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BIOLOGY
LIBRARY
6
REPORT
ON THE
BIKDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
With Special Reference to the Food-Hahits, based on over Four
Thousand Stomach Examinations.
BY
B. H. WARREN, M. D.,
ORNITHOLOGIST, PENNSYLVANIA STATE BOARD OK AGRICULTURE.
SECOND EDITION, REVISED AND AUGMENTED.
ILLUSTRATED BY ONE HUNDRED PLATES.
Published by Authority of the Commonwealth.
HAEKISBUKG:
E. K. MEYERS, STATE PRINTER.
1890.
o
0IOLOGY
LIBRARY
G
COPYRIGHTED. 1890.
OFFICE OF THE ORNITHOLOGIST OF THE
STATE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE,
WEST CHESTER, PENNA., October 1, 1890.
To the Honorable Senate and House of Representatives of the General
Assembly of Pennsylvania :
GENTLEMEN : I have the honor to transmit herewith the revised edition
of the Keport on the Birds of Pennsylvania, authorized by the act of
April 20, 1889.
B. H. WAEREN.
(iii)
745192
Extract from an act to provide for the publishing of a revised edition of the Report
on Birds of Pennsylvania, by the Ornithologist of the State Board of Agriculture,
and the distribution of the same.
SECTION 1. Be it enacted, etc., That there shall be printed nineteen thousand
copies of a revised edition of the Report on Birds of Pennsylvania, by the Ornitholo-
gist of the State Board of Agriculture, size not to exceed four hundred and fifty pages
and to be bound in half morrocco, and to be distributed as follows, namely : Five
hundred copies for use of the Governor ; one hundred copies for use of the Lieuten-
ant Governor ; two hundred copies for use of the Secretary of the Commonwealth ;
three hundred copies for use of the State Librarian ; fifty copies each for use of At-
torney General, Auditor General, State Treasurer, Secretary of Internal Affairs, Su-
perintendent of Public Instruction, Adjutant General, Commissioner of Insurance,
and Superintendent of Public Printing and Binding ; one thousand copies for the use
of the School Department for distribution to school superintendents, normal schools,
and school libraries in the commonwealth ; six hundred copies for use of the State
Board of Agriculture ; six hundred copies for use of State Grange for distribution
through county pomona granges ; three hundred copies for use of the Ornithologist
of the State Board of Agriculture for distribution amongst scientists ; five thousand
copies for use of Senate, and ten thousand copies for use of the House, to be deliv-
ered to the members of the present legislature.
(iv)
CONTENTS.
Page.
List of Plates vii
Introduction, xi
Order Pygopodes Diving Birds, 1
Family Podicipidae The Grebes 1
Urinatoridse The Loons, 6
Alcidse-The Auks, Murres and Puffins 8
Order Longipennes Long-winged Swimmers, 10
Family Stercorariidae The Jaegers, 10
Laridae The Gulls and Terns 13
Ryuchopidae The Skimmers 24
Order Tubinares Tube-nosed Swimmers, 25
Family Procellariidae-The Shearwaters and Petrels 25
Order Steganopodes Totipalmate Swimmers, 28
Family Phalacrocoracidae The Cormorants, 28
Pelecanidse The Pelicans 29
Order Anseres Lamellirostral Swimmers, 30
Family Anatidae The Ducks, Geese and Swans 30
Order Herodiones Herons, Egrets, etc 53
Family Ibididae-The Ibises 53
Ciconiidae The Wood Ibises, . 53
Ardeidae The Herons, Bitterns, etc., 54
Order Paludicolae Rails, Coots, etc., 67
Rallidae-The Rails, Gallinules, etc 67
Order Limicolae Shore Birds 75
Family Phalaropodidae The Phalaropes, ... 75
Scolopacidae The Snipes, Sandpipers, etc., 77
Charadriidae The Plovers, 97
Aphrizidse The Turnstones, 103
Order Gallinae Gallinaceous Birds, 104
Family Tetraonidae The Grouse. Partridges, etc., 104
Phasianidae The Turkeys, 109
Order Columbae Pigeons, 110
Family Col umbidae Pigeons, 110
Order Raptores- Birds of Prey, 114
Family Cathartidae The American Vultures 114
Falconidae The Hawks, Eagles, etc 117
Strigidae The Barn Owls 144
Bubonidaa The Horned Owls, etc 146
Order Coccyges Cuckoos, etc., 159
Family Cuculidae The Cuckoos, 159
Alcedinidse The Kingfishers, 162
Order Pici Woodpeckers, 164
Family Picidae The Woodpeckers, 164
Insects that Woodpeckers eat 176
Order Macrochires-Goatsuckers, Swifts, 178
Family Caprimulgidae The Whip-poor-will and Nighthawk, 178
Micropodidas Swifts, 182
Trochilidae Hummingbirds, 183
Order Passeres Perching Birds, . . 186
Family Tyrannida? The Flycatchers, .... 186
Alaudidse Larks, 197
Corvidae The Crows and Jays 198
Icteridse-The Blackbirds, Orioles, etc 205
Fringillidse The Finches, Sparrows, etc 224
Tanagridae The Tanagers, 250
(v)
vi BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
Page.
Order Passeres Continued.
Family Hirundinidae The Swallows, 252
Am pelidie The Wax wings, 257
Laniidae-The Shrikes 259
Vireonidte The Vireos, 262
Mniotiltidte The Wood- Warblers 267
Motacillidae-The Wagtails 303
Troglodytidae The Wrens, Thrashers, etc , 304
Certhiidae The Creepers, 313
Paridae The Nuthatches and Tits 314
Sylviidae The Kinglets and Gnatcatchers, 320
Turdidae The Thrushes, Bluebirds, etc., 324
APPENDIX.
Birds of Prey and the " Scalp " act of June 23, 1885 333
Food of Hawks and Owls, 346
The Food of Crows, 367
The English Sparrow, 394
Some Nocturnal Migrants, 400
Protection of Birds, 493
List of Authorities, . ....... 404
Glossary of Technical Terms. 4H
Index,
425
LIST OF PLATES.
The greater part of the illustrations in this report have been copied (some alterations as to
positions, etc., have been made in nearly all) from the small edition of "Audubon's Birds of
America." By copying from said work which is regarded by competent critics as containing
many of the finest portrayals of birds that have ever been published, the cost (ten to twenty-five
dollars per plate) of original drawings was saved. The birds most of the smaller species are
about two-thirds or one-half the natural size ; in larger species the reductions are greatei* have
been colored from specimens in the author's collection, or from those kindly loaned to him by
Prof. Robert Ridgway, Curator Department of Birds, United States National Museum, Wash-
ington, D. C. Notwithstanding the fact that the " order to print " restricted the number of
colors, the lithographer has, with the most careful efforts, succeeded in doing his work so ac-
curately, that with a very few exceptions the reproductions are superior to the originals.
Plates.
1. Figures illustrating terms used in descriptions.
2. Horned Grebe (Colymbus auritus).
3. Hooded Merganser (Lophodytes cucullatus).
4. Wood Duck (Aix sponsa).
5. American Bittern (Botaurus lentiginosus).
6. Black-crowned Night Heron (Nycticorax nycticorax ncwius).
7. Sora (Porzana Carolina).
8. American Coot (Fulica americina).
9. Wilson's Snipe (Gallinago delicata).
10. Solitary Sandpiper (Totanus solitaries).
11. Killdeer (^gialitis vocifera).
12. Bob-white or Partridge (Colinus virginianus).
13. Marsh Hawk (Circus hudsonius).
U. Sharp-shinned Hawk (Accipiter velox).
15. Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo borealis).
16. -Broad-winged Hawk (Buteo latissimus).
Sparrow Hawk (Falco sparverius).
17. Barn Owl (Strix pratincola).
18. Screech Owl (Megascops asio).
19 . G reat Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus) .
Yellow-throated Vireo ( Vireo flavifrons)
Blue-winged Warbler (Helminthophila pinus).
20 . Belted Kingfisher ( Ceryle alcyon ) .
21. Red-headed Woodpecker ( Melanerpes erythrocephalus)
22. Flicker (Colaptes auratus).
23. Nighthawk (Chordeiles virginianus).
Whip-poor-will (Antrostomus vociferus) .
24. Kingbird (Tyrannus tyrannus}.
25. Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata).
26. Bobolink or Reedbird (Dolichonyx oryzivorus).
27. Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phceniceus).
28. Meadowlark (Sturnella magna).
29. Baltimore Oriole (Icterus galbula).
30. Purple Finch (Carpodacus purpureus).
Chipping Sparrow (Spizella socialis).
Song Sparrow (Melospiza fasciata).
81. American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis).
Pine Finch (Spinus pinus).
Fox Sparrow (Passerella iliaca).
32. Vesper Sparrow (Pooccetes gramineus).
Field Sparrow (Spizella pusilla).
Yellow-winged Sparrow (Ammodramus savannarum passerinus).
viii BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
Plate*.
33. English Sparrow (Passer domesticus).
Snowbird (Junco hyemalis).
34 . Cardinal or Winter Red- bird ( Cardinalis cardinalis).
35. Rose-breasted Grosbeak (Hdbia ludoviciana).
36. Indigo Bunting (Passerina cyanea).
37 . Scarlet Tanager ( Piranga erythromelas) .
38. Tree or White Bellied Swallow (Tachycineta bicolor).
39. Cedar Waxwing (Ampelis cedrorum).
40. Red-eyed Vireo ( Vireo olivaceus).
41. Yellow Warbler (Dendroica cestiva).
42. Maryland Yellow-throat (Oeothlypis trichas).
43. American Redstart (Setophaga ruticttla).
44 . Brown Thrush ( Harporhynchus rufus) .
45. House Wren (Troglodytes aedon).
46. White-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis).
47. Chickadee or Black-cap Titmouse (Parus atricapiUus).
48. Golden-crested or Crowned Kinglet (Regulus satrapa).
49. American Robin (Merula migratoria).
50. Bluebird (Sialia nialis).
51. Loon (Urinatar imber).
52. Bonaparte's Gull (Larus Philadelphia).
53. Least Tern (Sterna antiUarum).
54. Cliff Swallow (Petrochelidon lunifrons).
Barn Swallow (Chelidon erythrogaster).
55 . G reen H eron (Ardea virescem ) .
56. Ruby-throated Hummingbird (TrochUus colubris)
57. American Crow (Corvus americanus).
Cowbird (Molothrus oter,)
58. Purple Martin (Progne suMs).
Red-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta canadensis).
59. American Golden-eye ( Glaucionett a clangula americana).
60. Green-winged Teal (Anas carolinensis.)
Buffle-head (Charitonetta albeola).
61. Purple Grackle (Quiscalus quiscula).
Bronzed Grackle (Quiscalus quiscula ceneus).
62. Red Head (Aythya americana).
Lesser Scaup Duck (Aythya afflnis).
Old-squaw (Clangula hyemalis),
63. Ruddy Duck (Erismatura rubida).
64. Wild Goose (Branta canadensis).
65. Ruffed Grouse (Bonasa umbellus).
66. Florida Gallinule (Oallinula galeata).
Pectoral Sandpiper (Tringa maculata).
67. Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura).
Cooper's Hawk (Accipiter cooperi).
68. Bartramian Sandpiper (Bartramia longicauda).
69. Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias.)
70. Pileated Woodpecker (Ceoptilccus pileatus).
71. Passenger Pigeon (Ectrtpistes migratfrrtus),
Mourning Dove (Zenaldura macroura).
72. Catbird ( Oaleoscoptes carolinensis).
Winter Wren (Troglodytes hiemalis).
Carolina Wren (Thryotliorus ludovicianus) .
73. Bay-breasted Warbler (Dendroica castanea).
Chestnut-sided Warbler (Dendroicapensylvanica).
74. Wild Turkey (Meleagrisgallopavo).
75. Orchard Oriole (Icterus spurius).
76. Hairy Woodpecker (Dry abates villosus).
Downy Wood pecker (Dryobates pubescens).
Red-bellied Woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus).
77. Yellow-bellied Woodpecker (Sphyrapicus varius).
78. Virginia Rail (Rallus virginianus) .
Least Sandpiper (Tringa minutilla).
79 American Woodcock (Philohela minor).
80. American Osprey (Pandion haliaitus carolinensis).
LIST OF PLATES. ix
Plates.
81 . Greater Yellow-legs ( Totanus melanoleucus) .
Spotted Sandpiper (Actitismacularia).
Semipalmated Sandpiper (Ereunetes pusillus).
82. American Golden Plover (Charadrius dominicus).
Turnstone (Arenaria interpres).
83. American Goshawk (Accipiter atricapttlus).
84. Bald Eagle (Haliceetus leucocephalus).
85. Duck Hawk (Falco peregrinus anatuin).
Pigeon Hawk (Falco columbarium).
86. American Long-eared Owl (Asio wfbnnianu*).
Short-eared Owl (Asioaccipitnnus).
87. Barred Owl (Syrnium nebulosum).
Saw-whet Owl (Nyctala acadica).
88. Snowy Owl (Nyctea nyctea).
89. Yellow-billed Cuckoo (Coccyzus americanus).
Black-billed Cuckoo (Coccyzus erythrophthalmus).
90. Chimney Swift (Chcetura pelagica).
Bank Swallow (Clivicola riparia).
91. Crested Flycatcher (Myiarchus crinitus).
Phoebe (Sayornis phcebe).
Wood Pewee (Contopus wrens).
Acadian Flycatcher (Empidonax acadicus).
92. Evening Grosbeak (Coccothraustes vespertina.)
Brown Creeper (Certhia familiaris americana).
Black and White Warbler (Mniotilta varia).
93. American Pine Grosbeak (Pinicola enucleator canadensfa).
American Crossbill (Loxia curvirostra minor).
White-winged Crossbill (Loxia leucoptera*).
9*. Tree Sparrow (Spizella m&nticola).
Snowflake (Plectrophenax nivalis).
Magnolia Warbler (Dendroica maculosa).
Worm-eating Warbler (Hclmitherus vermivorus).
95. White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia alMcollis).
White-crowned Sparrow (Zonotrichia leucophrys).
Towhee (Pipilo erythroplithalmus).
Water Thrush (Seiurus noveboracensis).
96. Northern Shrike (Lanius borealis).
Loggerhead Shrike (Lanius ludovicianus) .
Yellow-breasted Chat (Icteria virens).
Gray-cheeked Thrush (Turdus alicice).
97., Black-throated Green Warbler (Dendroica virens).
Black-throated Blue Warbler (Dendroica ccerulescens).
Parula (Compsothlypis americana).
98. Hooded Warbler (Sylvania mitrata)
Myrtle Warbler (Dendroica coronata).
Kentucky Warbler (Oeothlypsis formosa)
Blackburnian Warbler (Dendroica blackbumice).
99. Tufted Titmouse (Parus bicolor).
Mocking bird (Mimus polyglottos) .
Oven bird (Seiurus aurocapillus).
100. Wood Thrush ( Turdus mustelinus ) .
Olive-backed Thrush ( Turdus ustulatus swainsonii).
Hermit Thrush (Turdus aonalaschkce paUasii).
Wilson's Thrush (Turdus fuscescens).
<*)
INTRODUCTION.
The State of Pennsylvania is situated between 39 43' and 42 15'
north latitude, and between 74 42' and 80 35' west longitude from
Greenwich. It is bounded on the north by New York and Lake Erie;
on the east by New York and New Jersey, being- separated from the
latter state by the Delaware river. Its length from east to west is about
three hundred and ten miles, and about one hundred and sixty miles in
width (" except at the angle at Lake Erie where it is one hundred and
seventy-five "). It contains an area of 28,808,443 acres, of which only
about 15,004,962 were improved in 1889.
"FACE OF THE COUNTRY. No state in the Union presents a greater variety of sur-
face than Pennsylvania. Though they do not rise to any great elevation (seldom
above 2,000 feet), its mountains spread over about one-fourth of the state in parallel
ridges, in a direction generally from northeast to southwest, and occupy the south-
ern, central and eastern counties. Though all forming parts of the great Appala-
chian chain, they are known by various local appellations. Commencing below
Easton, on the Delaware, we have the South mountain ; then in order, proceeding
wes.t or northwest, the Blue or Kittatinny mountain (both entering the state from
New Jersey, and passing southwest into Maryland), and the Broad mountain,
which lies south of the North Branch of the Susquehanna. We now cross the river
just mentioned, but still have with us the Broad mountain, under the name of the
Tuscarora ; passing which, we come (upon another ridge, lying mostly south of the
Juniata river, known as Sideling Hill ; which is succeeded in turn by the Allegheny
mountains proper, the dividing ridge between the Atlantic slope and the Mississippi
valley. Descending the very gradual Ohio slope, we cross two inferior but well-
defined chains, known as Laurel and Chestnut Ridges. As before stated, these
mountains do not rise to a great height ; the South mountain is within 1,000, and the
Blue mountains within 1,500 feet. Broad mountain is said to rise higher above its
immediate base than the Allegheny range, but to be inferior to them in elevation
above the sea. These different ranges are separated by valleys, now contracted
within narrow limits, and now spreading out to a width of from fifteen to thirty
miles. The entire belt in Pennsylvania spreads over a space of two hundred miles
the greatest breadth the Allegheny range attains in its whole course from Maine to
Alabama. In the southern part of the state the mountains become high and rug-
ged hills ; the west is also hilly, and the southeast and northwest moderately so, but
occasionally level. The rivers of the western part of the state, cutting their way
through the table-land, present sometimes precipitous shores of several hundred
feet in height, and many valleys bear evident marks of their having been formed
by running water."
(xi)
xii BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
"CLIMATE. The climate of Pennsylvania is variable, and liable to sudden extremes,
having sometimes the heat of the Carolinas, and at others the cold of Canada, but in
periods generally of only three days, intermingled in summer with sharp winds
from the northwest, and mitigated in winter by the milder breezes from the south-
west Periods of warm weather sometimes occur in January and February. * * *
The mountainous region has a greater degree of cold, and the snows are deeper and
lie longer than in other portions. In the west the climate is milder and less vari-
able than in the east"
" RIVERS, LAKES, ETC. The only lake of importance in this state is Lake Erie,
which forms its northwest boundary for about fifty miles. The Delaware, which
rises in the southeast part of New York, and flows southerly, separates New York
and New Jersey from Pennsylvania and Delaware, and empties into Delaware Bay.
It is navigable for large ships to Philadelphia, about ninety-six miles from the sea,
and for sloops and steamboats to Trenton, thirty miles further up. The Susque-
hanna, the largest river in the state, enters Pennsylvania from New York, and flow-
ing southerly for four hundred miles, crosses the entire state, dividing it into two
unequal portions, having the larger part on the west This river is not navigable,
except at high- water in the spring and autumn, when large quantities of timber are
floated down it in rafts. * * * Owing to its rapid descent to within a few miles of
the Chesapeake Bay, into which it flows, it is but little affected by the tides. Its
principal tributaries are the West Branch and Juniata from the west, and the Swatara
and Conestoga from the east Between the Susquehanna and Delaware are the
Lehigh and Schuylkill, affluents of the Delaware, and each about one hundred miles
in length. The Ohio, which is formed by the union of the Allegheny from the
north, and the Monongahela from the south, drains the western part of the state,
having about fifty miles of its course in Pennsylvania. It is navigable for large
steamboats to its head at Pittsburgh. The Allegheny is about three hundred and
the Monongahela two hundred miles in length, and both, at high-water, are navi-
gable, the former two hundred and the latter sixty miles, for small steamers. The
Youghiogheny, a branch of the Monongahela, and the Beaver, a branch of the Ohio,
are small rivers. Canals coast most of these rivers, except the Monongahela and
Youghiogheny, to a greater or less extent" LippincoWs Gazetteer.
Lake Erie is the only lake of commercial importance, but there are nume-
rous small lakes in many parts of the state, especially in the counties
of Susquehanna, Wayne, Pike and Wyoming, where different kinds
of water fowl repair during- migrations. Although numerous species of
aquatic birds visit Conneaut Lake, in Crawford county, and Lake Pleasant,
in Erie county, they are found in greater numbers at Presque Isle Bay
(also called Erie Bay) than elsewhere in the state.
In this present work the classification, nomenclature and geographical
limits correspond with the A. O. U. Check List of North American Birds,*
a publication representing the joint labors of a " Committee on Classifi-
sation and Nomenclature " appointed by the Union at its first congress,
held in New York city, September 26-29, 1883. This committee con-
sisting of such eminent naturalists as Dr. Elliott Coues, J. A. Allen, Bobert
Ridgway, William Brewster, and H. W. Henshaw.
The Code of Nomenclature | and 1 Check List | of North American Birds. | Adopted by the American
Ornithologists' Union. | Being the Report of the Committee of the Union on Classification and Nomen-
clature. | (Motto.) | | New York : | American Ornithologists' Union. | 1880. [8 vo. pp. i-viii 1-392
For sale by L. 8. Foster. No. 35 Pine street. New York city. Price $3.00.
xiv INTRODUCTION.
In order that the descriptions of birds on the succeeding pages may
be clearly understood, the figures on Plate 1, with the following ex-
planations are given :
1. Maxilla or upper mandible.
2. Lower mandible.
3. Forehead ; also called front and frons.
4. Iris (Plural irides): Colored circle of the eye around the "dark
spot" or pupil.
5. Upper part of throat including chin.
6. Lower part of throat or foreneck : Jugulum
7. Breast or pectus, also spoken of as pectoral region.
8. Wing-coverts (Greater, Middle and Lesser).
9. Bastard or spurious wing or Alula composed of the feathers grow-
ing on the so-called thumb.
10. Occiput ; back part of head.
11. Tertiaries, Tertials, or tertiary quills are the large inner quills
that grow from the humerus (arm- bone) or elbow, and in the
closed wing are generally concealed by the longer scapular
feathers.
12. Scapulars or scapular feathers.
13. Abdomen or belly ; under surface of body from breast- bone to
vent.
14. Lower tail coverts ; crissum.
15. Crown or top of head.
A. Culmen. The ridge of upper mandible.
B. Cere. The naked skin at base of bill, well shown in Hawks.
C. Lore or loral space between the bill and eye.
D. Gape or rictus.
S. Commissure ; outlines of closed bill.
The additional technical terms the definitions of some of which
are compiled from ^Ridgwatfs Nomenclature of Colors"* sue also
employed.
Ear-covert* rr Auriculars. Feathers covering the ear-opening. Axilla. Arm-pit.
Alar extent. Measurement of outstretched wings. Apiaries or Axlllars The (generally) soft
I lengthened feathers growing from the armpit : Adult. This term is applied to individuals
which have attained full or mature plumage ( " a bird may be adult as regards organization with-
;ing of adult plumage " ) : Bend of the Wing. Angle or prominence formed at the carpus
*A | Nomenclature of Colors | for naturalists | and | compendium of useful knowledge | for or-
tbologists, | by Robert Ridgway, | curator. Department of Birds, United States National Mu-
seum, | with ten colored plates and seven plates of outline illustrations. | Boston: | Little, Brown,
and Company. 1 1886. | Price $3.00,
Plate J.
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
ORDER PYGOPODES. DIVING Brai)S; ;
SUBORDER PODICIPEDES. GREBES.
FAMILY PODICIPID-ffi. GREBES.
THE GREBES.
Grebes during the spring and fall migrations are very generally distributed
throughout the state, and during niild winters birds of this family are often seen
about the larger lakes, ponds and rivers in different sections of the commonwealth.
Although these birds are generally observed singly or in pairs, occasionally, a good-
sized flock is to be found. In relation to the Grebes in general it can be stated that,
unless flying, they are almost always to be seen in the water. The several species
of this family, owing to the posterior situation of their legs, move with considerable
difficulty when on the ground, over which they go in a slow, floundering manner.
Grebes, like some other kinds of aquatic birds when wounded, will conceal them-
selves in weeds and grasses, which grow so luxuriantly in their favorite watery
retreats, where they will remain for a considerable period of time with only their
slender, tapering bills above the water's surface. They swim and dive with the
utmost facility ; when swimming beneath the water's surface, either in quest of prey
or to escape capture, it is said they use their wings in the same manner as when
flying in the air. Their well-known habit of diving when alarmed, and particularly
if shot at, has won for them the common name of u Hell-divers." The Grebe's nest
consists of a thick, matted mass of vegetation, such as reeds, flags, grasses, etc.
Sometimes the nest is built close to the water, but usually, according to Mr. Ridg-
way,* it is to be found "floating upon the surface of the water in grassy or sedgy
ponds or marshes." The same eminent authority describes the eggs as follows :
"2-5, dull white, bluish white, or very pale bluish green, usually stained more or
less (often quite deeply) with light brown, by contact with decomposed vegetable
matter." With the exception of the Pied-billed Grebe (Podilymbus podiceps), rep-
resentatives of this family occurring in Pennsylvania breed, generally, north of the
United States. Grebes subsist chiefly on fishes, frogs, various aquatic insects
especially beetles and to a limited extent on different water plants. They confer
no special benefits, nor are they in any particular detrimental to agricultural inter-
ests. Their flesh, quite tough and disagreeable to the taste, is seldom eaten, the
feathers, however, are considerably used by milliners, and by furriers for muffs, etc.
For these purposes the beautiful silvery-white plumage of the breast and abdomen
is taken.
Bill acute and hard, variable in length, straight or decurved at end ; higher than
wide. Head with a naked loral space, and furnished either with bristly or variously
elongated feathers, usually called tufts or crests. These crests, which render the
* A | Manual | of | North Americun Birds. | by | Robert Ridgway. | illustrated by44 outline drawings of
the generic characters. | Philadelphia. | J. B. Lippincott Company. | 1887 | .
1 BIRDS.
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
birds especially conspicuous, are commonly seen in specimens taken during the
spring migrations or in the breeding season. Adults of both sexes are adorned with
the parti-colored head, crests or ruffs, which disappear, however, when the birds
assume their winter dress. The young, in winter, as well as the old birds, are very
materially different from the adults in their nuptial plumage. Tail represented by
a small tuft of downy feathers. Feet four-toed, all broadly lobed, but not webbed ;
the three front toes are connected at base by webs ; hind toe, short free and elevated.
Claws wide, flat and short, that of hind toe being very small. The peculiar paddle-
like toes and the rudimentary tail will readily enable one to recognize a member of
thfe'G-re be family.; ;
COLYMBUS LINNAEUS.
Colymbus holbcellii (REINH.).
Holboell's Grebe.
DESCRIPTION.
Adult. Bill about two inches long, acute and tapering, somewhat shorter than the
head and a trifle shorter than the tarsus ; upper mandible black except tomia at base
and portion of base at sides which is yellow. Lower mandible chiefly yellow except
on sides which are dark bluish or nearly black. Narrow, naked and blackish strip
extending from eyes to bill ; legs and feet blackish on outside, greenish yellow 011
inside. Top of head and back of neck black, with a greenish tint and somewhat
glossy ; the glossy green hue fades gradually at back of neck. Feathers of upper
parts brownish-black, more or less glossy and edged with grayish ; primaries brown-
ish ; secondaries white with black or brown shafts, some secondaries are tipped with
brownish. Throat and side of head ash-gray, the latter separated from black of head
by a white streak extending from under eye backward ; feathers about lower man-
dible are also quite white ; front of neck and especially the sides reddish brown ;
lining of the wings white. Under parts silvery white, more or less mottled with
grayish, sides dusky. In some specimens the rich reddish-brown on sides of neck
extends in small patches over the upper part of breast. Crests or rufts but slightly
developed.
Adult in winter and young. Upper bill blackish-horn, yellowish at base and
on tomial edges ; lower bill mainly yellowish ; eyes dark ; crests hardly notice-
able ; upper parts brownish-black, head quite black ; throat, sides of head and
abdomen white ; front part of neck and sides brownish-ash. Length about 18|
inches ; extent about 32.
Habitat. North America at large, including Greenland. Also eastern Siberia
and southward to Japan. Breeds in high latitudes, migrating south in winter.
This bird, the largest of all the Grebe family found in Pennsylvania,
migrates far northward to rear its young. Mr. E. W. Nelson, in his
"Report upon Natural History Collections made in Alaska" states that
" this species was not uncommon along the coast of Norton Sound in the
fall, and a few isolated pairs nested each summer in the marshes.
Along the course of the Yukon they are much more common, and breed
in considerable numbers." Holboell's Grebe, called also the Bed-necked
Grebe, is by no means as common with us as either of the other species
hereafter mentioned. Specimens of this bird have been taken in differ-
ent parts of the state during the spring, fall and winter months. From
information which I have received, through the courtesy of naturalists
and collectors in all sections of the state, it is learned that in the past
twenty-five years only about a dozen of these Grebes have been cap-
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
tured, identified and preserved in our commonwealth, and these, with
perhaps two or three exceptions, have been secured on the Susquehanna
and Allegheny rivers. In the spring of 1888 Mr. George P. Friant, re-
siding at Scranton, Pennsylvania, obtained a fine adult male of this
species which had killed itself by flying through the glass in a green-
house of one of his neighbors. Mr. James S. Nease, a careful collector,
residing in Washington, Pennsylvania, has observed this bird in his
county only as a rare winter visitor.
Mr. August Koch, the well-known Ly coming county (Penna.) natur-
alist, in a letter of June 26, 1889, addressed to me, says, in reference to
Holbcell's Grebe, " I know of three instances only, when taken in our
locality (yet it may occur often). The first time in winter about twenty
years ago ; next in the spring of 1886, when nine of these birds were
noticed in a flock and several taken. My specimen is a male in spring
dress. Another male in full winter plumage was kindly left to my dis-
position by Mr. Charles H. Eldon; it was taken the winter of 1888."
Mr. L. M. Turner, of Arctic fame, in his " 'Contributions to the Natural
History of A laska" remarks that "the Eskimo name of this Grebe is
E-td-td-tuk, from its note ta-ta-ta" The stomachs of two of these birds
examined by me contained principally sand, blades of grass, small roots
and feathers.
Colymbus auritus LINN.
Horned Grebe ; Dipper Duck ; Little Hell Diver ; Little Fish Duck.
DESCRIPTION (Plate #).
Adult. Bill black, with yellow or whitish tip, about 1 inch long and considerably
shorter than head ; iris carmine, with a fine inner circle of white ; crests and ruffs
well developed ; head and ruff glossy black (in some specimens of a greenish hue).
A brownish-yellow band, darkest in color between eyes and bill, runs over eyes and
unites w r ith long occipital tufts (horns) of same color ; plumage of upper parts dark
brown, margined with white and gray ; secondaries chiefly white ; primaries
brownish-gray ; greater par,, of neck, upper breast and also portions of the sides
reddish-brown, rest of sides dusky ; lining of the wings white ; lower parts silvery-
white ; legs brownish, yellow or greenish on inside.
Young. Bill blackish-brown ; iris yellowish ; ruffs and crests slightly developed ;
upper parts brownish-gray ; feathers on back more or less edged with white or
grayish ; chin, throat, sides of head white ; abdomen and breast silvery-white ; tarsi
and feet brownish. Length about 14 inches ; extent about 25 inches.
Habitat. Northern hemisphere. Breeds from northern United States northward.
This species is recorded as quite a common winter resident through-
out the United States, and although sometimes found nesting within
our northern limits, it retires chiefly north of the United States during
the breeding period (middle of May to middle of August). Audubon
(Birds of America) states that he found, in Ohio, near Lake Erie, in the
month of July, nests containing eggs in which incubation was well
advanced. Dr. Coues (Birds of the Northivest) mentions that he has
found it breeding at various points in northern Dakota, where, in June
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
and July, he secured both eggs and young-, the latter newly hatched.
This species is recorded by Mr. E. A. Samuels as nesting in more north-
ern latitudes than New England. The Horned Grebe is an irregular
sojourner, in Pennsylvania, from the middle of October until early in
April. In the months of March and April this Diver is usually more
numerous than at other times during its residence with us. Although
generally observed singly or in pairs, and sometimes in parties of four,
five or six, I have seen, on three occasions, in the past ten years, flocks
numbering from twelve to twenty-five of these birds, during the spring
migrations, on the Susquehanna, Lehigh and Delaware rivers. Dr.
Walter Van Fleet and Burgess J. H. Ferguson, both of Eenovo, Clinton
county (Pa.), recently informed me that in the latter part of March or
early in April, 1884, large numbers of Horned Grebes appeared in vari-
ous streams and ponds in central Pennsylvania, and remained for two
or three days before passing northward. Mr. Ferguson says there were
at least two hundred Grebes in the river at Renovo, where many were
killed by gunners. In a small pool, less than one rod across, Dr. Van
Fleet secured over twenty. Audubon, writing of the food of Horned
Grebe, says : " I have observed in the stomachs of almost all that I
have examined, a quantity of hair-like substances rolled together like
the pellets of owls, but have not ascertained whether or not these masses
are disgorged. * * * * The food of this species, while on salt
water, is composed of shrimps, small fishes, and minute Crustacea.
While on fresh water, they procure insects, leeches, small frogs, tad-
poles, and aquatic lizards; they also pick up the seeds of grasses."
The stomach-contents of nine of these birds which I have examined con-
sisted mainly of sand, remains of fish, beetles and frogs and portions of
green-colored aquatic plants. In the stomachs of three specimens I
have found, in addition to other food-stuffs, small ball-like masses of
feathers.
I
GENUS PODILYMBUS LESSON.
Podilymbus podiceps (LINN.).
Pied-billed Grebe; Little Dipper; Little Fish Duck : Hell Diver.
DESCRIPTION.
Adult. Bill thick, shorter than head and higher than wide ; bristly frontal feath-
ers ; no conspicuous tufts or crests ; broad naked loral space ; bill (dried specimen)
bluish white, culrnen dusky and both mandibles crossed with black band, upper
parts dark brown, darkest on head and back ; chin and throat with a long showy
black patch ; sides of head and neck brownish-gray : primaries brownish-ash ; sec-
ondaries grayish and white ; lower part of neck in front and upper part of breast
yellowish-brown, more or less spotted or barred with black on upper portion of
breast ; sides darker with more or less yellowish brown ; lower part of breast and
abdomen satiny-white ; iris brown ; tarsi and feet (dried specimen) brownish.
Young. Bill (dried specimen) brownish without black band ; chin and throat pure
white ; neck in front and on sides rusty mixed with white ; sides of head brownish
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
with streaks of white ; lower part of breast and abdomen silky white ; sides dark
grayish-brown ; feathers on upper part of breast on sides brownish-black edged with
rusty ; plumage of upper parts dark brown, somewhat grayish on top of head and
about nape of neck ; feathers on lower part of neck and the back are darkest. The
specimen before me has a decided gloss on back feathers ; the feathers on the sides
about the thighs are hair-like in appearance. Length about 13| inches ; extent
about 22 inches.
Habitat. British provinces southward to Brazil, Buenos Ayres and Chili, includ-
ing the West Indies and the Bermudas, breeding nearly throughout its range.
The Pied-billed Grebe, or Dabchick, is a common spring and fall vis-
itor, and in winter it is often, seen, especially in the southern counties
of the state. The Dabchick is the only one of the Grebes which has
been known, to naturalists, with whom I have corresponded on the mat-
ter, to breed in Pennsylvania, but as a native the bird is rare, or if it
breeds at all regularly with us, it retires to such secluded situations that
collectors rarely find it. In the counties of Crawford and Erie Mr.
George B. Sennett has observed the species as a "moderately common
spring and fall migrant," and Mr. August Koch, of Williamsport, has
noted it, in his locality, only as a spring and fall visitor. Dr. John W.
Detwiller, naturalist, residing at Bethlehem, Northampton county, writes
me he has found it breeding here.
Prof. H. Justin Roddy, of the Millersville State Normal School, says :
This Grebe about ten years ago bred in Perry county, Pennsylvania.
The following interesting and valuable notes concerning the nesting
habits of the Pied-billed Grebe are given by Mr. Langdon in his list-
Summer Birds of a Northern Ohio Marsh : "The little floating island
of decaying vegetation held together by mud and moss, which consti-
tutes the nest of this species, is a veritable ornithological curiosity.
Imagine a 'pancake' of what appears to be mud, measuring twelve or
fifteen inches in diameter, and rising two or three inches above the
water, which may be from one to three feet in depth ; anchor it to the
bottom with a few concealed blades of 'saw-grass,' in a little open bay,
leaving its circumference entirely free ; remove a mass of wet muck from
its rounded top and you expose seven or eight soiled brownish-white
eggs, resting in a depression the bottom of which is less than an inch
from the water ; the whole mass is constantly damp. This is the nest
of the Dabchick, who is out foraging in the marsh, or perhaps is anx-
iously watching us from some safe corner near by.
"The anchoring blades of coarse saw-grass or flags, being always
longer than is necessary to reach the bottom, permit of considerable
lateral and vertical movement of the nest, and effectually provide against
drowning of the eggs by any ordinary rise in the water-level such as
frequently occurs during the prevalence of strong easterly winds on the
lake. A small bunch of saw-grass already growing in a suitable situa-
tion is evidently selected as a nucleus for the nest, and the tops bent so
as to form part of it.
" During the day we invariably found the eggs concealed by a cover-
6 BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
ing of muck as above described; but as we ascertained by repeated
visits at night and in the early morning they are uncovered at dusk by
the bird who incubates them until the morning sun relieves her of her
task."
SUBORDER CBPPHI. LOONS AND AUKS.
FAMILY URINATORID-ffi. LOONS.
THE LOONS.
Loons live almost habitually in the water ; they dive with wonderful rapidity and
skill, and are also remarkable for their ability of swimming long distances under
the water, especially if endeavoring to elude their enemies. As divers they are the
most expert of all birds. They retire during the summer season to high boreal re-
gions to rear their young, and as cold weather advances migrate southward. During
migrations Loons are most numerous about our seacoasts and on the large lakes in
the interior. Like the Grebes they move over the ground in a slow, floundering
and awkward manner, their flight, however, is rapid, and when migrating they
generally fly at a considerable elevation. The shrill and mournful notes of these
birds can be heaid at a great distance ; it is asserted by some that Loons, like the
Cuckoos, are more frequently heard before a storm than at other times. The flesh
of these birds is tough, dark-colored and "fishy." The white plumage of the under
parts and the spotted feathers of the back are sometimes used by milliners and
furriers.
The nest is described as a rudely-built structure of reeds, grasses, etc., on the
ground near the water ; the dark-colored and spotted eggs are said to be usually two
in number. Bill long, hard, straight, tapering and sharp-pointed, being quite spear-
like in appearance, and well adapted to catching their prey, consisting principally
of fishes. Lores completely feathered. Head without crests or ruffs. Tall well
developed, but very short and rounded. Legs situated far behind. Tibia mostly
concealed in belly. Feet with four toes, the three in front long and wholly webbed.
GENUS URJNATOR OUVIER.
Urinator imber
Loon ; Great Northern Diver.
DESCRIPTION (Plate 51).
Adult. Bill and legs (dried specimen) bluish-black ; iris, red; head and neck
dark bluish-green ; sides of head quite purplish ; lower part of neck glossy-green ;
throat with transverse streak of six or eight distinct patches of white feathers ; tri-
angular patches of white streaks on sides of neck, almost uniting behind and nar-
rowing as they extend to front of neck, where they are about one inch apart ; upper
parts and sides glossy-black, conspicuously spotted with white ; spots on lower
part of back, rump and sides are small ; spots on back arranged in transverse rows,
and increase in size from lower part of neck backward ; sides of breast black with
white streaks, lining of wings, breast, abdomen and crissum white ; tail brownish-
black, somewhat glossy above and unspotted.
Young. Top of head, back and rest of upper parts brownish-black ; chin, throat
and lower parts white, sides of breast and sides brownish-black ; back unspotted
(specimens are sometimes found in which the scapular and tertial feathers are quite
well marked with the square white spots so conspicuous in the full plumaged adult) ;
iris, brown ; bill (dried specimen) bluish-white, dusky on ridge and yellowish at
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
base ; tarsi and feet brownish -yellow ; length about 32 inches ; extent about 55 ; bill
along culmen about 3 inches.
Habitat. Northern part of Northern Hemisphere. In North America breeds
from the northern tier of states northward ; ranges in winter south to the Gulf of
Mexico.
This bird, the largest of all the Divers, is about as large as a medium-
sized domestic goose. The Loon, known to many as the Great Northern
, Diver, is a regular and tolerably common spring and fall migrant, fre-
quenting, principally, the rivers, larger streams and lakes. In the
winter, when streams and other bodies of water are not frozen over, indi-
viduals of this species are frequently to be found with us. Although
not known to breed in Pennsylvania, these birds are sometimes seen
here in the breeding season. Hon, N. F. Underwood, member of the
Pennsylvania State Board of Agriculture, residing at Lake Como, Wayne
county, and hunters living in Wyoming and Susquehanna counties,
have informed me that solitary Loons are occasionally to be found
throughout the summer months, inhabiting the numerous small lakes
in the northeastern parts of this commonwealth. In Lycoming county
Mr. August Koch says "the Loon is a common visitor of tener to be
noticed in the spring than in fall, and occasionally single birds may be
noticed in the first summer months." The Loon, ever cautious and vigi-
lant, will dive at the flash of a gun and proceed under the water to a
very considerable distance before reappearing. These birds, it is said,
when endeavoring to elude their enemies, and also, at times, when in
quest of food, swim under the water with greater rapidity than they
fly through the air. Writing of the Loon, Nuttall says, in referring to
its voice, " far out at sea in winter, and in the great western lakes, par-
ticularly Huron and Michigan, in summer, I have heard, on a fine, calm
morning, the sad and wolfish call of the solitary Loon, which, like a dis-
mal echo, seems slowly to evade the ear, and rising as it proceeds, dies
away in the air. This boding sound to mariners, supposed to be indic-
ative of a storm, may be heard sometimes for two or three miles, when
the bird itself is invisible, or reduced almost to a speck in the distance."
The stomach contents of seven Loons, captured during the winter
months in Chester, Delaware, Clinton and Lehigh counties, Pa., con-
sisted entirely of fish-bones and scales ; two other specimens, purchased
in the winter of 1881 from a game dealer in Philadelphia, were found to
have fed on small seeds and portions of plants, apparently roots. Indi-
viduals of this species are, it is said, sometimes found in the Hudson
Bay region weighing as much as fifteen or sixteen pounds apiece. The
female is somewhat smaller than the male. The weight of three females
taken in Pennsylvania in the early spring ranged from seven to seven
and three-quarter pounds each, and two males, one taken on the Lehigh
river, in the fall, the other captured in Warren county, on the Allegheny
river, in the spring, tipped the scales each at nine and three-quarter
pounds.
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
Urinator lumme (GUNN.).
Red-throated Loon.
DESCRIPTION.
Bill rather slender, about two and one-quarter inches long and bluish-black ; front
and sides of head, chin, upper part of throat and sides of neck bluish-gray ; crown,
hind neck, sides and upper parts generally brownish-black, glossed, more or less,
with greenish, and spotted or streaked with white ; front of neck with a longitudinal
and triangular patch of rich reddish-brown ; under parts white ; legs (dried speci-
men) brownish-black ; iris, red in adult, and reddish-brown in young. The young
and adults, in winter, lack the bright chestnut-colored patch on fore-neck, and plu-
mage of upper parts generally is brownish-gray, conspicuously spotted with white ;
length about 26 inches ; extent about 44 inches.
Habitat. Northern part of Northern Hemisphere, migrating southward in winter
nearly across the United States.
The Red-throated Loon, a rare and irregular visitor in this locality
has been taken in the late fall, winter and early spring-, in different parts
of the state. Specimens have been captured in Lycoming-, Clinton,
Northampton and Philadelphia counties, and I have been informed that
on Lake Erie, in the neighborhood of Erie city, this bird is often met
with, especially late in the autumn. The individuals which come as far
southward as Pennsylvania are usually young-. Red-throated Loons are
much more common along- the sea-coast from Maine to Maryland in
the winter season, than in the interior, and in the summer or breeding-
time (June and July) they retire much farther north than the Great
Northern Diver. The food of this bird is similar to that of the previ-
ously described species.
FAMILY ALGID JE. AUKS, MURRES AND PUFFINS.
THE AUKS, ETC.
The members of this family, numbering about twenty-five species and subspecies
in North America, are all exclusively marine. Many of them inhabit almost con-
stantly the northern seas. Species are much more numerous on the Pacific coast
than on the Atlantic; but few birds of this family have been observed in Pennsyl
vania and doubtless those taken here have been driven inland by severe storms.
These birds are gregarious, certain species, especially during the breeding season,
assembling in great numbers. One egg is laid on the bare ground or in crevices of
rocks ; high cliffs along the ocean, it is stated, are usually the favorite breeding-sites.
Like the Loons, most of these birds move over the ground in an awkward manner ;
their flight, however, is quite rapid and they swim and dive with great address.
When swimming under the water in quest of prey, particularly fish, on which they
principally subsist, they employ their wings in the same manner as when flying m
the air. The eggs and young of many of these birds are, it is said, quite highly
esteemed as food by natives in Arctic countries, where the tough skins with their
thick coatings of feathers are also considerably used to make articles of wearing
apparel. In birds of this family the hind toe is absent, and the three front toes are
united by a continuous web.
S
"" !
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
SUBFAMILY FRATERCULIN^. PUFFINS.
GENUS FRATERCULA BRISSON.
Fratercula arctica (LiNN.).
Puffin.
DESCRIPTION.
Adult, in winter. Bill quite stout, flattened laterally and nearly as high as long;
both mandibles with curved and distinct grooves ; bill and legs (dried skin) brown-
ish yellow ; upper parts and space on front of neck brownish-black ; throat and
sides of head grayish-white, under parts white. Length about 13^ inches ; extent
about 24 inches.
Habitat. Coasts and islands of the north Atlantic, breeding on the North Ameri-
can coast from the Bay of Fundy northward. South in winter to Long Island, and
casually further.
The Puffin or " Sea Parrot," as this bird is frequently called, has been
observed in Pennsylvania only as an accidental winter visitant. But
one specimen of this species has, so far as I can learn, been captured in
our state. This bird, now in the possession of Mr. Joseph Krider, of
Philadelphia, was killed by a gunner in the winter, about 1876, along-
the Delaware river, near Chester city. The Puffins, according to differ-
ent writers, breed either in crevices of high rocks or cliffs on the sea-
coast, or in burrows which they dig in the ground. These holes, it is
stated, are usually excavated to the depth of about three feet. " Their
food consists of various kinds of small fish, particularly sprats, the
smaller kinds of crabs, shrimps and sea-weeds, and it is not improbable
but that their sudden migrations are regulated by the presence or ab-
sence of certain kinds of fish on which they delight to feed." Nuttall.
SUBFAMILY PHALERIN^I. GUILLEMOTS, ETC.
GENUS CEPPHUS PALLAS.
Cepphus grylle (LiNN.).
Black Guillemot.
DESCRIPTION.
Adult, in winter. Bill black, sharp-pointed, quite straight and shorter than the
head ; head, neck, under parts, rump, and space on wing white ; back, wings and
tail dark brown or black, mixed with white ; tarsi reddish. Length about 13 inches ;
extent about 23 inches.
Habitat. Coast of northern Europe, south to Denmark and the British Islands.
Coast of Maine, south in winter to New Jersey.
The Black Guillemot, an inhabitant of the dreary coasts and islands
of the north Atlantic, is a rare and irregular straggler in winter on the
Atlantic coast, southward to New Jersey. In Pennsylvania this species
has been observed as an accidental wanderer in winter. A specimen in
the museum at Lancaster city, Pa., was taken, it is said, on the Susque-
10 BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
hanna river in Lancaster county. Messrs. C. D. Wood and John Krider
had in their possession two or three of these birds, which, they stated,
had been captured in the neighborhood of Philadelphia. Prof. H. Jus-
tin Koddy, of Millersville State Normal School, records the capture of a
Black Guillemot in the late fall or winter in Perry county, Pa.
SUBFAMILY ALLINJE. DOVEKIES.
GENUS ALLE LINN.
Alle alle (LiNN.).
Dovekie ; Sea Dove.
DESCRIPTION.
Adult, in winter : Bill very short and thick, upper mandible curved; upper
parts brownish-black, scapulars edged and streaked with white, and secondaries
tipped with same ; chin, throat, sides of neck and under plumage generally white ;
bill, black ; iris, dark-brown ; tarsi (in dried skin) brownish. Length about 8
inches ; extent about 15| inches.
Habitat. Coasts and islands of the north Atlantic and eastern Arctic Oceans ; in
North America south in winter to New Jersey ; breeds in high northern latitudes.
The Sea Dove or Little Auk, as this bird is sometimes called, very
rarely migrates in winter as far southward as the coast of New Jersey.
During the past ten years I have seen two specimens that have been
captured in winter on the Delaware river near Philadelphia. Both of
these birds were taken shortly after violent storms. In the fall of 1886
Prof. H. Justin Roddy, of Millersville, Pa., obtained one of these birds
in Perry county, Pennsylvania.
NOTE. Cepphus mandtii (Mandt's Guillemot) and Uria lomvia (Briin-
nich's Murre), both of which were mentioned in the first edition of Birds
of Pennsylvania, have been omitted in this report, as I am not certain
that either have been taken in our state.
ORDER LONGIPENNES. LONG-WINGED SWIMMERS.
FAMILY STERCORARIID-ffi. SKUAS AND JAEGERS.
THE JAEGERS.
The Jaegers or Skua Gulls inhabit principally the sea-coasts ; they also irequent
the large inland waters, especially the great lakes. Two genera and four species are
recorded as belonging to the fauna of the United States. In Pennsylvania the Jae-
gers have been noted by various naturalists only as very rare andirregular visitants.
These hardy, bold and predacious birds retire mostly to the dreary arctic solitudes
to rear their young. During the winter season, or at other times when migrating,
they are generally found singly or in pairs, but when breeding, a well-known writer
says they congregate in large numbers and nest in tufts of grass, on rocks or even
on the bare ground ; the eggs, two or three in number, are described as being nearly
three inches long and a little less than two inches in width, and are dark-colored,
BIRDS Of 1 PENNSYLVANIA. 11
spotted or blotched with different shades of brown and grayish. Dr. Elliott Coues
says: "The Skua Gulls are eminently rapacious, whence their name of 'Jager'
(hunter) ; they habitually attack and harass terns and the smaller gulls, until these
weaker and less spirited birds are forced to drop or disgorge their prey. Their flight
is vigorous ; lashing the air with the long tail, they are able to accomplish the rapid
and varied evolutions required for the successful practice of piracy. Thus in their
leading traits they are marine Raptores, whilst the cered bill furnishes a curious
analogy to the true birds of prey."
Thomas Nuttall, writing of the Jaegers, says : " They also often provide for them-
selves, feeding on floating objects, as they never dive, and sometimes live on the
flesh of cetaceous animals, shell-fish, molusca, eggs and young birds." The head
and eyes are large ; neck rather short and stout ; bill strong, hard and hooked at tip ;
"covering of the upper bill not entire, as in the Laridce, the posterior half being
furnished with a horny cere, the lower edge of which overhangs the nostrils ; toes
fully webbed ; hind toe very small ; claws large and strong, curved and very acute ;
tail slightly rounded, but the central pair of feathers projecting a greater or less dis-
tance beyond the rest."
The Jaegers like the Gulls and Terns (Laridse) swim most buoyantly, but are
incapable of diving. Representatives of this family, both adult and young, vary
greatly in their plumage.
GENUS STERCORARIUS BRISSON.
Stercorarius pomarinus (TEMM.).
Pomarine Jaeger.
DESCRIPTION.
"Adult. Front, crown of the head, back, wings and tail, blackish-brown; sides
and back part of the neck bright-yellow; throat and entire under plumage white,
with a brand of brown spots extending across the upper" part of the breast; sides
and lower' tail coverts barred with brown ; shafts of quills and tail feathers white;
bill greenish-olive, black at the tip ; legs and feet black ; the middle tail feathers
extend beyond the others for about 2 inches ; they are rounded at the end, and of a
uniform breadth throughout.
" Young birds have the plumage of the upper parts blackish-brown ; of the lower,
grayish-brown, with the feathers of the abdomen and lower tail coverts margined
with dull-ferruginous ; tarsi and base of the toes and webs yellow. " Baird's B. of
N. A. Length about 20 inches ; extent about 48 inches.
Habitat. Seas and inland waters of northern portions of the Northern Hemi-
phere, south in winter to Africa and Australia and probably South America. Not
known to occur in winter on the Atlantic coast of North America north of Long
Island.
The Pomarine Jaeger, known to the fisherman on the coasts of Maine
as " Gull Hunter," resides during the summer or breeding season in
high boreal regions, but when the young are able to provide for them-
selves both the old and young migrate southward, and frequent mainly
the shores of the ocean. In this state the Jaeger occurs only as an acci-
dental visitor. The late Prof. S. R Baird, in the summer of 1840, secured
a specimen at Harrisburg, on the Susquehanna river ; another example
of the same species is recorded as having been obtained by the late Vin-
cent Barnard, of Chester county, in Lancaster county, Pa., on the Susque-
hanna In the winter of 1885 or 1886, Mr. C. D. Wood, a Philadelphia
12 BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
taxidermist, mounted one of these birds, which had been shot by a hunter
in Sullivan county, Pa., near Eagle's Mere, a popular summer resort on
the Philadelphia and Reading railroad.
Stercorarius parasiticus (LiNN.).
Parasitic Jaeger.
DESCRIPTION.
"Adult, Upper part of the head blackish-brown; nape and sides of the neck
yellowish-white; remainder of upper plumage blackish-brown; wings and tail
darker ; shafts of the primaries white ; under plumage white ; bill bluish at the base,
black at the point ; tarsi and feet black ; the central tail feathers extend beyond the
others about three inches ; they taper slightly, varying but little in breadth until
near the end, where they are abruptly acuminated, differing in this particular from
all the other species.
Young. Head and neck streaked with dark brown and brownish-yellow ; lower
parts spotted or barred with the same; upper parts brownish or dusky and brownish-
yellow. Length about 18 inches ; extent about 40 inches." Bawd's Birds of N. A.
Habitat. Northern part of northern Hemisphere, southward in winter to South
Africa and South America. Breeds in high northern districts, and winters from the
Middle states and California southward to Brazil and Chili.
The Parasitic Jaeger, like the preceding species, occurs in Pennsylva-
nia only as a rare and irregular straggler. Dr. Turnbull (Birds of
Eastern Pennsylvania) records the capture of one near Philadelphia by
the late John Krider. In October, 1874, Mr. Merrick Low shot, at the
head of Erie bay, a fine specimen of this bird, which is now in the col-
lection of my friend, Mr. George B. Sennett, of Erie city. Dr. Walter
Van Fleet mentions both the Pomarine and Parasitic Jaegers as strag-
glers in Clinton county, Pa.
Never having had an opportunity of studying this species in life, I
quote the following interesting extracts from Mr. E = W. Nelson's report
(Natural History Collections in Alaska} : " During summer these Jaegers
show a much greater preference for marshes and the low, barren
grounds so common in the north, than they do for the vicinity of the sea-
coast. At the Yukon mouth, and near St. Michaels, they arrive with the
first open water, from the 10th to the 15th of May. The snow still lies
in heavy drifts on most of the open country, but the Jaegers take pos-
session and feed upon the shrew-mice and lemmings which are common
on this ground. By the last of May they are very common, and twenty
or thirty may be seen in a day's hunt.
" Birds in the black plumage are rare in the spring, but are sometimes
seen, and at the Yukon mouth, on May 31, 1 found a pair in this plum-
age mated. The eggs are laid on mossy knolls or uplands, in their
haunts, about the 5th of June. The nest is merely a depression in the
moss, containing two eggs. The young are on the wing by the end of
July and early August. The last birds move southward or keep out to
sea after the 20th of September. On cloudy days, or in dusky twilight,
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 13
these birds have a habit of uttering loud, wailing- cries, interspersed with
harsh shrieks, which are among the most peculiar notes heard in the
northern breeding grounds. At all times the Jaegers are given to wan-
dering, and one is likely to find them almost anywhere along the coast.
They are not infrequently seen harrying terns or gulls to make them dis-
gorge fish just caught. If successful they dart down and, rising under the
falling morsel, catch it in their capacious mouth. This robbery is often
performed by two birds in unison, but whether the birds alternate in
disposing of the spoil or not could not be learned. * * * * They
are very greedy, and frequently swallow so much that they are unable
to fly until a portion is disgorged."
FAMILY LARUXflS. GULLS AND TERNS.
SUBFAMILY LARIN^l. GULLS.
THE GULLS.
Only two or three species of this group, represented by over twenty-five species
and subspecies in North America, have been observed by naturalists to occur in
Pennsylvania with any degree of regularity. None breed in this commonwealth
where they are found only as transitory sojourners during the spring, fall and win-
ter months. Gulls vary greatly in size ; some are classed among the largest of the
marine birds, while others are but little larger than their near relatives the terns.
In these birds the body is more robust than in the terns, the bill is hooked, the tail
is generally even and the toes are fully webbed.
They are light, easy and graceful swimmers, but are unable to dive, though some
of them secure their food by plunging for it in the same manner as terns. The
sexes are similar in color, and the female is usually a trifle smaller than the male.
Gulls differs, greatly in their plumage, but the adults are usually white with a dark,
or bluish-gray mantle ; in some species the head especially in the breeding season
is enveloped in a dark hood. The young are wholly different from the old birds,
being much darker and usually more or less spotted or mottled with gray and dif-
ferent shades of brown. Gulls generally associate in large flocks, not only when
breeding but also during the spring and fall migrations, and in winter. They in-
habit chiefly the sea-coasts and large inland waters ; some kinds, however, and es-
pecially the smaller species when migrating, and also frequently in winter, ascend
to a considerable distance many of the principal rivers emptying in the bays and
ocean.
Gulls are gluttonous and voracious, feeding on almost any kind of animal sub-
stances, fish, however, is their main article of diet. These birds, with a few excep-
tions, breed beyond the northern limits cff the United States, and most of them re-
tire during the season of reproduction to the arctic regions. The nest is usually
built on the ground or near it, some species construct rude nests of twigs, grasses,
moss, etc., while others, it is said, deposit their eggs either on the bare ground or on
rocky ledges. The eggs, two to four in number, are variously spotted with different
shades of black, brown and gray.
The loud, shrill arid unmusical notes of these birds are most frequently heard
when they are on the wing ; they are, also, especially noisy when feeding, or when
their nesting places are approached. The flesh of the old bird, particularly that of
the larger species, is quite tough and unpalatable. The flesh of the young birds,
especially the smaller kinds, is sometimes eaten by fishermen and hunters. Al-
though the gulls are seldom used for food, unless it is by the Eskimo and other
residents of the northern regions, who, it is stated, esteem the flesh of several species
as great delicacies it is a noteworthy fact that the silvery and downy feathers of
these birds are largely used by our milliners.
14 BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
GENUS LARUS LINNAEUS.
\
Larus argentatus smithsonianus OOUES.
American Herring Gull ; Big Gull ; Winter Gull.
DESCRIPTION.
Adult. Head, neck, rump, tail and under parts white ; mantle dull pale-blue ;
primaries tipped with white, and barred with black ; bill yellow, with reddish spot ;
tarsi, flesh color ; iris, yellowish-white.
Young. Mottled with grayish-brown, white and light pearl-blue, the latter in
patches on upper parts ; primaries dusky ; bill brownish-yellow, dark towards end ;
iris, brown ; length about 25 inches ; extent about 59 inches.
Habitat. North of America generally, breeding on the Atlantic coast from Maine
northward ; in winter south to Cuba and lower California.
This species is a rather common spring and fall migrant on Lake
Erie, where, during the winter months, if the weather is not exceedingly
cold, these birds are also sometimes seen singly or in small companies
of five or eight. Throughout the state in general this species occurs as
quite a rare and irregular visitor. On the Delaware river, near Phila-
delphia, and on the Susquehanna, below Lancaster, Herring Gulls are
perhaps more frequently observed than elsewhere in Pennsylvania, ex-
cept in the vicinity of Erie city.
The Herring Gull is not especially an arctic breeder. It nests, ac
cording to different writers, along the coast and about lakes of the inte-
rior in the New England states, and also from Lake Superior northward
to the Arctic shores. This species breeds generally on the ground,
though sometimes high and inaccessible cliffs are selected as breeding
places, and occasionally in some localities, particularly in regions where
the natives collect both the eggs and young for food, they frequently,
to escape such depredations, build their nests in the tops of high trees.
Mr. George Spencer Morris, of Philadelphia, informs me he has observed
both Herring and King-billed Gulls, as winter visitants, on the Dela-
ware river, near the city.
Larus delawarensis ORD.
Ring-billed Gull.
DESCRIPTION.
11 Adult. Head, neck, under parts and tail pure white ; back and wings very light
pearl blue ; first and second primaries black for two-thirds of their length towards
the end, the three next quills have the black much less in extent, and on the sixth
it is reduced to a sub-terminal bar ; the first quill is black at the end, above which is
a broad white band ; the second quill is black to the tip, with a white spot on the
inner web an inch and a half from the end ; the other primaries tipped with white ;
secondaries and tertiaries ending in white ; iris yellow ; bill crossed near the end
7/ith a blackish-brown band, between which and the base it is greenish-yellow ; the
tip is yellow ; tarsi and feet greenish-yellow. Length about 20 inches ; extent about
48 inches.
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 15
" Young. The upper plumage mottled with blackish-brown and gray ; beneath
grayish-white, with light-brown spots ; primaries black ; tail white, with a sub-
terminal black band ; bill black with yellow base." Baird's Birds of N. A.
Habitat. North America at large ; south in winter to Cuba and Mexico.
This species occurs in Pennsylvania during- the spring- and fall migra-
tions, but is not common. Specimens have been taken on the Dela-
ware, Susquehanna, Allegheny and Ohio rivers in this state, and also at
Lake Erie, near the city of Erie. Unlike most of its relatives, this Gull
breeds in many sections of the United States, as well as far northward.
This is one of the common Gulls to be seen, in winter, on the Atlantic
coast from New Jersey southward.
Larus atricilla LINN.
Laughing Gull.
DESCRIPTION.
Adult, in breeding plumage. Head and upper part of neck dark slate color, dark-
est about occiput and on neck, and lightest about base of bill ; the dark color ex-
tends about one inch or more farther down front of neck than on the back of same ;
white spot on both upper and lower eyelids ; neck all round, breast, abdomen, sides,
lining of wings, upper and lower tail coverts, rump and tail pure white ; the breast
and abdomen in recently-killed specimens have a beautiful rosy tinge ; mantle dark
lead color ; first five primaries black, which decreases from first to fifth. In speci-
men before me all the primaries but first and second are tipped with white ; the sec-
ondaries and tertiaries have broad white tips ; bill (dried specimen) dark carmine
and somewhat yellow at base ; tarsi yellowish-red ; iris bluish-black. ,
Adult, in winter. Head and neck white, with sides and occiput spotted with
brownish-gray.
Young. Head, neck all round and upper parts brownish-gray, darkest at base of
head ; mandible similar color but darker ; throat and under parts grayish or dull
white. Length about 16| inches ; extent about 40 inches.
Ha bit a t. Eastern, tropical and warm-temperate America, chiefly along the sea-
coast from Maine to Brazil ; Pacific coast of middle America.
The Laughing Gull is so named because its notes resemble a loud
burst of laughter. In this state the bird is found only as a migrant.
In the spring individuals of this species frequently ascend the Susque-
hanna river as far as Harrisburg- ; they also sometimes come up the
Delaware river to Philadelphia, and occasionally are observed on other
of our larger streams in the eastern part of the state. In the autumn
the Laughing Gull is rarely, I think, to be found in Pennsylvania. The
Black-headed Gull, as this species is sometimes called, is not found on
the Pacific coast of the United States, but is quite common on the At-
lantic side, especially from New Jersey southward. The nest built on
the ground is composed of sea-weed, grass or other veg-etable mate-
rials. The eggs, two or three in number, measure about 2.20 inches in
length by about 1.58 inches in width ; they vary considerably, but usu-
ally the ground color is grayish or brownish-olive, spotted and blotched
with different shades of dull reddish-brown and black or purplish ; the
markings are often more abundant about the larger end. The eggs of
16 BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
this species are used in many sections along the Atlantic coast, especi-
ally in some of the southern states, for table purposes.
Larus Philadelphia (ORD.).
Bonaparte's Gull; " Little Gull."
DESCRIPTION (Plate 52).
Adult. Bill, black ; tarsi (dried skin), reddish-yellow ; head and upper part of
neck dark lead color ; lower part of neck, under parts, rump and tail pure white ;
mantle, pale pearl-blue ; three first primaries mainly white ; first primary with
black outer web ; first six primaries have black ends, a half inch or over long and
each one is slightly tipped with white ; other primaries like back. In winter the
adult has white head with dark spots over ears, in other respects quite like adult in
spring.
Young. Bill, black, yellowish at base ; tarsi, reddish-yellow (dried skin) ;
iris, hazel ; greater part of head, the throat, neck and under parts white ; tail,
white, except a black bar nearly an inch wide at end ; primaries with much more
black than in adult ; dark colored auricular spots ; crown and upper parts, espe-
pecially the wings, mottled with light lead color and brownish-gray ; length about
14 inches' ; extent about 32 inches.
Habitat Whole of North America, breeding mostly north of the United States ;
south in winter to Mexico and Central America. \
This species known to fishermen on Lake Erie and about the Dela-
ware and Susquehanna rivers as " Little Gull," is by far the most abun-
dant of all the Gulls in Pennsylvania, where it occurs as a regular mi-
grant in the spring- and fall. During- migrations, particularly in the
autumn, these birds are frequently to be seen in considerable numbers
about the harbor at Erie city. Bonaparte's Gulls are found generally
throughout the state, about the numerous lakes, ponds and larger
streams. Occasionally in the interior good-sized flocks are noted, but
usually they are seen singly, in pairs, or sometimes in small parties of
four or five individuals. They generally arrive here early in April and
remain mostly until early in May, when they pass northward to their
breeding grounds, from which they -return here usually about the first
week in October and remain until early in November. At Lake Erie,
where the species is perhaps more numerous than in any other section
of Pennsylvania, I observed a flock of a dozen or more of these Gulls in
company with two or three Herring Gulls late in the month of Decem-
ber, 1889. This bird, in addition to feeding on fish and other kinds of
aquatic animal life, subsists, also, to a considerable extent, on different
insects, particularly beetles and grasshoppers.
GENUS RISSA STEPHENS.
Rissa tridactyla (LINN.).
Kittiwakc.
DESCRIPTION.
" Adult. Head, neck, entire under plumage, rump and tail, white ; back and
wings light bluish-gray ; the ends of the five outer primaries, and the outer web of
the first, black; the fourth and fifth have small white tips; bill, greenish -yel low '
iris, reddish-brown ; legs and feet brownish-black, with a green tinge.
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 17
" Young. The head is white, marked on the hind headand neck with bluish-gray;
a spot of the same color over the ears ; a narrow crescent of black in front of the eye ;
wings and shoulders marked with black; primaries, black ; tail, white, with a sub-
terminal black band; bill, black; rest of the plumage same as in adult" Baird's
Birds of N. A. Length about 17| inches ; extent about 35 inches.
Habitat. Arctic regions, south in eastern North America in winter to the great
lakes and the Middle States.
Accidental winter visitant. About ten years ago the late Henry B.
Graves, of Berks county, mounted a young Kittiwake, which had been
captured near Lancaster city in midwinter. Mr. Joseph Krider, of
Philadelphia, has in his collection one of these birds which was shot
several years ago near Philadelphia by the late John Krider. Dr. A. C.
Treichler, of Elizabethtown, mentions this species as a straggler in
Lancaster county, Pa. The Kittiwake is a common bird in the arctic
regions, and in winter this species wanders irregularly southward along
the Atlantic coast as far as New Jersey, where it is quite rare.
SUBFAMILY STERNIN^B. TERNS.
THE TERNS.
While these birds are most abundant on the seacoast, neighboring bays and inlets,
they are not exclusively maritime ; many frequent, during migrations, inland
waters (large lakes commonly) where some also remain during the summer to rear
their young. None of the Terns are known to breed in Pennsylvania. Although
quite a number of these birds known commonly about the seashore as "Sea
Swallows" have been taken by various naturalists and collectors, in this state,
during migrations, none, according to my observations, can be said to occur through-
out this comm'onwealth as regular or common spring and fall migrants. Several
species are common on the coast of New Jersey during migrations, and some are
also found there as summer residents. Almost every year, in the spring, late sum-
mer and in the autumn, after severe stormy weather, Terns of different kind are
frequently noticed about the rivers, lakes and ponds in the interior, principally,
however, in the eastern sections of the state. These birds, it would appear, have
been, by force of the elements rather than their own inclinations, compelled to leave,
temporarily, their chosen haunts in the vicinity of the ocean.
At Lake Erie, some species of this subfamily are found as common migrants ; in
the harbor at Erie city two or three species are more or less common every spring
and fall. This is the only section in Pennsylvania, so far as I have been able to
learn, where Terns are seen with any degree of certainty during migrations. Terns,
with a few exceptions, are much smaller than Gulls, from which they differ also in
having straight, slender, sharp-pointed bills, and, mostly, conspicuously forked
tails. The sexes are quite similar in size and color, but the young and old birds in
fall and winter show great variations in coloration ; wings long, narrow and pointed ;
the flight is buoyant and graceful. They seem to be almost continually on the wing,
and sometimes are seen out at sea many miles from land. Terns are unable to dive ;
their feet are webbed, but they are scarcely ever seen on the water ; it is said they
never swim from choice. These birds walk but little, though they often alight on
the beach, sand-bars and rocks. Terns, especially the larger kinds, subsist princi-
pally on little fish ; some of the smaller species, in addition to small fish, feed to
some extent on insects. When in quest of prey they frequently make extensive circuits
over the ocean, bays, brackish ponds and marshy places ; in flying over the water,
searching for food, they invariably are seen with the bill pointing straight down-
ward ; this, as Dr. Coues writes, " makes them look like colossal mosquitoes." They
2 BIRDS.
18 BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA,
often hover over the water, when feeding, in the same manner as the Sparrow Hawk
does when hunting in a grass-field, and dart head foremost into it, oftentimes with
such force as to submerge the whole body ; unlike the hawk, however, which
seizes his prey in his talons, the Tern captures its prey in its bill. Their notes are
sharp, shrill and often repeated ; they are particularly noisy when wounded or if their
breeding-places are approached. The eggs, two or three in number, are generally
deposited in a slight depression in the sand or shingle along the sea-beach ; some
few nest on drift-stuff, sea-weeds, grasses, etc., in marshes, and others, it is stated,
construct rude and rather bulky nests of sticks on trees or in low, thick bushes.
Terns are of a gregarious nature ; they frequently nest in great numbers in suitable
localities, and when migrating they often assemble in large flocks. Great numbers
of these birds, and many of the smaller kinds of Gulls, are annually slaughtered
along the Atlantic coast by heartless and greedy "feather hunters" to supply the
millinery establishments of our large cities.
GENUS GELOCHELIDON BREHM.
Gelochelidon nilotica (HASSELQ.).
Gull-billed Tern ; Marsh Tern.
DESCRIPTION.
Adult. Bill short, stout and resembles somewhat that ot a gull ; top of head
black, which runs downward on sides to lower eyelid ; a very narrow line of white
at base of upper mandible ; back and wings pearly bluish-gray ; tail feathers very
similar to back, but lighter ; lower part of back of neck and entire under plumage
pure white ; bill and tarsi black ; iris dark brown. Length about 14 inches ; extent
about 3* inches.
The young have brownish-colored bills and legs, top of head largely white ; upper
parts more or less spotted with brown.
H'lbita . Nearly cosmopolitan ; in North America cbiefly along the Atlantic and
Gulf coasts of the United States.
This species is a very rare and irregular visitor in eastern Pennsyl-
vania, and in the central and western portions of the state I find no one
has noted its occurrence. Mr. H. B. Graves records the capture of one
"in Chester county in autumn." Mr. C. D. Wood informed me he ob-
tained two specimens, which were shot near Philadelphia about five
years a^o. I have never seen this bird in Pennsylvania.
GENUS STERNA LINNAEUS.
Sterna tschegrava LEPECH.
Caspian Tern.
DESCRIPTION.
Largest of all the Terns ; bill large and stout, measuring about three inches ; tail
very slightly forked.
" Adult. Forehead, crown, sides of the head and occiput black, glossed with
green ; this color extends below the eye, under which is a narrow white line ; back
and wings light bluish-ash ; outer six primaries dark slate-gray on their inner webs ;
quill shafts strong and white ; tail and its upper coverts grayish-white ; neck and
entire under plumage pure white ; bill and inside of mouth bright vermillion legs
I
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 19
and feet black. Length 21^ inches; extent of wings 51 inches." Baird's Birds of
North America.
Habitat. Nearly cosmopolitan ; in North America breeding southward to Vir-
ginia, Lake Michigan, Texas, Nevada, California.
The Caspian Tern has been observed in but few localities in this state.
Hon. J. J. Libhart, in his ornithological report, published in the history
of Lancaster county, Pa., records the capture of two of these birds <c on
the Susquehanna at Marietta, September 21, 1847." About three
years ago Mr. Joseph Krider, of Philadelphia, had in his possession an
adult Caspian Tern, which a customer had brought to him to be
mounted. This bird was said to have been shot in Delaware county,
near Chester city. Mr. George B. Sennett has in his collection one or
two specimens of this species, taken at Erie bay, where nearly every
fall, in September and October, a few of these birds are seen.
Sterna maxima BODD.
Royal Tern.
DESCRIPTION.
This bird ranks next in size to the Caspian Tern. Bill about as long but much
more slender than bill of Caspian Tern ; tail conspicuously forked.
Adult. Front, top and back of head glossy-black (some specimens have front of
head white) ; back and wings pale bluish-gray ; rump and upper tail coverts white ;
tail nearly white ; under parts white ; bill deep reddish-yellow ; tarsi black ; iris
brown. Length about 20 inches ; extent about 43 inches.
Habitat. Tropical America and warmer parts of North America, northward to
Massachuse'tts, the great lakes and California. West coast of Africa, north to Tan-
giers.
The Royal Tern, which breeds in great colonies along the Atlantic
coast, from Virginia southward, is a very rare and irregular visitor in
this state. Henry B. Graves records the capture of a specimen in Berks
county, in September, 1879. Dr. John W. Detwiller, of Bethlehem, Pa.,
has also observed this beautiful Tern as a straggler in our state. I have
never seen this bird in Pennsylvania.
Sterna forsteri NUTT.
Forster's Tern.
DESCRIPTION.
" Adult. Upper part and sides of the head, to a line just below the eye, and hind
neck black ; back and wings bluish-gray ; primaries grayish-white on the outer
webs and dusky-gray on the inner next the shaft, and over the entire web at the
end, darker on the inner margin ; the remaining portion of inner webs white ; tail
bluish-gray, except the outer web of the outer tail feather which is white ; the inner
web of this feather blackish-gray for about two inches from the end ; rump white
with a slight tinge of pale bluish-gray ; sides of head, throat and entire under surface
white ; in the dried specimens bill is orange-yellow at the base, black near the end,
with the tip pale yellow; legs and feet scarlet. Length about 15 inches ; extent
about 30 inches." Baird's Birds of N. A.
20 BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
Habitat. North America generally, breeding from Manitoba southward to Vir-
ginia, Illinois, Texas and California ; in winter southward to Brazil.
This species is found in Pennsylvania as quite a rare and irregular
visitor during the spring and fall migrations. In the summer of 1879
I visited Cobb's Island, Virginia, where this Tern was breeding quite
plentifully in the marshes. Forster's Tern feeds principally on little
-fish.
Sterna hirundo LINN.
Common Tern ; Wilson's Tern ; Sea Swallow
DESCRIPTION.
Adult. Bill (dried skin) red from base to about half its length, then black, with
pale-yellowish point ; iris brown ; legs reddish-yellow ; upper part of head and
hind neck black ; back and wings light bluish-gray ; sides of neck and head, line
along base of upper mandible, chin, throat, upper and lower tail coverts and most
of tail, also lining of wings, white ; the outside tail feather has black outer web ;
sides of breast and of lower part of neck and rest of lower parts grayish-white. In
the young the bill is blackish and yellow, the latter color especially on lower mandi-
ble ; tarsi yellowish ; front of head and entire under plumage white ; crown gray-
ish-white and black plumage about eyes, back of head and upper part of hind neck
dull black ; back and wings indistinct bluish-gray with patches of light-brown ;
most of feathers on back edged with white. Length about 14| inches : extent about
31 inches.
Habitat. Greater part of the Northern Hemisphere and Africa. In North
America chiefly confined to the Eastern Province, breeding from the Arctic coast,
somewhat irregularly, to Florida and Texas, and wintering northward to Virginia.
The Common Tern or " Sea-Swallow," as this bird is commonly called
by fishermen on the coast of New Jersey, is one of few species of this
group, which has been frequently found in different sections of our
state during migrations. Mr. George B. Sennett has observed it as an
irregular migrant in the spring and fall in the vicinity of Erie city,
where, I have no doubt, it is oftener met with than in any other section
of Pennsylvania. Dr. John W. Detwiller, of Bethlehem, in a letter ad-
dressed to me, says : I have shot the Common, Arctic and Least Terns
on the Lehigh river in the fall, and he further adds they were " prob-
ably driven inland by severe storms." Mr. August Koch, notes the
species as an irregular migrant spring and fall in Lycoming county,
and Dr. Walter Van Fleet, of Renovo, has found it in Clinton county as
a straggler. InBerks county Mr. D. Frank Keller, of Reading, reports
that he has observed it as an accidental visitor ; according to Dr. A. C.
Treichler, of Elizabethtown, this bird is a straggler of rare occurrence in
Lancaster county. Prof. J. R. Robertson, of Franklin, Venango county,
mentions the Common Tern as a very rare and uncertain visitor in that
locality. Several specimens of this species have been captured when
migrating, particularly in the autumn, in the counties of Chester, Dela-
ware and Philadelphia. The Common Tern breeds in New Jersey and
elsewhere along the Atlantic, and also about many of the large inland
lakes and ponds.
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 21
Sterna paradissea BRUNN.
Arctic Tern.
DESCRIPTION.
"Adult. Upper part of the head and hind neck black; back and wings light
grayish-blue ; first primary deep-black on the outer web, dusky-gray on the inner
next the shaft, and over the entire web at the end, inner margin of inner web white;
the next five primaries are bluish-gray on the outer web and on the inner web next
the shaft, this color extending over the entire web at the end, where it is blackish-
gray on the inner margin, the remaining part of inner web white ; central tail feath-
ers and inner webs of the others white, the outer web of the outer tail feather black-
ish-gray, the outer webs of the two next pale bluish-gray ; rump, sides of the head,
and under tail coverts, white ; under plumage bluish-gray, of a lighter shade than
the back ; bill deep carmine ; iris, brown ; legs and feet dark crimson. Length,
14| ; wing, 10^ ; tail, 6| ; bill, 1; tarsus, *." B. B. of N. A.
Habitat. Northern Hemisphere ; in North America breeding from Massachu-
setts to the Arctic regions, and wintering southward to Virginia and California.
The Arctic Tern, is a very rare straggler in eastern Pennsylvania.
About four years ago I was shown two of these birds by Mr. C. D.
Wood, of Philadelphia, which he said had been shot in September on
the Delaware river below Philadelphia. Dr. John W. Detwiller, of Beth-
lehem, has in his collection a specimen of this Tern, captured by him-
self on the Lehigh river in the fall. In Berks county, according to Mr.
D. Frank Keller, the Arctic Tern is an accidental visitor. I have never
seen the Arctic Tern in Pennsylvania, nor am I aware that any of that
species, other than those mentioned above, have been taken in the state.
Sterna dougalli MONTAG.
Roseate Tern.
DESCRIPTION.
"Adult. Upper part of head and long occipital feathers deep black ; hind neck
white ; back and wings pale bluish-gray ; first primary blackish-gray on the outer
web and on the inner next the shaft ; the other primaries bluish-gray, the second
and third dusky-gray near the shaft ; all the primaries white on the inner part of
their inner webs ; secondaries and tertiaries edged with white ; tail very light pearl-
gray ; entire under plumage white, with a beautiful roseate tinge ; bill brownish-
black, orange at base ; iris brown ; legs and feet vermillion. Length, 16 inches ;
wing, 9^ ; (extent about 30) ; tail, 8 ; bill, l^." B. B. of N. A.
Habitat. Temperate and tropical regions ; north on the Atlantic coast of North
America to Massachusetts, and casually to Maine.
Very rare or accidental visitor. I have never seen the Roseate Tern
in this state, but give it in this report on the authority of Dr. L. D.
Balliet, of DuBois, who writes me he has observed it as a straggler in
Clearfield county, Penna.
NOTE. In the first edition of the "Birds of Pennsylvania" page 232,
mention was made of the capture of specimens of Roseate Terns on the
Schuylkill and Delaware rivers in the neighborhood of Philadelphia.
In making this statement I was in error, as I have subsequently learned
the " specimens " referred to were not taken in Pennsylvania.
22 BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
Sterna antillarum (LESS.).
Least Tern.
DESCRIPTION (Plate 58).
Adult, in spring. Length about 9 inches ; extent about 20 inches. Bill yellow,
with black tip ; legs yellow, claws black ; iris brown ; a triangular white spot on
forehead, extending to eye ; narrow black line extending from base of upper man-
dible is continuous with the black of crown and region about back of head ; back,
wings, rump and tail light grayish-blue; two or three outer primaries black on
upper surface ; narrow line about base of bill above sides of head, neck and entire
under parts white.
Young, in August. Bill (dried skin) blackish-brown ; lower mandible towards
the base and inside of mouth yellowish-brown ; tarsi yellowish ; iris brown ; fore-
head dirty brownish- white ; crown and upper parts generally mottled with brown ;
upper part of wings mostly dark slate color ; primaries darker than in old bird ;
under plumage white.
Habitat. Northern South America, northward to California and New England,
and casually to Labrador, breeding nearly throughout its range.
This handsome and graceful little bird is the smallest of the Terns.
Fishermen on the coast of New Jersey, where the Least Tern is a com-
mon summer resident, know it by the names of "Sea Swallow," "Little
Gull " and "Striker." During- migrations, particularly in the latter part
of August and September, Least Terns are not infrequently met with
in Pennsylvania, especially in the southeastern section. I have seen
seven of these Terns taken one in the spring, the others in August and
September in the counties of Chester, Lancaster, Montgomery and
Delaware in the past ten years. Hon. Gerard C. Brown, of Yorkana,
has observed it in York county as a straggler. Dr. John W. Detwiller,
of Bethlehem, shot one on the Lehigh river, in the fall, and in Berks
county Mr. D. Frank Keller says it is an accidental visitor. According
to Prof. J. B. Bobertson, of Franklin, a straggler was once taken in Ven-
ango county. In the summer of 1883, at Brigantine, New Jersey, where
the Least Terns were then breeding in considerable numbers, laying
their eggs in slight depressions in the dry sand and among- the shells
on the sandhills along the beach, I obtained the bodies of over seventy-
five of these Terns from two taxidermists who were collecting the skins
for New York and Philadelphia dealers to be us6d for ladies' hats. An
examination of these birds all killed in one day showed that they had
fed almost exclusively on little fish ; not more than four or five had any
traces of insects in their stomachs.
Sterna fuliginosa GMEL.
Sooty Tern.
DESCRIPTION.
Adult. Length about 17 inches ; extent about 34 inches. Bill and legs black ; iris
reddish-brown ; forehead, sides of head and entire under parts white ; back, wings
and upper parts deep black.
In the young the plumage is sooty-brown, darkest on back and wings, grayish on
abdomen ; lining of wings white ; scapulars and wing coverts tipped with white.
Plate 4.
Wood Duck Summer Duck.
1. Male; 2. Female.
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 23
Habitat. Tropical and subtropical coasts of the globe. In America from Chili to
western Mexico and the Carolinas, and casually to New England.
The Sooty Tern is a rather rare and irregular visitor in Pennsylvania
during- the spring and fall migrations. About five years ago two of
these Terns were taken in Delaware county, and I have two specimens
in my collection that were killed in Chester county. Dr. John W. Det-
willer, of Bethlehem, has observed it in his locality. Dr. A. 0. Treich-
ler mentions this bird as a straggler in the neighborhood of Elizabeth-
town, Lancaster county. Specimens captured in Ly coming county, in
the spring and fall, are in the valuable collection of my esteemed friend,
Mr. August Koch, of Williamsport. Prof. J. E. Eobertson writes me
that the Sooty Tern is an accidental visitor in Yenango county.
GENUS HYDROCHBLIDON BOIE.
Hydrochelidon nigra surinamensis (GMEL.J.
Black Tern ; Short -tailed Tern.
DESCRIPTION.
Adult, in spring and breeding plumage. Head, neck and under parts black,
darker on head and neck than on abdomen, where the color is sooty-black ; edge of
wing and under tail coverts white ; back, wings, rump, and tail, lead color ; under
surface of wings somewhat lighter than the upper parts ; bill (dried skin) black;
tarsi brownish-yellow ; iris brown. Length about 9 inches ; extent about 24 inches.
Adults in winter, and young in the fall have head, neck and under parts mostly
white.
Habitat. Temperate and tropical America. From Alaska and the fur countries
to Chili, breeding from the middle United States northward.
The Black or Short-tailed Tern is a rather irregular, though not an
uncommon visitor during- the spring and fall in different sections of
Pennsylvania. In North America this species has quite an extended
distribution, being found both along the sea-coasts and about marshes,
lakes and reedy ponds in the interior. According to various writers it
breeds more or less abundantly about marshes in Wisconsin, Minnesota,
Michigan, Dakota, Oregon, etc. Dr. John W. Detwiller, an ornitholo-
gist of over twenty-five years' experience, residing at Bethleham, North-
ampton county, Pa., writes me, that, some years ago he "procured eggs
of the Black Tern upon drift-wood on Lake Erie, near Erie city." I
have never had an opportunity of observing these birds when breeding,
and I am not aware that they are now known to breed anywhere in the
neighborhood of Erie county or elsewhere in our state. The following
remarks relative to this species in the breeding season are taken from
Mr. F. W. Langton's " Summer Birds of a Northern Ohio Marsh :"
" A very common summer resident in the marsh, nesting, or rather lay-
ing its eggs on the islands of decaying vegetation and mud formed by
sunken muskrat houses. Three eggs constitute a full set, and they are
apparently rolled about in the mud purposely, until well-coated, so as
24 BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
to hide the marking's and thereby make them less conspicuous. In two
or three instances only did we observe any attempt at a nest, and
these would not have been recognized as such without the egg's, consist-
ing as they did of merely a few fragments of grass or bulrushes so dis-
posed as to prevent the eggs from rolling ; inmost cases the eggs rested
in a slight depression on the bare mud. The sun appears to be their
chief incubator, although the decaying vegetation of which the aband-
oned muskrat houses consist, doubtless plays some part in the process.
In no instance did we succeed in flushing a bird from the eggs, although
they would appear in pairs to the number of twenty or thirty and hover
about within a few feet of our heads making a great outcry when we
approached their property, which was soon to be ours by right of dis-
covery.
" At other times the birds were not at all gregarious, being usually
observed foraging singly or in pairs. Several young of the year were
taken, thus confirming the statement of the resident who informed us
that he had taken numbers of the eggs of the first brood in May. Of
the dozen or more sets of eggs taken by us early in July, more than half
were fresh or nearly so." At Erie Bay, near the city of Erie, single in-
dividuals or small flocks of these Terns are seen nearly every spring and
fall. Mr. George B. Sennett, of Erie, a gentleman to whom I am greatly
indebted for much valuable information concerning the bird-life of the
Erie-Crawford district, has observed the Black Tern in the vicinity of
Erie city only during the spring and fall. I have in my collection four
Black Terns, three of which were captured in Chester county (two in fall,
one in spring), the other was shot in Delaware county (September, 1880).
The following-named gentlemen report the occurrence of this species in
their respective localities : Lycoming county an irregular spring and
fall visitor August Koch, Williamsport, Pa. Lancaster county a strag-
gler Dr. A. C. Treichler, Elizabethtown, Pa. Venango county a rare
straggler Prof. J. R. Eobertson, Franklin, Pa. Mercer county" one
specimen shot in the spring, 1887" S. S. Overmoyer, New Lebanon,
Pa. Cumberland county one seen in the autumn Messrs. Win. M. and
S. F. Baird (List of Birds of Cumberland County, Pa., published in 1844).
FAMILY RYNCHOPHXffi. SKIMMERS.
THE SKIMMERS.
Only one species of this family is found in the United States. These birds have
extremely long wings and webbed feet, but like the Terns, they rarely, if ever, it is
said, swim or rest upon the water. They have exceedingly odd-looking bills ; both
mandibles are quite flat, with blunt ends ; the upper mandible is much shorter than
the lower. They subsist almost exclusively on fish which they catch when skim-
ming close to the water's surface.
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 25
GENUS RYNCHOPS LINN.
Rynchops nigra LINN.
Black Skimmer.
DESCRIPTION.
Adult. Length about 19 inches ; extent about 50 inches. The upper mandible in
specimen before me is nearly f of an inch shorter than the lower; both mandibles
have obtuse ends, the lower being very blunt and rounded ; lower mandible much
more flattened throughout its length than the upper ; both edges of lower mandible
are sharp, and the upper edge fits in a groove, extending along the entire length of
upper mandible. Forehead, lores, sides of head, chin, throat, front of neck and rest
of under plumage, tips of secondaries, sides of upper tail coverts and greater part of
tail white; crown, back of neck, back, wings, most of rump and central tail feathers
brownish-black ; bill (dried skin) basal half yellowish (carmine in freshly killed
specimens), rest brownish -black ; tarsi and feet reddish-brown ; the black claws are
rather long, sharp and curved.
Habitat. Warmer parts of America, north on the Atlantic coast to New Jersey,
and casually to the Bay of Fundy.
This species is given as a Pennsylvania bird on the authority of the
late C. D. Wood, of Philadelphia, from whom I obtained a single speci-
men which he assured me was shot by himself near Philadelphia, shortly
after a severe storm in September, 1880. This specimen is, I believe,
the only one of its species that has ever been recorded in the state. In
the summer of 1883 June and August when visiting 1 at Brigantine
Beach, New Jersey, I saw a few of these birds in flocks of seven to
twelve each. Fishermen and other residents of the place informed me
they bred every year in that locality. It is said that this species still
breeds sparingly in New Jersey, which is, I have no doubt, about the
northern limit of their breeding range. Black Skimmers were quite
plentiful on several islands along the eastern shore of Virginia, where I
remained for a few days in August, 1879.
ORDER TUBINARES. TTJBE-NOSED SWIMMERS.
FAMILY PROCELLARIHXffi. PETRELS, ETC.
THE PETRELS, ETC.
The birds of this family are strictly oceanic. The few individuals that have been
observed in Pennsylvania have all been found during or after storms that have
driven them inland. " The plumage is compact and oily to resist water ; the sexes
appear to be always alike, and no seasonal changes are determined ; but some vari-
ation with age, or as a matter of individ.ua! peculiarity, certainly occurs in many
cases. The food is entirely of an animal nature, and fatty substances, in particular,
are eagerly devoured. When irritated many species eject an oily fluid from the
mouth or nostrils, and some are so fat as to be occasionally used for lamps, a wick
being run through the body. The eggs are few, or only one, laid in a rude nest or
26 BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
none, on the ground or in a burrow. Petrels are silent birds, as a rule, contrasting
with gulls and terns in this particular. Many or most are gregarious, congregating
by thousands at their breeding places or where food is plenty." Coues' Key N. A.
Birds.
GENUS PUFFINUS BRISSON.
Puffinus major FABER.
Greater Shearwater.
DESCRIPTION.
" Adult. Head above cheeks, occiput, a narrow line on the nape and upper part of
back brownish-ash, paler on the hind neck ; feathers of the back with lighter margins ,
lower part of back dark-brown; upper tail coverts of same color, terminating
broadly with grayish-white ; primaries and tail brownish-black, the former white
on the basal part of the inner webs ; secondaries and tertiaries dark brown, the sec-
ondaries white on their inner webs nearly to the end ; wing coverts ashy-brown,
with lighter margins ; under plumage pure white, the neck nearly encircled with
white ; sides of the neck, anterior to the bend of the wings, marked with waving
lines of pale ash ; lower tail coverts dark ash, with light-gray edgings ; bill yellowish-
green, the tip brownish-black ; .iris brown ; tarsi and feet livid yellow. Length
about 20 inches ; " (extent about 45 inches.) laird's Birds of N. A.
Habitat. Atlantic Ocean ; south to Cape Horn and Cape of Good Hope.
A single bird of this species the only one, so far as I have been able
to learn, that has been taken within our borders is recorded by the
late Dr. Ezra Michener as an accidental visitor in Chester county. I
have never seen the Shearwater in its natural state, hence cannot give,
from my own observations, anything concerning it. "Audubon men-
tions finding this species ranging from the Gulf of St. Lawrence to that
of Mexico ; but he very rarely met with it near the coast. In sailing to
Labrador, when off the coast of Nova Scotia, one evening in June, about
sunset, he observed a great number flying from the rocky shore, and
believed they were breeding there. In this belief he was confirmed by
the fact that hardly one was to be seen there by day, that being the
time when these birds are in the habit of remaining about their nests.
In September they are to be seen far from land, both by day and by
night ; and in calm weather they alight on the water and may then be
easily approached. They swim buoyantly, and when sporting on the
water present a very graceful appearance. Two that had been caught
with hooks walked about as well as ducks. On being approached they
would open their bills, raise their feathers, and ejected through their
nostrils an oily substance. * * * They refused all sorts of food, and,
being very unpleasant pets, were soon set at liberty, when, instead of
flying away directly, they plunged into the water, dived about, then
splashed and washed themselves, before they took to their wings, flying
with their usual ease and grace, In the stomachs of those he opened
Audubon found portions of fish, crabs, sea-weeds and oily substances."
B. B. and R. Birds of N. A., Vol. ii.
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 27
GENUS PROCELLARIA LINN^US.
Procellaria pelagica LINN.
Stormy Petrel ; "Mother Carey's Chicken.*'
DESCRIPTION.
Adult. Tail very slightly rounded ; legs short ; length about 5 inches ; bill and
feet black ; iris quite or nearly black ; upper tail coverts white, except towards the
ends, which are blackish ; upper parts brownish-black ; lower parts grayish-sooty
black.
Habitat. Atlantic Ocean, south on the American side to the Newfoundland banks,
west coast of Africa and coast of Europe.
Accidental visitor in Pennsylvania. According to Dr. Turnbull (Birds
of East Pennsylvania), one was captured under Market street bridge in
Philadelphia. Dr. W. L. Hartman, of Pittston, mentions the Stormy
Petrel as an accidental visitor in Luzerne county.
GENUS OCEANODROMA REICHENBACH.
Oceanodroma leucorhoa (VIEILL.).
Leach's Petrel.
DESCRIPTION.
Adult. Legs short; larger than the Stormy Petrel, which it resembles in colora-
tion, but is easily recognized by the forked tail.
Habitat. North Atlantic and north Pacific Oceans; south on the coast of the
United States to Virginia and California ; breeds from Maine and the Hebrides north-
ward on the coasts of the Atlantic.
Leach's Petrel is the common " Mother Carey's Chicken " to be seen
on the Atlantic from Chesapeake Bay northward. This species has been
observed only as a rare straggler in Pennsylvania, whither it has been
driven by fierce storms of wind and rain. Dr. W. P. Turnbull (Birds of
East Pennsylvania}, says: "During a gale in August, 1842, a number
were driven inland." In September, 1879, I had a specimen presented
to me by the late Dr. George Martin, of West Chester, who had picked
it up in his yard in an exhausted and dying condition. Captain A. A.
Clay, of Rasselas, Pa., informs me that a relative of his killed one about
four years ago on a small pond in Elk county.
NOTE. The Wilson's Petrel (Oceanites oceanicus) has been captured,
it is said, in Pennsylvania, but as my informant is not quite clear on this
matter I do not deem it best to include the species in our fauna. The
plumage of Wilson's Petrel is very much the same in coloration as the
Stormy Petrel, but it differs from this latter bird in having very long
legs, and the interdigital webs spotted with yellow.
28 BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
ORDER STEGANOPODES. TOTIPALMATE SWIMMERS.
FAMILY PHALACROCORACHXflS. CORMORANTS.
CORMORANTS.*
These birds are found more or less abundantly in nearly all parts of the world.
About twenty-five species, it is stated, are known to science. According to different
writers we have in North America eleven or twelve kinds of these curious birds. A
single species is known to occur in Pennsylvania. Although most numerous on the
sea-coast, many of them visit lakes and large rivers in the interior. They are of a
gregarious nature, and frequently great numbers are observed together, especially
when breeding. Cormorants in company with Great Blue Herons (Ardea herodias)
and Water Turkeys ( Anhinga anhinga) breed in considerable numbers on large
lakes in the interior of Florida. The rather bulky nests are constructed principally
of sticks and are built on high rocky ledges, or on trees and thick bushes ; eggs,
two to five in number, are a pale greenish-blue color, overlaid with a yellowish-
white chalky crust. The Chinese train Cormorants to catch fish for the market.
The prudent Chinaman knowing the voracious nature of his feathered servant places
a band or close-fitting collar about the bird's neck before it starts from its perch in
search of the finny tribe. Cormorants subsist almost entirely on fish ; they are good
swimmers, expert divers, but walk poorly. In these birds the body is heavy, the
neck long, the long, stiff tail is composed of 12 or 14 feathers, and the four long toes
are all connected by webs. All have a leathery sack at the base of the lower
mandible.
GENUS PHALACROCORAX BRISSON.
Phalacrocorax dilophus (Sw. & RICH.).
Double-crested Cormorant.
DESCRIPTION.
Adult. Bill rather long, stout and slightly tapering ; upper mandible strongly
hooked and acute ; gular sac naked ; nostrils not visible ; tail 12 feathers. Length
about 30 inches ; extent about 48 inches ; upper mandible brownish above and yel-
lowish on sides ; lower, mainly yellow ; naked skin about the eyes and gular pouch
orange-yellow ; inside of mouth black ; iris green ; legsandfeet black. Head, neck,
lower part of back, rump and under parts giossy greenish-black ; upper portion of
back and wings brownish-black, with many feathers bordered with black ; curly
black tufts on sides of head back of eye ; tail black. Specimen taken in the fall has
no lateral crests ; the head and neck brownish-black and the body above and below
is mainly black, with a faint greenish-gloss.
Habitat. Eastern coast of North America, breeding from the Bay of Fundy
northward ; southward in the interior to the great lakes and Wisconsin.
The only locality in this state where the Double-crested Cormorant
has been observed appears to be on the lake shore in Erie county, where
Messrs. George B. Sennett and Mr. James Thompson, both residing- in
Erie city, inform me it occurs as a somewhat rare and irregular visitor
late in the fall or early winter. October 26, 1889, when shooting ducks
on the " peninsula " near Erie city, Mr. James Thompson and a com-
* In the first edition of the Birds of Pennsylvania, page 232, the Cormorant (P. carbo) was given as a
" very rare, or accidental winter visitor. " and that Mr. H. B. Graves had obtained one in Berks county.
1 have recently ascertained that the bird referred to was not captured in Berks county or in Pennsylvania.
1
i
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 29
panion saw three of these birds fly down to their decoys ; one, a fine
male, was shot and kindly presented to me by Mr. Thompson. From
the stomach of this specimen a fish known locally as " buffalo-sucker "-
measuring between eight and nine inches in length was taken. Mr.
Sennett has one or two Cormorants in his collection, captured recently
in the locality above-mentioned.
FAMILY PELECANID^E. PELICANS.
THE PELICANS.
Pelicans are large-sized birds, with long, large, straight, rather broad and sharply
hooked and acute bills ; they have short stout legs and webbed feet. Below the
lower mandible and connected with throat is a large sac or pouch, capable of con-
siderable expansion ; the capacity of this pouch, which is largest in the brown peli-
can, will hold when distended, it is stated, over a gallon. In writing of these birds
Dr. Coues (Key to N. A. Birds) says in referring to the bill, ." this organ is used
like a dip-net to catch fish with ; when it is filled, the bird closes and throws up the
bill, contracts the pouch, letting the water run out of the corners of its mouth and
swallows the prey. Pelicans feed in two ways ; most of them, like our white one,
scoop up fish as they swim along on the water ; but the brown species plunges head-
long into the water from on wing, like a gannet, and makes a grab, often remaining
submerged for a few seconds. Neither species often catches large fish ; they prefer
small fry of which several hundred may be required forafull meal. The prevalent
impression that the pouch serves to convey live fish, swimming in water, to the little
pelicans in the nest, is untrue ; the young are fed with partially macerated fish dis-
gorged by the parents from the crop. As Audubon remarks, it is doubtful whether
a pelican could fly at all with its burden so out of trim" (Cones 1 Key). On the
ground they move awkwardly, but when flying they progress in a slow yet easy
manner by a regular flapping of the wings ; they swim gracefully. The white
species, it is said, like some of the Cormorants, has been tamed and taught to catch
fish. The nest, a bulky structure of sticks, grass, etc., according to different writers,
is placed usually on the ground, and sometimes in trees or low bushes ; the eggs,
from one to four in number, are described as a dull white, with a roughened chalky
shell and more or less blood-stained. Three species found in the United States in-
habit chiefly the temperate and tropical regions ; they frequent sea-coasts, bays, large
rivers, and also many of the large lakes in the interior.
GENUS PELECANTJS LINNAEUS.
Pelecanus erythrorhynchos GMEL.
American White Pelican.
DESCRIPTION.
Length 5 or 6 feet ; extent 8 to 9^ feet ; weight is said to range from 15 to 20 pounds.
Adult. General color pure white; primaries black; lengthened feathers of head
and breast light-yellow ; bill, pouch, legs and feet yellowish.
Habitat. Temperate North America, north in the interior to about latitude 61,
south to Central America ; now rare or accidental in the northeastern states ; abun-
dant in the Middle Province and along the Gulf coast ; common on the coast of Cal-
ifornia and western Mexico.
The White Pelican is a very rare and irregular visitor in Pennsylva-
nia. At long- intervals stragglers of this species have been observed on
the Delaware and Susquehamia rivers. Mr. Georg-e B. Sennett, of Erie,
30 BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
informs me a few of these birds were seen, about fifteen or twenty years
ago, in the neighborhood of Erie city. Dr. Walter Yan Fleet, of Renovo,
mentions it as an accidental visitor in Clinton county. About five or six
years ago three or four of these Pelicans were seen on the Susquehanna
river, at Keating; one of them was shot and is now in the possession of
a gentleman residing at Renovo, Pa., a delightful summer resort in the
mountains, on the Philadelphia and Erie railroad.
ORDER ANSERES. LAMELLIROSTRAL SWIMMERS.
FAMILY ANATHXflS. DUCKS, GEESE, AND SWANS.
THE DUCKS, ETC.
The ducks, geese and swans, according to Dr. Coues {Key to N. A. Birds'), are
represented by nearly one hundred and seventy-five species, inhabiting all parts of
the world. Of this large number there are probably about fifty kinds which occur
regularly in different parts of the United States, as residents or during migrations.
In Pennsylvania nearly twenty species are found during the spring and fall migra-
tions and in winter. But few species are now known to breed regularly in this
state ; in fact, the Wood Duck (Aix sponsa), it seems, is the only one that may be
said to be at all common and fairly well distributed (in the wooded and thinly pop-
ulated districts chiefly) as a breeder. Several species are also found in different
sections of the state as rare and irregular visitants, and occasionally a few others,
which have wandered considerably from their common range, are captured here.
The Canada Goose, the Mergansers, the Wood, Ruddy and Buflie-head ducks, and
some few other kinds are met with quite frequently about the rivers, creeks, lakes,
and numerous ponds in nearly all parts of the state. The great majority of the
members of this important family which visit here are, however, found mainly on
the large rivers especially he Susquehanna and about the shores of Lake Erie.
The best locations for duck shooting in this state are at different points on the
Susquehanna, from Harrisburg southward, and at Erie bay, where several species
are quite numerous every year during the regular migrations. "It is not easy to
overrate the economic importance of this large family. It is true that the Mergan-
sers, some of the sea ducks and certain maritime geese that feed chiefly upon animal
substances, are scarcely fit for food ; but the great majority afford a bounteous sup-
ply of sapid meat a chief dependence, indeed, with the population of some inhos-
pitable regions. Such is the case, for example, in the boreal parts of this continent,
whither vast bands ot water- fowl resort to breed during the fleeting Arctic summer.
Their coming marks a season of comparative plenty in places where hunger often
pinches the belly, and their warm, downy covering is patched into garments almost
cold-proof.
"The general traits of the anserine birds are too well known to require more than
passing notice. They are salacious to a degree, remarkable even in the hot-blooded,
passionate class of birds ; a circumstance rendering the production of hybrids fre-
quent, and favoring the study of this subject. If we recall the peculiar actions of
geese nipping herbage, and of ducks 'dabbling' in the water, and know that some
species, as the Mergansers, pursue fish and other live prey under water, we have
the principal modes of feeding. Nidification is usually on the ground, sometimes in
a hollow tree ; the nest is often warmly lined with live feathers ; the eggs are usu-
ally of some plain pale color, as greenish, drab or creamy ; the clutch varies in num-
ber, commonly ranging from half a dozen to a dozen and a half. The young are
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 31
clothed in a stiffish down, and swim at once. Among the ducks and Mergansers
marked sexual diversity in color is the rule ; the reverse is the case with swans and
geese. A noteworthy coloration of many species, especially of ducks, is the specu-
lum a. brightly-colored, generally iridescent area on the secondary quills. Most of
the species are migratory, particularly those of the northern hemisphere ; the flight
is performed in bauds, that seem to preserve discipline as well as companionship,
and with such regularity that no birds are better entitled to the claim of weather-
prophets." Cones' Key to North American Birds.
SUBFAMILY MERGINJE. MERGANSERS.
THE MERGANSERS.
The Mergansers, or Fishing Ducks, are probably the most common of all "wild
ducks" about our smaller streams and ponds during the winter season. Mergan-
sers can easily be recognized by the bill, which is long (two inches or more in
length), hooked, almost cylindrical, quite slender and furnished with saw-like teeth.
Like the Loons, Cormorants, etc., these birds, when swimming under the water, em-
ploy their wings in the same manner as when flying in the air. They subsist almost
exclusively on fish ; their flesh is dark colored, quite tough and unpalatable. Three
species of this subfamily are found in the United States, and all occur in Pennsyl-
vania.
GENUS MERGANSER BRISSON.
Merganser americanus (CASS.)-
American Merganser ; Goosander ; Fish-duck ; Sheldrake.
DESCRIPTION.
Nostrils large and situated about in middle of bill ; bill longer than head ; feathers
of forehead extend beyond those on sides of bill. Legs and bill chiefly red ; iris in
male carmine and in female reddish-yellow.
Male. Head and upper part of neck very dark glossy-green ; head slightly
crested ; upper part of back black ; lower part of neck, breast and greater part of
wings (the latter crossed by black band) white ; under parts salmon-colored.
Female, is somewhat smaller than male, and has a rather conspicuous occipital
crest ; head and neck reddish-brown ; upper parts ashy-gray ; lower parts similar
to male, but much paler. Length about 26 inches ; extent about 33 inches.
Habitat. North America generally, breeding south to the northern United
States.
This species, the largest of the Mergansers, is found generally through-
out the state as a common spring and fall migrant, and in winter it
occurs quite frequently in many parts of the state, particularly in the
southern counties. The American Merganser is the most abundant of
the three species inhabiting this region, and in former years it unques-
tionably bred regularly in various localities in Pennsylvania. Nuttall
gives an interesting account of the discovery of a female Merganser with
a brood of eight young, not larger than the egg of a goose, on the Sus-
quehanna river (Pa.) in May, 1832. In 1844 the Messrs. Baird* recorded
this species as breeding in Perry county, and in the ornithological re-
port of the late Judge Libhart, published about twelve or fifteen years
* List of birds found In the vicinity of Carlisle. Cumberland county. Pa., by William M. and Spencer
F Baird. published April, 1844 ; American Journal Sciences and Arts, Vol. XL VI. Hereafter whenever
reference is made to the Baird List, it will apply to this publication.
32 BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
ago in the history of Lancaster county, Pa., the Goosander, also the
Red-breasted and Hooded Mergansers are all mentioned as breeding in
Lancaster county. According to Mr. E. A. Samuels (Our Northern and
Eastern Birds} this species " is one of the most abundant summer resi-
dents in the lake region of northern Maine." Dr. Walter Van Fleet, of
Renovo, Pa., says this Merganser breeds in Clinton county. Prof. Au-
gust Koch, of Williamsport, Pa., in a letter addressed to me dated June
26, 1889, writes as follows : " The Hooded and American Mergansers
are regular breeders (in Ly coming county) ; have taken the young of
both before they were able to fly." From all the information I can
obtain the Goosander has not been known to breed for many years past
anywhere in Pennsylvania other than the counties of Clinton and Ly-
coming, and in both of these localities Dr. Van Fleet and Prof. Koch
have observed the species to be a rare summer resident, but common in
the spring and fall and of frequent occurrence in the winter when the
streams are not frozen over. I have never had the good fortune to find
a nest of this species, but according to different writers it usually builds
its nest of leaves, grasses, moss, feathers and down, in hollow trees ;
"eggs 68, elliptical, buff-colored, 2.75x2." Coues.
This species, like all other of our " wild ducks," is exceedingly shy
and difficult to approach. According to Audubon, "the food of the
Goosander consists chiefly of fish, but also of bivalve shells, snails,
leeches, aquatic lizards, crays and frogs. Its' voracity is great, so that
it consumes an extraordinary quantity of fish. I have found fishes in
its stomach seven inches in length, and of smaller kinds, so many as to
weigh more than half a pound. Digestion takes place with great
rapidity, insomuch that some which I have had in captivity devoured
more than two dozen of fishes about four inches in length, four times
daily, and yet always seemed to be desirous of more."
The stomachs of nine of these Mergansers, which I have examined,
contained only the remains of fish.
Merganser serrator (LINN.).
Red-breasted Merganser ; Fish duck.
DESCRIPTION.
Nostrils narrow and situated near base of bill ; bill longer than head ; frontal
feathers do not extend beyond those on side of bill ; both sexes have long and
pointed occipital crests. Legs and bill are red, brighter in male than female ; iris
carmine.
Male. Head and upper part of neck front and back dark-green ; white ring about
lower part of neck; jugulum brownish-red, with black and dusky streaks ; back
black ; under parts yellowish-white ; wings crossed by two black bars.
Female. Head grayish reddish-brown ; upper parts grayish lead color ; throat
and under parts yellowish-white and sides grayish. Length about 24 inches ; extent
about 32 inches.
Habitat. Northern portion of Northern Hemisphere ; south in winter through-
out the United States.
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 33
The Red-breasted Merganser, a summer resident chiefly north of the
United States, appears to be the rarest of the three species in Pennsyl-
vania, where it is found frequenting-, usually, rivers and large creeks
from late in October until early in April. Formerly, according to Dr.
Turnbull, Judge Libhart, and some few other writers, this duck occa-
sionally reared its young in this state. None of these birds, however,
have been observed for many years past in Pennsylvania as summer resi-
dents, and I am inclined to believe that this Merganser is not now found
with us as a breeder.
The nest and eggs are described by Audubon, as follows : " In Lab-
rador, as well as in several parts of the United States, where I have
found the nests, they were placed within a very short distance of the
margins of fresh-water ponds, among rank grasses and sedges or beneath
low bushes. * * * The nest is made of dry weeds and mosses of
various kinds, and is warmly lined with down from the breast of the
female bird, for the male leaves her as soon as she has completed the
laying of the eggs, the number of which I have never found to exceed
ten, they being more frequently six or eight. It is a very remarkable
fact that the eggs in this family of birds are usually even in number,
whereas in most land birds they are odd. * * * The eggs resemble
in form those of the domestic fowl, and are of a uniform plain, dull yel-
lowish cream-color."
The stomachs of three Red-breasted Mergansers, which I have exam-
ined, contained only the remains of fish.
GENUS LOPHODYTES REICHENBACH.
Lophodytes cucullatus (Lnrer.).
Hooded Merganser.
DESCRIPTION (Plate ?).
Nostrils rather long and narrow ; frontal feathers extend beyond those on sides of
bill ; iris in both sexes yellow ; bill shorter than head ; head with a conspicuous,
compressed semicircular crest, smaller in the female than the male.
Adult Male. Head, chin, neck all round, and back, black; white on sides of
breast in front of wing, crossed by two black crescents, the triangular-shaped centre
oi crest, under parts, and speculum (the latter crossed with two black bars) white ;
sides reddish-brown, barred with dusky; bill brownish-black, trasi (dried skin)
dark brownish-yellow.
Female Adult. Bill (dried skin) upper mandible brownish-black, except edges
about base and lower mandible yellow ; tarsi and feet dark-brown ; top of head dark
glossy-brown ; chin and upper part of throat whitish, breast and under parts mostly
white ; neck reddish-brown, lightest on sides and darkest on back and lower parts ;
back and sides dark-brown ; less white on wings than in male. Length about 17
inches ; extent about 25 inches.
Habitat. North America generally, south to Mexico and Cuba, breeding nearly
throughout its range.
3 BlKDS.
34 BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
This handsome bird, the smallest of the Mergansers, is found generally
throughout North America. Nuttall remarks that in winter it migrates
as far south as Mexico. The Hooded Merganser breeds in various por-
tions of the United States, and also far northward. Dr. Coues (Birds
of the Northwest) states that it " breeds in northern Dakota and also on
the upper Missouri and Milk rivers." I have seen eggs of this bird
which were labeled " Maine," and am informed that young, but a few
days old, have been taken in New York State. In Pennsylvania this
species is rather common, and is generally seen singly or in pairs,
sometimes in flocks of five or eight, in rivers and ponds during the
spring, fall and winter months. A few of these ducks are also observed
here in summer, but as natives they are quite uncommon, and they
have of late years been found breeding only in a few secluded locali-
ties in our state. Prof. H. Justin Koddy, of Millersville, Pa., in a letter
dated July 15, 1889, says, "The Hooded Merganser does not now breed
regularly in Perry county (Pa.), but I have the last two years secured
young specimens ; one last June (1888), and one this year in the same
month. They formerly bred regularly along Sherman's creek, near the
Warm Springs." Mr. August Koch, of Williamsport, informs me this
Merganser is a regular but rare breeder in Lycoming county. The
late Wm. V. Kambo, of West Chester, had in his collection two adults
(male and female) of this species which were captured four years ago,
in midsummer, in Union county. I have an adult female taken June
23, 1890, in Chester county, where this Merganser is seldom seen in
summer. " The Hooded Mergansers that remain with us nestle in the
same kind of holes or hollows as the Wood Duck ; at least I have found
their nests in such situations seven or eight times, although I never saw
one of them alight on the branches of a tree, as the birds just mentioned
are wont to do. They dive as it were directly into their wooden burrows,
where, on a few dried weeds and feathers of different kinds, with a small
quantity of down from the breast of the female, the eggs, five to eight
in number, are deposited. The young, like those of the Wood Duck,
are conveyed to the water by their mother, who carries them gently in
her bill ; for the male takes no part in providing for his offspring, but
abandons his mate as soon as incubation has commenced. The affec-
tionate mother leads her young among the tall, rank grasses which fill
the shallow pools or the borders of creeks, and teaches them to procure
snails, tadpoles and insects." Audubon.
I have noticed that the Hooded Mergansers are usually to be found
about mill-ponds and other small bodies of water, while the other two
species are mostly found frequenting the shallow borders of the larger
streams.
During the summer months these birds are said to feed on fishes and
various forms of aquatic insects. In the following table will be found
the stomach contents of eleven Hooded Mergansers examined by myself:
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
No.
DATE.
LOCALITY.
FOOD MATERIALS.
1
2
November 23, 1881
December 24 1882
Chester county, Pa
Philadelphia Market. Pa.,
Remains of flsh.
Remains of flsh.
;j
4
5
6
7
January , 1883
January . 1883
February 20, 1884
April 3, 1884
March 26 1887,
Philadelphia Market, Pa
Philadelphia Market. Pa
Delaware county. Pa
Chester county, Pa
Chester county. Pa
Remains of flsh.
Remains of flsh.
Remains of fish.
Remains of flsh.
Remains of flsh.
#
March 26, 1887
Chester county. Pa. ,
Remains of flsh.
q
November 20, 1889
Philadelphia Market, Pa
Remains of flsh.
10
11
November 20, 1889
June 23 1890
Philadelphia Market, Pa ' .
Chester county Pa. .
Remains of flsh.
Fish and beetles.
SUBFAMILY ANATIN^E. RIVER DUCKS.
THE RIVER DUCKS.
About three dozen representatives of this subfamily are attributed by different
modern writers to North America, and of this number probably fifteen species occur
quite regularly in Pennsylvania. Many of these ducks feed principally on a vege-
table diet and are highly esteemed as food, but others, especially those that inhabit
sea-coast regions, and subsist almost entirely on different forms of aquatic animal-
life as mollusks, shrimps, etc., have usually coarse, dark-colored and unpalatable
flesh. All are good swimmers and some of them are expert divers.
GENUS ANAS LINN^US.
Anas boschas LINN.
Mallard.
DESCRIPTION.
Bill little longer than head, broad and flattened toward the rounded end.
" Male. Head and upper part of neck glossy-green, which is separated from the
dark chestnut-brown of lower part of neck and breast by a white ring. Under parts
and sides, with the scapulars, pale-gray, very finely undulated with dusky ; other
scapulars with brownish tinge ; fore part of back reddish-brown ; posterior more
olivaceous ; crissum and upper tail coverts black ; tail externally white ; wing
coverts brownish-gray the greater coverts tipped with white and narrowly with
black ; speculum purplish-violet, terminated with black ; a recurved tuft of feathers
on rump.
" female. Wing same as in male ; under parts plain whitish ochrey, each feather
obscurely blotched with dusky ; head and neck similar, spotted and streaked with
dusky ; chin and throat above unspotted ; upper parts dark-brown, feathers edged
with reddish-brown." Baird's B. of N. A.
Length about 24 inches ; extent about 35.
Habitat. Northern parts of Northern Hemisphere ; in America south to Panama
and Cuba, breeding southward to the northern United States.
Common spring- and fall migrant, much more numerous on the Sus-
quehanna river and about the lake shore in Erie county than elsewhere
throughout the state. Large flocks of these ducks are to be seen every
spring and fall frequenting the grassy ponds on the peninsula at Erie
bay, where, Mr. James Thompson, of Erie city, informs me, a few strag-
glers remain sometimes during the summer and rear their young. "The
Mallard's nest, placed on the ground, g-enerally close to the water, is
made up of dried grasses, weeds, feathers, etc. The eggs are described
36 BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
by Dr. Coues as follows : " 8-10, 2.25 X 1.60, smooth, dingy, yellowish-
drab." The stomachs of fifteen Mallards, killed on the Susquehanna river
near Perryville, Md., in the spring and fall, which I have examined,
contained only vegetable substances, mostly grasses and seeds.
Anasobscura GMEL.
Black Duck ; Dusky Duck ; Black Mallard.
DESCRIPTION.
Size about the same as Mallard (A. boschas). Bill very similar in size and shape
to that of the Mallard. The sexes are alike, and although resembling somewhat the
lemale Mallard (A. boschas), they can readily be distinguished from the latter by
their darker color and the conspicuous white under wing coverts. Bill greenish-
yellow ; tarsi yellowish ; iris brown ; general color brownish-black, each feather
edged with rusty-brown or grayish ; primaries and most of tail feathers dusky-
brown. Speculum violet and black (narrowly tipped with white in male) ; feathers
on top of head dusky-brown, with rusty or grayish edgings. Sides of head, chin,
throat and upper part of neck grayish-white, with dark streaks, and in some speci-
mens a yellowish tint on throat ; lower part of back black.
Habitat. Eastern North America, west to Utah and Texas, north to Labrador,
breeding southward to the northern United States.
Spring and fall migrant but much less common than the Mallard.
Hunters residing in the northeastern part of Pennsylvania assert that a
few of these ducks are occasionally seen in summer frequenting the
numerous ponds or lakes in Susquehanna and Wayne counties, where
possibly they occur as rare or irregular breeders. Dr. John W. Det-
willer, of Bethlehem, Pa., mentions the Dusky Duck as having been
found by himself breeding in our state ; and Mr. W. K. Park, of Athens,
Penna., has found this duck nesting in Bradford county. The Black
Duck breeds on the ground ; its eggs and nest are said to be very simi-
lar to those of the Mallard. The food of this species is chiefly of a
vegetable character.
Anas strepera LINN.-
Gadwall ; Gray Duck.
DESCRIPTION.
" Male. Head and neck brownish-white, spotted with dusky ; top of head tinged
with reddish ; lower part of neck with fore part of breast and back blackish, with
concentric bars of white, giving a scaled appearance to feathers ; interscapular re-
gion, outermost scapulars and sides of body finely waved transversely with black
and white. Middle wing coverts chestnut, the greater velvet black, succeeded by a
white speculum, bordered externally by heavy gray, succeeded by black ; crissum
and upper tail coverts black ; inside of wing andaxillars pure white ; bill black.
"Female. Bill dusky, edged with reddish ; wing somewhat like that of male, but
with chestnut-red more restricted. Length about 22 inches ; extent about 34 inches. "
Baird's B. of N. A.
Habitat. Nearly cosmopolitan. In North America breeds chiefly within the
United States.
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 37
Regular but rather rare spring and fall migrant ; not known to occur
in Pennsylvania as a summer resident. Although this species is not
common in the vicinity of Erie, good-sized flocks are sometimes seen in
company mostly with other species about Erie bay, where the Gadwall
appears to occur in greater numbers than in other parts of the state.
Anas americana GMKL.
Baldpate ; American Widgeon.
DESCRIPTION.
Bill shorter than head and rather narrow.
Male. Bill (dried skin) dark blue, black at base about feathers and at end ; tarsi
brownish, webs and claws darker ; iris brown ; tops of head yellowish-white (more
or less spotted in younger birds) ; broad patches of glossy- green on sides of head
extend from eyes backward ; back of neck also more or less glossed with green ;
feathers in front of eyes, sides of head and neck, chin, throat and most of neck,
grayish and faint yellowish-white, spotted or banded with black ; fore neck and
breast light brownish-red, with a faint grayish-gloss (a young male before me has
brownish -red of breast spotted with black) ; sides of body somewhat brighter red-
dish-brown, with fine blackish streaks ; lower part of breast and belly white ; upper
back and scapulars reddish-brown, waved with dusky ; rump lighter than lower
back and finely waved or streaked with dusky and whitish ; crissum glossy black ;
large white space on upper surface of wing ; speculum glossy-green in a large
velvety-black area. The female is easily recognized by the wing markings and the
reddish-brown is duller than in male. Length about 21 inches ; extent about 34
inches.
Habitat. North America, from the Arctic ocean south to Guatemala and Cuba.
Regular but rather rare spring and fall migrant ; not known to occur
in Pennsylvania as a summer resident. Although not common in the
neighborhood of Erie, good-sized flocks are occasionally seen, particu.
larly in the fall, about Erie bay, where this species appears to be found,
irregularly, in greater numbers than in other parts of the state. I have
examined the food materials of three Baldpates taken in Pennsylvania ;
two had fed almost entirely on insects, chiefly beetles and crickets ; the
other one had in its stomach a green-colored vegetable substance, and
small brown and yellowish seeds.
Anas carolinensis GMELIN.
Green-winged Teal.
DESCRIPTION (Plate. 60).
Bill quite narrow and shorter than head. One of our smallest species measures
about 14 inches in length by about 24 inches in extent.
Adult Male. Bill (dried skin) blackish ; tarsi brownish-yellow ; iris brown ;
head and greater part of neck chestnut ; chin and forehead blackish ; a broad, green
patch extends backward from region of eyes ; under part white or w r hitish ; feathers
of upper breast light reddish-brown edged with grayish ; breast with numerous
black spots ; white crescent in front of wing; lower part of neck, scapulars, side of
breast, and body, finally waved with grayish-white and black ; crissum black in
38 BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
middle, and brownish-yellow on each side ; speculum bright green, bordered on
front with dark reddish-brown of the greater coverts and posteriorly by whitish tips
of secondaries.
Female. Can easily be recognized by the wing, which is like that of male but
duller.
Habitat. North America, breeding chiefly north of the United States, and mi-
grating south to Honduras and Cuba.
Common spring and fall migrant and casual winter visitor. The
Green-winged Teal although frequently met with on many of our small
creeks and ponds is generally much more plentiful about the principal
rivers. Late in August and in September these birds are quite com-
mon at Erie bay where many of them are shot for the market. Individ-
uals of this species are occasionally captured during the early summer
months at Erie bay. Prof. August Kock, of Williamsport, says the
Green-winged Teal occurs as a rare breeder in Lycoming county, Pa.
The nest is placed on the ground ; the eggs are a light greenish-buff
color and measure about If inches long by about 1 J inches broad. The
food of these ducks consist principally of seeds of different grasses and
weeds ; they also eat different insects, and in a few instances I have
found fragments of chestnuts and wild grapes in their stomachs.
Anas discors LINN.
Blue-winged Teal.
DESCRIPTION.
Bill broader than in Green-winged Teal and about as long as head.
Adult Male. Bill black ; feet and legs yellowish; iris brown; top of head, chin,
and feathers bordering white spaces in front of eyes blackish ; rest of head and upper
part of neck dull lead color ; feathers of lower part of neck and foreback spotted
with black and margined with white and grayish-brown ; lower part of back and
rump dull brown ; crissum black ; sides of tail coverts, more or less glossed with
green, white patch on each rump ; wing coverts and outer webs of few scapulars
sky-blue ; greater coverts tipped with white ; speculum bright green with narrow
white tip behind.
Female. Chin and throat yellowish-white and unspotted ; head and neck dark
colored with grayish and yellow ; upper parts generally dark-brown, feathers edged
with grayish ; wings with conspicuous sky-blue patches ; lower parts grayish-white
with obscure dusky spots. Length about 16 inches ; extent about 30 inches.
Habitat. North America in general, but chiefly the eastern province ; north to
Alaska and south to the West Indies and northern South America, breeds from the
northern United States northward.
This species, a regular and somewhat common migrant in the spring
and fall, is more numerous in this state in September, than at other
times during their residence with us. The Blue-winged Teal inhabits
mainly muddy ponds, pools and sloughs, where it collects different
seeds and other vegetable materials, which constitute its chief bill of
fare.
o
a
s
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 39
GENUS SPATULA BOIE
Spatula clypeata (LiNN.)- '
Shoveller; Spoonbill.
DESCRIPTION.
Bill much longer than head, spoon-shaped, being twice as wide toward the end as
at base. In any plumage may be distinguished from other species by its odd
spoon-like bill.
Male. 'Bill (dried skin) black ; tarsi brownish-yellow ; iris reddish-yellow ; head
and upper neck all round dark glossy green ; top of head in specimen before me is
glossy black with purplish reflection ; lower part of neck and fore breast and patches
at base of tail on each side, also most of lining of wings white ; wing coverts and
some of the scapulars on outer webs blue ; scapulars also conspicuously striped with
black and white, fore back brownish-black mixed with white, and many of feathers
edged with grayish ; lower part of back black.
"Female. With wing similar, but blue of wing and coverts less distinct; head and
neck brownish-yellow spotted with dusky ; the belly with a decided chestnut
tinge." Length about 21 inches ; extent about 32 inches.
Habitat. Northern hemisphere. In North America, breeding from Alaska to
Texas ; not abundant on Atlantic coast.
The Shoveller is a rare and rather irregular spring- and fall migrant
in all sections of the state. When found here this species is usually
seen singly, or in pairs, and occasionally, though very seldom, small
flocks are found. The Shoveller does not breed in Pennsylvania.
GENUS DAFILA STEPHENS.
Daftla acuta (LINN.).
%
Pintail; Sprig-tail.
DESCRIPTION.
Bill a little longer than head and rather narrow ; neck long ; tail of male long and
pointed.
Male in /Spring. Bill black-bluish on sides; tarsi brownish lead color with
greenish tinge ; webs black ; head, and about half of neck above dark -brown, glossed
with green ; black stripe on back of neck, on either side of which is a long white
stripe, connecting with white of lower half of neck and breast and abdomen ; back
and sides grayish with fine transverse lines' of black and white ; lesser wing coverts
gray ; speculum greenish-purple, with a buff border in front and a black and white
border posteriorily ; crissum and long central tail feathers black, other tail feathers
light-gray; scapulars and long tertiaries striped longitudinally with black and
silver-gray. Length (depends on development of tail, which is usually 5 or 6 inches
long) about 28 inches ; extent about 35 inches.
" Female. With only a trace of the markings of the wing ; the green of speculum
brownish with few green spots; feathers of back are brown with a broad U or
V-shaped brownish-yellow bar on each feather anteriorily ; sometimes these bars in
the shape of broad transverse lines." Baird's B. of N. A.
Habitat. Northern hemisphere. In North America breeds from the northern
parts of the United States northward, and migrates south to Panama and Cuba.
The Pintail Duck is a regular spring and fall migrant, but rare winter
40 BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
visitor iii Pennsylvania. This species is one of the first to arrive in
spring-, being- seen here often early in March frequenting- principally the
rivers and other larger streams.
GENUS AIX BOIE.
Aix sponsa (LiNN.).
Wood Duck ; Summer Duck ; Acorn Duck.
DESCRIPTION (Plate 4).
Bill high at base and shorter than head, the latter crested.
Male Adult. Head with conspicuous green and purple crest ; sides of head irides-
cent purple, streak of white from base of bill to occiput, streak back of eye contin-
uous with that of throat pure white ; sides and front of lower neck and fore part of
breast bright-chestnut with fine white spots ; lower parts generally white ; upper
surface of wings beautifully marked with iridescent metallic hues. Female with
grayish head and lengthened feathers behind ; throat white ; fore neck, nppel* breast
and sides brownish-yellow, and streaked with grayish ; upper parts generally dark-
brown glossed with purple chiefly. Length about 19 inches ; extent about 28 inches.
Habitat. Temperate North America, breeding throughout its range.
The Wood Duck is a resident, and breeds in various sections of this
commonwealth. During the breeding season it generally is found about
streams and ponds in heavily wooded and thinly populated districts.
In Pennsylvania this species is rare in winter and most plentiful in
autumn. The Wood Duck is an abundant winter resident in Florida,
where it also breeds. I have seen downy young of this bird which were
captured late in March, 1885, in Orang-e county, Florida. " The Wood
Duck breeds in the Middle states about the beginning of April, in Mas-
sachusetts a month later, and in Nova Scotia, or on our northern lakes,
seldom before the first days of June. In Louisiana and Kentucky,
where I have had better opportunities of studying their habits in this
respect, they generally pair about the first of March, sometimes a fort-
night earlier. I never knew one of these birds to form a nest on the
ground or on the branches of a tree. They appear at all times to pre-
fer the hollow, broken portion of some large branch, the hole of our
large Woodpecker, or the deserted retreat of the fox squirrel ; and I
have frequently been surprised to see them go in and out of a hole of
any one of these, when their bodies, while on the wing-, seemed to be
nearly half as large again as the aperture within which they had de-
posited their eggs. Once only I found a nest (with ten eggs) in the
fissure of a rock, on the Kentucky river, a few miles below Frankfort.
Generally, however, the holes to which they betake themselves are either
over deep swamps, above cane-brakes, or on broken branches of high
sycamores, seldom more than forty or fifty feet from the water. They
are much attached to their breeding places, and for three successive
years I found a pair near Henderson, in Kentucky, with the eggs, in the
beginning of April, in the abandoned nest of the Ivory-billed Wood-
t
9 i
f
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
41
pecker. The eggs, which are from six to fifteen, according to the age of
the bird, are placed on dry plants, feathers, and a scanty portion of
down, which I believe is mostly plucked from the breast of the female.
They are perfectly smooth, nearly elliptical, of a light color, between
buff and pale-green, two inches in length by one and a half in diameter.
"No sooner has the female completed her set of eggs than she is aban-
doned by her mate, who now joins others, which form themselves into
considerable flocks, and thus remain apart till the young are able to fly,
when old and young oi both sexes come together, and so remain until
the commencement of the next breeding season.
If the nest is placed immediately over the water the young, the mo-
ment they are hatched, scramble to the mouth of the hole, launch into
the air with their little wings and feet spread out, and drop into their
favorite element ; but whenever their birth-place is some distance from
it, the mother carries them to it, one by one, in her bill, holding them
so as not to injure their yet tender frame. On several occasions, how-
ever, when the hole was thirty, forty, or more yards from a bayou or
other piece of water, I observed that the mother suffered the young to
fall on the grasses and dried leaves beneath the tree, and afterwards led
them directly to the nearest edge of the next pool or creek." Audubon.
In some twenty odd examinations that I have made of these birds,
which were killed in Florida in March and April, 1885, I found only
vegetable substances, consisting chiefly of various small seeds, had been
fed upon.
The food materials of eight Wood Ducks, taken in the fall and early
winter months, in or near Pennsylvania, are given in the following table :
No.
DATE.
LOCALITY.
FOOD MATERIALS.
I
September 1878, . .
Chester county, Pa. ,
Acorns
2
September 1878, . . .
Chester county. Pa. ,
Acorns.
;{
September 1878. . . .
Chester county, Pa
Acorns and small seeds.
4
September 1878, . .
Chester county. Pa .
Small seeds
5
t
8
October 4 1880. . . .
October 4 1880, . . .
November 20 1888, . . .
November 3 1882, . . .
Philadelphia Market, Pa., .
Philadelphia Market. Pa. ,
Philadelphia Market. Pa.. .
Philadelphia Market, Pa.. .
Acorns.
Small seeds and other vegetable matter.
Small seeds.
Small seeds.
GENUS AYTHYA BOIE.
Aythya americana (Eyt).
Red-head.
DESCRIPTION (Plate 62).
Bill broad and flattened, little shorter than head.
Adult Male. Bill dull blue, the end black ; tarsi grayish-blue; iris reddish-yellow;
head and half or more of neck all round rich glossy-reddish chestnut ; rest of neck,
fore part of body above and below, lower part of back, upper and lower tail coverts
blackish ; back, scapulars and sides finely waved with black and white lines ; belly
white, darker toward the vent ; wing coverts ashy-gray with minute white spots ;
speculum light bluish-gray, edged internally with black.
42 BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
Female. Iris plain yellow ; head and neck grayish-brown ; chin and upper part
of throat very light ; upper parts brownish ; wings about same as in male. Length
about 22 inches ; extent about 32 inches.
Habitat. North America; breeding from California and Maine northward.
Spring and fall migrant, more numerous about Erie bay and the
Susquehanna river than in other sections of the state ; occasional winter
visitant. Some few years ago while hunting along the Brandywine
creek, near West Chester, Pa., I suddenly came upon a flock of thirteen
Red-heads busily engaged in feeding. As they arose from the water I
succeeded in killing two of them. Assisted by my honored friend,
Benjamin M. Everhart, I made an examination of the stomachs of these
two birds and found that both fed exclusively on " wild celery," * a
somewhat common, though not abundant aquatic plant in this locality.
The food of this species varies according to locality and circumstances.
Wilson says the Bed-head is a common associate of the Canvas-back,
frequenting the same places and feeding on the stems of the wild celery.
Audubon, writing of the Bed-heads, states: "I have found their stom-
achs crammed with young tadpoles and small water-lizards, as well as
blades of the grasses growing around the bank. Nay, on several occa-
sions, I have found pretty large acorns and beech-nuts in their throats,
as well as snails, entire or broken, and fragments of the shells of various
small unios, together with much gravel."
I have examined the stomach contents of twenty-one Bed-heads, both
sexes, which have been killed during the shooting season at Havre-de-
Grace, Maryland, and found only gravel and vegetable matter, the latter
consisting mainly of the so-called " wild celery " ( Vallisneria spiralis).
Aythya vallisneria (WiLS.)-
Canvas-back.
DESCRIPTION.
Bill high at base, larger than head, rather narrow and somewhat tapering.
Male. Bill blackish ; legs dark-gray ; iris red ; head and upper part of neck dark
reddish-brown ; feathers on top of head and about bill blackish ; otherwise quite
* ' ' This plant, like many others, has a variety of local names. Some of the most common which I
now call to mind are tape grass, from the tape-like appearance of the long leaves ; channel-weed, as it
frequently grows in channels where the water flows, not swiftly; eel-grass, this name arises, it is said
by Dr. Darlington (Flora Cestrica), ' from the habit which eels have of hiding under the leaves which
are usually procumbently floating under the water's surface.' The appellation 'wild celery' a local
term applied, I think, chiefly by gunners and watermen at Havre-de-Grace and vicinity is, I consider,
like many vulgar synonyms, a misnomer, as this plant is in no particular related to celery, which by
botanists is known as Apium, ' Wild celery, ' or as it Is more generally known in this vicinity (Chester
county, Pa. ), as 'eel-grass. ' is found in the Brandywine creek growing in slow running water.
The scientific name of the plant is Vallisneria spiralis (Linn. ), the generic name being given in honor
of Antonio Vallisneri, an Italian botanist ; the specific spiralis is applied in consequence of the f ac'
that the fertile stalk in its development assumes a spiral form. It is a remarkable dioecious, herbaceous
plant on account of its mode of fertilization. It grows entirely under water, has long, radical grass-
like leaves, from one to three feet long and from one-fourth to three-fourths inch wide The female
flowers float on the surface at the end of long thread-like spiral scapes, which curiously contract and
lengthen with the rise and fall of the water. The male flowers have very short stems or scapes, from
which the flowers break off and rise to the surface, to fertilize with their pollen the attached floating
female flowers. " B. M. Everhart's Botanical Publications, November, 1886.
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 43
similar to preceding species. Female has dark reddish-brown eyes ; bill black, and
with the exception of bill is very similar to female Red-head. Length about 23
inches ; extent about 33 inches.
Habitat. Nearly all of North America, breeding from the northwestern states
northward to Alaska,
This well-known and highly-esteemed game bird is found as a
tolerably frequent spring and fall migrant, and occasionally as a winter
visitor on the Susquehanna river, southward from Harrisburg. In other
sections of our state it appears to occur only as a rare or casual visitor.
Audubon, writing of the food of the Canvas-back, says: "It varies ac-
cording to the season and locality. The plant Vallisneria, on which it
is said to feed when on the headwaters of the Chespeake, is not found
equally abundant in other parts, and even there is at times so reduced
in quantity that this duck, and several other species which are equally
fond of it, are obliged to have recourse to fishes, tadpoles, water-lizards,
leeches, snails and mollusca, as well as such seeds as they can meet with,
all of which have been in greater or less quantity found in their
stomachs."
My examinations of four of these ducks, which were killed at Havre-
de-Grace, showed only vegetable substances, which I judged to be re-
mains of Vallisneria.
Wilson asserts that the Canvas-backs when feeding on the Vallisneria
eat only the roots, and, on the other hand, the Red-heads feed on the
stems of this plant.
Aythya marila nearctica STEJN.
American Scaup Duck ; Big-Black-head ; Blue-bill.
DESCRIPTION.
Bill blue, rather broad and heavy, and about as long as head ; tarsi dark lead
color ; iris yellow ; head, neck fore part of breast black ; sides of head glossed with
green ; lower part of back, including rump, tail and coverts black and dark-
brownish (but black predominates) ; speculum, greater portion of under plumage,
white ; inter-scapulars, scapulars and sides grayish or white, with five irregular
black and transverse lines ; wing coverts brownish.
Female. Conspicuous patch of white about base of maxilla ; head, neck, sides
an upper parts generally brown and blackish ; lower part of breast and belly, except
lower part which is brownish-gray, white. Length about 20 inches ; extent about 33.
Habitat. North America, breeding far north.
The Big Black-head or Blue-bill, as this species is usually known to
sportsmen, is a moderately abundant spring and fall migrant, and gen-
erally a few remain with us in winter. This and the Little Black-head,
and occasionally other species, are often found together in flocks. This
duck feeds principally on different kinds of aquatic animal life (other
than fish) and it also, sometimes, eats seeds and the tender parts of
several kinds of plants which grow in our rivers.
44 BIRDS OF PENNS YL VANIA.
Aythya affinis (EYT.).
Lesser-Scaup Duck ; Little Black-head.
DESCRIPTION (Plate 62).
Very similar to the previously described species, measuring about 16 inches in
length and about 28 inches in extent ; head glossed with purplish-violet.
Habitat. North America in general, breeding chiefly north of the United States,
migrating south to Guatemala and the West Indies.
The Little Black-head or Little Blue-bill, a common spring- and fall
migrant, is found generally throughout the state. At Erie bay it is one
of the most common ducks, being found there regularly, when migrat-
ing, in large flocks. During mild winters small, scattered flocks of this
species are frequently met with in this region. Dr. Walter Van Fleet,
of Renovo, Pa., informs me that about four years ago he saw a pair of
these ducks for two consecutive seasons, during the summer months,
inhabiting an extensive marshy meadow in Northumberland county, Pa.,
where he believes they bred. In the winter of 1885 I found the Little-
Blue-bill in immense flocks at Lake George, Florida, where it is known
as the Raft Duck.
Aythya collaris (DONOV.).
Ring-necked Duck.
DESCRIPTION.
Very similar to Black-head ; male with narrow brownish ring about middle of
neck ; speculum gray ; back blackish ; head and neck above ring black, glossed with
green and purplish violet. Female has brownish head and neck, chin, sides of head
and ring about eye whitish. Bill in male is black, lighter at base and at end, and in
female is brownish-black ; tarsi, bluish-gray ; eyes yellow. Length about 18 inches ;
extent about 28 inches.
Habitat. North America, breeding far north and migrating south to Guatemala
and the West Indies.
The Ring-necked Duck is a regular and reasonably common spring
and fall migrant in this state. At Erie bay it is often found in company
with other species, particularly the Little Black-head. The Ring-necked
Duck feeds largely on seeds of different aquatic plants.
GENUS GLAUCIONETTA STEJNEGER.
Glaucionetta clangula americana (BONAP.).
American Golden-eye ; Whistler.
DESCRIPTION (Plate 59).
Bill considerably shorter than head, and very high at base ; frontal feathers ex-
tend beyond those on sides ; tail of sixteen feathers and rather pointed.
Male. Head and upper part of the short neck glossy-green, and a rounded patch
of white along base of bill in front of eye (in a young male before me the head is
tl
"tl
BIRDS OF PENNSYL VANIA. 45
blackish, with slight greenish gloss on sides and the white loral patches are mottled
with dusky) ; bill (dried skin) black ; legs yellowish ; iris orange-yellow ; lower
neck under plumage generally, and middle and greater wing coverts, sides, inner
secondaries, some of the scapular and tertial feathers white ; back, primaries inner
scapulars and tertial s black. Female has snuff-brown head, and no white loral
spots usually less white on wings. Length about 20 inches ; extent about 31
inches.
Habitat. North America, breeding from Maine and the British Provinces north-
ward ; in winter south to Cuba.
This handsome bird, called, usually by sportsmen, Whistler, from the
fact that when flying- its wings make a loud whistling sound, is a regu-
lar and rather common spring and fall migrant, and in winter it is often
seen about our large rivers and on Lake Erie. The Golden-eye, gener-
ally shy and very difficult to approach, is an expert diver, and a par-
ticularly rapid flyer. Feeding as it does, principally, on fish, cray-fish,
bivalves, etc., its flesh is usually fishy and very unpalatable.
GENUS CHARITONETTA STEJNEGER.
Charitonetta albeola (LiNN.).
Buflle-head.
DESCRIPTION (Plate 60).
Bill much shorter than head. Feathers of hind head and upper part of short neck
long and puffy (especially in male).
Male. Broad white patch on side of head back of eyes meeting its fellow behind ;
rest of head and upper neck dark, with beautiful iridescent purple, green and
violet hues ; ring around lower part of neck, sides and under plumage (lower part
of abdomen is grayish) wing coverts, except the lesser and many of the second-
aries, white, and back black ; upper tail coverts grayish-white ; upper surface of
primaries glossy-black ; lining of wings brownish and white ; bill (dried skin) dull
blue, legs brownish-yellow ; eyes brown. Length about 15 inches ; extent about 24
inches. Female is smaller than male and feathers of sides and back of head shorter,
and has head, neck and upper parts generally dark grayish-brown, with slight trace
of white patches on sides of head, back of, but not reaching to eyes.
Habitat. North America ; south in winter to Cuba and Mexico. Breeds from
Maine northward ; through the fur countries and Alaska.
This beautiful little duck, commonly called Butter-ball, is frequently
met with during migrations about our rivers and mill-ponds. The
species is, however, much more common in autumn than during the
winter and spring. The Buflle-head, like the Grebe and Loon, will dive
at the flash of a gun and swim, it is said, under the water with only its
bill above the surface. Audubon says : " Their food is much varied,
according to situation. On the sea-coast, or in estauries, they dive after
shrimps, small fry and bivalve shells, and in fresh water they feed on
small cray-fish, leeches and snails, and even grasses." In the stomachs
of five of these ducks, which I have examined, were found small shells
and coleopterous insects.
46 BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
GENUS CL.ANGULA LEACH.
Clang-iila hyemalis (LINN.).
Old-squaw ; Long-tailed Duck.
DESCRIPTION (Plate 63).
Bill smaller and much shorter than head ; tail of 14 pointed feathers.
Male in winter. Bill black, yellowish towards end ; iris red ; legs light lead
color ; head, neck and fore part of back white or whitish ; lores and cheeks gray,
and a blackish oblong space below ears on sides of neck ; lower part of back, upper
tail coverts, breast, upper part of belly and four long middle tail feathers, black ;
posterior part of belly white ; wings brownish.
Female. Head, neck and lower parts mainly white; top of head, sides of same
and chin brownish-black ; throat streaked with dusky ; upper parts blackish-brown,
darker on lower back. Length of male (depends on development of four central
tail feathers) about 23 inches. Length of female about 18 inches ; extent about 28
inches.
Habitat. Northern hemisphere ; in North America south to the Potomac and the
Ohio ; breeds far northward.
Kegular spring- and fall migrant on our principal rivers, and at Erie
bay, but seldom seen about the smaller streams and ponds in the state.
This species, in winter, is frequently found on the Susquehanna from
Harrisburg southward. Prof. August Kock says the Old-squaw is a
very plentiful visitor in April on the Susquehanna river in Lycoming
county. The flesh of the Long-tailed Duck is quite tough, dark-colored
and fishy. The stomachs of five of these ducks, shot last winter near
Harrisburg, contained fish, mussels, beetles and sand.
GENUS SOMATERIA LEACH.
Somateria spectabilis (LiNN.).
King Eider.
DESCRIPTION.
Bill high at base, shorter than head ; frontal feathers and those of chin extend far
forward.
Male in winter. Bill (dried skin) brownish-yellow, darker toward end ; legs
brownish ; eyes dark-brown ; head reddish-brown, darkest on top, brightest on sides,
and faintly spotted with dusky ; throat and most of neck blackish ; jugulurn dirty
yellowish-white with dusky spots ; sides mostly dull black ; breast and under parts
generally grayish-brown ; upper parts dark brownish ; feathers of fore-back,
scapulars, wing coverts and about root of tail, edged with rusty and gray. The
female in winter is very similar to male, as described above, except she has less
black, especially on neck which is dark reddish-brown, very much same as the sides
of head of male.
Habitat. Northern parts of northern hemisphere ; breeding in the Arctic regions;
in N orth America south casually in winter to New Jersey.and the Great Lakes.
Accidental winter visitor at Erie bay, where, on the 30th of November,
1889, a flock of probably eighteen or twenty individuals made their ap-
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 47
pearancc a few hours after a severe storm, which lasted for two days,
had visited the region of the Great Lakes. About fourteen of these
ducks, which the hunters called " boobies " a name that is also given
by them to the surf ducks which freqently visit the bay were shot by
three or four gunners, who had no trouble in approaching within a few
yards of the stupid ducks which were found swimming close to the
dock where a large number of men were engaged in unloading iron ore
from vessels.
Through the kindness of Mr. James Thompson, of Erie, Mr. Geo. B.
Bennett and I secured, from gunners, seven of these birds, six immature
males (all of which varied greatly in plumage) and one female. Two
hunters, who unfortunately before they knew we were anxious to pre-
serve the ducks for our collections, had cooked three or four which they
had captured, said the dark-colored flesh was tough, stringy and so rank
and unsavory that they could not eat it. The oldest hunters assured us
they had never before seen ducks of this kind in that locality.
NOTE. A duck supposed to be the American Eider (Somateria
dresseri) was captured in the winter of 1886, near Chadd's Ford, Dela-
ware county, but as the bird was not positively identified, I have not
included it among the birds of our state.
GENUS OIDEMIA FLEMING.
Oidemia americana Sw. & RICH.
American Scoter ; Booby ; Sea Coot.
DESCRIPTION.
Bill high at base and swollen.
Adult Male. Bill (dried skin) base of upper mandible reddish-yellow, rest
blackish ; iris brown ; tarsi blackish ; entire plumage black, the neck and back with
slight gloss. Female sooty-brown ; throat and sides of head whitish, lower plumage
is lighter than that of upper parts ; belly grayish-white ; bill blackish and smaller
than that of male. A male measures 19| inches long and 35 inches from tip to tip ;
female smaller.
Habitat. Coasts and larger lakes of northern North America; breeds in Labrador
and the northern interior; south in winter to New Jersey, the Great Lakes and
California.
Rather rare migrant in spring and autumn, and occasional winter
visitor on Susquehanna and Delaware rivers. At Erie bay this species
is said to be of very rare occurrence.
Oidemia deglandi BONAP.
White-winged Scoter ; Booby.
DESCRIPTION.
Male. Bill much swollen and high at base ; feathers extend on sides near nos-
trils ; bill quite broad, black at base and on edges ; rest red ; eyes yellow ; legs red-
48 BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
dish-yellow. General plumage black, a white streak about one inch long runs un-
der and behind eye ; secondaries and tips of greater coverts form a white speculum.
Female. Bill blackish and less swollen than in male ; general plumage similar
to male but paler ; speculum white ; whitish patch on side of head. Length about
22 inches ; extent about 38 inches ; female smaller.
Habitat. Northern North America, breeding in Labrador and the fur countries ;
south in winter to the Middle States, southern Illinois and southern California.
Spring and fall migrant and winter visitor on our principal rivers
and at Erie bay. At the last mentioned locality this species is some-
times seen, particularly in the late fall or early winter, in good-sized
nocks. On the Susquehanna river it is usually found singly or in pairs.
Oidemia perspicillata (LINN.).
Surf Scoter ; Surf Duck ; Booby ; Sea Coot.
DESCRIPTION.
Male. Upper mandible much swollen and frontal feathers extend far forward ;
maxilla swollen at sides and wider at upper part of base than below ; general color
black ; a triangular white patch on top of head, beginning at about middle of eyes
and narrowing as it extends over forehead ; a second white triangular patch, widest
above on nape and extending down on back of neck ; bill (dried skin) pale-yellowish
and red, with large rounded black spots on side ; legs red ; iris yellowish. Female
has a blackish bill which is not swollen at base ; general plumage sooty-brown ;
lower parts grayish ; sides of head whitish, in some individuals a whitish loral patch ;
forehead and hind neck brownish black. Length of male about 20 inches ; extent
about 33.
Habitat. Coasts and larger inland waters of northern North America ; in winter
south to the Carolinas, the Ohio river and Lower California.
Bather rare spring and fall migrant and winter resident. When found
with us this duck inhabits the same localities as the two previously
described species. In January, 1890, 1 purchased from a hunter at Erie,
one of these Scoters, which he had shot on the bay, where he said a flock
of about twenty had been seen.
GENUS ERISMATURA BONAPARTE.
Erismatura rubida ( WILS. ) .
Ruddy Duck ; Spine-tailed Duck.
DESCRIPTION (Plate 63).
Bill bent upwards and about as long as head, very broad ; nostrils small and situ-
ated near culmen ; head small ; neck thick ; tail consists of eighteen stiff and narrow
feathers ; the under surface of shafts of tail feathers channelled; tail coverts very
short.
Male. Bill bluish ; legs grayish-blue ; iris reddish-brown ; top of head and nape
blackish ; upper plumage, greater part of neck rusty-brown, brightest on back ; sides
of head and chin white ; lower parts whitish, breast sometimes very rusty.
Female and young male. Top of head and upper parts generally brownish, dotted
with grayish and reddish-brown ; sides of head grayish-white and rusty lower parts
grayish-white. A small duck about 15 inches long and 22 inches in extent.
Habitat. North America in general, south to Cuba, Guatemala and northern
South America, breeding throughout most of its North American range.
BTET)S OF PENNSYLVANIA. 49
Winter resident found generally throughout the state. Arrives in
October and remains until late in April ; in summer, occasionally, strag-
glers of this species are observed at Erie bay, but I am not aware that
they ever breed there or in any other part of Pennsylvania. Although
the Spine-tailed Ducks are found here in winter, they are much more
numerous during the spring and fall migrations than in winter. The
Buddy Duck varies greatly in its plumage, but can easily be recognized
by its long stiff tail which, when swimming, is carried high up. Like
the Grebe, this duck is an expert diver. Its food consists chiefly of
vegetable substances seeds, roots and stems of grasses and other aquatic
plants.
SUBFAMILY ANSERINE. GEESE.
THE GEESE.
But one representative of this subfamily the common Wild Goose (B. canaden-
sis) is found as a regular and common migrant in our state.
GENUS CHEN BOIE.
Chen caerulescens (LINN.).
Blue Snow Goose.
DESCRIPTION.
" Bill and feet flesh-pink, former with the recess between the mandibles black,
the nails whitish ; iris dark brown ; claws dusky. Head and neck above white, the
neck below, passing on to the back and breast, dusky-gray, then fading into whitish
on the under parts, changing on the wings into fine bluish-gray, or silvery ash ;
rump and upper tail coverts whitish ; quills and tail feathers dusky, edged with
whitish, primaries black. Size of the Snow Goose (Chen hyperborea nivalis), or
rather less, and closely resembling the young of that species. Length about 25 f
wing 16 ; bill 2.25 ; tarsus 3.
Habitat. North America at large" (but chiefly in the interior). Cone's Key to
N. A. Birds.
The Blue Snow Goose, called also the Blue Goose, is placed in the
" Hypothetical List " of the A. O. U. Check List, but Prof. Kobert Bidg-
way (Manual of N. A. Birds) states that it is beyond question a good
species. I have never seen the Blue Goose in Pennsylvania, but give it
a place in this report on the authority of Dr. T. Z. Hazzard, residing at
Allegheny City, Pa., who writes me that he saw one which was shot on
the Ohio river, near Pittsburgh, in the fall of 1887. This bird was seen
in company with other wildfowl. The Doctor further adds it is very
rare here even as a migrant.
Chen hyperborea nivalis (FOKST.).
Greater Snow Goose.
DESCRIPTION.
" Bill carmine-red or pale purplish with a salmon tinge, the nails white, the recess
between mandibles black. Eyes dark brown. Feet dull lake-red, the claws black-
4 BIRDS.
50 BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
ish. Adult plumage pure white, the head usually washed with rusty-brown, like a
swan's, the ends of the primaries blackening. Young resembling the last, but the
head not white, while other parts are colored. Large: length, 27.0031.00; extent,
57.0062.00; * * * weight 5 or 6 pounds." Cone's Key N. A. B.
Habitat. North America, breeding far north, and migrating south in winter,
chiefly along the Atlantic coast, reaching Cuba.
Bare and irregular visitor in the early spring, late fall, and in winter.
Specimens have been taken in Pennsylvania by Dr. John W. Detwiller
of Bethlehem, Pa., and Prof. H. Justin Roddy of Millersville, Pa.
GENUS BRANTA SCOPOLI.
Branta canadensis (LiNN.).
Canada Goose.
DESCRIPTION (Plate 6).
*' Tail of eighteen feathers ; head, neck, bill and feet, deep-black ; a large triangular
patch of white on the cheeks behind the eye ; the two of opposite sides broadly con-
fluent beneath, but not extending to the rami of lower jaw ; a few whitish feathers
on lower eyelid ; upper parts brown, edged with paler ; under parts light, with a
tinge of purple-gray, sometimes a shade of smoky brown ; the edges of the feathers
paler ; the color of the body of the feathers, though similar, becoming deeper on the
sides, tibia, axillars, and inside of wings ; the gray of the belly passes gradually into
white on the anal region and under coverts ; the upper tail coverts are pure-white ;
the primary quills and rump are very dark blackish-brown ; the tail feathers are
black ; iris brown.
" Length, 35 inches ; wing, 18; tarsus, 3.10; commissure, 2.10 inches." Baird's
Birds of N. A.
Habitat. Temperate North America, breeding in the northern United States and
British Provinces ; south in winter to Mexico.
This well-known bird, usually called Wild Goose, is a common spring
and fall migrant in Pennsylvania.
In referring to this species, Wilson says : " The flight of the Wild
Geese is heavy and laborious, generally in a straight line, or in two
lines, approximating to a point thus, > : In both cases the van is led
by an old gander, who, every now and then, pipes his well known honk,
as if to ask how they come on ; and the honk of 'All's well ' is generally
returned by some of the party. Their course is in a straight line, with
the exception of the undulations of their flight. When bewildered in
foggy weather, they appear sometimes to be in great distress, flying
about in an irregular manner, and for a considerable time over the same
quarter, making a great clamor. On these occasions, should they ap-
proach the earth and alight which they sometimes do to rest and rec-
ollect themselves the only hospitality they meet with is death and de-
struction from a whole neighborhood already in arms for their ruin."
The food of this species consists chiefly of vegetable materials, such
as cereals, the seeds, roots and other portions of plants.
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 51
Branta bernicla (LiNN.).
Brant.
DESCRIPTION.
Bill rather small and short Bill and legs black ; iris brown. Head, neck, body
in front of wings, primaries and tail black ; a small white patch on each side of neck
streaked with black ; few white feathers on chin and about lower eyelids ; back
brownish-gray, lower parts quite similar but lighter ; rump darker than upper part
of back ; feathers about tail mostly white. Length about 23 inches ; extent about 46
inches.
Habitat. Northern parts of the Northern Hemisphere ; in North America chiefly
on the Atlantic coast ; rare in the interior, or away from salt water.
The Brant, or Brant Goose, as this species is usually called by sports-
men, is found in Pennsylvania only as a very rare and irregular visitor,
about our large rivers. In January, 1890, 1 purchased one of these birds
from a gunner who had shot it on the Susquehanna river near Harris-
burg, Pa. Mr. D. Frank Keller of Reading, Pa., has a specimen which
was captured in Berks county ; and Dr. G. A. Scroggs, of Beaver, Pa.,
informs me Brant geese are occasionally found on the Ohio river, in
Beaver county. The Brant feeds almost exclusively on a vegetable diet.
SUBFAMILY CYGNIN^. SWANS.
GENUS OLOR WAGLER.
Olor columbianus (ORD.).
Whistling Swan.
DESCRIPTION.
Neck longer than body. Length about 4 feet ; extent about 7 feet ; bill has
yellowish spot in front of eye, rest of bill, also legs and feet black ; eyes brown.
Plumage of adult is pure white, with the head, neck and belly in some individuals
tinged with rusty. The young are said to be a light lead color, with head and neck
tinged with yellowish- brown ; and the color of legs, bill and feet is described as
being much paler.
Habitat. Whole of North America, breeding far north.
Spring and fall migrant, also occasional winter visitant. This species
is more frequently seen on Lake Erie and about our principal rivers
than elsewhere, though it occurs generally throughout the state. The
following interesting account * of an unusual flight of these swans, is
from the pen of my friend, Mr. Geo. B. Sennett, of Erie city, Pa.:
" An unusual flight of swans occurred in northwestern Pennsylvania
on the 22d of last March (1879). Crawford, Mercer, Venango and
Warren counties being the places where they were seen. On the day
mentioned, as well as the previous day and night, a severe storm pre-
vailed, the rain and snow freezing as they fell. The swans, on their
migration north, were caught in the storm, and becoming overweighted
* Bulletin Nutt. Club. Vol. V. pp. 125, 126.
52 BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
with ice soon grew so exhausted that they settled into the nearest ponds
and streams almost helpless. Generally a single one was seen in some
mill-pond or creek, and the fowling-piece loaded with large shot, and
not unfrequently the rifle, was used to bring- to bag- the noble game,
though, considering the plight they were in, in all probability any one
might have paddled up to the birds and taken them alive. In fact in a
number of instances they were reported as thus taken alive. Large
flocks were seen in some districts in the same pitiable condition. In
close vicinity of Meadville only two, I believe, were taken. Titusville
and Oil City and the intervening eighteen miles up Oil creek and its
branches seem to have been the points where they were seen in greatest
number. A published report from the former place states that ' ten or
twelve White Swans were captured alive ' near East Titusville. The
report from the Bouseville (three miles above Oil City, on Cherry run)
correspondent of the Oil City Derrick states : ' A flock of from thirty-
three to thirty-five American or Whistling Swans surprised the inhabi-
tants of Plumer on Saturday forenoon by alighting in the waters of
Cherry run. One of the swans was almost immediately shot at and
killed, and, to the surprise of the now large crowd of men and boys, the
remainder of the flock, on account of the ice accumulating on their
wings, was unable to fly, and a general rush was then made for the
poor birds, and twenty-five were captured alive by the eager fellows.
Some have them yet alive, but many were killed for their feathers and
flesh. The remaining eight or ten birds finally managed with great
difficulty to arise. One, however, soon alighting in the midst of Bouseville
village in Cherry run, was soon killed by Dave Phillips, the balance flying
a little further, alighting in Oil creek. A general stampede of men and
boys now took place, the greater part armed with some weapon of war-
fare ; but Charley Clark, a noted sportsman and accurate shot, led the
van, and was successful in laying over two of the splendid birds, and
badly wounding a third, at the first shot. He afterward shot the third
and fourth, and the vociferous crowd returned to town, four men bearing
the burdens of the victor's spoils. The larger of the birds shot by Clark
was a magnificent creature, measuring fifty-one inches from tip of bill
to tail, and eighty-six inches in extent, and weighing over sixteen
pounds ; it is said that the one shot by Phillips was larger, weighing-
twenty pounds."
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 53
ORDER HERODIONES. HERONS, IBISES, ETC,
SUBORDER CICONI^E. STORKS, ETC.
FAMILY CICONIID-ffi. WOOD IBISES, ETC.
SUBFAMILY TANTALIN-ffi. WOOD IBISES.
GENUS TANTALUS LINNAEUS.
Tantalus loculator LINN.
Wood Ibis.
DESCRIPTION.
Size large, with long legs, neck and beak, the latter measuring in specimen before
me 8| inches ; bill high and wide at base, tapering to the end which curves down-
ward ; tibise bare for more than half their length. Sexes alike in plumage.
Male. Bill (dried skin) both mandibles about base blackish ; most of lower man-
dible, sides of maxilla in front of nostrils and culmen, of brownish-yellow ; lightest
on upper surface ; bare skin of head and upper part of neck dull bluish-black,
thickly covered, especially on nape and back of neck, with grayish-brown scales ;
tail and long wing feathers black, with green, purplish and bronze reflections.
Rest of plumage pure white ; legs (dried skin) brownish-black ; toes yellowish ;
iris dark-brown. Length about 4 feet ; extent about 5 feet. Weight 9 to 12 pounds.
Habitat. Southern United States, from the Ohio Valley, Colorado, Utah, Califor-
nia, etc., south to Buenos Ayres ; casually northward to Pennsylvania and New York.
The Wood Ibis, a common resident in the southern states, occurs in
Pennsylvania as a very rare and irregular visitor. The late Judge Lib-
bart, in his ornithological report of Lancaster county, says : " I ob-
tained a fine specimen of this species, shot from a troop of ten by Mr.
M. Ely on the Susquehanna, July, 1862."
Mr. C. J. Pennock, in his catalogue of Chester county birds, writes
that a Wood Ibis was taken a number of years ago by the late Vincent
Barnard. Prof. August Kock, of Williamsport, has one in his collection
which was captured a few years ago in Lycoming county, and Dr.
Walter Van Fleet, of Eenovo, includes it among the stragglers in his
list of species found in Clinton county. Dr. A. C. Treichler, Elizabeth-
town, has specimens of this bird in his collection which were shot in
Lancaster county in the early part of July, 1883, shortly after severe
storms. Mr. Geo. P. Friant, of Scranton, informs me that a small flock
of Wood Ibises, about four or five years ago, were seen in his neighbor-
hood.
In Florida, where these birds were very common in 1885, 1 found they
fed chiefly on fish, frogs and snakes.
NOTE. Dr. Turnbull (Birds of Eastern Pennsylvania) writing of the
Glossy Ibis (Plegadis autumnalis) family Ibididce, says : " Last season
(1866) Mr. John Jrider shot a specimen just below Philadelphia. At
long intervals it has been seen on the river Delaware." I have in my
54 BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
possession a specimen of the White Ibis (Guara alba) family Ibididcn,
which is said to have been captured in Pennsylvania about thirty years
ag-o. In the museum at Lancaster city, there is a specimen of the
Roseate Spoonbill (Ajaja ajajd) family Plataleidce, which it is stated
was captured over twenty-five years ago in Lancaster county. As none
of these three species have, so far as I can learn, been observed in Penn-
sylvania during the past quarter of a century, I do not consider that
any of them are entitled to a place in this report.
SUBORDER HERODIL HERONS, EGRETS, BITTERNS, ETC.
FAMILY ARDEID^E. HERONS, BITTERNS, EGRETS.
THE HERONS, ETC.
Birds oi this family containing, it is said, about seventy-five species are very
generally dispersed throughout all parts of the globe. A few species wander to cold
countries, but the great majority of these waders inhabit the lower temperate and
tropical regions. In different localities throughout the United States, about fifteen
species and varieties (local or geographical races) are recorded by modern writers ;
of these nine species have been taken, during recent years, in Pennsylvania. Some
species occur with us as regular summer residents, while others are observed here
only as transitory visitors in the spring and fall migrations. These birds frequent
muddy banks of rivers, creeks, lakes and ponds ; they are also found about swampy
meadows and marshy places, particularly if the latter are well supplied with pools
of shallow water, protected by trees or bushes. They often remain quiet or inactive
in daytime, but as evening approaches, or in the night, they go out, like the owls,
in quest of food, which is secured by rapid, dexterous thrusts of their long, spear-
like bills. Birds of this group subsist chiefly on various kinds of fishes (fish meas-
uring nearly a foot in length are often swallowed by large herons), frogs and snakes ;
and they also eat other kinds of animal food, such as large insects, field-mice, lizards,
cray-fish, leeches, etc., and some of the larger herons occasionally catch wood-rats,
and young birds of other species which breed about their favorite feeding resorts
With the exception of the Bitterns, these birds are gregarious, particularly when
breeding, and in the southern states where herons and egrets are abundant, they
often breed together in great numbers, frequently in company with cormorants,
water turkeys and ibises. The herons and egrets build rude and bulky nests of
sticks and twigs, in trees or bushes ; the bluish or greenish colored and unspotted
eggs vary from two to six in number. The sharp, rasping cries of these birds, are
often uttered when feeding, also if they are frightened, and frequently when flying,
either when migrating or when going to and from their feeding places. Birds of
this family are known by the following characters : Long neck and legs ; bill long,
straight, tapering, acute and furnished with sharp cutting edges. Lores naked and
usually, particularly in the breeding season, bright colored ; the head is rather long,
narrow and flat on the sides. When breeding these birds frequently have back of
head, the lower neck, back or scapulars, beautifully ornamented with long plumes.
Herons and egrets have three pairs of powder-down tracts, one on lower part of back,
the second on lower belly, and a third on breast. Bitterns have two pairs of these
tracts, one on lower back, the other on breast ; toes long and slender ; the claws are
long and curved, especially that of hind toe, and the middle claw has a fine comb
on inner edge. The hind toe is inserted on a level with three in front ; outer toes
usually connected with middle by a small web at base, others free. Tail very short,
twelve feathers, except in bitterns, which have only ten.
-
a*
if
^
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 55
SUBFAMILY BOTAURIN-ffi. BITTERNS.
GENUS BOTAURUS HERMANN.
Botaurus lentiginosus (MONTAG.).
American Bittern ; Indian Hen.
DESCRIPTION (Plate 5) .
Adult. Bill yellowish, dusky on ridge, lores greenish yellow ; legs and feet yel-
lowish-green ; iris yellow. Length, about 26 inches ; extent, about 45 inches. Gen-
eral color brownish-yellow, top of head dull brown, upper parts finely freckled and
variegated with different shades of brown, blackish and whitish ; chin and throat
white with brown streak ; a broad and glossy-black stripe about three inches long
on upper part of neck.
Habitat. Temperate North America, south to Guatemala and the West Indies.
The Bittern or " Green-legged Crane," as this wader is called by many
sportsmen, is readily distinguished from other birds of the family by its
brownish-yellow plumage, greenish-colored legs, and large size. It is a
summer resident in Pennsylvania, where it arrives generally early in
April and remains until about the first week in November. Although
these birds breed, occasionally at least, in different parts of the state,
they are much more frequently met with (singly or in pairs) when mi-
grating in the spring and fall, than in summer. In this locality these
birds are never found in flocks ; commonly only solitary individuals are
seen frequenting chiefly the thick swampy districts about meadows and
rivers. During the daylight Bitterns conceal themselves in the long
grasses, weeds, bushes, etc., growing about swamps. They migrate and
feed during the night.
Mr. George B. Sennett, Erie, Pa., says, he is quite certain this species
breeds occasionally on the peninsula, near Erie city ; also at Conneaut
Lake, Lake Pleasant and Oil Creek Lake, in Crawford county. Mr. W.
H. Buller, residing at Marietta, Lancaster county, Pa., in a letter dated
July 29, 1889, addressed to me, writes as follows : " I am inclined to
believe that the American Bittern breeds in the vicinity of Schock's
Mills, a few miles west of Marietta. While I have never found its nest
or seen its young, yet I have so frequently seen the bird in that vicinity
during the summer that I think it probable that it breeds in the swamps
there." Dr. George B. Boss, of Lebanon, Pa., states that it breeds in
Lebanon county. In Perry county, Mr. H. Justin Boddy, Millersville,
Pa., has observed it as a " rare breeder." Mr. J. F. Kocher, of South
Whitehall, Pa., says the Bittern is occasionally found breeding in Le-
high county, and Dr. Walter Van Fleet of Benovo, Pa., mentions it as
breeding occasionally and sparingly in Clinton county.
The nest of this bird is placed on the ground ; the eggs, three to five
in number three is said to be the usual number are described as
brownish-drab, unspotted, measuring about 2 inches long by about If
inches broad.
56
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
According to Dr. Coues, " the food of this bird consists of various
kinds of small aquatic animals. In its stomach may be found different
molluscs, craw-fish, frogs, lizards, small snakes and fishes, as well as
insects. Such prey is captured with great address, by spearing, as the
bird walks or wades stealthily along. The thrust of the bill is marvel-
ously quick and skilful more action is displayed on such occasions
than probably under any other circumstance." Birds of the Northivest.
Although Bitterns frequently devour fish, I believe they prefer other
kinds of animal food, especially snakes, frogs and insects.
The food materials of nine of these birds, which I have examined, are
given in the following table :
No.
DATE.
LOCALITY.
FOOD-MATERIALS.
1
April 11. 1880, .
Chester county. Pa. . . .
Beetles and scales of flsh.
2
April 23. 1880, . .
Chester county. Pa. . . .
Water-snake.
8
April 29. 1881, .
Delaware county. Pa.. . .
Cray-flsh and frogs.
4
5
Sept. . 1881. . .
April , 1882, .
Chester county. Pa. . . .
Chester county. Pa. . . .
Beetles and frogs.
Two snakes, each about eighteen inches in length.
6
April-. 1882. . .
Chester county, Pa. . . .
Snake and snails.
8
Oct. 3. 1883. .
April i 18S5. . .
Philadelphia Market, Pa. .
Orange county, Fla. . . .
Grasshoppers and beetles.
Numerous insects.
9
April , 1885, . .
Orange county, Fla. . . .
Cray-fish and remains of fishes.
Botaurus exilis (GMEL.).
Least Bittern.
DESCRIPTION.
" Head above and the back dark glossy-green ; upper part of neck, shoulders,
greater coverts, and outer webs of some tertials, purplish-cinnamon ; a brownish-
yellow scapular stripe (broadest in female).
Female with the green of head and back replaced by purplish-chestnut. Iris
yellow.
Length, 13 inches; extent, about 17; wing, 4.75; tarsus, 1.60; bill above, 1.75."
Bawds' B. of N. A.
Habitat. Temperate North America, from British Provinces to the West Indies
and Brazil.
The Least Bittern, the smallest of the herons, I have found in this
state only as a rather rare visitant during the spring and fall migrations.
This species is sometimes, though rarely, observed in Pennsylvania
during the breeding season. When alarmed they fly generally but a few
yards and take shelter among the reeds or long grass. Least Bitterns
are scarcely ever seen exposed, but skulk during the day, and, like the
preceding species, feed chiefly in the night.
Mr. Geo. B. Sennett, of Erie, has taken specimens in Crawford and
Erie counties, where it is said the species breeds occasionally. Dr. John
W. Detwiller, of Bethlehem, Pa., has found the Least and also the
American Bitterns breeding here. From personal observation I know
nothing concerning the nest or eggs of this species. The following in-
teresting remarks relating to nest and eggs of this bird are taken from
Oliver Davie's valuable work (Nests and Eggs of North American
Plate 13.
Marsh Hawk.
1, Male; 2. Female.
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
57
Birds}: "In some places as many as a dozen or twenty pairs breed
along the grassy shores of a small lake or pond. Like the last, it in-
habits reedy swamps and marshes where the quagmire abounds with a
luxuriant growth of rushes, which is also the home of the rails. The
nest is placed on the ground or in the midst of the rankest grass, or in
a bush. It is often placed on floating bog, and is simply a platform of
dead rushes. The bird has many odd habits. When standing, on the
edge of a stream, with its neck drawn in, it is often taken for a wood-
cock, the long bill giving it this appearance. It appears so stupid at
times that it may be caught with the hand. The bird is mostly seen
just before or after sunset. In many of the southern states this species
rears two broods in a season, fresh eggs having been obtained in May
and August. In Texas, Mr. Rachford says, it nests along the edges of
the water courses in May, bending down the tops of water grass and
platting it into a snug little nest, about two or three feet above the
water. * * * * The eggs of the Least Bittern are from three to
five, usually four, in number, pale bluish or greenish-white, elliptical in
shape. The average size is 1.20 by .93."
According to Nuttall, this species subsists chiefly on small fish and
aquatic insects. Audubon states that "the food of this bird consists of
snails, slugs, tadpoles, or young frogs and water-lizards. In several
instances, however, I have found small shrews and field-mice in their
stomachs." The food materials of six of these birds examined by me
are given, with date of collection, and locality where taken, in the fol-
lowing table :
No.
DATE.
LOCALITY.
FOOD-MATERIALS.
I
2
3
4
5
C,
April 29. 1879. . .
Sept. . 1880
Sept. . 1880
Sept. 20. 1881
Aug. 25, 1883
May 20, 1884,
Lancaster county, Pa .
Delaware county. Pa
Delaware county. Pa
Philadelphia Market, Pa
Delaware county, Pa
Chester county Pa
Hair of small mammal.
Beetles.
Insects and remains of flsh.
Portion of a small snake and insects.
Beetles and ' ' worms. "
Vegetable-matter
SUBFAMILY ARDEIN^S. HERONS AND EGRETS.
GENUS ARDEA LINNAEUS.
Ardea herodias LINN.
Great Blue Heron ; u Big Crane."
DESCRIPTION (Plate 69).
Adult. Bill about six inches long, chiefly yellow, dusky on culmen ; eyes yellow ;
legs and feet blackish, yellowish about toes ; lores greenish-yellow or bluish. The
color of bill, legs and lores vary greatly not only with age and season but also with
individuals. The male, larger than female, is about 4 feet long and about, six feet
from tip to tip. Forehead and central portion of crown white, surrounded on sides
and behind with black ; long occipital feathers black ; neck chiefly brownish-gray :
feathers on middle (in front) of lower two-thirds of neck, with a showy streak of
58 BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
black, white and rusty ; chin and upper part of neck in front white. Tibise and edge
of wing reddish-brown ; upper parts and tail light bluish-slate color ; long scapular
feathers and long loose feathers on lower neck ; crissum white ; under parts chiefly
black, streaked with white. The young are different in many respects from the
above, but can always be known by their large size and a general resemblance to
the adult.
Habitat. North America, from the Arctic regions southward to the West Indies
and northern South America.
This bird, the largest of our herons, is a summer resident in various
localities in this state. During- the last few years, however, several
favorite breeding 1 resorts in eastern Pennsylvania, which were annually
visited by this and other species, have been broken up by boys and men
who destroyed the birds, old and young, simply because their feathers
would bring a few dollars, and, as they remarked, " there's no law to
stop it."
I have no doubt that the time will soon come when this beautiful
heron will be known in this commonwealth only as a rare straggling
visitant. The nest is made of large sticks and twigs, and placed on the
larger limbs of trees, generally near the water. The eggs vary in num-
ber from three to five, are light-blue in color, and about the size of those
of our common domestic fowl. This bird, and the same is true of other
herons, when wounded and unable to escape, is one which cannot be
handled with too much caution, as it frequently, with its sharp and
powerful bill, inflicts severe, dangerous, and, it is said, sometimes fatal
wounds. In Florida I met a hunter who had an eye destroyed by one
of these birds which he had winged and carelessly attempted to pick up.
By some, particularly residents of certain of the southern states, the
flesh of the Great Blue Heron is considered quite a delicious morsel.
Some few winters ago, when camping in the cypress swamps of Florida,
I, more from necessity than choice, eat the breast meat of this heron
and also that of the Water Turkey (Anhinga anhinga), a bird which
preys exclusively on fish, and although I did not especially relish the
dish, I must admit that to a hungry man it was in no way disagreeable.
The following interesting observations on the food-habits are given by
Nuttall : " Fish is the principal food of the Great Heron, and for this
purpose, like an experienced angler, he often waits for that condition of
the tide which best suits his experience and instinct. At such times
they are seen slowly sailing out from their inland breeding haunts, dur-
ing the most silent and cool period of the summer's day, selecting
usually such shallow inlets as the ebbing tide leaves bare or accessible
to his watchful and patient mode of prowling ; here wading to the knees
he stands motionless amidst the timorous fry, till some victim coming
within the compass of his wily range is as instantly seized by the pow-
erful bill of the heron. * * * If large the fish is beaten to
death, and commonly swallowed with the head descending, as if to avoid
any obstacle arising from the reversion of the fins or any hard external
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
59
processes. On land our heron has also his fare, as he is no less a suc-
cessful angler than a mouser, and renders an important service to the
farmer in the destruction he makes among most of the reptiles and
meadow shrews. Grasshoppers, other large insects, and particularly
dragon-flies, he is very expert in striking, and occasionally feeds upon
the seeds of pond lilies, contiguous to his usual haunts. Our species,
in all probability, as well as the European Heron, at times preys upon
the young birds which may be accidentally straggling near their soli-
tary retreats."
In the months of March and April, 1885, 1 examined the stomachs of
twenty-three of these birds which had been killed by plume-hunters in
Orange and Volusia counties, Florida. Twelve birds had fed entirely
on fish ; three had taken fish and cray-fish ; two, small snakes ; one,
frogs and fish; one, fish and a few feathers; one, traces of beetles,
Three birds were destitute of all food materials.
From my investigations made in Florida, as well as the records in
the following table, I would say this heron is mainly piscivorous in
habit :
No.
DATE.
LOCALITY.
FOOD-MATEKIALS.
1
June 3 1879
Brigantine. N. J..
Remains of flsh.
2
Aug 23 1879
Chester county. Pa
Remains of flsh.
3
June 7 1880
Delaware county Pa. ,
Remains of flsh
4
June 12 1880,
Berks county, Pa
Remains of flsh.
5
May 15, 1880
Chester county, Pa
Remains of flsh.
Q
Sept 1882
Brigantine, N. J.. . . ...
Remains of flsh.
g
Oct. 24, 1883
April 20 1884
Delaware county, Pa
Delaware county. Pa .
Remains of flsh.
Remains of flsh.
y
Aug. , 1884
Willistown, Pa
Remains of flsh.
10
Aug 1884
Willlstown Pa ,
Remains of flsh.
Ardea egretta GMEL.
American Egret ; Large White Crane.
DESCRIPTION.
The plumage of this bird is entirely white ; in the breeding season the adults have
the backs ornamented with long hair-like plumes, frequently so long that they
touch the ground when the bird stands erect ; legs and feet black ; eyes bright yel-
low ; bill yellow, and about five inches long ; point of upper mandible black ; meas-
ures, from tip to tip of wings, about five feet
Habitat. Temperate and tropical America, from New Jersey, Minnesota and
Oregon south to Patagonia ; casually on the Atlantic coast to Nova Scotia.
This beautiful bird, now chiefly found in the southern states, where
it is rapidly being exterminated by the heartless and money-loving
plume-hunters, is a rather rare and irregular migrant in Pennsylvania.
It occurs in this state, generally, only in the late summer and autumn,
when straggling individuals are seen in suitable locations, in almost
every quarter of the commonwealth. In former years, this species is
said to have reared its young in Pennsylvania. The stomach contents
of thirteen of these egrets, which I have examined, are here given
60
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
No.
DATE.
LOCALITY.
FOOD-MATERIALS.
1 August,
1879, .
Lancaster county. Pa
Fishes and insects.
2 July,
3 July,
1881
1884,
Chester county. Pa
Delaware county. Pa
Field-mouse and cray-flsh.
Fishes and frogs (Rana).
4 April,
1885
Orange county, Fla
Cray-fish.
5 April,
6 April,
7 April,
8 April,
1885'
1885,
1885,
1885, .
Orange county, Fla
Orange county, Fla
Orange county, Fla
Orange county, Fla
Fish-scales and bones.
Fishes.
Insects.
Feathers, apparently of a sparrow ( ? )
9 April.
10 April.
1885
1885
Orange county. Fla
Orange county. Fla
Cray-fish and small snake.
Fish -scales and bones.
11 April,
12 May
1885
1885
Orange county, Fla
Volusia county, Fla.,
Cray-fish and fish-scales.
Stomach empty.
13 May,
1885
Volusia county, Fla. ,
Beetles and dipterous insects.
Ardea candidissima GMEL.
Snowy Heron ; Little White Egret.
DESCRIPTION.
Adults in the breeding season have long fine hair-like occipital feathers ; the long
plumes on back are frequently curved upward at ends, which reach to or a little
beyond the ends of tail ; plumes on lower neck similar but not curved. Plumage
in both sexes, and at all ages, entirely white ; bill black, yellow at base ; lores, eyes
and posterior part of tarsus, yellow, rest of legs black ; length about 24 inches ; ex-
tent about 38 inches. In young birds the occipital feathers are slightly developed,
and they also lack the long plumes of back, and jugulum. Old birds when not in
breeding dress, have generally at all seasons, the occipital crests well developed,
but lack the hair-like plumes on back and lower neck.
Habitat. Temperate and tropical America, from Long Island and Oregon south
to Buenos Ayres ; casual on the Atlantic coast to Nova Scotia.
This beautiful heron is most plentiful in the southern states, where
it breeds in company with other species. Solitary individuals are
sometimes found in this locality during" the late summer or early
autumn. This egret is much less frequently met with in Pennsylvania
than the last. In the counties of Crawford and Erie, Messrs. Geo. B.
Sennett, of Erie city, and H. C. Kirkpatrick, of Meadville, have found
the Snowy Heron only as a very rare and irregular visitor. Prof. H.
Justin Roddy, writing to me July 29, 1887, from Landisburg, Perry
county, says, " July 27th I secured here a very fine specimen of the
American Egret (A. egretta); the first I have ever seen in this county.
I have a number of times seen the Snowy Heron (A. candidissima) in
this locality." Occasional stragglers of this species have been met with
in Lehigh and Northampton counties, by Dr. John W. Detwiller, of
Bethlehem. Mr. J. F. Kocher, of South Whitehall, Lehigh county ; Dr.
Geo. B. Boss, of Lebanon, Lebanon county ; Dr. Walter Van Fleet,
Benovo, Clinton county; Jonas Stern, Kutztown; D. Frank Keller,
Beading, Berks county ; George Miller and Casper Loucks, York, York
county ; Dr. A. C. Treichler, Lancaster county ; M. J. Webster, Madi-
sonville, Lackawanna county, and Dr. I. F. Everhart, of Scranton, Lacka-
wanna county, all report this heron in their respective counties as a
rare and irregular straggler.
Nuttall says: "Its food, as usual, consists of small crabs, worms,
Plate 14.
Sharp-shinned Hawk.
1. Male; 2. Female.
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 61
snails, frogs and lizards, to which fare it also adds at times the seeds of
the pond lilies and other aquatic plants." In April, 1885, 1 visited an
island in a small lake in Orange county, Florida, where this species, also
the Louisiana, Little Blue, and Green Herons, were breeding on low
bushes. I shot seven Snowy Herons, and found in the viscera of all
only the remains of fish.
Ardea tricolor ruficollis (GossE.).
Louisiana Heron.
DESCRIPTION.
Adult in breeding season. Bill four inches or a little more in length, and very
slender. Bill (dried skin) bluish-black, and yellowish about base ; lores and naked
skin around eyes yellowish ; eyes reddish-yellow ; legs dusky bluish-yellow. The
three or four longer occipital plumes, lower part of back, rump, sides, under parts
generally, edge of wing, axillars, lining of wings, chin and upper part of throat,
white ; front and top of head, sides of same, malar region, and most of feathers on
sides of long neck, bluish-slate color; upper tail coverts white and bluish ; greater
part of crest, lower portion and back of neck reddish-purple. Long fine scapular
plumes, light brownish gray, quite pale at ends ; the white throat is continuous with
a reddish-brown streak (brightest on upper third of neck) which narrows and be-
comes less distinct, as it extends down in front. The young are never white as in
Ardea cosrulea : they lack the long occipital plumes, also the fine scapular feathers ;
the head and neck light brownish-red ; chin, throat and malar region white ; neck
in front streaked with white and brownish. Length about 27 inches; extent about
36 inches.
Habitat. Gulf states, Mexico, Central America and West Indies, casually north-
ward to New Jersey and Indiana.
The Louisiana Heron, more or less abundant in many of the south
Atlantic and gulf states, I have never seen in Pennsylvania, where it
has been observed only as a rare or accidental visitor in the late summer
or autumn.
Stragglers have been seen, at irregular intervals, by the following
named gentlemen in their respective localities : Dr. John W. Detwiller,
Bethlehem,Northainpton county ; D.Frank Keller, Beading, Berks county,
and Dr. W. Yan Fleet, Benovo, Clinton county. This handsome bird, and
one which is particularly graceful in its movements, I found breeding in
company with other species on low bushes in Florida, in March and
April, 1885. Their rather flat nests were made entirely of small sticks.
The bluish-green eggs, three to five in number, measure about 1.75 inches
long and a little more than 1.25 inches broad. The viscera of eleven of
these birds, which were killed at this nesting place, contained fish, frogs
and snails.
62 BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
Ardea coerulea LINN.
Little Blue Heron ; Little White Heron.
DESCRIPTION.*
Bill about three inches long, and quite slender.
Adult (blue phase), breeding plumage. Bill and lores bluish, former black to-
wards end ; the long, narrow and pointed dorsal plumes extend sometimes several
inches beyond the tail ; legs and feet black ; eyes yellow ; head and neck "purplisn-
red or maroon colored," top of head and fine hair-like crest, bluish with purplish
reflections ; lower part of neck and rest of plumage slate-blue (quite light in some
birds and dark in others) ; some specimens have sooty-black streaks or patches on
back and most of belly. In fifteen of these herons I find ten have a blue streak
more or less complete extending down front of neck ; one has throat bluish and
white ; theother four have necks without these streaks, and as previously described
Adult (blue and white or intermediate phase). Four birds show about the fol-
lowing coloration : Top of head, most of occipital crest, patches on the sides and back
of neck, most of the forepart of back (usually rather continuous on back), tips of
primaries, some of long neck plumes, also a few of the long dorsal plumes, different
shades of bluish ; remainder of plumage white ; bill chiefly bluish black (one has
yellowish streak on maxilla) ; bluish-yellow about lores and eyes ; legs bluish-black ;
eyes yellowish. One bird has greater part of back, several large wing feathers, and
a number oi the long dorsal plumes which extend beyond the tail, entirely slaty-
blue ; primaries faintly tipped with dusky-blue ; the top of head and occipital crest,
light blue ; single maroon feathers, small patches of a like color appear on head and
neck.
Adult (white phase). Two birds : Bill, lores and legs (dried skin) bluish-black ;
eye.s yellow ; ends of outer quills bluish ; top of head and parts of neck with a faint
bluish tint ; rest of plumage pure white.
Young. Bill greenish yellow from base to about half its length ; under surface of
lower mandible yellowish, rest of both mandibles blackish ; lores greenish-blue ;
eyes yellow ; legs greenish or bluish-yellow ; ends of several primaries dusky-blue,
rest of plumage pure white.
Habitat. New Jersey, Illinois and Kansas, southward through Central America
and the West Indies to Guiana and New Grenada ; casually north on Atlantic coast
to Massachusetts and Maine.
This little heron is said to be more diurnal in its habits than others
of its family. Its food, collected principally in the daytime, according
to different writers, consists of fish, frogs, tadpoles, worms, lizards, small
crabs and various kinds of insect-life. Thirty-one of these herons, which
I obtained in different parts of Florida, in March and April, 1885, were
found to have fed almost exclusively on small fishes. Twenty-six of
these birds had only the remains of fish in their viscera. Two others
had eaten frogs and insects ; two, insects only, and the remaining bird
had in its stomach two small frogs, a few fish bones and scales, with hair
of a small mammal. The nest and eggs of the Little Blue Heron are
very similar to those of the Louisiana Heron. This bird, according to
my experience, is found in Pennsylvania as a casual visitor in the late
summer, or early autumn. During the last ten years I have seen two
or three (all young) which were taken in the southeastern part of the
* From twenty six specimens; one (young) captured August, 1875, in Pennsylvania, the others taken
when breeding, in Orange county, Fla. , March, 1885.
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 63
state. Only live, of over seventy, naturalists and collectors, who have
kindly sent me lists of birds found in the different counties of our com-
monwealth, seems to have observed this species. Their reports are sub-
stantially as follows : Dr. John W. Detwiller, Bethlehem, straggler in
Northampton county ; Dr. W. Yan Fleet, Eenovo, straggler in Clinton
county ; D. Frank Keller, Beading, accidental visitor in Berks county.
Prof. H. Justin Roddy, in a letter sent to me from Landisburg, July 15,
1889, says : "Ardea caerulea is a rare breeder (Perry county). Found a
set of eggs June 20, 1885, near the base of Mt. Dempsey."
Ardea virescens LINN.
Green Heron; Shite-poke; Chalk-line; Ply-up-the-creek.
DESCRIPTION (Plate 55).
Length about 18 inches ; expanse about 26 ; bill rather stout, about two and a-half
inches long, and about half an inch longer than tarsus.
Adult, in summer. Top of head, and lengthened crest glossy green ; sides of
head, and neck, except a whitish and dusky streak in front, bright chestnut or
maroon ; wing coverts and upper surface of wings and tail feathers glossy green,
wing coverts edged with brownish and whitish ; inner primaries with narrow white
tips, long scapular plumes bluish-white glossed with green, lower parts grayish,
darkest on sides. Bill greenish-black, except mandible on lower surface, also lores
and eyes yellow ; legs greenish yellow.
Young. Head less crested and dull greenish-black, back and upper parts gener-
ally greenish ; long scapular plumes absent ; wing-coverts much more broadly bor-
dered, brown and whitish than adult ; many of larger wing feathers have showy
white tips ; chin, throat and front neck, whitish with dusky streaks ; rest of and
sides of head rather pale reddish-brown ; lower parts, whitish with dusky stripes ;
edge of wing as in adult, white ; colour of eyes, legs and bill very similar to old bird.
Habitat. Canada and Oregon, southward to northern South America and the West
Indies ; rare or absent in the middle province.
The Green Heron is known by a variety of local names, some of which
are much more expressive than elegant. This bird, the most common
and abundant of all our herons, is found throughout the state, frequent-
ing rivers, streams and ponds. It arrives in this section occasionally as
early as the first week in April, from the southern states, where it re-
sides when the chilling blasts of winter have frozen over our streams
and marshes. This species sometimes breeds in small companies ; gen-
erally, however, but two or three pairs are found nesting together. The
nests, built of sticks and twigs, are placed in low bushes or small trees
adjacent to a stream or pond. The nests frequently are built in apple
orchards. Indeed, the largest number of nests that I ever found in one
locality was in an apple orchard along the Brandywine, where for several
years some twenty-five or thirty of these birds annually resorted. While
it is true that I have found these herons breeding in small numbers with
the Night and Great Blue Herons in Pennsylvania, and also in Florida
in company with the Little Blue, Louisiana and Snowy Herons, and
even sometimes in the colonies of Water Turkeys and Cormorants, I
64
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
think, as a rule, they usually prefer to remain by themselves during- the
season of reproduction as well as at other times. Various writers state
that the eggs are four in number. I have examined many nests, and
consider the usual complement to be not less than five ; frequently six
eggs are laid. The eggs are pale-blue and larger than those of our com-
mon pigeon. This species feeds much more frequently on insects than
other of the herons that reside with us. Nuttall writes of the Green
Heron in the following language : " He is also particularly attracted by
artificial ponds for fish, not refraining even to visit gardens and domes-
tic premises which any prospect of fare may offer. He is, at the same
time, perhaps as much in quest of the natural enemy of the fish, the
frog, as of the legitimate tenants of the pond. These bold and intrusive
visits are commonly made early in the morning, or towards twilight, and
he not unfrequently. when pressed by hunger, or after ill-success, turns
out to hunt his fare by day as well as dusk, and, at such times, collects
various larvae, particularly those of the dragon-fly, with grasshoppers
and different kinds of insects. At other times he preys upon small fish,
crabs and frogs, for which he often lies patiently in wait till they reap-
pear from their hiding places in the water or mud, and on being trans-
fixed and caught, which is effected with great dexterity, they are com-
monly beaten to death, if large, and afterwards swallowed at leisure."
Fourteen birds, examined by me, were found to have fed on the differ-
ent materials named below :
No.
DATE.
LOCALITY.
FOOD-MATERIALS.
1
June . 1879,
Barnegat. N. J
Beetles and other insects.
Oct. 10. 1879, ....
Chester county. Pa
" Fall-fish."
3
April 29, 1880
Chester county. Pa
Frog and minnows.
4
5
April 29, 1879
May 12, 1880. .
Chester county. Pa.
Chester county, Pa
Fragments of insects and small quantity of
hair, probably that of a ileld-mouse.
Beetles.
6
July 3. 1880
Delaware county. Pa. . . .
Frog.
June 30. 1881
Chester county, Pa
Remains of small fishes.
8
Aug. 17, 1881
Chester county, Pa
Beetles and other insects.
9
May 14. 1882
Lancaster county. Pa. . . .
Fishes and frogs.
10
July 29, 1882
Chestercounty, Pa
Remains of small fishes. *
11
July 29, 1882
.Chestercounty, Pa
Remains of small fishes. *
12
July 29, 1882
Chestercounty. Pa
Remains of small fishes. *
13
July 29, 1882
Chestercounty. Pa
Remains of small fishes. *
14
Sept. 4. 1883
York county, Pa
Dipterous and other insects.
Four young birds taken from the nest.
GENUS NYCTICORAX STEPHENS.
Nycticorax nycticorax neevius (BODD.).
Black-crowned Night Heron ; Squawk ; Night-hen.
DESCRIPTION (Plate 6').
Bill very stout and thick ; maxilla slightly curved ; bill and tarsus each about 3
inches long; head and neck large, the latter quite short; body rather short and
heavy.
Adult. Length about 25 inches ; alar extent, about 44 ; bill black ; lores greenish-
yellow ; eyes red ; legs yellowish ; top of head and middle of back glossy-greenish
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 65
black (sometimes dull black with little or no greenish) ; a narrow stripe on fore-
head reaching to eye ; sides of head, chin, throat and under parts white, of ten tinged
with a faint yellowish or a very delicate light purple color : wings and tail ashy-
blue ; neck, except in front, similar but paler. The adults frequently have 3 long
and white occipital feathers, which, when rolled together, appear as one thick round
feather.
Youny. Bill (dried skin) black and yellowish ; iris light yellow ; legs yellowish ;
upper parts light-brown, spotted or streaked with whitish ; tail about same as adult ;
sides of head and neck, and under plumage generally, striped with whitish and
dusky. A young bird before me differs from the last chiefly in having top of head
and large space on interscapular region, dull brownish-gray, without spots.
Habitat. America, from the British possessions southward to the Falkland
Islands, including part of the West Indies.
Next to the Green Heron the Night Heron is unquestionably the
most abundant of the family in this state. The adult birds are easily
distinguished from other herons by the black feathers on top of head
and back, red eyes, and frequently three long, fine, white feathers,
which grow from the base of the head. The appellation, Night Heron,
is highly appropriate, as this bird is strictly nocturnal in its habits.
During the daytime the Night Heron is inactive, and generally is found
perched on a log or the limb of a tree in a quiet nook about the swamps
and streams. As twilight approaches this drowsy wader becomes, as it
were, a new being impelled, no doubt, by the pangs of hunger he
stands erect, the loose and shaggy plumage, which before seemed ill-
adapted to his body, now fits neat and closely as he carefully walks to
the extremity of the dead and decorticated limb on which he has been
dozing, and suddenly with a loud squaivk launches himself into the air,
uttering at short intervals his harsh note, and, rising above the trees of
the forest, he speedily visits some favorite mill-dam. These birds arrive
in Pennsylvania about the 25th of April and remain until the latter part
of September. They seem to repair at once on their arrival in spring to
localities where they are accustomed to breed. After the breeding sea-
son, i. e., about the middle of August, when the young are amply able to
provide for themselves these birds forsake their nesting-places and
become quite plentiful along the rivers, streams and bushy marshes.
The Night Heron rarely, if ever, breeds singly, but always in large
companies. I have visited, on different occasions, two of these breeding
resorts and found from twenty -five to seventy-five nests, which like those
of the other species, were built of sticks and placed usually In high
trees. In Berks county, near Blue Rock, for many years, this species
annually reared their young in the edge of a large woods along the
margin of which was a good-sized stream. In this place many of the
nests were built in a bunch of saplings, some fifteen or twenty feet high
and so small in diameter that it was impossible to climb them. Wilson
has very properly said that the noise of the old and young in one of
these breeding-places would induce one to suppose that two or three
hundred Indians were choking or throttling each other. The same
5 BIRDS.
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
writer, in referring to examinations which he made, states that the teeth
of the pectinated claw were thirty-five or forty in number, and, as they
contained particles of the down of the bird, showed evidently from this
circumstance that they act the part of a comb to rid the bird of vermin
in those parts which it cannot reach with its bill. The late Isaac G.
Darlington, of West Chester, some years ago, had large numbers of
gold-fishes in a pond near his residence. One day Mr. Darlington
caught twenty-five of these fish and placed them in a small pool, intend-
ing to remove them the following morning. About bedtime, Mr. D.
said, I heard a loud squawking, and on going out saw two Night Herons
actively engaged in catching these fish. I shot one of these robbers,
which you there see mounted, on the book-case, and on making an in-
vestigaton found only one of the fish remaining. "An incident may
illustrate the habits of the Night Heron, and perhaps of the whole
family. A Night Heron had been noticed for several days sitting on a
tree near a branch of White Clay creek. It was at length shot and
brought to me, with the tail of a large fish projecting four inches beyond
its bill. On removing the fish (a sucker Catostomus, which must have
been twelve inches long), its head and shoulders except the bony por-
tions were eaten away by the gastric liquor of the stomach." Michener.
I have examined the stomachs of twenty odd of these herons, adult and
young, which have been shot in June at the breeding-grounds, and found
in all only the remains of fishes. In two or three immature birds, taken
in August and September, I have discovered a few grasshoppers and
portions of insects.
NOTE. The Yellow-crowned Night Heron (N. violaceus) which is
found in eastern North America, "from the Carolinas and the lower
Ohio valley south to Brazil," has not, within the last twenty years, to
my knowledge been observed in Pennsylvania. Dr. Turnbull, * writing
of this species says: "A rare straggler from the south. It has been seen
on the borders of the Schuylkill near Philadelphia."
* Birds of Kast Pennsylvania and New Jersey, published in 1869.
Plate 15.
Red- tailed Hawk.
L Male: 2. Female.
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 67
ORDER PALUDICOLJI. RAILS, ETC.
SUBORDER RALLI. KAILS, COOTS, ETC,
FAMILY RALLID-flC. RAILS, GALLINULES AND COOTS.
SUBFAMILY RALLIN-5! RAILS.
THE RAILS.
Six species are found in Pennsylvania either as summer residents, spring and fall
migrants or casual visitants. These birds are difficult to flush, and when started they
fly usually in a feeble manner, going mostly but a short distance when they alight
and hide in the thick vegetation abounding in the marshes and swampy places
which they inhabit almost habitually. Rails, when surprised in their marshy re-
treats, seem to prefer to escape by skulking in the reeds and grasses, but if closely
pressed they make short flights, dropdown suddenly, and secrete themselves or run
with outstretched wings over extensive spaces of water, on which scattered leaves,
blades of grass, or twigs, are resting. Rails, when wounded, particularly if winged,
frequently escape by swimming. It is surprising how rapidly these slender-toed
birds can escape in this manner ; they also are quite expert in diving, and some-
times to escape their enemies will remain for a considerable time under the water
clinging by the long toes to plants with only the bills above the surface. Rails lay
six to twelve whitish, yellowish, or grayish and spotted eggs, in shallow nests built
of blades of grass, reeds or small sticks, supported by tough grasses or rushes in
ponds and marshes. The downy young of the King, Virginia, Clapper and Sora
Rails are black. These birds feed largely on seeds, the tender leaves and buds of
various water plants. They also eat cray-fish, worms, beetles and other insects.
The Clapper (on salt-water marshes of Atlantic coast) and Sora Rails, which are
killed in great numbers by sportsmen, are very highly esteemed game birds. The
other species, equally as palatable, but with the exception of occasional examples of
the King and Virginia Rails, are seldom seen in our markets. The Sora, and scatter-
ing individuals of other species, particularly the Virginia and King Rails, are
often found, in August and early in September, in considerable numbers, in suita-
ble locations, in different parts of this state. Sometimes during cloudy weather, at
twilight and often in the night, particularly in the spring and breeding season, the
loud, grating cries of these birds are heard in the meadows and marshes. In the
genus Rallus the slender and slightly curved bill is much longer than the head :
maxilla, particularly in the King Rail (elegans) and Clapper Rail (crepitans) with
long and rather deep furrows, which start above and behind the linear nostrils and
extend beyond basal half of bill. In Porzana the bill, shorter than head, is straight
and thick with rather short, broad fossae, deepest in front of the narrow nostrils.
The head is feathered in front, i. e., no broad horny frontal plate as in Coot and Gal-
linules; tibiae naked below ; toes, long and slender, without lobes or marginal mem-
branes, and the wings are short and round. The tail has twelve short feathers.
GENUS RALLUS LINNAEUS.
Rallus elegans A.UD.
King Rail; Big Red Rail.
DESCRIPTION.
I <nilt. Length 18 inches; extent about 25. Bill little over 2 inches long. Bill
(dried skin) maxilla blackish-brown, lower mandible paler, darker toward end ;
68 BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
legs and bare parts of tibiae brownish ; iris reddish. A pale streak from base of
maxilla runs back over eye ; lores dusky ; top of head and back of neck dark-
brownish, almost black ; spot on lower eyelid, chin, most of throat, some feathers on
edge of wing also some under tail coverts, white ; sides and front of neck and breast
bright rufous, growing paler below, belly in same birds is nearly white ; wing-
coverts similar to breast but darker. Feathers of upper parts generally, are mostly
brownish-black, edged with olive-brown ; lower part of abdomen, flanks and axillars
blackish, with conspicuous transverse white bars.
Habitat. Fresh-water marshes of the eastern province of the United States, from
the Middle States, northern Illinois, Wisconsin and Kansas southward. Casually
north to Massachusetts, Maine and Ontario.
Spring and fall migrant. Most frequently seen in fall, and much less
common than either the Virginia or Sora Rails. Always observed singly
or in pairs ; often in same swamps with Sora and Virginia Bail during
migrations. Probably a regular breeder in some of our extensive
swamps and marshes. Specimens of this species have been shot by
Messrs. James and Scott Thompson, in the late summer and early
autumn, in the neighborhood of Erie city, and Mr. Georg-e B. Sennett
has observed it in Erie county as a spring migrant. Dr. John W. Det-
willer, of Northampton county, has found nests of this, also the Sora
and Little Red Rail in Pennsylvania. Hon. Gerard C. Brown, York
county ; A. T. Lilley, Bradford county ; Dr. A. C. Treichler, Lancaster
county ; D. Frank Keller, of Berks county, and Dr. Van Fleet, Clinton
county, state that the King Rail occurs in their localities as a straggler.
During the past ten years I have obtained in Delaware, Philadelphia
and Chester counties about a dozen birds of this species ; two of these
were killed in spring and the others in August and September. The
nest, a rude platform of grasses, weeds, etc., is placed on the ground or
in a tussock of grass above the water, in a marsh. The eggs measure
about 1.65 x 1.20, and are dull creamy white, dotted and blotched with
reddish-brown and light-purple.
Rallus longirostris crepitans (GMEL.).
Clapper Rail ; Mud Hen.
DESCRIPTION.
This bird is similar in form but somewhat smaller than R. elegans which it re-
sembles in general appearance, but lacking the bright rufous as well as other darker
colors of the King Rail.
A dttW. Bill.averages a trifle longer than eleqans. Length about sixteen inches; bill
(dried skin), upper half of maxilla brownish, rest of maxilla except end which is
brownish, and most of lower mandible pale yellowish brown ; legs grayish-yellow
brown ; iris brownish. Top of head, back of neck and upper parts generally gray-
ish-olive brown ; feathers have dark centers and paler margins ; chin, upper throat,
streak over eye, spot on under eye-lid, and middle of abdomen whitish ; sides,
flanks, under wing coverts and axillars dusky grayish-brown, barred with white ;
greater part of neck in front, sides of same, and lores, ashy-gray ; breast grayish-
white, with a pale reddish-yellow tinge ; this latter color in specimen before me is
well shown on front of neck.
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
H abitat. Salt marshes of the Atlantic coast of the United States, from New Jersey
southward ; resident from the Potomac southward, casually north to Massachusetts.
The Clapper Rail or Mud-hen is the noisy game bird which is often
killed in such great numbers about the salt-water marshes in the neigh-
borhood of Atlantic City, New Jersey. In Pennsylvania this rail has
been found as a very rare, or, more probably, accidental visitor. The
late Judge Libhart records the capture of one in Lancaster county by
Mr. G. W. Hensel ; and Dr. Detwiller has also taken it in the state. A
bird of this species was shot near Chester city, Delaware county, Sep-
tember, 1880, by ex-Sheriff George E. Hoopes, of West Chester and
presented to me.
Rallus virginianus LINN.
Virginia Rail ; Little Red Rail.
DESCRIPTION {Plate 78).
Much smaller than either the Clapper or King Rails, but resembling them in form
and resembling also R. elegans in colors.
Adult. Nine or ten inches long and about fourteen in extent. Specimen before
me has sides of head mostly grayish-ashy, little or no white about lower eye-lid,
otherwise same as King Rail previously described. Specimens are occasionally
taken in which the neck and breast are more or less black.
Habitat. North America, from British provinces and south to Guatemala and
Cuba.
Notwithstanding the fact that the plumage of the Virginia and King
Rails is similar, the species can readily be distinguished by the great
difference in size, the Virginia Bail being only about one-third as large
as the King Bail. This species arrives in Pennsylvania by the first of
May and remains with us until the middle of October specimens have
been killed during the first week in November. These birds, although
only occasionally observed, are, I am certain, much more plentiful about
our large swamps and marshy river borders than it is usually supposed.
Frequenting, as they do at all times, however, marshy districts, which are
thickly covered with various grasses, bushes, reeds, etc., it is rather ex-
ceptional to see them. Like all the rails, they are shy and timid. If ap-
proached they seldom fly, but run rapidly and quickly conceal themselves
among the thick tussocks or other suitably cover. They are seemingly
in no way impeded in making their retreat even across large-sized spaces
of water on which are floating a few blades of grass, leaves or twigs,
over which they run with the same celerity as when on the ground. The
nest, a frail structure consisting mainly of grass, is built commonly in a
tussock located generally in the most inaccessible portion of the swamp.
The eggs, it is said, vary in number from six to ten and are dirty white,
with numerous spots and different shades of brown. Nuttall says:
" The female is so much attached to her eggs, after sitting, as sometimes
to allow of being taken up by the hand rather than desert the premises,
70
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
which affection appears the more necessary as the male seems to desert
his mate and leave her in the sole charge of her little family."
The Yirginia Bail breeds in Chester and Delaware counties. Prof.
August Kock writes as follows of the species in Ly coming county :
" Breeds sparingly, and I think in single pairs, at least I have never
found more than one family in a locality." In the counties of Clinton,
Clearfield and Northumberland, Dr. Yan Fleet says this rail breeds quite
regularly. In other counties the Little Bed Kail is reported to me by
the following gentlemen, either as an occasional, or regular, but not
common summar visitant : Lancaster, Dr. A. 0. Treichler ; Philadelphia,
Rev. Jos. Johnson; Cumberland, T. L. Neff; Luzerne, Dr. W. L. Hart-
man; Lehigh, J. F. Kocher; Berks, D. F. Keller; Susquehamia, Dr. H.
A. Tingley. The food materials of eleven birds, of this species, are
given in the following table :
No.
DATK.
LOCALITY.
FOOD-MATKKIALS.
1
Delaware county. Pa
Beetles.
2
Sept 15 1879
Philadelphia Market, Pa
Insects and small seeds
3
Sept 15, 1879,
Philadelphia Market, Pa
Fragments of beetles.
4
5
(j
May 13, 1880
May 30, 1880
July 20, 1882, .
Chester county. Pa
Chester county. Pa
Chester county, Pa
Earth-worms.
Beetles and vegetable matter.
Beetles.
7
Oct 5, 1882,
Delaware county. Pa. .
Insects and small seeds
8
9
10
Aug. 14. 1883
Sept. 2, 1884
Sept. 2. 1884
Wilmington, Del
Delaware county, Pa
Delaware county. Pa
Beetles.
Beetles.
Small ' ' worms."
11
Sept. 2, 1884
Delaware county, Pa. , . .
Beetles and seeds,
GENUS PORZANA VIEILLOT.
Porzana Carolina (LINN.).
Sora; Carolina Rail; Rail-bird; Common Rail; "Ortolan."
DESCRIPTION (Plate 7).
Length, about 9 inches ; extent, about 13 ; bill about three-fourths of an inch long.
This species shows great variations in plumage, in perfect dress the sexes are alike.
Young or immature birds lack the black efface, chin and throat ; the throat and the
breast, often streaked or patched with bluish-ash, is brownish.
Adult, in Spring. Upper parts olive-brown and black, and many feathers spotted
or streaked on edges with white, flanks and axillars, barred with black and white ;
feathers about bill, chin and throat black ; line over eye, sides of head, portion of
neck and breast, plain lead color ; belly, grayish-white ; under tail coverts, rusty
white ; bill (dried skin) greenish yellow, dark toward end ; legs dark greenish ;
iris brown.
Habitat. Temperate North America, but most common in the eastern province,
breeding chiefly northward. South in winter to the West Indies and northern South
America.
The Carolina Rail and Virginia Rail resemble each other in size and
form, but otherwise are greatly different. First, they differ in plumage,
secondly, the bill of the Carolina Rail is about three-fourths of an inch
long, while in the Virginia Rail this organ is often over one and one-
half inches in length ; again, the legs of the Carolina Rail are greenish-
Plate 16.
1. Broad- winged Hawk. 2, 3, Sparrow- Hawk.
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
71
yellow, those of the Virginia Kail are dull reddish-brown. This species
and the preceding- may be said to be the only rails which are common
in Pennsylvania. The Carolina Bail arrives here about the first week in
May. During- the latter part of Augnst and early in September, it is
not uncommon to find these birds in parties numbering- from six to
twenty, sometimes many more,* in swamps and wet grassy meadows.
The Sora has been found breeding- in Chester county, along the Bran-
dywine, and it occurs in different localities in Pennsylvania as a regular
or occasional summer resident. In Montgomery county, Mr. Thomas S.
Gillin, of Ambler, has noted it as an occasional breeder, and Mr. George
B. Sennett says it breeds occasionally in Erie county. Prof. August
Kock states that in Lycoming county " they breed in small colonies in
small open swamps, which are grown with a few small bushes." In Lan-
caster county, both Dr. Treichler and Mr. William N. Buller, mention
the Sora as a native. Dr. Isaiah R Everhart and Mr. George P. Friant,
of Scranton, have young birds, captured in Lackawanna county. Dr.
Van Fleet, Clinton county, and Mr. D. Frank Keller, Berks county, have
found it breeding. " Eggs 8-12, 1.23 x .89 brownish buff, rather sparsely
spotted with brown and purplish gray." Ridgiuay Manual N. A. Birds.
The food materials which were found in the stomachs of sixteen of these
birds are given below :
No.
1
)ATE.
LOCALITY.
FOOD-MATERIALS.
1
Sept. 8
1880, V
Near Chester city, Pa.
Green-colored vegetable matter.
2
3
Sept, 8
Sept 8
1880, .
1880,
Near Chester city, Pa.
Near Chester city, Pa.
Brown-colored seeds, large and small.
Brown and yellow-colored seeds.
4
5
(j
Sept. 8
Sept. 8
Sept. 8
1880, .
1880, .
1880, .
. .
Near Chester city, Pa.
Near Chester city, Pa.
Near Chester city, Pa.
Brown and yellow-colored seeds.
Yellow seeds and particles of shells.
Green-colored vegetable matter.
7
8
Sept. 8
Sept. 8
1880. .
1880,
Near Chester city, Pa.
Near Chester city Pa.
Seeds and other vegetable matter.
Yellow-colored seeds.
9
10
11
12
Sept. 8
Sept. 8
Sept. 8
Sept. 8
1880, .
1880, .
1880. .
1880, .
Near Chester city, Pa.
Near Chester city, Pa.
Near Chester city, Pa.
Near Chester city, Pa.
Yellow and brown-colored seeds
Seeds and other vegetable matter.
Seeds and other vegetable matter.
Seeds and other vegetable matter.
13
14
15
16
Oct. 3
May 3
July 20
Aug. 12
1880. .
1882, .
1884, .
1884, .
'
Pocopson, Pa
Chester county, Pa., .
Chester county, Pa.,
Chester county, Pa. .
; '
Black-colored seeds.
Small "worms."
Small green seeds.
Beetles and vegetable matter.
Porzana noveboracensis (GMEL.).
Yellow Rail.
DESCRIPTION.
" Entire upper parts ochre-yellow, with longitudinal wide stripes of brownish-
black and transverse narrow stripes of white ; neck and breast reddish ochre-yellow ;
many feathers tipped with brown ; middle of abdomen white ; flanks and ventral
region with transverse bands of dark reddish-brown and narrow bands of white ;
under tail coverts rufous with small spots of white and black ; under wing-coverts
white. Length (from tip of bill to end of tail), about 6 inches ; extent about 13;
wing 3^ ; tail If ; bill \ inch." B. B. of N. A.
* Mr. James Thompson, of Erie city, informs me that upwards of eighty of these rails have been taken
In a day about the ponds on the peninsula at Erie bay. In these ponds wild rice grows in abundance, and
rails as well as many other water birds, resort there to feed on the seeds of this plant.
72 BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
Habitat. Eastern North America, from Nova Scotia and Hudson's Bay west to
Utah and Nevada. No extra-limital record except Cuba and the Bermudas.
Birds of this species are occasionally taken about our rivers and
meadows during- the spring- and fall migrations. I have seen two speci-
mens which were captured in the early part of July, 1882, in Delaware
county, near Chester city. It is possible that this little rail sometimes
breeds in Pennsylvania, yet I have no positive information to this effect.
The egg's, according- to^different writers, vary from six to ten, and are
described as creamy buff, marked at the larg-er end with reddish spots,
and measure about 1.13 by .82 inches.
Porzana jamaicensis (GMEL.).
Black Rail.
DESCRIPTION.
"Upper parts blackish, finely speckled and barred with white, the hind neck and
fore back dark chestnut. Head and under parts dark slate color, paler or whitening
on the throat, the lower belly, flanks, and under wing and tail-coverts barred with
white. Quills and tail-feathers with white spots. Very small ; length about 5| ;
wing 22 to 3 ; tail 1^ ; tarsus %." Cone's Key.
Habitat. Temperate North America, north to Massachusetts, northern Illinois
and Oregon ; south to West Indies and in western South America to Chili.
This diminutive, shy and secretive bird the smallest of our North
A Tierican rails is said to have been found, many years ag-o, breeding-
in the neighborhood of Philadelphia, by the late John Itrider. I have
seen two specimens which were shot in September, on the Delaware,
near Chester city. Dr. John W. Detwiller, of Bethlehem, has captured
this species in his locality; Georg-e R. Ross, of Lebanon, says that
he has taken two in Lebanon county, one, Aug-ust, 1879, the other Au-
gust, 1880. I have never seen the eg-g-s of the Black Rail. Mr. Ridg--
way* says they number "about nine, 1.01 by .79, white or buffy white ?
sprinkled, or finely speckled, chiefly on the larg-er end, with dark red-
dish-brown or chestnut."
SUBFAMILY GALLINULIN.5!. GALLINULES.
THE GALLINULES.
The Gallinnles are found in the same localities as the rails, to which they are quite
similar in habits. Two species occur in the United States, and both are found in
Pennsylvania. They have a broad, bare, and often highly colored horny plate on
the forehead ; bill short and similar in shape to birds of the genus Porzana. Feet
large and stout; toes long, "and in G. galeata with a slight marginal membrane."
Gallinules nest in marshes, and lay many yellowish or buff-colored and spotted eggs.
* Manual of North American Birds, p. 140.
Plate 17.
Barn Owl.
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 73
GENUS IONORNIS REICHENBACH.
lonornis martinica (LINN.)-
Purple Gallinule.
DESCRIPTION.
" Head, neck and under parts beautiful purplish-blue, blackening on the belly,
the sides and lining of wings bluish-green, the crissum white. Above, olivaceous-
green, the cervix (hind neck) and wing-coverts tinged with blue. Quills and tail
feathers blackish, glossed on the outer webs with greenish. Frontal shield blue (or
dusky) ; bill carmine, tipped with yellow ; legs yellow. The young with the head,
neck and lower back brownish, the under parts mostly white mixed with ochrey.
Length 12-14 ; extent about 22." Coues.
Habitat. South Atlantic and Gulf States, casually northward to Maine, Nw York,
Wisconsin, etc. ; south throughout the West Indies to Brazil.
The Purple Gallinule, a southern species, is a very rare and irregular
visitor as far northward as Pennsylvania. Joseph Krider, two or three
years ago, had a specimen which was taken near Philadelphia. In other
localities stragglers, at irregular intervals, have also been captured and
reported to me as follows : York county, Casper Loucks and George
Miller ; Mercer county, S. S. Overmoyer ; Luzerne county, Dr. W. L.
Hartman.
GENUS GALLJNTJLA BRISSON.
Gallinula galeata ( LIGHT.).
Florida Gallinule ; Blue Rail.
DESCRIPTION (Plate 66).
Adult. Length about 14 mches ; extent about 20 inches; general color grayish-
black, darkest on head and upper hind neck ; lightest, and sometimes quite white
on abdomen ; middle of back, brownish-olive ; edge of wing, outer edge of first
primary, some of under tail-coverts, and stripes on the Hunks, white. Frontal plate
and ring about lower part of tibiae red (the red color on frontal plate and tibiae is
oftentimes hardly noticeable in specimens taken in autumn and in immature birds
the frontal shield is rudimentary, and the bill is brownish). Bill red with yellow
end ; legs greenish-yellow ; iris brown. The young have much white or whitish
on under parts.
Habitat. Temperate and tropical America, from Canada to Brazil and Chili.
Regular, but rather rare spring and fall migrant. Probably breeds.
Reports which I have received from twenty-two naturalists and collec-
tors residing in different counties of the northern, southern, eastern,
western and central parts of the state, show that the species is generally
distributed in suitable localities throughout the commonwealth. All of
my informants mention this Gallinule called by sportsmen Blue Rail-
as a straggler or very rare migrant. The Messrs. Baird mentions this
species as a rare native in Cumberland county. Their food, according
to Audobon, "consists of grasses, seeds, water insects, worms and snails,
along with which they swallow a good deal of sand or gravel."
74 BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
No.
DATE.
LOCALITY.
FOOD-MATERIALS.
1
May 11. 1879. .
Chester county, Pa
Vegetable matter (green-colored).
2
3
4
Sept. 8. 1880
Sept. 15, 1880
Oct. 20, 1883
Near Chester city, Pa
Near Chester city. Pa., . .- .
Philadelphia, Market, Pa . .
Seeds.
Seeds and green-colored vegetable matter.
Black-colored seeds.
In addition to the examinations given in the above table, I found in
the gizzards of five of these birds, which were killed in Florida, in
March, 1885, numerous small yellow and brown seeds ; also the stems
and leaves of different kinds of aquatic plants.
SUBFAMILY FULICIN^B- COOTS.
THE COOTS.
Only one species of this subfamily is found in the United States. Coots frequent
the same localities in which are found the rails and gallinules. They resemble in
many ways their near relatives, the gallinules, from which, however, they can
easily be recognized by the large semicircular lobes on front toes. Coots spend
much of their time in the water, in which they swim and dive with ease.
GENUS FULICA LINN^US.
Pulica americana GMEL.
American Coot ; Mud-hen; Crow Duck.
DESCRIPTION (Plates.)
Adult, in spring. Bill short, thick and white or nearly so; frontal plate and spot
near end of each mandible reddish-brown ; head and neck black ; edge of wing,
tips of secondaries, and some of lower tail-coverts white ; rest of plumage dark
grayish-lead color, lighter on belly than elsewhere ; eyes reddish or brown ; legs
dark greenish-yellow ; length about 14 inches ; extent about 28. The young of this
species are similar but everywhere much paler in color.
Habitat. North America, from Greenland and Alaska, southward to the West
Indies and Central America.
The American Coot, commonly known in eastern Pennsylvania as Mud-
hen,* breeds in various localities throughout its extensive range. In the
British Provinces it is said to be quite a common summer resident. Mr.
Samuels remarks that it breeds probably in all the New England Stater.
Dr. Coues has found it breeding in northern Montana and Dakota. Mr.
H. W. Henshaw found them to be very numerous at the alkali lakes,
southern Colorado, where, according to this eminent authority, " they
breed in colonies among the rushes, the nests often being but a few feet
apart. These are very bulky structures, composed of weeds and rushes
raised to a height of several inches from the surface of the water, so that
the eggs are kept perfectly dry, and are moored to the stems of the sur-
* The vernacular name of Mud-hen is also given to the Clapper Rail (Rallus longirostris crepitans
Qmel. ) which breeds so abundantly in the extensive marshes about Atlantic City and elsewhere on the
Atlantic coast in New Jersey and southward.
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 75
rounding- reeds." During- the winter months coots may be seen in large
flocks along- the St. John's river, Florida ; at " Mud Lake," about ten
miles north of Sanford, I have seen over a thousand in one flock.
The coot is found throug-hout Pennsylvania as a common spring- and
fall migrant April, September and October frequenting- usually
sloughs, pools and sluggish streams. They generally are much more
numerous in autumn than in spring ; and at Erie bay these birds are
frequently seen, especially in the fall, in flocks, swimming among the
reeds and rank grasses near the shore. I have never observed the coot
in Pennsylvania in the breeding season, and am quite certain it seldom
breeds here. Lists of birds received by me from naturalists and collec-
tors, residing in all but five or six counties of the commonwealth, with
two exceptions, show that the coot has been noted only as a spring and
fall visitor. That it has been found breeding in at least two localities,
there appears to be no doubt, as both Mr. S. S. Overmoyer, of Mercer
county, and Dr. John W. Detwiller, of Northampton county, mention it
as a native. "Eggs, about a dozen, 1.75 to 2.00 long by 1.20 to 1.35 broad,
shaped like an average hen's egg, clear clay -color, uniformly and min-
utely dotted with dark brown, the spots usually mere pin-heads, some-
times large blotches. The nest is sometimes on dry ground a little way
from water. The young hatch covered with black down, fantastically
striped with bright orange-red, with vermillion bill tipped with black."
Coues.
Audubon states that its food consists of seeds, grasses, small fishes,,
worms, snails and insects, along with which it introduces into its stom-
ach a good quantity of rather coarse sand. Nuttall observes that they
feed principally on aquatic vegetable substances, as seeds, leaves, etc.
In March, 1885, I obtained seventeen coots at Little Lake George,
Florida, and found in the stomachs of all only small seeds, blades of
grass, with, in most every instance, a small quantity of sand or gravel.
Six of these birds, which I have obtained in Chester county, Pa., had
only vegetable materials, small black and yellow seeds, also sand in
their muscular gizzards.
ORDER LIMICOLJ1. SHORE BIRDS.
FAMILY PHALAROPODHXffi. PHALAROPES.
THE PHALAROPES.
Three species of this family are found in the United States, and two, at least, occur
more or less regularly in Pennsylvania. Although these birds resemble, in many
respects, the sandpipers, they can readily be distinguished from the latter by the
curious lobate feet, like those of the grebes and coot, previously described. Phala-
ropes, the smallest of our swimming birds, spend much of their time in the water,
on which they swim in an easy and graceful manner. The under plumage is com-
76 BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
pact like a duck's to resist water. These birds undergo marked changes of plumage
with age and season. The bills, as well as the marginal membranes of the toes, all
differ in slight particulars, but the toes in all these species are united by basal webs.
Two species are recorded as breeding only in the Arctic regions, but they all migrate
southward in winter and two, at least, penetrate to the tropical countries. The
Phalaropes, it is stated, nest on the ground, and lay three or four olive-buff or pale
grayish-buff colored eggs, spotted with different shades of brown. These peculiar
birds, combining as they do to a certain degree, both the habits and appearance of
certain waders and swimmers, frequent both salt and fresh water. Their tood, it
is said, consists principally of aquatic insects, worms, molusca, etc.
GENUS PHALAROPUS BRISSON.
P halar opus lobatus ( LINN. ) .
Northern Phalarope.
DESCRIPTION.
Length about 1\ inches ; extent about 14 ; bill and legs blackish ; iris brown ; the
bill, less than an inch long, is straight and pointed ; the wings are long, and the tail
is short and rounded ; membrane of toes scolloped at joints.
" Winter plumage (adult). Forehead, superciliary stripe, sides of head and neck
with lower parts generally pure white ; top of head grayish, the feathers with dusky
shaft-streaks and whitish borders ; a blackish spot in front of eye and side of head,
from beneath eye, across ear-coverts mixed dusky and grayish-white ; upper parts
chiefly grayish ; sides of chest washed or clouded with grayish.
" Young. Top of head dusky, with or without streaks ; back and scapulars black-
ish, distinctly bordered with buff or ochraceous ; middle wing-coverts bordered with
buff or whitish ; forehead, supra-auricular stripe, lores and lower parts white, the
chest and sides of breast sometimes suffused with dull brownish ; ear-coverts
dusky." Ridgway Manual of N. A. Birds.
Habitat. Northern portions of northern hemisphere, breeding in Arctic latitudes ;
south in winter to the tropics.
At Erie bay and about the lake shore in Erie county this phalarope
is found as a rather regular but not common migrant, seen most fre-
quently in the fall. In other sections of the state the Northern Phala-
rope is a rare and irregular visitor. Prof. August Kock has observed it
in Ly coming county as a "rare migrant." Stragglers have also been
captured, at irregular intervals, during recent years, about the rivers
Delaware, Susquehanna and Ohio.
Phalaropus tricolor (VIEILL.)*
Wilson's Phalarope.
DESCRIPTION.
Length about 9 inches ; extent about 15 inches ; bill and legs black ; iris dark-
brown ; bill about 1 inches long, cylindrical, tapering, slender and acute ; lateral
membrane of all the toes even or unscolloped.
"Winter plumage. Above plain ash-gray ; upper tail-coverts superciliary stripe
and lower parts white, the chest and sides of breast shaded with pale-gray.
"Young. Top of head, back and scapulars dusky blackish, the feathers distinctly
bordered with buff; wing-coverts also bordered with pale buff or whitish ; upper
tail-coverts superciliary stripe and lower parts white, the neck tinged with buff."
Ridgway's Manual of N. A. Birds.
Plate 18.
Screech Owl
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 77
Habitat. Temperate North America, chiefly in the interior, breeding from north-
ern Illinois and Utah northward to the Saskatchewan region ; south in winter to
Brazil and Patagonia.
Bare and irregular migrant throughout the state, but at Erie bay
small flocks of these phalaropes are sometimes to be seen in the fall
swimming in the water like ducks.
NOTE. The Bed Phalarope (Crymophilus fulicarius) which appears
to be more exclusively maritime than the others, can easily be dis-
tinguished by the bill, which is short, stout and broad, with lancet-
shaped tip. The Bed Phalarope was mentioned in the first edition of
the Birds of Pennsylvania on the authority of Mr. C. D. Wood, of Phil-
adelphia, who had two specimens, both of which I have since learned
were taken in New Jersey, and not at Philadelphia, as I had first been
informed.
FAMILY SCOLOPACID^E. SNIPES, SANDPIPERS, ETO.
About twenty species of this large and important family, including several species
which are eagerly sought after by the sportsmen and highly prized by epicures, are
found in Pennsylvania during migrations or as summer residents. The great majority
of the members of this family breed in high northern regions ; three species the
American Woodcock, the Spotted and Bartramian Sandpipers breed regularly and
generally throughout our state. Some of these birds are solitary, but most of the
species, when migrating are gregarious, and often they are seen in large flocks,
which frequently contain different species. Although many of these birds occur in
ail parts of the commonwealth, more species and individuals, particularly in large
flocks, are to bo observed during the spring and fall migrations at Erie bay and
about the lake shore in Erie county than in other localities of the state. The Snipes
and Sandpipers, with a few exceptions, inhabit commonly the muddy and sandy
shores of rivers, lakes, creeks and ponds ; they likewise frequent, swamps and
marshy meadow lands, and some of them are also to be found, usually, about bogs
and watery places in woods and thickets. "The general econony of these birds is
similar to that of a plover, a chief peculiarity being probably their mode of procur-
ing food, by feeling for it, in the majority of cases, in the sand or mud with their
delicately sensitive probe-like bill. The eggs are commonly four, parti-colored,
pointed at one end and broad at the other, placed with the small ends together in a
slight nest or mere depression on the ground ; the young run about at birth."
Coues Key of N. A. Birds. These birds subsist almost exclusively on an animal
diet, consisting mainly of insects, worms, water leeches, etc.
GENUS SCOLOPAX LINN.EUS.
Scolopax rusticola LINN.
European Woodcock.
DESCRIPTION.
"No outer primaries shortened or peculiar, the first narrowed somewhat on inner
web near end; first and second longest, third little shorter, fourth much shorter;
wings long, comparatively * * *. Generic characters, excepting those of wing,
much as in Philohela; same style of bill and feet and configuration of body and
head ; plumage similarly variegated above, but below barred crosswise through-
out ; size much superior.
78 BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
" Cock bird. Colors above harmoniously blended and varied black, brown,
chestnut and yellowish-gray ; under parts brownish-white, regularly wavy-barred
throughout with dark brown. A dusky stripe from bill to eye. Top and back of
head brownish-black and brown, divided by three or four cross-bars of brownish-
white and brown. Each feather of upper parts chestnut and black, in variegation,
the black usually forming a large sub-terminal spot. Yellowish-gray tending to
form a scapular stripe on each side of back. Quills and coverts of wings blackish,
pretty regularly varied with dark chestnut bars, on the larger quills this chestnut
paler and reduced to marginal indentations ; outer web of first primary plain whitish.
Upper tail-coverts rich chestnut, little varied with black, with pale tips. Tail feathers
black, with angular chestnut indentations of outer webs ; their tips gray from above,
viewed from below glistening silvery-white. Under parts brownish-white, more or
less suffused with chestnut-brown on breast, the regular dusky barring only giving
way on the whitish throat, changing to lengthwise streaks on under tail-coverts.
Hen. Unmistakably similar substantially the same ; grayer above, much ot the
russet mottling of the male replaced by hoary-gray, * * * (about a third larger
than P. minor) ; weight 12 to 15 ounces. Over a foot long ; wing seven inches or
more ; tail 3 ; bill only about as long as in our woodcock." Cone's Key to N. A.
Birds.
Habitat. Northern parts of the Old World ; occasional in eastern North America.
From several reports, about a half dozen in all, received during- the last
ten years, from gunners in eastern Pennsylvania and New Jersey, I am
inclined to the opinion that this bird is ofteuer met with on this side of
the Atlantic than it is generally supposed. Not having any specimens
of the European Woodcock in my collection, I have quoted from Dr.
Cone's Key, a very full description of the generic and specific characters
of the species, in order that sportsmen will have no difficulty in identi-
fying stragglers which may come into their possession. At least two of
these birds have been captured, during recent years, in Pennsylvania.
Dr. John W. Det wilier informs me that Mr. John Mack, of Bethlehem,
shot one several years ago, while hunting American Woodcock, in North
ampton county. In the early part of November, 1886, Mr. David M.
McFarland, a prominent banker, residing at West Chester, killed a large
female of this species, when hunting quail on the "barrens," in East
Nottingham township, Chester county. September, 1889, I found one
of these woodcock in the possesion of a game dealer in Philadelphia,
which he said had been sent to him, with a lot of Sora and reed birds,
from New Jersey. This bird, unfortunately, was too far gone to be pre-
served.
GENUS PHILOHELA GRAY.
Philohela minor (GMEL.).
American Woodcock : Bog-sucker ; Wood-snipe.
DESCRIPTION (Plate 79).
Body rather heavy ; neck short and thick ; eyes, head and bill large ; ears beneath
eyes ; wings short and rounded, the first three primaries very narrow and shorter
than fourth ; fourth and fifth primaries longest. The tarsi about 1.25 long, are rather
stout ; tibiae feathered to the joints ; toes long and slender, without marginal mem-
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 79
branes or basal webs. Bill (five specimeus measured) over 2i inches long, straight
and tapering, and stout at base ; the ridge at base of maxilla is high ; the upper man-
dible, a little longer than the lower, is knobbed at end. Three long grooves, one on
ridge above, and others on each side of maxilla ; gape short and narrow. The sexes
are alike, but female is larger than male.
Adult. Length 10 to 12 inches ; extent 16 to 18 inches ; eyes brown ; weight varies
from 4 to 9 ounces. Legs and bill (dried skin) pale brownish. Upper parts black,
gray, russet and brown ; chin whitish, rest of under parts brownish-red color of dif-
ferent shades.
Habitat. Eastern province of North America, north to the British provinces, west
to Dakota, Kansas, etc., breeding throughout its range ; no extralimital records.
This bird, well known to sportsmen, is frequently confounded by the
casual observer with the Wilson's Snipe. The error, however, can readily
be avoided if you bear in mind that the woodcock has entire lower parts,
including lining of wings, reddish-brown ; on the other hand, the snipe
has abdomen white, throat and upper parts of the breast speckled and
the lining of the wings barred with white and black. The woodcock
arrives in Pennsylvania about the middle of March, sometimes earlier,
and occasionally a few are found during the "warm-spells" of winter
lingering about the spring-heads. This bird, strictly speaking, is an
inhabitant of the lowlands and boggy districts of our woods and dense
thickets. Oftentimes during the fall migrations it is found along the
muddy shores of streams, etc., or in the late summer when its usual
feeding-grounds have become dry and hard through the continued sum-
mer's heat, it resorts to corn fields where it probes the humid soil in search
of food. I am not positive that the " Wood-hen, as some aesthetic market-
women prefer to call her," makes any attempt to build a nest. In April,
on three occasions, I have found eggs, and once (May 10) took four
young, but a few days old, all of which were on the ground in the woods.
The eggs were deposited in slight depressions in the earth, in and about
which were dried leaves ; the young birds were discovered on a lot of
dead oak-leaves, and from the appearance of their bed I judge they had
been there only a short time. It is stated by Dr. Coues " that the young
are sometimes removed from danger by the parents carrying them with
the feet." The eggs, generally four in number, are grayish- white or
buff, spotted with brownish and purplish-gray. The woodcock is prin-
cipally nocturnal in its habits, and during the fall migrations it is often
found in considerable numbers in favorite resorts.
Nuttall says : "According to their usual habits, they keep secluded in
the woods and thickets till the approach of evening, when they sally
forth to seek out springs, paths and broken soil, in quest of worms and
other insects, on which they feed. They now disperse themselves over
the country to breed, and indicate their presence in all directions by the
marks of their boring bills, which are seen in such soft and boggy places
as are usually sheltered by thickets and woods. They also turn over
the fallen leaves from side to side with their bills in quest of lurking in-
sects, but never scratch with their feet, though so robust in appearance.
80
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
The sensibility possessed by the extremity of the bill, as in the snipe,
is of such an exquisite nature that they are enabled to collect their food
by the mere touch, without using 1 their eyes,* which are set at such a
distance and elevation in the back part of the head as to give the bird a
remarkable aspect of stupidity."
Although this species is very g-enerally dispersed throughout the state,
it appears, from reports received through different sources, that some
of the principal localities visited by sportsmen are in the swampy dis-
tricts of Wayne, Bradford, Susquehanna, Cumberland, Crawford and
Erie counties ; also in Clarion and Yenang-o at different points on the
Alleg-heny Valley railroad, and g-ood woodcock shooting- is said to be
found, in July and August, at the " Black Swamp," in Montour county,
near Danville, on the Delaware, Lackawanna and Western railroad.
The food-materials of nine woodcock examined by the writer are
given below:
No.
DATE.
LOCALITY.
FOOD-MATERIALS.
May 10 1879
Willistown, Pa
Small fragments of ' ' worms ''*
2
May 10 1879
Willistown. Pa
Small fragments of ' ' worms. "*
3
May 10, 1879
Willistown, Pa
Small fragments of ' ' worms. "*
4
May 10 1879
Willistown, Pa.,
Small fragments of ' ' worms ''*
5
6
7
g
May 10, 1879
July 20, 1882
Aug. 8, 1884
Oct. 20, 1882
Willistown, Pa
Chester county. Pa. , .
Delaware county. Pa. , . .
Schuylkill county, Pa
Earth-worms and fragments of beetle.!
Spider and unrecognizable insects.
Insects and larvae.
Beetles and earth-worms.
I
Nov. 8, 1880
Delaware,
Small seeds.
All young birds.
t Parent of above.
GENUS GALLINAGO LEACH.
Gallinago delicata (ORD.).
Wilson's Snipe ; English Snipe ; Jack-snipe.
DESCRIPTION (Plate 9).
The body is more slender and head and neck smaller than in Philohela. About a
quarter of an inch on lower part of tibiae naked; ears under eyes; the three first
primaries are longest, and the rather long wing is more pointed than that of a wood-
cock ; bill (three specimens measured) about two and one-half inches long, not very
stout at base, and straight ; both mandibles have grooves on sides, extending from
base to near the end ; in life the bill is vascular, sensitive, and soft toward the end
where it widens; in dried specimens about one inch of the bill toward end is
pitted ; short, rounded tail-feathers with transverse bars ; toes long and slender
without basal webs or marginal membranes ; sexes similar.
Adult. Length about 11 inches ; extent about 18 inches ; female a little smaller ;
bill (dried skin) brownish; legs blackish-brown; iris brown; top of head blackish,
* The eyes, being situated high up and far back in both the snipe and woodcock (well shown in plate No.
9, fig. 1), is a wise provision of nature, as these birds, by this peculiarity, escape many of their enemies.
It can easily be understood by this arrangement that the Held of vision is greatly increased. Obtaining
their sustenance, as they do, chiefly by probing with their long bills, so amply supplied with nerves, they
have comparatively little use for their eyes when feeding, unless it is to keep a watch for their numerous
foes. Warren.
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 81
with a pale buff' middle stripe, and a streak of same color extends from base of
maxilla back over each eye ; chin and upper throat yellowish-white ; neck and breast
spotted and streaked with black, dusky, and different shades of brown ; belly and
outer web of first primary, white ; back and upper parts generally blackish varied
with different shades of brown and whitish ; the pale yellowish edges of scapulars
form two long stripes on back, separated by a broader streak of black or blackish ;
axillars and lining of wings barred with black and white ; sides whitish with trans-
verse dusky bars ; tail feathers chiefly black, with a transverse and broad band of
bright reddish-brown, succeeded by a narrow black band, and the ends almost
white ; primaries mostly dark brown on upper surface and paler below.
Habitat. North and middle America, breeding from the northern United States
northward ; south in winter to the West Indies and northern South America.
This bird, usually, though improperly, called " English Snipe," ar-
rives in Pennsylvania about the last week in March, and is common
until about the middle of May, after which the species is seldom seen
until the fall migration occurs. Wilson's Snipe is not found in woods
or dense thickets, but at times, when sojourning here, is seen about open
places in wet meadows, swamps, and on the muddy banks of streams
and ponds, and in the early spring he shows a special preference for
spring-heads, about which, at this time, the tender blades of grasses
grow in abundance. These birds are found singly, or in small flocks of
three, five, a dozen or twenty each. According to my experience these
flocks, or " wisps" as they are often called, are much more frequently
met with in spring than at other times, in nearly every section of the
state, except in the vicinity of Erie city, where I have several times in
the late fall observed " wisps " of a dozen or more. They return here
from the northern breeding grounds in September, and individuals are
often seen as late as the middle of November, occasionally during "warm
spells " in December and January stragglers have been captured in the
counties of Chester and Delaware. Their sharp cry of scape, scape, is
uttered soon after they arise from the ground, and as they fly rapidly
off in a zigzag manner, which leads many sportsmen to consider them
as one of the most difficult birds to shoot. Wilson's Snipe is also found
in this state as a rare and occasional breeder. Mr. George B. Sennett
informs me it was found breeding, about ten years ago, in Crawford
county ; Mr. Samuel Thompson, of Erie city, reports having discovered
a nest and four eggs in June, 1889, in a swamp near the Erie county
poor-house. In Bradford county Mr. J. L. Camp, of Herrick, also Mr.
J. M. Ketcham, of Minnequa, have observed it as a rare summer resi-
dent. Dr. H. A. Tingley, of Susquehanna, says it has been known to
breed in his locality, and Dr. G. A. Scroggs, of Beaver, tells me it has
been taken in June and July in Beaver county. Individuals of this
species have been shot in summer near West Chester, also in Delaware
county, but on examining them I found that, although able to fly a
short distance, they were so crippled from wounds received during the
spring shooting season that they were unable to perform any extended
6 BIRDS.
82
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
migrations. Should these cripples remain in a locality during the sum-
mer months, I have no doubt some of them might reproduce.
According to Audubon, "the food of our common snipe consists prin-
cipally of ground-worms, insects and the juicy slender roots of different
vegetables, all of which tend to give its flesh that richness of flavor and
juicy tenderness for which it is so deservedly renowned, it being equal
to that of the woodcock. Many epicures eat up both snipe and wood-
cock with all their viscera, worms and insects to boot, the intestines, in
fact, being considered the most savory parts. On opening some newly-
killed snipe, I have more than once found fine large and well-fed ground-
worms, and at times a leech, which I must acknowledge I never con-
ceived suitable articles of food for man, and for this reason I have always
taken good care to have both snipe and woodcocks well cleaned, as all
game ought to be."
The food-materials found in viscera of twenty-five snipes examined by
the author are as follows :
No.
DATE.
LOCALITY.
FOOD-MATERIALS.
1
March 22. 1879. ,
Birmingham, Pa. . . .
Water beetles and two seeds of smart- weed. *
2
March 22. 1879. . .
Birmingham. Pa. . . .
Water beetles and three seeds of smart-weed.
8
March 22. 1879,
Birmingham. Pa. . . .
Water beetles.
4
March 22, 1879,
Birmingham, Pa. . . .
Water beetles.
5
March 22. 1879.
Birmingham, Pa. . . .
Water beetles.
i
March 23, 1879.
Birmingham, Pa. . . .
Beetles.
7
April 1, 1879,
West Chester. Pa ...
Earth-worms and fragments of beetles.
8
April 2, 1879.
WestGoshen, Pa.. . .
Earth-worms.
9
April 2, 1879,
WestGoshen. Pa.. . .
Earth-worms.
10
April 2, 1879,
WestGoshen, Pa.. . .
Beetles and blades of grass.
11
April 2, 1879,
WestGoshen. Pa., . .
Various insects.
12
April 7, 1879,
West Chester, Pa.. . .
Beetles and two seeds of smart-weed.
13
April 12. 1879.
Chester county, Pa , .
Vegetable matter apparently roots of small plant.
14
April 15. 1879,
East Bradford, Pa. . .
Beetles.
15
April 15, 1879,
East Bradford, Pa. . .
Beetles.
16
17
April 22, 1879,
April 1, 1884, . .
East Bradford, Pa. . .
WestGoshen, Pa., . .
Portions of grass blades and roots.
Small seeds and earth-worms.
18
May 3, 1884, . .
East Bradford, Pa. . .
Beetles and earth-worms.
19
May 3, 1884, . .
East Braxlford, Pa. . .
Beetles.
20
May 6, 1884, . .
East Bradford, Pa. . .
Beetles and earth-worms.
21
May 10, 1884. . .
East Bradford, Pa. . .
Various insects and vegetable matter.
22
April 17. 1883. . .
Chester county, Pa . .
Small seeds.
23
April 17, 1883, . .
Chester county, Pa . .
Small seeds and earth-worms.
24
April 17, 1883. . .
Chester county. Pa . .
Vegetable matter.
25
April 17, 1883, . .
Chester county, Pa . .
Small seeds.
' Polygonum.
GENUS MACRORHAMPHUS LEACH.
Macrorhamphus griseus (GMEL.).
Dowitcher.
DESCRIPTION.
Bill similar to Wilson's Snipe ; wings rather long and pointed ; about three-fourths
of an inch of lower part of tibia bare ; front toes with basal webs especially between
the middle and outer ; tail double-emarginate with twelve feathers ; Oallinago usu-
ally has sixteen tail feathers ; sexes alike, but plumage varies much with age and
season. Although this bird has a general resemblance to Wilson's Snipe, it can
easily be distinguished from it by basal webs of toes ; or even when flying by the
white markings of lower back.
PLATE 19.
1. Yellow-throated Vireo. 2. Blue-winged Warbler.
3. Great Homed Owl Males.
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 83
Adult. Blackish-brown above, varied with reddish and grayish ; rump white ;
tail and its upper coverts blackish, barred with white ; lower parts rusty-red, paler
or whitish on abdomen. Fall birds have upper parts and breast grayish and lower
part of back and most ot under parts white.
Habitat. Eastern North America, breeding far north.
Rare spring" and autumnal visitor. Specimens have been taken in
Chester, Lancaster and Erie counties. This species, when found here,
is seen singly or in pairs, and never in flocks such as are found about
the Atlantic coast during- migrations.
GENUS MICROPALAMA BAIRD.
Micropalama himantopus (BONAP.).
Stilt Sandpiper.
DESCRIPTION.
Bill much as in Gallinago but shorter ; less widened at end and less distinctly
furrowed on top, sometimes perceptibly curved. Wings long, pointed, first primary
longest; legs very long ; tibiae bare an inch ; tarsus as long as bill; feet semi-pal,
mate, the front toes being connected by two evident basal webs ; sexes alike. From
Cones' Key.
"Adult in summer. Above blackish, each feather edged and tipped with white
and tawny or bay, which on scapulars becomes scolloped. Auriculars chestnut;
a dusky line from bill to eye, and a slight superciliary one ; upper tail-coverts white
with dusky bars. Primaries dusky with blackish tips ; tail feathers 12, ashy-gray,
their edges and a central field white ; under parts mixed reddish, black and whitish,
in streaks on jugulum, elsewhere in bars; bill and feet greenish-black. Length
8|-9 ; extent 16-17 * * bill 1.50-1.70 * * * Young and adults in winter
ashy-gray above, with or without traces of black and bay, the feathers usually with
white edging ; line over eye and under parts white, the jugulum and sides suffused
with the color of the back, and streaked with dusky ; legs usually pale greenish-
yellow. The full breeding dress is of brief duration ; the birds are usually ashy and
white from September to April, both inclusive." Coues 1 Key.
Habitat. Eastern province of North America, breeding north of the United
States, and migrating in winter to the West Indies and central South America.
Very rare spring and fall migrant. I have never met with this spe-
cies in Pennsylvania. Dr. Walter Van Fleet has observed it in Clinton
county and Mr. W. W. Stoey, of Harrisburg, mentions the Stilt Sand-
piper as one of the occasional visitors found about the Susquehanna, in
Dauphin county.
GENUS TRINGA LINN^US.
Tringa canutus LINN.
Knot ; Red-breasted Sandpiper ; Ash-colored Sandpiper.
DESCRIPTION.
Bill straight, short, about 1^ inches long ; both mandibles have grooves on sides ;
legs short and stout ; toes short and stout, without any webs, but front toes have
rather wide margins ; hind toe rather long and slender ; tail feathers about even.
84 BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
Adult in spring. Upper parts grayish-brown and many feathers have black cen-
ters with paler edges; rump and upper tail-coverts chiefly white with irregular bars
or spots of black or brownish ; streak over eye, chin, throat and breast rusty-red ;
belly, flanks and under tail-coverts white or nearly white ; sides whitish with dusky
streaks ; bill and legs black, eyes brown. Birds both young and old, taken in
autumn, have upper parts more grayish and less black, arid lower parts generally
white.
Habitat. Nearly cosmopolitan ; breeds in high northern latitudes, but visits the
Southern Hemisphere during migrations.
The Robin-snipe or Gray -back, as the Knot is called by hunters on
the Atlantic coast of New Jersey, where it is abundant during- migra-
tions, is a regular and somewhat common visitor about the lake shore
and at Erie bay, in Erie county, during the spring and fall migrations.
In other parts of the state the Knot is seldom seen.
Tringa maritima BRUNN.
Purple Sandpiper.
DESCRIPTION.
Bill quite slender and straight or slightly curved down at end.
" Winter dress. Back and scapulars sooty black, strongly glossed with purplish,
the feathers bordered terminally with dark plumbeous-gray; jugulurn uniform
mouse-gray or brownish-plumbeous.
" Young, first plumage. Scapulars, interscapulars and wing-coverts bordered
with pale grayish-buff, with little or none of rusty ; length about 9 inches ; (extent
about 16) ; bill about 1.20 ; tarsus about .99" B. B. & R. Birds of N. A.
Habitat. Northern portions of Northern Hemisphere , in North America chiefly
the northeastern portions, breeding in the high north, migrating in winter to the
eastern and middle states, the great lakes and the shores of the larger streams in
the Mississippi valley.
This species I have never met with in Pennsylvania, where it occurs
only as a very rare or casual migrant. Mr. George B. Sennett, of Erie
city, mentions it as a straggler in his locality. The late Judge Libhart
records in his report the capture of a Purple Sandpiper in August (year
not given) in Lancaster county. A specimen in the U. S. National
Museum was taken many years ago near Philadelphia.
Tringa maculata VIEILL.
Pectoral Sandpiper ; Grass-snipe ; Jack-snipe.
DESCRIPTION {Plate 66).
Adult. Length about 10 inches ; extent about 18 ; bill little over an inch long and
straight; bill (dried skin) blackish, paler toward base; legs dark greenish; eyes
brown ; upper parts, generally blackish-brown, feathers edged with reddish-brown
and white or whitish ; chin, upper part of throat and indistinct line over eye whitish ;
foreneck and upper part of breast ashy-gray (with sometimes a buff tinge) with
numerous dusky streaks, rest of breast, belly, sides and crissurn pure white.
Habitat. The whole of North America, the West Indies and the greater part of
South America ; breeds in the Arctic regions. Of frequent occurrence in Europe.
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 85
Common spring and fall migrant, arriving, generally, in April. These
birds, after rearing their young in the far north, return to their winter
resorts and again make their appearance here in September, and they
are often found with us in October and the early part of November.
The Pectoral Sandpiper is found frequently in small flocks (sometimes
in large flocks) or singly, and often in company with other species, par-
ticularly the Wilson's Snipe. The Grass-snipe as this species is best
known to gunners, frequents the same localities as the Wilson's Snipe,
but it is of tener seen about low, wet, grassy flats in open fields and mea-
dows than about the shores of streams and ponds.
Tringa fuscicollis VIEILL.
White-rumped Sandpiper.
DESCRIPTION.
Length about 1\ inches ; extent about 15; bill black at end, much lighter at base
of lower mandible ; iris brown ; bill about an inch long. This bird although smaller
is very similar to the Pectoral Sandpiper, from which it can be distinguished by the
(usually) pure white upper tail-coverts ; dusky streaks on foreneck and breast, chin
and throat with small dusky specks. .
Habitat. Eastern province of North America, breeding in the high north. In
winter, the West Indies, Central and South America, south to Falkland Islands.
Occasional in Europe.
Very rare spring and fall migrant in Pennsylvania. One of these
sandpipers was taken in Berks county, near Beading, by Mr. D. Frank
Keller. I have seen two of these birds in the possession of Mr. C. D.
Wood, which were captured, he said, along the Schuylkill, near Phil-
adelphia. I have never met with the species in Pennsylvania.
Tringa minutilla VIEILL.
Least Sandpiper ; Peep.
DESCRIPTION (Plate 78).
Smallest of all the sandpipers ; length about 5| inches ; extent about 10| ; bill,
slender, straight and about f of an inch long.
Adult spring dress. Upper parts brownish-black, feathers with dark centers,
edged with bright reddish or chestnut, and more or less tipped with white ; fore-
neck and breast pale brownish-white with numerous dusky streaks ; rest of under
parts white. The adults and young in fall are quite similar, but with more white on
chin and upper throat, and foreneck and breast is light-grayish with a few indistinct
dusky streaks. This species can easily be distinguished from Semipalmated Sand-
piper by not only its smaller size, but by the fact that its long slender front toes have
no basal webs as m the Semipalmated.
Habitat. The whole of North and South America, breeding north of the United
States. Accidental in Europe.
The Least Sandpiper is a common spring and fall migrant in Penn-
sylvania. At Erie bay iij is very abundant, being usually seen in large
flocks, in company with the Semipalmated Sandpiper, and both species
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
are known there by the common name of " Peeps." This species is also
found, often in considerable numbers, about streams and ponds in all
parts of the state, but is generally more numerous in the interior in the
fall than during the spring migration. Referring to these, the smallest
of all our sandpipers, Nuttall says that " for the discovery of their food
their flexible and sensitive awl-like bills are probed into the mire, marshy
soil, or wet sand, in the manner of the snipe and woodcock, and in this
way they discover and rout from their hidden retreats the larvae and
soft worms which form a principal part of their fare. At other times
they also give chase to insects, and pursue their calling with amusing
alacrity."
Tringa alpina paciflca (OouES.).
American Dunlin; Red-backed Sandpiper; Black-bellied Sandpiper
DESCRIPTION.
Bill and legs black, the former rather stout and slightly decurved. The bill is
much longer than head (three specimens before me average 1.50) ; sexes alike. Like
other sandpipers this species shows great variation in its colors with age and season,
but adults in the spring may be known by the bright chestnut and blackish feathers
(many with grayish or white tips), of upper parts, the black colored rump and upper
tail-coverts, and a broad black patch on belly. The foreneck and upper part of
breast grayish-white, streaked with dusky, rest of under parts white. The adults
and young in fall dress have upper parts rather dark ashy-gray ; rump and upper
tail-coverts much darker (specimens are often seen with reddish and black feathers
on back, and sometimes single feathers or patches of black on belly). Lower parts
usually white ; foreneck and breast grayish-white streaked with dusky. Length
about 8 or 9 inches ; extent about 15 ; eyes brown.
Habitat. North America in general, breeding far north.
Regular spring and fall migrant. The American Dunlin or Red-
backed Sandpiper is much more numerous at Erie bay, and about the
lake shore in Erie county, than in any other section of the state. When
these birds are met with about the gravelly or muddy shores of our
larger water courses Susquehanna, Delaware, Allegheny and Ohio rivers
chiefly they generally are seen singly or in small flocks, usually in com-
pany with other species. At Erie, in the fall, the Dunlin is a very
abundant bird, being found in flocks which often number a hundred or
more. Large numbers of this species, and other shore birds, are killed
by gunners in the fall (the principal flights occur usually in September)
along the beach on the peninsula, and about the muddy flats at the
mouth of Mill Creek, which flows into Erie bay, below the Soldiers' and
Sailors' Home, at Erie city. The Dunlin feeds on worms, insects, small
bivalve shells, etc., and when fat, is equally as palatable as the snipe or
plover.
Plate 20.
Belted Kingfisher.
1. Males; 2. Female.
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 87
GENUS EREUNETES ILLIGER.
Ereunetes pusillus (LiNN.).
Semipalmated Sandpiper; Peep.
DESCRIPTION (Plate 81).
Size small, a little larger than T. minutilla from which in any plumage it can be
recognized by the basal webs of front toes ; bill and legs black ; eyes brown.
Adult in spring. Above grayish-brown, feathers more or less edged with brown,
ish or rusty, and tipped with whitish ; lower parts white, except jugulum which is
pale grayish-brown, -streaked with dusky. The old birds and young in the fall have
upper parts more grayish (particularly about back of neck), and less rusty ; lower
parts white ; jugulum (adult) very faintly streaked with dusky; jugulum (young)
pale buff without streaks.
Habitat. Eastern province of North America, breeding north of the United States ;
south in winter to the West Indies and South America.
Common spring- and fall migrant, similar in habits, and occurring' in
the same localities as the Least Sandpiper.
GENUS CALIDEIS CUVIER.
Calidris arenaria (LiNN.).
Sanderling.
DESCRIPTION.
Very similar in general character to the sandpipers, but hind toe is absent ; bill,
about as long as head, stout and straight, end somewhat thickened and expanded ;
toes short.
"Adult in summer. Above, light rufous, broken by large spots of black, the feath-
ers mostly tipped with whitish. Head, neck, throat and jugulum pale cinnamon-
rufous, speckled below and streaked above with blackish.
"Adult in winter. Above, very pale pearl-gray (the lesser wing-coverts darker
anteriorly), relieved only by faint darker shaft-streaks of the feathers. Throat and
jugulum pure white.
"Adult in spring. Above, light grayish, with large black spots (streaks on the
crown), here and there mixed with rufous; jugulum speckled with dusky on a
white ground.
" Young. Above, pale gray, spotted with black and whitish, the latter on tips of
the feathers ; jugulum immaculate white, laintly tinged with dull buff. ' Bill and
feet black ; iris brown ' (Aud.). Length about 7.75 to 8.00 inches" (extent about
15 inches). B. B. and R. N. A. Birds.
Habitat. Nearly cosmopolitan, breeding in the Arctic and subarctic regions, mi-
grating, in America, south to Chili and Patagonia.
Common spring and fall migrant at Lake Erie, where it is often seen
in flocks, frequently in company with the Piping- Plover ; much less
common in the interior of the state, where, generally, only scattered
birds are found, usually, about the shores of rivers, lakes and large
ponds.
88 BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
GENUS LIMOSA BRISSON.
Limosa fedoa (LINN.).
Marbled Godwit.
DESCRIPTION.
" Bill lengthened, * * * slender, and curving gently upwards ; grooved to near
tip ; the tip not attenuated, but pointed ; the lower almost as long as the upper. Cul-
men without any furrow. * * * A short basal membrane between the middle
and outer toes ; hind toe lengthened ; tail short, even.
" 8p. ch. Bill long, curved upwards ; both mandibles grooved ; wings long * * *
legs long ; tibia with its lower half naked ; toes rather short. * . * * Entire upper
parts variegated with brownish-black and pale reddish, the former disposed in ir-
regular and confluent bands, and the latter in spots and imperfect bands ; in many
specimens the black color predominating on the back, and the pale red on the rump
and upper tail-coverts. Under parts pale rufous, with transverse lines of brownish-
black on breasts and sides ; under wing-coverts and axillars darker rufous * * *
tail, light rufous, with transverse bars of brownish-black. Bill pale yellowish, red
at base ; brownish-black at end ; legs ashy black. Length about 18 inches ; bill 4 to
5; tarsus 3. "-B. B. of N. A.
Habitat. North America ; breeding in the interior (Missouri region and north-
ward), migrating in winter southward to Central America and Cuba.
The Marbled Godwit, or Marliii, is a rare and irregular spring- and
fall migrant in Pennsylvania. Mr. George B. Sennett informs me
stragglers are occasionally taken in Crawford and Erie counties. A few
specimens have also been captured in recent years in Lancaster, Phila-
delphia and Delaware counties.
NOTE. The Hudsonian Godwit (Limosa hcemastica Linn.) is said to
have been captured many years ago near Philadelphia by the late John
Krider. I have never met with this bird in Pennsylvania. None of the
naturalists or collectors whose lists of birds of Pennsylvania are before
me make any reference to it.
GENUS TOTANUS BECHSTEIN.
Totanus melanoleucus (GMEL.).
Greater Yellow-legs : Greater Tell-tale ; Greater Yellow-shanks.
DESCRIPTION (Plate 81).
Bill long, slender, and with deep grooves in front of nostrils ; tibiae mostly bare ; the
long and slender legs are yellow ; bill and claws black ; iris brown ; the short and
rounded tail is blackish with numerous transverse white bars ; upper tail coverts
white with few brownish bars ; upper parts generally brownish-black (ashy on back
of neck) with numerous white spots or edging on feathers ; chin, upper throat, lower
part of breast, abdomen, most of sides and under tail coverts white ; lower neck in
front and upper breast grayish-brown, with many dusky streaks. Length, bill to
end of tail about 14 inches ; extent about 25 ; bill about 2^ inches, never under 2.
Habitat. America in general, breeding in the cold temperate and subarctic por-
tions of North America, and migrating south to Chili and Buenos Ayres.
Plate 2i.
Red-headed Woodpecker.
1. Male; 2. Female; 3. Young.
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
89
Common spring- and fall migrant, but more numerous in the fall
from last of August to middle of October than in spring. At Lake
Erie this species is often seen in small flocks, but in other parts of the
state it is mostly found singly or in pairs, inhabiting the same localities
as the Lesser Tell-tale. The Greater Yellow -leg's feeds sometimes, it is
said, on small fish. A dozen or more of these birds which I have ex-
amined had in their stomach chiefly different kinds of insects, worms
and small particles of shells.
Totanus flavipes (GMEL.).
Yellow-legs; Lesser Tell-tale ; Yellow-shanks.
DESCRIPTION.
This bird is a miniature of the Greater Yellow-legs ; colors the same. Length about
10 or 11 inches ; extent about 19 or 21 ; bill never two inches long, and in three birds
before me the bills average a trifle less than one and one-half inches.
Habitat. America in general, breeding in the cold temperate and subarctic
districts, and migrating south in winter to southern South America. Less common
in the western than the eastern province of North America.
The Yellow-legs, commonly known along the sea-shore as "Little
Yellow-leg-Tell-tale," is quite frequently found in Pennsylvania during
migrations. Although often seen in spring, it is most numerous during
the last of August and in September. At Erie bay this bird, also the
Greater Yellow-legs, is quite common from the latter part of August
until, some seasons, as late as the first week in November. It is gener-
ally found in the interior, singly or in pairs, and sometimes, though not
often, in parties of five or six. I have often found them about ponds,
pools, and muddy flats, never along- streams of running- water, unless
the borders of such streams were muddy and destitute of grasses and
other vegetation. Dr. Ezra Michener, in a list of the Chester county
birds, published in 1863, says this species is a " frequent summer resi-
dent." I have never known this bird to occur in Chester county as a
summer resident, and am satisfied that it is now found in Chester county
and throughout Pennsylvania only as a spring- and autumnal migrant.
The food-materials of thirteen of these birds examined by the writer
are given in the following table :
No.
DATE.
LOCALITY.
FOOD-MATERIALS.
1
April 30, 1879,
Chester county. Pa
Insects, chiefly beetles.
May 7, 1879
3
Aug. 27. 1879,
Assomack countv. Va. .
Insects.
4
Aug. 27, 1879, .
Assomack county. Va..
Insects.
5
G
Aug. 27, 1879
Sept. _, 1882
Assomack county. Va. ,
Brigantine N J
Insects.
7
Sept. , 1882. .
Brigantine, N. J .
Small ' ' worms "
8
Sept. , 1882.
Brigantine N J
Beetles
9
Aug. HO. 1882. .
Chester county. Pa.
Insects.
10
Oct. 10. 1880. .
11
Oct. 10, 1880. .
Chester county, Pa
Insects and fragments of shells.
12
13
Oct. 10. 1880
Oct. 10, 1880,
Chester county, Pa
Insects.
90 BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
Tot anus solitarius (WiLS.).
Solitary Sandpiper.
DESCRIPTION (Plate 10).
Bill long, straight, slender ; maxilla with deep grooves in front of nostrils ; slender
legs and toes ; basal webs, but that between outer and middle toes much the largest ;
tail rounded and barred with white and blackish ; bill blackish ; legs greenish ;
eyes brown.
Adult, in spring. Upper parts dark-brown, with faint tinge of olive ; top of head,
and back of neck streaked with white, rest of upper plumage spotted with white ; chin,
lower breast, most of sides, abdomen and under tail-coverts white ; front of neck
white with numerous dusky streaks ; primaries blackish above, paler below ; lining
of wings and axillars with dusky and white bars. Old birds in the fall and the
young are very similar to the adult in spring but are duller in color ; the top of head,
hind neck and most of sides of the latter grayish-brown with few or no faint dusky
streaks ; chin and upper throat white ; front of neck grayish-brown and white with
indistinct dusky streaks. Length 8 to 9 inches ; extent 15 to 17 ; bill 1* inches or a
little less.
Habitat. North America, breeding occasionally in the northern United States,
more commonly northward, and migrating southward as far as Brazil and Peru.
Common spring and fall migrant. Breeds occasionally in a few
localities. The Solitary Sandpiper, unlike other of the sandpipers
occurring in this region, appears to have a special fondness for stagnant
pools in and about the woods. During its spring and fall passage
through Pennsylvania it is common, frequenting, generally, the muddy
borders of ponds, pools and sloughs. This species seldom arrives in
this state before April 25. About the first week in May you find them
singly, in pairs, and occasionally in flocks, numbering sometimes as
many as eight or even twelve individuals. In Wilson's Ornithology,
the following mention is made of the species : " I have made many
long and close searches for the nest of this bird without success. They
regularly breed on Pocono mountain, between Easton and Wilkes-Barre,
in Pennsylvania, arriving there early in May and departing in Septem-
ber." In Cumberland county the Messrs. Baird record it as a native.
Wilson also states that these birds inhabit the watery solitudes of our
highest mountains during the summer from Kentucky to New York,
but are nowhere numerous, seldom more than one or two being seen
together. Dr. Coues has found " young birds in July in northern Dakota,
about the pools of Turtle mountain." The same writer also states that "in
Maryland and Virginia, and in nearly correspondent latitudes in the
west, I have shot birds in August so young as to leave no doubt in my
mind that they were bred in the vicinity." I have never seen a Solitary
Sandpiper in Pennsylvania in June or July, but that it breeds sparingly,
and in several localities, there is no doubt. Mr. George B. Sennett, of
Erie, has several times met with this species in midsummer about streams
running through woods, in the vicinity of Meadville, Crawford county ;
and Mr. H. C. Kirkpatrick, a taxidermist residing at Meadville, says it
is occasionally found in that neighborhood as a native. Prof. H. Justin
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
91
Roddy, of Millersville, Pa., writing- (letter) of this species in Perry
county, says: "In the latter part of June, 1884, I shot an adult male
Solitary Sandpiper. There were a pair of them in a swamp, and from
their actions they were nesting. I devoted a good bit of 'time in search-
ing- for their nest but could not find it. I have no doubt, however, as to
their breeding-." Dr. Treichler, of Lancaster county, mentions it as an
irregular breeder ; he has found young- about half grown in the Cone-
wago meadows early in July. Dr. Walter Van Fleet, of Renovo, states
that the Solitary Sandpiper breeds in Clinton, Union and Northumber-
land counties. Prof. A. Kock, of Williamsport, tells me that he is quite
positive that this bird sometimes breeds in the mountainous regions of
Lycoming county. Although the bird is common, very little is known
concerning its nest or eggs. Prof. Robert Ridgway * says, " Egg (iden-
tification doubtful, but probably correct) 1.32 by .90, dull light-buffy,
thickly spotted and clouded with rich madder-brown and purplish-gray."
Mr. Oliver Davie (Nests and Eggs of N. A. Birds, third edition), says :
" In the last edition of this work I mentioned an egg supposed to belong
to this species, which I took in an open field bordering the Scioto river,
near Columbus, Ohio, in the latter part of May, 1887. * * * * The
egg was of a pointed oval shape, and not nearly so pyriform as are the
eggs of most of this family, size 1.25 by .88, smaller than the eggs of the
Spotted Sandpiper. The ground was clay-color with a reddish tinge,
thickly marked with reddish and blackish-brown. The nest was on the
ground in as exposed a locality as is ever frequented by this bird. It
contained two eggs, both far advanced in incubation, only one of which
was preserved."
According to Audubon, the Solitary Sandpiper is expert in catching
insects on. the wing, " especially the smaller kinds of dragon-flies, which
it chases from the sticks on which they alight, and generally seize before
they have flown across the little ponds which are the favorite places of
resort of this species. I have found their stomachs filled with aquatic
insects, caterpillars of various kinds, and black spiders of considerable
size."
The food materials of eleven birds examined by the writer are given
below :
No.
DATE.
LOCALITY.
FOOD-MATERIALS.
1
May 5 1880
Chester county Pa
Small shells.
2
May (5, 1880
Chester county Pa. .
Vegetable matter.
:s
4
5
d
May 9. 1880
May 7, 1882. . . .
May 7. 1882
Sept. 21. 1883.
Chester county, Pa
Chester county, Pa
Chester county. Pa
Chester county Pa . . .
Small ' ' worms. "
1 'Worms " and beetles.
"Worms " and beetles.
Beetles
8
It
10
11
Oct. 5, 1883
Oct. 20, 18S3
May 11. 1884
May 11. 1884
May 11, 1884,
Chester county. Pa
Schuylkill county, Pa
Chester county, Pa
Chester county, Pa
" Worms. 1 '
Insects.
Beetles and earth-worm
Dipterous insects.
Small ' ' worms. "
Manual of North American Birds, pajre 10(5.
92 BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
GENUS SYMPHEMIA RAFINESQUE.
Symphemia semipalmata (GMEL.).
Willet,
DESCBIPTION.
Size large, bill long, thick and grooved to middle ; legs stout and long ; lower half
of tibiae bare ; toes short and stout with marginal membranes and basal webs con-
necting inner and outer with the middle toes ; tail feathers nearly even. This spe-
cies varies more or less with age and season. Three specimens, male and females,
(taken in August), before me have bluish black legs, blackish bills, the latter 2^ and
2f inches long. Upper parts brownish-gray, darkest on head and back, streaked
with dusky, and many of the feathers with whitish edges ; back of neck ashy-gray ;
foreneck, the sides and portion of breast grayish, with dusky streaks or spots ; chin
upper part of throat, breast, except on sides, belly and crissum white ; axillars,
lining of wings, primary coverts and ends of primaries black ; most of the upper
tail-coverts, most of the secondaries and a large space on primaries, white ; tail ashy-
white with fine dusky markings. Length about 16 inches ; extent about 28.
Habitat. Temperate North America, south to the West Indies and Brazil.
Bare and irregular spring and fall migrant in eastern Pennsylvania,
and when observed here is, usually, seen late in August. Mr. Sennett,
and the Messrs. Thompson, of Erie city, have never known the Willet
to visit that locality ; and none of the naturalists and collectors, whose
reports are before me, have observed this species in any of the central,
northern or western counties of the state. I have two specimens, one
taken in Delaware county (August, 1885), the other was killed by flying
against a telegraph wire along the Brandywine, in Chester county
(August, 1887). Dr. Detwiller, of Bethlehem, has secured specimens
(mostly " after severe fall equinoctial storms " about the Delaware and
Lehigh rivers. Mr. W. H. Buller, Lancaster county, says : " The Wil-
let has, occasionally, been killed on the gravel bars along the Susque-
hanna river ; the last one, to my knowledge, was captured in the autumn
of 1878."
The Willet subsists, mainly, according to different writers, on worms,
various aquatic insects, small crabs, minute shell fish, small shells, etc.
GENUS BARTRAMIA LESSON.
Bartramia longicauda (BECHST.).
Bartramian Sandpiper ; Grass Plover ; Field Plover ; Upland Plover.
DESCRIPTION (Plate 68).
Bill about as long as head and nearly straight ; upper mandible with long grooves
on sides in front of nostrils ; neck, legs and tail long ; lower part of tibiae naked ;
legs rather slender ; toes, especially the hind one, rather long and slender, outer toe
and middle joined by small basal web ; sexes alike ; no marked seasonal changes in
plumage. Upper parts mostly brownish-black, most of the feathers with tawny and
whitish edgings ; top of head and back darkest ; crown divided by a narrow buff
line ; lower part of back and rump plain brownish-black ; chin and upper throat
white ; neck and breast faint yellowish or whitish with numei-ous streaks and spots
of dusky ; lower part of breast, abdomen and crissum white ; axillars and lining of
wings, barred with black and white ; wing quills black and brown, with white bars
on inner webs : middle tail feathers darkest, others pale-buff with bars, spots or
Plate 22.
2.
Flicker.
1. Male; 2. Female.
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
93
stripes of white and black ; tip and top of bill blackish, rest yellowish ; legs yel-
low ; eyes brown ; length about 12^ inches ; extent about 23.
Habitat. Eastern North America, north to Nova Scotia and Alaska, breeding
throughout its North American range ; migrating in winter southward as far even
as southern South America. Occasional in Europe.
This bird, known to sportsmen as the Field or Grass Plover, is'
a common migrant and summer resident in Pennsylvania from about
the 20th of April until September. This species resides during the
breeding- season in grass fields and highlands. In this particular it
differs from others of its family. Often in the summer these birds alight
on fences along the roadside, in trees, etc., and raise their long wings to
their full extent. When breeding these birds are found singly or in
pairs, and they are then quite unsuspicious, often allowing a very near
approach before they take to wing or run off and hide in the grass, but
in the late summer when assembled in flocks they become exceedingly
shy and difficult of approach. Many gunners who shoot every season, in
August, large numbers of these delicious game birds, generally go on
horseback or in wagons in order to get within easy range of their fleet-
footed, swift-winged and wary game. Nests on the ground, the spotted
eggs, three to four, measure a little over 1^ inches long by a trifle more
than H inches broad. Its ordinary note is a rather loud yet soft and pleas-
ing whistle, but when breeding it frequently utters a loud, prolonged and
tremulous piercing scream, which, when heard at considerable distance,
sounds very much like the sudden cry of a child in great distress. Late
in July and in August, or when the young are amply able to provide for
themselves, the plovers collect in flocks of six, eight a dozen, or twenty,
and sometimes many more, and frequent grass fields and meadows,
particularly Avhere grasshoppers, which are one of their favorite articles
of food, are abundant.
By the last of September but few of the species are found in the in-
terior, as they appear to soon leave the breeding grounds and migrate
towards the seacoast and large tide rivers.
In addition to feeding on different forms of insect-life, especially beetles
and grasshoppers, the plover often eats various kinds of berries and seeds.
Fourteen of these birds, which I have examined, were found to have fed
on the following-named insects, etc. :
No.
DATE.
LOCALITY .
FOOU-MATEKIALS.
1
J u ]y 4 187p )
Willistown Pa
Beetles *
2
3
4
Julv , 187, . . .
July . 1879
June 6, 1880.
Wiliistown, Pa
Willistown. Pa
Various insects. *
Grasshoppers. *
Beetles
5
June . 1880
Honeybrook, Pa
Beetles.
6
7
8
Sept. 15, 1880 . . .
Sept. 15, 1880 ...
AUR 20. 1883
Philadelphia Market. Pa.,
Philadelphia Market. Pa..
Small " worm?."
Beetles.
9
10
11
12
Aug. 20, 1883 . .
Aug. ~>0. 1883
AUK. 20. 1883
AUK. 14 1884 .
Chester county. Pa. . .
Chester county. Pa. . .
Chester county. Pa. . .
Chester countv, Pa. . .
Grasshoppers.
Grasshoppers.
Grasshoppers and fragments of hi-ct \c*.
Grasshoppers.
13
14
AUK. 14, 1884 ....
Aug. 14, 1884
Chester county. Pa. . . .
Dipterous Insects.
Young birds.
94 BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
GENUS ACTITIS ILLIGER.
Actitis macularia (LiNN.).
Spotted Sandpiper; Tilt-up.
DESCRIPTION (Plate 81).
Bill straight, slender and a little longer than head ; mandibles grooved ; lower
third of tibise bare ; legs rather long ; toes long, the outer and middle have basal
web. Size small ; sexes alike ; adults in winter and young very similar.
A dult. Length about 1\ inches ; extent about 13| ; bill pale yellow, with black
tip ; eyes brown ; legs pale flesh color. Upper parts grayish or brownish olive with
greenish or bronzy lustre and irregular spots, streaks, and lines of blackish ; white
streak over eye ; lower parts white with numerous rounded black spots. The young
and adults in winter have less metallic lustre on upper Darts, and under parts are
white or nearly white.
Habitat. North and South America, south to Brazil. Breeds throughout tem-
perate North America. Occasional in Europe.
The Tilt-up, as this sandpiper is universally known in this section,
arrives in Pennsylvania about the middle of April, sometimes even earlier.
It is common and indigenous. The nest is placed on the ground in a
grass field, sometimes in a grain field, or on the sandy bank near streams
and ponds, along which these birds are commonly found industriously
seeking their hidden prey. The creamy or buff colored eggs, from two
to five in number, are spotted and blotched with different shades of
brown and black. This bird, like other of the waders, places its eggs
in the nest with the small ends together. Wilson very properly says :
" This species is as remarkable for perpetually wagging the tail as some
others are for nodding the head ; for, whether running on the ground,
or on fences, along the rails, or in the water, this motion seems continual ;
even the young, soon after they are freed from the shell, run about con-
stantly wagging the tail." When you approach the eggs or young the
old birds manifest great concern. They flutter along the ground as if
injured, and should you follow and attempt to catch them they will lead
you to a considerable distance from their treasures before flying off.
Wilson mentions the following instance, which shows the great solici-
tude which the female has for her young : " My venerable friend, Mr.
William Barton, informs me that he saw one of these birds defend her
young for a considerable time from the repeated attacks of a ground
squirrel. The scene of action was on the river shore. The parent had
thrown herself, with her two young behind her, between them and the
land, and at every attempt of the squirrel to seize them by a circuitous
sweep, raised both her wings in an almost perpendicular position, as-
suming the most formidable appearance she was capable of, and rushed
forwards on the squirrel, who, intimidated by her boldness and manner,
instantly retreated ; but presently returning, was met, as before, in front
and on flank by the daring and affectionate bird, who, with her wings
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 95
and whole plumage bristling- up, seemed swelled to twice her usual size.
The young crowded together behind her, apparently sensible of their
perilous situation, moving backwards and forwards as she advanced or
retreated. This interesting scene lasted for at least ten minutes ; the
strength of the poor parent began evidently to flag, and the attacks of
the squirrel became more daring and frequent, when my good friend,
like one of those celestial agents who, in Homer's time, so often decided
the palm of victory, stepped forward from his retreat, drove the assail-
ant back to his hole, and rescued the innocent from destruction." To
escape capture when wounded the Tilt-up will resort to many devices.
One day when out shooting along Beaver creek, a tributary of the Bran-
dywine, about two miles from West Chester, I crippled one of these
birds ; it fell to the ground and ran rapidly to the edge of the stream,
which at this point was probably ten feet wide. The water was about a
foot deep, perfectly clear, and, except on one side for about eighteen
inches, was dammed back and remained quite motionless. I approached
the bird, when, to my great surprise, it plunged into the water and went
down to the sandy bottom like a stone. It ran on the bottom seemingly
without any difficulty, and even through the swiftly running water along
the edge, came up on the opposite side of the stream and thrust its head
into some long grass, but kept its body submerged. The bird repeated
this performance three times before I secured it. The Tilt-up is not gre-
garious.
The Spotted Sandpiper is also known by many as Peet-weet, a name
given in imitation of its rather shrill cry. This species feeds almost ex-
clusively on insects, such as beetles, flies, grasshoppers, larvae, worms, etc.
GENUS NUMENIUS BRISSON.
Numenius longirostris WILSON.
Long-billed Curlew; Sickle-bill.
DESCRIPTION.
" The largest American species of this genus ; bill very long, much curved ; upper
mandible longer than the under, somewhat knobbed at the tip ; wing rather long ;
legs moderate ; toes united at base ; entire upper parts pale-rufous, tinged with ashy ;
every feather with transverse and confluent bands of brownish-black, most numerous
and predominating on the back and scapulars ; secondary quills, under wing-coverts,
and axillaries, bright rufous ; primaries with their outer webs brownish-black, and
their inner webs rufous, with transverse bands of black ; under parts pale-rufous,
with longitudinal lines of black on the neck and sides ; tail rufous, tinged with ashy,
transversely barred with brownish-black ; bill brownish-black ; base of under man-
dible reddish-yellow ; legs bluish-brown ; specimens vary to some extent in the
shade of the rufous color of the plumage, and very much in the length of the bill ;
the rufous color is probably more distinct in the young. Length about 25 inches
(extent about 38) ; tail 4 ; bill 5 to 8 ; tarsus 2* inches." B. B. of N. A.
Habitat. Temperate North America, migrating south to Guatemala and the West
Indies. Breeds in the South Atlantic states, and in the interior, through most of its
North American range.
96 BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
I have never met with the Long-billed Curlew in Pennsylvania, where
it occurs only as a rare and irregular migrant, in the spring and fall.
The late Judge Libhart, in his report, mentions this species as a rare
visitor in Lancaster county. Mr. D. F. Keller, of Reading, says it has
been taken in Berks county, and Mr. Thomas S. Gillin, of Ambler, has
observed it as an occasional visitor in Montgomery county. Dr. Coues
(Birds of the Northwest} says: "Unlike our other two species of curlew,
the Long-billed is perfectly at home in most parts of the United States,
rearing its young even down on our southern border. Its northern
range is restricted, apparently, by the region of the Saskatchewan, as
intimated by Eichardson, and the length of the British Provinces ad-
joining the United States. I was, however, assured of its occurrence in
Labrador, though I did not see it myself. In New England it appears
to be rather uncommon, according to all accounts. * * * I found it
resident on the North Carolina coast, where it undoubtedly breeds. I
found it breeding with Godwits and Bartramian Tattlers on the prairies
of Minnesota and eastern Dakota, and likewise observed it in June, ap-
parently breeding, in New Mexico, near Fort Wingate, just west of the
Rio Grande. * * * It is by no means confined to the vicinity of the
water, but, on the contrary, is often seen on extensive dry plains, where
it feeds on various molluscs, insects and berries, which it deftly secures
with its extraordinarily long bill. The length and curve of this member,
gives the bird a singular and unmistakable appearance, either in flight
or when gathering its food. Its voice is sonorous and not at all musical."
Numenius borealis (FORST.)-
Eskimo Curlew; Dough-bird.
DESCRIPTION.
" Much smaller than the preceding ; bill rather longer than the head, slender ; wings
long ; tail short ; legs moderate ; entire upper parts brownish-black, spotted with
dull yellowish-rufous ; quills brownish-black, uniform on both webs, without bars
on either ; under wing-coverts and axillaries light-rufous, with transverse stripes of
brownish-black ; under parts dull-white, tinged with rufous, with longitudinal
narrow stripes of brownish-black on the neck and breast, and transverse stripes of
the same on the sides and under tail-coverts ; tail ashy-brown, with transverse bands
of brownish- black ; bill brownish-black ; base of under mandible yellow ; legs green-
ish-brown ; iris dark-brown. Length about 13^ inches ; (extent about 28) ; bill 2| to
2i ; tarsus If." B. B. of N. A.
Habitat. Eastern Province of North America, breeding in the Arctic regions,
and migrate south to South America.
Bare spring and fall migrant. A few of t^ese birds are seen every
year about the shores of Erie bay, where, in October, 1889, two were shot
by Mr. James Thompson, of Erie city.
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 97
FAMILY CHARADRIID^E. PLOVERS.
THE PLOVERS.
About a dozen species and two or three varieties of this large and important family,
containing, it is said, nearly a hundred species of all parts of the world, are recorded
as occurring in North America. In the eastern United States six species are of regu-
lar occurrence. One the Killdeers breeds in Pennsylvania ; the others which
visit here, are found only as migrants in the spring and fall. Species which
occur in this state frequent mostly the gravelly and sandy shores of rivers, large
creeks and lakes, or the muddy banks of ponds ; some, however, are often observed
about plowed grounds, and in grass or stubble tields quite remote from water.
They feed largely on an animal diet, consisting chiefly of beetles, grasshoppers,
"worms," larvae, fresh-water shells, etc. ; and some, also, occasionally, eat small
seeds and berries. At times, other than when breeding, Plovers are gregarious, and
are often found, during migrations, in company with different species of the Shore
Birds. These birds are strong and swift flyers. They run with great rapidity and
when migrating some often fly at a considerable elevation. The Killdeers, and per-
haps all, migrate at night The spotted and pyriform eggs, usually four in number,
are placed in a rude nest, or, commonly, in a slight depression in the bare ground.
The eggs, like those of the Spotted Sandpiper, lay in the nests with the small or
pointed ends together. Plovers have rather heavy and plump bodies, large, rounded
heads, short, thick necks, and only three toes, except in squatarola, which has a
very small rudimentary hind toe. The legs and toes are rather short and stout ; the
toes have basal webs. The bill, somewhat like that of a pigeon's in shape, is short
and stout. The sexes are quite similar, but the changes with age and season are
very marked.
GENUS CHARADRIUS LINNAEUS.
Charadrius squatarola (LiNN.).
Black-bellied Plover ; Bull-head Plover ; Whistling Field Plover.
DESCRIPTION.
Very small, but distinct, hind toe.
Adult, breeding dress. (Rarely seen in the U. S.) ; bill, legs, lores, chin, throat
and front of neck, breast, except sides, most of abdomen and axillars black; upper
parts spotted with blackish and whitish ; forehead, line over eye, sides of neck,
sides of breast, tibiae, posterior part of abdomen, under tail-coverts and some of upper
tail-coverts white.
Adults and young, fall. Lower parts white, but axillars blackish; upper parts
blackish, with grayish spots ; legs dull bluish ; young have upper parts speckled
with pale golden-yellow. Specimens are often taken in the fall with single or large
patches of black feathers on lower parts. Length about 12 inches ; extent about 23 ;
bill about 1.10.
Habitat. Nearly cosmopolitan, but chiefly in the Northern Hemisphere, breed-
ing far north, and migrating south in winter ; in America to the West Indies, Bra-
zil and New Grenada.
Rather rare spring and fall migrant ; when found here is mostly seen
in the autumn, when it is oftener met with in the vicinity of Lake Erie
than elsewhere in the state. Generally seen singly, in pairs or small
parties, never, according- to my observation, in large flocks like the
Golden Plover. I have taken two specimens in Chester county ; Dr.
7 BIKDS.
98 BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
Detwiller has observed this species in Lehighand Northampton counties
as a rare visitant, and Mr. Thomas S. Gillin reports it to be an irregular
migrant in Montgomery county. This plover has also been noted
either as a straggler or irregular migrant in other parts of the state by
the following gentlemen : Dr. Van Fleet, Clinton county ; H. A. Ting-
ley, M. D., Susquehanna county ; D. F. Keller, Berks county ; George
Spencer Morris, Philadelphia county and W. H. Buller, Lancaster
county. The Black-bellied Plover is mentioned by Audubon, Wilson
and other writers as breeding in Pennsylvania. It does not now breed
in this state, but retires to the dreary Arctic regions to rear its young.
This species feeds on beetles, grasshoppers, worms, etc. ; also, occa-
sionally, on different kinds of seeds and berries.
Charadrius dominicus MULL.
American Golden Plover ; Field Plover ; Bull-head Plover.
DESCRIPTION (Plate 82).
This bird, very similar to C. squatarola, can easily be recognized by the absence
of the hind toe and the grayish or white axillars ; the dusky or blackish upper parts
are usually more brightly spotted with golden-yellow.
Habitat. A.rctic America, migrating southward throughout North and South
America to Patagonia
The Golden Plover is said to be a rather common and regular migrant
in the vicinity of Lake Erie, especially in the fall, when, frequently,
large numbers of these birds are shot in the meadows and fields .about
Erie city. This bird is found generally throughout the commonwealth,
but is very irregular in its visitations, except in the region, about the
great lake to the north of Erie county.
I have never seen the Golden Plover in eastern Pennsylvania during
the spring migrations, and as an autumnal visitant it is uncertain. For
several consecutive seasons none will be observed in certain districts ;
the following season, however, the birds will be found abundantly in
these same districts. The largest flight of Golden Plovers that I ever
saw in this section (Chester county) was in the fall of 1880, when flocks
of from fifty to one hundred were quite plentiful about the plowed
grounds and grass fields in the neighborhood of West Chester. Mr.
Francis Jacobs, of West Chester, informs me that about the year 1860
Bull-head* Plovers were abundant in the Great Valley and in the
vicinity of West Chester, where, in September, they came in flocks of hun-
dreds and literally covered the fields where wheat had been sown. " In
those days the wheat was sown, as but few farmers had drills." Mr. Jacobs
states that he has often killed fifteen or twenty at one shot, and, in
company with his brother, has shot two hundred or more in one day.
* The name Bull-head is given to both the Golden and Black-bellied Plovers. I suppose the birds men-
tioned by my friend Mr. Jacobs to have been Golden Plovers (C'fyaradrius dominicus).
Plate 23.
1. Night- Hawk. 2, Whip-poor- wilful :\?
Males. : ,\ - -,
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
These birds would remain about two weeks, or until the wheat had
sprouted. They subsisted almost exclusively on wheat. My informant
states that prior to 1860, for at least fifteen years, these birds annually,
in the fall, made these visits, and that he had always been told, when a
boy, that "Bull-heads" were abundant every year.
Audubon furnishes the following 1 information of this species : "While
searching for food on the sand or mud bars of the seashore they move
in a direct manner, often look sideways toward the ground, and pick up
the object of their search by a peculiar bending movement of the body.
They are frequently observed to pat the moist earth with their feet to
force worms from their burrows. In autumn they betake themselves to
the higher grounds, where berries as well as insects are to be met with,
and where they find abundance of grasshoppers."
Five of these plovers taken in September and October, 1880, in Ches-
ter county, had fed chiefly on grasshoppers and beetles ; one had in its
stomach a few small brownish seeds, with several large beetles, and an-
other had its stomach gorged with grasshoppers with which were a few
small black-colored worms.
GENUS ^JGIALITIS BOIK.
vocifera (LiNN.).
Killdeer.
DESCRIPTION (Plate 11).
Upper parts grayish-brown; rump and upper tail-coverts brownish-orange or rusty ;
forehead and under parts white, except two black bands across chest; bill black ;
iris dark-brown ; legs grayish or dull greenish-yellow ; eyelids scarlet. Length
about 9 or 10 inches ; extent about 20 ; tail rounded and about 3| inches long ; bill less
than an inch long.
Habitat. Temperate North America, migrating in winter to the West Indies and
central and northern South America.
Reader, I am sure you can always distinguish this bird by the well-
known cry which gives rise to its common name. Should you, however,
have the lifeless body of one of these birds, you can without any diffi-
culty distinguish it from other of its numerous relatives by the red eye-
lids and long legs. In addition you will also see a white line, with
black margin, extending over the bill, between the eyes. The white
feathers of the throat are continuous, with a conspicuous and immacu-
late collar, below which is a ring of black, separated by a streak of white
from a band of black across the breast.
During the spring, summer and autumn the Kildeer is common in
nearly all parts of Pennsylvania, and in winter it is quite frequently
observed, particularly in the southern parts of the state. The spotted
pyriform eggs, usually four in number, are placed in a slight hollow in
the ground, oftentimes near a hill of corn.
100
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
The eg-g-s, small at one end and quite pointed, measure about 1.50
inches long* by about 1.08 broad.
" The food of this species consists of earth-worms, grasshoppers,
crickets and coleopterous insects, as well as small Crustacea, whether of
salt or fresh water, and snails. Now and then they may be seen thrust-
ing- their bills into the mud in search of some other food. During
autumn they run about the old fields and catch an insect which the blue-
bird has been watching with anxious care from the top of a withering
mullein stalk. They run briskly after the plowman to pick up the
worms that have been turned out of their burrows. Now standing on the
grassy meadow, after a shower, you see them patting the moist ground,
to force out its inhabitants. During winter you meet with them on
elevated ground, or along the margins of the rivers ; but wherever you
observe one about to pick up its food you clearly see its body moving in
a see-saw manner on the joints of the legs, until the former being so
placed that the bill can reach the ground, the object is seized, and the
usual horizontal position is resumed." Audubon.
The food-materials, with date of collection and locality, of eleven
Killdeers examined by the writer, are given below :
No.
DATE.
LOCALITY.
FOOD-MATERIALS.
1
2
3
April 10. 1879. .
April 30. 1879. . . .
June 18. 1879.
Chester county, Pa .
Chester county. Pa.,
Chester county, Pa.,
Snails and beetles.
Earth-worms.
Beetles.
4
5
6
Nov. 14. 1879. . . .
May 15. 1880. . . .
May 15, 1880, . . .
Lancaster county, Pa
Chester county, Pa
Chester county. Pa.,
Fragments of fresh water shells.
Earth-worms.
Earth-worms and larvae.
Aug. 21, 1880
Delaware county, Pa..
Grasshoppers and small seeds.
8
Dec. 13, 1881. . .
Chester county, Pa. ,
Grasshoppers .
9
10
July 31, 1883
July 31 1883
Chester county, Pa
Beetles and larvae.
Beetles
11
Sept. 20, 1884
Chester county, Pa. , . .
Grasshoppers and seeds.
-ZEgialitis semipalmata BONAP.
Semipalmated Plover ; Ring-neck ; Ring Plover.
DESCRIPTION.
"Small ; wings long, toes connected at base, especially the outer to the middle toe;
forehead, throat, ring around neck (behind) and entire under parts white ; a band
of deep black across the breast, extending around the back of neck below the white
ring. Band from the base ot bill under the eye, and wider frontal band above the
white band black ; upper parts ashy brown ; quills brownish-black with their shafts
white in a middle portion ; * * * * shorter tertiaries edged with white ; greater
coverts tipped with white ; middle feathers of the tail ashy-brown, with a wide sub-
terminal band of brownish-black, and narrowly tipped with white ; two outer tail-
feathers white, others intermediate, like the middle, but widely tipped with white ;
bill orange-yellow at base, black terminally ; legs pale flesh color.
"Female similar, but rather lighter colored.
" Young with the black replaced by ashy-brown, the feathers of the upper parts
bordered with paler (bill almost entirely black). Total length about 7 inches ; (ex-
tent about 15,) bill 45. to .50 ; tarsus .95." B, B. and R. B. of N. A.
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 101
I/(t?ritat.Arctic and subarctic America, migrating south throughout tropical
America, as far as Brazil and Peru.
The Semipalmated Plover is a rather common migrant (especially in
the fall) about the lake shore and bay, in Erie county, where small flocks
often in company with Piping Plovers and the small sandpipers, are
seen. The Ringneck, as it is called by some, also occurs more or less
frequently, usually singly or in pairs, and sometimes in small flocks
with other species, particularly during the fall migrations along the
shores of our principal rivers. The Ring Plover arrives in the Erie
region early in May, and after breeding north of the United States,
returns again in August, and remains until late in September. This
little plover can easily be recognized from the next by the extent of the
web, which extends to the second joint between the outer and middle
toes. This species, according to different writers, feeds on insects,
worms, small Crustacea, mollusca and the eggs of fish and other marine
animals.
.ffigialitis meloda
Piping Plover.
DESCRIPTION.
" About the size of JE. semipalmata ; bill short ; strong.
" Adult male. Forehead, ring around back of neck, and entire under parts, white ;
a band of black in front above the band of white ; band encircling the neck before
and behind, but usually interrupted in the middle of breast, black, immediately
below the ring of white on the neck behind. Head above and upper parts of body
light brownish cinereous ; rump and upper tail-coverts lighter, and often white ;
quills dark brown, with a large portion of their inner webs and shafts white ; shorter
primaries with a large portion of their outer webs white ; tail at base white, and with
the outer feathers white ; middle feathers with a wide sub-terminal band of brown-
ish-black, and tipped with white. Bill orange at base, tipped with black ; legs orange
yellow.
" Female similar to male, but with the dark colors brighter and less in extent,
" Young. No black band in front ; collar around the back of the neck ashy-brown/'
B. B. and R. B. of N. A.
Habitat. Eastern province of North America, breeding from thecoast of Virginia
(at least formerly) northward ; in winter, West Indies. ; \\l I \ ;
The Piping Plover, an abundant summer resident pn jth^Atlajj^k?;
coast of the United States, breeding, it is said, from irke-Carolinas iiortji-"
ward to the Gulf of St. Lawrence, is found in the same localities in Penn-
sylvania as its near relative, the Semipalmated Plover. During migra-
tions the Piping Plover, so called because of rather soft, musical and
plaintive note, is about as plentiful in the Lake Erie region as the Semi-
palmated, but elsewhere in our state it appears to be quite a rare and
irregular visitor. I have never met with this bird in any part of Penn-
sylvania except at Erie bay. The late Judge Libhart found it in autumn
v along the Susquehanna, in Lancaster county, where it has, also, recently
102 BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
been observed by Dr. Treichler, of Elizabethtown. Stragglers have
been taken in the fall, after severe storms from the Atlantic coast, when
feeding- along the shoals and shores of the Delaware and Lehigh rivers,
by Dr. John W. Detwiller, of Northampton county, and Mr. T. L. Neff
has found it in Cumberland county. The food of the Piping Plover is
similar to that of previously mentioned species.
-ffigialitis wilsonia (ORD.).
Wilson's Plover.
DESCRIPTION.
"Bill large and stout, longer than middle toe.
"Adult male. Frontal crescent, extending back on each side of the crown to beyond
the eye, ends of greater wing-coverts, shafts of primaries, and entire lower parts,
pure white ; crescentric patch covering fore part of the crown, lores, and wide band
across the jugulum, black ; occiput more or less strongly suffused with oceraceous,
especially laterally and posteriorly. Upper parts (except as described) uniiorm
brownish gray, the remiges (i. e. long wing feathers) darker.
"A dull female. Similar to the male, but the black replaced by brownish gray, the
jugular collar tinged with oceraceous. (The young very similar to female.) Bill
black ; eyelids grayish ; iris brown ; legs and feet pale grayish flesh color. Total
length about 7.75 ; extent 16.00 ; culmen .80 ; tarsus 1.25 ; middle toe .75." B. B. and
It. B. of N. A.
Habitat. Coasts of North and South America, from Long Island and Lower Cali-
fornia southward to Brazil and Peru, including the West Indies. Casual to Nova
Scotia.
Wilson's Plover may readily be recognized from either of the two spe-
cies last mentioned, by the rather large head, black, large and heavy
bill. This species breeds in New Jersey and along the seacoast of some,
perhaps all, of the south Atlantic states, where, as well as about the
coasts of the gulf states, it is common, often being found, when migrat-
ing, in small flocks. I have never found this plover in Pennsylvania,
nor has it ever been seen about Lake Erie by Mr. George B. Sennett.
The late Judge Libhart, in his ornithological report of Lancaster county,
says Wilson's Plover is " frequent on the beach (Susquehanna) in au-
tumn," , A few stragglers have been captured about some of our larger
-migrations, and reported to me as follows : James Galen
t : A. : C. Treichler, both of Lancaster county; Hon. Gerard C.
Srcwn, 'York cchmfy ; W. W. Stoey, Dauphin county ; Dr. John W. Det-
willer, Northampton county, and Mr. T. L. Neff, of Carlisle, Cumberland
county. Their food is said to consist almost entirely of minute shell-
fish, worms and small insects.
Plate 24.
Tyrant Flycatcher, or King Bird.
1. Male; 2. Female.
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 103
FAMILY APHRIZID-ffi. TURNSTONES, ETC.
SUBFAMILY ARENAB1IN.&. TURNSTONES.
THE TURNSTONES.
Two species of this subfamily, the common Turnstone and the Black Turnstone,
are found in the United States. They breed commonly in the Arctic regions. The
common Turnstone is abundant on the Atlantic coast during migrations. The Black
Turnstone has never been observed on the Atlantic side, but is numerous on the
Pacific coast "from the Alentian Islands, south to Monterey, California." The name,
Turnstone, is derived from its curious habit of turning over small stones, etc., when
scratching for food, consisting almost entirely of different forms of aquatic insect-
life. Both species, it is stated, nest on or near the sea beach, and deposit their eggs
in slight depressions in the sand or shingle. The eggs, said to be two to four in
number, are described as light olive, spotted or speckled all over with brown.
Turnstones are rather small-sized birds, but, like a plover, robust in form. The head
is small, neck short, wings long and pointed, and when folded reach almost to the
end of the rather shortand very slightly rounded tail. Lower part of tibiae naked; legs
short and stout; four toes, hind one well developed, and like the others has a sharp
pointed and curved claw; anterior toes have no basal webs. The bill, shorter than
the head, is stout, hard, much higher than wide, and tapers to a sharp point. Broad
nasal fossse extend about half the length of maxilla. The sexes are alike, but they
vary considerably with age and season.
GENUS ARENARIA BRISSON.
Arenaria interpres (LiNN.).
Turnstone ; Calico-Back ; Calico-snipe, etc.
DESCRIPTION (Plate 82).
Adult in spring. Bill black; eyes brown; legs orange red; throat most of head
above (except middle of crown, which is streaked with black and reddish) lower
part of back, some upper tail-coverts, sides under surface of wings, lower part of
breast, belly and under tail-coverts, white ; upper part of back and wings varied
with black, brown and ferruginous. The greater wing.coverts and some secondaries
are mostly white; upper part of breast, fore neck, broad patches under eyes; broad
bars on sides of neck, black. The young have colors much duller with little or no
black or bright ferruginous. Length about 9 inches; extent about 18 ; bill little
less than 1 inch.
Habitat. Nearly cosmopolitan. In America from Greenland and Alaska to the
straights of Magellan; more or less common in the interior of North America on the
shores of the great lakes and the larger rivers. Breeds in high northern latitudes.
Specimens of this species have been obtained at Erie bay by Messrs.
George B. Sennett and James Thompson, where this bird occurs much
oftener during- migrations than elsewhere in Pennsylvania.
I have seen two or three Turnstones which were killed in the fall, after
severe storms, in Philadelphia and Delaware counties. This species has
also been observed about the shores of the Susquehanna by Senator
Gerard C. Brown, York county, W. W. Stoey, Dauphin county, and Dr.
A. C. Treichler, Lancaster county.
104 BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
ORDER GALLING. GALLINACEOUS BIRDS.
SUBORDER PHASIANI. PHEASANTS, QUAIL, ETC.
FAMILY TETRAONID-ffi. GROUSE, ETC.
THE GROUSE AND QUAIL.
Only two species of this large and important family, containing some of the best
known and most highly prized game birds, are found in Pennsylvania. These, the
Ruffed Grouse or Pheasant, and the Quail or Partridge, are reported as natives in
nearly every county in the commonwealth. Fifty, sixty or more years ago the
Prairie Hen ( Tympanuchus americanus, Reich. ) was, it is stated, rather common in
certain parts of the state. Dr. Win. P. Turnbull* writing, in 1869, of the Prairie
Hen, says : " Now very rare. A few are still met with in Monroe and Northampton
counties, where I have shot the species." In recent years unsuccessful efforts have
been made to introduce to Pennsylvania, with a view to naturalization, the Prairie
Hen, the European or Migratory Quail (Coturnix coturnix, Linn.) and the Califor-
nia Partridge (Callipepla californica, Shaw). The Ruffed Grouse, an inhabitant
principally of woods and thickets, is most numerous in the mountainous and ele-
vated districts. The Quail, or Bob-white, prefers the open fields, meadows and
pastures, hence is most plentiful in the fertile and productive agricultural regions,
especially in the southeastern and some of the southern and western counties.
Both species nest commonly on the ground, and lay many buff-colored or white
eggs. The young, covered with a brownish and blackish down, are able to run as
soon as they are out of the shell, and they possess an ability to hide themselves
under fallen leaves or in scattered grasses and weeds, which is quite remarkable.
Both species, when not breeding, are found generally in small flocks of one or two
families. The Grouse does not appear to be migratory, but the Quail is of a migra-
tory disposition. The flesh of these birds is held in high esteem by epicures. Large
numbers of both species, particularly Grouse, are killed annually and shipped to
the markets. They subsist chiefly on a vegetable diet, viz., the seeds of various
weeds and grasses, cereals, berries, wild grapes, and other small fruits; the buds
and blossoms of trees and shrubs, the tender shoots of different small plants, etc.,
and in summer they also devour numerous kinds of insects. Pheasants spend most
of their time on the ground, but they often alight in trees and bushes to feed, roost,
or to escape from enemies. Often when pursued by gunners Grouse secrete them,
selves in the tops of high trees, particularly hemlocks, where they frequently remain
so motionless as to escape the keen eye of the most experienced hunter. Some-
times when these wily birds fly in trees they alight on large limbs, sit lengthwise,
and so close to the limb as to render it difficult to detect them. At other times they
perch close to the body of a stately forest monarch, and stand unright feathers close
to the body and with neck stretched to the full extent; but even in this partly un-
covered attitude they are often overlooked, being frequently mistaken for knots,
bunches of lichens, leaves or rough bark. One is often surprised to see how very
small a large Grouse will appear when frightened and hiding in a tree. Old hunt-
ers, who have made a careful study of both Grouse and Quail, in their natural haunts,
claim that these birds, during the breeding season, leave no "scent" by which dogs,
etc., can trail them, as they do at other times. Although the Quail is a resident
(t. e., found in the same locality during all months of the year), it is, in some parts
of the state at least, more or less migratory, as is clearly shown by the fact that in
the fall flocks, sometimes numbering a hundred or more birds, are seen traveling,
usually, southward. Quails are terrestrial. Coveys huddle close together at night,
and roost on the ground, and often, like the Grouse, when pursued, they seek shelter
* Birds of East Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
Plate 2 <
Blue Jay.
1. Male; 2 and 3, Female.
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 105
in trees. According to my observations, they do not, as a rule, attempt to hide as
the Grouse does, in the thick foliage, but perch on a limb frequently like the
Grouse, on the opposite side of the tree from which they entered mostly near the
body of the tree, and squat close to the bark. In the summer, when the wife is en-
gaged with her domestic duties, it is not uncommon to see Mr. Quail perched
in an upright position on a fence, uttering his shrill and pleasing whistle that
has given rise to the vernacular and appropriate name, Bob-white, In Grouse there is
but little difference in the sexes, though the female, usually a little smaller, has the
neck-tufts, less developed, and duller in color. The male Quail has line over eye and
throat patch white ; the female has these parts buff or yellowish, but otherwise is
similar to male.
GENUS COLINTJS LESSON.
Colinus virginianus (LiNN.).
Bob-white; Quail; Partridge.
DESCRIPTION (Plate 12).
Feathers of crown lengthened and erectile, but not forming a crest as in the
pheasant. Forehead, streak over eye and throat patch (white in male, buff in fe-
male) light colored, and in male particularly, bordered with black ; neck all round
reddish-brown varied with black and white, the latter especially showy on back of
neck ; rest of upper parts reddish-brown varied with black, white, gray and pale
buff; tail mostly bluish-gray; under parts whitish, with reddish-brown sides
streaked irregularly with black. Length about 10| inches ; extent about 15.
Habitat. Eastern United States and southern Canada from southern Maine to the
south Atlantic and gulf States ; west to Dakota, eastern Kansas and eastern Texas.
This species is found in Pennsylvania at all seasons, yet I am fully
convinced that many of those that breed here migrate^in the autumn
southward. During- the fall, and particularly in the month of October,
I have observed flocks, consisting- of several families and numbering
from sixty to a hundred or more individuals engaged in such migrations.
Partridges at all seasons other than when breeding are seen in flocks.
When not migrating- we find them in flocks of twelve to fifteen each,
frequenting fields and swamps usually near the borders of woods or
thickets, to which they speedily repair when disturbed. Early in April
these birds pair and about the first of May commence nesting. The
nest is always placed on the ground, generally in a slig-ht hollow, and is
constructed chiefly of small twigs and grasses. The nest is usually placed
in a grass field, concealed by a hig-h tuft of grass or protected by a thick
overhanging bush. The eggs are white, pear-shaped, and althoug-h
variable, generally number about fifteen. The birds are mainly terres-
trial in habits. In the autumn and winter, when continually pursued
by sportsmen and dogs, they oftentimes, when flushed, seek refug-e in
trees ; they usually alight on a large limb close to the main trunk and
crouch so close that not unfrequently they escape the notice of the
eager hunter. A gentleman of my acquaintance some years ag-o while
out hunting pheasants noticed a slight movement among some dead
106
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
leaves in the top of an oak tree, he raised his gun quickly and fired into
the leaves when to his astonishment down came fourteen partridges
dead and wounded. Partridges breed readily in confinement, and oc-
casionally, though rarely, become quite tame.
Although Quail are more or less common in nearly all counties of the
commonwealth I have found them more abundant, in the hunting season,
at different points along the Cumberland Valley railroad, the Northern
Central railroad, and the Harrisburg and Gettysburg railroad (in Frank-
lin, Cumberland, Adams and York counties) than elsewhere in the state.
Good Quail shooting is also to be had, it is said, in certain sections of
Mercer, Crawford, Lawrence, and some few other of the western and
southwestern counties. In many sections of Chester, Delaware and
Lancaster counties these birds are much less numerous than they were
five or six years ago.
The food of this species * consists principally of cereals, various small
seeds, berries, and in the breeding season insects, chiefly beetles, are
taken in limited numbers. B. M. Everhart, the well-known naturalist
and botanist, informs me that four or five years ago he examined the
stomach-contents of twenty odd Partridges which his brother had shot
when on a gunning excursion in the Delaware, and found that all the
birds had fed exclusively on the seeds of skunk-cabbage (Symplocarpus
fceditus).
The food of sixteen quails, with date of collection and locality in
which they were captured, examined by myself, are given in the follow-
ing table :
No.
DATE.
LOCALITY,
FOOD-MATERIALS.
1
2
July 21. 1879, .
July 21 1879
Chester county, Pa
Chester county. Pa.
Small seeds.
Wheat and berries.
3
4
Aug., 1880
Aug. 3. 1880
Chester county, Pa. ,
Chester county, Pa
Small seeds and remains of beetles.
Beetles.
5
6
Oct. 20, 1880
Oct 20 1880,
Chester county, Pa
Chester county, Pa. .
Corn and small seeds.
Corn and wheat.
1
8
g
Oct. 20. 1880
Oct. 20, 1880, . . .
Nov. 20, 1880, . . .
Chester county, Pa
Chester county, Pa
York county, Pa
Corn and seeds.
Wheat.
Rag-weed seeds and corn.
10
11
Nov. 20, 1880, . . .
Nov. 30, 1880, . . .
York county, Pa
Newark, Del
Corn.
Small seeds.
12
D ec ig82
Newark, Del
Corn.
13
14
15
Dec., 1882, . . .
Dec., 1882, . . .
May 20, 1884, .
Newark, Del
Newark, Del
Chester county, Pa
Green vegetable material.
Green vegetable material and small seeds.
Small seeds.
16
,May20, 1884
Chester county, Pa
Small seeds and insects.
* The Florida Bob-white (C. V. floridanus, Coues) subsists to a great extent on different kinds of in-
sects. In the months of February. March, April and the first week in May. 1885, when in Florida. 1 ex-
amined over one hundred of these quail and found that the greater part of their food consisted of different
forms of insect-life, particularly beetles, small flies and " worms. " with frequently small seeds and
other kinds of green vegetable substances. In the gizzards of nine of these birds, taken late in April,
were found (one or two in each bird) with other food, small batrachians, the proper name of which is
unknown to me, but which the natives called sand frogs ' or " rain toads. "
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 107
SUBFAMILY TETRAONIN.S3. GROUSE.
GENUS BON AS A STEPHENS.
Bonasa umbellus (LiNN.).
Rutfed Grouse ; Pheasant ; Partridge.
DESCRIPTION (Plate 65}.
Head with lengthened crest ; above variously marked with different shades of
black, brown, gray and whitish ; lower parts much lighter, white or buff, with
many broad bars of black or brown ; long neck-ruffle of male glossy black with
violet reflections ; female with neck ruffle smaller and generally more brown. Tail
of eighteen long feathers is gray or reddish-brown, with numerous transverse and
irregular bars. Length about 18 inches ; extent about 24 ; tail 7.
Habitat. Eastern United States, south to North Carolina, Georgia, Mississippi
and Arkansas.
The Buffed Grouse is known generally throughout Pennsylvania as
the Pheasant, but in some parts of the northeastern counties it is usually
called "Partridge," a name by which the quail is commonly designated
in most parts of this state. The grouse is an abundant resident in the
mountains, wooded and thinly populated districts of Pennsylvania. In
the northern tier of counties and also in the counties of Lackawanna,
Wyoming, Sullivan, Huntingdon, Lycoming, Schuylkill, Clinton, Cen-
tre, Elk, Clearneld, Cameron, Westmoreland, Bedford, Perry, Forest
and some few more, .large numbers of these well-known game birds are
killed every year. The Lehigh Valley railroad will take you to good
shooting grounds in Carbon, Luzerne, Wyoming and Bradford counties,
and excellent sport can be had shooting grouse in the neighborhood of
Scranton and in the vicinity of Montrose, Susquehanna connty, both of
which places are reached by the Delaware, Lackawanna and Western
railroad. The Hudson Canal Company's roads traverse sections of
Lackawanna, Wayne and Pike counties, where grouse are reported to
be particularly numerous. The Beech Creek railroad and the Northern
Central railroad (Elmira and Canandaigua division), as well as the Phil-
adelphia and Erie railroad, go through some of the best Pheasant
grounds I have ever visited.
Dr. Coues says: /'The 'drumming' sound for which this bird is
noted, is not vocal, as many suppose, but is produced by rapidly beat-
ing the wings." During the breeding season and at other times, if not
continually harassed by sportsmen, the grouse is tame and unsuspicious.
The nest is made on the ground, and consists principally of leaves ; it is
always placed in the interior of woods, and is usually concealed by a log
or thick bushes. The eggs are a yellowish- white color and number
about fifteen. I once found a nest with nine eggs, in which incubation
was well advanced. E. A. Samuels, in his entertaining work, " Our
108 BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA
Northern and Eastern Birds" says : " From several instances which
have come to my knowledge, I am inclined to think that the female
Buffed Grouse, if persistently molested when nesting on the ground,
avails herself of the abandoned nest of a crow, or the shelter afforded in
the top of some tall broken trunk of a tree, in which she deposits her
eggs. Two of my collectors in northern Maine have sent me eggs
which they positively declared were found in a crow's nest in a high
pine, but which are undoubtedly of this species ; and recently I have
heard of another occurrence from my friend L. E. Kicksecker, of Penn-
sylvania. The only satisfactory theory that I can advance to account
for these departures from the usual habits of the grouse, is that the
birds had been much disturbed, their eggs or young perhaps destroyed ;
and as they are often in the trees, and are expert climbers, they laid
their eggs in these lofty situations to secure protection from their
numerous foes below."
Pheasants are woodland birds, but I have observed, when hunting
them in the fall, that they often leave the woods and are found feeding
about the edges of fields, along the borders of woods or thickets. When
in such places two gunners can, if they are fair marksmen, generally
have good success, if one goes along the edge of the woods and his com-
panion takes the open territory. Hon. Nathan C. Evans, of Bedford
county, informs me he has examined the crops of hundreds of these
birds killed in the fall and ascertained that they subsist to a considerable
extent on the leaves arid blossoms of red clover. Forty-two Pheasants,
taken in the months of October, November and December, in Schuylkill,
Dauphin, Warren, Chester, Erie and Lancaster counties, which I have
examined, were found /to have fed mainly on Partridge berries, chest-
nuts, small seeds and other vegetable matter ; ten of this lot shot when
the snow was deep were all gorged with buds of laurel. The stomach
contents of twenty -two Pheasants, captured in Wayne, Susquehanna and
Wyoming counties December, 1889, and identified by my kind friend,
Benjamin M. Everhart, of West Chester, consisted principally of the
Fern (Aspidium spinulosum, Swartz, var., intermedium., Willd.), and
False Mitre-wort (Tiarella cordifolia, L.) with some few leaves and a
little fruit of the Partridge berry (Mitchella repens L.). Wilson writing
of their food says : " They are exceedingly fond of the seeds of grapes ;
occasionally eat ants, chestnuts, blackberries and various vegetables.
It has been confidently asserted that, after having fed for some time
on the laurel buds, their flesh becomes highly dangerous to eat of, par-
taking of the poisonous qualities of the plant, f * * * Though
I have myself ate freely of the flesh of the Pheasant, after emptying it
of large quantities of laurel buds, without experiencing any bad conse-
*Prof. John H. Brinton, M. D., of the Jefferson Medical College. Philadelphia. Pa., informed me that
he had known of several cases of Glossitis (inflammation of the tongue) to have been caused by eating
Pheasants which had fed on laurel. Warren.
Plate 26.
Reed-bird Bobolink.
1. Male; 2. female.
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
109
quences, yet, from the respectability of those, some of them eminent
physicians, who have particularized cases in which it has proved dele-
terious, and even fatal, I am inclined to believe that, in certain cases,
where this kind of food has been lonp- continued, and the birds allowed
to remain undrawn for several days, until the contents of the crop and
stomach have had time to diffuse themselves through the flesh, as is
too often the case, it may be unwholesome and even dang-erous."
FAMILY PHASIANHX&. TURKEYS, ETC.
SUBFAMILY MELEAGKIN^E TURKEYS.
GENUS MELEAGRIS LINN.EUS.
Meleagris gallopavo LINN.
Wild Turkey.
DESCRIPTION ( Plate 74).
Length 3 to 4 feet ; extent 4 to 5 feet. Weight varies greatly ; males are said to
weigh from 16 to 35 pounds, and females from 8 to 14 pounds. Bare skin of head and
neck blue ; excrescences purplish-red ; legs red ; general color copper -bronze, with
bright metallic reflections, each feather with a narrow blackish border ; the brownish
quills are barred with white ; tail-feathers brown-barred with blackish ; upper tail-
coverts chestnut. Female smaller and much duller in color. The male has a long
tuft of coarse blackish bristles on middle of breast, and stout blunt spurs.
Habitat. United States, from southern Canada to the Gulf coast, and west to the
plains, along the timbered river valleys; formerly along the Atlantic coast to south-
ern Maine.
This noble g-ame bird, although rapidly being- extirpated, is still found
in small numbers in many wooded and thinly populated districts of the
state. I have seen a few Wild Turkeys within the past five years in
Juniata, Schuylkill, Snyder, Miniin and Blair counties. The following
list will show reports received from various g-entlemen concerning this
species in other counties :
COUNTY.
OBSERVERS.
REMARKS.
Bedford
L. J . McGregor
Resident : most frequently seen in southern part of
county.
Bradford
J. L. Camp
Resident: rare.
Beaver
Dr. G. A. Scroggs, . .
One killed here in 1880.
Berks
D. F. Keller. ....
Resident; breeds sparingly in Blue mountains.
Center
W. P. Fisher. . .
Resident.
Cumberland
T. L. Neff
Resident.
Do. ....
Prof. S' B. Heigis. .
Rather plentiful in North mountains; flocks 7 to 9.
They are quite numerous In Perry county.
Columbia
Dr A. B. MacCrea. .
Breeds.
Dauphin
W. W. Stoey
Resident.
Elk
Capt. A. A. Clay. . .
Very rare.
Franklin
H. B. Craig
Few still found on North mountain and ' Pine Hills. "
Lycomlng
August Kock
Resident.
Do.
Charles H. Eldon. . . .
Resident.
Lebanon
J. G. Bohn
Resident.
Do.
Geo. R. Ross. . . ! . .
Resident.
Luzerne
Geo. P. Friant
A few have been killed In this valley In recent years on
the range near Pittston.
110
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
COUNTT.
OBSERVERS.
REMRAKS.
Luzerne
Do.
Dr. W. L. Hartman, . .
James F. Green, . .
Breeds.
Resident.
Do
Lehigh,
David J. Linskill. . . .
J. F. Kocher. .
Resident.
Resident.
Monroe,
Edmund Ricksecker. . .
A few still in the county.
Northampton, . . .
Northumberland. . .
Perry,
Dr. John W. Detwiller,
Dr. Walter Van Fleet, .
H. Justin Roddy,
Resident.
Few are occasionally seen.
Resident; becoming scarcer every year.
Somerset,
Susquehanna, . . .
Do. ...
Venango
Warren
Westmoreland, . .
York
Do
Dr. H. D. Moore, . . .
S. S. Thomas
George B. Perry. . . .
J. R. Robertson, ....
H. L. Greenland, . . .
Chas. H. Townsend, . .
Hon. Gerard C. Brown. .
Col. J. A Stable, . . .
Resident; rare.
Common fifty years ago.
Occasional visitor.
About exterminated .
Straggler.
Resident; few killed in mountains every year.
Breeds.
Few found in South mountain.
The Wild Turkey although more brilliant in color has a very close re-
semblance to the domestic turkey, and some old residents affirm that
the genuine "Wild Turkey is now very rarely seen in this state. They
believe the so-called Wild Turkeys found in the wooded and mountain-
ous regions to be domestic birds which have wandered off and become
equally as wild and cunning as the typical Mealeagris gallopavo, which
in former years was abundant in Pennsylvania. This bird nests on the
ground ; eggs a little smaller, but otherwise very similar to those of our
domestic turkeys. The food consists chiefly of cereals, berries, acorns,
chestnuts, and other vegetable materials.
ORDER COLUMBJ!. PIGEONS.
FAMILY COLUMBID^. PIGEONS.
The Wild Pigeon and the Mourning Dove are the only species of this family found
in Pennsylvania. These birds never lay more than two eggs, which are pure white
and unspotted. The Pigeon nests in trees, and the Dove is generally found nesting
in trees or bushes, but sometimes the latter bird nests on the ground. In former
years Wild Pigeons were abundant in this state, where they bred annually in im-
mense numbers, but for the past six or eight years, but few of these birds have been
found here, and when now found breeding in this commonwealth they are observed
in single pairs, or in small flocks. The Dove is common and generally distributed
throughout the state. When not breeding Doves are found in flocks ; and in many
of the southern counties they remain during all months of the year. "The gizzard
is large and muscular, particularly in the species that feed on seeds and other hard
fruits ; the gullet dilates to form a circumscribed crop divided into lateral halves, or
tending to that state. This organ at times secretes a peculiar milky fluid, which,
mixed with macerated food, is poured by regurgitation directly into the mouth of the
young ; thus the fabled ' pigeon's milk ' has a strong spice of fact, and in this remark-
able circumstance we see probably the nearest approach, among birds, to the char-
acteristic function of mammalia." Coues.
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. Ill
GENUS BCTOPISTES SWAINSON.
Ectopistes migratorius ( LINN. ) .
Passenger Pigeon ; Wild Pigeon.
DESCRIPTION {Plate 71).
Length (depends on development of tail) about 14 inches ; extent, about 25 ; tail
has 12 feathers ; bill black ; legs purplish red ; iris red ; upper parts including chin,
throat and all of head blue ; lower parts brownish-red, fading on belly and white on
crissum and under part of tail ; sides and back of neck glossed with rich reddish-
purple. The female and young much duller in color, and female is much smaller
than male.
Habitat. Eastern North America, from Hudson's Bay southward, and west to the
great plains, straggling westward to Nevada and Washington Territory.
Wild Pig-eons about eight or ten years ago were found in great num-
bers in Elk, Forest, Warren, McKean, Potter and Cameron counties. In
the region about Emporium, Cameron county, and near Kane, McKean
county, immense quantities of these birds were killed, packed in barrels,
and snipped in car loads, to the New York market. Mr. M. M. Larrabee,
of Emporium, who frequently visited their nesting places or roosts in
the localities above mentioned, says that they often covered an area of
several miles in the depths of the forests.
The Wild Pigeon is now found in most parts of the state as a migrant,
but a few of these birds breed more or less regularly in different parts
of the commonwealth. During the last five or six years when seen here,
usually only single pairs, or very small flocks, have been observed nest-
ing, and we never see large flights of pigeons anywhere in the state as
in former years. In the fall of 1884, 1 saw about three hundred pigeons,
which was the largest flock I have ever observed in the state. A hunter,
residing in Potter county, told me he found, in 1888, in the northern
part of Cameron county, a flock of about one hundred, which he thought
were breeding in that locality. Reports which I have received through
the kindness of the following named gentlemen will suffice to show the
present status of the Passenger Pigeon in Pennsylvania : About 1870
were very abundant ; now very rare ; have only seen one in ten years
James S. Nease, Washington county : Occasional visitor, March or April,
1883, a flock of fifteen or twenty George B. Perry, S usquehanna county :
Hare ; a few breed here H. L. Greenland, Warren county : The pigeon
has nested within the last ten years three times on Potato creek, near
Smethport, McKean county, but do not think they have been there for
three or four years past James A. Teuton (letter July, 1889), McKean
county : Rare migrant J. L. Camp, Bradford county : Straggler R.
C. Wrenshall, Allegheny county : Breeds very sparingly in a few locali-
ties in Crawford and Erie counties George B. Sennett, Erie county : A
rare visitor N. F. Underwood, Wayne county : Occasional migrant Dr.
112 BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
H D. Moore, Somerset county : Small flocks and scattered birds are now
seen M. M. Larrabee, Cameron county : In former years Wild Pigeons
in large flocks were found roosting- and breeding in the beech woods
along Bowman's creek, in Wyoming county, and in Lake and Boss town-
ships of this county, but in the last six years have seen only small flocks,
and of tener only single pairs in Wyoming county. Last year (summer,
1889,) I saw a number of single pairs and their nests in Lake, Boss and
Fairmount townships in this county David J. Linskill, Luzerne county :
No Wild Pigeons through this section since 1875, at which time they
were very plenty, feeding principally in the mountains. A few stray
birds have been shot this fall (1889) along the South mountain, which
causes me to think that they may occasionally breed in this locality, but
not in such numbers as to attract attention T. L. Neff, Cumberland
county : In the year 1856 this neighborhood was visited by Wild Pigeons
in vast numbers. In the early morning they would fly eastward from
the Laurel Hill mountains, nine miles east of Masontown, alighting in
cornfields to feed ; and about the middle of the afternoon they would
commence their return flight to their roosting place in the mountains.
They would come sometimes in such immense flocks as to almost shut
out the sky, like a cloud, and two or three hours would pass during each
morning and evening migration. This occurred in the early part of
April. Since then there has been two similar visits, but not in such im-
mense numbers, and I cannot now name the years. It has been perhaps
twenty years since they were seen here in this manner. Formerly, in
the fall, they would be found feeding upon acorns, but they have become
very rare of late years G. W. Linton (letter July, 1889}, Fayette county.
Mr. J. G. Bohn, of Lebanon, says (letter August, 1889) : " In regard to
Wild Pigeons, they are birds of the past in our regions. Years ago our
woods were full of them ; in the fall you could count them by the thou-
sands, and here and there you could find them raising young. Our sec-
tion of country is stripped of its massive forests and these birds are
gone. I have not seen one in my hunts in fifteen years. I even can-
not as much as get a specimen to mount. Mr. Otto Behr, of Lopez,
Sullivan county, in a letter dated February 28, 1889, says : " The last
' pigeon roost ' here was in 1869. * * * They say the nesting ground
which was along the Mehoopany creek, Wyoming county, four miles
from here, was seven miles long by two or three miles wide. In 1876 they
started to build up here again when a snow storm that covered the ground
for several inches drove them off. Since then they have had no regular
nesting place here." Mr. Chandlee Eves, Millville, Columbia county,
in a letter of September 24, 1889, gives the following interesting infor-
mation of the method employed to capture pigeons : " About thirty -five
years ago I used to see a great many Wild Pigeons in the spring, many
were caught with spring-nets. The party catching them would have a
'bow-house,' or bough-house, to secrete themselves in ; they would have
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 113
a Wild Pig-eon called the flyer with its eyes sewed shut, which they
threw out, and another which they made hover by means of a string
from the bough-house. In this way large quantities of pigeons were
decoyed, and as they were about to alight the net was sprung- over
them. Pigeon catching was quite a business with some. The flyer and
stool pigeons were kept during the year in cages so as to have a stool
pigeon to commence with in the spring. No pigeons have been here for
the last fifteen years." The nest, generally placed in a tree, sometimes
in bushes, is a flat and frail platform of sticks, so carelessly placed that
the eggs, one or two in number, can be seen from below. The eggs
measure about one and one-half inches long- and a little over one inch
broad.
"GENUS ZENAIDURA BONAPARTE.
Zenaidura macroura (LiNN.).
Mourning Dove ; Turtle Dove.
DESCRIPTION (Plate 71).
Tail of fourteen feathers ; length about 13 inches ; extent about 18 ; bill slender and
mostly black ; feet purplish -red; eyes brown ; upper parts olive-brown and bluish-
gray ; lower parts faint purplish or brownish-red, becoming much lighter behind ;
neck glossed with metallic purple and gold. Female and young somewhat similar
but duller.
Habitat. North America, from southern Maine, southern Canada and Oregon
south to Panama and the West Indies.
The only species with which the Mourning Dove, so called from its
note, can possibly be confounded is the Wild Pigeon, from which it can
readily be distinguished if the following facts are remembered : The
dove measures about thirteen inches in length and eighteen inches in
alar extent ; the pigeon about seventeen by twenty -five inches. So, first
we find a marked difference in size. Secondly, the dove has fourteen
tail feathers ; the pig-eon has but twelve ; again, the eyes of the dove are
brown, while those of the pigeon are red. ' This bird is found in several
of the southern counties of Pennsylvania during all seasons of the year,
and at times other than when breeding is gregarious. During the sum-
mer time it is found generally throughout the state. In March, the
flocks which have been observed during the winter about the fields and
orchards, separate and begin their love-making. The nest, a carelessly
constructed affair, is made up entirely of small sticks, and is generally
found placed on a large limb of a tree in an apple orchard. On the
barren ridge, in eastern Pennsylvania, I have on several occasions found
these birds nesting in pine trees ; the eggs are two in number, white
and unspotted. Sometimes these birds will occupy nests which have
been deserted by other species. I once, some few years ago, found a
8BIKDS.
114
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
pair breeding in the nest of a Green Heron, which had been deserted by
the original possessors. On another occasion, a nest was found built in
that of a Crow Blackbird.
Doves also nest sometimes on the ground. Mr. Frank R. Diffenderffer,
associate editor of NeivEra, of Lancaster city, and Prof. H. Justin Eoddy,
also of Lancaster county, both inform me they have repeatedly found
them breeding 1 on the ground. Doves seldom feed on insects but sub-
sist almost exclusively on cereals, small seeds of different plants, and,
occasionally, it is said, on various wild berries. The food materials of
eleven doves which I have examined are as follows :
No.
DATE.
LOCALITY.
FOOD-MATERIALS.
1
2
Sept. 11, 1880. .
Oct. 15, 1880, .
. . .
East Bradford, Pa. , . .
Bast Bradford. Pa.. . .
Grass seeds.
Small seeds.
3
Feb. 16. 1880, .
Pocopson. Pa.. ....
Seeds and other vegetable matter.
4
March 6. 1880.
Chester county, Pa. ,
Seeds of Amaranthacece
5
g
March 20. 1882. .
April 5. 1882,
Chester county, Pa., .
Chester county. Pa ,
Wheat and small black seeds.
Corn and small seeds
7
8
9
May 7. 1883, .
Mav 25. 1883, .
June 31. 1883. .
WestGoshen, Pa., . .
WestGoshen, Pa.. . .
West Goshen, Pa. , . .
Wheat and corn.
Smal! seeds.
Wheat.
10
Nov. 29, 1886,
North Brook, Pa ,
11
Nov. 29. 1886. .
North Brook. Pa. ...
Apple seeds and seeds of grasses.
ORDER RAPTORES. BIRDS OF PREY.
SUBORDER SARCORHAMPHI. YULTURES.
FAMILY CATHARTID-ffi. AMERICAN VULTUKES.
i
THE VULTURES.
These cowardly, ignoble, gluttonous and partly gregarious birds are found in
abundance in the warmer countries, where, frequently, they are protected by law,
because of their value as scavengers. Vultures subsist largely on carrion. They
often collect in considerable numbers around the body of a defunct horse, cow, steer
or other large sized animal, and gorge themselves until they are scarcely able to fly.
When, however, their uncleanily repast is finished they usually perch on trees,
rocks, fences, etc., where they remain in a quiet and sleepy attitude, with the wings
drooping. Frequently if these birds are wounded, or suddenly frightened when
feeding, and sometimes when their nests or young are molested, they eject the foetid
contents of the crop. Two species of tlue family are mentioned as occurring in Penn-
sylvania ; one, the Turkey Buzzard as it is commonly called, is rather numerous in
some parts of the state, where it also often is resident. The other species Black
Vulture is found here only as a straggler irom the south.
Plate 27.
Red- winged Black- Bird.
L Male Adult; 2. Female; 3. Young Male.
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 116
GENUS GATHARTES ILLIGBR.
Cathartes aura (LiNN.).
Turkey Vulture ; Turkey Buzzard.
DESCRIPTION (Plate 67).
Entire plumage brownish-black, and more or less glossy ; quills paler on under
surface ; skin of head and neck naked wrinkled, with scattering bristle-like feath-
ers ; head and neck red ; bill whitish ; legs and feet pinkish; iris grayish-brown ;
nostrils large and oval.
Nestlings. Bare skin of head nearly white ; body covered with white down.
Length about 30 inches ; extent of wings about 72 inches ; wing about 25 ; tail 12
inches.
Habitat. Temperate North America, from New Jersey, Ohio Valley, Saskatche-
wan region and Washington Territory, southward to Patigonia, casually northward
on the Atlantic coast to Maine.
This species is found in some sections of Pennsylvania during all
seasons, but during- the summer months is much more plentiful than at
other times. The Turkey Buzzard usually rears its young in woods or
thickets, mostly near streams of water. It makes little or no effort to
construct a nest ; the eggs never more than two in number, and occa-
sionally only one are deposited generally in a slight concavity in the
ground protected by shelving or overhanging rocks. The eggs are yel-
lowish white, spotted with different shades of brown and purple, and
measure about 2f inches in length by nearly 2 inches in breadth. It is
stated that this species sometimes breeds in Pennsylvania as early as
the last week in March. I have found nine nests in Chester and Delaware
counties during the past seven years ; of this number seven were taken
late in April or early in May, and all contained fresh eggs. The two
remaining nests, found in June, contained downy young. I am in-
formed that these birds, in Lancaster and York counties, along the Sus-
quehanna river, are annually to be found breeding in small communities
of a dozen or twenty individuals. This bird will resort for several con-
secutive seasons to a favorite nesting place, and occasionally when its
eggs are taken will lay a second time in the same nest. The Turkey
Vulture is very numerous in the southern states, where it resides all
the year, but in the eastern United States, north of Pennsylvania, it is
said to be quite rare. Two young which I took from the nest and kept
in captivity until full grown became exceedingly tame. These birds
often when feeding, and invariably if approached by a stranger, would
utter a loud hiss, the only sound which this species, as well as other of
the American vultures, is known to make. They fed chiefly on fresh
meat, and also devoured with apparent relish earth-worms, crickets,
grasshoppers and other large insects ; oftentimes they also eat pieces
of bread, cake and particles of apples or pears which were thrown be-
fore them. The Turkey Buzzard, in its natural state, according to Au-
116
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
dubon, sucks the eggs and devours the young of herons and other
birds. I have never known them to disturb either the eggs or young
of birds, but have observed that they subsist almost wholly on car-
rion. The benefits which these scavengers render are too well known
to need any comment.
The following list, with names of observers, will give a very clear idea
as to the distribution of the Turkey Buzzard in Pennsylvania :
COUNTY.
OBSERVERS.
REMARKS.
Adams
Bradford
Berks
Do
Bucks
Do
B. H. Warren
J. L. Camp
Jonas Stern
D. F. Keller
Mrs. M. H. Rice
S. Edward Paschall.* . . .
Resident; common in summer.
Never saw one in northern Pennsylvania.
Breeds; rare.
Breeds In Blue mountains.
Occasionally in flocks; Aug.. Sept. and Oct.
Decidedly rare.
Chester.
B. H. Warren.
Resident* very common in summer
Clinton
Cameron
Delaware
Dauphin,
Dr. W. Van Fleet
B. H. Warren
Robt. Townsley,
W. W. Stoev,
Straggler.
Straggler; saw one November. 1889.
Resident; most numerous in summer.
Resident
Erie
Geo. B. Sennett
Never seen here.
Franklin.
B. H. Warren
Saw several in December 1889; breeds.
Fayette
Juniata,
G. W. Linton
B. H. Warren
Breeds.
Saw three in January. 1890
Lehigh
J. F. Ko'cher
Breeds.
Do
Lancaster. . . .
Do.
Dr. John W. Detwiller. .
Dr. A. C. Treichler
James Galen,
Seldom seen
Resident.
Resident.
Do. ...
Do. ...
Lebanon
Do
Lycoming
Lawrence
H. Justin Roddv
W. H. Buller. "
J. G. Bonn
Geo. R. Ross
August Kock,
B. H. Warren
Resident.
Breeds.
Breeds.
Resident.
Straggler; got two in spring.
Saw one October. 1888.
McKean
Montgomery . . .
Do. ...
Mercer ,.
Northampton, . . .
Do. ...
Northumberland, .
Perry,
James A. Teulon
W. P. Bolton
Thomas S. Gillin
S. S. Overmoyer
Dr. John W. Detwiller. . .
Edmund Ricksecker. . . .
Dr. W. Van Fleet
H Justin Roddy
Never seen here.
Breeds.
Migrant.
Straggler; shot one September 1. 1884.
Seldom seen.
Straggler, spring and summer; does not breed.
Straggler.
Seen in May 1886' breeds (')
Philadelphia. .
H. Jamison.
Do. ...
Do.
Joseph Price Ball
Witmer Stone
Resident.
Seen mostly during migrations.
Do. ...
Schuylkill
Somerset,
Sullivan,
Union,
Geo. Spencer Morris. . . .
M. M. MacMillian
Dr. H. D. Moore
Otto Behr
Dr. W. Van Fleet
Straggler.
Straggler; fall 1883.
Breeds.
Straggler; seen in 1884.
Straggler.
Warren
Westmoreland, . .
Washington. . . .
H. L. Greenlund
Chas. H. Townsend
James S. Nease
Not found here.
Very rare, have seen several in an adjoining county.
Resident
Do. ...
Do. ...
M. Compton
M. T. Warrick
Occasional; flock of ten seen September, 1883.
Occasional; flock of ten seen September, 1883.
York,
Hon. G. C. Brown
Breeds.
Do
Do
George Miller
Breeds.
NOTE. The Turkey Buzzard breeds in many sections of Chester and Delaware
counties. Alfred P. Lee has observed it as a common resident in the vicinity of Ox-
ford ; Harry Wilson has found them breeding at different points about Doe Run, and
also near Parkeslmrg. Within a radius of about six miles from West Chester, I have
found them breeding never more than one pair in a place in seven different local-
ities in the counties of Chester and Delaware.
* Decidedly rare, and absolutely unknown to most of our people. We are but a few miles from Chester
county, where the bird is very common, but. Bucks county, is out of its range. I made note of having
seen three (3) buzzards during the season. "-K. H. Paschall.
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 117
GENUS CATHARISTA VIEILLOT.
Catharista atrata (BARTR.).
Black Vulture.
DESCRIPTION.
"Adult. Entire plumage dull black, the quills grayish basally (hoary whitish on
under surface), their shafts pure white ; bill dusky with yellowish or whitish tip;
naked skin of head and foreneck dusky. Length 23-27 ; extent about 54 inches."
Ridgivay Manual N. A. Birds.
Habitat. South Atlantic and gulf states, north to North Carolina and the Lower
Ohio valley, west to the great plains, and south through Mexico and Central America
and most of South America, Straggling north to New York and Maine.
The Black Vulture or Carrion Crow, as this bird is sometimes called,
I have never seen in Pennsylvania. Stragglers have been observed in
Northampton county by Dr. John W. Detwiller and Edmund Kicksecker,
and one was taken in Perry county by Prof. H. Justin Roddy.
SUBORDER FA LOOSES. FALCONS, HAWKS, EAGLES, ETC
FAMILY FALCONID.5S. VULTURES, FALCONS, HAWKS, EAGLES, ETC.
SUBFAMILY ACCLPITRIN^. KITES, BUZZARDS. HAWKS, EAGLES, ETC.
THE EAGLES, HAWKS, ETC.
About a dozen species included in this subfamily are found regularly in Pennsyl-
vania, and of all the numerous species of bird-life occurring in this commonwealth,
few are better known to our people in general than are the Eagles and Hawks, some
of which are common at all times, or during some period of the year, in every sec-
tion of the state. With a few exceptions these raptores, as well as most of the owls,
particularly the smaller kinds of owls, are highly beneficial to the farmer and Iruit-
grower, because of the immense quantities of destructive mice and other injurious
animals, also large numbers of noxtous insects, etc., which they devour. The
majority of these birds build large nests of sticks, twigs, etc., on trees, some, how-
ever, nest on rocky ledges. The Marsh Hawk breeds on the ground, and the Little
Sparrow Hawk, like the Screech Owl and Woodpecker, breeds in hollow trees. The
eggs, usually two to five, sometimes more, are generally spotted and blotched, and
never spherical and white, like eggs of the owls. The adult males are usually
smaller than the females, and with the exception of the Marsh and Sparrow Hawks,
are quite similar in color. The young or immature birds, of most species, differ
greatly from the old. These birds catch their prey with their talons. Their cries
are loud and harsh. Occasionally they are seen in flocks sometimes containing
several species hut usually are observed singly or in pairs. The bill is short, stout
and strongly hooked, the head is completely feathered and without ear-tufts or
"horns" like some of the owls ; the tarsus, except in the Golden Eagle and Rough-
legged Hawks, is naked. The feet have long, strong, large, sharp and curved
claws ; the outer toe, except in the Fish Hawk, is not reversible. The eyes directed
laterally.
118 BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
GENUS. ELANOIDES VIEILLOT.
Elanoides forficatus (LiNN.).
Swallow-tailed Kite.
DESCRIPTION.
Bill rather small and moderately stout and narrow ; feet small but stout ; claws
short but strongly curved ; wings very long and pointed ; tail long and deeply
forked. On the wing this hawk looks and moves like a huge swallow. Head, neck,
band across rump, basal portion of secondaries and entire lower parts pure white ;
interscapulars and lesser wing-coverts purplish-black ; rest of back, wings, and tail
slaty-black. Bill blue black ; legs and feet dull bluish-yellow ; iris brown. Length
variable ; a female before me measures 24 inches long ; wing 17 ; lateral tail feathers
124 inches.
Habitat. Southern United States, especially in the interior, from Pennsylvania
and Minnesota southward, through Central and South America ; westward to the
great plains. Casual eastward to southern New England.
The Swallow-tailed Kite, or "Wasp-hawk," as it is commonly called in
Florida, where it is common, is a very rare and irregular visitor in Penn-
sylvania. A specimen in the museum of the Linnsean Society, at Lan-
caster city, was captured many years ago in Lancaster county. Prof.
H. J. Roddy obtained one May 27, 1885, in Perry county ; and a strag-
gler was also recently found in Allegheny county by Mr. R. C. Wren-
shall, of Pittsburgh. In the stomachs of five of these kites which I
killed in Florida in March and April, 1885, were found several kinds of
insects. According to different writers they feed principally on grass-
hoppers, beetles, caterpillars, small snakes, lizards and frogs. This
hawk rarely alights on the ground ; its food is captured and eaten when
on the wing.
GENUS ICTINIA VIEILLOT.
Ictinia mississippiensis (WiLS.).-
Mississippi Kite.
DESCRIPTION.
' General form short ,.nd compact. Bill short, tip emarginated ; wings long,
pointed ; tail rather short, emarginated ; tarsi short.
"Adult. Upper parts of body dark lead color, nearly black on rump ; head and
under parts cinereous, darkest on abdomen ; quills and tail brownish-black ; * *
tips of secondaries ashy-white ; a longitudinal stripe on each web of primaries chest-
nut rufous." (Length of male about 14 inches; extent about 36; female a little
larger.) B. B. of N. A.
Habitat. Southern United States, southward from South Carolina on the coast,
and Wisconsin and Iowa in the interior to Mexico.
Rare straggler in Pennsylvania. I have never met with it in this
state. The only specimen that has been taken here, so far as I can learn,
within the past twenty years, was captured in Perry county by Prof. H.
J. Roddy, September, 1886.
Plate 28.
Meadow Lark.
1. Males; 2. Female,
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 119
GENUS CIRCUS LACEPEDB.
Circus hudsonius (LiNN.).
Marsh Hawk ; Harrier ; Bog-trotter.
DESCRIPTION (Plate IS).
Face partly encircled by a ruff or imperfect facial disc of small stiffened feathers,
as in the owls ; nostrils large ; wings long and pointed ; tail long ; tarsus long and
slender.
Male. Light bluish-gray above and on neck and breast; upper tail-coverts and
most of under parts white ; some under feathers under wings and lower part of
breast and abdomen spotted with rusty. Female and young are dark-brown above,
streaked on head and neck with reddish-brown ; below reddish-brown, much
brighter in some specimens than others ; upper tail coverts white. Length of female
about 18 to 20 inches ; extent about 44 ; tail 9 or 10 inches ; bill and claws blackish ;
legs, feet and eyes yellow.
Habitat. North America in general, south to Panama.
The Marsh Hawk is most frequently seen throughout Pennsylvania
in the spring- and fall, but it breeds often in different parts of the state,
and in some of the southern counties it is found during 1 all months of
the year. Its nests, with eggs or young, have been found by the fol-
lowing gentlemen in their respective counties. Dr. John W. Detwiller,
Northampton; R C. Wrenshall, Allegheny; H. J. Eoddy, Perry; Dr.
Van Fleet, Clinton ; Geo. S. Morris, Philadelphia ; Hon. G. S. Brown,
York; Otto Behr, Sullivan; W. W. Stoey, Dauphin, and J. L. Camp,
Bradford. I have observed the Marsh Hawk to be most numerous in
the fall, frequenting the extensive and grassy meadow-lands, chiefly
about the large streams.
When flying this species can easily be distinguished from other
hawks by the white upper tail-coverts, so conspicuous in the females
and immature birds, or those usually met with. The old male, rare and
seldom found in this section, can be recognized by the bluish-white
plumage.
The nest of the Marsh Hawk differs from that of all others of the
family which breed here, in being placed on the ground, and usually, it
is said, in a swamp or meadow. The nest, according to differeDt
writers, is composed of sticks, grasses, hay, etc., or sometimes no nest
is made, the eggs simply being deposited on a bed of grass, moss, etc.,
on the ground. " Eggs, three to eight, 1.80 by 1.41, white or bluish-
white, usually plain, but often more or less spotted or blotched with
pale brown." Ridgway.
Notwithstanding the fact that these hawks rarely, if ever, prey upon
any kind of game except sometimes an occasional Reed bird, gunners,
who so industriously search over the swamps, never fail to destroy every
Marsh Hawk which comes within range of their deadly weapons.
Marsh Hawks never, to my knowledge, disturb poultry, but subsist
120 BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
mainly on field mice, other small quadrupeds, frogs, large insects and
sometimes, though rarely, they catch small wild birds. In writing of
the food-habits, etc., of this species Nuttall says : " It frequents chiefly,
open, low and marshy situations, over which it sweeps or skims along at
a little distance usually from the ground, in quest of mice, small birds,
frogs, lizards and other reptiles, which it often selects by twilight as
well as in the open day ; and at times, pressed by hunger, it joins the
owls, and seeks out its prey even by moonlight."
In fourteen examinations made by myself, seven hawks had only field
mice in their stomachs ; three, frogs ; two, small birds (warblers); one,
few feathers, apparently of a sparrow (Melospiza) and fragments of in-
sects ; one, large number of grasshoppers with a small quantity of hair,
evidently that of a young rabbit.
GENUS ACCIPITER * BRISSON.
Accipiter velox (WiLS.)-
Sharp-shinned Hawk ; Partridge Hawk ; " Pigeon Hawk,"
DESCRIPTION (Plate 14).
A large female of this species measures about 14 inches in length by 26 inches in
extent. The male is smaller. In adult birds, especially the males, the plumage of
the upper parts is bluish-gray, quite dark on top of head. Iris in adult, reddish
orange, in young, light yellow.
Habitat. North America in general, south to Panama.
This extremely daring and spirited little hawk is one of the most
abundant of our North American species. In Pennsylvania during the
early spring, autumn and winter it is quite plentiful, being frequently
met with in the mountainous and heavily- wooded districts, as well as the
cultivated and rich agricultural regions. It is a native, but as such, is
somewhat rare in many parts of the state. I have taken two nests, both
built in low cedar trees ; these nests were entirely constructed of small
twigs, and were loosely, but firmly, made. The cavity of one nest was
* Birds of this genus are rather long and slender in form, and they have small heads, short wings, long
tails and legs. The bluish-black bill is short and stout, maxilla being strongly hooked and sharp-pointed;
the broad ovate nostrils are Inserted in the greenish or yellowish cere. The tarsi are feathered in front
a little less than half the length. Tarsus, especially in velox, is slender and in atricapillus rather stout;
the toes are long and slender, the outer and middle united at base by a well-developed web. The black
claws are very long, much curved and sharp; eyes In old birds are reddish-amber and in younger birds
yellowish. The tarsus is yellowish. Birds of this genus are exceedingly active and vigilant; they fly
with great rapidity and frequently pursue and catch when on the wing different species of wild birds,
some of which are nearly as large as themselves. The Sharp-shinned Hawk. 1 have seen, capture quail
when flying, and the fierce Goshawk has often been observed to pursue and overtake Wild Pigeons.
These, and not, as some suppose, birds of the genus Bateo. are the hawks that usually commit depreda-
tions in the poultry yard and destroy numerous wild birds, particularly Grouse and Quail. The ordinary
plumage of these hawks is dark brown above (very old birds, which are seldom taken, have upper parts
bluish), darkest on head, and lower parts whitish, variously streaked and barred with dark brown, rusty
and pale red. In ola Cooper's and Sharp-shinned Hawks the breast, thighs and rest of under parts, ex-
cept crissum and throat which are chiefly white, are white transversly barred with light red. Full-plumaged
Goshawks have top of head black with light grayish-blue and whitish under parts, with numerous and
irregular mottlings. streaks, and lines of black, white and dusky.
Plate 29.
Baltimore Oriole, or Hang-nest.
1. Male Adult; 2. Young Male; 3. Female
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 121
quite superficial, but that of the other was well-formed. The eggs each
nest contained five are deposited about the first of May. They are
nearly spherical, white or bluish -white, marked with large and irreg-
ular splashes or blotches of brown, and measure about 1.46 by 1.16
inches. Gentry, a close observer and facile writer, remarks in his "Life-
Histories of Birds," that the " eggs, in some instances, are laid on con-
secutive days, but we have positive proofs that sometimes a single day
is intermitted, and at other times, even two and three days intervene be-
tween each deposit." In one of my nests I found two days to intervene
after the deposition of each of three eggs, and the fifth ovum was de-
posited after an intervention of three days. Gentry has found them
breeding in the deserted nest of the common grey squirrel. Mr. J.
Hoopes Matlack, of West Chester, informs me he found a pair breeding
in an old crow's nest ; such sites, however, Gentry advises us, are rarely
chosen. It is said this species will sometimes nidificate on a ledge or
rock or hollow and decaying tree limbs. One nest, which I had the op-
portunity of observing from its early commencement, was built by the
united labor of both birds, which occupied a period of seven days.
Gentry, who, doubtless, has had a more extensive experience, gives three
or four days, according to the style, as the time requisite for the con-
struction of the nest. Various writers assert that dry grass, leaves, moss,
etc., aid in the make-up of the nests ; such, no doubt, is the case, but as
previously stated, I have found sticks and twigs to solely constitute the
nests. Incubation is alternately engaged in by both birds, which, while
they show great solicitude for their offspring, repelling all bird intruders
with the most determined zeal and pugnacity, will, when molested by
man, show marked timidity, and leave to his desecration their nest and
its contents. The young are carefully watched and fed by the parents,
chiefly on a diet of small birds sparrows principally until, Gentry
says, they are about six weeks old, when they are able to provide food
for themselves.
According to Nuttall, " this species feeds principally upon mice, liz-
ards, small birds, and sometimes even squirrels. In thinly-settled dis-
tricts, this hawk seems to abound, and proves extremely destructive to
young chickens, a single bird having been known regularly to come
every day until he had carried away between twenty and thirty." The
same writer relates a circumstance, where he was one day conversing
with a planter, when one of these hawks came down and without any
ceremony or heeding the loud cries of the housewife, who most reluc-
tantly witnessed the robbery, snatched away a chicken directly before
them.
Dr. Cones says : " It preys chiefly upon small birds and quadrupeds,
capturing in the dashing manner of all the species of this group, and,
like its small allies, feeds to some extent upon insects." Since the ad-
vent and alarming increase of the English Sparrow, it is not unusual for
122
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
the Sharp-shinned Hawk to pay occasional visits to towns and villages
where he should be heartily welcomed for the destruction he causes
among these feathered pests.
The food of nineteen of these hawks which I have examined is given
in the following table :
No.
DATE.
LOCALITY.
FOOD-MATERIALS.
1
Sept. 7. 1878.
Chester county, Pa.
Small bird (Melospiza).
2
Sept. 14, 1878,
Chester county, Pa.
Quail.
3
Nov. 20. 1878.
Newark, Delaware,
Chicken.
4
Feb. 17, 1879,
Chester county. Pa.
Snow bird (Junco).
5
May 3, 1879,
Chester county, Pa.
Mice (Arvicola). [mice.
6
Sept. 10. 1879,
Chester county, PP.
Sparrow (Passer domestlcus ) and portions of fleld-
7
May 30. 1880.
Delaware county, P
i..
Chicken.
8
June 2, 1880,
Chester county. Pa.
Chicken.
9
June 3, 1880.
Chester county, Pa.
Chicken.
10
Aug. 23, 1881.
Chester county, Pa.
Grasshoppers and beetles.
11
Oct. 16, 1881,
Chester county, Pa.
Quail.
12
Oct. 29, 1881.
Chester county, Pa.
Quail and fragments of beetles.
13
June 22, 1881,
Lancaster county, P
a..
Chicken.
14
Oct. , 1881,
Chester county, Pa.
Meadow Lark (Sturnella).
15
Dec. 13, 1882.
Chester county, Pa.
Song Sparrow (Melospiza ).
16
April 3, 1882,
Chester county, Pa.
Robin (Merula).
17
18
19
Sept. 20. 1884.
Oct. 3, 1886.
Nov. 26, 1886,
Chester county, Pa.
Chester county, Pa.
Chester county, Pa.
Sparrow (Spizella pusilla).
Sparrow (Passer domesticus).
Song Sparrow (M. fasciata).
Accipiter cooperi (BONAP.).
Cooper's Hawk.
DESCRIPTION (Plate 67).
Length 18 to 20 inches ; extent about 36 ; tail about 8g ; male smaller. Immature
birds have upper parts brownish, more or less spotted with white and reddish brown,
tail barred and lower parts white with long brown spots.
Habitat. North America in general, south to southern Mexico.
This much detested and commonly called " Long-tailed Chicken or
Pheasant Hawk," is a common native ; it is resident, but is not near so
plentiful during the winter months as throughout the late spring, sum.
mer and early autumn.
For impudent daring this species, without doubt, ranks preeminent
among the raptorial genera. Almost every farmer or poultry raiser can
reiterate instances of where he or she was the victim of pillage by this
bold and audacious marauder. In the spring of 1878 a friend presented
me with a Cooper's Hawk which he had caught in a steel trap, but not
until he and his mate had destroyed some fifty young chickens. Dur-
ing one day they killed twelve. " This marauder sometimes attacks
birds far superior to itself in weight, and sometimes possessed of a cour-
age and strength equal to its own. As I was one morning observing
the motions of some Parakeets, near Bayou Sara, in Louisiana, in the
month of November, I heard a cock crowing not far from me and in
sight of a farm house. The hawk next moment flew past me, and so
close that I might have touched it with the barrel of rny gun had I been
prepared. Not more than a few seconds elapsed before I heard the cack-
ling of the hens and the war cry of the cock, and at the same time ob-
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 123
served the hawk rising, as if without effort, a few yards in the air, and again
falling toward the ground with the rapidity of lightning. I proceeded
to the spot and found the hawk grappled to the body of the cock, both
tumbling over and over, and paying no attention to me as I approached.
Desirous of seeing the result, I remained still until, perceiving that the
hawk had given a fatal squeeze to the brave cock, I ran to secure the
former ; but the marauder had kept a hawk's eye upon me, and, disen-
gaging himself, rose in the air in full confidence. The next moment I
pulled the trigger and he fell dead to the ground." Audubon.
Like the Sparrow Hawk this bird has been tamed to come at call.
Nidification commonly is begun about the 20th of April, and lasts for
a period of from three to five days. Occasionally this bird will (deposit
its eggs in a deserted crow's nest. I believe they prefer to erect their
own nests, and, from my observation, am quite positive they only ap-
propriate the nests of other birds when their own have been destroyed.
The building of the nest is the conjoint labor of both birds. It is usually
built in a thick woods. When in such a locality is mostly low down,
yet, when, as is occasionally the case, an isolated tree is selected as the
nesting site, it is frequently so placed as to render it inaccessible to all
advances of the oologist. Externally the nest is built of sticks, varying
much in size. It is generally lined with the inner layer of bark, al-
though, frequently, blades of grass, feathers, and leaves enter into the
construction of the interior. While certain writers have described the
nest as broad, with but a slight concavity, I would remark that such
statement is not in accord with my observations, as I have invariably
found the concavities to be well marked.
The eggs measure about 1.92 by 1.50 and usually number from three
to four, although it is not a rare occurrence to find five. Their color is
a dull, bluish-white. Exceptional sets are sometimes taken with numer-
ous and unevenly distributed brown or reddish spots. A gentleman of
my acquaintance once took four eggs from a nest which were void of
spots. The female, although driven off when the first complement was
taken, made in the same nest a second deposit of four eggs, and, strange to
say, the last were all spotted. The period of incubation is given by
Gentry to be eighteen days. Although in this particular, my observa-
tion has been somewhat limited, I am fully persuaded that the time re-
quired for this, likewise other of our Rapacia, is, certainly, three weeks,
or over. The young leave the nest in about twenty-five days ; when
about eight or nine weeks old they are able to provide food for them-
selves; to this time, however, they are carefully guarded by the old
birds, and fed almost entirely on a diet of small birds, young chickens,
and some few insects.
Dr. Coues says in speaking of this hawk: "Possessed of spirit com-
mensurate with its physical powers, it preys upon game little if any
humbler than that of our more powerful falcons. It attacks and de-
124 BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
stroys hares, grouse, teal, and even the young of larger ducks, in the
state in which they are known as ' flappers,' besides capturing the usual
variety of smaller birds and quadrupeds. It occasionally seizes upon
reptiles or picks up insects. In securing its prey it gives chase openly
and drives down its quarry with almost incredible velocity."
Thirty-four Cooper's Hawks, which I have examined, sixteen showed
the food taken to have been chickens ; ten revealed small birds spar-
rows, warblers and meadow larks two, quail ; one, bull-frogs ; three,
mice and insects ; two, hair and other remains of small quadrupeds.
Accipiter atricapillus (WiLS.).
American Goshawk ; Blue Hawk.
DESCRIPTION (Plate 83).
Length 24 inches ; extent "about 46 ;" wing 14^; tail 11^; male smaller.
Adult. Above dark lead color, black on top of head; white stripe over eye, and
more or less indistinct about occiput ; tail has four or five indistinct blackish bars ;
ends of tail feathers whitish ; lower parts pale ashy white, with a faint leaden tint,
sharply streaked with blackish and finely mottled or barred with white. The young
dark brown above, feathers edged and spotted, with whitish and pale reddish-brown ;
below yellowish-white and spotted with brown.
Habitat. Northern and eastern North America, breeding mostly north of the
United States. South in winter to the middle States. Accidental in England.
This fierce and predatory hawk is by no means as common as either
of the two species previously mentioned. I have observed the " Blue
Hawk," as it is called by hunters and lumbermen, only as a rare and
irregular winter visitor in Pennsylvania. Audubon found the Goshawk
breeding in the Great Pine swamp in this state. Fifteen or twenty
years ago these hawks, it is said, were very frequently seen during all
seasons in the counties of Cameron, Warren, Elk, Potter, Wyoming,
Forest and McKean, where they then, it is stated, bred regularly. Mr.
M. M. Larrabee, Emporium, Cameron county, says he always met with
Goshawks about the nesting places of wild pigeons, but when the
pigeons left his locality these hawks also departed, and are now seen
there only as rare winter visitors. Mr. Otto Behr, Lopez, Sullivan
county, in a letter dated February 28, 1890, kindly furnishes the follow-
ing information showing that the species still breeds in Pennsylvania :
" Where we live there is any amount of virgin forest ; altitude from 1,600
to 2,500 feet. The Goshawk breeds regularly in this locality. We
found the nests of two, at different times, both had one young ready to
leave the nest, which was built in both cases in the crotch of a beech,
and composed of rather large sticks, making a very bulky and coarse
looking affair. We kept one of the hawks until late in the fall, when
he broke loose and got away." Prof. H. Justin Roddy, of Millersville }
writing to me in July, 1889, says : " I spent two months, last July, in the
pine forests of Centre county. I there saw A. atricapillus. I did not
Plate 30.
Plirple Finch. Male and Female.
3. Chipping Sparrow, Male. 4. Song Sparrow.
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
125
secure any specimens nor find the nest, but the time of year, the circum-
stances under which I saw them would seem to show that they had bred
or were breeding-." Mr. Robert Ridgway states that the eggs, two to
three, measure 2.31 long by 1.74 wide, and are white or glaucous-white,
sometimes very faintly marked with pale brownish.
The following list will give a very good idea of the distribution and
scarcity of this species in our state. No persons other than those men-
tioned below have made any reference to the Goshawk in reports re-
ceived by the author :
COUNTY.
OBSERVERS.
REMARKS.
Berks
Cameron. . .
Clearfleld. . .
Clinton. . . .
Chester. . . .
Centre. . .
Dauphin. . .
Erie
Lehigh. . . .
Lycoming.
Lackawanna.
Lancaster, . .
Montgomery.
Northampton.
Do.
Perry
Sullivan. . .
Susquehanna.
Warren. . . .
York.
D. F. Keller. . . .
M. M. Larrabee. .
Dr. L. D. Balliet.
Dr. Van Fleet. . .
B. H. Warren. . .
H. J. Roddy, . . .
B. H. Warren. . .
George B. Bennett.
J. F. Kocher, .
Charles H. Eldon
; August Kock. .
! George P. Frlant. .
Dr. A. C. Treichler.
Thos. S. Gillin.
O. B. Hark, .
Dr. John W. Detwlller
H. J. Roddy, .
Otto Behr, . .
B. H. Warren, . .
H. L. Greenlund.
Hon. G. C. Brown.
Rare winter visitor.
Rare winter visitor.
Occasional visitor.
Rare migrant.
Irregular winter visitor : five seen in ten years.
Seen July, 1888 ; probably breeds.
Saw one January. 1887.
Rare visitor.
Rare winter visitor.
Straggler in winter.
Rare visitor ; have an immature bird taken in winter.
Rare ; winter; have received three in ten years.
Straggler in winter.
Rare migrant.
Straggler.
Occasional winter visitor.
Shot female June. 1885 ; probably breeds.
Regular breeder.
Saw one December. 1889
Straggler in severe winters.
Rare visitor.
NOTE. Mr. Joseph Krider and other taxidermists in Philadelphia and different
parts of the state say they very rarely have Goshawks brought to them.
The fierce nature of this species is well shown in the concluding par-
agraphs from the pen of my highly esteemed friend, L. M. Turner : *
" The tracts preferred by this Goshawk are the narrow valleys, borders
of streams, and the open tundra, which it constantly scans for Ptarmi-
gan and small mammals ; the Lemming forming a considerable portion
of its food. It will sit for hours in some secluded spot, awaiting a Ptar-
migan to raise its wings. No sooner does its prey rise a few feet from
the earth than with a few rapid strokes of the wing, and a short sail,
the Goshawk is brought within seizing distance ; it pounces upon the
bird, grasping it with both feet under the wings, and after giving it a
few blows on the head they both fall to the ground ; often tumbling
several feet before they stop, the hawk not relinquishing its hold during
the time. During the mating season of the Ptarmigans many males
suffer death while striving to gain the affection of the female, for as he
launches high in air, rattling his hoarse note of defiance to any other
male of its kind in the vicinity, the Goshawk darts from a patch of alders
or willows, or from the edge of the neighboring bluff, and with a dash
they come to the ground, often within a few yards of the terror-stricken
* Contributions to the Natural History of Alaska, results of investigations made chiefly in the Yukon
district and the Aleutian islands : conducted under the auspices of the U. S. Signal Service, extending
from May. 1874, to August. 1881. by L. M. Turner.
126 BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
female, who now seeks safety in flight as distant as her wings will carry
her. I have seen this hawk sail without a quiver of its pinions, until
within seizing distance of its quarry, and suddenly throw its wings back,
when with a clash they came together, and the vicinity was filled with
white feathers, floating peacefully through the air. I secured both birds,
and found the entire side of the Ptarmigan ripped open.
" On another occasion I shot a fine individual as it rose from a small
clump of willow, to which I had approached unobserved by the bird.
It had been devouring a Ptarmigan, which it had secured but a little
while before. The flesh of the bird was yet warm, though nearly all
devoured. The Goshawk was only wing-tipped with shot and proved
to be quite vicious, seizing my boot with its talons and striving to grasp
my hand with its beak. The bird was so quick that I had to call the
assistance of a native to detach the claws from my clothing. Upon
skinning the bird I found its crop to be full of the flesh of the bird it
was eating when I flushed it. I am under the impression that the Gos-
hawk is not able to fly with the weight of a Ptarmigan in its claws. It'
is a resident of the interior and comes to the coast quite early in spring."
GENUS BUTEO* CUVIER
Buteo borealis (GMEL.).
Red-tailed Hawk.
DESCRIPTION (Plate 15).
The adult is easily recognized by the red tail. The tail in young birds is usually
ashy-brown, with about ten darker bands. Tail in both old and young is generally
* Birds of this genius, especially borealis and Uneatus are the large hawks which we see, particularly in
the late fall, winter and early spring, frequenting grassy fields, meadows, swamps, etc. These birds are
the common ' hen hawks " or " chicken hawks 1 ' as they are usually called ; but such names are highly
inappropriate, as a very small percentage of their food is poultry. Three species (especially borealis and
Uneatus) are common residents in Pennsylvania. In order to give a clear idea of the great benefits these
" hen hawks " render the agriculturist and fruit grower, the following extracts, relating to the stomach
contents of over four hundred, captured during all seasons of the year. In various parts of the United
States, are taken from Dr. Fisher's report (Food of hawks and owls, by Dr. A. K. Fisher, assistant or-
nithologist. Annual report of U. S. Dept. Agr. , Washington, D. C., 1887); Red-tailed Hawk (B. borea-
lis): Of 311 stomachs examined, 29 contained poultry or game birds; 35 other birds; 203, mice; 55, other
mammals: 9, batrachians or reptiles; 24. insects; 3, craw-fish; 4. offal; and 29 were empty. Twohundred
and ten examined by the division contained 270 mice. Red-shouldered Hawk (B. Uneatus): Of 102 stom-
achs examined, 1 contained poultry; 5, other birds; 61, mice; 20. other mammals; 15, reptiles or batrachi-
ans: 40. insects; 7, spiders; 3, crawfish; 1, earthworm; 1, offal; 1, catfish; and 3 were empty. Broad-
winged Hawk (JB. latiasimus): Of 22 stomachs examined. 2 contained small birds; 3, mice; 5. other mam-
mals; 8 reptiles or batrachians; 10, insects; and 1, earthworms. The mammals mentioned here refer
mostly to mice, shrew, moles, some few squirrels and a few other kinds of quadrupeds. These hawks in
form are stout and heavy ; the wings long, wide and somewhat pointed ; third, fourth and fifth quills longest,
the first shorter than eighth, the three outer primaries in latissimus emarginate on innerwebs, and in borealis
and Uneatus the four outer quills emarginate on inner webs. The moderately long tall, conspicuously barred
or highly colored, is quite broad and slightly rounded; the bluish-black bill is short, wide at base, and max-
illa is lobedon edges. Legs and feet stout: tarsus feathered In front about third of length; thighs have
long feathers that in some individuals reach nearly to the feet. Tarsi yellowish ; cere yellowish or green-
ish; the eyes vary greatly, but are usually brown or yellow. Sexes similar in color; female larger than
male: immature birds differ greatly from the adults. The flight of these hawks is quite vigorous, and that
of borealis. in particular, is often long continued; but they do not fly with the great rapidity of species of
the genus Accipiter.
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 127
tipped with white. Breast of adult mostly spotted or marked with reddish-brown;
in the young, breast is pure white enclosed by numerous dark markings. Length
of male, 19 to 22 inches ; extent of wings, 41 to 47 inches. Female length, 22 to 24
inches ; extent, 51 to 55 inches. From a careful examination of over one hundred of
these hawks, I have found that they, like other of the raptores, not only vary greatly
in the markings of their plumage, but also show marked differences in the color of
the irides. The iris of the adult, though usually brown, is sometimes both brown
and yellowish. In immature birds the iris is commonly straw color, but sometimes
it is nearly white, and occasionally, though rarely, is brown ; in other specimens T
have seen one-half of the iris brown while the remainder would be white or yel-
lowish. In immature birds, light-colored irides with specks of brown are frequent
Habitat. Eastern North America, west to the great plains.
This hawk the most abundant of our raptorial birds is the detested
" Hen Hawk " of the farmer. The Eed-tailed Hawk is exceedingly shy
and wary, and is taken with difficulty, unless approached on horse back
or in a sleigh or wagon. Bed-tailed Hawks in their fall migrations are
gregarious. One clear, cold autumn afternoon in 1876, 1 saw, near West
Chester, a flock of these hawks. The sky was destitute of clouds, ex-
cept a cumulus stratum directly beneath, and apparently about half way
between the hawks and the earth. In the center of this vapor was an
opening of sufficient size to enable me to watch the gyrations of the
birds ; two of them suddenly separated from the main body, approached
each other screaming, and apparently in great rage. They descended
screaming, and, to all appearances, clinched, to within about one hundred
yards of the earth, when they parted. Evidently neither bird had re-
ceived much injury, as they both, after taking short flights across the
meadow, ascended in company with two or three of their companions
that had accompanied them part way down, to the main body. Another
individual closed his wings until the body presented a triangular outline,
descended with almost lightening-like rapidity to the top of a sycamore,
where it alighted, and remained for some seconds pluming itself. This
party of hawks, after performing for nearly twenty minutes, these, and
numerous other aerial antics, continued their southern flight. Combats
in midair are quite common among Eed-tailed Hawks. I have repeat-
edly witnessed such battles, and am fully convinced that in the great
majority of cases food is the incentive to such action. Illustrative of the
superior vision of this hawk and the same applies to other of the Ra-
pacia the following is given, as observed by the writer: A clear morn-
ing early in March, I saw a Red-tail circling over the meadows ; every
circle took him higher and higher in the air, until at an altitude where
he appeared no larger than a blackbird, he stopped, and with nearly
closed wings, Descended like an arrow to a tree near by me ; from this
perch, almost the same instant he had alighted, he flew to the ground
and snatched from its grassy covert a mouse. The momentum with
which this bird passed through the atmosphere produced a sound not
very unlike that of the rush of distant water. This species when wounded,
128 BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
like all other rapacious birds, will defend itself with its claws and bill
against all advances. A stick or gun barrel presented to it, when crip-
pled, will be grasped, and the bird can be carried pendant from the same
a considerable distance before it will loose its hold. With such tenacity
do they hold on that a friend of mine who had winged one, in his en-
deavors to capture it alive, had the bird to fasten on his forearm with
both claws ; to relieve himself he was obliged to take out his penknife
and sever the tendons of both legs.
Nest building generally occurs in March and lasts from eight to
fifteen days. The nest is built in the woods, commonly on a large oak
or hickory tree. A pair of these hawks resorted for five consecutive
years to a large oak tree (Quercus tinctoria), for nesting purposes, in a
belt of timber adjacent to the far-famed Deborah's Rock, East Bradford
township. The nest a rather bulky structure, is made, externally, of
sticks and twigs, some of the former being an inch in thickness ; inter-
nally, it is lined with leaves and the inner layer of bark usually from
the oak and chestnut trees. This lining of bark is frequently torn in
shreds.
Certain ornithologists, Audubon among the number, have found five
eggs in their nests. I have, however, mostly found two, and on no
occasion have I found more than three to constitute the full complement.
The eggs, about 2.40 by 1.85 inches, vary much in their markings. Their
ground color is a dull white or rusty white, marked with minute brown
spots, or with large purplish dark-brown blotches, often covering the
greater part of the egg. Incubation lasts about three weeks. Certain
writers claim that this species will boldly defend invasion of its home
on the part of man. Such may have been the experience of others, but
such statement is the reverse of my experience. I have taken both eggs
and young, and, as yet, I have encountered no opposition ; but have
found them cowardly, flying away, in fact, beyond gunshot at my ap-
proach, uttering cries of distress, and seemingly to engage in mutual
condolence over their misfortune.
During the breeding season they frequently hunt together for food for
themselves and young, " and if, perchance, they spy a squirrel on a tree,
one will drive it while the other poises itself ready to seize it if it dodges
to the other side to evade the grasp of the first hawk. From the two
there is no escape. Grasping it firmly by the neck, the assailant prac-
tically demonstrates the possibility of garroting its victim, when the ill-
fated squirrel is carried to the eyry and torn to pieces to satiate the
cravings of their rapacious young." Wood. In consequence of limited
space it is impracticable to give in detail the results of dissections which
I have made of this species, but would state briefly that my examina
tions of one hundred and seventy-three Red-tails captured in Pennsyl-
vania, chiefly in Chester county, revealed in one hundred and twenty-
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 129
eight, principally field-mice (Arvicola) and other small quadrupeds, also
some few small birds ; in nine of these one hundred and twenty-eight
hawks, small birds were present in addition to the quadrupeds. Four-
teen had fed on chickens six, small birds meadowlarks and sparrows ;
six, rabbits; three, quail; three, red squirrels; three, mice and insects;
three, snakes; two, remains of skunk; two, carrion; one, ham skin; one,
meat, probably beef. I have repeatedly found three and four mice in
the viscera of one bird, oftentimes five, and in a few instances as many
as seven of these destructive little rodents were obtained from the crop
and stomach of one hawk.
NOTE. Harlan's Hawk (Buteo harlani, Aud.) mentioned, page 237, in first edi-
tion of Birds of Pennsylvania, is not a distinct species but a race or "form" of the
Red-tail. The technical name of Harlan's Hawk should be, Mr. Ridgway says,
Buteo borealis harlani (Aud.). See Auk. Vol. vii, No. 2, p. 205. The only specimen
of this variety of the Red-tailed Hawk which I have heard of in Pennsylvania was a
female captured by Dr. W. Van Fleet, of Renovo, in January, 1875, near Watson -
town, Northumberland county.
Buteo lineatus (GMBL.).
Red-shouldered Hawk ; Winter Falcon.
DESCRIPTION.
Total length : Female, 21 to 23 inches ; extent about 44 inches ; wing 14 ; tail 9
inches. Male, 18 to 20 inches ; extent about 40 ; wing, 12 ; tail, 8 inches.
Adult. Shoulders rich reddish-brown, rest of upper parts blackish, spotted with
reddish-brown, white and dusky ; primaries blackish above and spotted with white ;
tail with three or four broad black bars, between which are narrow white bands, tip
of tail whitish ; under parts reddish-brown more or less streaked with dusky and
barred with white.
Young. The upper parts brownish varied with rusty and whitish. The shoulders
in many specimens show considerable red ; tail brownish with several small blackish
bars, lower parts white and yellowish-white, with stripes and large oblong spots of
brown.
Habitat. Eastern North America, west to Texas and the plains, south to the Gulf
coast and Mexico.
During the winter these hawks frequent principally the large water
courses, meadow-lands, and the vicinity of ponds, and not unfrequently
an individual of this species can be observed on its perch overlooking 1 a
spring-head. When the streams and meadows are frozen I have noticed
that they especially resort to such localities as last named. When dis-
turbed from its perch it utters, in a plaintive and impatient voice, the
note, keeo, keeo. Its flight, generally short, is graceful and very owl-
like. This hawk, like its relative, the Bed-tail, may be observed sit-
ting by the hour on some favorite tree or stake adjacent to swampy
9 BIRDS.
130 BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
or boggy ground, watching for small quadrupeds and batrachians, which
constitute its principal fare.
Like other birds of this genus, the Bed-shouldered Hawk nests in
trees, usually in April and May in this locality. The eggs, two to four
in number, are very similar to those of the Bed-tail, but smaller. Young
birds, which are known to many as Winter Falcons, are, according to
my experience, much more frequently met with than full-plumaged
adults. Nuttall remarks that this hawk lives principally on frogs, and
probably insects and cray-fish in the winter. Gentry tells us that the
food of the young consists of fragments of quadrupeds, besides an im-
mense number of young grasshoppers and beetles. In my examinations
of fifty-seven of these hawks which have been captured in Pennsylvania,
forty-three showed field-mice, some few other small quadrupeds, grass-
hoppers and insects, mostly beetles ; nine revealed frogs and insects ;
two, small birds, remains of small mammals and a few beetles? two,
snakes and portions of frogs. The gizzard of one bird contained a few
hairs of a field-mouse and some long black hair which appeared very
much like that of a skunk. The bird on dissection gave a very decided
odor of skunk. In two of these hawks, shot in Florida, I found in one
portions of a small catfish, and in the other remains of a small mammal
and some few coleopterous insects (beetles).
Buteo latissimus (WiLS.).
Broad-winged Hawk.
DESCRIPTION (Plate 16, Fig. 1).
Length of female about 17 ; extent about 36 ; tail about 1\ inches.
Adult. Upper parts umber-brown, and many feathers edged with rusty or
whitish ; tail crossed by three black and two white bands, and narrow white tip,
lower parts white or yellowish white, variously streaked and spotted with rusty.
Young are duller, showy dark cheek patches ; tajl, grayish-brown, with whitish
tips and crossed with five or six indistinct dusky bands; lower parts similar to
adult but paler and spotted or streaked with black and dusky.
Habitat. Eastern North America, from New Brunswick and the Saskatchewan
region to Texas and Mexico, and thence southward to Central America, northern
South America, and the West Indies.
Of the genus Buteo, in this section, the Broad-winged is the least
abundant. It is a native and resident. The movements in the air of
this hawk are easy and beautifully graceful. When in quest of food, its
flight is in circles. At times, when circling, like the Sparrow Hawk, it
will stand for an instant beating the air, and then descend with great
velocity upon its prey, which it secures, not in its descent, but as it is
on the rise. I have on more than one occasion witnessed this species
Plate 31.
1. American Goldfinch.
2. Pine Finch. 3. Fox Sparrow.
Males.
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 131
take aliment in the way described. I incorporate it, notwithstanding
that it disagrees with certain good authority.
Nest-building- takes place from the first to the middle of May, and the
four nests which I have found have all been located in high trees ; three
in hickory trees, the other in an oak. All of these nests were over fifty
or sixty feet from the ground. The nest is very similar to that of the
Cooper's Hawk ; it is made of sticks, twigs, leaves and rootlets, lined
with feathers ; one I found lined with bark. The complement of eggs
is usually four, although three sometimes is the full set. The eggs are
somewhat larger than those of the Cooper's Hawk, with a dull white,
grayish ground color, with brownish red spots, which vary in size from
specks to large patches, frequently confluent.
This hawk is generally easily captured, appearing quite tame and un-
suspicious. I have always found it to be cowardly, and to evince no
disposition to repel an invasion of its nest.
It would seem, however, that the disposition of this bird, under cer-
tain circumstances, is very variable. Mr. A. G. t Boardman, of Maine,
who has found several nests, and secured the eggs, finds it to be cour-
ageous and spirited. A man whom he had employed to obtain a nest,
was attacked with great fury, while ascending the tree ; his cap was
torn from his head, and he would have been seriously injured if the bird
had not been shot. Another instance is mentioned by Dr. Wood, where
this hawk attacked a boy climbing to her nest, fastened her talons in
his arm, and could not be removed until beaten off and killed with a club.
In speaking of this bird, Dr. Wood says : " Seldom, if ever, does it
seize its prey on the wing, but secures it mostly on the ground, subsist-
ing on frogs, snakes, mice and small birds, devouring the latter without
removing the feathers. This hawk in its habits is not as neat in pre-
paring its food as most of its genus ; holding its prey with both feet, it
tears and eats without much regard to cleanliness or feathers."
In twelve specimens examined by myself, four revealed mice ; three,
small birds; four, frogs; one, killed the 22d of May, 1882, was gorged
with cray -fish, with which were traces of coleopterous insects (beetles).
GENUS ARCHIBUTEO BREHM.
Archibuteo lagopus sancti-johannis (GMEL.).
American Rough-legged Hawk ; Black Hawk.
DESCRIPTION.
" Adult male and female : Too variable in plumage to be concisely described. In
general, the whole plumage with dark brown or blackish and light brown, gray, or
whitish, the lighter colors edging or barring the individual feathers; tendency to
excess of the whitish on the head, and to the formation of a dark abdominal zone or
area which may or may not include the tibiae ; usually a blackish anteorbital and
132 BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
maxillary area. Lining of wings extensively blackish. Tail usually wiiite from
the base for some distance, then with dark and light barring. The inner webs of the
flight feathers extensively white from the base, usually with little, if any, of the
dark barring so prevalent among buteonine hawks. From such a light and varie-
gated plumage as this, the bird varies to more or less nearly uniform blackish, in
which case the tail is usually barred several times with white. * * Length of a
female, 22.00; extent, 54.00; wing, 17.50; tail, 9.00; iris light brown; bill mostly
blackish-blue, cere pale greenish-yellow, feet dull yellow, claws blue-black. This
is about an average size ; the male averages smaller." Cone's Key.
Habitat. Whole of North America north of Mexico, breeding north of the United
States.
In any plumage this bird can easily be distinguished from other of
our hawks by the tarsus, which is thickly feathered in front to the toes.
I have found the Rough-legged or Black Hawk in Pennsylvania dnly as
a winter sojourner, about the meadows and grass fields along or near
large streams. In the winter of 1879, when hunting along the Brandy-
wine creek, I saw seven of these hawks at one time, perched about on
trees in a meadow of some five acres in extent. In this locality the
species is usually found singly or in pairs. The Eough-legs generally
migrate northward about the middle of March : I have, however, ob-
served them here late in April. " Its migrations appear to be quite
regular and extensive more so, perhaps, than is generally supposed
though probably it does not differ from most hawks in this respect.
Birds of this family must follow their prey, wherever this leads them,
and only a few of the more powerful species, able to prey upon hares
and Ptarmigan, pass the winter in our highest latitudes. The Rough-
legged is a rather northerly species, rarely, if ever, breeding within the
limits of the United States, and becoming rarer towards its southern
terminus." Coues.
I desire to correct here an error which I am confident was made in
the first issue of the Birds of Penna., pp 92-93, where I stated, on the
authority of Mr. Samuel B. Ladd, of West Chester, Pa., that he (Mr.
Ladd) had, April 5, 1886, found a nest and two eggs of this bird, in a
thick woods at Fite's Eddy, on the Susquehanna river. A description
of the nest and eggs was published in my first report, as given to me
by Mr. Ladd, but I have since learned from Mr. Ladd that he did not
secure or even see the hawks, hence I am satisfied that this " record "
was without doubt based on erroneous identification. Dr. C. H. Mer-
riam, Ornithologist, United States Department of Agriculture, Washing-
ton, D. C., informs me that he is not aware of a single authentic record
of the breeding of the Rough-legged Hawk anywhere within the limits
of the United States.
" It is a sluggish bird, and confines itself to the meadows and low
grounds bordering the rivers and salt marshes along our bays and inlets.
In such places you may see it perched on a stake, where it remains for
hours at a time, unless some wounded bird comes in sight, when it sails
after it, and secures it without manifesting- much swiftness of flight. It
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 133
feeds principally on moles, mice and other small quadrupeds, and never
attacks a duck on the wing, although now and then it pursues a wounded
one. When not alarmed it usually flies low and sedately, and does not
exhibit any of the courage and vigor so conspicuous in most other hawks,
suffering thousands of birds to pass without pursuing them. The
greatest feat I have ever seen it perform was scrambling at the edge of
the water to secure a lethargic frog. They alight on trees to roost, but
appear so hungry or indolent at all times that they seldom retire to rest
until after dusk. Their large eyes, indeed, seem to indicate their pos-
session of the faculty of seeing at that late hour. I have frequently put
up one that seemed watching for food at the edge of a ditch long after
sunset. Whenever an opportunity offers they eat to excess, and, like
the Turkey Buzzards and Carrion Crows, disgorge their food, to enable
themselves to fly off. The species is more nocturnal in its habits than
any other hawk found in the United States. The number of meadow
mice which this species destroys ought, one might think, to secure it
the protection of every husbandman." Audubon.
In the stomachs of eleven of these hawks, which I have examined,
were found only field mice.
GENUS AQUILA BRISSON.
Aquila chrysaetos (LiNN.).
Golden Eagle.
DESCRIPTION.
Tarsi densely feathered all round to base of yellow toes. Length about 3 feet ;
extent 6| to 1\ feet.
Adult. General color dark brown ; the lengthened, pointed feathers of hind-neck
golden brown ; feathers of tarsi pale yellowish-brown ; tail blackish and grayish.
Young. Basal two-thirds of tail white, with a blackish terminal band ; lower
parts much lighter than adult.
Habitat. North America south to Mexico, and northern parts of the Old World.
This large bird occurs in Pennsylvania as an occasional winter visi-
tant. The only species with which it is sometimes confounded is the
Bald or White-headed Eagle in immature plumage. The two species
can always be distinguished at a single glance, if you remember that
the Golden Eagle has the tarsus densely feathered to the toes, and the
Bald Eagle has a bare tarsus. One of the largest Golden Eagles I ever
saw was captured in December, 1889, by a hunter, in Cameron county.
This bird, which was handsomely mounted by my friend, Mr. M. M.
Larrabee, of Emporium, weighed, Mr. Larrabee informed me, twenty-
five pounds. This bird breeds in high mountainous regions and the
Arctic countries.
The following mention of the peculiarities of the Golden Eagle in
captivity I gleaned from conversation with Mr. B. M. Everhart, who for
134 BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
several years kept one in his yard. This bird, in consequence of a grin-
shot wound in the wing, was unable to fly off. All the yard situated to
the north and east of the house was known as Nero's (bird's name) do-
main. Along- the walk leading to my office was his perch, a dead tree
stump some eight feet high. When satiated with food he would sit
there for hours at a time. If at any time during the day a cat or do-
mestic fowl happened to enter his ground, it had to make a speedy
departure or be killed. The latter was mostly the case, for Nero seldom
" went for " anything without his capturing it. When I neglected to
give him his daily allowance (two pounds meat), as was sometimes the case,
he wandered about the yard uttering a ventriloquial, gutteral sound,
which had the effect of bringing around him birds and chickens. Occa-
sionally the former, and invariably the latter, would be killed. Towards
people other than myself he displayed great animosity, this being par-
ticularly the case with children and timorous individuals. One day
Joshua Hoopes, a school teacher at that time, brought a party of his
boys to see the bird, and I noticed one of their number, a puny and
delicate lad, the eagle continually eyed and several times endeavored to
make at him. Towards a female domestic, who had annoyed him by
throwing water on him and poking at him with a stick, he showed great
antipathy ; we were eventually obliged, for her personal safety and our
own convenience, to discharge the girl, as she could not go into the
yard without being attacked. An Irishman one day slyly entered the
yard, but in crossing Nero's province he was set upon by the bird. In
the fleshy part of the man's thigh he imbedded his talons, and it was
with considerable difficulty his hold was loosened. Erin's son declared
that " Niver before in his howl life had he seed sich a divil," and that
nothing short of the eagle's life could appease for his injuries. Exami-
nation showed that although there were ugly flesh wounds, nothing of a
serious nature would follow. This information being imparted, and a
two dollar bill tendered to the Irishman, his sufferings were much re-
lieved. He stated that although he looked upon the " critter" as a " bold,
bad burd," still he deemed him a fit subject to "kape frum " any intrusion
in the back yard, and that in the future, whenever he had any business
with Bridget, he would enter the front gate and make known his wants
at the front door. The strongest and largest torn cat he could manage
with ease. When anyone had a specially objectionable cat which they
wanted disposed of, they would bag it up and bring it to the eagle. As
soon as he saw the bag now the bird, which an instant before sat
moping, ruffed-feathered and seemingly half dead, suddenly, as if by
magic, changed, as it were, into a new being; body erect, feathers close
to the body, tail expanded, the sunken eyes with ten-fold increased lustre,
followed with argus gaze every motion of the bag and occupant ; soon
as grimalkin was liberated the eagle swooped down and grasped it. If
the cat was of ordinary size, Nero displayed little concern in dis-
Plate 32.
1. Vesper Sparrow.
3. Yellow-winged Sparrow. 2, Meld Sparrow,
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 135
patching it ; but if it was a Thomas feline, of huge dimensions, all the
powers of the bird were brought into requisition. Then the true na-
ture of the eagle was seen. The eyes, before bright, now shone like
balls of fire, the crest feathers standing up ; his voice, before hushed,
now added discord to the dying yells of his struggling victim, so inex-
tricably fixed in his relentless talons. He could kill a cat in from two
to five minutes. Commonly, the eagle would grasp the cat around the
small of the back with one foot, and with the other he encircled the neck,
thus retaining his hold until the animal had ceased its struggles, which
were soon over, as they were greatly augmented by fright and excessive
violence of action. When the cat became quiet the eagle would raise his
wings, which he had allowed to drop, draw his body up as high as pos-
sible from his prey, and proceed leisurely to tear off the skin from his
captive's back and side, exposing the muscles and viscera, which he ate.
"Young fawns, raccoons, hares, wild turkeys and other large birds are
their usual food ; and they devour putrid flesh only when hard pressed
by hunger, none alighting on carrion at any other time." Audubon.
GENUS HALI-ffiETUS SAVIQITF.
Halieeetus leucocephalus (LiNN.).
Bald Eagle.
DESCRIPTION (Plate 84).
Tarsi feathered only about half way down.
Male. Length about 3 feet; extent of wings about? feet. Female larger, meas-
uring sometimes 8 feet in extent.
Adult. Head, neck, tail and upper coverts of latter, white ; rest of plumage dusky-
brown ; bill, feet and eyes yellow.
Young. Entire plumage dark-brown ; some are grayish-brown, and tail more or
less spotted with white ; bill dark-colored ; eyes brown.
Habitat. North America at large, south to Mexico.
The name "Bald," which is given to this species is not applied be-
cause the head is bare, but because the feathers of the neck and head in
the adults are pure white. In Pennsylvania, as well as throughout the
United States, we have but two species of eagles. The " Black," " Gray"
and "Washington" Eagles are all young of the Bald Eagle. Three
years, it is stated, are required before this species assumes the adult
plumage. The Bald Eagle is found in Pennsylvania at all seasons of
the year. A few of these birds annually rear their young along the
Susquehanna river, and also in a few other localities in this state. The
nest, a bulky affair, built usually on a large tree, mostly near the water,
is said to be about five or six feet in diameter. It is made up chiefly of
large sticks, lined inside with grasses, leaves, etc. The eggs commonly
2 rarely 3 are white and measure about 3 by 2J inches. A favorite
article of food with this bird is fish, which he obtains, chiefly, by strategy
136 BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
and rapine. The Bald Eagle is quite plentiful in the vicinity of large
rivers, where the Fish Hawk is common ; unlike this last named bird,
however, he cannot be called piscivorous, as he subsists largely on ducks,
geese and other aquatic birds. Referring to this eagle, Audubon says :
"No sooner does the Fish Hawk make its appearance along our Atlantic
shores, or ascend our numerous and large rivers, than the eagle follows
it, and, like a selfish oppressor, robs it of the hard-earned fruits of its
labor. Perched on some tall summit, in view of the ocean, or of some
water-course, he watches every motion of the Fish Hawk while on wing.
When the latter rises from the water, with a fish in its grasp, forth
rushes the eagle in pursuit. He mounts above the Fish Hawk, and
threatens it by actions well understood, when the latter, fearing perhaps
that its life is in danger, drops its prey. In an instant, the eagle, accu-
rately estimating the rapid descent of the fish, closes his, wings, follows
it with the swiftness of thought, and the next moment grasps it. * *
This bird now and then procures fish for himself by pursuing them in
the shallows of small creeks. I have witnessed several instances of this
in the Perkiomen creek in Pennsylvania, where, in this manner, I saw
one of them secure a number of Red fins, by wading briskly through the
water, and striking at them with his bill. I have also observed a pair
scrambling over the ice of frozen pond to get at some fish below, but
without success. It does not confine itself to these kinds of food, but
greedily devours young pigs, lambs, fawns, poultry and the putrid flesh
of carcasses of every description, driving off the vultures and Carrion
Crows, or the dogs, and keeping a whole party at defiance until it is
satiated." Even man is not exempt from the attacks of these predacious
birds. I have repeatedly seen in newspapers, accounts of combats between
men and eagles ; frequently the bird would be the aggressor. While it
is admitted that these reports are largely due to the imaginative reporter,
it is believed that such occurrences do occasionally take place. Verita-
ble instances are related of their carrying off infants. According to
Wilson, " an attempt of this kind was made upon a child lying by its
mother, as she was weeding a garden, at Egg Harbor, New Jersey, but
the garment seized upon by the eagle giving way at the instant of the
attempt, the child's life was spared." Nuttall speaks of an instance said
to have happened at Petersburg, Ga., near the Savannah river, " where
an infant, sleeping in the shade near the house, was seized and carried
off to the eyry, near the edge of a swamp, Jive miles distant, and when
found, almost immediately, the child was dead."
Plate 33.
1, 2. English Sparrow. 3, 4. Snow-Bird.
Male and Female. Female and Male.
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 137
SUBFAMILY FALCONIN-flJ. FALCONS.
GENUS FALCO* LINN^US.
Falco peregrinus anatum (BONAP.).
Duck Hawk ; Great-footed Hawk.
DESCRIPTION (Plate 85).
Size as well as colors variable. A female before me is 20 inches long, and meas-
ures from tip to tip 46 inches ; tail 8. Male smaller. Above blackish-brown or
slaty-black, and many feathers with paler edgings ; chin, throat, fore part of neck
and upper breast yellowish white, and sometimes nearly immaculate, but usually
more or less streaked or spotted ; showy black ear patches ; frontal feathers whitish,
rest of under parts barred and streaked with blackish and lighter colors; young
birds are more brown, and lower parts are much more spotted with dark and less
barred. Bill bluish-black, except about base, like cere is yellowish ; legs yellow ; iris
brown.
Habitat. North America at large.
This bold and predatory hawk, the largest of the typical falcons
found in this region, retires, usually, during the summer time to the
mountainous districts, generally in the neighborhood of large streams,
and in the winter season (fall, winter and early spring) it is found as an
irregular visitor in nearly all sections of our commonwealth. The Duck
Hawk breeds in several localities in Pennsylvania, and in some parts of
the state it is reported to be quite common. The late Judge Libhart,
of Lancaster county, twelve or fifteen years ago observed it as a " resi-
dent, common on the Susquehanna." Dr. Treichler, Mr. Roddy and
other more recent observers, report the Duck Hawk in Lancaster county
as a rather rare visitor, commonly seen in winter. The following
gentlemen report this species as a native: Hon. Gerard C. Brown,
Casper Loucks and George Miller, all of York county, state that it is a
regular breeder oil the high cliffs about the Susquehanna. Concerning
the bird Mr. George Miller furnishes the following notes : " Found nest
of Duck Hawk April 7, 1880. It contained four eggs slightly incubated ;
hawk on nest when discovered, along Susquehanna river near mouth of
Codorus creek. Nest about one-third down from top of a high cliff on
shelf with overhanging rock ; nest made of rocky debris found lying
about. Remains of birds, such as tame pigeons, flickers, blackbirds,
etc., upon which the Duck Hawks had evidently been feeding, were found
* Birds of this genus can easily be distinguished from all others of the family by the toothed beak. The
Sparrow Hawk, like the members of the genera Buteo and Archibuteo. merits protection, as it feeds mainly
on destructive insects and rodents, and also destroying many English Sparrows. The Pigeon and Duck
Hawks are not classed with the beneficial raptores; they seldom prey on insects or mice, but destroy
numerous kinds of birds. The Duck Hawk is particularly bold and predacious; he devours poultry, wild
ducks and many other kinds of game, birds, etc. The wings are long and pointed; the flight is vigorous
and rapid; bill short, stout and wide at base with a prominent tooth and notch near the end. The upper
mandible is strongly curved to the sharp-pointed end; nostrils circular, with prominent central tubercle;
tarsi stout, short and feathered only slightly in front; middle toe long; claws much curved, long and very
sharp.
138 BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
plentifully scattered over the rocks. I shot the male soon after collect-
ing- the eggs, and have it now in my collection of birds." Dr. W. L.
Hartman, of Luzerne county, says: "The Great-footed or Duck Hawk
breeds regularly in this locality (Pittston) in an almost inaccessible ledge
of rocks." Mr. Thomas S. Gillin, Ambler, Montgomery county, says :
"I have had many opportunities of observing- them, having- shot twelve
inside of a radius of five miles of this place ; in fact see them regularly,
and know of two nesting places in this state." Dr. T. Z. Hazzard,
Allegheny county ; Mr. O. B. Hark, Northampton county, and W. P.
Bolton, Montgomery county, also mention it as a breeder. Dr. John W.
Detwiller and Mr. Samuel Mack, both residents of Bethlehem, have, on
different occasions, found Duck Hawks' nests. With regard to their
breeding in this state, Dr. Detwiller (letter November 2, 1889) says :
" Duck Hawk, secured set of four eggs from the cliffs of * Camel's
Ledge,' Pittson, 1880 ; 1886 secured two sets of four eggs in each set,
one at Skinner's Eddy and the other at ' Buttermilk Falls,' Susquehanna
river (East branch). 1887 secured a set of four eggs, and another of
three, at ' The Narrows,' Delaware river. Month of incubation, April."
Reports which I have received from other naturalists and collectors,
show that the Duck Hawk has been observed in other parts of the state
as a straggler in the spring and fall, or as a rather rare and irregular
winter visitor. I have never found the nest of this bird. Dr. Coues
states that it " breed as far south as Virginia at least ; eggs, 2-5, oftener
3-4, 2.10 to 2.35X1.60 to 1.75, averaging about 2.25X1.65; white or
whitish, spotted, blotched, wreathed, clouded, etc., with the reddish-
browns, from chocolate or even purplish to the ochres." Key. N. A
Birds.
" He pursues the smaller ducks, water-hens, and other swimming birds ;
and, if they are not quick in diving seizes them, and rises with them
from the water. I have seen this hawk come at the report of a gun, and
carry off a teal, not thirty steps distant from the sportsman who had killed
it, with a daring assurance as surprising as unexpected. This conduct
has been observed by many individuals, and is a characteristic trait of
this species. The largest bird that I have seen this hawk attack and
grapple with on the wing is the Mallard.
"The Great-footed Hawk does not, however, content himself with
water-fowl. He is generally seen following the flocks of pigeons, and
even blackbirds, causing great terror in their ranks, and forcing them
to perform aerial evolutions to escape the grasp of his dreaded talons.
For several days I watched one of them that had taken a particular
fancy to some tame pigeons, to secure which, it went so far as to enter
their house at one of the holes, seize a bird, and issue by another hole
in an instant, causing such terror among the rest as to render me fear-
ful that they would abandon the place. However, I fortunately shot
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 139
the depredator. They occasionally feed on dead fish that have floated
to the shores or sand-bars." Audubon.
I have examined but three of these hawks ; the stomachs of two were
destitute of food materials, the other contained a few feathers of a do-
mestic pigeon.
Falco columbarius LINN.
Pigeon Hawk.
DESCRIPTION (Plate 85).
Adult Male. Entire upper parts bluish-slate color, every feather with a black
longitudinal line ; forehead and throat white ; other under parts pale yellowish or
reddish-white ; every feather with a longitudinal line of brownish-black ; tibiae light
ferruginous, with lines of black ; quills black, tipped with ashy-white ; tail light
bluish-ashy, tipped with a white and with a wide subterminal band of black, and
with several other transverse narrower bands of black ; inner webs nearly white ;
cere and legs yellow ; bill blue ; iris brown.
Younger. Entire upper plumage dusky-brown, quite light in some specimens,
and with a tinge of ashy ; head above, with narrow stripes of dark brown and fer-
ruginous, and in some specimens many irregular spots and edgings of the latter
color on the other upper parts ; forehead and entire under parts dull-white, the latter
with longitudinal stripes of light-brown ; sides and flanks light-brown, with pairs
of circular spots of white ; tibiae dull white, with dashes of brown ; tail pale brown,
with about six transverse bands of white ; cere and legs greenish-yellow.
Young. Upper plumage brownish-black, white of the forehead and under parts
more deeply tinged with reddish yellow ; dark stripes wider than in preceding ;
sides and flanks with wide transverse bands of brownish-black, and with circular
spots of yellowish-white ; quills black ; tail brownish-black, tipped with white, and
with about four bands of white ; cere and feet greenish yellow.
Total length, female 12 to 14 inches ; wing 8 to 9 inches ; tail 5 to 5| inches. Male,
total length, 10 to 11 inches ; wing 7* to 8 inches ; tail 5 inches. Baird j s B. B. N. A.
Habitat. The whole of North America, south to the West Indies and northern
South America.
This little falcon, a native of northern latitudes, occurs in Pennsylva-
nia as a rather rare and irregular visitor during the late fall, winter and
early spring months. When found here the Pigeon Hawk is usually
seen singly, sometimes a pair are observed together searching food.
The species appears to be oftener met with in the mountainous and
wooded districts than elsewhere in the state. In the few examinations
which I have made of these hawks, only the remains of birds common
pigeons and sparrows have been detected. From my observations in
the field, as well as dissections, I believe the Pigeon Hawk during its
residence in this locality preys mainly on various small birds. The
following is taken from my note-book in relation to a pair of these
hawks: "Two Pigeon Hawks during the late fall lurked about the
southern suburbs of the borough of West Chester, preying at regular
intervals on the pigeons of a blacksmith. In one week the hawks killed
or drove away fifty of these birds. The hawks would enter the boxes
and take from them the pigeons."
140 BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
Falco sparverius LINN.
American Sparrow Hawk.
DESCRIPTION (Plate 16; Fig. 2, female; Fig. 3, male).
This common little falcon can easily be recognized by comparison with figures on
plate.
Length 10 to 12 inches ; extent of wings 18 to 23 inches.
Habitat. Whole of North America, south to northern South America.
This well-known little hawk is the smallest and most beautiful of the
family Falconidce. It is a resident, but is more numerous during- fall
and winter than at other seasons. Unlike other of our native hawks, it
sometimes rears two broods in a season. The Sparrow Hawk builds no
nest, but deposits her eggs numbering- from five to seven, rarely the
latter number in hollow trees, selecting usually the deserted hole of a
woodpecker. The eggs, nearly spherical, measure about 1.33 by 1.13
inches, and are of a whitish or pale yellow brown color, blotched all over
with dark brown. Oviposition occurs in April. Occasionally, if the
eggs are taken, the bird will a second time deposit egg-s in the same
nest. When the young or eggs are disturbed the parent birds will
sometimes defend invasion of their domicile with great temerity. Some
few years ago I was endeavoring to secure the young from a nest of this
species. I had climbed the tree to the aperture, about thirty -five feet
from the ground, wherein were snugly packed five young, one of which
I removed, when both old birds assailed me. They several times struck
my head and arms with their talons and wings. So persistent were
their attacks that I, desiring to obtain the young alive, directed a com-
panion, who stood near by, to shoot both birds. I have repeatedly
taken the eggs and young of this species, but never, only in the above-
cited instance, encountered such determined opposition. When reared
from the nest, this species will soon become attached to its master. I
raised two, which were given their freedom. Both birds would come at
my call and alight on my outstretched arm or shoulders, anxiously waiting
for a grasshopper or piece of meat, which was always their recompense.
This hawk will resort for several consecutive years to the same tree for
breeding purposes. From Doctor Wood's "Birds of Connecticut" the
following remarks, with regard to the nesting of this bird, are taken
" One of my collectors found a nest of four eggs in the top of a stump,
about ten feet from the ground. This nest was composed of grass, and
was discovered by the grass protruding through a crack in the stump.
Whether this hawk constructed this nest, or whether it had been made
by some other bird, it is impossible to tell ; but if this hawk constructs
no nest, as asserted by Doctor Brewer and others, it must have obtained
it piratically, as the nest was new. In another instance, which occurred
in Granby, Connecticut, the nest was known to have been obtained in
this way : A farmer made a dove-house inside of his barn, with holes
Plate
Cardinal Grosbeak.
1. Male; 2. Female.
, r
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 141
through the sides of the building communicating with it. A pair of
doves that had mated there were attacked and killed by a pair of Sparrow
Hawks, who took possession of their nest, laid four eggs, and com-
menced incubating."
Incubation, which lasts for about a period of from twenty-one to
twenty -four days, is engaged in by both birds, and while one is sitting
its mate supplies it with food. When first hatched the young are cov-
ered with a white down. The food of young, while under parental care,
I have found to consist chiefly of insects.
H. W. Henshaw says: "Its food consists chiefly of the various kinds
of coleopterous insects and grasshoppers, of wfyich it destroys multi-
tudes ; in fact, this last item is the most important of all, and where
these insects are abundant I have never seen them recourse to any other
kind of food."
Allen, in his " Ornithological Notes on the Birds of the Great Salt
Lake Valley," says : " The Sparrow Hawk, however, was by far the most
numerous of the Falconidce ; thirty were seen in the air at one time
near the mouth of Weber canon, engaged in the capture of the hateful
grasshoppers, which seems at this season to form the principal food of
this and other birds." Audubon mentions that he had one of these
birds tamed. It was allowed its liberty. " In attempting to secure a
chicken one day, the old hen attacked him with such violence as to cost
him his life." Doctor Wood says: "When they cannot readily procure
their favorite food, mice and small birds are greedily devoured ; and,
according to a writer in the American Naturalist, they are not wholly
devoid of the piratical habits of the Bald Eagle. 'A .tame cat was cross-
ing the street and bearing a large mouse in her mouth; a Sparrow
Hawk came flying over, and seeing the mouse in her mouth, made a
sudden swoop and tried to seize it with its talons, but did not succeed.
The hawk continued its attempts until they reached the opposite side
of the street, when the cat disappeared under the sidewalk.' If it
catches a mouse that proves to be lousy and poor, it will leave it and
seek another." The stomach contents of sixty-five of this species which
I have dissected showed, in thirty-one, principally field-mice, with fre-
quent traces of various insects ; twenty-three, mainly grasshoppers and
beetles ; seven, small birds ; two, meadowlarks ; one, remains of mouse
and small bird ; one, insects and small bird.
142 BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
SUBFAMILY PANDIONIN.33. OSPREYS.
GENUS PANDION SAVIGNY.
Pandion haliaetus carolinensis (GMEL.).
American Osprey ; Fish Hawk .
DESCRIPTION {Plate 80).
Wings long and pointed ; second and third quills longest. Three first primaries
emarginate on inner webs ; bill stout with a very long hook and sharp end ; feathers
oily to resist water, those of head lengthened and pointed ; thighs and little of the
front parts of tarsi are covered with short feathers which lie close ; legs, tarsi,
and feet very strong and robust ; claws all same length, very large and sharp. The
tarsus all round covered with rough scales ; toes padded below and covered with
numerous hard-pointed projections to aid in holding their slippery prey.
Adult. Upper parts dark brown or grayish-brown; most of head, neck and
under parts white (chest in female, and sometimes in male, is spotted with brown, )
the tail, usually paler than the back, is tipped with white, and has six or seven
dusky bars. The young, very similar to adults, have upper parts spotted with pale
reddish-brown or white. Iris in some specimens reddish, but mostly yellow ; bill
and claws blue-black ; tarsi and toes grayish-blue. Length (female) about 25
inches ; extent about 52.
Habitat North America, from Hudson's bay and Alaska south to the West Indies
and northern South America.
The Fish Hawk, although most numerous about the sea coast, is quite
frequently met with along our large rivers. This bird arrives in Penn-
sylvania generally about the last week in March, and remains some-
times as late as the first of November. Although the Fish Hawk com-
monly rears its young along the sea coast, it is frequently found breed-
ing near the borders of large rivers or in the vicinity of large inland
lakes. The nest, a particularly bulky structure (from four to eight feet in
diameter), composed chiefly of sticks, and lined with sea-weeds, grasses,
etc., is built usually on a large tree, near the water. In Florida I have
found eggs and young of this bird early in March. The Fish Hawk
breeds in Pennsylvania. I am informed that about eight years ago
Messrs. William Ingram and Joseph Price, of West Chester, Pa., dis-
covered a nest and young of the Fish Hawk along the Brandywine
creek, in the vicinity of Chadd's Ford, Delaware county. The eggs, two
or three in number, measure about 2 J inches in length by 1} inches in
width ; they are yellowish-white, thickly covered with large blotches of
different shades of brown. Although it is asserted by certain reputable
writers that during the breeding season these birds subsist in part on
reptiles and batrachians, I believe that such food is only taken when
they are unable to secure fish, which they are so expert in catching. In
the stomachs of eighteen Fish Hawks, killed in Pennsylvania, New Jer-
sey, Maryland and Florida, I found only the remains of fishes.
The following list shows that the osprey breeds more or less regu
larly in different localities in Pennsylvania in the vicinity of large
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
143
streams. No person other than those named below make any mention
of this species in the reports received by me from other counties:
COUNTY.
OBSERVERS.
REMARKS.
Allegheny. . .
Bradford, . . .
Berks
Dr. T. Z. Harzard, . .
J. L. Camp
D. F. Keller
W M Swayne,
Straggler.
Breeds.
Breeds.
Rare migrant In vicinity of Kennett Square.
Do. ...
Do
Clinton
Crawford. . . .
Daupbin, . . .
Erie
Alfred P. Lee
B. H. Warren
Dr. W. Van Fleet, . .
H. C. Kirkpatrick. . .
W. W. Stoey
G. B. Sennett
Breeds within a few miles of Oxford.
Common in spring, late summer and fall; never found nest.
Migrant, spring and fall.
Rare migrant.
Breeds.
Migrant.
Lehlgh
Luzerne
J. F. Kocher
Dr. W. L. Hartman, .
Breeds.
Migrant.
Dr. A. C. Treichler. .
Breeds occasionally along Susquehanna.
Do. . .
Lackawanna,
Do.
W. H. Buller
H. W. Williams, . .
Geo. P. Friant, . . .
August Kock
Breeds occasionally along Susquehanna.
Rare migrant.
Straggler.
Migrant.
Mercer
Montgomery,
Do.
S. S. Overmoyer. . .
Thos. S. Gillln, . . .
W. P. Bolton
O B Hark
Rare visitor; shot one September 4. 1885.
Migrant.
Migrant; probably breeds.
Migrant.
Do. - .
Perry
Philadelphia,
Do.
Do.
Do.
Do. . .
Sullivan
Dr. J. W. Detwtller.
H. J. Roddy
Witmer Stone, . . .
G. S. Morris
II. Jamison
Jos. P. Ball
Rev. Jos. Johnson, .
Otto Behr . ...
Have found it breeding in Pennsylvania.
Breeds.
Occasional migrant.
Migrant.
Occasional migrant.
Occasional migrant.
Occasional migrant.
Migrant.
Susquehanna, .
Do.
Washington,
Do
Dr. H. A. Tingley, .
Geo. B. Perry. . . .
M. Compton
W T Warrick
Breeds.
Migrant.
Straggler.
Straggler.
Do.
Jas. S. Nease
V. A. Beemer. . . .
Rare visitor.
Breeds regularly.
Wayne, ....
York
N. F. Underwood, .
Geo. Miller
Migrant.
Breeds along the Susquehanna.
Do
Breeds along the Susquehanna.
Do
Hon. G. C. Brown, . .
Breeds along the Suaquehanna.
SUBORDER STKIGES. OWLS.
THE OWLS.
Ten representatives ot the families Strigidce and Bubonidce are found in Pennsyl-
vania. Some are common residents in all parts of the state ; others breed in boreal
regions and are found with us as irregular or accidental winter visitants. The little
Screech Owl, dressed in his coat of red, or gray, or a mixture of both, is one of the
most common and best known birds of this group. He is found in cities and towns
as well as in the rural districts ; and in the hollow limbs of trees in old apple orchards
he delights to conceal himself in daylight, and also to rear his family. He often is
found about barns and other buildings, where he goes in the daytime to hide, or
frequently at night, to catch mice, one of his main articles of livelihood. The Great
Horned Owl inhabits the woods, but on the approach of night he goes out in quest of
food. His visits to the poultry yard are so common that he, also, is familiar to resi-
dents of the country, where he is usually known, from his loud cries, as " Hoot
Owl." The Barn Owl, a southern bird, breeds sparingly, and most frequently in
the southern parts of the commonwealth. The Snowy Owl, which breeds in the
Arctic regions, is found here only as an irregular winter sqjourner. Some persons,
not versed in ornithological matters, name both the Snowy Owl (N. nyctea) and
Barn Owl (S. pratincola) " White " or " Snowy" Owls. Such local names, used to
designate the Barn Owl, are confusing and should be discarded. Owls, other than the
Long eared and Short-eared species, are usually observed singly ; those that breed
here, of course, are often, during the breeding period, seen in pairs, and with their
young. In winter Long-eared and Short-eared Owls are found generally in flocks.
144 BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
Long-eared Owls breed in many localities, in fact quite generally, throughout the
state, and owing to the circumstance that sometimes they roost, in the daytime, in
cedar trees, they are termed by many "Cedar " Owls. The Short-eared Owls frequent
meadows, swamps and grassy fields. Hunters who most frequently come across
them know them as " Marsh " or " Swamp " Owls. The Short-eared owl is common
in winter, and is said to breed here in rare instances. The Barred Owl is a resident
and breeds generally throughout the state ; it is most numerous in the mountainous
and wooded districts. In different parts of Wayne, Susquehanna and Wyoming
counties, where the Barred owl is common, it is called " Rain Owl." To distinguish
an owl irom a hawk remember the owl's eyes are situated in the front of the head
and look forward, while the hawk's eyes are directed to either side. The extremely
soft and downy plumage of these birds is such that their flight is almost noiseless.
During the daylight we , usually, find them concealed in hollow trees, or dense foli-
age, preferably cedar thickets. While it is generally an accepted fact that owls are
nocturnal in their habits, it is not true that they are exclusively so. The Short-eared
and Barred Owls are of a decidedly diurnal nature ; and in cloudy weather or in early
twilight it is not unusual to see the Great Horned Owl sally forth in quest of prey.
Birds of this suborder, unlike certain other species of the Raptores, never, it is
stated, unless reduced to the utmost extremity, feed on carrion, but subsist on such
food as they are able to kill. Their dietary, although variable with locality and cir-
cumstances, consists mainly of small quadrupeds (principally field mice), insects,
chiefly beetles and grasshoppers, and some few of the smaller kinds of birds.
"Many species are capable of living without water for months at a time, though
some of them drink it readily and often bathe freely." Benjamin M. Everhart, the
well-known Pennsylvania botanist, had in captivity, for a period of about two years,
a Great Horned Owl, and during this time he says it never would drink water. The
owls, like many other birds of prey, eject from the mouth, in small ball-like masses,
the indigestible portions of their food, such as hair, bones, etc. These little balls or
pellets, as they are usually called, are frequently to be found in great quantities
about localities where these birds resort during the daytime. The eggs are white,
nearly round, and commonly number from three to five; deposited generally in
hollow trees or the deserted nests of hawks and crows. Their cries are loud and
dismal.
The general form of Owls, is short and heavy ; the head and eyes are usually very
large ; bill very much like a hawk's, but never toothed, and often almost hidden by
long bristle-like feathers ; eyes encircled by a ring of radiating bristly feathers ;
tarsi, and in most species toes, also densely feathered. In some species the heads
are furnished with long erectile tufts of feathers, which are commonly called horns;
ears in some species remarkably large.
FAMILY STRIGIDJE. BARN OWLS.
GENUS STRIX LINN^US.
Strix pratincola BONAP.
American Barn Owl.
DESCRIPTION (Plate 17).
Length of female about 16 inches ; extent of wings about 43 inches. Male rather
smaller ; no ear tufts ; facial disc well developed but not circular ; eyes blackish-
blue and rather small ; lower part of long tarsus has short stiff feathers ; toes nearly
naked, but with some hair-like feathers ; feathers of body downy. Colors brownish,
ashy and white.
Habitat. Warmer parts of North America, from the middle states, Ohio valley,
and California southward through Mexico.
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
145
The Barn Owl has of late years become rather rare in various sections
of Pennsylvania, where formerly, it is said, to have been quite plentiful.
I have never found this species breeding" in eastern Pennsylvania. Prof.
Gentry, however, who has been more fortunate, says : "In the selection
of a place for nesting- purposes, these owls vary in different localities.
In eastern Pennsylvania generally a hollow tree, chiefly an apple or an
oak is chosen, but, occasionally, a dilapidated and unoccupied barn ; but
more rarely, an occupied building in close proximity to man. When the
former situations are chosen, the hollow is lined with a few dried grasses
and feathers, although instances are not unfrequently met with where
the eggs are deposited upon the bare bottom. In the latter places a
few rude sticks constitute a framework which is lined with a few fine
grasses and feathers. It is deposited upon a short timber in a some-
what inaccessible part of the building. Nesting- ordinarily takes place
early in March, although we have observed newly-built nests in the lat-
ter part of February. Oviposition commences about the second week
of March. The number of eg-gs laid varies from three to four, very
rarely more. * * The eggs are somewhat subspherical, scarcely
more pointed at one extremity than the other, unless in exceptional
cases ; of a bluish-white color, and measure 1.67 inches in length, and
1.37 in width. They vary, however, in size in different localities."
The following list gives reports received from all observers who have
noted the Barn Owl and reported to me the, result of their observations.
From this it will be noticed that this owl is found chiefly when breeding
in the southern parts of the state.
COUNTY.
Allegheny.
Do.
Beaver, . . .
Berks
Columbia, . .
Clearfleld. .
Cumberland.
Crawford. . .
Chester, . . .
Do. . . .
Dauphin. . .
Delaware. . .
Fayette, . . .
Lehigh. . . .
Lebanon, . .
Do. . .
Lancaster.
Do.
Do.
Lackawanna,
Mercer, . . .
Montgomery.
Northampton,
Philadelphia,
Somerset. . .
Susquehanna,
Do.
Do.
Venango. . .
Washington,
Do.
Do.
York
Do
Do.
OBSERVERS.
REMARKS.
R. C. Wrenshall, . .
Dr. T. L. Haz/ard, .
Dr. G. A. Scroggs, .
D. F. Keller
Dr. A. B. MacCrea,
L. D, Balliet
T. L. Neff
H. C. Kirkpatrick, .
A. P. Lee
B. H. Warren, .
W. W. Stoey
Robert To wnsley, .
G. W. Linton, . . .
J. F. Kocher
Geo. R. Ross, . . .
J. G. Bohn
H. J. Roddy
Dr. A. C. Treichler,
James Galen
Geo. P. E'rlant, . . .
S. 8. Overmoyer. . .
Thos. S. Gillln, . . .
Dr. J. W. Detwiiler.
Witmer Stone. .
B. H. Warren. . . .
8. S Thomas. . . .
Geo. B. Perry. . . .
Dr. H. A. Tm^lcy. .
J. R. Robertson. . .
Jas. S. Nease, . . .
M. Compton.
W. T. VVarrick. . .
Hon. G. C. Brown. .
Geo. Miller
Casper Loucks, . . .
Rare breeder.
Resident ; breeds.
Resident ; breeds.
Occasional ; possibly breeds.
Straggler.
Occasional visitor.
Resident ; breeds.
Straggler.
Breeds occasionally in vicinity of Oxford.
Probably breeds ; birds taken in spring, summer, fall and whiter.
Resident ; breeds.
Breeds.
Breeds.
Occasional visitor.
Rare visitor.
Rare visitor ; probably breeds.
I Breeds.
Resident ; breeds.
j Resident ; breeds.
j Very rare ; have received two in ten years.
I Rare visitor.
Occasional visitor ; nearly extinct.
Took one on meadows near Philadelphia ; heard of a pair breed-
ing In a church steeple at Lancaster city.
Occasional visitor.
| Saw one January, 1890, near Somerset.
Rare migrant.
J Straggler,
1 Rare visitor.
Rare migrant.
Simpler; December. 1883.
! Occasional visitor ; December, 1882.
| Occasional visitor ; December, 1882.
Breeds.
I Straggler.
Straggler.
10 BIRDS.
146
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
These owls subsist principally on mice especially meadow mice
rats and various insects. Sometimes they catch and devour small birds,
but never, I think, molest poultry, either old or young".
In the stomachs of five Barn Owls I found the following 1 food materials:
NO.
DATE.
LOCALITV.
FOOD-MATERIALS.
1 *
2
3
4
5
April 20. 1879,
Nov. 14, 1880,
Oct. . 1881,
Sept. . 1882.
May 21. 1886,
Delaware county. Pa. .
Chester county, Pa. , . .
Chester county, Pa., . .
Philadelphia county, Pa. ,
Chester county. Pa., . .
Mice and fragments of beetles.
Mice.
Feathers of Sparrow and bones of
Mice.
Mice.
small mammal.
FAMILY BUBONIDJE. HORNED OWLS, ETC.
GENUS ASIO BRISSON.
Asio wilsonianus (LESS.).
American Long-eared Owl ; Cedar Owl.
DESCRIPTION (Plate 86).
" Ear tufts long and conspicuous ; eyes rather small ; wings long ; tarsi and toes
densely feathered ; upper parts mottled with brownish-black, fulvous, and ashy-
white, the former predominating ; breast pale-fulvous, with longitudinal stripes of
brownish-black ; abdomen white ; every feather with a wide longitudinal stripe, and
with transverse stripes of brownish-black ; legs and toes pale-fulvous, usually un-
spotted, but frequently with irregular narrow transverse stripes of dark-brown ;
eye nearly encircled with black ; other feathers of the face ashy-white ; with minute
lines of black ; ear-tufts brownish-black edged with fulvous and ashy-white ; quills
pale-fulvous at their bases, with irregular transverse bands of brown ; interior
coverts of the wing pale-fulvous, frequently nearly white ; the larger widely tipped
with black ; tail brown, with several irregular transverse bands of ashy-fulvous,
which are mottled, as on the quills ; bill and claws dark ; irides yellow.
"Total length : Female about 13 inches; extent about 38; wing 11 to 11| ; tail 6
inches. Male rather smaller" B. B. of N. A.
Habitat. Temperate North America.
Owing to the fact that these birds oftentimes conceal themselves dur-
ing" the daytime in cedar trees, the local appellation of " Cedar Owl" has
arisen. The Long-eared Owl is a resident and one of the most abundant
of all the owl tribe in this state. While owls usually lead a solitary life
or associate in pairs, we find the subject of this sketch to be social and
gregarious, associating commonly in parties of from twelve to twenty-
five individuals. During the winter months, if not molested, they often
take up a residence in the dark retreats furnished by the numerous conif-
erous trees growing around the habitations of man. In relation to a
party of these owls Dr. William R. Stavely, Lahaska, Bucks county,
Pa., writes me as follows : " For over twenty years I have had congre-
gated in my lawn from fifty to seventy -five owls. They are peaceable
and quiet, only on rare occasions would you know one was about. On
Plate 35
Rose-breasted Grosbeak. ,
1. Males; 2. Female; 3. I<H&g'3fe& ;
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 147
dull days and foggy evenings they were flying- about in all directions.
Never in all that time have I missed any poultry or have they inflicted
any injury on anything of value.
" The first I noticed of their presence was the discovery of quite a pile
of what appeared to be mice hair and bones, and on investigation found
the Norway fir was the roosting place of to me at that time a vast num-
ber of owls. They had ejected the bolus of hair and bones apparently of
an army of tree-eating destructive mice, aiding the fruit-grower against
one of the worst and most inveterate enemies. * * * * Their
merits would fill sheets; the demerits nil."
Although it is true that the Long-eared Owls at times do construct
their own nests, I am inclined to believe that these birds, in this region
at least, prefer to occupy the deserted nests of other birds. I have on
several occasions found the Long-eared Owls breeding, and always
observed that they occupied the abandoned nests of crows or hawks.
Audubon says : " The Long-eared Owl is careless as to the situation in
which its young are to be reared, and generally accommodates itself
with the abandoned nest of some other bird that proves of sufficient
size, whether it be high or low, in the fissure of a rock or on the ground.
Sometimes, however, it makes a nest itself ; and this I found to be the
case in one instance near the Juniata river, in Pennsylvania, where it
was composed of green twigs, with the leaflets adhering, and lined with
fresh grass and wool, but without any feathers." Of all our owls this
species is, without doubt, the most serviceable to the farmer and horti-
culturist, as it preys almost wholly on field-mice and other destructive
little rodents. Unhappily, during the past four or five years there has
been a rapid decrease in the number of these birds in many localities in
Pennsylvania ; this diminution, I judge, is largely due to the fact that
the stuffed heads of these harmless and beneficial owls make an attrac-
tive ornament for lovely woman's headwear.
The eggs of this bird vary considerably in size ; a small example in
rny possession measures about 1| by 1J inches.
Audubon says : " It preys chiefly on quadrupeds of the genus Arm-
cola, and in summer destroys many beetles."
I have examined the stomachs of twenty-three Long-eared Owls and
found that twenty-two of them had fed only on mice ; the other exami-
nation made of a specimen taken in the late spring, showed some bee-
tles and portions of a small bird.
148 BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
Asio accipitrinus (PALL.).
Short-eared Owl ; Marsh Owl ; Swamp Owl.
DESCRIPTION tPlate 86).
" Ear-tufts very short ; entire plumage buff or pale-fulvous ; every feather on the
upper parts with a wide longitudinal stripe of dark-brown, which color predomi-
nates on the back ; under parts paler, frequently nearly white on the abdomen, with
longitudinal stripes of brownish-black, most numerous on the breast, very narrow
and less numerous on the abdomen and flanks ; legs and toes usually of a deeper
shade of the same color as the abdomen ; quills pale reddish-fulvous at their bases,
brown at their ends, with wide irregular bands and large spots of reddish-fulvous ;
tail pale reddish-fulvous, with about five irregular transverse bands of dark-brown
which color predominates on the two central feathers ; under tail-coverts usually
nearly white ; throat white ; eyes enclosed by large spots of brownish-black ; ear-
tufts brown, edged with fulvous ; bill and claws dark ; irides yellow.
Total length : Female, about 15 inches ; wing 12 ; tail 6 inches. Male, rather
smaller." B. B. N. A. /
Habitat. Throughout North America ; nearly cosmopolitan.
The vulgar name of Marsh Owl is quite appropriate, as this species
frequents mostly during- its sojourn in this region marshy districts and
grass fields. Sometimes small parties of five, eight or even ten indi-
viduals, will be found in favorite grassy retreats.
According to my observation the Short-eared Owl occurs in Pennsyl-
vania as a tolerably common winter resident, arriving from more north-
ern latitudes, early in November and departing early in April. Turn-
bull, in his " Birds of Eastern Pennsylvania" records it as a winter resi-
dent, " not uncommon." The Messrs. Baird speak of it as " abundant ;
not seen in summer," and Dr. Michener says : " Resident, frequent in
winter; rare in summer." Audubon found a nest of this owl in Penn-
sylvania on one of the high mountain ridges of the Great Pine Forest,
on June 17. In reference to this " find " he writes : " It contained four
eggs, nearly ready to be hatched. They were of a dull bluish-white, of
a somewhat elongated or elliptical form, measuring an inch and a half
in length, and an inch and an eighth in breadth. The nest was placed
under a low bush, and covered over by tall grass, through which a path
had been made by the bird. It was formed of dry grass, raked together
in a slovenly manner and quite flat, but covering a large space, on one
side of which were found many pellets and two field mice. I should
never have discovered their nest had not the sitting bird made a noise
by clicking its bill as I was passing close by. The poor thing was so
intent on her task that I almost put my hand on her before she moved ;
and then, instead of flying off, she hopped with great leaps until about
ten yards from me, keeping up a constant clicking of her mandibles.
Having satisfied myself as to the species, made an outline of two of the
eggs and measuring them, I proceeded slowly to a short distance and
watched her movements. Having remained silent and still for about ten
minutes, I saw her hop toward the nest, and soon felt assured she had
resumed her task."
L. M. Turner, the Arctic explorer, in his " Contributions to the Natu-
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
149
rat History of Alaska" says : " Among the natives of the Yukon district
the liver of this bird is used as a love-philter. The liver is dried and
reduced to a powder, and placed, unknown to the person to whom the
philter is to be administered, in some food. On eating the food the de-
sired affection is supposed to make itself evident. I knew of an incident
where a native endeavored, by this means, to regain the affection of his
wife. The mother-in-law had more potency than dried owl-liver, and as
she controlled her daughter the philter was as naught. It is adminis-
tered indifferently, by man or woman, and is frequently used by the
Eskimo."
From the following list it will be observed that this owl very seldom
is found breeding in this state :
COUNTY.
OBSERVERS.
REMARKS.
Bradford
J TJ Camp
Winter visitor.
Do
A T Lilley
Migrant
Berks
Migrant in winter
Do
D F. Keller
Winter visitor.
S Edward Paschall
Winter visitor
Clinton
Chester
Dr. Van Fleet,
B. H. Warren
Migrant.
Winter resident.
Dauphin
Brie
Ly coming,
W. W. Stoey
G. B. Sennett
A. Kock
Migrant; possibly breeds.
Migrant.
Migrant; possibly breeds.
Q. p Friant . . .
Winter visitor.
Lehigh
Lancaster
Lebanon
Montgomery
Northampton
Do. ....
Perry,
Philadelphia
Do
J. F. Kocher
Dr. A. C. Treichler,
Geo. R. Ross,
Thomas S. Gillin,
O. B. Hark
Dr. J. W. Detwiller
H. J. Roddy,
Rev. Joseph Johnson
J. P. Ball
Migrant.
Common in winter; breeds occasionally. *
Winter visitor.
Common in winter.
Winter resident.
Migrant.
Migrant.
Winter visitor.
Migrant.
J R Robertson
Migrant.
Washington
Do.
J. S. Nease
M. Compton, . .
Winter visitor.
Winter visitor.
Do
W T Warrick, .... <.
Winter visitor.
Nuttall says : "Its food is almost exclusively mice, for which it watches,
seated on a stump, with all the vigilance of a cat, listening attentively
to the low squeak of its prey, to which it is so much alive as to be some-
times brought in sight by imitating the sound." In the disgorged pel-
lets of this species examined by Audubon, he found the remains of bones
of small quadrupeds, mixed with hair, and remains of various beetles.
The food of eleven of these owls examined by me will be found in the
following table :
NO.
DATE.
LOCALITY.
FOOD-MATERIALS.
1
Jan. 4. 1880. . . .
Chester county Pa
Field mice.
2
H
Jan. 5, 1880. .
M:ir. 17, 1882,
Chester county. Pa
Purchased at Philadelphia Market
Field mice.
Field mice
4
Nov. 13, 1883
Delaware county. Pa
Field mice.
i;
Nov. 7, 1883
Nov. 1. 1885. . . .
Cecil county, Md
Chester county, Pa. ,
Field mice.
Beetles and field mice.
8
9
10
Mar. , 1880
Nov. 21. 188>, .
Nov. 2iV I8SC,
Nov. 27. ISHti
Chester county. Pa. ,
Chester county. Pa
Chester county, Pa. ,
Chester county, Pa. , . ....
Beetles and Held mire.
Field mice.
Field mice.
Field mice.
11
Dec. 8, 188
Chester county, Pa
Field mice.
' I have found the Swamp or Short-eared Owl at all times of the year in the Conewago Valley ; this
leads me to believe that it breeds here, sometimes, or at least on the Blue mountains, in the vicinity of
Colebrook and Mt. Gretna. "Treichler.
150 BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
GENUS SYRNIUM SAVIGNY.
Syrnium nebulosum (FOBST.).
Barred Owl ; Rain Owl.
DESCRIPTION (Plate 87}.
"Head large, without ear-tufts ; tail rather long ; upper parts light ashy-brown,
frequently tinged with dull-yellow, with transverse narrow bands of white, most
numerous on the head and neck behind, broader on the back ; breast with transverse
bands of brown and white ; abdomen ashy-white, with longitudinal stripes of brown;
tarsi and toes ashy-white, tinged with fulvous, generally without spots, but fre-
quently mottled and banded with dark-brown ; quills brown, with six or seven
tran verse bars, nearly pure-white, on the outer webs, and ashy-fulvous on the inner
webs ; tail light brown, with about five bands of white, generally tinged with reddish-
yellow ; discal feathers * tipped with white; face 'ashy-white, with lines of brown,
and a spot of black in front of the eye ; throat dark-brown ; claws horn-color ; bill
yellow ; irides bluish-black. Sexes alike.
Total length about 20 inches ; extent about 44 ; wing 13 to 14 ; tail 9 inches." B.
B. N. A.
Habitat. Eastern United States, west to Minnesota and Texas, north to Nova
Scotia and Quebec.
The Barred Owl is readily distinguished from other species by its
large size, yellow-colored bill and its black eyes. Barred Owls are ex-
ceedingly abundant in many of the southern states, where they are
known by the names of " Hoot and Swamp Owls." In Pennsylvania this
owl is found all months of the year, and in many of the mountainous
and heavy-wooded regions it is the most common of all the owls. The
Barred Owl lays its eggs in a hollow tree, or in a deserted nest of a hawk
or crow ; the white eggs are a little under 2 inches long by about If
wide. The Barred and Great Horned Owls are the only species, in this
locality, whose depredations in the poultry yard bring them to the no-
tice of the farmer. Unfortunately, however, the hatred towards these
two birds, and particularly the enmity against the Great Horned Owls,
has brought all our owls in bad favor ; the farmer's boy and sportsman,
with few exceptions, let no opportunity pass to pillage an owl's nest
or slay its owners. In this way, there are annually destroyed large
numbers of the Screech, Long-eared and Short-eared species, simply be-
cause the' popular idea is that owls, large and small, prey only on poul-
try and game.
Wilson says, although mice and small game are the most usual food
of Barred Owls, they sometimes seize on fowls, partridges and young
rabbits.
" The Barred Owl subsists principally upon small birds, field mice
and reptiles. He is frequently seen, in early twilight, flying over the
low meadow lands, searching for the mice that dwell there ; he usually
takes a direct course, and sometimes flies so low that the tips of his
wings seem to touch the grass. When he discovers his prey he drops
* Radiating feathers surrounding the eyes.
. Plate 36.
Indigo Bunting.
1, 2, 3. Males in different stages of Plumage; 4. Female.
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
151
on it instantly, folding his wings and protruding his feet, in which his
quarry is always secured ; he often captures frogs that are sitting on
the shores of ponds and rivers ; but I am inclined to think that the
statement, quoted by Audubon, that he often catches fish, is incor-
rect. " Samuels. *
The Florida Barred Owl a local race, technically called Syrnium
nebulosum alleni is exceedingly abundant about the almost impenetrable
swamps and heavily-timbered regions along the St. John's river. In
the winter of 1885, I was informed by two residents of Florida, both
gentlemen whom I consider thoroughly trustworthy, that this owl fre-
quently preys on fish, which it secures, while sitting close to the water's
edge, by a dextrous movement of the foot. The stomach contents of
five of these Florida Owls, which I examined, consisted only of the
remains of small birds and coleopterous insects.
Referring to this species, Nuttall says: Their food is principally
rabbitts, squirrels, grouse, quails, rats, mice and frogs. From necessity,
as well as choice, they not unfrequently appear around the farmhouse
and garden, in quest of poultry, particularly young chickens. At these
times they prowl abroad toward evening, and fly low and steadily about,
as if beating for their prey.
The stomach contents of eight of these owls which I have examined
are recorded in the following table:
No.
DATE.
LOCALITY.
FOOD-MATERIALS.
1
Oct. 28, 1879.
Chester county, Pa.
Field mice and beetles.
2
Nov. 17, 1879.
Chester county, Pa.
Beetles and small bird (Robin).
I
Jan. -. 1880.
Chester county. Pa.
Field mice.
4
Jan. 11. 188!.
Chester county. Pa.
Remains of chicken and field mice.
5
6
Jan. 20. 1888.
Jan. 12. 1884,
Chester county. Pa.
Chester county, Pa-
Field mice and small bird (Meadowlark).
Beetles and chicken feathers.
7
8
Dec. 16. 1886.
Nov. 18. 1887,
Chester county. Pa.
Cecil county, Md.,
Remains of rabbit (Lepus).
Fragments of beetles and bones of small mammal.
GENUS ULULA OUVIEE.
Ulula cinerea (GMEL.).
Great Gray Owl.
DESCRIPTION.
A very large round-headed owl, without ear tufts ; although much larger, resem-
bles somewhat the Barred Owl, but can be easily distinguished from the latter.
Length (female) 28; extent about 56; wing 17, tail 12 ; bill and eyes yellow ; claws
long and very sharp and dusky. Above dark-brown, feathers variously spotted,
mottled or barred with fine grayish-white markings ; lower parts similar but more
grayish, with longitudinal streaks on breast, and cross bars of white and dusky on
flanks ; face grayish-white with numerous narrow rings of dusky ; a patch of black
about eyes on either side of bill.
Habitat,. Arctic America, straggling southward in winter, to the northern border
of the United States.
' Our Northern and Eastern Birds, by E. A. Samuels, p. 74.
152 BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
This owl, one of the largest, if not the largest in North America, is
found in Pennsylvania only as a very rare and irregular straggler in
winter. Twenty or more years ago a specimen was captured in Chester
county in midwinter by H. B. Graves. About eight years ago Dr. I. F.
Everhart, of Scranton, found one dead in the mountains in Lackawanna
county. Mr. Geo. B. Sennett tells me one was found a few years ago in
the smoke stack of a steamboat at Erie city. Geo. B. Perry, Susque-
hanna county, and H. J. Roddy, Perry county, also mention this owl as
a straggler.
GENUS NYCTALA BREHM.
Nyctala acadica (GMEL.).
Acadian Owl ; Saw-whet Owl. / .
DESCRIPTION (Plate 87).
"Small ; wings long ; tail short ; upper parts reddish-brown, tinged with olive ;
head in front with fine lines of white, and on the neck behind, rump, and scapulars,
with large, partially concealed spots of white ; face ashy- white ; throat white ; under
parts ashy-white, with longitudinal stripes of pale reddish-brown ; under coverts of
wings and tail white ; quills brown, with small spots of white on their outer edges,
and large spots of the same on their inner webs ; tail brown, every feather with
about three pairs of spots of white ; bill and claws dark ; irides yellow.
Total length about 7 to 8 inches ; extent about 18 ; wing 5| ; tail 2J to 3 inches.
Sexes nearly the same size and alike in colors." B. B. of N. A.
Habitat. North America at large ; breeding from Middle States northward.
The Acadian is the smallest owl found in the United States east of
the Mississippi river. Although apparently larger, it -is in reality
smaller, than our common robin. This pigmy mass of owl-life is, I sup-
pose, the species which was regarded as not destructive to poultry and
game, by the author of the "Scalp Act," when he introduced therein a
clause exempting "The Arcadian Screech or Barn Owl." From the fact,
however, that the decapitated heads of pheasants,* nighthawks,
chickens, cuckoos, shrikes, and doubtless other birds, were cremated and
paid for as the heads of destructive, rapacious "hawks," it is but reason-
able to suppose that our little Acadian Owl, when found by the eager
scalp hunter, was generally slain, and the bounty of fifty cents given
"for the benefit of agriculture and for the protection of game."
The name Saw-whet is applied to this bird because, at times, its
squeaky voice resembles the wheting or filing of a saw. Owing to the
small size of this owl, together with the fact that during the daytime it
remains secreted in hollow trees, thick foliage or in dark and secluded
*In December, 1886, Prof. S. F. Baird informed me that he had received for identification, from several
counties in Pennsylvania, the heads of Pheasants (Bonasa umbellus). These heads were called by the
parties sending them to Prof. Baird ' ' Hawk heads, " and as such they had been presented for the fifty-
cent bounty, which had been paid. Prof. Baird also examined some Pennsylvania ' ' wolf scalps, " on
which premiums had been given, and ascertained that the so-called "wolf scalps "had been fashioned
from pelts of the common Red Fox ( Vulpee fulvus).
Plate 37.
Scarlet Tanager.
t Male; 2. Female.
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 153
rocky retreats, it is seldom met with, hence is regarded as one of our
rarest residents. The young- of this bird, taken in the vicinity of Phila-
delphia, have been seen by Prof. Gentry, and in E. A. Samuel's work,
" Our Northern and Eastern Birds" the following interesting account is
given by Eichard Christ of a nest that he found April 25, 1867, at
Nazareth, Pennsylvania:
" This, the smallest of all our owls, is also the most rare, but a single
specimen being seen in a period of several years. It is very tame when
found, permitting one to approach very close to it before flying away.
I am inclined to think that it sees less in the daytime than any other
species of our owls, for one can touch it without being noticed, the bird
taking flight more from alarm to its sense of hearing than any other
cause.
" It generally frequents stone quarries or piles of rocks, beneath which
it takes shelter ; and it is from this habit that the bird here is known by
the name of 'Stone Owl.' On the 25th of April, 1867, 1 was so fortu-
nate as to find the nest of one of these birds. It was placed or located
in the hollow of a tree, about twenty feet from the ground ; the en-
trance to the hole was very small, scarcely two inches in diameter. On
climbing the tree and looking in the hollow, I discovered sitting on the
bottom what I supposed might be a small owl. Uncertain as to the
truth, I introduced a small stick into the hole, and turned the bird over
upon her side, she making no struggle whatever, but remaining per-
fectly still as if dead. I discovered that she was sitting upon a single egg.
Supposing that she had but just commenced laying, I left her, and did
not molest her again for several days ; on the fifth day after I again ex-
amined the nest, and found the bird on her egg, none other having been
laid. I enlarged the hole, and took the egg, leaving the owl quietly sit-
ting on the rotten chips which formed the bottom of the nest.
" The egg was white with a bluish tint, like many of the other owls'
eggs, nearly globular in form, and considerably smaller than the egg of
the Ked or Mottled Owl."
Dr. Elliott Coues, in his " Birds of the Northwest" says: " Mr. Gentry
informs me of a curious circumstance in regard to this owl. Referring
to the association of the Burrowing Owl of the west with the prairie
dog, he continues : ' In the hollow of an oak tree, not far from German-
town, lives an individual of the common chickaree squirrel (Sciurus
hudsonius\ with a specimen of this little owl as his sole companion.
They occupy the same hole together in perfect harmony and mutual
good-will. It is not an accidental, temporary association, for the bird
and the squirrel have repeatedly been observed to enter the same hole
together, as if they had always shared the apartment. But what benefit
can either derive from the other ? ' "
Mr. Otto Behr writes me as follows of this species : " The Acadian
Owl is quite common here (Lopez, Sullivan county), though not often
154 BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
seen ; the young leave the nest about the first week in May. They make
a noise which sounds like a dog " sniffing " the air. The noise gave me
quite a start the first time I heard it. It being at night in heavy timber,
and as it seemed to come from overhead somewhere, I supposed it was
a bear or some such animal up a tree near by."
This little owl, although sometimes known to prey on small quad-
rupeds, principally mice, and at times on small birds, such as sparrows
and warblers, subsists mainly on the larger species of insects which it
is able to secure in its nocturnal wanderings.
The stomach contents of seven of these owls, which I have examined,
are given in the following table:
No.
DATE.
LOCALITY.
FOOD-MATERIALS*
1
Aug. 30, 1879
Chester county, Pa. ,
?
Nov. 11, 1881
Delaware county, Pa
Beetles.
3
Nov. 10, 1883,
Chester county, Pa. ,
4
Nov. 10, 1883
Chester county, Pa.,
Beetles and other insects
5
Sept 20 1884
Chester county, Pa ,
6
July , 1887,
Venango county, Pa
Beetles.
7
Dec ( 1889,
Elk county, Pa ,
GENUS MEGASCOPS KAUP.
Megascope asio (LINN.).
Screech Owl ; Red Owl ; Mottled Owl ; Gray Owl.
DESCRIPTION (Plate 18).
Adult or young Screech Owls may be either red or gray in color. The nestlings
are white. This species measures about 10 inches in length ; extent of wings about
22 inches.
Habitat. Temperate eastern North America, south to Georgia and west to the
plains. Accidental in England.
This handsome little owl is the most common of all owls found in
Pennsylvania. It is resident, but, unlike the long-eared species, is not
gregarious. Its almost spherical and white eggs four to six in num-
ber (mostly four) are deposited in a hollow tree. A tree in an apple
orchard is frequently made use of for breeding purposes, as well as a
common diurnal resort at all seasons. The eggs measure about 1.33 by
1.18 inches. This bird, when taken from the nest and raised, makes a
very interesting pet, one that not only becomes attached to its master,
but which also is capable of rendering him most efficient services in the
destruction of mice, whose vexatious ravages are frequently so annoying.
Some few years ago an acquaintance of mine placed two of these birds
in his cellar which was overrun with mice, and in a few weeks the place
was depopulated of these little four-footed pests.
A Screech Owl which I kept for several months in captivity fed
eagerly on grasshoppers and pieces of fresh beef. When a mouse was
given to this bird it would seize it with its claws, and after severing
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 155
with its bill the skin about the head and neck, would swallow the whole
mass, always, I think, head foremost. When it fed on small birds
which were frequently shot and placed in its box but which it would
seldom touch, I noticed that it generally tore open the skull and ate the
brain substance. This owl would never drink water.
"The flight of the Mottled Owl is smooth, rapid, protracted and
noiseless. It rises at times above the top branches of the highest of
our forest trees whilst in pursuit of large beetles ; and at other times
sails low and swiftly over the fields, or through the woods, in search of
small birds, field mice, moles or wood rats, from which it chiefly derives
its subsistance. Sometimes on alighting, which it does plumply, the
Mottled Owl immediately bends its body, turns its head to look behind
it, performs a curious nod, utters its notes, then shakes and plumes
itself, and resumes its flight in search of prey. It now and then, while
on the wing, produces a clicking sound with its mandibles, but more
frequently when perched near its mate or young. This I have thought
was done by the bird to manifest its courage, and let the hearer know
that it is not to be meddled with ; although few birds of prey are more
gentle when seized, as it will suffer a person to touch its feathers and
caress it without attempting to bite or strike with its talons, unless at
rare intervals.
" The notes of this owl are uttered in a tremulous, doleful manner, and
somewhat resemble the chattering of the teeth of a person under the
influence of extreme cold, although much louder. They are heard at a
distance of several hundred yards, and by some people are thought to
be of ominous import."
" The little fellow is generally found about farm-houses, orchards and
gardens. It alights on the roof, the fence or the garden gate, and utters
its mournful ditty, at intervals, for hours at a time, as if it were in a
state of great suffering, although this is far from being the case the
song of all birds being an indication of content and happiness. In a
state of confinement it utters its notes with as much satisfaction as if at
liberty. They are chiefly heard during the latter part of winter that
being the season of love, when the male bird is particularly attentive to
the fair one, which excites his tender emotions, and around which he
flies and struts much in the manner of the common pigeon, adding
numerous nods and bows, the sight of which is very amusing." Audubon.
The following interesting account of the methods employed by an
enthusiastic oologist is taken from a letter written to me, October, 1889,
by Mr. O. B. Hark, of Bethlehem : " Have you ever heard of fixing
holes for Sparrow Hawks and Screech Owls 1 Mr. John Mack, the best
climber I ever met, every spring cleans out old holes, enlarges such as
are too small, etc., and finds it pays him well ; this spring he got ninety
Sparrow Hawk eggs and every one was taken out of holes fixed by him ;
at one time he put the leg of an old rubber boot in a hollow tree and
156 BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
several weeks later took a batch of Screech Owl's eggs out of it. An-
other singular experience he had with owls is, he made a hole in a wil-
low tree ; when he came to look after it again he found owls had taken
possession of it and had nearly filled it with field mice ; he said there
were enough mice in it to fill his derby hat. This happened just
before a heavy snow storm and about ten days later every mouse was
gone."
Mr. L. M. Turner informs me that he has made a number of exami-
nations of Screech Owls captured in Illinois, and very generally found
their food consisted of such insects as the larger beetles and grasshop-
pers, also many mice. Grasshoppers and other orthopterous insects are
devoured in large quantities by these birds.
During the summer months and at other times when insect life is
abundant the Screech Owls subsist mainly on an insect diet. These birds
also prey* on mice, shrews, other small quadrupeds and small birds. In
the twenty-seven stomach examinations, which I have recorded, of birds
taken principally in the winter season, seventeen had fed on mice and
insects ; five, small birds ; three, mice and insects ; two, small birds and
insects.
GENUS BUBO OUVIER.
Bubo virginianus (GMEL.).
Great Horned Owl ; Hoot Owl.
DESCRIPTION (Plate 19).
Length (i'emale) 21 to 24 inches ; extent about 5 feet ; tail about 9 Inches ; male 19
to 23 long ; extent about 50 to 53 inches. Can be distinguished by its large size and
long ear-tufts. Plumage blackish, brownish, dusky, grayish and whitish in mix-
ture ; throat and middle of breast white.
Habitat. Eastern North America, west to the Mississippi Valley, and Irom Lab-
rador south to Costa Rica.
This well-known and rather common inhabitant of the forests can
easily be recognized by its large size, the conspicuous white feathers of
the throat and the long-ear tufts which measure 2J inches or more in
length. The Great Horned, the largest of all our native owls, is the
first to commence nesting. I have found its eggs in February, and am
told that it occasionally lays in January. In this locality the Great
Horned Owl seldom breeds in hollow trees ; sometimes it constructs a
rude and bulky nest of sticks, lined with grasses and feathers, on the
large horizontal limbs of trees in its favorite wooded retreats. Its eggs,
measuring about 2 inches in length by 2 inches in width, are mostly
deposited in the deserted nests of hawks or crows. Although it is stated
by different writers that this species lays four or more eggs, I have
never found, in seven nests examined, over two eggs or a like number of
young. Mr. Thomas H. Jackson, of West Chester, Pa., writing in the
*This species, and also the Great Horned Owl, is said to prey occasionally on fishes.
Plate 38.
White-bellied Swallow.
1. Adult Male; 2. Female.
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 157
x~~ -
Ornithologist and Oologist, June, 1886, says : " In thirteen nests of this
bird that have come under personal notice, twelve contained two egg's,
or young, and only one contained three eggs. All the nests referred to
above were placed in branches of trees and were generally those of
hawks or crows, renovated or enlarged. Occasionally a hollow tree is
used for this purpose. Upon one occasion I replaced the owl's eggs
taken from a nest with those of the common hen, and upon visiting them
at the expiration of three weeks, found that both the latter had been
hatched and had fallen from the nest, about twenty feet from the ground,
and that the owls had deserted the locality. The Great Horned Owls
are liberal providers for their young. I have frequently found full
grown rabbits lying in the nest beside the young, and scarcely a nest
visited did not have a strong odor of skunk, while bones and feathers
were scattered around attesting to the predacious habits of the proprie-
tors." " The flight of the Great Horned Owl is elevated, rapid and
graceful. It sails with apparent ease and in large circles, in the manner
of an eagle, rises and descends without the least difficulty by merely
inclining its wings or its tail as it passes through the air. Now and
then it glides silently close over the earth with incomparable velocity,
and drops, as if shot dead, on the prey beneath. At other times, it sud-
denly alights on the top of a fence stake or a dead stump, shakes its
'feathers, arranges them, and utters a shriek so horrid that the woods
around echo to its dismal sound. Now, it seems as if you heard the
barking of a cur dog ; again the notes are so rough and mingled together
that they might be mistaken for the last gurglings of a murdered person
striving in vain to call for assistance ; at another time, when not more
than fifty yards distant, it utters its more usual hoo, hoo, hoo-e, in so
peculiar an undertone that a person unacquainted with the notes of this
species might easily conceive them to be produced by an owl more than
a mile distant. During the utterance of all these unmusical cries it
moves its body, and more particularly its head, in various ways, putting
them into positions, all of which appear to please it much, however gro-
tesque they may seem to the eye of man. In the interval following each
cry it snaps its bill." Audubon.
These owls, like the preceding species, are not migratory and when
not engaged in breeding lead a solitary existence. Although chiefly
nocturnal in habits, Great Horned Owls are often seen in cloudy weather
and in the early twilight searching for food. On one occasion, when the
sun was shining brightly (about 10 A. M.), I saw one of these owls make
two attempts to catch a hen and her young chicks.
Audubon says : Its food consists chiefly of the larger species of galli-
naceous birds, half-grown wild turkeys, pheasants and domestic poultry
of all kinds, together with several species of ducks. Hares, young opos-
sums and squirrels are equally agreeable to it, and whenever chance
throws a dead fish on the shore the Great Horned Owl feeds with pecu-
liar avidity on it."
158 BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
. Nuttall tells us they usually prey on young rabbits, squirrels, rats,
mice, quails and small birds of various kinds ; and when these resources
fail or diminish, they occasionally prowl pretty boldly around the farm-
yard in quest of chickens, which they seize on the roost.
My own records of sixteen examinations of Great Horned Owls, which,
with one exception, were all taken during the winter months, revealed
in eleven individuals only remains of poultry ; two others, portions of
rabbits, and of the three remaining birds of this series it was found that
one had taken two mice ; another showed small amount of hair, appar-
ently that of an opossum. The sixteenth and last bird contained a
mouse and parts of beetles.
GENUS NYCTEA STEPHENS.
Nyctea nyctea (LiNN.).
Snowy Owl.
DESCRIPTION {Plate 88).
Length from 20 to 24 inches : extent 4 to 5 feet ; tail between 9 and 10 inches long;
tarsi and toes densely covered with long hair-like feathers ; black bill almost hidden
by long feathers ; plumage white, with brownish or blackish spots and bars ; throat,
face, feet and middle of breast whitest. The female is largest and much darker than
male ; eyes rather small and yellow ; no ear tufts.
Habitat. Northern portions of the Northern Hemisphere. In North America,
breeding mostly north of the United States ; in winter migrating south to the mid-
dle states, straggling to South Carolina, Texas and the Bermudas.
The Snowy Owl rendered so conspicuous by its large size and white
plumage is a native of the Arctic regions. This owl is found in Penn-
sylvania only as a winter visitant. Although specimens are taken nearly
every winter, this species is most frequently observed during excessively
severe winters. Usually solitary birds are observed, but sometimes
parties of six, eight or even a dozen are seen together.
Wilson says : " Unlike most of his tribe he hunts by day as well as by
twilight, and is particularly fond of frequenting the shores and banks
of shallow rivers, over the surface of which he slowly sails, or sits on a
rock a little raised above the water watching for fish. These he seizes
with a sudden and instantaneous stroke of the foot, seldom missing his
aim." Nuttall writes : "He ventures abroad boldly at all seasons, and
like the hawks, seeks his prey by daylight as well as dark, skimming
aloft and reconnoitring his prey, which is commonly the White Grouse,
or some other birds of the same genus, as well as hares. On these he
darts from above, and rapidly seizes them in his resistless talons. At
times he watches for fish, and condescends also to prey upon rats, mice
and even carrion."
No.
DATE.
LOCALITY.
FOOD-MATERIALS.
1
Winter 1879
Chester county, Pa
Rabbit.
Winter 1879
Meat, apparently beef.
J{
December 16 1885
Delaware county. Pa
Common rat.
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 159
GENUS SURNIA DUMEKIL.
Surnia ulula caparoch (MULL.).
American Hawk Owl.
DESCRIPTION.
"General form rather long but robust; size medium ; head moderate, without ear
tufts ; facial disc obsolete ; legs rather short and densely feathered to toes ; winers
rather long ; first, four quills incised on inner webs ; tail long with its central feath-
ers about two inches longer than the outer. Upper parts fuliginous brown, with num-
erous partially concealed circular spots on the neck behind scapulars and wing-
coverts. Face grayish-white ; throat white with longitudinal stripes of dark brown;
a large brown spot on each side of breast ; other under parts with transverse lines
or stripes of pale ashy-brown ; quills and tail brown, with bands of white ; bill pale
yellowish ; iris yellow. Color of upper parts darker on head, and the white mark-
ings more or less numerous in different specimens." (Length 15 to 17| inches ; ex-
tent about 33 ; tail 7 or little less.) B. B. of N. A.
Habitat. Arctic America, migrating in winter to the northern border of the United
States. Occasional in England.
This curious bird partakes of the general appearance, and also the
habits, of both a hawk and an owl, and is said to be principally diurnal.
Very rare and irregular winter visitor from the north. Joseph Krider
has a specimen captured some few years ago, near Philadelphia, in mid-
winter.
Messrs. B. C. Wrenshall, Allegheny county, J. F. Kitcham, Bradford
county, and J. G. Bohn, report the capture of stragglers.
ORDER COCCYGES. CUCKOOS.
SUBORDER CUCULI. CUCKOOS.
FAMILY CUCULID-ffi. CUCKOOS, ANIS
THE CUCKOOS.
Two species of this family are found in Pennsylvania as summer residents. These,
the Black and Yellow-balled Cuckoos, can be recognized by the following characters:
Bill curved, black or yellow, and about as long as head. Tail, often graduated, with
spotted and long feathers ; loral feathers soft ; four toes arranged in pairs, the outer
versatile and directed somewhat laterally ; feet are weak ; chiefly arboreal in habits.
A specimen of the Ani (Crotophacja am, Linn.), a species which inhabits the West
Indies and eastern South America, was taken near Philadelphia, September, 1849.
160 BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
SUBFAMILY COCCYGIN./E. AMERICAN CUCKOOS.
GENUS COCCYZUS VIEILLOT.
Coccyzus americanus (LiNN.).
Yellow-billed Cuckoo ; Rain Crow ; Row-bird.
DESCRIPTION (Plate 89}.
Length about 12 inches ; extent about 15^ ; tail about 6| ; upper mandible, except
edges, which are yellow like the lower, and tip of latter yellow. Above grayish-
olive with metallic reflections ; below white ; middle tail feathers longest and like
back, rest black with white tips, each spot being about one inch long ; iris brown ;
naked legs bluish.
Habitat. Temperate North America, from New Brunswick, Canada, Minnesota,
Nevada and Oregon south to Costa Rica and the West Indies. Less common from
the eastern border of the plains westward.
This species is easily known by the yellow under mandible, the broadly
white-tipped tail feathers and the bright cinnamon markings of the
wings. The Yellow-billed Cuckoo, a common summer resident, arrives
in Pennsylvania about the last week in April, and returns generally to
its southern winter resorts by the latter part of September. The com-
mon names of Rain Crow and Kow-bird given to both the Yellow and
Black-billed Cuckoos arise from their peculiar and loud gutteral notes
of Kow, Kow, which are, it is said, most clamorous at the approach of
rain. Both species are also known in some sections of this state by the
name of Indian Hen. The cuckoos are much more frequently heard
than seen, unless it is at times when they dart from one tree to another,
or into the thick foliage of bushes. The nest of this species is loosely
built of small sticks lined with grasses, and placed usually on the low
limb of a tree ; sometimes, however, it is found in thick bushes. The
eggs, generally two or four, are light greenish-blue in color and meas-
ure about 1.24 inches in length, and about .90 of an inch in width.
Writing of this species Audubon says : " It robs smaller birds of their
eggs, which it sucks on all occasions, and is cowardly and shy, without
being vigilant. On this latter account it often falls a prey to several
species of hawks, of which the Pigeon Hawk may be considered as its
most dangerous enemy. It prefers the southern states for its residence,
and when very mild winters occur in Louisiana, some individuals remain
there, not finding it necessary to go farther south. They feed on in-
sects, such as caterpillars and butterflies, as well as on berries of many
kinds, evincing a special prediliction for the mulberry. In autumn they
eat many grapes. They now and then descend to the ground to pick
up a wood-snail or a beetle."
According to Wilson the diet of this species consists for the most part
of caterpillars, particularly such as infest apple trees. They also eat
various kinds of berries, but from the circumstances of destroying such
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
161
numbers of very noxious larvae, they prove themselves the friends of the
farmer and are highly deserving of his protection.
In the stomachs of nine of these birds I found the following food ma-
terials :
No.
DATE.
LOCALITY.
FOOD-MATERIALS.
1
1
4
5
July 15, 1879
July 15. 1879
June 5. 1880
June ft. 1880
June ft 1880,
West Bradford. Pa
Pocopson, Pa.,
Chester county, Pa
Chester county, Pa
Chester county. Pa
Grasshoppers and snails (helix).
Beetles (on apple tree).
Caterpillars (feeding in apple orchard),
Caterpillars and fragments of beetles.
Caterpillars.
6
May 26. 1883
June 1 1883
West Chester, Pa
Pocapson, Pa
Beetles.
Stomach gorged with insects, chiefly cater-
8
'.
June 1. 1883
July 26, 1883
Pocopson. Pa
Chester county, Pa
pillars (feeding in locust trees).
Many caterpillars and fragments of beetles
(feeding in locust trees).
Berries.
Coccyzus erythrophthalmus (WILS.)-
Black-billed Cuckoo ; Rain Crow ; Kow-bird.
DESCRIPTION (Plate 89).
Size about same as Yellow-billed species ; bill entirely black (bluish-black about
base of lower mandible). Above bronzy grayish -brown, with greenish tint ; below-
white tinged with grayish and traces of yellowish especially on fore-parts; naked
eyelids bright red. Tail feathers with very small white tips ; eyes brown ; legs pale
bluish lead color.
Habitat. Eastern North America, from Labrador and Manitoba south to the West
Indies and the valley of the Amazon ; west to the Rocky mountains. Accidental in
the British Islands and Italy.
This species is found in Pennsylvania only as a summer resident. It
arrives generally a few days after the Yellow-billed has made its appear-
ance, and returns to its' southern winter resorts about two weeks, Audu-
bon says, earlier than the Yellow-billed Cuckoo.
In February, 1885, I saw several of these birds in the Florida orange
orchards. The nest, a frail structure of twigs, bark, and in some in-
stances blossoms of different plants, is placed on alow tree or bush. The
eggs, usually two or four, are mostly a trifle smaller and darker in color
than those of the Yellow-billed Cuckoo. Both species, according to my
observation, always build their own nests, and never, like the Cow Bunting,
deposit their eggs in the nests of other birds. The Rain Crows are ex-
tremely cowardly, and if attacked by any of their feathered neighbors,
whose nests they sometimes pillage, they immediately fly off and con-
ceal themselves in the dusky retreats of a tree or bush. In relation to
this bird, Audubon says : " The flight of this species is swifter than that
of its near relative, the Yellow-billed Cuckoo, for which bird it is easily
mistaken by ordinary observers. It does not so much frequent the in-
terior of woods, but appears along their margins, on the edges of creeks
and damp places. The most remarkable distinction, however, between
this species and the Yellow-billed Cuckoo is, that the former, instead of
11 BIRDS.
162 BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA,
feeding- principally on insects and fruits, procures fresh-water shell-fish
and aquatic larvae for its sustenance. It is, therefore, more frequently
seen on the ground, near the edges of the water, or descending along
the drooping branches of trees to their extremities, to seize the insects
in the water beneath them." In the adult plumage the Yellow-billed and
the Black-billed Cuckoos, when flying, can be distinguished, if you bear in
mind that in the former the long tail feathers, with large white tips, are
very conspicuous ; on the other hand, the white tips on the tail feathers
of the Black-billed are not well marked. This bird, as well as the Yel-
low-billed Cuckoo, I have observed, subsists largely on the tent cater-
pillars, which are so numerous at times on our various fruit and shade
trees. It also feeds on beetles, grasshoppers, snails and earth-worms.
SUBORDER ALCYONES. KINGFISHERS.
FAMILY ALCEDINID^E. KINGFISHERS.
GENUS CERYLE BOIE.
Ceryle alcyon (LiNN.).
Belted Kingfisher.
PESCBIPTION (Plate 20").
Length about 13 inches ; extent of wings about 22 inches.
Bill long, straight and sharp ; legs small ; outer and middle toes united to their
middle ; head has long crest ; plumage of upper parts, dull leaden blue, more or less
streaked with black ; feathers of sides, wings, and broad band across breast, dull blue
like back ; spot in front of eye, white ; tail with transverse bands and white spots.
Female similar but barred across belly, and feathers on sides reddish-brown.
Habitat. North America, south to Panama and the West Indies.
Kingiishers are common along- our rivers, streams and ponds, about
which they are found at all seasons, unless forced to migrate southward
by excessively cold weather. The loud and harsh cry of this bird, as
Wilson has properly stated, is not unlike the noise made by twirling a
watchman's rattle. "It is uttered while moving- from place to place,
always on being disturbed, and even sometimes when he is about to
plunge into the water for a fish. But especially it is heard at night
when the male bird is returning to the nest with food for his mate and
young." Gentry. Their eggs are deposited in holes which they exca-
vate in the sides of banks, usually about the streams and ponds they
frequent. On many occasions, I have discovered their nests in high em-
bankments along public roads, railroad cuts and old quarries. The ex-
cavations vary greatly in depth, but average about four or five feet ; oc-
casionally you find one straight, commonly, however, they are directed
to the right or left of the main opening and terminate in quite a large
cavity. The eggs (1.30 by LOG inches) are white and usually sixinnuiu-
Plate 39.
Cedar Bird, or Cedar Wax- wing.
1. Male; 2. Female.
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
163
her, although I have in several instances seen seven. The eggs, accord-
ing to my observation, are invariably deposited on the bare earth. Mr.
Gentry, however, tell us that he has "in many instances known them to
b<> deposited in a warm and cosy nest constructed of dried grasses and
feathers." Kingfishers feed almost entirely on fish. Their proficiency
in catching small fish is such that they are in bad repute among the
owners and proprietors of trout and carp ponds. Two gentlemen of my
acquaintance were so greatly annoyed by the loss of gold-fish and trout,
which had been sustained from the'regular visits of several pairs of these
birds, that they adopted the following means for their destruction :
Stakes were driven down about the ponds in several places ; the tops of
the stakes were sufficiently large to support steel-traps, which were set,
but not baited. The birds on visiting the ponds would invariably fly to
one of the stakes and alight. In less than one week ten or twelve king-
fishers were in this way trapped and killed. A friend of mine, some few
years ago, informed me that he caught one of these birds on a hook and
line, while fishing in the Brandywine, near Chadd's Ford. My infor-
mant said he had a live bait (minnow) on his hook, and as he was wind-
ing up his line on the reel, he saw a kingfisher plunge into the water
at his bait, which it not only caught, but at the same time hooked
and entangled itself so that it could not escape. One day B. M.
Everhart found a kingfisher lying on the bank of a small stream. On
making an investigation, Mr. Everhart ascertained that the bird was
unable to fly, as its bill was tightly clasped in the grasp of a large fresh-
water mussel. I have heard of two or three instances where kingfishers
have been captured under similar circumstances, which would naturally
lead one to suppose that they feed to a limited degree on the flesh of
these bivalves.
According to certain writers, this species is said to feed occasionally,
though rarely, on insects. Mr. E. A. Samuels states that he once shot
a kingfisher which had just seized a mouse (Arvicola).
The stomach contents of fourteen kingfishers examined by myself are
given in the following table:
NO. !
DATE.
LOCALITY
FOOD-MATERIALS.
1
2
ii
4
Feb. 3, 1879. .
Feb. 26. 1879
June 11, 1880
Aug. 20. 1880
Mar. 3. 1881
Chester countv . Pa
Newark, Del
Chester county. Pa
Chester county. Pa
Chester county, Pa
Remains offish.
Remains of fish.
Remains offish.
Remains of fish.
Remains of fish.
B
8
9
10
11
Apr. 26, 1881, . . .
Sept. 11. 1881
Nov. 28, 1882, .
Apr. 20, 1882
May 30. 1882, . . .
Aug. 27. 1883
Chester county, Pa
Chester county, Pa
Chester county. Pa
Chester county, Pa. .'
Chester county, Pa
Delaware county. Pa
Remains of fish.
Remains of fish.
Remains of fish.
Remains of fish.
Remains of fish.
Remains of fish.
12
13
14
Apr. 1. 1884
July 20. 1885
Dec. 3. 1889
Chester county. Pa
Chester county. Pa
Dauphin county, Pa
Remains of fish.
Remains of fish.
Fish scales and bones
164 BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
ORDER PICL WOODPECKERS, ETC.
FAMILY PICID^S. WOODPECKERS.
THE WOODPECKERS.
Of this family there are, Dr. Coues states, nearly two hundred and fifty well deter-
mined species ot all parts of the world, except Madagascar, Australia and Polynesia.
In all parts of the United States, about two dozen species, and many varieties
(" races " ) are given by different writers. I have found in Pennsylvania only seven
species of the Woodpeckers, viz : The Hairy, Downy, Yellow-bellied, Pileated, Red-
headed, Red-bellied and the Flicker. The Red-cockaded Woodpecker if now found
here, occurs only as a straggler, and the Arctic Three-toed Woodpecker (Picoides
arcticus} has not been observed in Pennsylvania, so far as I can learn, for many
years, probably not since Audubon met with it in the forests of the Pocono mount-
ains, Monroe county. I can get no positive evidence that the American Three-toed
Woodpecker (Picoides americanus, Brehm.) has been captured here, although
a straggler is said to have been taken, some years ago (winter), in the mount-
ains. The Pileated, Hairy and Downy are resident, being found in nearly all
parts of the commonwealth. The Pileated, of course, is rare or not found at
all, in thickly settled districts or sparsely wooded regions. The Red-headed
and Flicker are common breeders and in many parts of the state, especially
southward, they are resident ; but never as abundant in winter as in the sum-
mer season. The Red-bellied and Yellow-bellied are found with us, chiefly,
during migrations ; and they breed in some localities. Lumbermen and hunters
in the mountainous regions know the Pileated Woodpecker as ''Woodcock"
or "Big-wood Picker." The Hairy and Downy Woodpeckers are improperly
termed, almost universally, by farmers, fruit-growers and sportsmen, " Sapsuckers."
The Redhead is usually particularized by his proper vernacular name, and the
Flicker is called by many High-holder and Golden-wing. The other species, occurr-
ing here, do not appear to be designated by any particular names by the casual ob-
server. Although woodpeckers make no efforts to build nests as other birds gene-
rally do, they nevertheless prepare with great care and labor equally suitable recep-
tacles for their eggs and young. Woodpeckers lay their eggs,* which are white, and
usually number from four to six, on chips and bits of rotten wood in cavities which
they excavate with their powerful and chisel-like or wedge-shaped bills, in the dead
limbs or trunks of trees. These holes or nesting places oftentimes dug to a con-
siderable depth at the mouth are often just sufficiently large to permit the birds to
readily pass in and out ; from the entrance downward the diameter of these wooden
burrows increase in size. The tongue of all our woodpeckers, with one exception, viz :
the Yellow-bellied, is capable of being protruded beyond the point of the bill to a con-
siderable extent. The corn.ua or horns of the tongue extending backward, curl up
over the back of the skull ; these horns are enveloped in muscles by the action of which
the tongue is thrust out. This singular arrangement can easily be demonstrated by
simply taking hold of the end of the tongue of a Flicker we will say, and as you move
it backward and forward place a finger on the top of the bird's head, and at once a pecu-
liar, worm-like movement will be discovered as the horns run back and forth between
the skin and bony covering of the head, beneath your finger. The end of the tongue
in woodpeckers, other than the species above mentioned, is generally furnished on
either side with little barbs, very similar in appearance to those found on small fish-
hooks. In the Yellow-bellied Woodpecker the horns of the hyoid bone extend only
* The following measurements will show about the average size of species which breed In this State :
Hairy Woodpecker, about 1 inch long and a little less than 3 wide. Downy Woodpecker, about .80 of an
inch long by about .65 wide. Pileated Woodpecker about 1.25 of an inch long by 1 Inch wide. Red-
headed Woodpecker, a little over 1 inch long and about .85 of an Inch in width. Flicker, about 1 . in long
and .90 wide. Red-bellied about 1.00 long by about .80 wide. Yellow-bellied .HO long by .C8 wide.
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 165
to the base of the skull, hence the tongue is capable of but little extensibility ; in
place of the barbs commonly seen, we find the end quite abundantly provided with
"numerous bushy filaments." The peculiar structure of their feet and sharp nails
enable them by the additional support of the rigid tail, to ascend the trunks and
limbs of trees with singular address and celerity, either in straight or spiral lines.
From 'Cones' Key to North American Birds" a most valuable work and one
which deserves a place in the library of all who desire to thoroughly acquaint them-
selves with our feathered fauna the following extract relative to these birds is taken :
"Species are abundant in all the wooded portion of this country and wherever found
are nearly resident. For, although insectivorous, they feed principally upon dor-
mant or at least stationary insects, and therefore need not migrate ; they are, more-
over, hardy birds. They dig insects and their larvae out of trees, and are eminently
beneficial to the agriculturist and fruit-grower. Contrary to prevalent impression,
their boring does not seem to injure fruit trees, which may be riddled with holes
without harmful results. The number of noxious insects these birds destroy is
simply incalculable ; what little fruit some of them steal is not to be mentioned in
the same connection, and they deserve the good will of all. The birds of the genus
Sphyrapicus are probably an exception to most of these statements. But wood-
peckers also feed largely upon nuts, berries and other fruits ; and those which thus
vary their fare to the greatest extent are apt to be more or less migratory, like the
common Red-head for example. Woodpeckers rarely, if ever, climb head down-
ward, like Nuthatches, nor are the tarsi applied to their support."
The notes of these birds, uttered when on the wing, likewise when at rest, are
loud and unmusical. Woodpeckers, with the exception of the Flicker, are not
usually observed to alight on the ground. Insects which lie under the bark are
readily discovered by the woodpecker, who gives a sharp tap with his bill, and then
placing his head close to the tree, listens attentively to hear the movements of his
favorite prey. As soon as he discovers a beetle or a grub moving in its snug retreat
the bark or other covering of the luckless insect is torn away and the crawling crea-
ture is captured.
The large chisel-like bill, the stiff tail-feathers, which gradually taper to a point,
the two toes in front and two behind (birds of the genus Picoides have hallux or first
toe absent) will suffice to enable you to recognize a woodpecker. Tail-feathers 12 in
number, the outer pair very small and hidden by the larger.
GENUS DRYOBATES BOIE.
Dryobates villosus ( LINN.).
Hairy Woodpecker ; Sapsucker.
DESCRIPTION {Plate 76).
Length about 9| inches ; extent about 15 ; male has hind head red ; female has no
red. Top of head, sides of same, and back black, the latter with a long whitish
stripe ; quills and wing-coverts with numerous white spots ; four middle tail feath-
ers black, next partly black, and four outer feathers white ; below white ; young
duller and top of head, especially in front, reddish or bronzy.
Habitat. Middle portion of the eastern United States, from the Atlantic coast to
the great plains.
The Hairy Woodpecker is found in Pennsylvania at all seasons of the
year. It is quite plentiful, but in many sections, and probably through-
out the state, is less abundant than the Downy Woodpecker. The
Hairy Woodpeckers, generally shy and somewhat difficult to approach,
are found mostly in the woods, and although they sometimes when in
166
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
quest of food visit the trees in orchards and yards, their visits to these
places are much less frequent than those of the little Downy.
Both the Hairy and Downy Woodpeckers are called " Sap suckers'
by those who are unacquainted with birds, from the common belief that
both subsist largely on the sap of apple and other fruit trees. This
popular, yet mistaken idea, has induced many farmers and fruit-growers
to destroy these two species, as well as other woodpeckers, when found
about their orchards.
Wilson refers to this bird as " a haunter of orchards and lover of apple
trees, an eager hunter of insects, their eggs and larvae in old stumps
and old rails, in rotten branches and crevices of the bark.'' " The food
of this species consists principally of the eggs and larvae of injurious
insects that are burrowing in the wood of our fruit and forest trees ;
these he is enabled to obtain by chiseling out a small hole with his
powerful bill, and drawing them from their lurking places with his long
barbed tongue. He also eats some small fruits and berries, but never,
so far as I am aware, the buds or blossoms of trees, as some persons
assert." E. A. Samuels.
The food materials of nine of these woodpeckers examined by me are
mentioned below :
No.
DATE.
LOCALITY.
FOOD-MATERIALS.
1
Nov. , 1879,
Chester county, Pa
Seeds of berries
2
3
4
5
April It, 1880
June 13. 1880
Dec. 20, 1880
Jan. 28, 1881.
Newark, Delaware
Chester county, Pa
Chester county, Pa
Chester county, Pa
Larvae and beetles.
Spiders and dipterous insects.
Small seeds and particles of Indian corn.
Beetles
6
7
Mar. 10, 1881
Sept. 13. 1881
Chester county. Pa
Chester county Pa
Numerous insects.
8
9
May 18, 1883
Mar. 26. 1884
Chester county, Pa
Chester county, Pa
Black ants, diptera and beetles
Beetles and larvae.
Dryobates pubescens (Lnrar ).
I>owny Woodpecker ; Sapsucker.
DESCRIPTION ( Plate 7tf).
Length about 63 inches ; extent about IV 2 ; outer tail feathers barred with black
and white, otherwise same in color as D. villosus.
Habitat. Northern and eastern North America, from British Columbia and the
eastern edge of the plains northward and eastward.
This indefatigable little insect hunter, the smallest of all our wood-
peckers, is a common resident in Pennsylvania. The timid disposition
so frequently noticed in the preceding species is rarely, if ever, shown
by the Downy Woodpeckers, which, at all seasons, are found frequent
ing our shade and fruit trees, and not unfrequently these little feathered
carpenters may be observed excavating nesting places in trees close to
the habitations of man. Downy Woodpeckers, subsist chiefly on various
forms of insects, and when this food becomes scarce they feed often-
times on the seeds of grasses and some few other plants; also, small
Plate 40.
Red-eyed Vireo.
Male.
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
167
fruits, such as wild grapes, cedar berries, etc. In the winter months I
have seen these woodpeckers, also Tufted Titmice and White-bellied
Nuthatches, feed with apparent relish on pieces of fat beef and pork,
which had been suspended in trees or nailed to grape-arbors for their
benefit. The kernels of walnuts, shell-barks and other nuts that I have
placed in trees were likewise eaten by both the woodpecker and nut-
hatch.
The stomach contents of ten Downy Woodpeckers taken in Pennsylva-
nia, and examined by the author and Mr. Benjamin M. Everhart, of
West Chester, are given in the following- table :
No.
DATE.
LOCALITY.
FOOD-MATERIALS.
1
Feb. 20. 1880, .
East Bradford, Pa
Larv*.
2
3
Feb. 20. 1880
Mar 6 1880
East Bradford, Pa. , . ...
East Bradford Pa
Beetles and other Insects.
4
May 1, 1880.
WilHstown, Pa..
Larvae.
5
|
Sept. 25, 1880
Sept. 24. 1880,
East Bradford, Pa
East Bradford. Pa
Berries and ' ' grub worms."
' ' Wood grubs "
7
8
Nov. 20. 1884
Nov. 20 1884,
East Bradford, Pa
East Bradford Pa
Small seeds and fragments of beetles.
9
10
Dec. 20, 1884
May 23, 1885
West Chester, Pa
Chester county, Pa
Insects, chiefly beetles.
Larvae.
Dryobates borealis (VIEILL.).
Red-cockaded Woodpecker.
DESCRIPTION.
Length 7| to 8 inches; extent about 14; male has narrow red streak, mostly con-
cealed by black feathers above, on each side of occiput and above the silky-white
spaces that extend from under and back of eyes ; feathers on sides of lower mandi-
ble, those about nostrils, chin, throat, middle of breast and central part of abdomen,
also feathers about eye, (except in front) sides of head and neck, white, purest about
head. A black streak, connecting with black lores, runs backward under the showy
white cheek patch; top of head, neck behind and two central tail leathers, black ;
other feathers in middle part of tail, black, with white bars, and the outer tail
feathers are white, barred especially on inner webs with black ; back barred with
black and white ; wings brownish, barred with white ; iris brown ; bill and legs
(dried skin) blackish. The female has no red stripes on head.
Habitat. Southeastern United States, from New Jersey (at least formerly), Ten-
nessee, and Indian Territory south to eastern Texas and the Gulf coast
The Red-cockaded Woodpecker, abundant in the open pine woods of
Florida, where it is called " Sapsucker " by some, and by others " Pine-
bark Woodpecker," I have never observed in this state. Reports
seventy odd in number which have been sent to me by naturalists and
collectors of all parts of the state, fail to show that it occurs anywhere
in our commonwealth. Dr. Ezra Michener, in his catalogue of Chester
County Birds, published in 1863, writes : " Red-cockaded Woodpecker
accidental ; very rare." Thos. G. Gentry (Life Histories of Birds), re-
ferring to this species says: " That it is a rare visitant in eastern Penn-
sylvania cannot be doubted, as an individual was taken a few years
since, and is now deposited with the writer. This specimen was shot
in Delaware county, just beyond the southern border of Philadelphia."
168 BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
GENUS SPHYRAPICUS BAIRD.
Sphyrapicus varius (LiNN.).
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker; Yellow-bellied \Vood pecker.
DESCRIPTION {Plate 77).
Length about 8| inches ; extent about 15 ; male, crown, chin and throat bright red ;
female has chin and throat white, and crown mostly red, but sometimes black ;
breast, both sexes black, and belly yellow ; this latter color brightest in young birds.
Upper parts varied with black, yellowish and white ; broad white stripe on edge of
wing-coverts. Tail feathers mostly black, except inner webs of middle pair, which
are mainly white.
Habitat. North America, north and east of the great plains, south to the West
Indies, Mexico and Guatemala.
The Yellow-bellied Woodpecker breeds from the northern United
States northward, and although found breeding in this state (in mount-
ainous and elevated regions) it is classed with our rare breeders. Occa-
sionally a few of these birds are found here in winter. Generally speak-
ing, however, the Yellow-bellied Woodpeckers are to be observed as
somewhat common spring and fall migrants, which arrive in this region
early in April, and soon disappear to return again, but not earlier than
the last week in September. During their visits in the spring these
birds are much less abundant than in the autumn, and are seen prin-
cipally in the woods, although I have, in many instances, observed them
in apple orchards. While they sojourn with us in the fall, they evince
a strong disposition to frequent apple trees ; often as many as six or
eight of these birds can be secured in a small orchard. All woodpeck-
ers have a common habit of hiding behind limbs, or sometimes in holes,
etc., as you approach a tree on which they are feeding, and usually they
continually shift their positions to escape notice. When hunting- in
apple orchards, particularly in the fall, I have repeatedly seen the Yel-
low-bellied Woodpecker slip behind a limb, and remain perfectly mo-
tionless, as if he understood that the color of his back, not unlike the
general appearance of the bark or lichens, against which he rested,
might aid him in eluding observation. Oftentimes I have made two or
three circuits about trees where these birds were thus hiding, and gen-
erally noticed that they would not move until convinced by my actions
that they had been discovered. Of all our woodpeckers, the subject of
this present sketch, is probably the most expert in capturing insects on
the wing ; this bird, oftentimes, like the Common Pewee or other fly-
catchers, may be seen to start from a limb and seize its passing prey.
This bird, like the Hairy and Downy Woodpeckers, is frequently seen
clinging to the small twigs of various trees and bushes collecting in-
sects or picking at berries. The Yellow-bellied Woodpecker is the only
representative of the genus Sphyrapicus found east of the Mississippi
river; two species and one sub-species of this genus occur in the Rocky
mountain and Pacific coast regions of the United States.
Plate 41.
Yellow Warbler,
t Male; 2. Female.
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
169
List of counties, with names of observers, in which S. varius has been
found breeding or during migrations.
COUNTY.
OBSERVERS.
HEMAKKS.
Bradford. . . .
Do. . . .
Bucks
Berks
Cumberland. . .
Chester
Crawford. . . .
Clinton
Cleartield. . . .
Cameron
Columbia, . . . .
Delaware. . . .
Erie
Lackawanna.
Do.
Do.
Do.
Lehigh
Lancaster. . . .
Do. . . .
Lycoming. . . .
McKean
Northampton.
Northumberland,
Philadelphia, . .
Do. . .
Do. . .
Somerset. . . .
Sullivan
Union
Venango
Warren
Wayne
Westmoreland. .
Washington, . .
Do.
Do. . .
York
Do
Do. .
J. L. Camp. . . .
A. J. Lllley. . . .
B. H. Warren, .
D. F. Keller. . .
T. L. Neff
B. H. Warren. .
II. C. Kirkpatrick.
Dr. W. Van Fleet.
Dr. Van Fleet. . .
M. M. Larrabee. .
Dr. MacCrea. . .
B. H. Warren. .
Geo. B. Sennett.
Geo. P. Friant. .
James F. Green.
H. W. Williams.
M. J. Webster. .
J. F. Kocher. . .
Dr. A. C. Treichler
I W. H. Buller, . .
| August Kock. . .
I J. A. Teulon. . .
Dr. J. W. Detwille
! Dr. W. Van Fleet.
Rev. Jos. Johnson,
Jos. Price Ball, . .
H. Jamison
H. D. Moore. M. D
Otto Behr
Dr. W. Van Fleet.
J. H. Robertson. .
H. L. Greenlund, .
N. . Underwood.
Chas. H, Townsend.
M. Compton
W. T. Warrick. . . .
Jaa. S. Nease
Geo. Miller
Casper Loucks. . . .
Gerard C. Brown, . .
Common migrant: probably breeds.
Rare breeder; common migrant.
Migrant; common in fall.
Migrant.
Breeds.
Migrant; very abundant in fall; occasional winter resident.
i Breeds.
Migrant.
! Migrant.
Migrant; most abundant in fall.
! Migrant.
Migrant; abundant in fall and occasionally seen in winter.
Common migrant; think it breeds occasionally.
Migrant.*
Migrant; probably breeds.
Migrant; sometimes seen in summer.
Migrant.
Migrant.
Migrant.
Migrant.
Migrant, t
Formerly common breeder: now quite rare as native.
Migrant.
Migrant.
Migrant.
Migrant; common in fall.
Migrant.
| Migrant.
i Breeds.
Migrant.
Migrant.
Breeds sparingly and irregularly
Migrant.
Apparently not common.
Migrant.
Migrant.
Migrant.
Migrant,
Migrant.
Migrant.
Gentry says : " The food of these birds is less of an insect character
than that of any other of the Picarian family. Although a great de-
stroyer of insects in their most destructive stages, yet the untold mis-
chief which they achieve in the perforation of the inner bark of many
trees to such an extent as to kill them, fairly outbalances the immense
good which they accomplish. In some parts of Wisconsin, this destruc-
tion is perpetrated on a grand scale. In 1868, Dr. Brewer, in company
with Dr. Hoy, visited Racine, and witnessed the results of this perf ora-
tory process. The punctures were made into the inner bark of trees,
and were so close together that the bark eventually became stripped off,
causing a complete and fatal destruction of them. In one garden, all
the mountain-ash and white pine trees were entirely killed."
In referring to these sap-sucking woodpeckers, Dr. Coues says:
"Birds of this remarkable genus feed much upon fruits, as well as in-
sects, and also upon soft inner bark (cambium) ; they injure fruit trees
by stripping off the bark, sometimes in large areas, instead of simply
boring holes. Of the several species commonly called * Sapsuckers,'
* Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers have been very common the last two seasons ('88. '89) in the spring. The
city (Scranton) was full of them; some killed themselves by flying against windows. Geo. P. Friunt
t S. vnrius arrives early in spring, is then quite plenty; disappears soon, however. Know of one in-
stance where it bred. This bird rarely visits our orchards, therefore cannot do much damage to any-
thing. Amnixt Kck.
170 BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
they alone deserve the name. In declaring war against woodpeckers,
the agriculturist will do well to discriminate between this somewhat
injurious and the highly beneficial species." My field observations, also
the post mortem examinations of some twenty odd Yellow-bellied Wood-
peckers (taken chiefly during the fall migrations), lead me to think that,
in this region, these birds subsist mainly on insects, such as beetles,
large flies, ants, spiders and larvae. In the viscera of specimens taken
in the late autumn and winter, I have found sometimes small seeds and
berries. In the stomachs of two birds which were shot in apple trees, I
detected a small amount of a vegetable substance, which may have been
inner bark. On one occasion I opened the stomach of an adult male,
taken in the spring, and noticed that it contained a considerable quan-
tity of fluid, of a yellowish color ; a drop of this fluid touched to my
tongue was found to be exceedingly sweet.
GENUS CEOPHLOEUS CAB AXIS.
Ceophlceus pileatus (LiNN.)-
Pileated Woodpecker.
DESCRIPTION (Plate 70).
Bill blue-black, lower mandible much lighter in color than the upper; feet and
tarsi in dried specimens black ; iris yellowish ; general color of body, wings and tail
dull black ; a narrow white streak from just above the eye to occiput, a wider one
fronl the nostril feathers (inclusive) under the eye, and along the side of the head
and neck; side of the breast (concealed by the wing), axillaries, and under wing-
coverts, and concealed bases of all the quills, with chin and beneath the head, white,
tinged with sulphur-yellow ; entire crown, from the base of the bill to a well-devel-
oped occipital crest, as also a patch oil the ramus of the lower jaw, scarlet-red ; a few
white crescents 011 the sides of the body and on the abdomen. Female similar to
male, but without red on the cheek and only the back part of crest red.
Length about 18 inches ; extent about 27 ; wing 9| inches.
Habitat. Formerly whole wooded region of North America ; now rare or extir-
pated in the more thickly settled parts of the Eastern States.
This bird, the largest of all our woodpeckers, is found in Pennsylva-
nia at all seasons, but occurs only in the wooded districts, and even in
most of these secluded localities it is not common. In April, 1885, I
found a nest of the Pileated Woodpecker in Orange county, Florida,
where this species is exceedingly numerous. It was made in a wild
cherry tree growing near the edge of an orange grove. The excavation,
about two feet, or a little less, in depth, was made in a dead limb. The
entrance to the nest was not over twelve or fifteen feet from the ground.
The glossy white eggs, quite small for the size of the bird, were re-
moved when three had been deposited on a few chips at the bottom of
the opening. As the mouth of the cavity had been somewhat broken
when they were taken out, I supposed the birds would desert the place,
but, about one week later I visited the tree and saw a Pileated Wood-
pecker, which I judge was the same bird that had been robbed by me,
PJRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
171
at work in this cavity. Having- heard the bird working, I approached the
tree cautiously, and stood back of a neighboring- tree, whose thick branches,
with their abundant covering- of " long- moss" (Tittandsia usneoides), en-
tirely concealed my person from this woodchopper's keen eye. I watched,
and soon saw its large bill clasping- a chip appear at the opening- of the
cavity, in another instant the head and neck were protruded, and after
taking a quick survey of all surroundings, as if to assure herself that no
enemy was a witness to her industry and vigilance, the chip was dropped
down and the bird resumed her digging. After she had thus reap-
peared several times with pieces of wood, and always manifested the same
caution before dropping the chips, I, when she again came in view, made
a slight noise, but did not show myself, when immediately she dropped
back into the cavity and did not again continue her labors or show her-
self, although I remained quiet for several minutes. As the dinner horn
had sounded some time before, I deemed it more important to attend to
the wants of the inner man than to continue to wait for the bird to re-
new her work, and picking up a piece of shell rock I threw it against the
limb, when she flew out uttering a shrill cry.
These birds feed largely on beetles and their larvae, which are so
abundant in dead trees. Wild grapes, berries and acorns are also some-
times eaten.
The following list shows most of the counties in this state where the
Pileated Woodpecker is frequently met with :
COUXTY.
OBSERVERS.
REMARKS.
Allegheny
Beaver
Bedford,
Dr. T. Z. Hazzard
Dr. G. A. Scroggs
J. L. McGregor, .
Rare; formerly quite plentiful.
Breeds; resident.
Berks
Crawford
D. F. Keller
H. C. Kirkpatrick
Very rare
Seen In winter; probably breeds
Clinton
Clearfleld
Dr. Van Fleet
Dr. Van Fleet,
Resident.
Resident.
Cameron
Chester
M. M. Larrabee
B. H. Warren,*
Resident; tolerably common.
Clarion
Columbia
Dauphin
Erie
Fayette
Fulton
Lu/erne
W. Shanafelt
Dr A. B. MacCrea
W. W. Stoey
Geo. B. Sennett
B. H. Warren
Hon. W. S. Alexander
D. J. Linskill
Resident; not common.
Resident.
Resident.
Resident: few are found about Lake Pleasant.
Saw one in December, 1889.
Resident.
Resident
l,vc< nning.
August Kock,
Resident
Ijuckawuniia. .
McKean.
G. P. Friant
J. A Teulon
Resident; quite common; increasing.
Resident
.Mcirrr
S S. Overmoyer,
Breeds
MilHin
B. H. Warren
Resident.
Northumberland, . .
Dr. Van Fleet.
Resident
Perry
Husquehanna. . . .
H. J. Roddy
S. 8. Thomas
Resident.
Rare.
Sullivan
Somerset
Schuylkill
Union
Venango
Warren
Wayne
Washington
Do.
Do. ....
Westmoreland. . . .
Otto Behr
Dr. H. D. Moore, .
M. M. MacMillan, . .
Dr. Van Fleet
J. R. Robertson
H. L. Greenlund, . .
N. F. Underwood
James S. Nease
M. Compton
W. T. Warrick
Chas. H. Townsend
Resident.
Resident.
Resident.
Resident.
Rare.
Rare.
Breeds.
Kesident.
Rare; probably breeds.
Rare; probably breeds.
Occasionally seen in heavy timbered localities.
* Pileated Woodpeckers have also been seen or heard by the writer, during the past two years, in the
counties of Armstrong, Blair, Cambria, Centre, Elk, Jefferson, Forest and Potter: in some parts of Cen-
tre, Elk. Forest and Potter this bird is often seen.
172 BIRDS OF PENNSYL I 'A XI A
GENUS MELANERPES SWAINSON.
Melanerpes erythrocephalus (LiNN.).
Red-headed Woodpecker.
DESCRIPTION (Plate 21}.
Head and neck all around crimson red, margined by a narrow crescent of black
on the upper part of the breast ; back, primary quills, and tail bluish-black ; under
parts generally, a broad band across the middle of the wing, and the rump white :
belly usually tinged with reddish. Bill and feet blue-black; iris brown. Female
is not different.
Young. Head, neck and back dull gray, varied with blackish ; secondary feath-
ers, usually crossed with dark bands. The head in nearly all specimens taken in
fall and winter, with more or less red feathers.
Length 9| inches ; extent about 18 ; wing 5g inches.
Habitat. United States, west to the Rocky mountains, straggling westward to
Salt Lake valley ; rare or local east of the Hudson river.
The Red-headed Woodpecker, readily recognized by its red, white and
blue plumage, is found in Pennsylvania at all seasons, but during- the
summer is much more abundant than at other periods. I have repeat-
edly observed these birds during- the autumn and winter months, in
small parties numbering from eight to a dozen or sometimes twenty in-
dividuals, but never found them in large flocks.
In many localities in eastern Pennsylvania during- the past few years
these beautiful birds have become quite scarce. As farmers and fruit-
growers very generally seem to fully appreciate the beneficent services
these birds render, and seldom subject them to persecution, I attribute
this scarcity largely to the fact that the adult Bed-heads find a ready
market for millinery purposes. When pursued by gunners, these wood-
peckers first endeavor to escape by flying to the topmost branches of
the tallest trees ; then, if further molested, they will conceal themselves
in holes, where I have known them to remain for over one hour before
venturing out.
In this locality these birds subsist chiefly on an insect bill of fare ;
cherries, berries, occasionally ripe apples, green corn and pears are fed
upon. In several examinations that I have made of birds shot in the
winter season were discovered particles of acorns, gravel and different
forms of insects. In the winter, like the common Crow Blackbirds, the
Bed-heads will sometimes visit corn-cribs and feed on corn which they
pick from the ears. Although I have never seen this species store up
acorns, etc., there is no doubt that they occasionally thus provide for
themselves.
In the viscera of eleven Bed-heads examined by the writer the follow-
ing food materials were discovered :
Plate 42.
Maryland Yellow Warbler.
1. Adult; 2. Female; 3. Young Male.
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
173
NO;
DATS.
LOCALITY.
FOOD-MATERIALS.
1
I
3
4
5
G
8
9
May 6, 1880, .
May 17, 1880, . . .
June 12, 1880. . . .
June 12, 1880. . . .
Sept. 11. 1880, . . .
Sept. 11, 1880, . . .
Sept. 11, 1880, . .
May 8, 1883, . .
July 5 1883
Chester county. Pa.
Chester county, Pa.
Chester county. Pa.
Chester county, Pa.
Chester county, Pa.
Chester county, Pa.
Chester county, Pa.
Chester county. Pa.
Chester county, Pa.
Beetles and sand.
Larvae and seeds.
Cherries.
Cherries and ants.
Corn (maize).
Black ants.
Larvae and beetles.
Chiefly beetles and few dipterous insects
Piece of an apple.
10
Mar. 15. 1886, . .
Allerton Farm. Pa. ,
Beetles.
11
Mar. 13. 1885. . . .
Volusia, Florida, . .
Palmetto berries.
Melanerpes carolinus (LiNN.)-
Red-bellied Woodpecker.
DESCRIPTION (Plate 76).
Top of head and nape crimson red ; forehead whitish, strongly tinged with light
red, a shade of which is also seen on the cheek ; still stronger on the middle of the
belly. Under parts brownish white, with a faint wash of yellowish on the belly ;
back, rump and wiag-co verts banded black and white ; upper tail-coverts white,
with occasional blotches; tail feathers black ; first transversely banded with white ;
second less so; all the rest with whitish tips: inner feathers banded with white on
the inner web ; the outer web with a stripe of white along the middle ; iris red.
Female with the crown ashy ; forehead pale red : 7iape bright red.
Length 9$ inches ; extent about 17 ; wing about 5 inches.
Habitat. Eastern United States to the Rocky mountains ; rare or accidental east
of the Hudson river.
Audubon found nests of Red-bellied Woodpeckers in orchards in Penn-
sylvania. The Messrs. Baird, writing- in 1844, mention this species as
occurring- in the vicinity of Carlisle, Cumberland county, in reference to
it they say: "Abundant; most so in winter ; resident."
Dr. Ezra Michener, in his Chester county list of 1863, records this bird
as a "resident, frequent; rare in summer." Dr. Turnbull, in his Birds
of Eastern Pennsylvania and New Jersey, 1869, says, "common, but
more frequent in summer: found mostly on the larg-er trees of the
forest." Mr. Gentry, Avriting in 1877 (Life Histories of Birds}, observes
that he has found a few of these birds in eastern Pennsylvania from No-
vember until the latter part of April. According- to my observation,
the Red-bellied Woodpecker occurs in southeastern Pennsylvania only
MS a rare winter visitant. The few birds observed by myself in this
locality were exceedingly shy, and when found were seen in tall trees in
the forests. Mr. T. L. Neff, of Carlisle, has never observed it in Cum-
berland county, at least his report of the species found there contains
no mention of it. The only locality in Pennsylvania where the Red-
bellied Woodpecker has been found breeding- during- recent years is, so
far as I can learn, in the county of Washington, along- our western bor-
der. I am indebted to Mr. W. T. Warrick, of Washing-ton, Pa., for the
following- interesting facts concerning- the species in his locality : " This
bird is not rare here, although not very abundant, and it is resident and
174
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
breeds. It is not often seen away from heavy timber, and is generally
to be found in the very tops of the tallest forest trees. I have never
secured any of their eggs, but my note book says that I found a pair
nesting March 25, 1883, near the top of a large white-oak in edge of
wood two miles from Washington. The birds were quite noisy, and
while I watched them with my field glass I saw them running in and
out of a nice new clean-cut hole in the live wood of the oak. The eggs
were probably not laid at that date, but about the nesting there could
be no doubt. I intended trying to secure the eggs, but bad weather
and other circumstances prevented till the matter was overlooked. I
also remember several years ago visiting a farmer friend whom I found
engaged in shooting woodpeckers off a mulberry tree that stood in his
yard and was full of ripe fruit. He had a dozen or more of the birds
lying in a pile under the tree, and at least four or five of them were Red-
bellies and the balance Red-heads. I saw and heard three of this species
the last day I was in the woods (June 2). I can recognize their ' chuck '
as far as I can hear it."
The following list made up from reports seventy odd in number
received from observers throughout the state, shows that M. carolinus
has been observed as a breeder only in Washington county ; and as a
migrant it has been reported by but few persons :
COUNTY.
OBSERVERS.
REMARKS.
Bradford
Clinton
J. L. Camp
Dr. W. Van Fleet,
Migrant : rare.
Migrant ; rare.
Chester
Delaware
B. H. Warren
B. H. Warren
Have taken three in ten years ; all in winter.
Two killed in winter.
Erie
*.Lancaster.
Geo. B. Sennett
Dr. A. C Treichler,
Winter.
Winter
Lackawanna. .
Geo. P. Friant
Winter ; very rare.
Luzerne, . . .
Montgomery. .
Northampton. .
Perry
Washington,
Dr. W. L. Hartman
Thos. S. Gillin
Dr. John W. Detwiller
H. J. Roddy
M. Compton,
Rare visitor ; probably breeds.
Migrant.
Migrant.
Migrant.
Resident breeds
Do. . .
Do
W. T. Warrick
Jas. S. Nease,
Resident ; breeds.
Resident ; breeds
Westmoreland, .
York
Chas. H. Townsend
Gerard C. Brown
Rather common.
Migrant ; probably breeds occasionally.
The stomach contents of three of these birds, captured during the
winter months in Chester and Delaware counties, Pa., consisted of black
beetles, larvae, fragments of acorns, and a few seeds of wild grapes.
In various sections of Florida where the Red-bellied Woodpeckers are
exceedingly numerous ; in fact, by odds, the most abundant of all the
woodpeckers, the common names of " Orange Sapsucker " and " Orange-
borer " are universally applied to them. On making inquiry of farmers
and others, I learned that the names were given because these wood
peckers " sucked the sap " of orange trees and fed on oranges. Sup-
posing these statements were wrongfully made, I, at first, gave but little
attention to them. When, however, I visited W^elaka, Palatka, Volusia,
* Some fifteen or twenty years ago. according to the Into Judge I,ibhart. this specie* bred Jn Lnnc-nster
county.- I?. H. Warren.
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 175
Deland and other places where numerous orange trees were thriving, I
was informed by the orange-growers that the Red-bellied Woodpeckers
oftentimes destroyed large numbers of oranges when they had matured
and were ready for picking ; also, that " they damaged the orange trees
by boring holes in them and sucking the sap." I had but little oppor-
tunity of making a careful study of this orange-eating habit, so greatly
talked about, owing to the fact that when I first visited these localities
it was late in February, or after the oranges had been picked and shipped
north. In the month of March, 1885, 1 camped a few days at "Bluffton,"
near Volusia, in an orange grove, owned by Mr. Bird, of New York city
This grove contained about thirty acres of trees, which were loaded with
fruit, then being picked for market. Through the kindness of Mr.
Bird and his overseer, Mr. Curtis, I collected twenty-six Red-bellied
Woodpeckers in this orange grove, eleven of these birds had fed to a
more or less extent on oranges.
Three of the eleven stomachs taken from specimens killed in the fore-
noon, soon after daylight, contained only orange pulp. Eight stomachs
showed, in addition to orange pulp, insects and berries. The stomachs
of the remaining fifteen birds contained no traces of oranges, but re-
vealed chiefly insects, a few berries and seeds. I examined two dozen
or more oranges which had been attacked by the Woodpeckers, and
found that all had been bored about midway between the stem and blos-
som end. These holes, always round, varied greatly in size. The birds
usually, I think, pick off the skin from a space about the size of an ordi-
nary five-cent piece, and then eat out the pulp. In an orchard at Hawk-
insville, near Deland Landing, on the St. John's river, I oftentimes, in
the month of April, 1885, found oranges which had been evidently over-
looked when the crop was gathered, and in most instances observed that
they were bored. In this orchard, on one occasion, I saw a Red-bellied
Woodpecker eating an orange. He evidently recognized the fact that
it was about the last of the season, as he had enlarged the opening suf-
ficiently that his head was almost entirely hidden in the yellow skin,
from the sides of which he picked the few remaining particles of pulp.
I was shown orange trees that these " Sapsuckers " were said to have
bored, these borings, however, did not appear to injure the trees, as they
seemed to me to be equally as flourishing as other trees whose trunks
showed no marks of a woodpecker's bill.
176 BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
GENUS COLA.PTES SWAINSON.
Colaptes auratus (LiNN.).
\
Flicker.
DESCRIPTION (Plate 22).
Bill differs from other of our woodpeckers. It is long, slender, slightly curved,
without lateral ridges ; nostrils exposed. Shafts and under surface ot wing and
tail feathers gamboge-yellow ; a black patch on each side of the cheek ; a red cres-
cent on the upper part of hind-neck, throat and stripe beneath the eye pale lilac-
brown. A crescentic patch on the breast and rounded spots on the belly, black ;
back and wing-coverts with interrupted transverse bands of black ; neck above and
on sides ashy. In the female the black cheek patch is usually absent ; eyes brown.
Length about 12| inches ; extent about 20 ; wing about 6 inches.
Habitat. Northern and eastern North America, west to the eastern slope of the
Rocky mountains* and Alaska. Occasional on the Pacific slope from California
northward. Accidental in Europe.
This species, one of the most common of all our woodpeckers, is found
in some sections of Pennsylvania during all months of the year ; but it
is far more numerous in the summer season than at other times. The
Flicker, like all of the woodpeckers, flies in an undulatory manner.
When flying- it is easily recognized from other species by the conspicu-
ous golden-yellow under parts of the tail and wings, and the white rump.
As previously remarked, woodpeckers are not commonly seen on the
ground ; in this particular, however, the subject of this present sketch
differs from other of his kin, as he is frequently to be observed hopping
about in grass fields, meadows or along the roadside searching for food.
Although the Flicker commonly lays about six eggs, I have known as
many as seventeen eggs to have been taken from the nest of one bird.
Flickers are great destroyers of ants ; they also subsist on various forms
of noxious insects, and in the fall and winter season eat, in addition to
insect food, berries, wild cherries, small seeds of grasses, etc.
INSECTS THAT WOODPECKERS EAT.
In February, March and April, 1885, I collected a large number of woodpeckers
at different points in Florida, in the region about the St. John's river, from Welaka
to Sanford. The stomach contents of thirty-three of these birds were kindly deter-
mined for me by Prof. C. V. Riley, the eminent entomologist of the U. S. Depart-
ment of Agriculture, and are given below, with a letter that came with the list :
U. 8. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE,
DIVISION OF ENTOMOLOGY,
WASHINGTON, D. C., January 28, 1886.
B. H. WARREN, M. D., West Chester, Pa.:
DEAR SIR : I hand you herewith a full list of the insect material contained in the
vials of birds' stomachs which you have submitted for examination. The determi-
nations are as specific as the condition of the material would permit, and in almost
every instance the generic reference is given, which is sufficient to indicate the habit
of the insect
Yours very truly,
C. V. RILKY.
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 177
RED-COCKADED WOODPECKER (Dryobates borealis).
Contents from eleven adults of both sexes Six egg-cases of a small cockroach
(Ichnoptera). The egg-cases of these small tree-inhabiting roaches are usually de-
posited behind the loose bark of trees. Three skins of coleopterous larvae ; judging
from their last joints they belong to the genus Tenebrio, the larvae of which are
found under dead bark. One leg of Pachylobious picivorus ; this snout-beetle is
common throughout the south, and is found upon the different species of pines.
Eight elytra of a beetle ( Cymatodera undulata or brunnea). These beetles are also
found under bark of living and dead trees; their larvae live upon other insects.
One small pupa of a Cerambycid insect ; it is probably the pupa of a Liopus or
Sternidius : both species breed in decaying twigs. One small larva of a Cerambycid
insect, not recognizable. One egg of a large hemipterous insect, probably that of
Brachyrhynchus granulatus, Say. Numerous legs of spiders and bugs. Two skins
of spiders, partly digested and squeezed out. Skin of a dipterous larva. Several
specimens of a dipterous pupa (Musca). Middle and hind leg of a Cerambycid be-
longing to the Acanfhocerince. Large numbers of ants ; the species found seem to
be Colobopsis impressa, Cremastog aster lineolata, Camponotus fallax, Formica
fusca and Leptothorax curbispinosus. Numerous legs and mouth parts, etc., refer-
able to one or the other of the species before mentioned make up the bulk ; but ants
were evidently the principal food. No vegetable food was found ; some vegetable
fibre, and probably obtained from the palmetto, was found, however.
RED-COCKADED WOODPECKER (Dryobates borealis), ADULT MALE.
Contents. Fragments of the abdomen only of Brochymena species ; also one leg of
the same. Undigested eggs of perhaps the same insect. Fragments of the abdomen
of Cremastog aster lineolatus. Fragments of a myriapod ( Julus).
RED-COCKADED WOODPECKER (Dryobates borealis), ADULT MALE.
Contents. One leg of Brochymena species. One larva of Pyralid. One ant, head
and abdominal plates, belonging to two different species. Numerous joints of a
Myriapod (Julus). Parts of legs belonging to ants, hemiptera and coleoptera. The
stomach was nearly empty and it was evidently a long time since the bird had made
a meal.
RED-COCKADED WOODPECKER (Dryobates borealis), ADULT MALE.
Contents. Numerous fragments of a Cremastogaster, apparently lineolata. One
coleopterous larval skin, without head or tail ; perhaps of Tenebrio.
PILEATED WOODPECKER (Ceophlwus pileatus), ADULT MALE. ,
Contents. Two larvae of Orthosoma brunnea. Five ants (Camponotus csuriens).
Remains of other ants. The larva of Orthosoma brunnea is very destructive to pine.
PILEATED WOODPECKER (CeopMmus pileatus), ADULT FEMALE.
Contents. Two larvae of Orthosoma brunnea. Numerous Cremastog aster line-
olata. Numerous Camponotus esuriens and their cocoons. One larva of Xylo-
trechus spec.
PILEATED WOODPECKER (Ceophlce us pileatus), ADULT MALE.
Contents. One larva of Orthosoma brunnea. Five ants (Camponotus esuriens),
and fragments of the same.
PILEATED WOODPECKER (Ceophtceus pileatus), ADULT MALE.
Contents. Numerous fragments of Camponotus esuriens. Fragments of a Ceram-
bycid larva (Xylotrechust).
12 BIRDS.
178 BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
PILEATED WOODPECKER (Ceophlceus pileatus), ADULTS, Two MALES AND
FEMALE.
Contents. Filled with the fragments of the Palmetto-ants ( Camponotus esuriens).
One pupa of White ant (Tertnes).
RED-BELLIED WOODPECKER {Melanerpes carolinus.)
Contents from eight adults of both sexes. Red seeds (undigested) of two species
of the Palmetto. No animal matter could be distinguished.
RED-BELLIED WOODPECKER (Melanerpes carolinus), ADULT MALE.
Contents. Numerous joints of a small diplopodous myriopod, probably Julus.
One Palmetto ant (Camponotus esuriens). Fragments of a tree-cricket (Orocharis
saltator.)
RED-BELLIED WOODPECKER (Melanerpes carolinus), ADULT MALE.
Contents. Berries and seeds of the Palmetto. Fragments, consisting of three legs
and part of a cricket (Nemobius).
HAIRY WOODPECKER (Dryobates villosus audubonii), ADULT MALE.
Contents. Palmetto fibers, and mixed with them traces of a Cerambycid larva.
Digested fragments of a neuropterous insect, probably a small Libellulid.
HAIRY WOODPECKER (Dryobates villosus audubonii), ADULT MALE.
Contents. Fragments of an elytron of Trogosita, a beetle common under bark.
Fragments of ants. Fragments of Julus.
ORDER MACROCHIRES. GOATSUCKERS AND SWIFTS.
SUBOKDER CAPRIMULGI. GOATSUCKERS.
FAMILY CAPRIMULGID^E. GOATSUCKERS.
THE WHIP-POOR-WILL AND NIGHTHAWK.
The name of "Goatsucker" given to members of this family originated from a
silly notion that the European species sucked the teats of goats. It is misleading
and should be abolished. Two species of this family are found in Pennsylvania as
common summer residents. Head large, broad and flattened; eyes large; neck
short; plumage, especially in Whip-poor-will, soft and owl-like; flight noiseless;
bill very small ; gape of great extent, reaching below eyes, and furnished with
bristles. Toes lour, anterior ones connected by a moveable skin ; inner edge of mid-
dle claw pectinated (comb-like). Tarsi short and more or less feathered ; feet small.
These birds do not perch as many other birds do, but sit lengthwise of limbs, fence
rails, etc , and crouch on the ground. Tail forked or rounded.
Plate 43.
American Redstart.
L Male; 2. Female.
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 179
GENUS ANTROSTOMUS GOULD.
Antrostomus vociferus (WiLS.).
Whip-poor-will.
DESCBIPTION (Plate 8S).
Length about 10 inches ; extent about 18; gape with long stiff bristles reaching be-
yond bill ; no white spot on primaries.
Habitat. Eastern United States to the plains, south to Guatemala.
Although the Whip-poor-will and Nighthawk are generally regarded
by those who are not versed in ornithology, as the same bird, it can
readily be seen, by referring to Plate 23, that they differ greatly. It
will be observed that the Whip-poor-will has conspicuous, long and stiff
bristles at the base of bill ; the bill of the Nighthawk is not furnished
with long, conspicuous and stiff bristles. The Whip-poor-will has no
white spot on the primaries ; the Nighthawk has a well-marked spot of
white on five outer primaries. The white on tail of males of both species
is also different. In the Whip-poor-will the lower half of the three outer
tail feathers is white ; Nighthawk has a broad white bar crossing the
tail (except middle feathers) near the tip. The males, both species,
have transverse white throat bars. The female Whip-poor-will has a
tawny throat bar, and inconspicuous terminal spots of the same color
on lateral tail feathers. Female Nighthawk, throat bar tawny, white
spot on wing, but no terminal patch of white crossing tail.
The Whip poor-will is a rather common summer resident in the wooded
and mountainous portions of Pennsylvania. It arrives in this locality
from April 22 to May 1, and migrates southward in September. The
Whip-poor-will migrates singly or in pairs, and, unlike the Nighthawk,
is never to be found in flocks. The Whip-poor-will is nocturnal in hab-
its, and is seldom seen during the day unless accidentally discovered
in a state of repose, when, if startled, " it rises and flies off, but only
to such a distance as it considers necessary, in order to secure it from
the farther intrusion of the disturber of its noon-day slumbers. Its
flight is very low, light, swift, noiseless and protracted, as the bird
moves over the places which it inhabits, in pursuit of the moths, beetles
and other insects of which its food is composed. During the day it
sleeps on the ground, the lowest branches of small trees, or the fallen
trunks of trees, so abundantly dispersed through the woods. In such
situations you may approach within a few feet of it ; and, should you
observe it whilst asleep, and not make any noise sufficient to alarm it,
it will suffer you to pass quite near without taking flight, as it seems to
sleep with great soundness, especially about the middle of the day. In
rainy or very cloudy weather it sleeps less, and is more on the alert.
Its eyes are then kept open for hours at a time, and it flies off as soon
as it discovers an enemy approaching, which it can do, at such times, at
180 BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
a distance of twenty or thirty yards. It always appears with its body
parallel to the direction of the branch or trunk on which it sits, and, I
believe, never alights across a branch or fence rail. No sooner has the
sun disappeared beneath the horizon, than this bird bestirs itself, and
sets out in pursuit of insects. It passes low over the bushes, moves to
the right or left, alights on the ground to secure its prey, passes re-
peatedly in different directions over the same field, skims along the
skirts of the woods and settles occasionally on the tops of the fence
stakes or on the stumps of trees, from whence it sallies, like a Flycatcher,
after insects, and 011 seizing them returns to the same spot. When
thus situated, it frequently alights on the ground, to pick up a beetle ?
it also balances itself in the air, in front of the trunks of trees, or against
the sides of banks, to discover ants and other small insects that may be
lurking there. It is a remarkable fact that even the largest moths on
which the Whip-poor-will feeds, are always swallowed tail foremost, and
when swallowed, the wings and legs are found closely laid together, and
as if partially glued by the saliva or gastric juice of the bird. The act
of deglutition must be greatly aided by the long bristly feathers of the
upper mandible, as these no doubt force the wings of the insects close
together, before they enter the mouth." Audubon. In several of these
birds, which I have examined, were found only insects, chiefly of a
lepidopterous character ; once I took from the stomach of a male the
remains of two or three common potato beetles. The Whip-poor-will
never builds a nest. In this section it deposits its eggs about the 20th
of May, on the bare ground, or on dry leaves, and occasionally, though
rarely, it is said on logs, in the gloomy retreats of thickets or woods.
The eggs, never more than two in number, are white or yellowish- white,
irregularly spotted or blotched with brown, and bluish-gray. They
measure about 1.25 inches in length and .89 of an inch in width. This
bird, like the Chuck- will's-widow,* when flying about in quest of food,
may be heard to utter a kind of low growling sound. This noise is the
only sound I ever heard the Whip-poor-will make when on the wing.
GENUS CHORDEILES SWAINSON.
Chordeiles virginianus (GMEL.).
Nighthavvk.
DESCRIPTION {Plate, 28).
Male, above mottled with blackish, grayish and rufous ; a white V-shape mark
on the throat ; behind this a collar of pale rufous blotches, and another on the breast
of grayish mottling ; under parts banded transversely with dull-yellowish or red-
*The Chuck-will's-widow (Antrnstomus carolinensis, Grmel. ) inhabits the south Atlantic and Gulf
states, "and lower Mississippi Valley, north to the Carolinas and southern Illinois." Said to winter
chiefly south of United States, in Mexico. Central America, etc. April, 1885. I found this species breed-
ing in Orange and Volusia counties. Florida, where these birds are abundant. In February and March I
neither saw or heard them, and residents of Florida assured me that the "Chick-will," as the bird is
there known, was found in that state only as a summer resident.
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 181
dish white and brown ; wing quills quite uniformly brown ; the five outer prima-
ries with a white blotch midway between the tip and carpal joint, not extending on
the outer web of the outer quill ; tail with a terminal white patch.
Female without the caudal white patch, the white of the throat mixed with red-
dish. Length about 9^ inches ; extent about 23 ; wing about 8 inches.
Habitat. Northern and eastern North America, east of the Great Plains, south
through tropical America to Buenos Ayres.
The Nighthawk occurs in Pennsylvania as a common summer resident.
It usually arrives from its southern winter resorts, a few days after the
Whip-poor-wills have made their appearance. The note of the Night-
hawk is a short, sharp squeak. During the breeding season this bird
has a curious habit, when flying, of falling through the air with a loud
booming sound, which, as Nuttall has truly said, resembles the noise pro-
duced by blowing into the bung-hole of an empty hogshead. This pe-
culiar booming or whirring sound, which can be heard oftentimes to the
distance of a quarter of a mile or over, is produced, it is stated, by the
air rushing through the stiff wing feathers. The Nighthawk never
breeds in woods or thickets, but deposits her two eggs on the bare
ground or rocks in open situations ; the favorite breeding places are bar-
ren and rocky lands, though sometimes they have been known to de-
posit their eggs on roofs of buildings in large cities and towns, over
which these birds all day long may be seen or heard flying in pursuit
of their favorite insect prey.
The eggs, elliptical in shape and about the same size as those of the
Whip-poor-will, so closely resemble the ground or pieces of rock on which
they are deposited, that they are frequently overlooked by persons
accustomed to search for them. The Nighthawk, like the Whip-poor-
will, manifests great affection for her eggs and young, and will re-
sort to numerous devices to induce you to follow her, when these treas-
urers are approached or discovered. It is stated that birds of this fam-
ily have a common habit, when their eggs or young are disturbed, of
removing them in their capacious mouths, to different localities. I have
known the Nighthawk to move its eggs a distance of over two hundred
yards, in less than one hour after I had examined them. In the breed-
ing season especially, these birds are frequently seen sitting lengthwise
on fences or on the limbs of high trees, in the vicinity of their breeding
grounds. Several pairs of Nighthawks may often be found breeding
within a few yards of each other. The Nighthawk, although oftentimes
observed flying about during the daytime, is particularly active in the
afternoon and in cloudy weather. This bird when on the wing, if not
too distant, can easily be recognized by the white spot on the primaries,
which is commonly spoken of as a "hole in the wing." During the lat-
ter part of August, these birds collect in large bands and leisurely pro-
ceed to winter quarters in Mexico, Central America and portions of
South America, etc.
The somewhat prevalent idea that Nighthawks are destroyers of
182
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
young poultry is simply absurd, as it requires only a careless examina-
tion of a specimen to prove conclusively that it would be physically im-
possible for them to capture such prey.
The great mistake of applying improper vernacular names to birds,
was clearly demonstrated during the enforcement of the scalp act of
1885, when commissioners, of whom I have knowledge, took the stand
that they were obliged to allow bounty on the Nighthawk, because it was
known as a " hawk."
Audubon writing of this species states that the food consists entirely
of insects, especially beetles, although they also feed on moths and cat-
erpillars, and are very expert in catching crickets and grasshoppers,
with which they sometimes gorge themselves, as they fly over the ground
with great rapidity. " When flying closely over the water they occa-
sionally drink in the manner of swallows."
The food materials of eleven of these birds are given in the following
table:
No.
DATE.
LOCALITY.
FOOD-MATERIALS.
1
May 5, 1879
Chester county, Pa
Flies and other insects.
2
3
July 20, 1879
May 30, 1880, ....
Delaware county. Pa
Chester county, Pa. ,
Grasshoppers.
Beetles and larva?
4
Aug. 13, 1880,
Chester county Pa
5
Aug. 13. 1880
Chester county. Pa
Many crickets etc
g
Aug. 13. 1880.
Chester county Pa
7
May 20, 1883
Chester county. Pa. , ...
Water beetles.
8
May 28. 1883.
9
April . 1885
Orange county, Fla. .
Various insects
10
April . 1885
Orange county, Fla
Beetles and large flies.
11
June 1, 1886, . . .
Chester county, Pa. ,
Various insects.
SUBORDER CYPSELI SWIFTS.
FAMILY MICROPODID^E. SWIFTS.
SUBFAMILY CH.3E TURING. SPIN K-TAI LED SWIFTS.
GENUS CENTURA STEPHENS.
Chsetura pelagica (LiNN.)-
Chimney Swiit; Chimney-bird.
DESCRIPTION {Plate 90).
Bill small, gape large, but not bristled ; tail short, tarsus and toes naked ; wings
long ; length about 5| inches ; extent about 12J, ; wing about 5.10 ; sooty-brown, ex-
cept throat which is much paler than other parts ; wings blackish.
Habitat. Eastern North America, north to Labrador and the Fur countries, west
to the plains, and passing south of the United States in winter.
The Chimney-bird, unless resting on its nest or clinging to the sooty
chimney sides, is always seen flying. In Pennsylvania these birds are
generally first observed about the last week in April. In the early au-
Plate 44.
Brown Thrush.
1, 2. Males; 3. Female.
BIEDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
183
tumn they collect in large flocks before retiring- to their winter resorts.
I have observed birds of this species in Chester county (Pa.), as late as
the 20th of October. In this locality the nest of the Chimney Swift, or
Swallow, as it is mostly called, is composed of small twigs, which are
glued together and to the sooty walls of disused chimneys with the bird's
saliva.* The twigs used in constructing nests are broken off of trees by
these birds when on the wing. The eggs, four or six in number, are
white and unspotted. They measure about three fourths of an inch in
length and about half an inch in width.
These birds subsist entirely on various kinds of insects which they
collect during the night as well as in daylight.
The food materials of twelve birds which I have examined are men-
tioned below :
No.
DATE.
LOCALITY.
FOOJi-MATKRIALS.
]
8 1880
Chester county Pa
2
8 1880, . .
Chester county, Pa.,
Remains of beetles and other Insects
;}
4
June
June
8 1880,
8 1880,
Chester county, Pa
Chester county, Pa ,
Dipterous Insects.
5
May
] 1880
Chester county. Pa
Beetles
6
7
May
June
1 1880
8 1883, . .
Willistown, Pa
Newark. Delaware
Beetles and small-winged insects.
Beetles and caterpillar
8
<)
June
June
8 1883
8 1883. . . .
Newark. Delaware
Newark Delaware,
Beetles.
Beetles
10
]]
June
June
8 1883
2 1R84
Newark. Delaware
Chester county Pa
Beetles and dipterous insects.
12
Aug.
11 1884, ....
Chester county, Pa
Dipterous insects
SUBORDER TEOCHILI. HUMMINGBIRDS.
FAMILY TROCHILID-ffi. HUMMINGBIRDS.
GENUS TROCHILUS LINNAEUS.
Trochilus colubris LINN.
Ruby-throated Hummingbird.
DESCRIPTION (Plate 56).
Male. Tail deeply forked, the feathers all narrow and pointed ; uniform metallic-
green above ; sides of body greenish ; below white ; ruby-red gorget ; wings and tail
purplish-black.
Female. Metallic green of upper parts duller than in male ; tail double rounded ;
its feathers pointed but broader than in male; no red on throat ; the tail feathers
banded with black ; the lateral ones broadly tipped with white.
Young Male. Very similar to adult female, but throat more or loss streaked with
dark ; tail also more forked than in female. Nearly all specimens show a trace of
metallic red on throat.
Young Female. Throat white, without streaks or specks ; tail less forked, other-
wise similar to young male. Irides in old and young brown. Length about 3.25
inches ; extent of wings about 5 inches.
* A. writer in a recent scientific journal, which 1 have mislaid, says : " In the case of our own Chimney
Swifts it has lately been shown that the gelatinous matter with which the twigs are fastened together is
of a vegetable and not an animal character, and in a particular case recently investigated by a scientist,
the Kinn was found t<> have come from a cherry tree. "
184 BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
Habitat. Eastern North America to the plains, north to the Fur countries, and
south, in winter, to Cuba and Veragua.
Although fifteen distinct species of humming-birds are given by Dr.
Elliott Coues, as occurring- within the limits of the United States, only
one the Euby-throat is found east of the Mississippi river. Hum-
mingbirds, as Dr. Coues observes, are peculiar to America. Species are
found from Alaska to Patag-onia. In tropical South America, particu-
larly New Grenada, these beautiful feathered g-ems are most abundant.
There are, it is stated, over four hundred different species of hummers
known to scientists.
The Ruby-throated Humming-birds, the smallest of all our feathered
visitants, arrive in Pennsylvania about the first week in May and re-
main until about the middle of September, when they migrate south.
This species is common during the winter in Florida, where they also,
it is said, breed. During the months of February, March and until
about the 20th of April, I found these birds to be quite numerous in
the orange orchards alo. ig the St. John's river. Although humming-
birds cannot be called gregarious, it is not at all uncommon, especially
in the spring, to see a flock of twenty or more of these birds feeding
among the flowers of some favorite tree. I have, at one time, counted
thirty odd hummers, feeding, fighting and pluming themselves among
the flowers of a single horse-chestnut tree. I have never seen the hum-
ming bird alight on the ground, * though it often rests on twigs and
branches. When sitting in trees or bushes it may frequently be ob-
served to spread out one wing and draw the quill-feathers through its
bill. The nest, a beautiful cup-shaped structure, is composed of downy
substances, chiefly of a vegetable character, covered externally with
lichens " which are glued on with the viscid saliva of the little workers;"
in many instances the lichen coverings are strengthened by strands of
cobwebs. The bird is not at all particular as to the situation which it
chooses for nest-building. Sometimes it builds in a honeysuckle vine
or a rose bush; at otLer times it erects a domicile in an apple or pear
tree, usually, ho /eve *, the nest is built on an oak or beech tree- in the
woods, and is placed mostly on the upper side of a horizontal limb. It
is constructed by th-> united labor of both birds, who complete the work
in five or six days. In this locality the nest is generally built about the
* The following interesting extract taken from a letter sent me by Mr. Charles II. Eldon, of Wil-
liamsport Pa. . shows that this species has been seen resting on the ground :
' Near my home is a field that in the summer time is used by a florist for the cultivation of flowers. I
have frequently repaired there in the evening when the hummingbirds were making their meal and
seated myself quietly among the bushes (with opera glass in hand). The ruby-throats would come quite
close, seemingly unaware of my presence, and dart here und there after their dainty food, or pause to
sip a drop of nectar from f >rne opening flower, ever and anon stopping for a short rest upon a stem or
upon the ground. When ihey alight upon the ground they spread the tail to its full extent, the end
against the ground, the wings slightly drooped, resting on the tail, apparently for the purpose of steady-
Ing themselves. I have seen them playfully chasing each other, starting from the ground and after
several sallies or playful banters returning to the ground sitting quite close to each other, when thus
seated they fluff out their feathers and appear plump (sparrow like), quite the contrary to their appear-
ance when perched upon a twig, 1 '
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
185
last week in May. A nest now before me measures a little over one
inch and a half in height and one inch and a half in diameter ; the cavity
is three-quarters of an inch wide and the same in depth. This nest was
built on the upright limb of a beech tree, where for three consecutive
years a pair of hummers regularly nested, each season building a new
nest over the few remaining fragments of their abode of the previous
year. The white eggs, never more than two in number, are elliptical in
shape, equally obtuse at both ends and measure .50 by .33 of an inch.
The period of incubation is about ten days. Occasionally, though
rarely I think, two broods are reared in one season. Although these
birds feed among the flowers of various plants, they prefer those of the
horse chestnut, honeysuckle and trumpet vine. From the fact that these
diminutive creatures are generally observed about flowering plants, the
popular yet erroneous belief has arisen that they subsist entirely on the
sweets of flowers.
FOOD NOTES.
No.
DATE.
LOCALITY.
FOOD-MATERIALS.
1
May 30, 1883, .
West Chester, Pa. . .
Small worms and numerous small spiders.*
2
May 30. 1883
West Chester. Pa
Small flies and beetles. *
;{
May 30, 1883
West Chester, Pa. ,
Small flies and beetles.*
4
Mav 12 1884
West Chester. Pa. .
Small flies and beetles.*
5
t;
May 14, 1884
May 14 1884
West Chester, Pa
West Chester. Pa
Small green- colored beetles, --
Small green-colored beetles *
y
May 14. 1884
May 14 1884
West Chester. Pa
West Chester Pa
Small green-colored beetles.*
Small green-colored beetles and flies *
9
May 14 1884.
West Chester, Pa. .
Small green-colored beetles and flies *
10
May 14. 1884
West Chester. Pa
Small green-colored beetles.*
11
May 14 1884
West Chester Pa
Small green-colored beetles *
12
May 14, 1884
West Chester, Pa.. . .
Small green-colored beetles.*
13
May 14 1884
West Chester Pa
14
May 14, 1884. .
West Chester. Pa, ,
Small green -colored beetles and spiders.*
15
16
May 14. 1884
May 14 1884
West Chester, Pa
West Chester Pa
Small green-colored beetles and spiders. *
Small green-colored beetles and spiders *
17
18
19
20
May 14. 1884
Aug. 3, 1884
Aug. 5, 1884
Aug. 5, 1884
West Chester. Pa. , . .
West Chester, Pa
West Chester, Pa
West Chester. Pa
Small green-colored beetles.*
Small black beetles.
Small black beetles.
Small black beetles.
In addition to my own examinations given in the above table, it might
be added that in March and April, 1885, I shot seventeen of these birds
in the Florida orange orchards and found that all had only insects in their
viscera. May 14, 1886, I received from Mr. George Hartman of, West
Chester, Pa., fifteen hummers which had been captured while feeding
among the flowers of a horse chestnut tree. The stomachs of these
birds, which were kindly examined for me by Prof. C. V. Biley, ento-
mologist, United States Department of Agriculture, Washington, D. C.,
showed, chiefly, the remains of small spiders and some few coleopterous
insects.
These seventeen birds were all killed when feeding in horse-chestnut trees.
186 BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
ORDER PASSERES. PERCHING BIRDS.
SUBORDER CLAMATOKES. SONGLESS PERCHING BIRDS.
FAMILY TYRANNID-33. TYRANT FLYCATCHERS.
THE FLYCATCHERS.
Of the several species of this highly beneficial family which occur in Pennsylva-
nia as summer residents or passing visitants but two, viz : the Kingbird and com-
mon Pewee, are generally known to those who are not interested in ornithological
pursuits. Both of these birds are common breeders about the habitations of man,
and unlike most others of their kin are not shy or difficult to approach. Although
at times some of the Flycatchers descend to the earth for food, it is safe to say
that these birds, collectively considered, are seldom observed on the ground feed-
ing. Nine representatives of this family occur in Pennsylvania, and all but two-
Train's and the Olive-sided Flycatchers breed here regularly, and probably both
birds last named breed sparingly and irregularly, within our limits. I have been
informed that traillii has been seen here in summer, and borealisa. very rare
visitor Mr. August Kock is quite positive breeds occasionally in the mountain-
ous regions of Lycoming county. Flycatchers, as the name would indicate, feed
largely on winged insects, and some also subsist to a small extent, in the fall and
winter especially, on small fruit of different kinds.
"The structure of the bill is admirably adapted for the capture of winged insects ;
the broad and deeply fissured mandibles form a capacious mouth, while the long
bristles are of service in entangling the creatures in a trap and restraining their
struggles to escape. The shape of the wings and tail confers the power of -rapid and
varied aerial evolutions necessary for the successful pursuit of active flying insects.
A little practice in field ornithology will enable one to recognize the Flycatchers from
their habit of perching in wait for their prey upon some prominent outpost, in a
peculiar attitude, with the wings and tail drooped and vibrating in readiness for in-
stant action, and of dashing into the air, seizing the passing insect with a quick
movement and a click of the bill, and then returning to their stand. Although
certain Oscines have somewhat the same habit, these pursue insects from place to
place, instead of perching in wait at a particular spot, and their forays are not made
with such admirable elan. Dependent entirely upon insect food, the Flycatchers
are necessarily migratory in our latitude. They appear with great regularity in
spring and depart on the approach of cold weather in the fall. * * * The voice,
susceptible of little modulation, is usually harsh and strident, though some species
have no unmusical whistle or twitter." Cone's Key.
Bill broad at base, culmen flattened or rounded ; the maxilla tapers to a sharp
point, curved downward at the end (being hooked). The small and roundish nos-
trils are partly covered with bristles ; gape wide with long stiff' bristles ; legs rather
short; feet small and weak, with rather lengthened, curved and sharp-pointed
<;laws ; tail long, twelve feathers ; tarsi naked ; sexes alike ; medium sized or very
small ; the larger species have blackish bills, and smaller kinds usually have yellow-
ish colored lower mandibles ; eyes brown, legs and feet blackish.
Genus, Tyrannus : Head (adults) with concealed patch of orange-red ; wings long
and pointed ; second and third quills longest ; first and fourth about equal but shorter
than second and third; in adults the first two or three quills are rather abruptly nar-
rowed near the tips; tarsus little longer than hind toe with claw; the broad and
nearly even tail is shorter than the wings ; plumage dark above, white below, tail
broadly tipped with white.
Genus, Myiarchus : Head with well developed crest; wings 1'ong, a little rounded,
about equal to long, broad and even tail; first primary shorter than sixth and
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 187
much shorter than second, third and fourth, which are about equal ; tarsus a little
longer than middle toe ; plumage above brownish-olive, throat bluish-ash ; belly
white, inner webs of tail feathers decidedly rufous.
Genus, Sayornis : Head moderately crested ; wings slightly pointed ; third quill
longest, second, fourth and fifth nearly equal ; and first shorter than sixth ; tail
slightly forked. Tarsus decidedly longer than middle toe which is but little longer
than hind toe. Plumage above brownish, darkest on head, below whitish, but in
fall and winter lower parts are frequently quite yellowish.
Gemis, Contopus : Head slightly crested ; wings longer than the slightly forked
tail and pointed ; the first primary about as long as fourth ; the wings are much
longer than tail ; tarsus short and stout ; is a little longer than hind toe and scarcely
as long as middle toe and claw. Plumage above olive brown, yellowish below with
darkish patches on sides of breast.
Genus j Empidonax : Head slightly crested ; wings rather rounded and not much
longer than the nearly even tail ; second, third and fourth quills about equal, form
point of wing ; first quill much shorter than fourth ; tarsus longer than middle toe
and claw, which is also decidedly longer than hind toe. Plumage greenish-brown
above, more or less yellowish below and generally grayish on throat.
GENUS TYRANNUS OUVIER.
Tyrannus tyrannus (LiNN.).
Kingbird; Beebird.
DESCRIPTION (Plate 24}.
' ' Length about 8 inches ; extent about 14| inches ; above blackish-ash ; top of head
quite black ; crown with a concealed patch of orange red ; lower parts pure white,
tinged with pale bluish-ash on the sides of the throat and across the breast ; sides of
breast and under the wings similar to, but rather lighter than the back ; axillaries
pale grayish-brown tipped with lighter ; the wings dark-brown, darkest toward the
end of the quills ; the greater coverts and quills edged with white, most so on the
tertials ; the lesser coverts edged with paler ; upper tail-coverts and upper surface of
the tail glossy black, the latter very dark brown beneath ; all the featbers tipped,
and the exterior margined externally with white, forming a conspicuous terminal
band about .25 of an inch broad.
Young. Very similar but colors generally duller; the concealed colored patch on
the crown wanting ; the tail and wings in some specimens often edged with rusty."
Habitat. Eastern North America, from British Provinces south to Central and
South America. Rare west of the Rocky mountains (Utah, Nevada, Washington
Territory, etc.).
This well known bird is a common summer resident in Pennsylvania,
where it arrives usually about the 25th of April. The males precede the
females in their arrival by some three or four days. These birds gener-
ally, I think, migrate singly ; I have never observed them in the spring
in small flocks. During the month of February and until the 20th of
March, 1885, 1 saw no Kingbirds in various localities along the St. John's
river, Florida, but from the 20th of March and until quite late in April
these birds (in that state called Field Martins) were of ten times met with.
The technical name tyrannus given to the subject of this present
sketch is particularly appropriate, as this bird during the breeding sea-
son is ever on the alert, and seemingly anxious to attack his feathered
188 BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
neighbors. Whenever a hawk or crow is observed flying-, even at a con-
siderable distance, this little warrior immediately starts in pursuit, and
by his rapid flight speedily overtakes the object of his wrath and utter-
ing- almost continually his sharp and rapid twitter, is seen to mount
above his adversary and make repeated and violent assaults on the head
of his flying- victim, who, frequently, to escape further persecution, makes
a precipitate retreat to a tree, bushes or the ground. The nest, a rather
bulky and loosely made structure, is composed of grasses, weeds, roots,
etc., and is built generally on the limb of an apple or pear tree in an or-
chard ; sometimes, however, nests are placed in oak and other trees. It
is built by the joint labor of both birds, who complete this work in about
five days. The eggs, usually four or five in number, are creamy -white
spotted conspicuously with different shades of brown and indistinct spots
of bluish-gray. The eggs vary greatly in size ; a large one measures an
inch in length and three-fourths of an inch in width. The period of incuba-
tion is about fourteen days. From his favorite perch either on a stake,
the top of a tree or a high weed in the field, the Kingbird watches for
his insect prey ; at other times he is observed flying over a field in a
manner similar to that of the Sparrow Hawk, watching for grasshoppers,
crickets or other insects. As Wilson observes, he sometimes hovers over
a river or pond, darting after insects that frequent such places, snatch-
ing them from the surface of the water, and diving about in the air like
a swallow. Some few years ago I saw a Kingbird dart down to the
water in a shallow pond and fly off with a shining object in his bill, that
at the time I thought appeared like a small fish, but never having seen
or heard of this species feeding on fishes, but little notice was taken of
the bird, which flew to a tree some two hundred yards distant. From
an article published in the Forest and Stream, September 2, 1882, and
written by Milton P. Peirce, it appears that Kingbirds sometimes feed
on fishes. Mr. Peirce writes : " These birds are very abundant about
my premises, nesting in some cases within a few feet of my residence.
* * * I have often noticed them striking the surface of the water
in my fish ponds, but supposed they were either taking a bath or else
catching insects which were flying near the surface of the water. When
I constructed my bass pond, a few years age, I stocked it with minnows
to afford ample food for the bass. At times the entire surface of the
pond seems alive with them. A few days ago I observed at least a half
dozen Kingbirds perched on trees and bushes, near the margin of the
pond, and almost every moment some of them would dive into the water
precisely like a Kingfisher, and I concluded they were catching bugs or
other insects, which were floating upon the surface of the water. Watch-
ing them closely, I soon saw one of them leave the water with something
preceptibly shining in its bill. It alighted on a tree about fifty yards
from where I was sitting, and acted precisely as a Kingfisher does when
killing a fish. Taking a telescope, I took an observation and discovered
Plate 46.
White-breasted Nut-hatch.
1. Male; 2, Females.
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 189
that the King-bird had a minnow not less than three inches long. I con-
tinued my observations for about fifteen minutes, and during that time
these birds caught several small minnows and ate them." Notwithstand-
ing the benefits which this bird confers, destroying, as Dr. Coues re-
marks, a thousand noxious insects for every bee it eats, many farmers
and others who keep honey-bees, are ever ready to slay every Kingbird
which visits their premises. Although it is believed by some that these
birds take only drone bees, such is not the case, as I have found both
drone and working-bees in their stomachs; Mr. Gentry, also, in speaking
of the bee-eating habit states that the Kingbird is no respecter of kinds.
Nuttall writing of this bird says : As insects approach him, or as he
darts after them, the snapping of his bill is heard, like the shutting of
a watch-case, and is the certain grave of his prey. Beetles, grasshoppers,
crickets and winged insects of all descriptions form his principal sum-
mer food ; at times canker worms from the elm are also collected. To-
wards autumn, as various kinds of berries ripen, these constitute a very
considerable and favorite part of his subsistence ; but, with the excep-
tion of currants (of which he only eats perhaps when confined), he re-
fuses all exotic productions, contenting himself with blackberries,
whortleberries, those of the sassafras, elder and poke. The same writer
further says : "Raisins, foreign currants, grapes, cherries, peaches, peal's
and apples were never even tasted, when offered to a bird of this kind,
which I had many months as my pensioner ; of the last when roasted,
sometimes, however, a few mouthfuls were relished, in the absence of
other more agreeable diet. Berries he always swallowed whole, grass-
hoppers, if too large, were pounded and broken on the floor, as he held
them in his bill. To manage the larger beetles was not so easy ; these
he struck repeatedly against the ground and then turned them from side
to side, by throwing them dexterously into the air, and the insect was
uniformly caught reversed as it descended, with the agility of a practiced
cup-and-ball player. At length the pieces of the beetle were swallowed,
and he remained still to digest his morsel, tasting it distinctly soon after
it entered the stomach, as became obvious by the ruminating motion of
his mandibles. When the soluble portion was taken up, large pellets of
the indigestible legs, wings and shells, as likewise the skins and seeds
of berries, were, in half an hour or less, brought up and ejected from the
mouth in the manner of hawks and owls. When other food failed, he
appeared very well satisfied with fresh minced meat, and drank water
frequently, even during the severe frosts of January. * * * Some
very cold evenings he had the sagacity to retire under the shelter of a
depending bed-quilt." The few examinations which I have made are
given in the following table :
190
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
No.
DATE.
LOCALITY.
FOOD-MATERIALS.
1
2
May 5. 1880, .
June S), 1880,
Chester county. Pa
New Castle county Del
Diptera and beetles.
Two honey-bees.
I
|
June 9. 1880
June 13, 1880.
New Castle county. Del
New Castle county, Del
Stomach gorged .vith honer-bee*.
One honey-bee.
5
G
June 14, 1880
May 21 1884
New Castle county, Del
Chester county Pa
Beetles and two houey-bees.
Beetles and other insects.
s
June 11, 1884
June 13. 1884
Chester county, Pa
New Castle, Del
Diptera and raspberry seeds.
Beetles and dipterous insects
9
10
June 13, 1884.
Aug. 10, 1881
Newcastle, Del
Chester county Pa
Beetles and larvae.
Seeds and berries.
11
12
July 5, 1885
Aug. 11 1885.
Chester county. Pa
Chester county, Pa ,
Various insects.
Colorado potato beetle and seed**
GENUS MYIARCHUS OABANIS.
Myiarchus crinitus (LiNN.).
Crested Flycatcher.
DESCRIPTION (Plate 91).
" Length about 8^ inches ; extent about 13 inches ; head with a depressed crest ;
upper parts dull greenish-olive, with the feathers of the crown, and to some extent
of the back, showing their brown centers ; upper tail-coverts turning to pale rusty-
brown ; small feathers at the base of the bill, sides of the head as high as the upper
eyelid, sides of the neck, throat, and fore part of the breast, bluish-ashy ; the rest of
the lower parts, including axillaries and lower wing coverts, bright sulphur-yellow ;
a pale ring around the eyes ; sides of the breast and body tinged with olivaceous ; the
wings brown, the first and second rows of coverts, with the secondary and tertial
quills, margined externally with dull-white, or on the latter slightly tinged with
olivaceous-yellow ; primaries margined externally for more than half their length
from the base with ferruginous ; great portion of the inner webs of all the quills very
pale ferruginous ; the two middle tail feathers light brown, shafts paler, the rest
have the outer web and a narrow line on the inner sides of the shaft brown, pale
olivaceous on the outer edge, the remainder ferruginous to the very tip ; outer web
of exterior feather dull brownish-yellow ; bill dark-brown above and at the tip below,
paler towards the base." B. B. of N. A.
Habitat. Eastern United States and Southern Canada, west to the plains, south
through eastern Mexico to Costa Rica.
The Crested Flycatcher, although probably not as abundant as the
preceding- species, is a common summer resident in Pennsylvania. I
have seen these birds in the southern portions of this State as early as
the 23d of April, usually, however, they arrive about the first of May
and remain until late in September, when they migrate southward and
winter, it is stated, beyond the southern borders of the United States.
Although this species sometimes nests in orchards and other places near
houses, it is chiefly found in wooded districts. Unlike all other of our
flycatchers, these birds build their nests in holes of trees, and occasion-
ally in hollow fence rails or posts. I have examined thirteen nests of the
Crested Flycatcher, which were found in Pennsylvania, and in ten of
this number discovered the remains of cast off skins of snakes. The
eggs, usually five, are of a creamy brown ground color with numerous
dark brownish blotches or spots and lines, the latter generally of a purp-
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA,
191
lish tint appear as if traced with a pen. The egg's measure about .86
long by .65 wide. The nest of this bird is constructed of various mate-
rials, such as feathers, hay, leaves, etc. Mr. Gentry some few years ago
found a nest of this species, near Germantown, which was placed be-
tween the bifurcated branch of an apple tree. " It was composed almost
entirely of feathers of our common Gallus, which were held together by
long grasses." The note of this bird is a harsh squeak or kind of whis-
tle, exceedingly unpleasant to the ear, and which can be heard to a con-
siderable distance. The food of this species is mainly of an insectivo-
rous nature ; in the late summer and autumn different kinds of berries
are oftentimes fed upon. Some writers state tjiat the Crested Flycatch-
ers like the Kingbirds, are equally fond of honey-bees. Mr. Gentry says:
" From the vast numbers of ground beetles, which have been noticed in
the numerous stomachs which we have examined, it is obvious that the
species leads almost wholly a terrestrial existence for a week or so after
its arrival. As the season advances, and the higher types of insects
swarm into existence, it becomes more exclusively arboreal and aerial,
so to speak. We have watched these birds for hours, while perched upon
a dead branch of a tree, in the active enjoyment of procuring a full meal.
Their movements are perfectly ludicrous. There they sit, bobbing the
head this way and then that way, now up and then down, ever on the
alert for caitiffs, which form their appropriate diet. Hosts of lepidop-
tera, both larvae and imagoes, are greedily devoured."
In the following table will be found the results of the few examina-
tions which I have made of the Crested Flycatcher :
No.
DATE.
LOCALITY.
FOOD-MATERIALS.
1
May 17, 1880,
Chester county Pa ,
Large Hies
2
May 17. 1880,
Chester county, Pa.,
Beetles
3
May 30. 1881.
Chester county, Pa
Beetles and flies
4
May 14. 1882,
Chester county. Pa. , ,
Beetles and larvae
5
June 8, 1883,
New Castle Delaware, .....
Larvae
fi
June 8, 1883,
New Castle. Delaware
Butterflies.
7
June 8, 1883,
New Castle. Delaware. .
Beetles
8
Sept. 12, 1883,
Chester county Pa
9
Aug. 7, 1884,
Chester county, Pa. ,
GENUS SAYORNIS BONAPARTE.
Sayornis phcebe (LATH.).
Phoebe; Pewee.
DESCRIPTION (Plate 91).
"Sides of breast and upper parts dull olive-brown, fading slightly toward the tail ;
top and sides of head dark-brown ; a few dull white feathers on the eyelids; lower
parts dull yellowish-white, mixed with brown on the chin, and in some individuals
across the breast; quills brown, the outer primary, secondaries, and tertials edged
with dull white ; in some individuals the greater coverts faintly edged with dull-
white ; tail brown, outer edge of lateral leathers dull-white, outer edges of the rest
192 BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
like the back ; tibiae brown ; bill and feet black ; bill slender, edges nearly straight ;
tail rather broad, and slightly forked, third quill longest, second and fourth nearly
equal, the first shorter than sixth.
"In autumn, and occasionally in early spring, the colors are much clearer and
brighter. Whole lower parts sometimes bright sulphur-yellow, above greenish-
olive, top and sides of head tinged with sooty ; in the young of the year, the colors
are much duller ; all the wing-coverts broadly tipped with light ferruginous, as also
the extreme ends of the wings and tail feathers ; the brown is prevalent on the whole
throat and breast; the hind part of the back, rump, and tail, strongly ferruginous.
Length about 7 inches ; extent about 11 inches." B. B. of N. A.
Habitat. Eastern North America, from the British Provinces south to eastern
Mexico and Cuba, wintering from the south Atlantic and Gulf states southward.
The Phoebe bird or Pewee, so named from its note, is one of our ear-
liest spring migrants ; it arrives in Pennsylvania mostly about the mid-
dle of March, and continues in this region until about the 15th of Octo~
ber. A few individuals sometimes linger as late as the first of Novem-
ber. In the early part of February, 1883, I saw Mr. C. D. Wood, of
Philadelphia, skinning a Pewee which had been shot on the 22d of Jan-
uary, 1883, at Spring City, Chester county, Pa.
In Cecil county, Maryland, and the southern portion of Delaware, I
have, on different occasions, seen these birds as late as the 25th of No-
vember. During the latter part of February, 1885, when camping at
Drayton Island, in Lake George, Florida, I obtained five of these fly-
catchers, and found that all had fed chiefly on Palmetto berries. The
nest is generally built under a bridge or shelving rocks ; oftentimes,
however, this species is found breeding about barns and other buildings.
Although the Pewee seldom breeds in the woods, it occasionally builds
its nests against the dirt covered roots of trees which have been blown
over ; I have twice found their nests, in forests, placed in these situa
tions. Both sexes engage in building their nest, which is completed in
about six days. The materials used in its construction are mosses,
grasses, fine roots, mud, feathers, etc. The eggs, usually five in num-
ber, are pure white and unspotted ; sometimes, however they are faintly
spotted with reddish-brown. They measure about .80 of an inch in
length, and .55 of an inch in width. Incubation,- which is engaged in
only by the female, lasts for a period of about twelve days. During the
late summer, autumn and winter, I have noticed that these birds, in ad-
dition to various insects, feed to a considerable extent on different kinds
of fruits, such as those of the raspberry, blackberry, poke, wild-grape
and cedar. The young of this species are fed exclusively on insects.
The food materials of sixteen Pewees examined by the writer are
given in the following table :
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
193
No.
DATE.
LOCALITY.
FOOD-MATERIALS.
2
3
Mar. 31, 1880, .
Mar. 31, 1880. .
Mar. 31. 1880. .
Sept 11 1880
New Castle county, Del
New Castle county, Del
New Castle county, Del., . . . .
East Bradford Pa
Beetles.
Purple colored Insects (dlptera).
Various Insects (principally dlptera).
Files and remains of beetles.
5
Oct 2 1880*
East Bradford Pa , . ...
Beetles and small flies.
o
Oct 4 1880
East Bradford, Pa
Flies and small berries.
1
Oct 6 1880
WilHstown Pa ...
Files and beetles.*
g
Oct 6 1880
Wllllstown, Pa
Small worms and remains of beetles.*
9
Oct 6 1880
Willistown, Pa.,
Grasshoppers and tiles.*
10
11
12
Oct. 6. 1880, .
Oct. 6, 1880, .
Oct 7 1880
Wllllstown. Pa
WilHstown, Pa.,
Wllllstown Pa
Several lacge yellow wasp-like insects.*
Numerous flies.*
Large wasp- like insect.*
13
Oct 7* 1880*
Wllllstown, Pa , . ....
Large wasp-like insect.*
14
Sept 30 1882
Chester county. Pa. ,
Beetles, grasshoppers and crickets.
15
Sept 30 1882
Chester county Pa . .
Beetles and flies.
16
Sept 30 1882*
Chester county, Pa. ,
Grasshoppers and few beetles.
GENUS CONTOPUS OABANIB.
Contopus virens (LnsrN.).
Wood Pewee.
DESCRIPTION (Plate 91).
Length about 6 inches; extent about 10; above dusky brownish-olive, darkest on
head ; sides of head, neck and breast similar, but much paler on breast ; lower parts
light-yellowish, the latter most conspicuous on middle of belly ; narrow white ring
around eye ; two white wing bars ; upper mandible blackish, lower yellow (in young
lower mandible is dusky). The young are duller in plumage and whitish mark-
ings on wings, as well as feathers of upper parts, more or less edged with pale rusty.
Habitat. Eastern North America to the plains, and from sputhern Canada south-
ward.
The Wood Pewee, a common summer resident, arrives in Pennsylva-
nia early in May and continues with us until about September 20. This
bird is found commonly in forests or the shady retreats of apple or-
chards. During- the breeding season, particularly, the Wood Pewee
when perched on the dead branches of trees, watching- for his insect
prey, utters a peculiar plaintive drawling note"pe-artveesa-pee-tveef"-
which once heard is rarely forgotten. A writer has very properly said
that these notes in the latter part of the summer are almost the only
ones heard in the woods. The thin-bottomed, thick- walled and somewhat
saucer-shaped nest, built usually on a thick, horizontal tree limb, is
composed, internally, of grass stems, fine fibers of roots or other soft
substances, and covered externally with lichens, which are held in place
by cobwebs or " glued to the other materials by the birds saliva." The
eggs, four or five in number, are yellowish-white, with reddish-brown
and lilac spots, generally in a ring about the larger end. They measure
about .75 of an inch in length, and a little over .50 of an inch in width.
I have never found Wood Pewees feeding on small fruits, but have
always observed that they feed exclusively on insects. Audubon, how-
ever, states, during the winter months, he has observed these birds in
13 BIEDS.
Taken in the mornings' feeding near a pond.
194 BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
Florida, Louisiana and other of the southern states, feeding on " differ-
ent berries, as well as insects."
The stomach contents of thirteen of these birds which I have cap-
tured during the summer time, in different sections of the state, con-
sisted of flies, small beetles, butterflies, etc.
Contopus borealis ( SWAINS.)-
Olive-sided Flycatcher.
DESCRIPTION.
"Wings long, much pointed ; second quill longest; first longer than third. Tail
deeply forked. Tarsi short. The upper parts ashy-brown, showing dark-brown
centres of the feathers ; this is eminently the case on the top of the head ; the sides
of the head and neck, of the breast and body resembling the back, but the edges of
the feathers tinged with gray, leaving a darker central streak. The chin, throat,
narrow line down middle of breast and abdomen, and lower tail-coverts white, or
sometimes with a faint tinge of yellow. The lower tail-coverts somewhat streaked
with brown in the center. On each side of rump generally concealed by the wings,
is an elongated bunch of white silky feathers. The wings and tail very dark-brown,
the former with the edges of secondaries and tertials edged with dull-white. The
lower wing-coverts and axillaries grayish-brown. The tips of the primaries and
tail feathers rather paler. Feet and upper mandible black; lower mandible brown.
The young of the year similar, but the color duller ; edges of wing feathers dull-
rusty instead of grayish-white. The feet light brown. Length 7| ; extent about 13^ ;
wing, 4.33; tail, 3.30; tarsus .60." Hist. N. Am. B.
Habitat. North America, breeding from the northern and the higher mountain-
ous parts of the United States northward. In winter, south to Central America, etc.
The Olive-sided Flycatcher, by far the rarest of all the family found
in this state, arrives here about the first week in May. Judge Libhart
states that this species (probably fifteen or twenty years ago) was found
as a breeder in Lancaster county, where, however, in recent years it has
been observed by Dr. Treichler and others only as a very rare spring
and fall migrant. Prof. August Kock says it is seldom seen, but he is
quite positive that it breeds occasionally in the mountains of Lycoming
county, and Prof. H. J. Roddy is also of the opinion that it occurs as a
rare breeder in parts of Perry county. Mr. Geo. B. Sennett, of Erie ; H.
C. Kirkpatrick, of Crawford ; Dr. J. W. Detwiller, of Northampton, and
Dr. W. Yan Fleet, of Clinton, are the only naturalists, other than those
previously mentioned, whose reports have been sent to me and in which
reference is made to this bird, and they all record it as a rare migrant
in the spring and fall. A few specimens of this species have been cap-
tured at irregular intervals, in the spring and fall, in Chester, Delaware
and Philadelphia counties during the past fifteen years.
Plate 47-
Blackcap Titmouse,
1, Male; 2 Female.
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 195
GENUS EMPIDONAX OABANIS.
Empidonax flaviventris BAIBD.
Yellow-bellied Flycatcher.
DESCRIPTION.
Bill short and very broad; length about 5| ; extent about 8 ; tail about 2.60;
wing about 2.40 ; above olive-green, in fact decidedly greenish ; lining of wings and
lower parts sulphur-yellow, very decided, except on breast which is similar to back,
but paler ; wing bars yellowish-white ; well marked yellow ring around eye ; upper
mandible blackish, the lower yellow.
Habitat. Eastern North America to the plains, and from southern Labrador
south through eastern Mexico to Panama, breeding from the northern states north-
ward.
The Yellow-beDied Flycatcher is reported by numerous observers to
be a regular summer resident in various parts of the state, especially in
the mountainous districts. Prof. August Kock, writing- of this bird in
Lycoming county, says it *' breeds in tangled thickets ; in almost every
such thicket, interwoven with thorns and near a stream, a pair may be
observed through the summer." I have never found the nest or eggs of
this flycatcher. Dr. Coues states that it nests "in swamps, close to
ground, in a stump, log, or roots of an upturned tree, thick and bulky,
of mosses, etc., deeply cupped." The eggs are said to be usually four,
measuring about .70 X .50, bufFy or creamy-white, spotted chiefly about
larger end with reddish-brown.
The note as described by Dr. Coues is a low soft pe-a, uttered slowly.
The Yellow-bellied Flycatcher is usually seen perched on the low limbs
of trees or bushes, along the borders of streams or ponds in the woods.
I have never observed it on the high branches of trees. According to
Mr. Gentry it is occasionally observed on the ground, in active pursuit
of insects, which contribute to its bill of fare. In the few examinations
which I have made of this species the following insects were found :
No.
DATE.
LOCALITY.
FOOD-MATERIALS.
1
September 22,
1880, .
Chester county, Pa, , ...
Beetles.
2
September 24,
1880, . . .
Chester county. Pa
Small flies.
8
September 25.
1880, .
Chester county. Pa. , .
Beetles and flies
September 30,
1880, . .
Chester county Pa
Empidonax acadicus (GMEL.).
Acadian Flycatcher; "Hick-up."
DESCRIPTION {Plate 91).
Length about 6| inches ; extent about 9 ; above grayish-green ; below whitish ;
throat and middle of belly white.
Habitat Eastern United States, chiefly southward, west to the plains, south to
Cuba and Costa Rica.
196 BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
For a period of about five months, or from early in May until late in
September, the Acadian Flycatcher is a common resident in Pennsyl-
vania, frequenting chiefly woodland. This species is somewhat shy
and difficult to approach, and like the Cuckoo or Yellow-breasted Chat,
is oftener heard than seen. I have heard this bird called " Hick-up "
from its peculiar note. The shallow, saucer-shaped and loosely made
nest is placed usually on a drooping and forked branch of a tree in the
forest, a dog-wood, beech or hickory generally being selected. It is
composed of blossoms, grasses, fine rootlets or fine pieces of bark.
The majority of nests which I have found in the vicinity of West Ches-
ter, Pa., were built entirely of blossoms. The nests are rarely more
than eight or ten feet from the ground, and are so open at the bottom
that the eggs can readily be seen from below. The eggs, usually three
in number, are very similar in size, etc., to those of the Wood Pewee
they are creamy-white, spotted with reddish-brown. During the late
summer and autumn months this species subsists to a limited extent on
various kinds of berries.
The food materials of seven of these birds are given in the following
table :
No.
DATE.
LOCALITY.
FOOD-MATERIALS.
1
May 10 1879
Chester county, Pa
Beetles.
2
June 11 1880
Chester county, Pa., .
Large flies and larvae.
3
J une 20 1880
Chester county, Pa.,
Various Insects.
4
Aug 20 1882
Berries.
5
Aug 30 1882
Chester county. Pa. ,
Beetles and flies.
6
Sept. 20, 1882
Chester county. Pa. ,
Insects.
7
May 20 1883,
Beetles.
Empidonax pusillus traillii (Auo.).
Traill's Flycatcher.
DESCRIPTION.
" Upper parts dark olive-green, lighter under the wings, and duller and more
tinged with ash on nape and sides of the neck : center of the crown feathers brown ;
a pale yellowish-white ring (in some specimens altogether white) round the eye ;
loral feathers mixed with white ; chin and throat white ; the breast and sides of
throat light-ash tinged with olive, its intensity varying in individuals, the former
sometimes faintly tinged with olive ; sides of the breast much like the back ; mid-
dle of the belly nearly white ; sides of the belly, abdomen and the lower tail-coverts
sulphur-yellow ; the quills and tail-feathers dark-brown, as dark (if not more so) as
these parts in C. virens; two olivaceous yellow white bands on the wing, formed
by the tips of the first and second coverts, succeeded by a brown one ; the edge of
the first primary and of secondaries and tertials a little lighter shade of the same ;
the outer edge of the tail feathers like the back, that of the lateral one rather lighter ;
bill above dark brown, dull brownish beneath ; iris brown. Length nearly 6 inches ;
extent about 8.75 inches. " B. B. of N. A.
Habitat. Eastern North America, breeding from the Middle States (southern
Illinois and Missouri) northward ; in winter south to Central America.
Traill's Flycatcher, a somewhat suspicious frequenter of thickets, near
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 197
streams or ponds, I have found in Pennsylvania only as a rare spring
and autumnal migrant. In the spring it arrives generally early in May ;
when returning to its winter resorts beyond the southern limits of the
United States, it is again seen, but only for a few days, about the twen-
tieth of September. In addition to insects, this species, it is stated,
feeds also on different kinds of berries.
I have been informed that Traill's Flycatcher has been seen in the
mountainous parts of this state during the summer. Possibly it breeds
here. Its eggs, it is said, are hardly distinguishable from those of
acadicus, and the nest is not flat like that of the Acadian Flycatcher.
The note, of traillii, is described by Coues as "a flat kewink, Mwink,
slowly."
Empidonax minimus BAIRD.
Least Flycatcher.
DESCRIPTION.
Length about 5| inches ; extent about 8 ; above grayish-olive, darkest on head,
and much paler on rump and upper tail-coverts; middle of back decidedly oliva-
ceous ; ring about eye and few loral feathers white ; sides of head and neck ashy ;
lower parts whitish with yellowish toward base of tail ; wing bars white.
Habitat. Eastern North America, south in winter to Central America. Breeds
from the northern states northward.
The Least Flycatcher is a common summer resident in many parts of
Pennsylvania. During the last two years I have found this species to
be very numerous in different sections of Crawford, Erie, McKean, Cam-
bria and other counties in the summer time. This bird, I have noticed,
frequents the edges of woods, thickets and also gardens and orchards.
" Nest in upright crotch of tree, shrub or sapling ; small neat, compact-
walled, deeply cupped : eggs three to four, white, normally unmarked,
rarely speckled, .60 to .69 long, averaging .65 by .51. Note a sharp
che-bec\ or se-wick'."- -Coues.
SUBORDER OSCINES. SONG BIRDS.
FAMILY ALAUDID-ffi. LAKES.
GENUS OTOCORIS BONAPARTE.
Otocoris alpestris (LiNN.).
Horned Lark.
DESCRIPTION.
Length about 7^ inches ; extent about 14 ; bill and legs blackish ; eyes brown.
Upper parts grayish-brown and pinkish-brown ; this pinkish color is brightest on
nape, rump and lesser wing-coverts ; back much streaked with dusky. A streak
from bill runs back below eye and on sides of head, and pectoral patch, black. Fore-
198 BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
head and line over eye and lower parts except the sides, and sides of breast, which
are very similar to back, white, long tufts or " horns" black ; chin and throat yel-
low ; very long hind claw ; middle tail feathers about same as back ; the rest black,
the outer pair with white outer webs.
Habitat. Northeastern North America, Greenland and northern parts of the Old
World ; in winter south in the eastern United States to the Carol inas, Illinois, etc.
The Horned Lark is a somewhat common winter resident in eastern
Pennsylvania. It arrives in this region, from its northern breeding
grounds, early in November, and remains until about the last week in
February. These birds, during their residence with us, are usually
found in small parties of twelve or twenty, occasionally, however, flocks
of a hundred or more are seen. The Horned Larks frequent fields, or
other similar open situations, where seeds of different weeds and grasses
are procurable. When deep snows cover their favorite feeding grounds,
they oftentimes are observed in public roads throughout the country
districts searching for food ; they also at times, when driven by hunger,
visit barnyards.
According to Nuttall their food consists of various kinds of seeds
which remain on the grass and weeds, and the eggs and dormant larvae
of insects, when they fall in their way. In the stomachs of thirteen of
these birds, taken in Chester and Delaware counties (Pa.), I found that
eleven had fed on different kinds of small seeds ; two, in addition to
small seeds, had fed on grain (particles of corn and oats).
The Prairie Horned Lark (0. a. praticola, Hensh.,) is the common
form in the region of Lake Erie, where it occurs as a regular summer
resident. This last named geographical " race " or variety, is the bird
which occurs throughout the western and central parts of the state. It
is smaller and paler in color than the typical alpestris. The nest is
built in a depression of the ground in a field, the eggs, said to be
usually four in number, are described as a light-greenish or dull-greenish
buff, spotted with different shades of brown.
NOTE. In the spring of 1852 Mr. John Gorgas, of Wilmington, Dela-
ware, liberated about fifty Skylarks (Alauda arvensis, Linn.), which he
had imported from England, near the city of Wilmington. For a period
of about two years these birds were seen at irregular intervals in the
counties of Chester and Delaware, Pa., but in the fall of 1854, 1 am in-
formed by Mr. B. M. Everhart, of West Chester, they disappeared and
have not since been seen.
FAMILY CORVID<ffi. CROWS, JAYS, ETC.
THE CROWS AND JAYS.
Five species of this family are found in Pennsylvania. The American Crow and
Blue Jay are two of the best known species, both are common and are found with
us during all seasons. The Fish Crow occurs as a summer resident in a few locali-
ties in southeastern Pennsylvania, chiefly along the Delaware and Susquehanna
rivers. The Raven, a resident in the wildest of our mountainous regions, is, in some
Plate 48.
Golden-crested Kinglet.
1. Male; 2. Female.
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 199
parts, reported to be quite plentiful, and the Canada Jay called also Whisky
Jack and Moose-bird which breeds from Maine northward, is found here only as a
rare straggler in winter. Although of an omnivorous nature, these birds feed
chiefly on an animal diet.
"Primaries ten ; the first short, usually about half as long as the second ; the four
outer sinuated on the inner edge. Nostrils concealed by narrow stiffened bristles
or bristly feathers directed forwards. Tarsi scutellate anteriorly, the sides undi-
vided (except sometimes below) and separated from anterior plates by a narrow
naked strip, sometimes filled up with small scales. Basal joint of middle toe united
for about half its length to each lateral one."
SUBFAMILY GARRULIN^B. JAYS.
GENUS CYANOCITTA STRICKLAND.
Cyanocitta cristata (LiNN.).
Blue Jay; Jay-bird.
DESCRIPTION (Plate 25).
Head crested ; bill rather slender ; length about 12 inches ; extent about 17 ; bill
and legs black ; eyes brown ; crest and upper back a light purplish-blue ; wings and
tail bright blue ; lower parts whitish and grayish-white, crossed on lower throat by
a black collar which unites with black feathers on sides of head and crest ; narrow
frontal line and lores black.
Habitat. Eastern North America to the plains, and from the Fur countries south
to Florida and eastern Texas.
The Blue Jay is found in Pennsylvania during all seasons of the year,
but in the autumn and summer months this species is much more plen-
tiful than at other periods. This beautiful bird is an inhabitant chiefly
of forests. During- the breeding- season the Jays associate in pairs, but
in the late summer and autumn it is not unusual to find them in small
flocks. I have seen on several occasions as many as twenty -five of these
birds feeding- in beech, chestnut or cedar trees. Both sexes engage in
nest-building-, which, in 1 this latitude, is begun about the 20th of April.
A nest which I saw the birds building was completed in five days. The
nest, a strong bulky structure, composed chiefly of twigs and fine roots,
is placed commonly in a tree in the woods ; sometimes, though rarely
in this locality, nests are built in low bushes. The eggs, four to six in
number, mostly five, are greenish or brownish-gray, spotted with brown.
Length about 1.15 inches, width .84 of an inch. In Florida the Blue
Jay * nests some five or six weeks earlier than in this latitude, at least I
suppose this to be the case, as I have seen these birds collecting sticks,
etc., as early as the first week in March. The Blue Jay and also the
" Scrub Jay " (Aphelocoma floridana), are in bad repute among the
Florida farmers, from the fact that they (particularly the "Scrub Jay")
suck the eggs of chickens.
Audubon writing of the Blue Jay says:
* The Florida Blue Jay, a local race technically styled Cyanocitta cristata florincola. Is smaller and has
leas white on tips of secondary and tall feathers than C. cristata.
200 BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
" It robs every nest it can find, sucks the eggs like the crow, or tears
to pieces and devours the young birds. A friend once wounded a
Grouse (Bonasa umbellus), and marked the direction which it followed,
but had not proceeded two hundred yards in pursuit, when he heard
something fluttering in the bushes, and found his bird belabored by two
blue jays who were picking out its eyes. The same person once put a
flying squirrel into the cage of one of these birds, merely to preserve it
for one night ; but on looking into the cage about eleven o'clock next
day he found the mammal partly eaten. A Blue Jay at Charleston de-
stroyed all the birds of an aviary. One after another had been killed,
and the rats were supposed to have been the culprits, but no crevice
could be seen large enough to admit one. Then the mice were accused,
and war was waged against them, but still the birds continued to be
killed ; first the smaller, then the larger, until at length the Key west
Pigeons ; when it was discovered that a Jay which had been raised in
the aviary was the depredator. He was taken out and placed in a cage,
with a quantity of corn, flour and several small birds which he had just
killed. The birds he soon devoured, but the flour he would not conde-
scend to eat, and refusing every other kind of food, soon died. In the
north it is fond of ripe chestnuts, and in visiting the trees is sure to
select the choicest. When these fail it attacks the beech nuts, acorns,
peas, apples and green corn. In Louisiana they are so abundant as to
prove a nuisance to the farmers, picking the newly-planted corn, the
peas and the sweet potatoes, attacking every fruit tree, and even de-
stroying the eggs of pigeons and domestic fowls. The planters are in
the habit of occasionally soaking some corn in a solution of arsenic, and
scattering the seeds over the ground, in consequence of which many
Jays are found dead about the fields and gardens."
In reference to the food of this species, Mr. E. A. Samuels * writes as
follows : " Its food is more varied than that of almost any other bird
that we have. In winter the berries of the cedar, barberry or black-
thorn, with the few eggs or cocoons of insects that it is able to find,
constitute its chief sustenance. In early spring the opening buds of
shrubs, caterpillars and other insects, afford it a meagre diet. Later in
the spring, and through the greater part of summer, the eggs and young
of the smaller birds constitute its chief food, varied by a few insects and
early berries. Later in the summer, and in early autumn, small fruits,
grains, and a few insects afford it a bountiful provender; and later in
the autumn when the frosts have burst open the burs of chestnuts and
beechnuts and exposed the brown ripe fruit to view, these form a palat-
able and acceptable food, and a large share of these delicious nuts fall
to the /portion of these busy and garrulous birds."
The food materials of Jays which I have examined are given in the
following table :
* Our Northern and eastern Birds, p. 365.
Plate 49.
American Robin.
L Male; 2. Female and young.
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
201
No.
DATE.
LOCALITY.
FOOD-MATERIALS.
1
October, 1880, . . .
Chester county. Pa
Acorns.
2
3
October, 1880, . . .
October, 1880. . . .
Cheater county, Pa
Chester county, Pa. , ...
Acorns.
Acorns.
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
October, 1880, . . .
October. 1880, ...
May 10. 1880, . . .
May 18, 1880, . . .
June 11. 1880, . . .
Sept. 28. 1882, . . .
Sept. 21, 1882, . . .
Sept. 21, 1882,
May 25. 1883. . . .
May 25. 1883, . . .
May 25, 1883, . . .
Chester county, Pa
Chester county, Pa
New Castle, Delaware . . .
New Castle, Delaware . . .
New Castle, Delaware . . .
Chester county, Pa
Chester county, Pa
Chester county. Pa
Chester county. Pa. , . . .
Chester county, Pa
Chester county, Pa.,
Acorns.
Acorns.
Beetles and sand.
Corn.
Beetles and berries.
Indian corn and beetles.
Indian corn and acorns.
Indian corn and acorns.
Vegetable matter, not determined.
Black colored beetles and sand.
Green colored beetles
15
16
17
18
19
May 25, 1883, . . .
May 25. 1883, . .
May 25, 1883, . .
May 25. 1883 . .
May 25, 1883,
Chester county. Pa., ....
Chester county, Pa. .....
Chester county, Pa., ....
Chester county. Pa.. ....
Chester county, Pa., . .
Black colored beetles, sand and small shells.
' June bugs ' and few other insects.
' June bugs ' and few other insects.
'June bugs. '
' June bugs '
20
May 25. 1883,
Chester county, Pa
'June bugs. '
21
22
23
May 12, 1883, . .
May 12. 1883. .
May 8, 1883, . .
Chester county. Pa
Chester county. Pa., ....
Chester county, Pa. .....
Beetles.
Beetles.
Chiefly Indian corn; few beetles.
GENUS PERISOREUS BONAPARTE.
Perisoreus canadensis (LINN.).
Canada Jay.
DESCRIPTION.
"Gray, whitening on head, neck and breast; a dark cap on hind head and nape,
separated by a gray cervical collar from the ashy-plumbeous back ; wings and tail
plumbeous, the leathers obscurely tipped with whitish. Bill and feet black ; young
much darker, sooty or smoky brown. * * * Length 10 inches ; extent about 16 ;
wing 5.25 to 5.75 ; tail rather more graduated ; tarsus 1.33; bill under 1, shaped like a
titmouse's." Coues.
Habitat. Northern New England and New York, Michigan and Canada, north-
ward to Arctic America.
The Canada Jay a very rare and irregnlar straggler in winter from
the north I have never met with in this state. Dr. A. C. Treichler, of
Elizdbethtown, has one in his collection which was captured in Lancas-
ter county, February, 1889. This is the only specimen, so far as I can
learn, that has been taken in Pennsylvania during- the last twenty-five
years.
SUBFAMILY CORVINE. CEOWS.
GENUS CORVUS LINN^US.
Corvus corax *principalis RIDGW.
Northern Raven.
DESCRIPTION.
Size large ; entire plumage glossy black with purplish reflections ; feathers of
throat lengthened, disconnected and pointed ; bill large and like feet black ; length
about 2 feet ; extent 4 feet or more.
Not having any specimens of Pennsylvania Ravens in my possession. I am unable to state positively
whether the bird found here Is the form known as slnuatus, which occurs as a common resident in the
regions west of the Mississippi, or the new sub-species principal^. In the present state of uncertainty J
deem It best to consider our bird as the northern form,
202
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
" Habitat. Northern North America, from Greenland to Alaska, south to British
Columbia, Canada, New Brunswick, etc."Itidffway.
Of all the numerous birds found in Pennsylvania the Eaven seems to
be one of the most wily and difficult to secure. Although not abundant
anywhere in this commonwealth, these birds are probably more fre-
quently met with in portions of Sullivan, Elk, Centre, Cameron, Lycom-
ing, Clinton and Clearfield counties than elsewhere. The nest of this
bird, a bulky structure of sticks, bark, moss, etc., is said to be built in
March or April, and is placed in trees or sometimes on rocky ledges.
The following- list and notes from different observers will give a very
clear idea of the localities in our state where the Eaven occurs regularly :
COUNTY.
OBSERVERS.
REMARKS.
Allegheny. . .
Bradford, . . .
Do. ...
Berks
Columbia
T. Z. Hazzard
J. L. Camp
J. W. Kitcham
D. F. Keller
Dr. A. B. McCrea
Straggler.
Resident in mountains; scarce.
Resident; breeds sparingly.
Straggler: very rare.
Resident.*
Clinton, ....
Clearfield
Dr. W. Van Fleet
Dr. W. Van Fleet,
Resident; breeds regularly.
Resident; breeds regularly.
Cameron, . . .
Do
M. M. Larrabee
Sylvester Bel den.
Resident; regular breeder.
Resident; regular breeder.
Centre
J. Preston Thomas, ....
Resident; tolerably common in mountains
Elk
Chas. H. Eldon, .
Resident.
Erie
Geo. B. Sennett,
Straggler.
Do
John W. Detwiller, M. D ,
Saw one at Lake Erie in winter
Franklin,
H. B. Craig,
A few reside in mountainous regions.
August Kock,
Resident.
Do.
Lackawanna, .
Potter, .
Sullivan
Chas. H. Eldon
G. P. Friant
B. H. Warren
Otto Behr
Resident.!
A few seen in recent years; probably resident.
Resident; have seen them in summer and winter.
Resident; regular breeder
Somerset, .
Susquehanna .
Venango, .
Westmoreland,
York
Dr. H. D. Moore,
Geo. B. Perry
J. R. Robertson
Chas. H. Townsend
Hon. G. C. Brown
Very rare; probably breeds.
Resident; breeds regularly.
Rare visitor.
Old residents report a "Crow" of very large size, as
once common. It was doubtless the Raven.
Rare visitor; probably breeds.
Mr. J. H. Ferguson, of Renovo, Clinton county, says Ravens are to be found about
nine miles south of Renovo, in the mountains. When deer are killed and eviscerated
these birds come about to feed on the refuse matter ; generally seen in pairs, but
sometimes several are together. It is a common custom for this bird to visit deserted
camps ; soon as lumbermen or hunters have left their camps a Raven, or several of
them, will be seen in the tops of tall trees, and shortly they will be observed near the
smoldering embers of the dying fire, picking up the fragments of food.
Corvus americanus AUD.
American Crow.
DESCRIPTION (Plate 57).
Bill, legs and ieet black ; iris brown ; plumage glossy black with violet reflec-
tions, brightest on wing-coverts, tail and back ; top of head frequently without me-
tallic tint young usually dull black. The male is larger than the female, and meas-
ures about 19 inches in length and 38 inches in extent.
Habitat. North America from the Fur countries to Mexico.
* I have made diligent inquiry in relation to the Raven in the mountains of this and the adjoining county
of Sullivan where they are comparatively common; they can be heard ' ' croaking" at almost any time,
but, owing to their shy and retiring habits, they are hard to get. McCrea.
t Ravens breed regularly on high mountain ridges, in tops of tallest pine trees, in Elk county, on Dent's
run, a branch of Benezett creek, which flows into the Susquehanna at Driftwood. In the last seven
years 1 have received seven or eight Ravens from different parts of Centre. Elk and Lycoming counties.
Eldon.
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 203
The crow, readily recognized by its large size and glossy black plum-
age, is a common resident of Pennsylvania during all months of the
year. This species ranges throughout different portions of North
America, but is found chiefly in the eastern United States. In this lo-
cality the crow commences nest-building in the latter part of April ;
both sexes engage in this work which is completed in from three to five
days. The nest, a very bulky structure, measuring about 20 inches in
diameter and 10 inches in depth, is made up of sticks, twigs, bark, leaves,
etc. It is built usually in an oak, chestnut or other tree, in an unfre-
quented woods ; nests are sometimes placed in low trees or bushes in
cedar thickets. The eggs vary greatly in size and color ; four to six in
number ; length about 1.65 by 1.19 inches in width ; light-greenish,
spotted brown and black with purplish tints. The note of this well-
known bird is a loud harsh caw. During the early spring, fall and win-
ter months this species is gregarious ; flocks numbering from fifty to
several hundred individuals are frequently observed scattered over the
fields, meadows, along the highways, or in the woods searching for food.
At night these birds resort in great numbers to favorite roosting-places,
such as pine forests or cedar thickets. In the late spring and summer,
crows are particularly destructive to young poultry, the eggs and young of
small birds, and frequently nests of the domestic fowls, especially guineas
and turkeys that often wander to a considerable distance from the farm
house to lay, are also pillaged. These birds, as every farmer is well
aware, commit more or less mischief in the cornfields.
Although the crow will rob the nest of any small bird which he can
get at, the nests of the Eobin, Wood Thrush, Catbird and Dove are the
ones I have usually seen disturbed. The injury which the crow occa-
sions by his egg-sucking, bird-devouring habit is, it is affirmed by emi-
nent authorities, more than compensated for by the large numbers of
noxious insects and mammals which he devours. Twelve of these birds
taken in winter and examined by me had in their stomachs only vegeta-
ble materials, viz: Corn, oats, acorns, small seeds and berries. From
such limited investigations I am unable to say whether the crow is a
friend or an enemy to the farmer.
The following extract is taken from Prof. W. B. Barrow's report : *
SUMMARY OF EVIDENCE FROM ALL SOURCES.
It appears, therefore, from a careful consideration of all testimony, published and
unpublished, thaW
I. Crows seriously damage the corn crop, and inj ure other grain crops usually to
a less extent.
II. They damage other farm crops to some extent, frequently doing much mis-
chief.
III. They are very destructive to the eggs and young of domestic fowls.
IV. They do incalculable damage to the eggs and young of native birds.
* Annual report of the U. S. Dept. of Agrl.. 1888. Food of Crows, by Walter B. Barrows. S. B.. Assis-
istant Ornithologist.
204 BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
V. They do much harm by the distribution of seeds of poison ivy, poison sumach,
and perhaps other noxious plants.
VI. They do much harm by the destruction of beneficial insects.
On the other hand
VII. They do much good by the destruction of injurious insects.
VIII. They are largely beneficial through their destruction of mice and other
rodents.
IX. They are valuable occasionally as scavengers.
The careful examination of large numbers of stomachs, and the critical study of
the insect food of the crow, may change materially the present aspect of the ques-
tion ; but so far as the facts at present known enable a judgment to be formed, the
harm which crows do appears to far outweigh the good.
Corvus ossifragus WILSON.
Fish Crow.
DESCRIPTION.
Smaller than C. americanus. Glossy black with green and violet reflections ; the
gloss of head, neck and belly greenish ; a small space at base of lower mandible, on
each side bare ? ; bill and feet black ; iris brown. Length 14 to 16 inches ; extent
about 32 inches.
Habitat. Atlantic coast, from Long Island to Florida.
The Fish Crow is a common and abundant resident, during- all seasons,
about the maritime districts of most and probably all of the southern
states. According- to Audubon they migrate northward in April and
ascend the Delaware river in Pennsylvania, nearly to its source, but re-
turn to the south at the approach of cold weather. This bird is also
found along the Susquehanna from Lancaster southward in the summer.
Mr. J. Hoopes Matlack informs me that some few years ago he found
the nest and eggs of this bird along the Brandywine creek, some two or
three miles from the borough of West Chester. Mr. Gentry writing in
1877, says he has observed it during the past five or six years nesting
along the water courses in the neighborhood of Philadelphia. This bird,
like the preceding species, builds in trees. The nests and eggs of the
Fish Crow, although smaller, cannot with absolute certainty be distin-
guished from those of the American Crow. The voice of the Fish Crow,
according to Wilson, is very different from that of the Common Crow,
being more hoarse and gutteral, uttered as if something had lodged in
the throat. The common note of this bird, Audubon says, resembles the
syllables ha, ha, hoe, frequently repeated. In referring to the food of
this species, Audubon writes substantially as follows : While searching
for food, these birds hover at a moderate height over the water ; but
when they rise in the air, to amuse themselves, they often reach a great
elevation. Like the Common Crow, the Fish Crow robs other birds of
their eggs and young. They also prey upon the fiddler-crab, which
they pursue and dig out of the muddy burrows into which they retire at
the approach of danger. Small fry are easily secured with their claws
as they fly close over the water's surface, from which they also pick up
Plate 50.
; .AT
Common Blue Bird.
1. Male; 2. Female; 3. Young.
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 205
any sort of garbage suited to their appetite ; sometimes they pursue and
attack the small terns and gulls, to force them to disgorge the small fish
that they have captured. They are able to capture live fish with con-
siderable dexterity, but cannot feed on the wing. During the winter and
spring, the Fish Crows are very fond of feeding on many kinds of ber-
ries. As spring advances, and the early fruits ripen, the Fish Crows be-
come fond of the mulberry, and select the choicest of the ripe figs, more
especially when they are feeding their young. A dozen are often seen
at a time, searching for the tree which has the best figs, and so trouble-
some do they become in the immediate vicinity of Charleston, that it is
found necessary to station a man near a fig tree with a gun. They also
eat pears, as well as various kinds of huckleberries.
FAMILY ICTERID-ffi. BLACKBIRDS, ORIOLES, ETC.
Nine species and one race of this family are found in Pennsylvania. With the ex-
ception of the Yellow-headed Blackbird, which occurs sometimes, it is said, in the
western part of the state, straggling here from western North America, all of these
birds are common ; some reside with us during all months of the year ; the Rusty
Blackbird retires considerablv north of this latitude to breed, but all the others rear
their young within our limits. In the Cowbird and Bobolink the bill is short, stout
and very similar to that of a sparrow's, but this organ in other birds of this family is
rather long and slender. In the neighborhood of Lake Erie the Redwing is known
to gunners as Reed-bird, and I have heard farmers who reside in the vicinity of
Conneaut lake in Crawford county, and also others living about Lake Erie, say that
these "Reed-birds?' commit serious depredations in their cornfields in the latter
part of summer and in the early fall.
GENUS DOLICHONYX SWAINSON.
Dolichonyx oryzivorus (LiNN.)
Bobolink ; Reed-bird.
DESCRIPTION (Plate 26 male and female in spring).
Bill short, stout, conical and much shorter than head ; tail feathers sharp-pointed
and stiff, quite like a woodpecker's ; claws all very large ; middle toe very long,
measuring with claw 1.25 inches ; bill dark, lighter at base of lower mandible ; legs
and feet (freshly killed specimens) brownish-yellow ; iris brown. General color of
male in spring and during breeding season (June and July) black; the nape
brownish-cream color ; a patch on the side of the breast, the scapulars and rump
white, shading into light ash on the upper tail-coverts and the back below the inter-
scapular region. In autumn similar to the ibmale. In the early autumn males are
often seen with black feathers (sometimes though seldom in patches) on the breast.
Female, yellowish beneath ; two stripes on the top of the head, and the upper
parts throughout, except the back of the neck and rump, and including all the wing
feathers generally, dark-brown, all edged with brownish-yellow ; which becomes
whiter nearer the tips of the quills ; the sides sparsely streaked with dark-brown,
and a similar stripe behind the eye ; there is a superciliary and a median band of
yellow on the head.
206 BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
Length of male about 7.25 inches ; extent about 12.25 inches. Female averages a
little smaller.
Habitat. Eastern North America to the great plains ; north to southern Canada ;
south in winter to the West Indies and South America. Breeds from the Middle
States northward, and winters south of the United States.
Bobolinks are known by a variety of common names. The terms
" Bobolink " and " Meadow Wink " are applied in imitation of its voice ;
the appellation " Skunk-blackbird," notes, as Dr. Coues remarks, the
resemblance in color to the obnoxious quadruped. When the Bobolink
has shed his showy dress of black, white and yellow, he frequents chiefly
the reedy marshes of tide-rivers, and is known as " Reed-bird ;" in the
Carolinas, Georgia and elsewhere in the south, they congregate in great
numbers on the rice-fields, where they are called "Bice-birds." In the
West Indies these birds, from their excessive fatness, are known as
"Butterbirds." "The name ' Ortolan,' applied by some gunners and
restaurateurs to this bird, as well as to the Carolina Bail (Porzana
Carolina) is in either case a strange misnomer, the Ortolan being a
fringilline bird of Europe, Emberiza hortulana, Linn." Coues. Notwith-
standing the fact that the Beed-bird is much larger than the English
Sparrow, many game dealers are in the habit of " bunching " the two
species and disposing- of them as " Beed-birds." The Beed-bird, how-
ever, can easily be recognized by the pointed tail feathers, long legs and
claws ; the tail feathers of the sparrow are not pointed, and the legs and
claws are short. Even when both birds are picked and their legs and
heads cut off, the Beed-bird can mostly be distinguished by its plump,
yellow and oily body : the carcass of a fat sparrow is never uniformly
yellow, but is dark colored, with narrow streaks of yellow. The Bobo-
links arrive in Pennsylvania, in flocks of from eight to twenty -five in-
dividuals, from May 5th to 20th. The males generally make their ap-
pearance about the fields, meadows and orchards several days in advance
of the females; they also appear to proceed much more leisurely on
their vernal migrations, than the females. Both sexes migrate chiefly
at night when their " mellow metallic chink " may be heard both in
spring and fall. The song of the Bobolink is a peculiar, rapid, jingling,
indescribable medley of sounds, started first by one bird, quickly fol-
lowed by another and another, until the whole flock are engaged, when,
suddenly, without any apparent reason, they all, at the same instant, stop
their vocal concert. When the male assumes the livery of the female he
appears to lose his vocal powers, and is only heard to utter a sharp
clinking note like that of the female. These birds, according to my
experience, occur in southeastern Pennsylvania mainly as passing visi-
tants * during the spring and fall when they are common. The nests
* Nests of this species, it is said, have on one or two occasions been found in Chester county, and
young unable to fly have once been taken in Delaware county, Pa. From numerous reports received it
appears that the Bobolink breeds more or less regularly in nearly all parts of the state, but as a summer
bird it is far more numerous in counties of the western-and northern parts of the state than elsewhere.
The species is common in summer in parts of Erie, Crawford, Warren, Mercer, Bradford and Susque
hanna counties.
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 207
and eggs are described by Dr. Coues as follows : " The Bobolink makes
a rude and flimsy nest of dried grass on the ground, and lays four or
five eggs, 0.85 long by about 0.63 broad, dull bluish-white, sometimes
brownish-white, spotted and blotched with, dark chocolate or blackish-
brown surface marks, and others of paler hue in the shell. The nests
are cunningly hidden, and often further screened from threatened ob-
servation by ingenious devices of the parents." (From Birds of North-
west.) The food of these birds, during their spring sojourn in Pennsyl-
vania is composed chiefly of different kinds of terrestrial insects, also
the seeds of various weeds, grasses, etc. I have examined the stomach
contents of twenty-seven Bobolinks (captured in Chester county, Pa.,
May, 1879, '80, '82 and '83), and found that eighteen had fed exclusively
on beetles, larvae, ants and a few earth-worms ; five, in addition to insects
and larvae, showed small seeds, and particles of green vegetable materials,
apparently leaves of plants; the four remaining birds revealed only
small black and yellow colored seeds. After the breeding season the
Reed-birds (both sexes), about the middle of August, again make their
appearance in our meadows and grain fields. At this time, although
various forms of insects are abundant, they subsist almost entirely on a
vegetable diet. They visit the cornfields, and, in company with the
English Sparrow, prey to a more or less extent on the corn ; like the
sparrow they tear open the tops of the husk and eat the milky grain.
Fields of Hungarian grass are resorted to and the seed eagerly devoured.
The different seeds of weeds and grasses which grow so luxuriantly in
the marshy swamps and meadows are likewise fed upon with avidity.
The following interesting remarks, relative to the Rice-birds, are taken
from the annual report of the Agricultural Department, for the year
1886, by Dr. C. Hart Merriam, ornithologist, United States Department
of Agriculture, Washington, D. C. :
" One of the most important industries of the southern states, the cul-
tivation of rice, is crippled and made precarious by the bi-annual attacks
of birds. Many kinds of birds feed upon rice, but the bird which does
the most injury than all the rest is the Bobolink (DolicJionyx oryzivorus).
* The name of " Rice-bird " is familiar to most persons in the
north, but the magnitude of its depredations is hardly known outside
of the narrow belt of rice fields along the coasts of a few of the southern
states. Innumerable hosts of these birds visit the fields at the time of
planting in spring, devouring the seed-grain before the fields are
flooded, and again at harvest-time in the fall, when, if maturing grain is
'in the milk,' they feed upon it to a ruinous extent. To prevent total
destruction of the crop during the periods of bird invasion thousands
of men and boys, called ' bird-minders,' are employed, hundreds of thou-
sands of pounds of gunpowder are burned, and millions of birds are
killed. Still the number of birds invading the rice fields each year
208 BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
seems in no way diminished, and the aggregate annual loss they occa-
sion is about $2,000,000."
Extracts from a letter from Capt. William Miles Hazzard, of Annandale,
S. C., one of the largest rice-growers in the state.
" The Bobolinks make their appearance here during the latter part of
April. At that season their plumage is white and black, and they sing
merrily when at rest. Their flight is always at night. In the evening
there are none. In the morning their appearance is heralded by the
popping of whips and firing of musketry by the bird-minders in their
efforts to keep the birds from pulling up the young rice. This warfare
is kept up incessantly until about the 25th of May, when they suddenly
disappear at night. Their next appearance is in a dark-yellow plumage,
as the Eice-bird. There is no song at this time, but instead a chirp, which
means ruin to any rice found in milk. My plantation record will show
that for the past ten years, except when prevented by stormy south or
southwest winds, the Eice-birds have come punctually on the night of
the 21st of August, apparently coming from seaward. All night their
chirp can be heard passing over our summer homes on South Island,
which island is situated six miles to the east of our rice plantations, in
full view of tne ocean. Curious to say, we have never seen this flight
during the day. During the nights of August 21, 22, 23 and 24, millions
of these birds make their appearance and settle in the rice fields. From
the 21st of August to the 25th of September our every effort is to save
the crop. Men, boys and women are posted with guns and ammunition
to every four or five acres, and shoot daily an average of about one quart
of powder to the gun. This firing commences at first dawn of day and
is kept up until sunset. After all this expense and trouble our loss of
rice per acre seldom falls under five bushels, and if from any cause there
is a check to the crop during the growth, which prevents the grain from
being hard, but in milky condition, the destruction of such fields is com-
plete, it not paying to cut and bring the rice out of the field. We have
tried every plan to keep these pests off our crops at less expense and
manual labor than we now incur, but have been unsuccessful. Our pres-
ent mode is expensive, imperfect and thoroughly unsatisfactory, yet it
is the best we can do. I consider these birds as destructive to rice as
the caterpillar is to cotton, with this difference, that these Eice-birds
never fail to come. If the government could devise some means to aid
us in keeping off these birds it would render us great assistance. The
loss by birds and the expense of minding them off in order to make
anything, renders the cultivation of rice a dangerous speculation. Dur-
ing the bird season we employ about one hundred bird-minders, who
shoot from three to five kegs of powder daily, of twenty-five pounds
each ; add to this shot and caps, and you will have some idea what these
birds cost one planter."
BIRDS, OF PENNSYLVANIA. 209
GENUS MOLOTHRUS SWAINSON.
Molothrus ater (BODD.).
Cowbird ; Cow Bunting ; Cow Blackbird.
DESCRIPTION (Plate 57).
Bill short, stout, about two-thirds as long as head ; tail nearly even or very slightly
rounded ; bill and feet black ; iris brown.
Male with the head, neck and anterior half of breast deep brown, with slight pur-
plish gloss ; rest of body lustrous black, with a violet-purple gloss, next to the
brown, of steel-blue on the back, and of green elsewhere.
Female. Plain grayish-brown, lighter on the under parts.
Young. Dull dusky-brown above, feathers edged with grayish, lower parts light
brownish-gray more or less streaked or spotted with darker markings. In the late
summer and early autumn the young male can often be distinguished by the con-
spicuous black patches on the body. The female is smaller than the male. An
adult male measures about 8 inches in length and 13| inches in extent.
Habitat. United States, from the Atlantic to the Pacific, north into southern
British America, south, in winter, into Mexico.
This well-known bird is a common summer resident in Pennsylvania.
It arrives here late in March or early in April, and migrates southward
about the middle of October. These polygamous birds, at all times, are
gregarious. In the autumn these birds, frequently in company with the
Crow Blackbirds and robins, collect in large flocks in thickets, where
they roost during the night. When " coming in " to these roosting
places the flocks of Cowbirds do not scatter and alight in the surround-
ing trees and bushes, as the Crow Blackbirds are accustomed to do, but
they fly in a compact body directly to the thick bushy covert, where
they remain, and unless disturbed are seldom heard to utter their harsh,
rattling chuckle. The Cowbird builds no nest, nor does she attempt to
rear her young ; when desirous of laying, she quietly slips away from
her companions, arid finding a nest deposits her egg, and flies off to
join her comrades feeding in the fields, or, perhaps, assembled in a tree-
top. Although the Cowbird generally selects the nests of small birds,
she never gains access to the same by force, but pays her visit when the
owners are absent. Sometimes birds whose homes have been invaded
by these feathered parasites abandon their nests, mostly, however (par-
ticularly if one or more of their own eggs have been deposited), they
submit to the imposition and rear the young Cowbirds. The Yellow
Warbler, occasionally, will build a new nest above that in which the un-
welcome egg is deposited. I have twice found broken eggs of Cowbirds
on the ground near nests of the Yellow-breasted Chat, and on three oc-
casions have discovered the shattered remains of these eggs directly be-
neath the pendant nests of Baltimore Orioles. It may be that these two
species, sometimes at least, toss out the alien eggs. While it is mostly
observed that the Cowbird lays in the nests of birds much smaller than
14 BIRDS.
210 BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
herself, she also, at times, drops eggs in nests of larger species. Dr.
Coues mentions among the Cowbird's larger foster-parents, the Wood
Thrush, Yellow-breasted Chat, Kingbird and Towhee; on one occa-
sion I saw two eggs in the nest of a Cardinal, and have twice
seen eggs in nests of Wood Thrushes. Both nests of the species
last named were, however, abandoned. From the fact that one Cow-
bird's egg is usually seen in a nest, I judge that this bird only deposits
a single egg in a nest. I, of course, am well aware that sometimes two,
three or more Cowbird eggs may be discovered in a single nest, yet this
is no evidence that these eggs were deposited by one bird. The num-
ber of eggs which this bird lays is unknown ; they are white, speckled
or blotched with brown ; vary greatly in size, but average, probably,
about .88 in length and .65 in width. In addition to the species pre-
viously named, I have found Cowbirds' eggs or young in the charge of
the following-named birds: Bed and White-Eyed Vireos, Ovenbird,
Maryland Yellow-throat, Scarlet Tanager, Song and Chipping Sparrows,
Indigobird, Worm-eating Warbler, Acadian Flycatcher and Baltimore
Oriole. This species frequents ploughed fields, woods and pasture
grounds, mingles freely among cattle and may often be observed perched
on their backs. The food of these birds consists of seeds, grains, ber-
ries and insects. Although Cowbirds subsist to a small extent on wheat
and rye, they never, I think, like the English Sparrow, attack these
cereals when growing. The seeds of clover, timothy, fox-tailed grass,
bitter-weed, etc., are included in their bill of fare ; blackberries, huckle-
berries, cedarberries, wild cherries and the summer grape ( Vitis cestivalis,
Mz.) are eaten. They subsist to a very great extent, however, on insects ;
large numbers of grasshoppers, beetles, grubs and "worms " are eagerly
devoured.
GENUS AGELAIUS VIEILLOT.
Agelaius phoeniceus (LINN.)-
Red-winged Blackbird ; Swamp Blackbird.
DESCRIPTION (Plate 27).
Bill, legs and feet (dried specimens) black ; iris brown ; male larger than female.
Adult male. Uniform lustrous black ; shoulders and lesser wing-coverts scarlet,
bordered with brownish-yellow.
Adult female. Above dusky-brown, streaked with lighter and darker shades ;
below whitish streaked with brown ; throat, chin, edge of wing, tinged with pink or
yellowish, but mostly pink, in the spring and summer at least. The female differs
greatly in appearance ; the prevailing color above is brownish-black, all the leathers
margined with reddish-brown ; some of those on the back with brownish-yellow,
which, on the median and greater wing-coverts, form two bands ; the under parts
are dull-whitish, each feather broadly streaked centrally with dark-brown ; the chin
and throat yellowish, and but little streaked ; there is a distinct whitish superciliary
streak along side the head, tinged anteriorly with brownish-yellow, and another less
distinct in the median line of the crown. The young male, at first very similar to
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
211
the female, may soon be recognized by the black feathers appearing singly or in
patches ; immature males exhibit every possible condition of coloration between that
of the old female and of the adult male.
Male measures about 9 inches in length and 15.25 inches in extent
Habitat. North America in general, from Great Slave Lake south to Costa Rica.
The Swamp or Red-winged Blackbird, as this well-known species is
usually designated, is a common summer resident in Pennsylvania.
Arrives in small flocks about March 20 ; males come a few days in ad-
vance of females ; both sexes in company leave during 1 the latter part of
September. These birds, mainly terrestial when feeding, frequent prin-
cipally meadows, fields and swamps. Nests, built early in May and also
in July (two broods being sometimes raised in this locality), are placed
in tussocks of grass or in low bushes, preferably along the borders of
streams or ponds. Nest, Dulky, composed chiefly of coarse grasses,
lined with finer grass ; those built on bushes are mostly very compact,
others are generally loose and carelessly constructed. The eggs, four
to six, a little less than an inch long, and not quite three-fourths of an
inch broad, are light-bluish, spotted, blotched and lined with black and
purplish-brown. Sometimes several females, with only one male will be
found breeding in a swamp or field, at other times the male appears to
devote his exclusive attention to one female. A dozen or more nests
may frequently be seen in close proximity to each other, and their
owners always appear on friendly terms ; when these nesting-places are
approached the Bed-wings hover over your head and utter sharp piteous
cries.
Although Swamp Blackbirds sometimes visit cornfields during the
planting season, and also again when the corn is in the milky state, the
amount of grain which they take or injure is so small that the farmer is
seldom heard to utter a complaint against them.
The following twenty odd records will suffice to show the general
nature of the food during the months of March, April and May :
No.
DATE.
LOCALITY.
FOOD-MATERIALS.
1 March 8.
1880
Chester county.
Pa.
Beetles.
2
March 18,
1882
Chester county.
Pa.
Beetles.
3
March 18.
1882
Chester county,
Pa.
Small seeds.
rter.
4
5
March 18,
March 18.
In2
1882
Chester county.
Chester county,
Pa.
Pa.
Beetles and small amount of undetermined vegetable mat-
Grubs and few seeds.
6
7
March 18.
March 31,
1882
(883
Chester county,
Chester county.
Pa.
Pa.
Beetles and particles of Indian corn.
Small black- colored seeds.
8
March 31.
1883
Chester county,
Pa.
1 Grass seeds.
9
April 12,
ISS3
Chester county,
Pa.
Small seeds and Insects.
10
April 14.
1883
Chester county.
Pa.
Small seeds and beetles.
11
April 14.
ls,s:i
Chester county.
Pa.
Small seeds and beetles.
12
April 14.
1883
Chester county.
Pa.
Beetles chiefly , some few small seeds.
[matter.
13
14
April 14.
May 3.
1883
1880
Chester county.
Chester county.
Pa.
Pa.
Beetles chiefly and small amount undetermined
Insects, with apparently few blades of grass (?).
vegetable
15
May 20,
1883
Chester county.
Pa.
Beetles and grubs.
16
May 20.
isss
Chester county.
Pa.
Corn "cutworms."
17
May 20.
IHS3
Chester county.
Pa.
Beetles and other insects.
18
May 20.
ISM
Chester county,
Pa.
Beetles and other Insects.
19
May 20.
1888
Chester county.
Pa.
Beetles and ' cut worms. "
20
May 20.
1883
Chester county.
Pa.
Brown-colored seeds.
21
May 28.
1S83
Chester county.
Pa.
Cut worms and beetles.
22
May 28.
1883
Chester county,
Pa.
Black-colored seeds.
23
May 28.
ISKi
Chester county.
Pa.
Beetles and few small seeds.
24
May 28.
1883
Chester county.
Pa.
Chiefly ' cut worms" and traces of beetles.
25
May 3,
1884
Chester county.
Pa.
Purple-colored ties.
212 BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
The Bed-wing, like the Crow Blackbird, destroys large numbers of
"cut-worms." I have taken from the stomach of a single Swamp Black-
bird as many as twenty-eight " cut-worms." In addition to the insects,
etc., mentioned above, these birds also, during- their residence with
us, feed on earth-worms, grasshoppers, crickets, plant-lice and various
larvae, so destructive at times in the field and garden. During* the sum-
mer season, fruits of the blackberry, raspberry, wild strawberry, and
wild cherry are eaten to a more or less extent. The young, while under
parental care, are fed exclusively on an insect diet.
Dr. Coues, writing of this species, says : " From its general disper-
sion in low or wet thickets or fields, swamps and marshes, the blackbird
collects in August and September in immense flocks, thronging the ex-
tensive tracts of wild oats and other aquatic plants in marshes and along
water-courses, also visiting and doing much damage to grain-fields.
Thousands are destroyed by boys and pot-hunters, but the hosts scarcely
diminish, and every known artifice fails to protect the crops from inva-
sion of the dusky hordes. At other seasons the ' maize-thief ' is innocu-
ous, if not positively beneficial, as it destroys its share of insects."-
Key, p. JfOJf,. In the rice-growing states the Bed-winged Blackbird
ranks next to the Beed-bird in its ravages 011 the rice fields. Theo.
S. Wilkinson, Myrtlegrove plantation, lower coast, Louisiana, writes as
follows in the annual report (1886), issued by Ornithologist Dr. C. Hart
Merriam, U. S. Dept. of Agr., Washington, D. C. : " The rice crop in
Louisiana, from the time the rice is in the milk till harvest time and
during harvesting, is much damaged by birds, principally the Bed-
shouldered Blackbird. Shooting is the only remedy thus far resorted to
which is at all effective, and it is only partially so. I have known rice
crops to be destroyed to the extent of over 50 per cent., which is a loss
of say $13 per acre. While this is an extreme case, a damage and ex-
pense of from $5 to $10 per acre is very common.
" The average yield per acre is about 30 bushels, worth now (March 12,
1886) about 80 cents per bushel."
GENUS XANTHOCEPHALUS BONAPARTE.
Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus (BON.AP.).
Yellow-headed Blackbird.
DESCRIPTION.
Bill conical and about twice as long as high ; wings longer than tail ; first primary
longest.
Male. General color black, including lores, and some feathers about eyes and
lower bill ; rest of head, the neck and breast, also few feathers about vent yellow ;
showy white patch on wing. The female is smaller, and dark brown ; top of head
brown ; line over eye, throat and breast dull yellow ; no white wing patch. Length,
male about 10 ; extent about 16^ ; bill and legs (dried skin) blackish.
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 213
Habitat. Western North America, from Wisconsin, Illinois and Texas to the
Pacific coast. Accidental in the Atlantic states (Mass., S. C., Penna., Fla.).
I have never met with the Yellow-headed Blackbird in Pennsylvania,
where it occurs only as an accidental visitor.
"Dr. Jackson mentions that this species is occasionally seen along" the
Allegheny mountains, where a dock appeared in the autumn of 1857.
Mr. John Krider shot a young- male near Philadelphia." Turnbull.
In a letter dated April 6, 1890, Mr. H. C. Kirkpatrick, of Meadville,
Crawford county, writes as follows concerning- this bird : " I had the
good fortune to get a fine pair of Yellow-headed Blackbirds on March
25, 1890, the first I have ever observed around here."
GENUS STURNELLA VIEILLOT.
Sturnella magna (LiNN.).
Meadowlark.
DESCRIPTION (Plate 28~).
Thick and stout body ; legs large ; toes reach beyond the tail ; hind toe long, its
claw twice as long as middle one ; upper mandible (dried specimens) dark brown ;
lower bill lighter at base, dark towards the point ; tarsus and feet light brownish ;
claws darker ; iris brown. Feathers of head stiffish, tipped with bristles. Throat,
sides of breast, spot from nostrils to eye, edge of wing and abdomen bright yellow ;
breast with a large black crescent, the horns of which go half-way up side of neck ;
the feathers above dark brown ; exposed portions of wings and tail with transverse
dark-brown bars, which on the middle tail feathers are confluent along the shaft ;
strong shade of bluish-ash on lesser wing-coverts ; several lateral tail feathers partly
white ; sides, under tail-coverts and tibiae pale reddish-brown, streaked with black-
ish ; a light stripe extends from base of upper mandible over crown ; and similar ones
over along sides of top of head ; a faint black streak above the eye, and a broad one
behind it. Sexes alike but female usually duller than male. Birds in the autumn
have black breast spot more or less obscured with grayish or brownish. Southern
birds are smaller than northern. Male, length about 10| inches ; extent about 16^
inches. The female is smaller.
Habitat. Eastern United States and southern Canada to the plains.
The Meadowlark occurs in Pennsylvania during all months of the
year, but in the spring, summer, and particularly in the autumn, is much
more common than throughout the dreary months of winter. These
birds are gregarious, at least they generally, when not engaged in breed-
ing, are to be found in small flocks, which wander about from place to
place, and only discontinue this nomadic life when they engage in house-
keeping. These well known rovers, rendered so conspicuous by their
yellow shirts and black bosoms, collect usually in parties of from twelve
to thirty each ; in the fall, however, it is not uncommon to find a hun-
dred, and sometimes more, of these birds scattered about a field or
meadow. Meadowlarks generally quite shy and difficult of approach-
frequent at all seasons, principally grassy fields and meadows, but
during the winter when deep snows cover their common feeding grounds,
214 BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
they often visit the barnyards, and, if not molested, will become rather
tame. They also, at these periods of snow inundation, assemble in the
public highways and glean a scanty subsistence from the droppings of
horses. Although larks frequently alight on trees, they never, I think,
are seen to feed in such places, their food is collected from the ground.
In spring the flocks break up and these birds are observed singly or in
pairs. Nest building, in this latitude, is begun late in April or early in
May. Both sexes engage in constructing their nest, composed of dried
grasses, placed on the ground, and most ingeniously concealed in a thick
tuft of grass. The nests are built in meadows and grass fields, and fre-
quently, though not always, rest in a concavity of the earth.
The oval white eggs, usually five in number, are spotted with reddish-
brown ; they vary considerably in size, but average about 1.16 inches
long by .80 of an inch wide. Their food consists of various forms of in-
sects, among which may be mentioned beetles, grasshoppers, larvae,
earth-worms, ants, etc. The lark, like the Eed-winged Blackbird, is
fond of " cut-worms," he also subsists on the seeds of various grasses,
weeds, etc., and, according to Mr. Gentry, they sometimes feed on wild
cherries, wild strawberries and blackberries. Although this species will
sometimes eat the grains of wheat, oats, rye or particles of corn which
they find scattered on the ground in fields or other places, they rarely
disturb these cereals when growing, and never commit, in grain fields,
any depredations at or about the season of harvest. Seventeen Meadow-
larks, which I captured (March and April, 1885), in the open pine woods
of Florida, were found to have fed only on insects, chiefly beetles. In
December, 1886, 1 killed seven of these birds in Chester county, Pa.,
their stomachs were all gorged with grasshoppers. In the Carolinas,
Audubon says, many planters agree in denouncing the lark as a depre-
dator, " alleging that it scratches up oat seeds, when sown early in spring,
and is fond of plucking up the young corn, wheat, rye or rice."
GENUS ICTERUS BKISSON.
Icterus spurius (LiNN.).
Orchard Oriole.
DESCBIPTION (Plate 75).
Bill slender, very acute and somewhat decurved ; bill and feet bluish-black ; iris
brown.
Adult male. Head and neck all round, upper portion of breast and back, scap-
ulars, tail and wings (except middle and lesser coverts, which are chestnut) deep
black with slight gloss, particularly about head and throat ; lateral tail feathers
with white tips Rest of under parts, lower part of back, upper tail-coverts dark
chestnut brown, deepest on breast ; greater wing-coverts black, edged with white,
forming a wing-bar : secondaries and sometimes primaries, edged with whitish or
pale chestnut.
Adult female. Above yellowish olive, darkest on back, clearest on head, tail and
rump ; below light olive-yellow ; wings dusky, with two bars of white.
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 215
Young male. In late summer and autumn, similar to female, though somewhat
larger. I have neverseen young.males in spring without some black feathers on throat
or loral space, or some chestnut-colored feathers, and I have taken young males when
just able to fly with a few black feathers on chin and throat.
Young m<ile in spring. Similar to female, but with face and throat black. From
this last described condiiion males are found in all stages until the full adult plumage
is assumed. The chestnut and black appears in streaks and patches. A young male
(nine months old) now before me, is in full adult plumage, with the following excep-
tions : Occiput and crown with a few dark yellowish feathers; feathersof lower hind
neck and inter-scapular region deep black but edged with rusty ; a few yellow feath-
ers mixed with the light chestnut of abdomen ; sides slightly tinged with yehowish
which is generally on tips of chestnut feathers ; edge of wing yellow and chestnut ;
middle coverts of one wing margined with greenish-yellow, on the other wing these
feathers same as in adult ; greater coverts (both wings) edged with pale chestnut
Length about 7 inches ; extent about 10 inches : female trifle smaller.
Habitat. United States, west to the plains, south in winter in Panama.
The Orchard Oriole, as its vernacular name would indicate, is a com-
mon inhabitant of orchards, particulary apple orchards.
Late in April or early in May, usually a few days after the shrill notes
of the Baltimore Oriole have been heard, the subject of this present
sketch arrives from his winter retreats in tropical America. This species
appears to arrive singly or in pairs, the males come at least two or three
days before the females. The Orchard Oriole is of a rather shy disposi-
tion, and although he is a common frequenter of the fruit and shade trees,
both in town and country, he prefers to shelter his body in the thick-
est portion of the leafy branches, from which his peculiar somewhat
harsh and rattling though not unmusical notes are frequently heard
when the vivacious little minstrel is entirely hidden from view. Some-
times, however, he will, like the Indigo-bird or Brown Thrush, perch on
the topmost limbs and sing with the greatest energy. As soon as the
young are hatched his rapid and confused song ceases. The firm and
somewhat long cup-shaped nest, constructed of fine green grass stems
most beautifully interwoven and lined on the bottom with downy sub-
stances, is usually placed among the upright twigs of an applej pear or
maple limb. When such a site is selected the nest is not pensile ; on
two occasions, however, I have found nests which were suspended from
small bifurcated branches. The nests, before the eggs are hatched, have
an odor similar to that of new hay. The eggs, mostly five, are
bluish-white, indistinctly dotted with bluish-gray, and conspicuously
spotted (sometimes lined) with brown and black. They measure about
.86 by .58. In the late summer, preparatory to migrating south, these
birds collect in flocks * of from fifteen to thirty, seldom more, and are
frequently to be seen flitting through the bushes and trees along the
roadside or about the borders of woods and clearings.
The food of this species consists chiefly of insects. They destroy great
quantities of caterpillars, as well as other destructive larvae. Immense
numbers of noxious beetles, numerous plant-lice, many spiders and flies
'These flocks, I think, are composed entirely of young of the first year.
216
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
are captured during their foraging expeditions in the orchard, field and
garden. " Rose-slugs," " cabbage-worms " and grasshoppers are eagerly
devoured by Orchard Orioles. They subsist to a small extent on soft
fruits (strawberries, mulberries and raspberries) when the same are in
season, and occasionally feed on apple and pear blossoms, their depre-
dations, however, in these directions are very unimportant.
The food-materials of sixteen Orchard Orioles examined by the author
are given in the following table :
No.
DATE.
LOCALITY.
FOOD-MATERIALS.
I
May 11. 1880,
Berwyn, Pa
Small green worms, " on apple tree.
2
May 15, 1880.
Chester county. Pa.
Small worms" and beetles.
3
May 15, 1880.
Chester county, Pa.
Beetles.
4
May 17. 1880.
Chester county, Pa.
Vegetable matter (not determined).
5
May 23. 1880,
Chester county, Pa.
Caterpillar, beetles and tiies.
6
May , 1881,
Chester county, Pa.
Beetles and few small seeds.
May 8, 1883.
Chester county, Pa.
Caterpillars and beetles.
8
May 13, 1883.
Chester county, Pa.
Small green worms and beetles, on apple trees.
9
May 17, 1883.
Chester county. Pa.
Beetles and larvae.
10
11
May 17. 1883.
May 21. 1883.
Chester county. Pa.
Chester county, Pa.
Numerous small green-colored beetles.
Caterpi liar, beetles and some little vegetable matter.
12
June 10. 1880.
Newark, Delaware,
Beetles and flies.
13
June 1, 1883,
Chester county, Pa.
Caterpillar and vegetable matter.
14
June 4. 1884.
Chester county. Pa.
Small worms and beetles.
lo
June 7, 1884,
Chester county, Pa.
Caterpillars, small green beetles and other insects.
16
July 20, 1884,
Chester county, Pa.
Small seeds and flies.
Icterus galbula (LraN.).
Baltimore Oriole; Hanging-bird.
DESCRIPTION (Plate 89).
The adults and young vary greatly in plumage. The adult female and young male
frequently can only be distinguished by dissection. Length about 8 inches ; extent
about 12| inches ; female smaller.
Habitat. Eastern United States ; west nearly to the Rocky mountains.
The Baltimore Oriole is quite plentifully distributed throughout Penn-
sylvania as a summer resident. This well-known and beautiful species
winters, it is stated, in Cuba, Mexico and Central America, and in the
spring migrates northward, arriving in this latitude from April 25 to
May 1. The males come mostly a few days in advance of the females,
and appear usually in parties of five or eight, sometimes, though rarely,
flocks of fifteen or twenty individuals are observed. These birds at first,
and particularly if several should be together, are generally found fre-
quenting forests; especially do they delight in gleaning among the
branches of the hickory, maple and oak trees. The Baltimore Oriole,
like the preceding species, is a common frequenter about the habitations
of man. This bird is known by a variety of names, most of which have
reference to his showy dress. The appellation " Baltimore," Dr. Coues
writes, " is not from the city of that name, but from the title of Sir
George Calvert, first baron of Baltimore ; the colors of the bird being
chosen for his livery, or resembling those of his coat-of-arms." Key to
N. A. Birds, p. 408. The terms Golden-robin, Fire-bird and Bed-bird,
PLATE 53-
' V i 2
fern,
i. Adult; 2. Young. Fall
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 217
are in allusion to the orange coloration, brightest on the breast, but
varying in amount as well as brilliancy with age and season. He is also
called Hang-nest and Hanging-bird, from the i'act that he, assisted by
his mate, constructs a most elaborate pensile nest, so frequently seen
swinging in the pendant branches of the drooping willow, the spreading
elm, the stately poplar or the tall sycamore. Nest building, in this
locality, is begun late in May or early in June. The male devotes him-
self, principally, to collecting the building materials, while upon the
female, Mr. Gentry states, " devolves the duty of weaving the ingre-
dients together, which is the labor of a week of almost steady applica-
tion." The nest, composed of various materials,* such as strings, pieces
of lint, rags, plant-fibers, hair, etc., which are capable of being woven
together, is always suspended from the pendulous branches of a tree
either in an orchard, lawn or woods. The bottom of this swaying, cylin-
dric and pouch-like abode is lined with different downy substances. The
nests are generally so placed that they are sheltered by a bunch of
leaves hanging from above, sometimes, however, when insufficient protec-
tion is thus furnished by nature, these weaver-birds, to shield their hid-
den treasures from sun and rain, will construct a canopy of strings, etc.,
above the top of their house. The eggs, commonly five in number, are
a little larger than those of the Orchard Oriole. They are whitish,
dotted, blotched, spotted and sinuously lined with black and brown.
The Baltimore Oriole feeds chiefly on various forms of insect-life. The
destructive apple-tree caterpillars, as well as other caterpillars, are de-
stroyed in great quantities by these birds, who not only subsist to a
considerable extent on these and other larvae, but likewise, Nuttall states,
feed their young principally on soft caterpillars. The orioles also cap-
ture large numbers of beetles, flies, spiders, etc., in the fruit and forest
trees. They occasionally feed on the blossoms of the apple, pear,
rnaple and other trees. A juicy cherry is relished, and different kinds
of small berries are fed upon to a more or less extent. Mr. Gentry in
relation to this species says: "This oriole deserves our favor and
esteem for the numerous insects of an injurious character which it de-
stroys, which thus compensate for the trifling injuries which it commits
in the destruction of the succulent pea and the blossoms of the cherry
and apple which it rifles of their stamens and ovaries."
To Prof. A. Wanner, of York, Pa., I am indebted for the following in-
teresting note concerning this species: "Several years ago I observed
some Baltimore Orioles in my yard opening the rough (on the exterior)
almond-shaped cocoons that hung from the limbs of fruit trees. The
birds systematically hunted limb after limb in quest of the cocoons,
* The following interesting extract is taken from a letter sent to the author by Dr. John W. Detwiller
of Northampton county : "The late Dr. H. Detwiller, of Easton, Penna. , had a female Baltimore Oriole
in confinement for several years. It became so tame that it had the liberty to fly about the house as it
pleased; it built a nest from the Doctor's gray hair which it would pull from his head. This remarkable
piece of bird architecture is now In the possession of Mr. Mlnnot, of Germantown, Pennsylvania. "
218
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
and as soon as they were found the orioles opened them and took out
the larvae at the rate of two in a minute. I watched the birds and timed
them."
The food materials of twenty-six of these birds examined by the
author and Mr. Benj. M. Everhart are given below:
No.
DATE.
LOCALITY.
FOOD-MATERIALS.
1
May 4.1880,
Chester county, Pa.
Beetles and blossoms.
2
May 10. 1880,
Chester county. Pa.
Beetles and diptera.
3
May 6.1380.
Chester county. Pa.
Vegetable matter, apparently blossoms.
4
May 6,1330.
Chester county, Pa.
Beetles and vegetable matter.
5
May 10.1380.
Chester county. Pa.
Beetles and vegetable matter.
6
May 11,1830.
Chester county, Pa.
Caterpillars, fragments of beetles, small green worms and leaves.
7
June 6,1880,
New Castle co. . Del.
Beetles.
8
June 11, 1880,
New Castle co., Del.
Beetles and vegetable matter (blossoms).
9
May 19', 1882,
Chester county, Pa.
Larvae, diptera and beetles.*
10
May 19.1882,
Chester county. Pa.
Larvae, diptera and beetles.*
11
May 19.1882.
Chester county, Pa.
Beetles and Hies.*
12
May 19, 1882,
Chester county, Pa.
Beetles and flies.*
13
May 7.1883,
Chester county, Pa.
Larvae and beetles (on apple tree)
14
May 7,1883,
Chester county. Pa.
Beetles and diptera.*
15
May 7,1883,
Chester county, Pa.
Beetles and diptera.*
16
May 7.1883,
Chester county. Pa.
Black beetles.*
17
May 13,1883,
Chester county. Pa.
Small black beetles (on apple tree).
18
19
May 13, 1883,
May 14.1883,
Chester county, Pa.
Chester county. Pa.
Small black beetles (on apple tree ).
Larvae, beetles and traces of vegetable matter. *
20
May 14,1883,
Chester county, Pa.
Larvae.*
21
May 14, 1883,
Chester county. Pa.
Beetles.*
22
May 14, 1883,
Chester county, Pa.
Larvae and beetles.*
23
May 21,1883.
Chester county. Pa.
Larvae.
24
May 21 1883,
Chester county. Pa.
Larvae.
25
May 25, 1883,
Chester county, Pa.
Beetles and larvae.
26
June 1,1883.
Chester county, Pa.
Beetles and larvae.
GENUS SCOLECOPHAGUS SWAINSON.
Scolecophagus carolinus (MULL.).
Busty Blackbird.
DESCRIPTION.
Bill shorter than head and rather slender ; legs and feet dark ; iris pale-straw
color ; light line over eye.
M a le. General color black and somewhat glossy ; feathers of upper part very
rusty ; lower parts rusty but lighter.
Female. Brownish-slate color, more or less rusty. Length about 9| inches ; ex-
tent about 15 inches ; female little smaller.
Habitat. Eastern North America, west to Alaska and the plains. Breeds from
northern New England northward.
The Kusty Grackle, the only blackbird occurring regularly in Penn-
sylvania which does not breed here, can readily be recognized from
other species by its ferruginous plumage and yellow or light-colored
eyes. The Busty Blackbirds winter in the southern states, passing
southward as far as Florida, where I have observed them in February
and March. When journeying to their breeding grounds, from the
northern New England states to Labrador, etc., this species, according
to my observation, migrates singly or in pairs, but never in flocks.
These birds arrive in Pennsylvania, occasionally, as early as March 1,
Feeding In hickory trees.
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 219
and some seasons they are not observed before April 1 ; they usually,
however, come about the middle of March, and frequent chiefly, during
their brief sojourn, bushy and marshy situations generally. After
having reared their young they again make their appearance in this
state about the middle of October (sometimes as early as the first of
October), and often are seen as late as the 20th of November. In the
autumn the Kusty Blackbirds are observed in flocks of from eight
to a dozen or fifteen, seldom more. At this time they inhabit the
same localities that were resorted to in spring, and visit also corn
and other grain fields ; like the Cowbirds, that depart usually by the
time their rusty-coated relatives arrive, they often frequent pasture
grounds among the cattle. I have never seen these birds alight on the
backs of cattle as Crows and Cowbirds sometimes are in the habit of
doing. The only note I have ever heard this bird utter is a short and
rather low chuck. The food of this species consists largely of beetles,
grasshoppers, snails and earth-worms. They feed to considerable ex-
tent on the seeds of various plants ; different kinds of small berries are
added to their menu ; the scattered grains of wheat, rye or other cereals,
which are to be found in the fields and meadows, are likewise eaten.
When in cornfields they sometimes perch on the shocks and pick from
the ears a few grains, the damage, however, which they do in this way
is of but little importance.
GENUS QUISCALUS VIEILLOT.
Quiscalus quiscula (LiNN.).
Purple Grackle ; Common Crow Blackbird.
DESCRIPTION (Plate 61. Fig. 1.}
Bill stout, about as long as head ; bill and feet black ; iris yellow. In life may be
recognized by the V-shaped tail, so conspicuous when flying. Head and neck all
well denned steel-blue, the rest of the body with varied reflections of bronze, golden,
green, copper and purple, the latter most conspicuous, especially on tail, the tail-
coverts and wings.
Female. Similar, but smaller and duller, with more green on the head.
Young. Very similar to female. The eyes of young birds are brown.
Male. Measures about 13 inches long and 18 inches in extent
Habitat. Atlantic states, from Florida to Long Island.
It can safely be said that of the numerous representatives of the Avian
tribes abounding throughout this great commonwealth, no species is
more abundant or familiarly known than is the subject of this article.
Early in the month of March this species arrives in Pennsylvania in
large-sized flocks from their wintering resorts, viz : Virginia, the Caro-
linas, Georgia and other of the southern states.
During mild winters, however, I have frequently observed them, in
limited numbers, in this section (Chester county), also in the county of
220 BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
New Castle, Delaware ; correctly speaking, however, we cannot properly
regard these birds as winter residents of the Keystone State.
For a period of about one month following their vernal arrival they
roam over the country, frequenting chiefly meadows, low lands and
plowed fields. On the approach of night they collect in large numbers
in some favorite roosting place, such as cedar or pine trees, thick woods,
or dense thickets.
Nest-building is usually begun about the middle of April, although
on two or three occasions I have found nests, with full complements of
eggs, as early as the first week in April.
In colonies of from ten to twenty, seldom more, they locate them-
selves for the purpose of nidification and reproduction. In this locality
(Chester county) their favorite breeding resorts are apple orchards, the
fruit and other trees commonly about the habitations of man. The nest
is bulky and rudely constructed externally of rootlets, small twigs, dry
plants, bits of corn-blades, etc., somewhat loosely but quite firmly
bound together. Mud or mudded materials frequently enter into the
construction of the nest, but this is not always the case ; the interior is
lined usually with fine grasses ; occasionally I have seen leaves and feath-
ers constituting the internal lamina. The construction of the nest
occupies about one week; both sexes engage in its erection. It is
built at the junction of two or more large-sized limbs or among the
sprouts and matted twigs. The nests vary somewhat in size, but the
one now before me about the average gives the following dimensions :
Height, 6J inches; diameter, 7| inches; depth of cavity, 3 inches.
Gentry observes that the female begins to deposit her eggs, one ovum
per day, the day following the completion of the nest. Such may be
the case, but my observation has been that oviposition does not often
take place until three or even five days subsequent to the completion of
the nest. The complement of eggs is commonly spoken of as six ; gen-
erally, however, I have found five, and regard this number as the full quota.
The eggs are light greenish (sometimes pale rusty-brown), spotted,
blotched and lined with black and dark-brown ; they measure about li
inches long and .90 of an inch wide. The period of incubation is from
fourteen to fifteen days. The parent birds evince marked solicitude for
their nest and its contents.
It is evident from the writings of various authorities that the nesting
sites of this species vary considerably. By Nuttall and others we are
informed that they sometimes build in bushes. From the works of
Audubon it is learned that in the south they build chiefly in hollow
trees. I have found these birds building in common house ivy (Hedera
helix) but never in bushes, and only on two occasions have I discovered
their nests in hollow trees ; both of these nests were built in apple trees.
One was constructed in a limb about seven feet from the ground, the
Flate 54.
1. Cliff Swallow. 2. B&rn Swallows.
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 221
other was placed about twenty feet from the earth, neither of these
differed materially in their make-up from the average nest.
FOOD.
To our agriculturist this is a subject worthy of some consideration.
It appears to be the prevailing opinion among many farmers the ma-
jority in fact that Crow Blackbirds are in many ways detrimental, and
in no particular are they beneficial. This belief, evidently handed down
from one generation to another, is taken in its full meaning, widely
at variance with positive fact. Among the first of our vernal migrants
come the Crow Blackbirds in large flocks which disperse themselves
over the country, frequenting, principally, as previously stated, meadow
lands and humid grounds in quest chiefly of an insect diet, that is only
occasionally diversified by a grain of corn, wheat or oats, and such seeds
as may be found in seeking the hidden insect.
In the wake of the plowman, as he turns the crumbling earth, closely
follow the argus-eyed Grackles, ever on the alert to seize the wriggling
worm, the agile beetle, or the glistening grub, and the numerous larvcv
thrown out as each furrow is turned. Certainly, at this season our sable
acquaintances are engaged only in that which will prove of utility to the
cultivator when his crops are growing. We repeatedly hear of how the
blackbirds tear up and devour the young and growing corn. This, un-
questionably, is sometimes the case, but I am confident that the destruc-
tion thus done is much exaggerated. I am aware that on more than one
occasion I have seen the tender blades of corn lying on the ground
where were actively at work Crow Blackbirds, a number of which were
shot, and on post-mortem dissection their stomachs revealed almost en-
tirely insects. Some six years ago I was visiting a friend who had thirty
odd acres of corn (maize) planted. Quite a number of " blackies," as he
styled them, were plying themselves with great activity about the grow-
ing cereal. We shot thirty -one of these birds feeding in the cornfield.
Of this number nineteen showed only cut-worms in their stomachs. The
number of cut-worms in each, of course, varied, but as many as twenty-
two were taken from one stomach. In seven some corn was found, in
connection with a very large excess of insects, to wit : Beetles, earth-
worms and cut-worms. The remaining five showed chiefly beetles.
Comment is frequently made with regard to the Purple Grackles pil-
laging the cherry trees. To some extent this is true, but certainly the
amount of fruit taken is small, far less than that injured by the well-
known Cedar or Cherry Bird (Ampelis cedrorum).
Strawberries, blackberries and other fruits are fed upon, but to a very
limited extent, by this species. The diet of the young birds, while under
parental care, is almost exclusively insectivorous, consisting mainly of
caterpillars and grubs.
It is a well-established fact that they are given to pillaging the eggs
222 BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
of other birds, especially the common Robin. Gentry, however, states that
they destroy the young- of birds, a fact, as yet, unobserved by the writer.
In referring 1 to this species, Wilson very aptly remarks : " As some
consolation to the industrious cultivator, I can assure him that were I
placed in his situation, I should hesitate whether to consider these birds
most as friends or enemies, as they are particularly destructive to almost
all the noxious worms, grubs and caterpillars that infest his fields, which,
were they allowed to multiply unmolested, would soon consume nine-
tenths of all the productions of his labor and desolate the country with
the miseries of famine."
In concluding', attention is called to several series of stomach exami-
nations, made at different periods during the past seven years, and from
such work the reader can draw his own conclusions.
March Twenty-nine examined. They showed chiefly insects and
seeds ; in five corn was present, and in four wheat and oats were found.
All of these grains, however, were in connection with an excess of insect
food.
April Thirty-three examined. They revealed chiefly insects, with but
a small amount of vegetable matter.
May Eighty-two examined. Almost entirely insects, cut-worms be-
ing especially frequent.
June Forty-three examined. Showed generally insects, cut worms
in abundance ; fruits and berries present, but to very small extent.
July Twenty-four examined. Showed mainly insects ; berries pres-
ent in limited amount.
August Twenty-three examined. Showed chiefly insects, berries and
corn.
September Eighteen examined. Showed insects, berries, corn and
seeds.
October During this month (1882), the writer made repeated visits
to roosting resorts, where these birds were collected in great numbers,
and shot three hundred and seventy-eight, which were examined. Of
this number the following is the result of examinations, in detail, of one
hundred and eleven stomachs:
Thirty, corn and coleoptera (beetles); twenty-seven, corn only ; fifteen,
orthoptera (grasshoppers) ; eleven, corn and seeds ; eleven, corn and orthop-
tera ; seven, coleoptera; three, coleoptera and orthoptera; three, wheat
and coleoptera ; two, wheat and corn ; one, wheat ; one, diptera (flies).
The remaining two hundred and sixty-seven birds were taken from the
10th to the 31st of the month, and their food was found to consist almost
entirely of corn.
These examinations show that late in the fall, when insect food is
scarce, corn is especially preyed upon by these birds, but during the
previous periods of their residence with us, insects form a large portion
of their diet.
In the West Chester (Pa.) Daily News, June 15, 1880, the following men-
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 223
tion of the Crow Blackbird was made on the authority of the late David
Euen, Esq, of Phoenixville, Pa. : " A day or two since, while Edward
Entwisle, and another resident (David Euen), of Phoenixville, were walk-
ing along- French creek in that town, they saw a common Crow Black-
bird fly to the water's edge and take therefrom a minnow which it
swallowed." The fish-eating habit of the Crow Blackbird, in Pennsyl-
vania, is of rare occurrence, and beyond the record above given by Mr.
Euen there are no records, known to me, showing a piscivorous desire
on the part of the species in this commonwealth. At various times in
the past eight years, I have examined the stomach contents of some
seven hundred Crow Blackbirds, captured in Pennsylvania and Delaware,
yet in this large number nothing was found to lead one to suspect a fish-
eating habit. In Florida, the Grackle, according to my investigations,
takes most kindly to a fish diet. Since the latter part of February, 1885,
I have dissected the alimentary tracts of forty -four of this species, seven-
teen of which were secured in Florida, along the St. John's river. These
seventeen examples, obtained at various periods from March 1 to May
7, 1885, showed generally an insect-food preference beetles, principally.
Six of the number, however, revealed unmistakable evidences of having
taken as nourishment fishes, as will be seen by this table :
No.
DATE.
LOCALITY.
FOOD-MATERIALS.
1
2
3
4
5
6
March 3. 1885. . . .
April 21. 1885, . . .
April 10. 1885, . . .
March 14, 1885. . . .
April 29, 1885, . . .
May , 1885, . . .
Volusia county, Fla., .
Orange county. Fla
Orange county, Kla
Volusia county, Fla
Volusia county, Fla
Volusia county, Fla
Five small fishes, beetles and grub.
Three fishes, beetles and mulberries.
Remains of fishes, beetles, small seeds, etc.
Remains of fishes, beetle, oats and corn.
Cray-fish, minnow and different insects.
Remains of fishes and green-colored beetle.
Of the forty birds above mentioned, twenty-seven w.ere taken in Ches-
ter county, Pa., during May, June and July, feeding chiefly along the
fertile banks of the Brandywine creek. In this series, however, not a
single individual was found to possess a trace which would show in the
northern birds a fish-food want. A Florida fisherman, during the early
part of April, 1885, caught a number of " perch " which spoiled before a
market could be found for them. The decaying carcasses were tossed
into the river, to float away or to be " gobbled up " by the voracious
"catties." Several of these defunct fishes lodged among the shell rocks
lining the banks. Probably an hour after the cast-aways had lain 'along
the riverside, three Crow Blackbirds were seen quoting the phraseology
of a "cracker" who was present at the time "to jine de fish and feast
'emselves to plum fulness." After the departure of the sable visitants,
an inspection of the feeding-place revealed that the birds had picked out
the eyes of seven, or all but one, of the fishes, three of which were con-
siderably torn about the abdominal regions. The mutilated condition
of the belly muscles is mainly attributed to the fact that the fish had
been eviscerated before having been thrown away, hence these incised
parts were more accessible to mandibular action than other and unbroken
224 BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
parts of the scaly anatomy. Certainly, there is no obvious reason why
the abdominal and neighboring pectoral portions of a " perch " should
be more palatable to the sprightly " White-eyed Jackdaw," as the native
Floridians are accustomed to term the species.
The Bronzed Grackle (Q. quisculaceneus, Ridgw.)is the common Crow
Blackbird found in the western part of Pennsylvania west of the Alle-
gheny mountains. In eastern Pennsylvania this bird is rather rare. This
variety differs from the typical quiscula chiefly in having a uniform
brassy-colored body, and wings and tail purplish or violet, never bluish.
FAMILY FRINGILLID^E. FINCHES, SPARROWS, ETC.
THE SPARROWS, ETC.
Over thirty species of this, the largest North American family, are found in Penn-
sylvania, either as residents, summer residents, regular spring and fall migrants, or
casual visitors. Some species, especially the male Grosbeaks, also the male Purple
Finch, Dickcissel, Indigo-bird, Towhee, Crossbills, Junco, Red-poll and Goldfinch
are highly colored, being conspicuously marked with either one or more of these col-
ors, red, yellow, black and blue ; others, in fact the majority, are plainly attired ; the
Snowflake, when found in this state, is showily dressed in a garb of white and brown.
The eyes, in all species other than the Towhee, which are red or yellowish, are brown
or hazel. During the breeding season these birds are commonly seen singly or in
pairs ; but, at other times, many of them, particularly the English Sparrow, Snowflake,
Red-poll, etc., are to be observed in large flocks, and small flocks or companies of all
but a few species, which occur here, are frequently seen in fields, woods, thickets or
in tangled weeds, grasses and briery places about streams and bushy swamps. Species
are also common and familiar visitors to our orchards, yards and gardens. They
subsist mainly on a vegetable diet, consisting largely of divers seeds ; but many of
them, especially the English Sparrow, the Rose- breasted, Pine and Evening Gros-
beaks, likewise the Purple Finch, the White-throated Sparrow and the two species
of Crossbills, feed extensively on buds and other soft vegetable substances. The
young of most, in fact nearly all, of these birds are fed largely on an insect diet, and
during the breeding season many of the adult Fringillidcc also subsist to a consid-
erable extent on different kinds of insect-life, particularly small larvae, flies, spiders
and the smaller beetles. Their nests are built usually in bushes or trees, but some
build on the ground. Nearly all of these birds sing, "with varying ability and
effect ; some of them are among our most delightful vocalists" (Coites). "Prima-
ries 9 ; bill very short, abruptly conical and robust. Commissure strongly angu-
lated at base of bill. Nostrils placed very high ; rictal bristles usually obvious :
wings usually rather long and pointed. Tarsi scutellate in front, but the sides with
two undivided plates meeting behind and producing a rather sharp posterior ridge.
Tail of twelve feathers, but variable in form."
GENUS COCCOTHRAUSTES BRISSON.
Coccothraustes vespertina (Coop.).
Evening Grosbeak.
DESCRIPTION (.Plate 92).
Bill very large and stout, over of an inch long and a little less in width at base ;
color greenish-yellow.
Male. Forehead, line over eye, lower part of back and rump, under tail-coverts
and lower part of belly yellow ; crown, tibiae, tail and its upper coverts and wings
BIR DS OF PENNSYL VANIA . 225
black ; secondaries mostly white. Rest of head, neck all around and anterior parts
of body, dusky olivaceous, becoming paler behind. Female and young much
duller with less yellow, and more brownish-ash ; lower parts very pale, almost white
on belly. Length about 8| ; wing about 4^ ; tail 3.
Habitat. Western North America, east to Lake Superior, and casually to Ohio,
Pennsylvania, New York and Ontario ; from the Fur countries south into Mexico.
The Evening- Grosbeak first made its appearance in Pennsylvania in
December last, and during the months of January, February, March
and April (1890) scattered individuals or flocks containing from six to
twenty or more were frequently seen. From my own personal obser-
vations, as well as from reports received through the courtesy of other
observers, it appears these birds were quite common in many of the
western, northern and central parts of the state, but rare, or not seen at
least, in some of the eastern counties from the date of their first appear-
ance to the present time (May 15, 1890). Referring to my note-book I
find single birds, but mostly small parties, were observed at different
periods from December 17 to April 12, inclusive, in the following coun-
ties : Erie, Crawford, Warren, Elk, Cameron, Susquehanna, Wyoming,
Clinton, Lycoming, Venango, Beaver, Westmoreland, Somerset, Colum-
bia, Washington and Lackawanna. Mr. Geo. P. Friant, of Scranton,
obtained from a hunter in Wyoming county, in the latter part of April
last, a number of these grosbeaks, which were at that time said to be
abundant at West Nicholson. The stomach contents of a dozen or more
specimens which I examined consisted chiefly of seeds and green-colored
vegetable substances, apparently buds. From the Forest and Stream of
May 8, 1890, the following article, written May 1, by Mr F. F. Castle-
bury, Montoursville, Lycoming county, is taken : " Early in last Jan-
uary a friend described to me a flock of strange birds he had seen the
day before. From the imperfect description given I concluded they
were Snow Buntings, and so paid no further attention to the matter. A
few weeks later he killed three of them, and then I saw at once they
were unlike any bird I had ever seen here. Upon investigation I found
them to be Evening Grosbeaks. They have never before been recorded
as appearing east of Ohio, and but seldom east of Lake Superior, but as
is well-known, a number of specimens have been taken in this state and
in New York during the past winter. The birds, numbering about forty,
have kept together in a single flock all through their stay. Their food
seems to consist entirely of wild cherry pits. They readily crack the
stones with their stout bills, and a flock feeding on these makes a noise
resembling a miniature Fourth of July celebration. The male has a
loud, clear and beautiful song, while both birds have a peculiar piping
whistle, which is apparently used as a call note, and is kept up con-
stantly. Two or three weeks, ago the birds became quite uneasy, keep-
ing well to the tops of the trees and ranging for miles up and down the
river ; but they finally returned to their old haunts, and now seem to
15 BIRDS.
226 BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
have lost in a measure their tribal organization, and to-day, April 30,
they are to be found in all parts of the grove, making love to each other
in much the same manner as Turtle Doves, seemingly well contented with
what I believe will prove to be their summer home."*
GENUS PINICOLA VIEILLOT.
Pinicola enucleator canadensis (CAB.).
Pine Grosbeak.
DESCRIPTION (Plate 93).
Bill and legs blackish.
Male, adult. General color light rose-pink ; scapulars and feathers of back have
dusky centers, giving a spotted appearance ; belly and lower tail-coverts ashy or
whitish ; wings and tail dusky and edged with whitish ; wings have two wiiitish
bars. Female grayish with bright olive-yellow head and rump, and breast also, in
some specimens, with a tinge of same. The young resemble the female. Length
about 8f inches ; wing 4.60 ; tail 4.10.
"Habitat. Northern North America in general, breeding from northern New
England, Labrador, etc., to Alaska (except coast south of the peninsula) and south
in higher Kocky mountains to Utah and Colorado ; in winter south to northern
United States." Ridg way.
Irregular winter visitor, much oftener met with in the pine and hem-
lock forests of the northern parts of the state than elsewhere. This
species, when found here, is usually observed in small flocks, but often-
times individuals are seen in company with English Sparrows, Cross-
bills, etc. In the winter of 1889-90 Pine Grosbeaks were very common
in Susquehanna, "Wayne, Wyoming and Lackawanna counties, from
which localities the writer obtained, through the kindness of Mr. James
C. Smith, of Montrose, and Mr. Geo. P. Friant, of Scranton, over forty
specimens in various stages of plumage, fn the neighborhood of
Montrose, Susquehanna county, where these birds were particularly
numerous last winter (1889-90) they were called by boys and hunters
" Red English Sparrows." The stomach contents of twenty odd of these
birds examined by the writer consisted principally of small seeds and
buds. The buds of different trees, etc., are eaten by these Grosbeaks,
but those of the hickory and maple are fed upon to a very considerable
extent.
* Mr. F. F. Castlebury, in a letter dated September 29. 1890, informs me that the Evening Grosbeaks
remained about Montoursville until May llth, when they disappeared, being driven away by a gunner
who killed and wounded several of them. Mr. Castlebury also adds that some of his neighbors claim
that these Grosbeaks were seen at different times during the summer, but he is under the impression
that the female Rose-breasted Grosbeaks (Habia ludoviciana). which were quite plentiful, were mis-
taken for the Evening Grosbeak. Mr. Ed. Allen, of Montoursville, to whom the writer is under obliga-
tions for several very fine specimens of Evening Grosbeaks, presented to Mr. F. F. Castlebury one of
these birds which had been crippled; this bird soon became so tame that it would take food from the
hand of its owner.
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 227
GENUS CARPODACUS KAUP
Carpodacus purpureus (GMEL.).
Purple Finch ; Crimson Finch.
DESCRIPTION {Plate SO; Figs. 1 and 2).
Adult male. Crimson ; brightest on head ; belly and lower tail-coverts whitish ;
wings and tail dusky ; feathers on middle of back have dark centers. Female and
young olivaceous-brown, paler below, and everywhere streaked, but have no red ;
immature males are found in various conditions of plumage.
Habitat. Eastern North America, from the Atlantic coast to the plains. Breeds
from the Middle States north ward.
The Crimson Finch, so called from the crimson-colored dress of the
adult male, is about as large as the common English Sparrow. This
species breeds occasionally and sparingly in Pennsylvania, particularly
in the northern* parts of the state Erie, Crawford and a few other
counties. I have found these birds to be much more numerous in the
spring and autumn than in winter. They are found chiefly in forests,
though it is not unusual to see them about houses, which they some-
times visit in company with other species of sparrows. These birds are
mostly observed in flocks; in whiter, however, it is not uncommon to
find them singly or in pairs, especially in the southern parts of the
commonwealth. In the spring I have noticed that their brown and cone-
shaped bills are usually covered with particles of buds or other succulent
vegetable substances, on which they mainly subsist at this season ; the
feathers of the forehead and throat are also more or less discolored by
the juices of their plant food. The food of the Crimson Finch is made
up chiefly of vegetable materials, particularly the buds and blossoms of
different forest, fruit and shade trees. Various kinds of small seeds,
as well as berries and some few insects are also eaten. I have examined
the stomach contents of twenty -one Purple Finches captured in Chester
county, Pa., in the latter part of March, during April and from May 1st
to 15th. Sixteen of these birds had fed exclusively on buds and
blossoms; three, small seeds; two, beetles and flies in addition to
vegetable matter. In this locality the buds of the beech and maple
trees constitute a very large proportion of their diet. Wilson writing of
this species says : " This is a winter bird of passage, coming to us in
large flocks from the north in September and October; great numbers
remaining with us in Pennsylvania during the whole winter, feeding on
the seeds of the poplar, button wood, juniper, cedar and on those of
many rank weeds that flourish in rich bottoms and along the margins of
creeks. When the season is very severe, they proceed to the south as
far at least as Georgia, returning north early in April. They now fre-
* According to the observations of my friend Prof. August Kock, this species is a regular breeder in the
city of WlUlamsport (Lycoming county). Their bulky nests, composed externally of twigs or small
sticks, and lined internally with miscellaneous and soft materials, have always been found, by Prof.
Kock. in a Norway or other pine tree. The gentleman named above says he has never known them to
breed in woods in his locality, but always in trees along the streets or in yards.
228 BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
quent the elm trees, feeding on the slender but sweet covering of the
flowers ; and, as soon as the cherries put out their blossoms, feed almost
exclusively on the stamina of the flowers ; afterwards, the apple blossoms
are attacked in the same manner ; and their depredations on these contin-
ued till they disappear, which is usually about the 10th or middle of May."
I have have never found the nest of this bird. According to different
writers it is usually placed in evergreens or orchard trees, and is com-
posed of grass, strips of bark and various vegetable fibers. The eggs,
said to be, usually four in number, are described as being dull-green,
spotted, chiefly about the larger end, with very dark-brown; they vary
considerably in size, but average probably .86 long by .65 wide.
GENUS LOXIA LINNAEUS.
Loxia curvirostra minor
American Crossbill,
DESCRIPTION {Plate 93).
Male dull red ; wings arid tail blackish ; i'emale brownish-olive, tinged with yel-
low and streaked with dusky. Immature birds, often considerably different from
the adults, can always be recognized by their sickle-shaped bills and the absence of
white wing bands. Length about 6 inches ; extent about 11.
Habitat. Northern North America, resident sparingly south in the eastern United
States to Maryland and Tennessee and in the Alleghanies ; irregularly abundant in
winter ; resident south in the Rocky mountains to Colorado.
Two species and one geographical race,* of the genus Loxia are found
in North America. Both species occur in Pennsylvania. Crossbills, as
the name would indicate, can, by their bill alone, be known from all
other of our feathered visitants. The American Crossbill and the White-
winged species may be distinguished without difficulty, if you remem-
ber that the first-named never has white bands on the wings, and the
other species, whether in adult or immature plumage, has, as its specific
name signifies, white wing marks. The Crossbills, inhabitants chiefly
of pine and hemlock forests, are frequently met with, during autumn
and winter months, in various sections of this commonwealth.
The American Crossbill breeds regularly in Clinton, Clearneld, Lu-
zerne, Lycoming and Cameron counties, and also doubtless in the higher
mountainous regions in other parts of the state. Dr. W. L. Hartman,
of Pittston, has taken the nest and eggs of this bird, in March, in Lu-
zerne county, and Prof. August Kock has observed the old birds with
their young early in May feeding on the buds and blossoms of apple
trees about Williamsport. Dr. Yan Fleet informs me they are found at
all seasons about Eenovo. In nearly all the mountainous regions of
Pennsylvania the Crossbills are quite common in winter, and are found
often in large flocks, which number sometimes two hundred, frequent-
* The Mexican Crossbill (Loxia curvirostra stricklandi, Ridgw. ), found in Colorado, southern Arizona
and the table lands of Mexico, is said to differ from the American Crossbill in being brighter in color and
having a slightly larger bill; the lower mandible especially is heavier than that of L. c. minor.
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 229
ing- chiefly pine and hemlock trees, on the seeds of which they mainly
subsist. They also visit log cabins and other buildings about the
forests, and pick at the mud used to fill up the chinks between the logs,
etc. The nest of this bird is said to be built usually in a coniferous
tree and composed of twigs, strips and fibers of bark, hair, small roots,
grasses, etc.; "eggs, three to four, .75 by .57, pale-greenish, spotted and
dotted about larger end with dark, purplish-brown, with lavender shell-
markings." Coues.
Loxia leucoptera GMEL.
White-winged Crossbill.
DESCRIPTION (Plate 93).
Size about same as American Crossbill.
Male. General color rosy-red ; scapulars, wings and tail black.
Female. General color greenish-olive, breast yellowish ; wings and tail dusky-
brown. The young, very similar to female, are streaked with dusky, and all have
tips of middle and greater coverts white, forming two showy white wing bands,
which in any plumage, and their peculiar sickle-like bills, will enable you to dis-
tinguish them from other of the Fringillidce.
Habitat. Northern parts of North America, south into the United States in
winter. Breeds from northern New England northward.
The White-winged Crossbill from all the information I can obtain
does not build in Pennsylvania where it occurs only as a winter visitor.
This species is found in the same localities as the American Crossbill,
but, unlike the last-mentioned bird, it appears to be much less common
and more irregular in its visits. In the winter of 1889-90 White-winged
Crossbills were very common in Wyoming, Lackawanna and Susque-
hanna counties. Crossbills are nearly always to be found in flocks.
The food of this species is similar to that of the American Crossbill.
GENUS ACANTHIS BECHSTEIN.
Acanthis linaria ( LINN. ) .
Redpoll ; Little Snow-bird.
DESCRIPTION.
The small and very acute bill is yellow, a dusky streak extends backward from
point of each mandible ; legs, feet, claws and iris 'dark ; tail deeply forked.
Adult male. Above brownish-yellow, each feather streaked with dark-brown and
margined with grayish ; tail and wings dusky edged with whitish ; two white wing
bars ; a narrow frontal space, throat patch and lores dull black (feathers of frontal
region somewhat whitish). Top of head red ; breast and sides more or less colored
with red ; rump and upper tail-coverts streaked with white and dusky, and in some
specimens tinged with pinkish ; lower parts generally white but sides and under
tail-coverts have dusky streaks.
Female. Very similar to male, but breast is usually of a yellowish tint and not
230 BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
red ; top of head red but not as bright as in male. The red on top of he^id of young
male is often of a coppery hue. Length about 5| inches ; extent about 9 inches.
Habitat. Northern portions of Northern Hemisphere, south irregularly in winter,
in North America, to the middle United States (Washington, D. C., Kansas, south-
eastern Oregon).
The Redpoll, a native of high northern latitudes, occurs in the south-
ern parts of Pennsylvania only as an irregular and occasional winter
visitant, but in some sections of the northern portions of the state it
appears to be a rather common and regular winter visitor. Redpolls
were exceedingly abundant in eastern Pennsylvania in the winter of
1878-79, at which time they were observed about fields and houses in
flocks of from twenty to two hundred or more. Last winter (1889-90)
they were found in large flocks in the neighborhood of Montoursville,
Ly coming county, by Mr. F. F. Castlebury, and they were also quite
plentiful in different sections of Wyoming, Lackawanna and Susque-
hanna counties, where a number of specimens were obtained by Mr.
George P. Friant, of Scranton, and myself. The note of the Redpoll is
very similar to that of the American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis, Linn.).
The food, during their sojourn with us, consists almost entirely of seeds
of various grasses and weeds ; the buds of different trees and some few
insects are also eaten.
GENUS SPINUS KOCH.
Spinus tristis (Lure.).
American Goldfinch; Salad-bird; Wild-canary; Yellow-bird; Thistle-
bird.
DESCRIPTION (Plate 31. Fig. I, adult male in summer).
Legs, feet and bill flesh color. The male in early autumn loses his black cap, and
his bright yellow upper and lower parts change to a dull brownish or greenish-yel-
low, similar to the general plumage of the female. The male in winter may often
be distinguished by the darker tail and wing feathers with their more conspicuous
white or whitish markings.
Female. No black cap ; upper parts olivaceous ; wings and tail dusky, marked
with whitish as in male ; lower parts whitish, more or less tinged with yellowish.
Young. Like winter adults, but duller in color. Length about 5| inches ; extent
about 9 inches.
Habitat. North America generally, breeding southward to the middle districts of
the United States (to about the Potomac and Ohio rivers, Kansas and California),
and wintering mostly south of the northern boundary of the United States.
The American Goldfinch is a common resident in Pennsylvania dur-
ing all seasons. These birds are usually observed in flocks which move
from one locality to another as their food diminishes. Even in the
breeding season (June, July and August), it is not uncommon to find
several families nesting within a short distance of each other. The
males in summer frequently associate in small flocks. The nest, an ex-
ceedingly neat and beautiful cup-shaped structure, is composed exter-
Plate 56.
Ruby-throated Humming-bird.
1. Male; 2. female.
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 231
nally of various pliant plant substances, and lined inside with downy
materials chiefly of a vegetable character ; it is placed usually in the
crotch of a small tree in the orchard, garden, or along the roadside. I
have mostly found their nests, in the vicinity of West Chester, in small
hickory and maple trees. Eggs commonly five, white, with faint blue-
ish tint, .66 by .50. This Goldfinch, particularized by naturalists as
tristis, from its low and plaintive notes, is known by a number of com-
mon names which have reference either to his color or the seeds, etc.,
of plants on which he feeds. These birds subsist mainly on vegetable
materials, particularly different kinds of small seeds of grasses, weeds,
cultivated flowers, etc. The Salad-bird, like the Crimson Finch, is fond
of feasting on the blossoms of apple, cherry and maple trees ; the seeds
of the dandelion, thistle and sunflower enter largely into his bill of
fare. During the summer months, especially when they have young,
the food consists principally of insects, such as small beetles, plant-lice,
different species of flies and small grasshoppers ; also small larvae.
Spinus pinus (WiLS.).
Pine Siskin ; Pine Finch.
DESCRIPTION (Plate 31. Fig. 2).
Bill very acute ; bill, feet and iris brown ; tail forked ; above brownish-olive ; be-
neath whitish, feathers streaked with dusky ; concealed bases of tail feathers and
quills, together with their inner edges, sulphur-yellow ; outer edges of quills and
tail feathers yellowish-green ; two brownish-white bands on the wing ; a bright Bel-
low spot in some specimens back of posterior wing-band.
Young. Similar to adults but more rusty-brown. Length about 4.80 inches ; ex-
tent about 8.75 inches.
Habitat. North America generally, breeding mostly north of the United States
and in the Rocky mountain region ; in winter south to the Gulf states and Mexico.
The Pine Finch is a common winter resident in Pennsylvania. It ar-
rives in this region early in October and departs usually in April.
These birds are found mostly in flocks of twenty to thirty each ; often-
times solitary individuals or pairs are seen in company with snowbirds
and different species of sparrows. As its specific name would indicate
it delights especially to dwell in pine forests. They feed on small seeds,
cones of different pines, small berries, some few insects, and also, to a
small extent, on buds of maple and other trees. I have, several times
during the summer months, seen Pine Finches in the mountainous
regions of our state where, I have no doubt, some every season rear
their young. Prof. August Kock informs me that this species occasion-
ally at least, if not regularly, breeds in the mountainous districts of
Lycoming county.
232 BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
GENUS PLECTROPHENAX STEJNEGER.
Plectrophenax nivalis (LINN.).
Snowflake ; Snow Bunting ; White Snow-bird.
DESCRIPTION (Plate 94).
Length about 7 inches ; extent about 12^ ; legs black.
* Adult in winter plumage. Bill brownish-yellow, darker at point; upper parts
generally brownish and blackish ; central tail leathers and most of the primaries for
about half their length towards ends, blackish ; under surface of wings, most of sec-
ondaries, and lateral tail feathers chiefly white. Under parts chiefly white, sides of
head and chest are more or less distinctly marked with rusty. The female is smaller
than male and has less white on wing.
Habitat. Northern parts of the Northern Hemisphere, breeding in the Arctic re-
gions ; in North America, south in winter into the northern United States, irregu-
larly to Georgia, southern Illinois and Kansas.
This beautiful bird, readily recognized by its white and rusty plum
age occurs in Pennsylvania only as an occasional winter visitant, except
in th^ region about Lake Erie, where Mr. Sennett, and other observers
assure me it is found as a regular winter sojourner. In 1889, Mr. Geo.
Russell, of Erie city, killed one of these birds as early as the 12th of
October, at the bay, where I observed this species in nocks of two hun-
dred or more, in November and December of the same year. When
noted in the other parts of the state Snowflakes are usually seen
in flocks, which sometimes contain one, two or three hundred each.
The Snow Bunting, during its stay in this region, subsists mainly on
seeds of various weeds, grasses, etc., which it finds in fields and meadows.
GENUS CALCARIUS BECHSTEIN.
Calcarius lapponicus (LiNN.).
Lapland Longspur.
DESCRIPTION.
Bill moderate ; hind claw straightish with its digit longer than the middle toe and
claw.
Adult male. Head and throat jet black, bordered with buffyor whitish, which
forms a postocular line separating the black of the crown from that of the sides of
the head ; a broad chestnut cervical collar ; upper parts in general blackish, streaked
with butty or whitish on edges of all the feathers ; below whitish, the breast and
sides streaked with black ; wings dusky, the greater coverts and inner secondaries
edged with dull bay ; tail, dusky, with an oblique white area on the outer feathers ;
bill yellowish, tipped with black ; legs and feet black. Winter, males show less
black on head and the cervical chestnut duller ; the female and young have no con-
tinuous black on head, and the crown is streaked like the back, and there are faint
traces of the cervical collar. Length about 6^ ; extent about 11^ inches. Coues.
* In summer or breeding dress the adults, particularly the males, are pure white, the back, wings and tail
variegated with black. Bill black. The female Is quite similar, but has a little more brownish.
Plate 57.
American Crow. 2, 3. Cow-bird.
Female and Male.
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 233
Habitat. Northern portions of the Northern Hemisphere, breeding far north ; in
North America south in winter to the northern United States, irregularly to the Mid-
dle States, accidentally to South Carolina, and abundantly in the interior to Kansas
and Colorado.
The Lapland Longspur is a tolerably common and regular visitor
about Lake Erie, and at the bay, from November until late in March,
when it is found in small flocks, or scattered individuals are often seen
in company with Horned Larks, Snowflakes or other species of the spar-
row tribe. In other parts of Pennsylvania this species occurs as a rather
rare and irregular winter visitor, and it appears to visit the eastern and
southern parts of the state only in excessively cold weather, accompa-
nied by great snow falls. Feeds on seeds of weeds and grasses, and fre-
quents the same localities as the Snowflake.
GENUS POOC^E3TES BAIRD.
Poocsetes gramineus (GMEL.).
Vesper Sparrow ; Grass Pinch ; Bay-winged Bunting-.
DESCRIPTION (Plate 32. Fi<j. I}.
Length about 6 inches ; extent about 10 inches.
No yellow anywhere ; outer tail feathers partly white, above brownish streaked
with dusky ; below dull white, streaked on sides, throat and breast .with pale brown-
ish ; lesser wing-coverts chestnut.
Habitat. Eastern North America to the plains, from Nova Scotia and Ontario
southward ; breeds from Virginia, Kentucky and Missouri northward.
The Bay-winged Bunting- is a common summer resident in Pennsyl-
vania, and during' the winter months is quite frequently to be met with
in the southern portions of the state. This plainly attired songster may
readily be recognized from other of the Frinyillidce by the bright chest-
nut colored lesser wing-coverts and the white lateral tail feathers, the
latter being- most conspicuous when the bird is flying. These birds in-
habit chiefly dry pasture fields and meadows ; they visit plowed grounds,
and are frequently to be observed perched on fence rails in fields or
along the roadsides, and, as Nuttall remarks, they are fond of dusting
themselves and basking in dry places. Although the Vesper Sparrow
is mainly terrestrial in habits, he may often be seen searching most in-
dustriously in apple trees for various forms of insect life. These birds,
when not engaged in breeding, are more or less gregarious and are often
seen in company with other sparrows. The nest, composed of dried
grasses, is built in a depression in the ground. The top of the nest is
generally on a level with the hollow in which it rests ; sometimes it is
partly concealed by overhanging grasses ; eggs, four to five, grayish-
white or rusty-brown, spotted, lined and blotched with brown and black ;
about .83 of an inch long and .60 of an inch wide.
Bay-winged Buntings subsist principally on seeds of grasses, weeds
234 BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
and other plants. During the summer they feed to a considerable ex-
tent on beetles, flies, spiders, earth-worms and various larvae ; they like-
wise eat strawberries, mulberries, blackberries, and, according to Mr.
Gentry, the fruit of the wild choke-cherry. The buds of apple, beech
and maple trees are also occasionally fed upon.
GENUS AMMODRAMUS SWAINSON.
Ammodramus sandwichensis savanna (WiLS.)-
S avail ii it Sparrow.
DESCRIPTION.
" Feathers of the upper parts generally with a central streak of blackish-brown ;
the streaks of the back with a slight rufous suffusion laterally ; the feathers edged
with gray, which is lightest on the scapulars ; crown with a broad median stripe of
yellowish-gray ; a superciliary streak from the bill to the back of the head, eyelids,
and edge of the wing yellow ; a yellowish -white maxillary stripe curving behind
the ear-coverts, and margined above and below- by brown ; the lower margin is a
series of thickly crowded spots on the sides of the throat, which are also found on the
sides of the neck, across the upper part of the breast, and on the sides of the body ; a
few spots on the throat and chin ; rest of under parts white ; tarsus flesh color ; feet
brown ; iris dark brown. Length about 5.25 inches ; extent about 8.75." .B. B. of
N.A.
Habitat. Eastern province of North America, breeding from the northern United
States to Labrador and Hudson's Bay territory.
The Savanna Sparrow is a moderately abundant spring and fall mi-
grant in eastern Pennsylvania. During mild winters it is not unusual
to find this species in the southern portions of this state ; ordinarily,
however, these birds arrive in Pennsylvania ajbout April 1, and, in pairs
or parties of five or six, may be found frequenting chiefly low damp
ground in open fields (along fences), meadows and the borders of grassy
ponds and pools. I have never observed this sparrow, in the spring,
later than April 25. Dr. John W. Detwiller, of Bethlehem, has found
the Savanna Sparrow nesting in Pennsylvania ; Mr. Sennett also informs
me that it breeds sparingly in Crawford and Erie counties, arid Dr. Yan
Fleet has observed it as a rare native in Clinton county. Never having
been fortunate enough to find the nest or eggs of this bird, I quote the
following concerning them from Dr. Coues' Key : " Nest sunken in ground
flush with surface, of a few grasses and weed-stalks ; eggs, four to six, .70
by .50, varying interminably in their motley coloring ; usually heavily
clouded and blotched with dark brown ; most like those of Pooccetes, but
smaller." This bird is seldom seen to perch on trees or bushes, some-
times, though not often, he may be observed to alight on the lowermost
rails of fences ; but, occasionally, usually when frightened, I have ob-
served them fly into trees and crouch close to the limbs as if endeavor-
ing to hide. When passing southward the Savanna Sparrows make then-
appearance in this locality about the middle of September. Their food
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 235
consists principally of different kinds of small seeds, also small beetles,
grasshoppers, spiders, ants and small mollusca.
Ammodramus savannarum passerinus (WiLS.).
Grasshopper Sparrow ; Yellow-winged Sparrow.
DESCRIPTION (Plate 32. Fig. S).
" Bill stout ; legs flesh color ; tail double rounded. Above brownish-rufous, mar-
gined narrowly and abruptly with ash color ; reddest on lower part of back and
rump ; the feathers all abruptly black in the central portion ; this color visible on
the interscapular region, where the rufous is more restricted ; crown blackish, with
a central and superciliary stripe of yellowish tinged with brown, brightest in front
of the eye ; bend of the wing bright yellow ; lesser coverts tinged with greenish-
yellow ; quills and tail feathers edged with whitish ; tertiaries much variegated ;
lower parts brownish-yellow ; belly white or nearly so ; feathers of upper breast
and sides of body with obsoletely darker centers.
Young. Very similar to adult ; upper part of breast streaked with dark brown,
much more distinct than in the adult, and exhibiting a close resemblance to A. hens-
ioivii. Feathers of upper parts with less brownish rufous but more ashy edgings.
Length about 5 inches ; extent about 8 inches." B. B. N. A.
Habitat. Eastern United States and southern Canada to the plains, south to
Florida, Cuba, Porto Rico and coast of Central America.
This bird is somewhat irregularly distributed. In the southern and
southeastern portions of our state it is quite common from about May 1
to the middle of September. In Crawford and Erie counties, or in the
extreme northwestern part of the commonwealth, Mr. George B. Sennett
has found it to be a rare summer sojourner. It is reported to be a rather
common summer resident in central Pennsylvania. I have found them
to be very common in summer at State College, in Centre county. The
name Grasshopper Sparrow is given because its note bears a very close
resemblance to that of the grasshopper. In Chester and the neighbor-
ing counties this bird is a common frequenter of dry sandy meadows,
clover and grass fields, about which it may often be seen perched on the
top of low weeds or on posts and fence rails. This is one of the spar-
rows to be seen in the summer time perched on the fences along the
roadsides. I have never observed a bird of this species in a tree, and it
rarely is seen to perch on bushes. The nest is built on the ground, and
is usually concealed by a tuft of grass or a bunch of weeds. It is com-
posed of dry grasses, horse hair and fine roots ; eggs, four or five, white
with reddish-brown spots, .72 length by .61 breadth.
The Yellow-winged Sparrow, during its residence with us, feeds prin-
cipally on different kinds of insect life ; the small seeds of various plants,
grasses and weeds are also taken. Beetles, grasshoppers, flies, earth-
worms, etc., are eaten in large numbers ; the young, when in charge of
the parents, are fed chiefly on spiders and larvae.
236 BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
Ammo dram us henslowii (Aim.).
Henslow's Sparrow.
DESCBIPTION.
A little smaller but very similar to the Grasshopper Sparrow ; tail a little longer ;
top of head heavily streaked with black, divided by pale greenish-gray stripe ; occi-
put and back of neck greenish-gray with black streaks; a blackish streak back of
eye, and another one back of lower mandible, throat and belly whitish, conspicuously
streaked with black ; the breast, sides and flanks are light yellowish-brown ; upper
surface of wings mostly chestnut ; back and scapular leathers chestnut with con-
spicuous black centers, edged with whitish, except towards the rump, where the
edgings are mainly olivaceous or buff.
Habitat. Eastern United States, west to the plains, north to southern New Eng-
land and Ontario.
Henslow's Sparrow, according- to my observation, occurs in Pennsyl-
vania as a rare spring- and fall migrant. It frequents fields and mea-
dows, and it easily escapes notice by hiding- in the weeds and grasses.
Nests of this species have been taken in our state by Dr. Detwiller, of
Bethlehem, and Mr. Koddy, of Millersville. Dr. Coues says it is " com-
mon about Washington (D. C.), where it breeds in fields and meadows ;
nest on the ground in tufts of grass. Eggs, four to five, greenish-
white, profusely speckled with reddish, .75 by .57." This sparrow ar-
rives here about the first of May and departs in September. Food about
same as that of the Grasshopper Sparrow.
GENUS ZONOTRICHIA SWAINSOK.
Zonotrichia leucophrys (FoRST.).
White-crowned Sparrow.
DESCRIPTION {Plate 95).
Length about 7^ inches ; extent about 10| ; no yellow 011 head or wing, as in the
next species. Adult may be known by conspicuous black and white head stripes,
and the light grayish or ashy markings well shown in plate. " Young, first winter,
head-stripes chestnut-brown and dull buff; otherwise similar to adult. Young,
first plumage, crown dusky-blackish on sides, the middle whitish, streaked with
dusky ; throat and breast more or less streaked with dusky." Ornith. of 111. Ridgw.
Habitat. North America at large, breeding chiefly in the Rocky mountain region
(including Sierra Nevada) and northeast to Labrador.
Regular, but not common spring and fall migrant, and occasionally a
few are found during mild winters in the southern parts of the state.
This species frequents the same localities as the White-throated Spar
row, but it is less frequently seen in woods and orchards than the last-
mentioned bird, being mostly found about brush heaps, along hedge
rows and bushy places in fields and near the borders of woods, etc. Its
food consists chiefly of small seeds of different grasses, weeds, etc., and
it also feeds to some extent on buds and blossoms of different trees,
bushes, etc.
Plate 58.
1. Red-breasted Nut-h&teh. 2, 3. Purple Martin.
Kale and Female.
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 237
Zonotrichia albicollis (GMEL.).
White-throated Sparrow.
DESCRIPTION (Plate 95).
Size about same as leucophrys.
Male. Two broad black stripes on crown divided by a narrow white line, a showy
yellow stripe, from bill to middle of eye, joins a white stripe which runs back to the
occiput; throat patch white; edge of wing yellow. Upper parts mostly chestnut
streaked with black ; two showy white wing bars ; sides of head, neck in front, and
breast, ashy or pale lead color. The female is similar but duller. The young and
most specimens taken in autumn have throat, breast, and sides, more or less streaked
with dusky. In a large number of specimens before me I see a trace of yellow be-
tween the eyes and bill, as well as on edge of wing. These yellow markings and
the large size are sufficient to identify the species.
Habitat. Eastern North America, west to the plains, north to Labrador and the
Fur Countries. Breeds in northern Michigan, northern New York and northern New-
England, and winters from the Middle States southward.
This beautiful sparrow, one of our most common spring- and fall mi-
grants, is found usually in small flocks about woods, apple orchards,
gardens and shrubbery. In the spring, particularly in April, and the
early part of May, the White-throats subsist largely, indeed chiefly, on
the buds and blossoms of the apple, beech and maple trees. During-
their vernal migrations they may be observed, singly or in flocks, de-
vouring the tender growth of beech trees, along the edges of woods,
particularly those in the neighborhood of running- streams. While it is
true that the buds and blossoms of apple, maple and some few other
trees are eaten, I am quite certain that their favorite articles of diet, in
the way of buds and blossoms, are those of the beech trees. The dam-
age which these birds do to apple or other fruit trees is so trifling that
the farmer or fruit-grower should not be prejudiced against them. This
species feeds also on various small seeds and different insects. The
White-throated Sparrow is not uncommon as a winter resident in several
of the southern counties of Pennsylvania.
GENUS SPIZELLA BONAPARTE.
Spizella monticola (GMEL.).
Tree Sparrow.
DESCRIPTION (Plate 94).
Length about 6 inches ; extent about 9^ ; the long blackish tail feathers are edged
with whitish ; maxilla dark brown ; mandible yellowish ; legs brown ; toes black-
ish ; crown chestnut (in many specimens the crown feathers, especially in center,
are bordered with grayish); broad whitish line over eye, and back of eye a chestnut
streak ; above, especially middle of back, brownish with dark streaks and paler
edgings ; lower parts whitish ; ashy throat and neck, and brownish on sides and
flanks. No dusky streaks on lower parts, but a conspicuous dusky spot in middle
of breast.
238 BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
Habitat. Eastern North America, westward to the plains, and from the Arctic
ocean ; south in winter, to the Carolinas, Kentucky and eastern Kansas. Breeds
north of the United States, east of the Rocky mountains.
This hardy sparrow, the largest of the genus, is an abundant winter
resident from late in October to about the middle of April. We find
them in flocks, often in company with Snow-birds and other sparrows,
frequenting briery thickets, shrubbery, old fields where various weeds
abound, and about hedge rows. Weedy spots near the edge of woods,
or similar situations in or near briery places along the borders of small
creeks are also favorite feeding grounds for them. The food of this
species during its stay with us, consists almost entirely of the seeds of
various weeds, grasses, etc. ; cedar berries and wild grapes are also some-
times fed upon. I have never known the Tree Sparrow to disturb the
buds or blossoms of any trees or bushes, as some writers assert it is ac-
customed to do in the spring before migrating northward. The name
of Tree Sparrow is given, not because the bird is always found in trees
or bushes, but fronii its common habit of flying from the ground or
thickets into trees when disturbed. This bird not only frequently nests
on the ground, but likewise collects the greater portion of its food from
the earth. Dr. John W. Detwiller, of Bethlehem, informs me that he
had for some years, several pairs of these birds in an enclosure of net
work, 24x75 feet and about 12 feet high. They built nests, but in only
a few instances did they lay their full sets of eggs, and none succeeded
in hatching them.
Spizella socialis (WiLS,)-
Chipping Sparrow ; Chippy.
DESCRIPTION {Plate 30. Fig. 3).
Length about 5 inches ; extent about 8^ ; bill dark-brown or blackish ; legs pale-
brownish ; feathers of forehead about base of maxilla black ; crown bright-chestnut ;
a whitish stripe from base of maxilla, along the chestnut crown ; black spot in front
of eye and a black streak behind it; below whitish, or pale ashy, and unspotted;
two whitish and narrow wing bars ; rump, back and sides of neck ashy ; middle of
back brownish, with conspicuous black streaks.
Young. Crown brownish, streaked with blackish, streak over eye yellowish-
white ; breast and sides with dusky lines ; bill light brown.
Habitat. Eastern North America, west to the Rocky mountains, north to Great
Slave Lake, and south to eastern Mexico.
The Chipping Sparrow, so named from its note, is an abundant sum-
mer resident from early in April to the latter part of October. In the
spring these birds are generally seen singly or in pairs ; in the late sum-
mer and fall the adults and young collect together and are to be found
in flocks in company with other species, especially the Field and Vesper
Sparrows. Chipping Sparrows are common frequenters about the hab-
itations of man during the breeding season, but after rearing their
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 239
young they repair to fields and bushes preparatory to migrating south-
ward. The nest, which is built in trees or shrubbery, is made up of
dried grasses, or other fine vegetable materials, and lined with horse
hair. The bluish-green egg's, four or five in number, are marked usually
on the larger end with a ring of purplish and blackish-brown spots.
They measure about .70 by .55 of an inch.
This species, in the early spring and autumn, subsists principally on
the small seeds of different weeds and grasses ; in the summer months
both the adults and young feed mainly on an insect diet, small beetles,
ants, flies, spiders and numerous small "worms" are eagerly devoured.
Pieces of bread, cake, or small particles of meat, are also eaten with ap-
parent relish.
Spizella pusilla (WiLS.)-
Field Sparrow.
DESCRIPTION (Plate 8$. Fig. 2).
Size about the same as the Chippy, but tail is longer than that of socialis. Bill
light reddish ; crown dull-chestnut, with mostly an indistinct grayish stripe in
center ; no black or white on head; back quite rusty, with blackish streaks ; sides of
head more or less rusty ; back of neck ashy, washed with rusty; below whitish and
unmarked, more or less tinged, especially anteriorily, and on sides, with grayish
and pale rusty.
Young. Colors similar to adult but duller, breast and sides more or less streaked
with dusky. Length about 5 inches ; extent about 8 inches.
Habitat. Eastern United States and southern Canada, west to the plains.
Common summer resident from April to November, and during mild
winters a few of these birds are sometimes found with us. The Field
Sparrow, as its name signifies, is a frequenter of fields ; it delights es-
pecially to inhabit sandy weed-grown fields or other uncultivated areas
where numerous small bushes, particularly wild roses, are growing.
Its somewhat mournful, yet sweet and entertaining, song may be heard
at all times of the day. The nest is built on the ground or in low
bushes, and is composed chiefly of grasses, leaves and hair ; eggs, four
or five, white, spotted with reddish brown, measure about .70 by .50 of
an inch. In the early spring, fall and winter months, this species feeds
mainly on small seeds of variqus weeds and grasses. In summer the
old and young subsist largely on different forms of insect life, such as
small beetles, flies, ants, spiders, grasshoppers, crickets, earth-worms,
and different larvae. They also feed on raspberries, blackberries and
other similar soft fruits ; it is not uncommon to see the bill and feathers
about the head and neck of this bird more or less discolored by the
juices of such fruit.
240 BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
GENUS JUNCO WAGLEE.
Junco hyemalis (LINN.).
Slate-colored Junco ; Snow-bird ; Black Snow-bird.
DESCRIPTION (Plate 33. Fig. 8 and 4}.
Length about 6| inches ; extent about 9^.
Young in first plumage. Above blackish arid rusty-brown in numerous streaks ;
belly whitish, rest of lower parts profusely streaked with blackish and brownish ;
outer tail feathers white like adults ; maxilla blackish ; mandible paler about base,
but dark at tip.
Habitat. North America at large, but chiefly east of the Rocky mountains, breed-
ing from the higher parts of the Alleghames and northern New York and northern
New England northward. South in winter to the Gulf States.
The Snow-bird is a summer resident in nearly all the higher mountain
ranges in Pennsylvania, but in no section of the state have I ever seen
them as abundant in summer as they are along- the line of the Bradford,
Bordell and Kinzua railroad in McKean county, where their nests may
be seen, often within a few yards of each other, in the sides of the banks.
They are also common breeders at Kane, on the Philadelphia and
Erie railroad. Prof. August Kock has found the Junco breeding-
abundantly in June about Little Pine creek in Lycoming- county.
Late in September the Snow-birds retire from their summer resorts
and are found during- the winter months, and until about the mid-
dle of April, in the valleys and lowlands, particularly in the lower
half of the state. This well-known species can readily be recognized by
its whitish bill, the dark colored head, neck, back and throat, its white
under parts and the white lateral tail feathers, the latter being most
conspicuous when the bird is flying. Although these birds are found
in all places, they are most plentiful in bushes, along the banks of
streams, old weed-grown fields, fence rows and bushy tracts about the
margins of woods. The nest, composed of dried grasses, roots, etc.,
lined with various soft materials, is placed on the ground. The eggs,
according to Dr. Coues, number " four or six, white, sprinkled with red-
dish and darker brown dots, about .80 by .60." During the fall, winter
and spring Snow-birds feed almost entirely on seeds of divers weeds and
grasses. Like the Chippy, this bird often is seen about houses, ready
to pick up crumbs, etc., which are thrown out.
GENUS PASSER BRISSON.
Passer domesticus (LINN.).
English Sparrow ; European House Sparrow.
DESCRIPTION (Plate 83. Figs. 1 and 2}.
Male. Bill black, legs and feet brown ; above reddish brown, the back streaked
with black ; crown and under parts brownish ash ; chin and throat black ; white
wing-bar ; a large patch of chestnut on each side of head, commencing over and back
BIEDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 241
of eyes and spreading backwards to sides of neck ; lesser wing-coverts bright
chestnut.
Female. Duller colored and lacking the black on chin and throat ; pale brown
stripe back of eyes ; bill dark-brown, lower mandible yellowish at base.
Young. Very similar to female but male often recognizable by a few black patches
on throat and chin.
Habitat. Europe, etc. Introduced about twenty years ago into the United States,
where it has become naturalized in nearly all inhabited districts.
Abundant resident about buildings. Nests in bird boxes, holes in
trees, on branches of trees, in vines and in various places about houses
and other buildings. The nest is composed of dried grasses, pieces of
string, etc., lined with an abundance of feathers. The dull-whitish eggs,
from four to seven in number, are thickly spotted and streaked with
different shades of brown. They measure about .90 by .62 of an inch.
In this locality at least two, and probably more, broods are reared in a
season. The English Sparrow, as this species is commonly known
throughout the United States, is universally despised by farmers, fruit-
growers and naturalists because of its pernicious habits. In the spring
it feeds largely on the buds of fruit trees, bushes and vines, chief among
which may be mentioned the pear, apple, peach, plum, cherry, currant
and grape. Different garden products, such as lettuce, beans, peas,
cabbage, berries, pears, apples and grapes are greedily fed upon The
sparrow greatly damages the corn crop, tearing open the husks, devour-
ing the tender part of the ear and exposing the remainder to the ravages
of insects and to atmospheric changes. It alights on fields of wheat,
oats and barley, consuming a large quantity, and, by swaying to and fro
on the slender stalks and flapping its wings, showers the remainder on
the ground. In addition to a much varied vegetable diet, the sparrow
has been known to kill and devour the young of other small birds. Our
native song and insectivorous birds, viz : the Kobin, Bluebird, Wren }
Chippy, Song Sparrow, Red-eyed Vireo and some few others, which
were formerly plentiful residents in our lawns, parks and gardens, have
rapidly and steadily diminished since the hosts of pugnacious sparrows
have appeared. This species is more or less gregarious at all seasons
of the year. When not engaged in rearing their young they are always
observed in flocks. In the late summer and autumn they assemble in
flocks of hundreds and daily repair to the wheat and cornfields in the
vicinity of cities and towns, where they commit serious depredations,
that are only checked by harvesting the crops. In 1883 the members
of the West Chester Microscopical Society, and several farmers' clubs
of Chester, Delaware and Lancaster counties, recognizing the great
injury which was being done by this feathered pest, passed resolutions
and petitioned our Legislature, then in session, to repeal that portion
of the act of Assembly which made it a misdemeanor to kill the English
Sparrow. Through the prompt and energetic efforts of Senators A. D.
Harlan, of Chester county, Thomas V. Cooper, of Delaware county, and
16 BIRDS.
242 BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
Hon. M. S. Quay, of Beaver county, the law was so amended that the
killing* of English Sparrows, and the destroying of their nests, eggs or
young at all seasons of the year is now legalized.
GENUS MELOSFIZA BAIRD.
Melospiza fasciata (GMEL.).
Song Sparrow ; Ground Chippy.
DESCRIPTION (Plate SO. Fig. 4).
Length about 6> inches ; extent about 8| ; bill, legs and feet brownish ; lower
mandible paler at base ; general color of upper parts brownish streaked with black-
ish, grayish and different shades of brown ; crown dull brownish with an indistinct
grayish line in middle ; a whitish line over eye from bill to occiput ; below white
or whitish with numerous conspicuous dark-brown streaks on breast, fore-neck and
sides ; a showy black spot in middle of breast. The young are very similar to
adults but colors duller, more blended and lower parts are more yellowish and the
streaks are much less in size.
Habitat. Eastern United States to the plains, breeding from Virginia and the
northern portion of the Lake States northward.
Common resident, but never seen in large flocks. Frequents in the
summer, fence-rows, shrubbery in swamps, fields and gardens. Although
this species is found during the summer about bushy, briery and weed-
grown places along streams, ponds, ditches, etc., it is most abundant in
these last named localities during the winter. The appellation Song
Sparrow is given because it is one of our most pleasing- songsters. In
the dreary winter months the melodious voice of this little minstrel is
about the only bird melody one is apt to hear. The nest, composed
chiefly of grasses, leaves, weeds, etc., lined with fine grasses and weeds,
is built on the ground or in a low bush. The eggs, mostly five, vary
greatly both in size and markings ; they are greenish or dull bluish-
white, variously spotted with different shades of brown, and measure
about .82 by .60 of an inch. Two, and sometimes three, broods are
raised in a season. During the breeding season this species feeds to a
more or less extent on different forms of insects ; at other times they
subsist principally on the seeds of grasses, weeds, etc.
Melospiza lincolni (AuD.).
Lincoln's Sparrow.
DESCRIPTION.
A little smaller than the Song Sparrow ; top of head brown, sharply streaked with
black, and divided in middle by a grayish stripe ; grayish lines from maxilla over
eyes to occiput ; above grayish-olive, rather thickly and sharply streaked with
black ; belly white and unmarked ; a broad band across breast, and also sides in
some specimens buff or yellowish with numerous small lengthened streaks of black ;
tail feathers brownish with blackish shafts.
Habitat. North America at large, breeding chiefly north of the United States
and in the higher parts of the Rocky mountains ; south in winter to Guatemala.
a >-
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 243
Lincoln's Sparrow is found in Pennsylvania as a rather rare spring
and fall migrant, frequenting shrubbery, brush piles, and weedy, briery
thickets about streams and in swampy grounds. I have taken four
specimens during the past ten years in eastern Pennsylvania ; two early
in May, one late in September, and the last early in October. Feeds
on seeds and different kinds of insects. It is a quiet and secretive
little bird, usually seen singly ; only occasionally is it found in com-
pany with other species of sparrows, and if disturbed it seeks safety
by hiding in the thick undergrowth rather than by flight.
Melospiza georgiana (LA.TH.).
Swamp Sparrow.
DESCRIPTION.
Size a little smaller than Song Sparrow ; crown bright chestnut ; forehead black ;
back broadly streaked with black, and most feathers of back edged with brownish ;
upper surface of wings and tail decidedly rusty ; belly white ; sides, flanks and tibiae
brownish; chest and line over eye grayish; the lower anterior parts are usually
without streaks or spots ; throat whitish with sometimes indistinct blackish streaks.
Habitat. Eastern North America to the plains, accidentally to Utah, north to
British provinces, including Newfoundland and Labrador. Breeds from Northern
States northward, and winters in the Middle States and southward.
The Swamp Sparrow is retiring in its habits, and, as the name would
indicate, it is a common frequenter of grassy, weedy and bushy swamps ;
it is also often found about the edges of streams and ponds where weeds
and grasses grow in abundance. I have never found the nest of this
species, but from reports received from various naturalists and collectors
it appears that it breeds sparingly in nearly all parts of the state. The
Swamp Sparrow occurs as a tolerably frequent winter resident in
swampy thickets in the southern counties of Pennsylvania. The nest
and eggs of this bird, as described by different writers, are very similar
to those of the Song Sparrow. The food is similar to that of other
birds of the genus Melospiza.
GENUS PASSERELLA SWAINSON.
Passerella iliaca (MERB.).
Fox Sparrow.
DESCRIPTION (Plate 31. Fig. ?.)
Upper mandible dark, lower chiefly yellow ; legs brown. Readily distinguished
by its rusty red or ferruginous colors, brightest on the wings, rump and tail ; below
white ; upper part of breast, sides of throat and body with triangular rusty spots,
darkest and most conspicuous on middle of upper part of chest ; tips of middlo and
greater coverts forming two whitish wing bars. Length about 7 inches ; extent
about 11.
Habitat. Eastern North America, west to the plains and Alaska (valley of the
Yukon to the Pacific), and from the Arctic coast south to the Gulf States. Breeds
north of the United States :- winter.* chiefly south of the Potomac and Ohio rivers.
244 BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
The summer home of this large and rusty-coated sparrow is in the
dreary wilds of British America, from Labrador to Alaska. Their nests,
we are reliably informed, have never been obtained in the United States,
where these birds occur only during- the spring, fall and winter months.
With us this species is found as a common migrant in March, April,
October and November. Occasionally only are small parties, or strag-
gling birds, met with during mild winters in our southern counties.
While sojourning here they may be observed in flocks, of from eight to
twenty each, inhabiting humid grounds in bushy places along the road-
side, the edges of woods, banks of streams, ponds, etc., where they dili-
gently ply themselves in searching among the fallen leaves, dead wood
and decaying grasses for seeds and insects.
GENUS PIPILO VIEILLOT.
Pipilo erythrophthalmus (LiNN.).
Towhee; Bush-bird.
95).
Bill large and stout ; eyes red (adult) and yellowish in young ; bill black ; legs
brown.
Male. Belly, lower part of breast and patches on outer three or four pairs of tail
feathers, basal portion of primaries and outer webs of same, white ; head, neck, chest,
back and rest of tail black; sides, flanks sitid crissum chestnut and brownish. Fe-
male same as male but black replaced by brown. Length about 8| inches ; extent
about 12 inches.
Habitat. Eastern United States and southern Canada, west to the plains.
Common summer resident from April to November ; rare winter resi-
dent in the southern counties, where a few individuals are occasionally
seen. This somewhat shy and retiring bird inhabits thickets, clearings
and woodland undergrowth ; during migrations it also often visits lawns
and gardens of towns and villages. When migrating southward these
birds go in small detached flocks ; in the spring they come singly or in
pairs, the males arriving usually a few days in advance of the females.
The rather bulky nest, made up of leaves, fine twigs, grasses, etc., is
generally built on the ground in a grass tuft or at the base of thick
bushes, and so artfully is it hidden that it can oftentimes only be dis-
covered by a most careful search. The four or five white and reddish
spotted eggs measure each about .95 by .72 of an inch. The several
terms, Towhee, Chewink, Juree and Shewink, by which this bird is
known, are applied in imitation of its sharp, quick and rather petulant
cry. From its terrestial habits and conspicuous chestnut-colored sides,
has arisen the name of Ground Eobin, which, although much less appro-
priate than any of those previously mentioned, is, nevertheless, the one
by which it is best known in eastern Pennsylvania. The Towhee, an
indefatigable seed and insect hunter, spends most of his time on the
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 245
ground, in thickets and brush piles, hunting- among the withered leaves
and dead twigs. Its rustling scratch is often the only indication one
will have of its presence. In addition to various small seeds and insects,
Chewinks feed, also, more or less, in the late summer, autumn and win-
ter, on different kinds of small fruits and berries. Occasionally, it is
said, they visit potato vines and other plants on which the destructive
Colorado potato-beetle feeds, and devour many of these troublesome
"bugs."
GENUS CARDINALIS BONAPARTE.
Cardinalis cardinalis (LiNN.)-
Cardinal; Red-bird.
DESCRIPTION (Plate 34).
Young. Bill blackish; colors duller; otherwise very similar to adult female.
The young male soon attains his brightcoat. Length about 9 inches ; extent about 12.
Habitat. Eastern United States, north to New Jersey and the Ohio valley (cas-
ually larther) west to the plains.
The Cardinal, or Winter Bed-bird, as it is generally called, is a rather
plentiful resident in the lower half of Pennsylvania, but in other sections
of our state it is found chiefly as a rare or occasional visitor. The showy
dress, the fine and varied vocal powers of this shy and vivacious whistler,
are such that it is one of our most common and entertaining 1 cage birds.
Although usually found inhabiting briery thickets and wooded districts
in the vicinage of rivers, ponds and swampy localities, these birds,
mostly in winter, when pressed by hunger, and also occasionally in sum-
mer, when in a measure they lack their usual vigilance and shyness,
come about our yards, houses and barns in search of food, or to cheer
and enliven us with their bright presence and pleasing notes. In the
southern states and elsewhere where Bed-birds are much more numerous
than in Pennsylvania, they at times assemble in large companies during
the winter in swampy thickets ; in midwinter, with us, parties of a dozen
or fifteen individuals are sometimes observed in similar situations. This
species is generally seen in pairs, though in the late summer and fall
the adults and young of the year of a single family are frequently found
together. The nest, a loosely-built structure composed of twigs, weed
stems, fibers of grape-vine bark, grasses or other vegetable materials, is
built in bushes, vines and low trees. I have never found a nest situated
over six or eight feet from the ground. The eggs, two to four in num-
ber (usually three), are white or bluish-white, spotted with different
shades of brown. They measure about one inch in length by three-
fourths of an inch in width. Feeds on seeds of numerous plants, especiaUy
those of rank weeds and grasses ; corn, wheat, rye and oats are also eaten.
They feed morp or less on insects, chief among which are beetles, grass-
246 BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
hoppers, crickets, ants, flies and numerous larval forms. Fruits of the
cedar and mulberry trees, also strawberries, blackberries, raspberries,
wild grapes and other small fruits may be included among- their favorite
articles of diet. This bird, with its large and powerful bill, operated by
strong muscles of its head, can readily break into fragments the hard
grains of maize, as well as the large seeds of different kinds on which it
subsists. Its known ability in this particular has earned for it, in some
places, the local name of Bed Corncracker.
GENUS HABIA REICHENBAOH.
Habia ludoviciana
Rose-breasted Grosbeak; Potato-bus bird.
DESCRIPTION (Plate 35, adults and young}.
Length about 8inches ; extent about 13 inches. Young males in late summer and
fall have rose and red markings on breast, and under wing-coverts more or less
distinct. The female has lining of wings and axillaries saffron yellow.
Habitat. Eastern United States and southern Canada, west to the eastern border
of the plains; in winter, to Cuba, Central America and northern South America.
In eastern Pennsylvania the Eose-breasted Grosbeak is found as a
regular, though usually not a common, visitant during migrations in May
and September, when this species is mostly seen in small parties of
from five to a dozen each. In the spring, while passing northward (they
breed for the most part north of Pennsylvania), the males arrive nearly
a week in advance of the females, but in the fall both sexes, according
to my observation, migrate together. Mr. Benj. M. Ever hart, of West
Chester, says that twenty-five years ago this species was a rather com-
mon summer resident in Chester and Delaware counties, where he has
repeatedly found their nests, eggs and young. In both of these districts
the Rose-breasts are now rarely found in the summer time. Although
these bright-colored* and sweet-voiced songsters have apparently
abandoned most of their summering resorts, in our eastern districts,
many of their number find a congenial summer abode in the western
and northwestern parts of our state, particularly in Crawford and Erie
counties, where, my highly esteemed friend, Mr. Geo. B. Sennett, assures
me, these birds are regular and rather plentiful summer residents, nest-
ing in low trees and bushes. The nest is a thin, flattened structure, made
up of rootlets, small twigs and dried grasses ; the dull greenish-white
eggs, spotted with brown, are three or four in number and measured about
one inch by three-fourths of an inch. These birds, while sojourning here,
frequent chiefly groves and forests ; apple orchards and gardens are also
sometimes visited by them. It is said that in some sections of Crawford
* Two or three years are, it Is said, required before the males acquire their full beauty, and it is also
stated that the adult males in the late summer and fall lose much of their black and become more or less
streaked with brownish tints.
I
-a
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 247
county where this species resides in summer, many farmers protect
them because they are great destroyers of " potato bugs." A gentle-
man residing 1 , 1 think, near Meadville, stated at a recent meeting- of our
State Board, that he had often seen these birds in small flocks about his
potato patch, eagerly devouring large numbers of these vexatious insects.
Few, if any, of our birds are known to feed reg-ularly on the Colorado
potato-beetle, and as the Rose-breasted Grosbeak has developed a taste
in this direction, it should justly rank as one of the best feathered
friends of the farmer. My personal knowledge of the food-habits of this
species is limited to examinations made in May, 1882, when these birds
were, to my great surprise, exceedingly abundant in the woods through-
out various parts of Chester, Lancaster, Franklin, Adams, Delaware and
Philadelphia counties. All the birds examined by me were shot in
woods, feeding mostly on hickory and beech trees, in the neighborhood
of West Chester, Penna. May 11, six males, on hickory trees, food
consisted entirely of blossoms. May 12, thirteen birds, eight males,
three on hickory trees, others on beech trees. All showed blossoms ;
two contained blossoms of the hickory, with those of the beech ; the
remainder had all fed on beech blossoms, except three birds, which had
in their gizzards small black seeds and some few flat grayish seeds.
May 13, eleven birds, seven males, all contained blossoms of beech, in
addition to which, two males revealed remains of beetles and one of
them had also eaten a few flies. May 15, eleven birds, ten males, three
taken on beech and maple trees, had only fed on blossoms ; the others
were found, when first discovered, feeding- on the ground in the woods ;
the stomach of one contained simply fragments of a beetle, the rest had
eaten blossoms and small seeds. May 16, three males, food exclusively
blossoms. May 17, four birds, three females, chiefly blossoms and small
seeds, with few larvae, and fragments of beetles. May 19, two birds ;
male, beech blossoms ; female had in her gizzard, blossoms, remains of
beetles and several wasps. May 20, 23 to 27, inclusive, eleven birds,
nine females ; two males taken on the 20th had fed chiefly on beetles
and a few flat cylindrical seeds ; the remaining- nine specimens were shot
on various dates, the last being taken on the 27th, when they were found
to be very scarce. An examination of their viscera showed that in ad-
dition to blossoms and small seeds, they all had fed to a small extent on
insects, chiefly beetles and flies.
GENUS GUIRACA SWAINSON.
Guiraca caerulea (LINN.).
Blue Grosbeak.
DESCRIPTION.
Bill large and stout like other Grosbeaks ; bill dark-bluish black ; legs and feet
similar; male blue ; brightest on head and darker across middle of back ; feathers
about base of bill, lores, wings and tail blackish ; middle and greater wing-coverts
248 BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
have reddish-brown tips. Female brownish-yellow, below rather paler than above,
wings and tail dusky-brown, with, sometimes, faint traces of blue ; two brownish-
wing bands. Young similar to female. Length about 7 5 ; extent about 11| ; female
smaller.
Habitat. Southern half of the United States, from the Atlantic to the Pacific,
south into Mexico.
The Blue Grosbeak is a very rare and occasional summer resident in
southern counties of Pennsylvania. About five years ago, May 10, I
captured one of these birds in the lower part of Chester county ; it is
the only one of the species I have ever seen in the state. The Messrs.
Baird writing, in 1844, of the Blue Grosbeak, give it as a native and say :
"A few seen each year in the same place" (in the vicinity of Carlisle,
Cumberland county). During recent years, however, according to the
report of Mr. T. L. Neff, of Carlisle, this species has not been observed.
Dr. Turnbull (1869) includes it in his list of rare and irregular summer
visitants in the southern counties of Pennsylvania. Dr. Spencer Trotter *
mentions the capture of stragglers in Philadelphia and Delaware
counties. The late Judge Libhart recorded it as a " very rare " visitor
in Lancaster county, where Prof. H. J. Eoddy informs me it has in
recent years been found as a casual summer resident. In the summer
of 1884 Mr. W. H. Buller captured a specimen near his home at Marietta.
Mr. J. F. Kocher writes me that some few years ago he found a nest with
eggs of this species in Lehigh county. Dr. John W. Detwiller, who has
devoted careful study to our feathered fauna for the past twenty-five
years, shot a Blue Grosbeak in the spring near Easton, Northampton
county ; it is the only one he ever met with in the state. Messrs. George
Miller and Casper Loucks have observed stragglers of this species in
York county. " Nest, in bushes, vines or other shrubbery, sometimes a
low tree, of grasses and rootlets ; eggs, four to five, averaging .90 by .65,
palest-bluish, normally unspotted ; quite like those of the Indigo-bird,
but larger." Coues.
GENUS PASSERINA VIEILLOT.
Passerina cyanea (LiNN.).
Indigo Bunting; Green-bird; Indigo-bird.
DESCRIPTION (Plate 36).
Length about 5g inches ; extent about 8g inches.
Habitat. Eastern United States, south in winter to Veragua.
Very abundant from May to October. When they first come, and also
in the autumn before leaving, these birds are sometimes seen in small
flocks. The males arrive a few days before the females, and in small
parties often visit our gardens and orchards, where, in the spring, they
are frequently to be observed gleaning insects, or devouring the apple-
* Bull. Nutt. Orn. Club. IV. 1879, p. 235. ,
Plate 61.
1. Purple Grackle. 2. Bronzed Graokle.
Mates.
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 249
tree blossoms. These birds, although found in almost every locality,
are most numerous in briery thickets, open woodland and in bushy
places along- fences and roadways. The nest, composed of leaves, dried
grasses, etc , is built in low bushes. The eggs are four or five, bluish-
white and unspotted ; seldom are they pure white, and rarely do we find
them spotted or thinly dotted with reddish-brown, but whatever may be
their coloration, they measure a little less than three-fourths of an inch
long, and a trifle over one-half inch wide. The female with her plain
brown dress, not unlike some members of the hiiman race when attired
in " mother-hubbards " and calico gowns, always shy and retiring
seems ever anxious to elude observation. The male, however, in his at-
tractive and showy garb of iridescent blues, seemingly is conscious of
his beauty, and appears eager to make his presence known. He perches
on the tops of high bushes, on the dead twigs and limbs of tall trees, on
the telegraph wires and fences, to sing his peculiarly vigorous and rapid
song. The sharp tship of the female never, however, fails to quickly call
to her side, this vain, noisy yet most devoted partner. Indigo-birds
feed chiefly on different kinds of small seeds ; during the breeding sea-
son many insects are eaten. They subsist also to a small extent on apple
and some few other blossoms ; various kinds of small berries are not
unpalatable to them.
GENUS SPIZA* BONAPARTE.
Spiza ainericana (GMEL.).
Black-throated Bunting ; Dickcissel.
DESCRIPTION.
This species varies considerably in its markings ; bill and feet grayish-black ;
length about 6 inches ; extent about 11 ; female a little smaller ; upper parts ashy
and brownish, the most conspicuous on middle of back, where and also on the scap-
ulars there are black streaks ; top of head tinged with yellowish-green ; line over eye,
streak from mandible, breast and middle of belly, and edge of wing yellow ; rest of
lower parts white, except a black throat patch of variable size ; wing-coverts bright
chestnut ; female similar but duller, and black throat patch usuallv absent or indis-
tinct
* Spiza townsendii (Aud. ).
Townsend's Bunting. From Dr. Ezra Michener's Birds of Chester county published in 1881. I take the
following remarks relative to this species, but one specimen of which has ever been taken, and it is now
in collection of the Smithsonian Institute at Washington. D. C: "This unique bird was obtained by
my excellent friend, whose name it bears, in a cedar grove near my dwelling, while assisting me in col-
lecting birds in the spring of 1833. We at once pronounced it new. Audubon did the same, and named
and published it in both of his large works. This curious bird has long been a puzzle to ornithologists
in the uncertainty whether it is only a variety of S. americana (Black- throated Bunting) or a distinct
species. Thus far (now more than forty years) but one specimen is known, kindly presented to the
thsonian Institution by Dr. Michener. 1 do not feel able to decide the question of its true relation-
ship to the S. americana. While this uncertainty remains it seems proper that Chester county should
preserve a record of its history as a guide to future observers. "
Sp. Ch.~ "Male. Upper parts, head and neck all round, sides of body and fore part of breast, slate
; the back and upper surface ot wings tinged with yellowish-brown; the inter-scapular region streaked
with black. A superciliary and maxillary line, chin and throat, and central line of under parts from the
breast to crlssum, white; the edge of the wing, and a gloss on the breast and middle of belly, yellow. A
ack spotted line from the lower corner of the ower mandible down the side of the throat, connecting
with a crescent of streaks in the upper edge of the slate portion of the breast. Length 5} inches- alar ex-
tent 9; wing3.8fi; tail 2. 5ti Inches." S. F. Baird.
250 BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
Habitat. Eastern United States (chiefly west of the Alleghanies), west to the
Rooky mountains, north to Massachusetts, New York, Wisconsin and Minnesota,
and south in winter through Central America to northern South America.
Tolerably common summer resident from May until about 1st of Sep-
tember in some sections of the southeastern, southern and western coun-
ties of Pennsylvania ; rare, or at least not reported to occur, in the north-
ern counties or the mountainous regions of the state. The nest, of weeds,
grasses, etc., is usually placed near the ground in weeds or bushes ; eggs,
four or five in number, are pale blue ; they measure about .80 by .60.
The Dickcissel feeds on seeds and sometimes on small berries, and in
the summer he destroys numerous kinds of insects.
FAMILY TANAGRID-ffi. TANAGEBS.
GENUS PIRANGA VIEILLOT.
Piranga erythromelas VIEILL.
Scarlet Tanager ; Black-winged Red-bird.
DESCRIPTION (Plate <?7).
Length about 7 ; extent about 12 ; wing about 3 ; tail about 3 inches. Bill bluish
or brownish-yellow ; legs and feet lead color ; iris brown.
Habitat. Eastern United States, west to the plains, and north to southern Canada.
In winter the West Indies, Central America and northern South America.
The Scarlet Tanager, one of the most brilliant of our forest birds, is
about the size of the common bluebird. The wings and tail of the adult
male are glossy black; body and other parts bright scarlet. The female
is a greenish-yellow color, with wing and tail feathers dark brown. This
description applies to full plumaged adults as we find them in the spring
and early summer. Both sexes are, however, subject to great variations
in plumage, and particularly is this variation noticeable in the male
birds. It is stated that in the autumn the male loses its bright feathers
and is found in a livery similar to that of the female. "While I am not
prepared to say that such a transition occurs during the " fall molt," I
am inclined to believe that this change does take place. During the
late summer months and early autumn, or for a period of about six weeks
before the tanagers leave Pennsylvania, I have made repeated and
most diligent search to find adult males in which the scarlet feathers
predominated, as is invariably the case with the males in spring, but
have failed. Although it is true I have seen two or three males early in
August with a few scattered feathers or " patches " of scarlet, I have
found the plumage of the males, late in August and in September, to be
the same as that of the females, except that in the males certain of the
long wing and tail feathers were black. The presence of these dark
primaries or tail feathers will, it is my opinion, with rare exceptions,
enable you to determine the sex.*
* The only proper way to determine the sex is by dissection. This Is true not only of the Tanager, but
all other birds.
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
251
This species arrives in Pennsylvania sometimes, though rarely, as
early as the last week in April ; usually it comes about May 9. Tana-
gers, except when they pay occasional visits to cherry or mulberry trees,
on the fruits of which they feed to a limited extent, are seldom found
away from favorite retreats in the forests. The forests and groves, par-
ticulary oak groves, in which streams of water are found, are the favorite
resorts of this species. The nest, a loosely built structure, composed of
twigs, roots or stems of various weeds, is usually placed on the horizon-
tal limb of a small tree, preferably beech (Fagus), about ten or twenty
feet from the ground. Eggs, three to five, mostly four, pale greenish-
blue, spotted with different shades of brown, measure about .95 by .65.
While the nests are nearly always built in the depths of the woods, I
have observed they frequently are seen overhanging a cart-road or un-
frequented path, when such a passage-way exists in the woods. I have
often discovered the nests of this species, and, notwithstanding the fact
that neither the nests or contents were disturbed, have noticed that the
birds would always follow me to the edge of the woods, and occasionally
some distance beyond, uttering their peculiar chirp clmrr. When tan-
agers thus absent themselves from the nests, it not unfrequently hap-
pens that the thieving and omnivorous Blue Jay robs them of their con-
tents. Mr. B. M. Everhart has known instances where the jays, after
devouring the eggs or young tanagers, have torn up the nests.
Tanagers, during the summer residence with us, feed principally on
various forms of insects, and to a very small extent on fruits, such as
cherries, strawberries, huckleberries, etc.
The stomach contents of twenty-nine of these birds are given in the
following table :
No.
DATE.
LOCALITY.
FOOD-MATERIALS.
1
May 6. 1880,
Bast Bradford, Pa. , .
Beetles.*
1
May 17, 1880,
East Bradford, Pa. . .
Beetles.*
3
May 18, 1880,
East Bradford, Pa., .
.Beetles (on maple tree).
4
May 19, 1880,
East Bradford. Pa..
Beetles.*
5
Mav 19, 1880,
East Bradford, Pa.,
Beetles.*
6
Sept. 15, 1880,
West Chester, Pa..
Grasshoppers.
7
May 20, 1882,
East Bradford, Pa.,
Beetles and spiders.*
8
May 20. 1882,
East Bradford, Pa.,
Beetles and spiders.*
9
May 20, 1882,
East Bradford, Pa.,
Beetles and flies.*
10
May 20. 1882,
East Bradford, Pa..
Beetles and spiders.*
11
Mav 20. 1882,
East Bradford, Pa.,
Beetles and flies.*
11
13
May 12, 1883,
May 12. 1883,
East Bradford, Pa.,
East Bradford, Pa., .
Few flies and small worms (taken on cherry tree).
Beetles (taken on maple tree).
14
15
16
May 14, 1883,
May 14, 1883,
May 14, 1883,
Chester county, Pa.
Chester county. Pa.
Chester county. Pa.
Beetles, flies and few small green worms (on oak tree. )
Beetles chiefly, with traces of other insects. *
Beetles.*
17
May 14, 1883,
Chester county, Pa.
Beetles.*
18
May 14. 1883.
Chester county. Pa.
Beetles.*
19
20
May 25. 1883,
May 25. 1883.
WestGoshen. Pa., . .
Willistown, Pa., . .
Black beetles and other insects (taken on walnut tree).
Files and beetles.*
21
May 25, 1883,
Willistown. Pa
Files and beetles.*
22
May 7. |ss;{.
Chester county, Pa.,
Beetles and flies.
23
24
25
2
May 7, 1883,
June 4, 1884.
June 4. 1884,
June 14. 1884.
Chester county, Pa.
Chester county. Pa. ,
Chester county, Pa.,
Chester countv. Pa..
Beetles and flies.
Beetles and other insects.
Unrecognizable insect mass.
Cherries.
27
28
29
June 14. 1884,
June 17, 1884,
June 17, 1884,
Chester county, Pa. .
Chester county, Pa.,
Chester county, Pa.,
1 Cherries.
Beetles, flies and butterfly.
Beetles and other insects.
* All taken on hickory trees
252 BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
May 18, 1882, I shot seven adult males feeding- in oak (Quercus) and
hickory (Gary a) trees, and found all to have fed exclusively on coleop-
terous insects (beetles). On May 13, 1883, I killed thirteen tanagers,
twelve being adult males, in a large woods on the property of William
Williams Jr., Willistown, Pa. The birds were all shot in the forenoon
and while feeding in the maple (Acer) and hickory (Car yd) trees. An
examination of the stomachs of this series of birds, made by myself and
Mr. Williams, showed that black-colored beetles and no other food had
been taken.
Piranga rubra (LINN.).
Summer Tanager.
DESCRIPTION.
Is a trifle larger than the Scarlet Tanager. The adult male is a " rose-red " or ver-
milion color ; wings and tail feathers are same color as body (unexposed portions
of wing feathers, also ends of primaries and secondaries, dusky); adult female is
greenish or brownish-olive above, lower parts lighter. This bird, like the Scarlet
Tanager, is subject to great variations in plumage.
Habitat. Eastern United States, north regularly to southern New Jersey, Ohio,
Illinois, etc., casually north to Connecticut and Ontario, etc., and accidentally to
IS ova Scotia. In winter south to Cuba, Central America, etc.
The Summer Tanager is a very rare and irregular summer visitor in
Pennsylvania. May 25, 1876, I saw a pair of these birds, and October
10, 1889, I saw a female, all in West Chester. Early in April these tan-
agers arrive in Florida from their wintering resorts in the tropics.
Food similar to that of the Scarlet Tanager.
FAMILY HIRUNDINIDJB. SWALLOWS.
THE SWALLOWS.
Swallows feed exclusively* on insects. They consume myriads of flies which so
pester our horses and cattle, or sorely vex the tidy housewife. They have a lively
and not unmusical twitter, but no song. Swallows are remarkable for their socia-
bility at all times ; they migrate in flocks, sometimes numbering thousands, and
nest together often in large companies. Living as they do almost constantly on the
wing, they visit nearly every locality, generally, however, when feeding and mi-
grating, they frequent mostly ponds, rivers, streams and watery places in fields and
meadows, where various kinds of winged insects are so plentiful. They frequently
are seen to stop for an instant to drink and bathe when skimming over the water's
surface. In clear weather these birds often ascend to high elevations in the air, but
in dull weather, particularly before rains, they fly low and sail close to the ground.
With the exception of two species, all our swallows lay pure white and unspotted
eggs. The eggs of these two species, the Cliff and Barn Swallows are white,
speckled or spotted with reddish-brown, and so alike are the eggs of these two birds,
that they cannot with absolute certainty be distinguished apart. The usual comple-
ment of eggs of each of our species is five, sometimes six, but very seldom do we
* In two instances I have found in the stomachs of Tree Swallows a few seeds, apparently of berries :
possibly this species sometimes feeds on small fruits.
I
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 253
find three or a less number deposited when incubation is begun. The Purple Martin
builds a nest of hay, straw, leaves, feathers, etc., in boxes provided for them about
houses and buildings ; occasionally with us this species breeds in holes in trees. Its
eggs average a little under one inch in length, and about three-fourths or a little less
in width. The Barn Swallow nests mostly in the interior of barns, where, ori a beam
or rafter, near the top of the roof, it builds a large bowl-shaped nest (not covered
over the top as is the Cliff Swallow's) of mud, grasses and feathers. The mud used
to cover the exterior, and in fact make up the greater part of the nest, is collected
by the birds, along the edges of streams, ponds and in muddy places in fields and
roads, and conveyed in small rounded masses on the top of the upper mandible.
The eggs measure about .77 long by .55 of an inch wide. The Cliff' Swallow with us
nests under the eaves of barns and other out-buildings. It never, I think, in this
state breeds about rocks or cliffs, as it does in uninhabited regions. The nest is
built of small mud pellets, warmly lined with feathers or other soft materials, and
in this region is hemispherical in shape, with a small hole in front or on the side, or
sometimes, but not usually, I think, retort-shaped or bottle-like in appearance, with
the opening built out, often several inches from the body of the nest. The eggs are
very similar in size to the those of the Barn Swallow, from which they are said to
differ in being less elongated. The Bank and Rough-winged Swallows excavate
holes in sand banks, along streams, deep railroad cuts, wagon roads, etc., in which
they build loosely made nests of grasses and feathers. The Rough-winged, with us
breeds usually in the interstices of stone abutments of bridges or in the holes of old
stone barns or similar structures. The eggs of this last named species are possibly
a trifle larger than those of the Bank Swallow, which measure about .70 long and
about .50 of an inch in width. The Tree Swallow builds in holes of trees and stumps,
or in bird boxes. The nest is similar to those made by Bank and Rough-winged
Swallows. Its eggs are about the same size as those of the Rough-winged species.
" Primaries nine. Bill triangular, depressed, about as wide at base as long ; the
gape twice as long as culmen, reaching to about opposite the eyes ; tomia straight or
gently curved ; no obvious rictal bristles. Tarsi not longer than the lateral toe and
claw. Wings long and pointed, the first primary equal to or longer than second.
Middle tail feathers not half as long as the wing."
GENUS PROGNE BOIE.
Progne subis (LiNN.).
Purple Martin.
DESCRIPTION (Plate 58).
Length 8 ; extent 16 inches ; bill black, mouth inside yellow ; eyes brown ; legs
dark brown ; closed wings, extend beyond the tail which is decidedly forked.
Adult male. Glossy blue-black ; wings and tail feathers above black, more or less
glossed with blue-black ; under portions of wings and tail feathers dark-brown.
Adult female. Dull-brown above, glossed with blue-black, brightest on back of
head and middle of back ; loral spaces and auricular feathers dark-brown or black ;
forehead, and narrow stripe about hind neck, grayish-white; belly and under tail-
coverts white ; rest of under parts dull grayish-white, darkest on the sides.
Young. Botb sexes quite similar to female, though the males are mostly darker.
Immature males, wih blue-black feathers singly or in patches, are common. About
three years, it is believed, are required for the male to attain his full dress.
Habitat. Temperate North America, south to Mexico.
Common resident from early in April to about the middle of August;
they arrive in spring-, singly, in pairs or small flocks. Late in August
254 BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
these birds collect in flocks (numbering sometimes several hundred each),
which for a brief period linger about meadows along rivers or other
large bodies of water, and then wend their way southward. Since the
advent of the prolific English Sparrow, martins have abandoned many
of their nesting-places in towns and cities. Dr. John R. Everhart, of
West Chester, Pa., appreciating that. his flock of chattering martins was
rapidly diminishing before the advances of the sparrows, some few years
ago erected in his yard a large pole with cross-pieces, from which were
suspended, by brass wire chains, each about eighteen inches long, a
number of boxes, in which the martins, also wrens and bluebirds, nest
without any trouble from their common feathered enemy The sway-
ing motion of these pendant boxes appears to frighten the sparrows, as
not one has ever been observed to alight on or enter them.
" The martin differs from all the rest of our swallows in the particular
prey which he selects. Wasps, bees, beetles, particularly those called
by boys Goldsmiths, seem his favorite game. I have taken four of these
large beetles from the stomach of a Purple Martin, each of which seemed
entire, and even unbruised." Wilson.
GENUS PETROCHELIDON CABANIS.
Petrochelidon lunifrons (SAY.).
Cliff Swallow.
DESCRIPTION (Plate 54, adults and nests).
Length about 5 ; extent about 12 inches ; tail nearly even or very slightly forked ;
bill black ; legs and eyes brown ; top and back of head, back and a spot on throat
lust-ous blue-black ; wings and tail blackish, slightly glossed ; grayish- brown band
on hind neck ; forehead white or light-brown ; chin, throat and sides of head dark
chestnut, rump same, but lighter ; breast brownish-yellow, whitening on the belly.
Sexes similar ; the young, although generally duller in colors, greatly resemble the
adults.
Habitat. North America at large, and south to Brazil and Paraguay.
Common summer resident; generally distributed throughout the
state. Breeds mostly in colonies of from twenty to forty individuals ;
sometimes, however, as many as fifty or seventy-five nests are found
together. Although I have known these birds to breed, for three con-
secutive seasons, under the eaves of long sheds in a cow-yard, I am in-
clined to think that they usually breed but one season in the same place.
The Cliff Swallow arrives here about the last week in April and disap-
pears early in September. This bird when flying can easily be dis-
tinguished from other swallows by its almost even tail feathers and the
conspicuous rusty-colored rump. During migrations this species is
found in greatest numbers in the vicinity of rivers, ponds and lakes.
I am indebted to Dr. H. D. Moore, of Somerset county, for the follow-
ing interesting letter relative to nest building of the Cliff Swallow
BIEDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 255
(Petroclielidon lunifrons) in Pennsylvania in December : " New Lexing-
ton, Pa., January 1, 1890. * * * I wrote you on the 28th ult. that
it was reported to me that the Cliff Swallows were building- at a farmer's
barn some six miles away. I investigated the matter by going- there
myself to see if the report was correct. I saw the nest, but the swallows
had gone on last Saturday, probably driven away by the sparrows. The
farmer, John Shaff, and hi daughter told me that they first noticed the
birds on the 23d of December, and they were already building. They
commenced to build on 1 the foundations of old nests. They had one nest
completed and two others partly done. During all last week the tem-
perature never ranged below 40 nor above .65. In an open winter
like this one it may not be unusual, in some parts of the state, for swal-
lows to make their appearance in midwinter ; but, as far as I can learn,
they were never seen here before in December. * * * I have often
seen nests with the opening from three to five inches long. Sometimes
this neck is fastened to the ceiling in a horizontal line, and at other times
it is curved slightly downward."
GENUS CHELIDON FORSTER.
Chelidon erythrogaster (BODD.).
Barn Swallow.
DESCRIPTION (Plate 54, adults and nest).
Length about 6f inches ; extent about 12^ inches ; bill and nails black ; eyes very
dark brown ; legs and feet light brown ; above glossy steel-blue, with concealed white
on mid die of back; wings and tail feathers viewed from above blackish, glossed with
greenish and violet hues ; tail very deeply forked ; inner webs of all tail feathers, ex-
cept two middle ones, have showy white spots ; outer tail feathers much longer and
narrower towards the ends than others ; imperfect steel-blue color on upper part of
breast ; forehead, chin, throat and a space on under tail-coverts, deep chestnut ; rest
of lower parts lighter reddish-brown.
Young. Duller and paler than the adults ; and the lateral pair of tail feathers are
also much shorter.
Habitat. North America in general, from the Fur countries southward to the
West Indies, Central America and South America.
The Barn Swallow is so named because it usually nests in barns. This
bird, like the preceding species, arrives here late in April and departs
about September 1. This swallow, either when at rest or on the wing,
may be recognized by its deeply-forked tail, which, if viewed from below,
shows a broad white band, most conspicuous when the bird is flying.
256 BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
GENUS TACHYCINETA CABAIJSS.
Tachycineta bicolor (VIEILL.).
Tree Swallow ; White-bellied Swallow.
DESCRIPTION (Plate 38).
Length about 6 inches ; extent about 13 inches ; tail slightly forked ; bill black ;
legs and iris brown ; lores black; above glossy metallic-green ; wings and tail black-
ish, with faint greenish gloss ; lower parts entirely white.
Young, colors are duller and toes somewhat yellowish.
Habitat. North America at large, from the Fur countries southward, in winter, to
the West Indies and Central America.
The Tree Swallow, when flying or at rest, can easily be distinguished
from all other of our swallows by its dark-colored back and pure white
under parts. This species arrives here late in March or early in April,
and leaves in September. Common and very generally distributed
during- migrations ; as a summer resident seems to be most frequent
about rivers and other large bodies of water. From numerous reports
before me it is learned that this swallow breeds more or less regularly
and rather sparingly in nearly every county in the state. Referring to this
bird in Lycoming county, my friend Prof. A. Kock writes in a letter of
recent date substantially as follows : It used to breed readily in boxes,
but not since the sparrow nuisance has been introduced from England.
Have observed the female Tree Swallow enter the dry limbs of high trees
(buttonwood) on our river islands. Think we have more some years
than others.
GENUS CLIVICOLA FORSTER.
Clivicola riparia (LINN.).
Bank Swallow ; Sand Swallow.
DESCRIPTION (Plate 90}.
Smallest of all our swallows; length about 5, extent about 12g inches; bill black ;
legs brownish ; iris dark-brown ; tail short and slightly forked ; lower part of tarsus
feathered behind ; above grayish-brown ; beneath white, with a broad band across
the breast, same color as on back ; wings and tail dark brown.
Habitat. Northern hemisphere ; in America, south to the West Indies, Central
America and northern South America.
Common summer resident at many points along Delaware, Susque-
hanna and other large streams.
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 257
GENUS STELGIDOPTERYX BAIRD.
Stelgidopteryx serripennis (AuD.).
Rough -winged Swallow.
DESCRIPTION.
Rather larger than the last ; bill, legs and eyes same color as the Bank Swallow ;
above grayish-brown ; lower parts similar, though paler, gradually whitening on
the belly ; edge of first primary rough to the touch, by the outer web being con-
verted into a series of stiff recurved hooks. The design of this peculiar wing struc-
ture is not clearly known. It has been suggested that these hooks "assist the birds
in crawling into their holes, and in clinging to vertical or overhanging surfaces."
Coues.
Habitat. United States at large (in the Eastern States north to Connecticut), south
to Guatemala.
The Bank and Bough-winged Swallows arrive here about the first
week in April and remain with us until about September 1. Both spe-
cies frequent the same localities, being- found generally in the neighbor-
hood of rivers, large creeks and mill-dams. These birds are not only
alike in habit, but they also greatly resemble each other in size and
colors. The Bank Swallow has a white throat and a dark band across
the breast. The Rough- winged has a uniform mouse-colored throat and
breast. These throat and breast markings will sometimes enable you
to recognize the birds in life. Should you, however, desire to positively
determine these two species, my advice would be, take your gun and
shoot them. After doing this you will know the Bank Swallow by a
tuft of feathers on the tarsus, near the insertion of the hind toe. An
adult Rough-wing (particularly if an old male) has the first wing quills
furnished with a number of saw-like hooks, from which originate the
common name, likewise the technical one, serripennis, but as the imma-
ture Rough-winged Swallows lack these curious hooks, look at their legs
a Rough-winged Swallow has no feathers on the leg just above the
hind toe.
FAMILY AMPELID-ffi. WAXWINGS.
THE WAXWINGS.*
Two birds of this family are found in Pennsylvania. The Cedar-bird is a com-
mon resident and occurs in all parts of the state, but the Bohemian Wax wing is a very
rare and irregular visitor from the north, and is usually seen here only in exces-
sively severe winters. Wax wings are nearly always observed in flocks. The sexes
are alike ; the tails are tipped with yellow. The wings are long and pointed ; first
quill very short ; second and third longest ; the under coverts extend almost to the
end of the even tail ; the wings and tips of some tail feathers in many individuals are
often furnished with horny appendages, like red sealing wax ; bill broad, short,
wide at base, notched and slightly hooked at tip. Feet rather small and weak ;
three toes in front and one behind.
* Dr. Coues (Birds of Colorado Valley) referring to the ' sealing-wax " appendages of the secondary
quills of birds of this genus, says they have been subjected to chemical and microscopical examination
by L. Stieda, and shown to be the enlarged, hardened and peculiarly modified prolongation of the shaft
itself of the feather, composed of central and peripheral substances, differing in the shape of the pigment
cells, which contain abundance of red and yellow mlm-ing matter. ''
17 BIRDS.
258 BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
SUBFAMILY AMPELIN^S. WAXWINGS.
GENUS AMPELIS LINNAEUS.
Ampelis garrulus LINN.
Bohemian Waxwing.
DESCRIPTION.
Length 7 inches ; wing 4* ; tail 2|. Bill (dried skin) bluish-black ; legs black ;
general color ashy or grayish-brown, palest on rump, upper tail-coverts, breast and
abdomen ; forehead, a spot at base of lower jaw, and under tail-coverts brownish or
chestnut ; a narrow frontal line, chin and upper part of throat, and a showy streak
starting in front and extending back of eye and meeting its fellow of opposite side,
black ; wings and tail feathers bluish-black ; the tail quite blackish immediately in
front of yellow tip ; primary coverts and outer webs of secondaries have white tips
(and in specimen before me also red wax-like appendages), outer webs of several pri-
maries edged with white and yellow. Head with a conspicuous crest; feathers
about vent white ; no yellow on belly.
Habitat.^ Northern parts of the Northern Hemisphere. In North America, south
in winter, irregularly, to the northern United States.
Very rare and irregular winter vistor. I have a specimen which was
captured some few years ago (midwinter) in a pine forest in the northern
part of Elk county, where a flock of about twenty, it is stated, were
seen. Stragglers of this species have also been taken at irregular in-
tervals, during the past twenty-five years, and reported to me by the
following named gentlemen: Dr. John W. Detwiller, Northampton
county ; Dr. W. Van Fleet, Clinton county ; R. C. "Wrenshall, Allegheny
county ; H. W. Williams, Lackawanna county, and H. J. Eoddy, Lan-
caster county.
Ampelis cedrorum (VIEILL.).
Cedar Waxwing ; Cedar-bird ; Cherry-bird ; Quaker-bird.
DESCRIPTION (Plate 39).
Length about 1{ inches ; extent about 12 ; wing under 4 ; tail 2* ; head crested ;
general color reddish-brown, deepest towards the front; rump and upper tail-coverts
ashy ; belly yellow ; under tail-coverts white, and line of same on side of lower bill,
between black of chin and the black line extending from behind and in front of
eyes, and about base of maxilla ; primaries and tail grayish lead color ; tail tipped
with yellow, and immediately back of this yellow the tail is almost black ; the outer
webs of several primaries have silvery edgings ; no white or yellow spots on wings,
but secondaries may or may not have red horny ends to the shafts.
Young duller than adults, and streaked with brownish, especially on breast and
sides. Bill blue-black ; legs black ; iris brown.
Habitat. North America at large, from Fur countries southward. In winter
south to Guatemala and the West Indies.
The Cedar or Cherry-bird, as this species is best known in Pennsyl-
vania, is an abundant .resident. These birds, except in the breeding
time (from about the last of June to the first of August), are always
,- B
BIRDS OF PENNSYL VANIA. 259
found in flocks, which in many sections seem most numerous in May
and the first two weeks in June. The somewhat flat and rather bulky
nest, composed of small twigs, roots, grasses, bits of string, feathers or
other soft materials, is built in trees in groves and orchards, particularly
apple orchards. The eggs, usually five in number, are dull bluish-gray
spotted and blotched with black and brownish. They measure about
.90 by .65 of an inch. Cedar-birds fly in compact flocks, and when they
alight huddle close together on the limbs and twigs. They apparently
prefer to light on dead branches of trees, and in the spring, or when they
visit cherry trees, this habit is frequently taken advantage of by the
observing farmer, who fastens to a long pole a dead branch, with numer-
ous small twigs, and fixes it in the fruit tree so that the entire branch
will project above the tree top, then stationing himself near by he can
shoot the birds as they alight, without injuring, with shot, the tree or its
ripening fruit. Some few years ago two farmers, residing near West
Chester, killed one day in this manner over one hundred and fifty Cherry-
birds, shooting from seven to twenty at each discharge. These birds,
as their common names would signify, subsist chiefly on a fruit and
berry diet ; the many varieties of cultivated cherries, mulberries, whor-
tleberries, wild grapes, berries of the gum, cedar and mountain ash, also
the fruit of the poke plant, are its favorite food. In the spring they
often visit orchards and gardens to feed on insects or devour portions
of the apple blossoms. Cherry-birds are very expert flycatchers and
they also destroy great numbers of caterpillars. Nuttall writing of this
species says although a small portion of the gardener's cherry crop is
destroyed " they fail not to assist in ridding his trees of more deadly
enemies which infect them, and the small caterpillars, beetles and vari-
ous insects^ now constitute their only food ; and for hours at a time they
may be seen feeding on the all-despoiling canker-worms, which infest
our apple trees and elms. On these occasions, silent and sedate, after
plentifully feeding, they sit dressing their feathers, in near contact on
the same branch, to the number of five or six ; and, as the season of
selective attachment approaches, they may be observed pluming each
other, and caressing with the most gentle fondness. This friendly trait
is carried so far that an eye-witness assures me he has seen one among
a row of these birds seated upon a branch dart after an insect and offer
it to his associate when caught, who very disinterestedly passed it to
the next; and, each delicately declining the offer, the morsel has pro-
ceeded backwards and forwards before it was appropriated."
FAMILY LANIID-ffi. SHRIKES.
THE SHRIKES.
Two species and one geographical "race " of this family occur in Pennsylvania.
The Northern Shrike, although recorded by Dr. W. P. Turnbull and some few other
observers as a summer resident "on the mountain ridges of the Alleghanies," does
260 BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
not I am quite positive ever breed within our limits. It is found as a breeder in
in North America beyond the northern United States. The Shrike, or Butcher-
bird as it is usually called, which breeds here, and is common, especially in the
northwestern part of the commonwealth, is the Loggerhead, that in many instances
I have found is mistaken for borealis. The Northern' Shrike, although occurring
more or less regularly in all parts of the state in winter, is more numerous in the
northern tier of counties, and in the mountainous regions than elsewhere. In
Cameron, Potter, Elk and Susquehanna counties, this, the largest Butcher-bird H
rather plentiful winter visitor about orchards, fence-rows and fields is termed
by many " Little Gray Hawk." The name of Butcher-bird is given to the species
because of the curious habit they have of impaling their prey on thorns or sharp-
pointed twigs. They subsist mainly on large insects (beetles and grasshoppers),
and they likewise devour small birds particularly sparrows mice and other
small mammals. Butcher-birds are rather stout, heavy and hawk-like in appear-
ance. While it is true that they kill a good many small wild birds, and even
sometimes boldly attack cage-birds, they merit our protection as their dietary* is
mainly made up of noxious insects ; and the Northern Shrike, which devours more
small birds than the others, kills many mice as well as insects, and he also preys
considerably on English Sparrows. The bulky nest is generally builtin thorny trees
or bushes ; eggs four to seven, dull white, spotted with light brown, purplish or
olive. The eggs of ludovicianus measure .97 long by .72 wide, those of the variety
excubitorides are about the same size, and the eggs of borealis are a little over 1 inch
long by about wide.
"Bill very powerful, strong, and much compressed, the tip abruptly hooked,
deeply notched, and with a prominent tooth behind the notch ; both mandibles dis-
tinctly notched, the upper with a distinct tooth behind, the lower with the point bent
up. Tarsi longer than the middle toe, strongly scutellate. Primaries, ten ; 1st pri-
mary halt the 2d, or shorter. Wings short, rounded ; tail long and much graduated.
Sides of tarsi with the plates divided on the outside." Bill and feet bluish black;
eyes dark brown. Sexes are alike ; the bill is less than an inch long. In some con-
ditions of plumage it is impossible to distinguish the Loggerhead from the White-
rum ped.
GENUS LANIUS LINNAEUS.
Lanius borealis VIEILL.
Northern Shrike ; Great Northern Shrike ; Butcher-bird.
DESCRIPTION (Plate 96).
Length about 10g inches ; extent about 14 ; tail about4 ; wing4| ; tarsus 1 ; above
pale bluish-gray, whitening on upper tail-coverts and scapulars, and some specimens
have upper parts faintly tinged with pale rusty ; below whitish (sometimes tinged
with pale brown), breast and sides "waved" with dusky or grayish lines ; lores and
a broad streak back of eye black ; wings and tail blackish ; the primaries are white
from base to about half their length ; nearly all tail feathers have white tips and
outer webs of lateral ones are white.
Habitat. Northern North America, south in the winter to the middle portions ot
the United States (Washington, D. C., Kentucky, Kansas, Colorado, Arizona, etc.).
The Northern Shrike is more common in the upper than the lower
half of Pennsylvania, where it is as a winter resident from November to
April, frequenting briery thickets, thorn hedges and grassy fields near
* In 1885 1 collected a dozen or fifteen Loggerhead Shrikes in Florida, and two of them were stained
about the lace, with what appeared to be juices of mulberries or other soft fruit ; possibly this species
feeds sometimes on berries, etc.
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 261
trees and bushes. They sometimes visit towns and prey on English
Sparrows. Shrikes feed chiefly on grasshoppers and beetles, and when
these are not easily obtained they subsist on mice and small birds. The
Northern Shrike, assassin-like, will conceal himself in bushes and imi-
tate the cries of other birds, and when they come sufficiently near his
ainbush he will, to their great consternation, fly into their midst and
seize one of their number.
Lanius ludovicianus LINN.
Loggerhead Shrike ; Butcher-bird.
DESCRIPTION (Plate 96}.
Length about 9 ; extent 11^; wing 4 ; tail 4 ; tarsus 1.03 ; above slate colored ; scap-
ulars, rump and upper tail-coverts lighter ; below white ; pale grayish on sides ;
some specimens have lower parts partly waved with dusky lines, but others, especially
full plumaged adults lack these lines ; feathers about nostrils, lores, broad streak
back of eye, and below the eye also, bill and legs (old birds) black ; wings and tail
black ; tips of secondaries and basal half of primaries white ; and tail feathers are
marked with white as in borealis. The young and immature birds differ consider-
ably from the adult as above described, but they have a sufficient resemblance to be
identified by comparison with plate and description.
Habitat. More southern portions of eastern United States ; north regularly to
southern Illinois, central Ohio, northwestern Pennsylvania, etc. In eastern and
central Pennsylvania this species and also excubitorides is seldom met with.
The Loggerhead Shrike is a common summer resident from late in
April until about the middle of September, in Erie and Crawford coun-
ties. It is said to breed, sometimes, in Lawrence and Mercer counties ;
but in other sections of the state this bird, and also the White-rumped
Shrike, has been observed, so far as I can learn, only as an irregular
visitor during migrations, especially in the fall. The following remarks,
with relation to this Butcher-bird, as it is called in the Erie region, are
taken from my note book : " Erie city, May 20, 1889. To-day Mr. Geo.
B. Sennett and I drove out about three miles east of the city ; on the
road shot three adult shrikes (two males and female), and secured their
nests and young. Both nests were built in thorn trees ; one nest in a
field near the edge of a woods, contained four young, two or three days
old, and two eggs. This nest was placed eight feet from the ground,
and constructed of small twigs, dried grasses, and plant fibers with an
abundance of feathers and cotton. The other nest was situated about
four and a half feet from the ground, directly over a cow-path in a
meadow ; it had evidently been disturbed as it was insecurely placed,
being partly turned over. This nest, containing two half fledged males,
was composed almost entirely of plant-fiber and chicken feathers ; a few
small twigs only being on the outside ; measures inside of cavity four
and one-half inches wide and two and one-half inches in depth."
" Erie, May 21, 1889. To-day Mr. Sennett and I found three nests of
shrikes east of the city, all were built in thorn or wild crab apple trees
262 BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
along- the roadside, and were from ten to twelve feet above the ground.
One nest contained five fresh eggs ; parent bird setting on nest. When
I was securing this nest and eggs the old birds flew near me uttering
sharp, rasping cries. The notes of the young shrikes are not unlike the
squeak of a mouse. Indeed, my friend Mr. Sennett, yesterday when I
was killing the young we had captured, stepped on a strap, and hearing
the squeaky voices of the birds in my hand, thought at first that he had
trod on a mouse. When taking the nests of shrikes which contained
young, the old birds were quite bold, and when the squeaky cries of the
young were heard, they flew directly at my head, but after finding it im-
possible to drive me away by these attacks they alighted close by, and
remained silent witnesses to the despoliation of their treasures, which
were soon secured by me, and then both the old birds were shot. When
feeding these birds repair to fence-rows, bushes in fields and along the
margins of woods or thickets ; they also frequent grass fields and mead-
ows and perch on fences or tall weeds, and they likewise visit plowed
grounds in quest of food. They sometimes hover over their prey in a
manner very similar to the Sparrow Hawk (Falco sparverius). The race
known as the White-rumped Shrike (Lanius ludovicianus excubitorides,
Swains.), is very similar to the Loggerhead, from which it differs chiefly
in being paler above, more like borealis, and with whitish rump and
upper tail-coverts ; and it is stated that the wings, tail and tarsus average
a little longer, and the bill a trifle smaller than in the Loggerhead.
FAMILY VIREONID-ffi. VIREOS.
THE VIREOS OR GREENLETS.
These birds frequent chiefly woods and thickets, yet some, particularly the Red.
eyed and Warbling, are common during migrations about yards and gardens in
towns. Both of these species also often breed in the trees of parks and gardens.
The Vireos are rather plainly attired, and were it not for their delightful and musi-
cal notes, they would much oftqner escape our notice than they do ; few of our woods'
birds are equal to them as songsters. They live almost constantly in the leafy
retreats of trees and shrubbery, rarely, if ever, do they rest on the ground. They
subsist almost exclusively on insects, chief among which maybe mentioned flies,
spiders, beetles and various larvae ; in the late summer and autumn some species
feed to a small extent on a few kinds of berries. We have in Pennsylvania six
species, viz : the Red-eyed, Warbling, Blue-headed, Yellow-throated, White-eyed
and Philadelphia Vireos, and all, with the exception of the Philadelphia Vireo, are
common as summer residents or spring and fall migrants. Their beautiful cup-
shaped, or basket-like and pendulous nests, are composed of pieces of bark, lichens,
rootlets, fine grass stems, bits of paper, etc., and suspended from forked twigs.
Vireos nest in trees and bushes, usually in groves or forests ; some build close to the
ground ; others erect their pensile homes on the highest twigs of tall forest trees.
Their elongate-ovate eggs, commonly live, are white, thinly speckled or dotted,
usually about the larger end with black or brown. They measure generally a little
more than three- fourths of an inch long by half an inch wide. The Red and White-
eyed Vireos breed abundantly with us, and in a large proportion of their nests,
especially in nests of the Red-eyed species, you will find Cowbirds' eggs or young.
PLATE 64.
Wild Goose.
Male.
BIBDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 263
The Red-eyed, Philadelphia and Warbling Vireos (subgenus Vireosylva Bonap.)
have no wing bands, but the White-eyed, Yellow-throated and Blue-headed species
(subgenus Lanivireo Bd. ) have two distinct wing bands formed by white tips of
middle and greater coverts. The feathers of upper parts are greenish-olive of differ-
ent shades ; the top of head in some is similar to the back, but in others the top of
head is more or less plumbeous. The lower parts are whitish or yellowish or both ;
eyes brown, except in the Red and White-eyed species, and even the young of these
have brownish irides. The legs and feet are generally dark lead color, and the bills
are similar but paler below. The sexes are alike, and the young are not very ma-
terially different ; size small, the white-eyed (smallest) is about 4g inches long and
the Red-eyed (largest) is about 6^ inches in length. The short, straight, stout and com-
pressed bill has a slightly curved culmen, and it is notched and rather abruptly
hooked at tip. Wings pointed or rounded (very slightly) and equal to or longer than
the even tail. Primaries 10 : the first much the smallest ; third or fourth quills longest.
Four toes, three in front and one behind ; claws much curved and sharp ; short basal
joint of middle toe wholly adherent to both outer and inner toes; tarsus rather slen-
der and longer than middle toe with claw. " Next after the Warblers, the Greenlets
are the most delightful of our forest birds, though their charms address the ear and
not the eye. Clad in simple tints that harmonize with the verdure, these gentle
songsters warble their lays unseen, while the foliage itself seems stirred to music.
In the quaint and curious ditty of the White-eye in the earnest, voluble strains of
the Red-eye in the tender secret that the Warbling Vireo confides in whispers to
the passing breeze he is insensible who does not hear the echo of thoughts he never
clothes in words." Coues.
GENUS VIREO VIEILLOT.
Vireo olivaceus (LmN.).
Red-eyed Vireo.
DESCRIPTION (Plate 40}.
Largest of the genus. Length about 6 ; extent about 10 inches ; bill blackish
above, below bluish-white ; feet and legs lead color ; iris red ; back, rump, upper
parts of wing and tail feathers olive-green ; sides of head and neck paler ; crown
dark-ash, edged with a blackish line ; a well-defined whitish line from nostril over
the eye and back of it; a dusky stripe through the eye ; under parts white, shaded
on the sides and tail-coverts with greenish-yellow, brightest on the under wing-
coverts and crissum. Tail and wing feathers blackish, edged on the outside with
greenish-yellow, with whitish on inside.
Young. Irides plain brown or reddish-brown ; ash of crown less distinct ; grayish-
yellow rather than greenish above, but the sides, under wing and tail-coverts are
quite brightly colored.
Habitat. Eastern North America, to the Rocky mountains, north to the Arctic
regions.
The Bed-eyed Yireo is a common summer resident from late in April
to the last of September. In this state it is much more abundant than
any other of the Vireos. In summer the voice of this agile, fluent and
tireless songster is heard on almost every hand in forests and groves.
This bird is a most devoted foster-parent, feeding and guarding the
clamorous young Cow-bird with the same care and solicitude that it be-
stows upon 'its own offspring. Indeed, sometimes it seems that they
are even more attentive to the noisy, red-mouthed Cow-birds than they
are to their own young. The Bed-eyed Vireo, like others of the family,
264 BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
subsists chiefly on insects, which he captures on the wing, or secures
while gleaning among the branches and leaves. In the late summer
and autumn months he feeds, more or less, on raspberries, mulberries,
pokeberries and wild grapes. His white shirt-front is often soiled with
the bright juices of the fruits on which he feeds.
Vireo philadelphicus (CASS.).
Philadelphia Vireo.
DESCRIPTION.
Length about 4.90 ; extent 8| ; tail 2| ; wing 2jj ; tarsus about. 64 ; bill, along culmen,
.40. Very similar to gilvus, but bill is smaller and not nearly so stout as in latter
bird ; no spurious primary as in gilvus ; chin and belly white, rest of lower parts
pale sulphur-yellow, brighest on throat and breast ; above dull olive-green, grayish-
blue on crown with faint greenish tint ; rump brighter than back ; white line from
base of maxilla over eye ; indistinct whitish spot below eye ; blackish spot in front
of eye.
Habitat. Eastern North America, breeding chiefly north of United States north
to Hudson's Bay ; south, in winter, to Costa Rica.
The Philadelphia Yireo is a regular but rather rare spring and fall
migrant, arriving here late in April or early in May, and after the 20th
of May it is seldom seen in Pennsylvania until it migrates southward in
September. Prof. August Kock, of Williamsport, informs me that he
is under the impression that this bird breeds occasionally in the mount-
ainous regions of Lycoming county ; and Mr. T. L. Neff gives it in his
list as a probable breeder in Cumberland county. This bird is found
generally in woods about the borders of streams. The Philadelphia
Vireo, although similar to the Warbling, can be recognized from the
latter by its usually brighter under parts, and although it has a resem-
blance to the White-eyed species, it has not, like the last named, whitish
wing bars. Its song is very much the same as that of olivaceus.
Vireo gilvus (VIEILL.).
Warbling Vireo.
DESCRIPTION.
Length about 5 ; extent about 9 ; wing 2? ; tail 2.20 ; tarsus .69 ; bill stout, very
much like a Red-eyed Vireo, and from back part of nostril to end along culmen
about .50 ; similar in color to philadelphicus, but upper parts are more grayish and
paler ; general color of lower parts white ; sides, flanks and under tail-coverts, and
part of breast tinged with pale-yellow ; the spurious first quill measures about five-
eighths of an inch in length.
Habitat. North America in general, from the Fur countries to Mexico.
The Warbling Vireo is found in Pennsylvania as a common summer
resident from the last week in April until late in September ; in the
southern part of the state I have taken specimens as late as October 10.
This delightful songster is rarely seen or heard in the depths of the
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 265
forest, but in groves, along- the borders of streams, in orchards, parks
and gardens he is common. Its nest is usually built at a considerable
height in trees.
Vireo flavifrons VIEILL.
Yellow-throated Vireo.
DESCRIPTION (Plate 19).
Length about 5| ; extent about 9 ; wing 3 ; tail 2^; bill about .50 long and rather
stout. Dusky spot in front of eye, a yellowish loral streak ; ring around eye, chin,
throat and breast bright yellow ; top of head, back and sides of neck, and upper
part of back decided olive-green ; tertials edged with white ; lower parts of back,
rump, tail-coverts (above) and lesser wing-coverts ashy ; belly to end of lower tail-
coverts pure white ; sides a little grayish ; no spurious quill ; first and fourth quills
equal in length.
Habitat. Eastern United States, south in winter to Costa Rica.
This species is most common as a spring and fall migrant, arriving
here late in April and departing in September. It breeds sparingly or
irregularly in nearly all sections of the state, but is, apparently, much
more frequently met with in the mountainous and elevated woodland
regions, particularly in the northern counties, than elsewhere as a sum-
mer resident. During migrations I have observed these bright yellow-
throated songsters, which, although smaller, resemble somewhat the
noisy Chat, in orchards, in trees along sidewalks and in lawns. Usually,
however, this vireo is to be found high in trees of forests in the vicinity
of streams. In the Eastern states this species is said to build in orchards,
about buildings, as well as in woodland. In Pennsylvania the Yellow-
throated Vireo always, I have found, breeds in woods, and commonly
builds its lichen-covered abode twenty -five, thirty or forty feet above the
ground. In the late summer, fall and winter months this bird feeds fre-
quently on small berries.
Vireo solitarius (WiLS.).
Blue-headed Vireo.
DESCRIPTION.
Length about 5^ inches ; extent 9 ; wing 2.90 ; tail 2. Top of head, portion of neck
behind, and sides of head leaden-gray ; rest of upper parts, including rump and tail-
coverts, olive-green ; edges of some wing feathers and lateral tail feathers edged
with greenish-white and whitish ; below white ; sides, flanks and crissum greenish-
yellow and yellow, the latter paler on axillars and about crissum ; spurious quill
well developed, being about one-third as long as second ; white ring around eye,
whito loral line, and a dusky spot below the latter.
Habitat. Eastern United States to the plains. In winter south to Mexico and
Guatemala.
The Blue-headed Vireo, like the species last described, is an inhabitant
of woodland. It arrives here usually a few days before the Yellow-
266 BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
throated, and in the fall is seen some seasons as late as the middle of
October. I have usually found this vireo in the lower branches of trees
or in high bushes. Sometimes this bird is shy, but usually it can be
approached without any trouble. I have seen these birds several times
in the summer months in the mountains of Blair, Centre and Elk coun-
ties, but never found nests. My friend, Prof. A. Kock, to whom I am
indebted for much valuable information concerning- our feathered fauna,
says it is a common breeder in Ly coming- county. Mr. T. L. Neff, Cum-
berland county, Prof. H. J. Koddy, Perry county, have found it breed-
ing, and in the mountainous regions of Lackawanna county Mr. H. W.
Williams has observed it as a regular summer resident. The beautiful
cup-shaped nest of this bird is suspended from a forked twig " in under-
growth or lower branches of small trees in woods."
Food consists chiefly of insects, but in late summer, fall and winter
small berries are also fed upon.
Vireo noveboracensis (GMEL.)
White-eyed Vireo.
DESCRIPTION.
Length 5 or a little less ; extent about 8 ; wings 2| or a little less ; tail about 2. Spu-
rious quill well developed, about half as long as the second, and similar to it also in
shape ; wings rather rounded ; a yellow stripe from base of maxilla joins yellow ring
around eye, in front of which is a dusky spot ; above bright olive-green ; the hind
neck (posterior half of head also in some specimens) ashy ; throat, upper part of
breast white (grayish-white in some specimens), belly white and under tail-coverts
white with yellow tint ; sides and axillars bright yellow ; eyes white, in young
brownish.
Habitat. Eastern United States, west to the Rocky mountains, south in winter
to Guatemala. Resident in the Bermudas.
The White-eyed Vireo is a common summer resident, very generally
distributed, in suitable localities, throughout the state, from late in
April until sometimes the last week in October. The other species of
this family inhabit chiefly woodland areas, but this curious white-eyed,
inquisitive, scolding, unsuspicious, shrill-voiced, and vehement songster,
resides in thickets and tangled undergrowth, along the edges of woods,
etc., usually in the vicinity of water. In different sections of Pennsyl-
vania where green briers and blackberry bushes abound, there you will
generally find the White-eye. This, like the two species last mentioned,
is a familiar winter resident in Florida, where I have observed them
feeding on palmetto berries, mulberries and different kinds of insects.
When in Pennsylvania the White-eye subsists mainly on an insect diet,
like that of his near relatives, and in the summer he feeds to some ex-
tent on blackberries, raspberries, etc., the juices of which often stain
the feathers around the bill. The swaying nest, quite large for the size
of its irritable owner, is hung from a forked twig in a bush or tree, and
is mostly about four, six or eight feet from the ground.
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 267
FAMILY MNIOTILTIDJE. WOOD-WARBLERS.
THE WOOD-WARBLERS.
Nearly forty species and subspecies of this family have been observed during recent
years in Pennsylvania, either as spring and fall migrants, summer residents or strag-
gling and accidental visitors. Sometimes, though not often, duringmild winters gen-
erally in November or December solitary Myrtle, Yellow Palm and Pine Warblers,
particularly the Myrtle, are found in sheltered localities (to the southward) mostly
in company with some of the sparrow tribe. I have, on two occasions, seen Yellow-
rumps with Chickadees, and once, late in November, I shot a Pine Warbler in a
cedar tree where a small flock of Waxwings and two or three Robins were feeding.
The birds of this group, with a few exceptions, are small averaging about 5 inches
in length and 8 inches in extent neat and trim in build, active, energetic in move-
ment, and entertaining in song. They have brown eyes, and their slender, naked
tarsi, in species, not otherwise particularized in the descriptions, are brownish. The
usually blackish, and in most species slender, tapering, and awl-like bill will greatly
aid in recognizing a warbler from members of the following families : Fringillidas
(bill conical, commissure more or lessangulated) ; Vireonidce (bill distinctly notched
and hooked); Tanagridce (bill stout, much like a sparrow's, with lobe and tooth
near middle of commissure) ; Hirundinidce (bill short, broad, flat and gape reaching
to eyes). The Redstart (& ruticilla), Hooded (61 mitrata), Canadian (61 canaden-
.s), and Wilson's (61 pusilla) flycatching warblers, have long stiff rictal bristles
and wide (at base) bills, slightly notched and somewhat hooked like the Tyrannidce.
This flycatcher-like bill is most perfect in the Redstart ; but the similarity of bills
in these birds need give the beginner no concern as the showy dress of these warb-
lers is greatly different from that of the Tyrannidce. Less than a dozen species of
this family are generally dispersed throughout the state during the summer season,
but in some localities, particularly in the timbered and higher mountain ranges,
other species reside and rear their young, often in such secluded places, that our
most enthusiastic, tireless and successful field-naturalists have, in many instances,
failed to discover the nests. From repeated visits which I have made in June, July
and the early part of August, to the pine, hemlock and hard wooded forests, or in ex-
tensive laurel thickets, and about the numerous ravines and bushy, swampy places,
along the sinuous, placid or turbulent streams in our mountainous regions. I am
quite confident that several species which are commonly recorded as breeding con-
siderably north of the Keystone commonwealth, breed regularly, though sparingly,
within our limits.
The following list on the next four pages gives names of species which are posi-
tively known to nest in Pennsylvania, and others that are believed, from evidence
which is deemed sufficient, to breed occasionally, at least, within our borders.
One * indicates species whose nests, eggs or young (not fully grown) have been
taken by the author.
Two** indicate species which have been seen during the breeding season by the
author, but the nests, eggs or young have not been taken by him. The other species
included in the list are mentioned on the authority of different observers, to whom
credit is given in the column headed " Remarks."
A indicates column to which the bird belongs.
The fifth column contains a condensed description of nesting materials, which are
generally used, the sites chosen, etc.
Descriptions of eggs of all species, and nesting materials and breeding sites of those
marked (R) have been compiled from Ridgway's Manual of N. A. Birds.
268
OF PENNSYLVANIA.
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In southern states the nest is
pine trees ; It is constructe
plant down, feathers, etc. ,
tufts of ' Spanish " moss,
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spotted with reddish brown
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rootlets, dried grasses, etc., embedded in ground on hillside
or other dry places in woods. Eggs, four to six, .80 by .61,
creamy-white, spotted with reddish-brown.
he nest, quite similar in materials used, ts placed " on or near
ground in wet woods or on border of swamps; open above.
Eggs about the same as those of Oven-bird. "
est a bulky structure of dried leaves, fine rootlets, grasses,
etc.. carefully hidden in crevices among roots of upturned
trees, old logs, stumps or mossy banks always in moist or
swampy woods. Eggs, .73 by .59." (Like last in markings and
color. ) (R. )
he bulky nest of dried leaves, fine roots, etc. . Is built on ground
in woods. Eggs, four to five, ".72 by .56, white or creamy-
white, speckled or spotted with brown, reddish-brown, and
lilac-gray."
reeds in woods in mountains. The nest, which is said to be
very much like that of a Maryland Yellow-throat, Is built "on
or near the ground. Eggs, .71 by .53, colored like those of G.
formosa."
est rather large, of dead leaves, grasses, etc., on or near
ground (usually in low, damp places), In tufts of grass,
among weeds, or hidden by low bushes, in which, or at the
base of the latter, it is often placed. Eggs, usually five, .70
by .52, white, finely speckled, generally about larger end, with
black and brown.
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Eggs, three to four .70 by .53, white or buff y- white, speckled
or spotted round larger end with reddish-brown and lilac-
gray, usually mixed with a few black specks or pen-lines."
(R.) Nesting materials, leaves, shreds of bark and scales of
beech buds woven compactly together with spiders' webs ;
lined sometimes with hair and grapevine bark libers (Davie).
' Nest in clumps of weeds or tussocks of grass in swampy
woods. Eggs, three to five, .68 by .51, colored like those of
S. mitrata." (R. ) Mr. O. Davie says the nest is composed of
' ' dry weeds, fine roots, with a lining of hair. "
up-shaped, compact nest of different vegetable fibres, spiders'
webs and horse-hair in a fork or on limb of small tree, usually
eight to ten feet from ground Eggs, four or five, ' ' . (53 by 48.
white, greenish, or grayish-white, speckled or spotted, chiefly
around larger end, with brown and lilac."
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272 BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
When migrating the males come, particularly in spring, in advance of the females ;
the majority migrate at night, flying usually at a considerable elevation. Certain
members of this family are remarkable for the melody of their song, many species
which migrate north, penetrating, as some do, even the Arctic solitudes to rear their
young, are said to possess most exquisite vocal powers.
Although several species are ground nesters, and live chiefly on the ground, and
some others construct their abodes near mother earth, on which they often are seen,
the majority of this family inhabit trees, bushes and shrubbery. Some, especially
most species of Dendroica, are found usually in trees or bushes, and seldom do they
visit terra firma ; and certain warblers inhabit almost continually the leafy branches ot
high forest trees, where they actively engage in the pursuit of divers forms of insect
life.
During migrations many of these birds are common visitors to the orchards and
shade trees about the habitations of man. The Oven-bird, one of our most common
summer birds, in hilly and dry places in the dusky recesses of woods, spends most
of his time on the ground, but frequently, when disturbed, and often when singing,
he perches on the low limbs of trees and bushes. The Water and Louisiana Thrushes,
often perch on low limbs and twigs, on logs, etc., but they are mainly terrestrial, and
may be looked for about swamps, pools and streams in dark woods and thickets. The
Parula Warbler is generally seen in the tops of high forest trees during migrations ;
and the Maryland Yellow-throat, a common frequenter of shrubbery and underbrush,
frequently is found in company with other warblers in orchards, where all ren del-
efficient service. The Kentucky Warbler, which could readily be mistaken for the
Maryland Yellow- throat, by a careless observer, I have never seen in orchards, and
rarely, if ever, is it observed high in trees, although it often alights in low bushes.
The favorite abiding place of the Kentucky is in swampy thickets, or low moist
situations in woods. He especially delights to hide among the leaves of the Skunk-
cabbage (Symplocarpus foeditus). The loquacious but active Yellow-breasted Chat,
an inhabitant of briery thickets and tangled undergrowth, often repairs to high
branches of trees to sing his loud and varied song. The insect-like song of the Blue-
winged Warbler, very similar to the notes of the Grasshopper Sparrow, will fre-
quently enable you to detect its source in the top of a sapling or high bush, of a thicket
or in a tree along the edge of a forest or in open woods. The Black and White Warbler,
like a Nuthatch or Brown Creeper, may generally be seen circling round the trunks
and limbs of trees, in woods and swamps, and when migrating this little warbler not
unfrequently visits orchards, trees in lawns, gardens and parks. Water Thrushes,
the Palm, Yellow Palm Warblers and Oven-bird, by their peculiar jerking motions,
often remind one of some of the sandpipers or the American Pipit. As you catch a
glimpse of the Maryland Yellow-throat, and hear his sharp note, as he vanishes in
the thick undergrowth, you are reminded of certain peculiarities so characteristic of
wrens. The Parula and Pine Warblers, are often seen to hang downward, like the
titmice when feeding, and the ever active Redstart in some ways is not unlike the
Tyrant Flycatchers.
While it is true that a large number of the warblers included in our fauna breed
regularly, in suitable localities, in some portion or other of the state, the members
of this family are far more numerous during migrations (usually in May and Sep.
tember) than at any other time ; and some seasons different species will often be
noticed to be much more plentiful than in corresponding seasons in other years.
Primaries nine ; wings long and pointed, and longer than the almost even tail, except
in the genera Geothlypsis and Icteria. The Maryland Yellow-throat, Chat and
Mourning Warbler have shortish and rounded wings. The bill is, usually, quite
straight and acute, and shorter than the head ; in many of these birds the bill is
slightly notched toward the tip but not hooked. Some have prominent rictal bristles,
others have none. In the genus Dendroica the conical attenuated bill, compressed
in the middle and distinctly notched near the end is furnished with short, but generally
distinct, bristles at base. All this family have four toes, three in front, one behind ;
claws small, sharp and curved. Referring to these birds Dr. Coues says: "With
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 273
tireless industry do the warblers befriend the human race ; their unconscious zeal
plays due part in the nice adjustment of nature's forces, helping to bring about that
balance of vegetable and insect life without which agriculture would be in vain. They
visit the orchard when the apple and pear, the plum, peach and cherry are in blos-
som, seeming to revel carelessly amid the sweet-scented and delicately tinted blos-
soms, but never faltering in their good work. They peer into the crevices of the
bark, scrutinize each leaf, and explore the very heart of the buds, to detect, drag
forth, and destroy those tiny creatures, singly insignificant, collectively a scourge,
which prey -upon the hopes of the fruit-grower, and which, if undisturbed, would
bring his care to nought." Warblers subsist almost exclusively on insects, such as
flies, beetles, spiders, grasshoppers, plant-lice, and various kinds of larvae.
The Myrtle, Audubon's, Tennessee, Yellow Palm and Pine Warblers, sometimes,
though rarely in this region, feed on small fruits, at least it is supposed they do, from *
the fact that I have found in the stomachs of each of these species, which were hhot
in the fall or winter months, small seeds of fruits.
GENUS MNIOTILTA VIEILLOT.
Mniotilta varia (LiNN.).
Black and White Warbler ; Black and White Creeper.
DESCRIPTION (Plate 92).
Bill rather long ; maxilla very slightly curved ; very short rictal bristles. Black
above streaked with white ; below whitish streaked with black or dusky ; two white
wing bars ; two pairs outer tail feathers with white spots on inner webs near end.
Length about b\ ; extent about 8^ inches.
Habitat. Eastern United States to the plains, north to Fort Simpson, south in
winter, to Central America and the West Indies.
The Black and White Warbler arrives in Pennsylvania about the last
week in April and remains sometimes as late as October 20. Toler-
ably common and generally distributed throughout the state during
migrations. Breeds quite generally throughout the commonwealth, but
in summer is seldom seen anywhere except in the woodland where it
rears its young. The nest, usually more or less embedded in the ground,
is mostly so carefully hidden by dead leaves that its discovery is fre-
quently only made accidentally. Three nests which I have found have
all been placed on hillsides in open woods near water. Two of these
nests had been visited by Cow-birds, as one contained two foreign eggs,
and the other had a young Cow-bird with the young of the warblers.
The food of this species consists chiefly of small beetles, spiders, flies,
larvae, and Mr. Gentry says, earthworms also constitute a share of its diet.
GENUS PROTONOTARIA BAIBD.
Protonotaria citrea (BODD.).
Prothonotary Warbler.
DESCRIPTION.
The black bill is long (a little shorter than head), sharp and distinctly notched, and
without bristles ; wings long and pointed ; tail nearly even. Head and under parts
18 BIRDS.
274 BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
yellow ; lower tail-coverts, lining of wings, some feathers about anus and inner webs
of most tail feathers white ; rest of upper parts generally olive green, wings and tail
lead color. Length about 5 ; extent about 9^.
Habitat. Eastern United States, chiefly southward ; in winter, Cuba and Central
America.
Yery rare and irregular visitor. A few specimens, probably about ten,
have been captured during- the last twenty-five years in the southeastern
part of the state. I have taken two specimens, one in midsummer the
other in May, in Chester county ; a few individuals have been taken at
irregular intervals either in spring, summer or fall in Philadelphia and
Delaware counties. A male of this species, in the museum at Lancaster
city, was taken some years ago in Lancaster county, in the summer.
GENUS HELMITHERUS RAFINESQUE.
Helmitherus vermivorus ((TMEL.).
Worm-eating Warbler.
DESCRIPTION {Plate 04).
The bill nearly as long as head, is quite large, stout and sharp-pointed ; maxilla
blackish-brown ; lower mandible, also legs and feet much lighter in color ; the
rictal bristles absent; bill unnotched. Plumage of upper parts greenish-olive;
head has seven longitudinal stripes, to wit : two black on crown, divided by a
brownish-yellow mediam stripe, on either side of these black stripes extending
from nostrils back over and beyond are brownish-yellow stripes (one on each side)
and back of the eye is a black stripe (each side) alongside of crown : dusky spot in
front of eye ; upper surface of wings and tail olivaceous ; lower surface paler ; tail
and wings unmarked ; lower parts pale brownish-yellow or buffy, palest on chin
and middle of belly ; sides very similar to back but less greenish. Length (male)
about 5; extent 8J ; wing about 3; tail about 2; bill a little over .60; tarsus .70.
The female is usually a trifle smaller.
Habitat. Eastern United States, north to southern New York and southern New
England, south in winter to Cuba and Central America.
The Worm-eating" Warbler arrives in Pennsylvania about the first
week in May and remains here until September. I once captured a
specimen in Dauphin county on the 15th of September, and another in
Franklin county on the 20th of September, but usually the bird is sel-
dom seen here after the first of the month named. This warbler is
generally found on or near the ground. I have never seen one high in
trees, but have often observed them in bushes or on the lower limbs of
trees. I believe that two broods are frequently reared in a season in
this locality. During its residence with us this interesting and unsus-
picious haunter of thickets and woods is very generally dispersed through-
out the state, but in no section of the commonwealth does it occur more
plentifully than in the southeastern counties, especially in portions of
Chester county, where, doubtless, more nests and eggs have been taken
by Messrs. Thomas H. Jackson, Josiah Hoopes and Samuel B. Ladd,
all of West Chester, Penna., than in any other (perhaps all other parts)
Plate 67.
L Turkey Vulture. 2, 3. Cooper's
2. Adult; 3. Young.
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 275
part of the country. The first authentic account which we had of the
nest and eggs of this species was published* by Mr. Thomas H. Jack-
son, of West Chester. This account, with a few additional remarks,
have been kindly given to me by Mr. Jackson, and are as follows :
" On the 6th of June, 1869, I found a nest of this species containing
five egg's. It was placed in a hollow on the ground much like the nest
of the Oven-bird (Seiurus aurocapillus) and was hidden from sight by
the dry leaves that lay thickly around. The nest was composed exter-
nally of dead leaves, mostly those of the beech, while the interior was
prettily lined with the fine thread-like stalks of the hair-moss (Poly-
trichiwri). Altogether it was a very neat structure, and looked to me as
though the owner was habitually a ground-nester. The eggs most
nearly resemble those of the White-bellied Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis)
though the markings are fewer and less distinct. So closely did the
female set that I captured her without difficulty by placing my hat over
the nest. During the twenty years following the finding of this nest I
have probably found and examined fifty others, and none of them vary
in any important particulars from the original nest. Every one has
contained the hair-moss lining, though the eggs, when examined in
series, show a wide degree of variation."
The stomach contents of fifteen of these warblers which I have ex-
amined consisted chiefly of remains of beetles, spiders and larvae.
GENUS HELMINTHOPHILA f RIDGWAY.
Helminthophila pinus (LiNN.)-
Blue-winged Warbler ; Blue-winged Yellow Warbler.
DESCRIPTION (Plate 19).
Bill and legs (dried skins) former blue-black, the latter dark- brownish. Top of
head, most of sides of same, chin, neck in front, breast, sides and belly rich yellow ;
black patch in front of eye and a narrow black streak behind it ; under tail-coverts
mostlv white ; wings have two white (or whitish in some specimens) bars. Rest of
upper parts olive-green, brightest on rump ; the inner webs of three outer tail
feathers are more or less extensively marked with white ; the general color of upper
surface of wings and tail is slate or pale bluish-gray. Female and young very simi-
lar but duller.
Length (male) 5 ; extent 1\ ; wing 2? ; tail 1.80.
Habitat. Eastern United States, from southern New York and southern New
England southward. In winter, Mexico and Guatemala.
This beautiful little warbler usually arrives in Pennsylvania early in
May, but I have on two or three occasions seen individuals in Chester
county as early as the 27th of April. The Blue-winged Warbler is a
common summer resident in southeastern Pennsylvania, where it re-
Am. Nat., Vol. 3, December, 1869. p. 556.
t Birds of this genus have elongated, conical, very acute and unnotched bills, the outlines of which are
nearly straight: no rictal bristles; tail nearly even or slightly emarglcate.
276 BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
mains until about the first week in September. It appears from my
own observations, as well as from the reports received through various
observers, that this species is quite rare, or not found in most of the
northern counties, and it also seems to be unknown in the higher mount-
ainous districts. I have seen or heard these birds during the summer
months in Crawford, Erie, Mercer, Lawrence, Beaver and Washington
counties, where I have no doubt they breed sparingly at least. In July,
1889, I saw two with young in Clarion county, along the Clarion river.
When the apple and pear trees are in blossom these yellow-vested in-
sect hunters, singly, or in pairs, frequently visit orchards and gardens,
but at other times they rarely, according to my observation, are seen
about the habitations of man. They prefer to dwell in sequestered
thickets, and bushy places in open woodland, and commonly their sum-
mer home is in the vicinity of a swamp or near a stream. Like the
Worm-eating Warbler, this species subsists, to a considerable extent, on
spiders, larvae and beetles.
Helminthophila chrysoptera (LraN.).
Golden-winged "Warbler.
DESCRIPTION.
Size about the same as H. pinus. Female very similar to male but duller. Bill
(dried skin) black ; legs dark brown.
Male. Crown and large wing patch (wing-bars) golden-yellow; rest of upper
parts slaty-blue ; below white or whitish ; showy stripe on side of head, front and
back of eye, and patch on chin, throat and fore part of breast, black the broad eye-
stripe is bordered above and below with white ; inner webs of three lateral tail-
feathers mostly white ; the sides of body are pale grayish or ashy.
Habitat. Eastern United States ; Central America in winter.
The Golden-winged Warbler arrives in Pennsylvania late in April or
early in May from its winter home in the tropics. This bird, although
a regular migrant both in spring and fall, is one of the group which is
regarded as being particularly rare and desirable to the collector. I am
inclined to believe that this warbler, occasionally at least, breeds in the
western part of our state. July 27, 1889, I saw two of these birds
in a swampy piece of woodland along the Allegheny river in Armstrong
county, and on the 30th of the same month I killed a male feeding on
the ground in a bushy thicket along the Ohio in Beaver county. The
late Prof. S. F. Baird obtained one of these warblers in the early part of
July in the vicinity of Carlisle, Cumberland county, and Mr. Roddy of
Lancaster county, has, he informs me, observed it in summer. When
migrating the Golden- wings, like many others of the family, visit or-
chards, but usually these warblers are to be found ir thickets or woods.
Three of these birds which I have examined had in their stomachs
beetles, spiders and larvae.
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 277
NOTE. Dr. Spencer Trotter, formerly of Philadelphia, now residing at Swarth-
more College, Delaware county, mentions (Bull. Nutt. Orn. Club, 77, 1877, pp. 79-80)
the capture of a male Brewster's Warbler (77. leucobronchialis, Brewst ) by
Christopher D. Wood, "May 12, 1377, in an apple orchard near Clifton, Delaware
county." Although I do not now have the data at hand, my impression is thatsince
the date above mentioned one other example of this possibly tenable species has
been captured in southeastern Pennsylvania. Personally, I am unacquainted with
this bird, concerning which the following is quoted from Dr. Coues' Key, p. 293:
" Like H. chrysoptera : but a black bar through the eye as inpinus, and lacking the
black breast patch of chrysoptera, the entire under parts being white ; thus
chrysoptera X pinus, and doubtless a hybrid between the two, thoueh up to date al
dozen or more specimens have been described, from New England, New York,
Pennsylvania and Michigan."
Helminthophila ruflcapilla (WiLs).
Nashville Warbler.
DESCRIPTION.
Length 4^ to 5 but generally less than 5 ; extent about 7 ^the average of five speci-
mens in flesh); wing a little less than 2^ (six specimens average 2.37); tail little
under 2 (about 1.90). Bill (dried specimens) brownish (mandible and edges of
maxilla paler); tarsi brownish ; feet lighter. No wing-bars or no white patches on
tail feathers ; lores yellowish (sometimes ashy or grayish) but not black ; no super-
ciliary stripe, but a conspicuous yellowish-white ring around eye. Plumage of
upper parts olive-green, brightest on rump ; upper surface of wings (on most coverts
and edges of outer webs) and outer webs of tail feathers above (especially edges)
similar to rump but a little paler ; neck behind, sides of head, sides of neck and
upper part of back, ashy-gray ; top of head similar, but the ashy-gray tips of feathers
of crown when pushed aside reveal a chestnut patch. Edge of wing, chin, throat,
breast, and under tail-coverts yellow ; belly paler ; sides greenish-yellow.
Habitat. Eastern North America to the plains, north to the Fur Countries, breed-
ing from the northern United States northward. Mexico in winter.
This species usually is first seen in the southern part of Pennsylvania
about the 10th of May ; often in orchards, but generally about bushes,
thickets or in open woodland, in the vicinity of streams and ponds.
When migrating in the fall the Nashville Warbler is found here from
about the middle of September until, some seasons, as late as the middle
of October. In spring I have mostly observed these birds singly or in
pairs, sometimes in company with other species, but generally by them-
selves. In the fall they are usually seen in small parties, and are then
often with other warblers. Willow trees along streams and on the
banks of ponds, appear to be their favorite feeding resorts, as they
leisurely migrate southward. I believe this species breeds sparingly in
our higher mountainous regions. Food similar to that of other species
of its genus.
278 BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
Helminthophila celata (SAY.).
Orange-crowned Warbler.
DESCRIPTION.
"Above grayish olive-green, rather brighter on the rump. Beneath entirely
greenish yellowish-white, except a little whitish about the anus; the sides tinged
with grayish-olivaceous. A concealed patch of pale orange-rufous on the crown,
hidden by grayish tips to the feathers. Eyelids and an obscure superciliary line
yellowish-white, a dusky streak through the eye. Inner webs of tail feathers broadly
edged with white.
"Female with little or none of the orange on crown, and the white edgings to inner
webs of tail feathers.
"Young lacking the orange entirely, and with two fulvous-whitish bands on the
wings. Length 4.70 ; wing 2.25 ; tail 2.00."* Hist. N. Am. B.
Habitat. Eastern North America (rare, however, in the northeastern United
States), breeding as far northward as the Yukon and Mackenzie river districts, and
southward through the Rocky mountains, and wintering in the south Atlantic and
Gulf States and Mexico.
The Orange-crowned Warbler occurs in Pennsylvania as a very rare
and irregular straggler, during the spring and fall migrations. A fine
male was shot by the late C. D. Wood, November 2, 1867, in Bucks
county. Dr. Spencer Trotter records f the capture of a specimen in
Philadelphia county. I have never met with this species.
Helminthophila peregrina (WiLS.).
Tennessee Warbler.
DESCRIPTION.
Length 4.71 (average of four adult males); extent 7^ (two males); wing 2.65
(average four males); tail 2 or a little less. The female is a trifle smaller. Bill
(dried specimens) -maxilla blackish; mandible paler; legs blackish, feet brownish-
yellow. Upper parts olive-green, brightest on rump ; top and sides of head and
neck, more or less ash-gray in some specimens ; below chiefly white ; lores dusky ;
a whitish ring around eye, and a line of same above it ; outer tail feather has an
obscure white spot on edge of inner web near end. Specimens taken in the fall have
most of ash-gray of head and neck replaced with olive-green, and the lower parts,
except under tail-coverts and patches on abdominal region which are white, are
greenish-yellow.
Habitat. Eastern North America, breeding from northern New York and
northern New England northward to Hudson's Bay territory ; Central America in
winter.
The Tennessee Warbler, according to my observation, is found in
eastern Pennsylvania as a very rare straggler during the spring migra-
tion, but in the autumn (September) it is often common, frequenting
apple orchards, woods and thickets. Although sometimes found quite
plentifully as an autumnal sojourner in the eastern portions of the state,
I do not regard it as a regular fall migrant east of our principal rnount-
'* 'Average of five adult males: wing 2. 60; tail 2. 04; culmen .41. AveraRe or' two adult females: wing
2.34; tail 1.98; culmen 40. " Ornithology of Illinois, p. 129.
t Bull Nut. Orn. Club. Vol. IV 1879. p. 235.
I
I
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 279
;iin ranges, as some seasons none of this species are to be observed.
From reports received from observers in the western counties of Penn-
sylvania beyond the Alleghanies, i find that the Tennessee Warbler is
mentioned as a regular migrant both in the spring and fall. When
found here these warblers are seen generally in flocks and are often in
company with other species. In addition to feeding 011 different forms
of insects, especially plant-lice and small beetles, the Tennessee Warbler
also occasionally eats small seeds and berries.
GENUS COMPSOTHLYPIS CABANIS.
Compsothlypis americana (LINN.).
Parula Warbler ; Blue Yellow-backed Warbler.
DESCRIPTION (Plate 97).
Bill rather stout, conical and acute, and gently curved along culmen ; maxilla
mostly blackish, but its edges and the mandible paler or yellowish (in dried skins) ;
legs yellowish-brown ; the indistinct notch of mandible is best seen with a magnify-
ing glass ; rictal bristles inconspicuous. General color above blue ; a triangular
greenish or brownish-yellow patch on middle of back ; wing-band white ; two outer
tail feathers on either side with white spots on mner webs; chin, throat, breast, yel-
low the breast in some individuals reddish-brown ; rest of lower parts white.
Habitat. Eastern United States, west to the plains, north to Canada, and south
in winter to the West Indies and Central America.
Summer resident from early in May until about the last week in
September. Although this species breeds quite generally throughout
the state in damp forests and swampy wooded thickets, where the long
tufts of gray lichens ( Usnea barbata and its varieties), in which it builds,
are abundant, I have observed these pretty little warblers to be more
plentiful in the northern and eastern portions of the state during the
summer than elsewhere. When migrating the Parula Warbler is fre-
quently found in orchards and gardens as well as in woodland. This
species feeds largely on spiders, caterpillars, small flies, and coleopterous
insects, and they also devour numerous aphides.
GENUS DENDROICA* GRAY.
Dendroica tigrina (GMEL )
Cape May Warbler.
DESCRIPTION.
Length 5] ; extent 8| ; wing 2? ; tail 2.15. Bill and legs black ; the lower mandible
in autumnal specimens (dried skins) is somewhat paler than the upper ; bill rather
* This genus is the largest, as regards the number of species, of any in the state. All of these birds, as
far as is known, with one exception, nest in trees and bushes. The Yellow Palm Warbler nests ' on the
ground in open situations." Many of these small, sprightly and ever active insect hunters, are among
our most beautiful and pleasing visitors during their vernal and autumnal passages, to and from more
northern breeding grounds, or In the summer months. The Yellow Warbler (Dendroic.ii (estiva) has Inner
webs of outer tail feathers yellow ; the other species of this group have rectrices (tail feathers) blotched
or spotted (usually only on inner webs) with white. The coloration of the sexes in a number of species
is greatly different ; the adults of the same species in some instances are not only different in both the
spring and fall attire, but some of them differ considerably from their young.
280 BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
slender very acute ; obsoletely notched near end, and commisure slightly arched or
curved.
Male in spring. Top of head blackish ; back yellowish-olive, with faint dusky
streaks anteriorly; rump, sides of head and neck and under parts yellow (under
tail-coverts in two specimens before me are nearly white), ear-patch, chestnut, chin
and throat often tinged with same ; throat, anterior part of breast and sides with
rather narrow black streaks ; a yellowish line over eye extends to chestnut ear-
coverts ; blackish loral line; white wing patch (this is smaller in female); inner
webs of three outer pairs of tail feathers have white patches on inner webs (these
patches are small or obscure in female). The female is rather similar to male but
lacks the conspicuous head markings (the male in fall also has chestnut head mark-
ings indistinct).
Habitat. Eastern North America, north to Hudson's Bay territory, west to the
plains, breeds from northern New England northward, and also in Jamaica ; winters
in the West Indies.
Rather rare and irregular spring" migrant, but some seasons tolerably
common in the spring. Arrives in Pennsylvania usually about the
middle of May, when for a few days they are to be found in forests
(usually in tops of trees) and sometimes in orchards. When migrating
southward in the fall (September generally) these warblers are much
more plentiful than in the spring, and they frequently are observed in
low trees in woods, or in bushes, and occasionally on the ground along
the roadsides or about the margins of woods. Food larvae, flies, plant-
lice, small beetles, etc.
Dendroica aestiva (GMEL.).
Yellow Warbler.
DESCRIPTION (Plate 41).
Length about 5| inches ; extent about 1\ ; bill bluish-black ; legs and feet pale
brown.
Male. Golden-yellow ; back olive-yellow ; chest and sides streaked with brownish-
red not black or dusky ; wings and tail dusky ; the inner webs of outer tail feathers
with large blotches of yellow not white. Female and young duller, and the former
with brownish-red streaks very obscure or entirely wanting.
Habitat. North America at large, south in winter to Central America and north-
ern South America.
Abundant summer resident. Arrives the last week in April and re-
mains until about the middle of September. A common inhabitant of
shrubbery in gardens, lawns, and parks, and also frequents orchards ; it
is often seen in groves but is rarely observed in forests. Builds a small
compact cup-shaped nest of plant-fibers, spiders' webs, lined with woolly
plant substances, feathers or hair, in an upright fork of a tree or bush.
In this locality pear trees and bushes in hedge-rows are favorite breed-
ing places. This bright and pleasing little songster may frequently be
observed in trees and bushes or on telegraph wires along the roadsides.
With us the Yellow Warbler, according to my observations, subsists ex-
clusively on various forms of insect-life, especially small beetles, plant-
Plate 69.
Great Blue Heron.
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 281
lice, flies, spiders, ants and larvae. It is stated, however, that this
species often feeds on small seeds and berries.
Dendroica caerulescens (GMEL.). .
Black-throated Blue Warbler.
DESCRIPTION (Plate 97, male and female).
Length about 5^ ; extent 8.
Male adult. Uniform blue above; no white wing-bars but basal portion of
primaries (other than first) white, forming a conspicuous patch ; lores, a narrow
frontal line and plumage on sides of head, sides of breast, chin, throat and sides,
deep black ; rest of under parts white ; outer tail feathers spotted on inner webs
with white (these spots in female, and the young, in fall are much restricted). Bill
blackish ; legs (dried skins) brownish, but in autumnal specimens are often much
paler.
Female. -Grayish olive-green above ; tail and wings, especially the former, with a
bluish cast ; lores and ear-patches dusky ; a pale whitish line from nostrils above and
back of eye ; eyelids whitisli ; white patch on primaries as in male but smaller ;
white spots on tail feathers indistinct ; chin, throat, breast and rest of under parts
dull (soiled) yellow.
Habitat. Eastern North America to the plains, breeding from northern New
England and northern New York northward, and in the Alleghanies to northern
Georgia ; West Indies in winter.
The Black-throated Blue Warbler occurs generally throughout Penn-
sylvania only as a passing visitor in the spring and fall. Dr. Van Fleet
has found this warbler breeding in Clarion and Clearfield counties, and
Prof. A. Kock has observed it as a regular summer resident of Lycoming
county. I have repeatedly seen these birds in the mountainous regions
in different sections of the central and northern parts of the state, and
there can be no doubt but that they breed regularly in nearly all our
higher mountainous regions. The female of this species, although con-
siderably different from the male in his showy coat of blue, black and
white, can always be known by the white patch at base of primaries.
Dendroica coronata (LiNN.).
Myrtle Warbler.
DESCRIPTION (Plate 98, male).
Rump, crown and sides of breast yellow, in all plumages more or less distinct
Length (average of six specimens) male 6 inches ; extent (three specimens in flesh)
9^ ; wing 3 or a little less. Female somewhat smaller ; bill and legs black.
Male, in spring. Above slate-blue, streaked with black ; two wing-bands white
and inner webs of outer tail feathers spotted with same ; lores and sides of head, and
most of breast and sides (except as above mentioned) black; chin, throat, eyelids
and superciliary line, and belly white.
female. Similar but much duller. Autumnal specimens are chiefly brownish
above, with blackish streaks ; below much lighter and quite thickly streaked.
Habitat. Eastern North America, chiefly, straggling more or less commonly
westward to the Pacific ; breeds from northern United States northward, and winters
282 BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
from Middle States (rarely seen in Pennsylvania) and the Ohio valley southward
to the West Indies and Central America.
The Myrtle Warbler, also called Yellow-rump and Yellow-crown, is the
most abundant of all the family occurring 1 in this state. It is one of the
first to arrive from the south ; small flocks being often observed in the
southern parts of Pennsylvania early in April. During- mild winters
doubtless a few of these warblers remain along- our southern borders. I
have several times seen individuals of this species in company with
sparrows, in different parts of Maryland, Delaware and West Virginia
in whiter when snow was on the ground. My friend, Eobert Eidg-way,
writing- of the Mrytle Warbler in southern Illinois,* says: "It may often
be seen in midwinter, when the ground is covered with snow, in the
door-yards along with Snow-birds (Junco hyemalis), Tree Sparrows and
other familiar species, gleaning bread crumbs from the door-steps, or
hunting for spiders or other insect tid-bits in the nooks of the garden
fence or the crevices in the bark of trees ; and at evening, flying in con-
siderable companies, to the sheltering branches of the thickest tree tops
(preferably evergreens), where they pass the night. Not unfrequently,
however, they roost in odd nooks and crannies about the buildings or even
in holes in the straw or hay-stacks in the barn-yard. A favorite food of
this species are berries of the Poison-vine (Elms toxicodendrori), and
during^ the early part of winter large numbers of them may be seen
wherever vines of this species are abundant."
Although I have never found the nest of the Yellow-rump in this state,
I believe that future research will show that it breeds regularly, but
sparingly, in some of our secluded and higher mountainous districts. I
have seen on different occasions, as noted on a previous page, birds of
this species in the summer months ; and have also observed single birds
or small detached flocks late in August and early in September, in Chester,
York and Juniata counties, whence they doubtless had come from some
comparatively near breeding place. The food of tho Myrtle Warbler, in
spring, is composed mainly of insects, especially beetles, spiders, flies,
aphides, etc., and in the late fall and winter, in addition to numerous
kinds of insects, this bird often eats various kinds of berries. I have
found in their stomachs remains of wild grapes, cedar berries and seeds
of other berries. In Florida I have seen Myrtle Warblers feeding on
Palmetto berries.
Dendroica auduboni (TOWNS.).
Audubon's Warbler.
DESCRIPTION.
Similar to D. coronata, from which it differs chiefly in having throat yellow ; no
white superciliary line ; sides of head lead color ; male has large white wing patch ;
female two white wing-bands.
Nat. Hist. Survey of 111., Vol. 1, Orn. . p. 141.
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 283
Habitat. Western United States, east to the western border of the plains ; south
in winter to Guatemala. Accidental in Pennsylvania and Massachusetts.
On the 8th of November, 1889, I captured a fine adult female of this
species in an apple orchard in Chester county. This is the only speci-
men of this decidedly western bird that has ever been taken in Penn-
sylvania, and but one other specimen * of Audubon's Warbler has been
recorded east of its common range. I found this bird in company with
some Snow-birds (Junco hyemalis) and White-throated Sparrows. In
its stomach a few seeds and fragments of beetles were found. The
feathers about its bill were more or less soiled evidently by juices of
berries on which it had been feeding.
Dendroica maculosa (GMBL.).
Magnolia Warbler.
DESCRIPTION {Plate 94, Male).
Length (average of seven males) 4.90 ; extent (average of seven males) 7.35 ; wing
(average of seven males) 2.40. Female usually somewhat smaller.
Male, in spring. Bill and legs blackish ; crown grayish slate-blue ; black feathers
of forehead and lores continuous with a black streak below and a wider one behind
eye that joins the triangular black space on back (the black back feathers are in
many specimens edged with yellowish-green) below bright yellow streaked or
blotched (except on chin, throat and middle portion of abdomen) with black ; under
tail-coverts white ; all tail-feathers, except central pair, have white spots on inner
webs in middle ; rump yellow : two wing bars or a white patch ; upper tail-coverts
black ; white streak back of eye.
Female similar but much duller. The young are quite different. Top of head
and neck behind ashy-gray, back greenish-olive ; upper tail-coverts black, with ex-
tensive grayish edgings ; below chiefly yellow, the streaks of black being mainly on
sides, can be recognized by peculiar white tail markings previously described, the
yellowruinp and under parts; maxilla brownish ; mandible yellowish, and legs paler
than in adult.
Habitat. Eastern North America to the base of the Rocky mountains, breeding
from northern New England, northern New York and northern Michigan, to
Hudson's Bay territory. In winter, Bahamas, Cuba and Central America.
This active and beautiful warbler arrives in Pennsylvania early in
May and departs in September. Inhabits woodland chiefly, but often
when migrating is seen in orchards and gardens. As a bird of passage
it is quite common and very generally distributed throughout the state ;
and it also breeds regularly, but not abundantly, in many sections of the
mountain districts. I have seen Magnolia Warblers, in midsummer, in
the mountains of Blair, McKean and Cameron counties, and their nests
have been found in Crawford, Sullivan and Somerset counties, where, I
am reliably informed, they breed regularly. The Magnolia Warbler can
easily be recognized by its showy dress of black and yellow and the
conspicuous broad white band on middle of tail feathers. Mr. Bidg-
* A male D. audubonl was captured by Mr. A. M. Frazer at Cambridge, Mass.. November 15, 1876.
Birds Col. Valley. i>. T.3.
284 BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
way, * writing- of this species, very aptly says, " it is one of the most
agile of its tribe, its quick and restless movements being more like
those of the Eedstart than those of its nearest kindred." Food consists
largely of various small winged insects ; plant-lice, ants and spiders are
also fed upon to a considerable extent.
Dendroica caerulea (Wiis.).
Cerulean Warbler
DESCRIPTION.
Length 4| to 5 ; extent about 8 inches.
Male, in spring. Above bright blue, streaked with black ; the crown somewhat
brighter and darkest ; below white; the breast and sides with blue or bluish-black
streaks ; two white wing bars ; tail-feathers, except central pair, with white patches
on inner webs, near the end.
" Female. Greenish-blue above, brightest on the crown ; beneath white, tinged
with greenish-yellow, obsoletely streaked on the sides ; eyelids and a superciliary
line greenish-white." (Hist. N. Am. ..)
Habitat. Eastern United States and southern Canada to the plains. Rare or .
casual east of central New York and the Alleghanies. Cuba (rare) and Central
America in winter.
The Cerulean or Blue Warbler I have found in eastern Pennsylvania
only as a very rare spring and fall migrant. During the last ten years
I have seen but five of these birds, one was observed in an apple orchard
in May, the others were all seen in the tops of tall forest trees. In the
western counties of the state this species is reported to be tolerably
frequent during migrations, and Dr. Yan Fleet says it breeds in Clinton
county ; and in Somerset county Dr. H. D. Moore has noted it as a rare
summer visitor. The viscera of two individuals which I have examined
contained spiders and small beetles, etc. ; the stomach of one bird was
destitute of all food except portions of a wasp-like insect.
Dendroica pensylvanicaf (Lmu.).
Chestnut-sided Warbler.
DESCRIPTION (Plate 73, Fig. <?, Male}.
Length about 5 ; extent about 7| inches.
Male, in sp ring. Above greenish-olive and pale bluish-gray (the latter especially
on back of neck) streaked with black ; top of head yellow, with black border (in
some specimens feathers of forehead and those above the black lores and eyes are
whitish) ; broad triangular patch below eye from base of mandible black, and from
this a narrow black line joins the showy chestnut stripe which extends back along
sides to flanks ; ear-coverts and portion of sides of neck, and rest of under parts pure
white, two yellowish wing-bands ; three outer pairs of tail-feathers white on inner
webs towards end.
* Ornithology of Illinois. Ridyw.
tThe bill in this species, and also in D. castanea. is broader, and the bristles are longer than in others
of the genus.
Plate 70.
Pileated Woodpecker.
1. Male; 2. Female.
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 285
Female. Similar to male, but more greenish-yellow above, but streaked with
black ; the black head markings are usually absent, sometimes very indistinctly
shown on malar region or about eyes ; a whitish ring about eye ; the chestnut streak
is much restricted.
Young. Well marked yellow wing-bands ; upper parts yellowish-green with or
without dusky streaks ; sides of head, sides of neck and backward grayish-ash, rest
of lower parts white, with or without traces of chestnut stripe on sides.
Habitat. Eastern United States and southern Canada, west to the plains, breed-
ing southward to central Illinois and the Appalachian highlands probably to north-
ern Georgia. In winter south to Bahamas, eastern Mexico, Central America, etc.
Regular spring- and fall migrant, arriving- about the first week in May
and departing- in September. This species is usually much more num-
erous in the fall than during the vernal migration. In the spring this
handsome little warbler is generally most frequently to be found in
woods or thickets ; but occasionally he also is seen in orchards seeking
insects among the fragrant rose-tinted blossoms. I have seen birds of
this species, in the summer, in the counties of Chester, Delaware, Lan-
caster, Wayne, Susquehanna, Blair, Columbia, Mercer, Cameron and
McKean, where I have no doubt this bird breeds regularly* but spar-
ingly. From reports received from observers in nearly all parts of the
state, especially in the upper half, I find this bird breeds regularly (but
no place is it mentioned as being common) in nearly all parts of the
commonwealth. Feeds on various larvae, small beetles, and other in-
sects. Once, late in July, I shot a male Chestnut-sided Warbler in a
thicket near West Chester, the feathers of its chin and throat were
stained with what appeared to be the juice of a blackberry, possibly this
species sometimes feeds on berries.
Dendroica castanea (WiLS.).
Bay-breasted Warbler.
DESCRIPTION (Plate 7S, Fig. ).
Length about 5 ; extent about 8.
Male, in spring. Forehead and sides of head black ; crown dark-chestnut ; back
thickly streaked with black and grayish ; chin, throat, forebreast and sides chestnut,
duller than crown; under tail-coverts pale buff; rest of lower parts, also a patch
behind ears, pale yellowish-white ; two white wing-bars ; tw r o outer tail-feathers
with white spots near end, and others also whitish on inner edges. Female i.s more
greenish-brown above, streaked with black ; traces of chestnut on crown and lower
parts ; bill and legs blackish.
Habitat. Eastern North America, north to Hudson's Bay. Breeds from northern
New England and northern Michigan northward ; winters in Central America.
Irregular spring and fall migrant, usually more plentiful in the fall.
Perhaps the Bay -breasted Warbler is more numerous than it is generally
admitted to be. During their brief visits in this region I have noticed
that these warblers are usually to be observed in the topmost branches
of tall forest trees, particularly in oaks, chestnuts and hickories. Food
In 1872. Dr. J. C. Merrill, of Philadelphia, found this species breeding and quite common in Monroe
county.
286 BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
of five of these birds which 1 have examined, consisted of beetles, larvae
and flies.
" The females and immature males of this species differ much from
the spring males, and are often confounded with other species, especially
with D. striata. A careful comparison of an extensive series of imma-
ture specimens of the two species shows that in castanea the under parts
are seldom washed uniformly on the throat and breast with yellowisK-
green, but while this may be seen on the sides of the neck and breast,
or even across the latter, the chin and throat are nearly white, the sides
tinged with dirty brown, even if the (generally present) trace of chest-
nut be wanting on the sides. There is a buff tinge to the under tail-
coverts ; the quills are abruptly margined with white, and there are no
traces (however obsolete) of streaks on the breast. In D. striata the
under parts are quite uniformly washed with greenish-yellow nearly as
far back as the vent, the sides of the breast and sometimes of the belly
with obsolete streaks ; no trace of the uniform dirty reddish-brown on
the sides; the under tail -coverts are pure white. The quills are only
gradually paler towards the inner edge instead of being abruptly
white." Ridgw. Orn. of III.
Dendroica striata (FoRST.).
Black-poll Warbler.
DESCRIPTION.
Length about 5 ; extent 8 to 9| inches. Maxilla brownish ; mandible paler ; legs
and feet yellowish.
Male, in spring. Upper half of head, on a level with middle of eye, also nape, pure
black ; sides and back of neck white streaked with black ; upper parts generally ash-
gray thickly streaked with black ; two white wing bars ; two outer pa irs of tail-
feathers with conspicuous white spots on inner webs near ends; lower half of head
including ear-coverts white ; median under parts white, streaked and spotted with
black from chin along sides of neck back to tail.
Female greenish olive above (including crown) streaked with black ; lower parts
streaked as in male, yellowish ring about eye, and the white of lower parts, especi-
ally on breast, in nearly all specimens is tinged with yellowish ; dusky streak in
front of and behind eye. The fall plumage is very different. Above light olive-
green indistinctly streaked with dusky ; below white and yellowish with or without
streaks ; but both old and young in any plumage have white lower tail-coverts, not
pale buff as in D. castanea.
Habitat. Eastern North America to the Rocky mountains, north to Greenland,
the Barren Grounds, and Alaska, breeding from northern New England northward.
South in winter to northern South America.
Abundant spring and fall migrant ; frequents forests and orchards, and
shade trees in the streets, parks and lawns. Individuals of this species
have been observed here (Chester county) sometimes as late as the 12th of
June. The Black-poll Warbler breeds most abundantly in the far north ;
its nests, eggs, and young have been found by Mr. E. W. Nelson in
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 287
Alaska, and by Mr. L. M. Turner in Labrador and Ungava. Mr. E. W.
Nelson, * writing- of this species, says: " It is stated that it usually builds
its nest in bushes, a few feet from the ground, but some Arctic nests are
placed directly upon the ground. This variation in habit probably ac-
cords with the locality, since it nests in bushes when the latter are to be
found."
This species is generally seen singly or in pairs, but sometimes small
detached flocks are to be met with. Feeds on beetles, flies, aphides,
spiders and canker-worms. Has a rather sharp lisping and somewhat
squeaky note. " Dr. Bryant met with it in the Bahamas, in the spring
of 1859, where it was abundant from the 1st to the 10th of May. He
describes its habits as similar to those of the Mniotilta varia (Black and
White Warbler), climbing around the trunks of trees in search of in-
sects with the same facility. * * * Dr. Coues found it abundant in
Labrador in all well-wooded situations, and describes it as a most expert
flycatcher, taking insects on the wing in the same manner as the Con-
topus virens (Wood Pewee)." Hist. N. Am. Birds.
Dendroica blackburnise
Black bumian "Warbler.
DESCRIPTION (Plate 98, male).
Top of head with a central spot of yellow ; yellowish (sometimes whitish) and in-
distinct in young. Length 5 ; extent about 8^.
Male, in spring. Outer tail-feathers, except ends, chiefly white ; white wing patch ;
middle of crown with a patch of orange ; rest of upper parts chiefly black ; back
streaked more or less with grayish, whitish and yellowish ; black area in front of
eye ; ear-coverts blackish ; between the black streak below the eye and the eye is a
bright orange spot; chin, throat, forebreast, and superciliary line, orange-red
brightest on throat and breast ; rest of lower parts white, more or less tinged with
yellow ; sides streaked with black.
Female quite similar, but paler. Autumnal specimens are much duller and
have two wing bars ; the females and young especially are more brownish, olive
above and the streaks below are much less distinct ; the bright-colored throat and
breast of female is duller, and the yellow is only clearly shown on chest of young
male.
Habitat. Eastern North America to the plains, breeding from the northern and
more elevated parts of the eastern United States northward ; in winter, south to
Bahamas, Central America, etc.
The Blackburnian Warbler is a regular and tolerably plentiful spring
and fall migrant, arriving in Pennsylvania from the 10th to the 15th of
May, and departing in September. This species breeds rather sparingly
but regularly in the mountain regions of our state, and, occasionally, in-
dividuals have been observed during the summer months in the south-
east and also in some of the western counties. Dr. W. Van Fleet
informs me this bird breeds " quite plentifully in Clinton, Clearfleld and
Northumberland counties," and Prof. August Kock has found this bean-
'Kept, upon Nat. Htst. Coll. made in Alaska, p. 203.
288 BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
tiful warbler as a regular and moderately common summer resident in
the mountainous districts of romantic Ly coming- county. Its nests have
been taken, it is said, in low bushes in Crawford county. I have taken
several of these warblers in Centre, McKean and Susquehanna counties
late in June and early in August. This species is generally found in
woods or thickets, but often, when migrating (especially in spring), these
birds visit orchards. Commonly seen singly or in pairs, but occasion-
ally in spring I have seen companies of six to eight together and in one
instance a dozen of these bright orange-throated beauties were observed
feeding together in a couple of beech trees in a woods along the
Youghiogheny river in Fay ette 'county. Food about the same as that
of the Black-poll.
Dendroica dominica (LiNN.).
Yellow-throated "Warbler.
DESCRIPTION.
Sexes (adults) alike. Length about 5j ; extent about 8. Bill and legs black.
Bill is long, measuring along exposed culrnen .48 (average of six specimens), much
compressed and sharp pointed ; maxilla somewhat curved. Above plain bluish-
gray and unstreaked ; edges of middle and greater coverts lorm two white wing
bands ; inner webs of three pairs of outer tail-feathers spotted with white toward
the end. Top of head to about middle of eyes black ; lores and patch on sides of
head, continuous with patch on sides of neck, deep black ; a white spot below eye is
encircled by black which borders the bright yellow throat patch ; six specimens
before me have yellow of chin separated from bill by a few white feathers ; white area
on side of neck separating black from bluish-gray ; under parts, except as already
mentioned, white, conspicuously streaked on sides with black. A long stripe runs
from base of maxilla to nape, this stripe from bill and almost reaching the eye is
usually yellow, then it becomes pure white.
Habitat. Southeastern United States, north to the Middle States, and rarely to
southern New England ; south in winter to the West Indies.
The Yellow-throated Warbler is a very rare and irregular summer
visitor in the southeastern part of Pennsylvania. Dr. W. P. Turnbull
includes this species in his list of stragglers in the lower counties of
eastern Pennsylvania. The late C. D. Wood, of Philadelphia, showed
me a pair of these warblers which he had captured about the middle of
June in Delaware county. I have in my collection two specimens shot
in Chester county, both are males, one was taken June 27, 1879, the
other July, 1885. It is possible that this southern bird occasionally
breeds within or near our southern borders. In the numerous reports
which I have received from various observers in different parts of
Pennsylvania no mention is made of the Yellow-throated Warbler. In
the winter of 1885 I found this species in small flocks and quite abund-
ant in pine, palmetto and oak trees at different points along the St.
John's river, from Palatka southward to Sanford. Feeds on beetles,
larvae, ants, spiders, etc.
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 289
Dendroica virens (GMEL.)
Black-throated Green Warbler.
DESCRIPTION (Plate 97, male).
Length about 5 ; extent about 8.
Male, in spring. Top of head, neck behind, scapulars back and rump bright
yellowish olive-green ; wings and tail dusky ; wings have two white bars and con-
siderable white edging, and the outer tail feathers are principally white. In some
specimens the back has a few concealed blackish streaks ; a dusky streak from maxilla
back through eye and auriculars, and another one below it. Forehead, superciliary
stripes- (the latter extending to nape), sides of head and neck rich yellow j chin,
throat and upper breast jet black, which is continued along sides in streaks; rest of
under parts yellowish-white. Bill and legs blackish, paler in young and autumnal
specimens.
Female. Similar to male but duller and the jet black of chin, throat and breast is
absent, or at least largely hidden by yellowish and whitish ends of feathers ; but
black always is more or less evident on forebreast.
Young. In fall resembles greatly the female.
Habitat. Eastern North America to the plains, north to Hudson's Bay territory,
breeding from the 'northern United States northward. In winter, south to Cuba and
Panama.
The Black-throated Green Warbler is a common and familiar visitor oc-
curring- generally throughout the state when migrating, and as a summer
resident it is frequently met with in the wooded regions of our higher
mountain ranges. Although this warbler often visits orchard and other
trees about the habitations of man, it is to be found most abundantly
during migrations in woodland. It frequents the tops of the forest
monarchs, as well as the lower limbs of trees and bushes. Although
these sprightly and showily-attired birds may be observed in any or all
kinds of trees in the woods, I have noticed that where hickory and oak
trees are growing, there you will generally find the present species most
numerous. Prof. August Kock informs me that this bird breeds regular
in Lycoming county, in the neighborhood of Williamsport. Dr. Van
Fleet says it breeds rather plentifully in Clinton, Clearfield and North-
umberland counties. Prof. H. J. Roddy, of Millersville, has captured
specimens at Bush mountain, Centre county, late in July, so young as to
warrant him in believing that they hatched in that immediate vicinity.
Mr. Sennett tells me this bird breeds in Crawford county, and I am quite
certain that it is a native in all our northern tier of counties, as well as
in many of the counties to the southward. Food consists largely of
aphides, spiders, beetles, flies, larvae, etc. Arrives in southern Pennsyl-
vania usually about the last week in April, and occasionally straggling
individuals are found along our southern borders as late as the middle of
October.
19 BIRDS.
290 BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
Dendroica townsendi (NUTT.).
Townsend's "Warbler.
DESCRIPTION
"Spring, male. Above bright olive-green , the leathers all black in the cen-
ter, showing more or less as streaks, especially on the crown, where the black
predominates. Quills, tail and upper tail-covert feathers dark-brown, edged with
bluish-gray ; the wings with two white bands on the coverts ; the two outer tail-
feathers white with a brown streak near the end ; a white streak only in the end of
the third feather. Under parts as far as the middle of the body, with the sides of
head and neck, including a superciliary stripe and a spot beneath the eye, yellow .
the median portion of the side of the head, the chin and throat, with streaks on the
sides of the breast, flanks and under tail-coverts, black ; the remainder of under parts
white. Length 5 inches ; wing 2.65 ; tail 2.25.
"Spring, female. Resembling the male, but the black patch on the throat replaced
by irregular blotches upon a pure yellow ground." ( Hist. N. Am. J3.)
Habitat. Western North America, east during migrations to western Colorado,
north to Sitka, south to Mexico, and in winter to Guatemala. Accidental near Phila-
delphia (Chester county).
Accidental. An adult male of this decidedly western species, was shot
by Mr. C. D. Wood, of Philadelphia, May 12, 1868, in an apple orchard,
near Coatesville, Chester county. The specimen was sold ($40) to Dr.
Turnbull, and after his death was purchased by Barney Hoopes, Esq.,
of Philadelphia, who subsequently disposed of it to the late John Krider,
of Philadelphia.
Dendroica kirtlandi BAIRD.
Kin hind's Warbler.
DESCRIPTION.
" Male ; upper parts slaty-blue ; crown and back streaked with black ; lores and
frontlet black ; eyelids mostly white. Under parts clear yellow, whitening on cris-
sum, the breast with small spots and the sides with short streaks of black ; greater
and middle wing-coverts, quills, and tail-feathers edged with white ; two outer
tail-feathers white-blotched on inner web. Length 5.50 ; wing 2.80 ; tail 2.70
Adult female. Upper parts dull bluish-gray, obscured with brownish on the hind
neck and back, marked with heavy blackish streaks on the whole back ; crown and
upper tail-coverts with fine black shaft-lines. Sides of head and neck like upper
parts, with darkened lores and whitish eye-ring. Wing quills dusky, with slight
whitish edging of both webs ; tail-coverts like back, but with large blackish central
field, and whitish edging and tipping, forming two inconspicuous wing-bars. Tail-
feathers like wing-quills only the outermost one having a small white blotch.
Entire under parts dull yellow, brighter on breast, paler on throat and belly,
washed with brownish on sides, with a slight necklace of brownish dots across the
forebreast (as in 8. canadensis) ; these spots stronger on the sides of the breast,
whence lengthening into streaks on the sides and flanks ; a few small sharp
scratches of the same nearly across lower breast. Under tail-coverts white, un-
marked. Bill and feet black. Length about 5.30 ; wing 2.60 ; bill .40 ; tarsus .80."
(Key N. Am. Birds.)
Habitat. Eastern United States (Pennsylvania, Ohio, Missouri, Michigan, Wis-
consin), and the Bahamas in winter.
Plate 71.
Wild Pigeon. Mourning Dove.
1, 3. Males; 2. lemale.
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 291
About half a dozen specimens of this species have been taken in Ohio
since the type was captured, May 13, 1851, near Cleveland, Ohio, by Dr.
Jared P. Kirtland. I have never seen a Kirtland's Warbler in this state,
and the only one that has ever been taken here, so far as I can learn, is
now in the collection of Prof. H. J. Koddy, of Millersville State Normal
School, Pennsylvania. Concerning this species, Mr. Koddy writes me
as follows: "I shot a Kirtland's Warbler (D. kirtlandi), June 25, 1885,
near Dublin Gap Springs, Pennsylvania." In the list of birds which
accompanied Mr. Koddy's letter, Kirtland's Warbler is marked as a
breeder, with the following note, " saw one (doubtless the one he shot
June 25, 1885) and its family." During migrations this warbler has
been found in the eastern United States as above noted ; it has been
taken in winter in the Bahamas, but of its summer residence naturalists
know nothing.
Dendroica vigorsii (AuD.).
Pine Warbler.
DESCRIPTION.
Bill rather stout, blackish ; legs brownish ; bill in young is generally paler, espec-
ially mandible about base.
Length about 5| ; extent 8J.
Above bright yellowish-olive ; sides of head and neck same color, superciliary
stripe, spot under eye, chin, throat, breast, portion of sides, and upper part of abdo-
men yellow. The lower part of belly and under tail-coverts in six specimens before
me, are dull white, and two other specimens have these parts as well as flanks
tinged with yellow ; sides of breast obsoletely streaked with dusky ; wings and tail
dusky grayish ; the edge of outer webs of primaries edged with grayish-white, and
two wing bands of same. The two outer pairs of tail-feathers have large white
spaces towards the end on inner webs, and middle portion of outer web of first pair
of lateral tail-feathers, is also white or grayish.
Female somewhat similar but duller, more grayish-olive above, less yellowish
below.
Habitat. Eastern United States, to the plains, north to Ontario and New Bruns-
wick, wintering in the south Atlantic and Gulf States and the Bahamas.
The Pine Warbler, a regular though not a common migrant in the
spring and fall, arrives in Pennsylvania late in April or early in May
and departs usually in September.
By the last of October but few of these birds are met with in this
state. I have, however, seen one or two of these warblers here in win-
ter. Mr. Gentry mentions an instance where a stray individual was
taken near Philadelphia in midwinter. The Messrs. Baird found this
bird breeding in Cumberland county. I have taken, at different times,
three Pine Warblers in midsummer in pine and hemlock woods in the
mountainous regions, and have no doubt this species breeds regularly,
but sparingly in our extensive coniferous forests. Prof. H. J. Roddy has
found the Pine Warbler breeding in Perry county. The same observer
has also seen this bird in the southern part of our state as a casual win-
ter resident. Mr. Sennett has observed this bird in the Crawford-Erie
292 BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
district only as a spring and fall migrant ; Dr. Yan Fleet lias noted it in
Clinton, Clearfield and Northumberland counties, likewise Prof. A.
Kock in Ly coming county, only as a bird of passage in the spring and
fall. Although occurring during migrations generally throughout the
commonwealth, the present species is, according to my observation,
oftener met with in the pine and hemlock woods than elsewhere. Like
the Bed-poll Warbler (D. palmarum, or its near relative hypoclirysed)
the Pine Warbler is frequently seen on the ground. Feeds, like other
of its kindred, on divers kinds of insect life, and occasionally this diet
is varied bv a few small berries and seeds.
Dendroica palmarum (GMEL.).
Palm Warbler.
DESCRIPTION!
Length about 5| ; extent about 8 ; above brownish-olive ; back narrowly streaked
with dusky ; rump and upper tail-coverts yellowish-olive ; top of head chestnut ;
tips of middle and greater wing-coverts paler than surrounding parts, but not form-
ing distinct bars ; inner webs of two outer pairs of tail feathers white to ends ; su-
perciliary stripe dull whitish or yellowish ; lower eyelids whitish ; under parts dull
whitish and yellowish, the latter most conspicuous on throat, forebreast and under
tail-coverts ; breast and sides streaked with grayish-brown or pale reddish- brown ;
wings and tail-feathers dusky brown.
Habitat. Northern interior to the Great Slave Lake ; in winter and in migra-
tions, Mississippi valley and Gulf States ; including western and southern Florida
and the West Indies. Casual in the Atlantic states.
D. palmarum hypochrysea, Ridgw. (Yellow Palm Warbler), is a little larger than
true palmarum, from which it differs also in having under parts much brighter and
almost continuous yellow ; and the bright reddish-chestnut streaks in spring adults
are almost wholly confined to the sides of breast and lower part of neck (sides) ; bill
blackish ;' base of lower mandible paler ; legs brownish ; soles of feet yellow.
Habitat. Atlantic states, north to Hudson's Bay. Breeds from New Brunswick
and Nova Scotia northward ; winters in the south Atlantic and Gulf States.
The Yellow Palm Warbler is the common form which I have found in
Pennsylvania east of the Allegheny mountains. It also occurs west of
the Alleghanies, where the Palm Warbler (D. palmarum} is reported as
a regular spring and fall migrant. I have taken one or two birds in the
autumn, in southeastern Pennsylvania, which appear to be good exam-
ples of Dendroica palmarum, but from a large series of skins before
me I am thoroughly convinced that Dendroica palmarum hypochrysea
is the common bird in eastern and central Pennsylvania and that Den-
droica palmarum occurs in the eastern two-thirds of the state, and
doubtless throughout the entire state chiefly as a rare visitor during
migrations. These warblers arrive here usually about the 20th of April
(some seasons individuals are seen as early as the first week in April in
the southern parts of Chester, Delaware and Lancaster counties) and
are commonly observed for about a week or ten days. Found generally
on the ground, in fields, along fences and by the roadsides. In the au-
tumn they return late in September, and frequent the same situations
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 293
as in the spring ; they are often seen in company with different species
of sparrows and also Yellow-rumped Warblers. Like others of its
genus this warbler feeds on small beetles, larvae, spiders, etc.
Dendroica discolor (VnsiLL.).
Prairie Warbler.
DESCRIPTION.
Length about 5 ; extent about 1\. Upper parts olive-green (some specimens
olive-yellow), interscapular region with patch of reddish chestnut spots. Under
parts, sides of head and streak from nostrils running back over and behind eye,
two wing-bands and under parts, yellow ; black streak in front of eye and another
behind it black ; sides of neck and body streaked with black ; inner webs of outer
tail-feathers mostly white. The female is similar but duller and reddish spots on
back are indistinct
Habitat. Eastern United States to the plains ; north to Michigan and southern
New England. Winters in southern Florida and the West Indies.
The Prairie Warbler is a regular and tolerably common migrant in
suitable localities in the eastern half of Pennsylvania. Arrives early in
May and departs in September. Dr. Van Fleet, of Clinton county, and
Prof. A. Kock, of Lycoming county, have never met with this species in
their localities or in fact is it reported to occur, except in rare instances,
in any of our higher mountainous districts. In Erie and Crawford
counties Mr. Sennett has found the Prairie Warbler as a rare spring and
autumnal visitor, and from reports received from other observers in
western Pennsylvania this bird is either marked as " not found " or as a
rare spring and fall migrant. From the fact that I have, on different
occasions, during the summer months, seen Prairie Warblers in high
grasses, tall weeds, cedar thickets and other bushy places in old fields
on the Barren Eidge in the southeastern part of this state, I am of the
opinion that it breeds regularly through not abundantly with us. Prof.
H. J. Eoddy has, he informs me, found this bird as a rare summer resi-
dent in Perry county. Food flies, small beetles, larvae, etc.
GENUS SEIURUS* SWAINSON.
Seiurus aurocapillus (LINN.).
Oven-bird ; Golden-crowned Thrush.
DESCRIPTION (Plate 99).
Length about 6 ; extent about 9| inches ; bill and eyes brown ; legs flesh color.
Above uniform olive-green with a tinge of yellow ; crown with two black lateral
'"Gen. Char. Bill rather compressed, with a distinct notch. Gonys ascending. Rictal bristles very
short. Wings moderate (about three-quarters of an inch longer than the tail) ; first quill scarcely
shorter than the second. Tail slightly rounded, feathers acuminate. Tarsi about as long as the skull,
considerably exceeding the middle toe. Under tail-coverts reaching within about, half an Inch of the
end of the tail. Color above olivaceous, beneath whitish, thickly streaked on the breast and sides ;
wings and tail immaculate. Nests on the ground, often arched or sheltered by position or dry leaves.
Eggs white, marked with red, brown and purple. This genus is decidedly sylvicoline In general appear-
ance, although the spots on the breast resemble somewhat those of the thrushes" (Hist. N. Am, B. ).
294 BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
streaks, which extend from bill and enclose a golden or brownish-orange space ;
white ring around eye ; beneath white ; breast and sides streaked with dusky or
black. The young at first have no stripes on top of head, and lower parts are light-
dull brownish-yellow, with obscure dusky streaks.
Habitat. Eastern North America, north to Hudson's Bay territory and Alaska,
breeding from Kansas, the Ohio Valley and Virginia, northward. In winter, south-
ern Florida, the West Indies and Central America.
This bird is a common summer resident, arriving here generally about
the 25th of April and remaining until about the last week of Septem-
ber. Occasionally, but rarely, are birds of this species observed in the
southern counties after the second week of October. During migrations
it is often found in thickets, and occasionally is seen in yards and gardens.
In the summer months it rarely is observed to leave its favorite retreats
in dark and unfrequented localities in forests. The Oven-bird very care-
fully hides its rather bulky and loosely built nest in old leaves, by the
side of a log or under the projecting edges of brush heaps; in addition
to such protections, and to further conceal its treasures from the curious
eyes of egg-collectors or other predatory animals, the top is usually
covered over or roofed by the birds, who gain an entrance through an
opening in the side. The eggs, four to six, are creamy-white, spotted
with reddish-brown. They measure about .80 of an inch long and .60
of an inch wide. The song of this bird is exceeding loud, shrill and
monotonous. Birds of this genus, when walking on the ground, have
the habit of wagging their tails like the Spotted Sandpiper. The
Oven-bird subsists chiefly on various forms of insect life, such as bee-
tles, earthworms, crickets, flies, spiders and larvae; it also sometimes
feeds on small seeds.
Seiurus noveboracensis (GMEL.).
Water Thrush ; Water Wagtail ; Small-billed Water-Thrush.
DESCRIPTION (Plate 95).
Length about 6 ; extent about 9 ; eyes brown ; bill small (rather slender as com-
pared with next species), a half inch or less in length along culmen ; upper parts
uniform and dark olive-brown ; below yellowish thickly and sharply streaked ex-
cept on belly and under tail-coverts with dark olive-brown ; these streaks on breast
in some specimens are quite black ; a yellowish superciliary line.
Habitat. Eastern United States to Illinois, and northward to Arctic America,
breeding from the northern United States, northward. South in winter to the West
Indies and northern South America.
The Water Thrush is common and very generally distributed
throughout Pennsylvania during migrations, or late in April, May, Sep-
tember and frequently individuals are found lingering as they pass
southward, to winter it is said beyond the southern boundaries of the
United States, in our southern counties late in October. Generally,
however, the "Water Wagtail, as many term this bird, is not found here
after the last week in September. Like the sandpipers this bird may
Plate 72.
L Winter Wren. 2. Cat-bird.
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 295
be seen frequently in shallow water, on logs and stones, etc., about
pools, swampy woods and creeks or ponds in thickets. The species is
nearly always seen singly or in pairs ; and occasionally it is found, when
migrating, with Solitary Sandpipers, about sluggish streams or pools in
open woods. The Water Thrush breeds regularly but is not numerous
as a summer resident, in the northern parts of the state. Dr. W. Van
Fleet tells me that it is a regular breeder in suitable localities in the
mountainous districts of Clinton and Clearfield counties. Dr. John W.
Detwiller, of Northampton, has taken their nests and eggs. Prof. Roddy
says he has found the Water Thrush along cold mountain streams in
every summer month and that in July, 1888, he saw a number in the
Bear Meadows, Centre county. Prof. A. Kock writes that it occurs
sparingly as a breeder about the mountain streams in Ly coming county.
Mr. Sennett has repeatedly seen the species in the tamarack swamps and
about small streams in woods in Crawford county, where it breeds regu-
larly. The late Edmund Kicksecker recorded this thrush as a regular
breeder in Monroe county. Food consists largely of beetles; small
worms, larvae, and small shells are also frequently eaten.
Seiurus motacilla (VIEILL.).
Louisiana Water-Thrush ; Large-billed Water- Thrush.
DESCRIPTION.
Very similar to noveboracensis but a little larger, bill much stouter and a little
longer. Under parts white with fewer and paler streaks ; flanks and under tail-
coverts (especially the latter) have a faint buffy tint ; white superciliary line ; chin,
throat, abdomen and under tail-coverts unmarked.
Habitat. Eastern United States, north to southern New England and west to the
plains. In winter, West Indies, southern Mexico and Central America.
Of the three species of this genus the Louisiana Water-Thrush is the
rarest. It frequents the same localities as the Small-billed Water-
Thrush. I have never seen this species in the northern counties, and in
but few of the reports which have been received from observers in the
northern parts of the state do I find that it has been observed as a mi-
grant. Mr. George B. Sennett has found the Louisiana Water Thrush
in summer about streams in the vicinity of Meadville, Crawford county.
Messrs. George Miller and Casper Loucks have found it breeding in
York county ; and I have taken a few specimens in Chester and other
counties along our southern borders in summer. Food similar to that
of the species last mentioned.
296 BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
GENUS GEOTHLYPIS* CABANIS.
Geothlypis formosa (WiLs.)-
Kentucky Warbler.
DESCRIPTION {Plate 98).
Length about 5| ; extent about 9. Top of head black, the feathers edged poste-
riorly with grayish ; the black lores join a broad black patch below eye and connect^
ing with a streak of same on sides of neck ; rest of upper parts greenish-olive ; con-
spicuous superciliary stripe and under parts bright yellow.
Female similar but somewhat duller. The young have black obscure or absent.
Habitat. Eastern United States, west to the plains, and north to southern New
England and southern Michigan. In winter, West Indies and Central America.
This beautiful bird, readily mistaken in the bushes for the Hooded
Warbler, is a summer resident in Pennsylvania, where it arrives usually
about May 1st, and remains until, generally, the middle of September.
As a well-known writer observes the Kentucky Warbler resembles in its
manners the Water Thrushes, "having- the same tilting- motion of the
body and horizontal altitude when perching, so characteristic of these
birds " (Ridgway). Although greatly like the Oven-bird in many of
its ways it can easily be distinguished from the latter by its bright yel-
low and immaculate under parts. His song is also much more pleasing
and different from that of the Oven-bird ; the song, Mr. Eidgway f says,
" recalls that of the Cardinal, but is much weaker, and its ordinary note
is a soft pchip, somewhat like that of the Pewee (Sayornis phoebe)"
Inhabits the thick undergrowth of low, damp and boggy woodland ; in
woods and well-sheltered swamps about the borders of forests where
skunk-cabbage (Symplocarpus foeditus) and spice-wood bushes (Benzoin
odoriferum) abound there you mostly will find these active, pugnacious
and secretive songsters. Like the Oven-bird, this warbler nests 011 the
ground, and although the bulky nest is not roofed over, it is equally as
difficult to discover as that of the Oven-bird. Ten nests which I have
found in Chester, Delaware and Clarion counties, have all been built in
damp situations in woods. This species rarely, if ever, I think, nests on
a dry hillside as the Oven-bird commonly does.
The Kentucky Warbler is a very common summer resident in differ-
ent localities in southeastern Pennsylvania, being almost as numerous
as the Maryland Yellow-throat, for which bird it is sometimes mistaken,
"Legs yellow in dried specimens, but in freshly killed specimens legs are pale flesh color, or light-
brownish flesh color ; the anterior part of tarsus is darker than posterior part. Bill distinctly notched
at end : rictal bristles very short or absent ; tail and wings without spots and bands or bars ; eyes brown.
The Connecticut and Kentucky Warblers (subgenus Oporornis of Baird) have moderately stout and
rather lengthened bills, somewhat depressed at base and rather compressed, particularly in Kentucky
Warbler, from about middle to end ; wings, long and pointed, considerably longer than the nearly even
or slightly rounded tail ; first primary longest ; tail-feathers acuminate. The Maryland Yellow-throat
and Mourning Warbler (subgenus Geothlypis of Cabanis) have short rounded wings ; the first primary is
shorter than second, third and fourth quills : tail long, about equal to wings, and graduated.
tOru. of III., p. 166.
Plate 73-
1. Carolina Wren. 2. Bay-breasted Warbler.
3. Chestnut-sided Warbler, Males,
BIHDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 297
and al trough occurring in nearly all parts of the state either as a native
or during- migrations it is reported to be quite rare in many of the
mountainous districts. Prof. A. Kock has never met with it in Lycom-
ing county and Dr. Yan Fleet has observed it in Clinton, Clearfield and
Northumberland counties only as a spring and autumnal sojourner. At
all times, other than when migrating, these birds .are found near water,
such as small streams, ponds, etc., in secluded forests and wooded
thickets. Feeds on different forms of insect life and occasionally on
berries.
Geothlypis agilis (WILS ).
Connecticut Warbler.
DESCRIPTION.
Length about 5^ ; extent about 9 inches ; maxilla brownish, lower mandible paler ;
upper parts olive-green ; sides of head slightly grayish or ashy ; chin, throat and
breast grayish-ashy (in a specimen before me, taken in fall, the chin, throat and
breast are more or less edged with rusty), sides very similar to back but paler ; rest
of undv3r parts including lower tail-coverts yellow ; whitish ring around eye.
Habitat. Eastern North America, breeding north of the United States. "Winter
residence unknown."
The Connecticut Warbler seems to have been met with by but few
naturalists or collectors in the western or central portions of Pennsyl-
vania. The writer shot one of these birds in September in Erie county,
where Mr. Sennett has observed this bird as a migrant, not common.
Dr. Van Fleet has found it in Clinton county as a rare migrant, and
Prof. Eoddy reports it as migratory in Perry and Lancaster counties.
The writer has never seen a Connecticut Warbler anywhere in Pennsyl-
vania during the spring migration, but in the fall, usually in Septem-
ber, this species has been found to be quite common in bushy swamps
and weedy places in the vicinity of streams and ponds in southeastern
parts of the State. It is a quiet and secretive bird and as it frequents,
almost constantly, the ground in thick weeds, grasses and bushes it fre-
quently escapes observation. Feeds on beetles, larvae, spiders, snails
and sometimes on small seeds and berries. This bird " breeds in Mani-
toba * and probably elsewhere in the interior of British America "-
(Ridgway).
Geothlypis Philadelphia (Wiis.).
Mourning Warbler.
DESCRIPTION.
" Wings but little longer than the tail, reaching but little beyond its base.
"Adult male. Head and neck all round, with throat forepart of breast, ash-gray,
paler beneath. The feathers of the chin, throat and fore breast in reality black, but
with narrow ashy margins more or less concealing the black, except on the breast.
See article in Auk., April, 1884. pages 192-193, by Mr. Ernest E. T. Seton.
298 BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
Lores and region about the eye dusky, without any trace of a pale ring. Upper
parts and sides of body clear olive-green; the under parts bright yellow. Tail-
feathers uniform olive ; first primary with the outer half of the outer web nearly
white.
" Female with the gray of the crown glossed with olive ; the chin and throat paler
centrally, and tinged with fulvous ; a dull whitish ring round the eye. Length 5.50 ;
wing 2. 45; tail 2.25. "From Orn. of III.
Habitat. Eastern North America to the plains, breeding from the higher mount-
ainous portions of Pennsylvania, New England and New York, and northern
Michigan, northward. Central America and northern South America in winter.
The Mourning- Warbler breeds regularly in a few secluded mountain-
ous districts of Pennsylvania. During- migrations is found very gener-
ally throughout the state, but in all localities is reported to be rare.
Mr. Otto Behr informs me that the Mourning- Warbler breeds regularly
in the mountainous regions of Sullivan county, and Dr. Van Fleet has
observed as a native about Renovo, in Clinton county. Frequents
thickets and undergrowth ; two specimens obtained by the writer were
both shot in brush piles along the edge of a swampy thicket. This
warbler arrives here usually from the 15th to the 20th of May. Food
of two birds examined by the writer consisted of beetles and spiders.
Goethlypis trichas (LINN.).
Maryland Yellow-throat.
DESCRIPTION (Plate 42).
Length of male about 5 ; extent about 1{ ; female rather smaller ; bill back ; legs
pale-brown.
Male, in summer. Above olive-green ; forehead and a broad band through the
eyes and on side of neck pure black, bordered posteriorly with ashy ; chin, throat,
breast, under-cbverts, and edge of wing bright yellow, fading into a dull buff-white
on belly ; wings and tail, glossed with yellowish-olive.
Female, in summer. Colors duller ; less yellow on under parts ; no black or ashy
head markings ; top of head, especially forehead, reddish-brown. The young gen-
erally resemble the female, but young males may usually be known by indistinct
black feathers on sides of head, though feathers of forehead are quite similar to
those of female.
Habitat. Eastern United States, mainly east of the Alleghanies, north to Ontario
and Xova Scotia, breoding from Georgia, northward. In winter, south Atlantic and
Gulf States and the West Indies.
The Maryland Yellow-throat is an exceedingly abundant summer res-
ident from about May 1st to the latter part of September. During
migrations, particularly in the spring, it often visits apple trees to seek,
among the leaves and blossoms, for numerous small insects. Frequents,
especially, thickets, tangled underbrush, brush-piles and high weeds,
generally near streams or swampy places. Its voice is rather loud, yefc
its song is not unmusical.
This species builds a rather large cup-shaped nest of leaves and dried
grasses, usually carefully concealed in a tussock of grass, among weeds,
or at the base of low bushes, commonly in low and moist situations.
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 299
The eggs, mostly five, are white, finely speckled, usually about the
larger end, with black and brown. They measure about .70 by .50 of an
inch. The Maryland Yellow-throat feeds on numerous kinds of small
insects and larvae.
GENUS ICTERIA VIEILLOT.
Icteria virens (LiNN.).
Yellow-breasted Chat.
DESCRIPTION (Plate 96).
Length about 7| ; extent about 10 inches ; wings rounded and shorter than tail,
which measures about 3j inches in length ; bill rather long (measuring along gape
about three-quarters of an inch), stout, higher than broad at base ; ridge of upper
mandible and commissure much curved. Birds of this genus are the largest of the
family. Upper parts olive-green ; chin, throat, chest, breast and inside of wings
bright gamboge-yellow ; lower part of belly and under tail-coverts white; eye-lids,
line under lower jaw and a stripe above the black lores, white. Bill black ; feet lead
color.
Habitat. Eastern United States to the plains, north to Ontario and southern New
England, south, in winter, to eastern Mexico and Guatemala.
The Yellow-breasted Chat arrives in Pennsylvania about the first week
in May, and remains until about the 20th of September. Although this
bird is an abundant summer resident in briery thickets and tangled un-
dergrowth, in open woods or along the edges of woods, it is much
oftener heard than seen. When migrating this bird skulks silently
about bushes and thickets, but when he locates for the summer he be-
comes one of the most noisy inhabitants of the place. Often when
perched in a tree top near his favorite retreats his song is not unpleas-
ant, but if his domain is invaded by a human being he flies into the
bushes and greets the intruder with a most varied medley of whistling,
cackling, whispering, uncouth guttural sounds, yet all the time remains
hidden, and as he continually shifts his position it is often exceedingly
difficult to detect him, even though he continues his varied sounds.
By remaining perfectly quiet you generally can catch a glimpse of his
bright eye and yellow breast, or see his white crissum as he turns in
the tangled leafy shrubbery. The nest, composed of leaves, grapevine
bark and grasses, is built usually in briery thickets. The eggs, four
or five in number, are white, marked with reddish-brown. They meas-
ure a little less than one inch in length and a trifle over three-quarters
wide. The Chat feeds chiefly on different forms of insect life. He also
subsists on wild strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, whortleberries
and small wild grapes.
300 BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
*
GENUS SYLVANIA* NUTTALL.
Sylvania mitrata (GMEL.).
Hooded Warbler.
DESCRIPTION (Plate 98, male).
Length about 65 ; extent about 8 ; bill (dried skins) dark brownish-black.
Male. Forehead back to middle of eye, a streak above and behind eye and a
large patch from base of lower mandible extending back over ears, bright yellow ;
top of head, chin, large throat patch enclosing yellow auricular patch, continuous,
with that of head, all deep black ; rest of under parts yellow ; inner webs of three
outer parts of tail-feathers white.
Female similar to male, but black much less distinct, sometimes entirely absent.
Habitat. Eastern United States, west to the plains, north and east to Michigan,
southern New York, and southern New England. In winter, West Indies, eastern
Mexico and Central America.
Summer resident from early in May until about middle of Septem-
ber ; tolerably common in some localities and rare in other sections.
A nest with young of the Hooded Warbler was found some few years
ago in Chester county, where this species is usually observed as a rare
migrant. The late Prof. S. F. Baird noted this handsome and active bird
as a regular summer resident in the higlands of Cumberland county.
Reports received from the following-named gentlemen show that the
species breeds regularly in a number of localities in our state. Lycom-
ing county (A. Kock)-, Lancaster county, breeds occasionally (Dr. A. C.
TreicMer) ; Clinton, Clearfield and Northumberland counties (Dr. Van
Fleet) ; Erie county (George B. Sennett) ; Perry and Centre counties (H.
J. Roddy). I have shot specimens of this species during the summer
months in the counties of Elk, Cameron, Somerset, Susquehanna,
Wayne, Schuylkill, Blair and Cambria, where doubtless these birds an-
nually rear their young. Frequents usually secluded places in high
damp woods, or thickets in close proximity to streams. Food consists
chiefly of beetles, larvae, aphides and spiders and occasionally, I think^
it feeds on berries. I believe berries are sometimes eaten, because I
have taken two specimens in the late summer which were more or less,
stained about the head with what appeared to be berry-juice.
Sylvania pusilla (WiLS.).
Wilson's Warbler.
DESCRIPTION.
Length about 4^ ; extent about 6f ; top of head black ; forehead line over eye and en-
tire under parts bright yellow ; sides of body and sides of head same color as back,
* Bill broad and depressed ; distinctly notched near end ; culmen and commissure about straight to
near the tip of maxilla which is slightly curved ; rictal bristles long and conspicuous ; wings longer than
nearly even or slightly rounded tail ; wings unmarked; eyes brown; legs (dried skins) pale brownish-
yellow.
Plate 74.
Wild Turkey.
Male.
BIRQS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 301
but much paler ; upper parts except as previously mentioned olive-green; wings
and tail brownish and without any white. F.emale and young similar but duller ;
the black-cap in some fall specimens is entirely wanting. Maxilla (dried skin)
brownish-black ; mandible pale yellowish.
Habitat. Eastern North America, west to and including the Rocky mountains,
north to Hudson's Bay territory and Alaska. Breeds chiefly north of the United
States, migrating south to eastern Mexico and Central America.
Wilson's Warbler or Wilson's Black-cap as it is generally called,
occurs in Pennsylvania as a regular, but not common, spring- and fall mi-
grant. Arrives here usually about the middle of May and returns again
in September. Frequents undergrowth in woods and thickets. Feeds
on spiders, larvae, flies, aphides, etc.
Sylvania canadensis (LINN.).
Canadian Warbler.
DESCRIPTION.
Length about 5f ; extent about 85 ; maxilla brownish-black ; mandible and legs
pale flesh color ; no white on wings or tail ; top of head black, quite uniform on
forehead, but rest of black feathers of crown are extensively edged with the bluish
ash of rest of upper parts ; ring around eye, and a streak from nostrils to eye yel-
low ; chin, upper part of throat, lower part of breast and abdomen immaculate yel-
low ; the black lores unite with a black patch under eyes, which is continuous with
black on sides of neck, and thence extending across the forebreast in a showy series
of black spots. Female and young similar but duller, the black markings in former
are much duller and are absent on forehead ; the young males in the fall some-
times have little or no black on breast.
Habitat. Eastern North America, westward to the plains, and north to New-
foundland, southern Labrador, and Lake Winnipeg, south, in winter, to Central
America and northern South America.
The Canadian Warbler occurs throughout Pennsylvania as a common
migrant in the spring and fall ; arrives about the 10th of May and when
migrating southward is again seen in September. This beautiful bird
so conspicuous in his suit of ashy-blue and yellow with black head dress
and a showy black necklace, breeds sparingly in some of our secluded
mountainous regions, viz : Lycoming county (Kock), Cumberland county
(Baird), Clinton county ( Van Fleet), McKean county (J. A. Teulori),
Centre county (Roddy). The Canadian Warbler sometimes visits or-
chards, trees and shrubbery about houses, but usually he frequents for-
ests and is seen commonly on the lower branches of trees or in bushes,
actively engaged in catching spiders, flies, small beetles and other
kinds of insects.
302 BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
GENUS SETOPHAGA SWAINSON
Setophaga ruticilla (LiNN.).
American Redstart.
DESCRIPTION (Plate 43}.
Length about 5| ; extent about 8 inches ; bill and legs black.
Male. Prevailing, color glossy black; the belly and under tail-coverts white;
sides of breast, large space at base of quills and basal half of tail-feathers, except
middle pair which are black on inner webs, and axillaries orange red ; sides and
belly often tinged with orange-red ; terminal third of tail and wings, except as de-
scribed previously, blackish.
" Female with the black replaced by grayish-olive above, by brownish-white be-
neath ; the head tinged with ash ; a grayish-white lore and ring round the eye ;
the red of the male replaced by yellow." Young male similar to adult female but
browner above, the yellow more of a reddish hue ; immature males are often seen
with glossy black feathers singly or in patches. Two or three years are, it is said,
required before this bird gains its perfect plumage.
Habitat. North America, north to Fort Simpson, west regularly to the Great
Basin, casually to the Pacific coast, breeding from the middle portion of the United
States northward. In winter, the West Indies, and from southern Mexico through
Central America to northern South America.
The Redstart during- migrations May and September is abundant
and very generally distributed throughout the state. Although found
in all sections of our commonwealth as a summer resident, as such it
is much more numerous in the northern parts and mountainous regions
than elsewhere. In the counties of Erie, Crawford, Ly coming-, Blair, Cen-
tre, Sullivan, Potter, McKean, and in fact in nearly all the hig-her moun-
tainous regions, it is a rather common breeder, but in Chester, Dela-
ware, Bucks and Lancaster counties it is seldom found breeding-. Fre-
quents chiefly forests, but often, in company with other warblers, visits
fruit and shade trees about houses, lawns and parks. The male, in his
showy dress of black, fiery orang-e and white, is one of the most attrac-
tive inhabitants of the woods. Like a flycatcher, he darts from his
perch with clicking bill to secure flying- insects. In addition to their
sharp and rapid song, these birds when hopping about the trees, fre-
quently spread their tails ; this peculiar habit of opening and closing
the tail will often aid you in recognizing a Redstart, in the tops of high
trees, when it otherwise might be unknown. The nest, a compact, cup -
shaped structure, composed of various vegetable fibers, spiders' webs,
and horse hair, is built in the fork or on the horizontal limb of a small
tree, six to twenty-five feet from the ground. The eggs, mostly four,
are grayish-white or light greenish-white, thinly speckled or blotched
with brown and purplish. They measure about .63 long by .50 wide.
The Redstart feeds exclusively on an insect diet, consisting chiefly of
flies, spiders, plant-lice, butterflies, beetles and different larvae.
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 303
FAMILY MOTACILLID-ffi. WAGTAILS.
GENUS ANTHUS BECHSTEIN.
Anthus pensilvanicus (LATH.).
American Pipit ; Brown Lark ; Titlark.
DESCRIPTION.
Bill slender and acute, slightly notched at end ; few short bristles about gape ;
nostrils naked ; hind claw very long, slender, curved and sharp pointed ; wings
long and pointed, the point being formed by first four primaries; some tertial
feathers are only a little shorter than longest primaries ; base of lower mandible
(dried skins) pale brownish yellow; rest of bill, also legs and feet dark brown;
eyes brown, above grayish brown with a more or less tinge of olive-green ; some
feathers of back and pileum have dusky centers ; central pair of tail-feathers shorter
than the other rectrices, and quite similar but somewhat darker than back ; outer
pair of tail-feathers mostly white, and next pair of lateral tail-feathers have white
spot at end ; rest of tail blackish ; ring round eye. and a streak" about it, pale yellow-
ish-white ; chin and throat whitish ; under tail-coverts, middle of abdomen and
lower part of breast brownish-yellow; jugulum, sides of breast and body pale
brownish-yellow streaked .with dusky. Length about 6| ; extent about 11 inches.
Habitat. North America at large, breeding in the higher parts of the Rocky
mountains and subarctic districts, and wintering in the Gulf States, Mexico and
Central America.
The Titlark is a common spring- and fall migrant, arriving here usu-
ally about the first week in October, and remaining- generally until about
the middle of November ; occasionally small parties of these, shy queru-
lous-voiced birds are seen as winter residents in our southern counties.
When migrating northward this species again makes its appearance
about the middle of April, and oftentimes a few scattered individuals
are found about plowed grounds or along pools and other wet places in
fields, meadows, etc., as late as the middle of May. Titlarks', during-
their stay with us, are usually seen in flocks of from ten to twenty or
forty each, but at times larger flocks (one hundred or two hundred each)
may be observed. These birds sometimes alight on fences or on the
dead limbs of trees, but usually they are seen, when not flying-, on the
ground, as Mr. Eidgway writes * they move " with a graceful gliding- walk,
tilting the body and wagging- the tail at each step, much in the manner
of a Seiurus. It is very restless, the flocks seldom remaining long- at one
place, but soon taking wing, they flit to another spot, or in graceful
sweeps pass and repass over a particular place before alig-hting." In
this region I have noticed tha-t the Titlarks are nearly always to be found
frequenting plowed fields, where they collect insects, and their larvae as
well as small seeds on which they feed.
* Ornithology of Illinois, p. 111.
304 BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
FAMILY TROGLODYTID^!. WKENS, THKASHERS, ETC.
SUBFAMILY MIMIN.5J. THRASHERS.
THE THRASHERS.
Three species of Thrashers are found in this commonwealth. These birds, as Dr.
Coues remarks, "resemble wrens as much as thrushes, habitually residing in shrub-
bery near the ground, relying for concealment as much upon the nature of their
resorts as upon their own activity and vigilance." The common Brown Thrush or
Brown Mockingbird, as it is known to many, and the familiar Catbird are abundant
summer residents throughout the state. Individuals of both these species some-
times are seen during the early part of winter in our southern counties. The Mock-
ingbird, a southern species, is a rare summer resident in a few localities in the
southern parts of Pennsylvania, but as this plainly attired, yet exquisite vocalist, is
a common cage-bird he is likewise one of our best known birds. These birds are all
noted for the melody of their song, and they also, especially the Mockingbird,
possess wonderful powers of mimicry. Birds of this group feed largely on various
kinds of destructive insects; they also subsist to a considerable extent on various
kinds of small fruits ; and the Catbird's taste for grapes, strawberries, etc., is such
that he has incurred the enmity of many farmers and fruitgrowers.
GENUS MIMUS BOIE.
Mimus polyglottos (LiNN.).
Mockingbird .
DESCRIPTION (Plate 99).
Bill distinctly notched and slightly curved at tip of maxilla. Tail much longer
than wing. Length about 10, extent about 14| ; female smaller ; iris yellowish ;
bill and legs (dried skins) brownish-black. Above grayish (some specimens have
slight brownish tint on middle of back), below whitish, slightly grayish on breast ;
three outer pairs of tail-feathers more or less white ; rest of tail and also wings
blackish, but wings have two white bars, and a large patch of same at base of pri-
maries.
Habitat. United States, south into Mexico. Rare from New Jersey, the Valley
of the Ohio, Colorado and California northward.
Irregular and rare summer resident, arrives here about the 1st of May,
and departs about the middle of October. A few birds of this species
breed regularly in the southeastern parts of Pennsylvania, near the
Delaware and Maryland State lines. Some thirty years ago several
pairs of Mockingbirds, according to Mr. B. M. Everhart, the well-known
botanist and naturalist, annually reared their young near the suburbs of
West Chester, Chester county, where, for the past ten or fifteen years,
this bird has been observed only as a casual visitant. Solitary Mock-
ingbirds have, at irregular intervals, been taken in the late spring, sum-
mer, fall and early winter months in different parts of the state, but
some of these birds which I have had the privilege of examining were
evidently escaped cage-birds. The Mockingbird builds a bulky nest of
small sticks, weeds, pieces of string, cotton, etc., in thick bushes, low
BIRDS OF PENNSYL VANIA. 305
trees, hedge-rows, etc. The eggs, usually five in number, are pale green-
ish-blue, spotted and blotched with different shades of brown. These
birds feed largely on coleopterous insects, larvae and other insects, and
they also eat various kinds of small berries.
GENUS GALEOSCOPTES CABANIS.
Galeoscoptes carolinensis (LiNN.).
Catbird.
DESCRIPTION (Plate 72}.
Length about 9 ; extent about 11 inches; bill and feet black; iris brown; pre-
vailing color dark slate, somewhat lighter beneath ; top of head and tail black ;
under tail-coverts chestnut. The adult female is rather smaller than the male, and
the young are duller in color, with little or no black on crown ; under parts paler ;
under tail-coverts dull reddish.
Habitat. Eastern United States and British provinces, west to and including the
Kocky mountains ; occasional on the Pacific coast. Winters in the Southern States,
Cuba and middle America to Panama ; accidental in Europe.
This well-known bird is a common summer resident from the last
week in April to about November 1. The Catbird frequents all locali-
ties, but is probably most numerous in briery thickets and tangled un-
dergrowth near streams and ponds. Its bulky nest, constructed of
dead twigs, roots, to which are often added dried leaves or grasses, is
built mostly in bushes. The eggs, usually four, are deep greenish-blue
and unspotted. They measure a little less than an inch long, and a
trifle under three-quarters wide. These birds, like some other members
of the family, subsist largely on different kinds of small fruits and ber-
ries. In the early summer the Catbird feeds on cherries and strawber-
ries ; later in the season, mulberries, blackberries and raspberries. Late
in the summer and in the autumn he subsists mainly on berries of the
spicewood and poke-plant, and also different varieties of both cultivated
and wild grapes. This species, in the spring, especially in May, and
also when breeding, feeds to a considerable extent on various " worms,"
beetles, flies, spiders, etc. The Catbird, so called because its sharp and
petulant cry which is not unlike the mewing of a cat, is one of our most
gifted and delightful songsters.
GENUS HARPORHYNCHUS CABANIS.
Harporh.ynch.us rufus (LiNN.).
Brown Thrasher ; Brown Thrush.
DESCRIPTION (Plate 44).
Length about 11^ inches ; extent about 13 inches ; tail 5 or 6 inches ; bill black with
base of lower mandible yellow ; legs pale brown ; iris of adult yellow ; iris of young
20 BIRDS.
306 BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
brown ; upper parts reddish-brown ; greater wing-coverts edged with, and middle
lower parts, white ; breast, sides and crissum strongly tinged with reddish-brown ;
breast, sides and flanks conspicuously spotted with dark brown.
Habitat. Eastern United States, west to Rocky mountains, north to southern
Maine, Ontario and Manitoba, south to the Gulf States, including eastern Texas.
Accidental in Europe.
Common summer resident from about April 20 to late in September.
The Brown Thrush, as this bird is usually called, is found in thickets
and shrubbery ; he frequently, especially in the morning- and evening-,
repairs to the tops of trees, where, for hours at a time, he sings his varied
and beautiful song. Like our common domestic fowls, he frequently
may be seen scratching among the dead leaves or dusting himself by
the roadside. He sometimes visits fields, where corn is being planted,
to pick up the scattered grains of maize, and some farmers assert that
he often "pulls up corn " when it first appears above the ground. This
species breeds usually in low bushes, in briery thickets, sometimes on
the tops of old stumps covered with thick vines ; very rarely, with us,
do they build on the ground. The nest is a loose and bulky structure
composed of small twigs, strips of bark, leaves, rootlets, etc. The eggs,
four or five in number, are a light greenish or buffy color, thickly
speckled with reddish brown. They are a little more than an inch long,
and about three-quarters wide.
Although these birds are generally shy and retiring, they will, if their
eggs or young are disturbed, display great bravery in defending them.
They will fly violently into a person's face and strike with both bill and
claws. When their home is invaded by a black snake, they assail such
intruder in a most vigorous manner. I once saw a dog, which had
upset a nest containing young thrushes, forced to make a speedy retreat
when attacked by the old birds, who flew at his head and struck him in
the eyes. The Brown Thrush feeds chiefly on insects, berries and small
seeds. The following- interesting- remarks concerning this species are
taken from Audubon's Birds of America, Vol. Ill : " My friend Bach-
man who has raised many of these bilds, has favored me with the fol-
lowing particulars respecting them : * Though good-humored towards
the person who feeds them, they are always savage towards all other
kinds of birds. I placed three sparrows in the cage of a Thrush one
evening, and found them killed, as well as nearly stripped of their feath-
ers, the next morning. So perfectly gentle did this bird become, that
when I opened its cage, it would follow me about the yard and garden.
The instant it saw me take a spade or a hoe, it would follow at my heels,
and, as I turned up the earth, would pick up every insect or worm thus
exposed to its view. I kept it for three years, and its affection for me
at last cost it its life. It usually slept on the back of a chair in my
study, and one night the door being accidentally left open, it was killed
by a cat. I once knew of a few of these birds to remain the whole of a
mild winter in the State of New York in a wild state."'
Plate 75.
Orchard Oriole.
1, 2, Mies: 3. Female.
BIRDS 'OF PENNSYLVANIA. 307
T. M. Brewer, writing- of this Thrush, says: "I found a nest contain-
ing- three eggs, which I removed, leaving- in their place three Robin's
eggs, and retired to wait the issue. In a few moments the female ap-
proached, gave the contents of the nest a hasty survey, and immediately
flew off. She returned in a short time in company with her mate, and
both flew to the nest apparently in the greatest rage, took each an egg-
in their claws, and dashed it against the ground at a distance of more
than a rod from the nest, the female repeating the same to the other
egg. This done, they continued for some time to vent their rage on the
broken eggs, tossing them about, and at the same time manifesting
their displeasure in every possible way. They afterwards forsook the
nest."
SUBFAMILY TROGLODYTES. WRENS.
THE WRENS.
Thirteen species, also " six geographical forms " and one "local race" of this sub-
family are recorded in the fauna of the United States. Of these twenty species and
varieties, but six species are found in Pennsylvania. The House Wren, Bewick's
Wren, also the Marsh Wrens are found here only as summer residents. The Caro-
lina Wren is most abundant in the summer; though commonly during mild win-
ters individuals of this species are seen in the southern parts of the state. The Win-
ter Wren breeds sparingly in the more northern and mountainous portions of this
commonwealth, and during the winter months is very generally distributed through-
out the lower third of the state. Wrens are plainly attired, different shades of
brown being the prevailing color. These small, musical, active and quarrelsome
birds are usually seen with the tail erect. They hide in thickets, weeds and grasses,
holes in trees or rocks, also in boxes, and manifest "a fondness for prying into holes
and dark places." Wrens are notorious for their scolding propensity, and in this
particular they are not unlike some females of the human race, whose chief object
in life it would appear is to always annoy those about them. In writing of these
birds, Dr. Coues says: " They are sprightly, fearless and impudent little creatures,
apt to show bad temper when they fancy themselves aggrieved by cats or people, or
anything else that is big and unpleasant to them." Marsh Wrens, as the name
would indicate, inhabit marshes or swampy places along rivers ; they reside also in
rank vegetation in sloughs and ponds. Long-billed Marsh Wrens often nest
together in colonies, and construct globular nests, with small openings in the sides.
These nests, suspended in herbage, are usually about a foot or eighteen inches above
the water. When erecting these swaying houses, composed of coarse grass blades,
dead leaves, lined with feathers or soft vegetable materials, the little builders are
careful to fix them firmly to the strong coarse grasses or stems and leaves of plants
which grow high above the water. Their eggs, six and sometimes ten in number,
are a uniform chocolate-brown color. The Short-billed Marsh Wren is said to build
a nest similar to that of the Long-billed species, but its eggs differ from those of all
other of our wrens, in being white and unspotted. The other of our native wrens
nest in holes of trees, hollow fence rails, or in logs and stumps, in shrubbery, boxes
and '-various odd nooks and corners" about buildings. Their eggs are white, spot-
ted or blotched with different shades of brown. The eggs of the largest species
Carolina Wren measure about .75 of an inch long and about .60 wide ; those of
other wrens are smaller, being about .68 long by .50 wide. The wrens feed entirely
on an insect diet
308 BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
GENUS THRYOTHORUS VIEILLOT.
Thryothorus ludovicianus (LATH.).
Carolina Wren ; Mocking Wren ; Great Carolina Wren
DESCRIPTION (Plate 73).
Bill about as long as head, slender, almost straight, except at tip which is de-
curved, and obsoletely notched ; wings and tail about equal in length ; wings are
rounded and tail is nearly even ; maxilla (dried skins) brownish ; mandible paler ;
legs pale yellowish- brown ; above reddish-brown, brightest on rump; throat and
line over eye whitish ; rest of lower parts, yellowish-brown (decidedly rusty in
some individuals and paler in others) becoming darkest on flanks and tibiae ; lower
tail-coverts whitish and rusty with transverse dusky bars ; middle and greater wing-
coverts usually have small white spots. The brownish wings, tail (above) and upper
tail-coverts more or less distinctly barred transversely with dusky.
Length about 6 inches ; extent about 1\ ; eyes brownish.
Habitat. Eastern United States (rare toward the northern border), west to the
plains. Rare in southern New England.
The Carolina, the largest of all our wrens, is a resident, and, although
reported as occurring in nearly all parts of the state except in the higher
mountainous regions, the species is much more plentiful in the lower half
of the state than in the northern half. In some parts of the southeast
and southwestern sections of Pennsylvania this shy, secretive and gifted
songster is quite abundant. The Mocking Wren, as many term this
bird, inhabits almost every locality, but he prefers to dwell in woodland,
ravines and bushy places in the vicinity of water. He spends much of
his time about brush piles, old logs and in the dead tops of fallen trees
in woods. Like the Brown Thrush, or Indigo-bird, he often perches in
the topmost branch of a tree or bush, and pours forth his loud, varied
and melodious song. When feeding these birds like a creeper, may
occasionally be observed circling about trunks of trees collecting beetles,
larvae and spiders, from the crevices of the rough bark. Often, in winter,
this species, like the little Winter Wren, comes about houses and can
be seen hiding in wood-piles or prying into holes and other dark places
about buildings. The rather bulky nest, of leaves, grasses, feathers,
moss, etc., is sometimes in the interior of sheds or other outbuildings,
but usually it constructs its nest in holes in stumps or logs, in secluded
situations. I once found a nest with young in a hole among roots of a
tree in the side of a bank along a creek, the nest was situated about
three feet above the water. The eggs are usually six or seven in num-
ber. I have seen this bird picking at grapes in the late fall and winter,
possibly he sometimes eats small fruits.
BII&S OF PENNSYLVANIA. 309
Thryothorus bewickii (AuD.).
Bewick's Wren.
DESCRIPTION.
"Above dark rufous-brown ; rump and middle tail-feathers sometimes a little
paler, and very slightly tinged with gray and together with the exposed surface of
secondaries distinctly barred with dusky. Beneath soiled plumbeous-whitish ;
flanks brown. Crissum banded ; ground color of quills and tail-feathers brownish-
black. Length 5.50; wing 2.25 ; tail 2.50. Length from nostril .39 ; along gape .70."
(Hist. N. Am. B.)
Habitat. 'Eastern United States, to Eastern Texas and the eastern border of the
Plains ; north to New Jersey and Minnesota.
Hare summer resident in the eastern and central portions of Pennsyl-
vania, and not reported as occurring' in any of the northern counties, but
in some of the southwestern counties, beyond the mountains, it is said
to be tolerably frequent. From personal observation I am unable to give
any information concerning 1 this species, relative to which the following
interesting remarks are borrowed from Robert Ridg-way's Ornithology of
Illinois : " No bird more deserves the protection of man than Bewick's
Wren. He does not need man's encouragement, for he comes of his own
accord and installs himself as a member of the community wherever it
suits his taste. He is found about the cow-shed and barn along- with the
Pewee and Barn Swallow ; he investig-ates the pig--sty ; then explores
the g-arden fence, and finally mounts to the roof and pours forth one of
the sweetest song-s that ever was heard. Not a voluble g-abble, like the
House Wren's merry roundelay, but a fine, clear, bold song-, uttered as
the sing-er sits with head thrown back and long- tail pendent, a song
which may be heard a quarter of a mile or more, and in comparison
with which the faint chant of the Song- Sparrow sinks into insignifi-
cance. The ordinary note is a soft low plit, uttered as the bird hops
about, its long- tail carried erect or even leaning- forward, and jerked to
one side at short intervals. In its movements it is altogether more de-
liberate than either T. ludovicianus or T. aedon, but nothing- can excel
it hi quickness when it is pursued.
" The nest of Bewick's Wren is placed in all sorts of odd places. Usu-
ally it is in a mortise-hole of a beam or joist, or some well-concealed
corner. One was beneath the board covering- of an ash-hopper ; another
in a joint of stove pipe which lay horizontally across two joists in the
g-arret of a smoke-house ; a third was behind the weather-boarding- of
an ice-house, while a fourth was in the bottom of the conical portion of
a quail-net that had been hung up against the inner side of a buggy-
shed. None of these nests would have been found had not the bird been
seen to enter. The nest is generally very bulky, though its size is regu-
lated by that of the cavity in which it is placed. Its materials consist
of sticks, straw, coarse feathers, fine chips, etc., matted together with
310 BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
spiders' webs and lined with tow and soft feathers of barnyard fowls.
The eggs are usually seven to nine in number, but occasionally more,
and are white, rather sparsely speckled round the larger end with brown."
GENUS TROGLODYTES VIEILLOT.
Troglodytes aedon VIEILL.
House Wreii.
DESCRIPTION (Plate 45,).
Length about 4f inches ; extent about 6| ; bill, legs and eyes brown, above brown,
rusty on rump and tail ; lower parts dull brownish-white or grayish-white ; more or
less waved or barred with darker shades ; back very obscurely or not at all barred.
Habitat. Eastern United States and southern Canada, west to Indiana and
Louisiana.
Common summer resident. Arrives here usually about April 20, and
remains until about the 1st of October. In Washington county Messrs.
Compton, Warrick and Nease record this species as a rare summer resident.
The common representative of this group in Washington county is the
Carolina Wren, which is found there during all months of the year. Dur-
ing the summer is found mostly about orchards and in shrubbery near
buildings. When migrating these birds are often seen in woods, but
they seldom breed there. The nest of twigs, wool, strings, feathers,
hair, grasses, etc., is built in various odd places ; holes in trees, boxes
and hollow fence rails are the most usual building sites. They will
build also in an old hat, the sleeves of an old coat or back of loose
weather boards on buildings. In the summer of 1888, Mr. Geo. B. Sen-
nett and the writer found a nest, with four young, built in a cavity in a
sand bank along the roadside. The eggs, six to nine, mostly seven,
measure about .65 long by .50 wide. They are pinkish or creamy-
white, speckled with reddish-brown ; the brown markings are generally
darker colored about the larger end, though the lighter ground color
is often almost entirely hidden by the brown coloration. With us at
least two broods are raised in a season. The House Wren feeds on
beetles, spiders, flies, " moth-flies," grasshoppers and larvae.
Troglodytes hiemalis VIEILL
Winter Wren.
DESCRIPTION (Plate 72).
Length about 4 ; extent about 6 inches ; upper bill, end of low r er, tarsi and eyes
brown, rest of lower bill and toes yellowish-brown. Above reddish-brown, darkest
on head, brightest on rump and tail. Everywhere except on head and upper part
of back with transverse bars of dusky and lighter ; lower parts pale reddish-brown ;
belly, flanks and crissum strongly barred with blackish and whitish ; the outer
Plate 76.
<*
1. Hairy Woodpecker, Male. 2, 3.
4. tied-bellied Woodpecker,
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 311
webs of several primaries barred with white and dusky ; an obscure line over eye,
and streaks or spots on sides of head and neck whitish.
Habitat. Eastern North America generally, breeding from the northern parts of
the United States northward, and wintering from about its southern breeding limit
southward.
Common winter resident in southern parts of Pennsylvania from early
in October to about the middle of April. Breeds regularly though
somewhat sparingly in the northern and mountainous portions of the
state. During its residence with us frequents chiefly overhanging
banks of streams, the projecting or upturned roots of trees, brush piles
and dead logs in woods or thickets near watery places. The sharp
chirr of this sly and secretive little creature may often be heard
though the bird is hidden from view in wood-piles about houses, where
it comes to seek insects and larvae, on which it feeds exclusively. I
have never seen the nest or eggs of the Winter Wren. The nest is said
to be built generally in " thick coniferous woods," in a hole or crevice of
a stump or log, close to the ground, and constructed of moss, twigs,
lichens, lined with feathers or hair. "Eggs, five to eight, .65 by .48,
pure white, minutely dotted with reddish-brown and purplish" ( Coues).
Mr. Otto Behr says (letter February, 1890) of this species in Sullivan
county : " The Winter Wren is quite common with us in summer, but
I have never seen him in the middle of winter. It is a very retiring
bird, never coming out in open ground in summer. He is invariably
found in some dark wood at the edge of a swamp. He is a splendid
singer, with a voice entirely out of proportion to his size, and can be
heard a long way off, but is rather difficult to approach. We found his
nest but once. It was built on the side of a mossy log that laid across
a small run in a dark rocky place. The nest was composed entirely of
moss with the entrance at one side near the bottom ; it contained six
eggs which resembled those of the common Chickadee. The eggs were
fresh ; time July 4."
GENUS CISTOTHORUS CABANIS.
Cistothorus stellaris ( LIGHT.).
Short-billed Marsh Wren.
DESCRIPTION.
Bill short, about half the length of head ; wings and tail about equal. Above
dark brown ; back part of crown, middle of back and rump quite blackish and con-
spicuously streaked with white ; throat and central portion of abdomen whitish ;
wings and tail barred with blackish and brown ; sides of body, sides oi breast and
under tail-coverts reddish-brown ; maxilla blackish ; mandible paler, legs, feet and
eyes brown. Length about 4? inches ; extent about 6.
Habitat. Eastern United States and southern British provinces, west to the
plains. Winters in the Gulf States and southward.
Regular but apparently rare summer resident. Inhabits sloughs and
312 BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
extensive swampy places. This species is quite shy and owing- to the fact
that these birds frequent the thick grasses, rushes and rank weeds in,
often almost* impenetrable swamps, they frequently escape notice. I am
inclined to think the Short-billed Marsh Wren is more plentiful and gen-
erally distributed, in suitable localities, throughout the state than it is
usually supposed to be by naturalists and collectors. Concerning
this species Dr. John W. Detwiller, of Bethlehem, writes me as fol-
lows : " Mr. John Mack brought me a nest, which he found below Qua-
kertown, Bucks county, while hunting Woodcock. The nest was newly
constructed, but contained neither eggs or young. Later I found a nest
with fresh eggs, in the month of July, on Chain Dam island, Lehigh river."
I have observed this wren as a summer resident in Chester and Delaware
counties ; it breeds regularly, according to Dr. A. C. Treichler, in Lan-
caster ; Mr. Sennett has never observed it in Erie county, but Mr. H. C.
Kirkpatrick, of Meadville, informs me it is a summer resident in the low
swamps and marshes in Crawford county. It is not reported as occur-
ring in any of our mountainous districts. This species arrives here
about the last week in April, and remains until aboiit the 1st of October.
Food of seven of these wrens examined by the writer consisted of bee-
tles and spiders.
Cistothorus palustris (WiLS.).
Long-billed Marsh Wren.
DESCRIPTION.
Bill about as long as head ; maxilla blackish ; mandible blackish toward end,
but paler at base ; legs pale brown (in dried specimens dark brown) ; eyes dark
brown ; length 51 or a little over ; extent nearly 7 inches. Above dull brown, a lit-
tle brighter on rump ; crown and space on back nearly black ; pileum is divided by
a faint brownish median stripe ; interscapular region and sides of neck streaked
(short) with white ; tail blackish and barred transversely ; a white streak over and
extending back of eye ; lower parts whitish, sides, flanks and under tail-coverts
more or less light reddish-brown ; under tail-coverts, faintly barred.
Habitat. Southern British America and the United States, south, in winter, to
Guatemala.
The Long-billed Marsh Wren, an inhabitant of low marshy grounds
grown up with sedges and high grasses, is a common summer resident,
in suitable localities, throughout the state. It arrives in Pennsylvania
about the same time as the Short-billed Marsh Wren, and remains usu-
ally a little longer than its short-billed relative, before leaving for its
winter home. I have captured individuals in southern Pennsylvania as
late as the middle of October. The song of this species, Mr. Ridgway*
says, " resembles somewhat that of the House Wren, but is muqh less
agreeable, having a peculiar sputtering or scolding character." The
following paragraphs relating to this vivacious and secretive little den-
* Ornithology of Illinois, p. 100.
Plate 77.
Yellow-bellied
L, 2. Male and Female;
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 313
izen of swamps, published in the February number (1887) of the Orni-
thologist and Oologist, have been kindly given to me by Mr. Jackson for
publication in this report :
"During- the latter part of May, 1886, while exploring an extensive
swamp within a few miles of West Chester (Chester county), my atten-
tion was attracted by a strange, unfamiliar bird note coming from a
clump of calamus that grew in about two feet of water. Pausing a
moment to listen for the song again, the bird flew from its hiding place
to a tree near by, uttering at the same time its harsh, rattling song. In
it I recognized the Long-billed Marsh Wren. * * * * A further
search revealed a number of finished, though unoccupied nests, located
in clusters in various parts of the swamp. At this time there were
probably eight or ten nests in different stages of composition, but none
of them contained eggs. About three weeks later, on the 12th of June,
in company with a friend, I again visited the locality. The birds were
still there ; one of them, probably the male, singing constantly, and flying
restlessly from one spot to another. After searching the whole ground
over, and examining twenty or more nests, we at last came upon the
right one in a bunch of tall calamus, containing six eggs. Five of these
were well advanced ; the sixth perfectly fresh. It is possible that there
might have been two or more pairs of these birds in the swamp, as it
seems almost incredible that a single pair of them could construct so
many nests ; but I could not find any more birds. This set of eggs was
a typical one of the Long-billed Marsh Wren, though probably some-
what darker than the average. The nest was composed mainly of coarse
blades of grass (tussock) woven in with the leaves of the calamus, and
lined with pieces of dead leaves, a few feathers and other soft material.
It hung about eighteen inches above the water, and was by no means a
conspicuous object" Thos. H. Jackson, West Chester, Pa. The Long-
billed Marsh Wren feeds on different kinds of aquatic insects, particu-
larly beetles and spiders.
FAMILY CERTHIID-ffi. CREEPERS.
GENUS CERTHIA LINNJSUS.
Certhia familiaris americana (BONAP.).
Brown Creeper.
DESCRIPTION (Plate 92).
Tail-feathers long, rigid and acute quite like a woodpecker's ; bill slender, acute,
compressed and decurved, urmotched and without bristles ; hind toe and claw
largest and longest; inner toe longer than outer, three toes in front, one behind.
Length about 5^ ; extent about 8 or little less; maxilla brownish-black: mandible,
except tip which is blackish, yellowish flesh color ; legs and feet pale brown ; eyes
brown. Above brownish and blackish, each feather with white central streak ; rump
314 BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
bright rusty ; white line over eye ; below white ; feathers about vent and under tail-
coverts, in most specimens, are soiled, more or less, with pale reddish-brown ; large
wing-quills, except outer two or three primaries, transversely barred with pale red-
dish-white.
Habitat. North America in general, breeding from the northern and more ele-
vated parts of the United States northward, migrating southward in winter.
The Brown Creeper is a rather abundant spring- and fall migrant
throughout the state. In winter it is also frequently met with, but is never
as common during- the winter months as when migrating in April and
October. This unsuspicious and brown-coated creeper frequents chiefly
forests ; he also sometimes is seen in trees in lawns, parks and gardens.
Like a woodpecker, this bird creeps up and around the trunks of trees;
and so similar is the coloration of his upper parts, to the rough bark
over which he nimbly moves, that he frequently escapes notice.
Although unsuspicious, often permitting you to approach within a few
feet of the tree-trunk on which he so industriously is seeking his insect
food, he usually, when closely approached, quietly and quickly slips
round to the opposite side of the tree from the observer. I have never
observed this species in Pennsylvania in summer, but that it breeds
sparingly in our mountainous regions there is ample proof.
Prof. August Kock mentions it as a regular but rather rare breeder in
the mountainous districts of Lycoming county, in the neighborhood of
Williamsport. Mr. George B. Sennett informs me that this bird breeds
occasionally in the elevated parts of Erie county, where it also is some-
times seen during mild winters. Prof. H. Justin Roddy has found
these birds during the summer months in the mountains of Perry and
Centre counties. In the forests of Sullivan county, at an altitude of
about 2,000 feet, the Brown Creeper is reported, by Mr. Otto Behr, to be
a regular, though not common, summer resident. " They breed in hol-
low trees, in the deserted holes of the woodpeckers, and in the decayed
stumps and branches of trees. Their nest is a loose aggregation of soft,
warm materials, not interwoven, but simply collected with regard to no
other requisite than warmth. * * * Their eggs are small in propor-
tion to the size of the bird, are nearly oval in shape, with a grayish-
white ground, sparingly sprinkled with small, fine, red and reddish-
brown spots. They measure .55 by .43 of an inch." (Hist. N. Am. B.).
Food consists entirely of insects, especially small beetles, larvae, ants,
flies, etc.
FAMILY PARIDJE. NUTHATCHES AND TITS.
SUBFAMILY SITTING. NUTHATCHES.
THE NUTHATCHES.
Nuthatches are so named from their habit of placing nirts, seeds, etc., in crevices in
limbs or in cracks in bark and hammering away with the hard, sharp-pointed and
awl-like bill until the shell is broken and its nutritious and softer contents exposed.
BItiDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 315
In the fall and winter these birds feed to a considerable extent on nuts, especially
chestnuts, acorns and beech nuts, as well as the seeds of many kinds of weeds;
their main food, however, consists of different species of tree-inhabiting beetles,
larvae, insect eggs, ants, spiders, etc., which they secure when climbing about the
limbs and trunks of trees. The White-breasted the most abundant of our three
species sometimes feeds on grains of maize which he places in a crevice of a fence
rail or in a suitable chink in the rough bark of a tree and with a few strokes of the
bill the grain is soon broken into fragments and eaten. Both the White-breasted
and Red-breasted Nuthatches are resident in Pennsylvania, but the Brown-headed
Nuthatch a southern bird if found here, occurs only as a rare and irregular strag-
gler about our southern borders. The white-breasted species, although found gener-
ally throughout the commonwealth as a rather common resident, appears to be rather
more numerous during winter in the lower half of the state than to the northward.
The Red-breasted Nuthatch breeds sparingly in our higher mountain and northern
districts and in winter is observed as an irregular visitor in our southern counties.
In southeastern Pennsylvania this last-named bird is more frequently met with in
October and the early part of November, than at any other period of the year. Birds
of this group ascend tne limbs and trunks of trees with as much ease and celerity
as any of the woodpeckers. In fact this woodpecker-like habit has given rise to
the vernacular name of "Sapsucker " by which Nuthatches as well as all the smaller
kinds of woodpeckers are commonly known in this region. Woodpeckers, as Dr.
Coues states, rarely if ever climb head downward, but Nuthatches frequently are
seen descending vertical limbs, etc., head downward. They usually are seen
singly, in pairs, or single families, but sometimes small scattered flocks of these
noisy, restless and unsuspicious little creepers are observed in woods. In Florida
where Brown-headed Nuthatches are very abundant, I have found them during the
winter and spring in flocks of considerable size, frequenting the tops of tall trees
in open pine woods. These birds, because of the vast numbers of destructive in-
sects they destroy, are hjghly beneficial, and merit the protection of farmers and
fruit-growers, some of whom, unfortunately, from a mistaken idea that they suck
the sap of fruit trees, destroy them when they visit the orchards.
Nuthatches build warm nests of feathers, hair, grasses, etc., in holes in trees or
stumps, and lay, usually, five or six eggs, which are white and spotted with reddish-
brown. Bill about as long as head, awl-shaped, stout, very acute, compressed and
unnotched ; nostrils concealed by tufts of feathers ; wings long and pointed, prima-
ries ten, first very small. The nearly even tail, considerably shorter than the wings,
is quite broad and composed of soft rounded (at end and not rigid and acute like
a woodpecker's) feathers. Four toes, three in front one behind ; claws sharp and
curved. Bill and legs are blackish : lower mandible is generally paler at base ;
eyes brown.
GENUS SITTA LINNAEUS.
Sitta carolinensis LATH.
White-breasted Nuthatch ; White-bellied Nuthatch.
DESCRIPTION (Plate 46).
Length about 6 ; extent about 11 inches ; bill blue-black, base of lower mandible
paler ; legs and iris brown.
Adult mule. Back and rump ashy-blue ; top of head and back of neck glossy
black ; tail (except two middle feathers, which are same color as back) black, spot-
ted with white ; lower parts, sides of head and neck white ; flanks and lower tail-
coverts rusty brown. Female and young similar though the black on head is in-
distinct, or sometimes absent.
Habitat. Southern British provinces and eastern United States to the Rocky
mountains.
316 BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
The White-breasted Nuthatch, generally known in this locality by the
name of "Sapsucker," is a common resident throughout the state.
During- the summer this species inhabits trees in groves and forests,
but in winter it visits trees of orchards, yards and gardens in quest of
food. The name of " Sapsucker," given to this bird and also to the
Downy and Hairy Woodpeckers, is, when so used, a misnomer, as
neither the nuthatch or either of the woodpeckers ever feed on sap.
Nuthatches, like woodpeckers, creep about the trunks and limbs of trees
searching for insects, or their eggs, and various larvae. The nuthatch
deposits its eggs, usually five or six in number, in a warm bed of feath-
ers, hair and grasses which are placed in holes of trees. The eggs are
white, speckled with reddish -brown ; about .75 long by .55 wide. These
birds, in addition to feeding on various forms of insect-life, also eat
nuts, acorns, Indian corn, and various seeds, which they frequently stick
into the crevices of bark or in cracks of fence rails, and hammer away
with their bills until the nut or other food stuff is sufficiently broken
that it may be swallowed.
Sitta canadensis LINN.
Red-breasted Nuthatch.
DESCRIPTION (Plate 58).
Length about 4f ; extent about 8g. Above dark ashy-blue ; below reddish-brown
( some specimens have feathers about chin and throat whitish), crown and sides of
head black (these parts in female are dark grayish); a white superciliary stripe j
lores blackish ; tail feathers, except central pair, tipped with white.
Habitat. North America at large, breeding mostly north of the United States, mi-
grating south in winter.
The Red-breasted Nuthatch breeds sparingly in the higher mountain-
ous and northern parts of the state. In the southern parts of the com-
monwealth it occurs as a rather rare winter visitant. During the spring
and fall migrations this species is more frequently met with than at any
other time. I have found this nuthatch to be quite plentiful in Octo-
ber and the early part of November in Erie county, and Mr. Sennett in-
forms me it breeds sparingly in portions of Crawford county, where it is
found at all seasons of the year. In the southeastern part of our state
(Chester, Delaware and Lancaster counties) these birds, according to
my observation, are found as rather irregular winter residents ; during
severe winters they generally go farther southward. Prof. H. J. Koddy
has found this bird breeding in the mountainous regions. Food of the
Bed-breasted Nuthatch is similar to that of the last described species.
2
q
VJ 1
Pfff
BIRltS OF PENNSYL VANIA. 317
Sitta pusilla LATH.
Brown-headed Nuthatch.
DESCRIPTION.
Smallest of ail our species.
Bill rather stout ; maxilla and terminal third of mandible black, rest of lower man-
dible yellowish (dried skins). Length about 4 inches or a little more ; extentabout
8. Top of head and nape brown ; lores and streak back of eye similar to pileum but
darker ; a distinct white spot on hind neck ; edge of wing and chin white ; under
part generally grayish, or pale-brownish white. Tail is less varied with white than
either of two last described species.
Habitat." South Atlantic and Gulf States, north, regularly, to lower Maryland
and Virginia (lower Potomac, shores of Chesapeake Bay, etc.), casually to Ohio,
Michigan, Missouri (Pennsylvania?), etc." Ridgway.
The Brown-headed Nuthatch, a southern bird, and one which is much
smaller than either of the two previously mentioned species, I have
never observed in Pennsylvania, where it is recorded as occurring" only
as a casual or accidental visitor. Dr. Turnbull (Birds of East Pennsyl-
vania) gives it as a rare straggler in summer to the southern counties.
The late C. D. Wood, had a specimen in his collection which he stated
had been captured near Philadelphia, in the autumn (about 1885).
The stomach contents of twenty -three of these birds (adults and young-)
captured in Florida, during the winter and spring- months, and examined
by the writer consisted exclusively of insects, chiefly beetles, larvae and
ants.
SUBFAMILY PARING. TITMICE.
THE TITMICE.
About a dozen species and several subspecies of this group are recorded as belonging
to the fauna of North America ; of these three species only are found in Pennsylvania.
Two the Tufted Titmouse and Chickadee are common, but the Carolina Chickadee
appears to have been observed, except as a straggler, only in the southeastern part of
Pennsylvania (Chester, Delaware, Lancaster and Philadelphia counties). The nests,
composed of feathers, hair, cotton, grasses and other soft and warm materials, are
built in holes of trees or stumps ; the eggs, five to eight in number, are white, spotted
or speckled with reddish-brown. Titmice sometimes, like woodpeckers, excavate
holes in rotten wood, in which they rear their young, but usually I think these birds
endeavor to make use of old holes and commonly only dig new holes when they are
unable to find old ones which will be suitable for a nesting place. The writer has
examined eleven nests of Titmice, and but two of these were built in what appeared
to be new excavations, and both of these were in decaying willow stumps, along a
swamp in the edge of a woods. In summer Titmice are usually found in woods and
thickets, but in winter these active, vociferous and restless birds frequently come
singly or in small flocks about our yards and gardens. The Chickadee or "Tom-tit,"
by which latter name he is known to many, is much more abundant than either of
the other species, and in the autumn and winter he is one of the frequent visitors to
orchards and shrubbery about houses. During the late spring, summer and early
fall Titmice subsist mainly on an insect diet, consisting principally of different
larvae, small beetles, plant-lice, spiders, ants, etc. In winter they devour various
318 BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
kinds of insects that can be found, but their main food, at this time, is made up of
seeds of different weeds and grasses ; they also eat berries, and, like the Nuthatches,
they often feed on chestnuts, acorns and cereals. Titmice, like Jays, are carnivo-
rous and sometimes, according, to Nuttall (and other writers), " they carry their dep-
redations so far as to pursue and attack sickly birds, even of their own species, com-
mencing like Jays, by piercing the skull, and devouring the brain" (Nuttall).
Primaries ten, the first very short, being about half as long as second ; nostrils hid-
den by antrorse bristly feathers ; wings short and rounded, equal to or shorter than
the rather long, soft and almost rounded tail ; the bill shorter than the head, is stout,
hard, conical and rather blunt at tip, and unnotched. Three toes in front, and one
behind ; bill blackish ; legs lead colored ; eyes brown.
GENUS PARUS LINNAEUS.
Parus bicolor LINN.
Tufted Titmouse.
DESCRIPTION (Plate 99).
Length about 6 ; extent about 10 inches; bill black, both upper and lower outlines
convex; legs lead color ; crown with a conspicuous crest; upper parts ashy or leaden-
gray ; forehead dull sooty-black ; lower parts whitish ; sides and flanks rusty brown.
In the young the crest is shorter, and the black of the forehead, also the rusty brown
of the sides very indistinct.
Habitat. Eastern United States to the plains, but rare towards the northern
border, being a straggler merely to southern New England.
Common resident particularly in southeastern Pennsylvania ; gener-
ally found in forests, yet it often, especially in winter, comes around
dwellings. May easily be recognized by its loud whistling- notes or its
ordinary cry of dee, dee, dee. Although this bird usually nests in holes
of trees in woods, it occasionally builds in boxes about houses. The
nest is composed of feathers, dried grasses, leaves, etc. The eggs, about
three-fourths of an inch long and a little more than one-half wide, usually
five or six in number, are white, speckled with reddish-brown and lilac.
The Tufted Titmouse feeds on various forms of insect life, also seeds of
different weeds and grasses, and at times he subsists on small berries.
This species is seldom seen in Erie county, and it is also said to be rather
rare in other of the northern counties. In many of the mountainous
districts it is reported to be rare or found only as a winter visitor.
Parus atricapillus LINN.
Chickadee ; Black-cap Titmouse.
DESCRIPTION (Plate 47}.
Length about 5^ inches ; extent about 8 inches ; bill black ; legs bluish-gray ; head
not crested. Back brownish ashy ; top of head, chin and throat black; sides of
head white ; beneath whitish ; brownish on sides; wing and tail feathers margined
with white.
Habitat. Eastern North America, north of the Potomac and Ohio Valleys.
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 319
\
Common resident; found in all localities, but during- the summer
these birds are usually seen in woods and thickets, from which in win-
ter they often come about houses, or, in small flocks, frequent weedy
places in fields and swamps in search of food. The common name arises
from their familiar note of chick-a-dee-dee. These birds sometimes nest
in natural cavities, but frequently, woodpecker-like, they excavate holes
in trees, stumps, etc., in which they build a nest of hair, feathers, mosses,
fine dried grasses or other soft materials. The egg's, mostly six or seven,
sometimes more, are white, spotted or dotted, chiefly about the larger
end, with reddish-brown ; measure about .60 long- by .50 wide. Audubon
writing of the Black-cap says : They lay their egg's in the hole deserted
by some small woodpecker. "As it has been my fortune to witness a
pair at this work, I will here state what occurred, notwithstanding 1 the
opinion of those who informed us that the bill of a titmouse is ' not
shaped for digging 1 .' While seated one morning- under a crab-apple
tree, I saw two Black-cap Titmice fluttering- about in great concern, as
if anxious to see me depart. By their manners, I was induced to be-
lieve that their nest was near, and anxious to observe their proceedings,
I removed to a distance of about twenty paces. The birds now became
silent, alighted on the apple-tree gradually moved towards the base of
one of its large branches, and one of them disappeared in what I then
supposed to be the hole of some small woodpecker ; but I saw it pres-
ently on the edge, with a small chip in its bill, and again cautiously ap-
proached the tree. When three or four yards off I distinctly heard the
pecking-s or taps of the industrious worker within, and saw it come to
the mouth of the hole and return many times in succession in the course
of half an hour, after which I got up and examined the mansion. The
hole was about three inches deep, and dug- obliquely downward from
the aperture, which was just large enough to admit the bird. I had
observed both sexes at this labor." The Chickadee feeds on different
forms of insect life and the seeds of various weeds, grasses and other
plants. Crumbs of bread, pieces of meat, fragments of apples, pears
and other fruits are also eaten.
Parus carolinensis AUD.
Carolina Chickadee.
DESCRIPTION.
Length about 4 inches ; extent about 7. Similar to atricapillus but averaging
smaller: the wing and tail dimensions in atricapillus average about the same, but
in carolinensis the tail is a little shorter than the wing. The wings (tertials and
greater coverts) lack the distinct white, so well marked in atricapillus.
Habitat. " Eastern United States, chiefly south of 40, west to Missouri, Indian
Territory and eastern Texas. Ridgway.
The Carolina Chickadee, a southern species, has been found as an oc-
320 BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
casional summer resident in the southern part of Pennsylvania. Dr.
Treichler has observed it as a rare breeder in the vicinity of Elizabeth-
town, Lancaster county. Its nests and eggs have also been obtained in
Chester county ; in Clinton county Dr. W. Van Fleet records it as a
straggler. In relation to the breeding 1 of this species in Chester county,
I am indebted to Dr. Wm. D. Hartman, the well known conchologist of
West Chester, Penna., for the following: About fifteen years ago Dr. W. L.
Hartman, of Pittston, Penn'a, found the Carolina Chickadee breeding in
willow trees near a swamp, about three miles from West Chester. The
nests, composed entirely of moss (Sphagnum), wer-e all built in cavities
in the decayed trunks of the willow trees. The first nest taken con-
tained nine eggs, and after these were secured Dr. Hartman twice, in
the course of about a month, secured two more nests in the same swamp.
Each nest was placed in a new cavity which had nine eggs. When the
last set of eggs was secured the old bird was captured and sent to the
Smithsonian Institution and identified. Dr. Hartman saw but one pair
of birds. The excavations, rather small at the 'entrance and quite roomy
at the bottom, were unquestionably, the doctor believes, made by the
birds whose eggs were taken. Food similar to that of the Black-cap
Titmouse.
FAMILY SYLVIID^I. KINGLETS AND GNATCATCHERS.
SUBFAMILY REGULIN-ffi. KINGLETS.
THE KINGLETS.
Two representatives of this subfamily, the smallest of all our species except the
Hummingbird, are found in Pennsylvania. These the Ruby-crowned and Golden-
crowned Kinglets are common and generally dispersed throughout the state. The
Ruby-crowned is abundant during migrations (spring and fall) in woodland, thick-
ets, orchards and it is also often seen in trees and shrubbery about the habita-
tion of man, actively seeking insects. The Golden-crowned equally as plentiful as
the other species, with which, during the spring and autumn, it frequently associates
is one ot our most unsuspicious, dainty and interesting winter residents. Both of
these species are usually found in this locality in flocks of from a half dozen to
twenty (sometimes many more) each. These birds when migrating are often ob-
served in considerable numbers in evergreens and bushes about streams. Kinglets,
as their specific names indicate, have conspicuous color patches on the head. Ac-
cording to my observation these diminutive birds feed exclusively on insects, such as
plant-lice, small beetles, flies, spiders and larvae ; some writers, however, assert that
they su.bsist, in part, on small berries and different seeds, which they break open
by striking with the bill in the same manner as a Titmouse. The blackish, slender
and straight bill, much shorter than head, is notched at tip, depressed at base, and
much compressed toward the terminal half. Conspicuous rictal bristles ; tail
moderately forked and shorter than the wings. First primary about one-third as
long as second, which is shorter than third, fourth, fifth or sixth, but about equal
to the seventh. Eyes brown. Legs and feet (dried skins) yellowish-brown.
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 321
GENUS RBGULUS CUVIER.
Regulus satrapa LIGHT.
Golden -crowned Kinglet.
DESCRIPTION (Plate 48).
Length about 4 ; extent about 6.50 ; legs brownish-yellow ; feet yellowish ; bill
black. Upper parts olive-green ; wings and tail dusky, edged with yellowish ;
crown (adult male) bordered in front, also on sides, with black, embracing a central
patch of fiery orange-red encircled by yellow. The female has no flame-colored
patch ; crown is entirely yellow, margined with black ; wing and tail-feathers edged
with yellowish ; lower parts dull whitish.
" Female, first plumage. Pileum (including forehead) dark smoky-brown ; line
over the eye entirely cut off at its anterior corner by the junction of the dusky lores
with the brown of the forehead ; tertiaries broadly tipped with white ; breast
strongly washed with pale brown color ; otherwise like adult. From a specimen in
my collection taken at Upton, Me., August 25, 1874. A young male taken August
25, 1873, is in every way similiar. A good series of specimens of various ages shot
during August and the early part of September illustrate well the transitional
stages. First the brown of the pileum darkens into two black stripes, while the line
over the eye broadens to meet its external margin. Next, two lines of yellow feath-
ers appear inside and parallel with the black ones, while the orange of the central
space (of the male) is produced last" (Brewster, Bull. Nutt. Orn. Club, June, 1878,
19). From Orn. of 111.
Habitat. North America generally, breeding in the northern and elevated parts
of the United States and northward, migrating south in winter to Guatemala.
Common winter resident from about the middle of October to the
middle of April. This species is most numerous in October, November,
March and April, or when migrating south and north. The Golden-
crowned Kinglet frequents the tops of tall forest trees as well as low
bushes, and frequently, particularly when migrating in the spring and
fall, is found, in company with the Kuby -crowned Kinglet (R. calendula),
in apple orchards. Kinglets are generally seen in small flocks. They
feed on various forms of insect life ; they are very expert in capturing
small insects upon the wing, and destroy great numbers of plant-lice,
spiders, flies, ants, besides devouring large numbers of insect eggs and
larv?e.
Mr. Robert Ridgway (Ornithology of Illinois, p. 76) says: " The deli-
cate little Golden-crowned Kinglet smaller even than the Ruby-crown
is known in Illinois, and, indeed, in all portions of the United States,
except the northern coniferous woods and similar forests of the higher
mountains, only as a winter visitant or resident. He is most often seen
during clear frosty mornings in midwinter, and seems particularly in his
element when the trees are decked with an icy covering of sleet when
the woods appear like fairy land, and the pure crisp air instills fresh
vigor to those who sally forth to enjoy its exhilarating influence. Then
the little gold-crests may be seen in woods or parks in scattered troops,
nimbly hunting among the crystal branches, now hanging, in titmouse
21 BIRDS.
322 BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
fashion, then dropping to another limb, and carelessly hopping about
apparently not feeling the contact of the ice with their dainty feet. At
such times none of our birds are tamer than these dainty little creatures
and none certainly more lovely. They come about the intruder as if
utterly unmindful of his presence, often so near that the sparkle of the
little black eye, the flash of the glowing orange crown, and every detail
of his pretty plumage can be seen." My friend Prof. August Kock, of
"Williamsport, informs me he has occasionally met with this species and
their young in August and September in Lycoming county. Perhaps
future investigations will show that this species breeds sparingly in
some of the extensive coniferous forests of our higher mountain ridges.
I have never seen the Golden-crown in this state before the 20th of Sep-
tember, but have seen two or three specimens of this species which
were said to have been taken in Pennsylvania in midsummer.
Regulus calendula (LINN.).
Ruby-crowned Kinglet.
DESCRIPTION.
Length 4| to 4| ; extent about 6 ; above dark olive-green ; rump and outer edges
of wing and tail-leathers bright olive-green ; wing-bars, ring round eye and outer
edges of inner tertials white. Below grayish- white, more or less shaded, especially
on sides and flanks, with pale yellowish-olive. Large concealed patch of scarlet on
crown in male. Female and young lack this bright crown patch.
Habitat. North America, south to Guatemala, north to the Arctic coast, breeding
mostly north of the United States.
The Ruby-crowned Kinglet is an abundant spring and fall migrant,
arriving in Pennsylvania early in April and remaining until about the
1st of May. Frequents woods, orchards and thickets. After rearing
their young in more northern latitudes these diminutive creatures reap-
pear in this region about the last week in September, and single indi-
viduals or small scattered flocks occasionally remain as late as the first
week in November. The food of this species is similar to that of the
Golden-crown. "This species of Regulus appears to lack the small
feather which in satrapa overlies and conceals the nostrils, which was
probably the reason with Cabanis and Blyth for placing it in a different
genus. There is no other very apparent difference of form, however,
although this furnishes a good character for distinguishing between
young specimens of the two species " (Hist. N. Am. B.}.
BIRDS OF PENNSYL VANIA. 323
SUBFAMILY POLIOPTILIN-ffi. GNATCATCHEES.
GENUS POLIOPTILA SCLATER.
Polioptila caerulea (LINN.).
Blue-gray Gnat catcher.
DESCRIPTION.
Bill long and slender much depressed at base, distinctly notched at end and
slightly hooked ; bill anterior to the exposed nostrils rapidly narrows, and becomes
very slender at tip ; the round wings are about equal to tail ; tail graduated, feathers
with rounded ends. Length about 5 inches ; extent about 6f ; bill and legs black-
jsh ; eyes dark brown. Above grayish-blue ; crown decidedly blue, rump some-
what lighter than back ; forehead and line over eye black (absent in female) ; whit-
ish ring round eye. Lores and under parts pale bluish-white, except chin and me-
dian line on throat, and abdomen also in some specimens, pure white. First and
second pairs of tail-feathers black at base then white ; third and fourth black with
white tips, rest black.
Habitat. Middle and southern portions of the United States, from the Atlantic
to the Pacific, south, in winter, to Guatemala, Cuba and the Bahamas ; rare north
toward the Great Lakes, southern New York and southern New England, straggling
north to Massachusetts and Maine.
The Blue-gray Gnatcatcher occurs as a summer resident in the south-
ern parts of Pennsylvania. Arrives here about the last week in April
and remains until about the middle of September. I have observed
this bird in the southeastern counties as a rare visitor, in the spring,
late summer and autumn. In southwestern Pennsylvania the gnat-
catcher is reported to be a rather frequent summer resident. Messrs.
M. Compton, W. T. Warrick and James S. Nease, all report it as being
rather common during migrations in Washington county, and they also
mention it as a probable breeder. Dr. T. Z. Hazzard, of Allegheny
City, informs me it breeds regularly in his locality (Allegheny county).
The Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Mr. H. J. Roddy says, " is common at one
place near Lebo, Perry county. I find them breeding there every year ;
saw a family August 10, on Jack's mountain." I found this bird to be
quite common in February, March and the early part of April in
Florida. Its food consists entirely of small-winged insects and various
larvae. "It is an expert insect-catcher, taking its prey on the wing with
great celerity. All its movements are very rapid, the bird seeming to
be constantly in motion as if ever in quest of insects, moving from one
part of the tree to the other, but generally preferring the upper
branches " (Hist. N. Am. Birds). Never having had the good fortune
to find the nest or eggs of this species, I take the following descriptions
concerning the same from other writers. " The nest of this species is
one of the gems of bird architecture. It is a very compact mass of
soft felted materials, elaborately and artistically ornamented on the out-
side with gray and glaucous lichens, the deep interior cavity lined with
softest down and feathers. The shape varies from that of a deep cup
324 BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
to that of an inverted cone, the opening being- always at the top. This
elegant structure is securely fastened either saddled to or woven about
a horizontal limb, usually near the top of a tree, but, especially if the
tree be a very tall one, sometimes on one of the lower branches. Often
it is attached to a limb of nearly the same diameter as itself, thus ap-
pearing as a knot or other excrescence" (Orn. of Illinois). "Eggs,
four to five, about .60 by .45, whitish, fully speckled with reddish and
umber-brown and lilac " (Cones' Key).
FAMILY TURDID^E.* THRUSHES, BLUEBIRDS, ETC.
SUBFAMILY TURBINE. THEUSHES.
THE THRUSHES.
Eight representatives of this subfamily are recorded as occurring in Pennsylva-
nia. Three the American Robin, Wood Thrush and Bluebird are common and
very generally distributed throughout the state as summer residents, and in winter
the Robin and Bluebird are frequently met with, especially in the southern sections
of the commonwealth. With the exception of Bicknell's Thrush, the members
of this group, although quite numerous, being found in nearly all parts of the state
during migrations, are known chiefly to ornithologists only. Many farmers and
fruit-growers regard the Robin (Merula migratoria) as a great nuisance and wage
war against him because of his love for various small fruits. The other members of
this group, like the Robin, feed also to a more or less extent on berries of different
kinds. These birds subsist largely on various species of noxious insects ; the
service which they all render, in this particular, should secure for them the protec-
tion of both the agriculturist and horticulturist.
GENUS TURDUS LINNAEUS.
Turdus mustelinus GMEL.
Wood Thrush ; Wood Robin.
DESCRIPTION {Plate 100).
Length about 8 ; extent about 13 inches ; bill blackish, yellowish at base ; legs
flesh color ; iris brown. Upper parts clear cinnamon brown, brightest on top of
head, and shading into olive on rump and tail ; lower parts pure white, and everj 7 -
where, except on chin, throat, middle of belly and under tail-coverts, marked with
roundish, dusky spots.
Habitat. Eastern United States to the plains, north to southern Michigan, Onta-
rio and Massachusetts ; south, in winter to Guatemala and Cuba.
Abundant summer resident from about the last week in April, to some
seasons, as late as October 20. The Wood Robin, the name by which
the Wood Thrush is best known in many localities in Pennsylvania
(some term it Hermit Thrush), is a common inhabitant of woods. It
especially delights to frequent bushes in woodland, near streams or other
* " Bill slender, usually distinctly notched, and with distinct rictal bristles. Tarsi booted. /. <>., the
anterior covering undivided for the greater part of its length. Young distinctly spotted " (Orn. of 1U. ).
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 325
watery places. The sweet, ring-ing, bell-like notes of this bird are such
that it justly ranks as one of our most entertaining- songsters. It builds
a compact and rather large nest of mud, leaves and dried grasses in
trees and bushes, usually in low or damp woods. The eggs, com-
monly four, are light greenish blue, and measure about one inch long
by three-fourths wide. The Wood Thrush feeds on numerous forms of
insect life, it devours large numbers of beetles, earthworms, crickets,
flies, larvae, etc., and also, like the Common Robin, subsists on various
small fruits and berries.
Turdus fuscescens STEPH.
Wilson's Thrush ; Veery ; Tawny Thrush.
DESCRIPTION (Plate 100).
Length about 1\ inches; extent about 12| ; bill brownish ; basal half of mandible
paler ; tarsi pale yellowish-brown, feet darker (dried skins). Above uniform red-
dish brown ; no contrast between tail and back, no light ring about eye ; sides of
head grayish ; chin, upper part of throat whitish and generally without spots ; mid-
dle of abdominal region and under tail-coverts white ; sides shaded with grayish or
pale olive ; lower part of throat and breast buff-colored, and marked with small
brownish spots ; tail and wing feathers brownish.
Habitat. Eastern United States to the plains, north to Manitoba, Ontario, Anti-
costi, and Newfoundland.
Rather common spring and fall migrant throughout the state ; occa-
sionally, during mild winters, solitary individuals are met with in the
southern portions of Pennsylvania. Wilson's Thrush breeds sparingly
in the northern and mountainous parts of the commonwealth. It has
been found breeding within our limits by Dr. Detwiller, of Northamp-
ton county ; Mr. George P. Friant has also observed it, in summer, in
Lackawanna county, and it also breeds, occasionally, Mr. Sennett tells
me, in Crawford and Erie counties, where it is common during migra-
tions. "Nest, on ground or near it, of leaves, grasses, etc., but no mud;
eggs, four to five, greenish-blue like those of the Wood Robin, normally
unspotted, .90 by .60" (Coues). This bird, usually seen singly, but
sometimes in small parties, frequents chiefly thick woods and swampy
places. Feeds on insects, worms and berries.
Turdus alicise BAIBD.
Gray-cheeked Thrush.
DESCRIPTION (Plate 96}.
A little larger than the Olive-backed Thrush, from which it differs in having no
yellowish ring round eye, and sides of head are grayish not yellowish. Jugulum
more or less shaded with buff.
Habitat. Eastern North America, west to the plains, Alaska and eastern Siberia,
north to the Arctic coast, south, in winter, to Costa Rica ; breeds chiefly north of the
United States;
326 BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
The Gray-cheeked Thrush is a rather plentiful spring- and fall migrant
in Pennsylvania ; frequents woods and thickets. The food is similar to
that of the Wilson's Thrush.
NOTE. A race of this species, Bicknell's Thrush (Turdus alicice bicknelli) has
been described by Mr. Ridgway. A description of this bird as given by Mr. Ridgway
(Vol. I, Ornithology of Illinois) is as follows: "Similar to Turdus alicice Baird, but
much smaller and (usually) with the bill more slender. Wing, 3.40-3.80 (3.65) ; tail,
2.60-2.90 (2.75); culmen, .50-.52 (.51) ; tarsus, 1.10-1.25 (1.13); middle toe, .65-.70(.68)."
A single specimen believed to belong to this newly discovered race, named in honor
of its discoverer Mr. Eugene P. Bicknell, who first obtained it on the Catskill Moun-
tains, was captured by Prof. H. J. Roddy, near Chickies' Rock, Lancaster county.
I have never seen the specimen taken by Mr. Roddy, who since the above was written
writes me as follows concerning it. 4< Turdus alicice bicknelli, I am not quite sure
of. The more I study my specimen the more I think it is Turdus alicice somewhat
changed in some way and yet not bicknelli." The habitat of this bird as given in
Ridgway's Ornithology of Illinois is the higher mountains of northeastern United
States, from the Catskills and Adirondacks, in New York, to the White mountains
of New Hampshire ; breeding from an elevation of 4,000 feet upward. Straggler to
Illinois (Warsaw, May 24, 1884; Chas. K. Worthen)."
Turdus ustulatus swainsonii (CAB.).
Olive-backed Thrush.
DESCRIPTION (Plate 100).
Length about 7 inches; extent about 11| ; upper parts uniform greenish-olive;
conspicuous yellowish ring round eye ; lores, sides of head, chin, throat and breast
strongly tinged with yellowish ; anterior lower parts, except chin and upper part of
throat, marked with numerous and large dusky and blackish spots ; sides grayish-
olive ; middle of abdomen and under tail-coverts white ; wings and tail dusky ;
somewhat paler on under surface.
Habitat. Eastern North America, and westward to the Upper Columbia river and
East Humboldt mountains, straggling to the Pacific coast. Breeds mostly north of
the United States.
Common spring and fall migrant, generally distributed throughout
the state ; arrives here usually about the last of April and departs in
October. The Olive-backed Thrush breeds occasionally, it is said, in
our higher mountainous regions.
Turdus aonalaschkae pallasii (CAB.).
Hermit Thrush.
DESCRIPTION (Plate 100).
Size about the same as last. Upper parts olive ; rump and tail reddish-brown ;
yellowish ring round eye ; below white ; shaded on sides with grayish-olive ; mid-
dle of upper part of throat usually immaculate ; sides of head, in some specimens,
very similar to back ; but usually sides of head, sides of neck, lower part of throat
and breast are tinged with buff; lower throat and breast conspicuously marked with
large blackish and dusky-olive spots ; upper surface of tail reddish-brown, below
paler ; outer webs of wing-quills similar but lighter ; inner webs blackish.
Habitat. Eastern North America, breeding from the northern United States
northward, and wintering from the Northern states southward.
PLATE 80.
Fish Hawk.
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 327
This Hermit Thrush is the most abundant of all the thrushes except
the American Robin. During- the spring- and fall migrations this bird
is much more abundant than at other times. During mild winters a few
of these thrushes are seen in sheltered localities in the southern parts
of our state. This species, it is stated, breeds sparingly in some of our
higher mountainous districts.
GENUS MERULA LEACH.
Merula migratoria (LINN.).
American Robin.
DESCRIPTION {Plate 40, old and young).
Length about 9^ ; extent about 16 inches ; bill yellow, upper mandible tipped with
black ; iris brown ; legs and feet brownish ; above plain grayish, blackish on head,
tail and sides of neck ; lower parts reddish-brown, paler in female; lower part of
belly, anal region and under tail-coverts white ; some specimens have under tail-
coverts spotted with grayish-brown ; outer tail feathers tipped with white ; young
are spotted above and below.
Habitat. Eastern North America to Rocky mountains, including eastern Mexico
and Alaska. Breeds from near the southern border of the United States northward
to the Arctic coast ; winters from southern Canada and the Northern states (irregu-
larly) southward.
This familiar bird is abundant throughout the state during the spring,
summer and autumn. In the winter months it is not uncommon to find
small flocks about cedar thickets, swamps and other well-sheltered lo-
calities, especially in the southern parts of the state. At times, other
than when breeding, Robins are gregarious. Late in the summer and
autumn they collect in good-sized flocks and repair every evening to
some favorite roosting resort, where they are found often in company
with Cowbirds and Purple Grackles. The Robin seems in no way par-
ticular about the site selected for its bulky nest of mud, leaves, dried
grasses, etc. Although it usually builds in a tree, it frequently nests,
under an overhanging bank along the roadside, or under a porch, and
occasionally on fence-rails. In May, 1880, a friend of mine found, near
West Chester, a nest of this bird built on the ground in the middle of a
woods, and concealed by May-apple plants. The eggs, usually four or
five in number, are light bluish-green, and measure about 1.16 long by
.79 wide. With us at least two broods are raised each season. By
farmers and fruit growers the Robin is very generally regarded as a nui-
sance, because of his fondness for various small fruits. The following
notes and remarks on the food, it is hoped, will suffice to show that this
species is at least somewhat beneficial to the agriculturist and pomolo-
gist, even though it will, at certain periods of the year, subsist largely
on a fruit diet : In the early part of June, 1879, twenty-three Robins were
captured, on the same date, in East Bradford, Pa. The birds were
328 BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
taken in an apple orchard, or in the act of going to or from cherry trees
located near said orchard. Thirteen birds of this series showed, on dis-
section, remains of cherries ; five of the thirteen had only this fruit in
their viscera. The remaining- eight birds had, in addition, and certainly
with two exceptions, in excess, insect food, consisting mainly of small
brown and black-colored beetles. One bird had in its stomach two earth-
worms. Seven young birds, taken from the nests, with the exception of
one that had a small piece of cherry, which, however, was present in con-
nection with a large insect mass, furnished only proof of an insectivo-
rous diet, which was so comminuted as to be almost unrecognizable.
Sufficient evidences, however, were present to establish the fact that
beetles were an important element in their bill of fare. Two birds des-
titute of all food materials.
Dr. Coues (Birds of the Colorado Valley) writes : " The Robin is a
great eater of berries and soft fruits of every description, and these fur-
nish, during the colder portion of the year, its chief sustenance. Some
of the cultivated fruits of the orchard and garden are specially attractive,
and no doubt the birds demand their tithe. But the damage in this
way is trifling at most, and wholly inconsiderable in comparison with
the great benefit resulting from the destruction of noxious insects by
this bird. The prejudice which some persons entertain against the
Robin is unreasonable ; the wholesale slaughter of the birds which an-
nually takes place in many localities, is as senseless as it is cruel. Few
persons have any adequate idea of the enormous, the literally incalcu-
lable, numbers of insects that Robins eat every year. It has been found,
by careful and accurate observations, that a young Robin, in the nest,
requires a daily supply of animal food equivalent to considerable more
than its own weight. When we remember that some millions of pairs
of Robins raise five or six young ones once, twice or even three times a
year, it will be seen that the resulting destruction of insects is, as I have
said, incalculable. I have no doubt that the services of these birds, dur-
ing the time they are engaged in rearing their young alone, would en-
title them to protection were the parents themselves to feed exclusively
upon garden fruits for the whole period. But at this time the diet of
the old birds is very largely of an animal nature ; nor is this the only
season during which the destruction of insects goes on. Upon the first
arrival of the main body of the birds, early in the spring, long before any
fruits are ripe, they throw themselves into newly-plowed fields, and scat-
ter over meadows, lawns and parks, in eager search for the worms and
grubs that, later in the season, would prove invincible to the agricul-
turist were not their ravages thus stayed in advance by the friendly army
of Robins."
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
329
FOOD OF THE ROBIN.
No.
DATE.
LOCALITY.
FOOD-MATERIALS.
1
January 3, 1883,
New Castle county, Del. ,
Wild grapes.
2
January 8. 1883.
New Castle county, Del. ,
Small seeds and remains of beetles.
a
Keb. 18, 1880,
Chester county. Pa. , .
Beetles.
4
March 15, 1879,
Chester county. Pa. . .
Beetles.
5
March 15, 1879,
Chester county, Pa., .
Beetles.
6
March 15. 1879,
Chester county. Pa., .
Beetles.
7
March 15. 1879.
Chester county, Pa. , .
Beetles and earthworms.
8
March 15, 1879,
Chester county. Pa., .
Earthworms.
9
March 15, 1879,
Chester county, Pa., .
Beetles.
10
March 6, 1880,
East Bradford, Pa. . . .
Cut-worms.
11
Mar. 8, 10. 1880,
Willistown, Pa
Small worms (stomach distended).
12
Mar. 8, 10, 1880,
Willistown, Pa
Small worms (stomach distended).
13
Mar. 8. 10, 1880.
Willistown, Pa
Beetles and small seeds.
14
March 31, 1883.
Chester county, Pa. , .
Beetles, grasshoppers and grub worm.
15
March 31. 1883,
Chester county. Pa., .
Beetles and larvae.
16
April 9, 1879.
East Bradford, Pa.. . .
Beetles.
17
April 9, 1879,
East Bradford, Pa. , . .
Beetles.
18
April 13, 1879.
West Chester. Pa., . .
Beetles and earthworms.
19
April 13. 1879,
West Chester, Pa. . . .
Beetles and earthworms.
20
April 22, 1879.
East Bradford. Pa., .
Beetles.
21
April 22. 1879,
East Bradford. Pa., .
Beetles.
22
April 2, 1880,
East Bradford, Pa. , .
Beetles.
23
April 7. 1880,
East Bradford, Pa.. .
Beetles and earthworms.
24
April 4, 1883.
East Bradford, Pa.. .
Beetles.
25
April 12, 1883,
East Bradford, Pa., .
Beetles.
26
April 12, 1883.
East Bradford, Pa., .
Beetles and other insects.
27
April 17. 1883,
East Bradford. Pa.. .
Beetles.
28
May 4, 1880.
Chester county, Pa., .
Beetles.
29
May 4, 1880.
Chester county. Pa. , .
Beetles.
30
May 12. 1880,
Chester county, Pa. , .
Beetles and apterous insects
31
May 12, 1880,
Chester county, Pa., .
Beetles and earthworms.
32
May 20, 1880,
Chester county, Pa. , .
Beetles and earthworms.
33
May 5, 1883,
Chester county, Pa. , .
Beetles.
34
May 7, 1883,
Chester county. Pa. , .
Small seeds and flies.
35
May 7, 1883,
Chester county. Pa., .
Small worms and beetles.
36
Mav 18, 1883,
Chester county, Pa. , .
Spiders.
37
38
May 27, 1883.
July 12, 1880,
West Chester, Pa. . .
West Chester, Pa. . .
Vegetable matter and few particles of oyster shells.
Berries and small seeds.
39
July 12, 1880,
West Chester, Pa. . .
Small seeds.
40
July 23, 1882,
West Chester, Pa. . .
Berries and earthworm.
41
August 18, 1880.
West Chester, Pa. . .
Wild cherries.
42
August 18. 1880,
West Chester. Pa. . .
Wild cherries.
43
August 20, 1880,
West Chester, Pa. . .
Wild cherries.
44
August 20. 1880,
West Chester, Pa. . .
Wild cherries.
45
Sept. 9, 1882,
Chester county, Pa. , .
Wild cherries.
46
Sept. 9, 1882.
Chester county, Pa., .
Wild cherries.
47
Sept. 9. 1882,
Chester county, Pa. , .
Wild cherries.
48
Sept. 9, 1882,
Chester county, Pa., .
Wild cherries.
49
Sept. 9, 1882,
Chester county, Pa., .
Wild cherries.
50
Sept. 9, 1882,
Chester county. Pa., .
Wild cherries.
51
Sept. 9, 1882,
Chester county. Pa., .
Wild cherries.
52
Sept. 21, 1882,
Chester county, Pa., .
Wild cherries.
53
Sept. 21. 1882,
Chester county. Pa. , .
Wild cherries.
54
Sept. 21. 1882.
Chester county, Pa., .
Wild cherries.
55
Sept. 21, 1882,
Chester county. Pa., .
Wild cherries.
56
Sept. 21, 1882,
Chester county. Pa.. .
Wild cherries.
57
October 2, 1880,
West Chester, Pa. . .
Spicewood and Dogwood berries.
58
59
October 2. 1880,
October 2, 1880.
West Chester. Pa, . .
West Chester, Pa. . .
Spicewood and Dogwood berries.
Spicewood and Dogwood berries.
60
October 2. 1880,
West Chester. Pa. . .
Spicewood and Dogwood berries.
61
October 3, 1880,
West Chester, Pa. . .
Beetles and Dogwood berries.
62
October 3, 1880,
West Chester. Pa. . .
Beetles and Dogwood berries.
63
October 4, 1880,
West Chester. Pa. . .
Spicewood berries.
64
October 4, 1880.
West Chester, Pa. . .
Dogwood berries.
65
October 4, 1880,
West Chester. Pa. . .
Dogwood berries.
66
October 8, 1880,
West Chester, Pa. . .
Dogwood berries and small shells.
67
68
October 8, 1880,
October 8, 1880,
West Chester, Pa. . .
West Chester, Pa. . .
Dogwood berries and small seeds.
Dogwood berries.
69
70
October 8, 1880,
October 8, 1880,
West Chester. Pa. . .
West Chester, Pa. . .
Chicken grapes and beetles.
Chicken grapes.
71
October 8, 1880.
West Chester, Pa. . .
Chicken grapes.
72
October 8, 1880,
West Chester, Pa. . .
Chicken grapes,
n
74
Nov. 12. 1884.
Dec. 20. 1884.
East Goshen. Pa. , . .
Newark, Delaware, . .
Beetles and few grub worms.
Berries.
75
Dec. 25. 1884.
Newark. Delaware. . . .
Berries and inserts.
330 BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
GENUS SIALIA SWAINSON.
Sialia sialis (LINN.)
Bluebird.
DESCRIPTION (Plate 50, adults and young).
Length about 6), ; extent about 12^ inches ; bill and legs blackish ; iris brown.
Adult Male, in summer. Upper parts uniform azure blue, sides of head, and fore
part of chin, blue ; throat, breast and sides reddish-brown ; abdomen, anal region
and under tail-coverts, white.
Male, in fall and winter. Blue duller, feathers of the head, neck and back edged
with rusty ; white on abdomen more extended ; the reddish-brown or chestnut on
the throat and breast is darker.
Adult female. Upper parts dull grayish-blue, brightest on rump, tail and wings :
lower parts similar to male but much duller. The young, in first plumage, have
wings and tail only blue ; top of head and upper parts are grayish or brownish
(usually the latter color), middle of back more or less streaked with white ; lower
parts are whitish (clearest on chin and abdomen) ; throat, breast and sides are thickly
marked with irregular brownish or dusky spots. In this plumage the Bluebird,
appears very much like some of the thrushes from the spotted appearance of its
breast.
Habitat. Eastern United States to the eastern base of the Rocky mountains, north
to Manitoba, Ontario and Nova Scotia, south, in winter, from the Middle States to
the Gulf States and Cuba. Bermudas, resident.
This common and well-known species is found in Pennsylvania dur-
ing* all months of the year, but in the height of the winter season they
are much more plentiful in the southern counties than elsewhere in this
region. In summer Bluebirds are abundant and generally distributed
throughout the state. These birds, when not engaged in building, are
usually seen in flocks of from ten to twenty each, sometimes, however,
particularly in the fall, they collect together in large numbers, as will
be seen from the following extract taken from one of my note books :
" October 23, 1884, Girard Manor, Schuylkill county, Penn'a. Bluebirds
very abundant ; a flock of about two hundred have every day for the
past two weeks been observed distributed over the field surrounding the
residence of my friend and host M. M. MacMillan, Esq., busily engaged
in feeding or dressing their plumage while they perch on the leafless
branches of the numerous young trees scattered along the fences. When
feeding the birds confine their operations to the ground and feed chiefly
on grasshoppers, which are abundant. The fields about here appear to
be favorite feeding resorts, as they come in large numbers in the morn-
ing, and remain, if not driven away, for about two hours. They also
come in the afternoon, but not in such large numbers." The Bluebird
builds a scanty and loosely-constructed nest of dried grasses, feathers
or other soft materials in holes of trees or stumps, in bird-boxes, or in
hollows of posts and fence rails. The eggs, usually four or five in num-
ber, are light blue and unspotted. They measure about .81 long by .62
wide. The eggs of this bird sometimes, though very rarely, are white.
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 331
Two broods are raised in a season. Since the pestiferous English Spar-
rows have become so numerous Bluebirds, in common with a number of
other species of birds, which formerly were common and regular sum-
mer residents about yards, gardens and parks, have been driven away.
About three years ago the writer found a pair of Bluebirds, that had
been forced to leave a bird box by a flock of pugnacious sparrows, nest-
ing in a hole in a sand bank. The hole in which this pair of birds
nested had been used the previous year by a pair of Bank Swallows.
When insect-life can be found these birds prefer it to any other diet,
but in the winter season when such food is not easily obtained they
feed on various small fruits and berries.
(332)
APPENDIX
BIRDS OF PREY AND THE " SCALP " ACT OF JUNE 23, 1885.
In an agricultural district, the preservation of the hawks and owls is a matter of
great importance. These birds, with few exceptions, subsist mainly on mice, other
small quadrupeds and various insects, which are so destructive in the fields, or-
chards, gardens and about buildings. Until within a quite recent period, Pennsyl-
vania has been burdened with an act of assembly awarding premiums for the de-
struction of these well-known feathered friends of the farmer. The members of
"The West Chester Microscopical Society," recognizing the great wrong and injury
which was being accomplished by the enforcement of this odious "Scalp Act," as it
was universally called, took an active part in endeavoring to secure its repeal.
From -reports* issued by their Committee on the Protection of Birds of Prey, the fol-
lowing extracts are taken :
"The committee appointed at the last meeting of the Microscopical Society to take
into consideration the act of assembly passed the 23d day of June, A. D. 1885, enti-
tled 4 An act for the destruction of wolves, wild cats, foxes, minks, hawks, weasels
and owls in this commonwealth,' beg leave to report that the chairman of the com-
mittee, Dr. B. H. Warren, ornithologist of the Pennsylvania State Board of Agricul-
ture, has devoted several years of his life to the collection, dissection and examina-
tion of birds, and that all of the committee from observation and experience have
believed that all of the birds denounced in the law, with rare exceptions, have been
found to be the best friends of the farmer. Lest, however, any of the committee
might be mistaken they have corresponded with the best ornithologists in the
country, men who have made oVnithology a study and are connected with that de-
partment in the Smithsonian Institution, asking their opinion as to the benefits or
injury likely to arise from the execution of the law against the birds therein named.
"They have received answers from Dr. C. Hart Merriam, ornithologist of the
United States Department of Agriculture; Dr. Elliott Coues, vice president Amer-
ican Ornithologists' Union ; Robert Ridgway, Curator Department of Birds
United States National Museum ; Dr. Leonhard Stejneger, assistant curator of the
same department ; H. W. Henshaw, of the Bureau of Ethnology, also a eollector of
birds for the Smithsonian Institution, and connected with the late Wheeler Survey
of the territories, and Lucien M. Turner, a collector of birds, etc., for the Smith-
sonian Institution for the last twelve years. These answers, which are annexed to
this report, all bear testimony that the hawks and owls are of great benefit to the
farmer, and render him far greater service than injury, and that it is unwise to se-
lect any of them for destruction.
"The committee regrets to say that there have been ninety odd hawks and a dozen
or more owls killed since the law was passed, June 23, 1885, at a cost to this county
of about $75, and that the slaughter is still going on.
'Reports of the Microscopical Society of West Chester. Pa., on the act of assembly of said state
awarding a premium for the destruction of hawks, owls, minks, weasels, etc., etc.. enacted June 23,
1885: published January, 1887.
(333)
334 BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
"Believing, therefore, that the killing of these birds is detrimental to the interests
of the agriculturists, they believe that instead of being destroyed they should be
protected, and they, therefore, recommend the passage of the following resolution :
"Resolved by the Microscopical Society of West Chester, That in the opinion of
the society the act of June 23, 1885, offering a premium for the destruction of hawks
and owls, is unwise and prejudical to the interest of agriculture, and so far as those
birds are concerned, ought to be repealed.
"Resolved, That the president and secretary of the society be instructed to for-
ward a copy of the above resolution to our members of the legislature, at its next
session, and request their aid towards the repeal of the act so far as is above stated.
"All of which is respectfully submitted.
"B. H. WARREN,
W. TOWNSEND,
THOS. D. DUNN,
JAMES C. SELLERS,
Committee.
" March 4, 1886."
"U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE,
WASHINGTON, D. C., March 2, 1886.
"DR. B. H. WARREN, Ornithologist of the Pennsylvania State Board of Agri-
culture :
"DEAR SIR : Your letter of the 18th inst. has just come to hand. I have read
with surprise and indignation the copy sent of section 1, page 141, of the laws of
Pennsylvania for 1885, in which a bounty is offered for the destruction of weasels,
hawks and owls. The clause purports to have been enacted ' for the benefit of agri-
culture,' etc.
**The possibility of the passage of such an act by any legislative body is a melan-
ch<5iy comment on the widespread ignorance that prevails even among intelligent
persons, concerning the food of our common birds and mammals, and is an evidence
of the urgent need of just such systematic and comprehensive investigations as this
department is now making on the subject of the relation of food habits to agricul-
ture.
"There are two kinds of weasels in the Eastern States. The smaller kind feeds
chiefly on mice and insects, and is not known to kill poultry. The larger also preys
mainly upon mice and rats, but in addition sometimes kills rabbits and poultry.
Both species are friends of the farmer, for the occasional loss of a few chickens is of
trifling consequence compared with the good that these animals are constantly doing
in checking the increase of mice.
"You ask my opinion in regard to the beneficial and injurious qualities of the
hawks and owls which inhabit Pennsylvania. This question seems almost super-
fluous in view of the fact that your own investigations, more than those of any
other one person, have led to a better knowledge of the food-habits of these birds,
and what you have done in the east Prof. Aughey, of Nebraska, has done in the west.
Many others have added their 'mites,' till at the present time a sufficient array of
facts has been accumulated to enable us to state, without fear of contradiction, that
our hawks and owls must be ranked among the best friends of the farmer. With
very few exceptions, their food consists of mice and insects, meadow-mice and
grasshoppers predominating. The exceptions are the fierce Goshawk from the north,
and two smaller resident hawks, Cooper's and the Sharp-shinned, which really de-
stroy many wild birds and some poultry. These three hawks have long tails and
short wings, which serve, among other characters, to distinguish them from the
beneficial kinds.
"Strange as it may appear to the average farmer, the largest hawks are the ones
that do the most good. Foremost among these are the Rough-legged and Marsh
Hawks, which do not meddle with poultry and rarely prey upon wild birds.
APPENDIX. 335
"Of hawks and owls collectively, it may safely be said that, except in rare in-
stances, the loss they occasion by the destruction of poultry is insignificant in com-
parison with the benefits derived by the farmer and fruit-grower from their constant
vigilance ; for when unmolested the one guards his crop by day and the other by
night
" It is earnestly to be hoped that you will succeed not only in causing the repeal
of the ill-advised act which provides a bounty for the killing of hawks and owls,
but that you will go farther, and secure the enactment of a law which will impose a
fine for the slaughter of these useful birds.
" Very truly yours,
" C. HART MEKRIAM,
" Ornithologist of the Department of Agriculture.'' 1
"UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM,
' ' Under Direction of the Smithsonian Institution.
"WASHINGTON, March 3, 1886.
"DR. B. H. WARREN, West Chester, Pa.:
"DEAR DR. WARREN : I am just in receipt of your letter of the 1st instant, and
therefore fear that my reply cannot reach you in time for use at the meeting to-mor-
row evening. It affords me much pleasure, however, to comply with your request
for my views concerning the food-habits of hawks and owls and their relation to
man.
"Of all the species which you name there are only two which, according to my
best judgment, are at all seriously destructive to game or poultry, these beine
Cooper's Hawk and the Great-horned Owl. The rest, with the possible exception of
the Sharp-shinned Hawk, which certainly is destructive to the smaller birds, my
experience leads me to regard as very decidedly beneficial to man, their food con-
sisting very largely, if not chiefly, of the smaller rodents, field mice especially.
The Red-shouldered and Red-tailed Hawks occasionally pick up a young chicken
or rabbit, but I feel quite sure that their service to man far outweighs the injury
which they thus do. The little Sparrow Hawk and other smaller species destroy
large numbers of grasshoppers, locusts and other large insects.
"Very truly yours,
"ROBERT RlDGWAY,
"Curator, Dept. Birds.'"
" SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION,
"WASHINGTON, D. C., March S, 1886.
"DR. B. H. WARREN, West Chester, Pa. :
"DEAR DOCTOR : In reply to your letter of the 3d inst., asking for my opinion in
regard to the food, etc., of certain hawks and owls specified, I would state that I have
read Mr. Robert Ridgway's answer to a similar request from you and that I agree
with him in every particular. The idea of persecuting the majority of hawks and
owls systematically is simply preposterous, and any law which has for its object
their indiscriminate destruction should be immediately repealed, since most of the
birds alluded to are among the very best friends of the farmer. In regard to a few
species it is well worth while to suspend judgment until a thorough investigation as
to their habits and food in your state can be carried out, for, as you are well aware,
a species which in some parts of the country and at some seasons may be injurious,
in other regions and under altered circumstances may be chiefly beneficial.
"I remain, yours sincerely,
" LEON HARD STEJNEGER,
"Assistant Curator, Dept. of Birds, U. S. Nat. Mus."
236 BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
Ammodr amus henslo wii ( A UD . ) .
Henslow's Sparrow.
DESCRIPTION.
A little smaller but very similar to the Grasshopper Sparrow ; tail a little longer ;
top of head heavily streaked with black, divided by pale greenish-gray stripe ; occi-
put and back of neck greenish-gray with black streaks ; a blackish streak back of
eye, and another one back of lower mandible, throat and belly whitish, conspicuously
streaked with black ; the breast, sides and flanks are light yellowish-brown ; upper
surface of wings mostly chestnut ; back and scapular feathers chestnut with con-
spicuous black centers, edged with whitish, except towards the rump, where the
edgings are mainly olivaceous or buff.
Habitat. Eastern United States, west to the plains, north to southern New Eng-
land and Ontario.
Henslow's Sparrow, according- to my observation, occurs in Pennsyl-
vania as a rare spring- and fall migrant. It frequents fields and mea-
dows, and it easily escapes notice by hiding- in the weeds and grasses.
Nests of this species have been taken in our state by Dr. Detwiller, of
Bethlehem, and Mr. Roddy, of Millersville. Dr. Coues says it is " com-
mon about Washington (D. C.), where it breeds in fields and meadows ;
nest on the ground in tufts of grass. Eg-gs, four to five, greeiiish-
white, profusely speckled with reddish, .75 by .57." This sparrow ar-
rives here about the first of May and departs in September. Food about
same as that of the Grasshopper Sparrow.
GENUS ZONOTRICHIA SWAINSON.
Zonotrichia leucophrys (FORST.).
White-crowned Sparrow.
DESCRIPTION {Plate 95).
Length about 7 inches ; extent about 10| ; no yellow 011 head or wing, as in the
next species. Adult may be known by conspicuous black and white head stripes,
and the light grayish or ashy markings well shown in plate. " Young, first winter,
head-stripes chestnut-brown and dull buff ; otherwise similar to adult. Young,
lirst plumage, crown dusky-blackish on sides, the middle whitish, streaked witli
dusky ; throat and breast more or less streaked with dusky." Ornith. of 111. Ridgw.
Habitat. North America at large, breeding chiefly in tfte Rocky mountain region
(including Sierra Nevada) and northeast to Labrador.
Regular, but not common spring and fall migrant, and occasionally a
few are found during mild winters in the southern parts of the state.
This species frequents the same localities as the White-throated Spar
row, but it is less frequently seen in woods and orchards than the last-
mentioned bird, being mostly found about brush heaps, along hedge
rows and bushy places in fields and near the borders of woods, etc. Its
food consists chiefly of small seeds of different grasses, weeds, etc., and
it also feeds to some extent on buds and blossoms of different trees,
bushes, etc.
Plate 58.
1. Red-breasted Nut-hatch. 2, 3. Purple Martin.
Male. Male and Female,
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 237
Zonotrichia albicollis (GMEL.).
White-throated Sparrow.
DESCRIPTION (Plate 95).
Size about same as leucophrys.
Male. Two broad black stripes on crown divided by a narrow white line, a showy
yellow stripe, from bill to middle of eye, joins a white stripe which runs back to the
occiput; throat patcli white; edge of wing yellow. Upper parts mostly chestnut
streaked with black ; two showy white wing bars ; sides of head, neck in front, and
breast, ashy or pale lead color. The female is similar but duller. The young and
most specimens taken in autumn have throat, breast, and sides, more or less streaked
with dusky. In a large number of specimens before me I see a trace of yellow be-
tween the eyes and bill, as well as on edge of wing. These yellow markings and
the large size are sufficient to identify the species.
Habitat. Eastern North America, west to the plains, north to Labrador and the
Fur Countries. Breeds in northern Michigan, northern New York and northern New-
England, and winters from the Middle States southward.
This beautiful sparrow, one of our most common spring- and fall mi-
grants, is found usually in small flocks about woods, apple orchards,
gardens and shrubbery. In the spring, particularly in April, and the
early part of May, the White-throats subsist largely, indeed chiefly, on
the buds and blossoms of the apple, beech and maple trees. During
their vernal migrations they may be observed, singly or in flocks, de-
vouring the tender growth of beech trees, along the edges of woods,
particularly those in the neighborhood of running- streams. While it is
true that the buds and blossoms of apple, maple and some few other
trees are eaten, I am quite certain that their favorite articles of diet, in
the way of buds and blossoms, are those of the beech trees. The dam-
ag-e which these birds do to apple or other fruit trees is so trifling that
the farmer or fruit-grower should not be prejudiced ag-ainst them. This
species feeds also on various small seeds and different insects. The
White-throated Sparrow is not uncommon as a winter resident in several
of the southern counties of Pennsylvania.
GENUS SPIZELLA BONAPARTE.
Spizella monticola (GMEL.).
Tree Sparrow.
DESCRIPTION (Plate 94).
Length about 6 inches ; extent about 9^ ; the long blackish tail feathers are edged
with whitish ; maxilla dark brown ; mandible yellowish ; legs brown ; toes black-
ish , crown chestnut (in many specimens the crown feathers, especially in center,
are bordered with grayish) ; broad whitish line over eye, and back of eye a chestnut
streak ; above, especially middle of back, brownish with dark streaks and paler
edgings ; lower parts whitish ; ashy throat and neck, and brownish on sides and
flanks. No dusky streaks on lower parts, but a conspicuous dusky spot in middle
of breast.
338 BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
to their food. Two or three species of hawks (those belonging to the genus Archi-
buteo) are notoriously the best diurnal mouse-catchers of all birds. Their habits to
soar over the level tracts devoted to grasses and search for their food are so well
known that further consideration of them is but repetition of established facts. The
bolder species of hawks so rarely commit depredations upon the farm-yard fowls
that these instances are, without doubt, the result of an individual predilection for
which the entire family should not be branded. The number of rabbits and mice
which the hawks annually destroy is simply incredible, as any really observant
person will admit.
"In my own opinion, the destruction of the hawks and owls within the State of
Pennsylvania will, ere many years, result in an incalculable injury to the farmer,
who will be overrun with hordes of mice, which he will be powerless to limit, as
their reproductiveness, when undisturbed, progresses with astonishing rapidity.
"It would, in my opinion, be a wise measure to have the act relating to the alleged
noxious birds totally repealed.
" Very truly yours,
"LuciEN M. TURNER."
"AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGISTS' UNION,
' Committee on the Protection of North American Birds,
"NEW YORK, March 12, 1886.
"Dr. B. H. WARREN :
"DEAR SIR: The A. O. U. Committee on the Protection of Birds, recognizing
the great importance of the report of your Committee on the usefulness of Hawks
and Owls to the farmer, has instructed me to purchase, if possible, one hundred
copies of the paper containing your report, and to ask if we may have the privilege
of reprinting it, either in whole or in part, in the interest of the cause, if at any
time we should find it convenient to do so. Your report is directly in the line of
our work and could not fail to be a telling influence for good if well circulated.
" Very truly yours,
" EUGENE P. BICKNELL,
"Secretary."
"Dr. A. K. Fisher, assistant ornithologist U. S. Department of Agriculture,
Washington, D. C., in a letter dated January 15, 1887, addressed to Or. B. H. War-
ren, says: 'Wednesday I received eight adult Red-tails and two Red-shouldered
Hawks from a man in Maryland. * * * I find nothing but mice and shrews in
their crops and stomachs (from two to five in each). I found two specimens of
Sorex and the following specimens of mice : Mus musculus, Hesperomys leucopus,
Arvicola riparius and Arvicola pinetorum. The hawks had been killed because
they had ' killed ' chickens and quails."
" The committee also made inquiries of the commissioners of the different counties
as to the numbers of birds and mammals that have been killed and for which
bounties had been paid, and received answers, up to July 1, 1886, from thirty -four
counties. The number of hawks killed and reported up to that date was 9,237, at an
expense of $7,335.10, and of owls 2,499, at an expense of $1,303.90.
"In many cases, however, the fees of the magistrates were not included, but
merely the bounties paid on the birds. The bounties paid for minks, weasels, foxes
and wildcats, raised the sums reported to $15,165.95.
"As the time included in the returns does not come down to date, and as only
thirty-four out of sixty-seven counties made reports, it is believed by the committee
that the counties pay annually not less than $60,000 under the law of 1885, of which
the largest part is paid for the destruction of hawks and owls. That they are the
best friends of the farmer, and that their destruction is to him a great disadvantage,
the committee thinks that it has already shown, by the letters of eminent ornitholo-
gists in its report of March 4 last."
APPENDIX. 339
The State Board, through its efficient secretary, Thomas J. Edge, Esq., labored
most industriously to show the economic value of the raptorial birds, and secure
the repeal of that part of the " Bounty Act" relating to the hawks and owls.
The subjoined report, entitled the " Bounty or 'Scalp' Act of 1885," by Thomas J.
Edge, Esq., will give a very clear idea of the efforts made by the State Board through
its energetic secretary :
" THE BOUNTY OB ' SCALP ' ACT or 1885.
44 During its session of 1885, the Legislature enacted the following act for the de-
struction of wolves, wildcats, foxes, minks, hawks, weasels and owls in this Com-
monwealth :
"SECTION I. Be it enacted, etc., That for the benefit of agriculture and for the pro-
tection of game, within this commonwealth, there is hereby established the follow-
ing premiums for the destruction of certain noxious animals and birds, to be paid
by the respective counties in which the same are slain, namely, for every wildcat
two dollars, for every red or gray fox one dollar, for every mink fifty cents, for
every weasel fifty cents, for every hawk fifty cents, and for every owl, except the
Arcadian, Screech or Barn owl, which is hereby exempted from the provisions of
this act, fifty cents.
"SECTION 2. It shall be the duty of any person, having killed any animal or bird
mentioned in the first section of this act, and who is desirous of availing himself of
the premiums therein provided, to produce such slain animal or bird before any
magistrate, alderman or justice of the peace of the county in which the same was
killed, and make affidavit of the time and place of killing the same : Provided,
That the pelt, if entire from the tip of the nose of any such animal, may be produced
in lieu of the same, when so preferred ; and upon the reception of any such animal
or pelt, or bird, it shall be the duty of such magistrate, alderman or justice of the
peace, in the presence of said person killing such animal or bird, and one elector of
the county, to cut off the ears of such animal or the head of such bird, and in the
presence of said persons burn the same.
"SECTION 3. Upon the destruction of the ears or heads as aforesaid, the magis-
trate, alderman or justice of the peace shall give to the person producing such
animal or bird, a certificate of compliance with the provisions of this act directed to
the commissioners of the county in which such animal or bird was slain, which
certificate shall contain the following facts : the kind of animal or bird killed, when,
where and by whom killed, and the date by whom and in the presence of what
elector the ears of said animal or head of said bird was destroyed, and upon the pro-
duction of such certificate the said commissioners shall give an order upon the
county treasurer for the payment of the premium or premiums provided by this act;
and it shall be the further duty of the magistrate, alderman or justice of the peace
taking the affidavit, provided in the second section of this act, to file the same forth-
with, or cause the same to be filed in the office of the commissioners of the county,
and upon filing the same, the said magistrate, alderman or justice of the peace shall
receive from the county treasurer, the sum of twenty cents, in full compensation for
all services under this act.
"Quite early in 1886, the correspondence of the Board developed the fact that there
existed among farmers, taxpayers and the several county officers of the state, a
widespread dissatisfaction at the workings and effect of the law. It also was evident
that in some one of its many forms, this act would be brought to the notice of the
present legislature, and the secretary of the Board deemed it advisable to collect all
possible data on either side of the question, and place it in such a form as would be
readily available when wanted. As a step in this direction, a circular was prepared
and sent to every board of county officers in the state, asking for information upon
the following points, viz :
" 1. The total amount of bounty actually paid from each county treasury up to
November 1, 1886.
340
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
"2. The effect (in the opinion of the officers) of the repeal of the law so far as it
affects hawks and owls.
"3. The effect of the repeal of the whole law.
"Answers to the first question gives us the following data, which show the
amount paid by each county from November 1, 1885, to November 1, 1886. A num-
ber of the replies stated that the existence of the act did not become generally
known until Janury 1, 1886, and that it would have been more in accordance with
their experience to have fixed the time covered from January 1, 1886 to January 1,
1887. A number state that had this latter date been fixed, they would have increased
the amount paid fully twenty per cent, and in many cases more was paid in the
two months ending December 31, 1886, than in any six preceding months. From
this we are inclined to suppose that it will be perfectly safe to increase the amounts
given below iully twenty per cent., in order to cover the total amount paid by each
county. The reports give the following as the amounts actually paid between the
dates given in the circular, viz: from November 1, 1885, to November 1, 1886:
Adams,
$3,800 00
Indiana,
$1 251 00
Allegheny,
53 00
Juniata,
584 50
Armstrong,
1,255 30
Lackawanna,
311 50
Beaver, . . .
282 50
Lancaster,
715 10
Berks,
607 90
Lawrence,
535 90
Blair,
800 00
Lebanon,
202 20
Bradford,
1,666 55
Lehigh,
267 50
Bucks,
444 30
Luzerne,
625 00
Butler,
833 75
Lycoming,
1,039 00
Cambria,
1,181 10
McKean,
1,023 57
130 00
Mercer,
. 2,319 7b
Centre,
1,827 05
Mifflin, . ...
357 60
Chester,
. . 944 50
Montgomery, . . .
85 20
Clearfield.
1,500 00
Northampton, . .
381 60
Clinton, . . .
325 00
Northumberland,
566 70
Columbia,
. . 900 00
Perry,
1,140 25
Crawford,
. . . 8,022 90
Schuylkill,
450 00
Cum berland,
. . . 500 00
Somerset,
1,600 00
T)auphin,
450 00
Sullivan,
300 00
Elk.
350 00
Susquehanna, . .
1,200 00
Erie,
2,746 00
Tioga, .
1,169 00
Fayette,
.... 650 00
Union, . .....
410 00
Forest,
350 00
Venango,
952 60
Franklin,
967 00
Warren,
1,893 25
Fulton,
. . 700 00
Washington, . .
727 50
Greene,
.. 1,200 00
Wyoming,
800 00
Huntingdon,
2,000 00
"The answers to the second and third queries (the effect of the repeal of the act
so far as it applies to hawks and owls, and its total repeal) were answered by the
respective county officers as follows :
"REPLIES OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS.
"Adams. 'The law should be repealed except as to wolves, foxes and wild cats;
the repeal as to hawks and owls would be a saving to the county of $2,500.'
"Armstrong. 1 Repeal the whole act.'
"Allegheny. 'So far as this county is concerned, its repeal would not affect the
number destroyed.'
"Beaver. 'The commissioners think that the whole act should be repealed.'
" Berks. 'Our opinion is that the whole act should be repealed.'
"Bucks. 'Think that the portion as to hawks and owls should be repealed ; the
balance of the act should remain as it now is.'
APPENDIX. 341
^Bradford. 'In the opinion of our county commissioners, hawks and owls are
more beneficial to farmers than detrimental, but they are of the opinion that the
whole act should be repealed for the following reasons :
'" 1. It encourages hunting as an occupation.
" '2. Because the motives of self-interest will prompt the destruction of all these
animals found doing damage.
" '3. Because of the drain upon the treasury.'
" Blair. ' The general impression is that the act should stand as it now is ; there
is no doubt that it is beneficial in our county and mountain districts. The effect of
repealing the whole act would be very injurious, both to crops, domestic and wild
game. The law, as a whole, meets with general approval. The expense for the first
year seems to be rather burdensome, but in the future it will be much less. There
were some three hundred and fifty foxes killed since the law went into effect ; and
thus it will be a short time until every destructive and noxious animal will be ex-
terminated. What is true with regard to the fox is also true in relation to the others
named in the act.'
" Butler. ' The act as a whole should stand as it is ; that portion relating to hawks
and owls should not be repealed.'
" Cambria. 'We favor the repeal of the whole law, and especially that portion
referring to hawks and owls.'
" Cameron. 'The law should be repealed so far as it refers to minks, -hawks and
owls. It has a tendency to encourage a certain class of men who devote their entire
time to hunting.'
"Centre. ' We believe the act ought to be repealed as to hawks and owls. The
effect of repealing the whole act would be a saving of thousands of dollars to the
taxpayers annually. There would be about as many of the destructive mammals
and birds killed if the act was repealed, and by persons whose duty it is to protect
their property. We emphatically favor repealing the entire act relating to bounties
on scalps.'
"Chester. 'The opinion of the county commissioners and farmers generally is
that the portion of the act referring to hawks and owls should be repealed. As to
repealing the whole act, there is a difference of opinion. Many do not favor the re-
peal as to foxes, minks and weasels. We have paid bounties on the following : Six
hundred and sixty-six hawks, sixty owls, two hundred and eight minks, two hun-
dred and forty-eight weasels and one hundred and seven foxes.'
" Clarion.' We believe that the entire act should be repealed. Its repeal would
be a benefit to the taxpayers, and no disadvantage to the farmers.'
" Clearfleld. 1 Two-thirds of the amount has been paid upon hawks and owls;
minks, hawks and owls should be abandoned ; wolves, w r ild cats and foxes should
be retained.'
"Clinton. 'Think there might be a bounty on wolves, wild cats and minks;
would be satisfied w r ith the repeal of the whole act.'
" Columbia. ' Repeal it as to owls, as they feed on mice, etc. The bounty should
be continued on hawks, as they feed mainly upon poultry. Repealing the whole act
would have no injurious effects ; the foxes would be killed in this county just the
same. Weasels destroy rats, mice, etc. Those who are injured by minks would
kill them just the same without the law.'
" Crawford. 'The commissioners are of the opinion that the whole law should be
repealed at the earliest possible moment. The commissioners are all farmers, and
they consider the destruction of these mammals and birds a great damage to the
farmers ; they are the farmers' best friends.'
" Cumberland. ' We do not see that our county will receive any benefit by con-
tinuing in effect any part of the act, and the repeal of the entire act will relieve the
county of an unnecessary and unwarranted expense.'
" Dauphin. 1 The repeal of the act would not affect the destruction of hawks and
owls, as farmers, for self-protection, would destroy all they possibly could. Except
as to wolves and foxes, we think the law should be repealed.'
342 BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
" Elk. ' Repeal the whole act ; there would be just as many killed.'
"Erie. 'It is our unanimous opinion that the entire act should be repealed ; it is
burdensome and inimical to the best interests of the farming community, and a use-
less expenditure of the county money.'
" Fayette. ' No complaints from the people at large. Much trouble to the county
officers with the necessary papers, etc. '
" Forest. 'It would be wise to repeal the act as far as it refers to hawks, owls and
minks.'
" Franklin. 1 The act ought to be repealed. Twenty-five wild cats, four hundred
and twenty-five foxes, one hundred and fifty-five minks, eighty-three weasels, six
hundred and seventy-eight hawks and sixty-eight owls.'
" Fulton. ' Our opinion is favorable to continuing the law as it now is.'
" Greene. 'Repeal the whole act, or at least that portion referring to hawks and
owls.'
" Huntingdon. 'The law of 1885 should be repealed, and if any law is retained it
should be the same as the old law, having the orders directed to the county commis-
sioners instead of to the county treasurers. It makes considerable extra work for
the commissioners' clerk, and often puts persons entitled to an order to great incon-
venience to have it signed by the county commissioners in order to get the money,
as the commissioners in a majority of the counties only meet once each month. A
majority of the people in the agricultural districts of this county would oppose a re-
peal of the act. '
" Indiana. 'Our opinion is that the bounty should be taken off everything men-
tioned in the act of June 23, 1885, and an act passed to pay a bounty for every skunk
killed.'
"Juniata. 'The entire act should be repealed.'
" Lackawanna. ' We think that the whole act should be repealed, as it is a nui-
sance, especially so far as it refers to hawks and owls.'
" Lancaster. ' The repeal of the act would have a good effect so far as our county
is concerned.'
"Lawrence. 'It is the unanimous opinion of the board that the whole act should
be repealed, believing that the law is entirely unnecessary so far as our countj^ is
concerned. We have not heard one farmer in the county approve it, but many of
them condemn it. Its repeal is earnestly requested by all who have any knowledge
of its workings.'
"Lebanon. 'The commissioners think that the part of the law referring to owls
and hawks should be repealed by all means. Aside (from the above owls and
hawks), we pay very little bounty, as foxes and other mammals are not sufficiently
numerous to affect our county.'
" Lehigh. ' Repeal the whole act if it can be done ; if not, then repeal that portion
referring to hawks and owls, by all means.'
" Ly coming. 1 Its repeal would disappoint the farmers in this county. In their
opinion, instead of a repeal, skunks or polecats should be added.'
" McKean. 'Think that the whole act should be repealed, or at least that partre.
ferring to hawks and owls.'
" Mercer. ' We are radically in favor of the repeal of the whole act, and in this
we are supported by the sentiment of the entire farming community of our county.'
" MiJflin.'We favor the repeal of that portion which relates to hawks and owls,
and leaving the remainder as it now is.'
" Montgomery. 'The repeal of that portion relating to hawks and owls would be
good.'
" Northampton. 1 We are not in favor of repealing the act, and prefer it as it now
stands.'
" Perry. 'The repeal or' the law would be worse than useless. The money
already paid in would be thrown away In the future, fewer mammals and birds
will be found and destroyed ; the number will gradually decrease each year.'
" Schuylkill. 'The repeal or non-repeal of the law is immaterial to us.'
APPENDIX. 343
"Susquehanna. 'Favorable to a repeal of the act.'
" Tioga. 'The act referred to is a nuisance, and should be repealed as soon as
possible.'
" Union. 'The commissioners recommend the repeal of the whole bill, except as
to foxes. '
" Venango. 1 " We are in favor of the repeal of the whole act, believing that it would
give entire satisfaction to the taxpayers of our county.'
" Warren.' Repeal the whole act by all means.'
" Washington.' It is the opinion of the commissioners that the only damage by
hawks and owls is the destruction of our game birds, which is only felt by hunters;
on the other hand, by the destruction of mice and other small vermin, they are
beneficial to the farmer. The repeal of the whole act would be beneficial to our
farmers.'
" Wyoming. 1 The effect of the repeal would be good.'
" A number of the commissioners have appended to their reports a list of the
number of each kind of mammal or bird upon which bounty has been paid. As in-
dicative of the relative proportion of the bounties upon each, we give the following :
" Chester. Hawks, 666 ; owls, 60 ; minks, 208 ; weasels, 248, and foxes 107.
" Franklin. Hawks, 678 ; owls, 68 ; wild cats, 25 ; foxes, 425 ; minks, 155, and
weasels, 83.
"Several of the commissioners state that the premiums upon hawks and owls
constitute more than fifty per cent, of the total amount paid, while several of the
commissioners call attention to the fact that wolves are enumerated in the title, but-
are not provided for in the body of the bill.
" In addition to the collection of data in this direction the ornithologist of the
Board, Dr. B. H. Warren, of West Chester, Pa., also had his attention directed to the
actual results of the effect of the law : First, as it relates to hawks and owls, and,
second, as a whole. The data which was collected by him is partially shown in an
article in another portion of this report, and in a lecture delivered at the annual
meeting of the board in January last.
" As a condensation of a large amount of correspondence upon this subject, which
has reached the office of the Board during the past year, we give the following as
covering the main points :
" This act should be repealed because
" 1. It causes a drain upon the treasuries of the respective counties which is not
warranted by the results produced.
"2. Hawks and owls, by the destruction of insects, confer a benefit which is much
more than an offset for the poultry destroyed by them.
"3. Increased duties are imposed upon county officers, for whicti no additional
compensation has been provided.
"4. In a number of cases county officers have been imposed on, and bounties ille-
gally drawn.
"5. It encourages a certain class to follow hunting as a means of livelihood, and
to the exclusion of other labor.
"6. Self-interest would lead to the destruction of nearly as many of these noxious
mammals and birds.
"7. The repeal of the act will, by the increase of the number of hawks, cause
greater destruction of field mice, which destroy large amounts of clover and clover
roots each year.
"The payment of bounties for any purpose is based upon wrong principles, and
should be discouraged.
"The act should not be repealed because
" 1. This being the first year of its action, the total amount paid will be greatly in
excess of that of any subsequent year, and owing to the increased scarcity each year,
the amount paid will be annually less.
"2. By a repeal the good effects of bounties already paid would be practically lost
" 3. The destruction of these birds and mammals protects game.
344 BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
"4. All laws are liable to abuse and violation, and this one is no exception to the
general rule.
"5. The effect of a continuance of the law as it now is will be to increase the pro-
duction of poultry and decrease its price."
From letters kindly sent by the commissioners of the several counties hereafter
named, I am enabled to show part of the animals on which bounty was paid for a
period of some six months, i. e., from January 1, 1886, to July 1, 1886. From reliable
informants I find that the "Scalp Act" was not generally known to be in existence
until about January 1, 1886 :
Allegheny. 4 "cat" owls, i. e., Great-horned Owls.
Armstrong. 167 hawks ; 49 owls, "also quite an amount for foxes, minks and
weasels."
Adams. " We have paid since the first of October, 1885, to July 3, 1886, for 1,716
hawks, 402 owls, or $858.00 for hawks, and $201.00 for owls ; total, $1,059.00. The
premiums on weasels, minks and foxes are about one-third of the above. A bad
feature about the act is the apparent manner in which the counties are imposed
upon, in farming hawks, owls, foxes, etc."
Bucks. 138 hawks ; 16 owls.
Bradford. Total amount paid for all animals from January 8, 1886, to August 1,
1886, inclusive, $996.00. " One-half for hawks and owls, balance for weasels, minks
and foxes."
Blair. 123 hawks ; 13 owls.
Beaver. 25 hawks ; 12 owls.
Clarion. 165 hawks ; 20 owls.
Centre. US hawks ; 26 owls.
Cameron. -3 hawks ; 2 owls.
Ctinton.Sl hawks ; 8 owls.
Crawford. " Bounty account not kept so as to show how many of each kind paid
for ; the first five months they were very equally divided, but in May and June
hawks, weasels and owls predominated ; hawks leading the list. We paid the first
bounty on a fox November, 1885, $1.00 ; December, $275.90 ; January, 1886, $279.20;
February, $182.00 ; March, $207.00 ; April, $236.40; May, $347.60; June, $1,079.00;
total, $2,608.10, including justices' fees."
Chester. 1885 11 hawks ; 6 minks ; 5 weasels ; 1 fox. 1886 from January 1 to
December, inclusive, 666 hawks ; 60 owls ; 107 foxes ; 208 minks ; 248 weasels. 1887
from January 1 to March 18, inclusive, 289 hawks; 79 owls ; 84 minks ; 7 foxes ;
199 weasels.
Delaware. 3 hawks; 3 foxes.
Erie. 414 hawks; 225 owls ; 107 foxes. "It is rapidly on the increase; one-fifth
of the whole number has been within the last two weeks." This letter was dated
July 13, 1887.
Fayette. 278 hawks ; 80 owls ; 82 foxes ; 24 minks ; 6 wild cats.
Forest. 110 foxes ; 37 hawks ; owls 2.
Franklin. In 1885, 24 wild cats ; 278 foxes ; 97 minks ; 22 hawks ; 9 weasels ; 2
owls. In 1886, from January 1 to July 1, 9 wild cats ; 287 foxes ; 76 minks ; 123 hawks ;
22 weasels ; 30 owls.
Huntingdon. 64 owls ; 347 hawks ; 56 minks ; 38 weasels ; 362 foxes ; 12 wild cats.
Indiana. 350 foxes ; 250 weasels ; 300 hawks ; 150 owls.
Juniata.lbO hawks ; 70 foxes ; 20 owls.
Lackawanna. 70 foxes ; 30 hawKs ; 5 weasels ; 7 wild cats ; 25 minks.
Lycoming.7W hawks and owls ; 250 foxes. " We pay about $115.00 per month for
destroying the above-named animals."
Mifflin. 71 hawks ; 14 owls ; 17 weasels ; 14 minks.
Montour." Paid for all animals $161.40."
Mercer. "Our people did not become apprised of the passage of the act to which
you refer until some time after its approval, and as a result we did not have any cer-
tificates presented until after the first of December, 1885. Since that time we have
8
APPENDIX. 345
paid out $1,300.00, and of this amount fully $1,000.00 has been paid for hawks and
owls, mostly hawks ; have not paid for more than 10 or 12 foxes."
McKean.ll wild cats ; 137 foxes ; 115 minks ; 120 hawks ; 81 owls ; 22 weasels.
Montgomery. 42 hawks ; 8 foxes ; 3 owls.
Pike. 32 hawks ; 4 owls ; 63 foxes ; 9 weasels ; 14 minks ; 4 wild cats.
Perry. 465 hawks; owls, 62; foxes, 453; 130 minks; 52 weasels. Killed during
1885 (December) and to date, July 6, 1886."
Somerset. 14 wild cats ; 69 owls ; 410 hawks ; 250 weasels ; 215 minks ; 270 foxes.
Magistrates' fees, $129.75.
Sullivan. 46 hawks and owls ; 49 foxes.
Susquehanna.In 1885, 19 foxes ; 4 minks ; 5 weasels ; 2 hawks ; 4 owls. January 1
to July 5, 1886, foxes, 217 ; minks, 171 ; weasels, 83 ; hawks, 223 ; owls, 55.
Union. Hawks, $43.40; owls, $12.60; minks, $21.00 ; weasels, $11.60; fees included.
Venango. 126 hawks ; 28 owls ; 102 foxes.
In connection with the above I give the additional facts. Centre county for the
year 1886 paid $1,529.00 as follows: 1,356 skunks at 50 cents; 377 foxes; 383 hawks;
172 weasels ; 57 owls ; 13 wild cats ; 712 scalp affidavits at 20 cents. From the large
number of skunks returned it would appear that this county has a "special act,"
which allows bounty for these animals. Delaware county, on December 22, 1886,
had paid bounty on 3 foxes ; 22 hawks and 1 weasel. Perry county for 1886 paid
for foxes, minks, weasels and wild cats $468.85, and for hawks and owls $760.60.
Chester county for 1886 ,paid $1,159.30 for 827 hawks, 108 owls, 231 minks, 334 weasels,
111 foxes and $288.30 for affidavits. The largest amount of bounty was paid by
Crawford county, which was forced to make an outlay of over ten thousand dollars,
a large portion of which was for hawks and owls. In conclusion I might add that
by the enforcement of this unjust legislative act the county treasuries, in a period
of about eighteen months, were depleted to the extent of over $100,000, of which
sum, probably, not less than $75,000 were paid for the destruction of hawks and owls.
Agriculturists, naturalists and others engaged in the protection of these birds are
under great obligations to the able chairman of the Senate Agricultural Committee,
Hon. A. D. Harlan, of Chester county, Pa, Senator Harlan, after being in receipt
of numerous resolutions passed by farmers' clubs, institutes and grange organiza-
tions throughout this commonwealth, when waited upon by members of the State
Agricultural Board and a committee of naturalists, and being convinced that the
preservation of raptorial birds was of utility to the farmer as well as gratifying to
the scientist, at once gave his careful attention to the matter, and by his earnest-
ness and industry in his committee and of the body of which he is a member, did
very much to secure the repeal of this pernicious statute.
346 BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
FOOD OF HAWKS AND OWLS.*
By Dr. A. K. FISHER, Assistant Ornithologist.
The present brief synopsis of results, which is preliminary to a special report now
in preparation on the food habits of the hawks and owls of the United States, is based
on the examination of 1,072 stomachs, 651 of which are in the possession of the de-
partment. Of the 421 stomachs not in the department collection, the greater num-
ber were examined by Dr. B. H. Warren, state ornithologist of Pennsylvania, and
other members of the American Ornithologists' Union. The remainder were com-
piled from Professor Samuel Aughey's " Notes on the Nature of the Food
of the Birds of Nebraska,"! and Mr. Edward Swift's recent article on "The
Food of Rapacious Birds. "J
Of the 1,072 stomachs examined, 89 were empty. Of the 983 containing food, 57
contained poultry ; 20, game birds ; 177, other birds ; 528, mice ; 137, other mammals ;
51, reptiles and batrachians, and 255, insects. On looking at the following tables it
will be seen that certain species feed principally on mice and insects, while others feed
chiefly on poultry and small birds. In the latter category, fortunately, there are
but 5 species in the eastern states, namely, the Sharp-shinned, Cooper's, Duck, and
Pigeon Hawks, and the Great-Horned Owl. Taking out the 126 stomachs of these
five species, there remain 857 stomachs of 23 species, of which 31 contained poultry ;
11, game birds ; 109, other birds ; 518, mice ; 125, other mammals ; 49, reptiles and
batrachians, and 241, insects. In other words, poultry was found in but 3.6 per cent,
of the 857 stomachs, while mice were found in 64.4 per cent.
In the accompanying table the names of the animals found in the stomachs are
given in general terms, such as mouse, mole, shrew. In nearly all cases (more than
99 per cent.) the exact species of each has been determined and recorded, and will
be given in the final report. This is important, inasmuch as allied species often dif-
fer in economic consequence. Some small mammals are beneficial, and the injuri-
ous species are harmful in different degrees, according to their food habits and the
character of the places which they inhabit.
The following persons have contributed stomachs of hawks and owls to the de-
partment collection : Dr. W. C. Avery, Vernon Bailey, W. B. Barrows, F. M. Chap-
man, Hubert L. Clark, William Couper, F. T. Cuthbert, E. O. Damon, L. M. Davies,
J. L. Davison, F. J. Dixon, William F. Doertenbach, William Dutcher, Jonathan
Dwight, Jr., Dr. A. K. Fisher, W. K. Fisher, M. M. Green, C. C. Hanmer,
E. M. Hasbrouck, A. H. Hawley, J. H. Hendrickson, W. F. Hendrickson, H.
W. Henshaw, H. K. James, C. A. Keeler, William G. W. Leizear, J. B. Lewis,
William Lloyd, F. A. Lucus, Dr. C. Hart Merriam, G. S. Miller, Jr., H. H. Miller,
J. Percy Moore, F. S. Place, Charles W. Richmond, Robert Ridgway, C. B. Riker,
John H. Sage, W. E. Saunders, J. M. Shaffer, Dr. Hugh M. Smith, R. W. Smith, F.
Stephens, Willard E. Treat, Dr. B. H. Warren, F. S. Webster, H. G. White, Otto
Widmann, A. H. Wood.
*Food of hawks and owls. By Dr. A. K. Fisher, assistant ornithologist. From annual report, United
States Department Agriculture for 1887. Washington, D. C. , pp. 402-422.
t First annual report of United States Entomological Commission, Appendix, pp. 42-4('. 1878.
* Forest and Stream. Vol. XXX, No. 6. Wrch 1, 1888, p. 104.
APPENDIX.
347
STATEMENT OF THE STOMACH CONTENTS OF MORE THAN 1,000 HAWKS
AND OWLS.
[In Dr. Warren's specimens, the star (*) Indicates that the stomach contained food of the character spec
ifled in the column-heading under which it occurs, but that Its specific Identity was not determined.]
SWALLOW-TAILED KITE (Elanoides forficatus).
LOCALITY.
Date.
Poultry
or game
birds.
Other birds.
Mammals.
Miscellaneous.
Hawkinsville Fla ,
Mar 31 1885.
Lizard ; tree-
Do. . .
do.
toad ; grass
hoppers; bee-
tles.
Lizard ; grass-
Dixon county. Neb.. .
June , 1865,
hoppers; bee-
tles.
60 locusts. 5 oth-
Do.
do.
er insects.
69 locusts. 3 oth-
Sarpy county. Neb. ,
Sept. , 1873,
er insects.
75 insects.
.Summary. Of 5 stomachs examined 5 contained insects; 2. lizards; 1. tree-toad.
MISSISSIPPI KITE (Ictinea mississippiensis) .
Madisonvllle. La., .
May 29, 1886,
Do. . .
May 30, 1886,
!
Beetles
Summary. Of the 2 stomachs examined, both contained insects.
MARSH HAWK ( Circus hudsonius. )
Amityville. L. I. , N. Y. ,
Oct. 17. 1885,
Washington, D. C., . .
Oct. 29, 1886,
Bergen county. N. J.,
Washington, D. C. , . .
Sandy Spring, Md., . .
Do.
Nov. 26, 1885,
Jan. , 1887,
Feb. 11, 1887,
Oct. 2, 1887,
Junco.
Meadow mouse,
do.
Do.
Oct. 14, 1887,
do
Do. . .
Nov. 17, 1887,
Do.
Do. . .
Nov. 18, 1887,
Nov. 23. 1887
Tree sparrow, . .
meadow mice.
Pine mouse ; 2
meadow mice.
Travare, Dak
July 5, 1887,
Aieaaow mouse.
Pembina, Dak.,
July 30, 1887
phers.
Do. ....
do.
Do.
do.
gopher.
Oakdale, N. Y
Oct. 4. 1887,
Shrew
Long Island City, N. Y.
Oct. 18, 1887,
East Hartford, Conn.,
Cromwell, Conn.. . . ,
Sept. 17, 1887,
Oct. 5, 1886,
Duck.
Devil's Lake, Dak.. . .
Do.
Sandy Spring. Md.. . .
Do.
Aug. 11, 1887,
Aug. 17, 1887.
Oct. 17, 1887,
Feb. 13. 1887,
: : : : :
Striped gopher.
Meadow mouse,
do.
Sing Sing, N. Y..
Do. . . .
Wethersfleld, Conn.. .
Do.
Oct. 1. 1881,
Sept. 17. 1882,
Sept. 17. 1887,
Sept. 24. 1887,
Fowl.
Small bird.
Small bird
Mice,
do
East Hartford, Conn. .
Nov. 12, 1886,
Do.
Oct. 17, 1886.
Paint Rock. Texas. . .
Dec. 7, 1886,
Skunk
Washington, D. C.. . .
East Bradford, Pa. . . .
Westtown, Pa
Oxford, Pa
Brazile Creek. Neb.. .
Sept. 11, 1886.
Aug. 22, 1878.
Aug. 30, 1878,
Nov. 5. 1879,
Oct. . 1869,
Fowl.
2 warblers, '.'.".'
Mice,
do.
do.
Do.
do.
sects.
Otoe county. Neb. , . .
Sept. , 1864.
other insects.
other insects.
348
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
MARSH HAWK Continued.
LOCALITY.
Date.
Poultry
or game
birds.
Other birds.
Mammals.
Miscellaneous.
Sept 1864
Lizard 69 lo
Do
do
Gopher
custs.
Douglas county Neb. ,
Oct. . 1864,
Lizards 43 lo-
Elmira N Y
May 7, 1886.
4 mice.
custs.
Do
July 11 1886
Mouse
Beetles
Tyrone, N. Y
Do
Aug. 17, 1886.
do
Red squirrel.
Field mice
Barton N Y ,
Aug. 1, 1886.
Wood-
Beetles
Hale county, Ala., . .
Washington, D. C., . .
Mar. 17. 1888.
Mar. 28, 1888.
cock,
Quail.
Meadow mouse.
Summary. Of 46 stomachs examined, 5 contained poultry or game birds; 5. other birds; 24, mice: 9
other mammals ; 3, reptiles ; 8, insects, and 1 was empty. Twenty-two stomachs examined by the di-
vision contained 21 mice.
SHARP-SHINNED HAWK (Accipiter velox).
Sing Sing. N. Y
Do. ...
Do. ...
Do. ...
Southold. N. Y
Alfred Centre. N. Y., .
Taunton, Mass
Do. ...
Sing Sing, N. Y
Sept. 10, 1885,
Sept. 17. 1885,
do.
Sept. 24, 1885,
Nov. 20, 1885,
Sept. 17, 1885,
Oct. 6, 1885.
Nov. 21, 1885,
SepjL 25, 1886,
July 22, 1886,
Mar. 27, 1886,
May 25, 1886,
Sept. 18, 1886.
May 2, 1887,
Sept. 21. 1887,
Nov. 11, 1887,
Jan. 19, 1887,
Apr. 2, 1887,
Oct. 20, 1887,
Sept. 9, 1887,
Dec. 31. 1887,
Apr. 7, 1880.
Oct. 17, 1886,
May 9, 1874,
Nov. 4, 1887.
Nov. 8, 1886,
: : : : :
2 warblers.
Warbler.
Field sparrow.
Chippie, purple
grackle.
Warbler.
Goldfinch.
2 small birds.
Junco and king-
let.
Small bird.
Robin.
Oriole; swift
Small bird,
do.
Engjish spar-
row; warbler.
White-throated
sparrow.
2 English spar-
rows.
Robin.
Field sparrow.
Thrush.
White-throated
sparrow.
Robin.
Warbler.
Junco.
Peterborough, N. Y., .
Portland, Conn
Maplewood, N. J., . .
Montgomery co.. Pa.,
Woodstock, Conn., . .
Long Island City,N.Y.
Greensborough, Ala. , .
Middletown, Conn. . . .
Portland, Conn., . . .
Do. ...
FortBuford, Dak.. . .
Washington, D. C., . .
Sing Sing, N. Y.,
East Hartford, Conn.,
Easthampton, Mass. , .
South Windsor. Conn. ,
Portland Conn. ,
: : : : :
Do. ...
Fort Buford, Dak. , . .
Sandy Spring. Md.,
Do.
Do.
Do.
Do.
Do.
Do.
Do.
Chester county, Pa. , .
Do.
Do.
Do.
Do.
Do.
Do.
Elmira, N. Y
Do. ....
Big Flats, N. Y
Do. ....
Gainesville, Fla
Feb. 4, 1881,
Sept. , 1887,
Apr. 23, 1887.
do.
do.
Sept. 20. 1887.
Sept. 26, 1887,
Oct. 2. 1887.
Nov. 5, 1887,
Nov. 22, 1887,
Nov. 26, 1886,
Sept. 20, 1884,
Sept. 28, 1880,
Sept. 10, 1874,
Oct. , 1875,
Feb. 16, 1880,
May 19, 1881.
Mar. 4, 1886.
Apr. 18, 1886,
Sept. 23, 1886.
do.
Dec. 22, 1887,
:::::
Goldfinch
Dove.
Bluebird,
Small bird, . .
Fox sparrow;
song sparrow.
Field sparrow,
English sparrow,
Mice,
do.
do.
Quail.
Poultry
English sparrow,
Small bird.
English sparrow.
Mouse.
Empty.
Empty,
do.
do.
do.
do.
do.
do.
Beetles.
Insects.
Indeterminate.
Empty.
Summary. Of 48 stomachs examined. 2 contained poultry and game birds ; 35, other birds ; 4. mice;
insects; and 10 were empty. Total number of small birds, 41.
PLATE 86.
1. American Long-eared Owl
2. Short-eared Owl Males.
APPENDIX.
349
COOPER'S HAWK (Accipiter cooperi).
LOCALITY.
Date.
Poultry
or game
birds.
Other birds.
Mammals.
Miscellaneous.
Taunton. Mass
Do
Sept. 21. 1885.
Oct 6 1885
Chewink.
do
1 grasshopper.
River Vale, N. J.. . .
Washington D C ,
Sept. 18, 1886.
Nov. 28. 1886,
Tree sparrow.
Sing Sing, N. Y., . .
Do. . .
Sept. 7. 1880,
Nov. 18, 1884,
Oct 28 1887
Chicken
do.
Empty.
Do.
Do.
Do
Mar. 6, 1887,
July . 1887,
Aug 4 1887
Pigeon,
do.
do
do.
Do.
Do
Aug. 30. 1887.
Sept 13 1887,
Pigeon.
Sand lizard.
Do
Sept 27 1887
Empty.
Sept 9 1887,
do.
Julv 31 1887
do.
Sandy Spring, Md..
Do.
Do.
Do
Jan. 14, 1887,
Mar. 1. 1887,
Apr. 22, 1887,
May 7 1887,
Quail, .
Chicken
do
Song sparrow.
do.
Do
May 25 1887
do.
Do
Sept 14 1887
do.
Do.
Do
Sept. 21. 1887.
Nov. 24, 1887.
Purple grackle.
Do.
Do.
Do
Dec. 26, 1887.
Jan. 30. 1888,
Feb 11 1888
Quail,
do.
Junco : Savanna
Chester county, Pa., .
Nov. 13. 1886,
sparrow.
Junco.
Do
Nov. 27, 1886,
Small bird.
Do.
Do
Dec. 17, 1886,
Jan 10 1887.
Chicken
Small bird.
Do
Jan 17 1887
Empty.
Do.
Do.
Do.
Feb. 1. 1887.
Feb. 20, 1887,
Mar. 3, 1887,
Chicken
Small bird.
Meadow lark.
Do.
Newcastle co., Del., .
Willistown, Pa
Dec. 6, 1878.
Nov. 1. 1878.
Dec. 6, 1878,
May 25 1875
Poultry
Frog
Bast Goshen Pa
May 20, 1877,
Mice,
Coleoptera
West Chester. Pa., . .
Pocopson, Pa
West Chester, Pa. .
Aug. 25, 1876,
Nov. 12, 1879,
Sept. 10, 1880,
Poultry
English sparrow.
English sparrow.
Sandy Spring, Md., . .
Gainesville, Fla. , .
Mar. 17. 1888,
Deo 22. 1887,
Sparrow.
Empty.
Sandy Spring, Md., . .
Do
Mar. 24, 1888,
Apr. 2, 1888.
Song sparrow.
do.
Summary. Of 46 stomachs examined. 15 contained poultry or game birds; 17, other birds; 1, mice
1. frog; 1. lizard ; 2, insects, and 11 were empty.
GOSHAWK (Accipiter atricapillus).
Sandy Spring. Md., . .
Dec. 27, 1887
Rabbit
Adirondack. N. Y., . .
Philadelphia, Pa.. . .
Oct. 31. 1882
Jan. 12, 1886
2 red squirrels.
Rabbit
Dixon and Ceder coun-
Aug. , 1867
do
Few locusts.
ties. Nebr
Tioira Pa
Feb 17 1886
Elmira, N. Y
Apr. 12. 1886
Mice
Beetles
Summary. Of 6 stomachs examined. 2 contained mice ; 5. other mammals ; 2, insects,
RED-TAII.IOD HAWK (Buteo boreaiis).
'Taunton, Mass , .
Nov 18 1885
Portland, Conn
Sept. 4, 1885,
2 adders* rib-
Do.
Alfred Centre, N. Y., .
Nov. 25, 1885,
Aug. 28, 1886,
Fowl.
bon snakes;
toad.
Grasshoppers.
Do.
Oct. 25. 1886,
Shrew
Peterborough, N. Y.. .
OneidaLake. N. Y.. .
July 5, 1886,
Aug. 30, 1886,
Fowl.
Red squirrel
Morrisville. N. Y
Chester county Pa., .
Do.
Sept. 27, 1886,
May 15. 1886.
Mar. 10. 1886,
Fowl.'
Oriole. . . . . . .
Meadow mouse.
Rabbit
Meadow mouse.
Grubs.
350
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
RED-TAILED HAWK Continued.
LOCALITY.
Date.
Poultry
or game
birds.
Other birds.
Mammals.
Miscellaneous.
Birmingham, Pa., . .
Mar. 15, 1886.
July 25 1886
Fowl.
Grackle.
Feb. 13. 1886,
Offal
Lockport N. Y
July 13, 1886,
4 meadow mice,
Toad:2 beetles
Forge. Suffolk county
NY
Feb. 16, 1887,
Fowl.
Whitewater Wis
Aug. 17, 1887,
Meadow mouse
Washington D C
May 4, 1887,
Pine mouse*
pers; 5 crick-
ets; 1 beetle;
1 crawfish.
Middletown Conn , .
Nov 20, 1886,
meadow mouse.
Mouse,
Portland. Conn
Gainesville Va
Dec. 29, 1886,
Jan. 2, 1888,
Gray squirrel.
2 house mice
Nov 3 1887
Washington, D. C., . .
Do . .
Dec. 29, 1887.
Jan. 20, 1888.
Song sparrow, . .
Meadow mouse.
House mouse; 3
Sing Sing, N. Y., ...
Feb. 18, 1885,
meadow mice.
4 meadow mice;
Do! ...
Lewis county, N. Y., .
Apr. 13, 1885,
Aug. 3, 1876,
.
2 white-footed
mice; shrew.
2 shrews.
/
Garter snake
Mar 2 1887
Sreech owl.
Devil's Lake, Dak., . .
Aug. 11, 1887,
Sept 14 1885
Gray gopher ;
striped gopher.
Frogs; 10 large
grasshoppers.
Jan 8 1887
Pine mouse*
beetle.
Do
do
shrew.
2 meadow mice
Do . .
do.
Meadow mouse;
Do
do
white-footed
mouse; shrew.
Do . .
do.
1 meadow
mouse.
3 house mice; 1
Do
do
meadow mouse;
shrew.
Do
do.
3 meadow mice;
Do
do
3 shrews.
1 house mouse;
Do
Jan. 14, 1887
2 pine mice; 2
meadow mice;
1 shrew.
Empty
Do
do
1 pine mouse 2
Do.
Do
Jan. 22, 1887,
do.
meadow mice.
Meadow mouse,
do.
Do
do
do
Do
Jan. 28, 1887,
do.
Do.
Do
do.
do.
Crow
do.
do.
Do
Feb 11 1887
do
Do
do.
Meadow mouse.
Larva.
Do
do
Pine mouse;
Do
Mar 2 1887
meadow mouse.
Shrew.
Do
do
do
Do
do.
Meadow mouse;
Do
do.
2 house mice.
1 meadow mouse;
Do
do
1 house mouse.
2 meadow mice;
Do
do.
gray squirrel.
Meadow mouse.
Do
do
Shrew
Do
Mar 2 1887
Do.
Do
do.
do
Fowl.
Do.
Do
do.
do
Bluebird
Meadow mouse.
Do. . .
Do
do.
do
Meadow mouse,
do
Do.
Do
Mar. 5, 1887.
do
2 song sparrows. .
do.
Meadow mouse ;
Do.
Do
do.
do
Song sparrow. . .
Feathers, . . .
white-footed
mouse ; mole.
Rabbit. '
Do.
do.
Empty.
APPENDIX.
351
RED-TAILED HAWK Continued.
LOCALITY.
Date.
Poultry
or game
birds.
Other birds.
Mammals.
Miscellaneous.
Sandv Spring, Md., . .
Mar. 5, 1887,
2 meadow mice
Do
Mar. 8-10.1887,
rabbit.
Meadow mouse
Do. . .
do.
do.
Do. . .
do.
Empty
Do. . .
do.
3 meadow mice.
Do . .
do.
Do. . .
do.
Shrew.
Do
do
Rabbit
Do. . .
do.
do
Do.
do.
Gray squirrel.
Do. . .
do.
Do. . .
Do. . .
Mar. 12, 1887.
Mar. 18. 1887,
Feathers.
Robin,
chipmunk. . . .
Meadow mouse
Crawfish.
Do.
Mar. 24, 1887,
3 meadow mice.
Do.
April 1 1887,
2 sparrows
Do.
do.
Pine mouse.
Do. . .
Apr 25 1887
Mole
Do. . .
Apr. 28, 1887,
Meadow mouse
Do.
Nov. 14, 1887
gray squirrel.
Empty.
Do.
do.
do.
Do. . .
do.
do.
Do. . .
Do.
Nov. 27. 1887,
Dec 12 1887
Gray squirrel.
do
Do.
do.
House mouse
Do.
Do.
Dec. 24. 1887,
Dec. 26, 1887
2 meadow mice.
do.
Do. . .
do.
1 house mouse 1 1
Do.
do.
meadow mouse
3 shrews.
Meadow mouse.
Do.
do.
do
Do.
Jan. 3. 1888.
2 Meadow mice
Do. . .
Jan. 7. 1888
Do.
Do. . .
Jan. 14. 1888.
Jan. 11 1888
Meadowlark, . .
3 meadow mice.
Do. . .
Do.
Jan. 14, 1888.
Jan. 19, 1888.
Fowl.
5 meadow mice
Do.
Jan. 30, 1888
Crow.
Do.
Jan. 28, 1888,
Meadow mouse
Do.
Do.
Jan. 30, 1888.
Feb. 13, 1888,
Crow
House mouse.
Empty
Do.
Feb. 18, 1888,
do.
Do. . .
Feb. 22, 1888
do
Chester county, Pa. , .
Do.
Do.
Do.
May , 1886,
Oct. 15, 1886,
Nov. 22, 1886.
Nov. 16, 1886.
Fowl, .
Fowl, !
Oriole
Gray squirrel.
House mouse.
Meadow mouse,
do.
Do.
Dec. 4, 1886.
do
Do.
Dec. 8, 1886,
Offal.
Do.
Dec. 29, 1886
Do.
Feb. 11, 1887.
Empty
Do.
Feb. 16. 1887.
do
Do.
Dec. 11, 1886,
Sparrow.
Do.
Jan. . 1887,
Fowl, .
Meadow mouse
Do.
Dec. 11, 1886,
do
Do.
Dec. , 1886,
House mouse
Do.
Do.
do.
Nov. 1886
Song sparrow,
do
meadow mouse.
2 meadow mice.
Do.
do.
do
Do.
Do.
Feb. 16, 1887,
Dec. , 1886,
Fowl.
do.
Do.
Dec. 11, 1886
2 house mice.
Do.
Dec. 18, 1886,
Empty
Do.
Apr. 20, 1886
Do.
Dec. 28, 1886.
Do.
Nov. , 1886.
Empty.
Do.
Do.
Do.
do.
do.
do.
...
'. .'.'.'.'.'.'.'.
Meadow mouse.
2 meadow mice.
3 meadow mice.
Do.
do.
2 meadow mice
Do.
Dec. 28, 1886.
Do.
do.
Meadow mice
Do.
do.
rabbit.
Do.
Do.
Jan. 15, 1887.
Nov. , 1886,
Fowl.
2 house mice 1
Do.
Do.
do.
Jan. , 1887,
meadow mouse.
3 meadow mice.
Do.
do.
mole.
Meadow mouse :
rabbit : shrew.
352
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
RED-TAILED HAWK Continued.
LOCALITY.
Date,
Poultry
or game
birds.
Other birds.
Mammals.
Miscellaneous.
Jan. , 1887,
Meadow mouse ;
Do
do.
red squirrel.
3 meadow mice.
Do
Oct 1886,
3 meadow mice
Do
Dec 1886
red squirrel.
4 meadow mice
Bo
do.
1 meadow mouse.
Do.
Do
Jan. , 1887,
do.
Feathers, ....
do.
Rabbit.
Do.
Do.
Do
do.
Dec. , 1886.
Oct 1886
Feathers.
3 meadow mice.
Red squirrel
Do
Dec. . 1886,
Fowl
House mouse.
Grasshopper
Do.
Do
do.
Jan. 25, 1887,
do.
House mouse.
Do
do
Meadow mouse
Do
Jan 26 1887,
white-footed
mouse.
Meadow mouse.
Do
do.
6 meadow mice.
Do
Dec 31, 1886
Mouse.
Do
Jan. 1, 1887,
White-footed
Do.
Do
Jan. 3, 1887,
Jan 7 1887
mouse ; shrew.
Meadow mouse.
Mouse.
Do
Jan. , 1887,
Meadow mouse.
Do
do
2 meadow mice,
Frog.
Do.
Do
do.
do.
2 meadow mice ;
shrew.
1 meadow mouse.
Do
do
Meadow mouse
Do
do.
do.
Do.
do.
do.
Do
Jan 18, 1887
Meadowlark
Do.
Jan. 17. 1887,
House mouse.
Do
Jan 22, 1887
5 meadow mice.
Do
Nov. , 1886,
Mouse.
Do
Dec 1886
Red squirrel.
Do
Nov. __, 1886,
Meadow mouse ;
Do
do.
red squirrel.
Meadow mouse.
Do.
Do
Jan. , 1887,
do
Tree sparrow.
Empty
Do.
Do
do.
do.
Crow.
Meadow mouse.
Do
do
2 meadow mice ;
Do
Feb. , 1887,
white-footed
mouse.
Meadow mouse.
Do
do
do.
Do
do.
6 meadow mice.
Do
do
Meadow mouse ;
Do
do
shrew.
3 meadow mice ;
Do
do
2 house mice.
Offal.
Do.
Do.
Do
Mar. 10, 1887,
do.
do
Shrew.
Meadow mouse.
2 meadow mice.
Do
Feb 1887
7 Meadow mice.
Feb 4 1879
Mice.
Westtown, Pa
East Bradford, Pa.,. .
Do
Jan. 5. 1881,
Feb. 15, 1879.
do.
Mice.'
do.
Grasshoppers.
Do
do
do.
Willistown, Pa
Westtown. Pa
Pocopson, Pa '.
Willistown Pa
Apr. 4, 1878,
Mar. 11, 1879.
Nov. 25, 1878,
Jan 3 1879
'Quiiii. '
do.
do.
Mice.
West Bradford. Pa.. .
Kennett, Pa
Do
Jan. 13, 1879.
Jan. 15. 1879,
do.
Poultry,
do.
Mice.
Willistown, Pa
Do
Jan. 21, 1879,
do
do.
do
Insects.
Mar 24 1879
do. . ...
do.
Do
Dec 25 1883
do.
Chester county. Pa., .
Birmingham, Pa. , . .
Willistown. Pa
Do. ...
Feb. 15, 1878,
Dec. 31, 1884,
Jan. 6, 1885,
do.
do
Poultry.
do.
Mice,
do.
do.
Jan 5 1881
Grasshopper.
Willistown, Pa
Do. . . -
East Bradford, Pa. . . .
Feb. 15, 1878,
Oct. , 1876,
Aug. 15. 1876,
Poultry
*
Mice.
Rabbit.
Mice.
Do.
do.
do.
APPENDIX.
353
RED-TAILED HAWK Continued.
LOCALITY.
Date.
Poultry
or game
birds.
Other birds.
Mammals.
Miscellaneous.
Lancaster county Pa. ,
Apr 2 1878.
Mice
West Bradford, Fa., .
East Bradford Pa
Nov. 25, 1879.
Feb 4 1875)
Quail.
.
do
Cain. Pa.. .
Feb. 22, 1879.
do.
Do
do.
do.
*
Westtown, Pa. ,
Jan 23. 1879
do f
Do. ....
East Bradford Pa
do.
Jan 20 1879
do.
do
Westtown, Pa
Do
Jan. 28, 1879,
do
do.
do
Do. . .
Jan. 20. 1879,
do.
Do. ....
East Bradford,
do
Feb. _ < 1879
do.
do
Do. ....
Lancaster county. Pa. .
do.
Apr 2 1878
do.
do
East Bradford, Pa... .
Feb. --. 1879.
do.
Westtown Pa
Jan 28 1879
do
Chester county. Pa., .
do.
Offal
Feb 8 1879
Mice
Cain. Pa.,
Feb. 9 1878
do
WestGoshen. Pa.. . .
Feb. 7. 1879.
do.
Westtown, Pa
Jan. 29, 1879,
do.
Maryland
Feb. , 1879,
Red squirrel;
East Bradford, Pa. ,
Feb. 8 1879
mice.
Mice
Willistown. Pa
Jan. 21, 1879,
do.
West Whiteland Pa ,
Mar 1879
Willistown, Pa
Jan. 13, 1879.
Mice.
Chester county. Pa. , .
West Bi-adford, Pa. . .
Willistown, Pa
East Bradford, Pa. .
Jan. 3, 1879.
Jan. 3, 1880,
Nov. 27, 1874,
Dec. 1882
Poultrv.
do.
Red squirrel.
\Villistown, Pa
Jan. . 1882.
mice.
Rabbit.
Westtown, Pa
Jan. 5, 1881
Mice,
Willistown. Pa.. . .
Jan. 2, 1880
do
and crickets.
Insects
West Bradford, Pa., .
Willistown, Pa
Do. ...
East Goshen Pa.
Nov. 27. 1880,
Mar. 27. 1880,
Mar 22. 1880.
Mar 20 1880
Quail'. '
' '."*>
do.
do.
Willistown. Pa
Birmingham, Pa..
do.
Feb. 26. 1880
mice.
Mice,
do
Delaware county. Pa..
Do.
Do.
Feb 23, 1880.
do.
Jan. 30. 1880.
do.
do.
do.
Westtown. Pa., ....
Chester county. Pa. . .
Do.
New Garden, Pa. , . .
Dec. 5. 1879.
Dec. 3. 1879,
do.
Nov. 2*5 1879
Poultry.
do.
Mice,
do
East Goshen. Pa
Sept. 15, ,
do.
Chester county, Pa., .
Do.
Dec. 10, 1877.
Oct. 3. 1880,
Poultry.
Mice
Willistown. Pa
Do.
Feb. , 1876.
Jan. 20. 1876.
Feathers.
Mice
Do.
Jan. . 1876,
do.
Do.
Do.
Dec. 19, 1878,
Jan. 18. 1875,
do.
do
Do.
Nov. 20. 1876.
do.
Do. . .
Mar. 26. 1876
do
Chester county. Pa., .
Sept. . 1874,
Gray squirrel
WestGoshen, Pa., . .
Dec. . 1875
Mice
Kast Goshen. Pa. . .
Feb. 19. 1875.
Empty.
Dakota City, Neb.,
Klmira. N. Y., .
July -. 1870,
June 1. 1886
Quail, .
37 insects.
Do.
Do. ....
June 19. 1886.
July 21, 1886.
Chicken
Do.
\\fllsburgh. N. Y., .
Oct. 2, 1886,
Apr. 7. 1887,
3 mice.
Hair,
beetles.
Beetles
Ilalsey Valley, N. Y.,
Aug. 10 1887
Sandy Spring, Md., . .
Do.
Mar. 6, 1888.
do.
Tree sparrow.
2 tree sparrows ;
Meadow mouse.
Do.
Mar. 7 1888
1 song sparrow.
Empty
Do.
do.
do
Do. . .
Do
Do.
do.
Mnr. 9. 1888.
Mar. 15. 1888.
Song sparrow ;
junco.
Meadow UK. use :
rabbit.
Mole.
do
Do.
Do.
Do.
do.
do.
Mar. 17. 1888.
Sniiy sp.-irrmv. . .
Meadow mouse.
2 house mice.
Shrew.
Do.
Do.
i.alnsvtlle. Fla ....
do.
Mar. 19. 1888.
Jan. 4. 1888.
. .' .' '.'.'...'.'.'.
Meadow mouse. '
do.
2 cotton rats.
23 BIRDS.
354
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
RED-TAILED HAWK
LOCALITY.
Date.
Poultry
or game
birds.
Other birds.
Mammals.
Miscellaneous.
Sandy Spring. Md.. . .
Chester county. Pa. . .
Do
Mar. 24. 1888,
Feb. , 1887.
Jan 1887.
1 pine mouse ; 1
meadow mouse
3 meadow mice,
do
Do.
Do
Apr. - -. 1887,
Feb. , 1887,
2 meadow mice.
Meadow mice
Do.
Do
do.
do.
do.
do
Do.
Sandy Spring Md
do.
Mar. 28, 1888,
do.
Toad crawfisl
Do. . .
Do. . .
Mar. 30, 1888,
Apr. 18, 1888,
2 meadow mice,
May beetle
other insects
Empty.
Summary. Of 311 stomachs examined, 29 contained poultry or game birCs ; 35, other birds ; 203. mice
55. other mammals ; 9, batrachians or reptiles ; 24 insects ; 3 crawflsh ; 4, offal, and 29 were empty. Two
hundred and ten examined by the division contained 270 mice.
RED-SHOULDERED HAWK (Buteo lineatus).
Sing Sing. N. Y
Oct. 3. 1885,
Flicker.
Toad ; snake;
Alfred Centre. X V
Sept. 11. 1885.
Mouse, .
cricket; larva.
G r a sshopper ;
Do
Sept. 13, 1886,
4 shrews.
larva; spider.
Grasshoppers :
Do
Sept. 12, 1886,
spider.
Grasshoppers.
Peterborough, N. Y., .
June 25, 1886,
Frogs: beetles.
Do.
do.
Hedbacke d
Do.
Do.
Do
June 28. 1886.
do.
July 28 1886.
mouse; 3
shrews.
Meadow mouse :
3 shrews.
1 shrew.
Beetles; craw-
flsh ; spider.
Insects.
OneidaLake, N. Y., .
Aug. 30. 1886,
Squash bug.
Morrisville, N. Y..
Sept 6, 1886,
Meadow mouse ;
10 grasshoppers
Birmingham. Pa
Mar. 15, 1886,
Jan 3 1886
Feathers.
1 shrew.
Cricket; larva;
East Hartford, Conn.,
Dec. 14, 1886.
Meadow mouse.
2 spiders
Frog.
Gainesville Florida,
Feb. 28. 1887.
do.
Do
Mar 17 1887
Do
April 7 1887
flies.
Lizard; 2 crick-
Do
April 11. 1887.
ets ; larvae of
beetles.
Snake; insects;
Greensborough, Ala. .
Nov. 19. 1887
earth worm.
Grassho p pe r :
East Hartford, Conn.,
April 5. 1887,
Shrew
crickets.
Garter snake ;
Do.
Portland, Conn
July 5. 1887.
Oct. 29. 1887.
Meadow mouse.
bull-frog.
Beetle ; wasp :
larvae.
Leopard frog.
Washington, D. C.. . .
Do. . .
Do
Dec. 24, 1887.
do.
jan 22, 1888.
House mouse ; 2
meadow mice.
Meadow mouse ;
shrew.
Crawtish.
Frog ; grass-
hoppers.
Empty.
Feb 16 1888
Grasshoppe r s :
Locust Grove. N. Y.. .
Aug 24, 1876.
beetles.
Grasshoppers.
Sing Sing, N. Y
Do. . . .
April 8, 1880.
May 6, 1880,
Mouse.
Meadow mouse ;
2 toads ; grass-
Do
Sept 19 1882
shrew.
hopper.
Toad ; larvae.
Do. . . .
Do
Feb. 2, 1884,
Feb. 14. 1885.
2 shrews
Mole.
Frog; salaman-
der.
Do.
Portland, Conn
April 2, 1885.
Oct. 18, 1886.
Oct 29 1886
Meadow mouse ;
shrew.
Mice.
Mole.
Sandy Spring Md
Jan. 8, 1887,
House mouse.
Do.
do.
2 house mice ;
Do.
PLATE 87.
1. Barred Owl. 2. Saw-whet
Females.
APPENDIX.
355
RED-SHOULDERED HAWK Continued.
LOCALITY.
Date.
Poultry
or game
birds.
Other birds.
Mammals.
Miscellaneous.
Sandy Spring. Md.. . .
Do. . .
Do
Feb. 11. 1887,
Mar. 8, 1887.
do.
Pine mouse;
meadow mouse ;
shrew.
House mouse.
Mouse
Tree-frog; bee-
tle; spider.
Do. . .
Do.
Do. . .
do.
Mar. 24, 1887.
Nov. 26, 1887
Screech owl, . . .
2 meadow mice.
Meadow mouse.
Grasshoppe r s> ;
Do.
Do
Dec. 3. 1887.
do
Meadow mouse.
Pine mouse
beetles ; spi-
der.
Grasshopper.
Do
Dec. 9. 1887.
Meadow mouse.
Do. . .
Do
Dec. 27, 1887,
Jan. 30 1888,
4 meadow mice.
1 mole.
Do.
Do. . .
do.
do.
Field sparrow.
Carolina dove. . .
Meadow mouse.
Chester county, Pa. , .
Nov. 23. 1886,
2 meadow mice,
Grasshopper.
Do.
Jan. 20, 1886,
Insects.
Do
April 3 1886,
Opossum,
Crickets ; larvae .
Do.
Do
Nov. 29. 1886.
Dec 1 1886
Mouse.
Meadow mouse
Do
Dec. 2. 1886.
do.
Do.
Dec. 15. 1886.
Shrew.
Do
Dec 16. 1886.
Meadow mouse.
Do.
Do
Jan. 21. 1886,
Jan 26 1887
5 meadow mice,
do.
Do.
Do.
Jan. 28. 1887.
Jan. , 1887,
Mouse,
do.
Do.
do
do.
Do.
Dec. 18, 1886.
Meadow mouse ;
Do.
Do.
Dec. 20. 1886.
Jan. 18. 1887.
rabbit.
Meadow mouse,
do.
Larvae ; offal.
Do.
Do.
do.
Jan. . 1887.
Meadow mouse.
Empty.
Do.
B'eb. . 1887
3 meadow mice
WilHstown. Pa
Do.
Feb. 20. 1881,
Mar 3 1881
Mice.
Rabbit
Pennsylvania
Dec. 25. 1879.
Mice.
Grasshoppers
West Chester, Pa. , . .
West Plkeland, Pa.. .
Dec. 9, 1879,
do.
do
do.
do
Westtown, Pa
Feb. 4, 1878.
*
do.
Do.
E"eb. 4, 1879
Q
do
Willlstown, Pa
Jan. 21, 1879.
Empty.
Volusia county. Fla. .
Mar 18 1886
Catfish
Saint John's river, Fla. .
Mar. 14. 1886.
*
Insects.
Milltown. Pa
Thornbury, Pa
Dec. 29. 1884.
Jan. 8. 1885.
Mice,
do.
Insects
Westtown, Pa
Do.
Jan. 10, 1879,
Jan. 28 1879
do.
do
Do.
Feb. 20, 1879,
do.
Do ....
Do.
Jan. 27, 1879.
Feb. 4, 1879,
do
do
Insects.
Do. ....
Do. ....
Feb. . 1879.
Feb. . 1879
do.
do
Willistown, Pa
April 3, 1877,
do.
Chester county. Pa. .
Nov. 30 1879
Pennsylvania, .
Jan. 5. 1881.
Mice
Barton. N. Y., .
Elmlra. N. Y..
Do.
Do.
Jan. 1, 1886,
Jan. 21, 1886.
April 5, 188H.
Aug. 13 1887
Chicken'.
:::."/::.:.:
3 mice.
Field mice.
Skunk
Big Flats, N. Y
Sept. 5, 1887,
Grasshoppe r s ;
Corning. N. Y
Sept. 23, 1887.
Field mice
beetles.
Insects
Greensborough, Ala. ,
Feb. 25, 1888.
Mouse, . . .
Lizard ; grass-
Sandy Spring. Md.. . .
Gainsvtlle, Fla
Mar. 17. 1888.
Jan. 4. 1888.
Meadow mouse.
hopper; cock-
roach ; 3 craw-
fish.
Spider
Do,
Jan. 18. 1888,
4 mole crickets'
20 larvae.
Summary. Of 102 stomachs examined, t contained poultry : 5. other birds ; HI. mice; 20 other
mals ; 15. reptiles or batrachians ; 40. Insects : 7, spiders ; 3. crawfish : 1. earth worm ; 1. offal : 1 catfish
MIM! '.\ wore empty.
356
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
SWAINSON' HAWK (Buteo swainsoni).
LOCALITY.
DATE.
Poultry
or game
birds.
Other birds.
Mammals
Miscellaneous.
Cedar county Neb .
Aug. . 1867.
Do.
Dakota county. Neb.
do.
July , 1868
do.
Rabbit
61 locusts.
58 insects
Sarpy county. Neb. .
Sept. . 1872.
Gopher mouse,
65 insects
Summary. Of 4 stomachs examined each one contained small mammals and insects.
BROAD-WINGED HAWK (Buteo latissimus}.
Sing Sing. N. Y
Sept. 19. 1885,
Chipmunk, . . .
Crickets; grass-
Middle Haddam, Conn.
London, Canada, . .
Sept. 4, 1885,
Sept. 22. 1883,
hoppers.
Toad.
Lockport. N. Y.. .
April 27. 1886,
number larvae
Snake 2 b e e -
Brooklyn. Ohio
Washington, D. C., . .
Syracuse, N. Y
May 10. 1886.
June 5. 1887.
April 30. 1886,
3 ovenbirds.. . . .
Chipmunk ;
shrew.
2 shrews.
ties.
Toad.
Roane mountain, N.C..
Aug. 10, 1887,
Long Island City, N Y.
Sept. 23, 1887.
Garter snake
Do
Sept. 24. 1887
toad ; larvae ;
beetles.
Do.
do.
Quantity of
Sing Sing, N, Y..
Sept. 21. 1881,
crickets.
8 elm sphinx
Do
Sept. 23. 1881.
larvas.
Elm sphnix lar-
Lake George, N. Y..
Aug. 2. 1882,
vae.
Garter snake
Sing Sing, N. Y
Troy. N. Y
Sandy Spring. Md. . . .
Do. . .
May 8. 1885,
Sept. 19. 1885.
May 10, 1887,
Sept. 1, 1887.
Chipmunk;
shrew.
Quantity of
earth worms.
Tree-frog;
grasshoppers.
Grasshopper.
Chester county, Pa. .
May 28, 1878.
Frog
Blmira, N. Y
Do.
Do.
June 27. 1885.
April 9, 1886.
July 3. 1887.
Small bird
Large rat ; Held
mouse.
Weasel.
Summary. Of 22 stomachs examined, 2 contained small birds; 3. mice; 5. other mammals ;
or batrachians; 10, insects, and 1, earth worms.
reptiles
ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK (Archibuteo lagopus sancti-johannis} .
Chester county. Pa. .
Dec. 9. 1886.
Shrew.
Northampton. Mass. .
Feb. 23, 1887,
2 meadow mice.
Do.
Feb. 16. 1887,
7 meadow mice.
South Windsor, Conn. .
Mar. 29. 1887.
Meadow mouse. :
Portland, Conn
Mar. 30, 1887,
6 meadow mice. :
Northampton. Mass. . .
Nov. 30, 1887,
5 meadow mice. ;
Do.
Dec. 2. 1887,
Meadow mouse;
house mouse. :
Do.
Dec. 14, 1887,
6 meadow mice. >
Do.
Dec. 20. 1887,
3 house mice.
Do.
Nov. 26, 1886,
Meadow mice.
Do.
Nov. 27. 1886,
do.
Do.
Dec. -, 1886,
do.
Chester county. Pa.. .
Feb. 1887.
Meadow mouse.
Do.
Jan. 28, 1879.
Mice.
, Do.
do.
do.
Do.
Dec. 27, 1878.
do.
Do.
April, 1876.
do.
Do.
Mar. 20, 1880,
do.
Beatrice, Nebr
Sept. , 1872,
Gopher Lizard ; 70 in-
sects.
Elmira. N. Y
Nov. 5. 1887.
Rabbit.
Do. ....
Jan. 3. 1888,
Weasel.
Sandy Spring, Md.. . .
Mar. 17. 1888.
2 meadow mice.
Northampton. Mass. .
April 9, 1888,
do.
APPENDIX.
357
ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK Continued.
LOCALITY.
Date.
Poultry
or game
birds.
Other birds.
Mammals.
Miscellaneous.
Northampton, Mass., . April 14, 1888 8 meadow mice.
Do, . . do. 2 meadow mice.
Do. . . April 15, 1888 j Empty.
Do. . . do. j 2 meadow mice.
Do. . . do. ! 3 meadow mice.
Summary. Of 28 stomachs examined, 23 contained mice ;'4, other mammals; 1, lizard; 1, insects; 1 was
empty. Seventeen stomachs examined by the division contained 52 mice.
GOLDEN EAGLE (Aquila chrysaetos).
Gaithersburgh, Md. . . Dec. 8. 1887. ', | | Carrion.
Summary. The stomach examined contained carrion.
BALD EAGLE (ffaliceetus leucocephalus).
Sandy Spring, Md. . . Jan. 28.1887. . Carrion.
OneidaLake, N. Y.. . Aug. 30, 1886 Sunflsh.
Do. . do. Fish.
Sing Sing, N. Y Feb. 27. 1881 Goldfish.
Paint Rock, Tex Jan. 28, 1887 2 prarie dogs.
Gainesville. Fla., . . . Jan. 13. 1888 Fish and offal.
Summary. Of 6 stomachs examined, 1 contained mammals; 2. carrion; 4. fish.
PRAIRIE FALCON (Falco mexicanus).
Sarpy county, Neb., . Sept. , 1874 j Prairie hen j 16 locusts
Summary. The 1 stomach examined contained a game bird and insects.
DUCK HAWK (Falco peregrinus anatum).
Portland. Conn ! April 29. 1886. Duck. . . Beetles.
East Bradford, Pa.. . Feb. 14. 1886 Feathers.
Do. . i Mar. 27. 1880. i Fowl.
Watkins, N. Y Oct. 28. 1887. j Meadow lark.
Elmira, N, Y | Dec. 3, 1887, | 2 mice.
Summit //. Of 5 stomachs examined,
other birds; 1, mice; 1, insects.
contained poultry and remains of game bird: 2. remains of
PIGEON HAWK (Falco columbarius).
Shelter Island. N. Y.
Portland, Conn. , . .
Lockport. N. Y..
Rockville. Conn., . .
Long Island City, N.Y.
Sayville. N. Y., .
East Hartford, Conn.
Sing Sing. N. Y., . .
East Hartford. Conn.
West Chester, Pa.. .
Barton. N. Y., .
Do.
Do.
Sept. 11. 1886,
May 6, 1886.
May 14. 1886.
Sept. 20. 1886,
May 3. 1886.
Sept. 14. 1887,
Sept. 10. 1887.
May 3. 1880.
Sept. 24. 1886.
Feb. 20. 1878.
Aug. 2, 1886.
do.
Aii. 3. 1886.
Small bird.
Swift.
Song sparrow
English sparrow.
Small bird.
Feathers.
Indigo bird.
Feathers.
Flicker.
Field mice.
do.
25 crickets ; 6
grasshoppers.
Dragon fl 1 e s ;
other insects.
Insects
do.
358
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
PIGEON HAWK Continued.
LOCALITY.
Date.
Poultry
or game
birds.
Other birds.
Mammals.
Miscellaneous.
Elmira. N. Y.,
June 4, 1886,
English sparrow
Do. ....
Do
do.
July 3, 1885,
do.
Grasshoppers
Horseheads. N. Y.. .
Elmira, N. Y
Gainesville, Fla.. . '. .
Aug. 14, 1885,
Aug. 29, 1885,
Jan. 4. 1888,
Field sparrow ;
small beetles.
Small insects.
Grasshoppers ;
beetles.
warbler.
Summary. Of 19 stomachs examined, 12 contained small birds; 2, mice; 7, insects.
SPARROW HAWK (Falco sparverius).
Locust Grove, N. Y.. .
Sing Sing. N. Y., ...
Washington D. C.,
Aug. 18, 1885.
Sept. 22. 1885.
Nov 3, 1885,
Spider ; grass
hoppers.
Insect remains.
Alfred Centre, N. Y..
Sept 4, 1885,
crickets.
Larvae
Volusia county, Fla. , .
Mar. 1, 1885,
Lizard.
Do
April 4. 1885.
2 lizards' insect
Peterborough , N. Y. ,
July 13 1886
Hair of mice
remains.
Do.
Do.
July 24, 1886.
July 24. 1886,
Sparrow
Grasshoppers ;
crickets.
Crickets.
Chester county Pa. .
July 28, 1886,
Do
do
and crickets.
Do
Feb 24 1886,
and crickets.
East Windsor Hill, Ct. .
Feb. 4, 1886.
Empty.
Maplewood, N. J.. . .
Do. . .
Lockport N Y..
Jan 16. 1886.
May 25. 1886,
Aug 31 1886,
Song sparrow.
Vireo.
30 crickets
Avon. Ohio
July 5. 1886,
Remains of in-
Baddeck. Nova Scotia.
Aug. 13.1886.
sects.
Grasshoppers .
Gainesville, Fla. .
April 20,1887,
Lizard' beetle'
Harwood, Dak
Julv 13 1887.
Mouse.
larvae.
Long Island City, N. Y. .
Sept. 16, 1887
Grasshoppers
East Hartford. Conn..
Sept. i). 1887.
and crickets.
Grasshoppers
Portland Conn
April 12 1887
and crickets.
Devil's Lake Dak
Aug 13 1887
sects.
Bottineau. Dak.. .
Washington D C ,
Aug. 27, 1887.
Dec 24 1887
hoppers; crick-
ets; larvae.
Cricket.
Do
do
beetles.
Do.
Do.
Sing Sing, N. Y., .
DO-
Dec. 25, 1887.
Dec. 27. 1887,
April; 10, 1880,
Jan 29, 1883.
English sparrow, .
House mouse. .
Meadow mouse
6 grasshoppers.
Grasshoppers,
do.
DO. ...
Jan. 14, 1885.
do.
East Hartford. Conn.,
Do.
Do.
Sept. 18, 1886.
July 16, 1886,
Oct. 13. 1886,
Song sparrow.
Sparrow
Meadow mouse,
do.
clo
Sandy Spring. Md.. . .
Jan. 28, 1887,
do.
Do
Mar. 2, 1887,
House mouse.
Grasshopper
Do
do
Do.
Do. . .
Do. . .
Do.
Do
do.
do.
clo.
do.
do
Song sparrow.
House mouse. ,
Meadow mouse,.
White-footed
mouse; house
mouse.
Remains of in-
sects.
Remains of in-
sects.
Do
Mar 8 1887
Song sparrow
sects.
15 crickets.
Do
Mar. 12. 1887,
. .
Grasshoppers;
crickets; cat-
erpillars; bee-
tles.
PLATE 88.
APPENDIX,
SPARROW HAWK Continued.
359
LOCALITY.
Date.
Poultry
or game
birds.
Other birds.
Mammals.
Miscellaneous.
Sandy Spring. Md. . .
Mar. 18. 1887.
Vesper sparrow
Larva.
Do.
do.
Meadow mouse. .
Cricket; beetles
Do
Mar. 24. 1887.
House mouse.
Cricket; larva 1
Do.
do.
Empty.
Do
April 1. 1887.
Meadow mouse.
Do.
April 8, 1887.
do.
Do.
do.
Meadow mouse, .
Crickets; bee-
Do
April 28. 1887
Mouse
tles; spider.
Spider
Do. . .
May 13. 1887.
Meadow mouse. .
Grasshoppers;
Do . .
June 23, 1887,
white grubs.
Grasshoppers
Do . .
Sept. 26, 1887.
and crickets.
Grasshoppers
Do . .
Oct. 28. 1887
spider.
Do.
Jan. 2, 1888.
Shrew.
crickets; spi-
der.
Grasshopper
Do. . .
Feb. 22, 1888.
Meadow mouse.
Do . .
Nov. 26 1887.
Grasshoppers
Chester countv. Pa- .
April 3. 1886
Meadow mouse
etc.
Caterpillars
Do.
Dec. 29, 1886.
Mouse.
Do
Dec 28 1886
Do.
Do.
Do. . .
Dec. 29. 1886.
Jan. 17, 1886,
Feb. 8. 1886,
Sparrow.
Song sparrow. . .
Tree sparrow. . .
White-footed
mouse.
White-footed
hoppers.
Do. . .
Do.
Dec. 1, 1886,
Dec. 3, 1386.
mouse.
Meadow mouse.
Grasshoppers;
cricket; larvae
Beetle.
Do.
Do. . .
Dec. 9. 1886.
do.
Junco.
Feathers,
Meadow mouse*
Do.
Dec. 16, 1886,
do
2 shrews.
Do.
Nov. 26, 1886.
Meadow mouse. .
Crickets.
Do. . .
Feb. 7, 1887
do
Crickets' cater-
Do.
Jan. 12, 1887.
Tree sparrow
pillars; spider
Do.
Mar. 10. 1886,
Empty
Do.
Jan. 6, 1885,
Caterpillars'
Do.
Mar. 15, 1886,
spider.
Empty
Do. . .
Do
Jan. 1887
do
larvae.
Do. . .
do.
Do. . .
Dec. 20, 1886.
Meadow mouse
Larva
Do. . .
Jan. 10. 1887.
Do. . .
Feb. . 1886,
Do. . .
beetles; larvae
Do.
sects.
Do. . .
Jan. , 1887,
House mouse
Grasshoppers ;
Do.
10 larvae.
Do.
Jan. 25 1887
larvae; beetle.
Do. . .
do.
Do.
do.
do
5 larvae ; spi-
der
Do.
Jan. 27, 1887.
Tree sparrow
do
Do. . .
Jan. , 1887,
do
Do.
Do.
Feb. 1, 1887.
do.
White-footed
mouse.
Caterpillar;
crickets; spi-
der.
Do.
do.
6 caterpillars 1 6
Do.
Nov. 29, 1886,
grasshoppers;
spider.
Do.
liilv 3. 188.
<1o
Do.
Dec. 30, 1879.
Meadow lark
Do.
Dec. 16. 1879.
Junco,
Mice
Drayton Island, Fla.,
Feb. 20, 1885,
Feather
do
Goshen. Pa
Jan. 12, 1881,
Mice
West Chester. I'M.. .
Oct. 27. 1880
do
Chestercounty Pa., .
Dec. 23, 1880,
Meadow lark
do
Do.
Jan. 12, 1881.
Mice
Do.
Jan. 17, 1881,
do.
Do.
Sept. 24. 1880.
Grasshopper.
360
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
SPARROW HAWK Continued.
LOCALITV.
Date.
Poultry
or game
birds.
Other birds.
Mammals.
Miscellaneous.
Chester county, Pa.
Feb 16 1880,
Mice
Delaware county. Pa. ,
Chestercounty.Pa. , . .
Jan. 80. 1880,
Jan. 14. 1881.
:::::::;:::
do.
do.
East Bradford, Pa., . .
Jan. 1, 1880,
Insects
Chester county, Pa. ,
Nov 20 1879,
do
Do.
Do.
Aug. 25, 1876,
July . 1870,
Mice.
Bat.
Do. . .
DIxon county. Neb.. .
Jan. 16, 1879,
July , 1865.
Junco
Mice.
Mouse,
8 locusts; 27
Dakota county, Neb. ,
do
Gopher
other insects.
38 insects
Do.
j une _, 1866,
Quail, .
29 insects
Do
j u ly _ 1866
34 insects
Do. . .
Aug. , 1867,
Rabbit,
22 insects
Cedar county, Neb., . .
do.
Mice, ... . i
47 locusts.
Pierce county. Neb.. .
Sarpy county. Neb., . .
July , 1869,
Sept.. 1871,
Gopher
Mice
40 in sects.
37 insects.
Do. . .
June, 1872,
Birds. . .
43 insects.
Lancaster county Neb
gept 1873.
Hale county, Ala., . .
Mar. 17, 1888.
Grasshoppers'
Gainesville, Fla
Jan. 4. 1888.
crickets.
Remains of in-
Do.
Jan. 9, 1888,
sects.
Larvae and
Los Gatos, Cal
Do
Dec. 7, 1887,
Dec 1887,
Sparrow.
other insects.
Crickets
Do.
Do.
Sandv Spring, Md., . .
Jan. 19. 1885.
Dec. 31. 1887.
Apr. 2. 1888.
: : : : :
Warbler.
Meadow lark ;
sparrow.
Field sparrow,
White grub;
Chester county. Pa., .
Feb. 7, 1887.
beetles, spider
Caterpillar.
Summary. Of the 133 stomachs examined. 1 contained game bird; 28, other birds; 55, mice; 6, other
mammals; 6. reptiles or batrachians; 83, insects; 12. spiders, and 5 were empty.
BARN OWL (Strix pratincola).
Chickemauga, Tenn. , .
Chester county. Pa. . .
Nov. 27. 1885,
May 21, 1886,
Cowbird ; spar-
row.
Meadow mice.
Do.
Dixon county, Neb. , .
Dec. 8, 1886,
Aug. , 1867,
Pigeon.
Mouse,
39 locusts ; 22
Dakota county. Neb.. .
Lancaster county, Neb.
July . 1868.
June , 1872,
Mouse
other insects.
55 insects.
40 insects.
Gainesville. Fla., . . .
Feb. 4, 1887,
2 cotton rats; 2
shrews.
Summary. Of 7 stomachs examined. 1 contained poultry; 1, other birds: 4. mice; 1, other mammals;
3, insects.
LONG-EARED OWL (Asio wilsonianus).
Cob nil a Valley, Cal.. .
Washington, D. C., . .
Sheepshead Bay, L. I..
Apr. 1. 1886,
Mar. 27. 1887,
Nov. 2, 1886.
:::::
Song Sparrow, .'.
Junco; kinglet, .
2 pocket mice.
Meadow mouse,
do.
N. Y.
Washington, D. C., . .
Mar. 16, 1887,
Empty.
Sandy Spring Md
Mar. 8, 1887
do.
Do.
Mar. 12, 1887,
Meadow mouse.
Do
Mar. 18, 1887
do.
Do
Nov 19 1887
do
Do
Jan. 7, 1888,
2 meadow mice,
Jan 11 1887
Do
Nov 20 1886.
3 house mice.
Meadow mouse.
Do
Dec. 11. 188(i.
do.
Do
Jan. 28 1887,
2 meadow mice.
Do
do
White -footed
Do.
mouse; mead-
ow mouse.
Meadow mouse.
Plate 89.
L Yellow-billed Cuckoo. 2. Black-bitted Cuckoo.
Males. *
APPENDIX.
361
LONG-BAKED OWL Continued.
LOCALITY.
Date.
Poultry
or game
birds.
Other birds.
Mammals.
Miscellaneous.
Dec. 13, 1886.
White-footed
Woodstock. Conn.. . .
Boston. Mass
Montgomery co , Pa. ,
June . 1887.
Oct. 13, 1887,
Dec. 26. 1887,
Sparrow ; w a r -
bier.
mouse; 2
meadow mice;
shrew.
4 meadow mice.
Meadow mouse.
do
Sing Sing, N. Y
Do.
Apr. 29, 1880,
do.
Goldfinch; 2 spar-
rows.
Mouse.
2 mice
Do. ...
Chester county. Pa. ,
do.
Nov. 25. 1886,
Small bird, . . .
do.
Mice
.
Do
Nov 10 1878
do
Do
Dec 30, 1884,
do
Westtown Pa
Feb. 23, 1879
do.
Do
do.
do
Do. ....
do.
do
do.
do
Do
do.
do.
Do.
Do
do.
do
do.
do
Do.
Do
Nov. 22, 1880.
Dec 5 1879
do.
do
Do
Feb. 25, 1880,
do.
Do.
do.
do.
Do.
Do.
Do
do.
do.
do
;::::::,::::
do.
do.
do
Dakota county Neb., .
July . 1865
Rabbit,
Few insects
Elmira. N. Y
Do
Aug. 5. 1885
Aug. 12. 1885
Field mice.
> do
Do. ....
Do
Oct. 13. 1886
do
do.
do
Nichols. N. Y..
July 4. 1887
Empty
Tioga Pa ,
Sept 2 1887
Field mice
Elmira, N. Y
Dec. 21. 1887
Quail.
Summary. Of 47 stomachs examined, 1 contained a game bird; 5, other birds; 40, mice; 2. other ani-
mals; 1, insects, and 5 were empty.
SHORT-EARED OWL (Asio accipitrinus).
Washington. D, C., . .
Nov. 22, 1886
2 juncos ; 1 fox
Onkdale. N. Y..
Nov. 27, 1886.
sparrow.
Kockville. Conn?, . . .
Oct. 22, 1886.
2 meadow mice
Do.
do
Koshkonong, Wis. , . .
Sept. 25. 1886.
Washington. D. C., . .
Apr. 20, 1887.
3 meadow mice.
Hillsb o r o ugh , New
Sept. 3. 1887
Kiim.svvick.
Washington. D. C. .
Jan. , 1887
Do.
Ilackensack. N. J., . .
South Windsor, Conn
Mar. 28. 1887.
Mar. 31, 1887.
Mar 29 1887
: : : : :
Robin.
2 meadow mice;
1 shrew.
Do.
do.
do
Do.
Nov 4 1887
do
Do.
do
Do.
do.
4 meadow mice
Washington. D. C. . .
Jan. 23 1888
(Jlastonbury, Conn., .
Nov. 23, 1886,
1)0.
do.
do
East Hartford. Conri.,
Nov. 11 1886.
Do.
Sandv Springs, Md..
Nov. 2. 1886.
Jan. 28. 1887.
3 meadow mice.
Do.
Mar 5 1887
Do.
do.
do
Do.
Do.
do.
do.
Mouse
do.
Do.
Jan 7 1888
Do.
Feb. 13, 1888,
do
Oicster county. Pa. , .
Do.
Jan. 25. 1887.
Dec. 21, 1886,
Meadow mouse,
do
On
Dec 10 1886.
Do.
Nov. 20, 1886,
Do.
Nov. 25. 1886,
1 meadow mouse.
Do.
Do.
Nov. 27. 1886,
Dec. 8. 1886.
Feathers.
Do.
Mar 5. 1887
do
Do.
. t
Mice.
362
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
SHORT-EARED OWL, Continued.
LOCALITY.
Date.
Poultry
or game
birds.
Other birds.
Mammals.
Miscellaneous.
Chester county. Pa. . .
Do.
Jan. 4, 1880.
Jan. 6, 1880,
Mice,
do
Dakota county, Neb., .
July , 1870,
Rabbit
Lincoln. Neb., ....
Sept. . 1868,
Elmira. N. Y
Aug. 13 1884.
Field mice
Do.
Aug. 3. 1886,
do.
do
Do.
Aug. 7. 1886,
do
do
Erin, N. Y
Oct. 5. 1887.
do.
do
Do . .
Dec. 29, 1887,
do
do
Summary. Of 45 stomachs examined, 4 contained small birds; 34, mice; 3, other mammals, 7, Insects,
and 6 were empty.
BARRED OWL (Syrnium nebulosum).
Englewood, N. J.. .
Alfred Centre. N. Y..
Feb. 22. 1886.
Oct. 22. 1886,
Meadow mouse.
Whitewater, Wis., . .
Aug. 30, 1886,
Washington, D. C. , . .
Feb. 15, 1887,
Do. . .
Mar. 16. 1887,
Shrew,
Greensborough, Ala. . .
Nov. 15, 1887,
Moose River. N. Y.. .
June 10. 1878,
12 red-backed
Sing Sing. N. Y
Do.
Nov 27, 1882.
Jan. 21, 1885.
Fowl.
mice.
2 meadow mice
Do. ...
Saint Louis. Mo
Mar. 21, 1885.
Spring. 1885,
Saw-whet owl.
Screech owl.
Eubanks. Ky
Mar. 21, 1887.
Greensborough. Ala.,
Nov. 12, 1887,
rabbit.
Sand Spring. Md., . .
Apr. 25. 1887,
Do.
Nov. 14. 1887,
Do.
Do.
Nov. 28. 1887.
Feb. 11, 1888,
. .
Screech owl.
Do.
Do.
Feb. 18. 1888,
Feb. 19. 1888.
. .
Meadow mice.
Rabbit
Chester county, Pa. ,
Dec. 10. 1886.
Flying squirrel
Do.
Dec. 16, 1886.
Rabbit
Do.
Mice
Do.
Jan. , 1880,
do
Jan. 17 1881.
do.
Elmira, N. Y..
Aug. 1, 1885,
Do
Aug 7, 1886
Waverly. N. Y
Sept. 4. 1887.
Mice
Barton, N. Y.,
Oct. 17. 1886
Halsey Valley, N. Y..
Oct. 5. 1887,
Elmira. N. Y., ....
Nov. 4, 1884.
Mice.
Tyrone, N. Y., .
Nov. 13, 1887,
Elmira, N. Y..
Dec. 1. 1886,
Weasel
Caton, N. Y.. .
Jan. 1, 1885.
Mice
Tioga. N. Y., . .
Feb. 9, 1886,
Elmira. N. Y..
Do
Feb. 19. 1887.
Mar 3 1886.
Small birds.
mole.
Alexandria, Va
Apr. 17, 1888,
Empty.
do.
Frog; 8 larvae
Spider; grass-
hop p e r s :
crickets.
Empty.
Crawfish.
Empty.
Frog; crawfish
Insects.
Fish; insects.
Empty.
do.
Summary. Of 37 stomachs examined, 1 contained poultry; 4. other birds; 16. mice; 8, other mammah
2, frogs; 4, Insects; 1, spider; 2, crawflhh; 1. flsh, and 6 were empty.
FLORIDA BARRED OWL (Syrnium nebulosum alleni).
Gainesville. Fla
Apr. 20. 1887.
Do.
May 9. 1887.
grasshoppers ;
larvae; beetle.
Lizard
Do.
Dec. 29, 1887,
Mouse.
Do. . . .
Feb. 19. 1888.
do
Summary. Of 4 stomachs examined, 2 contained mice; 2. batrachian arid reptile; 1. insects; 1. craw-
fish.
APPENDIX.
363
SAW-WHET OWL (Nyctala acadica).
LOCALITY.
Date.
Poultry
or game
birds.
Other birds.
Mammals.
Miscellaneous.
Taunton. Mass
Dec. 11. 1885.
Mouse hair.
East Hartford Conn .
Jan. 7. 1887.
White-footed
Hillsborough N B
Oct. 21 1886,
mouse.
Mouse hair.
Klatbush. N. Y
Locust Grove N Y
Nov. 3. 1887,
Jan. 24. 1884,
House mouse.
Meadow mouse.
Sing Sing, N. Y
Jan. 13, 1885,
do.
Summary. Of 6 stomachs examined, all contained mice.
SCREECH OWL ( Megascops ast'o).
Sing Sing N Y
Aug 31 1885,
Atlanticville, N. Y. .
Dec. 4. 1885,
Mouse hair.
Sing Sing N Y
Sept 25 1886
do
Washington D. C..
Nov. , 1886.
Meadow mouse
Do. - .
do.
2 white-footed
do
Do
do.
mice.
do.
Do
do
do
Do
do.
Mouse hair.
do.
Do.
Do
do.
do.
Tree sparrow.
do
Do.
Do.
do.
do.
Feathers.
Mouse hair.
Do
do.
do
River Vale N J
Nov 20 1885
Nov 26, 1885
House mouse
Alfred Centre, N. Y..
Oct. 10, 1886,
White-footed
Grasshopper;
Peterborough. N. Y.. .
Sept. 11. 1886,
July 8. 1886,
Sparrow
mouse,
do.
crickets;
crawfish.
Grasshoppers.
Cleveland. Ohio. . . .
Mar. 12. 1886,
Meadow mouse.
East Hartford Conn ,
June 23. 1886
3 small birds,
7 beetles
Gainesville. Fla
Mar. 12, 1887.
Grasshoppers
Washington D C
Jan 1887
White footed
larvae of bee-
tles.
Do
do
mouse; meadow
mouse.
Do. . .
Do. . .
do.
do.
Screech owl.
do.
Do
Feb 15 1887
Mouse
Rockville Conn
May 28. 1887,
Empty
Do
do
Beetle
Portland, Conn
Oct. 22. 1886,
Spider
Do. . .
Lockport, N. Y.,
Dec. 23. 1886,
Jan. 7. 1888.
Pigeon.
Crawfish
Portland. Conn
May 5, 1887.
7 May beetles
Washington, D. C.. . .
East Hartford, Conn. .
Philadelphia. Pa..
Feb. 13, 1887.
July 16, 1886,
Apr. 20, 1886
2 English spar-
rows.
2 pine mice.
May beetles
2 cicadse
Sandy Spring. Md., .
Mar. 2, 1887
Insects
Do. , .
do.
2 mice.
Chester county, Pa. . .
Do.
Do.
Do.
Jan. 11. 1886.
Jan. 5. 1886,
Apr. 22. 1886.
Jan. 7. 1887
Feathers, . . . .
Feathers.
Mouse hair.
House mouse.
Beetle.
Do.
Jan. 8. 1887.
House mouse.
Do.
Nov. 10, 1887
Meadow mouse.
Do.
1876
Do.
Nov. 27. 1887.
house mouse.
White-f o o t e d
Do.
do.
mouse.
Empty.
Do.
Dec. 6 1886
Meadow mouse
Do
Dec 10 1886
Do.
do.
Empty
Do
Feb 12 1887
Do.
Do.
Do
Feb. 9. 1887,
Feb. 18. 1887.
Jan 15 1887
. . . .
House mouse,
do.
do
matter.
Do.
Do.
Do.
Jan. 17. 1887,
Dec. 27. 1886,
Jan. II. 1887,
do.
Mouse hair.
House mouse.
Do.
Feb. 9. 1887,
Trace.
Do.
Feb. 10. 1887.
Empty.
364
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
SCREECH OWL, Continued.
LOCALITY.
Date.
Poultry
or game
birds.
Other birds.
Mammals.
Miscellaneous.
Chester county. Pa. ,
Jan 17. 1887,
Mouse hair
Do.
Feb. 11. 1887,
Empty .
Do
June 7. 1884,
Insects
Do.
Jan. 8, 1886.
do.
Do
Jan. G, 1885,
do
Do.
Do.
Do.
Dec. 18, 1886,
Nov. 17. 1880.
Nov. 26, 1880,
English sparrow.
Mice.
Mice.
Do.
Aug. 20 1876,
Grassho ppers
Delaware county. Pa..
Cedar county Neb
Dec. 5, 1879,
g e pt. _, 1867.
Mice.
47 loc u s t s 12
Do
do
Small bird.
other insects.
32 locusts* 3
Do
June 1868,
otherinsects.
41 locusts 22
July 1869.
Mouse
otherinsects.
69 insects.
Do.
Aug. -, 1870,
Sept 1872,
do
38 insects.
67 insects
Nemaha county Neb. ,
Sept. -, 1874,
50 locusts ; 16
Lancaster co.. Neb,.
Elmira. N. Y
Do. ....
June . 1875,
Jan 29. 1886,
Jan. 30, 1886,
English sparrow.
Feathers, ....
Mice,
do.
otherinsects.
49 locusts ; 15
otherinsects.
Horseheads N Y ,
Feb. 4, 1886.
English sparrow.
Chemung N Y
Mar 7 1886
Field mice
Elmira N Y
Mar. 21, 1886,
Mice (?)
Barton. N. Y., ....
Waverly N Y
Apr. 13, 1887,
Apr. 15, 1886,
Junco.
Insects.
Tioga Pa
Oct 5 1886
Mice
Wellsborough, Pa.. . .
Elmira, N. Y
Do
Oct. 8. 1887,
Oct. 21, 1886,
Oct 23 1886,
English sparrow.
Shore lark.
Mice.
Do. ....
Wellsburgh, N. Y.. . .
Canton, N. Y
Washington D C
Oct. 25. 1887.
Nov 2, 1886,
Dec. 24, 1887,
Mar 25 1888
English sparrow.
English sparrow.
Meadow mouse.
Empty.
Crawfish.
Do
do.
Empty.
West Chester, Pa., . .
Jan. 6, 1887.
House mouse.
Summary. Of 94 stomachs examined. 1 contained poultry; 20, other birds; 41, mice; 1. other mammal;
1, frog ; 35, insects ; 3, crawfish ; 1. spider ; 1 indeterminate matter, and 7 were empty
GREAT-HORNED OWL (Bubo virginianus).
Chattanooga. Tenn. . .
New London Wis
Dec. 25, 1885,
Oct 25 1886
Quail. .
Fox squirrel
Chester county, Pa. , .
Adairsville Ga
May 11, 1886,
May 20, 1886,
Guinea
fowl.
Beetle.
Lockport, N. Y
Do
Jan. 2. 1887.
Fowl,
do.
June 16 1887
do.
Rabbit.
Sing Sing, N. Y
Do.
Do
Jan. 19, 1883,
July 9. 1884,
Nov 12 1884
Guinea
fowl.
Fowl, .
Robin.
Shrew.
Do
Feb. 26. 1885,
Rabbit.
Paint Rock, Texas, . .
Apr. 23, 1887,
Mar 12 1887
Cooper's hawk ;
1 a r k-fi n c h ;
mockingbird.
Meadow mouse.
Feb 15, 1886,
Rabbit.
Do.
Sept. . 1878,
j u ly f 1869,
*
Gopher
30 insects.
Elmira N Y
Oct 4 1885
Skunk.
Do.
Oct. 7, 1886,
Aug 15 1884
Ruffed
grouse.
Gray squirrel.
Tyrone, N. Y
Elmira, N. Y
Sept, 4. 1886,
Nov. 5. 1885,
Poultry,
do.
Nov 2 1886
Rabbit.
Dec 13 1884
Skunk.
Dec 15 1884
Weasel (?)
Gaines, Pa
Dec. 29, 1885,
Ruffed
grouse.
PLATE 90.
1. Chimney Swift. 2. Bank Swallow.
Males.
APPENDIX.
365
GREAT HORNED OWL Continued,
LOCALITY.
Date.
Poultry
or game
birds.
Other birds.
Mammals.
Miscellaneous.
Elmira. N. Y..
Do. ....
Jan. 3. 1884.
Jan. 5. 1885.
Poultry.
Empty
Big Flats. N. Y
Erin. N. Y
Sandy Spring, Md. . . .
Jan. 17. 1886,
Jan. 29. 1887,
Apr. 7. 1888.
Poultry.
Ruffed
grouse.
Rabbit
Summary. Of 30 stomachs examined. 16 contained poultry or game birds : 2, other birds ; 1. mice : 12.
other mammals ; 2. insects, and 1 was empty.
SNOWY OWL (Nyctea nyctea).
Washington. D. C.. . .
Nov. 11. 1885,
Portland. Conn
Nov. 20. 1885,
do
Keokuk. Iowa. . .
Dec. 6, 1886,
Prairie
Lockport N Y.
Nov. 17. 1886
hen.
do
Do. . . .
do.
: : : : :
do
Chester county. Pa
Dec 14 1886
.Summary. Of 6 stomachs examined, 1 contained game bird ; 2, mice, and 4 were empty.
HAWK OWL (Surma ulula caparoch).
Quebec, Canada. . . . Jan. 15.
Meadow mouse.
Summary. The 1 stomach examined contained a mouse.
BURROWING OWL (Speotyto cunicularia hypoc/cea).
Fort Buford, Dak. . . .
Sept. 29. 1887.
Wayne countv, Neb.,
June , 1868,
Do.
do.
Lizard 30 in-
Pierce county. Neb. , .
do.
sects.
49 locusts 17
Do.
do.
other insects.
i' ; locusts 10
Do.
do.
other insects.
Wayne county. Neb. ,
Julv , 1869,
other Insects.
Sydney. Cheyenne
June , 1875,
59 locusts 3
county. Neb.
OKalalla, Keith county,
Sept. , 1876,
other insects.
Neb.
Ogalalla. Keith county,
do.
other Inserts.
58 locu^t^- 4
Neb.
other insects.
ten Htomachs examined. 2 contained mice : 1. other mammal : 10, insects.
366 BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
SUMMARY OF STOMACHS EXAMINED.
Swallow-tailed Kite (Elanoides forflcatus). a
Mississippi Kite (Ictinia mississippiensis) 2
Marsh Hawk (Circus h udsonsius) 4G
Sharped-shinned Hawk (Accipiter velox) 48
Cooper's Hawk (Accipiter cooperi) 46
Goshawk (Accipiter atricapillus) t>
Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo borealis) 311
Red-shouldered Hawk (Buteo lineatus) 102
Swainson's Hawk (Buteo swainsoni) 4
Broad-winged Hawk ( Buteo latissimus ) 22
Rough-legged Hawk (Archibuteo lagopus sancti-johannis) 28
Golden Eagle (Aquilla chrysaetos) 1
Bald Eagle (Haliceetus leucocephalus) 6
Prairie Falcon (Falco mexicanus) 1
Duck Hawk (Falco peregrinus anatum), 5
Pigeon Hawk (Falco columbarius) 19
Sparrow Hawk (Falco sparverius) 133
Total number of hawks 785
Barn Owl (Strixpratincola) 7
Long-eared Owl (Asio wilsonianus) 47
Short-eared Owl (Asio accipitrinus) 45
Barred Owl ( Syrnium nebulosum ) 37
Florida Barred Owl (Syrnium nebulosum alleni) 4
Saw-whet Owl (Nyctalaacadica) 6
Screech Owl (Megascops asio) 94
Great-Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus) 30
Snowy Owl ( Nyctea nyctea ) 6
Hawk Owl (Surnia ulula caparoch) 1
Burrowing Owl (Speotyto cunicularia hypogcea) 10
Total number of owls 287
Total number of hawks 785
Total number of hawks and owls. . 1.072
NOTE. Swainson's Hawk (Buteo swainsoni). the Prairia Falcon (Falco mexicanus). Florida Barred
Owl ( Syrnium nabulosum alleni). and Burrowing Owl (Speotyto cunicularia hypogcea) are the only birds
mentioned in this report which are not included in the fauna of Pennsylvania. B. H. WARREN.
APPENDIX. 367
THE FOOD OF CROWS.
By WALTER B. BARROWS, S. B., Assistant Ornithologist.
The economic status of the Common Crow (Corvus americanus) has been dis-
cussed so often, and yet with such uncertain results, that it was one of the first birds
to receive attention when the division was organized in 1885, being particularly men-
tioned in the circular issued that year. Several hundred replies to the questions
contained in that circular were received during that and the following year, and
much additional information was collected by subsequent correspondence. A re-
quest for stomachs of the crow was contained in the circular issued in 1886, and,
although the responses to this have not been as numerous as could be desired, a
number of correspondents have given material assistance, so that it is possible to
append to the present paper the results of the dissection of eighty-six stomachs of
the Common Crow (Corvus americanus) and twelve of the Fish Crow (Corvus ossi-
fragus). Thus the material at hand for a study of the food of crows, though by no
means abundant, is nevertheless considerable, and sufficient progress has been
made in its investigation to justify the publication of some of the results. One of
the main objects of the present paper, however, is to call the attention of farmers
and others to the disputed and unsettled questions relating to the crow and to secure
their aid and cooperation in collecting evidence which will hasten a final settle-
ment of these points.
It is unnecessary at the present time to refer to the numerous contributions to our
knowledge of the crows' habits made from time to time during the last centurj^, but
it may be broadly stated that but three strong points in its favor have ever been
claimed for the crow even by its warmest friends : These are (1) the habit of de-
stroying injurious insects ; (2) the habit of catching mice ; and (3) the habit of eat-
ing carrion. A few writers, mainly men of very limited experience, have main-
tained, it is true, that the crow never does any harm worth mentioning ; but the
more rational of his defenders admit freely that a large amount of damage is done
but claim that this is more than compensated by the good habits just specified. Of
these, the carrion-feeding and mouse-eating habits have been the weaker arguments,
and the place of the crow as a beneficial bird has rested mainly on the ground of its
supposed services in the destruction of noxious insects.
On the other hand, the injuries inflicted by the crow are more varied, those most
commonly complained of being :
(1) Destruction of young grain, particularly Indian corn on first coming up.
(2) Destruction of ripe or ripening corn and other grain.
(3) Destruction of ripe or ripening fruits of some kinds.
(4) Destruction of various other vegetable products.
(5) Destruction of the eggs and young of poultry.
(6) Destruction of the eggs and young of wild birds.
Nearly every one in the least familiar with the habits of the crow will readily
admit that the bird is more or less beneficial or injurious in the ways indicated
above, but the greatest diversity of opinion exists as to the degree of benefit or injury
to be assigned to each category.
The division has succeeded in bringing together a large amount of opinion on
these points, and a considerable amount of what may be regarded properly as evi-
ilcnt-c.. Moreover, some additional charges against the crow have been preferred
and some further claims of merit are brought forward. Statements of mere opinion
368 BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
carry little weight unless the facts on which these opinions are based are fully
known. On the other hand, the careful record of any actual experience with the
crow is entitled to thoughtful consideration, the weight to be given to such evidence
being modified only according to the known fitness or unfitness of the observer to
appreciate all the elements entering into the case.
As the entire question relates primarily to the food of the crow, it is obvious that
the careful examination of a sufficient number of crow stomachs would be the only
certain method of settling all questions ; but the number of stomachs required nec-
essarily would be very great, and in order fully to weigh the evidence thus afforded,
full notes as to locality, date, time of day, character of place where killed, age of
bird, etc., are indispensable.
About one hundred stomachs, accompanied by such data, have been carefully ex-
amined thus far. Unfortunately, however, most of these stomachs were those of
adult crows, and very few of them were taken during the spring and early summer,
when the crow is supposed to be the most beneficial.
It has proved more difficult than was expected to secure crows during the spring
and summer months, but a special effort will be made during the season of 1889, and
it is hoped that a large number of stomachs may be collected and examined. Those
of young crows are particularly desired, but those of crows of any age if taken dur-
ing spring or summer will be very acceptable. Persons willing to aid the division
in this way will be furnished with instructions and materials on application to the
ornithologist, * and all costs of transportation will be defrayed by the department.
In response to questions relating to the food habits of crows replies have been re-
ceived from upwards of five hundred persons, and the information afforded by these
replies, in combination with the results of dissection, form the basis of the following
report :
INJURY TO INDIAN CORN, WHEAT, AND OTHER CEREALS.
It seems almost superfluous to say that the crow at certain times and places is very
destructive to crops of sprouting grain, for its corn-pulling habits were well known
even in colonial times, and from that day until the present, wherever the bird is at
all abundant, a newly-planted cornfield without scare crows has been the exception
and not the rule. Doubtless the destruction is greatest during the first week or two
after the corn appears above ground, but if all reports are to be credited consider-
able harm is done by digging up the seed corn directly after planting, even before
the grain has begun to germinate. One observer states that the crow eats corn < < from
ten minutes after planting until the blades are three inches high," and more than a
score of other observers state definitely that the crow not only pulls up the young
plants, but digs up the newly-sown seed.
The amount of damage to corn during spring and early summer is certainly very
great in some sections, and undoubtedly it would be much greater but for the al-
most universal custom of protecting the fields in one way or another. Of course, it
is absurd to say how great the loss would be in case all precautions were neglected,
and even in the case of actual damage it is impossible to estimate fairly the amount
of the loss. Among nearly two hundred and fifty reports of more or less serious in-
jury, less than one-fifth contain any figures from which the actual loss can be inferred
even approximately, while hardly a dozen state definitely the acreage planted and
the proportion destroyed or damaged.
The following examples of the evidence on this question will give a fair idea of
the harm occasionally done. It will be noticed that they represent widely separ-
ated sections of the country :
Osceola, Ark. One flock ruined a field of several acres.
Coventry, Conn. In one field of three acres about half was destroyed ; other fields badly dam-
aged, probably one-third pulled up.
Osceola, 111. Destroyed about two acres for me last year (1885) just as it was coming- through
the ground.
* Dr. r. II. M<'iTi:un, Ornithologist. I". S. Department of Agriculture. Washington. D. C.
APPENDIX. 369
Plymouth, Jfe. Has been observed to destroy whole fields of from one to three acres.
Rochdale, Mass. Crows this year (1885) pulled one-third or more of the corn in my field in spite
of cotton lines stretched quite thickly over the fields.
Nebraska, Intl. Have known the injury to amount to one-third of the crop.
Burlington, /mm. Have known one-third of a five acre field to require replanting.
Sand Hill, Mich. Often destroys over half the crop when planted near a patch of woods.
Fields sometimes are nearly destroyed.
Bolton, Mo. One-third of a field of three acres was taken.
Afadison, Nebr. The damage along the woodlands of the Elkhorn is ten per cent, of the planting.
Caldwell, N. J. Damage often from one-tenth to one-third of the field.
Alfred Centre, N. Y. Sometimes they make a second planting necessary ; in one'case a field of
three acres was almost entirely pulled up.
Ithaca, N. Y. In spite of all our efforts they almost destroyed the crop in a large part of one
field.
Locust Grove, N~. F. In 1884 a large field was ruined by crows in spite of all precautions. It
was "strung" at more frequent intervals than usual, a number of dead crows were displayed at
various points, and it was replanted twice, but all to no avail, for almost the entire field was lost.
Penza, Ohio. Once saw a field on the 4th of July which had been destroyed four times by crows,
and they were still working on it.
Gap. Pa. Think they sometimes destroy five per cent, of the crop.
Frogmore, S. C. The damage sometimes amounts to over 50 per cent., but this is only in fields
near woodland.
Brandon, Ft. One-half to three-fourths of an acre was pulled from a three-acre field.
West Pawlet, VL In 1883 and 1884 I knew the crows to pull the corn so completely in fields of
ten or twelve acres that all the ground had to be planted over.
Omro, Wis. One piece of four acres was about two-thirds destroyed.
The ten following samples may be taken as showing more nearly than the pre-
ceding the average character of the reports noting damage to young corn :
Smelley, Ala. Much damage some years, others none at all.
Brookfield Centre, Conn. A small piece in a secluded spot was almost entirely destroyed.
Vermillion, Dak.In some fields on the Missouri bottoms crows often have destroyed two or
three successive seedmgs of corn, but only in fields near timber.
Marietta, Ga. The damage is sometimes excessive, depending largely on location of field.
Louisville, Ky.The damage has been greatly exaggerated. Formerly it was sometimes great,
but it is many years since crows have done any harm in my neighborhood by pulling up corn.
They find other food in abundance and have forgotten their old habits.
Sow'Ji Frankfort, Mich. Injurious only in exceptional cases, and to a limited extent.
Minneapolis, Minn. The extent of the injury is measured only by the opportunity.
Watkins, N. F. Farmers complain of their pulling corn in the spring as soon as it appears
above ground ; and corn is injured in this way sometimes so that it harvests one-eighth to one-
fourth less than if it had not been touched. But not one farmer in twenty is injured as much as
stated.
Mount Vernon, Ohio. Have known them to be quite troublesome in pulling corn when it is
two or three inches high, * * * but their attacks appear to be only periodical, perhaps many
years apart.
Berwick, Pa. The damage is sufficient, sometimes, to compel the farmer to replant, yet the
amount of injury done is not often of much account. There are exceptional cases when fields
planted near their resorts have suffered considerably.
A careful examination of all the available evidence bearing on this question brings
out one or two points which are doubtless familiar to many farmers, but may be new
to some. Other things being equal, the greatest damage is done where crows are
most abundant ; and fields nearest their nests are much more likely to be plundered
than those at a distance from woods. Neverthless, in the latter case, if the fields are
also at a distance from the farm-house and are not specially protected, they may suf-
formore than other fields which, although near the woods, are so situated as to be
< i :isily watched from the house. It is of the utmost importence, moreover, that the
crows be prevented from beginnintj to take corn from a field ; for after visiting it
once they are far more likely to come again, and there is abundant evidence that
after a crow has once formed the habit of corn-pulling it is almost impossible to pre-
vent his gratifying his taste as long as he lives. This question will be fully treated
under jibe head of insect food of the crow, and it need only be remarked here that,
while crows undoubtedly eat many cut-worms and other insects, there is very little
24 BlBDS.
370 BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
evidence that they pull young corn for any other purpose than to get the kernel at
the root.
The depredations of the common crow do not cease, except temporarily, when the
young plants are too well rooted to be pulled with ease. After the ears are formed
and the kernels well filled out the crow again visits the corn-fields, and sometimes
does serious damage. At that time the young are as large as their parents, several
families are commonly associated in a flock, and such a party is capable of a large
amount of mischief in a comparatively short time. About fifty complaints of injury
to "green corn," "corn in the milk," " roasting ears," and "ripening corn," have
been received.
INJURY TO OTHER CEREALS THAN CORN.
Although the crow attacks and injures other grains than corn its depredations on
these crops are far less general and serious. About fifty reports of such injury have
been received, the losses complained of relating to wheat, rye, oats, barley, and rice.
As with corn, the greatest damage is done by pulling up the sprouting grain, but
more or less is eaten while ripening, or even when hard.
DAMAGE TO OTHER CROPS.
About a dozen reports, nearly all from New England and Canada, mention the
crow as destructive to potatoes, the worst mischief being done by pulling up the
young plants in order to get the partly decayed pieces plan ted as " seed." Occasion-
ally sweet potatoes and beans are pulled up in the same way, and in rome of the
southern states the crow digs up peanuts, both as seed and when ripening, some-
times causing considerable loss. The following notes from correspondents illustrate
this class of injuries :
From S. F. Cheney, Grand Manan, New Brunswick :
The crow will take the potato seed out of the hill and pull up the potatoes when nearly ready
to hoe.
From Manly Hardy, Brewer, Me. :
I have known newly planted potatoes to be destroyed by^the acre. Have only known crows
to attack potatoes within a few years (1885.)
From Charles F. Goodhue, Webster, N. H. :
Crows are very troublesome some years by pulling corn and digging up newly planted pota-
toes, destroying both just as they appear above ground. The damage done to corn and potatoes
varies from a few hills to nearly two acres. Sometimes nearly the whole crop is destroyed.
From Walter Hoxie, Frogmore, S. C. :
The crow destroys seed corn and rice invariably, unless tarred. It is yet more destructive to
peanuts and sweet potatoes.
From John M. Richardson, Daingerfield, Tex.:
I have known the crow, assembling in immense flocks, to do great harm to the pindar (peanut)
crop in South Carolina. As the nuts approach maturity the fields had to be guarded by men and
boys with guns from early dawn to late dusk.
In some parts of the country the crow seems to have acquired a taste for water-
melons, doing no little damage to this important crop. Mr. H. E. VanDeman states
that at one time, on his farm at Genoa, Kans., he was obliged to cover some of
his watermelons with grass, weeds, etc., in order to protect them from a family
of crows which otherwise would have ruined them all. They began to "plug"
the melons as soon as they were nearly ripe, going from one to another until
they found one which suited them, spoiling many wnich they did not eat. Re-
ports of similar damage have been received from Georgia and South Carolina,
one planter complaining that his melons are attacked before they are half grown,
and another estimating his loss from the same cause at 10 per cent, of the crop.
Occasionally crows do much damage to ripening fruit, but they generally find an
abundant supply of wild fruits, and do not care to run the risk of a near approach
to the garden unless the display is particularly tempting.
From the fact that crows feed largely on wild grapes, it seems a little strange that
Plate 91.
1. Crested Flycatcher. 2. Phcebe.
3. Wood Pewee. 4. Acadian Flycatcher.
Males.
APPENDIX.
371
they do not visit the vineyard more frequently, but as yet very few complaints on
this score have been received. One vineyard of several acres being just outside the
limits of the city of Washington, D. C., has suffered considerable loss for several
years from the frequent attacks of crows. One of the assistant ornithologists vis-
ited it in September, 1886, and again in the same month in 1888, and found abundant
evidence that the owner did not exaggerate when he stated his loss to be at least one-
fourth of the crop. Not only were crows frequently seen eating the grapes, but two
which were shot during the first visit had grape seeds in their stomachs.
OTHER VEGETABLE FOOD OF THE CROW.
In addition to the fruits and vegetables already mentioned as forming a part of
the crow's food, there are very many wild fruits, berries, seeds and nuts, on which
the crow feeds largely at times, but the consumption of which is of little account
to the farmer under any circumstances.
The vegetable matter contained in the eighty-six stomachs examined was as fol-
lows :
VEGETABLE CONTEXTS OF STOMACHS.
No. of
stomachs
in which
found.
VEGETABLE CONTENTS OP STOMACHS.
No. of
stomachs
in which
found.
Kernels of corn,
35
Seeds of beach plum
2
oats
3
Virginia creeper (Ampelopsia),
2
wheat,
2
dogwood (Corn us),
4
Remains of acorns or chestnuts, . . .
cherries, cultivated varie
ties
26
8
bay berry (Myrica)
common (harmless) sumachs
(Rhus),
8
17
wild cherries,
3
berries not identified, . .
4
(Rhus)
10
haw berries (Cratwgus) .
Fruit pulp, not identified
Seeds of grape
I
4
7
juniper or red cedar
bind- weed (Polygonum), . .
wild rice (Zizania)
1
1
blackberries or raspberries.
5
Unidentified seeds,
10
pumpkin
2
Sea-weed
4
cucumber or musk-melon,
1
Moss
1
The crow is known also to eat the berries of the wintergreen, poke-weed, elder,
smilax and hackberry ; and doubtless it also feeds upon numerous other berries and
seeds.
During autumn, and especially in the districts where grain is not readily obtaina-
ble, a favorite food of the crow is acorns, beech-nuts, or chestnuts, immense quanti-
ties of which are consumed. It may be mentioned incidentally, also, that in parts
of Louisiana and Texas, and probably in other states, the crow injures the pecan
crop to a considerable extent.
THE DISTRIBUTION OF Noxious SEEDS.
An interesting fact, which has come to light recently through the examination of
crow stomachs, is the discovery that the berries of poison sumach (Rhus venenata)
and poison ivy (Rhus toxicodendron) are eaten in large numbers, by the crow.
The poison ivy (also called poison vine, poison oak, mercury, or mercury vine,
etc.) is too well known to need any description. The poison sumach (also called
swamp sumach, poison elder, poison dogwood, etc.) is a shrub or small tree, con-
fined mainly to swamps and wet places, and less generally known than the ivy,
though its poison is much more powerful. Both species bear straggling bunches of
greenish-white waxy berries, which cling tightly to the stems through the entire
winter and thus are readily obtained by crows even when the ground is deeply cov-
ered with snow. Each berry contains a single large seed or stone surrounded by a
small amount of wax-like pulp which appears to contain considerable nutritious
matter.
Stomachs of crows taken in every month from September to March, and in differ-
ent localities from Massachusetts to Florida, were found to con tain these seeds, some-
372 BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
times in large numbers. In one case one hundred and fifty-three seeds of poison
ivy were found in a single stomach ; in several cases the number was more than one
hundred, and the" average in nineteen stomachs exceeded fifty.
At a large crow-roost on the Virginia side of the Potomac, near Washington, the
droppings of the crows are literally full of these seeds, usually accompanied by
many seeds of the harmless (red-berried) sumachs, arid a still smaller number of
those of the flowering dogwood (Cornus florida) and the sour gum (Nyssa). The
same is true of the large roost near Baltimore, Md., whence Mr.' C. L. Edwards, of
the Johns Hopkins University, sent to the department seeds of all the above species
more than a year ago. The seeds of poison ivy and poison sumach had been found
previously in crow stomachs collected near Washington, but for lack of a good ref-
erence collection of seeds they remained unrecognized until December, 1888, when
they were identified by the writer.
In order to give some idea of the number of these seeds consumed by the crow it
may be stated that a single pound of the dried excrement taken from the roost in
the National Cemetery at Arlington, February 8, 1889, contained, by actual count,
1,041 seeds of poison ivy, and 341 seeds of poison sumach, in addition to 3,271 seeds
of other sumachs, 95 seeds of Virginia juniper, 10 seeds of flowering dogwood, and
6 seeds of sour gum. The material, which covered about four square feet, was taken
at random from above the layer of leaves, and represents the average deposit on the
roost. As the roost covers upward of fifteen acres, some idea may be formed of the
number of those seeds deposited there.
It is a well-known fact that the germination of many kinds of seeds is hastened
by their passage through the digestive organs of birds and other animals, and hence
it was believed at once that the crow was aiding in the distribution of these poison-
ous plants. In order to place the matter beyond question, however, seeds taken
from the Arlington roost were tested in several ways, and not only was their vitality
found to be unimpaired, but they were found to germinate more quickly than seeds
taken from the vine. Of one hundred seeds of Rhus venenata from the roost, moist-
ened and kept warm, ten sprouted within forty-eight hours, and twenty more within
the next five days. One hundred and fifty seeds of the same kind and from the
same source were planted in a flower pot in the greenhouse, and at the end of four-
teen days one hundred and thirty of them had become vigorous seedlings from one
to two inches high, and several more were breaking the ground. Similar results
were obtained with seeds of Rhus toxicodendron from the roost, while seeds takon
from the vine had not sprouted at the end of fourteen days. Thus it becomes certain
that these seeds are improved rather than impaired by their passage through the
digestive organs of the crow, and this bird therefore is doing incalculable harm by
sowing broadcast the seeds of a poisonous vine and a more poisonous shrub, both of
which unfortunately are far too abundant already.
THE GROW AS A DESTROYER OF THE EGGS AND YOUNG OP POULTRY AND WILD
BIRDS.
More than three hundred and fifty of our correspondents have contributed notes
relating to the crow as a robber of the nests of domesticated fowls and wild birds.
About seventy of these state simply that "no damage of this kind has been ob-
served," but with this exception the evidence is almost wholly unfavorable to the
crow. Two hundred and seventy-eight observers state distinctly that they know of
more or less mischief of this kind committed by crows. One hundred and forty-
seven have personal knowledge of its carrying off young chickens, and one hun-
dred and seventy -four report damage to domesticated fowls. There are twenty-five
complaints of injury to the eggs and young of turkeys, and about a dozen instances
of similar damage to ducks and geese.
Rather more than ten per cent, of the reports on domesticated fowls state that the
damage is slight or occasional, but on the other hand upward of fifty observers re-
port frequent and serious depredations, many of them stating that the crows do
much more damage than hawks. It is significant that out of more than three hun-
APPENDIX. 373
dred and fifty replies to the question covering the subject of damage to domesticated
fowls and wild birds only five are positively favorable to the crow. Seventy others
are negatively favorable in that they report no injury observed, without, however,
giving any indication of the extent of the opportunities for observation. The reports
of damage come from all parts of the United States and Canada where crows are
found, and as a rule the notes are clear and exact
As one result of all the information thus far collected it may be stated that the
common crow is a serious enemy of poultry, all the more dangerous because so often
unsuspected, and because of its remarkable cunning and stealth. It is also a skilful
and inveterate robber of the nests and eggs of wild birds.
The entire evidence submitted on this subject is well worth reading, but lack of
space forbids the insertion of more than a few examples under each of two heads.
DESTRUCTION OF THE EGGS AND YOUNG OF POULTRY.
More than one-third of all the reports relating to damage to poultry specify fre-
quent or serious loss. It appears from these notes that not only does the crow rob
the hens, ducks, and turkeys which steal their nests in the brush, woods, or mead-
ows, away from the farm-yard, but it frequently comes within a few steps of the
house or barn, destroying all nests not absolutely inaccessible to it or snatching up
the downy young about the very doors. Usually such visits are made very early in
the morning, or at times when no one is at hand to prevent the theft, but frequently
the robber becomes emboldened by success and makes his visits in the middle of
the day and with apparent disregard of all danger. Moreover, as in the case of some
hawks and dogs, certain individuals become particularly addicted to chicken steal-
ing, and return day, after day to the same place, seldom failing to secure a victim at
each visit
The following notes from different parts of the country will serve to illustrate the
crow's methods in relation to eggs and chickens :
From Owen Durfee, Fall River, Mass.:
May 5 [18881, while walking by a farm-house near the city, I saw a crow sail over the house
and finally settle down on a stonewall about one hundred feet from the house, and begin watch-
ing the young chickens running about in the lot and through the wall under him. One of the
chickens ran under him, and after eyeing it a moment, he turned to the next one, which was
perhaps a week or ten days old. When this one was about six feet from him, he dropped down
over it and struck at it two or three times with his beak. Then he acted as though about to eat
it on the spot, but a young rooster running at him, he picked up the chicken and carried it off
still squeaking in his beak.
From William H. Lewis, Pawtucket, R. I. :
1 have known the common crow to take chicks when they were from one to six weeks old. I
know of a case where twenty have been lost this season.
From H. Neherling, Freistatt, Mo*. :
I have frequently observed crows stealing the eggs from my poultry-yard. They do this very
slyly and quietly. As soon as the eggs are hatched they carry off young chickens whenever they
can get them. With the exception of Cooper's Hawk I do not know such a bold robber as the
crow. One day in April one of these birds perched on the fence, only a few steps from my house.
An old hen with about a dozen chickens which were only a few days old was in my barn-yard.
Suddenly the crow swooped down, caught a chicken with its bill, and went off, flying away near
the ground. In a few weeks the crows carried off about twenty chickens, which varied in age
from one day to four weeks.
From H. R. Landis, Landis Valley, Pa.:
When the young are hatched the crows are very bold, coming up to buildings, and in one case
that come under my notice they took from one to four chickens each morning, nearly annihilat.
ing a brood of about one hundred.
From J. W. Van Kirk, Milton, Pa. :
I have seen crows catch young chickens, and frequently have seen them carrying off eggs of
both the domestic fowl and wild birds. We have had on different occasions whole nests of sit-
ting turkeys and chickens robbed by them. In some cases the eggs were taken from under the
hens while on their nests.
374 BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
From ,T. V. Henry Kiiott, Kingston, N. Y. :
I have seen the common crow eat eggs, and have caught him by baiting a steel-trap with an
egg. The man in charge of the gas-works at Saugerties told me this spring that he had to cover
his chicken-yard with wire to save the chickens from the crows, and that he saw them catch the
chickens repeatedly.
From Frank B. Hancock, Casky, Ky. :
The common crow undoubtedly catches young chickens and steals eggs. They have caused
me more trouble in that respect than hawks. My home is situated on the south side of a wood-
land. A colony of crows located in that woodland in 1870. This spring (1885) I have watched them
carefully, and have seen them steal chickens before they were past the downy stage and carry
them away to their young. I have one crow family charged with $25 worth of nice chicks stolen
in April and May, 1885.
DESTRUCTION OF EGGS AND YOUNG OF WILD BIRDS.
No observant person will deny that the crow does serious damage to the eggs and
young of wild birds. The instances of such depredation which have come within
the knowledge of most farmers or other persons living in the country are far too
numerous to leave a shadow of doubt on this score in any unprejudiced mind.
Yet for every instance of such robbery witnessed by man thousands must take
place without his knowledge. Persecution by crows is doubtless a very large factor
among the influences which cause so many birds to crowd about human habitations
during the nesting season, and yet the relentless crow follows them even to the
eaves and window-sills of houses, taking their eggs and young in spite of every pre-
caution.
The evidence on this point, contributed by our observers during the past few
years, is replete with accounts of such forays, and the only wonder is that robins,
thrushes, blackbirds, and many other species continue to rear any young at all. The
reports on this subject number one hundred and fifty or more, and contain minute
descriptions of the destruction by crows of the eggs or young of more than twenty-
five species of wild birds. The list includes the robin, wood thrush and other
thrushes, brown thrasher, wrens, English sparrows and other sparrows, blackbirds
of several species, Baltimore and Bullock's orioles, woodpeckers, swallows, king-
birds, wax-wing, warblers, bluejay, Carolina dove, quail, prairie chicken, woodcock,
night herons and other waders, wild ducks, and sea-gulls. In addition to these
specific statements, very many observers state that all kinds of small birds suffer
from crows, while others say that it kills "many kinds" or "all kinds which can
be obtained."
Naturally the robin is one of the most frequent sufferers, and perhaps its losses
are more likely to be noticed than those of less familiar birds. The following re-
ports indicate something of the nature and extent of the inroads upon this species :
From Prof. F. E. L. Beal, Lunenburgh, Mass.:
I have known the crow to rob the nest of a robin of its eggs on se\ eral occasions, always at the
first peep of light. In one instance the nest robbed was within six feet of the open window of a
chamber where I slept.
From Charles F. Goodhue, Webster, N. H. :
The crow has been known to rob every robin's nest in a good-sized apple orchard, and to come
within eight rods of the house and carry off four young robins in the course of one day.
From J. W. Van Kirk, Milton, Pa. :
Last spring (1886) out of ten robin's nests around our building, nine were robbed of eggs by the
crow. One of the nests was not over twenty yards from the house. The robin lays from three to
five eggs, and you can safely say that at least forty robins were thus destroyed inside of eight
acres of ground.
From Dr. A. K. Fisher, Sing Sing, N. Y.:
A great number of nests of the robin, wood thrush, and, in fact, many other birds are robbed
of their eggs, and I have often observed crows flying away with young birds in their bills, fol-
lowed by the outraged parents.
In examining the contents of crow's stomachs in spring, I have detected the presence of birds'
eggs in a number of cases.
Plate 9?-.
^ 2. Evening Grosbeak, Male and Female.
3. Brown Creeper. 4. Black and White Warbler, Males.
APPENDIX. 375
From C. S. Paine, East Bethel, Vt. :
Crows come into our shade trees early in the morning and take the eggs and young of the
oriole and robin ; I think that over half of the nests of our small birds are destroyed by them.
From D. Y. Overton, Burlington. Iowa :
The common crow, especially at the east, is an inveterate robber of birds' nests, and also de-
stroys their young. I have seen him at the nests of the robin with the eggs in his mouth ; and
have seen him with young bluejaysjn his beak as he took them from the nest.
From Charles A. Davis, Burlington, Vt. :
I have seen crows catch and carry to their nests eight or ten young bank swallows which were
feathered out.
From Samuel N. Rhoades, Haddonfield, N. J. :
The crow steals eggs and young birds from the purple grackle, red-winged blackbird, robin,
kingbird, Carolina dove, quail, and woodcock. It also destroys the eggs of several species of
herons.
Prof. D. E. Lantz, of Manhattan, Kansas, writes :
I have not known the crow to trouble the poultry-yard in Kansas, but it is a noted robber of
the eggs of quail and pinnated grouse.
Dr. A. B. MacCrea, of Berwick, Pa., writes:
A friend was mowing in the meadow this summer (1885) and uncovered a quail's nest contain-
ing some twenty eggs. He concluded to place them under a hen and went to the barn for a
basket ; when he returned a crow was finishing his dinner on the last egg.
In all the dark history of the crow's relations to other birds there is nothing which
can be fairly called a bright spot, and only here and there a record is found which
serves to render the page a little less gloomy. One of these grains of comfort is
found in the fact that in its' wholesale attacks on other birds a few species suffer
which are scarcely better than itself. The bluejay and the purple grackle are known
to destroy the eggs and young of smaller birds, and their own nests are frequently
pillaged by the more powerful crow. Under favorable circumstances crows are
known to destroy the eggs and young of the English sparrow, and they have done
good service in this way about the Smithsonian Institution, in Washington, D. C.,
where it is no uncommon sight during the summer to see a crow (most often per-
haps the Fish Crow) feeding on the young of these birds.
INSECT FOOD OF THE CROW.
In attempting to study the insect food of the crow, two different questions present
themselves at the outset. These are: (a) How many insects does the crow eat?
and (6) What kinds of insects does it eat? The first question was answered in a
general way more than half a century ago, and there is no reason now to deny the
oft-repeated statement that the crow feeds largely on insects. The second question,
however, is not only much more important, but much less easily answered ; for not
all insects are injurious, and comparatively few persons can discriminate between
the useful and harmful, especially when watching them from a distance or examin-
ing those which have been crushed and swallowed by a bird.
While, therefore, the field-notes of casual observers may help materially to answer
the question as to the extent to which the crow feeds on insects in general, they can
seldom be relied upon for an accurate knowledge of the insect species destroyed. As
already stated, this latter question must be answered mainly by the critical study of
the stomach-contents of large numbers of crows. Nevertheless, the accumulated
observations of years as to the crow's manner of feeding, together with notes on
places most visited at certain times, and the insects most abundant in those places
at such times, must not be disregarded, many such observations being of the great-
est practical value.
In the course of the present investigation on the crow, hundreds of notes on its
insect-eating habits have been received from correspondents, and in many cases the
observations are of greatest interest and value. Not a few of these notes relate to
observations made under peculiarly favorable circumstances, and though we cannot
feel perfectly sure of the correct identification, for example, of the Hessian fly and
army-worm, we see no reason to doubt the statements of any farmer as to grasshop-
376
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
pers and potato beetles, or even cut-worms and " white grubs." It is true they may
not know the scientific names of the particular species of grasshoppers or grub noted,
but the observation, though less valuable on this account, is still of definite worth.
A lew observers have examined stomachs of crows occasionally, and their testimony
in regard to the insects found therein therefore possess unusual value, but the
larger number by far base their statements entirely on field observations.
A few farmers contend that the crow rarely or never eats insects of any kind,
while others simply state that they have never seen it do so, and express a favorable
or unfavorable opinion as to the probability of such a habit. These, however, are
individual exceptions, the great majority of observers stating emphatically that the
crow does eat insects, and that he eats many; in fact, the unanimity of opinion
on this point is rather surprising, and much of the most favorable testimony comes
from men who are most severe on the crow as regards its other habits.
In this connection, the evidence furnished by the stomachs examined in the divi-
sion during the past year is interesting. The insects contained in these stomachs
have been submitted to the entomologist of the department, and a summary of the
results of his examination will be found in another place ; but while examining the
other components of the food it was easy to separate the insect material from the rest,
and to estimate the proportion which it formed of the entire food.
The following table, showing the amount of insect food in the stomachs examined,
contains several points of interest :
Table showing the amount of insect food in the stomachs of eighty-six crows (Corvus
americanus), arranged by months :
MONTH.
Number of
stomachs
examined.
Number of
stomachs
containing
insects.
Percentage of
stomachs con-
taining insects.
Average percent-
age of insect food
in stomachs con-
taining it.
Average percent-
age of insect food
in all stomachs
examined.
January
14
4
28 6
2
February,
6
1
16.7
1
17
March
1
1
100
1
1
April,
May.
June, ...
3
3
3
3
100
100
76
14 7
76
14 7
July
16
14
87 5
32 6
28 5
August. . .
September
October.
7
13
6
10
85.7
76 9
33
12 8
28.3
9 8
November,
December, . . .
3
20
3
18
100
90
17.3
5 9
17.3
5 4
86
63
73.2
19.7
14.5
It appears from the above table that sixty-three of the eighty-six stomachs ot the
Common Crow which were examined, or more than seventy-three per cent., con-
tained some insect food, the average amount in each of the sixty-three stomachs
being nearly twenty per cent., or one-fifth of the entire food. Fourteen and one-
half per cent, of all the food contained in the whole eighty-six stomachs consisted of
insects, and this in spite of the fact that two-thirds of these stomachs were from birds
taken during the colder half of the year, namely, between October 1 and April 1.
At first sight it seems still more remarkable that ninety per cent, of the stomachs
taken in December contained some insect food, while but eighty-seven and one-half
per cent of those taken in July contained insects. Those taken in July, however,
contained in the aggregate more than five times as much food of this kind as those
taken in December.
Again, of the fourteen stomachs taken in January, but four contained insect re-
mains, as against eighteen out of twenty taken in December. By consulting the
detailed results of the examination, however, the reason is evident ; for ten of the
January birds were taken at East Hartford, Conn., when the ground was mostly
covered with snow, while most of the December birds were taken near Washington,
D. C., when the ground was mostly bare.
Plate 93.
1, 2. Pine Grosbeak, Male and Female.
3. American Crossbill 4. White-winged Crossbill,
APPENDIX.
377
These few facts show how essential is the examination of large numbers of stom-
achs in order to secure accurate results, but nevertheless it is impossible to avoid
the conclusion that crows eat insects freely at all seasons of the year, and that the
main reason why they do not eat as many in cold weather as in warm is simply be-
cause they are not to be had then. These conclusions receive additional confirmation
from the reports of observers, very many of whom state that the crow feeds on in-
sects at all times of the year, but is especially destructive to them when they are ex-
ceptionally abundant.
Turning now to the reports of observers as to the kinds of insects eaten, we find
additional testimony favorable to the crow.
The following list gives the names of all insects on which the crow is said to feed,
together with the number of observers reporting each kind :
NAMES.
No. of
reports.
NAMES.
No. of
reports.
Insects of all kinds
11
Army worms,
3
Insects, kind not specified, .
54
Tobacco worms.
2
Grasshoppers
80
Earth worms
7
Crickets.
8
Worms kind not specified
10
4
Ants i
2
Seventeen-year cicada
2
" Bugs, " kind not specified
6
' White grubs, "
32
Tent caterpillar.
Grass, kind not specified,
49
Apple tree worm,
Cut worms, . . .
44
Canker worm,
May beetles
5
Corn worm, ... .... ...
' ' June bugs, "
2
Bud worm
Potato beetles
6
"Millers."
Beetles, kind not specified
13
Hessian fly
Caterpillars, .
Cocoons.
2
Wire worms
8
Crysalids
2
A glance at the above list shows that certain groups of insects are reported by large
numbers of observers, and it is interesting to note that in almost every case the in-
sects so reported are decidedly injurious. Thus grubs and " white grubs" aggregate
eighty-one reports, cut-worms are mentioned in forty-four, and grasshoppers in
eighty.
Among the numerous reports which mention a considerable variety of insects the
following may be instanced :
From William Proud, Chico, Cal. :
It is a great devourer of grubs, caterpillars, chrysalises, etc.; including wire-worms, larvae of
cockchafer, beetles, army- worms, grasshoppers, and any other noxious vermin that falls in the
way.
From E. E. Mason, Accotink, Va. :
I have have had them follow me all day when I have been plowing, picking up the grub-
worms. They are evidently voracious feeders and not nice as to diet, but doubtless drew the
line on any of the caterpillar family. A friend of mine having shot one cut his craw open and
found so many insects that he said he had killed his last crow. 1 think if the crow was less dis-
turbed there would be less wormy roasting ears.
From T. Scott Fisher, East Brook, Pa. :
I watched a pair of crows follow me day after day last spring [1886] while plowing sod, and
saw one crow pick up twenty-five to forty white grubs, cut-worms, and wire-worms at one time
and then tty to the woods for an hour or so, then back and at it again.
From William G. Coutan, Brackney, Pa,:
I am convinced from personal observation that the crow pulls corn in search of grubs and
worms. For where large quantities have been pulled up the grain is left intact on the sprout.
From F. R. Welsh, Philadelphia, Pa.:
On three or four occasions I have known crows to pull up corn from two to four inches high,
I do not think they eat the green top ; their object seems to be to get at the seeds, which they in-
variably eat.
From John C. Lihville, Gap, Pa.:
It feeds largely on the large white grub, the larvae of the May beetle. When the common
cut-worm is very numerous I have seen the crow dig something out of the hill of corn and leave
the corn unmolested ; I think he was catching the worms.
378 BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
FromD. E. Pannepacker, Chalfont, Pa.:
A field of corn is adjacent to my school-house. On the 13th of May the corn was planted, and
on the 22d of May I first noticed the tender shoots above the ground. The field previous to the
cultivation was covered with a thick growth of sod, favorable to the existence of the grub and
wire-worm. It was but natural, too, for these insects to remain, and not having the tender shoots
of timothy, clover, and other grasses to satisfy their appetites, they turned their attention to
the growing corn. The despised crow here rendered most excellent service, for though he
pulled up the corn, I noticed each time the well known track of the wire- worm, or the worn path
of the grub.
When the seventeen-year cicada appeared this summer (1885) the crow fed extensively on both
its pupae and imagoes. The young were fed to some extent on the pupae on May 30. As they
had not at this time appeared above the ground, I suppose the crows obtained them in plowed
fields.-(.M". J. Perry .Moore, PTiiia., Pa.)
THE CHOW AN ENEMY TO GRASSHOPPERS.
Probably the most marked example of the good which crows do by destroying
insects is found in their attacks on grasshoppers, crickets, and kindred insects.
Eighty observers report the crow as feeding extensively on grasshoppers, and there
can be no doubt that much good is done in this way. The following examples
show something of the extent of the benefit occasionally done.
From A. I. Johnson, Hydeville, Vt.:
Crows have some very good qualities, catching countless numbers of crickets and grasshop-
pers after the hay is cut. They can be seen at almost any time of day on the meadows catching
grasshoppers. I observed one pair of old crows this summer (1885) when I was haying, that were
feeding their young almost entirely (if not quite) on grasshoppers ; the old crows would alight
on the mown land within eight or ten rods of me, and after catching a hopper or two would fly
to their young that were on the fence and there feed them with the hoppers.
From W. E. Saunders, London, Ontario, Canada :
Last summer (1885) I watched a flock of probably two thousand crows catching grasshoppers.
From J. B. Underbill, Fork Union, Va. :
As to the insect diet of the adult I cannot testify, having never examined the gizzards. The
gizzards of two young which were taken from the nest were filled to overflowing with grass-
hoppers, and each contained one or two kernels of corn.
From Morris M. Green, Boonville, N. Y. :
Near Boonville I have seen the common crow feeding on grasshoppers during the summer
months. Some fields seemed to be fairly black with the birds pursuing the grasshoppers in
every direction. One day noticing a flock of crows frequenting a particular field, I visited the
place, and found that the roots of the grass had been completely eaten away, so that the sod or
turf could be taken by tne hand and rolled up like a rug or carpet. A farmer living in the
vicinity told me that the crows visited the place every day to feed upon the grubs that destroyed
the turf in this way. The grubs or larvae were about three-fourths of an inch in length ; body
whitish, with some dull plumbeous underneath ; head blackish.
THE INSECT FOOD OF THE CROW AS REVEALED BY EXAMINATION OF
STOMACHS.
Among the eighty-six stomachs of the Common Crow examined, sixty-three were
found to contain insect remains, and these remains were submitted to the entomol-
ogist of the department, Prof. C. V. Riley, who caused a critical study of them to be
made, and has in preparation a full report, showing the number and kinds of insects
represented in each stomach, with notes as to their habits and economic importance.
A brief summary of the more important facts brought out by this investigation is
given herewith. It has been prepared by the writer from a preliminary report to
the entomologist by Tyler Townsend, assistant, who, with the aid of the other
members of the entomological force, made most of the determinations. The full re-
port will appear in a bulletin on the crow, which is now in preparation in the orni-
thological division.
The stomachs examined contained the remains of about ninety-two species of
true insects, represented by about five hundred specimens. About ten per cent, of
these cannot be classed properly as either beneficial or injurious, and the remainder
APPENDIX.
379
are divided pretty evenly between the two. The following table shows the orders
represented, as well as the number of species and individuals in each, and these are
further classified under the heads beneficial, injurious and neutral :
Table showing the nature of the insect food in sixty-three stomachs of the
Common Crow.
SPECIES.
INDIVIDUALS.
Bene-
ficial.
Inju-
rious.
Neu-
tral.
Total.
Bene-
ficial.
Inju-
rious.
Neu-
tral.
Total.
Hymenoptera,
16
1
6
....
17
6
126
8
16
....
134
16
1
174
3
150
18
Lepidoptera
Diptera
1
23
1
1
47
3
17
1
92
1
85
1
213
Coleoptera,
16
1
17
8
3
"l"
57
1
150
232
32
1
18
Hemiptera
Orthoptera
Neuroptera
Total
41
41
10
51
496
In addition to the true insects mentioned above, the stomachs contained remains of at least three
species of spiders and two of myriapods. sixteen specimens in all, and all beneficial.
The order Coleoptera (beetles) is most numerously represented, and a majority
of the species are beneficial. It is an interesting fact that no less than eighteen spe-
cies of predaceous beetles (Cicindelidce and Carabidce) are included in this number,
together with nearly a dozen species of the scavenger beetles (/Scarabceidce). Some
of these are species possessing disagreeable odors, and it is somewhat surprising
that the crow should take them unless other food was scarce. They occur mosi
abundantly, however, in stomachs taken in May, June and July, when other food
must have been abundant. Among the injurious beetles identified are the flat-
headed apple-tree borer (Chrysobothris), of which a single specimen was found;
May beetles (Lachnosterna') in five stomachs (nine specimens in one) ; and a few
other borers and leaf-feeders. Three small weevils were taken from one stomach
and considered "injurious insects," as they are, but it is probable that they were
hidden in kernels of corn which were eaten by the crow.
The order Orthoptera (grasshoppers, crickets, etc.) is well represented by one
hundred and fifty specimens belongingto seventeen species. Twenty-eight stomachs
contained examples of this order, and the results of stomach examination in this
case bear out the statements of observers and show that in this direction the work
done by the crow is entirely beneficial, as all these insects are more or less injurious.
The order Hymenoptera, including the wasps, bees, ants, etc., is represented in
the material taken from the crow stomachs by one hundred and thirty-four speci-
mens belonging to seventeen species, all but one of which are beneficial. A species
of saw fly, decidedly injurious, was found in one stomach, and seven larvae of the
same or another species in a second stomach. One of these stomachs, however, also
contained the remains of a young bird, apparently a nestling, and it is not improba-
ble that the saw flies came from this source. Two other stomachs contained remains
of ichneumon flies belonging to different genera. These are among the most bene-
ficial of insects, destroying particularly large numbers of caterpillars.
Only one other order requires special mention, viz., the Lepidoptera. In this are
included the butterflies and moths the .larvae of which are almost invariably de-
structive. Contrary to what might have been expected, the crow stomachs do not
show many representatives of this order. Six species, five of which are decidedly
injurious, were recognized, but the sixteen specimens were distributed among nine
stomachs. The family NoctitidcBj which includes the cut-worms, was represented
by nine specimens in six stomachs ; that is, but six crows out of eighty-six had
eaten any cut-worms.
In concluding this imperfect summary of the insectivorous habits of the Common
Crow it must be conceded that the showing is not very favorable for the bird.
380 BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
Considering merely the testimony of observers, the conclusion would be favorable
in the main, for it appears that the crow eats insects throughout the season, at many
times in large quantities, and often of the most injurious kinds. To be sure, they
are mainly terrestial or subterranean kinds, but they are decidedly injurious in the
main, and few, if any, beneficial insects are said to be taken.
In the light of the stomach examinations, however, the case assumes a different
complexion, for although the evidence from this source confirms in some respects
the testimony of observers, it indicates also that beneficial and injurious insects are
taken in nearly equal quantities, and thus the good done at one time may be fully
neutralized at another. The force of this point is much weakened by the small
number of stomach examinations made, and by the fact that so few crows were taken
during the summer months ; but the indications point to an omnivorous habit in
general, and to the destruction of good and bad insects indiscriminately.
As has been suggested by many previous writers and reiterated by numbers of
our own observers, the harm done in the destruction of eggs and young of insectiv-
orous birds during spring and early summer is beyond all computation ; and it is
difficult for one familiar with the magnitude of the crow's iniquity in this direction
to believe that any destruction of injurious insects or other animals can fully atone
for it. Yet even here another factor should be taken into account, as it must be
borne in mind that many of the small birds killed by the crow are not strictly in-
sectivorous, while some of them, in their thefts of fruit and other crops, continually
tend to even their own accounts with the farmer, and occasionally even overdraw
them.
THE CROW AS AN ENEMY TO FIELD MICE AND OTHER SMALL QUADRUPEDS.
Aside from the insect-eating habits of the crow its most beneficial trait probably is
the killing of field mice. Of these it is a great destroyer, hunting up the nests and
devouring young and old whenever they can be caught. There is abundance of
evidence that crows are very skilful at such hunting, and undoubtedly they form
one of the strong checks on the increase of these prolific and destructive rodents.
Among the reports of our correspondents are twelve which mention this habit of
mouse-hunting, and from these we select a few :
From James O. Whittemore, Fairfield, Me. :
I have observed crows catching insects and field mice all the year round. The general im-
pression among farmers is to tolerate crows at all seasons except the early spring.
From F. A. Sampson, Sedalia, Mo. :
After mowing I have seen crows feeding on what I supposed to be grasshoppers ; they also
catch and eat mice.
We have received one report also from William J. Howerton, of Florence, Ariz.,
who writes as follows :
The Common Crow of this section is of some economic value, as I have observed it catching
and killing the common pocket gopher.
MISCELLANEOUS ANIMAL FOOD OF THE CROW.
Probably no family of birds in existence is more truly omnivorous than the crows;
almost anything eatable is utilized when hunger presses, though at other times
they are more scrupulous about their food. It is useless, therefore, to attempt to
give a complete category of the items which may enter into the crow's diet, and as
many of them have no bearing on the economic aspects of the question it is unnec-
essary to dwell on the subject here ; any one who is curious to know exactly what
ninety-eight crows had eaten just before they were killed can consult the list of
stomach examinations with which this paper concludes.
The animal matter contained in the stomachs of eighty-six common crows exam-
ined was as follows :
Plate 94.
1. Tree Sparrow. 2. Snowtiake.
3. Worm-eating Warbler. 4. Magnolia Warbler.
APPENDIX.
381
AXIMAL CONTEXTS OF STOMACHS.
No. of
stomachs
in which
found.
ANIMAL CONTENTS or STOMACHS.
No. of
stomachs
in which
found.
Carrion
14
5
Remains of mice
4
mussels or clams.
4
I
frogs,
5
insects
63
salamander
1
spiders, . . .
2
fish
g
1
crayflsh,
6
The following statement from Mr. John M. Richardson, of Daingerfield, Tex., is
interesting in this connection from its novelty. Mr. Richardson writes :
The crow is known to catch young terrapins, and there is reason to believe that it destroys
other small reptiles. I remember a rock-crowned hill on the east bank of the Wateree, between
Manchester and Statesburgh, in Sumpter county, Ga., that was almost covered with remains of
small terrapins and land tortoises carried there, killed, and devoured by crows.
RESULTS IN DETAIL OP THE EXAMINATION OF STOMACHS OF THE COMMON
CROW (Corvus americanus}.
[NOTE. The following- records of dissection are from examinations of stomachs preserved in
alcohol and forwarded to the Department of Agriculture by the collectors whose names accom-
pany the records in the list below. Unless otherwise stated the determinations of the various
items of stomach contents have been made entirely by members of the division, the writer being
responsible for the larger part. The percentages of the food elements in each case are to be re-
garded simply as approximate ; they are merely careful estimates, no exact measurement being
practicable. As elsewhere stated, the remains of insects were referred to the entomologist of
the department, for critical study, and a summary of his preliminary report has been given on
a previous pa fe -e.]
2648. Male. Schraalenburgh, N. J. January 2, 1886 ; 9.30 a. m. F. J. Dixon.
Animal matter. per cent; vegetable, 90 ; gravel, etc., 6 ; indeterminate, 4.
Stomach less than half full.
Contents. Fragments of corn, acorns, etc.; 3 bits of insect legs ; fine mud-
like matter not determined ; a little sand and gravel.
2649. Female. Schraalenburgh, N. J. January 2, 1886 ; 10.30 a. m. F. J. Dixon.
Animal matter, 7 per cent. ; vegetable, 90 ; gravel, etc., 3. Stomach well filled.
Contents. Remains of corn, pumpkin and cucumber seeds and perhaps other
seeds ; remains of muscular fiber, probably from a mussel or clam as some
of it was attached to a piece of a shell, apparently that of bivalve ; a few
bits of shell and a little sand ; no remains of insects.
7012. Chester county, Pa. January 12, 1887. Dr. B. H. Warren.
Animal matter, 25 per cent.; vegetable, 50 ; gravel, etc., 25. Stomach about
two-thirds full.
Contents. A few bits of corn (kernels), and a large amount of hulls .of corn
or other grain, with some other vegetable fiber ; 4 seeds of poison ivy
(Rhus tozicodendron'); 2 vertebrae of small bird* and several fragments of
bone of small fisti* ; 3 or 4 small beetles and a large quantity of other in-
sect remains and one spider ; a good supply of coarse gravel.
7013. Chester county, Pa. January 15, 1887. Dr. B. H. Warren.
Animal matter, 1 per cent; vegetable, 90; gravel, etc., 9. Stomach about
three-fourths full.
Contents. One hundred and fifty-three seeds of poison ivy (Rhus toxicoden-
dron), about 125 seeds of sumach (Rhus glabra} ; egg-case of a spider ; in-
sect remains ; a fair amount of sand and gravel ; a quantity of finely pul-
verized vegetable matter mixed with fine sand.
4432. Male. East Hartford, Conn. January 15, 1887 ; a. m. Willard E. Treat.
Animal matter, 10 per cent; vegetable, 75; gravel, etc., 15. Stomach well
filled.
These bones* were identified by K. A. Lucas.
382 BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
Contents. Remains of kernels of corn, forming about 70 per cent, of entire
stomach contents ; about 15 seeds of common sumach (Rhus) and 1 seed of
poison sumach (Rhus venenata); about 10 per cent, of bits of flesh and
ligament of some animal, probably carrion ; a large amount of clean sand
without pebbles ; no insect remains.
4433. Female. East Hartford, Conn. January 15, 1887 ; a. m; Willard E. Treat.
Animal matter, 15 per cent.; vegetable, 10 ; gravel, etc., 75. Stomach less than
' half full.
Contents. Three unknown seeds, probably of apple, pear, or quince ; a small
amount of vegetable matter like pulp of fruit ; a single hog bristle and a
number of bits of meat, probably carrion ; a large amount of sand without
any gravel or pebbles ; no insect remains.
4434. Female. East Hartford, Conn. January 16, 1887 ; a. m. Willard E. Treat.
Animal matter, 15 per cent.; vegetable, 10; gravel, etc., 75. Stomach about
half full.
Contents. A few skins of berries or seeds in small bits, and a little other fine
vegetable debris ; a single hog bristle and bits of animal tissue, probably
carrion ; about 2 per cent, of insect remains, all of a single insect ; a large
amount of sand, and two or three small pebbles.
4435. Male. East Hartford, Conn. January 16, 1887 ; 2 p. m. Willard E. Treat.
Animal matter, 5 per cent; vegetable, 3 ; gravel, etc., 92. Stomach almost
empty.
Contents. One or two hog bristles and a few shreds of animal membrane,
probably carrion ; a few bits of hulls of corn or other grain ; a little sand
and many small fragments of some hard black mineral ; no insect remains.
4436. Female. East Hartford, Conn. January 16, 1887 ; 2 p. m. Willard E. Treat.
Animal matter, 35 per cent.; vegetable, 60 ; gravel, etc., 5. Stomach about half
full.
Contents. About 100 seeds of poison ivy (Rhus toxicodendron), and 7 seeds of
common sumach (Rhus); about 35 per cent, of shreds and bits of animal
membrane, probably carrion ; a little sand and five or six small pebbles ;
no insects.
4437. Male. East Hartford, Conn. January 16, 1887 ; 2 p. m. Willard E. Treat.
Animal matter, 40 per cent.; vegetable, 10; gravel, etc., 50. Stomach almost
empty.
Contents. Two seeds of harmless sumach (Rhus) and a few hulls and skins
of other seeds or grain ; one hog bristle and a few shreds and small masses
of muscle and tendon, probably carrion ; sand without pebbles ; no in
sects.
4438. Male. East Hartford, Conn. January 16, 1887 ; 2 p. m. Williard E. Treat.
Animal matter, 14 per cent.; vegetable, 85; gravel, etc., 1. Stomach well
filled.
Contents. Remains of about 20 kernels of corn, 9 or 10 of them nearly entire ;
about 80 seeds of harmless sumach (Rhus) ; one or two hog bristles, and
many shreds and bits of meat, probably carrion ; a very little sand ; no in-
sects. ,
4450. Female. East Hartford, Conn. January 31, 1887 ; 10 a. m. Willard E. Treat.
Animal matter, 5 percent. ; vegetable, 48 ; gravel, etc., 47. Stomach well filled.
Contents. Remains of kernels of corn, mostly hulls; one or two small shreds
of meat (carrion ?) ; a dozen or more caddis-fly cases and some of the legs
of the larvae [Tyler Townsend] ; a large amount of sand and gravel.
4451. Male. East Hartford, Conn. January 31, 1887 ; 10 a. m. Williard E. Treat.
Animal matter, 50 per cent. ; vegetable, 50 ; gravel, etc., 0. Stomach less than
half full.
Contents. Scraps and shreds of meat and animal membrane (carrion ?) ; about
120 seeds of harmless sumach (Rhus), and other remains of the berries;
no gravel or sand ; no insects.
APPENDIX. 383
4452. Male. East Hartford, Conn. January 31, 1887 ; 10 a. m. Williard E. Treat
Animal matter, 50 per cent. ; vegetable, 42 ; gravel, etc., 8. Stomach well filled.
Contents. Shreds and tendinous masses of animal matter, probably carrion ;
remains of a few acorns or chestnuts ; 77 seeds of poison ivy (Rhus toxi-
codendron) ; about 175 seed of harmless sumach (#/ms) ; a small amount
of gravel and sand ; no insects.
3059. Male. Sandy Spring, Md. February 4, 1887 ; a. m. H. H. Miller.
Animal matter, per cent ; vegetable, 87 ; gravel, etc., 10; indeterminate, 3.
Stomach well filled.
Contents. Corn almost entirely, more than half of it in large pieces, some nearly
entire kernels and a large quantity of hulls ; about 10 per cent, of gravel
and sand, the bulk of it being rusty quartz ; a small amount (3 per cent y
of fine "mud," not identifiable ; no insects.
4461. East Hartford, Conn. February 14, 1887 ; 10 a. m. Willard E. Treat
Animal matter, 40 per cent; vegetable, 50; gravel, etc., 10. Stomach well
filled.
Contents. Remains of corn and perhaps other grains, with a few bits of grass
and hulls of seeds ; about 60 seeds of harmless sumach (fthus), apparently
of two distinct species ; 2 seeds of red cedar (Juniperus) ; a large amount
of muscular fiber, fat, and sinews, probably carrion ; sand and gravel ; no
insects.
4462. Female. East Hartford, Conn. February 14, 1887 ; 10 a. m. Willard E. Treat
Animal matter, 5 per cent, vegetable, 45; gravel, etc., 50. Stomach nearly
empty.
Contents. Remnants of corn and hulls ; a few bits of acorn shells ; a bit of
skin (without hair) of some animal ; a single hog bristle ; a fair amount of
fine sand, and two or three small pebbles ; no insects.
4463. Female. East Hartford, Conn. February 14, 1887 ; 10 a. m. Willard E. Treat.
Animal matter, 1 percent; vegetable, 45; gravel, etc., 50; indeterminate, 4.
Stomach about half full.
Contents. About 100 seeds of harmless sumach (Rhus), and a considerable
amount of hulls, skins, etc., of these or other seeds and fruits ; a few
minute bits of the hard parts of insects ; a little very fine black "mud,"
not determined , sand, gravel, and bits of coke.
4464. Male. East Hartford, Conn. February 14, 1887 ; 10 a. m. Williard E. Treat
Animal matter, 75 per cent ; vegetable, ; gravel, etc., 25. Stomach almost
empty.
Contents. One hog bristle ; a very little muscular fiber and sinew and some
fat, doubtless all carrion ; a small amount of fine sand ; no insects.
3139. Male. West Goshen, Pa. February 15, 1886. Dr. B. H. Warren.
Animal matter, 5 per cent ; vegetable, 93; gravel, etc., 2. Stomach about
half full.
Contents. Remains of numerous kernels of corn ; 6 seeds of sumach ; a small
bone from tarsus or carpus of some animal, apparently of the size of a dog
or sheep ; a single piece of slate about one-half inch long; no insects.
1331. Male. Washington, D. C. March 13, 1886 ; 4 p. m. Dr. A. K. Fisher.
Animal matter, 1 percent. ; vegetable, 97 ; gravel, etc., 2. Stomach well filled.
Contents. Unidentified vegetable matter mainly ; a few bits of corn or other
grain, with some hulls, bits of grass, and what appears to be young sprouts
of some vegetable ; 3 or 4 small seeds not identified ; a single claw of a cray-
fish and a few bits of insect remains ; no pebbles and very little sand.
1379. Young. Saint Louis, Mo. May 23, 1885. Otto Widmann.
Animal matter, 99 per cent ; vegetable, ; gravel, etc., 1.
Contents. Many bones of frog ; numerous fragments of insects ; a very little
sand.
384 BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
5510. Nestling. Gainesville, Va. May 13, 1887 ; 5 p. m. Dr. A. K. Fisher.
Animal matter, 90 per cent. ; vegetable, ; gravel, etc., 0; indeterminate, 10.
Stomach well filled.
Contents. Mainly insects ; a few bones of a small frog ; about 10 per cent, of
fine "mud," apparently a mixture of animal, vegetable, and mineral mat-
ter, but not determinable ; no sand or gravel.
5511. Nestling. Gainesville, Va. May 13, 1887 ; 5 p. m. Dr. A. K. Fisher.
Animal matter, 90 per cent. ; vegetable, 7 ; gravel, etc., 1 ; indeterminate, 2.
Stomach about two-thirds full.
Contents. Six or eight small pieces of vegetable matter, apparently bits of an
acorn or chestnut ; a few shreds of vegetable fiber ; 2 or 3 minute bones of
a fish ; 3 bits of shell, probably of snail ; a single small pebble and a few
grains of sand; a large amount (nearly 90 per cent.) of insect remains,
among which pieces of beetles are numerous ; a small amount of fine mud-
like material, probably from the insects.
2514. Adult female. Sing Sing, N. Y. June 30, 1886 ; 3 p. m. Dr. A. K. Fisher.
Animal matter, 1 per cent. ; vegetable, 99; gravel, etc., 0. Stomach full.
Contents. Mainly corn, one whole kernel and many large pieces, and a large
amount of hulls and finely pulverized corn; 3 stones of cherries (culti-
vated), a few bits of black vegetable material like the shell of an acorn ; a
few bits of the hard parts of beetles ; no sand or gravel.
2677. Young. Englewood, N. J. June 27, 1886 ; 5 p. m. F. M. Chapman.
Animal matter, 95 per cent. ; vegetable, 5; gravel, etc., 0. Stomach well filled.
Contents. Remains of small bird, apparently an unfledged young; remains
of insect larvae and insects, but these may have come from the stomach of
the young bird eaten by the crow ; a few bits of the hulls of corn, and
other vegetable debris.
3045. Adult (?). Peterborough, Madison county, N. Y. June, 1886. G. S. Miller, Jr,
Animal matter, 3 per cent. ; vegetable, 95 ; gravel, etc., 2. Stomach well filled.
Contents. Kernels of corn, oats, and a few of wheat, together with a large
quantity of hulls, mainly of oats ; a few small fragments of insects ; 4 small
pebbles, and a very little sand.
3769. Male. Immature. Peck's Island, New Jersey. July 1, 1886; noon. J.
Percy Moore.
Animal matter, 15 per cent. ; vegetable, 10; gravel, etc., 75. Stomach about
half full.
Contents. Mainly sand and bits of shell ; two or three bits of seaweed and a
very little other vegetable matter ; 1 gasteropod shell about half an inch
long; 3 or 4 joints of a crustacean's legs; hundreds of minute fish verte-
brae, almost microscopic ; about 5 per cent, of insect remains in very fine
pieces.
2515. Male. Immature. Sing Sing, N. Y. July 1, 1886; 9 a. m. Dr. A. K. Fisher.
Animal matter, 99 per cent. ; vegetable, 0; gravel, etc., 0; indeterminate, 1.
Stomach about half full.
Contents. Insects, mainly larvae ; a few bits of what appears to be bark or
wood, but not positively identified ; no sand or gravel.
2516. Male adult. Sing Sing, N. Y. July 1, 1886 ; 9 a. m. Dr. A. K. Fisher.
Animal matter, 2 per cent. ; vegetable, 95 ; gravel, etc., 3. Stomach well filled.
Contents. Nine cherry stones, with skins and pulp of about 3 ; fragments of
corn or other grain, and the hulls of same ; about 20 seeds of Rubus sp. ?
and 6 or 8 unknown seeds ; a few remains of insects, apparently beetles ; 5
small pebbles and a little sand.
Dr. Fisher says the cherry stones are from cherries which grow every-
where in the woods about Sing Sing, and probably have escaped from cul-
tivation. They are very dark when ripe, almost black.
APPENDIX. 385
2517. Male adult Sing Sing, N. Y. July 1, 1886 ; noon. Dr. A. K. Fisher.
Animal matter, 65 per cent; vegetable, 33; gravel, etc., 2. Stomach well
filled.
Contents. Seven cherry stones (like those in No. 2516), and bits of skins and
other debris of fruit; about a dozen seeds of Rubua, apparently the red
raspberry ( R. strigosus) ; large quantity of insect remains, one or two in-
sects nearly entire ; a very small amount of sand.
2518. Male adult Sing Sing, N. Y. July 1, 1886 ; 1 p. m. Dr. A. K. Fisher.
Animal matter, 70 per cent; vegetable, 30 ; gravel, etc., 0. Stomach full.
Contents. Nineteen cherry stones (like those in No. 2516) ; a few bits of fruit
skins and vegetable fiber ; a very large amount of insect remains ; four
small vertebrae of small, tailed batrachian, perhaps a salamander (iden-
tified by F. A. Lucas).
2519. Male adult Sing Sing, N. Y. July 2, 1886 ; .10.30 a. m. Dr. A. K. Fisher.
Animal matter, 60 per cent; vegetable, 40 ; gravel, etc., 0. Stomach well
filled.
Contents. Six cherry stones (like those in No. 2516), and a very little other
vegetable matter ; bones and flesh of a small bullfrog (identified by F. A.
Lucas). No trace of insects or gravel.
2520. Female adult Sing Sing, N. Y. July 2, 1886 ; 1 p. m. Dr. A. K. Fisher.
Animal matter, 50 per cent; vegetable, 50; gravel, etc., 0. Stomach little
distended.
Contents. Five stones of cherry (like those in No. 2516); remains of insects;
no gravel.
2521. Female adult Sing Sing, N. Y. July 2, 1886 ; 1.30 p. m. Dr. A. K. Fisher.
Animal matter, 60 per cent; vegetable, 40; gravel, etc., 0. Stomach nearly
empty.
Contents. One cherry stone (like those found in No. 2516), and a single frag-
ment of some other fruit stones ; insect remains ; no gravel.
2522. Female adult Sing Sing, N. Y. July 2, 1886; 2.30 p. m. Dr. A. K. Fisher.
Animal matter, 33 per cent; vegetable, 65; gravel, etc., 2. Stomach well
filled.
Contents. Four cherries, whole or nearly so, and stones of twelve more (like
those in No. 2516), with a very little other vegetable matter; bones of a
frog, forming about four-fifths of the animal matter, the remainder being
fragments of insects ; a single pebble and a very little sand.
2678. Young. Nigger Pond, Ramapo Mountains, N. J. July 4, 1886; 5 p. m. F.
M. Chapman.
Animal matter, 10 per cent; vegetable, 90; gravel, etc., 0. Stomach nearly
empty.
Contents. A few pieces of acorns, peas, or kernels of corn ; three or four small
berries, probably of the heath family, perhaps blueberries ( Vaccinium) ;
two or three pieces of animal matter, possibly bits of marine worms: two
or three bones of small fish ; no sand or gravel.
2679. Young. Nigger Pond, Ramapo Mountains, New Jersey. July 4, 1886 ; 5 p.
rn. F. M. Chapman.
Animal matter, 3 per cent; vegetable, 97; gravel, etc., 0. Stomach about
half full.
Contents. Numerous fragments of the flesh of some nut, fruit or grain, not
determined, perhaps of acorn, as there are many fragments of shell re-
sembling that of an acorn ; 2 pistils of flowers nearly an inch long ; a few
bones of small fish ; no trace of insects or gravel.
2866. Male adult (?). Peterborough, Madison county, N. Y. July 14, 1886. G. S.
Miller, Jr.
Animal matter, 60 per cent; vegetable, 30; gravel, etc., 4; indeterminate, 6.
Stomach well filled.
25 BIRDS.
386 BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
Contents. Remains of oats (mainly the hulls); fine grass and some other
vegetable fiber ; bones and nearly all the teeth of a field-mouse (Arvicola
riparius), forming about 25 per cent, of the whole stomach contents;
about 30 per cent, of insect remains ; about 6 per cent, of fine " mud " not
identifiable.
4886. Young. Hillsborough, New Brunswick. July 15, 1886 ; 3 to 4 p. m. Jonathan
D wight, Jr.
Animal matter, 10 per cent.; vegetable, 45; gravel, etc., 45. Stomach nearly
empty.
Contents. Remains of seeds and berries, two kinds of seeds not recognized ;
remains of insects ; 10 pebbles ; no sand.
4887. Male, young. Hillsborough, New Brunswick. July 16, 1886; 8 a. m., Jonathan
Dwight, Jr.
Animal matter, 35 per cent.; vegetable, 65 ; gravel, etc., 0. Stomach less than
half full.
Contents. A piece of moss about half an inch long ; hulls of five or six rasp-
berries; seven seeds of red raspberry (Rubus strigosus); remains of a
large cutworm ; no gravel or sand.
4888. Female, young. Hillsborough, New Brunswick. July 16, 1886 ; 8 a. m. Jona-
than Dwight, jr.
Animal matter, 1 percent.; vegetable, 99; gravel, etc., 0. Stomach less than
half full.
Contents. Hulls and a few seeds of raspberry ; two small unknown pods not
yet ripe ; twelve or fifteen very small seeds, possibly those of strawber-
ries ; a single fragment of some beetle ; no gravel or sand.
4962. Male, immature. Hillsborough, New Brunswick. July 29, 1886; 5 p. m.
Jonathan Dwight, Jr.
Animal matter, 20 per cent; vegetable, 80 ; gravel, etc., 0. Stomach about
half full.
Contents. A large amount of pulp and skins of some fruit not identified (the
pulp looks like that of an early apple, but the skins are too thin); two
stones of some species of Prunus, perhaps a beech plum ; remains of in-
sects, mainly (?) beetles, but one large cutworm ; no gravel.
735. Immature. Sing Sing, N. Y. September 18, 1885 ; 10 a. m. Dr. C. Hart
Merriam.
Animal matter, 5 per cent; vegetable, 60; gravel, etc., 20; indeterminate, 15.
Stomach well filled.
Contents. Twenty-two stones of wild cherry (Prunus serotina)', 9 of cornel (Cor-
nus sp. ?), and 3 unidentified ; also pulp of above berries; a few pieces of
of what appears to be an acorn or chestnut ; various hard parts of insects.
1540. Alfred Centre, N. Y. September 20, 1885 ; a. m. F. S. Place.
Animal matter, 45 per cent; vegetable, 53 ; gravel, etc., 2. Stomach full.
Contents. Fragments of the "meat" of some nut or large seed; pieces of
acorns or chestnuts ; numerous fragments of fruit pulp, probably apple ;
many insect remains (45 per cent) ; 5 small pebbles ; no sand.
154L Alfred Centre, N. Y. September 20, 1885 ; a. m. F. S. Place.
Animal matter, 40 per cent; vegetable, 60 ; gravel, etc., 0. Stomach full.
Contents. Seven stones of wild cherry (Prunus serotina); 5 or 6 triangular
seeds (of Polygonum ?) skins and other vegetable matter from both the
preceding, and some long vegetable fiber from some other plant ; numer-
ous insect remains ; no sand or gravel.
2239. Male. Washington, D. C. September 7, 1886; 11 a. m. W. B. Barrows.
Animal matter, per cent; vegetable, 70; gravel, etc., 5; indeterminate, 25.
stomach almost empty.
Contents. One grape seed ; vegetable fiber finely divided ; 2 or 3 bits of sand
and gravel ; fine mud-like material, not identifiable ; no insects.
Plate 95.
1. White-throated Sparrow. 2. Towhee.
3. White-crowned Sparrow. 4. Water Thrush,
Males.
APPENDIX. 387
2240. Male. Washington, D. C. September 7, 1886 ; 11 a. m. F. A. Lucas.
Animal matter, 10 per cent; vegetable, 80; gravel, etc., 10. Stomach about
half full.
Contents. Grape seeds and skins, with a little pulp and much vegetable fiber;
other vegetable material not identifiable ; 7 seeds of poison ivy ; small
amount of gravel ; a few insect remains.
The grape seeds are undoubtedly those of cultivated grapes, as this bird
and No. 2239 were shot near a vineyard, the owner of which complained of
the great damage done by the crows.
2698. Alfred Centre, N. Y. September 7, 1886. F. S. Place.
Animal matter, 95 per cent.; vegetable, 5; gravel, etc., 0. Stomach less than
half full.
Contents. One stone of wild cherry and a very little fine vegetable matter,
probably from the fruit of the same ; several grasshoppers and perhaps
. other insects ; no gravel.
2242. Male. Shelter Island, New York. September 11, 1886 ; a. m. W. W. Worth-
ington.
Animal matter, 10 per cent., vegetable, 85 ; gravel, etc., 5. Stomach well filled.
Contents. About 50 seeds of bay-berry or wax- berry ( Myrica cerifera) ; hulls
of corn or some other grain, with a few small bits of the grain ; a little
fine vegetable material, not identified ; remains of the legs of a small
crustacean ; 4 small snail shells (marine); 2 vertebrae of small fish ; a few
fragments of insects ; a little sand.
4587. Male. Shelter Island, New York. October 1, 1886; a. m. W. W. Worth-
ington.
Animal matter, 25 per cent.; vegetable, 60 ; gravel, etc., 15. Stomach about
half full.
Contents. Fragments of acorns or chestnuts, and, perhaps of some other seeds,
but these mainly ; remains of a crayfish ; 4 or 5 minute bits of an insect ;
considerable sand, but no pebbles.
4588. Male. Shelter Island, New York. October 1, 1886; a. m. W. W. Worth-
ington.
Animal matter, per cent.; vegetable, 100; gravel, etc., 0. Stomach less than
half full.
Contents. Remains of a dozen or more kernels of corn ; about 50 stones of
bay-berry ( Myrica cerifera); a single stone of some wild Prunus, probably
the beech plum (P. maritima); 3 small claw tips of a crab or crayfish,
probably taken as gravel (?); no insects.
2269. Female, adult. Sing Sing, N. Y. October 2, 1886 ; 3 p. m. Dr. A. K. Fisher.
Animal matter, 2 per cent; vegetable, 95 ; gravel, etc., 3. Stomach full.
Contents. Nineteen seeds of flowering dogwood (Cornus florida); 17 seeds of
bay-berry (Myrica cerifera}', bits of shell of chestnuts and large amount
of chestnut " meat ; " 8 vertebrae and other small bones of a small fish ;
minute bits of the shell of insects ; little sand and gravel.
1439. Essex Junction, Vt October 3, 1885 ; 10 a. m. Charles A. Davis.
Animal matter, 1 per cent.; vegetable, 10; gravel, etc., 89. Stomach nearly
empty.
Con tents. Skin and pulp of a single fruit, perhaps a grape, but no seeds ; large
quantity of sand and gravel ; minute fragments of the hard parts of in-
sects.
1444. Winfield N. Y. October 4, 1885 ; a. m. O. P. Hitchings.
Animal matter, 5 per cent; vegetable, 5 ; gravel, etc., 85 ; indeterminate, 5.
Contents. A few bits of oats and perhaps other grain ; a mixture of finely
pulverized vegetable and mineral matter, forming a fine black mud ; a
laige amount of sand and pebbles ; a lew fragments of insects.
388 BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
2564. Female. Broadway, Queens county, N. Y. October 16, 1886 ; noon. William
Dutcher.
Animal matter, 18 per cent; vegetable, 75 ; gravel, etc., 7. Stomach well filled.
Contents. Remains of acorns or chestnuts ; remains of insects ; gravel, in-
cluding many bits of shell.
1141. Adult. Sing Sing, N. Y. October 18, 1885. Dr. A. K. Fisher.
Animal matter, 10 per cent; vegetable. 75; gravel, etc., 10; indeterminate, 5.
Stomach Avell filled.
Contents. Fragments of acorns or chestnuts ; about 50 seeds of poison su-
mach ; remains of various insects ; skin and pulp of a few berries.
1515. Watkins, N. Y. October 20, 1885; 8. 45 a. m. H. C. Griswold.
Animal matter, 25 per cent.; vegetable, 25; gravel, etc., 50. Stomach about
half full.
Contents. Fragments of seeds, one of which appears 'to be that of a squash or
melon ; a little unidentifiable vegetable matter ; remains of insects : sand
and gravel.
3940. Male. Rockville, Conn. October 22, 1886. H. K. James.
Animal matter, 60 per cent; vegetable, 35: gravel, etc., 5. Stomach full.
Contents. Remains of some large seed, possibly corn or beans of some kind;
large quantity of insect remains, mainly grasshoppers ; small quantity of
gravel, mostly bits of quartz, but one fair-sized garnet
4080. Male. East Hartford, Conn. October 22, 1886 ; noon. C. C. Hanmer.
Animal matter, 2 per cent; vegetable, 96 ; gravel, etc., 2. Stomach full.
Contents. Remains of acorns or chestnuts almost entirely, and mainly with-
out any bits of shell ; a small amount of insect fragments in very small
bits ; a few pieces of charcoal, and a very little sand.
1460. Male. Redford, Mich. October 26, 1885 ; 7 a.- m. (Killed over corn-field.)
William J. Muldragh.
Animal matter, per cent ; vegetable, 99 ; gravel, etc., 1. Stomach about half
full.
Contents. Mainly fragments of the pulp or flesh of some nut or berry, pos-
sibly acorns ; 2 grape seeds ; 3 small pebbles, no sand ; no insect remains ;
no traces of corn.
1201. Male. Washington, D. C. October 30, 1885 ; 4 p. m. Dr. C. Hart Merriam,
Animal matter, trace ; vegetable, 89 per cent; gravel, etc., 5 ; indeterminate, 5.
Stomach well filled.
Contents. Twenty or thirty kernels of corn in fragments ; 21 stones of flower-
ing dogwood (Cornusflorida); 125 seeds of poison ivy; sand and gravel;
and what appears to be fine mud ; no trace of insect remains.
1202. Female. Washington, D. C. October 30, 1885 ; 4 p. m. Dr. C. Hart Merriarn.
Animal matter, 1 per cent ; vegetable, 94 ; gravel, etc., 5. Stomach full.
Contents. About 40 seeds of Virginia creeper (Ampelopsis quinquefolia);
about 50 seeds of grapes ( Vitis), at least 2 species ; about 20 seeds of poison
ivy, 1 of poison sumach, and 30 more unidentified ; pulps and skins of
grapes and other fruit ; bits of sea-weed, grass, and unrecognizable vege-
table matter ; a few bits of insects ; sand, gravel, 2 or 3 bits of mollusk
shell, and single, worn claw of crayfish. ^
1250. Female. Washington, D. C. November 14, 1885; 11.30 a. m. Dr. A. K.
Fisher.
Animal matter, 8 per cent; vegetable, 90 ; gravel, etc., 2. Stomach full.
Contents. Nine seeds of Virginia creeper (Ampelopsis'); 12 stones of flower-
ing dogwood (Cornus florida) ; fragments of about 5 kernels of corn ; a
few hairs of a small mammal (probably mouse) ; 1 very small gasteropod
shell ; bones of the head of a small fish ; minute fragments of one insect
2301. Adult Washington, D. C. November 7, 1886 ; 4.30 p. m. H. W. Henshaw.
Animal matter, 10 per cent; vegetable, 65; gravel, etc., 20; indeterminate, 5.
Stomach full.
APPENDIX.
Contents. Remains of acorns, chestnuts, and perhaps other seeds ; a single
grape seed, and some hulls of corn or other grain, with much fine vege-
table matter like saw-dust ; a considerable amount of sand and gravel ;
remains (fine) of many insects.
1709. Male. Calhoun, Ga. November 28, 1885. R. Windsor Smith.
Animal matter. 75 per cent.; vegetable, 10; gravel, etc., 15.
Contents. Twenty-four seeds of poison ivy ; a small snake, 8 inches or more
in length; a small snail (Helix")} 1 very large spider; remains of many
insects, constituting Almost 40 per cent of entire stomach contents ; 4 or 5
pebbles of the size of kernels of corn, and some sand ; a very little unde-
termined vegetable matter.
1518. Male. Watkins, N. Y. December 15, 1885 ; 4 p. m. H. C. Griswold.
Animal matter, 12 per cent.; vegetable, 63 ; gravel, etc., 25. Stomach full.
Contents. Remains of corn, acorns, or chestnuts ; some other seeds too much
comminuted to determine ; numerous insect remains ; large quantity of
gravel.
4600. Male. Rockaway Beach, Long Island, N. Y. December 17, 1885. Jonathan
Dwight, jr.
Animal matter, 95 per cent.; vegetable, 0; gravel, etc., 5. Stomach nearly
empty.
Contents. The animal matter of one or more shell-fish (apparently a mussel
and a barnacle, as bits of shell belonging to these are also contained); a
very little sand ; no insects.
1269. Female. Washington, D. C. December 2, 1885 ; 4 p. m. Dr. A. K. Fisher.
Animal matter, 1 per cent.; vegetable, 75 ; gravel, etc., 20; indeterminate, 4.
Contents. Fragments of 1 or 2 acorns or chestnuts ; large quantities of the
" skin " or hulls of grain, apparently of kernels of corn ; 30 seeds of poison
ivy; large amount of sand and gravel; some vegetable fiber and mud;
numerous but small fragments of the hard parts of insects.
1297. Female. Washington, D. C. December 17, 1885; found dead. Dr. A. K.
Fisher.
Animal matter, 90 per cent.; vegetable, 2 ; gravel, etc., 8. Stomach about one-
fourth full.
Contents. One cocoon of some insect, and 2 smaller cocoons, or egg-bags of
spider ; 12 or 15 small fragments of much-worn bone, perhaps taken as
"gravel;" a few bits of vegetable membrane, apparently epidermis of
some grain ; a very small amount of sand and gravel.
1298. Washington, D. C. December 17, 1885 ; found wounded. Dr. A. K. Fisher.
Animal matter, 5 per cent.; vegetable, 85 ; gravel, etc., 8; indeterminate, 2.
Contents. Remains of 3 or 4 kernels of corn and the hulls of many more ; 90
to 100 seeds of common sumach, apparently Rhus glabra ; fragments of
insects ; gravel and sand ; about 2 per cent, of fine mud-like material, not
determined.
1299. Female. Washington, D. C. December 19, 1885 ; 4-5 p. m. Dr. A. K. Fisher.
Animal matter, 1 per cent.; vegetable, 80; gravel, etc., 19. Stomach well
filled.
Contents. Seven seeds of harmless sumach ; a large amount of vegetable mat-
ter, part of which may be bits of corn, acorns, etc., but the bulk seems more
like sea- weed ; a few fragments of the hard parts of insects ; a Large amount
of gravel and fine sand, with 2 or 3 bits of shell.
1300. Male. Washington, D. C. December 19, 1885 ; 4-5 p. m. Dr. A. K. Fisher.
Animal matter, per cent ; vegetable, 90 ; gravel, etc., 10. Stomach well
filled.
Contents. Fragments of corn ; 75 seeds of poison ivy ; 60 seeds of common
sumach and 1 seed of grape ; gravel and bits of coal and brick ; no insect
remains.
390 BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
130J. Male. Washington, D. C. December 19, 1885 ; 4-5 p. m. Dr. A. K. Fisher.
Animal matter, trace; vegetable, 75 per cent ; gravel, etc., 24. Stomach well
filled.
Contents. "Mast" (i. e., acorns, chestnuts and similar material), and large
quantities of the epidermis of some grain, perhaps corn ; 68 seeds of poison
ivy; large amount of sand, gravel, etc. ; minute fragments of insects.
1302. Male. Washington, D. C. December 19, 1885 ; 4-5 p. m. Dr. A. K. Fisher.
Animal matter, 1 per cent. ; vegetable, 85 ; gravel, etc., 14. Stomach well filled.
Contents. Fragments of many kernels of corn, and two entire kernels ; about
15 seeds of common sumach ; 30 seeds of poison ivy ; sand, gravel, and 5 or
6 good-sized bits of mother-of-pearl ; a few small fragments of insects, and
one insect nearly entire.
1303. Female. Washington, D. C. December 19, 1885 ; 4-5 p. m. Dr. A. K. Fisher.
Animal matter 1 per cent. ; vegetable, 94 ; gravel, etc., 5. Stomach well filled.
Contents. About 20 whole kernels of corn, and fragments of as many more ;
7 seeds of grape ; about 60 seeds of common sumach ; 5 seeds of poison ivy ;
gravel, coal and sand ; a few remains of insects.
1304. Male. Washington, D. C. December 19, 1885 ; 4-5 p. m. Dr. A. K. Fisher.
Animal matter, 5 per cent. ; vegetable, 70 ; gravel, etc., 25. Stomach about
two-thirds full.
Contents. About 10 entire kernels of corn (without skins), and as much more
in fragments ; 2 seeds of poison ivy ; gravel, and bits of coal ; about 5 per
cent, of insect remains.
1311. Male. Washington, D. C. December 23, 1885 ; 4-5 p. m. Dr. A. K. Fisher.
Animal matter, 10 per cent. ; vegetable, 60 ; gravel, etc., 30. Stomach full.
Contents. Particles of wheat or corn, 3 or 4 kernels in all ; 100 seeds of com-
mon sumach ; remains of sea-weeds and other vegetable matter; remains
of a few small crustaceans (perhaps isopods) ; fragments of mussel shell
with parts of the mussel attached ; minute pieces of insects ; considerable
sand, and many pebbles.
1312. Male. Washington, D. C. December 23, 1885 ; 4-5 p. m. Dr. A. K. Fisher.
Animal matter, 40 per cent. ; vegetable, 50 ; gravel, etc., 10. Stomach full.
Contents. One kernel of corn nearly entire, pieces of several more, and a
large amount of hulls and other vegetable debris ; 20 or 25 seeds of harm-
less sumach, apparently of two species ; remains of a small crab or cray-
fish ; 10 or 12 small bones of a fish; numerous remains of insects (grass-
hopper legs, etc.), and pieces of rnyriapods ; sand, gravel, and pebbles,
with 1 or 2 bits of shell.
1313. Male. Washington, D. C. December 23, 1885 ; 4-5 p. m. H. W. Henshaw.
Animal matter, 1 per cent. ; vegetable, 15 ; gravel, etc., 70 ; indeterminate, 14.
Stomach full.
Contents. Seeds and gravel mainly, with a little mud and fine vegetable ref-
use ; traces of insects in addition to 2 or 3 small beetles entire ; about forty
seeds of common sumach, and about 80 of poison ivy ; a few small bits of
some grain, in all equal to about two kernels of wheat Among the gravel
was a small, worn, crayfish claw.
1314. Male. Washington, D. C. December 23, 1885 ; 4-5 p. m. H. W. Henshaw.
Animal matter, 10 per cent ; vegetable, 60 ; gravel, etc., 30. Stomach full.
Contents. Pieces of corn, perhaps 4 or 5 kernels in all ; bits of grass, hulls,
vegetable fiber of various kinds, and considerable fine " mud," apparently
all vegetable ; 6 or 8 pieces of the carapace of a crayfish ; fragments of mus-
sel shell ( Unio ?); many small bones of common mouse (Mus musculus),
with some of the teeth ; many fragments of insects, much comminuted ;
sand, gravel, charcoal, and one or two imperfect snail shells.
1315. Male. Washington, D. C. December 23, 1885 ; 4-5 p. m. H. W. Henshaw.
Animal matter, 1 per cent ; vegetable, 97 ; gravel, etc., 2. Stomach well
filled.
PLATE 96.
Northern Shrike. 2. Yellow-breasted Chat.
3. Loggerhead Shrike. 4. Gray-cheeked Thrush.
APPENDIX, 391
Contents. Mainly kernels of corn whole or in fragments, and the hulls of
same ; bits of the shell of acorns arid a few bits of the kernel of same ; 4
seeds of poison ivy ; 1 seed of bind-weed (Polygonum ?); about 100 very
small, black seeds ; a very few fragments of insects ; a very little gravel or
sand.
1316. Female. Washington, D. C. December 23, 1885 ; 4-5 p. m. H. W. Henshaw.
Animal matter, 3 per cent. ; vegetable, 72; gravel, etc., 25. Stomach about
half full.
Contents. A few bits of corn and hulls of same ; pieces of grass and ver}'
fine vegetable debris, part of it apparently the shell of some bony seed;
4 or 5 small beetle^, and minute portions of hard parts of others ; sand
and gravel ; small tuft of mammal's hair, probably of cat or dog; frag-
ments of one or more legs of crayfish ; eight or ten kernels of wild rice
(Zizania aquatica); 2 unknown seeds.
1317. Female. Washington, D. C. December 23, 1885 ; 4-5 p. m. H. W. Henshaw.
Animal matter, 2 per cent. ; vegetable, 83 ; gravel, etc., 15. Stomach about
three-fourths full.
Contents. Mainly pieces of corn and hulls of same ; 123 seeds of poison ivy ;
a little fine vegetable matter not determined ; minute pieces of the hard
parts of insects ; gravel and fine sand form about 15 per cent of the en-
tire contents.
2528. Male. Washington, D. C. December 25, 1886. F. A. Lucas.
Animal matter, 5 percent. ; vegetable, 50; gravel, etc., 25; indeterminate, 20.
Stomach well filled.
Contents. Remains of acorns, chestnuts, and similar material, in small pieces ;
about 20 per cent, of other vegetable material, similar in color, but like
fine mud, and probably part vegetable and part sand; bones of a small
fish, forming 4 or 5 per cent, of contents ; a single leg of some insect, and
2 or 3 other minute insect fragments ; gravel, consisting mainly of mother-
of-pearl and fine sand.
4117. Female. East Hartford, Conn. December 15, 1886; 10 a. m. C. C. Hanrner.
Animal matter, 15 percent ; vegetable, 60; gravel, etc., 20; indeterminate, 5.
Stomach well filled.
Contents. Remains of acorns, both shells and " meat ;" a few bits of thorn-
apple (Cratcegus) but no seeds; bits of grass and finally divided vegetable
matter ; a considerable amount of fine, dark hair, probably of mouse ;
perhaps 5 per cent of insect remains ; a large amount of pebbles and
sand ; about 5 per cent, of fine "mud" not determined.
RESULTS IN DETAILS OF THE EXAMINATION OF STOMACHS OF THE FISH CROW
(Corvus ossifragus).
1332. Male. Washington, D. C. March 16, 1886 ; 4 p. m. Dr. A. K. Fisher.
Animal matter, 5 per cent. ; vegetable, 93 ; gravel, etc., 2. Stomach full.
Contents. Eleven seeds of cat-brier (/Smilax glauca) ; 2 seeds of sour gum
(Nyssa multiflora}; a few bits of corn and many hulls, together with other
fibrous vegetable matter ; 2 small masses of animal fiber, apparently flesh
' of some mammal ; single feather, probably of chicken ; a very little sand,
etc. ; no insect remains.
1333. Female. Washington, D. C. March 16, 1886 ; 4 p. m. Dr. A. K. Fisher.
Animal matter, 10 per cent. ; vegetable, 88; gravel, etc., 2. Stomach about
half full.
Contents. Two or three kernels of corn, and hulls of more, with some other
vegetable matter ; bone of some mammal (probably taken with gravel); 2
or 3 feathers, kind not determined ; among the gravel was a bit of shell
(of Unio?) and several bits of egg-shell (hen's); no insects.
392 BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
1334. Female. Washington, D. C. March 16, 1886; 4 p. m. Dr. A. K. Fisher.
Animal matter, 98 per cent. ; vegetable, trace ; gravel, etc., 2. Stomach about
one-third full.
Contents. A mass of meat and sinews, doubtless carrion ; a very few small
bits of coal and sand, and one or two bits of egg-shell (hen's); a very few
vegetable fibers, perhaps of grass ; no insects.
1335. Male, Washington, D. C. March 16, 1886 ; 4 p. m. Dr. A. K. Fisher.
Animal matter, 75 per cent ; vegetable, 5 ; gravel, etc., 20. Stomach about
one-third full.
Contents. Shreds of meat, and strips and small sheets of animal membrane;
not identifiable, doubtless carrion; a few bits of grass and woody fiber;
particles of sand and pebbles, and numerous small pieces of egg shell
(hens), together with fragments of a mussel shell ( Unio ?), and 2 small
bones, apparently mammalian, but discolored and probably taken as
gravel; no insects.
1336. Washington, D. C. March 16, 1886 ; 4 p. m. Dr. A. K. Fisher.
Animal matter, 5 per cent ; vegetable, 75 ; gravel, etc., 5; indeterminate, 15.
Stomach about half lull.
Contents. Mainly remnants of oats with the hulls, and corn in fine pieces ; a
little meat fiber ; a few downy feathers ; 3 or four unknown seeds; some
sand and gravel and bits of egg shell (hen's) ; no insects.
657. Female. Immature. Sing Sing, N. Y. September 10, 1885; 6.30 a. m. Dr.
A. K. Fisher.
Animal matter, C ; vegetable, 100. Stomach half full.
Contents. Fragments of oats, pieces of acorns or chestnuts ; unrecognizable
vegetable matter ; no traces of animal matter.
2529. Male. Washington, D. C., November 1, 1886. F. A. Lucas.
Animal matter, 10 per cent ; vegetable, 90; gravel, etc., 0. Stomach about
two-thirds full.
Contents. Seeds, pulp, and skins of about 20 poke-berries (Phytolacca decan-
dra) ; remains of two or three grasshoppers, and perhaps other insects ;
no gravel.
2284. Male. Washington, D. C., November 1, 1886; 3 p. m. F. A. Lucas.
Animal matter, 65 per cent ; vegetable, 30 ; gravel, etc., 5. Stomach well filled.
Contents. Five grape seeds, pieces of grape skins, many fragments of grass-
hoppers (and otner insects?), a little sand, bits of egg shell, one scale from
shell of tortoise, probably all taken as gravel.
2302. Female. Washington, D. C., November 7, 1886; 4.30 p. m. H. W. Henshaw,
Animal matter, 35 percent ; vegetable, 65 ; gravel, etc., 0. Stomach well filled.
Contents. Seeds and skins of about 20 small grapes, apparently " frostgrapes"
(Vitis cordifolia) ; about 130 seeds of poke-berry {Phytolacca) ; heads,
wings, and legs of several grasshoppers ; no gravel or sand except one
small piece of mica.
2583. Male. Washington, D. C., November 19, 1886; 9.30 a. m. William Dutcher.
Animal matter, 50 per cent ; vegetable, 50; gravel, etc., 0. Stomach nearly
empty.
Contents. Three seeds of poke-berry and one or more skins of same; 3 seeds
of red cedar (Juniperus virginiana) ; no insect remains ; no gravel.
1310. Male. Washington, D. C. December 23, 1885 ; 4-05 p. m. Dr. A. K. Fisher.
Animal matter, 1 per cent; vegetable, 96: gravel, etc., 3. Stomach about
half full.
Contents. Two or three grains of wheat, and many fragments of this or other
grain ; 2 seeds of Virginia juniper ; many fragments of some black, bony
seed, looking much like ground coffee ; 2 or 3 small "pin feathers" still
inclosed in the sheath except at tip ; many small fragments of egg-shell
(hen's) ; a very little sand, and 1 bit of stone ; no trace of insect remains.
Plate 97.
1, 2. Black-tbroated Blue Warbler, Male and Female.
3. BlMk-throated Green Warbler. 4. Parula Warbler. Males.
APPENDIX. 393
318. Female. Washington, D. C. December 25, 1885 ; 4-05 p. m. Dr. A. K. Fisher.
Animal matter, 50 percent. ; vegetable, 50 ; gravel, etc., 0.
Contents. Meat (probably carrion) ; 8 seeds of sour gum (Nyssamultiflora) ;
4 seeds of flowering dogwood, 1 seed oi grape, 5 seeds of hackberry
(Celtis occidentalism ; 2 unknown seeds ; no gravel or insect remains.
394 BIRDS OF PENNS YL VA NIA.
THE ENGLISH SPARROW.
[Extracts from Bulletin No. 1. U. S. Department of Agriculture, Division of Economic Ornithology
and Mammalogy. Prepared under the direction of Dr. C. HART MEKRIAM, Ornithologist, by WALTER
B. BARROWS, Assistant Ornithologist. J
RELATION OF THE SPARROW TO OTHER BIRDS.
This is one of the most important branches of the sparrow investigation, and it is
believed that the evidence collected and published herewith is ample for the final
settlement of this much vexed question. More, than a thousand original contribu-
tions to our knowledge of this subject have been received at the department, and all
the available published testimony has also been consulted, and selections from this
have been printed. No pains have been spared in collecting evidence on both sides
of the question ; and when it became apparent that a large part of the testimony
which was coming in was against the sparrow, a special effort was made to induce
friends of the bird to come forward with facts or theories to offset this damaging
evidence. As a result, a mass of testimony has been brought together which it is
believed far exceeds in amount and value anything ever before collected, and it is
now submitted to the public with perfect confidence that no candid reader will ever
again deny that the sparrow molests our native birds, and in many cases drives them
away from our gardens and parks. No one should be content to read simply the
brief summary presented at this place, but should turn directly to the evidence itself,
and satisfy himself that the case is as here represented.
The nature of the evidence is such that it is impossible to summarize it satisfac-
torily, but the following brief synopsis of matter contributed directly to the depart-
ment will show something of its extent :
Total number of original reports submitted 1,048
In the main favorable to the sparrow 168
In the main unfavorable to the sparrow 837
Indeterminate 43
This would indicate that about one-fifth of the evidence submitted is favorable to
the sparrow; but if we exclude from the evidence all of those reports which consist
simply of the answers yes or no to the questions asked on the printed circulars, the
percentage of favorable replies will be still further decreased.
Two hundred and eighty-one reports were received which gave little or no evi-
dence on this subject further than these monosyllabic replies, while the seven hun-
dred and sixty-seven remaining reports gave illustrations of the hostile or peaceful
relations of the birds, or at least mentioned some species which were not molested.
Of these seven hundred and sixty-seven reports only forty-two are entirely, or
even mainly, favorable to the sparrow ; seven hundred and twenty-five of them con-
taining evidence unquestionably against the sparrow, and most of it of the most
damaging kind.
This estimate, therefore, which seems to us much nearer the truth than the first,
shows that about one-eighteenth of the reports received are favorable to the sparrow
as regards its relation to other birds, butit should not be inferred by any means that,
therefore, even one-eighteenth of the evidence is favorable.
About one witness in eighteen has testified for the sparrow, but each juror must
decide for himself as to the weight to be given to each piece of evidence. For our
own part, after careful consideration of each bit of testimony presented, we believe
that the proportion of one hundred to one against the sparrow is the most favorable
estimate which any unprejudiced person is likely to make.
APPENDIX.
395
LIST OF NATIVE BIRDS MOLESTED BY THE SPARROW.
The following table gives the names of species which the sparrow is reported to
molest, and the number of such reports in each case:
Reports
Bluebird (Sialiasialis) 377
* Western bluebird (Sialia mexicana) 1
Robin (Merulamigratoria) 182
Hermit thrush (Turdus aonalaschkce pallasii).
Wood thrush (Turdus mustelinus)
Thrushes, species not indicated, 1
Golden-crowned kniglet (Regulussatrapa), ... ,
Chickadee (Pants atricapillus),
Titmouse, species not indicated
Tomtit, species not indicated
White-bellied nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis), .
Nuthatch, species not indicated
House wren (Troglodytes cedon) 64
*Parkman's wren ( Troglodytes cedon parkmannii), 1
Carolina wren (Thryothorus ludomcianus), ... 6
Bewick's wren(Thryothorusbewickii), 2
Wren, species not indicated 116
Brown thrasher ( Harporhynchus rufus) 8
Catbird (Galeoscoptes carolinensis) 33
Mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos) 50
Redstart (Setophaga ruticilla) 1
Yellow warbler (Dendroicacesiiva), 11
Myrtle warbler (Dendroica cononata) 1
Warblers, species not indicated 15
Red-eyed vireo (Vireo olivaceus) 2
Warbling vireo (Vireo gilv us), 3
White-eyed vireo (Vireo no veboracensis) 1
Vireos, species not indicated 9
Cedar bird, cherry bird tAmpelis cedrorum), . . 4
Purple martin, black martin (Progne subis), . . 65
Martins, species not indicated, 198
Cliff swallow, mud swallow (Petrochelidon luni-
frons) 26
B:irn swallow ( Chelidon erythrogaster) 24
White-bellied swallow, blue-backed swallow
(Tachycinetabicolor) 40
* Violet-green swallow ( Tachycineta thalassina). 1
Bank swallow (CM vicola riparia) 2
Rough-winged swallow ( SUlgidopteryx serri
pennis) 1
Swallows, species not indicated 84
Tanager, species not indicated 1
Indigo bird (Passerina cyanea) 5
* Pain ted flnch, nonpareil (Passerina ciris), . . 2
Grosbeaks, species not indicated ]
Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) 1
Red bird, species not indicated II
Brown towhee, species not Indicated 1
Che wink (Pipilo erythrophthalmus) ]
Song sparrow (Melospiza fasciata) 26
Chipping sparrow, chippy (Spizella socialis), . . 72
Field sparrow (Spizella pusilla) 2
Tree sparrow ( Spizella monticola) 5
In addition to the birds specifically mentioned in the foregoing list, many other
reports have been received alleging attacks on birds, but not mentioning the species
so molested. Thus sixty-five reports mentioned molestation of " native birds;"
forty-eight reports speak of "other birds'* being driven off ; seventy-eight reports
state that the sparrow molests or drives off " nearly all species ;" twenty-eight claim
a similar effect on "all small birds ;" five claim the same for "yard birds," and two
for " domestic birds."
Reports
Common sparrow, species not indicated 19
Native sparrow, species not indicated 16
Ground sparrow, species not indicated, 7
Other sparrows, species not indicated 39
Savanna sparrow (Ammodramus sandwichensis
savanna)
Grass flnch, vesper sparrow(Pooco;es gramineus). 2
Grass bird, species not indicated 1
Snowbirds (Junco sp. ?), 13
Gold Finch j
Yellow-bird > ( Spinus tristis ) 32
Wild canary )
* Arkansas goldfinch (Spinus psaltria) 1
Red-poll (Acanthis linaria). .- i
Purple flnch (Carpodacus purpureus) 6
House flnch (Carpodacus frontulis) 3
Other finches, species not indicated 4
Linnet, species not indicated i
Purple grackle (Quiscalus quiscula) 2
Grackles, species not indicated, . '. 5
Baltimore oriole (Icterus galbula) 37
Orchard oriole ( Icterus spurius)
Orioles, species not indicated
Meadow-lark (Sturnellamagna)
Red-winged blackbird (Agelaius phteniceus),
Blackbirds, species not indicated
Bobolink (Dolichonyx oryzivorus)
Shore lark (Otocoris alpestris)
Blue jay, jay (Cyanocitta cristata)
Crows, species not indicated, ...... .5
Least pewee (Empidonax minimus) 3
Woodpewee (Contopus virens) l
Phoebe (Sayornis phcebe) . . . SB
Great crested fly-catcher ( Myiarchus crinitus), . 1
Kingbird j
Bee martin V Tyrannus tyrannus ) 17
Bee-bird 3
Flycatchers, species not indicated 8
Insectivorous birds, species not indicated, ... 5
Song birds, species not indicated 31
Hummingbird (Trochilus colubris) ]
Chimney swallow or swift ( Chcetura pelagica). . 3
Red-headed woodpecker (Melanerpcs erythro-
cephalus) 3
Yellow-bellied woodpecker (Sphyrapicus varius ), ]
Sapsucker. species not indicated 2
Downy woodpecker (Dryobates pubescens). ... 8
Hairy woodpecker (Dryobates viltosus) l
Goldenwinged woodpecker flicker (Colaptes aura-
tus) 3
Woodpeckers, species not indicated 6
Yellow-billed cuckoo (Coccyzus americanust, . . I
* Indicates species not found in Pennsylvania. B. H. WARREN.
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
Ten observers report attacks upon domesticated doves or pigeons, and one each on
hens and chickens.
It will thus be seen that the reports mention specifically seventy kinds of wild
birds which are known to be molested more or less by the sparrow. A majority of
these birds are species which nest about houses and gardens, and, with the exception
of the crow, jay, and possibly one or two others, all are decidedly beneficial to the
farmer and gardener.
Naturally the birds most affected are those whose nesting habits are similar to those
of the sparrow ; that is, which nest mainly in boxes provided for them ; in cavities or
cornices of buildings ; under the eaves of barns or outhouses, or in the natural cavities
of trees.
Thus, in a total of about 1,860 complaints, we find that more than half relate to
martins, swallows, wrens and bluebirds, whose nests or nesting places are coveted
by the sparrow.
But in most places the sparrows since outgrew such accommodations and were
compelled to build nests among the branches of trees, like other birds ; and at once
such bulky nests as those of the robin, catbird, etc., were seized upon and utilized
either as building material or as foundation for new nests. Thus new quarrels have
been continually originating, and the sparrow has been steadily encroaching on the
territory of other birds. Although a large part of the trouble with native birds has
doubtless arisen from questions over nesting places, still there is abundance of
testimony that the sparrow molests birds under other circumstances.
Nearly one-third of all the complaints of injury to other birds relate to species whose
nesting and food habits are very different from those of the sparrow, and whose
relations with this bird might reasonably be expected to be peaceful and pleasant.
Among such may be mentioned the mockingbird, chipping sparrow, song sparrow,
goldfinch, Baltimore oriole, yellow warbler and vireos. Of course many of these
birds, as well as those previously mentioned, offer more or less resistance to the
advances of the sparrow, but in most cases the resistance is useless and the native
birds are compelled to retire from the field sooner or later.
Plate 98.
1. Hooded Warbler. v ' 2
rr Males.
3. Kentucky Warbler.
\le Warbler.
4. Blockburnian Warbler.
APPENDIX.
397
CONTENTS OP STOMACHS OF ENGLISH SPARROWS (Passer domesticus).
[Examined at West Chester, Pa. . by Dr. B. H. Warren. Prof. C. B. Cochran and BenJ. M. Bverhart. ]
CE1
1EA1
_S.
1
Catalogue number.
Age.
Date of
capture.
Locality.
Wheat.
1
Corn (maize).
Fruit and fruit seed.
5
Weed seed.
Undetermined vege
matter.
1
"Z.
Buds and blossoms.
Insect
food.
Remarks.
1
Adult
1879.
Mar. 13.
Chester co. . Pa. , .
2
do
Mar
do
3
do
do.
do.
(
do
4
do.
do.
do.
*
Blades of grass.
5
do
do.
do
*
Clover seed
do.
do.
do.
*
do.
do
do
do
g
do
do.
do.
*
Clover seed.
q
do
do
do
4
do
10
do
do.
do.
*
*
Small black seed
11
12
13
do. .
do. .
1880.
Mar. 1,
Mar. 3.
do
do.
do.
do
*
*
1 beetle. .
White corn and
small seed.
Few small black
seeds.
14
Adult.
do.
do.
,
matter.
Blossoms of pear;
15
16
do. .
do
do.
Mar. 4.
do.
do.
,
.
.
seed of bitter-
weed.
Small seeds
17
18
19
20
do. .
do. .
do. .
Mar. 12.
Mar. 15.
Mar. 22.
Mar. 5.
do.
do.
do.
do.
*
*
Mar. 6,
do.
*
*
Small black seeds.
22
do.
do
Q
23
Mar. 20,
do.
*
Small seeds and
24
1879.
Apr. 3
do
t
^
blades of grass
Seeds of bitter
25
Apr. 5.
do
^
^
weed.
Apr. 9.
do.
do
27
28
Apr. 25,
do.
do.
do.
*
..
;
White corn.
29
Apr 26
do
f
*
30
Apr. 30.
do
,
31
do.
do.
*
*
Small black seeds
3?
1880.
Apr. 17.
do.
(
33
34
Apr. 20.
Apr. 23.
do.
do.
*
+
Seeds.
Small black seeds
36
Apr. 27.
do.
do.
v
I
*
White corn
37
38
do.
Apr. 29.
West Chester. Pa. ,
do.
*
.
Small seeds.
Small black seeds.
39
40
May 6.
do.
do.
do.
11
do.
do.
4?
do.
do.
May 7,
do.
Q
*
44
May 8,
do
few black seeds.
45
do.
do.
ir-
do.
do
47
48
49
50
do.
do.
do.
do
do.
do.
do.
do
51
52
53
54
do.
May 9.
do.
do.
do.
do.
do.
do.
55
May 20,
do.
*
66
do
do
*
do
57
do.
do.
White corn
58
May 23
do
59
til
May 25.
May 29,
do.
do.
do.
do.
do.
do.
*
:
*
insects.
398
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
CONTENTS OF STOMACHS OF ENGLISH SPARROWS Continued.
Catalogue number.
Age.
Date of
capture.
!
-
Locality.
CEREALS.
Fruit and fruit seed.
Grass seed.
Weed seed. |
Undetermined vegetable
matter.
I
1
i
Buds and blossoms.
Insect
food.
Remarks.
Wheat.
'
Corn (maize).
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
79
80
81
82
83
84
85
86
87
88
89
90
91
92
93
94
95
96
97
98
99
100
101
102
103
104
105
106
107
108
109
110
111
112
113
114
1880.
May 29,
do.
1879.
June 8,
do.
June 20,
June 15,
do.
1880.
Sept. 4,
Sept. 5,
do.
Sept. 7,
Sept. 13,
do.
Sept. 22,
do.
do.
do.
do.
Oct. 14,
Oct. 15,
Nov. 13.
do.
do.
Nov. 17,
do.
do.
do.
do.
Dec. 2,
Dec. 9,
Dec. 15,
Dec. 29,
1881.
Jan. 4.
Jan. 20,
Jan. 23,
do.
do.
1882.
July 8.
June 1.
do.
do.
do.
do.
do.
do.
do.
June 12.
do.
do.
do.
do.
do.
West Chester, Pa. ,
Stomach empty.
Ginger-bread and
green vegetable
matter.
Ginger-bread.
Green leaves.
Seed of fox-tail
grass,
do.
do.
Oats and barley.
Apple.
Orange-peel.
24 grains of wheat
Small seeds.
Green vegetable
substance,
do.
do.
do.
do.
Stomach empty,
do.
Clover seed. '
Green vegetable
substance.
Small mass of
cooked beef.
Stomach empty.
do.
do.
do.
do.
do.
do.
do.
do.
do.
do.
do.
do.
do.
do.
do.
do.
do.
do.
do.
do.
do.
do.
do.
do.
do.
do.
do.
do.
do.
do.
do.
do.
do.
do.
do.
do.
do.
West Bradford, Pa.
do.
do.
do.
do.
do.
do.
do.
do.
do.
do.
do.
do.
do.
*
*
Adult, !
Young,
*
*
*
*
*
I.;
*
1 potato
beetle.
Flies.
*
*
*
*
*
*
'. '. '.
. !
*
*
***
*
: : : : :
*
*
*
(
: : : : :
"*"
.
*
. .
*
*
^'
Nestling
do.
2 flies ; 3
aptera.
APPENDIX. 399
[Notes by Dr. B. H. Warren.]
The various vegetable materials named in the records given on pages 397 and 398,
are, with a few exceptions, included in the following list :
Oats (Avena sativa).
Wheat ( Triticum vulgare).
Rye (Secale cereale).
Corn, maize (Zea Mays).
Grass seed, Clover seed, Small seeds, etc., refer mainly to the following :
Red clover ( Trifolium pratense).
White clover (Trifolium repens).
Timothy (Phleum pratense').
Bitter-weed (Ambrosia artemisicefolia).
Fox-tail grass (Setaria glauca). Seed's of other species of Setaria are also fed
upon.
Buds and blossoms were chiefly of the following kinds :
Pear (Pyrus communis).
Plum (Prunus domestica).
Cherry (Cerasus avium).
Grape (Vitis).
Maple (Acer}.
Black Haw (Viburnum prunifolium).
In a few cases remains of the following vegetables were present :
Lima Bean (Phaseolus lunatus).
String Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris).
Garden Pea (Pisum sativum).
Numerous complaints are made by our citizens as to the destruction caused by
sparrows to growing pea-vines.
400
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
SOME NOCTTJRAL MIGRANTS.
BY MAJ. A. G. WOLF, Keeper of Absecom Light-house, Absecom, Atlantic
City, New Jersey.
LIST OF BIRDS STRIKING LANTERN OF ABSECOM LIGHT HOUSE, ATLANTIC CITY,
N. J., FROM AUGUST 22, 1889, to NOVEMBER 30, 1889.
NAME OF BIRD.
I
u
_c
a
to
<w
o
I
BIKDS STRIK-
i N G LAN-
TERN OP
TOWER.
Direction and force
of wind.
1
|
o a
|s
|!
Cloudy .
Rain.
Cloudy.
in
Clear.
Rain.
Number
striking.
Number
killed.
Sharp-tailed Finch, . . .
Aug. 22.
Aug. 23,
Sept. 18,
" *
Sept. 19.
Sept. 21.
Sept. 22.
Sept. 23.
Sep.. 24.
Sept. 26.
Sept. 27,
11 p. m..
10.55 p. m.,
8 p. m.,
8.30 p. m..
9 p. m.,
11.20 p. m.,
3.15 a. m.,
3.40 a. m..
8.30 p. m..
10.50 p. m..
9 p. m..
10.30 p. m..
2.30 a. m..
10 p. m..
2.30 a. m..
3.10 a. m..
..
9.50 p. m..
9 p. m.,
1.30 a. m..
2
6
43
4
6
2
1
'J
20
5
1
2
1
4
3
1
1
2
5
1
15
3
1
2
4
1
7
6
2
7
1
1
2
1
3
1
2
1
13
4
1
1
10
2
5
o
2
1
3
2
2
2
25
3
2
1
1
t
10
1
1
2
1
1
1
7
1
1
1
1
3
1
1
4
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
3
1
1
1
1
3
4
1
NW. , light, .
East, light, . . .
W., NW., light,
NW.. light, . . .
West, light, . .
* .
!
NW.. light, . .' .
E.,NE..moder'e,
NW.. light, . .
Small Beach Snipe
Red-eyed Vireo, .
Blue Yellow- back Warbler, . . .
Reedbird,
Connecticut Warbler
Red-throated Woodpecker, . . .
Red-eyed Vireo
Blue Yellow-back Warbler, . . .
Cedarbird,
Red-eyed Vireo,
Reedbird
Yellow-shafted Flicker
Rose-breasted Grosbeak, ....
Maryland Yellow-throat, ....
Red-eyed Vireo
English Sparrow, .
Brown Thrush,
Olive-backed Thrush,
Blue Yellow-back Warbler. . . .
Connecticut Warbler
Maryland Yellow Throat
Reedbird
Black-throated Blue Warbler. . .
English Sparrow
Scarlet Tanager,
Chestnut-sided Warbler
Red-eyed Vireo
Maryland Yellow-throat
Golden Crowned Thrush
Olive-backed Thrush, .
Creeping Warbler
Connecticut Warbler
Catbird
Maryland Yellow-throat
Reedbird
Olive-backed Thrush
Herring Gull
Maryland Yellow-throat
Sharp-tailed Finch
Red-eyed Vireo . . .
Olive-backed Thrush
Cedarbird
Scarlet Tanager
Red-eyed Vireo
Golden Crowned Thrush
Blue Yellow-back Warbler. . . .
Catbird
Red-eyed Vireo
Maryland Yellow-throat
Small Beach Snipe : . .
Red-eyed Vireo
Olive-backed Thrush
Maryland Yellow-throat
Cedarbird,
Red-eyed Vireo
Olive-backed Thrush
English Sparrow
Yellow-shafted Flicker
Rfijich Snioe. .
APPENDIX.
401
NOCTURAL MIGRANTS Continued.
NAME OF BIRD.
.
Hour of striking.
BIRDS STHIK-
ING LAN-
TERN OF
TOWER.
Direction and force
of wind.
Weather: clear, fog,
rain, or snow.
Number
striking.
h
.
n-o
J
Red-eyed Vireo
Sept. 27.
Sept. 29,
Sept. 30.
Oct. 1,
Oct. 2,
Oct. 25,
Oct. 28,
Oct. 30,
Nov.^ 13,
Nov. 30.
3.10 a. in..
9 p. m.,
11 p. m.,
10.30 p. m.,
11.05 p. m.,
2 a. m.,
3.25 a. m..
10 p. ni..
10.30 p. in.,
2.30 a. m.,
3.35 a. m.,
9 p. m.,
9.30 p. m.,
3 a. m.,
10.50 p. m.,
11 p. m..
11.20 p. m.,
7
1
2
1
2
2
1
6
3
2
3
- 1
5
2
1
14
8
2
8
1
6
2
5
2
I
1
1
1
3
2
1
I
1
1
3
NW.. light, . . .
NW., moderate,
West, moderate,
SW.. moderate,
SW., light, . . .
West, light, . .
NW. . light, . .' .'
B., SB., light," '.
West, light, . .
N., NW.. light.'
West, light, . .
NW.. moderate,
NW., light, . . .
Clear.
Cloudy .
Fair.
Clear.
Cloudy.
Clear.
Maryland Yellow-throat
Catbird
Scarlet Tanager
Olive-backed Thrush
Maryland Yellow- throat
Connecticut Warbler.
Catbird
Cedarbird
Golden Crowned Kinglet
Creeping Warbler
Yellow-breasted Chat
Yellow-rump Warbler,
Blue-winged Teal (Duck). . . . .
Red eyed Vireo
Reedbtrd
Maryland Yellow-throat, ....
Yellow-rump Warbler
Olive-backed Thrush
Catbird
Maryland Yellow-throat
Black-throated Blue Warbler, . .
Scarlet Tanager
Connecticut Warbler,
Yellow-rump Warbler
Golden-crowned Thrush
English Sparrow,
Cedarbird,
Yellow-rump Warbler,
Olive-backed Thrush
Little Gull (tern), ...
Maryland Yellow-throat
Yellow-rump Warbler.
Catbird, ...
Yellow-rump Warbler,
Olive- backed Thrush
Golden-crowned Kinglet, ....
Maryland Yellow-throat
English Sparrow
Beach Snipe
Yellow-rump Warbler
Catbird,
NOTE. The foregoing is a copy of the report sent to the Department of Agriculture at Washington, D.
C. , December 5, 1889, and kindly given to me for publication in this volume by Major Wolf .WARREN.
26 BIRDS
402 BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
PROTECTION OF BIRDS.
AN ACT
Prohibiting the killing or taking of song and wild birds, except in certain cases, and
providing a penalty therefor.
WHEREAS, The wilful killing or taking of song and wild birds is the cause of
great injury to the agricultural interests on account of the increase in noxious in-
sects which would otherwise be destroyed by said birds ; therefore,
SECTION 1. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Com-
monwealth of Pennsylvania in General Assembly met, and it is hereby enacted by
the authority of the same, That no person in any of the counties of this common-
wealth shall kill, wound, trap, net, snare, catch, with bird lime or with any similar
substance, poison or drug any bird of song or any linnet, blue bird, yellow hammer?
yellow bird, thrush, woodpecker, catbird, pewee, martin, bluejay, oriole, kildeer,
snow bird, grass bird, grosbeak, bobolink, phcebe-bird, humming bird, w r ren, robin,
meadowlark, nighthawk, starling, or any wild bird other than a game bird. Nor
shall any person purchase or have in possession or expose for sale any of the afore-
said song or wild birds or any part thereof, after the same shall have been killed.
For the purposes of this act the following shall be considered game birds : The
Anatidce, commonly known as swans, geese, brant and river and sea ducks ; the
Rallidce, commonly known as rails, coots, mud-hens, and gallinules ; the Limicolce,
commonly known as shore birds, plovers, surf birds, snipe, woodcock, sandpipers,
tattlers and curlews ; the Gallinaz, commonly known as wild turkeys, grouse,
prairie chickens, pheasants, partridges and quail, and the Columbce, commonly
known as doves and wild pigeons.
SECTION 2. No person shall take or needlessly destroy the nests or eggs of any
song or wild birds.
SECTION 3. Sections one and two of this act shall not apply to any person holding
a certificate giving the right to take birds and their nests and eggs for scientific pur-
poses as provided for in section four of this act.
SECTION 4. Certificates may be granted by the prothonotary of any county in the
commonwealth to any properly accredited person of the age of eighteen years or up-
ward, permitting the holder thereof to collect birds, their nests or eggs for strictly
scientific purposes. In order to obtain such certificate the applicant for the same
must present to the said prothonotary written testimony from two well-known scien-
tific men certifying to the good character and fitiiess of said applicant to be entrusted
with such privileges ; must pay to the said prothonotary the sum of one dollar to
defray the necessary expense attending the granting of such certificates, and must
file with the said prothonotary a properly executed bond in the sum of fifty dollars,
signed by two responsible citizens of the commonwealth as sureties. This bond
shall be forfeited to the commonwealth and the certificate become void upon proof
that the holder of such a certificate has killed any bird or taken the nest of an y bird
for other than the purposes named in sections three and four of this act, and shall be
further subject for each such offense to the penalties provided therefor in section
seven of this act.
SECTION 5. The certificate authorized by this act shall be in force for one year only
from the date of their issue and shall not be transferable.
SECTION 6. The English or European house sparrow (Passer domesticus') is not
included among the birds protected by this act.
SECTION 7. Any person or persons violating any of the provisions of this act, shall
APPENDIX. 403
be deemed guilty of a misdemeaner, punishable by imprisonment in the county jail
of not less than five nor more than thirty days, or by a fine of not less than ten nor
more than fifty dollars or both at the discretion of the court
SECTION 8. In all actions for the recovery of penalties under this act, said penal-
ties shall be paid to the county treasurer of the county where the offense is com-
mitted.
SECTION 9. All acts or parts of acts inconsistent with or contrary to the provisions
of this act are hereby repealed.
APPROVED May 14, 1889.
404 BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
LIST OF AUTHORITIES.
(^A) Books, catalagues, pamphlets, periodicals, papers, lists, etc., from which quo-
tations have been made in the preceding pages.
Audubon. The Birds of America | from drawings made in the United States | and
their Territories | By John James Audubon | Philadelphia | J. B. Chevalier |
1840-1844. 7 vols.
Baird. List of Birds found in the vicinity of Carlisle, Cumberland county, Penna.,
about Latitude 40 12' N., Longitude 77 11' W. By Wm. M. and Spencer F.
Baird. Published in the American Journal of Sciences and Arts. Vol. xlvi,
April, 1844.
Baird, Brewer and Ridgway. A | History | of | North American Birds | by | S. F.
Baird, T. M. Brewer, and R. Eldgway | Land Birds | illustrated by 64 plates
and 593 wood-cuts | Volume I [-iii]. [Vignette] | Boston | Little, Brown and
Company | 1874. (Size 4to, pages about 1800).
Baird, Brewer and Ridgway. Memoirs of the Museum of Comparative Zoology
at Harvard College. Vols. xii and xiii. The Water Birds of North America.
By S. F. Baird, T. M. Brewer and R. Ridgway. Issued in continuation of the
publications of the Geological Survey of California. J. D. Whitney, State Ge-
ologist, Boston. Little, Brown and Company, 1884. [Illustrated by numerous
wood-cuts ; pages 1104.]
Baird, Cassin and Lawrence." Baird's Birds of North America."
Id Son? 8 '. } Senate \ E No D 78: [~ I Reports | of | Explorations and Surveys, |
to | ascertain the most practicable and economical route for a railroad | from
the | Mississippi River to Pacific Ocean. | Made under the direction | of the Sec-
retary of War, in | 1853-6, | according to acts of Congress of March 3, 1853, May31,
1854, and August 5, 1854 | | Volume IX | | Washington: | Be verley Tucker,
Printer | 1858 | . Subtitled as follows: Explorations and Surveys for a railroad
route from the Mississippi River to the Pacific Ocean. | War Department
| = | Birds : | by Spencer F. Baird, | Assistant Secretary Smithsonian Institu-
tion. | With the co-operation of | John Caasin and George N. Lawrence | |
Washington, D. C. | 1858. pp. i-lvi, 1-1005.
Barnard. A catalogue of the Birds of Chester county, Pennsylvania, with their
times of arrival in spring, from observations annually taken for ten successive
years. By Vincent Barnard, pp. 434438. Smithsonian Report, 1860.
Barrowa U. S. Department of Agriculture. | Division of Economic Ornithology
and Mammalogy. | Bulletin 1. | = | The | English Sparrow | (Passer domesti-
cus) | in North America, | Especially in its relations to agriculture | | Pre-
pared under the direction of Dr. C. Hart Merriam, Ornithologist. | By Walter
B. Barrows | assistant ornithologist | | Washington : Government Printing
office, | 1889. | (pp. 405 ; with map showing the distribution of the English
Sparrow in the U. S. and Canada at the end of the year 1886).
Barrows The Food of Crows. By Walter B. Barrows, S. B., assistant ornitholo-
gist. From Annual Report U. S. Department of Agriculture, for the year
1888. pp. 498535.
Committee, American Ornithologists' Union. The Code of Nomenclature |
and | check-list | of | North American Birds | adopted by the American Orni-
thologists' Union | Being the Report of the Committee of the | union on class-
ification and | nomenclature | | (Motto) | | New York | American Orni-
thologists' Union | 1886. (8vo., pp. I viii, 1-392).
*Elliott Coues. J A. Allen, ttobert Ridgway, William Brewster, and H. W. Henshaw.
APPENDIX. 405
Cones. Key | to | North American Birds. ] Containing a concise account of every
species of living and fossil | bird at present known from the continent north of
the | Mexican and United States boundary, inclusive | of Greenland and lower
California, | with which are incorporated | General Ornithology ; | An outline
of the structure and classification of birds | and | Field Ornithology | a man-
ual of collecting, preparing, and preserving birds | The third edition, | exhib-
iting the new nomenclature of the American Ornithologists' Union, and | in-
cluding descriptions of additional species, etc. | By Elliott Coues, A. M., M. D.,
Ph. D., etc., etc. | Prof usely illustrated | (pp. i-x, i-xxx, 1-895) | Boston(Mass).
| Estes and Lauriat | 1887.
Coues. Department of the Interior. | United States Geological Survey of the Ter-
ritories. | F. V. Hayden, U. S. Geologist-in-charge. | Miscellaneous Publica-
tionsNo. 3. | Birds of the Northwest : | A hand-book | of | The Ornithology |
of the | region drained by the Missouri river | and its tributaries. | | By
Elliott Coues, | Captain and Assistant Surgeon U. S. Army. | | Washington |
Government Printing office, | 1874. pp. i-xi, 1-791.
Coues. Department of the Interior. | United States Geological Survey of the Terri-
tories | F. V. Hayden, U.S. Geologist in Charge. | Miscellaneous Publications-
No. 11 | | Birds of the Colorado Valley | a Repository of | scientific and pop-
ular information | concerning | North American Ornithology | By Elliott
Coues | | Part First | Passeres to Laniidse | Bibliographical Appendix | Sev-
enty Illustrations | | Washington | Government Printing office | 1878. pp.
i-xvi, 1-807.
Davie. Nests and Eggs | of | North American Birds | By Oliver Davie | Third Edi-
tion, Revised and Augmented | Introduction by J. Parker Norris. | Illustra-
tions (13) | by Theodore Jasper, A. M., M. D., and W. Otto Emerson. | |
Columbus | Hann & Adair | 1889. pp. 1-455, -i-xii.
Everhart. Miscellaneous Bird-notes (manuscript) relative to species observed in
Chester, and neighboring counties, during a period of over sixty years. By
Benj. M. Everhart, Botanist, West Chester, Penna.
Fisher. Food of Hawks and Owls, by Dr. A. K. Fisher, Assistant Ornithologist ;
from the Annual Report of the U. S. Department of Agriculture for the year
1887. pp. 402-422.
Graves. Some Notes (manuscript) on species observed in Chester, Berks and ad-
joining counties during a period of about fifty years, by Henry B. Graves,
Geigers Mills, Berks county, Penna.
Gentry. Life Histories of the Birds of Eastern Pennsylvania, by Thomas G. Gen-
try, | member of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia, and of |
the Canadian Entomological Society of Toronto. I | In two volumes. Vol.
L | | Philadelphia : | Published by the author (H. Smith, Printer) | 1876.
Vol. ii. Salem, Mass | The Naturalists' Agency. | 1877. 8 vo. Vol. I, pp. xvi,
1-399. Vol. ii, 4p., pp. 1-336.
Henshaw. Report | upon | the Ornithological Collections Made in portions of
Nevada, Utah, California, Colorado, New Mexico and Arizona during the
years 1871, 1872, 1873 and 1874. | By H. W. Henshaw. | Gov. Printing Office. |
Washington, D. C. | 1875. pp. 133-507. 15 colored plates.
Krider. Notes (manuscript) of certain Rare Birds observed in the vicinity of Phil-
adelphia. By Joseph Krider, Philadelphia, Penna.
Langdon. Summer Birds of Northern Ohio Marsh. By F. W. Langdon. Journal
Cincinnati Society Natural History, Vol. iii, 1880. pp. 220-232.
Ijibhart Ornithology of Lancaster county, by Hon. J. J. Libhart. Published in
the History of Lancaster county, Penna. 1869. pp. 502-516. (An annotated
list of 250 species. )
Michener. List of the Birds of Chester county, by Dr. Ezra Michener. Published
in the History of Chester county, Penna. 1881. pp. 441-445.
406 BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
Nelson.- 4 ?^ Congress, j. Sena te | M jJ 8 ^gf; | = | Report | upon | Natural History Col-
lections | made in | Alaska | between the years 1877 and 1881 | by Edward W.
Nelson. | | Edited by Henry W. Henshaw. | | Prepared under the direc-
tion of the Chief Signal Officer. | | No. iii. | Arctic Series of Publications is-
sued in connection with the Signal Service, U. S. Army, | With 21 plates | |
Washington : | Government Printing office. | 1887. 337 pages. 4to.
Nuttall. A | Manual | of the | Ornithology | of the | United States and of Canada. |
By Thomas Nuttall, A. M., F. L. S., etc. | | The Land Birds ] | | Cam-
bridge : | Billiard and Brown, | booksellers to the university j j MDCCC-
XXXII. | 12mo. pp. vii, 1-683 ; 53 wood-cuts. [Vol. ii.] The Water Birds |
| | Boston : | Hilliard, Gray and Company. | | MDCCCXXI V. 12mo.
pp. vii, 1-627. Sixty-two wood-cuts.
Ridgway. A | Manual | of | North American Birds. | By Robert Ridgway. | | Il-
lustrated by 464 outline drawings of the | generic characters | j Philadelphia:
J. B. Lippincot Company. | 1887. pp. i-xi, 1-631.
Ridgway. A | nomenclature of colors | for naturalists, | and | compendium ot use-
ful knowledge | for ornithologists, | by Robert Ridgway, | Curator, Depart-
ment of Birds, United States National Museum, j With ten colored plates and
seven plates | of outline illustrations. | Boston: | Little, Brown and Company. |
1886. p. 129.
Ridgway. Natural History Survey of Illinois. | State Laboratory of Natural His-
tory. | S. A. Forbes, director. | | The Ornithology | of Illlinois | | Part 1,
Descriptive Catalogue, | by Robert Ridgway. | Part II. Economic Orni-
thology, | by S. A. Forbes. | | Volume I. | | Published by authority of the
State Legislature. | | Springfield, 111.: | H. W. Rokker, printer and'binder, |
1889. p. 520. [One full page colored plate (Sturnella magna) and xxxii p] ates,
xx of which contain numerous outline drawings of the generic characters. ]
Samuels. Our Northern and Eastern Birds, by E. A. Samuels. 1883. pp. i-iv,
1-600.
Townsend. Notes on the Birds of Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, by
Charles H. Townsend. Published in proceedings of the Academy of Natural
Science of Philadelphia, 1883. pp. 59-68.
Turnbull. The | Birds of East Pennsylvania | and New Jersey, | by William P.
Turnbull, LL. D., | author of the " Birds of East Lothian;" | member of the
Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia ; | of the Lyceum of Natural
History, New York ; | corresponding member of the Natural History Society
of Glasgow, etc. | [Illustration of Meadowlark.] | Glasgow: Printed for pri-
vate circulation, [by A. K. Murray & Co.,] | 1869. 1 vol. roy. 8vo, pp. xii, 1-62,
with 20 illustrations.
Turner. - 49 ^ t c 8 ^ r e n 88 ' [ Senate | ^ ? 5 5 C - | = I Contributions | to the | Natural His.
tory of Alaska | | Results of investigations made chiefly in the Yukon |
district and the Aleutian islands | conducted under the auspices of the signal
service, | United States Army, extending from May, 1874, to August, 1881. |
Prepared under the direction of | Brig, and Bvt. Maj. Gen. W. B. Hazen, |
chief signal officer of the army, | by L. M. Turner. | | No. 11. | Arctic series
of publications issued in connection with the signal service, U. S. Army. |
With 26 plates. | | Washington : | Government printing office, | 1886. 226
pages, 4to.
Warren. Report | on the | Birds of Pennsylvania. | With special reference to the
food-habits, based | on over three thousand stomachs | examinations, | by B.
H. Warren, M. D., | ornithologist of the State Board of Agriculture, etc., |
illustrated with fifty plates. | | Harrisburg: | Edwin K.Meyers, state printer, j
1888. pp. i-xii, 1-260.
Wheaton. Ohio Geological Survey, Vol. IV, Section II. | | Report on the Birds
of Ohio, | by J. M. Wheaton, M. D. (Published about November 1, 1879.) pp.
438, 8vo.
PLATE 99.
1. Tufted Titmouse. 2. Mocking-bird. 3. Oven-bird.
Males.
APPENDIX. 407
Wilson. American Ornithology | or | the Natural History | of the | Birds of the
United States | illustrated with plates | engraved and colored from original
drawings taken from nature | by Alexander Wilson. | Published by Bradford
and Inskeep, Philadelphia, | 1808-1814, 9 Vols.
Wilson and Bonaparte. American Ornithology; | or, j The Natural History | of the
Birds of the United States, | illustrated with plates | engraved and colored from
original drawings from nature, | by Alexander Wilson | and | Charles Lucian
Bonaparte. | With a Sketch of the Life of Wilson, | by George Ord, F. L. S., |
and | a classification of the genera and species of North American Birds, | by
Spencer F. Baird, | of the Smithsonian Institution, | Vol. I, (II, III.) | Phil-
adelphia: | Porter and Coates. | Date not given. (1871).
[NOTE. Extracts were also made from different numbers of Bulletin Nuttall Ornithological Club, the
Auk. Forest and Stream, and the Ornithologist and Oologist. likewise several papers prepared by the
author, and published in annual reports of the Pennsylvania State Board of Agriculture. ]
(B) Names of persons who have courteously sent the writer lists of species found in
different counties of the commonwealth, or otherwise materially aided him in
securing much valuable information concerning the avifauna of Pennsyl-
vania.
In June, 1889, the writer prepared a " Provisional List" of the Birds of Pennsyl-
vania, with a view of learning the status of numerous species and subspecies which
had been attributed by various observers (reliable and otherwise) to our fauna, and
distri buted the same to naturalists and collectors in all sections of the State. The
following is a copy of the introductory page of said list (thirteen pages). About
five hundred, with circular letters, were distributed throughout the commonwealth.
Of this number between eighty and ninety were returned. Several which had been
carefully revised, were unfortunately valueless as the senders neglected to give
their names ; a few persons marked the lists so as to render them unintelligible.
Provisional list, including natives, permanent residents, spring and fall mi-
grants, occasional visitants and "stragglers" or accidental visitants. Compiled
by B. H. Warren, M. D., West Chester, Pa.
The numbers following the common names refer to check-lists of Prof. S. F. Baird
(marked B), published in 1858; Dr. Elliott Coues (marked C), published in 1873;
Prof. Robert Ridgway (marked R), published in 1880; Dr. Elliott Coues (marked
C), published in 1882, and that of the American Ornithologists' Union (marked U),
published in 1886,
In addition to the different birds observed by myself, I have added a number of
species which have been given in writings (published and unpublished) of differ-
ent observers. This list has been prepared for gratuitous distribution among ornith-
ologists and oologists who are respectfully requested to make such additions and
corrections as their field experience will warrant
The following suggestions are offered to those who will kindly aid in the prepara-
tion of an accurate list of the Birds of Pennsylvania :
1. Mark with an * before the common names, the birds which breed regularly in
your locality.
2. Place the letter R after the common names of birds found in your locality dur-
ing all months of the year.
3. Indicate the birds which occur in your locality as spring and fall migrants, by
the letter M.
4. Birds which are found in your locality only during the winter season mark with
the letter W.
6. Place the letter Z after the common names of birds which occur in your locality
as occasional visitants, and state if possible what month and year the species was last
seen.
408 BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
6. Birds which you regard as "stragglers" or accidental visitants, mark with the
letter S.
Do you know of any wild pigeon (Ectopistes migratorius) roosts or breeding
places in this state ; if so, where are they ? Also state last authentic record of a wild
pigeon roost or breeding place in Pennsylvania which is known to you.
Do you know of any birds not mentioned in the following list which are found in
Pennsylvania ? If so please name them and state by whom, where and when speci-
mens were taken.
Do you know of any birds named in this list which are erroneously included in
our fauna?
(C) Local lists received and names of persons contributing the same to the author :
Balliet, Dr. L. D., Du Bois, Clearfield county.
Ball, Joseph Price, Frankford, Philadelphia county.
Behr, Otto, Lopez, Sullivan county.
Boltoii, W. P., Liberty Square, Montgomery county.
Bohn, J. G., Lebanon, Lebanon county.
Brown, Hon. Gerard C., Yorkanna, York county.
Buller, "W. H., Marietta, Lancaster county.
Burns, Frank L., Berwyn, Chester county.
Camp, J. LJ., Herrick, Bradford county.
Compton, Murat, Washington, Washington county.
*Detwiller, Dr. John W., Bethlehem, Northampton county.
Eldon, Charles H. (taxidermist), Williamsport, Lycoming county.
Everhart, Dr. Isaiah P., Scran ton, Lackawanna county.
Fisher, W. P,, Fleming, Centre county.
fFriant, George P. (taxidermist), Scranton, Lackawanna county.
Galen, James, Rawlinsville, Lancaster county.
Gehris, Milton D., Kutztown, Berks county.
JGerner, Rev. A. H., Sing Sing, New York.
Gill in, Thomas S., Ambler, Montgomery county.
Green, J. F., Scranton, Lackawanna county.
Greenland, H. Li., Warren, Warren county.
Hark, O. B., Bethlehem, Northampton county.
Hartman, Dr. W. Lu, Pittston, Luzerne county.
Hazzard, Dr. T. Z., Allegheny, Allegheny county.
Jamison, H., Manayunk, Philadelphia county.
Johnson, Rev. Joseph, Frankford, Philadelphia county.
Keller, D, Frank, Reading, Berks county.
Ketcham, J. W., Minnequa, Bradford county.
Kirkpatrick, H. C. (taxidermist), Meadville, Crawford county.
Kocher, J. F., South Whitehall, Lehigh county.
Kock, Prof. August, Williamsport, Lycoming county.
Larrabee, M. M., Emporium, Cameron county.
Lee, Alfred P., Oxford, Chester county.
Lilley, A. T., LeRoy, Bradford county.
Linskill, David J., Plymouth, Luzerne county.
lanton, G. W., Masontown, Fayette county.
Loucks, Casper, York, York county.
MacCrea, Dr. A. B., Berwick, Columbia county.
Miller, George, York, York county.
Moore, Dr. H. D., New Lexington, Somerset county.
Morris George Spencer, Olney, Philadelphia county.
* Also notes relative to species in various parts of the state.
f Also notes of species observed in Wyoming county.
JList of species observed in the vicinity of Milford, Pike county.
PLATE 100.
1. Wood Thrush. 2. Olive-backed Thrush.
3. Hermit Thrush. 4. Wilson's Thrush.
APPENDIX. 409
Nease, James S., Washington, Washington county.
Neff, T. It., Carlisle, Cumberland county.
Nelis, Justin, Dingman's Ferry, Pike county.
Overmoyer, S. S., New Lebanon, Mercer county.
Paschal 1, S. Edward, Doylestown, Bucks county.
Perry, George B., Brooklyn, Susquehanna county.
Park, W. H., (taxidermist), Athens, Bradford county.
Bees, W. G., Reading, Berks county.
Rice, Mrs M. H., Lahaska, Bucks county.
* Ricksecker, Edmund, Nazareth, Northampton county.
Riday, J. Wesley, Coatesville, Chester county.
Ritchie, Mrs. William, Buffalo, Washington county.
Robertson, Prof. J. R., Franklin, Venango county.
f Roddy, Prof. H. Justin, Millersville, Lancaster county.
Ross, George R., Lebanon, Lebanon county.
Scroggs, Dr. G. A., Beaver, Beaver county.
Sears, George W., Wellsboro', Tioga county.
J Sennett, George B., Erie, Erie county.
Stern, Jonas, Kutztown, Berks county.
Sterrett, Harry, Titusville, Crawford county.
Stoey, W. W. (taxidermist), Harrisburg, Dauphin county.
Stone. Witmer, Philadelphia, Philadelphia county.
Swayne, AVm. M., Kennett Square, Chester county.
Teulon, James A., Bradford, McKean county.
Thomas, S. S., Springville, Susquehanna county.
Tingley, Dr. H. A., Susquehanna, Susquehanna county.
Townsley, Robert, Trainer, Delaware county.
Treichler, Dr. A. C., Elizabethtown, Lancaster county.
Underwood, Hon. N. F., Lake Como, Wayne county.
|| Van Fleet, Dr. Walter, Renovo, Clinton county,
W r arrick, W. T., Washington, Washington county.
Webster, M. J., Madisonville, Lackawanna county.
Williams, Jr., H. W., Scranton, Lackawanna county.
Wilson, Harry, Gum Tree, Chester county.
Wrenshall, R. C., Pittsburgh, Allegheny county.
* With, also, notes of certain species found breeding in Monroe county. List and notes were received
from Mr. E. Ricksecker, July 5, 1887.
t List of species occurring in Perry county ; also notes concerning species observed in Centre and other
counties.
i Also list of species found in Crawford county.
1 Also lists of Clearfleld and Northumberland counties, and notes referring to species in several other
counties.
410
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
(D) Aided by the following-named members of the Pennsylvania State Board of
Agriculture, the author was greatly assisted in being placed in communica-
tion with reliable correspondents in nearly every county in the Commonwealth.
Adams, I. Garretson. Btglerville.
Armstrong, Hon. Noah Seanor, Plumville.
Beaver, A. L. McKibben, Green Garden.
Bedford, S. S, Diehl, Bedford.
Berks, G. D. Stitzel. Reading.
Bucks, E. Reeder, New Hope.
Butler, W. H. H. Riddle, Butler.
Bradford, R. H. Laning, Towanda.
Blair, Frederick Jaekel. Hollidaysburg.
Clarion, W. Shanafelt, Clarion.
Chester, T. J. Edge. Harrisburg.
Chester, Samuel R. Downing, West Chester.
Centre. Dr. E. W. Hale, Bellefonte.
Clinton, J. A. Herr, Cedar Springs.
Columbia, Chandlee Eves, Millville.
Crawford, J. B. Phelps, Conneautville.
Crawford. Hon. Will B. Powell, Springboro'.
Cumberland, C. H. Mullin. Mt. Holly Springs.
Dauphin, G. Hiester, Harrisburg.
Erie. J. C. Thornton, Avonia.
Franklin. D. Z. Shook, Greencastle.
Indiana, W. C. Gordon, Black Lick.
Jefferson, J. McCracken, Jr., Frostburg.
Lackawanna, H. H. Colvin, Dalton.
Lancaster, Calvin Cooper, Bird-in-Hand.
Lawrence. Samuel McCreary, Neshannock Falls.
Lebanon, C. R. Lantz, Lebanon.
Lehigh, Dr. J. P. Barnes, Allentown.
Luzerne, J. B. Smith, Kingston.
Lycoming, P. Reeder, Hughesville.
Mercer, Robert McKee, Mercer.
Montgomery, H. W. Kratz, Norristown.
Montour, J. K. Murray, Potts Grove.
Northampton, A. D. Shimer. Bethlehem.
Northumberland, John Hoffa, Milton.
Perry, F. H. McKeehan, Ferguson.
Schuylkill, J. T. Shoener. Orwigsburg.
Somerset. Hon. N. B. Critchfleld, Quemahoning.
Sullivan, J. H. Lawrence, Dushore.
Susquehanna, R. S. Searle. Montrose.
Tioga, J. W. Mather, Wellsboro'.
Union, J. A. Gundy, Lewisburg.
Venango, Capt. A. Frazier. Cooperstown.
Warren, Charles Lott, North Warren.
Washington, John McDowell, Washington.
Wayne, N. F. Underwood, Lake Como.
Westmoreland,' F. Y. Clopper, Greensburg.
Wyoming, N. G. Bunnell, Vosburg.
York, Dr. W. S. Roland, York.
APPENDIX. 411
GLOSSARY OF TECHNICAL TERMS USED IN THE PRECEDING
DESCRIPTIONS.
[These definitions are compiled from Robert Ridjrway's Nomenclature of Colors, and Dr.
Elliot Coues' * Glossary.]
A.
Ab'dome*i. Belly ; under surface of body from breast-bone to vent ; bounded
laterally by the sides, posteriorly by the vent or anal region and anteriorly by
the breast.
Abdo'minal. Pertaining to the abdomen.
Aber'rant. Deviating from the usual character.
Apces'sory. Joined to another thing ; additional (as an accessory plume).
Accip'itres. Plural of Accipiter ; also the name of a more or less artificial group
of birds, including the so-called " Birds of Prey " or Raptores of some authors.
Accip'itrine. Hawk-like.
Acu'miiiate. Tapering gradually to a point,
Acute'. Sharp-pointed.
Adult' Grown to full size ; mature (a bird may be adult as regards organization
without being of adult plumage).
After-shaft. Properly, the stem of the supplementary plume springing from near
the base of some feathers ; ordinarily, however, applied to the plume itself.
Al'ar. Pertaining to the wings.
Alimen'tary. Pertaining to the digestive organs.
Al' trices. Birds reared in the nest and fed by the parents. With the exception of
the RaptoreSj some of the Steganopodes and Pygopodes, the Longipennes and
Spheni&ti, the young of the Altrices are born naked, or only partly clad.
Alu'la. " Bastard-wing ;" spurious-wing composed of several stiff feathers grow-
ing on the so-called thumb. They are situated directly below the secondary
or greater coverts, and collectively resemble a little wing.
A'nal. Pertaining to the anus.
A'nal region. The feathers immediately surrounding the anus.
An' iiular. Ringed.
Auo'malous. Very strange or unusual.
An'seriiie. Goose-like.
An'te. Anterior to, or before ; as anteorbital, anteocular, etc.
Ante'rior. Forward ; in front of.
Antrorse. Directed forward, as the nasal tufts of most jays and crows, and the
rectal bristles of many birds.
A'nus. Outlet of refuse of digestion. In birds the same orifice discharges the pro-
ducts of the genito-urinary organs.
A'pex. Tip or point of anything.
Aquat'ic. Pertaining to the water ; said of birds frequenting water, and thence
drawing subsistence.
Arbo'real. Tree-inhabiting.
Ash or Ash'y. Pale gray.
Atten'uate. Tapering or gradually growing narrower toward the extremity, but
not necessarily pointed or acuminate.
Auric'ular. Pertaining to the ear.
Auric'ulars. Ear-coverts. The (usually) well-defined feathered area which con-
ceals the ears in birds.
* Hist. N. Am. B, Vol. Ill, pp. 536-560.
412 BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
Autum'nal Plu'mage. The full dress of the autumn. In most birds it remains
essentially unchanged till the spring moult In many species the young pos-
sess a peculiar autumnal plumage (assumed by the first moult) which differs
not only from their first livery but also from that of adults at the same season.
In such, the adult or mature plumage may be completely assumed at the next
moult, or it may be gradually acquired by successive moults, as in the case
ot many Orioles (Icteridce), Tanagers and other bright-colored Passerine
groups.
A'vis. Plural aves. Bird.
Av'ian Fauna, i
Avi-fauna. \ The bird-life of a particular country or locality.
Ax' ilia. Armpit.
Ax'illar. >
Ax'illary. \ Pertainin g to the armpit
Ax'illaries. ) The (generally) soft and lengthened feathers growing from the arm.
Ax'illarea 5 pit
Back. Dorsum. In descriptive ornithology, usually includes the scapulars and
interscapulars, but should properly be restricted to the latter alone.
Back of Neck. Cervical region. Includes Nucha and Cervix (which see). Equiv-
alent to hind-neck.
Band. Any crosswise color-mark, transverse to the long axis of the body. A
broad band is usually called a zone.
Band'ed or Barred. Marked with bands or bars.
Barb. Any one of the laminae composing the web of a feather.
Barb'ed. Furnished with barbs ; bearded.
Base. Bottom ; root ; origin.
Ba'sal. Pertaining to the base.
Bay. A very rich dark reddish chestnut
Beak. Bill.
Bel'ly. See abdomen.
Belt. A broad band of color across the breast or belly. (Distinguished from zone
in that the latter may cross the wings or tail.)
Belt'ed. Marked with a broad band of color across the lower part of the body, as
in the Belted Kingfisher.
Bend of Wing. Angle or prominence formed at the carpus (wrist-joint), in the
folded wing.
Bev'y. A flock of quails or partridges. ,
Bi '-colored. Two-colored.
/ Two-named, or, more properly named by two terms. The binomi-
nal system of nomenclature, instituted in 1758 by Linnaeus, and
J adopted by zoologists and botanists, promulgates the use of two
terms as the name of each species the first generic, the second
{ specific.
Boot. In birds, the tarsal envelope, when entire.
Boot'ed. A booted tarsus has the usual scales fused so as to form a continuous or
uninterrupted covering. The tarsus of the smaller thrushes and American
Robin (Merula migratoria') well illustrate this character.
Bo'real. Northern.
Breast. Anterior portion of lower part of trunk, between jugulum and abdomen ;
properly, the region overlying and containing the breast-bone, but generally
restricted to the more forward swelling portion of each region.
Bris'tle. Small, stiff, hair-like feather, especially about the mouth or eyes, but
sometimes on other portions of the plumage also.
Buff or Buffy. Pale brownish-yellow ; color of yellow buckskin.
APPENDIX. 413
c.
Capi'taL Pertaining to the head.
Cap'itate. A capitate feather has the end enlarged.
Caruiv'orous. Flesh-eating.
Car 'mine. A very pure and intense crimson. The purest of the cochineal colors.
Car'pal. Pertaining to the carpus, or wrist
Car'pus. The wrist In a bird the space between the bend (Jlexura) and the
hand-joint of the wing.
Car'uncle. Small fleshy excrescence, usually about the head or neck (as in Tur-
key Buzzard, Wild Turkey, etc.,) generally naked, and wrinkled, warty, or
brightly colored.
Carun'culated Having caruncles.
Cau'da. The tail.
Cau'dal. Pertaining to the tail.
Cere. The naked skin or membrane in which the nostrils are situated, common in
most birds of prey (Raptores) and many of the Parrot-tribe (Psittaci), as
well as the Pigeons (CoZww&ce), and some other groups. It usually has a more
or less distinct line of demarcation anteriorly (except in the Pigeons).
Cer'vical. Pertaining to the hind-neck or cervix.
Cer'vix. The hind-neck ; from occiput to the commencement of back, including
the nape and scruff.
Char 'acter. Any material attribute susceptible of definition for use in description
and classification. Also, a sum of such attributes, as, of passerine character.
Cheek. An arbitrary sub-division of the side of the head, differently employed by
various writers, but usually corresponding to the malar region, ortne feathered
portion of the lower jaw.
Chest'nut. Rich dark reddish brown color, of a slightly purplish cast
Chin. The most anterior point of the gular region, or the space between forks of
lower jaw.
Cine'reous. Ash-gray ; a clear bluish gray color, lighter than plumbeous (lead-
color).
Cir'cular. Of a rounded shape.
Class. A primary division of animals, as the class of Birds (Class Aves).
Classification. Systematic arrangement
Claw. The horny, pointed, and compressed sheath of the terminal phalanx of the
toe.
Clutch. Nest-complement of eggs.
Col'lar. A ring of color around neck.
Colora'tion. Pattern or mode of coloring, or the colors of the plumage collectively.
Commis'sural. Pertaining to the commissure.
Com'missure. The outlines of the closed bill, or the opposed edges of the mandi-
ble and maxilla.
Compress'ed. Narrowed sideways ; higher than wide.
Con'fluent. Run together.
Coniros'tral. Having a conical bill, like that of a finch or sparrow.
Cord'ate. > Heart-shaped.
Cord'iform. $
Cor'nu. Horn.
Coro'na. Top of head. Equivalent to cap or pileus. Vertex is the highest point of
corona.
Cor rugate, ) Wrink i e d.
Cor'rugated. >
Co'vey. A family (or brood with or without their parents) of quails or other game-
birds.
Cream Color. A light pinkish yellow color, like cream.
414 BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
Crepus'cular. Pertaining to twilight. (Crepuscular birds are those which become
active after sunset. )
Cres'cent. A figure having the shape of a new moon.
Crescent'ic. Shaped like the new moon.
Crest. A more or less lengthened, erectile, or permanently erect, tuft of feathers
on top of the head.
Crest' ed. Having a crest, as the Blue Jay.
Crim'soii. Blood-red ; the color of the cruder sorts of carmine.
Cris'sum. A term usually applied to the lower tail-coverts collectively, but prop-
erly belonging to the feathers situated between the lower tail-coverts and the
anal region.
Cris'sal. Pertaining to the crissum.
Crown. Pileus, top of head, especially the vertex.
Cul'men. Ridge of maxilla or upper mandible.
Cul'miiial. Pertaining to the culmen.
Cu'neate. } Wedge-shaped. A cuneate tail has the middle feathers longest, the
Cu'neiform. ) rest successively regularly shorter.
D.
Decid'uous. Temporary ; falling early. The dorsal plumes of the egret are decid-
uous.
Decompos'ed. Separate ; standing apart. A decomposed crest has the feathers
standing away from each other.
Decum'bent. Drooping or hanging downward.
Decurved'. Gradually curved downward. Opposed to recurved.
Degluti'tion. Act of swallowing.
Den'tate. Toothed.
Depress'ed. Flattened vertically ; broader than high. Opposite of compressed.
Diagno'sis. A condensed statement of the characters which are exclusively ap-
plicable to a species, genus, or higher group ; a description which omits all
non-essential characters,
Digitus. Digit Finger or toe.
Disc. ) Set of radiating feathers surrounding the eye in some birds, especially the
Disk. ) owls.
Dis'tal. Remote ; situate at or near an extremity ; opposite to proximo.
Diur'nal. Pertaining to the daytime. Among birds, those which are active during
the daytime and repose at night. ( Many diurnal birds, however, are nocturnal
in their migrations.
Dor'sal. Pertaining to the back.
Dor'sum. Back ; upper surface of trunk from neck to rump.
Double-rounded. ) A doubly-forked tail has the middle and lateral feathers decid-
Doubly-rounded. S edly longer than those between.
Down. Small soft decomposed feathers, which clothe the nestlings of many birds,
and which also grow between and underneath the true feathers in the adults
of many others, especially the various kinds of water-fowl.
Drab. A brownish gray color.
Dusk'y. Of any indefinite dark color.
E.
Ear-cov'erts. The usually well-defined tract of feathers overyling the ears of most
birds. The ear-coverts (or auricular s, as they are usually termed in descrip-
tions) are bounded above by the backward extension of the supercilium, or
lateral portion of the crown, posteriorly by the occiput and nape, below by the
malar region or "cheeks," and anteriorily by the suborbital region. Same as
auriculars.
APPENDIX. 415
Ear'ed. Having lengthened or highly colored auricular or other feathers on the
side of the head.
Ear-tufts. Erectile tufts of elongated feathers springing from each side of the crown
or forehead, and presenting a close superficial resemblance to the external ears
of many mammalia. They are especially characteristic of certain owls.
(Strigidce).
Edg'ed. Having the edge or lateral margin of a different color.
Edge of wing. The anterior border of the wing, from the armpit to the base of the
outer primary.
El'evated. Said of the hind toe when inserted above the level of the others.
Elon gate. Lengthened beyond the usual ratio.
An emarginate tail has the middle feather shortest, the rest suc-
Einarg'inate.
Em arg' mated.
cessively a little longer ; hence our emarginate tail is very
slightly forked. An emarginate quill has the web suddenly nar-
rowed by an abrupt cutting away of the edge.
Excres'cence. Outgrowth, fleshy, or cutaneous.
^ re " > The nest of a bird of prey, especially an eagle.
Ey'rie. 5
F.
Fa 'cial. Pertaining to the face.
Fal'cate. Sickle-shaped ; scythe-shaped.
Fam'ily. A systematic group in scientific classification) embracing a greater or less
number of genera which agree in certain characters not shared by other birds
of the same Order. In rank, a Family stands between Order and Genus, the
former being composed of a greater or less number of nearly related families.
In zoological nomenclature the name of a Family is taken from a typical Ge-
nus, the name of which is modified by the termination idee ; as Falconidoe, Co-
lumbidce, etc. Subfamilies are distinguished by the termination ince.
Fau'na. The animal-life of a country or locality.
Ferrugin'eous. > Rusty . red . like color of irO n-rust
Ferru'ginous. >
Filament, A slender or thread-like fibre.
Flanks. The most posterior feathers of sides.
Fore'head. ) Front of head from bill to crow n.
Front.
Fore'neck. A rather indefinite and arbitrary term, variously applied, but usually
referring to the lower throat and jugulum, though not infrequently to the
whole of the space included by the chin, throat and jugulum. In long-necked
birds only does the term become of definite application.
Form. In a special sense, a sort of non-committal term frequently used by modern
writers to designate what is of doubtful rank. The term "form" is thus used
lor what may prove to be a species, or may be only a race, but as to the rank
of which the author is in doubt.
Fos'sa. A ditch or groove. Used chiefly in the plural (Fossce) to denote the pits or
grooves in which most birds' nostrils open.
Fos'ter parent. A bird which has reared the young of a parasitic species.
Front'al. Pertaining to the forehead.
Frugiv'orous. Fruit-eating.
Fulig'inous. Sooty brown, or dark smoke-color.
Ful'vous. Of a brownish-yellow color ; tawny.
Fur'ca* e. Forked.
Fus'cous. Dark-brown, of a rather indefinite .
416 BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
G.
Gallina ceous. Belonging to the Order Gallinece ; having the nature of the domes-
tic fowl.
Gape. The opening of the mouth.
Gastrse'um. The whole under part of a bird.
Gen'era. Plural of Genus.
Gener'ie. Pertaining to a Genus.
Ge'nus. An assemblage of species, or a single species, constituting a taxonomie
group of value next below that of the family.
Gib'bose. >
Gib'bous. $ Swollen ; protuberant
Gibbos'ity. A swelling or protuberance.
Glau'cous. A whitish-blue color, like the " bloom " of a cabbage-leaf.
Go'nys. The keel or lower outline of the maxilla or lower mandible, from the tip
to the point where the rami begin to diverge.
Gorg'et. Throat-patch, distinguished by color or texture of the feathers.
Grad' ated. C ^ ff ra du<*>ted tail has the middle feathers longest, the rest succes-
G ad' te. sively shorter; the difference in length 1 not so great, however,
C as in a cuneate tail.
Grallato'res. > An arbitrary and artificial group of the older classifications, in-
Grallato'rise. > eluding the wading birds.
Graniv'orous. Seed-eating.
/ The most posterior series of wing-coverts, or those which
r Coverts. immediately overlay the base of the secondaries ; hence
* ts< ( often very appropriately called Secondary coverts.
Ground-color (in oology). The color of the general surface of the egg-shell, as dis-
tinguished from its markings.
Gu'la, The throat
Gu'lar. Pertaining to the throat
Gut' tate. Drop-shaped or tear-shaped.
H.
Hab'itat. Locality or region frequented by a species ; its geographical distribution.
Hal'lux. In birds possessing four toes, the hinder one is the hallux, no known bird
having four toes directed forwards. In some birds, as certain plovers, the bus-
tards ( Otididce), the Struthiones, etc., the hallux or hind toe is wanting. In three-
toed birds having two toes in front and one behind, the hallux is usually the
one wanting, the hind toe being in reality the fourth (or outer) toe reversed.
When the toes are in pairs (two before and two behind) the hallux is usually
the inner of the hinder pair, the exception being in the Trogans ( Trogonidce).
The hallux reaches its best development in the Passers, the Accipitres, Striyes,
and Rallidce, but more especially in the first, in which it is usually as strong,
if not stronger, than the largest of the anterior toes.
Has' tare. Spear-head shaped.
Ha'zel. An orange-brown color, like the shell of a hazel-nut or filbert
Hel'met. A naked shield or protuberance on the top or fore part of the head.
Herodio'nes. A natural group of altricial warders, embracing the storks, wood-
ibises, spoonbills, boatbills and herons.
Hind-neck. Crevix. ,
Hoar'y. Of a pale silvery-gray.
Hood' ed. Having the head conspicuously different in color from the rest of the
plumage.
Hor'notine. Yearling ; a bird ol the year.
Hu'merus. The upper arm bone ; or, the whole ol the upper arm.
Hy'brid. Cross between two species; mongrel.
Hy' old. Properly, pertaining to the os hyoides, or tongue bone, but frequently
applied with reference to the tongue itself.
APPENDIX. 417
i.
Idearifica'tioii. The determination of the species to which a given specimen
belongs.
Im'bricated. Fixed shingle-wise with over-lapping edge or end.
Immac'ulate. Unspotted.
Immature'. Not adult.
Incised'. Cut out ; cut away.
Incuba'ticm. The act of sitting on eggs to hatch them.
Indig enous. Native of a country.
Insectiv'orous. Insect-eating.
In terorb ital. Between the eye-sockets.
Interscap'ular. Between the shoulders.
Interscap'ulars. Feathers of the back.
Irides'ceiit. Glittering with many colors, which change in different lights.
I'ria Colored circle of the eye around the " dark spot" or pupil.
J.
Jug'ular. Pertaining to the jugulum.
Jug'ulum. Lower throat ; lower foreneck.
Lia'bel. Card, ticket or similar slip of paper, parchment, etc., affixed to an object
giving written information respecting it.
Lake Red. A purplish red color, not so intense as crimson.
I jam iiia A thin plate or scale.
Lanceolate. Lance-shaped ; tapering narrowly at one end, less so at the other.
Lav'eiider. A very pale purplish color, paler and more delicate that lilac.
Lead-col'or. Plumbeous.
Leg. As generally used, synonymous with tarsus; as "legs and feet" =tarsi and
toes.
Les'ser Wing-cov'erts. The smaller wing-coverts, forming a more or less well de-
fined tract immediately anterior to the middle coverts, and thence to the an-
terior border of the inner-wing.
Li'lac A light purple color, like the flowers of the lilac.
Limico'Ise. A group of shore-waders, as plover, snipe, etc.
Lin'ear. Narrow, with straight parallel edges ; line-like.
Li'ning of the Wing. The under wing-coverts, especially the lesser and middle.
Lo'bate. ) Furnished with membraneous flaps (said chiefly of toes).
Lobed. )
Lobe Membraneous flap.
Lougi pen' lies. A group of long-winged swimming birds, formally embracing the
gulls and their allies, and the Procellariidce petrels, albatrosses, and lulmars),
but properly restricted to the Laridce, Rliynchopidce and JStercorariidw.
Longitud inal. Running lengthwise, or in the direction of the antero-posterior
axis of the body.
Lo'ral. Pertaining to the lores.
Lore. Space between eye and bill.
Low'er Parts. The entire under surface, from chin to the crissum, inclusive.
Low'er Tail-cov'erts. Feathers immediately under the tail.
M.
Mac ' ulate. S potted.
Mad'der Brown. A very rich reddish-brown color, more purplish than burnt
sienna.
Ma la Basal portion of outside of lower jaw, usually feathered.
Ma'lar. Pertaining to the mala.
27 BIRDS.
418 BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
Ma'lar Re'gion. The side of the lower jaw behind the horny covering ot the
mandible, usually feathered. In most birds it is a well-defined tract, extend-
ing backward from tho base of the maxilla, beneath the lores, orbits, and
auriculars> and bounded beneath by the chin and throat.
Man'dible. Properly the under jaw, the upper being maxilla.
Mandibu'lar. Pertaining to the lower jaw.
Man'tle. In certain Laridce and some other birds, the mantle is that portion of the
upper plumage distinguished by the other parts of a peculiar and uniform
color, suggesting, by its position, a mantle thrown over the body. It usually
includes simply the back, scapulars, and wings and the term is perhaps ap-
propriate only when thus restricted.
Marine'. Pertaining to the sea.
Mar'gined. Narrowly bordered with a different color.
Maroon'.> A rich brownish crimson ; claret color.
Mask ed. Having the anterior portion of the head colored differently, in a con-
spicuous manner, from the rest of the plumage.
Max'illa. The upper jaw, or upper mandible. ,
Max'illary. Pertaining to the maxilla.
Me'dian. ) A1 tne middle i ine .
Me'dial. \
Mel'anism. A peculiar state of coloration resulting from excess of black or dark
pigment. A frequent condition of hawks.
Metal'lic. As applied to colors having a brilliant appearance, like burnished
metal.
Mid'dle Toe. The middle one of the three anterior toes. It is usually 4-jointed,
and longer than the lateral toes. In numerical order it is the third, the hind
toe, or hallux, being the first, and the inner toe the second. In zygodactylous
birds it corresponds to the outer anterior toe, the fourth toe being reversed.
( The series of coverts, usually in a single transverse
Mid'dle Cov'erts. row, situated between the lesser and greater, or sec-
Mid'dle Wiiig-cov'erts. j ondary coverts. They usually overlap one another
Me'dian Cov'erts. in the reverse manner from the other coverts, the
L inner or upper edge being the one exposed.
Migra'tion, Periodisal change of abode, influenced chiefly by seasonal changes in
climate, in which case the migration is regularly periodical, the vernal or
spring migration being in the northern hemisphere, northward, the autumnal
migration southward, but vice versa in the southern hemisphere. The migra-
tions of many birds, however, are irregular or erratic, being prompted by the
necessity of finding the requisite food-supply. The Passenger Pigeon ( Ecto-
pistes migratoria), American Robin (Merula migratoria), Cedar-bird (Am-
pelis cedrorum), etc., are migratory in this sense ; while the tanagers, orioles,
and others, which pass the summer only in northern latitudes and winter en-
tirely within the tropics are periodical migrants.
Mir'ror.--See speculum.
Monog'arnous. Pairing ; mating with a single one of the opposite sex. Birds ot
which the male assists in incubation and care of the young are called doubly
monogamous.
Moustache^. In descriptive ornithology any conspicuous stripe on the side of the
head beneath the eye.
N.
Nape. The upper portion of the hind-neck or cervix.
Na'sal. Pertaining to the nostrils.
Nata'tion. Act of swimming.
Natato'res. Swimming birds, as geese, ducks, gulls, etc.
Nic'titating Mem'braue. The third or inner eye-lid of hints.
APPENDIX. 419
Nidiflca'tion. Nest-building; mode of nesting.
No'menclature. The names of things, according to a recognized principle of nam-
ing, or those peculiar to any department of science. Various systems of
nomenclature have been employed in the naming of animals and plants.
Previous to the institution of the binomial system by Linnaeus (first pro-
mulgated as to zoology in 1758;, the polynomial, system, or the use ol several
terms as to the name of a species, was much in vogue. That now employed
is the binomial system of Linnteus, in which usualty only two terms are
used, the one generic, the other specific, but occasionally modified, accord-
ing to the requirements of modern science, by the use of a third term after the
specific one, for the designation of nascent species, or "subspecies."
Nor'mal. Usual ; regular.
Nos'tril. The external opening of the organs of respiration.
Nu'cha. The nape ; upper part of cervix, next to occiput.
Nu'chal. Pertaining to the nape.
Nup'tial plu'mage. A particular plumage, peculiar to the breeding season, char-
acteristic of some birds.
O.
Oblique'. Indirect ; crossing, or running diagonally.
Ob'long Longer than broad.
Obscure'. Dark ; not evident ; faintly marked ; little known.
Obtuse'. Blunt. Opposed to acute.
Occip'ital. Pertaining to the hind-head or occiput
Oc'ciput. The hind-head.
Ochra'ceous. "|
Och'reous. I A brownish orange color, or intense buff.
Och'rey.
Olfac'tory. Pertaining to the sense of smell.
ra'ceous. | A greenish . brown color> like that O f olives.
Omniv'orous. Feeding upon anything eatable ; eating indiscriminately.
Oolog'ical. Pertaining to oology.
Ool'ogy. The science of birds' eggs.
Opaque'. In descriptive ornithology, the opposite of metallic, or brilliant, dull or
without gloss.
O'ral. Pertaining to the mouth.
Or bit. Eye-socket
Or'bital Ring. A ring or circle of color immediately surrounding the eye.
Or' dor. In classification a group between family and class.
Oriiithol'ogy. The science of birds.
Os ciniiie. Pertaining to the Oscines ; musical or capable of singing.
Os'cines. The name of a natural group of singing passerine birds, comprising the
singing-birds par excellence, characterized by a highly specalized vocal appa-
ratus.
Out er Web. The outer web of a feather is that farthest from the central line of the
body ; in wing-feathers it is that farthest from the base of the wing, or toward
the outer edge of the wing.
O'yal. j
1 e ' } Egg-shaped ; in a general sense oblong and curvilinear.
O void.
Ovoid al. )
Ova'rium. > The an m which e s are developed.
O'vary. S
Ovip'aroua Producing eggs which are developed after exclusion from the body.
Oviposi'tioii. Act of laying eggs.
420 BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
p.
Pal'mate. | Web-footed ; having the anterior toes full-webbed. Compare Semi-
Pal'mated. j- pa i mate and Totipalmate.
Pal'miped. )
Palu'dicole. Marsh-inhabitating.
Pal'udme. > p erta ining to a marsh or swamp.
Palus' trine. $
Pap ilia. Small fleshy nipple-like prominence.
Par'asite. In Oology, a species which constructs no nest and performs none of the
duties of incubation or rearing of the young, but imposes on other birds for
this purpose. A parasitic bird is also a species which obtains its food by syste-
matically robbing other species; as the Parasitic Jaeger (sttercorarius para-
siticus). Bald Eagle (Haliceetus lettcocephalus).
Parasi'tic. Habitually making use of other birds' nests.
Pas seres. A group of birds including the sparrows and all the higher birds.
Pas'serine. Sparrow-like. Belonging to the group of Passeres.
Pearl Blue. A very pale purplish blue color.
Pearl Gray. A very pale delicate blue-gray color, like the mantle of certain gulls.
Pec'tinate. ) Having tooth-like projections, like those of a comb, as in the toes of
Pec'tinated. ) a heron or grouse.
Pec 'toral. Pertaining to the breast.
Pec'tus The breast.
Pelag'ic. Frequenting the high seas.
Phase. Used more especially in the case of dichromatic species, as the melan-
istic phase, the rufescent phase, etc.
Pi'ci. The name of a natural group, or order, of zygodactyle birds, comprising the
woodpeckers and wrynecks.
Pig'ment. Coloring-matter.
Pil'eus. > The t of head from bage f biu t e
Pil'eum.
Pink. A dilute rose-red color.
Pin'nate. ) Having little wing-like tuits of elongated feathers on the side of the
Pin'nated. $ neck.
Pin'tailed. Having the central tail-feathers elongated and narrowly acuminate, as
in the male Pintail Duck (Dafila acuta).
Pisciv'orous. Fish-eating.
Plu'mage. The leathers, collectively.
Plum'beous. A deep bluish-gray color, like tarnished lead ; lead-color.
Polyg'amous. Mating with many females, as the domestic cock.
Poste'rior. (Upper or Lower) Parts. The hinder half of a bird, above or below.
Postoc'ular. i
Postor'bital. \ Back of ' or P osterior to > the eve -
Pow'der-down Feath'ers. Peculiar imperfect feathers, in a matted patch, which
grow continually, and as constantly break down, with a scrufy exfoliation,
and pervaded with a greasy substance ; they are especially conspicuous in
the heron tribe, but are also found elsewhere.
Pri'mary. Anyone of the quill-leathers of the u hand-wing," usually nine to eleven
in number. Used chiefly in the plural, as distinguished from the secondaries
or those, remiges which grow upon the forearm.
Pri'mary Cov'erts. The series of stiff feathers, usually corresponding with the
primaries in their graduation, which overlie the basal portion of the latter.
Punctate. Dotted.
Pu'pil. Central black disc circumscribed by the iris ; a hole, not a substance.
Pur'ple. A color intermediate between red and blue.
Pygopo'des. A group of swimming birds, containing the families PodicipididoB,
Colymbidce and Alcidce, distinguished by the extreme posterior position of
the legs.
Pyr'iform. Pear-shaped.
APPENDIX. 421
Q.
Quad' rate. Square.
Quar ry. Prey of raptorial birds.
Quill. As generally used, one of the primary remiges ; and perhaps best so re-
stricted.
R.
Race. A nascent species or a "form," which on account of the existence of inter-
mediate specimens cannot be considered a species, no matter how great a de-
gree of differentiation may have been reached. Races are distinguished as
"Geographical " and " Local " according as to whether they occupy extensive
or limited areas of country. Geographical races are usually correlative with
definite geographical areas, being, in fact, the expression of geographical varia-
tion. (Ridgway.)
Ka mus. Branch or fork, as the ramus of the lower mandible
Rapto'res. An artificial group of birds, including the so-called birds of prey.
Rapto'rial. Pertaining to the birds of prey.
Rec'trix. Any one of the tail-feathers. The plural, rectrices, is chiefly used.
Recur' ved. Curved upward.
Reflec'tioii. Change of color with different inclination to the light.
Re'gioii. Any portion of the body localized, as the anal region, dorsal region, etc-
Re'mex. Quill of the wing. The plural remiges is generally employed.
Reiic'ulate. ) Marked with a network of lines.
Reiic'ulated.
Ric'tal. Pertaining to the rictus.
Rictus. The gape ; sometimes restricted to the corner of the mouth.
Rosa'ceous. ) A y e pur p]i s h_pink, like some varieties of roses.
Rose Pink. >
Rose Red. The purest possible purplish red color.
Ros'irum. The beak; bill.
Round ed. A rounded tail has the central pair of feathers longest, the remainder
successively a little shorter. A rounded wing is one in which the first pri-
. inary is short, the longest quill being the third, fourth or fifth, or one nearly
midway between the first and last,
Rudiment/ary. Undeveloped ; existing only in its beginning.
Ruflf. Set of lengihed or otherwise modified or peculiarly colored feathers around
the throat or whole neck.
Ru'ga. A ridge or wrinkle.
Ru'gose. Wrinkled.
Rus set. A bright tawny-brown color, with a tinge of rusty.
Sali'va. Spittle ; the secretion of the salivary glands.
Scaiiso'nal, Capable of climbing as a woodpecker.
Scap'ular. Pertaining to the shoulder blade, or Scapula
Scap'uiars. ) Feathers of the scapular region.
Scap'ularies. >
Scarier. The purest possible red color, lighter and less rosy than carmine, ricner
and purer than vermilion.
Scolo pacine. Snipe-like.
Suu'tellate Provided with scutella, or transverse scales.
Sec'ondary Cov'erts. Properly, the posterior row of wing-coverts, which overlie
the basal portion of the secondaries. The greater wing-coverts.
) The long feathers of the forearm, which in the spread wing
Sec'ondary Quills. > appear in a continuous row with the primaries.
Sec'ondary Rem'iges.
422 BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
Serrate. , Toot hed like a saw.
Ser'rated.
Seia ceous. Bristly ; bristled.
Sex ual. Pertaining to sex.
Shaft. The mid-rib of a feather.
Shank. Properly the shin or tibial segment of the leg.
Side of Neck. The space included between the cervix and the jugulum.
Sides. The lateral portions of the inferior surface of a bird's body, extending from
near the armpits to and including the flanks. The sides are subdivisible into
(1) sides of breast, (2) sides proper, and (3) flanks.
Slate co'lor. A dark gray, or blackish gray color, less bluish in tint than plumbe-
ous or lead color.
Spe'cies. Aggregate of individuals related by genetic succession without notable
change of physical characters whereby they are distinguished from all other
beings.
Specific. Of, or relating to a species ; as specific name, specific character.
Spec' ulum. Mirror ; brightly colored area on the secondaries, especially of certain
ducks.
Spher'ical. Having the form of a sphere or globe.
Spi'nose. ")
Spi'iious.} Having spines.
Spu'rious False ; imperfect; bastard; rudimentary.
Spu'rious Pri'mary. The first primary when much reduced in size.
Spu'rious Wing. The alula or bastard wing.
Squam'ose. ) _
> Scaly ; scale like.
Squam'ous. J
Stage. Used specially for the progressive plumages ot birds, as the adult stage,
downy stage, etc.
Steganopo'des. A group of "Swimming Birds" characterized by having the hind
toe united, on the inner side, to^-he inner anterior one by a full web.
Strag'ulum. Mantle; back and folded wings taken together. Same as pallium.
Straw-col' or. A very light impure yellow, like cured straw.
Striate. ) strea ked.
Stri'ated. )
Stri'dent. Shrill.
Sub-ba'sal. Near the base.
Subfam'ily. A sub-division of a family including one or more genera.
Subge'nus. A sub-division of a genus, of indefinite value, and frequently not rec-
ognized by name except in the grouping of species.
Sub-or'd-r. A group intermediate in taxonomic rank between an order and a
family.
Sub-spe'cies. A nascent species; a variation, usually geographical, of a species,
but not accorded full specific rank on account of the incompleteness of its dif-
ferentiation ; hence, usually a geographical race or form.
Subu'late. Awl-shaped.
Sul phur Yel'low. A very pale pure yellow color, less orange in tint than dilute
gamboge or lemon-yellow.
Supercil'iary. Above the eye.
Superior'. Lying over, above or uppermost.
Supra-auri'cular. Situate above the auriculars.
Supralo'ral. Situate above the lores.
Su'pra-or'bitaL Situate over the orbit.
Syn onyrn. A different word of the same or similar meaning. Also written syn-
onym e.
Synon'ymous Expressing the same meaning in different terms.
Syuon'ymy. A collection of synonyms.
APPENDIX. 423
T.
Tail. See cauda.
Tail-cov'erts. The most posterior feathers of the body, or those which immediately
cover the basal portion of the tail.
Tar 'sal. Relating the tarsus.
Tar'sus. In descriptive ornithology, the leg of a bird, or that portion from the foot
(that is, the toes) to the heel joint.
Tavv'ny. The color of tanned leather.
Tax 'i derm isr. A person who prepares and preserves the skins of animals, with the
view to imitate their appearance in life.
Taxkl'ermy. Art of preparing and preserving skins so as to represent the appear-
ance of the living animal.
Ter'minal. At the end.
( Properly, the inner quills of the wing, growing from the elbow or
, burner us and usually more or less concealed (in the closed wing)
61 V by the longer scapulars. Frequently, however, the graduated inner
s ' | secondaries are incorrectly so-called, especially when distinguished,
^ as they very often are, by different, color, size, or shape.
Thorac'ic. Pertaining to the chest or thorax.
Tho'rax. The chest ; segment of the body enclosed by ribs, sternum (breast-bone),
and certain vertebrae, containing heart and lungs.
Throat, In descriptive ornithology, the space between the rami of the lower jaw,
including also a small portion of the upper part of the foreneck.
Tib'ia. Principal and inner bone of leg between knee and heel ; but in descriptive
ornithology, called "thigh."
Tib'ial. Pertaining to the tibia.
To'mium. The cutting-edge of the mandibles. Plural tomia.
Totipal'mate. Having all four toes webbed.
Transverse'. Crosswise ; in direction at right angle with longitudinal axis of the
body.
Tridac'tyle. Three-toed.
Trinomial. Composed of three names. In Biology, a name composed of three
terms, a generic, a specific, and a subspecific.
Trun'cate Cut squarely off.
Type. Of various significations in ornithology. The type of a genus is that species
from which the generic characters have been taken, or which is specified as
the standard ; the type of a species is the particular specimen from which the
species was originally described. The type, or typical, form of a group is that
which answers best to the diagnosis of that group.
TJ.
Uii'der Parts. The entire lower surface of a bird, from chin to crissum, inclusive.
Un'guis. A claw.
Up per Parts. The entire upper surface, from forehead to tail, inclusive.
U-shaped. Having the form of the letter U.
V.
Vane. The whole of a feather excepting the stem.
Vari'etal. Pertaining to or having the characteristics of a variety.
Van'ety. Properly, an individual or unusual and irregular variation from the nor-
mal type of form or coloration, as the various breeds or " strains " of domestic
animals. But the term is often, though improperly, applied to subspecies, or
geographical races.
Vent, The anus.
Vent ral. Pertaining to the belly.
Vent ral Re'gion. The feathers surrounding or immediately adjacent to the vent
424 BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
Vermic'ulate. \ f
Vermic'ulated. > Marked with irregular fine lines, like the tracks of small worms.
Vermic'ulation. )
Ver'inifrom. Shaped like a worm ; as a woodpecker's tongue.
Vermil ion. A very fine red color, lighter and less rosy than carmine, and not so
pure or rich as scarlet
Ver'iial. Pertaining to spring.
Vibris'sa Bristly or bristle-tipped feather about the mouth of a bird.
Viiia'ceous. A brownish pink, or delicate brownish-purple color, like wine-dregs;
a soft delicate wine-colored pink or purple.
et ' I A purplish-blue color, like the petals of a violet.
Viola' ceous. )
Vis' ceral. Pertaining to the viscera.
Vis'cus. Any interior organ of the body, but especially of the digestive system.
The stomach is a viscus ; the intestines are viscera.
V-shaped. Having the form of the letter V.
W.
Wash'ed. As if overlaid with a thin layer of different color.
Wa'ved. Marked with narrow undulating lines of color.
"Web. The thin part or vane of a feather on either side of the shaft
Whis'kered. Having lengthened or bristly feathers on the cheeks.
Z.
Zone. A broad band of color, completely encircling the circumference of a body.
Zoolog'ical. Pertaining to zoology.
Zool'ogy. Natural history of animals, of which ornithology is one department.
Zygodac'tyle. Yoke-toed ; having the toes in pairs, two before and two behind.
INDEX.
A.
Acanthis, 329
linaria, 229
Accipiter, 120, 126, 336
atricapillus, 120. 124, 349, 366
cooperi, 122, 33ri, 349, 366
velox, 120, :i36, 348, 366
Accipitrinae, 117
Actitis, 94
macularia, 94
^Egialitis. 99
meloda, 101
semipalmata, 100
vocifera, 99
wilsonia, 102
Agelaius, 210
pbceniceus, 2
Aix. 30, 40
sponsa, 30, 40
Ajaja ajaja, 54
Alauda arvensis, 198
Alaudidre, 197
Alcedinidse, Iti2 f
Alcidte, 8
Alcyones, 162
Alle, 10
alle, 10
Allinae, 10
Ammodramus, 234
sandwichenses savanna, 234
savannarum passerinus, 235
henslowii, 236
Ampelidrt3, 257
Ampelinse, 258
Ampelis, 258
eedrorura, 258
garrulus, 258
Anas, 35
americana, 37
boschas, 35
carol inensis, 37
discors, 38
obscura. 36
strepera, 36
Anatidae. 30
Anatime, 35
Anhinga anhinga, 28, 58
Ani, 159
Anis, 159
An seres, 30
Anserime, 49
Anthus, 303
pensilvanicus, 303
Antrostomus, 179
carolinensis. 180
vociferus, 179
Aphelocoma floridana, 199
Aphrizidae, 103
AquiJa, 133
chrysaetos, 133, 357, 368
Archibuteo, 131, 137, 336, 337, 356 366
lagopus sancti-johannis, 131, 336, 356, 366
Ardea, 28, 57
candidissima. 60
coerulea, 62, 63
egretta, 59, 60
herodias. 28. 57
tricolor ruflcollis, 61
virescens, 63
Ardeidae, 54
Ardeime, 57
Arenaria, 103
interpres, 103
Arenariinae, 103
Asio, 146, 336
accipitrinus, 148, 336, 361, 366
wilsonianus, 146, 336, 360, 366
Auk, 6, 10
Little, 10
Auks, 6, 8
Authorities, list of, 404-407
Aythya, 41
affinis, 44
americana, 41
collaris. 44
m aril a nearctica, 43
vallisneria, 42
B.
Baldpate, 37
Baldpates, 37
Bartramia, 93
lougicauda, 93
Beebird, 187
Birds, Local (county), lists of, and names of per-
sons contributing the same, 408, 409
Birds, an act for the Protection of, 402, 403
Birds Molested by the Sparrow, 395
Bittern, American, 55
Least, 56 ,
Bitterns, 54, 55, 56
Blackbird, Cow, 209
Crow, 114, 212. 219. 223, 224
Ked-shouldered. 212
Red- winged, 210, 211, 212, 314
Kusty, 218
Skunk, 206
Swamp. 310, 212
Yellow-headed, 205, 212, 213
Blackbirds, 205, 209, 211, 221
Black-cap, Wilson's, 301.
Black-head, 43
Big, 43
Little, 43, 44
Bluebird, 241, 324, a?0
Bluebirds, 330 331
Blue-bill. 43
Little, 44
Bobolink, 205, 206, 207
Bob- white, 105
Florida, 106
(425)
426
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
Bog-trotter, 119
Bogsucker, 78
Booby, 47, 48
Bonasa, 107
umbellus, 107, 200
Botau rinse, 55
Botaurus, 55
exilis, 56
lentigmosus, 55
Bounty or " Scalp." Act of 1885
Brant, 51
Branta, 50
bernicla, 51
canadensis, 50
Bubo, 156, 336
virginianus, 156, 336, 364, 366
Bubonidae, 143, 146
Buffle-head, 45
Bunting, Black-throated, 249
Bay- winged, 233
Cow, 161, *09
Indigo, 248
Snow, 232
Towusend's, 249. ,
Butcher-bird, 260, 261
Butcher-birds, 260
Buteo, 120, 126, 137, 336
boreal is, 126, 336, 349, 366.
borealis harlani, 129
harlaui, 129
latissimus. 126, 130, 336, 356, 366
liueatus, 126, 129. 336, 354, 366
swaiusoni, 356, 366,
Butter-ball, 45
Bush-bird, 244
Butter-birds, 206
Buzzards, Turkey, 114, 115, 116
Buzzards, 117
a
Calcarius, 232
lapponicus, 232
Calidris, 87
arenaria, 87
Calico-back, 103
Calico-snipe, 103
Callipepla calif ornica, 104
Canvas-back, 42, 43
Caprimulgi, 178
Caprimulgidae, 178
Cardinal. 245
Cardinalis;245
cardiualis, 245
Carpodacus, 227
purpureus, 227
Catbird, 203, 305
Catharista, 117
atrata, 117
Cathartes, 115
aura, 115
Carthartidae, 114
Cedar-bird, 257, 258
Cedar-birds, 2o9
Ceophloeus. 170
piieatus, 170, 177, 178
Cepphi, 6
Cephus. 9, 10
grylle. 9
mandtii, 10
Certhia,3l3
t'amiliaris americana, 313
Certhiidae, 313
Ceryle, 162
alcyon, 162
Chaeturinee, 182
Chaetura, i82
pelagica, 182
Chalk-line, 63
Charadrius, 97
dominicus, 98
squatarola, 97
Charadriidae, 97
Charitonetta, 45
albeola, 45
Chat, 265, 271, 272
Yellow-breasted, 196, 299
Chelidon, 255
erythrogaster, 255
Chen, 49
caerulescens, 49
hyperborea uivalis, 49
Cherry-bird, 258
Cherry-birds, 259
Chewmk, 244
Chickadee, 311, 317, 318, 319
Carolina, 317, 319, 320
Chickadees, 267
Chicken, Mother Carey's, 27
Chick-will, IbO
Chippy, 238, 240, 241
Ground, 242
Chimney-bird, 182
Chuck- wilPs-widow, 180
Ciconise, 53
Ciconiidae, 53
Circus. 119,336
hudsonius, 119, 336, 347, 366
Cistothorus, 311
palustris, 312
stellaris, 311
Clamatores, 186
Clangula, 46
hyemalis, 46
Clivicola, 256
ripana, 256
Coccothraustes, 224
vespertina, 224
Coccyges, 159
Coccyginas, 160
Coccyzus, 160
aniericanus, 160
erythrophthalmus, 161
Colaptes, 176
a u rat us, 176
Colinus, 105
virginianus, 105
lioridanus, 106
Columbus, 110
Columbidas, 110
Colymbus. 2. 3
auritus.3
Compsothlypis, 279
americana, 269, 279
Contopus, 187, 193
vircns, 193. 286
borealis, 194
Coot. 75
American, 74
Sea, 47, 46
Coots, 67, 74
Corncracker, Red, 246
Cormorant, 28
Double-crested, 28
Cormorants, 28, 29, 31, 63
INDEX.
427
Corvidne, 198
Corvinte, 201
Corvus, 201,391
aiuencauus, 202. 204,367
corax principals. 201
ossifragus, 204, 367, 391
siiinatus. 201
Coturnix coturnix, 104
Cowhird, 205. 209, 210, 263
Cowbirds, 327
Crane, Big, 57
Green-legged, 55
Large White, 59
Creeper. Brown, 272, 313. 314
Black and While, 273
Creepers, 313
Crossbill. American, 228, 229
Mexican, 228
White-winged, 229
Crossbills, 224, 226, 228, 229
Crotophaga ani, 159
Crow, American, 198, 202
Carrion. 117
Common, 204, 367
Fish, 19s, 204, 367
Kain, 160, 161
Crow, Fish, Examination of Stomachs of the, 391
Crows, 198, 201, 203, 219
Crymophilusiuliearius, 77
Jp ood of, 367-395
Cuckoo, Black-billed, 159, 161, 162
Yellow-billed, 159, 160, 161, 163
Cuckoos, 6, 159
Cuculi, 159
Cuculidre, 159
Curlew, Eskimo, 96
Long-billed, 95, 96
Cyanocitta, 199
cristata. 199
cristata florincola, 199
Cygninae, 51
Cypseli, 182
D.
Dabchick, 5
Dafila, 39
acuta, 39
Dendroica, 279
aestiva, 269, 279, 280
auduboni, 282, 283
black burn ite, 269,287
caerulea, 269, 284
cserulescens. 269, 281
castanea, 284, 25, 286
coronata, 269. 281
discolor, 270, 293
dominica, 270, 288
kirtlandi, 270, 290, 291
maculosa, 269, 283
palmarum, 292
palmarum hypochrysea, 292
pensyl vanica, 269, 2t>4
striata. 286
tigrina, 279
townsendi. 290
vijroreii. 270. 291
virens, 270. 2*9
Dickcissel, 224, 249, 250
Dipper. 4
Little, 4
Diver. 3
G reat Northern, 6, 7, 8
Hell, 4
Little Hell, 3
Divers. 7
Dohchonyx. 205
oryzivorus, 205, 207
Dough-bird, 96
Dove, 110, 203
Mourning, 110, 113
Sea, 10
Turtle, 113
Dovekie, 10
Doves, 110
Dowitcher, 82
Dryobates, 165
borealis, 167, 177
pubet-cens. 166
villosus, Ib5
villosus audubonii, 178
Duck, Acorn, 40
American Scaup, 43
Black, :tti
Buffle-head, 30, 37
Crow, 74
Dipper, 3
Dusky. :*>
Fish, 32
Gray, 36
Lesser Scaup, 44
Little Fish. 3, 4
Long-tailed, 46
Pintail. 39
Ratt, 44
King-necked. 44
Ruddy. oO. 48. 49
Spine-tailed, 48
Summer, 40
Surf. 48
Wood. 30, 34, 40, 41
Ducks, 30, 31, 35, 38, 41
Dunlin, American, 86
E.
Eagle, Bald, 133. 135, 136, 141, 357, 306
Black, 135
Golden, 117, 133,357,366
Gray, 135
Washington, 135
White-headed, 133
Eagles, 117, 135
Ectopisies, 111.408
migratorius. 111, 408
Egret. American, 59, 60
Little White, 60
Egrets, 54, 57
Eider. American, 47
King, 46
Elanoides. 118
forncatus, 118, 347, 366
Emberiza hortulana, 206
Empidonax, Ib7, 195
acadicus. 195
ilaviventris, 195
minimus. 197
pusillus traillii, 196, 197
English Sparrow, Stomach Contents of, 397,
399
Ereu notes. 87
pusillus, 87
Erismatura, 48
rubida, 48
F.
Falco, 137. 336
columbarius. 139, 357, 366
mexicauus. of>7, 366
peregrinus anatum. 137, 357. 366
sparverius, 140, 262, 336, 358, 366
Falcon. Prairie, 357, 366
Falcon, Winter, 129
Falcones, 117
Falcons, 117, 137
Falconidae, 117, 140, 141
428
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
Falconinae, 137
Finch, Crimson, 327, 231
Grass, 233
Pine, 231
Purple, 224, 227
Finches, 224, 231
Fire-bird, 216
Fish Crow, Examination of Stomach of the, 391
Fish-duck, 31
Flicker, 164, 176
Flycatcher, Acadian, 195, 197
Crested, 19U
Least, 197
Olive-sided, 194
Traill's, 196, 197
Yellow-bellied, 195
Flycatchers, 186
Fly-up-the-creek, 63
Fratercula, 9
arctica, 9
Fraterculinae. 9
Fringillidre, 224, 267
Fulica, 74
americana, 74
Fuhcinae, 74
G.
Gadwall, 36, 37
Galeoscoptes, 305
carolinensis, 305
Gallinae, lOi
Gallinago, 0, 82
delicata, 80
Gallinula, 73
galeata, 72, 73
Gallmule, Florida, 73
Purple, 73
Gallinules, 67, 72
Gallinulinae, 72
Garrulinse, 199
Geese, 30, 49
Gelochelidon, 18
nilotica, 18
Geothlypis,272,296
agilis, 297
formosa, 271, 296
Philadelphia. 271, 297
trichas, 271, 298
Glaucionetta, 44
clangula americana, 44
Glossary of Technical Terms, 411-424
Gnatcatcher, Blue-gray, 323
Gnatcatchers, 320, 323
Goatsuckers, 178
Godwit. Hudsonian, 88
Marbled, 88
Golden-eye, American, 44, 45
Goldfinch, 224, 230, 231
Golden-robin, 216
Golden wing, 164
Goosander, 31, 32
Goose, Blue, 49
Blue Snow, 49
Brant. 51
Canada. 30, 50
Greater Snow, 49
Snow, 49
Wild, 50
Goshawk, 120, 124, 125, 126, 334, 349, 366
Goshawks, 120, 125
Grackle. Bronzed, 224
Purple, 219
Kusty, 218
Grackles, Purple, 327
Grass-snipe, 84, 85
Gray-back, 84
Grebe, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 45, 49
Horned, 3, 4
Pied-biiled, 1, 4, 5
Red-necked, 2
Holboell's 2, 3
Grebes, 1, 6
Green-bird, 248
Greenlets, 262
Grosbeak, Blue, 247, 248
Evening, 224. 225, 226
Hose-breasted, 224, 246, 247
Pine, 224, 226
Grosbeaks, 225, 226
Grouse, 104, 105, 107, 120, 200
Rutfed, 104, 107, 108
Guara, alba, 54
Guillemot, 9, 10
Black, 9, 10
Mandt's, 10
Guillemots, 9
Guiraca, 247
caerulea, 247
Gull, 14
American Herring, 14
Big, 14
Black-headed, 15
Bonaparte's, 16
Herring, 14, 16
Laughing, 15
Little, 16
Ring-billed, 14
Winter, 14
Gulls, 10, 11, 13, 14, 16, 17, 18
Skua, 10, 11
H.
Habia, 246
ludoviciana, 246
Haliasetus, 135
leucocephalus, 135, 357, 366
Hanging-bird, 216, 217
Hang-nest, 2L7
Haiporhynchus, 305
ruf us, 3U5
Harrier, 119
Hawk, American Rough-legged, 131
" American Sparrow, 140
Black. 131, Io2
Blue, 124
Broad-winged, 126, 130, 336, 356. 366
Cooper's, LsO, 122, 124, 131, 334, 335, 336, 346, 349,
366
Duck, 137,138,346,357,366
Fish, 117, 136, 142
Great-footed, 137, 138
Harlan's, 129
Hen, 127
Long-tailed Chicken, 122
Marsh. 117, 119, 334, 336, 347, 348, 366
Partridge, 120
Pheasant, 122
Pigeon, 1*0, 139, 160, 346. 357. 358, 366
Red- shouldered, 126, 129, 130, 335, 336, 354, 355,
366
Red-tailed, 126, 127, 128, 129, 3&5, 336, 349, 350,
351, 352, H53, H54, 3b6
Rough legged, 117, 132, 334, 336, 356, 357, 366
Sharp-shinned, 120, 122. 334. 346. 348, 366
Sparrow, 18. 117, 123, 130, 141, 155, 262, 335, 336,
358, 359. 360. 366
Swamson's, 356 366
Hawks, 117. 119. 120, 124, 333, 334, 335, 336, 337, 338,
341, 342, 343, 344, 345, 346, 347, 366
Hawks and Owls, Food of, 346
Hell-divers, 1
Helminthophila, 275
celata, 278
chrysoptera, 268,276, 277
INDEX.
429
Helminthophila, leucobronchialis, 277
peregrina, 278
pin us. -tit 1 -, 275, 277
runcapilla,268,277
Helmitherus, 274
vermivorus, 268, 274
Hen, Indian, 55, 160
Mud, 6, 69,74
Prairie, 104
Herodli, 54
Herodiones, 53
Heron, Black-crowned Night, 64
Great, 6b
Great Blue, 57, 58. 63
Greeu, 61, 63. 64, 65, 114
Little Blue, 61, 62, 63
Little White, 62
Louisiana. 61, 62, 63
Night. 63. 65, 66
Snowy. 60. 61. 63
Yellow-crowned Night, 66
Herons. 28. 53. 54. 57
Great Blue, 28
Hick-up, 195. 196
High-holder, 164
Hirundinidfe. 252, 267
Humming-bird. 3:20
Kuby-throated, 183
Humming-birds. 183, 184
Hydrochelidon. 23
nigra surinamensis, 23
Ibididse, 53, 54
Ibis. (T lossy. 53
White, 54
Wood, 53
Ibises. 53
Wood, 53
Icteridae, 205
Icteria, 272, 299
virens, 271, 299
Icterus. 214
galbula, 216
spurius, 214
Ictinia. 118
mississippiensis, 118, 347,
Indigo-bud, 224, 248, 308
lonornis, 73
martinica, 73
J.
Jack-daw, White-eyed, 224
Jack-snipe, 80, 84
Jaeger, 11
Parasitic. 12
Pomarine, 11
Jaegers, 10, 11, 12, 13
Jay, Blue, 198, 190, 200, 251
Canada. 199, 201
Florida Blue, 199
Scrub. 199
Jay-bird. 199
Jays, 198, 199, 200, 318
Junco, 224, 240
hyemalis, 240, 282, 283
Slate-colored, 240
Juree, 244
Killdeer, 9!)
Killdeers, 97, 100
Kingbird, 187, 188, 189
Kingfisher, 188
Belted, 162
Kingfishers, 162, 163
Kinglet, Golden-crowned, 320. 321,
Ruby-crowned, 3^0, 821, 322
Kinglets, 320
Kite Mississippi, 118, 347, 366
Swallow-tailed, 118, 347, 366
Kites, 117
Knot, 83, 84
Kittiwake, 16. 17
Kow-bird, 160, 161
Laniidee, 259
Lanius, 260
borealis, 260, 262
ludovicianus, 260, 261. 262
ludovicianus excubitorides, 260, 262
Lanivireo, 263
Lark. Brown, 303
Horned, 197, 198
Prairie Horned, 198
Laridae, 11, 13
Larinre, 13
Larus, 14, 15, 16
argentatussmithsonianus, 14
atricilla, 15
delawarensis, 14
Philadelphia, 16
Letter, from
Bicknell, Eugene P., 338
Coues, Dr. Elliott, 337
Fisher, Dr. A. K., 338
Henshaw, H. W.. 336, 337
Mernam, Dr. C. Hart, 334, 335
Ridgway. Robert. 335
Stejneger, Dr. Leonhard, 335
Turner, Lucien M., 237, 338
Limicolae, 75
Limosa. 88
fedoa, 88
haemastica. 88
Lougspur, Lapland, 232, 233
Loon, 6, 7. 8, 45
Red-throated, 8
Loons, 31
Lophodytes, 33
cucullatus, 33
Loxia, 228
curvirostra minor, 228
curvirostra stricklandi, 228
leucoptera, 229
M.
Macrochires, 178
Macrorhamphus, 82
griseus, 82
Mallard, 35, 36
Black, 36
Martin, Purple, 253, 254
Meadowlark, 213, 214
Megascops. 154, 336, 366
asio, 154, 336, 366
Melanerpes, 172
carolinus, 173. 174, 178
erythrocephalus, 172
Meleagrinae, 109
Meleagris, 109
gallopavo, 109, 110
Melospiza, 242
t'asciata, 242
georgiana. 243
lincolni. 242
Merganser, 31
American. 31
Hooded, 32, 33, 34
Red- breasted, 32, 33
430
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA,
Merganser, 31
amencanus, 31
serrator, 32
Mergansers, 30, 31, 32, &3, 34
Merginoe, 31
Merula,327
migratoria, 324, 327
Micropalama, 83
hiraantopus, 83
Micropodidsie, 182
Migrants, Some Nocturnal, 400
Miming, 304
Mimus. 304
polyglottos, 304
Mniotilta, 273, 287
varia, 273, 287
Muiotiltidue. 267
Mockingbird. 304
Brown. 304
Molothrus. 209
ater, 209
Motacillidae, 303
Murre, iO
Brunnich's, 10
Murres, 8
Myiarchus, 186. 190
crinitus, 190
N.
Nigbthawk, 178, 179, 180, 181, 183
Night-hen. 64
Numenius, 95
boreal is. %
longirostris, 95
Nuthatch, 272
Brown-headed, 315, 317
Rec:-breasted. 315, 3l
White-hellied. :i75. 315
White-breasted, 315, 316
Nuthatches, 167, 314, 315, 318
Nyctala. 152
acadica, 152, 363, 366
Nyctea. 158
iiyctea, 143, 158, 365, 366
Nycticorax. 6t
n> cticorax mevius, 64
violaceus, 66
O.
Oceanodroma, 27
leucorhoa, 27
Oidemia. 47
americana, 47
deglandi, 47
perspicillata, 48
Old-squaw, 46
Olor. 51
columbianus, 51
Oporornis, 296
Orange-borer, 174
Oriole, Baltimore, 216, 217
Orchard, 214, 215, 217
Orioles, 205
Ortolan, 70, 206
Oscines, 186, 197
Osprey, American, 143
Otocoris, 197
alpestris. 197
alpffltrjta praticola, 198
Oveubird, 271, 272, 275, 293, 294, 296
Owl, Acadian, 152, 153
American Hawk, 159, 365, 366
American Long-eared, 146
Owl, Barn, 143, 144, 145, 146, 152. 369, 366
Barred, 144, 150, 151, , 362, 366
Burrowing, 153, 365, 366
Cedar. 144, 146
Florida Barred, 151, 362, 366
Gray, 154
Great Gray, 151
Great Homed, 143, 144, 150, 156, 157, 335, 336,
344, 346, 364, 365. 366
Hoot, 143, 150, 156
Long-eared, 143, 144, 146, 147, 150, 336, 360, 361,
366
Marsh, 144, 148
Mottled, 153. 154, 155
Kain, 144, 150
Ked, 153, 154
Saw-whet. 152, 363, 366
Screech, 117, 143, 150, 154, 155, 156, 336, 363, 364,
366
Short-eared, 143, 144, 148, 149, 150, 336, 361,
362, 366
Stone, 153
Swamp, 144. 148, 150
Snowy, 143, 158, 365, 366
White, 143
Owls, 4. 143. 144, 145. 146. 147, 333, 336, 337, 338, 341,
342, 343, 344, 345, 347, 366
P.
Paludicolae, 67
Pandion. 142
baliaetus carolinensis, 142
Pandionime, 142
Paridae, 314
Parinae, 317
Partridge. 104, 105, 107
California, 104
Partridges, 105, 106
Parus, 318
atricapillus, 318
bicolor. 318
carolinensis, 319
Passer, 240. 397
domesticus, 240, 397
Pa&serella, 243
iliaca, 243
Passerina, 248
cyanea, 248
Passeres, 186
Peep, 85, 87
Peeps, 86
Peet-weet, 95
Pelecanidoe, 29
Pelecanus, 29
erythrorhynchos, 29
Pelican. American White, 29
White, 29
Pelicans, 29, 30
Perisoretis, 201
canadensis, 201
Petrel, Leach's, 27
Stormy, 27
Wilson's, 27
Petrels, 25, 26
Petrochelidon, 254
lunit'rous, 254
Pewee, 191,192,296,309
Common, 168
Wood, 19.{, 196, 287
Phalacrocoracidne, 28
Phalacrocorax, 28
car bo, 28
dilophus, 28
PhalaropodidiB, 75
Phalaropus, 76
lobatus, 76
tricolor. 76
INDEX.
431
Phalnrope, Northern, 76
Keel. 77
\N iison's, 76
Phalaropes, 75, 76
Phalerinne, 9
Phnsiani, 104
Phasianidte, 109
Pheasant, 101, 103
Pheasants, 104, 108
Philohela, 77, 78, 80
minor, 78
Phoebe, 191, 193
Picker, Big-wood, 164
Pici, 164
Picidre, 164
Picoides. 164, 165
americanus, 164
arctieus, 164
Pigeon, Passenger, 111
Wild, 110, 111, 112,113
Pigeons, 110, 111, 112, 120
Pmicola, 2','6
enucleator, canadensis, 228
Pintail, 39
Pipilo, 244
erytbropthalmus, 244
Pipit, American, 272, 303
Piranga. 250
erythromelas, 250
rulmi, 252
Plataleidue, 54
Plectrophenax, 232
nivaiis, 'M
Piegadis, autumnalis, 53
Plover, American U olden, 98
Black-bellied, 97, 98
Hull-head. 97, 98
Field, 92. 93. 98,
Golden. 97, 98
Grass. 92. 93
Piping. *7, 101, 102
Kin". 100. 101
Upland, H2
Semipalmated, 100, 101
Whistling Kield, 97
Wilson's, 102
Plovers, 97, 98
PodiciDedes, I
Podicipidae, I
Podilymbus, 1, 4
podiceps, I, 4
Polioplila. 323
caerulea, 323
Polioptilinre, 323
Pooctetes. 233
gramineus, 233
Porzana, 67, 70
Carolina, 70, 206
jarnaicensis, 72
noveboracensis, 71
Potato-bug-bird, 246
Procellaria, 27
pelagica, 27
ProcelhiriidtE, 25
Progne, 253
MI I us, 253
Proton* >taria, 273
citrea, 268, 273
Puffin, 9
Puflinus. 26
major, 26
Puffins, 8, 9
Pygopodes, 1
Quail, 104, 105, 106, 120
Kuropean, 104
Migratory, 104
Quaker-bird, 258
Quiscalus, 219
quiscula, 219. 224
(luiscula a-neus, C34
R.
Hail, Big Red, 67
Black. 72
Blue, 73
Carolina, 70. 71, 206
Clapper, 67, 68, 69, 74
Common, 70
King, 67. 69
Little Red, 69
Vu-ginia, 67,68,69, 70, 71
Yellow, 71
Ralli, 67
Rallidne, 67
Rallinae, 67
Rallus, 67
elegans, 67, 68
longirostris crepitans, 68, 74
virginianus, 69
Rail-bird, 70
Rails, 67
Raptores, 11, 114
Raven, 198
Northern, 201
Ravens, 201, 202
Red-bird, 216, 245
Black-winged, 250
Winter, 245
Red-head, 41, 42
Redpoll, 224, 229, 230
Redstart. 267, 284
American, 303
Reed-bird, 205, 206
Regulinoe, 320
Regulus,32l
calendula, 322
satrapa, 321, 322
Ricebird, 207
Ricebirds, 206, 208
Ring-neck, 100. 101
Rissa, 16
tridactyla, 16
Robin, 203, 324, 325, 327, 328
American, 324, 327
Ground, 244
Wood, 324
Robi-n, Food of, 329
Robins, 267, 327, 328
Robin-snipe, 84
Rynchopida?, 24
Rynchops. 25
nigra, 25
3.
Salad-bird, 230, 231
Sanderling,87
Sandpiper. Ash-colored, 83
Bartramiau, 92
Black-bellied, 86
Least, t-5, 87
Pectoral. 84, 85
Purple. 84
Red-backed, 86
Red-breasted, 83
Semipalmated, 85, 87
432
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
Sandpiper, Solitary, 90, 91
Spotted, 9J, 94, 95, 97, 294
Stilt, *3
White- rumped, 85
Sandpipers. 77
Sapsucker, 165, 166, 167, 315, 316
Orange, 174
Yellow-bellied, 168, 169
Sapsuckers, 166, 169
Sarcorhamphi, 114
Sayornis, 187, 191
phoebe, 191, 296
Scolecophagus, 218
carol in us, 218
Scolopacidae, 77
Scolopax, 77
rusticola, 77
Scoter, American, 47
Surf, 48
White- winged, fi
Seiurus, 275, 293
aurocapillus, 271, 275, 293
motacilla. 271, 295
noveboracensis, 271, 294
Setophaga. 302
ruticilla, 267, 302
Shearwater, 26
Greater, 26
Sheldrake, 31
Shewink, 244
Shite-poke, 63
Shoveller, 39
Shrike, 260
Great Northern, 260
Loggerhead, 260, 261. 263
Northern, 259, 260. 261
White-rumped, 260. 261, 262
Shrikes, 259, 260, 261, 262
Sialia. 330
sialis, 330
Sickle-bill, 95
Siskin, Pine, 231
Sitta, 275, 315
canadensis, 316
carol inensis, 275, 315
pusilla, 317
Sitting, 314
Skimmer, Black, 25
Skimmers, 24, 25
Skylarks, 198
Skuas, 10
Snipe, English, 80, 8i
Wilson's, 79, fcO, 81, 82, 85
Snipes, 77
Snowbird, 229, 240
Black, 240
White, 232
Snowbirds, 282, 283
Snowflake, 224, 232, 233
Somateria, 46
dresseri. 47
spectabilis, 46
Sora, 67, 70, 71
Sparrow, Chipping, 238
English, 121, 2*4. 240, 241, 254, 394
European House, 240
Field. 23t, 239
Fox, 243
Grasshopper. 235, 272
Henslow's. 236
Lincoln's, 242
Savanna, 234
Song, 241. 242, 309
Swamp. 243
Tree. 237, 238. 282
Vesper, 233, 238
! Sparrow, White-crowned, 236
White-throated, 224, 236, 237, 2S)
Yellow-winged, 235
Sparrows, 224, 282
English, stomach contents of, 397,
Spatula, 39
clypeata, 39
Speotyto cunicularia hypogaea, 365, 366
Sphyrapicus. 165, 168
varius, 168, 169
Spinus, 230
pinus, 231
tristis, 230
Spiza, 249
americana, 249
townsendii, 249
Spizella. 237
monticola, 237
pusilla, 239
socialis, 238
Spoonbill, 39
lioseate, 54
Sprig-tail, 39
Squawk, 64
Steganopodes, 28
Stelgidopteryx, 257
serripeunis, 257
Stercorariida?, 10
Stercorarius, 11, 12
parasiticus, 12
pomarinus, 11
Sterna, 18
antillarum, 22
dougalli, 21
iorsteri, 19
1'uliginosa, 22
hirundo, 20
maxima, 19
paradisrea, 21
tschegrava, 18
Sterninse, 17
Striges, 143
Strigidae, 143, 144
Strix, 144
pratincola, 143, 144, 360, 366
Sturnella, 213
magna 213
Storks, 53
Surnia, 159
ulula caparoch, 159, 365, 366
Swallow, Bank, 253, 256, 257
Bara, 252, 253, 255, 309
Chimney, 183
Cliff, 252, 253, 254, 255
Rough-winged, 253, 257
Sand, 256
Sea. 20
Tree, 252, 256
White-bellied, 256
Swallows, 17, 252
Sea, 10, 17
Swan, Whistling, 51
White, 52
Swans, 30, 51, 52
Swift, Chimney, 182, 183
Swifts, 178, 182, 183
Swimmers, 10
Sylvania, 300
canadensis, 267, 271, 300
mitrata, 2*>7, 271, 300
pusilla, 267, 300
Sylviida?, 320
Symphemia, 92
semipalmata, 92
Syrnium. 150, 336
nebulosum, 150, 336, 362, 366
nebulosum alleni, 151, 362, 366
INDEX.
433
Tachycineta, 256
bicolor, 256
Tanager, Scarlet, 250
Summer, 252
Tanagrida?, 250, 267
Tantalinse, 53
Tantalus, 53
loculator, 53
Teal, Blue-winged, 38
Green- winged, 37, 38
Tell-tale, Greater, 88
Lesser, 89
Terms, Technical, Glossary of, 411-424
Tern, 18
Arctic, 21
Black, 23, 24
Caspian, 18
Common, 20
Forster's, 19, 20
Gull-billed, 18, 19
Least, 22
Marsh, 18
Roseate, 21
Royal, 19
Short- tailed, 23
Sooty, 22, 23
Wilson's, 20
Terns, 11, 13, 17, 18, 21, 22, 24
Tetraonidae, 104
Tetraoninas, 107
Thistle-bird, 230
Thrasher, Brown, 304, 305
Thrashers, 304
Thrush, Bicknell's, 324, 32G
Brown, o05, 306, 308
Golden-crowned. 293
Gray-cheeked. 325, 326
Hermit, 326, 327
Large-billed Water, 295
Olive-backed. 326
Small-billed Water, 294
Tawney, 325
Wilson's. 325, 326
Wood, 203, 324. 325
Water, 271, 272, 294, 295
Water, Louisiana, 271, 272. 295
Thrushes, 272, 324
Water, 296
Thryothorns, S08
bewickii, 309
ludovicianus, 308
Titlark, 303,
Titlarks, 303
Tilt-up, 94, 95
Titmice, 167, 317, 318
Titmouse, Black-cap, 318, 319, 320
Tufted, 317, 318
Tits, 314
Tom-tit, 317
Totanus, 88
Uavipes, 89
melanoleucus, 88
solitarius, 90
Towhee, 224, 244
Tringa, 83
alpina paciflca, 86
canutus, 83
fuscicollis, 85
maculata, 84
maritima, 84
minutilla, 85, 87
Trochili, 183
Trochilidie, 183
Trochilus, 183
colubris, 183
28 BIRDS.
Troglodytes, 310
aedon, 309, 310
hiemalis, 310
Troglodytidae, 304
Troglodytinae, 307
Tubinares, 25
Turdidce, 324
Turdinae, 324
Turdus, 324
alicire, 325, 326
alicias, bicknelli, 226
aonalaschkae pallasii, 326
fuscescens, 325
mustelinus, 324
ustulatus swainsonii, 326
Turkey, Water, 28, 58, 73
Wild, 109, 110
Turkeys, 28, 63, 109
Turnstone, 103
Black, 103
Turnstones, 103
Tympanuchus, americanus, 104
Tyrannidae, 186, 267
Tyrannus, 186, 187
tyrannus, 187
Ulula, 151
cinerea, 151
Uria. 10
lomvia, 10
Urinator, 6
imber, 6
lumme, 8
Urinatondse, 6
Veery, 325
Vireo, 263
flavifrons, 265
gilvus, 264
noveboracensis, 266
olivaceus, 263, 264
philadelphicus, 264
solitarius, 265
Vireo, Blue-headed, 262. 265
Philadelphia, 262, 263, 264
Ksd-eyed, 262, 263
Warbling, 262, 263, 264
White-eyed, 262, 263. 266
Yellow-throated, 262, 265
Vireomd{E, 262, 267
Vireos, 262, 263
Vireosylva, 263
Vulture, Black, 114, 117
Turkey, 115
Vultures, 114, 117
American, 114, 115
W.
Wagtail, Water, 294
Warbler, Audubon's, 273. 282, 283
Bay-breasted. 285
Black and White, 268, 272, 273, 286
Blackburnian, 269, 287
Black-poll, 286
Black-throated Blue, 269, 281
Black-throated Green, 270, 289
Blue, 284
Blue- winged, 275
Blue- winged Yellow, 268, 272, 275
Blue Yellow-backed, 279
Bre water's, 277
Canadian, 267, 271, 301
Cape May, 279
434
BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
Warbler, Cerulean, 269, 284
Chestnut-sided, 269, 284, 285
Connecticut, 297
Golden- winged, 268, 276
Hooded, 271. 300
Kentucky, 271, 272, 296
Kirtland's, 270, 290, 291
Magnolia, 269, 283
Mourning, 271, 272, 296, 298
Myrtle, 267, 269, 273, 281, 282
Nashville, 268, 277
Orange-crowned, 278
Palm, 272, 292
Parula, 269, 273, 279
Pine, 267. 270, 272, 273, 291, 292
Prairie, 270, 293
Prothonotary, 268, 273
Ked-poil, 292
Tennessee, 273, 278, 279
Townsend's, 290
Wilson's. 267, 300, 301
Worm-eating, 268, 274, 276
Yellow, 269, 280
Yellow-crown, 282
Yellow Palm, 267, 272, 273, 279, 292
Yellow-rump, 282
Yellow-throated, 270, 288
Warblers, 272, 273, 283, 293
Wasp-hawk, 118
Waxwing, Cedar, 258
Bohemian, 257, 258
Waxwings, 257, 267
Whip-poor-will, 17, 179, 180, 181
Whistler, 44, 45
Wild-canary, 230
Widgeon, American, 37
Willet, 92
Wink, Meadow, 206
Woodcock, 79, 164
American, 78
European, 77
Wood-hen, 79
Wood-warblers, 267
Woodpecker, American, Three-toed, 164
Arctic Three-toed, 164
Downy, 164, 165, 166, 167, 168, 316
Hairy, 164, 165, 166, 168, 178, 316
Pileated, 164, 170, 171, 177, 178
Pine-bark, 167
Red-bellied, 164, 173, 175, 178
Red-cockaded, 164, 167, 177
Red-headed, 164, 172
Yellow-bellied, 164, 168
Woodpeckers, 164, 170, 174, 175, 315
Wood-snipe, 78
Wren, Bewick's, 307, 309
Carolina, 307, 308, 310
Carolina, Great, 308
House, 307, 809, 310, 312
Long-billed Marsh, 307, 312, 313
Marsh, 307
Mocking, 308
Short-billed Marsh, 307, 311
Winter, 307, 308, 310, 311
Wrens, 304, 307
X.
Xanthocephalus, 212
xanthocephalus, 212
Y.
Yellow-bird, 230
Yellow-legs, 89
Greater, 88, 89
Yellow-shanks, 89
Greater, 88
Yellow-throat, Maryland, 271, 273, 2%, 20;
Zenaidura, 113
macroura, 113
Zonotrichia, 236
albicollis, 237
loucophrys, 236
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