Chapter VIII: Part 8

60. =Myiarchus crinitus= (_Linn._) _Caban._ GREAT CRESTED
FLYCATCHER.—In June, 1878, Messrs. H. A. Purdie and Ruthven Deane
observed a pair nest-building at a point in New Brunswick about six
miles east of Houlton.

61. =Sayornis fuscus= (_Gm._) _Bd._ PEWEE.—One was observed at Fort
Fairfield, June 28. “Very rare” at Houlton.

62. =Contopus borealis= (_Swains._) _Bd._ OLIVE-SIDED
FLYCATCHER.—Common in the woods at Grand Falls. This species was
rather common at Fort Fairfield. We usually saw them perched on the
tops of tall dead trees in clearings. They were rather shy.

63. =Contopus virens= (_Linn._) _Caban._ WOOD PEWEE.—At Fort Fairfield
it appeared to be not uncommon. It was not met with, however, at Grand
Falls.

64. =Empidonax flaviventris= _Bd._ YELLOW-BELLIED FLYCATCHER.—At Fort
Fairfield this species was rather common in wet evergreen woods,
especially in those that had small streams flowing through them. It
was not observed at Grand Falls. Messrs. Purdie and Deane found it
rather common at Houlton in June, 1878.[73]

65. =Empidonax trailli= (_Aud._) _Bd._ TRAILL’S FLYCATCHER.—Not common
at Grand Falls. They were to be found mostly where there were
scattered dead trees. We did not find it at Fort Fairfield. Mr. H. A.
Purdie informs me that it was not uncommon at Houlton in June, 1878.

66. =Empidonax minimus= _Bd._ LEAST FLYCATCHER.—Very abundant in hard
woods at Grand Falls. At Fort Fairfield it was rather common.

67. =Caprimulgus vociferus= _Wils._ WHIP-POOR-WILL.—Mr. McLeod notes
that there are a few at Houlton during the summer. The species was
neither seen nor heard at Fort Fairfield and Grand Falls.

68. =Chordeiles popetue= (_Vieill._) _Bd._ NIGHTHAWK.—Very abundant at
Grand Falls. At Fort Fairfield it was common; they frequented burnt
lands.

69. =Chætura pelasgica= (_Linn._) _Bd._ CHIMNEY SWIFT.—At Fort
Fairfield they were common, breeding both in chimneys and in hollow
trees. Common in the burnt country at Grand Falls. Not many were
breeding in chimneys, the people disliking to have them there.

70. =Trochilus colubris= _Linn._ RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD.—Common at
Grand Falls. At Fort Fairfield it was apparently rather common—we saw
several.

71. =Ceryle alcyon= (_Linn._) _Boie_. BELTED KINGFISHER.—Rather common
at Fort Fairfield. At Grand Falls it was to be seen wherever there was
good fishing ground.

72. =Picus villosus= _Linn._ HAIRY WOODPECKER.—Common.

73. =Picus pubescens= _Linn._ DOWNY WOODPECKER.—At Fort Fairfield this
species was much less common than _P. villosus_. It was not uncommon
at Grand Falls.

74. =Picoides arcticus= (_Swains._) _Gray._ BLACK-BACKED THREE-TOED
WOODPECKER.—Common at Grand Falls in burnt cedar swamps. At Fort
Fairfield we shot two, all we saw.

75. =Sphyropicus varius= (_Linn._) _Bd._ YELLOW-BELLIED
WOODPECKER.—Common—the commonest Woodpecker—at Fort Fairfield. They
were generally found about recent clearings, or in the more open mixed
woods. At Grand Falls they were common in hard woods.

76. =Hylotomus pileatus= (_Linn._) _Bd._ PILEATED WOODPECKER.—At Grand
Falls half a dozen pairs were seen. Probably there is too little of
the heavy forest left in the immediate neighborhood of Fort Fairfield
to suit their tastes, as we did not meet with them. “Common” at
Houlton.

77. =Colaptes auratus= (_Linn._) _Sw._ GOLDEN-WINGED
WOODPECKER.—Rather common at Fort Fairfield. Not common at Grand
Falls.

78. =Coccyzus erythrophthalmus= (_Wils._) _Bd._ BLACK-BILLED
CUCKOO.—Mr. McLeod records this bird in his notes, but without
comments. It was not seen at Fort Fairfield or Grand Falls.

79. =Strix nebulosa= _Forst._ BARRED OWL.—“Very common” at Houlton. We
were shown a mounted specimen by Mr. Frank P. Orcutt at Fort
Fairfield. He considered it the commonest Owl.

80. =Nyctale acadica= (_Gm._) _Bd._ SAW-WHET OWL.—This bird is not
uncommon at Houlton. Mr. Frank P. Orcutt told us that it was tolerably
common at Fort Fairfield.

81. =Bubo virginianus= (_Gm._) _Bd._ GREAT HORNED OWL.—“Very common”
at Houlton. Mr. Orcutt said it was rather common at Fort Fairfield.

82. =Circus hudsonius= (_Linn._) _Vieill._ MARSH HAWK.—Rare at
Houlton. One seen at Fort Fairfield.

83. =Accipiter cooperi= _Bp._ COOPER’S HAWK.—Not common at Grand
Falls. Not observed at Fort Fairfield or Houlton.

84. =Accipiter fuscus= (_Gm._) _Bp._ SHARP-SHINNED HAWK.—“Not common”
at Houlton.

85. =Falco sparverius= _Linn._ SPARROW HAWK.—Commonest Hawk at Grand
Falls. Not met with at Houlton or Fort Fairfield, though Mr. Orcutt
considers it common at the latter place.

86. =Buteo borealis= (_Gm._) _Vieill._ RED-TAILED HAWK.—Not common at
Grand Falls. Not observed at Fort Fairfield. “Common” at Houlton.

87. =Buteo pennsylvanicus= (_Wils._) _Bp._ BROAD-WINGED HAWK.—Not
common at Grand Falls. It was found breeding at Houlton, but not met
with at Fort Fairfield.

88. =Haliæetus leucocephalus= (_Linn._) _Savig._ BALD EAGLE.—“Not
common” at Houlton.

89. =Ectopistes migratorius= (_Linn._) _Sw._ WILD PIGEON.—Breeding at
Grand Falls, but not common.

90. =Canace canadensis= (_Linn._) _Bp._ SPRUCE PARTRIDGE.—At Houlton
“mostly found in the deep fir thickets, or in the swamps of firs and
cedars.” Not met with at Fort Fairfield and Grand Falls, though of
course it occurs there.

91. =Bonasa umbellus= (_Linn._) _Steph._ RUFFED GROUSE.—Rather common
at Fort Fairfield. At Grand Falls only a few were seen—in the hard
woods.

92. =Ardea herodias= _Linn._ GREAT BLUE HERON.—“Common” at Houlton.

93. =Nyctiardea grisea nævia= (_Bodd._) _Allen_. NIGHT HERON.—“Not
common” at Houlton.

94. =Botaurus lentiginosus= (_Montag._) _Steph._—BITTERN.—“Common” at
Houlton. One seen at Grand Falls.

95. =Philohela minor= (_Gm._) _Gray._ WOODCOCK.—One seen on Little
River Flats near Grand Falls. At Fort Fairfield we saw a specimen in
the collection of Mr. Frank P. Orcutt, who considered it rare in that
neighborhood. “A few breed in the vicinity” of Houlton.

96. =Rhyacophilus solitarius= (_Wils._) _Cass._ SOLITARY SANDPIPER.—At
Grand Falls some were seen along the river June 9 (J. A. J.).

97. =Tringoides macularius= (_Linn._) _Gray._ SPOTTED SANDPIPER.—At
Fort Fairfield it was very numerous along the Aroostook River, and was
also noticed in one or two other places. It was abundant along the
rivers at Grand Falls. At Houlton too it was very common.

98. =Porzana carolina= (_Linn._) _Bd._ CAROLINA RAIL.—One seen at Fort
Fairfield, June 20, in a wet meadow partly grown up with alder bushes
(J. D.).

99. =Anas obscura= _Gm._ BLACK DUCK.—“Very common, breeding” at
Houlton.

100. =Aix sponsa= (_Linn._) _Boie_. WOOD DUCK.—“Quite common” at
Houlton.

101. =Clangula glaucium americana= (_Bp._) _Ridgw._ GOLDEN-EYE.—A few
seen at Grand Falls.

102. =Mergus merganser americanus= (_Cass._) _Ridgw._ SHELDRAKE.—Not
uncommon at Grand Falls.

103. =Mergus serrator= _Linn._ RED-BREASTED MERGANSER.—“Very common,
breeding,” at Houlton.

104. =Larus argentatus smithsonianus= _Coues_. HERRING GULL.—At
Houlton it is common on the neighboring lakes, where it breeds.

105. =Podilymbus podiceps= (_Linn._) _Lawr._ PIED-BILLED GREBE.—Rare,
breeds, Houlton.

A SKETCH OF THE HOME OF _HYLOCICHLA ALICIÆ BICKNELLI_, RIDGWAY, WITH
SOME CRITICAL REMARKS ON THE ALLIES OF THIS NEW RACE.

BY EUGENE P. BICKNELL.

That there remained unrecognized at this late day a bird regularly inhabiting one of the must populous portions of our country; or, indeed, that a species of eminently boreal habitat during its breeding season, and not known to occur at all at such time within the limits of the United States, should have a representative race regularly breeding in our midst, are facts for which we were little prepared. Mr. Ridgway’s recent paper[74] announcing these facts being necessarily of a technical nature, and confined to a formal description of the new Thrush, it has been thought well on the present occasion to allude more particularly to the character of the locality inhabited by the bird, and to some of its associates there, in connection with other sequential considerations. As the general physical character of the Catskill Mountains and the faunal features of the region will be treated by the writer elsewhere, it will be unnecessary to extend the range of the present relation from the summit of Slide Mountain in Ulster Co.,[75] where the new race was discovered.

On June 15, 1881, nearing the summit of this mountain, the forests of a more northern latitude were forcibly suggested. A shower had fallen during the ascent, and the sun was still obscured, while a sharp wind from the northwest piercing the wet woods and sighing among the balsams, blasted and weather beaten, heightened an impression of remoteness and desolation. The evergreens, constituting the principal arboreal growth, extended off on all sides, clothing the rocky and moss-grown slopes, and presenting the striking contrast of a young and fragrant second growth clustering about the branchless and spiny trunks of their sires tottering in decay; or, with tangled and matted branches outlined here and there, as we approached the summit, against a gray and cheerless sky. Owing to the comparatively short life of these trees, that high portion of the mountain where their tribe had pitched was brought into grim contrast with its surroundings. Old age and death, continually present invading their ranks, had everywhere left their traces; flourishing clusters had been stricken in their fellowship, groups and gatherings had been divided and scattered, and like a contagion the destroyer had spread among their hosts. But the younger generations are continually forming their associations, and with green and fragrant grouping filling in deserted chambers and screening the devastation that has gone before, although only to furnish material for its continuance in the future. All this, with an occasional undergrowth of greater or less luxuriance, gave a diversified and somewhat open character to the surroundings, entirely dissimilar to that of the environing forest; conditions, which, in conjunction with humidity and elevation, have brought this mountain top into some relation with the swampland of a more northern region.

Reaching a more elevated portion of the ridge where the ground was more level and the surface less rocky, that north-woods tree, the Paper Birch (_Betula papyracea_) occasionally appeared, and more abundantly the Mountain Ash. Almost the only remnant of the dense mountain forests below was the Yellow Birch (_Betula lutea_) which, joining the undergrowth, persisted with small and stunted stature to the summit. On all sides were to be seen the white blossoms of _Viburnum lantanoides_ which, though also found in the valley woodlands, had there long since flowered and was now bearing green fruit. Another characteristic shrub was _Amelanchier canadensis oligocarpa_; lower down had been found the var. _botryapium_, but here, the northern form was well marked, seeming almost specifically distinct. In the deep, damp moss, covering and filling in the rocks beneath the balsam growth, and relieving the ruggedness of the slopes, northern plants were growing in greater or less profusion. The Dwarf Cornel (_Cornus canadensis_) grew in such close luxuriance in congenial spots, that its snowy bracts imparted an almost uniform whiteness to whole beds. With, or near it, blossomed the Wood Sorrel (_Oxalis acetosella_) with delicately violet-veined petals, and the appropriately-named Gold-thread (_Coptis trifolia_) of evanescent bloom but shining evergreen leaves, and the little Star Flower (_Trientalis americana_) were often also associates. Excepting the pale yellow bells of _Clintonia borealis_, and the purplish tinge, or veining, of the blossoms of several other species, all the plants noticed in bloom at this time upon the mountain bore flowers of some shade of white. The more open ground about our course along the ridge supported a luxuriant and graceful growth of that lovely fern _Aspidium spinulosum_, and with it, in openings about the summit, grew abundantly the Mountain Golden-rod (_Solidago thyrsoidea_) which, although yet many weeks from bloom, heralded a royal emblem to light the mountain’s brow ere the white locks of winter should again possess it.

At the elevation where these plants first appeared the trees nowhere attained more than a medium stature, those which seemed best to have surmounted the difficulties of their situation, the Balsam and the Paper Birch, never rising to a height of more than, perhaps, twenty-five feet. This growth completely encompassed the range of vision, but an occasional scantiness in the foliage permitted glimpses of surrounding mountains rolling off like huge green billows into the blue distance.

From these evergreens came the leisurely call of the Canada Nuthatch (_Sitta canadensis_), and on closer approach the low, plaintive notes of the little Yellow-bellied Flycatcher (_Empidonax flaviventris_). The brief warble of the Black-and-Yellow Warbler (_Dendrœca maculosa_) told of the presence of its unseen author in the surrounding trees, while among the undergrowth the less frequent, but louder and more sustained song of the Mourning Ground-warbler (_Geothlypis philadelphia_) showed that this species, which had been left at the foot of the mountain, had here reappeared. At intervals, faintly mingling with these songs, from some hidden fastness below, came the _fantasia_ of the Winter Wren, a melody that seemed to pass from the spirit of unclaimed nature, voicing some mystery of the mountains. The clamor of a party of Blue Jays occasionally arose and died away in the forest, but here, in this mountain solitude, their screams seemed more subdued than in less primitive regions, and lacked that suggestion of consciousness which individuals constantly within human hearing, seem to acquire. Busily roaming Chickadees (_Parus atricapillus_) at times came about our path, and the Snowbird (_Junco hyemalis_) was present with its simple song. Olive-backed Thrushes (_Hylocichla ustulata swainsoni_) too, were constantly to be heard, and finally, guided by its near song, one was followed up and secured. A moment later another Thrush darted across the path, and disappearing through a young balsam growth, immediately began to sing a few rods off. The song was different from that of the bird which had just been shot, so much so, in fact, as to be remarked even by my guide. It seemed to be more uniform in character, with less variation and definition of the notes; as I wrote in my note-book at the time—more suggestive of the song of _H. fuscescens_. A conspicuous point of difference was that it was more subdued in tone, in fact of a somewhat ventriloquous nature. On examining the bird, in hand, although I had thought myself familiar with all our eastern _Hylocichlæ_, I must confess to having been puzzled. It was obviously neither the Olive-backed nor the Hermit Thrush, the only species of our own smaller Thrushes which from the distribution of their group (as then understood) could possibly be expected to occur. I at once noted its general resemblance to the Gray-cheeked Thrush, but it seemed impossible that this Hudsonian bird could be found so far south at this season; and though a second specimen pointed more strongly toward it, it was not until I had reached home and made actual comparisons, that I could feel satisfied that its true relationship was with that species. I had long noticed certain somewhat constant differences between examples of _aliciæ_ occurring at New York on their migrations, and incited by these specimens went carefully over my series of seventeen examples and found them separable into two forms, characterized by slight differences in coloration and a notable difference in size. The examples from the Catskills were more closely allied to the smaller of the two forms, and these, with, subsequently, my entire series, were submitted to Mr. Ridgway, the result being the recognition of a new bird, belonging to our eastern fauna.

But to return to the mountain. It would hardly be justifiable to make a positive statement about a difficult song that had been but once identified, but I feel positive that the Thrushes which were last heard that evening about our camp on the extreme summit of the mountain were of the new form. Night was rapidly falling, and the valleys were in darkness, when one sang several times near the camp, and for some time afterwards a single call-note was occasionally heard, and the varying distance of the sound showed that the birds were still active. Excepting these sounds, the last bird notes heard were those of the Yellow-bellied Flycatcher.

The sharp northwest wind continued late, and the night became clear and cold. Shortly after midnight the bright moon showed the temperature, by a thermometer which I had hung beside the camp, to be 35°, and at sunrise it stood at 32°. Before daylight I was standing on a boulder of conglomerate on the dim mountain’s brow listening for the awakening of the birds. The first songs heard were those of the Hermit Thrush, Snowbird, and Yellow-bellied Flycatcher, which began almost simultaneously, followed a little later by those of the Olive-backed Thrush and the Mourning Warbler, but _H. bicknelli_ was not heard, or at least not near enough to be distinguished among the other species.

The increasing light upon the mountain seemed to attract the birds from below, whither, perhaps, they had retired for the night, and soon many different notes were to be heard about the camp; not, however, in that boisterous chorus with which the day is often announced about our homes, in which the notes of many individuals of many species are blended in such confused medley that separate voices are almost indistinguishable, but simply the association of a few vocalists, the very isolation of whose position endowed their voices with an additional interest and charm.

After those already mentioned the Black-poll Warbler (_Dendrœca striata_) began its unpretending notes, which always to me suggest a short dotted line, and this song, with that of the Black-and-Yellow Warbler, occasionally alternated about us in agreeable contrast. Now and then a Canada Nuthatch, on its morning tour, tarried to inspect some dead trunk or thinly clothed tree, upon the projecting apex of which, or that of some companion, a solitary Purple Finch occasionally alighted, and with a few wild fugitive notes was gone, to other mountain tops or the forests of the descending slopes.

But to revert to the Thrushes. The two specimens of the new form which were obtained were both males, and were unquestionably breeding,[76] though no nest known to belong to their species was found.

It remains to briefly consider some facts furnished by the birds’ occurrence as narrated. These facts bear directly on the long contested question of the relationship which _H. aliciæ_ and _H. swainsoni_ bear to one another, and it can scarcely be denied that the present evidence on this point is conclusive. Not only have we representatives of both birds preserving their respective identities at the same locality, under identical conditions of environment, but examples of each taken under these circumstances, display, except in size, even a greater dissimilitude than those which occur together on their migrations. There is but one tenable interpretation of these facts: the birds—_Hylocichla aliciæ_ and _H. ustulata swainsoni_—are wholly and entirely distinct. Any theory of dichromatism which might be advanced, aside from its extreme unlikelihood, would be shown inadequate by the relative differences in proportions of parts which the two birds exhibit. These differences, as well as those of color are illustrated by the Catskill birds. A specimen of _H. swainsoni_ taken at the top of Slide Mountain was in every way typical of its species, and conspicuously unlike the examples of _bicknelli_ taken at the same time. Aside from differences in the proportions of parts, the two birds were strikingly different in color, the decided grayish olive tinge of the superior surface of _swainsoni_ contrasting strongly with the much darker brownish cast of its congener. One example of the latter instead of showing indications of a buffy tinge about the sides of the head and on the breast, which under the circumstances we should expect to be the case, were it in any way specifically related to _swainsoni_, has absolutely no indications whatever of this shade about the sides of the head, and actually less on the breast than any specimens of true _aliciæ_ that I have seen, and this little most evident low down where the corresponding shade in _swainsoni_ begins to pale. It seems probable that this newly recognized race of _aliciæ_ is responsible for much of the ambiguity which the discussion of both species by different writers has occasioned. Indeed, it seems to occupy the same position relative to _aliciæ_ proper which, by some, _swainsoni_ was supposed to hold, viz., the more southern-born individuals of the species, but that it represents a link specifically connecting the two, the facts already presented refute. As it occurs with true _aliciæ_ on the autumn migration most specimens of the new form are paler and more brownish in color above, and their general size is nearly that of _swainsoni_,[77] and these differences may be regarded by some as approaches towards the latter species. In both species there is a wide individual variation, but the closest approach of each towards the other never exceeds that limit within which each may vary without its specific distinctness being compromised. I have yet to see a specimen of either which would admit of the slightest question as to its identity. I speak thus of adult birds. In such closely related species the young must almost necessarily approximate, and to these we must appeal for light on the things that have been—on the question of origin—whether one has been derived from the other, or both species from a common ancestor. Such obscure insight into this point as I have been permitted seems to indicate that the latter alternative will be found to be the more correct, but, for the present, from lack of the necessary data this important subject is proscribed.

It is unnecessary here to repeat the diagnosis of the new form of _Hylocichla aliciæ_ given by Mr. Ridgway in the paper before cited. As this writer states, the race breeds “probably in other mountainous districts of the northeastern United States” than the single locality where it was discovered, and it seems very singular that up to the present time we have no knowledge of its occurrence in the summer season elsewhere, even in regions where the two congeneric species with which it was here associating—_H. nanus_[78] and _H. swainsoni_—are well known to be common summer residents. The occurrence of a representative of _H. aliciæ_ in the United States at all during its breeding season is a matter of surprise, especially when we recollect the boreal distribution of the typical form during that period, and read[79] that so far towards the north as the Yukon and the Great Slave Lake it occurs “only as a bird of passage to and from more northern breeding grounds.” Additional information respecting the distribution of the new race will be awaited with great interest.

SHORT NOTES ON THE BIRDS OF BAYOU SARA, LOUISIANA.

BY CHARLES WICKLIFFE BECKHAM.

As the avian fauna of the lower Mississippi Valley is now receiving some attention,[80] it seems well that I should contribute my mite of information to the general fund.

Bayou Sara and the adjoining town of St. Francisville, in the parish of West Feliciana, are situated on the east bank of the Mississippi River, 170 miles above New Orleans by that stream and about 80 miles in an air line northwest of it. It is 30 or 40 miles north of Baton Rouge, near which place Dr. Langdon made his observations in April, 1881. The following notes were made principally on and near “Wyoming,” two miles from the river, the plantation of Ex-Gov. R. C. Wickliffe, a place possessing peculiarly agreeable ornithological associations on account of its former owner, Gen. Dawson, having entertained Audubon as his guest for several months. It will be remembered that the type specimen of _Buteo harlani_ was captured here.

The topography is much more interesting, and is quite different from that farther south and that immediately opposite on the west side of the river. A level plateau, 100 feet above the levee, begins about a quarter of a mile from the river and extends back into the State of Mississippi. This plateau is deeply cut by numerous creeks and ravines, the banks of which are generally densely wooded, with water oak, sweet-gum, cedar, prickly ash, magnolias, etc. All of the level ground on top is in a state of cultivation; cotton being the principal crop. A few miles farther up the high ground does not extend so near the river, the intervening space being occupied by several small lakes and swamps—a great resort for water birds of all kinds. On account of the high water I did not have an opportunity of visiting this interesting field.

My observations extended only over a period of five days from April 15th to 19th, 1882, inclusive, but a great deal of ground was canvassed in that time; nearly the whole of each day being spent in the field. A good many birds were shot, but few were preserved, as taxidermy was necessarily subordinated to field-work. Dr. Langdon in his interesting paper particularly remarks the absence of the Catbird, Black-and-White Creeper, White-browed Yellow-throat, Kentucky Warbler, Large-billed Water Thrush, and the Redstart, but I found all of these at “Wyoming,” together with many others not noted by either him or Mr. Hay, the Catbird and Kentucky Warbler being particularly abundant.

The writer was greatly assisted in his work by Mr. Robert Wederstraudt of “Wyoming,” a young man whose unusually close and accurate observations of birds and bird life rendered his help peculiarly valuable. Many of the following notes are credited to him entirely. I have followed the nomenclature of the Smithsonian list of 1881.

1. =Hylocichla mustelina= (_Gm._) _Bd._ WOOD THRUSH.—Common in
woodland, and several seen in the yard near the house.

2. =Merula migratoria= (_L._) _Sw. and Rich._ AMERICAN ROBIN.—Not
observed. They appear here in large numbers early in February to feed
on the fruit of the “wild peach,” and hundreds are shot for the table.
They leave early in March.

3. =Mimus polyglottus= (_L._) _Boie_. MOCKINGBIRD.—Very abundant, both
in the town about gardens and yards, and in the country. Frequenting
open ground exclusively. Four sets of eggs were taken; two perfectly
fresh, and two about half incubated. Mr. Wederstraudt called my
attention to a curious foraging habit of this bird. We noticed one
hopping along the ground in an open grassy place, pausing at every
three or four hops to extend and close its wings. It repeated this
several times until a grasshopper was flushed, when the bird
immediately “reached” for it, and having captured it, made off to a
neighboring bush to eat it. Mr. Wederstraudt says that he has observed
this interesting performance many times.

4. =Galeoscoptes carolinensis= (_L._) _Cab._ CATBIRD.—Abundant in the
shrubbery in the creek bottoms. None were seen near the dwellings.

5. =Harporhynchus rufus= (_L._) _Cab._ BROWN THRASHER.—Abundant in
same places as the last. Three clutches of three eggs each were taken,
in one of which incubation was very far advanced, and on the 19th a
nest was found containing two young nearly able to fly.

6. =Sialia sialis= (_L._) _Haldem._ BLUEBIRD.—Observed several pairs
in town and in the country. Not as common as in Kentucky.

7. =Polioptila cærulea= (_L._) _Scl._ BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER.—A common,
and, on account of its active and noisy habits, conspicuous bird.

8. =Lophophanes bicolor= (_L._) _Bp._ TUFTED TITMOUSE.—Not very
common. Frequenting principally the tops of trees.

9. =Parus carolinensis= _Aud._ CAROLINA CHICKADEE.—But few observed. A
pair bred in a hole in a cedar post within twenty yards of the house
last year.

10. =Thryothorus ludovicianus= (_Gm._) _Bp._ CAROLINA WREN.—Very
abundant everywhere. A clutch of three eggs was taken on the 19th from
a nest in a small recess formed by the junction of several timbers,
under the piazza, which was frequented at all times of the day. The
nest was empty on the 16th, one egg was deposited on the 17th, one on
the 18th, and one on the 19th. I saw neither of the old birds about
the place at all, and it was only by capturing the female on the nest
at night, that the eggs were positively identified. A pair have bred
about this piazza for many years, I am informed.

11. =Mniotilta varia= (_L._) _V._ BLACK-AND-WHITE CREEPER.—A male, the
only one seen at all, was captured in a dense wood on the 17th.

12. =Parula americana= (_L._) _Bp._ BLUE-YELLOW-BACKED WARBLER.—Very
abundant. A persistent but weak vocalist.

13. =Dendrœca æstiva= (_Gm._) _Bd._ SUMMER YELLOWBIRD.—Common in open
places.

14. =Dendrœca blackburniæ= (_Gm._) _Bd._ BLACKBURNIAN WARBLER.—Common
in large trees about open ground.

15. =Dendrœca dominica albilora= _Bd._ WHITE-BROWED-YELLOW-THROATED
WARBLER.—A male, the only one seen, was shot out of a magnolia tree on
the 10th. In all of my Kentucky specimens of this bird the anterior
portion of the superciliary line has a trace of yellow. In this one no
yellow is perceptible.

16. =Dendrœca pinus= (_Wils._) _Bd._ PINE-CREEPING WARBLER.—Apparently
not uncommon. Preferring open ground. In song.

17. =Siurus auricapillus= (_L._) _Sw._ GOLDEN-CROWNED THRUSH.—One
specimen captured in a thicket on the 15th.

18. =Siurus motacilla= (_V._) _Coues_. LARGE-BILLED WATER
THRUSH.—Heard one singing in a densely wooded ravine on the 17th. Mr.
Wederstraudt has often seen them in pairs along the smaller
water-courses.

19. =Oporornis formosa= (_Wils._) _Bd._ KENTUCKY WARBLER.—One of the
most abundant inhabitants of the dense growth along the ravines. Two
or three were often heard singing at the same time.

20. =Geothlypis trichas= (_L._) _Cab._ MARYLAND
YELLOW-THROAT.—Abundant in the usual places.

21. =Icteria virens= (_L._) _Bd._ YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT.—Very abundant.
In full song.

22. =Myiodioctes mitratus= (_Gm._) _Aud._ HOODED WARBLER.—Found in
same places, and almost as abundant as the Kentucky Warbler. An
inhabitant of the undergrowth principally. In song; its note being
uttered at intervals of 15 or 20 seconds as it hops from branch to
branch in pursuit of insects.

23. =Setophaga ruticilla= (_L._) _Sw._ REDSTART.—A single specimen, a
male, captured in a swamp. It was in company with a female.

24. =Vireosylvia olivacea= (_L._) _Bp._ RED-EYED VIREO.—Very abundant
everywhere.

25. =Vireosylvia gilva= (_V._) _Cass._ WARBLING VIREO.—Heard one
singing in a shade tree in Bayou Sara on the 15th.

26. =Vireo noveboracensis= (_Gm._) _Bp._ WHITE-EYED VIREO.—Very
abundant and voluble everywhere.

27. =Lanius ludovicianus= _L._ LOGGERHEAD SHRIKE.—Not observed. Mr.
Wederstraudt says that they are not uncommon here in the fall. He once
saw one kill and _devour_ a small bird in a thorn tree.

28. =Ampelis cedrorum= (_V._) _Bd._ CEDAR WAXWING.—Observed several
small flocks. Said to be very abundant here in winter when numbers are
shot for the table. Known here as the “ortolan”—the fourth bird, I
believe, embraced under that comprehensive name.

29. =Progne subis= (_L._) _Bd._ PURPLE MARTIN.—Common about Bayou Sara
and St. Francisville.

30. =Stelgidopteryx serripennis= (_Aud._) _Bd._ ROUGH-WINGED
SWALLOW.—Very abundant. Beginning to breed. Several holes examined but
no eggs found. One was shot out of a dead tree.

31. =Pyranga æstiva= (_L._) _V._ SUMMER REDBIRD.—Abundant about
dwellings and open ground. In song.

32. =Passerculus sandwichensis savanna= (_Wils._) _Ridgw._ SAVANNA
SPARROW.—Common in old wet fields. One individual captured, a female,
had a very large tumor on the bill and several smaller ones on the
toes.

33. =Zonotrichia albicollis= (_Gm._) _Bp._ WHITE-THROATED
SPARROW.—Abundant in parties of six or eight in the undergrowth about
open places in the low lands.

34. =Peucæa æstivalis illinoensis= _Ridgw._ OAK-WOODS SPARROW.—Two
specimens of this interesting form were taken; both males. One was
shot from the top of a small bush near the edge of an old corn field;
the other from the top of an isolated pine on the edge of a cotton
field. Both were singing when shot. No others were observed. This, I
believe, is the most southeasterly “record” of the form.

35. =Melospiza palustris= (_Wils._) _Bd._ SWAMP SPARROW.—Not uncommon
in the usual places.

36. =Pipilo erythrophthalmus= (_L._) _V._ CHEWINK; TOWHEE.— Abundant.
Locally known as the “Joree.”

37. =Cardinalis virginianus= (_Briss._) _Bp._ CARDINAL GROSBEAK.—Very
abundant. Took a set of three fresh eggs on the 17th. Nest as usual.

38. =Passerina cyanea= (_L._) _Gray._ INDIGO BUNTING.—Rather common
about open places, but very shy. Not in song.

39. =Passerina ciris= (_L._) _Gray._ PAINTED BUNTING; NONPAREIL.—First
seen on the 16th. A male in full song captured on the 19th—the only
two seen. Mr. Wederstraudt, who has trapped them, using a captive male
as a decoy, says that the same individual is always to be found within
a few hundred feet of the place where first observed. I saw several
males in confinement in New Orleans, and observed that the red of the
underparts was heavily blotched and obscured by yellow, and attributed
it to immaturity, but was informed that it was due to the confinement.
They are called “Pops” here, the derivation of which name I could not
make out.

40. =Agelæus phœniceus= (_L._) _V._ RED-AND-BUFF-SHOULDERED
BLACKBIRD.—Abundant in swampy places.

41. =Sturnella magna= (_L._) _Sw._ MEADOW LARK.—Common in old fields.
Their note seemed to me to be different from that of the Kentucky
bird.

42. =Icterus spurius= (_L._) _Bp._ ORCHARD ORIOLE.—Common about open
ground.

43. =Icterus galbula= (_L._) _Coues_. BALTIMORE ORIOLE.—Observed
several singing in shade trees in Bayou Sara and St. Francisville.

44. =Quiscalus purpureus= (_Bartr._) _Licht._ PURPLE GRACKLE.—A common
Grackle about the river and bayou at Bayou Sara is referred to this
form, as the one found forty or fifty miles down the river is
according to Dr. Langdon the Purple, and not the Bronzed Grackle.

45. =Corvus frugivorus= _Bartr._ COMMON CROW.—Common.

46. =Cyanocitta cristata= (_L._) _Strickl._ BLUE JAY.—Common.

47. =Tyrannus carolinensis= (_L._) _Temm._ KINGBIRD; BEE
MARTIN.—Common.

48. =Myiarchus crinitus= (_L._) _Cab._ GREAT-CRESTED FLYCATCHER.—A
common and conspicuous inhabitant of yards and orchards.

49. =Contopus virens= (_L._) _Cab._ WOOD PEWEE.—Common in dense
timber.

50. =Empidonax acadicus= (_Gm._) _Bd._ ACADIAN FLYCATCHER.—Common in
same places as last.

51. =Trochilus colubris= _L._ RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD.—Very abundant
about cultivated ground.

52. =Chætura pelasgica= (_L._) _Boie_. CHIMNEY SWIFT.—Common.

53. =Antrostomus carolinensis= (_Gm._) _Gould_.
CHUCK-WILL’S-WIDOW.—Heard but one, on the night of the 19th, near the
house, but I am told that they are quite common.

54. =Chordeiles popetue= (_V._) _Bd._ NIGHT HAWK.—Saw one about dusk
on the evening of the 19th, high in air, giving the peculiar call
common to the males during the breeding season.

55. =Picus pubescens= (_L._) DOWNY WOODPECKER.—Only two individuals
were observed during my visit.

56. =Hylotomus pileatus= (_L._) _Bd._ PILEATED WOODPECKER.—Not
observed, but it is said to be common in heavy timber along the
borders of the swamp.

57. =Centurus carolinensis= (_L._) _Bp._ RED-BELLIED
WOODPECKER.—Rather common. At the time of my departure a pair had
begun digging a hole for their nest in a large china tree within
thirty yards of the house.

58. =Melanerpes erythrocephalus= (_L._) _Sw._ RED-HEADED WOODPECKER—A
familiar and common bird here; preferring open to densely wooded
country.

59. =Colaptes auratus= (_L._) _Sw._ YELLOW-SHAFTED FLICKER.—Not
observed. Mr. Wederstraudt and others pronounce it an abundant bird
here.

60. =Ceryle alcyon= (_L._) _Boie_. BELTED KINGFISHER.—Common in open
places along Alexander’s Creek and its branches. A clutch of six fresh
eggs was taken from a hole in a perpendicular bank on the 16th. The
orifice was about thirty-five feet from the bottom, and three and a
half from the top of the bank. The hole extended horizontally into the
bank for a distance of six feet. The old birds circled around a few
times after we began digging for the eggs, and then flew off,
apparently unconcerned at our operations.

61. =Coccyzus americanus= (_L._) _Bp._ YELLOW-BILLED CUCKOO.—One
individual observed on the 19th in a large live-oak near the house. In
song.

62. =Conurus carolinensis= (_L._) _Kuhl._ CAROLINA PARAKEET.—Not seen
by me. Gov. Wickliffe says that twenty years ago it was quite common
here at times in large flocks, and Mr. Wederstraudt has several times
observed it within the last few years, but never more than two or
three together at a time. About eighteen months ago he saw one in an
orchard near “Wyoming.”

63. =Scops asio= (_L._) _Bp._ LITTLE SCREECH OWL.—Found here,
according to Mr. Wederstraudt.

64. =Bubo virginianus= (_Gm._) _Bp._ GREAT HORNED OWL.—Given as a
common inhabitant by Mr. Wederstraudt.

65. =Pandion haliaëtus carolinensis= (_Gm._) _Ridgw._ AMERICAN OSPREY;
FISH HAWK.—Often seen here, according to the natives.

66. =Haliaëtus leucocephalus= (_L._) _Savig._ BALD EAGLE.—Said to
occasionally occur here.

67. =Cathartes aura= (_L._) _Illig._ TURKEY BUZZARD.—Common.

68. =Catharista atrata= (_Wils._) _Less._ BLACK VULTURE; CARRION
CROW.—Very abundant. I flushed thirty or forty, one day, from the
carcass of a dead horse.

69. =Zenaidura carolinensis= (_L._) _Bp._ MOURNING DOVE.—Abundant
about open places. I took a clutch of two fresh eggs on the 19th from
a nest on a horizontal limb of a water oak, eight feet from the
ground.

70. =Ortyx virginianus= (_L._) _Bp._ BOB WHITE; AMERICAN
QUAIL.—Abundant in pairs about cultivated ground. They are not much
hunted here as the shooting is very difficult, for when flushed they
immediately make for the thickets.

71. =Ardea herodias= (_L._) GREAT BLUE HERON.—One was seen on the 19th
flying towards the swamp

72. =Herodias alba egretta= (_Gm._) _Ridgw._ AMERICAN EGRET.—A flock
of eight was observed on the 19th flying towards the swamp.

73. =Butorides virescens= (_L._) _Bp._ GREEN HERON.—A common bird
about the creeks and ponds.

74. =Oxyechus vociferus= (_L._) _Reich._ KILLDEER.—Saw a party of
eight on the creek. They were very tame.

75. =Philohela minor= (_Gm._) _Gray._ AMERICAN WOODCOCK.—Not observed.
Said to be common here in the fall, when they are hunted in the cotton
fields at night with torches.

76. =Gallinago media wilsoni= (_Temm._) _Ridgw._ WILSON’S SNIPE.—Not
observed, but said to be common here in early spring.

77. =Rhyacophilus solitarius= (_Wils._) _Cass._ SOLITARY
SANDPIPER.—Two individuals were several times noted about a pond of
stagnant water.

78. =Tringoides macularius= (_L._) _Gray._ SPOTTED SANDPIPER.—Several
times observed along the creeks.

79. =Rallus elegans= _Aud._ RED-BREASTED RAIL.—One several times seen
in a small pond thickly overgrown with small trees, water-lillies etc.

80. =Rallus virginianus= _L._ VIRGINIA RAIL.—One seen in same place as
the last. Both eluded capture.

81. =Fulica americana= _Gm._ AMERICAN COOT.—Not observed, but said to
be common here in fall and early spring. Known here by the Creole name
of “Poulette d’Eau.”

82. =Anas boschas= _L._ MALLARD.—Not observed, but it is said to be
common here during the migrations.

83. =Querquedula discors= (_L._) _Steph._ BLUE-WINGED TEAL.—Two were
shot out of a flock of eight on the 16th on Alexander’s Creek.

84. =Aix sponsa= (_L._) _Boie_. WOOD DUCK; SUMMER DUCK.—Not observed,
but common in the swamp, I am informed.

85. =Pelecanus fuscus= (_L._) BROWN PELICAN.—Said to breed in the
lakes above Bayou Sara.

86. =Podilymbus podiceps= (_L._) _Lawr._ THICK-BILLED GREBE.—Not
observed, but well known here.

LIST OF BIRDS OBSERVED AT HOUSTON, HARRIS CO., TEXAS, AND IN THE
COUNTIES MONTGOMERY, GALVESTON AND FORD BEND.

BY H. NEHRLING.

(_Continued from p. 13._)

87. =Molothrus ater= _Gray._ COWBIRD.—Very abundant throughout the
year. They come in large flocks into the streets of the city in the
winter months to search for food; they also associate at that season
with _Scolecophagus cyanocephalus_ Cab. I have never seen anywhere
else such numbers of these birds as here, and in the breeding season
most of the nests of our small birds contain eggs of this parasite.

87_a_. =Molothrus ater obscurus= _Coues_. DWARF COWBIRD.—A common bird
during the breeding season. It is smaller than its near relative, and
quicker in its motions. Moves usually in flocks of from two to ten. I
first observed the bird when it was just leaving the nest of
_Lanivireo flavifrons_ Bd., and found its egg in it, besides four of
the Vireo’s. The egg is smaller and not so thickly sprinkled as that
of the common Cowbird.

88. =Xanthocephalus icterocephalus= _Bd._ YELLOW-HEADED
BLACKBIRD.—Very common in marshy localities from the latter part of
October to March and April. I think some remain to breed, as I
observed small flocks during May in the low prairie districts
overgrown with reeds and other water plants. The best opportunity I
ever had to study the breeding habits of this beautiful but very
locally distributed Blackbird was in the Calumet Marshes near
Kensington, about eighteen miles south of Chicago, where I discovered
in a single day about fifty nests among the reeds. During the winter
months they associate with _Molothrus ater_, _Agelæus phœniceus_, and
_Scolecophagus cyanocephalus_; many migrate further south, and in cold
winters only a few remain near Houston.

89. =Agelæus phœniceus= _Vieill._ RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD.—Common in
swamps, but not so abundant as I have found these birds to be in
Wisconsin and Illinois. May 6, 1881, I discovered a nest in a somewhat
strange position, in a blackberry-bush (_Rubus villosus_) on the edge
of a thicket; there was no swamp within a mile. This was in the
northern part of Harris County. Only a few remain to winter, the
greater part migrating farther south.

90. =Sturnella magna= _Swains._ MEADOW LARK.—Common summer sojourner,
and very abundant during winter; many thousands are killed in the
latter season by pot hunters. During summer the Meadow Lark is
strictly a prairie bird, always to be looked for on the open grassy
savannas; I never found the bird breeding in a cotton field or corn
field. In winter, however, they change their habits, and in large
flocks visit the sugar-cane, cotton, and corn fields.

91. =Icterus spurius= _Bp._ ORCHARD ORIOLE.—Common during migrations.

91_a_. =Icterus spurius affinis= _Coues_. SOUTHERN ORCHARD
ORIOLE.—Very common summer sojourner; breeds in all suitable
localities, especially in peach gardens. The bird is decidedly smaller
than the northern variety; it is also more active and quicker in its
motions. The song is much more varied, and louder, quicker and more
beautiful, reminding one of the song of the Baltimore Oriole. The nest
is smaller, but it is built of the same materials—green grasses, lined
with cotton. May 8, 1881, I discovered a very curious but not quite
finished nest near Spring Creek, only a few yards from a dwelling. For
several days I had observed a pair of these birds carrying fresh green
grasses to a laurel oak (_Quercus imbricaria_), that was densely
covered with large hanging bunches of Spanish moss (_Tillandsia
usneoides_); they disappeared every time into a bunch of moss, yet I
could see no nest. At last, on taking down the bunch of moss, I was
surprised to find a beautiful structure in my hands. The grasses and
moss were all woven firmly together; the entrance was on the side.

92. =Scolecophagus ferrugineus= _Swains._ RUSTY BLACKBIRD.—Very rare.
A few seen in March, 1881, among flocks of the following species.

93. =Scolecophagus cyanocephalus= _Cab._ BREWER’S BLACKBIRD.—During
winter the most common of the family _Icteridæ_. They are very
abundant in Houston from the early part of November to April, when
they disappear for the north; by the end of that month only a few
remain to breed in suitable localities. I found several nests May 5,
1881, in thick, small oaks near the Rose Hill Post Office in the
northern part of Harris County. They were built in the tops of young
post oaks (_Quercus obtusiloba_), about twelve to fifteen feet from
the ground, and contained from two to five eggs each. The nests were
composed exteriorly of strong slender plant stems and coarse grasses,
and were lined with fine grasses. These birds are very unsuspicious
and bold during winter, running about in even the most crowded city
streets, and also frequenting door-yards. On cold days they are easily
caught. I had a pair over a year in a cage; they soon became
reconciled to confinement, and were lively, interesting pets.

94. =Quiscalus purpureus æneus= _Ridgw._ BRONZED GRACKLE.—The most
abundant of all the Blackbirds during the breeding season, arriving
from their more southern winter quarters early in March. None remain,
so far as my observations go, during winter. They breed abundantly in
the larger gardens of Houston, especially in the mountain cedars
(_Juniperus occidentalis texana_), and the live and water oaks
(_Quercus virens_ et _Q. aquatica_). In the thick young oak grove near
Rose Hill Post Office I found a large colony of about two hundred
pairs breeding and in their company also the Boat-tailed Grackles
(_Quiscalus major_) and Brewer’s Blackbirds (_Scolecophagus
cyanocephalus_), but each species had its own limited nesting range.
Every nest was built in the top of a slender oak and all the nests
examined were neat, strong, and large structures; they were
constructed of plant stems, slender grasses, fragments of corn-husks,
intermingled with sheep’s wool, and lined with finer grasses. In some
nests a layer of mud was also to be found.

95. =Quiscalus major= _Vieill._ BOAT-TAILED GRACKLE.—Quite regularly
distributed over the coast region of Texas. I found the birds breeding
in the colonies of the Little Blue Heron (_Florida cærulea_) and the
Snowy Heron (_Garzetta candidissima_), on the button bushes
(_Cephalanthus occidentalis_) standing in the water. May 6, 1881, I
observed a colony of about twenty pairs near Rose Hill Post Office.
They were all busily engaged in building their nests in the tops of
young oaks. Only a few nests were finished, and only one contained
eggs, four in number. Nest composed of weed-stalks, grasses and
sheep’s wool, lined with finer grasses; cavity very shallow if
compared with nests of _Quiscalus purpureus æneus_ and _Scolecophagus
cyanocephalus_. The male has a few very fine songlike notes, different
from those of every other Blackbird.

96. =Corvus frugivorus= _Bartr._ COMMON CROW.—In winter numbers are to
be observed on Galveston Bay, near bayous, and on the sugar cane
fields near the Brazos. In spring they scatter over the country,
breeding in all suitable localities, but they are then nowhere common
in the coast region.

97. =Cyanocitta cristata= _Strickl._ BLUE JAY.—A very common resident;
breeds abundantly in all woody localities; also often in gardens on
mountain cedars and sometimes on the beautiful Japan medlars
(_Eriobotrya japonica_). Very bold and tame when well treated, coming
then into door-yards and even into houses.

98. =Milvulus forficatus= _Sw._ SCISSOR-TAILED FLYCATCHER; “TEXAN BIRD
OF PARADISE”; “FORK-TAIL.”—Very common summer sojourner; breeds
frequently in the “bosquets” on the prairies, on the borders of woods,
on isolated trees in the fields, and even in gardens. As the nest in
this part of Texas is in most cases placed in trees, densely covered
with Tillandsia, it is almost impossible to discover it. These
beautiful birds are not at all retiring in their habits; in many
instances they are so tame as to breed in close proximity to
dwellings. They arrive from their winter quarters late in March,
sometimes in the first days of April. Very often two broods are raised
yearly. I found fresh eggs as late as July 4. The nests in the coast
region are built partly of grasses but especially of gray Spanish
moss. In September, after the breeding season, they gather in large
flocks, visiting the cotton fields, where multitudes of cotton worms
(_Aletia argillacea_) and their moths abound, on which they, with many
other small birds, eagerly feed; early in October they depart for the
South.

99. =Tyrannus carolinensis= _Temm._ KINGBIRD.—Common summer resident.
Arrives from the South late in March or early in April, when the
beautiful native yellow jessamine (_Gelsemium sempervirens_) fills the
air with its pleasant odor. Nests commonly in the honey locust
(_Gleditschia triacanthos_) and also in the common locust (_Robinia
pseudacacia_). In many cases two broods are raised yearly.

100. MYIARCHUS CRINITUS _Cab._ GREAT-CRESTED FLYCATCHER.—Common summer
sojourner, even in Houston, where it sometimes breeds in bird-boxes,
but more commonly in knot-holes of the cedar and sycamore (_Platanus
occidentalis_) and in old Woodpeckers’ holes. Their loud whistling
cries are almost always to be heard from early April till the latter
part of August; departs for winter quarters early in October. It is
not a shy bird, but knows well how to escape danger. They are, with
Kingbirds and other species, very busy during the time the _Magnolia
grandiflora_ is in bloom, about which millions of various insects
abound.

101. =Sayornis fuscus= _Bd._ PHOEBE BIRD; PEWEE.—Common in winter,
from December to March, especially in the gardens of Houston. The
common notes I heard were quite different from their familiar _pewee_,
sounding like _tsip, tsip, tsip, zewee_. None remain to breed.

102. =Sayornis sayus= _Brd._ SAY’S PEWEE.—This Pewee I have observed
only in April, on the borders of thickets and in the shrubbery near
woods, and always singly.

103. =Contopus virens= _Cab._ WOOD PEWEE.—Common summer sojourner in
open woods, particularly in the “post oak,” where its loud
characteristic notes can be heard throughout the summer. Although this
bird is common, I did not succeed in finding a nest. Arrives early in
April; departs early in October.

104. =Empidonax acadicus= _Bd._ ACADIAN FLYCATCHER.—Common summer
resident, and the only one of this attractive genus that breeds in
this part of Texas. They are common in all the woods, particularly
where a beautiful light green lichen (_Usnea barbata_) hangs from the
trees. In all the deciduous woods of Harris County, and also in the
mixed bottom woods near Spring Creek, they are common, but I was not
so fortunate as to discover the nest, although I always kept a
diligent lookout for it.

105. =Empidonax trailli= _Bd._ TRAILL’S FLYCATCHER.—Common during
migrations, but none, I think, remain to breed.

106. =Empidonax minimus= _Bd._ LEAST FLYCATCHER.—Common during
migrations in April and October.

107. =Trochilus colubris= _Linn._ RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD.—Very
common summer sojourner. I observed them from early April to the
middle of October. Very abundant when the _Wistaria chinensis_,
_Lonicera japonica_, _Gardenia florida_, _Pittosporum tobira_,
_Cydonia japonica_, etc., are in flower.

I have several times seen another species of Hummingbird, but I did
not succeed in securing it.

108. =Chætura pelasgica= _Bd._ CHIMNEY SWIFT.—On August 20, 1880, I
saw numbers on the borders of woods near Spring Creek. During May,
June and July I have seen only a few pairs.

109. =Antrostomus carolinensis= _Gld._ CHUCK-WILL’S-WIDOW.—Common
during the breeding season in dry woods, with much undergrowth.
Arrives late in April from its winter quarters; the time of departure
I do not know. They remain silent during day-time, and commence their
peculiar cries soon after dusk of evening. The eggs are laid on the
bare ground in dry places, and are commonly well hidden by thick
shrubbery. In the dry woods near Spring Creek they are common, but not
in the wet wooded tracts near Houston.

110. =Chordiles popetue= _Bd._ NIGHTHAWK.—Seen in very large numbers.
I saw thousands during a cloudy, rainy day in the early part of May,
near the borders of woods. They all soon disappeared.

111. =Chordiles acutipennis texensis= _Ridgw._ TEXAN NIGHTHAWK.—A
regular but somewhat rare summer sojourner. Differs from the preceding
in many respects. They are more retiring in their habits; they also
sail very low over ponds and pools of water, where myriads of insects,
especially mosquitoes, abound. Four to six are often seen together,
flying quite near each other. I never heard them utter a sound, and do
not know where they breed, but I think they have their nests on the
shrubby borders of woods, where they are most commonly to be observed
when flying. They are readily distinguishable from their near
relatives, our familiar northern Nighthawk, by their peculiar, low,
and quiet sailing, and also by their smaller size.

112. =Campephilus principalis= _Gray._ IVORY-BILLED WOODPECKER.—Very
rare; I have found it only in the large and dense pine forests in the
northern part of Harris County and in Montgomery County far from human
habitations. Very shy and not easy to approach.

113. =Picus villosus= _Linn._ HAIRY WOODPECKER.—Frequently seen during
winter, but only a few times during the breeding season.

114. =Picus scalaris= _Wagl._ TEXAS WOODPECKER.—This beautiful little
Woodpecker is quite numerous in all wooded districts; it comes often
during winter into the gardens of Houston, and is then very
unsuspicious. I can give no particulars about its nesting habits, as I
have never found a nest.

115. =Picus pubescens= _Linn._ DOWNY WOODPECKER.—Common; breeds in all
wooded districts, but is by no means so abundant as I have found it to
be in Wisconsin.

116. =Picus borealis= _Vieill._ RED-COCKADED WOODPECKER.—The _Picus
querulus_ of Wilson is resident in all the large pine woods; it is
very shy, restless, and noisy. The male is very wary during the
breeding season, and every pair has its own limited breeding range. I
discovered a nest in an old high pine stump, but it was out of reach.
These birds are not rare in heavily wooded districts. I never have
seen one in the deciduous woods.

117. =Sphyropicus varius= _Bd._ YELLOW-BELLIED WOODPECKER.—Winter
resident from November to March, and then not uncommon. Always seen
singly.

118. =Hylotomus pileatus= _Bd._ PILEATED WOODPECKER.—Common resident
in all the wooded tracts, in the “post oak” as well as in the bottom
and pine forests. A very noisy species; its drumming is almost as loud
as that of the Ivory-billed Woodpecker. It is not a shy and retiring
species, but, on the contrary, is very often seen near farm houses.
Especially abundant where during the previous winter or spring many
trees have been cut down; these they search for worms, and very soon
have all the bark hammered away from them. They often excavate a hole
for their nest in a post oak, in a sycamore, and also in elms, often
at a considerable height. The cavity is from 10 to 20 inches deep and
so large that a man can easily put his hand into it. The eggs, from
four to six, are of a brilliant white color. Only one brood is raised,
and the young follow their parents till late in the fall.

119. =Centurus carolinus= _Bonap._ RED-BELLIED WOODPECKER.—Another
very common Woodpecker. Its loud, harsh croaks, sounding like
_crirrk_, are almost continually to be heard in the woods. Prefers
deciduous woods. It is resident throughout the year, and is not shy or
of retiring habits, but often visits the larger gardens. In the winter
months I have often observed them on the ground searching for insects,
but it can not walk as easily as _Colaptes auratus_. Breeds usually on
the borders of woods, and raises only one brood yearly.