JucJd, Elmer T. 
 
 List of Month Dakota 
 Birds Found in the Big 
 Coulee, Turtle Mountains 
 Devils Lake Region 
 
 and
 
 
 LIST OF 
 
 NORTH DAKOTA BIRDS 
 
 Found in the BIG COULEE, 
 TURTLE MOUNTAINS and 
 DEVILS LAKE REGION 
 
 As noted during the years 1890 to 1896 
 and verified in subsequent years to date 
 
 1917
 
 LIST OF 
 
 NORTH DAKOTA BIRDS 
 
 Found in the Big Coulee, Turtle Mountains 
 and Devils Lake Region 
 
 As noted during the years 1890 to 1896 
 
 and verified in the subsequent 
 
 years to date. 
 
 PUBLISHED 1917 BY THE AUTHOR 
 
 ELMER T. JUDD^ 
 
 CAN DO, M.**!). 
 
 Copyrighted
 
 INTRODUCTION 
 
 The following list of North Dakota birds is the result of the observations 
 of several seasons, from the spring of 1890 to 1895 inclusive. The list is a 
 verbatim copy of one written in the winter of 1895-6 but has not been pub- 
 lished until now for various good and sufficient reasons. The list has been 
 supplemented and confirmed by the observations of the succeeding years. A 
 list made from notes made the past few years would show a great difference 
 in its comparative abundance or rarity of certain species, and no doubt such 
 a list with notes will be gotten out by some one in the near future. 
 
 In 1895, from the last of March until August 1, my own observations were 
 supplemented and enlarged by reason of a party consisting of Dr. L. B. Bishop 
 of New Haven, Conn,, W. H. Hoyt and John Shaler of Stamford, Conn., N. L. 
 Bigelow of Boston, Mass., and myself, being in the field every day collecting 
 and noting the migratory and breeding species of this territory, and it is 
 safe to say that very few, if any, passed through without some one of the 
 party getting a note of them. Notes were also taken and freely given to me 
 by Mr. E. S. Bryant who was collecting near Freshwater, Dry, and Devils 
 Lakes during the same period, confirming our own observations and adding 
 a few species, as credited to him in the list. Some 230 odd species were 
 given in the first list, but very few of which I have not collected myself. 
 Two of the sub-species were described as new by Dr. Bishop and have since 
 been admitted as good by the A. 0. U. committee on classification of species, 
 namely: the Dakota Song Sparrow and Hoyt's Horned Lark. The list has 
 since been enlarged by the addition of some 20 species and sub-species <is 
 will be noted in the list. In making up the list, I used the nomenclature and 
 numbering as given in the 1895 edition of the Amercan Ornithologists Union's 
 Check list of North American Birds. 
 
 The following description of the territory covered by this list was made 
 in 1895-96. A description written now would not be recognized as covering 
 the same country. Taking Cando, Towner County, as a center, a radius of 40 
 miles would circumscribe the territory covered by this list, and the greater 
 portion of the species noted were taken within a radius of 20 miles. It is 
 classed as rolling prairie with no running streams, except in early spring 
 when the Mauvaise river or Big Coulee and its branches become quite a river 
 while the snow is going off, but they soon run down and during the summer 
 are but little more than a succession of water holes of varying size and depth. 
 The prairies are dotted all over by shallow sloughs formed by the drainage. 
 They usually evaporate by the end of May. They are the favorite feeding 
 places of the Sandpipers and Ducks. In the southeastern part of the county 
 are a succession of lakes of some size, known as Chain Lakes, the largest of 
 which are Lakes Alice and Irwin. Lake Alice is fringed with a growth of 
 trees and bushes on two sides, and is the only place in the county where any 
 trees of size can be found. 
 
 A few miles north of Cando is a series of alkali ponds. These are shallow 
 and often dry up in summer time. While there is water in them they are 
 favorite resting and feeding grounds for the Sandpiper and Duck. Twelve 
 miles north is Snyder Lake, some four or five miles in length and a half mile 
 in width at its widest part. The south end is quite deep. The water in this 
 lake is very brackish although there is one quite large spring of good water 
 near the north end. The northern part of the lake is shallow and filled with 
 a growth of grasses and rushes common to this kind of a place. Ducks, 
 Grebes and Coots nest in numbers here, as well as other water loving birds. 
 
 From Snyder Lake north there is quite a number of long, narrow sloughs 
 culminating in Rock Lake and probably connected during periods of very
 
 4 BIRDS OF NORTH DAKOTA 
 
 high water. This lake is the largest body of water in the county. The water 
 is clear and fresh and is very palatable, the taint of decaying vegetable growth 
 being its only bad feature. It is nine or ten miles in length and in one or 
 two places a mile or more in width. There is a distinct drainage to the north 
 through Badger Creek, Long river, etc. This lake is the summer home and 
 breeding grounds of countless numbers of all the ducks common to this sec- 
 tion. Here also were found, breeding in large numbers, Coots, American Eared 
 and Piedbilled Grebes, Caroline Rail, Wilson Phalarope, Bitterns, Night Herons, 
 and several pair of Canada Geese and Sandhill Cranes. This lake was selected 
 for our headquarters, and nearly all the species in this list were collected 
 or noted around this lake during the season of 1895. The warblers and other 
 wood birds were found on two islands in the lake, the largest being about 
 five acres, the other one acre in extent. They were covered by a thick growth 
 of bushes, principally the Hawthorne and Willows with clumps of Wild Plum, 
 Currant, Raspberry, and Rose bushes, almost impenetrable except where paths 
 had been kept open by stock. 
 
 A topographical map of this region would show the prairies around Cando 
 to be of a generally level appearance, slightly rolling to the south and east. 
 To the west and north it is of a more broken and abruptly rolling nature. It 
 is divided and drained by the Big Coulee and its branches. The drainage is 
 to the south and east through the Chain Lakes and into Devils Lake. Nearly 
 all the lands to the south, west and east of Cando are broken up and farmed, 
 making excellent feeding grounds for the migratory birds, and to a limited 
 extent, breeding grounds for a few species. To the north, northeast, and 
 northwest, it is more broken and less thickly settled and affords abundant 
 room for the shyer species to keep well away from the habitations of man. 
 
 There is a distinct but gradual rise to the surface of the country north 
 of Cando for about 25 miles to the divide from which the drainage is to the 
 north and northeast into the Pembina river. 
 
 To the northwest of Rock Lake the rolling prairies soon merge into the 
 foothills of the Turtle Mountains, and those into the mountains proper. They 
 are but a succession of hills of greater and less size rising to about 400 feet 
 above the surrounding prairies. The soil is sandy, overlaid with a shallow 
 covering of decayed vegetable matter. The numerous hills are interspersed 
 with sloughs and lakes, some of which are quite large and deep. The timber 
 growth is principally a species of poplar and Balm of Gilead, with small tracts 
 of Oak and White Birch. Ash and Elm are found in small clumps or isolated 
 trees amongst the other growth. Willows fringe the lakes. The edges of the 
 cleared tracts and also the burnt over ground have thick growths of choke- 
 cherries, currants, raspberries, mountain cranberries, a sand cherry, June 
 berries, rose, hawthorne, and hazelnut, all of which grow in profusion, making 
 a dense and almost impenetrable thicket. The Mauvaise river has its source 
 in the southeastern part, Willow and Oak Creeks in the south and southwest, 
 and Long river heads in the northwestern part of the mountains. 
 
 Devils Lake is about 40 miles to the south and east of Cando. It covers 
 a large tract of ground some 10 by 50 miles in extent. Generally speaking, 
 it is a shallow lake, the water of a strong alkaline nature, and is a mecca for 
 all the water loving birds migrating over this section. Its shore is fringed 
 with a heavy growth of timber and bushes which serve as resting places for 
 the wood loving birds of all kinds. This lake and the surrounding territory 
 is, and probably always will be an ideal place for a collector to put in his 
 time during the migrations. 
 
 If it proves to be of any value or interest to fellow students of Ornithology, 
 then my work has not been in vain, and my desire to show the wealth of bird 
 life as I found it in the early settlement of this section has been fulfilled. 
 
 Respectfully submitted, 
 
 ELMER T. JUDD, 
 
 Cando, No. Dak.
 
 NORTH DAKOTA BIRDS 
 
 1 1. Western Grebe. Aechmophorus occidentalis. 
 
 Only one specimen taken in Towner County. A set of eggs found at Rock 
 Lake thought to be of this species. A common breeder in Freshwater Lake, 
 Ramsey County. 
 
 22. Holboell Grebe. Colymbus holboellii. 
 
 Common migrant prairie region. Breeding in ponds and lakes of the 
 Turtle Mountains. 
 
 33. Horned Grebe. Colymbus auritus. 
 
 Common migrant. Nesting in Turtle Mountains. No positive instances 
 known of nests found in prairie ponds. First arrivals early in May. 
 
 4 4. American Eared Grebe. Colymbus nigricollis californicus. 
 
 Abundant summer resident. Breeding in colonies in all ponds of prairie 
 region that retain water all summer. This Grebe arrives the last week in 
 April, but does not commence nesting until the first week in June. Their 
 eggs are considered as great delicacies by the half-breeds and Indians, who 
 gather them in large numbers during the early breeding season. One colony 
 contained 40 odd nests in a small patch of grass about one rod wide by four 
 rods long, one to three eggs in each nest. 
 
 56. Pied-billed Grebe. Podilymbus podiceps. 
 
 Common. Breeding in coulee holes and sloughs that have deep water. 
 They appear to avoid the more shallow sloughs and lakes. Probably more 
 common than is evident to the casual observer, as they seem to be of a shyer 
 nature than the Eared Grebes, having the faculty common to all divers, of 
 sinking quietly under water with just the head or bill exposed when alarmed. 
 Earliest records of the first seen in spring being April 27th. Eggs found 
 hatching first week in June. 
 
 6 7. Loon. Urinator imber. 
 
 Common summer resident of Turtle Mountains, breeding in the larger 
 lakes. Sometimes stopping on prairie ponds to rest but no records of their 
 nesting in prairie regions. First migrants noted is April 16th. 
 
 7 11. Red Throated Loon. Urinator lumme. 
 
 A questionable record of five being seen on Big Coulee in late fall migra- 
 tion. 
 
 8 51a. American Herring Gull. Larus argentatus smithsonlanus. 
 
 A straggler during early spring migrations. 
 
 953. California GulL Lams californicus. 
 
 Occasionally seen in summer. One shot in June, 1895, while flying over 
 Rock Lake, being first positive record for this region. 
 
 10 54. Ring-billed Gull. Larus Delawarenses. 
 
 A common migrant. Also seen feeding in more or less numbers during 
 summer. No instances of its breeding in Towner or Rolette counties. Found 
 nesting in numbers on islands of Devils and Stump Lakes. 
 
 1159. Franklins Gull. Larus franklinii. 
 
 Abundant during migrations in spring and also during July and August 
 when they are seen feeding in large flocks over the grain fields, alighting for 
 rest on the ploughed fields and roads. Their food is principally grasshoppers
 
 6 
 
 BIRDS OF NORTH DAKOTA 
 
 at this season. Many hunters seem to delight in shooting them at this season 
 of th'e year from pure wantonness apparently. As they are useless for food 
 and require no skill to get them, this is a deplorable habit, for they are very 
 beneficial as insect destroyers. No records of their nesting here, but have heard 
 of a large colony breeding near Devils Lake. 
 
 1260. Bonaparte Gull. Lams Philadelphia. 
 
 But few stragglers of this species seen during the spring and summer 
 months. 
 
 1369. Forster Tern. Sterna forsterL 
 
 An occasional specimen taken. Should be in hand to distinguish from 
 common Tern. 
 
 14 70. Common Tern. Sterna hirundo. 
 
 Tolerably common. Not found breeding in prairie region. May be found 
 breeding in Turtle Mountains. Nesting in some numbers on islands of Devils 
 and Stump Lakes. 
 
 Breeding Place of Cormorants on Stump Lake 
 
 1574. Least Tern. Sterna antillanim. 
 
 Have a somewhat questionable record of this species. 
 
 16 77. Black Tern. Hydrochelidon nigra surinamensis. 
 
 Abundant summer resident, nesting in colonies in suitable ponds and 
 sloughs. Average sets of eggs, two, often three. First seen about the third 
 week in May. Nesting commences a month later. 
 
 17 120. Double-crested Cormorant. Phalacrocorax dilophus. 
 
 Tolerably common migrant. No records of its breeding except in Devils 
 and Stump Lakes. 
 
 18 125. American Write Pelican. Pelecanus erj throrhj nchos. 
 
 Common migrant, stopping to rest in some of the larger lakes of prairie 
 region. Said to have been found breeding on east end of Devils Lake. 
 
 19 129. American Merganser. Merganser nmericanns. 
 
 Sometimes shot by hunters in the fall. 
 
 20 130. Red-breasted Merganser. Merganser serrator. 
 
 Tolerably common. Migrant especially in the fall.
 
 BIRDS OF NORTH DAKOTA 7 
 
 21 131. Hooded Merganser. Lophodytes eucullatus. 
 
 Tolerably common. I have seen one flock of young in the Big Coulee, 
 that I believed to have been hatched close by, and if so, the nest must have 
 been on the ground as there was no timber short of the Turtle Mountains, 
 some thirty miles away. Earliest arrival noted April 10, 1894. 
 
 22132. Mallard. Anas Boschas. 
 
 Common summer resident, nesting just anywhere. I have one set of eggs 
 taken from a stack of wheat, twelve feet from the ground in spring of 1892. 
 Notes of first arrivals gives March 16 as earliest date. Full set of eggs seen 1 
 May 20. They stay in fall, feeding on fields until all water holes are frozen. 
 I have a record of one seen flying over town in January during a warm spell 
 of weather. 
 
 23133. Black Duck. Anas obscura. 
 
 Have two somewhat questionable records of their being seen here. Alf 
 Eastgate of Stump Lake and Ex-State Auditor H. L. Holmes of Bathgate, have 
 each a mounted specimen. 
 
 24135. GadwalL Anas strepera. 
 
 Common summer resident. Nests are found usually not many rods from 
 lake shore in thick grass, and often in clumps of buckbrush. Arriving early 
 in April, nesting commences late in May. Seldom found away from the larger 
 sloughs and lakes. 
 
 25 137. Baldpate. Anas americana, 
 
 Common summer resident. Nests found in thick grass in vicinity of lakes 
 and coulee holes. Adults usually seen in pairs, and as a rule stay with the 
 young all the season, keeping the family flock together. Arriving middle of 
 April in spring migration. Seldom seen after equinoctial storm in fall. 
 
 26 139. Green-winged Teal. Anas carolinensis. 
 
 Tolerably common. A few pair nesting each season. This species are 
 diminishing in numbers quite rapidly in this section, the decrease having been 
 noticeable the past five years. (Now in 1910, I would call it a rare duck 
 during the summer season.) 
 
 27140. Blue-winged Teal. Anas discors. 
 
 Very common summer resident, probably exceeding any other species of 
 ducks in numbers. Nests most anywhere in vicinity of water. Arriving about 
 the second week in April, nesting commences the last week in May, continuing 
 well into August. Young in the down are often seen as late as September 
 first. Half-breeds and Indians collect great numbers of Teal and other ducks' 
 eggs for food. Some of them claim that the eggs which are well incubated 
 make the best eating. They usually stop egg-hunting about the first of July, 
 otherwise there would be small chance for the ducks to increase. 
 
 28142. Shoveller. Spatula clypeata, 
 
 Very common summer resident. Nests usually placed in thick grass and 
 not very far from water. These ducks when mated soon become familiar 
 with the sight of man, and if not disturbed too often, will allow a very close 
 approach. Arriving the second week in April, full sets of eggs are found by 
 May 20th, according to season. 
 
 29143. Pintail. Daflla acuta. 
 
 Common summer resident. This species is among the earliest migrants, 
 and are usually mated when they get here. They commence nesting the 
 earliest of any of the ducks. They nest on the upland prairies in the stubble- 
 fields, and many of them are plowed under and destroyed. I have found nests 
 of this species no less than a mile from the nearest water. Flocks of young 
 birds are often seen full grown early in July.
 
 8 BIRDS OF NORTH DAKOTA 
 
 30144. Wood-duck. Aix sponsa. 
 
 I know of but one specimen taken here. A male in moulting plumage 
 was shot in August by Roy Thompson on Rock Lake. 
 
 31146. Redhead. Aythya amerieana. 
 
 Tolerably common summer resident. On all the larger lakes nests are 
 found in the thick grass and rushes that grow to from one to three feet 
 of the water. First arrivals noted first week in April. Full sets of eggs 
 found first week in June. 
 
 32147. Canvas-back. Aythya Tallisneria. 
 
 Tolerably common. A few pair breed near the deeper water holes, in 
 the coulees and small sloughs. First seen, third week in April. Full sets of 
 eggs found June 16. 
 
 33 148. American Scaup Duck. Aythya niarilannearctica. 
 
 Common. Early spring and late fall migrant. 
 
 A Desirable Companion When Collecting 
 Water-loving Birds 
 
 34149. Lesser Scaup Duck. Aythya affinis. 
 
 Common. Breeds in all large lakes and sloughs. First migrants in 
 spring seen April 15 to 23 for several years. First nests found second week 
 in June. Have found eggs of this species in same nest with those of other 
 ducks, including Redhead, Ruddy, Blue-winged Teal and others. Whether 
 they preempted the nests of other species, shared in the cares of incubation 
 of the same or left them to the mercies of the other species, was never deter- 
 mined. 
 
 35150. Ringed-necked Scaup. Aythya collaris. 
 
 Rare. One pair seen in Big Coulee. Found breeding in Turtle Mountains. 
 
 36 151. American Golden-eye. Glaucionetta claugula americann. 
 
 Tolerably common at Graham's Island, Devils Lake. Rare straggler to 
 prairie waters. Found breeding in Turtle Mountains. 
 
 37153. Buffle-head. Charitonetta albeola. 
 
 Rare. Sometimes seen and shot during migrations.
 
 BIRDS OF NORTH DAKOTA 9 
 
 38154. Old-squaw. (langula Hyemalis. 
 
 E. S. Bryant claims to have found one dead on northwest shore of Devils 
 Lake. 
 
 39165. White-winged Scoter. Oidemia deglandi. 
 
 Straggler to our lakes and ponds. Summer resident on Devils and Stump 
 Lakes. 
 
 40167. Buddy Duck. Erismatura rubida, 
 
 Very common, breeding in some numbers on all big lakes. An occasional 
 pair nesting in the smaller sloughs and coulee holes. Arrive usually during 
 the latter part of April. Full sets of eggs are found first week in June. 
 
 41 169. Lesser Snow Goose. Chen hyperborea. 
 
 Abundant migrant, spring and fall. Flocks of thousands flying to and 
 from their feeding grounds are a common sight from the first arrivals in 
 the spring, usually about the last week in March until May 1. A few small 
 flocks stay until June 1, feeding on the young and tender grasses of the 
 prairie sloughs and meadows. In the fall they arrive from the north from 
 the 1st to the 12th of October, the big flight almost invariably reaching here 
 about the 10th. They stay until the water in the lakes freezes. 
 
 42 169a. Greater Snow Goose. Chen hyperborea nivalis. 
 
 Specimens whose size would apply to this sub-species, are shot at all 
 times from the large flocks of the Lesser Snow Geese. 
 
 43 169b. Blue Goose. Chen coerulescens. 
 
 Rare as compared with the Lesser Snow Goose. One to four specimens 
 are usually seen in nearly every large flock of Snow Geese. 
 
 44 170. Ross' Snow Goose. Chen rossii. 
 
 One shot April 22, 1893. Have heard of others being seen. None have 
 come to my notice since. 
 
 45 171a. American White-fronted Goose. A user albifrons garabeli. 
 
 Common migrant, both spring and fall. These geese usually fly in small 
 flocks of ten to twenty, and while feeding in company with the large flocks 
 of snow geese, yet they are independent of the same. As a rule they fly 
 close to the ground. They decoy easily and are a favorite with hunters. 
 Migrations about the same as other geese. 
 
 46 172. Canada Goose. Branta canadensis. 
 
 Common. Breeds. Very shy when wild. They are easily domesticated 
 and then become very tame and familiar with those whom they know. Wild 
 geese lay on an average of four to six eggs, tame ones often lay ten or twelve. 
 Harbingers of spring, this species is well called, for the first continued spell 
 of thawing weather brings them from the south. Noted as early as March 8, 
 and in the fall as late as November 20. 
 
 47 172a, Hutchins' Goose. Branta canadensis hutchinsii. 
 
 Common migrant. Usually feed by themselves in small flocks of ten to 
 fifteen. When looking for feed they fly very low and decoy easily. They are 
 also the first out in the morning and evening flights. Often seen or heard 
 before daylight and miles from the lakes they spend the night on. 
 
 48 172c. Cackling Goose. Granta canadensis minima. 
 
 Two specimens shot in 1894 and one in 1895 by Dr. L. B. Bishop. They 
 were assigned to this sub-species. The average hunter would hardly be able 
 to separate this goose from the Hutchins, and they may be more common than 
 they are thought to be. 
 
 49180. Whistling Swan. Olor columbianus. 
 
 One specimen was brought to me for identification in the fall of 1894. 
 Shot while flying in two Goose decoys.
 
 10 
 
 BIRDS OF NORTH DAKOTA 
 
 While Crane Once a Common Bird of Our Prairies, 
 
 This Specimen Was Taken in 1894 and Is One of 
 
 the Last Known Specimens Shot in Towner Co.
 
 BIRDS OF NORTH DAKOTA 11 
 
 50181. Trumpeter Swan. Olor buccinator. 
 
 Tolerably common migrant in spring and fall migrations. Noted as early 
 as April 13 in the spring, and usually the latter half of October in fall migra- 
 tions. The call-notes of the Swan while flying carry a long way, and one 
 can hear them long before the birds are seen. They seldom fly in greater 
 numbers than four to six. 
 
 51190. American Bittern. Botaurus lentiginosis. 
 
 Very common. Breeds in grassy sloughs. Usually arrives last week in 
 April. Earliest full set of eggs taken June 18. These birds often fall a 
 prey to the indiscriminate shooting of some hungers. Most bird dogs will 
 trail and point them. 
 
 52191. Least Bittern. Ardetta exilis. 
 
 Two seen by Dr. Bishop at Rock Lake, June 20, 1895. Also reported seen 
 around Devils Lake. 
 
 53194. Great Blue Heron. Ardea herodias. 
 
 Rare. Only now and then one is seen from year to year. In recent years 
 this species is found breeding in Turtle Mountains. 
 
 54 196. American Egret. Ardea egretta. 
 
 E. S. Bryant reports one seen at Freshwater Lakes. 
 
 55202. Black-crowned IVight-Heron. ]Vycticorax nycticorax naevins. 
 
 Tolerably common. Breeding in colonies in trees on shores of Lake Alice. 
 Also in heavy grass sloughs and thick bushes at Rock Lake. Earliest date 
 for spring migrant, April 24. 
 
 56 204. TVliooping Crane. Grus americana, 
 
 Tolerably common migrant, spring and fall. Probably nests in Turtle 
 Mountains. Earliest arrivals noted April 13. 
 
 57205. Little Brown Crane. Grus Canadensis. 
 
 One pair shot out of a flock of ten or twelve, April 18, 1895. Now in 
 collection of H. L. Bigelow, Boston, Mass. 
 
 58 206. Sandhill Crane. Grus mexicana. 
 
 Common. Breeds in county. Nests located in isolated sloughs that con- 
 tain more or less water. The fall flights are often very large and Crane- 
 shooting is good. In some localities they do considerable damage, as a flock 
 will pull down and scatter the grain after it has been cut and shocked. I 
 have caught them with steel traps on their feeding places. Earliest spring 
 migrants noted April 6. A full set of eggs found June 9. 
 
 59208. King Kail. Rallus elegans. 
 
 Bryant claims to have seen one at Freshwater Lake. 
 
 60212. Virginia Rail. Rallns yirginianus. 
 
 Not common and noted only in fall migrations, and then usually in grain 
 fields or stubble. A very shy bird but easily identified in flight. 
 
 61 214. Carolina Rail or Sora. Porzana Carolina. 
 
 Very common. Nearly every slough containing water as late as June 
 will have one or more pair nesting. I have found nests in grass growing in 
 two feet of water. A full set of eggs contains from eight to fourteen. They 
 arrive the second week in May and their noisy clatter may be heard until 
 after the nesting season. They are not easily flushed, and therefore are much 
 oftener heard than seen. 
 
 62219. Florida Gallinule. Gallinula galeata, 
 
 Bryant claims to have seen them at Freshwater Lake. A straggler of 
 doubtful identification.
 
 12 BIRDS OF NORTH DAKOTA 
 
 63221. American Coot. Fulica americana. 
 
 Abundant. Breeds in numbers in all large sloughs, and many of the 
 smaller ones. Very prolific layers, and do not seem to get discouraged at 
 the number of times their nests are robbed. We estimated that at least 
 3000 eggs were taken by half-breeds and Indians around Rock Lake in the 
 early summer of 1895. Probably the noisiest and most pugnacious of the 
 water birds. I have watched a couple of male birds fight for over an hour. 
 First migrants noted last week in April. Full sets of eggs found May 24. 
 
 64223. Northern Phalarope. Phalaropus robatns. 
 
 Tolerably common spring migrations. Not noted in fall. Arrive the third 
 week in May and stay but a few days, usually in the more open alkali ponds. 
 
 65224. Wilson's Phalarope. Phalaropus tricolor. 
 
 Common resident. We found it breeding in numbers in favorable locali- 
 ties around Rock Lake. Nests are situated not far from the water, on level, 
 moist ground, as a rule. Nearly always in a thick growth of grass, a very 
 slight attempt at nest building being made. In several instances eggs were 
 found in such positions as to show that they had been moved by the birds for 
 some reason a habit attributed to them by other observers. The eggs usually 
 number four, and are of a very marked similarity in general, but each set 
 has an individuality of its own. Our observations led us to think that they 
 did not try to lay a second set when, for any reason, their nests were broken 
 up, and that at that time they also left the country or went into the thick, 
 grassy portions about the lake and kept out of sight. First arrivals noted 
 May 1. Eggs found first week in June. A very interesting species to study. 
 
 66 225. American Avocet. Recurrirostra americana. 
 
 A comparatively rare species, haunting the vicinity of alkali lakes. Un- 
 doubtedly breeds, as a female taken May 15 by Dr. Bishop had an egg full- 
 formed which would probably have been deposited that day or the next. Not 
 seen in the fall. 
 
 67230. Wilson's Snipe. Gallinago delicata. 
 
 Moderately common migrant. Were very common from July to October 
 in 1893, feeding in wet, grassy sloughs. Not seen at all during the dry sea- 
 sons of 1890-1891, nor were they common in 1894-1895. Have been told that 
 they were very plentiful in 1886. (Since found breeding in Turtle Mountains 
 in some numbers.) 
 
 68 232. Long-Wiled Dowitcher. Macrorhamphns scolopacens. 
 
 Moderately common. Irregular migrant in late summer. 
 
 69233. Stilt Sandpiper. Micropalama himantopus. 
 
 A small flock seen May 27, 1895, and another flock or two the last week 
 in July migrating south, comprise the records for this species. 
 
 70239. Pectoral Sandpiper. Tringa maculate. 
 
 Abundant migrant. They arrive the last week in April, and are found 
 feeding until well along in May, around all the shallow sloughs that abound 
 all over the prairies during the spring, in wet seasons, and especially the 
 alkali flats. 
 
 71_240. White-mmped Sandpiper. Tringa fuscicollis. 
 
 The most abundant migrant of the sandpiper family. First seen as early 
 as April 19 on their northward journey. They feed there until the middle of 
 May. 
 
 72241. Baird's Sandpiper. Tringa Bairdii. 
 
 Common migrant. Arrives from the south the third week in April. They 
 are to be found feeding or coursing swiftly over the prairies until about the 
 middle of May.
 
 BIRDS OF NORTH DAKOTA 13 
 
 73242. Least Sandpiper. Triuga minutilla, 
 
 Fairly abundant migrant. First arrivals, May 2, staying from three to 
 four weeks. As a rule they feed around the shores of alkaline ponds, often in 
 shallow ponds of the prairie. 
 
 74 243a. Red-backed Sandpiper. Tringa alpina pacifica. 
 
 Fairly common migrant in 1895. Like most of the other sandpipers, they 
 are found around alkaline, or ponds that are free from vegetable growth. 
 An observer must put in a great deal of his time around such, if he wishes 
 to catch a glimpse of most of the sandpiper family. 
 
 75246. Semipalmated Sandpiper. Ereunetes pusillus. 
 
 Equals the Least Sandpiper in numbers. This species reaches here about 
 the time the Least begin, to leave, and takes the place of that Sandpiper 
 around the lakes and ponds. This species can hardly be distinguished from 
 the other except by close observation. 
 
 76247. Western Sandpiper. Ereunetes occidental!*. 
 
 Found with the last, which they closely resemble. 
 77248. Sanderling. Calidris arenaria, 
 
 Not common, only an occasional small flock being seen around the alkali 
 
 ponds. First date seen, May 28. 
 
 78249. Marbled Godwit. Liraosa fedoa. 
 
 A few pair breed in this county. Commonly seen in pairs in spring 
 migrations. They assemble in quite large flocks in late summer at the larger 
 lakes before going south. Spring migrants first seen early in May. 
 
 79251. Htidsonian Godwit, Limosa haemastica. 
 
 A fairly common migrant in 1895. First seen April' 24. 
 80 254. Greater Yellow-legs. Totanus melanoleucus. 
 
 Fairly common migrant. First noted in third week in April. From the 
 first of June they can be seen singly and in pairs, feeding with flocks of the 
 Lesser Yellow-legs. After the tenth of July, a few male and barren female 
 birds are noted migrating south. 
 
 81 255. Lesser Yellow-legs. Totanus flaripes. 
 
 Common migrant. Arrives in flocks about the twentieth of April. They 
 are seen almost anywhere until along in May. Their noisy whistle is missed 
 until early in July, when a noticeable southern movement commences. 
 
 82256. Solitary Sandpiper. Totanus solitarins. 
 
 Tolerably common around Rock Lake. Also seen in other suitable locali- 
 ties. Will undoubtedly be found breeding in Turtle Mountains. 
 
 83 258a, Western Willet Symphemia semipalamata inornate. 
 
 Common summer resident. Nests seldom located. One found was at a 
 great distance from water. Arrives the first week in May. Conspicuous from 
 their size and their loud, shrill cries of "per-willet," "per-willet." Some- 
 times called silver-wing snipe by hunters presumably on account of the large 
 white patch on the wings, seen while flying. 
 
 84261. Bartramian Sandpiper. Bartramia longicaiida, 
 
 Abundant summer resident, nesting on upland prairie, and is one of the 
 most noticeable birds of the prairies. Arriving the last. week in April, they 
 feed in flocks until late in May when they pair off and nest. The male birds 
 are seen flocking together late in June and early July, and commence migrat- 
 ing south. Female and young are very shy, and disappear so gradually that 
 their leaving is scarcely noticed until they are all gone. (In 1910 one would 
 say that this species was uncommon for where once were small flocks, now 
 only pairs are seen and they seem to be growing less in numbers very rapidly.) 
 
 85262. Buff-breasted Sandpiper. Tryngites subnificollis. 
 
 A few single birds and one large flock seen the last week in May, 1895.
 
 1-4 
 
 BIRDS OF NORTH DAKOTA 
 
 
 Ferruginous Rough-leg' Hawk's Nest and Eggs 
 
 The Author With a Set of Swains on Hawk's Eggs 
 Showing Nest and Female Bird
 
 BIRDS OF NORTH DAKOTA 15 
 
 86263. Spotted Sandpiper. Actitis macularia, 
 
 A rare bird on the prairies. More common in and near Turtle Mountains 
 where it undoubtedly breeds. One pair unquestionably nested at Rock Lake 
 1895. 
 
 87270. Black-bellied Plover. Charadrius squatarola. 
 
 Tolerably common migrant, usually flying in very small flocks or singly. 
 Sometimes seen with the Golden Plover. First seen the last week in May. 
 
 88272. American Golden Plover. Charadrius dominicus. 
 
 Common migrant. Very erratic in its general movements. Arrives usual- 
 ly the second week in May. They are seen feeding around for two or three 
 weeks, frequenting burnt over ground and wheat fields. A number of flocks 
 seen moving south early in July, 1895. 
 
 89273. Killdear. Aegialitis vocifera. 
 
 Common resident in summer, breeding in some numbers. Their noisy 
 presence is made very apparent when one gets within half a mile of a nest. 
 First arrivals noted March 30. They herald their coming by loud and repeated 
 series of the cry peculiar to themselves and from which they derive their 
 name. 
 
 90 274. Semi-palmated Plover. Aegialitis semipalmata. 
 
 Rare. One seen by Dr. Bishop at Rock Lake, May, 1895. 
 
 91277. Piping Plover. Aegialitis meloda. 
 
 Noted at west end Devils Lake. 
 
 92 277a, Belted Piping Plover. Aegialitis meloda circumcincta. 
 
 Noted at west end Devils Lake near Graham's Island. 
 
 93 283. Turnstone. Arenaria interpres. 
 
 Tolerably common around Rock Lake in 1895. 
 
 94_289. Quail. Colinus virginianus. 
 
 Admitted on hearsay. Heard of a flock of a dozen near Grand Harbor 
 1894-1895 presumably shipped in and turned loose there. 
 
 95_300b. Gray Buffed Grouse. Bonasa umbellus umbelloides. 
 
 Common in Turtle Mountains. Have not taken any specimens myself, 
 but a collection of tails, spread and dried, seen in a settler's cabin, shows 
 both the light and dark forms of the Ruffed Grouse. 
 
 96 305. Prairie Hen. Tympanuchns americana, 
 
 Common summer resident, and if it continues to increase as it has in the 
 past five years it can soon be classed as an abundant bird of this section. 
 Earliest dates of arrival noted are March 26 and April 1. 
 
 97308. Sharp-tailed Grouse. Pedioecetes phasianellus. 
 
 Some of the winter birds of the Sharptailed Grouse are assigned to this 
 species. 
 
 9^ 308b. Prairie Sharp-tailed Grouse. Pedioecetes phasianellus cempestris. 
 
 The most abundant of the Grouse family and seen the year round, but 
 the winter birds are thought to be those raised farther north. There appears 
 to be a marked migration of this sub-species. As the prairies are settled and 
 broken up for grain fields, this species gives way to the prairie hen, which 
 was practically unknown here in the early 90's. 
 
 99_316. Mourning Dove. Zenaidura macroura. 
 
 Tolerably common summer resident. Nests both on the prairies and in 
 the Turtle Mountains. First week in May is when the spring migrants are 
 first seen.
 
 BIRDS OF NORTH DAKOTA 
 
 An Eminent Ornithologist and His Special Care, 
 Group of Young Ferruginous Rough-leg Hawks 
 He Was Raising for Purpose of Study-
 
 BIRDS OF NORTH DAKOTA 17 
 
 100325. Turkey Vulture. Carthartes auro. 
 
 A straggler to the prairie region. Tolerably common around Devils Lake. 
 
 101-331. Marsh Hawk. Circus hudsonius. 
 
 Very common summer resident. One of our earliest spring migrants and 
 one of the most familiar of birds, as they are seen at all hours of the day 
 hovering over their feeding places. Arriving early in the spring and staying 
 late in the fall, they kill and devour great numbers of gophers, mice, and 
 now and then a small bird or young prairie chicken. Nest built in the shal- 
 low sloughs of prairies, three to five eggs. 
 
 102332. Sharp-shinned Hawk. Accipter yelox. 
 
 Rare. Two specimens secured in 1895. 
 
 103334. American Goshawk. Accipites atricapillus. 
 
 Have seen head and feathers of two shot by George Dale in north end of 
 Towner county. 
 
 104337. Bed tailed Hawk. Buteo borealis. 
 
 Common migrant. Breeds in Turtle Mountains and timber around Gra- 
 ham's Island, Sweetwater and other lakes. Both the true borealis and its 
 sub-species Kriderii are found here, and probably types of both will be found 
 intermingling and breeding. Flocks of six to ten are seen during migrations 
 in spring. 
 
 105 337a. Krider's Hawk. Buteo borealis kriderii. 
 
 Remarks on borealis will apply to kriderii. 
 
 106 342. Swainson's Hawk. Buteo swainsoni. 
 
 An abundant summer resident, nesting wherever there are bushes large 
 enough to hold a nest. Also found nesting in tall trees in edges of Turtle 
 Mountains. Arriving usually early in April, nest building does not progress 
 very rapidly until well along in May. Sets of eggs have been found of from 
 one to four. In July there appear on the prairies a large number of these 
 hawks, evidently from one to two years old. They do not seem to be in flocks 
 at all, still there are so many of them that it would appear as though they 
 had come from somewhere together. They are at this time either stupid or 
 very fearless, for they are easily approached and large numbers of them are 
 shot by hunters and left to rot where they fall. They evidently come here for 
 the feed, as there is a bountiful supply in the shape of gophers, mice, toads, 
 etc. In the early fall they disappear as mysteriously as they came, going 
 during the first few days in September, but very few being seen after 
 that. Many phases of melanistic plumage are seen at this time and some 
 approach very closely to a perfect melanism. I have not observed anything 
 approaching albinism in all the birds I have seen of this species. 
 
 Writing in 1910 about this species one would say that they were a rare 
 bird and not found nesting at all, neither is there any evidence of a summer 
 flight of these birds. 
 
 107-^343. Broad-winged Hawk. Buteo latissimus. 
 
 A fairly common straggler. No evidence of its breeding here has been 
 noticed. 
 
 108 347a. American Hough-legged Hawk. Archilmteo lagopus saucti-Johannis. 
 
 A very early spring and late fall migrant. Tolerably common. Do not 
 tarry any great length of time. First seen in spring the last days of March. 
 
 109 348. Ferruginous Kough-leg Hawk. Archibuteo ferruginus. 
 
 Very c'ommon summer resident, breeding in considerable numbers in the 
 hills in the northern part of the county. Choose retired and isolated hills on 
 which to place their nests. First seen early in April. Full sets of eggs are 
 found late in May.
 
 18 
 
 BIRDS OF NORTH DAKOTA 
 
 110352. Bald Eagle. Haliaeetus leucocephalus. 
 
 Not common. Breeds. A young bird taken from a nest in the Turtle 
 Mountains in 1890 was seen at Hurricane Lake. Two were seen in 1895, 
 one of which was taken near Rock Lake. 
 
 Ill 355. Prairie Falcon. Falco inexicanus. 
 
 Common. Especially during August and September. This is the only 
 species of Hawks that I have seen taking toll from the poultry yards. Have 
 seen them swoop down after their prey in the main street of the town. 
 
 112356. Duck Hawk. Falco peregrinus anatum. 
 
 Not common. Several seen during the season. One female taken in 
 June, 1895, by Dr. Bishop. 
 
 113357. Pigeon Hawk. Falco columbarius. 
 
 Hawks seen flying at a distance assigned to this species. Rare, if it 
 occurs at all. 
 
 A Camp in Turtle Mountains Collecting in 189E 
 
 114 360. Sparrow Hawk. Falco sparverius. 
 
 Very common summer resident Turtle Mountains, nesting there and in 
 timber on Graham's Island. Migratory across prairie regions only. First 
 seen second week in April. 
 
 115 364. American Osprey. Pandlon haliaetus carolinensis. 
 
 Rare. One seen at Snyder Lake April 24 and again on May 28, 1895. 
 
 116 366. American Long-eared Owl. Asio wilsonianus. 
 
 Not common. One nest found May 25, 1895, in bushes along Big Coulee 
 in northern part of county. 
 
 117 367. Short-eared Owl. Asio accipitrinus. 
 
 Common summer resident, usually appearing third week in April. Full 
 set of eggs found May 18. 
 
 118371. Rachardson's Owl. Nyctala tenginalmi richardsoni. 
 
 Rare winter resident and migrant.
 
 BIRDS OF NORTH DAKOTA 19 
 
 119372. Acadian Owl or Sawwhet. Xyctala acadica, 
 
 Rare. Taken in winter only. 
 
 120 375a. Western Horned Owl. Bubo \irginianus subarcticus. 
 
 Common. Resident of Turtle Mountains. Breeds. Nests found with eggs 
 in February and March. 
 
 121376. Snowy Owl. Nyctea nyctea. 
 
 Common winter resident and migrant. Seen here from October to May. 
 (One seen at Rock Lake July, 1910.) 
 
 122 377a. American Hawk Owl. Surnia ulula caparoch. 
 
 Rare. One specimen taken in fall 1902. 
 
 123 378. Burrowing Owl. Speotyto cunicularia hypogaea. 
 
 Common summer resident. Breeding. More commonly seen late summer 
 than at other times. They are apparently migrating at that time. 
 
 124 387. Yellow-billed Cuckoo. Coccyzus americauus. 
 
 E. S. Bryant claims to have taken this species at Freshwater lakes. 
 
 125388. Black-billed Cuckoo. Coccyzus erythrophthalmus. 
 
 Tolerably common summer resident in Turtle Mountains. Seldom seen 
 while migrating. 
 
 126390. Belted Kingfisher. Ceryle alcjon. 
 
 Tolerably common migrant. Rarely found nesting. 
 
 127 393a. Northern Hairy Woodpecker. Dryobates villosus leucomelas. 
 
 Tolerably common resident Turtle Mountains. Migrant over prairies. 
 Breeds. 
 
 128 394. Downy Woodpecker. Dryobates pubescens. 
 
 Common summer resident Turtle Mountains. Migratory only through 
 prairie regions stopping to feed occasionally around buildings and fences. 
 First seen middle of May. 
 
 129400. Arctic Three-toed Woodpecker. Piccides arcticns. 
 
 Rare. Bryant collected one spring 1894. 
 
 130402. Yellow-bellied Sapsucker. Sphyrapicus yarius. 
 
 Summer resident of Turtle Mountains. Most common species of the wood- 
 pecker family. Breeds. 
 
 131 406. Red-headed Woodpecker. Melanerpes erythrocephalus. 
 
 Rare. A straggler from the Red River flight. 
 
 132412. Flicker. Colaptes auratus. 
 
 Common summer resident Turtle Mountains. Breeds. Migratory only 
 across prairies. 
 
 133417. Whip-poor will. Antrostomus \ociferus. 
 
 Admitted on testimony of Mr. T. W. Conyers who told me that he both 
 saw and heard the bird; was on his yard fence in Cando. Rare. Mr. Seton 
 Thompson in his Birds of the Northwest, gives this species as common in the 
 Long River Gorge. This is just north of the Turtle Mountains. No records 
 of its being seen or heard in the Turtle Mountains. 
 
 134-^120. Sighthawk. Chordeiles \irginianus. 
 
 Common summer resident. Breeds.
 
 20 
 
 BIRDS OF NORTH DAKOTA 
 
 135 420a. Western Nighthawk. Chordeiles virginianus henryi. 
 
 Intermingling and breeding with virginianus. Dr. Bishop has a series of 
 skins which are redescribed and admitted as Bennett's Nighthawk, and same 
 will be found, I think, to be the predominating nighthawk in this region. 
 
 136423. Chimney Swift. Chaetura pelagica. 
 
 A rare straggler. Does not occur every year. 
 
 137428. Ruby-throated Hummingbird. Trochilus colubris. 
 
 Not uncommon on prairies. Tolerably common and breeds in Turtle 
 Mountains. 
 
 138 444. Kingbird. Tyrannus tyrannus. 
 
 Very common summer resident. When trees or bushes are not at hand, 
 they build their nests on plows, binders, in the tin eave gutters, and I have 
 a record of one nest built on the ground on the bank overhanging a coulee 
 bed. For a long term of years first notes of spring migrants of this species 
 were made on either the 17th or the 19th day of May. 
 
 As We Ranged the Prairies Collecting- in 1895 
 
 139 447. Arkansas Kingbird. Tyrannus rerticalis. 
 
 Common around Devils Lake. Rare at Cando and north up to 1895. (In 
 1910 they equal the Kingbird in numbers around Cando.) Another instance of 
 the changes in the avi fauna as the country settles up. 
 
 140452. Crested Flycatcher. Myiarchus crinitus. 
 
 Rare. Several specimens have been taken in Turtle Mountains. 
 
 141-456. Phoebe. Sayornis phoebe. 
 
 Rare. But one specimen for this locality, April, 1895. 
 
 142461. Wood Pewee. Contopus virens. 
 
 Admitted to list, but data on this species very incomplete. 
 
 143463. Yellow-bellied Flycatcher. Empidonax flaviventris. 
 
 Rare. Breeding in Turtle Mountains.
 
 BIRDS OF NORTH DAKOTA 21 
 
 144466. Traill's Flycatcher. Empidonax traillii. 
 
 Common migrant prairie region. Breeds in Turtle Mountains. Earliest 
 migrants, May 8. 
 
 145 467. Least Flycatcher. Empidoiiax minimus. 
 
 Tolerably common summer resident of Turtle Mountains and woods around 
 Devils Lake. First seen June 4. Eggs found June 29. 
 
 146 474b. Prairie Homed Lark. Otocorus alpestris practicola. 
 
 Tolerably common. Breeds. Very early spring migrants, coming in pairs 
 and commencing to prepare a nesting place soon after. 
 
 147 474c. Desert Horned Lark. Otoceris alpestris arenicola. 
 
 This light colored form is more common than practicola, but does not 
 appear in the spring migrations until much later, usually arriving here already 
 mated and prepared for the business of reproduction. 
 
 148474. Hoyt's Homed Lark. Otocoris alpestris hoytii. 
 
 Common in flocks. Late fall in southern migration and late winter in 
 the northern movement. This larger and darker form of this species was 
 described and named by Dr. Bishop in 1895 and since admitted in the A. O. U. 
 lists. One of the few species that can be classed as a winter resident, some 
 years much more so than others.- 
 
 149-^177. Blue Jay. Cyanocitta cristata. 
 
 Tolerably common migrant of the prairies. Summer resident of the Turtle 
 Mountains where it nests in some numbers. 
 
 150 484. Canada Jay. Perisoreus canadeusis. 
 
 Rare. Found in both summer and winter months in Turtle Mountains. 
 Straggler to prairie regions. 
 
 151 487. Northern Raven. Corvus corax principalis. 
 
 Very rare, if at all. An occasional bird seen in very early spring, assigned 
 to this species. 
 
 152 488. American Crow. Corrus americana. 
 
 Tolerably common summer resident. Arrives early in April, often in 
 March. Nests are found in bushes along the coulees and in the Turtle Moun- 
 tains. 
 
 153 494. Bobolink. Dolichonyx oryziYorus. 
 
 Common summer resident. First seen early in May. Nests in all suit- 
 able localities in June. Nest and eggs not easily located. 
 
 154495. Cowbird. Molothrus ater. 
 
 Abundant summer resident. First seen about first of May. Nearly all, 
 if not all of the small birds of the region assist in propagating 'this species. 
 
 155497. Yellow-headed Blackbird. Xanthosephalus xanthocephalus. 
 
 Abundant summer resident. Nests in colonies. Have counted over 120 
 nests in a patch of rushes not larger than 10 rods by 1 rod in one of the 
 coulees. First seen third week in April. 
 
 156498. Redwinged Blackbird. Agelaius phoeniseus. 
 
 Common summer resident. Appear as early as first week in April. 
 
 157 501b. Western Meadowlark. Sturnella magna neglecta. 
 
 Common summer resident. First appearing about the first of April. 
 Their cheerful notes are heard until late in fall. 
 
 158^506. Orchard Oriolo. Icterus spurius. 
 
 Rare on prairie. Found breeding around the large lakes to the south. 
 Not found in Turtle Mountains.
 
 22 BIRDS OF NORTH DAKOTA 
 
 159507. Baltimore Oriole. Icterus galbula. 
 
 Tolerably common migrant over prairies, nesting in timber on shores of 
 large lakes, and In Turtle Mountains. 
 
 160509. Hasty Blackbird. Scolecophagus carolinus. 
 
 Very common migrant. Arrives about first week in April. They are found 
 in flocks feeding on the grain fields, commonly not far from waterholes. Going 
 north about the second week in May, they return in the fall early in Sep- 
 tember, staying until snow flies or until all water is frozen. 
 
 161 510. Brewers Blackbird. Scolecophagus cyanocephalns. 
 
 Tolerably common migrant. A few pair usually breed on the outskirts 
 of the Turtle Mountains. 
 
 162 511b. Bronzed Grackle. Quiscalus quiscula aeueus. 
 
 Tolerably common summer resident arriving from the south about the 
 middle of April. Found nesting in suitable localities. 
 
 Sioux Indians, Full Bloods, Some of the Eg-g- Hunter 
 of Rock Lake, Spoken of in List 
 
 163 514. Evening Grosbeak. Coccothraustes respertinns. 
 
 Rare straggler. Only two or three records in a number of years in early 
 spring. 
 
 164515; Pine Grosbeak. Pinicola enucleator. 
 
 Irregular winter visitant in small flocks. 
 
 165 517. Purple Finch. Carpodacus purpurens. 
 
 Rarely seen on the prairies. Breeds in Turtle Mountains. Tolerably com- 
 mon there. 
 
 166 521. American Crossbill. Loxia curvirostra minor. 
 
 Rare visitor. A juvenile specimen taken in August, 1891. 
 
 167522. Whitewinged Crossbill. Loxia leucoptera. 
 
 A small flock seen in latter part of July, 1895. Probably a family.
 
 BIRDS OF NORTH DAKOTA 23 
 
 168 527a Hoary Redpoll. Acanthis hornemanuii cxilipes. 
 
 Rare winter visitant. Usually found with flocks of the common Redpoll. 
 
 169528. Redpoll. Acanthis linaria. 
 
 Common winter visitant and migrant in early spring and late fall. 
 
 170529. Goldfinch. Spinus tristis. 
 
 Tolerably common. Breeds in Turtle Mountains, migratory prairie regions. 
 
 171 534. Snowflake. Plectrophenax nivalis. 
 
 Abundant migrant. Winter resident some years. Usually comes from 
 north early in October, going north in spring. Last seen fore part of May. 
 
 172 536. Lapland Longspun Calcarius laponicus. 
 
 Abundant migrant. Arriving from the south from the 12th of March on, 
 they are seen in flocks of hundreds as soon as the snow is all gone. They 
 feed on the newly seeded fields, picking up the uncovered grains of wheat, 
 weed seeds, and insects. Called by some farmers "wheat birds." They are 
 thought by some to do great damage, and may have done so in the days of 
 the broadcast seeder. An examination of the crop and gizzards of these show 
 an enormous number of weed seeds and small insects, showing that they 
 are beneficial rather than harmful in any way. Returning from the north 
 in September, they are commonly seen till about November 1. 
 
 173537. Smith's Longspun Calcarius pictus. 
 
 Common migrant. This species seems of a more retiring nature than 
 the others of this genus. They are seldom seen unless flushed from the 
 stubble they usually feed in. Not often seen on the grass of the prairies. 
 Not seen at all in the wooded sections. 
 
 174 538. Chestnut collared Longspun Calcarus ornatus. 
 
 Abundant summer resident. This most ubiquitous of our small birds is 
 the most conspicuous of the ground-nesting species. The males spend much 
 of their time in the air near the nesting site, singing as they soar at some 
 height from the ground their pleasing and cheerful song, only heard during 
 the nesting season. They come late in the spring and stay until well along 
 in October. 
 
 175 539. McCown's Longspun Rhynchophanes mccownii. 
 
 Tolerably common summer resident. Nests usually found in growing 
 grain, though they commence nesting before same is hardly up. Sometimes 
 called butterfly birds from their habit of rising from the ground, and after 
 their song is finished coming down with wings set much as a butterfly does. 
 (This species has become more and more rare as the country has settled until 
 now it is rarely seen 1910.) 
 
 176 540. Vesper Sparrow. Pooecetes gramineus. 
 
 Fairly common. Nests around the towns, farm buildings, but seldom or 
 ever on the open prairie. 
 
 177 540a. Western Vesper Sparrow. Pooecetes gramineus confinis. 
 
 Intermingling with the true Vesper, if not confounded at times with the 
 same. It needs the birds in hand to separate one from the other. 
 
 178 542a. Savanna Sparrow. Ammodramus sandwichensis savanna. 
 
 Common summer resident, nesting in numbers in all suitable localities. 
 179545. Baird's Sparrow. Ammodramus bairdii. 
 
 Common summer resident nesting in suitable places, often times several 
 pairs in the same meadow. 
 
 180 546a. Western Grasshopper Sparrow. Ammodramus savannarum (per- 
 pallidus.) 
 
 Not common. Probably breeds as B. S. Bryant gives it as a common 
 breeder in Freshwater Lake.
 
 24 BIRDS OF NORTH DAKOTA 
 
 181 548. Lecontes Sparrow. Ammodramus leconteii. 
 
 Common migrant and thought to breed here, but so far have been unable 
 to locate a nest. They frequent the dry sloughs where high grass gives them 
 their favorite feeding. They are seldom seen unless being looked for. 
 
 182 549a. Nelson's Sparrow. Ammodramus caudacntus nelsoni. 
 
 Tolerably common migrant, but rarely seen. May be found breeding. 
 
 183 553a. Harris' Sparrow. Zonotricliia querula. 
 
 Common migrant. This, one of the largest sparrows, is conspicuous 
 while it tarries here. Spring migrants come in about May 1, and in the fall 
 arrive from the north about the 10th of September. 
 
 184554. White Crowned Sparrow. Zonotrichia leucophrys. 
 
 Tolerably common migrant in spring. 
 
 185 554a. Intermediate Sparrow. Zonotrichia leucophrys intermedia. 
 
 Several specimens taken assigned to this sub-species. 
 
 186558. White-throated Sparrow. Zonotrichia alMcolis. 
 
 Tolerably common migrant on prairies, breeding in Turtle Mountains. 
 
 187 559a. Western Tree Sparrow. Spizella monticola ochrace;i. 
 
 Common migrant spring and fall, usually in April, not tarrying for long 
 either in the spring or fall flights. 
 
 188560. Chipping Sparrow. Spizella socialis. 
 
 Not common. Said to breed near Devils Lake. 
 
 189561. Clay-colored Sparrow. Spizella pallida. 
 
 Common summer resident. Very shy on their breeding grounds, keeping 
 well hid in the low shrubbery, weeds" and grass that they frequent. Spring 
 migrants first seen the first of May. They keep more or less in flocks until 
 nesting begins. Fall movement noticeable the middle of September. 
 
 190 567. Junco. Junco hyemalis. 
 
 Common migrant, especially so in spring. Have seen them as early as 
 February 26. They are common late in March and early in April. They either 
 go south very quickly through here or take another route as they are not 
 near as common as in the spring flight. 
 
 191581. Dakota Song Sparrow. Melospi/a fasciata juddii. 
 
 This sub-species, described and named by Dr. L. B. Bishop, discovered 
 in Turtle Mountains where it is a common summer resident. Rarely seen on 
 the prairies and then only during migrations. 
 
 192583. Lincoln's Sparrow. Melospiza lincolnii. 
 
 Tolerably common migrant frequenting the thick grasses growing along 
 coulees. They are only seen when flushed, and so far as I have been able 
 to note they have no song while here. First arrivals rioted from 1st to 21st 
 of May for several years. Seldom seen in the fall. 
 
 193 584. Swamp Sparrow. Melospiza georgiana. 
 
 Tolerably common migrant on the prairies. Probably breeds in Turtle 
 Mountains. A full plumaged male bird taken there second week in July was 
 in full song. First seen in spring as early as April 27. A shy bird, one 
 needs to hunt for them if he wishes to see them. 
 
 194585. Fox Sparrow. Passerella iliaca. 
 
 Rather rare migrant. Earliest dates seen April 20 and 29. Seldom noted 
 in fall. 
 
 195587. Towhee. Pipilo erythrophthalmus. 
 
 Rare. May be found breeding in Turtle Mountains.
 
 BIRDS OF NORTH DAKOTA 25 
 
 196588. Arctic Towhee. Pipilo niaculatns arcticus. 
 
 Rare straggler. One specimen taken assigned to this species. 
 
 197595. Bose-breasted Grosbeak. Habia ludoYiciana. 
 
 Tolerably common summer resident in Turtle Mountains. Migratory only 
 on prairies. Earliest notes of spring migrants 5th to llth of May. 
 
 198598. Indigo Bunting. Passerina cyanea. 
 
 Rare. Seen only occasionally. (Bryant found them at Freshwater.) 
 
 199 604. Dickcissel. Spiza americana. 
 
 Rare. Small flock seen in 1891. Is only record I have, three full-plumaged 
 males being taken at that time in southeastern part of county on Big Coulee. 
 
 200 605. Lark Bunting. Calamospiza melanocorys. 
 
 Common summer resident, nesting in old fields left for summer fallowing. 
 Many are plowed up and destroyed before the eggs have hatched. Arriving 
 after the middle of May, they nest late in June. Have a pure Albino skin 
 of this species taken in August, 1890. 
 
 201 608. Scarlet Tauager. Piranza erythronielas. 
 
 Rare. Seen only in Turtle Mountains. May be found breeding there some 
 years. 
 
 202611. Purple Martin. Progne subis. 
 
 Common summer resident of Turtle Mountains, nesting in hollow trees. 
 Migratory only in prairie regions. 
 
 203612. Cliff Swallow. Petrochelidon lunifrons. 
 
 Common summer resident nesting in suitable localities. Probably a dozen 
 or more colonies known in the county. First migrants noted May 24th. 
 
 204^613. Barn Swallow. Chelidon erythrogastra. 
 
 Common summer resident. Spring migrants first seen second week in 
 May, staying in fall as late as October 20. 
 
 205614. Tree Swallow. Tachycineta bicolor. 
 
 Common summer resident of wooded regions. Migratory over prairies. 
 Arrives from the south the first week in May and stays until the first heavy 
 frosts of fall. 
 
 206616. Bank Swallow. Clivicola riparia. 
 
 Common summer resident of prairies. Not noted in Turtle Mountains. 
 Nests in all suitable places. First noted third week in May as a rule. 
 
 207 618. Bohemian Waxwing. Ampelus garrulus. 
 
 Irregular winter visitant in small flocks. 
 
 208619. Cedar Waxwing. Ampelis cedrorum. 
 
 Tolerably common summer resident of the Turtle Mountains. Migratory 
 over prairie regions. So erratic in their movements as to make records of 
 their migrations difficult to obtain. 
 
 209621. JVorthern Shrike. Lanius borealis. 
 
 Tolerably common. Early spring and late fall migrant. 
 
 210622a, White-rumped Shrike. Lanius ludovicianus excubitorides. 
 
 Not at all common. Have found them breeding on shores of Lake Alice. 
 
 211624. Red-eyed Yireo. Yireo olivaceous. 
 
 Common summer resident of Turtle Mountains. Only occasionally seen 
 during migrations on prairies.
 
 26 BIRDS OF NORTH DAKOTA 
 
 212^-626. Philadelphia Yireo. Vireo philadelphicus. 
 
 Not uncommon as a summer resident of the Turtle Mountains. Undoubt- 
 edly nests there, but none found as yet. 
 
 213627. Warbling Vireo. Yireo gihus. 
 
 Not common. Found nesting in wooded regions. 
 
 214628. Yellow-throated Yireo. Yireo flavifrous. 
 
 Rare. Taken in July in Turtle Mountains. Juveniles seen. 
 
 215636. Black and White Warbler. Mniotilta varia. 
 
 Tolerably common summer resident of Turtle Mountains. Migratory only 
 on prairies. First spring migrants noted on May 11. 
 
 216646. Orange-crowned Warbler. Helminthophila celata. 
 
 Tolerably common migrant. Taken as early as May 8. 
 
 217^47. Tennessee Warbler. Helminthophila peregrina. 
 
 Tolerably common migrant usually seen first of June. 
 
 218650. Cape May Warbler. Dendroica tigrina. 
 
 Rare migrant. Taken as early as May 13. 
 
 219652. Yellow Warbler. Dendroica aestiva. 
 
 Common summer resident. Found nesting along coulees and suitable 
 places in prairie region also in Turtle Mountains. 
 
 220655. Myrtle W r arbler. Dendroica coronata. 
 
 The most abundant of the warblers during the migrations, both in prairie 
 and wooded districts. Notes of first seen give last week in April. 
 
 221657. Magnolia Warbler. Dendroica maculosa, 
 
 Rare. Several taken second week in May, 1895. Migrant only. 
 
 222659. Chestnut-sided Warbler. Dendroica pennsybanica. 
 
 Common migrant over prairies. Nests in Turtle Mountains. First arrivals 
 noted first of June. 
 
 223660. Bay-breasted Warbler. Dendroica castanea. 
 
 Very rare. Only one authentic record a fine male specimen taken May 
 11, 1895 on an island in Rock Lake. 
 
 224661. Blackpoll Warbler.. Dendroica striata. 
 
 Equals if not surpasses in numbers the Yellow-rumped Warbler in the 
 wooded districts, but not as common on the prairies. Earliest spring migrants 
 seen first of May. 
 
 225^62. Blackburnian Warbler. Dendroica black burn iae. 
 
 Given as rare by Bryant at Freshwater Lake. 
 
 226672. Palm Warbler. Dendroica palmarum. 
 
 Rare migrant Noted from 1st of May. 
 
 227 674. Oven-bird. Seinnis anrocapillus. 
 
 Rare summer resident of Turtle Mountains. 
 
 228 675a. Grinnel's Water Thrush. Seiurus noveboracensis notabilis. 
 
 Common at Rock Lake between May 9 and June 20, also in Turtle Moun- 
 tains during July, undoubtedly nesting there at that time. This species is 
 very shy and retired in its habits and much more common than it would 
 appear to be to any except the most careful observers. They have a very 
 pleasing song during the nesting season. Roy Thompson found nests and 
 eggs of this species in 1909-10 at Fish Lake, Turtle Mountains. Author found
 
 BIRDS OF NORTH DAKOTA 27 
 
 a nest with 3 eggs July 15, 1916. Only known records. Nest and eggs seen in 
 Turtle Mountains near Fish Hatchery and photographed on July 12, 1916. 
 Nest was in bank of a newly dug ditch resting on a small shelf, where side 
 of ditch had caved off. Eggs apparently about two-thirds incubated, nest 
 composed of small sticks, rootlets, bark and moss. 
 
 229679. Mourning: Warbler. Geothylpis Philadelphia. 
 
 Tolerably common migrant on prairies. One of the most common summer 
 residents of the Turtle Mountains. Their song, which is very clear and dis- 
 tinct, has three very distinct variations, all ending, however, in the same 
 manner, which is the distinguishing part. The bird is much oftener heard 
 than seen. While we knew them to be nesting all around us, a careful search 
 failed to reward us with a nest and eggs. A brood of young just from the 
 nest were seen in July. They were most commonly found in tracts that had 
 been cut over and were then growing up to sprouts and brush of all kinds. 
 Earliest arrivals from the south noted first week in June. 
 
 230681. Maryland Yellow-throat Gfeothlypis trichas. 
 
 Common summer resident of prairies and the Turtle Mountains. Breed- 
 ing. Earliest date of arrival in the spring May 3. 
 
 231685. Wilson's Warbler. Sylyania pusilla. 
 
 Rather rare migrant. Usually seen latter part of May. 
 
 232687. Redstart. Setophaga omticilli. 
 
 Common migrant of prairie and summer resident of Turtle Mountains, 
 Graham's Island and other wooded tracts. Arrives third week in May. 
 
 233 697. American Pipit. Anthus pennsylvanicus. 
 
 Regular migrant in spring. More common in the September movement 
 to the south. Not noted in the wooded regions. 
 
 234700. Sprague's Pipit, Authus spraguli. 
 
 Fairly common summer resident. This species was not noted for several 
 years, but after their song was learned I find them every year. Seldom seen 
 on the ground. I do not know when they come or go, but their song is not 
 heard until July. They are found near the low alkali flats or meadows. One 
 is able to locate them high in the air during the song season. They appar- 
 ently stay up for hours at a time. 
 
 235704. Catbird. Galeoscoptes carolinensis. 
 
 Tolerable common summer resident of this territory. First notes taken 
 third week in May for a number of years. 
 
 236 705. Brown Thrasher. Harporhynchus rufus. 
 
 Rather rare. Probably nest in Turtle Mountains as it is usually seen 
 during the breeding season. On the prairie they are an irregular migrant. 
 First spring notes running from May 13th to June 29th. 
 
 237715. Rock Wren. Salpinctes obsoletus. 
 
 But one known record. I took a specimen in spring of 1896. At the 
 height of a southeast storm it appeared around a woodpile in my yard ap- 
 parently blown out of usual haunts to the south by the high winds. 
 
 238 721b. Aztec House W r ren. Troglodytes aedon aztecus. 
 
 Very common summer resident of Turtle Mountains, nesting in hollow 
 trees and around the buildings of the settlers. More of a migratory bird on 
 the prairies, but now and then a pair finding a nesting site. Coming the 
 middle of May, they commence housekeeping soon after. 
 
 239722. Winter Wren. Troglodytes hiemalis. 
 
 Rare. Now and then one seen. May be more regular as a migrant than 
 I have noted.
 
 28 BIRDS OF NORTH DAKOTA 
 
 240724. Short-billed Marsh Wren. Cistothorus stellaris. 
 
 Breeding. Locally common. Nests in small colonies in thick high grass 
 near sloughs. Earliest arrivals from the south noted May 6th to 23rd. 
 
 241725. Long-billed Marsh Wren. Cistothoms palustris. 
 
 Locally common. Nests in high rushes wherever found. Coming from 
 their winter haunts with the preceding species, they fool away a great deal 
 of time building nests before they finally get down to the business of raising 
 a brood of young. 
 
 242726. Brown Creeper. Certhia faniiliaris americana. 
 
 Rare. Irregular migrant. No known instance of its breeding. 
 
 243727. White-breasted Nuthatch. Sitta carolinensis. 
 
 Tolerably common migrant. Presumably breeding in Turtle Mountains 
 as specimens were taken in July. 
 
 244728. Bed-breasted Nuthatch. Sitta canadensis. 
 
 Not uncommon during the fall flights in September and October. Not 
 noted in spring migrations. 
 
 245 735a. Long-tailed Chickadee. Parus atricapillus septentrionalis. 
 
 Rather a common resident in Turtle Mountains. Rarely seen on prairies. 
 Have some winter notes for Turtle Mountains indicating that it may be a 
 winter resident some years. 
 
 246748. Golden- crowned Kinglet Regulus satrapa. 
 
 Only one record of this species being seen near Cando. 
 
 247749. Ruby-crowned Kinglet regulus calendula. 
 
 Tolerably common spring migrant. 
 
 248 756a. Willow Thrush. Turdus fuscesceus salicicola, 
 
 Common migrant on prairies. Abundant summer resident of Turtle Moun- 
 tains. 
 
 249775. Graycheeked Thrush. Turdus alicia. 
 
 Common migrant. First seen second week in May. 
 
 250 758a. Olive-backed Thrush. Turdus ustulatus swainsonii. 
 
 Rare spring migrant. Not noted in fall. 
 
 251 761. Robin. Merula migratoria. 
 
 Tolerably common migrant. One pair known to have nested in Cando 
 in 1893. Also found breeding in the Turtle Mountains. (In 1910, now one 
 of our most common nesting birds around Cando. 
 
 252766. Bluebird. Sialia sialis. 
 
 Rare summer visitor. Some years not seen at all. This is another species 
 that is becoming more common as the country settles up. 
 
 252768. Mountain Bluebird. Sialia arctica. 
 
 Rare early spring visitor. Irregular in its appearance here. 
 
 ADDENDA 
 English Sparrow. Passer domesticus. 
 
 A flock of eight arrived in the town of Cando in late fall of 1894. They 
 were the first seen in this section, but few were raised in 1895. Now in 1910, 
 they have become the unmitigated nuisance, they are everywhere. Building 
 their unsightly nests in trees as well as in the barns, granaries, and other 
 farm buildings, and usual or unusual places of the city buildings where they 
 are allowed to gather in flocks. Around the farm buildings they do a great
 
 BIRDS OF NORTH DAKOTA 29 
 
 deal of damage not only to the buildings, but to fruit trees and bushes, to 
 the growing and shocked grains, and when they have access to granaries 
 they eat but little except the grains in store. Have seen but one habit they 
 have that could be set down as a credit: on my farm I have noticed them 
 feeding their young with the tent caterpillar. 
 
 253315. Passenger Pigeon Ectopistes Higratorius. 
 
 The only record of this bird that I have in North Dakota was furnished 
 by Mr. J. F. Rickbeil who was living near Cavalier, Pembina Co., N. Dak., in 
 1880-81. He tells me that in those years he saw a number of flocks of 50 to 
 100 in a flock. These pigeons came out of the timber and brush along the 
 Tongue River and fed off the shocks of wheat in latter part of August and 
 September, and that on several occasions he shot them. Mr. Rickbeil had 
 known and shot numbers of the Wild Pigeon in Southwest Canada in his 
 younger days, so that there can be no question as to the identity of the birds. 
 
 254 373. Screech Owl. Megascops Asio. 
 
 Have two records of this species. One killed and mounted by Alf East- 
 gate at Stump Lake and one seen and watched for quite a few minutes on 
 November 10th, 1916, in fruit trees on my lots in Cando. Have looked for 
 them for many years but above was the only time I have ever seen one in 
 North Dakota. 
 
 255 475. American Magpie Pica pica hudsonica. 
 
 Have not seen these myself but have records from Eastgate and C. H. 
 Canfield who has seen them in Turtle Mountains, also one mounted specimen 
 taken there, now in Citizens Bank of Bisbee, this County.
 
 
 DATE DUE