Chapter V: Introduction (4)

These little fly-catching Warblers are abundant in the United States during migrations, being found in woods or swamps, and very often in apple trees when they are in bloom. They fly about among the outer branches snatching insects from the foliage or blossoms, and often dashing out to catch one that is flying by. Their natural quickness is intensified by their very attractive plumage which harmonizes perfectly with green leaves.

Song.—A simple and rather weak trill.

Nest.—Of leaves and bark, imbedded in the ground under bushes on the edges of swamps or woods; eggs white, specked with reddish brown (.60 × 48).

Range.—Eastern N. A., breeding from the northern edge of the U. S. northward; winters in Central America. Two subspecies are found west of the Rockies.

CANADIAN WARBLER
686. Wilsonia canadensis. 5½ inches

Male, with a necklace of black spots, white eye ring and lores; female, and young, with only a slight indication of the necklace.

These Warblers travel northward in company with many other kinds, always keeping in the underbrush near the ground, except when they come out into orchards and parks. Like the two last, they are very lively, rarely remaining still for more than a few seconds, before they must dash after some tempting morsel that is flying by.

Song.—A loud liquid warble, most nearly resembling that of the Water-Thrush; call, a sharp, querulous chip.

Nest.—Of rootlets and strips of bark, under roots of trees or shrubs or at the foot of stumps in the moss; the four eggs are white with a wreath of chestnut spots around the large end (.68 × .50).

Range.—Eastern N. A., breeding from Massachusetts and Michigan northward; winters in northern South America.

AMERICAN REDSTART
687. Setophaga ruticilla. 5½ inches

Male, black, orange and white; female, grayish, yellow and white; it requires two or three years to attain the black plumage of the male, in the intermediate stages they are sometimes strangely mottled.

In the northeastern half of the United States, these are one of the commonest and most active of the species. Both the males and females seem to be proud of their handsome plumage and are continually spreading and closing their tails. They are equally happy whether in the tree tops or near the ground, and are as often found in the one place as the other.

Song.—“Che-wee, che-wee, che-wee,” very similar to that of the Yellow Warbler and also the Chestnut-sided Warbler.

Nest.—Of plant fibres and grasses in forks of bushes or trees, usually at greater heights than those of the Yellow Warbler; eggs whitish specked with brown.

Range.—N. A., rare west of the Rockies, breeding from North Carolina and Missouri northward; winters south of the U. S.

AMERICAN PIPIT; TITLARK
697. Anthus rubescens. 6½ inches

These are Arctic birds that spend the winter months in the United States. We find them in flocks along roadsides or in fields, feeding upon weed seeds. They are shy and take wing readily, uttering sharp whistles as they wheel about in the air. They are always restless and stay in a place but a short time. They nest on the ground in northern Canada. Eggs grayish, profusely specked with brown.

SPRAGUE PIPIT
700. Anthus spraguei. 6¼ inches

Upper parts streaked with buff and blackish; below pale buffy with black markings. These birds are found on the Plains from the Dakotas to Hudson Bay in summer, migrating to Mexico in winter. They resemble the European Skylark in their habit of soaring to a great height while singing. Their song is very melodious, resembling that of the Bobolink. Their nests are depressions in the ground, lined with grasses. Eggs grayish, finely specked with purplish gray (.87 × .67).

SAGE THRASHER
702. Oreoscoptes montanus. 8¾ inches

This species is often known as the Mountain Mockingbird because of the brilliance of its song, a very varied performance, long continued and mocking that of many other species. They inhabit sage-brush regions and are partial to the lower portions of the country, although frequently met in open mountains. They are not shy and can readily be located by their voices.

Nest.—In bushes, especially the sage and cactus; a loose structure made of bark strips, small twigs and coarse grasses, lined with fine rootlets. The three or four eggs have a rich greenish-blue ground, spotted with bright reddish brown (.95 × .70).

Range.—Sage-brush regions of western United States from the Plains to the Pacific; winters in Mexico and Lower California.

MOCKINGBIRD
703. Mimus polyglottos. 10½ inches

General colors, gray and white; bases of primaries and outer tail feathers with white.

This is the great vocalist of the south, and by many is considered to be the most versatile singer in America. It is found in gardens, pastures and open woods. All its habits are similar to our Catbird, and like that species, it is given to imitating the notes of other birds.

Song.—An indescribable medley, sometimes very sweet and pleasing, at others, harsh and unmusical.

Nest.—Usually built in impenetrable thickets or hedges, or again in more open situation in the garden; made of twigs and rootlets, lined with black rootlets; the four or five eggs are bluish green with blotches of reddish brown (95 × .70).

Range.—Southern U. S., breeding north to New Jersey (and casually farther) and Ohio; winters in the South Atlantic and Gulf states. 703a. Western Mockingbird (leucopterus) is found in southwestern U. S., north to Indian Territory and California.

CATBIRD
704. Dumetella carolinensis. 9 inches

General color dark gray with a black cap and chestnut under tail coverts.

This is one of the most common birds throughout the United States, being found equally abundantly in gardens, swamps and scrubby pastures. They are very persistent songsters and have a large repertoire of notes, as well as being able to imitate those of many other birds. They delight in spending an hour or more at a time, perched in a bush or tree top, singing, and apparently making their song up as they go along, for it is an indescribable medley interspersed with various mews and cat calls.

Song.—A medley like that of the Mockingbird; sometimes pleasing, sometimes not.

Nest.—In hedges or thickets; made of twigs, rootlets and grass, lined with fine black roots; the four eggs are plain greenish blue (.95 × .70).

Range.—N. A., breeding from the Gulf to New Brunswick and Hudson Bay; rare west of the Rockies; winters from the Gulf States southward.

BROWN THRASHER
705. Toxostoma rufum. 11½ inches

Above bright reddish brown; below white with black spots.

Taken as a whole I think that the song of this Thrasher is the most musical and pleasing of any that I have ever heard. It has a similarity to that of the Catbird, but is rounder, fuller and has none of the grating qualities of the song of that species. They apparently have a song of their own and do not deign to copy that of others. They are one of the most useful and desirable birds that we have.

Song.—A bright and cheerful carol, often long continued, but always clear and sweet; call, a clear whistled “wheuu.”

Nest.—Of twigs and rootlets, in hedges, thickets or thorn bushes; the four or five eggs are bluish white with numerous fine dots or reddish brown over the entire surface (1.08 × .80).

Range.—Eastern N. A., breeding from the Gulf to southern Canada; winters in the southern half of the U. S.

CACTUS WREN
713. Heleodytes brunneicapillus. 8½ inches

Cactus groves are the favorite resorts of these large Wrens. Often a bed of cactus not more than thirty feet square will contain the homes of half a dozen pairs of them. Like all the members of the family, they are very sprightly and have violent tempers, scolding any one or anything that incurs their displeasure.

Nest.—Their nests are placed in cactus or other thorny shrubs; they are very large, purse-shaped affairs with an entrance on the side; they are made of little thorny twigs and grasses woven together, and the interior is warmly lined with feathers. The four or five eggs are creamy white, finely sprinkled with reddish brown (.95 × .65). Two or three broods are often raised in a season.

Range.—Southwestern border of the United States, ranging from southern Texas to California.

ROCK WREN
715. Salpinctes obsoletus. 5¾ inches

Upper parts stone color, specked with black; rump brownish; underparts whitish with indistinct streaks on the throat.

A common bird on the dry, rocky foothills of the Rockies and westward. They are well named, for their favorite places are among the rocks, where they are always busily engaged in hunting insects or spiders in the crevices. Owing to their colors and their habits of slinking away behind the rocks they are quite difficult to see, but their sweet song is always heard if any of the birds are in the vicinity.

Song.—Very sweet and varied, almost canary-like, but impossible to describe; call, a harsh grating note.

Nest.—Of sticks, weeds, grasses, etc., concealed in crevices among the rocks; the five or six eggs are white, sparingly specked with reddish brown (.72 × .54).

Range.—Western U. S. from the western border of the Plains to the Pacific, north to Dakota and British Columbia; winters from southwestern U. S. southward.

CAROLINA WREN
718. Thryothorus ludovicianus. 5½ inches

Above rusty brown and below washed with the same, the throat and line over the eye being white.

Like all the Wrens, this one commonly sits or flits about in the brush, with the tail erect over the body; only when singing it is held downward. Their flight is usually only for a short distance, accomplished by rapid wing beats and with a jerking motion of the tail.

Song.—Loud and tinkling, and utterly impossible to describe.

Nest.—In brush heaps, holes in trees, bird boxes or bushes; made of weeds, grass and any trash that they may pick up; eggs, five to seven in number, white, specked with reddish brown (.74 × .60).

Range.—Eastern U. S., breeding from the Gulf north to Connecticut and Illinois; resident. 718a. Florida Wren (miamensis) is found in southern Florida. 718b. Lomita Wren (lomitensis), found in southern Texas.

BEWICK WREN
719. Thryomanes bewickii. 5 inches

Above dark brown; below and line over eye whitish; tail blackish with the outer feathers barred with white.

Like all the Wrens, these seem to be very restless and are continually creeping about in brush heaps or along stone walls, fences or over fallen trees or stumps. They are locally abundant in interior United States, in some sections entirely replacing the House Wren.

Song.—A sweet chant of liquid melodious notes.

Nest.—In any location that happens to take the bird’s fancy, such as holes in trees, bird boxes, in barns, sheds, etc.; made of straw, grass and trash; eggs white profusely specked with reddish brown.

Range.—Mississippi Valley and the Plains north to South Dakota; east to the Alleghanies and casually to the South Atlantic States. 719c. Texas Bewick Wren (crythus) is found from Texas north to Indian Territory.

HOUSE WREN
721. Troglodytes ædon. 4¾ inches

Above brownish with tail and wings barred; below dull grayish, barred on the flanks with brown.

These are bold, sociable and confiding birds, seeming to prefer men’s society, building their nests in bird boxes that are erected for them, or in the most unexpected situations about buildings. They are one of the most beneficial birds that can be attracted to one’s yard, feeding wholly upon insects.

Song.—Loud, clear and bubbling over with enthusiasm.

Nest.—Of grass or weeds, stuffed into any crevice that takes their fancy, frequently in bird boxes and holes in orchard trees; eggs white, so minutely and thickly dotted with pinkish brown as to nearly conceal the ground color (.64 × .52).

Range.—Eastern N. A., breeding north to Maine and Manitoba; winters along the Gulf coast. 721b. Western House Wren (aztecus) is found from the Plains to the Pacific Coast ranges.

WINTER WREN
722. Nannus hiemalis. 4 inches

Above bright cinnamon, below paler; sides, wings and tail heavily barred with black.

This is the shortest and most stoutly built Wren that we have. They look very pert with their little stubby tail erect over their back. In most of the United States we only see them in the winter, and they are associated, in my mind, with brush heaps in woods and gardens. They will hide in a small pile of brush, running from side to side, so that it is almost impossible to make them leave it.

Song.—A rippling flow of melody, not as loud, but more musical than that of the House Wren.

Nest.—In brush heaps, tin cans, hollow stumps or crevices in unoccupied buildings; made of piles of grass, weeds, etc., lined with feathers; eggs white, sparingly specked with reddish brown (.65 × .50).

Range.—Eastern N. A., breeding from the northern edge of the U. S. northward; winters from its breeding range to the Gulf.

SHORT-BILLED MARSH WREN
724. Cistothorus stellaris. 5¼ inches

This species can readily be distinguished from the next, as the whole crown is streaked with black and white, whereas that of the Long-bill is uniformly colored. Both species are marsh birds, at home among the reeds, to which they attach their globular woven nests, with the little entrance in the side. The eggs of this species are pure white. It is found in eastern N. A. from the Gulf to southern Canada.

LONG-BILLED MARSH WREN
725. Telmatodytes palustris. 5¼ inches

The bill of this species is .5 inch or more in length; that of the last is .4 inch or less. This species is by far the most abundant. Its eggs are so profusely dotted with dark brown as to appear a chocolate color. Breeds from the Gulf to Massachusetts and Manitoba.

BROWN CREEPER
726. Certhia familiaris americana. 5½ inches

Tail feathers stiffened and pointed; rump rusty.

These odd birds are fairly common throughout the United States in winter. They will be found in woods always climbing up tree trunks, carefully investigating every crevice in the bark for larvæ or grubs. When they reach the top of one tree, they drop to the foot of the next and continue the operation. They are very tame, not seeming to comprehend that danger can befall them, for they will allow any one to approach very closely, so that they have been caught under a hat.

Song.—A very faint trill; call, a weak “tseep,” hardly noticeable unless very near them.

Nest.—Of twigs, moss and bark, behind loose bark on dead trees or stumps, usually not high above the ground; eggs white, specked with reddish brown.

Range.—Eastern N. A., breeding from northern New England and Minnesota northward; winters throughout the U. S.

WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCH
727. Sitta carolinensis. 6 inches

Male with the crown bluish black; female with the crown gray; both sexes with chestnut under tail coverts.

These birds seem to be the very opposite of the Brown Creepers. Their tails are short and square, and nearly always pointed toward the zenith, for Nuthatches usually clamber among the branches and down the tree trunks, head first.

Note.—A nasal “yank-yank,” and a repeated “ya-ya,” all on the same tone.

Nest.—In cavities of hollow limbs and trunks of trees at any elevation from the ground; the cavity is filled with leaves and usually lined with feathers; eggs white, spotted with reddish brown (.75 × .55).

Range.—Eastern United States, breeding from the Gulf to southern Canada; resident in most of its range. 727b. Florida White-breasted Nuthatch (atkinsi) is slightly smaller; other races are found west of the Rockies.

RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH
728. Sitta canadensis. 4½ inches

These birds have the same habits as the larger Nuthatch, but are often found in flocks, while the White-breasted are usually in pairs and in the fall accompanied by their young. In the winter we usually find them in coniferous trees, where we can locate them by their nasal calls or by the shower of bark that they pry from the tree in their quest for grubs.

Song.—A nasal “yank-yank,” like that of the last, but not so loud, and usually repeated more times.

Nest.—In hollow stumps and limbs, the area about the opening nearly always being coated with fir balsam, for what purpose is not known; the cavity is lined with grasses and feathers; they lay from four to seven white eggs, which are very thickly spotted with reddish brown (.60 × .50).

Range.—N. A., breeding from the northern parts of the northern tier of states, northward; winters south nearly to the Gulf and southern California.

BROWN-HEADED NUTHATCH
729. Sitta pusilla. 4¼ inches

Crown brownish with a white patch on the nape.

These diminutive Nuthatches are found in the southern states. Their general habits do not appear to differ from those of other members of the family. They nest very early, commencing to excavate their holes in January and having complete sets of eggs as early as the middle of February.

They usually are found in small flocks and at night they will often be seen flying to the top of a pine where they sleep, all huddled together.

Note.—A continued twittering “nya-nya.”

Nest.—In cavities of dead limbs or stumps, sometimes only a few inches from the ground, and again as high as fifty feet; they lay five or six eggs, white with numerous spots of reddish brown (.62 × .49).

Range.—South Atlantic and Gulf states, breeding north to Virginia.

TUFTED TITMOUSE
731. Bæolophus bicolor. 6 inches

Head crested, forehead black, flanks brownish. The habits of this large Titmouse are almost identical with those of Chickadees. They swing from the ends of twigs in all manner of positions and creep about trunks, peering in crevices of the bark for insects. They are common in the southern states, breeding from the Gulf to New York and Illinois; they are resident in the southern portion of their range. Their eggs are laid in soft nests of down and feathers in hollow stumps. Their notes are loud, clear whistles.

BLACK-CRESTED TITMOUSE
732. Bæolophus atricristatus. 6 inches

Crest black, forehead white, flanks rusty. The habits of this species are just like those of the very similar preceding one. The birds are very tame, especially so during the nesting season, when they will allow themselves to be lifted from the nest by hand. They are found in southern and western Texas.

BLACK-CAPPED CHICKADEE
735. Penthestes atricapillus. 5¼ inches

The Chickadees are one of the most popular birds that we have, owing to their uniform good nature even in the coldest weather, and their confiding disposition. They are common about farms, and even on the outskirts of large cities they will come to feasts prepared for them on the window sill.

Notes.—A clear “phe-be”; a “chick-a-dee-dee-dee” or “dee-dee-dee,” and several scolding or chuckling notes.

Nest.—In hollow stumps at any elevation from the ground but usually near the ground, and most often in birch stubs; eggs white, sparingly specked with reddish brown.

Range.—Eastern N. A., breeding in the northern half of the U. S. and northward; resident.

736. Carolina Chickadee (Parus carolinensis) is similar to the last but smaller and with no white edges to the wing feathers; length 4½ inches; found in southeastern U. S., breeding north to Virginia and Ohio.

HUDSONIAN CHICKADEE
740. Penthestes hudsonicus. 5 inches

Crown and back brownish.

The habits of this little northerner are like those of the bird that we know so well; if anything they are even more tame than our bird, especially in the vicinity of lumbermen’s camps. They are only met with along our northern border or casually farther south; I have seen one individual in company with other Chickadees in Massachusetts.

Song.—Not distinguishable from that of our Chickadee, but uttered more incessantly.

Nest.—In cavities of stumps, trees, posts or telephone poles, the cavity being lined with grass, feathers and fur; the six or seven eggs are white sprinkled with brown (.60 × .46).

Range.—Resident in Canada and the northern border of the U. S.

VERDIN; YELLOW-HEADED TIT
746. Auriparus flaviceps. 4¼ inches

Adult male with the head and throat yellow, usually with some concealed orange brown on the forehead; lesser wing-coverts reddish brown. The female is colored very similarly, but is much duller. These are among the smallest of N. A. birds; they are even smaller than their length would indicate, for their bodies are slender. The birds are usually found in high dry portions of the country where cacti and thorny bushes predominate.

Nest.—Their nests are remarkable structures for so diminutive birds; flask-shaped, the outside being a mass of thorny twigs and stems interwoven; this is lined with feathers and the entrance is a small circular hole near the top. The eggs are bluish white specked around the large end with reddish brown.

Range.—Mexican border of the United States from southern Texas to Arizona and Lower California.

GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLET
748. Regulus satrapa. 4 inches

Male with crown orange and yellow, bordered with black; female with yellow crown.

Although very small, these birds are very rugged and endure the severe storm and low temperatures of our northern states apparently with little concern, for they always seem to be happy. They are always busily engaged among the underbrush of side hills and along the banks of brooks, hunting for the scanty fare that awaits them.

Song.—A few weak chips, chirps and trills.

Nest.—A large ball of soft green mosses and feathers, suspended from the small twigs in the tops of coniferous trees; it is neatly hollowed out for the reception of the six to nine eggs that are laid; eggs creamy white, minutely but profusely specked with brown (.56 × .44).

Range.—N. A., breeding from Northern U. S. northward and farther south in mountain ranges; winters throughout the U. S.

RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET
749. Regulus calendula. 4¼ inches

Male with a concealed patch of red on the crown; female with no red.

Like the last, these are chiefly winter visitants in the United States and they do not remain with us in the coldest weather, but pass on to the southern half of our country. They are nearly always met with in pine or other coniferous trees, being very abundant in spring in open pine woods and parks.

Song.—A clear warble, surprisingly loud and varied for so small a bird; call, a grating chatter.

Nest.—A ball of moss, grass and feathers, deeply cupped, like that of the last; partially suspended among the small twigs in the tops of coniferous trees; eggs white more sparingly marked than those of the last (.55 × .43).

Range.—N. A., breeding northward from the northern boundary of the U. S. and farther south in mountains; winters in the southern half of the U. S.

BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER
751. Polioptila cærulea. 4½ inches

Forehead black; tail black with white edges and tips to the outer ones.

Their food is chiefly insects, which they are very expert in catching, taking them on the wing with great celerity. Their movements are all very rapid, flitting from one part of a tree to another, but usually among the upper branches. Their nests are among the most beautiful of bird architecture, even surpassing that of the Hummingbird.

Song.—Sweet, but very faint.

Nest.—Situated on horizontal limbs of trees at medium heights; made of plant fibres, woolly substances and cobwebs, adorned with handsome lichens; the walls are very high and thick, the bird sitting so low inside that only her tail is visible; the four or five eggs are bluish white specked with reddish brown (.56 × .44).

Range.—Eastern U. S., breeding north to New Jersey and Illinois.

WOOD THRUSH
755. Hylocichla mustelina. 8 inches

Reddish brown above, brightest on the head; below white heavily spotted with black.

These large Thrushes are locally abundant in swamps and moist woodland. They are one of our best songsters, their tones being very rich and flute-like, and, like most of the Thrushes, their songs are most often heard along toward night.

Song.—Very clear and flute-like, containing many notes of the scale; often two or more birds answer back and forth from different parts of the woods; calls, a sharp “quit, quit,” and a liquid “quirt.”

Nest.—Either in forks or on horizontal boughs of bushes or trees, usually not more than ten feet from the ground; made of grass, weeds, leaves and some mud; the three or four eggs are bluish green (1.02 × .75)

Range.—Eastern U. S., breeding from Virginia and Missouri north to Maine, Ontario and Minnesota; winters south of the U. S.

WILSON THRUSH OR VEERY
756. Hylocichla fuscescens. 7½ inches

Entire upper parts a uniform reddish brown; below soiled white with a few faint marks on the breast.

This species is more abundant than the last. It is found in swamps and also in dry open woods, they being especially numerous where ferns grow luxuriantly.

Song.—Very peculiar and not nearly as melodious as that of the Wood Thrush, but still attractive; a slightly descending “too-whe-u-whe-u-whe-u”; call, a clear “whee-you.”

Nest.—On the ground among the leaves, on hummocks, or in tangled masses of briars; made of strips of bark and leaves; eggs greenish blue, darker and smaller than those of the Wood Thrush (.88 × .65).

Range.—Eastern N. A., breeding in the northern half of the United States and southern Canada; winters in Central America. 756a. Willow Thrush (salicicola) is more olive above; it is found in the Rockies and eastward to the Mississippi River.

GRAY-CHEEKED THRUSH
757. Hylocichla aliciæ. 7½ inches

Quite similar to the following but with the eye ring white and the sides of head and breast much paler.

Breeds in northern Canada and migrates through the eastern states to Central America. 757a. Bicknell Thrush (bicknelli) is similar to the Gray-cheeked but smaller. It breeds in Nova Scotia.

OLIVE-BACKED THRUSH
758a. Hylocichla ustulata swainsonii. 7¼ inches

Upper parts woolly olive gray, with no brownish tinge; eye ring, sides of head and breast distinctly buff; breast spotted with blackish.

Song.—Quite similar to that of the Veery.

Nest.—Composed of leaves, grass and strips of bark, located in bushes or small trees near the ground; the four eggs are greenish blue spotted with reddish brown (.90 × .65).

Range.—Eastern N. A., breeding from northern U. S. to New Brunswick and Manitoba.

HERMIT THRUSH
759b. Hylocichla guttata pallasii. 6¾ inches

Tail reddish brown, much brighter than the back and head; breast quite heavily spotted with black.

During its migrations it rarely sings, but in its summer home it is regarded as a remarkable musician. Its song has the sweetness and purity of tone of that of the Wood Thrush, and is, perhaps, more varied, but it is not nearly as powerful, and has a ventriloquial effect. I watched one that was perched on a dead stump, about twenty feet from me, for several minutes with a pair of glasses before I could make sure that he was the author of the song I heard, for it sounded as though coming from across the next field.

Nest.—Similar to that of the Wilson Thrush and like that, placed on the ground or very near it; the eggs are plain greenish blue (.85 × .65).

Range.—Breeds from northern U. S. northward, and farther south in mountains; winters in the Gulf States.

AMERICAN ROBIN
761. Planesticus migratorius. 10 inches

Male with a black head and bright reddish-brown breast; female with a gray head and much paler breast; young intermediate between the two and with a reddish-brown breast spotted with black.

These well-known birds are very abundant in the northern half of the United States, being found most commonly about farms and dwellings in the country, and also in cities if they are not persecuted too severely by English Sparrows.

Song.—A loud cheery carol, “cheerily-cheerup, cheerily-cheerup,” often long continued.

Nest.—A coarse but substantial structure of mud and grass, placed on horizontal boughs or in forks at any height, or in any odd place about dwellings; the four or five eggs are bluish green (1.15 × .80).

Range.—Eastern N. A., breeding from the middle of the U. S. northward; winters throughout the U. S. 761b. Southern Robin (achrustera) is a paler form found in the Carolinas and Georgia.

GREENLAND WHEATEAR
765a. Saxicola œnanthe leucorrhoa. 6 inches

The Wheatear is a European bird, but this sub-species is found in Greenland and occasionally in Labrador.

Their habits are about the same as those of the Bluebird. They feed upon insects, larvæ, fruits, berries and some seeds. They are essentially ground birds and are usually found in rocky country.

Nest.—Their nests are made of grasses, hair or any rubbish obtainable, and are hidden in the innermost recesses of crevices among rocks, in deserted Bank Swallow nests or even in rabbit burrows.

The four to six eggs are pale greenish blue, a little brighter in shade than those of the Bluebird. They measure .94 × .60

BLUEBIRD
766. Sialia sialis. 7 inches

These beautiful, gentle and well-known birds spend the winter in the southern parts of the United States and north to the snow line; some more hardy than the rest are found throughout the winter in southern New England.

Call.—A short sweet warble; song, a continued warbling.

Nest.—In holes in trees, particularly in orchards, in bird boxes or crannies about the buildings. The bottom of the cavity is lined with grasses for the reception of the four or five pale bluish eggs, which measure .84 × .62.

Range.—Eastern United States, breeding from the Gulf to New Brunswick and Manitoba; winters chiefly in the southern parts of the United States. 766a. Azure Bluebird (azurea) is found in the mountains of eastern Mexico and north casually to southern Arizona. It is paler both above and below than our eastern bird.

FIELD KEY FOR IDENTIFICATION OF EASTERN LAND BIRDS BY CONSPICUOUS
MARKINGS

We have added this key at the request of many of our readers for a color scheme for identification. It includes all the birds that have markings of sufficient prominence to be readily noticed in the field.

1. BIRDS WITH RED OR ORANGE MARKINGS

Scarlet body; black wings and tail; 7½ in.—SCARLET TANAGER.
Red; darker above; crested; black face; 9 in.—CARDINAL.
Rosy-red; wings and tail slightly darker; 7½ in.—SUMMER TANAGER.
Rosy-red; white wing bars; crossed bill; 6 in.—WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILL.
Rosy-red; gray back, wings and tail; stout bill; 8½ in.—PINE GROSBEAK.
Brick-red; wings and tail darker; crossed bill; 6 in.—CROSSBILL.
Purplish-red, streaked with darker; dark wings and tail.—PURPLE FINCH.
Red below; blue head; yellow back; 5½ in.—PAINTED BUNTING.
Red patch on crown (concealed); greenish back; 4½ in.—KINGLET.
Red cap; black chin; rosy breast; streaked; 5¼ in.—REDPOLL.
Pink breast and under wings; black head and back; 8 in.—ROSE-BREASTED
GROSBEAK.
Ruby throat; metallic green back; tiny birds—HUMMINGBIRD.
Orange-red under wings and patch on crown; long forked
rail.—SCISSOR-TAILED FLYCATCHER.
Orange; black head, wings and tail (marked with yellow)—BALTIMORE
ORIOLE.
Orange breast, crown patch and above eye; black and white back, wings
and tail—BLACKBURNIAN WARBLER.
Orange crown patch, edged with black; green back; 4 in.—KINGLET.
Orange on sides, wings and tail; black above; 5½ in.—REDSTART.
Orange-brown crown edged with black; green back; spotted
breast—OVEN-BIRD.

2. BIRDS PROMINENTLY MARKED WITH BLUE

Blue, shading to purplish on head; 5½ in.—INDIGO BUNTING.
Blue; chestnut shoulders; black face; 7 in.—BLUE GROSBEAK.
Blue above; brownish breast; 7 in.—BLUEBIRD.
Blue above; black collar, bars on wings and tail (also white)—BLUE JAY.
Pale blue above and streaks below; white on wings and tail—CERULEAN
WARBLER.
Dark blue above; black throat and sides; white on wing—BLACK-THROATED
BLUE WARBLER.
Light blue head and back; brown breast; 5½ in.—LAZULI BUNTING.

3. BIRDS WITH YELLOW AS PROMINENT COLOR

Yellow below; green back; black mask—MARYLAND YELLOW-THROAT.
Yellow below; gray head and breast; 5½ in.—MOURNING WARBLER.
Yellow below; gray head and breast; white eye ring—CONNECTICUT WARBLER.
Yellow below; black crown and ears; yellow over eye—KENTUCKY WARBLER.
Yellow below; green back; brown spots on back; black stripes on
side—PRAIRIE WARBLER.
Yellow below; green back; brown crown and streaks on side; white on
tail—PALM WARBLER.
Yellow below; green back; yellow crown; brown stripes on sides—YELLOW
WARBLER.
Yellow below; green back; brown ear patch and streaks on sides—CAPE MAY
WARBLER.
Yellow below; green back; brown patch on crown; head gray
above—NASHVILLE WARBLER.
Yellow below; green back; orange-yellow head; white on
tail—PROTHONOTARY WARBLER.
Yellow forehead, ears and below; green back; cap and throat
black—HOODED WARBLER.
Yellow breast; gray black spotted necklace—CANADIAN WARBLER.
Yellow breast; green back; gray head; white over eye—YELLOW-BREASTED
CHAT.
Yellow breast; gray back; black through eye and down
sides—YELLOW-THROATED WARBLER.
Yellow breast; yellowish patch on back; brown on throat—PARULA WARBLER.
Yellow breast; green above; black throat and down sides—BLACK-THROATED
GREEN WARBLER.
Yellow breast with black crescent; streaked above; 11 in.—MEADOWLARK.
Yellow above and below; black cap, wings and tail—GOLDFINCH.
Yellow head; black body; white patch on wing—YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRD.
Yellow head; gray body; brown on shoulders; 4½ in.—VERDIN.
Yellow crown; chestnut on sides; streaked above—CHESTNUT-SIDED WARBLER.
Yellow below and on rump; black back and spots on breast—MAGNOLIA
WARBLER.
Yellow patch on crown, rump and side; streaked with gray above—MYRTLE
WARBLER.

4. BIRDS WITH BROWN MARKINGS MOST PROMINENT

Small brown birds (4 to 6 in.) with barred wings and tail—WRENS.
Uniform brown above, gray below; long broad tails—CUCKOOS.
Bright reddish brown above; spotted breast; 11½ in.—BROWN THRASHER.
Brown body; black head, wings and tail; 7½ in.—ORCHARD ORIOLE.
Reddish brown breast; slate back; dark head; 10 in.—ROBIN.
Dull brown back; grayish, more or less spotted breasts—THRUSHES.
Brown belly; black crown and stripe through eye; gray back—NUTHATCH.
Streaked brown and white; curved bill; climbs up trees—BROWN CREEPER.
Brownish gray; crested; yellow tip to tail; black through eye—WAXWING.
Brown crown, throat and streaks on sides; black mask—BAY-BREASTED
WARBLER.
Brown sides; black head, throat and back; white on wings and
tail—TOWHEE.
Brown rump and tail; gray back; streaked above and below—FOX SPARROW.
Brown shoulder, yellow breast patch; black on throat—DICKCISSEL.
Brown shoulder; streaked above; white outer tail feathers—VESPER
SPARROW.
Brown shoulder; black cap and patch on breast—McCOWN LONGSPUR.
Brown nape; black breast and cap; light throat—CHESTNUT-COLLARED
LONGSPUR.

5. SHARPLY DEFINED BLACK AND WHITE MARKINGS

Black crown and throat; gray back; 5 in.—CHICKADEE.
Black and white streaked bird; black crown; 5 in.—BLACK POLL WARBLER.
Black and white streaked bird; striped crown—BLACK AND WHITE WARBLER.
Slate head, breast and back; white below and outer tail feathers—JUNCO.
White throat; gray breast; crown striped black and white—WHITE-THROATED
SPARROW.
Large white crown patch edged with black; light below—WHITE-CROWNED
SPARROW.
Black body; yellowish nape; white rump and on wings—BOBOLINK.
Black crown; gray back; climbs down trees—WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCH.
Dull gray birds with no markings may be FLYCATCHERS.
Dull brownish, streaked birds are probably species of SPARROWS.
Plain greenish backs and dull white underparts denote VIREOS.
Glossy blackbirds are GRACKLES or CROWS; if with red shoulders,
RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD; with dull brown head, COWBIRD.

CLASSIFIED TABLE OF EASTERN LAND BIRDS
Showing Divisions into Orders, Families and Genera, as Adopted by the
American Ornithologists’ Union.

ORDER PSITTACI. Parrots, Macaws, etc.
Family PSITTACIDÆ. Genus
CONUROPSIS Carolina Paroquet
ORDER COCCYGES. Cuckoos, Kingfishers, etc.
Family CUCULIDÆ. Genus
CROTOPHAGA Anis
GEOCOCCYX Road-runner
COCCYZUS Cuckoos
Family ALCEDINIDÆ. Genus
CERYLE Kingfishers
ORDER PICI. Woodpeckers.
Family PICIDÆ. Genus
CAMPEPHILUS Ivory-billed Woodpecker
DRYOBATES Hairy to Texan Woodpecker
PICOIDES Three-toed Woodpeckers
SPHYRAPICUS Sapsuckers
PHILŒOTOMUS Pileated Woodpeckers
MELANERPES Red-headed Woodpeckers
CENTURUS Red-bellied Woodpeckers
COLAPTES Flickers
ORDER MACROCHIRES. Goatsuckers, Swifts, Hummingbirds, etc.
Family CAPRIMULGIDÆ. Genus
ANTROSTOMUS Whip-poor-will
PHALÆNOPTILUS Poorwill
NYCTIDROMUS Paraque
CHORDEILES Nighthawks
Family MICROPODIDÆ. Genus
CHÆTURA Chimney Swift
ÆRONAUTES White-throated Swift
Family TROCHILIDÆ. Genus
TROCHILUS Ruby-thr. Hummer
ORDER PASSERES. Perching Birds.
Family TYRANNIDÆ. Genus
MUSCIVORA Scissor-tailed Flycatcher
TYRANNUS Kingbirds
PITANGUS Derby Flycatchers
MYIARCHUS Crested Flycatchers
SAYORNIS Phoebes
NUTTALLORNIS Olive-sided Flycatchers
MYIOCHANES Pewees
EMPIDONAX Least Flycatchers
PYROCEPHALUS Vermilion Flycatchers
Family ALAUDIDÆ. Genus
OTOCORIS Horned Larks
Family CORVIDÆ. Genus
PICA Magpie
CYANOCITTA Blue Jays
APHLECOMA Non-crested Jays
XANTHOURA Green Jay
PERISOREUS Canada Jay
CORVUS Crows and Ravens
NUCIFRAGA Clarke Nutcracker
Family STURNIDÆ. Genus
STURNUS Starling
Family ICTERIDÆ. Genus
DOLICHONYX Bobolink
MOLOTHRUS Cowbirds
XANTHOCEPHALUS Yellow-headed Blackbird
AGELAIUS Red-winged Blackbirds
STURNELLA Meadowlarks
ICTERUS Orioles
SCOLECOPHAGUS Rusty Blackbirds
QUISCALUS Grackles
Family FRINGILLIDÆ. Genus
HESPERIPHONA Evening Grosbeak
PINICOLA Pine Grosbeaks
CARPODACUS Purple Finches
LOXIA Crossbills
LEUCOSTICTE Leucostictes
ACANTHIS Redpolls
ASTRAGALINUS Goldfinches
SPINUS Pine Siskin
PLECTROPHENAX Snowflakes
CALCARIUS Longspurs
RHYNCOPHANES McCown Longspurs
POŒCETES Vesper Sparrow
PASSER English Sparrow
PASSERCULUS Ipswich Sparrow
COTURNICULUS Grasshopper, Leconte
AMMODRAMUS Sharp-tail, Seaside
CHONDESTES Lark Sparrow
ZONOTRICHIA Harris and White-Crowned Sparrow
SPIZELLA Chippy, Tree, Field
JUNCO Juncos
AMPHISPIZA Black-throated, Bell
PEUCÆA Pine-woods Sparrow
MELOSPIZA Song, Swamp Sparrow
PASSERELLA Fox Sparrow
PIPILO Towhees
OREOSPIZA Green-tailed Towhee
CARDINALIS Cardinal
PYRRHULOXIA Pyrrhuloxia
ZAMELODIA Rose-breasted Grosbeak
GUIRACA Blue Grosbeak
PASSERINA Buntings
SPOROPHILA Seed-eater
SPIZA Dickcissel
CALAMOSPIZA Lark Bunting
Family TANAGRIDÆ. Genus
PIRANGA Tanagers
Family HIRUNDINIDÆ. Genus
PROGNE Purple Martin
PETROCHELIDON Cliff Swallow
HIRUNDO Barn Swallow
IRIDOPROCNE Tree Swallow
RIPARIA Bank Swallow
STELGIDOPTERYX Rough-winged Swallow
Family BOMBYCILLIDÆ. Genus
BOMBYCILLA Waxwings
Family LANIIDÆ. Genus
LANIUS Shrikes
Family VIREONIDÆ. Genus
VIREOSYLYA Red-eye., Warbling Vireo
LANIVIREO Yell.-thr., Blue-head
VIREO White-eyed Vireo
Family MNIOTILTIDÆ. Genus
MNIOTILTA Black and White Warbler
PROTONOTARIA Prothonotary
HELINAIA Swainson Warbler
HELMITHEROS Worm-eating Warbler
HELMINTHOPHILA Bachman to Tennessee
COMPSOTHLYPIS Parula Warbler
DENDROICA Cape May to Palm Warbler
SEIURUS Oven-bird, Water-Thrush
OPORORNIS Ky., Conn., and Mourning
GEOTHLYPIS Yellow-throats
ICTERIA Chat
WILSONIA Hooded to Canadian
SETOPHAGA Redstarts
Family MOTACILLIDÆ. Genus
ANTHUS Pipits
Family TROGLODYTIDÆ. Genus
OROSCOPTES Sage Thrasher
MIMUS Mockingbird
DUMATELLA Catbird
TOXOSTOMA Thrashers
HELEODYTES Cactus Wren
SALPINCTES Rock Wren
THRYOTHORUS Carolina Wren
THRYOMANES Bewick Wren
TROGLODYTES House Wren
NANNUS Winter Wren
CISTOTHORUS Short-billed Marsh Wren
TELMATODYTES Long-billed Marsh Wren
Family CERTHIDÆ. Genus
CERTHIA Brown Creeper
Family PARIDÆ. Genus
SITTA Nuthatches
BÆOLOPHUS Titmice
PENTHESTES Chickadees
AURIPARUS Verdin
Family SYLLVIIDÆ. Genus
REGULUS Kinglets
POLIOPTILA Gnatcatchers
Family TURDIDÆ. Genus
HYLOCICHLA Thrushes
PLANESTICUS Robins
SAXICOLA Wheatear
SIALIA Bluebird

INDEX

A
Ani, Grooved-billed, 18

B
Blackbird, Brewer, 71
Blackbird, Red-winged, 65
Blackbird, Florida, 65
Blackbird, Rusty, 71
Blackbird, Yellow-headed, 64
Bluebird, 208
Bluebird, Azure, 208
Bunting, Black-throated, 122
Bunting, Indigo, 117
Bunting, Lark, 123
Bunting, Lazuli, 118
Bunting, Varied, 119
Bunting, Painted, 120
Bobolink, 62