident. Not uncommon in deep wooded
ravines and other suitable places in the western part of
the county.
Family PERDICIDiE : Partridges and Quails.
Genus Colinus.
146. * Colinus 7ir0nianus (Linn.). Bob White. American
Quail. " Partridge."
A common permanent resident, but with hawks, cold
weather and sportsmen, has a hard time of it in "the
struggle for existence." They sometimes breed very late.
On October 15, 1884, I found a large bevy in a corn field
so young that thej' were unable to fly. During the early
part of the shooting season the birds spend most of their
time in the woods ; only taking to the stubble during cold
weather.
46 BIRDS OF NELSON COUNTY.
Order HERODIONES.
Family ARDEID-ffl : Herons.
Genus Ardea.
147. Ardea, berodias Linn. Great Blue Heron.
Transient. Rather uncommon, on account of the absence
of suitable places for them.
Genus Herodias.
148. Herodiis egretta (Gmel.). American Egret.
Mr. J. W. Fowler, of Louisville, informs me that he shot
one of these herons in October 1881, near Fairfield, in
this county.
Genus Garzetta.
149. Garzetta candidissima (Gmel.). Snowy Heron.
A hunter informs me that several years ago he shot a
"white fly-up-the-creek" near here, which is probably
referable to this species.
Genus Butorides.
150. * Butorides virescens (Linn.). Green Heron. "Fly-up-
the-creek."
A common Summer resident. Arrives about April 20th.
Fresh eggs obtained May 12th. Nests generally placed in
cedar trees, ten to twenty feet from the ground near
streams.
BIRDS OF NELSON COUNTY. 47
Genus Nycticorax.
151. Nycticorax griseus nsvius (Bodd.). Black-crowned
Night Heron.
Transient in May ; not very uncommon.
Genus Botaurus.
152. Botaurus lenti0nosus (Mo'STAG.). American Bittern.
Transient ; rather uncommon.
Order LIMICOLiE: Shore Birds.
Family CHARADRIID^ : Plovers.
Genus Oxyechus.
153. *Ozfecbus vociferus (Linn.). Killdeer.
A permanent resident. Common in the Spring, but rare
in summer and Winter.
Family SCOLOPACID-ffi : Snipe, Etc.
Genus Philohela.
154. fPhilobela minor (Gmel.). Woodcock.
Transient, so far as I know, but a few probably breed
here. Not very common.
Genus Gallinago.
155. Ballinagowilsoni (Te^'m..). Wilson's Snipe. "English
Snipe.
Transient. Abundant in March and the first part of
April.
48 BIRDS OF NELSON COUNTY.
Genus Rhyacophilus.
156, Rbjracopbilus solitarius (Wilson). Solitary Sandpiper.
Transient. Quite common in Spring.
Genus Actitis.
157. Actitis macularia (Lm^.). Spotted Sandpiper.
Transient, so far as my observations have extended. Ar-
rives April 5th to 10th, when it becomes rather common
for several weeks.
Order ALECTORIDES: Cranes, Rails, Etc.
Family 'RALLID.M : Gallinules, Rails and Coots.
Genus Rallus.
158. Rallus virginianus Linn. Virginia Rail.
Transient. Rare ; but one specimen — May 10th, 1882,
which was killed with a stone by a boy, who brought it
to me.
Genus Porzana.
159. Porzana, Carolina (Linn.). Sora Rail,
Transient ; rather common in October in fields overgrown
with briars, where they are very difficult to flush. Octo-
ber 12th is the latest record I have of their occurrence
here. Not seen at all in spring.
160. Porzana noveboracensis (Gmel.). Little Yellow Rail.
Transient ; rare. The only time I have ever met with this
rail was on October 1, 1880, when a male and female were
shot in an old briary field.
BIRDS OF NELSON COUNTY. 49
Genus lonornis.
161. lonornis maTtinica (Linn.). Purple Gallinule.
Fourteen or fifteen years ago, when the writer was a boy
of ten or twelve years of age, a strange looking bird was
caught on "the creek" by one of his Juvenile companions
in iniquity, and for several days we held it captive with
a string tied around one of its legs, and finally, I believe,
not knowing what to do with it we turned it loose. The
appearance of the bird with its brilliant plumage, its
queer feet with the long toes, &c., made such a lasting
impression upon me, that years afterwards, when I first
saw a Purple Gallinule in Florida, I immediately recog-
nized it as the counterpart of our quondam pet in Ken-
tucky. On account of what I am now satisfied was over
caution, this bird was not included in my former list.
Genus Fulica.
162. Fulica americana Gmel. American Coot.
Transient. Rather uncommon. In October, 1880, two
were captured alive and brought to me. They were con-
fined during the winter in a dry and well-lighted base-
ment room, by themselves, and became very tame, always
coming up when called by tlie person wlio fed them.
Their food consisted of corn-bread crumbs and other mis-
cellaneous table "scraps," upon which they throve finely.
In April they were liberated in the yard with the poultry,
and made no attempt at all to leave, but soon made them-
selves at home, and, by their strongly evinced disposition
to assert their rights, enforced the respect of the numer-
ous domestic birds with which they were bro^^ght into
contact, who seemed at first inclined to regard them as
intruders, who were to be vigorously put down. After
50 BIRDS OF NELSON COUNTY.
the first two or three days it was quite amusing to watch
the other fowls sidle off when the Coots came up for their
rations. The nearest water was a spring branch a hun-
dred yards distant, which they regularly visited two or
three times a day. They remained all summer, a^Dpar-
ently perfectly satisfied with their humdrum domestic
life, but in September they wandered off, probably im-
pelled by the migratory instinct. An account of these
two birds was published in Forest and Stream in July,
1881.
Family GRXJIDiE : Cranes.
Genus Grus.
163. Grus americana, (Linn.). Whooping Crane.
Mr. E. E. McKay informs me that many years ago he ob-
served this bird near Bloomfield in this county.
164. Qrus me^icana(M.\ji,i,.). Sandhill Crane.
Inserted on the authority of Mr. E. E. McKay, who has
frequently seen it on the Beech Fork of Salt River in this
county.
Order ANSERES.
Family ANATID.^ : Swans, Geese and Ducks.
Genus Branta.
165. Branta canadensis (Linn.). Canada Goose. "Wild
Goose."
Rather common in the air ; but very few are seen on terra
firma in these parts.
BIRDS OF NELSON COUNTY. 51
Genus Anas.
166. Anas boscaslAN-^ . Mallard.
Transient ; common.
Genus duerquedula.
167. Querqueduk discors (Linn.). Blue-winged Teal.
Transient ; common. The last of the ducks to pass north-
ward in the spring.
Genus Nettion.
168. Nettion carolinensis (Gmel.). Green-winged Teal.
Transient ; common. By one of those slips that happen
to all of us, this duck was omitted from the former list.
Genus Aix.
169. *Aix sponsa (Lm-N.). Wood Duck. Summer Duck.
An iincommon summer resident.
Genus Fuligula.
170. Fuligula collaris (Donov.). Ring-billed Blackhead.
The only time I have ever met with this duck was on
February 16, 1883, when a solitary female was shot on a
small pond in a woodland.
Order PYGOPODES : Diving Birds.
Family PODICIPEDIDiE : Grebes.
Genus Podilymbus.
171. Podilymbus podiceps ( Linn. ). Thick-billed Grebe. " Di-
dapper." " Helldiver."
Transient ; common on the streams and ponds in early
spring.
52 BIRDS OF NELSON COUNTY.
It will be at once observed that, as regards the Birds of Prey
and Water Birds, the list is very incomJ)lete. Not being suffi-
ciently acquainted with the former to infallibly identify them
at a distance, or expert enough, as a collector, to shoot them, I
have to leave out many species that undoubtedly occur here ;
and on account of the almost total absence of marshes, sloughs
and ponds, very few water birds ever halt here during the migra-
tions. The Passerine portion of the list is very much better ; the
only additional species that can reasonably be expected to occur
here being Parus atricapillus, Troglodytes cedon, Telviatodytes
palustris, Protonotaria citrea, Helmitheriis vermimrus, Hi-
rundo Mcolor, Lanius ludomcianus^ Plectrophenax nivalis,
Ouiraca ccerulea, and Em2)idonax pusillus trailU.
Audubon speaks of Protonotaria citrea as being common
near Louisville, and there are many other birds he alludes
to as being found in Kentucky, which on account of the local
character of this list are not included.
The following tables of seasonal distribution of the differ-
ent species will doubtless prove interesting :
Winter Residents.
Birds that go north la Summer but spend the Winter
here.
1. Regulus satrapa.
2. Certhia familiaris rufa.
3. Anorthura hiemalis.
4. Dendroeca coronata.
5. Dendroeca palmarum.
6. Carpodacus purpureus.
7. Zonotrichia albicollis.
8. Spizella monticola.
9. Junco hyemalis.
10. Passerella iliaca.
11. Otocorys alpestris praticola.
12. Sphyrapicus varius.
BIRDS OF JSELSON^ COTJNTY. . 53
Summer Residents.
Birds that spend the Summer here but winter further
soutJi.
1. Hylocichla musteiina.
2. Galeoscoptes carolinensis.
3. Harporhynclius rufus.
4. Polioptila cserulea.
5. Mniotilta varia.
6. Helminthopliila pinus.
7. Compsothj'lpis americana.
8. Dendroeca gestiva.
9. Dendroeca cserulea.
10. Dendroeca discolor.
11. Dendroeca dominica albilora.
12. Siurus auricapillus.
13. Siurus motacilla.
14. Oporornis forinosa.
15. Geothylpis triclias.
16. Icteria virens.
17. Setopliaga ruticilla.
18. Vireosylvia olivacea.
19. Vireosylvia gilva.
20. Lanivireo tiavifrons.
21. Vireo noveboracensis.
22. Pronge subis.
23. Petrochelidon lunifrons.
24. Chelidon erytlirogastra.
25. Clavicola riparia.
26. Stelgidopteryx serripennis.
27. Piranga rubra.
28. Pooecetes gramineus
29. Coturniculus passerinus.
30. Chondestes grammica.
31. Spizella socialis.
32. Spizella pusilla.
33. Peucjea aestivalis bachmani.
34. Passerina cyanea.
35. Spiza americana.
54 BIRDS OF NELSON COUNTY.
36. Molothnis ater.
37. Agelaius phoeniceus.
38. Icterus spurius.
39. Icterus galbula.
40. Quiscalus purjjureus ^neus.
41. Tyrannus tyranvius.
42. Myiarchus crinitus.
43. Sayornis phcebe.
44. Contopus virens.
45. Empidonax acadicus.
46. Trocliilus colubris.
47. Cliaetura pelagica.
48. Caprimulgus vociferus.
49. Chordeiles virginianus.
60. Ceryle alcyon.
51. Coccyzus americanus.
52. Coccyzus erythrophthalmus.
53. Catharista atrata,
54. Butorides virfscens. ^/
55. Aix sponsa.
Transients.
Birds that are only found Jiere during the Spring and
Fall migrations.
1. Hylocichla fuscescens.
2. Hylocichla ustulata swainsoni.
3. Hylocichla alicife.
4. Hylocichla unalascfe pallasi.
5. Regulus calendula.
6. Cistothorus stellaris.
7. Helminthopliila ruhcapilla.
8. Helminthopliila celata.
9. Helminthophila peregrina.
10. Helminthopliila chrysoptera.
11. Anthus ludovicianus.
12. Perissoglossa tigrina.
BIRDS OF NELSON COUNTY.
13. Dendroeca cserulescens.
14. Dendroeca maculosa.
15. Dendroeca pennsyivanica.
16. Dendroeca castanea.
17. Dendroeca striata.
18. Dendroeca blackburniae.
19. Dendroeca virens.
20. Dendroeca pinus.
21. SiuTOS noveboracensis.
22. Oporonis agilis.
23. Geothylpis pMladelpMa.
24. Sylvania mitrata.
25. Sylvania pusilla.
26. Sylvania canadensis.
27. Vireosylvia philadelphica.
28. Lanivireo solitarius.
29. Piranga erythromelas.
30. Passerculus sandwichensis savanna.
31. Cotnrniculus henslowi.
32. Zonotrichia leucoplirys.
33. Melospiza georgiana.
34. Melospiza lincolni.
35. Habia ludoviciana.
36. Scolecophagus ferrugineus.
37. Empidonax flaviventris.
38. Empidonax minimus.
39. Ectopistes migratoria.
40. Ardea berodias.
41. Herodias egretta.
42. Garzetta candidissima.
43. Nyticorax griseus nsevius.
44. Botaurus lentiginosus.
45. Philohela minor.
46. Gallinago wilsoni.
47. Rhyacophilus solitarius.
48. Tringoides macularius.
49. Rallus virginianus.
50. Porzana Carolina.
51. Porzana noveboracensis.
55
56 BIRDS OF NELSON COUNTY.
52. Fulica americana.
53. Grus americana.
64. Grus mexicana.
65. Branta canadensis.
56. Anas boscas.
57. Querquedula discors.
68. Nettion carolinensis.
59. Fuligula collaris.
60. Podilymdus podiceps.
Permanent Residents.
Birds that are found here during the whole year:
1. Merula migratoria.
2. Mimus polyglottus.
3. Sialia sialis.
4. Lophophanes bicolor.
6. Parus carolinensis.
6. Sitta carolinensis.
7. Thryothorus ludovicianus.
8. Thryomanes bewicki.
9. Ampelis cedrorum.
10. Spinus tristis.
11. Passer domesticns.
12. Melospiza fasciata.
13. Pipilo erythrophthalmus.
14. Cardinalis cardinalis.
15. Sturnella magna.
16. Corvus americanus. •
17. Cyanocitta cristata.
18. Dryobates pubescens.
19. Dryobates villosus.
20. Ceophleus pileatus.
21. Centurus carolinus.
22. Melanerpes erythroceplialug.
23. Colaptes auratus.
BIRDS OF NELSON COUNTY. 57
24. Scops asio.
25. Bubo virginianus.
26. Falco sparverius.
27. Accipiter cooperi.
28. Accipiter fuscus.
29. Buteo lineatus.
30. Cathartes aura.
31. Zenaidura carolinensis.
32. Meleagris gallopavo.
33. Bonasa umbellus.
34. Colinus virginianus.
35. Oxyeclius vociferus.
Irregular casual visitants.
1. Sitta canadensis.
2. Loxia curvirostra americana.
3. Spinus pinus.
4. Aluco flammeus pratincolus.
6. Nyctea nyctea.
6. Asio accipitrinus.
7. Halipetus leucocephalus.
8. Pandion halisetus carolinensis.
9. lonornis martinica.
The following table gives the families represented here,
with the number of species contained in each one, in the
order of their numerical importance :
Q 1. Mniftiltidse— 34 species.
* 2. Fringillidse— 26 species.
3. TurdidsR— 10 species.
4. Icteridae — 7 species.
5. Tyrannidae— 7 species.
6. Picidse— 7 species.
7. Vireonidfe — 6 species.
8. Falconidse — 6 species.
58 BIEDS OF NELSON COUNTY.
9. Ardeidse— 5 species.
10. Anatidae— 6 species.
11. Hirundinidse — 5 species.
12. Strigidae — 5 species.
13. Rallidffi— 5 species.
14. Troglodytidfe — 4 species.
15. Scolopacidee— 4 species.
16. Sylviidffi — 3 species.
17. Paridfe — 2 species.
18. Sittidfe — 2 species.
19. Tanagridfe— 5 species.
20. Corvidse — 2 species.
21. Caprimulgidfe — 2 species.
22. Cuculidse — 2 species.
23. CathartidJE — 2 species.
24. Columbidfe — 2 species.
25. Tetraonidfe — 2 species.
26. Gruidfe — 2 species.
27. CertMidfe — 1 species.
28. Motacillidse — 1 species.
29. Ampelidae — 1 species.
30. Alaiididse — 1 species.
31. Trocliilidfe — 1 species.
32. Cypselidse — 1 species.
33. Alcedinidfe — 1 species.
34. Meleagridfe — 1 species.
35. Charadriidse — 1 species.
36. Podicipedidse— 1 species.
March 25, 1885.
EIF l^j^.'JOJ^
P. 4. 6th line from bottom for "fit," read "fits."
10. For Satrapa read satrapa.
17. " Motacilla read motacilla.
20. " Lanivires read Lanivireo.
37. Dele star (* ) before Sphyrapicus.
41. For lencocephalus read leucocephalus.
54. No. 40 for " ceneus " read aeneus.
54. No. 41 for tyranuus read tyrannus.
54. No. 54 for virrsceus read viresceus.
57. For Mnistiltidae read Mniotiltidae.
/
