592.Pipilo aberti.9 inches.
More of a reddish brown. Found in Arizona, New Mexico and southern California, where it breeds on the coast range.
592.1.Oreospiza chlorura.7 inches.
This member of the family has characteristics of his own entirely different from any of the others. They are birds of the brush, and rarely appear above the shrubbery in which they nest.
593a.Cardinalis c. superbus.9 inches.
These are birds of vine grown gardens and thickets, where, with their beautiful song, brilliant plumage, and quiet disposition, they make themselves the favorites of mankind. The bill is very large and stout, but the general makeup of the bird, with its long crest, is much to be admired. They build their nest of twigs, roots and grasses, loosely put together, which is placed in bushes, vines or low trees. Their three or four eggs are a pale bluish white, with varied markings or spots of shades of brown, mostly about the larger end (1.00 × .70). Found in Arizona and into Mexico.
594.Pyrrhuloxia sinuata.8½ inches.
The bill of these birds is more hooked, short and stout like the parrots. Their crest, which is not as heavy as the Cardinals, they have the habit of raising and lowering often, changing the whole appearance of the bird. Their nesting habits and eggs are similar to the last.
596.Zamelodia melanocephala.7½ inches.
This species similar in size to the Rose-breasted Grosbeak of the eastern sections (which is sometimes found west to Colorado), does not have the bright colors of his eastern brother. In habits they appear to be much the same, their song is wonderfully sweet and clear. They are very quiet birds, and when nesting will almost allow one to touch them before leaving. Their nests are simply a few straws and sticks, loosely laid on the forks of some horizontal branch of a bush or low tree, so frail that frequently their eggs can be seen from beneath. They lay four eggs of a bluish green, spotted and blotched with different shades of brown (1.00 × .70).
597a.Guiraca cærulea lazula.7 inches.
Found more in the open woods, in small groves and along the roadside in the small brush. It seems out of place to have three members of the same family with such a difference of plumage. One with rose, white and black; the next with black, brown and yellow; and this bird, a blue and black. Their nesting habits and also their eggs are much the same as above, the eggs being a little smaller (.85 × .62).
598.Passerina cyanea.5 inches.
An eastern form, of an indigo blue on the head, shading to lighter on the under parts and towards the rump. It is found as far west as Colorado and into Texas (not illustrated).
599.Passerina amœna.5½ inches.
Similar to the above, but lighter, while the under parts and breast are brownish. The wings are barred with two bands of white. It is found from British Columbia to Lower California and from the western coast to eastern Colorado. The nesting habits and eggs of the two are identical. They build in bushes or lower branches of trees, only a few feet from the ground, three or four eggs of a pale bluish white, unmarked (.75 × .58).
600a.Passerina versicolor pulchra.5½ inches.
These are the most varied in color markings of any of our North American birds, having bright colors. Found in southern and Lower California, Arizona and into Mexico. Like the above they are to be found in thickets and hedges, where they build their nests within a few feet of the ground.
604.Spiza americana.6¼ inches.
The male is a prettily marked bird with a yellow line over the eye, on the side of the throat, edge of wing and front under parts; black patch on the breast, white throat and a bright chestnut patch on the wing. It is found rarely in Colorado and into southern California (not illustrated).
605.Calamospiza melanocorys.7 inches.
Bill very short and thick, and light color. The male in summer is a dull black all over, with the exception of white wing-coverts. Their habits are similar to the above. They have a fine song, which they often give while on the wing, after the manner of the Bobolink. The female is a sparrow-like looking bird, mottled brown and white. They are birds of the plains, from Canada to Texas, occasionally in California and Colorado. Nest on the ground, laying four pale blue eggs (.85 × .65).
607.Piranga ludoviciana.6½ inches.
Found from British Columbia to southern California, breeding in mountains. Three or four eggs, bluish green, spotted with brown (.95 × .75).
609.Piranga hepatica.7½ inches.
A pale colored bird as compared with the Scarlet Tanager of the east, lacking also the black wings of its eastern brother. The female is a pale yellow on the under parts and an olive above. Their range is throughout Arizona and into Mexico. The nest is built upon horizontal branches of trees at varying heights from the ground, and is made of twigs, grass and hair, usually a frail structure, in which they lay four eggs of a greenish blue, spotted with shades of brown (.92 × .64).
610a.Piranga rubra cooperi.7 inches.
Western United States, breeding from Central California to Texas and the borders of Mexico. Their breeding habits are the same and the eggs are not distinguishable from the others, all of them varying in the markings, but practically of the same size and general color.
611a.Progne subis hesperia.8½ inches.
The male of this is not to be distinguished from the eastern Purple Martin, and in the female a lighter gray on the forehead is the only difference. They nest in cavities of trees or in boxes provided for them in the cities and towns, both in the east and west, as they are to be found breeding throughout the United States and into British Columbia. They make their nests of twigs, roots and mud, usually lined with feathers, and lay from four to six white eggs (.95 × .65).
612.Petrochelidon lunifrons.5½ inches.
Their range is throughout the whole of North America; they can easily be recognized by their brownish throat and breast, white forehead and black cap. Their nests or homes are built of mud, securely cemented to the face of cliffs, or under the eaves of buildings. They make them round or gourd-shaped, with a small opening in the side, and lining the inside with grass and feathers. They lay four eggs, creamy white, spotted with shades of brown (.80 × .55).
613.Hirundo erythrogastra.7½ inches.
Their range is throughout North America, breeding generally from Alaska to southern California, and over the eastern part of the United States. They nest in barns, sheds or in any buildings where they are not likely to be disturbed, building their nests of mud on the rafters or beams near the roof, and lining it with feathers. They are a familiar bird in all parts of the country, and one of the most graceful while on the wing, skimming over the ponds and meadows in search of the insect life which constitutes their food. Their eggs are similar to the Cliff Swallow, creamy white, spotted with shades of brown and chestnut (.80 × .55).
614.Iridoprocne bicolor.6 inches.
Perhaps this is more commonly known as the White-bellied Swallow, and it is found in the whole of temperate North America, breeding from the middle United States northward. They nest in holes of trees and stumps naturally, but accept the bird houses that are put up for them in suitable locations near ponds or wet marshes. Their eggs are the same as above, both in number and markings.
615.Tachycineta thalassina lepida.5¼ inches.
In the Rocky Mountain regions of the United States and west to the Pacific, breeding throughout its range. A most beautiful species with its blue, green and purple back and white under parts. They are abundant in favorable localities in California, building their nests in holes of trees, at times well up in the mountains, in the tops of some of the largest redwoods and pines, using woodpecker holes, and at times placing their nest in a crevice of the cliffs. Their nests are made of grass and fine roots, and nicely lined with feathers. Their four to six eggs are pure white (.72 × .50).
616.Riparia riparia.5½ inches.
The whole of North America north to the limit of trees, and south to the Gulf of Mexico, breeding from the middle portion of the United States northward. These birds build their nests in sand banks in almost all sections of the country, digging a small tunnel from one to three feet in length, enlarged and lined with grass at the end. They lay from four to six pure white eggs (.70 × .50).
617.Stelgidopteryx serripennis.5½ inches.
This species is about the same size as the last, and similar, but with the throat and breast grayish in place of the white. The outer webs of the outer primaries are recurved, forming a series of hooks. It nests in holes of embankments or in the crevices of cliffs, or among the stones of bridges and buildings. Their eggs are four in number and are pure white (.75 × .52). The range of these birds covers the whole of the United States, breeding from Mexico to British Columbia.
618.Bombycilla garrula.8½ inches.
A northern variety, breeding in Alaska and northward, winters to California and the northern states of the United States. It may be identified from the following by the markings on the wings of white and yellow, and the larger band of yellow at the end of the tail. The wax-like appendages on the wings and tail may be found on both species.
Their nests are made of rootlets, grass and moss, and placed in bushes or trees at a few feet from the ground. Usually four eggs are laid, of a grayish color, sharply spotted with brown (.95 × .70).
619.Bombycilla cedrorum.7½ inches.
These are a North American bird, and great travelers in large flocks all over the country, separating at breeding time, and mating up, with a pair or two selecting some orchard or suitable locality to remain during nesting time. They breed throughout the northern United States and north into Canada. Their nests are placed in almost any kind of tree, on horizontal limbs, made of twigs, rootlets, string and grass, in which they lay usually four eggs of a dull grayish color, spotted with dark brown, mostly about the larger end (.85 × .60).
620.Phainopepla nitens.7½ inches.
These are found from central California to Texas and into Mexico. In habits they are very much like the preceding, and the female is quite similar in looks, while the male is a rich shining blue black, with a long pointed crest, and a white patch on the wings. Their food consists of insects and small berries. They build loosely constructed nests, with a more compact lining of plant down. They lay two or three eggs of a light gray, spotted with brown (.88 × .65).
621.Lanius borealis.10 inches.
One of the largest of the family in the United States, the breast being barred with wavy lines of gray above the paler gray, with the wings and tail having much white, showing especially in flight. They are bold birds; carnivorous in their habits, living upon other small birds, insects and small rodents. In winter they have been known frequently to live about cities, catching the English Sparrows in the parks and city streets. They tear their food to pieces with their bill, which is shaped similar to that of a hawk’s, while their feet are small and weak, not at all resembling the hawk’s feet. Their nests are placed in thickets or thorny bushes, and are made of shreds of vines, grasses and plant down. Four to six grayish white eggs are laid, these being spotted and blotched with shades of brown (1.05 × .75).
622b.Lanius ludovicianus gambeli.8 inches.
In size the same as the White-rumped Shrike, and in habits and general appearance much the same, being somewhat darker, more on the under parts and sides. Eggs similar but smaller.
624.Vireosylva olivacea.6 inches.
One of the most common of the family throughout its range, from the eastern slope of the Rockies over the United States. Wherever they may be found, their song is heard continuously during the day, from early morning until late in the evening, it consisting only of two or three notes, first a rising inflection, then a falling, and repeated over and over, even while they are feeding. The nests are placed within a few feet of the ground on an overhanging limb, suspended from a fork, and made of strips of bark, plant fiber and often with pieces of string and paper included in its construction. Three or four eggs are white, specked sparingly with brown (.85 × .55). This is one of the favorite nests in which the Cowbird deposits its eggs.
627.Vireosylva gilva.5½ inches.
These are nearly as common as the above, but probably not as well known, as they keep well up in the tops of the taller trees, where they also build their nests, very much the same as theRed-eye. Their song is much more pleasant. Four eggs, like above (.72 × .52).
629a.Lanivireo solitarius cassini.5 inches.
To be found west of the Rockies from British Columbia south to Lower California and Mexico. In southern California, it is found breeding much more commonly than theWestern Warbling Vireo, placing its nest high in the oaks and coniferous trees. It belongs to the same musical family, keeping up its song from morning until night. The nest is made of similar material to the previous, and the eggs are the same, except in size (.75 × .58).
630.Vireo atricapillus.4½ inches.
A smaller variety, the male marked with a black cap. Breeds in Texas, north to Kansas. Winters in Mexico (not illustrated).
632.Vireo huttoni.4½ inches.
Similar to last, without the black cap. Found in central and southern California. Nesting habits similar to others of the family. Eggs white with a few spots of brown about the larger end (.70 × .50).
632c.Vireo huttoni obscurus.4¼ inches.
Like Hutton, but a trifle smaller and darker. Found from British Columbia to southern California, breeding in Oregon (not illustrated).
633a.Vireo belli pusillus.4¼ inches.
Much like the last, and found nesting in southern California, Texas and Arizona. Their nest is a neat, compact, cup-shaped structure, made of shreds of vines and fine roots, and lined with fine grass. The four eggs are white, spotted finely with brown about the larger end (.70 × .80).
634.Vireo vicinior.5½ inches.
Found in the southwestern United States, from western Texas, and southern California, into Mexico. They are not uncommon birds in the mountains of Arizona, where they nest in low bushes or trees, building their nest similar to the Red-eyed vireo in the horizontal fork of some overhanging limb, within a few feet from the ground. Usually four white eggs, which are finely spotted with brown about the larger end (.72 × .53).
636.Mniotilta varia.5¼ inches.
This eastern bird, with its black and white markings, is found in southern Texas, and has been seen accidental in California and Washington (not illustrated).
643.Vermivora luciæ.4 inches.
Range.—Southwestern United States and Mexico. It breeds quite commonly in Arizona, where it builds in almost any situation, in the loose bark on tree trunks, in deserted woodpecker holes, in the cactus or in small bushes near the ground. The nest is made of fine grass, leaves and feathers, in which they lay usually four white eggs, spotted and wreathed with brown about the larger end (.60 × .50).
644.Vermivora virginiæ.4¼ inches.
Range.—Rocky Mountains, from Colorado to Arizona, and winters in Mexico. They are much like the last, but have a patch of yellow on the rump and breast. Their nest on the ground, beside some rock or stump, is made of shreds of vines and grass. Three or four white eggs, specked and wreathed with brown (.62 × .50).
645a.Vermivora rubricapilla gutturalis.4½ inches.
Found in the Pacific coast regions, breeding from central California north to British Columbia. Winters south to Mexico. In Oregon and California, these birds are quite common in favorable localities on the mountain sides. They build their nest on the ground in a slight depression, making it of twigs and grasses, and usually well concealed with overhanging grass or brush. Their four eggs are a creamy white, with fine spots of brown and lavender, forming a wreath about the larger end (.60 × .45).
646.Vermivora celata.4½ inches.
Range.—Central North America, breeding in the Rockies locally, from Alaska to Mexico. Crown with a concealed, dull orange patch. Nesting habits and eggs same as above (not illustrated).
646a.Vermivora celata lutescens.4¼ inches.
This bird is found breeding from Alaska along the Pacific coast to southern California. Nest placed in similar locations, and the eggs are the same as above (.60 × .45).
651.Peucedramus olivaceus.5 inches.
Range.—In the mountains of Arizona and New Mexico, southward. They may be easily identified by their orange-brown head and neck, with a broad black band through the eyes. Their nests are placed at high elevations in coniferous trees on the mountain sides. They build a very compact nest, saddled upon a horizontal limb, the nest having a resemblance to a knot; it is made of moss, lichens, etc., and lined with fine rootlets and down from plants. Their four eggs are a pale gray, completely covered with spots of dark brown, the heaviest at the larger end (.64 × .48).
652.Dendroica æstiva.4 inches.
Range.—The whole of North America, breeding throughout its range. They are active little bunches of yellow, as they gather in their many insects for food, all the while singing their happy song. They place their nests in almost any kind of trees, but seem to prefer willows and alders near some brook or pond, where insect life is abundant. Their nest is a compact, cup-shaped structure, made of fibers and grasses, lined with plant down or cotton.
655.Dendroica coronata.5½ inches.
Range.—Most of North America. On the Pacific coast, it is found from central Oregon to southern California. It is quite commonly known as the Yellow-rumped Warbler, both in the east and west. They differ from the following, mostly in the throat markings, this one having a white throat and much more black on the head and breast, while on the following the throat is yellow. They nest in the lower branches of coniferous trees, making it of grasses, rootlets and fiber, in which they lay usually four eggs, white, spotted with shades of brown and lilac, more heavily about the larger end (.70 × .50).
656.Dendroica auduboni.5½ inches.
This species is found in the western United States from British Columbia to Mexico, and rarely east of the Rockies. They are more of a dull-colored bird than the preceding. Their nesting habits and eggs are identical with the last (.68 × .52).
657.Dendroica magnolia.5 inches.
Range.—This is an eastern bird, found west to the Rockies and accidental in California. The white over the eye, white wing patch, and the band of white across the tail will identify this species (not illustrated).
661.Dendroica striata.5½ inches.
Range.—North America, mostly east of the Rockies, but found in the Rockies from Alaska to Colorado. They nest on the lower branches of coniferous trees, made of roots and strips of vine, and lined with feathers and lichens. Four dull white eggs, spotted with brown (.72 × .50).
664.Dendroica graciæ.4½ inches.
Range.—Western North America, British Columbia to Lower California and Arizona. Nest usually in pines near the tops of the trees, made of roots, fibers and lined with plant down. Eggs white, with light spots of brown (.65 × .45).
665.Dendroica nigrescens.4½ inches.
Range.—Western North America, British Columbia to Lower California. A small bird, with a black throat and breast, forming a circle about the neck, and black on top of the head. They are found mostly in the woodlands, bordered with thickets, in which they will place their nests, within a few feet of the ground. It much resembles that of the Yellow Bird, being compact and made of the same materials. Three or four eggs are creamy white, spotted with brown, forming a wreath about the larger end (.65 × .52).
667.Dendroica virens.5 inches.
Range.—Mostly in the eastern part of North America, but occasionally in the southern Rockies, Texas and Arizona. Black throat and breast, with bright yellow cheeks and olive head and back (not illustrated).
668.Dendroica townsendi.5 inches.
Range.—Western United States. A similar bird to the above, with black on top of the head in place of the olive. Nesting habits are practically the same, as are also the eggs.
669.Dendroica occidentalis.5 inches.
Range.—Western North America, from British Columbia to southern California, Texas and Arizona. These are to be found in the high, mountainous regions among the coniferous trees, where they build their nests on the outer limbs of tall pines, almost impossible to find. Their nests are made of grass, and the needles from the pine, and not much of a nest as compared with some of this same family. They lay four white eggs, spotted and wreathed with shades of brown (.68 × .52).
675a.Seiurus noveboracensis.5½ inches.
Range.—From Alaska to Mexico, breeding in the northern portions. They are a quiet bird, solitary in habits, nesting in stumps near the ground or among roots of fallen trees. Four white eggs, spotted and blotched with brown and lilac (.80 × .60).
680.Oporornis tolmiei.5½ inches.
Range.—Western North America, from British Columbia to southern California, breeding throughout its range. They are common warblers of the Pacific coast, to be found on or near the ground in thick shrubbery, where they build their nests within a few feet of the ground. This is made of grasses and shreds of vines, and lined with finer grasses and hair. Four eggs are laid, white, spotted and quite heavily marked with shades of brown (.72 × .52).
681a.Geothlypis trichas occidentalis.5¼ inches.
Range.—Western North America, from British Columbia south to Arizona, but not near the Pacific coast. It is one of the seven or eight forms of the Maryland Yellow-throat, the greatest difference in them being in the locality in which they are found. They place their nest in a clump of grass, well concealed, laying usually four white eggs, with few spots of brown (.70 × .50).
681c.Geothlypis trichas arizela.5¼ inches.
Range.—The Pacific coast. Habits, nest and eggs same as above.
683a.Icteria virens longicauda.7½ inches.
Range.—Western United States, breeding from British Columbia to Mexico. They are an attractive bird both in looks and habits. They are great singers, but nature seemed to give them no special song of their own, and they make good attempts to mimic the song of any bird in their locality, and keep continually at it. They like the bramble and vine-covered hillsides, where it is hard to obtain a sight of the bird. They build their nests in the thickest of such places a few feet from the ground, made up of shreds of vines, leaves and twigs, lined with grass. Four white eggs, spotted with fine dots of shades of brown (.90 × .70).
685a.Wilsonia pusilla pileolata.5 inches.
Range.—Western North America, breeding in Oregon, Washington and California to Mexican borders. These little birds, with their deep yellow under parts and breast, and little cap of jet black, are quite common about many of the orchards and gardens when the trees are in full blossom, taking insects that abound at that time. They nest in moist grounds in a slight depression or in low bushes, made of fibers and grass.
687.Setophaga ruticilla.5½ inches.
Range.—North America, found more commonly east of the Rockies, but less common in Oregon, California and to Arizona. These birds are always the most conspicuous when in flight, at that time showing off to the best advantage their bright orange markings on the wings and tail of the males, and the bright yellow of the females. They build a neat, cup-shaped nest of plant fibers and down, which is placed in the crotch of small trees, in which they lay four white eggs, spotted with different shades of chestnut and black (.65 × .50). They are very active, and constantly flying from place to place, taking insects while on the wing, which constitute their food.
688.Setophaga picta.5½ inches.
Range.—New Mexico and Arizona. These have much the same habits as the above, except that they build their homes in cavities of rocks or on the ground in swampy places.
690.Cardellina rubrifrons.5¼ inches.
Range.—Arizona and New Mexico.
696.Budytes flavus alascensis.6½ inches.
Range.—Alaska and Bering Sea in summer, where they are fairly common on the islands and coast. They nest on the ground, under or beside stones and in bunches of grass; it is made of roots and grasses, lined with moss and animal fur. They lay from four to six white eggs, thickly covered with spots of brown (.75 × .55).
697.Anthus rubescens.6½ inches.
Range.—It breeds on the high mountains of Colorado, California, Alaska, north to the Arctic Zone. During migration they may be found over most of the United States in quite large flocks. Their nests are placed on the ground in tufts of grass, and are made of fine grass and moss, lined with feathers and hair. Four to six eggs are grayish, heavily blotched with brown (.75 × .55).
700.Anthus spraguei.6½ inches.
Range.—Breeds from Manitoba to Montana and Dakota, and west to the Rockies. Habits, nest and eggs are similar to preceding.
702.Oreoscoptes montanus.8½ inches.
Range.—From Lower California and Mexico on the plains to Montana. This is an abundant bird in the sage regions of the plains throughout its range, and are frequently called the Mockingbird, on account of the varied song which they give from the top of some sagebrush or cactus, in which they nest. Four eggs, greenish, spotted with brown (.60 × .55).
701.Cinclus mexicanus unicolor.8 inches.
Range.—Mountains of western North America from Alaska to Mexico. Among the rapid streams that are falling down the mountain side, these gray birds are to be found. They are strange members of bird life; they do not have webbed feet, and yet they swim on, or under the water, using their wings as paddles. They have a thrush-like bill, the habit of teetering similar to the sandpiper, and a song that is not to be forgotten if once heard. They nest on the rocks of these rapid streams, making their nest of moss, a bulky affair with an opening in the side, in which they deposit their four or five eggs of pure white (1.00 × .70).
703a.Mimus polyglottos leucopterus.10 inches.
Range.—Texas to California and southward, breeding commonly from central California southward. These birds not only have a song of their own which puts them in the opera class, but, as their name implies, they can mimic or mock nearly anything in the bird line for song or bird notes. They are not satisfied with a few notes early in the morning and evening, but will keep their song in full play all day, without hardly seeming to take time to hunt up a few worms or insects, as if eating was not to be considered when he could sing.
They nest usually low down in bushes and thickets, and construct a bulky nest of sticks, roots and grass. Three to five eggs are of a greenish color, spotted and blotched all over in many patterns with shades of brown (.95 × .72).