THE GIFT OF FLORENCE V. V. DICKEY TO THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA AT LOS ANGELES THE DONALD R. DICKEY LIBRARY OF VERTEBRATE ZOOLOGY 8061 Y d °Joqd ANNOTATED LIST BIRDS OF OiiDACoom.p, AND ITS IMMEDIATE VICINITY. BY WM. L. RALPH, M. D., AND EGBERT BAGG. [From the Transactions of the Oneida Historical Society, Vol. Ill, page 101 : 1886.] ANNOTATED LIST BIRDS OFOllDAijOONTY.tY., AND ITS IMMEDIATE VICINITY. BY WM. L. RALPH, M. D., AND EGBERT BAGG. [From the Transactions of the Oneida Historical Society, Vol. Ill, page 101 : 1886.] UTICA, N. Y. ELUS H. ROBERTS & Co., PRINTERS. 1886. QL r / 13 ANNOTATED LIST OF THE BIRDS OF ONEIDA COUNTY, NEW YORK, AND OF ITS IMMEDIATE VICINITY. [Read before the Society April 26, 1886.] WITH THE ADDITION OF OBSERVATIONS MADE DURING THE BREEDING SEASON OF 1886. BY WILLIAM L. EALPH, M. D., AND EGBERT BAGG, Associate Member A. O. U. The location of the County of Oneida is of first importance when considering its Bird Fauna. Almost in the centre of the State of New York, of irregular outline, approaching in shape a heart, with one lobe resting on Oneida Lake, the other in the great northern wilderness, and the point far down toward the head-waters of the Susquehanna, it is on the very edge of the great island which ages ago rose above the continental sea in northern New York; and from the Eozoic in the northeast corner, a line drawn in a southerly direction across the County, cuts outcroppings of almost all the rocks, through the Lower Silurian, the Upper Silurian, and as far as the Portage and Chemung Groups in the Devonian. It is traversed from east to west by a broad and fertile valley, containing the head-waters of the Mohawk and of Wood Creek, and between them the old " carry " of the early boatmen; the summit between the Hudson and the Great Lakes. From this valley the ground rises into gentle hills in both directions, only to fall away again to the sources of the Black River on the north and of the Chenango and the Unadilla on the south. Thus the County contains the sources of rivers flowing to all four points of the compass. The Black river to the north, the Oneida to the west ; both finding their way through the St. Lawrence to the Atlantic. The Mohawk to the east, and the Chenango and Unadilla to the south ; the former through the Hudson, and the latter through the Susquehanna, reaching the same destination. The rain fall, though we are unable to give the figures, is large, and the temperature is not only low in average, but is extremely 550721 102 ANNOTATED LIST OF variable, especially in winter ; changes of sixty degrees Fahrenheit within twenty-four hours occurring in almost every season. In a general way, the climate may be said to be favorable to a heavy growth of timber, and in fact of all vegetation ; but with the exception of the northern part of the County, the soil is culti- vated so completely that but little of the native forest remains. With such location, topography and climate, we should naturally expect to find the fauna " Canadian " rather than " Alleghanian," especially when we observe in our woods the absence of the tulip and the chestnut, common in the same parallel of latitude a short distance west of us; and we miss the whistle of "Bob White," and the mournful call of the " Common Dove," which are not uncommon sounds a comparatively few miles away. Instead, our woods are largely made up of maple, beech and conifers, and we find breeding within our limits, such strictly Canadian birds as the Golden-eye Duck, the White-throated Spar- row, the Canadian Fly-catching Warbler, the Winter Wren, and both the Hermit and Swainson's Thrushes. The list, however, shows some birds far removed from "Canadian," and perhaps further investigation in the southern part of the County might add more. We beg to acknowledge our obligations to C. Hart Merriam, M. D., of the Division of Economic Ornithology and Mammalogy, U. S. Department of Agriculture, who kindly reviewed the list while in the rough, and made several valuable additions ; to Messrs. A. L. Brainard, of Oneida, and A. Ames Hewlett, of Syracuse, for information regarding the occurrence of birds at Oneida Lake ; and to several others, who are properly credited in the appropriate places. The list is not put forth as complete. It is the work of several years, but there are many parts of the County which we have scarcely visited. • We have included quite a number of birds for which we have no positive Oneida County record, having found them in the neighboring counties, and having no doubt of their occurrence in this. In all such cases we give the location of the record, and to cover such extra- limital records we have called this paper " A List of the Birds of Oneida County and its Immediate Vicinity." Only those birds are given as breeding, for which we have positive records, though it may fairly be assumed that all those given as " summer residents " nest. THE BIRDS OF ONEIDA COUNTY. 103 We submit the list to our bird-loving friends, for what it is worth, only adding in conclusion, that every item of which we have not personal knowledge, is so given, with our authority; and that our principal effort has been, not to make the list as large as possible, but to make it positively accurate. WILLIAM L. RALPH, M. D., EGBEKT BAGG. UTICA, N. Y., September 1st, 1886. LIST. 1. Colymbus holbcellii (REINH.). 2. Ilolborll's Grebe. A female, taken out of a flock of five or six, on the Mohawk in 1867. 2. Colymbus auritus LINN. 3. Horned Grebe. A not uncommon migrant. " Common in Lewis, Herkimer and Hamilton Counties, in fall migrations." — (Merriam.) 3. Podilymbus podiceps (LINN.). Pied-billed Grebe. Not uncommon. See Galinula galeata. 4. Urinator imber (Qura.). 7. Loon. Common at Oneida Lake. One taken near TJtica. Common summer resident in Herkimer and Hamilton Counties. Breeds. 104 ANNOTATED LIST OF 5. Stercorarms parasiticus (LINN.). 37. Parasitic Jaeger. A young specimen of this bird was taken August 22, 1886, on Joe's Lake, Herkimer County, by Mr. W. P. Shepard. The bird was seen to alight on the lake, and apparently exhausted with a long journey, allowed itself to be approached in a boat and killed with a paddle. 6. Larus argentatus smithsonianus COUES. 51a. American Herring Gull. Occurs occasionally throughout the County. A common migrant at Oneida Lake. Common summer resident in Herkimer and Hamilton Counties; breeding occasionally at Joe's Lake; and almost always up to a few years ago, on Canachagala Lake, in large numbers ; and for many years on the West Canada Lakes. 7. Lams Philadelphia (ORD). 60. Bonaparte's Gull. A common migrant at Oneida Lake, where the local name is "Black head gull." Eight of these birds out of a flock of about fifty were killed on the Utica Water Works Reservoir in 1879. 8. Sterna hirundo LINN. 70. Common Tern. Of rare occurrence on Oneida Lake. In the spring of 1885 one was killed at Upper South Bay by Mr. Henry Loftie, who has the bird mounted and preserved. Mr. George D. Chapin of the same place, also reports the bird as seen, being very tame, and following the boat for quite a long time. 9. Sterna antillaram (LESS.). 74. Least Tern. Mr. F. J. Davis killed a bird of this species on the " Capron Pond," so called, in town of New Hartford, a few years ago. THE BIRDS OF ONEIDA COUNTY. 105 1 0. Hydrochelidon nigra surinamensis (GMEL.). 77. Black Tern. Several observed in the fall of 1885 at Oneida Lake, by Mr. A. A. Howlett, of Syracuse ; though he did not secure them, he is familiar with the species, and thinks there can be no mistake. As they have been killed on Onondaga Lake there is no reasonable doubt of this identification. 11. Phalacrocorax carbo (LINN ). 119. Cormorant. One killed at Oneida Lake, was mounted by A. L. Brainard, of Oneida. The Rathbun-Fowler List, published at Auburn, records one killed at " Upper South Bay," Oneida Lake, by Mr. Edward H. Mann, of Syracuse, N. Y., which is mounted and preserved in the rooms of the Onondaga Sportsmen's Club of that city. 12. Merganser americanus (CASS.). 139. American Merganser. A not uncommon migrant. 13. Merganser serrator (LINK.). 130. Red-breasted Merganser. "A common summer resident throughout the Adirondacks. Much more abundant than the Sheldrake." — (Merriam.) 14. Lophodytes cucullatus (LINN.). 131. Hooded Merganser. A common migrant. 15. Anas boschas LINN. 132. Mallard. A common migrant. 106 ANNOTATED LIST OF 16. Anas obscura QMEL. 138. Black Duck. A common migrant. Common summer resident in Herkimer and Hamilton Counties, breeding more plentifully than any other Duck. 17. Anas strepera LINN. 135. Gadwall. Two killed April, 1884, and one October, 1885, at Oneida Lake, by Mr. A. A Hewlett, of Syracuse, and several killed at the same place by Mr. N. Wood, of Brewerton. 18. Anas americana GMEL. 137. Baldpate. "A not uncommon migrant." — (Jfowlett.) 19. Anas carolinensis GMELIN. 139. Green-winged Teal. A common migrant. 20. Anas discors LINN. 140. Bine-winged Teal. A common migrant. A few probably breed, as quite young birds are occasionally shot. 21. Spatula clypeata (LINN.). 143. Shoveller. One shot and another seen near Utica, April 19th, 1884. Two killed September, 1879, at Oneida Lake, by Mr. A. A. Hewlett. THE BIRDS OP ONEIDA COUNTY. 10 V 22. Dafila acuta (LINN.). 143. Pintail. A common migrant. 23. Aix sponsa (LINN.). 144. Wood Duck. A common migrant. " A few remain to breed near Oneida Lake."— (Brainard.) 24. Aythya americana (EYT.). 146. Redhead. A migrant at Oneida Lake. A female shot near Utica. 25. Aythya vallisneria (WILS.). 147. Canvas-back. A. L. Brainard, of Oneida, has mounted one specimen killed at the Lake. 26. Aythya marila nearctica STEJN. 148. American Scaup Dnck. A common migrant. 27. Aythya affinis (Eyt.). 149. Lesser Scaup Duck. Migrant ; more common than the preceding. 28. Glaucionetta clangula americana (BONAP.). 151. American Golden-eye. A common migrant. Summer resident in Hamilton County. Broods of young birds were seen in June, 1878 and 1879. 108 ANNOTATED LIST OF 29. Charitonetta albeola (LINN.). 153. Baffle-bead. A common migrant. 30. Clangula hyemalis (LINN.). 154. Old-squaw. A rare migrant. One taken at TJtica October 27th, 1881. 31. Somateria spectabilis (LINN.). 162. King Elder. " A rare migrant. Several have been killed on Oneida Lake." (Brainard.) 32. Oidemia americana Sw. & RICH. 163. American Scoter. Occurs occasionally. " Shot at Lyons Falls and in the Adiron- dacks." — (Merriam. ) 33. Oidemia deglandi BONAP. 165. White-twinged Scoter. Two taken at Utica in the fall of 1881. Common at Oneida Lake. 34. Oidemia perspicillata (LINN.J. 166. Surf Scoter. A specimen of this bird in the possession of Mr. A. L. Brainard, of Oneida, was killed at the lake in the fall of 1884. THE BIRDS OF ONEIDA COUNTY. 109 35. Erismatura rubida (WILS.). 167. Ruddy Duck. "Rather common migrant at Oneida Lake." — (Brainard and Howlett.) 36. Branta canadensis (LINN.). 172. Canada Goose. A common migrant. 37. Olor columbianus (OKD). 180. AVIiistliiiir Swan. DeKay, in the Natural History of New York, Part II, says : " In the uninhabited regions of Herkimer and Hamilton Counties, in this State, this species, as I was informed by trustworthy hunters, remains during the whole year, where it must necessarily breed. The outlet of Lake Paskungameh, or Tupper's Lake, was specified as a spot to which they were particularly attached." Several swans, undoubtedly this species, have been killed on Oneida Lake. 38. Botaurus lentiginosus (MONTAG.). 190. American Bittern. A common summer resident. 39. Ardea herodias LINN. 194. Great Blue Heron. A common summer resident. "Breeds near the western end of Oneida Lake." — (Northrup in Ornithologist and Oologist, Vol. X^ Page 11.) 110 ANNOTATED LIST OF 40. Ardea egretta GMEL. 196. American Egert. A specimen of this handsome bird, a straggler from the South, was taken by Mr. A H. Eysaman, of Eatonville, N. Y., in the spring of 1882, in the town of Herkimer, Herkimer County. He reports that there were six of these birds in a flock, and that they remained in the vicinity about a mouth, but only one was secured. The bird was mounted and preserved. Messrs. J. P. & F. J. Davis, taxidermists, of Utica, mounted a specimen several years ago, which was killed in the town of Deerfield, on the river flats. 41. Ardea virescens LINN. 201. Green Heron. A common summer resident. Breeds. 42. Nycticorax nycticorax nsevius (BODD.). 202. Black-crowned Night Heron. A young female shot near Utica, August 12th, 1878. Mr. A L. Brainard, of Oneida, also had a young bird brought to him to mount. 43. Gms mexicana (MULL.). 206. Sandhill Crane. Messrs. J. P. & F. J. Davis, taxidermists, Utica, mounted for a Mr. Catwell, of New York Mills, a specimen of this bird, which was taken in that village in the year 1873. , 44. Ralhis virginianus LINK. 212. Virginia Rail. Not uncommon. THE BIRDS OF ONEIDA COUNTY. Ill 45. Porzana Carolina (LINN.). 214. Sora. A summer resident. Breeds. More common during migrations. 46. Porzana noveboracensis (GMEL.). 215. Yellow Rail. One taken near Utica October 3d. 1883. 47. G-allinula galeata (LICHT.). 219. Florida Gallluule. Two have been taken near Utica. Occasional at Oneida Lake. Very common on the marshes of the Seneca River, where they are called "Water chickens," and where they breed in great numbers. June 4th, IS'79, a nest was found containing four eggs. June 5th, at eleven A. M., it contained six eggs. The same day at five p. M., there were nine eggs, when the female, or one of them, was killed. The same month an old bird, followed by a brood of young, was observed leaving her nest, which on examination was found to contain one egg of this species and two of the Podilymbus podiceps, all with chicks peeping in them. It was impossible to distinguish which of the two species the old bird was ; but from these observations it seems positive that this bird not only shares its nest with its own species, but sometimes with the Grebe also. 48. Fulica americana GMEL. 221. American Coot. One taken at Utica. " Common at Oneida Lake." — (Brainard.} 49. Phalaropus lobatus (LINN.). Northern Phalarope. Early in the spring of 1881, a specimen of this bird was taken in the town of Westmoreland, in this odd manner. It was first 112 ANNOTATED LIST OF observed swimming about like a duck, in a little pond made by the melting snow and the spring rain, and catching insects which were swimming on the surface of the water. The bird being a strange one to the gentleman who observed it, it was watched closely for some time, but as there was no means at hand to cap- ture it, the gentleman finally went about his work, which was near at hand, till his attention was again attracted by the loud outcries of the bird ; and on hastening to the pond he found that the bird had been kindly captured for him by a large bullfrog, which was trying to swallow it. He killed the frog and secured the bird, which shortly died from the rough treatment it had received. It was then presented to Mrs. M. T. Brown, of Hecla, who mounted it herself and preserved it. 50. Phalaropus tricolor (VIBILL.). 224. Wilson's PIi alar o ye. A specimen of this bird was shot near the eastern end of Oneida Lake, October 6th, 1883, by Mr. Morgan K. Barnum, of Syracuse. When first observed the bird was swimming upon the surface of the Lake. 51. Philohela minor (GMEL.). 228. American Woodcock. A common summer resident. Breeds. 52. G-allinago delicata (Quo). Wilson's Snipe. A common migrant ; not so abundant as formerly. 53. Macrorhamphus griseus (GMEL.). 231. Dowltcher. Two birds of this species were shot near the eastern end of Oneida Lake, September 22d, 1883, by Mr. Morgan K. Barnum of THE BIKDS OF (MTEIDA COITNTY. 113 Syracuse. The same day he is confident he saw a flock of this snipe, containing, as well as he could judge, about fifteen. The two killed were single birds. Two shot at Oneida Lake, in 1880, by Mr. A. A. Hewlett, of Syracuse. 54. Tringa maculata VIEILL. 239. Pectoral Sandpiper. Quite common at times during migrations. 55. Tringa fuscicollis VIEILL. 240. White-ramped Sandpiper. Three taken at Utica, October 27th, 1881. 56. Tringa minutilla VIEILL. 242. Least Sandpiper. Several taken at Utica in the fall of 1881. 57. Tringa alpina pacifica (CotTEs). 243a. Red-backed Sandpiper. One taken at Utica, October 27th, 1881. Several at Oneida Lake, October 5th, 1881. 58. Ereunetes pusillus (LINN.). 246. Semlpalmated Sandpiper. Common at Oneida Lake during migrations. 114 ANNOTATED LIST OF 59. Calidris arenaria (LINN.). 248. Sanderllng. Common at Oueida Lake during migrations. 60. Totamis melanoleucus (GMEL.). 254. Greater Yello Not uncommon during migrations. 61. Totanus flavipes (GMEL.). 355. Yellow-legs. A common migrant. 62. Totanus solitarius (WILS.). 256. Solitary Sandpiper. A common migrant ; remaining till quite late in the spring. A pair taken May 15th. 1874. 63. Bartramia longicauda (BECHST.). 261. Bartramlan Sandpiper. A rather common summer resident. Breeds. 64. Actitis macularia (LINN.). Spotted Sandpiper. A common summer resident. Breeds. THE BIRDS OF ONEIDA COUNTY. 115 65. Numenius longirostris WILS 264. Long-billed Curlew. Mr. A. A, Hewlett, of Syracuse, reports, that October 5th, 1880, at Oneida Lake, a flock passed near enough to give him a shot, and though he did not secure any, he is positive of their identification, being familiar with them and with the other curlews. 66. Charadrius squatarola (LINK.). 270. Black-bellied Plover. Three taken at Oneida Lake in September, 1879, by Mr. A. A. Hewlett, of Syracuse. 67. Charadrius dominions MULL. 272. American Golden Plover. A common migrant at Oneida Lake. 68. ^gialitis vocifera (LINN.). 273. Killdccr. A common summer resident. Breeds. 69. jEgialitis semipalmata BONAP. 274 Semlpalmated Plover. Common on Oneida Lake during migrations. 70. ^Egialitis wilsonia (OBD). 280. Wilson's Plover. One shot near Upper South Bay, Oneida Lake, in 1880, by Mr. A. A. Howlett, of Syracuse. 116 ANNOTATED LIST OF 71. Arenaria interpres (LINN.). 283. Turnstone. One of this species in the possession of Mr. Maxon, of Oneida, was killed at Verona several years ago. 72. Dendragapus canadensis (LINN.). 2S Canada Grouse. Messrs. J. P. & F. J. Davis, taxidermists, Utica, mounted pair of these birds killed in the town of Greig, Lewis County. 73. Bonasa umbellus (LINN.). 300. Ruffed Grouse. A common resident. Breeds. 74. Lagopus lagopus (LINN.). 301. Willow Ptarmigan. " Mr. Romey n B. Hough has a specimen of this species that was killed in the town of Watson, on the eastern border of Lewis County, May 22d, 1876."— (Merriam. Preliminary List of the Birds of the Adirondack Region.) 75. Ectopistes migratorius (LINN.). 315. Passenger Pigeon. A common migrant till within a few years, but is now less common than formerly. Breeds in Herkimer and Hamilton Counties. THE BIRDS OF ONEIDA COUNTY. 117 76. Zenaidura macroura (LINN.). 316. mourning Dove. Messrs. J. P. & F. J. Davis, taxidermists, of Utica, report that they mounted a specimen of this bird, some time ago, which was killed in Herkimer County. 77. Cathartes aura. (LINN.). 325. Turkey Vulture. In May, 1879, Mr. Lavello J. Groves, of Westmoreland, shot a bird of this species in that Town, and had it mounted and preserved. When first seen the bird was in company with three others, in a small grove. (Recorded, Auk. Vol. Il^page 109.) 78. Circus hudsonius (LINN.). 331. Marsh Hawk. A few seen every year. The birds have been seen on Frankfort Hill during breeding season, and a fanner residing there, reports that while mowing, his machine cut off the heads of two young hawks in a nest on the ground. These could have been nothing but this species. 79. Accipiter velox (WILB.). Sharp-shinned Hawk. Seen occasionally. Breeds. A nest taken on Frankfort Hill few years ago. Two young birds shot September 18th, 1879. 80. Accipiter cooperi (BONAP.). 333. Cooper's Hawk. Quite common in some parts of the County. Breeds. 118 ANNOTATED LIST OF 81. Accipiter atricapillus (WUA). 334. American Goshawk. A specimen of this bird was shot by the late George H. Ferris, on the Deerfield Hills some years ago. He was hunting grouse in the thick brush and wearing a fur cap, when the hawk, undoubtedly mistaking this head covering for some small animal, swooped upon it ; but discovered its mistake before striking, and swerving to one side, passed close to Mr. Ferns' head, and rising among the trees, immediately lit, and was shot from its perch. The bird was mounted and preserved. 82. Buteo borealis (GMKL.)- 337. Red-tailed Hawk. Common. Breeds. 83- Buteo lineatus (GMEL.). 339. Red-shouldered Hawk. By far the most common of our Hawks. Breeding plentifully. 84. Buteo latissimus (WILS.). 343. Broad-winged Hawk. Not common. Breeds. Nest taken April 24th, 1883, by Dr. Langworthy, of New Hartford, in that Town. 85. Arohibuteo lagopus sancti-johannis (GMEL.). 347a. American Rough-legged Hawk. Not uncommon spring and fall. THE BIRDS OF ONEIDA COUNTY. 119 86. Aquila chrysaetos (LINN.). 349. Golden Eagle. A fine specimen of this magnificent bird was shot near Frank- fort, Herkimer County, October 23d, 1885. 87. Haliaeetus leucocephahis (LINN.). Bald Eagle. A common resident on Oneida Lake. 88. Falco columbarius LINN. 357. Pigeon Hawk. Messrs. J. P. & F. J. Davis, taxidermists, Utica, state that they have had several birds of this species to mount during spring and fall. 89. Falco sparrerius LINN. American Sparrow Hawk. A common summer resident. Breeds. 90. Pandion haliaetus carolinensis (GMEL.). 364. American Osprey. Not uncommon. 91. Asio wilsonianus (LESS.). American Long-eared Owl, A common resident. Breeds. 120 ANNOTATED LIST *OF 92. Asio accipitriims (PALL.). 367. Short-eared Owl. Not uncommon spring and fall. A few taken near Utica every year. 93. Syrnmm nebulosum (FORST.). Barred Owl. A not uncommon resident. One flew against a gentleman in one of the streets of the closely built part of this city, grasping his clothes with its claws, was struck down with his fist and killed with a stone. This may have been a wounded bird which had escaped from confinement, but even if that were the case, the object of the attack, if it can be so called, is a mystery. 94. Ulula cinerea (GMEL.). 370. Great Gray Owl. " A rare straggler from the North." — (Merriam.) Messrs. J. P. & F. J. Davis, taxidermists, Utica, mounted a specimen of * this owl, killed in the town of Marcy, in February, 1875. 95. Nyctala acadica (GMEL.). 372. Saw-whet Owl. This interesting little owl is not very uncommon in some parts of the County. In the neighborhood of Holland Patent, seven or eight individuals have been under careful surveillance this spring (1886). The result of a good deal of hard work in exceedingly unpleasant weather, has been the finding of four nests. The first was found March 12th, at which time it contained nothing; was visited again March 25th — still empty. But on April 5th it con- tained six eggs. Being left till the seventh, the complement was found to be seven eggs. It was situated in high and dry woods of hardwood timber, with a few hemlocks, about five rods from the THE BIRDS OF ONEIDA COUNTY. 121 open field, in a deserted woodpecker's hole in a dead maple stub, twenty-two feet from the ground. This hole had been left by the original woodpeckers at least two seasons, for in 1885 it contained a nest of flying squirrels. The entrance was round, and about two inches in diameter, just such a size that the head of the bird, exactly filled it, so that as she looked out, she presented very much the appearance of an owl's face fastened against the side of the stub. The hole was a foot deep, and eight inches in diameter at the bottom. There was no nest except small chips of rotten wood and a few owl's feathers. The bird would not leave the nest till she was threatened with the hand several times, and then flew into the nearest tree (a small hemlock), and sat there without moving during all the time that her visitors remained, (about three-quarters of an hour), and no sooner was the stub left, than she flew back again. The eggs were pure white, nearly the same size at each end, and averaged J. 16x0.97 inches. They were variously advanced in incubation, though of course none were very far along. The consistency of the albumen was particularly viscid, and the yolk small and light colored. The second nest was found near Holland Patent, April 21st, 1886, in a woodpecker's hole in a stub, forty feet from the ground, con- tained five young, and one egg just on the point of hatching. The third nest was found the same day about half a mile below Trenton Falls, near the West Canada Creek, in an old woodpecker's hole in a stub, twenty feet from the ground. The hole was nine inches deep, and nine inches across inside, lined with a few feathers, birch leaves and chips. It contained seven eggs, nearly hatched, measuring .97x1.18, .98x1.18, .98x1.24, .98x1.24, .98x1.25, .99x1.21, 3.00x1.23. The bird was taken alive from the nest. The fourth nest was found April 30th, 1886, about one mile north of Gang Mills, Herkimer County, in a deserted woodpecker's hole in a stub, fifty feet from the ground, in a swamp, and con- tained seven eggs on the point of hatching. 96. Megascops asio (LINN.). 373. Screech Owl. Not uncommon. Breeds. 122 ANNOTATED LIST OF 97. Bubo virginianus (GMKL.). 375. Great Horned Owl. Not uncommon. Breeds. 98. Nyctea nyctea (LINN.). 376. Snowy Owl. A not uncommon winter visitant. 99. Surnia ulula caparoch (MuLL.). 377«. American llu\\ k Owl. Messrs. J. P. & F. J. Davis, of TJtica, have in their possession a mounted specimen of this owl, which was killed at Clark's Mills in the winter of 1885. 100. Coccyzus americanus (LINN.). 387. Yellow- hilled Cuckoo. A rare summer resident. Breeds. Nest taken in New Hartford, July, 1884, by Dr. Langworthy, of that Town. 101. Coccyzus erythrophthalmus (WILS.). 388. Black-billed Cuckoo. A common summer resident. Breeds. This species shows its relationship to its more famous European cousin by occasionally depositing an egg in the nest of some other bird. This has been recorded by several observers in different parts of the country, and we have one record for this County. On July 10th, 1874, a nest of the Cedar Bird (Ampelis cedrorum) was taken in New Hartford which contained four eggs of the owner and one of this parasite. The nest was deserted, and apparently had been for some time; nor could it be discovered that incubation had commenced ; cer- tainly it had not in the Cuckoo's egg. (Recorded, Bulletin Nuttall Ornithological Club, Vol. II, page 110.) THE BIKDS OF OjSTEIDA COUNTY. 123 102. Ceryle alcyon (LINN.). Belted Kingfisher. A common summer resident. Breeds. 103. Dryobates villosus (LINN.). Hairy Woodpecker. A rather common resident. , Breeds. 104. Dryobates pubescens (LINN.). 394. Downy "Woodpecker. A common resident. Breeds. 105. Picoides arcticus (SWAINS.). 400. Arctic Three-toed Woodpecker. Common in Herkimer and Hamilton Counties. " Eggs taken." — (Merriam.) 106. Picoides americanus BREHM. 401. American Three-toed Woodpecker. A not uncommon resident in Herkimer and Hamilton Counties. 107. Sphyrapicus varius (LINN.). Yellow-bellied Sapsucker. A common summer resident. Breeds. 124 ANNOTATED LIST OF 108. Ceophloeus pileatus (LINN.). 405. Plleated Woodpecker. Rather rare in Herkimer and Hamilton Counties, but more common than formerly. Young bird shot August 17th, 1884. 109. Melanerpes erythrocephalus (LINN.). 406. Ked-headed Woodpecker. A common summer resident. Breeds. A nest taken within the limits of the City of Utica. 110. Melanerpes carolinus (LINN.). Bed-bellied Woodpecker. " A rare straggler." — (Merriam.) 111. Colaptes auratus (LINN.). 412. Flicker. An abundant summer resident. Breeds. 112. Antrostomus vociferus (WiLs.). 417. Whip-poor-\vlll. Mr. J. P. Davis, of Utica, killed one of these birds in the northern part of the town of Russia, Herkimer County, and trustworthy residents of the same town, state that they are not uncommon there. 113. Chordeiles virginianus (GMEL.). 420. Nlghthawk. A common summer resident. THE BIRDS OF ONEEDA COUNTY. 125 114. Chaetura pelagica (LINN.). Chimney Swift. A common summer resident. Breeds. 115. Trochilus colubris LINN. 428. Ruby-throated Hummingbird. A common summer resident. Breeds. 116. Tyranmis tyrannus (LINN.). 444. Kingbird. A common summer resident. Breeds. 117. Myiarchus crinitus (LINN.). 452. Crested Flycatcher. A common summer resident. Breeds. 118. Sayornis phcebe (LATH.). 456. Phcebe. A common summer resident. Breeds. 119. Contopus borealis (SWAINS.). 459. Olive-sided Flycatcher. Occurs during migrations. "Breeds in Herkimer, Hamilton and Eastern Lawis Counties." — (Merriam.) 120. Contopus virens (LINN.). 461. "Wood Pewee. A common summer resident. Breeds. 126 ANNOTATED LIST OF 121. Empidonax flaviventris BAIRD. 463. Yellow-bellied Flycatcher. A not common summer resident. Breeds. Nest and eggs taken at North Lake Reservoir, Herkimer County, June 24th, 1885. Eggs nearly hatched. Nest composed of fine grass, roots, leaf-bud scales of deciduous trees, and inner bark; lined with grass and fine black hair-like roots. It was sunk in a mossy bank, in the edge of thick, heavy timber. Measured : outside diameter, 3.50 inches; inside diameter, 2.50 inches; depth about 1.50 inches. The eggs were so far advanced as to make it impossible to save them, and therefore no measurements can be given. 122. Empidonax pusillus tr a illii (AuD.). 466«. Trail!** Flycatcher. A not uncommon summer resident. Breeds. 123. Empidonax minimus BAIHD. 467. Least Flycatcher. A common summer resident. Breeds. 1 24. Otocoris alpestris praticola HENSH. 4746. Prairie Horned Lark. Common in spring. Breeds. Mr. Fred. Davis took a nest in 1878. This bird has become comparatively common within a few years. In 1877 one was considered quite a rarity, since which time they have become more abundant yearly, until now they appear in the early spring in large flocks. One observed in March, 1885, numbered fifty, and was feeding on the seeds of weeds which rose above the snow, within the limits of the city of Utica. 125. Cyanocitta cristata (LINN.). 477. Blue Jay. A common resident. Breeds. THE BIRDS OF ONEIDA CODTSTTr. 127 126. Perisoreus canadensis (LINN.). 484. Canada Jay. A common resident in Herkimer and Hamilton Counties. Young birds in the dark plumage, shot June 24th, 1880. They are very familiar and amusing about the camps in the Adirondacks, where they have various names, mostly significant of their sociable and bold character, as "Whiskey Jack," "Meat Hawk," "Moose Bird," 8G. Canadian Warbler. Very common during some migrations. A common summer resident in the northern part of the County. Breeds quite com- monly in the northern part of the County. Quite a number of nests found, were all on the ground, except one taken June 26th, 1884, near Holland Patent, which was placed about 18 inches above the ground, in a cavity in the top of a slanting stump, which was so covered with vegetation as to entirely conceal the nest, which was composed of fine grass, hair-like roots and a few pine leaves. The eggs were four in number, white, showing rosy before blow- ing, covered with small spots of different shades of brown, thicker at the larger end, and measured .69 x .53, .67 x .53, .67x.53, .67 x .55, inches. 202. Setophaga riiticilla (LINN.). 687. American Redstart. A common summer resident. Breeds. 203. Anthus pensilvanicus (LATH.). 697. American Pipit. Not uncommon during migrations'. 204. G-aleoscoptes carolinensis (LINN.). 704 Catbird. An abundant summer resident. Breeds. 205. Harporhynchus mfus (LINN.). 705. Brown Tliraalier. Seen occasionally. Breeds. Two nests were taken some years ago in Deerfield, about two miles north of the Mohawk river. THE BIRDS OF ONEIDA COUNTY. 143 206. Troglodytes aedon VIEILL. 721. House Wren. A summer resident ; not nearly so common as formerly. Breeds. 207. Troglodytes hiemalis VIEILL. 722. •Winter Wren. Not uncommon. Breeds. A female taken at Utica, May 17th, 1879, contained an egg fully developed except the shell, which was still soft. During the summer of 1885 thirteen nests were found near Holland Patent, and the birds were watched while building twelve of them, and not one of these was occupied. The thirteenth nest contained six eggs when found. One of these nests, which was built but not occupied in 1885, was occupied during 1886, and a brood of young raised in it. A nest taken July 16th, 1885, (undoubtedly a second laying, as a nest was found with young in May,) two miles north of Holland Patent, was placed under the roots of a fallen tree, in a small cavity in the roots, about two feet above the ground, composed of moss, hem- lock twigs, roots and pieces of rotten wood, and lined, first with fine grass and then with grouse feathers and horse hair ; a compact mass of material, filling the cavity, and containing in its centre a cosy nest, to which entrance was obtained by a small round open- ing in the side. The eggs, six in number, were white, rather evenly marked with small spots and dots of reddish brown, and measured, .67 x .50, .67 x .49, .65 x .49, .67 z .50, .63 x .47, inches. 208. Cistothorus stellaris (LICHT.). 724 sh<.rt-MIle