AMERICAN MAGPIE.
475. Pica pica hudsonia. 20 inches.
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).
[Illustration: ]
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.
[Illustration: ]
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.
[Illustration: ]
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.
[Illustration: ]
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).
[Illustration: ]
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.
[Illustration: ]
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).
[Illustration: ]
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.
[Illustration: ]
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).
[Illustration: ]
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.
[Illustration: ]
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).
[Illustration: ]
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).
[Illustration: ]
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).
[Illustration: ]
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.
[Illustration: ]
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).
[Illustration: ]
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.
[Illustration: ]
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.
[Illustration: ]
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.
[Illustration: ]
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.
[Illustration: ]
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.
[Illustration: ]
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.
[Illustration: ]
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).
[Illustration: ]
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.
[Illustration: ]
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).
[Illustration: ]
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).
[Illustration: ]
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.
[Illustration: ]
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).
[Illustration: ]
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.
[Illustration: ]
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).
[Illustration: ]
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.
[Illustration: ]
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).
[Illustration: ]
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).
[Illustration: ]
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).
[Illustration: ]
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).
[Illustration: ]
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.
[Illustration: ]
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.
[Illustration: ]
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.
[Illustration: ]
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.
[Illustration: ]
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.
[Illustration: ]
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).
[Illustration: ]
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.
[Illustration: ]
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).
[Illustration: ]
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.
[Illustration: ]
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).
[Illustration: ]
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.
[Illustration: ]
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).
[Illustration: ]
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).
[Illustration: ]
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).
[Illustration: ]
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.
[Illustration: ]
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).
[Illustration: ]
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.
Similar to last, without the black cap. Found in central and southern
California. Nesting habits similar to others of the family. Eggs white
with a few spots of brown about the larger end (.70 × .50).
[Illustration: ]
ANTHONY VIREO.
632c. Vireo huttoni obscurus. 4¼ inches.
Like Hutton, but a trifle smaller and darker. Found from British Columbia
to southern California, breeding in Oregon (not illustrated).
LEAST VIREO.
633a. Vireo belli pusillus. 4¼ inches.
Much like the last, and found nesting in southern California, Texas and
Arizona. Their nest is a neat, compact, cup-shaped structure, made of
shreds of vines and fine roots, and lined with fine grass. The four eggs
are white, spotted finely with brown about the larger end (.70 × .80).
GRAY VIREO.
634. Vireo vicinior. 5½ inches.
Found in the southwestern United States, from western Texas, and southern
California, into Mexico. They are not uncommon birds in the mountains of
Arizona, where they nest in low bushes or trees, building their nest
similar to the Red-eyed vireo in the horizontal fork of some overhanging
limb, within a few feet from the ground. Usually four white eggs, which
are finely spotted with brown about the larger end (.72 × .53).
[Illustration: ]
Family MNIOTILTIDÆ—WOOD WARBLERS.
BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLER.
636. Mniotilta varia. 5¼ inches.
This eastern bird, with its black and white markings, is found in
southern Texas, and has been seen accidental in California and Washington
(not illustrated).
LUCY WARBLER.
643. Vermivora luciæ. 4 inches.
Range.—Southwestern United States and Mexico. It breeds quite commonly in
Arizona, where it builds in almost any situation, in the loose bark on
tree trunks, in deserted woodpecker holes, in the cactus or in small
bushes near the ground. The nest is made of fine grass, leaves and
feathers, in which they lay usually four white eggs, spotted and wreathed
with brown about the larger end (.60 × .50).
VIRGINIA WARBLER.
644. Vermivora virginiæ. 4¼ inches.
Range.—Rocky Mountains, from Colorado to Arizona, and winters in Mexico.
They are much like the last, but have a patch of yellow on the rump and
breast. Their nest on the ground, beside some rock or stump, is made of
shreds of vines and grass. Three or four white eggs, specked and wreathed
with brown (.62 × .50).
[Illustration: ]
CALAVERAS WARBLER.
645a. Vermivora rubricapilla gutturalis. 4½ inches.
Found in the Pacific coast regions, breeding from central California
north to British Columbia. Winters south to Mexico. In Oregon and
California, these birds are quite common in favorable localities on the
mountain sides. They build their nest on the ground in a slight
depression, making it of twigs and grasses, and usually well concealed
with overhanging grass or brush. Their four eggs are a creamy white, with
fine spots of brown and lavender, forming a wreath about the larger end
(.60 × .45).
ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER.
646. Vermivora celata. 4½ inches.
Range.—Central North America, breeding in the Rockies locally, from
Alaska to Mexico. Crown with a concealed, dull orange patch. Nesting
habits and eggs same as above (not illustrated).
LUTESCENT WARBLER.
646a. Vermivora celata lutescens. 4¼ inches.
This bird is found breeding from Alaska along the Pacific coast to
southern California. Nest placed in similar locations, and the eggs are
the same as above (.60 × .45).
[Illustration: ]
OLIVE WARBLER.
651. Peucedramus olivaceus. 5 inches.
Range.—In the mountains of Arizona and New Mexico, southward. They may be
easily identified by their orange-brown head and neck, with a broad black
band through the eyes. Their nests are placed at high elevations in
coniferous trees on the mountain sides. They build a very compact nest,
saddled upon a horizontal limb, the nest having a resemblance to a knot;
it is made of moss, lichens, etc., and lined with fine rootlets and down
from plants. Their four eggs are a pale gray, completely covered with
spots of dark brown, the heaviest at the larger end (.64 × .48).
YELLOW WARBLER.
652. Dendroica æstiva. 4 inches.
Range.—The whole of North America, breeding throughout its range. They
are active little bunches of yellow, as they gather in their many insects
for food, all the while singing their happy song. They place their nests
in almost any kind of trees, but seem to prefer willows and alders near
some brook or pond, where insect life is abundant. Their nest is a
compact, cup-shaped structure, made of fibers and grasses, lined with
plant down or cotton.
[Illustration: ]
MYRTLE WARBLER.
655. Dendroica coronata. 5½ inches.
Range.—Most of North America. On the Pacific coast, it is found from
central Oregon to southern California. It is quite commonly known as the
Yellow-rumped Warbler, both in the east and west. They differ from the
following, mostly in the throat markings, this one having a white throat
and much more black on the head and breast, while on the following the
throat is yellow. They nest in the lower branches of coniferous trees,
making it of grasses, rootlets and fiber, in which they lay usually four
eggs, white, spotted with shades of brown and lilac, more heavily about
the larger end (.70 × .50).
AUDUBON WARBLER.
656. Dendroica auduboni. 5½ inches.
This species is found in the western United States from British Columbia
to Mexico, and rarely east of the Rockies. They are more of a
dull-colored bird than the preceding. Their nesting habits and eggs are
identical with the last (.68 × .52).
[Illustration: ]
MAGNOLIA WARBLER.
657. Dendroica magnolia. 5 inches.
Range.—This is an eastern bird, found west to the Rockies and accidental
in California. The white over the eye, white wing patch, and the band of
white across the tail will identify this species (not illustrated).
BLACK-POLL WARBLER.
661. Dendroica striata. 5½ inches.
Range.—North America, mostly east of the Rockies, but found in the
Rockies from Alaska to Colorado. They nest on the lower branches of
coniferous trees, made of roots and strips of vine, and lined with
feathers and lichens. Four dull white eggs, spotted with brown (.72 ×
.50).
GRACE WARBLER.
664. Dendroica graciæ. 4½ inches.
Range.—Western North America, British Columbia to Lower California and
Arizona. Nest usually in pines near the tops of the trees, made of roots,
fibers and lined with plant down. Eggs white, with light spots of brown
(.65 × .45).
[Illustration: ]
BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLER.
665. Dendroica nigrescens. 4½ inches.
Range.—Western North America, British Columbia to Lower California. A
small bird, with a black throat and breast, forming a circle about the
neck, and black on top of the head. They are found mostly in the
woodlands, bordered with thickets, in which they will place their nests,
within a few feet of the ground. It much resembles that of the Yellow
Bird, being compact and made of the same materials. Three or four eggs
are creamy white, spotted with brown, forming a wreath about the larger
end (.65 × .52).
BLACK-THROATED GREEN WARBLER.
667. Dendroica virens. 5 inches.
Range.—Mostly in the eastern part of North America, but occasionally in
the southern Rockies, Texas and Arizona. Black throat and breast, with
bright yellow cheeks and olive head and back (not illustrated).
TOWNSEND WARBLER.
668. Dendroica townsendi. 5 inches.
Range.—Western United States. A similar bird to the above, with black on
top of the head in place of the olive. Nesting habits are practically the
same, as are also the eggs.
[Illustration: ]
HERMIT WARBLER.
669. Dendroica occidentalis. 5 inches.
Range.—Western North America, from British Columbia to southern
California, Texas and Arizona. These are to be found in the high,
mountainous regions among the coniferous trees, where they build their
nests on the outer limbs of tall pines, almost impossible to find. Their
nests are made of grass, and the needles from the pine, and not much of a
nest as compared with some of this same family. They lay four white eggs,
spotted and wreathed with shades of brown (.68 × .52).
GRINNELL WATER THRUSH.
675a. Seiurus noveboracensis. 5½ inches.
Range.—From Alaska to Mexico, breeding in the northern portions. They are
a quiet bird, solitary in habits, nesting in stumps near the ground or
among roots of fallen trees. Four white eggs, spotted and blotched with
brown and lilac (.80 × .60).
[Illustration: ]
MACGILLIVRAY WARBLER.
680. Oporornis tolmiei. 5½ inches.
Range.—Western North America, from British Columbia to southern
California, breeding throughout its range. They are common warblers of
the Pacific coast, to be found on or near the ground in thick shrubbery,
where they build their nests within a few feet of the ground. This is
made of grasses and shreds of vines, and lined with finer grasses and
hair. Four eggs are laid, white, spotted and quite heavily marked with
shades of brown (.72 × .52).
WESTERN YELLOW-THROAT.
681a. Geothlypis trichas occidentalis. 5¼ inches.
Range.—Western North America, from British Columbia south to Arizona, but
not near the Pacific coast. It is one of the seven or eight forms of the
Maryland Yellow-throat, the greatest difference in them being in the
locality in which they are found. They place their nest in a clump of
grass, well concealed, laying usually four white eggs, with few spots of
brown (.70 × .50).
PACIFIC YELLOW-THROAT.
681c. Geothlypis trichas arizela. 5¼ inches.
Range.—The Pacific coast. Habits, nest and eggs same as above.
[Illustration: ]
LONG-TAILED CHAT.
683a. Icteria virens longicauda. 7½ inches.
Range.—Western United States, breeding from British Columbia to Mexico.
They are an attractive bird both in looks and habits. They are great
singers, but nature seemed to give them no special song of their own, and
they make good attempts to mimic the song of any bird in their locality,
and keep continually at it. They like the bramble and vine-covered
hillsides, where it is hard to obtain a sight of the bird. They build
their nests in the thickest of such places a few feet from the ground,
made up of shreds of vines, leaves and twigs, lined with grass. Four
white eggs, spotted with fine dots of shades of brown (.90 × .70).
PILEOLATED WARBLER.
685a. Wilsonia pusilla pileolata. 5 inches.
Range.—Western North America, breeding in Oregon, Washington and
California to Mexican borders. These little birds, with their deep yellow
under parts and breast, and little cap of jet black, are quite common
about many of the orchards and gardens when the trees are in full
blossom, taking insects that abound at that time. They nest in moist
grounds in a slight depression or in low bushes, made of fibers and
grass.
[Illustration: ]
REDSTART
687. Setophaga ruticilla. 5½ inches.
Range.—North America, found more commonly east of the Rockies, but less
common in Oregon, California and to Arizona. These birds are always the
most conspicuous when in flight, at that time showing off to the best
advantage their bright orange markings on the wings and tail of the
males, and the bright yellow of the females. They build a neat,
cup-shaped nest of plant fibers and down, which is placed in the crotch
of small trees, in which they lay four white eggs, spotted with different
shades of chestnut and black (.65 × .50). They are very active, and
constantly flying from place to place, taking insects while on the wing,
which constitute their food.
PAINTED REDSTART.
688. Setophaga picta. 5½ inches.
Range.—New Mexico and Arizona. These have much the same habits as the
above, except that they build their homes in cavities of rocks or on the
ground in swampy places.
RED-FACED WARBLER.
690. Cardellina rubrifrons. 5¼ inches.
Range.—Arizona and New Mexico.
[Illustration: ]
ALASKAN YELLOW TAIL.
696. Budytes flavus alascensis. 6½ inches.
Range.—Alaska and Bering Sea in summer, where they are fairly common on
the islands and coast. They nest on the ground, under or beside stones
and in bunches of grass; it is made of roots and grasses, lined with moss
and animal fur. They lay from four to six white eggs, thickly covered
with spots of brown (.75 × .55).
PIPIT, OR TITLARK.
697. Anthus rubescens. 6½ inches.
Range.—It breeds on the high mountains of Colorado, California, Alaska,
north to the Arctic Zone. During migration they may be found over most of
the United States in quite large flocks. Their nests are placed on the
ground in tufts of grass, and are made of fine grass and moss, lined with
feathers and hair. Four to six eggs are grayish, heavily blotched with
brown (.75 × .55).
SPRAGUE PIPIT.
700. Anthus spraguei. 6½ inches.
Range.—Breeds from Manitoba to Montana and Dakota, and west to the
Rockies. Habits, nest and eggs are similar to preceding.
[Illustration: ]
Family MIMIDÆ.—SAGE THRASHER.
702. Oreoscoptes montanus. 8½ inches.
Range.—From Lower California and Mexico on the plains to Montana. This is
an abundant bird in the sage regions of the plains throughout its range,
and are frequently called the Mockingbird, on account of the varied song
which they give from the top of some sagebrush or cactus, in which they
nest. Four eggs, greenish, spotted with brown (.60 × .55).
Family CINCLIDÆ.
DIPPER, OR WATER OUZEL.
701. Cinclus mexicanus unicolor. 8 inches.
Range.—Mountains of western North America from Alaska to Mexico. Among
the rapid streams that are falling down the mountain side, these gray
birds are to be found. They are strange members of bird life; they do not
have webbed feet, and yet they swim on, or under the water, using their
wings as paddles. They have a thrush-like bill, the habit of teetering
similar to the sandpiper, and a song that is not to be forgotten if once
heard. They nest on the rocks of these rapid streams, making their nest
of moss, a bulky affair with an opening in the side, in which they
deposit their four or five eggs of pure white (1.00 × .70).
[Illustration: ]
WESTERN MOCKINGBIRD
703a. Mimus polyglottos leucopterus. 10 inches.
Range.—Texas to California and southward, breeding commonly from central
California southward. These birds not only have a song of their own which
puts them in the opera class, but, as their name implies, they can mimic
or mock nearly anything in the bird line for song or bird notes. They are
not satisfied with a few notes early in the morning and evening, but will
keep their song in full play all day, without hardly seeming to take time
to hunt up a few worms or insects, as if eating was not to be considered
when he could sing.
They nest usually low down in bushes and thickets, and construct a bulky
nest of sticks, roots and grass. Three to five eggs are of a greenish
color, spotted and blotched all over in many patterns with shades of
brown (.95 × .72).
CATBIRD.
704. Dumetella carolinensis. 9 inches.
Range.—Mostly eastern North America, but extends over the Rockies,
occasionally to the Pacific coast. It is a fine songster and almost as
much of a mimic as the Mockingbird. Breeding habits are much the same,
but eggs are bluish green (.95 × .70).
[Illustration: ]
PALMER THRASHER.
707a. Toxostoma curvirostre palmeri. 11 inches.
Range.—Arizona to Mexico, breeding abundantly in the desert regions of
Arizona, where the cactus is mostly to be found. They all seem to belong
to the happy family of songsters, and there is no lack of bird music in
localities where these birds are in any numbers. Their nests are usually
placed in cactus, or on the ground under them, and are made up of twigs,
dried grass and moss. Usually four eggs are laid, bluish green, spotted
with brown very finely all over (1.00 × .80).
BENDIRE THRASHER.
708. Toxostoma bendirei. 10 inches.
Range.—Arizona and Mexico to southern Colorado. It breeds in Arizona and
southern California. General habits are the same as above. While it may
not be as common as the above, it is possibly a better singer. Eggs are
the same, spots larger (1.00 × .72)
CALIFORNIA THRASHER.
710. Toxostoma redivivum. 12 inches.
Range.—California, from Shasta county to Lower California. The habits and
song, as are also the nest and eggs, much like the above (1.12 × .82).
[Illustration: ]
LECONTE THRASHER.
711. Toxostoma lecontei. 10½ inches.
Range.—Southern and Lower California to Mexico. This is the lightest in
color of any of the family, and has taken on the color of the sand of the
low hot deserts in which it lives. Where it is so hot and dry that even
the cactus and thornbush are stunted in their growth, where the ground is
covered with the small varieties of cacti, with spines like needles. In
such a place one cannot imagine that a bird would be as full of song as
in a shaded piece of woodland, yet this bird has the same qualifications,
and morning and night his voice may be heard, pouring out as rich a song
as his brother of the north. Their nest, composed of twigs, weeds and
lined with grass, is usually very bulky, and placed in low mesquite trees
or cactus. The eggs are lighter in color than above, and with fewer and
finer spots of brown (1.10 × .75).
CRISSAL THRASHER.
712. Toxostoma crissale. 11 inches.
Range.—From Utah and Nevada to southern and Lower California and Texas.
This species is somewhat darker, and more rufous on the under tail
coverts than the above.
[Illustration: ]
CACTUS WREN.
713. Heleodytes brunneicapillus. 8½ inches.
Range.—Southern part of California, to Texas, and north to Nevada and
Utah. They are the largest of the Wrens, and look the least like that
family of any of them. They are a common bird in the desert lands, where
the cactus abounds, but lacks the sweet song of some of the smaller
members of the family. Their nests are bulky, ball-shaped structures,
made up of sticks, moss, grass, and lined with feathers. There is an
opening on the side for an entrance, and it is usually placed in a thorn
bush or cactus. Their four to seven eggs are creamy white, dotted thickly
with chestnut (.95 × .65).
ROCK WREN.
715. Salpinctes obsoletus. 6 inches.
Range.—Western coasts from British America to Mexico. These bird are
equally at home on the mountain sides or in the deep canyons, building
their nests in the crevices of rocks or stumps, where they lay from five
to eight white eggs, with fine spots of brown about the larger end (.72 ×
.50).
[Illustration: ]
CAÑON WREN.
717a. Catherpes mexicanus conspersus. 5½ inches.
Range.—Rocky Mountain ranges, from Colorado to Mexico, breeding
throughout its range. As he is gathering his supply of food among the
huge boulders and in the large rocky canyons, where he makes his home,
you will, at short intervals, hear his loud joyous song, a song that puts
to shame that of his largest relative of the plains. They build their
nest of small sticks, leaves, grass and feathers, which is placed in the
crevice of some rock, either down near some swiftly running mountain
stream or high up in the cliffs above. Their three to five eggs are
white, with spots of brown and lilac well covering the under color (.72 ×
.52).
VIGOR WREN.
719a. Thryomanes bewicki spilurus. 5 inches.
Range.—Coast regions of California. These are active and restless little
birds. Eating and singing, and singing and eating is all this life holds
for them. Nesting in bird boxes, holes in trees, in sheds, or almost any
locality in which to place their six eggs (.65 × .50).
[Illustration: ]
WESTERN HOUSE WREN.
721a. Troglodytes aedon parkmani. 5 inches.
Range.—Pacific coast, from British Columbia southward to Lower
California. These happy little songsters are to be met with more about
civilization, and seem to prefer the cultivated lands to the wild. They
build in bird houses or holes of trees, and no matter how large the
tenement may be they will keep busy until it is filled, leaving only
space enough for their nest. They lay from five to seven eggs of a
pinkish color, with a wreath of brown dots about the larger end (.65 ×
.52).
WESTERN WINTER WREN.
722a. Nannus hiemalis pacificus. 4 inches.
Range.—From Alaska to New Mexico, through North America. This is the
smallest of the family, and is also one of the most quiet in song. They
are active little fellows, just a bunch of feathers, with a short stub of
a tail up over their backs when observed, and getting about the brush
heaps and stone walls like little mice. They nest in walls or crevices of
rocks, and stumps, building of twigs, leaves, grass and feathers, in
which usually six or seven eggs, creamy white, finely specked with brown,
are laid (.60 × .48).
[Illustration: ]
ALASKA WREN.
723. Nannus alascensis. 4½ inches.
Range.—Aleutian Islands and Alaska. This is a somewhat larger variety of
the preceding, and is found only in the far north. Its breeding habits
are the same, as are also the eggs, which average a little larger (.65 ×
.51).
ALEUTIAN WREN.
723.1. Nannus meliger. 4½ inches.
Range.—Western Aleutian Islands to Alaska. Very similar to the above,
both in song and general habits. They nest in the crevices of rocks or
between boulders, making their nests of rootlets and grass, lining it
with hair and feathers. Usually six eggs are laid, white with a few
specks of brown (.58 × .46).
TULE WREN.
725a. Telmatodytes p. paludicola. 5½ inches.
Range.—Pacific coast, from British Columbia to southern California. This
is a western form of the Long-billed Marsh Wren, found more east of the
Rockies. They build a globular-shaped nest of grass and rushes, attached
to upright rushes just above the water. Five eggs are laid, of a pale
chestnut color, with darker markings (.64 × .45).
[Illustration: ]
ROCKY MOUNTAIN CREEPER.
726b. Certhia familiaris montana. 5½ inches.
Range.—From Alaska, in the Rocky Mountains, to southern California and
Mexico, breeding throughout its range. A quiet, small, brown colored bird
of the deep woods, where its lisping note may be heard, if the air is
very quiet, and one is looking for bird life. When found, it will
generally be climbing up the trunk of some tall tree, searching the
crevices of the bark for the small insect life on which it feeds; when
near the top, a downward flight to the base of another tree. Always
flying down, and climbing up. Their nest is placed in the loose bark, and
is made of fiber, moss and grass. They lay from four to seven white eggs,
spotted with chestnut (.58 × .48).
SLENDER-BILLED NUTHATCH.
727a. Sitta carolinensis aculeata. 6 inches.
Range.—Pacific coast region, from British Columbia to southern
California. These are similar to the White-breasted bird of the east.
Unlike the above, although these are tree climbers, they are as often
found coming down the tree as climbing up. They build in cavities of
various kinds of trees, laying five or six white eggs, quite heavily
marked with brown and lilac (.80 × .60).
[Illustration: ]
RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH.
728. Sitta canadensis. 4½ inches.
Range.—North America, breeding in the northern part of the United States
and northward. Like the former, these are great acrobats, looking into
every crevice of the bark in search of their supply of food, caring
little whether they are going up or down in their search. After the
breeding season these birds are often found in flocks about the
coniferous trees, and appear to be very sociable, keeping up a continuous
“yank, yank,” among themselves. They have no other song.
Their nest is usually placed in a cavity of some tree at quite an
elevation from the ground, being lined with strips of bark and feathers.
They lay from four to six white eggs, thickly spotted with shades of
brown (.60 × .50).
PYGMY NUTHATCH.
730. Sitta pygmæa. 4 inches.
Range.—West of the Rockies, from British Columbia to southern California
and Mexico, breeding throughout its range. These are the smallest of the
family, and their habits and nest and eggs are the same as the preceding.
Their eggs being slightly smaller.
[Illustration: ]
PLAIN TITMOUSE.
733. Bæolophus inornatus. 5½ inches.
Range.—California and Oregon, west of the Sierra Nevadas. These are quite
common throughout their range; they are quite a little bird, with only a
few “quit, quit” like notes, and in color they are as quiet as in habits.
They build in cavities of trees or old stumps, their nest lined with
grasses, hair and feathers. Their five to eight eggs are white, rarely
with a few specks of brown (.70 × .50).
BLACK-CRESTED TITMOUSE.
732. Bæolophus astricristatus. 5½ inches.
Range.—Texas, south into Mexico. Similar to above, but darker and with
the crest black and forehead white. Nesting habits same as the above (not
illustrated).
BRIDLED TITMOUSE.
734. Bæolophus wollweberi. 5 inches.
Range.—Arizona and Texas into Mexico. This plain colored “tit,” with the
only markings about the head, black crest and breast, with white above
and below the eyes, is common in parts of Arizona, where it builds within
a few feet of the ground in cavities of trees. Nest and eggs the same as
the Plain Titmouse (.70 × .50).
[Illustration: ]
OREGON CHICKADEE.
735b. Penthestes atricapillus occidentalis. 5 inches.
Range.—Northwest coast, from British Columbia to Oregon. These lively
little birds are willing to make friends with almost anyone, and will get
so tame that they will take pieces of suet from the hand. Their well
known call of “dee, dee, dee” often repeated, is a cheerful sound, but
their other note of “phoe-be,” or, as it seems to me they say
“great-way,” is rather mournful and suggests that they are tired and have
a “great-way” yet to go. They build in old stumps, usually near the
ground, lining the cavity with grass, hair and plant down, in which they
deposit from five to eight white eggs, spotted with brown (.60 × .45).
MEXICAN CHICKADEE.
737. Penthestes sclateri. 5 inches.
Range.—Arizona into Mexico. Has more black on the throat. Habits and
their nest and eggs are much the same.
MOUNTAIN CHICKADEE.
738. Penthestes gambeli. 5½ inches.
Range.—Western North America, Rocky Mountains west. Habits same as the
preceding.
[Illustration: ]
ALASKA CHICKADEE.
739. Penthestes cinctus alascensis. 5 inches.
Range.—Alaska and eastern Siberia. One would naturally think that these
little animated bunches of feathers would freeze in the far north where
they make their homes. But they are the same sprightly little
“chick-a-dee-dee-dee” that we have farther south, and do not seem to mind
the severe cold at all. In habits, nest and eggs, these birds are so near
alike that it is impossible to identify them.
HUDSONIAN CHICKADEE.
740. Penthestes hudsonicus. 5 inches.
Range.—Western half of British America. Habits the same as above.
CHESTNUT-BACKED CHICKADEE.
741. Penthestes rufescens. 5 inches.
Range.—Alaska to Oregon on the Pacific coast, and occasionally to central
California. Habits the same as preceding.
CALIFORNIA CHICKADEE.
741a. Penthestes r. neglectus. 5 inches.
Range.—Middle section of California, near the coast (not illustrated).
[Illustration: ]
BUSH-TIT.
743. Psaltriparus minimus. 4½ inches.
Range.—Pacific coast of California, Oregon and Washington. In habits all
of these birds are similar to the Chickadees. They are full of life, and
in searching for insects are as much at home when upside down on the
outer end of a bunch of pine needles as are the Chickadees. For nest
building they have no superiors, making long gourd-like structures of
fibers, moss, and grass, woven closely together, lined with feathers and
wool, suspended from twigs at a low elevation or woven into some thick
brush; they have a small opening near the top for the doorway. They lay
from four to nine pure white eggs (.54 × .40).
LEAD-COLORED BUSH-TIT.
744. Psaltriparus plumbeus. 4½ inches.
Range.—Oregon, Colorado, to southern California and Texas. The habits are
identical with above. Nests are made the same, and from eight to twelve
inches long.
LLOYD BUSH-TIT.
745. Psaltriparus melanotis lloydi. 4½ inches.
Range.—Arizona, Texas and New Mexico. Habits the same as above.
[Illustration: ]
VERDIN.
746. Auriparus flaviceps. 4½ inches.
Range.—Colorado and southern California to Mexico. This bird is simply
nothing more than a Bush-tit with his Sunday clothes on, or not a full
suit, but a bright yellow head and neck dress. They are abundant and
active little fellows in the thick chaparral brush, where they build a
nest more bulky than the “tit” but not as artistic or compact. They are
placed in thorn or other bushes within a few feet of the ground, made of
twigs and weeds, and lined with fur and feathers. Their eggs, four to
six, are white. For amusement, they construct one or two additional
nests, in which they remain at night.
WREN-TIT.
742. Chamæa fasciata. 5 inches.
Range.—From southern California north to Oregon along the coast. These
are much like the Chickadee in habits, only much more secluded,
frequenting the deep ravines along the mountain sides, where they build
their nests of twigs, fibers of vines, grasses and feathers, in bushes
near the ground. Four or five greenish blue, unmarked eggs are their
complement (.70 × .50).
[Illustration: ]
KENNICOTT WARBLER.
747. Acanthopneuste borealis. 5 inches.
Range.—In Alaska casually. Breeds in the extreme northern part of Asia.
Their nest and eggs have not been found on this continent as far as we
know at present. They build on the ground in a tussock of grass, laying
from three to five white eggs finely spotted with chestnut (.70 × .50).
WESTERN GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLET.
748a. Regulus satrapa olivaceus. 4½ inches.
Range.—Alaska to southern California, on the Pacific coast. These little
birds are found commonly in company with small flocks of the Chickadee,
and like them may be seen hanging on the under side of the outer ends of
the coniferous trees in search of their insect food. They nest in the
northern part of their range, building large, comfortable-looking
structures of needles from the pines, strips of vines and grass, nicely
lined with feathers. Four to eight eggs, dull white, spotted with brown
and lilac (.55 × .42).
RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET.
749. Regulus calendula. 5 inches.
Range.—North America, breeding mostly north of the United States or in
the Rocky Mountain regions farther south.
[Illustration: ]
WESTERN GNATCATCHER.
751a. Polioptila cærulea obscura. 5 inches.
Range.—Western United States, breeding in northern Colorado and
California. These birds in their actions somewhat resemble the Redstart,
with their long tail, and quick flights into the air for insects and back
again to the same twig, possibly near where their nest is placed. They
build one of the prettiest of nests, very deep and cup-shaped, and on the
top of some moss-covered limb at twenty to forty feet from the ground.
Making the nest from plant down and moss, completely covered with
lichens, so that it resembles a large knot on the limb, much like the
nest of the Ruby-throated Hummingbird. Four or five dull white eggs,
spotted with brown (.58 × .45).
PLUMBEOUS GNATCATCHER.
752. Polioptila plumbea. 4½ inches.
Range.—Southern California, Texas into Mexico. Breeds like the above
quite commonly in southern Texas; eggs a little smaller.
BLACK-TAILED GNATCATCHER.
753. Polioptila californica. 4½ inches.
Range.—Southern and Lower California, on the Pacific coast.
[Illustration: ]
TOWNSEND SOLITAIRE.
754. Myadestes townsendi. 9 inches.
Range.—From British Columbia to southern California, through the western
United States. They nest at high altitudes among the mountain tops,
placing their nest upon the ground, among the rocks along the mountain
streams. They build a large, loosely constructed nest of roots and twigs,
lined with pine needles and moss, in which they lay their four or five
white eggs, spotted with shades of brown more about the larger end (.96 ×
.70).
WILLOW THRUSH.
756a. Hylocichla fuscescens salicicola. 7½ inches.
Range.—Western United States from British Columbia to southern
California. It breeds and is quite abundant in the foothills and canyons
of the mountain ranges. It is a western form of the common eastern
“Veery,” and its breeding habits are the same, nesting in an old stump on
or near the ground, making the nest of grasses and leaves, usually quite
bulky. They lay four unspotted bluish green eggs (.90 × .65). Their song
is peculiar and not as attractive as others of the Thrush family.
[Illustration: ]
GRAY-CHEEKED THRUSH.
757. Hylocichla alicæ. 7½ inches.
Range.—From British Columbia northward, and winters south to Mexico.
Their nests are placed on or near the ground in a stump or tussock,
usually in very moist places, and are composed largely of leaves and
mosses. Their three or four eggs are a bluish green, spotted and blotched
with reddish brown (.88 × .64).
RUSSET-BACKED THRUSH.
758. Hylocichla ustulata. 7½ inches.
Range.—From Alaska to Central America, breeding in the northern part, in
Oregon and Alaska. Their nests are made and placed usually the same as
the above, the eggs being of the same size, but of a lighter color. The
Thrushes feed on small insect life and many of the small fruits and
berries.
OLIVED-BACKED THRUSH.
758a. Hylocichla u. swainsoni. 7½ inches.
Range.—North America, breeding on the western coast in Alaska, Oregon,
California and Colorado. Their nesting habits, eggs and song are the same
as the Russet-backed (not illustrated).
[Illustration: ]
ALASKA HERMIT THRUSH.
759. Hylocichla guttata. 6½ inches.
Range.—Alaska to Mexico, breeding in its extreme northern range. These
birds are noted for their sweet and musical song, which may be heard from
the swamps and thickets in which they make their home. They nest either
on or near the ground, building it of shreds of vines, leaves and
grasses. Four bluish green eggs, unmarked, are usually laid (.85 × .65).
AUDUBON HERMIT THRUSH.
759a. Hylocichla g. auduboni. 7½ inches.
Range.—Rocky Mountain region, from British Columbia to Arizona. Tail is
much lighter than above, and bird larger. Their habits in home life are
the same, this bird having the stronger and sweeter voice of the two (not
illustrated).
WESTERN ROBIN.
761a. Planesticus migratorius propinquus. 10½ inches.
Range.—West of the Rockies, from British Columbia to Mexico. This is not
the familiar bird that is found in the east, but is very secluded, and
its song is seldom heard. Nest is made of leaves, grass and twigs,
plastered with mud. Four greenish blue eggs (1.15 × .80).
[Illustration: ]
VARIED THRUSH.
763. Ixoreus nævius. 9½ inches.
Range.—Pacific coast, from Alaska to Mexico, breeding in Oregon,
Washington and California. They breed quite abundantly in the northern
ranges in California and north to Alaska. Their nest is placed in small
trees and bushes, usually near the ground, and is made of twigs, weeds
and grass, lined with moss. Their eggs, usually four in number, are
greenish blue, sharply spotted with few spots of dark brown (1.12 × .80).
They have a pleasing song, which is rarely heard in their southern range.
WHEATEAR.
765. Saxicola ænanthe. 6 inches.
Range.—Alaska and accidental in Colorado, breeding in Asia. They nest in
crevices of cliffs or in stone walls, building a rude nest of sticks and
weeds, lined with hair and feathers. Their four or five eggs are a pale
greenish blue (.90 × .60).
[Illustration: ]
WESTERN BLUEBIRD.
767. Sialia mexicana occidentalis. 7 inches.
Range.—British Columbia to Lower California, along the Pacific coast.
These familiar birds build in cavities in trees, or in bird houses, and
make themselves at home near dwellings, especially if in the vicinity of
orchards of any kind. The note of the western bird has the same familiar
warble as their eastern relative. They live on small insects and
caterpillars, and some of the small berries. Their four eggs are a pale
bluish white (.80 × .60).
CHESTNUT-BACKED BLUEBIRD.
767a. Sialia mexicana bairdi. 7 inches.
Range.—Rocky Mountains from Colorado to Texas (not illustrated).
MOUNTAIN BLUEBIRD.
768. Sialia currucoides. 7½ inches.
Range.—Rocky Mountain regions from Canada to Mexico. Their habits are
just the same, eggs averaging slightly larger.