THE GIFT OF FLORENCE V. V. DICKEY TO THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA AT LOS ANGELES THE DONALD R. DICKEY LIBRARY OF VERTEBRATE ZOOLOGY BULLETIN OF THE DEPARTMENT OF GEOLOGY AND NAT- URAL HISTORY, COLGATE UNIVERSITY. BIRDS OF MADISON COUNTY NEW YORK GEORGE CHARLES EMBODY, B. S. HAMILTON, N. Y. 1901 {LUKBIBD AT NEST-HOLE Photo from Life by th* BULLETIN OF THE DEPARTMENT OF GEOLOGY AND NAT- URAL HISTORY, COLGATE UNIVERSITY. BIRDS OF MADISON COUNTY NEW YORK GEORGE CHARLES EMBODY, B. S., ASSOCIATE MEMBER A. 0. U. PRESENTED AS A THESIS FOR THE DEGREE OF MASTER OF SCIENCE, COLGATE UNIVERSITY, NINETEEN HUNDRED ONE HAMILTON, N. Y. 1901 INTRODUCTION In considering the Bird fauna of a district, a knowledge of the topography and other physical conditions is important. The region in question includes all of Madison county, and is, roughly speaking, in the center of New York state. The district is traversed by rather deep fertile valleys seldom exceeding a mile in breadth and having a general trend of north and south. The north-eastern boundary upon Oneida county forms a part of the divide between the headwaters of the Mohawk and Susquehanna river systems. Along the hill slopes, in the numerous gorges and sometimes on the crests of the hills, one sees many of the outcrops of rocks of the Hamilton formation. Many of those appearing on the crests exhibit glacial striae. In fact the whole district with its gentle slopes, well rounded hills, its numerous glacial terraces, its morainic deposits, its mantle of till, and the presence of multitudes of erratic boulders, constitutes a typical glaciated region. The northern part of the county borders on Oneida Lake. A broad sandy beach many miles in extent furnishes an abundance of food for the snipes, sandpipers, plovers and other shore birds, while the size of the lake is such as to attract large numbers of the duck and other families of swimming and diving birds. While any bird taken on Oneida Lake or its shores outside of Madison county may be considered a part of the fauna of that county, it is thought best to include in the following list only those which have been taken in Madison county with the possible exception of a few recorded from Verona Beach, separated only by a small stream. The presence of five or six small lakes a mile or more in length renders the interior of the county also favorable to a limited number of water birds. But as these bodies of water usually freeze over during the early frosts, very few of the water birds may be found during the winter months. It will not be out of place to locate a few of the more important lakes and ponds. About three miles north of Hamilton are two, known locally as "Leland's Ponds." Upon the bottoms of these 395941 4 INTRODUCTION ponds there is a layer of mud several feet thick, which contains in- numerable small molluscs. During the dry season, great numbers of the local shore birds find an abundance of food on the exposed bars. Woodman's pond, about one mile long by one-half wide, is situated a little over two miles due north of Hamilton. Fed en- tirely by springs, this pond furnishes the water supply for the above named village. Along the west side a small marsh may be seen, in which the cat tails and reeds make an ideal summer home for the Long-billed marsh wren, Virginia rail, and Florida gallinule. The Madison Reservoir, about two miles long by one- third of a mile wide, is two miles north-east of Hamilton. This artificial lake fur- nishes part of the water supply for the Erie Canal. In autumn, when the water is low, small companies of shore birds feed upon the exposed mud flats. Five miles west of Hamilton is the Lebanon Reservoir, about one and one-half miles long by a half mile in breadth. A few shore birds may also be found here in very dry seasons. Lake Earlville, though small, is of interest from the fact that a pair of Wood duck reared their young here nearly two years ago. This pond is found in the Chenango Valley, about five miles south of Hamilton. Just outside of Hamilton, to the south, one encounters a bit of low land, which on account of its springy nature is not easily traversed. The north end is comparatively dry during the summer and may be cultivated to a certain extent, but after the first quarter of a mile this gradually merges into a bottomless bog, extending a mile or more farther south. The outlet of Woodman's pond finds its course here, and during the spring and fall rains it partially floods the surrounding territory, making excellent cover in the wet meadows for hundreds of the Wilson's snipe. Great numbers of the Blue and Green-winged teal visit this bog to feed upon the wild celery and other marsh plants. The climate, as well as the dark colored moist soil of our val- leys, is favorable to a heavy growth of vegetation. In every val- ley one may find thick, almost impenetrable swamps in which the orchids and pitcher plants flourish. The maximum is reached about five miles east of Hamilton, in what is known locally as the Nine- Mile Swamp. In this large swamp are chiefly found conifers, maples, beech and elm. Here one might expect to find some of those birds which occur rarely outside of large wood tracts. INTRODUCTION 0 This list is not supposed to be complete. It is based mostly upon observations by the writer covering the period from 1895 to 1901. Many parts of the district have been but partially studied. If surveyed carefully, they would undoubtedly reveal the presence of species which have been overlooked. It should be understood that the dates of arrival and departure given will not hold true for each succeeding year. A variation of five or six days either way may be expected, depending upon the weather conditions. The dates given are the averages of those taken during the period of observation. Of all species recorded, unless otherwise stated, (in which case the authority is given), one or more individuals have been taken by the writer, whose object has been to put forth an accurate list rather than one great in numbers. I beg to acknowledge my indebtedness to Professor A. P. Brigham of Colgate University for his constant aid; to Mr. Frank M. Chapman of the American Museum of Natural History, for kindly reviewing the list and for corrections and valuable sugges- tions ; and to all other gentlemen whose names appear in the list, for their contributions. I am especially indebted to Mr. Egbert Bagg, of Utica, N. Y., for valuable data taken from the Oneida Lake region. The following publications have been consulted during the pre- paration of the list : "Annotated List of the Birds of Oneida County and its Im- mediate Vicinity" by Wm. L. Ralph, M. D., and Egbert Bagg, Utica, N. Y. [From the transactions of the Oneida Historical Society, III, 101 ; 1886.] "Check List of New York Birds" by Marcus S. Farr, D. S. [Bulletin of New York State Museum 1900.] "The American Ornithologist's Union Check List of North American Birds," second edition 1895. "The Auk." " Catalogue of the Green Smith Museum," Peterboro, N. Y., 1880. June 14, 1901. LIST. Order PYGOPODES. (Diving Birds.} Family PODICIPIDAE. (Grebes.) A. O. U. 1. (2) Colymbus holboellii (Reinh.). Holboell's grebe. Rare migrant. One female taken during the month of April on Woodman's Pond. Now in Dr. H. S. Gardiner's collec- tion, Hamilton, N. Y. One male was brought to the writer for mounting, taken October 25, 1900, on Madison Reservoir. 2. (3) Colymbus auritus Linn. Horned grebe. Rare migrant, formerly not uncommon. One female taken on Woodman's Pond, April 3rd, 1898. 3. (6) Podilymbus podiceps (Linn.). Pied-billed grebe. Very common Spring and Autumn migrant. A few breed. Often seen in Winter. One male found in a snow-drift, after a severe storm, March 2nd, 1900. Family GAVIIDAE. (Loons.) 4. (7) Gavia imber (Gunn.). Loon. An uncommon Winter and Spring visitant. 5. (11) Gavia lumme (Gunn.). Red-throated loon. Rare Winter visitant. One female found frozen in the ice on Lake Earlville, Feb. 18, 1899, now in the ornithological col- lection of Colgate University. BIED8 OP MADISON COUNTY 7 Family ALCIDAE. (Auks, Murres and Puffins.) 6. (31) Urialomvia (Linn.). Bruunieh's murre. An occasional Winter visitant. Two birds taken at Lake Earlville, November 26, 1900, by Mr. Floyd D. Palmer of Earlville, N. Y. Order LONGIPENNES. (Long-winged swimmers.) Family LARIDAE. (Gulls and Terns.) 7. (43) Larus leucopterus Faber. Iceland gull. Rare Winter visitant. One record, an immature speci- men taken at Peterboro, Feb. 1, 1884, Lawrence, Auk I, 240. 8. (51a) Larus argentatus Smithsonianus Coues American herring gull. Not uncommon from Dec. 1st to April 1st, on the Chenango River and the local lakes. 9. (60) Larus Philadelphia (Ord.). Bonaparte's gull. Common migrant at Oneida Lake. One male taken in May, 1875, by Mr. Green Smith, Peterboro, N. Y. Now in the famous Green Smith collection. 10. (98) Aestrelata hasitata (Kuhl). Black-capped petrel. A male of this rare straggler was taken at Verona Beach, Oneida Lake, August 28, 1893. Bagg. Auk Vol. XI, April 1894. Order ANSERES. (Lamellirostral swimmers.) Family ANATIDAE. (Ducks, Geese and Swans. ) 11. (129) Merganser americanus (Cass.). American merganser. Very common migrant. A few winter. One female taken, in June 1900, on Lebanon Reservoir. 8 BIRDS OF MADISON COUNTY 12. (130) Merganser Senator (Linn.). Red- breasted merganser. Common from November 20 to April 1st. 13. (131) Lophodytes cucullatus (Linn.). Hooded merganser. Rare winter visitant. One male seen February 11, 1899. 14. (132) Anas boschas Linn. Mallard. A not uncommon Autumn migrant. 15. (133) Anasobscura Gmel. Black duck. A common Autumn migrant. Arrives about Sep- tember 15th. Small flocks seen Jan. 10th, and Feb. 5th, 1899, on Chenango River. 16. (139) Nettion carolinensis (Gmel.). Green -winged teal. Very common Autumn migrant. Arrives about Sept. 1st, departs about Oct. 20. 17. (140) Querquedula discors (Linn.). Blue-winged teal. Common Spring and Autumn migrant. In the fall it arrives about Sept. 1st, departs about Oct. 20. One adult male taken June 5th, 1897. 18. (143) Dafilaacuta (Linn.). Pintail. An uncommon Autumn migrant. Arrives about September 20th. 19. (144) Aixsponsa (Linn.). Wood duck. Formerly a very common Summer resident about Woodman's Pond. A pair, I am told, successfully reared their young in a tree at Lake Earlville, May 1899. BIRDS OF MADISON COUNTY 9 20. (146) Aythya americana (Eyt.). Redhead. A fairly common transient visitant at Oneida Lake. 21. (147) Aythya vallisueria (Wils.). Canvas-back. A transient visitant at Oneida Lake. 22. (148) Aythya marila (Linn.). American scaup duck. Common transient visitant at Oneida Lake. 23. (149) Aythya affinis (Eyt.). Lesser scaup duck. A not uncommon migrant during the month of November. A few winter. 24. (151) Clangula clangula americana (Bonap.). American golden-eye. A very common migrant during early Spring and Fall. A number remain during the winter months. 25. (153) Charitonetta albeola (Linn.). Duffle-head. Not uncommon during Fall migrations. 26. (163) Oidemia americana Swains. American scoter. Rare migrant. One taken in October, many years since, by Mr. Green Smith, at Peterboro, N. Y. Now in the famous Green Smith collection. No recent record. 27. (167) Erismatura jamaicensis (Gmel.). Ruddy duck. Rather common transient visitant at Oneida Lake. 28. (172) Branta canadensis (Linn.). Canada goose. Common migrant. About one hundred birds were seen Nov. 5, 1900, upon Madison Reservoir. 10 BIRDS OF MADISON COUNTY 29. (174) Branta nigricans (Lawr.). Black brant. A specimen of this rare bird was killed at Lewis Point, Oneida Lake, October 30, 1891. Bagg, Auk Vol. XI, April, 1894. Order HERODIONES. (Herons, Ibises, etc.) Family ARDEIDAE. (Herons, Bitterns, etc.) 30. (190) Botaurus lentiginosus (Montag.). American bittern. Common summer resident. Breeds. Arrives about May 1. Departs about Nov. 6. 31. (191) Ardetta exilis (Gmel.). Least bittern. Although very common in some counties of the state, this bird is rarely seen in Madison county. One male taken May 30, 1897. 32. (194) Ardea herodias Linn. Great blue heron. Common summer resident. A few winter. Dec. 5, 1898, Dec. 8, 1899, Jan. 12, 1900, Dec. 27, 1900, are some winter records. 33. (201) Ardea virescens Linn. Green heron. A very common summer resident. Breeds. Small colony found May 21, 1897, two miles northwest of Randallsville along the Chenango river. With one exception, all the nests, which were very loosely built of coarse sticks and without lining, were placed in thorn apple trees from eight to ten feet from the ground. The number of eggs per set in the nests found varied from three to six. The birds have returned to the same locality every year since they were first discovered by the writer, but in diminished numbers. BIRDS OF MADISON COUNTY 11 Order PALUDICOLAE. (Cranes, rails, etc.) Family RALLIDAE. (Rails, gallinules, and coots.) 34. (212) Rallus virginianus Linn. Virginia rail. Fairly common summer resident. Breeds. Nest built entirely of reeds, containing 10 incubated eggs found June 5, 1897, in marsh along west shore of Woodman's Pond. 35. (214) Porzana Carolina (Linn.). Sora. Common transient visitant. Arrives about Sept. 1st. Departs about Oct. 5. 36. (219) Gallinula galeata (Licht.). Florida gallinule. Not uncommon summer resident. Breeds. 37. (221) Fulica Americana Gmel. American coot. Not uncommon in September on Mud Pond and vicinity, just outside and south of Hamilton. Order LIMICOLAE. (Shore birds.) Family SCOLOPACIDAE. (Snipes, sandpipers, etc.) 38. (224) Steganopus tricolor Vieill. Wilson's phalarope. One specimen taken at the eastern end of Oneida Lake October 6, 1883. R. & B. List* p. 112. 39. (228) Philohela minor (Gmel.). American woodcock. Formerly very common summer resident. Very few have been seen within the last three years. Breeds. * Birds of Oneida County, by Win. L. Ralph, M. D. and Egbert Bagg, from the Transactions of the Oneida Historical Society, Vol. Ill, p. 101, Utica, N. Y., 1886. 12 BIRDS OP MADISON COUNTY 40. (230) Gallinago delicata (Ord.). Wilson's snipe. Common transient visitant. Arrives in spring about April 5th, in the fall about September 19th, and departs about Nov. 1st. A few, however, have been seen as late as December 10, (1898.) 41. (231) Macrorhamphus griseus (Gmel.). Dowitcher. Two birds taken at the eastern end of Oneida Lake Sept. 22, 1883. R. & B. List, p. 112. 42. (234) Tringa canutus Linn. Knot. A young bird was taken at Lewis Point, Oneida Lake, August 26, 1891. Bagg, Auk XI, April, 1894. 43. (239) Tringa maculata Vieill. Pectoral sandpiper. Not uncommon transient visitant. Arrives about August 25. Departs about Oct. 1st. 44. (241) Tringa bairdii (Coues). Baird's sandpiper. A not uncommon transient visitant. Arrives about September 1st. Departs about October 1st. 45. (242) Tringa minutilla Vieill. Least sandpiper. Fairly common transient visitant. Arrives as early as August 10th. Departs the latter part of September. 46. (243a) Tringa alpina pacifica (Coues). Red-backed sandpiper. Several were taken at Oneida Lake, October 5, 1881. R. & B., p. 113. 47. (246) Ereunetes pusillus (Linn.). Semipalmated sandpiper. Common during the fall migration. Arrives about August 25th. Departs about November 1st. BIRDS OP MADISON COUNTY 13 48. (248) Calidris arenaria (Linn.). Sanderling. Common transient visitant at Oneida Lake. Arrives about September 1st. 49. (251) Limosa haemastica (Linn.). Hudsonian godwit. One bird was killed near Lewis Point, Oneida Lake, September 7, 1891. Bagg, Auk XI, April, 1894. 50. (254) Totanus melanoleucus (G-mel.). Greater yellow-legs. Occasionally seen during the fall migration. 51. (255) Totanus flavipes (Gmel.). Yellow-legs. Not uncommon during the fall migrations. 52. (256) Helodromas solitarius (Wils.). Solitary sandpiper. Very common transient visitant. Arrives in the spring about April 20th. Departs about May 15th. Arrives in the fall about August 25th. Departs about October 10th. 53. (261) Bartramia longicauda (Bechst.). Bartramian sandpiper. Not uncommon summer resident. Breeds. 54. (263) Actitis macularia (Linn.). Spotted sandpiper. Very common summer resident. Breeds. Arrives about April 28th. Family CHARADRIIDAE. (Plovers.} 55. (272) Charadrius dominicus Mull. American golden plover. Rare transient visitant. Sept. 28, 1898. 14 BIRDS OF MADISON COUNTY 56. (273) Aegialitis vocifera (Linn.). Killdeer. Very common summer resident. Arrives as early as March 13th (1899.) Breeds. 57. (274) Aegialitis semipalmata Bonap. Semipalmated plover. Very common during fall migrations. Arrives about August 15th and departs about September 28. Order GALLINAE. (Gallinaceous birds.) Family TETRAONIDAE. (Grouse, partridges, etc.) 58. (289) Colinus virginianus (Linn.). Bob-white. • None recorded since 1893. Formerly a not uncom- mon summer resident. 59. (300) Bonasa umbellus (Linn.). Ruffed grouse. Very common resident. Begins nesting about the first of May. Order COLUMBAE. (Pigeons.} Family COLUMBIDAE. (Pigeons.) 60. (316) Zenaidura macroura (Linn.). Mourning dove. Rare. One bird seen April 28, 1896. Order RAPTORES. (Birds of prey .) Family FALCONIDAE. (Vultures, falcons, hawks, eagles, etc.) 61. (331) Circus hudsonius (Linn.). , Marsh hawk. Common summer resident. Breeds. Nest contain- ing five incubated eggs found June 23, 1900. BIRDS OF MADISON COUNTY 15 62. (332) Accipiter velox (Wils.). Sharp-shinned hawk. Not uncommon summer resident. Breeds. 63. (333) Accipiter cooperii (Bonap.). Cooper's hawk. Not 'uncommon summer resident. Breeds. 64. (334) Accipiter atricapillus (Wils.). American goshawk. Very rare. One taken by Dr. H. S. Gardiner sev- eral years ago, now in his collection. No recent record. 65. (337) Buteo borealis (Gmel.). Red-tailed hawk. Common summer resident. Less common during the winter months. Begins to breed about April 5. Nests con- taining 3 slightly incubated eggs each found in hemlock trees, May 2, 1896, and April 25, 1897. This species frequently returns each year, not only to the same woods but to the same tree and nest. 66. (339) Buteo lineatus (G-mel.). Red-shouldered hawk. Common resident. Begins nest building about April 5. Nests containing two and three fresh eggs respectively found April 21, 1897. A nest containing three slightly incubated eggs found May 15, 1897. The same day, one red-shouldered hawk was observed carrying fine material to a nest partially completed. On June 1, this same nest was found to contain two slightly in- cubated eggs. 67. (343) Buteo platypterus (Vieill.). Broad-winged hawk. Not an uncommon summer resident. Breeds. In the stomach of one taken May 4, 1901, were found the following : one garter snake ten inches long, one large black spider, one grass- hopper and fur probably from a field mouse. 16 BIRDS OP MADISON COUNTY 68. (352) Haliaeetus leucocephalus (Linn.). Bald eagle. A pair usually spend the summer at Lebanon Reser- voir about five miles west of Hamilton. 69. (357) Falco columbarius Linn. Pigeon hawk. A transient visitant and rarely seen. But one male taken by the writer, (October 2nd, 1900), now in his collection. The crop was examined and found to contain fur and bones, prob- ably those of field mice. 70. (360) Falco sparverius Linn. American sparrow hawk. Common resident. Less common during winter months. Begins nest building about the first of May. Out of several stomachs examined by the writer, the greater number con- tained insects and remains of small mammals. Two, only, contain- ed feathers and other bird remains. In one stomach was found a small garter snake. 71. (364) Pandion haliaetus carolinensis (Gmel.). American osprey. Occasionally two or more individuals are seen upon the ponds of this locality during April. (April 12, 15, 1899 ; April 20, 1900.) Family BUBONIDAE. (Homed owls, etc.] 72. (366) Asio wilsonianus (Less.). American long-eared owl. Common resident. More abundant in winter. 73. (367) Asio accipitrinus (Pall). Short-eared owl. Fairly common resident. Breeds. 74. (368) Syrnium nebulosum (Forst.). Barred owl. Not uncommon during the winter months. One bird was brought to the writer December 1st, 1900, which was shot by a farmer just outside the town of Hamilton. BIRDS OP MADISON COUNTY 17 75. (372) Nyctala acadica (Gmel.). Saw-whet owl. Rarely seen in Madison county. One female seen on college hill, Hamilton, N. Y., May 6, 1896. 76. (373) Megascops asio (Linn.). Screech owl. Common resident. Breeds. Of several stomachs examined by the writer, the greater number contained the remains of insects and small mammals, while in one stomach were found feathers of the Junco hyemalis. 77. (375) Bubo virginianus (Gmel.). Great horned owl. Not uncommon resident. Breeds. More often seen during the winter months. 78. (376) Nycteanyctea (Linn.). Snowy owl. Occasionally seen during the winter months. Order COCCYGES. (Cuckoos, etc.) Family CUCULIDAE. (Cuckoos, etc.) 79. (387) Coccyzus americanus (Linn.). Yellow-billed cuckoo. Uncommon summer resident. Breeds. 80. (388) Coccyzus erythrophthalmus (Wils.). Black-billed cuckoo. Common summer resident. Begins nesting the latter part of May. Two is the usual number of eggs in completed sets of this locality. Often three eggs are found. On May 26, 1897, the writer found a nest containing the very large complement of six fresh eggs, and on June 8, 1900, another nest containing four fresh eggs was also found. This species destroyed great numbers of the Forest tent caterpillar (clisiocampa disstria) which were so destructive to the foliage of the shade trees of Hamilton during the spring of 1899. 18 BIRDS OF MADISON COUNTY Family ALCEDINIDAE. (Kingfishers.} 81. (390) Ceryle alcyon (Linn.). Belted kingfisher. Very common summer resident. Arrives about April 15, departs about October 20. Begins nest building about the first of May. Two or three excavations are generally made in sand and gravel banks, also in fresh exposures of soil before one is chosen for the deposition of the six or seven white eggs. Order PICI. ( Woodpeckers, etc.) Family PICIDAE. (Woodpeckers.) 82. (393) Dryobates villosus (Linn.) Hairy woodpecker. Very common resident. Breeds. 83. (394c) Dryobates pubescens medianus (Swains. ) Downy woodpecker. Very common resident. Breeds. 84. (402) Sphyrapicus varius (Linn.) Yellow-bellied sapsucker. Very common transient visitant. Arrives about April 20th. Departs about May 10th. 85. (405a) Ceophloeus pileatus abieticola Bangs. Northern pileated woodpecker. Rare. One male taken in the Nine-mile Swamp east of Hamilton during the fall of 1897. Now in Dr. H. S. Gardiner's collection, Hamilton, N. Y. 86. (406) Melanerpes erythrocephalus (Linn.) Red-headed woodpecker. Common summer resident. Breeds. One occasion- ally winters. BIRDS OP MADISON COUNTY 19 87. (409) Melanerpes carolinus (Linn.) Red-bellied woodpecker. Of rare and irregular occurrence. One recorded, March 8, 1898. 88. (41 2a) Colaptes auratus luteus Bangs. Northern flicker. Very common summer resident. Nest containing seven eggs found by the writer May 21, 1897, in a natural cavity of an apple tree. Order MACHROCHIRES. (Goatsuckers, swifts, etc.) Family CAPRIMULGIDAE. (Goatsukers.) 89. (420) Chordeiles virginianus (Gmel.). Nighthawk. Of rare occurrence. One taken by Mr. Green Smith, Peterboro, N. Y., August 23, many years since. One seen by the writer flying over Woodman's Pond, June 3, 1900. Family MICROPODIDAE. (Swifts.) 90. (423) Chaetura pelagica (Linn.). Chimney swift. Abundant summer resident. Arrives about April 20th. Departs about September 1st. Breeds abundantly in the chimneys of the college dormitories and those of the gymnasium. On the evening of June 15, 1900, a hundred or more different birds were seen to drop into the chimney of the college gymnasium, probably to roost. For a number of years a pair of swifts have built their nests in a barn at Lake Earlville. The nest, composed entirely of dead twigs cemented together, has always been fastened to the side boards very near the peak of the roof. Family TROCHILIDAE. (Humming birds.) 91. (428) Trochilus colubris Linn. Ruby-throated humming bird. Common summer resident. Breeds. Arrives about May 15th. Departs about Sept. 8th. 20 BIRDS OF MADISON COUNTY Order PASSERES. (Perching birds.) Family TYRANNIDAE. (Tyrant flycatchers.} 92. (444) Tyrannus Tyrannus (Linn.). Kingbird. Common summer resident. Breeds. Arrives about May 1st. Departs about Sept. 25th. 93. (452) Myiarchus crinitus (Linn.). Crested fly-catcher. Common summer resident. Breeds. Arrives about May 5th. Departs about Sept. 1st. More abundant in the wooded swamps. 94. (456) Sayornis phoebe (Lath.). Phoebe. Very common summer resident. Breeds. Arrives about April 4th. Departs about Oct. 10th. 95. (461) Contopus Virens (Linn.). Wood pewee. Common summer resident. Breeds. Arrives about May 3. Departs about Sept. 1st. 96. (463) Empidonax flaviventris Baird. Yellow-bellied fly-catcher. Not very common summer resident. Arrives about May 5th. 97. (466a) Empidonax traillii alnorum Brewst. Alder flycatcher. Not uncommon summer resident. Breeds sparingly in the alder swamps about Hamilton. Arrives about May 12th. Departs about Sept. 1st. 98. (467) Empidonax minimus Baird. Least flycatcher. Very common summer resident. Breeds. Arrives about May 1. Departs about Sept. 5. BIRDS OP MADISON COUNTY 21 Family ALAUDIDAE. (Larks.) 99. (474) Otocoris alpestris (Linn.). Horned lark. An uncommon winter visitant. Occurs in flocks of O. alpestris praticola and sometimes in company with Passerina hivalis. 100. (474b) Otocoris alpestris praticola Hensh. Prairie horned lark. Common resident. Breeds. Large flocks may be found during the winter feeding in places where the ground is ex- posed. The seeds of obnoxious weeds form a greater part of their winter diet. Family CORVIDAE. (Crows, jays, magpies, etc.) 101. (477) Cyanocitta cristata (Linn.). Blue jay. A fairly common resident. Breeds. More abun- dant during the spring and autumn migrations. 102. (488) Corvus americanus aud. American crow. An abundant resident. Breeds. Family ICTERIDAE. (Blackbirds, orioles, etc.) 103. (494) Dolichonyx oryzivorus (Linn.). Bobolink. A very common summer resident. Breeds. Arrives about May 6th, departs about Sept. 20th. 104. (495) Molothrus ater (Bodd.). Cowbird. An abundant summer resident. Breeds. Arrives about April 1st, departs late in October. 105. (498) Agelaius phceniceus (Linn.). Red-winged blackbird. An abundant summer resident. Breeds. Arrives about March 20, departs late in October. 22 BIRDS OF MADISON COUNTY 106. (501) Sturnella magna (Linn.). Meadowlark. Very common summer resident. Breeds. A few winter. Jan. 15, 1899, three birds were flushed out of the reeds of a frozen marsh. On Feb. llth, 1899, four birds were found at the same place, and Dec. 4th, 1900, seven birds were seen. 107. (506) Icterus spurius (Linn.). Orchard oriole. Of rare occurrence in Madison county. Two birds (male and female) were taken by the writer May 26th, 1899, and are now in the writer's collection. 108. (507) Icterus galbula (Linn.). Baltimore oriole. An abundant summer resident. Breeds. Arrives about May 6th, departs about Sept. 5th. 109. (509) Scolecophagus carolinus (Mull.). Rusty blackbird. Abundant during fall migrations. 110. (511b) Quiscalus quiscula aeneus (Ridgw.). Bronzed grackle. Common summer resident. Breeds among the evergreens. A few nests have been found in the low alders border- ing the outlet to Woodman's Pond. Arrives about April 1st. Family FRINGILLIDAE. (Finches, sparrows, etc.) 111. (515) Pinicola enucleator canadensis (Cab.). Pine grosbeak. An occasional winter visitant. One small flock seen Feb. 4, 1896. Another flock of seven seen Feb. 26, 1900. Both flocks appeared after severe snow storms. 112. (517) Carpodacus purpureus (Gmel.). Purple finch. Very common during the breeding season. Arrives about April 15. Not often seen later than July 1st. BIRDS OP MADISON COUNTY 23 113. (521) Loxia curvirostra minor (Brehm.). American crossbill. An occasional winter visitant. After a severe snow storm on Feb. 5th, 1896, a flock of a hundred or more was seen shearing off the maple buds. Another flock of about ten birds was seen in the pines Feb. 26, 1897. May 15, 1899, six individuals were noted feeding in a large elm tree. These birds may appear at almost any time during the year. Seldom are they seen two years in succession. The interval between two appearances may be five or even ten years. 114. (528) Acanthis linaria (Linn.). Redpoll. Common winter visitant, more especially during the February storms. February 28, 1900, during a strong south wind and a moderate fall of snow, a company of eight or more birds was seen, mostly males. The birds kept constantly under the cover of an old rail fence. March 2, 1900, brought many large flocks of red- polls. On the evening of Feb. 28, there had been a heavy fall of snow, followed by a drenching rain. The trees and weeds were coated with a thin layer of ice, which made the struggle for food somewhat difficult. A walk of a mile or more on March 2, disclosed the presence of from three to four hundred redpolls feeding along the fences. 115. (529) Astragalinus tristis (Linn.). American goldfinch. An abundant summer resident. Breeds. Occasion- ally seen in winter. 116. (533) Spinus pinus (Wils.). Pine siskin. A rare visitant. A company of a dozen or more was seen in the hemlocks on college hill April 13, 1899. 117. (534) Passerina nivalis (Linn.). Snowflake. CommoD winter visitant. Abundant during the January and February storms. Earliest seasonal record, Dec. 5th, 24 BIRDS OP MADISON COUNTY 1900. Latest seasonal record, March 5th, 1900. These birds do an immense amount of good in destroying great quantities of the seeds of troublesome weeds. 118. (540) Pooecetes gramineus (Gmel.). Vesper sparrow. Very common summer resident. Breeds. Earliest arrivals appear about April 5th. A few remain as late as Oct. 10th. 119. (542a) Ammodramus sandwichensis savanna (Wils.). Savanna sparrow Common summer resident. Breeds. Arrives about April 28. 120. (546) Ammodramus savannarum passerinus (Wils.). Grasshopper sparrow. Not an uncommon summer resident. Breeds. This species has often been considered a rare bird for this locality. Spe- cial investigation by the writer during the spring of 1900, however, disclosed numbers of these birds in the pastures and meadows about Hamilton. 121. (549.1) Ammodramus nelsoni. (Allen). Nelson's sparrow. A rare transient visitant. Four birds were seen in a marsh just outside Hamilton, Oct. 8, 1898, two of which were in song. One male captured, now in the writer's collection. Another bird collected in the same marsh, Oct. 17, 1900, now in the writer's collection. 122. (549. la) Ammodramus nelsoni subvirgatus (Dwight). Acadian sharp-tailed sparrow. A rare transient visitant. One male, closely ap- proaching this variety, taken Oct. 8th, 1898, now in writer's col- lection. 123. (554) Zonotrichia leucophrys (Forst.). White-crowned sparrow. Fairly common transient visitant. Arrives about May 5th. Remains until May 25th. In autumn, arrives about Sept. 25 ; remains until Oct. 5th. BIRDS OF MADISON COUNTY 25 124. (558) Zonotrichia albicollis (Gmel.)- White-throated sparrow. Common transient visitant. Arrives about May 1st; departs about May 25th Arrives in fall about Sept. 20th; departs about Oct. 5th. 125. (559) Spizella monticola (Gmel.). Tree sparrow. An abundant spring and autumn visitant. Occas- ionally small companies are seen during the winter. Arrives about Oct. 10th; departs about May 5th. 126. (560) Spizella socialis (Wils.). Chipping sparrow. An abundant summer resident. Arrives about April 15th. Breeds. 127. (563) Spizella pusilla (Wils.). Field sparrow. Common summer resident. Breeds. Arrives about April 21st. Becomes very common about May 5th. 128. (567) Junco hyemalis (Linn.). Slate-colored junco. Common spring and autumn visitant. Occasionally winters. Abundant from April 22nd until May 10th. Arrives from the north about Oct. 1st. 129. (581) Melospiza melodia (Wils.). Song sparrow. An abundant summer resident. Breeds. Rarely seen in winter. Great numbers usually arrive about March 25. No definite time can be given which will apply to each succeeding year. If there is a great increase in temperature and consequently a sud- den disappearance of snow, the song sparrows may appear in great numbers as early as February 25; and conversely, if the cold, stormy weather remains without break until the latter part of March, the birds will not appear until about April 1st. Occasionally one winters. 26 BIRDS OF MADISON COUNTY 130. (584) Melospiza georgiana (Lath.). Swamp sparrow. Common summer resident. Breeds. Arrives about April 20th; departs sometime between October 25th and December 1st, according to weather conditions. 131. (585) Passerella iliaca (Merr.). Fox sparrow. Common transient visitant. Arrives from the south about April 28th; remains about two weeks. Arrives from the north about October 8th; departs about November 25th. 132. (595) Zamelodia ludoviciana (Linn.). Rose-breasted grosbeak. Common summer resident. Breeds. Arrives about May 2nd. 133. (598) Cyanospiza cyanea (Linn.). Indigo bunting. Very common summer resident. Breeds. Arrives about May 10th. 134 (608) Piranga erythromelas Vieill. Scarlet tanager. Fairly common summer resident. Breeds. Arrives about May 10th. Family HIRUNDINIDAE (Swallows.) 135 (611) Progne subis (Linn.). Purple martin. Rarely seen. A pair seen flying around an electric arc lamp, May 30, 1900. Later, on June 6, of the same year, an- other pair was seen at the same place. 136 (612) Petrochelidon lunifrons (Say). Cliff swallow. An abundant summer resident. Breeds. Arrives about April 30. BIRDS OP MADISON COUNTY 27 137 (613) Hirundo erythrogaster Bodd. Barn swallow. An abundant summer resident. Breeds. Arrives about April 25. 138 (614) Tachycineta bicolor (Vieill.). Tree swallow. Common summer resident. Breeds. Arrives the first week in April. 139 (616) Clivicola riparia (Linn.). Bank swallow. Common summer resident. Breeds abundantly in the freshly exposed sand banks. Arrives about April 25. 140 (617) Stelgidopteryx serripennis (Aud.). Rough-winged swallow. Rarely seen. Records are as follows : May 12 and 20, 1898 ; June 7, 1899, and May 13, 1900. Family AMPELIDAE ( Waxwings, etc.). 141 (618) Ampelis garrulus Linn. Bohemian waxwing. Occasional winter visitant. A company of eight birds was seen February 4, 1896, one of which was captured. 142 (619) Ampelis cedrorum (Vieill.). Cedar waxwing. Very common summer resident. Breeds. A flock seen nearly every winter. Family LANIIDAE (Shrikes). 143 (621) Lanius borealis Vieill. Northern shrike. Not uncommon during the winter months. 28 BIRDS OF MADISON COUNTY 144 ( — ) Lanius ludovicianus migraus Palmer The summer resident shrike of this locality is intermedi- ate between the white-rumped and the loggerhead. As a matter of convenience, the above name, given by Mr. Palmer, may be accepted, although the form has no characteristics of its own. Fairly common summer resident. Breeds. Arrives about April 1. Family VIREONIDAE (Vireos.). 145 (624) Vireo olivaceus (Linn.). Red-eyed vireo Very common summer resident. Breeds. Arrives about May 5. Departs about Sept. 15. 146 (626) Vireo philadelphicus (Cass.). Philadelphia vireo. Seen occasionally during migrations. Observed May 7, 1898, May 4, 1900, Sept. 16, 1900. 147 (627) Vireo gilvus (Vieill.). Warbling vireo. An abundant summer resident. Breeds. Arrives about May 2. Departs about Sept. 15. 148 (628) Vireo flavifrons Vieill. Yellow-throated vireo. A not uncommon summer resident. Arrives about May 12. Departs about Sept. 1st. 149 (629b) Vireo solitarius plumbeus (Coues.) Plumbeous vireo. Accidental. One recorded Sept. 24, 1893, at Peter- boro by Mr. Gerritt S. Miller, Jr. " Auk" Vol. XI No. 1. P. 79. Family MNIOTILTIDAE (Wood warblers.). 150 (636) Mniotilta varia (Linn.). Black and white warbler. Common transient visitant. Arrives about May 6. BIRDS OP MADISON COUNTY 29 151 (645) Helminthophila rubricapilla (Wils.). Nashville warbler. Some years fairly common transient visitant. Ar- rives about May 5. Departs May 15. 152 (646) Helminthophila celata (Say). Orange-crowned warbler. Rare transient visitant. One male taken May 15, 1899. 153 (647) Helminthophila peregrina (Wils.). Tennessee warbler. Not an uncommon transient visitant. Arrives about May 8. 154 (648a) Compsothlypis americana usneae Brewst. Northern parula warbler. Abundant during migrations. A few remain during the summer. Arrives about May 5. 155 (650) Dendroica tigrina (Gmel.). Cape May warbler. Rare transient visitant. Four of these birds were seen May 11, 1900, two of which, both males, were captured, now in the writer's collection. 156 (652) Dendroica aestiva (Gmel.). Yellow warbler. An abundant summer resident. Breeds. Arrives about May 2. 157 (654) Dendroica caerulescens (Gmel.). Black-throated blue warbler. Very common during migrations. A few remain during the summer. Arrives about May 5. 158 (655) Dendroica coronata (Linn.). Myrtle warbler. Common transient visitant. Some seasons abun- dant. Arrives about April 25. 30 BIRDS OP MADISON COUNTY 159 (657) Dendroica maculosa (Gmel.). Magnolia warbler. Common transient visitant. Arrives about May 10. 160 (658) Dendroica rara Wils. Cerulean warbler. Rare summer resident. Arrives about May 15. (Ob- served June 5, 12, 20, 1900.) 161 (659) Dendroica pensylvanica (Linn.). Chestnut-sided warbler. Common summer resident. Breeds. Arrives about May 10. Nests containing fresh eggs may be found about June 1. 162 (660) Dendroica castanea (Wils.). Bay-breasted warbler. Some years a very common transient visitant. Ar- rives about May 20. 163 (661) Dendroica striata (Forst.). Black-poll warbler. An abundant transient visitant. Arrives about May 20. 164 (662) Dendroica blackburniae (Gmel.). Blackburnian warbler. Common transient visitant. Arrives about May 5. 165 (667) Dendroica virens (Gmel.). Black-throated green warbler. Fairly common during migrations. Arrives about May 10. 166 (674) Seiurus aurocapillus (Linn.). Oven-bird. Very common summer resident. Breeds. Arrives about May 5. 167 (675) Seiurus noveboracensis (Gmel.). Water thrush. Common during migrations. A few remain to breed. Arrives about May 2. BIRDS OF MADISON COUNTY 31 168 (679) Geothlypis Philadelphia (Wils.). Mourning warbler. A rather rare transient visitant. Occasionally seen during the summer. Arrives about May 10. 169 (681) Geothlypis trichas (Linn.). Maryland yellow-throat. Very common summer resident. Breeds. Arrives about May 2. 170 (684) Wilsonia mitrata (Gmel.). Hooded warbler. Rare. Two individuals seen May 29, 1900, one of which was captured, now in the writer's collection. 171 (685) Wilsonia pusilla (Wils.). Wilson's warbler. An uncommon transient visitant. Arrives about May 15. 172 (686) Wilsonia canadensis (Linn.). Canadian warbler. Not uncommon during migrations. Arrives about May 10. 173 (687) Setophaga ruticilla (Linn.). American redstart. Very common summer resident. Breeds abundantly. Arrives about May 5. Family MOTACILLIDAE (Wagtails.). 174 (697) Anthus pensilvanicus (Lath.). American pipit. Transient visitant. Abundant during the autumn months. Arrives from the north about September 20. Remains as late as November 6, when the weather permits. 32 BIRDS OP MADISON COUNTY Family TROGLODYTIDAE (Wrens, thrashers, etc.}. 175 (704) Galeoscoptes carolinensis (Linn.). Catbird. An abundant summer resident. Breeds. Arrives about May 10. 176 (705) Harporhynchus rufus (Linn.). Brown thrasher. Rare. One male seen May 12, 1899. 177 (721) Troglodytes aedon Vieill. House wren. Not very common summer resident. Breeds. Ar- rives about May 5. At present this species seems to be increasing in numbers. 178 (722) Anorthura hiemalis (Vieill.). Winter wren. Common resident. More abundant during the spring. 179 (725) Cistothorus palustris (Wils.). Long-billed marsh wren. Common summer resident in the marshes along the numerous ponds of this locality. Breeds. Arrives about May 15. Three or four decoy nests are generally constructed before one is chosen for the deposition of the (four to seven) eggs. Family CERTHIIDAE (Creepers.}. 180 (726) Certhis familiaris americana (Bonap.). Brown creeper. Transient visitant. Abundant in spring from April 1st to 25th. Has been taken as late as June 23, 1900. Also June 19, 1899. A number seen every winter, Jan. 18, 1899, Jan. 29, 1900, several observed Feb. 5, 1901. BIRDS OP MADISON COUNTY 33 Family PARIDAE (Nuthatches and tits.}. 181. (727) Sitta carolinensis Lath. White-breasted nuthatch. Very common resident. Breeds. Begins nesting about the first of May. 182. (728) Sitta canadensis Linn. Red-breasted nuthatch. Some years common from about October 10 until April 20. 183. (735) Parus atricapillus Linn. Chickadee. An abundant resident. Breeds. Begins nesting about May 5. Family SYLVIIDAE. (Warblers, kinglets, gnatcatchers.) 184. (748) Regulus satrapa Licht. Golden-crowned kinglet. An abundant transient visitant. Occasionally found in winter. Arrives about April 10. Departs about May 7. 185. (749) Regulus calendula (Linn.). Ruby-crowned kinglet. Common during spring migrations. Arrives about April 14. Departs about May 1st. Family TURDIDAE (Thrushes, stone-chats, blue-birds, etc.) 186. (755) Hylocichla mustelina (Gmel.). Wood thrush. Common summer resident. Breeds. Arrives about May 15. 187. (756) Hylocichla fuscescens (Steph.). Wilson's thrush. Common summer resident. Breeds. Arrives about May 10. 3959 1 1 34 BIRDS OF MADISON COUNTY 188. (758a) Hylocichla ustulata swainsonii (Cab.). Olive-backed thrush. Fairly common during spring and fall migrations. Arrives about May 10. 189. (759b) Hylocichla aonalaschkae pallasii (Cab.). Hermit thrush. Transient visitant. Common. Arrives about May 1st. Departs about 15th. 190. (761) Merula migratoria (Linn.). American robin. An abundant summer resident. Breeds. Arrives the latter part of March. Departs late in October. 191. (766) Sialiasialis (Linn.). Bluebird. An abundant summer resident. Breeds. Arrives about April 1st. Departs the first of November. Passer domesticus. English sparrow. An abundant pest. Breeds. HYPOTHETICAL LIST This list includes several species of which we have no satisfac- tory record. But having been recorded in adjoining counties, they may be be looked for in Madison county. 1. (64) Sterna hirundo Linn. Common tern. Taken on Oneida Lake. *R. and B. List. p. 104. 2. (74) Sterna antillarum (Less.). Least tern. Taken at New Hartford. R. and B. List p. 104. 3. (119) Phalacrocorax carbo (Linn.). Cormorant. Taken on Oneida Lake. R. and B. List p. 105. 4. (137) Mareca americana (Gmel.) Baldpate. Common transient visitant in Oneida county. R. and B., p. 106. 5. (270) Squatarola squatarola (Linn.) Black-bellied plover. Not uncommon transient visitant at Oneida Lake. 6. (347a) Archibuteo lagopus sancti-johannis (Gmel.) American rough-legged hawk. This species is not uncommon in most of the counties of central New York, but the writer has failed to find a record for Madison county. 7. (400) Picoides arcticus (Swains.) Arctic three-toed woodpecker. Winter visitant in Onondaga and Oneida counties. 8. (401) Picoides americanus Brehm. American three-toed woodpecker. "A not uncommon resident in Herkimer and Hamil- ton counties." R. & B. p. 123. * Birds of Oneida County. By Wm. L. Ralph, M. D. and Egbert Bagg, from the Transactions of the Oneida Historical Society, Vol. Ill, P. 101. Utica, N. Y., 1886. 36 BIRDS OF MADISON COUNTY 9. (417) Antrostomus vociferus (Wils.). Whip-poor-will. Has been taken in adjacent counties. 10. (459) Contopus borealis (Swains.) Olive-sided flycatcher. Has been taken in the counties of Cayuga, Onondaga, Oneida and Herkimer. According to Dr. Merriam, it breeds in Herkimer county. 11. (484) Perisoreus canadensis (Linn.). Canada jay. "Common resident in Herkimer and Hamilton counties." R. & B. p. 127. 12. (583) Melospiza lincolnii (Aud.). Lincoln's sparrow. "Summer resident in Herkimer and Hamilton counties, where it breeds." "A rather rare migrant in Oneida county." R. & B. p. 132. 13. (629) Vireo solitarius (Wils.). Blue-headed vireo. Transient visitant. Seen occasionally in Oneida county. R. & B. List. p. 136. 14. (672) Dendroica palmarum (Gmel.). Palm warbler. "Occurs during migrations" in Oneida county. (Merriam) R. & B. p. 140. 15. (740) Parus hudsonicus Forst. Hudsonian chickadee. This species has been found breeding in Herkimer and Oneida counties (Merriam.) R. & B. p. 145. 16. (757) Hylocichla aliciae (Baird). Gray-cheeked thrush. A transient visitant in Oneida and Herkimer coun- ties. (Merriam.) R. & B. p. 146. 2490 7 / UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LIBRARY Los Angeles This book is DUE on the last date stamped below. Form L9-25r/i-9,'47 ( A5618 ) 444 UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA AT QL 684 Embody - N7E5 Bir4s of Madison county • REGIONAL LIBRARY FA A 000 872 405 6 684 N7E5