abundant of all the Blackbirds during the breeding season, arriving
from their more southern winter quarters early in March. None remain,
so far as my observations go, during winter. They breed abundantly in
the larger gardens of Houston, especially in the mountain cedars
(_Juniperus occidentalis texana_), and the live and water oaks
(_Quercus virens_ et _Q. aquatica_). In the thick young oak grove near
Rose Hill Post Office I found a large colony of about two hundred
pairs breeding and in their company also the Boat-tailed Grackles
(_Quiscalus major_) and Brewer’s Blackbirds (_Scolecophagus
cyanocephalus_), but each species had its own limited nesting range.
Every nest was built in the top of a slender oak and all the nests
examined were neat, strong, and large structures; they were
constructed of plant stems, slender grasses, fragments of corn-husks,
intermingled with sheep’s wool, and lined with finer grasses. In some
nests a layer of mud was also to be found.
95. =Quiscalus major= _Vieill._ BOAT-TAILED GRACKLE.—Quite regularly
distributed over the coast region of Texas. I found the birds breeding
in the colonies of the Little Blue Heron (_Florida cærulea_) and the
Snowy Heron (_Garzetta candidissima_), on the button bushes
(_Cephalanthus occidentalis_) standing in the water. May 6, 1881, I
observed a colony of about twenty pairs near Rose Hill Post Office.
They were all busily engaged in building their nests in the tops of
young oaks. Only a few nests were finished, and only one contained
eggs, four in number. Nest composed of weed-stalks, grasses and
sheep’s wool, lined with finer grasses; cavity very shallow if
compared with nests of _Quiscalus purpureus æneus_ and _Scolecophagus
cyanocephalus_. The male has a few very fine songlike notes, different
from those of every other Blackbird.
96. =Corvus frugivorus= _Bartr._ COMMON CROW.—In winter numbers are to
be observed on Galveston Bay, near bayous, and on the sugar cane
fields near the Brazos. In spring they scatter over the country,
breeding in all suitable localities, but they are then nowhere common
in the coast region.
97. =Cyanocitta cristata= _Strickl._ BLUE JAY.—A very common resident;
breeds abundantly in all woody localities; also often in gardens on
mountain cedars and sometimes on the beautiful Japan medlars
(_Eriobotrya japonica_). Very bold and tame when well treated, coming
then into door-yards and even into houses.
98. =Milvulus forficatus= _Sw._ SCISSOR-TAILED FLYCATCHER; “TEXAN BIRD
OF PARADISE”; “FORK-TAIL.”—Very common summer sojourner; breeds
frequently in the “bosquets” on the prairies, on the borders of woods,
on isolated trees in the fields, and even in gardens. As the nest in
this part of Texas is in most cases placed in trees, densely covered
with Tillandsia, it is almost impossible to discover it. These
beautiful birds are not at all retiring in their habits; in many
instances they are so tame as to breed in close proximity to
dwellings. They arrive from their winter quarters late in March,
sometimes in the first days of April. Very often two broods are raised
yearly. I found fresh eggs as late as July 4. The nests in the coast
region are built partly of grasses but especially of gray Spanish
moss. In September, after the breeding season, they gather in large
flocks, visiting the cotton fields, where multitudes of cotton worms
(_Aletia argillacea_) and their moths abound, on which they, with many
other small birds, eagerly feed; early in October they depart for the
South.
99. =Tyrannus carolinensis= _Temm._ KINGBIRD.—Common summer resident.
Arrives from the South late in March or early in April, when the
beautiful native yellow jessamine (_Gelsemium sempervirens_) fills the
air with its pleasant odor. Nests commonly in the honey locust
(_Gleditschia triacanthos_) and also in the common locust (_Robinia
pseudacacia_). In many cases two broods are raised yearly.
100. MYIARCHUS CRINITUS _Cab._ GREAT-CRESTED FLYCATCHER.—Common summer
sojourner, even in Houston, where it sometimes breeds in bird-boxes,
but more commonly in knot-holes of the cedar and sycamore (_Platanus
occidentalis_) and in old Woodpeckers’ holes. Their loud whistling
cries are almost always to be heard from early April till the latter
part of August; departs for winter quarters early in October. It is
not a shy bird, but knows well how to escape danger. They are, with
Kingbirds and other species, very busy during the time the _Magnolia
grandiflora_ is in bloom, about which millions of various insects
abound.
101. =Sayornis fuscus= _Bd._ PHOEBE BIRD; PEWEE.—Common in winter,
from December to March, especially in the gardens of Houston. The
common notes I heard were quite different from their familiar _pewee_,
sounding like _tsip, tsip, tsip, zewee_. None remain to breed.
102. =Sayornis sayus= _Brd._ SAY’S PEWEE.—This Pewee I have observed
only in April, on the borders of thickets and in the shrubbery near
woods, and always singly.
103. =Contopus virens= _Cab._ WOOD PEWEE.—Common summer sojourner in
open woods, particularly in the “post oak,” where its loud
characteristic notes can be heard throughout the summer. Although this
bird is common, I did not succeed in finding a nest. Arrives early in
April; departs early in October.
104. =Empidonax acadicus= _Bd._ ACADIAN FLYCATCHER.—Common summer
resident, and the only one of this attractive genus that breeds in
this part of Texas. They are common in all the woods, particularly
where a beautiful light green lichen (_Usnea barbata_) hangs from the
trees. In all the deciduous woods of Harris County, and also in the
mixed bottom woods near Spring Creek, they are common, but I was not
so fortunate as to discover the nest, although I always kept a
diligent lookout for it.
105. =Empidonax trailli= _Bd._ TRAILL’S FLYCATCHER.—Common during
migrations, but none, I think, remain to breed.
106. =Empidonax minimus= _Bd._ LEAST FLYCATCHER.—Common during
migrations in April and October.
107. =Trochilus colubris= _Linn._ RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD.—Very
common summer sojourner. I observed them from early April to the
middle of October. Very abundant when the _Wistaria chinensis_,
_Lonicera japonica_, _Gardenia florida_, _Pittosporum tobira_,
_Cydonia japonica_, etc., are in flower.
I have several times seen another species of Hummingbird, but I did
not succeed in securing it.
108. =Chætura pelasgica= _Bd._ CHIMNEY SWIFT.—On August 20, 1880, I
saw numbers on the borders of woods near Spring Creek. During May,
June and July I have seen only a few pairs.
109. =Antrostomus carolinensis= _Gld._ CHUCK-WILL’S-WIDOW.—Common
during the breeding season in dry woods, with much undergrowth.
Arrives late in April from its winter quarters; the time of departure
I do not know. They remain silent during day-time, and commence their
peculiar cries soon after dusk of evening. The eggs are laid on the
bare ground in dry places, and are commonly well hidden by thick
shrubbery. In the dry woods near Spring Creek they are common, but not
in the wet wooded tracts near Houston.
110. =Chordiles popetue= _Bd._ NIGHTHAWK.—Seen in very large numbers.
I saw thousands during a cloudy, rainy day in the early part of May,
near the borders of woods. They all soon disappeared.
111. =Chordiles acutipennis texensis= _Ridgw._ TEXAN NIGHTHAWK.—A
regular but somewhat rare summer sojourner. Differs from the preceding
in many respects. They are more retiring in their habits; they also
sail very low over ponds and pools of water, where myriads of insects,
especially mosquitoes, abound. Four to six are often seen together,
flying quite near each other. I never heard them utter a sound, and do
not know where they breed, but I think they have their nests on the
shrubby borders of woods, where they are most commonly to be observed
when flying. They are readily distinguishable from their near
relatives, our familiar northern Nighthawk, by their peculiar, low,
and quiet sailing, and also by their smaller size.
112. =Campephilus principalis= _Gray._ IVORY-BILLED WOODPECKER.—Very
rare; I have found it only in the large and dense pine forests in the
northern part of Harris County and in Montgomery County far from human
habitations. Very shy and not easy to approach.
113. =Picus villosus= _Linn._ HAIRY WOODPECKER.—Frequently seen during
winter, but only a few times during the breeding season.
114. =Picus scalaris= _Wagl._ TEXAS WOODPECKER.—This beautiful little
Woodpecker is quite numerous in all wooded districts; it comes often
during winter into the gardens of Houston, and is then very
unsuspicious. I can give no particulars about its nesting habits, as I
have never found a nest.
115. =Picus pubescens= _Linn._ DOWNY WOODPECKER.—Common; breeds in all
wooded districts, but is by no means so abundant as I have found it to
be in Wisconsin.
116. =Picus borealis= _Vieill._ RED-COCKADED WOODPECKER.—The _Picus
querulus_ of Wilson is resident in all the large pine woods; it is
very shy, restless, and noisy. The male is very wary during the
breeding season, and every pair has its own limited breeding range. I
discovered a nest in an old high pine stump, but it was out of reach.
These birds are not rare in heavily wooded districts. I never have
seen one in the deciduous woods.
117. =Sphyropicus varius= _Bd._ YELLOW-BELLIED WOODPECKER.—Winter
resident from November to March, and then not uncommon. Always seen
singly.
118. =Hylotomus pileatus= _Bd._ PILEATED WOODPECKER.—Common resident
in all the wooded tracts, in the “post oak” as well as in the bottom
and pine forests. A very noisy species; its drumming is almost as loud
as that of the Ivory-billed Woodpecker. It is not a shy and retiring
species, but, on the contrary, is very often seen near farm houses.
Especially abundant where during the previous winter or spring many
trees have been cut down; these they search for worms, and very soon
have all the bark hammered away from them. They often excavate a hole
for their nest in a post oak, in a sycamore, and also in elms, often
at a considerable height. The cavity is from 10 to 20 inches deep and
so large that a man can easily put his hand into it. The eggs, from
four to six, are of a brilliant white color. Only one brood is raised,
and the young follow their parents till late in the fall.
119. =Centurus carolinus= _Bonap._ RED-BELLIED WOODPECKER.—Another
very common Woodpecker. Its loud, harsh croaks, sounding like
_crirrk_, are almost continually to be heard in the woods. Prefers
deciduous woods. It is resident throughout the year, and is not shy or
of retiring habits, but often visits the larger gardens. In the winter
months I have often observed them on the ground searching for insects,
but it can not walk as easily as _Colaptes auratus_. Breeds usually on
the borders of woods, and raises only one brood yearly.
120. =Melanerpes erythrocephalus= _Sw._ RED-HEADED WOODPECKER.—The
most abundant of its family in and near Houston; breeds commonly in
the city in sycamores, water and swamp oaks, and in magnolias along
Buffalo Bayou. Very confiding and tame; hammers often on houses and
stables, on church towers, telegraph posts, etc. Two broods are raised
each season. I have seen, late in August, young just from the nest.
Once I discovered the nest in a sycamore in a street, about fifteen
feet from the ground, the tree standing only a few yards from a house.
Resident throughout the year. Many are killed by negro boys with
so-called “nigger-shooters,” and not only this species, but also
numberless other birds are thus destroyed by them.
121. =Colaptes auratus= _Sw._ GOLDEN-WINGED WOODPECKER;
“FLICKER.”—Rare during the breeding season, abundant in the winter
months. Frequently seen in pairs and small companies of from four to
ten, and even more. Spends its time during this season mostly on the
ground, where it searches for food. The first companies arrive late in
October, and they steadily increase in numbers till December, when
they are exceedingly abundant. They begin to migrate northward late in
February.
122. =Ceryle alcyon= _Boie_. BELTED KINGFISHER.—Seen only
occasionally. In the western part of Texas, where the rivers and
creeks have clear water, the bird is evidently more common.
123. =Coccyzus americanus= _Bonap._ YELLOW-BILLED CUCKOO.—Common
summer sojourner; breeds abundantly in the thickets on the edges of
woods, and is in this part of our country a very unsuspicious bird, as
it is not only often seen in gardens, but sometimes breeds in them, in
pomegranate bushes, in _Banksia_ and Cherokee-rose thickets, etc. The
first nests I found late in April, the last, July 5. This, a typical
nest for this region, was placed in a young sweet-gum tree
(_Liquidambar styraciflua_), about ten feet above the ground, and was
almost hidden among _Smilax laurifolia_, with which the tree was
overgrown. It was built of sticks, fragments of leaves, Spanish moss
and a few grass-stems lined with the leaves of the loblolly pine
(_Pinus tæda_). It contained two eggs, one somewhat advanced in
incubation, the other quite fresh. I think two broods are, in many
cases, reared each season.
124. =Coccyzus erythrophthalmus= _Bd._ BLACK-BILLED CUCKOO.—Common
during the middle of April, but I do not think that any remain to
breed.
125. =Strix flammea americana= _Coues_. AMERICAN BARN OWL.—More or
less common in all suitable localities. Breeds usually in hollow
stumps, but last year (May 6, 1881) I discovered a nest in the side of
a high bank of a “gully” near Spring Creek. The nest was about two
feet from the entrance and nearly horizontal; a few feathers were the
only lining. Eggs, three in number, dirty white.
126. =Brachyotus palustris= _Gld._ SHORT-EARED OWL.—Not uncommon late
in autumn and during winter near thickets and marshes, where many
little birds associate, on which it feeds almost entirely. Very shy,
and not easily secured.
127. =Syrnium nebulosum= _Gray._ BARRED OWL; “HOOT OWL”; “BOTTOM
OWL.”—Very common, especially in all the bottom woods and in the thick
woods bordering Buffalo Bayou. Their curious notes are heard every
night from the dusk of evening till dawn, and also in dark cloudy and
rainy days. These notes are easily imitated, and often three or four
of the birds may be thus attracted. During night time they come
fearlessly near farm houses, and, with their loud, laughing, unearthly
sounds, make a terrible noise. I have often heard four or five at one
time near a house. Their flight is easy and quick. In Texas where the
hens, turkeys, etc., roost on trees, this Owl is very destructive.
They do not kill old poultry, but like half-grown chickens, and soon
depopulate a whole poultry-yard. The nest is usually built high up in
trees, mostly in pin oaks (_Quercus palustris_) and elms, sometimes
also in pines, of strong twigs and sticks, without a lining. They also
use old Crow’s and Hawk’s nests, which they repair a little.
128. =Scops asio maccalli= _Ridgw._ TEXAN SCREECH OWL.—This little Owl
seems to be quite common. If they are disturbed, they hide in the
hollow of a tree or stump. All their movements are exceedingly quick
and elegant, and the flight gliding and noiseless. I have never had an
opportunity to examine a nest.
129. =Bubo virginianus= _Bonap._ GREAT HORNED OWL.—Common; resident;
breeds. Nests abundantly in all the large woods; especially common in
dense bottom woods. Their loud cries are to be heard not only during
the nights, but also in the day-time, when the weather is cloudy and
rainy. They are very destructive to the poultry; they, like the Barred
Owls, come near the farm houses and commence their ludicrous cries
about nine o’clock in the evening; they utter their cries only during
the breeding season; later they are almost silent. The flight is very
quick and easy. The nest is placed from thirty to seventy feet from
the ground in the top of a large forest tree; it is composed of sticks
and twigs, and is sometimes lined with a bunch of Spanish moss, but
this may be accidental.
130. =Speotyto cunicularia hypogæa= _Ridgw._ BURROWING OWL.—This
little Owl is every year increasing in numbers. Breeds in the higher
prairies, and also in waste fields, in holes. They also breed in the
burrows of the salamander, a species of _Geomys_, probably _Geomys
pinetis_. I have not seen their eggs.
131. =Falco mexicanus polyagrus= _Coues_. PRAIRIE FALCON.—This noble
bird is resident on the borders of woods near prairies, but it is by
no means a common bird. Its flight is graceful, but always low; its
food is said to consist especially of Prairie Chickens and domestic
fowl.
132. =Æsalon columbarius= _Kaup_. PIGEON HAWK.—Common in fall and
winter, as soon as the large flocks of Blackbirds and different
Finches appear from the north, among which it makes great havoc. None
remain to breed. They disappear quite early, usually in the first days
of March.
133. =Tinnunculus sparverius= _Vieill._ SPARROW HAWK.—Common in fall
and winter, but never observed during the breeding season. This bird
also does great harm among our small birds.
134. =Polyborus cheriway= _Cab._ CARACARA EAGLE; MEXICAN EAGLE;
“MEXICAN BUZZARD.”—Regularly distributed, but in this part of Texas is
not so common as farther in the interior. It is a very showy bird, and
the flight is extremely elegant and quick. Although it is very shy and
not easily to be approached, it often builds its nest in trees not far
from farm houses. The farmers say they are as harmless as Turkey
Buzzards. The nest is usually from twenty-five to thirty feet above
the ground and is built of sticks, sometimes lined with bits of cotton
and Spanish moss; the cavity is shallow. Often the birds, commonly
single individuals, are to be observed with Vultures feeding together
on carrion.
135. =Elanoïdes forficatus= _Ridgw._ SWALLOW-TAILED KITE; FORK-TAILED
KITE.—Abundant summer sojourner from the first part of March to
October. A beautiful bird, and one of the most characteristic species
of this locality. Especially abundant in the bottom woods near
prairies or fields. Nest very high in slender trees in the river and
creek bottoms; it is built of sticks and Spanish moss. I never had an
opportunity to collect eggs of this bird as the nests, in almost every
case, were out of reach. In August and September the birds are often
seen in cotton fields, where they feed on cotton worms and other
insects. They are particularly fond of small snakes, such as
_Leptophis_, _Rhinostoma coccinea_, lizards (_Anolius carolinensis_
and _Ameiva sex-lineata_). I never have seen them take a bird or a
small quadruped.
136. =Elanus glaucus= _Coues_. WHITE-TAILED KITE.—This rare and
beautiful bird I have seen several times sailing over cotton fields.
Its flight is easy and graceful, but not rapid; sometimes it stops a
few moments and then descends with great velocity to the ground to
capture a lizard or a snake. It is not shy, and is easily recognized
by its white tail.
137. =Ictinia subcærulea= _Coues_. MISSISSIPPI KITE.—Not a common
summer resident, and very shy and retiring in its habits. It is
generally found in the same localities with _Elanoïdes forficatus_.
Its sailings are extremely beautiful and sometimes the bird is so high
in the air as to be almost invisible. Like the Swallow-tailed Kite, it
is often seen about cotton fields, where it feeds on the cotton worms
and on small snakes and lizards. I have a few times seen the nest high
up in the top of gigantic pines, pin oaks and sycamores, entirely out
of my reach.
138. =Circus hudsonius= _Vieill._ MARSH HAWK.—Common resident in the
marshy prairies in the northern part of Harris County; also common
near the sugar-cane fields on the Brazos. It is very destructive to
all the smaller prairie birds, but it also feeds on snakes, frogs and
lizards. I never found a nest.
139. =Accipiter cooperi= _Bonap._ COOPER’S HAWK.—This very common and
impudent robber is the most destructive of the Raptores to the
barnyard fowls; in a short time all the young chickens, turkeys, and
ducks are killed by it. It is so bold as to seize the poultry before
the farmer’s eyes, and in only few cases can the bird be punished, as
it is very difficult to shoot. The flight is easy, very quick, and
usually low. Nests found in April had already half-grown young. They
were similar to Crows’ nests, built of twigs in the tops of middle
sized trees, and lined with bunches of _Tillandsia_.
140. =Accipiter fuscus= _Bonap._ SHARP-SHINNED HAWK.—Common in winter.
141. =Buteo pennsylvanicus= _Bonap._ BROAD-WINGED HAWK.—Not uncommon
during the winter months, and a few remain to breed, nesting in the
high trees near the rivers and creeks.
142. =Buteo swainsoni= _Bonap._ SWAINSON’S HAWK.—Not uncommon during
the breeding season; often seen on the prairies near woods. Many are
killed, as they commit great havoc among the poultry. The nest is
built in the tallest trees, in an almost inaccessible position.
143. =Haliaëtus leucocephalus= _Savig._ BALD EAGLE; WHITE-HEADED
EAGLE.—This is not a common bird, but is known to breed in certain
parts of this region. They build their nests in the tallest trees of
the river bottoms. Two young, taken out of a nest in the spring of
1880, became very tame pets.
144. =Cathartes aura= _Illig._ TURKEY BUZZARD.—Very abundant, and
resident throughout the year. Nests on the ground.
145. =Catharista atrata= _Less._ BLACK VULTURE; CARRION CROW.—Common
but not abundant; about one-twentieth as common as the Turkey Buzzard.
Breeds on the ground in the grassy prairies.
146. =Ectopistes migratoria= _Sw._ PASSENGER PIGEON.—Occasionally
common during the migrations. In September and October, 1881, I saw
immense numbers in the post oak woods, where they were feeding on
acorns.
147. =Zenaidura carolinensis= _Bonap._ MOURNING DOVE.—Very abundant,
and resident throughout the year. In very cold winters many migrate
farther south. They raise, at least in this part of the country, three
broods yearly. On the prairies the nest is not unfrequently placed
upon the ground.
148. =Chamæpelia passerina= _Sw._ GROUND DOVE.—A rare summer
sojourner. Have never seen more than two together.
149. =Meleagris gallopavo= (=americana= _Coues?_). WILD TURKEY.—I can
not state with certainty whether the Wild Turkey under consideration
is the _Meleagris gallopavo americana_ or _M. gallopavo_, but I think
it is the first-named variety. I have found the bird abundant in all
the heavily wooded districts, especially common in the thick woods
with much underbrush near Spring Creek. Eggs are often put under a
tame hen, but the young are not easily domesticated; as soon as they
are grown they become very wild, and many go off again to their
favorite woods. Early in May I have seen the mother bird with about a
dozen young ones, but they were so extremely wild that they suddenly
disappeared among the almost impenetrable thickets of blackberries
(_Rubus villosus_) and Smilax (_Smilax laurifolia_ and _S.
lanceolata_). When the pecans are ripe, they assemble in flocks of
from ten to twenty and even thirty, and feed particularly on these
nuts. Later in the season they feed on several kinds of acorns, and in
winter when food becomes scarce, they eat the berries of the
myrtle-holly (_Oreophila myrtifolia_) and other berries.
150. =Cupidonia cupido= _Bd._ PRAIRIE HEN.—Common resident on all the
flat grassy prairies. Is becoming scarcer every year.
151. =Ortyx virginiana= _Bonap._ AMERICAN QUAIL; “BOB WHITE.”—Very
abundant resident. Two broods are raised yearly. They are exceedingly
tame and confiding, breeding sometimes in close proximity to the
habitations of men. In winter from fifty to one hundred are usually
seen in cotton and sugar-cane fields.
(_To be continued._)
=Recent Literature.=