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Iransactions of The Academy of Science af St. Louis.
VOL. XXIII. No. 8.
BIRDS OF THE KANSAS CITY REGION.
HARRY HARRIS.
Issued February 27, 1919.
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INTRODUCTION.
The following list of birds contains those species which have been noted in the vicinity of Kansas City, Missouri. Most of the birds listed have been seen in Jackson County, Missouri, but the ground covered by the list includes Clay and Platte Coun- ties, Missouri, and Johnson County, Kansas. The extreme limits of the region covered by the notes used in the preparation of the list are Warrensburg, Missouri, Johnson County, forty-seven miles (as the Crow flies) from Kansas City, Corning, Missouri, Holt County, ninety-four miles from Kansas City, and Douglas County, Kansas, twenty-eight miles from Kansas City.
Kansas City itself is on the Missouri River, at its junction with the Kansas, or Kaw River, in Lat. 39, Long. 94 30’. The Missouri River makes a sharp turn to the east here. It is bor- dered on the south by bluffs of loess and cliffs of limestone which rise to a height of more than 250 feet above the river. On the north, in Clay County, there is a broad flood plain, bor- dered at some distance from the river by cliffs. These alterna- tions of bluff, cliff, sand bar and flood plain are characteristic of the Missouri River throughout its course in the region above defined. Where small streams find their way to the river, a ‘‘draw’’ winds for a short distance back of the bluffs. The bluffs and the ‘‘draws’’ are richly clothed with pawpaw and red bud, wild grape and black maple, the haunts of the Car- dinal and the Carolina Wren.
Where small rivers, such as the Big and Little Blue, have eut a valley to the Missouri from the higher prairies, they dupli- cate in miniature the features characteristic of the great river; narrow bottom lands fringe one side, and cliffs the other, al- ternating as the streams wind. The rich soil along the rivers is shaded by great elms, tall hackberries and ‘‘Cochi’’ beans (Kentucky Coffee trees) ; the base of the cliffs are covered with bladder-nut and cornel. Here the Kentucky Warbler, the Tufted Tit and the Red-bellied Woodpecker are characteristic birds.
Above the cliffs there are thin-soiled shelves of limestone,
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214 Trans. Acad. Sct. of St. Louis.
covered in summer and fall with a profusion of bright flowers, nigger-heads, asters, goldenrod and blazing star. If these so- called barrens are extensive, they are covered with thickets of plum, wild crab and buckthorn, the favorite home of Bell’s Vireo. Where the soil becomes deeper and the prairie begins, man has for the most part taken possession, and turned the stiff prairie grass under, and is now raising wheat, clover, alfalfa and grass. The Prairie Horned Lark, the Mourning Dove, and the Dickcissel are the birds of the wheat fields. On the farm- steads themselves and in the windbreaks of soft maple that sur- round them, breed the birds which the farmer boy knows best. the Wren, the Kingbird, the Purple Martin, the Bluebird, and the rest of the well known list. In the osage orange hedges that divide the upland fields, Shrikes nest and many migrant birds find shelter.
The river, as it sweeps past on its way to the Gulf, has of- fered for untold centuries a highway for the many species that breed in northern latitudes. The House Wrens and Orchard Orioles of Nebraska rest in early May in the willows along its bars, the Purple Finches and Siskins on their way south in the fall, feed on the ‘‘buttons’’ of the sycamores. But to the reai river-man, who has watched for many years the floods make and remake the ever-shifting shores, the flight of birds suggests the great waves of ducks and geese that rest on the sandbars, or in the swift current itself, or the ‘‘Snipe,’’ the Sandpipers or Plover that feed on the exposed flats or wheel with shrill pip- ings over the muddy water. With these birds are associated all the other waterfowl less important to the sportsman, but often coming within his ken, the majestic Pelican, the Grebe, the Coot and the Herons.
The city itself has destroyed many former breeding places of the birds, but in the residence section the planting of trees and shrubs has attracted those species that adapt themselves to the neighborhood of man. The Brown Thrashers and Catbirds nest in the shrubbery, Orioles and Robins in the elms, Blue- birds, Wrens and Martins in the boxes now so generally put up. The Chimney Swift is still seen over the mass of stone and con- erete that covers the downtown section of the city.
During migration many of the smaller birds pass through the tree tops in the residence sections of the city, or hide by day in
Harris—Birds of the Kansas City Region. 215
the shrubbery of the yards. In any open space, such as Penn Valley Park, Mount Washington or Forest Hill Cemetery, a large number of migrants may be found. Swope Park is SO ex- tensive and so varied in character that almost every bird be- longing to the Kansas City region may be found there either breeding, wintering or passing through. A census of the birds in Swope Park, made by Mr. A. E. Shirling, includes 150 spe- cies, of which 73 species, represented by 2,025 singing males, bred within the borders of the Park.
The region about Kansas City probably compares favorably with any section of the country in the number of birds that are found at different seasons of the year. In only one respect is the region unfavorable for certain groups of birds; it lacks extensive marshes or reedy lakes where Rails, Marsh Wrens and Bitterns could find the shelter in which they breed. There are a few places, chiefly near the Missouri River, where such birds have been found. In Platte County the shallow river- lakes, such as Bean Lake, and Sugar and Mud Lakes at Ar- mour, are covered in part with a growth of cat-tails. Here Gallinules, Least Bitterns, Black Terns and Yellow-headed Black- birds are fairly common.
The increase of ducks and geese, since the passage of the Federal Migratory Bird Law, has been noticeable. More ducks have passed through, and, in many localities, several species are remaining to breed, which formerly were driven off by spring shooting.
The larger birds, those which were hunted, and the birds of prey which depend on the game birds for food and were them- selves a mark for gunners, have diminished to a deplorable extent. All the earlier naturalists noted the abundance of waterfowl along the Missouri, and of game birds on its banks. Canada Geese nested in the Missouri bottoms in the days of Audubon, Wild Turkey and Prairie Chicken were everywhere common. Eagles and Fish Hawks built bulky nests in the tall trees in the bottom lands; Duck Hawks and Ravens had their homes in the cliffs.
Several species once plentiful or even abundant are now ex- tinct, either in the whole country, or in the region covered by this list. The Passenger Pigeon and the Paroquet have van-
216 Trans. Acad. Sci. of St. Louis.
ished everywhere; the Ivory-billed Woodpecker and the Ruffed Grouse are gone from Western Missouri.
On the other hand, some birds have probably increased with the cutting off of the timber and the cultivation of the fields. There are probably more Dickcissels and Prairie Horned Larks, more Shrikes and Bluebirds now than fifty years ago. Their enemies have decreased and the land suitable for breeding has grown more extensive.
Very little has been previously published about the birds of Western Missouri. The following references form as complete a bibliography as the author has been able to compile:
On June 25, 1804, the Lewis and Clark Expedition encamped for the night on an island in the Missouri River near the mouth of a large creek called the Blue-water (now known as Big Blue River) and on the next evening had reached a point at the con- fluence of the Kansas (Kaw) where they remained for two days. Here they secured game in plenty, including Deer and Wild Turkey. On their return they passed this point on September 15, 1806, and killed an Elk and saw many Wild Turkeys.
Thomas Say, of the Long Expedition, made an excursion across Jackson County from Fort Osage (Sibley) to the Konza River (Kaw), leaving the fort on August 6, 1819, and rejoin- ing the main party on the Missouri, near the mouth of the Platte, about September 1. He mentions the abundance of game and states that here Ravens were first seen by the party. He adds that in this region he saw a pretty species of Sparrow that was altogether new to him. Reference is here made to the Lark Sparrow which the party had discovered a short time be- fore further down the Missouri River at Bellefontaine.
In the spring of 1834, Thomas Nuttall in company with Jno. K. Townsend passed through Jackson County on the old Inde- ‘pendence- Westport Road on his way to the Pacifie Coast. Men- tion of this stage of the Journey is made in the second edition of his ‘‘Manual,’’ published in 1840, where the Mourning Finch (now known as Harris’s Sparrow) is described and the type locality given as ‘‘a few miles west of Independence.’’
Maximilian, Prince of Wied, had ascended the Missouri River in 1833, and on his return the next spring, just 17 days after Nuttall and Townsend had left Independence, he dis-
Harris—Birds of the Kansas City Region. 217
covered, near the mouth of Platte River, a finch new to him which he named Fringilla eomata. He minutely described this bird (the Mourning Finch of Nuttall) in the second volume of his journal published in 1841.
Audubon, who reached this point on May 2, 1843, on his journey up the Missouri River to Fort Union, speaks in his journal of the abundance of Wild Turkeys and Paroquets, and gives a list of 49 species of birds observed or collected. This list contains such locally extinct or rare birds as Ruffed Grouse, Duck Hawk, Swan, Bald Eagle (two nests). In the bottom land on the Missouri side, near Leavenworth, his party took specimens of the sparrow which he named after his friend Edward Harris, not knowing of the discovery of this bird in 1834 by Nuttall. At this point was discovered a vireo, new to science, which Audubon named after another member of the party—J. G. Bell.
On the return, in 1848, four Paroquets and two Ruffed Grouse were killed in the vicinity of St. Joseph, and near Leav- enworth great flocks of migrating Geese and Pelicans were seen on October 10th. Three days later a great number of Sandhill Cranes were seen.
Edward Harris, who accompanied Audubon, and for whom the supposedly new finch was named, published a list of 118 species seen between Fort Leavenworth and Fort Union (5th Annual Report Smithsonian Institution, for 1850).
Of the birds noted by Dr. P. R. Hoy in this vicinity in 1854, at least one species, the Purple Sandpiper, has not since been observed (19th Annual Report Smithsonian Institution, 1864).
Dr. J. A. Allen collected a series of specimens in May, 1871, in the bottoms of Platte County, and took several species of water-birds about a lagoon, probably Horseshoe Lake. (Bull. Museum Comparative Zool., 1872).
W. E. D. Scott, who was employed at the Normal School of Warrensburg, Johnson County, during the spring of 1874, published a list of 147 species observed and collected in that vicinity (Nuttall Bulletin, Vol. 4, 1879).
A few scattered field notes and short articles on rare and unexpected species, by local observers, have from time to time appeared in the bird journals. No previous attempt has been
218 Trans. Acad. Sci. of St. Louis.
made to give a complete local list, excepting of course the admirable state list of Mr. Otto Widmann. This list was pub- lished in 1907 by the St. Louis Academy of Science as Vol. XVII, No. 1, of their Transactions. The list is a monument to the accurate and full information which Mr. Widmann gath- ered together from his own widespread observation and from his correspondents throughout the state.
RatpH HorrMann
BIRDS OF THE KANSAS CITY REGION.
Harry Harris.
PREFACE.
There has been no list of the birds of the Kansas City region which local students of birds could consult. It is hoped that the present summary of an extensive study of the avifauna of Jackson County, Missouri, and vicinity, will be of service to local nature-study classes, and to bird students in general. It is hoped also that it may stimulate that scientific interest in bird-study which is an active and powerful incentive to the growing movement for bird protection.
No attempt has been made to furnish a means of identifying birds, since so many standard works covering this ground are available. A list of desirable books is given in the text. The nomenclature used is that of the American Ornithologists’ Union Check List.
The total number of species and subspecies listed is 343. This number includes 8 species that have become extinct in this region, and 17 that occur here only as wanderers out of their ranges. The summer residents—that is breeders—number 117, of which 12 are very rare. The 9 species and subspecies indi- cated in the text by brackets, have not yet been authenticated, but they should occur here and are included to call the atten- tion of local students to the possibility of establishing their presence in this vicinity.
Credit is due several local ornithologists for the generous loan of notes and material which have greatly aided in the working out of migration periods and in authenticating the oc- currence of a few rare species. These courtesies are here ac- knowledged with thanks. The greatest stimulus to the work has been the field-companionship of Mr. Ralph Hoffmann. The vast fund of ornithological and book lore possessed by this en- thusiastie and kindly naturalist has been a constant inspira- tion. Mr. Dix Teachenor, an experienced taxonomist, has as-
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220 Trans. Acad. Sct. of St. Louis.
sisted in determining subspecies, and has furnished for study a large series of sparrow skins collected in this region. Mr. B. F. Bush of Courtney, and Mr. Charles Tindall of Independence, have furnished valuable notes. Mr. Tindall has also loaned his
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collection of skins. The notes of Mr. John A. Bryant have yielded several records as well as some early-day matter rela- tive to species now extirpated or very rare. Mr. Charles E. Dankers of Corning, Holt County, who has made an extensive
Harris—Birds of the Kansas City Region. 221
collection of the larger birds of Northwestern Missouri, has given free access to his notes and specimens. Mr. A. F. Smith- son of Warrensburg has contributed voluminous notes covering a period of several years. Mr. A. E. Shirling has assisted ma- terially in bringing the list down to date. Among the sports- men whose observations have been based on a knowledge of ornithology, Judge J. E. Guinotte of Kansas City, and Mr. R. P. Holland of Atchison, Kansas, have contributed matter of in- terest and value. The Kansas list of Mr. C. D. Bunker, Curator of the Kansas University Museum, and the admirable Missouri list of Mr. Otto Widmann have been freely consulted and a few records used.
Order PYGOPODES. Diving Birds. Suborder Colymbi. Grebes. Family CoLympipar. Grebes.
AECHMOPHORUS OCCIDENTALIS (Lawrence). Western Grebe.
Accidental, possibly casual, visitant.
The Western Grebe has been taken once near Lawrence (Bunker), and there is a Missouri River record from adjacent territory on the north (southeastern Nebraska). While no speci- men has been taken in this immediate vicinity, this grebe very possibly occurs on the Missouri River here as a casual visitant during migration.
CoLYMBUS HOLBOELLI (Reinhardt). Holboell’s Grebe.
Occasional visitant.
This rare bird has been taken but twice in this vicinity; once in 1854 and again on September 15, 1905. Two grebes observed on April 28, 1917, in the Missouri River overflow at the mouth of the Big Blue, were identified as this species. It is to be looked for during the migration seasons on any large pond or stream, but is more likely to occur on the Missouri River.
CoLYMBUS NIGRICOLLIS CALIFORNICUS (Heermann). Eared Grebe.
Regular but rare migrant.
The Hared Grebe occurs from the middle of April to the first week in May, and again during the second week in November.
The small number of actual records for this bird in Jackson county may be accounted for by lack of enough suitable reedy lakes. Two specimens have been taken on the Missouri River near Courtney, and the bird has been observed at Lake City. It occurs regularly and in numbers, during migration, about the river lakes in Platte County.
PopILyMBUS PODICEPS (Linn.). Pied-billed Grebe.
Common migrant and rare summer resident.
The Pied-billed Grebe arrives from the last week in March to the middle of April, and leaves in late November. . This small grebe may be looked for on any small pond or stream. It has been frequently noted on all of the park lakes.
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224 Trans. Acad. Sci. of St. Louis.
It is easy of approach and, on being disturbed, instead of taking wing will usually dive, hence the vernacular name Hell Diver.
The nest has never been found in Jackson County, but pairs of birds have remained all summer on Mill Creek, north of Inde- pendence (Bush), on Fish Lake, and on the lower Blue River. A nearly full grown young bird was seen at the mouth of Blue on June 13, 1916.
Suborder Cepphi. Loons and Auks.
Family Gavipar. Loons.
GavIA IMMER (Brunnich). Loon. Rare migrant.
The few available records of this once common migrant indi- cate that it arrives from the north about the middle of October and returns during the first two weeks in April.
It is observed mainly on the Missouri River, though a speci- men was taken at Lake City on October 10, 1902. It is still oc- casionally taken by duck hunters and a few individuals have been known to winter here during mild and open winters.
Order LONGIPENNES. Long-winged Swimmers. Family Srercorarimpar. Skuas and Jaegers.
STERCORARIUS POMARINUS (Temminck). Pomarine Jaeger.
Accidental visitant.
A fine specimen of this unlooked-for ocean bird was secured by two duck hunters on the Missouri River near the Eaton Bar on November 28, 1915. The skin is now in the possession of Charles Tindall of Independence, and constitutes the only rec- ord for the state.
That there might be no question as to the identification, the specimen was forwarded to the Biological Survey at Washing- ton and identified by Dr. H. C. Oberholser.
STERCORARIUS PARASITICUS (Linn). Parasitic Jaeger. Rare winter visitant.
The Parasitic Jaeger has been taken several times by duck hunters on the Missouri River, though there are no specimens to substantiate the records. A flock of five were observed at close range near the mouth of the Big Blue River on April 23,
Harris—Birds of the Kansas City Region. 225
1916. There can be no question of the identification in this case, as the birds were close enough to show their distinctive charac- teristic, the sharp middle tail feathers a few inches longer than the others.
The older river men state that this bird was not uncommon in the days when the river was filled with refuse from the packing houses.
STERCORARIUS LoNGIcAauDUS Vieillot. Long-tailed Jaeger.
Accidental visitant.
A specimen of this bird was taken at Bean Lake in the spring of 1910 (Holland). On October 3, 1916, Mr. B. F. Bush watched two of these easily identified Jaegers worrying a bunch of Blue- winged Teal on the Missouri River near Courtney. Mr. Bush is a trained scientific observer and there can be no question as to this record, especially as the birds were within a few feet of him part of the time. These are the only known records for Missouri.
Family Lariwan. Gulls and Terns. Subfamily Larinae. Gulls.
RIgSA TRIDACTYLA TRIDACTYLA (Linn.). Kittiwake.
Accidental.
The only record for this gull is that of Mr. J. A. Bryant, who took a specimen in the spring of 1897 (Widmann, p. 24). It has been impossible to verify this record, as the specimen does not seem to have been preserved.
Larus ARGENTATUS Pontoppidan. Herring Gull.
Fairly common migrant.
The Herring Gull sometimes arrives in February, even when the river is filled with floating ice, as in 1916, but more often from <he last week in March to the first week in April. This gull probably follows the Mississippi River south in the fall mi- gration, as there are no records of its occurrence here at that season.
LARUS DELAWARENSIS Ord. Ring-billed Gull. Not uncommon migrant.
Though there are but five authentic records of the occurrence
226 Trans. Acad. Sci. of St. Louis.
of this gull in this vicinity—Oct. 27, 1899, May 5, 1902 (speci- men), Sept. 25, 1902, Apr. 18, 1915 and Apr. 12, 1917,—it prob- ably occurs oftener than indicated by these figures. Unfortu- nately the observers most liable to see it (the river fishermen) are unable to distinguish it from the preceding species. Further observation may prove it to be as common, if not commoner, than the Herring Gull.
LaRvus ATRICILLA Linnaeus. Laughing Gull. Casual migrant.
The Laughing Gull has been repeatedly taken at Lawrence (six records, Bunker) and has been reported from points to the north and east (southeastern Nebraska and southern and cen- tral Iowa). It is probably a rare bird everywhere inland and has thus far escaped notice on the Missouri River in this imme- diate neighborhood.
LARUS FRANKLINI Richardson. Franklin’s Gull. Common migrant.
Long straggling flocks of these beautiful gulls begin to arrive from the south from the 10th to 20th of April and are but a few days in passing, as they are probably impatient to reach the breeding grounds. Late arrivals have been noted as late as the first week in May. They seem to be irregular in the autumnal flight; during some years but a few are seen, during others great numbers pass through. They straggle along in a leisurely man- ner, feeding as they go, from the middle of October to the last of November.
In the spring they are to be looked for on the Missouri River but in fall are likely to occur about any body of water.
LARUS PHILADELPHIA (Ord). Bonaparte’s Gull. Not very rare migrant.
Specimens of Bonaparte’s Gull are occasionally shot by hunt ers on the Missouri River; more often in spring than autumn. Available records of specimens are as follows: Sugar Lake, May 5, 1897, Bryant; Missouri River, Jackson County, May 10, 1900, Tindall; Holt County, May 5, 1908, Dankers; Missouri River, Jackson County, December 8, 1917, specimen in collection of Miss Clements of Independence.
Harris—Birds of the Kansas City Region. 227
Subfamily Srerninag. Terns.
STERNA CASPIA Pallas.
HYDROPROGNE CASPIA IMPERATOR (Coues). Proposed April, 1917. Caspian Tern.
Occasional visitant.
Two specimens of this tern were taken by Chas. Tindall on the Missouri River near Courtney on October 14, 1914. Sev- eral more were secured, probably from the same flock, at the same place ten days later.
A specimen was taken at Lake City by Mr. J. A. Bryant in the spring of 1886. No other records are available.
STERNA ForsTERI Nuttall. Forster’s Tern.
Not uncommon migrant.
Small flocks of Forster’s Terns appear late in April and early May, and again in September and October. Recent data seem to point to the increase of this tern which, though for- merly common, had later become very scarce.
These graceful birds may be looked for on the Swope Park lakes or any other large pond, as well as on the Missouri River. ;
StTerNA HIRUNDO Linn. Common Tern.
Somewhat rare migrant.
The Common Tern is usually seen late in May or early June and again in October. It was formerly rather common. Some recent dates are May 10, 1916, when a flock of twelve were seen in Swope Park, and June 11, 1916, when fifteen were ob- served feeding in their characteristic manner about the mouth of Big Blue River.
STERNA ANTILLARUM (Lesson).
STERNULA ANTILLARUM ANTILLARUM Lessor. Proposed April, 1917. Least Tern.
Somewhat rare migrant and occasional summer resident.
Least Terns make their appearance in small numbers during the last few days in April in some years, but oftener in the first week of May. They leave for the South during the first fifteen days of September.
Prior to 1900 this dainty bird was commonly met with on the Missouri River and about neighboring ponds and marshes. It
228 Trans. Acad. Sci. of St. Louis.
remained to breed in small numbers in favorable localities in the Missouri bottoms. During the summer of 1915 a pair were seen throughout the entire breeding season at the mouth of Big Blue, where they no doubt had a nest.
This tern seems to be slightly on the increase; more individ- uals have been seen during the last four years than for thirteen years prior to that time.
HYDROCHELIDON NIGRA SURINAMENSIS (Gmelin). Black Tern.
Abundant migrant and not uncommon summer resident.
The first impatient males begin to arrive about April 26th, followed in increasing numbers all through May by the bulk of the flight and until mid-June by the stragglers. A flock of be- tween fifty and a hundred birds have been seen migrating as late as June 11th.
These terns follow the Missouri River in flocks of several hun- dred individuals and resort to favorite feeding and resting places where they may be observed during every migration. The Big Eddy just below the mouth of Blue is one of these. Here the feeding flocks may be easily approached in a launch and the many plumage variations observed at close range.
This species has been seen about the Swope Park lakes, Penn Valley lake, Country Club pond and other small bodies of water in and around the city. They are observed during the entire summer at most of the duck-hunting resorts in this vicinity, and are very possibly breeding in favorable localities.
Several were seen hawking for insects over an athletic field in the Country Club region in company with Nighthawks on May 17, 1917.
Order STEGANOPODES. Totipalmate Swimmers. Family ANHINGIDAE. Darters.
ANHINGA ANHINGA (Linn).Water-Turkey. Formerly an occasional summer visitant.
A small flock of these curious Southern birds were observed by Bush on the Missouri River near old Wayne City (now Ce- ment City), in 1882.
A specimen was taken by Bryant on the Missouri River at Parkville in 1898. This bird will possibly not be met with here again; it has been steadily driven south by the encroachments
Harris—Birds of the Kansas City Region. 229
of civilization until but a few pairs remain in the sunken re- gions of southeast Missouri.
Family PHALACROCORACIDAE. Cormorants.
PHALACROCORAX AURITUS AURITUS (Lesson). Double-crested Cormorant.
Rather rare migrant.
All available records but one of the occurrence of this bird here are in October and November, though it is known to pass regularly in the spring (two specimens, April 17, 1904, Dank- ers).
During occasional migrations it is seen in considerable num- bers, as in 1904, when, on October 24th, a flock of between 100 and 150 were seen perched in the trees along the river bank across from the Big Eddy. Two specimens were taken from this flock. Again in the same year on November 17th a flock of twenty was observed on the river near Courtney.
The river fishermen know this bird as the Water-Turkey and state that rarely a season passes without their seeing it.
Family PELECANIDAE. Pelicans.
PELECANUS ERYTHRORHYNCHOS Gmelin. White Pelican.
Common migrant.
This locality is fortunate in being favored with spring and autumn visits from this, the largest member of the North Ameri- can Avifauna.
Pelicans arrive from the south during the last week of March or very early in April and return from the 13th to 25th of September, straggling along in varying numbers until late in November.
They are still seen in considerable numbers, though not in such abundance as formerly. They seem to be holding their own of late years in spite of the odds against them.
Flocks of several hundreds of these majestic birds are often seen flying high over the Missouri Valley, when they present a sight not easily forgotten, as with alternate series of flapping and sailing they make their way rapidly along. Unless at too high an altitude they are not to be mistaken for any other water bird.
They have on at least one occasion been seen to make their
230 Trans. Acad. Sci. of St. Louis.
well-known concerted drive for fish into shallow water. This was observed at Goose Island in the Missouri River a short distance above the city.
Hunters only too often bring in specimens of Pelicans wan- tonly destroyed for ‘‘sport.’? Among these have been noted males, taken in the autumn, with the nuptial horn or mandible keel still retained. This temporary appendage is usually cast on the breeding ground before the southward flight begins.
Favorable localities, where they may rest and feed in seclu- sion, or where they are protected, have been known to harbor great numbers of these migrants for days and even weeks at a time. One lake in this district is visited twice a year by a flock of from 100 to 1,500 Pelicans. They sometimes remain on this pond for two weeks.
Order ANSERES. Lamellirostral Swimmers. Family Anatwwar. Ducks, Geese and Swans. Subfamily Merginae. Mergansers.
Mereus AMERICANUS Cassin. Merganser.
Not uncommon migrant; occasional winter resident.
Mergansers arrive late from the north, usually during the last half of November, and leave early, in some seasons as early as February, but more often in March and early April.
During the winter of 1910-1911 a flock of six were observed during the entire winter at the mouth of the Big Blue. Again in 1916 another larger flock wintered on a nearby pond, leav- ing early in March.
Mereus seRRATOR Linn. Red-breasted Merganser.
Rare migrant.
This duck is occasionally seen in hunters’ bags and is prob- ably more often taken than the records indicate. Two beauti- ful specimens were examined in a gunner’s string on March 18, 1916, on the Missouri River near Sugar Creek. There are a half dozen authentic records for the last few years.
LopHopYTES CUCULLATUS (Linn.). Hooded Merganser. Common migrant and formerly a not uncommon summer resident. This striking duck is regularly taken by hunters on the river
and at the many shooting resorts in this vicinity.
Harris—Birds of the Kansas City Region. 231
It remains during open winters in favorable localities and has been known to breed in the county. The dates of its occur- rence here cover the entire year, though lately it is seen only during migration.
A flock of six nearly full-grown young were seen on Mill Creek, between Independence and Courtney, on June 17, 1892.
Subfamily Anatinae. River Ducks.
ANAS PLATYRHYNCHOS Linn. Mallard.
Abundant migrant, fairly common winter resident and occasional
summer resident.
The Mallard is present in some numbers during every winter that the Missouri River remains open. The first birds from the north begin to arrive early in September, though the great flocks do not come through until the middle of October, when they are here in varying numbers until the last days of Novem- ber and the first half of December. Unless the winter be ex- ceptionally severe, the northward movement begins late in Janu- ary and early February. By the last week in March the crest of the migratory wave has passed, though stragglers may be seen as late as the middle of May.
In former times the Mallard nested commonly along the Missouri River bottoms from its mouth, and Widmann states that a few still find safe breeding grounds in the large tracts -of spartina grass in the marshes of north Missouri. Smithson found Mallards breeding near Warrensburg in 1903 and 1904. They have been known to: breed also during recent years near Bigelow.
During the past two or three years there has been a very noticeable increase in the numbers of these and other ducks. The autumn flight of 1916 was decidedly larger than any seen for many years.
On January 29, 1917, there was a surprising southward flight of thousands of Mallards and Pintails. A severe blizzard followed the ducks, accompanied by a temperature of twelve degrees below zero. These birds had spent the winter up to this date in northern Missouri, although there had been periods during which all lakes and streams, except the Missouri River, had been frozen solid. The closing of the river during this bliz- zard probably accounts for this movement.
232 Trans. Acad. Sct. of St. Louis.
Malards are likely to drop into any small body of water dur-
ing their migratory flights and are sure to be seen in Swope Park.
ANAS RUBRIPES RUBRIPES Brewster. Red-legged Black Duck.
Not uncommon but irregular migrant.
The well-known controversy relative to the validity of this form is an interesting incident in the history of systematic orni- thology. It is included in this list in the firm belief that it is a perfectly good and valid subspecies and that it will one day be returned to the American Ornithologists’ Check List.
Black Ducks with intensely red legs and feet are not uncom- monly taken on the Missouri River and at the several duck- shooting resorts in this neighborhood. In some years only an oceasional specimen is seen. A hunter’s string was examined on October 27, 1917, that contained two specimens of this duck taken in Jackson County.
William Andrews, who lives on the Missouri River and who has spent a great many years hunting and fishing there, recog- nizes the two forms of the Black Duck, and states that he has killed hundreds of the Red-legged subspecies in his time. He states further that they are much less common than formerly and are somewhat irregular in their occurrence.
ANAS RUBRIPES TRISTIS Brewster. Black Duck.
Rare migrant.
This duck was formerly a common migrant and often pres- ent in winter. The older sportsmen recall the days when the “Black Mallard’’ was taken regularly.
It has been noted but a few times during the past 15 years and is now considered a rarity. Two specimens were taken on
the Missouri River, Oct. 30, 1903, and Nov. 15, 1909, respec- tively.
CHAULELASMUS STREPERUS (Linn.). Gadwall.
Fairly common migrant.
The Gadwall is regularly met with on the Missouri River during March and April and in late October and November. A few single birds or small flocks are occasionally seen as early as the middle of February. A flock of over two hundred birds
was seen on April 13, 1917, indicating that this species may be on the increase.
Harris—Birds of the Kansas City Region. 233
The Gadwall has been found nesting a few counties to the north.
MarECA AMERICANA (Gmelin). Baldpate.
Common migrant.
The Baldpate is often found in the company of the Gadwall. The migration dates of these two species are about the same, though the Baldpate has not been known to breed in the state. Fairly large flocks of these two ducks have been noted during the last two years; we believe that both are increasing in num- bers.
The Baldpate is occasionally seen on the park lakes.
NETTION CAROLINENSE (Gmelin). Green-winged Teal.
Very common migrant; occasional winter resident.
The Green-winged Teal arrives from the north during Oc- tober; a few remain during the mild open winters. By the last week of April all have left for their northern breeding grounds.
On account of their habit of flying in compact flocks and of circling back to the same spot again and again, great numbers of these beautiful little ducks are killed by hunters.
They have often been noted on the park lakes.
QUERQUEDULA piscors (Linn.). Blue-winged Teal.
Very common migrant and occasional summer resident.
This duck returns from the north early and is the last to de- part in the spring. Blue-wings begin to arrive early in Sep- tember, the bulk passing during the latter part of the month and in early October. A few are seen as early as February on their return but the bulk of the flight is not present until late in April and many are observed well into May.
Pairs of Blue-wings are observed all summer wherever there are favorable nesting sites and if not disturbed would breed in numbers in the county. A brood of five young with the parent birds were observed on Mill Creek several times in June, 1916 (Bush).
This is one of the species of water fowl that is fortunately showing an increase in numbers. It has been reported as breeding in great numbers in northern Missouri and in north- ern and central Kansas during the summers of 1915, 1916 and 1917.
It is not uncommonly seen on the Swope Park lakes.
234 Trans. Acad. Sci. of St. Louis.
QUERQUEDULA CYANOPTERA (Vieillot). Cinnamon Teal.
Occasional visitant.
This western species has been noted many times in this vicinity, usually in the company of its near relative the Blue- wing.
A pair taken by Bryant in 1904 were killed within the city limits. A fiock of five were taken by Tindall at Lake City in 1895. A single bird was observed on a nearby lake on April 17, 1915. Another was seen on the same lake on April 15, 1916, where it remained for over a week. Still another record comes from the same place in April, 1917.
SPATULA CLYPEATA (Linn.). Shoveller.
Very common migrant; possibly a rare summer resident.
The arrival and departure dates of this duck are about the same as those of the Blue-winged Teal.
Pairs of these birds, observed every May lingering about ponds and swampy bottom land, are without doubt seeking nesting sites but are driven out by unfavorable conditions.
This beautifully marked and easily recognized duck is fre- quently seen on the park lakes.
Dariua acuta (Linn.).
DaFinA ACUTA TzITzIHOA (Vieillot). Proposed April, 1917. Pintail.
Abundant migrant.
Next to the Mallard and Lesser Scaup this is our commonest duck. Its arrival and departure is coincident with that of the Mallard.
Tremendous flights of Pintails and Mallards occur every sea- son over the Missouri Valley and present a wonderful and im- pressive sight to bird lovers. Even at night the flocks may be heard passing overhead and the different species may be distin- guished by their notes. On favorable mornings when the migra- tion is at its height, the observer may look in any direction and see dozens of the flocks showing every conceivable variation of flight formation. The most favorable time for observation, if there be no fog on the river, is early dawn and for an hour or so afterward.
The Pintail, or Sprig, is almost certain to be seen during every migration on the Swope Park lakes.
Harris—Birds of the Kansas City Region. 235
Arx sponsa (Linn.). Wood Duck. Rare migrant and summer resident.
_ This once plentiful duck was a common breeder in the Mis- souri and Blue Valleys but is now seen only occasionally. As late as 1909 a pair nested in the neighborhood of the 27th Street bridge on the Blue River. This pair had raised a brood in this place every summer for many years but were finally driven off. On June 13, 1916, two nearly grown young males were observed at the mouth of Big Blue.
Nearly every duck hunter in the county owns a mounted specimen of this beautiful bird taken in this region.
Subfamily Fuligulinae. Sea Ducks,
Maria AMERICANA (Eyton). Redhead.
Not uncommon migrant.
The Redhead was once an abundant migrant here but has been scarcer of late years, though it is probably again on the increase.
It arrives during early March (sometimes much earlier) and April on the northward flight and in late October and Novem- ber on its return. It is occasionally seen in December.
Duck hunters generally bewail the disappearance of this fast flying and valuable duck but take every opportunity to slaugh- ter it on sight.
MariLA VALISINERIA (Wilson). Canvas-back.
Not uncommon migrant.
Like the Redhead, the Canvas-back has greatly decreased in numbers, until where formerly hundreds were observed, now only dozens are seen. It is still regularly taken by hunters, sometimes amid floating ice in the river as early as February. It is often seen with Redheads and its migratory periods are about the same.
Marima maria (Linn.). Scaup Duck.
Not uncommon migrant.
The Seaup Duck arrives from the south in March and April, earlier during some short winters, and leaves from the first week in November to the middle of December. It generally consorts with the two following species. Of late years it has not been seen in such large flocks as formerly.
236 Trans. Acad. Sci. of St. Louts.
All three species of the Scaup Ducks are known to local hunters by the name of Blackjack, though this one is some- times called Bluebill.
Marina AFFINIS (Eyton). Lesser Scaup Duck.
Abundant migrant.
The common Blackjack ranks with the Mallard and Pintail in point of numbers and has not noticeably decreased during the past few years. A familiar sight on the Missouri River, when the bulk of the birds are passing through on the north- ward flight, is to see immense rafts of these ducks floating down stream with the current busily engaged in their mating an- tics. They have favorite stretches of water for these floats and when they have arrived at the end of one where they com- monly ‘‘use,’’ the entire flock leaves the water and flies, some- times miles, to the starting point to begin the float all over again. During these times they are easy of approach though they are becoming more wary of the motor-boat than for- merly.
This duck is not a very desirable table fowl but is slaughtered in great numbers by the city hunters.
It is often found in the company of other species but prefers to flock with its own kind. It is to be found here all through the migrating season in varying numbers, though never in mid- winter, and is often seen in rather large flocks on the different park lakes. Flocks rest for days on the lake in Penn Valley taking no notice of the traffic but a few yards away. Flocks of considerable size are often seen on the lakes in Swope Park.
Mariua COLLARIS (Donovan). Ring-necked Duck.
Not uncommon migrant.
This species precedes the other Scaup in the spring and is often found with the early Redheads and Canvas-backs. It is not as common as formerly but is regularly taken by the hunt- ers. It is the least numerous of the Scaup.
CLANGULA CLANGULA AMERICANA Bonaparte. Golden-eye. Rather rare migrant. This strikingly marked duck is now only decasionally seen in twos and threes on the Missouri River, where formerly it was met with in migration in occasional flocks of dozens. The last
Harris—Birds of the Kansas City Region. 237
visiting flock of any size was noted on March 11, 1914. Two
specimens were examined in a hunter’s string in the spring of 1916.
CLANGULA ISLANDICA (Gmelin). Barrow’s Golden-eye. Very rare winter visitant.
This northern bird seldom wanders so far south and there are but two authentic records of its capture in this immediate neighborhood.
CHARITONETTA ALBEOLA (Linn.). Buffle-head. Irregular and not common migrant.
Never of very frequent occurrence, this small duck is as likely to be met with in February as in May, returning from the north in late October and November. During some years several small flocks are seen and in other years none. The rivermen call this duck the Butterball and say that it does not occur as fre- quently as formerly.
HERELDA HYEMALIS (Linn.). Old-squaw. Very rare winter visitant.
Authentic records of the occurrence of this duck are few, though several of the river fishermen claim to know the. bird and to have seen it several times. One specimen was taken by Bryant in 1893.
HIsTRIONICUS HISTRIONICUS (Linn.). Harlequin Duck. Very rare winter visitant.
There are but two records of the occurrence of this northern duck in this vicinity. One specimen was taken by Wm. An- drews on the Missouri River at the Eaton tower (date not available) and the other was killed at Lake City by Bryant in 1887.
OWEMIA AMERICANA Swainson. Scoter. Irregular winter visitant.
River men claim to know this bird but the fact of its pres- ence here was not authentically established until 1914. During the autumn flight of that year several dozen specimens were examined at different times. This was probably an exceptional invasion of this duck and the river hunters made the most of it.
238 Trans. Acad. Sci. of St. Louis.
OweEmia Fusca ‘(Linn.).
MELANITTA DEGLANDI (Bonaparte). Proposed April, 1917. White-winged Scoter. Accidental. The only authority for including this bird is the mounted specimen in the Public Library, without data but said to have been taken near by.
OWEMIA PERSPICILLATA (Linn.). MELANITTA PERSPICILLATA (Linn.). Proposed April, 1917. Surf Scoter.
Very rare winter visitant.
A female Surf Scoter taken by Charles Dankers, near Corn- ing, and beautifully mounted by that naturalist, is the only record of the occurrence of this duck in this part of Missouri. There are five records from Lawrence, one given by Vernon Kellogg (K. C. Scientist, 1891), and four by Bunker.
ERISMATURA JAMAICENSIS (Gmelin). Ruddy Duck.
Not uncommon but irregular migrant.
Formerly a very common migrant, the Ruddy Duck has greatly diminished in numbers. It is irregular in its occur- rence here, some years appearing in quite large numbers. A flock of between 50 and 100 was seen on March 15, 1916, float- ing down the Missouri River near the Hannibal Bridge.
Arriving early in March they hurry through and are back by the middle of October, and all have left by the last week in November.
Subfamily Anserinae. Geese.
CHEN HYPERBOREUS HYPERBOREUS (Pallas). Snow Goose.
Fairly common migrant.
The white geese begin coming late in February and are not usually seen after the first ten days in April. They pass through on their return flight from the middle of October to the middle of November.
Occasional records for mid-winter and early February have led some observers to assume that this goose remains during open winters. It would be so easy for birds with such powers of flight to go south even for a short period (as their near rela- tives, the Blue Geese are known to do) that this assumption seems not to be warranted by the present evidence.
Harris—Birds of the Kansas City Region. 239
Hunters, especially on the Missouri River, still bring in com- paratively large numbers of these geese and they are becoming more scarce every year.
When the ‘‘Migratory Bird Act’’ is enforced, if not too late, it is hoped that all the geese will immediately begin to increase.
CHEN HYPERBOREUS NivaLis (J. R. Forster). Greater Snow Goose.
Not very common migrant.
This form of Snow Goose is not of such regular or common occurrence as the preceding but is occasionally taken by hunt- ers. Only a few large Snow Geese have been seen during recent years and it is considered much more rare than formerly. There are five authentic records of its occurrence here during the past several seasons.
It is difficult to distinguish in the field from the smaller form.
CHEN CAERULESCENS (Linn.). Blue Goose.
Common migrant.
The time of arrival and departure of this goose is about the same as the Snow Goose except that it does not arrive so early as February.
Though not so abundant as formerly, the presence here of some very large flocks during the past two years encourages the hope that the species may be on the increase. Flocks of from 50 to 250 are not uncommonly seen on the Missouri River.
ANSER ALBIFRONS GAMBELI Hartlaub. White-fronted Goose.
Fairly common migrant.
Small flocks of White-fronted Geese sometimes arrive as early as the last week in February but the main flight is about a month later. They return about the middle of October and the last are seen sometimes as late as early December. These occasional February and December records have led some ob- servers to think that the bird remains in mild winters. This is not believed to be the case since extended field work during January in several open winters has failed to show them pres- ent.
Troops of a few dozen birds are commonly seen all through migration times on the Missouri River and on April 12, 1917, a flock of 250 was observed.
240 Trans. Acad. Sci. of St. Louis.
BRANTA CANADENSIS CANADENSIS (Linn.). Canada Goose.
Fairly abundant migrant and somewhat common winter resident.
Formerly a summer resident.
Flocks of hundreds of these geese are still to be seen, espe- cially in spring. The Canada Goose arrives in early February and March and leaves on the southward flight in November or December, depending on the severity of the season. Canada Geese have been frequently observed wintering here and it has been no uncommon sight to see these wintering flocks tumbling pell mell into the current of the Missouri River amid great fields and agitated masses of floating ice. Great numbers have been killed over decoys in January from blinds built of blocks of ice on sand bars and points.
The Wild Goose was a common breeder here in the early days in the bottom land jungles.
Several farmers in this vicinity have extensive flocks of do- mesticated Canada Geese which breed freely in confinement.
Fine specimens of this and the Snow Goose as well as several species of the commoner ducks are to be seen in the Swope Park Zoo.
Long lines of these geese pass over the city during every sea- son and on stormy nights during migration may be heard honk- ing low over the house tops.
BRANTA CANADENSIS HUTCHINSI (Richardson). Hutchins’s Goose.
Fairly common migrant.
This small subspecific form of the Canada Goose is often seen in rather large flocks and is sometimes found flocking with its big relative.
Owing to increased activity in manufacturing and transpor- tation, some of the wilder and more wary water fowl have of late years avoided certain stretches of the Missouri River where they formerly ‘‘used,’’ but this does not mean that there has been a proportionate decrease in their numbers. They simply seek greater seclusion further up the river or lower down. This small goose, in particular, is seldom taken in the county but is fairly common elsewhere in the vicinity.
Its high pitched gabbling note was formerly an important element in the wild music so keenly enjoyed and appreciated by ornithologists.
Harris—Birds of the Kansas City Region. 241
Subfamily Cygninae. Swans.
OLoR coLUMBIANUS (Ord). Whistling Swan.
Very rare migrant.
The Whistling Swan is still occasionally seen on the Mis- souri River. In 1897 a specimen was taken in the east bottoms by Bryant. Two specimens were brought in by a river hunter on November 22, 1915.
The older sportsmen tell of many swans being taken in Jack- son County in former years but they are unable to distinguish the two species.
OLoR BUCCINATOR (Richardson). Trumpeter Swan.
Formerly a migrant; probably now extinct in this vicinity.
The Trumpeter Swan was formerly a regular migrant in the Missouri Valley. The only known: specimen is the one in the Library collection. This bird was taken by Bryant in April, 1900, on a pond at 75th and Holmes.
Order HERODIONES. Herons, Storks, Ibises, ete. Suborder Ibides. Spoonbills and Ibises. Family Ismmag. Ibises. PLEGADIS GUARAUNA (Linn.). White-faced Glossy Ibis. Very rare migrant. This species 18 said to breed regularly in Kansas, even north
of this latitude, but has been taken in Missouri but twice. Chas. E. Dankers took a specimen October 8, 1907, in Holt County.
Suborder Herodii. Herons, Egrets, Bitterns, Ete. Family Arpriar. Herons, Bitterns, ete. Subfamily Botaurinae. Bitterns.
BorauRUs LENTIGINOSUS (Montagu). Bittern.
Common migrant and rare summer resident.
The Bittern arrives about April 10th and leaves by the end of October. It is found here in the breeding season in suitable localities but the nest has not been discovered. It is common in migration and is to be seen along the streams and about lakes, ponds and marshes. Even the small marshy spot in the
242 Trans. Acad. Sci. of St. Louis.
woods by the Swope Park rifle range attracts its occasional mi- grating Bittern. On October 26, 1916, one was flushed from the bare prairie south of the Country Club region. This is characteristic of this species as they migrate broadcast over the country and do not follow the streams as do others of their kind.
IxoBRYCHUS ExILIS (Gmelin). Least Bittern. Fairly common migrant and not uncommon summer resident.
The Least Bittern arrives early in May and leaves in Sep- tember. It has been known to breed in the marshy places about Lake City and would no doubt be found nesting commonly in the county if more suitable localities were to be found. Sev- eral pair were found breeding at Sugar Lake, Platte County, in 1916.
It is a shy bird and active only in the evening in the places where it nests.
Subfamily Ardeinae. Herons and Egrets.
ARDEA HERODIAS HERODIAS Linn. Great Blue Heron.
Common migrant and occasional summer resident.
Great numbers of these large herons migrate up and down the Missouri River and resort to sloughs, backwater and shal- lows around sand-bars to feed.
The earliest birds arrive around March 18th and all have left by the last week in November. They have been found nesting in the tall trees by the old Hiffner Lake near Atherton. A few are met with regularly every summer during the entire season in favorable feeding places in the Missouri Valley. These birds may nest close by or a dozen miles away as they fly long distances to feed. A pair observed during the summer of 1906 at the mouth of the Blue were believed to have a nest in the timber on the Clay County side but it could not be located.
HeERopias EGRETTA (Gmelin). Egret.
Formerly a summer visitant and possible summer resident.
The Egret has not been seen in this vicinity for twenty years. It was observed on the Blue River above Dodson in 1895. Tt has been observed on the river lakes in Platte and Buchanan Counties in former years.
Harris—Birds of the Kansas City Region. 243
EGRETTA CANDIDISSIMA CANDIDISsSIMA (Gmelin). Snowy Egret. Accidental.
The only record for this part of the country is a beautiful specimen in the Dankers collection taken in Holt County on April 14, 1904.
FLoRIDA CAERULEA (Linn.). Little Blue Heron. Irregular summer visitant.
The few small flocks of these herons that have been seen here are wanderers from the south after the nesting season. Ten specimens testify to its occurrence in this vicinity. Eight of these were taken from one flock by Chas. Dankers on August 20, 1916.
BUTORIDES VIRESCENS VIRESCENS (Linn.). Green Heron. Common summer resident.
The Green Heron arrives about the middle of April and is seldom seen after the first of October. Every small wooded ereek has its nesting pairs. It nests in Swope Park and along the Blue River within the city. It is very common in the Mis- souri Valley and in the valley of the Little Blue. It begins lay- ing shortly after the middle of May.
This heron is less shy than others of the family and falls an easy prey to many thoughtless gunners, and for this reason alone is noticeably decreasing in numbers.
NyctTicorax NYCTICORAX NAEVIUS (Boddaert). Black-crowned Night Heron.
Rare migrant and possible summer resident.
The Black-crowned Night Heron arrives about the middle of April and leaves by the middle of October. It is much less common than formerly. It has been known to breed in the counties to the north of us but the nest has never been found in Jackson County. It should be looked for in suitable localities.
NyctTanassa VIOLACEA (Linn.). Yellow-crowned Night Heron. Very rare summer resident.
The only authentic record of the occurrence of this heron in this vicinity is a pair seen at a nearby hunting resort on April 17, 1915.
244 Trans. Acad. Sci. of St. Louis.
Order PALUDICOLAE. Cranes, Rails, ete. Suborder Grues. Cranes, Courlans, ete. Family Grumar. Cranes.
Grus AMERICANA (Linn.). Whooping Crane. Occasional migrant.
Charles Dankers is more favorably situated for observing the large water birds than any other observer in this part of the state. He reports this large crane as very rare. He collected a specimen on April 14, 1904, saw one on March 27, 1913, and noted a small flock of five birds on his farm in the spring of 1906.
Jno. A. Bryant, who states that this bird was common for- merly, took a specimen in the spring of 1893, in this county.
Grus CANADENSIS. Little Brown Crane. Rather rare migrant.
The Little Brown Crane migrates regularly through this re- gion and has been taken in adjacent territory on all sides. There is little doubt that a few of the sight records of the Sandhill Crane in this region properly belong to the Little Brown, as the two are not readily distinguishable in the field.
Grus mexicana (Muller). Sandhill Crane. Regular and not very rare migrant.
In favorable localities in this vicinity a few of these mag- nificent birds are seen regularly during every spring migration and occasionally in the fall. The following are some of Charles Dankers’ dates:
March 23, 1902, a flock of thirty were seen.
March 30, 1903, a flock of thirty were seen.
March 22, 1905, a flock of twenty were seen.
April 8, 1906, one specimen was taken from a flock of ten.
April 15, 1906, a single bird was taken.
October 18, 1909, three specimens were taken from a large flock.
April 2, 1910, one specimen was taken.
March 23, 1911, a flock of fifteen was seen.
March 30, 1912, seven birds were seen.
Harris—Birds of the Kansas City Region. 245
March 24, 1913, a flock of fifteen was seen.
March 21, 1916, a flock of ninety was seen.
In the spring of 1917 (date not received) several small flocks were seen.
These data show that the Sandhill Crane arrives during the last week in March on the northward flight and that it some- times returns this way during October.
A small number of these noisy cranes were heard circling low over the mouth of the Blue one stormy night in March in 1909. Two were seen by Judge Guinotte on the Missouri River dur- ing the first week of October, 1917.
Suborder Ralli. Rails, Gallinules, Coots, ete. Family Rauuipan. Rails, Gallinules and Coots. Subfamily Rallinae. Rails.
Rauuus ELEGANS Audubon. King Rail.
Not uncommon migrant and rather rare summer resident.
The King Rail arrives early in April and leaves in late October. It has been reported breeding about Lake City and nests regularly in the up-river counties.
This rail is well known to duck hunters who report it a reg- ular and not uncommon migrant on the neighboring lakes and swamps.
Dankers has mounted a pair with three young which were taken on his place on July 26, 1903.
‘RALLUS VIRGINIANUS Linn. Virginia Rail.
Common migrant and rare summer resident.
Tindall found this rail nesting at Lake City in 1892, 1895 _and 1903. It is commonly seen in migration in the marshy places it frequents and its dates of occurrence are about the same as the following species.
PorzANA CAROLINA (Linn.). Sora.
Common migrant and rare summer resident.
The Sora arrives about April 18th and leaves in late October. It was found nesting by Bush and Tindall at Lake City on August 22, 1896. <A set of ten eggs was taken near Independ- ence and is now in the collection of O. E. Sheley.
246 Trans. Acad. Sct. of St. Louis.
COTURNICOPS NOVEBORACENSIS (Gmelin). Yellow Rail.
Rare migrant.
On account of its very retiring habits this rail is seldom seen. Tindall took a specimen near Independence on April 14, 1901. Dankers took one specimen at Corning on May 5, 1904, and two on October 15, 1916, in an alfalfa field. This October record is the only fall record for the State of Missouri.
This bird is said to be a rare summer resident a few coun- ties north of here, but this statement has never been verified.
[CRECISCUS JAMAICENSIS (Gmelin). Black Rail.] Possible migrant and summer resident.
There are no available records of the occurrence here of this elusive little skulker but there can be little doubt that it visits this vicinity regularly. It is included in this list to call the at- tention of students to the possibility of establishing its presence here. :
Subfamily Gallinulinae. Gallinules.
IcNORNIS MARTINICUS (Linn.). Purple Gallinule.
Accidental.
An immature Purple Gallinule was captured alive and in a starving condition in the east bottoms on December 30, 1915. The skin is now in the collection of Miss Jennie Clements of Inedependence and is the only known record for this part of the country. There are but two other records for the State of Mis- souri.
GALLINULA GALEATA (Lichtenstein).
GALLINULA CHLOROPUS CACHINNANS Bangs. Proposed October, 1916. Florida Gallinule.
Not uncommon migrant and very rare summer resident.
For some unknown reason this bird arrives here about two weeks or more earlier than at St. Louis. Widmann reports that it arrives there after the first of May, but it has been seen here during several years from the 13th to 25th of April.
It was found nesting at Lake City by Tindall in 1904 and has been seen during the breeding season in Platte County in 1916 and 1917.
This bird was once very common and has only of recent years become rare.
Harris—Birds of the Kansas City Region. 247
Subfamily Fulicinae. Coots.
Fuica AMERICANA Gmelin. Coot.
Abundant migrant and not uncommon summer resident.
The bulk of the flight comes rather late, just ahead of the Blue-winged Teal and Shovellers, though a noticeable number are here often as early as the last week in February (twenty on Feb. 25, 1917). They begin leaving in September and very few are seen after early November. _
Coots breed in the county wherever they can find suitable nesting sites. A pair nested on the Blue within the city limits during the summer of 1913, but succeeded in raising only one young. Immediately on the opening day of the shooting season all three birds were promptly slaughtered by the first hunter that passed on his way to the Missouri River.
Tremendous flocks of Mudhens migrate up the Missouri Val- ley and one flock seen on April 13, 1917, was estimated to con- tain ten thousand birds.
During the flight they are commonly seen on all the park lakes and city ponds.
Order LIMICOLAE. Shore Birds. Family PHauaropopipar. Phalaropes.
PHALAROPUS FULICARIUS (Linn.). Red Phalarope.
Very rare migrant.
The Red Phalarope is said by several of the river-fishermen to occur now and then during migration, but authentic records are scarce. A specimen was taken on the Kaw River near Law- rence on November 5, 1905; another specimen, the head and feet of which were examined, was taken by Wm. Andrews on the Missouri River in Jackson County on October 20, 1917. A few unauthenticated records are known.
Losipes Lopatus (Linn.). Northern Phalarope.
Casual, probably accidental.
The only known record of the occurrence of the Northern Phalarope in this region is the specimen referred to by Wid- mann (p. 63), which was taken in Platte County, opposite Leav- enworth. This species can be of only casual occurrence in this part of the country.
248 Trans. Acad. Sci. of St. Louis.
STEGANOPUS TRICOLOR Vieillot. Wilson’s Phalarope.
Fairly common migrant.
The Wilson’s Phalarope arrives from about April 20th to 25th (April 11, 1916) and again in August and September. Has been seen in spring as late as the middle of May.
Whenever the mud flats at the mouth of the Blue River are not submerged by backwater from the Missouri, large numbers of these beautiful birds resort there to feed and rest during their long migratory flights. They have been taken both in the showy spring plumage and the more sombre winter dress.
Family Recurvirostripar. Avocets and Stilts.
RECURVIROSTRA AMERICANA Gmelin. Avocet.
Very rare migrant.
Rivermen have given us descriptions of birds taken which seem to apply to this species, but we have been able to find only the following actual records: Wm. Andrews took a specimen on the Missouri River near the Eaton tower in the spring of 1912. Bush reports one taken near Courtney in the spring of 1914. Bryant took a pair at Bean Lake in October, 1894.
Family Sconopacipar. Snipes, Sandpipers, ete.
PHILOHELA MINOR (Gmelin). Woodcock.
Very rare migrant and former summer resident.
Bush states that the Woodcock formerly nested in this county, but was never numerous either as a migrant or breeder.
Two were taken on the old Kenoche farm near the mouth of Big Blue by Bryant in the spring of 1894. Another specimen was taken near the same place by Dick Spiker on March 18, 1914. One was seen feeding in Shilo on May 30, 1915, by Walter Cunningham.
Very few of the great numbers that winter in the southeastern part of the state seem to come this way on their spring migra- tion ; it is probable that the bird is nearly extinct in this part of the country.
GALLINAGO DELICATA (Ord). Wilson’s Snipe. Fairly common migrant.
This once abundant game bird was formerly a common sight on every wet grassy spot. It is still present from about the
Harris—Birds of the Kansas City Region. 249
10th of March to the end of April (often later) and again from the first of September to the middle of November.
It still occurs in enough numbers to attract sportsmen and Jacksnipe shooting has not yet become obsolete for lack of vic- tims.
A flock of a dozen or two spent a week on the wet meadow adjoining the Swope Park rifle range in early May of 1917. This is a favorable feeding place where they may be looked for every spring when conditions are right.
Fast-flying flocks of these birds are a rather common sight on the Missouri River during migration.
[MacroRHAMPHUS GRISEUS GRISEUS (Gmelin). Dowitcher.]
Probable migrant.
While there are no specimens at hand to establish the oceur- rence of this bird here, there is no doubt that it passes up the Missouri Valley in its migration. A flock of shore birds seen at the mouth of the Big Blue late in the spring of 1916 was rather unsatisfactorily identified as belonging to this species or to the subspecies scolopaceus. It is listed here in order that students may be on the lookout for it.
MAcrRoRHAMPHUS GRISEUS SCOLOPACEUS (Say). Long-billed
Dowitcher. Rare migrant.
A pair of these birds were collected by Dankers in Holt County on October 16, 1916. Lack of data prevents the working out of the migration periods. It is understood to have been common formerly, but has become a rare bird.
MicropaLaMa HIMANTOPUS (Bonaparte). Stilt Sandpiper. Rather rare migrant.
A small flock of six birds was observed at the mouth of Big Blue on April 16, 1914. A specimen was taken near the city by Tindall on April 17, 1902, and another on April 30, 1902. Fur- ther migration data are lacking.
TrRInGa canutus Linn. CaNUTUS CANUTUS RUFUS (Wilson). Proposed April, 1917. Knot.
Occasional migrant. A beautiful specimen of this bird in full spring plumage was
250 Trans. Acad. Sci. of St. Louis.
taken on the lower Blue River on May 6, 1914, and another seen in the same place on May 8, 1914. A specimen has been reported from Platte County and another from a point about forty miles to the west. No other datum is at hand.
ARQUATELLA MARITIMA MaRITIMA (Brunnich). Purple Sand- piper. Accidental. The Purple Sandpiper is listed on the strength of the speci- men taken near here by Dr. Hoy in 1854 (19th Annual Report Smithsonian for 1864).
Pisopia MacuLaTa (Vieillot). Pectoral Sandpiper. Very common migrant.
The Pectoral Sandpiper arrives from the 12th to 18th of April, in some years much earlier (March 15, 1905; March 30, 1911; March 24, 1916), and is present until the last of May. It is seen sometimes as early as the middle of August, on the return flight from the north, and the last birds have not passed until early November. It is often observed in very large flocks along the Missouri bottoms about suitable shallow feeding places.
During the passing of the bulk of the flight, usually the last week in April, small flocks have been seen about the lagoon in Swope Park.
PisoBIA FUSCICOLLIS (Vieillot). White-rumped Sandpiper. Not uncommon migrant.
This bird has been frequently observed on the river and a few times on ponds. All the available dates of its appearance are in the first week in May. The migration periods have not been worked out.
Pisopra BarRDI (Coues). Baird’s Sandpiper. Not uncommon migrant.
The Baird’s Sandpiper is present from the middle of April to the first of June and from the last of August to nearly the middle of October (October 13, 1898). It is usually found with other small sandpipers. A recent record is one specimen taken on the Missouri River, near Courtney, by A. F. Frazier, on April 17, 1914.
Harris—Birds of the Kansas City Region. 251
PISOBIA MINUTILLA (Vieillot). Least Sandpiper. Very common migrant.
The Least Sandpiper arrives as early as the 2nd of April and is present until the last week in May. The earliest southbound flock noted was on July 12, 1914, about three weeks earlier than the average time of arrival. The last have usually left by the last week in October.
This sandpiper is still seen in apparently as large numbers as formerly. It may be looked for about any small pond or stream, though most abundant on the sloughs and mud flats in the Missouri River flood plain.
PELIDNA ALPINA SAKHALINA (Vieillot). Red-backed Sandpiper. Rare migrant.
A flock of fifteen Red-backed Sandpipers were closely watched on the mud flat at the mouth of the Blue on May 16,1914. There are records of its occurrence here during four other years when specimens were taken.
The characteristic field mark of this bird in spring is the black belly. The student must not be led astray when he has under observation small shore birds of other species that have waded out in soft mud and stained the under parts.
EREUNETES PUSILLUS (Linn.). Semipalmated Sandpiper. Very common migrant.
The migration dates for the Semipalmated Sandpiper are about the same as for the Least Sandpiper. These two species are among the commonest shore birds and occur in about equal abundance. They are found along the river sometimes in im- mense flocks and are often accompanied by other small sand- pipers and Semipalmated Plovers.
While feeding these flocks may be easily approached and studied at close range, as they are not so wild as the larger shore birds which are more often disturbed by gunners.
EREUNETES MAURI Cabanis. Western Sandpiper. Occasional migrant.
Several specimens of this sandpiper have been taken in this
part of the country, both to the east and west, but not in this immediate neighborhood. It has been identified two or three
252 Trans. Acad. Sci. of St. Louis.
times in spring flocks of other shore birds, but no specimens have been taken.
CALIDRIS LEUCOPHAEA (Pallas). Sanderling.
Occasional migrant.
A small flock of six Sanderlings was seen on March 21, 1902, and a single specimen was taken on April 17, 1902. There are no further local data for this species.
Limosa FEpoA (Linn.). Marbled Godwit.
Rare migrant.
This large wader, though formerly common, has become quite rare. A small flock was seen on the river April 18,1911. Two specimens in the Dankers collection were taken May 8, 1908.
Limosa HAEMAsTiIcA (Linn.). Hudsonian Godwit.
Rather rare migrant.
The Hudsonian Godwit is occasionally seen in small flocks on the Missouri River. A group of nine finely mounted birds in the Dankers collection were taken on that farm May 15, 1910. A few birds were seen April 20, 1911, and a flock of twelve were observed on April 28, 1916.
TOTANUS MELANOLEUCUS (Gmelin). Greater Yellow-legs.
Fairly common migrant.
The Greater Yellow-legs arrive from the south from the 18th to 22nd of March, becoming fairly common between April 10th and 20th and are rarely seen after the first of May (two late dates are May 6, 1914, and May 9, 1914). They are found here irregularly in the fall from the first of September to the middle of November.
TOTANUS FLAVIPES (Gmelin). Yellow-legs.
Fairly abundant migrant.
The pleasing double and triple whistle of the Yellow-legs is to be heard on all sides in favorable places when the spring flight is at its height, usually from the 12th to 25th of April. The migration dates are about the same as for the preceding species, except that it remains a little longer on the northward flight and arrives earlier on the return, usually about the mid- dle of August.
An exceptionally heavy flight during the latter part of April,
Harris—Birds of the Kansas City Region. 253
1917, is a hopeful sign that the bird is at least not materially decreasing in numbers.
It is often seen along the Blue, especially along the lower reaches, and about the Swope Park lagoon.
HELODROMAS SOLITARIUS SoLITaRIUS (Wilson). Solitary Sand- piper.
Very commmon migrant.
The Solitary Sandpiper is present in spring from the middle of April to the middle of May and in autumn from the middle of August to early in October, an exceptionally late date being October 31, 1901.
It is to be found everywhere along waterways, lakes, ponds, and even woodland pools. It was found late in April, 1917, with the Bittern and Grinell’s Water Thrush in the little swampy place in the timber just off the rifle range in Swope Park. During migration it is common all along the Blue and even on Brush Creek.
CATOPTROPHORUS SEMIPALMATUS SEMIPALMATUS (Gmelin). Willet.
Not rare migrant.
The Willet has been seen infrequently of late years, but its plaintive whistle is regularly heard at night during migration, especially in blustery weather. This may, of course, be the western form, but both occur here. A specimen taken by Bry- ant on April 9, 1903, is said to be referable to the eastern form, but has not been examined. Two specimens have been taken thirty miles west of this county.
CATOPTROPHORUS SEMIPALMATUS INORNATUS (Brewster). West- ern Willet.
Rare migrant.
Three birds of this subspecies were taken from a flock on a slough in the Missouri bottoms on May 6, 1914. This is all the local data on this bird available at this time.
BaARTRAMIA LONGICAUDA (Bechstein). Upland Plover. Not uncommon migrant and rare summer resident.
This fine game bird was formerly abundant on the prairie re- gions of Jackson County and was brought in in great numbers by
254 Trans. Acad. Sci. of St. Louis.
sportsmen. The prairie around Waldo and what is now the Country Club district were favorite hunting grounds and an occasional migrant is still seen in that vicinity.
They formerly bred commonly in the county and a nesting pair were seen by Bush as late as 1902 near Swope Park. Two sets of eggs were taken near Independence by Tindall on June 11, 1891, and June 17, 1891, respectively. A few specimens have been taken lately by Dankers.
The Upland Plover is often heard migrating at night in the last week of April and in August and September.
TRYNGITES SUBRUFICOLLIS (Vieillot). Buff-breasted Sandpiper.
Rather rare and irregular migrant.
This bird, sometimes called the Grass Snipe, appears during the last half of April and first half of May and again in Sep- tember. During some years it is not seen. It generally occurs in small flocks and but few specimens have ever been taken here. Chas. Tindall took nine birds from a rather large flock on a sandbar in the Missouri River near the Eaton bend on September 15, 1901.
This sandpiper may be looked for on the uplands as well as near water.
ACTITIS MACULARIUS (Linn.). Spotted Sandpiper.
Very common migrant and not uncommon summer resident.
The Spotted Sandpiper arrives about April 20th (April 9, 1915, earliest) and but few are seen after the middle of October. The bulk of the flight passes north in early May and south in September. These birds are present in some numbers all through the summer.
In migration Spotted Sandpipers may be looked for wherever there is water, but in summer are found only on or near the Mis. souri River.
NUMENIUS AMERICANUS Bechstein. Long-billed Curlew.
Occasional migrant.
Hunters seem to know this bird very well, but are unable to give any information regarding it except that it was once com- mon and is now rarely seen.
Only six authentic records are known of its occurrence here. One is given by Bush, who saw a flock of seven in the spring of
Harris—Birds of the Kansas City Region. 255
1906. A single bird was observed May 25, 1905. Two speci- mens have been taken by Bryant at Cooley Lake and Lake City respectively. Four birds were seen by Judge Guinotte on a sandbar near Sibley on November 2, 1917.
NUMENIUS BOREALIS (J. B. Forster). Eskimo Curlew.
Formerly common spring migrant, now probably extinct.
This curlew, like the Golden Plover, migrates south over the Atlantic Ocean from Nova Scotia in the fall, only a few choos- ing the inland route at that season, but all return in the spring up the Mississippi and Missouri valleys. No specimen of this once common game bird has been seen in this vicinity for many years and it is now considered nearly, if not quite, extinct.
Family CuHarapripar. Plovers.
ISQUATAROLA SQUATAROLA (Linn.). SQuATAROLA SQUATAROLA CYNOSURAE Thayer & Bangs. Pro- posed October, 1916. Black-bellied Plover.
Very rare and irregular migrant.
This bird was a not uncommon migrant prior to 1890; it has now become so rare that many years pass without one being seen. None had been seen or reported for five years prior to 1916, when Tindall killed one out of a small flock on the Mis- souri River near Courtney on November 13th.
CHARADRIUS DOMINICUS DOMINICUS (Muller). Golden Plover.
Not rare migrant in spring; very rare in autumn.
Like the Upland Plover, the Golden Plover was formerly taken in great numbers on the prairie regions of western Jack- son County. It is now greatly reduced in numbers, though small flocks are still seen during the latter part of April and rarely in October and November, as the bulk of the flight in autumn takes the Atlantic route.
It is to be looked for on the uplands as well as about marshes and swampy places.
OXxYECHUS vocIFERUS (Linn.). Killdeer. Common migrant and not uncommon summer resident.
The early arrivals from the south appear from the middle to the last of February and a month later the bulk of the mi-
256 Trans. Acad. Sci. of St. Louis.
grants are here. The heaviest flight is here again during Sep- tember and early November.
The Killdeer may be looked for everywhere about water, in upland fields and meadows, and on the prairies. It has been frequently seen in Swope Park.
AEGIALITIS SEMIPALMATA (Bonaparte). Semipalmated Plover.
Fairly common migrant.
This little plover is usually found in the company of other small shore birds and is not often found far from the Missouri River. The earliest date of arrival is April 19th (1899 and 1914). It is present until the middle of May and again from about the 10th of August until late in September.
AEGIALITIS MELODA (Ord). Piping Plover. Very rare migrant.
The Piping Plover occurs occasionally on the Missouri River. Only one specimen has been taken in the vicinity.
Popasocys mMontTanus (J. K. Townsend). Mountain Plover. Accidental.
Bush asserts that several pairs of these western birds nested in the meadows near Courtney in 1887. He states that they have been found in small numbers during a few other years, but the bird can be considered as only accidental here.
Family Apurizipas. Surf-birds and Turnstones. Subfamily Arenariinae. Turnstones. ARENARIA INTERPRES MORINELLA (Linn.). Ruddy Turnstone. Occasional migrant.
A flock of seven of these birds was seen on the Missouri River, in Jackson County, on April 30, 1908. There are only two rec- ords of specimens taken in this vicinity, the latest being on October 20, 1917, by William Andrews, on the Missouri River, near Courtney.
Suborder Phasiani. Pheasants, Grouse, Partridges, Quails, etc. Family OponropHormAE. Bob-whites, Quails, etc.
CoLINUS VIRGINIANUS VIRGINIANUS (Linn.). Bob-white. Common resident.
The Bob-white nests regularly within the city limits. In 1915
Harris—Birds of the Kansas City Region. 257
five nests were found inside the southern and western bound- aries. Winter coveys are likely to be found anywhere in the county, in the Missouri bottoms, on the prairie regions or wher- ever there is suitable cover.
The local migrations of these birds from exposed to more sheltered places, spoken of by Widmann, has once been observed by Bush. He saw a large covey alight in an exhausted condi- tion on the river bank near old Wayne City after having crossed a wide expanse of river. Several of the birds were unable to make the flight and fell into the current.
An occasional albino is seen and there are several specimens extant.
Family Terraonmpar. Grouse, Spruce Partridges, Ptarmigans, ete.
BonaSA UMBELLUS UMBELLUS (Linn.). Ruffed Grouse. Former resident; now extinct.
According to Bush, the Ruffed Grouse made its last stand in the wooded hills of the Little Blue in the southeastern part of the county. They were long ago driven out by the settling of the country and only the older sportsmen remember them.
The specimen preserved by Bryant was taken by him near Independence in 1874.
TYMPANUCHUS AMERICANUS AMERICANUS (Reichenbach). Prairie Chicken.
Former resident; probably now extinct in this county.
A Prairie Chicken seen in the southeastern part of the county in 1915 was probably a straggler from the north, as the bird has not been regularly noted here since late in the nineties.
It was formerly abundant about the city and as late as 1884 resorted regularly in the evenings to a feeding place on what is now known as Hospital Hill.
Tindall found a nest containing twelve eges near Independ- ence on May 7, 1891. Three specimens in the Dankers collec- tion were taken prior to 1904. This bird is gone from Jackson County never to return.
258 Trans. Acad. Sci. of St. Louis.
Family Meveacripar. Turkeys.
MELEAGRIS GALLOPAVO SILVESTRIS Vieillot. Wild Turkey.
Formerly an abundant resident. Now extinct in this vicinity.
Many records exist testifying to the local abundance of the Wild Turkey in early days. The latest dates are given by Bryant, who says: ‘‘Killed in Swope Park region in 1863. Many killed on Little Blue several years later.’’
It is reported from several districts in south Missouri, espe- cially in the southeastern part, that the Wild Turkeys find the cover of the second-growth timber very much to their liking and that they have materially increased during recent years.
Order COLUMBAE. Pigeons and Doves. Family Cotumpipan. Pigeons and Doves.
EcroPIsTEs MIGRATORIUS (Linn.). Passenger Pigeon. Formerly an irregular visitant in immense flocks. Now extinct. Tremendous hordes of Wild Pigeons formerly visited this re- gion. Bush says that in the autumn of 1879 the country south- west of Independence was visited by millions of them. Bryant says: ‘‘Passenger Pigeons here in 1873 and 1874. Killed fifteen at one shot in September, 1873.’’
ZENAIDURA MACROURA CAROLINENSIS (Linn.). Mourning Dove. Very common summer resident; somewhat rare winter resident. The Mourning Dove is found everywhere in the county, ar-
riving generally from the first week to the last week in March
and leaving in October and November. Single birds and flocks of from three to six have been found wintering here during the last five winters.
They lay their two eggs early in May and raise two and some- times three broods. A nest is occasionally found containing three or four eggs, when two females use the same nest. The nest is a makeshift affair and may be found on top of horizontal limbs, low down or high up, in forks, on stumps, in vines, and even on the bare ground.
The Dove builds its nest in the city in favorable localities, such as the Country Club and Rockhill regions, Cliff Drive, Swope Park, and all the cemeteries.
Harris—Birds of the Kansas City Region. 259
[ZENAIDURA MACROURA MARGINELLA (Woodhouse). Western Mourning Dove.] Recent subspecies. Probable migrant and summer resident.
This recently separated form is said to range eastward into the Mississippi Valley. When more specimens have been taken for comparison, it will without doubt be found to occur regu- larly in migration as well as in summer.
Order RAPTORES. Birds of Prey. Suborder Sarcorhamphi. American Vultures. Family CarHartwar. American Vultures.
CATHARTES AURA SEPTENTRIONALIS Wied. Turkey Vulture. Common migrant and summer resident.
A few Turkey Vultures arrive from the south in the latter part of February, but more often in the first half of March. They leave during November and December, though a few may remain into the first week in January.
The Buzzard nests in secluded places throughout the county, chiefly in the cliffs along the water courses. Fifteen or twenty pairs (twenty-seven birds have been seen circling at one time) nest regularly in the rocky ledges in and about Swope Park and have a common roost near the point where the Hickman’s Mills Road branches.
They begin laying from the middle of April to the first of May and build no nest. The two beautifully marked eggs are to be found on the bare ground among rocks, in stumps, hollow trees and logs.
Suborder Falcones. Vultures, Falcons, Hawks, Buzzards, Eagles, Kites, Harriers, ete.
Family Burnoniar. Hawks, Eagles, Kites, ete. ELANOIDES FoRFICATUS (Linn.). Swallow-tailed Kite. Occasional summer visitant; rare summer resident.
Recent dates for the Swallow-tailed Kite, given by Bush, are as follows: In the summer of 1912 two pairs nested in the bot- toms near Courtney; on March 22, 1916, one was seen at Court-
260 Trans. Acad. Sci. of St. Louis.
ney; on July 8, 1916, two were seen at Courtney, remaining in the neighborhood for about two weeks.
Tindall took a specimen near Independence on July 16, 1904, and another on September 1, 1906. The specimen in the Library collection was loaned by O. E. Sheley, who killed the bird near Independence.
Bryant states that a pair nested just southwest of Waldo several years ago, but does not furnish the date.
Several other observers have seen this graceful bird in the timbered regions of the Missouri Valley during recent years.
IcTINIA MISSISSIPPIENSIS (Wilson). Mississippi Kite.
Rare migrant.
The Mississippi Kite has been reported from several points in Missouri adjacent to this district on the north and east. Sev- eral specimens have been taken near Lawrence (Bunker and Wetmore, September 13-16, 1907), and there are later records, not available, of its occurrence in that neighborhood. This kite probably oceurs in Jackson County during migration and should be looked for about open wooded places where cicadas are plen- tiful, or in fields and meadows where grasshoppers are found.
Circus Hupsonicus (Linn.). Marsh Hawk.
Common migrant and rare winter resident. Formerly a rare sum-
mer resident.
The Marsh Hawk is seen ranging over the prairie regions as well as in the Missouri bottoms and swampy and marshy places from about March 12th to about April 25th and on the return from September 15th to between December 28th and January 7th. At least two birds remained near the Country Club dis- trict during the entire winter of 1916-1917. An earlier winter record is February 138, 1898.
Though a common summer resident not far to the north and formerly a rare breeder in this vicinity, it has not been found nesting here for several years.
ACCIPITER VELOX (Wilson). Sharp-shinned Hawk.
Uncommon migrant and summer resident.
A few Sharp-shinned Hawks are seen during each migration about wooded places and along streams, but they are never com-
Harris—Birds of the Kansas City Region. 261
mon. There are only a few summer records and none for winter.
ACCIPITER COoPERI (Bonaparte). Cooper’s Hawk.
Common migrant and summer resident; occasional winter resident.
This harmful species arrives during the first few days in March and is present until late October. There is but one win- ter record (January 20, 1917) and no specimens have been taken during midwinter, though Bush says that it is present throughout the entire year.
The nest is found in timbered places, usually in a fork about thirty feet high, and a full clutch is four or five eggs. Four sets in the Tindall oological collection, two of four and two of five eggs, were taken near Independence between the Ist and 29th of May.
This hawk may be looked for about the Swope Park region and in the country west of Dodson, as well as in the timbered bottoms of the Missouri River country.
ASTUR ATRICAPILLUS ATRICAPILLUS (Wilson). Goshawk.
Very rare and irregular winter visitant.
At infrequent intervals this northern hawk is known to in- vade this part of the country during the late fall and winter. The winter of 1916-1917 witnessed such an invasion. Over fifty specimens were sent in to the University Museum at Law- rence during the winter, most of which had been taken in the neighborhood. One was killed near Dodson and another seen on December 5, 1916.
Three specimens in the Dankers collection were taken Feb- ruary 17, 1902, November 2, 1906, and December 1, 1906, re- spectively.
Goshawks may be looked for here only during the most se- vere winters.
BUTEO BOREALIS BOREALIS (Gmelin). Red-tailed Hawk.
Common resident.
Red-tailed Hawks are present in numbers throughout the winter; they become more numerous late in February and the bulk of the migrants are here around the 12th of March. By the last week in March the local birds are nesting. Sixteen sets of eggs collected by Tindall of from one to three eggs each
262 Trans. Acad. Sci. of St. Louis.
were taken between March 19th and April 12th. The nests are usually found in very tall trees in the Missouri bottom lands and less frequently in timbered places elsewhere in the county.
The bulk of the returning migrants pass through during the latter part of October and early November. The wintering birds are to be found hunting in the prairie regions as well as in the timbered bottoms.
This hawk is a great destroyer of vermin and instead of be- ing shot on sight by farmers and sportsmen should be protected and encouraged to remain.
BUTEO BOREALIS KRIDERI Hoopes. Krider’s Hawk.
Occasional visitant during migration.
Krider’s Hawk has been observed a few times on the prairie regions south of the Country Club district near open timbered places. On October 15, 1916, one was studied at close range and identification was made certain.
A specimen taken by Dankers was killed October 16, 1898.
This light phase of the Red-tail is nowhere common but this vicinity is a favorable locality to look for it during migration and possibly in winter. More data relative to its local occur- rence is desired.
BUTEO BOREALIS CALURUS Cassin. Western Red-tail.
Rare winter visitant.
A Western Red-tail was closely observed in the Brush Creek timber just inside the state line on November 5, 1916. Many Red-tails suspected of belonging to this dark race are seen every winter but only one specimen has been taken to prove its occurrence in the vicinity—November 7, 1913.
BuTEO BOREALIS HARLANI (Audubon). Harlan’s Hawk. Casual visitant.
A specimen of this southern hawk, taken on a farm about twelve miles from Kansas City, was mounted by Kreite, a local taxidermist, in 1916. The specimen was not personally examined but is vouched for by Mr. J. F. Frazier, whose identification cannot be questioned.
BurTEO LINEATUS LINEATUS (Gmelin). Red-shouldered Hawk. Uncommon migrant and summer resident.
Widmann says that as a summer resident in Missouri this
Harris—Birds of the Kansas City Region. 263
hawk far outnumbers its cousin the Red-tail, but this is not true of this part of the state where the latter greatly pre- dominates.
The Red-shouldered Hawk is present during the entire year but is never common. The dates of occurrence of migrants are about the same as those of the Red-tail.
A favorite resort for these birds is the wooded bluff regions along the Missouri Valley.
ButrEo swaInsoni Bonaparte. Swainson’s Hawk.
Occasional migrant.
Swainson’s Hawk but rarely straggles into the county and then only during migration.
Dankers has taken two specimens during recent years. A pair have been found nesting about thirty miles southwest of this county.
We have very little additional data as to the local occurrence of this hawk.
BuTEO PLATYPTERUS (Vieillot). Broad-winged Hawk.
Rather rare summer resident.
The earliest record of the arrival of the Broad-winged Hawk in spring is April 8, 1914. All other recorded dates are near the end of the month. It usually leaves late in October.
It was found nesting near Independence in June, 1900 (Tin- dall). A nest was located in the wooded bend of the Blue River south of the rifle range in Swope Park in May, 1917. A pair were disturbed while perched on an unfinished nest in a tall tree in the timber near the mouth of the Blue in the spring of 1914. This was an unusual place for these birds as they prefer the upland woods to the bottom land.
ARCHIBUTEO LAGOPUS SANCTI-JOHANNIS (Gmelin). Rough- legged Hawk.
Fairly common winter visitant.
The Rough-leg arrives from the north as early as October 28 (1916), though more often a week or two later. It is not often seen after March 12th (an exceptionally late date is April 4, 1917).
It may be looked for during winter, in any place in the
264 Trans. Acad. Sci. of St. Louis.
county where there is suitable cover for small rodents, as it is a persistent hunter of such game. It is commonly seen in the Missouri bottom lands as well as on the prairie country.
Many intergrades between the different color phases have been noted.
[ARCHIBUTEO FERRUGINEUS (Lichtenstein). Ferruginous Rough- leg. ]
Probable winter visitant.
This hawk is thought to occur irregularly in winter on the prairie country along the western border of the county but not sufficient data have been obtained to establish the fact definitely. The few field identifications have been unsatisfactory and no specimen has been taken.
AQUILA CHRYSAETOS (Linn.). Golden Eagle. Very rare winter visitant.
Seven specimens of the Golden Eagle are known to have been taken during recent years in this vicinity. It is probable that many more have been taken. It was formerly more common and only during the past few years has become a rarity.
HALIAEETUS LEUCOCEPHALUS LEUCOCEPHALUS (Linn.). Bald Eagle.
Rare winter visitant. Formerly a very common winter resident and
rare summer resident.
The older river shooters well remember the days when the Bald Eagles were here in fall and winter in great numbers along the river. In those days the sand-bars and low banks were fringed with red offal from the packing houses and Bald Eagles came in droves to the feast. Not until the packers be- gan utilizing all their waste did these big birds disappear as regular winter visitants in numbers.
They formerly nested in the tall trees in the deep wooded bottoms along the Missouri River. One early account even speaks of a nest on a farm on the old Lexington Road (Swope farm, Bryant).
They are still occasionally seen soaring above but must now be classed among the rare species.
Harris—Birds of the Kansas City Region. 265
Family Fauconipar. Falcons, Caracaras, ete. Subfamily Falconinae. Falcons.
Fatco MEXxICANUS Schlegel. Prairie Falcon.
Accidental visitant.
The only record of the local occurrence of this falcon is the specimen taken by Bryant in 1887. It may occasionally strag- gle into the county during its migratory wanderings but there is no further positive evidence of this.
FAaLco PEREGRINUS ANATUM Bonaparte. Duck Hawk. Uncommon migrant. = This pirate among birds was a former summer resident in
this vicinity and is known to have nested along the river bluffs. It has not been often observed of late years, the only avail-
able dates being March 29, 1904, May 3, 1908 (specimen), Sep-
tember 18, 1914.
FaLco coLUMBARIUS COLUMBARIUS Linn. Pigeon Hawk.
Uncommon migrant.
There are but ten available authentic records of the local oc- currence of this falcon; not enough to show the migration ex- tremes.
It may be looked for about timbered and open country dur- ing April and October. It is of only casual occurrence and does not winter here.
[FaLco COLUMBARIUS RICHARDSONI Ridgway. Richardson’s Pigeon Hawk.]
Probably a rare migrant.
Though no specimens have been taken, this subspecies is no doubt of local occurrence during migration as it has been re- ported several times from surrounding territory. It is not easily distinguishable in the field from the Pigeon Hawk and specimens will have to be taken to establish its presence here.
FALCO SPARVERIUS SPARVERIUS Linn.
CERCHNEIS SPARVERIA SPARVERIA (Linn.). Proposed April 1917. Sparrow Hawk. Very common resident.
This is our commonest and most beautiful hawk and is found
266 Trans. Acad. Sct. of St. Louis.
throughout the year, though more numerous during the breed- ing season. It nests freely within the city, even occasionally in the business district (Hall Bldg. 1916), where it may also be seen in winter feeding on the bountiful supply of English Spar- rows. It will nest in any kind of a cavity and should be en- couraged to remain by the placing of properly constructed nest- ing boxes.
The Sparrow Hawk has been proven to be a decidedly bene- ficial species, as it destroys large quantities of noxious insects and English Sparrows.
Family Panpionmar. Ospreys.
PANDION HALIAETUS CAROLINENSIS (Gmelin). Osprey.
Not uncommon migrant; former summer resident.
The Fish Hawk is seen regularly during April and early May and in September and October. It may be looked for on the Missouri River or about large ponds and lakes. Three were seen over the Lake of the Woods on September 12, 1914, and single birds have been frequently observed there.
The last pair known to have nested in the county was re- ported by Bryant in 1884. This pair had their nest on the rocks on a high point of the bluffs north of Independence.
The Osprey is said to breed in the bottom timber a few coun- ties to the north.
Suborder Striges. Owls. Family Atuconipaz. Barn Owls.
ALUCO PRATINCOLA (Bonaparte). TYTO ALBA PRATINCOLA Hartert. Proposed October, 1916. Barn Owl.
Uncommon resident.
Specimens of the Barn Owl taken in this vicinity during May, June and July show that the bird must breed here, and there is one locally taken set of eggs known. Bush and Tindall state that it breeds in the neighborhood of Courtney and Inde- pendence.
It may be looked for about open farming country as well as
Harris—Birds of the Kansas City Region. 267
in orchards and open timbered places. It builds in hollow trees, barns, belfreys and similar places.
Family Srricipaz. Horned Owls, ete.
AsIo WILSONIANUS (Lesson). Long eared Owl. Uncommon summer resident; common migrant and winter resident.
The Long-eared Owl occurs chiefly in the timbered bottoms, both in winter and during the breeding season. Small flocks have often been seen there in late autumn and winter; Bush reports one flock of sixty birds wintering near Courtney. A flock of about thirty are found nearly every winter in the large stand of cottonwood timber across from the mouth of the Big Blue.
Long-eared Owls begin laying their five or six eggs early in March and often refit and reline with feathers for their own use, old nests of crows and squirrels.
Asio FLAMMEUS (Pontoppidan). Short-eared Owl.
Fairly common migrant; irregular winter resident; very rare sum-
mer resident.
The Short-eared Owl arrives from the north in early or mid- dle October and leaves in March. During open winters when the snowfall is light, flocks of from 8 to 10 to 50 or more may be found wintering where suitable grassy or weedy roosting places are near good hunting ground. Such places are com- mon on the high prairie regions where this owl’s favorite game abounds, though the open stretches of grassy bottom lands af- ford equally good wintering resorts. A flock of 15 or 20 birds spent the winter of 1916-17 in the neighborhood of 63rd Street west of Broadway, where they roosted in a patch of weeds and high grass within a hundred yards of several houses under con- struction on one side, and a noisy foot-ball field on the other. When flushed from their roosting ground in the high grass, they sail around gracefully like gulls and perch about on fence posts or drop down further on in the grass and sometimes even on the bare ground in plain sight. During these flights they emit a low plaintive cry reminiscent of the Green Heron’s note though much less harsh. Several of the stomach pellets col- lected on this roost were sent to the mammalogists of the Na- tional Museum to determine the species of rodent that consti-
268 Trans. Acad. Sci. of St. Louis.
tutes the chief diet of the owl. The skulls contained in the pel- lets belonged to the species Microties ochrogaster (Wagner).
During the late fall of 1917, a large scattered flock of these owls were seen in the open bottom country near the mouth of Big Blue, where they remained until well into December. Many hundred acres of newly formed land overgrown with typical sand-bar and lowland vegetation, bordered with thickets of young willows, afforded ideal roosting places. An unusual fea- ture of their stay at this time was their feeding on the Tree Sparrows that frequented the willow thickets in droves. Nearly every pellet opened contained skull, sternum or other token of these small birds. Here is an indictment against this owl not corroborated in the books. The fact of their resorting to this unusual diet, as well as their moving further south before the arrival of very severe weather conditions, may be accounted for by the absence of their favorite rodent prey on this new ground.
The only breeding pair so far discovered in this vicinity was reported by Smithson of Warrensburg during the summer of 1903.
STRIX VARIA VARIA Barton. Barred Owl.
Common resident.
The Barred Owl is a denizen of the woods about the city where it nests in cavities of large trees and where it is present during the entire year. The wooded bottom lands are favorite haunts and even such places as Fairmount Park, Mount Wash- ington, Swope Park and other wooded tracts close in, have har- bored nesting pairs of these big owls.
CRYPTOGLAUX ACADICA AcADICA (Gmelin). Saw-whet Owl. Very rare winter visitant.
Only one specimen of this small owl has so far been reported. One was found dead on Summit Street in 1894 by Bryant.
Otus asio asio (Linn.).
Otus Asio NAEvIUS Gmelin. Proposed April, 1917. Screech Owl.
Very common resident. The Screech Owl is a common bird within the city, nesting in early March about the boulevards and parks, wherever suit-
Harris—Birds of the Kansas City Region. 269
able cavities are to be found. A pair nested for fifteen years at Armour Boulevard and Campbell, another at Valentine Road and Broadway, and others have been regularly seen or heard in many other neighborhoods.
They have been observed lurking about street lights in search of large insects or possibly toads. They are known to prey on mice and English Sparrows and should be carefully protected.
It is doubtful if this owl is as common about the city as for- merly, since it is frequently killed or driven away under the im- pression that it is a destroyer of song birds. One instance is known of six (two adults and four grown young) being killed in one evening.
An examination of dozens of specimens taken in this vicinity leads to the belief that the gray color phase predominates here.
BuBO VIRGINIANUS VIRGINIANUS (Gmelin). Great Horned Owl.
Fairly common resident.
The eight or ten specimens of this big owl in the Swope Park Zoo are said to have been captured within the boundaries of the park.
Great Horned Owls have been found nesting several times in the timber along the Blue and in the Missouri bottoms. Old hawk’s nests are sometimes refitted and used, but more often the eggs are laid in natural cavities in trees. The birds begin laying late in January or early in February.
[BUBO VIRGINIANUS PALLESCENS Stone. Western Horned Owl.] Probably a casual resident. The presence of this subspecies will no doubt in time be es- tablished here as it is known to range much further east. No specimen has yet been taken in this vicinity.
Nycrea nyctea (Linn.). Snowy Owl.
Very rare winter visitant.
This far northern species has been seen here but three times, It ranges thus far south only during the coldest winters. A specimen taken by Jno. Bryant many years ago has been de- stroyed. There are three specimens in the Dankers collection.
SPEOTYTO CUNICULARIA HYPOGAEA (Bonaparte). Burrowing Owl. Accidental visitant.
The only specimen of this plains bird known to have been
270 Trans. Acad. Sci. of St. Louis.
taken in the State of Missouri was killed by Chas. Dankers on April 19, 1902, at Corning in Holt County.
It may occur occasionally on the prairie regions along the western border of this county, since it has been reported not far to the west.
Order PSITTACI. Parrots, Macaws, Paroquets, ete. Family Psrrractpaz. Parrots, Macaws and Paroquets.
CONUROPSIS CAROLINENSIS (Linn.). CONUROPSIS CAROLINENSIS LUDOVICIANA (‘Gmelin). Proposed April, 1917. Carolina Paroquet.
Formerly an abundant resident; now extinct.
Narratives of early travel up the Missouri River make fre- guent mention of the abundance in this locality of this beauti- ful but noisy bird. The bottom lands were its favorite haunt, since its natural food, the cockle-bur, grew, and still grows, there in great profusion. It ranged in flocks over the surround- ing country and was a familiar color note in the landscape.
It is authoratively stated to have nested in hollow trees in the dense forests of the Missouri River flood-plains during the times of its abundance here.
There is a specimen in the Public Library taken by Bryant in 1894. This was no doubt a straggler as Widmann states that the flocks of Paroquets seem to have faded from Missouri with the fifties.
In some unaccountable manner a lone bird strayed into the Courtney bottoms in 1912 and was observed by Bush for sev- eral weeks before it finally disappeared.
Order COCCYGES. Cuckoos, ete. Suborder Cuculi. Cuckoos. Family Cucuumwar. Cuckoos, Anis, etc. Subfamily Coceyzinae. American Cuckoos.
CoccyzUS AMERICANUS AMERICANUS (Linn.). Yellow-billed
Cuckoo. Common summer resident.
The first day of May usually sees the first Cuckoo here from
Harris—Birds of the Kansas City Region. 271
the south. Between the 15th and 23rd of September the last southward bound birds have generally left, though an individ- ual bird lingers now and then into October. Some exception- ally late dates are October 19, 1893, October 2, 1915, and Oc- tober 22, 1916.
The nest is a very flimsy affair indeed as the eggs are often visible from beneath through the loosely constructed platform of coarse twigs. Three or four and rarely five greenish eggs are laid sometimes during June.
There are many particulars regarding the life history of this peculiar bird that are worthy of attention; such as their appar- ent occasional parasitism, the simultaneous bursting of all the feather sheaths of the nestlings, the peculiar and unique mating behavior and their habit of feeding on certain irritating insect larvae that but few, if any, other birds will eat.
CoccyzUS ERYTHROPHTHALMUS (Wilson). Black-billed Cuckoo.
Uncommon migrant and rare summer resident.
The arrival and departure of this cuckoo as well as its nest- ing habits, behavior and other points of life history are the same as those of the Yellow-billed, though it is far less fre- quently seen.
A close observer may readily distinguish it in the field from the Yellow-billed. It should be looked for during the breeding season as but scant local nesting data has been secured.
There are but three or four known sets of eggs in local ¢ol- lections that have been taken in this vicinity.
Suborder Alcyones. Kingfishers. Family Aucepinipar. Kingfishers.
CERYLE ALCYON (Linn.). Belted Kingfisher.
Common summer resident and rare winter resident.
A few Kingfishers are found on the streams in late February but they do not become numerous until a week or two later. Only a few remain as late as the last half of November. Dur- ing open winters an occasional bird has been known to remain all winter near some favorite fishing hole. During the rather severe winter of 1916-1917, when the smaller streams were at times frozen solid, at least two birds were known to have spent
272 Trans. Acad. Sci. of St. Louis.
the entire winter near Independence, one on Mill Creek and one on the Little Blue.
The Kingfisher is a familiar bird along the entire length of the Blue River and excavates its nesting burrows in the high banks in and near Swope Park. It is not often found on the Missouri itself, perhaps because the minnows on which it feeds are hatched and spend their early life in the tributaries.
Order PICI. Woodpeckers, etc. Family Picipan. Woodpeckers.
CAMPEPHILUS PRINCIPALIS (Linn.). Ivory-billed Woodpecker.
Former resident; now extinct.
This shy forest bird has long ago disappeared from this locality as well as from the entire state.
Its haunts were in the deep woods of the Missouri bottoms. The species is listed as a former resident on the authority of Judge Guinotte and others.
DRYOBATES VILLOSUS VILLOsuS (Linn.). Hairy Woodpecker.
Fairly common resident.
The Hairy Woodpecker seems to be more numerous in winter than in summer. It is perhaps a little wilder than the following species and is not so often seen in the city. It is also more dis- criminating in its selection of a nesting site, choosing a less ac- cessible place.
It is present throughout the year and may be looked for in any wooded territory. The eggs are laid late in April or May.
DrYOBATES PUBESCENS MEDIANUS (Swainson). Downy Wood- pecker.
Common resident.
The Downy is perhaps our commonest woodpecker and is found everywhere about trees during the entire year.
It is a very confiding bird during severe winter weather and will readily come about the house for any scraps of meat or suet that may be offered. It is also a frequenter of weedy patches during winter and loves to rattle among the dead stalks looking for insect larvae and eggs. It is also a great hunter in orchards and is one of the most beneficial of our common birds.
Harris—Birds of the Kansas City Region. 273
It should be protected at all times and fed during the most severe periods of winter.
The five or six pure white eggs are laid in April or May in a cavity in some dead limb or post. It is a very pugnacious little defender of its home.
SPHYRAPICUS VARIUS vaARIUS (Linn.). Yellow-bellied Sap- sucker.
Not uncommon migrant and rare winter visitant.
Migration waves of Sapsuckers, when the birds are to be seen everywhere for a day or two in spring, have been very infre- quently observed here. It is better known as a straggler be- tween November and late April.
It is to be looked for about any kind of wooded places and in orchards. Single birds have been occasionally found at any time during the winter.
PHLOEOTOMUS PILEATUS ALBIETICOLA (Bangs). Northern Pileated Woodpecker.
Occasional visitant. Former resident.
This once common woodpecker is still occasionally found in the deep woods of the Missouri bottoms. It persisted as a reg- ular breeder there up until the late eighties or early nineties.
Some more recent dates are: April 30, 1897, November 1, 1915 (Tindall), and March 22, 1916 (Bush). Smithson found a nest with five young near Warrensburg on June 15, 1905, and observed a male bird in the same neighborhood on March 2, 1908.
A few specimens have been brought into the city market dur- ing recent years by farmers who invariably shoot this magnifi- cent bird on sight.
MELANERPES ERYTHROCEPHALUS (Linn.). Red-headed Wood- pecker.
Very common summer resident; occasional winter resident.
The returning Red-heads arrive during the last few days of April and the bulk of the southbound migrants are gone by the last of September. A few are always about during October, November and less often in December, while an occasional single
274 Trans. Acad. Sct. of St. Louis.
bird or small troop may brave the rigors of January and Feb- ruary. A flock of six wintered in the timber near Dodson dur- 1913-1914. Three birds were observed all during the winter of 1915-1916 in the neighorbhood of Kentucky Avenue and Inde- pendence Road. A lone bird was observed on Brush Creek near Electric Park in December, 1916, and again about the middle of January, 1917. The presence in winter of this bird seems to depend largely on the crop of shingle oak acorns (Quercus imbricaria Michx.).
The removal by the Park Board of all standing dead trees and the partial doing away with telephone poles has caused this desirable bird to become less common within the city than formerly.
CENTURUS CAROLINUS (Linn.). Red-bellied Woodpecker.
Fairly common resident.
The Red-bellied, unlike several of the other woodpeckers, does not venture far into the city but prefers the more densely wooded outlying country. It is to be found most commonly in the timber along the bluffs and in the bottom lands. It is also found in Swope Park and along the upper Blue.
This bird is rather shy and is more often heard than seen. Its croaking note is very similar to that of the Red-head.
Three or four eggs are laid in April or early May.
CoLAPTES AURATUS LUTEUS Bangs. Northern Flicker.
Very common resident, abundant in migration.
This ground-feeding woodpecker is one of the most familiar birds of the city lawns. It is not uncommon in winter but by the first few days of April the migrants are here in great abundance. The southward movement is noticeable all through September.
Flickers begin laying early in May, a full clutch being six or seven eggs. They nest freely in the proper kind of nest boxes.
CoLAPTES CAFER COLLARIS Vigors. Red-shafted Flicker.
Rare visitant during migration or in winter.
This locality lies Just outside or possibly on the extreme edge of this bird’s range. The known instances of its occurrence
Harris—Birds of the Kansas City Region. 275
here seem to be of enough interest and importance to warrant giving them in detail. They are: 1872. Bryant. One specimen taken. Dec. 29, 1889. Bush. A flock seen, one specimen taken. Dee. 12, 1893. Tindall. Nov. 10, 1899. Tindall. Sept. 20, 1902. Tindall. Oct. 25, 1902. Tindall. A small flock seen and one specimen taken. Jan. 4, 1914. Harris. One seen. Nov. 5, 1915. Tindall. Flock of six seen and one specimen taken. Nov. 7, 1915. Hoffmann. One seen. Nov. 13, 1915. Bush. Flock of five seen and one speci- men taken. Jan. 10, 1916. Bush. A small flock seen. Apr. 16, 1916. Hoffmann. One bird seen.
Students should be on the lookout for this striking bird.
Order MACROCHIRES. Goatsuckers, Swifts, ete. Suborder Caprimulgi. Goatsuckers, ete. Family Caprimuteiwar. Goatsuckers, ete.
ANTROSTOMUS CAROLINENSIS (Gmelin). Chuck-will’s-widow.
Accidental visitant.
On May 3, 1918, at about dusk, a Chuck-will’s-widow flew into the yard of Prof. A. E. Shirling, near Swope Park, and sang several’ times. The bird was not over fifteen feet from the professor, who distinctly saw it and noted its size as it flew off. This is the first and only known instance of the local oc- currence of this bird. Its normal range in western Missouri does not extend much further north than from eighty to one hundred miles to the south of Jackson County.
ANTROSTOMUS VOCIFERUS (Wilson). SETOCHALCIS VOCIFERA VOCIFERA (Wilson). Proposed April, 1917. Whip-poor-will. Common summer resident. The Whip-poor-will arrives from the 15th to 19th of April and leaves in October. It lays its two beautifully marked eggs
276 Trans. Acad. Sci. of St. Louts.
on the bare ground in dense growths of scrub oak or in second growth timber on burnt over hillsides. Three sets in the Tin- dall collection were taken on the following dates: May 7, 1901, May 20, 1903, June 12, 1915.
It is numerous about Swope Park and Dodson and along the river bluffs.
PHALAENOPTILUS NUTTALLI NUTTALLI (Audubon). Poor-will.
Formerly a rare summer resident.
Bush reports that the Poor-will formerly nested on the open country near Swope Park and Dodson. He frequently heard the mournful ery of this bird in the neighborhood of Grandview. Efforts to find the Poor-will in this county during the summers of 1916 and 1917 proved unsuccessful, though it may yet be found still occasionally breeding on the prairie regions of south- ern Jackson County.
CHORDPEILES VIRGINIANUS VIRGINIANUS (Gmelin). Nighthawk. Abundant migrant and fairly common summer resident.
The first Nighthawks arrive usually on the 26th, 27th or 28th of April followed by great numbers of migrants during the next three or four weeks. The southward moving flocks pass through during September and early October.
Like other members of this family the Nighthawk builds no nest but lays its two eggs on the bare ground or rocks or on the flat roofs of the tall buildings in the business district of the city. As a breeder it is found chiefly along the northern bound- ary of the county but ranges out over the prairie country to feed. It is probable that it may nest along the rocky ledges in the Swope Park district.
CHORDEILES VIRGINIANUS HENRYI Cassin. Western Nighthawk.
Regular but not numerous migrant.
Resting flocks of migrating Nighthawks have often been seen to contain birds of varying degrees of pallidity. Some of the individuals are only slightly lighter in color than the native birds while others are so very decidedly lighter that they can be distinguished as far as the flock is visible. There is very little doubt that these forms are the Western and Sennett sub- species but it would be well to take specimens.
Harris—Birds of the Kansas City Region. 277
All three of these Nighthawks have been observed in Swope Park.
CHORDEILES VIRGINIANUS SENNETTI Coues. Sennett’s Night- hawk.
Regular but not numerous migrant.
See the remarks on the Western Nighthawk.
Suborder Cypseli. Swifts. Family Micropopiwasr. Swifts. Subfamily Chaeturinae. Spine-tailed Swifts.
CHAETURA PELAGICA (Linn.). Chimney Swift. Very common summer resident.
The forerunners of the hosts of migrating Chimney Swifts arrive between the 11th and 18th of April. Some exceptionally early dates are: April 8, 1900, March 20, 1903, March 30, 1913, and March 15, 1913.
The southward moving flocks pass from late in August to early October. During this period the Swifts resort to common roosts and may be seen circling in immense funnel-shaped flocks over large chimneys and about towers, such as several of the public school buildings, the Calvary Baptist Church and the old power-house stack at 8th Street and Woodland.
Suborder Trochili. Hummingbirds. Family Trocuitipar. Hummingbirds.
ARCHILOCHUS coLUBRIS (Linn.). Ruby-throated Humming- bird.
Common summer resident.
The early Hummingbirds arrive around April 27th, but are not found in numbers until a week or more later. They leave in October.
The nest, a soft, delicate, cottony cup, decorated with lichens, is one of the wonders of avian architecture and is usually sad- dled on a small horizontal limb ten to fifty feet from the ground. It is often found in orchards.
278 Trans. Acad. Sci. of St. Louis.
Order PASSERES. Perching Birds. Suborder Clamatores. Songless Perching Birds. Family Tyrannipaz. Tyrant Flycatchers.
TYRANNUS TYRANNUS (Linn.). Kingbird. Common summer resident.
The first Kingbirds arrive between the 18th and 26th of April, followed during the next ten days by swarms of migrants. The return flight is noticeable as early as the 29th of August and continues for about three weeks.
This flycatcher is fairly common within the city and is a familiar bird everywhere in the surrounding country.
A favorite roosting place for great numbers during the period of flocking that precedes migration is in the miles of willow bottoms along the Missouri River below the Milwaukee Bridge.
TYRANNUS VERTICALIS Say. Arkansas Kingbird.
Occasional visitant during migration and summer.
An unusual visitation of Arkansas Kingbirds occurred on the Dankers’ farm in Holt County during the late summer of 1917 when nine specimens were recorded. Prior to this time there were but two known records for this region: May 31, 1899, and May 9, 1913, both specimens being taken by Dankers. There are but three other known records for the entire state of Missouri.
Mytarcuus crinirus (Linn.). Crested Flycatcher. Very common summer resident.
The Crested Flycatcher arrives from the 23rd to 28th of April (in the following years it arrived promptly on the 27th of April: 1899, 1900, 1901, 1904, 1916 and 1917). An excep- tionally early date for this bird was April 15, 1915. (See table of arrival dates given under the Phoebe). It leaves for the south during the first week or ten days in September.
This noisy bird comes freely into the city to nest in cavities in trees or in bird boxes. It has a very sharp eye for cast snake skins which it usually includes in the nesting material. In the city bits of thin or greasy paper or onion skins are substituted.
The eggs, laid in June, are four to seven in number and beau- tifully marked with streaks and wavy lines.
It may be looked for in all wooded parts of the county.
Harris—Birds of the Kansas City Region. 279
SAYORNIS PHOEBE (Latham). Phoebe.
Common summer resident.
The Phoebe arrives during the first half of March, though exceptionally severe weather may delay the vanguard for a week or more. The following arrival dates will show the ir- regularity of its arrival contrasted with the regularity of the foregoing species.
Sayornis phoebe. Myiarchus crinitus. March 3, 1893.
March 11, 1894.
March 23, 1895. April 28, 1895. March 29, 1896. April 25, 1896. March 15, 1897. April 25, 1897. March 13, 1898. April 30, 1898. March 14, 1899. April 27, 1899. March 11, 1900. April 27, 1900. March 12, 1901. April 27, 1901. March 11, 1902. April 24, 1902. March 8, 1903. April 22, 1908. March 26, 1904. April 27, 1904.
March 15, 1907. Mareh 7, 1908. March 21, 1909. March 138, 1910.
March 18, 1911. May 3, 1911. March 30, 1912. May 1, 1912. March 30, 1913. May 3, 1913. March 13, 1914. April 23, 1914. March 8, 1915. April 15, 1915. March 12, 1916. April 27, 1916. March 14, 1917. April 27, 1917.
The last southbound Phoebes are seen about the middle of October. The ery of this bird is a familiar note about culverts, bridges, mossy ledges near streams, and farm outbuildings. It does not venture far into the city but is common in the surround- ing country.
Its five or six eggs are laid during the latter part of April,
usually from the 19th to 27th. A very early date was April 7, 1908 (five eggs).
280 Trans. Acad. Sci. of St. Louis.
NurrTaLLORNIS BOREALIS (Swainson). Olive-sided Flycatcher.
Rather rare migrant.
A few migrating Olive-sided Flycatchers are present during late May and early June and again in early September. It is more often heard than seen and is to be looked for in the tops of tall, often dead, trees along water courses. It may be readily identified by its loud, wild and distinctive whistle.
MYIOCHANES VIRENS (Linn.). Wood Pewee.
Rather uncommon summer resident.
The Wood Pewee arrives early in May and leaves in late Sep- tember. It is a woods-loving bird, and is found within the city only in the more secluded and heavily wooded sections, such as Swope Park.
The nest is a very beautiful structure composed of fine ma- terials such as lint and cottony substances. It is saddled onto a limb, usually a dead one, after the fashion of a Hummingbird’s or Gnatcatcher’s nest. The Wood Pewee begins laying about the first of June.
EMPIDONAX FLAVIVENTRIS (W. M. & 8. F. Baird). Yellow-bellied
Flycatcher. Rather rare migrant.
The Yellow-belly may not be as rare during migration as the few records seem to show, since it is a difficult bird to find. It frequents dense undergrowths and thickly grown-up bottom and bluff regions and is usually silent. It is present during the last half of May and early June (six records). There are no autumn records for this county, but a specimen was taken about thirty miles to the west on September 15, 1908, by Bunker (Kansas University Museum).
EMPIDONAX VIRESCENS (Vieillot). Acadian Flycatcher.
Somewhat common summer resident.
The Acadian or Green Crested Flycatcher arrives during the first few days of May and is present until the middle of Sep- tember.
It is never found outside of thickly wooded places. Its favor- ite haunts are the wooded ravines of the bluff regions and wher- ever creeks flow through timber. Two or three pairs nest regu- larly in Shilo Hollow, near Swope Park, and several are always to be found during summer in Hazel Dell, a secluded creek bot-
Harris—Birds of the Kansas City Region. 281
tom above the Lake of the Woods. There are probably many such places in the central and eastern parts of the county where this and other shade-loving species are to be found.
The eggs are laid from the last few days in May to the middle of June.
Besides the song (wick-y-up) and the sharp call note, the bird often utters a humming or murmuring note which seems to be known to but few observers.
EMPIDONAX TRAILLI TRAILLI (Audubon). Traill’s Flycatcher.
Fairly common migrant and rare summer resident.
The Traill’s Flycatcher arrives early in May and leaves during September. Its favorite haunts are in creek or river timber, though it is found also in the parks and about the outskirts of the city in orchards and wooded tracts. Thickets and open woods also attract it, and a few are always to be found in late May about the extensively planted estates in the neighborhood of 52nd and Oak. The best time to observe this flycatcher is during the last two weeks of May when the bulk of the north- bound migrants are present.
There are no records available of the Traill’s Flycatcher breed- ing in Jackson County, but, judging from its distribution as a summer resident in Missouri, it probably will be found nesting in thickets about sloughs and along river courses in this vicinity.
EMPIDONAX TRAILLI ALNORUM Brewster. Alder Flycatcher.
Rare migrant.
This subspecies has not yet been satisfactorily worked out for this county owing to lack of material, only one specimen having been taken. It has been taken in enough numbers both to the east and west to warrant the belief that there can be little doubt as to its regular occurrence here. The difference between the two forms is one of size only and a series of local specimens will have to be studied before much is known.
Empmonax mintuus (W. H. & 8. F. Baird). Least Flycatcher.
Common migrant and very rare summer resident. The Least Flycatcher arrives from April 30th to May 6th and leaves during September.
The only authentic record of the Chebec having nested in the State of Missouri is furnished by Tindall, who took a set of
282 Trans. Acad. Sct. of St. Louis.
three eggs in this county on June 16, 1891. This same collec- tor has taken specimens of the bird here during the nesting season, but only this one nest has been found.
Suborder Oscines. Song Birds. Family Ataupiar. Larks.
OTOCORIS ALPESTRIS ALPESTRIS (Linn.). Horned Lark.
Regular but not numerous winter visitant.
A few flocks of Horned Larks visit this vicinity during win- ter, scattering over the prairie regions and the sandy bottom lands. They are usually in the company of praticola and may be distinguished by their larger size and darker color. A few specimens have been taken in this vicinity.
OTocoRIS ALPESTRIS PRATICOLA Henshaw. Prairie Horned Lark.
Common resident and very common migrant.
The Prairie Horned Lark is found throughout the year, either in the open country of the bottom lands or more numerously in the prairie regions. It is the commonest bird in the early wheat fields. Its song may be heard on mild days in January. It is an early breeder, the eggs having been found as early as March 20th, and the nest is often covered with snow.
[OTOCORIS ALPESTRIS HOYTI Bishop. Hoyt’s Horned Lark.] Probable winter visitant. This large pallid form has not yet been taken in the county, but may occasionally occur here during winter. Students should be on the lookout for it.
Family Corvipar. Crows, Jays, Magpies, etc. Subfamily Garrulinae. Magpies and Jays.
PIcA PICA HUDSONIA (Sabine). Magpie.
Formerly a very rare winter visitant.
There is a specimen of this bird in the collection of Dr. Cun- nington of Tarkio, Missouri, taken in the Missouri River bottoms of Holt County late in the fall of 1918. One specimen has been taken near Lawrence (Snow). Four birds were observed in Saline County (two counties to the east, on the river) by L. W. Corder (Widmann).
Harris—Birds of the Kansas Cily Region. 283
The Magpie has become rare of late years in its habitat in the northwest, but an occasional straggler may still find its way down the Missouri Valley during severe winters.
CYANOCITTA ORISTATA CRISTATA (Linn.). Blue Jay.
Very common summer resident; not uncommon winter resident.
Flocks of migrating Jays move through this district on their northward flight from the 15th of April to the 5th of May and on the southward journey during the first half of October. A route much used by these migrants is along the Missouri bluffs and lowlands.
During some winters Jays are to be found in numbers, even in the city, but during others are very scarce. During the rather severe winter of 1916-1917, few Jays were to be found anywhere but in Sowpe Park.
Jays nest early in May and more than one brood is raised.
Subfamily Corvinae. Crows.
Corvus coRAXx SINUATUS Wagler. Raven.
Former resident.
In the late seventies the Raven nested in the rocky bluffs over- looking the Missouri River in this county. It was formerly com- mon, but has become extinct in this part of the country. A few are still said to breed in this state in the Ozarks.
CorVUS BRACHYRHYNCHOS BRACHYRHYNCHOS Brehm. Crow. Common resident and abundant migrant.
Crows are to be found everywhere in the county, but are most abundant in the Missouri Valley, where they occur in the great- ‘est numbers in winter. There is always a large winter roost somewhere in the vicinity of the Big Eddy or the mouth of Sugar Creek or the Blue River, usually on the Clay County side. Great numbers nest in April in the bottom timber as well as in Swope Park and other heavily wooded places over the entire county.
NUCIFRAGA COLUMBIANA (Wilson). Clarke’s Nutcracker. Accidental visitant. On October 28, 1894, a specimen of this bird was taken near the city by Bryant. The bird was far off its range and is to be
284 Trans. Acad. Sci. of St. Louis.
considered as purely an accidental visitant. There are but three or four other records for surrounding states.
Family Icrermar. Blackbirds, Orioles, ete.
Do.LicHonyx oryzivorus (Linn.). Bobolink. Rather rare migrant.
Bobolinks are occasionally present in small flocks during the first half of May and again during September. They some- times occur on the prairie regions, but more commonly in the Missouri Valley. They are sometimes heard migrating at night when they may be readily distinguished by their characteristic ‘‘nink.’? They are usually in song on the northward flight, but on the return are silent save for the ‘‘pink, pink.’’
MoLOTHRUS ATER ATER (Boddaert). Cowbird. Very common summer resident; occasional winter resident.
Though an occasional Cowbird is seen during the winter months, usually in the company of blackbirds, the earliest mi- grants do not arrive until the first or second week in March and the bulk of the flight not until a week or two later. The autumn migration is at its height during late September and early October.
The Cowbird is generally distributed over the entire county and is fairly common within the city. Whenever the eggs of this parasitic species are found in the nests of more desirable song birds they should be destroyed, as the young are a menace to the young of the host species.
XANTHOCEPHALUS XANTHOCEPHALUS (Bonaparte). Yellow- headed Blackbird.
Not very common migrant and rare summer resident.
The Yellow-headed Blackbird arrives during the second week of April and is rarely seen after October. It is to be found on the prairie regions during migration, but occurs in greater num- bers in the Missouri bottom lands and on the farming country near the bluffs. It is probably not as common as formerly, and does not breed as freely in this county. It nests in colonies about the river lakes in several of the up-river counties, as at Bean Lake and at Armour.
Harris—Birds of the Kansas City Region. 285
AGELAIUS PHOENICEUS PHOENICEUS (Linn.). AGELAIUS PHOENICEUS PREDATORIUS (Wilson). Proposed April, 1917.
Common summer resident; very abundant migrant; irregular, some- times not uncommon winter resident.
DISTRIBUTION OF A. P. PREDATORIUS
Continuous line encloses breeding range. Broken line shows extent of winter range.
Immense hordes of Red-wings migrate up and down the low- lands bordering the Missouri River. Flocks numbering untold thousands are present during spring and autumn, and occasional birds are found among the wintering throngs of Thick-bills and Northern Red-wings. The earliest flocks, composed almost en- tirely of males, begin to arrive during the first few days of March while the wintering birds are still present in some num- bers. In favorable winters this northward movement may start as early as the middle of February. Not until the first of May have the last flocks of late females passed, leaving only the breeding birds present. These summer residents may be looked for in the bottom lands or on the uplands about swampy places, or where there are reeds, rushes, high grass or cat-tails near water. They start nesting about the middle of May. Flocking begins as early as the middle of July when the birds begin to
286 Trans. Acad. Sci. of St. Louis.
use common roosts in the bottoms, scattering over the entire county at early dawn to feed. The southward movement com- mences early in October and continues until well into December.
AGELAIUS PHOENICEUS FortTIS Ridgway. Thick-billed Red-wing. Irregular, sometimes very abundant, migrant and winter resident.
DISTRIBUTION OF A. P. FORTIS
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ae PP Lane yf
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Continuous line encloses breeding range. Broken line shows extent of winter range.
The Red-wings wintering in this vicinity were long suspected of belonging to this very noticeably larger subspecies, but prior to the winter of 1916-1917 no systematic investigation had ever been made in western Missouri to establish their subspecific status. This rather severe winter proved to be a favorable one for this study, as the birds were present in unusual abundance. A large series of specimens was taken over a wide area and covering the entire period of their sojourn.
They began arriving in small numbers during the middle of November and continued coming in increasing numbers until during the intense cold periods of late December and January there were countless thousands resorting to common roosts in the timbered bottoms along the Missouri River. In the early mornings when the birds scattered to feed, great flocks flew over
Harris—Birds of the Kansas City Region. 287
the city to their feeding grounds on the prairie regions many miles to the south and west. It is estimated that some of the flocks covered daily from thirty to fifty miles on these journeys.
As early as the middle of February much singing and mating activity was noted among the flocks and the ranks were begin- ning to thin. On March 2nd the last specimens of fortis were taken (from large masses of birds), and by March 5th this form had been almost entirely replaced by equally large flocks of predatorius. Several specimens taken on this date from large flocks proved to be referable to the breeding form. A difference was also noted in the music of the flocks, as the notes of fortis are softer, more melodious and less grating than those of pred- atorius.
These northwestern birds do not seem to have passed down the Missouri Valley (east) beyond this point, as only an occa- sional bird was seen in the nearby down-river counties.
The stomachs of ten males and one female taken from one flock on January 17th contained large quantities of the seeds of sorghum (Sorghum sp.) and knotweed (Polygonum lapathifo- lium L.).
Very few Northern Red-wings (A. p. arctolegus) were pres- ent during this hard winter, though during the equally severe winter of 1917-1918 this form greatly predominated.
AGELAIUS PHOENICEUS ARCTOLEGUS Oberholser. Northern Red- wing.
Abundant migrant; irregular, sometimes very common winter resi- dent.
Large moving masses of this recently described subspecies are not readily distinguishable in the field from the Thick-bill, and may even be mistaken for the breeding form unless seen at close range or in mixed flocks. Not enough material has yet been secured to give with certainty the dates of its arrival from the north in the fall or the limits in time of its passage through here on the return in spring. Great hordes pass during both seasons and varying numbers are present during the entire winter. All three forms intermingle here in winter, as, on at least one occa- sion, specimens of all three have been taken from the same flock.
288 Trans. Acad. Sci. of St. Louis.
The accompanying map shows that this region lies fairly in the center of the migratory path of this race, and on the edge of its winter range.
DISTRIBUTION OF A. P. ARCTOLEGUS
i Cee ty yon eo ; Tris
oy, ‘ NOKLAHOMA + ' - y H AR!
ba, ees H 4 , 4 ™s, ma: aes ‘ See LIE TEXAS L ‘ ' \ oma Y ‘ wf oN ue 4
Continuous line encloses breeding range. Broken line indicates extent of winter range.
STURNELLA MAGNA MAGNA (Linn.). Meadowlark.
Common summer resident and very common migrant; rather rare
winter resident.
Small troops of returning migrants begin to arrive from the 25th to the last of February, but are not numerous until about the middle of March. The southbound migration wave passes in October. Only a few birds, sometimes none, are to be found here in winter.
The Meadowlark is generally distributed over the entire county and breeds everywhere in favorable open grassy places, even coming into the outskirts of the city to nest. It begins laying early in May.
STURNELLA NEGLECTA Audubon. Western Meadowlark. Regular but uncommon summer resident. Typical examples of the Western Meadowlark are found here and there on the prairie regions of the county. Several pairs nest regularly in the Country Club district and about Waldo.
Harris—Birds of the Kansas City Region. 289
Breeding birds have been seen near Dodson, Grandview and further west and south. They formerly nested in the neighbor- hood of Swope Park, but none have visited that district in sev- eral years with the exception of one pair that raised a brood near 41st and Benton Boulevard during the summer of 1917.
Occasionally Meadowlark songs are heard that are interme- diate between the two forms.
Icterus spurrius (Linn.). Orchard Oriole.
Common summer resident.
The first Orchard Orioles may be looked for between the 25th and 30th of April. They seldom fail to arrive some time during these five days. The only two known earlier dates are April 22, 1897 (Tindall), and April 19, 1909 (Smithson).
‘Great numbers of migrants are often seen resting in the wil- low thickets in the Missouri bottoms during the first eight or ten days of May. They start south late in August and after about ten days only stragglers are seen.
The Orchard Oriole may be found in all parts of the county and nests freely within the city in favorable districts. Its four to six eggs are laid in late May or early June.
IcTERUS GALBULA (Linn.). Baltimore Oriole.
Common summer resident.
The Baltimore Oriole usually arrives a few days earlier than the Orchard Oriole and is perhaps more numerous in the city, at least. Its wonderful nest is suspended from the overhanging extremities of the limbs of shade trees, preferably elms, in all residence districts.
It is about equally common in the outlying country and often builds there in sycamore and cottonwood trees. The four or five eggs are laid in May.
During the period of moult in late July and early August the Orioles are silent and secretive and are seldom seen. Prior to their departure for the south they. have another period of song.
EUPHAGUS CAROLINUS (Muller). Rusty Blackbird. Not uncommon migrant; rare winter resident.
The first Rusty Blackbirds arrive on their journey to the northern breeding grounds sometimes as early as the third week
290 Trans. Acad. Sct. of St. Louis.
in February, but more often during the second or third week in March. A flock numbering over two thousand birds was seen on February 21, 1916. By April 15th only stragglers are seen. The southward flight passes through in October, tapering off into November. A few birds may be found here during mild and open winters.
EupHAGUS CYANOCEPHALUS (Wagler). Brewer’s Blackbird.
Rare migrant.
Three sight records of this bird constitute the only known evi- dence of its occurrence here. Since the Brewer’s Blackbird may be easily mistaken in the field for the Bronzed Grackle, it may often go unnoticed in flocks of the latter. It has been observed on the prairie regions of Jackson County once, and in the bottoms twice, but no specimens have been taken. It is very desirable to obtain more data relative to this species, as well as more sat- isfactory proof of its local occurrence. Its migration through this region is probably coincident with that of the Rusty Black- bird.
QUISCALUS QUISCULA AENEUS Ridgway. Bronzed Grackle.
Common summer resident.
A few hardy and impatient Grackles sometimes arrive late in February, but it is usually mid-March before many are present. The bulk of the flight arrives still later, during late March and the first week in April. The return migration occupies October and early November and a few may be present until well into December.
Grackles are very common within the city, where their habit of occupying common roosts in shade trees, usually over side- walks, makes them a great nuisance. These roosts are not easily broken up and many residents of the south side of the city have had trying experiences in ridding their neighborhoods of this pest. The most effectual method is to shoot Roman-candles into the trees after the birds have settled for the night.
Family Frinemumar. Finches, Sparrows, ete.
HESPERIPHONA VESPERTINA VESPERTINA (W. Cooper). Evening Grosbeak.
Very rare and irregular winter visitant. Only during occasional winters is this district invaded by
Harris—Birds of the Kansas City Region. 291
Evening Grosbeaks. The last visitation occurred in 1911, when several flocks of from two to twenty-five were seen at widely separated points in this vicinity. The first were noted on Janu- ary 23rd, after which they were present until the 6th of May. None have been seen since that year.
CARPODACUS PURPUREUS PURPUREUS (Gmelin). Purple Finch.
Rather common migrant; not uncommon winter resident.
Flocks of migrating Purple Finches are likely to be seen any time between February and late April and again during Octo- ber and November. Small groups of wintering birds have been seen in December and January in all parts of the county, nota- bly in such places as Swope Park, the Country Club district, the upper Blue Valley and along the Missouri bluff regions.
LoxIA CURVIROSTRA MINOR (Brehm). Crossbill.
Rather irregular but sometimes not uncommon winter resident.
Only an occasional winter passes without at least a few Cross- bills being seen. During rare winters thousands (Bush) are present and are to be found wherever there are suitable feeding places. They are attracted by sunflower patches, orchards where fruit has been left hanging, pine trees and weed patches. They have also been seen tearing to pieces the fruit of the Osage orange. Crossbills may be looked for between late October and early May.
Loxia LEUcoPTERA Gmelin. White-winged Crossbill.
Very rare winter visitant.
There is only one authentic record of the occurrence of this Crossbill in this vicinity, though it probably occurs occasionally in the company of the other species.
Students should be on the lookout for this bird, as we are well within its winter range.
ACANTHIS LENARIA LINARIA (Linn.). Redpoll.
Very rare winter visitant.
Only three records are known of the occurrence of the Red- poll here; February 21, 1882; January 14, 1906, and February 13, 1916.
292 Trans. Acad. Sci. of St. Louis.
ASTRAGALINUS TRISTIS TRISTIS (Linn.). Goldfinch.
Very common summer resident; not uncommon winter resident.
The Wild Canary or Thistle Bird is most abundant here dur- ing migration, from the last week in April to the middle of May and during October. They are always present in winter in varying abundance and are generally distributed over the en- tire county.
They nest rather late, as is shown by the following data from the Tindall collection:—August 21, 1891, four eggs; August 21, 1891, six eggs; June 30, 1895, three eggs; September 7, 1902, five eggs.
The male Goldfinch presents a good example of the plumage change in birds whose summer and winter coats are entirely different. Individuals may be seen during different seasons of the year in all phases of their changing color.
SPINUS PINUS (Wilson). Pine Siskin.
Not uncommon migrant and winter visitant.
A large per cent of the flocks of wintering Goldfinches have Siskins scattered among them. They are easily distinguished by their notes and by the streaked plumage.
Flocks of migrating Siskins numbering hundreds have been seen between the middle of March (March 11, 1907) and the last of April, and from the last week of October to middle or late November.
The presence of this bird in winter is often overlooked and every group of Goldfinches and wintering Sparrows should be closely scrutinized to find it.
Passer DOMESTICUS (Linn.). PassER HOSTILIS Kleinschmidt. Proposed October, 1916. Eng- lish Sparrow.
Very abundant resident.
This alien species has established itself not only about the centers of civilization but has overflowed into the surrounding wild places and has proven itself equally successful in leading a feral existence. It is found in the wildest and most inacces- sible tangles of the Missouri bottom jungles, and nests in vines in the timber along the water courses and in deserted wood- pecker holes as well as natural cavities. Under favorable con-
Harris—Birds of the Kansas City Region. 293
ditions as many as four broods are brought forth in a single year.
It is probably a fact that the balance of nature will be ad- justed in time by this sparrow at the expense of our more de- sirable native forms, though this may be partially compensated for by an increase in the smaller predatory birds, but as far as the writer has been able to observe no appreciable harm has as yet been done—at least in this vicinity.
Mr. Widmann writes that the zenith of this bird’s abundance has been reached in St. Louis several years ago, and is of the Opinion that the late severe winters and lack of suitable nest- ing sites may have caused this standstill or decrease. This con- dition has also been noted in Kansas City, though coincident with the decrease within the city there has been a most decided increase in the surrounding rural districts.
PLECTROPHENAX NIVALIS NiIvaLis (Linn.). Snow Bunting.
Very rare and irregular winter visitant.
This wanderer from the north reaches this vicinity only dur- ing the most severe winters. On January 29, 1889, a flock of several dozen of these beautiful birds was observed at Courtney by Bush. There is a specimen in the Tindall collection taken near Independence on November 8, 1892.
CALCARIUS LAPPONICUS LAPPONICUS (Linn.). Lapland Longspur. Regular and not uncommon winter resident, sometimes very common. Lapland Longspurs are to be looked for on the prairie re-
gions of the county between the first week in November (Novem-
ber 5, 1913, earliest) and the middle of March (March 18, 1917,
latest).
‘Small flocks are commonly met with between the Country Club and the upper Blue Valley, but very seldom visit the Mis- souri Valley.
During some winters, flocks of hundreds are present, and dur- ing migration thousands are heard passing over at night.
CaLcaRius Prorus (Swainson). Smith’s Longspur. Very rare and irregular winter visitant.
The one local record for this bird is May 1, 1905, when three specimens were taken. It is reported as a common winter so-
294 Trans. Acad. Sci. of St. Louis.
journer in Kansas, is a regular migrant in Illinois and winters regularly in Arkansas. It therefore should be looked for in this vicinity.
Caucartus ornatus (J. K. Townsend). Chestnut-collared Longspur.
Rather rare winter visitant.
This bird has been noted during the winter months on the prairie regions of this county and also in the neighborhood of Warrensburg (Scott). It is occasionally seen in the company of Lapland Longspurs, from which it is readily distinguishable. It is not so easily distinguished from the Smith’s Longspur.
[RHYNCHOPHANES MccownlI (Lawrence). McCown’s Longspur.]
Probable migrant and winter resident.
This Longspur can scarcely be distinguished in the field from the Chestnut-collared. Though there can be little doubt of its more or less regular occurrence here, as specimens have been taken on all sides of us, there is no positive evidence yet at hand that it visits Jackson County. The species should be looked for.
PoOOECETES GRAMINEUS GRAMINEUS (Gmelin). Vesper Sparrow.
Fairly common migrant; very rare summer resident.
The Vesper Sparrow arrives from the south about the first of April (March 31, 1895; March 23, 1916, earliest) and is no longer present after the 20th to 25th of the month. It is here again during October and has never been seen later than No-. vember 5th. Though there are two or three summer records, it is not considered a regular breeder in this vicinity.
The Vesper Sparrow is found in open fields or along grassy hillsides covered with open groves. It is about intermediate in its choice of cover between the Savannah Sparrow of the open prairie and the Song Sparrow which never moves far from thick shelter. Some very good sparrow haunts are to be found in and about Swope Park.
PASSERCULUS SANDWICHENSIS SAVANNA (Wilson). Savannah Sparrow. Common migrant and very rare and irregular summer resident.
The Savannah Sparrow arrives during the middle of March and is common until the third week in April. There are a few
Harris—Birds of the Kansas City Region. 295
known instances of its remaining during the entire summer. The nest has never been found in the county. The first southbound migrants have been noted as early as September 26th and the species is common again during the first three weeks of October. All are gone by the end of the first week in November.
Savannah Sparrows may be found anywhere in the county in weedy fields, open bottom lands and on the prairies.
PaSSERCULUS SANDWICHENSIS ALAUDINUS Bonaparte. Western Savannah Sparrow.
Migrant, probably not rare.
Three specimens of this subspecies taken by Teachenor near Lawrence, and one taken by Tindall near Independence, con- stitute the only available records on which to base an estimate of the comparative abundance here of the two forms of the Sa- vannah Sparrow. That the western form is a regular migrant through Jackson County, there can be little doubt, since it has been frequently taken east of here, and is considered common about Lawrence.
AMMODRAMUS BarRDI (Audubon). Baird’s Sparrow. Very uncommon migrant.
But two known specimens of Baird’s Sparrow have been taken in this vicinity (Wilson, Buchanan County), though it may often occur in the company of other migrating sparrows, especially in the large flocks to be found in the Missouri bot- toms. This district lies within the migratory path of this sparrow.
AMMODRAMUS SAVANNARUM AUSTRALIS Maynard. Grasshopper Sparrow.
Very common migrant; irregular, sometimes not uncommon summer
resident.
The Grasshopper Sparrow arrives about April 25th, and after the middle of May only breeding birds are present. The last have left by early October. In some years none seem to remain to breed, but in others, as during the summer of 1918, many pairs may be found in suitable localities.
This sparrow is to be found chiefly on the prairie regions in high grass and in clover fields. It is a common visitor to the
296 Trans. Acad. Sci. of St. Louis.
meadow in Swope Park, where it’ sometimes breeds, and along the Missouri Pacific right-of-way in the upper Blue Valley, where there is much red clover.
The weak, high-pitched, insect-like notes of this little skulker more often attract attention to it than an actual sight of the bird.
AMMODRAMUS SAVANNARUM BIMACULATUS Swainson. Western Grasshopper Sparrow.
Rare migrant.
The study of a more extensive series of Grasshopper Sparrow specimens than is yet available will be necessary in order to determine the local abundance of the western form. Only one specimen (Teachenor, Lawrence, Oct. 14, 716) has been exam- ined. Further collecting may establish this subspecies as a regular migrant in this region.
PASSERHERBULUS HENSLOWI HENSLOWI (Audubon). Henslow’s Sparrow.
Not uncommon migrant; rather uncommon summer resident.
The Henslow’s Sparrow arrives usually during early April (March 28, 1916, earliest) and leaves during October. It nests about marshy places and wet meadows and in damp grassy places. It has been frequently observed in the alfalfa field in Swope Park, on the Armour stock farm, about Lake City and has been found nesting near Independence. It is one of the runners in the grass that may be easily overlooked.
PASSERHERBULUS LECONTEI (Audubon). Leconte’s Sparrow.
Common migrant.
The first movement of Leconte’s Sparrows into the county is usually noticeable in late February (Feb. 25, 1916; Feb. 25, 1917), but they are not numerous until two weeks later. By the 15th to 20th of April they are gone, not to be seen again until late September. They remain until well into December (Dec. 19, 1896, latest).
These little sparrows are found on the high grassy prairies as well as in the open grassy bottom lands. They are not so easily overlooked as some of their more skulking kin, though they are great hiders and runners through the grass.
Harris—Birds of the Kansas City Region. 297
CHONDESTES GRAMMACUS GRAMMACUS (Say). Lark Sparrow.
Fairly common summer resident.
The Lark Finch may be expected from the 19th to 28th of April (April 10, 1892, earliest), remaining until late Septem- ber. It is generally distributed over the entire county near the ledges, or barrens above the streams, where the soil is thin and there are small scattered trees. It may be looked for on the farming country adjacent to the bluff regions and in the upper Blue Valley. It is rather rare in Swope Park, though one pair nested on the rifle range in June, 1917.
The Lark Sparrow is a ground nester and lays its eggs late in May. It is a beautiful songster and a conspicuously marked bird and may not be easily overlooked.
ZONOTRICHIA QUERULA (Nuttall). Harris’s Sparrow.
Very common migrant; fairly common winter resident.
So far as the writer is aware, the district embraced in this list has given to science but two birds; namely, the Harris’s Sparrow and the Bell’s Vireo. Harris’s Sparrow may properly be called Jackson County’s own bird, since it was discovered here, very possibly within the present corporate limits of Kan- sas City itself. In late April, 1834, Thomas Nuttall, who with Townsend was making a transcontinental journey in the interest of science, discovered, ‘‘a few miles west of Independ- ence,’’ on the road to Westport, a new bird which he named the Mourning Finch. Not until 1840, when Volume 1 of the second edition of his ‘‘Manual of the Birds of the United States and Canada’’ was published, did he describe the finch and give it its systematic name. The fact of a later vernacular name be- coming current is traceable to an oversight of Audubon, who, not knowing of Nuttall’s discovery, thought he had found a new bird near Leavenworth on his memorable trip up the Missouri River in 1848. He named the bird in honor of his much es- teemed friend and companion on the trip, Edward Harris, which name has been recognized by the American Ornithologists’ Union and thus made permanent.
The Harris’s Sparrow makes its first appearance here late in the first week of October and is present in varying abundance until late in November, after which only the wintering birds are to be found. If the winter be exceptionally severe, as in
298 Trans. Acad. Sci. of St. Louis.
1916-17 and 1917-18, only a few hardy birds remain to find shelter in the dense cover of the Missouri bottom undergrowth. During open and mild winters a few may be found in the hedges and weed patches of the prairie country. ;
The northward movement begins late in February, but is not marked by the characteristic waves, when great numbers are here today and gone tomorrow, until three or four weeks later. The Harris’s Sparrow usually disappears by the first of May, though during late seasons it may remain until the second or third week (May 17, 1916; May 11, 1918, common).
The notes of this handsome sparrow are querulous and pitched in a minor key and though very similar to those of their travel- ing companions, the White-throats, are readily distinguished from them by the absence of a well-marked form.
ZONOTRICHIA LEUCOPHRYS LEUCOPHRYS (J. R. Forster). White- crowned Sparrow.
Common migrant; not uncommon winter resident.
The first White-crowned Sparrows come down from the north early in October and are present in numbers until the first or second week in November, after which only a few scattered win- tering flocks remain. They are again numerous from late March or early April until the first week in May (May 14, 1916, latest). Their haunts are the same as those of the Harris’s Sparrow.
ZONOTRICHIA LEUCOPHRYS GAMBELI (Nuttall). Gambel’s Spar- row.
Rather rare migrant and winter resident.
A few scattered flocks of this subspecies are to be found on the prairies of western Jackson County during winter, being more numerous in open winters.
‘To Mr. Dix Teachenor belongs the credit of discovering the fact that these prairie birds are gambeli and not leucophrys as supposed. Specimens were taken in the region southwest of the Country Club on February 25, 1917.
ZONOTRICHIA ALBICOLLIS (Gmelin). White-throated Sparrow. Very common migrant.
The White-throated Sparrow arrives from the south early in April (March 28, 1898 ; March 25, 1905; March 23, 1907, earliest
Harris—Birds of the Kansas City Region. 299
dates) and is present until the middle of May, being most abun- dant about the third week in April. It is present again during October and is usually gone before the first of November. The only winter record is January 17, 1904, when a flock of fifty was seen by Smithson in the adjoining county.
This sparrow is usually found with other large Fringillidae and may be looked for in all parts of the county. in suitable open districts, along hedges and brushy ravines, weedy fields, road- side tangles and about the edges of timber. It is plentiful in the Swope Park neighborhood and in the Missouri bottoms.
SPIZELLA MONTICOLA MONTICOLA (Gmelin). Tree Sparrow.
Abundant winter resident.
The first Tree Sparrows arrive from their northern breeding grounds from the 13th to 21st of October, but are not numerous until well into November. From then on until early March they are present in great numbers throughout the county. After the first few days in April they are no longer present (April 15, 1906; April 9, 1917, latest).
This species and the Junco are the commonest winter birds and are usually found together. They are abundant in the out- skirts of the city during winter.
SPIZELLA MONTICOLA OCHRACEA Brewster. Western Tree Spar- row.
Winter visitant, probably fairly common.
There are nine specimens of the Western Tree Sparrow in the Teachenor series which testify to its regular occurrence in the neighborhood of Lawrence. A large enough series of Tree Spar- row skins taken in Jackson County has not yet been assembled to show in what proportion the two forms occur in the immedi- ate neighborhood of Kansas City.
SPIZELLA PASSERINA PASSERINA (Bechstein). Chipping Spar- row.
Very common summer resident.
The Migrating Chipping Sparrows arrive from March 17th (earliest) to the 30th, usually about the 20th. The local birds take up their breeding stations during the first week in April and announce their presence about the parks and boulevards by
300 Trans. Acad. Sct. of St. Louis.
their dry, monotonous, high-pitched song. The four or five eggs are laid in the horsehair nest during the latter part of April.
They leave for the south in October and are seldom seen late in the month (November 5, 1916, only November record).
SPIZELLA PALLIDA (Swainson). Clay-colored Sparrow.
Not uncommon migrant.
This sparrow is present from the middle of April to the end of the second week in May (May 17, 1916, latest) and again dur- ing October. It does not seem to migrate in very large flocks and, though easily distinguished in the field, it is not a conspic- uous bird and may go unnoticed, unless one is familiar with its hoarse, wheezy song.
It is found on the prairie regions, about open farming coun- try, and in the bottom lands. It has been noted in the Swope Park and Country Club neighborhoods and is a regular visitor to the Atherton and Courtney districts.
SPIZELLA PUSILLA PUSILLA (Wilson). Field Sparrow.
Very common summer resident and occasional winter resident.
The Field Sparrow arrives in the first week of March, though a few impatient males are heard singing sometimes as early as the 15th of February. It becomes common by the third week of March. During the last half of October and November the bulk of the flight passes south. A few are to be seen in Decem- ber (December 25, 1910; December 17, 1916) and a very small number probably remain all winter. They nest in early May, on the ground or in low bushes.
Field Sparrows inhabit open places near timber, particularly where there is an undergrowth of buckberry (Symphoricarpus orbiculatus Moench). They are very common about Swope Park.
SPIZELLA PUSILLA ARENACEA Chadbourne. Western Field Spar- row.
Migrant, probably not rare.
The Field Sparrows of this region present a perplexing prob- lem to the writer. A dozen or more skins that have been exam- ined are certainly not typical pusilla, nor do they exhibit all the characters that mark arenacea, though they are much closer,
Harris—Birds of the Kansas City Region. 301
in fact, nearly identical with, the latter. The only eastern speci- men available for comparison—a skin from Massachusetts— shows much brighter coloration on the back, no indication of a grayish median stripe on the pileum, and a much shorter tail. Five local specimens taken in the fall (October) are decidedly paler in color and have the characteristic pileum of the western form. The tails and wings also average longer, and, though the ventral characters do not exactly coincide with Ridgway’s description, the five specimens are so close to arenacea that they may be with little doubt referred to that subspecies.
Whether an intermediate form breeds here (as is suspected) will be known as soon as a series of summer specimens can be studied.
JUNCO AIKENI Ridgway. White-winged Junco.
Very rare winter visitant.
This Junco has been seen a few times during severe winters by Bush in the neighborhood of Courtney. It was also observed by Smithson near Warrensburg on March 21, 1904. It prob- ably occurs here only during occasional and very severe winters. A specimen was taken by Mr. Dix Teachenor near Lawrence on October 24, 1912.
JUNCO HYEMALIS HYEMALIS (Linn.). Slate-colored Junco.
Abundant winter resident.
Early in the second week of October the first Snowbirds are usually seen (October 5, 1901; October 7, 1917, earliest) and a week or ten days later hordes of migrants are present. Great numbers are to be found in all suitable localities over the entire county during winter.
The northward movement begins late in February and by the 10th to 15th of April only stragglers are present (April 23, 1907; April 25, 1915; April 22, 1916, latest dates).
This is our most familiar winter bird and may be found in abundance within the city.
JUNCO HYEMALIS CONNECTENS Coues. Shufeldt’s Junco. Migrant and winter visitant. A large series of Juncos taken in this district by several col- lectors and assembled for study has yielded several specimens closely, if not quite, approaching this as well as the following
302 Trans. Acad. Sci. of St. Louis.
subspecies. Typical specimens of this race have been taken near Lawrence by Teachenor and others.
JUNCO HYEMALIS MONTANUS Ridgway. Montana Junco.
Migrant and winter visitant.
The remarks on the preceding subspecies are equally applica- ble to the Montana race. The winter range of this form extends east to the Mississippi River, and, as may be expected, the Mon- tana Junco is occasionally found in Jackson County. At least four specimens are at hand which in the writer’s opinion are referable to montanus. The comparative abundance of the Juncos will, however, be an open question until more material can be studied.
MELOSPIZA MELODIA MELODIA (Wilson). Song Sparrow.
Very common migrant and fairly common winter resident; very
rare summer resident.
The spring movement of Song Sparrows begins early in March and migrants are abundant for the next three weeks. By the last few days of April or the first three or four days of May no more are to be seen save an occasional nesting pair. The first returning migrants are usually seen from the 5th to 10th of October and the bulk of the flight passes during the next three or four weeks.
The wintering birds are most numerous in the thick shelter of the Missouri bottoms but may be found in small flocks on the uplands as well. They are rather common in the Swope Park district and on up the Blue Valley where food and thick shelter are to be had during the most severe winters.
Bush has occasionally found Song Sparrows nesting in the Courtney district.
MELOsPIzA LINCOLNI LINCOLNI (Audubon). Lincoln’s Sparrow.
Fairly common migrant and rare winter resident.
The Lincoln’s Sparrow arrives from the 18th to the 23rd of April (March 28, 1916, earliest migrant) and is present until between the 5th and 8th of May (May 19, 1916, latest). The first fall migrants are noticed about the middle of October and numbers are present until the second week in November. A few are always seen in December and there are a half dozen January records.
Harris—Birds of the Kansas City Region. 803
They seem to occur most commonly in the Missouri bottoms and bluff regions, but are found in suitable sparrow territory over the entire county.
The beautiful though rather subdued song of this sparrow is regularly heard in late April and early May, and occasionally in the fall (October 14, 1917).
MELOSPIzA GEORGIANA (Latham). Swamp Sparrow.
Common migrant and not uncommon winter resident.
The first northbound Swamp Sparrows arrive early in March though during mild seasons they may come as early as the mid- dle of February. They are present until late in April and the last are seen during the first week in May (May 9, 1914, May 9, 1915, latest). The autumn migrants are present from the middle of October until the first or second week in November, after which only the scattered winter residents are to be found.
Like the Lincoln’s Sparrow this bird seems to like best the bottoms and bluffs along the river, especially in winter, where there is to be found plenty of food and shelter in the grassy sloughs and deep tangles of underbrush. In less numbers they are also found on the prairie regions in winter, about hedges, thickets, wooded ravines, weed patches and brushy creek bot- toms.
PASSERELLA ILIACA ILIACA (Merrem). Fox Sparrow.
Very common migrant and fairly common winter resident.
During open and mild winters when the Fox Sparrow is com- mon, it is difficult to say just when the migrants arrive, though they are particularly numerous all during March. The few April records are for stragglers and are all in the first half of the month. The first fall migrants arrive late in September and become common early in October, the bulk passing during the first three weeks. After the first week in November only the wintering birds are left. The Fox Sparrow may be said to be an irregular winter resident, since it is very numerous in all parts of the county during some winters and during others only a few scattered birds are to be found in the thickest cover of the deep sheltered bottom lands.
During the migration periods they are found everywhere in the open country but the largest flocks follow the bluffs and bottoms along the Missouri River.
304 Trans. Acad. Sct. of St. Louis.
PIPILO ERYTHROPHTHALMUS ERYTHROPHTHALMUS (Linn.). Tow- hee.
Common summer resident and abundant migrant; irregular winter
resident.
Not many days before or after the 15th of March the return- ing Towhees announce their presence from every thicket and wooded ravine and hillside. For about three weeks the woods are full of singing migrants. At this time they are to be found even along the streets and boulevards of the city. Nesting be- gins late in April and early May. The southward movement is noticeable early in October and the birds present in November will remain all winter unless driven further south by unusual cold. These wintering birds are few even in mild winters.
Towhees are common over the entire county in suitable lo- ealities and may be found in the cemeteries, parks and suburbs.
PIPILO MACULATUS ARCTICUS (Swainson). Arctic Towhee. Very rare winter visitant. Bush states that he has observed the Arctic Towhee at rare intervals near Courtney during severe winters and that speci- mens have been taken. Bunker gives it as rare in eastern Kan-
sas during winter.
CARDINALIS CARDINALIS CARDINALIS (Linnaeus). Cardinal.
Very common resident.
Some question exists as to the status of our Cardinal. Ridg- way states (Bull. 50, U. S. N. M., Birds of North & Middle Amr., part 1, p. 637) that it is very uncertain how far south along the eastern border of the plains this form (C. c. car- dinalis), or how far north the Texan form (C. c. canicaudus —Gray-tailed Cardinal) extends; ‘‘possibly even birds from eastern Kansas are referable to the latter.’’ He states further (1. ¢. p. 636) that specimens from the Mississippi Valley are so completely intermediate between the two forms that they may almost as properly be referred to one as to the other.
There has been available for study a series of ten males and six females from this region and only two male specimens from east of the Allegheny Mountains, but no typical C. c. canicaudus has been examined. A carefully drawn up table of measure- ments shows a very slight increase in the size of the local birds over the eastern specimens. No difference in the distribution
Harris—Birds of the Kansas City Region. 305
or intensity of the coloration can be detected. A comparison of the females with Ridgway’s description of the female cant- caudus type leads to the conclusion that the local bird is true C. c. cardinalis, or is at least much closer to it than to C. c. canicaudus. Mr. Dix Teachenor states that his study of the material in the Kansas University Museum leads him to be- lieve that the Gray-tailed Cardinal does not range so far north as Douglas County, Kansas, or Jackson County, Missouri, and that he unhesitatingly referred the specimens in his collection, taken in the Lawrence neighborhood, to the eastern form.
The Cardinal is common throughout the county and is resi- dent during the entire year. It nests freely in the suburbs of the city and is abundant in the parks and cemeteries. Its three or four eggs are laid in May and more than one brood is raised. The nest is a loose, bulky structure placed in low trees, bushes, briar tangles or thick vines.
The Redbird is silent only during the time of moulting, after the last brood of young are out of the nest. Great numbers pass the severe periods of winter in the shelter of Swope Park, in the upper Blue Valley, along the bluffs and in the timbered bottoms.
ZAMELODIA LUDOVICIANA (Linn.). Rose-breasted Grosbeak.
Common migrant; not uncommon summer resident.
The first Rose-breasts arrive between April 19th (earliest) and 29th and are common during early May when the bulk of the migrants are present. After the middle of the month only the breeding birds remain. The autumn migration is notice- able in middle and late September. There are no October re- eords for this vicinity.
Rose-breasted Grosbeaks are to be found in all parts of the county in wooded tracts and even breed sparingly within the
city.
GUIRACA CAERULEA CAERULEA (Linn.). Blue Grosbeak.
Recent and very rare summer resident.
Prior to the summer of 1918 there were but three known in- stances of the occurrence of the Blue Grosbeak in this vicinity, and these records were not entirely satisfactory. On July 13, 1918, a nest containing young was found in a peach orchard on the farm of Mrs. M. J. Morrin, just east of Swope Park.
306 Trans. Acad. Sci. of St. Touts.
Both old birds were observed feeding the young, and the male sang almost continuously. Mrs. Morrin states that the birds were present during the summer of 1917. This is the most northern breeding record for Missouri. A pair observed by Smithson near Warrensburg in June, 1904, were possibly nest- ing.
Like the Bewick’s Wren this bird seems to be extending its range in this direction.
PASSERINA CYANEA (Linn.). Indigo Bunting. F
Very common summer resident.
The Indigo Bunting arrives regularly during the last three days in April or the first three days in May. It nests in late May and early June and leaves for the south during the early part of October.
It is found in dry, open a aaiade about the edges of thick timber, along brushy ravines, hillsides or roads and in any country overgrown with brush. It is very common in the Swope Park district, on the prairies in favorable localities, in the bottom country and bluff regions and along railroads.
PASSERINA AMOENA (Say). Lazuli Bunting.
Occasional or accidental visitant.
Only wanderers out of their range are likely to be met with in this vicinity. One specimen has been taken here, two have been taken at St. Joseph, Missouri, and one at Leavenworth, Kansas.
Spa AMERICANA (Gmelin). Dickcissel.
Very common summer resident.
The Dickcissels arrive during the last half of April and are very common early in May. Nesting begins by the middle of the month and two or three broods are raised. They leave in September, very few remaining into October.
The Dickeissel nests on the ground or in low bushes and is a lover of open fields. It is rarely found in the Missouri bottoms except during migration but is very common on the higher re- gions of the county. About fifteen pairs nest regularly on the rifle range and adjoining meadow in Swope Park but during some unfortunate years, as in 1917, they are all driven off and the nests destroyed by the early mowing of these tracts.
Harris—Birds of the Kansas City Region. 307
Family Tangaripar. Tanagers.
PIRANGA ERYTHROMELAS Vieillot. Scarlet Tanager. , Common summer resident.
The Scarlet Tanager arrives from April 25th (1895, earliest) to the 30th, sometimes not until the last days of the first week in May. Nesting begins in early June, and after the postnuptial moult, when the young are on the wing, the birds leave for the south. The migrating period occupies nearly all of September. By the first of October all have left.
The Tanagers are woods-loving birds and are always found in the neighborhood of timber.
This species has a general distribution over the county and breeds in the timbered bottoms as well as in the woods of the high country and near the edges of the prairie regions.
It is common in Swope Park and the upper Blue Valley and breeds at several points in the southern suburbs.
PIRANGA RUBRA RUBRA (Linn.). Summer Tanager.
Fairly common summer resident.
This tanager arrives with its congenor in late April or early May and leaves during September. It is perhaps not quite as common as the Scarlet and is never found nesting in the Mis- sourl bottom lands or other low timber. It prefers higher country, particularly dry oak woods, and occasionally builds its nest in orchards or other timber close to habitations.
It is numerous in Swope Park and on the wooded hills and ridges of the upper Blue Valley, as well as in many similar places in the central and southern parts of the county.
Family Hirunpinipar. Swallows.
PROGNE SUBIS sUBIS (Linn.). Purple Martin.
Very common summer resident.
The earliest Martins arrive in mid-March (from the 4th to 26th). These are a few impatients males that are sometimes forced by late storms to rejoin their less venturesome brothers further south. By the last week in March there are always a few present and during the following two weeks they are joined daily by fresh arrivals. It sometimes happens that late sleet storms force the Martins to remain in their roosts for two or three successive days when they starve to death.
308 Trans. Acad. Sct. of St. Louis.
Nesting begins early in May and when the young are out the birds begin flocking to common roosts in the bottoms. They leave on the southern journey during early September.
Martins are sociable birds and breed in colonies wherever suitable bird-houses are provided or where they are able to find room in the cornices of old business buildings, as on north Main Street and elsewhere in the city.
To attract a colony of Martins it is necessary to provide a house of several rooms with the entrance holes at the bottom and placed as high from the ground as possible. It is also necessary to have the house out in the open away from trees.
PETROCHELIDON LUNIFRONS LUNIFRONS (Say). PETROCHELIDON ALBIFRONS ALBIFRONS (Rafinesque). Proposed April, 1917. Cliff Swallow.
Not uncommon migrant; very rare summer resident.
For twenty years prior to 1917 no Cliff Swallows were known to breed in Jackson County. During that summer a colony of about a dozen pairs remained to breed in the neighborhood of Atherton. There are a few colonies in the adjoining counties on the east and north.
During migration they are regularly seen in small numbers hawking for insects over ponds with other swallows.
They arrive in late April and leave in early September.
HirnuNDO ERYTHROGASTRA Boddaert. Barn Swallow.
Abundant migrant and not uncommon summer resident.
The Barn Swallow arrives from the 13th to 20th of April and departs during the last half of September.
It is found in all parts of the county except close to the city. It builds in farm outbuildings, attaching its mud and straw nest to rafters, beams and walls.
Hosts of these and other swallows are to be found in the Mis- souri bottoms during migration where they find congenial roost- ing and feeding places. Numbers of swallows are also to be found over the Swope Park lakes during May and September.
TRIDOPROCNE BICCLOR (Vieillot). Tree Swallow. Very common migrant.
During the second half of April and early May, and in Sep- tember and October the White-bellied Swallow is abundant.
Harris—Birds of the Kansas City Region. 309
During this time it is to be found hawking for insects over any body of water with other swallows and flocking to the lowlands to roost.
It breeds not far to the north but has never been found nest- ing in this county.
RiIpPaRIA RIPARIA (Linn.), Bank Swallow.
Common summer resident.
The Bank Swallow arrives during the last half of April and leaves in the first and second weeks of September. It may be found in migration about any suitable feeding place in the company of other swallows but in the breeding season is found only near the Missouri River. Great numbers breed in colonies in the high sandy banks of the river and in the exposed faces of the deep deposits of loess along the bluffs. Several railroad cuts at the base of the bluffs afford suitable sites for their nesting burrows.
This swallow may be distinguished from the Rough-wing, in whose company it is often found, by the dusky throat band. The Rough-wing has a dusky patch that is not clearly defined by the unmarked throat.
STELGIDOPTERYX SERRIPENNIS (Audubon). Rough-winged Swal- low.
Common summer resident.
The Rough-wing arrives sometimes as early as April 4th but more often near the 15th or 20th and is present until late Sep- tember. It is more widely distributed in this county in summer than the Bank Swallow though it has much the same nesting habits. It breeds in crevices in masonry, particularly in bridges but also in clay banks, but never in large colonies like those of the Bank Swallow, nor in such deep burrows.
It has been seen feeding about the Swope Park lakes during summer and no doubt nests in the park.
Family Bompycinuipan. Waxwings. BoMBYCILLA GARRULA (Linn.), Bohemian Waxwing. Very rare and irregular winter visitant.
Only three specimens of this rare and uncertain bird have ever been taken in this vicinity: February 27, 1911, December
310 Trans. Acad. Sct. of St. Louis.
25, 1916, and another, date unknown, taken in Platte County by Jno. Bryant.
The Bohemian Waxwing may occur more frequently than is known and students should closely scrutinize and follow up every winter flock of Cedar Waxwings seen in the hope of find- ing it. It is easily distinguished by its much larger size and by the presence of white in the wing.
BoMBYCILLA CEDRORUM Vieillot. Cedar Waxwing. Irregular, sometimes common, migrant and winter resident; doubt- ful summer resident. The following dates selected from a mass of notes on this bird will show the puzzle of its local occurrence.
Jan. 17, 1915. Twenty. Apr. 30, 1896. Flock.
Jan. 26, 1905. Small flock. May 6, 1894. Flock.
Feb. 4, 1894. Numbers. May 7, 1911. Twelve. Feb. 11, 1904. Few. May 20, 1916. Flock.
Feb. 15, 1917. Eighteen. May 25, 1894. Small flock. Feb. 20, 1916. Twelve. May 30, 1904. Flock.
Feb. 21, 1901. Numbers. May 30, 1916. Twenty-five. Mar. 2, 1914. Twenty. Jun. 2, 1894. Few.
Mar. 5, 1903. Flock. Jun. 4, 1894. Few.
Mar. 6, 1898. Small flock. Jun. 5, 1907. Few.
Mar. 12, 1916. Thirty. Jun. 8, 1897. Few.
Mar. 19, 1915. Forty. Oct. 8, 1916. Forty. Mar. 26, 1914. Flock. Oct. 17, 1915. Flock. Apr. 4, 1907. Large flock. Oct. 31, 1904. Seventy. Apr. 5, 1896. Twenty. Nov. 5, 1898. Flock. Apr. 9, 1905. Three. Nov. 13, 1893. Flock. Apr. 17, 1905. Flock. Nov. 30, 1916. Two.
Apr. 28, 1917. Small flock. Dee. 25, 1916. Hight.
The Cedar Waxwing probably occurs during the three months not given and yet it has never been known to breed in this vicinity.
Flocks are likely to be met with in any part of the county. They are fond of hackberries, persimmons, wild grapes, choke cherries and many other kinds of wild fruit found here in abundance.
They sometimes swoop down into the shade trees along the
Harris—Birds of the Kansas City Region. 311
boulevards but are most often seen in the Missouri bottoms and bluff regions. Family Lanupaz. Shrikes.
LANIUS BOREALIS Vieillot. Northern Shrike.
Rare winter visitant.
The Northern Shrike is distinctly larger than the Migrant Shrike, and may be recognized in the field by its size by a care- ful observer familiar with the latter species. It may be looked for anywhere in the county during winter. It is never numer- ous and in some winters is not seen. It is likely to be met with any time between early November and late March or early April.
Three specimens only, are known to have been taken in this vicinity, November 24, 1901, January 18, 1909 (Dankers), the third date not being available. Bush gives several dates on which he has observed this bird.
LaANIUS LUDOVICIANUS EXCUBITORIDES Swainson. White-rumped Shrike.
Accidental visitant.
Only one specimen of this western shrike has ever been taken in the county (April 25, 1902), and it is considered only acci- dental. Its range in this latitude extends as far east as central Kansas.
LANIUS LUDOVICIANUS MIGRANS W. Palmer. Migrant Shrike.
Common summer resident; occasional winter resident.
The Migrant Shrike is the breeding form for this district and arrives commonly from the 12th to 20th of March. It departs in late October and early November and a few may remain during mild and open winters. Even in severe winters an oc- casional bird is seen.
This shrike is fairly common over the whole county but is most numerous on the prairies and open farming country, par- ticularly where the osage orange hedges afford it breeding places. It is seldom seen in the Swope Park neighborhood but is common south of the Country Club district and on the high country south and east of Forest Hill Cemetery and beyond Dodson.
The nesting period is during the last two weeks of April and
312 Trans. Acad. Sci. of St. Louis.
later. Four to seven eggs are laid and two broods are often raised. Family VirEoNIDAE. Vireos.
VIREOSYLVA OLIVACEA (Linn.). Red-eyed Vireo.
Common summer resident.
The Red-eyed Vireo arrives regularly during the last four days of April and leaves during the last week of September. It is our commonest vireo and comes freely into the wooded sec- tions of the city to breed. One pair even yet comes to nest in a thicket on the ledge in Penn Valley Park, a few blocks from the Union Station. Red-eyed Vireos are numerous in and about Swope Park, in some of the cemeteries, in the wooded sections bordering the Country Club and other districts within the city and along the bluffs. The nesting season begins about the second week in May.
VIREOSYLVA PHILADELPHICA Cassin. Philadelphia Vireo.
Rather rare migrant.
There are but six known records of the local occurrence of this vireo, all during the month of May. Two specimens have been taken by Tindall on May 10, 1893, and May 8, 1898, re- spectively.
VIREOSYLVA GILVA GILVA (Vieillot). Warbling Vireo.
Common migrant and not uncommon summer resident.
The Warbling Vireo rarely arrives in numbers before the first week in May though singing males are occasionally heard as early as the middle of April. It leaves for the south during the first two weeks of September.
During migration Warbling Vireos may be found in wooded places in every part of the county but in summer they seem to prefer the bluff regions and neighboring territory. They are heard singing during the nesting season about Independence, Courtney, Atherton and Sibley and in the Missouri and lower Blue Valleys. They have been found nesting in Fairmount Park.
LANIVIREO FLAVIFRONS (Vieillot). Yellow-throated Vireo.
Not uncommon summer resident.
The Yellow-throated Vireo arrives about the middle of April and leaves in late September. This vireo loves damp woods and
Harris—Birds of the Kansas City Region. 313
prefers thick wooded creek bottoms and ravines near water. It nests regularly in Shilo Hollow at the edge of Swope Park and in the Hazel Dell neighborhood within the Park. It is most numerous during migration in the Missouri Valley and along the bluffs.
LANIVIREO SOLITARIUS SOLITARIUS (Wilson). Blue-headed Vireo.
Not uncommon migrant,
The Solitary Vireo is a comparatively late visitor, arriving during the last few days in April or the first week in May, often remaining till the last of May (May 26, 1893, May 15, 1899, May 18, 1915, and May 28, 1916, latest). It leaves for the south during the last few days of September. It is seen regularly along Brush Creek in the Country Club district, in the Missouri and Blue Valleys, along the bluffs, about Inde- pendence and in Swope Park.
VIREO GRISEUS GRISEUS (Boddaert). White-eyed Vireo.
Fairly common summer resident.
The White-eyed Vireo arrives from April 26th to May 4th and leaves during the second and third weeks of September at which time it is usually in full song.
The nesting period begins early in June. It is found in the rich undergrowth of timbered places near streams and near the edges of clearings. It breeds in such places over the entire county but is more numerous in the Missouri bottoms and along the bluff ravines and creeks. Several pairs nest regularly in and about Swope Park.
VIREO BELLI BELLI Audubon. Bell’s Vireo.
Fairly common summer resident.
The Bell’s Vireo was made known to science by Audubon who met with it for the first time in the bottom lands of the Missouri between Fort Leavenworth and St. Joseph. The first specimen was shot by J. G. Bell, a member of Audubon’s party, on May 4, 1843. The Bell’s Vireo and the Harris’s Sparrow are the two birds which have been discovered in the territory cov- ered in this list.
This vireo arrives during the first days of May, seldom be- fore the third (April 30, 1899, April 27, 1900, earliest), and leaves for the south shortly after the middle of September.
314 Trans. Acad. Sci. of St. Louis.
This species is not so closely associated with thick woods as most of the other vireos and may be found on the prairie re- gions in thickets, hedges, bushes and small clumps of trees or shrubbery. It nests in the outskirts of the city and may be found in the neighborhood of Swope Park as well as other easily accessible places further west and south. It nests early in June.
Family Mniotintmar. Wood Warblers.
Myniotiuta varia (Linn.). Black and White Warbler.
Common migrant and rather rare summer resident.
The Black and White Warbler arrives from the 15th to 20th of April (April 11, 1915, earliest) and is very common in the wooded sections of the county until the middle of May. From then on until the first week in September only the breeding birds are present. During the first two weeks of September the migrants are again numerous.
This distinctively marked warbler breeds in the less fre- quented sections of Swope Park where it has been observed car- rying nesting material and feeding full grown young. Unlike most of the warblers it often feeds near the ground on the trunks of trees and among low bushes and is easy of approach.
During the spring migration, when the birds are mating, they are seen in numbers in wooded territory over the entire county, particularly in Swope Park.
PROTHONOTARIA CITREA (Boddaert). Prothonotary Warbler.
Common summer resident.
The Prothonotary Warbler arrives irregularly from the mid- dle to last of April (April 7, earliest) and leaves during the first half of September.
It nests in holes and cavities and prefers to be near water. It breeds along the Blue in the Swope Park district and is com- mon in the Missouri bottom timber near swampy and damp places. Deserted woodpecker holes in standing dead trees or stumps are favorite nesting sites.
Great numbers migrate up and down the Missouri Valley.
HELMITHEROS VERMIVoRUS (Gmelin). Worm-eating Warbler. Not uncommon summer resident.
The Worm-eating Warbler arrives during the first few days
Harris—Birds of the Kansas City Region. 815
in May and leaves early in September. It is most numerous during the second week in May when the bulk of the migrants pass. At this time it is evenly distributed over the wooded sections of the entire county. In the breeding season it is found only about rocky ledges bordering thick timber, pre- ferably near creek bottoms or damp ravines. Such conditions are found in and about Swope Park where the dry monotonous song of this warbler is heard regularly during summer. This song is very similar to that of the Chipping Sparrow but is dis- tinguishable from it in being higher pitched and more rapid in execution. The songs, too, are never heard in the same en- vironment.
VERMIVORA PINUS (Linn.). Blue-winged Warbler.
Rather rare summer resident.
The Blue-winged Warbler arrives during the last days of April and during the next ten days northbound migrants are present in numbers in the wooded regions of the county.
Its buzzing notes are heard all summer in the less frequented woods of Swope Park where it seems to be increasing in num- bers during recent years. With the exception of some of the wilder bluff regions, the conditions for the successful raising of its young are more favorable in Swope Park than in any other region of the county.
VERMIVORA CHRYSOPTERA (Linn.). Golden-winged Warbler.
Extremely rare migrant.
Though there is but one record of the local occurrence of this warbler (May 9, 1889, Bush) it is not considered as merely acci- dental. It migrates regularly through the eastern part of the state and occurs sparingly south of this district. It is hoped that students may be able to secure and transmit further data regarding this species.
VERMIVORA RUBRICAPILLA RUBRICAPILLA (Wilson). Nashville
Warbler.
Not uncommon migrant.
The Nashville Warbler arrives from April 25th to May 5th and is most numerous during the second week in May. The latest spring record is May 22, 1916, which is an extremely late date. The returning migrants pass through during the last half of September.
316 Trans. Acad. Sci. of St. Louis.
This warbler is found in all wooded sections of the county, including the southern and eastern suburbs of the city.
VERMIVORA CELATA CELATA (Say). Orange-crowned Warbler.
Not uncommon migrant.
‘The Orange-crowned Warbler arrives during the last week of April (April 17, 1916, earliest) and is present until the mid- dle of May (May 20, 1916, latest). Its passage through the county is never marked by any great numbers. The earliest fall arrivals are noted about the middle of September (Sept. 14, 1903, earliest) and individuals are present until the middle of October.
On account of the lack of any bold markings the Orange- crowned Warbler is difficult to distinguish in the field and is often overlooked. It frequents low thick bushes more than other species. The bird may generally be discovered by its song, which is feeble and sounds like an unsuccessful effort to keep on one key. It may be looked for in the timbered bottoms and bluff regions of the Missouri River and in the upper Blue Valley in the Swope Park and Dodson districts, and in thickets even in the residence district in the city.
VERMIVORA PEREGRINA (Wilson). Tennessee Warbler.
Very common migrant.
With the possible exception of the Myrtle, the Tennessee Warbler is our commonest warbler. The birds first arrive dur- ing the last few days of April and become most numerous during the first ten days of May. Stragglers are sometimes seen as late as May 25th (1916, three). The southward movement is noticeable in late September and the first half of October.
At the height of migration the nervous staccato song of this species resounds from every tree, even in the outer residence section of the city.
CoMPSOTHLYPIS AMERICANA USNEAE Brewster. Northern Parula Warbler.
Very common migrant and not uncommon summer resident.
The Parula Warbler arrives from the 16th to 28th of April and leaves during the last half of September. During the first week or ten days of May the spring migration is at its height and the tall timber of the bottom lands fairly teems with these buzzing and persistent songsters. They are somewhat gaudily
Harris—Birds of the Kansas City Region. 317
marked birds but are difficult to see as they feed among the dense foliage of the highest tree tops.
They breed in the Missouri and Blue Valleys and may be commonly found in Swope Park during summer.
One form of the song of this species is similar to that of the Cerulean Warbler but may be distinguished by a difference in the opening notes, which are more drawled in the song of the Parula.
DENDROICA TIGRINA (Gmelin). Cape May Warbler.
Very rare migrant.
The only known records of the oceurrence of this warbler in this vicinity are May 22, 1909, May 11, 1911, May 11, 1912 and April 26, 1915. The record for May 11, 1912, was made over the state line in Johnson County, Kansas.
DENDROICA AESTIVA AESTIVA (Gmelin). Yellow Warbler.
Very common migrant and common summer resident.
The Yellow Warbler arrives regularly during the last five or six days of April. During early May when the bulk of the migrants are present, they are distributed over the entire county. This species is most numerous in the Missouri bottoms between May 2nd and 7th when it may be said to fairly swarm in the willow thickets. It also prefers to nest in the bottom lands and in the wide valleys leading into these regions. It has never been found in Swope Park in summer but there is one breeding record for the lower Brush Creek region not far to the west.
It is not seen in this county after the first week or ten days in September.
[DENDROICA CAERULESCENS CAERULESCENS (Gmelin). Black- throated Blue Warbler.]
Probable migrant.
This warbler has been reported several times to the east and west of this district but there is no known instance of its oc- currence in the immediate vicinity. Students should be on the lookout for this distinctively marked species during migration times.
Denprorca coronaTa (Linn.). Myrtle Warbler. Very common migrant and rather rare winter resident.
During favorable winters when there is an abundant supply
318 Trans. Acad. Sci. of St. Lows.
of their favorite food, the fruit of the poison ivy, at least a few flocks of Myrtle Warblers are present in the thick timbered sections of the bluff regions and bottom lands. In some win- ters, as in 1914-15 and 1915-16, these birds are to be found in noticeable numbers during the most severe weather conditions.
The migrants begin arriving from the 16th to 25th of March and by the middle of April are present in large numbers throughout the entire county. Very few are seen after the first week in May though an occasional straggler lingers until rather late in the month (May 20, 1916, latest).
The earliest fall birds reach here from September 27th (1908, earliest) to late in the first week of October, and by the last of the month the migrants are gone and only winter numbers are present.
These warblers may be looked for during migration in any wooded place. They pass through Swope Park in great num- bers and are found along the boulevards and about lawn shade trees. They are restless birds but often feed low down in the trees and in bushes and are easy of approach.
DENDROICA MAGNOLIA (Wilson). Magnolia Warbler. Regular but rather uncommon migrant,
The Magnolia Warblers pass through at the height of the spring migration between the 11th and 16th of May. No fall records are available but the returning migrants should be looked for during the second and third, and possibly fourth, weeks of September. They may be found in the tall trees along the rivers and creeks, and even in the hawthorn and crab thickets of the outer residence districts.
The greatest number ever noticed in one year was on May 14, 1917, when more than ten birds were seen between Inde- pendence and Courtney (Tindall).
DENDROICA CERULEA (Wilson). Cerulean Warbler. Common migrant and not uncommon summer resident.
The first Cerulean Warblers are usually heard on May Ist, rarely before (April 29, 1900, earliest), and sometimes not un- til the last days of the first week of May. They leave early for the south, not being seen usually after late August. As they haunt the tops of the highest trees they are more often heard
Harris—Birds of the Kansas City Region. 319
than seen, and during their silence after the breeding season are often overlooked.
They are to be looked for in thick bottom timber. Several pairs nest regularly in the damp woods of Shilo Hollow and Hazel Dell, in Swope Park. They also breed in the Missouri Valley.
The song is similar to one form of the Parula Warbler’s song but may be distinguished by its opening, which consists of a series of double notes briskly given. The two are often heard together in the woods near the south suspension bridge across the Blue River in Swope Park.
DENDROICA PENSYLVANICA (Linn.). Chestnut-sided Warbler.
Very rare migrant.
There are but eight available records of the occurrence of this warbler in Jackson County. It was observed on April 30th during two years and from the 13th to 20th of May during five others. No autumn records are available.
DENDROICA CASTANEA (Wilson). Bay-breasted Warbler.
Very rare migrant.
This warbler has been reported as rare both to the east and west of this district and there is but a single local record, of ancient origin (Hoy). Students should be on the lookout for further records.
DENDROICA sTRIATA (J. R. Forster). Black-poll Warbler.
Common migrant.
The Black-poll brings up the rear of the north-bound warb- ler army and is commonest during the second and third weeks of May. The advance guard usually arrives between the 2nd and 7th of May though in favorable seasons it may arrive earlier (April 27, 1900, April 28, 1904, April 29, 1915, earliest). The southward flight passes during September.
The Black-poll Warblers may be looked for in all wooded sections of the county and in the park cemeteries.
Denproica Fusca (Muller). Blackburnian Warbler.
Rather rare migrant.
Blackburnian Warblers appear about the end of the first week in May and are rarely seen after the 20th (an exception- ally late date is May 30, 1904). They pass through on the re-
320 Trans. Acad. Sci. of St. Louis.
turn flight from the 10th to 25th of September. They are never numerous. They are to be looked for in wooded places beloved of the warblers. Several records have been made in Swope Park.
DENDROICA DOMINICA ALBILORA. Sycamore Warbler. Not common migrant; probable summer resident.
This region is on the western edge of the range of the Syca- more Warbler, and though it is a regular migrant and very possibly a more or less regular summer resident, it has not been often noted. :
This warbler is one of the first to appear in spring, being preceeded only by the Myrtle Warbler. The earliest available record is April 7, 1918 (mouth of Indian Creek).
The Sycamore Warbler is a frequenter of tall trees in bottom land along water courses. It is difficult to see in the tree tops, but is distinctively marked and has a very characteristic song, the manner of delivery of which recalls the Indigo Bunting.
DENDROICA VIRENS (Gmelin). Black-throated Green Warbler. Not common migrant.
The Black-throated Green Warbler is present during the first three weeks of May and during all of September. It is never present in very great numbers.
It may be looked for in the wilder parts of Swope Park, in the Dodson region and in the timber of the Missouri and Blue Valleys.
Dewnproica vigorst (Audubon). Pine Warbler. Regular but not common fall migrant.
The Pine Warbler is regularly seen here between September 3rd and October 16th, during which time it is often in full song. It is given as a fall migrant only as it has never been observed here in spring. This is perhaps merely an oversight as it mi- grates north through eastern Kansas and eastern Missouri. Students should be on the lookout for this bird in the spring in the hope of establishing a new record.
Some recent records are: Sept. 3, 9 and 10, 1914 (singing), Sept. 9, 14, and 15, 1915 (singing), Sept. 10, 1916, and Oct. 16, 1916.
Harris—Birds of the Kansas City Region. 321
DENDROICA PALMARUM PALMARUM (Gmelin). Palm Warbler.
Regular but not numerous migrant.
The Palm Warbler arrives from April 27th to May 7th but is never very numerous. It passes through on the southward flight between the 5th and 11th of October.
Usually single birds are seen, though sometimes they occur in small troops of twos and threes. They may be looked for in the timber of the Missouri and Blue Valleys and in Swope Park.
DeEnpROIcA DIScoLoR (Vieillot). Prairie Warbler.
Occasional.
There is but one known record of the occurrence here of the Prairie Warbler—May 6, 1911, near Dodson.
SEIURUS AUROCAPILLUS (Linn.). Oven-bird.
Common migrant and rather rare summer resident.
The Oven-bird arrives during the last week of April and in- creases in numbers in the first week of May. At this time it may be looked for in all thickly wooded places over the county, especially in the bluff and bottom regions and in such places as the upper Blue Valley. The migrants are again present during September.
The only places in the county where this warbler is known to breed are a few wild sections of the bluff regions, as near Sib- ley, and on the dry wooded ridge in Swope Park south of Hazel Dell. In the latter place the songs of the Ovenbird and Ken- tucky Warbler, which are very similar, may be heard together.
SEIURUS NOVEBORACENSIS NOTABILIS Ridgway. Grinnell’s Water- Thrush.
Not rare migrant.
This northwestern form of the Water-Thrush passes through this region regularly during the first half of May (April 29, 1917, earliest; May 15, 1916, latest) and during September.
It is to be looked for either in the same kind of territory as that frequented by the southern species, which is the breeding form for this region, or in swampy places in woods. With the aid of glasses the two forms are readily distinguishable in the field and may be further identified by their noticeably different songs.
The Grinnell’s Water-Thrush is a regular migrant through
822 Trans. Acad. Sci. of St. Louis.
Swope Park. It has been observed at close range in the small swamp in the woods near the Swope rifle range.
SEIURUS MOTACILLA (Vieillot). Louisiana Water-Thrush.
Common migrant and not uncommon summer resident.
Our earliest arrival date for this warbler is April 1, 1905, though the average is ten days or two weeks later. During the first week in May numbers of migrants are found along the streams, especially along the banks of the Missouri River in the willow thickets and other dense growths standing on high cut- ting banks. The fall migratory flight passes through in Sep- tember.
These warblers breed not uncommonly in the ravines and ereek bottoms of the bluff regions and in the valleys of the Big and Little Blue. They nest also in favorable places in and about Swope Park.
OPoRORNIS FoRMOSUS (Wilson). Kentucky Warbler. Rather common summer resident.
The Kentucky Warbler arrives during the first week of May, though occasionally earlier (April 30, 1899, April 29, 1900, April 29, 1917), and leaves late in September. It nests in the deep woods of the Missouri Valley and in the thick undergrowth along the wooded creek bottoms of the higher regions. It is fairly common as a breeder in certain favorable sections of Swope Park and the upper Blue Valley. Three pairs nested in Shilo Hollow during the summer of 1917 and had not left their breeding stands on September 3rd. Bush states that they nest in the coarse grass and sedge along swamps and sloughs in the Courtney district.
OPORORNIS AGILIS (Wilson). Connecticut Warbler.
Very rare migrant.
Only two local records of this warbler are available. One was seen near Independence on May 12, 1914. On May 15, 1916, one was observed at close range in the Country Club re- gion and was heard to sing repeatedly. It was feeding in a clump of Buckberry bushes under large trees from which it sang as it did also from a small thorn tree and from the ground. The song was loud and clear and Carolina Wren-like and may be transcribed as Wee-chipper, Wee-chipper, Wee-chipper, Chip (Hoffmann).
Harris—Birds of the Kansas City Region. 323
OPORORNIS PHILADELPHIA (Wilson). Mourning Warbler.
Regular but not numerous migrant.
The ten available records of the local occurrence of this warbler are between May 18th and 23rd. They have been noted in the Missouri bottoms and bluff timber, in Swope Park, and in the Country Club region. Their presence here on the return flight has thus far been overlooked.
GEOTHLYPIS TRICHAS TRICHAS (Linn.). Maryland Yellow-throat.
Very common summer resident.
The Yellow-throats arrive regularly between the 23rd and 29th of April (April 19, 1914, only earlier date). These early arrivals announce their presence first from the bottom lands, but are soon scattered over the uplands as well. From May 5th to 10th the greatest numbers are present in the willow thickets along the Missouri River.
The breeding birds are evenly distributed over the county and may be looked for along all water courses, even ditches, and in any damp woods or low bushy places. They nest within the city in Swope Park, along the Blue and Brush Creek Valleys, in the Country Club and Rockhill regions, in the cemeteries and along Cliff Drive. They nest about the middle of May and lay from four to six eggs.
The fall migration begins during the first days of September and continues through the month, very few birds being seen during the last week.
ICTERIA VIRENS VIRENS (Linn.). Yellow-breasted Chat.
Common summer resident.
Like several of the warblers, the earliest Chats are to be looked for in the thick tangles of the Missouri bottoms where the bulk of the migrants pass. These forerunners appear regu- larly between the 24th and 29th of April. By the 5th to 10th of May the crest of the migration wave is passing.
This warbler inhabits thickets, briar tangles, bushy ravines, second-growth timber, burnt-over hillsides and all kinds of brushy undergrowths. Three to six eggs are laid late in May.
The Chat is something of a skulker, but is occasionally caught at his clownish antics. A good place to hear the indescribable song of this species is in the neighborhood of the rifle range meadow in Swope Park.
824 Trans. Acad. Sci. of St. Leuis.
The Chats disappear from their breeding stations early in August (August 4, 1904, family party) and the fall migration is not noticeable, as the birds are then silent and secretive.
WILSONIA crrrINa (Boddaert). Hooded Warbler.
Rare visitant and possible occasional breeder.
The few local records of this warbler are, with one exception, from the timbered regions of the Missouri bottoms and are be- tween the 8th and 25th of May. On May 25, 1916, a pair seen near Independence may have been breeding.
WILSONIA PUSILLA PUSILLA (Wilson). Wilson’s Warbler.
Not uncommon migrant.
The Wilson’s Warbler is present from May Ist to 20th and again during the first week or ten days of September. It seems to prefer the upland wooded regions, since there are but three records from the bottom lands. It passes through regularly on both spring and autumn migration, but is never present in very great numbers.
WILSONIA PUSILLA PILEOLATA (Pallas). Pileolated Warbler.
Occasional migrant.
Only one Pileolated Warbler has been taken in the county; near Independence (Ridgway, Birds of North and Middle Amer- ica, U. S. N. M. Bull. No. 50, Vol. 2, p. 712). A specimen was taken by Bunker and Wetmore near Lawrence, Kansas, on Octo- ber 17, 1908.
WILSONIA CANADENSIS (Linn.). Canada Warbler.
Rare and irregular migrant.
During some years a few of these warblers pass this way and during others none are seen. Their nearest regular migration route, where they pass in great numbers, is the valley of the Mississippi River. The latest record for this species is one bird seen on May 13, 1916.
SETOPHAGA RUTICILLA (Linn.). Redstart. Very common migrant and fairly common summer resident.
Redstarts arrive from the 25th to 30th of April and leave during September. In early May, when the migrants are most numerous, they are present in all parts of the county in wooded places and may be looked for in all the city parks and along the
Harris—Birds of the Kansas City Region. 325
boulevards. During the breeding season they resort to damp woods and timbered creek bottoms and are then fairly common in Swope Park, the upper Blue Valley, the Missouri bottoms and bluffs and many other like places. Three to four eggs are laid in early June.
Family Moractuumpar. Wagtails.
ANTIIUS RUBESCENS (Tunstall). Pipit.
Fairly common migrant. ;
The fall migration of Pipits is more noticeable than the ver- nal passage, since the flocks are much !arger and remain in one place for a longer period. They arrive from the north in flocks of often several hundreds during early October (Sept. 30, 1897, earliest) and are present in some years till November 22 (1914). The greatest numbers are present from the 13th to 30th of October.
Pipits frequent bottom clearings, grass and alfalfa fields and open spaces at the edges of willow thickets where the ground vegetation is scant. They also feed about the banks of ponds and in barnyards and burnt-over places on the prairie regions. At one farm pond where the surrounding spaces are favorable feeding grounds, a flock of about two hundred Pipits arrived on October 20, 1916, and remained until November 10th.
The spring migration begins about March 29th and is over by May 2nd (1915, latest date).
Pipits may be looked for in the open districts of the Mis- sourl bottoms and in favorable places on the prairie regions. They have been observed in the neighborhood of Swope Park and about Dodson.
ANTHUS SPRAGUEI (Audubon). Sprague’s Pipit. Rare migrant.
Only two known specimens of this form have been taken. The Sprague’s Pipit is given by Bunker as a rare migrant in eastern Kansas. It may occur regularly in large flocks of the preceding species.
Family Mimiwwar. Thrashers, Mockingbirds, ete.
MiIMUS POLYGLOTTOS POLYGLOTTOS (Linn.). Mockingbird. Fairly common summer resident; somewhat rare and irregular win- ter resident.
As a winter resident the Mockingbird is irregular or has
*
826 Trans. Acad. Sci. of St. Louis.
escaped notice during some winters. It has been observed in December, January or February of 1898, 1904, 1906, 1907, 1910, 1916 and 1917.
It appears at its breeding station very irregularly from March 1st to April 10th and leaves usually in early August, sometimes later. ;
The Mockingbird prefers the neighborhood of man and since the improving of the Rockhill and Country Club regions and Swope Park it has greatly increased within the city. It nests in these districts as well as in the cemeteries, the Marlborough neighborhood, and about Dodson and Independence. Four eggs are laid in early June. More than one brood is raised, young birds having been found as late as September 4th (1913).
DUMETELLA CAROLINENSIS (Linn.). Catbird.
Very common summer resident.
The first Catbirds are seen between April 25th and May 2nd (April 19, 1903, earliest). Great throngs of migrants are pres- ent between the 5th and 9th of May in the willows of the Mis- souri bottoms. They leave about the middle of September, and from the 17th to 20th of the month the willows again swarm with migrants. Only an occasional straggler is seen after the first day of October.
This familiar bird is a common breeder within the city wher- ever there is thick shrubbery or bushy cover. Like the Mocker, it takes kindly to the protection of man and, though a somewhat shy bird, it is noticeably on the increase. Four or five eggs are laid during the middle of May and later another nest is built and at least one more brood raised.
ToxostoMAa RUFUM (Linn.). Brown Thrasher.
Very common summer resident.
The first of the migrating Brown Thrashers arrive from the 1st to the 6th of April, though occasionally single birds are seen much earlier (Feb. 28, 1904; March 26, 1905; March 26, 1914). The local birds arrive on their breeding stands and begin singing from the 10th to 15th of April. They leave dur- ing the last half of September and none are seen after the last few days of the month. They breed freely within the city in the same districts and in the same kind of brushy cover as the Catbird. The two species do not nest close together, however, as they are mortal enemies during the breeding season and
Harris—Birds of the Kansas City Region. 327
have been known to battle to the death over a disputed nesting site.
Four or five eggs are laid in late April and three broods are often raised.
Family TroGLopyTmipAE. Wrens.
THRYOTHORUS LUDOVICIANUS LUDOVICIANUS (Latham). Carolina Wren.
Common resident.
The Carolina Wren is present during the entire year and is one of the few winter songsters. It is to be looked for in any kind of wooded territory and is common in the Swope Park district, in the Blue Valley and Brush Creek woods and in all the wilder sections of the county.
It nests among overhanging roots along creeks and ravines or in holes in the banks. One nest was found by Tindall in a wagon bridge near Independence. Five to seven eggs are laid in early May and more than one brood is raised. One nest was found on August 15, 1901, containing three fresh eggs (Tin- dall).
THRYOMANES BEWICKI BEWICKI (Audubon). Bewick’s Wren.
Very rare visitant or summer resident.
This wren is slowly extending its range northward and has probably already reached the extreme south and east borders of the county, as it has been regularly seen in the adjoining eounty (Johnson) since 1907. Since its arrival in the latter district it has established itself as a breeder and has become noticeably less rare. Smithson states that he has seen as many as six in one morning at Warrensburg and has several times seen them carrying nesting material.
The Bewick’s Wren is a much more desirable neighbor than the House Wren, as its beautiful song has none of the harsh and penetrating and, to some, disagreeable qualities of that bird. It is also more beautiful, graceful and less quarrelsome than the House Wren.
TROGLODYTES AEDON PARKMANI Audubon. Western House Wren. Very common summer resident.
Impatient House Wrens have been seen here as early as March 15th (1903) and several times between the Ist and 10th of April. During some years they arrive between the 15th and
328 Trans. Acad. Sci. of St. Louis.
21st of April, the bulk of the migrants passing between the 5th and 8th of May, at which time they swarm in the willows of the Missouri bottoms. They leave during early September and are rarely seen after the middle of the month. Some exceptionally late dates are as follows:—Oct. 6, 1901; Oct. 15, 1911; Oct. 15, 1916, and Nov. 7, 1916.
This wren nests in birdhouses, in crevices about buildings, in the pockets of discarded garments, in tin cans and in other similar situations too numerous to list. It also nests in the deep woods of the bottom lands and other wild places in nat- ural cavities in trees and deserted woodpecker holes. Five to seven eggs are laid in May.
NANNUS HIEMALIS HIEMALIS (Vieillot). Winter Wren.
Irregular but not uncommon winter resident.
During those winters when the Winter Wren is present it may be looked for in timbered creek bottoms, ravines, thick brushy places and weedy roadsides. It is to be found in the thick cover of the Missouri bottoms and bluffs and in Swope Park and the Dodson region. During some winters it is fairly common and in others is either absent or present in very few numbers. Our records covering a period of about twenty years show that it is present from September 30 (1906, earliest) to April 19 (1908, latest), being commonest during the first half of October.
CISTOTHORUS STELLARIS (Naumann). Short-billed Marsh Wren.
Rather uncommon migrant and probable summer resident.
This wren is seen most often in the Missouri bottoms about sloughs and grassy swamps. It has also been noted on the prai- rie regions and in the upper Blue Valley.
All available local records show its presence here during April and in September and early October. Students should be on the lookout for breeding records, as both Marsh Wrens have been found nesting in the swamps of the up-river counties.
TELMATODYTES PALUSTRIS ILIacuS Ridgway. Prairie Marsh Wren.
Rather uncommon migrant and summer resident.
This wren is present from the middle of April till early in May (in Jackson County) and again during late September and October. It occurs most commonly in the Missouri bot-
: Harris—Birds of the Kansas City Region. 329
toms, but has been seen at Lake City and other marshy places on the uplands.
It breeds in the cat-tail swamps of the river lakes in nearby counties, but the nest has not been taken in Jackson County.
Family Certoupan, Creepers.
CERTHIA FAMILIARIS AMERICANA Bonaparte. Brown Creeper.
Common winter resident. .
Regularly on October 8th, 9th or 10th the first Brown Creep- ers may be expected from the north, remaining until from the 10th to 20th of April. They are most numerous during the second and third weeks of October and in the first week of April. During migration they are distributed over the entire county wherever there are trees. In winter they seem to prefer the woods bordering the prarie regions, though they are common on the bluffs and in the bottom timber, especially in the large timber of the Indian Creek Valley. During the latter period of their stay they are sometimes heard in full song.
Family Sirripaz. Nuthatches.
SITTA CAROLINENSIS CAROLINENSIS Latham. White-breasted Nut- hatch.
Not uncommon resident.
The White-breasted Nuthatch is present during the entire year in the wooded sections of the county. In winter it is a not infrequent visitor within the city, where it hunts for insect food on the trunks of the shade trees. During the breeding sea- son it retires to the deeper woods to nest in cavities in trees. Six to nine eggs are laid in late April.
Its peculiar grunting notes are familiar sounds in the winter woods.
Sirra CANADENSIS Linn. Red-breasted Nuthatch.
Not uncommon migrant.
This small nuthatch is present in varying numbers from the first few days of October (September 30, 1906, earliest) to about the middle of January (January 18, 1913, latest), and again from the middle of March (March 14, 1914, earliest) to the first week of May (May 5, 1917, latest). It is to be looked for in the same kind of wooded places as the preceding species and,
330 Trans. Acad. Sci. of St. Louis.
like it, is sometimes seen along the city streets. It has been noted rather regularly in Swope Park, in the Country Club re- gion, in the cemeteries and about Dodson and Independence. The Red-breasted Nuthatch has been noticed feeding on the seeds of the large ragweed, Ambrosia trifida, which it carries to fence posts and hammers open in the cracks in the timber.
Family Parmar. Titmice.
BaEOLOPHUS BICOLOR (Linn.). Tufted Titmouse. Very common resident.
The monotonous call of the Tifted Tit ig a familar sound in the woods during the entire year except in the breeding season. Owing to their numbers and sprightly behavior and their con- tinual calling and answering, they are one of the most conspicu- ous birds of the winter woods.
They nest commonly in the outlying districts of the city in bird-boxes, old woodpecker holes and other cavities, and are also found in wooded tracts in all parts of the county. Six to eight eggs are laid late in April and early May.
PENTHESTES ATRICAPILLUS ATRICAPILLUS (Linn.). Chickadee. Very common resident.
The Chickadee, like its relative, the Tufted Titmouse, is pres- ent throughcut the year and is evenly distributed over the en- tire county. It is probably more numerous than the latter and comes into the city to feed during winter in greater numbers.
It nests in cavities, sometimes excavated by itself at the ex- pense of no little labor, and lays from five to seven, rarely eight, eggs in early April.
PENTHESTES ATRICAPILLUS SEPTENTRIONALIS (Harris). Long- tailed Chickadee.
Somewhat rare winter visitant and probably rare resident.
A few counties to the north, as well as twenty or thirty miles to the west, this form is the common Chickadee. The few local records are mostly in winter and indicate a partial migratory movement of these neighboring birds. Bush reports that a few are seen in the bottoms in the Courtney district during the entire year and that he considers the bird a regular breeder. The local records are chiefly from the Missouri bottoms.
Harris—Birds of the Kansas City Region. 331
Family Sytvupar. Kinglets and Gnatcatchers. Subfamily Regulinae. Kinglets.
REGULUS SATRAPA SATRAPA Lichtenstein. Golden-crowned King- let.
Common migrant and not uncommon winter resident.
Wintering Golden-crowned Kinglets may be found in the wooded bluff and bottom regions, in the cemeteries, in the tim- ber along the Blue and Brush Creek, in the parks and in wooded places at the edges of the prairie country. They arrive from the north usually between the 5th and 10th of October (Sept. 24, 1904, and Sept. 3, 1906, the latter a very exceptionally early date) and the bulk of the migrants are present during the sec- ond and third weeks of the month. The spring movement is noticeable during the first three weeks of April, when great numbers of these tiny birds pass through the city. None have been noted later than April 26th.
REGULUS CALENDULA CALENDULA (Linn.).
CoRTHYLIO CALENDULA CALENDULA (Linn.). Proposed 1917. Ruby-crowned Kinglet.
Common migrant.
The latest fall records for the Ruby-crowned Kinglet are De- cember 24 and 25, 1916, when a small troop was seen in the Missouri bottom timber. These birds probably did not remain throughout the later cold periods of the winter, but moved on further south. They arrive in the spring with the Golden crowns, but remain later, stragglers having been noted as late as past the middle of May (May 18, 1905, and May 17, 1916) and fairly regularly during the first week of the month. Fall dates are about the same as for the other kinglet.
They frequent timbered places and are to be looked for in the same localities as the Golden-crowns. In migration they are common in the trees and thickets of the outlying residence dis- tricts.
Subfamily Polioptilinae. Gnatcatchers.
PoOLIOPTILLA CAERULEA CAERULEA (Linn.). Blue-gray Gnat- catcher. Common migrant and not rare summer resident.
The Gnatcatchers arrive from the 11th to 20th of April
332 Trans. Acad. Sci. of St. Louis.
(March 30, 1913, exceptionally early) and leaves from the mid- dle to last of August. It nests during the middle of May; four or five eggs are laid. The nest is one of the most wonderful examples of bird workmanship known. It is an exquisitely formed cup, rather deep, composed of down from buds, bits of fine twigs and leafy material woven together with spider webs and thickly covered over with delicate bits of lichens. It is saddled on branches or between the forks of horizontal limbs like the nest of the Hummingbird and is usually from twenty to thirty feet from the ground. Favorite nesting sites are dry ledges or hillsides grown over with oak.
Gnateatchers may be found in the bluff regions, in Swope Park and vicinity, and around Independence and Dodson.
Family Turpipar. Thrushes, Solitaries, Stonechats, Bluebirds, ete.
Subfamily Turdinae. Thrushes.
HYLOcICHLA MUSTELINA (Gmelin). Wood Thrush.
Very common summer resident.
The Wood Thrush is the favorite songbird of most bird lovers, especially those who have not heard the Hermit Thrush. It arrives from the 23rd to 28th of April and leaves during the second and third weeks of September.
‘It nests during the middle of May in damp woods and tim- bered creek bottoms and ravines, and comes into the city freely to breed. Some places in town where it nests regularly are Penn Valley Park, Karnes Boulevard, 36th and Gillham, Ar- mour and Paseo (a most unusual place), 46th and Gillham, Rockhill and Country Club regions, Swope Park and all the cemeteries.
HYLOCICHLA FUSCESCENS SALICICOLA Ridgway. Willow Thrush.
Regular but rather rare migrant.
This subspecific form of the Veery is seen regularly during migration, but is never common. The spring records are be- tween the 4th and 23rd of May: the fall records between Sep- tember 10th and October 14th. It may be looked for in any wooded section of the county, high or low.
HYLOCICHLA ALICIAE ALICIAE (Baird). Gray-cheeked Thrush. Fairly common migrant.
The Gray-cheeked Thrush is present in all wooded sections
Harris—Birds of the Kansas City Region. 333
of the county, especially in the bluff and bottom regions, be- tween the 1st and 20th of May and in late September. It is noted regularly in Swope Park and the upper Blue Valley and in the timbered sections of the Country Club district.
This Thrush frequently sings in the period of migration, par- ticularly toward the end of its stay, but in very subdued tones.
HYLOCICHLA USTULATA SwaINsoNI (Tschudi). Olive-backed Thrush.
Common migrant.
This species is often in full song during the latter days of its spring passage. It arrives during the first week of May, be- coming more numerous from the 10th to 20th. At this time it may be looked for in all wooded regions, especially in the river and creek bottoms. Stragglers have been noted during the last days of May and there is one record of a singing male in Swope Park on June 7, 1916 (Shirling). The species is again present during the last half of September.
HYLOCICHLA GUTTATA PALLASI (Cabanis). Hermit Thrush.
Regular and not uncommon migrant.
The Hermit Thrush is the earliest in spring and latest in fall of all the migrant thrushes. It arrives in late March and is seldom seen after the middle of April. It is present again dur- ing the first three weeks of October.
It frequents the same wooded places as the others and may be looked for in Swope Park, the upper Blue Valley, in the bluff and bottom timber, near the Country Club, and many other less accessible places in the county.
We have no record of the singing of this species while migrat- ing through this region.
PLANESTICUS MIGRATORIUS MIGRATORIUS (Linn.). Robin. Abundant migrant, very common summer resident and rather rare but regular winter resident.
It is safe to say that there is not a day in the year when Rob- ins are entirely absent from Jackson County. During the cold- est periods of the most severe winters a few are always to be found in the dense shelter of the bottom timber where there is an abundance of wild fruit for food. In open and mild winters they are to be found even within the city.
The forerunners of the migrating throngs arrive from the
334 Trans. Acad. Sci. of St. Louis.
10th to the 20th of February, often much earlier, and by the last of the month or in early March migration is under way in earnest. Countless thousands continue to pass until the middle of April, by which time the local birds have young in the nest. The southward migration occupies October and early Novem- ber. Small flocks may be seen in late November and early December that may move further south at the approach of zero weather, but always a few hardy birds remain.
The Robin has taken kindly to the advance of civilization and is steadily increasing in numbers despite the persecution of it in some southern states, where it is slaughtered in large numbers for food.
SIALIA SIALIS SIALIS (Linn.). Bluebird.
Very common summer resident; rather rare but regular winter resi- .
dent.
Bluebirds have been seen in and near the city during the coldest periods of seven of the last thirteen winters. The first spring migrants arrive usually in the second week of February, and by the 20th or 25th are common. The bulk of the migrants pass through during the first two weeks of March. Flocks of southbound migrants have been noted as early as September 18th, but the largest flocks are seen about a month later.
SUMMARY.
DATES ON WHICH THE REGULAR SPRING MIGRANTS MAY BE LOOKED FOR
February 1 to 15 Mallard Pintail Canada Goose Robin Bluebird
February 15 to 29 Herring Gull Merganser Hooded Merganser Snow Goose White-fronted Goose Killdeer Turkey Vulture Red-tailed Hawk Meadowlark Rusty Blackbird Bronzed Grackle Purple Finch
March 1 to 7 Gadwall Baldpate Green-winged Teal Redhead Canvas-back Lesser Scaup Ruddy Duck Blue Goose Mourning Dove Cooper’s Hawk Kingfisher Cowbird Leconte’s Sparrow Red-winged Blackbird Harris’s Sparrow Field Sparrow Song Sparrow Swamp Sparrow Fox Sparrow Mockingbird
March 8 to 20 Blue-winged Teal Shoveller Scaup Duck Great Blue Heron Coot Wilson’s Snipe Greater Yellow-legs Marsh Hawk Phoebe Pine Siskin Savannah Sparrow
Towhee
Purple Martin Migrant Shrike Myrtle Warbler
March 21 to April 1
Pied-billed Grebe
White Pelican
Sandhill Crane Yellow-bellied Sapsucker Chipping Sparrow
Pipit F Golden-crowned Kinglet Hermit Thrush
April 2 to 7
King Rail
Least Sandpiper Semipalmated Sandpiper Osprey
Northern Flicker Vesper Sparrow Henslow’s Sparrow White-crowned Sparrow White-throated Sparrow Rough-winged Swallow Louisiana Water-Thrush Brown Thrasher Ruby-crowned Kinglet
April 8 to 15
Ring-billed Gull Franklin’s Gull Bittern
Green Heron Black-crowned Night Heron Pectoral Sandpiper Yellow-legs
Broad-winged Hawk Chimney Swift Yellow-headed Blackbird Goldfinch
Lincoln’s Sparrow
Barn Swallow
Sycamore Warbler Western House Wren Short-billed Marsh Wren Prairie Marsh Wren Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
April 16 to 20
Eared Grebe Virginia Rail Sora
Florida Gallinule Baird’s Sandpiper
(335)
336 Trans, Acad. Sci. of St. Louis.
April 16 to 20—Continued Solitary Sandpiper Buff-breasted Sandpiper Spotted Sandpiper Semipalmated Plover Whip-poor-will Lark Sparrow Clay-colored Sparrow Tree Swallow Bank Swallow Black and White Warbler Prothonotary Warbler Northern Parula Warbler
April 21 to 25 Wilson’s Phalarope Kingbird Crested Flycatcher Baltimore Oriole Grasshopper Sparrow Rose-breasted Grosbeak Dickcissel Cliff Swallow Warbling Vireo Yellow-throated Vireo Orange-crowned Warbler Tennessee Warbler Oven-bird Maryland Yellow-throat Yellow-breasted Chat Redstart Wood Thrush
April 26 to 30 Least Tern Black Tern Upland Plover Red-headed Woodpecker Nighthawk Ruby-throated Hummingbird Orchard Oriole Indigo Bunting Scarlet Tanager Summer Tanager
April 26 to 30—Continued
Red-eyed Vireo Blue-headed Vireo White-eyed Vireo Blue-winged Warbler Nashville Warbler Yellow Warbler Palm Warbler Catbird
May 1 to 10
Forster’s Tern Common Tern
Least Bittern Yellow-billed Cuckoo Black-billed Cuckoo Wood Pewee
Acadian Flycatcher Traill’s Flycatcher Least Flycatcher Bobolink
Philadelphia Vireo Bell’s Vireo Worm-eating Warbler Cerulean Warbler Black-poll Warbler Blackburnian Warbler Black-throated Green Warbler Grinnell’s Water-Thursh Kentucky Warbler Wilson’s Warbler Willow Thrush Gray-cheeked Thrush Olive-backed Thrush
May 10 to 15
Olive-sided Flycatcher Yellow-bellied Mlycatcher Cape May Warbler Magnolia Warbler Chestnut-sided Warbler Mourning Warbler Hooded Warbler
RESIDENTS
The following species occur in this vicinity throughout the entire
year:
Bob-white
Red-tailed Hawk Sparrow Hawk Long-eared Owl
Barn Owl
Barred Owl
Screech Owl Great-Horned Owl Hairy Woodpecker Downy Woodpecker Red-bellied Woodpecker Northern Flicker Red-headed Woodpecker
Prairie Horned Lark Blue Jay
Crow
Red-winged Blackbird Goldfinch
English Sparrow Cardinal
Carolina Wren White-breasted Nuthatch Tufted Titmouse Chickadee
Robin
Bluebird
Summary 3837
WINTER RESIDENTS
In addition to the above, the following species occur in this vicinity
regularly during winter:
Rough-legged Hawk Short-eared Owl Thick-billed Red-wing Northern Red-wing Purple Finch
Pine Siskin
Lapland Longspur Harris’s Sparrow Gambell’s Sparrow
Tree Sparrow Slate-colored Junco Song Sparrow
Lincoln’s Sparrow Swamp Sparrow
Fox Sparrow
Myrtle Warbler
Brown Creeper Golden-crowned Kinglet
IRREGULAR WINTER RESIDENTS.
The following species occur in this vicinity irregularly in winter or
during mild and open winters.
tants are not included:
Merganser
Mallard Green-winged Teal Canada Goose Mourning Dove Marsh Hawk Cooper’s Hawk Western Red-tail Kingfisher Yellow-bellied Sapsucker Red-shafted Flicker Cowbird
Very rare species and occasional visi-
Meadowlark
Rusty Blackbird Crossbill White-crowned Sparrow Field Sparrow Towhee
Cedar Waxing Northern Shrike Migrant Shrike Mockingbird
Winter Wren Long-tailed Chickadee
SUMMER RESIDENTS
The following species nest in this vicinity. A very few species are included in the list on such evidence as birds carrying nesting material and being seen in the neighborhood all summer, and old birds feeding
young or carrying food to nestlings.
Species represented by only one
nesting record are placed in the next list.
Pied-billed Grebe Black Tern Hooded Merganser Blue-winged Teal Bittern
Least Bittern Great Blue Heron Green Heron King Rail Virginia Rail
Sora
Florida Gallinule Coot
Spotted Sandpiper Killdeer Bob-white Mourning Dove Turkey Vulture
Sharp-shinned Hawk Cooper’s Hawk Red-tailed Hawk Red-shouldered Hawk Broad-winged Hawk Sparrow Hawk
Barn Owl
Long-eared Owl
Barred Owl
Screech Owl
Great Horned Owl Yellow-billed Cuckoo Black-billed Cuckoo Kingfisher
Hairy Woodpecker Downy Woodpecker Red-headed Woodpecker Red-bellied Woodpecker
338 Trans. Acad. Sci. of St. Louis.
SUMMER RESIDENTS—Continued
Northern Flicker Cliff Swallow Whip-poor-will Barn Swallow Nighthawk Bank Swallow
Chimney Swift Rough-winged Swallow Ruby-throated Hummingbird Migrant Shrike Kingbird Red-eyed Vireo
Crested Flycatcher Warbling Vireo
Phoebe Yellow-throated Vireo Wood Pewee White-eyed Vireo Acadian Flycatcher Black and White Warbler Prairie Horned Lark Prothonotary Warbler Blue Jay Worm-eating Warbler Crow Blue-winged Warbler Cowbird Northern Parula Warbler Red-winged Blackbird Yellow Warbler
Bell’s Vireo Cerulean Warbler Meadowlark Oven-bird
Western Meadowlark Louisiana Water-Thursh Orchard Oriole Kentucky Warbler Baltimore Oriole Maryland Yellow-throat Bronzed Grackle a Yellow-breasted Chat Goldfinch Mockingbird
English Sparrow Catbird
Grasshopper Sparrow Brown Thrasher
Lark Sparrow Carolina Wren
Chipping Sparrow Western House Wren Field Sparrow Prairie Marsh Wren Towhee White-breasted Nuthatch Cardinal Tufted Titmouse Rose-breasted Grosbeak Chickadee
Indigo Bunting Blue-gray Gnatcatcher Dickcissel Wood Thrush
Scarlet Tanager Robin
Summer Tanager Bluebird
Purple Martin
OCCASIONAL OR VERY RARE BREEDERS
Black-crowned Night Heron Savannah Sparrow Yellow-crowned Night Heron Henslow’s Sparrow Short-eared Owl Song Sparrow
Least Flycatcher Blue Grosbeak Yellow-headed Blackbird Hooded Warbler
Vesper Sparrow Short-billed Marsh Wren
FORMER BREEDERS
The following species formerly nested here, but have been driven out by the advance of civilization:
Least Tern Wild Turkey
Mallard Swallow-tailed Kite Shoveller Marsh Hawk
Wood Duck(may have returned) Bald Eagle
Canada Goose Osprey
Egret | Carolina Paroquet Woodcock Ivory-billed Woodpecker Upland Plover Pileated Woodpecker Prairie Chicken Poor-will
Ruffed Grouse Raven
Summary 339
POSSIBLE BREEDERS
The following species probably breed here, but conclusive evidence
to prove this is lacking:
Black Rail Western Horned Owl Traill’s Flycatcher
Sycamore Warbler Long-tailed Chickadee
EXTRALIMITAL: NOT INCLUDED
The following species have been recorded from the Lawrence re-
gion, but are not included in the list:
Mexican Cormorant Black-necked Stilt Lewis’s Woodpecker Say’s Phoebe
Pine Grosbeak Pale Goldfinch Lark Bunting
Western Robin
MIGRANTS
In addition to the above-listed wintering migrants, both regular and irregular, which do not occur here in summer, the following species are found in this region only during migration. The more rare birds are
marked with an asterisk.
Holboell’s Grebe* Hared Grebe
Loon*
Parasitic Jaeger* Herring Gull Ring-billed Gull Laughing Gull* Franklin’s Gull Bonaparte’s Gull* Caspian Tern* Forster’s Tern Common Tern
Least Tern Double-crested Cormorant White Pelican Red-breasted Merganser Red-legged Black Duck Black Duck
Gadwall
Baldpate
‘Cinnamon Teal* Shoveller
Pintail
Wood Duck
Redhead Canvas-back
Scaup Duck
Lesser Scaup Duck Ring-necked Duck Golden-eye
Barrow’s Golden-eye*
Buffle-head Old-squaw*
Scoter*
Surf Scoter*
Ruddy Duck
Snow Goose
Greater Snow Goose* Blue Goose White-fronted Goose Hutchins’s Goose Whistling Swan* Trumpeter Swan* White-faced Glossy Ibis* Whooping Crane* Little Brown Crane Sandhill Crane
Yellow Rail
Red Phalarope* Northern Phalarope* Wilson’s Phalarope Avocet
Woodcock*
Wilson’s Snipe Long-billed Dowitcher* Stilt Sandpiper* Knot*
Pectoral Sandpiper White-rumped Sandpiper Baird’s Sandpiper Least Sandpiper Red-backed Sandpiper*
340 Trans. Acad. Sci. of St. Louis.
MIGRANTS—Continued
Semipalmated Sandpiper Western Sandpiper Sanderling
Marbled Godwit* Hudsonian Godwit* Greater Yellow-legs Yellow-legs
Solitary Sandpiper Willet*
Western Willet* Upland Plover Buff-breasted Sandpiper Long-billed Curlew Eskimo Curlew** Black-bellied Plover* Golden Plover Semipalmated Plover Piping Plover*
Ruddy Turnstone* Mississippi Kite* Swallow-tailed Kite Goshawk*
Krider’s Hawk* Swainson’s Hawk* Golden Eagle
Bald Eagle
Duck Hawk*
Pigeon Hawk
Osprey
Saw-whet Owl* Snowy Owl*
Western Nighthawk Sennett’s Nighthawk Arkansas Kingbird* Olive-sided Flycatcher Yellow-bellied Flycatcher Alder Flycatcher* Horned Lark Bobolink
Brewer’s Blackbird* Evening Grosbeak* White-winged Crossbill* Redpoll*
Snow Bunting* Smith’s Longspur
Chestnut-collared Longspur
Western Savannah Sparrow Baird’s Sparrow* Western Grasshopper Sparrow Leconte’s Sparrow White-throated Sparrow Clay-colored Sparrow Western Tree Sparrow Western Field Sparrow (may breed) White-winged Junco* Shufeldt’s Junco Montana Junco Arctic Towhee* Tree Swallow Bohemian Waxwing* Philadelphia Vireo Blue-headed Vireo Golden-winged Warbler* Nashville Warbler Orange-crowned Warbler Tennessee Warbler Cape May Warbler* Magnolia Warbler Chestnut-sided Warbler* Bay-breasted Warbler* Black-poll Warbler Blackburnian Warbler Black-throated Green Warbler Pine Warbler Palm Warbler Prairie Warbler* Grinnell’s Water-Thrush Connecticut Warbler* Mourning Warbler Wilson’s Warbler Pileolated Warbler* Canada Warbler* Pipit Sprague’s Pipit* Red-breasted Nuthatch Ruby-crowned Kinglet Willow Thrush* Gray-cheeked Thrush Olive-backed Thrush Hermit Thrush
BIBLIOGRAPHY
In compiling this list the author has had access only to his own books, and realizes that there are omissions. It is hoped, however, that all the important references are listed. For the sake of economy of space, titles are not given in the customary full bibliographical form.
Any additions that may be communicated by interested students will be appreciated, as it is desired to ultimately complete the list by in- cluding every published record from the Kansas City region.
1814. Lewis, M. and CLarKre, W.—History of the Expedition under the command of Captains Lewis and Clarke, to the sources of the Missouri, thence across the Rocky Mountains and down the River Columbia to the Pacific Ocean. Performed during the years 1804-5-6. By order of the Government of the United States. In two volumes. Philadelphia. 1814.
This edition has not been handled by the writer. There are many subsequent editions, several of which are undesirable from the standpoint of the naturalist. The most desirable is the Harper Edition, edited with notes by Coues.
A few bird notes were recorded while the expedition was passing through the Kansas City region, and will be found under dates of June, 1804, and September, 1806.
1816. Brackenrmecr, H. M.—Journal of a Voyage Up the River Mis- souri; Performed in Highteen Hundred and Eleven. By H. M. Brackenridge, Esq. Second Edition. Revised and Enlarged by the Author. Baltimore. 1816.
While this item is of no real value to the working ornitholo- gist, it is cited mainly for its references to Thomas Nuttall. It is of great interest in touching on some particularities of this enthusiastic and absent-minded young naturalist on his first trip through this region. His next visit to the same ter- ritory, twenty-four years later, is of more importance to the ornithologist.
1817. BrapBury, J.—Travels in the Interior of America, in the Years 1809, 1810 and 1811. By John Bradbury. Liverpool, 1817.
This English botanist has recorded some interesting bird notes, and a few that are valuable and important. An au- thentic account is given of the nesting of the Canada Goose not far below what is now Sibley, Jackson County, Missouri. Notes on the Passenger Pigeon are scattered throughout the narrative.
Thomas Nuttall, who was later to acquire fame in the field of ornithology, and who twenty-four years later, in company with John K. Townsend, discovered the Harris’s Sparrow in this region, was a member of Bradbury’s party.
(341)
342
1823.
1839.
Trans. Acad. Sci. of St. Louis.
Say, THomas.—Account of an Expedition from Pittsburg to the Rocky Mountains, performed in the years 1819, and ’20, by order of the Hon. J. C. Calhoun, Secy. of War; under the command of Major Stephen H. Long of the U. S. Top. Engineers. From the notes of Major Long, Mr. T. Say, and other gentlemen of the ex- ploring party. Compiled by Edwin James, Botanist and Geolo- gist of the Expedition. In two volumes. With an Atlas. Phila-
delphia. 1823. A valuable reference. No serious student of the ornithology of this region can afford to miss reading this narrative, though the scientific matter is buried in foot-notes. The work is rare.
Thos. Say, with Peale and others of the party, collected material and notes on what is now the site of Kansas City, Missouri, and in the immediate vicinity of this point, on the Kaw River, the scientists had a painful and serious experi- ence with Indians.
TownseEnp, J. K.—Narrative of a Journey across the Rocky Moun- tains, to the Columbia River, and a Visit to the Sandwich Is- lands, Chili, etc. With a Scientific Appendix. By John K. Town- send. Philadelphia. 1839. Townsend and Nuttall crossed Jackson County, Missouri, on April 28, 1834, over the frontier trail between Independence and Westport. Somewhere between the two points, probably in the Blue Valley, Nuttall took the type specimen of the Harris’s Sparrow, which he named the Mourning Finch, Fringilla querula, Townsend does not mention the incident in his narrative because of the fact that Nuttall had not yet described the bird.
1839-1841. Maxrmmian, Prinz zu Wiep.—Reise in das Innere Nord-
1840.
America in den Jahren 1832 bis 1834 von Maximilian Prinz zu Wied. Coblenz. Two volumes. Vol. 1, 1839. Vol. 2, 1841.
This work contains much matter relative to the birds of the Missouri Valley, but it is largely omitted from the only Ameri- can edition the writer has had access to. See Maximilian, 1904. It is understood that one of the few copies of the original edition in this country is owned in Topeka, Kansas.
NuttTatu, T.—A Manual of the Ornithology of the United States and of Canada. By Thomas Nuttall. Second Edition. Two Vol- umes. Boston. 1840.
The Harris’s Sparrow is here given to science. The type locality is given as “a few miles to the west of Independence in Missouri.”
1840-1844. Aupuzon, J. J—The Birds of America, from drawings made
in the United States and their Territories. By John James Audu- bon. New York and Philadelphia. Seven volumes. 1840-1844. Subsequent editions have eight volumes. The last volume of this and the subsequent editions contains the birds discovered on the Missouri River trip in 1844. A discovery in this region was the Bell’s Vireo, the original sue men of which was taken near St. Joseph, in the Missouri Ooms.
1843.
1845.
1848.
1851.
1851.
1857.
Bibliography. 343
MAXIMILIAN, PRINcE oF Wiep.—Travels in the Interior of North America. By Maximilian, Prince of Wied. With numerous en- gravings on wood, and a large map. ‘Translated from the Ger- man by H. Evans Loyd. 81 colored plates, folio. London. 1843.
This rare and desirable English edition has not been exam- ined.
Fremont, JouHn C.—Report of the Exploring Expedition to the Rocky Mountains in the year 1842 and to Oregon and north California in the years 1843-4. By Brev. Capt. J. C. Fremont, of the topographical engineers, under the orders of Col. J. J. Abert, chief of the topographical bureau. Printed by order of the House of Representatives. Washington. 1845.
This report contains little matter of interest to the bird ‘student.
ABeERT, J. W.—Notes on a Military Reconnoissance from Fort Leavenworth, in Missouri, to San Diego, in California. By W. H. Emory. Washington. 1848. Lieut. Abert’s notes are in appendix 6 (pp. 386-405), where twenty-six species are added to the Kansas list. This expe- dition, like others from Fort Leavenworth bound for the west
over the Santa Fe trail, passed through what is now Kansas City, and the old frontier settlement of Westport.
Harris, Hpwarp.—List of Birds and Mammalia found on the Mis-
souri River from Fort Leavenworth to Fort Union. Fifth An-
nual Report Smithsonian Institute for 1850, 1851, pp. 136-138. This list is given as an appendix to a narrative by Thaddeus Culbertson, and is of interest as one of the sources of infor- mation relative to the occurrence in this region of species long since extirpated or extinct. The author was the patron and close friend of Audubon, and was with him on the mem- orable Missouri River trip.
KeLtey, Wm.—An Excursion to California over the Prairie, Rocky Mountains and Great Sierra Nevada, with a stroll through the diggings and ranches of that country. By William Kelley, J.P. 2 vols. London. 1851.
The writer of this narrative ascended the Kaw from its
mouth, and noticed birds by the way. The bird matter is not of unusual interest or value.
Brewer, THomas M.—Smithsonian Contribution to Knowledge. North American Oology; Being an Account of the Habits and Geographical Distribution of the Birds of North America during their Breeding Season; with Figures and descriptions of their eggs. By Thomas M. Brewer, M. D. Part 1. Washington City. Published by the Smithsonian Institution. 1857. New York. D. Appleton & Co.
Two or three references to this region are found in the text of this work, only one part of which was published.
844
1858.
1858.
1860.
1863.
1864.
Trans. Acad. Sct. of St. Louis.
Reports of Explorations and Surveys, to ascertain the most prac- ticable and economical route for a railroad from the Mississippi River to the Pacific Ocean. Made under the direction of the Sec- retary of War, in 1853-6. Vol. IX. Birds. By Spencer F. Baird, Assistant Secretary Smithsonian Institution, with the co-oper- ation of John Cassin and George N. Lawrence. Washington, D. Cc. 1858.
A rather large number of specimens taken in the Kansas City region were used in the preparation of-this monumental work. Some material was collected by unknown soldiers sta- tioned at Fort Leavenworth, and sent in by army officers. Among the scientists who collected in this region are Dr. F. V. Hayden, of Lieut. Warren’s party; Dr. Kreuzfeldt, of Cap- tain Gunnison’s party; W. S. Wood, of Lieut. Bryan’s party; Dr. J. G. Cocper, of W. M. Magraw’s party (who secured many specimens in Jackson County), and Dr. Suckley. Speci- mens taken in this region by the Audubon party in 1844 are also tabulated.
MaxIMILIAN Prinz zu Wiep.—Verzeichniss der Vogel welche auf einer Reise in Nord-America beobachted wurden.<Journal fuer Ornithologie, 1858.
This item has not been seen; quoted from Mr. Widmann’s book.
Bairp, S. F.—The Birds of North America; the description of species based on the collections in the Museum of the Smithso- nian Institution. By Spencer F. Baird, assistant secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, with the co-operation of John Cassin, of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia, and George N. Lawrence, of the Lyceum of Natural History of New York. With an Atlas of one hundred plates. Philadelphia: J. B. Lip- pincott & Co. 1860.
This is a reprint of Volume IX of the Pacific Railroad Sur- veys Reports, 1858, q. v.
Haypen, F. D.—Report on the Geology and Natural History of the Upper Missouri River based on Explorations in 1855, 56 and 57.<Trans. Amr. Phil. Soc., Vol. 12, 1863.
Dr. Hayden was one of the foremost members of the scientific organization connected with the Pacific Railroad Surveys, and contributed much material from the Kansas City region used by Prof. Baird in his epochal revision of North Amer- ican birds.
Bairp, S. F.—Review of American Birds in the Museum of the Smithsonian Institution. By S. F. Baird. Part 1. North and Middle America, Washington. 1864. Smithsonian Misc. Coll. 181.
1865.
1872.
1872.
1873.
1873.
1874.
1874.
1875.
Bibliography. 345
Hoy, P. R.—Journal of an Exploration of Western Missouri in 1854, under the Auspices of the Smithsonian Institution.< (Nine- teenth) Annual Report Smiths. Inst. (for 1864), 1865, pp. 431-438.
This is the first list of Missouri birds published. Notes and specimens were collected in the Kansas City region. This paper is the sole authority for the occurrence here of the Purple Sandpiper.
ALLEN, J. A—Notes of an Ornithological Reconnoissance of Por- tions of Kansas, Colorado, Wyoming and Utah.< Bull. Mus. Comp. Zool., Vol. III, No. 6, July, 1872, pp. 113-183.
Contains notes of interest made during ten days’ collecting
at Fort Leavenworth. Three articles in the American Natur- alist for 1872 contain a summary of this valuable paper.
Snow, F. H.—A Catalogue of the Birds of Kansas contributed to the Kansas Academy of Science by Frank H. Snow, Professor of Natural History and Meteorology, in the University of Kansas, at Lawrence. Second edition, October, 1872. Kansas City, 1872. Pp. 16.
Lists 282 species.
C[ovges], E—Ornithology of the West.<American Naturalist, vol. VII, 1873, pp. 221-223. A review of J. A. Allen’s paper listed above (1872).
Snow, F. H.—Catalogue of the Birds of Kansas.<Trans. Kans. State Board of Agriculture for 1872, April, 18738, pp. 375-386.
Changes were made in this edition of the Snow list, but the total remains 282 species.
Barrp, Brewer, and Rmeway.—A History of North American Birds, by. S. F. Baird, T. M. Brewer and R. Ridgway. Land Birds. Vols, I-III. Boston: Little, Brown & Company. 1874.
This standard reference cites a few specimens and records from this region.
Coves, Ex.tiotr.—Birds of the Northwest. A Handbook of the Ornithology of the Region drained by the Missouri River and its Tributaries. By Elliott Coues, Captain and Assistant Sur- geon, U. S. Army, Dept. of Int., U. S. Geol. Survey. Misc. Pub. No. 8. Washington. 1874.
This book is invaluable to the student of birds of the Mis-
souri Valley. Snow, F. H.—A Catalogue of the Birds of Kansas contributed to the Kansas Academy of Science, by F. H. Snow, Professor of Natural History and Meteorology, in the University of Kansas, at Lawrence. Third Edition. Pamph. 14 pp., 1875.
These lists of Prof. Snow may be consulted with profit by
the student of western Missouri birds. The number of spe- cies is here increased to 295.
346 Trans. Acad. Sci. of St. Louis.
1878. Cours, ExzioTt.—Birds of the Colorado Valley. A Repository of Scientific and Popular Information concerning North Ameri- can Ornithology. By Elliott Coues. Part First. Passeres and Laniidae. Bibliographical Appendix. Washington. 1878.
See Coues, 1874.. The appendix is especially valuable.
1879. Scort, W. E. D.—Notes on Birds observed during the Spring Migration in Western Missouri.<<Bull. Nuttall Ornith. Club. Vol. IV, No. 8, July, 1879. Pp. 139-147.
This list was made in the Warrensburg, Johnson County, Mis- souri, neighborhood, and contains 148 species.
1882. Apert, Cox. James W.—List of Birds observed on a March from Fort Leavenworth, Mo., to Santa Fe, N. M., in 1846 and 1847.<Journal of tha Cincinnati Soc. of Nat. Hist., Vol. V, 1882.
See Abert, 1848.
1882. Cooxr, W. W.—Bird Migration in the Mississippi Valley.<For- est and Stream. Vol. XVIII, 1882. Not seen.
1883. Cooker, W. W.—Bird Migration in the Mississippi Valley.< Forest and Stream. Vol. XIX, 1883, Nos. 15, 16, and 20.
Not seen.
1883-1885.—_CookE, W. W.—Mississippi Valley Migration.<Ornitholo- gist and Oologist. Vol. VIII, No. 4 (April, 1883) to Vol. X, No.
12 (December, 1885). Notes were contributed to this valuable series of articles by
G. E. Stillwell, of Kansas City, Missouri. This observer is indicated in the text as No. 33.
1884. Barrp, Brewer, and Rimeway.—The Water Birds of North America. Mem. Mus. Comp. Zool. Harvard College, XII and XIII. Issued in continuation of the publications of the Geo- logical Survey of California. Vol. I-II. Boston: Little, Brown & Co. 1884.
See Baird, Brewer, and Ridgway, 1874.
1884. Cooxr, W. W.—Distribution and Migration of Zonotrichia querula.<Auk, Vol. I, No. 3, 1884, pp. 332-337. First atempt to define the limits of the range of Harris’s Sparrow.
1885. Dycuz, L. L—The Yellow Rail (Porzana noveboracensis) in Kansas.<Ornith. and Oologist, Vol. 10, No. 11, 1885, p. 168.
Reports this bird first for the state from the Lawrence re- gion.
1885.
1885.
1886.
1886.
1886.
1886.
1886.
1886.
1886.
1887.
1887.
Bibliography. 347
Goss, N. S.—Rare Summer Residents in Kansas.<Auk, Vol. II, No. 1, Jan., 1885.
Reports nesting of Coot, Mallard, Black Tern, Acadian Fly- catcher, Black and White Warbler, and Blue Grosbeak in the neighborhood of Lawrence.
Goss, N. S—The Yellow Rail in Kansas.<Auk, Vol. II, No. 4, 1885, p. 385. Same specimen reported from Lawrence by Prof. Dyche.
AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGISTS’ Unron.—The Code of Nomenclature and Check-list of North American Birds adopted by the Ameri- can Ornithologists’ Union, being the report of the committee of the union on classification and nomenclature. New York. 1886.
Dycur, L. L.—The Red Crossbill (Loxia curvirostra strick- landi) in Kansas.<Awuk, Vol. III, 1886, pp. 258-261. Specimens were taken at Lawrence.
Ganert, ALBERT.—Letter to editor.<Hoosier Naturalist, Vol. 2, No. 5, May, 1886, p. 71.
Reports a flight of Crossbills at Lawrence, Kansas, and men- tions their feeding habits during a severe spell of winter.
Lantz, D. E.—Mexican Crossbills in Kansas.<Ornithologist and Oologist, Vol. XI, No. 4, April, 1886, p. 59. Reports this bird from the Lawrence region.
Lemmon, Tueo. G—Food of Crows in Winter.<Ornithologist and Oologist, Vol. XI, No. 4, April, 1886, p. 59. An observation from Westport, now included in Kansas City, Missouri. Lemmon, THEO. G.—Note on Kingbird feeding on potato beetle. <Ornith. and Oologist, Vol. XI, No. 5, May, 1886.
Lemmon, THEO. G.—A Plea for our Birds.<The Kansas City Live Stock Record and Farmer, December 16, 1886.
Not seen.
Lemmon, THEO. G.—Birds and their Relation to Agriculture. <Ornith. and Ool., Vol. 12, No. 11, November, 1887, p. 180. Mr. Lemmon was a resident of Westport, Jackson County,
Missouri, and was an early investigator in the field of eco- nomic ornithology.
Ripeway, Rosert.—A Manual of North American Birds, by Rob- ert Ridgway. Illustrated by 464 outline drawings of generic characters. Philadelphia: J. B. Lippincott Company. 1887.
A second edition of this important work was issued in 1896.
348
1888.
1888,
1888.
1888.
1889.
1890.
1890.
1891.
1891.
Trans. Acad. Sci. of St. Louis.
Bennett, A. L.—Surf Scoter in Kansas.< Auk. Vol. V, 1888, p. 203.
Note from Lawrence.
CookE, W. W.—Report on Bird Migration in the Mississippi Valley in the Years 1884 and 1885. By W. W. Cooke. Bull. No. 2, U. S. Dept. of Agri., Div. Econ. Ornith. Washington. 1888.
Notes from this region were contributed by Prof. Snow, of Lawrence, and G. E. Stillwell, of Kansas City.
LiecHton, Lovis R.—Original Bird Notes.<c West American Scientist, Vol. 4, No. 38, January, 1888, p. 15.
Gives dates of arrival of seven common species at Lawrence, Kansas.
Snow, F. H.—Aechinophorus occidentalis in Kansas.< Auk, Vol. V, 1888, pp. 201-202.
Reports Western Grebe taken on Kaw River at Lawrence.
Barrows, WALTER B.—The English Sparrow (Passer domesti- cus) in North America, especially in its Relation to Agricul- ture. Prepared under the direction of Dr. C. Hart Merriam, Ornithologist. By Walter B. Barrows, Assistant Ornithologist. Bull. I, Div. Economin Ornith. and Mammalogy, Dept. of Agri. Washington. 1889.
A small amount of material from this region was used in this bulletin.
DwicHt, JONATHAN, Jk.—The Horned Larks of North America. <Auk, Vol. VII, 1890, pp. 138-158.
A few specimens from this region were handled in the prep- aration of this paper.
W. H. P.—The Lark Sparrow.<The Literary Companion (Kan- sas City, Kansas, paper) Vol. II, N. S., No. 2, February, 1890, p. 2.
Goss, N. S.—History of the Birds of Kansas. By N. S. Goss. Topeka, Kansas. 1891.
Contains much of value to students of the birds of this region.
Kettoc, Vernon L.—Some Rarae Aves among Kansas Ducks. <The Kansas City Scientist, Vol. 5, No. 8, August, 1891, pp. 125-126.
Reports the capture of rare species in the Lawrence neigh- borhood.
1891.
1892.
1892.
1893.
1893.
1893,
1894.
Bibliography. 349
Troustot, R. B—A Handsome Present.<The Kansas City Scien- tist, Vol. 5, May, 1891, p. 77.
This is an editorial reference to a nest and set of six eggs of the Migrant Shrike.
BEnpirgE, CHAs.—Life Histories of North American Birds, with special reference to their breeding habits and eggs, with twelve lithographic plates. By Charles Bendire, Captain U. S. Army (Retired), Honorary Curator of the Department of Oology, U. 8. National Museum, Member of A. O. U. Smithsonian Institution. United States National Museum. Special Bulletin No. 1. Washington. 1892.
Contains references to this and surrounding territory. Vide Bendire, 1895.
Snow, F. H.—The Pacific Hider in Kansas.<Auk, Vol. IX, 1892, p. 198.
This extralimital species was taken on the Kaw River at Law- rence.
Cours, Extiotr.—History of the Expedition under the Com- mand of Lewis and Clark to the source of the Missouri River, thence across the Rocky Mountains and down the River Col- umbia to the Pacific Ocean, performed during the years 1804- 05-6, by order of the Government of the United States. In four volumes. New York. Francis P. Harper. 1893.
Even this late edition is difficult to find. Dr. Coues’ notes
make this a very desirable edition for the ornithologist. See the editio princeps, 1814.
Fisuer, A. K.—The Hawks and Owls of the United States in their relation to Agriculture. Prepared under the direction of Dr. C. Hart Marriam, Ornithologist, by A. K. Fisher, M. D., Assistant Ornithologist. Washington. 1893.
This model economic report tabulates a few specimens from Jackson County, Missouri, and surrounding territory.
JorgpAN, Daviy Strarr.—A Manual of the Vertebrate Animals of the Northern United States, including the district north and east of the Ozark Mountains, south of the Laurentian Hills, north of the southern boundary of Virginia, and east of the Missouri River. By David Starr Jordan. Seventh Edition. Chicago. A. C. McClurg & Company. 1894.
CoaLze, Henry K.—Ornithological Notes on a Flying Trip through Kansas, New Mexico, Arizona, and Texas.< Auk, Vol. XI, No. 3, 1894, pp. 215-222.
A short paragraph is devoted to a few common species in the immediate neighborhood of Leavenworth, Kansas.
350
1895.
1895.
1895.
1895.
1895.
1895.
1896.
1896.
1896.
1896.
Trans. Acad. Sci. of St. Louis.
American Ornithologists’ Union Check-list of North American Birds, prepared by a committee of the American Ornithologists’ Union. Second and revised edition. New York. 1895.
Barrows, Water B., and Scuwarz, E. A—The Common Crow of the United States. Bull. No. 6, Dept. Agri. Div. Ornith. and Mammalogy. Washington. 1895.
The only local reference is to Douglas County, Kansas, Crow roosts.
Benpire, C.—Life Histories of North American Birds, from the Parrots to the Grackles, with special reference to their breed- ing habits and eggs, by Charles Bendire, Captain and Brevet Major U. S. Army (Retired), Honorary Curator of the Depart- ment of Oology of the United States National Museum, Member of the A. O. U.; with seven lithographic plates. Washington. 1895.
See Bendire, 1892.
Bsyant, JoHN A.—Clark’s Nutcracker in Eastern [Western] Missouri.<Auk, Vol. XII, No. 1, 1895, p. 82.
Records an extralimital species from Kansas City.
Bryant, Jno. A.—Clark’s Nutcracker.<Auk, 1895, No. 2, 1895, pp. 181-182.
Further notes relative to the occurrence of this bird in this and surrounding territory.
Jonrs, Lynps.—Record of the work of the Wilson Ornithological Chapter of the Agassiz Association for 1893 and 1894, on the Mnioltiltidae.< Wilson Bulletin Nos. 4 and 5, 1895. Local data is contributed to this report by John A. Bryant, of Kansas City.
Harris, J. H. Jn—The Florida Gallinule.<Nidologist, Vol. III, No. 9, May, 1896, p. 95.
Amateur notes.
Harris, J. H. Jk—Some Observations on the Spotted Sandpiper. <Osprey, Vol. 1, No. 1, pp. 7-8.
Amateur notes.
WILtson, SipneEy S.—Harris’s Sparrow in Spring Dress in Au- tumn.<Auk, Vol. XIII, No. 2, 1896.
A note from St. Joseph, Missouri.
Wixtson, Smpney S.—Field Notes.<c Wilson Bulletin, No. 8, May 30, 1896.
Mr. Wilson was a St. Joseph, Missouri, observer.
1897.
1897.
1897.
1897.
1898.
1898.
1898.
1899.
1899.
1900.
Bibliography. 351
JoHNsSoN, WaLteR ADAMS.—War on the Red-headed Woodpecker. <Osprey, Vol. I, No. 11, 1897, p. 147. Editorial comment on article in the Kansas City Star.
Witson, Smpney S.—Letter to editor.<Nidologist, Vol. IV, No. 7, March, 1897, p. 81.
An observation from St. Joseph, Missouri, on the manner of the Chimney Swift securing twigs for its nest.
Witson, Smvry, S.—Chimney Swifts Breaking off Twigs with their Feet.<Osprey, Vol. I, No. 9, May, 1897, p. 122.
Witson, Sipney S.—Notes from Missouri.<Wilson Bulletin, No. 13, 1897, p. 18.
Notes from Buchanan County.
Davis, OLIveR.—Nests and Eggs of North American Birds. By Oliver Davie, Author of American Methods in the Art of Taxi- dermy. Fifth Edition. Revised, Augmented and Illustrated. Columbus. 1898.
WILson, Smney S.—General Notes.< Wilson Bulletin, No. 18, Jan., 1898, pp. 9-10.
WIitson, Smwpney S.—General Notes.< Wilson Bulletin, No. 22, Sept., 1898, p. 69.
Lantz, D. E—A Review of Kansas Ornithology.<Trans. Kans. Acad. Science (for 1896-1897), Vol. XVI, July, 1899, pp. 224-276.
Contains a bibliography (pp. 224-244) and an annotated list of 351 species (pp. 244-276). This is a carefully prepared and valuable paper, but unfortunately seems to be little known among students of western Missouri birds, and the Public Library of Kansas City does not own a copy. The volume of Transactions containing this study may be had from the See- retary of the Academy at Lawrence.
Witson, Smpnsy S.—General Notes.< Wilson Bulletin, No. 27, July, 1899, p. 62.
Avpuson, M. R.—Audubon and his Journals, with Zoological and other notes by Elliott Coues. By Maria R. Audubon. New York. 1900. Two volumes.
In that portion of these historical journals dealing with the Missouri River trip, is to be found a list of birds of the great- est interest and importance to local students. An account is also given of the discovery of Bell’s Vireo near St. Joseph, and the supposed discovery of Harris’s Sparrow in the same neighborhood.
352
1900.
1901.
1901.
1902.
1903.
19038.
Trans. Acad. Sci. of St. Louis.
Jonres, Lynps, and Dawson, W. L.—A Summer Reconnoissance in the West.< Wilson Bulletin, No. 33, October, 1900, pp. 10-11.
Contains a horizon made in the Kansas City region.
Ripeway, Ropert.—Bulletin of the United States National Mu- seum No. 50. The Birds of North and Middle America; A De- scriptive Catalogue of the Higher Groups, Genera, Species, and Subspecies of Birds known to occur in North America, from the Arctic Lands to the Isthmus of Panama, the West Indies and other Islands of the Caribbean Sea, and the Galapagos Archipelago. By Robert Ridgway, Curator, Division of Birds. Part I. Family Fringillidae—The Finches. Washington: Gov- ernment Printing Office. 1901.
Seven volumes of this monumental work, the standard of
reference, have appeared to 1918. The early volumes are
out of print and in constant demand. Students located in
western Missouri will find these indispensable volumes only in a few private libraries.
Snow, F. H.—A Catalogue of the Birds of Kansas (fifth edi- tion) with Notes upon Preceding Catalogues and Lists. By Francis H. Snow, Ph. D., LL.D., of the University of Kansas.< Trans. Kans. Acad. Science, Vol. XVIII. 1901.
This is Prof. Snow’s last list and contains 342 specimens. Re- printed May, 1903.
Ripeway, Rosert.—Birds of North and Middle America. Part II. Family Tanagridae—The Tanagers. Family Icteridae— The Troupials. Family Coerebidae—The Honey Creepers. Fam- ily Mniotiltidae—The Wood Warblers. Washington. 1902.
See Ridgway, 1901.
CooKE, WELLS W.—Some New Facts about the Migration of Birds. Reprint from Yearbook of Dept. of Agri. for 1902. Washington. 1903.
Contains valuable matter relative to this region.
Cours, ELxtiott.—Key to North American Birds. Containing a concise account of every species of living and fossil bird at present known from the continent north of the Mexican and United States boundary, inclusive of Greenland and Lower Cali- fornia, with which are incorporated General Ornithology: an outline of the structure and classification of birds; and Field Ornithology, a manual of collecting, preparing, and preserving birds. The Fifth Edition (entirely revised) exhibiting the nomenclature of the American Ornithologists’ Union, and in- cluding descriptions of additional species. In two volumes. Vol. I (II). By Elliott Coues, A. M., M. D., Ph. D., etc., ete. Boston. Dana Estes and Company. 1903.
1904.
1904.
1904.
1904.
1904.
1906.
1906.
1906.
1907.
1907.
Bibliography. 353
Bruner, WALcoTT, and Swenk.—A Preliminary Review of the Birds of Nebraska with Synopses. By Lawrence Bruner, Robert H. Wolcott, and Myron H. Swenk. Omaha, Nebraska. N. D.
A useful paper on the avifauna of adjacent territory on the northwest.
Cookr, WELLS W.—Distribution and Migration of North Ameri- can Warblers. By Wells W. Cooke, Assistant, Biological Sur- vey. U.S. Dept. of Agri. Div. of Biological Survey—Bulletin No. 18. Washington. 1904.
Invaluable to the local student.
MAXIMILIAN, PRINCE OF WIED.—Travels in the Interior of North America in the Years 1832 to 1834. Vol. 22 of Early Western Travels, Edited by Reuben Gold Thwaites. Cleveland, Ohio. The Arthur H. Clark Company. 1904.
See Maximilian, 1839-1841.
Ripeway, Rosert.—The Birds of North and Middle America. Part III. Washington. 1904.
See Ridgway, 1901.
Snow, F. H.—Two Additions to the Bird Fauna of Kansas.< Auk, Vol. XXI, 1904, p. 284.
Reports the Parasitic Jaeger and White-winged Crossbill from Lawrence.
CookE, WELLS W.—Distribution and Migration of North Ameri. can Ducks, Geese and Swans. By Wells W. Cooke, Assistant, Biological Survey—Bulletin No. 26. Washington. 1906.
Contains much valuable data from the Mississippi and Mis- souri Valleys.
Snow, Francis H.—Two Birds New to the Avifauna of Kansas. <Auk, Vol. XXIII, 1906, p. 106.
Red Phalarope taken four miles from Lawrence. Total spe- cies and subspecies for state is now 349.
WeErMorE, ALEx.—Christmas Bird Census at Lawrence, Kansas. <Bird Lore, Vol. 13, No. 1, 1906, p. 22.
ANpERSON, R. M.—The Birds of Iowa. Proc. Davenport Acad. Science. Vol. XI. Pp. 125-417. Davenport, Iowa. March, 1907.
Useful reference treating of the birds of adjoining territory on the north.
CHapMAn, Frank M.—The Warblers of North America. By Frank M. Chapman with the Co-operation of Other Ornitholo- gists. New York. D. Appleton & Co. 1907.
354
1907.
1907.
1908.
1908.
1908.
1909.
1909.
1909.
1909.
Trans. Acad. Sci. of St. Louis.
Ripeway, Rosert.—The Birds of North and Middle America. By Robert Ridgway. Part IV. Washington. 1907.
See Ridgway, 1901.
Wrmann, Orro.—A Preliminary Catalogue of the Birds of Mis- souri. By Otto Widmann. Transactions of the St. Louis Acad- emy of Science. Vol. XVII, No. 1, November 16, 1907. Pp. 1- 288. Missouri ornithologists are very fortunate in having access to Mr. Widmann’s vast fund of knowledge of the birds of this region. This report is one of the best state lists extant. It may be procured from the Secretary of the Academy at St.
Louis.
American ORNITHOLOGISTS’ Union.—The Code of Nomenclature adopted by the American Ornithologists’ Union. Revised Hdi- tion. New York. July, 1908.
Barey, FLorencE MrreramM.—Handbook of Birds of the West- ern United States, including the Great Plains, Pacific Slope, and Lower Rio Grande Valley. By Florence Merriam Bailey. Third edition. Revised. Boston and New York. Houghton Miffin Company. N. D. (1908.)
} Smiruson, A. F.—Christmas Census for Kansas City, Missouri. <Bird Lore, Vol. 14, No. 1, 1908, p. 34.
Watmstey, H. R.—Christmas Census for Kansas City, Missouri. <Bird Lore, Vol. 14, No. 1, 1908, p. 34.
WarmMsLey, H. R.—Christmas Census for Kansas City, Missouri. <Bird Lore, Vol. 16, No. 1, 1909, p. 35.
WEtTMorE, ALEXxs—Fall Notes from Eastern Kansas.< Condor, Vol. XI, No. 5, Sept., 1909.
A valuable paper based on two collecting trips in the Law- rence region.
Wetmore, ALEX.—Two Records from Eastern Kansas.<Condor, Vol. XI, No. 6, Nov., 1909.
Notice of specimens of Lewis’s Woodpecker and the Western Robin taken in the Lawrence neighborhood.
WorceEstTER, Unt B.—The Towhee in Kansas.<Oologist, Vol. XXVI, No. 12, 1909, pp. 226-227.
Amateur notes.
AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGISTS’ Union.—Check-list of North Ameri- can Birds. Prepared by a Committee of the American Orni- thologists’ Union. New York. 1910.
1910.
1910.
1910.
1911.
1911.
1911.
1911.
1911.
1912.
1912.
1912.
Bibliography. 355
Cooxr, WELLS W.—The Type Locality of Vireo belli.<Auk, Vol XXVII, No. 3, July, 1910.
Establishes the type locality at St. Joseph, Missouri.
CooKE, WELLS W.—The Migratory Movements of Birds in Rela- tion to the Weather. Reprint fromm Yearbook of Department of Agriculture for 1910.
WALMSLEY, H. R.—Christmas Census for Kansas City, Missouri. <Bird Lore, Vol. 16, No. 1, 1910.
Cookr, WELLS W.—Distribution of the American Hgrets. U. S. Dept. Agri., Bureau Biol. Surv.—Circ. No. 84, Sept. 18, 1911.
Contains notes from the Lawrence region.
Evans, Locan.—Colymbus holbdoelli in Kansas.<Auk, Vol. XXVIII, 1911, p. 107.
Reports a specimen of this grebe taken on the Kaw River near Lawrence.
Howe 1, ArtHur H.—Birds of Arkansas. By Arthur H. Howell. Bull. Biol. Surv. No. 38. October 12, 1911. Washington, D. C.
Useful reference for students of western Missouri birds.
Riveway, Rosert—The Birds of North and Middle America. By Robert Ridgway. Part V. 1911.
See Ridgway, 1901.
Suietine, A. E.—Christmas Census for Kansas City, Mo.<Bird Lore, Vol. 17, No. 1, 1911, p. 40.
Bort, Beng. F.—Capture of a Golden Eagle at Kansas City, Mo. <Auk, Vol. XXIX, No. 1, 1912, p. 102.
Reports a late capture of this bird near the city.
CHarpMAN, FRANK M.—Handbook of Birds of Eastern North America, with Introductory Chapters on the study of Birds in Nature. By Frank M. Chapman, Curator of Ornithology in the American Museum of Natural History, etc., etc. Revised edi- tion. New York and London. D. Appleton and Company. 1912.
CHAPMAN and Reep.—Color Key to North American Birds, with Bibliographical Appendix. By Frank M. Chapman, with up- wards of 800 Drawings, by Chester A. Reed. Revised Edition. New York. D. Appleton & Co. 1912.
Contains a valuable faunal bibliography, referring to this and surrounding territory.
356
1913.
1913.
1913.
1913.
1913.
1914.
1914.
1914.
1915.
1915.
1915.
Trans. Acad. Set. of St. Louis.
Bunker, C. D.—The Birds of Kansas.<The Kansas University Science Bulletin, Vol. VII, No. 5, June, 1918, pp" 187-158.
There are 379 species and subspecies here listed, annotated, for the most part, as to relative abundance in eastern, cen- tral, and western Kansas. A valuable paper.
CooKE, WELLS W.—Distribution and Migration of North Ameri- can Herons and their Allies. By Wells W. Cooke, Assistant, Biological Survey. U. S. Dept. Agri., Biol. Surv.-Bull. No. 45. Washington. 1913.
Contains data from this region.
Smrruson, A. F.—Some Birds from Southwestern Missouri.< Auk, Vol. XXX, No. 3, July, 1918, p. 437.
Notes on Bewick’s Wren, Evening Grosbeak, and others from Warrensburg, Missouri.
Watms.ey, H. R., and Mrs. WaLtmMsLey.—Christmas Census for Kansas City, Mo.<Bird Lore, Vol. 18, No. 1, 1913, p. 35.
Wetmore, ALeEx.—Notes on Certain Kansas Birds.<Condor. Vol. XV, No. 3, May, 1913, pp. 120-121. Report on avian conditions in the Lawrence region during the severe winter of 1911-1912.
CookE, WELLS W.—Distribution of North American Rails and their Allies. Bull. Dept. Agri. No. 128. September 25, 1914. Contains data from this and surrounding territory.
Ringway, Rospert.—The Birds of North and Middlle America. By Robert Ridgway. Part VI. 1914.
See Ridgway, 1901.
Werrmore, Atex.—A New Bird for the Kansas List.<Condor, Vol. XVI, No. 2, March, 1914, p. 92. Reports Planesticus migratorius achrusterus trom Lawrence, Kansas.
Cooke, WELLS W.—Preliminary Census of Birds of the United States. Bull. Dept. Agri. No. 187. Washington.- February 11, 1915.
Contains estimates from a few observers in this region.
CooKkE, WELLS W.—Bird Migration. U. S. Dept. Agri. Bull. No. 185. Washington. April 17, 1915.
Cooke, WELLS W.—Distribution of North American Gulls and their Allies. U. S. Dept. Agri. Bull. No. 292. Professional Paper. Washington, D. C. October 25, 1915.
1915.
1915.
1916.
1916.
1916.
1916.
1916.
1916.
1916.
1917.
1917.
1917.
Bibliography. 357
DonaHuE, RaLpH.—Queer Nesting Places and Harly Arrival of Slate-colored Junco.<Oologist, Vol. XXXII, No. 11, Nov., 1915, p. 188.
WRIGHT, ALBERT Hazen.—Early Records of the Wild Turkey, V. <Auk, Vol. XXXII, 1915, pp. 354-358.
A list of early publications containing references to the oc- currence of the Wild Turkey in this region is cited.
Anonymous [Otro BoHL].—Bird Life of the North Side. < The North Side Booster, Vol. 1, No. 26, Dec. 27, 1916.
Notes in a Kansas City Trade Journal by an old-time observer on former conditions in the old part of the city.
Cookr, WELLS W.—Second Annual Report of Bird Counts in the United States, with discussion of Results. Dept. Agri. Bull. No. 396. Washington. October 23, 1916.
See “Preliminary Census,” Cooke, 1915.
DonaHUE, RatpH.—Easy Food for the Red-head.<Oologist, Vol. XXXIII, No. 11, Oct., 1916, p. 178.
HorrMann, RatpH.—The Pomarine Jaeger and the Purple Gal- linule in Western Missouri.< Auk, Vol. XXXIII, No. 2, April, 1916, p. 196.
Reports two birds new to the Kansas City region, one of which is new to the state.
KatmpacH, BE. R.—Winter Crow Roosts. By EH. R. Kalmbach, Assistant Biologist, Biological Survey. Reprint from Yearbook of Dept. Agri. for 1915. Washington. 1916.
K. C. Brrp CLtus Mempers.—Christmas Census for Kansas City, Missouri.<Bird Lore, Vol. XIX, No. 1, 1917, pp. 37-38.
Ripeway, Rosert.—The Birds of North and Middle America. By Robert Ridgway. Part VII. See Ridgway, 1901.
DonaHUE, RatpH.—The Phoebe.<Oologist, Vol. XXXIV, No. 2, Jan., 1917, p. 20.
DonaHvE, RatpH.—The Black-capped Chickadee.<Oologist, Vol. XXXIV, No. 8, Oct., 1917, p. 152.
DonAHUE, RatpH.—Bird Accidents.<Oologist, Vol. XXXIV, No. 8, 1917, p. 153.
358
1917.
1917.
1917.
1917.
1917.
1917.
1918.
1918.
1919.
Trans. Acad. Sci. of St. Louis.
Bunker, C. ‘D—American Goshawks in Kansas.<Auk, Vol. XXXIV, Jan., 1917, pp. 87-88.
Notes an unusual invasion of these birds in the severe winter of 1916-1917.
HorrMann, RatpuH.—Christmas Bird Census for Kansas City, Missouri.< Bird Lore, Vol. 19, No. 1, 1917, pp. 35-35. Forty-two species and 3,740 individuals.
Suretine, A. E.—Christmas Bird Census for Pleasant Hill, Mis- souri.<Bird Lore, Vol. 19, No. 1, 1917, p. 35.
Hype, A. Sipnrey.—Some Rare Birds of Hastern Kansas.<Qolo- gist, Vol. XXXIV, No. 9, Sept., 1917.
SHirtine, A. E.—The Season. (Letter from Kansas City, Mo.) <Bird Lore, Vol. 19, 1917, p. 154.
SHIRLING, A. E—Summer Birds of Swope Park.<Bird Lore, Vol. 19, 1917, p. 273.
This is a brief notice of an elaborate ecological study pre- pared by Mr. Shirling, but which has not yet been published. It will be a valuable contribution to the subject and should be referred to by local students as well as others.
Harris, Harry.—Notes from the Kansas City Region. The Sea- son.<Bird Lore, Vol. 20, 1918, pp. 165-166.
Harris, Harry.—Notes from the Kansas City region. The Sea- son.<Bird Lore, Vol. 20, 1918, pp. 431-432.
Harris, Harry.—Historical Notes on the Harris’s Sparrow (Zonotrichia querula)<Auk, Vol. XXXVI, No. 2, 1919, pp. —.
INDEX.
A
Acadian Flycatcher, 280, 336, 338 Acanthis linaria linaria, 291 Acippiter cooperi, 261 velox, 260 Actitis macularius, 254 Aechmophorus occidentalis, 223 Aegialitis meloda, 256 semipalmata, 256
Agelaius phoeniceus arctolegus, 287 fortis, 286
Phoeniceus, 285 predatorius, 285
Aix sponsa, 235
Alaudidae, 282
Alcedinidae, 271
Alcyones, 271
Alder Flycatcher, 281, 340
Aluco pratincola, 266
Aluconidae, 266
Ammodramus bairdi, 295
savannarum australis, 295
bimaculatus, 296
Anas platyrhynchos, 231 tubripes rubripes, 232
tristis, 232
Anatidae, 230
Anatinae, 231
Anhinga anhinga, 228
Anhingidae, 228
Anser albifrons gambeli, 239
Anseres, 230
Anserinae, 238
Anthus rubescens, 325
spraguei, 325
Antrostomus vociferus, 275 carolinensis, 275
Aphrizidae, 256
Aquila chrysaetos, 264 Archibuteo ferrugineus, 264 lagopus sancti-johannis, 263
Archilochus colubris,277 Arctic Towhee, 304, 340 Ardea herodias herodias, 242 Ardeidae, 241 Ardeinae, 242 Arenaria interpres morinella, 256 Arenariinae, 256 Arkansas Kingbird, 278, 340 Arquatella maritima maritima, 250 Asio flammeus, 267
wilsonianus, 267 Astragalinus tristis tristis, 292 Astur atricapillus atricapillus, 261 Avocet, 248, 339
Baeolophus bicolor, 330 Baird’s Sandpiper, 250, 335, 339 Baird’s Sparrow, 295, 340 Bald Eagle, 264, 338, 340 Baldpate, 233, 335, 339 Baltimore Oriole, 289, 336, 338 Bank Swallow, 309, 336, 338 Barn Owl, 266, 336, 337 Barn Swallow, 308, 335, 338 Barred Owl, 268, 336, 337 Barrow’s Golden-eye, 237, 339 Bartramia longicauda, 253 Bay-breasted Warbler, 319. 340 Bell’s Vireo, 3138, 336, 338 Belted Kingfisher, 271 Bewick’s Wren, 327 Bibliography, 341 Bittern, 241, 335, 337
Least, 242, 336, 337
(359)
360
Blackbird, Brewer’s, 290, 340 Red-winged, 285. 335, 336, 338 Rusty, 289, 335, 337 Yellow-headed, 284, 335, 338
Black-bellied Plover, 255, 340 Black-billed Cuckoo, 271, 336, 337 Blackburnian Warbler, 319, 336, 340 Black-crowned Night Heron, 243, 336, 338 Black Duck, 232, 339
Red-legged, 232, 339 Black-poll Warbler, 319, 326, 340 Black Rail, 246, 339 Black Tern, 228, 336, 337 Black-throated Blue Warbler, 317
Black-throated Green Warbler, 320, 336,340
Black and White Warbler, 314, 336, 388 Bluebird, 334, 335, 336, 338 Blue Goose, 239, 335, 339 Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, 331, 335, 338 Blue Grosbeak, 305, 338 Blue-headed Vireo, 313, 336, 340 Blue Jay, 283, 336, 338 Blue-winged Teal, 233, 335, 337 Blue-winged Warbler, 315, 336, 338 Bobolink, 284, 336, 340 Bob-white, 256, 336, 337 Bohemian Waxwing, 309, 340 Bombycilla cedrorum, 310 garrula, 309 pallidiceps, 309 Bonaparte’s Gull, 226, 339 Bonasa umbellus umbellus, 257 Botaurinae, 241 Botaurus lentiginosus, 241 Branta canadensis canadensis, 240 hutchinsi, 240 Brewer’s Blackbird, 290, 340 Broad-winged Hawk, 262, 335, 337 Bronzed Grackle, 290, 335, 338 Brown Creeper, 329, 337 Brown Thrasher, 326, 335, 338 Bubo virginianus pallescens, 269 virginianus, 269 Buff-breasted Sandpiper, 254, 336, 340 Buffle-head, 237, 339 Bunting Indigo, 306, 336, 338 Lazuli, 306
Trans. Acad. Sci. of St. Louis.
Bunting, Snow, 293, 340 Burrowing Owl, 269 Buteo borealis borealis, 261 calurus, 262 harlani, 262 krideri, 262 lineatus lineatus, 262 platypterus, 263 swainsoni, 263 Buteonidae, 259 Butorides virescens virescens, 243
Cc
Calcarius lapponicus lapponicus, 293
ornatus, 294
pictus, 293 Calidris leucophea, 252 Campephilus principalis, 272 Canada Goose, 240, 335, 327, 388 Canada Warbler, 324, 340 Canutus canutus rufus, 249 Canvas-back, 235, 335, 339 Cape May Warbler, 317, 336, 340 Caprimulgi, 275 Caprimulgidae, 275 Cardinal, 304, 336, 338 Cardinalis cardinalis cardinalis, 304 Carolina Paroquet, 270, 338 Carolina Wren, 327, 336, 338 Carpodacus purpureus purpureus, 291 Caspian Tern, 227, 339 Catbird, 326, 336, 338 Cathartes aura septentrionalis, 259 Cathartidae, 259 Catoptrophorus semipalmatus inornatus,
253 semipal-
matus, 253 Cedar Waxwing, 310, 337 Centurus carolinus, 274 Cepphi, 224 Cerchneis sparvaria sparvaria, 265 Certhia familiaris americana, 329 Certhiidae, 329 Cerulean Warbler, 318, 336, 338 Ceryle alcyon, 271 Chaetura pelagica, 277 Chaeturinae, 277
Index.
Charadriidae, 255 Charadrius dominicus dominicus, 255 Charitonetta albeola, 237 Chat, Yellow-breasted, 323, 336 Chaulelasmus streperus, 232 Chen caerulescens, 239 hyperboreus hyperboreus, 238 nivalis, 239 Chestnut-collared Longspur, 294, 340 Chestnut-sided Warbler, 219, 336, 340 Chickadee, 330, 336, 338 Long-tailed, 330, 337, 339 Chicken, Prairie, 257, 338 Chimney Swift, 277, 335, 338 Chipping Sparrow, 299, 335. 338 Chondestes grammacus grammacus, 297 Chordeiles virginianus henryi, 276 sennetti, 277 virginianus, 276 Chuck-will’s-widow, 275 Cinnamon Teal, 234, 339 Circus hudsonicus, 260 Cistothorus stellaris, 328 Clamatores, 278 Clangula, clangula americana, 236 islandica, 236 Clarke’s Nutcracker, 283 Clay-colored Sparrow, 300, 336, 340 Cliff Swallow, 308, 336, 338 Coccyges, 270 Coccyzinae, 270 Coccyzus americanus americanus, 270 erythrophthalmus, 271 Colaptes auratus luteus, 274 cafer collaris, 274 Colinus virginianus virginianus, 256 Columbae, 258 Columbidae, 258 Colymbi, 223 Colymbidae, 223 Colymbus holboelli, 223 nigricollis californicus, 223 Common Tern, 227, 336, 339 Compsothlypis americana usneae, 316 Connecticut Warbler, 322, 340 Conuropsis carolinensis, 270 ludoviciana, 270 Cooper’s Hawk, 261, 335, 337
361
Coot, 247, 335, 337
Cormorant, Double-crested, 229, 339 Corthylo calendula calendula, 331 Corvidae, 282
Corvinae, 283
Corvus brachyrhynchos brachyrhynchos,
283
corax sinuatus, 283 Coturnicops noveboracensis, 246 Cowbird, 284, 335, 337, 338 Crane, Little Brown, 244, 339
Sandhill, 244, 335, 539 Whooping, 244, 339 Creciscus jamaicensis, 246 Creeper, Brown, 329, 337 Crested Flycatcher, 278, 336, 338 Crossbill, 291, 337, 340 White-winged, 291 Crow, 283, 336, 338 Cryptoglaux acadia acadia, 268 Cuculi, 270 Cuculidae, 270 Cuckoo, Black-billed, 271, 336, 337
Yellow-billed, 270, 336, 337 Curlew, Eskimo, 255, 340
iLong-billed, 254, 340 Cyanocitta cristata cristata, 283 Cygninae, 241 Cypseli, 277
D Dafila acuta, 234 tzitzimoa, 234
Dendroica aestiva aestiva, 371
caerulescens, 317
castanea, 319
cerulea, 318
coronata, 317
discolor, 321
dominica albilora, 320
fusca, 319
magnolia, 318
pensylvanica, 319
palmarum palmarum, 321
striata, 319
tigrina, 317
vigorsi, 320
virens, 320 Dickcissel, 306, 336, 338 Dolichonyx oryzivorus, 284
362 Trans. Acad. Sct. of St. Louis.
Double-crested Cormorant, 229, 339 Dove, Mourning, 258, 335, 237 Western Mourning, 259 Dowitcher, 249 Long-billed, 249, 339 Downy Woodpecker, 272, 336, 337 Dryobates pubescens medianus, 272 villosus, 272 Duck, Black, 232, 339 Harlequin, 237 Lesser Scaup, 236, 335, 339 Red-legged Black, 232, 339 Ring-necked, 236, 339 Ruddy, 238, 335, 339 Scaup, 235, 335, 339 Wood, 235, 338, 339 Duck Hawk, 265, 340 Dumetella carolinensis, 326
E
Eagle, Bald, 264, 338, 340 Golden, 264, 340 Eared Grebe, 223, 335, 339 Ectopistes migratorius, 258 Egret, 242, 338 Snowy, 243 Hegretta candidissima candidissima, 243 Elanoides forficatus, 259 Empidonax flaviventris, 280 minimus, 281 trailli alnorum, 281 trailli, 281 virescens, 280 English Sparrow, 292, 336, 338 Ereunetes mauri, 251 pusillus, 251 Erismatura jamaicensis, 238 Eskimo Curlew, 255, 340 Euphagus carolinus, 289 cyanocephalus, 290 Evening Grosbeak, 290, 340
F.
Falco columbarius columbarius, 265 richardsoni, 265 mexicanus, 265 peregrinus anatum, 265 sparverius sparverius, 265
Falcon, Prairie, 265
Falcones, 259
Falconidae, 265
Falconinae, 265
Ferruginous Rough-leg, 264
Field Sparrow, 300, 335, 337, 338
Finch, Purple, 291, 335, 337
Flicker, Northern, 274, 325, 336, 338
Red-shafted, 274, 337
Florida caerulea, 243
Florida Gallinule, 246, 335, 337
Flycatcher, Acadian, 280, 336, 338 Alder, 281, 340 Crested, 278, 336, 338 Least, 281, 336, 338 Olive-sided, 280, 336, 340 Traill’s, 281, 336, 339 Yellow-bellied, 280, 336, 340
Forster’s Tern, 227, 336, 339
Fox Sparrow, 308, 335, 337
Franklin’s Gull, 226, 335, 339
Fringillidae, 290
Fulica americana, 247
Fulicinae, 247
Fuligulinae, 235
G
Gadwell, 232, 335, 339 Gallinae, 256 Gallinago delicata, 248 Gallinula chloropus cachinnanus, 246 galeata, 246 Gallinule, Florida, 246, 335, 337 Purple, 246 Gallinulinae, 246 Gambel’s Sparrow, 298, 337 Garrulinae, 282 Gavia immer, 224 Gaviidae, 224 Geothlypis trichas trichas, 323 Gnatcoatcher, Blue gray, 331, 335, 338 Godwit, Hudsonian, 252, 340 Marbled, 252, 340 Golden-crowned Kinglet, 331, 335, 337 Golden Eagle, 264, 340 Golden-eye, 236, 339 Barrow’s, 237, 339
Index.
Golden Plover, 255, 340 Golden-winged Warbler, 315, 340 Goldfinch, 292, 335, 336, 338 Goose, Blue, 239, 335, 339 Canada, 240, 337, 338 Greater Snow, 239, 339 Hutchins’s, 240, 339 Snow, 238, 335, 339 White-fronted, 239, 339 Goshawk, 261, 340 Crackle, Bronzed, 290, 335, 338 Grasshopper Sparrow, 295, 336, 338 Gray-cheeked Thrush, 332, 336, 340 Great Blue Heron, 242, 335, 337 Great Horned Owl, 269, 336, 337 Greater Snow Goose, 239, 339 Greater Yellow-legs, 252, 335, 340 Green Heron, 243, 335, 337 Green-winged Teal, 233, 325, 337 Grebe, Bared, 223, 335, 339 Holboell’s, 223, 339 Pied-billed, 223, 335, 337 Western, 223 Grinnell’s Water-Thrush, 321, 336, 340 Grosbeak, Blue, 305, 338 Evening, 290, 340 Rose-breasted, 305, 336, 338 Grouse, Ruffed, 257, 338 Grues, 244 Gruidae, 244 Grus, americana, 244 canadensis, 244 mexicana, 244 Guiraca caerulea caerulea, 305 Gull, Bonaparte’s, 226, 339 Franklin’s, 226, 335, 339 Herring, 225, 339 Laughing, 226, 339 Ring-billed, 225, 335, 339
H
Hairy Woodpecker, 272, 326, 337
Haliaeetus leucocephalus leucocephalus, 364
Harlan’s Hawk, 262
Harlequin Duck, 237
Harris’s Sparrow, 297, 335, 337
Hawk, Broad-winged, 263, 335 Cooper’s, 261, 335, 337 Duck, 265, 340 Harlan’s, 262 Krider’s, 262, 340 Marsh, 260, 335, 337, 338 Pigeon, 265, 340 Red-shouldered, 262, 337 _ Red-tailed, 261, 335, 336, 337 Richardson’s Pigeon, 265 Rough-legged, 263, 337 Ferruginous Rough-leg, 264 Sharp-shinned, 260, 337 Sparrow, 265, 336, 337 Swainson’s, 263, 340 Western Red-tail, 262, 337 Helmitheros vermivorus, 314 Helodromas solitarius solitarius, 253 Henslow’s Sparrow, 296, 335, 338 Herelda hyemalis, 237 Hermit Thrush, 333, 335, 340 Herodias egretta, 242 Herodii, 241 Herodiones, 241 Heron, Black-crowned Night, 243, 335, 338 Great Blue, 242, 335, 337 Green, 243, 335, 337 Little Blue, 243 Yellow-crowned Night, 243, 338 Herring Gull, 225, 335 Hesperiphona vespertina vespertina, 290 Hirundinidae, 307 Hirundo erythrogastra, 308 Histrionicus histrionicus, 237 Holboell’s Grebe, 223, 339 Hooded Merganser, 230, 335, 337 Hooded Warbler, 324, 336, 338 Horned Lark, 282, 340 Hoyt’s Horned Lark, 282 Hudsonian Godwit, 252, 340 Hummingbird, Ruby-throated, 277, 336, 337 Hutchins’s Goose, 240, 339 Hydrochelidon nigra surinamensis, 228 Hydroprogne caspia imperator, 227 © Hylocichla aliciae aliciae, 332 fuscesens salicicola, 332 guttata pallasi, 333 mustelina, 332 ustulata swainsoni, 333
364 Trans. Acad. Sci. of St. Louis.
Ibides, 241
Ibididae, 241
Ibis, White-faced Glossy, 241, 339 Icnornis martinicus, 246
Icteria virens virens, 323 Icteridae, 284
Icterus galbula, 289
Icterus spurius, 289
Ictinia mississippiensis, 260 Indigo Bunting, 306, 336, 338 Tridoprocne bicolor, 308 Ivory-billed Woodpecker, 272, 338 Ixobrychus exilis, 242
J
Jaeger, Long-tailed, 225 Parasitic. 224, 339 Pomarine, 224
Jay, Blue, 283, 336, 338
Junco aikeni, 301
hyemalis connectens, 301 hyemalis, 301 montanus, 302 Junco, Montana, 302, 340 Shufeldt’s, 301, 340 Slate-colored, 301, 237 White- winged, 301, 340
K
Kentucky Warbler, 322, 336, 338
Killdeer, 255, 335, 337
Kingbird, 278, 336, 338 Arkansas, 278, 340
Kingfisher, Belted, 271, 335, 337
Kinglet, Golden-crowned, 331, 335, 337
Ruby-crowned, 331, 335, 340 King Rail, 245, 335, 337 Kite, Swallow-tailed, 259, 338, 340 Mississippi, 260, 340 Kittiwake, 225 Knot, 249, 339 Krider’s Hawk, 262, 340
L Laniidae, 311 Lanius borealis, 311
ludovicianus excubitorides, 311
migrans, 311
Lanivireo flavifrons, 312 solitarius solitarius, 313 Lapland Longspur, 293, 337 Laridae, 225 Larinae, 225 Lark, Horned, 282, 340 Hoyt’s Horned, 282 Prairie Horned, 282, 336, 338 Lark Sparrow, 297, 336, 338 Larus argentatus, 225 delawarensis, 225 franklini, 226 philadelphia, 226 atricilla, 226 Laughing Gull, 226, 339 Lazuli Bunting, 306 Least Bittern, 242, 336, 337 Least Flycatcher, 281, 336, 338 Least Sandpiper, 251, 335, 339 Least Tern, 227, 336, 338, 339 Leconte’s Sparrow, 296, 335, 340 Lesser Scaup Duck, 236, 335, 339 Limicolae, 247 Limiosa fedoa, 252 haemastica, 252 Lincoln’s Sparrow, 302, 335, 337 Little Blue Heron, 243 Little Brown Crane, 244, 339 Lobipes lobatus, 247 Long-billed Dowitcher, 249, 339 Long-billed Curlew, 254, 340 Long-eared Owl, 267, 336, 337 Longipennes, 224 Longspur, Chestnut-collared, 294, 340 Lapland, 293, 337 McCown’s, 294 Smith’s, 298, 340 Long-tailed Chickadee, 330, 337, 339 Long-tailed Jaeger, 225 Loon, 224, 339 Lophodytes cucullatus, 230
Louisiana Water-Thrush, 322, 335, 338
Loxia curvirostra minor, 291 leucoptera, 291
M Macrochires, 275 Macrorhamphus griseus griseus, 249
griseus scolonaceus, 249
Index. 365
Magnolia Warbler, 318, 336, 340 Myiochanes virens, 280 Magpie, 282 Myrtle Warbler, 317, 335, 337 Mallard, 231, 335, 337, 338 Marbled Godwit, 252, 340 N Mareca americana, 233 Maryland Yellow-throat, 323, 336, 338 Nannus hiemalis hiemalis, 328 Marila affinis, 236 Nashville Warbler, 315, 336, 340 americana, 235 Nettion carolinense, 233 collaris, 236 Nighthawk, 276, 336, 338 marila, 235 Sennet’s, 277, 340 valisineria, 235 Western, 276, 340 Marsh Hawk, 260, 335, 337, 338 Northern Flicker, 274, 335, 336, 338 Martin, Purple, 307, 335, 338 , Northern Parula Warbler, 316, 336, 338 McCown’s Longspur, 294 Northern Phalarope, 247, 339 Meadowlark, 288, 335, 337, 338 Northern Red-wing, 287, 337 Western, 288, 338 Northern Shrike, 311, 337 Melanerpes erythrocephalus, 273 Nucifraga columbiana, 283 Melanitta deglandi, 238 Numenius americanus, 254 perspicillata, 238 borealis, 255 Meleagridae, 258 Nutcracker, Clarke’s, 283 Meleagris gallopavo silvestris, 258 Nuthatch, Red-breasted, 529, 340 Melospiza georgiana, 303 White-breasted, 329, 336, 338 lincolni lincolni, 302 Nuttallornis borealis, 280 melodia melodia, 302 Nyctanassa violacea, 243 Merganser, 230, 335, 337 Nyctea nyctea, 269 Hooded, 230, 335, 337 Nycticorax nycticorax naevius, 243 Red-breasted, 230, 339 Merginae, 230 2 Mergus americanus, 230 5 serrator, 230 Odontophoridae, 256 Oidemia americana, 237
Micropalama himantopus, 249 Micropodidae, 277 Migrant Shrike, 311, 335, 337, 338
fusca, 238 perspicillata, 238
Mimidae, 325 Old-squaw, 237, 339
Mimus polyglottos polyglottos, 325 Olive-backed Thrush, 333, 336, 340
Mississippi Kite, 260, 340 Olive-sided Flycatcher, 280, 336, 340
Mniotilta varia, 314 lon pacciiaven, eet
Mniotiltidae, 314 columbianus. 242
Mockingbird, 325, 335, 337, 338 Oporornis agilis, 322
Molothrus ater ater, 284 formosus, 322
Montana Junco, 302, 340 philadelphia, 323
Motacillidae, 325 Orange-crowned Warbler, 316, 336, 340
Mountain Plover, 256 Oriole, Baltimore, 289, 336, 338
Mourning Dove, 258, 335, 337 Orchard, 289, 336, 338 Western, 259 Orchard Oriole, 289, 336, 338
Mourning Warbler, 323, 336, 340 Oscines, 282
Myiarchus crinitus, 278 Osprey, 266, 335, 338, 340
366
Otocoris alpestris alpestris, 282 hoyti, 282 praticola, 282 Otus asio asio, 268 naevius, 268 Owl, Barn, 266, 336, 337 Barred, 268, 336, 337 Burrowing, 269 Great Horned, 269, 336, 337 Long-eared, 267, 336, 337 Saw-whet, 268, 340 Screech, 268, 336, 337 Short-eared, 267, 337, 338 Snowy, 269, 340 Western Horned, 269, 339 Ovenbird, 321, 336, 338 Oxyechus vociferus, 255
Pp
Palm Warbler, 321, 336, 340 Paludicolae, 244 Pandion haliaetos carolinensis, 266 Pandionidae, 266 Parasitic Jaeger, 224, 339 Paridae, 330 Paroquet, Carolina, 270, 338 Parula, Warbler, Northern, 316, 336 Passenger Pigeon, 258 Passer domesticus, 292 hostilis, 292 Passerculus sandwichensis alaudinus, 295 savanna, 294
Passerella iliaca iliaca, 303
Passers, 278
Passerherbulus henslowi henslowi, 296 lecontei, 296
Passerina amoena, 306 cyanea, 306 Pectoral Sandpiper, 250, 335, 339 Pelecanidae, 229 Pelecanus erythrorhynchos, 229 Pelican, White, 229, 335, 339 Pelidna alpina sakhalina, 251 Penthestes atricapillus atricapillus, 330 septentrionalis, 330
Petrochelidon albifrons albifrons, 308
lunifrons lunifrons, 308
Trans. Acad. Sci. of St. Louis.
Pewee, Wood, 280, 336, 338 Phalacrocoracidae, 229 Phalacrocorax auritus auritus, 229 Phalaenoptilus nuttalli nuttalli, 276 Phalarope, Northern, 247, 339 Red, 247, 339 Wilson’s, 248, 336, 339 Phalaropodidae, 247 Phalaropus fulicarius, 247 Phasiani, 256 Philadelphia Vireo, 312, 336, 340 Philohela minor, 248 Phloeotomus pileatus abieticola, 273 Phoebe, 279, 335, 338 Pica pica hudsonia, 282 Pici, 272 Picidae, 272 Pied-billed Grebe, 223, 335, 337 Pigeon Hawk, 265, 340 Pigeon, Passenger, 258 Pileated Woodpecker, 2738, 338 Pileolated Warbler, 324, 340 Pine Siskin, 292, 335, 337 Pine Warbler, 320, 340 Pintail, 234, 335, 339 Pipilo erythrophthalmus erythrophthal- mus, 304 maculatus arcticus, 304 Piping Plover, 256, 340 Pipit, 325, 335, 340 Sprague’s, 325, 340 Piranga erythromelas, 307 Piranga rubra rubra, 307 Pisobia bairdi, 250 fuscicollis, 250 maculata, 250 minutilla, 251 Planesticus migratorius migratorius, 333 Plectrophenax nivalis nivalis, 293 Plegadis guarauna, 241 Plover, Black-bellied, 255, 340 Golden, 255, 340 Mountain, 256 Piping, 256, 340 Semipalmated, 256, 336, 340 Upland, 253, 336, 338, 340
Podasocys montanus, 256 Podilymbus podiceps, 223
Polioptilinae, 331
Polioptilla caerulea caerulea, 331 Pomarine Jaeger, 224
Poocetes gramineus gramineus, 294 Poor-will, 276, 338
Porzana carolina, 245
Prairie Chicken, 257, 338
Prairie Falcon, 265
Prairie Horned Lark, 282, 336, 338 Prairie Marsh Wren, 328, 335, 338 Prairie Warbler, 321, 340 Progne:subis subis, 307 Prothonotaria citrea, 314 Prothonotary Warbler, 314, 336, 338 Psittacidae, 270
Psittaci, 270
Purple Finch, 291, 335, 337
Purple Gallinule, 246
Purple Martin, 307, 335, 338 Purple Sandpiper, 250
Pygopodes, 223
Q
Querquedula cyanoptera, 234 discors, 233 Quiscalus quiscula aeneus, 290
R
Rail Black, 246, 339
King, 245, 335, 337
Virginia, 245, 335, 337
Yellow, 246, 339 Ralli, 245 Rallidae, 245 Rallinae, 245 Rallus elegans, 245
virginianus, 245
Raptores, 259 Raven, 283, 338 Recurvirostra americana, 248 Recurvirostridae, 248 Red Phalarope, 247, 339 Red-backed Sandpiper, 251, 339 Red-bellied Woodpecker, 274, 336, 337 Red-breasted Merganser, 239, 339 Red-breasted Nuthatch, 329, 340 Red-eyed Vireo, 312, 336, 338
Index.
Redhead, 235, 335, 339
Red-headed Woodpecker, 273, 336, 337
Red-legged Black Duck, 232, 339
Redpoll, 291, 340
Red-shafted Flicker, 274, 337
Red-shouldered Hawk, 262, 337
Redstart, 324, 336
Red-tailed Hawk, 261, 335, 336, 337 Western, 262, 337
367
Red-winged Blackbird, 285, 335, 336, 338
Regulinae, 331 Regulus calendula calendula, 331 satrapa satrapa, 331 Rhynchophanes mccowni, 294 Richardson’s Pigeon Hawk, 265 Ring-billed Gull, 225, 335, 339 Ring-necked Duck, 236, 339 Riparia riparia, 309 : Rissa tridactyla tridactyla, 225 Robin, 333, 336, 338 Rose-breasted Grosbeak, 305,.336, 338 Rough-legged Hawk, 263, 337 Rough-winged Swallow, 310, 335, 338 Ruby-crowned Kinglet, 331, 335, 340
Ruby-throated Hummingbird, 277, 336,
Ruddy Duck, 238, 335, 339 Ruddy Turnstone, 256, 340 Ruffed Grouse, 257, 338 Rusty Blackbird, 289, 335, 337
Ss
Sanderling, 252, 340
Sandhill Crane, 244, 335, 339
Sandpiper, Baird’s, 250, 335, 339 Buff-breasted, 254, 336, 340 Least, 251, 335, 339 Pectoral, 250, 335, 339 Purple, 250 Red-backed, 251, 339
Semipalmated, 251, 335, 340
Solitary, 253, 336, 340 Spotted, 254, 336, 337 Stilt, 249, 339
Western, 251, 346 White-rumped, 250, 339
Sapsucker, Yellow-bellied, 273, 335, 337
Sarcorhamphi, 259
337
368 Trans. Acad. Sci. of St. Louis.
Savannah Sparrow, 294, 335, 338 Western, 295 Saw-whet Owl, 268, 340 Sayornis phoebe, 279 Scarlet Tanager, 307, 336, 338 Scaup Duck, 235, 335, 339 Scolopacidae, 248 Scoter, 237, 339 Surf, 238, 339 White-winged, 238 Screech Owl, 268, 336, 337 Seiurus aurocapillus, 321 motacilla, 322 noveboracensis notabilis, 321
Semipalmated Plover, 256, 336, 340 Semipalmater Sandpiper, 251, 335, 340 Sennett’s Nighthawk, 277, 340 Setochalcis vocifera vocifera, 275 Setophaga ruticilla, 324 Sharp-shinned Hawk, 260, 327 Short-billed Marsh Wren, 328, 335, 338 Short-eared Owl, 267, 337, 338 Shoveller, 234, 335, 338, 339 Shrike, Migrant, 311, 335, 327, 338 Northern, 311, 337 White-rumped, 311 Shufeldt’s Junco, 301, 340 Sialia sialis sialis, 334 Siskin, Pine, 292, 335, 337 Sitta canadensis, 329 carolinensis carolinensis, 329
Sittidae, 329
Slate-colored Junco, 301, 337
Smith’s Longspur, 293, 340
Snipe, Wilson’s, 248, 335, 38S
Snow Bunting, 293, 340
Snow Goose, 238, 335, 339
Snowy Egret, 243
Snowy Owl, 269, 340
Solitary Sandpiper, 253, 336, 240
Song Sparrow, 302, 335, 337, 338
Sora, 245, 335, 337
Sparrow, Baird’s, 295, 340 Chipping, 299, 385, 338 Clay-colored, 300, 336, 340 English, 292, 336, 338 Field, 300, 335, 337, 338
Western, 300, 340
Fox, 303, 335, 337 Gambel’s, 298, .337 Grasshopper, 295, 336, 338
Western, 296, 340
Harris’s, 297, 335, 337 Henslow’s, 296, 335, 338 Lark, 297, 336, 338 Leconte’s, 296, 335, 340 Lincoln’s, 302, 335, 337 Savannah, 294, 335, 338 Western, 295, 340
Song, 302, 335, 337, 338 Swamp, 303, 335, 337 Tree, 299, 337
Western, 299, 340 Vesper, 294, 335, 338 White-crowned, 298, 335, 337 White-throated, 298, 325, 340
Sparrow Hawk, 265, 336, 337 Spatula clypeata, 234 Speotyto cunicularia hypogaea, 269 Sphyrapicus varius varius, 273 Spinus pinus, 192 Spiza americana, 306 Spizella monticola monticola. 299 ochracea, 299 pallida, 300 passerina passerina, 299 pusilla arenacea, 300 pusilla, 300 Spotted Sandpiper, 254, 336, 337 Sprague’s Pipit, 325, 340 Squatarola squatarola, 255 cynosurae, 255 Steganopodes, 228 Steganopos tricolor, 248 Stelgidopteryx serripennis, 309 Stercorariidae, 224 Stercorarius longicaudus, 225 parasiticus, 224 pomarinus, 224 Sterna antillarum, 227 caspia, 227 forsteri, 227 hirundo, 227 Sturnella magna magna, 288 neglecta, 288 Sterninae, 227
Index.
Sternula antillarum antillarum, 227 Stilt Sandpiper, 249, 339 Stringes, 266 Strigidae, 267 Strix varia varia, 268 Summer Tanager, 207, 336, 338 Surf Scoter, 238, 339 Swainson’s Hawk, 263, 340 Swallow, Bank, 309, 336, 338 Barn, 308, 335, 338 Cliff, 308, 336, 338 Rough-winged, 309, 335, 338 Tree, 308, 336, 340 Swallow-tailed Kite, 259, 338, 340 Swamp Sparrow, 303, 335, 337 Swan, Trumpeter, 241, 339 Whistling, 241, 339 Swift, Chimney, 277, 335, 338 Sycamore Warbler, 320, 335, 339 Sylviidae, 331
T
Tanager, Scarlet, 307, 336, 338 Summer, 307, 336, 338 Tangaridae, 307 Teal, Blue-winged, 233, 337 Cinnamon, 234, 339 Green-winged, 233, 335, 337 Telmatodytes pulustris iliacus, 328 Tennessee Warbler, 316, 336, 340 Tern, Black, 228, 336, 337 Caspian, 227, 339 Common, 227, 336, 339 Forster’s, 227, 336, 339 Least, 227, 336, 338, 339 Tetraonidae, 257 Thick-billed Red-wing, 286, 337 Thrasher, Brown, 326, 335, 338 Thrush, Gray-cheeked, 332, 336, 340 Hermit, 333, 335, 340 Olive-backed, 333, 336, 340 Willow, 332, 336 Wood, 332, 336, 338 Thryomanes bewicki bewicki, 327 Thryothorus ludovicianus ludovi- cianus, 327 Tringa canutus, 249 Titmouse, Tufted, 330, 336, 338
369
Totanus flavipes, 252 melanoleucus, 252 Towhee, 304, 335, 337, 338 iArctic, 304, 340 Toxostoma rufum, 326 Traill’s Flycatcher, 281, 336, 339 Tree Sparrow, 299, 337 Western, 299 Tree Swallow, 308, 336, 340 Trochili, 277 Trochilidae, 277 Troglodytes aedon parkmani, 327 Troglodytidae, 327 Trumpeter Swan, 241, 339 Tryngites subruficollis, 254 Tufted Titmouse, 330, 336, 338 Turdidae, 332 Turninae, 332 Turkey Vulture, 259, 335, 337 Turkey, Wild, 258, 338 Turnstone, Ruddy, 256, 340 Tympanuchus americanus americanus, 257 Tyrannidae, 278 Tyrannus tyrannus, 278 verticalis, 278
Tyto alba pratincola, 266
U Upland Plover, 253, 336, 338, 340 Vv
Vermivora, celata celata, 316 chrysoptera, 315 peregrina, 316 pinus, 315 rubricapilla rubricapilla, 315 Vesper Sparrow, 294, 335, 338 Vireo belli belli, 313 griseus griseus, 313 Vireo, Bell’s, 3138, 336, 338 Blue-headed, 313, 336, 340 Philadelphia, 312, 336, 340 Red-eyed, 312, 336, 338 Warbling, 312, 336, 338 White-eyed, 318, 336, 338 Yellow-throated, 312, 336, 338
370 Trans. Acad. Sct. of St. Lous.
Vireonidae, 312
Vireosylva gilva gilva, 312 olivacea, 312 philadelphica, 312
Virginia Rail, 245, 335, 337
Vulture, Turkey, 259, 335, 337
Ww
Warbler, Bay-breasted, 319, 340 Blackburnian, 319, 336, 340 Black-poll, 319, 336, 340 Black-throated Blue, 317 Black-throated Green, 320, 336,
340
Black and White, 314, 336, 338 Blue-winged, 315, 336, 338 Canada, 324, 340 Cape May, 317, 336, 340 Cerulean, 318, 336, 338 Chestnut-sided, 319, 336, 340 Connecticut, 322, 340 Golden-winged, 315, 340 Hooded, 324, 336, 338 Kentucky, 322, 336, 338 Magnolia, 318, 336, 340 Mourning, 323, 336, 340 Myrtle, 317, 335, 337 Nashville, 315, 336, 340 Northern Parula, 316, 336, 338 Orange-crowned, 316, 334, 340 Palm, 321, 336, 340 Pileolated, 324, 340 Pine, 320, 340 Prairie, 321, 340 Prothonotary, 314, 336, 238 Sycamore, 320, 335, 339 Tennessee, 316, 336, 340 Wilson’s, 324, 336, 340 Wornm-eating, 314, 336, 338 Yellow, 317, 336, 338 Warbling Vireo, 312, 336, 338 Water-Thrush, Grinnell’s, 321, 336, 340 Louisiana, 322, 335, 338 Water-Turkey, 228 Waxwing, Bohemian, 309, 340 Cedar, 310, 337 Western Field Sparrow, 300, 340 Western Grasshopper Sparrow, 296, 340
Western Grebe, 223 Western Horned Owl, 269, 339 Western House Wren, 327, 335, 338 Western Meadowlark, 288, 338 Western Mourning Dove, 259 Western Nighthawk, 276, 340 Western Red-tail, 262, 337 Western Sandpiper, 251, 340 Western Savannah Sparrow, 295, 340 Western Tree Sparrow, 299, 340 Wistern Willet, 253, 340 Whip-poor-will, 275, 336, 338 Whistling Swan, 241, 339 White-breasted Nuthatch, 329, 336, 338 White-crowned Sparrow, 298, 335, 337 White-eyed Vireo, 313, 336, 338 White-faced Glossy Ibis, 241, 339 White-fronted Goose, 239, 335, 335 White Pelican, 229, 335, 339 White-rumped Sandpiper, 250, 333 White-rumped Shrike, 311 White-throated Sparrow, 298, 335, 340 White-winged Crossbill, 291, 340 White-winged Junco, 301, 340 White-winged Scoter, 238 Whooping Crane, 244, 339 Wild Turkey, 258, 338 Willet, 253, 340 Western, 253, 340 Willow Thrush, 332, 336, 340 Wilsonia canadensis, 324 citrina, 324 pusilla pileolata, 324 pusilla, 324 Wilson’s Phalarope, 248, 336, 339 Wilson’s Snipe, 248, 335, 339 Wilson’s Warbler, 324, 336, 340 Winter Wren, 328, 337 Woodcock, 248, 338, 339 Wood Duck, 235, 338, 339 Woodpecker, Downy, 272, 336, 337 Hairy, 272, 336, 337 Ivory-billed, 272, 338 Northern Pileated, 273, 338 Red-bellied, 274, 336, 337 Red-headed, 273, 336, 337 Wood Pewee, 280, 336, 338 Wood Thrush, 332, 336, 338 Wornm-eating Warbler, 314, 336, 338
Wren, Bewick’s, 327 Carolina, 327, 336, 338 Prairie Marsh, 328, 335, 338 Short-billed Marsh, 328, 335, 338 Western House, 327, 335, 338 Winter, 328, 337
x Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus, 284 Y Yellow-bellied Flycatcher, 280, 336, 340 Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, 273, 335, 337 Yellow-billed Cuckoo, 270, 336, 337
Yellow-breasted Chat, 323, 336, 338 Yellow-crowned Night Heron, 243, 338
Issued February 27, 1919
Index.
Yellow-headed Blackbird, 284, 335, 338 Yellow-legs, 252, 335, 340
Greater, 252, 335, 340 Yellow Rail, 246, 339 Yellow-throat, Maryland, 323, 336, 338 Yellow-throated Vireo, 312, 336, 338 Yellow Warbler, 317, 336, 338
z
Zamelodia ludoviciana, 305 Zenaidura macroura carolinensis, 258 marginella, 259 Zonotrichia albicollis, 298 leucophrys gambeli, 298 leucophrys, 298 querula, 297
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