Chapter IV: Front Matter (4)

Like the “Blue Jays,” the Magpies are great talkers, and are usually found in colonies where they can carry on conversation in their own way with each other. They are a large handsome bird, with pure white under parts and wing coverts, and the upper parts, head, tail and breast are a bronzy black, with iridescent changes. Tail very long, and graduated. They are very bold birds, inquisitive, and great thieves. Their food consists of small rodents, a large variety of insect life, and the eggs and young of small birds.

Nest.—Is a bulky affair, placed at almost any elevation, composed of sticks and small twigs, with an opening on the side; the inside of the nest is lined with finer materials, grass and plant fiber. Four to eight grayish white eggs, spotted with brown and drab (1.25 × .90).

STELLER JAY.
478. Cyanocitta stelleri. 13 inches.

Range.—From Alaska south to central California. Nests are quite bulky; three to six greenish eggs, spotted with shades of brown (1.25 × .90).

WOODHOUSE JAY.
480. Aphelocoma woodhousei. 12 inches.

These birds are abundant in the Great Basin between the Rockies and the Sierra Nevadas, breeding in scrubby trees or bushes at low elevations and usually near some stream. They have the crown and forehead bluish, and the under parts are gray, streaked with a darker shade on the breast. Their food consists of acorns and a variety of insects.

Nest.—This is usually of small sticks, loosely arranged, with smaller twigs and roots for a lining. Four to six eggs, of a pale green, faintly spotted with shades of brown (1.20 × .90).

CALIFORNIA JAY.
481. Aphelocoma californica. 12 inches.

These are the most common of the Jays on the Pacific coast of California, Oregon and Washington. They are more tame or fearless than most of the family, and frequent the trees about houses, and are given the bad name of robbing the nests of other birds of their eggs and young. In color these are just the reverse of the previous one, being brownish below, and gray above.

ARIZONA JAY.
482. Aphelocoma sieberi arizonæ. 13 inches.

A common bird in Arizona and south into Mexico. The upper parts are a bluish gray, shading into a brownish gray on the head; under parts are a pale gray. They are a very sociable bird during the breeding season, and often several pairs will nest in the same clump of trees, usually placing their nests at low elevations.

Nest.—Is made similar to the preceding, but the four eggs are more of a bluish color, without markings (1.20 × .85).

ROCKY MOUNTAIN JAY.
484a. Perisoreus canadensis capitalis. 12 inches.

This is almost the counterpart of the Canada Jay of the east, with the exception of having more white on the head, and only a small space on the back of the neck. He is the same “old coon” as the eastern bird about camps, and is rightfully called “Camp Robber.” Their nesting habits are the same as above, but their eggs are drab, spotted and blotched with brown, of varying shades (1.15 × .80).

OREGON JAY.
485. Perisoreus obscurus. 11 inches.

Like the last in every way, but with a blacker head, forehead white.

AMERICAN RAVEN.
486. Corvus corax sinuatus. 24 inches.

This is a large edition of the Crow, and is found west of the Rockies from British Columbia southward. Their plumage is a bluish black, with lengthened and stiffened feathers on the neck. Their general habits are much the same as the Crow. Their food consists principally of carrion, fish, and eggs and young of smaller birds. They nest on the high cliffs in almost inaccessible places, building large nests of sticks, in which they deposit four eggs of a pale greenish white, spotted and blotched with shades of brown and drab (1.95 × 1.25).

WHITE-NECKED RAVEN.
487. Corvus cryptoleucus. 21 inches.

A smaller bird than the above, and has the base of the neck feathers white. It is a more southern variety, and is found in Arizona and on the Mexican borders. They build at low elevations, making their nests of sticks and twigs. Four pale blue eggs, spotted with dark brown (1.75 × 1.20).

NORTHWESTERN CROW.
489. Corvus caurinus. 17 inches.

This is one of the smaller Crows, found only on the coasts of Oregon to Alaska, where it feeds almost wholly upon fish.

CLARKE NUTCRACKER,
491. Nucifraga columbiana. 12 inches.

Found in the mountains of western North America, from Mexico to Alaska. In habits they much resemble the Crow or some of the Jays. Their food consisting largely of seeds from the pine cones, insects of many varieties, larvæ and berries. They seem to prefer the tops of the higher mountain ranges, coming down into the valleys for their supply of food. Their nesting sites are well up in the mountains, where they build their nests in the coniferous trees, of twigs, weeds, strips of bark and plant fibers, making a deep cup-shaped nest in which they lay from three to five greenish gray eggs, spotted over the whole surface with brown and lavender (1.30 × .90).

PINON JAY.
492. Cyanocephalus cyanocephalus. 11 inches.

To be found in the pine regions of the Rockies and west, and from British Columbia to southern California. They are very sociable birds, keeping in colonies, and always have much to talk about among themselves; after the breeding season they may be seen in large flocks. Three to five bluish gray eggs, are spotted with different shades of brown (1.20 × .85).

BOBOLINK—Family Icteridæ.
494. Dolichonyx oryzivorus. 7 inches.

This bird is found over most of North America from the southern parts of Canada south, and has been gradually extending westward as far as California. During mating season it is hard to find any other bird so completely filled with music as are these birds. They are also quite sociable birds, and several pairs of them may be found nesting in the same piece of meadow land, and filling the air with their sweet, wild music. They place their nest in a shallow hollow on the ground; it is lined with grass and frequently so covered as to be almost arched over to conceal the eggs. Four or five eggs of a grayish white, thickly blotched and spotted with brown of different shades and lilac, generally covered with ground color on the larger end (.84 × .62).

COWBIRD.
495. Molothrus ater. 7½ inches.

It is to be found throughout the United States and the southern portion of Canada. They are the only birds which we have that neither make a nest of their own nor care for their young. They will deposit a single egg (sometimes two) in the nest of some other bird, usually of a smaller variety.

BRONZED COWBIRD.
496a. Tangavius æneus. 7 inches.

The same as above, being more of a bronze color, found in Arizona and Mexico.

RED-EYED COWBIRD.
496. Tangavius æneus involucratus. 8½ inches.

Habits as above. Plumage is glossy black, with brassy reflections. They are abundant in southern Texas, and in Mexico (not illustrated).

YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRD.
497. Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus. 10 inches.

A large and handsome bird, with bright yellow head and breast; body black, with a white patch on the wing. They are a western bird, being found from the central United States to California. They breed abundantly in suitable marshes throughout their range. Their nests are made of strips of rushes, interwoven and fastened to the upright rushes only a few inches above the water. The four to six grayish white eggs are spotted with shades of brown and gray (1.00 × .70).

RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD.
498. Agelaius phœniceus. 9 inches.

An eastern bird, found as far west as the eastern part of the Rockies. Very common in many parts of the east, where it builds much the same as does the previous, laying four or five eggs, bluish white, spotted, blotched and scratched with shades of brown (1.00 × .70).

SONORA RED-WING BLACKBIRD.
498a. Agelaius phœniceus sonoriensis. 9 inches.

Similar, but with more of a buff in place of the white on the wing. In southern California and Arizona (not illustrated).

BICOLORED RED-WING.
499. Agelaius gubernator californicus. 8½ inches.

The male of this species do not have the light margins to the red on the shoulders, as do the others. They are found on the Pacific coast from Washington to southern California. Eggs and nests the same.

TRICOLORED RED-WING.
500. Agelaius tricolor. 9 inches.

This species is a much deeper red on the shoulders, and the buff color on the preceding is white on this bird. They are restricted to a small range, the Pacific coast of California and Oregon, and are not nearly as common as the eastern variety. Their nesting habits are the same, and the eggs are indistinguishable.

WESTERN MEADOWLARK.
501.1. Sturnella neglecta. 9 inches.

This variety is somewhat paler than the eastern bird. In habits it is the same. The nests and eggs cannot be separated from the eastern. There seems to be one great distinguishing quality between the two, and that is in their song or notes. The first one that I had the pleasure of hearing was in Oregon, and my first thought was of our eastern Bobolink, but on seeing the bird in flight, I at once knew that it was a new song, sung by our eastern Meadowlark in appearance. They feed on insect life, beetles, etc. They lay from four to seven eggs, spotted with shades of brown (1.10 × .80).

SCOTT ORIOLE.
504. Icterus parisorum. 8 inches.

This is not a common species in any part of its range, from southern California to Texas, and in Mexico. It is a handsomely marked bird, with its clear black and yellow. They build a hanging nest, usually suspended from the under sides of the leaves of the yucca palm, or from small branches of low trees. Three to four bluish white eggs, specked and blotched with brown about the larger end (.95 × .65).

SENNETT ORIOLE.
505. Icterus cucullatus sennetti. 7½ inches.

This is a deeper yellow; the face, throat, back, wings and tail being black, the wings with two white bars. Found in Texas and south into Mexico. Nests are made of hanging moss (not illustrated).

ARIZONA HOODED ORIOLE.
505a. Icterus cucullatus nelsoni. 7½ inches.

This is very much like the last, but lighter, and is found common in Arizona, New Mexico and southern California. Its favorite nesting place seems to be a bunch of Spanish moss, looping up the ends and weaving it closely together, and forming a pocket inside, which they line with dried grasses and yucca fibers.

BULLOCK ORIOLE.
508. Icterus bullocki. 7½ inches.

This is a western representative of our eastern bird, the Baltimore Oriole, and their ranges overlap each other on the eastern slope of the Rockies. They build a hanging nest, and in the southern part of their range use the Spanish moss and mistletoe for the foundation of the nest, lining the opening with grasses, hair and small fiber. Three or four white eggs, spotted and streaked with shades of brown (.94 × .62). These birds are of great benefit to the small fruit growers in eating the many injurious insects.

RUSTY BLACKBIRD.
509. Euphagus carolinus. 9 inches.

This is a bird of the east, but is found on the eastern slope of the Rockies, and straying into southern California to the Gulf of Mexico. Breeds along the northern borders of the United States, northwest to Alaska. The female is very much lighter than the male, and of a brownish drab color. They build large substantial nests of moss, twigs and grass, lined with finer material of the same, and placed in low bushes or trees only a few feet from the ground. Three to five eggs, pale bluish green, blotched and spotted with brown (.96 × .71).

BREWER BLACKBIRD.
510. Euphagus cyanocephalus. 10 inches.

Found throughout western North America, breeding from Alaska to southern California. They differ from the preceding in having a purplish reflection on the head and upper parts, and greenish black body. They nest abundantly throughout their range, either in bushes or trees at low elevations, or upon the ground; the nests are made of sticks, roots and grasses, lined with finer grass. Three to five eggs are laid, which are very variable in marking, a dull white, spotted and blotched all over thickly with brown of different shades (1.00 × .75).

WESTERN EVENING GROSBEAK.
514a. Hesperiphona vespertina montana. 8 inches.

Western North America, and breeding from British Columbia to central California. They build in the evergreen trees upon the mountain side or along some stream in the willows; they are always frail structures made up of a few loosely put together twigs and roots. Three or four pale greenish eggs, spotted sparingly with brown, are the usual complement (.90 × .65).

CALIFORNIA PINE GROSBEAK.
515b. Pinicola enucleator californica. 8 inches.

These are one of the most unsuspicious birds that we have, and can be approached to within a few feet. The male is a bright red above and an ashy gray below, having much less of the red than his eastern relative. The female is a dull ashy gray, with a yellowish brown on the top of head and rump. They like the cooler places in which to live, and are found about the snow lines on the mountain, where they feed largely upon the seeds of the coniferous trees, in which they place their nests, making them of fine twigs and rootlets, and lining with grass and moss. They lay three or four eggs, light greenish blue, with splashes of brown and fainter markings of lilac (1.00 × .70).

CALIFORNIA PURPLE FINCH.
517a. Carpodacus purpureus californicus. 6 inches.

This is found from British Columbia to southern California. It breeds well up in the mountains, usually in evergreens. Three or four eggs of a greenish blue, spotted with brown (.85 × .65).

CASSIN PURPLE FINCH.
518. Carpodacus cassini. 6 inches.

It is found west of the Rockies, breeding from British Columbia south to New Mexico, well up in the mountain regions, as far as the timber line extends. The back, wings and tail of this are darker than the preceding species; the purple color being more of a rosy tint. Their nests are made of twigs and rootlets, loosely put together, and almost flat; they lay three or four eggs not to be recognized from the last.

HOUSE FINCH.
519. Carpodacus mexicanus frontalis. 6 inches.

This is one of the most familiar birds on the Pacific coast. With his bright colors, and the more quiet colors of his mate, and the habit they have of keeping close to civilization, building their nests in the vines about the porches of the houses, both in the country and even in the cities, they are great favorites with every one. Their clear and pleasant song is kept up continually during the day, and where two or three pairs are nesting nearby, there is no lack for bird music. Their nests are made of fine rootlets and grass placed in almost any bush, tree or vine, if near some dwelling.

CROSSBILL.
521. Loxia curvirostra minor. 6 inches.

Found throughout the greater part of North America, and breeds in suitable locations on the mountain sides among the coniferous trees. On the Pacific coast, breeding from Alaska to southern California. In abundance they vary each year greatly, according to the food supply of cones in the evergreen trees from which they secure their seed supply; their twisted bill quickly opening up the cones and cleaning out the small seeds. Their nests are made of fine roots and grasses, and three or four eggs, greenish white, spotted and lined with shades of brown, are laid (.75 × .55).

WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILL.
522. Loxia leucoptera. 6½ inches.

These are of a lighter and more rosy color than the preceding, and also have a large white patch on the wings. The female is marked the same, with grayish and buff in place of the red on the males. Nesting habits and locations are the same as above. The eggs average a little larger and heavier marked (.80 × .55).

ALEUTIAN ROSY FINCH.
523. Leucosticte griseonucha. 6½ inches.

This is the largest of the family; they are pretty birds, with dark chestnut back and breast, and with the rump, wings and tail with a rosy tint. These are birds of the mountains and high altitudes, above or near the snow line. They are found breeding on the islands of Bering Sea, and in the western part of Alaska. They nest in crevices of the rocks or under ledges, making their nests of grasses and roots. Their four or five eggs are pure white (.97 × .67).

GRAY-CROWNED ROSY FINCH.
524. Leucosticte tephrocotis. 6½ inches.

This is a lighter colored bird than the above. It is found on the eastern slope of the Rockies and has been found breeding in the Sierra Nevadas, in crevices of the rocks, after the same manner as the above. The eggs cannot be distinguished from the above.

HEPBURN ROSY FINCH.
524a. Leucosticte tephrocotis littoralis. 6½ inches.

These have more gray on the back of the head; otherwise the same as preceding in habits and nesting.

BLACK ROSY FINCH.
525. Leucosticte atrata. 6½ inches.

This species is the same in markings as the Gray-crowned, excepting that the brown is replaced with almost black on the back and breast. The females of this family are much the same as the males, only not as bright in markings, and the young are the same as the females. Found in the northern Rocky Mountains, breeding in the mountains south to Colorado. They are all restless birds, seldom making a long stop in one place, but flitting from one locality to another. After the breeding season, they congregate in large flocks and keep together about the snow line, getting their supply of seed and insect food. Their nesting habits and their eggs are the same as the Gray-crowned.

BROWN-CAPPED ROSY FINCH.
526. Leucosticte australis. 6½ inches.

These are to be found more southerly in the Rocky Mountains than any of the others, breeding in Colorado, and wintering in New Mexico. Their nesting habits and eggs are the same. Most of this family keep above the timber line during the summer, and only come down into the valleys as the heavy snow comes.

HOARY REDPOLL.
527a. Acanthis hornemanni exilipes. 5 inches.

These pretty little birds, with their caps of bright crimson and rosy breasts, are birds of the coldest regions, breeding in the Arctic regions, and wintering to the northern parts of the United States.

Nest.—They build very large nests, mostly of small sticks and grass, and lined with fine grass and feathers, which are placed usually within a foot or two of the ground in scrub bushes. Their three to five eggs are a light bluish green, with specks of brown, mostly about the larger end (.65 × .50).

REDPOLL.
528. Acanthis linaria. 5 inches.

Its range is the northern part of North America, breeding in Alaska, and wintering as far south as southern Oregon, or into California on the western coast, in the mountain regions above the timber line. In Colorado, they have been seen at 10,000 feet, and with the temperature far below zero. Their nesting habits are the same as the above, and eggs are the same.

PALE GOLDFINCH.
529a. Astragalinus tristis pallidus. 5 inches.

A paler form, found in the Rockies, south to Colorado (not illustrated).

WILLOW GOLDFINCH.
529b. Astragalinus t. salicamara. 5 inches.

A western form of the eastern bird, rarely reaching the five inches in length, and of a paler color, both the black and the yellow. It is common on the Pacific coast, from Washington to southern California, breeding in willows and low bushes. Nest is made of plant down, very compactly built, usually in a crotch. Four to five eggs, plain bluish white (.60 × .45).

ARKANSAS GOLDFINCH.
530. Astragalinus psaltria. 5 inches.

Found from Colorado to Mexico in the Rockies (not illustrated).

GREEN-BACKED GOLDFINCH.
530a. Astragalinus p. hesperophilus. 5 inches.

In southwestern United States from Central California to Mexico.

LAWRENCE GOLDFINCH.
531. Astragalinus lawrencei. 4½ inches.

This bird differs from the others of this family in being mostly gray in place of the yellow, having the head and throat black. They are found quite commonly on the Pacific coast of California, and south to Mexico. Their nests are nicely made, cup-like structures of plant down, in which they deposit four white eggs.

PINE SISKIN.
533. Spinus pinus. 5 inches.

These are a more northern bird, breeding mostly to the Canadian zone, and in the Rockies and higher mountains to the west. They feed largely upon weed seeds and seeds from the different coniferous trees, the latter of which they most often frequent, building their nests in these trees of twigs and rootlets loosely put together and placed on the crotch of a horizontal limb; usually four eggs, of a greenish white color, spotted finely with reddish brown (.65 × .45). They have a habit, while feeding, of clinging to the under side of a branch or cone, similar to the Chickadee, and, if disturbed when on some favorite tree, will make a short flight and circle back to the same tree.

SNOW BUNTING OR SNOWFLAKE.
534. Plectrophenax nivalis. 7 inches.

To be found in the whole of the northern hemisphere, breeding within the Arctic Circle and wintering south to the central portions of the United States. They are one of the birds that change their dress completely from winter to summer, in color. In winter they are a clear black and white, while in summer the black is changed for a coat of chestnut or brownish. They are to be found in the winters, on the hillsides and in fields where the weeds are showing through, feeding upon the small seeds, and at this time they are as restless and uncertain as the snowflake itself, from which it is called. They nest on the ground, making it of dried grasses and lining with finer grass and feathers; the four or five eggs are a dull white, spotted and splashed with shades of brown, mostly on the larger end (.90 × .65).

McKAY SNOW BUNTING.
535. Plectrophenax hyperboreus. 7 inches.

This species is still more white than the preceding, having only a few specks of black on the tips of the primaries, and the central tail feather. They build, in crevices of the rocks on the ground, a nest of grass, lined with moss and feathers.

ALASKAN LONGSPUR.
536a. Calcarius lapponicus alascensis. 6½ inches.

Their breeding grounds are in the northern part of Alaska in summer, and in winter coming as far south as Oregon and Colorado, when they may be frequently found in with flocks of Snow Buntings, and, like the Snowflakes, they breed on the ground in a depression in the moss or under some boulder, making their nest of grass and lining it with feathers. Their four to six eggs are grayish, nearly covered with spots and blotches of shades of dark brown (.80 × .60).

WESTERN VESPER SPARROW.
540a. Poœcetes gramineus confinis. 6 inches.

The chestnut shoulders and outer white tail-feather will distinguish this from any others of the sparrows, and the sides are more of a gray color than the eastern variety. Its habit of singing later in the evening gave it the name of “Vesper.” Found on the Pacific coast, from British Columbia to Mexico. Nest is made of grass, placed in a depression on the ground. Four dull white eggs, blotched with brown (.80 × .60).

WESTERN SAVANNAH SPARROW.
542b. Passerculus s. alaudinus. 5½ inches.

This is a slightly paler form of the preceding, and is very common in the fields and meadows, from northern Alaska to Mexico. They are birds but very little seen, keeping in the grass the greater part of the time. Their nests are hollows in the ground lined with fine grass and concealed by tufts of grass. They usually deposit four eggs, grayish white, blotched heavily with brown (.75 × .55).

BRYANT SPARROW.
542c. Passerculus s. bryanti. 5½ inches.

Found on the salt marshes of California to Lower California. It is a darker and brighter bird than the preceding (not illustrated).

BELDING SPARROW.
543. Passerculus beldingi. 5½ inches.

Found on the marshes of southern and Lower California. Is darker and more streaked below. Nesting habits the same; eggs darker.

LARGE-BILLED SPARROW.
544. Passerculus rostratus. 5½ inches.

The large and stouter bill, paler, and more of a grayish brown color, will distinguish this from any of the preceding. They are fairly common in the salt marshes of southern and Lower California. Their nesting habits and eggs are practically the same as those mentioned previously.

SAN BENITO SPARROW.
544c. Passerculus r. sanctorum. 5½ inches.

Breeds on San Benito Islands, winters in southern Lower California. Nesting habits are identical (not illustrated).

BAIRD SPARROW.
545. Ammodramus bairdi. 5¼ inches.

These sparrows breed abundantly in parts of the Dakotas on the plains, and winter in eastern Colorado, through Arizona to New Mexico. The tail-feathers of this species are much more pointed than on any of the preceding.

Nest.—This is placed on the ground in clumps of grass, and is made of fine dried grass. Usually four eggs are laid of a dull white, blotched and spotted with shades of brown and lilac (.80 × .60).

WESTERN GRASSHOPPER SPARROW.
546a. Ammodramus s. bimaculatus. 5 inches.

These birds are common in dry fields and pastures, where their faint lisping song is heard throughout the day. Nest is usually a deep structure in a hollow in some dry field, and usually placed near some rock or suitable place where they can watch the locality for danger. Four eggs are laid; white, finely dotted with chestnut (.72 × .55).

LECONTE SPARROW.
548. Passerherbulus lecontei. 5 inches.

More slender in form than the preceding; breeding above the line and winters through eastern Colorado to southern Texas. Nesting habits and eggs similar to above (not illustrated).

WESTERN LARK SPARROW.
552a. Chondestes grammacus strigatus. 6½ inches.

One of the most common, as well as the most handsome of the sparrow family on the western coast; with its bright chestnut on the sides of the head, and black and white on the crown. They nest in low bushes, or on the ground in a clump of grass; four eggs are laid; white with dark brown markings, mostly about the larger end (.80 × .60).

GAMBEL SPARROW.
554a. Zonotrichia leucophrys gambelt. 6½ inches.

This bird, a favorite with the people of the northwest, has been rightly called the “Northern Nightingale.” Their sweet song may be heard all during the day about dwellings or remote from them, or even in the night they have a habit of awakening and giving out the same sweet notes. In habits they much resemble the above, feeding upon the ground among the dead leaves in search of seed and insect food.

Nest.—This is placed on the ground in a clump of grass, and is made of fine grasses; four to six eggs of a pale greenish blue color, spotted and splashed with shades of brown (.90 × .65).

GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROW.
557. Zonotrichia coronata. 7 inches.

The crown of white in the above is replaced with a golden color. These are common birds about the cities of California during the winter months. Habits the same as above, and also their eggs.

WESTERN TREE SPARROW.
559a. Spizella monticola ochracea. 6 inches.

Somewhat resembling the “Chippy Sparrow,” but is larger and has a dark spot on the breast as an identification mark. It breeds in the far north, above the northern borders of the United States, and in winter is common through Oregon, California, into Arizona and Texas.

Nest.—This is usually placed in low trees or bushes or on the ground made of grasses and lined with feathers. They lay three to five greenish white eggs, spotted with different shades of brown (.80 × .55).

WESTERN CHIPPING SPARROW.
560a. Spizella passerina arizonæ. 5 inches.

This is one of the most helpful birds to our gardens, living upon insects injurious to vegetation and on the seeds from the garden weeds. They will nest in trees and shrubs, or vines about the house, making a small compact nest, mostly of rootlets and horsehair. They lay from three to five greenish blue eggs, with few spots of brown, mostly about the larger end (.70 × .52).

CLAY-COLORED SPARROW.
561. Spizella pallida. 5¼ inches.

These are much like the Chipping Sparrow in every way, with the exception of color, the brown being replaced by the clay-color. Breeds in the Northern United States and into Canada; winters south to Texas and Mexico, rarely in eastern Colorado. Their nest is usually placed on the ground, but may be found in low shrubs in some localities; four eggs are the usual complement, of a light greenish blue, with spots of brown about the larger end (.65 × .50).

BREWER SPARROW.
562. Spizella breweri. 5 inches.

This is very similar to above, but much more streaked with dark above. It is to be found from British Columbia south to Mexico, especially in sections where the sage brush is found, and in southern California near the coast. Its nesting habits are much the same as the above, and the eggs are indistinguishable.

WORTHEN SPARROW.
564. Spizella wortheni. 5 inches.

This is a southern form of the Chipping Sparrow, and is found in New Mexico and Mexico.

BLACK-CHINNED SPARROW.
565. Spizella atrogularis. 5½ inches.

This is easily identified by the black chin, throat and forehead. It is quite common in parts of southern California, and south into Arizona and New Mexico. The habits are similar to those of the Field Sparrow, their eggs differing in being unspotted and are a bluish green (.65 × .50).

WHITE-WINGED JUNCO.
566. Junco aikeni. 6½ inches.

This is slightly larger than the common “Black and White Snowbird” (Hyemalis). It is also a paler bird and the wings are crossed by two white bars. It is found in the central Rocky Mountain regions, where it breeds in the northern part, and winters to eastern Colorado.

SLATE-COLORED JUNCO.
567. Junco hyemalis. 6 inches.

This is common “Black and White Snowbird” of the east, and is the same as above, but darker and does not have any white wing bars. They breed mostly north of the United States, nesting on the ground, often under some boulder, making their nest of roots and grass in which they lay four greenish white eggs, spotted with brown about the larger end (not illustrated).

OREGON JUNCO.
567a. Junco hyemalis oreganus. 6 inches.

There are several of the sub-species of “Hyemalis,” all of which are very much alike in habits; varying in color and location. The Oregon Junco is found from British Columbia to southern California, breeding on the mountains of Oregon and northward. In color, this differs much from the preceding, with more black, and on the back a brownish color. The nesting habits and eggs are very much the same as the preceding.

PINK-SIDED JUNCO.
567g. Junco hyemalis mearnsi. 6 inches.

These breed at high altitudes in the mountains of Montana, Wyoming and Idaho, and winter south to Mexico.

THURBER JUNCO.
567c. Junco hyemalis thurberi. 6 inches.

Found most commonly in the Sierra Nevadas from Oregon to southern California. The difference in coloring is shown in the illustrations of this and the two preceding.

GRAY-HEADED JUNCO.
570b. Junco phœonotus caniceps. 6 inches.

The same as the Slate-colored, with the exception of having the back a reddish brown. The nests of all the Juncos are placed on the ground, and the markings of their eggs vary but little.

BAIRD JUNCO.
571. Junco bairdi. 6 inches.

Found in the mountains of southern and Lower California. This is a gray-headed variety with brown on the back and sides.

GUADALUPE JUNCO.
572. Junco insularis. 5½ inches.

One of the smallest of the family, and found locally only on the Guadalupe Islands off the lower California coast, where they nest commonly in the pine groves, among the needles on the ground, or frequently protected by some overhanging stone. Their nest and eggs are the same as the others. Eggs bluish white, with fine dots of brown about the larger end (.77 × .60).

DESERT SPARROW.
573a. Amphispiza bilineata deserticola. 5¼ inches.

This is an abundant bird among the foothills of southwestern United States, in Texas, New Mexico and southern California. It is found in the hot desert plains, where it builds its nest in low bushes, of the sagebrush or cactus, within two or three feet of the ground. It is made up of twigs, roots and fine grass, and lined with feathers and horsehair. They lay three or four bluish white eggs (.72 × .55).

BELL SPARROW.
574. Amphispiza belli. 5¼ inches.

In the hot valleys and foothills of the southern half of California and in the Colorado Desert, south to Lower California, these grayish, black and white sparrows are found abundantly in localities where the sagebrush is common. They build their nests of roots and twigs, loosely put together, and usually lined with grass, feathers and horsehair, in the low sagebrush within two feet of the ground, or quite often placed on the ground under the cover of one of these bushes. They lay three or four pale greenish eggs, heavily blotched and spotted with shades of brown (.75 × .60).

SAGE SPARROW.
574.1. Amphispiza nevadensis. 6 inches.

These are a very quiet and shy sparrow, rarely singing except at their breeding season, and to be found commonly throughout the sage deserts of the Great Basin, from Oregon and Montana to Lower California and New Mexico. They nest either in small sagebrush or upon the ground, making their nests of shred from the sage and grasses, lining it with feathers and hair. They lay from three to four grayish eggs, with heavy markings of shades of brown about the larger end (.75 × .60).

CALIFORNIA SAGE SPARROW.
574.1b. Amphispiza n. canescens. 5½ inches.

Somewhat smaller than the last, and found from eastern California east to Nevada (not illustrated).

BOTTERI SPARROW.
576. Peucæa botterii. 6¼ inches.

A larger gray sparrow, streaked with brown, and black spots. A southern bird, found in Arizona, Texas and Mexico (not illustrated).

CASSIN SPARROW.
578. Peucæa cassini. 5½ inches.

Found on the arid plains from Texas to Kansas, where it breeds much the same as does the Sage Sparrow.

RUFOUS-WINGED SPARROW.
579. Aimophila carpalis. 5¼ inches.

This small and paler sparrow is found on the plains of Mexico and north to Arizona. In appearance and habits it is similar to the Chipping Sparrow, and the two are frequently found in the same locality. They nest in low bushes, making them of coarse grass and lined with down and hair, in which they place four sunmarked, bluish white eggs (.70 × .60).

RUFOUS-CROWNED SPARROW.
580. Aimophila ruficeps. 5½ inches.

Slightly larger than the former, and the color more of a brown streaked with darker, and still more of a reddish brown on the crown. It is found throughout California along the coast to Lower California. They build on the ground, concealing their nest in a clump of grass or under some bush. They lay from three to five pale bluish white, unmarked eggs (.80 × .60).

SONG SPARROW.
581. Melospiza melodia. 6¼ inches.

A bird of song, as the name indicates, and their song can be heard in every state of the Union and in Canada. This is the most subdivided of any of the bird family; more than twenty sub-species are listed, all having about the same song and general appearance. In some localities they will be a darker brown, and in the light desert sands they are very light in color. It is almost impossible to distinguish one from another even when in the hand. Their eggs also have the same variation, and cannot be positively identified one from another. They all build either in low bushes or upon the ground. Usually four eggs, greenish white, blotched and spotted with all shades and patterns of brown (.80 × .60).

HEERMANN SONG SPARROW.
581c. Melospiza m. heermanni. 6¼ inches.

Found in the central valleys of California, casually to Nevada.

RUSTY SONG SPARROW.
581e. Melospiza m. morphna. 6¼ inches.

In the Pacific Coast belt from Alaska to southern California.

LINCOLN SPARROW.
583. Melospiza lincolni. 5½ inches.

To be found most commonly in the central and western parts of North America, rare in the eastern part. In appearance they are very much like the Song Sparrow, but in their habits are more retiring, and keep more closely in the grass, and out of sight. They nest in tufts of grass within a few inches of the ground, or in a slight depression in the ground. The nest is made of twigs, roots and grasses. Their eggs are similar to the Song Sparrows; three or four in number, greenish white, heavily marked with brown (.80 × .58).

SHUMAGIN FOX SPARROW.
585a. Passerella iliaca unalaschcensis. 6½ inches.

These are large reddish brown sparrows, thickly marked with spots of darker brown on the back and under parts. They are to be found from Alaska to southern California.

Nest.—In low bushes near the ground. Four pale greenish eggs, marked with brown (.94 × .68).

THICK-BILLED FOX SPARROW.
585b. Passerella i. megarhyncha. 7¼ inches.

This is quite a little larger than the above, has a much thicker bill, and is to be found throughout California in the mountains.

OREGON TOWHEE.
588b. Pipilo maculatus oregonus. 8 inches.

This family are all ground birds, and are usually found scratching among the leaves for their food supply of seeds and insects. This is a much darker bird than his eastern relative. The females are marked much the same as the males, replacing the black with a brown. They build their nest on or near the ground, of twigs, grass and with a finer lining of grass, and usually it is well concealed in bunches of grass or under some brush pile. They lay four or five eggs of a pale gray or white, much spotted with brown (.95 × .75).

SAN DIEGO TOWHEE.
588d. Pipilo maculatus megolonyx. 8 inches.

Darker and with few white markings. Southern California (not illustrated).

CANON TOWHEE.
591. Pipilo fuscus mesoleucus. 8½ inches.

These birds have more brown, and nest in bushes or trees and not so much on the ground. Their eggs are more strongly marked. They range from Colorado to Texas and Arizona.

CALIFORNIA TOWHEE.
591.1. Pipilo crissalis. 9½ inches.

A larger and still darker variety, with but very little white if any. It is found in California, from Shasta County to the southern part of the state. They are not as shy as the Towhee family generally are, and frequently come about habitations, where they will scratch about barnyards like chickens. They nest within a few feet of the ground, building much the same as other members of this family. The eggs are also very similar to the others.

ABERT TOWHEE.
592. Pipilo aberti. 9 inches.

More of a reddish brown. Found in Arizona, New Mexico and southern California, where it breeds on the coast range.

GREEN-TAILED TOWHEE.
592.1. Oreospiza chlorura. 7 inches.

This member of the family has characteristics of his own entirely different from any of the others. They are birds of the brush, and rarely appear above the shrubbery in which they nest.

ARIZONA CARDINAL.
593a. Cardinalis c. superbus. 9 inches.

These are birds of vine grown gardens and thickets, where, with their beautiful song, brilliant plumage, and quiet disposition, they make themselves the favorites of mankind. The bill is very large and stout, but the general makeup of the bird, with its long crest, is much to be admired. They build their nest of twigs, roots and grasses, loosely put together, which is placed in bushes, vines or low trees. Their three or four eggs are a pale bluish white, with varied markings or spots of shades of brown, mostly about the larger end (1.00 × .70). Found in Arizona and into Mexico.

ARIZONA PYRRHULOXIA.
594. Pyrrhuloxia sinuata. 8½ inches.

The bill of these birds is more hooked, short and stout like the parrots. Their crest, which is not as heavy as the Cardinals, they have the habit of raising and lowering often, changing the whole appearance of the bird. Their nesting habits and eggs are similar to the last.

BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK.
596. Zamelodia melanocephala. 7½ inches.

This species similar in size to the Rose-breasted Grosbeak of the eastern sections (which is sometimes found west to Colorado), does not have the bright colors of his eastern brother. In habits they appear to be much the same, their song is wonderfully sweet and clear. They are very quiet birds, and when nesting will almost allow one to touch them before leaving. Their nests are simply a few straws and sticks, loosely laid on the forks of some horizontal branch of a bush or low tree, so frail that frequently their eggs can be seen from beneath. They lay four eggs of a bluish green, spotted and blotched with different shades of brown (1.00 × .70).

WESTERN BLUE GROSBEAK.
597a. Guiraca cærulea lazula. 7 inches.

Found more in the open woods, in small groves and along the roadside in the small brush. It seems out of place to have three members of the same family with such a difference of plumage. One with rose, white and black; the next with black, brown and yellow; and this bird, a blue and black. Their nesting habits and also their eggs are much the same as above, the eggs being a little smaller (.85 × .62).

INDIGO BUNTING.
598. Passerina cyanea. 5 inches.

An eastern form, of an indigo blue on the head, shading to lighter on the under parts and towards the rump. It is found as far west as Colorado and into Texas (not illustrated).

LAZULI BUNTING.
599. Passerina amœna. 5½ inches.

Similar to the above, but lighter, while the under parts and breast are brownish. The wings are barred with two bands of white. It is found from British Columbia to Lower California and from the western coast to eastern Colorado. The nesting habits and eggs of the two are identical. They build in bushes or lower branches of trees, only a few feet from the ground, three or four eggs of a pale bluish white, unmarked (.75 × .58).

BEAUTIFUL BUNTING.
600a. Passerina versicolor pulchra. 5½ inches.

These are the most varied in color markings of any of our North American birds, having bright colors. Found in southern and Lower California, Arizona and into Mexico. Like the above they are to be found in thickets and hedges, where they build their nests within a few feet of the ground.

DICKCISSEL.
604. Spiza americana. 6¼ inches.

The male is a prettily marked bird with a yellow line over the eye, on the side of the throat, edge of wing and front under parts; black patch on the breast, white throat and a bright chestnut patch on the wing. It is found rarely in Colorado and into southern California (not illustrated).

LARK BUNTING.
605. Calamospiza melanocorys. 7 inches.

Bill very short and thick, and light color. The male in summer is a dull black all over, with the exception of white wing-coverts. Their habits are similar to the above. They have a fine song, which they often give while on the wing, after the manner of the Bobolink. The female is a sparrow-like looking bird, mottled brown and white. They are birds of the plains, from Canada to Texas, occasionally in California and Colorado. Nest on the ground, laying four pale blue eggs (.85 × .65).

WESTERN TANAGER.
607. Piranga ludoviciana. 6½ inches.

Found from British Columbia to southern California, breeding in mountains. Three or four eggs, bluish green, spotted with brown (.95 × .75).

HEPATIC TANAGER.
609. Piranga hepatica. 7½ inches.

A pale colored bird as compared with the Scarlet Tanager of the east, lacking also the black wings of its eastern brother. The female is a pale yellow on the under parts and an olive above. Their range is throughout Arizona and into Mexico. The nest is built upon horizontal branches of trees at varying heights from the ground, and is made of twigs, grass and hair, usually a frail structure, in which they lay four eggs of a greenish blue, spotted with shades of brown (.92 × .64).

COOPER TANAGER.
610a. Piranga rubra cooperi. 7 inches.

Western United States, breeding from Central California to Texas and the borders of Mexico. Their breeding habits are the same and the eggs are not distinguishable from the others, all of them varying in the markings, but practically of the same size and general color.

WESTERN MARTIN.
611a. Progne subis hesperia. 8½ inches.

The male of this is not to be distinguished from the eastern Purple Martin, and in the female a lighter gray on the forehead is the only difference. They nest in cavities of trees or in boxes provided for them in the cities and towns, both in the east and west, as they are to be found breeding throughout the United States and into British Columbia. They make their nests of twigs, roots and mud, usually lined with feathers, and lay from four to six white eggs (.95 × .65).

CLIFF SWALLOW.
612. Petrochelidon lunifrons. 5½ inches.

Their range is throughout the whole of North America; they can easily be recognized by their brownish throat and breast, white forehead and black cap. Their nests or homes are built of mud, securely cemented to the face of cliffs, or under the eaves of buildings. They make them round or gourd-shaped, with a small opening in the side, and lining the inside with grass and feathers. They lay four eggs, creamy white, spotted with shades of brown (.80 × .55).

BARN SWALLOW.
613. Hirundo erythrogastra. 7½ inches.

Their range is throughout North America, breeding generally from Alaska to southern California, and over the eastern part of the United States. They nest in barns, sheds or in any buildings where they are not likely to be disturbed, building their nests of mud on the rafters or beams near the roof, and lining it with feathers. They are a familiar bird in all parts of the country, and one of the most graceful while on the wing, skimming over the ponds and meadows in search of the insect life which constitutes their food. Their eggs are similar to the Cliff Swallow, creamy white, spotted with shades of brown and chestnut (.80 × .55).

TREE SWALLOW.
614. Iridoprocne bicolor. 6 inches.

Perhaps this is more commonly known as the White-bellied Swallow, and it is found in the whole of temperate North America, breeding from the middle United States northward. They nest in holes of trees and stumps naturally, but accept the bird houses that are put up for them in suitable locations near ponds or wet marshes. Their eggs are the same as above, both in number and markings.

NORTHERN VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOW.
615. Tachycineta thalassina lepida. 5¼ inches.

In the Rocky Mountain regions of the United States and west to the Pacific, breeding throughout its range. A most beautiful species with its blue, green and purple back and white under parts. They are abundant in favorable localities in California, building their nests in holes of trees, at times well up in the mountains, in the tops of some of the largest redwoods and pines, using woodpecker holes, and at times placing their nest in a crevice of the cliffs. Their nests are made of grass and fine roots, and nicely lined with feathers. Their four to six eggs are pure white (.72 × .50).

BANK SWALLOW.
616. Riparia riparia. 5½ inches.

The whole of North America north to the limit of trees, and south to the Gulf of Mexico, breeding from the middle portion of the United States northward. These birds build their nests in sand banks in almost all sections of the country, digging a small tunnel from one to three feet in length, enlarged and lined with grass at the end. They lay from four to six pure white eggs (.70 × .50).

ROUGH-WINGED SPARROW.
617. Stelgidopteryx serripennis. 5½ inches.

This species is about the same size as the last, and similar, but with the throat and breast grayish in place of the white. The outer webs of the outer primaries are recurved, forming a series of hooks. It nests in holes of embankments or in the crevices of cliffs, or among the stones of bridges and buildings. Their eggs are four in number and are pure white (.75 × .52). The range of these birds covers the whole of the United States, breeding from Mexico to British Columbia.

BOHEMIAN WAXWING.
618. Bombycilla garrula. 8½ inches.

A northern variety, breeding in Alaska and northward, winters to California and the northern states of the United States. It may be identified from the following by the markings on the wings of white and yellow, and the larger band of yellow at the end of the tail. The wax-like appendages on the wings and tail may be found on both species.

Their nests are made of rootlets, grass and moss, and placed in bushes or trees at a few feet from the ground. Usually four eggs are laid, of a grayish color, sharply spotted with brown (.95 × .70).

CEDAR WAXWING.
619. Bombycilla cedrorum. 7½ inches.

These are a North American bird, and great travelers in large flocks all over the country, separating at breeding time, and mating up, with a pair or two selecting some orchard or suitable locality to remain during nesting time. They breed throughout the northern United States and north into Canada. Their nests are placed in almost any kind of tree, on horizontal limbs, made of twigs, rootlets, string and grass, in which they lay usually four eggs of a dull grayish color, spotted with dark brown, mostly about the larger end (.85 × .60).

PHAINOPEPLA.
620. Phainopepla nitens. 7½ inches.

These are found from central California to Texas and into Mexico. In habits they are very much like the preceding, and the female is quite similar in looks, while the male is a rich shining blue black, with a long pointed crest, and a white patch on the wings. Their food consists of insects and small berries. They build loosely constructed nests, with a more compact lining of plant down. They lay two or three eggs of a light gray, spotted with brown (.88 × .65).

NORTHERN SHRIKE.
621. Lanius borealis. 10 inches.

One of the largest of the family in the United States, the breast being barred with wavy lines of gray above the paler gray, with the wings and tail having much white, showing especially in flight. They are bold birds; carnivorous in their habits, living upon other small birds, insects and small rodents. In winter they have been known frequently to live about cities, catching the English Sparrows in the parks and city streets. They tear their food to pieces with their bill, which is shaped similar to that of a hawk’s, while their feet are small and weak, not at all resembling the hawk’s feet. Their nests are placed in thickets or thorny bushes, and are made of shreds of vines, grasses and plant down. Four to six grayish white eggs are laid, these being spotted and blotched with shades of brown (1.05 × .75).

CALIFORNIA SHRIKE.
622b. Lanius ludovicianus gambeli. 8 inches.

In size the same as the White-rumped Shrike, and in habits and general appearance much the same, being somewhat darker, more on the under parts and sides. Eggs similar but smaller.

RED-EYED VIREO.
624. Vireosylva olivacea. 6 inches.

One of the most common of the family throughout its range, from the eastern slope of the Rockies over the United States. Wherever they may be found, their song is heard continuously during the day, from early morning until late in the evening, it consisting only of two or three notes, first a rising inflection, then a falling, and repeated over and over, even while they are feeding. The nests are placed within a few feet of the ground on an overhanging limb, suspended from a fork, and made of strips of bark, plant fiber and often with pieces of string and paper included in its construction. Three or four eggs are white, specked sparingly with brown (.85 × .55). This is one of the favorite nests in which the Cowbird deposits its eggs.

WARBLING VIREO.
627. Vireosylva gilva. 5½ inches.

These are nearly as common as the above, but probably not as well known, as they keep well up in the tops of the taller trees, where they also build their nests, very much the same as the Red-eye. Their song is much more pleasant. Four eggs, like above (.72 × .52).

CASSIN VIREO.
629a. Lanivireo solitarius cassini. 5 inches.

To be found west of the Rockies from British Columbia south to Lower California and Mexico. In southern California, it is found breeding much more commonly than the Western Warbling Vireo, placing its nest high in the oaks and coniferous trees. It belongs to the same musical family, keeping up its song from morning until night. The nest is made of similar material to the previous, and the eggs are the same, except in size (.75 × .58).

BLACK-CAPPED VIREO.
630. Vireo atricapillus. 4½ inches.

A smaller variety, the male marked with a black cap. Breeds in Texas, north to Kansas. Winters in Mexico (not illustrated).

HUTTON VIREO.
632. Vireo huttoni. 4½ inches.