Baby Pathfinder to the Birds & w O U > P-i 9 E /^> H Ctf CO ^ 3 i f b* o EH <f BABY PATHFINDER TO THE BIRDS ILLUSTRATED A Pocket Guide to One Hundred and Ten Land Birds of New England With Blank Pages for Notes BY HARRIET E. RICHARDS AND EMMA G. CUMMINGS Members of American Ornithologists'* Union W. A. BUTTERFIELD, PUBLISHER 59 Bromfield St., Boston, Mass. 1904 Copyright, 1904 By EMMA G. CUMMINGS and HARRIET E. RICHARDS PREFACE L'i \ nnHIS little guide has been prepared primarily for New England, but should be of service in New York, New Jersey and Penn- sylvania. Birds of prey, game and water birds are not included. The descriptions are based on the general appearance of adult birds as seen in the field. The small size and blank pages for notes com- mend the book for use out of doors, to be supplemented at home with reference to more elaborate works. Persons interpret bird songs differently. Therefore it is difficult to put on paper the translation of a song for the use of another, but in cases where it seems distinctive we have given it. Many birds 535 have more than one song and more than one call note, and different birds render them differently. The American Ornithologists' Union check list number precedes the scientific name. Use it instead of the index when consulting Chap- man's Manual. When naming a new bird, locate it in its family; then look for conspicuous points, wing bars, etc., and often by de- ciding what it is not, you will follow down to the correct clue. If it is an immature bird or a female, it will be more difficult to identify. Conspicuous markings are printed in italics. The measurements given are approximate only. Remember that a song sparrow is six inches long, about the size of an English sparrow, and that a robin is ten inches long. CUCULIDAE 387. Coccyzus americanus YELLOW-BILLED CUCKOO. 12 inches Male and Female alike. Above olive-brown, color brightest on wings ; upper half of bill black, lower half yellow. Below white ; tail long, rounded ; outer feathers black, with big white spots like thumb marks. A slender, shy bird. These birds are closely re- lated to the European cuckoo, which like our cow- bird lays its eggs in the nests of other birds. Ar- rives in Massachusetts about the middle of May. Note. Somewhat resembling the syllables cue, cue, cue, cue, keow, keoW) keow, also single coos. Nest. In low shrubbery, loosely made. Breeds. In southern New England. 388. Coccyzus erythrophthalmus BLACK-BILLED CUCKOO. 12 inches Similar in appearance to the Yellow-billed Cuckoo, but distin- guished from it by a red eye ring ; an all black bill ; uniform color above and outer tail feathers tipped with white instead of the large spots. Both cuckoos feed on berries and insects, chiefly caterpillars. Arrives in Massachusetts about the middle of May. Note. Cue, cue, cue, kow, kow, kow, also coos in groups of twos, threes or fours. Nest. Better constructed than that of the preceding and in simi- lar locations. Breeds. Throughout New England. 5 ALCEDINJDAE 390. Ceryle alcyon BELTED KINGFISHER. Male. Above slate-blue ; wings and tail spot- ted with white ; head large, nearly surrounded by a white band ; long thin crest ; large black bill. Below white ; bluish band across breast. Female. Similar, but with chestnut markings on the breast. Sits erect ; feeds on fish. Arrives in Massachu- setts early in April. Note. A loud, harsh rattle, given on the wing. Nest. In a hole in a bank. Breeds. Throughout New England. 6 13 inches PlCIDAE WOODPECKERS The Woodpeckers are usually seen climbing about the trunks and branches of trees searching for their insect food. Their tails are rigid and pointed at the tip, making a support for the body while they hammer the bark with their chisel-like bills. They dig out holes in trees for their nests. Their notes are loud and shrill. Their flight is undulat- ing. 7 393. Dryobates villosus HAIRY WOODPECKER. 9 1-2 inches Male. Above black and white spotted ; white down the middle of the back ; also white above and below the eye and on outer tail feathers ; red patch on back of the head. Below white. Female. Similar, but without the red patch. A bird fond of the deep woods. Resident in Massachusetts through the year. Note. Chink, like noise of a chisel in drilling. Nest. In a hole in a tree. Breeds. Throughout New England, sparingly in the southern part. 394<:. Dryobates pubescens medianus DOWNY WOODPECKER. 6 inches Male and Female. Same coloration as the Hairy Woodpecker. The best distinction between the two is difference in size. The Downy is more common about houses. Resident in Massachusetts throughout the year. Note. Chink, like the Hairy's, but not as loud. Nest. In a hole in a tree. Breeds. Throughout New England. 402. Sphyrapicus varius YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER. 8 1-2 inches Male. Above black and yellowish ; crown red ; broad patch of white on the wings. Below, throat red ; breast black ; belly yellow- ish. Female. Similar, but throat white. Feeds on insects and sap of trees. Their tapping is slower and more irregular than the other woodpeckers. The rows of holes around old apple trees are made by these birds. Spring and autumn migrant in Massachusetts in April and October. Note. Loud and squealing. Nest. In a hole in a tree. Breeds. In northern New England. 10 406. Melanerpes erythrocephalus RED-HEADED WOODPECKER. 9 inches Male and Female alike. Above, blue-black and white ; whole head red. Below, throat and upper breast red ; belly white ; broad patch of white on the wings. Rare and local in Massachusetts. Note. A rolling note, similar to a tree toad's ker-ruck. Nest. In a hole in a tree. Breeds. In New England, irregularly and locally. 11 4120. Colaptes auratus luteus NORTHERN FUCKER. 12 inches Male and Female alike. Above brown, barred with black ; red patch on back of head ; rump white, conspicuous in flight. Below lighter brown spotted with black ; broad black crescent across breast ; yellow under the wings and tail. Called Golden-winged Woodpecker, etc. Often seen on the ground searching for ants, a favorite food. Common in Massachusetts through the year. Note. Wick, wick, wick, many times rapidly repeated. Nest. In holes in trees. Breeds. Throughout New England. 12 CAPRIMULGIDAE 417. Antrostomus vociferus WHIP-POOR-WILL. 10 inches Male. Above and below brown and yellow mottled; outer^tail feathers white ; band across the throat white ; mouth large. Female. Similar, but markings less distinct. (J J""^ The mottled browns and yellows of its back are almost indistin- guishable from the dry leaves of the wood path, where it often builds its nest. It flies low after sunset in search of food, and spends the day on the ground or perched lengthwise on a shaded branch. Common in Massachusetts. Ar- rives last week in April. Note. Whip-poor-will, whip-poor-will, rapid and continuous. Nest. On the ground in the woods. Breeds. Throughout New England. 13 420. Chordeiles virginianus NIQHTHAWK. 10 inches Male. Above dark brown mottled; wings and tail with broad white band. Below barred brown and buffy. A white band across the throat ; wings longer than forked tail. Female. Similar, but throat band yellow. \ Perches lengthwise on a limb. Flight high and circling, late in the afternoon and in the evening in search of food. Common in Massachusetts. Arrives second week in May. Note. Peent, uttered on the wing. Nest. On a low flat rock in open fields, also on gravel roofs of houses. Breeds. Throughout New England. 14 MlCROPODIDAE 423. Chaetura pelagica CHIMNEY SWIFT. 5 1-2 inches Male and Female alike. Above dark brown. Below dusky, lighter on the throat; tail short and spiny tipped; wings very long. These birds are often confounded with the swallows. Food, insects caught on the wing; flight fluttering. Common in Massachusetts. Arrives the last week in April. Note. A loud chip and twittering. Nest. Usually in chimneys, made of twigs glued together with the birds' saliva. Breeds. Throughout New England. 15 TROCHILIDAE 428. Trochilus colubris RUBY-THROATED HUMMING-BIRD. 3 1-2 inches Male. Above metallic green. Below gray, ruby throat ; bill long and needle shaped. Female. Less brilliant, without ruby on the throat. Food, honey and small insects found in trumpet-shaped flowers. A buzzing made by the rapid motion of the wings reveals its presence. This is the only hummer occurring east of the Rocky Mountains. Common in Massachusetts. Arrives about May 15. Note. Sharp squeak. Nest. On a branch covered with li- chens, resembling a knot. Breeds, Throughout New England. 16 TYRANNIDAE FLYCATCHERS Birds of plain coloring, large heads, short legs and strong individuality. They lack a true song, but each species has a characteristic note. They may be recognized in general by their habit of perching in exposed situations to watch for insects. They make a sudden dart into the air and return to the same perch, repeating the operation again and again. The snap of the bill in flight is often heard ^ as it closes upon its prey. 17 444. Tyrannus tyrannus KINGBIRD. 8 1-2 inches Male and Female alike. Above slate, a concealed patch of orange on top of the head. Below grayish white ; tail with white band across the tip. Usually sit erect on fence or dead twig watching for food, which is always caught on the wing ; sometimes they hover near the ground. Very common in Massachusetts. Arrives the first week in May. Note. A sharp dzee, repeated often and irregularly. Nest. On a branch in a somewhat exposed situation. Breeds. Throughout New England. 18 452. Myiarchus crinitus CRESTED FLYCATCHER. 9 inches Male and Female alike. Above brownish olive ; tail rusty ; head crested. Below, throat and breast gray ; belly yellow. Usually perch high in open deciduous woods ; a frequenter of orchards. Not common in Massachusetts. Arrives the second week in May. Note. Loud whistle. Nest. In a hole in a tree, generally with a piece of snake skin. Breeds. Locally throughout New England. 19 456. Sayornis phoebe PHOEBE. ^7 inches Male and Female alike. Above olive-brown ; head large, some- what crested ; indistinct white markings on wings. Below yellowish white. Seen about barnyards. Common in Massachusetts. Arrives the last of March. Note. A nasal phoe-bee. Nest. On a beam under abridge or shed, made of grass and moss cemented with mud. Breeds. Throughout New England. 20 459. Nuttallornis borealis OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER. 8 inches Male and Female alike. Above olive-brown. Below, throat, breast and belly yellowish white ; sides darker. Perch high on a dead branch, preferably in coniferous growth. Rare migrant in Massachusetts. Arrives last of May. Note. Eh ! phoebe in a loud tone. Nest. On rather a high branch, loosely made of twigs. Breeds. In northern New*England and on Cape Cod. 21 461. Contopus virens WOOD PEWEE. 6 1-2 inches Male and Female alike. Above olive-brown ; two white wing bars. Below, throat grayish white; breast much darker, shading to yellow on the belly. Not exclusively an inhabitant of the woods. Common in Massa- chusetts. Arrives about May 20. Note. Pee-a-wee, plaintive, slow and long drawn out. Nest. In trees some distance from the ground, firmly built and decorated with lichens. Breeds. Throughout New England. 463. Empidonax flaviventris YELLOW-BELLIED FLYCATCHER. 5 1-2 inches Male and Female alike. Above olive, eye ring and wing bars white. Below light yellow. Shy birds found in northern forests, perch rather low. Rare mi- grant in Massachusetts. ' Arrives the last of May. Note. " Killic " and "puee? Nest. On the ground in soft or spongy growth. Breeds. In northern New England. 23 467. Empidonax minimus. '.LEAST FLYCATCHER, s 1-2 inches Male and Female alike. Above dull olive ; eye ring and wing bars white. Below grayish white. Also called Chebec. The smallest of the flycatchers. Common about houses and orchards, jerks its tail and throws its head back while uttering its note, che-bec. Very common in Massachu- setts. Arrives early in May. Note. Che-bec ! che-bec ! incessantly, as many as sixty times a minute. Nest. In the fork of a branch, often in old orchards. Breeds. Throughout New England. 24 ALAUDIDAE 474. Otocoris alpestris HORNED LARK. 7 1-2 inches Male. Above brown mottled ; forehead yellow ; black barton forepart of crown extended on either side into little tufts of feathers, giving effect of horns ; tail black with white edgings. , Below whitish ; throat yellow ; black patch on breast and under eye. Female. Similar, but markings less distinct. A near relative of the European skylark. In flocks on the Massachusetts coast in autumn and winter, usually on the ground, running and walking among the dead grass and weeds, the seeds of which are their principal food. Note. A whistle. Nest. On the ground. Breeds. North of the United States. 25 CORVIDAE 477. Cyanocitta cristata BLUE JAY. 12 inches Male and Female alike. Above blue ; wings and tail barred with black and tipped with white; head crested. Below grayish white ; black collar around the neck. Direct, strong flight. Permanent resident in Massa- chusetts. Note. Jay, jay, arid other calls. Nest. In the crotch af a limb. Breeds. Throughout New England. 26 488. Corvus americanus AMERICAN CROW. 19 inches Male and Female alike. Above and below black with a bluish tinge. They are walkers. Live in flocks and roost in large colonies. They nest in April and May. Food in winter, seeds and refuse, near the coast, fish and waste. In summer, insects, field mice, grain and refuse. Common and permanent resident in Massachusetts. The Blue Jay and Crow are generally disliked, yet are birds of high mental development. Note. Caw. Nest. In trees, pretty high up. Breeds. Throughout New England. 27 ICTERIDAE BLACKBIRDS, ORIOLES, ETC. An interesting group possessed of marked individuality. They are closely related to the European starling, which was introduced into New York City in 1890. 28 494. Dolichonyx oryzivorus BOBOLINK. 7 inches Male. Above, head black ; back black and white ; rump white ; wings and tail black ; yellow patch on back of neck. Below black. Female. Above striped olive-brown like a sparrow ; two broad dark stripes on the head. Below yellowish. Flight labored. Locally common in Massachusetts. Arrives sec- ond week in May. Song. Joyous carol on the wing, ending in delicate harplike notes Nest. On the ground in hayfields and meadows. Breeds. Throughout New England. 29 495. Molothrus atei COWBIRD. 8 inches Male. Above and below metallic black ; whole head rich brown. Female. Above brownish gray, lighter below. Is also called Cow Bunting. A walker, often seen in open pastures following cattle to get insect food, hence its common name. Large flocks frequently perch in the tree tops. Common in Massachu- setts. Arrives the last week in March. Note. A whistle and a few short, harsh notes. Nest. None ; lays its eggs in the nests of other birds. Breeds. Throughout New England. 30 498. Agelaius phoeniceus. RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD. 9 1-2 inches Male. Above and below black ; scarlet patch edged with buff on shoulder. Female. Above mottled brown and buff; shoulder patch indistinct. Below heavily striped. Looks like an overgrown sparrow. Large flocks often seen in spring walking on the newly ploughed land. Common in Massachusetts. Arrives in March. Song. O-ka-lee. Call notes, a chuck and long whistle. Nest. Among reeds or in a tussock or a bush, near water. Breeds. Throughout New England. 31 501. Sturnella magna MEADOW LARK. 10 1-2 inches Male and Female alike. Above brown and buff mottled; broad dark stripes on the head ; outer tail feathers white. Below bright yel- low; sides white, spotted with black ; black crescent on the breast. Flight straight but heavy, hovering as it alights. Walks and is much on the ground. Common in Massachu- setts. Arrives about the middle of March. Song. Liquid and plaintive. Also has chuck- ling notes. Nest. On the ground partially covered, in hayfields or pastures. Breeds. In southern New England, sparingly north of Massachusetts. Often winters near the coast. 32 506. Icterus spurius ORCHARD ORIOLE. 7 inches Male. Above, head, wings, upper back and tail black ; lower back and shoulders chestnut ; wing bars white. Below, throat black ; breast and belly chestnut. Female. Above olive-green ; wings darker, with white bars. Below, yellowish. Frequents orchards as well as trees about houses. Not common in Massachusetts. Arrives the last of May. Song. Similar to the Purple Finch's. Nest. Basket like, of grass, in fork of twigs in orchard. Breeds. In southern New England. 33 507. Icterus galbula BALTIMORE ORIOLE. 8 inches Male. Above, head, upper back, wings and middle of the tail black ; wing bars white ; rump and outer tail feathers orange. Be- low, throat black, the rest orange. Female. Above olive, wings and tail brown ; wing bars white. Below yellowish. Called Golden Robin, Hangnest, etc. A slender, graceful bird, flight easy and direct. Common in Massachusetts. Arrives about May 10. Song. Clear whistled notes, loud and continuous, suggesting the Robin and the Rose-breasted Grosbeak. Nest. Hanging near the extremity of a limb. Breeds. Throughout New England. 34 509. Scolecophagus carolinus RUSTY BLACKBIRD. 9 1-2 inches Male. Above and below, uniform shining bluish black. Female. Plain rusty black and of smaller size. Migrant in Massachusetts. Arrives first of April. Song. A confused whistle. Call note, a cluck. Nest. In a bush or low evergreen, near water. Breeds. In extreme northern New England. 35 511. Quiscalus quiscula CROW BLACKBIRD, CRACKLE. 13 inches Male. Above and below iridescent tints of purple and bronze ; long, rounded tail. Female. Much duller ; a browner and a smaller bird. Sub-species ; Bronzed and Purple Crackles, habits of the two identi- cal. Bronzed has more metallic lustre than the Purple. They walk, feed on grubs, caterpillars, army worms, etc. Notice their flight; it is straight and direct, and the tail is used as a rudder. Bronzed is more common in Massachusetts and northward. Arrives in March. Note. A creaking, grating call. Nest. Usually in an evergreen in gardens. Breeds. Throughout New England. 36 FRINGILLIDAE 4 FINCHES, SPARROWS, ETC. The Finches have stout blunt bills, are seed-eating birds and are for the most part good singers. In autumn and winter often found in flocks. The mature males of the Grosbeaks and Finches are usually bright colored. The Sparrows, male and female, are more or less striped gray and brown, and, as they stay much on the ground, their colors afford them good protection. Their flight is short and labored. They are difficult to identify and require patience. Note the general colora- tion and the breast, whether streaked or plain. 37 515. Pinicola enucleator leucura PINE GROSBEAK. 9 inches Male. Above and below crimson flecked with gray ; wings and tail brown; wing bars white; bill short and thick. Female. Above and below gray ; head and rump brownish green ; wings and tail brown ; wing bars white. They visit Massachusetts occasionally in winter, when they are seen in flocks feeding on seeds, notably ash and sumach. The young males resemble the females in appearance, so that in a flock only a few birds may be brilliantly colored. Note. Mellow whistle. Nest. In conifers, not very high up. Breeds. Chiefly north of New England. 38 517. Carpodacus purpureus PURPLE FINCH. 6 inches Male. Above crimson, streaked with brown, brightest on rump : bill thick and rounded ; tail notched. Below crimson, shading to gray on the belly. Female and young males. Above and below brown, streaked like sparrows. May be recognized by a thick rounded bill and the fact of living among high branches in contrast to sparrows nearer the ground. Common in Massachusetts where a few winter. The migrants arrive in March. Song. Joyful, rich warble from the tree top, also on the wing. Nest. Preferably in coniferous trees. Breeds. Throughout New England. 39 521. Loxia curvirostra minor AMERICAN CROSSBILL. 6 inches Male. Above and below red, brightest on rump; back flecked with brownish gray; wings and tail brown; no wing bars; bill crossed at tip. Female. Above and below olive-green flecked with brown ; wings and tail brown. They visit Massachusetts occasionally in winter, live in flocks and feed on the seeds of cones. Their presence here, as is that of the White-winged Crossbill, is dependent upon the scanty supply of cones at the north. Note. Chirp or whistle as they work and as they fly. Nest. In conifers, of twigs and bark. Breeds. Northern New England. 40 522. Loxia leucoptera WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILL. 6 inches Male. Above and below crimson, brightest on rump ; wings black with two broad white bands ; tail black ; bill crossed at tips. Female. Above dull olive ; rump olive-green ; wings and tail as in male. Below grayish olive, mottled. They visit Massachusetts occasionally in winter. Habits resemble those of the American Crossbill. Note. A chirp very similar to that of the American Crossbill. Nest. In trees, well made of bark and sticks. Breeds. Chiefly north of New England. 41 528. Acanthis linaria REDPOLL. 5 1-2 inches Male. Above brown, much streaked ; crown red ; bill sharply pointed; tail forked. Below gray, with pink tinge ; brown spot on the throat. Female. Similar, no bright color except on the head. They visit Massachusetts occasionally in winter, keeping in flocks and feeding principally on weed and birch seeds. Note. Mellow call note like that of the Goldfinch and Siskin. Nest. Not far from ground. Breeds. Far north. 42 529. Astragalinus tristis AMERICAN GOLDFINCH. 5 inches Male. Above bright yellow crown, wings and tail black ; wing bars and spots on tail white. Below yellow. Female. Above brownish olive ; wings and tail brown ; wing bars and spots on tail white ; no black cap. Below yellowish. Winter plumage of the males is like the females, excepting the wings and tail, which are black. Usually in flocks except at nesting time. Flight undulating, often singing as they go. Common and permanent resident in Massa- chusetts. Song, Canary-like, also a sweet call note pe-e-e. Nest. In a bush or tree. Breeds. Throughout New England. 43 533. Spinus pinus PINE SISKIN. 5 inches Male and Female alike. Above olive-brown, fstreaked like a sparrow ; bill sharply pointed ; yellow tints on wings and tail ; wing bars yellow. Below lighter, streaked with brown. Distinguished from sparrows by yellowish tints and habit of eating seeds of cones. Flight undulating. Like the Crossbill, Pine Gros- beak and Redpoll is an irregular winter visitor in Massachusetts. Note. Resembles that of the Goldfinch and Redpoll. Nest. In trees, of bark and weeds. Breeds. Northern New England. 44 534. Passerina nivalis SNOW BUNTING. 7 inches Male and Female alike. Winter plumage, above yellowish brown, streaked with black and white ; wings white tipped with black ; outer tail feathers white, inner ones black. Below white, with a yellowish brown collar. In summer the plumage is mostly white. Also called Snowflake. In winter large flocks visit Massachusetts, particularly the seacoast. They are running, seed-eating birds, often associating with Shore Larks. Note. A clear whistle. Nest. On ground, of grasses. Breeds. Far north. 45 540. Pooecetes gramineus VESPER SPARROW. 6 inches Male and Female alike. Above light and dark brown, heavily streaked ; chestnut or bay spot on shoulder ; outer tail feathers white. Below dusky white streaked with brown. Usual haunts, roadsides and fields. Common in Massachusetts. Arrives the first week in April. Song. Similar to Song Sparrow, but more plaintive. Nest. On the ground in pastures and fields. Breeds. Throughout New England. 46 541. Passerculus princeps IPSWICH SPARROW. 6 inches Male and Female alike. Above fawn, streaked with brown. Be- low white, streaked with brown ; indistinct patch on breast. Nearly as large as the White-crowned and White-throated. Lightest colored of the sparrows, color blending with the beach grass which it fre- quents. A difficult bird to approach and to identify. Visits Atlantic sea- coasts in winter. Song. Much like the Savanna Sparrow's. Nest. In a little cavity in the ground, made of mosses. Breeds. On Sable Island, its only known breeding ground. 47 542. Passerculus sandwichensis savanna SAVANNA SPARROW. 5 inches Male and Female alike. Above brownish striped ; line*pvet >Jke eye yellow. Below white, much streaked with brown. c_,~.; Familiar haunts, meadows and salt marshes, running in the giass or keeping near the ground. Locally common in Massachusetts. Arrives the middle of April. Song. Low and sweet, ending in a trill, rather insignificant. Nest. On the ground in marshes and wet fields. Breeds. Throughout New England. 48 546. Coturniculus savannarum passerinus GRASSHOPPER SPARROW. 5 inches Male and Female alike. Above dark brown mottled ; bend of wing yellow ; line over the eye and on head yellow ; tail feathers about equal length, pointed. Below grayish white, not streaked. Called Yellow- winged Sparrow. One of the smallest of the family. Does not fly until almost stepped upon and easily passed by on ac- count of its insect-like note. Frequents waste fields. Locally com- mon in Massachusetts. Arrives the middle of May. Song. A thin grasshopper-like note. Nest. On the ground well under the dry grass in old fields. Breeds. In southern New England. 49 549. Ammodramus caudacutus ;SHARP-TAILED SPARROW, s 1.2 inches Male and Female alike. Above grayish brown ; wings and tail reddish brown, below the eye a patch of gray surrounded by yel- low ; tail narrow, feathers sharply pointed. Below buff y, conspicu ously streaked with brown. One of the darkest colored of the sparrows. A birdj of the'salt- water marshes. Arrives in Massachusetts in May. Song. A low twitter. Nest. On the ground, hid in grass just above tide water. Breeds. Along the marshy coast of New England. 50 554. Zonotrichia leucophrys WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW. 6 1-2 inches Male and Female alike. Above, crown conspicuously striped black and white ; neck gray ; back gray and brown streaked ; wing bars white. Below light gray not streaked. Resembles the White- throated, but has no yellow on head or wings. A rare migrant in Massachusetts. Arrives the middle of May. Song. A clear, sweet whistle, suggesting the White-throated Sparrow's. Nest. In a low bush or on the ground. Breeds. North of New England. 51 558. Zonotrichia albicollis WHITE-THROATED SPARROW, Peabody Bird. 6 1-2 in. Male. Above, head black and white striped ; line in front of the eye and bend of wing yellow; back reddish brown striped with black ; wing bars white. Below grayish ; throat white. Female. Similar, markings less distinct. A large, handsome sparrow. A few winter in Massachusetts. Common migrant spring and autumn. Arrives the last week in April. Song. Clear, plaintive whistle of five to eleven notes, the first two the longest, "pea, pea, peabody , peabody, peabody" Nest. Chiefly on the ground, in woodlands and bushy places. Breeds. In northern New England. 52 559. Spizella monticola TREE SPARROW. 6 inches Male and Female alike. Above, crown chestnut; back brown streaked with black and buff ; two white wing bars. Below light gray to white ; faint spot on the breast. Called Winter Chippy, but is larger than Chipping Sparrow ; often in flocks in old weedy fields. Common winter resident in Massa- chusetts. Song. Sweet. Nest. Near the ground, of grasses. Breeds. Far north. 53 560. Spizella socialis CHIPPING SPARROW. 5 1-2 inches Male and Female alike. Above, crown chestnut ; back streaked brown and buff ; rump gray; wing bars faint ; bill black. Below grayish white, not streaked. A sociable, familiar bird about houses. Common in Massachu- setts. Arrives about the middle of April. Song. A dry, strong trill on one note. Nest. In vines, bush or tree lined with hair, near houses. Breeds. Throughout New England. 54 563. Spizella pusilla FIELD SPARROW. 5 1=2 inches Male and Female alike. Above, crown chestnut; back rusty red streaked with black; wing bars faint; bill light. Below white tinged with buff, not streaked. Might be mistaken for Chippy. Look for light bill and reddish back ; notice haunt and song, and you will not mistake them. Usually in old fields and scrub pastures. Arrives in Massachu- setts about April 15. Song. A very sweet, bell-like trill preceded by a few slow-whistled notes. Nest. In low bush or on the ground in scrubby pastures. Breeds. Throughout New England, sparingly in the northern part. 55 567. Junco hyemalis JUNCO, SNOWBIRD. 6 inches Male and Female alike. Above uniform slate color ; bill horn color ; outer tail feathers white, conspicuous in flight. Below breast slate, sharply divided from white belly. A winter resident in Massachusetts. Song. A trill, much like the Pine Warbler's. Call note, a metallic chip. Nest. On the ground, usually in the open. Breeds. In northern New England.^ 56 581. Melospiza cinerea melodia SONG SPARROW. 6 inches Male and Female alike. Above, top of head striped gray and reddish brown; back heavily striped gray and brown; tail long and thin. Below white, heavily streaked with brown ; a spot on centre of breast. A bird of the bushy pasture and roadside, usually near water ; a very constant singer. W inters sparingly in Massachusetts. Common after middle of March. Song. Two or three clear, sweet notes followed by a descending trill. Nest. On or near the ground by roadsides, in pas- tures or meadows. Breeds. Throughout New England. 57 5S4. Melospiza georgiana SWAMP SPARROW. 6 inches Male and Female alike. Above crown chestnut ; back striped browns and black ; upper part of wings chestnut. Below, throat white ; breast gray faintly streaked with brown. May be recognized by its chestnut head, wings and tail. A bird of swampy thickets. Common in Massachusetts in bushy marshes. Arrives early in April. Song. A trill resembling that of the Chipping Sparrow, but slower and more musical. Nest. On the ground in a tussock, in meadow or bushy swamp. Breeds. Throughout New England. 58 585. Passerella iliaca FOX SPARROW. 7 inches Male and Female alike. Above chestnut and gray striped, bright- est on rump and tail. Below white streaked with chestnut. The largest and reddest of the sparrows ; often flock with other sparrows. They live mostly on the ground and scratch among the dead leaves for food. A common spring and autumn migrant in Massachusetts. Arrives last of March. Song. One of the most beautiful of sparrow songs, rich, full and sweet. Nest. Near the ground. Breeds. Far north. 59 587. ^Pipilo erythrophthalmus ^OWHEE, CHEWINK. 8 inches Male. Above black, outer tail feathers tipped with white. Below, throat and breast black ; belly white ; sides chestnut. Female. Brownish where male is black. A bird of swampy thickets, much on the ground scratching and rustling among the leaves, frequently calling chewink; mounts a tree to deliver its song. Common in Massachusetts. Arrives in latter part of April. Song. " Tee-hoo, pill-ill-ill-ill-ill." *\Y Nest. On the ground in scrubby woodlands. Breeds. In southern New England. 60 595. Zamelodia ludoviciana ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK. 8 inches Male. Above, head and back black ; horn color bill thick and stout; rump, spots on the wings and on outer tail feathers white. Below, throat black; breast and under the wings rose color; belly white Female. Above brownish. Below streaked; yellow under wings, no rose color. Common in Massachusetts. Arrives about May 20. Song. A loud warble, suggesting the Robin and the Oriole, preceded by a sharp chip. Nest. Of twigs and rootlets in a bush or low tree. Breeds. Throughout New England. 61 598. Cyanospiza cyanea"S5 INDIGO BIRD. 5 1-2 inches Male. Above and below rich indigo blue ; wings and tail brown- ish. Female. Above olive-brown. Below, breast dingy white, slightly streaked. Also called Indigo Bunting. A dainty bird of the roadside, fields and orchards. Common in Massachusetts. Arrives about the middle of May. Song. " Che-ree' , che-ree* \ che-ree' , che-ree 1 , che-rah' , rah-rup 1 ." Call note, a metallic " cheep" Nest. Well hidden in a low bush. Breeds. Throughout New -England. TANAGRIDAE 608. Piranga erythromelas SCARLET TANAQER. 7 inches Male. Above and below scarlet ; wings and tail black. Female. Above and below olive-green ; wings and tail brownish. Frequents open deciduous woods. Common in Massachusetts. Arrives about May 15. Song. Loud, cheery carol, suggesting a hoarse Robin. Call note, " chip-churr" Nest. Near the end of the lower branches, loosely built. Breeds. Throughout New England. 63 * I (HlRUNDINIDAE SWALLOWS The Swallows are known the world over. They have a wide mouth ; long, strong wings ; tail more or less forked ; feet small and weak ; plumage lustrous with metallic shadings. Flight circling. They feed on insects caught in the air. Perch often on telegraph wires, seldom alight on the ground. Nest and migrate in flocks. 611. Progne subis PURPLE MARTIN. 7 inches Male. Above and below lustrous blue-black; very long wings and forked tail. Female. Above dull black. Below grayish brown. Feeds on insects. Locally distributed in Massachusetts. Arrives about May 1. Note. Usually like " peuo, peuo,peiio" Nest. In boxes put up by man for their use. Breeds. Locally throughout New Eng- land. 65 612. Petrochelidon lunifrons HAVE SWALLOW. 5 inches Male and Female alike. Above steel-blue; rump chestnut'; forehead whitish ; chestnut collar all around the neck. Below, throat dark chestnut, with a steel-blue spot ; breast light brown ; tail square. Also called 'Cliff Swallow. This species alights on the ground about muddy places for nesting material. Arrives in Massachu- setts about May 1. Note. A twittering. Nest. Bottle-shaped, of mud, under eaves of buildings. Breeds. Locally throughout New England. 66 613. Hirundo erythrogastra BARN SWALLOW. 7 inches Male and Female alike. Above steel-blue ; forehead chestnut. Below, throat chestnut ; belly buff y ; long wings ; tail deeply forked, with white spots. These beautiful skimmers of the farmyard and pastures are the most familiar of the family. Ar- rives in Massachusetts about last of April. Song. " A low chattering trill." Nests. Of mud, on rafters of old buildings. Breeds. Throughout New Eng- land. 67 614. Iridoprocne bicolor TREE SWALLOW. 6 inches Male and Female alike. Above metallic green. Below clear white ; tail slightly forked. Also called White-bellied Swallow. Ar- rives in Massachusetts the first week in April. Note. A twittering. Nest. In holes in trees or in bird boxes. Breeds. Locally throughout] New England. 68 616. Riparia riparia BANK SWALLOW. 5 inches Male and Female alike. Above brown. Below white, with a brown band across the breast ; tail forked. The smallest of the swallows. Breeds in colonies. Arrives in Massachusetts about May 1. Note. A twittering. Nest. In a hole in a sand bank. Breeds. Locally throughout New England. 69 AMPELIDAE 619. Ampelis cedrorum CEDAR BIRD. 7 inches Male and Female alike. Above brownish ; smooth plumage ; head crested ; forehead and eye line black ; red spots like sealing wax on wings ; tail tipped with yellow. Below olive-brown, shading to yel- low on belly. Also called Cedar Waxwing. Dignified, affectionate birds, often seen in flocks in thickets of cedar and sumachs feeding on the berries. Winters sparingly in Massachusetts. A common sum- mer resident. Calls. A few lisping notes. Also a " hushed whis- tle." Nest. In tree, a deep cup built late in the season. Breeds. Throughout New England. 70 LANIIDAE 621. Lanius borealis NORTHERN SHRIKE, BUTCHER BIRD. 10 inches Male and Female alike. Above gray ; black bar on side of head and through eye; wings and tail black, spotted with white ; black hawk-like bill. Below light gray with wavy lines. A bird having the characteristics of a hawk ; swift, strong flight ; feeds on mice and young birds ; is usually alone or in pairs. Winter visitor in Massachusetts. Song. A rich continuous warble, heard in early spring. Nest. Near the grojind, of grasses. Breeds. Far north. 71 VlREONIDAE VIREOS The Vireos are small insect-eating birds, yet larger than the warblers, with slender beaks and greenish gray plumage. They frequent the outer branches of deciduous trees, yet keep well hid- den among the leaves, singing as they work. Some of the species are good singers, all have a petulant call note like the word min-u-eet' . They build a neat cup-shaped nest, hung from a crotch in a twig. 72 624. Vireo olivaceus RED-EYED VIREO. 6 inches Male and Female alike. Above olive-brown ; a black line above a white line over the bright red eye ; no wing bars. Below white. A bird of roadsides and the open woods. Feeds on insects, largely caterpillars. Common in Massachusetts. Arrives about May 12. Song. Loud and clear, delivered in conversational style all day and all summer long ; might be described as a query of three syl- lables in rising inflection, are you there ? then in falling inflec- tion the answer, we are here. Nest. At the fork of a branch, a dainty hanging cup. Breeds. Throughout New England. 73 627. Vireo gilvus WARBLING VIREO. 5 1-2 inches Male and Female alike. Above olive-brown ; no wing bars. Be- ow dull white, tinged with yellow on sides. Frequents tall trees of the village and roadside, also in open wood- lands ; prefers the upper branches and is a constant singer. Com- mon in Massachusetts. Arrives about May 5. Song. A rich, mellow warble, suggesting the Purple Finch's. Nest. A tiny hanging cup on a forked branch high up in a tree. Breeds. Throughout New England, more common in southern part. 74 628. Vireo flavifrons YELLOW-THROATED VIREO. 6 inches Male and Female alike. Above olive-green ; rump gray ; wing bars white. Below, throat and breast yellow ; belly white. A bird of the open woods and orchards, a persistent destroyer of caterpillars' nests. Common in Massachusetts. Arrives about May 5. Song. Sweet and rich in quality, in form much like the Red-eyed Vireo's, but slower and lower in pitch. Nest. A little cup decorated with lichens, hanging at the fork of a branch, not very high up, often in orchards. Breeds. In southern New England. 75 629. Vireo solitarius BLUE-HEADED VIREO. 5 1-2 inches Male and Female alike. Above olive-green ; head bluish gray ; eye ring and line to bill white ; wing bars white. Below white ; greenish yellow on sides. A confiding bird of the woods ; also called the Solitary Vireo Arrives in Massachusetts about April 25. Song. Resembling Red-eyed Vireo's, but richer and sweeter. Nest. A pretty cup hanging from a forked branch low down. Breeds. In northern New England. 76 631. Vireo noveboracensis WHITE-EYED VIREO. 5 inches Male and Female alike. Above olive-green ; eye ring white ; wing bars white. Below white, shading to yellow on sides. A bird of the low growths. Locally common in southern New England. Arrives about May 10. Song. Short and emphatic " chip-a-weeo" Nest. A hanging cup from the forked branch of a low tree or bush. Breeds. In eastern Massachusetts and southward. 77 MNIOTILTIDAE WARBLERS The Warblers are small, active, insect-eating birds. Their songs are generally sharp and wiry, lacking form and rhythm. The species that live in the trees do not sing as well as those that live on or near the ground. They are more brilliantly colored and generally have dark legs and bills. They feed among the thick foliage, often near the tree tops. The females are much duller colored, frequently lacking the bright conspicuous marks of the male, and so are puzzling birds to identify. The species that live near the ground have white or pink legs and bills. 78 636. Mniotilta varia BLACK AND WHITE WARBLER. 5i-2inches Male and Female similar. Above and below black and white streaked; bill and feet black ; wing bars white ; outer tail feathers spotted with white. Also known as the Black and White Creeper. A bird of the wood- lands, seldom perching, most of the time creeping over the trunks and branches of trees, searching for insects. Coloring suggests Blackpoll Warbler. Common in Massachusetts. Arrives about May 1. Song. "Scis-sors, scis-sors, scis-sors" Nest. On the ground, usually near the stump of a tree. Breeds. Throughout New England. 79 642. Helminthophila chrysoptera GOLDEN- WINGED WARBLER. 5 inches Male. Above blue-gray ; crown and patch on wings bright yellow. Below white ; a patch of black on throat and through eye ; outer tail feathers with white spots. Female. Similar, without the black. A bird of swampy woodlands. Summer resident in eastern Massa- chusetts. Arrives about May 10. Song. Quality of tone like the Black-throated Green Warbler's song. Nest. On the ground. Breeds. In southern New England. 80 645. Helminthophila rubricapilla NASHVILLE WARBLER, s inches Male and Female similar. Above olive-green ; head gray with chestnut spot on crown ; no wing bars ; no white spots on tail. Below yellow. A bird of the scrub and lower growths. Coloring suggests the Pine Warbler. Uncommon summer resident in Massachusetts. Ar- rives about May 5. Song. Resembling that of the Yellow Warbler and the Chestnut- sided, but ending in a loud trill which makes it distinctive. Nest. On or near the ground. Breeds. Throughout New England. 81 648. Compsothlypis americana usneae NORTHERN PARULA WARBLER. 4 1-2 inches Male. Above gray-blue ; yellowish patch on back ; wing bars and tail spots white. Below, throat and breast yellow, with dark band across breast ; belly white. Female. Similar, colors duller, often without dark band on breast. Also called Blue Yellow-backed. It frequents the tops of the trees, but during migrations is often found in orchards and park shrubbery. Arrives in Massachusetts about May 12. Song. Starts with a buzz and ends in a husky warble like p-r-i-t with a strong accent. Nest. Suspended from a branch in orchards or on edges of woods, made of usnea moss. Breeds. In New England in localities where there is usnea moss. 82 652. Dendroica aestiva YELLOW WARBLER. 5 inches Male. Above yellow. Below bright yellow, with streaks of chestnut on the breast. Female. Similar, but no chestnut streaks on breast. Suggests a Canary, but has a small dark bill. Commonest of the warblers, known as Summer Yellowbird. Arrives in Massachusetts about May 1. Song. Loud, nervous and continuous sweet, sweet, sweet-ee' . Nest. In a shrub, closely built of plant down and grasses. Breeds. Throughout New England, local in the northern part. 83 654. Dendroica caerulescens BLACK-THROATED BLUE WARBLER. 5 inches Male. Above dark grayish blue; white patch on wings and white spots on tail. Below, throat and sides black ; breast white. Female. Above dark olive. Below yellowish white ; wing patch white. A bird of the woods. Migrant in Massachusetts. Arrives about May 10. Song. Zee, zee, zee, loudly and slowly on an upward scale. Nest. In bushes near the ground in dense woods. In elevated portions of southern New England it nests in mountain laurel. Breeds. Throughout New England, very sparingly in the south- ern part, and only where there is mountain laurel. 84 655. Dendroica coronata MYRTLE WARBLER, s 1-2 inches Male. Above gray-blue streaked with black ; wing bars and tail spots white ; crown patch, rtimp and sides of breast yellow. Below, throat white ; breast streaked with black. Female. Similar, but with indistinct brownish coloring. Also called Yellow-rumped Warbler. Food, insects and berries, especially bayberries. A bird of the scrub pastures and roadsides, often in flocks. Abundant migrant in Massachusetts; sometimes winters near the coast. Arrives about April 20. Song. Chewy, chewy, chewy, repeated on the same note. Nest. In conifers, not far from the ground. Breeds. In northern New England. 85 657. Dendroica maculosa MAQNOLIA WARBLER. 5 inches Male. Above black ; crown blue-gray; yellow rump ; white wing patch ; tail black at end, with white band across middle. Below yellow, heavily streaked vt\fa black on the breast. Female. Simi- lar, but colors duller. This bird is also called the Black and Yellow Warbler. It is often seen on the lower branches of evergreens, searching for insects. Migrant in Massachusetts. Arrives about the middle of May. Song. A few clear notes. Nest. In conifers, not far from the ground. Breeds. In northern New England. 86 659. Dendroica pensylvanica CHESTNUT-SIDED WARBLER, s inches Male. Above black and gray, streaked ; crown yellow ; black line over eye ; white patch under eye ; wing bars and tail spots white. Below white ; sides chestnut. Female. Similar, but colors duller. A bird of the scrub and swampy open woodlands. Common in Massachusetts. Arrives about May 5. Song. Five or six musical notes, suggesting the Yellow Warbler Nest. In low, dry scrub. Breeds. Throughout New England. 87 660. Dendroica castanea BAY-BREASTED WARBLER. 5 1-2 inches Male. Above brown, streaked with black ; crown chestnut; fore- head and sides of head black ; wing bars and tail spots white. Below, throat, breast and sides chestnut; belly pale yellow. Female. Similar, but colors duller. A rare migrant in Massachusetts. Arrives about the middle of May. Song. A fine, hurried z-e-e. Nest. In conifers. Breeds. In northern New England. 88 661. Dendroica striata BLACKPOLL WARBLER. 5 1-2 inches Male. Above black and white, streaked ; crown black; white patch under the eye ; wing bars and tail spots white. Below white, streaked with black on sides. Female. Similar, with yellowish tinge. A bird of the woods and tall trees. Suggests the Black and White Creeper. A common migrant in Massachusetts. Arrives about the middle of May. Song. Similar to the Black and White Creeper's, but faster and in higher key. Nest. In conifers. Breeds. In northern New England, on high mountains. 89 ?, ,fl3J*- 662. Dendroica blackburniae BLACKBURNIAN WARBLER, s inches Male. Above black streakeS with white ; head striped orange and black ; black line under and through eye; wing patch and tail spots white. Below, throat orange; sides yellow streaked with black. Female. Similar, but much duller colors. A bird of the high open woods, usually in conifers. Sings from the tree tops. Migrant in Massachusetts. Arrives about May 10. Song. Rather long, ending high and wiry. Nest. In conifers. Breeds. In northern New England. 90 667. Dendroica virens BLACK-THROATED GREEN WARBLER. 5 inches Male. Above olive-green ; sides of head yellow ; wing bars and tail spots white. Below, throat and breast black ; belly white. Female. Similar, but colors duller ; no black on the throat. Common in Massachusetts in pine woods. Arrives about May 1. Song. " Trees, trees, murmuring trees" given rapidly. Nest. In an evergreen tree in the woods. Breeds. Throughout New England. 91 671. Dendroica vigorsii PINE WARBLER. 5 1-2 inches Male. Above olive-green ; wing bars and tail spots white. Below yellow. Female. Similar, but colors duller. Resembles the Nashville; look for white markings on Pine War- bler. Common in Massachusetts, in pitch pine woods. Arrives about April 10. Song. A loud trill suggesting the Chipping Sparrow, but it has a richer quality. Nest. Usually near the end of a pine tree branch. Breeds. In southern New England. 92 Dendroica palmarum hypochrysea YELLOW PALM WARBLER. 5 1-2 inches Male and Female alike. Above olive, brighter on rump ; yellow line over eye; crown chestnut; no wing bars; tail spots white. Below yellow, streaked with chestnut on the sides. More like a sparrow than a warbler in its habit of frequenting fields and open places, much on the ground, flirts its tail. Migrant in Massachusetts. Arrives about the middle of April. Song. A thin, light trill on one note. Nest. On the ground. Breeds. Sparingly in eastern Maine, but chiefly north of New England. 93 673. Dendroica discolor PRAIRIE WARBLER. 4 1-2 inches Male. Above olive-green ; chestnut markings on back; yellow line over eye ; wing bars yellow ; tail spots white. Below yellow, sides streaked with black. Female. Similar, but often lacks the chestnut markings on the back. A bird of the scrub oaks and old pastures. Common in Massachu- setts near the coast. Arrives about May 10. Song. Zee, zee, zee, zee, on an ascending scale. Nest. In pastures or scrub not far from the ground, made of grass and roots. Breeds. In southern New England, rarely north of Massachu- setts. / 94 674, Seiurus aurocapillus OVENB1RD. 6 inches Male and Female alike. Above olive-brown ; crown striped orange and black. Below white, streaked with brown. No wing bars nor tail spots. Known also as the Golden-crowned Thrush. A little old-fashioned bird usually found in scrubby woodlands, walking on the ground or on a tree branch, constantly flirting its tail. Common in Massa- chusetts. Arrives about May 1. Song. " Teacher, teacher, teacher, teacher, TEACHER." Nest. On the ground, often roofed over, in the woods. Breeds. Throughout New England. 95 675. Seiurus noveboracensis WATER THRUSH. 6 inches Male and Female alike. Above olive brown ; no wing bars nor tail spots. Below dull white, streaked with brown. Known also as the Water Wagtail and Northern Thrush. A bird of low, swampy ground ; a walker. Migrant in Massachusetts. Arrives about May 10. Song. Loud and clear. Nest. Near the ground, in a swamp or near water. Breeds. In northern New England. 96 Geothlypis trichas brachydactyla NORTHERN MARYLAND YELLOWTHROAT. 5 inches Male. Above olive-green ; forehead and band through eye black ; no wing bars nor tail spots. Below bright yellow. Female. Sim- ilar, but no black on head and yellow breast paler than the male's. A little flirt of the brookside and spring pasture, often on the ground. Common in Massachusetts. Arrives about May 1. Song. " Wichity, wichity" Nest. On the ground, in swampy tussocks. Breeds. Throughout New England. 97 683. Icteria virens YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT. 7 1-2 inches Male and Female alike. Above olive-green ; white line over the eye ; no wing bars nor tail spots. Below brilliant yellow. An inhabitant of low bushy places. Rare summer resident in Massachusetts. Arrives about the middle of May. Song. Loud, mimicking and rollicking, suggesting the Catbird's Nest. Near the ground in a thicket. Breeds. In southern New England. 98 685. Wilsonia pusilla WILSON'S WARBLER. 5 inches Male. Above bright olive-green; head yellow, with black cap. Below yellow; no wing bars nor tail spots. Female. Similar, but lacks black cap. Also called Wilson's Blackcap. Active birds found in the under- brush, flycatcher manner. A migrant in Massachusetts. Arrives about May 10. Song. A few weak, rapid notes. Nest. Of leaves and grasses, on the ground. Breeds. Northern New England and eastern Maine. 99 686. Wilsonia canadensis CANADIAN WARBLER. 5 1.2 inches Male. Above blue-gray ; black spots on top of head ; no wing bars nor tail spots. Below yellow black line under eye and down sides of throat; a band of 'black spots across the breast. Female. Similar, but markings dusky instead of black. An active bird of the underbrush, flycatcher habit. Migrant in Massachusetts. Arrives about May 20. Song. A few hurried notes ending abruptly with a rising in- flection. Nest. On the ground, in woods near water. Breeds. In New England, sparingly in the southern part. 100 687. Setophaga ruticilla AMERICAN REDSTART. 5 inches Male. Above black ; large wing patch and tail blotches orange. Below black ; belly white ; sides of breast orange. Female. Greenish gray where the male is black, and yellow where it is orange. An inhabitant of the maples and elms of the roadside, also found in open woodlands. It is a gay little flycatcher, and in flight suggests a miniature Baltimore Oriole. Common in Massachusetts. Arrives about May 5. Song. " Weechee, weeche, weeche" thin and wiry on a rising scale Nest. In a crotch not very high up. Breeds. Throughout New England. 101 MOTACILLIDAE 697. Anthus pensilvanicus AMERICAN TITLARK OR PIPIT. 6 inches Male and Female alike. Above brown, faintly streaked ; wings and tail darker; outer tail feathers marked with white. Below buffy ; breast and sides streaked with brown. Frequents, in scat- tering flocks, recently ploughed fields and pastures ; is a walker and has a habit of jerking its tail; flight undulating. Migrant in Massachusetts. Arrives about April 10. Song. A faint note uttered on the wing. Nest. On the ground, made of grass. Breeds. Far north. 102 TROGLODYTIDAE THRASHERS, WRENS, ETC. The Wrens are energetic little creatures, always ready to show fight if their rights are intruded on. They have barred and mottled plumage, short tails, which they often bend forward or keep erect. They creep over the branches and grasses searching for insect food. The Catbird and Brown Thrasher, though much larger, are closely related, and the whole group take high rank as singers. The Wrens have astonishingly loud voices for such tiny birds ; the quality is clear and sweet, except in the case of the Short-billed Marsh Wren. 103 704. Galeoscoptes carolinensis CATBIRD. 8 1-2 inches Male and Female alike. Above and below slate colored ; crown black; a chestnut spot under the tail. A bird of the shrubbery, usually near water, often on the ground. Notice their tails ; they flirt them a good deal, droop them when singing and spread them wide when flying. Common summer resi- dent in Massachusetts. Arrives early in May. Song. Full, loud and happy, quite like the Brown Thrasher's. Common note, a " mew " like a cat. Nest. In a thicket near the ground. Breeds. Throughout New England. 104 705. Toxostoma rufum BROWN THRASHER. 11 inches Male and Female alike. Above cinnamon brown ; white wing bars. Below white, heavily spotted with dark brown ; very long tail, which it flirts in an energetic manner. Is also called the Brown Thrush. Large birds of the scrub oaks and thickets ; much on the ground, rustling among the leaves ; usually in pairs. Common summer resident in Massachusetts. Arrives early in May. Song. Rich, full and varied ; seems to be full of conversation and mimicry, easily mistaken for the Catbird's. Nest. In a shrub a few feet from the ground. Breeds. Southern New England. 105 721. Troglodytes aedon HOUSE WREN. 5 inches Male and Female alike. Above reddish brown ; wings and tail finely barred ; tail usually held erect. Below grayish, indistinctly barred. A brave little bird of the orchard, singing merrily through the day Formerly they were common in southern New Eng- land, now rare except in a few localities. Arrives in Massachusetts about May 1. Song. A loud, clear, ringing warble. Nest. In hole in tree or in a bird box. Breeds. Sparingly throughout New England. 106 722. Olbiorchilus hiemalis WINTER WREN. 4 inches Male and Female alike. Above reddish brown ; tail short and often carried erect ; wings and tail finely barred. Below yellowish brown, finely barred. A tiny, spirited bird of the deep woods, fond of the brush heap and old dead log. Migrant in Massachusetts. Arrives in April. Is more abundant in the autumn than in the spring migration. Song. A rapid, rippling melody, rich and ringing in quality. Nest. In a stump or the roots of a tree. Breeds. In northern New England. 107 724. Cistothorus stellaris SHORT-BILLED MARSH WREN. 4 1-2 inches Male and Female alike. Above brownish ; tail and wings barred. Below brownish gray ; throat lighter. Both species, Nos. 724 and 725, are tiny mouse-like birds, difficult to discover, as they creep along the reeds and weed stalks hunting for spiders and insects. They live in colonies and inhabit open, swampy places. Locally common in Massachusetts. Arrives about the middle of May. Song. Short and unmusical. Nest. In the grass. Breeds. In southern New England. 725. Telmatodytes palustris LONG-BILLED MARSH WREN. 5 inches Appearance, range and habit much like No. 724, but has a longer bill and is a little larger. Song. A bubbling melody. Nest. Attached to reeds a few feet from the ground. Builds false nests. 108 CERTHIIDAE 726. Certhia familiaris americana BROWN CREEPER. 5 1-2 inches Male and Female alike. Above mottled, brown and white ; long bill ; tail feathers stiff pointed. Below white. A bird of the tree trunks, twisting slowly up, up in search of insect food, then when it has made the ascent it flies to the foot of the tree and starts up again, frequently uttering a squeaky skeep, skeep. Common in Massachu- setts in the winter. Song. A few weak but musical notes, seldom heard ex- cept in the breeding season. Nest. On the trunks of trees, behind a loose piece of bark. Breeds. In northern New England. 109 PARIDAE: SITTINAE 727. Sitta carolinensis WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCH. 6 inches Male. Above blue-gray ; top of head black ; the sides white ; long black bill ; wing bars and tail spots white ; tail very short and square. Below white. Female. Similar, but has little black on head. A bird of the tree trunks and branches, usually seen head downwards poking in the crevices of the bark for its insect food, is also fond of nuts and table bits that thought- ful persons furnish it. Common in Mas- sachusetts in autumn and winter. Song. A prolonged ha-ha-ha-ha, also a nasal note likejytf /, yank, yank. Nest. In a hole in a tree. Breeds. Throughout New England. 110 I AH 728. Sitta canadensis RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH. 4 12 inches Male. Above blue-gray ; top of head black, the sides white ; broad black line through eye ; bill long and black. Below, throat white; breast chestmit ; tail short and square, with white spots. Female. Similar, but little black on the head. Distinguished from White-breasted by its red breast and smaller size. An uncommon winter visitor in Massachusetts. Song. Similar to the White-breasted but sharper and higher pitched. Nest. In hole in tree. Breeds. In northern New England. Ill PARIDAE: PARINAE 735. Parus atricapillus CHICKADEE. 5 inches Male and Female alike. Above blue-gray; top of head black, sides white. Below yellowish white ; throat black. This dainty, much-loved creature often merrily calls its name just outside the window on cold winter mornings. In February it begins to whistle its sweet, clear " Phoebe " notes that some- times cause the young bird student to confound it with the flycatcher Phoebe that normally does not reach Massachusetts till late in March. Common in Massachusetts, in autumn and winter. Song. Chick-a-dee, dee, dee, chick-a-dee, dee, dee, and a clear whistled Phoebe, " rep- resented by G and F on the piano." Nest. Of warm material, in holes in trees and stumps. Breeds. Throughout New England. 112 SYLVIIDAE: REGULINAE 748. Regulus satrapa GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLET. 4 inches Male. Above olive-gray ; crown gold ; bordered with black stripe ; white line around the eye ; wing bars white. Below gray. Female. Similar, but the crown yellow, bordered with black stripe. Winters in Massachusetts. Note. In winter a weak, wiry tzee, tzee, tzee. Nest. In conifers, usually pensile. Breeds. In northern New England. 113 749. Regulus calendula RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET. 4 inches Male. Above olive-gray ; scarlet crest displayed at will ; wing bars tinged with yellow. Below gray. Female. Similar, no crest. A spring and autumn migrant in Massachusetts. Arrives in April. Song. Rich and loud, suggesting a wren. Nest. In conifers, usually pensile. Breeds. North and east of New England. 114 TURDIDAE THRUSHES, BLUEBIRDS The Thrushes are large brownish birds with speckled breasts. They keep near the ground, feed largely on insects and berries, and are perhaps our finest singers. Notice that the color of the Wood Thrush is reddish on the head, that of the Veery and Olive-backed is uniform, and that of the Hermit is reddish on the tail. 115 755. Hylocichla mustelina WOOD THRUSH. 8 inches Male and Female alike. Above olive-brown ; headreddish. Below white, heavily spotted with brown. Found in open, damp woods where there is underbrush. Common summer resident in Massachusetts. Arrives about May 10. Song. Rich, liquid flute quality, divided into three phrases. Nest. Eight or ten feet from the ground in open woodlands, also by the roadside. Breeds. In southern New England. 116 756. Hylocichla fuscescens VEERY, WILSON'S THRUSH. 7 inches Male and Female alike. Above uniform olive-brown. Below cream, lightly spotted with brown. A shy bird of open wet woods and thickets, often walking and running on the ground. Common summer resident of Massachu- setts. Arrives about May 10. Song. Weird and ringing, divided in three parts, sounding some- what like vee-a-ry, vee-a-ry. This interpretation has given it one of its common names. Nest. On or near the ground. Breeds. Throughout New England. 117 7580. Hylocichla ustulata swainsoni OLIVE-BACKED THRUSH. 7 inches Male and Female alike. Above uniform olive-brown. Below cream, spotted with brown. Its summer home is in the evergreen woods of northern New Eng- land. Migrant in Massachusetts. Arrives about May 15. Song. Clear and ringing, easily confounded with the Hermit's song. Nest. In a bush or low tree. Breeds. In northern New England. 118 759. Hylocichla guttata pallasii HERMIT THRUSH. 7 inches Male and Female alike. Above olive-brown ; tail reddish. Be- low white, heavily spotted with brown. The Hermit has a habit of jerking its tail, which helps to distin- guish it from the Olive-backed, which it so much resembles in looks and song. Migrant in Massachusetts (except on Cape Cod, where it breeds). Arrives about the middle of April. Song. Clear and ringing, given on a descending scale. Nest. On the ground. Breeds. In northern New England and on Cape Cod. 119 761. Merula migrator ia AMERICAN ROBIN. 10 inches Male. Above brownish gray ; head and tail black. Below chest- nut ; throat streaked with black and white. Female. Similar, but colors duller. Robins migrate and roost in flocks. Hop and run ; flight straight and strong. Common summer resident in Massachusetts, some winter in cedar swamps. Arrives in March. Song. A loud, happy, vuhere-are-you ? where-are-you ? repeated and interspersed with whistles. Nest. In trees or bushes not very high up, made of mud, grasses, etc. Breeds. Throughout New England. 120 766. Sialia sialis BLUEBIRD. 7 inches Male. Above bright blue. Below chestnut. Female. Browner and duller colors. A bird beloved by the New England farmers ; feeds on insects and berries. A rhythmic, undulating flight, often seen in flocks in the autumn. Common in Massachusetts. Arrives early in March. Song. A low, sweet warble. Nest. In a bird house or a hole in a tree. Breeds. Throughout New England. 121 INDEX Blackbird, crow 36 red-winged 31 rusty 35 Blackbirds 28 Bluebird 121 Bobolink 29 Butcherbird 71 Catbird 104 Cedarbird 70 Chat, yellow-breasted 98 Chewink CO Chickadee 112 Cowbird. 30 Creeper, brown 109 Crossbill, American 41 " white-winged 4o Crow 27 Cuckoo, black-billed 6 yellow-billed 4 Finch, purple 39 Finches 37 Flicker 12 Flycatcher, crested 19 least 24 olive-sided 21 yellow-bellied 23 Flycatchers 17 Goldfinch 43 Crackle, bronzed 36 " purple 36 Grosbeak, pine 38 " rose-breasted 61 Humming-bird 16 Indigo bird 62 122 INDEX. Continued. Jay, blue 26 Junco 56 Kingbird 18 Kingfisher, belted .6 Kinglet, golden-crowned 113 " ruby-crowned 114 Lark, horned 25 " meadow 32 Martin, purple 65 Maryland yellowthroat 97 Meadow lark..- 32 Nighthawk 14 Nuthatch, red-breasted Ill 11 white-breasted 110 Oriole, Baltimore 34 " orchard 33 Ovenbird 95 Peabody bird 52 Pewee, wood 22 Phoebe 20 Pipit, American 102 Redpoll 42 Redstart, American 101 Robin 120 Sapsucker, yellow-bellied 10 Shrike, northern 71 Siskin, pine 44 Snowbird 56 Snow bunting 45 Snowflake 45 Sparrow, chipping 54 field 55 fox 59 " grasshopper 49 Sparrow, Ipswich 47 " savanna 48 123 INDEX. Continued. Sparrow, sharp-tailed 50 Thrush, golden-crowned 95 ' song 57 '' hermit 119 " swamp 58 ' olive-backed 118 tree 53 " water 96 " vesper 46 " Wilson's 117 ' ' white-crowned 51 " wood 116 " white-throated 52 Thrushes 115 Sparrows 37 Titlark, American 102 Swallow, bank 69 Towhee 60 " barn 67 Veery 117 cliff 66 Vireo, blue-headed 76 " eave 66 " red-eyed 73 " tree. 68 " solitary 76 " white-bellied 68 " warbling 74 Swallows 64 white-eyed 77 Swift, chimney 15 " yellow-throated 75 Tanager, scarlet 63 Vireos 72 Thrasher, brown 105 Warbler, bay-breasted 88 124 INDEX. Concluded. Warbler, black and white 79 Warbler, yellow 83 blackburnian 90 yellow palm .93 " blackpoll 84 " yellow-rumped 85 " black-throated blue 89 Warblers 78 " black-throated green 91 Whip-poor-will 13 Canadian 100 Woodpecker, downy 9 chestnut-sided 87 golden-winged 12 '* golden-winged 80 hairy.... 8 " magnolia 86 red-headed 11 " Maryland yellowthroat. .97 Woodpeckers 7 " myrtle 85 Wren, house 106 " Nashville 81 " long-billed marsh 108 " parula 82 " short-billed marsh 108 " pine 92 " winter 107 >rairie 94 Wrens 103 ilson's 99 125 & :