INTRODUCTION TO OUR BIRD FRIENDS
Text by L. B. Carson
Illustrations by Orville O. Rice
Copyright, 1954
BY CAPPER PUBLICATIONS, INC.
Printed in the United States of America
Published August 1954
Second Printing (Revised), December 1954
Third Printing, April 1955
Fourth Printing, January 1956
Fifth Printing, May 1956
Sixth Printing, May 1957
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 first of two booklets 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 1-6
Capper Publications, Inc.
8th and Jackson Streets
Topeka, Kansas
Pied-billed Grebe
_Podilymbus podiceps_
[Illustration: {uncaptioned}]
It makes little difference to this bird whether you call him
“Water-witch, Hell-diver, Dabchick or Pied-billed Grebe,” for these are
only a few of the names by which he is known. His only concern is
finding a pond, lake or other water, well supplied with crayfish,
minnows or insects on which he feeds. Leeches are a favorite morsel.
The short, thick bill of this grebe is distinctive, even in winter when
the black encircling band from which it gets its name, is missing.
General appearance is brown, being brownish-black above, lighter brown
and white below. On water the short tail usually is carried high enough
to show the white under-tail coverts.
This grebe is perfectly adjusted to water and can swim, dive or lower
his body in water just as far as desired with little effort, often
showing only bill and eyes above the surface. This protects him from
predators or hunters who might mistake him for a duck. Even his nest is
a floating structure so placed that he can gain the safety of his
natural element.
Wet pavements are hazardous for they resemble water and if the
Pied-billed Grebe lands there, he is helpless. His legs are placed too
far back on his body for walking and he finds it difficult to regain the
air except by skittering over water.
He sinks or dives
Without a care,
For water hides
His daily fare.
Great Blue Heron
_Ardea herodias_
[Illustration: {uncaptioned}]
Altho protected by the Federal Migratory Bird Treaty, this heron often
finds himself the target for thoughtless hunters. Not that he would make
a tasty dish, but any bird which stands 4 feet high with a wing spread
of almost 70 inches is in constant danger. His favorite feeding grounds
are wet meadows or pastures, ponds, lakes or streams. Most of his food
consists of rough fish which he catches expertly, either standing
patiently in shallow water until a fish appears, or walking slowly along
the edge of some shallow pond until he discovers his prey. Snakes,
frogs, insects, mice, eels, or even small birds are not safe from a
hungry heron.
Unlike cranes, which fly with necks outstretched, herons fold their
necks back as if resting their heads on their shoulders. Their flight is
a slow, measured beat which carries them to their destination. These
birds seem to prefer tops of tall trees, such as sycamores or
cottonwoods, either in isolated locations or on islands. Favorite sites
are used year after year and nests often cover as much as 3 feet in
space and are placed well out on limbs. A colony of Great Blue Herons is
frequently joined by herons of other species. Such a colony of
fish-eating birds is both noisy and odorous.
If, when he flies
He folds his neck,
The heron is
The bird to check.
Snow Goose
_Chen hyperborea_
[Illustration: {uncaptioned}]
This medium-size goose is the most abundant member of the family and can
be identified by white plumage and black wing tips. He is often called
“wavy,” in the northern part of his range, while southern hunters refer
to him as a “white brant.” His Latin name describes him as “a goose
beyond the north wind.” We see him only as a migrant, either going to
nesting grounds in Northern Canada or returning to his winter home on
the coast of Louisiana and Texas. A somewhat larger relative known as
the Greater Snow Goose, nests in Northern Greenland and winters along
our Atlantic coast.
This bird feeds on roots and bulbs of water plants found in his
wintering area. Grasses, grains or other vegetation bring huge flocks
where they can be seen grazing like tame geese. Feeding flocks are not
welcome to the wheat grower who has fields near lakes which are used as
resting places for migrating birds.
Snow Geese often travel with their near relatives, the Blue Geese. The
gray body and white head of the latter give a color contrast which is
apparent in a mixed flock. These birds interbreed frequently and their
offspring are confusing but usually show more white on the breast than
the Blue Goose parent.
Like mammoth flakes of drifting snow
We see you come, we watch you go
We hear your call like trumpet’s blare
Which guides the flock in upper air.
Common Mallard
_Anas platyrhynchos_
[Illustration: {uncaptioned}]
The Mallard drake with green head, purple chestnut breast, reddish feet,
white collar, black and white tail with a curled feather, combine to
make a colorful duck. The female, more in keeping with her motherly
duties, is content to wear a trim suit of buffy gray, streaked with
brown. The orange to greenish-olive bill and pale orange-red feet give
perfect clues to her identity.
Any pond, puddle, lake or stream is not overlooked by this bird and he
is especially fond of shallow water where he can secure food by tipping
up and extending his neck to muddy bottoms. These ducks are good divers
but if not closely pressed, seem to dive only for pleasure.
The Mallard is not a good father, but leaves his mate soon after she has
started to incubate her eggs. Her nest is well hidden and often found
some distance from water. Her downy young soon can travel and the proud
mother leads them to the nearest body of water as soon as possible.
These trips are hazardous, for predators relish such dainty morsels.
Turtles and fish also take their toll.
Hunters look forward to the fall flight of these ducks for they furnish
a major portion of the annual duck harvest. They soon learn that guns
are dangerous and often feed at night.
Oh, green-head, with your yellow bill,
Your rapid flight gives us a thrill
And when we hear your mate’s loud quack
We’re always glad that you are back.
Turkey Vulture
_Cathartes aura_
[Illustration: {uncaptioned}]
Vultures play an unusual part in nature’s drama. They, along with Sexton
Beetles, other insects and animals, form the sanitary unit. When we
consider the heavy toll of wildlife along our highways, we can
appreciate the usefulness of such a unit. Lacking talons, vultures are
not equipped to catch their prey, but feed on whatever nature provides.
This vulture is almost eagle size, with a wingspread of 70 inches and
can be identified by his long tail, small head, 2-toned wings, and habit
of soaring, the wings forming a dihedral or open V-shape. On close
inspection, you will find the head bare and a reddish color. The young
have blackish heads which is one of the marks of the Black Vulture, but
the latter is smaller with a square tail and shows white spots under the
wing when flying. This is a southern cousin.
No other land bird soars so gracefully. Every air current carries this
bird with little effort on his part. From high in the air, he scans vast
areas for food, not forgetting to check his neighbors who are riding
other currents in like manner. When one bird descends, every vulture in
the air soon joins him.
Whether you call him “Turkey Buzzard, Carrion Crow or Turkey Vulture,”
you will admire his flight.
Black omen floating far o’erhead,
Your mission, to remove the dead.
A useful bird, we must agree
Whate’er the cost, you’ve earned your fee.
Red-tailed Hawk
_Buteo jamaicensis_
[Illustration: {uncaptioned}]
Red-tails, like other hawks, show a great variation in plumage. The dark
phase of a Western Red-tail compares favorably with the plumage of an
adult Golden Eagle, but the smaller size and the reddish upper tail
surface which reflects the sun as the bird soars, furnishes the clue.
Typical plumage shows a dark belly-band with bright, reddish upper tail,
while some birds show a light breast and belly.
This bird prefers open woodlands or a dead tree with fields adjoining.
There he may sit for hours, but ever watchful for some movement which
might indicate the presence of a gopher, field mouse, rat or even a
snake. All add to his varied menu. Rodents soon become pests when these
hawks are scarce. This bird often is killed by farmers and poultry
raisers when the real culprit, the Cooper’s Hawk, lives on to enjoy the
flock.
The Red-tail’s size and habit of perching in exposed places make him a
ready target for anyone who carries a gun. Slow flight combined with his
habit of soaring also add to his high death rate.
He adds a few sprigs of green foliage to the mass of sticks, which goes
to make his nest, usually placed in a tall tree near the edge of timber.
Your great broad wings, red, fan-shaped tail,
The ease and power with which you sail,
We recognize a noble clan
Which spends its life in helping man.
Sparrow Hawk
_Falco sparverius_
[Illustration: {uncaptioned}]
This little falcon, about the size of a Robin, is also known as Kestrel.
Calling him a Sparrow-hawk is misleading, for insects and spiders, along
with a generous portion of mice, go to make up his daily fare.
Grasshoppers seem to be a special delicacy. Like other birds, he feeds
on whatever is available. In cities, this includes English Sparrows.
The smallest of the hawk family can be found along highways where he
uses telephone poles, wires or dead trees, while scanning the fields and
fence rows for prey. Dressed in colorful plumage with spotted breast,
slate-blue wings, red-brown back and tail, with head showing 2 black
lines and a dot, he easily is seen and readily identified. The female is
slightly larger, shows more banding on the tail and lacks the blue
wings, hers being browner.
These birds nest in holes in trees or around buildings and join the
Kingbirds, Chimney Swifts and Martins in chasing other predators out of
the neighborhood. Their rapid swallow-like flight makes them a mean
contender in any aerial joust.
The Sparrow Hawk ranges as far north as Southern Canada and winters from
the central states south into South America.
Your high-pitched call,
Your rapid flight,
A friend to man,
From dawn ’til night.
Prairie Chicken
_Tympanuchus cupido_
[Illustration: {uncaptioned}]
Those who live near prairies and brushy grasslands have a chance to
become acquainted with this brown hen-like bird which formerly ranged
over much of the middle west. Cultivation and hunters have reduced the
numbers until they no longer are common. The large size, the short,
dark, rounded tail, the heavily barred underparts, the rounded wings,
all are descriptive of this bird. In flight he reminds you of king-size
Meadow Larks, flapping then sailing, as he journeys to and from favorite
feeding grounds.
In early spring these birds gather in a selected location known as a
“booming ground”; there the males defend a certain area against other
males, yet welcome the hens by strutting, inflating their yellow throat
sacks and erecting the feathers over their heads until they resemble
ears. These antics are accompanied by clucks and a series of 3-noted
hoots which make up their love songs. The males often engage in fighting
to protect their area.
Their food includes insects such as crickets, grasshoppers and beetles
with plenty of roughage such as leaves, seeds and berries. Waste corn,
wheat, rye or sorghums are relished in season. Heavy snows drive the
birds to sumacs and elm buds.
We hear your call in early morn
Like measured toots on mellow horn,
We watch your rhythmic flap ... then sail
As you descend from hill to vale.
American Coot
_Fulica americana_
[Illustration: {uncaptioned}]
This slate-gray bird with white bill and white patch under the tail,
belongs to the rail family but spends more time with ducks. He swims
with a jerky motion of the head, dives like a grebe, walks out on the
shore and eats grass like a goose. Yes, the “mudhen,” for that is what
he is commonly called, is quite versatile. When taking flight, he either
runs into the breeze or skitters across the water for a short distance
until he can gain sufficient speed to gain altitude, then away to
safety.
Coots feed largely on underwater vegetation and prefer algae or musk
grass. Small fish or other aquatic animals are eaten on occasion while
grass, grain or weeds are not overlooked. When diving for food, these
birds often are robbed by the American Widgeon, or Baldpate, which
relishes such juicy morsels but does not dive. Coots take such invasions
as a matter of course.
They build nests of dried leaves of marsh plants, usually on a floating
structure, either well hidden or rather open, depending on the habitat
available.
Coots have large, greenish feet, with long-lobed toes, not webbed like
ducks or geese, but just as useful for walking or swimming.
He feels at home
Where’er he goes
But likes a pond
Where algae grows.
Killdeer
_Charadrius vociferus_
[Illustration: {uncaptioned}]
The killdeer is the common plover which we see in pastures, meadows,
fields or on shores of ponds and lakes. Freshly mown alfalfa fields,
short grass or stubble, even newly plowed fields attract them. They
gather in loose flocks to feed on exposed insects or worms. Their usual
pace consists of a short run, a quick stop to check for some juicy
morsel, then another short run. All stops are accompanied by a jerky
movement as if undecided whether to spring into the air or stay on the
ground. Even the spindly legged young have this bobbing habit.
This bird is only a little bigger than the Robin, but longer legs and
tail make him appear larger. White collar with 2 black bands across the
lower neck and upper breast, chestnut back and tail, white lines in the
wings in flight, all make this plover easily identified. If there is any
doubt you will soon hear his “kill-dee,” or “kill-deer” notes, for he is
a noisy bird, quick to resent any intrusion in his territory. These
calls alert other birds, much to the disgust of duck hunters who are
trying to make a quiet approach to their blinds.
Nests are placed in open spots on the ground and lined with pebbles or
grasses. Eggs are protectively colored and not easily found.
Two black bands, on breast so white
Rusty tail, which shows in flight,
That you would kill a deer’s absurd
But that is what you say, I’ve heard.
Spotted Sandpiper
_Actitis macularia_
[Illustration: {uncaptioned}]
Any pond, lake or stream will be visited sooner or later by these little
sandpipers. You find them teetering along shores, picking up insects and
small crustacea which form the diet. Mud banks, sandy shores, pebbly
mountain streams, half-sunken logs, all furnish happy hunting grounds.
The teetering tail is distinctive and no other sandpiper has the round
black spots on his breast and none has the fluttering flight. They seem
to tip-toe thru the air with very short wingbeats. Young and adults in
winter plumage do not show the spots but continue to teeter. They often
show a white spot just above the bend of the wing when in this plumage.
Their usual note is a 2-tone “peet-weet,” which it utters when flushed
from its feeding ground.
These birds nest in a variety of places, sometimes well hidden but often
in more open situations but always in a slight depression in the ground.
Their 4 eggs are protectively colored and are sometimes found some
distance from water. The young teeter to the closest stream, led by the
ever-watchful mother. There you will find them busily engaged in
gathering food. They can swim or even dive, if necessary.
Wee wader with the spotted breast
We wonder if you ever rest,
“Peet-weet,” is what you seem to say
As you go bobbing on your way.
Black Tern
_Chlidonias niger_
[Illustration: {uncaptioned}]
This tern is distinctive, especially in summer plumage when the black
head and body, short, slightly notched tail, slate-gray wings, combined
with the erratic flight, tells us it has to be a Black Tern. In winter
plumage these birds have white heads and bodies with backs and wings
darker than other terns. They show dark spots around the eyes and back
of neck. In fall migration you find birds of this species in various
stages of dress, but there are usually a few which carry enough black to
give a clue to their identity.
They nest in inland marshes and around lakes, forming loose colonies on
favorite nesting sites. Floating vegetation, muskrat houses, in fact
most any structure strong enough to support a nest is used.
Black Terns feed on larger insects such as moths, grasshoppers,
dragonflies and water insects which they obtain from the air or by
gliding down and picking them from the water. They can be seen flying
over the fields like swallows or nighthawks, feeding as they go. When
flying over lakes, they often hover then glide to the surface for
minnows or insects.
These terns spend the winter in South America and migrate earlier than
some species. They also arrive later from their winter homes.
What are those birds, we’d like to know,
Which fly like swallows, black as crow?
Twisting, turning, then a glide,
To pluck some morsel which they’ve spied.
Mourning Dove
_Zenaidura macroura_
[Illustration: {uncaptioned}]
There is something about a dove which makes you want to know him better.
Could it be his low mournful call? (And why do we call it mournful?
Someone described it in that manner, and while it is not as colorful as
other bird notes, it has a restful and pleasing quality.) Could it be
the graceful flight which shows the pointed tail with the white
trimming? Could it be dainty steps which seem to fit his personality?
Perhaps the way he drinks by inserting his bill and swallowing water
until he has his fill. It might be the way he builds his nest: no time
wasted when this bird constructs a home. It might even be the way he
jerks his head, as if trying to get a better focus on the sights of the
world.
Some call him brown; if so, where did we get the description, “dove
colored”? In good light, the head and neck have a rich sheen which
blends with the rest of the body. All in all, he is a beautiful bird.
He nests in almost any spot which suits his fancy, on the ground, in
evergreens, around buildings, well out on a limb or in the crotch of a
tree, but always in a loosely constructed home, unless he takes over
some well constructed nest, made by others.
His food consists mostly of weed seeds.
Altho you make a mournful sound
We’re glad to know that you’re around.
We like your shy confiding way
And only hope you’re here to stay.
Yellow-billed Cuckoo
_Coccyzus americanus_
[Illustration: {uncaptioned}]
This slim, long-tailed bird is far more common than people suspect for
he seldom is seen. He prefers to move slowly thru the heavy foliage,
peering under each branch and leaf for the leaf-eating worms which form
his diet. Wooly worms, which other birds seem to shun, are relished by
him. His long bill is a perfect tool for breaking into webs where he
creates havoc with the wiggly inhabitants.
Cuckoos are larger than Robins and their long tails make them look even
longer than the 12¼ inches which they measure. They fly directly from
the center of one tree to the next, thus giving us a chance to check the
rufous coloring of the wings and the large white spots on the ends of
their black tails. The back is dark gray while the breast and belly are
white. The yellow lower bill, the rufous wings and larger white spots on
the tail are the main difference between this and the slightly smaller
Black-billed Cuckoo. Both have a series of clucking notes but the
Yellow-billed Cuckoo song gets slower, then runs down the scale,
different from his relative’s long efforts.
Unlike the Old-World cuckoos which depend on other birds to rear their
young, the Yellow-billed builds a nest, altho it is flimsy. There, the 3
or 4 young get their start in life.
Slow moving, with a watchful eye,
Straight as an arrow, when you fly,
You’re seldom seen, but often heard,
Elusive for so large a bird.
Screech Owl
_Otus asio_
[Illustration: {uncaptioned}]
The Screech Owl is the smallest of the eared owls, about robin size. In
fact he often nests in holes built by larger woodpeckers such as
flickers. Like other owls, he hunts at night when his quavering call
blends with the murmur of the night breeze. Mice, shrews, beetles,
moths, crayfish, frogs and small birds seem to furnish a well-rounded
diet.
These small owls have 2 distinct color phases, one a rich brown, the
other a soft gray. Both blend with the bark of trees thus giving them
protection. This is one of the mysteries of the bird world. Just why do
these owls wear different colors? Both colors are often found in the
same brood.
Even tho small, they give a good account of themselves and soon let you
know when they have young in the vicinity. The parents defend their
young against all comers and often surprise innocent persons who may
stroll too close to the young only to be attacked by the irate parents.
This bird prefers open woodlands, orchards and clearings and often
spends the day in the same cavities which are used for nesting. Some
even spend the day in evergreens, but soon attract the attention of
other birds which hate all owls and soon make their feelings known.
Mysterious birds
In every way,
Sometimes they’re brown,
Sometimes they’re gray.
Nighthawk
_Chordeiles minor_
[Illustration: {uncaptioned}]
He’s not a hawk, but like other members of the Goatsucker family, often
feeds at night. This gray-brown, robin size bird with white bars across
the wings, often is called a “bull-bat.” Early morning and late evenings
seem to be favorite feeding times for then insects on which he feeds,
are on the wing. During the day you will find him sitting horizontally
on some sheltered limb, his colors blending perfectly. He looks more
like a knot or broken stub than a bird. He leaves his resting place with
a glide and then goes into his distinctive flight.
The Nighthawk often ascends high in the sky with a series of quick wing
beats, each accompanied by his call of a nasal “peent.” When the desired
height is attained, he folds his wings slightly and dives with a booming
sound. This is a part of the breeding display.
Nests are no problem, for this bird prefers a graveled flat roof or some
similar open space where a slight depression furnishes ample protection
for the eggs. The mother shelters her eggs and young from the blistering
sun which beats down.
We watch your flight on white-barred wing
And hear the notes, you try to sing,
But there’s one thing, we’d hate to try
Your way of diving from the sky.
Chimney Swift
_Chaetura pelagica_
[Illustration: {uncaptioned}]
Unlike swallows which bend their wings, this bird holds his wings
straight, but the natural curve gives the appearance of a bow. The long
wings make him appear larger than the small sparrow size which he
attains. This sooty-black swift is the only member of his family which
visits the eastern part of America and since he has adopted chimneys as
his favorite nesting and roosting sites, he is not hard to find.
Few birds seem so perfectly fitted for living in the air and except when
nesting or roosting, there is where he will be found. When flying, he
looks almost like a bird without head or tail but if you will examine
him closely you will find a short tail with spines which combined with
his sharp claws, help anchor him to the flat inner surface of chimneys.
Nests consist of small twigs which he snaps off the end of some dead
limb while flying by, then glues to the chimney with saliva. This does
not make an imposing structure, but is ample for safety of eggs and
young.
The swift is a fast flier and combines long circular glides with quick
wing beats and sharp turns, this erratic flight accompanied by a series
of sharp, clicking notes which aids in identification. While drinking or
bathing each bird glides down, each hitting the water in turn.
“Cigar with wings,”
You hear folks say,
As he darts past
On summer’s day.
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
_Archilochus colubris_
[Illustration: {uncaptioned}]
This, the smallest bird found in the area, can be confused only with
large moths such as the sphinx or hawk moths. Both the moths and
hummingbirds like to feed on deep-throated flowers such as honeysuckles,
petunias and trumpet-vines but the moths prefer late evening or early
morning while the hummer never passes up a chance to explore such
flowers with his long brush-like tongue with which he gathers nectar.
This combined with small insects and spiders goes to make up his diet.
Brightly colored phials filled with sugar water will attract him to your
yard.
Hummingbirds are among the best fliers of the bird world and can hover,
fly backward or forward or straight away, whatever meets their fancy.
The male has a green back and in some lights the throat patch looks
black only to flash ruby red when the bird changes position so the light
is reflected. The female is duller and has white feather tips on the
tail.
The female builds one of the daintiest of nests on top of some sloping
branch, using lichens and spider web to attach the cup to the limb. This
little nest which is only 1½ inches in diameter is not often found for
it has the appearance of being only a part of the branch. Two young
constitute the usual family.
A little jewel
With buzzy wings,
He only squeaks
Whene’er he sings.
Belted Kingfisher
_Megaceryle alcyon_
[Illustration: {uncaptioned}]
Rarely in the bird world, is the female more colorful than the male. The
Belted Kingfisher is one example, for the female sports brown flanks and
breastband in addition to the blue-gray belt worn by her mate. These
birds, larger than Robins, can be confused only with the Blue Jay;
however, their plumage is blue-gray. Near creeks, ponds, lakes or other
bodies of water they may be seen flying low over the water or hovering
momentarily before plunging after some minnow, crayfish or other food
which has attracted their attention. They have choice perches over the
water and fly from one spot to another, always on the lookout for unwary
prey. They are rather solitary in habits, each pair defending its
territory against all comers.
The large head and beak, uneven crest, habit of flapping and sailing,
the series of call notes often referred to as a rattle, are distinctly
kingfisher. Nesting holes are dug in steep banks and extend several feet
before ending in an enlarged space which holds the eggs and young. Both
birds help with the digging using their strong bills to loosen the dirt
and their flatly constructed feet to kick it out.
Kingfishers eat small fry which abound in such numbers that a natural
check is desirable.
Up and down
The creek he goes.
With rattled call
To warn his foes.
Downy Woodpecker
_Dendrocopos pubescens_
[Illustration: {uncaptioned}]
The sparrow-size Downy Woodpecker resembles his robin-size cousin, the
Hairy Woodpecker, but his notes are a little softer and his tapping a
little faster for his short bill can produce no such wallop as the
heavy-billed Hairy. The outer tail feathers are barred, instead of the
black and white pattern of the latter. Both males show a red spot on the
nape which is lacking on the females. General coloring is black and
white.
While this friendly little woodpecker relishes suet, he does not let his
visits to your feeder interfere with his constant search for the larvae
which he finds in galls, cornstalks, weed stems or the bark of trees. He
makes a small opening into the tunnel where the larvae are hiding, then
inserts his long tongue and spears the worm. Nature has provided him
with a barbed spear on his long tongue and he uses it constantly in
protecting our trees.
Spring brings much activity for a nesting site must be found, then the
labor of digging a cavity from 8 to 12 inches deep in a post, dead limb
or tree trunk. The home may be near the ground or high in some tree and
often is found with the entrance beneath a limb. There the young are
protected until they can join their parents in their search for insects.
It seems absurd for such a bird
To work so hard, we know
But every worm must learn to turn
If he expects to grow.
Eastern Kingbird
_Tyrannus tyrannus_
[Illustration: {uncaptioned}]
The Eastern Kingbird, altho slightly smaller than a Robin, is “monarch
of all he surveys,” and is ready and willing to defend his territory
against all comers. His happiest moments seem to be spent in chasing
hawks, crows, herons or vultures and he is the first to see their
approach and give the alarm. Then, like a fighter-plane, he speeds high
in the air and dives on the intruder. Such aerial attacks are of short
duration for the larger bird soon escapes to a safer location. He then
drops back to his favorite perch, often using such quick wing-beats that
he seems to be tip-toeing thru the air.
This flycatcher with his white breast, dark head, back and wings, and
black tail with white terminal band, is identified easily. He likes to
nest around farm homes or other open country but wants a few open spots
where he can perch while waiting for passing insects. People who raise
bees often refer to him as a “bee-martin,” and accuse him of eating
honeybees. There is little ground for this accusation for only 22
stomachs of 634 examined showed a total of 61 bees eaten and 51 of the
total were drones. On the other hand, this bird eats robber flies which
catch and destroy bees. Eighty-five per cent of his food consists of
insects which includes grasshoppers, crickets and cutworms.
He tiptoes thru the ozone
Demure in black and white,
Let other birds take warning
For he is dynamite.
Eastern Phoebe
_Sayornis phoebe_
[Illustration: {uncaptioned}]
Unlike many of the flycatchers, this bird which is only a little larger
than the English Sparrow, is easily identified. His black bill, lack of
wing bars or eye ring is distinctive but his habit of jerking or waving
his tail is conclusive. The habit of repeating his name over and over in
a low but emphatic tone gives little doubt of his presence. Some people
might confuse this call with the high notes of the Black-capped
Chickadee but when once learned there is little resemblance.
The Phoebe is one of the hardiest of his clan, often wintering in the
southern portion of its nesting range and returning in spring so early
that we often wonder how he can find sufficient flying insects to
sustain life.
The Phoebe likes to place his well-built nest under some sort of a
shelter. Any overhanging cliff, under bridges, even rafters or window
sills are not overlooked as long as some projecting surface furnishes a
place to start the foundation. Mud and moss are the main materials used
for building and this bird knows that such a nest will not stand too
much rough weather.
Two broods usually are raised during the summer and it takes a lot of
small flying insects to keep these healthy youngsters happy, so you are
lucky if he decides to be your neighbor.
’Neath bridges or on sheltered walls
They like to build their nests,
Then sally forth to catch the bugs
Which we consider pests.
Horned Lark
_Eremophila alpestris_
[Illustration: {uncaptioned}]
A sparrow-size bird with black tail, which flushes from the road while
you travel along, is the Horned Lark. When you travel slower you will
find that he walks when he moves around, never hopping like birds which
prefer trees. Other marks to look for are a black crown, black line
extending from the beak, curving back and down over the cheek and a
black patch below the white or yellow throat. A white or yellow line,
depending on the subspecies of the bird you see, separates the crown
from the black facial pattern. The horns, from which the bird gets his
name, consist of 2 tufts of feathers extending up from the crown, but
sometimes are hard to see. Body color is brownish above with light
belly.
Horned Larks prefer short-grass country with barren hills or other open
spots such as the sandy shoulders of highways. There you will find them
walking or running in their search for small seeds or insects. When snow
covers the ground they flock to the highways where graders and snowplows
have removed the icy covering.
This, our only true lark, nests early in spring when late snows make
life hazardous. Then you will hear his twittering call as it floats in
on the chilly breeze.
On barren ground or highway
He walks with dainty step,
He dines on seeds and insects
That’s why he’s full of pep.
Barn Swallow
_Hirundo rustica_
[Illustration: {uncaptioned}]
This friendly bird discovered long ago that barns or sheds made
excellent cover for its adobe nest and now you often will find from one
to several of these mud structures neatly plastered on the beams of
buildings. This is a happy arrangement for both the tenant and landlord,
for the swallow more than pays the rent on the space used, not in cash
but in the thousands of insects which make up his food. The swallow gets
whatever protection is offered.
A Barn Swallow is identified easily. No other swallow has the steel-blue
back, the brown spot above the bill with brown throat and belly nor the
deeply forked tail showing white beneath. Another good field mark is the
way he flies with wings bent so the long pointed primaries point back.
He is a swift but erratic flier and it is a pleasure to watch him as he
darts across a field, pond or pasture, searching for flying insects.
His song is a series of twittering notes, rather musical and when once
learned will be easily remembered. Many of the notes have a liquid or
bubbling sound which is distinctive.
Two broods of 4 or 5 young usually are raised during the summer. Fall
brings huge but loose flocks, headed south and feeding as they go, all
headed for South America for the winter.
The tiny space
Required by you,
Seems little pay
For what you do.
Purple Martin
_Progne subis_
[Illustration: {uncaptioned}]
This, the largest member of the swallow family, has adopted the
many-roomed apartments which man is glad to furnish. For there are few
people who do not take pleasure in watching the graceful flight of this
bird as he flaps and sails above your trees. His low-pitched, gurgling
notes help to identify him.
They arrive from their winter homes rather early in spring and often are
heard or seen by the latter part of March. Heavy mortality can result
when late snows or icy rains cut down the quota of flying insects which
are his food. As soon as family cares are over, they gather in huge
flocks and soon leave for their winter home in South America. They
usually are gone by the last of August.
The male is entirely blue-black which may look purple in some lights,
while the female and young birds show lighter breasts with duller head
and back.
A Purple Martin is a social bird and likes to nest in colonies. A series
of gourds, boxes or a fancy many-roomed martin house all seem to offer
an equal appeal to this bird; however, he prefers they be placed on a
pole well above the ground and in an open space where he can come and go
without dodging limbs. A pond or lake in the neighborhood is desirable.
He flaps and sails,
Goes here and there
To catch the bugs....
His daily fare.
Blue Jay
_Cyanocitta cristata_
[Illustration: {uncaptioned}]
You may admire him greatly or hate him intensely. It depends on what he
is doing when you form your opinion. A flock of these blue and white
birds with large crests and black chin-straps, add color and cheer as
they pass thru the timber. They often are conversing in a series of soft
musical tones which are pleasing to the ear when all is serene. Moments
later they discover a sleeping owl, cat or snake and the flock changes
into a group of loud-mouthed bullies. Such is the way of a Blue Jay.
During the nesting season, this bird which is larger than a Robin, shows
the darker side of his character, for then he destroys the homes of many
nesting birds, eating both eggs and young of the smaller species. You
can hate him and all of his kin for such habits, but this is nature and
nature is never mild. Later you will find him hiding pecans, acorns or
sunflower seeds under leaves, sticks or moss. Then you will learn that
he does a lot of good, for many of these seeds are never eaten but grow
into new trees or bushes. It is just as natural for Blue Jays to hide
these acorns as it is for squirrels to do the same thing. His alarm
notes often save animals and birds for they have learned to heed his
warning call.
He dresses like a dandy
With chin-strap from his crest....
Sometimes you must admire him,
At times he is a pest.
Common Crow
_Corvus brachyrhynchos_
[Illustration: {uncaptioned}]
In many areas there is no other with which this 19-inch all-black bird
could be confused. His steady wing beat, his characteristic call of
“caw” or “ca-ah,” his flocking habits in fall and winter help to
identify him. Along the Atlantic and Gulf shores, the smaller Fish Crow
is found, while on the western prairies the White-necked Raven which is
slightly larger, may be confused with the Crow. Mountainous areas and
seacoasts also have the Common Raven, which is much larger, but all show
the color pattern of the Common Crow. The last 3 birds have different
calls and all are more inclined to mix a lot of sailing in their flight.
But what about the crow? We know he robs nests of eggs and young, we
know that he eats corn, peanuts, pecans, in fact anything he can lay his
beak on, and he is cunning enough to get his share. But do we give him
credit for the huge crop of grasshoppers, crickets, moths and weed seeds
he consumes? We may be blaming him unduly, for many of his food habits
are beneficial.
In winter they gather in huge roosting flocks and can be seen going to
and from these roosts. They co-operate with each other both in finding
food and seeking protection. Their system must be admired for they are
doing all right.
We feel quite sure
That you all know
If he says “Caw”
He is a crow.
Black-capped Chickadee
_Parus atricapillus_
[Illustration: {uncaptioned}]
Altho smaller than a sparrow, this little bird is hardy. He does not
leave his summer home and move to a warmer climate just to dodge the
snow and sleet. You will find him feeding just as happily in a snowstorm
as on a warm spring day, always consuming small insects, their eggs or
larvae. Exploring the trunks of trees, hanging upside down on the end of
a limb, or hunting larvae on tender leaves, it makes no difference to
this sharp-eyed bird. Those of you who feed birds will find the
chickadee one of your friendliest customers, for he relishes peanut
butter, suet, sunflower seeds or doughnuts and often gets tame enough to
eat from your hand.
He shows a whitish line on the edge of his wing which is lacking on the
slightly smaller Carolina Chickadee which has a southern range. The
latter bird uses a 4-note call “fe-be-fe-bay,” while the black-capped
uses only “phe-be.” The normal chick-a-de-de-de call of the black-capped
seems a little lower and slower than that of his southern cousin.
Both birds nest in cavities in stumps or trees, some being old nesting
sites of the Downy Woodpecker, while others are prepared by the
chickadees themselves. This seems quite a task for so small a bird.
A friendly little urchin
With black on cap and chin.
He will become quite chummy
If you are kind to him.
Tufted Titmouse
_Parus bicolor_
[Illustration: {uncaptioned}]
This sparrow-size cousin of the chickadee has a tuft of feathers which
gives him a striking appearance. The tuft, nape, back, wings and tail
are slate gray, while the cheek, throat, breast and belly are white with
a pinkish-brown patch just below the wing. Habits are similar to
chickadees and he often can be found feeding in loose flocks with these
and other small birds such as Downy Woodpeckers, nuthatches and Brown
Creepers. Together they form a useful team for what one species misses
by his method of feeding, one of the others will find by a slightly
different method.
They nest in holes in trees or even a bird box to their liking. They are
noisy birds and their song is much louder and clearer than you would
expect to hear from such small singers. The song consists of a series of
whistled notes which sound like “pet-er” or “pet-o,” the first note
usually slightly higher. Other notes remind you of a Carolina Wren or a
Kentucky Warbler but the phrasing and tempo soon lead you to proper
identification.
A titmouse enjoys a well-stocked feeder and is a nice neighbor for he
enjoys singing and the clear whistled notes add a touch of nature to a
cold winter day.
How can a bird
As small as he
Sing half so loud?
We cannot see.
Brown Creeper
_Certhia familiaris_
[Illustration: {uncaptioned}]
There is no other bird quite like the Brown Creeper. He is well named
for his brown plumage with lighter stripes gives him perfect protection
as he climbs spirally up some rough-barked tree. His curved bill, sharp
claws and long tail, all serve a distinct purpose in helping him find
his food. Hackberries or other rough-barked trees serve as his hunting
grounds and there you will find him checking the cracks and crevices as
he starts from the base and works upward, sometimes checking the larger
limbs, but often dropping down to the base of the next tree after
reaching the lower limbs. Insects, their eggs and larvae form the major
portion of his diet but he will not spurn suet on your feeder.
Brown Creepers are found in this area only in winter, when they can be
found in loose flocks along with kinglets, chickadees, nuthatches, Downy
Woodpeckers and titmice, all working together to rid the trees of the
insects which are wintering there.
His note is a weak lisp which can be confused only with the series of
similar notes uttered by the Golden-crowned Kinglet. He nests under a
strip of loose bark or occasionally in knotholes or well-hidden spots
around larger trees.
His brown-striped coat
Is hard to see,
As he climbs spirally
Up your tree.
House Wren
_Troglodytes aëdon_
[Illustration: {uncaptioned}]
Most Americans seem to have fallen in love with the House Wren. It could
not be his beauty for he lacks the distinctive markings found on other
birds, even other wrens. Even in good light you see only a small
grayish-brown bird with lighter underparts. It is surely not his size
for he is smaller than a sparrow. His song is a sort of spontaneous
outburst of notes which give you more quantity than quality, with a
liberal helping of scolding notes, so it is not his vocal efforts. He is
not a good bird neighbor for he often punctures the eggs of other
nesting birds in his area. It must be his independence that has won him
favor.
No other bird finds such an assortment of nesting boxes, all sizes,
shapes and colors, some homemade, others purchased. Some he will use,
while others offer no attraction. He may pass up a well-placed wren
house to build in the pocket of an old coat hung in a shed. He likes
boxes 8 to 10 feet above ground, not hidden by limbs.
He prefers low shrubs, piles of brush or wood, or even open spots in
heavy timber, for there he finds the insects and small spiders which
form the major part of his food. Most of his hunting is either on or
near the ground while nesting sites are seldom above 12 feet. He runs to
large families and more than one brood is reared.
His brownish hue, his bubbling song,
His impish little ways,
You like to have him ’round your home
To gladden summer days.
Mockingbird
_Mimus polyglottos_
[Illustration: {uncaptioned}]
A trim, robin-size pale gray bird which shows extensive white patches on
the wings and outer tail when in flight. These markings will identify
this bird in winter when you find him feeding on whatever fruits or
berries he can locate. He does not choose to migrate when a good supply
of red cedar, bush honeysuckle, multiflora rose, persimmon, bittersweet
or other such seeds are available. Raisins or currants will entice him
to your feeder but he is too big a bully to make a good guest for he
chases other birds away.
In summer he adds other little habits which soon bring him to your
attention. First, his song, a medley of rich notes which include not
only his own song, but a mimicked version of other songs and sounds
which he has heard. These are usually repeated 2 or 3 times and then he
goes to a new series, which may be harsh or pleasing. His song has more
variety of notes than the Brown Thrasher or Catbird. He prefers high
perches when singing, such as aerials, chimneys, windmills, trees,
buildings or water towers. He always is doing unusual things like
leaping into the air or going thru other antics which show his
well-marked plumage.
He likes to nest in arbors, shrubs or trees which offer protection to
his bulky home which is often only a few feet above the ground.
With clearest tone or rasping call,
With notes unheard in music hall
They form the mocker’s roundelay
On moonlight night or sunny day.
Catbird
_Dumetella carolinensis_
[Illustration: {uncaptioned}]
This trim member of the mocker family leaves no doubt as to his
identity. No other bird has a uniform slate-gray plumage with a black
cap and rusty brown under-tail coverts. It makes little difference if
you miss the rusty marking under the tail, or even see the bird, for he
soon discloses his identity by his song. The normal song consists of a
series of musical phrases, well seasoned with catlike mews, often heard
coming from some concealed perch in shrubs or low bushes, for there is
the favorite home of the catbird.
Altho slightly smaller than a Robin, he consumes many insects while
waiting for the small fruit and berries to ripen. Mulberries and wild
cherries are relished in season, while strawberries, blackberries or
grapes are not overlooked.
He prefers low shrubbery or vines for nesting and builds rather a bulky
structure of sticks, twigs, paper, rags or leaves, lined with finer
material. Two broods during the summer keep the parents busily engaged.
When trying to impress his mate, he often fluffs his feathers out until
he looks much larger, sticks his head up with mouth open and struts
around like a clown. It is just a part of nature.
In brushy thickets or some low tree
A slate-gray bird is what we see.
And oft we listen, wondering how
He can repeat the cat’s me-ow.
Robin
_Turdus migratorius_
[Illustration: {uncaptioned}]