would like you to remember he is 10 inches long. This helps when making
a comparison with other birds. This medium-size member of the thrush
family makes himself at home on your lawn, in your garden, pastures or
fields. There you will see his reddish breast, dark head and back, all
distinctive in sunlight or shadow. Yes, you can spot a Robin anywhere.
The young have spotted breasts which is typical of the thrush family.
Robins are early risers and start singing as soon as the first faint
glow shows the approach of a new day. Robins do most of their feeding on
the ground. There you will see them making a short run, then stop, look
and listen. They seem to be able to hear their prey, for you will notice
them digging worms and insects from depths which would make them
impossible to see. These birds sometimes add small snakes, minnows or
frogs to their diet of worms, insects and fruit. Hackberries, persimmons
and red cedar seeds help carry them thru the winter.
Robins often winter rather far north and are one of the first migrants
to make an appearance in spring.
Your travels bring you wide acclaim
For everyone can call your name.
They count the days ’til you appear
For then they feel that spring is near.
Eastern Bluebird
_Sialia sialis_
[Illustration: {uncaptioned}]
This small thrush, only slightly larger than an English Sparrow, is held
in high esteem by those who have made his acquaintance. Unlike the
Hermit and Wood Thrushes which sing in the seclusion of deep forests,
the Bluebird prefers open country with scattered trees. Old apple
orchards make choice locations for usually they have a number of old
woodpecker holes for nests.
Unlike most thrushes, he is not noted for his song, however his
frequently heard “tur-wee,” gives a restful assurance that all is well.
The male has bright blue upper parts with reddish-brown breast. The
female is duller with only the wings and tail showing blue with duller
brown breast. The young have spotted breasts like others of the thrush
family.
Bluebird houses will help bring this bird to your community but remember
that the opening should be smaller than 1½ inches which will admit
Starlings, while low sites such as fence posts discourage the English
Sparrow. These birds cover a large area in their search for food so
houses should be spaced accordingly.
Grasshoppers, crickets, cutworms and other insects form a major portion
of the food while small fruits and berries also are relished. Like the
Robin, he often spends his winters with us.
A little bit of heaven
Seems a part of your array,
So blue above with brownish breast
How can you dress so gay?
Golden-crowned Kinglet
_Regulus satrapa_
[Illustration: {uncaptioned}]
Energetic little birds, smaller than House Wrens, the Golden-crowned
Kinglets spend the winter busily engaged in searching the twigs and
branches for insect eggs or larvae. There they join mixed flocks of
chickadees, Brown Creepers, nuthatches and Downy Woodpeckers, all
working together to protect our trees. He is easily identified for he
has the habit of flicking his wings as he moves thru the branches. His
short, slightly forked tail, white line over the eye, distinct wing
bars, all seem dull when compared to the golden crown, edged with black.
This gives an artistic touch to his olive-gray plumage. The female shows
a yellowish crown. The only bird with which he can be confused is the
Ruby-crowned Kinglet which shows a distinct eye ring. He flashes his
ruby crown only when excited.
Like the Brown Creeper, this bird has a faint lisping call which usually
is given in a series of from one to 3 notes, not the single note of the
creeper.
They often feed in low bushes or shrubs, sometimes on the ground and
seem to have little fear of man and will permit a close inspection. When
feeding high in the trees, their small size gives you a clue to their
identity.
Oh, little king with crown of gold
How do you stand the winter’s cold?
If I were small as you, I know
I’d travel south and miss the snow.
Loggerhead Shrike
_Lanius ludovicianus_
[Illustration: {uncaptioned}]
A gray bird with a black mask over the eyes, black wings which show a
white patch when flying, and a black tail with white margins, all help
identify this shrike. His head seems large when compared to his trim
body, he has a hooked beak, the under plumage is white. If there is any
doubt, watch him fly from one perch to another. He drops down near the
ground, flies rapidly and then zooms up to his next location. Another
habit is flicking his tail like a Phoebe when he alights.
This bird likes open fields, pastures, grassy or weedy grounds with
handy perches where he can get a good view of his surroundings. He has
good eyes and any small snake, mouse or grasshopper will cause him to
investigate. He often hovers before striking and catches his prey with
his strong beak, for his feet are not equipped with heavy claws like
most predators. This also makes it necessary for him to impale his prey
on thorns, barbed wire or some other pointed object where he can cut it
with his sharp bill.
Shrikes seem to prefer thorny trees for nesting, but will use whatever
is available. Most nests are rather low and are bulky structures.
These birds kill more food than they consume and would be held in better
repute except for the habit of killing other birds.
A “butcher-bird,” you hear folks say
For you use thorns to hang your prey.
Now we don’t mind, your catching mice,
But killing songbirds isn’t nice.
Starling
_Sturnus vulgaris_
[Illustration: {uncaptioned}]
Previous to 1890, this bird was unknown in America. Then a few pairs
were released in New York City and now look at them! Starlings are
everywhere. When walking around your yard or field he appears to be
black with a short tail, pointed wings and a sharp pointed beak which is
yellow in summer and brownish-black in winter. On closer inspection you
will find that he is a little smaller than a Robin, greenish with
speckled plumage in fall and winter, which develops into greenish-purple
in spring. In flight he flaps and sails much like a Meadowlark but his
short tail and wing pattern are distinctive. The young are brownish with
lighter throats.
Many of the Starling’s feeding habits are beneficial for he eats many
worms and insects which he finds by turning over leaves or probing with
his sharp bill. The fact that he likes fruit on occasion is not in his
favor for he likes to travel in flocks and it takes a lot of fruit to
feed a flock of Starlings.
Starlings have not learned to migrate and large flocks often gather
about buildings to roost, and what noisy, dirty lodgers they are.
Perhaps the worst habit is that of taking over all the available nesting
sites before our native birds arrive in spring. Every hole, crack or
cranny is occupied, so where are they to go?
When foreigners invade our land
They sometimes get clear out of hand.
So leave them all where they belong
And then you’ll know they’ll do no wrong.
Red-eyed Vireo
_Vireo olivaceus_
[Illustration: {uncaptioned}]
Unlike some of his relatives which prefer low bushes and shrubs, the
Red-eyed Vireo prefers heavily-wooded areas. Where forests occur, he is
the commonest bird. Clearing of timber reduced much of his habitat, but
any grove of trees will furnish a home for this species. His numbers are
limited only by the area of the wooded section.
Vireos are more often heard than seen for they feed slowly thru the tops
of high trees, but have an endless series of notes and sing during the
hot summer days when other birds seek shelter. The song consists of a
series of short phrases sometimes rising, sometimes falling, as if the
bird were talking to himself, even answering his own questions, with a
distinct pause between. Some of these notes have a robin or tanager-like
quality, but the repeated song soon places the bird.
When you see this sparrow-size bird, you will find that he has a clear
white line over the eye, bordered with black. This is his only
outstanding mark for he has no wing bars. His general appearance is
greenish-gray above, white below with a greenish-yellow tinge on the
sides and flanks. His red eye is not distinct enough to make a good
field mark. His main diet consists of leaf-eating worms.
With others hushed
By summer’s sun
He still sings on
As tho ’twere fun.
Myrtle Warbler
_Dendroica coronata_
[Illustration: {uncaptioned}]
The Myrtle Warbler is a member of a colorful family of American birds
most of which are smaller than sparrows, have thin pointed bills, are
more active than vireos. They are often referred to as the butterflies
of the bird world. The Myrtle Warbler is presented because he is the
first to arrive in spring, often before the leaves arrive to hide him
from view. This 5½-inch bird has 4 yellow marks which will identify him:
the crown, rump and each side of the breast. He appears darker than most
warblers, being blue-gray above, white below with black marks across the
breast and back beneath the wings. The white throat and 2 white wing
bars offer contrast. Females and young lack the brilliant markings of
the male, but the yellow rump patch will identify the birds. The white
throat distinguishes this from other warblers which show a yellow rump.
This bird is a migrant since he prefers to nest in the evergreens of
Northern United States and Canada. He feeds on insects and larvae which
infest our trees but captures many flying insects when available. Often
he winters farther north than you would expect to find warblers and then
feeds on small berries. Myrtle or bayberries are a favorite food and the
name of the bird indicates its fondness for these berries.
The first to greet us in the spring,
The last to leave in the fall,
Four yellow spots before your eyes
Is proof he’s paid a call.
Yellowthroat
_Geothlypis trichas_
[Illustration: {uncaptioned}]
The adult male of this species wears a black mask over his eyes and is
only 5¼ inches long. The female lacks the mask but has a yellow throat,
white belly and olive-brown head, back, wings and tail which identify
the birds.
They nest over a wide area, favorite habitat being bushy thickets near
water. He is quick to resent any invasion of his privacy and uses a
variety of scolding notes to let you know how unhappy he is. His
movements are wren-like and hurried and his black eyes fairly sparkle to
show his excitement. He soon vanishes into the undergrowth but you will
have a chance to learn his call which sounds like “witchity, witchity,
witchity,” or “witcheree, witcheree, witcheree,” usually repeated 3
times.
While all warblers are beneficial, the Yellowthroat perhaps leads the
list for he feeds over a large area and in a variety of places.
Cankerworms in your orchard will soon bring this bird for they along
with fall webworms, are his favorites. Other caterpillars, plant lice,
leaf-hoppers, grasshoppers, flies and beetles add variety to his menu
and protection to the farmer.
They nest on or near the ground, the female builds the nest and hatches
the young, but he is a devoted father and helps gather juicy worms to
feed the offspring.
A singing bandit he might be
Who seems to say just “witchity.”
Near wooded draws he likes to stay
And there he spends the summer’s day.
House Sparrow
_Passer domesticus_
[Illustration: {uncaptioned}]
Whether you call him an English Sparrow or a House Sparrow, makes little
difference. He is not a sparrow, nor can we blame the English for the
vast population of these birds found within our borders. The fact that
it is a weaver-finch would indicate that Africa was the original home of
this species. This bird has been introduced into many countries and he
soon adapts himself to any surroundings. The record shows that 8 pairs
were introduced in Brooklyn in 1850 but did not survive. Two years
later, more were imported and now they are at home over a wide range.
Since we have referred to this bird for comparative size, it is well
that we keep him in mind. His length runs from 5½ to 6¼ inches with a
wingspread of 9½ to 10 inches. The male is rather colorful with his gray
crown, chestnut nape, white cheeks, black throat and chest, brown back
and gray-white belly. The thick finch-like bill, the slightly notched
tail which they flick often, the habit of hopping when feeding on the
ground—all help in identification. The young and winter males resemble
the female which is a dull-brown above with gray-white below and a pale
stripe over the eye.
They consume quantities of insects but will eat almost anything
available.
He sits and chirps all day long
With what to him must be a song,
He thinks your home a place to nest,
Which wins for him, the name of pest.
Eastern Meadowlark
_Sturnella magna_
[Illustration: {uncaptioned}]
This chunky robin-size bird is perfectly at home in fields and pastures.
There he is easily recognized as a plump brown-streaked bird with yellow
underparts and a black crescent on the breast like a black V. The short
tail shows white on each side and is flicked nervously. The crown shows
black and white stripes. They fly low over the fields with a series of
flaps and sails and walk around short-grass meadows in their search for
insects.
They are not larks but are closely related to Starlings, as shown by
their scientific name and their resemblance to the invading flocks of
these aliens. Unlike their relatives, Meadowlarks have no bad habits and
feed largely on cutworms, grasshoppers and beetles which are found in
their chosen habitat.
The Eastern Meadowlark has a loud clear song often referred to as
“spring is here,” while his western cousin, slightly smaller in size,
produces a series of whistled notes and warbles which is quite pleasing
to the ear. Both have a series of chattering notes which is typical.
Neither is hesitant about singing and they add much to their
surroundings by the quality of song.
They not only should be protected but encouraged to nest around farms
for they more than pay their way.
With yellow breast and black cravat
Whoever asks, “What bird is that?”
For meadowlarks range far and near
And sweetly whistle, “spring is here.”
Red-winged Blackbird
_Agelaius phoeniceus_
[Illustration: {uncaptioned}]
A black bird with a bright red shoulder patch identifies the adult male.
Females and young are a heavily streaked gray-brown while young males
are brown with an orange wing patch. In fall and winter the brilliant
red shoulder patch is not so apparent, sometimes reduced to only a line.
These numerous birds are slightly smaller than Robins and are abundant
along ditches, ponds, lakes or other marshy areas where they nest in
rushes, cattails or small bushes surrounding water. Irrigation has
increased their habitat until they are one of our common birds. Vast
flocks spend the winter in southern marshes.
While nesting in swamps or other low areas, they range widely in search
of insects and larvae and account for many which would be injurious to
crops. In fall they feed heavily on weed seeds and waste grain. Huge
flocks are not welcomed in the unharvested rice fields of the south.
Feeding habits make him a good neighbor to everyone in his northern
range before he joins the flocks of Starlings and other birds which
flock to the southern areas.
The male is a bigamist on occasion and often entices more than one mate
to share his chosen marsh.
A flash of red
You’re bound to see
And then you’ll hear
His “oka-l-e-e-e.”
Brown-headed Cowbird
_Molothrus ater_
[Illustration: {uncaptioned}]
The coffee-brown head and black body of the male are distinctive, but in
fall the brown head shows more of a purplish tinge. The young, while
larger than sparrows, could be confusing since they are olive-brown
above with a buffy scaled appearance. The underparts show brown
streaking. The female is dusky gray.
They feed near grazing animals and consume quantities of insects which
are disturbed by the herds. In winter they join other flocking birds for
migration. Then they feed on small seeds.
They build no nest but lay eggs in the nests of vireos, warblers,
sparrows or flycatchers and depend on the foster parents to rear the
young. The white, evenly speckled-with-brown egg usually hatches before
the eggs of the rightful owner and the young Cowbird immediately tries
to push the other eggs or young out of the nest. He wants all the food
for himself. Some birds destroy the unwanted eggs, others desert their
own nest or build a new structure which covers the eggs, but most
species raise the young Cowbird. Such habits are not condoned in the
best bird circles.
Gurgling notes of the male offer a soothing note to nature, when flocks
of these birds join other blackbirds in the treetops. The female has a
chattering note which is distinctive.
“No moral standards”
Man would say,
But nature governs
And birds obey.
Summer Tanager
_Piranga rubra_
[Illustration: {uncaptioned}]
The rosy red plumage of the male Summer Tanager is helpful in
identification for he is smaller than the Cardinal and lacks the tuft
and black face patch of the latter. Females, which resemble orioles, do
not have the sharply pointed bill of the oriole and are richer colored
than the female Scarlet Tanager, being almost an orange-yellow below.
She is olive-yellow above with no wing bars. The wings are greener than
those of her near relative. Young males often show a mottled pattern of
reds and yellows before attaining the rosy red hue of the adult.
They prefer a rather open forest such as is found on hillsides. A dead
treetop makes an ideal perch while singing or catching insects on the
wing. The song is a rather melodious series of notes which reminds one
of a Robin. Alarm notes are a distinctive series of chippy-tuk-tuk
notes.
These birds feed rather deliberately thru the trees and destroy many
insects and leaf-eating larvae which they encounter. Their nest is
usually far out on the limb and at least 10 feet above the ground. They
spend winters in South and Central America. The breeding range does not
extend as far north as that of the Scarlet Tanager.
We like your color, rosy red
We like to hear you, overhead.
In open woods, we know you’ll rest
For there your mate conceals her nest.
Cardinal
_Richmondena cardinalis_
[Illustration: {uncaptioned}]
Most folks call him a “redbird,” which is only natural. The male is
entirely red except for the black face. No other redbird shows a tuft or
has such a heavy, orange bill. The female is dressed more in keeping
with family duties for yellowish-brown plumage offers more protection to
her and the secluded nest. She always shows a reddish tinge especially
on the crest, wings and tail. These markings combined with the conical
reddish beak, leave little doubt as to identity. The young resemble the
female.
The Cardinal, slightly smaller than a Robin, can be found in almost any
area which includes thickets or tangled vines for protected nesting
sites. Hedges, plum thickets, woodland borders, city parks, swamps or
around your home, any or all are used on occasion. He likes to feed on
small seeds which means he must venture into the open, but he wants
cover handy, when predators arrive.
In summer the Cardinal feeds heavily on insects and larvae but seeds and
small fruit form the major portion of his diet. He is fond of sunflower,
melon or squash seeds and will be among the first to visit your feeder
when these seeds are offered. If no regular feeder is available, he will
accept food when placed on the ground or snow.
With brilliant coat and whistled song,
A thing of beauty all day long.
A joy forever you will find,
If you will keep his wants in mind.
Dickcissel
_Spiza americana_
[Illustration: {uncaptioned}]
This sparrow-size finch is not too easy to describe for plumage varies.
There is no doubt about the singing male for he gets his name from his
song and reminds you every few seconds that he is a Dickcissel. He shows
a yellow breast with a black spot and except for size resembles a
meadowlark. Telephone wires, fences or weeds offer good perches and
there you will find him with head back and tail hanging down as he
repeats his song. A reddish-brown wing patch is a good field mark in
some seasons. The female is much like the female English Sparrow but is
lighter with a tinge of yellow and a lighter eye-line.
Dickcissels are common around fields or meadows and seem to be
especially fond of alfalfa fields for they offer a good assortment of
beetles, bugs and hoppers on which the bird thrives. Larvae and small
seeds round out the diet and make this bird a useful neighbor on any
farm.
They nest on or near the ground. This makes them victims of various
predators which range thru such areas. Cowbirds seem to rely on these
birds to raise their young for they are often found feeding the young
imposters. They wander widely in both nesting and winter range and
frequently appear where least expected.
In summer when the days are long
You’re bound to hear his cheerful song.
In open fields, he likes to stay
And calls his name thruout the day.
American Goldfinch
_Spinus tristis_
[Illustration: {uncaptioned}]
The American or Common Goldfinch often is called “wild canary.” Altho he
is not a canary, his small size, color and twittering notes remind
people of their pets. While smaller than sparrows, these birds are
rugged and winter over much of their nesting range. Their habit of
flocking and tendency to feed on weed seeds makes them easily found.
The male of this species is a rich lemon yellow with a small black mark
above the bill, black wings and tail. The wings show distinct white bars
especially in winter when the yellow has faded to the more somber hue of
the female. The tail is forked with white tips on the outer feathers and
coverts. The bill is yellow.
Goldfinches are noted for their cheerful dispositions. A feeding flock
can be heard uttering twittering conversational notes even in winter.
Spring brings the notes of their beautiful but varied song which usually
can be identified as “tzee,” or “per-chic-o-ree,” which is the song
heard when the birds pass overhead.
Goldfinches nest late in the season and use quantities of thistle down
or similar fiber in building their compact homes. Fondness for thistles,
both seeds and down, often gives him the name “thistle-bird,” and many
artists picture him perched on this colorful weed.
He’s never happy when alone
But with the flock is prone to roam.
You often hear his questioning “tzeee”
In flight he says, “per-chic-o-ree.”
Slate-colored Junco
_Junco hyemalis_
[Illustration: {uncaptioned}]
The sparrow-size Slate-colored Junco or the “snowbird,” as he frequently
is called, is only a winter visitor in most areas. But what a welcome
guest he is! The white belly and outer tail feathers add distinctive
marks to his slate-gray plumage. The bill is pinkish white. Females and
immature birds are duller and sometimes show a pinkish-brown tinge on
their backs and sides.
Juncos can be found around weed patches, hedges or sheltered corners of
fields, where they spend much time in feeding on weed or grass seeds
which provide their winter diet. Even fallen seeds are not overlooked
for these birds do much of their feeding on the ground. They sleep in
evergreens, sheds or other protected areas which shelter them from the
cold and snow. They often visit feeders for small seeds provided by bird
lovers.
Their notes are hard to describe but have a musical smacking or clinking
note or series of notes which once learned, are easily remembered. Their
song is a series of chipping notes much like those of a Chipping
Sparrow, but with more variation and more of a musical quality. This
song is heard when the first warm days of spring arrive. They nest in
either mountainous or northern regions for they enjoy cool climates.
Slate-gray above and white below,
Reminds us of a winter’s snow.
The leaden clouds we see o’erhead
Bring flaky snow, thru which we tread.
INDEX PAGE WHEN THE BIRDS MAY BE SEEN
Jan. Feb. Mar. Apr. May. Jun. Jul. Aug. Sep. Oct. Nov. Dec.