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The Wilson Bulletin

Official Organ of the Wilson Ornithological Club

An Illustrated Quarterly Magazine
Devoted to the Study
of Birds

Edited by Lynds Jones

Old Series, Volume XXVII New Series, Volume XXII

235336

Published by the Club at Chicago, III.
Nineteen Hundred and Fifteen

INDEX VOL.

Aeanthis linaria linaria, 331.
Accipiter cooperi, 283, 311, 328,
439.
nisus, 380.
velox, 283, 328.
Acridotheres ginginianus, 253.
tristis, 252.
Actitis macularia, 238, 282, 327.
Actodromas minutilla, 311.
Aigialitis meloda, 327.
semipalmata, 327.
Agelaius phoeniceus, 240, 272.

phoeniceus, 285,
293-302 inclu-
sive, 444.

fortis, 330.

Aix sponsa, 325, 412.

Alcea torda, 347.

Aluco pratincola, 283, 328.

Ammodramus savannarum aus-

tralis, 313.
bimaculatus,
301.

Ammomanes lusitana, 383.

Ampelis cedrorum, 241.

‘Amphispiza nevadensis nevad-

ensis, 241.

Anas fulvigula, 412.
obscura rubripes, 310.
platyrhynchos, 237,

412, 437.

rubripes, 282, 324.

_ tristis, 313.
Anser:albifrons gambeli, 326.
Anthus pratensis, 277.

rubescens, 313, 334.
spraguei, 334.
Anous stolidus, 277, 281.
Antrostomus vociferus, 284.
vociferus, 329.
Aphelocoma californica califor-
nica, 284.
siberi arizone, 284.
woodhousei, 284.
Aquila chrysaétos, 238, 277, 283,
288, 328.
Arachnechthra asiatica, 256.

282,

Archibuteo ferrugineus, 242,
283, 328.

lagopus sancti-johannis, 283,
328.

XXVIT, 1915

Archilochus alexandri, 284.
colubris, 284, 329, 362, 443.

Ardea cinerea, 373, 377.
herodias, 237, 310.

herodias, 282, 325.

Ardeola grayi, 245.
russata, 369.

Arenaria interpres

327.

Argya caudata, 257.

Asio flammeus, 283, 329.
wilsonianus, 283, 329.

morinella,

Astragalinus tristis pallidus,
240.
tristis, 278,
285, 331,
444,

Astur_atricapillus artricapillus,
328.
Asyndesmus lewisi, 284.
Athene glaux, 380.
meridionalis, 380.
noctua, 380.
Auk, Razor-billed, 347.

Avocet, 232, 234, 235, 237, 238,
326.
Aythya americana, 310.
Babblers, 256.
Jungle, 257.
Striated, 257.
Beolophus bicolor, 313.
Baldpate, 324, 412.
Barbet, Crimson-breasted, 249,
271.
Bartramia longicauda, 278, 282,
Ba
Bee-eater, Common Indian, 249,
PATA,
Little Green, 373, 383.
Bittern, 237, 282, 310, 324, 325,
435, 437, 442, 461.
Least, 324, 325, 437, 461,
462.
Blackbird, Brewer’s, 222, 225,
233, 234, 240, 285, 330.
Red-winged, 228, 231, 240,
278, 285, 293-302 inclu-
sive, 337, 351, 352, 366,

405, 431, 435, 444, 461,
462.
Rusty, 285, 330, 337.

324.
231,
324,

Thick-billed Red-wing,
Yellow-headed, 229,
2322) 2405 2ile 285;
330, 437, 460, 462.
Bluebird, 224, 256, 286, 313, 320,

Beis, BSHh Bey SD, Oi, 207),
417, 437, 448, 459.
Mountain, 242.

Bob-white, 274, 276, 280, 282,
BVA Bary ZHIM).

Bobolink, 240, 278, 279, 285, 323,
330, 351, 405, 418, 437, 4388,
443, 459.

Bombycilla cedrorum, 277, 286,

333, 446.
Bonasa umbellus togata, 282.
umbellus, 282.
Botaurus lentiginosus, 237, 282,
SlOs Sabet ole
Brachypternus aurantius, 256.
Brantso25:
Branta bernicla glaucogastra,
325.
canadensis canadensis, 282,
326.
hutchinsi, 325.
Bubo ascalaphus, 374.
virginianus, 375.
pacificus, 283.
pallescens, 238, 283, 329.
subarcticus, 329.
virginianus, 283, 329.
Budytes flava, 384.
Bufflehead, 326.
Bulbuls, 256, 257.
Red-whiskered, 256.
Bunting, Indigo, 278, 285, 309,
310, 323, 406, 445, 459.
Markee ode.
Lazuli, 285, 332.
Painted, 278.
Snow, 278, 285, 331.
Buteo borealis borealis, 283.
calurus, 238, 283, 328.
kreideri, 328.
lineatus, 311.
lineatus, 283, 328, 441.
platypterus, 283, 311, 328.
swainsoni, 238, 2838, 328.

Butorides virescens virescens,
282, 325, 437.

Calearius lapponicus lapponi-
cus, 331.

ornatus, 331.
Calamospiza melanocorys,
332.
Calypte anna, 284.
coste, 284.
Canvas-back, 325, 337.

241,

Cardinal, 272, 273, 285, 313, 323,
332; 33750 342, AAT AA eA Gee
463, 466.

Kentucky, 466.

Cardinalis cardinalis cardinalis,
285, 332, 445.

Carpodacus mexicanus fronta-
lis, 240, 285.

purpureus, 278, 331.

Catbird, 226, 278, 286, 289, 323,
334, 340, 351, 352, 406, 431,
437, 447, 457.

Cathartes aura septentrionalis,
238, 283, 328.

urubu, 283.

Catoptrophorus
inornatus, 327.

Centrocercus urophasianus, 282.

Centurus aurifrons, 284.

carolinus, 284.
uropygialis, 284.
Cepphus grylle, 281.

semipalmatus

Certhis familiaris americana,
278, 334.

Ceryle alcyon, 238, 283, 329,
441.

guttata, 267.
rudis, 267, 377.

Chetura pelagica, 284, 329, 443.

Chaffinch, Huropean, 222.

Charadrius dominicus domini-
cus, 327.

Charitonetta albeola, 326.

Chamepelia passerina
tris, 283.

Chaulelasmus
412.

Chat, Black-eared, 385.
Desert, 385.
Long-tailed, 242.
White-rumped, 385.
Yellow-breasted, 286,

406.

Chebec, 405.

Chen cerulescens, 326.
hyperboreus hyperboreus,

326.

Chenalopex egypticus, 387.

Chewink, 414.

Chickadee, 272, 273, 278,
313; 3il6;) 3238. wcotemuoes
432, 447.

Long-tailed, 334.
Mountain, 227, 242.
Chicken, Prairie, 282, 327, 418,

437, 439. a

Chondestes grammacus gram-

macus, 331.

terres-

streperus, 324,

334,

286,
407,

strigatus, 240,

285.

Chordeiles virginianus, 284.
howelli, 239.
sennetti, 329.
Ciconia alba, 377.
Circus hudsonius, 238, 283, 328,
439.
pallidus, 379.

Cistothorus stellaris, 312, 354.

Clangula clangula americana,
326.
Cocecyzus americanus, 279.
americanus, 283,
329, 441.
erythrophthalmus, 279, 283,
329, 441.
Colaptes auratus luteus, 239,

278, 284, 329, 441.
eafer collaris, 239, 329.
Colinus virginianus, 282.
virginianus, 327.
Columba fasciata fasciata, 282.
intermedia, 268.
livia, 283.
Colymbus auritus, 310, 324.
nigricollis californicus, 237,
324.
Coot, 237, 264, 265, 280, 282, 324,
325, 337, 389, 418, 437, 439,
461.
Copysychus saularis, 258.
Coracias garrula, 284.
indica, 247.

Corby, Indian, 252.

Cormorant, Double-crested, 324.
Red-faced, 282.

Corvus brachyrhynchos,
285.

240,

brachyrhynchos,

330, 443.

corax principalis, 279, 284,
330.

cornix, 375.
eryptoleucus, 285.
macrorhynchus, 252.
ossifragus, 285, 312.
splendens, 251, 375.

: umbrinus, 376.

Cotyle obsoleta, 384.

Cowbird, 232, 240, 279, 285, 289,
323, 3380, 352, 405, 417, 418,

434, 444, 446, 448, 459.

Crane, Sandhill, 325..

Whooping, 325.

Crateropus canorus, 257.

Crow, 228, 240, 247, 252, 264,
285, 289, 290, 323, 330, 337,
352, 405, 435, 448, 454, 459.

Fish, 285, 312.

Hooded, 371, 375, 376.
Indian House, 251, 252, 375.
Jungle, 252.

Crossbill, 331.
White-winged, 331.

Cryptoglaux acadica acadica,
283, 398.

Curlew, Long-billed, 234, 238,
327, 413.

Cuckoos, 437, 459.
Black-billed, 279, 283, 323,
329, 404, 405, 441.
HKuropean, 279.
Yellow-billed, 279, 283, 323,
329, 352, 405, 441.
Cyanecula suecica, 382.

.Cyanocephalus cyanocephalus,
285.

Cyanocitta cristata cristata,
284, 330, 4438.

frontalis, 284.

stellata annectens, 239.
Cyanospiza cyanea, 310.
Cypselus affinis, 251.
Dafila acuta, 237, 325.
Dendragapus obscurus fuligino-

sus, 282.
obscurus, 282.

Dendrocitta rufa, 257.
Dendroica estiva, 241.

estiva, 277, 286,
333, 446.
auduboni, 242.
cerulescens cerulescens,

333.
eastanea, 333.
coronata, 286, 333.
discolor, 286.
fusca, 307, 312, 333.
magnolia, 286, 333.
palmarum hypochrysea, 286.
pennsylvanica, 277, 286, 288,
338.
striata, 333.
virens, 286, 334.

Dickcissel, 323, 332,

Dicrurus ater, 247.
ceerulescens, 247.

Dolichonyx oryzivorus, 240, 278,

285, 330, 443.

Dove, Domestic, 283.
Hegyptian Turtle, 386.
Ground, 283.

Little Brown, 268.

Mourning, 225, 227,
351, 405, 489, 459.

Spotted, 268.

Turtle, 376, 386.

Western Mourning, 238, 323,
AAT .

White-winged, 283.

Dowitcher, Long-billed, 326.

Drongo, Black, 247.
White-bellied, 247.

353, 418.

283,

Dryobates pubescens homorus,
239.
medianus, 2838,
329, 441.
sealaris bairdi, 283.
villosus hyloscopus, 283.
monticola, 239.
villosus, 283, 329.
Duck, Black 282; 313, 324, 33%
Florida, 412.
Lesser Scaup, 326, 337, 412.
Red-legged Black, 310.
Ring-necked, 326, 337.
Ruddy, 326, 352.
Scaup, 326, 337.
Wood, 325, 412.
Dumetella carolinensis,
286, 334, 447.
Ectopistes migratorius, 283, 327.
Eagle, Bald, 283, 328.
Goldene 238 2tit 2a eos
328.
Gray Sea, 283.
Hider, Northern, 282.
Elanoides forficatus, 328.
Empidonax difficilis difficilis,
284.
flaviventris, 303.
hammondi, 239.
minimus, 239, 284, 330.
traillii, 239.
alnorum, 284.
traillii, 284.
wrightii, 239.
Ereunetes pusillus, 326.
Eudynamis honorata, 251.
Euphagus carolinus, 285, 330.
cyanocephalus, 240, 285, 330.
Eurynorhynechus pygmeus, 278.
Falco columbarius, 311.
columbarius, 283, 328.

278,

richardsoni, 328.
babalonicus, 374.
lanarius, 374.
mexicanus, 238, 328.

peregrinus
311, 328.
rusticolus

anatum, 283,

rusticolus, 328.
sparverius sparverius, 238,
oases o44us
tinnunculus, 380.
Falcon, Lanner, 374.
Prairie 230. 238%. 238, 928.
Red-naped, 374.
Fantail, 385.
Finch, House, 222, 2 2
Purple, 278, 285, 331, 337.
Flamingo, 282, 2
Flicker, 284, 313
418, 433, 459.

Northern, 239, 271, 278, 329, |
337, 405, 441.

Red-shafted, 227, 239, 329.

Flycatcher, Acadian, 352.

Alder, 225, 284, 303, 304;
OS, eax),

Arkansas, 235.

Crested, 284, 305, 352, 368,
405, 421-434 inclusive, 443.

Hammond’s, 225, 239.

Least, 239, 284, 303, 305,
3235 300, 352,402

Olive-sided, 284, 303, 305,
330, 459.

Scissor-tailed, 284.
Vermillion, 284.
Western, 284. .
White-spotted Fantail, 264.
Wright’s, 235, 239, 284.
Yellow-bellied, 302, 303, 305,
405.
Fregata aquila, 413.
Fringilla carduelis, 312.
Fulica americana, 237, 282, 325,
439.
Gadwall, 324, 353, 412.
Galerita cristata, 383.
Gallinago delicata, 277, 326.
Gallinule, Florida, 311, 325, 437,
439, 461, 462.
Gallinula galeata, 311, 325, 439.
Gannet, 282, 411.
Gavia immer, 281, 324.
Geococcyx californicus, 283.
Geothlypis trichas occidentalis,
242, 334.

trichas, 281, 286,

447,
Godwit, Hudsonian, 327.
Marbled, 327.
Golden-eye, 326, 337.
Goldfinch, 278, 285, ~288ieeeze:
331, 337, 342. 406s v4ilSer43o.

437, 444, 459.
Arkansas, 342.
European, 312.
Western, 225.
Willow, 278.

Goose, Blue, 326.
Canada, 282, 326.
Egyptian, 387.
Hutchins, 325.
Red-breasted, 388.
Snow, 326.
White-fronted,

Goshawk, 328.
Mexican, 283.

Grackle, Boat-tailed, 285.
Bronzed, 221, 240, 257, 285,

302, (323; -S3le alee

326, 388.

352, 368, 434, 444.
Great-tailed, 285.
Purple, 285, 406.

Grebe, Eared, 234, 237, 324.
Horned, 310, 324.
Pied-billed, 281, 323,

337, 355, 437, 461.

Grosbeak, 272, 294, 335.
Black-headed, 332, 342, 359.
Evening, 278, 285, 331, 355.
Rose-breasted, 277, 285, 296,

302; -309;-320;- 323, 332,

357-368 inclusive, 406, 445.

Grouse, Canada Ruffed, 282.

324,

Dusky, 282.

Columbian Sharp-tailed,
282.

Prairie Sharp-tailed, 282,

BAT ‘
Ruffed, 274, 282, 337, 419.
Sasen 22ip- 2a6, 292:
Sooty, 282.

Grus americana, 325.
mexicana, 325.

Guara alba, 282.

Guillemots, 347.

Black, 281.

Gull, Black-headed, 372.
Franklin’s, 281, 323, 324.
Herring, 281, 324, 337.
Ring-billed, 228, 237, 324.

Gyps fulvus, 376.
tenuirostris, 269.

Halixetus albicilla, 283. —--
leucocephalus, 283. ---

leucocephalus, 328.

Haliaster indus, 251. —

Halcyon smyrnensis, 267.

Harrier, Pale-crested, 379.

Hawk, Broad-winged, 283, 311,

328, 405.

Cooper’s, 238, 274, 283, 311,
328, 405, 439.

IDWCK, AS, Billy Byes,

Ferruginous Rough-legged,
236, 283, 328.

Kreider’s, 328.

Marsh, 238, 283, 320, 323,
328, 337, 405, 435, 439.

Red-shouldered, 283, 311,
828, 405, 441.
Red-tailed, BI, LAB, 9 Ae

283.
Richardson’s Pigeon, 328.
Rough-tegged, 283, 328, 337.
_Sharp-shinned, 283, 328.
Sparrow, 225, 227, 238, 271,
MSoy B25 BLS, Bl, Soil,
380, 405, 485, 441, 465.

Swainson’s, 230, 234, 283,
328.

Western Red-tailed, 232,
IXXB, BBD

Helmitheros vermivorus, 286.

Helodromas solitarius solitar-
ius, 327.
Heron, Black-crowned Night,

282, 310, 325, 405, 439.
Buffed-backed, 369.
Common, 372, 373, 377.
Great Blue, 221, 237,

310, 325, 405.

Green, 282, 324, 325,

435, 437, 461.

Night, 377, 418.
Hesperiphona vespertina ves-
pertina, 278, 285, 331.
Hirundo erythrogastra,

286, 333, 446.
rustica, 267, 384.
Savignii, 384.

Honeysucker, Purple, 256.
Hoopoe, 378, 383.

Indian, 255, 256, 260, 271.
Hoplopterus spinosus, 386.
Hummingbird, 276.

Anna’s, 284.

Black-chinned, 284.

Broad-tailed, 225, 237.

282,
405,

241,

Costa’s, 284.
Ruby-throated, 284, 329, 352,
362, 405
Rufous, 284, 342.
Hydrochelidon nigra surina-

mensis, 237, 281, 324, 437.
Hylocichla alicie aliciz, 335.
fuscescens salicicola; 335.
guttata palasii, 286, 335.
mustelina, 286, 335, 447.
ustulata swainsoni, 286, 335.
ustulata, 286.
Ibis, Glossy, 282.
White, 282.
Icteria virens longicauda, 242.
virens, 286, 334.
Icterus bullocki, 240, 285, 330.
cucullatus nelsoni, 285.
glabula, 285, 330, 444.
spurius, 285, 330.

Ictinia mississippiensis, 407,
408.

Iridoprocne bicolor, 241, 286,
333, 446.

Ixobrychus exilis, 325, 437.
Jay, Arizona, 284.
Birch, 248.
Black-headed, 235, 239.
Blue; 248; 272, 273, 284, 313,

Ba, soxl):
443, 459.
Blue-fronted, 284.
California, 284.
Canada, 284.
Indian Blue, 248.
Pinon, 285.
Rocky Mountain, 236, 239.
Steller’s, 284.
Woodhouse’s, 284.
Juneo hyemalis, 285.
hyemalis, 332.
pheenotus caniceps,
Junco, 337, 417.
Gray-headed, 235, 241.
Slate-colored, 285, 332,

337, 405, 437,

241.

337.

Kestrel, 380, 389.

Killdeer, 224, 232, 235, 238, 277,
SS BAG SBil5 Gul, ata, ZA,
437.

Kingfisher, 228, 271, 280, 324,
435.

Belted, 238, 283, 329, 352,
405, 441.

Black and White, 337.

Large-crested Black and

White, 267.
Pied: 26%. Siite
White-breasted, 267.
Kingbird, 239, 247, 284, 305, 323,
329, 405, 433, 443, 461.
Arkansas, 225, 239, 284, 329.
Cassin’s, 284.
Kinglet, Golden-crowned,
305; 306, 3078 334:
Ruby-crowned, 236, 242, 305,
307, 334.
Kite, 374.
Brahminy, 251.

302,

Common Pariah, 251, 252,
253.
Mississippi, 407.

Parasites soll aronionmonos
Swallow-tailed, 328.
Koel, Indian, 251.
Lanius, borealis, 333.
cristatus, 251.
lahtora, 264, 386.
ludovicianus excubibtorides,
So:
ludovicianus, 286.
migrans, 281, 286, 312.
nubicus, 386.
Lanivireo solitarius solitarius,
286, 333.
Lapwing, Red-wattled, 264.
Lark, Crested, 382, 383, 384.
Desert, 383.
Desert Horned, 228, 239,

29
vol.

Horned, 234.
Prairie Horned, 330, 337,
383.

Lagopus lagopus lagopus, 282.
Larus argentatus, 281, 324, 347.
delawarensis, 237, 324.

franklini, 281, 324.
fuscus, 347.
ridibundus, 347, 372.
Limosa fedoa, 327.
hemastica, 327.
Lobipes lobatus, 326, 465.
Longspur, Chestnut-collared, 331.
Lapland, 331, 418.
McCown’s, 223, 234, 240.
Lophodytes cucullatus, 324.
Lophortyx californica califor-
nica, 282.
gambeli, 282.
vallicola, 282.
Loon, 281, 324.
Loxia leucoptera, 331.
Magpie, 231, 236, 239, 284.
Robinge 258aec2ale
Machlolophus haplonotus, 264.
Macrorhamphus griseus scolop-
aceus, 326.
Mallard, 228, 2317, 2825) 024emonls
ANAS ie 4 Giles
Man-o’-War-Bird, 413.
Mareca americana, 324, 412.
Marila affinis, 326, 412.
americana, 325.
collaris, 326.
marila, 326.
vallisneria, 325.
Martin, Purple, 241, 277, 285,
312, 323, 332, 406, 445.
Meadowlark, 223, 230, 277, 285,
337, 351, 352, 405. eae Als:
437, 444, 459.
Western, 221, 223, 240, 285,

BB, Bai),
Megaquiscalus major macrou-
rus, 285.
major, 285.
Melanerpes erythrocephalus,
239, 284, 329, 441.
Meleagris gallopavo silvestris,
282, 329.

Meliteza minuta, 236.
Melopelia asiatica, 283.
Melospiza georgiana, 285, 332,
445.
lincolni lineolni, 332.
melodia juddi, 332.
melodia, 285, 415, 445.
Merganser, 282, 324.
Hooded, 324, 337.
Red-breasted, 282, 324, 387.

Mergus americanus, 282, 324.
serrator, 282, 324.
Merops viridis, 249, 373.
Micropalama himantopus, 326.
Micropallas whitneyi, 283.
Milvulus egyptus, 375.
govinda, 251. 375.
Mimus polyglottos, 278.
polyglottos, 286, 334.
Mniotilta varia, 333.
Mockingbird, 286, 334, 353.
Molothrus ater, 240.

ater, 285, 330,
444,
Motaecilla alba, 258, 383.
maderaspatensis, 259.

Muscivora forficata, 284
Myadestes townsendii, 242, 335.
Myiarchus cinerascens cineras-
cens, 284.
erinitus, 284, 421-434 inelu-
Sive, 443.
Myiochanes' richardsoni
ardsoni, 239.
virens, 284, 330, 443.
Myna, Bank, 253, 271.
Black-headed, 253.
Brahminy, 2538, 271.
Common, 251, 252, 258, 257,
271.
Grey-headed, 254.
Nighthawk, 284, 353, 459.
Sennet’s, 323, 329.
Western, 235.
Neophron ginginianus, 268.
perenopterus, 375.
Nettion carolinensis,
325.
Noddy, 280, 281. J
Nucifraga columbiana, 240, 285.
Numenius americanus, 327, 413.
longirostris, 238. :
Nuteracker, Clark’s,
285.
Nuthatch, 272, 274, 277.
Red-breasted, 227, 242, 274;

rich-

237, 310,

236, 240,

286, 312, 313-315 inelu-
sive, 334, 337. 407.

White-breasted, 313, 328,
304, 30%, 40%

Nuttalornis borealis, 284, 330.
Nyctea nyctea, 329.
Nycticorax griseus, 377.
nycticorax nevius, 282, 311,
325.
Oceanites oceanicus, 411.
Oidemia nigra, 347.
Olor columbianus, 325.
cignus, 282.
Oporornis formosus, 348.

philadelphia, 334.
tolmiei, 242.
Oreospiza chlorura, 241.
Oriole, Arizona Hooded, 285.
Baltimore, 285, 323, 330,
351, 368, 405, 444, 459.
Bullock’s, 225, 240, 285, 330.
Orchard, 285, 323, 330, 352,
405.
Oroscoptes montanus, 242.
Orthotomus sutorius, 257.
Ortogyps calvus, 269.
Osprey, 283, 312, 328, 373.
Otocoris alpestris leucolema, 239,
330. ;

Otus asio asio, 283, 329, 441.
maxwelliz, 238.
Oven-bird, 286, 323, 334, 406,

“447,
Owl, Acadian, 400.
Arctic Horned, 329.
Barn, 283, 328, 398, 416.
Barred, 329, 397, 398, 399,
401, 402, 405.
Burrowing, 222, 225,
283, 329, 400.
Hagle, 374.
Egyptian Hagle, 374.
Hilf, 283.
Great Horned, 227, 283, 329,
337, 396, 397, 403.
Little, 380.
Long-eared, 283, 329.
Pacific Horned, 283.
Rocky-Mountain Screech,
235, 238.
Saw-whet, 283, 395, 398.
Sereech, 271, 274, 283, 323,
329, 337, 398, 402, 403,
404, 405, 441, 465.
Short-eared. 283, 329.
Snowy, 329, 400.
Southern Little, 380.
Western Horned, 238, 283,
329.
Oxyechus vociferus,
Bile
Oystereatcher, 282.
Paddy-birds, 254.
Paleornis torquatus, 259.
Pandion haliaétus, :373.
carolinensis,
313, 328.
Parrakeet, Rose-rumped, 259.
Parus atriceps, 264. i
gambeli, 242.
Passer domesticus, 249, 285, 287,
312, 318, 381, 390.
biblicus, 381.
chephreni, 381.

238,

238, 277,

283,

indicus, 381.
niloticus, 381.
hispaniolensis, 381.
Passerculus sandwichensis alau-
dinus, 240.
savanna, 285, 331.
Passerella iliaca iliaca, 332.
schistacea, 285.
Passerherbulus lecontei, 331.
nelsoni nelsoni, 331.
Passerina amoena, 285, 332.
ciris, 278.
eyanea, 278, 285, 332, 445.
Pedicecetes phasianellus cam-
pestris; 28275 32/1.
columbianus,
282.
Pelecanus erythrorhynchos, 282,
~ BAL
occidentalis, 282.
Pelican, Brown, 282.
Wihite, 282529059 29ih 324s
Be.
Pelidna alpina sakhalina, 277
326.

2

Penthestes atricapillus atrica-
Ppillus, 278, 286, 447.
septentrionalis,

334.
Perisoreus canadensis, 284.
capitalis, 239.
Petrochelidon lunifrons luni-
frons, 241, 286, 333.
Petrel, Leach’s, 281.
Wilson’s, 411.
Peucea estivalis bachmani, 414.
Pewee, Western Wood, 239.

Wood, 284, 303, 304; 305,
323, 330, 352, 405, 485,
443, 459.

Phainopepla, 286.
Phainopepla nitens, 286.
Phalacrocorax auritus auritus,
324.
urile, 282.
Phalenoptilus nuttallii, 239.
Phalarope, Northern, 326, 465.
Wilson’s, 228, 230, 231, 232,
2a, 238. 326:
Phasianus colchicus, 282,
Pheasant, English, 282.
Mongolian, 459.
Ring-necked, 312.
Philohela minor, 277, 282, 326,
437.
Phoenicopterus ruber, 282.
Phiceotomus pileatus pileatus,
284.
Phoebe, 249, 250,

312.

278, 284, 305,

10.

330, 337, 352, 405, 4438.
Say’s, 235, 239, 284, 330.
Phaéthon americanus, 282.
Pica pica hudsonia, 239, 284.
Picoides americana americana,
284.
Pigeon, Band-tailed, 282.
Blue Rock, 268.
Passenger, 283, 327.
Pinta 232, 1233.5 Zolemon tamale
337, 388.
Pipilo erythrophthalmus _ ery-
throphthalmus, 285, 332, 445.
maculatus arcticus, 241, 332.
Pipit, 313, 334.
Sprague’s, 334.
Piranga erythromelas, 278, 332,
445,
ludovicianus, 241.
Pisobia bairdii, 326.
fuscicollis, 326.
maculata, 326.
minutilla, 326.
Planesticus migratorius migra-
torius, 286, 335, 448.
propinquus, 242.
Plectrophenax nivalis nivalis,
2S; 285, ole
Plegadis autumnalis, 282.
Plover, Black-bellied, 327.
Black-headed, 386, 387.
Golden, 327, 353,
Mountain, 227, 238.
Piping, 327.
Ringed, 371, 386.
Semipalmated, 327.
Spur-winged, 386, 387.
Upland, 278, 327.
Pluvianus egyptius, 386.
Podasocys montanus, 238.

Podilymbus podiceps, 281, 324,
437.
Poccetes gramineus, 309.
confinis, 240, 331.
egramineus, 285,
444,

Poor-will, 235, 239.
Porzana carolina,
325.
Progne subis, 241, 277, 312.
subis, 285, 332, 445.
Protonotaris citrea, 277, 286.
Pseudogyps bengalensis, 267.

237, 282, 311,

Ptarmigan, White-tailed, 235.
Willow, 282.
Pyrocephalus rubinus mexica-
nus, 284.
Querquedula cyanoptera, 237,
325.

discors, 237, 310; 325, 412:

Quiscalus quiscalus eneus, 240,

285, 331, 444.
quiscula, 285.

Rail, 435.

King, 325, 439, 440, 461.

Virginia, 325, 335, 404, 405,

439.

Rallus elegans, 325, 439.
virginianus, 325, 439.

Raven, Brown-necked, 376.
Northern, 279, 284, 330.
White-necked, 284.

Recurvirostra americana,
326.

Redhead, 310, 325, 337, 418.

Redpoll, 331.

Red-tail, Western, 238, 328.

Red-wing, 367, 417.
Thick-billed, 330.

Redstart, 286, 334,
446, 447.

Indian, 256, 258.
Rhipidura pectoralis, 264.
Regulus calendula, 242, 334.

satrapa satrapa, 305, 334.
Rhynchophanes macownii, 240.
Riparia riparia, 241, 333, 446.
Road-runner, 283.

TRO, LH, AHO, B25 ssi,
351, 352, 355, 407, 417,
437, 448, 455, 459.

Brown-backed Indian,

PKs, PAL Ale

Western, 227, 242.
Roller, European, 248, 271.

Indian, 247, 248.
Rough-leg, Ferruginous,

242.

Ruticilla rufiventris, 258.

Salpinctes obsoletus obsoletus,
242.

Sandpiper, Baird’s, 326.
Bartramian, 282,
Buff-breasted, 327.

Green, 371, 386.

Least, 311, 326, 405.

Pectoral, 326.

Red-backed, 277, 326.

Semipalmated, %26.

Spoon-billed, 278.

Solitary, 327, 405.

Spotted, 278, 280, 282, 327,

Ba, AMO),

Stilt, 326.

White-rumped, 326.
Sapsucker, Red-breasted, 284.

Red-naped, 239, 284.

Yellow-bellied, 329.
Saxicola amphileuca, 385.

aurita, 385.

238,

406, 435,

3937,
418,

236,

227,

\

11

leucophygia, 385.
Sayornis phoebe, 278, 284, 330,
443,
sayus, 239, 284, 330.
Scarcogrammus indicus, 264.
Scoter, 347.

Seiurus aurocapillus, 286, 334,
447,
noveboracensis notabilis,
334.
Selasphorus platycercus, 239.
rufus,. 284.
Setophaga ruticilla, 277, 286,
334, 447.

Shags, 264.

Shoveller, 232, 233, 237, 324, 325,
Be To

Shrike, 248.

Indian Brown, 251.

Indian Grey, 264.

Loggerhead, 286.

Masked, 386.

Migrant, 286, 443.

Northern, 333.

Northern Loggerhead, 312.

Pallid, 386.

White-rumped, 323, 333.
Sialia corrucoides, 242.

Sialis sialis, 286, 335, 448.
Siskin, Pine, 240, 288, 312, 381.
Sitta canadensis, 242, 277, 286,

alae Boe.
carolinensis,
334.
Snipe, Wilson’s, 277, 326.
Solitaire, Townsend’s, 227, 242,
335.
Somateria mollissima borealis,
282.
Sora, 237, 282, 311, 324, 325, 461.
Sparrow, Bachman’s, 414, 418,
460.
Brewer’s, 226, 241.
Chipping, 278, 285, 305, 316,
32, Bee, Bol, B53, 406,
444. =
Clay-colored, 224, 241, 332.
English, 222, 240, 248, 253,
272, 312, 342, 353, 418, 444,
446, 447, 463.
Huropean House, 278, 285.
Field, 285, 337, 406, 414, 437,
445, 459,

IMO, BOA, Bye,

Grasshopper, 313, 406.

Harris’, 331.

Henslow’s,

406.

House,

406.

carolinensis,

203, 331, 352,

258, 267, 375, 382,

Lark, 323, 331, 418.
Leconte’s, 331.

Lincoln’s, 332, 352, 406.
Mountain Song, 241.
Nelson’s, 331.

Sabuta Song, 332.

Sage, 226, 235, 241.
Savanna, 285, 331.
Slate-colored Fox, 285.
Some BA, WIS; BIA; S37, SoA

406, 414, 415, 417, 487,
445, 459.

Spanish, 381.

Swamp, 285, 805, 332, 352,
406, 435, 445.

“ube AM, Bo, Zale,

Vesper, 285, 309, 337, 3538,
406, 437, 444.

Western Chipping, 224, 241.

Western Field, 832.

Western Grasshopper,
Sole

Western Lark, 240, 285.

Western Savanna, 234, 240.

323,

Western Vesper, 226, 240,
Sole

White-crowned, 224, 240,
331, 406.

White-throated, 224, 241,

285, 305, 331, 404, 406.
Spatula clypeata, 237, 325.
Speotyto cunicularia hypogea,

238, 283, 329.

Sphyrapicus ruber ruber, 284.

varius nuchalis, 239, 284,
varius, 329.

Spinus pinus, 240, 288, 312,

Spiza americana, 332.

Spizella breweri, 241.
pallida, 241, 332.
monticola ocracea, 331.
passerina passerina,

285,332, 444.

pusilla arenacea, 332.
pusilla, 285, 445.
Squatarola squatarola, 327.
Starling, 253, 285, 289, 290, 313,
405.
Common Indian,

Pale
Steganopus tricolor, 238, 326.
Stelgidopteryx serripennis, 333.
Sterna antillarum, 324.

dougalli, 281.
forsteri, 324.
fuscata, 281.
hirundo, 281.
Stork, 254, 377.
White, 377.
Strix varia varia, 329, 398.

331.

278,

256, 258,

Sturnia malabarica, 254.
Sturnella magna, 277.

magna, 285, 418,
444,
neglecta, 240, 285, 330.
Sturnus menzbieri, 258.
vulgaris, 285, 289, 318.
Sula bassana, 282, 411.
Sun-bird, Purple, 256.
Swallow, Bank, 225, 241, 333,
435, 446.

Barn, 241, 285, 406, 446.
Cliff, 224° 235; 241 28h eos.
406, 446.

European, 267, 384.
Northern Violet-Green, 241.
Pale Crag, 384.
Red-rumped, 267.
Rough-winged, 333, 352, 406.
Tree, 241, 285, 3538, 406, 446.
Violet-Green, 224.
Wire-tailed, 267.

Swan, Whistling, 325.
Wooping, 282.

Swift, Chimney, 251, 281, 328,
329, 351, 405, 413, 418, 448,
459.

Common Indian, 251.

Tachycineta thalassina lepida,
241.

Tailor-bird, Indian, 256, 257.

Tanager, Scarlet, 278, 323, 332,
496, 445.

Western, 235, 241.
ABIL AA, BU
Blue-winged, 232, 237, 310,
324, 325, 412:
Cinnamon, 233, 237, 325.
Green-winged, 237, 310, 325,
BR

Telmatodytes palustris

334, 419.

iliacus,

palustris, 286,
447.
Temenuchus pagodarum, 253.
Terns -Black, 23350 2oleeaolemonee
324, 437, 461, 462.
Common, 281.
Forster’s, 324.
Least, 324.
Roseate, 281.
Sooty, 281.
Thamnobia campaiensis, 258.
Thrasher, Brown, 286, 298, 302,
3238, 334, 351, 353, 406, 437,
447, 459.
Curve-billed, 286.
Sage, 226, 235, 237, 242.
Thrush, European, 416.
Gray-cheeked, 335, 407.

Hermit, 286, 335, 353, 455.
Olive-backed, 286, 305, 335,
407, 448-455 inclusive.
Russet-backed, 286.
Willow, 335, 459.
Wood, 286, 323, 335, 407,
416, 447, 448.

Tit, Grey, 271.
Southern Yellow, 264, 271.
Tufted, 407.

Titmice, 272.

Titmouse, Indian Grey, 264.
Tufted, 272, 273, 337.

Totanus flavipes, 238, 327.
melanoleucus, 238.
ocropus, 386.

Tohee, 285, 323, 332, 352, 406,

435, 444, 445.

Arctic, 235, 332.
California, 342.
Green-tailed, 227, 241.

Toxostoma curvirostra curviros-

tra, 286.
rufum, 286, 334, 447.
Tree-pie, 256.
Indian, 257.
Troglodytes aédon aédon,
447,

286,

parkmani, 334.

Tropic-bird, Yellow-billed, 282.

Thryomanes bewicki, 286.

Thryothorus ludovicianus ludo-

vicianus, 286.
miamensis, 278,
286.

Tryngites subruficollis, 327,

Turdus musicus, 416.

Turkey, Wild, 282, 327.

Turnstone, Ruddy, 327.

Turtur cambayensis, 268.
senegalensis, 386.
suratensis, 268.

Tympanuchus americanus amer-

icanus, 282, 327, 439.

Tyrannus tyrannus, 239,

329, 443.
verticalis, 239, 284, 329.
vociferus, 284.

Urubitinga anthracina, 283.

Uria troile, 347.
indica, 255.

Upupa epopa, 378.

Veery, 407.

Vermivora celata celata, 333.
chrysoptera, 286.
peregrina, 333.
pinus, 286.
rubricapilla

286.
Vireo belli belli, 333.

284,

rubricapilla,

13

gilvus, 241.
griseus griseus, 316.
Vireo, Bell’s, 333.
Blue-headed, 286, 333, 406.
Philadelphia, 333, 352.
Red-eyed, 286, 333, 342, 406,
435, 446, 459.
Warbling, 227, 241, 323, 333,
351, 406, 418, 446.
White-eyed, 316-321
sive, 406.
Yellow-throated, 406.
Vireosylva gilva gilva, 333, 446.
olivacea, 286, 333, 446.
philadelphia, 277, 333.
Vulture, Black, 269, 283, 376.
Heyptian, 375, 376.
Griffon, 376.
Long-billed, 269, 270.
Turkey, 227, 238, 283, 328.
White-backed, 269, 270.
White Scavenger, 268, 270.
Vultus monarchus, 376.
Wagstail, Grey, 258.
Grey-headed Yellow,
384.
White,
383.
Warbler, Audubon’s,
236, 242.
Bay-breasted, 333, 353, 406.
Black and White, 333, 406.
Blackburnian, 302, 305, 307,
308, 312, 333, 352, 406.
Black-headed, 385.
Black-poll, 333, 406.

inclu-

383,
258, 374, 376, 382,

227, 235,

Black-throated Blue, 333;
406.

Black-throated Green, 286,
334, 406.

Blue-throated, 382, 385, 389.
Blue-winged, 286, 406.
Canada, 353, 406.
Cape May, 352, 406.
Chestnut-sided, 277,
288, 333, 353, 406.
Chiff-chaff, 385.
Fantail, 385.
Golden-winged, 286.
Kentucky, 348.
Macgillivray’s, 242.
Magnolia, 286, 304, 308, 333,
A406.
Mourning, 334, 353.
Myrtle, 286, 304, 308, 333,
404, 406.
Nashville, 286, 304, 352, 406.
Northern Parula, 352, 406.
Orange-crowned, 333, 352.
Palm, 334.

286,

Prairie, 286, 353.
Prothonotary, 277, 286, 3
Tennessee, 333, 406.
Wilson’s, 309, 310, 334,
Worm-eating, 286, 406.
Yellow, 241, 277, 286,
323, 333, 406, 435, 446.
Yellow Palm, 286.
Yellow-throated, 304.
Water-Thrush, 306, 352.
Grinnell’s, 334.
Louisiana, 406.
Northern, 406.
Waxwing, Bohemian, 333.
Cedar 241 2iiieo 285 nooo.
406, 486, 437, 446, 459.
Whippoorwill, 284, 329, 404, 405.
Willet, Western, 327.

Wilsonia pusilla pusilla, 310,
334.
Woodcock, 229, 277, 282, 326,
353, 404, 405, 439, 459.
Woodpecker, 272, 437.
Bachelder’s, 225, 239.
Cabanis’, 283.
IDG AON, ANH, AVBs ASR, Bil}.
BYR, BY) B87, ZO, ZR
433, 441.
Gila, 284.
Golden-backed, 256.
Golden-fronted, 284.
Hainyea 2lonecoonolowmozos
329, 337, 405.
Lewis’, 284.
Pileated, 284.
Red-bellied, 273, 284, 313,
Sole
Red-headed, 221, 239, 284,
9235) 138295. abl, “3525 405,
433, 459.
Rocky Mountain Hairy, 239.
Texas, 283.

309,.

14

Three-toed, 284.
White-headed, 283.
Wren, Bewick’s, 286, 349, 350,
353.
Carolina, 286, 353, 414.
Florida, 278, 286.
House, 271, 286, 306, 313,
349) Sober Shh 3 ONO
447, 455-458 inclusive.
Long-billed Marsh, 286, 435,
447, 461.
Prairie Marsh, 334, 419.
Rock, 227, 242.
Short-billed
Bey
Western House, 323, 334.
Winter, 306, 312, 334.
Xanthocephalus xanthocepha-
lus, 240, 277, 285, 330, 444.
Xantholema hematocephala,
249.
Xenopicus albolarvatus, 283.
Yellow-legs, 238, 327, 353.
Greater, 224, 238, 327, 404,
405.

Yellow-throat, Maryland,
351, 389, 406, 435, 447.
Western, 242, 334.
Zamelodia ludoviciana, 277, 285,

- 309, 332, 358, 359, 445.
melanocephala, 332, 359.
Zenaidura macroura carolinen-

sis, 283, 439.
marginella, 238,
BYVAL a :
Zonotrichia albicollis, 241, 285,
331. ;
leucophrys, 240.
gambeli, 331.
leucophrys, 381.
querula, 331.

Marsh, 312,

286,

PROVISIONAL ROLL OF THE WILSON ORNITHOLOG-
ICAL CLUB.

(December 31, 1914.)

President, Dr. T. C. Stephens, Morningside, Sioux City, Ia.

Vice-President, Geo. L. Fordyce, Youngstown, O.

Secretary, Prof. T. L. Hankinson, Charleston, Il.

Treasurer, P. B. Coffin, 3232 Groveland Ave., Chicago, Tl.

Hditor, Lynds Jones, Oberlin, O.

Business Manager, Gerard Alan Abbott, 853 Marquette Road, Chi-
cago, Il.

ALASKA.
Merrill, EH. W., Sitka, Alaska. Assoc.

CALIFORNIA,

Bunnell, Mrs. D. L., Univ. Calif. Coll. Agriculture, Berkeley.
Carringer, H. W., 5185 Trask Ave., Oakland. Act.

Chambers, W. Lee, Eagle Rock, Los Angeles. Act.

Daggett, Frank S., Museum Exposition Park, Los Angeles. Act.
Dawson, W. Leon, Rey., R. F. D. No. 8, Santa Barbara. Act.
Dickey, Donald R., Box 71, Pasadena. Act.

Grinnell, Dr. Joseph, Museum Vert. Zoology, Berkeley. Act.
Howell, Alfred B., Covina. Act.

Huey, Laurence M., 1703 Clay Ave., San Diego. Act.

Law, J. Eugene, Hollywood. Assoc.

Little, Luther, 1625 W. Adams St., Los Angeles. Assoc.
Newbury, F. H., 210 Post St., San Francisco.

Rich, Dr. Guy C., 1820 El Cerrito Place, Hollywood. Assoc.
Silliman, O. P., Castroville, Calif. Assoc.

Swales, Bradshaw H., La Jolla. Act.

Swarth, Harry §8., Museum Hist. Science and Art, Los Angeles. Assoc.

CANADA.
Arnold, Edward, 64 Duroeher St., Montreal.
Brown, W. J., 250 Olive Ave., Westmount, Quebec. Act.
Crow, Dr. J. W., Ontario Agric. College, Guelph, Ont. Act.
Dear, Lionel, Box 456, Fort William, Ont. Assoc.
Fleming, J. H., 267 Rusholme Road, Toronto. Act.

Gormley, A. L., Box 345, Arnprior, Ont. Assoc. _——
rf ae
Johnson, Geo. S., Moose Jaw, Sask. Assgoe. ane IngtHige~
aS : \
( APR 5 1915 y)
\ te fs

‘
s

Vationa| Wa

Johnson, Frank Edgar, care Mrs. R. P. Rodjuson, Victoria, P. E. I.
Kermode, Francis, Provincial Museum, Victoria, B. C.

Klug, A. B., Guelph, Ont.

Saunders, Wm. E., 352 Clarence St., New London, Ont. Act.
Schwartz, F. A., Berlin, Ont. Act.

Stansell, Sydney S., Manly, Alberta, Assoc.

Stone, R. E., Wellington Field Nat. Club, Guelph, Ont.

Taverner P. A., Victoria Museum, Ottawa. Act.

Terrill, Lewis MclI., 21 Stanley Ave., St. Lambert, Quebec. “Act.
Wallace, Jas S., 69 Front St. E., Toronto. Act.

COLORADO,

; Henderson, Hon. Junius, Boulder. Act.
Lincoln, Frederick Charles, Col. Museum Nat. Hist., Denver. Asso.
Warren, Edward J., 20 W. Caramillo St., Colorado Springs. Act.

CONNECTICUT.
Bishop, Dr. Louis B., 356 Orange St., New Haven. Act.
Bruen, Frank, 65 Prospect St., Bristol. Act.
Buck, H. R., 36 Pearl St., Hartford. Act.
Case, C. M., 7 Holcomb St., Hartford. Assoc.
Ells, Geo. P., Norwalk. Act.
Holmes, Fred W., Jerome Ave., Bristol. Act.
Sage, John H., Portland. Act.
Saunders, Aretas A., West Haven, Box 65.
Smith, Elbert E., Edgewood, R. F. D., Bristol. Act.
White, W. F., Jr., Belle Haven, Greenwich. Assoc.

CUBA.

tamsden, Chas. T., Apartado 146, Guantanamo. Act.
Read, A. C., Santa Barbara, Isle of Pines. Act.

DELAWARE.

Henderson, H. N., Wilmington. Assoc.
Kenworthy, E. M., 1125 West St., Wilmington. Act.

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA.

Bailey, Mrs. Florence M., 1834 Kalorama Road, Washington. Act.
Bartsch, Dr. Paul, Smithsonian Institution, Washington. Act.
Brown, Edward J., U. S. National Museum, Washington. Act.
Cooke, Prof. Wells W., 1450 Fairmount St., Washington. Act.
Hollister, Ned, U. S. National Museum, Washington. Act.
McAtee, Waldo Lee, Biological Survey, Washington. Act.
Oberholser, Harry C., 1444 Fairmount St., Washington. Act.
Palmer, Dr. T. S., Biological Survey, Washington. Act.

Riley, J. H.., U. S. National Museum, Washington. Act.

Ridgway, Prof. R., U. S. Nat. Mus., Washington. Hon.

FLORIDA.
Andrews, Miss Callista, Lake Alfred. Assoc.
Baynard, O. E., Clearwater. Act.
Nehrling, Prof. H., Palm Cottage, Gotha. Hon.

GEORGIA.
Erickson, W. J., 208 W. 40th St., Savannah. Assoc.

IDAHO.
Winslow, A. N., Moscow.

oi ILLINOIS.
Abbott, Gerard Alan, 853 E. 66th St., Chicago. Act.
Armstrong, Edward H., 2148 N. Sawyer Ave., Chicago. Act.
Barnes, Hon. R. M., Lacon. Act.
Buchner, Mrs. EH. M., Chicago. Act.
Coffin, Percival Brooks, 3252 Groveland Ave., Chicago. Act.
Craigmille, Miss Hsther A., 24 8S. Grant St., Hinsdale. Act.
Davidson, Mrs. F. S., 1302 W. S. Grand Ave., Springfield. Assoc.
Deane, Ruthven, 112 W. Adams St., Chicago. Act.
Dodson, Joseph H., 189 Madison St., Chicago. Assoc.
Wifrig, Prof. C. W. G., Concordia College, Oak Park. Act.
Ekblaw, Geo. S., R. F. D. No. 23, Rantoul. Assoc.
Hkblaw, W. Elmer, 809 W. Main St., Champaign. Act.
Ford, Edward R., 537 S. Dearborn St., Chicago. Act.
Gault, Benj. T., Glenn Ellyn. Act.
Hamilton, Dr. B. A., Highland Park.
Hankinson, Thos. Leroy, Charleston. Act.
Hess, Isaac E., Philo. Act.
Hunt, Cresswell, Jr., 740 S. Cuyler Ave., Oak Park. Act.
Jesse, Dr. R. L., Philo. Act.
Kahmann, F. W., 2457 Lincoln Ave., Chicago. Act.
Lincoln School, 2324 Larrabee St., Chicago. Assoc.
Mitchell, Catherine Adams, Riverside. Assoc.
Ohlendorf, Dr. W. C., 1922 Blue Island Ave., Chicago.
Osgood, Prof. Wilfred H., Field Museum Nat. Hist., Chicago. Act.
Raymond, Mrs. C. E., 21 3d St., Hinsdale. Assoc.
Richards, Chas. C., 6549 Minerva Ave., Chicago. Act.
Sammons, B. C., 461 Maple Ave., Blue Island. Assoc.
Sanborn, Collin C., 224 East Park Ave., Highland Park. Act.
Schantz, Orpheus M., 5215 W. 24th St., Cicero. Act.
Schantz, Mrs. O. M., 5215 W. 24th St., Cicero. Act.
Schafer, J. J., R. F. D. No. 1, Port Byron. Assoc.
Smith, Jesse Lowe, Highland Park.
Smith, Prof. Frank Smith, Univ. of Ill, Urbana. Act.
Sparks, Miss Marion, 1205 Springfield Ave., Urbana. Assoc.
Stevenson, A. L., 2324 Larrabee St., Chicago. Act. ;

Visher, S. S., 64 Snell Hall, Univ. of Chicago, Chicago. Assoc.
Wheelock, Mrs. Irene G., 1040 Hinman Ave., Evanston. Act. Sust.
Wilson, Burtis. H., 217 Safety Bldg., Rock Island. Act.

Wing, DeWitt C., 5401 Dorchester Ave., Chicago. Assoc.
Woodruff, Frank C., Acad. of Sciences, Lincoln Park, Chicago. Act.

INDIANA,

Butler, Amos W., 93 State House, Indianapolis. Act.
Chambers, Mrs. Stella, Marco, Greene Co. Assoc.

Norris, Roy C., 725 N. 10th St., Richmond. Act.

Stockbridge, Chas. A., 2323 Webster St., Fort Wayne. Assoc.

IOWA.

Abel, Arthur R., 1301 Newton Ave., Sioux City. Act.

Allen, A. F., 2224 Pearl St., Sioux City. Assoc.

Anderson, A. J., 1822 W. Palmer Ave., Sioux City. Assoc.
Bailey, Dr. B. H., Coe College, Cedar Rapids. Act.

Baird, Miss Alice A., 508 E. State St., Marshalltown. Assoc.
Bennett, Rev. Geo., Iowa City. Assoc.

Bennett, Walter W., 1826 Rebecca St., Sioux City. Assoc.
Bigglestone, Harry C., Laurens. Act.

Carter, Chas., Prof., Parsons College, Fairfield. Act.
Chipperfield, Paul C., 1822 8. Newton St., Sioux City. Assoc.
Cooper, D. C., 3815 8d Ave., Sioux City. Assoc.

Denny, Milo B., Cedar Rapids.

Dill, Prof. Homer R., Room 10, New Science Bldg., Iowa City. Act.
Fields, E. A., 2111 Douglas. St., Sioux City. Act.

Gabrielson, Ira N., High School, Marshalltown. Act.
Gabrielson, Rush, 1204 S. Newton St., Sioux City. Assoc.
Giehm, Helen, 3515 Sixth Ave., Sioux City. Assoc.

Hackett, Noel L., Onawa. Assoc.

Hartray, Mrs. J. W., 1602 Douglas St., Sioux City. Assoc.
Hatch, Miss Mary H.. McGregor. Assoc.

Hayden, F. J., 1212 Douglas St., Sioux City. Assoc.
Hayward, W. J., 2919. Jackson St., Sioux City. Act.

Heddon, Rey. R. G., Jewell. Assoc.

Himmell, W. J., High School, Ida Grove. Assoc.

Hood, Miss Adah, 1002 Ninth St., Sioux City. Assoc.

Jarvis, Raymond, 112 N. 4th St., Marshalltown. Assoc.

Johns, H. A., 1904 Court St., Sioux City. Act.

Johns, E. W., Kingsley. Act.

Kempkes, Jay A., Pella. Act.

Kimberly, Miss Anna Maud, care Public Lib., Marshalltown. Assoc.
IKXinsley, Miss Harriet, McGregor. Assoc.

Lazell, Mrs. Anna B., 1557 Washington Ave., Cedar Rapids.
Lazelle, Fred J., 1557 Washington Ave., Cedar Rapids.
Loughlin, Miss Rosemary, 816 W. Cherry St., Cherokee. Assoc.

Manley, Mrs. W. P., 1101 Jones St., Sioux City. Assoc.
Messenger, G. H., Linden. Act.

Mills, Weir R., Pierson. Assoc.

Morgan, Miss Kathryn L., 303 E. State St., Marshalltown. Assoc.
O1r, Ellison, Waukon. Act.

Pellett, Frank C., Atlantic. Act.

Perkins, Lucius M., 212 University Ave., Shenandoah. Assoc.
Ridgway, Miss Joy, Plymouth. Assoc.

Schatz, A. H., Merril. Assoc.

Seelover, Miss Louise, Sioux City. Assoc.

Sherman, Miss Althea R., R. F. D. No. 2, McGregor. Act.
Smith, Arthur H., Little Rock. Act.

Spurrel, John A., Wall Lake. Assoc.

Stephens, T. C., Morningside College, Sioux City. Act.
VanderVeen, Francis, Somers. Assoc.

Whitney, Thos. D., Atlantic. Act.

Wilson, Max J., Sigma Nu House, Iowa City. Assoc.

IXKANSAS.
Jeffs, R. E., 603 S. Fern Ave., Witchita. Assoc.
Keezel, Mrs. Clara Cozad, Garnett. Assoc.
Love, Guy, Oberlin. Assoc.
Mitchell, Dr. Walton I., 60 Beacon Bldg., Witchita. Act.
Peabody, Rev. P. B., Blue Rapids. © Act.
Stephens, EH. G., 950 State Ave., Kansas City. Assoc.
Sweeney, J. A., care Forest Service, Gardén City. Act.

LOUISIANA.
Guion, George Seth, Napoleonville. Act.

MAINE.
Stanwood, Cordelia J., Hlisworth. Act.

MASSACHUSETTS.
Allen, Dr. Glover M., 16 Louisburg Sq., Boston. Act.
Baker, John H., 7 Holyoke Pl, Cambridge. Assoc. —
Bent, Arthur C., Taunton. Act. 2
Brewster, William, 145 Brattle St., Cambridge. Act.
Chamberlain, C. W., 36 Lincoln St., Boston. Assoc.
Deane, Walter, 29 Brewster St., Cambridge. Act.
Durfee, Owen, Box 125, Fall River. Act.
Field, Irving A., Clark College, Worcester. Assoc.
Jenney, C. F., Court House, Boston. Assoc.
MckKechnie, Frederick B., Ponkapog. Deceased.
Osborne, Arthur A., 58 Washington St., Peabody. Assoc.
Thayer,.Hon. John E., Box 98, Lancaster. Act.
Trowbridge, Chas., Framingham, Station A.
Tyler, Dr. Windsor M., 522 Massachusetts Ave., Lexington. Act.

Winslow, A. M., 3 Lyford St., Worcester.
Wright, Horace W., 107 Pinckney St., Boston. Assoc.
Ballard, Prof. H. H., Pittsfield. Hon.

MICHIGAN.
Barrows, Prof. Walter B., Agricultural College, East Lansing. Act.
Blain, Dr. Alex. W., Jr., 1105 Jefferson Ave., Detroit. Act.
Eddy, N. A., Craps Bldg., Bay City. Assoc.
King, Helen B., 616 S. Weadock Ave., Saginaw. Assoc.
Mershon, Wm. B., Saginaw. Act.
Newcomb, ©. A., Jr., Newcomb, Endicott Co., Woodward Ave., De-
troit. Assoc.
Stuart, F. A., Marshall. Assoc.
Tinker, A. D., 342 S. State St., Ann Arbor. Act.
White, W. F., Jr., care Mich. Limestone & Chem. Co., Rogers.
Wood, J. Claire, 179 17th St., Detroit. Act.
Wood, Norman A., 1216 S. University Ave., Ann Arbor. Act.
Wright, Miss H. H., 1637 Gratiot Ave., Saginaw Ave., W. S. Assoc.

MINNESOTA.
Bailey, Bernard, R. F. D. No. 1, Elk River. Act.
Bond, Harry L., Lakefield. Assoc.

Kretzmann, Prof. P. E., 1280 St. Anthony Ave., St. Paul. Act.
toberts, Dr. Thos. S., 1603 4th Ave., Minneapolis. Act.

MISSISSIPPI.

Strong, Dr. Reuben M., Univ. of Miss., University. Act.

MISSOURI.
Warris, Harry, 901 Armour Boul., Kansas City. Act.
Hoffman, Ralph, 11 W. Concord Ave. Kansas City. Act.
McNeil, Dr. Chas. A., Sedalia. Act.
Pardee, Gladys 8., Tarkio. Assoc.
Widmann, O., 5105 Morgan St., St. Louis. Honorary.
Wilson, Sidney S., German Ave. Bank Bldg., St. Joseph. Act.

NEBRASKA.
Dawson, Prof. R. W., 1105 N. 33d St., Lincoln. Act.
Stevens, Dr. J. F., Box 546, Lincoln. Assoc.
Swenk, Prof. Myron H., 3028 Starr St., Lincoln. Act.

NEW HAMPSHIRE.
Townsend, Rev. Manley B., Nashua. Act.

NEW JERSEY.

Curtis, Harold, 376 Summer Ave., Newark, N. J. Assoc.
Evans, William B., 205 E. Central Ave., Moorestown. Assoc.
Grant, W. W., Englewood.

Holmes, Mrs. Georgiana K., Summit. Act.

Howland, R. H., Upper Montclair. Act.

Kohler, Louis H., 98 Watressing Ave., Bloomfield. Assoc.
Potter, J. KX., 6th and Bailey Sts., Camden.

NEw YORK.
Abbott, Clinto G., 153 W. 73d St., New York. Act.
Adams, Mrs. John D., Bay Shore, Long Island. Assoc.
Braislin, Dr. Wm. C., 556 Washington Ave., Brooklyn. Act.
Burteh, Verdi, Branchport. Act.
Chapman, Frank M., Amer. Mus. Nat. Hist., New York. Act.
Childs, John Lewis, Floral Park. Act.
Crosby, Maunsell, Grasmere, Rhinebeck. Act.
Dwight, Dr. Jonathan, Jr., 134 W. 7ist St., New York. Act.
Hastman, Francis B., Plattsburg Barracks. Act.
Fisher, Prof. G. Clyde, Amer. Mus. Nat. Hist., New York. Act.
Fuertes, Louis Agassiz, Cornell Heights, Ithaca’ Act.
Hall, F. H., Geneva. Act.
Hix, Geo. E., 114 W. 90th St., New York. Act.
Hoag, Benj., Stephantown. Assoc.
Johnson, Frank Hdgar, 16 Amackassin Terrace, Yonkers. Assoc.
Keeler, S. L., Box 473, Scarsdale. Assoc.
Kuser, John Dryden, 908 5th Ave., New York. Act.
McCreary, Otto, Agricultural Exp. Station, Geneva. Assoc.
Phillip, P. B., St. Paul Bldg., 220 Broadway, New York. Assoc.
Rogers, Chas. H., 5 W. 82d St., P. O., S. W., New York. Act.
Van Wagner, Millard, Saltpoint, R. F. D. Act.

NorTH CAROLINA.
Metcalf, Prof. Zeno P., A. and M. College, Raleigh. Act.

NORTH DAKOTA.

Danforth, Stuart L., East Joffrey. Assoc.
Ford, Rev. Eugene C., 1017 Seventh St. North, Fargo. Assoc.
Larson, Adrin, Keene. Act.

OHIo.

Baird, Robt. L., Troy. Act.
Bales, Dr. B. R., Circleville. Act.
Beardsley, R. W., North Wood St., Loudonville.
Brandt, H. W., care The Brandt Co., Sheriff St. Market, Cleve-

land. Assoe.
Brown, Harry W., Glendale.
Burton, Rev. William Wallace, Alliance. Assoc.
Cook, Orange, Chardon. Assoc.
Doolittle, H. A., Box 444, Painesville. Assoc.
Kdgerton, Miss Alice, Columbian. Assoc.

Floyd, Joseph L., 508 "New Harter Bank Bldg., Canton.

Ford, F. E., Chardon. Assoc.

Fordyce, Geo. L., 40 Lincoln Ave., Youngstown. Act.

Giddings, L. A., 370 Howell Ave., Cincinnati. Assoc.

Goodrich, Calvin, 2421 Glenwood Ave., Toledo. Assoc.

Henderson, H. N., Wilmington.

Henninger, Rey. W. F., New Bremen. Act.

Hine, Prof. James S., Ohio State Univ., Columbus. Act.

Hopkins, A. W., M.D., 47 McGovern Ave., Ashtabula. Assoc.

Jones, Dr. Howard, Circleville. Act.

Jones, Dr. Lynds, Spear Laboratory, Oberlin. Act.

Ikean, Miss Laura, Stockport. Assoc.

Kellogg, H. W., 39 Jefferson Ave., Columbus. Assoc.

Kent State Normal School, Kent. Assoc.

Kimes, Edward D., 811 High Ave., S. W., Canton. Assoc.

King, Rev. J. W., 411 Dueper Ave., Canton.

McConnell, Harry B., Cadiz. Act.

Mills, Prof. Wm. C., Ohio State Univ., Columbus. Act.

Morris, C. H., McConnelsville. Act.

Morse, Harry G., Huron. Act.

Ohio State Archzeological and Historical Society, 15th and High,
Columbus.

Phelps, Frank M., Elyria. Act.

Roads, Miss Katie M., 463 Vine St., Hillsboro. Assoc.

Roper, Kenyon, 509 N. 4th St., Steubenville, Assoc.

Scott, Mrs. R. T., 603 N. 7th St., Cambridge. Assoc.

Shankland, F. N., Willoughby. Assoc.

Showalter, Ben R., 88 Victor Ave., Dayton. Act.

Sorver, Rex A., R. F. D. No. 3, Sidney. Assoc.

Warner, Willis H., R. F. D. No 2, Canfield. Assoc.

Wilson, Herrick C., Oberlin.

Wilson, Mrs. Julia W., Oberlin.

Young, John P., 1510 5th Ave., Youngstown. Act.

OREGON.
Walker, Alex., Mulino. Act.

PENNSYLVANIA.
Ball, Dr. J. P., 4445 Frankford Ave., Philadelphia. Act.
Benners, Archie, Ambler. Act.
Benners, G. B., Ambler. Act.
Burleigh, Thos. D., 825 N. Negley Ave., Pittsburgh. Assoc.
3urns, Frank L., Berwyn, Pa. Act.
Dickey, Samuel S.. 31 South West St., Waynesburg. Assoc.
Fisher, Miss E. W., 2222 Spruce St., Philadelphia. Act.
Hamilton, Earle, 400 Walnut St., Versailles, via McKeesport. Assoc.
Honywill, Albert W., 522 Holnhes St., Wilkinsburg. Assoc.

Jackson, Thomas H., 304 N. Franklin St., Westchester. Act.
Jacobs, J. Warren, Waynesburg. Act.

Keim, Dr. Thos. D., 405 Radcliffe St., Bristol.

Mercur, J. Watts, Jr., Wallingford. Act.

Miller, Richard F., 2069 HE. Tioga St., Philadelphia. Act.
Norris, Joseph Parker, Jr., 2122 Pine St., Philadelphia. Act.
Reed, Alex., 123 East Maiden St., Washington. Assoc.
Sharpless, Robert P., Westchester. Act.

Thomas, W. F., 316 Frick Bldg., Pittsburgh. Act.

Todd, W. E. Clyde, Carnegie Museum, Pittsburgh. Act.

PHILIPPINE ISLANDS.
McGregor, Richard C., Bureau of Science, Manila. Act.

RHODE ISLAND.

Flanagan, John H., 89 Power St., Providence. Act.
Hathaway, Harry S., Box 1466, Providence. Act.
Walter, Dr. Herbert E., Brown Univ., Providence. Act.

SoutH DAKOTA.
Mallory, W. B., Lennox, S. D. Assoc.
Wickens, G. Hrnest, Avon. Assoc.
TENNESSEE.

Gray, D. R., Rockdale, Maury Co. Assoc.

TEXAS.
Pope, EH. T., Colmesneil.
Shearer, Dr. A. R., Mont Belvieu, Chambers Co. Act.
Simmons, G. Finley, 622 First Nat. Bank Bldg., Houston. Act.

UTAH.
Goodwin, Rev. S. H., Provo. Assoc.
Treganza, A. O., U. S. and T. Bldg., Salt Lake City. Assoc.
VIRGINIA.
Bailey, H. B., Newport News. Act.
Bailey, H. H., Newport News. Act.
WASHINGTON.
Skinner, H. H., 234 Mitchell Bldg., N. Yakima. Act.
Rathbun, S. F., 217 14th Ave., N. Seattle. Act.
WEST VIRGINIA.
Price, Ligon, R. F. D. No. 1, Box 44, Dunmore.
WISCONSIN.

Cahn, A. R., Dept. Zoology, Univ. of Wisconsin, Madison. Act.
Cleasby, EH. A., Portage. Act.

Glenn, Elma G., Wyalusing. Assoc.

Malin, Mrs. Joda, Wyalusing. Assoc.

Simpson, Mrs. Mark L., 1340 Grand Ave., Milwaukee. Assoc.
Snyder, Will Edwin, 309 De Clark St., Beaver Dam. Assoc.
Wagner, Prof. Geo., 78 Biol Bldg, Madison. Act.

Wilcox, H. B., R. EF. D. No. 1, Box 10A, North Racine.

The considerable time which has elapsed since the last pubiished
list of members makes it necessary to first issue this provisional list
in order that it may be examined by every member for the purpose
of having all mistakes in spelling and addresses corrected. Will
you not aid the officers in their task of making an accurate mem-
bership roll by notifying President T. C. Stephens of any errors
which you may detect?

A provision of our Constitution makes it optional with every mem-
ber whether he will be an Active or an Associate member. Please
indicate your preference in this matter to President Stephens.

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CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS OF THE WILSON
ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB

ARTICLE I.

Name and Object.
SecTIoN 1. This organization shall be known as The Wilson Orni-
thological Club.

Section 2. The object of this Club shall be the promotion of Orni-
thology, especially in Middle North America.

ARTICLE I].
Membership.
SECTION 1. The membership shall consist of Active, Associate and

Honorary Members. Only Active members may vote or hold
an elective office.

SEcTION 2. Hlection of Members.

Clause A. Nominations for membership must be made through
the Secretary.

Clause B. Members may be admitted at the annual meeting by
a majority vote of the Active members present.

Clause C. Recommendations for Honorary Membership may be
made only by Active members, and they must be accompanied
by statements concerning the eligibility of the person rec
ommended.

Clause D. Any member may become a Sustaining member by
making an annual payment of five dollars.

SECTION 3. Annual Dues.

Clause A. The annual dues of Active members shall be two dol-
lars, of Associate members one dollar. All dues shall be
payable in advance during the month of January.

Clause B. One dollar of membership dues shall be applied to
subseription to the Wilson Bulletin.

SecTion 4. Any member in arrears for dues one year may be
dropped from the roll of members at any meeting, by a major-
ity vote of the Active members present.

ARTICLE III.

Officers.

Section 1. The officers shall be a President, a Vice-President, 2
Secretary, and a Treasurer. Officers shall hold office for one
year, or until their successors are elected. These officers shali
constitute a Council. Their terms of office shall begin at the
close of the meeting at which they are elected.

Section 2. Duties of Officers.

Clause A. The President shall preside at all meetings, appoint
such committees as are not otherwise designated, and have
general oversight and direction of the officers and business
of the organization.

Clause B. In the absence or disability of the President the Vice-
President shall act in his stead.

Clause C. The Secretary shall keep a record of the proceedings,
keep a file of the members, conduct the official correspondence,
and send out notices under the direction of the President.

Clause D. The Treasurer shall collect and disburse the funds
of the Club as directed by the Council, and notify the mem-
bers in regard to dues.

SECTION 3. Officers shall be elected at the annual meeting by a
majority vote of the Active members present.

SECTION 4. Vacancies in the board of officers, occurring by death,
resignation, or otherwise, may be filled by appointment of the
Council, but the person so appointed shall hold office only until
the close of the next meeting of the Club.

ARTICLE LY.

Meetings.

Section 1. An Annual Meeting shall be held at a time and place
to be determined by the Council.

SecTION 2. Nine Active members shall constitute a quorum.

SECTION 5. This organization shall be governed by ‘‘ Roberts Rules
of Order.”

Section 4. Special meetings may be called by a majority of the
Council, or by not less than 25 Active members.

ARTICLE V.

Accounts.

A committee of two shall be appointed at each annual Meeting

whose duty it shall be to audit the accounts of the Treas-
urer for the year closing with that meeting.

ARTICLE VI.

By-Laws.
Secrion 1. By-laws recommended by the Council or by at least
three Active members may be adopted at dny meeting by a
majority vote of the Active members present.

Section 2. By-laws may be repealed at any meeting, upon recom-
mendation of the Council, or of at least three Active members,
by a majority vote of the Active members present.

ARTICLE VII.

Amendments.

Amendments to the Constitution recommended by the Council, or
by at least three Active members, may be adopted at the next
annual meeting following the meeting at which they are offered
by an affirmative vote of two-thirds of the members present.

By-LAwSs.

1. The order of business shall be as follows:
Roll call of Active members.
Reading of minutes.

Reading of correspondence.
Appointment of Committees.
Reports of officers.

Hlection of members.

Old business.

New business.

Election of officers.
Reading of papers.

to

The following committees shall be appointed at the annual
meeting :

(1) a committee of three on nominations;

(2) a committee of three on resolutions ;

(3) a program committee of which the Secretary shall be
chairman.

3. Any member three months in arrears for dues shall be ineligi-
ble to vote or to hold an elective office. :
The official organ of publication shall be The Wilson Bulletin.
5. An editor and a business manager for the official organ shall
be appointed by the Council. These shall be e#-officio mem-
bers of the Council.

Vol. XXVII. MARCH, 1915. No.1

THE

Wilson Bulletin

No. 90

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS

WILSON ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB

CONTENTS

June Birds of Laramie, Wyoming . W. F. HENNINGER 221
Birds By the Wayside . .o woo. ALTHEA RD SHERMAN s
Birds About a Country Home . |. ALICE EpGERaon 272
position and Incubation . . . . FRANK VE Boe Nisa
MEO TIA Soils ime stds, Aloe eS oer] all ae ae ani 287
ld Nates aan ar A Menta iay ES

THE WILSON BULLETIN

published on the fifteenth of March, June, September, and December, by
ine Wilson Ornithological Club at Chicago, Ill., edited by Lynds Jones,
Oberlin, Ohio.

Subscription: One Dollar a year, including postage, strictly in advance.
Single numbers, 30 cents, unless they are “‘ Special”” numbers, when a special
price is fixed. The BULLETIN, including all “ Special” numbers, is sent to all
paid up members, either Active or Associate, after their election, it being un-
derstood that one dollar out of the annual dues paid by members is for the
BULLETIN.

Subscriptions may be addressed to P. B. Coffin, 8232 Groveland Avenue,
Chicago, Ill.

Advertisements should be addressed to THrE WitLson BULLETIN, 943 Mar-
quette Bldg., Chicago, Ill. Terms will made known upon application.

All articles and communications intended for publication, and all publica-
tions and books for review, should be addressed to Lynds Jones, Oberlin, Ohio.

Articles of general interest relating to bird life are solicited. They snould
be in the hands of the editor not later than the fifteenth of the month pre-
ceding publication.

Authors of articles, other than “Field Notes,” or short items of a gen-
eral nature, will receive 25 bound reprints free of charge. Additional hound
reprints of articles comprising 16 pages or less may be had at the following
rates: 25 additional copies, $1.50; 50 additional copies, $2.00; 75 additionai
copies, $2.50.

Entered as Second Class Matter, May 21, 1914, at the Postofiice at Chicago, I1L.,
under the Act of March 3, 1879.

THE
PWiheESON BULLETIN

NO. 90.
A QUARTERLY JOURNAL OF ORNITHOLOGY
VOL. XXVII MARCH, 1915. NO. |

OLD SERIES VOL. XXVIJ. NEW SERIES VOL. XXII

JUNE BIRDS OF LARAMIE, WYOMING.

(THE STORY OF A VACATION TRIP.)
BY W. F. HENNINGER

My long desired vacation had come. For some time I had
been looking for a new ornithological field, for one tires of
sameness, besides I wished to study some species in nature
in order to be able to describe them accurately in my work.
So I had finally concluded to go to Wyoming and try my
luck there. A careful perusal of Professors Knight’s “ Birds
of Wyoming” convinced me that some work might be done
there and some new observations might be made. May 26
found me on the train to Chicago where I spent a few de-
lightful hours with my friend Eifrig and the next day I was
speeding across the piains of Illinois, lowa, and Nebraska.

As the train left North Platte on the morning of the 28th
and stopped at some smaller stations 1 saw the Western
Meadowlark and heard for the first time its beautiful liquid
nore Nlons the Platte river was a ‘Great’ Blue Heron, a
flock of wild ducks and a few Sandpipers, which I could not
identify. Cheyenne was reached at 3 p. m., but it was on a
lateqavisit to, this, place on June ith that) 1 cou:d see the
Bronzed Grackle and the Red-headed Woodpecker of true
Eastern species. The real climb towards the divide then

BB)

222 THE WILSON BULLETIN — No. 90

began and up on the crest, at Sherman, at the height of 2700
metres, [ saw on a mountain meadow, through which a little
brook .gushed down the valley, the first Brewer’s Blackbirds
preening their glossy blue-black plumage in the sun. Close
to the track were many gophers, prairie dogs and, as luck
favored me, not more than 10 metres away sat a Burrowing
Owl and looked undisturbed at the long overland train. And
then we swung around a sharp curve to begin the descent in-
to the Laramie Plains, 190 kilometres long, an almost perfect
oval of dusty, dark green, rolling prairie, with a broad silvery
band, the Laramie River meandering through its center. To
the east rose the long sloping barren Laramie Mountains at
the end of which in the hazy distance 96 kilometres away
there stood the Laramie Peak 3650 metres high, while to the
West a gloomy and dark wall of mountains, overtopped by
a number of shining white crags and shimmering icy peaks,
gilded by the sun’s fiery rays seemed in their sublime and co-
lossal majesty to forbid all attempts of frail man to conquer
thens.

And the train sped on. Back of us, to the South, Colo-
rado’s icekings formed a perfect barrier. Distance immense
and endless before us to the North as the boundless prairie
met our eyes. Down shot the train at terrific speed, then a
squeaking of wheels, a hissing of airbrakes and slowly we
rolled into the typical western town of Laramie. There my
friend, Rev. O. Wichmann, who with his two sons Arthur
and Gerhold helped me in many ways during my stay, met
ime and conducted me to my headquarters. On the way
through town I was everywhere greeted by the merry twitter-
ing of the House Finches in their beautiful rose-colored
garb, reminding me of the European Chaffinch, but alas! in
the dusty street fighting and chirping, that miserable ruffian,
the English Sparrow, who had come to stay.

In spite of the long and tiresome trip the cool mountain
air and the glorious sun chased me out of bed rather early on
the next morning and after the unpacking of my outfit I
sauntered along some of the streets with their cotton-wood

HENNINGER — JUNE Birps oF LARAMIE 220

trees, their sand and their general unfinished appearance.
iiouse Finches everywhere and I stood and watched them for
hours. In the City Park a block away a Western Meadow-
lark was pouring forth its melody towards the sun's golden
orb. A walk of two minutes and I was on the open pra’rie,
gophers whisked away and running on the ground between
their burrows, Desert Horned Larks. Slowly I wandered
to the Union Pacific Ice Plant with its Reservoir and to the
Laramie River. The unusually early spring had caused the
waters to rise and the whole valley was overflowed. Desert
Horned Larks and Meadowlarks seemed to be found on all
sides and among them I saw my first McCowns Longspurs.
A few steps farther and I ran on to a pair of the beautiful

Nests of Cliff Swallow.
Laramie, Wyo., June 13, 1914.

Lark Buntings, a bird that is rather rare in this whole region
west of the border chain of the Rockies. Now a new sight
attracted my attention. Over the river a cloud of small
birds was hovering and I hastened over there almost running

224 THE WILSON BULLETIN — No. 90- €

over a prairiedog, who slunk barking angrily away into his
hole. The cloud swooped to my head and with perfect ease
I could make out that it was Violet-green Swallows. New
species on every side and [ was hardly through making a
good study of one, then another one would loom up and
seemed to make the request to be studied and identified. At
last I spied some old acquaintances: several Killdeer, one
Greater Yeliow-legs standing on guard like a German sen-
tinel and another enormous flock of swallows alighting to
gather up mud—Eave Swallows. Altogether I never did see
as many swallows in all my life as I saw here in Laramie in
four weeks. Finally I strolied’ towards my headquarters and
there on a telephone post, warbling sweetly, though not very
loudly, sat a Mountain Bluebird. I stood in perfect amaze-
ment. I looked again but across the street sat two more and
farther on was another one warbling, and then I wondered
what had induced my dear old friznd Dawson to write in his
‘ Birds of Washington” the entire song tradition of the
Mountain Bluebird, including the “ delightful warble” of
Townsend appears to be quite without foundation etc.” 1
sat down on a somewhat dilapidated lumber pile. I was go-
ing to watch those Bluebirds very closely. Altogether I
watched three pairs of them and there was certainly a sweet
delightful warble coming from those throats. So after all
Townsend was right and Dawson is wrong. And I may
add that I watched Bluebirds in Laramie every day during
my stay and in Rey. Wichmann’s yard where they built their
nest the male would sing on top of the nesting box and warble
often for 15 minutes at a time. Yes indeed the Mountain

luebird has a delightful warbie, although it does not quite
come up to that of our eastern Bluebird in power and sweet-
ness. At last I got back to the house and here in the yard
was a White-throated and two White-crowned Sparrows but
of course I could not make out whether it was leucophrys
proper or the subspecies. Another short stroll added the
Western Chipping and the Clay-colored Sparrows to my list
of birds observed.

HENNINGER — JUNE Birps oF LARAMIE 225

The town of Laramie itself furnished quite a number of
species not found on the prairie or in the mountains. The
first day I saw my only pair of Bullock’s Orioles right in the
cotton-wood trees and after that although I searched for
them carefully I never saw them again. In town tco was the
only place I saw the Broad-tailed Hummer in the gardens
among the flowers, the Hammond and the Alder Flycatcher,
the Western Goldfinch, the Batchelder’s Woodpecker and
others.

May 30th found us on the road towards the Laramie
Mountains. This was the warmest day I experienced, the

Nest and eggs of Wilson’s Phalarope.
Carroll Lakes, Wvo., June 12, 1914.

thermometer showing 82 degrees in the shade and the natives
sweltered, while I of course thought it delightfully cool. At
first we had two miles of gophers and prairiedogs with one
Burrowing Owl, one Sparrow Hawk and innumerable
Mourning Doves till we got to the City Springs. Here we
ran on to a colony of Bank Swallows, a flock of Brewers
Blackbirds, a Kingbird and a fine specimen of the Arkansas
Kingbird. Just beyond the City Springs the bare rock stuck
out and ran for about six miles in a kind of a barren plateau.

226 THE WILSON BULLETIN — No. 90

The solid rock was varied only by greasewood and cactus,
with which I got a somewhat painful acquaintance at first,
growing out of the crevices. To the right of us ran a long
canyon, the sides of which were densely covered with grease-
wood and here I recognized at once the song of the Western
Vesper Sparrow by its similarity to that of the eastern variety
which exceeds it in sweetness: In between there arose a
stronger, more trilling song and soon I noticed the performer,
but he was exceedingly difficult to get at and identified it as
a Brewer’s Sparrow. Once known it is not quickly forgotten.
We wandered on, the shrubs grew denser, great beds of
flowers with the most intense and glowing colors, dark in-
digo blue, yellow, scarlet, red and white, in such exquisite
purity as I had never seen them before, shone in the bright
sunlight, and all of a sudden there burst forth from the
dreary greasewood a song of great power and glory. [I list-
ened attentively. Surely they were Thrasher notes and at

last I caught sight of the songster

a fine Sage Thrasher.
I had read much about the vocal powers of this bird and he
certainly is a fine songster. Still I would not place his best
performance above that of a good Catbird. On the other
hand in that sterile waste in which he lives he helps to put
life, beauty and melody into a wilderness and that may have
helped to extol his,vocal powers somewhat above the stand-
ard which they really attain. But after all we should be
thankful that he has been placed in these desolate places.
And again there was a change in the landscape. There
was a peculiar odor in the air, great beds of sage appeared
now and from the midst of it there came still another song
not as powerful as that of the Sage Thrasher, but stronger
and more heautiful than that of the Brewer’s Sparrow.
Everywhere in this region it was tinkling in the air and cou-
pled with that of the Thrasher and the Brewer’s Sparrow I
had quite a concert. Their plain gray garb made identifica-
tion ‘easy and I had great delight in watching these Sage
Sparrows. In all my travels through the Sage brush how-
ever I was unlucky in not finding that bird otherwise so com-

MENNINGER — JUNE Brirps oF LARAMIE R270

mon in Wyoming, the Sage Grouse, just as I missed the Blue
Grouse of the Mountains.

Now the ground began to rise and the traveling became
more laborious. As the echo of one of my shots rolled along
the canyon a great Horned Owl flew out of a Juniper-tree
up to the next canyon. Then came the first pines, one of
them showing three holes, one occupied by a Sparrow Hawk,
one by a Red-shafted Flicker and one by a swarm of bumble-
bees. Here we rested for a while, examined the nest of a
Mourning Dove in the crevice of a rock down so. deep that
no prowling coyote could ever reach it, and saw two ma-
jestic birds come sailing over the crest of the nearest canyon,
one of them alighting in a tree and enabling us to see that it
was that glorious bird, the Ferruginous Rough-leg, a pair of
which had their nest at the chimney rocks near the Colorado
boundary 32 kilometres away. The canyon showed some
steep sides farther up and in going down one of these we
noticed that the Western Robins were to be found even up
here 3000 metres high. On a dry limb overhanging a deep
gorge sat a Townsend Solitaire unfortunately absolutely si-
lent and although I had hoped to hear the song of this bird
I was disappointed. Loudly scolding against my intrusion
was a Rock Wren and from under my feet there slipped out
the beautiful Green-tailed Towhee. While still watching him,
right above me I heard the well known quavering note of the
* Warbling Vireo and in the pines at my side Audubon’s War-
blers flitted back and forth, Mountain Chickadees and Red-
breasted Nuthatches were climbing and hopping from limb
to limb. Quite a long time we whiled away here and studied
these interesting forms of bird life.

Then came the descent, I not wishing to climb to the top
at this time. Overhead sailed a Turkey Vulture and at some
water hole on the plateau I shot a lone Mountain Plover, the
only one I saw during my stay and I had been induced to be-
ieve through Knight’s book that they were common all over
the Laramie Plains. Tired from this tramp of some 48 kilo-

228 THE WILSON BULLETIN — No. 90

metres up and down the mountain sides we reached home
without any further interesting observations.

Sunday I enjoyed an automobile trip to the State Fish
Hatchery and of course was not surprised to find a Kingfisher
there watching the brook trout with a covetous eye. Monday
in a drizzling rain I concluded to try some of the swampy
places almost within the city limits. Ringbilled Gulls, Mal-
lards and an occasional Crow were flying over the river and
at the first small pond I saw a fine female of the Wilson’s
Phalarope standing with head erect displaying its beautiful
colors. A little farther on among a number of Red-winged

Nest of Yellow-headed Blackbird.
Laramie, Wyo., June 6, 1914.

Blackbirds two more showed up, a pair, and then the air
seemed to be alive with them. ‘‘ Most exasperating fowl”
Dawson calls them and to be sure they were. They came and
they went, sometimes silently, sometimes with a melodious
flute-like note. Now they were swimming gracefully, now
gathering food with a continuous nodding of the head, again
stalking along the shore eyeing everything with suspicion and
then disappearing. I watched them for hours. When all
had disappeared I walked ahead and here they were again

HENNINGER — JUNE Birps OF LARAMIE 229

circling around me reminding me in their flight sometimes of
the Woodcock and then again of the Teal. Truly their nest
was there somewhere in this swampy overflowed tract of
several hundred acres but it was futile to attempt to find it.
Besides had not Milton S. Rav hunted for years before he
found the nest, and had not Dawson despaired of ever finding
it? Why should I be more fortunate?

The next few days I spent in preparing specimens, for the
State Superintendent of Public Instruction, Miss Rose Bird
Maley, had graciously granted me a permit for scientific col-
lecting. -And then I had to visit the Museum of the Wy-
oming University and there I surely met Wyoming’s grand

Nest and eggs of Yellow-headed Blackbird.
Laramie, Wyo., June 6, 1914.

old man in the person of Professor W. H. Reed, congenial
and courteous in every way. It was a pleasure to listen to
his stories of his participation in all of the Indian wars in this
western region, or of his success in finding fossils and, sur-
rounded by the monstrous Dinosaurs, to hear how he found
the prehistoric Camel not larger than a Dachshund, how he
discovered the only three heads of the Triceratops, the credit
for which he never got in the works of those who used his

230 THE WILSON BULLETIN — No. 90

material. And how he does know the Mammals and Birds,
the Insects and other animals of this region! Truly it was a
revelation within itself to listen to this man and many thanks
do I owe him for directing me and helping me in my work
while out there. The University of Wyoming owes much to
him indeed!

June 4th and the 6th found me out on the open prairie with
Rev. Wichmann on a trip to Howell’s Lakes. As we were
driving over the barren waste to the northwest, flocks of Wil-
son’s Phalaropes whirled over us from one side of the road
to the other, and jackrabbits scampered along in unnecessary
haste. All of a sudden from across the river there came a
piercing scream and a powerful bird hurled itself into the air
from a wall of old battlements and weather-scarred rocks.
Straight at us he seemed to come with incredible swiftness.
Over our heads he went like a thunderbolt and perhaps 200
meters away a poor Meadowlark was picked up by him, then
a swoop upwards, another wild scream and like a meteor he
vanished About half an hour later and again the air was
rent with this cruel scream. It seemed to breathe the un-
bridled spirit of this wilderness, which has its charms after
all, and which all things here appear to be inspired with. It
is in the wild winds of these steppes, in the grand and jum-
bled rocks, in the indestructible mountain grass, in the intense
colors of the flowers, in the eagle’s lofty flight, in the Ante-
lope’s fleeting form, in the coyote’s doleful howl, in fact in
everything, but nothing expresses it better than the Prairie
Falcon’s riotous, unrestrained scream, the gleaming ferocity
of his eye and the unerring swoop of his mighty pinions.
That is the charm of this region; this spirit of freedom and
liberty. How ignoble a Swainson’s Hawk appeared sitting
on the earth mound of a Prairiedog, and yet we know how ©
much more useful this ignoble bird is than the Prairie Falcon,
that robber-knight in feathers!

At last we reached the Howell’s lakes. I walked around
two lakes, three lakes, four lakes and not a bird in sight,
nothing but sage and jackrabbits. Then we drove home and

-HENNINGER — JUNE Birps oF LARAMIE 231

I got out to explore a little swampy tract. Wilson’s Phala-
ropes galore and Red-winged Blackbirds with many nests.
All of a sudden back of me a loud “clock.” I swung around
and there sat a beautiful male Yellow-headed Blackbird. I
hastened to watch him and saw him disappear to the east
along the big irrigation ditch. Just when I was getting ready
to follow him Rev. Wichmann sang out: “ A Magpie’s nest”
and sure enough in a cottonwood tree was the big structure
with five young Magpies. What a time we had to photo-
graph those little black and white imps and how the old ones
came and protested against our actions till a well directed

“The little black and white imps.”
Young Magpies.

shot caused one to come slowly to the ground mourned by
some crows, who had a nest nearby with six young. And
then we went after the Yellow-headed Blackbirds down the
line. Two small waterpools with tules afforded us at least
30 nests with eggs and young and the usual noise. It was a
great opportunity to study the life of this species and you
can rest assured that I took advantage of it, altho in the ter-
rific wind that was blowing it was quite a task to get good
pictures. At last the sun went down and we returned home
well satisfied with the observations of the day.

3) THE WILSON BULLETIN — No. 90

The next few days I spent in some of the smaller canyons,
en the prairie and at Cheyenne on the east side of the Rockies.
But on June the 12th the early morning found us out again
tor a longer trip to the Carrol lakes and Bamforth’s lake.
Along the road the same scenes as before, jackrabbits, badg-
ers, prairtedogs, circling Phalaropes and on the telephone
poles the Western Red-tailed Hawks, both old and young,
absolutely fearless, watching for gophers and prairiedogs.
Up on a long ridge we were driving and down in a kettlehole
were two lakes and back of them, sloping down towards them
as far as the eye could reach, irrigated territory. Two Shov-
ellers went up before us, then a solitary Pintail and a pair of
Blue-winged Teals. We reached the first lake and right over
fhe landspit between the two lakes there came a beautiful
‘ong-legged bird and loud flutelike notes protested against
our intrusion. He settled at the water’s edge and I beheld
cne of the most beautiful and confiding water birds of the
West, an Avocet. We marched on and beheld a destruction
that was indeed sad, Killdeer’s eggs, duck eggs floating every-
where in the irrigated area, the nests washed away, hundreds
of Yellow-headed Blackbirds nests, many destroyed and
water-soaked. Then a call by my companion, Mr. Gerhold
Wichmann, “nest with ten eggs”! I hurried over to him
and sure enough there was the nest of a Yellow-headed Black-
bird with 4 eggs of the owner and 6 of the Cowbird. That
was quite a find and I collected the whole affair, but when
~I tried to save them at home I found it to be an impossibility
for they were all too heavily incubated. And now we began
to hunt for nests systematically, selecting a certain spot as
a center and going away from it in ever widening spirals.
We were coming close together when up went a Wilson's
Phalarope and at the same time we spied the nest with 4
eggs. What mattered it that a vicious thunder-shower had_
come over from the Sheep Mountains and) drenched us to the
skin, the glorious sun and the brisk wind would dry that
again. Here was a streak of luck and the pent up anticipa-
tion at last realized had to explode in a ery of exultant joy —

HENNINGER — JUNE Brrps oF LARAMIE 239

Mr. Wichmann said I yelled like an Arapahoe on the warpath.
but that is sheer calumny—! It took only a little time to cut
away the tules, to get the camera in position and I brought
away as perfect a picture as was ever taken of the nest and
eggs of this bird. What a triumph! Where even an ex-
pert like Dawson had failed, I a mere novice in this region,
had been successful! I was still patting myself in great con-
ceit when another winged form came across the horizon, ah!

Ground nest and eggs of Brewer’s Blackbird.
Carroll Lakes, Wyo., June 12, 1914.

my old friend from the Black Channel marshes of Sandusky,
the Black Tern, and then another. Well! Prof. Knight had
said that it was exceedingly rare in Wyoming as a migrant,
here it was present in the breeding season, twenty of them,
and a little later I found one of the eggs laid on a piece of
floating but compact cowdung, a new record fer the state of
Wyoming. We splashed on through the watery meadows.
Now a fine Cinnamon Teal attracted my attention, but here
luck failed us, for I could not find the nest. Pintails and
Shovellers were plentiful, but their nests were swamped.
At last among the willows we found a colony of Brewer's

234: THE WILSON BULLETIN — No. 90

Blackbirds nests and here | again succeeded in getting a
fine photo of a groundnest. ;

We returned to our wagon and on the way I observed a
Long-billed Curlew, the only one I saw during my stay. Prof.
Knight, in 1902, had written that they were common every-
where on the Lamarie Plains, but Prof. Reed told me that that
was true only at North Park and my observations proved that
he was right. But now my companions, who could beat me
in mountain climbing, were too tired from marsh wading to
try the large Bamforth’s lake. So I went down alone to
this alkali lake which was perhaps 300 meters below us. The
stiff breeze was lashing the dark waves and silvery white
caps rolled along the shore, but on top of these there rode
buoyantly a troop of at least 150 Eared Grebes, flapping their
wings or turning on their sides and flashing their shining
white breasts. Leaning on my faithful gun I looked at the
scene and my mind went back to the days of 1891 when in far
away Germany, when still in my teens, we could record for
the first time the breeding of this spec’es in the Prussian Ober
Lausitz. Where were my friends of those days? One of
them has turned a Dipterist, the other ones have abandoned
the study of Ornithology long ago and only one besides my-
self is still actively engaged in bird work. I roused myself
from my reveries and then my gun spoke, once, twice, enough
for all scientific purposes. At the west end of the lake were
the nests. but so far out that wading to them was out of the
question and as I had no boat I had to let them go. Plenty
of Avocets were flying about me and in the long grass farther
back I found the nest of the Western Savanna Sparrow with
two eggs but when I came back with my camera I could not
locate it and had to let it go. Then we drove home with
troops of McCowns Longspurs and Horned Larks circling
about us. In the last slanting rays of the sun the bright chest
patch of a large Swainson’s Hawk was glistening like burn-
ished gold, while in the distance three badgers were setting
forth on a forage expedition.

The next day we went to the 7 mile and to the 9 mile

HENNINGER — JUNE BirDsS OF LARAMIE 235

_lakes but they brought nothing of special interest. Here the
Avocets were ‘even more common than on the previous day
and hundreds of Killdeers took the place of the Phalaropes.
Down at the river we drove right under a large Red-tailed
Hawk and in a cottonwood grove where the mosquitos would
not permit us to stay, I gathered in a specimen of the
Wright’s Flycatcher, while a nearby tool shed harbored 450
nests of the Eave Swallows. I was getting ready for a trip
to the home of the White-tailed Ptarmigan when the dispatch
came that called me home. But one more trip’! had to take
to the mountains, on June 16th.

With the rising sun we were out and soon the same birds
were met as on all the previous trips. The notes of the Poor-
will and the little Rocky Mountain Screech Owl heard the
evening before were encouraging signs of good luck and
harely had we reached the rocky mesa and I had shot a fat
young jackrabbit when we were surrounded by a number of
Western Nighthawks. From the canyons on all sides came
the plaintive note of Say’s Phoebe, the shriek of the Arkansas
Vlycatcher, the splendid song of the Sage Thrasher, the
cheery tones of the Brewer’s and the tinkling bellnotes of the
Sage Sparrow. Harder and harder became the climb until
we reached the pines for a rest. Audubon’s Warblers were
the most common of all and, lo! there was a Tanager note.
High up on the dead limbs of an old gnarled pine sat a pair
of Western Tanagers. I had looked for them faithfully
along the river, in town, and at all places that seemed ‘most
likely to harbor them, all in vain, and here at last, where I
least expected them they were. What splendid colors in the
dark green foliage of the pines as they flitted back and forth.
When I had satisfied my curiosity in regard to the Tanagers,
several Arctic Towhees and Gray-headed Juncos demanded at-
tention and I was only sorry that I did not have more time
at my disposal. All of a sudden a great uproar in the whole
bird world and slipping noiselessly from tree to tree I at last
spied the evil-doer—a fine specimen of the Black-headed Jay.
I had read that he is just as bad as his eastern cousin, and if

236 THE WILSON BULLETIN — No. 90

I judged the birds testimony right he certainly is, for they
made a furious protest against him, As luck favored me to-
day, nearby I saw that well known mountain bird, the “Camp
robber,” the Rocky Mountain Jay, but contrary to my expec-
tations and what I had read, they were silent and so extremely
shy that they would not allow a close approach. After list-
ening to the fine love song of a Ruby-crowned Kinglet we
climbed onto the summit about 3300 metres. Just as we were
stepping out of the nines “ Charrr charrr”’ went a voice, I
turned to the south edge of the trees and there sat a somber
colored bird and not far away two more. First the glass was
brought into action and the bird watched carefully, then the
gun spoke and a fine specimen of Clarke’s Nutcoracker lay in
my hand. There were many of them here on the barren top
above timberline, but the huge snowbanks observed on my pre-
vious visit had all melted long ago. And how I grieved: that
I did not have my butterfly net along when seeing such spe-
cies as Papilio bairdi and Melitea minuta. Sitting on top
of a huge granite boulder I looked down the precipitous wall
of rock and then began to descend the 700 metres to Horse
Creek to get some water. How we watched the Mountain —
Marmots, the Woodrats and Chipmunks, the Magpies and
Ferruginous Rough-legged Hawks, the Audubon Warblers,
how we searched through mountain heather and Sage brush
for the Sage Grouse, all in vain, how a fierce storm caught us
right on the mountain pass would take too long to tell. Down
we came. When only about 200 metres away from us right
at the City Springs two antelopes jumped up in plain view
and stopped abruptly when I waved my kerchief at them,
then bounded nimbly away. What fabulous luck! For 20
vears none of these beautiful animals had been seen any
closer to the city than 20 miles, and here I, a mere stranger,
ran on to them only two miles from the city limits. I was
in high spirits, forgotten was the long tramp of about 65
kilometres, forgotten the long laborious climb of 3500 me-
tres, I was whistling an old cossack war song in great glee.
Up went a flock of birds, another long chase and stealthy ap-

HENNINGER — JUNE Birps oF LARAMIE 237

proach as the birds placed sentinels on some rocks, at last
just one more shot and I held in my hand two males of the
Lark Bunting, seen on my first day at Laramie and since then
eluding me like a phantom.

And then the train took me East. How I rejoiced to see
the first sturdy oak again and the first wheatfields, but still
many a time since then | dream of the Prairiedog’s bark, of
the Prairie Falcon’s exultant scream, of the Sage Thrasher’s
powerful melody, of the Avocet’s flute-notes and the graceful
forms of the Wilson’s Phalarope, of the long undulating prai-
ries, of the mountain crags and snowbanks, of the wild winds
and fierce mountain storms, and long to set my foot again
on the soil of the grand and glorious “ Wild West.”

ANNOTATED LIST.

1. Colymbus nigricollis californicus—EHared Grebe. Common and
breeding at the larger alkali lakes upon the Laramie Plains. On
June 12th about 500 were seen at Bamforth’s lake and two taken.

2. Larus delawarensis—Ring-billed Gull. Not common. Seen on
May 29th and June 1st on Laramie River.

3. Hydrochelidon nigra surinamensis—Black Tern. Common at
Bamforth’s lake, where breeding on June 12th in irrigated area.
Formerly considered migratory and rare.

4. Anas platyrhnchos—Mallard. Not common summer resident
mostly along the Laramie river.

5. Nettion carolinense—Green-winged Teal. Fairly common sum-
mer resident along streams.

6. Querquedula discors—Blue-winged Teal. Common summer
resident all over the Laramie Plains.

7. Querquedula cyanoptera—Cinnamon Teal. Common summer
resident all over the Laramie Plains.

8. Spatula clypeata—Shoveller. Common summer resident all
over the Laramie Plains.

9. Dafila acuta—Pintail. Summer resident, but not common.
Found only at Bamforth’s lake.

10. Botaurus lentiginosus—Bittern. Not common, seen along an
irrigation ditch June 6th.

11. Ardea-herodias—Great Blue Heron. Seen along the Lara-
mie river. Not overly common.

12. Porzana carolina—Sora. Rare. Seen twice on June 1st,
and on 12th at Bamforth’s lake.

13. Fuliea americana—Coot. Rare summer resident in the im-

238 THE WILSON BULLETIN — No. 90

mediate vicinity of Laramie, but common farther out on lakes and
ponds.

14. Steganopus tricolor—Wilson’s Phalarope. Exceedingly com-
mon at all swampy places, outranking the WKilldeer. Nests with
one egg and four eggs June 12th at Bamforth’s lake.

15. Recurvirostra americand—Avoset. Common summer resi-
dent about all alkali ponds and lakes.

16. Totanus melanoleucus—Greater Yellow-legs. May 29th one
specimen at the Laramie river.

17. Totanus flavipes—Yellow-legs. May 29th and June 1st at
the Laramie river.

18. Actitis macularia. Rather common along the Laramie river.

19. Nwmenius longirostris—Long-billed Curlew. No longer com-
mon on the plains; only one specimen seen on June 12th at the
Carrol’s lakes.

20. Oxyechus vociferus—WKilldeer. Common summer resident at
all suitable places.

21. Podasocys montanus—Mountain Plover. Rare. Only one
specimen taken and seen May 30th.

22. Zenaidura macroura marginella—Western Mourning Dove.
Exceedingly common summer resident. Nest with two eggs found
in the Laramie Mountains one meter down in a crevice.

23. Cathartes aura septentrionalis—Turkey Vulture. Fairly
common summer resident.

24. Circus hudsonius—Marsh Hawk. Fairly common summer
resident.

25. <Accipiter cooperi—Cooper’s Hawk. Rather rare. One seen
May 30th in the mountains.

26. Buteo borealis calurus—Western Red-tail. Common and ex-
ceedingly useful hawk.

27. Buteo .swainsoni—Swainson’s Hawk. Very common and use-
ful hawk.

28. Aquila chrysetos—Golden Hagle. Common resident. Seen
several times.

29. Falco mexicanus—Prairie Falcon. Common and exceedingly
destructive hawk.

30. Falco sparverius sparverius—Sparrow Hawk. Common every-
where. I refuse to recognize the subspecies phalena. Specimens
that are bleached have no right to be dubbed a subspecies.

31. Otus asio maxwelliac—Rocky Mountain Sereech Owl. Heard
and seen in Laramie June 15th, 11 p. m.

32. Bubo virginianus pallescens—Western Horned Owl. Two
specimens in a deep canyon May 30th.

32. 1. NSpeotyto cunicularia hypogewa—Burrowing Owl. Fairly
common.

33. Ceryle aloyen—Belted Kingfisher. Common along wooded
streams. ,

HENNINGER — JUNE Birps oF LARAMIE 239

34. Dryobates villosus monticola—Rocky Mountain Hairy Wood-
pecker. One specimen seen June 16th in the mountains.

35. Dryobates pubescens homorus—Batchelder’s Woodpecker. May
31st in dead cottonwood tree in town.

36. Sphyrapicus varius nuchalis—Red-naped Sapsucker. May
30th in the mountains at 2000 metres.

37. Melanerpes erythrocephalus—Red-headed Woodpecker. June
11th at Cheyenne, but not seen at Laramie.

38. Colaptes auratus lutews—Northern Flicker. Rare in the Lar-
amie mountains in the pines.

39. Colaptes cafer collaris—Red-shafted Flicker. Very common
summer resident up to 3000 metres.

40. Phalenoptilus nuttallii—Poor-will. Heard June 5th and 15th
in the outskirts’ of the town.

41. Chordeiles virgincanus howelli—mHowell’s Night-hawk. Com-
mon summer resident everywhere.

42. Selasphorus platycercus—Broad-tailed Hummingbird. Com-
mon summer resident; observed only in the town.

43. Tyrannus tyrannus—Wingbird. Rare. Only two seen May
30th at the City Springs.

44. Tyrannus verticalis—Arkansas Kingbird. Fairly common
summer resident up to 2500 metres.

45. Sayornis. sayus—Say’s Phoebe. Common summer resident all
over the plains.

46. Myiochanes r. richardsoni—Western Wood Pewee. Common
only in the spruces and pines up to 3000 metres.

47. EHmpidonaxz traillii—Traill’s Flycatcher. Not common, and in
town only, June Ist, 4th, 8th and 9th.

48. Empidonax minimus—Least Flycatcher. Not common; found
along the river courses.

49. Hmpidonax hammondi?—Hammond’s Flycatcher. Rare. Ap-
parently only in town.

50. Hmpidonax wrightii—Wright’s Flycatcher. Not common. A
specimen taken June 13th at the Laramie river.

51. Otocorys alpestris leucolema—Desert Horned Lark. The
most abundant bird of Wyoming.

52. Pica pica hudsonia—Magpie. Common. Nest with five young
June: 6th on the plains.

53. Oyanocitta stelleri annectens—Black-headed Jay. Fairly
common in the pines of the mountains.

54. Perisoreus canadensis capitalis—Rocky Mountain Jay. Seen
only on June 16th in the mountains, where very shy and not com-
mon.

240 THE WILSON BULLETIN — No. 90

55. Oorvus brachyrhynchos—Crow. Not common resident. Nest
with six young June 6th.

56. Nucifraga columbiana—Clark’s Nuteracker. Common in pine
forests of the mountains to timberline.

57. Dolichonyx oryzgivoruS—Bobolink. Seen only at Cheyenne
June 11th in the city limits.

58. Molothrus ater—Cowbird. This miserable pest is increasing
rapidly. I destroyed many eggs and found one nest of the Yellow-
headed Blackbird with four eggs of the owner and six of the cow-
bird on June 12th at Carrol’s lakes.

59. Xanthocephalus «anthocephalus—Yellow-headed Blackbird.
Very common summer resident, breeding ‘all over the plains in
marshy places up to 2600 metres. JI found hundreds of nests with
fresh and incubated eggs and young in all stages.

60. Agelaius phoeniceus—Red-winged Blackbird. Common sum-
mer resident, but not near as much as the preceding.

61. Sturnella neglecta—Western Meadowlark. Abundant sum-
mer resident.

62. Icterus bullockhi—Bullock’s Oriole. Rare. <A pair seen May
29th in town.

63. Huphagus cyanocephalus—Brewer’s Blackbird. Common sum-
mer resident. Breeding in the willows along the river, smaller
streams and irrigating ditches. A female shot June 4th had five
spiders in its bill. Nests with four and five eggs.

64. Quiscalus @neus—Bronzed Grackle. Seen only at Cheyenne
on June 11th, but not in Laramie.

65. Carpodacus mexicanus frontalis—House Finch. Common
summer resident; four eggs on June 1st, five young June 18th.

66. Astragalinus tristis pallidus—Pale Goldfinch. Common, but
in town only.

67. Spinus pinus—Pine Siskin. <A fiock in the mountains May
30th, where they certainly breed.

Passer domesticus—English Sparrow. Common.

68. Rhynchophanes mecownii—MecCown’s Longspur. This beau-
tiful bird is common at suitable places.

69. Poacetes gramineus confinis—Western Vesper Sparrow. Com-
mon at the lower elevations.

70. Passerculus sandwichensis alaudinus—Western Savanna Spar-
row. Not common summer resident. Nest with two eggs on June
12 at Bamforth’s Lake.

71. Chondestes grammacus strigatus—West Lark Sparrow. Not
common summer resident.

72. Zonotrichia leucophrys—White-crowned Sparrow. Seen in

HENNINGER — JUNE Brrps OF LARAMIE 241

town May 29th, but whether this species or the subspecies gambeli
could not be ascertained.

73. Zonotrichia albicollis—White-throated Sparrow. Seen on
May 29th in town.

74. Spizella passerina arizone—Western Chipping Sparrow.
Common summer resident.

75. Spizella pallida—Clay-colored Sparrow. Not common sum-
mer resident. Noticed in town only and its outskirts.

76. Spizella breweri—Brewer’s Sparrow. In the greasewood
bushes of the canyon and the mesa. Common.

77. Junco phewonotus caniceps—Gray-headed Junco. Common
summer resident in the pines at 2500 to 3000 metres. :

78. Amphispiza n. nevadensis—Sage Sparrow. Common summer
resident in the sagebrush in mountains.

79. Melospiza melodia montana—Mountain Song Sparrow. , Com-
mon summer resident.

80. Pipilo maculatus arcticus. Summer resident in mountains
June 16th.

81. Oreospiza chlorwra—Green-tailed Towhee. Common summer
resident in mountains.

82. Calamospiza melanocorys—Lark Bunting. Rather rare. A
pair May 29th, 31st, June 13th and a flock of fifteen on June 16th,
when two males were taken.

83. Piranga ludoviciana—Western Tanager. Seen only in the ~
mountains, at 3000 metres, on June 16th.

84. Progne subis—Purple Martin. Seen at Cheyenne only on
June 11th.

85. Petrochelidon t. lunifrons—Cliff Swallow. Abundant. Nests
by the hundreds.

86. Hirundo erythrogastra—Barn Swallow. Common only on
the plains.

87. TIridoprocne bicolor—Tree Swallow. Rare. Only a few pair
seen. ~

88. Tachycineta thalassina lepida—Northern Violet-green Swal-
low. Seen only on May 29th, but then in immense numbers along
the Laramie river.

89. Riparia riparia—Bank Swallow. Very common breeder
along creek banks and suitable places.

90. Ampelis cedrorum—Cedar Waxwing. Seen in the mountains,
three big flocks.

91. Vireo gilvus—Warbling Vireo. Common, but found in the
mountains only.

92. Dendroica estiva—Yellow Warbler. Seen in town only, and
there it was rare.

242 THE WILSON BULLETIN — No. 90

93. Dendroica auduboni—Audubon’s Warbler. Common summer
resident in the mountains.

94. Oporonis tolmiei—Macgillivray’s Warbler. Common summer
resident in dense brush on the sides of canyons.

95. Geothlypis trichas occidentalis — Western Yellow-throat.
Found June 13th along the Laramie river.

96. Icteria virens longicduda—Long-tailed Chat. Rare. Found
June 13th along the Laramie river.

97. Oroscoptes montanus—Sage Thrasher. Common summer
resident in the sagebrush country.

98. Salpinctes v. obsoletus—Rock Wren. Common summer resi-
dent in the mountains.

99. NSitta canadensis—Red-breasted Nuthatch. Not common in
the Laramie mountains.

100. Parus gambeli—Mountain Chickadee. Common in the pines
in the mountains.

101. Regulus calendula—Ruby-crowned Winglet. Fairly common
high up in the pine region of the mountains.

102. Jlyadestes townsendii. Townsend's Solitaire. Observed May
30th at 3000 metres. Common.

105. Planesticus migratorius propinguus—Western Robin. Abun-
dant summer resident.

104. Sialia curruroides
mer resident.

105. Archibuteo ferrugineus—Ferruginous Rough-leg. Common.
Seen May 80th, June 12th and 16th.

Mountain Bluebird. Abundant sum-

Time spent in Laramie: May 28th to June 21st, 1914. Tho-
roughly explored the region which has Laramie as a center
and a radius of 24 klometers. My thanks are due Miss Rose
Bird Maley, State Supt. of Public Instruction at Cheyenne,
Professor W. Ii. Reed of the University, Rev. O. G. Wich-
mann and his two sons Arthur and Gerhold and Mr. Richard
Eberhard the local game warden for much help in many ways.

SHERMAN — BIRDS BY THE WAYSIDE 243

Bike Sep Wed EE aVWAY STD IN Se UROPRE: ASTAs
GN PACERS Ge

BY ALTHEA R. SHERMAN.

INTRODUCTION.

This narrative is concerned with a journey of ten months’
duration, that was begun on Friday, November 7, 1913. It
is not supposable that the slight inconveniences and the more
grievous disappointments occasioned by the war in Europe
would have been avoided had the start been made on the
thirteenth of a month instead of on the seventh; but this
deadly strife having interrupted travel the number thirteen
appeared with a frequency sufficient to gladden the hearts
of the most superstitious. Though I was thirteen minutes too
iate to secure berth No. 13 in cabin No. 13, yet a place was
found in the cabin next to it on a steamer that sailed from
Copenhagen on August 13th at the thirteenth hour of that
day. Our good ship, escaping the mines, together with the
erdinary dangers of a sea voyage, that lasted thirteen days,
brought us in safety to the blessed shores of Hoboken on
August 26th, and the trunk I was forced to leave in London
came safely at the end of two months and thirteen days at
a cost of $13.03 only for shipment.

Barring a large curtailment of the journey near its close,
its accomplishment in the main was according to original
plans without any very serious inconveniences, with nothing
lost of greater value than a lead pencil or a hair-pin, and
with nothing stolen. My suitcase, locked but once on the
entire journey, passed through hundreds of hands; it either
contained nothing that aroused cupidity, or the honesty of
those to whom it was intrusted is worthy of mention. That
one for six months can without accident or delay move for-
ward according to a previously scheduled plan, that has fixed
where he shall lie down, and where he shall rise up, where he
shall eat, drink, and be held up for tips, must be due to the
faithful performance of duty by many humble workers on
boats, and railway trains, and all along the avenues of travel.

A conflict of nations, that cut down many a poor lad in

his teens, prevented my trip reaching its majority, and I
Copyrighted by Althea R. Sherman, 1915.

244 THE WILson BULLETIN — No. 90

was obliged to turn back, when on the eve of visiting my
twenty-first country. The distance actually accomplished was
upward of thirty-three thousand miles; the routes passed
ever were for the most part along the well-beaten paths of
iravel. To general sight-seeing was added the noting of as
many birds by the way as possible. This often meant rising
in the morning while others slept, and writing notes in the
evening, when they were again asleep.

To identify the birds seen was a difficult task for one with-
out suitable “ Handbooks” for some of the countries. As
much preparation as very limited time permitted was made
in advance. For the birds of India help was had from the
books of Eugene Oates, W. F. Blanford, T. C. Jerdon, Doug-
las Dewar, and Andrew L. Adams, besides the small volume
of Frank Finn, entitled “ The Birds of Calcutta,’ and a sim-
ilar book by “E. H. A.” bearing the title of “ The Common
Birds of Bombay.” For identifying the birds of Egypt there
were used the descriptions of G. E. Shelley, and those of
Charles Whymper.

Less fortunate was the work of identification in southern
Europe, where I was unable to secure handbooks. Occasion-
ally the name of a bird was given me by a fellow-traveler,
and natural history museums, when available, gave much
assistance. In order to make the museums of use as full de-
scriptions of the birds as possible were written down at the
time of observation; and at times the text was greatly assisted
by hasty drawings. The names for many of the species
were unknown tor months, while those for others are still
unsolved problems; one, seen at my most southern stage in
Egypt, — the Second Cataract, — was named for me in the
most northern museum visited, that of Bergen in Norway;
and the clue to the identity of a bird seen at Mount Abu in
India was given by a specimen found in the museum of
Stockholm. Species with names unknown were numbered,
and references to them in the daily notes were made by means
of these numbers, though the identity of a few of the spe-
cies was correctly guessed; others were given temporary
names, and my “ Jerusalem Chickadee,’ “ Constantinople
Crow,” and “Interlaken Beauty” serve to awaken quite as

a

SHERMAN — Birps BY THE WAYSIDE 245

pleasant recollections as do their more prosaic names, learned
later. One wonders if it was permitted Eve to name the
birds; if so, what rare sport she had!

For book knowledge of the birds seen in northern Europe
indebtedness is due to the works of numerous writers, among
whom special mention is made of James Backhouse, Bentley
Beetham, J. Lewis Bonhote, John A. Bucknill, William
Eagle Clarke, Charles Dixon, Heinrich Gatke, James Ed-
-mund Harting, John Lea, R. B. Lodge, R. Kearton, Percy
R. Lowe, H. B. Macpherson, Robert Mudie, Alfred Newton,
W. P. Pycraft, Howard Saunders, R. Selous, A. L. Thomp-
son, N. F. Ticehurst, and William Yarnell.

To speak of the commonest birds by their common names
would appear to be a simple undertaking, yet in doing it
there are pitfalls for the stranger, which may not always be
escaped, and many more beset one’s course in the use of
scientific names due to lack of uniformity in the various
books. Perhaps the most reliable, up-to-date guide in nomen-
clature is the recent publication, “A Hand-List of British
. Birds,” by the four writers, Messrs. Hartert, Jourdain, Tice-
hurst, and Witherby. It employs trinomials for subspecies,
and includes numerous birds from the British Isles that
differ suffictently from their congeners on the continent
of Europe to entitle them to recognition as subspecies. The
modifier “ British” very properly belongs to them, but the
innovation that saddles “ Continental’? on their very near
relation found on the Continent seems to be one scarcely
acceptable to the ornithologists of other European countries.
The skilled field student may be able to recognize some of
these fine distinctions, but it would be the height of folly for
the wayside wanderer to pretend to anything of the sort.

The shelves of our libraries groan beneath the weight of
the many volumes of books, that treat of the history, custom,
art, natural products, commerce, and other interesting topics
concerning the countries I visited. Yet from none of the books
of travel that ] have read does the prospective tourist gain
an adequate idea of what species of birds he is likely to see.
In fact most:of these books are singularly silent on the sub-
ject of birds. Books abound that treat of the avifauna of

246 THE WILSON BULLETIN — No. 90

each of these countries These technical works tell us which
are the common birds, but much time is required to sift out
these species. The need of the traveler, who must read as
he runs, has been well met in those books descriptive of the
birds of Bombay and Calcutta, that have been mentioned above.

If there is call for an apology because of this writing, but
one can be offered: It is believed that no one heretofore has
published an account:of the bird life he saw beside his path-
way while pursuing a journey that took him over many of
the most popular routes chosen by the average tourist. If
the observations of others tally in any respect with mine the
recital of them for the most part will be marked by a nega-
tive character: by the failure to have seen very many species
of birds about which we have learned in song and story. For
the first six months in foreign lands, until London was
reached, a scheduled itinerary made out by Thomas Cook
and Son was followed by me. After that the viewing of
birds entered into the plans: stops for a few days on their
account were made now and then; and the famous colonies
of breeding sea birds on the Farne Islands, and on the Ork-
neys and Shetland Isles, were visited. ‘With the exception of
a few wonderful sights such as these islands afforded this
narrative will be concerned with the common species of
avian life. Certainly no one can reasonably expect to see
other than common birds on such a trip, and but a small per-
centage of those.

It is with the study of our common birds at home that
most of us are employed. In my own case I count twenty
years all too short for a thorough acquaintance with the birds
of my own dooryard, where thirty-one species have been
pleased to nest. Some impression made by the common
birds of other lands, some comparisons between them and
those of our country, some notes regarding their scarcity in
some places and their abundance in others is the most that
can be attempted. The title, “ Birds by. the Wayside,” has
been chosen for these chapters, but this does not mean that
a desire to speak of other things will always be curbed, and
those who care to hear only about birds are hereby given
due notice.

SHERMAN — BIRDS BY THE WAYSIDE RAY

INDIA. IN JANUARY.

The voyage from New York to Bombay consumed an en-
tire month. This length of time was due to stops of one day
each at Madeira, Gibraltar, Algiers, Monaco, and Cairo, and
two days at Naples. A few birds were seen at each of the
places, and from the Suez Canal, overlooking Lake Men-
zaleh, was witnessed one of the most wonderful displays of
bird life seen on the entire trip, but this was in Egypt, and
the account of it belongs to the story of that country.

India was crossed twice by rail; the first crossing was
made on the special mai! train from Bombay to Calcutta
through Jubbulpore in one unbroken journey, the second
was through Benares, Lucknow, Cawnpore, Agra, Delhi,
Jaipur, and Mount Abu, with stops at each of these places.
The two routes are separated in places by several, hundred
miles. Some species of birds, that were quite numerous in
one region were not observed in others. This is true of the
Black Drongo (Licrurus ater), one of the birds most fre-
quently seen on the southern route, it failed to be seen at
any time in the most northerly part of the trip: that about
Agra, Delhi, and Jaipur, but it appeared again farther south
about Mount Abu and Bombay.

The Black Drongo, nicknamed the King Crow, has black
plumage and a lone forked tail. Binoculars reveal to us that
the iris of its eye is red, giving it a rather wicked appearance.
After the manner of many other flycatchers it perches con-
spicuously on telegraph wires and fence-posts. In temper it
resembles our Kingbird, which accounts for the “ King”
part of its sobriquet, and the books tell us that it is a valient
fighter of the Crows; also that its methods of catching in-
sects and building its nest are such as we observe in our
Kingbird. Of the several cousins of this bird only the White-
bellied Drongo (Dicrurus ce@rulescens) was seen. He is a
striking fellow in appearance with the keen contrasts of his
colors.

Another bird frequently seen along this first route was the
Indian Roller (Coracias indica). ‘This species, partial to
both fence-posts and telegraph-wires, seems to favor the

248 THE WILSON BULLETIN — No. 90

former. When perched it is a beautiful sight, but on the
wing it is a dream of loveliness as its greenish blue colors,
mingled with various other shades of blue, gleam in the sun-
light. Its brilliant coloring, together with its large size, a

trifle more than twelve inches in length, makes it a conspic- -

uous sight, which is noted by all travelers, no matter how
blind they are to other birds. Since it hunts for its insect
food very much as do our Shrikes there is frequent display
of its enchanting colors. Although sacred to the god Siva,
this distinction has not saved it from the toils of the plumage
hunters, and it is far less numerous than so useful and beau-
tiful a creature ought to be. It was my experience to note
the species quite often in some portions of the southern
journey, and in diminishing numbers as far as Delhi, after
which none was seen. It is interesting to recall that Mr.
Finn has written that he thinks this species can be acclima-
tized in America. It certainly is a pity that the experiment
was not tried upon some such bird instead of the hateful
lenglish Sparrow.

The Indian Roller is frequently called a Blue Jay; anent
this slip Mr. Douglas Dewar has this to say: “He is not a
jay at all; but the misnomer is perhaps a pardonable one, for
in more respects than one the bird resembles the true jays,
and I am told that the European roller (Coracias garrula), a
near relative of the Indian blue jay, is known in parts of
Germany as the Birch Jay. American visitors to India, how-
ever, make no such mistake. You never hear one of them
call the roller a jay. They dub him the Surprise Bird, a
name which admirably suits both him and the paddy bird.” —
To this gratuitous modicum of praise all Americans should
doff the hat. That one Briton has seen fit to acknowledge
that in one instance Americans can do the right thing in the
right place is worthy of more than passing notice. It was a
matter of great surprise to me that. during six weeks of
reading India’s newspapers never except once did I find them
containing anything but sneers, lies, and misrepresentations,
when making mention of Americans or things American;

SHERMAN — BIRDS BY THE WAYSIDE 249

and later I found a similar spirit animating the English
press. It offered a problem that defied analysis until the
thought suggested itself, that here were examples of that
so-called “industrial rivalry” or “commercial jealousy” of
which we hear so much. That these were unsuccessful
efforts of the British to rival similar sneers, lies, and mis-
representations “made in Germany.” It was a hopeless
competition, yet it rendered none the less amusing the scram-
ble, after August 5, 1914, of the English and Germans for
our good will and good opinion.

Along the railway route through Jubbulpore (and occa-
sionally in other parts of India), two species of birds, both
small and green of plumage, were quite numerous. These
were the Common Indian Bee-eater (Merops viridis) and
the Crimson-breasted Barbet (Xantholema hematocephala).
A large flock of the Barbet was seen daily near my hotel in
Delhi, and they were quite plentiful on Mount Abu. They
are rather droll, clumsy-looking, little fellows, as one would
‘expect to be true of a species closely related to the wood-
peckers. Their predominant color is green with sulphur-
yellow trimmings ahout the head, and with patches of crim-
son on the forehead and throat. Unfortunately for the tour-
ists these birds are silent during cool weather, and we did
not hear their peculiar metallic notes that have earned for
them the nickname of Coppersmith.

In spite of the brilliant green coloring of the Common
Indian Bee-eater its gentle mien and flycatching habits con-
stantly remind one of the Phoebe, and the impression is
deepened, when we find three or four of them sitting closely
together on a branch in the exact fashion of a brood of young
Phcebes. The books say that this fondness for each other's
society leads them in some places to roost in large com-
panies; also that they nest in burrows that they dig for them-
selves in the banks of the rivers and ravines. Although
their size and colors are similar, yet their slender forms and
long central tail-feathers readily distinguish them from the
short-tailed chunky Barbets.

250 THE WILSON BULLETIN — No. 90

A rough delineation of the country traversed shows that
for a few hours out from Bombay the railroad runs through
a rather barren country with high, irregular hills — the West-
crn Ghats —rising on either side, then the valley widens,
more of the cultivated fields appear with trees in rows or in
scattering groups. Herds of the indian buffalo cattle and
flocks of goats are fairly plentiful. On the second day we
passed through a sterile region in the neighborhoods of
Sutna, Jaitwar, and Markundi, and a still worse strip east of
Manikpur; its chief crop—that of stones— seemed to be
unfailing and was harvested in long, narrow piles, which
were nicely leveled off on top. In other places the face of
the country was fresh and green with young crops, with
here and there a field blue with blossoming flax. It seemed
reasonable to suppose that an old country, densely populated,
and devoted largely to agricultural pursuits, would look old,
and that. the thronging millions that cultivated the fields
would be much in evidence. Instead, in many places the
country looked as new and untrod as did portions of Dakota
and Montana twenty years ago, and the people when seen
appeared to be in a homeless wilderness until the eye detected
here and there miserable villages, composed of mud huts of
the same color as the ground from wh‘ch the mtid was taken;
these hovels were low, without visible windows, and with
roofs of straw or rushes. ‘The houses of a better class were
covered with tiles.

The railway journey to Calcutta occupied forty-four hours
and terminated in the gray dawn of a January day. It was
in this city that the more leisurely observation of the birds
began. Among the first birds noted were two representa-
tives of a species not met with afterward, though it is said
to be'a common species in winter throughout the region of
the plains. It was a brown bird that perched on dead twigs
and flicked its tail like a Phoebe, being about the size of that
bird, but the shape of its head was shrike-like, as were its
motions when it darted to the ground for insects, therefore
it was with genuine satisfaction I found that afternoon in

SHERMAN — BrirRps By, THE WAYSIDE 251

the Indian Museum a mounted specimen of the species la-
beled Indian Brown Shrike (Lamws cristatus) ; and near it
another specimen of a female Indian Koel (EZudynamys hon-
orata), which settled for me the identity of a large speckled
bird that was watched for a long time that morning. It be-
longs to the Cuckoo family, and arouses interest, because
true to the traits of its tribe, it lays its eggs in the nests of
other birds.

Besides many interesting glimpses of the industrial life

and customs of the natives, a visit to the banks of the Hooghly
River afforded an introduction to the Brahminy Kite (//ali-
ster indus). Several of these handsome birds were flying
over the river; others perched in the rigging of ships were
pruning themselves. This is another species that shows great
beauty of coloring when on the wing, the bright, clear, chest-
nut-rufous, or maroon color of its upper plumage, contrast-
ing finely with the under parts, which are white, narrowly
streaked with brown: its head and neck are white also. This
scavenger of the surface of the:river was frequently seen to
the westward as far as Benares, gracing now and then the
top of a fence-post by the wayside, from which it watched
for frogs and crabs, and other favored tidbit.

Calcutta was the only place in which the Common Indian
Swift (Cypselus affinis) was identified. Numbers of them
were noisily flying above my hotel; both their notes and their
appearance in flight were suggestive of our Chimney Swiits.
They are said to build their mud nests against the beams and
rafters of houses and of porches, and return to these nests
for roosting. This trustfulness in mankind makes the spe-
cies one of the many in India that could be brought under
very close observation.

Of three species that were seen in great abundance almost
everywhere it is difficult to say which were found most plen-
tiful. All were more numerous in the cities than in the coun-
try. The Indian House Crow (Corvus splendens) was not
seen on Mount Abu, and the Common Pariah Kites (Milvus
govinda) were not numerous there. The Common Myna

252 THE Witson BULLETIN — No. 90

(deridotheres tristis) was not seen in Bombay, although it
is said to be a resident. Without appearing to exaggerate it
is not easy to give an adequate idea of the very great abun-
dance of these species. Nineteen Indian House Crows stand-
ing on a plot of ground no more than ten feet square in a
Calcutta park were thought exceedingly plentiful, but after-
ward they were seen in greater numbers. Looking up a
narrow street the air above it seemed full of the Common
Kites, one hundred or more of them being in sight; and of
the Common Mynas, flocks of twenty or thirty appeared
ready to fly up from one’s path almost everywhere.

Especially well named is the Indian House Crow, a bird
that belongs to the crow family, found in India most abun-
dantly in the neighborhood of houses. It is comparatively
fearless, and in its search for scraps of food will walk with
the boldness of a very tame chicken among a group of na-
tives who are eating. Neither is it averse to coming to porch
floors or perching under porch roofs. Those who are inti-
mately acquainted with this Crow tell us that it will enter
houses and eat food from the table, “for there is no right
to which the Crows cling more tenaciously than the right to
be fed by the man whose compound they clean.” “ Black
as a crow”’ is not applicable to this species, since gray is the
predominating color, although the head and nape are black.
It is a very noisy bird, and all day long one’s ears are filled
with its tiresome cawing; how tiresome these sounds are 1s
realized when one is out of ear-shot of them. The failure
to hear them on Mount Abu was one thing that caused that
place to be so attractive. Their place was filled in a very
slight measure by their cousin, the Jungle Crow, or Indian
Corby (Corvus macrorhynchus).

The Common Kite, less bold than the House Crow in its
approaches to man, is by no means a timid bird. A lady in
Delhi in relating to me her experiences with this species, said
that once when eating out of doors a Kite came so silently
and so deftly snatched food from her hand that she was not
aware of her loss until the bird had flown some distance from

SHERMAN — BIRDS BY THE WAYSIDE 253

her. On another occasion a Kite tried to snatch from her
hand a paper bag containing food. Having read similar
stories I was led to inquire of my guides and other people if
these were common experiences, and learned that they were,
except that often the Kite left a painful scratch.

A pair of Kites was watched while building their nest in
a neem tree that stood in the hotel yard in Jaipur. The work
proceeded very slowly. The twigs were carried sometimes
in the bill, sometimes by a claw; once the bird took up the
twig by its bill, then shifted it to a foot. Bill and claw were
used about equally in the carrying. It was at Delhi that
Kites were observed when going to roost in the top of a pee-
pul tree. They perched among the topmost limbs on the
highest twigs, and when the coming and going ceased, there
temained for the night thirty-seven of these birds. The Kite
equals, if it does not surpass, our Red-tailed Hawk in length;
in weight it must be very light for such small boughs to sup-
port so many of them.

The Common Myna resembles in size and build the Star-
ling, but has the street habits of the English Sparrow, yet
in some of its country habits it is like the Starling, especially
in its fondness for the neighborhood of cattle and for perch-
ing on thew backs. It has ‘a fine appearance, produced by
plumage that is black on head, neck and throat, and iridescent
vinaceous on breast and belly. When in flight it is easily
recognized by the white patches on the wings, and the white
in the tail. These spots of white serve to distinguish it from
its cousin the Bank Myna (Acridotheres gingimanus) on
which the wing patches are pinkish buff, as is also the tip of
the tail. In the latter species the skin around the eye is brick-
red, while in the Common Myna it is yellow. The Black-
headed Myna (Temenuchus pagodarum) is known as the
Brahminy Myna because of its elegant appearance and the
distinguished air imparted by its long black crest, and the
elongated feathers of its neck, throat, and breast, which in
color resemble the breast of our female Robin. Th’s species
was seen several times in a free state, also frequently in cap-

254 THE WILSON BULLETIN — No. 90

tivity along with its cousin, the Grey-headed Myna (Sturitia
malabarica).

The avian sights viewed from the car windows, that were
of a thrilling nature, were confined to those portions of the
journey that were between Bombay and Calcutta, and to
that which lies eastward of Benares. Westward of that place
the plains soon became drier, then drought-stricken, and with
increasing aridity the number of birds decreased. East of
Benares the level green fields were in all directions very much
alike. There was no lack of water, but rather an excess of
it. From the many ponds by the track-side were startled
huge birds: Vultures, Storks, and Herons, sometimes singly,
again in flocks. Often the train rushed past stupid looking
birds of a smaller species, standing in the wayside pools.
These gray, obscure appearing creatures frequently took
flight, whereupon from the gray unobtrusive forms there
arose visions of white loveliness, that floated off a short dis-
tance, then suddenly sank into the earth — apparently — for
the birds had alighted and were a dull, concealing gray once
more. Here, in truth were the “ Surprise Birds”! for these
were Pond Herons, sometimes called Paddy-birds (Ardeola
grayt).

Since all my stops, except one, were to be within cities,
small hope of seeing birds there was ‘entertained, but in this
respect there was to be a pleasant surprise. The native quar-
ters in the cities were as one would expect to find them, com-
pact, crowded and dirty, but the European portions in which
the hotels were located were like our ideal suburban villages,
each house having spacious grounds about it; these are not
called yards in India, but compounds. Their trees and flow-
ers, together with the irrigation necessary for the latter, at-
tracted many birds. The patronage of these hotels was almost
entirely that of tourists, a large proportion of whom were
Americans. From them there was much growling because
the dinner hour never began until eight o’clock in the eve-
ning, and breakfast was not ready until nine o’clock in the
morning. Butt in the latter arrangement there was compen-

SHERMAN — BIRDS BY THE WAYSIDE 255

sation for the bird student. By rising at the first peep of
dawn it was possible to secure two hours for the observation
of birds before breakfast time. Yet this boon was not
without its drawbacks, in the hotels that were lighted by
kerosene. When I found that my rooms on the ground floor
had a back door so badly warped that two cobras abreast
could enter at any time, and that there were no matches with
which to light the kerosene lamp, I had fears that my first
steps in the morning might fall on a cobra. To be sure it
was winter, a season when these snakes ‘are not much abroad.
We are not accustomed to think of snakes as city dwellers,
but the deadly cobra is quite urban in its tastes, seeking for
its dwelling-place a hole in the mud walls of the natives’ huts ;
cactus hedges also are favored resorts. Not only cobras but
other venomous snakes are sometimes found on bedroom
floors, in schoolrooms, and in other human resorts, as we
may learn from several writers.

One of the species of birds frequently seen near the hotels
was the Indian Hoopoe (Upupa indica). Both the manner
of its flight and the barred portion of its plumage were strong
veminders of the Woodpeckers. Immediately upon alighting
its bright-colored crest is erected, and the same thing hap-
pens when the bird is frightened. At other times the crest
lies flat, the end of it projecting beyond the head affords in
outline a symmetrical balance to the long bill, making the head
resemble a double-pointed pick-ax. This semblance is es-
pecially marked when the bird is digging for its living in the
earth. The sight of my first Hoopoe was a long anticipated
event, and was of unusual significance from the fact that it
was the first foreign bird in a free state to be met of which
I had retained a mental picture from my early childhood, or
more correctly speaking, it was a mental picture of a picture,
one found in the second book I owned. It was a book then,
a wonderful book, though now it would be called a tiny bro-
chure of twenty-four pages. Its title is “A History of Birds
for Children.” Its illustrated cover is wonderful; still more
so is its wood-cut illustration of the Hoopoe, for it proves

256 THE WILSON BULLETIN — No. 90

the theory of evolution. This illustration shows that fifty-five
or more vears ago the Hoopoe was a thick-set, thick-billed
bird, resembling a Grosbeak, with a gently curving crest be-
coming to the form and disposition of a Bluebird. In the
course of ten or twelve years the structure of the species had
undergone considerable change, which can be proved by the
picture of it that is to be found in Webster’s Unabridged
Dictionary, edition of 1870. And now in January, 1914, I
find from the living birds seen in India that in a structural
sense vastly greater changes have taken place within the last
forty-five years. The bird at present, with its short legs,
long, sharp bill, and barred wings, looks somewhat like a
woodpecker. In fact, some of the tourists insisted that it was
a woodpecker.

One Golden-backed Woodpecker (Brachypternus auran-
tius) was the sole representative of the Picus family seen in
India. With the usual cheerful spirit that characterizes the
family the world over it searched tree trunks and inspected
the hood of an electric lamp on one of the principal streets of
Delhi. :

Other species of birds found by me near the hotels more
often than elsewhere were the Bulbuls, the Babblers, Indian
Tree-pie, Common Indian Starling, Magpie Robin, Brown-
backed Indian Robin, Indian Redstart, Indian Tailor-bird,
Flycatchers, Warblers, and Purple Honeysucker. Some orni-
thologists prefer to call the last mentioned species the Purple
Sunbird (Arachnechthra asiatica). By its quick movements
among the flowers while seeking its food of insects and nec-
tar, as well as by its size and color, it brought to mind the
Hummingbirds. Especially is this true of the male Sunbird,
that is of a rich, iridescent violet-blue color, while the female
as described is greenish brown-gray above, and greenish yel-
low beneath. Both sexes were seen, but the male more fre-
quently.

The Red-whiskered Bulbul was seen and positively iden-
tified a short distance from the entrance to the Caves of Ele-
phanta; on a few other occasions identification was not so

SHERMAN — BirDS By THE WAYSIDE 257

certain. The Common Bulbul was found in several places,
but nowhere so plentiful as on Mount Abu, where it appeared
to be the most abundant species, even outnumbering the Com-
mon Myna. These two species were the only Bulbuls of
which I made sure, although India boasts of fifty other spe-
cies of them; and of Babblers there are eighty-three, of which
I saw ‘but two, the Common or Striated Babble (4rgya cau-
data), and the Jungle Babble (Crateropus canorus). The
last named species, very inconspicuous in its ashy brown
plumage, with its ground-haunting proclivities, would not be
so easy of identification as one might suppose, if it were not
for its habit of flocking in small parties of five, six or seven
birds which affords a clue to their identity, confirmation of
which may be had from almost any guide, since these birds
are commonly known to the natives by the very appropriate
name of the Seven Sisters, or the Seven Brothers.

The Indian Tree-pie (Dendrocitta rufa), a bird eighteen
inches in length, is certain to arrest one’s attention by its
pleasing display of colors and its long tail. Its metallic whis-
tle is fully as musical as the call notes of the Bronzed Grackle,
nor has it a better reputation, since it is well-known as a de-
stroyer of both birds and their eggs.

One of the pleasures that may be ‘experienced by the win-
ter traveler in India is a wayside acquaintance with the In-
dian Tailor-bird (Orthotomus sutorius), though it is not the
season to see the bird engaged in its sartorial tasks. All that
one sees is a little wren-like bird with a rufous crown and
yellowish olive-green upper plumage; that cocks its tail while
running about in search of food. Jerdon and several other
writers tell us with considerable detail of the manner in which
the Tailor-bird begins its nest by drawing together two leaves
or the edges of a single leaf, pierces with its bill holes along
the edges, then sews the edges together, using for this pur-
pose a thread it has picked up, or one it has spun for itself,
or strands from a spider web; that after thrusting the thread
through a hole in a leaf it ties a knot, which prevents the
thread from slipping through the hole. This is but one more

258 THE WILSON BULLETIN No. 90

example of carelessness in observation that has led to erro-
neous theories which have been handed down by one writer
to another. It remained for Mr. G. A. Pinto to actually watch
a Tailor-bird, while building her nest, and to note down what
le saw. . These observations have been published in Mr.
Douglas Dewar’s book, “ Birds of the Plains,” and show what
the bird really does: That through the punctures she makes
in the leaf she pushes cobwebs, threads, and later on the cotton
of the nest lining, which form knobs on the outside of the leaf,
and to conclude in the words of the author of this book: “As
a matter of fact the bird makes no knots; she merely forces
a portion of the cotton strand through a puncture, and the
silicon which enters into the composition of the leaf catches
the soft, minute strands of the cotton and prevents them
from slipping.”

Three species belonging to the Turdidz family were seen
in numerous places. These were the Indian Redstart (Ruti-
cilla rufiventris), Brown-backed Indian Robin (Thamnobia
cambaiensis), and Magpie Robin (Copysychus saularis). All
are small birds, the last mentioned, eight inches in length,
being the largest. In each species the plumage of the female
differs somewhat from that of the male. The very effective
arrangements of the black and white colors of the Magpie
Robin make a beauty of this dapper fellow. He ranks very
high as a singer, and is known to the natives by the name of
Dhyal. The close resemblance of the Common Starling of
India (Sturnus menzbieri) to its European cousin serves to
identity it at once.

One of the very few species of birds that I saw in each of
the grand divisions, Europe, Asia, and Africa, was the White
Wagtail (Motacilla alba). Aside from the House Sparrow
it was the species most widely and frequently met. It was
seen in its winter refuge in India and Egypt, and in its sum-
mer home in the countries of Scandinavia. In the vicinity of
Mount Abu two other members of the Motacillde family
were seen. These were the Grey Wagtail, and its very hand-

SHERMAN — BIRDS BY THE WAYSIDE 259

some relative the Large Pied Wagtail,—the Motacilla ma-
deraspatensis of several authors.

The Rose-ringed Parrakeet (Paleornis torquatus) was the
species of Parrot seen in India. The life it leads seemed a
merry one, judging from the noisy parties of screaming birds,
that flew so frequently overhead, especially toward roosting
time. They were not always seen on the wing, but often
were climbing about in the trees and cactus hedges, or some-
times were sitting on a branch eating some kind of fruit, that
was as red as their beaks. Another native species of India
did not require a handbook to assist in its identification; this
was the Peacock of which only one wild bird was seen; the
others appeared in a state of semi-domestication, but not so
tame as they become with us. The mention of this bird in
its native haunts calls to mind the stories of the famous Pea-
cock Throne, that formerly stood in the imperial palace of
Delhi, but together with other booty of war was carried off
to Persia nearly two hundred years ago. The guide-book
of G. A. Natesan contains the following description of
this throne: “It owes its name to the two hybrid birds
of a species quite unknown to the ornithologist, perched on
the pinnacles. They bore a faint resemblance to peacocks,
whence followed the adoption of the peacock as a badge of
Indian Empire. The expanded tails, thickly studded with
sapphire, rubies, emeralds, etc., inlaid so as to represent the
exact colours of the living birds, formed the back of the
throne. Between the peacocks was a parrot, as large as life,
carved out of a single emerald. This throne is (or rather
was, for experts declare that very little of the ancient throne
remains), no doubt, of immense value, the lowest estimate
being two million sterling. In shape it resembles rather a
state bed than a throne. It is made ‘entirely of gold — steps,
sides, and legs — and is artistically chased and encrusted with
countless precious stones.”

Although this wonderful example of the goldsmith’s art
has been lost to Delhi, there still remains the superb structure
in which it stood. Upon its wall are inscribed these lines:

260 THE WILSON BULLETIN No. 90

“Tf there be a paradise on earth,
Ihe IS tabi: The GS wlan, aie IS elas

Words cannot depict, nor pictures suggest the simple girand-
eur of this Diwan-i-Khas, or Hall of Private Audience; but
the following description by another is among the most suc-
cessful attempt: ‘“‘ The whole is all white marble, asheen in
the sun, but that is the least part of the wonder. Walls
and ceilings, pillars, and many pointed arches are all inlaid
with richest, yet most delicate, colour; gold cornices and
scrolls and lattices from traceries of mauve and pale green
and soft azure. What must it have been, you ask yourself,
when the Peacock Throne blazed with emeralds and sap-
phires, rubies and diamonds, from the now empty pedestal,
and the plates of burnished silver reflected all its glories from
the roof.”

Not far away is the Diwan-i-Am or Hall of Public Audi-
ence, built of red stone, except that white marble is used in
front of the throne recess. The juxtaposition of the two kinds
of stone produces a very poor effect, which is enhanced by
the patchwork impression wade by the arrangements of the
mosaic panels on the rear wall. There are about three hun-
dred and fifty of these mosaic pictures, large and small, rep-
resenting birds, flowers, fruit, and animals, more than half
of them portraying birds. A closer view shows them worthy
the attention of bird students. Not only is there spirited and
realistic action expressed in the drawing of the birds, but the
color is often most excellent; especially is this true of four
pictures of Hoopoes. Sometimes the birds are perched, oth-
ers are on the wing. When it is remembered that these are
made of stone, that at times ome piece of stone represents the
feathers of a tail or of a wing the accomplishment seems re-
markable.

India’s monuments are far-famed and a lure for many vis-
itors. Thrice fortunate are we whose favorite studies have
been history, art, and ornithology, for that country affords
wich fields of study in all of these. If there had been no other

SHERMAN — BIRDS BY THE WAYSIDE 261

wonderful sight except the Taj Mahal its justly great repute
-was sufficient to have induced me to make the journey half
way round the world to see it. Easily we remember Sir.
Walter Scott’s injunction about viewing Melrose Abbey
aright, but even more appropriate is this warning for the
seeing of the Taj Mahal. I shall always be grateful to the
lady who added the advice that the first visit to this “ dream
in marble” should be made by moonlight. The fates were
propitious for the fulfillment of this suggestion. There was
a full moon the evening my train from Cawnpore, about an
hour late, arrived in Agra sometime after ten o’clock. In
pursuing my itinerary under the direction of Thos. Cook
and Son I was always met at each railway station, that I
stopped, by a man sent from the hotel where I was to stay,
otherwise I might not have ventured to ask that the driver
take me to the Taj before going to the ‘hotel.

It was a memorable ride: the first portion was made under
the shadows of the massive and frowning, though impres-
sively attractive, walls of Fort Agra; then for some distance
the road lay amid surroundings that looked in the moonlight
like the suburbs of a flourishing American town, whose
houses are placed in spacious grounds. This impression does
not hold by daylight, but the Taj is isolated from other build-
ings by a considerable distance. At the entrance gate the
driver left me to spend an hour or more within the garden
that lies before the Taj. It may be sufficient to say that the
“poem in stone” was all that fancy ever painted it; or in the
words of another —‘“‘ To describe it would be impossible,
and as I saw the Taj that night not a detail, not a single fea-
ture impressed itself upon me, but instead the whole, the
shape of something infinitely beautiful floats before me just
as it did then, and it would not be sacrilegious to say, twas
a vision such as man may never hope to see until his spirit
gazes on the celestial temples through the beautiful gates
ajar.”

There were other visitors in the garden; the seats on the
raised platfotm near the center were filled with groups of

262 THE WILSON BULLETIN — No. 90

people, but no chattering tongues were there, not a word fell
from the lips of any one. The only sound heard was the sil-
very tinkling of the little fountains beside the paths. An arti-
ficial light gleamed from the doorway; a mere point of light
did the illumined doorway appear when compared with the
‘entire structure. It seemed to beckon me like a will-o’-the-
wisp, and responding to the beckoning I advanced, then with-
drew; at last I approached the very doorstep, but dared not
break the spell of the night by entering.

Considerable time was given at one period of my life to
the subject of Saracenic art and ornamentation, therefore I
longed to linger over each of the remarkable examples that
i met. Notwithstanding the great beauty of the interior dec-
orations of the Taj I deem them surpassed by some of the
mosaics to be found in the so-called “ Jasamine Tower,” a
portion of the harem of Shah Jehan’s palace in Fort Agra.
In the same inclosure is the Pearl Mosque, truly a pearl
among mosques, renowned for its exquisite proportions, for
the simplicity and peerless beauty of its design. Among
these gems of the architect’s art one is tempted to linger, and
to note among other things that the artists of Shah Jehan’s
time were allowed to depart from the rigid laws of Saracenic
art that forbade any likeness of living things in their deccra-
tions; also that the mosaics that ornament the tomb of Akbar
at Sikandra, conforming strictly to the canons of that art,
consist of geometric patterns, but are far less pleasing than
many of the purely Saracenic mosaic designs that may be
found elsewhere. A queer structure is this tomb of Akbar,
and similar tombs of several kings at Lucknow. From a
distance such an edifice, large enough for a palace, would
be taken in America to be a casino or a summer hotel.

Temptation comes to continue this digression: to speak of
visits to the deserted cities of Amber and Fatehpur Sikri; of
some of the sights of Benares, such as the Golden Temple,
the Monkey Temple, and the Cow Temple, which is the home
of sixty sacred cows: paved with tiles and gayly ornamented,
it probably is the finest cow-stable in the world. But for the

SHERMAN — BIRDS BY THE WAYSIDE 263

naturalist a visit to the temple of Galta Pass (written also
Gulta Pass) must prove the most interesting. There the
monkey is worshiped and fed. The chief species seen there
is a long-tailed, black-faced sort,—the Langur Monkey
(Semnopithecus entellus) if | mistake not. The surrounding
hills are said to be full of them, their number being estimated
at a thousand or more. The hour of my visit was late in the
forenoon, and many pious Hindus had preceded me, so the
monkeys were not hungry, yet a little calling soon brought
from twenty to thirty of them trooping over the hills. The
party consisted of an old male and his harem of ten or
twelve females, each female carrying a youngster of a few
months, and followed by about an equal number of half-
grown young ones. A bag of parched millet had been taken
along for feeding them. For me it was a unique experience
to be surrounded by these animals, to have one mother mon-
key after another seize my hand with one of her hands, while
with her other hand she quickly picked up the grain and
stuffed it into her mouth. All were soon satisfied, and the
mothers sat down closely about me and nursed their babies.
The half-grown fellows kept by themselves. Both they and
the babies at times indulged in play, wrestling, pulling each
other’s tails, and playing “leap-frog.” Here was a place for
the student of animal behavior to pitch his camp.

In both country and city, on the ground, on the housetops,
and in the trees, almost everywhere near human habitation
was to be seen the little, striped, gray Palm Squirrel (Sciurus
palmarum). These squirrels, two or three species of mon-
keys, and occasionally a mongoose were the principal wild
mammal seen. A nodding acquaintance was scraped with
a few species of trees. One cannot give attention to birds
without wishing to learn the names of the strange trees in
which they were found. Those I now recall were chiefly the
peepul, neem, tamarind, sal, and banyan, with here and there
a palm.

Most travelers go to Mount Abu to see the Dilwara mar-
ble temples, which certainly do repay the trouble of a long

264 THE WILSON BULLETIN — No. 90

journey. Dating from the eleventh century these Jain tem-
ples are said to be unsurpassed for the delicacy and beauty
of their carvings. This statement is easily creditable for
there seems to be scarcely a square foot of the marble sur-
face that is not most elaborately carved. Birds, beasts, fruit,
flowers, and human figures are the decorative units in a great
variety of design; each pillar and ceiling differing in design
from its neighbors. This mountain has been a sacred place
for ages, and mention of it is made by Pliny, and other an-
cient writers.

The village of Mount Abu, having a population of about
five thousand, is situated at an elevation of nearly a mile
above sea level, and contains the country home of several
Maharajahs and other potentates. This restful spot is in de-
lightful contrast with the places of the plains: the bracing
air is not ladened with the odor of burning manure, used by
the natives for fuel; the screaming of Kites and cawing of
Crows are not incessantly in one’s ears; and there does not
appear such abject poverty and squalor. The birds both in
numbers of individuals and of species exceeded those seen
elsewhere.- Many of the Flycatchers and Warblers were
seen in no other place. There were about twenty of these
species for which I never found the names. A few of them,
were of brilliant plumage. A bird that held my attention
because of its sprightly behavior was the White-spotted Fan-
tail Flycatcher (Rhipidura pectoralis), another attracting the
eye by its fine color and dashing appearance was the South-
ern Yellow Tit (Machlolophus haplonotus). On the road up
to the village the Indian Grey Titmouse (Parus atriceps) was
seen, and in several places the Indian Grey Shrike (Lantus
lahtora) was passed. Near the village is a small lake where
birds were abundant. Two visits were made to it, and on
both occasions a pair of Red-wattled Lapwings (Scarcogram-
mus indicus) was seen close at hand, and at a greater dis-
tance were shore-birds, ducks, birds of the Cormorant fam-
ily, which probably were Shags, and Coots. It always did

SHERMAN — BIRDS BY THE WAYSIDE 265

seem good to see a Coot, a bird that was precisely the same
as those we have at home.

I had paid in advance for four rickshaw rides, but it suited
my purpose better to go afoot and alone in the neighborhood
of the village, and to confine the rides to two half days. I
found the rickshaw as heavy as a buggy, and when empty it
was hard to pull up hill; therefore I walked on the up grades,
and let the rickshaw boys draw me when the road was level
or down hill. An interpreter explained to them for me, that.
when they heard the word “ Stop!” | wished to view a bird.
They soon became very observant of the birds, pointing them
cut to me, and stopping for Doves and Mynas, and other
species that I may have seen scores of times that day. They
looked at the birds through the binoculars, and when I was
using the glasses they picked flowers with which to deck my
rickshaw. They helped me over slippery and dangerous
paths with as much gallantry as any one could show, even
though they were unlettered and) more than half naked. On
the whole the three rickshaw boys seemed to have had a very
enjoyable day.

The drive of seventeen miles from the station to the vil-
lage was made by tonga, with a change of horses occurring
every three or four miles, making use of ten horses for the
trip going up. The return journey was about as disagreeable
as rapid traveling could make it. For pleasure I should
choose neither tonga nor elephant-back riding. The sample
] had of the latter was on the excursion to the deserted city
of Amber. In answer to those asking about the sensations
of such riding it may be said that one feels rather high up in
the world when he can put his foot on the roof of a porch
that he is passing. The gait of the elephant produces a
churning motion, which in turn inspires the thought that
there has been a nicely balanced adjustment in the distribu-
tion of the animal kingdom, inasmuch as the elephant and the
Jersey cow are not indigenous to the same territory. If they
were, those partial to a milk diet, when journeying on an ele-
phant, might sometimes find themselves full of butter.

266 THE WiLson BULLETIN — No. 90

Owing to an accident to the automobile on the return trip
from Futehpur Sikri there was afforded me experience with
two other styles of vehicles. We, four passengers from the
disabled automobile, chartered two ekkas to take us into
Agra. The short and fat Englishman, who was my com-
panion in the ekka, counseled a tight hold upon the bamboo
poles that supported the canopy-top of the ekka. The driver
started the little pony off at a rattling pace. We were rat-
tied, jolted, bounced about for a inatter of fifteen or twenty
rods; whatever the distance, it gave time for reflection: for
wondering if flesh and bones could survive two miles of such
traveling. The pony stopped; the driver gave him the lash;
the poor pony, quite untaught regarding the laws of gravita-
tion, reared upon his hind legs, and the two heavy-weight
passengers gently bore the back end of the ekka to the ground.
ff we had gone down suddenly it would have meant a broken
arm for me instead of a bad bruise. Our weight held the
pony in mid-air, between the thills, and he remained in this
unnatural position when we drove away ‘in the next vehicle
that came along. which was a gharry. The moon-faced young
Englishman appeared to enjoy the adventure, perhaps he is
laughing still, as it was the last I saw of him.

Whether the terrible jolting one gets on the railway cars
of India is due to the roadbed or to the cars themselves I
am unable to say. Dust there is in unstinted abundance, but
no crowding for the first-class passengers. Except for a few
hours on four occasions | had a whole compartment to my-
self; the dimensions of some of jthese were about seven by
ten feet, and they were intended to seat six or eight passen-
gers. The seats are uncomfortable, being too wide for seats
and too narrow for beds. By keeping one’s back pressed
tightly against the back of the seat while sleeping the passen-
ger does not run great risk of being jolted off, but such a
position becomes very tiresome. I found two easy methods
of relief: either the positions of head and feet may be re-
versed, or better still, one can move self and bedding to the

SHERMAN — BirpS BY THE WAYSIDE 267

couch on the opposite side of the car, —an efficient though
elaborate way of turning over in bed.

White-breasted Kingfisher (Halcyon smyrnensis) seems
like a very tame and commonplace name for the gorgeous
creature to which it belongs. Most assuredly the bird is
white-breasted, but its beak is coral-red; its head, sides of
neck and body, its abdomen and under tail coverts are a rich
dark chestnut; there is greenish blue on scapulars and wings ;
cerulean blue and dull blue on large portions of its plumage.
It is.a very pretty bird and of common occurrence, haunting
quiet places in city parks, as well as less \frequented spots.
The Pied Kingfisher (Ceryle rudis) is spotted black and white,
as its name implies. It may be seen hovering over the water
in search of its prey in a manner similar to some of the terns.
A bird larger than either of the fore-going species is the
Large Crested Black and White Kingfisher (Ceryle guttata).
It was seen in but one place. The same is true of the Wire-
tailed Swallow, but the pretty Red-rumped Swallow was seen
frequently. At some hours of the day from my hotel win-
dow in Bombay I ‘could look down on many individuals of
the swallow family, busily “ policing the air,” that appeared
to be none other than the Swallow (Hirundo rustica), com-
mon to northern Europe in the summer, but at that time in
their winter retreat. With much less certainty is it possible
to designate as Crag Martins the birds that were seen flying
before the vertical fronts of some of the cliffs of Mount Abu.

In comparison with the numerous species and subspecies
of native sparrows abounding in America the continents of
the Old World seem singularly barren of sparrow life, ex-
cept that furnished by Passer domesticus and some of its
very near relations. My notes record the impression that in
Bombay I found the House Sparrow as conspicuous and noisy
as at home. In Calcutta additional proof of its offensiveness
was offered by a pair that had gained entrance to the dining-
room and was flying about far out of reach beneath the lofty
ceiling.

Both Doves and Pigeons are very abundant in India. I

268 THE WILSON BULLETIN — No. 90

think I saw the Spotted Dove (Turtur suratensis) more fre-
quently in the cities than elsewhere, and the Little Brown
Dove (Turtur cambayensis) was found oftener beside the
country road. So plentiful in some places is the Blue Rock
Pigeon (Columba intermedia) that it seems to be a positive
nuisance: this is true in particular of Jaipur, where the spe-
cies literally covers large spaces in the wide streets, where it
crowds into and defiles such buildings as the Hall of Public
Audience of the Maharajah. This is a building that no one
ought to fail to see, tor without ocular confirmation it is hard
to believe that there could have been built such a hideous
structure within a short railway ride of the Taj Mahal at
Agra, or the Hall of Private Audience at Delhi.

The Vultures have been left until the last; and it seems
obviously proper to make those species of this family the
very last, that would make the last of us very speedily if they
got a chance. Consequently the White Scavenger Vulture
(Neophron ginginianus) claims first consideration. It is a
common species, and was seen wherever I went, except near
the coast From my window in the Cecil Hotel, Agra, one
of them was seen sitting in a bulky nest in a neem tree not
more than twenty-five feet away. A position on the roof,
overlooking the nest, was sought at once, but the nest was
empty when the bird left. Such a location was highly ad-
rantageous for study when the nest life was in ‘progress.

The White Scavenger Vuiture at times has a woe-begone,
dishevelled appearance, as if it appreciated the contumely
heaped upon it by mankind. In view of its single shortcom-
ing it is a pity that the bird cannot talk back. If it could its
reply would probably be something like this: “Oh, vain-
glorious man! wherefore do you cast such volumes of re-
proach upon me? Am I not a faithful spouse and a devoted
parent? Do you ever see me figuring in the divorce courts
because of inconstancy, or my offspring deserted by me, left
to the tender mercies of strangers in my tribe? Do you see
me robbing my brothers or slaying millions of them in unholy
war? Your sole accusation against me is that I am a scav-

SHERMAN — BIRDS BY THE WAYSIDE 269

enger and not too proud to eat human ordure; but what liv-
ing creature do I harm by ny tastes? Certainly I take noth-
me that tunas me into a irenzied fiend’ so that J beat
my mate, kill my offspring, and endanger the lives or hap-
piness of my neighobrs, nor do I smoke a filthy weed that
poisons the air for every one near me. Oh, you contempti-
bie man! J] have seen you fill with smoke the air of a small
enclosure, where were others of your kind, men and women,
_unable to escape, who were sickened and gasping in utter
misery. So I say unto you, critical man, that unless you can
show more decent taste, you have no right to criticise mine.”

Besides the White Scavenger at least three other species
of Vultures were seen: the Black or King Vulture (Ortogyps
calvus), the White-backed Vulture (Pseudogyps bengalen-
sis), and the Long-hbilled Vulture (Gy ps tenwirostris). In
most instances they were distant about an eighth of a mile,
but sometimes no more than half of that, distance.. As a rule
they were in desolate places: along a river bank or about
some ruin. Across the river from the Massacre Ghat at
Cawnpore were several of these birds. While using my bi-
noculars I saw one waiting for a dog to finish its repast. The
object being devoured looked very human, and my guide af-
firmed that it was the body of a man that had drifted ashore
some days before. Two human skulls lay directly in front
of the Taj Mahal on the banks of the Jumna River and were
detected when the glasses were turned upon some Plovers
feeding there. Such ghastly finds are not so surprising in a
country teeming with millions of Hindus, whose religion for-
bids the burying of the dead, and where the cost of the wood
for the funeral pyre is almost prohibitory for some families.
On the morning of my visit to the bathing ghats of Benares
I witnessed two Hindu funerals: the first was that of a
woman, and her nearest relative, after walking five times
around the pyre, applied the torch; the other was that of an
infant, whose body was weighted with stones preparatory to
its being cast into the Ganges, for this is the disposal made
of the bodies of Hindu children who die before they have

270 THE WILSON BULLETIN — No. 90

attained the age of three years. In this river were hundreds
of pious Hindus taking their sacred baths, energetically scour-
ing their teeth, or drinking the water dipped up by: the hand.

The immense number of tombs to be seen outside of some
of the cities tends to create the feeling that India is one vast
graveyard, but these are Mohammedan tombs, showing the
fruits of death’s harvest for a few hundred years only. An-
other religious sect, the Parsee, holds that the elements are
too sacred to be polluted by the dead, hence their bodies can-
not be burned nor cast into the water as are the Hindu’s,
neither must they desecrate the earth by burial therein. To
obviate these things Towers of Silence are provided on which
the bodies of dead Parsees are exposed to the Vultures —
the White-backed and the Long-billed are the species in Bom-
bay that are said to frequent these towers, there being about
three hundred birds that divide their time between the towers
and the slaughter-houses. In Bombay the stated hours
for funerals are nine o’clock in the morning and five in
the afternoon. The Vultures begin to assemble regularly
an hour or two before funeral time. When I was there
at three p. m. from twenty to thirty birds had arrived
and were waiting on the walls. They are said to complete
their task within the space of two hours. There are five of
the towers; some have private ownership, one is for crimi-
nals, suicides, and for the bodies of the unfortunate Parsees
that chance after death to be touched by some one outside
the caste. The principal tower is twenty-five feet high and
nearly ninety feet in diameter. The approach to this strange
place is up a hill, through a little park made beautiful by trees
and flowers and the songs of birds.

Notwithstanding some unpleasant impressions the mem-
ories of India are mainly agreeable ones, and it appears to
be a prime favorite with most travelers. To one spot es-
pecially I longed daily to return. That was the natural his-
tory museum in Lucknow. It is my purpose to speak of it
more fully in a chapter devoted to the museums that were

SHERMAN — BIRDS BY THE WAYSIDE Pon

visited. It may be sufficient here to say that no bird student
should fail to visit it.

Enough of the abundance and fearlessness of the birds was
seen to create a feeling of certainty that it is a land where
one would gladly tarry for the sake of bird study. From the
books we may learn of the many species that build their nests
in, close to, or upon the walls of human habitations, and in
addition to these the number of hole-nesting species appears
to be unusually large. Of such are the Starling, Roller, Hoo-
poe, Magpie Robin, Brown-backed Robin, Common and
Brahminy Mynas, Southern Yellow. Tit, Grey Tit, Parrots.
Crimson-breasted Barbet, and Woodpeckers, all of them nest-
ing in holes in trees or buildings, while in holes in banks
there nest the Bank Myna, Common Bee-eater, and the King-
fishers. When properly managed with boxes having peep-
holes for observations, the home life of hole-nesting birds be-
comes easy to watch and eminently opportune for thorough
investigation. To watch the progress of the nest life, from
egg laying until the fledgling leaves the nest, at no greater
distance than sixteen to twenty-two inches from the eye has
been my privilege with four hole-nesting species: the North-
ern Flicker, the Screech Owl, the Sparrow Hawk, and the
House Wren, and deep designs are planned for laying bare
the privacy of several others. Similar methods could easily
be adopted for watching the home life of Indian birds; and
there naturally arises the wish for a thousand years in order
to give a few decades to the study of bird life in India.

kee, THE WILSON BULLETIN — No. 90

BIRDS ABOUT A COUNTRY HOME IN WINTER
BY ALICE EDGERTON.

Our home is ideally situated for bird study. There is a
woodlot of several acres to the east, the trees on that side
coming down to the house. In this wood is a small alder
swamp surrounded by thickets of ironwood. To the north
and west is another wood which joins a neighbor’s woodlot.
Together they form a wooded area of considerable size. In
the rear, and near enough to shade the house, are three black
locusts, an ancient shellbark hickory, and five red and sugar
maples. Thus we are literally in the woods.

When I became interested in bird study I did not need to
lure them to the yard, they were already there and very
much at home. One who could use a saw and hammer fash-
ioned for me a lunch counter from a weathered board, which
we fastened in a small prune tree twenty-five feet from the
back porch. On it we put seeds, crumbs, and later corn
which all seemed to like except the English sparrows — they
had been too partial to the crumbs. We also tacked suet to
one of the locusts trees and our guests were bidden to the
feast. The came readily and fearlessly and my fun began.

My plans were well laid: the suet was.for Woodpeckers,
Nuthatches, Titmice and Chickadees; the corn for Cardinal
Grosbeaks, Juncos, Tree Sparrows, Song Sparrows, and Blue
Jays. But how they went awry, those plans! Blue Jays
varied their corn diet with suet. Tufted Titmice, while clear-
ly preferring the suet, came freely to the corn if other birds
were at the suet, and I could not discover that the Nuthatches
preferred one above the other. This is where the plans were
wrong. The Nuthatch is a seed eater also though it gets
more credit for the destruction of the grubs it finds under
the bark. As for the Juncos and Tree Sparrows, they came
not at all, but chose the weed seeds in the garden. They eat
crumbs and grain if I throw them on the ground.

The numerous Downy Woodpeckers come to the suet by

EDGERTON — Birps About a Country HomME 273

twos and threes and singly. If other birds are there they are
soon driven away and the Downies occupy it by right of con-
quest.

On occasions a Hairy Woodpecker comes also, but it is
sometimes absent for weeks and never comes regularly.

Last winter a female Red-bellied Woodpecker came fre-
quently and this winter I see both birds. They are very noisy
and more timid than the Downy Woodpecker which seems
afraid of nothing.

At the lunch counter all birds but the Cardinal have puzzled
over what to do with the large grains of corn. Cardinals,
by virtue of their large bills, take the grains whole. They
are the only winter birds that come to the yard quite alone,
and having no other bird to warn of the cat’s approach, they
are nervous and timid. I have recently noticed that a male
Cardinal roosts at night in an old shack hardly larger than
a dog kennel which the children use in summer for a play-
house. He comes at sunset for corn, signifies his displeas-
ure, if the counter is bare, by a few sharp chirps and then
flies to the open window of the playhouse. 1 think it likely
that it is the same bird that spent the summer nights in a
fruit tree near the house. We always knew when he came
by the loud chirps he gave as he flew into the thick leaves.

When the Tufted Titmice come to the counter they bring
diltiets relatives and the Chickadees. ‘They are oiten to
be seen on the loosely shingled roof of the sugar-house work-
ing around the shingles. It leads me to suppose they have
hidden things in the roof. Their solution of the corn prob-
lem is to hold the grain to the limb with one foot while it is
pounded to pieces. They call, ‘‘ Peter-Peter” if the day is
fair and dine together in brotherly love.

Not so the Blue Jays, however. We all know they have
their little prejudices. Among themselves they live in har-
mony while it is winter. As the grain of corn is too large
to swallow whole it is taken in the bill by one end, the free
end is then pounded off and wasted. The Jays sometimes
carry away corn but I have never seen where it was hidden.

Bie THE WILSON BULLETIN — No. -90

The Nuthatches also do this. I have watched others do it
in the autumn but not in winter.

The Nuthatches manage the corn very well indeed. The
grain is carried to one of the locusts where it is wedged firm-
ly in a crotch in the bark and hammered to pieces. This re-
minds me of their habit of putting beech nuts into crotches of
bark to be hatched open. One bird has its separate fork which
it never fails to use. It will be a red letter day at Oakside
when a Red-breasted Nuthatch comes to the feeding station
in winter. So far I have seen them in spring or autumn only.

Sometimes there is a sudden shadow on the counter made
by the wide wings of a Hawk. The two Hawks I see in
winter are the Red-tailed Hawk and the Cooper Hawk, and
I usually see one individual of each species throughout the
winter. The Red-tailed Hawk that has been hunting over our
pastures and meadows is remarkable for the brilliant red of
its tail. I have not been able to determine just what this
one lives on in the winter, but I rarely see it kill anything
larger than a mouse. We did at one time, however, find a
badly wounded Grouse which it had dropped as we fright-
ened it away. The deep wounds made by the talons of the
Hawk in the firm flesh of the Grouse testified to its strength.

The Cooper Hawk has ruined its reputation by coming too
near the house and dieting on young chicken. There is a
vapidly uttered, panic-stricken cry jthe Bob-Whites make
when they are chased by a Hawk. I hear it often and regis-
ter another complaint against Cooper Hawk.

My winter friend, the Screech Owl, I seldom see since it
eave up its friendly habit of lodging in a hollow maple in
the yard, but it has a remarkable voice and I hear it every
night —also a larger relative whose voice I do not know
well enough for certain identification.

The large number of fruitful beech trees I consider respon-
sible for the covey of Ruffed Grouse that always winters in
our woods. They come often to the thickets nearest the
house and act out whole plays within the range of my glass.
One sunny morning as a Grouse crossed ‘the lane, a Hawk

BurNs — DEPOSITION AND INCUBATION Poe)

screamed overhead and suddenly there was no Grouse at all,
but only a spot in the road that was nothing but a pile of
leaves and dust. When the Hawk had sailed over the pile
of leaves took wings and flew into the woods.

I had heard for years a clear, far-reaching cry and won-
dered over it, before | made the discovery that it was the
clan-cry of the Quail. At sunset from some fence corner a
clear single-syllabeled whistle goes forth, and is answered
from far and near by the separated Bob-whites. If there has
been no unusual scattering in the covey that day there is no
curfew. It is to be heard every evening during the rabbit
hunting season and I have wondered if the covey dispersed
voluntarily for safety or whether it was frightened apart.
The latter is the more probable conclusion.

The casual visitor to Oakside Farm I have not mentioned.
Those observers who can go far afield can furnish larger and
more interesting lists. My object was merely to tell of the
birds to be seen from a farmhouse porch. It is a curious
fact that my friend in the village sometimes feeds as many
as five male Cardinals at once, while I never have more than
one. This seems to me to indicate that we farmer folk who
have excellent advantages for bird study, neglect them, and
carelessly leave both the study and feeding of birds to the
villagers. How shall we best serve our small friends?

Columbiana, Ohio.

COMI MRAM Pee RlODS Or DE POSIMON AND
INCUBATION OF SOME NORTH AMERICAN
iBIUSID) Ss

BY FRANK L. BURNS

Very little seems to be known regarding the exact periods
of incubation of our birds. Captain Bendire’s observations
appear the most extensive until recently when some attention
has been given the subject by various observers, mostly in-
cidental to the intensive study of a single nest or perhaps a
colony of one species or another.

276 THE WILSON BULLETIN — No. 90

My conclusions are based upon the statements of authors,
the manuscript notes of Messrs. T. A. Elliot, Jr., North East
Harbor, Me.; John F. Ferry, Chicago, Ill.; Henry Link, Wa-
terloo, Ind.; Angus MckKennon, DeFuniak Springs, Fla. ;
Leonard S. Pierson, Wayne, Pa.; Alfred C. Redfield, Cam-
bridge, Mass.; A. C. Read, Isle of Pines, Cuba; Charles H-
Rogers, Princeton, N. J.; Ernest W. Vickers, Ellsworth,
Ohio; Miss Farida Wiley, Sidney, Ohio, and my own obser-
vations.

The duties of incubation are usually performed by the fe-
male, often with the assistance of the male, or the male may
not participate in the actual brooding process but may carry
food to the female and later assist in caring for the young.

Exact knowledge of the amount of assistance given the fe-
male by her mate during the incubating season does net ap-
pear to be of much importance in consideration of the com-
parative periods. When one sex forages and incubates unaid-
ed, however, the period is usually prolonged beyond that of
the normal of the species accustomed to the advantage of an
assisting mate; or possibly in rare instances like that of the
Trochlide, Hummingbirds, of species of an entirely differ-
ent group of similar size. Clark (Cf. Auk, xx, 162) gives an
instance of a male Bob-white incubating a late clutch of eggs
for 28 days before hatching, apparently several days over the
regular period; while the female was leading her first brood
about the vicinity.

Apparently most colonial species are doubly monogamous ;
birds breeding in colonies can seldom conceal their eggs from
enemies, therefore have the greatest need of constant protec-
tion by either sex.

Most hole-nesting species are doubly monogamous, though
there are some notable exceptions; one would naturally seek
the reason for this in the greater need of animal heat in lieu
of the direct rays of the sun to further the rate of incuba-
tion; rather than that of protection from enemies, of which
there is less need than in the instance of the colonial birds.

“In many species and groups where one sex is much more

BurNSs — DEPOSITION AND INCUBATION Pane

conspicuously or highly-colored than the other, the more
plainly-garbed sex frequently assumes all the duties of incu-
bation and not infrequently, of the young, also.

Double monogamy occurs in many instances in every group
producing precocial young, but it is probably more common
in the Altrices; double monogamy, however, as generally de-
fined, is not characteristic of the highest type, since of the
Turdide and Corvide (except the subfamily Corvine) the two
Passerine families most in dispute for first rank; the male does
not appear to render any assistance in incubation.

According to present information, both sexes take regular
turns at incubating in at least some species of the Podicipide,
Gaviide, Alcide, Laride (not including Anois stolidus, Noddy),
_Diomedeide, Procellariide, Phethontide, Pelecanide, Anseri-
ne, Cygnine, Phenicopteride, Ibidide, Ardeide, some of the
Scalopacide, (Philohela minor Woodcock, Gallingo delicata
Wilson’s Snipe, Pelidna alpina sakhalina, Red-backed Sand-
piper), Charadrude (Oxyechus vociferous Killdeer), the ge-
nus Colinus only of the Gallinaceous birds, Columbide, Buteo-
nide, (except Aquila chrysaétos Golden Eagle), Stringes (ex-
cept the genus Otus), the genus Coccygus, Alcediuude, Pi-
cide, Caprimulgide, and of the Passerines; Corvine, Zantho-
cephalus zanthocephalus Yellow-headed Blackbird, Sturnella
magna Meadowlark, the genus Quiscalus, most of the Frin-
gillide (the most notable exceptions being of genera, includ-
ing nearly all of the most brilliant and conspicuously :plum-
aged males, not including Zamelodia ludivicana Rose-breasted
Grosbeak), Hirundinide (not including Progne subis Purple
Martin), Bombycilla cedrorum Cedar Waxwing, Protonotaria
citrea Prothonotary Warbler, Dendroica estiva estiva Yellow
Warbler, D. pensylvania Chestnut-sided Warbler, Setopaga
ruticilla Redstart, Vireonide (not including V. philadelphia
and L. solitarius solitarius), Anthus pratensis Meadow Pipit,
the genera Toxrostoma, Troglodytes, and Sitta canadensis Red-
breasted Nuthatch.

Incubation is performed solely by the female in dAnous sto-
lidus Noddy, the Anatide (except Anserine and Cygnine)

278 THE WIiLson BULLETIN — No. 90

some of the Rallide, Scolapacide ( Bartramia longicauda Up-
land Plover, Actitis macularia Spotted Sandpiper), Charadri-
ide, Galline (genera Bonasa, Centrocercus and Meleagris),
the genus Otus, Trochilide (at least A. colubris and S.
rufus), Tyranmde (perhaps not including E. wrighti and
P. rubinus mexicanus), Corvide (except Corvine), Doli-
chonyx oryszivorus Bobolink, Agelaius phaeniceus Red-winged
Blackbird, subgenus Icterus, Hesperiphona vespertina ves-
pertina Evening Grosbeak, Carpodacus purpureus purpureus
Purple Finch, Astragalinus tristis tristis Goldfinch, A. t. sali-
camans Willow Goldfinch, Plectrophenax nivalis nivalis Snow
Bunting, Passerina cyanea Indigo Bunting, P. ciris Painted
Bunting, Pirarga erythromelas Scarlet Tanager, genus Lan-
ius, Mniotiltide (with some exceptions), Mimus polyglottos
Mockingbird, Dumetelea carolinensis Catbird, Thryothorus
ludovicianus muiamensis Florida Wren, Certhia familiaris
americana Brown Creeper, Penthestes atricapillus atricapillus
Chickadee, and the Turdine.

Incubation receives the attention of the male only, in the.
Phalaropodide, and some of the Scolopacide (Eurynorhyn-
chus pygmeus Spoon-billed Sandpiper).

The Passerine genera Melothrus and Tangavius are para-
sitic and of course do not incubate at all.

The period of deposition of a species seems to depend most-
ly upon the general productiveness of the group to which it
is most nearly related; and to a lesser extent, upon the rela-
tive size of the species and its egg to that of the group, the
maximum sometimes requires a longer period to recuperate.

A species belonging to a group capable of and most com-
monly producing the maximum number of eggs in a set or
in a season, ordinarily deposit an egg daily. This includes
the Colymbi, Anatide, Rallide, Scolapacide, Pici, Cucullide
and Passeres (there are instances of the deposition of two
eggs in one day by the prolific Colaptes auratus luteus North-
ern Flicker, Sayornis phabe Phcebe, Passer domesticus Euro-
pean House Sparrow, and Spizella passerina passerina Chip-
ping Sparrow.)

Burns — DEPOSITION AND INCUBATION 279

Our largest Passerine, Corvus corax principalis Northern
Raven, may occasionally deposit its eggs at intervals of every
other day.

Coccyzus americanus Yellow-billed Cuckoo, and C. eryth-
rophthalmus Black-billed Cuckoo, are subject to variation ac-
cording to locality; individuals inhabiting the Atlantic slope
occasionally seem to require an interval of from two to eight
days, but as both species have been known to drop their eggs
in other birds’ nests and the average number in a set falls
away below that of the same species in the West, probably
the most satisfactory explanation of the apparent departure
from the normal daily deposition, may be found in the para-
sitic tendencies of the eastern individual. Not impertinent to
the subject, it may be stated that the parasitic nature of the
European Cuckoo has been erroneously attributed to its ir-
regular deposition and consequent inability to assemble a
clutch of eggs; however this may be, our parasitic Cowbird
has been known to drop four or five eggs in as many days,
though like the Bobolink, it may now and then depart from
the normal.

Members of a group normally or commonly producing two
eggs, deposit at less frequent periods, the Columbide, Capri-
mulgide and Trochilide lay on alternate days. The larger
Gavude two or three days apart, and a week or ten days may
elapse before the Cathartide deposit the second egg. The
Raptores require from one to three or four days interval gen-
erally, depending upon size, the genera Aquila, Halicetus and
Bubo, which include some of the largest species and frequent-
ly deposit two eggs only, the interval is the maximum.

Birds laying daily, ordinarily but not invariably, begin in-
cubation after the set is completed. The occasional irregular-
ities in incubation ‘are often traceable to exceptional condi-
tions; cold or stormy weather at the time of deposition may
induce the parent to cover the nest for a time sufficient to
affect the first laid eggs.

Birds ordinarily exhibiting irregular deposition usually be-
gin incubation with the first (sometimes the second or third)

280 THE WILSON BULLETIN — No. 90

egg laid: this naturally results in irregularities in hatching and
maturing of nestlings; far more frequent in the Altrices for
the obvious reason that belated embryos of Precocials usual-
ly perish in the shell after the parents desert the nest with
the first hatched young.

The period of incubation seems to depend almost altogether
upon mere size or bulk; conditions being equal, the larger the
ege generally the longer the period of incubation. This rule
would seem to be good, with some exceptions ; but more truly
applicable to the various members of the several groups, in
some instances possibly not higher than families.

The assertion that the length of incubation depends upon
the state of perfection in which the young issues from the
shell, i.e. chicks able to leave the nest almost immediately af-
ter hatching (precocial) require a much longer time than
those hatched in a helpless state (altricial), appears unreli-
able when applied generally, even though the former averages”
larger eggs. The absence of data on comparative sizes,
weights or other means of equalization render it somewhat
dificult to prove, but for some of the many probable ‘excep-
tions compare in size and period of incubation the Petrels
with the smaller Terns, the Tropic Birds with the Gulls, the
larger Raptores with the Anatide, the Woodpecker with the
Coot, the smaller Raptores with the smaller Gallixe, the
Kingfisher with the Bob-white, or even the Chat with the
Spotted Sandpiper. The Noddy, departing from the typical
Sternine in its habit of nesting in bushes and there rearing its
young for upwards of two months (therefore not typical
precocial) is said to incubate for 35-36 days, which seems
a much longer period than that of any other of its precocial
family.

3irds nesting in snug rock crevices, tree cavities, or in
covered nests of any descriptions capable of keeping out the
weather and conserving the heat from the birds’ body, doubt-
less are at no great disadvantage over the loss of the direct
rays of the sun; but species nesting deep in earthy burrows
(Puffins, Petrels and Kingfishers) or in draughty flues

Burns — DEPOSITION AND INCUBATION 281

(Chimney Swifts) with little or no protective lining, appear
at every disadvantage in hastening the development of the
embryo; and the comparatively longer periods of incubation
would seem to foster this hypothesis.

There are little data available leading to the effects of cli-
mate and season on the period of incubation of individuals
of the same species. It is quite probable that the most vari-
able periods occur in cool rather than warm climates, and
more especially in a season of violent changes. Knight (Cf.
Birds of Maine) in considering the period of incubation of
some of the Fringillide (Lanius ludivicianus migrans and
Geothlypis trichas trichas) recognized a variation of from two
to four days, due to weather conditions, closeness with which
the bird brooded and other correlating circumstances. It is
well known that up to a certain stage of development of the
embryo, the eggs may be subjected to a cooling process by
exposure to the weather for some time without endangering
the embryo beyond retarding the growth temporarily and
lengthening the period somewhat beyond the normal time;
and also, that the sun may relieve the parent bird of part of
her task unless the temperature is driven too high and the
germ destroyed.

The number of days of incubation of the species in the list
appended has been compiled from-various sources, and in
many instances from single records, some of which may be
inaccurate and are questioned; others may be subject to re-
vision; but none are included without good authority.

Podilymbus podiceps. VPied-billed Grebe—21 (?) days.

Gavia immer. Loon.—29 days.

Cepphus grylle. Black Guillemot.—21 days.

Larus argentatus. UWerring Gull.—26 or 27 days.

Larus franklini. Wranklin’s Gull.—I18 or 20 days.

Sterna hirunda. Common Tern.—21 days.

Sterna dongalli. Roseate Tern.—21 days.

Sterna fuscata. Sooty Tern.——26-29 days.

Hydrochelidon niger surinamensis. Black Tern.—17 days.

Anous stolidus. Noddy.—35-36 days.

Oceanodroma leucorhoa. WLeach’s Petrel.—30 (7?) days.

282 THE WILSON BULLETIN — No. 90

Phethon americanus. Yellow-billed Tropic Bird.—28 days.

Sula bassanad. Gannet.—39 days.

Phalacrocorax wrile. Red-faced Cormorant.—21 days.

Pelecanus erythrorhynchos. White Pelican.—29-30 days.

Pelecanus occidentalis. Brown Pelican.—28 days.

Mergus americanus. Merganser.—28 days.

Mergus serrator. Red-breasted Merganser.—26-29 days.

Anas platyrhynchos. Mallard.—26-28 days.

Anas rubripes. Black Duck.—26-28 days.

Somateria mollissima borealis. Northern Wider.—86 (7?) days.

Branta canadensis canadensis. Canada Goose.—28-30 days.

Olor cygnus. Whooping Swan.—35-40 days.

Pheenicopterus ruber. Flamingo.—28 days.

Guara alba. White Ibis.—21 days.

Plegadis autuwmnalis. Glossy Ibis.—21 days.

Botaurus lentiginosus. Bittern.—28 days.

Ardea herodias herodias. Great Blue Heron.—28 days.

Butorides virescens virescens. Green Heron.—17 days.

Nycticorax nycticorax nevius. Black-crowned Night Heron.—24
(?) days.

Prozana carolina. Sora Rail.—14 (7?) days.

Fulica americana, Coot.—l4 days.

Philohela minor. Woodcock.—20-21 days.

Bartramia longicauda. Bartram’s Sandpiper.—17 (7?) days.

Actitis macularia. Spotted Sandpiper.—15-16 days.

Hematopus palliatus. Oyster-catcher.—1l4 (7?) days.

Colinus virginianus. Bob-white.—24 days.

Lophortyx californica californica. California Quail—24 (?) days.

Lophortyx californica vailicola. Valley Quail.—24 (7?) days.

Lophortyx californica gambeli. Gambel’s Quail.—24 days.

Dendragapus obscurus obscurus. Dusky Grouse.—24 days.

Dendragapus obscurus fuliginosus. Sooty Grouse.—24 days.

Bonasa umbellus wmbdellus. Ruffed Grouse.—21 days.

Bonasa wmbellus togata. Canada Ruffed Grouse.—21 days.

Lagopus lagopus lagopus. Willow Ptarmigan.—18 (7?) days.

Tympanuchus americanus americanus. Prairie Chicken.—21 days.

Pediecetes phasianellus columbianus., Columbian Sharp-tailed
Grouse.—21 days.

Pediecetes phasianellus campestris. Prairie Sharp-tailed Grouse.
—21 days.

Centrocercus urophasionus. Sage Grouse.—22 days.

Meleagris gallopavo silvestris. Wild Turkey.—28 days.

Phasianus colchicus. English Pheasant.—23-24 days.

Columba fasciata fasciata. Band-tailed Pigeon.—18-20 days.

Burns — DEPOSITION AND INCUBATION 283

Columba livia. Domestic Dove.—14 days.

Ectopistes migratorius. Passenger Pigeon.—l4 days.
Zenaidura macroura carolinensis. Mourning Dove.—12-14 days.
Melopelia asiatica. White-winged Dove.—18 days.

Chemepelia passerina terrestris. Ground Dove.—12 days.
Cathartes aura septentrionalis. Turkey Vulture.—30 days.
Cathartes uruba. Black Vulture.—80 days.

Circus hudsonius. Marsh Hawk.—26-28 days.

Accipiter velox. Sharp-shinned Hawk.—21 days.

Accipiter cooperi. Cooper’s Hawk.—24 days.

Buteo borealis borealis. Red-tailed Hawk.—28 days.

Buteo borealis calurus. Western Red-tail.—28 days.

Buteo lineatus linedtus. Red-shouldered Hawk.—27-28 days.
Buteo swainsoni. Swainson’s Hawk.—25-28 days. ;
Buteo platypterus. Broad-winged Hawk.—2Z3-25 days.
Urubitinga anthracina. Mexican Goshawk.—24-28 days.
Archibuteo lagopus sancti-johannis. Rough-legged Hawk.—28 days.
Archibuteo ferrugineus. Ferruginous Rough-leg.—28 days.
Aquila chrysaétos. Golden Eagle—85 days.

Haliwetus albicilla. Gray Sea Hagle.—30 days.

Haliewetus leucocephalus. Bald Eagle.—30 days.

Falco peregrinus anadtum. Duck Hawk.—28 days.

Falco columbarius columbarius. - Pigeon Hawk.—21 (?) days.
Falco sparverius sparverius. Sparrow Hawk.—29-30 (?) days.
Pandion haliaétus carolinensis. Osprey.—27-28 days.

Aluco pratincola. Barn Owl.—21-24 days.

Asio wilsonianus. Long-eared Owl.—21 days.

Asio flammeus. Short-eared Owl.—21 days.

Cryptoglauz acadica acadica.—Saw-whet Owl.—21 (?) days.
Otus asio asio. Screech Owl.—21-26 days.

Bubo virginianus virginianus. Great Horned Owl.—28-30 days.
Bubo virginianus pallescens. Western Horned Owl.—28 days.
‘Bubo virginianus pacificus. Pacific Horned Owl.—28 days.
Speotyto cunicularia hypogea. Burrowing Owl.—21-28 days.
Micropallas whitneyi. Elf Owl.—14 days.

Geococcyx californicus. Road-runner.—18 days.

Coccyzus americanus americanus. Yellow-billed Cuckoo.—14 days.
Coccyzus erythrophthalmus. Black-billed Cuckoo.—14 days.
Ceryle aleyon. Belted Kingfisher.—23-24 days.

Dryobates villosus villosus. Hairy Woodpecker.—14 days.
Dryobates villosus hyloscopus.—Cabanis’s Woodpecker.—15 days.
Dryobates pubescens medianus. Downy Woodpecker.—12 days.
Dryobates scalaris bairdi. Texas Woodpecker.—13 days.
Xenopicus albolarvatus. White-headed Woodpecker.—14 days.

284 THE WILSON BULLETIN — No. 90

Picoides americanus americanus. Three-toed Woodpecker.—14 days.

Sphyrapicus varius nuchalis. Red-naped Sapsucker.—l4 days.

Sphyrapicus ruber ruber.—Red-breasted Sapsucker.—12-14 days.

Phleotomus pileatus pileatus. Pileated Woodpecker.—18 days.

Melanerpes erythrocephalus. Red-headed Woodpecker.—14 days.

Asyndesmus lewisi. Lewis’s Woodpecker.—1l4 days.

Centurus carolinus. Red-bellied Woodpecker.—14 days.

Centurus aurifrons. Golden-fronted Woodpecker.—l4 days.

Centurus uropygialis. Gila Woodpecker.—14 days.

Colaptes auratus luteus. Flicker.—11-14 days.

Antrostomus vociferus. Whip-poor-will—17 days.

Chordeiles virginianus. Nighthawk.—16-18 days.

Chetura pelagica. Chimney Swift.—18 days.

Archilochus colubris. Ruby-throated Hummingbird.—14 days.

Archilochus alexandri, Black-chinned Hummingbird.—13 days.

Calypte coste. Costa’s Hummingbird.—14 days.

Calypte anna. Anna’s Hummingbird.—14 days.

Selasphorus rufus. Rufus Hummingbird.—12 days.

Muscivora forficata. Scissor-tailed Flycatcher.—12-13 days.

Tyrannus tyrannus. WKingbird.—12-138 days.

Tyrannus verticalis. Arkansas Kingbird.—12-13 days.

Tyrannus rociferus. Cassin’s Kingbird.—12-14 days.

Myiarchus crinitus. Crested Flycatcher.—138-15 days.

Myiarchus cinerascens cinerascens. Ash-throated Flycatcher.—
15 days.

Sayornis phacbe. Phoebe.—12-14 days.

Sayornis sayus. Say’s Phoebe.—12 days.

Nuttallornis borealis. Olive-sided Flycatcher.—14 days.

Myiochanes virens. Wood Pewee.—12-13 days.

Empidonax difficilis difficilis. Western Flycatcher.—12 days.

Empidonax trailli trailli. Trail’s Flycatcher.—12 days.

Empidonagx trailli alnorum. Alder Flycatcher.—12 days.

Empidonax minimus. Least Flycatcher.—12 days.

Empidonaxr wrighti. Wright’s Flycatcher.—12 days.

Pyrocephalus rubinus mexicanus. Vermillion Flycatcher.—12 days.

Pica pica hudsonia. Magpie.—16-18 days.

Cyanocitta cristata cristata. Blue Jay.—15-17 days.

Cyanocitta stelleri stelleri. Steller’s Jay.—16 days.

Cyanocitta stelleri frontalis. Blue-fronted Jay.—16 days.

Aphelocoma woodhousei. Woodhouse’s Jay.—16 days.

Aphelocoma californica californica. California Jay.—16 days.

Aphelocoma sieberi arizone. Arizona Jay.—I16 days.

Perisoreus canadensis canadensis. Canada Jay.—16-18 days.

Corvus corax principalis. Northern Raven.—20-21 days.

BurRNS — DEPOSITION AND INCUBATION 285

Corvus cryptoleucus. White-necked Raven.—21 days.

Corvus brachyrchynchos. Crow.—18 days.

Corvus ossifragus. Fish Crow.—16-18 days.

Nucifraga columbiand. Clark’s Nutcracker.—16-17 days.
Cyadnocephalus cyanocephalus. Pinon Jay.—16 days.

Sturnus vulgaris. Starling.—11-14 days.

Dolichonyx oryzivorus. Bobolink.—10 days.

Molothrus ater ater. Cowbird.—10 days.

Xanthocephalus canthocephalus. Yellow-headed Blackbird.—10 days.
Ageldius phoniceus pheniceus. Red-winged Blackbird.—10-14 days.
Sturnella magna magna. Meadowlark.—15-17 days.

Sturnella neglecta. Western Meadowlark.—15 days.

Icterus cucullatus nelsoni. Arizona Hooded Oriole——12-14 days.
Icterus spurius. Orchard Oriole.—12 days.

Icterus galbula. Baltimore Oriole.—14 days.

Icterus bullocki. Bullock’s Oriole—14 days.

Huphagus carolinus. Rusty Blackbird.—14 days.

Huphagus cyanocephalus. _Brewer’s Blackbird.—14 days.
Quiscalus quiscula quwiscula. Purple Grackle.—14 days.
Quiscalus quiscula eneus. Bronzed Grackle.—13-16 days.
Megaquiscalus major major. Boat-tailed Grackle.—15 days.
Megaquiscalus major macrourus. Great-tailed Grackle.—15 days.
Hesperiphona vespertina vespertinad. WHyvening Grosbeak. 13-14 days.
Carpodacus purpureus. Purple Finch.—13 daysx

Carpodacus mexicanus frontalis. House Finch.—13 days.
Astragalinus tristis tristis. Goldfinch.—12-14 days.
Plectrophenax nivalis nivalis. Snow Bunting.—21 (7?) days.
Passer domesticus. Kuropean House Sparrow.—12-14 days.
Poecetes gramineus gramineus. Vesper Sparrow.—11-13 days.
Passerculus sandwichensis savanna. Savannah Sparrow.—12 days.
Chondestes grammacus strigatus. Western Lark Sparrow.—12 days.
Zonotrichia albicollis. \WWhite-throated Sparrow. 12-14 days.
Spizella passerina passerina. Chipping Sparrow.—10-12 days.
Spizella pusilla pusilla. Field Sparrow.—13 days.

Junco hyemalis. Slate-colored Junco.—11-12 days.

Melospiza melodia melodia. Song Sparrow.—10-14 days.
Melospiza georgiana. Swamp Sparrow.—13 days.
Passerella iliaca schistacea. Slate-colored Sparrow.—12-14 days.
Pipilo erythrophthalmus erythrophthalmus. Towhee.—12-13 days.
Cardinalis cardinalis cardinalis. Cardinal.—12 days.

Zamelodia ludovicand. Rose-breasted Grosbeak.—14 days.
Passerina cyanea. Indigo Bunting.—12 days.

Passerina amend. Lazuli Bunting.—12 days.

Progne subis subis. Purple Martin.—12-15 days.

286 THE WItson BULLETIN — No. 90

Petrochelidon lunifrons lunifrons. Cliff Swallow.—12-14 days.
Hirundo erythrogaster. Barn Swallow.—11 days.
Tridoprocne bicolor. Tree Swallow.—1l4 days.
Bombycilla cedrorum. Cedar Waxwing.—10-12 days.
Phainopepla nitens. Phainopep!a.—16 days.
Lanius ludovicianus ludivicianus. Loggerhead Shrike.—12-13 days.
Lanius ludovicianus migrans. Migrant Shrike—15-16 days.
Vireosylva olivacea. Red-eyed Vireo.—12-14 days.
Lanivireo solitarus solitarus. Blue-headed Vireo.—10-11 days.
Protonotaria citrea. Prothonotary Warbler.—l4 days.
Helmitheros vermivorus. Worm-eating Warbler.—13 days.
Vermivora pinus, Blne-winged Warbler.—10 days.
Vermivora chrysoptera. Golden-winged Warbler.—10 days.
Vermivora rubricapillus rubricapillus. Nashville Warbler.—11-12
days.
Dendroica estiva estiva. Yellow Warbler.—0-11 days.
Dendroica coronata. Myrtle Warbler.—12-13 days.
Dendroica magnolia, Magnolia Warbler.—12 days.
‘Dendroica pensylvanica, Chestnut-sided Warbler.—10-11 days.
Dendroica virens. Black-throated Green Warbler.—12 days. ,
Dendroica palmarum hyprochrysea. Yellow-Palm Warbler.—12 days.
Dendrcica discclor. Prairie Warbler.—14 (7) days.
Seirus aurocapilius. Ovenbird.—12 days.
Geothlypis trichas trichas. Maryland Yellowthroat.—12 days.
Icteria virens virens. Yellow-breasted Chat.—15 days.
Setophaga ruticilla. Redstart.—12 days.
Mimus polyglottos polyglottos. Mockingbird.—10 days.
Dumetella carolinensis. Catbird.—12-14 days.
Toxostoma rufwm. Brown Thrasher.—11-14 days.
Toxostoma curvirostre curvirostre. Curve-billed Thrasher.—13 days.
Thryothorus ludovicianus lydovicianus, Carolina Wren.—12 days.
Thryothorus ludovicianus mimensis. Florida Wren.—1l4 days.
Thryomanes bewicki. Bewick’s Wren.—10-15 days.
Troglodytes acdon aédon, House Wren.—11-13 days.
Telmatodytes palustris palustris, Long-billed Marsh Wren. 10-18
days.
Nitta canadensis, Red-breasted Nuthatch.—12 days.
Panthestes atricapillus atricapillus. Chickadee.—11-14 days.
Hylocichla mustelina. Wood Thrush.—14 days.
Hylocichla ustulata ustulata. Russet-backed Thrush.—14 days.
Hylocichla ustulata swainsoni. Olive-backed Thrush.—10-13 days.
Hylocichla guttata pallasi. Wermit Thrush.—12 days.
Planesticus migratorius migratorius. Robin.—11-14 days.
Sialia sialis sialis. PBluebird.—12 days.

THE WILSON BULLETIN

A Quarterly Magazine Devoted to the Study of Birds. Official Or-
gan of the Wilson Ornithological Club

Edited by LYNDS JONES
PUBLISHED BY THE WILSON ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB, AT CHICAGO, ILL.

Price in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, One Dollar a year, 30 cents a number,
post paid. Price in all countries in the International Postal Union, $1.25 a year, 40 cents
anumber. Subscriptions may be sent to Lynds Jones, Oberlin, Ohio, or to Mr. P. B.
Coffin, 3232 Groveland Avenue, Chicago, III.

OFFICERS FOR THE CURRENT YEAR

President: Dr. T. C. Stephens, Morningside, Sioux City, Iowa.

Vice-president: Geo. L. Fordyce, Youngstown, Ohio.

Secretary: Thos. L. Hankinson, Charleston, 111.

Treasurer: P. B. Coffin, 3232 Groveland Ave., Chicago, Ill. ;

Editor “The Wilson Bulletin”: Lynds Jones, Spear Laboratory,
Oberlin, Ohio.

Business Manager: Gerard Alan Abbott, 853 Marquette Road,
Chicago, Ill.

EDITORIAL

Pressure of copy and of work has interfered with preparing and
printing notices of publications received. This feature will be re-
sumed in the next issue of the Bulletin. ,

The unprecedented spring-like weather of middle February, which
the central regions of the country experienced, brought the first
group of migrants up to the lake region a full fortnight earlier than
normal. It will be interesting to study the effect of this early
movement upon the subsequent migrations.

The value of the Christmas Census which Bird-Lore inaugurated,
and which, by the way, made unnecessary the New Year Census,
which the writer started and continued for a few years, will not be
questioned by any person who delves deeply into field studies. There
should be at least two other similar censuses during the period
of the vernal migration. One might well be made for the first
day of April, which usually comes in the spring holiday season for
teachers and pupils, and the other May 15. The first would occur
in the interval between the migrations of the earlier species, and
that of the later ones, and would furnish a basis for determining
the population of the earlier species, for not many of them have
gone north by that time. The Wilson Bulletin would gladly lend
its pages for the publication of such a census this year. The other
census would be made during the greatest flight of warblers and
other small birds. Such a census could be only approximate be-
cause of the numbers of the birds, but it would be none the less
interesting and valuable.

288 THE WILSON BULLETIN — No. 90

FIELD NOTES
GOLDEN EAGLE (Aquila chrysaétos) IN OHO.

I recently met with an early record of this species in northern
Ohio, which may be worthy of reference, as the original record is
in a rare and obscure publication. Rev. Chas. Fox of Grosse Isle,
Mich., has «a note on this bird in his paper on ‘‘ The Birds of: Mich-
igan” as follows: “Golden Eagle. The late Rev. William Wright
had a live Golden Eagle, Aquila chrysaétos, taken near Toledo, Ohio,
in 1851.” Fox, Peninsular Journ. of Medic., Vol. I, 1855, Oct., p.
160.

Mus. of Zodlogy, Ann Arbor, Mich. B. H. SwWAtes.

LARGE NUMBERS OF PINE SISKINS IN MAY.

Ever since coming to Marshalltown I have looked in vain for
the Pine Siskin (Pinus spinus), until on May 8, 1914, as I passed
a flock of singing goldfinches high in a clump of cottonwoods, I
heard what I took to be a rather peculiar variation of the song.
I stopped and examined the flock of perhaps twenty-five birds care-
fully through the glasses. Most of them were goldfinches without
a doubt, but there were at least six which, in the early morning
light, appeared darker than the rest. I took one of these and it
proved to be a female pine siskin. I saw no more of them until
the eleventh, when two were noted. On the thirteenth they became
abundant about town and remained so until the eighteenth. A
ten-mile trip along the river on the sixteenth found them present
everywhere. Hardly a tree but had its quota of pine siskins. The
last one was noted on May twenty-third. All my previous Iowa
records have been in winter or early spring and I was rather
surprised at this invasion.

Marshalltown, Iowa. Ira N. GABRIELSON.

SECOND BREEDING RECORD OF THE CHESTNUT-SIDED
WARBLER (Dendroica pensylvania) FOR CHESTER
COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA.

Dr. Warren mentions having met with this bird in the county
during the breeding season, but Samuel B. Ladd’s discovery of the
nest and five eggs (now in the collection of J. Parker Norris, Jr.)
on the high ground near Frazer, May 27th, 1900, appears to be the
first authentic county record. Believing that diligent search would
reveal it nesting at Berwyn, which is only six miles from Frazer
and on the same chestnut-covered ridge, I memorized the song of
the migrant during the great northward movement of May 14th,

Fietp Notes 289

1914, and on the 30th had the good fortune to recognize it again
at the edge of the woods (elevation about 525 feet) just back of
my home. The male sang at intervals all day long from some one
of the several chestnut-oak trees standing in a narrow slashing
planted in wheat: “ Che-che-che-chew,” or afier a short flight, the
last two syllables were apt to have a peculiar twist “ wee-chee,”
suggesting the Maryland Yellow-throat. The female was not no-
ticed until June 6th, when the pair chased a Catbird about in the
tangled thicket of chestnut, scrub and chestnut-oak, blackberry
and raspberry bushes to the left of the clearing. Search as I might
I was unable to locate the nest up to June 10th, when I judged
the first brood, if not destroyed, had flown.

However, as I was returning home on July 10th a little be‘ore
sundown, the pair betrayed by their actions on a dead tree at the
opposite side of the small clearing to which I had devoted my
search, that the nest was not far away. Soon the female, with
drooping wings and trembling violently, flew down and revealed
her nest twelve feet in the woods, about one and one-half feet
from the ground in the prongs of a wild azalea bush. It contained
two young not more than four days old and wan infertile egg. The
dainty little nest, taken after the young had flown, is composed
of stems of the tumbling grass, vegetable down, narrow strips of
plant and wild grape-vine bark; and (unlike the nest found by
Mr. Ladd, which was lined with hair moss) lined with split grass
and a few shreds of grape-vine bark. FRANK L. BURNS.

THE INTRODUCTION AND LOCAL DISTRIBUTION OF THE
STARLING (Stwrnus vulgaris) IN SOUTH-
HASTERN PENNSYLVANIA.

It is well known that about a hundred Starlings were imported
and: liberated in Central Park, New York, 1890-91, and that in ten
years the numerous progeny of these birds had spread northward
as far up the Connecticut valley as Springfield, Mass., and south-
ward over New Jersey.

It seems probable that the Delaware valley was reached via the
Passaic; Raritan and Millstone rivers, and the naturally roving dis-
position of this species was excellently served in association with
wandering bands of Crows, Cowbirds, Blackbirds and Grackles dur-
ing the fall and winter months, and soon spread over Mercer,
Burlington, Camden and Gloucester counties, N. J., Bucks and Phil-
adelphia counties, Pa. It is recorded on the Jersey coast as far
south as Cape May in 1909, two years earlier than at Salem on
the Delaware.

Although it was reported in Philadelphia county as early as

290) THE WILSON BULLETIN No. 90

November, 1907, it required several years to become thoroughly
established before it penetrated inland. On January 5, 1911, a
flock was reported in the Chester valley, between Berwyn and Valley
Forge, feeding in the meadows with the Crows; by February 2 large
scattered flocks of from 50 to 150 birds appeared and a male was
secured for identification and I value it highly as probably the first
capture in Chester county. During the following spring the birds
dispersed through the valley, nesting as far west as Bacton to my
knowledge. Chester valley, for its entire length of thirty miles, is
enclosed by wooded hills of no considerable height; nevertheless,
since this bird appears to be more of a lover of the open country,
it presented a sufficient barrier to prevent an immediate invasion ;
and the Wayne, Devon, Berwyn and Paoli contingent arrived with
the Grackles via the Darby creek route in 1912, and a year later
had become perfect pests to some of the suburban residents.

The few Starlings that eventually penetrated the valley hills
north of Berwyn, came up the branches of Trout run-.and estab-
lished themselves at the heads of the ravines in 1913 and 1914;
and when I first heard the throaty, chattering song attempts of a
male in the shrubbery of my home, I knew that our local subju-
gation had been accomplished, since the advance from different
quarters were about to be reunited.

Since the Starling appears to travel during the colder months,
following the lines of least resistance, it is likely to penetrate far ~
into the South under the guidance of allied species long before it
invades the West. Its advance westward will doubtless be slow
until the tributaries of the Mississippi are reached, when it is
apt to be rapid, especially in the more open country.

Berwyn, Pa. Frank L. Burns.

WHITE PELICANS KILLED AT SIOUX CITY, IOWA.

A flock of White Pelicans of considerable numbers was observed
in the vicinity of McCook lake, in South Dakota, near Sioux City,
and of Crystal lake, in Nebraska, during the latter part of Sep-
tember, 1914. The flock was first reported on September 18 by
Mr. F. T. Crum, an employe of the Sioux City Journal, who, while
fishing at the mouth of the Big Sioux river on that date, observed
the birds in flight. They had been on,a sandbar in the Missouri
river near the mouth of the Big Sioux. He estimated their num-
ber at about 200. <A flock of about this size was observed by sev-
eral persons in the same general locality over a period of a week
or more.

The Emerson (Nebraska) Enterprise of September 24, 1914, pub-
lished the following:

Fre_tp Novres 291

“While going to Sioux City Sunday morning with his family, the
editor saw several hundred Pelicans soaring over South Sioux City.
We returned home by the way of Jackson. Between Jackson and
South Sioux City the highway was strewn with dead Pelicans. They
had evidently soared low and killed themselves by flying into the
telephone wires.”

Mr. Ira Waddell, a farmer living near the northwestern end of
Crystal lake, in Nebraska, across the Missouri river from Sioux
City, Ia., informed Mr. George Ludcke, of Sioux City, a hunter
who has a hunting lodge at McCook lake, that during the week be-
ginning Septembem 20 he saw a number of dead White Pelicans
along the road between South Sioux City and his home. He esti-
mated that he probably saw seventeen or eighteen of the birds. He
assumed that the birds had been shot and thrown aside, although
he made no examination to ascertain the manner of their death.
The country in the vicinity is wooded. There are no telephone or
other wires along the road which could have caused the death of
the Pelicans by accident, Mr. Waddell stated. If there had been
such wires, Mr. Waddell added, the trees would have prevented the
birds from flying low enough to have been harmed by them.

Mr. Emmet C. Higgins, of Omaha, an inspector for the United
States Biological Survey, under date of October 9, wrote to Dr. T.
S. Palmer, of the United States Department of Agriculture at
Washington, that he had investigated the death of these Peli-
cans and found death due to siriking telephone wires in the vi-
cinity of Dakota City, Nebraska. Mr. Higgins stated that about
fifty birds in all had been killed, and that he found seventeen dead
birds in a radius of two miles. The birds, Mr. Higgins said, seemed
to have been killed on or about Sunday, October 4.

Mr. Higgins, in a letter to Prof. T. C. Stephens, of Morningside
College, Sioux City, under date of October 16, stated that he had
examined seventeen of the Pelicans found dead near Dakota City
and had discovered no indications of gunshot wounds upon them.
Mr. Higgins’ conclusion was that the deaths were due to striking
the telephone wires.

It is impossible for me, with the facts in hand, to reconcile the
conflicting testimony as to how the Pelicans were killed. It is a
common practice for a certain type of hunters in this vicinity,
however, and has been for many years, to shoot these birds. These
hunters make no concealment of this practice. The birds offer a
good target, and that is sufficient for them. Generally the birds
are left where shot, although an occasional specimen is brought to
the city and mounted.

Sioux City, Ia., Nov. 18, 1914. AVE AEG EIN:

ATTENTION!

Museums, Educational Institutions «4 Collectors

I am prepared to mount or furnish mounted specimens of mam-
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Announcement

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THE

Wilson Bulletin

No. 91

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS

WILSON ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB

CONTENTS -

Notes on the Red-winged Blackbird . . Ira N. GABRIELSON 293
Notes from the Laurentian Hulls. |) ) ) Ls) Mci oermmeagieg2
Birds of Essex County, New Jersey . . Louis S. KowLer 309
Tame Red-breasted; Nuthatch...) PlARRIET (Kiys@enieee
The Fearless White-eyed Vireo . . . ArRetTas A. SAUNDERS 316
Birds of Clay County, South Dakota)... - S. S) Vaseeriees
Walson Ornithological’ Club “Mieetme) 3.01). 5) 2) eee
The April) First, Bird (Census )0 20) 200). 2) rr oe
Editorial SOS RA ged A AS) Ea cnatices Wo GS he a cr rrr
Correspondence 339
Field Notes eer era lin ee tic | Sa

THE WILSON BULLETIN

is published on the fifteenth of March, June, September, and December, by
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| THE
WILSON BULLETIN

NO. Ql.
A QUARTERLY JOURNAL OF ORNITHOLOGY
VOL. XXXVII JUNE, 1915 NO. 2

OLD SERIES VOL. XXVII. NEW SERIES VOL. XXII.

NOTES ON THE RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD.
BY IRA N. GABRIELSON.

Just back of Riverview Cemetery at Marshalltown, Lowa,
there lies a low, flat pasture through which flows the Iowa
River. An old channel of the river winds up behind the
cemetery in a long loop and is filled much of the time with
stagnant water. Along the banks of the small pond thus
formed is a narrow growth of willows with a dense growth
of smartweed and nettles between them and the water's edge.
Back of the willows is a sparse stand of such trees as elm,
soft maple, ash, and box elder.

To this locality my interest was strongly attracted during
May by a little band of five pair of Red-winged Blackbirds,
Agelaius phoeniceus phoeniceus, which seemed inclined to
settle there for the summer. They remained through the first
half of May and on the-nineteenth I found two partially com-
pleted nests. May 30 the willows were searched and four
nests were found. These contained four, three, one, and no
eggs respectively. All were built in small willows from three
to six feet from the ground. The last two had been dis-
turbed by small boys as tracks were visible in the soft earth
and the bent and broken branches of each tree testified to the
attempt to climb it.

The Red-wings were well started on the nesting season

294 THE WiLson BULLETIN——No. 94

when the very ‘heavy rains of ‘early June flooded the region
and destroyed all of the nests. The fifth nest was not dis-
covered until June 27 when on a close examination, a bit of
supposed drift material lodged in a small tree was found to
be a nest of this species filled with mud, leaves, and sticks.
In the bottom two rotten eggs were found. The river re-
mained high for only a few days but the water continued to
flow through the old channel until June 25. This converted

Female Brooding.

the region into an island and kept the small boys out. On
June 25 I succeeded in crossing to this island and found that
the Red-wings had used to good advantage the period of
isolation. The old nests were filled with mud and leaves
but there were also four new ones containing young just
hatched. All of these nests were placed on slightly higher
eround than the preceding ones. All were very flimsy and
resembled the nest of the Grosbeak more than the usual Red-
wing type. One was placed in a willow about six feet from

1

NOTES ON THE RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD 295

the ground and contained two nestlings and two eges. This
pair after many trials succeeded in raising all four of their
brood. The nest was close to a wagon track leading to a
sand pump on the river and the passing of the wagons kept
them in a constant state of alarm. The second was placed
in a small elm and the four nestlings it contained were suc-
cessfully reared. The third, in a willow, held one naked
young which disappeared the next day. The fourth, contain-

Approaching with Food.

ing three nestlings, was chosen for special study. All three
nestlings failed to reach the fledgling stage. The fifth pair
placed their nest in a dense tangle of willows and vines, thick-
ly grown with nettles (Urtica sp?). Vhe growth was so
dense that, although I worked my way through the thicket
several times, I did not: find the nest. These five pairs of
Red-wings thus built ten nests and from the nine which were
found only eight young were finally brought to a fledgling
state. This seems to be an unusually low percentage of in-
crease, at least in my experience.

296 THE WiLson BULLETIN—_No. 9

On the same date (June 25) I found a Rose-breasted Gros-
beak’s nest and while watching it our attention was drawn to
Red-wing nest number four and we erected a blind with the
idea of securing some photographs of the parents. While
engaged in this we became so interested in the blackbirds
that we spent some time watching them. My wife and I did
all of the work.

The nest was built in a small elm about two feet from the

Female Alarmed by a Whistle from the Blind.

ground. It was carelessly and coarsely woven and was so
thin one could see thru the sides. It was left undisturbed ex-
cept that enough branches and leaves were removed to allow
photographs to be taken. An ordinary umbrella blind was
erected at the nest on the afternoon of June 29. The bird
was unusually shy and it was not until noon of the thirtieth
that we thought it wise to enter the blind. We could watch

her actions from the Grosbeak’s nest and thus determine the

NoTES ON THE RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD 297

time at which she became reconciled to the blind. The nest-
lings were painted with water colors we had been using on
lantern slides. Ordinary water colors had been previously
tried without much success but the results obtained with these
were fairly satisfactory. One of the nestlings had his beak
colored a bright red, the second, green, and the third was
left a normal color. The startling contrasts in the beaks
made it easy to determine which nestling received the food.
We spent the afternoon of the thirtieth and all day July 1
watching this nest. We returned on the morning of the sec-
ond to find a sad state of affairs. One nestling had entirely
disappeared, a second was in the nest in a dying condition,
and a single torn bloody wing on the ground beneath the
nest testified to the fate of the third. The ground about the
nest had been trampled hard by our movements in erecting
the blind and, although we searched carefully, we could find
no evidence betraying the identity of the marauder.

BROODING.

Although this bird apparently never recovered from the
fear of the blind the brooding instinct was very strongly de-
veloped. On every approach to the nest she uttered continu-
ally a single syllabled note of alarm. This note had a harsh
metallic ring and has been represented by the word * tchéck.”
It was accompanied by a jerking of the tail and quick mo-
tions of the head from side to side. On leaving the nest she
invariably gave a call of several syllables. This call was
very peculiar and difficult of description. In spite of her
manifest uneasiness at the presence of the blind she spent
most of the time, while the sun shone on the nest, in brooding.
The position of the blind and the surrounding vegetation ex-
posed the nest to the sun from 8:30 to 10:10 while it was
shaded during the remainder of the day. On July 1, the day
-on which we watched during this period, she spent fifty min-
utes or exactly one half the time in shading the young while
not a minute was so spent at any other time of the day. In
shading the young she always assumed the same position with

298 THE WILSON BULLETIN—NoO. 91

her head toward the sun and broadside to the blind. One
foot was placed on each side of the nest, the beak held wide
open, the wings half spread and slightly drooping, and the
feathers of the head and back elevated. This resulted in en-
tirely shading the young and is the most perfect development
_ cf this brooding position yet noted in an individual bird. All
passerine birds which I have watched make some attempt to
assume a similar position but only a single one, a female
Brown Thrasher, ever approached this Red-wing in the at-
tempt. While on the nest she uttered incessantly the single
syllabled alarm note and on leaving always added the other
call.
FOOD.

TABLE I. FOOD OF NESTLINGS.

NESTLING

FOOD A B C UNKNOWN TOTAL
Unidentified 16 7 12 30
Moth ii 8 2 2 iW)
Maybeetle oe 1 ee ae 1
Beetle 5 1 6
Grasshopper 23 26 23 He 72
Spider 3 2 6 Alt
Mayfly 1 1
Measuring worm 2 4 1 ti
Larvae i 7 5 19
Frog 1 1
Daddy longlegs 1 a 2 a 3
Wire worm, etc 3 6 7 16
Cricket . 1 ; 3 4
Ply oo 2 = te 2

Total ral 66 64 2 203

All feedings were by the female, the male never approach-
ing the nest. The area from which this bird secured food
was exceedingly limited. As stated before, the nest was in
a small elm just in the edge of the timber which at this point

NOTES ON THE ReEp-\WINGED BLACKBIRD 299

was from 15 to 20 feet from the edge of the water. Begin-
ning at the water’s edge and going towards the nest we found
several more or less well defined areas of growth: first, in the
edge of the water was a dense growth of arrow-head lilies
(Sagittaria sp?) in a strip of six or eight feet in width; sec-
ond, from three to five feet inland was a region of bare earth
or a short growth of a sedge of an unknown species; third,
a band of smartweed (Polygonum sp?) ; and lastly, a mixed

The Attitude of Inspection.

growth in which nettles (Urtica sp?) and burdock (Arctium
Sp?) predominated. This growth touched the nest on one sidé
and on the other was the willow belt. The Red-wing con-
fined her hunting as far as we could determine to the weed
growth and particularly to the smartweed and burdock. We
never saw her enter the willow thicket to hunt but always
found her along the waters edge or in the weeds. The
ground was damp and sticky and the region furnished good
foraging. Grasshoppers were by far the most abundant
forms and the Red-wing took advantage of the fact. Many

300 THE WiLtson BULLETIN—NGO., 91.

of them were of large size and she frequently brought them
so large the nestlings could not swallow them. When this
happened she crushed them in her beak until they could be
devoured. Next to grasshoppers, moths were the most
abundant. The majority of those brought were small, dull
colored cnes but occasionally a large grey or dull white one
was seen. - Spiders were also common and the most of those

Searching for Excrement.

fed were caught along the shore in the bits of drift wood.
Altogether during the 170 feeding visits she brought 203 mor-_
sels of food. Of these, grasshoppers were 34.97%, moths
9.37%, larvae 9.35%, unidentified 17.24%, and the remain-
ing 29.09% was composed of various insects. The unidenti-
fied were mostly small insects captured among the arrowhead
lilies but we could not identify them. A very small frog was

NOTES ON THE RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD 301

fed on one visit. As far as numbers were concerned the dis-
tribution of food to the nestlings was very equal, A receiving
Sa /enOm the mmsects: fed, o2.01%, and ©. 3f5i%. it
is not so easy to estimate the percentage by bulk on account
of the varying sizes of the insects fed.

BEHAVIOR OF THE FEMALE.

When at the nest she was at all times alert and any slight
sound caused her to raise her head and utter the alarm note.
If the noise were continued she hopped nervously away from
the nest but returned as soon as it ceased. Fig. 3 was taken
just as she raised her head and gave the alarm note in re-
sponse to a low whistle from the blind. If not disturbed she
usually critically inspected the nest after feeding. This po-
sition is shown in Fig. 4. In the majority of visits she left
after this inspection but whenever she saw anything in the
nest which needed attention she dived head foremost among
the nestlings (Fig. 5) and probed vigorously. Occasionally
this probing was so violent as to shake the whole tree and
shove the young out of the nest. Once during this process
one of the nestlings was lifted up, thrown over the edge of the
rest, and would have fallen to the ground had she not seized
him by the leg and pulled him back.

In no instance during the study was the excreta devoured :
but it was always carried away.

She had a stereotyped method of approaching and leaving
the nest. To reach it she flew to a small willow on the oppo-
site side of the nest tree and then hopped to the nest. In
leaving she invariably flew straight toward the blind and
swung to the left as soon as she was out of the tree.

BEHAVIOR OF THE MALE.

The male was never seen at the nest, but spent his time in
the top of a tall willow just behind the blind. While here he
often dashed out and snapped up a passing insect in approved
flycatcher manner. He spent much time with his wings
slightly ‘spread to show the crimson shoulder and singing his
“con-qua-ree.”’ The only time he exhibited any interest in

302 THE WILSON. BULLETIN—NO. 91

his family was when we approached the blind or at the pres-
ence of some other bird. When we came near the blind, he
swung out over our heads uttering the whistling note which
Nehrling renders “ Tii-tii.” He ceased this as soon as we
disappeared in the blind and resumed his song.

In his relations with his bird neighbors he was far from
being friendly. His nearest neighbor was a Rose-breasted
Grosbeak which had a nest not twenty-five feet from that of
the Red-wing. When not engaged in fighting away other
birds, the two males spent much time in fighting each other
with the Grosbeak generally victorious. On one occasion a
Bronzed Grackle alighted in a willow between the two nests
and both males flew at him driving him out of the vicinity.
A Catbird and Brown Thrasher had both raised families a
short distance away and the young were just out of the nest.
Hardly a minute of the day passed but what one could hear
the squalling of one of these and the cries of the Red-wing
as he drove them away. On the morning when we returned
to find the nest destroyed, he was still on guard as bravely
and as conspicuously as ever and seemingly undisturbed by
the tragedy in his family.

NOTES FROM THE VAURE NT TAN EIiaias:

YELLOW-BELLIED FLYCATCHER, GOLDEN-CROWNED JINGLET,
AND BLACKBURNIAN WARBLER.

BY Wes MGIS MERRIE.

Exploring in the Laurentians has all the fascination of
fishing for me; one never knows what to expect at the turn
of the road, and the road turns often. Though fire has
raged in many sections, the rocky and broken nature of the
country prevents a continuous burning.

Most uninviting vistas change abruptly; one climbs a burnt
hillside — gray boulders and charred stumps peeping through
a dense undergrowth of Bracken and Raspberry vines — sur-

NOTES FROM THE LAURENTIAN FILLs 305

mounts the bare rock at the summit and passing through a
fringe of evergreens on the downward slope, halts abruptly
to gaze on a lakelet set m a dense carpet of Sphagnum moss.
The innumerable hollows all have their lakes or brooks. If
you are thirsty, the ditch by the roadside usually affords
the clearest of spring water. Late in the afternoon of June
29, 1913, having a little leisure before train time, I thought
to see what lay beyond the turn of the road in a hitherto
unexplored direction. A short walk from St. Margaret, Ter-
rebonne County, brought me to a stream which led into a
small Sphagnum bog. Hearing the rather distant ‘ Tree-
deer’ of an Olive-sided Flycatcher I started toward some
small-growth Tamarack and Spruce trees fringing the open
bog, and as I entered their shade a small bird darted out at
my feet. The nest, sunk in a hollow in the side of a mound
of moss, held four eggs well advanced in incubation.

Thinking it to belong to one of the rarer Warblers I await-
ed the owner’s return, but with the short time at my disposal
had to leave unsatisfied. On June 20, 1914, I revisited this
bog and after considerable search flushed a bird from a nest
containing four similarly marked eggs. This was about fifty
yards distant from that of 1913 and possibly belonged to the
same pair of birds. I had heard the notes of the’ Yellow-
bellied Flycatcher [Empidonay flaviventris| on each visit to
this district but did not associate it with either nest found,
until the birds put in an appearance in the latter instance.
Owing to the ventriloquial quality in the voice of this Fly-
catcher it was some time before | discovered the bird, prob-
‘ably the female, perched on a branch two feet from the
ground. Its alarm was sharper and more abruptly ended
than the call notes, sounding somewhat like the syllables “ pee-
wheep”’; the first note suggesting the Wood Peewee and the
latter the Alder Flycatcher. The last note commenced with
a rolling and ended with a grating sound, as if the bird had
snapped off the sound by suddenly closing its mandibles, ac-
companied by a tail and bodily twitching that indicated con-
siderable effort.

304 THE WILSON BULLETIN—No. 91

Hearing the usual call notes one would not suspect much
effort, in fact, their ordinary notes, “peeh-peeh,” the latter
slightly accented and prolonged, have none of the explosive-
ness of “ alnorum,” but are peculiarly soft, drowsy, and effort-
less. Remaining as motionless as possible under the inces-
sant attacks of ‘“‘ Black Flies” I soon heard the other bird
answering its mate, and both shortly appeared overhead, a
few feet distant, where they displayed mannerisms in move-
ment very similar to the Wood Pewee. The nest was built
in the hollow of a small mound, beneath the moss-covered,
protruding portion of a root, under deep shade of young
Black Spruce, Tamarack, and deciduous shrubs, with a tangle
of Alders in the immediate foreground, facing the open bog.
On the other side the growth was larger and became almost
entirely deciduous, mostly Black Birch, where the basin of the
bog terminated in the boulder-strewn base of surrounding
hills. The nest found in 1913, which I am reasonably certain
belonged to this species, was in a more open situation on the
extreme edge of the small growth, in one of many mounds
of moss bordering a hare-runway — almost similarly situated
as a nest of Nashville Warbler found nearby.

The exterior of nest number two had the rich brown color
of leaf mold, being composed of particles of dead Sphagnum
and other mosses, fine hair-like black rootlets, bits of decayed
wood, and moldy leaves. The lining was mainly of soft
bleached grasses and fine black rootlets. The entire struc-
ture was very loosely made with little attempt at weaving.
Incubation had commenced in the eggs which at first sight
resembled those of the Alder Flycatcher, but on comparison
the ground color was found to be clear white against the
rich cream of “Alnorum,” and the light reddish markings,
chiefly in a wreath about the larger end, were in distinct
contrast to the darker rusty red and occasional deep madder
brown spots of the Alder Flycatcher. They are also consider-
ably smaller than those of alnorum, averaging .68x.53 of an
inch. Other species found breeding in the same bog were:
Yellow-throat, Myrtle, Magnolia, Nashville, and Blackburn-

NOTES FROM THE LAURENTIAN HILLS 305

ian Warblers; White-throated, and Chipping Sparrows, and
Olive-backed Thrush; also, apparently nesting, Olive-sided
Flycatcher, Swamp Sparrow, and Golden-crowned Kinglet.
The Yellow-bellied Flycatcher is quite common in the district
and having found only two nests leads me to suspect that the
bird is a very light sitter —a trait highly developed in its
uear relation, the Alder Flycatcher.

Other members of the family are well represented in the
district, 1.e.;— the Kingbird, Wood Peewee, Olive-sided, and
Alder Flycatchers, and less commonly Least, Crested, and
Phoebe Flycatcher. Earlier on the same day, in another lo-
cality at St. Margaret, I found a nest of the Golden-crowned
Kinglet (Regulus satrapa satrapa). It was quite by accident
that my eyes became focused on a mass of green, slightly
brighter than the surrounding Balsam foliage, and I experi-
enced a thrill similar to the botanist, who, on finding the
Yellow Ladies Slipper, felt as if he had discovered hidden
gold.

At the same time I became aware of the faint, though de-
liberate. “ dée-dee”’ of a Kinglet, differing from the usual call
note “ titi.’ This was apparently the alarm note though with
little expression of alarm or otherwise; in fact, so expression-
less as to attract attention in time by its very monotony.
There was no sign of the wren-like scolding of the “ Ruby-
crown’”’ and the only indication of ownership was a slightly
increased tempo as I approached closely, when the other bird
slipped from the nest and joined its mate. The nest was pen-
sile, being hung from the heavily-foliaged limb of a Bal-
sam Spruce, two feet from its tip, ten from the trunk, and
twelve from the ground.

At the point where the nest was built, numerous branch-
lets occurred, several of them being caught in the nesting
material beneath and securely fastened with knots of spider’s
silk. The supporting limb, half an inch in diameter at the
nest, with the foliage, completely concealed the entrance be-
neath. Externally, the nest was almost entirely composed of
bright yellowish-green mosses, mainly of the Hypnaceae

»

306 THE WILSON BULLETIN—No. 91

family. A few lichens (no Usnea) adorned the exterior and
numerous balls of reddish-brown spiders’ siik held the ma-
terial together. Within this cradle of moss was a layer of
fur from the Hare, and lastly a substantial lining of small
feathers, some of them curving upwards and over the en-
trance, while throughout the nest occasional feathers and hair
were used in binding. The nest measured, in outside di-
ameter, 4x3.60 inches; outside depth, 2.15; inside depth, 1.30,
and entrance diameter, 1.35 inches.

Only six eggs had been deposited and as incubation had
not commenced, the set was likely incomplete. Passing this
spot on July 6, I heard the alarm notes of a “ Golden-crown ”
and soon found another nest with one egg, twenty two feet
from the ground and eight from the trunk, similarly con-
structed and situated in another heavily-foliaged Balsam
Spruce, one hundred feet distant from the first nest, having
likely been built by the same pair of birds.

These nest-trees were situated on a hillside that was form-
erly pasture-land but now mostly overgrown with Balsam
Spruce.

In the many open spaces between these trees was an un-
dergrowth of Brake Fern and Hazel. Both nest-trees faced
such openings, where the luxuriant growth and wide-spread-
ing basal branches of the Balsams gave a park-like appear-
ance to the view. On the lower reaches of the hill, facing a
trout brook which drained the lake above, the growth was
much denser. On June 29, in this denser growth near the
brook, were families of two near relatives of the Kinglet —
the Winter, and House Wren. The latter had evidently led
her young into the shade from adjacent stump-land. From
the stream bank a Water-Thrush occasionally sang and [ had
a chance to compare its song with that of the House Wren.
The ripping liquid quality of the Water-Thrush notes always
remind me of the Wren, and although the song of the former
is much clearer and sweeter, it has the same hurried finish.

On the opposing hill, in dense forest growth, I again heard
the methodical ** dee-dee ” of the ** Golden-crown,” and found

©

NOTES FROM THE LAURENTIAN HILLS 30%

a family of adults and young, the latter evidently several
days out of the nest.

On June 21, 1914, I found another nest of this Kinglet
built a few feet distant, on a limb adjacent to that in which
the first nest was found in 1913. As I approached, the nine
or ten young made their debut from the nest, the cavity be-
ing much enlarged and flattened by the crowding of the
young as they could not possibly have been contained in the
original space. Half a mile away, in a thicket bordering a
Sphagnum bog, I saw another family on the wing, and hear-
ing the species singing in two other localities, | concluded it
to be a fairly common summer resident, and that two broods
are sometimes raised in a season.

It might be interesting to compare nests of the Ruby-
crowned Kinglet, from Newfoundland. Several nests found
by Mr. W. J. Brown, near Bay of Islands, were semi-pensile,
resting on limbs of stunted Spruce trees and fastened to twigs
of overhanging branches, quite closely to the trunk and gen-
erally about five feet from the ground. They are all similar
and have a brown appearance compared to the bright green
of the “ Golden-crown,” being composed of a miscellaneous
mass of Sphagnum and other mosses, particles of decayed
wood, dead spruce needles, fine rootlets, Caribou hair, and
Usnea lichens. The lining is of plant down and reddish root-
lets, and beneath this is a thick bed of Caribou hair. The
body of the nest is sewn in places with hair and bound with
Usnea, especially about the rim. The eggs of the two spe-
cies are similar.

While descending the hill where Kinglets were found on
June 29, 1913, I took advantage of a runway leading through
the denser growth and discovered a nest on an overhanging
limb of a Balsam Spruce, twenty feet from the ground. On
climbing the tree, the sitting bird, which I later found was
a female Blackburnian Warbler (Dendroica fusca), flew to
an adjoining tree where she preened her feathers and occa-
sionally uttered faint chips of alarm. The nest held five
slightly incubated eggs. There was little shyness indicated

308 THe WILson BULLETIN—No. 91

by the bird’s actions as she remained in the same tree during
my twenty-minute stay, but I failed to get a glimpse of the
male bird, except possibly in a meteoric flash. Several other
Warblers congregated in the vicinity, particularly Magnolia
and Myrtle, some of them protesting more vigorously than
the Blackburnian. These Warblers were probably feeding
young in the vicinity as I found most of this family thus
engaged at this date. The dense forest second-growth in -
which the nest was located, on the hill slope, overlooking the
brook, was practically devoid of undergrowth, the ground
being carpeted with dead needles of conifers. The opposing
hill was likewise densely wooded, the intervening valley-
growth, mainly of Black Birch, Tamarack, and Black Spruce,
terminating, half a mile distant, in the aforementioned Sphag-
num bog. On July 13, in the dense growth of Tamarack and
Black Spruce encircling this bog, another nest of this species
was found in the top of a slender Tamarack, fifteen feet from
the ground, resting on a dense cluster of twigs. The female
was sitting on three eggs in which incubation had advanced
six or seven days. This bird acted as in the previous case
and the male was very timid, being seen only once at some
distance.

Both nests were similarly constructed, though that of July
13 was slighter, probably owing to the situation. The other
nest was well out on the limb, about four feet from the trunk,
and was supported by a few branchlets. The composition
was mainly of fine dead lichen-covered twigs of Spruce and
Tamarack, with a small quantity of Usnea interlarded, being
held together externally in a few places with balls of spiders’
silk. A small quantity of Usnea and black hair-like rootlets
composed the lining. The nests are quite distinct from those
of other Warblers that I have examined; differing from the
Magnolias in having a preponderance of spruce twigs and
no grasses; and from the Myrtles in the slighter construction
and lack of feather lining. They differ in greater degree
with nests of all other Warblers examined.

The eggs have some of the characteristics of those of the

Birps OF Essex County, New JERSEY 309

Yellow Warbler, particularly in the bluish-white or pale
bluish-gray ground color. The set of five has faint under-
shell markings of lavender, overlaid with a heavy wreath of
rufous-brown at the larger end. The other set has more
distinct spots of lavender, rufous-brown, and blackish. The
first set average “66x51 the other -65x,53 of an inch. ‘Ihe
rest measurements are:— Outside diameter, 3.40; inside,
2:25; outside depth, 2.10; inside, 1.45 inches.
St. Lambert, Que.

COM BCTIONS AND ADDITIONS TO THE PRELIM
UNVAIRAY ILS Que Walle SIURIDS) (Oley 1S Sis 26
COMIN TENE, INTE ees TG

BY LOUIS S. KOHLER

Since publishing my list of birds observed by me in the
above named county in the Wilson Bulletin, Nos. 72-73, Sep-
tember-December 1910, numerous species have been added
during the three years which have elapsed since that time
which bring the total up to January 1, 1914 to one hundred
and forty-six species.

In addition to these several additions, there were several
omissions, viz.: (52) Vesper Sparrow, (64) Rose-breasted
Grosbeak, (65) Indigo Bird, and (96) Wilson Warbler, notes
on which species will be given in the appended list.

Also numerous corrections, which more extensive observa-
tions have proven most conclusively, that my former state-
ments were not quite true conditions, are at this time taken
care of, together with additional notes on some of the species
which have undergone changes as regards their former sta-
tus and present distribution.

OMISSIONS.
(52) Pooecetes gramineus—Vesper Sparrow. A common sum-
mer resident.
(G4) Zamelodia ludoviciana—Rose-breasted Grosbeak. A rather
common summer resident. Found nesting at numerous points
throughout the county since 1904, but never with any regularity, as

310 THE WILSON BULLETIN—No. 91

the species in this section seems to be of a rather roving disposi-
tion. and where found some years is wanting the next. ;
(65) Cyanospiza cyanea—Indigo Bunting. Common summer
resident. Nests in blackberry brambles in many parts of the county.
(96) Wilsonia pusilla—Wilson Warbler. A common migrant.
Arrives May 12th to 19th.

ADDITIONS.

(119) Colymbus auritus—Horned Grebe. A pair of these birds
appeared on the lake in Branch Brook Park, Newark, on April 23,
1911. This is the only time I have found them within the county
limits, but just without, in Passaic and Morris counties, I have
ten different records for the species during the spring and fall mi-
grations, and it is fair to assume that the species visits us more
than my observations.would indicate.

(120) Anas obscura rubripes—Red-legged Black Duck. First ob-
served on September 14th at Pine Brook on the Great Piece Mead-
ows and on November 4th, three, one male and two females, were
shot by several local hunters in this section, all of which were
members of this subspecies. These records were all made during
1913.

(121) WNettion carolinensis—Green-winged Teal. A rather com-
mon migrant. The first specimen which came to my attention was
a male which had been shot on November 4th, 1913, at Pine Brook.
Later, on November 15th, seven more were examined in this sec-
tion, four males and three females. During the spring of 1911
four birds were observed here, which appeared to be this species,
and on November 2, 1912, another bird was found dead just across
the Passaic River, in Morris county.

(122) Querquedula discors—Blue-winged Teal. Two males were
observed at Beaufort on September 14, 1913. The only record 1
have for the county.

(123) Aythya anericana—Redhead. One male observed at
close range on September 14, 1913, at Pine Brook. The only record
for the county.

(124) Botaurus lentiginosus—Bittern. This species was first re-
corded during June, 1912, when individual males were observed on
Newark Meadows, near the Plank Road bridge, on the 21st, 24th
and 25th. Apparently this same bird was seen on the 2d and 3d
of July, 1912, in this same locality. On the 3d of July, 1913, a
single female was seen here. These constitute the only records
for the county.

(125) Ardea herodias—Great Blue Heron. Rather common mi-
grant and yisitant. On June 20, 1912, a male of this species ap-

Brrps OF Essex County, NEw JERSEY oll

peared on the park lake in Branch Brook Vark and was about
throughout the day. On May 11, 1915, a male was observed at
Pine Brook. On September 6, 1913, five were seen migrating south
over Newark Meadows, near Plank Road bridge, during the early
morning.

(126) Nycticoraxc nyticorax nevius—Black-crowned Night Heron.
A rather rare yvisitant. Observed in Branch Brook Park on May
11, 1912. Only record for county.

(127) Porzana carolina—Sora. One male observed at Pine
S$rook on September 14, 1918. Only record for county.

(128) Gallinula galeata—Florida Gallinule. One male found
dead on Newark Meadows on September 6, 19138. Only record for
county.

(129) <Actodromas m-nutilla—Least Sandpiper. A rather com-
mon migrant. Observed first on May 10, 1912, when two were ob-
served. On the 11th, 26th and 27th of May that year they were
common on Newark Meadows. On August 12, 1912, twenty-five
more were seen. On May 23, 1913, one male was observed, the
only one for the year in this section.

(130) <Accipiter cooperi—Cooper Hawk. An occasional visitant.
First observed May 10, 1912, in Branch Brook Park. Since that
time individuals have been observed at numerous places within
the county.

(131) Buteo lineatus—Red-shouldered Hawk. A male of this
species was shot by a local hunter at Pine Brook on November 5th,
which is the first positive record that I have obtained for this
county. Since then, on December 21st, a male was observed at
close range from a blind at Bloomfield, feasting upon the remains
of a field mouse.

(182) Buteo platypterus—Broad-winged Hawk. A rather com-
mon spring and fall migrant. Ocasional winter resident. Wirst
observed in Newark on November 4th, 1911, and since then indi-
viduals have been observed at different points within the county,
but with no great regularity, as in the case of other of the Buteo-
nide.

(133) Falco peregrints anatiwn—Duek Hawk. First observed —
on Newark Meadows, near Plank Road bridge, on January 29, 1912.
Later, February 20th and 24th, individuals were seen here. On
December 51st, 1912, a male of this species was seen at Caldwell.

(184) Falco columbarius—Pigeon Hawk. First observed in
Branch Brook Park, Newark, on May 11th, 1912. Since that time
numerous individuals have been observed at numerous places with-
in the county.

Balke. THE WILSON BULLETIN—No. 91

(135) Pandion halietus carolinensis—Osprey. One of this spe-
cies was observed at Silver Lake on September 2, 1911, the only
record I have for the county.

(136) Corvus ossifragus—Fish Crow. Individuals of this spe-
cies have appeared on different occasions on Newark Meadows since
1911, when it was first observed on August 12th, near the Plank
Road bridge.

(137) WSpinus pinus—Pine Siskin. An occasional winter visitant.
Small flocks were observed first during the winter of 1911 in Branch
3ro0ok Park on December 5th and 19th. Since that time small
flocks have been observed each winter here and in Montclair
Heights near the normal school.

(138) Progne subis—Purple Martin. The first record for this
county was made on the Newark Meadows on August 29th, 1912,
when one of this species was observed flying over southward. Since
then two other individuals were observed in Bloomfield on May
#2th and at Caldwell on July 19th, 1918. Only record for county.

(139) Lanius ludovicianus migrans — Northern Loggerhead
Shrike. Individuals of this species were observed at Silver Lake
on August 23d, 1911, and one more on August 25th, 1911, in Branch
3rook Park. These constitute the only records for the county.

(140) Dendroica fusca—Blackburnian Warbler. First observed
in Bloomfield on September 11, 1911. During the spring migrations
of 1912 and 1913 one male was observed each season. Only rec-
ords for county.

(141) Nannus hiemalis—Winter Wren. Only one of this spe-
cies has come to attention and this was a male in Branch Brook
Park on October 29, 1913.

(142) Cistothorus steliaris—Short-billed Marsh Wren. Two in-
dividuals of this species were observed on Newark Meadows on
May 2, 1913, the only records on my lists.

(143) NSitta canadensis—Red-breasted Nuthatch. A male of this
species flew into the tannery near the Plank Road bridge on Jan-
uary 26, 1913, was immediately liberated on discovery. This is
the only record I have of the species in this county.

(144) Fringilla carduelis—European Goldfinch. This beautiful
exotic has been observed twice in Essex county, once on December
ed, 1911, at West Orange, and again on January 4th, 19138, at Cald-
well.

(145) Phasianus colchicus—Ring-necked Pheasant. Common
resident in the rural sections of the county.
(146) Passer domesticus—Knglish Sparrow. An abundant per-

manent resident. Inadvertently left out of the former list.

TAME ReEpD-BREASTED NUTHATCH ailo

CORRECTIONS.

Anas rubripes tristis—Black Duck. Since publishing the first list
I have spent considerably more time on the Great Piece Meadows
and my observations have proven consclusively that this species
was and is far more common than was formerly suspected. Nests
were found during the spring of 1911, 1912 and 1913, and during
the fall migrations of these years myriads of these birds were to
be flushed wherever you pushed your boat. Not near as common
during the vernal migrations as during the autumnal.

Ammodramus savannarum australis—Grasshopper Sparrow. Ob-
servations since 1910 have proven my former remarks quite inade-
quate and at the present time may be considered a common sum-
mer resident, nesting in numerous places about the county.

Sturnus vulgaris—Starling. Have increased wonderfully in the
last three or four years and are now as abundant as the Passer do-
mesticus and nearly as much of a nuisance. By far the worst op-
ponent of our domestic species. Have driven the Bluebird. House
Wren and Flicker away from my home grounds and have estab-
lished themselves in every available nook and cranny.

Anthus rubescens—Pipit. My statements regarding this species
in the former list are without doubt wholly wrong and observa-
tions since 1910 have proven this species a common transient mi-
grant always more abundant during the vernal than during the
autumnal migrations.

Beolophus bicolcr—Observations since the former list have
proven this species to be a common winter resident in the north-
ern parts of the county in the neighborhood of the Passaic River
and Great Piece Meadows.

January 1, 1914.

a CAMP HRS (GlRE Ss) VAVi RED-BREAST TED
NUDGE Grr

BY HARRIET KINSLEY.

The winter of 1912 was very cold and we had many birds
visiting our feeding table, including chickadees, downy, hairy
and red-bellied woodpeckers, juncoes, a pair of cardinals,
blue jays and the white-breasted nuthatches.

One day my mother noticed another bird on the trunk of a
tree in the yard. She had never seen one like it before.

A few days later she saw it again and pointed it out to me.

314 THE WiLtson BULLETIN—No. 91

I noticed its colors, a bluish slate-colored back with black
stripes running back above each eye and the breast tinged
with rufous.

I looked this up in my bird book and found it to be a red-

ITarviet Iinsley.

breasted nuthatch. He seemed to be alone, as we never saw
any other with him.

Being a very cold winter we felt sorry for the little fellow
He seemed very tame, as we could get much closer to him
than any of the other birds. His favorite food was nut meats,
and fortunately we had gathered a quantity of nuts that fall.
He even had a choice in the meats as he preferred butternuts.

TAME RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH a5

One day he took a walnut by mistake, but dropped it before
he had gone very far, and scolded us for tricking him.

He took it for granted that he was the sole owner of the
feeding table and it took a great deal of his time trying to
keep the other birds away. One day my mother thought she
would put a nut.meat on her hand and see how near he would
come to it. He wanted the nut very much, but was a little
shy about coming down to get it; he scolded, cocking his
head first on one side and then on the other. The tempta-
tion was too great; he would risk his life; he made a swoop,
lighting on her hand, and away he went with the nut. The
next day we all tried the same thing and found he would take
them after a great deal of scolding. We fed him every day
and he gradually grew less timid.

We called him “ Hatchie,” and when we had a nut for him
and he was not in sight we would call, “Come, Hatchte,” sev-
eral times and most always he would come, knowing what
was in store for him.

He also got the habit of lighting on the top of a screen
door, which was’ open, and in this way he could look in
through the kitchen window; here he would sit and wait un-
til we would feed him.

Sometimes when he had plenty to eat he would hide the
nuts under the bark of trees.

He finally got so tame that he would come to any of the win-
dows and wait patiently for a nut. We had to keep little piles
of nuts by several of the windows so we would not have to
go so far. Several times he perehed on the window sill when
we were upstairs.

We grew to think a great deal of the little fellow and were
afraid he would leave us when it got warmer, and this
was true. As the weather grew warm in the spring and the
other winter birds went north, he left us. We missed him
the first day of April. At first we thought it was an April
fool trick, but it was not. He had left us for good, as we
have never seen him since.

McGregor, Towa.

316 THE WILSON BULLETIN—NoO. 91

THE FEARLESS WHITE-EYED VIREO:
BY ARETAS A. SAUNDERS.

The White-eyed Vireo (Vireo griseus griseus), when nest-
ing and coming in contact with man, is one of the most fear-
less birds that we have. Perhaps I might have written one
of the tamest birds, for that is the way many people would
express it. But the bird does not show the confiding famil-
larity with man that such birds as the Chickadee and Chip-
ping Sparrow show and thus could not properly be calied

White-Eyed Vireo Defending Its Nest.

tame. It keeps away from man, seeking out the wildest tan-
ele of green-brier thickets for its habitat and nest. It is only
when man seeks it out, and finds the secret of its nest that
it becomes at all “tame,” and such tameness is better called
fearlessness.

On the 27th day of May, 1914, while hunting birds and

THE FEARLESS WHITE-EYED VIREO Silky

bird nests in the vicinity of West Haven, Conn., it happened
that I came upon one of the most fearless individuals of this
fearless race. I pushed my way through a thicket of green-
brier vines, and there in a little open space, on a drooping
branch of a white birch that grew among the green-briers,
sat a Vireo not three feet from my eyes, gazing down into its
nest, and blinking the clear white eye that instantly told its
species. The nest didn’t look quite finished. The bird was not
on it, but above it, so not wishing the disappointment of a
deserted nest I didn’t press my acquaintance further, but
withdrew, to return later when the home was more firmly
established.

My next visit was made the morning of May 29. The bird
was on the nest this time and showed no disposition to leave
until I had almost touched it. The nest contained three eggs.
The bird did not go far, but remained in the bushes not two
feet away and sang the short impetuous song repeatedly.
From this fact I decided that either the female was a singer,
or else the male shared in the duties of incubation. As soon
as I had ceased my examination, and before I was out of
sight, the bird returned to the nest and settled down to incu-
bation again.

On June 1 I again visited the nest with a camera with
which to secure pictures of the sitting bird. The nest now
contained four eggs, the last having probably been laid on
the morning of May 30, or possibly May 31. The pictures
were easily taken, the bird sitting so still that long time ex-
posures proved successful. The bird seemed more fearless
than before, and only left the nest when I touched it, return-
ing as soon as my hand was removed. ‘When off the nest the
bird sang repeatedly. Just why it should sing under such
conditions is hard to say, but it was easy to imagine that the
emphatic song was one of defiance to the disturber of its
home.

It was during this visit that I first saw the mate of this
bird and settled the question of sex. The other bird pro-
tested with a low, harsh scolding note, but no song. It would

318 THE WILSON BULLETIN—NoO. 91

White-Eyed Vireo and Nest.

Upper by Dwight B. Pangburn. Lower by A. A. Saunders.

THE FEARLESS Wuitre-Eyep \V [REO 319

White-Eyed Vireo on Nest.

Upper—Natural Pose. Lower—Head HWrected as it Watches
Wand Approaching the Nest.

320 THE WILSON BULLETIN—NO. 91

not come near the nest while I was around. It was evident,
and this was more thoroughly confirmed by further observa-
tion, that my singer was the male, and that both sexes shared
in the duty of incubation.

The two birds showed marked individuality in the matter
of fearlessness, the male being.much more so than his mate..
With some other birds, notably the Rose-breasted Grosbeak
and the Marsh Hawk, numerous observations have convinced
me that the male is frequently, if not always more fearless
in defense of the home than his mate. On the other hand, in
the case of the Bluebird, my observations go to show that
either sex of a pair may be the more fearless individual.
Which is the case with the White-eyed Vireo is a question
which will take more observations to determine. The condi-
tion in which the male is always the more fearless would
seem to be the natural result of evolutionary processes, which
would tend to keep the female from harm, and thus insure
the successful rearing of the young, even though the male
should come to grief in the midst of his defense.

Frequent visits to the nest found sometimes one bird and
sometimes the other incubating. The female always left the
nest when I was several feet away and scolded me from a
distant point in the thicket. The scolding usually brought
her mate to the vicinity, and he never failed to take up his
position on the eggs immediately unless my hand was actually
on the nest. As time went on his courage increased until he
would actually peck at my fingers before leaving.

On June 6, I visited the nest, accompanied by my friend,
Mr. D. B. Pangburn. We took with us a reflex camera with
which to try for more pictures of the bird. I had plenty of
good pictures of the bird sitting on the nest, but wished a
few of it when sitting in the bushes above or near the nest.
On this occasion the bird pecked vigorously at our fingers,
and absolutely refused to oblige us by getting off. We finally
had to remove him forcibly. He showed such resistance to
this that we could do it in no way except to grasp him by the
bill and thus lift him off. In spite of this rather rough hand-

BirDS OF CLAy County, SourH DAKOTA 321

ling the little bird returned to the nest so promptly that the
first few times the camera could not be adjusted and ready
for him until he was seated again. We were unable to get
the pictures we wished until we arranged it so that one of us
got the camera ready while the other evicted the bird.

I made many trips to the nest after this, watching for the
time that the eggs should hatch. I was planning to leave the
vicinity for the summer soon, and hoped for studies and
pictures of the feeding of the young before I went. ‘The
period of incubation proved so long that I began to fear that.
something had happened to prevent the eggs from hatching.
On June 13 the nest still contained eggs. On this date the
nest was visited by several members of the New Haven Bird
Club, and all of them experienced the novel sensation of al-
lowing the sitting bird to peck their fingers. It was on this
occasion that I obtained a photograph of this act, one of the
ladies allowing her hand to be photographed as the bird
pecked at her fingers.

Early on the next morning, June 14, I found that the eggs
had finally hatched. It was too late for me to get the studies
of the feeding | had desired, but just in time for a note on
the period of incubation. Assuming that the last egg was laid
_on May 30, which was most probable, the period of incuba-
tion was fifteen days. This is a decidedly long period for so
small a bird, and longer than that of any other bird of its
size with which I am acquainted.

cio Oh nies Ok CHA COUNDY, SOUDE-
BASTBRN SOUTH DAKOTA.

BY S. S. VISHER, PH.D.

The location of Clay County on the Missouri River and
crossed by the Vermilion River makes it a favorable area
for the study of birds, there probably being a greater variety
in this than in adjacent counties, while because the university
is located here, more bird students have made ‘extended ob-

od)
()

THE WILSON BULLETIN—NO. 91

wo

servations within this than in any other South Dakota county.
The first to carry on bird studies in this area was F .V. Hay-
den, the eminent geologist, who collected many birds “ near
the mouth of the Vermilion River” in May and June, 1854
and 1855. His records are included in Elliot Coues’ classic
‘“ Birds of the Northwest’”’ (Washington, 1872). C. S. Ag=
ersborg, in “ The Auk” ‘for 1885 gives a list of the birds
of Southeastern Dakota. Of the 215 species included, most
were observed in the vicinity of Vermilion, in or near which
city Mr. Agersborg had lived for several years. During the
past ten years, three students of the University of South Da-
kota have made some study of the birds. Benjamin Rowley
and E. H. Sweet deserve special mention. Sheridan Jones
also collected and mounted some specimens for the University
Museum, but left no other record of his work.

The following list has been compiled in part from data
furnished me by Rowley and Sweet, from Agersborg’s arti-
ticle, and Hayden’s records, but it is chiefly the result of my
observations in the area since 1908, especially 1910-13, while
a member of the faculty of the University. With the help
of a motorcycle, the more favored localities could be visited
frequently, and much more effective work was possible than
in the case of less fortunate observers. Careful records of
the migration, abundance, and nesting of the birds seen were
made for the U. S. Biological Survey, and numerous speci-
mens were collected. for the University Museum.

Clay County can be divided into five districts: (1) Whe
Missouri bottom land; (2) The valley of the Vermilion
River; (3) The bluffs along these valleys, the ravines of
which are especially distinctive; (4) The nearly level upland
or “ prairie’; (5) The rough land of the northeastern corner
of the county.

Most of the area is under cultivation. The chief exceptions
are sand areas.in the Missouri bottom, flooded areas (now
however extensively drained by the recently completed “ big
ditch’’) in the Vermilion valley and the rough land along
the bluffs. There are few small ponds on the upland level;

Birps oF CLAY County, SoutH DAKOTA 323

the one most frequently visited was ‘‘ Rose Lake,” situated
some nine miles northeast of Vermilion.

_ The trees of the area are: (1) numerous planted groves of
cottonwood, ash, ‘elm, box-elder, plum, and maple; (2) na-
tive groves of the same species (except the maple) on the
bottoms; (3) woods in the ravines where bur-oak, basswood,
hackberry, and coffee-tree supplement the species just men-
tioned.

The more abundant birds nesting in the treeless portion of
the upland are the Western Meadowlark, Marsh Hawk, Sen-
nett’s Nighthawk, Bobolink, Cowbird, Western Grasshopper
Sparrow and Dickcissel.

The birds most frequently found nesting in upland groves
are the Western Mourning Dove, Sparrow Hawk, Flicker,
-Red-neaded Woodpecker, Kingbird, Least Flycatcher, Crow,
Bronzed Grackle, Orchard Oriole, Baltimore Oriole, Gold-
finch, Lark Sparrow, Chipping Sparrow, Rose-breasted Gros-
beak, White-rumped Shrike, Yellow Warbler, Catbird, West-
ern House Wren, Brown Thrasher, Robin.

In addition to those found in upland groves, the following
nest commonly in the groves along the rivers: Western
Red-tailed Hawk, Screech Owl, Black-billed and Yellow-
billed Cuckoos, Hairy and Downy Woodpeckers, Blue Jay,
Towhee and Cardinal. The more conspicuous birds of the
city of Vermilion are the :Bronzed Grackles, Rose-breasted
Grosbeaks, Robin, Blue Jay, Chimney Swift, Western House
Wren, Chickadee, White-breasted Nuthatch, Baltimore Ori-
ole, Warbling Vireo, Wood Thrush, Wood Pewee and Pur-
ple Martin. i

In the more densely wooded ravines, Wood Thrushes, Scar-
let Tanagers, Screech Owls, Oven-birds, Wood Pewee and
Indigo Bunting nest, while many migrants, especially war-
blers, stop here.

The water birds observed nowadays in this area are chiefly
migrants, though many species formerly nested here. Among
the water birds most frequently seen in summer may be men-
tioned: Pied-billed Grebe, Franklin Gull, Black Tern, Least

324 THE WILSON BULLETIN—NO. 91

Tern, Blue-winged Teal, Shoveller, Pintail, American and
Least Bittern, Sora Rail, Coot, Killdeer, Yellowhead and
Thick-billed Redwing Blackbirds. Kingfishers and Green
Heron nest frequently along the rivers.

LIST OF SPECIES.

Horned Grebe (Colymbus auritus).—A rare migrant.

Eared Grebe (Colymbus nigricollis californicus)—A rare sum-
mer resident. Common in migrations.

Pied-billed Grebe (Podilymbus podiceps).—Breeds commonly.

Loon (Gavia immer)—A rare migrant. There is a mounted
specimen, secured in the county, in the University museum.

Herring Gull (Larus argentatus)—A rare migrant.

Ring-billed Gull (Larus delawarensis).—A small number of these
gulls are seen each spring and fall.

Franklin’s Gull (Larus franklini)—Abundant during late spring
and early fall. Also seen occasionally in summer,

Forster's Tern (Sterna forsteri)—Occasionally common during
migrations.

Least Tern (Sterna antillarwn).—-This interesting bird has nest-
ed regularly for many years along the Vermilion River, near the
town of Vermilion, and also at the mouth of the stream, a few miles
away. Nests have been found on several occasions. The colonies
are small, consisting of not more than seven or eight pairs.

Black Tern (Hydrochelidon nigra surinamensis)—A common mi-
grant and locally an abundant nester.

Double-crested Cormorant (Phalacrocorar auritus duritus)—A
tolerably common migrant. Agersborg states that they formerly
bred here.

White Pelican (Pelecanus erythrorhynchos)—A frequent migrant,
passing in large flocks during April and late September and Oc-
tober.

Merganser (JMergus americanus)—A rare migrant.

ted-breasted Merganser (J/ergus serrator).—A rare migrant.

Tlooded Merganser (Lophodytes cucullatus).—An irregular visitor.
Sometimes probably breeds.

Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos)—A very abundant migrant, and
a rare breeder. Remains until late in December, or even well on
into January, if portions of the Missouri River continue open.

Black Duck (Anas rubripes).—A rare migrant: seen as late as
early June.

Gadwal (Chaulelasmus streperus)—A common migrant.

3aldpate (Mareca americana).—Abundant during migrations and
tolerably common in summer,

Birps oF CLay County, SoutH DaKora 325

Green-winged Teal (Nettion carolinensis) —Abundant migrant.

Blue-winged Teal (Querquedula discors)—An abundant migrant
and frequent summer resident. By far the most abundant duck
during the summer. Breeds on ponds and on bayous of the river.
Arrives late in April and leaves in October.

Cinnamon Teal (Querquedula cyanoptera).—A yery rare migrant.

Shoveller (Spatula clypeata).—An abundant migrant. Arrives
about April 1, but not conspicuously abundant until the middle of
that month. Breeds regularly. p

Pintail (Dafila acuta) —The Pintail, or ‘“ spike-tail,” is the earli-
est duck. Until late in March it is the predominant species. It
breeds here occasionally.

Hutchin’s Goose (Branta canadensis hutchinsi).—A yery common
migrant.

Brant (Branta bernicla glaucogastra).—Oceasional migrant.

Whistling Swan (Olor columbianus).—An occasional migrant. <A
“winged” bird was kept in captivity for several weeks in 1911 be-
fore it died.

Bittern (Botaurus lentiginosus)—An abundant breeder.

Least Bittern (/xobrychus exilis) —Occasionally a tolerably com-
mon breeder.

Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias herodias)—A common mi-
grant and a rare breeder.

Green Heron (Butorides virescens virescens).—Nests fairly plen-
tiful in summer along the rivers.

Black-crowned Night Heron (Nycticorax nycticorax naevius).—
One or two heronies are within reach of this area for these birds
are met with on Rose Lake frequently.

Whooping Crane (Grus americana).—A rare migrant

Sandhill Crane (Grus mexicana).—A tolerably common migrant.

king Rail (Rallus elegans).—A rare summer resident.

Virginia Rail (Rallus virginianus).—Abundant migrant and com-
mon breeder.

Sora (Porsana carolina).—An abundant breeder.

Plorida Gallinule (Gallinula galeata)—An accidental visitor.
One was taken by HE. H. ‘Sweet a short distance east of Vermilion
about April 15, 1899.

Coot (Fulica americana).—An exceedingly abundant breeder.

Wood Duck (Aix sponsaw)—A few wood ducks have been shot
here during the past few years. Formerly they were common and
nested.

Redhead (Mdrila americana).—An abundant migrant and a rare
breeder.

Canvas-back (Marila vallisneria).—Ocecasionally a ‘common mi-
grant.

326 THE WILSON BULLETIN—NO. 91

Scaup Duck (J/arila marila).—A rare migrant.

Lesser Scaup Duck (J/arila affinis)—An abundant migrant. Some
remain well into June and may breed occasionally.

Ring-necked Duck (JMarila collaris)—Somewhat rare as a mi-
grant. :

Golden-eye (Clangula clangula americana)—A rare migrant.

Buffle-head (Charitonnetta albeocla)—An abundant migrant.

Ruddy Duck (Hrismatura jamaicensis)—An uncommon yvisitant ;
“occasionally breeds.

Snow Goose (Chen hyperboreus hyperboreus)—An abundant mi-
grant.

Blue Goose (Chen caerulescens).—An occasional migrant. Sey-
eral were seen early in April, 1911, and one was taken for the mu-
seum.

White-fronted Goose (Anser albifrons gambeli)—A fairly abun-
dant migrant; seen as late as early in June during the past two
seasons.

Canada Goose (Branta canadensis canadensis) —An abundant mi-
grant. Reported by Agersborg as formerly a rare breeder. Re-
mained about the air holes in the Missouri River until January
during the past winter.

Northern Phalarope (Lobipes lobatus).—Rare migrant. <A speci-
men taken by Sweet is in the museum.

Wilson’s Phalarope (Steganopus tricolor) —An abundant migrant
and rare breeder.

Avocet (Recurvirostra amnericana).—Reported by Agersborg and.
Sweet as a rare migrant.

Woodcock (Philohela minor)—Reported by Agersborg as a very
rare breeder and by Sweet as a rare migrant. There is a specimen,
secured in South Dakota, mounted in the museum.

Wilson’s Snipe (Gallinago delicata).—An abundant migrant.

Long-billed Dowitcher (J/acrorhamphus griseus scolopaceus )—A
very common migrant.

Stilt Sandpiper (J/icropalama himantopus).—A rare migrant.

Pectoral Sandpiper (Pisobia maculata).—A very common migrant.

White-rumped Sandpiper (Pisobia fuscicollis)—A common mi-
grant.

Baird’s Sandpiper (Pisobia bairdi).—A tolerably common migrant.

Least Sandpiper (Pisobia minutilla).—A common migrant.

Red-backed Sandpiper (Pelidna alpina sakhalina).—A_ tolerably
conmnon migrant. A male in full summer plumage seen May 19,
LOU:

Semipalmated Sandpiper (Hreunetes pusillus).—A fairly common
migrant.

Birps oF CLAY County, SoutH DAKOTA Be

Marbled Godwit (Limosa fedow).—A rare visitor; formerly com-
mon.

Hudsonian Godwit (Limosa haenastica).—A rare but regular mi-
grant. =

Greater Yellow-legs (Totanus melancleucus)—A common mi-
grant.

Yellow-legs (Totanus flavipes).—A very common migrant.

Solitary Sandpiper (Helodromas solitarius solitarius) —A fairly
common migrant. Absent in summer, only a short time in June.

Western Willet (Catoptrophorus semipalmatus inornatus)—A
common migrant.

Upland Plover (Bartrania Icngicauda).—Tolerably frequent in
summer.

Buff-breasted Sandpiper (Tryngites subruficollis) —“An abundant
spring migrant,’ Agersborg. Seen only a few times.

Spotted. Sandpiper (Actitis macularius)—A fairly common mi-
grant.

Long-billed Curlew (Numenius americanus)—Reported by Agers-
borg as formerly a rare breeder. At present a very rare migrant.

Black-bellied Plover (Squatarola squatarola).—Ocecasionally a
common migrant.

Golden Plover (Charadrius dominicus dominicus).—A rare spring
migrant.

Willdeer (Oxyechus vociferus).—A very abundant summer resi-
dent; arriving before the middle of March and departing in No-
vember. ;

Semipalmated Plover (Aegidlitis semipalmata).—A very common
migrant.

Piping Plover (Aegidlitis meloda) —A tolerably frequent migrant.

Ruddy Turnstone (Arenar® interpres morinella).—A small flock
Was seen on Rose Lake in May, 1912, and in May, 1913.

Bob-white (Colinus virginianus virginianus).—A fairly common
resident.

Prairie Chicken (Typanuchus americanus americanus) —An abun-
dant winter yvisitant and rare nester.

Prairie Sharp-tailed Grouse (Pedioecetes phasianellus campes-
tris) —Irregular; abundant during some winters, while during oth-
ers it is absent.

Wild Turkey (Jleleagris gallopavo silvestris).

Passenger Pigeon (Hctopistes migratorius)—Both of these game
birds were reported by Agersborg to be rare breeders here in the
seventies.

Western Mourning Dove (Zenaidura macroura marginella).—An
abundant summer resident. Sometimes remains until December.

328 THE WILSON BULLETIN—-No. 91

Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura septentrionalis).—Seldom seen ;
however it has been known to breed here.

Swallow-tailed Wite (Hlanoides forficatus).—Accidental in sun-
mer. One collected near Vermilion, mounted by Rowley, now in
the museum. Reported by Agersborg as an occasional visitor.

Marsh Hawk (Circus hudsonius)—Abundant from early in
March till the coming of winter. Seen occasionally in winter.

Sharp-shinned Hawk (Accipiter velox)—A tolerably common tai-
grant and rare breeder; nest found.

Cooper’s Hawk (Accipiter cooperi).—Rare, summer resident ;
nests found. §

Goshawk (Astur atricapillus atricapillis).—Rare, in migrations
and winter.

Western Red-tail (Buteo borealis calurus).—A common resident.

Kkrider’s Hawk (Buteo borealis krideri)—A common migrant.

Swainson’s Hawk (Buteo swainsoni).—Breeds abundantly. Ar-
rives early in April and departs in October.

Red-shouldered Hawk (Buteo lineatus lineatus).—A_ tolerably
common migrant.

35road-winged Hawk (Buteo platypterus)—A regular but uncom-
mon migrant.

Rough-legged Hawk (Archibuteo lagopus sdncti-johannis )—Com-
mon in winter.

Ferruginous Rough-leg (Archibuteo ferrugineus).—Common in
migrations and winter. A

Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysactos ).—Occasional except in the sun-
mer,

Bald Eagle (Hdliwetus lewcocephalus leucocephalus).—Very rare
Winter vistant.

Gray Gyrfalcon (Falco rusticolus rusticolus)—A rare winter vis-
itant. Agersborg collected one in 1880. TI saw one jn 1910.

Prairie Falcon (falco mexricanus)—Oceasional except in mid-
summer.

Duck Hawk (Falco peregrinus dnatum)—Occasional migrant.

Pigeon Hawk (/'dlceo columbarius columbarius).—Tolerably com-
mon migrant.

Richardson's Pigeon Hawk (falco columbarius richardsoni)—A
fairly common migrant. The type locality is Vermilion.

Sparrow Hawk (fdleo sparverius sparverius)—Breeds abund-
antly.

Osprey (Pandion haliaetus carolinensis)—A vare migrant.

Barn Owl (Aluco pratincola).—Occasionally met with. Two speci-
mens are in the museum, the last one haying been taken November
26, 1912.

Birps oF CLAy County, SoutH DAKOTA 329

Long-eared Owl (Asio wilsonianus).—An abundant migrant and
occasional summer resident.

Short-eared Owl (Asio flammeus).—Abundant except in winter,
when it is rare.

Barred Owl (Stria varia varia)—Fairly trequent in winter. One
pair nested in a wooded ravine, a short distance east of Vermilion,
during the summer of 1912.

Screech Owl (Otus asio asio).—The most abundant owl; resident.

Western Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus pallescens).—Common in
winter.

Arctic Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus subareticus)—Two cap-
tures recorded by Agersborg.

Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus virginianus).—Perhaps an
occasional resident.

Snowy Owl (Nyctea nyctea).—Irregularly common in winter.

Burrowing Owl (Speotyto cunicularia hypogaea).—An abundant
summer resident. Most of these owls nest in deserted badger holes
as prairie dogs are not found in this vicinity.

Yellow-billed Cuckoo (Coccyzus americanus americanus ).—Nests
commonly, arriving about May 15, and leaving September 1.

Black-billed Cuckoo (Coccyzus erythrophthalmus)—A common
summer resident. ,

Belted Iingfisher (Ceryle alcyon).—Breeds commonly along the
rivers.

Hairy Woodpecker (Dryobates villosus villosus)—Common in
winter, and occasional in summer.

Downy Woodpecker (Dryobates pubescens medianius)—A com-
mon resident.

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (Sphyrapicus varius varius).—Irregu-
lar migrant; rare, summer resident.

Redheaded Woodpecker (Jlelanerpes erthrocephalus)—An abun-
dant summer resident.

Northern Flicker (Colaptes auratus luteus).—Abundant in sum-
mer, common in winter.

Red-shafted Flicker (Colaptes cafer collaris).—Rare visitor.

Whip-poor-will (Antrostomus vociferus vociferus).—A tolerably
frequent summer resident.

Sennett’s Nighthawk (Chordeiles virginianus sennetti) —An abun-
dant summer resident.

Chimney Swift (Chaetura pelagica)—Abundant nester in the -
towns.

Ruby-throated Hummingbird (Archilochus colubris).—Several
pairs have bred in Vermilion the last few summers.

Kingbird (Tyrannus tyrannus).—An abundant summer resident.

Arkansas Kingbird (Tyrannus verticalis)—Common in summer,

330 THE WILSON BULLETIN—No. 91

especially about the small groves and “tree claims” of the prairies.

Phoebe (Sayornis phoebe).—A common summer resident. Re-
mained until December ist in the mild autumn of 1912.

Say’s Phoebe (Sdayornis sayus)—A rare or accidental visitor dur-
ing the spring migration; recorded by E. H. Sweet in May, 1902.

Olive-sided Flycatcher (Nuttalornis borealis) —Rare migrant.

Wood Pewee (Myiochanes virens)—Common breeder, especially
in the town.

Alder Flycatcher (Empidonax traillii alnorum).—A fairly abund-
ant breeder in the willow thickets along the streams.

Least Flycatcher (Hmpidonaxr minimus )—Tolerably common sum-
mer resident.

Prairie Horned Lark (Octocoris alpestris praticola)—Common in
winter, but quite rare in summer.

Desert Horned Lark (Octocoris alpestris leucolaema).—A winter
visitor.

Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata cristata) —An abundant resident.

Northern Raven (Corvus corax principdlis).—Reported by Agers-
borg as a rare winter visitor.

Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos brachyrhynchos).—Abundant res-
ident.

Bobolink (Dolichonyx oryzivorus).—An abundant summer resi-
dent.

Cowbird (Jlolothrus ater ater)—Abundant from April to Sep-
tember.

Yellow-headed Blackbird (Xanthocephalus xanthocephatlus).—Nu-
merous nester in the few marshes which have cattails and reeds.

Thick-billed Red-wing (Ageldius phoeniceus fortis)—Breeds
abundantly in reeds of marshes and in willows at water’s edge.
Arrives about the middle of March and leaves late in November
or early in December.

Western Meadowlark (Stirnella neglecta) —One of the more
abundant prairie birds from mid-April to November; occasionally
an individual winters. }

Orchard Oriole (/cterus spurius).—Abundantly represented in the
summer (May 15-July 81), especially in the willow groves along
the rivers.

3altiniore Oriole (/cterus galbula).—A common summer resident,
especially in the towns.

Bullock's Oriole (/eterus bullocki) —An occasional migrant. Re-
ported by Agersborg to occasionally breed.

Rusty Blackbird (Luphagus carolinius).—A rave migrant.

Brewer's Blackbird (Huphagus cyanocephalus)—A common mi-
grant, March and April, October and November. Also seen early
in February, 1912.

Birps OF CLAy County, SoutH DAKOTA Seoul

Bronzed Grackle (Quiscalus quiscalus aeneus).—Abundant from
March 15 to October; occasional in December.

Evening Grosbeak (Hesperiphona vespertina vespertina).—Rare
winter visitant. j

Purple Finch (Carpodacus purpureus purpureus).—A rare mi-
grant. -

Crossbill (Lovia curuvirostra minor ).—Rare migrant.

White-winged Crossbill (Loxia leuwecopterad).—A rare migrant.

Redpoll (Acanthis linaria linaria)—Abundant in the winter
months about the groves.

Goldfinch (Astragalinus tristis tristis)—An abundant resident.

Pine Siskin (Spinus pinus)—Tolerably common migrant, and oc-
casionally common in winter.

Snow Bunting (Plectrophenax nivalis nivalis)—Common some
winters, but rare others.

Lapland lLongspur (Calcarius lapponicus lapponicus).—Fairly
plentiful from September to April.

Chestnut-collared Longspur (Calecarius ornatus).—An abundant
migrant, a rare breeder, and an occasional winter resident.

Western Vesper Sparrow (Poamcetes gramineus confinis).—A tol-
erably common breeder.

Savannah Sparrow (Passerculus sdndwichensis savannd).—A
tolerably common breeder. Abundant in migrations, especially in
late April and mid-September.

Western Grasshopper Sparrow (Ammodramus savannarwn bima-
culatus).—Abundant from late April till early September.

Henslow’s Sparrow (Passerherbulus henslowi henslowi)—A com-
mon migrant.

Leconte’s Sparrow (Passerherbulus lecontei).—Tolerably common
migrant.

Nelson’s Sparrow (Passerherbulus nelsoni nelsoni).—A rare spring
migrant; taken.

Lark Sparrow (Chondestes grammacus grammacus).—Nests toler-
ably frequent, especially in tree claims on the plains.

Harris’s Sparrow (Zonotrichia querula).—An abundant migrant.
One seen as late as June 18, 1912.

White-crowned Sparrow (Zonotrichia lewcophrys leucophrys).—A
common migrant.

Gambel’s Sparrow (Zonotrichia leucophrys gambelii)—Hayden
captured a specimen of this variety near Vermilion in 1857.

White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis) —A very common
migrant.

Western Tree Sparrow (Spizella monticola ochracea).—The most
abundant sparrow of the thickets from November to April.

332 THE WILSON BULLETIN—NO. 91

Chipping Sparrow (NSpizella passerina passerind)—Common dur-
ing the summer months; arrived March 12, 1913.

Clay-colored Sparrow (NSpizella pallida).—Plentiful in migration,
frequently nests.

Western Field Sparrow (NSpizella pusilla arenacea)—The most
abundant sparrow during the summer months about the bluffs.

Slate-colored Junco (Junco hyemdlis hyemalis).—Plentiful in mi-
grations; winters fairly plentiful in weed patches in the Missouri
valley.

Song Sparrow (J/elospiza melodia melodia) —Abundant migrant
and rare in summer along the wooded streams.

Sabuta Song Sparrow (Jelospiza melodia guddi)—Vaken in mi-
gration hear Vermilion.

Lincoln’s Sparrow (J/elospiza lincolni lincoIni).—Regular mi-
grant.

Swamp Sparrow (J/elospiza georgiand)—Rare in the summer,
frequent in migrations.

Fox Sparrow (Passerella iliaca iliaed).—Irregular migrant.

Towhee (Pipilo erythrophthaltnus erythrophthatius )—Nests com-
monly. Seen as late as December, 1912.

Arctic Towhee (Pipilio maculatus arcticus).—Plentiful in migra-
tion.

Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis cardindlis).—A tolerably common
resident in the Missouri valley, near Vermilion.

Rose-breasted Grosbeak (Zamelodia ludoviciana).—Abundant from
early May to early September, especially in the city of Vermilion,
where its song is perhaps the most frequent of bird songs during
May and June.

Black-headed Grosbeak (Zamelodia melanocephala).—Recorded by
Agersborg, and by Rowley, as an occasional summer resident.

Indigo Bunting (Pdsserina cyanea) —An abundant summer resi-
dent.

Lazuli Bunting (Pdsserina amoend).—An occasional or accidental
visitor. One certainly seen in Vermilion May 24, 1912.

Dickcissel (Spiza americana).—Very abundant during June and
July.

Lark Bunting (Cdlamospiza melanocorys).—aAt present an uncom-
mon migrant. Recorded by Rowley and Sweet and Agersborg as
formerly a common nester during the dry years of the late SO’s
and 90's.

Scarlet Tanager (Piranga erythromelas)—A tolerably Common
stunmer resident.

Purple Martin (Precne subis subis.)—Plentiful in summer about
the towns.

Birps oF CLAY County, SoutH DAKora. 333

Cliff Swallow (Petrochelidon lunifrons lunifrons)—Nests in colo-
nies under the eaves of barns. Locally abundant.

Barn Swallow (Hirundo erythrogastra)—This is the best known
Swallow, as it nests in all barns.

Tree Swallow (/ridoprocne bicolor).—An abundant migrant and
rare breeder.

Bank Swallow (Riparia riparia).—Breeds in large colonies along
the river.

Rough-winged Swallow (Stelgidopteryx serripennis).—Breeds in
small colonies in cut banks along roads and streams.

Bohemian Waxwing (Bomobycilla garrula)—Irregular during au-
tumn, winter and spring.

Cedar Waxwing (Bombycilla cedrorum)—Common migrant; oc-
ceasionally nests, rarely winters.

Northern Shrike (Lanius borealis) —Common in winter.

White-rumped Shrike (Lanius ltudovicianus exceubitorides) —-
Breeds in most tree claims.

Red-eyed Vireo (Vireosylva olivacea).—A common summer resi-
dent.

Philadelphia Vireo (Vireosylva philadelphica).—A rare migrant.

Warbling Vireo (Vireosylva gilva gilva).—To be found in many
groves in summer. ;

Bell’s Vireo (Vireo belli belli) Rare breeder; nest found by
Rowley.

Blue-headed Vireo (Lanivireo solitarius solitarius).—A rare spring
migrant.

Black and White Warbler (Mniotilta varia)—A very common
migrant.

Orange-crowned Warbler (Vermivora celata celata).—A tolerably
common, regular, migrant.

Tennessee Warbler (Vermivora peregrina).—A rare spring mi-
grant.

Yellow Warbler (Dendroica aestiva aestiva) —This species can be
found, throughout the breeding Season, in almost every grove.

Black-throated Blue Warbler (Dendroica caerulescens caeriules-
cens).—A fairly common migrant.

Myrtle Warbler (Dendroica coronata).—An abundant migrant.

Magnolia Warbler (Dendroica magnolia).—A common migrant.

Chestnut-sided Warbler (Dendroica pennsylvanica)—An uncom-
mon migrant.

Bay-breasted Warbler (Dendroica castanea).—A rare migrant.

Black-poll Warbler (Dendroica striata).—An abundant migrant

Blackburnian Warbler (Dendroica fusca).—A rare spring mi-
grant.

33) «+ THE WILSON BULLETIN—NOoO. 91

Black-throated Green Warbler (Dendroica virens).—An uncom-
mon migrant.

’alm Warbler (Dendroica palmarun. palmarum).—A common
migrant.

Oven-bird (Seiurus aurocapillus)—A common summer resident.

Grinnell’s Water-Thrush (Seiurus noveboracensis notabilis).—
Common in spring and fall along the streams,

Mourning Warbler (Oporornis philadelphia).—A rare migrant;
quite common in May, 1912. -

Western Yellow-throat (Geothlypis trichas occidentalis ).—A com-
mon migrant and fairly common breeder.

Yellow-breasted Chat (/cteria virens virens)—Breeds abundantly
in the low willow thickets of the Missouri flood plains along old
channels. -

Wilson’s Warbler (Wilsonia pusilla pusilla).—A common migrant.

tedstart (Setophaga ruticilla)—Abundant migrant and common
breeder.

Pipit (Anthus rubescens)—A common migrant.

Sprague’s Pipit (Anthus spraguei).—A tolerably common migrant.

Mockingbird (Mimnus polyglottos polyglottos).—An accidental
spring visitor. One observed May 7, 1911.

Catbird (Dumetella carolinensis).—An abundant breeder in all
thickets.

Brown Thrasher (Toxostoma rufwn).—Plentiful in summer.

Western House Wren (Troglodytes aedon parkmani)—Breeds
abundantly along the river and about the towns.

Winter Wren (Nannus hiemalis) —A rare migrant.

Short-billed Marsh Wren (Cistothorus stellaris)—A_ tolerably
common migrant, and according to Agersborg, a rare summer res-
ident.

Prairie Marsh Wren (Telmatodytes palustris iliacus).—A _ toler-
ably common summer resident.

3rown Creeper (Certhia familiaris americana).—Abundant winter
and rare summer resident.

White-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis carolinensis ).—Tol-
erably common resident; abundant during the winter months, es-
pecially in Vermilion.

Red-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta canddensis).—A rare migrant.

Long-tailed Chickadee (Penthestes atricapillus septentriondalis ).—
A vesident; in winter abundant.

Golden-crowned Kinglet (Regulus satrapa satrapa).—A tolerably
common migrant and winter resident.

Ruby-crowned Kinglet (Regulus calendula).—Common in migra-
tions and occasional in winter.

WILSON ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB MEETING 33:

Townsend’s Solitaire (I/yadestes townsendi).—An accidental win-
ter visitor. For an account of a straggler seen January 9, 1911, see
The Auk, April, 1911, p. 270.

Wood Thrush (Hylocichla mustelind)—Breeds abundantly in
Vermilion and in the wooded ravines.

Willow Thrush (Hylocichla fuscescens salicicola)—Common dur-
ing migrations and rare during the breeding Season.

Gray-cheeked Thrush (Hylocichla dliciae daliciae).—A common
Inigrant.

Olive-backed Thrush (Hylocichla ustulata siwainsoni).—An abun-
dant migrant.

Hermit Thrush (Hylocichla guttata pallasi).—A rare migrant.

Robin (Planesticus migratorius migratorius)—An abundant resi-
dent. During the winter the robins form large flocks, which spend
most of the time in the groves of the Missouri valley, where they
feed extensively upon the berries of smilax.

Bluebird (Sialia sialis sialis)—A few pairs nest each year in
this county.

THE SECOND ANNUAL MEETING OF THE WILSON ORNITHO-
LOGICAL CLUB was called to order at 9 a. m., in the Assembly
Room of the New Morrison Hotel, Chicago, by President T. C.
Stephens. The whole morning was devoted to the completion of
the reorganization, as unfinished business from the last annual
meeting, and with the consideration of new business. The roli
call of members showed twenty-three members in attendance,
of whom four were women. A long list of new members was
acted upon favorably. Plans for an active campaign looking
toward advertising the existence of this organization in the
central districts of the country, and securing their coopera-
tion were perfected, and committees appointed to carry the
plans through.

After the convening of the members in the afternoon, and
the completion of routine business, the following papers were
presented :

Food of the Virginia Rail, by Alvin R. Cahn, of the Uni-
versity of Wisconsin.

Nest-Life of the Grosheak, by Ira N. Gabrielson, of the
Marshalltown, Iowa, public schools.

336 THE WiLson BULLETIN—No. 91

Birds from an Upstairs [Window, by Mrs. O. M. Schantz,
Or Cicero, Ul:

3irds of Cedar Point, Ohio, and Vicinity—A Supplemen-
tary Report, by Lynds Jones, of Oberlin College.

Birds by the Wayside: I. India in January, by Miss Althea
R. Sherman, of National, Iowa.

The evening session was given over to a report ibs District
Inspector E. A. Cleasby upon the results of the Federal Mi-
gratory Bird Law, for the district of which Wisconsin is
nearly the center. This report elicited a considerable discus-
sion from members and others present.

At the Wednesday morning session the following papers
were presented: June Birds of Laramie, Wyoming, by Rev.
W. F. Henninger, of New Bremen, Ohio. Discouraging the
English Sparrow, by Thomas H. Whitney, of Atlantic, Iowa.
Field and Other Notes, by Rev. C. W. G. Eifrig, of Oak
Park, Ill.” (Uilustrated:)> A Nest Study, ot “them\Westenm
Meadowlark, by Jay Kempkes, of Pella, Iowa. (Illustrated. )
The Waterfowl of Illinois, by Gerard Alan Abbott, of Chi-
cago. (Illustrated.) Birds of the Mid-Pacific, by Homer R.
Dill. (Read by title.) Notes on the Raptorial Birds of Iowa,
by B. H. Bailey. (Read by title.)

Dr. T. C. Stephens, of Morningside College, Sioux City,
Iowa, was reélected President, Mr. George L. Fordyce, of
Youngstown, Ohio, reélected Vice-President; Prof. Thos. L.
Hankinson, of Charleston, Ill., was elected Secretary, as the
former Secretary, Mr. O. M. Schantz, wished to be relieved;
Mr. P. B. Coffin, 3232 Groveland Ave., Chicago, was re-
elected Treasurer; and the Executive Council appointed
Gerard Alan Abott, 1543 E. 61st St., Chicago, Ill., Busi-
ness Manager, and Lynds Jones, Oberlin, Ohio, Editor of the
Wilson Bulleton.

This second annual meeting was a decided success, and it
means that each gathering that is to be will increase in inter-
est and value to those who attend. The field which we cover
is large and the need for cooperation correspondingly great.
Let everybody plan to be present at the third annual meeting.

THE APRIL First Birp CENSUS 337

The April First Bird Census

Youngstown, O., April 1, 1915, 8:30 a. m. to 5:30 p. m.—Partly
cloudy, wind northwest; temperature, 34 to 38; territory covered
Mill Creek Park, Lake Hamilton, Pine Lake and vicinity, Pied-billed
Grebe, 1; Herring Gull, 2; Red-breasted Merganser, 1; Hooded
Merganser, 20; Mallard, 10; Black Duck, 52; Green-winged Teal,
1; Pintail, 9; Redhead, 57; Canvas-back, 3; Scaup Duck, 9; Lesser
Scaup Duck, 25; Ring-necked Duck, 2; Golden-eye, 17; Coot, 3;
Willdeer, 9; Rutfed Grouse, 2; Marsh Hawk, 1; Sparrow Hawk, 1;
Great Horned Owl, 1; Hairy Woodpecker, 2; Downy Woodpecker, 2 ;
Red-bellied Woodpecker, 1; Northern Flicker, 2; Phoebe, 1; Blue
Jay, 12; Crow, 32; Red-winged Blackbird, 32; Meadowlark, 5;
Bronzed Grackle, 28; Goldfinch, 16; Tree Sparrow, 31; Slate-colored
Junco, 2; Song Sparrow, 66; Cardinal, 21; Brown Creeper, 1; Red-
breasted Nuthatch, 21; Tufted Titmouse, 12; Chickadee, 2; Robin,
48; Bluebird, 5. Total, 41 species, 568 individuals. George L. For-
dyce and John P. Young.

On account of steady cold weather during the month of March,
the migration of the birds was much later than usual and many
species usually here on April Ist do not appear on this list.

Port Byron, Ill, April 4, 8 to 10:30 a. m. and 12:20 to 4 p. m.—
Cloudy; ground bare and dry; wind south, brisk; temperature 40°
to 60°. Bob-white, 12; Rough-legged Hawk, 1; Screech Owl, 2;
Great Horned Owl, 4 (pair with two young ones, young half grown
and sitting on edge of nest) ; Hairy Woodpecker, 7; Downy Wood.
pecker, 13; Red-bellied Woodpecker, 3; Prairie Horned Lark, 6;
Blue Jay, 4; Crow, 9; Red-winged Blackbird, 30; Meadowlark, 15;
Rusty Blackbird, 20; Bronzed Grackle, 14; Vesper Sparrow, Die
Tree Sparrow, 11; Field Sparrow, 1; Junco, 100; Song Sparrow,
9; Cardinal, 2; Brown Creeper, 1; White-breasted Nuthatch, 10;
Tufted Titmouse, 2; Chickadee, 20; Robin, 65; Bluebird, 20. Total,
26 species, 383 individuals.—J. J. SCHAFER.

St. Johnsburg, Vt., April 1, 1915, 7 a. m. ito 8 p. m.—Temperature
40°, Traces of snow on the ground. American Crow, 59; Bluebird,
4: American Robin, 3; Purple Finch, 2; Goldfinch, 12; Chickadees,
4: White-breasted Nuthatch, 1; Song Sparrow, 1.

Total, 8 species; 86 individuals.

InEzZ A. HOWE.
Mapent A. SHIELDS.

THE WILSON BULLE TiN

A Quarterly Magazine Devoted to the Study of Birds. Official Or-
gan of the Wilson Ornithological Club

Edited by LYNDS JONES

PUBLISHED BY THE WILSON ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB, AT CHICAGO, ILL.

Price in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, One Dollar a year, 30 cents a number,
post paid. Price in all countries in the International Postal Union, $1.25 a year, 40 cents
anumber. Subscriptions may be sent to Lynds Jones, Oberlin, Ohio, or to Mr. P. B.
Coffin, 8232 Groveland Avenue, Chicago, III.

OFFICERS FOR THE CURRENT YEAR

President: Dr. T. ©. Stephens, Morningside, Sioux City, Iowa.

Vice-president: Geo. L. Fordyce, Youngstown, Ohio.

Secretary: Thos. L. Hankinson, Charleston, Il.

Treasurer: P. B. Coffin, 3252 Groveland Ave., Chicago, Il.

Editor “The Wilson Bulletin”: Lynds Jones, Spear Laboratory,
Oberlin, Ohio.

Business Manager: Gerard Alan Abbott, 15483 East Glst St.,
Chicago, Ill.

EDITORIAL

The Editor will leave Oberlin on June 20, and will not return
until September 15. Matters relating to the business of the Wil-
son Bulletin should be addressed to the Business Manager, Gerard
Alan Abbott, 15483 E. Gist St., Chicago, Ill. Manuscript intended
for publication may be addressed to the Editor at his Oberlin ad-
dress, and it will be taken care of there.

As may be well known to many readers, the Iiditor will conduct
a party of college student from Oberlin to Seattle, and from there
down the coast of Washington from Cape Flattery to Moclips. which
lies on the coast north of Gray’s Harbor. The party leaves Ober-
lin on June /20, via the New York Central lines, reaching Seattle
on June 24, via C. M. & St. Paul R. R. From Seattle the steamer
Bellingham will convey the party to Neah Bay,'‘and from there the
trip down the. coast will be made by launch and canoe with the
coast Indians in charge. While this trip is made for the purpose
of the study of the ecology of the region, the birds will receive
their fair share of attention, and the islands included in the bird
reserves will be visited.

CORRESPONDENCE 339

Pressure of work has prevented any extended review of the lit-
erature which has come to the Editor’s table, nor will it be pos-
Sible to prepare such copy for the September issue. It is hoped
that after the new school year begins this phase of the Bulletin
may be resumed.

The absence of the Editor for the summer, and until the time
for the issue of the September number, will cause a delay of two
or three weeks in the appearance of the September number. The
Editor begs for so much of the indulgence of the readers of the
Bulletin.

The account of the second annual meeting of the Wilson Ornitho-
logical Club was crowded out of the March issue, where it should
have appeared. It is presented at this late date as a matter of
record. The time of the next meeting has not yet been decided
upon.

CORRESPONDENCE

Editor, Wilson Bulletin.

DeEaR SiR:—An article* in the last volume of your publication
contains statements subject to correction. This article is a criti-
cism of a review which the writer published of four papers on field
observations upon the feeding of nestling birds, prepared by stu-
dents of the Iowa Lakeside Laboratory.

The review to which Professor Stephens objects was published ~
in the Auk for July, 1914 (pp. 420-421). It was intentionally made
brief and nild in tone. Professor Stephens, however, refers to the
“captious reviewer,” a trite phrase that slips readily from the pen,
but which in the present instance is unjustified. That the reviewer
was reluctant to criticize the papers considered is shown by the
fact that the earliest one was published two years before the re-
view. The overconfidence exhibited by its writer in recording the
identity of items of food ‘fed ‘to nestlings ‘was thought to be only
one of the defects to be expected in an early scientific essay. It
was hoped that succeeding papers would be. more conservative.
However, the repetition of the same kind of work made me decide
to protest.

* Stephens, T. C., A Rejoinder. Wilson Bull. XXVI, No. 3, Sept.
1914, pp. 157-161.

340 THE WILSON BULLETIN—NO. 91

In my review I made the following remark: “The flaw the re-
viewer would point out is perhaps due to over-enthusiasm on the
part of the observers, or perhaps to failure to realize the difficulty
of making exact identifications of insects.” Professor Stephens’ re-
ply contains nothing to offset this impression. I warrant that if
any of the persons concerned in making the studies of the food of
nestlings in question will take the trouble to master any group of
insects, he will no longer care to risk making specific identifications
of small insects that are being fed to nestling birds.

The detailed nature of statements relating to the food given nest-
ling catbirds by their parents is illustrated by the following quo-
tation: ‘“ Among the 55 beetles fed were recognized may-beetles,
click-beetles, tiger-beetles, water-beetles, and snout beetles of var-
ious species. The flies were mostly flesh flies, though house and sta-
ble flies were noted.*

Professor Stephens gives some explanations, which had they been
in the original articles reviewed, would have greatly modified the
impression produced. For instance he says regarding the obserya-
tions on the catbird: ‘Flies swarmed about, .... and the ob-
server in the blind could kee the catbird capture and feed them
to the young birds in the nest. A number of these flies were caught
and submitted to an entomologist . .. . who named the flies as
above” (p. 158). On this evidence, however, few would card-index
the catbird as an enemy of any particular species among these flies 3
the chance for error is too great. There may have been a score of
species of flies among those the birds were preying upon, and which
particular ones were taken, could not have been accurately known.
This instance as explained therefore does not constitute a definite
record of catbirds feeding the identified species to their young. The
paper reviewed, however, unqualifiedly states that among the in-
sects fed were house and stable flies. The single instance of a
mosquito being fed to the young by a catbird is made clear by a
belated explanation, which should have been in the original article.
It appears that a mosquito seen within the blind flew out and was
Snapped up by the bird. But this does not prepare the way for
acceptance of the 65 records for the yellow warbler, as the cir-
cumstances could not have been the same. Even though this nest
Was only two feet away, the part of a mosquito that might pro-
trude from a warbler’s bill, in nine cases out of ten, probably would
not suffice for certain identification at that distance.

Would Professor Stephens or his students on the basis of the
nestling studies reported care formally to add the name of the cat-

* Wilson Bulletin, Vol. XXV, No. 4, Dec. 1913, pp. 179-180.

CORRESPONDENCE 341

bird to the list of enemies of the house fly (Musca domestica) and
the stable fiy (Stomoxys calcitrans), both members of a family
characterized by obscure markings and slight specific differences,
and which are much resembled by various flies of at least three
other families? Or would they list the yellow warbler as a predator
upon mosquitos, on the strength of field observations only, when
the number of species of small flies that superficially resemble
mosquitos is legion? If so, their idea of scientific accuracy is un-
usual.

The writer in his original review tried to give a dispassionate
criticism of a single unfortunate tendency of papers by less ex-
perienced investigators. This was intended only as advice for fu-
ture caution and the general merit of the contributions was recog-
nized. The more of such intimate studies of birds, the better,
provided strict accuracy be kept in view.

Professor Stephens, however, adopts a controversial attitude in
his rejoinder, which leads him to attribute to me sentiments that
exist only in his mental conception of me. His remarks also con-
tain unjustified conclusions resulting from ignorance, and innuendos,
which probably would not have been made had he adopted dispu-
tation rather than controversy as his medium. A few examples
follow :

1. “The food of nestling birds, a field which seems to be guarded
zealously .... as the peculiar domain of the Biological Survey ”
(oy IIGSA))

Nothing said in the review cited by Professor Stephens warrants
this insinuation, nor does anything that the writer has said else-
where. The Biological Survey has consistently encouraged and
assisted the scientific study of the food of birds, wherever attempted.

2. The proposal “to tie bags over the anal orifices of nestling
birds for the purpose of collecting the excreta will be highly amus-
ing to anyone who has noticed young birds in the nest” (p. 160).

The proposal as stated may perhaps be amusing, but so far as I
know Professor Stephens is the only one who has made it. The
bags used by the writer have enveloped about three-quarters’ of the
whole bodies of nestlings, being tied on over the breast and under
the wings... All excrement voided was obtained, and the records
of different nestlings kept separate by the aid of different colored
tapes used on the bags. After a short time the parent birds did
not pay much attention to the bags.

3. “Vigorous, though quibbling criticism” (p. 160).

No criticism can be called quibbling which definitely challenges
the accuracy of a scientific article.

4. In two paragraphs, on page 160, Professor Stephens seeks to
lessen the effect of my statements that ‘a great many birds feed

BD THE WILSON BULLETIN—NoO. 91

[their young] by regurgitation.” He says in part “In our studies
on the passerine birds we have succeeded in following the feeding
of at least one out of a brood, from the moment it left the eg¢
until it left the nest, in the cases of the vellow warbler, the cat-
bird and the meadowlark .... and in each of these instances there
has been no feeding by regurgitation. This is known simply from
the fact that the food has been visible in the bird’s bill.”

The fact stated in the last sentence by no means disproves re-
gurgitation. That food is visible in the bill is no proof that the
gullet does not also contain food. The species above mentioned
sometimes, at least, feed by regurgitation. In Mrs. Wheelock’s
article on ‘“ Regurgitative feeding of nestlings” in the Auk for
January, 1905 (pp. 54-70), this capable field observer records more
than thirty-five species of birds as feeding their young by regurgi-
tation including all of the species Professor Stephens says were
not observed to use this method.

Professor IF. E. L. Beal has seen the following species feed their
young by regurgitation: Rufous hummingbird, Arkansas goldfinch.
California towhee, black-headed grosbeak, and the Eastern robin.

The writer knows from personal experience, that the cardinal,
the rose-breasted grosbeak, the Eastern goldfinch, the English spar-
row, and the red-eyed vireo feed their young at least in part by
this method, the finches almost wholly. This is a longer list of
birds than Professor Stephens claims acquaintance with and may
show that my definition of limited experience in this field of work
is quite different from his own, and that it does not justify the
slur he pleases to record on page 160.

5. ‘The examination of a stomach will give. at best, the story
of only three or four hours of the bird’s life” (p. 160).

True, but when enough stomachs are collected, all of the hours
will be typically represented.

6. “What [food] is unrecognizable cannot be taken into account,
except as ‘unknown.’ or as ‘miscellaneous. If the tables or dia-
grams do not show this, must we not conclude that the writer has
discarded the unidentified material?” (p. 161).

Professor Stephens will find entries under miscellaneous animal
and miscellaneous vegetable food in practically every formal report
by the Biological Survey upon the food of birds. None of the ma-
terial is discarded.

7 ‘Too often the adherent of stomach examination publishes
only his percentage results, without the detailed data upon which
his percentages are based, which are necessary in a strictly scien-
tific piece of work” (p. 101).

It is impracticable to publish detailed analyses of hundreds and

. CORRESPONDENCE B45

thousands of bird stomachs, and in fact impossible in Government
documents. The data and the specimens upon which they are based,
are kept on file in the Biological Survey, for inspection by anyone
interested.

8. Relating to field observations, “it yields results with far
greater accuracy than its critics are ready to admit” (p. 161).

The writer made no criticism of field observations but only of a
certain phase of a few particular pieces of such work. Field work
is necessary to round out the study of almost any biological prob-
lem. Its necessity, however, is no greater than the necessity that
it should be accurate.

9. “It is not particularly reassuring to read the boast of having
killed so many thousands of nestling birds in order to determine
what their food has been.”

Professor Stephens has never yet been compelled to read such a
“boast,” for the reason that nothing like it has been published.

Tt ill befits anyone interested in the scientific study of ornithol-
ogy, and especially is this true of the President of a society whose
sole object is the study of birds, to say or do anything that will
render the collecting of specimens more difficult than it now is.*
Those advocating all-inclusive protection have so far had their way
‘that scientific collecting has been forbidden in some states and so
hedged about with restrictions as to be impracticable in several
others. The laws of some states are even so worded that no relief
can be had when serious losses are suffered because of Yravages
by birds.

As to the effect of scientific collecting upon the bird population,
it is undoubtedly true that more birds have been destroyed by
Single cold rain, or sleet storms, or other meteoric disturbances,
than the total that have been killed by all of the scientific collectors
in this country since the beginning.

10. ‘“ What is needed above all on the part of iconoclastic review-
ers is more certainty and less quibbling, and more hard work in
the field and laboratory that there may be developed an apprecia-
tion of the difficulties to be encountered in productive effort” (p
161).

Professor Stephens’ controversial attitude is nowhere more mani-
fest than here, and leads him far astray. The writer has spent
practically all of the working days of the past ten years and more,
in field and laboratory study of the food of birds, a total that many
times exceeds that employed to the same end by Professor Stephens
and his students.

*TIn this connection see Grinnell. J., Conserve the Collector, Sci-
enee, N. S. XII, pp. 229-232, Web. 12. 1945.

7

344 THE WILSON BULLETIN—No. 91

The degree of my certainty regarding questionable identifications
in the papers I reviewed in this: I submitted the original statements
of the authors reviewed, and my criticisms to my colleagues in eco-
nomic ornithology and to various entomologists in Washington, and
have repeated this process exhibiting Professor Stephens’ remarks.
Without exception these specialists have been of the opinion that
positive identifications could not have been made under the condi-
tions described for the cases mentioned in my review.

In conclusion I may say that my reviews in the Auk are initialled
because that is the invariable custom in that journal, and not be-
cause of any desire for anonymity.

“7. L. McCATEE.

SCIENCE, ORNITHOLOGY, AND THE WAR.

Lditor of The Wilson Bulletin:

While the daily newspapers, journals, and magazines of every de-
scription, as well as other prints—to say not a word of new books
on the subject—teem with accounts of how the great conflict in
Europe is affecting various interests and industries in this country,
there is hardly a paragraph ever published which has anything to
say of the influence which this terrible international imbroglio is
exerting upon the various sciences, scientific institutions, literature,
and upon scientific researchers of every department in nearly all
parts of the world.

In so far as Europe is concerned, we hear a great deal in re-
gard to how this stupendous struggle has crushed many trade in-
terests; the enormous number of casualties that has thus far been
the result of it; the diseases it has spread; the mental and physical
defects which will result from it upon the offspring of generations
of people to come, and, indeed, vast and far-reaching effects in many
other directions too numerous to mention. All this is being inces-
santly and yoluminously brought before us in the aforesaid man-
ner, with rarely a word as to how science has thus far fared in
it all.

The dollar and the base-ball being the two chief concerns in this
country demanding the greatest amount of attention and cultiva-
tion —at least on the part of nine-tenths of the total population —-
it becomes a matter of no surprise that between these two en-
grossing pursuits the public cares not a rap for the fact that, since
the first week in August, 1914, until the end of January, 1915, there
had not been received at the library of the United States National
Museum, and probably at the libraries of other institutions of the
kind in this country. a single German or French scientific journal

CORRESPONDENCE 345

of any importance devoted to biology. Especially are the elegant
publications of this class coming from: Germany missed, including
those issuing contributions on systematic ornithology and avian
anatomy. This is the more distressing and discouraging for the
reason that we have so few publications of the kind in this country.
In so far as some of the best German zodlogical publications are
concerned, it would seem that they may not appear even in Ger-
many until after the war is over. This statement is based upon
personal experience, for at the commencement of the trouble in
August last, I had an extensive monograph on the genus Dendio-
cygna and its allies, with many colored and plain plates, all up in
type for the Zodlogische Jahrbiicher; and I am now told that I
will not see my separata of that production for some time.

In Hungary (Budapest) they have fared a little better; for among
other publications, not only will Aqwila (Vol. XXI) soon appear,
but Americans having contributions in that issue are receiving their
Separata at the rate of eight at a time—all that the foreign pos-
tal authorities and the censors will pass “in one lot.” This is
remarkable when we come to know what they have to contend with
in the Royal Hungarian Central Bureau for Ornithology. Not only
are the premises and a part of the buildings, as the late Director
Otto Herman wrote me, used for the accommodation of the wounded
soldiers of the Austrian Army, but some of their scientific staff
may have actually been sent to the front to serve as soldiers. Among
these I may mention my friend, Dr. Koloman Lambrecht, of the
Museum of Budapest, who has just received his degree of Doctor
of Philosophy, and who was in the midst of his researches upon
fossil birds, when he was selected for military duty. It is impos-
sible to command language or words to express one’s views upon
such sacrifices as these, especially in the light of the senselessness
of the present stupendous and unnecessary struggle, where kaisers
and kings, in their war-game amusements, are allowing such ma-
terial to take the chances of being sacrificed.

In England they are not faring much better in these respects,
for not only have upwards of twenty or more zodlogists and botan-
ists, members of the regular staff of the British Museum, gone to
the front, but doubtless before this letter is up in type several of
them may have been killed in the trenches. And well may we ask:
~to what end? The same bloody war-game of the crowned heads, —
for the true principle of “patriotism” does not enter into it. Doc-
tor Mitchell, Secretary of the London Zo6dlogical Society, writes
me that they will have but very little money to spend in these days
for plates or for lengthy contributions in The Jbis or in the publica-
tions of the Zodlogical Society; and Mr. John Tenry Gurney, a

346 THE WILSON BULLETIN—NOoO. 91

Corresponding Fellow of the A. O. U.. in a letter to me under date
of January 2, 1915, says: ‘I have not heard of any naturalists
being killed in this terrible war, but have already lost several per-
sonal friends.

“7 have two sons-in-law at the Front, one of whom is the son of
Ih. G. Mead-Waldo, the well-known Ornithologist, but mercifully
they have escaped so far. I have also two nephews out, and my
son is with the Red Cross.

“In consequence of the War the sale of my book, * The Gannet,”
has completely stopped, and the only hope I have for it now is
that the United States naturalists may buy some copies of the 140
still remaining unsold.” *

It is profoundly to be hoped, quite apart from the casualties that
may take place among scientists of all classes in this disastrous
war, that no one of the number of the ornithologists of the various
countries involved, whose names appear among our Honorary and
Corresponding Fellows of the American Ornithologists’ Union, will
be called upon for army service and perhaps fall victims to the de-
mand for their services in any such capacity. It is all very well if
a naturalist be a commissioned officer in the army or navy to meet
the duties devolving upon him in times of war, notwithstanding
the danger in which his life may be placed or his researches in-
terrupted; but this is vastly different from taking civilians who
are men of science, of exceptional and unique value and actively
at work upon scientific researches in institutions, out of their po-
sitions and making privates in the army of them, carrying them
out on the firing line. to run the chance of being shot down along-
side of Tom, Dick. or Harry, who, in many instances, may not be
worth the cartridge it takes to kill him, and who often is a good
riddance to the country that claims him as citizen. The world can
not afford to do this; no nation ought to place the lives of sueh of
her men of mark in jeopardy,—to place them where a_ single
bullet, fired by some common soldier, may wipe out a life that it
has required generations to produce, and whose works may be one
of the torches of an advancing civilization. The very thought of
such stupidity and senseless waste is in itself appalling and. to
the cultured mind, almost paralyzing.

Quite apart from all this, it may be well to note that this war
in Europe is having a very unlooked-for effect upon American sci-
ence. Before this international catastrophe on the Continent, scien-

* Incidentally I may remark that I hope that those who have not
already a copy of Mr. Gurney’s valuable classie on the gannet will
avail themselves of this opportunity to place one upon their shelves ;
it is a model volume on the life-history of the species.

Firip Nores BAy

tific productions of all kinds, including many in ornithology, were
printed abroad —usually in Germany; and the plates illustrating
them were engraved abroad —usually in Germany; while at the
present time, all of such work is being done in our own country.
This, in the end, may prove to be a great stimulation to American
science, including all the departments of biology. As it now stands
there is not money enough in any scientific institution in the United
States to publish even a small part of the material presented in
any particular instance. All of our great scientific institutions are
out of funds and almost helpless in the matter of passing into -print
the results of the labors of men and women of science in this coun-
try. This is discouraging enough to those who are connected with
institutions where the publication of their work is taken as a mat-
ter of fact, while it is enough to drive the private researcher out
of his laboratory to seek other lines for his energy.

In a second interesting letter received from Mr. Gurney, under
date of February Ist, 1915, he sends me some very curious notes
on the effect of the heavy gun-firing on certain sea-birds.

“The naval fight in the North Sea on the 24th was audible in
this country and Yorkshire.

“The distant concussion from the big guns had a curious effect
on Pheasants, which in some woods adjoining the coast are said to
be greatly perturbed.

“In the same way thousands of screaming Gulls (Larus ridibun-
dus, L. fuseus, and L. argentatus) were tremendously upset by the
so-called bombardment of Yarmouth, which by the way the Ger-
mans still persist in calling a fortified town.

“Another strange feature has been the washing up of numerous
Guillemots, Razorbills and Scoter Ducks (Uvria troile, Alca torda,
Oidemia nigra) in a more or less moribund condition. These birds
had come in contact with the oily petrol, which appears to be thrown
off when a mine is discharged, and which rising to the surface,
adheres to their plumage.”

Faithfully yours,
R. W. SHUFELDT.

Washington, D. C., January 17, 1915.

348 THE WILSON BULLETIN—No. 91

FIELD NOTES—

NESTING HABITS OF KENTUCKY WARBLER. / ?

The interesting account, in your September issue, of the Ken-
tucky Warbler nesting in northern Ohio, brings to mind an exper-
ience with a pair of Kentucky Warblers’ nest building in the hill
country at Cincinnati, Ohio, where it is a well-known bird.

In a bit of sloping woodland we spied a female Kentucky (Opor-
ornis formosus) moving about in a suspicious manner. Quietly
seating ourselves in a shielded spot we soon found she was indeed
nest building.

A large fallen tree in the lowest part of the woodland served as
her approach; here she would light, carrying by the top a dry beech
leaf, the pink feet being the only visible portion of the bird. The
length of the log was traversed and each trip she left it at the
same point for the spot of her building.

In Chapman's book, “The Warblers of North America,’ page
240, is this statement referring to their nest building: ‘The male
unquestionably aids his mate.” Our pair was evidently an exception
to the rule. As she worked the ringing song of the male could be
heard in the distance, but when interest overcame his discretion
and he alighted silently in a nearby tree, she stopped in her jour-
ney on the log. The very cessation of his song seemed to arouse
her suspicions and she stood in a listening attitude; when he came
near she grew tense and immovable as a statue until he flew away
and his song was again heard in the distance; if he alighted on the
log she routed him sharply. After these interruptions she went most
leisurely about resuming her work. At no time did the male bring
nesting material.

The nest was in the lower part of the wooded slope, which was
almost free from shrubbery. The site selected was at the base of
a very small horse chestnut, about two feet high.

The beech leaves were prettily placed in a cup form resembling
the petals of a half blown rose; some of the leaves were placed
lengthwise rather than tip down.

Unfortunately it was necessary to leave before the completion of
the nest, which could not have been accomplished before the fol-
lowing day.

This incident occurred on the afternoon of May the seventh.

Lucy V. BAXTER COFFIN.
3252 Groveland Avenue, Chicago, Ill.

Fiel.p Notes 349

THE PROTHONOTARY WARBLER,

Several years ago, while taking a walk, as usual with bird glass
in hand, a small bird, warbler size. caught my eye as it flitted about
a bush by the side of the track. Its yellow color and the absence
of distinct markings, provoked my curiosity, but a search, through
both my memory and my books, revealed nothing that answered
to the description unless it was the Prothonotary Warbler, and I
scarcely dared call it that, for I could find no record of that bird
nearer than the western part of the state. The section was
swampy and near the margin of Bass Lake, about three miles from
this place. J did not make a record of the date of this observance,
but should say it was probably the spring of 1907.

June 12, 1910, Mrs. lL. EH. Parsons and I were at another part of
the same swamp, when we found a bird that I recognized at once
as the same as the one above referred to and-which we both de-
cided must be the Prothonotary Warbler. Again in 1912, June 9th.
we were bird hunting in another section, three or four miles south-
west of the first mentioned station, when we discovered another
specimen of our warbler, and were this time quite sure we were
near its nest, and watched it for some time, but could not locate
the nest, though our bird was apparently bringing food. This was
also a swampy spot, being at the base of a rocky bank where there
were many springs. Since that time I have not again seen the
bird, though I have been in the Bass Lake region many times. I
shall watch for it again this year.

I note by the Wilson Bulletin that this warbler has been seen a
number of times recently at Oberlin vicinity and at Huron. Un-
doubtedly it is working north and east in the state.

ORANGE Cook.
Chardon, Ohio.

THE BEWICK WREN.

On the 18th of April, last year, I was hunting near an old or-
chard, when a small wrenlike bird, flitting about in a rail fence, at-
tracted my attention. I soon decided it was a stranger to me, for
while its actions were decidedly wrenlike and there was the fa-
miliar barring on some parts of the bird, there was a longer and
different shaped tail. and very distinct white spots on the outer
feathers. After following the fence for ten or twelve rods, during
which time it allowed me good opportunities for observing its
actions and markings, it mounted to near the top of a small tree
and gave me a specimen of itS vocal powers. Its song was quite
different from the House Wren, and to my taste, more pleasing.

350 THE WILSON BULLETIN—No. 91

A comparison of my findings with the book descriptions left no
doubt that I had seen the Bewick Wren and heard its song. So
far as I can learn this is also a new record for Geauga County.
ORANGE Cook.
Chardon, Ohio.

A BIRD STORY FROM SOUTH CAROLINA.

(Substantially as related to me by Nathaniel Heyward
of Oakley.)

Scene: A rice plantation. Cast: Pickaninny, his mammy, crane
(Florida caerulea), moonshine (/onornis martinica). Business:
An ancient muzzle-loading musket of erratic tendencies, the ammu-
nition more dubious still.

A small negro boy climbed one day to the top of the levee in front
of his cabin home. From this point he spied at the edge of the
locker bay a crane and a moonshine side by side. Pickaninny at
once crouched and skedaddled back down the slope to get the
always-loaded family musket. Now he returned to the point of
vantage, Mammy lending moral support from the cabin door. Point-
ing the musket over the levee, Pickaninny took long and careful
aim, then pulled the trigger. Eventually the hammer snapped.
Mammy now encouraged him by shouting, “Hol er steddy, son, til
she go off.’ During this interval the crane became vexed at moon-
shine and struck viciously at it with his beak. At last the musket
discharged with a resounding “pow” and the moonshine fell over
dead. ‘“ Dar,’ said the crane, “I done kill dat moonshine.”

Wes bsaNile

BIRDS OF 1915: TOO FEW AND TOO MANY.

Sc-newhere in the Mississippi Valley some one must have found
the spring migration interesting. That it was not so in northeast-
eri Towa seems to have been due to the weather coming in whole-
sale sized installments. March, with continuously too low temper-
ature, followed by a dry April, with high south winds and summer
heat on several days, tended to hurry northward without loiterings
the birds due the last of March and during April. The unseason-.
able warmth of April was followed by a wintry May. Seemingly
as a result of these combinations very few of the birds that pass
to more northerly breeding ranges were seen.

A comparison of the median dates for ten years of the first arri-
vals of twenty-four of our commonest birds with their dates for
1915 shows a retardation in the first ‘half of the season, and an
acceleration in the second half, except that the Killdeer and the

FieLp NOTES % 351

House Wren arrived on their middle dates. Fourteen of the earlier
comers were from one to ten days behind the average dates for
their first appearance. Of these the Sparrow Hawk was one day
late, the Meadowlark and Mourning Dove were two days, and the
Robin, Red-winged Blackbird and Flicker were three days late. Ou
the other hand the warm weather of April pushed vegetation for-
ward a week in advance of its normal growth and hastened the
appearance of some of the birds from one to six days earlier thau
their average dates. The Brown Thrasher was one day, the Chip-
ping Sparrow and Chimney Swift were two days, the Bobolink four
days, and the Red-headed Woodpecker, Baltimore Oriole and Warb-
ling Vireo were six days ahead of their median dates. To the cold
weather that marked the month of May was due, very likely, the
slight delay in the appearance of the Maryland Yellowthroat and
Catbird. The middle date for both is May 10, but they were not
seen until the following day.

It would ‘be a pleasure to announce that our summer residents
returned with undiminished ranks, but that was not the case. The
greatest losses appear to have occurred in the Icteridae family. In
this neighborhood Meadowlarks and Red-winged Blackbirds have
far outnumbered other species, being more numerous here than in
adjacent territory. They are now by ho means scarce, but their
numbers are greatly reduced without the reason for this diminution
being clear. The same cannot be said of the Bobolink, which from
an abundant species has become wholly wanting at present. If
pleasant weather should ever come again it may bring out a few
Bobolinks, which have sought sheltered places along with other miss-
ing species.

In this day of vanishing species it may seem absurd to say that
of any there are too many. This expression refers to the viewpoint
of the birds, not 'that of their human friends. There seems to be
the possibility of making a place too attractive, and that by the
increasing of the numbers of some species they become intolerable
to their bird neighbors because of their warring on other’s rights.
In this year of almost world-wide warfare it is depressing to have
one’s mind constantly disturbed by the fighting of the birds. Their
atrocities are authentic; even two Mourning Doves were seen fight-
ing one day. The whole history of the causes of these forages and
the bushwhacking of the birds may never be told, but it would
make a ponderous volume if written. To-day (May 28) a Robin is
‘building her third nest, her eggs in two nests having been destroyed
by some bird, perhaps by House Wrens or Bronzed Grackles, which
seem to be the worst egg-despoilers in our yard. It is not for the
sake of food always, for frequently the shells are merely pierced.

352 fie Wison BuLrLEarn—— Noo

For many years the Flicker did not increase in numbers, but for
three seasons more have returned and excess in numbers betrays
a serious fault in this good bird. Under these conditions he is
guilty of nurturing family feuds and robs the nests of his fellows
that have located near him. So fighting Flickers are adding to the
sorrows of a battling world.

ALTHEA R. SHERMAN,

National. Iowa.

SOME PECULIARITIES OF THE 1915 SPRING MIGRATION
IN NORTHERN OHIO.

If one ever had any doubts about the correlation of bird moye-
ments with waves of temperature the past migration season would
furnish conclusive proof that there is. During the unseasonable
Warm wave of the second week of February the first migrants ap-
peared, fully two weeks ahead of schedule. This was on February
18 to 15. The second wave was on February. 19 to 21, the third not
until March 13 to 14, the fourth on March 20 to 28, the fifth April
4+ to 7, the sixth April 10 to 12, the seventh April 16 to 20, the eighth
April 24 to 28, the ninth May 2 to 6, the tenth May 10 to 17, and
the last, composed of a great host of migrating warblers and
thrushes, May 21 to June 1. Most of these waves were unusually
well-defined, but of course there were scattering records which
could not be correlated with anything, as usual. These scattering
records may be due to oversight because the individuals were few,
or they may be due to the spilling over of a few individuals, the
crest of Whose wave of migration has halted a short distance to
the south of this station.

The Ruddy Duck arrived £0 days before its schedule; the Cow-
bird 24 days; Red-headed Woodpecker 22 days; Yellow-legs 20 days;
ITenslow’s Sparrow 19 days; Song Sparrow 18 days; Yellow-billed
Cuckoo 17 days; Lincoln’s Sparrow 16 days; Crow, Robin, Bluebird,
Red-winged Blackbird. Ruby-throated Tumimingbird, 15 days; Meadow-
lark, Bronzed Grackle, Cape May Warbler, Acadian Flycatcher, 15
days; Philadelphia Vireo and Red-eyed Vireo 12 days; Wood Pewee
it days; Blackburnian Warbler, Whippoorwill, louse Wren, and
Rough-winged Swallow 10 days; Willdeer, Catbird, and Least Fly-
catcher 9 days; Orange-crowned Warbler, Nashville Warbler 8
days; Orchard Oriole, Water-Thrush, and Crested Flycatcher 7
days; and Spotted Sandpiper 6 days ahead of schedule. The aver-
age range either side of the median may be assumed to be five
days, as it so works out from year to year.

The Swamp Sparrow was 23 days late; Fox Sparrow and Belted
Kingfisher 17; Pheehe and Towhee 14; Northern Parula Warbler 11;

Zi Fietp Notes 353

Vesper Sparrow 10; Hermit Thrush, Tree Swallow, and Nighthawk
9; Chipping Sparrow, Chestnut-sided Warbler, and Dickcissel 8;
Woodcock and Brown Thrasher 7; and Mourning Warbler, Prairie
Warvler, Canada Warbler, and Bay-breasted Warbler 6 days be-
hind schedule. ;

There were thus 53 species which were more than five days either
too early or too late in their arrivals, or almost 33% of the species
involved. No account is here taken of the Water Birds, because
there is much less certainty that accurate records were made of
their movements. It is worth noting that most of the species which
arrived ahead of their schedule belonged to the earlier parts of the
migration, and that about half of those which arrived behind sched-
ule belonged to the late waves.

The largest warbler'and thrush migration usually occurs about
the middle of May, but this year the heaviest movement was on
the 21ist and 22nd of May, with many of them remaining until tle
first of June, due to chilly and rainy or cloudy weather.

Vegetation was as far advanced in the middle of April as it usu-
ally is in the middle of May, but apparently there was not a cor-
respondingly early development of insect life, although there were
considerable numbers of insects associated with the foliage. While
this unseasonable advance of vegetation was clearly not a purely
local phenomenon, since much the same sequence of weather had
prevailed southward into the Gulf states, it could hardly be ex-
pected that the birds which normally reach the southern border of
the United States about the middle of April would have felt the
pull of the unseasonable conditions in the Lake Region, and hence
would not keep up with the vegetation and development of insect
life. This would account for the marked paucity of birds during
the warmth of the first two weeks of April when conditions seemed
to be unusually favorable for birds of the warbler type.

We have to sorrowfully record the absence of Chickadee and Car-
Olina Wren. The woods seem comparatively cheerless without them.
No reason can be assigned for the disappearance of the Chickadee,
and none that is satisfactory for that of the Carolina Wren. On
the other hand, there have come to the region during the migra-
tions Gadwall. Golden Plover, Bewick’s Wren, and Mockingbird.
Of course the Gadwall is found in the immediate vicinity of lake
Hrie, but it was never before recorded for the Oberlin Water Works
reservoir. There were two Mockingbirds, one of them in full song,
and they are still with us. A ten-day war on the English Sparrow
has resulted in the presence of more native birds in the village.

LYNDS JONES.

354 THE WILSON BULLETIN—NO. 91

ANOTHER BLOW—MIGRATORY BIRD LAW HIT HARD.

The Chicago Daily Law Bulletin of date January 20th, 1915, con-
tains the announcement that Judge Treiber of the United States
District Court for the Eastern District of Arkansas, declared the
Migratory Bird law, passed by congress on March 4th, 1913, invalid.
The learned judge in his decision, states that while he recognizes
the force of the contention of the Federal authorities that only by
national legislation can the migrating birds of the country be pre-
served, yet he says that this is not a matter for the courts, but for
the people by amending the constitution of the United States.

The decision was rendered in the case of United States ys. Shau-
ver, and is reported in 214 Federal Reporter, page 154. In this
decision, Judge Trieber quotes and discusses many decisions pro
and con, but all of them are clearly in line with his decision in the
Shauver case, and a careful examination and study of his honor’s
decision convinces one that it is sound and that an appeal to the
Supreme Court of the United States would avail nothing.

Article 5 of the Constitution of the United States provides that
the constitution may be amended whenever two-thirds of both the
house and the senate shall deem it.necessary and shall propose
amendments to the constitution or upon the application of the legis-
latures of two-thirds of the several states, congress shall call a con-
vention for proposing amendments, which amendments in either
case shall be yalid to all intents and purposes when ratified by the
legislatures of three-fourths of the several states or by conven-
tions in three-fourths thereof as the one or the other mode of rati- -
fication may be proposed by congress.

The friends of the birds should stir up the members of congress
from their respective districts and the same methods should be used
with the representatives and state senators in the different states,
and as the law of March 4th, 1913, declared invalid by Judge Trie-
ber was undoubtedly the result of the same kind of agitation, there
ought to be no difficulty in having an amendment providing in sub-
stance that birds and animals ferde natura are by the constitution
given to and declared to be the property of the United States, and
in this way obviate the objection raised by Judge Trieber that noth-
ing in the present United States constitution waives the common
law right of the different states to all birds and animals ferae
natura.

Most of the laws pasSed by the different states for the protection
of game, contain in some part thereof, the statement that birds and
animals ferae natura are the property of the state, but as this is
merely declaratory of the common lay, it has very little force ex-

St

(Se)
Ou

PUBLICATIONS RECEIVED

cept to make written, that which was unwritten under the common
law.

Prepared and submitted by Messrs. Sumner C. Palmer, Attorney,
and Gerard Alan Abbott, investigator.

PUBLICATIONS RECEIVED.

Five papers by Arthur A. Allen, Ithaca, N.Y. From Bird-Lore:
At Home with a Hell-Diver; On the Trail of the Evening Grosbeak.
These are intimate studies of the species, profusely illustrated from
photographs. The Paramo of Santa Isabel, from ‘The American
Museum Journal,’ January, 1915, being an account of the author’s
experiences in this interesting region in South America, illustrated
from photographs. Two from the Cornell Reading-Courses, Birds
in their Relation to Agriculture. These papers are in furtherance
of the commendable university extension work of the College of
Agriculture of Cornell University. Other state universities might
well introduce more of this sort of extension work in part repay-
ment for the support given to these institution by the whole peo-
ple in taxes.

U. 8S. Department of Agriculture publications: Some Common
Birds Useful to the Farmer, by F. E. L. Beal, Farmer’s Bulletin
No. 630; Food of the Robins and Bluebirds of the United States,
by EF. E. L. Beal, Professional Paper No. 171; Preliminary Census
of Birds of the United States, by Wells W. Cooke, No. 187; Bird
Migration, by Wells W. Cooke, No. 185. These papers and many
others are continued evidence that our government officials are not
unmindful that the nation’s welfare is bound up in the intelligence
of the people who compose it.

Several papers from the pen of Henry Oldys, under the caption,
“Current Items of Interest,’ published by the Audubon Society of
the District of Columbia, deal with the general question of bird
conservation.

A series of papers in the Outer’s Book, by Dr. R. W. Shufeldt,
“American Bob-whites and Quails,’” in the September, October, No-
vember, and December numbers. These papers deal with the de-
scriptions of all of the species, with some life history notes.

Bird-Lore, August-September, 1914, to May-June, 1915.

Bluebird, September, 1914, to June, 1915.

Nature-Study Review, September, 1914, to May, 1915.

The Oregon Sportsman, September, 1914, to May, 1915.

The Condor, September-October, 1914, to May-June, 1915.

The Victorian Naturalist, September, 1914, to April, 1915.

The Guide to Nature, September, 1914, to May, 1915.

The Oriole, June and August, 1914.

Announcement

As I find it necessary to move my belongings to another locality,
I’m endeavoring to make the task as light as possible. If any col-
leges, museums or individuals would be interested in acquiring cer-
tain specimens, I might arrange things to the mutual advantage of

all parties concerned.
EDW. ARMSTRONG,
207 N. Michigan Ave. Chicago, Ill.

Wanted Specimens of Passenger Pigeon

Ectopistes migratorius. Mounted Specimens or Skins.
Address stating price, FIELD MUSEUM, CHICAGO.

Tbe Collectors’ Journal

An illustrated monthly magazine devoted to collectors of postage
stamps. The leading exponent of stamp collecting which no collector
ean afford to be without.

Subscription Price, 50c per year.
Sample Copy, 5c.
H. L. LINDQUIST, Eprtor anp PUBLISHER.
700 Hast 40th St., Chicago, Ill. —
We operate our own printing plant and are in position to do

high grade commercial and publication work at moderate prices.
Write us about your next job.

E.T. HADOVEC & COMPANY

POWERS BUILDING, CHICAGO

We have designed a beautiful little piece of inexpensive jew-
elry, consisting of an

Emblem for Members of the Wilson Ciub

This little Wiison’s Warbler can be mounted on a Stick-pin,
bar-pin, fob, lapel button, or hat-pin. These may be had of the
designer or Business Manager, Wilson Bulletin. We specialize in
the manufacture of class pins, medals, class rings and fraternity
pins.

E.T. HADOVEC & COMPANY

ATTENTION!

Museums, Educational Institutions 4 Collectors

I am prepared to mount or furnish mounted specimens of mam-
mals, birds, reptiles and fish and to prepare or supply scientific skins
and oological specimens.

Our life groups of the above are sought by those who recognize
ability and accurateness of workmanship and the perfect condition of
material furnished.

Descriptive matter relative to our methods, also references per-
taining to our responsibility, will be furnished upon application.

Karl W. Kahmann

Work Rooms and Studio
2457 Lincoln Avenue, - CHICAGO, ILL.

Glimpses of Wild Life

If you are in need of illustrations involving bird life or any of
the vertebrates let me know your plans.

I have many unpublished sketches, drawings and paintings truly
depicting the creatures of the air, land and water.

Poses and attitudes are characteristic of the species and should
enhance the value of your articles.

KARL PLATH
cArtist
“ 3307 W. Congress St., Chicago, Ill.

Vol. XXVII. SEPT., 1915. No.3

THE

Wilson Bulletin

No. 92

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS

WILSON ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB

CONTENTS

The Rose-Breasted Grosbeak : , IRA N. GABRIELSON 357
Birds by the Wayside d ALTHEA R. SHERMAN 3569
Owls ! y : ; i A R. W. SHUFELDT 393

Plainfield, N. j., Bird Census
W. DEW. MILLER AND CHarLes H. Rocirs 403

Editorial : i d y ; : i : L . 499

General Notes ; J i dl { : ; : Sr AG

THE WILSON BULLETIN

is published on the fifteenth of March, June, September, and December, by
the Wilson Ornithological Club at Chicago, Ill, edited by Lynds Jones,
Oberlin, Ohio. |

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under the Act of March 38, 1879.

THE =~
WALSON BULLETIN

NO. 92.
A QUARTERLY JOURNAL OF ORNITHOLOGY
VOL. XXVII SEPTEMBER, 1915 NO. 3

OLD SERIES VOL, XXVII. NEW SERIES VOL. XXII.

PIED OBSERVATIONS ON Tie ROSE-BREASTED
GROSBEAK.

BY IRA N. GABRIELSON..

Twice in the spring of 1914, we located a nest of the Rose-
breasted Grosbeak (Zamelodia ludoviciana) with the pur-
pose of studying the nesting habits; but each time we were
disappointed, owing to the persistent activities of small boy
ege collectors. For this reason we were delighted to find a
nest conveniently located, which had escaped their notice,
and safely hatched. This nest, which was discovered on June
25, contained two young about four or five days old. It was
located about six feet from the ground in a small elm and
was the usual flimsy affair. The blind was erected imme-
diately. When we entered, we found the nest to be so high
that we could not see into it. But cutting out a small section
of the trunk and binding the top of the tree firmly to the
stump left for that purpose, the nest was lowered to within
three feet of the ground. It was otherwise left undisturbed,
save for the cutting away of such small twigs as interfered
with the view. .

The blind was entered for observation work on June 26
at 5:20 a. m. From then until the morning of July 2, my
wife and I alternated in the blind for as much time each day
as possible. Raymond Jarvis spent part of one day in the
blind and we were grateful to him for the relief. The first

358 THE WILSON BULLETIN—No, 92

table will show the amount of time spend in the blind each
day and also the time spent by the grosbeaks in brooding.

TABLE IT.

Date. Time in blind. Brooding.
June 26—5:20 A. M.-4:20 P. M. 11 hrs. i his os emiins
June 27—7:15 A. M.-4:30 P. M. 9 hrs. 15 min. 3 hrs. 16 min.
June 28—5:15 A. M.-7:00 P. M. 13 hrs. 45 min. 6 hrs. 54 min.
June 29—9:00 A. M.-4:45 P. M. - 7 hrs. 45 min. 1 hr. 49 min.
June 30—9:40 A. M.-4:20 P. M. 6 hrs. 40 min. 38 min.
July 1—5:45 A. M.-4:40 P. M. 10 hrs. 55 min. 1 hr. 19 min.

59 hrs. 20 min. 15 hrs. 49 min.

The brooding time from the twenty-sixth to the twenty-
ninth was distributed throughout the day in periods aver-
aging about nine minutes each. During these days, with
one exception, the brooding position was practically un-
changed. The weather was moderate and we could remain
in the blind without discomfort. This position (Fig. 1) was
assumed to be as a protection from the cold. Once, on June
26, the female brooded through a rain storm. Her position
was nearly the same as the one illustrated, the only notice-
able difference being a more pronounced settling into the nest.

On June 29, during the heat of the day a change was no-
ticed. The nestlings were restless and continually crowded
from under her. She commenced at this time to stand in the
bottom of the nest and spread her wings slightly. Fig. 2
illustrates this shading instinct at its highest development in
this individual. It is very imperfect when compared with
some birds of other species, although better than the average
individual which has come to my notice. On some occasions
the wings were slightly spread and the feathers of the head
and back were perceptibly elevated, while at other times a
barely noticeable spreading of the wings testified to an at-
tempt to furnish the shade which the young needed. On the
last two days the covering of the young by this method con-
stituted the entire brooding practice. Only seven periods
were recorded on these two days and they averaged almost
1% minutes each. As soon as the surrounding vegetation

THE Rose-BREASTED GROSBEAK 359

shaded the nest the brooding ceased. The male took no part
in the work, and only once or twice did he show any evidence
of possessing this instinct. On these occasions he straddled
the nest awkwardly with his body drawn into a bunch. His
position afforded no protection to the nestlings and was never
maintained long enough to be accurately timed.

METHOD OF FEEDING.

It has been stated that the Black-headed Grosbeak (Zame-
lodia melanocephala) feeds its young by regurgitation * and

Rose-breasted Grosbeak.
Fig. I—@ Brooding.

one would naturally expect that /uwdoviciana would do the
same. We watched these birds carefully from a distance of
three to five feet for a period of nearly sixty hours and did
not see a single feeding that was clearly regurgitative.

Both the male and female took part in the feeding of the
nestlings and their actions were exactly alike. On account
of the large size of the beak the feeding act differed some-

what from that observed in other passerine birds. In other
*Food Habits of the Grosbeaks. McAtee. Bul. 32. Biological
Survey. Pp. 75.

360 THE WILSON BULLETIN—No. 92

forms with which I am acquainted, the food is thrust into the
nestling throat by the parent. With the grosbeaks this did
not seem to be possible and the following method was used
much of the time. In order to convey to the reader the pic-
ture of this process it will be necessary to explain that in the
Grosbeak’s bill the cutting edges of the mandibles (especially
the upper one) are slightly turned inward toward the median
line so that when the mandibles are brought together a shallow
longitudinal depression is formed. The beak of the parent
was brought into the nestling mouth in such a manner that
the tip of its (the nestling’s) mandibles are in this depres-
sion. .When this was accomplished the parent began a slight
movement of the mandibles as if chewing. The effect of this
was to allow the morsel to slip down into the nestling mouth.
As the nestlings became older this action was hastened by
their action of closing the mandibles over the ends of the
food projecting on each side of the beak. At times the mor-
sel was carried into the mouth of the young bird in such a
position as to lodge there. When this occurred the parent
seized it, placed it crosswise of his or her beak and the entire
process was repeated. Out of the 459 observed feedings 274
were of this nature. That is the food was projecting from
the beak as they approached the nest, which was certain in-
dication that regurgitation was not being practiced on these
visits. The above process was almost invariably carried out
even if it required considerable maneuvering on the part of
the parents.

With these 274 feedings disposed of there remain 185
feedings, during which regurgitation might have been prac-
ticed. At first sight some of these feedings seemed to be of
a regurgitative nature, but continued observation convinced us
that nothing of the kind occurred during our study of this
pair. During the first seven feedings nothing was visible in
the parent’s beak and this might have been taken as regurgi-
tative feeding but for a chance observation. The nest was
located in a small elm in the midst of a willow thicket and,
on these willows the fruiting aments were not quite ripe.

THE ROoSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK 361

They hung all around the nest, and while waiting for the pa-
rents to recover from their fright and commence feeding the
nestlings, I noticed that they began feeding on these seeds.
They seized an ament in their beaks and by a rapid motion
of the mandibles shelled off the outer scales and cotton, re-
taining the seeds in their mouth. Suddenly the female, who
had been gradually coming nearer the nest, shelled some of

Rose-breasted Grosbeak.
Fig. I1—9? Shading the Young.

the seeds, hopped to the nest and fed one of the nestlings.
This instantly raised the question, was that nestling fed by
regurgitation? A close watch was kept for a repetition of
the performance to see if any action of swallowing could be
detected or any throat action, such as one might expect in
regurgitative feeding, be noted. During the observations wil-
low seeds were brought in this way eleven times and the seeds
of an anemone (Anemone canadensis) once. We actually
saw them pick these seeds and bring them to the nest. When
they were feeding we many times saw them pick the seeds
and swallow them and were close enough to readily detect
this motion. The significant thing was that we could not de-

362 THe WILSON BULLETIN—NO. 92

tect any swallowing action when the seeds were carried to
the nest, nor could we detect any muscular acting of the throat,
which would indicate regurgitation.

The second item in the food table is seeds which are re-
corded fifty-three times. This represents the number of feed-
ings in which we were positive seeds were fed, but when the
grosbeaks were not seen to gather them. They were secured
out of sight of the blind and brought to the nest, where they
were shelled and fed to the nestlings. Those recorded under
the term unidentified were presumably largely seeds, but as
we neither saw them garnered nor shelled we could not be
positive. The significant thing about these feedings was this:
no food was visible in the beak, and yet at a distance of three
feet we could detect no regurgitative action of the muscles,
but, on the contrary, we noted that the beak moved exactly
as in the feeding of insect food. As we were close enough
to see the parents swallow the lice and other small objects
picked from the nest, it would seem that any regurgitative
action could have been detected.*

It is possible that the grosbeaks feed by this method in the
first day or two of the nestling period and it is also possible
that such action as is described above would be called regurgi-
tation by some writers. It does not seem proper to me, how-
ever, to call actions such as the carrying of berries in the
throats by waxwings regurgitative, or to class them with the
performance of a bittern or heron in feeding its young. In
the case of the grosbeaks as we observed them there was even
less reason for placing them in such a class.

Briefly, the facts on which we base our belief that the nest-
lings were not fed by regurgitation on the 185 feeding visits,

when no food was visible in the beak, are these :—

*TIn so small a bird as the Ruby-throated Hummingbird (Archilo-
chus colubris) Bradford Torry has described the regurgitative feed-
ing as a “frightful looking act’? (Chapman’s Handbook of Birds.
Pp. 242). This description certainly applies to all the birds which
we have noted in this act, and it would seem that in the case of the
grosbeak there would at least be action enough to be detected at so
short a distance.

THE ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK 363—

A. On 12 of these visits (1 with willow seeds and 1 with ane-

mome) they were seen to pick the seeds, bring them to the nest
and feed the nestlings without swallowing them. y

B. On 58 visits they came to the nest with seeds in their mouths,
Shelled them and fed them to the nestlings.

Cc. On 120 visits the food was not yisible at any time; but every
feeding action was the same as on other visits.

D. , At no time during the 459 feedings did we detect the slightest
muscular action, such as might be expected in regurgitation.

Rose-breasted Grosbeak.
Fig. I11.—@ Inspecting the Nest.

One of the most interesting features of this method of
- feeding was the ease and dexterity with which the grosbeaks
used their clumsy looking beaks in extracting the meats from
the seeds. Although we watched them many times, we could
not determine exactly how it was accomplished. The notch
in the beak and the tongue played the important part in the
work, which was carried on with such rapidity that a minia-
ture shower of discarded material fell to the ground as they
worked over a beak full of seeds.

THE WILSON BULLETIN—NO. 92

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THE RosE-BREASTED GROSBEAK 365

FEEDING.

The bulk of the determined insect food was largely divided
into two groups, larve, and large larve. The terms are self-
explanatory. Among the latter were several resembling
tomato worms and, once or twice, we thought we couid
recognize partly grown cecropia larve. Among the former
we occasionally recognized an army worm when it had to be
withdrawn from the nestling mouth, but for the most part

Rose-breasted Grosbeak.
Fig. I1V.—¢ Approaching with Food.

they were either too badly macerated or too well concealed
in the beak of the parent to be identified. Geometrid larve
were dangling from the twigs in abundance and probably
many entered simply as larve belonged here. They were
entered as measuring worms only when the parents were
actually observed to secure them. Most birds, when they
bring worms or larve, carry them crosswise in the tip of the
beak and consequently almost the entire length is visible to
the observer, but the present species carried them far back
in the beak in such a manner as to render only the ends
visible.

366 THE WILSON BULLETIN—NoO. 92

The three larval items total 205 out of the 459 feedings
or 44.66% of the counted total; seeds (first three items in
the table) were fed 65 times or 14.11% ; unidentified forms
120 times or 26.14% ; and a variety of insect forms 15.09%,
Computing it in another way; vegetable food, including the
mulberries, was 15.25% ; insect food 58.61% ; and unknown
26.14%. Only four potato bugs were fed and few grasshop-
pers, although the latter were abundant. ‘

The grosbeaks confined their foraging to the small timber

belt described in the Red-winged Blackbird paper.* The Red-
* The Red-winged Blackbird. Ira N. Gabrielson. Wilson Bulle-
tin, June, 1915.

wing nest was not twenty feet away, but the parents never
came into the timber. We had here two birds nesting on the
line between two regions of plant growth, but each confining
themselves to distinct areas. A circle drawn about a point
between the two nests would have enclosed an area which
would have been almost equally divided between the two
species, as a hunting ground.

The distribution of the food to the nestlings was as nearly
equal as could be expected, although A, the larger, received
a greater part than B. It was a clear case of his overreach-
ine B and getting more than his share, but the feedings came
so often that B still received sufficient food. The table shows
the daily distribution of food to the two nestlings and also
the total received by each. Both the male and female took
part in the feeding, but the latter was much more active, 283
visits out of 382 being credited to her.

SANITATION.
Table III. Disposition of the Excreta.

Date. C. away Dev. C.away Dey. C.away Dev. Pxe.
TMME) L2G. Siepats crocs note 0 | 3 3 3 8 il
SFIMIIVG Olen ances ante 5 9 0 8 5 IL 22
MUMS 28 Ness covers 9 5 7 3 16 8 24
AFIT OF eye cernts eee cei 8 1 5 2 13 3 16
umes Olas ere ep 2 0 O 3 9 3 12
AITO Ube ite I ge eee i 2 0) 5 0 7 (0) 7

fi

Lo |
= ||

D3 SE) 92

A MOLES! io Brocaialo cdi0.0-c 26 i) 2 D3

THE RoseE-BREASTED GROSBEAK 367

Table III shows the disposition of the excreta and also the
number of times it was taken by each parent. This work was
‘more equally distributed than that of feeding. In the early
part of the study the sacs were largely devoured by the pa-
rents, but after the twenty-seventh the number so disposed
of exhibited a tendency to decrease, and on the last day all
were carried away.

MISCELLANEOUS.

The male was more devoted to his family than is usual in
the individuals of his sex with which we have become ac-
quainted. One of the parents was always at or near the nest
and the male especially spent much time perched in a willow
watching it. If neither were to be seen at the nest a glance
around invariably revealed him on guard eight or ten feet

Rose-breasted Grosbeak.
Fig. V.— 9 Feeding.

above it. The female when on guard duty sat on the edge of

the nest, but the male preferred the more distant perch.
The male spent much time in an effort to drive the male

Red-wing away from his chosen perch on the other side of

368 THE WILSON BULLETIN—NO. 92

the same tree and, while he generally succeeded in driving
him off, the blackbird was usually back to his perch by the
time the Grosbeak was settled comfortably at his nest. Once
they united forces against a Bronzed Grackle and drove him
away.

Only two visitors appeared directly at the nest: a Crested
Flycatcher, to which they paid no attention; and a male Bai-
timore Oriole, which was quickly driven away by the female.

Rose-breasted Grosbeak.
Fig. VI.—d Feeding.

BirRDS BY THE WAYSIDE 369

DUDS BNe TELE WAY SIDE,
IN EGYPT AND NUBIA.
BY ALTHEA R.\SHERMAN.

The traveler of today in Egypt is but one of its tens of
thousands of annual visitors, who form a procession that can
be traced back to Herodotus in the dim light of twenty-three
hundred years ago. Full many of this visiting host have fur-
nished to the world most accurate descriptions and pictorial
representations, whereby the minds of all may be well-stored
with mental conceptions of what they are to see in a land slow
to undergo changes. Probably in recent years the changes
are coming more rapidly, where the waters of the Nile have
been held back, where archeologists are uncovering treasures
long hidden in the sands, and where some forms of life are
apparently vanishing. Such disappearance seems to me to
be the case of the Buffed-backed Heron (Ardeola russata).
Expecting to see the species in large numbers: flocks of them
following the plow or industriously picking flies from the
cattle in the fields, I saw barely three individuals on three
widely separated sand-bars in the Nile, notwithstanding that
for them a keen lookout was kept daily. Charles Whymper
in his “ Egyptian Birds,” published in 1909, writes that this
Heron is decreasing in numbers, having found it abundant in
the Delta twenty-five years before. A similar diminution
may be strongly suspected in several other species.

Certain forms of life, that were associated for ages with
the Egyptian and Nubian Nile, are no longer seen there:
such were the lotus, the papyrus, and the bulrush. From an-
cient records we learn that formerly the hippopotamus and
the crocodile came down the river as far as Memphis. Sixty
years ago occasionally a live crocodile might have been found
as far’ north as Kom Ombos, and forty years ago some still
lingered about the Second Cataract. But the naturalist or
sportsman of the present day bent on seeing the crocodile in
its native haunts must seek it to the south of Khartoum.

Copyright by Althea R. Sherman, 1915.

' 370 Tue WILson BULLETIN—No. 92

While some living species are fast vanishing the dead re-
main, and the visitor of today may not only look on the life-
-less forms of once masterful Pharaohs, but also on many of
the stupendous monuments they reared. One wonder of
Egypt is, that despite the lapse of ages and countless hordes
of despoilers so much remains as found and described by
Herodotus, Diodorus, and Strabo. So thoroughly have mod-
ern explorers and travelers explained and described every-
thing that nothing of the unexpected is left for us. Recently
Charles Whymper has written most entertainingly of some
of the well-known species of birds, and in 1872 Captain G., E.
Shelley (a nephew of the poet Shelley) published a compre-
hensive handbook of the 351 species of birds that had been
identified in Egypt. Since then a few more species have been
added to the list. es

Evidences of the veneration paid to animals, and more
especially to birds by the ancient Egyptian constantly attract
attention. Even in their hieroglyphic signs the forms of birds
outnumber those of any other class of animals: there being
twenty outlines of birds to twelve cf quadrupeds, four of rep-
tiles, three of fishes, two of insects, and one scorpion. Of the
bird outlines a number are of the nondescript sort, while nine
of them easily suggest the eagle, heron, ibis, vulture, goose,
duck, hawk, owl, and plover families. These on the walls
always appear in the same stereotyped forms, and they were
probably outlined there by means of patterns.

The time spent by me in Egypt, amounting to five weeks
altogether, included the whole of February, four days in
March, and three days in the previous December. The last
named period occurred when I was on my way to India. The
routes traversed were the common ones; which mean the
Nile journey from Alexandria to the Second Cataract, a dis-
tance a trifle short of a thousand miles, and the journey by
train from Cairo to Port Said, thence by steamer through the
Suez Canal down to the Red Sea, and the return trips over
the same routes.

Three mornings were spent at Port Said, once said to be one

-—

BIRDS BY THE WAYSIDE Bil

of the dreariest places on earth. It did not prove wildly at-
tractive on any of these occasions. The mornings were those
of December 24, February 2, and March 4. On the first of
these, after having been up all night and chilled to the mar-
row, although clad in heavy winter clothing, I walked the
steamer’s deck for four hours in an attempt to become com-
fortably warm. Meanwhile the rays of the crescent moon
were paled by the light of advancing dawn. Soon there flew -
overhead a Parasitic Kite and a little later seven Hooded
Crows; a Gull was seen and one small bird in some trees that
grew near the water’s edge. These were the only birds seen
about Port Said that day. On March 4, during a long ride
to the south of the town, not a bird was seen. Gulls were
fairly numerous over the water of the harbor, and on the
shores at the back of the place were a few shore birds, among
which Green Sandpipers and Ringed Plovers were recognized.
Special mention of the scarcity of birds about Port Said is
made, because of the very great abundance of them to be
found a few miles away on Lake Menzaleh. This lake, aver-
aging about forty miles in length by fifteen in breadth, is the
winter home of myriads of water-fowl. Fortunately for
travelers excellent views of these birds may be had both from
the car windows and from the steamer’s decks. Nowhere,
not even in the exceedingly populous bird colonies of the Ork-
ney and the Shetland Islands, were so many birds seen by
me. Instinctively one begins to fear that it is too fine a para-
dise to last in this greedy age; and fears are confirmed by
statements found in guidebooks and newspapers. Operations
are already on foot for draining the lake.

Whoever enjoys jogging along after a horse traveling at
the rate of four miles per hour, thus enabling him to scan
well all the birds by the wayside, would for the same reason
enjoy traveling on the Suez Canal. A stone’s throw away
there may be birds sitting on the telegraph wires. The boat
seems to be drifting through the people’s front yards, in
which they are pursuing their daily tasks; or here and there,
if the hour is an early one, black-robed people may be seen

OUR THE Witson BULLETIN—NO. 92

driving their flocks of sheep and goats toward bleak stretches
of land that show no signs of herbage, and farther away the
caravans of camels are taking up their daily march. All is
of interest; but the truly wonderful sights come while pass-
ing Lake Menzaleh. Embankments only a few rods in width
separate the waters of the canal from those of the lake. Late
in the afternoon of December 24 this portion of the voyage
was taken, and a morning view was secured from the car
windows on February 2. The other two passings were made
in the night, to my great regret. Among the first birds to be
seen were White Pelicans in groups, ranging in numbers
from four to nearly or quite a hundred. These were near
enough for identification, but it was impossible to say what
were the large white birds in the distance that literally cov-
ered the mud flats until they looked as if covered with snow.
There must have béen acres that were thus occupied. Equally
impossible was it to tell what species of ducks and of shore-
birds were crossing the sky, “like a cloud of smoke,” as one
passenger described the sight. Common Heron could be iden-
tified, and in places Flamingoes. The latter in one place
standing in a very long line looked like a row of pink rushes
beautifully reflected in the water. Various outlines could be
distinguished of birds too distant for a stranger to feel posi-
tive regarding their identification. Amid such surroundings
the sun, glowing like a ball of fire, appeared to drop into the
lake. The afterglow on sky and water made a panorama of
beauty with its manifold shades and tints of color that was
well worthy of several pages of print or yards of canvas.
Aside from the multitudes seen on Lake Menzaleh the
journeys on the Suez routes did not yield many bird sights.
Small birds too far away to distinguish their markings were
seen, also members of the Corvidae that must have belonged
to some Raven species. There were seen a few Black-headed
Gulls (Larus ridibundus) on each of the three visits to the Ca-
nal. In March the head of one of these birds was beginning to
show dark feathers. (On the previous day at Alexandria the
changing color on crowns could be detected on numerous of

BIRDS BY THE WAYSIDE BN

these Gulls.) A few times the Common Heron (4rdea ci-
erea) was seen, once an Osprey (Pandion haliaétus), and
while still in the Suez Canal a Coot swam by our steamer’s
side. About the Bitter Lakes were many Cormorants (Phai-
acrocorax carbo). Many of these were on the banks, and
others were perched on the red frames that supported the
beacon lights marking the course for the vessels. Every frame
seemed to have its contingent ; some having no more than four
to seven birds, while others had from thirty to forty of them.
A month later similar frames in the harbors of Alexandria
presented like decorations. The largest number of Cormo-
rants counted on one frame was seventy-six. On the Nile this
species was seen more frequently than the books led me to
expect. They were noted on eight days. The largest flock,
numbering fifty-eight, was on a sand-bar near Gebel Abu Fe-
dah. This mountain is said to be one of their breeding places.
The nearly vertical faces of its cliffs stretch along the river’s
edge for several miles. The species was seen at both the
First and the Second Cataracts. About the latter, on the six-
mile trip by felucca from Wadi Halfa to the Rock of Abusir,
a single Cormorant was seen in several places.

For one desirous of seeing birds the window of a moving
train is usually a poor place, which proved true in the jour-
neys between Alexandria and Cairo; also on those between
Cairo and Port Said, and the short ones between Aswan and
Shellal. An exception to the rule was the ride of February
27 from Assiut to Cairo. For long distances the railway
track ran quite near an irrigation canal, whose proximity
probably accounted for the large number of small birds that
so often took flight. Some of the Little Green Bee-eaters
(Merops viridis) frequently could be recognized among the
birds a-wing, while others retained their positions on tne
telegraph wires as the train passed. In all several hundred
of these were seen. This was my last meeting with the spe-
cies, a few of which were met with in Egypt on five other
days, making in all the same number of days for it there,
that it was seen in India.

374 THE WILSON BULLETIN—No. 92

The other modes of travel in Egypt and Nubia were by
boat, carriage, sand-cart and donkey-back, none of which
yielded the satisfaction in bird viewing that was experienced
on the few occasions when I could go on foot and alone.
Since all bird observing was incidental to general sight-
seeing nothing more was seen than every tourist may see.
On the other hand I fell far short of seeing the wonders re-
ported by some trippers who, after a month spent on the Nile,
write of seeing certain species in abundance that Shelley
appears never to have seen, but credits them to Egypt on the
authority of others. After excepting the marvelous numbers
of birds about Lake Menzaleh it can be said that the birds
on the rest of the Egyptian trip were far less abundant than
they were in India, and not equal to the numbers I found in
southern California during the previous winter.

The late Crown Prince Rudolph of Austria related hunting
experiences that had a truly regal flavor to them: such as
that of “beating” the garden of the Khedive at Heliopolis,
where he killed a jackal, and another man killed a fairly large
she-wolf. Better still was the hunt among the Pyramids of
Gizeh, of which he wrote, “ we got some Arabs to go up the
second Pyramid and drive down the jackals which it har-
bors. We were, however, badly posted; so a couple of jack-
als broke through unhurt and skurried off into the boundless
waste.’ The trustworthy book of Captain Shelley states
that the Lanner Falcon (Falco lanarius), the Red-naped Fal-
con (Falco Babylonicus), and the Egyptian Eagle Owl
(Bubo ascalaphus) breed annually on the Pyramids.

The itinerary of the ordinary traveler includes no hunting
expedition to the Great Pyramids; instead a very common-
place donkey-back ride around about them. On my visit to
them there were seen White Wagtails and Kites. No Eagle
Owls were seen there or elsewhere except in cages in the
Cairo Zodlogical Gardens. One cage was placarded as con-
taining an American Eagle Owl. The bird of wisdom in it
had a decidedly familiar appearance, and I am not absolutely
certain that it did not give me a knowing, one-eyed wink, such

BIRDS BY THE WAYSIDE - Bi

as any true American might give another in like circumstances,
as dumfounded I reflected that the A. O. U. Check-List
made no mention of Eagle Owls. Another glance at the
placard went farther and discovered Bubo virginianus, thus
clearing away the mystery. This was the beginning of find-
ing our birds renamed in foreign lands, sometimes with
freakish results exemplified by our Bluebird labeled as “ Blue
Robin.” No doubt it irks the European to hear us call the
House Sparrow “the English Sparrow ’’—one venture at
least toward getting even in the renaming business.

There is no need that a learned ornithologist, with his
specimens side by side, should point out that there are dif-
ferences between the Hooded Crow (Corvus cornix) and
the Indian House Crow (Corvus splendens), between the
Parasitic Kite (Milvus egyptus) and the common Pariah
Kite (Milvus govinda), for good binoculars show quite
plainly that the plumages of the African birds are not so
dusky as those of their Indian cousins. The case of the
Egyptian Vulture (Neophron percnopterus) is not so plain.
It bears the same scientific name as does the White Scaven-
ger Vulture. If there be differences in plumage and habits
they failed to reveal themselves to the wayside observer. As
it inhabits other countries on the Mediterranean as well as
in Africa the latter name does appear more appropriate.

For twenty-six days in February, on a similar trip up the
Nile and return, another person might make a better record
of the birds seen; however, I did the best I could, yet on no
day saw more than twenty-four species, the general average
being thirteen, and the smallest number four. When we re-
member that part of the journey was in the tropics and that
the northward movement for some of the birds had begun,
then recall data given in Bird-Lore’s Christmas Census, this
Nile record appears very poor. There were but four days
when a score or more of species were seen; the first of these
days we spent at Edfou and up the river to Kom Ombos:
the others were February 24, 25 and 26, and were spent at
Thebes and Luxor and down the river to Abydos. Longer

376 THE WILSON BULLETIN—No. 92

trips on shore were taken than on other days, yet for the
three days combined the total number of species seen was
only thirty-five. The poorest day was in Nubia, when the
daylight run of our steamer was from Wadi Halfa to Ko-
rosko; the five individual birds seen that day were two Tur-
tledoves, a Raven, an Egyptian Vulture, and a Parasitic Kite.
This Kite is worthy of special mention, as it and its mate
were the only Kites seen in Nubia. On the passage up-
stream they were seen visiting a precipitous cliff that over-
hung the river a few miles above Derr, their behavior indi-
cating that they had a nest there, and one was found there
as we returned. The day under consideration was the only
one, either in Egypt or Nubia, when the White Wagtail
failed to be seen.

The Parasitic Kite was fairly abundant along the Nile to
the First Cataract, above which the only birds seen were
those near Derr. It was seen above the water most fre-
quently and at the boat-landing, where, like Gulls, it snatched
from the water the food thrown overboard. My records for
the Hooded Crow stop abruptly at the First Cataract. The
seemingly correct explanation for this is that the river higher
up in its present condition offers no inducement to Kites and
Crows in their role of scavengers. The only representative
of the Corvus family seen between the two cataracts were
a few Brown-necked Ravens (Corvus umbrinus), a species
partial to deserts and rocky districts.

It was at Wadi Halfa, in the Sudan, that the largest num-
bers of Egyptian Vultures were seen in numerous smail
groups. In all, eighty-eight were counted, most of them on
one walk of about a mile into the desert back of the town,
where the apparent attractions were the dumping grounds
for refuse matter. This species was seen every day in Nu-
bia, and on a trifle more than half of the days in Egypt. Its
non-appearance near the coast was probably due to its pref-
erence for a drier climate, such as is found farther in the
interior. The Black Vulture (Vultus monarchus) was seen
on two occasions, and the Griffon Vulture (Gyps fulvus) on

Ne

BIRDS BY THE WAYSIDE Bi

four. Once both species were together, there being two
birds of the former species and twenty-one of the latter.
They were sunning themselves on a sand-bar, their enormous
wings spread out in characteristic fashion.

On the Egyptian Nile the Common Heron (Ardea cin-
erea) was seen on fourteen days, the maximum for one day
being one hundred and six individuals, forty-two of which
were on one sand-bar. They were usually some distance
from our boat, and passengers seeking information from a
dragoman were told that they were Storks. This not from
a desire to mislead, but because he like others (who should
know better) was mistaken in the identity. We were too
early for the migration of the Storks, which is said to oc-
cur in March and April. I saw the White Stork (Cicomia
alba) but once; they were in a flock of less than a score.

The Night Heron (Nycticorax griseus) was seen by me
in the Cairo Zoological Gardens, where seventeen of ‘the
species were counted in one tree. While looking at them
and wishing for some one who could give trustworthy infor-
mation, a party arrived that was conducted by two officials
of the Gardens, and it was my good fortune to learn from
one of them, the distinguished ornithologist, Mr. M. J. Nicoll,
that the estimate for the Night Heron then frequenting the
Gardens was upward of a hundred, and the ‘estimate for the
wild Ducks was more than a thousand. Among the latter
were many Shovellers and a smaller number of Teal. From
the Nile boats Ducks in small numbers were seen in the dis-
tance on fourteen days. Other species seen at liberty and
in abundance in the Cairo Zoological Gardens were Parrots
and Egyptian Turtledoves.

The only representative of the Alcedinidz seen in Africa
was the Black and White Kingfisher (Ceryle rudis), called
the Pied Kingfisher by some authors. A half dozen of the
species were the most that were seen on a single day, but
they appeared on half the days spent on the Egyptian Nile,
and were not seen in Nubia. At times the steamers ran quite
near the high banks, and on one occasion two of these King-

378 THE WILSON BULLETIN—NO. 92

fishers were seen going in and out of a hole in a bank where
excavations for a nest seemed to be under way.

Generally wherever the Kingfisher was noted over the
river there would be met on shore its near relative, the
Hoopoe (Upupa epopa). One Hoopoe, however, was seen
in Nubia, while we were passing a very attractive green island
south of Derr. Although an inch and a half longer than the
Indian Hoopoe the difference between the two species is not
apparent to the wayside observer. Shelley says that the
Hoopoe breeds in Egypt. My story is not offered in proof
of this, but rather as illustration that boys are much the same
the world over. While at Luxor I left the steamer before
breakfast each morning except one, and took a walk south-
ward from the town. There a native boy about twelve years
old was met, who followed about, telling me that he attended
the American Mission School; that he knew Mahmoud Ah-
med, our head dragoman on the S. S. Arabia, and various
other items of personal interest, but not a word was said
about birds, though he could see my frequent use of binoc-
ulars. On the day of our visit to the Valley of the Tombs
the walk was postponed until late in the afternoon, but the
boy was waiting for me, anxious to sell a nest of young
birds three or four days old. He said they were Hoopoes.
He was obdurate against returning the nestlings to the place
where he found them, so he received nothing more than an
Audubon-style lecture on the evils of nest-robbing.

Sand-bars in the Nile offer enticing resting-places for the
water-fowl, the shore-birds, and for the boats that attempt
to navigate its waters. If a tourist steamer refuses to be
coaxed, cajoled, pushed or pried from some well-beloved
sand-bank, where it has rested serenely for two or three days,
the traveler must suffer loss of time on shore; but when the
steamer “rests” no longer than one day the time may be
made up by running faster, later at night, and earlier in the
morning; for the Nile boat’s schedule seems to partake more
of the characteristics of rubber than of castiron, inasmuch
as it is flexible and elastic as well as compressible. It ap-

BIRDS BY THE WAYSIDE 379

pears to have been made with a weather-eye out for sand-
bars, to avoid which the boats tie up at night at certain land-
ing-places. The longest period that we “ were stuck” on a
bar was twenty-seven hours; and I, avidly covetous for every
possible minute ashore, was all that time profoundly thank-
fui that I was not on shore at Assiut awaiting the boat, where
for eleven weeks I had expected that I should join the party
with which I was to travel for two months. By a stroke of
great good luck for me the time for the run between Bombay
and Port Said had been shortened by one day, which enabled
me to reach Cairo in time to join the party there. The com-
ponent parts of that party had long been a matter for con-
jecture. Our conductor was a tall, broad-shouldered Italian,
whose gray hat with a black band, visible at the front like
the white plume on the helmet of Navarre, led us on through
surging crowds from port to port of several Oriental coun-
tries. As for the rest of the party —the months were Feb-
ruary and March, not the season of our American Thanks-
giving, yet Miss Smith, the other unattended woman, and I
held many a thanksgiving meeting to give thanks because of
the congenial qualities of the rest of the party.

Twenty-seven hours on a sand-bar before a sister ship
comes down and drags off the boat may be spent in
various ways: there may be the watching of the faithful
though fruitless attempt of the crew to get the steamér
afloat, or the successful efforts of the crews of smaller crafts,
in which the lifting power of broad Nubian backs applied to
the underside of the boat, may play an important part. Or
there may be by the river’s edge the dreary sight of a shadoof
in operation, requiring, if the bank be high, its human quota
of six men to lift a pail of water to the thirsty land above.
But every place may not furnish a strange bird perched on
~the mud column of an abandoned shadoof. Such a mud pil-
lar stood near our halting place and the bird that frequently
came to it answered to the description of the female Pale-
chested Harrier (Circus pallidus), the only individual of that
species seen by me.

THE WILSON BULLETIN—No. 92

Os
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(=>)

Who shall decide which was the Hawk sacred to the an-
cient Egyptians, the Sparrow Hawk (Accipiter misus) or the
Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus)? For my part I was not always
sure which of these small Hawks I was looking at against
the dazzling sky; but when there was advantage of near
views the Kestrel was the species more frequently seen. A
half dozen or more of them would be on the wing most of
the time over the larger temples, but there was no means of
estimating the number of those that remained perched in the
manifold nooks afforded by the ruins.

Because my second visit to the temple at Medinet-Abu was
made in advance of the other visitors a view was obtained of
a small Owl, halted in its chase after Sparrows. It retired
to a niche prepared for it by the wise precaution of Rameses
Ill. That monarch realizing how easily many of his fore-
fathers had stolen the monuments of their predecessors re-
solved to forestall this thieving propensity in his descendants
by making the job too hard for them in his temple at Med-
inet-Abu. This was done by cutting the hieroglyphics very
deep. The depth of some will admit the hand quite to the
wrist, a measurement of fully seven inches. There are many
hundred of these holes in the walls. It was in the Second
Court of the temple that the startled Owl sought refuge in
the last character in the cartouche of Rameses III, that is cut
into the south wall next to the cornice, and nearest the south-
west corner. Having slipped into this recess, admirable for
small Owls, it turned, watched me for a time, then slept. An
hour later it sat there while Ibrahim Khalil Ghaleb, our
Syrian dragoman from Mount Lebanon, delivered his lecture.
Amid this multiplicity of detail it is hoped that a certain
omission will not be detected; that no one will notice that |
am unable to tell whether this small Owl was a Southern Lit-
tle Owl (Athene meridionalis) or a Little Owl (Athene noc-
tua) or Athene glaux.

The source of the food supply for the small Hawks and
Owls is very apparent, but whence comes the food for the
Sparrow themselves in the desert surroundings of such tem-

BIRDS BY THE WAYSIDE 381

ples as those at Medinet-Aibu and Wadi Sabua? In the far-
away days of Moses no mention is made of Passer domesti-
cus among the zoological plagues of Egypt, hence we sur-
mise that this plague is of more recent origin. While speak- |
ing of plagues it may be well to advert to the theory recently
advanced by a scientist, (whose name cannot be recalled,)
that the cat became sacred to the ancient Egyptians, because
it was observed that where cats were plentiful the people
were spared the ravages of the bubonic plague. Instead of
an abatement of the plague of flies, even to the last individ-
ual, their present abundance would suggest that all were re-
ligiously preserved, and that all had been breeding, according
to the law of its kind, ever since. Having flies on him does
not appear to trouble the modern Egyptian; possibly his face
would feel immodestly bare without at least a dozen flies cov-
ering it. This pest swarmed about the temples, even about
those at a distance from human habitations; so also did the
House Sparrow with its hateful yelpings.

In the House Sparrow of Egypt Dr. John C. Phillips has
detected sufficient variation from the type form to entitle it
to the distinction of a subspecies, and has named it Passer
domesticus chephreni. Thus to all our other troubles with
this villian we have the additional trouble of subspecies, such
as Passer domesticus chephrem, Passer domesticus niloticus,
Passer domesticus biblicus, and Passer domesticus indicus.
(Note the last syllable in each name!) To the ordinary
tourist in their general appearance, their behavior, their in-
decent clamorings, and their other thoroughly objectionable
qualities, these subspecies present no differences from Passer
domesticus, and it seems that we might save a deal of bother
by calling him and his whole tribe simply and plainly “the
cuss.”

My. stay in Spain was entirely too brief to admit of obser-
vations on the character at home of the Spanish Sparrow
(Passer hispaniolensis) ; but when met abroad his behavior
was that of a perfect gentleman. The first meeting with this
species in Egypt was just beyond the mud houses of Den-

382 THE WILSON BULLETIN—No. 92

derah, where a flock was quietly feeding among piles of
doura stalks, and the conduct of these birds was in marked
contrast with that of House Sparrows, which were hurling
vituperations from their vantage places on the mud walls.

A little beyond the Sparrows were the first Blue-throated
Warblers (Cyanecula suecica) seen by me. That was a glor-
ious morning and held other charms aside from the first meet-
ings with interesting birds. The temperature was more com-
fortable, it having risen to 50°, which was four and six de-
grees warmer than on previous mornings; the air was fresh,
and the surface of the river shone like burnished silver. By
rising at the first streak of dawn, omitting breakfast, and
having my donkey boy follow with his animal for the return
ride, I was able to enjoy the singing birds and the walk of a
mile or more to the temple of Denderah in advance of the
shouting, dust-raising crowd.

The schedule for the Nile boats, sagaciously planned after
the fashion of a feast that offers the more dainty viands
toward its close, reserved the visit to Abydos for the return
journey, so it came about that the most enjoyable trips to the
temples were the first (which was to Denderah) and the last,
to Abydos. The reads to both lay between well cultivated
fields and afforded the best opportunities I had ior seeing
the field birds. Baliana, the Nile port of disembarkation for
Abydos, was reached about four o’clock in the afternoon of
February 25, and the rest of the day was given to walks in
the environs of that village. On the following morning the
ride by carriage over fairly good roads to the ruins of Aby-
dos presented various interesting features aside from those
connected with avian life and death. All along the route
small boys, armed with slings, were shooting at the birds.
Very likely their slings differed slightly, if at all, from that
used by the lad David, son of Jesse; and it is safe to argue
that his skill was acquired by practice in shooting at birds.
The birds seen most frequently that day in the order of their
relative abundance were Crested Larks, White Wagtails,

‘BIRDS BY THE WAYSIDE 383

Grey-headed Yellow Wagtails, Little Green Bee-eaters, and
Hoopoes.

Larklike notes borne to the stranger’s ears by some morn-
ing breeze may be his first introduction to the Crested Lark
(Galerita cristata). The singer is easily found: a brownish
bird slightly smaller than our members of the Alaudide fam-
ily, also less distinguished in appearance in spite of his crest.
Much tamer than the Prairie Horned Lark he will keep to
a race along the roadway until nearly under foot, and appears
better content to sing from no greater eminence than a clod
than does his American cousin. This species appeared to
be the most abundant and evenly distributed of Egypt’s field
birds. Sometimes its cheerful song was heard on the river
when the steamer ran close to the shore. Although the
Desert Lark (Ammomanes lusitana) abounds in Egypt it was
not met by me until we reached Abu Simbel in Nubia, where
a few individuals were seen; also on subsequent days.

The bird that was seen almost everywhere and on every
day except one, was the White Wagtail (Motacilla alba).
No place apparently was too dry and forbidding for its thor-
ough searchings: railway tracks, roofs of houses and of
steamers, bottoms of row-boats, river banks, and rubbish
heaps all claimed its careful attention. Seemingly the north-
ward migration for the White Wagtail had begun the last
of February, when it was met in large numbers in the same
desert spot back of Wadi Halfa, in which the Egyptian Vul-
ture was found so abundant. The Wagtails were constantly
changing places, rendering an exact count of them impossi-
ble, but their number there must have equaled one hundred
and fifty. The thought did not then occur that later in the
vear I might meet some of these same birds three thousand
miles to the north of that place, yet subsequent experiences
indicated that such a meeting was not in the least improba-
ble. Most unexpected meetings await the tourist on the
highways of travel; of this class was the encounter with our
own American bird, the Turkey; several of these domesti-

(Sw)
oa)
HS

THE WILSON BULLETIN—No. 92

cated birds were strutting up and down the river front at
Wadi Halfa, when we made our first landing there.

The Grey-headed Yellow Wagtail (Budytes flava) was
identified in but two localities, which were along the road
between Baliana and Abydos and on the plain of Thebes in
the neighborhood of the Colossi of Memnon. All about these
giant statues the land was green with crops of grain, in
which the field birds made their home. There, under the
shadow of these vast monuments three thousand generations
of birds have built their nests and reared their broods, and
a hundred generations of men have plowed, planted, and har-
vested the surrounding acres, while overhead circled untold
numbers of Swallows, Swifts and Martins. Dynasties waxed
strong, then perished; nearly all the known history of the
world has been made, the poetry, art, inventions have been
created, since those days wherein Amenophis III watched the
erection of his famous Colossi. When for him there was the
same smile on the face of nature, the same lilt in the song of
the Crested Lark, the same flash of colors in the flight of the
Grey-headed Yellow Wagtail that greet us today in the Val-
ley of the Nile.

It is to be hoped that the wayside stranger, dependent on
binoculars for identifications, will not be expected to speak
confidently as to which species of Martins and Swifts were
seen almost daily and frequently in large numbers along the
Nile. In the matter of Swallows the task is easier: The
Swallow (Hirundo rustica) —or its allied form that occurs
in Egypt — was seen but a few times, its creamy underparts
easily distinguishing it from the Egyptian Swallow ( Hirundo
savignn), whose underparts are reddish-brown. The latter
was a very abundant species and was seen daily in Egypt,
but not once in Nubia. In its choice of nest-site it resembles
our Barn Swallow, and lacking the barn it builds the nest
inside the mud hut of a native. The Pale Crag-Swallow
(Cotyle obsoleta), 1 believe, was identified in, several localities
and was the only species found in the Valley of the Tombs
of Kings and Queens. As we came out from the tombs of

BIRDS BY THE WAYSIDE 385

Amenophis II, Seti I, and those of other Pharaohs, the Pale
Crag-Swallows were flying back and forth in the narrow
valley, as beyond doubt their ancestors have done through ail
the ages since these mighty “ Kings of the South and North”
were laid to rest in their wonderful rock-hewn tombs.

Warbler identification in North America is attended with
puzzles and perplexities, but when our Warblers are set over
against the Warblers of the Old World they appear on the
whole to be brighter in colors and easier to name. Let one
read the handbook description of Old World Warblers and
he will feel their lack of salient points of difference. Let
him examine museum specimens and he feels the same lack,
as he feels it also in the field. The difficulties to be sur-
mounted in identification will be appreciated when it is known
that to a dearth of prominent markings there is added brev-
ity in the glimpses attainable of the birds as they fly from
one bean-stalk to another, or show themselves momentarily
in the garden patches, for it was in such places, not in trees,
that I found them, and felt 1easonably confident of my iden-
tifications in the cases of the Fantail, Black-headed, Chiff-
chaff, and Blue-throated Warbler.

Perhaps the most winsome of the birds seen on the Nile
trip were the Chats. The three species met were the Desert
Chat (Savxicola deserti), the White-rumped Chat (Saricola
leucophygia) and a Black-eared Chat (either Saxicola aurita
or Sasxicola amphileuca). The meetings with all of them
were in the southern stages of the journey on the border of
Nubia and in the Sudan. Several of the White-rumped
Chats were seen in the desert waste at the foot of the Rock
of Abusir, where their dainty motions and showy dress con-
trasted strangely with their rugged surroundings. The Chat
with black ear-coverts answered the description of S. aurita,
though S. amphileuca seems to be the common form of that
region.

A grove of palm-trees at Aswan looked inviting from the
steamer’s deck. To reach it was a long before-breakfast
walk across the sands; when reached the palm-trees were

386 THE WILSON BULLETIN—NoO. 92

destitute of bird life except a couple of Turtledoves. There-
after this was the usual experience with the palm-trees, not
in them, but in species of acacia — the sont and the lebbek —
and in tamarisk trees were the birds found. Such trees lined
a street occupied by Europeans, in whose yards were trees,
shrubs, grass-plats, together with blooming roses and olean-
ders. In one of the sont trees was found a Masked Shrike
(Lanius nubicus), and in a nearby tree were two more of
the same species. They were handsome fellows: their white
underparts were bordered by bright rufous on sides of neck
and breast; and their upperparts were blue-black trimmed
here and there with creamy white and gray. The only other
species of Lamiud@ seen in Africa was the Pallid Shrike (Lan-
ius lahtora), which bears considerable resemblance to our
Shrikes.

Although the Egyptian Turtledove (Turtur senagalensis)
is an abundant species and said to occur wherever there are
palm-trees it was not seen every day. And in abundance
the semi-domesticated Rock Doves and the Pigeons failed to
meet expectations.

Many shorebirds were seen along the Nile too far away
for identification, but a few opportunities for seeing some of
them close at hand were afforded, and at such times there
were seen some of the Ringed Plovers, the Green Sandpiper
(Totanus ochropus), the Black-headed Plover (Pluvianus
egyptius), and the Spur-winged Plover (Hoplopterus spi-
nosus). Great interest attaches to the last two species named.
because of their alliance with the crocodile. The story of
these social relations is one of the oldest bird stories in the
world. Told first by Herodotus about twenty-three hundred
years ago, it has been reaffirmed by many witnesses and de-
nied by very many more skeptics. Those claiming that it is
a true story have wrangled over various points, including
these: whether the birds actually enter the crocodile’s mouth
or merely skirmish on the outside; whether the prizes sought
by the birds were the fragments of flesh adhering to the rep-
tile’s teeth, or leeches inside the mouth, as stated by Hero-

: Birps BY THE WAYSIDE 387
dotus; or flies among which was the dangerous tsetse fly.
Another point controverted is whether the Plover ally be-
longs to the Black-headed or the Spur-winged species, few
people seeming to realize that this habit may be common to
both species, as Mr. John Lea has suggested in “ Romances
of Bird Life.” Since the crocodile still survives in the up-
per reaches of the Nile there is offered brilliant opportunities
for the ambitious young man with the camera, who shall
secure for us moving pictures of the Plovers at work clean-
ing the saurian’s teeth. This is especially desirable because
of the skepticism still prevailing in spite of John Lea’s array
of evidences. Beginning with the account given by Hero-
dotus he quotes the testimony of several travelers in the more
recent centuries and concludes with an account by Mr. John
M. Cook, that was published in the /bis. He with another
man, aided by field glasses, watched a Spur-winged Plover
enter the mouth of a crocodile, but the distance was too great
for them to discern what the bird did. Thus the field for
investigation remains wide-open for the man with a camera.
Ziczac is the name by which the crocodile’s friend is known
to the Arabs. On our Nile journey we traveled on four
steamers, so came under the guidance of nine different dra-
gomans, only one of whom pointed out to us the Ziczac,
carved on the temple walls, and repeated the story that is
familiar to the natives. As given by him there was an ad-
mixture of the phenix fable with the well known narrative.

All of the party that went by the small boat to the Rock
of Abusir were agreed that it was one of the most delightful
excursiens of the Nile trip. In addition to other pleasures
it furnished several views of the. Egyptian Goose (Chenal-
opex egyptiacus), and some of these birds were near enough
for us to enjoy their handsomely colored plumage. There is
in Egypt a certain picture that | meant by all means to see.
It is believed to be the oldest painting in the world and de-
picts six geese feeding. I had different guides on my two
visits to the Egyptian Museum at Cairo and neither of them
knew of this picture. Reproductions of it had made me fa-

9

388 © THE WILSON BULLETIN—NO. 92

miliar with its composition, hence prepared to reject my first
cuide’s numerous announcements of “Here it is!” as he
pointed out one Pintail Duck after another, sometimes vary-
ing his choice with a picture of some other species. Wearied
at last by his impositions I told him I intended to see the
picture and that he must learn from some attendant where it
was located, which resulted in the speedy finding of it. In
execution the oldest. painting in the world would do no dis-
credit to a modern artist. The treatment is somewhat deco-
rative and is suggestive of the Japanese manner of laying on
of colors. As a natural history study it is exceedingly re-
_markable, as the following quotation from Mr. Charles
Whymper shows: “Probably no single work of art in all
Egypt has been more widely copied than the picture of geese,
which is now in the museum at Cairo. It came from the
tomb of Ne fer maat at Medum and is universally known as
‘the oldest picture in the world, for it is ascribed to the
earliest dynasty, and approximately about 4400 B.C. To a
naturalist it is peculiarly interesting, but the interest is linked
with sadness, as the subject of the picture being entirely of
bird-life one would have thought that bird-life would be a
subject of continued: interest; but the reverse is very much
the case, so much so, that though this very picture is known
to thousands who have never been to Egypt, and many thou-
sands more who have been to Egypt and gone to see this
very picture, and bought photographs or copies of it, few or
any have really interest enough in it even to learn or inquire
what are the names of the geese depicted .. . . the two geese
at the extreme left and right are Bean Geese, birds that one
might expect the old-time artist to be familiar with, and the
same is true of the two geese in the left-hand group, which
are White-fronted Geese, as both are winter migrants to
Egypt, remaining till March. Of the two remaining birds,
from their markings the naturalist will have no doubt but
that they are Red-breasted Geese; and there is a mystery,
as they never come to Egypt, and being a northern bird, one
is utterly at a loss to explain why the artist of that long-

BIRDS BY THE WAYSIDE 389

distant date should depict that special Goose. That he did
see the bird, and with fidelity drew it, are facts, and one can
only conclude that zoological collections are no new thing,
but that men nearly six thousand years ago, must have kept
rare birds in captivity for the pleasure of their beauty, and
that artists went to their zoological gardens or collections,
and drew pictures of the inhabitants of far distant climes
for the walls of their temples and tombs.”

This picture does not furnish the sum total of evidence of
the ancient Egyptian’s interest in natural history -collections.
There is left amidst the ruins of Karnak the lower portion
of the walls of a chamber, on which are sculptured in low
relief representations of the fauna and flora of the countries
of Asia invaded by Thothmes III. The carved similitudes
of birds, animals, plants, shrubs, and trees are sufficiently
accurate for identification by those familiar with the objects
themselves. Sometimes on a panel is a portrait in stone of
a tree, while on other panels of similar size are carved
life-sized representations of leaves and fruit, or leaves and
flowers. This is not one of the regular show places of the
temple, but an assistant dragoman assured me that he knew
“the garden of Thothmes III,” and after the usual rounds
he guided me to it. After that I had an hour. beside the Sa-
cred Lake, where I found several species of shorebirds, Coots,
Ducks, and in the shrubbery Blue-throated Warblers, while
overhead were the Kestrels and Swallows.

Another illustration is afforded us by the walls of the tem-
ple at Deir-el-Bahari, on which are portrayed scenes from
Queen Hatshepsu’s expedition to Punt. Most exquisite is
the modeling of the captive Cranes that march in the pro-
cession of slaves and wild animals sent from the foreign
land.

Egyptologists tell us that a bit of ornithological history is
set forth in a certain picture in the temple of Rameses III
at Medinet Abu. They tell us that it represents a coronation
scene, that the king having assumed the double crown of the
Upper and the Lower Kingdom, a priest sets at liberty four

390 THE WILSON BULLETIN—NO. 92

carrier pigeons, bidding them carry the tiding to the north,
south, east and west of his majesty’s dominion. And they
let this point out for us the antiquity of the service of the
carrier pigeon.

We saw other pictures in which birds have a prominent
place. This is true of the hunting scene depicted on an outer
wall of the temple at Kom Ombos. It delineates a Nile boat
covered with reeds that have been sprayed with bird-lime or
a similar sticky substance used for catching birds. In this
picture about a dozen species of birds could be recognized,
their modeling being very good; the same could be said of
the cat, which was climbing the stalks to get the birds,
though the cat was smaller than the birds. The motive of
such pictures can be recognized, but there are many others
in which the part played by the birds is symbolic with hid-
den significance. Seven charming little birds, colored blue,
are carved on the prow of the boat in the Judgment Hall of
Osiris at Karnak, but in the “holy of holies” at Abydos
there are six blue-colored birds and a fish for adornment of
the prow, their purport no one seems to know. But the sym-
bolism of the hawk and the vulture, appearing in countless
numbers of decorations, is understood to some extent. In
the wall pictures a small bird, supposed to typify the depart-
ing spirit, hovers over the body of the dead. This the dra-
gomans will always identify for you as a sparrow. Had these
fellows ever lived in America and fought Passer domesticus
they might have very good reasons for selecting it as the em-
blem of eternal life.

The island of Phile, for centuries esteemed the gem of the
Nile, once the theme for universal praise, endeared to all who
saw it, now: sits submerged beneath the desolating waters of
modern commercialism, a place to close one’s eyes whilst
passing, a subject to be shunned. Few are so pious at this
point as to be unwilling to insert another dam when viewing
the damage done by the waters above Phile. So recent are
the changes wrought in Nubia by the Aswan dam that some
account of them may not lack interest. Such effects may be

BIRDS BY THE WAYSIDE 391

called far-reaching since they reach nearly two hundred
miles: that is several miles beyond Abu Simbel to a point
scarcely more than a score of miles below the Second Cata-
ract. For many miles south of Philz the depth of the water
is so great that no more than the tops of the tallest palm-
trees appear above the surface. As we go farther south inch
by inch more of the trees show above the water, until at the
end of about two hundred miles small deposits of Nile mud
mark the last effects of the damming. In front of the fa-
mous rock-hewn temple of Abu Simbel, which is 175 miles
above the dam, may be seen one of the results. It is in the
form of about twenty acres of land that has been formed
there since the dam was built. A portion of it is under culti-
vation, in other places the Nile mud is baked in the sun until
it resembles broken pottery, and the ground is seamed with
crevices, some of which are a foot and a half to two feet in
depth. Formerly the Nile boats lay close to the cliff, and in
recent years the visiting steamers furnished electricity for the
lighting of the temple before the new land was formed.
Abruptly, almost as abruptly as darkness fills a room at
night when the lights are turned off, come changes on the
Nile as we enter Nubia. The dam has caused some of these
changes and intensified those previously existing. Forty
years ago, when Miss Amelia B. Edwards made her obser-
vations that are recorded in “A Thousand Miles up the
Nile,” the arable land between Philze and Wadi Halfa aver-
aged from six to sixty yards in width. This slender strip
is now under water for the greater part of the year. The
natives driven to the rocky heights above their former homes
have in some places gathered pitiably small patches of soil,
some no larger than a grave, upon which vegetation was
srowing. For the dispossession the Government paid them a
small sum with which to rebuild their homes. Their new
homes of stone look more comfortable than the mud-walled
houses of Egypt. They exhibit unique taste in mural deco-
ration, for vaulting ambition is displayed in the enrichment
of the frieze. The unit of design is a plate. There appear

392 THE WILSON BULLETIN—NO. 92

repetition, variety, and contrast in the arrangements of the
plates, showing that the laws of good design have not been
overlooked. Dinner-plates, soup-plates, large plates, small
plates, various kinds of plates are set fast in the mortar.
Above one door there was a large plate in the middle with a
smaller one on either side. Another house displayed a single
plate with a decoration around its entire edge. A peep into
one of these houses, which was about ten feet square, discov-
ered a bed, a bench, and some shelves holding a few bottles,
cans, and dishes.

To visit temples we went ashore at Kalabsheh, Dendur,
Gerf Hossayn, Wadi Sabua, Amadah, and Abu Simbel. From
the nearby hamlets most of the adults were absent at work in
Cairo, but their children were left at home with the old and
disabled. Upon landing the children came racing down to
meet us. With relief it was noted that their faces were free
of flies, most of the flies having been left behind in Egypt.
All of the children were keenly alert to earn a few piasters,
their strongest role consisting in poses for the amateur pho-
tographers. Considerable invention was shown in the de-
sign of costumes that would catch the eye. At one landing
place on the Nile a tiny tot of ia girl was busily working a
miniature shadoof, apparently entirely unconscious of our
‘arrival. She received her reward. At another place a juve-
nile showman exhibited a large green chameleon, while oth-
ers brought their household pets, a puppy or a full-grown
dog. But animals were rare. At -Kalabsheh I] saw one don-
key. Such scarcity of life, both animal and vegetable, was
characteristic of Nubia nearly a half century ago, when
Miss Edwards wrote of it in these words: ‘“‘ Meanwhile,
it is not only men and women whom we miss — men labor-
ing by the river-side; women with babies astride on their
shoulders or water jars balanced on their heads — but birds,
beasts, boats; everything that we have been used to see
along the river. The buffaloes dozing at midday in the
shallows, the camels stalking home in single file toward sun-
set, the water-fowl haunting the sandbanks seem suddenly to

OwLs 393

have vanished. Even donkeys are now rare; and as for
horses, I da not remember to have seen one during the seven
weeks we spent in Nubia.”

Between Aswan and Abu Simbel almost all the birds that
were seen were either on the wing, or perched in the tops of
partially submerged sont trees. Sometimes we ran near
enough these trees to allow of identification of the birds, at
other times they were clearly seen but had to be assigned to
the class of birds unidentified. Of these there were several,
both in Egypt and Nubia, that by me had to be remembered
in the great class of the unknown.

CSS Gah BY THE SCIENTIST, THs
ECs OEMs AND EE
SPORTSMAN. :

BY R. W. SHUFELDT.
(Photographs from Life by the Author. )

When Doctor R. Bowdler Sharpe, of the British Museum,
published his invaluable work entitled A Hand-List of the
Genera and Species of Birds, he recognized no fewer than
thirty genera of Owls in the world’s avifauna, and, according
to him, they have been created to contain 316 species of these
very interesting birds. This classification was made in 1899,
since which time there have doubtless been many more spe-
cies added to the list. Some of these thirty genera contain
but one species, while others contain all the way from two
to eighty, the latter number being found in the genus Scops.
Besides these existing species of owls science recognizes
quite a number of extinct forms, which are known to us only
through their fossil remains.

The owls of the United States, according to the last Check-
List of the American Ornithologists’ Union, fall into twelve
different genera, and there are at least forty-three species
and subspecies of them. As in the case of the Old World
forms, too, several species of large fossil owls have been dis-

394 THE WILSON BULLETIN—No. 92

covered, which go to show that birds of this kind have ex-
isted in North America for a great many thousands of years.

Our United States owls have interested me for nearly half
a century, and during all that time I have kept several species
of them as pets; have shot specimens for my own and other
collections, and photographed from life many of the dif-
ferent species. Without referring to any special statistics or
censuses with respect to these birds in nature, I am of the
opinion that, with the exception of certain places and in the
vicinage of large cities, owls are about as numerous elsewhere
as they were fifty years ago. This is due to the fact that man
does not use them for food; other animals seldom prey upon
them, and the majority of the species are entirely nocturnal
in habit. Around cities and towns, however, owls are almost
invariably slain when a man or a boy comes across one of
them in the open with the means of shooting the bird or
otherwise killing it. There are but few exceptions to this
rule anywhere in the course of a year, and through such
practices altogether too many of these useful birds are, in
sheer wantonness, annually destroyed.

Throughout the world there are thousands of skins and
mounted specimens of all kinds of owls in the collections of
private individuals, ornithologists, and museums, and these
are of great value to science. There are also many skeletons of
owls in similar hands and institutions, and the study of these
has thrown much light on the general history of birds, in so
far as such material can do so. Studies of this character are
extremely important, and up to the present time have by no
means been exhausted, in so far as owls are concerned. In-
deed, several of the structures in the anatomy of these birds
are of wonderful interest, as the assymmetry of the skull in
some species; their extraordinary ears; the osseous platelets
of the eyes, and so forth, all of which I have studied many
times and described in various publications.

In this age, however, owls are, as in the case of all of our
birds, looked upon in an entirely different light from what
they were fifty years ago, when they were far more numer-

Fig. 1.

OwLs

Saw-whet Owl.

(sy)

Ou

396 THE WILSON BULLETIN—No. 92

ous. ,In those days, no one thought of considering birds of
any kind in their relation to man and his material interests:
while, as we at the present time know, in this age of com-
mercialism, our Government employs a staff of economic
ornithologists, who are engaged in making estimates of the
value of every species of ‘bird in our avifauna, in so far as
they affect our forests, our farm products, and our market
supplies of feathered game. To arrive at these estimates,
vast numbers of birds are sometimes sacrificed, and often
with no better result than to enforce, through federal legis-
lation, some expensive blunder.

In these extensive investigations, owls have come in for
their full share of being scrutinized with respect to their
habits and the contents of their “‘ stomachs,’ — the latter line
of examination costing many a one its life. These investiga-
tions need not detain us here; and, aside from such value as

owls have for the scientist, as pointed out above, it is of the .

greatest importance that agriculturists and sportsmen should
ponder well upon the question as to the value these birds have
for them in their —it must be admitted — widely different
pursuits.

With but comparatively few exceptions, agriculturists be-
lieve, as did their ancestors before them, that owls are simply
‘vermin’ as rats, skunks,

ce

to be classed among such other
and foxes, and this quite irrespective of their size, species,
or genus. This is a a long way from being true, — indeed
it is quite the reverse of the truth; for, apart from some of
the medium sized or larger owls occasionally helping them-
selves to a fowl from the poultry-yard, these birds are the
best friends the agriculturist — or more particularly the dealer
in feathered live-stock — has in the entire range of wild bird
life. As a matter of fact, nearly all owls hunt at night, at a
time when most all farm-yard fowls are at roost and un-
der cover, and therefore safe from their attacks. Turkeys,
guinea-fowls, and ducks may, at times, form exceptions, and
the Great-horned owl from time to time captures one of their
kind; but even this is by no means a common occurrence.

pe Se ae

OwtLs 397

Most of the stories, as they have come down to us through
the generations, have arisen among the farmers in those sec-
tions of the country where such barn-yard fowls as turkeys
and chickens, not having been supplied with shelter, have

Fig. 2. Subadult Barred Owl.

habitually roosted in the trees and elsewhere outside the
barns and outbuildings. Where this has been the case on
farms, where the Great-horned owl is more or less common

398 THE Witson BuLLETIN—No. 92

in the neighborhood, such fowls have suffered from its noc-
turnal depredations, until the shotgun has put an end to its
raids.

No such harm could come from the three species of owls
forming the illustrations to the present article, which I have
selected from a large collection of photographs of such sub-
jects, taken by me from life during the past eight or ten years.

Figure 1 is of the little Saw-whet owl (Cryptoglaux a. aca-
dica), a form with a body about the size of a robin. Figure
2 is a subadult Barred owl (Strix v. varia), the young of
which is shown in Figure 3. This medium sized species may
occasionally get away with smaller denizens of the poultry-
yard, including pullets and chicks; but I do not believe it
happens nearly as frequently as many people believe or tell
about. Then, when we come to the common Screech owls
of the genus Otus, the old and young of which are shown in
Figures 4 and 5, it is very questionable, in my mind, that
they can be considered at all in the light of habitual robbers
of the hen-roosts or the pigeon-cotes. There are many spe-
cies of this genus distributed all over the country, and they
prey principally upon small birds, rats, mice, other numerous
small rodents, and shrews.

As a matter of fact, our various species of medium
sized owls are of vast importance to agriculturists every-
where throughout the country, for they destroy millions of
mice, rats, weasels, and other mammals, which eat up, in the
course of a year, thousands of tons of grain and other farm
produce; and were these animals not kept down by such birds
as the owls, they would, in some parts of the country, eat the
farmer and agriculturist out of house and home, compelling
him to seek other employment for a livelihood. Indeed, it
would be an excellent thing to not only encourage such owls
as the Barn owl for example to breed and multiply in the
neighborhood of large farms, but also to introduce and pro-
tect the bird, in such localities as it does not normally occur.

So much, then, in regard to the relation of owls to the
welfare of the agriculturist. We have next to do with the

399

Owls

red Owl.

Bar

oy
f=)

Youn

400 THE WILSON BULLETIN—No. 92

question of the value of these birds to the hunter of small
varieties of feathered game in this country. We may omit
any other kind of game that the sportsman pursues, as hares,
rabbits, squirrels, and the like, for they can only be taken by
the larger species of owls, and often with advantage to man,
as in the case of Jack Rabbits, and so on. There is no doubt
in the world but that the owls in this country, of many spe-
cies and of all sizes, in the course of a year capture and con-
sume a good many game-birds of all kinds. It is simply as
birds of prey that they do this, however, and with the sole
object of sustaining life. Moreover, it is only the medium
sized and larger owls that capture such game bird as quails,
grouse, turkeys, and so on, though the smaller species may
prey upon the young of such game occasionally. Man, how-
ever, is the great destroyer of game-birds of all species; and
between his gun and his traps he is gradually, but with
marked certainty, exterminating all such species in the world’s
avifauna, just as he did the wild pigeon in the last half cen-
tury.

An average gunner who hunts regularly will kill more
feathered game in one season than any species of owl will in
the course of its natural life-time; so that, when we come to
compare the number of owls in the country with the number
of men who habitually hunt and kill feathered game, it is safe
to say that we may almost reckon the amount of destruction
along such lines by the former as practically mil.

Audubon, who published something in regard to the habits
of a few of our owls, says that the food of the big Snowy
owl “consists of hares, squirrels, rats, and fishes’; but that
“it also watches the traps set for muskrats, and devours the
animals caught in them.” Of the Burrowing owl he says:
“They are strictly diurnal, feed principally upon grasshop-
pers and crickets, and, according to the Indians, sometimes
upon field-mice”’; while with respect to the Acadian owl, he
fails to mention what its food consists of, though he figures
it with what appears to be a mouse in its talons.

In the case of the Barn owl, he says that “After long ob-

Ow Ls 401

servation, I] am satisfied that our bird feeds entirely on the
smaller species of quadrupeds, for I have never found any
portions of birds about their nests, nor even the remains of
a single feather in the pellets which they regurgitate, and
which are always formed of the bones and hair of quadru-
peds.”

Fig. 4. Adult Screech Owl.

“The Barred Owl,’ he says, “is a great destroyer of
poultry, particularly of chickens when half-grown. It also
secures mice, young hares, rabbits, and many species of small
birds, but is especially fond of a kind of a frog of a brown
colour, very common in the woods of Lousiana.” So far as
this report goes, the sportsman has nothing in particular to

402 THE WILSON BULLETIN—No. 92

hold the Barred owl up for, and in these days they probably
do not kill as many young chickens as they did when Audu-
bon lived, and whose observations, by the way, were largely
confined to Louisiana, where, so far as my experience car-

Fig. 5. Young Screech Owl.

ries me —and I’ve kept chickens in Louisiana — there is a
flightless, featherless, black owl that will get away with more
chickens in one night than a whole family of Barred owls
will in the course of two or three months.

‘PLAINFIELD, NEW JERSEY, BIRD CENSUS 403

There is no question but that the Great-horned owl preys
upon feathered game of all kinds, but the bird by no means
confines itself to that line of diet, for it is equally fond of ©
many of the medium sized and smaller mammals, as opos-
sums, rats, squirrels, young hares, rabbits, etc., and it will,
when occasion offers, consume dead fish when washed ashore,
in which habit he is surely performing a public service.

Audubon does not say a word about the food of the Screech
owl, beyond the fact that it “pursues large beetles”; while
on the other hand he devotes the major share of his account
of the bird to mixing up fact and tradition in regard to its
two phases of plumage, and taking Wilson to task in regard
to what he said about it.

Taking everything into consideration, then, with respect to
the habits and food of owls, as such matters affect the wel-
fare of man, it is perfectly safe to say, in truth, that upon
the whole these birds are good friends to our race in the long
run, and fully deserving of our protection and encourage-
ment. To persistently destroy these birds would be a griev-
ous error, as in practically all cases where man has upset the
balance of nature, it has generally reacted, in boomrang
fashion, by giving him a fearful rap for his pains.

PLAINFIELD, NEW JERSEY, BIRD CENSUS.
BY W. DEW. MILLER AND CHARLES H. ROGERS.

In 1914 we were accompanied by Dr. William H. Wieg-
mann. We started at 3:50 a. m. from East 7th Street and
walked northward across the city and took a devious route
through and over the Watchung Mountains to the Passaic
River, up whose south bank we went to the Dead River, and
up it half a mile to a certain marsh, which we reached just
at sunset. Thence we took the shortest road back to North
Plainfield, where we boarded a car at 10 p. m., except that
W. DeW. M. lingered on the way to listen to the Virginia
Rail and got in somewhat later. Weather fine; cool N. W.

A404. THE WILSON BULLETIN—No. 92

breeze; 47° at start, 54° at return. We satisfactorily iden-
tified 104 species of birds, which we consider a good list for:
an absolutely inland region, without water, save for ponds
and small streams.

In 1915 we started five minutes later and followed the same
route, except that we were forced to take shelter so much
from the rain that we did not reach the Dead River till nearly
dark, and so did not go up to the marsh, but returned by road
to North Plainfield in time for the 9) p. m) caps \WWeater
cloudy except for first two or three hours; frequent showers
in a. m.; moderate S. E. ‘wind; 45° at start, oil atinerunas
Only 89 fully identified species, due partly to the weather and
partly to the fact that it was not nearly so much the height of
a big wave as it was the previous year.

While not always strictly together, we were always within
hail and each of us noted every species recorded except that
W. DeW. M. alone heard the Whip-poor-will in 1914 and
the Black-Billed Cuckoo in 1915. The numbers of individ-
uals recorded are the result of actual count (as far as possi-
ble) and were entered with exceeding frequency during the
progress of the hunts. As we both did not hear or see every-
thing, when we differ the larger number is here given, and
we believe these numbers to be conservative.

Strangely enough, exactly the same twenty-four species of
Mniotiltide were seen each year, but their number of indi-
viduals was 334 in 1914 and 186 in 1915, this difference be-
ing nearly the difference in the total number of individuals
noted, 1112 in 1914, 929 in 1915. The larger numbers of
Thrushes and particularly of White-throated Sparrows and
Myrtle Warblers in 1915 is noteworthy.

That it is not well on a big day to quit work with the ar-
rival of darkness is shown by the circumstance that in 191+
we added five species to our list after it had grown too dark
to see them; these were Virginia Rail, Woodcock, Greater
Yellowlegs, Screech Owl and Whip-poor-will. The Wood-
cock did not even say anything, but we all heard clearly the
characteristic twittering of the wings of one which flew

PLAINFIELD, NEW JERSEY, BirD CENSUS 405

across the road just ahead of ius at about the height of tele-
graph wires.

On May 31st, 1915, C. H. R. followed alone in sixteen
hours the complete 1914 route and noted 72 species. This
list has been accepted for publication in the August number
of “The Oriole,’ published by The Somerset Hills Bird
Club, Bernardsville, N. J.

1914 1915

Giese IRIN ISICON aac. scene Homeole darn colon 1

Ginsein, IBUSIKOIn, vole, cuaticio vicrd cecut oi ao oid Ole cae e EReenE OIE 1 1
Black-crowned Night Heron................. 2

AVALTG Sarai AMV AMI UaGre letaceratnat «ita ove vstaredsrele Sher sucnaie Gaels eles 1
ANOMGTENGAIM - WHKOOCIEOGK sogeconussuuccougdauuce 1 2
ILGARSE, SEniGl OSE abot acto o mee Sriram aa occ 7
Greater WMOWaSsS .ssacdscondcoscueccor Sete il
Solliitaiay Sencar oogeducoedccdoss oe oodco5 4 6
SPOthediaS am Gyles ry. pecterece mye) s casteteosie eee aes) eo) ous 15 11
SGN SC Teeerencherecana oleae enetiey cy eatin tee we nenen cua lle 5
NOUNS TID ONY aes sce ea ieuslicin eoace ese alcitele secs faite 10 11
NEA Salaam dieanyyilsersariereiey 6 are cep eieeacler = Musi enero etclie tev etile 2 1
SOOM EUIS ea Mawel sence etaecravsaae ienersitei a's sieyehe exeneie o's 2 1
Red-shouldered Hawk ...........-...-..--. 2 1
IRPORIG EWM Ol ISIN 5o5coeccguSca0dogo5oGK5e 1 2
American Sparrow Hawk............:...:.. 1

PES AEN Clem sw allesebe getter sess cic oy ale ets eran ocoonlsirene siewereescs 1
Srerrerxeln, (OME sy digest eoraie micicitae Gena CrOIn enc OO nICtenaIONG 1
Wallow=lolecl (CwKKOO soooueooooauoadouucaan 3
TRlAGkeloiNeCl OmGKN) ssdccucococgssoousoGonus al
IRATE CU Ea eA ISIC veer ag cltdacio word sce Hobo ciara 2 5
lelelinny A\NOOCINXOKEI Gaacedcdooccudoodboououe 2 i
Downy WOOCMAOKER ecocuaocdccacsoedunoDeD 9 3
Red-headed Woodpecker .............+-.5-- 2
INOW We TMNT Cees eth oc ccce crete ecco sienchesele. <9) eve 10 13
Wn O=OCKOre Wille’ 8 Som@oma oo once peceme dolce Sold il
(@Inimmmesyz Siwoatihile atest eastene suse eleve susie: wealoreeuc acs 3 35
Ruby-throated Hummingbird ............... 2 2
MESGIiTA SLOAN Gln Por rea taper tet ren al cutee aie eyaitesiet <stwarel aizvevions 8 15
Crestedebly CAuCMer twtr jsisieicrels: oiare eesyensy sues urels aos 17 14
1 PTAVOS OYE 1 a State cine ene LOR ROE CC OREN ceo Ran 12 i
IVVIOO CBOE CE eh clecaceccinauatess cliniases Cieuecoitneuarciestel sue, sr ets 6 2
Yellow-bellied Flycatcher .................. 1

(CUT OEY Out VARINA A Setn ye et eaeet ier Se it eS euch ny 9

BES STIGT OG a) Aas srciisetveless tee wi oss tev onscaler-a) w ce.e sours’ aie iets red apie) Siler 30 15
AINE TEUCATUA OPO coerevorsicnel a ot wie oiwtsie lade tyetesensttens 34 22
RSILEEeTT OI Ir aaa Aes erat ot ei eae ie ta neal ere eat Ae Retest 7 7
BOOM Rs wes ale escheat cvacetene exe cae cess eee ootehekoic acs, oe 14 5
(CLONSY/OIEEG eset ena sere ner Mee Dayenn sci Dera mea 4 2
Red-winged Blackbird ...............00000: 14 5
AIG CO waht aioe rs rnin eure saweete pk Mts monte nee ate ic rels 11 8
Orchard iOxwiole: sav swes wowlatelo easier heats tec slans aD

406

THE WILSON BULLETIN—NOoO. 92

JEON CHANGHIIE Goosadoiscosc odd noeboosaoKo do 2
lEOUse SpMROWy seaccondoccbboooswccoDD00C8 37
ANmsoreain C@OuelitimGn sscucaccosacsacce0ccaee 20
WERE GOBURROM Sood ddonceoudetoosondooboES 7
(GuISNOyaae SIOBERONY ss occcnneo00s0bdcdusas 4
lalanSlouw Ss SyweNeROMY cocodéessoonooGago0ccocec 1
\WWlootrereronimaeral Nyowwentony coccancosccdaavcves 1
Walniite= thio aie cls alas Oa esaee toi n ene roner 6
ChippineyeSparLLOws sees cee ee Roe 21
IDIGUGL SMUBROY ococodcocddoocdocaggo aoc ooDD SS 15
SOMMER SIORUIMHONY Ga ccoudswootoouneugosocouNdec 66
IAL OXCOMA SS “SyOMEIRONE = GooooboocdionovooceocpooUS
SIMIAN SIO VIRO MN no Se mio og De BIAe aaa dias cars e o.6 6
TROWME Ci Ss cau wasasa dehensls nd Sieur ee eile eae ot Cate a Romeo 13
ROSe-DrenstedaGrosweallauerrae eee eee eee 6
Lo aKolikexoy: JBMUE MNOS denne es Coda oea cose ooDC ode 7
Seal eti AMA Oe, csaicicrats crosses slater co ee oe ger er 3
JEEDe Okara YI EE Naw wee menets peaesrcione nen-ole.aibio-c aro alo G.alc +
QTE S wi QO Weed aia Sees, a hale Loran el eee enone 1
Byam Swallow. arseceon soe eis acer ea ee
MTree: “Siwiallonie Bs s.5 5 sty Was ce elo ase eae eee alt
ROU Sh=wineedse Siwialllowe esses seiner ces 2
Cedars WiaxawlM Oe #, crc ccees cenit ste eee eueeeeclen oe nets 3
IVEM=EVeR VALCO selac ds viciieusyse econo eee ee nee 12
Wiarblimo= Vireo wussscicicne cos Sto cle ates bem patents
WalionvewbiKogireGl Wane) SoobccouoccaduoncbaKn 8
S Oltittareys SV COWS etre gets hecoouie ey are ecm ceee 4
Wihitesey.ede Wino ies vciicsats sisters eens yeveneusucincee 1
Jake Bhavl Wain \WwWenbolkee, -55cnccccasucnscse 8
WYOIaNCR ries WWWRNAOIEIR Gogbcdcabsdcccdecadad 6
BI Ue= wine edmayiarb eres sees creer nee re 12
Nashville Wiartblert nscale anne 2
Menmessee: Wiarblerstk saeco 47 eee 1
INOeweerroy TAM bUlE AWVENMOKES ooacocossbogscboone 2
Cape May > Warblerz a ceyoacce ama arene 3
YELLOW. Wal DLei siete eus erste recs ee eae eee 6
Black-throated Blue Warbler............... 35
Myrtle: Warbler tgs acme etna ee 10
Magnolias Wiirbler saeco eer oe
Chestnuit-sidedmewWianbleres: = sae eee ee 16
lancome! Wena Goacacesohsdocaccauce 6
BION WWWEOIEIE “SSob doc ouodssccuonogeesus +
SIM HIATENT, MVNA so osccocowsogeooooues 3
Black-throated Green Warbler....-.......... Ue
OVENEDIRG: Sa Os et ae at se ee ee D5
INGO HEHE AWARE MMESIN, Soo eb cuaoubodo no or 12
ILO USA MVE MONS Boas oadgaetousooe te saa
Mamvlandis YeLLONv=chiro alte rnerenteeue ee reneneie ere 42
Yellow-breasted™ (Chate secon eee nein 2
Wilsonis: Wiartbler isis. cAeteoe ee ee Oe ee 8
CanadanWarblery 22 som aoe OO Ate eee Pa)
AMerIcan Redstart: mec eee oe 2S
Cathinds ss seid cs SOR ee ee 21
SLOW DADO TASHOT 14 eee ee eee ee ees aa

FLOUSE\SWILETS Boo iive kilic cere e eee ee en eae G

He Hare
Be OLOLS

Ol
DO ATE OL HE HR IO

20

DHwoWwoD

i)

Jat it I DANI =)

“-~-
— ~~

mt 1

St Dello to | Bi bo ot

Ww

—

Mississipp1 Kite IN NEBRASKA 407

White-breasted Nuthatch .................. 2

Red-breasted Nuthatch .................... lt

AUN uadate Clie LMl Gla ete, ea hcecra aieceasyarcuee Sissy civic ei mtoce alae 6 5
GMT GIGI EXEY Sei vss BRS os ee ect Shoes ae cee Cana aoe ae cere 3 2
AVVO Ce MIN TES OW ane yeaa wary a eke es ae eR a 19 Aak
WC CTV AI eae amas che hradacciic kine pre mesa Aiscisr cose uate tas wie aah 7 22
Gray-clreeked Thrush s..22. anew cle aeloasdelae Se 1 2
Olive balchke aR MhitWsiiys Seecise as cette lenses c 5 8
PAT OT Cay Ew OMe es seit c ase sc ycanie are Moai) Cust Geakeeonsls 94 82

ESE Le leet eae ete es oe caeitors SAIAS: ase ee 4 8

MISSISSIPPI KITE IN NEBRASKA*
BY PROFESSOR 1B, Jal, IBVAIUL IS

In “ Birds of Nebraska,” by L. Bruner, R. H. Wolcott and
M. H. Swenk, page 50, Ictinia mississippiensis (Wilson) A.
O. U. No. 329 is referred to as follows: “ While the known
range of this kite would bring it within our borders, the rec-
ord by R. E. Dinges as given in Bruners’ “ Notes on Nebraska
Birds’ is very likely an error.”

The A. ©. U. check list gives its range as “ Lower Austral
Zone from Kansas, Iowa, IIlinois, Southern Indiana, and
South Carolina, South to Vexas and Florida; wintérs in
Florida, Southern Texas and South rarely to Guatermala;
accidental in Colorado, South Dakota, Wisconsin and Penn-
sylvania.”

While in Omaha, Neb., the writer purchased for the Coe
College Museum a specimen of this species which was in a
local taxidermist’s shop, and which was shot by the man from
whom the bird was purchased.

The kite was killed a few miles south of Omaha in No-
vember, 1912, and although the sex was not determined at
the time it was mounted, the following description from the
work by N. S. Goss, “ History of the Birds of Kansas,” is
so in accord with the specimen in hand as to leave no doubt
that this bird is a young female. “ Head, neck and lower
parts white with a yellowish tinge; this most perceptible on
the tibiae. Each feather with a median ovate spot of black-

* Read before Iowa Academy of Science, May ist, 1915.

408 THE WILSON BuULLETIN—NOoO. .92

ish brown, more reddish on the lower parts. The chin, throat,
and a broad superciliary stripe, are immaculate white. Lower
tail coverts each with a median acuminate spot of rusty, the
shafts black. Upper parts brownish black; wing coverts,
scapulars and interscapulars, feathers of the rump, and the up-
per tail coverts, narrowly bordered with ochraceous white, and
with concealed quadrate spots of the same; primary coverts,
secondaries and primaries sharply bordered terminally with
pure white. Tail black (faintly whitish at tip) with three
(exposed) obscure bands of a more slaty tint, this changing to
white on the inner webs, in the form of angular spots form-
ing the bands. Lining of wing pale ochraceous, transversely
spotted with rusty rufous; under primary coverts with trans-
verse spots of white.” “Iris brownish red, legs and feet
brownish.”
The following measurements were taken from the mounted

specimen secured from Nebraska:

Wing, 11% in. 200 mm.

Tail, 6% in. 171 mm.

Tarsus, 1.85 in. 83 mm.

Bill without cere, % in. 15 mm.

This is believed to be the first record of [ctinia mississip pi-
ensis authenticated by a specimen taken ‘in Nebraska.
Coe College, Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

THE WILSON BULLETIN

A Quarterly Magazine Devoted to the Study of Birds. Official Or-
gan of the Wilson Ornithological Club

Edited by LYNDS JONES

PUBLISHED BY THE WILSON ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB, AT CHICAGO, ILL.

Price in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, One Dollar a year, 30 cents a number
post paid. Price in all countries in the International Postal Union, $1.25 a year, 40 cents
anumber. Subscriptions may be sent to Lynds Jones, Oberlin, Ohio, or to Mr. P. B.
Coffin, 3232 Groveland Avenue, Chicago, III.

OFFICERS FOR THE CURRENT YEAR

President: Dr. T. ©. Stephens, Morningside, Sioux City, Iowa.

Vice-president: Geo. L. Fordyce, Youngstown, Ohio.

Secretary: Thos. L. Hankinson, Charleston, I[1l.

Treasurer: P. B. Coffin, 3282 Groveland Ave., Chicago, Il.

Hditor “The Wilson Bulletin”: Lynds Jones, Spear Laboratory,
Oberlin, Ohio.

Business Manager: Gerard Alan Abbott, 1543 East 61st St.,
Chicago, Il.

EDITORIAL

The lateness of the present number of the Wilson Bulletin is
due to the editor’s absence from home from the 20th of June to the
14th of September. He was conducting a party of sixteen from
Chicago to Seattle, and from there up through Admiralty Inlet,
and out through the Straight of Juan de Fuca to Neah Bay, and
from there out on the Pacific and down among the islands and on
the coast to Moclips. It was a camping trip, conducted as a sum-
mer class from Oberlin College. The sea life of the tide flats was
studied as well as the life of the primeval spruce, cedar and hem-
lock forests. The trip proved so successful, so enjoyable, and so
profitable that he proposes to organize a party for the same trip
next summer, to occupy the time between June 19 and July 29.

The Bluebird, edited and published by Dr. Hugene Swope, Cin-
cinnati, is publishing a series of color plates of the eggs of North
American Water Birds in connection with articles from the pen of
Dr. R. W. Shufeldt. The ten plates which are ready show the eggs
natural size, and the colors and markings reproduced with fidelity.
It is a valuable feature of this enterprising publication.

410 THE WILSON BULLETIN—NoO. 92

We are pleased to note that The Guide to Nature has introduced
a department of Ornithology, which is edited by Harry G. Higbee.
In the September number there are several good reproductions from
photographs. The introduction of this feature should serve to in-
crease the popularity of this magazine of the Agassiz Association.

The editor will have something to say about certain interesting
features of his summer experiences in the December Wilson Bulle-
tin. It will be recalled that a number of articles appeared from
his pen about his trip down this same coast in June, 1907. The in-
tervening eight years has witnessed marked changes, which it is
proposed to note at this time.

Many readers of the Wilson Bulletin must have spent some of
the summer where they haye been able to gather interesting facts
about bird life. The editor will be glad to receive accounts of these
studies and the conclusions reached for the pages of the Bulletin.
The real value of such studies is appreciated only when you write
them up for publication.

GENERAL NOTES

BIRDS AND THE WORLD WAR.

A private soldier now on leave in England says birds warn the
allies of German gas attacks. Long before the smell of the fumes
can be detected by the man in the trenches, there is to be heard
a clamouring of alarmed and awakened birds. These soon fly away
beyond the reach of the deadly fumes, but the soldiers have had
warning, and meantime adjust their respirators, and make other
preparations to met the gas. This item of war news is an adden-
dum to the remarks in Dr. Shufeldt’s very interesting paper on Or-
nithology and the War in Europe.

J. H. GURNEY.

Keswick Hall, Norfolk.

TAVERNER ON CORMORANTS vs. SALMON.—On account of numerous
complaints that cormorants were damaging the salmon fisheries of
the Gaspe coast of Quebec, Mr. P. A. Taverner and two assistants
investigated conditions there for two months during the summer
of 1914.

General observations did not support the contention that cor-

GENERAL NOTES ATT

morants destroy salmon, nor did stomach examinations. Of 32
stomachs examined, 5 were empty, 3 contained unrecognizable food,
16 contained sculpins, 5 herrings, one capelin, one eel, and 2 tomcod
or allied fishes.

Furthermore, the bulk of evidence shows that salmon have lately
been increasing from year to year. ‘The cormorants are also gen-
erally increasing in number, the rookeries are enlarging and new
ones being established. These facts taken together do not indicate
that the cormorants are markedly harmful to the salmon.” *—
W. L. M.

*Mus. Bul. 13, Canada Dept. of Mines, 1915, p. 14.

INCUBATION PHRIOD OF THE GANNET.

In the very interesting list of periods of incubation, as noted in
different birds, contributed to your pages by Mr. EF. L. Burns, the
period allowed for the Gannet (Sula bassana (1.)) is given at 39
days, but this seems too short.

An egg laid on April 22d at the Bass Rock on the east coast of
Scotland, and at once inscribed with the date by Mr. J. M. Camp-
bell, the lighthouse keeper, was not hatched until June 5th, which
gives a period of 44 days.

Another Gannet’s egg, laid in confinement at Brighton in Sussex,
is recorded by the late Mr. EH. T. Booth to have hatched out about
the 48d day, as stated in “The Gannet” (p. 355), where the pros
and cons of the subject are discussed at some length and different
Opinions quoted.

J. H. GURNEY.

Keswick Hall, Norwich.

A NEW LOUISIANA BIRD.

The observance of a solitary species of bird life has not only
supplied the Louisiana list with a new bird but with the one order
of the seventeen found in the United States that has been missing
since the avian life of the state has been studied by those who pre-
ceded Audubon and those who have followed him.

The species observed was a Wilson petrel (Oceanites oceanicus),
sometimes known as one of “ Mother Cary’s Chickens,” of the or-
der Tubinares, or Tube-nosed swimmers, which includes, besides
the petrels, the fulmars and shearwaters.

The discovery was made by Herbert K. Job, head of the Depart-
ment of Applied Ornithology of the National Association of Audu-
bon Societies, and Stanley Clisby Arthur, ornithologist of the Con-
servation Commission of Louisiana, while they were on an expe-

412 THE WILSON BULLETIN—No. 92

dition to the breeding islands along the Louisiana coast west of
the Mississippi river, June -23d, 1915.

The petrel, when observed, was about a mile off shore, paddling
the rough waters of the Gulf of Mexico, and about seven miles west
of Grand Isle. The stranger to the Pelican State circled the com-
mission’s petrol boat ‘‘ Opelousas” but, although efforts were made
by throwing lard on the waters to entice it close enough to be pho-
tographed, it finally flew out of sight, however not before the orni-
thologists had thoroughly studied it through binoculars for over
a quarter of an hour.

Although both Mr. Job and Mr. Arthur kept a Close watch for
other specimens during the remaining five days of their trip no
other petrel were sighted, and the specimen they did see was ab-
solutely alone.

NEW DUCK SPECIES BREEDING IN LOUISIANA.

Since the establishment of the vast game and waterfowl preserves
in Louisiana along the Gulf of Mexico, particularly the State Game
Preserve and Marsh Island, it Jhas been observed that there has
been a marked increase in the species of waterfowl and shore birds
that seek these marshes for breeding purposes.

According to a late report made by Stanley Clisby Arthur, orni-
thologist of the Conservation Commission of Louisiana, to his su-
perior, President M. L. Alexander, four species of wild duck that
go to the northern tier of states for the rearing of their young have
remained on the protected areas of the southern state to perform
that function.

The Wood duck (Ai# sponsa); the Florida duck (Anas fulvi-
gula), and in few numbers the Blue-winged teal (Querquedula dis-
cors) have, until the spring of 1915, constituted the Louisiana list
of Anseres breeding within that state’s borders. Observation and
investigation by Mr. Arthur of the breeding birds this spring, which
has only partially been completed, show that the Maliard (Anas
platyrhynchos); the Gadwall (Chaulelasmus streperus); and the
Bald-pate (Marcea americana) nested in few numbers on Marsh
Island. The conservation agent there noted that the height of the
breeding season was from April Ist to May 15th. Nesting was ob-
served as early as March 20th, however.

On June 17th the commander of the Conservation Commission’s
patrol boat ‘‘ Louisiana” observed a flock of 28 Lesser Scaup (JZa-
rila affinis) ducklings swimming in the waters of Lake Borgne. The
little waterbirds were with the adult parents and a castnet was
used in an endeavor to capture some of them to make sure of iden-
tification. According to Captain Sandras’ report the ducklings were

GENERAL NOTES 413

but two weeks old, establishing beyond all doubt that they were
bred in the Louisiana marshes. :

-The conservation agent on Marsh Island also discovered the
Long-billed curlew (Numenius americanus) breeding on the marsh-
land of the preserve under his patrol. During the visit of former
President Theodore Roosevelt to the bird reservation along the
Louisiana coast east of the Mississippi river during the early part
of June, nests and eggs of the Man-o’-war bird (Fregata aquila)
were found, thereby settling the question whether this bird is a
Louisiana breeder or not.

NESTING OF A CHIMNEY SWIFT IN A HOLLOW TREE.

Several years ago, in company with an ornithological friend,
Walter Bennett, I made a canoe trip through the big woods that
eover the northern portion of Minnesota. At Walker, a lumber
town on Leech Lake, we purchased a birch bark canoe of the Ojib-
way Indians and plunged into the wild, traversing a tangle of lakes
and streams and swamps filled with interesting wild life, especially
birds. Among our varied experiences, one of the most interesting
was the discovery, of a pair of tree-nesting chimney swifts. Of
course, as is well known, this was the universal custom of these
birds before the advent of the white man with his convenient chim-
neys. Like some other birds, the chimney swift has taken to mod-
ern improvements.

Far in the heart of the wilderness, a hundred miles from a
lemon or a railroad, we one night pitched our white tent upon the
clean, white sands of a little island. Behind us rose a large dead
pine, its gnarled branches silhouetted sharply against the sky,
upon which the turkey vultures came to perch and preen their
feathers. That night the veery —the ‘“ wilderness bird’ we called
him — sang entrancingly long after all other bird-notes were hushed
and darkness had settled upon the earth. Out on the lake rang
out the wild demoniacal laughter of the loons. It was a wild spot,
—remote, lonely. : ;

The next day, aS we sat beside our campfire, eating a meal, I
noticed a chimney swift fly to a tall stub that stood upon the shore
and disappear beneath a projecting twig. Hxamination disclosed
a small hole, into which the bird had apparently entered. Further
observation confirmed this conclusion. The birds were using the
stub, presumably for breeding purposes. The next day presump-
tion was changed to certainty. After chopping a hole in the base
of the stub, my companion crawled in, and worming his way up
the hollow interior, found a nest composed of sticks glued together

414 THE WILSON. BULLETIN—NO. 92

by the bird’s saliva and fastened to the wood by the same material.
Within the nest were four callow young, about half grown. This
was on July 20. The nest was about fourteen feet from the ground.
So unique a discovery afforded ‘us rare pleasure. Such exper-
iences far more than compensate one for any incidental _discom-
forts of such a trip.
MANLEY B. TOWNSEND.
Nashua, N. H.

BACHMAN’S SPARROW AT CHICAGO.

Bachman’s Sparrow (Peucea estivalis bachmani) is, like the
Chewink, Cardinal, Carolina Wren and several others, a species
that is gradually from year to year extending its breeding range
northward. The largest jump in this extension, if not in fact, at
least in record, is to be chronicled from this neighborhood. The
exact locality where it turned up here is “ Waller’s Park,” in the
northern part of the village of River Forest, which is described
more in detail elsewhere in the “ Bulletin.” Our post office is Oak
Park, that better known suburb of Chicago; hence, when speaking
to strangers our place of residence is Oak Park, the better known
of the two; but to such somewhat familiar with local conditions,
we say River Forest. While looking for warblers and other mi-
grants in this charming spot on May 9th last I suddenly heard a
loud, melodious song in the southern part of the park, where there
are many larger oaks. It seemed new, and yet it struck a respon-
sive chord in the memory. At first I wanted to dismiss it with the
thought, as I had done several years previously in Edwards County,
southern Illinois, that it was an unusual loud and melodious Field
Sparrow or an unusually musical Chewink singing. Then memory
seemed to make an unconsciously stronger effort and I said to my-
self, that is none other than Bachman’s Sparrow. Now for the veri-
fying! Glass in hand I sneaked to the place whence the sound
came, and I saw that there were about ten individuals of what were
undoubtedly a species of sparrow, but unlike any we have here as
migrants or summer residents. They acted as though very much
at home and enjoying the place; they were mostly on the grass-
covered ground, feeding, but as if moved by an irresistible exuber-
ance of spirit they would in turn, first one, then another, mount
up into the lowest branches of the trees and sing their song, then
descend again. Nor did they seem wary or afratd, and this gave me
an opportunity to watch them at close quarters. They were a
chubby sort of a finch, of about the size of the Song Sparrow, with
decided reddish brown upper parts and a suffusion of yellowish or
buff on the unstreaked underparts. Bill and feet were also pinkish,

Me
GENERAL NOTES 415

if memory serves me right, thus-completing the picture of a larger
and chubbier and louder edition of the Field Sparrow. There was
no mistaking, the incidents and scenes of my first meeting with
them four years previously near Browns, Lllinois, were too indel-
ibly impressed in the memory. A look at Several skins of this spe-
cies in my collection, when I had come home, added an unnecessary
confirmation to the identification.

Thinking that this little batch of Peucwa had by the ardor and
excitement of migration been carried further north than they had
intended, in the companionship of White-throats and others, and
would retrace their way south again for a hundred miles or so, to
the latitude which, according to latest reports, formed the north-
ern limits of their breeding range in this state, I did not visit the
spot the next day. Therefore I was much surprised when on hap-
pening that way again on the 12th of May, I found them still in
the same place. Later, they seem to have scattered in pairs, two
or three of which at least remained in the park, where they had
been first seen, as I got glimpses of what seemed to be one of them
several times later in May and in June. During the last days of
the latter month, two or three were heard singing lustily in a
rather open grove across the street from my house, and here, to
make the record indisputable, I took one on July ist. It proved a
male, the sexual organs of which showed breeding. Thus it seems
that this more or less Carolinian species must now be counted a
member of the avifauna of the Chicago area.

G. Hrrrie.

River Forest, Il.

SONG SPARROW, THRUSH, AND OWL NOTES.

While on a collecting trip in Virginia, during the middle of July
of this year, Mrs. Shufeldt captured a young Song Sparrow (Melos-
piza m. melodia), which apparently had very recently left the nest.
I placed it in a comfortable cage until such a time as I could ar-
range to photograph it. This came about in a few days, during
which period the bird fed readily on hard-boiled egg, bread, and
water, and a few meal worms. It was remarkable how rapidly it
developed and grew, and still more surprising how fond it became
of meal worms.

An interesting point appeared with respect to its plumage; for,
while this was apparently entirely normal, the proximal third of all

- fhe tail feathers came out pure white, and that portion of the tail
is that way at the present writing. The bird appears almost like
another species; and if it be a case of partial albinism, it is a very

416 THE WILSON BULLETIN—No. 92

remarkable form of it. It is hardly possible that it has been
caused by fright, incident to its capture, cases of which I have per-
sonally seen in men and women, —that is, where the hair, or cer-
tain locks of it, has turned white in a few hours from fright or
great anxiety.

After this bird had assumed its full summer first plumage, I de-
termined to restore it to freedom, letting it out in a room where
the windows were all open. It flew out and lit on one of the shut-
ters. Upon shaking the bottle at it, in which I kept a supply of
meal worms, it immediately fiew back into the room, lit on my
hand, and tried to coax me into giving it a worm. After this the
bird became such a pet and so interesting that I have decided to
keep it all winter, to note what plumage its tail will take on in
the spring. It eats heartily of canary seed, but prefers an insect
diet. Its summer notes during the day are charming, and I love
to listen to them while at my work. During warm days it takes
a bath three or four times between sunrise and dark.

My attention has recently been called to a case of double-nesting,
the birds being the European Thrush (Twrdus musicus). The two
pairs built their nests side by side, in close contact but not inter-
woven. The site was in a tree in a copse at Codicote, England, and
the photograph shows a clutch of eggs in each nest. It was taken

by Mr. G. J. Buller, of the Letchworth Museum, in which institu-
tion the specimen is now exhibited. I am interested to know

whether any one has ever observed such a “ double-nesting ”’ hay-
ing been resorted to by any of our United States thrushes, as the
Wood Thrush, or any others of the genus Hylocichla.

Recently, I have been collecting material with the view of pub-
lishing some articles, aimed to demonstrate to A™~™erican agricul-
turists the usefulness of our Owls. One or two these articles
have already been accepted, and will appear in . course. Mr.
John Henry Gurney, a Corresponding Fellow of ti Union, writes
me that they have been trying for years to impress the fact upon
the minds of the gamekeepers in England of the value of Owls;
but that they, as a rule, still persist in killing those birds as “ ver-
min.” Recently they have been issuing there special slips, printed
in very bold type on a fine grade of paper, for distribution among
the gamekeepers and farmers, but especially among the former.
Copies of one of these slips are now before me. A line of big type,
“The Utility of Owls,” invites attention to a striking instance given
below it, which says: “Taken out of a Barn Owl’s Tree at Kes-
wick in Norfolk (April 10, 1911) 114 ‘ Pellets’ containing the skulls
of :—19 very small rats, 126 Long- and Short-tailed Field-mice, 69
Shrew-mice, and 3 small birds (perhaps Green finches). No Game.”

GENERAL NOTES 414%

Mr. Gurney writes me (Aug. 3, 1915): ‘The old tree, which was
an oak, blew down; it was quite hollow, and some of the pellets
were in fragments, which had the appearance of being many months
old. They were all soaked in water, and the skulls carefully laid
out in rows and counted.”

From the viewpoint of practical, economic ornithology, it would
seem that the issuance of such slips by the U. S. Department of
Agriculture to the more intelligent class of farmers and general
’ agriculturists, all over the country, would be of immense service in
this direction, and doubtless accomplish much good in sparing our
smaller and medium-sized species of Owls,—birds which, in fact,
belong to the most useful class, in so far as the interests of agri-
culture are concerned.

R. W. SHUFELDT.

Washington, D. C.

FIELD NOTES FROM THE CHICAGO ARMA.

My observations during last spring’s imigration — limited though
they are, owing to preoccupation — confirm Prof. Lynds Jones’ re-
mark respecting the correlation between bird migration and the
weather. While the last winter was notable here for the continued
cold weather, with snow on the ground for a longer uninterrupted
period than usually, the second half of February brought us milder
and sunnier weather than in other years. As if unable to resist
the lure of such fine days the Bluebirds appeared on the 18th, when
two were seen, whereas in other years they only appear between
the 10th and 15th of March. On the 20th five were seen, which
were warbling <nd enjoying themselves in a way that almost led
one to believe ‘fat spring was here in earnest and not only up to
one of its not “5 infrequent deceptions. The Robin appeared on the
scene on the “#t, to disappear again with the Bluebirds on the

3d, when a cud wave came. The other members of the batch of
first arrivals here did not seem to be influenced by the warm days,
as the first Meadowlark was heard on the 11th of March and the
first Killdeer on the 12th, and owing to the situation and location
of my home I can see and hear the first of these without fail. The
other members of what I would call the first migrant-association
to arrive here are the Junco, Song Sparrow, Redwing, Grackle and
Cowbird. The 13th of March seems to have been an auspicious day
for birds this year, for while passing through Waller’s Park, com-
ing from Thatcher’s Woods, where I had seen a Cardinal, I saw
20 to 50 Bluebirds, about the same number of Robins and Tree
Sparrows, all singing as loud as they could, and heard a Song
Sparrow.

,

418 THE WILSON BULLETIN—NoO. 92

On the 29th of March, when it was cold enough the night before
to freeze over a bay in the Fox River, I saw a Coot stalking among
the alders at the river’s edge. On April 17th we flushed five Prairie
Chickens in one of the brushy woods which cover some of the hills
of glacial drift along the Fox River near Cary, Ill. On April 26th
the martial music of the first Bobolinks was heard, four days earlier
than is customary here.

On the first of May I rediscovered in the Addison woods, the
scene of many former rambles, the colony of Night Herons, which
I had given up as lost. They had now located a short distance
north of their old home, in a growth of small oaks, the twenty odd
nests being no higher up than 15 to 20 feet. There were no eggs
in the nests yet, and !some more nests seemed to be building. If
proof were necessary for the statement that Chimney Swifts mi-
grate in day-time, that day brought it conclusively to me. When I
left the house in the morning, and even at noon, there were no
Swifts about; when we returned at five o’clock there were three
to four sailing around overhead. The Lapland Longspurs were in
the fields in their usual abundance. Their apparent predilection
for Addison is difficult of explanation.

Since early in April there was a flock of about 25 Cowbirds on
the campus of the school and on the lawns. Forming a rather for-
midible flock with English Sparrows they would rise from and Sset-
tle down on the ground together, no doubt doing much good in eat-
ing weed seeds and such insects as were to be found. But the dep-
redations of the Cowbirds showed up with the first nest found
This was one of a Meadowlark on the 5th of May, which held three
eggs of the rightful owner and two of the parasite. Another egg
of the Meadowlark was found just outside of the nest, another a
foot away, in the bird’s way of approach. Query: Did the Meadow-
lark feel her complement of eggs to be complete, or did the Cow-
bird maneuver the eggs out, or did she cajole Sturnella by other
means into laying outside of the nest? I think the first solution is
probably the. correct one.

The principal find of the season for us, that of Bachman’s Spar-
row, on May 9th, I have recorded more in detail elsewhere. On
the 15th of the month I saw a pair of Lark Sparrows at Cary; this
species must be classed as rare in this territory. It may be added
that the Dickcissel is notable this year only by its absence. I have
not seen a single specimen in places where they were last year. He
is apparently striving to keep up his reputation for eccentricity.
On the other hand the Goldfinch, Flicker and Redhead seem to be
increasing in numbers from year to year. The Robin has been
more plentiful than I have seen it during the six years of my resi-

GENERAL NOTES 419

dence in Illinois. I thought that abundance of earth worms, owing
to the unusually rainy summer we had, had something to do with
it. But, alas for theories! At Arlington Heights, about a dozen
miles away; they have been so rare this summer that competent
observers say, they did not see one in five or six weeks.

At Cary our camp is within a few yards of the edge of a marsh.
Here one can easily make notes on the voices of the marsh heard
at night. Beside the clucking and cackling of coots, gallinules and
rails the Prairie Marsh Wren (Yelmatodytes palustris iliaca) sings
spasmodically at least till one o’clock. The Warbling Vireo nest-
ing nearby also puts in a few notes from time to time, as if talking
in his dreams. :

On July 3d, a Bob-white came in the open spaces near my home
and called out loudly, the only one I have seen or heard here this
year. Too bad that this fine bird is becoming so rare! Also one
only is the sum total of Ruffed Grouse seen by me. This was at
Miller, Ind., in the sand dune region, where the abundance of wild
fruit and underbrush and absence of the genus homo furnish this
fine primeval denizen of our woods a chance to subsist.

G. Wirric.

River Forest, Il.

Announcement

As I find it necessary to move my belongings to another locality,
I’m endeavoring to make the task as light as possible. If any col-
leges, museums or individuals would be interested in acquiring cer-
tain specimens, I might arrange things to the mutual advantage of
all parties concerned.

EDW.. ARMSTRONG,
207 N. Michigan Ave. Chicago, Ill.

Wanted Specimens of Passenger Pigeon

Ectopistes migratorius. Mounted Specimens or Skins.
Address stating price, FIELD MUSEUM, CHICAGO.

Tbe Collectors’ Journal

An illustrated monthly magazine devoted to collectors of postage
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Subscription Price, 50c per year.
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Write us about your next job.

E.T. HADOVEC & COMPANY

POWERS BUILDING, CHICAGO

We have designed a beautiful little piece of inexpensive jew-
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This little Wilson’s Warbler can be mounted on a Stick-pin,
bar-pin, fob, lapel button, or hat-pin. These may be had of the
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ATTENTION

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taining to our responsibility, will be furnished upon application.

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Work Rooms and Studio
2457 Lincoln Avenue CHICAGO, ILL.

GLIMPSES of WILD LIFE

If you are in need of illustrations involving bird life or any of the
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I have many unpublished sketches, drawings and paintings truly
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Poses and attitudes are characteristic of the species and should
enhance the value of your articles.

KARL PLATH
Artist

3307 West Congress St., Chicago, III.

dese

No.4

2
=
S}
a
fa

Vol. X XVII.

, ILLINOIS

CHICAGO

WILSON ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB

REM CES TARE ABST OF TLS

CONTENTS

The Home of the Great Crest : 3 IRA N. GABRIELSON

A Two-Year Nesting Record in Lake County, Illinois
COLIN CAMPBELL SANBORN AND 'WALTER A. Couns

A Chronicle of a Tame Olive-Backed Thrush

CoRDELIA J. STANWOOD
House Wrens as I Know Them ; 3 Mary E. HatcH
An Unintentional Bird Preserve : : C. W. G. Errric
Five Hours on Butler’s Lake . ; WALTER A, GOELITZ
Cardinals in Northeastern Iowa A ; Mary E. Hatcu
Editorial

General Notes

Publications Reviewed

421

434

466

Entered as Second Class Matter, May 21, 1914, at the Postoffice at Chicago, IIl.,

under the Act of March 3, 1879.

Bird-Lore
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Tell us to whom you wish to send Bird-Lore during 1916, and we
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Annual subscription, $1.00; for Christmas, five subscriptions for

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THE
WIESON BULLETIN:

NO. 93.
A QUARTERLY JOURNAL OF ORNITHOLOGY

VOL. XXVII DECEMBER, 1915 NO. 4

OLD SERIES VOL. XXVII. NEW SERIES VOL. XXII.

Let OVE On WE, GNA) CRESM:

BY IRA N. GABRIELSON.

The Great Crested Flycatcher (Myiarchus crinitus) has
been practically an unknown bird to me. I saw it during the
migrations and for two years knew that a pair was nesting
in-the tops of a grove of giant cottonwoods. There was,
however, little opportunity to learn anything regarding their
home life as the dense foliage and undergrowth effectually
screened them from view. Imagine then my feelings when
a small boy, who lived in the outskirts of the town, stopped
me with the following remark (1 give his statement ver-
batim): “ There’s a bird got a nest in a hole in an old dead
tree down in our pasture and its got a brown back and yel-
low belly and an awful noise.” I was interested at once and
accompanied my small informant to the tree. As we ap-
proached a Great Crest left the hole in the trunk and flew
to a neighboring tree.

The nest tree was the remains of an old basswood, a stump
perhaps ten feet in height, with a circle of dead branches
around the top. The tree was situated in a small glade, and
the parents commanded a fine view in all directions. The
nest was in a cavity about eight inches deep, and about six
feet from the ground. It was lined with feathers, grass, and
string, but I missed the traditional snake skin. However,

422 THE WILSON BULLETIN—NoO. 93

while I was examining the nest my companion volunteered
the information that when he found the nest there was an
old snake skin hanging from the hole, and that he had pulled
it out for fear it would frighten the old birds. On June 29,
when I first saw it, the nest contained six eggs.

On July 1, at 7:30 p. m., I visited the nest and found four
eggs hatched and the fifth one pipped. On the second, I
erected a blind at the nest and camped near by. From this
time until July 13, my wife and I spent as much time as pos-
sible watching these birds.

The flycatchers were very timid and the blind had to be
brought slowly toward the nest. For this reason, it was not
until July 5 that it was close enough to make profitable a
study of the feeding habits. However, some time was spent
in watching on July 2, 3 and 4, and we found that food was
usually visible in the beak, although at the distance we were
then working we could not accurately determine its nature.
On the morning of July 5 the blind was moved to within five
feet of the nest and we could readily identify the morsels
brought. There were five nestlings, as the sixth egg never
hatched. It was removed sometime during July 2. .

Beginning the morning of July 5, 42 hours were spent in
the blind and about one-half as much time was spent under
the trees near by watching the feeding habits of the parents.
Some time was spent in the blind each day, with the excep-
tion of the tenth, when we were called back to town. Of the
42 hours 12 were on July 7, when we watched from 5:00
a.m. until 7 p. m. The remaining time was scattered through
the other six days. No time was spent in the blind on July
13, as some one very considerately stole our blind during the
previous night and the birds left the nest before we could get
another one ready. We watched for about two hours from
a distance of from thirty to forty feet with glasses, but found
it very unsatisfactory.

The parent birds looked much alike, but we had one excel-
lent field mark. The male (presumably) had every tail
feather perfect, while in that of the female the feathers were

423

Tue Home OF THE GREAT CREST

The

blind in place at the Great Crest nest.

424 THe WILson BULLETIN—NO. 93

broken and worn and had many of the barbs missing alto-
gether. We supposed this tc be due to the rubbing against
the nest walls during incubation. The condition of the two
tails is well shown in the photographs, Fig. 2 being of the
male and Fig 3 of the female.

MeEtTHODS OF HUNTING.

Recalling their usual noisy manners, | rather expected
them to make more noise about the nest than some of the
other birds studied. On the contrary, they proved to be the
least noisy of any of the passerine birds yet studied.

In hunting they spent a large percent of their time on cer-
tain low hanging branches in the neighboring trees. The
male preferred one in a large honey locust, where he sat well
in toward the trunk. The female chose similar branches in
an ash and two box elders. One of the parents was invar-
iably on one of these perches, from which he or she could
watch the nest. Only occasionally did one of them select a
conspicuous perch. When they did so it was either in the
top of the nest tree or the topmost branches of a prostrate
trunk near by.

The different methods of securing food were interesting
and a short account of them follows. The data were ob-
tained by watching from the blind and also from the sur-
rounding timber with the aid of a pair of field glasses.

The greatest variety of food was secured in true flycatcher
fashion, i.e., by watching for passing insects and darting after
them from the chosen perch. After deducting the 109 un-
known morsels of food, we have 307 fed which were iden-
tified. Thirty-one per cent* of these 307 morsels were taken
on the wing and included flies, moths, mayflies, lady beetles,
butterflies, wasps, dragonflies, and bees. We actually saw

‘This figure and following per cent are based on the supposition
that all of the individuals of the forms included as captured by
these methods were taken only in the one way. Thus there may

be some error, for the reason that we did not see all of the food
secured.

THE Homes OF THE GREAT CREST 425

some of each of these forms taken on the wing and their
manner of life makes it probable that the majority of them
were taken in this way. Some of these if not captured in
the first dash, were not pursued further, but others, notably
butterflies and moths, were followed until secured. Once a large
bald-faced hornet came into the blind and succeeded in get-
ting out just as the female came from the nest and alighted
on a branch. She made a dash and captured him before he
was fairly started. Flies, dragon flies, and bees were, as
far as we observed, caught in very short dashes. ‘The only
lady beetle taken under our observation was one which had
been crawling about on the bark of the nest-tree and which
was captured as it flew away.

The second methed was somewhat different, although the
insects were still taken while the flycatchers were on the wing.
This method was to hang on rapidly beating wings before a
leaf or branch and pick insects from it. They were observed
to secure larvee, daddy-longlegs, long-horned grasshoppers,
and some spiders in this way. Some of the spiders were
found to be taken by the third method. Excluding spiders.
the other forms which were observed to be taken only in this
manner, total 103, or about 33% of the identified food. Some
of the daddy-longlegs were picked from the outside wall of
the blind.

The third method was a variation of the first. The Great
Crests sat on a low branch until they saw an insect in the
grass, when they would drop to the ground and secure it.
(This does not include those picked from the grass without
alighting.) Crickets, grasshoppers, beetles, and spiders were
observed to be taken in this way. When they missed the in-
sect, they never hopped or ran along the ground, but rose into
the air and dove down into the grass again. One watched
catching a grasshopper near the foot of the nest tree went
through this performance several times before the prey was
finally secured. Probably most of the three forms were taken
by this method while spiders were also taken by the second.

No. 93

THE WILSON BULLETIN

426

‘1121 OY} JO UOTIpUuoD JoOoJ10d 9Y} OJON ‘Yosed o}L1OAVJ SIY UO paens Uo seu IU,

THE HOME OF THE GREAT CREST 427

APPROACH TO THE NEST.

The study of these birds was made more ditficult because
of their silent approach to the nest. Other species previously
studied made more or less noise in coming to the nest, but
the Great Crests flew silently to some branch and then, after
looking about, dropped to the nest opening and disappeared
within. During the entire proceeding the only sound audi-
ble in the blind was the faint scratching of their nails as they
entered the nest, and then it was too late to determine the
contents of their beaks. This explains the large percentage
of unidentified food in the table. Only by keeping a close
watch on the three or four usual perches could one be sure
of detecting their approach. They usually sat on these limbs
for several seconds before entering the nest and could be held
there for some time by a slight noise from the-blind.

The female almost invariably came to the same branch and
flew back to it on leaving the nest, but the male was more
variable and had several perches, which he used according
to the direction of his approach.

TABLE I. FoopD OF THE NESTLINGS.

FOOD. Vet ds AS doth de Uo) data dei) “antoy,
IM ype eens eros taeda hci staielcaone a oaks 2 : Py els neat et or : : 15
NIGH Oe sec areca chee eaten arta ee Re Oe Tardy neal ONE a re ; Aes case a4)
Greenmlaryces es sisastate cs se sete > AG iy 26 2a - & : 2ss
Unidentified sae 2h secs ~ cee ee 5 ey I) AAG Ey al alte)
IWGISDH aeite eke revecnts oS eae ase Poet a arate ; 1 1 2 3 3 2 12
Long-horned Cogrenoens siete 5 Di eDnin Ouest On ton pred, 18
ID TPASOM MV AS is felsic lee ccolstewe oes 2 3 3 2 il 11
Red Admiral butterfly........ Pot Hiokooll 1183
MWACWaEDECEO Wis alee cies sscpene sr els 3 PA rat . 3
JBYSXStS) agraain Behera ae eon tenet ot : hee Gan sO eee eaear HU! il7/
Daddy-longlegs ............... i 3 ‘ 7
GLASSHOPD EI yess} vere eve yclenenens UL es femira (eo} tear) 3 «6384
STOIC STp eis eee ee cn ee ai er eter Bc , B is 28
(CHENG ons crane en ee ere ony remap a G0 : Pape TANS Mes} ; 9
Deter bh Kee) Wareaiiaey eeelo olen Davo 5 : : DBE SIU Nanas 9
IBGE CIE Vilees ce cise a ses eseren sy teeliel : F : Ts arab y casey F 4
CC era oe ceten el os ile acy Mrateuone okeiens eb i 6
INIEIAID Bian eh cae eiBene Te A Om ee 2 1 1 4

WOU > ood ooocosgupowaooous SPUN ss 129) itd w389) 1b) 24) 416

428 THE WILSON BULLETIN—NO. 93

There were numerous species of flies in the undergrowth
and trees and we were unable to determine definitely the spe-
cies fed. We thought several times that we recognized rob-
ber flies, and once or twice saw the parents hunting among
the cattle, around which the stable flies swarmed. The ma-
jority of the moths were small, dull colored forms, which we
could not identify. Once or twice a large black species was
brought, and once a medium-sized underwing (Catocala sp?)
was given to the nestlings. Geometrid larve furnished the
bulk of the larval forms, but many were fed which were
clearly different, and yet they could not be named. The only
wasp definitely referred to any species was the bald-faced
hornet (Vespa maculata), caught as it flew from the blind.
Only the individuals recognized as long-horned grasshoppers
were placed under that head, all others being entered as grass-
hoppers. The red admiral (Pyrameis atlanta) was very com-
mon and seemed to be easily captured by the Great Crests.
The other four butterflies were fritillaries (Argynms sp?).

We were almost positive that on several occasions the
nestlings were fed pieces of egg shell. Once while the blind
was within three feet of the nest a piece at least one-half inch
square was brought. It was broken and cracked and the
shell membrane (?) could be seen holding the parts together.
I suspected that this substance was egg shell and asked my
wife (without telling her what I thought) if she had noticed
it. She replied that she had seen it fed, but could not deter-
mine its nature., A day or two later she remarked that she
had identified it and stated that it was egg shell. Whether
the identification was correct or not, there was plenty of op-
portunity for the birds to obtain the shells, as two camps and
the remains of innumerable picnics were near the nest.

Foop, ACTIONS AND FATE OF THE NESTLINGS.

As the nestlings were in the nest cavity and not visible
from the blind we could not determine the distribution of
the food te them. The striking thing in the feeding, at least

THE HOME OF THE GREAT CREST 429

to us, was the large percentage of larve fed. They comprised
the largest single item of food, being 21.15% of the total.
Grasshoppers under two heads in the tables, were 12.50% ;
spiders, 6.73%; moths, 6.97%; unidentified, 26.20%; red
admirals, 3.12% ; flies, 3.60% ; beetles, 4.08% ; hymenoptera
(bees and wasps), 4.32% ; and the remiander, 11.30%, were
miscellaneous insects.

Although we did not keep continuous watch at the nest,
we spent some time each day from the time of hatching until
the departure of the young, except on the tenth. Irom the
second to the fourth we were still too far away to determine
the nature of the food, but we could see it projecting from
the beak on almost every visit. We saw no evidence of
regurgitation either here or at a phoebe’s nest, which we
watched for 2 few hours.

During the study we saw thé parents carry away the ex-
creta 41 times and devour it only once. Much of it was un-
doubtedly removed during our absence from the blind, but
there must have been much of it devoured while the birds
were concealed from our view in the nest.

The nestlings were very noisy and restless. They kept up a
constant peeping from the first day. On July 7 one or more of
them began to utter a loud clear call or whistle, “twee-eet,”’
which was occasionally answered by the parents from a dis-
tance. From this time we could hear the parents whistling
while far away from the nest, but for the most part they re-
mained as silent as ever.

On July 8 the nestlings began to climb restlessly about in
the nest. We had cut the edge down a little in order to ob-
tain a better view and there was a large natural crack to the
bottom of the nest. They crawled part way up the sides of
the cavity and fell back to the bottom again. On the morning
of July 9 we found only three nestlings in the nest. A search
revealed one dead at the foot of the tree; but the fifth was
never found, although we hunted for yards around in the
short grass. Several times on July 9 they fell out of the nest

430 THE Witson BuLLetIN—No, 93

and started away through the grass. Fig. 4 was taken at this
time to show the feather development. Whatever the cause
of this action they quieted down after July 10 and remained
in the nest until July 14. Fig. 9 was taken on the afternoon
of July 13 and they were gone the next morning at 7:00.
At this time they were very active and, after trying for an

The female at the entrance to the nest. Compare the con-
dition of the tail with that of Fig. 2.

hour to get them to perch on a branch, we posed them on
the hand. The one on the left was not able to fly well, but
the other two had gained good control of their wings.

As the nestlings were hatched on the evening of July 1
and left either late July 13 or early July 14, they were twelve
or thirteen days old at the time of departure.

THe Home or THE GREAT CREST 431

MISCELLANEOUS ACTIONS OF THE PARENTS.

There was a certain dignity about every action of the pa-
rents which could not fail to impress the observer. They
never made any outcry as we approached the nest, but flew
silently away, often no farther than the other side of the
nest tree, and remained watching us. Even when the blind
was erected there was no apparent excitement, but only a
careful watch kept on it until they decided to accept its pres-
ence. This was in decided contrast to the actions of such
birds as the Catbird and Red-winged Blackbird, which have
the habit of arousing the entire neighborhood when a blind
is erected at their nests.

When the nestlings were taken out of the nest on July 13
they made a great fuss and the parents answered them for
a few moments. This noise soon ceased and the adults, par-
ticularly the female, made a desperate attack on our party,
flying about our heads and at our faces. Finally, even this
stopped, and the female alighted on a branch about fifteen
feet away and kept silent watch of the proceedings.

We were much interested in the feeding of the nestlings
while they were on the ground. On the afternoon of July 9
all three of them were out of the nest and the parents fed
them repeatedly. Here we again notice that the adults never
hopped or walked, but after feeding one flew to the next
one, even if it was only a few inches away. After the young
were placed back in the nest, both parents often flew into
the grass in search of them.

The calls were few in number. We occasionally heard the
~ usual whistle, sometimes given loud and clear, and at other
times barely audible in the blind. The only other sound
which we heard from them was a series of low notes used in
the early part of the nestling period to get the nestlings to
open their mouths. It is impossible for me to describe it, but
it somewhat resembled the noise produced by drawing a rusty
nail from a board.

When angry the Great Crest elevated his crest, and when

432 THE WILSON BULLETIN—No, 93

in pursuit of other birds snapped his mandibles together
loudly and rapidly. ;

On some occasions the food given the nestling was too
large for it to swallow. When this happened the parent re-
moved the morsel and quickly crushed it by snapping the
mandibles together on it.

The parents never entered the nest together. Several times
the female was at the nest opening when the male appeared
on a limb above her. As he started to drop to the nest open-

The nestlings at the age of 8 days, showing the develop-
ment of the wing quills at this time.

ing she flew away, allowed him to feed the nestlings, and
returned to feed her morsel when he left. Once she was in
the nest feeding when he appeared on the edge. He put his
head into the opening and “ screeched,” at which she darted
out and permitted him to enter.

The old rotten tree seemed to furnish a strong attraction
to the woodpeckers and chickadees on account of the many
larve under the bark. A Chickadee, Downy Woodpecker,

Tue Home or THE GREAT CREST 433

Red-headed Woodpecker, and Flicker came to the tree at
various times. The woodpeckers were driven away by the
Great Crests, but they paid no attention to the Chickadee.
The Downy and Red-head tried the trick so often practiced
by the Red-heads on the Kingbirds, when they meet along
the country roads. Whenever the Kingbird discovers a Red-
head on a telephone pole he immediately tries to attack him.
The woodpecker simply dodges around the pole and goes on
about his business. The Kinghird takes his position on a
wire and goes to catching insects, all the time keeping one
eye on the woodpecker. Sooner or later the Red-head starts
for another pole and the Kingbird gets the chance he has been

The nestlings at 12 days. Taken July 13, the day before
; they left the nest.

waiting for all the time. Both the Downy and Red-head
tried this trick on the Great Crests and successfully worked
it as long as they only had one of the parents to contend with,
but came off second best when the other parent entered the
game.

434 THE WILSON BULLETIN—No. 93 .

A Cowbird came into the nest tree while the female was
in the nest, sneaked to the nest opening and looked in. What
she saw was evidently not reassuring as she quickly backed
away and flew off.

A squirrel crossing the glade was vigorously attacked and
made to scamper for refuge to the nearest tree. Once safely
there he turned and expressed his opinion of the Great Crest
in shrill and violent language.

The most vicious performance which I witnessed was an
attack on an immature Bronzed Grackle. He blundered into
the nest tree while the male was sitting on one of the topmost
branches, and had hardly settled himself when he was struck
a violent blow from behind and sent sprawling to the ground.
He lay there squawking for a few moments and then started
to fly away. Hardly had he lifted himself from the ground
when another blow on the back of the head caused him to
turn a complete somersault into a small bush. He crawled
out on the side opposite the nest and flew away without being
further molested. The Great Crest used both beak and
wings in the attack and the second blow took several feath-
ers out of the grackle’s head.

A TWO-YEAR NESTING RECORD IN LAKE
COUN YA Ele:

BY COLIN CAMPBELL SANBORN AND WALTER A. GOELITZ.

(Photographs by Walter A. Goelitz.)

Lake County lies on Lake Michigan in the north-east cor-
ner of Illinois. That part of Lake County in which the fol-
lowing records were made, extends along Lake Michigan
from the Illinois-Winconsin state line at the north, to the
Cook County line on the south, and west about ten miles to
the Des Plaines River, and in the northern portion, farther
west to the McHenry County line. This territory may be
divided into five separate tracts: (1), the sand dunes and
marshes of Beach in the the north-east corner; (2), the bluffs

A Two-YEAR NESTING RECORD ieee)

and ravines extending along the lake; (3), the Skokie Val-
ley Slough, about two miles west of the lake, with its adjoin-
ing woods and fields; (4), the heavily timbered region in the
Des Plaines River Valley, about six miles west of the Skokie;
(5), and the prairie and lake country west of the Des Plaines
River.

A very good description of Beach may be found in the
“Auk,” volume XXIV, number 2, in “ Ornithological Condi-
tions in Northeastern Illinois, with Notes on Some Winter
Birds,” by the late John Farwell Ferry. In the marshes of
this region were found the Bitterns, Rails, Blackbirds, and
Green Herons, and among the dunes, the Sparrows.

Along the shores of Lake Michigan extends a bluff, cut
every mile or so by a ravine. It is, in some places, just a
clay or sand bank inhabited by Bank Swallows and King-
fishers, while in other places it is covered by brush and a few
trees. The beach varies in width from seventy-five feet to
none at all. Most of this bluff property is occupied by resi-
dences, but in some places there are still fields, small groves
of trees, and woods. In the brushy fields and groves the
Yellow Warbler, Redstart, Wood Pewee, Towhee, Goldfinch,
and Red-eyed Vireo nest, and in the thicker woods there are
many Crows and a few Hawks.

The Skokie Valley Slough, which lies to the west, extends
south from about the middle of the county, where it is only
a few feet wide, to the county line, where it is more than a
mile wide. - Here in the Marsh proper were found the Bit-
terns, Rails, Red-winged Blackbird, Long-billed Marsh Wren,
and Swamp Sparrow. In the fields and woods on either side
there are Green Herons, Sparrow Hawks, Maryland Yellow-
throats, Marsh Hawks, and the Sparrows.

Farther west is the Des Plaines River Valley, which region
is heavily wooded. The Des Plaines River runs south the
entire length of the county and is about eight or nine miles
from the lake. It was here that we found most of our
Hawks’ nests, besides innumerable Crows’ nests. Most of
our trips to this region were made in the early spring.

436 THE WILSON BULLETIN—NO. 93

Cedar Waxwing nest. Lake Co., Ill. W. A. Goelitz.

A Two-YEAR NESTING RECORD ; Ait

The land west of the Des Plaines River is mostly prairie,
dotted here and there with small lakes, or a small patch of
woodland. In this open country are Prairie Chicken, Kill-
deer, Black Tern, and many Vesper Sparrows.

Robins, Bluebirds, Woodpeckers, House Wrens, Brown
Thrashers, Catbirds, and Blue Jays can be found anywhere
where there is a suitable nesting site. Meadowlarks, Bobo-
links, Song and Field Sparrows are in every field. Cedar
Waxwings, Goldfinches, and a few Cuckoos can be found in
‘brushy fields and second growths. At a small lake, Butler’s
Lake, were found the Yellow-headed: Blackbird, Coot, Mal-
lard, Pied-billed Grebe, and Florida Gallinule. These birds
could not be found nesting anywhere else.

‘NoTtE:—The numbers at the end of each paragraph repre-
sent the number of nests of each variety found, with eggs or
young, in the two years.

1. Pied-billed Grebe (Podilymbus podiceps), July 2nd, 1915.
Nest with seven eggs found at Butler’s Lake. Merely a floating
mass of decaying reeds. Situated in a thin growth of cat-tails. 2.

2. Black Tern (Hydrochelidon nigra surinamensis), July 2nd,
1915. Two sets of three eggs found at Butler’s Lake. Nests were
mats of reeds located among the cat-tails near the shore. The
nests were easily found by the actions of the old birds when
closely approached. 5.

3. Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos), July 2nd, 1915. The only
nesting record we have, is a female and ten downy young, seen on
a small lake in northwestern Lake County.

4, American Bittern (Botaurus lentiginosus), May 30th, 1914.
On this date, a female was flushed from a nest containing four
eges. It was a platform of matted reeds over a foot of water,
along the edge of the Skokie Marsh, just west of Highland Park. 4.

5. Least Bittern (Ixobrychus exilis), July 8th, 1915. Nest and
five eggs at Butler’s Lake, situated in a bed of dead reeds along
the shore. Other nests, found at Beach on June 7th, 1914, with
four eggs, and in the Skokie Marsh, on June 13th, 1915, also with
four eggs. This bird is not as abundant in the extensive Skokie
Marsh as at Beach and Butler’s Lake. 12.

6. Green Heron (Butorides v. virescens), June 2nd, 1915. Nest
at Beach in clump of willow trees. Made enirely of dead willow
twigs and contained five eggs. We have been told that a pair of

438 THE WILSON BULLETIN—NOoO. 93

Bobolink nest. Lake Co., Ill. W. A. Goelitz.

A Two-YEAR NESTING RECORD 439

Black-crowned Night Herons formerly nested in this exact loca-
tion. 2.

7. King Rail (Rallus elegans), May 19th, 1914. Nest with set
of twelve eggs located in Skokie Marsh, five feet from a ditch of
running water, and a hundred feet from a public road. Other dates
May 23rd, 1914, eleven eggs; June 7th, twelve eggs; June 13th,
1915, two nests with eleven eggs each. 7.

8. Virginia Rail (Rallus virginianus), June 14th, 1914. The
only nest found was in a small slough in the middle of a field.
A small platform of reeds with two eggs. This bird and also Sora
is very common during migrations, but is rarely seen in the sum-
mer.

9. Florida Gallinule (Gallinula galeata), July 2nd, 1915, a set
of nine eggs, just hatching, and on July 8th, a set of four eggs,
also hatching, were found at Butler’s Lake. The females were
flushed from both nests, which were masses of floating reeds. 2.

10. Coot (Fulica americana), July 8th, 1915. Many Coots seen
on a small lake, but only one nest found. It was in a small open
area, among the reeds along the shore, and held three eggs.

11. American Woodcock (Philohela minor), May 5th, 1914.
Nest in the woods at Ravinia about 100 feet from a house, and
seventy-five feet from an electric and a steam road. It was a slight
depression at the base of a small tree in a.bed of moss, lined with
a few dead leaves. On May 6th, the nest was again visited—the
eggs had hatched and the young gone. The Woodcock seems to
be becoming more common in Lake County. 4.

12. Prairie Hen (Tympanuchus a. americanus), May 22nd, 1915.
While visiting on a farm in the prairie country, a farmer showed
us two nests of this rare bird containing 12 and 14 eggs respect-
ively. They were in a hay-field a half mile from his barn, and a
quarter mile apart. One bird flushed readily, while the other could
almost be touched before leaving. The nest with 12 eggs was de-
stroyed, but the other hatched safely. 2.

13. Mourning Dove (Zenaidura macroura carolinensis), May
22nd, 1915. A nest composed of a few sticks and containing two
eggs was found on an island in the middle of Cedar Lake. 4.

14. Marsh Hawk (Circus hudsonius), May 18th, 1914. A set of
five eggs found in a patch of weeds on dry ground in Skokie Marsh.
Nest composed wholly of weed stems to form a pad about (five
inches thick. The same pair, supposedly, nested here this year,
but the nest was flooded by a three days’ raise of water.

15. Cooper’s Hawk (Accipiter cooperi), May 9th, 1915. A nest
was found on this date with one egg. On the seventeenth of May
it held four eggs, and on the next visit on June 17th, two of the
eggs were just hatching. The nest was about 45 feet up in a red

440) THE WILSON BULLETIN—NO. 93

King Rail nest. Lake Co., Ill. W. A. Goelitz.

A Two-YEAR NESTING REcorRD | 44]

oak, and was built of sticks on top of an old crow’s nest, and was
lined with a few pieces of bark. 5.

16. Red-shouldered Hawk (Buteo 1. lineatus). This is our most
common hawk. We found eleven nests with eggs in two years.
Earliest date for eggs is April 6th, and latest: is May 21st. In
climbing to these nests we were attacked only once.

17. Sparrow Hawk (Falco s. sparverius). May 8th, 1914, a nest
containing five eggs was found about 20 feet up in a dead stub
along the edge of a field. On May 19th, 1915, four eggs were taken
from this same stub. There was a bluebird’s nest above the cav-
ity occupied by the hawks. On the 29th of June the cavity was
occupied by a set of Flicker eggs. 4.

18. Screech Owl (Otus a. asio). May 20th, 1914, a nest contain-
ing two bad eggs and one young bird was found in a natural cav-
ity in a red oak. The tree was in the front yard of a home in the
center of Highland Park. 1.

19. Yellow-billed Cuckoo (Coccyzus a. americanus), July 26th,
1915. Nest was nine feet up on a horizontal branch of a Haw-
thorn tree. When the nest was first found, it contained one egg,
and was so thin that the egg could be seen through the bottom.
On the 26th the nest held a full set of three eggs, and was much
thicker than when first found, showing that eggs are sometimes
laid before the nests are completed, and also that the laying of an
egg does not stop the birds from completing the nest. Made of
twigs and grass. 2.

20. Black-billed Cuckoo (Coccyzus erythrophthalmus), August
10th, 1914. A nest was found in oak scrub, about four feet up, and
contained two young, which were about half grown. The nest was
a conical structure of twigs lined with a thick pad of oak leaves.
A few years ago a nest was found containing three eggs of the
Black-bill and one of the Yellow-bill. 4.

21. Belted Kingfisher (Ceryle alcyon). The only nest of this
bird found was destroyed by the slumping of the bluff along the
lake during a heavy rain.

22. Downy Woodpecker (Dryobates pubescens medianus), June
10th, 1915. Two young just out of the nest, were found on the
ground at Ravinia. The Downy is rather an uncommon summer
resident in Lake County.

23. Red-headed Woodpecker (Melanerpes erthrocephalus), June
7th, 1914. Set of five eggs found in hickory stub in vacant lot
between two houses. A queer set, with one runt, one normal, and
one extra large egg was found on May 25th, 1914.

24. Northern Flicker (Oolaptes auratus luteus), June 12th, 1915.
A large set of 12 eggs, one of which was a runt, was found on

442

THe WILSON BULLETIN—NO. 93

Lake Co., Ill. W. A. Goelitz.

Bittern nest.

A Two-YeEAR NESTING RECORD 443

!

this date at Beach. The nest was about twenty feet up in a pine
stub. Besides this two large sets of ten have been found in former
years. 10.

25. Chimney Swift (Chetura pelagica), June 22nd, 1915. Nest
and five eggs found about four feet down in a chimney. The female
would not leave the chimney, but remained clinging below the
nest. 4.

26. Ruby-throated Hummingbird (Archilochus colubris), June
25th, 1915. Nest about 35 feet up in white oak tree. Six feet
above it was a Redstart’s nest with two eggs. Nest made of plant
down, and covered on the outside with lichens. On the 23rd the
nest limb was cut off at the trunk, but as the nest contained only
one egg, the limb was wedged tightly between two branches and
when revisited on the 25th the female was found sitting on two
eggs, despite the fact that the nest had been moved three feet. 1.

27. Kingbird (Tyrannus tyrannus), June 10th, 1914. Three
eggs were found in a nest in the top of apple tree. The nest was
made mostly of grass. Another nest was found on a horizontal oak
limb, which also had three eggs. 6.

28. Crested Flycatcher (Myiarchus crinitus), June 2nd, 1915.
The only nest we have been able to locate, although this bird is
common throughout the county, was in a natural cavity forty feet
up in the broken top of a red oak. The three eggs were stained
yellow as if there had been a fourth egg which had been broken.
The nest contained the usual piece of snake skin.

29. Phoebe (Sayornis phebe), May 4th, 1914. Nest composed of
moss, grass, and mud, plastered on a jagged rock in culvert. Five
eggs. This nest was collected and then the birds succeeded in
raising two broods. They nest in this culvert every year. 10.

30. Wood Pewee (Myiochanes virens), June 28th, 1915. Thirty-
two feet up in the horizontal crotch of a white oak, a nest was
found; made of grass and covered with lichens and cobwebs. It
contained three eggs. 12.

31. Blue Jay (Cyanocitta c. cristata), June 15th, 1915. While
searching for a Migrant Shrike nest, we found this Blue Jay nest,
which held six eggs, about ten feet up in a hawthorn tree. An-
other set of six eggs was found May 2nd, 1914, in a thick cedar
tree. 25.

32. American Crow (Corvus b. brachyrhynchos), April 9th, 1915.
A nest was found in a leaning oak tree, made of sticks, grass, and
horse hair, and held the rather unusual number of seven eggs. At
least fifty nests found in two years.

33. Bobolink (Dolichonyx oryzivorus). On June 2nd, 1914, we
found a dark chocolate colored set of six eggs in a nest of grass,

444 THE WILSON BULLETIN—NOoO. 93

lined with horse hair, and placed on the ground at the base of a
clump of clover. On June 12th, 1915, another nest containing six
light gray eggs was found. 10.

34. Cowbird (Molothrus a. ater), May 14th, 1914. A Towhee
nest found on this date, contained one Towhee egg and eight Cow-
bird eggs. About fifty of the nests found during 1914 and 1915
held Cowbird eggs.

35. Yellow-headed Blackbird (Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus),
July 2nd, 1915. The only nesting colony of these birds found is at
Butler’s Lake, where on this date, a nest with four eggs was found.
It was composed of dead marsh grass, woven about several reeds
to form a basket. 7.

36. Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius p. pheniceus), May 23rd,
1914. A colony of thirty pairs was located in a small slough just
off the Skokie Marsh. On June 5th, 1915, a nest was found which
held five badly incubated eggs. At least 200 nests of this very
abundant bird have been found.

37. Meadowlark (Sturnella m. magna), May 5th, 1914. Nest
and six eggs found in the Skokie Valley. All nests found here
have had the entrance on the south side. 8.

38. Baltimore Oriole (Icterus galbula), June 5th, 1914. A nest
containing young was found in a maple tree 20 feet up, along a
roadside. Another nest was seen while being built, on May 28rd,
1915. 4.

39. Bronzed Grackle (Quwiscalus quiscula ceneus), May 28rd,
1915. On an island in Cedar Lake were found nine nests, all of
which contained young. Eleven nests were found on this island
last year. 20.

40. English Sparrow (Passer domesticus). One nest on May
14th, 1915, held six eggs and was built in a cavity in an oak tree,
from which they had driven a pair of Bluebirds.

41. Goldfinch (Astragalinus t. tristis), August 27th, 1915. Nest
in a sumach bush in a brushy field, containing six eggs. It was
made of fine grass and thistle-down, woven very compactly to-
gether. Earliest date for eggs July 21st, and latest September
2nd. 30.

42. Vesper Sparrow (Poecetes g. gramineus), July 16th, 1914.
In the corner of a bunker on the Old Elm Golf course, a nest with
four eggs was found. Although many players passed here daily,
these eggs hatched safely. 3.

43. Chipping Sparrow (Spizella p. passerina), June 12th, 1915.

9014} Ploy euUO ‘qoOvVeg 1B sj]soU 9oIJ} PUY 0} Ppestidins yonul
AJOA dJOM -9M OS ‘AJUNOD OAV] UI UoMWMODUN AOA ST PII SITLL

A Two-YEAR NESTING RECORD 445

young, and the others, three and four eggs respectively. A num-
ber of old nests were also found.

44. Field Sparrow (Spizella p. pusilla), May 9th, 1915. A fe-
male was flushed from a nest and four eggs, in a small hawthorn
bush six inches from the ground. A rather late date for eggs of
this bird is August 14th, when a nest with one fresh egg was
found. 7.

45. Song Sparrow (Melospiza m. melodia), May 30th, 1914.
Nest containing 5 eggs and one Cowbird egg was seen in a bed of
dead weeds along the Skokie Marsh. Late date: nest and four
eggs July 20th, 1915. This and the former are, outside of the Eng-
lish, our two most common sparrows. 6.

46. Swamp Sparrow (Melospiza georgiana), June 11th, 1915.
Five eggs. Nest composed entirely of grass and deeply hollowed,
situated in dead cat-tails about one foot above the ground. These
birds are very plentiful in the Skokie Marsh, and their nests are
extremely hard to find. 11.

47. Towhee (Pipilo e. erythrophthalmus), August 9th, 1914.
We found this nest while looking for Waxwings. It was two feet
up in a clump of hazel bushes, and held three eggs. We have no-
ticed that the early nests are placed on the ground, while the later
ones are always elevated. 5.

48. Cardinal (Cardinalis c. cardinalis), June 10th, 1914. Nest
in elderberry bush, about six feet up, containing three eggs. About
five years ago, a pair of Cardinals appeared in Highland Park, and
since then, they have been increasing so that now there are at
least five pairs breeding here every year.

49. Rose-breasted Grosbeak (Zamelodia ludoviciana), May 18th,
1914. The only nest of this bird found was in a hawthorn tree
ten feet up. It contained three eggs and two Cowbird eggs. These
birds are scarce in this locality.

50. Indigo Bunting (Passerina cyanea), July 26th, 1915. Nest
one foot above the ground in a clump of weeds beside a field of
wheat, containing three badly incubated eggs. A scarce bird most
years in Lake County. 2.

51. Searlet Tanager (Piranga erythromelas), July 17th, 1914.
This bird is about as common as the Rose-breasted Grosbeak. The
one nest found was on the end of an oak branch, and held three
eges.

52. Purple Martin (Progne s. subis), July 15th, 1915. There
were both fresh eggs and young birds, ready to fly, in a house,
which we examined today. There are many colonies of these
birds about here, and they take very quickly to the houses put
up for them.

446 THE WILSON BULLETIN—NO. 93

53. Cliff Swallow (Petrochelidon lunifrons). The only colony
which we have discovered in Lake county is on a barn a few miles
west of Highland Park. The birds were fairly common here five
or six years ago, but the English Sparrows are rapidly driving
them away.

54. Barn Swallow (Hirundo erythrogastra), June 12th, 1915. Of
the many colonies found, the most interesting was in a lumber
shed near Waukegan. We counted twenty-five new nests and as
many old ones. A set of six eggs was found here.

55. Tree Swallow (Jridoprocne bicolor), May 23rd, 1915. Two
nests were found on this date: one of which contained one egg,
and one which was being built. The birds have come to our at-
tention only lately, and have been found to be more common in
open country to the west than along the lake. At all nests the
birds showed no signs of fear. 4.

56. Bank Swallow (fRiparia riparia), June 2nd, 1914. At this
date only incomplete sets were found in a large nesting colony of
these birds in the bluff near Lake Forest, where they have nested,
to our knowledge, for the last ten years or more. There are about
150 pairs in this colony.

57. Cedar Waxwing (Bombycilla cedrorum), July 26th, 1915. A
nest found at Ravinia on this date contained six eggs. They breed
very commonly here in brushy situations. Other dates are two
sets of five each on August 2nd, 1915, and two other sets of five on
August 4th, 1915.

58. Red-eyed Vireo (Vireosylva olivacea), June 17th, 1914. Nest
found in thick wood on edge of Skodie Marsh in fork of witch-
hazel bush, and contained three young and one Cowbird. This
was the only nest we found where the young hatched. All the
others were deserted because of the Cowbird eggs laid in them.

59. Warbling Vireo (Vireosylva g. gilva), July 2nd, 1915. We
first met with this bird on May 28rd, 1915, when it was heard
singing. Not recognizing the song, we hunted the bird out with
some difficulty, and found this Vireo. On July 2nd, 1915, while
visiting at the same place, we were shown a Vireo’s nest, about
35 feet up in an oak tree, which proved to be a Warbling Vireo’s
nest, and held one young bird, just ready to fly. About a mile
from here a bird was heard singing a number of times, but no
nest was found.

60. Yellow-Warbler (Dendroica e. estiva). On June 13th, 1915,
two nests were found with four eggs each. These birds are very
abundant breeders in the brushy fields along the lake bluff and
the Skokie Marsh. This warbler, the Redstart, and the vireos
seem to be imposed upon by the Cowbird more than the other
birds. 12.

/

A Two-YEAR NESTING RECORD 447

61. Oven-bird (Seiuwrus auwrocapillus). We have been unable to
find a nest of this bird, although they are common enough in the
deep, damp woods throughout the county. On June 29th, 1915,
however, we were attracted by the distress cries of a pair of Oven-
birds, and found the cause to be a snake which had eaten one
young bird and was getting ready to catch another which was
perched on a nearby bush. The nest from which they had flown
could not be found.

62. Maryland Yellow-throat (Geothlypis t. trichas), June 17th,
1915. Nest situated on dry ground in bed of weeds; made of
grass, lined with horse hair, and contained five eggs. Another
nest with three eggs and two Cowbird eggs, was placed six inches
above a foot and a half of water in some ecat-tails. The Yellow-
throat is abundant throughout the Skokie Marsh, but the nests
are rather difficult to locate in the deep grass. 3.

63. Redstart (Setophaga ruticilla), June 22nd, 1915. A nest
with three eggs was found in some hazel bushes along a well trav-
eled road. It was about six feet up, and could easily be reached
from a wagon on the road. This warbler nests commonly in Lake
County, and places its nest anywhere from three to forty feet above
the ground. 9.

64. Catbird (Dumetella carolinensis), June 9th, 1915. A set of
five eggs was found about three feet up in some thick brush; nest
of twigs lined with weeds and grass. Another set of five was found
three years ago. This is a very common bird in this locality.

65. Brown Thrasher (Toxostoma rufum), May 22nd, 1914. A
nest located on the ground in a patch of may apples held five eggs.
In our experiences, sets of five have been very common in the last
two years.

66. House Wren (Troglodytes a. aédon), June 3rd, 1914. A
bird house placed in a front yard held seven eggs on this date.
They nest very commonly in houses put up for them. 12.

67. Long-billed Marsh Wren (TYelmatodytes p. palustris), June
15th, 1915. In the middle of the Skokie Marsh on this date we
found a nest of the usual globular shaped construction of cat-tails,
which contained seven eggs. This wren is very abundant in all
the marshes. On June 12th, 1915, out of the fifty nests examined
on Beach, only ten contained eggs. 25.

68. Chickadee (Penthestes a. atricapillus), May 15th, 1914. A
nest with two eggs was found in a stump two feet above the
ground. Many holes are partly excavated or even lined with feath-
ers or hair every spring, but rarely any eggs are laid.

69. Wood Thrush (Hylocichla mustelina), May 30th, 1914. Two
nests, each about eight feet up in saplings, on the edge of the Sko-

448 THE WILSON BULLETIN—NO. 93

kie Marsh, held four eggs and one Cowbird each on this date. The
Wood Thrush is a fairly common breeder around here. 6.

70. Robin (Planesticus m. migratorius), May 8th, 1914. Nest
with four eggs. Very common breeder. 25.

71. Bluebird (Sialia s. sialis). One pair of birds laid three sets
of five eggs on the following dates, in the same place, when they
were robbed: May 4th, May 19th, and June 27th, 1914.

THE CHRONICLE OF A TAME OLIVE-BACKED
DEURUSEL:

BY CORDELIA J. STANWOOD.

One day while following a trail through the woods that
lead to a boiling spring, I came upon the nest of an Olive-
backed Thrush in a low fir. The bird was lining it with dead
leaves. The following day the nest was completed, and in
due time the bird was brooding four beautiful green-blue
eges, speckled with golden-brown. I visited the nest when
it was time for the young to appear and found four nestlings.
When the young would be about ten days old (July 10, 1909)
I started for the spring once more, both hope and fear con-
tending in my soul. The nest was more or less exposed.
The nestling bird has many foes.

Although I made good time, it seemed as if my feet were
weighted with lead, so doubtful was I of the sequel. When
I actually beheld four sturdy young Thrushes in the nest I
could scarcely believe that what I had been anticipating so
long had actually come true.

In order to jearn as much as possible about the Olive-
backed Thrush, I had planned to take a young Thrush home
for a time, if I were so fortunate as to obtain one. The nest-
lings were already standing to strengthen the legs, as young
Thrushes and Robins do at times, one or two days before
leaving the nest. It seemed wise to leave my Thrush in the
nest as long as practicable. Still there was every indication
of a storm. The nest was more than a mile from home. If
I did not secure a nestling at once, it seemed doubtful if I

A TAME OLIVE-BACKED THRUSH oo Ala)

should have another opportunity, yet they made such a goodly
picture in the nest that I could not bear to disturb them.
After debating the question a few minutes, I concluded to
borrow a Thrush.

* There was no choice of nestlings. As I reached out my
hand toward the nest, the four hopped over the side in dif-
ferent directions, each giving vent to a startling chirp. I
pursued the one that sped up the pathway and thought my-
self very fortunate to overtake him.

The parent birds came to the succor of the young imme-
diately with cries of whit! whit! whit! but remained in con-
cealment. I placed the little bird in the corner of the grape
basket which I carried and covered him with my handker-
chief. He began to call schree! in a sweet, silvery whistle,
and struggled to get free. It was almost 9 o'clock in the
morning when I made the capture. The day was hot; I was
obliged to go home by a longer way as there was another
bird’s nest to visit. I set out with trepidation.

Upon finding some strawberries in a hayfield I took the lit-
tle bird out of the basket to feed him. He trembled, relaxed
his claws, closed his eyes and nestled in my hands. After
this we walked a number of miles through the woods, the
little bird standing on the edge of my basket, or on my
sleeve. Sometimes I put him down on the ground while I
let him catch mosquitoes. Once or twice he dodged under
a leaf or hid in the grass, but these were the only indications
of fear that he now showed, aside from the fact that he re-
fused to open his beak for food. He ate two strawberries,
taking them bit by bit with the tip of his nib.

It was noon when we reached. the house. I stood the
Thrush on the sill of a screened window. Seizing an ant’s
egg,’ a bit of earthworm, or a piece of grasshopper with the
tips of the scissors, I tried to tempt the little bird to eat. He
did nothing but call lustily. Then I placed him on my knee,

1 At this date the grasshoppers are just beginning to come. Most
of them are under a half inch in length. Ants’ eggs are very
plenty.

450 THE WILSON BULLETIN—No. 93

put my hand around him and moved the tempting morsel in
a circle around his beak. It was of no use. The bird con-
tinued to make a loud, automatic chirp.

I, too, was troubled. Suppose that he should starve to
death! If I carried him back to the woods, would the parent
birds be in the vicinity of the nest? Thus I meditated. Still
the little fellow refused to eat.

In the meantime a child came who begged me to visit a
nest which she had found in a hayfield more than a mile and
a half distant. I argued that the little bird would not eat
-until he became sufficiently hungry. I could not hurry the
matter by standing by. I went with Dorothy.

It was 4:30 p. m. when I returned. I sat on the mat where
the food was in the middle of the room and took up the scis-
sors. The moment that the Thrush heard the scissors click
he flew from the windowsill to the floor and opened his beak
for food. He ate two earthworms, cut up into bits, then he
perched on my knee and preened his feathers, pulling off
fragments of the quill casings. In the future he never hesi-
tated to take food when he was hungry.

As it began to grow dark the Thrush mounted the lilac
branch which I had placed for a roost in a large packing box
in the corner of the room for him, laid the tips of his beak
on his wing and went to sleep.

At 3:30 the following morning the little visitor began to
call for food. I carried him to a spring not very far from
the house, but he was not ready to bathe. He hopped around
while I dug earthworms, and ate four with a relish.

Yesterday, instinct prompted the little bird to hide among
the grasses and under the leaves; today, instinct prompted
him to perch high in a tree. Here he slept as if he were a
part of the great out-of-door world. After eating he always
took a nap. The second evening, when the Thrush went to
roost, he really tucked his beak under his wing.

At this stage the Olive-backed Thrush has large, intelligent,
hazel eyes that look black in shadow; he is exquisitely col-
ored. The upper parts are olive, speckled with golden-buffy ;

A TAME OLIVE-BACKED THRUSH oy ual

the underparts are buffy on the throat and breast, and silvery-
white on the belly. The breast and belly are spotted with
black. The feet and legs are a. mixture of flesh-color and
brown-gray. Speaking colloquially, the legs of the Olive-
backed Thrush are very long in proportion to the body. The
beak is brown-gray, and the throat is lined with a rare golden-
yellow. The bird is light and graceful in all his motions.

On the third day of his sojourn in a strange land, the
Thrush perched on my hand and snuggled against my throat.
When I wrote in my notebook, he insisted on standing in the
book. I caressed him; he then perched on my arm.

It took me four days to teach the young bird to bathe in
the basin of water in the house. Although I put pebbles in
the bottom for him to stand on, he always looked askance at
that basin. At last, however, he consented to take a thorough
bath and flapped his wings vigorously. (I have since found
that young Thrushes will go to a brook and bathe on sight
of the water after they have been out of the nest a few days.)

The fifth day was, perhaps, the most memorable of all these
days with the wonderful little Olive-backed Thrush. On this
day he sang a baby Thrush song several times. It was not
complete and very husky, but it was most fascinating. I could
barely catch the strains in the adjoining room. A person
would never notice it in the woods.

Again, while I was writing in my notebook the interesting
facts of the day, the Thrush flew from the window, alighted
in my book, and began to peck at my pen. I suppose that
he mistook it for the scissors with which I fed him, but it
looked as if he wished to keep me from writing. His next
move was to back across the page until his tail feathers touched
my hand. I smoothed his feathers with one finger — his fa-
vorite caress. Then he turned and presented his breast. [
thought that the whole pretty scene might have been an acci-
dent. ‘Twice I returned the Thrush to the window sill and
the second and the third time he came in like manner. At
last he perched on my shoulder, but continued to chirp for
attention. After this, whenever opportunity offered, he came
to be petted.

452 THE WILSON BULLETIN—NOoO. 93

This same day he picked up ants’ eggs from the floor, like-
wise an ant, and showed an automatic tendency to pick up
everything.

Each time he picked up an egg I said “ good,” and he made
a little squeal of delight. It seemed as if he waited for me
to say “good” each time before taking another egg. When
he picked up anything his manner was most ludicrous. First
he opened his beak far too wide, then he twisted his mandi-
bles awry while he examined the morsel first with one eye,
and then with the other, while he kept up an excited twit-
ter, just as young birds do when the parents carry food to
the nest. The little squeals of delight, coupled with the acts
of the baby Thrush seemed to say nothing less than “ Do you
see what a brave boy am I?”

As time went on, he ate larger and larger numbers of ants’
egos. One day when I was out, he picked up thirty ants’
eggs from the windowsill; on my return he flew into my bas-
ket, selected a grasshopper and ate it. He cared less for
earth worms as he grew older.

During the outings that the Thrush and I frequently took,
he bathed in the brook and nibbled off bits of grass and
plants. He occasionally picked up an earthworm. When he
heard a noise or a strange sound, he laid his feathers very
flat, and strained up his neck to listen. At such times he
looked very small and wild. His sunbaths were always short.
He preferred the shade after a minute.

The Thrush was constantly doing interesting things. One
evening he begged for a high perch. I tacked a second lilac
branch over a door and he was satisfied.

On another occasion he pecked at the handle of the little
silver spoon in his cup of water. It gave a ringing sound.
He repeated it several times. I think that he went to the
cup for water as some tame Thrushes that I had later used
to peck at the cup when they wanted water, and at the paper
containing steak when they wanted steak.

While he was with me, a terriffic thunderstorm, accom-
panied by rain and hail, seemed to come from three directions

A TAME OLIVE-BACKED THRUSH 4523

and meet over the house. The wind lashed the branches of
the trees. The young Thrush, perched in an open window,
sang his Thrush song over and over during the storm.

The day after the thunderstorm I entertained a caller for
nearly two hours. The Thrush became so excited that he
sang all the time that my friend was present. From that
time on he sang very little.

One morning I left a basket of fragrant, old-fashioned
roses on the couch. They were across the room from where
the Thrush cuddled half asleep. He flew to the bed, hopped
all around the roses and pecked softly at leaves, buds and
petals. He acted as if he were caressing the petals with his
beak.

When the Thrush was eight days old, he ate so much that
the united efforts of the children and myself were not suf-
ficient to keep him in fresh insect food. I began feeding him
some steak. He was very fond of it, as well as bread and
milk. After eating, he usually gave several comfortable lit-
tle grunts. Always when he had sufficient food, he ran rap-
idly away.

After studying the Thrush twelve days in the house, the
thirteenth morning I placed him in a bit of evergreen woods
above a swale with a brook running through it. Here I cared
for him while he learned the ways of the wood folk.

I purposely did not give the Thrush much food as I knew
that his salvation depended on his own exertions. I fed him
once in about three hours.

In the afternoon I was at the spring with some friends.
The Thrush heard our voices and in a moment drifted like a
bit of thistle down to the shoulder of one of the young ladies.

We fed him and he caught mosquitoes and grasshopers
for our delectation. When he caught a grasshopper he tore
the legs and wings off before eating it.

It is surprising to see what the woods will do for a young
bird. The Thrush learned in one day to use his beak with
great rapidity and precision. He flew into the air a foot for
mosquitoes and sometimes a yard or more for other insects.
He ate so rapidly that I ceased feeding him with the scissors.

454 THE WILSON BULLETIN—NO. 93

At 8:00 p. m. I went to the pasture and placed the Thrush .
on a high perch. He made many changes. It took him a
long time to select a satisfactory roost. It was characteristic
of the bird.

I usually found the bird in the vicinity of the clump of
evergreens where I first placed him. In the beginning he
flew to me and begged for food. I let him follow while I
went to hunt for grasshoppers. He showed a tendency to
keep to the cover of bits of brush, small bushes and clumps
of ferns and bracken. The bird caught mosquitoes, picked
up moths, ants, grasshoppers and spiders continually.

Later the Thrush waited to be called’ When I said “Come,
Pet!” he answered chu! chu! in a mere whisper.

One evening it was dark and foggy at 7:40. The wind
was south of east. There was rain in the air. The Thrush
begged so hard for food that I had to go over the clumps of
hay scented ferns on my hands and knees to find the grass-
hoppers hiding at the bottom. He killed everything that he
ate. He spent a very long time oiling his feathers, which con-
firmed me in the opinion that it would rain before morning.

Finally, he insisted on following me home. Three times
he perched on my head. At last I ran and hid behind some
bushes and under this cover escaped. I spent fifty-five min-
utes in a futile attempt to put him to bed. The next morn-
ing the Thrush was dry, although there were fog showers
during the night. He was feeding, but came at my call. I
then introduced him to ant hills.

At dawn the next day, before I arose, I heard a noisy rout
of Crows in possession of the pasture. (I suppose that they
were feeding on grasshoppers, which were common this
year.) I hurried to the brook and called and hunted for the
Thrush for more than an hour before he answered. He
was very frightened and had hidden in a high pine.

I felt that the tame Thrush was thoroughly educated. He
knew where to drink and bathe, where to find mosquitoes,
moths, spiders, ants, ants’ eggs, grasshoppers and earth-

House Wrens as I Know THEM 455

worms. The wealth of a strong, young bird was at his dis-
posal.

It was 8 in the evening of our fifth day out-of-doors. The
woodlands were full of Olive-backed Thrushes and Hermit
Thrushes that had come down to the swale to drink and
bathe with the Robins. I called the Thrush a full half hour
before he answered me in the usual grove. He came reluct-
antly. He was nearly as large as a full-grown bird. His
tail was two inches long. ‘When I called, the woods seemed
alive with Thrushes. To my “Come, Pet!” the Hermits re-
sponded chuck! chuck! p-e-e-p! and the Olive-backed an-
swered wit! whit! whit! whit-ye, whit-ye-er! The Thrushes
were in full song. The warm, misty, moonlit woods fairly
palpitated with their wonderfully beautiful strains.

The young Thrush partook of thirteen small grasshoppers.
As I put him on a high perch for the night he floated out
into the swale. I looked for him carefully in the low spruce
where he seemed to alight. He was not here, but I heard
the plashing of his wings in one of the sedgy little pools. The
Olive-backed Thrushes called persistently, insistently, a few
feet from where I stood.

The moonlight, the mist, and the birds were bewitching,
but it was growing late and I had to tear myself away.

After this exeprience I called and hunted for the Thrush
several days, but he never came again to my summons. He
had heard “the call of the wild” and responded!

HOUSE ‘WRENS AS I KNOW THEM.
BY MARY E, HATCH.

I have always been especially fond of birds, but particu-
larly is this true of the little house wren.

While I watch eagerly each spring for the return of the
birds, and rejoice in seeing each new species come back, yet
there is a little more joy experienced upon seeing my favorite
wrens once more than in beholding all the others.

456 THE WILSON BULLETIN—NO. 93

Usually I have been content merely to watch the wrens in
their nest building ; their squabbles among themselves and with
other birds, becoming their protector when necessary. Truly,
these little mites are most companionable, original and
amusing.

‘However, in the spring of 1912, I had both an unusually
good nest for closer observations and the time to devote to
it. This particular box was not the bird’s first choice by any
means. Three others were tried, only to be given up, and
when it was accepted finally, some of the twigs taken to the
other boxes were laboriously hauled out of the little holes
and carried to this new nest box, notwithstanding the fact
that twigs were to be found in abundance within a few feet
of the accepted box.

The nest was begun May 4th and the first egg was laid
May 12th. One egg each day was deposited in the nest, un-
til there were eight. They began to hatch the 30th—one each
day for seven days. The eighth never hatched.

Tiny spiders were fed to the young wrens first; then very
small bugs; then larger ones; and finally beetles, crickets,
larger spiders, moths, worms, etc., were crammed into the
yawning mouths. The fledglings grew very fast, leaving the
nest the 18th of June.

The very next day the same pair of wrens began a new
nest in another box on the same porch. The first ege was
laid the 23d, which shows the birds were not so fastidious
in its construction, for it took but four days to complete it,
while the first required eight. Five eggs were laid this time,
and five new wrens began to shift for themselves in the course
of two weeks or so.

Wrens will build near your house or within a shed if there
is any chance to get into it. They do not always demand a
carefully made nest box. In fact, sometimes they seem to
prefer simpler quarters. One year I placed a branch from
a tree in my summer kitchen, and at its end had a good box
with a door the size of a quarter of a dollar in it. I find
this size is just right to admit wrens and shut out sparrows.

House Wrens as I Know THEM 457

This arrangement was all right so far as the path to the nest
went; but, instead of building in the box, the birds went a
little beyond and built upon an overturned scrub brush lying
on the scantling.

I know of a pair once placing their nest in a clothespin
basket and on top of the clothespins. Of course they were
left unmolested to raise their brood. . Another built in an
empty syrup can.

I find wrens like to have a good approach to their summer
homes. They appreciate a ledge, limb, or anything upon
which they can first alight.

This year (1915) I had four nest boxes—two under porches
and two in trees. The one in the arbor vitae tree was chosen
first; then one on the back porch; then one on the front
porch; but the one in the elm tree, for some reason, was not
used.

There was something about the nest on the back porch
that was not altogether satisfactory, for they began a nest
there several times, but left to start new ones within the cor-
nice of the roof. These places were one after the other
boarded up, thus shutting them out; and finally they began
on the porch nest in earnest. They raised six birds here, and
found porches so satisfactory, they took the other one for
their second nest, where they raised but three birds.

The largest brood any of my birds has ever had is seven;
but a neighbor had nine in one nest this summer. My last
brood left here July 31st—somewhat late; but there was one
in another neighbor’s yard that stayed until August 20th.

Wrens are most sociable, and show very plainly that they
like people. They seem to enjoy the coming and going—
even though the screen door bangs quite often. During those
days when they are feeding the little ones, they do more or
less scolding of the people whom they have adopted; but do
we not likewise grow impatient and irritable with our best
beloved when we are busy, anxious and harassed? With
all our faults they love us still; and will build nests about us
every season if we put up boxes, drive away cats, sparrows

458 THE WILSON BULLETIN—NO. 93 y

and other enemies—thus showing them we are interested
and want them for neighbors.
McGregor, Iowa.

AN UNINTENTIONAL BIRD PRESERVE.
BY C. W. G. EIFRIG.

Some twenty-eight years ago Mr. Edward C. Waller, of
River Forest, bought a tract of a hundred acres of land in
the northern part of this village. This is now one of the
finest suburbs of Chicago, being separated from the metrop-
olis by Oak Park, another beauty spot in the outskirts of the
great city, but at that time largely a more or less swampy
prairie. Although bought for the sole reason to be later on
sold again, Mr. Waller immediately started to improve the
land by planting great quantities of fine shrubs and trees on
it, in straight lines, to border the streets that would later have
to cross the tract, and in irregular groves and clumps. Nearly
all native species of shrubs and trees that can be enumerated,
together with many exotic ones, found places in this new
beauty spot. It is even said that the owner bought out two
nurseries to get enough material. Although at that time
hhouses were few and far between, yet the owner soon found
that men and boys would come and cut down some of his
largest trees for firewood or other purposes, and the ever-
greens, probably, for Christmas trees. To stop this he erected
an eight-foot barbed wire fence around the tract of eighty
acres, which is now between Chicago Avenue and Division
Street, north and south, and between Lathrop and Park Ave-
nues, east and west. Several men were employed summer
and winter to keep the place in order.” A house and barn are
in the center of the tract. All this has now, after a quarter
of a century, resulted in as fine a private park and botanical
garden, so to say, as can be imagined, as idyllic a spot as
can be made away from hills or mountains and in the absence
of brook, pond or lake. For perfectly idyllic conditions of
scenery these are undoubtedly indispensable. In May and
June especially the many species of spiraea, lonicera, lilac,

AN UNINTENTIONAL BIRD PRESERVE 459

viburnum, forsythia, barberry, Japanese quince, and many
others bloom at their best and waft their fragrance through
the air; when the buck-eye and catalpa illuminate the foliage
with their exquisite candelabra of white and vie for first
place in the race of beauty with double-flowering cherries
and crab-apples, with the lovely pink of the red bud or Judas
tree flaming up in between, it is certainly an aspect of fairy-
like beauty.

Then also the birds are at their best. For the selfsame
fence that has proved the salvation of the trees and bushes
in the fairy garden, has likewise kept out men and boys with
guns, and the house cat is also practically unknown. This gives
the birds the privacy and security, which they cherish so
much; furthermore, the many fruiting shrubs and trees sup-
ply all necessary food for those that care to stay. While the
number of migrants, though large enough, is not as large
as it would be if the Desplaines River, with its wooded banks
and its south and north course were not so near, the number
of nesting birds is abnormally large. A census of them
made June 3d had the following results: Six Bluebirds, 8
Robins, 18 Brown Thrashers, 8 Catbirds, 11 Field Sparrows,
2 Song Sparrows, 4 English Sparrows, 1 Goldfinch, 4 Cow-
birds, 5 Baltimore Orioles, 3 Meadowlarks, 4 Bobolinks (near
the north fence, where large pastures adjoin), 1 Nighthawk,
10 Flickers, 1 Red-headed Woodpecker, 6 Blue Jays, 1 Crow,
5 Wood Pewees, 1 Red-eyed Vireo, 4 Chimney Swifts, 6
Mourning Doves, and 1 Pheasant (probably Mongolian), a
total of 108 pairs. While in some cases the same bird may
have been counted twice, or in others, as in the Doves, both ~
birds of a pair counted, yet I feel convinced that the result
is rather below the truth than above. Undoubtedly there are
more Redheads, Vireo, Crows and Blue Jays nesting than
we counted; probably also more Goldfinches, and I think In-
digo Buntings, Cuckoos and Cedar Waxwings have added
themselves later to the list. Besides, we saw a Willow
Thrush, an Olive-sided Flycatcher and a Woodcock, which
did not nest there, as likely also as not the Nighthawk and the
Pheasant. On the morning in question, we also did not see

460 THE WILSON BULLETIN—NO. 93

Bachman’s Sparrow, of which a pair or two were here and
no doubt bred, having been seen by the writer repeatedly
from May 9th to July 2d.

Professor W. W. Cooke, of Washington, writes me that
the number of nesting birds for ‘‘Waller’s Park” is higher
than the average for this vicinity. This shows again what
protection does for birds, unintentional even as it was and
is in this case. I may add that the method used in getting
the above result was the one advocated by the Biological Sur-
vey of the Department of Agriculture at Washington, viz.
several observers went through the tract, beginning at 6
o'clock in the morning until finished, walking in paraliel lines,
the supposition being that at that time of the year and in that
part of the day the birds seen will be males—as was borne
out by this census in the case of those species in which the
sexes can readily be told—and each male representing a
breeding pair.

River Forest, Illinois.

~

PIV HOURS ON BUREE RS Ak
AIS COWIN dye miele:

BY WALTER A. GOELITZ.

This lake covers from thirty to forty acres and is surround-
ed by a few wood-lots, pastures, house yards, and a public
road. The margin is shallow and swampy, with cat-tails and
reeds extending in from twenty to two hundred feet from
the hilly ground surrounding the lake. The birds of Butler's
Lake are protected the year around and for that reason many
can be found there that are scarce or wholly wanting in simi-
lar regions in Lake County.

I spent only two hours there on my first trip on July 2,
1915, but had the good luck to find twelve nests. The first
of these nests was that of a Yellow-headed Blackbird and
contained three eggs. This was a find of some note to me,
for not only was it the first of its kind I have ever found, but
also because Butler’s Lake is the only place in Lake County
where these blackbirds breed. In the extensive Skokie Marsh,

Rive EiOURSTONN > UGEERIS) Ib AKis 461

which covers several thousand acres and which is located just
five miles to the east, no Yellow-heads can be found, even in
migration time. During the remainder of the two hour’s
hunt two or more nests were found containing four eggs and
three young, respectively. Besides these nests there were
some twenty young birds scrambling through the reeds or
sunning themselves on dead cat-tail stalks.

The next nest found was that of the Pied-billed Grebe with
five eggs. It was situated in the center of a small open area
in the reeds along the shore. The eggs were uncovered. An-
other nest of this grebe was found in a more open situation
on the other side of the lake and contained seven warm, un-
covered eggs. About two hundred feet away from the first
grebe’s nest was found a Florida Gallinule’s nest and set of
nine eggs. Most of the eggs were pipped and one egg
was nearly hatched. This egg I put in my pocket, where it
hatched, and afterward the young was given to Mr. Henry
Ke Coale, of Hichland Park; Ill

Within a few feet of the Gallinule’s nest a Least Bittern
was flushed from its nest in a small clump of dead rushes.
The nest was a foot above the water and held four fresh eggs.
Another similarly situated nest was found a little later con-
taining four eggs. A few hundred feet further on about fif-
teen Black Terns were flying around a certain spot where
the reeds grew far out into the lake. They were much alarmed
at my presence and kept up an incessant screaming. Three
Black Tern nests were located, two containing three eggs
each and the other, two eggs. All three were composed of
a small mat of rushes floating on the water, and in one the
eggs were lying in a quarter of an inch of water. The last
nest for the first day was a Kingbird’s in an oak tree near
the lake with three well incubated eggs.

In wading through the marshy edge I flushed many other
birds, such as King Rails, Sora, Coot, Mallard, Bittern, Red-
wing, Green Heron, and Long-billed Marsh Wren. I saw
one female Mallard with ten young and also many empty or
dummy nests of the Marsh Wrens, beside other large nests
resembling those of the King Rail and Bittern.

462 THE WILSON BULLETIN—No. 93

In order to take some pictures of these nests I again went
out to Butler’s Lake on the eighth of July. I spent three
hours in taking pictures and in finding new nests. Only a
few of the pictures were good, because of the high wind that
was blowing and shaking the nests. On this day two more
Black Tern nests, with two eggs and two young, were found
in the same part of the lake that those on July 2 were found.
One of the young swam out of sight before I could focus my
camera. Another Florida Gallinule nest was found with
four pipped eggs and some shell chips, from which | sup-
pose others had hatched and had already taken to water. Of
the Least Bittern, four were located. One had five eggs, two
held four eggs each, and a fourth had four broken eggs.
Two Yellow-headed Blackbird nests with three eggs each,
one with one egg, and another with four well grown young
were seen; also one Red-winged Blackbird’s with four young.
In a very open situation between two beds of reeds my first
Coot nest was discovered containing three eggs.

I consider Butler’s Lake to be an oasis of water birds in
Lake County. The whole county is thoroughly hunted fall
and spring, therefore the wealth of bird life is due wholly
to protection and not especially to food supply, for there are -
over a hundred lakes in Lake County similar in situation and
adaptability for water birds to Butler’s Lake.

Ravinia, Illinois. ;

CARDINALS IN NORTHEASTERN IOWA.
BY MARY E. HATCH, M’GREGOR, IOWA.

The first cardinal seen in this part of the country, so far
as I know—at least the first to be recorded, was on Decem-
ber 11, 1906. It appeared in the yard adjoining the one
where we lived, in the north end of this little bluff bordered
town. |

The ground was well covered with snow; so it is not hard
to imagine my surprise and delight, upon looking out of my
kitchen window, in seeing this beautiful dash of red against
the white background. And what was he doing? Feeding

CARDINALS IN NORTHEASTERN IOWA 463

with English sparrows! A true aristocrat at the table of a
plebeian.

A year or so passed and no further sight of a cardinal.
Then we began to see them occasionally. Soon they were
more in evidence, and now (1915), they are comparatively
common. I have them every winter feeding at my table; and
at least twenty other people in town have them as well. They
are not the same ones, for once, when we had a pair here, we
telephoned to a friend at the other end of the town, who had
a bird table, too, to see if she happened at that moment to
have any. She reported three.

Like robins, cardinals prefer to build near houses. One
built in an arbor this spring and right in the path leading to
the house, where many were coming and going.

One of our bird lovers reported the following delightful
experience this spring: She was climbing one of the nearby
wooded bluffs, and came upon a cardinal family. The old
birds were instructing the fledglings. It was not quite clear
what the male was at that moment trying to teach; but prob-
ably it was a lesson in voice culture. All were on the ground,
while the teacher was whistling a low sweet melody. His
head was lowered to the ground, and all the little ones were
imitating this pose.

Cardinals winter well in this locality and come out in the
spring in good condition. They sleep mostly within close
branches of evergreen trees. Corn is their favorite food,
though they will eat almost anything that other birds will.
They can crack a kernel of corn as easily as a squirrel does
a nut.

We hope the cardinal grosbeaks have come to stay; and
mean to do everything in our power to make them know how
welcome they are.

We have a great many birds here both winter and sum-
mer. Conditions are favorable. We have the grand old
Mississippi River and. its tributaries to furnish water; we
have the surrounding tree-covered bluffs. Then we have a
people here who appreciate the worth of birds, giving them
food, shelter and protection.

THE WILLS ON BULLE

A Quarterly Magazine Devoted to the Study of Birds. Official Or-
gan of the Wilson Ornithological Club

Edited by LYNDS JONES

PUBLISHED BY THE WILSON ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB, AT CHICAGO, ILL.

Price in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, One Dollar a year, 30 cents a number
post paid. Price in all countries in the International Postal Union, $1.25 a year, 40 cents
anumber. Subscriptions may be sent to Lynds Jones, Oberlin, Ohio, or to Mr. P. B
Coffin, 8232 Groveland Avenue, Chicago, III.

OFFICERS FOR THE CURRENT YEAR

President: Dr. T. C. Stephens, Morningside, Sioux City, Iowa.

Vice-President: Geo. L. Fordyce, Youngstown, Ohio.

Secretary: Thos. L. Hankinson, Charleston, IIl.

Treasurer: P. B. Coffin, 3232 Groveland Ave., Chicago, II].

Editor ‘“‘The Wilson Bulletin’: Lynds Jones, Spear Laboratory,
Oberlin, Ohio.

Business Manager: Gerard Alan Abbott, 1543 Hast 61st, St.,
Chicago, Ill.

2

EDITORIAL

The distressing delay in mailing the September number of this
Bulletin must be laid at the door of those who handled the issue
as freight. The shipment went far astray, just how far may not
be known. It was nothing for which the officers of the Club can
be held responsible, and nothing that could have been foreseen.

The Third Annual Meeting of the Wilson Ornithological Club
will be held in Columbus, Ohio, December 28 and 29, in the Horti-
cultural Building of the Ohio State University, in conjunction with
the American Association for the Advancement of Science. There
is every indication that there will be a large attendance.

The editor is obliged to defer the reviews of the ornithological
magazines until the next number. They contain papers which
should receive more attention than it would be possible to give
them in the space and time at our disposal with this number.

Hereafter the “ Bluebird,’ which has been under the manage-
ment of Dr. Eugene Swope, Cincinnati, Ohio, will be issued from
Cleveland, Ohio, under the auspices of the Cleveland Bird Lovers
Association. It will be edited by Mrs. Elizabeth C. T. Miller. We
wish it success in its new environment. The new address is 1010
Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio.

GENERAL NOTES 465

GENERAL NOTES

NORTHERN PHALAROPE IN MAHONING COUNTY, OHIO.

A Northern Phalarope (Lobipes lobatws) was seen by the writer
at Pine Lake, Mahoning County, Ohio, October 9th, 1915.

The bird spent part of the time on the shore feeding, and part
in floating on the choppy surface of the lake, about two feet from
the shore. It took to the water possibly for recreation or diver-
sion, aS it was not seen to take food while in the water.

It was most pleasing to see this small shorebird swimming with
such surprising ease and grace. This is the first known record
for this species in Mahoning County.

JOHN P. YOUNG.

SCREECH OWL OCCUPYING A BOX.

Early this spring I constructed from fir lumber a large nest box
according to design No. 19 in U. S. Bulletin, “ Bird boxes and how
to build them.” This box is large enough for sparrow hawks and
sereech owls, and was privately dedicated to the use of a screech
owl, who seemed to be staying in the neighborhood. Until re-
cently there were no signs of occupancy. The past few weeks the
owl has been giving his peculiar vocal selections, morning and eve-
ning, from the group of trees where the box is hung, and a few
days ago I was fortunate enough to find him peering out into the
dusk, awaiting a favorable time to begin his nocturnal hunting.
Since then he can be seen every evening, his oddly shaped head
having the appearance of a kitten looking out of the hole.

A couple of largest size Perry boxes have hung in these trees
for a year or so, but either the openings are not quite large enough,
or the locations are in some way unsuitable, as they have never
been used. The board box now occupied is placed in a thick part
of the tree, facing southeast. This direction protects the opening
from our coldest winds, as well as the heat and sunshine of most
of the day. I feel much gratified to know this interesting and val-
uable feathered guest has accepted my hospitality, and joined the
other birds who make our yard their winter home.

Although screech owls are common enough in all towns, reports
of their occupying boxes are not often seen, and I venture to men-
tion this instance to the Wilson Club, for the benefit of others who
may be cultivating their acquaintance.

Iowa, Nov. 1915. Hi Deseo [enn fe

466 THE WILSON BULLETIN—No. 93

CARDINAL AT WYALUSING, WIS.

I must record that today, January 8, we observed a Cardinal on
the high bluff overlooking the Mississippi, in what is now State
Park lands, here at Wyalusing. We have had them for several
winters, but always in the lowlands, but today he was here eating
the crumbs not eight feet from our door. We are going to take
note of his stay with us.

These few lines enclosed were suggested by his appearance. Per-
haps you can find use for them in the Wilson Bulletin.

I intend soon to write what influence on the bird life here the
establishment of the park has had.

“Oh, dear Kentucky Cardinal,
You come with scarlet coat,—
With plumage gay; with merry call,—
Each trill a perfect note!

“Why come you now, oh Cardinal,
When all the woods are bare,
When snow and ice fast bind the creek,
And frost is in the air?

“Ts it because, my Cardinal,
This old world seems so drear,
You come with song and plumage gay,
To make a note of cheer?”
(Miss) ELMA GLENN.

Wyalusing, Wis., Jan. 8, 1915.

PUBLICATIONS REVIEWED

Wild Bird Guests. How to Entertain Them. With chapters on
the destruction of birds, their economic and esthetic values, sug-
gestions for dealing with their enemies, and on management of
bird clubs. By Ernest Harold Baynes. With 50 photogravure
illustrations from photographs. New York: EH. P. Dutton and

Company. 1915.

To those who are acquainted with the exceptional ability of the
author of this book to attract the birds even to the familiarity of
inducing them to a light upon his person and even take food from
his lips, this book comes as a most welcome teacher of methods
and results. The scope of the book and its mission are well shown
by the titles of the three parts into which it is divided. Part I
states the reasons “ Why Birds Need Protection,” in four chap-

PUBLICATIONS REVIEWED 467

ters. Part II states “Why it is Worth While to Give Protection,”
in terms of “Money Values” and “Atsthetic and Moral Values.”
Part III is concerned with “How We Can All Help to Protect
Birds.” An Appendix is concerned with directions for organizing
bird clubs for purposes of protecting birds. The book is certain
to be of great value in the campaign for better protection to
birds. L, J.

Conclusions from a Study of Ornithology. By Howard Jones, A.B.,
A.M., M.D., Circleville, Ohio. 1915. Read before the Audubon
Club of Columbus, Ohio, February, 1915. Published by the Author.

The meat of this published address, which covers 22 printed
pages, may perhaps be indicated by the following quotation: ‘“‘ The
proper study of ornithology will give a new outlook upon the uni-
verse, a new attitude toward everything, because, we shall lay
aside our emotions and act upon our intelligence. We shall know
we are hunting the mystery of life and matter for ourselves, and,
that every fact learned is an effort to state that mystery in terms;
that every observation and discovery help us to spell some new
word. ‘As we advance we shall see clearly that TRUTH, JUSTICH,
LOVE and AFFECTION are not eternal abstract principles shin-
ing like sunlight from a great distance across our path.’ We shall
see clearly that life carries in itself these qualities. That they
are potentially in every living cell, ‘that they are in us, move
with us, and that their horizon is our own.’” Ibn Ve

Simultaneous Action of’ Birds: A Suggestion. By Winsor M. Ty-
ler, M.D. From The Auk, Vol. XXXII, No. 2, April, 1915. Pp.
198-208.

The argument is based upon the assumption that there is actual
simultaneous action of birds, and the ‘ telepathic action’ is invoked
to account for the supposed simultaneous action. The only proof
which we have that there is actual simultaneous action is the hu-
man eye, unless there be actual photographs—which the writer
has not seen. It seems unlikely that the human eye could be relied
upon in the case of such rapid motion as the quick turnings of flocks
of birds so often exhibit. Indeed, it would be the exceptional pho-
tograph which would prove reliable here. That there is a quicker
response to fright stimuli in birds than in man ‘there is probably
no question, but that such response is instantaneous is open to

serious question. Iby We

The Birds of Dickinson County, Michigan. By Frederick M. Gaige.
Reprinted from Sixteenth Report Michigan Academy of Science.
Pp. 74-91.

The list was compiled between June 30 and August 24, both in-

468 THe WiLtson BULLETIN—No,. 93

clusive, 1909, while the writer of this report was attached to a field
party sent out by the Michigan Geological and Biological Survey
to investigate the biology of the region about Brown Lake, Dick-
inson County. The report deals with “ Habitats and Habitat Dis-
tribution of Species,” ‘‘ Migration,” ‘“‘ Effect of the Burn on the Lo-
cal Distribution of the Birds,’ and the systematic annotated “ List
of Species.” There are 88 species listed. The paper is a welcome
contribution to the distribution and ecology of the region in ques-
tion. IE ale

Results of the Shiras Expedition to Whitefish Point, Michigan.
Birds. By Norman A. Wood. Reprinted from Sixteenth Report
Michigan Academy of Science. Pp. 55-73.

“Whitefish Point is in Chippewa County, in the northern pen-
insula of Michigan.” The birds are first grouped according to
habitat, and then arranged in systematic order, with annotations,
the dates of occurrence being given. We particularly commend
the method here employed of grouping the species according to
habitat preference. The paper is a valuable contribution to local
faunal and floral literature. be Ue

Biological Division Zoédlogy. From the Summary Report of the
Geological Survey, Canada, for the calendar year 1914. By P. A.
Taverner. With a repaging, 1-15.

The particular part of this report with which we are concerned
is the report of “The Athabaska-Great Slave Lake Expedition,
1914,” by Francis Harper, and the “Canadian Arctic Expedition,
1913-14,” by R. M. Anderson. The whole report is devoted to biol-
ogy in general. It is worth noting that Mr. Taverner concludes that
the region which the expedition to Athabaska-Great Slave Lake vis-
ited was “found to lie almost entirely within the Canadian zone.”
The U. S. Biological Survey has regarded it as Hudsonian. Mr.
Harper gives a list of 85 species of birds, and Mr. Anderson a list
of 52. The vegetation is also commented upon, and lists of other
Vertebrate animals Siven. i Desc

Propagation of Upland Game-Birds. The National Association of
Audubon Societies. Bulletin No. 2, April, 1915. By Herbert K.
Job. Price 25 cents.

This Bulletin contains detailed directions for propagating quail,
ruffed grouse, wild turkey, and pheasants, with brief remarks on
prairie chicken and doves and pigeons. Three pages on “Control
of Vermin” conclude the Bulletin. It is interesting to note that
the author includes domestic cats under the head of vermin. Nu-
merous illustrations add value to the paper. It is a paper that
can be highly commended. iby dis

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all parties concerned.

é EDW. ARMSTRONG,
207 N. Michigan Ave. Chicago, Ill.

Wanted Specimens of Passenger Pigeon

Ectopistes migratorius. Mounted Specimens or Skins
Address stating price, FIELD MUSEUM, CHICAGO..

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POWERS BUILDING, CHICAGO

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This little Wilson’s Warbler can be mounted on a Stick-pin,
bar-pin, fob, lapel button, or hat-pin. These may be had of the
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