418.Phalænoptilus nuttalli.7½ inches
The female of this beautiful little Night-jar differs from the male only in having narrow buffy tips to the outer tail feathers instead of broad white ones. Like all the members of this family these birds are dusk fliers, remaining at rest on the ground in daylight. Their frosted gray plumage harmonizes so perfectly with their surroundings that it is almost impossible to see them. Their eggs are nearly immaculate, but usually show traces of the lavender blotches that mark others of the family. Their call is a mournful “poor-will-ee.” They are found from the Plains to the Pacific, but are not common east of the Rockies.
419.Nyctidromus albicollis merrilli.13 inches
As usual with birds of this family, sexual difference in the plumage occurs chiefly on the tips of the outer tail feathers. These birds are common in the Lower Rio Grande Valley in Texas. Their eggs differ from any of the preceding in having a salmon-colored ground.
420.Chordeiles virginianus.10 inches
Male with white throat and white band across tail; female with rusty throat and no white on tail. Notice that the Nighthawk has a forked tail and white band across the wings, thus being readily distinguished at a distance from the Whip-poor-will.
Note.—A loud nasal “peent.”
Nest.—None, the two mottled gray and white eggs being laid on bare rocks in pastures, on the ground or underbrush, or on gravel roofs in cities; size 1.20 × .85.
Range.—United States east of the Plains, breeding from Florida to Labrador; winters south of United States. Three sub-species occur: 420a. Western Nighthawk (henryi), west of the Plains; 420b. Florida Nighthawk (chapmani); 420c. Sennett Nighthawk (sennetti), a pale race found on the Plains north to Saskatchewan.
421.Chordeiles acutipennis texensis
This species is found in southern Texas and New Mexico. It differs from the last in having the primaries spotted with rusty, like those of the whip-poor-will.
423.Chætura pelagica.5½ inches
Unused chimneys of old dwellings make favorite roosting and nesting places for these smoke-colored birds. They originally dwelt in hollow trees until the advent of man furnished more convenient places, although we would scarcely consider the soot-lined brick surface as good as a clean hollow tree. Spines on the end of each tail feather enable them to hang to their upright walls, and to slowly hitch their way to the outer world. Throughout the day numbers of them are scouring the air for their fare of insects, but as night approaches, they return to the chimney.
Note.—A continuous and not unmusical twittering uttered while on the wing and also within the depths of the chimney.
Nest.—Made of small twigs or sticks glued to the sides of a chimney and each other by the bird’s saliva. The three to five white eggs are long and narrow (.75 × .50).
Range.—N. A. east to the Plains, breeding from Florida to Labrador; winters south of U. S.
425.Aeronautes melanoleucus.6½ inches
This beautiful swift is one of the most graceful of winged creatures. Its flight is extremely rapid and its evolutions remarkable. They nest in communities, thousands of them often congregating about the tops of inaccessible cliffs, in the crevices of which they make their homes. No bird has a more appropriate generic name than this species—“aeronautes,” meaning sailor of the air; he is a sailor of the air and a complete master of the art.
Note.—Loud, shrill twittering, uttered chiefly while on the wing.
Nest.—Placed at the end of burrows in earthy cliffs or as far back as possible between crevices in rocks; usually in inaccessible places and as high as possible from the ground. It is a saucer-shaped structure made of vegetable materials cemented together with saliva, and lined with feathers. The four white eggs measure .87 × .52.
Range.—From the eastern foothills of the Rockies to the Pacific; north to Montana and northern California.
428.Archilochus colubris.3½ inches
This little gem is the only one of the family found within the territory included in this book. Owners of flower gardens have the best opportunities to study these winged jewels, on their many trips to and fro for honey, or the insects that are also attracted thereby. With whirring wings, they remain suspended before a blossom, then—buzz—and they are examining the next, with bill lost within the sweet depths. Their temper is all out of proportion to their size, for they will dash at an intruder about their moss-covered home as though they would pierce him like a bullet. Their angry twitters and squeaks are amusing and surprising, as are their excitable actions.
Nest.—A most beautiful creation of plant fibres and cobwebs adorned with lichens and resembling a little tuft of moss upon the bough on which it is placed. In June two tiny white eggs are laid (.50 × .35).
Range.—N. A. east of the Rockies, breeding from the Gulf north to Labrador and Hudson Bay; winters south of U. S.
443.Muscivora forficata.14½ inches
This pretty creature is the most graceful in appearance of the Flycatcher family, if not of the whole order of perching birds. In the southwest it is frequently known as the “Texan Bird of Paradise.” Its habits are very much like those of theKingbird; as it gracefully swings through the air in pursuit of insects, it frequently opens and shuts its scissor-like tail. They are usually found in open country or on the borders of woodland. They rarely alight on the ground, for their long tails make them walk very awkwardly, but when they are a-wing they are the embodiment of grace.
Note.—A shrill “tzip,” “tzip,” similar to notes ofKingbirds.
Nest.—Quite large; built of all kinds of trash, such as twigs, grasses, paper, rags, string, etc.; placed in any kind of a tree or bush and at any height. The four or five creamy white eggs are spotted with brown (.90 × .67).
Range.—Breeds from Texas north to Kansas; winters south of U. S.
444.Tyrannus tyrannus.8½ inches.
Adults with a concealed orange crown patch; young with none. From the time of their arrival in May until they leave us in August, Kingbirds are much in evidence in farmyards and orchards. They are one of the most noisy birds, always quarreling about something, and usually coming off victorious in whatever they may undertake.Crowsare objects of hatred to them, and they always drive them from the neighborhood, vigorously dashing upon and picking them from above and often following them for a great distance. They have their favorite perches from which they watch for insects, usually a dead branch, a fence post, or a tall stalk in the field.
Note.—A series of shrill, harsh sounds like “thsee,” “thsee.”
Nest.—Of sticks, rootlets, grass, string, etc., placed in orchard trees or open woods at any height. Four or five creamy white eggs, specked and spotted with reddish brown (.95 × .70).
Range.—Breeds from the Gulf to southern Canada.
445.Tyrannus dominicensis.9 inches
Differs from the commonKingbirdin being larger and gray above; has black ear coverts, and no white tip to tail.
Like the last species, these are very noisy and pugnacious, and rule their domains with the hand of a tyrant. After they have mated they quarrel very little among themselves, and often several may use the same lookout twig from which to dash after passing flies or moths.
Note.—A rapidly repeated, shrill shriek: “pe-che-ri,” “pe-che-ri.”
Nest.—Rather more shabbily built but of the same materials as those used by our commonKingbird. Placed in all kinds of trees, but more often in mangroves, where they are commonly found. Three to five pinkish-white eggs, profusely blotched with brown (1.00 × .72).
Range.—West Indies and Florida, Georgia and South Carolina. Winters in the West Indies and Central America.
447.Tyrannus verticalis.9 inches
These tyrant flycatchers are abundant west of the Mississippi, where they are often, and perhaps more aptly, known as the Western Kingbirds. If possible, they are even more noisy and pugnacious than the eastern species. They have a great variety of notes, all rather unpleasant to the ear. Their food, like that of the other Kingbirds, consists of moths, butterflies, ants, grasshoppers, crickets, etc., etc., most of which they catch on the wing.
Note.—A shrill, metallic squeak; a low twittering and a harsh, discordant scream, all impossible to print.
Nest.—Quite large and clumsily made of paper, rags, twigs, rootlets, and grasses, placed in all sorts of locations, frequently in eave troughs or above windows. The eggs are creamy white, spotted with brown (.95 × .65).
Range.—Western United States, breeding from Texas to Manitoba and west to the Pacific; winters south of U. S.
449.Pitangus sulphuratus derbianus.10½ inches
This imposing flycatcher is the largest of the family that is found in North America. As usual with members of the family it is of a quarrelsome disposition, but hardly so much so as either thecommonorArkansas Kingbirds. Their large, heavy bodies render them considerably less active than the smaller members of the family. On account of the size of the head and bill, they are often known as Bull-headed Flycatchers.
Note.—Very varied, but similar in character to those of the easternKingbird.
Nest.—It is said to build its nest at low elevations in trees or in thorny bushes—a large structure of twigs and rubbish with an entrance on the side. The three to five eggs have a cream-colored ground and are prominently specked about the large end with brown (1.15 × .82).
Range.—A Mexican species that is fairly common in the Lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas.
452.Myiarchus crinitus.9 inches
These large flycatchers are very noisy in the mating season, but their notes are rather more musical than those of theKingbirds. They appear to be of a quarrelsome disposition, for rarely will more than one pair be found in a single piece of woods. They also frequently chase smaller birds, but never attack larger ones, as do theKingbirds. They have a queer habit of placing a piece of snakeskin in the hole in which their nest is located, for what purpose, unless to scare away intruders, is not known, but it seems to be a universal practice.
Note.—A clear whistle, “wit-whit,” “wit-whit,” repeated several times. This is the most common call; they have many others less musical.
Nest.—Of straw, etc., in holes of dead limbs. Eggs four to six in number; buffy white, streaked and blotched with brown.
Range.—Eastern N. A. from the Plains to the Atlantic, breeding north to southern Canada.
456.Sayornis phœbe.7 inches
A Phœbe is always associated, in my mind, with old bridges and bubbling brooks. Nearly every bridge which is at all adapted for the purpose has its Phœbe home beneath it, to which the same pair of birds will return year after year, sometimes building a new nest, sometimes repairing the old. They seem to be of a nervous temperament, for, as they sit upon their usual lookout perch, their tails are continually twitching as though in anticipation of the insects that are sure to pass sooner or later.
Note.—A jerky, emphatic “phœ-be,” with the accent on the second syllable, and still further accented by a vigorous flirt of the tail.
Nest.—Of mud, grasses, and moss, plastered to the sides of beams or logs under bridges, culverts, or barns. In May or June four or five white eggs are laid (.75 × .55).
Range.—N. A. east of the Rockies, north to southern Canada; winters in southern U. S. and southward.
459.Nuttallornis borealis.7½ inches
These birds can scarcely be called common any where, but single pairs of them may be found, in their breeding range, in suitable pieces of woodland. I have always found them in dead pine swamps, where the trees were covered with hanging moss, making it very difficult to locate their small nests. Their peculiar, loud, clear whistle can be heard for a long distance and serves as a guide-board to their location.
Note.—A loud, clear whistle, “whip-wheeu,” the first syllable short and sharp, the last long and drawn out into a plaintive ending.
Nest.—A small structure for the size of the bird, made of twigs and mosses firmly anchored to horizontal limbs or forks. Three to five eggs are laid; a rich creamy ground, spotted about the large end with brown and lavender (.85 × .65).
Range.—N. A., breeding from the latitude of Massachusetts, and farther south in mountainous regions, north to Labrador and Alaska.
461.Myiochanes virens.6½ inches
In life, the Pewee can best be distinguished from the larger Phœbe, with which it is often confounded, by its sad, plaintive “pe-ah-wee,” “pee-wee” which is strikingly different from the brusque call of the Phœbe. Pewees are also found more in high, dry woods where they build their little moss-covered homes on horizontal boughs at quite a height from the ground. Like the other flycatchers they always perch on dead twigs, where their view is as little obstructed as possible.
Note.—A clear, plaintive whistle, “pe-ah-whee,” “pee-wee.”
Nest.—One of the most exquisite of bird creations, composed of plant fibres quilted together and ornamented with rock lichens; situated at varying heights on horizontal limbs, preferably oak or chestnut, and sometimes in apple trees in orchards. Eggs creamy white, specked with brown (.80 × .55).
Range.—U. S. from the Plains to the Atlantic and north to Manitoba and New Brunswick; winters in Central America.
463.Empidonax flaviventris.5½ inches
These strange little Flycatchers are found in swamps such as those usually frequented byOlive-sided FlycatchersandParula Warblers. They are one of the few of the family to nest on the ground or very close to it. Their homes are made in the moss-covered mounds or stumps found in these swamps.
Range.—N. A. east of the Plains north to Labrador, breeding from northern U. S. northward.
465.Empidonax virescens.5½ inches
This bird is very similar to the last, but the lower mandible is light, and the throat and belly white. Their favorite resorts are shady woods not far from water. Here they nest in the outer branches of bushes or trees at heights of from four to twenty feet from the ground. The nests are shallow and composed of twigs and moss. Eggs creamy with brown spots.
Range.—U. S. east of Plains, breeding from the Gulf to New England and Manitoba; winters in the Tropics.
466a.Empidonas trailli alnorum.6 inches
This species is very similar to, but larger, than the well-knownLeast Flycatcheror Chebec. They are found in swampy pastures or around the edges of ponds or lakes, where they nest in low bushes.
Range.—U. S. east of the Mississippi, breeding from New York to New Brunswick.
467.Empidonax minimus.5½ inches
Smaller than the last and with the tail slightly forked. Common everywhere in orchards, swamps, or along roadsides. They are very often known by the name of “Chebec,” because their notes resemble that word. Their nests are placed in upright forks of any kind of trees or bushes; they are made of plant fibres and grasses closely felted together. The eggs range from three to five in number and are creamy white, without markings; size .65 × .50.
Range.—N. A. east of the Rockies, breeding from middle U. S. north to New Brunswick and Manitoba.
471.Pyrocephalus rubinus mexicanus.6 inches
Female with only a slight tinge of pink, where the male is brilliant vermilion.
This is the most gorgeously plumed species of the American Flycatchers. It has all the active traits of the family and, to those who are only accustomed to the demure gray plumage of most eastern species, the first sight of this one as he dashes after an insect is a sight never to be forgotten.
Note.—During the mating season the male often gives a twittering song while poised in the air, accompanying it by loud snapping of the mandibles.
Nest.—Saddled on limbs of trees at low elevations from the ground; composed of small twigs and vegetable fibres closely felted together and often adorned on the outside with lichens similar to the nests of theWood Pewee. The four eggs are of a creamy-buff color with bold spots of brown and lilac, in a wreath around the large end (.73 × .54).
Range.—Mexican border of the United States, from Texas to Arizona.
474.Otocoris alpestris.7¾ inches
This variety, which is larger than its sub-species, is only found in the U. S. in winter, but several of the sub-species are residents in our limits. During the mating season they have a sweet song that is uttered on the wing, like that of theBobolink.
Note.—Alarm note and call a whistled “tseet,” “tseet”; song a low, sweet, and continued warble.
Nest.—A hollow in the ground lined with grass; placed in fields and usually partially concealed by an overhanging sod or stone. The three to five eggs have a grayish ground color and are profusely specked and blotched with gray and brownish. (.85 × .60).
Range.—Breeds in Labrador and about Hudson Bay; south in winter to South Carolina and Illinois.
Sub-Species.—474b. Prairie Horned Lark (praticola). A paler form usually with the line over the eye white, found in the Mississippi Valley. 474c. Desert Horned Lark (leucolæma). Paler and less distinctly streaked above than the Prairie; found west of the Mississippi and north to Alberta.
475.Pica pica hudsonia.20 inches
This handsome member of the Crow family is sure to attract the attention of all who may see him. He is very pert in all his actions, both in trees and on the ground, and is always ready for mischief. In a high wind their long tail often makes traveling a laborious operation for them, and at such times they usually remain quite quiet. They are very impudent and always on the lookout for something to steal; they are also very noisy and forever scolding and chattering among themselves.
Note.—A loud, harsh “cack,” “cack,” and an endless variety of whistles and imitations.
Nest.—A large, globular heap of sticks placed in bushes or trees from four to fifty feet from the ground. The entrance to the nest is on one side and the interior is made of grass and mud. The four to six eggs are white, thickly specked with yellowish brown (1.25 × .90).
Range.—Western North America, east to the Plains and north to Alaska; resident.
477.Cyanocitta cristata.11½ inches
These are one of the best known and most beautiful birds that we have, but, unfortunately, they have a very bad reputation. They often rob other birds of their eggs and young as well as food and nesting material. They are very active birds and are always engaged in gathering food, usually acorns or other nuts, and hiding them away for future use.
Note.—A two-syllabled whistle or a harsh, discordant scream. Besides these two common notes they make an endless variety of sounds mimicking other birds.
Nest.—Of twigs and sticks in bushes or low trees, preferably young pines. The four eggs are pale greenish blue specked with brown (1.10 × .80).
Range.—N. A. east of the Rockies from the Gulf to Labrador, resident in the U. S. The Florida Blue Jay (florincola) is smaller and has less white on wings and tail.
479.Aphelocoma cyanea.11½ inches
This Jay is locally distributed chiefly in the southern parts of Florida, being found principally in scrub oaks. Like the Blue Jay, their food consists of animal matter and some seeds, berries, and acorns. Their habits are very similar to those of the northern bird and their calls resemble those of our bird, too. They are rather slow in flight and pass a great deal of their time upon the ground.
Note.—A “jay,” “jay,” similar to that of the Blue Jay, and a great variety of other calls.
Nest.—In the latter part of March and in April they build their flat nests of twigs, usually in bushes or scrub oaks, and lay three or four greenish-blue eggs, with brown spots; size 1.05 × .80.
Range.—Middle and southern portions of Florida chiefly along the coasts.
483.Xanthoura luxuosa glaucescens.12 inches
These Jays are very beautiful, and we are sorry to have to admit that, like all the other members of the family, they are merciless in their treatment of smaller birds. During the summer their diet consists of raw eggs with young birds “on the side,” or vice versa; later they live upon nuts, berries, insects; in fact, anything that is edible.
Note.—Practically unlimited, being imitations of those of most of the birds in the vicinity.
Nest.—Not easily found, as it is usually concealed in dense thickets. The nests are like those of other Jays, loosely made of twigs and lined with black rootlets. The four eggs that are laid in May have a grayish ground color and are thickly spotted with several shades of brown and lilac. They measure 1.05 × .80.
Range.—Fairly common in the Lower Rio Grande Valley in southern Texas.
484.Perisoreus canadensis.11½ inches
These birds are well known to hunters, trappers, and campers in the northern woods. They are great friends, especially of the lumbermen, as some of the pranks that they play serve to enliven an otherwise tedious day. They seem to be devoid of fear and enter camp and carry off everything, edible or not, that they can get hold of. They are called by guides and lumbermen by various names, such as Whiskey Jack, Moose Bird, etc.
Note.—A harsh “ca-ca-ca,” and various other sounds.
Nest.—Usually in coniferous trees at low elevations; made of twigs, moss, and feathers. The three or four eggs are gray, specked and spotted with darker (1.15 × .80). They nest early, usually before the snow begins to leave the ground and often when the mercury is below zero.
Range.—Eastern North America from northern United States northward. 484c. Labrador Jay (nigricapillus), which is found in Labrador, has the black on the hind head deeper and extending forward around the eye.
486a.Corvus corax principalis.25 inches
The habits of all the ravens and crows are identical and are too well known to need mention. They are all very destructive to young birds and eggs. The Raven can be known by its large size, its very large bill, and lanceolate feathers on the throat. They are found in the mountains from Georgia and on the coast from Maine northward.
487.Corvus cryptoleucus.18½ inches
This species has the bases of the feathers on the back of the neck white. Found in southwestern United States.
488.Corvus brachyrhynchos.19 inches
The common Crow of North America, replaced in Florida by the very similar Florida Crow (pascuus).
490.Corvus ossifragus.16 inches
This small species is found on the Atlantic Coast north to Massachusetts.
491.Nucifraga columbiana.12½ inches
Clarke Crows are found abundantly in all coniferous forest on the higher mountains in their range. They are very peculiar birds, having some of the traits of Woodpeckers, but more of those of the Jays.
They are very active, very noisy, and very inquisitive, sharing with the Rocky Mountain Jay the names of “Camp Robber,” “Moose Bird,” etc. They are great travellers and may, one season, be absent where they were abundant the preceding one.
Notes.—Various calls and imitations like those of all others of the Jay family.
Nest.—Of sticks, at high elevations on horizontal boughs of coniferous trees. The four eggs have a pale greenish-gray ground, thickly sprinkled with darker (1.25 × .92).
Range.—Mountains of western North America, casually east to Kansas.
493.Sturnus vulgaris.8½ inches
Plumage metallic green and purple, heavily spotted above and below with buffy or white.
These European birds were introduced into New York a number of years ago, and are now common there and spreading to other localities in Connecticut and about New York City. They live about the streets and in the parks, building their nests in crevices of buildings and especially in the framework of the elevated railroads of the city, and less often in trees. They lay from four to six pale-blue, unspotted eggs (1.15 × .85). How they will affect other bird life, in case they eventually become common throughout the country, is a matter of conjecture, but from what I have seen of them they are quarrelsome and are masters of theEnglish Sparrow, and may continue their domineering tactics to the extent of driving more of our song birds from the cities.
494.Dolichonyx oryzivorus.7¼ inches
Bobolinks are to be found in rich grass meadows, from whence their sweet, wild music is often borne to us by the breeze. While his mate is feeding in the grass or attending to their domestic affairs, Mr. Bobolink is usually to be found perched on the tip of a tree, weed stalk, or even on a tall blade of grass, if no other spot of vantage is available, singing while he stands guard to see that no enemies approach. He is a good watchman and it is a difficult matter to flush his mate from the nest, for she leaves at his first warning.
Song.—A wild, sweet, rippling repetition of his name with many additional trills and notes. Alarm note a harsh “chah” like that of theBlackbird.
Nest.—Of grasses in a hollow on the ground, in meadows. They lay four to six eggs with a white ground color, heavily spotted, clouded and blotched with brown (.85 × .62).
Range.—N. A. east of the Rockies, breeding from New Jersey and Kansas north to Manitoba and New Brunswick; winters in South America.
495.Molothrus ater.7¾ inches
Male glossy greenish black, with a brown head; female and young, dull gray.
Groups of these birds are often seen walking sedately about among the cows in the pasture, hence their name. They are the only birds that we have that neither make a nest of their own nor care for their young. The female slyly deposits her egg in the nest of a smaller bird when the owner is absent, leaving further care of it to its new owner. Warblers, Sparrows and Vireos seem to be most imposed upon in this manner.
Notes.—A low “chack,” and by the male a liquid, wiry squeak accompanied by a spreading of the wings and tail.
Range.—U. S., chiefly east of the Rockies, breeding from the Gulf to Manitoba and New Brunswick; winters in southern U. S. A sub-species, the Dwarf Cowbird (obscurus), is found in southwestern United States; it is slightly smaller.
497.Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus.10 inches
Male black, with head and breast bright yellow; female more brownish and with head paler and mixed with brown.
These handsome birds are common locally on the prairies, frequenting sloughs and extensive marshes and borders of lakes. They are very sociable birds and breed in large colonies, sometimes composed of thousands of birds.
Notes.—A harsh “chack,” and what is intended for a song, consisting of numerous, queer-sounding squeaks, they being produced during seemingly painful contortions of the singer.
Nest.—Of rushes woven around upright canes over water, in ponds and sloughs. The nest is placed at from four inches to two feet from the water and is quite deep inside. The four to six eggs are grayish, profusely specked with pale brown (1.00 × .70).
Range.—U. S., chiefly west of the Mississippi, north to British Columbia and Hudson Bay; winters on southwestern border of the U. S.
498.Agelaius phœniceus.9½ inches
Male black, with scarlet and buff shoulders; female brownish black above and streaked below. Nearly all our ponds or wet meadows have their pair or colony of Blackbirds.
Note.—A harsh “cack”; a pleasing liquid song, “conk-err-ee,” given with much bowing and spreading of the wings and tail.
Nest.—Usually at low elevations in bushes, in swamps or around the edges of ponds or frequently on the ground or on hummocks in wet pastures. The nest is made of woven grasses and rushes, and is usually partially suspended from the rim when placed in bushes. The three to five eggs are bluish white, scrawled, chiefly around the large end, with blackish (1.00 × .70).
Range.—East of the Rockies, breeding north to Manitoba and New Brunswick; winters in southern U. S.
Sub-Species.—498b. Bahaman Redwing (bryanti). 498c. Florida Redwing (floridanus).
501.Sturnella magna.10¾ inches
Meadowlarks are familiar friends of the hillside and meadow; their clear fife-like whistle is often heard, while they are perched on a fence-post or tree-top, as well as their sputtering alarm note when they fly up before us as we cross the field.
Song.—A clear, flute-like “tseeu-tseeer,” and a rapid sputtering alarm note.
Nest.—Of grasses, on the ground in fields, usually partially arched over. Three to five white eggs specked with brown (1.10 × .80).
Range.—N. A. east of the Plains and north to southern Canada; winters from Massachusetts and Illinois southward.
Sub-Species.—501.1. Western Meadowlark (neglecta). This race has the yellow on the throat extended on the sides; its song is much more brilliant and varied than the eastern bird. It is found from the Plains to the Pacific. 501c. Florida Meadowlark (argutula) is smaller and darker than the common.