THE LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA PRESENTED BY PROF. CHARLES A. KOFOID AND MRS. PRUDENCE W. KOFOID FERGUS COUN' Birds of Pen 3SUEB BY THE AUTHORITY TRUSTEES, FERGUS < LEWISTOWN, MONT,, ISi PEE8S OF THE ABUS. AMERICAN MAGPIE. Photo by E. R. Warren. THE Birds of Fergus County, Montana BY P. M. SILLOWAY MEMBER OF THE AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGISTS' UNION, AUTHOR OF SKETCHES OF SOME COMMON BIRDS, SUMMER BIRDS OF FLATHEAD LAKE, ETC. LEWISTOWN, MONT., 1908. PBE88 OF THE ARGUS. INTRODUCTORY. The following list of the birds of Fergus County, Montana, like all similar publications, is intended primarily to aid any worker in this branch of natural history, and to extend the knowledge of the common birds of this region. It is further hoped that it will be a help to any per- son who may be interested in forming the acquaintance of some of the birds which escape common observation. While possibly not free from errors, the list is believed to be as complete as present information can make it, and hence it will serve as a basis for more detailed and extensive investigation. In order to make the list usable to general observers, brief descrip- tions have been included, given in such terms as the ordinary reader may understand. While not aimed to be exact scientific descriptions, it is be- lieved that this feature of the list will add to its value to teachers and others interested in nature study. The author desires to commend the wise and broad-minded policy of the Board of Trustees of the Fergus County High School, in recogniz- ing so clearly the educative mission of the high school in any community, and in using this means to advance the knowledge of the natural history of this region. To Mr. F. B. Wright, President of the Board of Trustees; Mr. Rudolf von Tobel, Secretary; Mr. David Hilger, Mr. Theo. Hogeland, members, who were foremost in suggesting the preparation of this work, Mr. W. A. Hedges, member; Elizabeth Peebles, former ex-officio member, and Ada Myersick, ex-officio member, the personal thanks of the author are due for hearty support accorded the publication of the list and for ample provision for issuing it in durable and attractive form. For the illustrations, we acknowledge our indebtedness to Prof. M. J. Xllrod, of the University of Montana, from whose photographs the plates of nests and eggs were made; and to Mr. E. R. Warren, of Colorado Springs, for excellent photographs of living birds, from which the plates of birds were made. Copies of this bulletin can be obtained upon application to the au- thor or to Rudolf von Tobol, Secretary Board of Trustees, Fergus County High School, Lewistown. Mont. M366957 MAP OF FERGUS CO. TOPOGRAPHY OF FERGUS COUNTY. Fergus County lies in the geographical center of Montana. From east to west it has an extent of about 125 miles, and from north to south about 110 miles. The area of the county is 6,762 square miles. Beginning at the Highwood Mountains, at the union of Cascade, Choteau, and Fergus Counties, a point which forms the extreme north-western angle of Fergus County, we follow the boundaries of the county north-east along Arrow lliver to its junction with the Missouri River. Along the northern boundary we journey eastward down the Missouri to the mouth of the Musselshell, thus reaching the north-eastern corner of the county. Traveling southward up the Musselsbell River, we reach the Great Bend of that river, which marks the south-eastern corner of Fergus County. Following up the Mus- selshell toward the southwest, we trace the southern boundary of the county to Elk Creek, which joins the Musselshell in a course from the Lorthwest, forming with Careless Creek the south-western boundary of the county. Traveling directly westward across the Judith Gap, we strike the Little Belt Mountains, whose ridge forms the further boundary of the county until we reach the north and south line between Cascade and Fergus counties. The physical features of Fergus County are so varied that its avi- fauna is correspondingly enriched by representatives of various zones or conditions of bird-life. More than three-fourths of the boundary ' of the county is formed by the Missouri River and its branches. As the river is a great natural highway of bird movement, many species, which otherwise would limit their activities to the Mississippi valley and the Great Plains, ascend far up the river and its head-waters, and thus become a part of the avi-fauna of the region. It is likely that such species as brown thrasher, catbird, red-eyed vireo, bronzed grackle, bobolink, kingbird, flicker, red-headed woodpecker, Bartramian sandp'iper, and other Missis- sippi valley species have worked their way gradually along the great water highway, and have established themselves around the upper waters of the Missouri. The western portions of the county include several of the out- lying spurs of the Rockies. Indeed, the Big Snowies and the Little Snow- ies cut their way eastward more than half the length of the county, while in the northern part lie the two groups of Moccasins and the Judith Mountains. These elevations vary between six and eight thousand feet in height, and the higher Snowies even exceed these limits. By way of these mountain spurs, the typical alpine species and moun- tain residents frequently find their way far into the county. Hence we note the occurrence of the mountain chickadee, pygmy nuthatch, Amer- ican dipper, pine siskin, gray-crowned leucosticte, Clarke's nutcracker, Rocky Mountain jay, and perhaps others. The portions of the county east of the mountains partake of the 6 BULLETIN FERGUS COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL. character of the so-called "Bad Lands," and their avi-fauna belongs some- what to that of the Great Plains region. Arid conditions of climate and soil prevail. Large areas are overgrown with low forms of cacti and dwarf sage. The streamsides support heavy growths of greasewood and the larger sage-brush. Among such surroundings may be noted the sage thrasher, lark bunting, clay-colored sparrow, western vesper sparrow. Mc- Oown's longspur, chestnut-collared longspur, and sage grouse, as the most common. The immediate valley of the Musselshell River averages more than half a mile wide, and is characterized by a heavy growth of cottonwoods in most places, broken by clumps of box elder, quaking aspen, haw, willow, and other dwarf trees. The plains beyond the river valleys are almost devoid of trees. The elevation of Fergus County varies from three thousand to eight thousand feet, the larger portion perhaps being between mree thousand and three thousand five hundred feet. The altitude of Lewistown at the site of old Camp Lewis is 3,890 feet. In the Judith Gap the altitude is 4.650 feet. Judith Peak is 6,386 feet high. At old Ft. Maginnis the ele- vation is 4,310. The altitude of Ubet is 4,540 feet; of Utica, 4,420; of Phil- brook, 4,260; of Oka, 4,540; of Castle Rock or Butte, 4,947; of Cone Butte, 5,820; of Moccasin Peak, 5,547, of Wild Horse Lake, 2,850. Ft. Keogh, on the Yellowstone, to which frequent reference is made, has an elevation of 2,367 feet. The western portion of the county contains the beautiful Judith Basin. Fed by the snows of the northern slopes of the Big Snowies and Little Belts, the Judith River takes its rise in the western part of the county, and thence flows in an indirect course to the Missouri on the north. Many small streams feed the Judith River with their crystal cold waters, among which the most important is Big Spring Creek or Big Trout Creek. It is said that only once in the history of Lewistown has this creek been frozen from bank to bank. On its open waters ducks fre- quently linger through the coldest weather. In the Judith Basin, the little bends of the small streams and ditches support thick patches of rose bushes, with clumps of dwarf wil- low, haw, buffalo-berry, and choke-cherry. The coulees and ravines open- ing into the water-courses are clustered with the foregoing growths, be- sides service-berry, dwarf aspens, and dwarf conifers. The foot-hills and mountain slopes are burdened with thick areas of pine, fir, and other evergreen. The benches and high prairies of the Judith Basin are cov- ered with choice grass, forming rich grazing lands. In spring myriads of wild flowers deck the hill-sides. Then we see beds of larkspur, shooting- star, harebell, adder's-tongue, wind-flower, buttercup, wild flax, and others of similar habits. The benches and prairies are tenanted by birds, such as McCown's longspur, desert horned lark, long-billed curlew, mountain plover, western meadowlark, western vesper sparrow, and an occasional Sprague's pipit. The prevailing altitude of these level areas is about 4,000 feet. BIRDS OF FERGUS COUNTY, MONTANA. 7 A PARTIAL BIBLIOGRAPHY OF MONTANA BIRDS. Allen, J. A. Notes on the Natural History of Portions of Montana and Dakota. Proc. Boston Soc. Nat. Hist, Vol. XVII., June, 1874, Boston. Contains many references regarding the occurrence of birds along the Mus- selshell border of Fergus County, which have been particularly helpful in the preparation of the present list. Audubon, J. J. Birds of America, 1840, etc. Bendire, Charles B. Life Histories of North American Birds with Special Reference to their Breeding Habits and Eggs. Government Print- ing Office, Washington, 1892. Contains frequent references to Montana localities. Bishop, Louis B. Montana Redpolls. Auk, Vol. XVIIL, p. 195, 1901. Mentions the occurrence of A. 1. rostrata, A. 1. holboellii, and A. horn- cmannii exilipes, besides A. linaria. Cameron, E. S. The Migration of Phalaropes in Montana. Ibis, Jan., 1900, pp. 67-70. Cameron, E. S. Migration of the Common American Buzzard in Montana. Ibis, Vol. III., pp. (?). Cameron, E. S. The Marsh Hawk in Montana. Country Life (Lon- don), date unknown. Cooley, R. A. The Wood Ibis in Montana. Auk, Vol. XX., p. 210, 1903. Regarding the occurrence of Tantalum loculator in Madison Valley. Cooper, J. G. The Fauna of Montana Territory. Amer. Nat., Vol. III., pp. 31-35, 73-84, 1869. Contains many interesting notes regarding the occurrence of eighty-eight species. Cooper, J. G. Notes on the Fauna of the Upper Missouri. Amer. Nat., Vol. III., 1869, pp. 294-299. Coues, Elliott B. Birds of the Northwest. Government Printing Office, Washington, 1874. Contains many references to various localities in Montana. Coues, Elliott B. Field Notes on Birds Observed in Dakota and Montana Along the Forty-Ninth Parallel. Bull. TJ. S. Geol. and Geog. Surv., Vol. IV., No. 3, Washington, 1878. Contains frequent references to locali- ties in northern Montana. .Coues, Elliott B. On the Nesting of Certain Hawks. Amer. Nat., Vol. VIII., pp. 596-603, 1874. Regarding the nesting of Swainson's Hawk, Ferruginous Rough-leg, American Lanier Falcon, and Duck Hawk. Coues, Elliott B. Notes on the breeding of P. mccownii in Montana. Amer. Nat, Vol. VIII., p. 602, 1874. Crooker, O. E. Sitta canadensis in Montana. The Ooologist, Vol. X., pp. 183-184, 1893. Records the taking of a set of eggs at Helena. Davie, Oliver. Nests and Eggs of North American Birds. Fifth edition, Columbus, Ohio, 1898. Contains frequent references to Montana localities. 8 BULLETIN FERGUS COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL Elrod, M. J. A Biological Reconnaissance in the Vicinity of Flathead Lake. Bull. Univ. of Mont, Biol. Ser. No. 3, 1902, Missoula. General references to the ornithology of the various localities described. Hayden, F. V. Sixth annual Report of the U. S. Geol. Surv., Govern- ment Printing Office, 1893. Notes on Birds by C. Hart Merriam. Contains many references regarding the occurrence of birds in western Montana. Hayden, F. V. On the Geology and Natural History of the Upper Missouri. Trans. Amer. Phil. Soc., Vol. XII., 1862, Philadelphia. Pp. 151- 176, Birds. Jones, Lynds, and Dawson, W. L. A summer Reconnaissance in the West. The Wilson Bulletin, No. 33, Oberlin, Ohio, 1900. Contains lists of birds noted between Thompson's Falls and Livingston, 37 species; Billings, Mont., 35 species; Billings to Miles City, Mont., 31 species. Ludlow, Win. Report of a Reconnaissance from Carroll, Montana, to Yellowstone National Park, and return. Government Printing Office, Washington, 1876. Oology by George Bird Grinnell. Pp. 72-92, Birds. Maximilian, Prinz zu Wied. Reise in das innere Nord-Amerika in den Jahren 1832 bis 1834. 2 Vols., Coblenz, 1839-1841; 3 Vols., Paris, 1840- 1843. Contains many references to Upper Missouri localities. Maximilian, Prinz zu Wied. Verzeichniss der Vogel, etc. Journal fur Ornith., Vol. VI., 1858, pp. 1-29, 97-124, 177-205, 257-284, 337,354, 417- 445; Vol. VII., pp. 81-96. McChesney, Chas. E. Report on the Mammals and Birds of the General Region of the Big Horn River and Mountains of Montana Terri- tory. Report of Chief Engineers U. S. A., App. SS3, 1879, Washington. Merrill, J. C. Notes on Breeding Habits of Certain Birds in the Big Horn Mountains. Bull. Nutt. Orn. Club, Vol. VI., 1881, p. 205. Merrill, J. C. Notes on the occurrence of L. tephrocotis and littor- al is at Ft. Shaw. Bull. Nutt. Orn. Club, Vol. V., 1880, p. 75. Pyfer, Amos M. Nesting of Clarke's Nutcracker. The Oologist, Vol. XIV., pp. 100-101, 1897. Pyfer, Amos M. Birds of Montana. The Oologist, Vol. XV., pp. 14- 15. Contains notes on various species near Salesville, Mont. Richmond, Chas. W., and Knowlton, F. H. Birds of South-Central Montana. Auk, Vol. XL, pp. 298-308, 1894. Contains an annotated list of 111 species. Ridgway, Robert. Birds of North and Middle America. U. S. Nat. Mus., Washington. Pt. I., 1901. Pt. II., 1902. Contains many references to Montana localities. Ridgway, Robert. Rocky Mountain Pine Grosbeak. Auk, Vol. XV., 1898, p. 319. Description of new subspecies. Shaw, W. T. The American Magpie. The Oologist, "Vol. X., pp. 211- 212. Locality of Bozeman, Mont. Silloway, P. M. Summer Birds of Flathead Lake. Bull. Univ. of Mont, Biol. Ser. No. 1, 1901. An annotated list of 128 species, 84 pp. with 16 plates. CLARKE'S NUTCRACKER.-"CAMP ROBBER." Photo by E. R. Warren. BIRDS OF FERGUS COUNTY, MONTANA 9 Silloway, P. M. Flathead Lake Findings. The Condor, Vol. III., pp. 4-7, 1901. Description of nesting habits of Audubon's warbler and Wright's flycatcher, with two plates. Silloway, P. M. The Sharp-shinned Hawk. Osprey, Vol. V., pp. 70- 71, 1901. Description of two nests. Silloway, P. M. Notes on McCown's Longspur in Montana. Os- prey, Vol. VI., pp. 42-44, 1902. Description of nesting habits. Silloway, P. M. Notes on the Long-billed Curlew. Condor, Vol. II., pp. 79-82, 1900. Also, Condor, Vol. IV., pp. 31-34, 1902. Silloway, P. M. The Holboell Grebe in Montana. Condor, Vol. IV., pp. 128-131, 1902. Description of nesting habits. Silloway, P. M. Montana Magpies. The Oologist, Vol. XVII., pp. 89-91, 1900. Detailed description of -nests and eggs. Silloway, P. M. Additional Notes to the Summer Birds of Flat- head Lake. Univ. of Mont. Bull. Biol. Ser. No. 6, Missoula, 1903. Silloway, P. M. Notes on the Leucostictes, Gray-crowned and Hep- burn's. The Wilson Bulletin, Vol. X., pp. 1-4, 1903. Winter habits of the species. Silloway, P. M. Lectures Delivered at the University of Montana Biological Station, 1902. Univ. of Mont. Bull. Biol. Ser. No. 5, 1903, Mis- soula. Silloway, P. M. A-Field at Flathead. Condor, Vol. V., No. 6, 1903. Contains notes regarding the nesting of Holboell's Grebe, Townsend's War- bler, Louisiana Tanager, Ruby-crowned Kinglet. Thome, Platte M. List of Birds Observed in the Vicinity of Ft. Keogh, Montana, from July, 1888, to September, 1892. Auk, Vol. XII., pp. 211-219, 1895. An annotated list of 137 species. Thome, Platte M. Phalaropus lobatus and Phalaropus tricolor. Auk, Vol. VI., p. 336, 1889. Description of habits. Williams, R. S. The Breeding Ranges and Songs of Three Thrushes in Montana. Auk, Vol. VII., pp. 292-294, 1890. Williams, R. S. A Flock of Chen rossii East of the Rocky Mountains. Auk, Vol. III., p. 274, 1886. Williams, R. S. Upper Missouri River Birds. Auk, Vol. V., pp. 14- 18. Williams, R. S. Some Birds of the Belt Mountains, Montana Terri- tory. Bull. Nutt. Orn. Club, Vol. VII., p. 62, 1882. Mearns, Edgar A. Feathers Beside the Styx. Condor, Vol. V., 1903, pp. 36-38. Contains notes regarding birds of Yellowstone Park. BIRDS OF FERGUS COUNTY, MONTANA. 11 LIST OF BIRDS. 4. AMERICAN EARED GREBE. Colymbus nigricollis californicus. This grebe is not uncommon as a migrant at Lewistown, though it may breed in suitable localities in the county. My first record of its oc- currence is under date of August 23, 1901, when a solitary young bird of the year was taken on a small pond near my home. A female, taken May 2, 1903, is now in the high school collection. It is likely that the range of this species in Montana is co-extensive with the state. Dr. Elliott Coues reports taking specimens at the head- waters of the Milk River on August 30. Dr. J. A. Allen took a specimen on the Yellowstone in September. On June 20, 1901, I noted this grebe oa Sin-yale-a-min Lake, in the Mission Mountains, when young were taken which had evidently been reared on the lake. Distinguishing features: Width of bill at base greater than depth; chest, as well as neck and head, black; a tuft of yellowish-red feathers at side of head back of the eyes; length 12-14 inches. 6. PIED-BILLED GREBE. Podilymbus podiceps. A regular summer resident. Near my home, in the edge of Lewis- town, is a small pond formed by the overflow from an irrigation ditch. This pond is a favored resort of small waterfowl in the fall and spring, and consequently it is an attractive place for thoughtless marksmen. One day in the fall of 1901 I counted a dozen dead grebes lying along the shore of the pond, where they had fallen before the ruthless slaughter of gunners, who had not taken the trouble to pick up their victims. Distinguishing features: Upper parts brownish, lower parts silvery white; length 12-15 inches; length of bill along its upper ridge not double the depth of the bill. 51. HERRING GULL. Larus argentatus. The herring gull is. of common occurrence along the Missouri River in this section of Montana. Dr. Coues mentions a specimen shot by Mr. J. H. Beatty near Ft. Benton, Mont., and in his "Birds of the Northwest," he says that he found this species on the Upper Missouri. Distinguishing features: Upper parts pearl-gray, eyelids in life yel- low, feet pale flesh color, bill bright yellow. Length 22-26 inches. 54. RING-BILLED GULL. Larus delawarensis. On Dec. 31,1898, a dead gull was brought to me for identification. It was first seen eating from the poisoned carcass of a sheep baited for coyotes. After flying some distance when disturbed, the gull fell to the ground and soon died. It proved to be a ring-billed gull, young of the year, still in the dark grayish plumage. Late in the fall of 1902, a fine specimen of this gull was taken om Big Spring Creek a few miles below Lewistown. It was mounted, and now is in the window of a Lewistown merchant. Distinguishing features: Upper parts light pearl-gray, eye-lids in 12 BULLETIN FERGUS COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL life vermillion-red, feet pale yellow. Young, brownish-gray, bill brownish- black. Length 18-20 inches. 129. AMERICAN MERGANSER. Merganser americanus. The American merganser occurs regularly along the larger streams forming the northern and eastern boundary of the county, as well as at suitable places elsewhere. Specimens are frequently taken near Lewistown during the migrations. Like some of the other ducks, this species lingers on the open water of Big Spring Creek till hard winter has begun. On April 27, 1903, I noted a male of this species feeding on a sand-bar on the creek near Lewistown. Distinguishing features: Male with head greenish-black, and crest at back; lower parts creamy white; white wing-coverts with a prominent black bar; length 25-27 inches. Female with head and neck bright brown, also with crest; lower parts yellowish-white. 131. HOODED MERGANSER. Lophodytes cucullatus. This species occurs regularly throughout this region, and according to Dr. Coues, breeds on the Upper Missouri River. Near Lewistown it is known only as a migrant, the conditions being unfavorable to a residence throughout the summer. Distinguishing features: Male with black head and neck, w^th white crest; mostly black above, with white lower parts. Female with head and neck grayish brown,, crest reddish-brown; lower parts white; length 17-19 inches. 132. MALLARD. Anas boschas. The mallard is a regular summer resident of this region. Along the head-waters of Big Spring Creek, which remain open during the win- ter, mallards have been seen every month from the autumnal to the vernal migration. Many pairs are reported to breed along the Missouri and Mus- selshell borders of the county. An instance of a mallard's nesting near the electric light plant was reported to me this, spring. Distinguishing features: Male with head and neck bright metallic green, chest bright reddish-brown, speculum of wing violet bordered by black and white bars before and behind; length 20-25 inches. Female generally brownish, varied with buffy markings, wings like the male. 135. GADWALL. Chaulelasmus streperus. Known to me only as a migrant of regular occurrence. Dr. Coues states that it breeds in the Milk River region of this state, and further observation may disclose the fact of its nesting along the large streams which form a part of the Fergus county boundary. Distinguishing features: Male with head and neck dingy white, speckled with black, middle wing-coverts reddish-brown, bordered by Mack and white, speculum white, bill dark blue, legs and feet orange- yellow; length 19-22. Female generally brownish, wing like male with colors less prominent. 137. BALDPATE. Mareca americana. Dr. Coues says that the widgeon (or baldpate) breeds in abundance ROCKY MOUNTAIN JAY "TALLOWHEAD. Photo by E. R. Warren. BIRDS OP FERGUS COUNTY, MONTANA. 13 in Northern Dakota and Montana along the banks of the streams and pools. Regarding its breeding in this county, no data is at hand, but spec- imens are frequently taken during the fall migration by local gunners. Distinguishing features: Male with head and neck dingy white speckled with black, except a bar of metallic green extending from the eye backward; upper and lower parts generally marked with waves of black: length 18-22 inches. Female with darker colors, more brownish and gray- ish. 139. GREEN-WINGED TEAL. Nettion carolinensis. A very common migrant, appearing from the north toward the end of August, and lingering until severe weather in late fall. On Dec. 5, 1902, during freezing weather, specimens of green-winged teal were taken near Deerfield, and it appears that some of these ducks remain with us all winter. It is likely that occasional pairs of this teal breed along the Missouri borders of the county, but no records of such nesting are at hand. Distinguishing features: Speculum of wing bright metallic green, bordered below by black tipped with white; length 12-15 inches. Female somewhat like male, colors darker and less prominent. 140. BLUE-WINGED TEAL. Querquedula discors. A very common migrant, and doubtless an occasional breeder at suitable places in the county and along the Missouri and Musselshell bor- ders. The blue-winged teal appears in its southern migration about the first of September, and is noted regularly till severe weather of the late fall. Distinguishing features: The light blue markings of the lesser wing- coverts, speculum dark green; length 14-16 inches. 142. SHOVELLER. Spatula clypeata. Occurs regularly along Big Spring Creek in the migrations. Dr. Coues says that this species is common through the summer in Montana, along the Milk River and its tributaries. It has been taken near Lewis- town in the early part of October. Distinguishing features: Bill spoon-shaped, or narrow at base and broad at end; male with head and neck dark green, chest white, lower parts chestnut; wing-coverts light blue tipped with white, speculum bright green bordered below with white; length 17-21 inches. Female with wing like the male, other colors less prominent. 143. PINTAIL. Dafila acuta. A very common migrant near Lewistown. Like most of the ducks mentioned as belonging to this region, the pintail is reported as breeding in the Milk River district of Montana. Distinguishing features: Male with head and neck brown, shoulders black bordered with white, speculum varying metallic green and purpte bordered below with black tipped with' white, wing-coverts with a bar of reddish-brown; length 25-30 inches. Female smaller, with colors less con- spicuous, wing much like male. . . . ; 146. REDHEAD. Aythya americana. Not uncommon as a migrant, though observations along the larger 14 BULLETIN FERGUS COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL rivers might show that it is of more common occurrence. In his notes regarding the occurrence of the canvas-back, Dr. Coues says that in most of the Missouri region, the canvas-back is not so common as the redhead. Distinguishing features: In the male, the bright chestnut-red of the head extends downward to the middle of the neck, where it is displaced by the black of the chest and upper parts; belly white, unmarked; length 17-21 inches. Female has sides of head, neck, and lower parts dull yellow- ish, lighter below. 147. CANVAS-BACK. Aythya vallisneria. A regular migrant, not met with often away from the larger rivers bordering the county. Distinguishing features: In the male, the reddish-brown of the head extends downward over the whole neck, and the head is blackish on top; otherwise similar to the redfiead, except the belly is marked with fine wavy lines; length 20-24 inches. In the female, the shoulders and sides are whitish. 149. LESSER SCAUP DUCK. Aythya affinis. Occurs regularly in migration along the prairie streams. Dr. Elliott Coues found this duck breeding in numbers along the Upper Missouri and Milk River, in some places seemingly more abundant than any other species. Capt. Platte M. Thorne reports this species as rare at Ft. Keogh. Distinguishing features: The male has black head, neck, and chest, the head having a purplish tinge; speculum white, with black border below; length 15-17 inches. Female with brown instead of black. 151. AMERICAN GOLDEN-EYE. Clangula clangula americana. A common migrant along the larger streams of this region. On Dec. 6, 1902, a specimen was brought to me which was taken on the Judith River near Deerfield. The American golden-eye doubtless is a regular breeder in this section where dead trees are found on the banks of the streams, as it is one of the tree-nesting ducks, using cavities as does the wood duck. Distinguishing features: The male has head and upper part of neck black tinged with green, the side of the head having a large round white spot; large white wing-patch; under parts white; length 18-23 inches. Fe- male with brown head, grayish chest, somewhat smaller than male. 153. BUFFLE-HEAD. Charitonetta albeola. A regular migrant generally in the county, and probably breeding oc- casionally along the Missouri and Musselshell. Dr. Coues is authority for the fact of its breeding along Milk River and its tributaries. Distinguishing features: The male has head and upper part of neck metallic green, with other reflections, and large white spot behind eye ; lower parts and wings chiefly white; length 14-16 inches. Female with brown instead of metallic colors; length 12-14 inches. 167. RUDDY DUCK. Erismatura jamaicensis. The ruddy duck occurs regularly during the migrations in suitable places throughout the county. Dr. Coues notes its presence during the breeding season in Montana, along the Milk River and its northern trib- utaries. Capt. Thorne reports it rare at Ft. Keogh. BIRDS OF FERGUS COUNTY, MONTANA. , 15 Distinguishing features: The male has upper parts bright reddish brown, with sides of head white; lower parts whitish; length 13-16 inches. Female grayish brown above, lower parts whitish. 170. ROSS'S SNOW GOOSE. Chen rossii. Occurs regularly in migration. A small flock of six was seen on Big Spring Creek a few miles below Lewistown on March 14, 1903. Capt. Platte M. Thorne reports it as rare at Ft. Keogh. Distinguishing features: Entire head and part of neck white; other- wise whitish, wings with black markings; length 20-26 inches. 172. CANADA GOOSE. Branta canadensis. A regular migrant throughout the county, and breeding in suitable localities. Dr. J. A. Allen reports that this species breeds along the Mus- aelshell, and there is no doubt that broods are regularly reared along the Missouri river border of the county. On the spring migration, the geese often appear by the first of March, and sometimes they linger several weeks near a particular field, feeding early in the morning and late in the day, and resorting to the water at other times. Distinguishing features: Head black, with cheek-patches of white meeting on the throat; upper parts brown, varied with gray; lower parts lighter; length 34-44 inches. 181. TRUMPETER SWAN. Olor buccinator. Occurs regularly throughout the county, occasionally breeding in suitable places. A friend told me of seeing an old swan and a young one upon the "Highland" lakes. The two were in flight between the lakes, and the cygnet flew only a few feet directly above the elder, so that it could drop on the parent's back at frequent intervals. The younger swan would fly fifty or sixty yards alone, then drop lightly upon the parent's back to rest, being carried for fifty to sixty yards in this manner; then it would rise upon its own pinions, and flap along above the elder bird until it again became weary of its own exertions. Distinguishing features: White, with black bill and cheeks; length 60-65 inches. 190. AMERICAN BITTERN. Botaurus lentiginosus. The American bittern is found regularly throughout the county, though nowhere in numbers. On May 19, I heard an individual of this species in a bog along Big Spring Creek, near Lewistown, uttering its hoarse "boo-hoo, hoo" notes all the afternoon, and later I flushed it sev- eral times, when it would fly to another part of the bog farther along the creek. The bittern is usually solitary, a hermit of the swamps, lurking alone in the reedy tangle to glean its fare. One that I took in the summer of 1901, in the Flathead region, had its stomach crammed with large drag- on-flies, Eschna constricta, of which I easily counted thirty, besides the crushed fragments of many others. 1C BULLETIN FERGUS COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL Distinguishing features: Brownish yellow, varied with brown and black mottlings; lower parts buffy, with brown stripings; length 24-35 inches. 194. GREAT BLUE HERON. Ardea herodias. The only specimens of this heron that I have observed at Lewistowu were in flight, winging their way far overhead. Dr. Elliott Coues reported that he had observed this species far up on the Missouri River in October. Chas. W. Richmond and F. H. Knowlton report it as rather common in south-central Montana. Platte M. Thorne notes it as common at Ft. Keogh, on the Yellowstone, in the spring and fall, and he thinks that some remain to breed. Distinguishing features: Upper parts bluish gray, lower parts var- ied with dusky and white; length 40-50 inches. 206. SANDHILL CRANE. Grus mexicana. Formerly a common migrant, now only occasional. Mr. J. M. Croft, an accurate observer of the birds in former years, tells me that he fre- quently took specimens of the sandhill crane on Wolf Creek, in this county. Distinguishing features: Slaty gray color, length 40-50 inches. 214. SORA. Porzana Carolina. The sora occurs regularly, and breeds in suitable places in the coun- ty. Mr. J. L. Stuart found this rail nesting on his former ranch near the North Moccasins. Specimens of the sora were taken in the breeding season in Mon- tana by Dr. Elliott Coues, and at Ft. Keogh by Capt. Platte M. Thorne. In the spring of 1902, the writer found the sora breeding in the swamp mead- ows at Swan Lake, where eggs were brought in by men who were cutting hay. The^se^t appears here on the fall migration about the middle of September. Distinguishing features: Front part of head and throat, black; top of head brown, striped with black; other upper parts brown, with black stripings; length 8-10 inches. 221. AMERICAN COOT. Fulica americana. Occurs locally, in suitable places, and nests where circumstances are favorable in the county. Mr. J. A. Allen did not find the coot common along the Musselshell, but Dr. Coues found it extremely abundant along the northern portions of the state. In "Birds of Dakota and Montana," Dr. Coues says that almost all the pools and reedy sloughs of the prairie throughout the region from the Red River to the Rocky Mountains and Upper Missouri country generally are tenanted by one or more pairs of these very common-place birds. Capt. Thorne reports the American coot as common and breeding at Ft. Keogh. On April 28, 1903, I took a male specimen of this species on a pond near Lewistown, for the high school collection. NEST AND EGGS OF WILLOW THRUSH. Photo by M. J. Elrod. BIRDS OP FERGUS COUNTY, MONTANA 17 Distinguishing features: Color blackish slate or leaden, bill white in life; length 13-16 inches. 223. NORTHERN PHALAROPE. Phalaropus lobatus. Among the first birds seen after my arrival in Lewistown, was a northern phalarope. It was on a small pond near an irrigating ditch, and was with several lesser yellowlegs, 'swimming along the edge of the water as the larger birds waded near it. The first phalarope I had seen, I has- tened to capture it for positive identification. I have Tiot seen another since in this locality. Capt. Thome reports this phalarope as rare at Ft. Keogh. Distinguishing features: Upper parts dark leaden blue, varied with pale yellowisn markings; wings dark, the coverts tipped with white; up- per part of breast reddish brown; lower parts white; length 7-8 inches; male with colors duller than female; toes with scalloped membranes. 224. WILSON'S PHALAROPE. Steganopus tricolor. In his "Birds of Dakota and Montana," based upon observations made along the northern boundary, Dr. Coues says that Wilson's phalaropa breeds throughout the country, from the Red River to the Rocky mountains, and in suitable places it is common, though never observed in large num- bers at any one place. Capt. P. M. Thome reported this species as tol- erably common at Ft. Keogh in May and June. Distinguishing features: Top of head bluish gray, bordered on fore- head by black; back part of neck white, sides of neck black; middle of back bluish gray, sides of back reddish brown; upper breast yellowish red; other under parts white; length 9-10 inches. Male with colors less prom- inent. 225. AMERICAN AVOCET. Recurvirostra americana. On August 23, 1901, a flock of five American avocets appeared on p. small pond in the edge of Lewistown. Their handsome colors and state- ly movements soon attracted my attention, for they were the first avocets I had seen. When alighted, they stood closely together in orderly array at the edge of the water. When shot at with a small rifle they manifested no alarm, and two of them were taken before the remainder flew away. Their flight is much like that of the ring-billed gull, with projecting head and indrawn neck, the legs protruding behind when the birds are settled in flight. The call of the avocet is a loud, mellow whistle, uttered quickly with an intonation of impatience or alarm. This species is often spoken of by ranchers as the little white crane. It appears in the vicinity of Lew- istown on the spring migration about the end of April. Capt. Thorne notes the avocet as rare at Ft. Keogh. Distinguishing features: Bill curved upward toward its outer end; head, neck, and upper part of breast dark brown; upper parts chiefly white; large feathers of wing brownish black; middle of back white; lower parts white; length 15-19 inches. 230. WILSON'S SNIPE. Gallinago delicata. A common migrant, and doubtless breeding sparingly in suitable 18 BULLETIN FERGUS COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL places in the county. This species is the well known "jack snipe" of eastern sportsmen. It appears early in the spring, and in the fall it lingers until the middle of October or later. It frequents the wet mar- gins of the streams and the boggy spots of the meadows. Its erratic, zig- zag course in flight, and its harsh call resembling the syllable "scav," ut- tered as it wings its way from the gunner to a place of safety, serve to aid the novice in identifying this species. Distinguishing features: Upper parts blackish,, varied with light buffy markings; under coverts of wings conspicuously barred with bluish gray; length 10-12 inches. 232. LONG-BILLED DOWITCHER. Macrorhamphus scolopaceus. Occurs in migration. Dr. Elliott Coues says that nowhere did he find the "gray-back" so abundant as in the alkali region along the Upper Missouri. Distinguishing features: Upper parts chiefly streaked with light reddish-brown and darker colors; lower parts chiefly light reddish-brown; rump and upper tail coverts chiefly white, barred with darker; tail gray, barred with white; length 11-13 inches. 239. PECTORAL SANDPIPER. Actodromas maculata. A common migrant. It generally appears early in March, and clings to the edges of the open water-courses for several weeks. In the fall it appears early in August, and lingers until about the end of October. On October 18, 1900, a single specimen was taken on an irrigating ditch in the edge of Lewistown. On April 22, 1901, a solitary pectoral sandpiper was observed on the dry bench at dusk, where it was feeding from a heap of refuse. On Feb. 22, 1903, a pectoral sandpiper was noted on Big Spring Creek near Lewistown. This species is commonly known hereabout as the "jacksnipe." Distinguishing features: Upper parts dark buffy, striped with black; lower parts white; length 8-10 inches. 241. BAIRD'S SANDPIPER. Actodromas bairdii. A very common migrant, appearing in this locality on its southward movement about the first of September, and lingering along the pond shores until the middle of the month. Distinguishing features: Upper parts spotted with brownish black and grayish yellow; lower parts below chest white; length 7-8 inches. 242. LEAST SANDPIPER. Actodromas minutilla. A very abundant migrant, lingering for several weeks in suitable places. A solitary individual of this species was taken on a small pond near my home at Lewistown, August 22. The next day a flock of six or seven was noted on the pond. They were lurking in the grassy margin In preference to wading in the water's edge, and permitted a closer approach than other sandpipers except the spotted. August 28, least sandpipers were about the pond in small numbers. On September 4, I noted that least sandpipers were in greater numbers. When watched, they huddle In groups of five or six on a little weedy point, crouched facing the wind. BIRDS OF FERGUS COUNTY, MONTANA. 19 When flushed, they fly rapidly in irregular, capricious flight, maintaining a close formation as a flock, and uttering a hurried twittering. They drop abruptly to alight. When feeding, an individual will frequently utter a quiet chirp greatly like that of the song sparrow. When one is flushed alone, it arises obliquely in a hurried, dodging movement, sometimes mounting to a considerable height, darting here and there as though seek- ing to evade an invisible pursuer, and uttering its sharp, quick call. In this flight it acts very much like Wilson's snipe. Distinguishing features' Upper parts chiefly streaked and edged with black brown and dull yellowish; rump and upper tail coverts brownish black, unmarked; front parts brownish white, streaked; lower parts dull white; length 5-7 inches. 246. SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER. Ereunetes pusillus. Rare in migration, occuring chiefly in the fall. Capt. Thome reports jr. common in spring and a few in the fall at Ft. Keogh. Distinguishing features: Upper parts grayish brown tinged with yellowish-brown; breast streaked with darker colors; length 5-7 inches. Can easily be distinguished from the least sandpiper by the fact that all the front toes are united by webs at their bases. 254. GREATER YELLOW-LEGS. Totanus melanoleucus. A very common migrant, entering this region from the north soon after the middle of August, and lingering on the pond shores till the mid- dle of September. It is generally associated with its smaller congener, T. flavipes, in the ratio of one to three or four. No large flocks are seen here, as small troops of three to six are the most that I have seen at one time. This yellow-legs has a loud mellow whistle, consisting generally of two syllables, which closely resembles the call of the avocet. Distinguishing features: Upper parts varied with blackish gray and dull white; throat streaked with darker color; lower parts white, chiefly barred or spotted: length 12-15 inches. 255. YELLOW-LEGS. Totanus flavipes. A very common migrant, generally associating with other shore birds, preferably the sandpipers and phalaropes. The yellow-legs makes its ap- pearance from the north soon after the middle of August, and lingers in suitable places until the middle of September. Distinguishing features: Like the greater yellow-legs, but smaller, length 9-11 inches. 256a. WESTERN SOLITARY SANDPIPER. Helodromas solitaries cinna- momeus. A regular migrant, appearing on its southward movement about the end of the third week of August, and lingering for two or three weeks, frequenting the pond shores and edges of irrigating ditches and marshy lo- calities. It has the same "teetering" motions that characterize the spotted sandpiper, and its call is a counterpart of the "peet weet" uttered by its smaller relative. Its flight is irregular and capricious, and in alighting it darts abruptly downward to the place where it wishes to feed. 20 BULLETIN FERGUS COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL Distinguishing features: Upper parts greenish leaden, speckled with dull white; front part of neck streaked with darker; length 7-9 inches. 258a. WESTERN WILLET. Symphemia semipalmata inornata. This species occurs regularly near Lewistown in the migrations. On May 2, 1903, I took a fine specimen on a small pond just beyond the limits ol Lewistown. Like some of the plovers and sandpipers, the willet has a habit of lifting its wings above its back upon alighting, showing the white bands which aid in identification of this species. Dr. Coues observed the willet at various points from the Red River to the Rocky Mountains, and states that it breeds in this region. Capt. Platte M. Thorne states that at Ft. Keogh this species is rather rare in spring. Its occurrence at Moreland, south-central Montana, August 19, is noted by Messrs. Richmond and Knowlton. Distinguishing features: Upper parts brownish gray, with numerous spots of darker; lower parts chiefly white; sides and flanks yellowish brown, varied with darker; long wing feathers black broadly marked with white; bill black; tarsus and feet leaden; length 15-17 inches. 261. BARTRAMIAN SANDPIPER. Bartramia longicauda. This fine sandpiper occurs regularly in the prairie districts of the county, but is of somewhat local distribution. A few pairs spend the summer on the benches near Lewistown, where the prolonged indrawn whistle of the so-called plover serves to attract attention to its presence. West of the Rocky Mountains I found the Bartramian sandpiper very lo- cally distributed in the Flathead region, in colonies of only a few families. Capt. Thorne reports its breeding commonly on the elevated prairies near Ft. Keogh. Distinguishing features: Upper parts light brown, varied with blackish markings; lower parts dull white; length 11-13 inches. 263. SPOTTED SANDPIPER. Actitis macularia. A very common frequenter of the streamsides in summer, appearing generally during the second week of May, and bginning to nest before the end of the month. On June 4, 1901, I found a set of four eggs more than one-half incubated, in a nest made in a recess on a sloping bank of a small pond. It is a prolific breeder, rearing several broods in a season and thus prolonging the nesting season nearly through July. Soon after its young are a-wing this sandpiper concludes its northern sojourn, and it is seldom seen after the middle of August. This species is easily identified by its "teetering" movements when standing or walking; also by its loud, clear call resembling the syllables "peet weet." Distinguishing features: Upper parts grayish-brown, tail tipped white; lower parts chiefly white, marked with blackish spots; length 7-8 inches. 264. LONG-BILLED CURLEW. Numenius longlrostris. This interesting species is found in abundance throughout this reg- ion, inhabiting the dry prairies from the middle of April to the middle of September. The first curlews of the season are generally noted by me WESTERN VESPER SPARROW. Photo by E. R. Warren. BIRDS OP FERGUS COUNTY, MONTANA 21 about the 20th of April, though it is not usually convenient for me to note their first appearance on the adjoining prairie, and others sometimes report them before I see them. Their appearance is the signal for local gunners to go a-field, and the birds suffer somewhat from their hands until the be- ginning of the nesting season. However, the curlews soon become wary, and it is difficult to get near enough to them to secure large bags. As they feed abundantly on the grasshoppers and other noxious insects that lurk in the prairie herbage, the curlews ought to be protected during the spring season, at least. During the mating or pre-nuptial season, the curlews are noisy and restless, moving from one part of a favorite pasture to another and utter- ing their loud calls just before alighting, or feeding restlessly alone within call of the mate or fellows. They manifest a tendency to associate in pairs, though the paired birds are not inseparable and do not feed side by side. In the mating season, when one bird changes its station, the other of the pair is likely to follow in a few moments. The loud, prolonged whistle of the curlews will call attention to them, whether on the ground c