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 LIBRARY 
 OF VERTEBRATE ZOOLOGY
 
 LIST OF BIRDS 
 In vicinity of Fishkill on-Hudson. N. Y. 
 
 BY WINFRID A. STEARNS. 
 
 During a stay of ten months in this place 
 I have carefully studied the birds of the 
 region ; besides several small collections 
 which I have seen, I have derived infor- 
 mation from every available source in order 
 to make the list as complete as possible. 
 Endeavoring to class all birds on the basis 
 of : Abundant, common, rather common, 
 not rare, rather rare, rare, I have been 
 obliged to call the Robin, Song Sparrow, 
 and one or two others, very abundant. The 
 word regular signifies a spring and autumn 
 migrant and summer resident, breeding. 
 The star (*) indicates that I am indebted 
 to my friend Mr. Peter de Nottbeck for the 
 information, either personally, or from 
 specimens in his collection; and the dag- 
 ger (t) to Mr. John Lynch, of Fishkill. I 
 have endeavored throughout to give only 
 what I know, and not to theorize, hence the 
 apparent imperfectness of the list. 
 
 TURDUS MIORATORIUS, JRobin. Very 
 abundant, regular. A few remain during 
 winter in sheltered places on the moun- 
 tains, feeding on the cedar berries. 
 
 396
 
 '2 
 
 TUBDUS MUSTELINUS, Wood Thrush. 
 Common, almost abundant, regular, very 
 tame, and sing in the trees of door yards, 
 arrives after the Hermit Thrush, but breeds 
 in the woodlands. 
 
 TURDUS PALLASI, Hermit Thrush. Com- 
 mon, apparently regular. I have found 
 them so late in fall and early in spring that 
 I think they often remain during winter ; 
 prefers swamps in the highlands as well as 
 lowlands. 
 
 Turdus swainsoni, and Turdus fusces- 
 cens were not detected at all. Mimus 
 polyglottus, Mocking bird, has been re- 
 ported from here several times, but I as 
 yet have no positive evidence of its occur- 
 rence. 
 
 MIMUS CAROLINENSIS, Cat bird, Com- 
 mon, regular, prefers the lowlands. 
 
 HARPOKHYNCHUS RTJFUS, Brown Thrush. 
 Bather common, regular, prefers high- 
 lands. 
 
 SIALIA SIALIS, Blue Bird. Abundant, 
 regular, a few remain during winter in 
 sheltered places on the mountain side. 
 
 REGULUS CALENDULA, Ruby crowned 
 Kinglet. Not rare, during that part of 
 winter that approaches fall and again 
 spring, among evergreens. 
 
 REGULUS SATRAPA, Golden -crested King- 
 let. Common, except in slimmer, in ever- 
 greens and almost everywhere, a tame bird 
 and very curious, though sly. 
 
 Lophophanes bicolor, Tufted Titmouse, 
 and Parus hudsonicus, Hudsonian Chicka- 
 dee, were not found, though carefully 
 sought after.
 
 PARTIS ATRICAPILLUS, Black-cap Chicka- 
 dee. Common, at times abundant. I did 
 not find it breeding, but think it must do 
 so ; fall, winter, and spring. 
 
 SITTA CABOLINENSIS, "White bellied Nut- 
 hatch. Common in spring, fall and winter. 
 I have found them in summer about a very 
 small hole in a living tree, where I am in- 
 formed that they have bred and doubtless 
 do still breed. 
 
 Sitta canadensis, Red bellied Nuthatch, 
 not observed at all anywhere. 
 
 CEKTHIA FAMILIARIS, Brown Creeper, 
 Rather rare at any time, irregular. I have 
 shot it once or twice. 
 
 TROGLODYTES CEDON, House Wren. 
 Common, regular ; arrives early in spring 
 and builds about houses, very tame and 
 familiar. 
 
 ANORTKURA TROGLODYTES var HYEMALIS, 
 Winter Wren. April 2d, with snow yet on 
 the ground, I shot a specimen between two 
 mountain slopes in a gorge of rocks, appar- 
 ently a young one. I have seen others and 
 judge it to be a winter visitor. 
 
 TELMATODYTES PALUSTRIS, Long billed 
 Marsh Wren. If anything, not rare, regu- 
 lar, breeding in the marsh of Denning's 
 Point, and perhaps other places along the 
 river. June 2d, I found a nest with 5 eggs, 
 another completed fresh, but empty, and 
 another just begun, (the nest is begun from 
 the outside and built inwards.) The bird 
 arrives late as far as I can judge from what 
 I have seen. 
 
 Cistothorus stellaris, Short billed Marsh 
 Wren, was not seen at all. 
 
 550829
 
 MNIOTTLTA VABIA, Black and White Cree- 
 per. Common as a migrant, rather com- 
 mon as a resident. I have several times 
 found full and partially fledged young, and 
 once a nest with four very young birds, at 
 Orange Lake, six miles from Newburgh, 
 right across the river. 
 
 HELMITHERUS VEKMIVOKUS, Worm eat- 
 ing Warbler.* A specimen is before me 
 taken on one of the mountains in July, 
 1877. It is evidently an adult, but I can- 
 not tell whether a male or female. I saw 
 two birds June 19, in a rocky part of the 
 mountain, that came so near that I could 
 plainly see markings upon the head, and 
 that the body was brownish, with no white 
 upon the breast. I thought then, and do 
 now, that they were worm eating warblers ; 
 possibly they breed here. 
 
 DENDRCECA ESTIVA, Summer Warbler. 
 Common, regular, from early spring to late 
 fall. 
 
 DENDRCECA viRENS^aeA: throated Green 
 Warbler. Common, even at times abun- 
 dant, from early spring (not known to breed) 
 to late fall. 
 
 DENDRCECA ccERULESCENs,*.B7acA; throat- 
 ed Blue Warbler. '-Several specimens taken 
 in migrations, (May.) 
 
 DENDRCECA CORONATA, Yelloiv rumped 
 Warbler. Abundant, high and low, in tall 
 trees and low shrubbery, migrant. I do 
 not know of its breeding, but it remained 
 here a greater part of the last winter (1880), 
 and were quite tame. 
 
 DENDRCECA BLACKBURNIJE, Blackburnian 
 Warbler.* Bather rare, I think migrant. 
 A specimen was taken in May.
 
 DENDROZCA PENNSYLVANIA, Chestnut sid- 
 ed Warbler. Not rare, perhaps rather com- 
 mon. 
 
 DENDR02CA PALMAR, Yellow red poll 
 Warbler. I obtained a specimen April 
 27th, and I think saw others, probably not 
 rare. 
 
 SIURUS AURICAPILLUS, Golden crowned 
 Thrush. Abundant in woods and on moun- 
 tain sides, regular, arriving early, remain- 
 ing late. 
 
 SIURUS NOVABORACENSIS, Water Thrush. 
 * Though I have seen it taken here, I do 
 not think it is as common as the next. 
 
 SIURUS LUDOVICIANUS, Long billed Wa- 
 ter Thrush. Of which I have seen several 
 pair in different places, always in ravines 
 by rocky running water. I have often lain 
 still and had their curiosity prompt them 
 to approach within a few yards of me, re- 
 maining about for some time, but always 
 active. I am convinced that they probably 
 breed, and believe them to be not rare and 
 regular. 
 
 GEOTHLYPIS TRICHAS, Mart/land Yellow 
 Throat. Rather common, regular ; along 
 deserted wood roads at foot of moimtains. 
 
 ICTERIA VIRENS, Yellow breasted Chat.* 
 On the authority of Mr. de Nottbeck, 
 who has a skin of one in his collection, it is 
 not rare in the brush at the foot of the 
 mountains. I have not seen it alive here. 
 
 ing Warbler. I have several specimens of 
 this bird, apparently adult males ; spring. 
 
 PYRANGA RUBRA, Scarlet Tanager.* 
 Bather common, or not rare, undoubtedly 
 regular.
 
 SETOPHAGA RUTICILLA," Redstart. One 
 of our well known birds and songsters in 
 slightly marshy tall growths. I feel sure 
 it breeds, from the lateness I have found 
 it, but cannot say positively. 
 
 PYBANGA ESTIVA, Summer Redbird. 
 A bird "entirely scarlet" has been reported 
 to me. I have no doubt it occurs rarely. 
 
 HIRTJNDO HORREOBUM, Bam Swallow. 
 Common, regular. 
 
 TACHYCINETA BICOLOR, White bellied 
 Swallow. Rather common in spite of the 
 belief of some that it is rare or wanting, as 
 late as June 2d all about Denning's Point. 
 I cannot say for certain either that it breeds 
 or is regular. 
 
 PETROCHELIDON LTTNIFBONS, Cliff or 
 Eave Swallow. Not rare, in spring. 
 
 COTYLE RIP ARIA, Bank Swallow. Com- 
 mon, regular. 
 
 PBOGNE PUBPUBEA. On the authority of 
 Mr. Benj. Strong of the Dutchess Hat 
 Works. 
 
 AMPELIS CEDRORUM, Cedar Bird. Com- 
 mon, regular. Abundant in flocks in spring 
 and fall, several flocks remained here all 
 last winter. 
 
 VIBEO OUVACEUS, Red eyed Vireo. I 
 think I have seen this hopping among the 
 branches of the apple trees. 
 
 VIREO GIL.VUS, Warbling Vireo.* Not 
 rare, probably regular from its late occur- 
 rence. 
 
 VIREO SOLJTARIUS, Blue headed solitary 
 Vireo* One specimen obtained. 
 
 Vireo flavifrons and Vireo novaboracen- 
 sis. Not seen.
 
 BOREAUS, Great Northern 
 Shrike.* Occasionally, "December, 1874," 
 I have seen it since flying. 
 
 PINICOLA ENUCLEATOR, Pine Grosbeafc. 
 I have seen a specimen taken here, no 
 date was attached. 
 
 CORPODACUS PURPTTREUS, Purple Finch. 
 Common, regular, possibly winter, as I 
 have seen them late in fall and early in 
 spring. 
 
 LOXIA CURVIROSTRA, VdT AMERICANA, 
 
 Common Red Cross bill.* One specimen 
 from this place dated "October, 1877, "and 
 one labeled "St. Kepis Lake, Adirondack 
 Wilderness, adult, October, (late in the 
 month,) 1877," is all the evidence that I 
 have seen of this bird here, though it doubt- 
 less occurs frequently and in winter. 
 
 None of JEgiothus Avere seen, though 
 they have been heard of lately as being 
 here in former years ; nor has ChrysomHris 
 pinus been taken. 
 
 CHRYSOMITRIS TRISTIS, Goldftnch.-Abnn- 
 dant, regular. A great many passed the 
 winter (1880) here. 
 
 PASSERCULUS SAVANNA, Savanna Spar- 
 row. Rather common, though I don't 
 know as it breeds, in spring and fall. 
 ' POOECETES GRAMINETJS, Bay winged 
 Hunting, Grass Finch. Not rare, so far as 
 I have seen, only in small flocks in fields 
 near low brush wood, spring and fall. 
 
 MKLOSPIZA PALTTSTRIS, Swamp Sparrow. 
 A specimen shot almost to pieces an- 
 swered the description of this bird as near 
 as it did anything ; it was shot in a swamp. 
 
 SPIZELLA MONTICO:LA, Tree Sparrow. 
 Common in migrations, and late in fall.
 
 MELOSPIZA MELODIA, Song Sparrow. 
 Very abundant, regular, a 'few pass the 
 winter. 
 
 JUNCO HYEMALIS, Snow Bird. Abun- 
 dant in spring, fall, and late fall and early 
 spring if not throughout winter in the 
 mountain retreats. 
 
 SPIZELLA SOCIALIS, Chipping Sparrow. 
 Abundant, regular, late in fall, early in 
 spring. 
 
 SPIZEDLA PCSII/LA, Field Sparrow. 
 Common, regular, found also in woods at 
 base of mountains, where its song often 
 deceives you for that of certain of the war- 
 blers. 
 
 ZONOTRICHIA ALBICOLLIS, White throated 
 
 Sparrow. Perhaps the most abundant 
 
 species during migrations, prefers brush 
 
 wood. I have not found them breeding, 
 
 nor in winter, though very late in the fall. 
 
 Zonotrichia leucophrys. I am certain I 
 have seen one or two times. 
 
 PASSERELLA ILIACA, Fox Sparrow. 
 Abundant in migrations, as early as March 
 19, and very late in the fall. 
 
 GONIAPHEA LUDOVICIANA, Rose breasted 
 Grosbeak* "Adult male, June, 1875." 
 
 CYANOSPIZA CYANEA,/ncZt<7o Bird. Bath- 
 er common, or at least not rare ; perhaps 
 breeds, as I have shot it in early Jiine. 
 
 Cardinalis virginianus has not been seen 
 or heard of. 
 
 PlPILO ERYTHROPHTHALMUS. Common, 
 
 regular, in highland and lowland and thick- 
 et, sings best in the evening, a rather late 
 arrival. 
 
 AGELAIUS PHCENICEUS. Abundant, regu- 
 lar except in winter, occurs late in fall.
 
 DOLICHONYX ORYZIVORUS, Bobolink. 
 Common, rather local, regular, except in 
 winter. 
 
 MOLOTHRUS PECORIS, Cowbird. Com- 
 mon in flocks in migrations, resident. 
 
 STURNELLA MAGNA, Meadow Lark. 
 Abundant, regular, occasionally found in 
 flocks at foot of mountain in winter. (I 
 find that they have remained here in win- 
 ter before. E. A. Mearna.) 
 
 Icterius spurius, Orchard Oriole, occurs, 
 but I have not yet taken it, though I am 
 positive I have seen it. 
 
 ICTERUS BALTIMORE, Baltimore Oriole. 
 Abundant, regular, a late arrival in the 
 spring. 
 
 Scolecophagus ferruginous ought to have 
 but has not been seen. 
 
 QUISCALUS PURPUREUS, Croiu Blackbird. 
 Common, regular, arrives early and de- 
 parts late. 
 
 CORVUS AMERICANTJS, Common Ct'OW. 
 
 Abundant, regular, a few remain during 
 winter. 
 
 CYANURUS CRISTATUS, Blue Jay. Abun- 
 dant, regular, winters here. 
 
 PERISOREUS CANADENSIS, Canada Jay.* 
 Adirondack mountains. 
 
 TYRANNUS CAROLJNENSIS, Kingbird. 
 Abundant, regular, arrives late in spring. 
 
 MYIARCHUS CRINITUS, Great crested Fly 
 catcher. Not rare, perhaps even rather 
 common in spring ; I have found it in the 
 mountains and on the lake shore of the low- 
 lauds of Orange Lake, and heard it often 
 late in the spring ; I suppose it to breed, 
 but cannot prove it.
 
 10 
 
 SAYORNIS FUSCUS, Pewee, Phoebe. Com- 
 mon, regular, arrives early. 
 
 Contopus borealis and C. virens and 
 others not seen at all, probably common. 
 
 EMPIDONAX MINIMUS, Least Fly catcher. 
 
 ANTROSTOMUS VOCIFEROUS, Whip-poor- 
 will. Rather common, regular, though 
 hard to obtain from its nocturnal habits ; 
 April 30, and even earlier. 
 
 CHORDEILES VIRGINIANUS, Nighthawk. 
 Common, regular. This bird is also hard 
 to obtain from its retirement in daylight. 
 
 CENTURA PELAGIC A, Chimney Swift. 
 Abundant, regular, arrives late and departs 
 rather early. 
 
 CERYLE ALCYON, Kingfisher. Rather 
 common, regular. I have seen them very 
 late in fall and in winter. 
 
 I have seen one or the other of the Coc- 
 cyzus, or cuckoos, flying, but could not 
 distinguish which species it was. 
 
 HYLOTOMUS PILEATUS, Pileated Wood- 
 pecker, t Greene county. 
 
 Picus VII/LOSUS, Hairy Woodpecker. 
 Not rare, Oct. 23, one specimen, resident 
 throughout the year, and regular. 
 
 Picus PUBESCENS,Z>own?/ Woodpecker. 
 Common, resident throughout the year, 
 and regular. 
 
 SPHYRAPICUS VARIUS, Yellow bellied 
 Woodpecker. I shot one specimen, April 
 19, in the yard as he was tapping upon a 
 small pine tree. 
 
 MELANERPES ERYTHROCEPHA:LUS, Red- 
 headed Woodpecker.* An immature speci- 
 men, with no date, appears in my friend's 
 collection from this place.
 
 11 
 
 COI.APTES AUBATUS, Oolden winged 
 Woodpecker. Common, regular. I have 
 seen it in late fall and early spring, but do 
 not know as it winters. 
 
 TROCHILUS COLUBBIS, Ruby throated 
 Humming bird. Several, only seen. 
 
 Bubo virginianus, Great Horned Owl. 
 I feel sure that I have noticed this bird 
 somewhere, but cannot now tell where. 
 
 NYCTEA NIVEA, Snowy Owl.i One speci- 
 men shot in Newburgh. 
 
 SCOPS ASIO, Mottled Owl. Bather com- 
 mon, probably regular and throughout the 
 year. 
 
 Neither of the Eared Owls yet observed. 
 
 SYBNIUM NEBULOSUM, Barred Owl.* 
 Not rare, probably regular, often found in 
 the swamps. 
 
 CIBCUS CYANETTS, Marsh Hawk.- Bather 
 common, regular. 
 
 ACCIPITEB FUSCTJS, Sharpshinned Hawk. 
 * Not rare, lowlands, several specimens 
 examined. 
 
 ACCIPITEB COOPEBI, Cooper's Hawk.* 
 Not rare, lowlands, several specimens. 
 
 Falco sparverius, Sparrow Hawk. I 
 have seen it flying several times. 
 
 BUTEO BOBEAMS, Red tailed Hawk. 
 Bather rare, lowlands, probably regular. 
 
 BUTEO MNEATUS. May be rather less 
 rare than the last ; neither appear to be 
 common. 
 
 PANDION HALI^TUS, Fish H awk.* -Bath- 
 er common, spring and perhaps fall. 
 
 ZEN^DUBA CABOLINESIS, Carolina Dove. 
 Bather rare, regular, generally found in 
 pairs.
 
 12 
 
 Bather common in spring when the ice 
 of the river breaks up, possibly a pair oc- 
 casionally breed on the cliffs of Storm King 
 on the opposite side of the river ; the old 
 settlers of the place at least affirm it. 
 
 ECTOPISTES MIGBATORIUS, H'Ud PigCOH. 
 
 Not rare in migrations, but I do not know 
 of their breeding, though they probably do 
 occasionally. 
 
 BONASA UMBEUjUs, Ruffed Grouse, Part- 
 ridge. Now rather rare, formerly nearly 
 common, having been killed off by the wild 
 cats on the mountains and the hunters on 
 the lowlands ; regular, and winters. 
 
 OBTYX VIBGINIANUS, Quail. Not rare at 
 Orange Lake, the only place I found them, 
 probably regular, as I found them June 10, 
 apparently mated. 
 
 J^GIALITIS vociFEKpus, Killdeer Plover. 
 t Rather rare, occasional. 
 
 GAMJNAGO WILSONI, Sniped Not rare, 
 fall. 
 
 PHILOHELA MINOR, Woodcock. Not rare, 
 a few may breed, but I think the most do 
 not. 
 
 ToTANtis MELANOLEUCTJS, Greater Tell- 
 tale.* A single specimen, not labeled, was 
 taken from this region. 
 
 TBINGOIDES MACULABIUS, Spotted Sand- 
 piper. Common, regular. 
 
 ABDEA HEBODIAS, Great Blue Heron. * 
 Not rare, fall, all along the river. 
 
 ABDEA VIBESCENS, Green Heron. Rath- 
 er common, apparently regular. 
 
 GALLINULA GALEATA, Florida Gallin- 
 ule. Apparently rare, a single specimen 
 was shot here, but the date is not given.
 
 BOTATTRUS LENTIGINOSUS, Bittern, t 
 Occasional. 
 
 POBZANA CAROUNA, Carolina Rail.*-Not 
 rare, migrations, October. 
 
 FULICA AMERICANA, (7oo<. *-Several speci- 
 mens have been taken, one as early as 
 April. 
 
 BRANTA BERNICLA, Brant Goose.\ Not 
 rare, fall. 
 
 BRANTV CANADENSIS, Canada Goosed 
 Not rare, fall. 
 
 ANAS BOSCHAS, Mallard.^ Not rare, 
 fall. 
 
 ANAS OBSCURA, Dusky or Black Duck, f 
 Rather common, fall. Mr. Lynch speaks 
 of there being what he calls a second kind 
 which often flies with this bird, and calls 
 it Norwegian Black Duck. I cannot posi- 
 tively identify it. 
 
 DAFILA ACUTA, Pintail.* Rare. A sin- 
 gle specimen, male in full plumage ; had 
 not been seen before by many of the old 
 hunters here who had seen it. Date not 
 given. 
 
 MARECA AMERICANA, H'idgeon.-f Quite 
 common, in flocks of 15 or 20 ; they are 
 acute divers, and like several others, take 
 wing immediately upon appearing at the 
 surface. 
 
 QUERQUEDULA cAROMNENSis, Green 
 tvinged Teal.\ Rather common, but less 
 so than they used to be, in small flocks in 
 early fall. 
 
 QUERQUEDULA DiscoRS, Blue winged 
 Teal.\ Not rare in early fall in family 
 broods. 
 
 MERGUS SERRATUS, Red breasted Megan- 
 ser.* Not rare in migrations.
 
 14 
 
 Aix SPONSA, Wood or Summer Duck.\ 
 Not rare, breed occasionally at Brincker- 
 hoffville Pond. 
 
 MARILA, Greater Blackhead.^ 
 
 Rather common. Mr. Lynch mentions 
 two species, the other smaller than this one 
 and is probably F. affinis. 
 
 FULIGULA VAI/LISNERIA, Canvas-bac/c 
 Duck.-\ Rather rare, a few are seen occa- 
 sionally. 
 
 FULIGULA FERINA, Redhead.* Rather 
 rare. A single specimen was obtained, 
 date not given. 
 
 A dnck named "Bucephala americana, 
 March, full plumaged male,"* with the 
 white loral spot touching the bill. 
 
 Bucephala islandica, probably occurs. 
 
 A specimen, evidently female Bucephala, 
 shot Dec. 24, no white on head and eye red. 
 
 HARELDA GLACIAL.IS, Long tailed Duck. 
 
 Rather common. I have seen quite a 
 number in full plumage. 
 
 (EDEMIA AMERICANA, American Black 
 Scoter. t Rather rare, but occasionally ta- 
 ken. 
 
 (EDEMIA PERSPICILLATA, Surf Duck.-\ 
 Rather rare, but occasional. 
 
 (EDEMIA FUSCA, Velvet Scoter.* Rather 
 rare. A single fine male, date not given, 
 was obtained. 
 
 ERISMATURA RUBIDA, Ruddy Duck. 
 Common in migrations, flocks or singly. 
 
 LARUS PHILADELPHIA, Bonaparte's Gull. 
 * One specimen, shot in autumn of 1871, 
 in immature plumage.
 
 15 
 
 LARUS ARGENTATUS, Herring Gull. 
 Abundant, spring, fall, and mild winters 
 when the river is not frozen, in nearly all 
 its different plumages. 
 
 CoLYMBtrs TORQTTATUS, Great Northern 
 Diver. Bather common or not rare, sev- 
 eral specimens. 
 
 COLYMBTJS SEPTENTRIONAUS, Red thrOdt- 
 
 ed Diver.* A specimen in Mr. de Nott- 
 beck's collection, (Bull. Nutt. Orn. Club, 
 Vol. in, p. 146,) in young immature plum- 
 age ; and a second specimen taken in the 
 river some years later, are interesting rec- 
 ords, and new to science. 
 
 PODICEPS CORNUTUS, Horned Grebe. A 
 young specimen had the whole under parts 
 silvery white, sides slightly ashy brown, all 
 the secondaries seven-eighths of an inch 
 white tipped. No lengthened feathers. 
 
 PODILYMBUS PODICEPS, Piedbilled Grebe. 
 Not rare, spring and fall, several speci- 
 mens, and in full and immature plumage.
 
 
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