INTRODUCTION TO OUR BIRD FRIENDS
VOLUME 2
Text by L. B. Carson
Illustrations by Orville O. Rice
Copyright, 1957
BY CAPPER PUBLICATIONS, INC.
Printed in the United States of America
FOREWORD
More and more people are turning to the outdoors and the enjoyment of
nature. Many great Americans have been students of wild birds. This is
not accidental, for few forms of outdoor recreation offer so much
pleasure.
The _season_ of the year will in some cases determine what birds are in
your area. _Color_ is important in identifying species. Look carefully
at the _silhouette_ or _shape_; is it slender or chunky, is the tail
short or long? Compare its _size_ with a bird with which you are more
familiar. _Habitat_ is important, too. One learns to look for Red-winged
Blackbirds in wet marshes; for a meadowlark in pastures and fields.
_Behavior_ is a clue. Does it walk or hop; does it soar, does it walk
headfirst down a tree, as is the habit of the nuthatch, or scratch among
leaves like the towhee? Listen to the bird’s _song_ and _call note_.
With a little experience, distinctive songs may be identified. Each bird
has its characteristic song.
Bird study can be pursued with as much effort as the watcher cares to
exert. Birds need food, water and protection from their natural enemies.
You can provide these in your own yard. Some birds will be attracted and
you can study them at your leisure. Other species, those which live in
swamps, for example, must be searched for aggressively.
A bird guide is a splendid investment, considering the hours of pleasure
it will bring you. Binoculars are a help, too, in studying the size,
shape, beak, legs and color pattern.
Make written notes of what you see and hear, or a dated list of species
and numbers of each. Records will add to your own pleasure and add to
the sum of knowledge on birds in general.
This is the second booklet on common birds of the United States
published by Capper Publications, Inc. Each of the two volumes
illustrates and describes 50 different species. Additional copies
(specify whether volume I or II is desired) may be ordered for 25 cents
each as follows:
Bird Book Department 2
Capper Publications, Inc.
8th and Jackson Streets
Topeka, Kansas
White Pelican
_Pelecanus erythrorhynchos_
[Illustration: {uncaptioned}]
Soaring overhead during migration, a flock of White Pelicans is a
magnificent sight. These great birds weigh as much as 15 pounds, have a
wingspread of 9 feet and a total length of more than 5 feet. Their legs
are sturdy but short, the toes fully webbed. The bill is long and flat
with a pouch beneath the lower mandible. Three contrasting colors make
this bird easily identified. The bird is white except for the outer
two-thirds of the wings where the end and rear half is black. The bill,
pouch and feet are yellow or reddish-yellow.
The head is carried well back, which rests the bill and pouch on the
shoulders. They float high on the water and when surrounded by ducks and
grebes, they look like aircraft carriers with a destroyer escort.
Unlike the smaller Brown Pelican, these birds do not dive for their
food, but form a line, drive the fish to shallow water, where their
built-in landing nets ladle the small fry out of the water. Many
“crawdads” find that an open pouch is no place to hide when these birds
wave their open beaks back and forth in shallow water.
Pelicans must have originated the game of “follow the leader,” for in
flight, whatever the leader does, each bird follows in turn.
On mammoth wings
They wend their way,
On silent flight,
Across the bay.
Snowy Egret
_Leucophoyx thula_
[Illustration: {uncaptioned}]
Like ghosts from a bloody past, Snowy Egrets have returned to add their
beauty to American bird life. Woman’s vanity and man’s desire for money
once brought these beautiful herons almost to the point of extinction.
The dainty recurved plumes, which formed a part of the breeding plumage
of the birds, were known as “cross aigrettes,” when they were sold by
milliners. Women bought, men slaughtered, and egrets died, not only for
the plumes; but the nestlings starved after the adults were killed.
Plume hunters have departed and the birds are now found in their
favorite swamps.
This bird has a length of 20 to 25 inches, white with black bill and
legs. The feet are yellow, giving it the nickname of “the bird with the
golden slippers.” The young of the Little Blue Heron are also white but
have greenish legs, while the bill is 2-tone, blue with black tip. The
American Egret is much larger and shows a yellow bill.
The Snowy Egret formerly nested in the Deep South, but is gradually
extending its range to include more northern areas. They are prone to
wander widely after the breeding season. Western birders will find the
Brewster’s Snowy Egret in their area.
With yellow slippers
And spotless plumes,
Which are more charming
The brides or grooms?
Green Heron
_Butorides virescens_
[Illustration: {uncaptioned}]
Anyone who spends time near a lake, pond or stream will find this small
heron, for it is there that he secures the minnows, frogs and crayfish
which form the major portion of his diet. His favorite method is to
stand quietly on a partly submerged log where fish are feeding within
reach of his long neck and bill. A quick thrust and one course is
served. At other times you will see him sneaking carefully up to the
water’s edge, where some slight ripple indicates the movement of fish or
frogs.
This bird is small, measuring only 16 to 22 inches in length, but
appears even smaller until he extends his long chestnut-colored neck. At
a distance he appears to be black but a closer view shows a bluish or
greenish tinge to the feathers, depending on lighting conditions. His
legs are short and range from greenish to almost orange in color,
depending on the season.
The Green Heron builds a loosely-constructed nest, usually not more than
20 feet above the ground, but often some distance from water. They are
inclined to nest singly, but may form loose colonies when abundant. The
3 to 5 eggs are greenish in color and can usually be seen thru the frail
structure which these birds consider home.
Sometimes they’re green
And sometimes blue
When reflected light
Plays tricks on you.
Canada Goose
_Branta canadensis_
[Illustration: {uncaptioned}]
There is something about the Canada Goose that demands respect. Farmers
see him as a weather prophet for his fall flight indicates that winter
is on the way, while his spring migration tells them that warmer days
will follow. Hunters see him as the prize game bird, worthy of their
best efforts. Others point to this bird as a model for man, for his
strength, courage and fidelity leave little to be desired. Even the
newsboy stops selling papers to watch and listen as these great birds
pass over the cities.
Americans are fortunate, for at least one of the 5 sub-species of Canada
Geese is found in all areas. They range from the Cackling Goose, a small
dark sub-species not much larger than a Mallard and weighing around 3
pounds, to the huge Western Canada and the Common Canada with weights of
10 pounds or more. Richardson’s Goose at 4 pounds and the Lesser Canada
at 5 pounds are two smaller sub-species both lighter in plumage like the
Common Canada.
All show the same pattern: black head, neck, tail, feet and bill with a
white cheek patch and light belly. Back and wings are brownish-gray. The
cheek patch in most types is joined beneath the chin. The white of the
belly extends around the tail, making the black tail feathers
distinctive. The gray shows a barred effect.
He comes in various sizes,
And raises quite a din,
But you can always know him
By the strap beneath his chin.
American Pintail
_Anas acuta_
[Illustration: {uncaptioned}]
This duck has the widest nesting range of any species in the northern
hemisphere. An American Pintail looks much the same whether you find him
in Hawaii, Europe, Asia, Alaska, Canada, Mexico or on either coast of
the United States. The drake is a large gray-backed, white-breasted
duck. The white of the breast extends up the long neck to a point back
of the brown head; gray feathers extend up the back of the neck to the
head. The tail gives a clue to the name, for the 2 center feathers are
long, black and pointed. The female is a mottled brown and shows a long,
thin neck, bluish-gray feet and a pointed but not elongated tail.
These birds are strong fliers and do much of their courting on the wing,
the female leading a convoy of males, each trying to outdo the others.
Perhaps she chooses the strongest flier for her mate. The male has a
whistled note while the female utters a muffled quack.
Pintails feed in shallow water where their long necks give them some
advantage over the shorter-necked puddle ducks which enjoy the same
habitat. Nests are placed on dry ground and are usually a deep hollow
lined with grasses and down. The site is variable and might be near or
far from water, but the American Pintail will go all out to protect her
young.
A flock of “sprigs,”
The hunters say,
As these flash by
At break of day.
Blue-winged Teal
_Anas discors_
[Illustration: {uncaptioned}]
Some people call this bird the “Summer Duck.” The fact he arrives late
in spring and departs for his winter home before the heavy frosts
indicates a desire to evade cold weather. Most of these ducks are well
on their way to Mexico or South America when other species begin to
arrive from the nesting grounds. Early migration saves the lives of many
Blue-wings for hunters prefer this duck for eating. Their speedy flight,
their erratic twisting and turning, their tendency to decoy—all offer a
challenge to the nimrod.
The blue wing patch, from which this duck derives its name, also is
shared by the Cinnamon Teal which replaces this bird in western areas.
Shovellers also carry a similar marking. The reddish color of the male
Cinnamon Teal and the huge bill of the Shoveller help distinguish the
birds. In the eclipse plumage, both male and female Blue-wings are much
alike, but by the latter part of October the male assumes the dark head
and tail, a crescent before the eye, brown speckled body, back
gray-brown, white patch on each flank with dull yellow feet. The bill is
bluish-black. The female is brownish-gray in all plumages. Both sexes
show the blue wing patch in any plumage.
He likes to muddle every puddle
This handsome little teal.
You’ll see him dredge along the sedge
For there he finds a meal.
Ruddy Duck
_Oxyura jamaicensis_
[Illustration: {uncaptioned}]
This little duck is known by almost 100 different names in the areas
where he is found. But no matter what you call him or where you find
him, he is distinctive. No other duck except the Masked Duck, which is
found in the West Indies, has the stiff tail which often is carried
erect and fanned like a miniature sail. The male has a black or
blackish-brown crown and nape, depending on the season, whether breeding
or winter. The bright-blue bill, rich reddish-chestnut body and white
cheek patch make the male a beautiful bird in breeding plumage. In
winger the male assumes the grayish-brown coloring of the female, both
showing the light cheek patch with darker crown and nape. The head, neck
and feet are large for so small a bird.
These ducks are much like grebes in that they can dive or sink into the
water, are almost helpless on land, and patter some distance over the
water before taking into the air.
Ruddy ducks conceal their nests in reeds or bulrushes over water. Eggs
are larger than one would expect to find from so small a mother. The
male, unlike most ducks, seems proud to lead his little family on their
quest for food and remains near while the female incubates.
Everything about a Ruddy sets him apart from other ducks.
No matter what you call him
He’s nothing like the rest.
And when it comes to diving
He ranks among the best.
American Merganser
_Mergus merganser_
[Illustration: {uncaptioned}]
Many birds have developed beaks which help them secure their food. The
American Merganser is no exception. His beak is long and narrow and both
mandibles are edged with sharp, pointed teeth which are inclined
backward. The tip is covered by a nail or hook designed for catching and
holding fish which form the major portion of this duck’s food. These
birds are expert divers and the entire flock soon joins one of its
members which has located a school of fish. Both rough and game fish are
relished.
The male is a beautiful bird with his red bill, greenish-black head,
black back fading to an ashy-gray rump and tail. The chest, sides and
breast are white and often show a pinkish-salmon tint. Wings show a
black and white pattern and the feet are red. A large streamlined duck
sitting low in the water with a white body and black trim is
descriptive. The female has a reddish-brown head with an elongated
brushy crest, ashy-gray back and white belly. They can be confused only
with the Red-breasted Merganser, but in this case, both male and female
are crested and the male shows a white collar and reddish upper chest.
American Mergansers are rugged and linger as far north as open water
will permit securing of food.
Like arrows winging
From giant bow,
You see them flying
Straight and low.
Marsh Hawk
_Circus cyaneus_
[Illustration: {uncaptioned}]
The Marsh Hawk is often called “Harrier,” and his method of hunting
would justify such a name. They cover a field like a well-trained dog,
back and forth, here and there, cruising slowly with a deliberate flap
or a slow sail on wings tipped a little above the horizontal. A slight
movement, a quick pounce, and another field mouse has joined his
ancestors. The white rump patch makes a good field mark, either on the
gray-plumaged male or the brownish feathers of the female or young. The
long wings and tail make these birds appear larger than their length of
19 to 22 inches.
Marsh Hawks feed heavily on rodents but include insects, frogs or birds
in the diet. Dead animals or birds are not overlooked, thus causing the
Marsh Hawk to be blamed for kills which he did not make.
Harriers seem to take pleasure in diving at each other, and the larger
buteos, eagles, vultures, prairie chickens or flocks of ducks.
Nests are placed on the ground and are hidden by shrubs, weeds or marshy
growth. The female spends much of her time with or near the young while
the male is kept busy hunting food for his growing family. The usual
clutch contains 5 white or pale-blue eggs, lightly marked with brown
spots.
On tireless wings
They scan your fields
In search of rodents
Which cut your yields.
Bobwhite
_Colinus virginianus_
[Illustration: {uncaptioned}]
This chunky little brown quail is popular in every region where he
resides. Hunters spend thousands of dollars each year in pursuit of this
feathered bombshell. Farmers appreciate having such an active ally in
their fight against the hordes of insects which menace their crops. They
enjoy hearing his cheerful whistle as they go about their daily chores.
Birders are happy to know this is one bird which offers no problem for
they can list him by either sight or sound. Anyone can point with pride
to this bird’s good character for the male can, and often does, take
charge of the brood, teaching them how to exist in a hostile world.
The male shows a white throat and line over the eye, while the female is
content to wear buffy feathers which make her only a little less
colorful. Bobwhites nest and roost on the ground and will spend their
entire lives in a limited area if shelter, food and water are available.
Many farmers co-operate with their little neighbors by planting
blackberries, multiflora rose, or raspberries along their fences, not
farming the last inch of every corner of the field. Some even leave a
little milo or other grain unharvested near the edge of their fields.
Such practices pay dividends in the harvest of insects consumed by
Bobwhites.
Some like to shoot
And watch him fall,
While others like
To hear his call.
Wilson’s Snipe
_Capella gallinago_
[Illustration: {uncaptioned}]
Wilson’s Snipe, frequently known as a “Jack Snipe,” is the most common
of 3 species which have extremely long, straight bills. All feed by
probing in soft mud where their sensitive bills soon locate and obtain
their food. This bird prefers marshy areas near streams or ponds. When
disturbed, he leaves the scene so rapidly that you might miss the
erratic, zig-zag flight, the pointed wings, the stripes on his head, the
brownish-striped plumage. You might even miss the orange tail, but you
probably will hear the rasping note which he usually utters when he
departs. The Woodcock, a similar species, feeds in dense cover and has
bars across his crown, rounded wings and a chunky build. A third
long-billed bird is the Dowitcher, which feeds in open, shallow water
and is found often in small flocks.
Many birds are noted for unusual sounds which they make. Wilson’s Snipe
is no exception; however in his case it is not a vocal effort for he
ranks low as a singer. This bird uses a flight pattern which causes a
vibration of feathers as the bird plunges diagonally downward. Observers
have noticed the 2 outer feathers of the tail seem to be separated while
on such flights; perhaps this is the clue to the unusual sound.
His king-size beak
Is a handy tool,
As he probes the mud
’Round each grassy pool.
Upland Plover
_Bartramia longicauda_
[Illustration: {uncaptioned}]
The Upland Plover is a confusing bird. Ornithologists still are arguing
about what he should be called—a sandpiper or a plover. He formerly was
known as a Bartramian Sandpiper. Now the trend seems to indicate that
Upland Sandpiper is a name which fits his habits better than Upland
Plover. Altho he has legs long enough for wading, he uses them for
traveling thru grasses, not water. When alighting, he holds his wings up
momentarily before folding them; in fact most of his actions seem more
like a plover. Whatever you call him, he still will be found on prairies
and grasslands; marshes and mud flats have no appeal to this bird.
The Upland Plover is slightly larger than a Killdeer and is buffy brown
in color. His long neck, small head with rather short beak, long tail,
hovering flight, but most of all his prolonged call, make identification
easy. His long-drawn, mournful whistle seems to blend with breezes which
blow above the prairies, and once heard, is not easily forgotten.
These birds once were scarce due to heavy shooting by market hunters,
who slaughtered them in great numbers. They now are protected in much of
their range, but unfortunately this protection does not extend to their
winter home in South America.
We hear your clear
But mournful cry,
As you go tip-toeing
Thru the sky.
Greater Yellow-legs
_Totanus melanoleucus_
[Illustration: {uncaptioned}]
Sandpipers can be confusing, especially in fall plumage. Mixed flocks
require special checking even by experts, but not the Greater
Yellow-legs. His large size, slender build, yellow legs, gray upper
parts, white tail coverts and under parts can be confused only with the
Lesser Yellow-legs (Totanus flavipes). When together, there is no
problem for the latter measures 9½ to 11 inches while the Greater
Yellow-legs runs from 13 to 15 inches in length. The small, slim beak of
the Lesser is straight, whereas the heavier bill of the Greater seems to
be slightly upturned. The call is different, for the larger bird uses a
loud 3 or 4 note whistle. The smaller uses less volume in his 1 or 2
note effort.
This sandpiper prefers mud flats and his long legs permit him to feed in
deeper water where he adds minnows and crayfish to his diet. He can
swallow small fish but occasionally lands one which must be reduced to
bite size. However, the bird is persistent and soon completes his meal.
The Greater Yellow-legs migrates thruout the United States and may be
seen around any suitable habitat. It nests as far north as Alaska and
Labrador and may winter far into South America; however many remain
along our southern shores and bayous.
They could not miss
When naming you.
Those yellow legs
Gave them the clue.
Avocet
_Recurvirostra americana_
[Illustration: {uncaptioned}]
The black and white plumage of this medium-size shore bird is
distinctive. A closer inspection will show long, blue legs, a thin,
upturned bill and in breeding plumage, a rusty neck and head with white
before the eye. In winter, the rusty markings are replaced by a gray
wash. European birds lack the colorful neck and head markings, but show
the black and white pattern and often are called Awl-birds. The bill
gives the clue to such a name.
The Avocet feeds by wading in shallow water and swinging his bill back
and forth; flocks often advance and feed in unison. These birds also are
capable swimmers and have been observed while feeding like puddle ducks,
tipping up and extending their heads far under water in search of
insects and small crustacea.
Avocets formerly nested as far east as New Jersey but now favor the
shores of ponds, lakes and sloughs in the western areas. Sun-dried mud
or alkaline flats often bring loose colonies of these birds, anywhere
from Southern Texas to Alberta and British Columbia. When disturbed,
they circle overhead, utter a series of yelping calls or feign a broken
wing in order to lure you away from their nesting sites.
The upturned beak,
The legs so blue,
The black and white
All point to you.
Wilson’s Phalarope
_Steganopus tricolor_
[Illustration: {uncaptioned}]
Phalaropes are unique. Unlike most birds, the female is more colorful,
does most of the courting, leaves nest building, incubating and rearing
of young to the long-suffering male. Her lone contribution to the
rearing of the family is laying eggs. She does deserve some credit,
however, for she remains in the area and will join the male in circling
overhead when the nest is disturbed, both uttering a sort of nasal,
trumpet-like toot.
Wilson’s Phalarope is not only the largest phalarope, but prefers inland
marshes, while the Red Phalarope and Northern Phalarope spend more time
at sea. In breeding plumage, the female shows a distinctive black line
down the side of the neck, starting in front of the eye and blending
into a chestnut wash on the shoulders. Under parts and throat are white,
wings gray with a gray line extending thru the cinnamon buff of the
back. The male is grayer with a cinnamon wash on the neck. In fall, both
birds show dark wings, white rump patch and light plumage. The long,
needle-like bill and the whirling motion when swimming are good clues to
identification in any season. When feeding in shallow water, these birds
are active, always in a hurry and running from place to place.
You’re just a sissy,
That we know,
For you let Mama
Steal the show.
Ring-billed Gull
_Larus delawarensis_
[Illustration: {uncaptioned}]
Audubon, in 1840, referred to this species as the common American gull,
but due to the change in habitat and increase in population, these birds
have departed from many of their former nesting areas. However, next to
the larger Herring Gull, it still is one of the most widely distributed.
These birds form breeding colonies on islands in Northern United States
and Southern Canada, often sharing these sites with the Cormorant and
the Common Tern. Like other gulls, they are not to be trusted around
unprotected nests of other species, for eggs are considered quite a
delicacy in a gull’s diet.
The black ring near the end of this bird’s bill is not a good field mark
unless you are near or use powerful glasses to check the specimen. It
looks much like a Herring Gull, except for the smaller size (18-20
inches), as compared with the 23-26 inches of the Herring Gull. The
Ring-billed shows greenish-yellow legs, whereas the Herring has
flesh-colored ones. Both birds show a gray mantle with black wing tips
surrounding a white spot. The Herring shows a little more white in this
respect. Young of the Ring-billed are a lighter buff than most other
species and show a black band near the end of the tail.
That little ring you’re wearing,
Tho faint, still gives a clue,
When with other gulls you’re flying,
We know it’s really you.
Great Horned Owl
_Bubo virginianus_
[Illustration: {uncaptioned}]
The Great Horned Owl, largest of the eared owls, is found over a wide
area and may be either light or dark in color, depending on the area
where he is found. All specimens show a white throat, ear tufts and
yellow eyes. This bird is almost 2 feet in length and can handle
fair-sized animals when pressed by hunger. The hoot of this bird is
deeper, slower and more uniform than that of the Barred Owl, and often
can be heard as a sort of conversational note between 2 birds in the
same area. It is given as a 2-note “Who-who,” and answered by a similar
call from another bird some distance away. These calls are given on a
different pitch.
These owls nest early and often use old structures which were built by
hawks, crows or eagles. Hollow trees or stone ledges furnish desirable
locations. They are good parents and defend their home and young against
all comers, including men. Crows and jays take delight in heckling these
owls, but are careful to keep a safe distance, for Great Horned Owls see
well in bright sunlight, altho they do most of their hunting in
darkness. Their diet includes almost any type of animal life available,
but rabbits, rats, squirrels and mice seem to be preferred. Some feed on
starlings and pigeons which they find around city buildings.
“Who-who?” you ask
In querulous tone,
When folks invade
Your woodsy home.
Yellow-shafted Flicker
_Colaptes auratus_
[Illustration: {uncaptioned}]
People once called this bird a Yellow-hammer. Lots of folks still do,
and it’s but one of the many names applied to this beautiful woodpecker.
His brown-barred back, black crescent on the throat, spotted breast,
white rump patch and bounding flight, his large size, his loud drumming,
his posturing and his loud calls all point to this bird or, if you live
in the west, the Red-shafted Flicker. The latter shows a reddish tint to
the wings and tail where this bird shows yellow. Heads of males are
marked differently, in that the western bird shows a red line extending
down from the mouth, while the Yellow-shafted shows black lines.
A flicker prefers ants to any other food, and nature has equipped him
with a long, sticky tongue which permits him to explore anthills or
tunnels in trees where these insects might be lurking. When ants are not
available, he turns to other insects, fruit or berries, one of his
favorites the seeds of the poison ivy.
Flickers usually excavate their homes in the trunks of dead trees, the
entrance about 3 inches across and extending downward to as much as 24
inches. Both birds apply themselves to this task, leaving small bits of
wood in the bottom in lieu of other nesting material.
Sometimes he will surprise you
By feeding on your lawn.
But there you’re apt to find him
Until the ants are gone.
Red-bellied Woodpecker
_Centurus carolinus_
[Illustration: {uncaptioned}]
If you look for a red belly on this bird, you might miss him entirely.
Look instead for the red crown and nape, the heavily-barred back and
wings and grayish-white under parts. The female lacks the red crown,
only the nape showing this brilliant coloring. These birds are about the
same size as Hairy Woodpeckers (9 to 10½ inches) and are rather shy,
spending much of their time in wooded areas. Bird feeders supplied with
corn and nut meats with ample pieces of suet will bring them to your
yard. Their natural food consists of beetles and other insects, together
with a generous helping of wild fruits, seeds, acorns and when
available, some corn. It also relishes both juice and pulp of oranges.
Like other woodpeckers, the Red-bellied excavates nesting holes in trees
where their 3 to 5 eggs are laid. Starlings often are waiting to take
over these newly-constructed homes and form a real menace to these
hard-working birds.
Red-bellied Woodpeckers seem to be permanent residents in suitable
locations, not migrating like flickers and Red-headed Woodpeckers.
However, they usually are more common in southern areas with a northern
limit of Southern Minnesota and Delaware.
In deepest woods
Or near our door,
You seem quite happy
With your chore.
Red-headed Woodpecker
_Melanerpes erythrocephalus_
[Illustration: {uncaptioned}]
If all birds wore contrasting colors like the Red-headed Woodpecker,
identifying birds would be easy. You just can’t miss on this one—the red
head and neck, white under parts, blue-black back and tail, black wings
with a broad white patch. The young show a grayish-brown head but the
white wing patch gives you the clue.
These beautiful birds once were common and nested from the Gulf of
Mexico to the southern edge of some Canadian provinces. Recent years
have shown a decline in their numbers, probably due to Starlings taking
over their nesting cavities before the woodpeckers can rear their
broods. Another factor is their destruction by speeding automobiles.
These birds feed on flying insects, and often drop down on our highways
in pursuit of grasshoppers. Motor cars and some drivers have no respect
for wildlife, no matter how beautiful or beneficial.
Beechnuts, acorns, pecans and various fruits and berries are consumed in
quantity, and a good supply often will hold these birds far north of
their usual winter range. Most Red-headed Woodpeckers migrate, and like
flickers, sometimes fly at night, as both species have been recovered
after hitting television towers.
They like to build
Their cozy homes
In poles equipped
For telephones.
Crested Flycatcher
_Myiarchus crinitus_
[Illustration: {uncaptioned}]
Flycatchers can be, and often are, noisy birds. They seem to enjoy life
and want the world to know how they feel about it. The Crested
Flycatcher is no exception. To hear this bird at his best, stroll
quietly thru some heavily-wooded area. You scarcely are aware of the
flute-like tones of the Wood Thrush in the distance, drum of the Downy
Woodpecker, the bubbling tones of the Carolina Wren. All is serene.
Suddenly a loudly-whistled “wheeep,” followed by a series of equally
loud rolling notes, shatters the air. That is the Crested Flycatcher.
You might see him sitting quietly, peering intently at every leaf and
branch, slowly moving his head so nothing will be missed. Then you will
see the rufous tail, yellow belly, olive head and back, grayish throat
and 2 wing bars. You might see the slight crest from which he gets his
name. He is a trim bird almost robin size.
These flycatchers will nest in most any type of hole or cavity, even
bird houses when available. They prefer heavily-wooded areas. They have
the habit of using snakeskins either in the nesting material or draped
into the entrance. Perhaps it makes them feel secure. Since Americans
are prone to leave wax paper and cellophane around picnic areas, these
birds find such materials a good substitute for snakeskins.
Sometimes he is a rowdy;
More often he’s demure.
And drapes his home with snakeskins
To make him feel secure.
Eastern Wood Pewee
_Contopus virens_
[Illustration: {uncaptioned}]
Some early morning in May, when the trees are filled with migrants, take
a stroll thru the woods! The world is filled with bird notes and you
listen to the symphony of sound. Then you hear a questioning whisper
“pee-a-wee,” as if some stranger wondered if he should or could make
himself heard. Finally you locate the bird with the plaintive note and
find a little flycatcher, but since he is sitting on a well-shaded limb,
you have trouble with the markings. Eventually you see that he is about
sparrow-size, is a dusky olive-brown above with whitish under parts,
lacks an eye ring but shows 2 distinct wing bars. That is the Eastern
Wood Pewee.
Western observers will find the Western Wood Pewee to be a bird with
nearly the same markings and habits. However, the western bird has a
more nasal, single note song. Tho both birds place their nests on tops
of limbs, the Eastern Wood Pewee builds a shallower structure, well
covered with lichens and cobwebs, giving it the appearance of a knot on
the limb. Both nest in rather open situations. Both birds feed heavily
on insects and spiders, including many harmful weevils, flies and
beetles. Unfortunately they draw no distinction between useful parasites
and pests.
On summer breeze
We hear your call,
You speak your name
But with a drawl.
Tree Swallow
_Iridoprocne bicolor_
[Illustration: {uncaptioned}]
The frost hardly has left the ground, or the peepers and cricket frogs
assembled their chorus, when flocks of these swallows can be seen
winging their way northward. First flights include only the rugged males
which arrive well in advance of their mates. They also are one of the
last species of swallows to migrate in the fall. These birds show
whitish under parts, while the upper parts are a greenish steel-blue.
Western observers might confuse this bird with the Violet-green Swallow
but remember that the latter shows a conspicuous white patch on each
side of the rump.
Tree Swallows prefer a location near water and soon will occupy holes in
stumps so located: however, bird houses are acceptable. They do not
choose to nest in colonies and will defend their nesting site with
vigor. Those who erect nesting boxes for these swallows might find it
necessary to help them evict House Sparrows which often take a liking to
their homes. Flying insects form the major portion of this bird’s food.
These include numerous mosquitoes and other insects which hatch on or
near water, for that seems to be their favorite feeding ground. Other
foods include bayberry and wax myrtle berries, which are sought during
migration.
A flash of white
With glimpse of blue,
We see you’re back
And welcome you.
Cliff Swallow
_Petrochelidon pyrrhonota_
[Illustration: {uncaptioned}]
Cliff Swallows may be found in almost any part of North America but the
west offers more overhanging cliffs where they assemble in large
colonies. Their one requirement is an ample supply of mud for their use
in building the jug-shaped structure which they attach to buildings,
under bridges or overhanging cliffs. Mud reinforced with a few straws,
makes a sturdy home, and when lined with feathers, what more could a
Cliff Swallow want? House Sparrows also find these little adobe houses
inviting, but are not popular neighbors.
This species is easily recognized by the buffy rump patch. Other
markings include: a dull white patch above the bill, crown and back of
head blue-black, nape brownish gray, back blue-black striped with gray,
chestnut over cheek and eye, black patch on lower throat, with chest
flanks and sides grayish-brown with rest of under parts white. These
birds show more of an assortment of colors than other species.
It is interesting to watch these birds gathering mud for their nests.
Always they hold their wings high above their backs and trip daintily
around until they get a mouthful of mud, but hesitate to get either
their feet wet or their wings soiled.
With buffy rump
And tail so square,
We have no doubt
That you are there.
White-breasted Nuthatch
_Sitta carolinensis_
[Illustration: {uncaptioned}]
Nuthatches are one of the few “upside-down” birds. Chickadees and
titmice sometimes feed by hanging below a cone or some limb which they
want to explore; woodpeckers and Brown Creepers may brace themselves
beneath a limb, but nuthatches seem to feel more at ease, when coming
down a tree headfirst. That must be an advantage for they may see food
which the climbers overlook. It is amazing to see the ease with which
they travel, never using their tails as props.
The White-breasted Nuthatch, largest of the family, is about
sparrow-size (6 inches), and shows a bluish-gray back, white under parts
with blackish crown and nape. Beady black eyes are noticeable since they
are surrounded by the white cheeks. These birds seem to favor deciduous
trees rather than evergreens, the preferred habitat of the smaller
Red-breasted Nuthatch.
A supply of nut meats and suet on your feeder seems to attract these
birds. You might decide, after watching them for a short time, that such
a small bird could not eat such a quantity of food. A further check will
show that he is thrifty, making trip after trip to hide choice morsels
for future use. He is never sure how long the supply will last.
I watch you coming
Down a tree,
But why you should
Amazes me.
Carolina Wren
_Thryothorus ludovicianus_
[Illustration: {uncaptioned}]
Americans are fortunate. There are a lot of reasons, but one is the fact
that we have several species of wrens. There is something about these
birds that demands immediate attention. It might be their size, for most
are small. It might be their songs, for most are good singers. It might
be their trim, sleek-looking jauntiness—some might even call it
cockiness. These birds are popular around mansions or weather-beaten
shacks.
For those of us who live south of the area of severe winters, and east
of the plains, the Carolina Wren might be classed as a favorite bird.
Any wooded area, especially one with small streams running thru it,
makes ideal habitat for this songster. The more tangles and brushy
undergrowth, the better he will like it.
If you don’t happen to recognize any of his numerous songs, his size and
coloring will lead to his identity. He is as large as a small sparrow
(5½ to 6 inches), rufous red above with buffy under parts. He shows a
white line over the eye and faint wing bars. The Bewick’s Wrens and
Long-billed Marsh Wrens show a line over the eye, both are smaller.
Bewick’s has white tips on the tail feathers, while the latter shows
distinct stripes down the back.
That cheerful song,
Your roundelay,
Rings thru the woods
’Most every day.
Brown Thrasher
_Toxostoma rufum_
[Illustration: {uncaptioned}]
This long-tailed bird (with the rufous-brown color, white wing bars,
curved bill, striped breast and yellow eyes) welcomes spring with a loud
and cheerful song. You will see him sitting at the top of some tall
tree, throwing all his efforts into loud, clear notes. You will notice a
wide variety of tones but all seem to run to couplets and triplets, not
like the steady tempo of the Mockingbird or the more subdued tones of
the Catbird, both of which are near relatives.
The next time you see him, he is likely to be under a hedge or around a
brushy area, busily engaged in moving any leaves or other rubbish which
might hide a lurking insect. Another favorite habitat is along the
less-traveled country roads, where he always seems to think he should be
on the opposite side and makes a quick, running flight to get there.
Brown Thrashers are found in suitable habitat anywhere east of the Rocky
Mountains and sometimes spend the winter far north of their usual
southern range. Sennett’s Thrasher is similar but is found in the
southern parts of Texas. Brown Thrashers are often called “Brown
Thrushes,” but thrushes have short tails, a different type of song, and
prefer a different habitat.
You pair your notes,
Then triple some,
Which lets us know
That spring has come.
Wood Thrush
_Hylocichla mustelina_
[Illustration: {uncaptioned}]
To know the Wood Thrush is to love him. Unfortunately he seldom visits
cities unless parks or other heavily-wooded areas are found within the
borders. Forests, with a plentiful undercover, offer the seclusion which
this bird demands. There you will hear the flute-like tones which make
this bird famous as a singer. It is not a continued effort; each series
of notes is followed by a rest, allowing you to absorb the full beauty
of the rounded tones—then another, but completely different series,
sometimes higher, sometimes lower, but always the same pure quality.
Some think the Hermit Thrush is a better singer, but the Wood Thrush is
a close competitor.
When you invade his domain he will greet you with a series of scolding
notes, but that gives you a chance to see him. You will notice he is
slightly smaller than a Robin, has a heavily-spotted breast and a rufous
head, the back wings and tail more of a reddish cinnamon-brown. They
nest rather low and use either mud or leaf mold in building a sturdy
structure. This is an eastern bird but ranges from Minnesota, Ontario
and New Hampshire south almost to the Gulf. A few winter around the Gulf
of Mexico but most prefer the more southern areas of Mexico, Central
America and Panama.
If mortals had
Your gift of song,
Some popular tunes
Would seem less long.
Olive-backed Thrush
_Hylocichla ustulata_
[Illustration: {uncaptioned}]
The Olive-backed Thrush and the Gray-cheeked Thrush are similar. Both
show olive-brown backs, light under parts and lighter spots than the
Wood Thrush. The Olive-backed is slightly smaller and shows a more
distinct eye ring, buffier cheeks and breast. This bird’s song is a
series of flute-like tones which spiral upward. A. D. DuBois (M.S.
quoted by Bent in Bulletin 196-1949-P. 184) thinks of it as saying
“whip-poor-will-a-will-a-zee-zee-zee.” The Veery’s song starts high and
runs down the scale, while the Gray-cheeked Thrush’s song, tho similar
in quality, shows less variation and ends on a slightly higher note.
Except a narrow range west of the Cascades and Sierra Nevada mountains,
occupied by a western race, the Russet-backed Thrush, Olive-backs can be
found from Northern North America to Central South America, depending on
the season of the year. One of the nice things about this bird is that
he sings during migration, giving bird lovers a chance to hear his song
without traveling to the land of spruce, fir and birch, which is a
favorite nesting area.
More than 63 per cent of this bird’s food is animal matter and includes
many beetles. Wild, soft-skinned fruits with occasional seeds complete
the diet.
A swirl of notes
Ascending high
Like whirlwinds
That reach the sky.
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
_Polioptila caerulea_
[Illustration: {uncaptioned}]
This tiny bird, smaller than a chickadee, never seems to have a quiet
moment. On first sight, one is reminded of a Mockingbird, but not from
his color, for he is blue-gray above and whitish below. It might be the
long tail with the black center and white sides or perhaps it is the
trim build. There is a narrow, white eye ring, and the male shows a dark
line above the bill. These marks are sometimes difficult to see due to
the bird’s restlessness. The tail seems to be constantly in motion. Both
birds utter call notes, a thin “spee” or “zpee” sound. His song itself
is faint and seldom heard.
These birds range from Southern Canada to Guatemala and are permanent
residents in some states bordering the Gulf, but sporadic in their
northern range.
The Gnatcatcher is an early migrant and can be found well into his
nesting range by the middle of April. Nests sometimes are constructed in
advance of egg-laying dates. Perhaps the bird is taking advantage of a
supply of building materials which are seasonal. It frequently
dismantles the first nest, using the contents in the construction of
another nest in a more favorable location. It is built of plant down and
other materials, bound with webs and covered with lichens.
A whispered “spee”
From yonder tree,
Gives us a clue
That it is you.
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
_Regulus calendula_
[Illustration: {uncaptioned}]
When you hear this bird sing, you are impressed by the beauty of clear,
but variable notes. When you check the source, you are surprised to see
a tiny bird with such a big voice. His short tail might lead you to
believe he is even smaller than the 3¾ to 4½ inches which he measures.
His coloring is not impressive, being an olive-gray. You might notice
the distinct eye ring or the prominent wing bars. If he is excited by
your close inspection, he might flash the ruby crown feathers, from
which he gets his name.
In fall you might think this bird was a warbler for he has some of the
warbler actions. He constantly flicks his wings and tail in a nervous
manner, but you will miss the tail markings of the warblers. The
Golden-crowned Kinglet is similar in size and general markings, but both
male and female show distinctive gold crown patches. The Golden-crowned
seems a little more rugged and spends his winters farther north.
These birds nest in the spruce belt of Canada and spend the winter in
Southern United States with scattering records as far north as Iowa. The
Western Ruby-crowned Kinglet is similar in appearance but has a slightly
different song. It frequently nests as far south as New Mexico.
We look at you,
A tiny thing,
And marvel at
The way you sing.
Cedar Waxwing
_Bombycilla cedrorum_
[Illustration: {uncaptioned}]
Waxwings are the nomads of the bird world; like gypsies, they come and
go. Apparently they drift southward in the fall and northward in the
spring, but have no regular migration. They range from Southern Canada
to Central America but might leave when it frosts or stay thru the
winter. Unlike some “Knights of the Road,” they present a neat
appearance. In fact the soft, brownish-gray plumage, fading into lighter
under parts, the slate-colored tail with the yellow tip, the jaunty
crest, the black eye mask, the reddish spot on the wing, the sleek,
streamlined stance—all mark him as an aristocrat.
Waxwings like companions and travel in flocks. Where you find one, you
might find a dozen or more than one hundred. Whether feeding or resting,
you will hear them conversing in a high-pitched, wheezy note which is
difficult to describe. Some refer to it as a hiss, others as a whine.
When an ample supply of food is available, Cedar Waxwings gorge
themselves until they seem rather listless. Various fruits and berries
are relished, but insects and cankerworms are taken in season.
The Bohemian Waxwing is slightly larger, grayer and shows more white on
the wing and brown under-tail coverts.
You’re just a glutton,
That we know,
For you’re not one
To eat and go.
Warbling Vireo
_Vireo gilvus_
[Illustration: {uncaptioned}]
The Warbling Vireo is not colorful. If you happen to see his back, you
will see he is a grayish olive-green, slightly grayer on the head. When
looked at from below, and that is the way you generally see him, you may
see a tinge of yellow on the white under parts. A white line over the
eye is the only other marking. But don’t give up; you will note the
slow, deliberate vireo movement. He loves to sing and soon you will hear
a pleasing series of notes, all connected but each note on a different
pitch; a wave of bird notes, not hurried but clear and musical. This
song could be confused with that of the Purple Finch but the latter is
slightly higher in pitch and faster.
Unlike other vireos, he likes to nest in the high, deciduous trees which
line the streets of cities and towns. Parks and farm homes also offer
suitable habitat. The nest is a neat structure, placed near the end of a
drooping branch on some well-developed tree; one which is growing in the
open, for these small birds like plenty of room around their homes. The
male is so proud of his home he often sings while taking his turn with
the incubating.
The Western Warbling Vireo has a similar song, seems inclined to nest
nearer the ground, but shuns evergreens.
His note is just a warble.
You cannot write it down.
But you are bound to hear it
If you walk ’round the town.
Black and White Warbler
_Mniotilta varia_
[Illustration: {uncaptioned}]
Warblers are an unusual family of birds. Some act like flycatchers and
often feed on flying insects. Others join the vireos in searching for
larvae in the thick foliage of higher trees. A few mingle with
sandpipers and find their food along the banks of some small stream,
while the ground-dwelling contingent share choice morsels with thrushes.
The Black and White Warbler is different, for while nesting on or near
the ground, he feeds on the trunk or larger limbs of trees, combining
the upward movement of the Brown Creeper with reverse actions of
nuthatches. His is more of a swing movement, quickly switching as if
undecided whether to go up or down. Various beetles, ants, weevils,
plant lice and larvae are included in his diet.