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FORTHE PEOPLE

FOK EDVCATION

FOR SCIENCE

LIBRARY

OF

THE AMERICAN MUSEUM

OF

NATURAL HISTORY

i^:^!^ ^.^^.^-^

THE

LAND-BIRDS AND GAME-BIRDS

OF

NEW ENGLAND

WITH DESCRIPTIONS OF THE BIRDS, THEIR NESTS
AND EGGS, THEIR HABITS AND NOTES

WITH ILL US TEA TIONS

BY

H. D. MINOT

SECOND EDITION
EDITED BY WILLIAM BREWSTER

To him who in the love of Nature holds
Communion with her visible forms, she speaks
A various language.

Bryant's Thanatopsis

BOSTON AND NEW YORK

HOUGHTON, MIFFLIN AND COMPANY

(Cbe lltitiEwibe prejjs, CamliriD0e

1895

Copyriglit, 1876,
By henry DAVIS MINOT.

Copyright, 1895,
By CHARLES SEDGWICK MINOT.

All rights reserved.

The Riverside Press, Cambridge, 3fass., U. S. A.
Electrotyped and Printed by H. O. Houghton and Company.

CONTENTS.

Page

Biographical Notice vii

Editor's Preface ^

Preface to the Original Edition xv

Introduction 1

Chapter I. First Order. Passeres 23

§ 1. Thrushes (Turdldce) 24

2. Bluebirds {Saxicolidce) 47

3. Kinglets and Gnatcatchers (SylviidcB) 50

4. Titmice (Paridce) 56

5. Nuthatches (Sittince) 61

6. Creepers (Certhiidce) 66

7. Wrens {Troglodytida) 68

8. Wagtails (Motacillidce) 78

9. Warblers (Si/lvicolidce) ........ 79

10. Tanagers (Tanagridce) ....... 136

11. Swallows {Hirundinid(E) ....... 140

12. Waxwings (Ampelidce) 152

13. Vireos (VireonidcB) 154

14. Shrikes {Laniidce) 166

15. Finches {Fringillidce) 171

16. Larks (Alaudidce) 246

17. Orioles (Icteridce) 249

18. Crows (Corvidce) 270

19. Flycatchers {Tyrannidce) 281

Chapter II. Second Order. Picarice 304

20. Goatsuckers (Caprimulgidce) 305

21. Swifts (CypselidcB) 310

22. Hummingbirds {TrochilidcB) 313

23. Kingfishers {Alcedinidce) 317

24. Cuckoos {CucuUdcE) 319

25. Woodpeckers {Picidm) 323

Chapter III. Fourth Order. Raptores 339

26. Owls (Strigidce) 340

27. Hawks and Eagles (Falconidce) 359

28. American Vultures (Cathartidce) 392

IV CONTENTS.

Chapter IV. Fifth Order. ColumbcE 394

29. Pig-eons {Columbidce) 395

Chapter V. The Ga>ie-Birds 403

30. Grouse (Tetraonida) 403

31. Partridges (Perdicidce) 412

32. Snipe (Scolopacidce) 418

Appendix.

A. An Ornithological Calendar for Eastern Massachusetts . . 433

B. Distribution of the Birds of New England .... 441

C. D. The Use of the Keys 443

C. A Key to the Eggs of Massachusetts .... 445

D. A Key to the Land-Birds of New England . . . 452

E. Coloration Peculiar to Young Birds or to Mature Birds in the

Winter Season ........ 461

F. Abstract of the Game Laws of Massachusetts . . • 465

G. Additions to Mr. Minot's List of the Land-Birds and Game-

Birds of New England ...... 466

Index to English Names 481

Index of Scientific Names 490

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.

Page

Plate 1 facing 1

Fig. 1. Wood Thrush . 25

2. Chickadee 57

3. Winter Wren 69

4. Blue Yellow-hacked Warhler 101

5. Scarlet Tanag'er .......... 137

6. Warbling- Vireo 162

7. Butcher-bird 166

8. Purple Finch 179

9. White-throated Sparrow ........ 225

10. Towhee Bunting 234

11. Shore Lark 246

12. Cow-Bird 254

13. Baltimore Oriole 262

14. Crow Blackbird . 267

15. Traill's Flycatcher 294

16. Night " Hawk " 309

17. Yellow-bnied Cuckoo 320

18. Golden- wing-ed Woodpecker 324

19. Hairy Woodpecker . . 334

20. RufPed Grouse 407

21. Quail 413

22. Woodcock 419

BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICE.

Henry D. Minot, the author of " Land-Birds and Game-
Birds of New England," was born on August 18, 1859, in
Koxbury, near Boston. He was the sixth child and fourth
son of William and Katherine Sedgwick Minot.

His parental home comprised about thirty acres of land,
sheltered by large trees and abundant shrubbery, with a
varied, undulating surface, including also some acres of
swamp. It stood on the edge of the Great Forest, which
then stretched from Walk Hill Street to the town of Dedham
on the west, and to the Blue Hills and the Great Ponds in
Canton and Braintree on the south. Farms and small settle-
ments were scattered through these forests, and there were
large clearings where the timber and wood had been cut off,
and had been followed by a free growth of New England
shrubbery. Nature seemed to have fashioned this country
for the dwelling-place of birds. The forests, the open farm
fields, the thickets and hedgerows and swamps, afforded every
form of food and shelter suited to their wants ; and most of
the birds native to eastern Massachusetts, or occasional visi-
tors there, coidd with careful search be found.

On the home grounds, from seventy-five to a hundred nests
were built every spring, and the broods therein successfully
raised, for the birds were carefully protected. Cats, Hawks,
gray squirrels. Crows, Jays, and snakes were summarily dealt
with ; every note of alarm was promptly answered with an
efficient rescue, and all the spring and early summer the air
was fiUed with the melody of happy birds.

From early childhood, Mr. Minot showed a great fondness
for Nature, and her influence and charm increased with every
added year of his boyhood. He never wearied of wandering

EDITOR'S PREFACE.

The " Land-Birds and Game-Birds of New England" is, in
many respects, a remarkable and interesting book. Written
by a youth of seventeen, with, as I am assured, almost no out-
side help of either a literary or scientific kind, it found favor
at once, and for nearly twenty years has been ranked among
the authorities on the subject of which it treats. It has evi-
dently owed this popularity partly to the large amount of
original matter which it contains, partly to the pleasant style
in which it is written, and in no small degree, apparently, to
the attractive personality of Mr. Minot himself. Most of
the biographies relate to his own experience or impressions,
and in the main they are exceedingly well done, for, in addi-
tion to the essentials of good composition — unity of style, and
simplicity, terseness and vigor of expression — they are not
wanting in touches of a somewhat quaint humor and of unmis-
takably sincere and elevated sentiment. Their author had
a clear head, a true heart, and a well-defined purpose, combined
with an amount of literary taste and ability very rare in one
so young. He was deeply in earnest, full of warm yet rever-
ent love of nature, wholly unconscious of, or indifferent to,
certain conventional methods of investigation and expression,
yet in the main careful in observation, temperate of state-
ment, and singularly logical and dispassionate in argument.
It is true that his literary style is marred, here and there, by
evident immaturity of thought and expression, and lack of
experience occasionally led him into statements of more than
doubtful scientific accuracy ; but these shortcomings have
been rightly judged with much leniency in view of the gen-
eral soundness of his work. Moreover, had our author been
older and wiser his style woidd almost certainly have lost that

xii EDITOR'S PREFACE.

peculiar freshness, that marked naivete, that subtle personal
flavor, which, as already pointed out, are obviously among its
chief attractions.

In revising a text-book on natural history for a new edi-
tion it is customary to omit positive blunders, to recast or
rewrite partially erroneous or misleading passages, and to
pad more or less liberally with fresh material. But Mr.
Minot's work is not a mere text-book, and it has seemed to
me that treatment of the kind just indicated would scarcely
add to its intrinsic value and usefulness. It was not, when it
first appeared, either a comprehensive or an exhaustive trea-
tise, and to attempt to make it so now, when the sum of know-
ledge of New England ornithology is at least fourfold what
it was in 1877, would tend to obscure, if not to destroy, the
original character of the book, besides swelling its bulk to
far beyond the limits of desirability.

Hence my editorial touches have been of the lightest.
They are intended, not to bring the subject down to date,
but merely to help the reader to approach the book from
the standpoint of the present day, and to use it intelligently
in connection with more modern works. In other words,
I have assumed that the " Land-Birds and Game-Birds "
may be safely trusted to stand, as it has so long stood, on its
own merits.

Everything that I have personally contributed, excepting
the list of added species in the new Appendix, appears in
the form of foot-notes signed by my initials, all the unsigned
foot-notes having been taken from the first edition. It will
be noticed that some of my paragraphs relating to distribution
do not differ in substance from Mr. Minot's ; but most of the
latter are so inadequate (they habitually refer only to Mas-
sachusetts and in some instances exclusively to " near Boston")
that it has seemed best to supply a full set of independent
notes on this important branch of the subject. These notes
are of necessity brief, but it is hoped that they will give a
sufficiently clear and definite account of the general range
of each species in New England and the seasons at which it
may be found in the different States.

EDITOR'S PREFACE. xiii

As to my other foot-notes, it may be well to explain that,
excepting in a few cases which possess unusual interest, I
have abstained from criticising points in regard to which
there are grounds for a fair difference of opinion or impres-
sion, and have confined myself to questioning or correcting
statements which are positively known or generally believed
to be erroneous ; and further, that I have made no attempt
to supplement Mr. Minot's biographies by additional matter,
save where this fills a conspicuous blank, — as in the case
of a nest and eggs which were unknown to him, — or where
what I have added directly qualifies or explains something
that he has said.

Practically the whole of the text, — including the ingenious,
but intricate and perhaps useless, keys and tables in the Ap-
pendix, — has been reprinted in nearly its original form ; the
only important changes being the following : (1) Family
titles have been introduced as page headings. (2) The scien-
tific names of birds throughout the work, with very few ex-
ceptions,* have been made to conform with those adopted in
the latest editions of the " A. O. U. Check List," now almost
universally followed by American writers. (3) Some of the
English names of birds have been changed slightly in form or
spelling, or with respect to the use of capital letters. Ex-
cept in a very few cases, however, all the vernacular names
given by Mr. Minot have been retained and no new ones added.
(4) The parentheses, which in the first edition inclosed the
numbers and letters used to designate species and certain sec-
tions of the text, have been omitted. (5) The notes and
additions which originally appeared in the Appendix have
been reproduced in the form of foot-notes to the matter to
which they respectively relate. (6) The punctuation has
been to some extent emended. (7) Certain words and sen-.

* Most of these exceptions could not be avoided without disturbing the
system of numbers by which Mr. Minot designated genera and species and
which he habitually used instead of page references in the text of his biogra-
phies ; e. g., the genus Syrnium with its species " (A) cinereum " and " (B)
nebulosum.^^ Had these species been placed respectively under the genera
Scotiaptex and Syrnium^ to which they are now referred, the sequence of num-
bers must have been either broken or changed.

xiv EDITOR'S PREFACE.

tences have been transposed or changed in accordance with
some marginal notes and suggestions entered by Mr. Minot in
his personal copy of " Land-Birds and Game-Birds " and in-
tended by him for use in a new edition, but no other liberties
of this kind have been taken.

It only remains for me to express my thanks to Mr. Henry
A. Purdie and Mr. Walter Faxon for much kind assistance
and advice, and to wish the book itself Gods23eed.

WILLIAM BREWSTER.

January, 1895.

PREFACE.

This book has been written from a desire to interest, if not
to instruct, young people in tbat most attractive branch of
natural history, the study of birds. If this j)wi'pose is ac-
complished, I trust that its deficiencies may be pardoned. In
my early study of ornithology, I felt great need of some simi-
lar book ; hence my attempt to supply it.

The volume will fill a place hitherto vacant in ornitholo-
gical literature. The works of Wilson,^ Audubon,^ and Nut-
tall,^ are costly, and rarely offered for sale, having been in a
great measure superseded by modern authors. The recent
and most complete work on American ornithology,* that of
Messrs. Baird, Brewer, and Ridgway, is also costly. Mr.
Samuels's book on the " Birds of New England and Adjacent
States"^ has been thought too expensive to be within the
reach of all, and more or less inaccurate and incomplete. Dr.
Coues's admirable " Key to North American Birds," ^ which
is probably the best book of reference for collectors, and
students of inanimate hirds^ treats merely of structure, clas-
sification, and specific descriptions. The same author's
" Field Ornithology," ' and Mr. Maynard's '* Naturalist's

1 American Ornithology. Wilson. 9 of New England and Adjacent States.
vols. Philadelphia, 1814. Brought E. A. Samuels. 1867.

down by Ord to 1827. Also 4 volumes ^ Key to North American Birds, vfMh.
by Bonaparte, of the birds not given by a list of fossil birds. Coues. Natural-
Wilson, Philadelphia, 1833. ists' Agency, Salem, Mass.

2 a. Ornithological Biography. Au- "^ Field Ornithology, with A Check-
dubon. 1838. b. Enlarged to Birds List of North American Birds.^ Coues.
of America in 1844. Naturalists' Agency, Salem, Mass.

^ A Manual of the Ornithologi/ of the « The Check-List has been published

United States and Canada. Nuttall. separately. The older Smitlisonian list

1832, 1840. may be obtained from the Naturalists'

* North Ainerican Birds. Baird, Agency, Salem, Mass. To the above-
Brewer, and Ridgway. Little, Brown, mentioned books of reference may be
& Co., Boston, 1874. added various local catalogues, and the

^ Birds (or Ornithology and Oology) first volume, lately published, of Life-

xvi PREFACE.

Guide," ^ have also been written for collectors, being cbiefly
manuals of taxidermy.^ The former, so far as it extends, is
the fuller of the two.*

The author of this ornithological biography has endeavored
to make it inexpensive, trustworthy, original, and not a com-
pilation. He is aware that it is incomplete, treating only of
the land-birds and game-birds, which are of all, however, the
most accessible to a majority of persons, the most numerous,
and certainly the most generally interesting. He hopes, how-
ever, that should this volume be favorably received, some
naturalist will undertake the biography of the wading and
swimming birds, which he himself is incapable of doing, not
having had opportunities to make sufficient observations.
This volume may be found further incomplete, and he hopes,
therefore, that criticisms and corrections will be freely made,
that into a second edition, should there be one, he may incor-
porate additional facts. That he might not be, or seem, guilty
of plagiarism, he has written his biographies before reading
those of others, and has afterwards consulted Wilson, etc.,
for such interesting facts as were unmentioned by himself.
These borrowed statements, or passages quoted for their in-
trinsic value, have been invariably attributed to their authors,
or placed in quotation marks.^^ Sometimes, however, in spite

Histories of the Birds of Eastern Penn- ■which the figures of the larger birds

sylvania, by Thomas G. Gentry. are often admirable, while those of the

** The Naturalisfs Guide, " with a smaller kinds are generally very much
complete catalogue of the birds of less successful. The letter-press con-
Eastern Massachusetts," and notes sists of short biographical sketches,
relative to their migrations, etc. C. J. and synopses of classification." «
Maynard. Fields, Osgood, & Co., « This work was long since com-
Boston, 1870. pleted. It has met with a cold recep-

^ In the appendix to the first edition tion, however, and is not to be recom-

Mr. Minot also mentioned the follow- mended. — W. B.

ing : Studers Ornithology, " the birds of * Several important works have

North America, drawn, engraved, and been since added to the above list,

colored from life by Theodore Jasper, among them two of especial value to

A. M., M. D. ... To be published (by students of New England birds, viz.,

subscription, at one dollar for each New England Bird Life, by Coues and

number) in about forty parts, many Stearns, and a reprint of NuttalFs Man-

of which have already been issued, ual, edited by Montague Chamberlain.

Each part contains one uncolored, and — W. B.

three colored lithographic plates, in i° In the case of a few rare birds,

PREFACE. xvii

of these precautions, he has employed much the same words
as other writers in describing the same facts. The biogra-
phies of the game-birds have been contributed by a friend,
except those of the Canada and Pinnated Grouse.

The author has endeavored to mention in detail the ordi-
nary or minor notes of various birds, since these are often
more satisfactorily characteristic than musical notes, which
are usually heard during a limited portion of the year. He
has, moreover, endeavored, when possible, to convey an idea
of several songs through the medium of words, but he has
generally been obliged to employ other means, since it is dif-
ficult to do the former satisfactorily. It is probable that,
were a dozen persons asked to express verbally any music of
this kind, they would each employ different syllables. Many
birds have two or three easily distinguishable combinations of
musical sounds, or in different districts of the country have
songs which are very distinct. The notes of many Warblers,
particularly those occurring in Massachusetts as migrants
only, need to be learned and studied more than those of any
other group of our avifauna. The author does not pretend
to have treated these completely or satisfactorily, the less so
that he has lost several memoranda. The Warblers sing,
however, during their migrations in spring, particularly in
the early morning, more than many naturalists suppose. Mr.
Allen, in the preface to his "Notes on some of the Rarer
Birds of Massachusetts," makes the following admirable and
instructive remarks on the variation in birds' songs, distribu-
tion, etc.

" Only by knowing thoroughly the fauna of a locality can
the subsequent changes in it, induced by its becoming more
densely settled, or by other causes, be traced. As is well
known, the mammalian and bird faunae of all the older settled
parts of the United States are vastly different from what

the author has satisfied himself with which he cannot personally attest, such
corroborating the statements of others, as that Vultures feed chiefly on carrion,
instead of making statements based etc. These cases are principally con-
entirely upon his own authority and fined to remarks on distribution and
experience. He has not hesitated, habitat,
however, to state very general facts,

xviii PREFACE.

they were two hundred years ago. These changes consist
mainly in the great decrease in numbers of the representa-
tives of all the larger species, not a few of which are already
extirpated where they were formerly common ; a few of the
smaller species of both classes have doubtless increased in
numbers. Two causes operate unfavorably upon the larger
ones ; the disforesting of the country and the sporting pro-
pensities of the peo^ile, everything large enough to be shot,
whether useful or otherwise, being considered as legitimate
game. . . . Many of the water-fowl that are now only transient
visitors, as the Canada Goose, the several species of Mergan-
ser, Teals, Black Duck and Mallard, undoubtedly once bred
in this State, as did also the AVild Turkey and the Prairie
Hen. ... In comparatively recent times, geologically speak-
ing, probably other causes, as climatic, have been operating
to effect a gradual northward migration, in certain species at
least. These changes are of great interest, not only generally,
but in a scientific point of view, and we shall be able to trace
them and their causes only by comparing, from time to time,
exhaustive faunal records of the same localities.

" In a district so little diversified as that portion of Massa-
chusetts lying east of the Connecticut River, it is perhaps
a little unexpected that marked discrepancies should occur
in the observations made at adjoining localities by equally
competent naturalists, in respect to the relative abundance of
certain species. As every experienced observer must have
noticed that the birds of passage, as many of the Warblers
especially, vary greatly in numbers in different years, and in
the time occupied by them in passing a given locality, it is
less surprising that at different points they should vary in
abundance the same j^ear. Among the birds that regularly
breed in the district in question, there are some that are not
equally common at all points. . . .

" Birds, as probably other animals, are not quite so invari-
able in their habits as has been commonly supposed, nor in
the precise character of their notes and songs, or the situation
and materials of which they compose their nests. Hence one
should not rashly question the accounts given by usually re-

PREFACE. xix

liable authorities, because in particular instances they do not
accord with their own observations. Neither should differ-
ences in habits, in song, etc., be taken as infallible evidence
of a difference of species. . . . Howuniversally the Chipping
Sparrow (^Sinzella socialis) breeds in trees, and generally at
an elevation of several feet, is well known, but several au-
thentic instances of this bird's nesting on the ground have
come to my knowledge, one of which I myself discovered.
Variations of this character in other species are of occasional
occurrence, examples of which have doubtless been met with
by every experienced collector.

"The materials which birds select in the construction of
their nests are well known to vary in different localities ; the
greater care exhibited by some species to secure a soft warm
lining at the north that are much less precautious in this re-
spect at the south, is already a recorded fact. Aside from
this, the abundance of certain available materials occurring at
only particular localities gives a marked character to the nests
there built, which serves to distinguish them from those from
other points. Some of the Thrushes, for instance, make use of
a peculiar kind of moss at some localities that elsewhere, from
its absence, are compelled to substitute for it fine grass or dry
leaves. At Ipswich, on Cape Cod, and perhaps generally in
the immediate vicinity of the sea, the Purple Grackles ( Quis-
calus versicolor) and Red-winged Blackbirds (^Agelceus plicB-
niceus)^ and in fact numerous other species, in building their
nests often use little else than dry eel-grass or ' sea-wrack,'
which results in nest-structures widely different in aj^pear-
ance from those of their relatives residing in the interior.
Every egg-collector is aware of the wide variations eggs of the
same set may present, not only in the markings and in the
tint of the ground color, but in size and form, and especially
how wdde these differences sometimes are in eggs of different
birds of the same species. Also how different the behavior of
the bird is when its nest is approached, in some cases the par-
ents appearing almost utterly regardless of their own safety
in their anxiety for their eggs or helpless young, while other
parents of the same species quietly witness the robbing of

XX PREFACE.

tlieir nest at a safe distance, and evince no extraordinary emo-
tion. Those who have witnessed this, and have also watched
the behavior of birds when undisturbed in their quiet retreats,
will grant, I think, the same diversity of disposition and tem-
perament to obtain among birds that is seen in man himself.

" In respect to the songs of birds, who that has attentively
listened to the sinq-ino; of different Robins, Wood Thrushes
or Purple Finches, has not detected great differences in the
vocal powers of rival songsters of the same species ? Differ-
ent individuals of some species, esj^ecially among the Warblers,
sing so differently that the expert field ornithologist is often
puzzled to recognize them ; especially is this so in the Black
and White Creeper (^Mniotilta varici) and the Black-throated
Green Warbler (^Dendrceca virens). But the strangest ex-
ample of this sort I have noticed I think was the case of an
Oriole Qlcterus Baltimore) that I heard at Ipswich last sea-
son. So different were its notes from the common notes of
the Baltimore that I failed entirely to refer them to that bird
till I saw its author. . . . Aside from such unusual variations
as this, which we may consider as accidental, birds of unques-
tionably the same species, as the Crow, the Blue Jay, the
Towhee^i and others, at remote localities, as New England,
Florida, Iowa, etc., often possess either general differences in
their notes and song, easily recognizable, or certain notes at
one of these localities never heard at the others, or an absence
of some that are elsewhere familiar. This is perhaps not
a strange fact, since it is now so well known that birds of
the same species present certain well marked variations in size
according to the latitude and elevation above the sea of the
locality at which they were born, and that they vary consider-
ably, though doubtless within a certain range, in many struc-
tural points at one and the same locality. In other words,
since it is known that all the different individuals of a species
are not exactlv alike, as thouo-h all were cast in the same die,
as some naturalists appear to have believed.

" Certain irregularities in the breeding range of birds have

^^ It is to be remarked that a variety of this bird has reeeutly been found in
Florida.

PREFACE. xxi

also come to light. It is perhaps not remarkable that a pair
of birds of species that regularly breed in northern New Eng-
land should now and then pass the summer and rear their
young in the southern part, as has been the case in certain
known instances in the Snow Bird (Junco hy emails)^ the
Pine Finch (^Chrysomitris 2^inus')^ and the White-tliroated
Sparrow (^Zonotrichia alhicollis) ; but it is otherwise with the
Snow Bunting (^PlectTO'plianes nwalis)^ which rarely breeds
south of Labrador, of which there is a single well authenti-
cated instance of its breeding near Springfield. The casual
visits of northern birds in winter, which we may suppose
sometimes results from their being driven south by want of
food or the severity of the season, are also less remarkable, it
appears to me, than the occurrence here of southern species,
as of the two Egrets, the Little Blue Heron (Florida caeru-
led) the Gallinules and other aquatic species, which never, so
far as known (with one exception perhaps), breed so far north.
In the latter case they are generally young birds that reach
us towards fall in their chance wanderings.

" It may here be added that the cause of the migration of
our birds still offers an interesting field for investigation.
Observers are of late noting that in the case of some northern
species that reach us only occasionally in their winter migra-
tions, young birds only are at first seen, but if the migration
continues the older birds appear at a later date. But some-
times young birds only are seen. This frequently happens in
the case of the Pine Grosbeak (^Pinicola eneucleator). The
cause of their visits is not always, it is evident, severe
weather ; the last named species appearing sometimes in No-
vember, — weeks before severe cold sets in, — while at other
times it is not seen at all during some of our severest winters.
The probable cause is more frequently, doubtless, a short sup-
ply of food, as last winter was remarkable in this state for its
mildness and for the great number of northern birds that
then visited us. It has repeatedly been observed that on
their first arrival these unusual visitors are generally very
lean, but that they soon fatten ; an argument in favor of the
theory that their migration was compelled by a scarcity of
food.

XXU PREFACE.

" Probably fewer birds are actually permanently resident at
a given locality than is commonly supposed, for species seen
the whole year at the same locality, as the Blue Jay, the Tit-
mouse, the Brown Creeper, and the Hairy and Downy Wood-
pecker, etc., in Massachusetts, are represented, not by the
same, but by different sets of individuals, those seen here in
summer being not those seen in winter, the species migrating
north and south, en masse, with the change of season. We
are generally cognizant of a migration in a given species only
when the great ' bird wave ' sweeps entirely past us either
to the north or south. Some species, however, seem actually
fixed at all seasons, and are really essentially non-migratory,
as the Spruce Partridge, and Quail ( Ortyx Virginianus') are
in New England. But only a small proportion, doubtless,
of the so-called non-migratory birds at any given locality are
really so.*

" In connection with this topic of migration, the fact that
some of the young or immature individuals of our marine
birds, as the Herring Gull (^Larus argentatus) and other
species of that family, and several of the Tringae, linger on
our coast during summer, while the adult all retire north-
ward, is one of some interest. Mature and strong birds only,
in species that breed far to the north, evidently seek very
high latitudes. Birds of the first year also appear to roam
less widely than the older. In different species of the Gull
family it is generally only the mature birds that in winter are
seen far out to sea, though in the same latitudes the young
may be numerous along the coast. All observant collectors
are well aware of the fact that those birds that first reach us
in the spring, of whatever species, are generally not only very
appreciably larger, but brighter plumaged and in every way
evidently more perfect birds than those that arrive later ; and
that in those species that go entirely to the north of us there
is a much larger proportion of paler colored and immature
birds, especially among the Sylvicolidce, or warblers, towards

* '* In respect to the proof whereon Boston Society of Natural History^ Vol.
this proposition rests, see my remarks i, Pt. iv, p. 488 (foot note)."
on this point in the Memoirs of the

PREFACE. xxiu

tlie close of the migrating season than earlier. Hence the
presence here of a few individuals in summer of species that
usually go farther north is not always sufficient evidence that
the species breeds with us." ^^

Good illustrations are of great assistance to young students,
teaching them, better than words, characteristic details of
structure, and the general differences of appearance in the
birds of various families or groups. The illustrations of this
volume are woodcuts in outline, the only satisfactory form,
not greatly increasing its cost, of which the author has be-
thought himself. He has drawn most of the figures from na-
ture — he hopes with accuracy, though, since the scales vary,
and (when fractional) are only approximate, they do not sat-
isfactorily represent the relative size of the birds figured.^^
The outlines of the Chickadee, Night " Hawk," and Golden-
winged Woodpecker, have been copied from Wilson's pictures ;
those of the Winter Wren were suggested by a picture in Dr.
Coues's "Key to North American Birds." The details of
structure have all been drawn from nature by the author,
though several hints have been taken from the latter volume.
The outlines of birds very well known, or nearly related to
others figured, have been omitted. It may be here remarked
that in the figure of the Traill's Flycatcher the tail is broader
and more rounded than is observable in the living bird when
at rest. In some other figures, the notch of the bill is in-
distinct.

This volume contains several facts never before published,
so far as the author knows, except a few, which have appeared
in magazines and pamphlets. It also possesses new features
which wiU, it is hoped, facilitate the acquisition of a thorough
knowledge of our birds, though it contains no more scientific
details than necessary. The classification, with slight changes
in sequence, is that used by Professor Baird and Dr. Coues.
The introduction (which is divided into sections, marked by

^2 Several passages or sentences have, ^^ These have not heen drawn so as
for convenience, been omitted in this to exhibit the longest primary, spurious
extract. feathers, scutellce, or the like, imless in

the plate.

xxiv PREFACE.

letters) relates chiefly to the formation of a collection of eggs,
containing, however, a section on structural details, and an-
other on classification. Each of the succeeding chapters
treats of an ornithological order ^ though the last treats of the
game-birds. Each chapter is divided into sections, which are
continuously numbered throughout (in Arabic figures), and
which mark the w2iViou^ families (subfamilies being otherwise
indicated). The genera of each section are marked by Ro-
man numerals, and the species belonging to them by capital
letters in parenthesis. The biography of each species is
divided into four parts : a, a description of the mature birds
(but not of the young, for which see the Appendix E) ; 5, a
description of tlieir nest and eggs ; c, a description of their
habits, and c/, of their notes. In the first part, various
minute details are freely omitted, which it has been thought
unnecessary to introduce. In spelling the English names of
birds, the following system has been here adopted. Specific
names are begun with cai3ital letters to distinguish them from
similar names of groups (e. g.^ the Crow Blackbirds) ; when
they are composed partly of a family-name, such as "thrush,'*
that name is never compounded with another (e. ^., Wood
Thrush) ; when they are compounds of " bird," that word is
united by a hyphen to a noun immediately preceding, but not
to an adjective, except in cases to the contrary established by
long usage (e. g.^ Cat-bird, Blue Bird, but Swamp Black-
bird). *

Finally, that this book may prove useful to students, inter-
esting to lovers of nature, and acceptable to the public, is the
hope and wish of its

1876. Author.

* These rules have not been strictly followed in the present edition. — W. B.

Plate 1.

1. Booted tarsus of a Robin. 2. Bill of a Robin. 3. Scutellate tarsus of the Brown
Thrush. 4. Bill of the Brown Thrush. 5. Bill of a Nuthatch. 6. Bill of a Creeper. 7, 8, 9,
Bills of Warblers : 7, genus Hdminthopaga; 8, Deiidrceca ; 9, Myiodiodes. 10. Wing-feather
of the Cedar-bird, with horny appendage. 11. Head of a Cedar-bird, with crest raised.
12. Bill of the Goldfinch. 13. Bill of the Rose-breasted Grosbeak. 14. Bill of the Sharp-
tailed Finch. 15. Tail-feathers of the same bird. 16. Bill of a Crossbill. 17. Hind-toe
and claw of the Snow Bunting. 18. Bill of the Red-winged Blackbird. 19. Bill of
the Canada Jay. 20. Bill of the Great Crested Flycatcher ; 21, as seen from above.
22. " Mucronate " tail-feathers of the Chimney Swift. 23. Head of the Chimney
Swift. 24. " Syndactyle " foot of the Kingfisher. 25. Bill of the Downy Woodpecker.
26. Raptorial bill, genus Accipiter. 27. Tip of bill, genus Falco. 28. Bill of a Pigeon.
29. Tarsus of a Pigeon.

LAND-BIRDS AND GAME-BIRDS OF
NEW ENGLAND.

INTRODUCTION.

§ A. Ornithology is the science of birds, and oology that of
eggs, or, in a common but limited sense, that of birds' eggs.
The two are intimately connected, and often form a joint
study, one embracing the other. They are useful, because,
when properly pursued, they cultivate observation and a love
of nature, and necessitate healthful exercise. " Ornithology,"
says an enthusiastic but anonymous writer,* " has two depart-
ments, which are more or less incompatible, namely. Natural
History and Science, or the study of animate birds and of
those inanimate. The former, especially as opposed to an ex-
treme of the latter, I recommend to all young students as
the higher and better pursuit of the two. I further advise
them, when not shooting at targets or legitimate game, never
to fire a gun. My own experience has proved that, when
science is so far advanced as at present, one can obtain an ac-
curate knowledge of our birds, and a good collection of their
eggs, by following the above rule and having proper books of
reference, or a like resource. Egg-collecting can be con-
ducted under humane principles. A parent-bird should never
be shot, except in cases of extreme necessity, it being often
preferable even then to snare the female by placing a slip-
noose of horsehair around the inner edge of her nest and at-
taching it to some neighboring object. I myself, from as
near a standpoint as possible, and often aided by an opera-
glass, observe, if I can, the female when actually upon her
* That is, H. D. M.

2 INTRODUCTION.

nest, since other birds may be about it, and may even make
complaints from sympathy, or because their own nests are
near by.^ Should she fly too soon, I either return after a
few moments' absence or concealment (as I often do in prefer-
ence to doing mischief by keeping her too long from her nest),
or I follow her with my eye, endeavoring not to lose sight of
her nor to confuse her with any other species, and note, so far
as possible, all her markings, which, until I became an expert,
I always noted down on the spot, to compare with full descrip-
tions at home. Practice enables one to recognize many birds,
particularly the larger ones, at a glance, and to note readily
the most characteristic markings ; but there is no objection to
shooting Hawks, which are less easily identified otherwise than
smaller species. There are some persons who are too inaccu-
rate to follow this method, and with such, or with those per-
sonally unknown to you, it is well never to exchange. Males
are generally more easily identified than females, and fre-
quently sit upon their nests, though most often appearing
when their mates are disturbed. Confusion may easily arise
from two varieties of one species, but both forms rarely occur
in the same district, and, according to a strict definition of the
word ' variety,' can never normally do so. The only varie-
ties (not belonging to original types) which occur in New
England among land-birds are the Gray-cheeked Thrush, the
Bronzed Blackbird ,2 and the Ked-naped Woodpecker, of which
the first-named has been sometimes ranked as a species, and
at least has not been known to breed in the eastern United
States.^ *

" Bird-collecting, on the other hand, unavoidably leads to

1 It may be added that Cow-birds manim hypochrysea), the Nelson's and
always lay their eggs in the nests of Acadian Sharp-tailed Sparrows (Sm-
other birds. See § 17, III. modromus caudacutus nelsoni and A. c.

2 " This bird is thought to build in subvirgatus), the Bicknell's Thrush
holes, while the Crow Blackbird does (Turdiis alicim bicknelli), and the Cana-
not." dian Ruffed Grouse {Bonasa umhellus

3 See, farther, § 13, I, D, and E, for togata), have been since added. The
the very slight distinction between the Gray-cheeked Thrush is now consid-
Warbling and Philadelphia Vireos. ered a good species, and the Red-naped

* Several subspecies, such as the Woodpecker has been eliminated from
Yellow Palm Warbler (Dendroica pal- the New England list. — W. B.

INTRODUCTION. 3

more or less cruelty, in many cases to absolute barbarity, and
is at present carried to an alarming excess. Slaughter by
hundreds should be permitted among only a few eminent and
competent naturalists, such as Messrs. Allen and Coues.
Otherwise, it becomes an outrage upon nature, a positive
injury to science, and a mere source of seK-gratification.
Young collectors, who are not to become scientists, should
form their collections for the sake of beauty in nature, and
might well be satisfied with two good specimens, well-mounted,
of each kind, namely, the mature male and female.* In the
case of a scientific collection this would be wholly inadmissi-
ble, and collectors should certainly shoot any specimen of a
kind never before taken in that district where they may
chance to meet it, or those birds which they find in a country
new to themselves, or perhaps to all ornithologists. Other-
wise, may I venture to ask what new facts one can make
known from owning the skins of several hundred unfortunate
Robins ? All our rarer birds, or those of market value, are in
danger of being altogether exterminated, through a foolish
sense of glory on man's part, or through his reckless destruc-
tion of other than human life. It is also to be regTctted that
so many birds are shot before laying their eggs, owing to the
condition of their plumage, and their abundance, during or
immediately after their spring migrations. Nature's resources
should be drawn upon only in cases of necessity, or in contri-
bution to the advancement of mankind. Violation of nature,
as of the natural laws, must entail misery, and finally cause
us bitterly to regret our present thoughtlessness and inhuman-
ity ; errors which will probably continue until stricter and
efficient laws, consequently more general and simple laws, are
passed."

The above remarks may need modification, but they express
a spirit worthy of serious reflection.

§ B.* In forming a collection of eggs the chief requisites
are: —

* This is most sound and wholesome * The following remarks are ad-

advice, and is especially pertinent to dressed to the inexperienced only,
the present time. — W. B.

4 INTRODUCTION.

(1) Boxes of various sizes. Those of a cylindrical shape
and made of tin are the best, as they take up least room in the
pocket, and are easily slipped in and out. A box which can-
not be carried in the pocket is comparatively worthless.

(2) A supply of cotton wool, a cheap material and the
most satisfactory for packing on account of its elasticity.

(3) A cabinet.

(4) A knife to cut small branches or the like.

To these may be added climbing-irons, egg-drills, blow-
pipes, etc., though not absolutely necessary.

§ C. In winter, or as spring approaches, study the descrip-
tions of various birds, nests, eggs, and the nature of the local-
ities as well as the position in which the latter are usually
found. Find in advance suitable spots for the search of any
desired nest, especially if you do not live in the country.

§ D. If in your rambles you should see a nest (not an old
one), approach it carefully to see the bird ; this being gener-
ally indispensable, as eggs are often to be identified through
the parent only. If the female, who usually sits upon the
nest much oftener than the male, flies too soon, retire, and
return in a few minutes. Adopt the same plan for a bird
whom you have flushed from the ground, and do not at once
recognize. If you fail to find the nest (granted that there be
one there, and that the bird was not merely feeding^), on re-
turning, note the exact spot from which she rises. If you think
to recognize her, make yourself positive of facts. If not, note
with the utmost accuracy her size, markings, and the shape of
the bill, and identify her as soon as possible.^ To determine
her size, remember that the Hummingbird is about 3^ inches
long, the Song Sparrow or Snow-bird 6 or more, the Robin
about 9|^, and the Crow nearly 20. Also observe the compar-
ative length of her tail.

^ Many birds, when frightened from ^ Shooting- the parents when collect-

their nests on the ground, feign lame- ingybr yourself is optional. See quoted
ness or distress. remarks in § A.

INTRODUCTION. 5

§ E. If you have an opportunity, study the works of Wilson
and Audubon. The former's figures are very lifelike, and
their coloring generally true, though often too high-toned or
otherwise incorrect. It is still more worth your while to
examine the collection of the Boston Society of Natural His-
tory.^ If this is inaccessible to you, another is probably more
worthy of your attention than descriptions, or even accurate
paintings.

§ F. A nest containing sound eggs, but without the parent
birds, generally indicates that all the eggs have not been laid,
or that the parents are temporarily absent. Should you find
an incomplete nest, you must judge for yourself how soon it
will be finished. A pair of our smaller birds, in the latter
part of May or in June, ordinarily spend from five to ten days
in building one, and sometimes end their work sufficiently in
advance to allow the female a vacation for a day or even two.
Earlier in the season, other birds are generally occupied two
or three weeks. Woodpeckers are very uncertain in this
respect, and it is often difficult to decide when their nests
should be broken into to get the eggs, unless one can watch
them closely at their work (carried on chiefly in the morning)
and observe the final cessation of chips.* The Creepers, Nut-
hatches, Chickadees, and certain Wrens customarily lay their
eggs in deserted Woodpeckers' holes or other cavities, which
they line with warm materials, though the Chickadees occa-
sionally excavate for themselves with great and long-continued
labor.

After the first egg has been laid, one is generally added on
each succeeding day (apparently most often in the morning)

" The building- of this Society is on since separated, and are now exhibited

Berkeley Street (near Boylston) in in a room devoted to the fauna of New

Boston. It is at present open to the England. — W. B.

public on Wednesdays and Saturdays * A small wire scoop, furnished with

from 10 A. M. to 5 p. M. The birds of gauze netting-, and attached to a long-.

New England are not separated from flexible wire handle, can be used to ex-

those belonging to other parts of the plore the hole and remove or if neces-

world." sary replace the eggs. — W- B.

« The New England birds have been

6 INTRODUCTION.

until the complement is made,^ before which time the nest
should not be visited, except in cases of necessity. Most
birds lay four or five eggs (occasionally three or six) in a set,
commonly fewer in that of a second brood than before. Many
Wrens, Titmice, and Kingfishers often la}^ more ; the former
even ten, or very rarely twelve. Gallinaceous birds are also
prolific, and two or three hen-birds are said sometimes to lay
in the same nest. Hummingbirds, Eagles, and Pigeons, usu-
ally lay two eggs in a set, as do also old birds of other species,
particularly among the Hawks and Owls. Many sea-birds
have only one. If a nest be found with the same number of
eggs for two or three days, the proper inference generally is
that no more will be laid. If the egg of a Cow-bird (§ 17,
IH) be discovered, it should be taken home, or destroyed (at
a distance from the nest), unless observations are to be made
upon the young when hatched.

§ G. A method of finding nests, w^hich may often be prac-
ticed with success, is that of " tracking " birds, when seen
with food for their mates or material for building. It is gen-
erally a wearisome and patience-exhausting process, and fre-
quently causes disappointment. It may be facilitated by the
scattering of feathers, horse-hairs, string, cotton-wool, straw,
etc., in places where they will attract the attention of the
architects in whose work you are interested. The nests of
Woodpeckers may often be found by tracing to its source the
loud rapping of the builders, or by observing on the ground
the chips, which are usually fresh (unless, as is rarely the
case, the excavation be made in an unsound tree).

§ H. When you take eggs, pack them at once, bearing in
mind that the smaller ones are very delicate, and even the
larger ones easily broken. ^ If they are of the former class,

^ To this law the chief exceptions to even seven days, generally being

are the birds of prey and the Cuckoos ; four.

but among the smaller laud-birds the ^ Much danger will be obviated by

average rate of laying is one a day. blowing the eggs first, when practica-

Thus among difFerent species the time ble. If fresh eggs are allowed to grow

for laying four eggs varies from three cold, or to remain long unblown, the

INTRODUCTION. 7

having taken from the box most of the cotton wool, leave a
layer on the bottom, in which make a slight depression with
the finger, and place the first egg. The following rules should
be observed : (1) An egg must not come in contact with an-
other, with the bottom, sides, or cover of the box. (2) The
cotton wool must be tightly packed. To pack it loosely is a
mistake frequently made, and attended by consequent acci-
dents. (With larger eggs less care is required, and those of
Hawks or Owls may often be carried safely in a handkerchief.)
When all the eggs have been safely stowed away, the box
should be put in the pocket in such a way that they shall not
be violently jarred when a fence is clambered over, or the
body otherwise ungently moved. A small nest, if either rare
or curious, should be taken with any small branches to w^hich
it may be attached, and brought home in a suitable box or
basket, and not squeezed in the hand or pocket ; a bulky one
may be safely carried in the hands. A nest on the ground
must be taken up with peculiar care, as it may otherwise fall
apart, and should afterwards, if necessary, be stitched to-
gether. Nests, to be properly preserved, must be placed in
some receptacle where they will be free from dust, and, if
composed of woolly materials or of feathers, constantly sup-
plied with benzine or crystallized camphor, to prevent the
ravages of moths.

Eggs, to be sent by mail or express, should not be packed
so tightly as for ordinary transportation, and may be first sur-
rounded by tissue-paper. " Single eggs," says Dr. Coues,
*' may be safely mailed to any distance in auger-holes bored in
wood." Boxes may be sent by mail at a trifling cost when
not sealed. Tin boxes, such as are used for tobacco, with
tightly fitting covers, are the best.

§ I. On reaching home, the eggs must not be left in places
where they are likely to be broken or lost, but at once blown
and placed in your cabinet. The following are directions for

contents are less easily removed. The for two or even three days. See § I
reverse is said to he the ease when eggs and note.
containing embryos are left unblown

8 INTRODUCTION.

blowing an egg in the old-fashioned way, which possesses two
or three advantages over the modern process (among others,
that of not requiring expense, to many persons an important
consideration*) : —

Holding the egg lightly between the thumb and forefinger
of the left hand, with a sharp pin in the right hand, make a
small hole at or near the smaller end, and at the greater, or on
the same side, a large one in accordance with the size of the
egg^ which is next placed between the thumb and forefinger of
the right hand. Then place your mouth at the smaller hole,
and breathe out gently but steadily, and the contents, if fresh,
run out at the other. Be sure that none are left, and even
remove, if possible, the lining of the shell, though no risk
should be run of breaking the latter. When any difficulty
occurs, shake the egg^ or give a quick puff if safe to do so ;
otherwise, inject a little water from the mouth. In certain
cases, shaking is even preferable to blowing. During the pro-
cess of incubation, the contents of an egg thicken, and the
young is gradually formed, until the blowing finally becomes
impossible. When the egg is not fresh, enlarge the larger
hole (but never the other), and blow persistently and patiently,
taking care that the yolk or young does not, by suddenly
slipping out, allow the egg to collapse between your fingers,
or break it by being forced through too narrow an exit. If
the contents are too thick to blow easily, they should be care-
fully cut off with small scissors, whenever protruding beyond
the shell. If it is impossible to blow the egg, enlarge the
holes so as to allow the gas to escape freely, but surround
them with camphor-gum, as otherwise the odor is extremely
disgusting, and the egg, after losing its original colors, grad-
ually drops to pieces. I have seen eggs successfully kept in
this way, decomposition being quickened by the occasional in-
jection of water.

The modern and very general manner of blowing eggs
necessitates the use of several instruments : the blow-pipe and
egg-drill, which are the most important, the syringe, forceps,

* Blow-pipes and egg-drills of ex- easily obtainable that these considera-
cellent quality are now so cheap and tions no longer have weight. — W. B.

INTRODUCTION. 9

dissecting-sclssors, etc. To follow this method, drill with a
light twirling motion a small hole on one side of the egg, re-
move from the opening the inner membrane, which often (as
in the larger of t7.oo holes) interferes with further action, and
insert the blow-pipe. Then breathe gently, not forcibly, and
the contents, if fresh, will flow out about the pipe ; but, if they
do not, a little water should be injected, and the egg gently
shaken. Should there be further difficulty, inject warm water,
put the egg in a dark, warm place, with the hole turned up-
ward, and at the end of a few hours, after shaking it, remove
as much as possible of the yolk, etc., which must finally be
altogether disposed of, particularly in the case of white eggs.
Then inject more water, and again leave it. Young may be
cut up by slender scissors, having delicate blades at an angle
with their handles, and removed by a fine wire slightly
hooked, or by small forceps. Fresh eggs, if not too large,
may be "blown," or rather sucked, by means of a suction-
tube with a bulb. Specimens, when thoroughly rinsed and
ready for the cabinet, should be placed on blotting-paper to
dry (with the opening turned downward), where not exposed
to a strong light. Carbonate of soda is said to render a hard-
ened yolk soluble in water, but it must not come in contact
with the outer shell. There are various other details, too
numerous to mention, connected with the blowing of eggs by
instruments, such as gumming a series of very thin paper
wafers * about an opening made in a delicate shell, such as
that of a very small specimen, of one cracked, or of one nearly
hatched. 10

Note. — Take care in making a hole not to injure any mark-
ings ; and, when blowing, place beneath the egg a pail or basin
containing a few inches of water, to catch it, should it slip.
An egg when full is very easily broken, but when blown may
often be dropped without injury on to a carpet or soft sur-
face. One with the contents entirely removed floats in water
with only about a third or less of the shell beneath the level of

* Flexible collodion is still better preceding- paragraph have been bor-
for this purpose. — W. B. rowed from various articles on this

^'^ Several ideas expressed in the same subject.

10 INTRODUCTION.

the surface. A thin-shelled egg may be held to the light to
insure emptiness.

§ J. Eggs may be cleaned with a soft, wet rag, dipped in
tooth-powder, or by the careful use of an ink-eraser (with a
flat, pointed steel blade), though the latter may injure the
surface. Certain eggs (but none of those described in this
vohime) are calcareous, and their chalky shells cannot be safely
cleaned. Others, moreover, have a certain " bloom," like that
of a grape, which can be washed off.

To mend an egg, if broken into bits of manageable size,
take one a little smaller and of no value, wet it, or coat it
with a very delicate varnish, and place on it the bits of shell
in their proper positions, so that they shall fit together. For
large eggs, a mould of putty, if carefully shaped, may be used
instead. Cracks may be brushed with collodion. The common
method of gluing bits together with mucilage and thin paper
is often clumsy or dangerous, and, even if successful, generally
ruins the fair appearance of any specimen.

§ K. Promptly place your eggs, when blown, in your
cabinet, and have some means of identifying them afterwards.
Labels should be altogether avoided, as they greatly mar the
beauty of a collection, and any writing on the shell should be
condensed and placed on the under side, where it will be in-
conspicuous (or near the "drill-hole," if there be one). There
are various methods of marking, but whichever be followed
should be uniformly observed. Perhaps the best is to write ^^
on each eo^o' a number of the Smithsonian or Dr. Coues's Check-
list * (followed by S. or C, to indicate which) ; for instance, on
a Wood Thrush's egg either 148 S. or 3 C. To this may

11 Purple ink will be found to flow present day number tbeir eg-g'S with

more freely than ordinary black ink. pencil, and many will not accept in ex-

Fig-ures should be fine and made with change specimens which bear ink

care. They may be written on a bit of marks. — W. B.

paper gummed over the "drill-hole," * The Check-List of North American
though it is better to write on the shell Birds, published by the American
itself, unless too delicate, or unless the Ornithologists' Union, is now very gen-
egg be very small." erally taken for this purpose. — W. B.

« Nearly all the collectors of the

INTRODUCTION. 11

be added another number, referring to your note-book, which
should be a blank-book, with long but wide pages, ruled by
lines forming several columns of suitable width. In these
columns (with proper headings) should be written first the
number of reference, and then the name of the bird, its
number on the check-lists ; the number of eggs originally in
the nest, by whom collected or from whom obtained, the place
and date of collection ; also, when desirable, remarks as to the
size, incubation, or peculiarities of the eggs, the jDosition and
structure of the nest. It is often well to avoid mention of the
place where the eggs of Hawks, Herons, etc., were found, as
these birds frequently build conspicuous nests in restricted
localities, to which, if not too much disturbed, they return
year after year. Secrecy is often as desirable for an ornitholo-
gist as for a sportsman. Eggs should be arranged in the proper
sequence of families, etc., and those of each species should be
kept distinct from others. All of one kind may be grouped
together, or duplicates may be separated from better and
representative specimens.

§ L. A cabinet may be strictly a cabinet, consisting of
pigeonholes or shelves, and screwed to the wall, or a box, a
long and rather flat one being the best, or a chest of drawers,
which is the most convenient. The latter may be fitted with a
series of small, shallow trays made of paper or pasteboard,
though these diminish the attractiveness of a collection, and
are more or less dangerous. I have found a rather deep layer
of fine sea-sand, such as may be got at almost every grocer's
store, much more satisfactory, since it forms a pleasing back-
ground for the eggs, which can be firmly fixed in it, and is
always exempt from moths or other insects : fine sawdust is
the best substitute.

All cabinets should be dark when closed, as many eggs fade
when exposed to the light, particularly those which are blue
or green.

§ M. Having now followed the eggs from the time when the
mother was scared from her nest until they were placed in a

12 INTRODUCTION.

cabinet, I shall return to speak of the difficulty in frightening
certain birds when incubating, chiefly the Hawks. Individuals,
rather than species, vary in this respect, though the smaller
are undoubtedly more often timid than others. One Hawk
glides silently from her nest as you approach ; another flies
when you rap the tree energetically with a stick ; whereas a
third remains until the crackling of branches, as you ascend,
causes her to seek safety in flight. Hawks, moreover, are
often obliged to leave the nest, after the eggs are laid, if their
mates either die or fail to give them enough food. As about
ninety per cent or more of the nests found in a large '' hawk-
ery " are old, except a few nests belonging to Crows and
squirrels, and as Hawks and Owls, moreover, often inhabit
such, not always rebuilding them, one naturally is doubtful
about climbing far, on finding a large nest of sticks, which is
likely to contain eggs only once out of ten times. A Hawk
cannot often be seen when sitting on her nest, and the only
signs, which rarely deceive, are the small feathers, which
usually cling to the nest or to a branch near it. Dead leaves
inside of a nest indicate further emptiness, or occupation by
squirrels, who usually, in building, heap together hay, straw,
and pine needles. In the absence of all the above-mentioned
signs, judgment is required, but no further rules can be safely
laid down. It may be remarked that smaller birds are also
often brave or even bold in protecting their nests.

In climbing, never leave one hold before testing and secur-
ing another ; remember that pine limbs are less to be trusted
than those of hardwood trees ; place your feet, if possible,
next to the trunk, and, if inclined to dizziness, do not look
down. Gloves, old clothes, a soft hat (and climbing-irons,
when convenient) form the necessary outfit, as large eggs may
be safely brought down in a cloth cap, grasped firmly by the
teeth. Never take one egg from a set in a Hawk's nest if you
wish for the rest, as these latter will often disappear mysteri-
ously before your return. None of the Hawks ({. e. Falco-
nidoe)^ with the exception of the Ospreys and Eagles, show a
disposition to attack. These latter have been known to inflict
dangerous wounds, and at the same time are, I believe, the

INTRODUCTION. 13

only species generally occupying the same nest year after year,
with the exception of the Duck Hawk (?) and Sparrow Hawk.*
I do not recaU many other birds who do so, with the marked
exception of the Swallows and Pewees, who sometimes rebuild
their old homes.

§ N. All birds have an affection for some haunt, whither, if
left undisturbed, they return every spring. These haunts are
often extensive, enabling them to change their residence annu-
ally, until they are driven away. Catbirds frequently return
every year to the same thicket, and I have known the Red-
eyed Vireo to build her nest in the same tree where it was
built and robbed the year before. Likewise Pewees very often
choose successively two or three building-sites close to one
another. The less familiar species are not so attached to par-
ticular spots, but generally build their nests each summer in
the same tract of land (a Tree- warbler in the same woods, etc.).
Hawks (and occasionally even Crows) become attached to a
certain grove or pine wood, and build near the same place sev-
eral years in succession, sometimes though repeatedly robbed.
Woodpeckers (who always lay their eggs in holes) do not
usually, so far as my observations have extended, occupy the
same holes twice, but leave them to be used by Chickadees or
other birds.f Feelings of attachment are much stronger in
some species than in others, being often nearly extinct. They
are more marked in civilized districts, where there is less
range of country than in other parts of the State. Many
birds forsake their haunts, if disturbed, but apparently some-
times return after a long absence. The evidence of identical
birds returning to the same spot is very strong, particularly
in the case of individuals peculiarly marked.

§ O. There are not many birds who, in a temperate cli-
mate, do not habitually raise a second brood, and there are

* The Red-shonldered Hawk fre- t The Flicker (Colaptes auratus) is

quently returns to the same nest. — an exception to this rule. At least it
W. B. frequently occupies the same hole for

several successive seasons. — W. B.

14 INTRODUCTION.

probably very few who do not do so, if tlie first is broken up
or destroyed. They rarely raise the second in the same nest
as the first, but generally build another (often hurriedly) near
the site of the former, particularly if that has been disturbed
or removed. The principal exceptions to this latter statement
are the Pewees, Swallows, and those birds who lay their eggs
in holes. The second set of eggs usually appears from four to
six weeks after the first, if that has not met with serious mis-
haps ; otherwise, sooner. If a Hawk's nest be robbed,^^ the
parents commonly repair an old nest near by, often hastily
lining it with evergreen or the like, and at the end of about
a fortnight two or three eggs are laid. The Sharp-shinned
Hawks, Kingfishers, Golden-winged Woodpeckers, and very
probably other species, are said to continue sometimes for
several days, though continually robbed, to lay eggs almost
daily, after the first sets have been taken.

Smaller birds have been known to build a second, and even
a third nest, within a few feet of the previous ones, when these
were removed. They have also been known to cover the eggs
of a Cow-bird, by building a second story, or even a third,
which became their own nursery. Such cases are, however,
exceptional, and lead me to speak of desertion.

§ P. Birds differ widely in respect of desertion, the Wood-
peckers, especially the Golden- winged, being in case of dis-
turbance uncertain in their movements. The latter often leave
forever the excavation on which they are at w^ork, if they
imagine that they are watched, though occasionally they are
regardless of those passing by. If their eggs be disturbed,
they sometimes " desert," and at other times the female con-
tinues to lay eggs in the manner already described. She often
deepens her nest, and lays a second set. A general ride is
that birds will not desert their nests (if not injured) when
one eg^ is taken from three or four, two from iive or six, and
three from more than six. Never handle a nest or eggs not
to be at once taken ; the bird does not perceive your " touch,"
as many persons suppose, but one's hand very often so dis-

^2 Unless that of a Marsh (or Sparrow ?) Hawk.

INTRODUCTION. 15

turbs the nest and the exact position of the eggs, that the in-
trusion becomes very marked. As a rule, a nest should never
be visited from the time of its discovery until all the eggs are
laid, and an egg should never be taken except from a com-
plete set.

§ Q. Should you find a nest of value, when you have not a
box, mark the spot by observing some conspicuous landmark,
unless it be necessary to take the nest at once. Otherwise,
carry large eggs, and those taken from a hole or a frail nest,
wrapped in a handkerchief, and carry small eggs in their
nests, placed upright, with a handkerchief tied tightly over the
whole. Packing in either case is desirable, soft, clean moss
generally being the best material to be found in the woods.

When a hole is enlarged with a hatchet or knife in order to
reach any eggs, the parent almost invariably " deserts," and it
is therefore necessary to break it open at the proper time,
since aU or no eggs should be taken from such a nest. In at
least one of the cases before cited, relating to the Pigeon
Woodpeckers, the hole was large enough to allow the inser-
tion of the hand and fore-arm. This species, however, as has
already been remarked, frequently deepens the hole to lay
again ; so do other Woodpeckers.

§ R. Health, energetic perseverance, honesty, experience,
and moderation, are the necessary qualities or cardinal virtues
of a wise and successfid collector. For young oologists it is
an excellent rule, which has, however, many exceptions, never
to take more than one egg from a nest, nor to have m-ore than
two or three of one species, except when (very) rare, pecul-
iarly marked, or suitable for an advantageous exchange.*

Jf inexperienced, do not make exchanges with another inex-
perienced person, who may unintentionally cheat you, or with
one unknown to you, who may purposely cheat you. Kemem-

* It is now very generally the rule bird life, but at least one specimen of

to collect egg3 in sets with the nests. each kind of nest is essential for study

Doubtless this practice leads, in many and comparison. — W. B.
cases, to unnecessary destruction of

16 INTRODUCTION.

ber that eggs often vary greatly in value in different parts of
the country, and do not accept any price-list as a basis for ex-
change. Endeavor by energy to arrive at approximate com-
pletion, have some definite object in view, such as a cabinet
comprising all the eggs of Massachusetts, and do not unwisely
form a miscellaneous collection everywhere incomplete.

§ S. To know the notes of all our birds is a great help in
finding their nests, and in finding, distinguishing, or studying
the birds themselves, who sing chiefly on or soon after their
arrival from the South, during their migrations, and the mat-
ing-season in spring or early summer. It is best to study
their music at sunrise or in the early morning (particularly
in the case of species migrating), and also at evening. Even
families may (to a limited extent) be classified by their notes.
To study birds in relation to their habits or notes walk in
their haunts, continually pausing to catch the slightest sound,
which, if not recognized, should be traced to its source, and
waiting to allow the birds to gather about or approach you.
If necessary, follow them silently and persistently ; but re-
member that stealthiness sometimes alarms them more than
an open approach.* If several species be together, do not be
misled by the confusion of their songs, and do not hastily
attribute the note of one kind to another bird immediately
near. Both squirrels and " chipmonks " frequently produce
notes which might excusably distract the attention of an un-
practiced ornithologist. By looking up, especially on very
clear days, you may often see Hawks, or other birds, flying
over silently.

An opera-glass, if a sufficiently strong magnifier, or occasion-
ally a telescope, will be found very useful, as it enables one
to recognize a bird without disturbing it, and to distinguish
colors, when the object is distant, or at a great height among

* Birds which haunt thickets, reeds, ' ' sereeping " sound. This excites their

or the tops of tall trees may be fre- sympathy or curiosity, or both, and

quently lured from concealment or will frequently draw about the per-

brought down near the ground by pla- former nearly all the small birds which

cing the lips against the back of the inhabit the neighborhood. — W. B.
hand and making a continuous, shrill

INTRODUCTION. 17

branches. It is harder to distinguish colors just before or
after sunset than at other times of the day, particularly if
they be exposed to the sunlight. That hour should therefore
be avoided.*

It will be found very advantageous to make observations
continuously from day to day, as one will not only see many
birds who otherwise would escape him, but will acquire an
invaluable familiarity with their little characteristics (which
one may often think insignificant), and so an intimacy with
the birds themselves, which will enable him, for instance, to
detect the presence of the Brown Creepers by their shrill and
slightly tremulous tsip^ where another person might require
more certain indications or more impressive evidence. More-
over, one will find that intimacy suffers from interruption, and
that knowledge is easily lost, however thoroughly gained.
Therefore, one may chance to find a familiar song no longer
associated with any bird. On the other hand, those who in
studying nature are obliged to do so at intervals will be sur-
prised at the amount of pleasurable acquaintance which they
can form with her at odd moments. There are few places
where birds cannot be studied to advantage, not excluding the
hearts of our cities, where may be found Creepers, Nuthatches,
Titmice, Warblers, Vireos, Flycatchers, Shrikes, etc., some-
times even Hawks. Finally, it is to be remembered that
birds are frequently erratic, and that observations on their
abnormal habits are, as a rule, interesting observations rather
than important discoveries, f

§ T. Of anatomy and details of structure I shall not here
speak at length, since they are not referred to in this volume
more often than convenience requires.^^ The hill consists of
two mandibles, the line between which is called the (/a2ye or
often the commissure. The true cere, which belongs only to
the Parrots and birds of prey, is a thick skin which covers the

* Gray days are trying. — W. B. 13 The reader is referred for a full

t This last paragraph appeared on treatise to the introduction of Dr.

p. 443 of the Appendix of the first Coues's Key to N. A. Birds.

edition. — W. B.

18 INTRODUCTION.

upper mandible at its base, and in which are the nostrils,
though often concealed by feathers.

The principal wing-feathers are the j^f^imaries, which (with
possible exceptions) are always nine or ten, except in flight-
less birds, and which form the end or " point" of the wdng.
They are the long outer feathers, of which the shafts (if the
wing be spread) are more or less parallel, forming an evi-
dent angle with those of the adjoining secondaries. A so-
called " sjjunous " 2:»'imari/ is usually the first or outermost,
when very much shorter than the rest. (It differs from the
" bastard wing " or " spurious quills " in being a single feather
and beneath the second primary.) The ^' should er^^ of the
wing is the •• bend " near its connection with the body. The
tail is €ve7i or square, rounded or forked^ as viewed when
half-closed ; if slightly forked, emarginate, if very deeply
forked, foi^cate. A cuneate tail is the exact opposite to one
forficate.

The tarsus, often called the " leg," extends from the base of
the toes to the first joint above, and in a majority of birds is
unfeathered. If without scales in front (unless near the bot-
tom), it is " hoofed,'' or if with scales, scutellate. (If covered
with very small scales which do not overlap one another, it is
reticulate ; or it may be granulated, as in the Fish-hawk.)

The following is a vocabulary of several other descriptive
terms. Auricular s (or ear-patcK), the feathers behind, but a
little below the level of the eye. Circumocular, about the eye.
Crown, top of the head (usually above the eye). Eye-patch,
SL tract of color inclosing the eye. Eye-stripe, a line running
through the eye (so to speak). Interscapulars, feathers on the
back between the wing-shoulders, or between the head and
rump. Iris (pi. irides), a colored circle inclosing the pupil
of the eye. Lore, the feathers about the base of the bill, or
between the bill and the eye.* Maxillary line, one running
backward from the gape, and bordering the throat. MedAan
line, one dividing the crown. Nape (or nuchal patch), the
hind-head (properly above the cervix, or hind-neck). Super-

* A more precise definition would be "the space between the eye and the
base of the upper mandible." — W. B.

IXTRODUCTTOX. 19

ciliary line, a stripe immediately above the eye. Vermicula-
^i'o?2, very fine " waves." ^ signi^es the male, J the female;
= sigTiifies '* equal to,'" ^ " more than," and <^ "less than."
•• Inch " or "inches" is abbreviated to ^/?., and decimal num-
bers (written with a dot before) generally indicate hundredths
of an inch.

Except where there are indications to the contrary, the
" upper parts "' generally include the upper surface of the
wings and tail ; but the " under parts " frequently refer to
the body only. The "crown" includes the forehead (or even
the nape too). The "rump" (or lower back) often includes
the upper tail-coverts, the " belly," the under tail-coverts, etc.
The " sides " invariably refer to those of the breast and belly.

§ U. Measurements of both birds and eggs are made in
straight lines between two points. To measure the length of a
bird, lay it on its back, and make the tip of the bill (so far as
reasonable), and the end of the longest tail-feather, touch the
ruler or paper on which they are laid ; then measure the dis-
tance between these points. Measure (with compasses) the
tarsus in front, and the bill from the tip of the upper man-
dible to the feathers actually or apparently belonging to the
forehead.i^ The " depth " of a bill is its vertical width near
the base, when closed. Eggs may be measured by dividers,
or by a ruler with a slide. For accurate measurements a
ruler marked deciunally (or even with hundredths) is best.
-^Q of an inch equals about .06.

§ V. Birds as a class are composed of subclasses : these
are grouped into orders (such as the Baptores or " birds of
prey"), which are didded into families (as the Baptores
into Strigidce, Falconidc^, etc., or the Hawks, including
Eagles, the Owls, and the Vultures). The orders are some-
times more primarily divided into suborders, and families
into subfamilies. Thus the Passeres consist of the Oscines
or singing passerines, and the Clamatores or non-singers : ^°

^* There are other methods of mak- ^° A rather technical distinetion.

in? this measurement.

20 INTRODUCTION.

likewise the Turdidce consist of the Turdince^ or typical
Thriislies, who have a " booted " tarsus, and the Miminoe^* or
Mocking- thrushes, who do not possess this feature. Combina-
tions of less important distinctions in structural detail char-
acterize the genera ; and therefore birds belonging to the
same genus have exactly the same structure. The difference
between sjyecies is marked by coloration, and often size. To
illustrate the foregoing, take as a subject the common Song
Sparrow. He belongs to the Insessof'ian group, the order of
Passeres^ and the suborder Oscines. His family is that of
the Fringillidoe^ or Finches, and his genus Jlelosjyiza. His
specific name is fasciata, but there is also a variety, M.fallax.
" Extremely similar ; wings and tails slightly longer ; paler,
grayer ; the streaks not so obviously blackish in the centre.
Whole of the Rocky Mountains and Great Basin ; scarcely
distinguishable." (Coues.)

The classification of birds (or other objects in nature)
necessarily entails certain absurdities, being more or less artifi-
cial. The method of modern classification is that of descend-
ing from the higher to the lower groups, but sequence is too
often insisted on among groups which diverge (so to speak)
from a common centre. The division of families, genera, etc.,
is more or less arbitrary, a certain degree of difference being
necessary to separate them, whereas minor (or fractional)
differences cause intermediate groups. Let x represent the
degree of dissimilarity between two genera ; then — repre-
sents the difference between two subgenera (of the same ge-
nus) ; 1-f-— between subfamilies, 2x between families, 2 -|-^
between suborders, and 3 a? between orders. Forms in nature
are everywhere so delicately blended that theoretically it is
almost impossible to "draw any lines.'' A species (even
though exhibiting much individual variation) is constituted
by all those birds who, since the present organization of birds
has existed, might be the descendants of a single pair.

[The phenomena of albinism, atid melanism can here be only
briefly referred to. In the latter, which is very rare, birds are

* American omitholog-ists now consider the Miminm a subfamily of the
Troglodytidce. or Wrens. — W. B.

INTRODUCTION. 21

abnormally dark or black. In albinism, wbicb is not uncom-
mon, birds are partially or wholly abnormally wbite (or even
yellow) ; sometimes they are partly bleached. Such condi-
tions of plumage need cause confusion only among birds of
the same genus^ and rarely then, being seldom complete.]
There are often varieties^* geographical races, or forms ren-
dered appreciably distinct by the effects of climate, etc. By
a strict definition of the term, varieties must have different
distributions (at least during the breeding-season), though
accidental stragglers may occur far from their usual habitat,
A specific type is usually the variety first named. Hyhrids^ or
" crosses," are the joint offspring of two species, but they do
not often occur among birds in a natural state.

A bird's scientific name consists of a generic (subgeneric)
and specific, or also subspecific, title; e. g., Turdus {Hylo-
cichhi) swainsoni, var. alicice, or simply Turdus alicioe. ^^ f
Family names end in idce^ those of subfamilies in ince. Sci-
entific names are usually begun with a capital, are italicized,
and, when following English names, put in parentheses.
Specific names, however, are ordinarily spelt without a capital,
unless derived from proper names. J

Note. — Many still existing scientific names are unworthy
of retention, but they have not been altered in this volume on
account of the established rule of priority, which necessitates,
however, many incongruities. The authorities for these names
are given in the second index. Great care has been bestowed
upon the orthography of English names, since great latitude
exists in this respect, no system being yet established. Certain
rules have here been followed, with the exceptions produced
by general or the best usage.

* "Subspecies" is the term now in the conneetinsr "var." ; e. g., Turdus

g-eneral use for geographical forms. — alicice hicknelli. — W. B.

■^ B X The capitalization of proper spe-

16 Turdus alicice is often ranked as a eific names has been discontinued by

species. American ornithologists, whose custom

t The names of subspecies are now in this respect has been followed in the

written as simple trinomials without present edition of Mr. Minot's book. —

W. B.

22 INTRODUCTION.

Aves, or hlrds^ form a class of the Animal Kingdom, and
have, in their classification, been primarily divided by eminent
ornithologists into three subclasses (lately dispensed with,
however, in " North American Birds") : Aves Aerece or I71-
sessores (aerial birds or " perchers "), Aves Terrestres or
Cur sores (terrestrial birds or '' runners "), and Aves Aqua-
ticce or Natatores (aquatic birds or " swimmers "). The gen-
eral rule of division is this : hind toe ^"^ on a level with the
other toes, " perchers " ; hind toe not insistent ^" and feet not
fully webbed, " runners " ; hind toe elevated,^*^ but feet fully
webbed, " swimmers." This rule is applicable only to typical
forms, with which other forms are ranked through evident
affinity. It is to be remarked that, in a great measure, aes-
thetic or intuitive perception is the best means of determining
position. By modern classification birds are arranged on the
descending method, by which the highest and most refined
types occupy the highest position.* Thus, the Cursores in-
clude those birds who scratch for their food (Turkeys, Grouse,
etc.), and the waders (such as Snipe, Plover, Herons, Rails,
etc.). These two suborders (^Gallince and Grallatores^ rep-
resent^^ (in the approximate proportion of one to four) about
two elevenths of North American birds. The Natatores
include various sea-birds, the Swans, Geese, Ducks, Terns,
Gulls, Pelicans, Petrels, and Cormorants, and form about one
fourth of our fauna. The Insessores include all the tyj^ical
land-birds, 377 of the 635 North American sj^ecies admitted
in Dr. Coues's check-list, and more than one half of about
300 species known to have occurred in Massachusetts. In
this volume I have, with the exception of the game-birds,
treated the typical land-birds only. The Insessores contain
five orders, described in the following chapters.

1^ In certain eases wanting, or appar- writers on North American birds, be-

ently wanting. gins with the lowest and most general-

* This order was reversed in 1886 ized forms, the Grebes, and ends with

by the Committee on Classification and the highest and most specialized, the

Nomenclature of the American Omi- Thrushes and Bluebirds. — W. B.

thologists' Union, whose check-list, i** In number of species (according to

now almost universally followed by Coues's list).

CHAPTER I.

FIRST ORDER. PASSERES.

These birds " are tlie typical Insessores^ as such represent-
ing the highest grade of development, and the most complex
organization, of the class. Their high physical irritability is
coordinate with the rapidity of their respiration and circula-
tion ; they consume the most oxygen, and live the fastest, of
all birds." ^^ All our forms, at least, are characterized as fol-
lows : bill without a cere, or a soft basal membrane ; front toes
never only two, or united throughout (i. e. two of them), hind
toe never wanting ; tail-feathers twelve. This group may be
characterized, as a ivhole, as the only order of birds of which
all the species invariably build a nest in which to lay their
eggs. Among the birds breeding in Massachusetts there is no
exception to this rule, except the parasitic Cow-bird.

" Passeres, corresponding to the Insessores proper of most
ornithologists, and comprising the great majority of birds, are
divisible into two groups, commonly called suborders, mainly
according to the structure of the lower larynx. In one this
organ is a complex muscular vocal apparatus; in the other the
singing parts are less developed, rudimentary, or wanting.
In the first, likewise, the tarsus is normally covered on either
side with two entire horny plates, that meet behind in a sharp
ridge ; in the other these plates are subdivided, or otherwise
differently arranged. This latter is about the only external
feature that can be pointed out as of extensive applicability ;
and even this does not always hold good. For example,
among our birds, the Larks (Alaudidce')^ held to be oscine,
and certainly to be called songsters, have the tarsus perfectly
scuteUate behind." ^^

19 Dr. Coues ; Key to North American Birds.

24 LAND-BIRDS.

The Oscines, or singing Passeres^ technically considered the
only musical birds, form about one third of our ornithological
fauna, and in Massachusetts are represented by eighteen
families.

The Clamatores^ or non-singing Passeres^ are represented
by the Flycatchers (§ 19).

§ 1. The TURDID^, or Thrushes^ now considered the high-
est group among birds, and ranked accordingly, are 6|— 12
inches long. Bill not conical (which term in ornithology
necessitates rather straight outlines, and a depth approaching
the length), but at least twice as long as high ; with the upper
mandible usually hooked and slightly notched ; also bristled
and with open nostrils (pi. 1, fig. 2). Average length of the
tarsus about 1.15 inch ; middle toe nearly or quite equal ;
other toes considerably shorter, and approximately equal.
Primaries ten, the first being more or less spurious. Tail
never forked, but often rounded, and of twelve feathers^ as in
all our other oscine birds. The Saxicolidce (§2) and Sylvi-
idce (§ 3) differ but little in structure or plumage ; their col-
oration is, however, very much brighter, and their tails (at
least in the genera Sialia and Reguhis) are more or less
forked. Our Bluebirds are, moreover, seven inches long or
less, and our " Sylvias " all less than five.

The typical groups of these three families (including the
subfamilies Turdince and RegulincB) are characterized by
hooted tarsi (pi. 1, fig. 1). The other subfamilies, MimincB
and Polioptilinoe (the Mocking-thrushes and Gnatcatchers),
have scutellate tarsi (pi. 1, fig. 3), and rather long, rounded
tails. I am inclined to think that the Harporhynchi (Gen.
Ill) are entitled to the rank of a subfamily.* Their bills are
unnotched, unhooked, and frequently curved (pi. 1, fig. 4).
Their eggs, moreover, are markedly different from those of all
other Thrushes. The common Bluebird may be considered a
representative of the Saxicolidce^ while the Sylviidce are
closely related to the Titmice and Warblers. The Wood

* Harporhynrhus, with Mimns and Galeoscoptes, has heen since removed from
the family Turdidce and placed with the Troglodytidm. — W. B.

THRUSHES.

25

Thrush and Catbird are good types of their respective
groups, though several Thrushes nest upon the ground, or
have spotted eggs.

The subfamilies of the Thrushes are : —

TURDiNiE, Genus Turdus^ I.
(Highly musical.) Subgenus Hylocichla (^A-E, -^ Fig. 1).
(Moderately musical.) Subgenus Planesticus (-F).

MIMING, Genera II and III.

I. TURDUS. (HYLOCICHLA.)

A, MUSTELmus. Wood Thrush. " Song Thrush J' A
common summer resident in Massachusetts.*

Fig. 1. Wood Thrush, (i)

a. About eight inches long. Above, soft but bright red-
dish brown (or " tawny "), gradually becoming soft " olive-
dushy " on the rumj), tail, and end of the wings. Beneath,
white, with a very slight buff tinge upon the breast ; spotted
on the breast and sides with dark brown (or " dusky").

b. The nest sometimes closely resembles that of the
Robin, but it is often composed outwardly of moss and even
twigs, though subject to considerable variation in composition

^ The Wood Thrushes. The Robins Massachusetts, and rare or accidental

{F) are well known ; (G) has been sep-
arated from them, and placed in sub-
genus Hesperocichla.

* A summer resident, very common
and generally distributed in Connecti-
cut, less numerous and more local in

north of the latter State, excepting,
possibly, near the shores of Lake
Champlain in western Vermont, where
it is said to breed regularly in some
numbers. — W. B.

26 LAND-BIRDS.

and structure. It is built, never very far from the ground, in
a bush or tree, in the woods (especially those of low growth),
and often in a swampy place. The eggs of each set are four
or five,* and like those of the Robin, but smaller, measuring
1.1 0-1.0 Ox. 70 of an inch. Near Boston those of the first
set are usually laid in the last week of May; those of the
second, if any, in the early part of July.

c. The Wood Thrushes probably represent the highest
type among birds ; excelling all others, except their imme-
diate relatives, in details of structure, in the quiet beauty of
their coloration, and in the refinement of their habits ; and
they are certainly to be ranked among the finest singers of the
world.

Though possessed of comparatively little power of flight,f
yet the Wood Thrushes, like most other birds, migrate very
far (more than a thousand miles), — about the tenth of May
reaching Massachusetts, to the northward of which, in New
England, they rarely go. But they are common in southern
New Enoland from the time of their arrival until that of
their departure in September or October ; during the summer
months inhabiting groves and woods of various kinds,
oftenest, perhaps, those which are swampy or of low growth.
In such places they build their nests and rear their young,
and there get the necessary supply of insect food, either from
the ground, over which they can run with some rapidity, or
from the bushes and trees, among which they move with such
leisure and dignified grace as becomes royalty. The most con-
spicuous feature in the natural history of these birds is the
apparent modesty and the actual love of privacy or solitude,
which they generally, though not invariably, possess. These
lend a charm to the study of their habits and their music, but
they also cause difficulty in acquiring an intimacy with them,
— a difficulty, however, which can be overcome. Though the
Wood Thrushes are so fond of individuality and retirement

* Sets of more than four eggs are of flight are probably not really infe-

exceptional and very rare. — W. B. rior to those of any of the other mem-

t The Wood Thrush is certainly a bers of its family. — W. B.
bird of sedentary habits, but its powers

THRUSHES. 27

that they are never properly gregarious, and that they prefer
retreats in woodland, where they are unlikely to be disturbed,
to all other suitable haunts, yet they often build their nests in
quite conspicuous places, and frequent the immediate neigh-
borhood of man. Nor are they then more shy than under
other circumstances, — in fact, the female is generally prompted
by instinctive motherliness to sit as bravely on her nest, when
built upon a roadside, as when in a swamp of alders. The
Wood Thrushes usually sing from a high branch, whereas
they find their food on or near the ground ; but, wherever they
are, they generally preserve, except when running, a rather
erect attitude, observable also in the Robin and the other
(typical) Thrushes. If I have forgotten to speak of other
habits, let the reader go to the haunts already described, or
to cool woods on the banks of some rapid-running brook, and
there learn them.

d. In the cool of the morning, or at evening, from the
time when the sun sets until dusk becomes dark, the Wood
Thrush, having mounted to a perch so high that his outbursts
of heavenly music shall not be confined to earth or lost in the
surrounding shrubbery, pours out such a melody that he seems
at every utterance " to be endeavoring to recall his very soul,
that fled to heaven on the winged notes of his last liquid mel-
ody." At other times of the day, if it is cloudy, or if he is in
dark, cool woods, he sings while he is busied in providing for
himself or his family, and as he moves through the bushes.
His song is rarely one continuous strain, but consists of many
detached variations, a series of liquid, metallic, rich, powerful,
and expressive notes, which are so exquisite that the all-ab-
sorbed and unobtrusive musician seldom if ever fails to charm
whoever hears him. Yet, it ought to be remembered that,
though some Wood Thrushes can produce such music as per-
haps no other birds can rival, others of them are greatly infe-
rior to their fellows.

The ordinary notes of the Wood Thrush are a mellow cJiirp^
more metallic and less melancholy in tone than that of the
Wilson's Thrush, a chuck (sometimes combined with it), and
a simple c^ip, such as belongs to a large majority of all the
birds described in this volume.

28 LAND-BIRDS.

All who wish to have an insight into the charms which
attend the study of animated birds should observe the Wood
Thrush in his native haunts, and faithfully attend the delight-
ful concerts which he so often repeats, in the cooler hours of
the day, in June, July, and even August.

B. FUSCESCENS. Wilson's ThrusJi. Tawny Thrush,
Common Thrush. " CheeuryP " Veery.^^ ^' Nightingale^
In Massachusetts the most common of the Wood Thrushes
(iA-E). *

a. 7-7J inches long. Above, soft, bright reddish brown
(or " tawny "). Beneath, white ; breast strongly tinged with
fulvous (or a pinkish brown), and, together with the sides
of the throat, sparsely — sometimes almost imperceptibly —
streaked with small dusky spots.

h. The nest is usuaUy placed on the ground, and rarely
in a bush or low tree. It is generally composed of grasses
and dead leaves, to which grape-vine bark is sometimes added,
and it is often lined with finer grasses and roots, or even
horsehairs. I have commonly, but not always, found it in
tussocks of grass or hillocks of moss, in swamps or near them.
The eggs average .85X.60 of an inch, and are light blue,
green-tinted. In Massachusetts, the first annual set (of four
or five t) generally appears in the last week of May, or the
first of June ; a second set (of three or four) is sometimes
laid in July.

c. The Wilson's Thrushes are in Massachusetts the most
common of the so-called " Wood Thrushes," but in northern
New England are rare, being generally much less common
in New Hampshire and Maine than the Hermit or Swainson's
Thrush. They reach the neighborhood of Boston, in their
annual spring migrations, almost invariably on or about the
eighth day of May, and very often before pear-trees have blos-
somed, — a fact which I mention, because the blossoming of

* A common summer resident, breed- ously in the Alleghanian than in the
ing throughout New England, save on Canadian fauna. — W. B.
the higher mountains, but more numer- t Sets of more than four are very

seldom met with. — W. B.

THRUSHES, 29

ttose trees has frequently been spoken of as coincident with
the arrival of these birds from their winter homes in the South.
Their first appearance is in those haunts where they pass the
summer ; and in the swamps three or four sometimes collect
and engage in the quarrels entailed by courtship, previous to
mating. The Wilson's Thrushes, though not so fond of soli-
tude as the Wood Thrush, are rather shy, and yet they often
wander in quest of food to the orchard, garden, and the im-
mediate neighborhood of man or his dwellings. They prefer,
however, to remain in the swamps and the adjacent woods,
during a great part of the day. They can run over the
ground with rapidity, but in the woods they usually poke
about quietly among the pine needles and dead leaves, where
they can find the insects on which they feed, and in the
swamps walk over the decayed vegetation, which has become
matted on the ground, or has gathered on the stagnant pools
of water. W^hen disturbed, while thus busied, they generally
fly to a bush near the spot, and sit there quite motionless, oc-
casionally uttering their chirp, until it seems safe to return
to their interrupted occupation. They also obtain much of
their food from trees, and are particularly fond of pine groves,
where they may often be seen, generally on the broader-backed
limbs. When perching, they prefer these to the smaller
branches, and a post to a fence-rail, apparently liking a broad
surface to stand upon rather than one which they must grasp.
They are rarely seen far from the ground, and seldom pro-
tract their flight for more than a hundred yards, except occa-
sionally when conveying food to their young from a compara-
tively remote orchard, garden, or swamp.

They deserve to be regarded on a cultivated estate not only
as sources of pleasure, but also as extremely useful. Mr.
Samuels, in an article on the Robin in his book entitled
"Birds of New England and Adjacent States," says; "In
fact, the Thrushes seem designed by nature to rid the sur-
face of the soil of noxious insects not often pursued by most
other birds. The Warblers capture the insects that prey on
the foliage of the trees ; the Flycatchers seize these insects as
they fly from the trees; the Swallows capture those which

80 LAND-BIRDS.

have escaped all these ; the Woodpeckers destroy them when
in the larva state in the wood ; the Wrens, Nuthatches, Tit-
mice, and Creepers, eat the eggs and young that live on and
beneath the bark ; but the Thrushes subsist on those that
destroy the vegetation on the surface of the earth." ^^

d. The voice of the Wilson's Thrushes is not so fine as
that of the Wood Thrush, and, when heard from a near stand-
point, sounds peculiarly muffled, though, when heard at a
greater distance, it becomes mellow and much clearer. From
the first of June until the time of their departure (the first of
September) draws near, one may often hear in the day-time
the simple song of these birds, " cheeury^ cJieeury^ cheeury^'' ^^
which they give utterance to generally from some bough in
the pine groves or in the other woods which they frequent. It
is in the summer evenings that this song is somewhat pro-
longed, becoming " more glorious " ; and the male, when his
mate is on her nest, sometimes repeats it at night, whence he
is among the birds upon whom the epithet " Nightingale "
has been bestowed.

The ordinary note of the " Veeries" is a characteristic and
peculiar chlrp^ a liquid sound, often uttered in a seemingly
petulant and melancholy tone ; besides which they often give
utterance to cJiijjs^ chicles^ " lisps " like those of the Cedar-bird,
and a harsh " grating " sound, much like that of other birds^
and peculiar to the mating-season.

The two Thrushes already described are summer residents
in Massachusetts. The other (typical) Thrushes, whom I am
about to describe, only pass through this State, spending their
summers in a more northern climate.

C. AONALASCHK^. PALLASii. Hermit ThvusJi. " Swam])
Thrush.''' " Swamp Robin'' Common near Boston in April
and October. *

21 Many Thrushes obtain much of sists of three or four triplets on a de-
their food from trees ; the Swainson's seending- scale, in each triplet the first
Thrushes most of it. Many Sparrows note being- the highest.

feed as Thrushes do. * Breeds abundantly throughout

22 This chant, which is not unlike northern New England, the more ele-
some of the Wood Thrush's music, con- vated portions of central and western.

THRUSHES. 31

a. About seven inches long. Ahovie^ soft dusky olive,
becoming rufous on the rump and tail. Under parts white ;
breast buff-tinged and darkly spotted ; sides olive-shaded.

6. The nest of the Hermit Thrush, which has rarely been
found in Massachusetts, is placed almost invariably upon the
ground, occasionally in swamps, but more often on sunny,
sloping, and shrubby banks near them. It is much like that
of the Wilson's Thrush (^), though usually rather larger,
coarser, and more loosely constructed. The Hermit Thrushes
often lay two sets of three or four eggs, one in the first week
of June and one about a month later. Their eggs are very
much like those of the " Veeries" (^), but are larger, aver-
aging .90 X .65 of an inch. They are light greenish blue,
never spotted. *

c. In the woods about Boston (and of course in other
woods), whether swampy or dry, and also along the wooded
roadsides, from the middle of April until the first of May, one
may see a great number of Hermit Thrushes. During their
stay here, these birds, often in pairs, and sometimes in small
parties (a fact which shows that their name is not altogether
an appropriate one), spend their time, for the most part in
silence, busied among the dead leaves and underbrush, occa-
sionally resting on a low perch, and rarely flying far when
disturbed. They are quiet birds, and, though often easily ap-
proached, prefer those places where they are not likely to be
intruded upon. On leaving this State in the spring, they pass
on to northern New England and to Canada, where they spend
the summer and rear their young, being in some localities the
most common Thrushes. In October, they return to Massachu-
setts, in the course of their journey to their winter homes in
the South, and a few linger until November is well advanced.^^

Massachusetts and on Cape Cod, spar- ^6 ^j, Maynard, writing of the Her-

ingly and locally in eastern Massachu- mit Thrush in The Naturalist's Guide,

setts and northwestern Connecticut, says that he has "taken it in Coos

Elsewhere in southern New England County, New Hampshire, on October

an abundant early spring and late au- 31st, although the ground was covered

tumn migrant. It has been found with snow, six inches deep at the time ;

several times in midwinter near Boston, also in Oxford County, Maine, as late

— W. B. as November 6th." He adds that " a

* There are said to be occasional ex- few undoubtedly breed here."
ceptions to this rule. — W. B.

32 LAND-BIRDS.

During their sojourn here in autumn, they frequent the ground
much less than in spring, and feed largely on various kinds of
berries, many of which they find in swamps. *

These birds are to be associated with October, when the
roads, hardened by frost, are neither muddy nor dusty, when
the paths through the woods are strewn with the soft fallen
leaves, which rustle pleasantly beneath one's feet, when the
clear, cold, exliilarating weather is well adapted to exercise,
when the maples are in the utmost splendor of their brilliant
coloring, and finally when the hills, covered with the oaks of
low growth, where once forests stood, glow with the rich crim-
son, which at last becomes a dull brown, showing winter to be
near at hand.

d. The Hermit Thrushes very rarely sing except in the
summer season, and generally, while with us, their only notes
are a mellow ckirp^ a loud chuclc^ rarely uttered (especially in
spring?), and a single low whistle, which seems to come from
a more distant point than that which the bird occupies. When
frightened from their nests they often utter a very character-
istic dissyllabic note, expressive of their sorrow. Their song
is strikingly fine, and recalls the melody of the Wood Thrush
to one familiar with that melody, though lacking the power
and full music of the latter, being, as Mr. Burroughs has said,
silvery rather than golden. It usually begins with a few low,
rich notes, followed by higher ones.

Though the Hermit Thrushes bear a strong general resem-
blance to the two other " Wood Thrushes," whom an inex-
perienced observer is likely to see in any part of this State
(J. and ^), yet they are rarely seen in the company of those
birds, preceding them in the spring migrations, and returning
to the South later. They sometimes are found during their
annual journeys in company with the Gray-cheeked or Swain-
son's Thrush, but the former is rare, and seldom has any red-
dish brown tinting on the upper parts, and the latter has both

* The Hermit Thrushes are said through southern New England than

occasionally to catch flies in the man- I have indicated in my biography of

ner of Swainson's Thrushes, who per- those birds. [Appendix to first edition,

haps are more common migrants p. 443.]

THRUSHES. 33

rather distinct habits and notes. Let the young student, who
wishes to distinguish several closely allied species, mark the
points of difference^ and not the similar characteristics of
each, and let him avoid employing only one means of distinc-
tion, such as coloration.

D. USTULATUS SWAINSONII. Swainsou's Thrush. Olive-
hacked Thrush. " Swamp Rohin " .^ A rather rare migrant
through Massachusetts. *

a. 1-1^ inches long. Above, soft, dusky olive (occa-
sionally with a reddish brown tinge). Sides of the head buff,
and breast strongly tinged with the same color. The latter
and the sides of the throat, thickly spotted with dusky. J^ye-
ring hvff.

h. The nest is a rather bulky structure, usually composed
of twigs, mosses, grasses, leaves, etc., with no mud, and some-
times lined with the coal-black hairs of a certain moss. It is
placed in a spruce, low tree, or perhaps a bush, from three to
ten feet above the ground. It is often built beside a road or
wood-path. The first set, of three or four eggs, is laid in the
first or perhaps more often the second week of June ; the
second set is laid four or five weeks later. The eggs are much
like those of the Scarlet Tanager, being about .95x.70 of an
inch, and light blue olive-tinged, either finely marked with
indistinct brown, or coarsely spotted (with a few fine mark-
ings beside), chiefly at the great end, with obscure lilac and
two shades of brown.

c. Though the Swainson's Thrushes are by no means very
common migrants through eastern Massachusetts, yet an
ornithologist at all active can hardly fail to meet with them
in spring. Groves of tall hemlocks are among the places,
where, about the middle of May, I have seen these birds, not
on the ground, but among the branches of the trees, from
which they occasionally dart into the air and catch insects

* Swainson's Thrush is an abundant where in southern New England is

summer resident of most of the spruce known only as a late spring- and early

forests of northern New England. It autumn migrant. It occurs very regu-

also breeds very commonly on Mt. Gray- larly about Boston, and often in consid-

loek in western Massachusetts, but else- erable numbers. — W. B.

34 LAND-BIRDS.

in the manner of Flycatchers. I have also met them in swampy
roads, or even in orchards, and have observed them on the
ground, often moving quite rapidly, or pausing in a rather
erect attitude. Probably it is partly because of their usual
shyness while migrating, partly because they often frequent
the higher branches, and partly because two of their ordinary
notes are very much like those of the Snow-birds (of whom a
few linger in May), that they are often considered rarer than
they are. Before June all the Olive-backed Thrushes pass
beyond the limits of this State, and many spend the summer
in northern Vermont or New Hampshire, and in Maine, some
of them revisitino^ the neiohborhood of Boston about the first
of October, when the wonderful instinct of migration prompts
them to return to Florida, or still further to the south. In
Bethlehem, among the White Mountains, I have studied the
habits of these birds, who there inhabit various kinds of
woodland, particularly those which have. swamps or brooks in
them, but keep nearer the ground, and exhibit much less shy-
ness in those wild woods than they habitually do when travel^
ing.

In autumn, however, they are much less shy and active than
they are in spring ; and during the fall migrations, they may
be found in woods and copses. There they pick up food from
the ground and the lower branches of bushes or trees, since at
that season there are few winged insects, of a size acceptable
to them, to be caught in the air, and since before the severer
frosts of autumn have come, and before the Hermit Thrushes
are abundant, a large supply of food suitable to them can
be found among the dead leaves, many of which have then
already fallen.

To resume the remarks just interrupted : In the woods of
the White Mountains, they sing ahnost throughout the sum-
mer, and often throughout the day, for the old forests of New
Hampshire are always cool and shady. They more often sing,
however, in the early morning or at sunset, as does the Wood
Thrush, and, like that bird, they frequently perch on a high
and prominent bough when about to sing. They usually stay
on their nests rather more boldly than the Hermit Thrushes

THRUSHES. 35

are wont to do, and watch over their young, when they have
left the nest, with great care, showing as warm an interest in
their offspring as I have ever seen displayed in birds.

d. The ordinary note of the Swainson's Thrushes, espe-
cially when in their summer homes, is an attractive one, exactly
resembling the word " whit " brusquely whistled in a tolerably
low tone and very quickly. Their song-notes exhibit less
variation than those of any of their immediate relations, being
all nearly on the same pitch, and reminding one forcibly of the
less brilliant singers among the Wood Thrushes, and bearing
more resemblance to the notes of that bird than to those of
any other. Though, as I have said, less varied than those of
the other " Wood Thrushes," they are sweet, clear, and liquid,
and possess great charm.

The other notes of the Olive-backed Thrushes are a chuck
of alarm, a feeble tsip quite uncharacteristic, and a cry of
chick^ chick-a-sit^ etc., like that of the Snow-bird, to which I
have heard them give utterance in spring, when chasing one
another through the branches, or when slightly alarmed. They
have also a feebly whistled peep^ heard chiefly in autumn.

The " New Hampshire Thrushes," though they correspond
to the Wood Thrush of Massachusetts, are yet inferior to that
bird. How, then, would they be ranked by Buffon, who wrote
of the latter, says Wilson, " that the Song Thrush of Europe
had, at some time after the creation, rambled round by the
Northern ocean, and made its way to America ; that advancing
to the south it had there (of consequence) become degenerated
by change of food and climate, so that its cry is now harsh
and unpleasant, ' as are the cries of all birds that live in wild
countries inhabited by savages' " ?

E. ALICIA. Gray-chccTcecl Thrush. Alice's Thrush.
Arctic Thrush. In New England a rare migrant. *

a. 7|— 8 inches long. Above, soft, subdued olive green.
Sides of the head gray. Beneath, white, with little or no buff ;

* A late spring- and early autumn always outnumbered by the closely-
migrant, never at all common, during allied but smaller bicknelli mentioned
some seasons positively rare, and nearly in the appendix, — W. B.

36 LAjSTD-BIRDS.

breast and sides of the throat spotted with dark brown. It is
said that specimens of this species grade inseparably into
others of swainsonii (-D). But distinctions are not to be based
wholly on coloration.*

h. The Gray-cheeked Thrushes build their nests in arctic
countries, most often on the ground. The only ^gg of this
species in my collection is like that of the Swainsou's Thrush,
but more thicldy and minutely marked. (See Z), 6.)

c. The Gray-cheeked Thrush is thought by some orni-
thologists not to be a valid species, but, if not a species dis-
tinct from the Swainson's Thrush, it is a very distinct variety
or geographical race. It differs from that bird slightly in
coloration, and markedly in distribution, habits, song, and
notes.

The Arctic Thrushes are the rarest of those who migrate
through Massachusetts, particularly that part which borders
upon the sea, since they generally prefer a more inland route
to the north than this State affords. I have occasionally seen
them in the latter part of April or in May, but they are shy
and very timid, so that it is difficult to approach them closely,
as, when startled, they fly about restlessly. Perhaps, on this
account, they have escaped general observation. They are
eminently terrestrial birds, and spend nearly all their time on
the ground, picking up their food among the fallen leaves in
such places as the Hermit Thrush frequents ; often preferring,
however, dry land and solitary spots, where they run but little
risk of being disturbed. They stand rather more erectly than
the " Swamp Kobins " so called (T. ^^aZZasn), but it must be
remembered that erectness of bearing is a general character-
istic of all "Wood Thrushes." They pass the summer in the
arctic region, and, on their return to the South, pass through
the neighborhood of Boston about the first of October, but are
then extremely rare, since " in the fall migrations they follow
for the most part a route far from the sea-shore."

* Since this was written the specific name hicJcnelli (see Appendix), breeds
distinctness of these Thrushes has been commonly among, but does not inter-
established beyond question by the breed with, the Swainson's Thrushes,
discovery that a small form of T. alicice, which inhabit the upper slopes of many
recognized as a subspecies under the of the New England mountains. —W.B.

THRUSHES. 37

d. Their ordinary note is a single low, and perhaps to
some ears rather melancholy whistle, — " when." As to their
other notes I am uncertain, and I have never heard their
song, but Dr. Brewer, in " North American Birds," says that it
is totally different " from that of all our other Wood Thrushes.
It most resembles the song of T, pallasii^ but differs from it
in being its exact inverse, for whereas the latter begins with its
lowest and proceeds on an ascending scale, the former begins
with its highest and concludes with its lowest note. The song
of the T. swainsonii^ on the other hand, exhibits much less
variation in the scale, all the notes being of nearly the same
altitude."

(MERULA.)

F. MiGRATORiA. (^American) Robin. An extremely
common summer resident in Massachusetts, where a few pass
the winter.*

a, 9-10 inches long. Above, dark (olive) gray; head
and tail almost black, both with white spots. Breast of a
peculiar ruddy red or orange-brown, in pale specimens merely
dun-colored. Chin, under tail-coverts, etc., white, more or
less black-streaked. Bill generally yellow.

h. The Robins build their nests in bushes, vines, the larger
garden-shrubs, or most often in trees; evergreens, particu-
larly pines and spruces, being preferred to all others. Where
these latter are wanting, they often build their nests in orchard-
trees, or in those which shade the streets ; occasionally, how-
ever, placing them about some building. The nest is " sad-
dled " to a bough or placed in a fork, from three to fifty feet
above the ground, and is a very firm though rather rude struc-
ture, consisting chiefly of mud, and of dry grass or its equiv-
alent.

* An abundant summer resident of they often appear suddenly in large

the whole of New England, frequently flocks. These winter birds are proba-

spending the entire winter, also, in shel- bly summer residents of the far north,

tered places where food abounds, even Our own summer birds doubtless come

as far north as the White Mountains. with the great spring flight, which an-

As a rule, however, few Robins are seen nually begins early in March and lasts

between December 15 and January 20. well into April. — W. B.
Late in January or early in February

38 LAND-BIRDS.

The eggs of each set are four or five,* delicate greenish
bhie,f and about 1.15 X .80 of an inch. I have found freshly
laid eggs of this species from May first until the twentieth of
July ; two or even three broods being usually raised if the
parents are undisturbed.

c. The Robins are undoubtedly in summer the most abun-
dant of all the birds in Massachusetts, and to most country-
residents in this State are probably the most familiar ; but in
northern New England they are much less common than in
most other parts of the Eastern States. Dr. Brewer, however,
has written that " in the valleys amongst the White Moun-
tains, where snow covers the ground from October to June,
and where the cold reaches the freezing-point of mercury,
flocks of Robins remain during the entire winter, attracted by
the abundance of berries." A few certainly spend the winter
about us, in the swamps, and also in cedar- woods ; for, though
these latter contain but few berries, or none, yet the thick foli-
age of many of the trees affords safe shelter from heavy
storms of snow, when protection is much needed. Though
I have seen companies of Robins in February, it is not usually
until the early part of March that they come from the South ;
on their arrival, collecting in flocks and feeding on barberries,
small fruits of the same kind, and such other suitable food as
they can find. They retire, at this season, a few minutes before
the hour of sunset, generally passing the night in spruces ;
and, in the early morning, arising before the sun, they betake
themselves to the southern slope of some hill, where the snow
has melted, thus offering to them the comfort of a little bare
ground, and there they pass the day.

It is very wonderful that birds employed in active exercise
throughout the day, perhaps a bright one, when the heat of the
sun is strong, can pass the night in sleep and inactivity, when
but little shielded from the bitterness of the weather in March,
that month which in New England is, with ghastly inappro-
priateness, called the first month of spring. It is also wonder-

* Sets of more than four eggs are times (but very rarely) marked Trith
very uncommon. — W. B. fine, faint, but perfectly distinct spots

t The eggs of the Robin are some- of reddish brown. — W. B.

THRUSHES. 39

ful that, whereas in midwinter most birds sleep fourteen or fif-
teen hours out of twenty-four, and pass only nine or ten in ex-
ercise, in the latter part of June, when the longest days of the
year occur, they require little more than half that amount of
rest to counterbalance the fatigue of at least sixteen hours'
work. I have known Robins to awake and to begin their daily
duties before half j^ast three o'clock in the morning, and to be
still moving about after eight in the evening ; at that season
of the year, moreover, when the male must provide for his
young as well as for himself. In the case of many birds,
either the male or the female sits on the nest, whilst the other
forages, but I have known instances in which the male never
sat on his nest, so that all the active duties in the care of his
family devolved upon him.

The Robins continue to come from the South until the first
of April, and during the greater part of that month are in-
clined to be gregarious, but they finally separate, and many
begin to build ; many waiting, however, until May, or even
June. As is well known, in the cultivated parts of the country
they do not often retire to the woods (except in winter), pre-
ferring to remain in open lands, in the neighborhood of man,
and about cultivated estates, and are so little wild as to inhabit
Boston Common and other equally frequented places. In the
country, they pass the summer in villages and such other
haunts as I have described, gathering into flocks in the latter
part of August, and journeying to warmer climates in Septem-
ber or October. Robins are in some parts of the State so
plentiful that in May sixty of their nests, containing eggs,
were found in an area of fifteen acres. Had Massachusetts
then been populated by these Thrushes in that proportion
of parent-birds to an acre, it would have contained nearly
40,000,000 of them, whereas I suppose that it actually con-
tained less than 1,000,000.

To those who consider Robins either useless or injurious to
man the following remarks on the nature of their food may be
of interest. In winter and in the early part of spring, they
feed chiefly upon berries, such as those of the barberry, poison-
ous " ivy," etc., but as soon as the frost is expelled from the

40 LAND-BIRDS.

ground, they begin their attacks upon the earthworms, and con-
stantly renew them throughout the summer and in September,
wherever earthworms are abundant. One may often see Robins
gathered on a lawn, particularly after hard showers, eagerly
engaged in unearthing their prey, now running along so quickly
that it is almost impossible to detect the motion of their feet
(which, in fact, is not hopping, but walking), now stopping,
and, having cocked their heads to one side that their ears may
be near the ground, listening intently, then passing on, or
perhaps stopping, and with two or three vigorous strokes of
their bills, pulling out the worms, which are soon disposed of.
When they fail to secure their prey, after a few bold " digs,'*
they generally move on and do not make any further attempt
to obtain it. They make extensive raids upon cherries " and
strawberries," when i^ipe^ and feed upon ripe pears and apples,
especially in autumn, generally meddling with these latter fruits
when fallen to the ground, and not when on the trees. In re-
turn for these robberies, they destroy innumerable "cut-
worms" and other injurious creatures of the same kind, and
confer, in this way, great benefits upon farmers and fruit-
growers, for they are much more dependent upon the flesh of
insects than upon other food. I think that there is no doubt that
between fifty and a hundred Robins eat a million worms and
injurious caterpillars, if not more, during their annual sojourn
in the neighborhood of Boston. Professor Tread well has re-
corded the instance of a young Robin in confinement, who ate
in twelve hours 140 per cent of his own weight, and consumed
fourteen feet of earthworms.

The Robins possess greater powers of flight than do the
other Thrushes, and can fly far and rapidly, often moving
through the air at a considerable height above the ground,
particularly when migrating. They have a habit of jerking
their tail, which the '' Wood Thrushes " do not possess, and
which is particularly noticeable when they utter their notes of
alarm. They are not brave, with individual exceptions, but
are easily frightened, particularly when sitting on their nests,
and yet they are by no means shy, and frequent familiarly the
neighborhood of man.

THRUSHES. 41

d. The Robins have besides their song, and a very faint
whistle like the Cedar-bird's lisp, but one note, which is con-
stantly varied, usually being in the winter, early spring, and
fall more dreary than in the summer, when it is sometimes
merely a chirp^ but at other times it is uttered in a tone of
exciteaient or vehemence and rapidly repeated. The cry of
the young is somewhat harsher than that of the mature birds,
who are very pleasant singers, and often warble a cheerful,
energetic song, consisting of a few monotonous notes, which
are repeated with some little variation, chiefly in the morning
and at dusk, in spring or summer.

It is to be hoped that eventually the American people will
become as fond of the American Robins as the English are of
their smaller " Robin Red-breasts," whose name our Pilgrim
Fathers bestowed upon the Thrushes of this country, now so
common and familiar to uSo

(HESPEROCICHLA.)

G. N^viA. Varied Thrush, Oregon Rohin. One speci-
men of this bird, whose proper habitat is the Pacific Slope,,
has been taken at Ipswich, Mass., in December.*

a. 9-10 inches long ; slate color. Beneath, orange brown.
Band across the breast, black. Under tail-coverts, white.
5 duller.

h. The eggs of this species measure about 1.15X.80 of an
inch, and are greenish blue, darkly spotted.

c. Its habits are presumably much like those of our
Robin.

d. " From this bird it may be readily distinguished by the
difference of its notes, which are louder, sharper, and deliv-
ered with greater rapidity." Dr. Cooper " describes the song
as consisting of five or six notes in a minor key, and in a scale
regularly descending."

* This still remains the only known men referred to is now in the collection
instance of the occurrence of the Varied of the Boston Society of Natural His-
Thrush in New England. The speci- tory. — W. B.

42 LAND-BIRDS.

n. MIMUS.

A. POLYGLOTTUS. Moching-hird. A very rare or almost
accidental summer visitor to southern New Enoland.*

a. 9-10 inches long. Above, rather light ashy gray. Be-
neath, white. Wings and tail dark, with conspicuous white
patches.

h. The nest is built near the ground, often in a conspicu-
ous situation. Audubon describes it as " coarsely constructed
on the outside, being there composed of dried sticks of
briars, withered leaves of trees, and grasses, mixed with wool.
Internally it is finished with fibrous roots disposed in a cir-
cular form, but carelessly arranged." An egg before me
measures 1.00 X. 75 of an inch, and is of a very light dull
blue, rather coarsely spotted with lilac and rather faint pur-
plish or reddish umber.

c. So many Mocking-birds have recently been captured
in New England, and Massachusetts itself, that they cannot
longer be well considered escaped cage-birds. They must
therefore be ranked here as very rare sunmier residents. Since,
however, their presence is almost exceptional, since their hab-
its are much like those of the common Catbird, since their
powers of mimicry and song are well known, and finally, since
I am personally unacquainted with their natural mode of life,
I have thought it best not to attempt their biography in this
volume. For an enthusiastic and splendid description, I refer
my readers to the second volume of Wilson's " Ornithology."

(GALEOSCOPTES.)

B. CAROLINENSIS. Catbird. A common summer resi-
dent, t

a. 8|^-9 inches long. Slate-colored. Crown and tail,
black. Under tail-coverts, chestnut red.

h. The nest of the Catbird, which in Massachusetts is
usually finished in the last week of May, is generally placed

* A local and very uncommon but t An abundant summer resident, save

probably quite reg-ular summer resident in the more northern or mountainous

of southern New England, seen often- parts of New England, where it is

est on or near the coast. One or two generally uncommon, and in places

specimens have been taken in Massa- altogether wanting. — W. B.
chusetts in winter. — W. B.

THRUSHES. 43

in a bush, thicket, or briar, and is composed outwardly of
sticks (and sometimes one or two rags intermixed), being
lined with strips of bark from the grape-vine or cedar, dead
leaves, rootlets, and other things of the same sort. The eggs
of each set are 3-5, usually four, of a fine dark green, bluish-
tinted, and measure about .95 X .70 of an inch. Two broods
are sometimes raised in the summer.

c. The Catbirds are in summer very common in the old
Bay State, and are familiar to many of its inhabitants, usu-
ally appearing in their haunts here in the first week of May,
some returning to the South in September, others waiting
until the middle of October. Though very numerous in the
cultivated districts of Massachusetts, they are rather rare in
the northern parts of New England ; and yet " they have been
met with in arctic countries," as have Robins also. They for
the most part prefer the neighborhood of man and of culti-
vated soil, though one may often find their nests in wild spots,
far from any house, since they roam over all the open country.
Though never properly gregarious, individuals do the work of
a host in destroying injurious insects ; eating the caterpillars,
which they find in orchards, shrubbery, bushes, and thickets,
and feeding upon " cut- worms," which they obtain in ploughed
lands. This fare they vary by occasionally catching winged
insects, as they fly through the air, but more often by eating
berries of various kinds, chiefly such as grow in swamps.

From the nature of their usual employment, they rarely have
occasion to perch very far above the ground, or to take other
than short flights, since they pass most of their time in shrub-
bery, — when frightened, generally taking refuge in a thicket,
or a clump of bushes, so as to be effectually lost to sight.
Though not habitually bold, they are often brave, in resenting
intrusions on their nests, giving a warm reception to cats,
driving away or killing snakes, and occasionally flying at
men. Two things are easily observable in the habits of these
Thrushes, namely : When on the ground, they can move about
with agility, and when perched, they often flirt their tails, or,
when singing, depress them in a peculiar manner which renders
their attitude rather ludicrous. In autumn, before their de-

44 LAND-BIRDS.

partiire, the Catbirds become rather reserved and shy, and I
have sometimes been able to detect their presence only by
occasionally hearing their characteristic cry, or seeing them
fly into " scrub " or other shrubbery, with their broad tails
expanded to their fullest extent, as they crossed some road or
path and dove into a thicket beyond. Their habits in the
fall of the year illustrate the fact that in spring most birds
can easily be detected, if even carelessly sought for at the
proper season, because of their song, their comparatively little
shyness, and those bright tints which, in the case of many
birds, are exchanged for duller tints when the summer either
is over or draws near to its end ; whereas in autumn, on the
other hand, many birds quietly, and in silence seldom bro-
ken, continue to speud their days about us, and to migrate
through those places where they were conspicuous in spring
escaping our observation through their greater shyness and
retirement. There are two other partial explanations of the
actually and apparently greater abundance of certain birds
when passing to the north through eastern Massachusetts
than when returning, — which are, that in the autumnal mi-
grations many species for the most part choose a more inland
route, and that in spring the Warblers, for instance, are
prompted to their long journeys by a sudden outburst or a
gradual approach of genuine warmth, such as gives life to
the insects on which they feed ; whereas in fall, unless star-
tled by a sudden visitation of cold, they gradually leave their
summer homes, and by degrees straggle (if I may use the ex-
pression^ to their winter haunts.^^

d. The song of the Catbirds, which is very much like
that of the Brown Thrush, is in some respects a striking one,
for the tone and accent are very marked ; and, though some of
the notes are rather harsh or uncouth, others are very mellow.
This song is not a definite or limited one, but is repeated for
several minutes together, from the time of their arrival until
the summer is nearly over, especially at evening ; but it is not
unf requently marred or interrupted by the mimicry of others'

2^ It is hoped that the author will be excused for these digressive remarks by
those persons who are well acquainted with the facts mentioned.

THRUSHES. 45

notes, for, though the Catbirds do not possess the wonderful
powers of the Mocking-birds, yet they are clever mimics, imi-
tating Quail, Pewees, Least Flycatchers, and even Hens, with
great exactness. I have been more than once deluded by these
musicians into the belief that I distinctly heard birds whose
presence I justly but little expected in the places where I have
thus been momentarily deceived. The Catbirds have a mellow
chuck^ a chattered alarm-note, which I am inclined to think that
they seldom use, and a familiar harsh cry, which resembles the
"mew" of a cat, whence their common name, and also, prob-
ably, that instinctive but irrational antipathy which many
boys entertain for this bird.

HI. HARPORHYNCHUS.

A, RUFUS. Brown Thrush. " Song Thrush^
" Thrasher^'' " MamsP A common summer resident in
southern New England.*

a. About eleven inches long. Above, bright reddish
brown ; below, white (or tinged), streaked with dark brown, but
throat unmarked. Wings with white bars. Tail very long.

h. The nest is placed in a bush (occasionally in a tree,
such as the cedar) or on the ground ; never far from it. When
placed in a bush, sticks are generally used in its construction ;
in all situations the nest being usually composed, wholly or
partly, of strips of cedar bark and the like, together with dead
leaves and similar substances. The eggs are dirty white, cov-
ered with very numerous and minute light brown markings,
and average 1.05 X .80 of an inch, or more. One specimen
is slightly tinged with green. In eastern Massachusetts, two
sets of these eggs (containing four or five) are laid every year,
the first of which commonly appears in the last week of May,
though sometimes exceptionally in the second week.

c. Not only do the notes of the Brown Thrush bear a
strong resemblance to those of the Catbird, but their habits

* A common summer resident in lower and more cultivated portions of

southern New England, where it is very the country. Its times of arrival and

generally distributed. To the north departure correspond closely with those

of Massachusetts it is found only spar- of the Catbird. — W. B.
ingly and more or less locally, in the

46 LAND-BIRDS.

also correspond closely to those of their relation. The " Song
Thrushes " reach the neighborhood of Boston more often in
the first than in the second week of May, or perhaps most often
in the last week of April, and are common summer residents
throughout southern New England, many not withdrawing
until October. They are rare, however, in northern Vermont,
New Hampshire, and Maine. Though on their arrival one may
often see them on cultivated estates and near houses, yet they
almost invariably, so far as I know, pass their summers in that
species of shrubbery known as " scrub," or in low cedar
woods, where underbrush abounds, and are much less familiar
toward man than are their relations the Catbirds. They feed
upon berries, caterpillars, wasps, or beetles, and, while en-
gaged in procuring them, may often be seen moving from bush
to bush, with a characteristic flight, and with their long tails
so outspread as to be very conspicuous. When they perch, the
'' Thrashers " flirt or depress their tails in the manner of the
last species, to whom I have already referred ; and they like-
wise are very bold in the defense of their nest, often hissing
with the vehemence of a pugnacious goose. They frequently
have refused to leave their nests on my approach, unless to
fly at me in a way which used to frighten me heartil}^ when
young. They are so brave and at the same time so unsociable
as rarely or never to congregate, either for the sake of mutual
protection or of companionship. They may be seen, however,
in pairs, rustling loudly among the dead leaves, or hopping
along the ground with remarkable agility. I have called them
" brave," and yet, when their young are reared, they resume
their natural shyness, avoid man, and on his approach dis-
appear in the surrounding shrubbery ; but the instinct of
motherhood can inspire bravery in those habitually timid,
when emergencies occur which require courage.

c?. The loud chuch of the Brown Thrushes, their inde-
scribable note of alarm or displeasure, and their song are all,
as has been intimated, much like those of the Catbird. Their
song is very pleasing, being loud, emphatic, and wonderfully
varied ; so much so that it is sometimes well-nigh impossible
to believe that one bird can produce such widely different

BLUEBIRDS. 47

notes ; but, though called " mockers," the " Thrashers " never
mimic other creatures, so far as I have observed. Often, if
interrupted, when singing, they softly repeat the syllables
" tu-whit, tu-whit," and immediately resume their song. In
May, at evening, I have often listened to them, when, having
chosen a high perch, they have sung sweetly and loudly ; and
it was when thinking of such singing that Wilson wrote :
" The human being, who, amidst such scenes, and in such
seasons of rural serenity and delight, can pass them with cold
indifference, and even contempt, I sincerely pity ; for abject
must that heart be, and callous those feelings, and depraved
that taste, which neither the charms of nature, nor the melody
of innocence, nor the voice of gratitude or devotion can
reach."

§ 2. SAXICOLIDu^. Stonechats and Bluebirds, (See

§1.)

I. SIALIA.

A. siALis. (^Eastern) Bluebird. Very common in Mas-
sachusetts during the warmer half of the year.*

a, 6 1 -7 inches long. Above, bright blue (in females, im-
mature specimens, and specimens in winter plumage, often in-
terrupted by dull-colored patches). Belly, white ; other under
parts, bright ruddy brown or chestnut. § usually much
duller or paler than $ .

b. The nest is generally placed in the hole of a tree or
post, or in a bird-box. The eggs, which measure about .85 X
.62 of an inch, are light blue (very rarely white). f Two sets
of 4-6 are usually laid each year in this State, of which the
first commonly appears about the first of May.

* Breeds throug-hout New England, t Although white eggs of this species

but only very sparingly in the more are certainly uncommon, they are by

northern and mountainous portions, no means very rare, for one or more sets

It has been found in midwinter near can be found in most large collections.

Boston, but is not often seen in that It is probable that certain Bluebirds

neigbborhood between December 1 and always lay white eggs, for those of

February 20. It winters abundantly, each set are invariably uniform in color,

however, in southern Connecticut. — and I know of an instance where two

W. B. clutches of colorless eggs were taken

from the same pair of birds. — W. B.

48 LAND-BIRDS.

c. The familiar Bluebirds are the first birds to corae from
their winter homes to the Eastern States ; for they reach the
neighborhood of Boston, invariably no later than March, and
sometimes in February. They have once reached it, accord-
ing to Dr. Brewer, on the twenty-eighth day of January, though
never known to pass the winter here. In summer they are
very common and generally well known throughout southern
New England, though comparatively rare to the northward,
as in the case with many other of our common birds. Whilst
migrating, they usually fly very high, and one may often be
apprised of their coming, before seeing them, by hearing their
warbled note, which they frequently utter when on the wing.
By the middle of March they become quite common, and may
be seen in small companies, perched on telegraph-wires or
ridge-poles of barns, on fences or trees, occasionally calling to
one another, or moving from place to place. Cheerless as the
season then is, they contrive to exist, though naturally insec-
tivorous, until warmer weather causes an abundance of in-
sects ; and they even mate during the cold weather with which
spring is inaugurated in this part of the world. In April,
they gather various warm materials, and build their nests by
placing them in a bird-box, or at the bottom of a hole in some
tree ; and in these nests their eggs are laid about the first of
May, when but few other of our birds have begun incubation.
The haunts of the Bluebirds are well known, and few natu-
ralists can pass through farms, orchards, gardens, or fields, or
travel over roads through cultivated lands and villages, with-
out associating with them these companions of every student
of nature. The Bluebirds are not only pleasant friends, but
are also useful laborers in behalf of agriculturists, as is proved
by the nature of their food, and the manner in which they
obtain it. Though in the early spring, and more so in fall,
various berries afford them nourishment, yet in May, and
throughout the summer, they feed quite exclusively upon in-
sects, chiefly upon beetles, many of which are injurious. As
they often rear two or even three broods of young during their
annual stay in Massachusetts, they necessarily destroy an in-
calculable number of pests (at the rate of between fifty and a

BLUEBIRDS. 49

hundred thousand to a pair in four months). So soon as the
young of the first brood are old enough to leave the nest, the
female soon begins again to lay, while the male takes charge
of the young, teaching them how to catch their prey. He may
often be seen to perch in some open spot, and, flying into the
air (much in the manner of Flycatchers), to seize some passing
insect, or, pausing with rapidly quivering wings, to snap up
some grasshopper or beetle from the grass, immediately return-
ing to his perch. Though the Bluebirds have been known to
take long flights, when traveling, yet they rarely fly far at
other times, and though when journeying they move through
the air at a considerable height, at other times they usually
remain rather near the ground, but they never, as a rule,
stand on it, except occasionally when collecting bits of straw
or the like, with which to build their nests. In autumn they
gather in small flocks, and in October generally depart from
this State, though a few linger until November.

d. The only song of the Bluebirds is a repetition of a
" sadly pleasing " but cheerful warble of two or three notes,
tinged (so to speak) by a mournful tone. This they often
give utterance to when on the wing, as well as when perched.
In autumn, and when with their young, their usual note is a
single sad whistle, but they occasionally use a peculiar chatter
as a call-note to their young, whose notes differ from those of
their parents.

I shall here close my account of these birds, deservedly
popular as forerunners of spring, companions of man, and
cheerful, beneficial laborers, by quoting a few lines from one
of Alexander Wilson's poems.

[In Autumn]
" The bluebird, forsaken, yet true to his home,
Still lingers, and looks for a milder to-morrow,
Till, fore'd by the horrors of winter to roam,
He sings his adieu in a lone note of sorrow.

" While spring's lovely season, serene, dewy, warm,

The green face of earth, and the pure blue of heav'n,
Or love's native music have influence to charm,
Or sympathy's glow to our feelings is ^^ giv'n,

28 In the original "are," evidently through inadyertenee.

60 LAND-BIRDS.

*' Still dear to each bosom the bluebird shall be ;

His voice, like the thrilling-s of hope, is a treasure ;
For, thro' bleakest storms if a calm he but see,
He comes to remind us of simshine and pleasure ! "

Note. The European StonecLat or " "V^Tieatear " QSaxi-
cola oenanthe) occurs in nortliern North America as a wan-
derer, and is included by Dr. Coues in his " List of the Birds
of New England." * In his " Key " he describes it as follows
(the length being 5-6 inches ?) : " Adult : ashy gray ; fore-
head, superciliary line, and under parts white, latter often
brownish-tinted ; upper tail coverts white, wings and tail black,
latter with most of the feathers white for half their length ;
line from nostril to eye, and broad band on side of head,
black ; bill and feet, black ; young everywhere cinnamon
brown, paler below. ..."

§ 3. SYLVIID^. (See § 1.)

I. REGULUS.

A. CALENDULA. Ruby-cvoicned " Wreny Huhy -crowned
'•''Kinglet.'" -^ Common in Massachusetts in April and
October.!

a. 4-4J inches long. Above, greenish olive ; below, white,
impure and yellow- tinged. Wings with two white bars, and
(like the tail) with light edgings. Eye-ring, impure white.
Crown in mature specimens with a scarlet patchy wanting in
immature birds (and females? 2^); moreover, in some speci-
mens, small and orange-colored.

* The only authentic record of the no proofs of this have been as yet ob-

actual occurrence of the Wheatear in tained. — W. B.

New Eng-land is that by Mr. Boardman ^ I have seen in spring- pairs of these

{Bull. N.O. C. Vol. V. 1880, p. 115) of birds, highly colored, and apparently

a specimen taken by Mr. George Moses fully matured, of whom the males had

on Indian Island, near Eastport, Maine, a brilliant carmine patch, and the fe-

August 25, 1879. — W. B. males no patch at all, or none evident. *

2^ These birds have been called " Mr. Minot's evident distrust of the

" Kinglets " from their scientific name belief (very g-eneral at the time he

(Regulus), meaning "little king." wrote) that the sexes are indistinguish-

t A very common spring and au- able when in mature plumage was well

tumn migrant. There can be very lit- founded, for it is now definitely known

tie doubt that it breeds sparingly and that the female usually lacks all trace

locally in northern New England, but of the scarlet crown-patch ; and one

KINGLETS. 51

h. I believe that there is no record of the nest and eggs
having ever been discovered. They are probably like those of
allied British species, and of the Golden-crowned " Wren " *
iB, 6).

c. The little Ruby-crowned " Wrens," almost the smallest
of North American birds, with the exception of the Humming-
birds, habitually pass the summer in the countries which lie to
the northward of New England. ^^ They reach the neighbor-
hood of Boston, when traveling from the north, in the first or
second week of October, and are quite common throughout
that month, a few lingering until the middle of November, and
still fewer occasionally passing the winter here.f In autumn,
regardless of the cold frosts, they always seem to be happily
employed, either in pairs or singly, in ransacking trees in
woods or orchards and elsewhere, for the small insects and
eggs which lie concealed beneath the bark and in its crevices.
They can but rarely be detected here in winter, since they com-
monly spend that season in the indefinite " South." In spring
they generally return to us about the middle of April, and are
very common until the middle of May or earlier, when they
totally disappear. They may be found in orchards or wood-
land, and about cultivated estates, everywhere leading the
same busy, restless life, which they never for a moment for-
sake, while daylight lasts. They may be seen now clinging
to some cluster of opening leaves or budding flowers, perhaps
head downwards, now hopping to a neighboring twig, now fly-
ing into the air dexterously to seize a passing insect, then
calling to their mates if they be near, or uttering their sweet
and joyous song. Though not gregarious, they are of a socia-

reeent writer on the subject (Mr. Beck- they occasionally breed in Pennsylva-

ham) has been unable to find any evi- nia." Mr. Charles C. Abbott, in speak-

dence that she ever possesses this adorn- ing of their breeding" in New Jersey,

ment. — W. B. says that " at least we have as evidence

* The nest and eg-g-s are now well of this their presence in June, and also

known. As Mr. Minot predicted, they that of their young in August."

are essentially similar to those of the t There is no good evidence that

Golden-crested Kinglet. — W. B. the Ruby-crowned Kinglet ever passes

31 Wilson, however, says: "From the winter in any part of New England,

the circumstance of having found them — W. B.
here in summer, I am persuaded that

52 LAND-BIRDS.

ble disposition toward other birds, and in fall often associate
with Chickadees, Nuthatches, Creepers, " Gold-crests," and
Downy Woodpeckers, and in spring with various migrating
Warblers, if there be any to join, whose habits are at all like
their own. They are not usually shy or suspicious, but are so
engrossed in their important occupations that they are easily
approached, and are not disturbed when closely watched.
They have but little time to think of danger, and continue
their career of constant activity (interrupted only by darkness
and incubation), apparently regarding all living things as
creatures innocent as they themselves.

d. In autumn and winter their only note is a feeble lisp.
In spring, besides occasionally uttering an indescribable queru-
lous sound, and a harsh " grating " note, which belongs exclu-
sively to that season,* the Ruby-crowned " Wrens " sing ex-
tremely well, and louder than such small birds seem capable
of singing. Their song commonly begins with a few clear
whistles, followed by a short, very sweet, and complicated
warble, and ending with notes like the syllables tu-we-ioe^ tiir-we-
we, tu-we-we. These latter are often repeated separately, as if
the birds had no time for the prelude, or are sometimes merely
prefaced by a few rather shrill notes with a rising inflection.

It is astonishing, under existing circumstances, that neither
nest nor egg of the Ruby-crowned " Wrens " has been dis-
covered, or at least described. It is probable, and on their
account it is to be hoped, that they may long continue to
rear their young in happiness and peace, undisturbed by nat-
uralists, in the immense forests of the north.

B. SATRAPA. Golderb-crowned " Wren.^^ Golden-
crowned " Kinglet.''^ " Gold-crest^ Moderately common
from October until April or May. f

* The harsh, grating- notes, as well Hampshire. Breeds throug-hout the

as the song-, are occasionally heard in spruce forests of northern New Eng-land

autumn. — W. B. and in the higher portions of Berkshire

t Everywhere common during the and Worcester counties, Massachu-

migrations, and always present in win- setts. A single well-authenticated nest

ter in moderate numbers, at least as has been taken at Lynn, Massachusetts,

far north as southern Maine and New — W. B.

KINGLETS. 53

a. Like calendula (^), except on the head. Crown, with
a yellow patch (inclosing in (J a scarlet one), bordered in
front and on the sides by a continuous black line.

h. The nest of these birds had never, so far as I know,
been discovered by any naturalist, previously to this year
(1875). Wilson, indeed, thinking that the English " Gold-
crest " was identical with ours, which is not the case, quoted
a description of the nest and eggs of that bird from Dr.
Latham. '^^ I therefore have the honor of recording the discov-
ery * of the nest of the Golden-crowned " Wren," which I made
this summer (1875), on the sixteenth day of July, in a forest
of the White Moim tains, which consisted chiefly of ever-
greens and white birches. Having several times observed the
birds there, I at last detected them in the act of conveying
food to their young, and soon tracked them to their nest. This
hung four feet above the ground, from a spreading hemlock
bough, to the twigs of which it was firmly fastened ; it was
globular, with an entrance in the upper part, and was com-
posed of hanging moss, ornamented with bits of dead leaves,
and lined chiefly with feathers. It contained six young birds,
but much to my regret no eggs, f

c. The Golden-crowned " Wrens " come to Massachusetts
from their summer homes in the latter part of October or in
November, and, though a majority of them move on to the
South, many pass the winter here, and continue their residence
in this State until April or even the second week of May.
During the winter they are for the most part gregarious, and
may often be seen in small flocks, moving about among trees ;
more often among those (such as birches) which spring up be-
side wood-paths than those growing elsewhere. But they also
visit cultivated lands and orchards, generally avoiding ever-
greens X (so far as I have observed), probably because they do

32 American Ornithology, Vol. I, p. t The eggs of the Golden-crested

127. Kinglet measure about .56 X .44 inches.

* I have just learned, from the fourth They are creamy white, with exceed-

number of the Nuttall Ornithological ingly numerous and fine markings of

Club Bulletin, that the nests of this pale wood brown and a few larger

Kinglet had been found previously to spots or blotches of brown or lavender,

my discovery. [Appendix to first edi- — W. B.

tion, p. 44.3.] J Mr. Minot's experience was cer-

54 LAND-BIRDS.

not readily find among them, in cold weather, the small insects
and their eggs which infest the bark of other trees, and upon
which they chiefly depend for food.^ I have always found them
more abundant on the edges of lanes through our woods than in
other places, and there one may watch them scrambling about
from twig to twig and from tree to tree, so busily engaged as
almost to ignore one's immediate presence. They are not quite
so restless as the Ruby-crowned " Wrens," but are equally so-
ciable, and often join the merry Chickadees and their follow-
ers, in pursuit of their common prey. In spring, when the
cold of winter has become somewhat modified, they are rather
less social, roam more freely, and finally move northward, their
place being immediately supplied by others, who have been
living in a warmer climate. These possess habits more nearly
akin to the habits of the Ruby-crowned " Wrens " than to
those of their predecessors, and frequently catch insects in the
air, or get them by fluttering before some opening cluster of
leaves, — while so doing, causing their wings to quiver rapidly,
" and often exposing the golden feathers of their head, which
are opened and shut with great adroitness," which they also
more frequently do when skij^ping about from bough to bough.
Many pass the summer in northern Maine, and in certain jDarts
of the White Mountains, but none breed in a more southern
country, unless in New Jersey, as Dr. Abbott thinks is the
case. They are '' quite common at Umbagog in June " ; " and
judging from the condition of female specimens taken, lay their
eggs about June 1st." Messrs. Maynard and Brewster " found
several pairs in the thick hemlock woods, that evidently had
nests in the immediate vicinity."

d. Beyond an occasional weak note, or a cry of tsee-tsee-
tsee, the Golden-crowned " Wrens " are usually silent, whilst
staying in their winter homes, except on the approach or

tainly exceptional witli respect to this Titmice all affect the pines in winter,

point, inasmuch as the Golden-crested and therefore I am at a loss to explain

King-let's preference for evergreens, the apparent dislike of these birds to

especially spruces and hemlocks, is or- those trees in that season. About the

dinarily not less marked in winter than fact I do not think myself mistaken,

at all other seasons. — W. B. They share the Chickadee's partiality

^ The Nuthatches, Creepers, and for white birches.

GNATCATCHERS. 55

arrival of spring, when they sometimes give utterance to a
twittered warble which resembles the weaker song-notes of the
Chickadees. In their summer homes they have a song, which
Mr. Maynard has described as " a series of low, shrill chirps,
terminating in a lisping warble " ; and when with their young,
they twitter constantly, as do also many other birds.

Note. — Cuvier's "Kinglet" (^Regulus cuvieri) is a source
of conjecture to all modern ornithologists. It was obtained
by Audubon near the banks of the Schuylkill River, in June,
1812. Only one specimen was taken, which differed from sa-
trapa in having the crown-patch entirely vermilion and two
black stripes on each side of the head. I have suspicions of
having seen this species in New England, but they are too
vague to render the sujjposed circumstance probable.*

II. POLIOPTILA.

A, c^RULEA. Blue-gray Gnatcatcher. A very rare or
exceptional summer resident in New England.f

a. 4-4|^ inches long. " Clear ashy blue, bluer on head ;
forehead, and line over eye, black (wanting in 5) ; outer tail-
feather white." Bill, feet, and rest of the tail, black. Under
parts, (bluish) white.

h, " The nest is placed on a tree, from ten to fifty feet
above the ground, and is cup-shaped, firm, but small and
neat." An e^g in my collection measures .60 X .48 of an inch,
and is j»jaZe greenish blue, dotted with reddish brown and a
little obscure lilac.

c. d. The Blue-gray Gnatcatchers are said to have wan-
dered to Massachusetts, but their usual habitat is further to
the southward. They are insectivorous, and dart " about from
one part of the tree to another with hanging wings and erected
tail, making a feeble chirping, tsee^ tsee, no louder than a
mouse." (Wilson.) They generally hunt " on the highest

* No second specimen of Cuvier's head-marking" or a hybrid between R.

Kinglet is known to have been taken, satrapa and R. calendula. — W. B.

and there can be little doubt that the t A rare and probably only acci-

bird described and figured by Audubon dental summer and autumn visitor, not

was either abnormal with respect to the known to breed. — W. B.

56 LAND-BIRDS.

branches." Mr. Burroughs says of this bird in " Wake
Robin " : " Its song is a lisping, chattering, incoherent warble,
now faintly reminding one of the Goldfinch, now of a miniature
Catbird, then of a tiny Yellow-hammer, having much variety,
but no unity, and little cadence." He previously remarks, in
his charming sketches, that " in form and manner it seems
almost a duplicate of the Catbird, on a small scale. It mews
like a young kitten, erects its tail, flirts, droops its wings, goes
through a variety of motions when disturbed by your presence,
and in many ways recalls its dusky prototype."

§ 4. The PARID^, or Titmice^ together with the next two
families, the Nuthatches and Creepers, form a natural, plainly-
colored group, and might appropriately be called " tree-glean-
ers." They all lead an active life, scrambling about among
trees in search of insects and their eggs, but never flying far,
though partially migrant. The Chickadees not unfrequently
alight on the ground, and often hang head downwards,
but they never habitually cling to the trunk. The Creepers,
on the other hand, climb much like Woodpeckers, confining
themselves to the trunks or larger upright limbs, and never
touch the earth ; while the Nuthatches in their habits are in-
termediate between the two. As regards music, however, the
Chickadees are intermediate, for the Nuthatches are wholly
unmusical, while the Creepers have a warbled song. They
all, however, agree in building a nest in some cavity, usually
the hole of a tree, and in laying small, white, spotted eggs ;
but the Titmice are the most prolific, laying in one set always
more than five eggs, and sometimes more than ten. They
are all unsuspicious and sociable, though, in Massachusetts,
only the Chickadees are strictly gregarious. The three
families are all partially characterized as follows : length less
than seven inches ; bill neither hooked nor notched ; tarsi
scutellate ; toes not completely cleft ; primaries ten, the first
short or spurious ; tail-feathers twelve. In the Paridce the
bill is short, stout, pointed, and with convex outlines, the nos-
trils are concealed, the tarsus is " longer than the middle toe
and claw," the tail is long, and about equal to the wings. In

TITMICE. 57

the SlttidcR the nostrils are likewise concealed, but the bill is
long, rather slender, acute, and with a convex outline beneath
only ; the tail is short (pi. 1, fig. 5). In the CertUidoe the
biU is slender and decurved, the nostrils are exposed, and the
tail-feathers are stiff and pointed (pi. 1, fig. 6). All the Creep-
ers and Titmice of North America belong to the typical groups
or subfamilies, Certhiince and Parince.

I. PARUS.

A. ATRiCAPiLLUS. Black-ccipped Titmouse. Chickadee,
Common in Massachusetts throughout the year, but much
less abundant in summer than in the other seasons.*

a. ^-h\ inches long. (Tail and wings 2^.) Above, ashy,
variously tinted. Beneath, white, in winter often tinted with
" rusty " or buff. Crown^ nape, and throaty black; interven-
ing space^ (nearly) white.

h. The Chickadees either select a natural cavity or a de-
serted Woodpecker's home, or with great
labor excavate a hole for themselves in a
post or a tree. They rarely select a sound
tree, but much prefer a decayed one, par-
ticularly a white birch, in which from
one to thirty feet above the ground, on
the side (or often on the top of a trunk,
if a broken one), they make an excava-
tion, from three inches to a foot deep,
with a narrow entrance, if possible. At
the bottom they place warm and soft
materials, such as hairs, moss, feathers,
and wool ; and the female, usually in the
last week of May (near Boston), lays six
or sometimes more eggs — often again ^^^- ^' Chickadee, (i)
laying, later in the season. The eggs average .63 X .50 of an
inch ; and are white, either spotted with reddish brown or finely
freckled with a rather paler shade, approaching flesh-color.

* A permanent resident, everyrvhere ently most numerous in autumn and
common at all seasons, but in Massa- winter. — W. B.
chusetts and to the southward appar-

68 LAND-BIRDS.

c. The Chickadees are so abundantly distributed, or well
represented by closely allied species, throughout the greater
part of North America that probably to a majority of its
inhabitants they are, on the whole, more familiar than any
other birds. They are common residents in all the New
England States, but in many parts of Massachusetts are
much less common in summer than in winter, when many
have come from the north. At the beginning of every
new year, they may be found in abundance in the neighbor-
hood of Boston, more often in small flocks than otherwise.
One may then watch them closely, for they are not shy,
as they move about among the higher branches, and the
lower branches, or even on the ground, where they peck
at fallen cones, or at such refuse as can afford them any nour-
ishment. When on the trees, their motions are characterized
by constant energy; and the better to obtain their minute
prey (small insects and eggs, such as infest bark) they assume
many peculiar attitudes, to maintain which great (compara-
tive) muscular strength is required — such attitudes as
hanging by the claws, or clinging to cones with the head
downwards. They are so merry, genial, and sociable, that
their society is sought for, as it were, by other birds, such as
Creepers, Nuthatches, Downy Woodpeckers, and " Kinglets,"
whose habits are much like their own, and who frequently join
them in their pleasant rambles and active scrambles. They
roam wherever there are trees, be they near houses or in the
depths of the forests, in valleys or on hillsides ^^ ; but ever-
greens, particularly pines, and white birches are their favorites.
They never take other than short flights, and often, as Wilson
says, " traverse the woods in regular progression from tree to
tree," in this manner traveling several miles every day. They
are very unsuspicious, and allow one to approach closely, so
that by remaining motionless I have often induced them to
surround my person. Mr. Samuels mentions an instance of
one perching on the toe of his boot as he sat in the woods ;
and a young man of northern New Hampshire once told me
that they were so tame in cold weather as to feed from his
^ Among the White Mountains to an elevation of 4,000 feet (?).

TITMICE. 59

hand ; but his friends were possibly young and inexperienced,
or at least probably had passed the summer in some country
uninhabited by man.

In regard to the manner in which the hardy little Titmice
pass the night, I have some interesting information to offer
to my readers, and I shall here quote from my ornithological
diary. " February 10th. This afternoon, just before sunset,
I noticed two Chickadees, feeding on the ground, and peck-
ing at a bone, to which a remnant of meat was attached.
After saving one of them from a cat, who was stealing
towards and was about to catch them, I remained there
fifteen minutes. They scarcely left the ground during that
time, except to take a low perch, until half-past five, when
one flew away over the house-top and disappeared. The other
continued to hop about on the ground ; and then, without any
intimation of his purpose, abruptly flew to the piazza, whither
I followed him. He took possession of a Pe wee's nest, which
stood upon the top of a corner-pillar, adjoining the house,
and, having stared at me for a moment, tucked his head under
his wing, ^ and apparently leaned against the wall. I think
that he went to sleep almost immediately, for, on my stepping
from the piazza, he started (as if from sleep) and turned to
look at me ; but he soon composed himself once more to his
slumbers." " Feb. 12th, 1875. I found my friend, the Chick-
adee, fast asleep to-day at 5.35 P. M." " Feb. 18th. I have
continued to find the Chickadee retiring to rest in the nest on
the piazza. Another retires as regularly at sunset, and sleeps
in a hole of a white birch, evidently once a Chickadee's nest,
perhaps his own." "March 13th. At five minutes after six
this morning a Chickadee suddenly uttered his ' chick-a-dee-dee-
dee ' from a pine, and then for five minutes repeated his whistle
oi pe-wee. Two companions then came, and the small flock,
thus formed, moved off."

In spring the Titmice gradually disperse, many to seek more
northern homes, and some, after mating, to prepare homes for

^ I have here emphasized this fact, uloxxs supposition that wild birds ever
becatise I have lately read, where I do put their bills under their wing's when
not now remember, that it was *' a ridic- sleeping " !

60 LAND-BIRDS.

their offspring here. In summer they are shyer than in win-
ter, and often retire to secluded spots to rear their young, for
whom they exhibit a tender affection, wliich sometimes prompts
them, if robbed of their eggs, boldly to follow the intruder,
uttering plaintive cries and whistles, which almost force one
to repent of having disturbed the peace of such loving parents.
In autumn, when family cares are over, the Chickadees gather
in companies and resume a merry life.

d. They have a great variety of simple or quaint notes,
all of which seem to be expressive of perpetual happiness, for
many of them are constantly repeated throughout the year,
and none are restricted to one season. Besides their weU-
known chsLut, '^ chick-a-dee-dee-dee-dee^'' which has given them
their name, they have an exquisite whistle of two notes (nearly
represented by high G and F, upon the piano), which is very
sweet and clear, and various minor but equally expressive
notes (among them a simple tsij^^^ as well as certain guttusal
cries, one of which sounds like a rapid utterance of the French
phrase " tout de suite," and is indicative, as it were, of the
restless disposition of these birds.

The Chickadees are universal favorites, and no birds have a
better right to be than these social and happy pygmies. I have
invariably found them to be very amiable, rarely disputing one
with another ; but Wilson considered them quarrelsome, and
speaks of having followed one, the singularity of whose notes
surprised him. Having shot it, he found its skull fractured
(as he supposed by a companion) but afterwards healed. One
passed the winter in my neighborhood whose chant may be
tolerably well expressed by the syllables " chick-a-pu-jm-pu,''
the latter notes being somewhat like those of a Canary-bird,
but there is no reason to believe that his cranium was cracked.

B, HUDSONicus. Hudsonian Chickadee. Hudson Bay
Chickadee.^
a. About five inches long. "Pale olive brown; crown,

* Found at all seasons throughout and certainly more locally distributed
northern New Eng-land, where, how- during the breeding season than in
ever, it is apparently less numerous autunm and winter. It may now be

NUTHATCHES. 61

similar, but browner ; below on sides, and behind, pale chest-
nut." " Chin and throat, brownish black."

c. The Hudson Bay Titmice pass the summer in arctic
countries (and in northeastern Maine ?), usually penetrating
northern New England in cold weather only. Their habits
resemble those of the common Chickadees. " Mr. Brewster
took a single specimen at Concord, Massachusetts, on October
29th, 1870," the only recorded instance of their capture in this

State.*!

d. Their song-note is harsher and " more quickly given "
than that of our Chickadees.^^

§ 5. SITTIN.E. Nuthatches. (See § 4.)

I. SITTA.

A. CAROLINENSIS. White - breasted Nuthatch. White-
bellied Nuthatch. Common here, in spring and autumn, in
certain localities. In Massachusetts, a few pass the summer,
and a few the winter. J

a. About six inches long. Above, ashy blue. Outer tail-
feathers, black with white patches. Wings, marked with the
same colors. Under tail-coverts, tinged with " rusty." Other
under parts and sides of the head (even above the eyes), white.
Crown and iiape^ black (in young and §, impure, restricted,
or wanting).

b. The nest and eggs correspond closely to those of the
Chickadee (§ 4, ^, 6), but the eggs are larger, averaging .80 X
.60 of an inch, and are rather coarsely spotted with (reddish)
brown and purplish. Four or five are said to constitute the

safely regarded as a somewhat fre- in New England. [From Appendix of

quent if not regular winter visitor to first edition, p. 443.]

Massachusetts, and a few specimens t The nest and eggs are essentially

have been taken in southern Connect- similar to those of the common Chick-

icut and Rhode Island. — W. B. adee. — W. B.

* The Hudsonian Titmice probably ^^ Maynard.

breed in several parts of northern New % Breeds throughout New England,

England, and in the Adirondacks. but nowhere in very great numbers,

They wander in winter so far to the while in many localities it is one of the

southward as Connecticut, and more rarest of the summer birds. During

than one has been obtained in Massa- the autumn migration it is at times

chusetts. The Crested Tomtit {Lopho- comparatively common. It winters in

phanes hicolor) is said to have occurred small numbers at least as far north as

Massachusetts. — W. B.

62 LAND-BIRDS.

usual set, but at what time they are laid in Massachusetts I
am uncertain.*

c. The White - bellied Nuthatches are abundant in but a
few parts of New England. In eastern Massachusetts they
are less rare in spring and autumn than in the other seasons ;
but only a few breed or pass the winter here. As it seems
advisable to quote from Wilson a full description of some
bird's habits to show the usual style of that author, I shall
here give his remarks about these birds. After describing
their appearance, their non-identity with the European Nut-
hatch, and their nest and eggs, he writes as follows : —

" The male is extremely attentive to the female while sitting,
supplying her regularly with sustenance, stopping frequently
at the mouth of the hole, calling and offering her what he has
brought, in the most endearing manner. Sometimes he seems
to stop merely to inquire how she is, and to lighten the tedious
moments with his soothing chatter. He seldom rambles far
from the spot, and when danger appears, regardless of his own
safety, he flies instantly to alarm her. When both are feed-
ing on the trunk of the same tree, or of adjoining ones, he is
perpetually calling on her ; and from the momentary pause
he makes it is plain that he feels pleased to hear her Teply.

" The White-breasted Nuthatch is common almost every-
where in the woods of North America; and may be known at
a distance by the notes quanh^ quank^ frequently repeated, as
he moves upward and down, in spiral circles, around the body
and larger branches of the tree, probing behind the thin scaly
bark of the white oak, and shelling off considerable pieces of
it in his search after spiders, ants, insects, and their larvae. He
rests and roosts with his head downwards ; and appears to
possess a degree of curiosity not common in many birds ; fre-
quently descending, very silently, within a few feet of the root
of the tree where you happen to stand, stopping, head down-
ward, stretching out his neck in a horizontal position, as if to
reconnoitre your appearance, and after several minutes of si-

* In eastern Massachusetts this Nut- ally as many as nine, eg-g^, the sets are
hatch begins laying about April 20th. not always completed until nearly or
As it usually lays seven, and occasion- quite May Ist. — W. B.

NUTHATCHES. 63

lent observation, wheeling around, he again mounts, with fresh
activity, piping his unisons as before. Strongly attached to
his native forests, he seldom forsakes them ; and amidst the
rigors of the severest winter weather, his note is still heard
in the bleak and leafless woods, and among the howling
branches. Sometimes the rain, freezing as it falls, encloses
every twig, and even the trunk of the tree, in a hard trans-
parent coat or shell of ice. On these occasions I have ob-
served his anxiety and dissatisfaction, at being with difficulty
able to make his way along the smooth surface ; at these times
generally abandoning the trees, gleaning about the stables,
around the house, mixing among the fowls, entering the barn,
and examining the beams and rafters, and every place where
he may pick up a subsistence.

" The name Nuthatch has been bestowed on this family of
birds from their supposed practice of breaking nuts by re-
peated hatchings, or hammerings with their bills. Soft-shelled
nuts, such as chestnuts, chinkapins, and hazelnuts, they may
probably be able to demolish, though I have never yet seen
them so engaged ; but it must be rather in search of maggots
that sometimes breed there, than for the kernel. It is, how-
ever, said that they lay up a large store of nuts for winter ;
but as I have never either found any of their magazines, or
seen them collecting them, I am inclined to doubt the fact.
From the great numbers I have opened at all seasons of the
year, I have every reason to believe that ants, bugs, small
seeds, insects, and their larvae, form their chief subsistence,
such matters alone being uniformly found in their stomachs.
Neither can I see what necessity they could have to circumam-
bulate the trunks of trees with such indefatigable and restless
diligence, while bushels of nuts lay scattered round their
roots. As to the circumstance mentioned by Dr. Plott, of the
European Nuthatch ' putting its bill into a crack in the bough
of a tree, and making such a violent sound, as if it was rend-
ing asunder,' this, if true, would be sufficient to distinguish
it from the species we have just been describing, which pos-
sesses no such faculty. The female differs little from the
male in color, chiefly in the black being less deep on the head
and wings."

64 LAND-BIRDS.

To tlie above extract I have only to add that it should be
remembered that Wilson wrote this account in Pennsylvania,
in the first years of this century, and that further knowledge
of this bird's habits may be obtained by studying those of the
Red-bellied Nuthatch, who leads a very similar life.

d. The note of the White-bellied Nuthatch is monotonous,
unmusical, and yet striking ; it differs from that of the next
species in usually being pitched on a somewhat lower key.
There is also another note, properly distinct, which is rather
more subdued, though shriller. This scarcely differs in tone
from the ordinary cry of the Red-bellied Nuthatch. Both
sounds are sure to attract the attention of a naturalist who
may hear them for the first time, and to remain fixed in his
memory.

B. CANADENSIS. Red-helUed Nuthatch. In eastern Mas-
sachusetts, common in October, and less so in winter and
spring.*

a. 4J-5 inches long. Above, bright ashy or leaden blue.
Outer tail-feathers, black, white-spotted. Beneath, (pale) rusty-
colored, except on the chin, which is white. In $ , crown and
broad stripe through the eye, black. Intermediate space (and
forehead), white. In 5 , no black cap, and eye-stripe dusky.

h. The eggs are exactly like those of the Chickadee (§ 4,
I, ^) ; and moreover the nest is in many respects like the
nest of that bird, though sometimes placed in a horizontal
limb of a decayed tree, a situation in which I have never
found the home of a Titmouse. In northern New England

* The breeding range of this species autumn, and do not return until late the
correspondsratherclosely to that of the following spring. Hence it happens
Golden-crested Kinglet, and may be that in eastern Massachusetts and to
roughly defined as embracing the entire the southward they are irregular visit-
spruce-forested regions of northern New ors, exceedingly abundant some years,
England, including, also, portions of nearly or quite absent during others.
Berkshire and Worcester counties, The bulk of the flight passes through
Massachusetts. Throughout this area the region about Boston in September
the Red-bellied Nuthatches frequently and October, but many birds are seen
remain during- the entire year, but when earlier than this, and a few usually
their favorite food — the seeds of the remain during the following winter,
spruce and balsam — is scarce or want- There is seldom if ever a well-marked
ing, they migrate southward in early return flight in spring. — W. B.

NUTHATCHES. 65

the female lays about June first, and occasionally again in
July.

c. The Red-bellied Nuthatches habitually spend the sum-
mer in the woods and forests of northern New England and
other rather cold countries, though a few may occasionally
breed in this State, particularly in the western and well-
wooded parts. They appear in Massachusetts about the first
of October, and I have invariably found them quite common
during that month in the neighborhood of Boston. Many
retire to the South in November ; and those who pass the win-
ter here may easily escape observation, for they are generally
silent, often frequent the large tracts of woods which are but
little penetrated by man in midwinter, and not unfrequently
almost lose their individuality, so to speak, by joining troops
of Chickadees. They are by no means rare in April or the
early part of May, when many pass through in their annual
spring migrations. As I have intimated, they are so social
as to unite somewhat with other birds, but they are not often
gregarious in Massachusetts, and usually are seen singly or in
pairs, and not in flocks, as they are further north. They are
more fond of pines than other trees, feeding upon their seeds,
as well as on the insects about them. Here the Nuthatches
are to be found, busied in almost every conceivable attitude,
sometimes moving up and down the trunk, as often with the
head pointing downward as upward, and at other times scram-
bling about the branches or the cones. They do not confine
themselves, however, to trees, for they sometimes climb about
fences or old buildings, and occasionally descend to the
ground, where they pick up fallen seeds. In comparing this
species with the White-breasted, Wilson says that " its voice
is sharper, and its motions much quicker than those of the
other, being so rapid, restless, and small as to make it a diffi-
cult point to shoot one of them. When the two species are in
the woods together, they are easily distinguished by their
voices, the note of the least being nearly an octave sharper
than that of its companion, and repeated more hurriedly."

d. The only note of the Red-bellied Nuthatch is an unmu-
sical sound, like the word " ank," which, says Mr. Maynard,

66 LAND-BIRDS.

is repeated, more deliberately and less querulously in the breed-
ing-season than at other times ; a fact which I also have
noticed. It is, however, varied considerably in pitch at all
times of the year.

§ 6. CERTHIID^. Creepers. (See § 4.)

I. CERTHIA.

A. FAMiLiARis AMERICANA. BrowTi Creeper. In eastern
Massachusetts, very rare in summer, but common in winter.*

a. About b\ inches long. Bill, slender and decurved ; tail-
feathers, rigid and acuminate (as in other Certhiince). Below,
white. Tail, unmarkedo Other upper parts, curiously and
finely marked with several browns and whitish.

h. Wilson says that " the Brown Creeper builds his nest
in the hollow trunk or branch of a tree, where the tree has
been shivered, or a limb broken off, or where squirrels or
Woodpeckers have wrought out an entrance, for nature has not
provided him with the means of excavating one for himself."
Mr. Gregg (in a " Catalogue of the Birds of Chemung County,
New York ") says that ^' the nest of this species is built of dry
twigs attached to the sides of some perj^endicular object " ; and
that he " discovered one on the attic of a deserted log house ;
the nest rested upon the inner projection of the gable clap-
board, and was cemented together with a gummy or gelatinous
substance." The only nest that I have found in the neighbor-
hood of Boston was a few feet from the ground, placed in the
cavity formed by the reuding of a tree by lightning. The
eggs, which were fresh on the twentieth day of May, were
grayish white, speckled with reddish brown, chiefly at the
larger end, and measured about .60 X .50 of an inch. A nest
containing young, found in a New Hampshire forest, was much
like one found " in a large elm in Court Square, Springfield,
about ten feet from the ground, and built behind a strip of

* In southern New England the its normal summer range is limited very
Brown Creeper is a very common spring strictly to the Canadian fauna. It
and autumn migrant and a not uncom- breeds regularly on Mount Graylock,
mon winter resident. Although it has in western Massachusetts, and through-
been twice found nesting in eastern out the spruce forests of northern New
Massachusetts and once at Springfield, England. — W. B.

CREEPERS. 67

thick bark that projected in such a way as to leave a protected
cavity behind it." * Dr. Brewer has described the eggs as
"nearly oval in shape, with a grayish white ground, sparingly
sprinkled with small, fine, red and reddish brown spots. They
measure .55X.43 of an inch."

c. In eastern Massachusetts the Brown Creepers are in
winter common, less so, however, than in March, April, and
October, when migrating from south to north or vice versa ;
on the milder winter days they may often be seen, as in spring
and fall, about open woodland, near houses, and " even in vil-
lage streets " ; whereas during the colder weather they frequent
thicker and more sheltered woods. Only a very few pass the
summer in this State, a much larger number inhabiting the ex-
tensive forests of northern New England, during that season.

Like the Titmice and Nuthatches (with whom they often as-
sociate, not being themselves gregarious), they are habitually
among trees ; but, unlike those birds, they rarely if ever de-
scend to the ground, and never hang with the head downwards.
They are constantly in pursuit of insects ; hunting for them
somewhat in the manner of Woodpeckers, by clinging to the
trunk or larger branches of the trees on which they have
alighted, propping themselves with their stiff tail-feathers,
and moving about as securely as on a flat surface. Their pro-
gress is generally systematic, for they usually alight near the
foot of the tree, and climb up toward the top ; but they are
often induced, perhaps by a lack of insects, to desert one tree
for another, before they have examined it thoroughly. More-
over, they often ascend in spirals, particularly on the trunks
of the pine, one of their favorite trees, and thus confuse the
observer, as they are soon lost to sight. Often, when I have
awaited their appearance on one side, they have flown off to a
neighboring tree, or, when I have run round to their side, they
have climbed round to mine. But they are not shy, and it is
not difficult, when aided by even a very little experience, to
" keep track " of their movements, and to watch their motions.

d. The ordinary notes of the Brown Creepers are a feeble
lisp, a chip which they generally repeat when flying, and a

* This is now known to be the usual or typical situation of the nest. — W. B.

68 LAND-BIRDS.

peculiar cry of cree-cree-cree-cree^ which is much less often
heard than the others. Their indescribable song is a very
pleasant one, being somewhat like the far finer music of the
Winter Wren, and is varied, some of the notes being loud and
sweet, while others are much feebler and less full in tone. It
is repeated both in spring and summer, but never, I think,
before March.

The Creepers are harmless birds, and, as well as their allies,
the Titmice and Nuthatches, should be considered extremely
useful, since they help largely to preserve our trees and to pro-
tect forest growth. While men continue unwisely to destroy
large woods in this State, thus exposing others and leaving no
pro\H[sion for the future, these birds will be more and more
needed to remove those prominent causes of vegetable decay,
injurious insects. Therefore they should be preserved.

§ 7. The TROGLODYTID^, or Wrens, form a distinct
group, though quite closely allied to several families. They
are insectivorous, and pass their time near the ground. Though
not climbers, they are eminently creepers. They are migratory,
but not gregarious. They are for the most part (possibly in
all cases) musical. They lay several or many eggs in one set ;
these are small, white, reddish, or brown, and generally finely
marked. The Troglodytes inhabit shrubbery or woodland, and
build their nest in some cavity, such as the hole of a tree ;
but the Cistothori frequent marshes or meadows, and build a
globular nest, which is suspended among the reeds, or in the
grass. The Troglodytidce are characterized as follows : colors
plain ; general size less than six inches (though in one North
American species eight) ; bill rather long and slender, unbris-
tled and un notched ; nostrils exposed, but overhung by a scale ;
tarsi scutellate ; toes partly united ; primaries ten, but the first
very short; tail-feathers not acuminate (fig. 3).

The MotaciUidce (§8) are in New England represented
by one species only (belonging to the subfamily Anthince).
They possess the following features : average length, about
six inches (?) ; bill slender, somewhat notched, scarcely bris-
tled, but above " slightly concave at base " ; nostrils exposed;

WRENS.

69

tarsus scutellate ; " hind toe considerably longer than the
middle one " ; primaries nine. The Wagtails are virtually
terrestrial Warblers closely allied to the Seiuri.

It may be observed that our land-birds, as at present
arranged, form a series which may be artificially classified by
food. Thus the higher Oscines are chiefly insectivorous,
the Shrikes partly insectivorous but otherwise carnivorous,
while the subse-
quent families are
chiefly granivo-
rous. The Clama-
tores and Pica-
rice^ the Raptores^
and the Columbce^
form a very simi-
lar sequence, the
Pigeons being, so
to speak, vegetari-
ans.

Fig. 3. Winter Wren *

I. TROGLODYTES.

A, HiEMALis. ^'^ Winter Wren. Wood Wren. Quite
common in Massachusetts, during the migrations, in April
and October.!

* The specimen, from which the fig-
ure of the Winter Wren was drawn (p.
69), had an unusually short tail, in con-
sequence of which the figure must be
considered inaccurate in regard to that
feature. [From Appendix of first edi-
tion, p. 443.]

3^ This species has been placed by
Baird in this genus (subgenus Anorthu-
ra), by other authors in the genus Anor-
thura, with the specific name hyemalis
CD troglodytes. Professor Baird has
recently called it a variety of the Eu-
ropean T. parvulus. I have here called
it the Wood Wren, because Audubon's
so-called " Wood Wren " {T. america-
nus) is now known to be the same as
the House Wren (T. aedon), and be-

cause the Winter Wrens inhabit woods,
almost exclusively, whereas our other
Wrens do not. The name is therefore
extremely appropriate. For the Great
Carolina Wren (Thryothorus ludovici-
anus), see a note at the end of this bio-
graphy.

t The Winter Wren breeds abun-
dantly throughout northern New Eng-
land, commonly on Mount Graylock,
and sparingly and locally in the north-
ern portions of Worcester County, Mas-
sachusetts. Elsewhere it occurs only
during the migrations, when it is never
very numerous, and in winter, when in
Massachusetts, at least, it is invariably
rare. — W. B.

70 LAND-BIRDS.

a. About four inches long. Tail, rather short. Essentially
like the next species in coloration ; but superciliary line, and
(generally) markings on the wing, whitish. Habits very
different.

h. Five eggs, not quite fresh, which I took from a nest in
the White Mountains on the 23d of July, 1875 (probably
those of a second set), were pure crystal white, thinly and
minutely speckled with bright reddish brown, and averaging
about .70 X .55 of an inch. The nest, thickly lined with
feathers of the Ruffed Grouse, was in a low moss-covered
stump about a foot high, in a dark swampy forest filled with
tangled piles of fallen trees and branches. The entrance to
the nest, on one side, was very narrow, its diameter being less
than an inch, and was covered with an overhanging bit of
moss, which the bird was obliged to push up on going in. Dr.
Brewer describes other eggs as measuring .^b X .48 of an inch,
and " spotted with a bright reddish brown and a few pale
markings of purplish slate, on a pure white ground." The
nest containing these eggs, which were six in number, " was
built in an occupied log hut, among the fir leaves and mosses in
a crevice between the logs." It was found by Mr. William
F. Hall " at Camp Sebois, in the central eastern portion of
Maine."

c. The Winter Wrens are not very common in this State,
and are generally seen here only in April and October, when
migrating. They spend their summers in the most northern
parts of New England and the cold countries beyond, and
their winters to the southward of Massachusetts. ^^ They are
so little social as generally to travel singly, and to avoid the
neighborhood of man, usually frequenting, when journeying,
woods, or roadsides bordered by them, though I have also seen
them in woodpiles near houses or barns. In such places they
busy themselves about the piles of brush and logs ; when
frightened often taking refuge in stone walls, if any be near,
where, on account of their small size and great activity, they
are as much at home as squirrels. When they have once taken
to such a retreat, it is impossible to keep sight of them for

^ I have heard of but few instances of their being seen in this State in winter.

WRENS. 71

any great lengtli of time. Wilson says that in winter they are
" quite at home, even in the yards, gardens, and outhouses of
the city," ^^and also speaks of their singing while in Pennsyl-
vania.

I have several times seen them in the forests of the White
Mountains, both in valleys and on hillsides, — in those grand,
dark, and cool forests, which have been left undisturbed by
man for years, if not forever, where the ground is covered with
fallen trees, with logs piled upon one another and covered
with rich moss, and where the damp soil, unparched by the
sun, in summer gives birth to innumerable ferns, of great
variety and extraordinary beauty. In such spots, their natural
haunts, the Wood Wrens seemed to be less shy than they com-
monly are during their migrations (which is not the case with
most birds), and I have there often watched them, creeping
agilely about with their long legs, and constantly " ducking "
their bodies in their peculiar manner, or singing from the top
of some brush-heap or some pile of tangled limbs.

d. When traveling they are silent, but they have an ex-
quisite song, which I have often heard in their summer homes.
It is one which cannot fail to attract the attention of an obser-
vant person, though it may lead to a long search for the musi-
cian, before he is found. It is very lively and hurried, and the
notes seem to tumble over one another in the energy with
which they are poured out. They are full of power, though
many are shrill, and are garnished with many a gay trill ; in
some passages reminding one of the Canary-bird's song, though
infinitely finer. Their tone and spirit are wonderful, and alone
render them quite characteristic. Dr. Brewer speaks of the
" querulous note " of these birds, which I do not remember to
have ever heard.*

One of the prettiest little scenes that I have ever seen in
nature was partly enacted by a Winter Wren, who, in nimbly
scrambling about a stone wall, nearly ran into a " chipmonk,"
basking in the sun on the top of it. The surprise and pert-

^^ Wilson wrote these words nearly * The call-note is a sharp tick re-
seventy years ago [about 1805], when peated several times in quick succes-
Philadelphia was a city of about eighty sion. — W. B.
thousand inhabitants.

72 LAND-BIRDS.

ness of both creatures, at this unexpected meeting, were very
ludicrous and yet very charming.

Note. — Thryothorus ludovicianus. Great Carolina Wren.
Said to have occurred in Connecticut.*

a. Nearly six inches long. Above, reddish brown ; be-
neath, chiefly tawny. Superciliary stripe, white or buify.
Wings, tail (and under tail-coverts ? ), black-barred. Wings,
often somewhat white-spotted.

h. " The nest is composed of various warm materials,
placed in a cavity, such as the hole of a tree or some hole
in a building." An egg in my collection measures about
.75 X .55 of an inch, aud is dull white, spotted somewhat
coarsely with obscure lilac and several rather quiet browns,
which are chiefly collected at the crown.

c. The Great Carolina Wrens ( Thryothorus ludovicianus)^
so far as I know, have not previously been reported as visitors
to Massachusetts, but there are at present [1875] two appa-
rently passing the summer in a small wooded swamp near
Boston. It is believed that they have arrived since the fourth
of July, soon after which my attention was attracted by their
loud notes, which I immediately recognized through their gen-
eral likeness to the notes of other Wrens, and the descriptions
of Wilson and Audubon. It is further believed that they are
now building or have recently built their nest, the female be-
ing rarely seen, though the male often visits the shrubbery
about the house. Though unwilling that they should be shot,
I have no doubt as to their identity, partly on account of their
music, which I have never before heard, though familiar with
our birds. Moreover, the description of the birds which I wrote
on the spot, where I first obtained a good view of the male,

* In addition to the birds mentioned reported {Bull. N. O. C, Vol, VI, 1881,

by Mr. Minot, three specimens have p. 54) seeing two birds (one of which he

been since taken in Massachusetts, the shot) at Rye Beach, New Hampshire,

first at Lynn, July 6, 1878, by Mr. August 7, 1880. The species has been

George O. Welch ; the second in repeatedly taken in Connecticut, and

Brookline, November 4, 1883, by Mr. at least once in Rhode Island, but even

Arthur Smith ; the third in Cam- in the extreme southern portions of

bridge, September 27, 1891, by Mr. C. New England it is evidently of rare

F. Batchelder. Mr. Spelman has also and irregxdar occurrence. — W. B.

WRENS. 73

corresponds in every important particular to the descriptions
given by standard authors. To facilitate the detection of these
birds elsewhere in Massachusetts, I offer a slight sketch of
their habits and notes, as just observed.

The Carolina Wrens, being shy, are not easily studied, for,
on man's approach, they often discontinue their song, and hide
themselves in the surrounding shrubbery, or in a neighboring
wall. They sometimes betray their presence, however, by their
quarrelsome disposition and their noisy anger at the supposed
intrusion of other birds. They remain near the ground, fly-
ing a little way with a rather loud fluttering, actively hopping
from twig to twig somewhat impetuously, and with the tail
often cocked in the air, or pausing to sing, when they assume a
more upright posture, accompanied by a depression of the tail.

Their notes, except their chatter, which is much like that
of the House Wren, are generally loud, musical whistles,
which exhibit great variation. Sometimes they form a series
of triplets, all of which may individually be on a descending or
an ascending scale ; sometimes they resemble the word chir-
rup^ the first syllable being much dwelt upon, and at other
times may be well represented by the syllables we'-u^ we'-u^
we'-u^ we^-u. This music is often delivered with volubility, but
it is always characterized, apart from any similar notes to
be heard near Boston, by a remarkable clearness or openness.
Such is the biography of the Carolina Wrens in Massachusetts.

To this account it may be added, that the Carolina Wrens
are not always shy, that they are ventriloquists, and that they
possess a greater variety of sweet musical notes than has been
indicated in the foregoing account. It is now believed, after
further observations, that they arrived before July, and chose
for their home a drier and sunnier place than the above-men-
tioned swamp, to which, however, they (or at least the male)
have frequently wandered.

B, AEDON. House Wren. A very common summer resi-
dent in southern New England, though locally distributed.*

* A summer resident, locally com- cially in Comiecticut), where it is found
mon in southern New England (espe- chiefly in or near towns and villages ;

74 LAND-BIRDS.

a. 4J-5^- inches long. Above, rather dark Wren brown.
Below, light creamy or grayish brown (rarely rusty brown).
Everywhere finely " waved " with darker brown, but not con-
spicuously on the crown. Coloration, variable. Superciliary
line, sometimes whitish. Tail lo-2 inches long.

h. The nest, generally a heap of twigs lined with warmer
materials, is usually built in a bird-box, or in a hole of a post
or tree ; but also it is often built in very extraordinary situa-
tions, such as the sleeve of a coat (Wilson), a clay pot, a dis-
used spout, or other equally odd place. The eggs of each set
are six to nine ; like those of the Long-billed Marsh Wren
(§ 7, II, 5), but much lighter and more reddish ; they average
about .60 X .48 of an inch. In eastern Massachusetts, two
sets are occasionally laid in the summer, one usually appear-
ing in the first week of June.

c. The House Wrens, though rare in the northern part of
New England, and so locally distributed in the southern por-
tion as never to be seen in certain parts of it, are yet common
in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut, and even
very abundant in some parts of these States. They usually
reach the neighborhood of Boston in the first week of May,
and leave it in September, when the frost has made it hard
for them to get their ordinary food, which consists entirely of
spiders, other insects, and their eggs. The House Wrens
frequent exclusively cultivated grounds, and the immediate
neighborhood of man, so much so as to be "' very numerous in
the gardens of Cambridge," * and other like cities. They are
so fearless as to have built in occupied houses, and so imper-
tinent and quarrelsome as sometimes to seize upon the nests
of other birds for their own convenience, regardless of rights
of property or ownership, and they invariably drive away from
their own homes other Wrens who may have intruded. They
are, moreover, so brave as often to attack cats, generally with

less nnmerous, but apparently more since driven all the House Wrens from
■widely dispersed, in northern New Eng- Cambridge, but they (the Wrens) con-
land, where it often breeds at rather tinue to breed in moderate numbers in
high altitudes and in places remote certain parts of Arlington, Belmont,
from the habitations of man. — W. B. Brookline, and a few other outlying
* The English Sparrows have long towns near Boston. — W. B.

WRENS. 75

success. When not engaged in quarrels or robbery, in build-
ing or incubation, they are busy in hunting for insects, par-
ticularly spiders, in shrubbery, gardens, and orchards ; and
they do not ramble about in the gloomy recesses of wood-
piles as the Winter Wrens do. But in winter, when far away
from their summer homes, and yet enjoying warm weather,
their habits are different from those with which we are here
familiar. Mr. Allen, in speaking of their habits in Florida,
in winter, says that they keep " so closely concealed that it is
difficult to shoot " them " except when on the wing. ^^ Both
this and the Carolina Wren are exceedingly quick in their
movements, and if they are watching the collector when he is
about to shoot at them, they are pretty sure to dodge the
charge ; although he finds the bushes and foliage where the
bird sat riddled by the shot, he usually searches in vain for
the specimen he is sure he ought to have killed. When ap-
proached in old grassy fields or pine openings, they will allow
one to almost tread on them before attempting to get away,
and then, instead of taking to wing, often seek to escape by
running off like a mouse beneath the grass. The term
' House ' Wren, usually applied to this bird, is decidedly a
misnomer, since it frequents the fields, the thickets, and even
the forest, as much as the vicinity of houses. In the wilds of
Florida, where human habitations are few, there is nothing
whatever in its habits to suggest this name."

Other instances might be cited to show how very injudi-
ciously names have often been bestowed upon birds, more so
than in the present case, with which there is but little fault to
find. Particularly should be condemned the practice of naming
species after the place where they were first captured, for the
title may afterwards become utterly inappropriate.

d. The House Wrens have a chirp not unlike that of an
insect, a peculiar chatter, and a charming song, which cannot
be satisfactorily described, as is the case with the music of
most other birds. This song consists of a few loud and
sprightly notes, followed by a loud and very characteristic

*'^ I have here taken the liberty of very slightly altering the text, without
changing its meaning, that it might better accord with my own.

76 LAND-BIRDS.

trill, which is its most prominent feature. It may often be
heard in the summer and in May.

11. CISTOTHORUS.

A, STELLARis. ShoH-hilled Marsh Wren, Meadow
Wren. In New England, a rather rare summer resident,
found only in the warmer parts.*

a. About 4| inches long. Below, white. Breast and sides,
of a light warm brown. Wings and tail, barred. Like C
palustris above, but streaked with white on the back, nape,
and rump.

h. The nest is essentially like that of the next species,
but no mud is used in its composition ; it is generally placed
in fresh-water marshes or meadows (being sometimes built in
long grass), and the hole is usually on the under side.f The
eggs are generally six, J sometimes more, very frail, white, and
about .55 X -43 of an inch. The first, and commonly the only,
set is laid, in eastern Massachusetts, in the early part of June.§

c. I must confess to not being so very familiar with the
Meadow Wrens as I should like to be before writing their nat-
ural history, for in the southern parts of New England they
are very generally rare, and in the northern parts are not to
be found at all. They come to eastern Massachusetts about
the middle of May, and inhabit the fresh-water marshes and
meadows, in certain localities, until the latter part of August,
when they retire to the South. |1 On their arrival, they busy
themselves in building their peculiar nests, and it has been
observed that they generally build several near together, every
year, perhaps for the sake of protection. They are generally
occupied in hunting for insects among reeds, rushes, or tall
grass, but it is not easy to assure one's self of this fact, since

* A summer resident of southern % Seven eggs are frequently laid. —

New England, locally common in east- W. B.

ern Massachusetts, and known to breed § There are commonly if not usually

at least as far north as Rye Beach, New two layings, the first late in May or

Hampshire. — W. B. early in June, the second early in July.

t This is incorrect, for the position — W. B.
of the entrance-hole is the same in the || Many birds remain in eastern Mas-
nests of the two species, at least as a sachusetts through September, and a
rule. — W. B. few well into October. — W. B.

WRENS. 77

they are shy, and, to use a sportsman's expression, " lie very
close." They can also creep about and through the reeds as
silently and actively as a mouse.

d. The Meadow Wrens have a harsh unpleasant chatter,
but also a simple and yet very pleasant song, which reminds
one of the songs of certain Sparrows, though often character-
ized by a peculiar Wren-trill.

B. PALUSTRis.*! Marsh Wren. Long-hilled Marsh Wren,
Less common in Massachusetts than the preceding species.*

a. 5-5 J inches long. Above, brown. Below, white ; sides
shaded with brown. Tail, dusky-barred. Wings and under
tail-coverts, slightly marked. Interscapulars and crown, quite
or nearly black ; the former white-streaked. Superciliary line,
white.

h. The nest is suspended among the reeds or long grass, or
is built in a bush in marshes. It " is formed outwardly of wet
rushes mixed with mud, well intertwisted, and fashioned into
the form of a cocoa-nut. A small hole is left two thirds up,
for entrance, the upper edge of which projects. . . . The inside
is lined with fine soft grass, and sometimes feathers. ..."
(Wilson.) The eggs are usually six,f and are laid in early
June. They are light (reddish ?) chocolate brown, so finely
marked with a darker shade as to appear, from a distance,
uniformly dark, and average about .58 X .45 of an inch.

c. The Marsh Wrens are not to be found in northern
New England, and in Massachusetts are even less common
than the Meadow Wrens, to whom they are very closely allied
in their habits. They frequent a few of both the salt-water
and fresh-water marshes in this State, from the middle of May
until the latter part of August. They spend their time in pro-

*^ By some authors placed in the sive marshes on or near the coast or

genus Te/?na<oc?yfes (considered by Baird bordering sluggish streams. Of late

a subgenus). years a few birds have been found reg-

* Not known to occur regularly any- tdarly each winter in the Fresh Pond

where north of Massachusetts, but in swamps at Cambridge. — W. B.

the eastern part of this State and to the t Sets of six eggs are exceptional,

southward an abundant summer resi- although by no means rare. The usual

dent, breeding by hundreds or even number is five. — W. B.
thousands in some of the more ezten-

78 LAND-BIRDS.

curing the insects, on which they habitually feed, from the
reeds and grasses, among which they move with great agility.
Being rather less shy than the Short-billed Marsh Wrens,
they may more often be seen, frequently in their favorite
attitude, with their tail cocked in the air.

d. They have a harsh chatter, if it can properly be so
called, a peculiar sound ; but I have never heard them sing,
nor have I ever heard a well-authenticated case of another
person doing so.*

There are, I regret to say, no pretty traditional tales to be
told about our Wrens, nor is there any hereditary affection for
them, such as is felt for " Jenny Wren " in England.

§ 8. MOTACILLID^. Wagtails. (See § 7.)

I. ANTHUS.

A. PENSiLVANicus. Bvown Larh " Titlark.'' ''Pipit.'"
" Wagtail.'' A common migrant, in spring and autumn, along
the coast of New England, f

a. About 6| inches long. Above, pure dark brown
(" olive-shaded " ?), slightly streaked. Under parts and super-
ciliary line, light buffy brown. Breast and sides, dusky-
streaked. Tail, dark ; outer tail-feathers, partly white.

h. The Titlarks breed chiefly in arctic countries, and never
in New England.

c. They pass through Massachusetts in spring and autumn,
when traveling to and from their summer homes, and are then
common on the seashore, "in the Fresh Pond marshes of
Cambridge," and sometimes in old fields. They usually collect
in loose flocks, and feed on seeds and insects, which they pick
up on the ground, where they can run with ease and rapidity.
They have a singular habit of jerking their tails, which is very
noticeable. W^hen disturbed, they generally fly away to quite

* The bird is really a conspicuous reaching" Massachusetts from the north

and persistent singer. Its song bears about the middle of September, always

some resemblance to that of the House abundant through October, rarely here

Wren, but is more guttural, discon- after the middle of November, and not

nected, and emphatic, and on the whole known ever to occur in winter. It has

less musical, although by no means been observed in spring from March

unpleasing. — W. B. 29 to May 20, but is seldom if ever

t A spring and autumn migrant, very numerous at this season. — W. B.

WARBLERS. 79

a distance and high in the air, resuming their work, if it may
be so called, when they alight. They retire in summer to
breed in Labrador and other cold countries, where they are
said to sing.

d. When with us their only note is a feeble one, a simple
chirp, which is often repeated.

§ 9. The SYLVICOLID^,* or American Warblers, form
a group, which may perhaps be best defined negatively. By the
omission, however, of the Icterinm (or Chats), who probably
should be ranked as a family intermediate between the War-
blers and Tanagers, their characteristics may be considered the
following. Length, 4-6 1- inches ; bill twice as long as high ;
commissure entirely straight or slightly curved, unless inter-
rupted by a terminal notch ; nostrils exposed ; tarsus scutel-
late ; " hind toe shorter than the middle " ; primaries nine (fig.
4). It is doubtful how many subfamilies there should be,
but the following well-defined groups exist.

Seiurince, or Lark-ivarhlers (I). Bill notched, scarcely bris-
tled. Birds streaked beneath. Tail not marked or forked.

Geothlypince, or Thicket-warhlers (II, III). Bill notched,
scarcely bristled. Birds wholly unstreaked. Tail not marked
or forked. In Geothlypis, the wings are approximately equal
in length to the tail.^

HelminthojMlince, or Worm-eating Warblers (IV, V, VI).
Bill acute, unbristled and unnotched^ (pi. 1, fig. 7).

Mniotiltince, or Creeping Warblers (VII, VIII). Bill
scarcely bristled, and never (very) distinctly notched ; hind
toe much longer than its claw. (Except in structure, how-
ever, the Parulae and Mniotiltae are widely different.)

Sylvicolince, or Wood-warblers (IX, X). Bill notched, and
with short bristles (pi. 1, fig. 8). Tail not unmarked, unless
in (Estiva, where it is slightly forked. In other cases white-
blotched. JPerissoglossce are characterized by the tongue.

Setophagince, or Fly-catching Warblers (XI, XII). Bill
noticeably broader than high, also notched, usually hooTced,
and always with long bristles^ (pi. 1, fig. 9).

* Now Mniotiltidce. — W. B. 4^ Characteristics italicized do not

belong^ to other Warblers.

80 LAND-BIRDS.

This last group is ranked as a subfamily, the others being
united by Dr. Coues as Sylvicolince, though Prof. Baird further
sets apart the Geothlypinoe. (For remarks on Icterince^ see
§ 10.) The Warblers are, no doubt, to many persons the most
charming of our birds. They are eminently peaceful, and pret-
tily colored, brightly, sometimes brilliantly. Musically, how-
ever, they are generally surpassed by the Thrushes, Vireos, and
Finches. They are insectivorous, migratory, and in some cases
gregarious, except in summer. Among their nests are some
of the neatest and prettiest specimens of bird-architecture.
The eggs are, for the most part, four or jfive, white, spotted
with brown and lilac.

I. SEIURUS.

A. NOVEBORACENSis. Northern Water ''^ Thrush,'' Water
" Wagtail.''^ Common, perhaps locally so, during their mi-
grations through Massachusetts, where, however, a few breed.*

a. 5|— 6 inches long. Dark brown above (tinged with
olive). Superciliary line and under parts, white tinged with
yellow. Throat and breast, thickly spotted with very dark
brown. " Feet, dark."

h. The nest is usually built on or near the ground, in a
swamp or at least the neighborhood of water. The eggs of
each set are usually four, average .85 X .67 of an inch, though
variable in size, and in coloration closely resemble those of the
Golden-crowned " Thrush " ((7, 6).t A nest which I found
near Boston contained fresh eggs in the first week of June.

c. The Water " Thrushes " are to be found in northern
New England as summer residents, but, though a very few
pass the summer in Massachusetts,^ they are common in this

* A eommon summer resident bear only a general family resemblance,

throughout most of northern New Eng- — W. B.

land, but in Massachusetts and to the | It is not impossible that the North-
southward known only as a migrant of em Water Thrush occasionally breeds
very regular and abundant occurrence in Berkshire County, Massachusetts, —
in both spring and autumn. — W. B. where, indeed, a single specimen was

t The eggs of the Northern Water found in summer, a few years since, by
Thrush are usually much more heavily Mr. Faxon, — but Mr. Minot's state-
marked than those of the Golden- ment, that he found a nest near Boston,
crowned Thrush, to which indeed they has been very generally discredited,

WARBLERS. 81

State, or, at least, parts of it, only during their migrations,
in the third and fourth weeks of May, and the first or second
of September. While in the neighborhood of Boston, they
stay near streams and bodies of water or in wet woodland,
and pick up the little insects and other things ujjon which
they feed, almost exclusively from the ground, often wading,
however, in shallow water. When sojourning here they are
not very shy, and it is eas}^ to approach them so as to watch
their peculiar motions, which recall those of the Sandpiper,
and are yet partially characterized by a constant jerking of
the tail, — a habit which belongs to several other common
birds, such as the Pewee, who depresses the tail, however,
instead of jerking it upwards. The Water " Thrushes " are,
on the other hand, very shy in their delightful summer homes,
and would almost escape notice but for their very charming-
song. As it is, they are rarely seen, for they are very nimble
on the ground, and on man's approach leave their paddling in
the mountain-brooks, and their pleasant labors on the banks,
to hide in thickets or underbrush. Imagine a forest, which
man has never invaded, and through it flowing a cool, clear
stream, whose course is broken by the rocks, round which it
bends, or over which it falls into some foaming pool, and you
will know the haunts of these birds ; imagine music which
can hardly be excelled, and you can faintly realize the charms
of such places, if you do not already know them.

d. " The Water ' Thrush's ' song is loud, clear, and exqui-
sitely sweet, and begins with a burst of melody, which be-
comes softer and more delicate until the last note dies away,
lost in the ripple of the stream, above which the birds are
generally perched. It is probably sometimes repeated at
night, as is the song of the Wood ' Wagtail,' and how en-
chanted should I be to hear it in the coolness of the woods
and stillness of the night." It may quite often be heard in
spring, during the migrations and the season of courtship,

and certainly requu'es confirmation, former species breeds reg-ularly in

If his bird was a Water Thrush at all, northern Connecticut and Rhode Is-

it is quite as likely to have been 8. land, not far from the southern borders

motacilla as S. noveboracensis, for the of Massachusetts. — W. B.

82 LAND-BIRDS.

as well as the ordinary note of these birds, a sharp chicJc^
which usually expresses alarm. As I have heard it, how-
ever, it is a simple song, merely characterized by unusual
loudness and clearness. It is greatly to be regretted that
not more persons are familiar with the pleasing music
of the Water " Thrushes," whose love of retirement has,
unfortunately, allowed few others than naturalists to know
them.

B. MOTACILLA. Lcirge-hUled Water " Thrush.'^ Water
Warbler. So far as I know, the only instances known of this
bird coming to Massachusetts and northern New England
are those recorded by Mr. Allen, who shot one " April 28,
1869, on Mount Tom," and by Mr. Irving Frost, who shot
another " at Norway, Maine, in May, 1865."*

a. About six inches long. Like the last species, but be-
low, buffy, chiefly behind, with fewer and less prominent streaks
(none on the throat), and with " legs pale."

h. The nest and eggs are like those of the common Water
" Thrush," but the eggs are a little larger, averaging .90x .70
of an inch.

c. The Large-billed Water " Thrushes " have a very dif-
ferent habitat from their immediate relations, and very rarely
occur in New England. They are closely allied to the Water
" Wagtails " in habits ; like those birds, frequenting woodland
and the neighborhood of water, and being addicted to wading
and to jerking their tails.

d. Their ordinary note is probably the same chuch^ but
their song is said to be more glorious than that of the other
species, which I have just described. It begins with loud,
clear, and ringing notes, and ends with the softer notes, which
die away almost imperceptibly. It was this song that Wilson
described as having heard the Water " Thrush " utter in the
vast cane-brakes of the South, where these birds find a home
during a part of the year.

* The Large-billed Water Thrush but it is not known to occur, at least
breeds commonly throughout most of regularly, anywhere north of the north-
Connecticut as well as in Rhode Island, em boundaries of these States. — W. B.

WARBLERS. 83

C. AUROCAPILLUS. Golden-crowned " Thrush.'" " Oven-
bird.^'' " Wag tail. ^^ In Massachusetts a common summer
resident.*

a. Q-^\ inches long. Olive above. Below, white. Breast
and sides, (darkly or) black-streaked. Croitm^ orange^ bor-
dered by black strijoes. (Details omitted.)

b. The nest is placed on the ground, in the woods. It is
usually lined with hairs, and is generally but not invariably
roofed. The eggs of each set — only one being commonly laid
in Massachusetts, and that about June first, or perhaps earlier
— are usually four, averaging between .90x.70 and .80X.62
of an inch. They are subject to considerable variation, but
are generally (creamy) white with either minute lilac markings
about the crown, or markings of reddish brown and faint lilac,
scattered (not very thickly) chiefly in blotches, either all over
the Qgg^ or only about the greater end.

c. The birds of whom I am about to write are variously
called Golden-crowned " Thrushes," having formerly been
classed with the Thrushes ^^ (and their crown being dull
orange), "Oven-birds," because of the usual construction of
their nests, and " Wagtails," because of their habit of flirting
their tails, by which name I shall refer to them. They are
common summer residents throughout New England ; much
less so, however, in the northern parts, though known to breed
in arctic countries. They generally reach Massachusetts in
the first week of May, and leave it in September, sometimes
lingering almost until October, quite unobserved, because of
their rarely broken silence at that season. They frequent
woodland of various kinds, but pine groves are perhaps their
favorite haunts. In such places they are usually to be seen on
the ground, walking about quietly, silently, and with an amus-
ing deliberateness, and picking up their food from among the
fallen leaves ; but they betake themselves to trees (rather than
to bushes), when frightened, when engaged in their pretended

* A summer resident of universal dis- New Hampshire, and Vermont. —

tribution, breeding- abundantly in every W. B.

suitable piece of woodland from south- ^^ Mr. Maynard adheres to this ar-

em Connecticut to northern Maine, rang-ement.

84 LAND-BIRDS.

or real quarrels during courtshIi3, or wlien they wish to utter
their peculiar chant. They are endowed with strong parental
affection, and, when the nest is approached, both male and
female exhibit great concern, or the latter, if disturbed whilst
sitting on her nest, feigns lameness, as many other ground-
nesting birds do, and flutters nimbly away, until, having led
the unwary pursuer to a distance, she " takes to wing."

d. The " Wagtails' " loud monotony — wee-chee^ ivee-chee,
wee-chee, wee-chee, ivee-chee, wee-chee, wee-chee^ wee-chee, wee-
chee, tcee-chee^ — which is repeated rapidly with a steadily
increasing volume, is heard, at intervals, throughout the day.
Their ordinary notes are a chuck of alarm, and a sharp chick,
employed chiefly during the period of mating. At night I have
often heard the male sing very sweetly, his chatter being
followed by a low musical warble, such as I have rarely heard
him utter during the day, except sometimes at dusk. He gen-
erally pours out this music while descending through the air
from a height to which he has just mounted ; but these per-
formances are almost exclusively confined to the season when
his mate is sitting on her eggs or young.

The " Wagtails " are much oftener heard than seen, the
more so that they are never gregarious ; but the oddity of
their familiar chant, the quaintness of their habits, and their
strong conjugal and parental affection, must ever endear
them to the appreciative naturalist.

II. GEOTHLYPIS.

A. TRICHAS. Maryland " Yellow-throat.^^ Black-masked
Ground Warbler. A common summer resident throughout
New England.*

a. About five inches long. (J , olive green above. Fore-
head, and a broad bar through the eye^ black, bordered above
by grayish. Belly, white. Other under parts, yellow. 5 5 with
no black or grayish. More olive above. Head, browner.
Beneath, white ; yellow less and paleiv,

* An abundant summer resident of near Boston have been recorded. —
the whole of New England. Two in- W. B.
stances of its occurrence in midwinter

WARBLERS. 85

1). The nest is usually placed on tlie ground, — almost in-
variably beside a brook or in a swamp, but occasionally in a
thicket or briar. It is composed of (leaves), fine grasses, etc.,
is often lined with hairs, and is sometimes roofed. The eggs
average .70 X .55 of an inch, and are white, sometimes with
no markings, but commonly with a few reddish brown blotches
about the greater end, or with a ring about the crown of fine
reddish brown and lilac markings, or with numerous spots and
blotches of the same colors distributed over the entire sur-
face. They vary greatly in coloration, but the ground-color is
always (?) white, and is not usually much marked. In all
parts of New England two sets of these eggs are laid annually,
as a rule, in Massachusetts, the first generally appearing in the
last week of May.

c. The Maryland " Yellow-throats " are probably (on an
average, throughout New England) the most abundant of our
Warblers in summer, and in certain parts of Maine and New
Hampshire are nearly the most common birds. They come to
Massachusetts, from their southern winter homes, in the first
or second week of May, and do not altogether leave it before
October. On their arrival, before retiring to the places where
they build their nests, they spend much of their time in trees,
often those on cultivated estates ; but, later in the season, they
betake themselves to swamps, thickets, and bushes along the
roadsides, and are then seen cliiefly on or near the ground.
They constantly move their tails, both when on the ground,
and when hopping from twig to twig, for they rarely take
other than short flights. In their haunts, which cannot be
well defined or enumerated, they are ever busy, when not in-
terrupted, in catching the insects and caterpillars upon which
they feed ; and yet, though not shy, they are continually
watchful, and mindful of intruders.

fZ. Besides a sharjD chuck^ which is loud enough to attract
the attention of every passer-by, a simple cMcJc, less often
heard, and a chatter, much finer and less harsh than that of
the Catbird, the Maryland " Yellow-throats " have a charac-
teristic set of notes, which resemble the syllables wee-chee-chee^
repeated several times, with a marked emphasis on the wee.

86 LAND-BIRDS.

This is varied to toee-chee-chee-wee^ which is repeated in the
same manner, and again to a song, which is not unlike that of
the Yellow Warbler, though sufficiently distinct.

The Maryland " Yellow-throats " are among our most bene-
ficial birds, and cannot in any way do injury to man or his
property. Whoever is unfamiliar with them can easily make
their acquaintance, and a charming acquaintance it will prove
to be. In a certain place, where I took many walks, these
birds seemed to be traveling companions, whenever I followed
the highways, so constantly did I see them along the road-
sides.

B. PHILADELPHIA. 3fourning Warbler. Quite com-
mon (locally) in certain parts of northern New England as a
summer resident, but a very rare migrant through Massachu-
setts, where none pass the summer, so far as I know.*

a. Five inches or more long. Olive above. Beneath,
bright yellow. Head, warm (ashy) gray. Throat, black, often
waved with gray.

h. The eggs and nest correspond closely to those of the
Maryland Yellow-throat in every respect, but the eggs, so far
as I know, are never either plain white or coarsely marked.

c. The Mourning Warblers are among the birds who are
extremely rare in Massachusetts, even during the migrations,
though they breed quite commonly in certain parts of northern
New England, and also in places much further to the south-
ward. During their occasional brief sojourn in this State, in
the latter part of May, and still more rarely in September,
they usually frequent the haunts of the Maryland Yellow-
throats, but are also sometimes seen examining the foliage of
tall trees (up the trunks of which, for a little way, I have
strong reason to believe that they sometimes scramble). I
invariably see in spring a few pairs in the " scrub," especially
where swampy. In their summer homes they inhabit copses

* A not iincommon but rather lo- lock in western Massachusetts, but else-

cally distributed summer resident of where in southern New England known

northern New England, breeding also only as a rare spring and still rarer au-

in positive abundance on Mount Gray- tumn migrant. — W. B.

WARBLERS. 87

and thickets in open spots, finding their food in piles of brush,
on the ground, etc., never, however, jerking their tails in the
manner of their relations.

d. The Mourning Warblers have a sharp chirp, a feeble
tsip^ and a warbled, liquid song (likened to that of the House
Wren, Water Thrush, and Maryland Yellow-throat), which
is generally delivered from a high perch.

ni. OPORORNIS*

A. AGiLis.^ Connecticut Warbler. A mig:rant in New
England. Extremely rare in spring, and generally rare in
autumn, though more than a hundred specimens were taken
at Cambridge in two years, when these birds were extraordi-
narily abundant in the fall.f

a. About 5|^ inches long. Above, olive green, becoming
ashy -tinted on the head. Eye-ring, whitish. Throat (and
upper breast), ashy or brownish. Other under parts, yellow.
Crown, olive in autumn.

h. I believe that the nest and eggs of these birds have
never been discovered by any ornithologist. f

c. The Connecticut Warblers have hitherto, with two re-
markable exceptions, been very rare migrants through Mas-
sachusetts : but they may become more common hereafter. §
I have seen them but once in spring (then only an individual

* This is now made a subgenus of J A nest and egg's, positively iden-

Geothlypis. — W. B. tified by the capture of both of the

^ The Kentucky Warbler (O. for- parent birds, and now in the National

mosa) may stray to New England, Museum, were taken near Carberry,

though I know no instance of its so do- Manitoba, June 21, 1883, by Mr. Ernest

ing. It has been known to breed in E. Thompson. The nest '" was entirely

eastern New York. composed of dry grass, and sunken level

t A late spring and early autumn with the surface " in the top of a low

migrant, exceedingly rare at the former mossy mound. " The eggs, four in

season, but during the latter half of number, measured .75 X .56 in. Before

September rather common throughout being blo^Ti they were of a delicate

most of southern New England, and, at creamy white, with a few spots of lilac

a few places (especially the Fresh Pond purple, brown, and black, inclined to

swamps in Cambridge), positively abun- form a ring at the large end." {Aiik,

dant at times. There are as yet only a Vol. I, April, 1884, pp. 192, 193.) —

few records for northern New England. W. B.

— W. B. § It is much more probable that they

were overlooked prior to 1870. — W. B.

88 LAND-BIRDS.

on the tenth of May), and but a few times in September. The
following observations were made at the Fresh Pond marshes
of Cambridge, in the autumns of 1870 and 1871, and illus-
trate the habits of these birds.

" Mr. Henshaw found them almost constantly engaged in
seeking their food on the ground. When startled, they would
fly up to the nearest bush, upon which they would sit perfectly
motionless, in a manner closely resembling the Thrushes. If
not further disturbed, they immediately returned to the ground.
... If greatly startled, they took a long flight among the
bushes, and could rarely be found again."

d. I have heard them utter only ^si/>s and chirps whilst in
their usual haunts, namely, swampy thickets, and shrubbery
near them. I have never heard their song, nor read any de-
scription of it.*

IV. HELMITHERUS.

A. VERMIVORUS. Worm-eating Warhler}^ Though found
in Maine, this species very rarely comes so far to the north-
eastern part of the United States as to reach New England. f

a. About 5J inches long. Greenish olive above. Head
and under parts, buff. The head is marked with two dark
stripes bordering the crown, and two running from the eyes
to the back.

h. The nest is placed on or near the ground. The eggs are
described as averaging about .70 X .55 of an inch, and being

* Mr. Thompson says that the song- bier {H. swainsoni) has been erroneous-
is " somewhat like the song of the ly reported from Massachusetts.
Oven-bird, but different in being in t A summer resident of southern
the same pitch throughout instead of Connecticut from Bridgeport eastward
beginning in a whisper and increasing to Saybrook, near the shores of the
the emphasis and strength with each Sound, and up the valley of the Con-
pair of notes to the last." He renders neeticut River at least as far as Essex,
it by the syllables " beecher-beecher- breeding rather commonly in a few
beecher - beecher - beecher - beecher.'''' An- places. A single specimen has been
other type ' ' nearly resembled the syl- taken at Hartford and another (in early
lables ' Fru-chapple fru-chapple fru- autumn) at Cambridge, Mass. Verrill's
chappie whoit,^ . . . uttered in a loud, vague statement (Proc. Essex Inst.,'Vol.
ringing voice." (Proc. U. S. Nat. Ill, p. 156) to the effect that this War-
Mus., Vol. XIII, 1890, pp. 621,622.) bier is a rare summer visitor to southern
— W. B. Maine is now generally discredited. —

*^ The closely allied Swainson's War- W. B.

WARBLERS. 89

pure white, minutely spotted with reddish brown, chiefly at the
larger end, where lilac is intermixed.

c. The Worm-eating Warblers so seldom come to this State
that, I regret to say, I have never seen them here. The vari-
ous accounts of their habits and notes which I have read are
more or less conflicting and unsatisfactory ; but from them
1 have gathered that the Worm-eating Warblers inhabit both
woodland and shrubbery, and usually feed on caterpillars and
spiders, which they find on the ground, or " among the dead
leaves of a broken branch," being very nimble in securing
their prey. They are never gregarious, but, even during their
migrations, travel alone or in pairs, sometimes, however, with
their young in autumn.

d. Their notes are " a feeble chirp," a " complaining call "
of " tsee-dee-dee^^^ and a song which has been variously de-
scribed, but which, from all accounts, does not seem to be a
very pleasing one.

I regret that I am obliged to write brief, and on that ac-
count less interesting, biographies (if I may so far flatter my-
self) of some of the Warblers, about whom, because of their
general rarity here, I know little, and cannot obtain much in-
formation.

V. PROTONOTARIA.

A. CITREA. Prothonotary Warhler. So far as I know-
there is but one authentic instance of this bird being captured
in New England — then at Calais, Maine, on October 30th ! *

a. About 5J inches long. Golden yellow. Back, oliva-
ceous. Rump, light ashy blue ; wings and tail, darker. Tail-
feathers, marked with white.

5. Dr. Brewer speaks of three nests. One of these " was
built within a Woodpecker's hole in a stump of a tree, not

* Si9ce the above was written, a num- near Auburndale, Massachusetts, June

ber of Prothonotary Warblers have been 20, 1890. As this bird was seen in the

taken in southern New England. Most same place on the previous day, and a»

of them have occurred during- the mi- it was in full song on both occasions,

grations, — in May or August, — but there are some grounds for suspecting

Mr. F. H. Kennard has a male which that it was breeding, although no proof

was shot on the banks of Charles River, of this was actually obtained. — W. B,

90 LAND-BIRDS.

more than three feet high " ; another " was built within a
brace-hole in a mill " ; and a third " in a hollow snag, about
five feet from the ground, in the river bottom." The eggs
average .68 X .55 of an inch, and are cream white, with lilac,
purplish brown (and black) markings.

c. The Prothonotary Warblers have little or no right to be
included in the list of the birds of Massachusetts, and I have
never seen them here (unless perhaps once a pair, at dark in
October). They prefer the borders of streams, and neigh-
borhood of water, to drier ground, and swampy thickets to
the woods and forests. Otherwise, their habits are essentially
like those of the Worm-eating Warbler and other allied species.

d. Their ordinary note is said to be like the feeble ts'q:) of
the White-throated Sparrow, but of more characteristic notes
I know nothing.* The " Prothonotaries " strongly resemble
the Blue-winged Yellow Warblers, who are much more likely
to occur in southern New England, and therefore should an
inexperienced student meet either in his rambles through this
State, let him carefully note which it is.

VI. HELMINTHOPHILA.

A. PINUS. Blue-vnnged YelloiD Warbler. No one, I be-
lieve, has reported the presence of this bird in New England,
except Mr. Sarauels.f

a. About five inches long. Like the Prothonotary War-
bler ; hut rump (like the back), olive, wing-bars and tail-
blotches, white (or nearly so), and eye-stripe, or lore, black.

* The ordinary song is a loud peet, what resembles the song of the Canary,

tweet, tweet, tweet, varied to peet, tsweet, given in an undertone with trills or

tsweet, tsweet, or tsiveet, tr-sweet, tr-sweet, water notes interspersed. — W. B.

tr-sweet. At a distance the notes resem- t This Warbler is a common sum-

ble those of a Solitary or Spotted Sand- mer resident of southern Connecticut,

piper, but near at hand they possess a butisnotknown to occur regularly north

peculiar penetrating quality. The bird of Hai-tf ord, and is most numerous in

has another and very different song, the country immediately bordering on

which it utters while flying slowly with the Sound and the lower valley of the

a trembling, fluttering motion of the Connecticut River. Several specimens

wings, carrying the head high and the have been taken in Massachusetts,

tail wide spread. Although so low and where, however, the species does not

feeble as to be inaudible many rods seem to have attained a permanent

away, this song is very sweet. It some- foothold. — W. B.

WARBLERS. 91

h. The nest is placed on the ground, in wooded land. The
eggs average about .70 X .55 * of an inch, and are white, with
a few reddish brown spots about the greater end.

c. The Blue- winged Yellow Warblers, being foreigners to
New England, I can only describe through others. Wilson
says of this species that it '* haunts thickets and shrubberies,
searching the branches for insects ; is fond of visiting gar-
dens, orchards, and willow trees, of gleaning among blossoms
and currant bushes ; and is frequently found in very seques-
tered woods, where it generally builds its nest." Mr. Samuels,
whose account has been rejected by some ornithologists, says :
'' In 1857, in the month of May, about the 12th or 15th, I
found a small flock in a swamp in Dedham, Mass. They were
actively employed in catching flying insects, and were so little
mistrustful that they permitted me to approach quite near,
and observe their motions. I noticed nothing peculiar in
them ; but they had all the activity and industry of the true
arboreal warblers."

d. Dr. Brewer says that "in regard to the song of this
bird, Mr. Trippe states that its notes are very forcible and
characteristic. He describes them as a rapid chirrup resem-
bling chuucJiicli^ k'-a-re-r^ r' r' / / (!). According to Mr.
Ridgway they are wonderfully like the lisping chirrup of the
Coturniculus 2>cLsseriniis " or Yellow-winged Sparrow.

B. CHRYSOPTERA. Golden-wiuged Warhler, A rather
uncommon, or even rare, summer resident in Massachusetts-!

a. About five inches long. Above, slaty blue. Whole crown
and broad wing-bars, rich yellow. Below, white. Throat and
stripe through eye, black. Tail-feathers, white-blotched. J
with less pure colors than (J.J

h. The nest is placed on the ground, in woodland, gener-
ally near swamps, and is variously lined. Four eggs taken

* These measurements are consider- numerous during the migrations, al-

ably above the average. — W. B. though it is not known to go much fur-

t Locally common in summer in va- ther north. — W. B.
rious parts of southern New England, % The female has the throat ashy

especially in eastern Massachusetts, instead of black. — W. B.
where, however, it appears to be most

92 LAND-BIRDS.

from a nest which I found near Boston average about .68 X
.55 of an inch, and are white, marked, chiefly at the great end,
with reddish brown. They were taken on the 8th of June and
correspond with those found by Mr. Maynard on June 12,
1869.

c. The Golden-winged Warblers have at last been recog-
nized as summer residents in Massachusetts of no very great
rarity, and are not so largely migrant through this State as
was once supjiosed, for indeed it probably forms nearly their
most northern limit. They reach the neighborhood of Boston
about the 10th of May, and do not retire to the South until
September. During the summer they inhabit woodland, par-
ticularly that which is swampy, but soon after their arrival
I have several times met them among the trees on cultivated
estates, where I have noticed, contrary to the observations of
some other persons, that they remain chiefly on or near the
ground (not infrequently, however, among the higher
branches), and rarely catch insects on the wing. On the
contrary, they often recall the Titmice. They have a habit,
observable in their relations, of occasionally hopping from
the ground to snap an insect from the foliage above.

d. Their notes are a tsip^ a louder chip, and a sharp alarm-
note. They also have a brief and rather unattractive song
of four or five peculiar syllables, uttered in a characteristic,
rather harsh tone, and resembling dsee'dsee-dsee-dsee.

BB. LEUCOBRONCHiALis. WMte-tlirocited {Golden-ioinged)
Way^hler.

The following Is an extract from the " Quarterly Bulletin
of the Nuttall Ornithological Club," for April, 1876 (Vol. I,
No. 1).

" Description of a New Species of HelmhithopJiaga ; hy
William Brewster. Helminthophaga leucohronchialis.
PL I.

" Adult male : summer plumage. Crown, bright yellow,
slightly tinged with olive on the occiput. Greater and middle
wing-coverts, yellow, not so bright as the crown. Superciliary

WARBLERS. 93

line, cheeks, throat, and entire under parts, silky white, with
a slight tinge of pale yellow on the breast. Dorsal surface
— exclusive of nape, which is clear ashy — washed with yellow,
as are also the outer margins of the secondaries. A narrow
line of clear black passes from the base of the upper mandible,
through and to a short distance behind the eye, interrupted,
however, by the lower eyelid, which is distinctly white. No
traces of black upon the cheeks or throat, even upon raising
the feathers. Bill, black. Feet, dark brown. Dimensions —
length, 5.19 ; extent, 7.88 ; wing, 2.45 ; tarsus, .71 ; tail, 1.86 ;
culmen, .53.

" It will be seen from the above description that this bird
resembles most closely the Golden-winged Warbler {Helmin-
thophaga chrysojDterd).

" The entire absence of black or ashy on the cheeks and
throat, the peculiar character of the superciliary line, and the
white lower eyelid, present, however, differences not to be recon-
ciled with any known seasonal or accidental variation of that
species. The restricted line of black through the eye gives
the head a remarkable similarity to that of Helminthojphag a
pinus^ but the semblance goes no farther.

" The specimen above described was shot by the writer in
Newtonville, Mass., May 18, 1870.* It was in full song when
taken, and was flitting about in a thicket of birches near a
swampy piece of oak and maple woods. As nearly as can be
remembered, it did not differ much in either voice or actions
from H. chryso'ptera. The first notice of this specimen ap-
peared in the ' American Sportsman,' vol. v, p. 33. . . .

" As previously remarked, the differences in coloration in the
present bird from any of its allies are so great, and of such a

* Mr. Purdie has since unearthed "a since collected in Connecticut, New-
very typical example shot by Mr. Sam- York, New Jersey, and elsewhere to the
uel Jillson, in Hudson, Mass., in May or southward. H. leucobronchialis, how-
June. 1S5S," and now in the collection ever, is no long-er regarded as a valid
of Williams College. {Bull. N. O. C, species. Some ornithologists consider
Vol. IV, July, 1879, p. 184.) This and it a hybrid between H. chrysoptera and
the bird originally described by me are H. pinus, \f\n\e others believe that it
the only specimens known to have been represents merely a dichromatic phase
taken in Massachusetts, but very many of the latter. — W. B.
(probably at least fifty in all) have been

94 LAND-BIRDS.

nature, as to render any theory of accidental variation exceed-
ingly unlikely, while hybrids — at least among the smaller
species of undomesticated birds — are of such shadowy and
problematical existence that their probable bearing upon the
present case is hardly worthy of consideration."

C. RUFICAPILLA. NasJivUle Warbler. Quite common as a
migrant through this State, where a very few regularly breed.*

a. About 4|^ inches long. Above, dull olive. Beneath,
yellow. Back of head., slate. Crown, more or less marked
with chestnut red. In J , head-markings indistinct, and crown-
patch often wanting.

h. The nest is placed on the ground, either in some open
part of the woods, or amongst the shrubbery of some southerly
facing bank. It is commonly composed of dead leaves, strips
of thin bark, grasses, etc., and is often lined with hairs. The
eggs of each set are four,t averaging about .63 X .50 of an inch,
and are here laid about the first of June. The eggs are white,
and vary between the extremes of being finely and thickly
marked about the crown with lilac, and being thinly and
coarsely blotched at the greater end with reddish brown ; these
markings being sometimes combined.

c. The Nashville Warblers are summer residents through-
out New England, but apparently they are more numerous in
the northern than in the southern portions. In Massachusetts,
they are rare during summer, but are common at the time of
their migrations, which here occur about the middle of May ^
and of September. In spring and autumn, whilst traveling,
they habitually frequent lightly-timbered woodland, and some-
what, also, shrubbery about houses, but where they are resi-
dent in summer they chiefly affect dry scrub-land, often that
which is partially wooded. Their constant activity and indus-

* The Nashville Warbler breeds a sing-le authentic record of its oc-

throughout New England, from the currenee in midwinter near Boston. —

shores of Long Island Sound to the W. B.

Canadian border, but more numerously t Five are frequently if not usually

in the northern than in the southern laid. — W. B.

tier of States. It is everywhere com- ^ I have seen them from the 5th

mon during the migrations. There is imtil the 20th.

WARBLERS. 95

try, combined with their general adherence, while travelino-,
to the higher branches of the pines, chestnuts, oaks, and
maples, which they usually prefer to other trees, often render
it difficult to detect their presence, even when they are quite
abundant. They travel singly or in pairs, and remain lono- in
one tree or cluster, not being easily frightened. The two
great difficulties in studying the habits of our Warblers are the
almost nondescript coloration of some species in autumn, and
the fact that many kinds, even in spring, can only be identified
by most naturalists upon a close examination, to obtain which
it is necessary to shoot the birds, when, of course, their habits
can no longer be studied. It is for these reasons that it is
important to know the minor notes of various species, for by
these one often can easily distinguish two species otherwise
closely alike, especially if such notes are associated with other
more marked characteristics. One can in this way always dis-
tinguish " Yellow-rumps " at a great distance, for though their
ordinary '' chuck " is very much like that of the " Black-polls "
(who are here in autumn at the same time), yet their manner
of flight is different.

d. The ordinary notes of the Nashville Warblers are a sim-
ple chij^^ a loud chinks and a peculiar alarm-note (?) entirely
characteristic, which is hardly, I think, as Wilson says, much
like " the breaking of small dry twigs, or the striking of small
pebbles of different sizes smartly against each other for six or
seven times," though it may be recognized by that description.
It is " loud enough," as that author says, " to be heard at the
distance of tliirty or forty yards."

Their song is simple but pretty, more resembling that of the
common Summer Yellow-bird {D. mstivct) or Chestnut-sided
Warbler than that of any other species. It may be represented
by the syllables icee' -see-icee' -see^ wit' -a-wit^ -a-wW .

D. CELATA. Orange-croivned Warbler. This species was
reported from Maine by Audubon, and a specimen was shot
by Mr. Allen at Springfield on the 15th of May, 1863.*

* Of rare but probably reg-ular occur- autumn, when most of the known spe-
rence during the migrations, at least in eimens have been taken. There is a

96 LAND-BIRDS.

a. Essentially like the Nashville Warbler ( (7) ; hut with
the slate of the latter wanting, the chestnut supplied by orange
brown, and the yellow green-tinged.

h. Nest and eggs probably like those of the last species.

c. The Orauge-crowned Warblers are unknown to me per-
sonally, but probably there is little or no difference between
their habits and those of the Nashville Warblers, to whom they
are very closely related. Probably they frequent open wood-
land and orchards, and display a like agility in capturing their
prey among the higher branches.

d. Their song Dr. Gambel " describes as commencing in a
low, sweet trill, and ending in tshe-iq^.^^ "Their usual note
is a sharp chip."

Dr. Brewer thinks that Audubon's account of this bird is
incorrect,* but whether that is the case or not I do not know.

Bonaparte, in his continuation of Wilson's Ornithology^
says : '' During winter, the Orange-crowned Warbler is one
of the most common birds in the neighborhood of St. Augus-
tine, Florida, almost exclusively frequenting the orange trees.
Their manners resemble those of the kindred species, though
they have a remarkable habit of constantly inflecting the tail
like the Pewee. The note consists of a chuck, and a faint
squeak, but little louder than that of a mouse."

E, PEREGRINA. Tennessee Warhler. A very rare migrant
through Massachusetts, though a summer resident in northern
New England.!

a. About 4| inches long. Above, yellow-tinted olive

mounted bird in the collection of the dantly about Lake Umbagog, Maine,

Boston Society of Natural History, but it has since practically deserted that

which was shot at Lynn, Massachu- locality. Elsewhere in northern New

setts, January 1, 1S75. — W. B. England it has been found in summer

* It is probably incorrect "wdth respect at various places, but seldom in any

to the nest and eggs and the assertion numbers. In southern New England it

that the species breeds in easi ern Maine occurs only during the migrations, when

and certain of the Maritime Provinces, it is never at all common. An old rec-

but in all other respects it is excellent, ord of a supposed nest and eggs taken

— W. B. at Springfield, Massachusetts, should be

t Between the years 1871 and 1875 discredited. — W. B.
the Tennessee Warbler bred abun-

WARBLERS. 97

green, with modifications. Superciliary line and under parts,
white (or yellowish). §, duller above. (See synopsis, p. 79.)
h. The nest and eggs are essentially like those of the
Nashville Warbler, though the eggs vary, and exhibit certain
peculiar forms, and though the nest is " often placed in woods."

c. The Tennessee Warblers are extremely rare in eastern
Massachusetts, and are nowhere common in New England,
except in a few northern localities, such as Lake Umbagog,
where they are summer residents. They journey through this
State in the latter part of May, and again about the middle
of September. I have met them here twice in open wood-
land ; Mr. Maynard shot four males, on apple trees in New-
tonville, between the 18th and 24th of May, 1869; a pair
were shot by Mr. William Brewster, near Mt. Auburn, on
high oak trees; and Mr. Allen has "taken it repeatedly at
Springfield, where he has always esteemed it rare." Audubon
considered these birds active, and also expert fly-catchers, and
speaks of their mellow ticeet^ uttered when they are on wing,
or when fluttering before clusters of leaves. Wilson has
written of the first specimen that he obtained that "it was
hunting nimbly among the young leaves, and like all the rest
of the family of worm-eaters, seemed to partake a good deal
of the habits of the Titmouse."

d. "Its notes were few and weak." "Its song bears a
resemblance to that of H. rujicapilla^ only the notes of the
first part are more divided, and the latter part is shriUer.
The male, while singing, is generally perched on some high
dead branch. In this habit it resembles the IL riijicapilla
and H. dirysoptevar (Maynard.) " Its notes resemble the
low, subdued whistle of the common Summer Yellow-bird."
(Boardman.)*

VII. MNIOTILTA.

A. VARIA. Black and WJiite " CreeiJery A common
summer resident in southern New England, though rarer fur-
ther to the northward. t

* Mr. Maynard' s description of the t A summer resident, abundant and
song is much the better of the two here very generally distributed in southern
quoted. — W. B. New England, but northward of Massa-

98 LAND-BIRDS.

a. Five or more inches long. Belly, white. Otherwise
black. Wings barred, tail spotted, and other parts streaked,
with white. But 5 white beneath, (obsoletely} streaked on
the sides. (Details omitted.)

h. The nest is built in woods and groves, and is placed on
the ground {rarely^ in the hole of a tree). The eggs average
.65 X .55 of an inch ; are elliptical ; and are white (cream-
tinted), covered with small and rather dark brown blotches
and spots, chiefly at the great end, or evenly sprinkled with
small lioht reddish brown markings. One set of four or five
is here laid in the last week of May (sometimes earlier or
later), and occasionally a second when the season is more
advanced.

c. The Black and White " Creepers " are very common
summer residents throughout southern New England, though
rare in the more northern parts, where in many large tracts
even of wooded land they are not to be found at all. They
reach eastern Massachusetts, sometimes as early as the last
week of April, sometimes not until the second week of May,
and remain here until September, during a j^art of which
month migrants of this species continue to pass through from
the north on their way to the south. These Warblers gener-
ally inhabit woodland of various kinds, but occasionally visit
orchards and like places near the habitations of man, toward
whom they exhibit no shyness, and also seek their food among
the bushes of the "scrub," where they find the caterpillars,
small insects, and insect eggs, upon which they habitually
feed. They differ from all our other Warblers in their method
of obtaining their food, which is to a certain extent entirely
distinctive, though much like that of the true Creepers ((7er-
tJiiidce)^ from whom they principally differ in being much
less systematic in their researches, and in occasionally busy-
ing themselves upon the ground. They pass most of their
time in scrambling about the trunks and larger limbs of trees,
rarely perching, and also in running over old fences, such
as contain rotten and moss-grown or lichen-covered wood.

chusetts mucli less numerous, and in the New Hampshire a comparatively scarce
spruce forests of northern Maine and and inconspicuous species. — W. B.

WARBLERS. 99

While thus engaged, they almost invariably keep their head
pointed toward the direction in which they are moving. They
rarely take other than short flights, when not traveling, but
after remaining for a moment on the trunk of one tree, seldom
longer, fly to a neighboring one. They are never strictly gre-
garious, but they possess such conjugal and parental affection
that they are often seen in pairs or even family groups.
When the female is frightened from her nest on the ground,
which is often partially concealed, she usually feigns lameness,
and flutters away with trailing wings and tail, in the hope of
distracting the intruder. (Dr. Coues speaks of these birds
building in the holes of trees, which, says Dr. Brewer, "is
probably an error, or, if ever known to occur, an entirely ex-
ceptional case." I have found two of their nests near Boston
thus situated, of which the first was in a pine grove, in the
cavity of a tree rent by lightning, and about five feet from
the ground, and the other on the top of a low birch stump,
which stood in a grove of white oaks. These facts show how
erratic birds frequently are in changing their habits, and how
much corroborative testimony is needed to establish a single
fact in natural history.)

d. The Black and White " Creepers " have a very great
variety of notes, and perhaps utter more distinct sounds, ex-
clusiv^e of song, than any other of our birds, though it is very
possible that other Warblers with whom I am less familiar
possess the same power. The notes of the so-called " Creep-
ers " are a weak but pure tsij) ; a harsher ^si/>, much like that
of the Chestnut-sided Warbler ; a loud chick^ which sometimes
becomes a chinh ; an alarm-note, chick-a-chich^ chick-chick; a
chant, if it can properly be so called, of tsee-tsee-tsee-tsee^ which
is uttered in another tone so as to sound more like che&-
chee-chee-chee ; and their rather feeble and unmusical refrain
of wee-see^ wee-see^ loee-see^ luee-see^ icee-see. To the last and
most frequently repeated chant a few sweet and musical
notes are generally added in May and June, and these com-
bined form their only song.

There are hardly any birds more familiar to the ornithologist
in the woods than the Black and White " Creepers," since

100 LAND-BIRDS.

they are common, are free from shyness, and usually remain
near the ground, with their boldly marked plumage in eon-
sj^icuous contrast with the bark of the white oaks and chest-
nuts, to which they so often turn their attention. They are
eminently useful, and few creatures do more good in protect-
ing the growth and life of our forest-trees, and the trees of
woodland freshly sprung up to supply the place of a former
growth.

VIII. COMPSOTHLYPIS.

A. AMERICANA. Blue Yellow-hached Warbler. " Blue
Yellow-hach.'''' A summer resident in northern New England,
and usually a common migrant through Massachusetts, where
a very few breed.*

a. About 4| inches long. Above, blue, ashy-tinted, with
a yellowish patch on the back. Lore, black. Tliroat and
part of the breast^ yellow^ loith a rlcli^ darh hroionish j)ateli.
Upper throat, immaculate. Other under j^arts, wing-bars, and
tail-spots, white. $ , rather duller, with less distinct mark-
ings. (Details omitted.)

6. The nest is globular, with an entrance on the side, and
is composed principally of hanging mosses. It is usually
placed in the woods, twenty or more feet from the ground,
toward the end of a bough. It has four or five freshly laid
eggs in early June, which average about .62 X .48 of an
inch, and are white (or cream-tinted), with spots and conflu-
ent blotches of reddish brown and lilac, chiefly about the crown.

c. The " Blue Yellow-backs " are summer residents through-
out the eastern United States, more commonly in northern
Maine and New Hampshire than in Massachusetts, where

* A summer resident whose distri- part of Cape Cod, the Blue Yellow-back

bution is strictly coextensive with that occurs throughout most of the interme-

of the TJsnea " moss," in, or of, which diate or central portions of New Eng--

it invariably builds its nest. Thus it land, as well as near the eastern coast

happens that, although a common and of Massachusetts, chiefly as a migrant,

characteristic bird of the extensive co- although a few birds breed here and

niferous forests of northern New Eng- there at more or less widely separated

land, and still more abundant in south- localities wherever their favorite TJsnea

em Connecticut, Rhode Island, and is found. — W. B.
Massachusetts, including the greater

WARBLERS.

101

Fig. 4. Blue Yellow-backed Warbler. (|)

only a few breed, chiefly, probably, in the valleys of the Con-
necticut and Nashua rivers. Near Boston they are extremely
rare in summer, but are generally common in the second and
third weeks of May and September, during their migrations,
being, however, sometimes rare, and sometimes extremely
abundant. I can in
no way, I believe, bet-
ter describe their
habits than by detail-
ing the observations
which I made upon
them this spring
[1875], when they
were very numerous
in my immediate
neighborhood. They
came on the eleventh
of May, and did not
wholly disappear until the twenty-second of that month, after
which I saw none, except a few in autumn. They chiefly fre-
quented the budding maples, the orchard trees, and the shrubs
and bushes which were just pushing forth their young leaves ;
sometimes alone, more often in pairs, and less commonly in
small parties of three and four. They constantly skipped
from twig to twig, much as a Chickadee does, often turning
their heads in peculiar attitudes so as to reach the cran-
nies behind the buds, and occasionally even hanging head
downwards, the better to effect their purposes through their
constant activity. They would often take short flights into
the air in order to seize some passing insect, and then would
immediately return to their former avocations, usually on the
same tree. A great charm in the disposition of these pretty
and graceful little birds was their entire fearlessness of man,
which was so absolute that I many times was within two or
three feet of them, even when I was moving. The " Blue
Yellow-backs," while migrating, may also be found in the more
open and lightly timbered woodland, but seldom among the
pines. In their summer homes they inhabit both the ever-

102 LAND-BIRDS.

greens and hard-wood trees, wherever grouped in abundance,
and very generally prefer the higher branches, where they
build their nests (for they never, so far as I know, descend to
the ground). These nests are beautiful objects, and very ad-
mirable architectural works, which distinguish their builders
from all the other members, at least the American members,
of their large family, the Warblers ; for though nearly all of
them build neat and pretty nests, none ever construct nests so
striking in appearance as these, which are globular, with an
entrance on one side. They are often suspended from the
bough of a hemlock, and are usually composed of rather long
Spanish moss,* which is a very pretty material for nest-build-
ing. Wonderful must that instinct be which enables the little
Warblers to weave the long threads together with security and
compactness, and finally to arrange them in the desired form
that the globular shape may be so nearly perfected. From
cases of which I have known, I have strong reason to believe
that these nests in Massachusetts are sometimes, perhaps ac-
cidentally, not entirely rounded, but are left largely uncov-
ered, which I at one time supposed to be due to the warmer
climate ; but I have since learned that specimens from the
Southern States are like those from Maine, and perfect in
shape.

d. The ordinary notes of the " Blue Yellow-backs " are a
tshij)^ a chich^ often loud, a cry of chich-a-chick-chich^ and
occasionally a trill, which approaches a chatter. Their song,
which I have often heard in May, as well as in June, though
rather weak and unmusical, is yet quite loud, more so, I think,
than some other authors have represented. It begins with a
trill of rising inflection and marked accent, which is followed
either by twitters, or by notes which remind me of those of
the "Black-throated Greens," or by still others like them. In
this song I have sometimes recognized a peculiar hoarse tone,
which seemed to characterize it strongly.

* The Usnea is sometimes called by in New England, although in the South
this name, and is doubtless the species its long streamers inclose and conceal
referred to by Mr. Minot, for the true innumerable nests of the Blue Yellow-
Spanish moss (Tillandsia) is not found backed Warbler. — W. B.

WARBLERS. 103

IX. PERISSOGLOSSA*

A. TIGRINA. Cape May Warbler. In Massachusetts,
generally extremely rare, especially in autumn. In summer,
" common at Umbagog," Maine.f

a. 5-5| inches long. Above, yellowish olive ; back, dark-
streaked. Crown, dark. Lores, black. Beneath, bright yellow.
Breast and sides, black-streaked. Throat strongly tinged with
the bright orange brown of the ear-coverts. Rump, yellow.
Wing-bars and tail-spots, white ; former often fused.

• 6. A nest found in the neighborhood of Boston closely
resembled that of the Yellowbird (X, A) in every respect. J
The five eggs, which were fresh in the first week of June, also
were like those of that species, and probably unlike the usual
form, described by Dr. Brewer as measuring " .70 X .55 of
an inch," and having " a pinkish white ground, blotched with
purple and brown of various shades and tints. They are dis-
posed chiefly about the larger end, usually in a ring."

c. The Cape May Warblers are very rare in Massachusetts,
more so, however, during some years than during others, and
are so very seldom to be seen near Boston that I have no in-
formation to offer to my readers in regard to their habits.
Mr. Maynard has never seen them in the eastern part of this
State, where, however, some were shot from (blossoming?)
apple trees by Dr. Bryant, but he found them common at
Umbagog, Maine, where they spent their time in the tops of
the taller evergreens. In northern New England they are
summer residents, but in the southern parts can hardly be con-
sidered as other than very rare migrants. I have occasionally
seen them in May, but only once in September, which is j^artly
due to their frequenting so much the higher branches, where
they are not easily detected.

* Now a subgenus of Dendroica. latter region before 1879, and since tliat
t A late spring and early autumn year I have never detected it in sum-
migrant, usually of great rarity. In nier in any part of New England, al-
1862 Mr. Boardman reported it a com- though there can be little doubt that
mon " summer visitant " to Calais, it still breeds in some of our remote
Maine, and from 1S71 to 1875 it bred northern forests. — W. B.

really abundantly throughout the conif- f This account cannot be received

erous forests about Lake Umbagog, in with much confidence, for it omits to
western Maine. It utterly deserted the state by whom the nest was found,

104 LAND-BIRDS.

X. DENDROICA.

A. ESTIVA. (^Summer) YellowhWdy* (^Blue-eyed) Yellow
Warhler, Golden Warbler. In southern New England a very
common summer resident.*

a. About five inches long. Yellow with modifications.
Breast, and even the back, streaked (often indistinctly) with
orange brown. Tail-Leathers not blotched with tohite as in
all other Dendroicce.

b. I shall describe the nest at length, as it is essentially
like those of several other species. It is comj^osed outwardly
of very fine grasses, interwoven with woolly or cottony mate-
rials, which form a substantial wall. This is often covered
with caterpillar's silk, and is lined with wool, down from
plants (particularly a dun-colored kind), horsehairs, and rarely
feathers. Nuttall aptly calls this structure "neat and dur-
able." It is to be found on cultivated grounds and in gar-
dens, as well as in pastures and swamps, though even a dif-
ferent situation is sometimes chosen ; it is generally placed in a
low bush, such as the barberry or currant bush, but occasion-
ally in the branches of a shade tree at a considerable height
above the ground.

The eggs average .67 X .50 of an inch, and are usually
either grayish white, green-tinted, with spots and blotches of
lilac (which is often obscure) and various browns, chiefly
about the larger end, or (more rarely) white, with lilac (ob-
scured) and sandy or yellowish brown markings grouped prin-
cipally about the crown. The above colorations are the ex-
tremes, between which there are various intermediate forms.
It is remarkable that the eggs, though so variable, are very
generally characteristic of the birds, and unlike those of other

and contains no assurance that the birds setts it is less numerous and more local,

were properly identified. — W. B. The chief reason for this, apparently, is

^■^ The Goldfinch {Spinus tristis, that the bird dislikes heayy forests, es-

§ 15, IV, A) is also called the Yellow- pecially such as abound in coniferous

bird. trees, for, where the country is to its

* An abundant summer resident of liking-.it penetrates very far northward,
the greater part of southern New Eng-- even, it is said, to the shores of the Arc-
land. To the northward of Massachu- tic Ocean. — W. B.

WARBLERS. 105

Warblers. In eastern Massachusetts, four or five eggs are
laid about the first of June, but no second brood is raised
unless some accident befalls the first.

c. The Yellowbirds are the most common and familiar of
all our Warblers ; and who is there that does not, or who ought
not, to know these beneficial and charming little birds, who are
pleasantly associated with the coming here of actual spring,
since generally in the first week of May they come from the
South ? Throughout the summer they are to be found about
us ; but when autumn comes they leave us, and generally be-
fore the first week of September has passed away they have
gone. Yet they are very hardy, and stray to the arctic shores^
though hardly anywhere common to the northward of Massa-
chusetts, where they are, in most parts of the State, abundant.
They inhabit pasture-land and cultivated grounds, being not
infrequently seen near houses, and never retiring to the woods.
They are not sufficiently social to gather in flocks, but, on the
contrary, though of a pleasant-tempered and affectionate dis-^
position, seem always to be absorbed in the search of insects,
through our orchard trees, shade trees, and shrubbery. They
never seek for these insects on the ground, or in the higher
tree-tops, and rarely seize them in the air, but whilst pursuing
them continually move among the lower branches, occasionally
taking short flights.

d. The Yellowbird's song is simple, yet very pleasing,
and one does not become tired of it, though repeated often, as
it has several variations. It nearly resembles the syllables
wee-chee-ivee-chee-ioee-i-u^ but is like the song of several other
warblers. The loud cMi'p of the Yellowbirds is often heard
from the branches, among which they are busy, and often is
repeated plaintively, when their nest is disturbed.

Though probably less familiar toward man than many
people suppose, the Yellowbirds do not repel his advances,
and certainly greatly benefit him by their constant industry in
destroying insects, particularly small caterpillars and canker-
worms, of which they are very fond.

106 LAND-BIRDS.

B, DISCOLOR. Prairie Warhler. In eastern Massachu-
setts, a summer resident of no great rarity.*

a. About 4J inches long. Olive above, with brick red
spots on the back. Under parts, bright yellow. A peculiar
mark on the side of the head, and side-streaks on the throat
and breast, black. (Details omitted.)

h. The nest of the Prairie Warbler differs from that of the
Yellowbird (^) in being usually lined thickly with liorse-
hair (whereas the other is often lined with a dun-colored
plant-down), and in being almost invariably semi-pensile. It
is usually placed within a few feet of the ground, in a bush or
low tree, in a rocky pasture or the " scrub." The eggs average
,65 X .52 of an inch, and are pure white, generally either with
delicate lilac (and a few inconspicuous light brown) markings,
which form a ring about the crown (such being those which I
have found near Boston), or with lilac, purplish, and umber
brown markings. Near Boston, one set of three or four
eggs f is laid in the first week of June.

c. The Prairie Warblers are among the smallest and most
retired of their family. They are summer residents in the
eastern United States so far to the northward as Massachu-
setts, in which State they are rather rare in the western part,
but quite common in some other parts. In certain localities
near Boston they are quite abundant from the second or third
week of May until the latter part of August. They frequent
almost exclusively rocky pasture lands and the " scrub," and
I have but once seen or heard them elsewhere, in that case
having heard their song in some shrubbery on a cultivated
estate, far from their usual haunts. Though perhaps, as Wil-
son remarks, easily approached and not shy, yet they almost
invariably shun the neighborhood of man, and live rather
solitary in pairs among the pastures where they build their
nests. There, when household duties do not interfere, they
are busied, not with such marked activity as some other

* A summer resident of southern however, it is seldom found more than

New England, very numerous in por- ten or fifteen miles from tide- water. —

tions of Connecticut and Rhode Island, W. B.

especially near the coast, and common t Sets of five eggs are by no means

locally in eastern Massachusetts, where, uncommon. — W. B.

WARBLERS. 107

Warblers, from dawn until evening, in searching among the
branches of low bushes and saplings for the small caterpil-
lars and insects upon which they feed. They do not usually
make any demonstrations if their nest is examined, but
remain quietly in the neighborhood of it until they can safely
return. They do not attempt to lead off the intruder by
feigning lameness, as many other Warblers do, especially
those who habitually build their nests on or very near the
ground.

d. Their song cannot fail to attract the attention of every
person who hears it, and who takes an interest in birds. Its
notes, resembling the syllables zee-zee-ze&-zee-%ee-zee-zee^ are ut-
tered in a very peculiar tone, and each note is a little higher
and louder than the preceding. The birds, on uttering it,
frequently depress their tail. The ordinary note of the often
silent Prairie Warblers is a chirr, ^

C. PENNSYLVANICA. CJiestnut-sided Warbler. In
southern New England, a common summer resident.*

a. About 5 1 inches long. Back, light ashy yellow, black-
streaked. Under parts, white. Wing-bars the same, gen-
erally forming one patch. Crown, yellow, bordered by white.
Lore, continuously with a line through the eye and one down
to a chestnut red patch on the side of the breast^ black.

b. The nest is usually coarser than that of the Yellowbird
(^), and contains fewer woolly materials. It is often com-
posed outwardly of narrow strips of thin bark or dried grasses,
mixed with a few bits of plant-down, and inwardly of very
fine straw, which is lined with hairs. Such is the description
of two nests before me. The nests are commonly placed from
two to eight feet above the ground in a low bush, shrub, or
sapling, and are either built in a fork or otherwise secured

* If a census could be made of the Warbler is a bird of very general

Warbler population of New England at distribution. It does not, however,

the heig-ht of the breeding- season, it is breed in pine w oorls nor in cultivated

probable that the individuals of this grounds near houses or towns, and it

species would be found to outnumber is somewhat less numerous in north-

those of any other excepting, possibly, em than in southern New England,

the Oven-bird, for the Chestnut-sided — W. B.

108 LAND-BIRDS.

(but are never pensile). The situations generally chosen are
the '' scrub-lands," or open woods in low grounds containing
bushes, vines, etc. Near Boston they are usually finished, and
contain four or five fresh eggs, about the first of June. The
eggs average .68 X .50 of an inch, and are generally white
with purplish or reddish brown spots and blotches, which are
sometimes confluent. These markings are either scattered
over the egg^ more thickly at the larger end than the other,
or are grouped in a ring about the crown. An egg of this
species in my collection is buff (darker than that of the Wood
Pewee) with a few lilac markings, but I have seen no others
like it.

c. The Chestnut-sided "Warblers are summer residents
throughout New England, but are much more abundant in the
southern parts than further to the northward. They reach
the neighborhood of Boston in the second week of May, and
pass the entire summer here. They are never gregarious, but
usually they are particularly common at the time of their
spring njigrations, when they frequent considerably the shrub-
bery and trees of cultivated estates, before retiring to their
summer haunts. Their habits at this time have often reminded
me of those of the "Yellow-rumps," for they are often much
in the air, taking flights at quite a height from the ground,
that is, from thirty to sixty feet above it. At other times
they glean quietly among the foliage of the maples, and other
budding trees, generally among the lower branches. Occa-
sionally they perform a rapid and graceful movement through
the air to seize some passing insect, or stand like a Flycatcher
to watch the flies and gnats, which they now and then secure
by darting after them. They never seek their food upon the
ground, so far as I know, and only descend to it when picking
up materials for their nests. Their haunts in summer are
chiefly pasture lands, "scrub," and open, moist woodlands,
such as contain oaks, chestnuts, and maples, and an under-
growth of bushes, vines, and saplings. I have never met
these birds in thick or dark woods, and have but once seen
their nest placed in an evergreen, it being in that instance in a
low spruce by a brookside. It is to be remembered, however.

WARBLERS. 109

that in different sections of the country birds show preference
for different kinds of land, and often vary their habits to an
extent that is surj)rising, and even confusing. Finally come
those variations in coloration, caused by climate, which have
occasioned so much discussion as to species and varieties.
All this shows that properly one man ought not to write the
natural history of other than a small tract of country, and
that, before the habits of our birds can be thoroughly known,
it will be necessary to station competent naturalists, who can
devote their whole time to making observations and accurately
noting them, at various points in the regions of the different
faiinm^ and all of whom shall work under a system and a
superintendence. This plan is not at present a feasible one,
but the advantages of it would be numerous, for the flights
of birds (particularly should ornithologists be stationed near
meteorological observation-posts) could be foretold with con-
siderable accuracy to sportsmen and other ornithologists,
who are already, however, by far too destructive.

(?. The ordinary notes of the Chestnut-sided Warbler are
a soft Uip^ a louder and harsher ^si^^, uttered in a peculiar tone,
and much like that of the Black and White " Creeper," and
a rather loud cAip. Mr. Samuels speaks of their having, " at
times, a rattling cry something like the alarm-note of the
Maryland Yellow-throat." Their song is attractive and mu-
sical, though containing but a few simple notes. One variation
resembles the syllables wee-see-iuee-see-ioee-see (each of which is
higher than the preceding, except the sixth, which is lower
than the fifth). The other common variation is almost exactly
like the song of the little Yellowbird (^), and consequently
like that of various other Warblers.

D. CASTANEA. Bay-hrecistecl Warhler. (^Autuynnal

Warbler .^) Through eastern Massachusetts a rare migrant.*

a. About 5 J inches long. Back, light ashy yellow, black-

* A late spring" and early autumn has been found breeding among the

migrant through southern New Eng- White Mountains and at several other

land, varying greatly in numbers in dif- localities in northern New England. —

ferent years, but seldom very common, W. B.
at least in eastern Massachusetts. It

110 LAND-BIRDS.

streaked. Under parts, white. Wing-bars, white, (generally)
forming one patch. Forehead and sides of head, black. Crown,
throat, and breast, chestnut (or deep chestnut red). Belly and
ear-patch, usually buff-tinged, but sometimes white. § ,with
paler chestnut than the (J .

h. The nest is rather coarsely built, and is placed in the
bough of an evergreen (usually the hemlock) from ten to
twent}^ feet above the ground. Four or five eggs (in one case
reported by Mr. Maynard, six) are laid in northern New
Hampshire and Maine in the second week of June. These
eggs average .68 X .50 of an inch, and are bluish green, with
markings of brown and lilac, generally gathered in a ring
about the crown.

c. The Bay-breasted Warblers are among the many species
who appear in Massachusetts as migrants only, and who pass
the summer in a colder climate.^^ They are, as a rule, very
rare throughout the State in s]3ring, and in autumn are never
seen here. Mr. Allen, however, in speaking of this species,
says that "in the Connecticut valley it is generally more or
less common and sometimes very abundant."

The Bay-breasted Warblers arrive here, after leaving their
winter homes in the South, in the third or fourth week of May,
and frequent the woods and trees in open lands. I have gen-
erally seen them among budding maples, which, like willows,
possess great attractions for the migrant Warblers, but I have
also seen them among pines. T^hey are extremely active, and
busily seek for their food among the branches, occasionally
fluttering before the clusters of foliage ; they are not very
shy, and usually permit a near approach.

They are rare among the White Mountains ; but Mr. May-
nard speaks of them as being the " most abundant of the
Sylvicolidm at Umbagog," * and adds that " these birds are

^^ I have since learned that specimens linger about Boston through the first

have been taken here in both June and week of June, and visit us again late

July, a in July on their way southward. —

« This, however, should not be taken W. B.

as necessarily indicating that the spe- * This Warbler, like the Cape May,

cies ever breeds in eastern Massachu- practically deserted the region about

setts, for several other northern birds Lake Umbagog, between the years 1875

WARBLERS. Ill

found in all the wooded sections of this region, where they
frequent the tops of tall trees." He thinks that they are
"confined during the breeding season to the region just north
of the White Mountains range," and makes the following
interesting remarks on their travels. "This species," says
he, " together with Geothlyins Philadelphia and Helmintho-
phaga pei^egrina^ seems to pursue a very eccentric course
during the migrations. Avoiding the Eastern and Middle
States, the majority pass along the borders of the Great
Lakes, through Ohio, southern Illinois (Ridgway), down the
Mississippi Valley, across into Texas, and so on into Mexico
and Central America, where they winter. Returning in spring
they (at least D. castanea) pursue a more southern route,
keeping along the coast as far as the New England States,
where they ascend the Connecticut Valley, generally avoiding
eastern Massachusetts."

d, " The first part of the song is like that of the Black-
poll Warbler, but it has a terminal warble similar to that
of the Redstart, to which it bears a striking resemblance,
with the exception that it is given with less energy." The
Bay-breasted Warblers are usually silent during their migra-
tions.

Note. — The above quotations from Mr. Maynard are from
his pamphlet, entitled " A Catalogue of the Birds of Coos Co.,
N. H., and Oxford Co., Me., with Annotations, etc."

E. STRIATA. ^^ Blach-polV Wai'hler. Autumnal War-
bler (f). Common migrants through Massachusetts both in
spring and autumn.*

a. About 5| inches long. (J , back streaked with oliva-
ceous Cash?) and black. Crown down to the eyes^ hlach.
Sides of the head and under parts, white. Sides of the breast

and 1879, but one or two pairs bred on of the wooded mountains of northern

a large wooded island in the lake in New England, chiefly above an eleva-

1881 . — W. B. tion of fifteen hundred feet. It breeds

* One of the most abundant and uni- also on Grand Manan and probably

versally distributed of our Warblers along more or less of the Maine coast,

during the spring and autumn migra- — W. B.
tions, and a common summer resident

112 LAND-BIRDS.

marked witli black streaks which crowd into a fine chain
running to the bill. Wing-bars and tail-blotches, white.
5 , dusky olive green above, black-streaked. Under parts,
not (usually) pure white, or very markedly streaked.

h. The nest is essentially like that of the " Black-throated
Green," though coarser. It is usually placed near the ground,
in an evergreen, and always in the thick woods. It has never
been found in Massachusetts. In northern New England it
is generally finished in the latter part of June. The eggs of
^ach set, usually four, average about .68 x .50 of an inch,
and are commonly (grayish?) white, with spots and blotches
of purplish and different browns. The blotches predomi-
nate, and are scattered over the whole o^^g. Other forms
occur.

c. The Black-poll Warblers are usually among the most
common migrants through this State to northern New England
and the countries beyond ; but, like other migrants, they vary
greatly in abundance from year to year in certain places, and
occasionally are quite rare near Boston in spring. They usu-
ally make their appearance here late in the season, and, though
I have seen them in the middle of May, they generally do not
arrive before the last week of that month, and then remain
kere, or continue to pass by, throughout the first few days of
June. They at that time frequent evergreen and hard-wood
trees indifferently, hunting for insects among both the lower
and higher branches, and occasionally seizing them in the air.
They are less gregarious than in the fall of the year, and one
often sees pairs or individuals, — much more often than when
they are returning, probably because at the time of their spring
migrations they are mated for the summer. But a very small
proportion of them pass the summer in northern New Hamp-
shire, a larger number being then resident in northern Maine
and the majority in Canada and Labrador. They affect exclu-
sively the woods and forests with a great many evergreens,
and rarely visit the lightly timbered and more open woodland.
They return to eastern Massachusetts in the last week of
September, and are commonly plentiful during a greater part
of October. They often frequent pines in preference to all

WARBLERS. 113

other trees, generally remain among the upper branches or in
the very tree-tops, and spend most of their time in snapping
up passing insects, which they sometimes take an opportunity
to do whilst moving from one tree to another.

d. The " Black-polls " have soft and loud chips^ an un-
musical ti-ill,* shorter than that of the "Chipper," and three
or four notes, suggestive of knocking pebbles together. Their
song is monotonous, weak, and unmusical. It resembles the
syllables, tsi-tsi-tsi-tsi-tsi, repeated in a nearly unvarying
tone.

[£J^. Autumnal Warbler. (See Appendix E, family
Sylvicolidce.^

I do not propose to occupy much space in discussing the
question. Are the Autumnal Warblers mentioned by Wilson,
Audubon, and Nuttall, the young of " Black-poll " or of the
Bay -breasted Warblers? I have only " Wilson's Ornithology "
at hand, and unfortunately no specimen of the bird in question.
But the weight of evidence seems to show that the bird as col-
ored and described by Wilson represents the young of the
latter ; and yet is it not possible that he may have accidentally
obtained a young Bay-breasted Warbler from among a com-
pany of "• Black-polls " ? ^^ Coues admits that the young of
the two species are so much alike as often to be indistinguish-
able. It is certain that the small Warblers seen here in Octo-
ber, which resemble the Autumnal Warblers, are young
" Black-polls," as is indicated by the fact of their abundance
and by their habits. Mr. Maynard states it as a positive
fact.t

Their note is a feeble Cedar-bird-like lisp; but Wilson
speaks of the males warbling in autumn " low, but very sweet
notes," which perhaps is a mistake. (See D, d, E^ cZ.)]

F. BLACKBURNi^. Blackhumian Warbler, Hemlock

*This, as well as the sound "of however, colored like those of the

knocking- pebbles together," is really " Black-poll," and not like those of the

one of the forms or variations of the " Bav-breast."

song. — W. B. t It is not now questioned by any

*^ The legs in Wilson's picture are, one. — W. B.

114 LAND-BIRDS.

JVarble7\ Generally not a common migrant through Massa-
chusetts, where this species occasionally breeds.*

a. About 4 J inches long. ^ , dark above. Wing-patch,
white. Head, throaty and breast^ brilliant orange^ with a
border to the crown, and a broad stripe through the eye,
black. Sides, black-streaked, and belly nearly white. 5 ?
essentially like § striata (^E) above. Superciliary line,
throat, and breast, yellow. Otherwise like (J .

b. A nest of this species, containing young, which I found
in northern New Hampshire, was placed about twenty feet
from the ground in a pine. Another, which I was so fortunate
as to find in a thick hemlock wood near Boston, was also about
twenty feet above the ground. It contained three young and a
yet unhatched egg^ which measures .65 X . 50, and resembles
the egg of the Chestnut-sided Warbler ( (7), being white, with
lilac and principally reddish brown markings, groTiped at the
larger end. Mr. Maynard thought that the '' Blackburnians "
built in the highest branches of the spruces and hemlocks, and
such is very probably their custom.

c. The male Blackburnian Warblers are the handsomest
of all their large family, for the combination of delicacy and
brilliancy in the orange of their throat is unsurpassed. It is
a curious fact that they are ajDparently much more numerous
than the females during the migrations, which is the case with
several other birds.f This phenomenon has never been satis-
factorily explained, and cannot be accounted for merely by the
superior gayety of the male's coloration. It has also been

* Breeds abundantly throughout with this Warbler, but also with many

northern NewEngland and in Berkshire — perhaps most— North American birds

and Worcester counties. Massachusetts, in which the sexes differ widely and the

sparingly and locally in eastern Massa- male alone is brilliantly colored. In-

chusetts, and occasionally (it is said) in deed, there can be little doubt that with

Connecticut. Throughout the greater some birds the males outnumber the

part of southern New England, how- females in the proportion of at least

ever, it occurs only as a migrant, fre- three or four to one. This numerical

quently common in spring, but usually, discrepancy is doubtless more or less

if not invariably, very uncommon in essential to the perpetuation of species,

autumn. — W. B. the males of which, owing to their con-

t The males are actually, as well as spicuous plumage, are exposed to un-

apparently, more numerous, not only usual dangers. — W. B.

WARBLERS. 115

observed that, when traveling, the males of many birds precede
the females, and that in winter they occasionally remain
in somewhat colder climates. ^^

The Blackburnian Warblers usually reach eastern Massa-
chusetts about the tenth of May, though I have seen them as
early as the twenty -first of April,* when I observed a pair feed-
ing upon ivy berries, the insects upon which they generally
feed not then being common. They are usually rather rare
here, and make but a brief stay among our woods and trees,
showing a fondness for pines and other evergreens. I have
seen as many as three males together, though they more often
travel singly. They do not often catch insects in the air, but
usually remain in trees at a moderate height. Mr. Allen, in
his "Notes on Some of the Rarer Birds of Massachusetts,"
says that in " some seasons they are extremely abundant at
some localities, and commonly are not rare except in particular
situations. Mr. Scott observes that for several weeks in May,
in 1866, he could remain at a single place in the woods and
shoot ten to twenty per hour." This statement has been
severely but amusingly criticised : " Several weeks must indi-
cate at least three, and had he shot ten hours a day, as he well
might have, he would in that time have shot th7'ee thousand
or more from a single place in the looods.""

An interesting anecdote, relative to these birds, has been
communicated to me by a student in the Institute of Tech-
nology. On the eleventh of May, 1875, a male of this species
fell through the ventilator in the topmost story on to the floor
of the drawing-room, stunned. He was finally placed on the
sill of an open window, from which, when revived by the fresh
air and sun, he afterward took flight.

In summer, the Blackburnian Warblers are common in
northern New England, where they inhabit woodland, par-
ticularly evergreen swamps ; but in Massachusetts they are
extremely rare, or rather accidental.

d. When together in family parties, they twitter con-

^ The fact stated in relation to their * An exceptionally early date. —
wintering has not, I believe, been well W. B.
determined.

116 LAND-BIRDS.

stantly. Their ordinary note is a cAz/9, or weak syllables like
those uttered by the Golden-crowned " Wrens," as tsee-tsee
or tsee-tsee-tsee. Their song is not very musical, though
simple and pleasing. As I have heard it in their summer
homes, it resembles the syllables wee-see-wee-see-wee-see (wee-
see-ick'). As heard in spring I may liken it to wee-see-wee-
see, tsee-tsee-tsee-tsee-tsee-tsee-tsee-tsee. The latter syllables
are on an ascending scale ; the very last is shrill and fine.

G. c^RULEA. Ccp.7mlean Warhler. Blue Warbler, It
is possible and probable that this species may occasionally
stray to Massachusetts, but I know no instance of its having
done so.*

a. 4-4 J inches long. (J , of an exquisite blue, black-
streaked. Under parts, white, with sides streaked. Wing-
bars, white. In the (unstreaked ?) $ the blue is greenish,
and the white yellowish. Superciliary line also yellowish.

h. Audubon says : " The nest is placed in the forks of a
low tree or bush, more frequently on a dogwood tree. It is
partly pensile. . . . The fibres of vines and of the stalks of
rank herbaceous plants, together with slender roots, compose
the outer part, being arranged in a circular manner. The
lining consists entirely of the dry fibres of the Spanish moss.
The female lays four or five eggs, of a pure white color, with
a few reddish spots at the larger end."

c. I have never seen the Caerulean Warblers, and I have
never known them to stray so far to the northward as Massa-
chusetts, though, indeed, reported from Nova Scotia. They
are said to prefer the deep woods, where they inhabit the
tree-tops.

d. Audubon speaks of their song as " extremely sweet
and mellow," but Mr. Ridgway says that they possess " only
the most feeble notes " (Dr. Brewer).! This is one instance

* A very rare and perhaps only aeci- t The song- is a g-uttural trill much

dental summer visitor to Connecticut like that of the Blue Yellow - backed

and Rhode Island, not known to have Warbler, and hence possessing about an

been ever taken in Massachusetts or in equal degx'ee of musical (?) merit. —

any of the more northern New Eng- W. B.
land States. — W. B.

WARBLERS. 117

among many, and a simple one, of disagreement between two
authorities (in this case, the former probably being the less
trustworthy). I have seen no less than six wholly different
descriptions of the song of one species, the name of which I
do not now remember, none of which seemed to me reliable or
satisfactory, and yet they were all written by men whom one
would naturally regard as good authoritieSo Moreover, it was
very evident that not more than one or two were descriptive
of the same notes, though the bird in question had but one
song. It is, therefore, certain that some of these authors
attributed to this bird music that it never uttered. In most
cases of the kind it is to be remembered that many birds
have two songs, many variations of one song, or a simple un-
musical chant, to which a terminal warble is added in May
or June.

H, C^RULESCENS. BlacTc-thro Cited Blue Warbler. Carv'
ada Warbler. Generally not very common during their
migrations through Massachusetts.*

a. Five inches or more long. g , slaty blue above, white
beneath. Sides of head and whole throat, continuously jet
black. Wings and tail, dark ; the former with a large white
sj)ot on the edge of the wing (at the base of the primaries)
and no bars. 5 -> above, dull olive green, blue-tinged. Below,
white or yellowish. Wing-spot characteristic, but sometimes
inconspicuous.

b. The nest is probably always built near the ground, and
most often in an evergreen.f An egg found by Mr. Bur-
roughs and described by Dr. Brewer is grayish white," marked
around the larger end with a wreath, chiefly of a bright
umber brown with lighter markings of reddish brown and
obscure purple. A few smaller dottings of the same are

* A common spring- and autumn mi- t In northern New England the nest

grant, breeding sparingly and locally in is usually built in a yew ( Taxus cana-

northern Connecticut and northern cen- densis), in Connecticut and among the

tral Massachusetts, very abundantly in mountains of Virginia and North Caro-

Berkshire County, Massachusetts, and lina in a laurel (Kalmia latifolia). —

commonly throughout most of northern W. B.
New England. — W. B.

118 LAND-BIRDS.

sparingly distributed over the rest of the egg. Its measure-
ments are .70 by .50 of an inch."

c. The Black-throated Blue Warblers are not only summer
residents in the more northern New England States, but also
in Massachusetts, where, however, they are very rare as such,
unless in the western and more mountainous portions. They
reach the neighborhood of Boston in the third week of May,
and are more common here from that date until the first of
June than at any other period of the year. They return to
the South in September, and I have seen them as late as the
last day of that month.* An instance has been reported of a
pair passing the winter in Boston, which was a most extraor-
dinary circumstance, since their usual habitat at that season is,
I believe, beyond the United States. Birds, however, often
wander, so far as direct evidence goes, more than a thousand
miles from their usual homes, sometimes perhaps intention-
ally, but more often, probably, because forced to do so in
search of food, or by adverse weather. It is generally diffi-
cult to understand their eccentric movements on land, whereas
it is easy to understand why birds who have ventured out
to sea should be compelled by winds to deviate from their
course.

When with us in spring, the " Black-throated Blues " are
to be seen generally in pairs or singly, but occasionally in small
companies of three or four, in which latter case quarrels fre-
quently arise between the males. They are very dexterous in
obtaining their insect prey ; sometimes seizing it in the air,
with the skill of a true Flycatcher, and at other times finding
it among the branches of the various trees which they frequent.
Now they twist their heads into seemingly painful postures,
the better to search the crannies in the bark or blossoms, now
spring from a twig to snap up an insect in the foliage above

* I take the last opportunity offered made near Boston, I am inclined to be-
to record an observation which I have lieve that this species is always a rather
just made (Nov. 19, 1876), that of a late migrant in fall, and that individu-
Black-throated Blue Warbler busied als may occasionally pass the winter in
in catching insects among weeds, and New England. [From the Appendix
also in some trees, where were several (p. 443) of the first edition.]
Chickadees. From other observations

WARBLERS. 119

their heads, instantly returning, and now flutter before a cluster
of opening leaves, with the grace of a Hummingbird. Occa-
sionally they descend to the ground, and are so. very tame that
once, when I was standing motionless, observing some War-
blers near me, one hopped between my feet to pick up a morsel
of food. I have often been able to make close observations
upon birds, by remaining entirely motionless and allowing
them to gather about me, and thus have accurately learned
their habits, without disturbing their happiness.

d. The ordinary note of the " Black-throated Blues " is a
simple chip^ which is sometimes closely repeated, after the
manner of the Chipping Sparrow. They have also a chatter,
employed chiefly as a battle-cry, and a loud alarm-note, resem-
bling the chuch of the Snow-bird. The males have an unmu-
sical song, the tone of which resembles somewhat that of the
Blue Yellow-back's song, or that of the Night Hawk's note,
being peculiar, and rather harsh or guttural. It usually con-
sists of three (rarely four) syllables, of which the last two are
the highest in tone and the most emphatic, and sounds like
^^ zwee-zwee-zwee.''^ It is sometimes varied and lengthened so
as to resemble the syllables [che-wee] che icee [see] wee-see
zv;ee. It is characteristic in tone, and is wholly unlike the
music of our other Warblers, with the exception of one form
of the song of the " Black-throated Green." *

/. VIRENS. Blach-tliroated Green Warbler. " Blach-
throated Green.^^ In New England a common summer resi-
dent, but " rather confined to certain districts." f

a. About five inches long. (J , olive green above. Wings
and tail, dark, with white-edged feathers ; former white-barred.
Whole side of head^ rich yellow (with occasional indistinct
markings). Throat and breast, black. § (and $ in autumn),
with the black restricted or wanting. Other under parts,
white or yellowish. Outer tail-feathers, largely white.

* The tone is still more nearly like g-inia juniper groves of southern New

that of the song- of the Golden-wing-ed Eng-land, but also very common and

Warbler. — W. B. g-enerally distributed throughout the

t A summer resident most abundant, spruce and balsam forests of Maine,

probably, in the white pine and Vir- New Hampshire, and Vermont. — W. B.

120 LAND-BIRDS.

h. The nest is usually placed in a pine, in a horizontal
fork near the end of a bough, from twenty to fifty feet above
the ground (but sometimes lower). It is finished in June,
sometimes in the first week, sometimes not until the last. It
is composed outwardly of narrow strips of thin bark, bits of
twigs from vines, dried grasses, and such odds and ends as the
birds have found convenient to employ, and inwardly of bits of
wool, feathers, and plant-down, but is generally lined with
hairs and fine shreds of vegetable substance. It is usually
small, neat, and very pretty. The eggs of each set are three
or four, and average .67 X -55 of an inch. They are commonly
(creamy) white, with reddish or umber brown, and 2^urplish
markings, grouped principally about the crown. These mark-
ings are for the most part either clear and delicate, or a little
coarse and obscure ; but the eggs are better characterized
by their shape, being rather broad in proportion to their
length.

c. I owe much to the charming little " Black - throated
Greens " for the pleasure which they have many times afforded
me ; but I know no means of requiting them, unless by writing
their biography with peculiar care.

They are summer residents throughout New England, but
are particularly common in certain parts of eastern Massachu-
setts. They prefer pines to all other trees ; but in the regions
of the Nashua and Connecticut valleys, in the North, and
whilst migrating, they are to be found in " mixed " woods, in
the former cases especially those which contain other ever-
greens. They reach Boston (which now comprises tracts of
genuine country) about the fifth of May, sometimes earlier,
but rarely much later, and, generally, for a day or two before
the middle of that month are very abundant, owing to the
migrants bound for homes in a colder climate. After these
passengers have disappeared, the " Black-throated Greens "
here confine themselves almost exclusively to groves of pine
or cedar, chiefly those in high land, and only occasionally stray
to orchards or other places, though so tame as sometimes to
visit vines growing on the piazza, where I have known them
to build their nests. They remain here throughout the summer,

WARBLERS. 121

and do not altogether disappear until the first week of Octo-
ber. They do not often catch insects in the air, except in
spring, and rarely descend to the ground, except for the sake
of taking a bath, which they do so prettily that an apprecia-
tive spectator cannot fail to enjoy it as much as the birds
themselves. They find their food principally among the
branches of the evergreens which they frequent, are con-
stantly active whilst in search of it, and never rest in the man-
ner of the Pine Warblers, who are much lazier. They gener-
ally remain in one spot for several minutes, and then fly to
another at quite a distance, seldom staying long in one group
of trees. Though active, they are not restless, as many of
their kindred are, but rather are comparatively deliberate in
their motions. There is to me a fascination in watching these
birds, as they move among the tree-tops, and a charm in listen-
ing to their drowsy notes, which (without poetical exaggera-
tion) seem to invite one, on a warm day, to lie dowu and
slumber on the pine needles that are strewn over the ground
— though to persons too practically minded, the mosquitoes
at that season permit no such repose.

d. The ordinary notes of the " Black-throated Greens '*
are numerous, being a tsip^ a chich^ which is sometimes soft
and sometimes loud, a cheeky a chuck^ which is used chiefly as
a note of alarm, and a sharp chink^ which is generally indica-
tive of distress. Their song has several variations, of which
the two most often heard are wee-see-wee-see-wee-see (in which
the middle notes are the highest) and wee-see-wee-see-see (in
which the second note is higher than the rest, the second coup-
let uttered in a lively way, and the other notes drawled out in
a manner peculiar to this species). To these simple chants a
few terminal notes are not infrequently added, which some-
times consist of a repetition, and, rarely, resemble those of the
*' Black-throated Blue's " music. These songs are very char-
acteristic ; and, if one has once heard them, he cannot often
confound them with those of other birds.

The " Black-throated Greens " are, to me, with perhaps the
exception of the Pine Warblers, the most attractive members
of their family, on account, I think, of their pleasing, familiar,

122 LAND-BIRDS.

and oft-repeated songs, which are heard from the time of their
arrival nearly throughout the summer, which form so fitting an
accompaniment to the whisperings of the pines, and to which
I am never weary of listening. Another reason, however, is
that they show a fondness for the pines as great as my own,
though, no doubt, from very different motives. The majesty
of those trees, their gracefulness, their freshness throughout
the year ; their beauty in summer, when, after a hard shower,
the light of the setting sun breaks upon them ; their beauty in
winter, when their branches are loaded, many to the ground,
with snow, or when they are covered with glittering ice ; their
whisperings in the breezes of spring and summer, their sighing
and whistling in the southern gales, and finally their odor,
combine to render them the finest, I think, of all our forest
trees.

e/. viGORSii. Pine Warbler. (^Pine-tree Warbler,^
Pine-creeping Warbler. (" Pine Creeper.'''') A common
summer resident in the pine tracts of Massachusetts.*

a. ^hr^ inches long. Upper parts, olive. Belly and two
wing-bars, white. Superciliary line, throat, and breast, bright
yellow. 5 , duller, often with little yellow below. In both
sexes, "tail-blotches confined to tico outer pairs of tail
feathers^ large^ oblique.^''

b. The nest is usually to be found in the same situation,
and is otherwise essentially like that of the " Black-throated
Green " (/).t Though generally finished in the last week of
May, it has been found in the earlier part of the month. The
eggs of each set are usually four, and average .67X.'52 of an

* The distribution of the Pine War- and balsam forests which cover so much

bier in New England is practically if of the interior of northern New Eng-

not very strictly coextensive with that land. — W. B.

of the pitch pine {Pinus rigida). It is t The nest of the Pine Warbler is
a very common summer bird in eastern usually built near the end of a branch
Massachusetts, especially on Cape Cod, among the pine needles by which it is
and extends to the northward and east- well concealed, whereas the Black-
ward on or near the coast as far, at least, throated Green Warbler ordinarily
as Mount Desert, but it is very rare in chooses a stout fork or limb well with-
Berkshire County, Massachusetts, and in the body of the tree. — W. B.
apparently wanting in the great spruce

WARBLERS. 123

inch. They are white, with purplish and brown markings, or
fine markings of three shades of brown, sprinkled chiefly at
the " great end."

c. The Pine Warblers have a very extensive breeding-
range, and are probably to be found in summer throughout
New England, in the pine-wooded districts. They are the first
of their family to reach the Eastern States in spring, and I
have seen them near Boston on the first of April. They usu-
ally, however, arrive here in the first or second week of that
month, and return to the South in the latter part of September,
occasionally lingering until the middle of October. Except
in the summer season, they are often more or less gregarious,
and associate with the " Red-polls " (Z>. 2Kdmariim liyi^o-
chrysea) and " Yellow-rumps." Moreover, in winter, spring,
and fall, they find much of their food upon the ground, like the
other Warblers that I have just mentioned, particularly the
former. They derive their name of "Pine Creepers" from
the fact that they occasionally cling to the trunks of trees,
and that they can move along the horizontal limbs with ease
and activity; but I have never known them to progress in
the manner of the Creepers or Woodpeckers.

Their habits in summer do not differ very essentially from
those of the " Black-throated Greens." At that season, and
more particularly at the time of their migrations in April, they
may be found in woods of various kinds ; but they have a most
marked preference for pine woods and groves, from which they
occasionally ramble to near orchards. They do not often catch
insects in the air, but generally seek them among the higher
branches ; and it is often difficult to discover their whereabouts
— the more so that seemingly they are capital ventriloquists.
They have always seemed to me quiet and rather indolent, and
remarkably attentive to their dress. I have sometimes seen
them pause, for at least fifteen minutes, to smooth their feath-
ers or to rest, every minute " drawling out " their sweet note
quite mechanically. At other times they are very active, and
it is then impossible to keep sight of them for any great length
of time. As I have observed males, both in spring and sum-
mer, who apparently had neither mates nor nests, I think it

124 LAND-BIRDS.

quite certain that there are bachelors among birds.^i The
Pine Warblers are not only extremely useful in protecting
our evergreens, but are also very charming, partly, no doubt,
because there is a spice of " something " in their character
which we cannot altogether sanction from a moral point of
view.

d. Their note is as deliciously drowsy as that of the
" Black- throated Green," but is not so often repeated, though
heard both earlier and later in the year. It is apparently a
delicately trilled whistle, but really a series of fine notes, as is
proved by the fact that the birds open and shut their bills
whilst emitting the sound. It closely resembles one of the
Snow-bird's whistles, and also the trill of the Swamp Spar-
row. The Pine Warblers have also a cAip, and a few weak
notes, such as chip-a-see, and we-chee-we-chee-ive-chee^ which
are not very expressive, or often heard.

IT. PALMARUM HYPOCHRYSEA. ^^ Red - polV WaMer.
Palm Warbler. " Yellow Med-poll.^'' A common migrant
through Massachusetts.*

a. About five inches long. Dull olive above, (obsoletely)
streaked. Crown, reddish crimson (or " chestnut "). Beneath,
yellow, inconspicuously streaked on the breast with bright
reddish brown. Tail-feathers with a few white blotches. (De-
tails omitted.)

h. The nest is said to be placed on the ground, usually in
a swampy locality. The eggs of each set are four (?) ; average
about .70 X '^^ of an inch ; and are (creamy) white, with
purplish, faint lilac, and reddish brown markings, chiefly at
the larger end.

c. The Yellow " Red-polls " pass the summer in the north,
almost entirely beyond the limits of New England, and the

^1 There is other evidence that such only as a common spring and autumn

is undoubtedly the case. An interest- migrant, but it breeds sparingly and

ing article on the subject has been writ- locally in eastern Maine, and rather

ten by Mr. Abbott of New Jersey. commonly and generally in New Bruns-

* Throughout most of New England wick and Nova Scotia. — W. B.
the Yellow Red poll Warbler occurs

WARBLERS. 125

winter in the South, and consequently appear in Massachusetts
as migrants only. They are usually common near Boston
in the latter part of April and the first week of May, as
well as in the latter part of September and sometimes the
earlier part of October. Their favorite haunts are swamps and
their neighborhoods, but they also frequent " scrub," hedge-
rows, plowed lands, gardens, and orchards. They almost
invariably gather in loose flocks, and often associate with
other Warblers, and with various Sparrows. They are much
more terrestrial in their habits than any of their immediate
relations (i. e., the Dendroicoe) and always are on or not
very far from the ground. They fly quite gracefully, and are
nimble when on the ground or when moving from branch
to branch in a bush or tree. Their most noticeable habit,
and the one which best distinguishes them from the rest of
their family, is that of flirting their tails, almost exactly as
the common Pewee does. They do this particularly when
on their perches, from which they often fly directly to the
ground to seize some small insect or seed which, while perched
above, they have spied in the grass, or perhaps on the bare
earth.

As I have mentioned the food of this species, perhaps it
will not be amiss to speak of that of this large family in gen-
eral, the Warblers, and of their usefulness to man. Though
certain kinds often eat seeds (generally those of the pine or of
weeds), and others partake of small berries in spring and au-
tumn^ a majority feed exclusively upon insects. These insects
include the smaller caterpillars, various small winged insects,
in one case particularly those insects which infest the bark of
trees, and which the Nuthatches do so much to exterminate,
and, more generally, those which frequent the foliage and blos-
soms, epecially at the time of the spring migrations. They
often include, moreover, spiders, but rarely the beetles ; in the
destruction of the latter, larger birds are more efficacious.
Thus, though many Warblers are neutral in regard to the agri-
cultural, and what are often considered the most important,
interests of man, none, so far as I know, do him any injury,
whereas many greatly benefit him in the preservation of our

126 LAND-BIRDS.

orchard trees, our shade trees, our evergreens, and even our
shrubbery and garden plants. Though not, I trust, altogether
useless, the above remarks seem almost unnecessary, as very
fortunately the Warblers have never, I believe, been perse-
cuted.

d. The ordinary notes of the Yellow " Ked-polls " are a
chip^ which sometiuies is closely repeated several times, and a
chuck, which is less loud than that of the Snow-birds, but much
more mellow. They have also in spring a few expressive twit-
ters, a few rather weak musical notes, and their true song-note,
which is a whistled trill, less sweet and smooth than that of
the Pine Warbler. It is possible that in their summer homes
these birds i3roduce a fuller song, but I have no evidence of
it. I am, moreover, inclined to think that they never siiig
very agreeably.

X. CORONATA. Yellow-rumped Warhler. " Yellow-
rump,^'' " Myrtle Birciy " Willow Warhler.''^ A very
common migrant through Massachusetts.*

a. About 5| inches long. $ , in spring and summer, slaty ;
black-streaked. Wings, browner, and concealing the rump,
when closed. Throat and belly, white. Crown, rump, and
a patch on the side of the breast, bright yellow. Wing-bars,
etc., white. $ , in fall and winter, and $ , generally browner,
with less pure colors. Young, brown above, and white below,
with a few slender side-streaks sometimes extending across the
breast ; rump, yellow. Various intermediate stages of color-
ation also exist.

b. '• The nest is usually placed in a bush, is constructed of
various soft materials, and is lined with horsehairs, down, or
some other suitable material." Mr. Maynard speaks of nests
found in northern Maine in early June, all of which "con-
tained four fresh eggs," as being built in low spruces about

* In southern New England an abun- the coast as far as Scarboro, Maine. It

dant early spring- and late autumn mi- breeds commonly in parts of Worcester

g-rant, also found reg-ularly in winter, and Berkshire counties, Massachusetts,

often in large numbers, throughout and throughout most of northern New

southern Connecticut, on Cape Cod. and England. — W. B.
at various localities northward along

WARBLERS. 127

four feet from the ground, and constructed of hemlock twigs,
lined with feathers. A nest which I found in northern New
Hampshire was somewhat different, and contained three eggs,
which were white, marked with purplish and brown, and aver-
aged .68 X .50 of an inch. Dr. Brewer describes others as
measuring about .75 X -^^ of an inch, and being white, or
often bluish, " blotched and spotted with reddish brown,
purple, and darker shades of brown."

c. The *' Yellow-rumps " are among the most abundant
of all the migrants who travel through Massachusetts, being
always very common here at times between the twentieth of
April and the last of May, and again in the latter part of Sep-
tember and in October. They pass the summer principally
in Labrador and Canada, and also to a certain extent in the
White Mountain region, and northern Maine ; but I know
no well-authenticated instance of their passing it in this State.
I have, however, known them to pass the winter here, though
usually at that season they inhabit the most southern United
States and even warmer climates. I have several times, in
December and January, found them near Boston, in swamps,
where they were feeding upon the berries, and also among
cedars.^^

Whilst here in spring, they are to be found on the road-
sides, in swamps, in pastures, in " scrub-land," and amongst
the trees and shrubbery of cultivated estates, but rarely in
woods, though in northern New England such are their sum-
mer haunts. They generally move about in flocks, often very
loose ones, inclusive of immature specimens in various stages
of coloration. They prefer the orchard and hard-wood trees
to the pines, and usually take their perch among the latter to
look out for passing insects. They more generally frequent
the higher than the lower branches, and from these fly to snap
up insects in the air, usually at some distance, afterwards
often alighting in another tree. At other times, unlike the
Flycatchers, they glean among the branches and look for in-
sects among: the foliao^e and blossoms. In autumn their habits
are essentially the same, except that they are more upon the

^2 Mr. Charles C Abbott states that they pass the winter in New Jersey.

128 LAND-BIEDS.

gTOund, feed more upon berries, sometimes those of house-
vines, aud show a greater liking for hedge-rows and like
places, where they often associate with the " Yellow Red-
polls " or with the Sparrows. They may generally be dis-
tinguished at a distance by their habit of being much in the
air, and of taking long flights (as compared with those of
other Warblers) at quite a height above the ground.

d. The " Yellow-rumps " have a soft cAi/>, and a loud check
or chuck (which sometimes is softened to chwp). I have often
heard them sing in May, throughout the day, much like the
Purple Finch, but without the richness, fullness, continuity, or
melodiousness of that bird's music, especially if heard from
a near standpoint. This song is often varied, and sometimes
has reminded me of certain of the Maryland Yellow-throats'
notes. In October I have once or twice heard the " Yellow-
rumps " utter a warble, which was soft, sweet, and very rich.

JSL MACULOSA. Black and Yellow Warbler, ""Magnolia
Warhler.^^ A rather rare migrant through Massachusetts.*

a. About five inches long. Dark above. Hump, yellow.
Crown, ashy (blue?). Forehead and a broad bar through
the eye, black. Under parts, yellow ; breast, black-streaked.

Wing-patch, etc., white. $ , with head -markings and streaks
less distinct.

b. The nest is usually built in a low spruce, often near a
path through the woods, three or four feet from the ground,
and is finished in the first week of June. (A second is some-
times built about the first of July.) It is composed outwardly
of pine needles, hemlock twigs, or the like, and is lined with
horsehairs or the black fibres of a certain moss. The eggs
average .63 X -50 of an inch, and are white, with lilac and
brown, or umber brown, markings, often forming a ring about
the crown. Some eggs of this species that I found in north-
ern New Hampshire are clouded at the larger end with obscure

* A late spring and early autumn of Worcester and Berkshire counties,
migrant through southern New Eng- Massachusetts, and throughout north-
land, often commou and at times abun- em New England. — W. B.
dant. It breeds plentifully in portions

WARBLERS. 129

lilac and three shades of a beautiful, bright, but peculiar
brown.

c. The Black and Yellow Warblers perhaps are, with the
exception of the Blackburn ian Warblers, the handsomest of
their family, and therefore it is to be regretted that they are in
Massachusetts only for a short time in the latter part of May,
being even then not common. They arrive here about the
middle or twentieth of that month, and linger for a few days ;
but, after having passed the summer in the woods of Canada,
northern New Hampshire, and Maine, they return to the
South by an inland route, avoiding this State, or at least the
eastern part of it. Whilst here, they frequent woods, trees,
and shrubbery of various kinds, particularly spruces, gener-
ally in pairs or singly. They do not exliibit so many traits of
the Flycatchers as several other Warblers do, but usually catch
insects in the air only as they move from one tree to another.
They generally alight among the lower branches, to which
chiefly they confine themselves, and among which, as well as
about the blossoms, they industriously search for insects and
their eggs.

d. The song of the Black and Yellow Warblers is sweet
and musical. It is sometimes rather soft, vividly recalling the
song of the Yellowbird (and allied songs), and less so that
of the " Yellow-rump," being to a certain extent like both.
At other times, it is louder, and again like that of the Yellow-
bird (Z). cestiva'), with additional musical notes. The ordi-
nary notes of these birds are a tsip^ a cry of tsip-tsip-tsip, a
soft and loud chip^ a chick or chink like that of the Rose-
breasted Grosbeak, and an anh., which recalls the similar note
of the " Golden Robin." Unfortunately, of all these numer-
ous sounds not one is distinctively characteristic of these
Warblers, who are somewhat shy ; but fortunately, on the
other hand, bright colors cannot always be concealed.

This species is the last of the twelve Dendroicce who inva-
riably visit Massachusetts every year, and five of whom com-
monly breed here. The birds of this genus (^Dendroicd) are
in many ways the most charming members of the feathered
creation, being prettily and brightly colored, and extremely

130 LAND-BIRDS.

graceful and dexterous in their motions. Their songs, though
never very striking or brilliant, are simple, pleasing, and mu-
sical, and their nests and eggs are models of beauty. In
addition to these charms, these birds are extremely useful,
and do much to protect our trees and shrubs from the inju-
ries of caterpillars and the numerous winged insects that
infest them.

XL SYLVANIA.

A. CANADENSIS. Canada " F'lycatcher.''' Canada Fly-
catching Warbler. A summer resident in northern New Eng-
land, but rare in Massachusetts, except as a migrant.*

a. 5-5 J inches long. In general appearance like the Black
and Yellow Warbler (X, J/), but with no white on the wings
and tail. (J , ashy blue above of a curious tint, and bright
yellow beneath. Crown almost streaked with black. Super-
ciliary line, yellow. Throat bordered by a black line, from
the bottom of which black streaks (often wholly inconspicu-
ous) run down the breast. $ , with the blue impure and
black restricted.

h. The nest is usually placed on the ground, in swampy
woodland. In eastern Massachusetts four or five eggs are
laid about the first of June. These eggs average .68 X .50 of
an inch, and are white, generally clouded delicately at the
larger end with brown and lilac.

c. The Canada '' Flycatchers " are common summer resi-
dents in the woods of northern New England ; but in Mas-
sachusetts, though their nests have been found, for instance, at
Lynn, they are rare except as migrants.f They arrive at Bos-
ton on the twentieth of May, or even later, and I have observed
them here traveling as late as the fifth of June. During their

* In most parts of southern New Eng- counties, and universally throughout

land the Canadian Warbler is seen only northern New England. — W. B.

during the migrations, when it is usu- t In the region about Boston they

ally rather common, but it breeds spar- are now known to breed regularly, but

inglyandlocallyinConnecticut and east- only in small numbers, in the towns of

em Massachusetts, very generally and Milton, Dedham, Lincoln, Bedford,

rather numerously in the more elevated and Concord. — W. B.
portions of Worcester and Berkshire

WARBLERS. 131

visits, which are individually brief, they frequent woodland,
often that which is swampy, though also dry pines, and the
shrubbery in or near it. Occasionally they venture to gardens
and shrubbery near houses ; but they are naturally fond of re-
tired or even secluded spots. They journey singly or in pairs,
and are never gregarious, nor often very numerous in any one
place. Among the White Mountains they frequent those for-
ests where the undergrowth of ferns and living plants, and the
entanglement of moss-covered logs and stumps, are both so
rich.

The Canada Warblers are very active, occasionally alighting
on the ground, and almost invariably keeping near it, and
move among the shrubbery from one low branch to another,
continually catching insects in the air. They occasionally run
over fences or walls with great ease, and, in fact, in all their
motions exhibit grace and agility. They are not very shy, and
suffer a near approach to inquisitive persons. When, however,
their nest is approached, they become vigilant and anxious,
particularly the males, who plainly show their distress. These
latter, in such cases, often fly about among the branches above
one's head at quite a distance from the ground, emitting their
notes of complaint, but at other times, mindful of household
cares, continue to collect insects among the bushes and lower
limbs of the surrounding trees. I remember watching one,
who in fifteen minutes, during my presence, collected as many
moths and caterpillars, continually uttering his loud cliuck^
and yet I could not find his nest, so well did he avoid indicat-
ing its immediate whereabouts. I have known Catbirds, in
a like way, to sing even while holding in their bills a worm,
or perhaps material for their nests : it certainly seems a diffi-
cult performance.

d. The Canada " Flycatchers " have a very sweet and
agreeable song, which unfortunately is not often to be heard
here. It is simple, like those of the other Warblers, but is
rather more pleasing than those of the Yellowbird or Red-
start, which it usually resembles. Their ordinary notes are a
soft and loud cAip, and a chuck^ which is almost exactly like
that of the Maryland " Yellow-throat."

132

LAND-BIRDS.

B. PUSILLA.^^ Green Blaok-eapited (^Flycatching War-
bler or) " Flycatcher'^ ( Wilson s) " Black-cap,^' A migrant
through eastern Massachusetts in spring.*

a. Five inches long, or less. Olive above. Bright yellow
beneath. Crown, black; but in 5 obscure, or simply olive.
Forehead, yellow.

5. The nest is built in a bush or shrub, and near the
ground. The eggs average .63X .48 of an inch, and are white,
marked with reddish brown at the larger end.f

c. Dr. Brewer says that the " Wilson's Black-cap is found
throughout the United States from ocean to ocean, J and as far
north as Alaska and the Arctic shores, where, however, it is
not common." I know no instance of these birds passing the
summer so far to the southward as New England, though they
may occasionally do so. They are quite common in eastern
Massachusetts between the tenth and the last of May ; but I

53 The Hooded Warbler (S. mitrata)
never, so far as I know, strays to Massa-
chusetts or any part of New England,
though vaguely reported to do so." I
have, therefore, omitted it. Descrip-
tion : 5 or more inches long. Olive
above, andbright yellow beneath. Tail-
feathers with a few white blotches.
Male ^vith head black, except on the
sides and forehead, which are golden
yellow. The Small-headed Flycatcher
(Muscicapa minuta) is an entirely apoc-
ryphal species.

« The Hooded Warbler has been
since taken in eastern Massachusetts,
but it is not known to occur regularly
north of Comiecticut, in the extreme
southern portions of which, along the
shores of the Sound and for a short
distance up the valley of the Connect-
icut River, it is. In many localities, a
really abundant bird, nesting both in
swamps and on hillsides, chiefly in
thickets of the mountain laurel {Kal-
mia latifolia). — W. B.

* A late spring and early autumn
migrant, usually rather common. It
has been found breeding in the extreme

northeastern part of Maine, but is ap-
parently absent from the greater por-
tion of northern New England during
the summer season. — W. B.

t Mr. Minot afterwards found a nest
of this species in Colorado. It was in
a bushy swamp '' on the ground, imder
a low, spreading branch of dwarf wil-
low, and beneath an almost natural
archway of dry grasses, opening towards
the south. It was composed outwardly
of shreds loosely set in a hollow, and
inwardly of fine grass-stalks, with a
few hairs. It measured 21 inches across
inside, by half as much m depth. The
eggs were five in number, about 0.60 X
0.50 in size, and dull whitish in color,
thickly freckled with dark rusty brown
and some slight lilac markings, and
with some blotches at the larger end, —
in three cases on the crown, and in two
about it." (New England Bird Life,
I, p. 172.)— W. B.

X The bird, which inhabits the Pa-
cific slope of the United States, is now
regarded as a distinct subspecies, to
which the nsimepileolata has been given.
— W. B.

WARBLERS. 133

have never seen them at other times of the year. They fre-
quent singly, or in pairs, woods, thickets, and the neighbor-
hood of streams and water. They usually, but not always,
remain near the ground among the bushes and shrubbery, often
snapping up insects in the air, and even seeming to turn sum-
mersaults. They are constantly active, and are among the
busiest of our transient visitors.

d. Their song is much like an extension of the Redstart's
notes, and not unlike the song of the common Yellowbird (i>.
cestivd)^ though rather less pretty. They have also a chip (a
chuck f ) and some harsh notes, resembling the syllables zee-zee-
zee-zee^ of which the latter are the lower in tone.

XII. SETOPHAGA.

A, RUTiciLLA. Eeclstart, In the greater part of New
England a common summer resident.*

a. About t)\ inches long. $ , lustrous black. Sides of
the breast, patches on the wing, and basal half of the tail-
feathers, except the middle pair, flame-color, or in some places
nearly vermilion. Belly, white. § , greenish above, and white
beneath. Vermilion of the male simply yellowish. Wings
and tail elsewhere dark (the latter from below seeming almost
black-tipped, but otherwise yellowish). The female is rather
a nondescript in appearance.

h. The nest is placed in a fork, sometimes next to the
trunk, in a low tree or shrub, from five to twenty feet above
the ground. It is composed of thin strips of bark, dried
grasses, caterpillar's silk and other soft materials, and is some-
times lined with horsehairs. The four or five f 6ggs of each
set usually average .Qk> X .50 of an inch, and are white, with
purple or lilac, and brown (not very dark), scattered quite
thickly at the larger end and thinly at the other. They can
generally be easily distinguished.

c. The Redstarts are familiar to all the ornithologists of
New Eugland, though much less common in many northern

* A very common summer resident rare and occasionally altogether want-
of the whole of New England excepting ing. — W. B.

the higher mountains, where it is often t Sets of five eggs are very seldom

found. — W. B.

134 LAND-BIRDS.

and western localities than in other parts, where they are the
most common of the woodland Warblers. They are summer
residents throughout the northeastern United States, but they
pass the winter in a warmer climate. They reach Massachu-
setts between the fifth and tenth of May, and leave it in the
early part of September ; but, except in spring, when I have
seen three or four together on their arrival, I have never ob-
served them to be at all gregarious. They frequent woods and
groves of various sorts, but generally avoid isolated trees and
shrubbery. Occasionally, however, they approach the ground,^
though they usually remain at some distance from it, often at
a great height. During their residence here, they never wan-
der far, and never take other than very short flights. They
are, however, continually catching small flies, gnats, and mos-
quitoes in the air. They also search for them among the
branches, in the manner of the Vireos, and their handsome
tail, outspread, then shows to great advantage. They are
more wonderfully active and dexterous than most other War-
blers, renowned as they all are for their industry and skill.

The male Redstarts, inclusive of the young in various
stages, who, for a long time, much resemble the females,
are more abundant than the opposite sex, and consequently,
though otherwise peaceful, they often have occasion in May
to quarrel for the possession of the females. Though easily
caused to desert their nests, they possess great conjugal and
parental affection, as do nearly all the more highly organized
birds. Inclination to desertion varies with individuals more
than with species, but is widely different among the several
families and orders.

d. The song of the Redstarts is simple and pleasing, but
constantly varied. Sometimes it is merely a rather shrill che-
wee-o or cJie-ivee-o-ioee-o. at other times it is che-icee-see-icee-see-
wee^ or a soft wee-see-wee-see-wee, much like the song of the
Yellowbird (Z>. cestivd), and again a series or repetition of a
few gentle notes which form an indefinite song.

The Redstarts have also a soft cAy;, which is often repeated

5* I have since observed that the female obtains much food for her young
from the ground.

WAflBLERS. 136

in the manner of a Snow-bird, a loud cTiip^ a chick^ and a few
miuor notes of no importance.

XIII. ICTERIA.

A, viRENS. Yellow - breasted Chat. Chat, In New
England of rare occurrence, and in the three southern States
only.*

a. Seven inches long. Above, bright olive green. Throat
and breast, rich yellow. Belly, and superciliary line, white.
Lore, black.

h. The nest is composed of leaves, grasses, strips of bark,
etc., and is placed in a thicket, bush, or brier. The eggs aver-
age about 1. X-80 of an inch, and are white, sometimes with
reddish brown and obscure lilac spots sprinkled over the sur-
face (often more thickly about the crown), and sometimes with
rather faint lilac blotches only (which are occasionally confined
almost entirely to the smaller end), — these being the two
extremes of coloration.

c. Of the remarkable Yellow-breasted Chats I shall here
make but brief mention, since they have never fallen under my
personal observation, and because of their very rare occur-
rence in New England. I have never seen them near Boston,
and I know but two instances of their capture here. They
reach Pennsylvania " about the first week in May," and inhabit
"close thickets of hazel, brambles, vines, and thick under-
wood." During the mating-season they perform the most ex-
traordinary antics in the air, often at night.

d. While so doing, and at other times, they utter a great
variety of extraordinary sounds, some of which are musical
whistles, and others '' like the barking of young puppies," " the
mewing of a cat," or equally peculiar noises. Wilson, from
whom I have already quoted, says that " all these are uttered
with great vehemence, in such different keys, and with such
peculiar modulations of voice, as sometimes to seem at a

* An abundant summer resident of at least regularly. Throughout the

southern Connecticut, and rather com- remainder of Massachusetts it is, gen-

mon, also, in certain portions of Essex erally speaking, a rare bird. It has

County, Massachusetts, to the north- been found breeding in two places in

ward of which it is not known to occur, Berksliire County. — W. B.

136 LAND-BIRDS.

considerable distance and instantly as if just beside you ; now
on this hand, now on that." Wilson's biography of this bird
is extremely interesting, but unfortunately too long for tran-
scription.*

§ 10. The TANAGRID^, or Tanagers, form a brilliant
group, intermediate between the Finches and Warblers (see
fio-. 5). They have nine primaries, and scutellate tarsi. All
the North American species are characterized more or less
plainly by a tooth in the middle of the commissure. The
Scarlet Tanager may be considered a type. They have been
called " dentirostral Finches," but, on the other hand, are
closely allied to the Warblers through the Chats.

The Icteriinm^ however, are distinguished as follows from
the Taiiagers and all other Warblers, except GeoMypes :
wings about equal in length to the tail. They differ from
Geothlypes in having an unnotched, unbristled bill, which is
not more than twice as long as high, if as much ; also in size,
being larger than any of the true Warblers. " They are rep-
resented in the United States virtually by one species only."

The Am2)elidce (§ 12) are in New England represented only
by the Amjyelince, or Waxwings. This subfamily should, per-
haps, stand near the Clamatores (to whom the Corvidce bear
no direct affinity), but their true position has not yet been de-
termined. They are usually placed next to the Swallows, whom
they resemble in the scutellate tarsi, and in the bill, which is
broad, and only about half as long as the commissure. (See
§ § T, U, of the Introduction.) They have, however, ten

* To the accounts of the Warblers, the ground, and, moreover, have been

it may be added that several Orang^e- found exceptionally among- the White

crowned Warblers have now been ob- Mountains, at Bethlehem ; that the

tained in Massachusetts (for which in- Hooded Warbler has been definitely

formation I am chiefly indebted to Mr. reported from Connecticut ; and that

H. A. Purdie) ; that the Blackburnian the Yellow-breasted Chats are reported

Warblers are considered by a friend, to be common summer residents at

rather to the contrary of my own ob- Ovster Bav, Long- Island, where Blue-

servations, to be very expert fly-catch- birds winter, and where Cedar-birds

ers, and that I have seen them near Bos- have been seen in autumn in flocks of

ton on the tenth of October ; that the more than a hundred. [From the Ap-

Prairie Warblers sometimes feed upon pendix (p. 443) of the first edition.]

TANAGERS.

13T

primaries, of which the first is spurious, and a notch in the
bill. They are also crested, and in full plumage have curious
wax-like appendages to certain quills, "and sometimes the
tail-feathers " (pi. 1, figs. 10 and 11). They show an affinity
to the Flycatchers, in their eminent skill in fly-catching,'^ as
occasionally displayed, and in their want of musical powers,
for, though absurdly called " chatterers," they are notably
silent birds. Moreover, " their tarsus is not strictly oscine."
They are gregarious. The common Cedar-bird may be taken
as a type.

I. PIRANGA.

A. ERYTHROMELAS. Scarht Tanagev. Though locally
distributed, a generally common summer resident in southern
New England.*

Fig-. 5. Scarlet Tanag-er. (|)

a. About 7^ inches long. g , scarlet ; winsfs and tail
black. 5 <> olive green above ; below, (o-reenish) yellow.

h. The nest is loosely constructed of straws, twiors, etc.,
and is usually placed from ten to thirty feet above the ground.

^^ It is to be remembered, however,
that the birds of many families are very
skillful in preving- upon insects in the
air, scarcely less so than the true Fly-
catchers.

* A. shimmer resident of the whole
of New England, very common in most

localities south of the northern border
of Massachusetts, but fonnd onlv spar-
inglv and to some extent locallv in the
coniferous forests of northern Maine,
New Hampshire, and Vermont. — W.
B.

138 LAND-BIRDS.

generally in an oak wood, but sometimes in an orchard or in
evergreens. Here three or four eggs are laid about the first
of June, averaging .90 X .65 of an inch (though I have a speci-
men measuring 1.10 X .70 of an inch). They are strongly
like the eggs of the Swainson's Thrush (1, I, Z>), being light
greenish blue, with usually rather faint (but sometimes thick
and strong) markings of umber brown, sometimes replaced by
purplish.

c. The gaudy Scarlet Tanagers are summer residents
throughout the eastern United States, but are rare in northern
New England and Canada, beyond which they never (?) go.
They reach eastern Massachusetts in the second or third week
of May, and leave it in September, but during their stay here
are rather confined to localities. They frequent orchards, and
groves of chestnuts, oaks, and nut-trees, often showing a pref-
erence for swampy woods if not too thick. They feed upon
the larger winged insects, upon caterpillars, upon seeds and
berries, and so never have occasion to be much on the ground.
They often arrive in pairs, but at other times appear in small
parties of three or four, mating later, after the males have
fought the quarrels incident to the period of courtship. In
the latter part of May they build their loosely constructed
nests, and the females lay their eggs, the incubation of which
occupies them about thirteen days, — the usual period of incu-
bation among most of the insessoriaii birds. In this stage of
their household duties, the wonderful wisdom everywhere dis-
played in nature is peculiarly noticeable. The brilliantly
colored males carefully avoid the nest, and approach it, when
necessary, with caution and stealth, fearful of betraying its
presence ; whereas the females, with their plain coloration as-
similated to the surrounding foliage, sit upon it with safety,
and care for their young. If, however, the nest is actually
invaded or hostilely approached, the males show themselves,
with their plumage in bold and rich contrast to the green
leaves ; and I have known them to carry off the eggs, — how,
I cannot positively say. I have known several instances of
birds removing even their young, though in many it seemed
almost impossible for them to do so. In the case of the

TANAGERS. 139

Scarlet Tanagers, to whicli I have just referred, one could
plainly see their eggs from the ground through the bottom of
the nest, which was frailly composed of straw. During my
ascent of the tree, without disturbing the branch in which the
nest was placed, I observed the parents several times return-
ing, and, upon my arrival at a point from which I could look
into the nest, I found it empty. A careful search disclosed
no pieces of broken shell or traces of the yolk on the lower
branches, or on the ground, directly below. The eggs were
undoubtedly conveyed to a place of safety, but whether ever
returned or successfully hatched, I do not know.

d. The Scarlet Tanagers have an agreeable song or whis-
tle, which reminds one of the Robin's music, or the finer and
delicious music of the Rose-breasted Grosbeak ; but it differs
from both in having a certain harshness. Their ordinary
note is a pensively uttered chip-churi\ which is often intro-
duced so as to interrupt their warble. Such other notes as
they may have, I do not now recall.

B. RUBRA. Summer JRed-hird. Of very rare occurrence
in Massachusetts, being for the most part an inhabitant of
the Southern States.*

a. 7|~8 inches long. $ , vermilion. J , like $ erythro-
melas (^), but duller, and with brownish rather than gTcen-
ish shades. (Coues.)

5. '* The nest is usually built on one of the lower limbs of
a post-oak, or in a pine sapling, at a height of from six to
twenty feet above the ground." ^^ The eggs average about .90
X .^^ of an inch, and are of " a bright light shade of emerald
green, spotted, marbled, dotted, and blotched with various
shades of lilac, brownish purple, and dark brown." (Dr.
Brewer.)

c. The Summer Red-birds have been taken in Massachu-
setts but a very few times, though they have wandered so far

* Although a g-ood many Summer breeding within our limits, nor does it

Red-birds have been taken in New visit us with any apparent regularity.

England, especially in Massachusetts — W. B.

and Connecticut, the species does not ^ This statement is made on the au-

appear to have been as yet found thority of the late Dr. Gerhardt.

140 LAND-BIRDS.

to the north as Nova Scotia. Wilson says of this species
that " its manners . . . partake very much of those of the
Flycatcher ; for I have frequently observed both male and
female, a little before sunset, in parts of the forest clear of
underwood, darting after winged insects, and continuing thus
eno-ao-ed till it was almost dusk." " The food of these birds
consists of various kinds of bugs, and large black beetles. In
several instances I have found the stomach entirely filled with
the broken remains of bumblebees. During the season of
whortleberries they seem to subsist almost entirely on these
berries ; but in the early part of the season on insects of the
above description."

d. '' The note of the male is a strong and sonorous whis-
tle, resembling a loose trill or shake on the notes of a fife,
frequently repeated ; that of the female is rather a kind of
chattering, approaching nearly to the rapid pronunciation of
chicky-tucky-tuck, chicky-tiichy-tuch, when she sees any person
approaching the neighborhood of her nest. She is, however,
rarely seen, and usually mute, and scarcely to be distinguished
from the color of the foliage at a distance."

Having never seen the Red-birds alive, I have no further
remarks to make upon their habits.

§ 11. The HIRUNDINID^, or Srvallows, may be distin-
guished from all our other birds by the following combined
features. Tail-feathers twelve ; primaries nine ; tarsi short
and scutellate ; bill broad, low, short, and with the culmen
(or upper outline) only half as long as the gape, which ex-
tends to the longitude of the eye. They have remarkably
long wings, conformably to their mode of life and " constant
aerial activity." Most of our species have a highly metallic
lustre (in certain parts), which, except in the Martins, is
similar in the two sexes. This feature is not, so far as I know,
observable in any other family, unless among the Ducks.

Our insessorian birds may, in regard to color, be classified
as follows : —

1. Partly metallic ; sexes alike. Certain Swallows.

2. Partly metallic ; sexes unlike. Certain Hummingbirds
(^TrochilincB}.

SWALLOWS. 141

3. Partly metallic, male only. Certain Pigeons.

4. Lustrous or brightly colored ; sexes alike. Crows, cer-
tain Jays and Warblers.

5. Lustrous or brightly colored ; sexes unlike ; females
duller, etc. Bluebirds, Martins, certain Warblers, Finches,
and Starlings ; also one Flycatcher * (southwestern United
States) (and the Blue Crow?).

6. No metallic tints ; sexes much alike ; male characterized
by a color-patch, wanting or much restricted in the female.
"Wrens" or Kinglets, Nuthatches, Woodpeckers, certain
Warblers (and Finches?).

7. Male brightly, female plainly colored.^^ Tanagers ;
certain Warblers, Finches, and Starlings.

[8. Plainly colored ; °' with bright crown-patch in both
sexes, certain Flycatchers ; with tail brightly tipped, the
Waxwings.]

9. Plainly or dully colored.^" Sexes alike. Thrushes,
Gnatcatchers, Titmice, Creepers, Wrens, Wagtails, Vireos,
Shrikes, Flycatchers, Swifts, Cuckoos, Owls, most of the
Hawks, certain Warblers, Swallows, Finches, Starlings,
Jays, and Pigeons.

10. Plainly or dully colored.''^^ Sexes unlike. *' Goatsuck-
ers," Kingfishers, Harriers, and smaller Falcons. Perhaps
also certain Finches, the Bobolink, and Blue Crow.

The Swallows are preeminently insectivorous (perching less
often than any other oscine birds), and consequently are mi-
gratory. They are also preeminently social and consequently
gregarious, at least very often. Most of them breed in com-
munities or in colonies, to which they return each spring in
greater numbers than before. These settlements, as I have
once or twice observed among the Bank Swallows, are formed
by a very few pairs, whose number is often but slowly in-
creased from year to year. It is probably in this manner that
the Cliff Swallows have gradually become dispersed over east-

* Pyrocephalus rubineiis mexicanus. blue, olive, olive green, and even yel-

— W. B. low, especially in connection with green,

^^ Black andiwhite, the various browns are often considered plain colors (chief-

and grays, are eminently the plain col- ly in contrast),
ors. In this sjTiopsis, however, grayish

142 LAND-BIRDS.

ern North America, where possibly they were once unknown.
There are probably no birds whose past history would be more
interesting- than that of the Swallows. No birds better or more
curiously exhibit the modifying influence of civilization than
these. Those kinds who formerly built on cliffs, or in the
hollows of trees, now build their nests almost exclusively, in
Massachusetts, in situations about the buildings of man. It is
said by Dr. Cones, who quotes from Dr. Rufus Raymond,
in " The American Naturalist," for June, 1876, that an in-
stance of the Bank Swallow using an artificial nest, so to
speak, has already occurred. Dr. Raymond says : " The
White Water Valley Railway, in Brookville, Indiana, is built
upon stone piers, and spans the hydraulic canal, some five or
six feet above the water. While at the depot during the past
summer I saw a Bank Swallow fly under the building with
several blades of grass in her bill ; and being curious to see
what she would do with them, I watched her, and saw her
carry them through a two-inch auger hole, which had been
bored through a pine board. The spot was inaccessible,
owing to the water ; but I know from the droppings about the
hole that this was her nest." * It is almost needless to add
that this species usually burrows in sand. The Swallows lay
four or five eggs, which are white and unmarked, or spotted
with brown and purplish.

I. CHELIDON.

A, ERYTHROGASTRA. Bam Swallow. A very common
summer resident in most inhabited parts of New England. f
a. About 4J inches long from bill to fork of the tail.

* Mr. Ridgway has sug-g-ested that settled portions of the whole of New

this anecdote, quoted from the Natural- England, but steadily diminishing in

ist, is probably referable to the Rough- numbers in the neighborhood of most

•winged Swallow, a bird closely resem- of the larger towns and cities, espe-

bling the Bank Swallow, and common cially in eastern Massachusetts. This

in that section of the country, where change is doubtless due to the fact that

the circumstance quoted is reconcila- the old-fashioned country bams are

ble to the usual habits of this species, being rapidly replaced by structures in

[From the Appendix (p. 443) of the which no apertures are left for the free

original edition.] ingress and egress of these beauti-

t A common summer resident of the ful birds. — W. B.

SWALLOWS. 143

Above, a dark, lustrous steel blue. An imperfect collar, the
same. Under parts and forehead, chestnut red. Belly and
lower breast, paler. Tail forficate. Outer feathers much
longer than the others (from ^-2 inches), and all, except the
middle pair, with a white spot.

h. The nest is placed on the beams or rafters of a barn or
similar building, and usually is finished here by the middle of
May. A set of four or five eggs is then laid, and often another
in June, or even in the early part of July. The eggs average
.75 X .55 of an inch, and are white, sprinkled tolerably thickly
with purplish and brown.

c. The Barn Swallows are to be found almost throughout
New England. They reach the neighborhood of Boston gen-
erally in the last week of April, but sometimes earlier, and
return to the South in the first week of September. They
are usually very common in those places where they are
found, since they are almost invariably more or less colonial.
They are particularly abundant in old country villages, and
about farms, where most of the barns, on account of their
liberal size, afford them, among cobwebbed rafters, plenty of
suitable nesting-places. I shall sketch the habits of these
birds by considering their manner of life, through its various
stages.

The Barn Swallows, when young, are constantly supplied
with food by their parents, until they are able to take short
flights in the barns, from beam to beam. Later, they venture
from these buildings, but are obliged to be at rest much of the
time, and still to be fed by their parents. As they become
more accustomed to the exercise of their wings, they fly more
boldly, procure much or all of their own food, and are by the
first of September strong enough to bear the fatigue of their
long migratory flights to the South. On their return in the
spring, they are capable of remaining on the wing through at
least fifteen hours of the twenty-four. Their manner of flight
is rapid and graceful, and so interesting as well to repay close
attention. They rarely fly far near the ground, nor do they
reach such a height as some other species. They prefer tele-
graph wires to other perches, and on these, long rows of them

144 LAND-BIRDS.

may often be seen ; and, in fact, these wires seem almost to
influence these birds in their choice of a summer home.

It was formerly believed that the Barn Swallows, and others,
passed the winter torpid in mud at the bottom of lakes, and
in caves. Much astounding evidence has been produced to
prove the correctness of this absurd theory, which is, however,
too unnatural to exist long under the rule of modern science.
Wilson is eloquent in his condemnation of this belief, and
considers it too ridiculous to be worthy of serious refutation,
which is, in fact, the case.

d. The young Barn Swallows often utter a series of twit-
ters, which resemble the laugh of a tickled child, and the older
birds also have various twitters, some of which are sprightly
and musical.

e. I shall not describe at length the twitters and guttural
cries of the various Swallows, both because they are more
easily learned than described, and because, when described,
they can hardly aid one in distinguishing the different species.

The Barn Swallows are so well known that I have men-
tioned no details in their habits. Their colonizations, their
constantly uttered notes, and their flights, are familiar to nearly
all, and the latter have long since been made the theme of
many an author.

n. PETROCHELIDON.

A. LUNIFRONS. Cliff Sicallow. Eave Swallow. " Re-
publican.'''' Locally very abundant in New England, but
much less so, probably, than they will be ten years hence.*

a. About five inches long. Tail scarcely forked. Upper
parts, and a spot on the breast, steel blue. RumiJ, sides of
the head, and throat, chestnut red. Breast, paler; belly, white.
Forehead, brownish.

h. The nest is generally somewhat bottle-shaped, is com-
posed chiefly of a delicate mud-plaster, often intermixed with

* Although the Eave Swallow has es- seldom or never seen. Mr. Minot's pro-
sentiallv the same general distribution pheey with regard to its numerical in-
in New England as the Barn Swallow, crease has not been fulfilled, or rather
it is very much more local, and within the reverse has taken place, particular-
many areas of considerable extent it is ly in eastern Massachusetts. — W. B.

SWALLOWS. 145

bits of straw, and is naturally brittle. It is placed under the
outside eaves of barns or outhouses, and never (?) in Massa-
chusetts on cliffs, as is usual in wilder parts of the country, in
accordance with the original habits of these Swallows. Several
of these nests, sometimes as many as a hundred, are generally
placed in a row. The eggs are essentially like those of the
Barnes wallow (11, I, ^), so much so as often to be indistin-
guishable, and are laid about the same time.

c. The Cliff Swallows, who in many ways closely resem-
ble the Barn Swallows, are resident in eastern Massachusetts
from the first week of May until September. They are very
abundant in certain localities in New England ; but, as they
are eminently colonial, they are not to be found scattered
through every township. They have essentially the same
habits as the Barn Swallows, except that they alight much
more frequently, — often upon the ground to pick up mud for
their nests. Their flight is not very noticeably different from
that of their relatives, and their notes also bear much the same
character, being, however, more like those of the White-bellied,
than those of the Barn, Swallow. It is difficult, as well as
almost unnecessary, for me to describe these minor distinctions,
and I shall therefore make no further mention of them.

The most interesting remarks to be made upon the Eave
Swallows are those which relate to their immigration from the
western United States to New England and other parts of the
country. An accurate account of their movements within the
last century could hardly fail to be interesting ; but I doubt if
a sufficient number of notes and dates can now be obtained to
effect this purpose. Indeed, the history of the so-called " Re-
publicans " would probably be far more interesting than an
account of their habits could be (partly because the latter are
well known, and the former is not). " When or where " the
Cliff Swallows " first appeared in Massachusetts," says Dr.
Brewer, "is not known. I first observed a large colony of
them in Attleboro' in 1842. Its size indicated the existence
of these birds in that place for several years. The same year
they also appeared, apparently for the first time, in Boston,
Hingham, and in other places in the neighborhood." The

146 LAND-BIRDS.

Eave Swallows are still increasing throngliout tlie Eastern
States, and are constantly making their apj)earance in places
where they have not been observed before. An excellent place
to study them, particularly for summer tourists, is Mount
Desert, where the birds were, and still are, I suppose, very
abundant (at least at Bar Harbor). Their habits are easily
learned, as they are constantly in the open air, and about the
village streets, where all, who wish to, may see them.

One agreeable trait in the character of the "Republicans"
is their general amiability. In spite of their gregariousness
and crowded dwellings, they never become confused, and rarely
quarrel. Could a map be drawn indicating the position of
their communities, all their colonies might well be named
Philadelphia.

d. See I, A, e.

Note. — Bonaparte, in his continuation of " Wilson's Orni-
thology," says of the Cliff Swallow: " A very singular trait
distinguishes the migrations of this bird. While the European
or white variety of the human race is rapidly spreading over
this continent, from its eastern borders to the remotest plains
beyond the Mississippi, the Cliff Swallow advances from the
extreme western regions, annually invading a new territory
farther to the eastward, and induces us to conclude that a few
more summers will find it sporting in this immediate vicinity,
and familiarly established along the Atlantic shores.

"Within ten or twelve years [date of writing, 1825], they
have become familiar in different localities of Ohio, Kentucky,
etc., whence they are extending very rapidly, and have recently
appeared in the western part of New York. In order to show
the rapid progress of this little stranger, we quote the follow-
ing passage from Mr. Clinton's interesting paper.

" The Fulvous Swallow 'first made its appearance at Win-
chell's tavern, on the highroad, about five miles south of
Whitehall, near Lake Champlain, and erected its nest under
the eaves of an outhouse, where it was covered by the projec-
tion of a roof. This was in 1817, and in this year there was
but one nest ; the second year seven ; the third twenty-eight ;
the fourth forty; and in 1822 there were seventy, and the
number has since continued to increase.'

SWALLOWS. 147

" ' It appeared in 1822 at Whitehall, on the fifth of June, and
departed on the twenty-fifth of July, and these are the usual
times of its arrival and disappearance,' "

Audubon states, but where I do not now remember, that the
Cliff Swallows were found in New England on the first settle-
ment of a certain town in it, many years ago.

m. TACHYCINETA.

A. BICOLOR. White-hreasted Sioallow. White-bellied
Swallow. A common summer resident nearly throughout
New England.*

a. About six inches long. Lustrous steel green above, f
White beneath.

h. The nest is usually built in a martin-box or other like
receptacle, and, in Massachusetts, very rarely in the hole of a
tree, as is not unfrequently the case in many other States.
The eggs of each set are four or five, $ average .75 X.55 of an
inch, and are white, unmarked. Two broods are generally
raised.

c. The White-bellied Swallows usually announce spring to
the people of Boston and its vicinity in the first week of April ;
but after their arrival they are sometimes obliged, when dis-
couraged by the cold, to retreat temporarily southward to a
warmer latitude. As our ancestors long since discovered this
fact in relation to their Swallows, they have lianded down to us
the wise proverb that "one swallow does not make a summer."
The White-bellied Swallows return to their winter homes about
the middle of September,§ when all the other Swallows have

* Twenty years ago this Swallow bred t Many breeding- but perhaps imma-

abundantly over the greater part of tnre females have only a trace of gTeen

New Eng-land, nesting- chiefly in holes on the upper parts. — W. B.

in trees in the more northern portions, | Sets of six eg-g-s each are by no

almost invariably in bird-houses in means uncommon, and I once found a

Massachusetts and to the southward, nest containing- seven eg-g-s, all of which

Its numbers in the north have not di- had been laid apparently hy the same

minished, but throug-hout southern bird. — W. B.

New England the House Sparrow has § They often occur about Boston in

long- since driven it from the cities and early October, frequently up to the

larg-er towns, and it is fast becoming- 10th or 12th and occasionally as late as

an uncommon summer bird, although the 15th. — W. B.
great flights pass and repass through
this region during migration. — W. B.

148 LAND-BIRDS.

gone (and I have seen them here as late as the twenty-third).
The}^ congregate " upon the salt marshes during the latter part
of August and first of Sej)tember, literally by millions ; the air
is so completely filled with them that it is almost impossible to
discharge a gun without killing some " (Maynard). They may
also be seen at that season perched in long lines on fences,
ridge-poles, and wires, or slowly moving through the air at a
considerable height, generally in large flocks, catching insects
as they fly. In spring they travel more often singly, and fly
rather indirectly but with great rapidity, no doubt occasionally
deviating from their course to seize a passing gnat or fly.

In summer they are to be found in nearly all the cultivated
districts of Massachusetts, and in many of the wild as well as
other districts of more northern lands, where, in many places,
they retain their primitiv^e habit of nesting in hollow trees, as,
says Mr. Maynard, they have also nested lately at IjDswich, in
this State. As, however, they are now rather dependent upon
the nesting-places provided by man, they are perhaps as com-
mon in Boston and other cities as in the country, if not more
so. They are less locally distributed than other species, and
on this account are probably better known. They are, I
think, quicker in their motions than the other Swallows, and
also differ from them in not being colonial, except in their
primitive state, though several sometimes occupy apartments
in the same box, and thus show the social spirit of their family.
They often skim over fields, ponds, or rivers, with an exquisite
grace, but at other times mount to a great height — so far as to
be wellnigh lost to sight. They are less peaceable than the
Barn Swallows, and often quarrel in the air at the period of
mating ; but this species is justly regarded, among all our
birds, as one of man's most pleasing companions.

The White-bellied Swallows are fond of wandering, more so
than their relatives, and often may be seen two or three miles
from their homes, now flying across the valleys, now dashing
above the hills, and now gliding over the water, as if actually
on its surface. Embodiments of grace, activity, and power,
they sweep through the air, and show us by their ever varied
flight how many things have been created to give us pleasure
from variety alone, as well as from intrinsic beauty.

SWALLOWS. 149

d. Their notes are rather more eccentric and guttural than
those which I have abeady mentioned, but are equally full of
animation.

IV. CLIVICOLA.

A, RIPARIA. Bank Swalloio. Sand Martin. Locally
common throughout New England.*

a. About five inches long. Upper parts, and a band
across the breast, dull brown. Under parts, white.

h. The nest is constructed of a few loose materials, and is
placed at the bottom of burrows dug out by the birds. These
excavations are from fifteen to twenty-four inches deep, and are
made in sand-banks, usually those on the sea-shore or near
other bodies of water, but sometimes those on the roadsides
or in other situations. The eggs average .68 X.50 of an inch,
and are white ; being almost exactly like those of the White-
bellied Swallow, though smaller. Two sets of four or five are
generaUy laid in the course of the season, of which the first
appears here in the latter part of May.

c. The Bank Swallows are in New England the most
plainly colored of their family, and the only ones who retain
here their former habits of nesting. They migrate at the same
time as the Cliff Swallows, but I have never observed them in
company with those birds. They may be seen in their sum-
mer haunts flying either over the surface of land and water or
at some height in the air, though rarely very far above the
ground. They fly much like the other Swallows, though per-
haps less steadily and with less sailing, but they seldom wan-
der far from the banks in which their nests are placed. They
are found throughout New England, and much further to the
northward, but are confined to localities, both because of their
disposition to colonize, and the necessity of their selecting a
place where the earth is of a character suitable to their pur-
poses.

As it is impossible for them to burrow in all kinds of earth,
their choice of a summer home is undoubtedly influenced very

* A smniner resident, breeding" in colonies, often comprising hundreds of
individuals, wherever suitable sand or earth banks are to be found. — W. B.

150 LAND-BIRDS.

considerably by the nature of tbe soil. Extremely interesting
details may be learned through the study of their excavations,
as these latter vary greatly in size, depth, and the angle at
which they run, in accordance with the variation of the soil.
The Bank Swallows invariably select a bank, the sand of which
will not " cave in," and then burrow to a stratum where the
pebbles, which might fall down upon their eggs or young, are
not found. Their colonies sometimes increase from year to
year with rapidity, and, if not disturbed, in the course of a
few seasons consist of a large number of excavations.

How wonderful is that instinct which enables these Swallows
to find out the best places for their homes, and how wonderful
their skill in making these secure ! When a small party boldly
advance to a country hitherto unknown to them, who can de-
fine that sense which enables them to discover and select the
most fitting bank for their purposes, or even the best part of
it? What, indeed, prompts them to part from their fellows
and to become pioneers in new settlements? Instinct can
never be fully understood by man, nor its workings.

Wilson, speaking of the " Sand Martins," says : " We have*
sometimes several days of cold rain and severe weather after
their arrival in spring, from which they take refuge in their
holes, clustering together for warmth, and have been fre-
quently found at such times in almost a lifeless state with the
cold, which circumstance has contributed to the belief that
they lie torpid all winter in these recesses."

d. The Bank Swallows are usually more silent than the
other species, though one might not gather this impression
from a flock ; and their notes are less musical.

V. PROGNE.

A. SUBIS. Purple Martin. " Blach Martin'' Martin.
" Cape Cod Swallow'' The Martins, though formerly abun-
dant, are now very generally rare in New England, being
confined to a few tracts of country and to localities.*

* Although the Martin breeds extensive tracts of country which ap-

throughout New England, as well as pear to be in every way suited to its

still further to the northward, it is sin- habits, and returning to others, season

gularly local in its distribution, avoiding after season, with unfailing regularity.

SWALLOWS. 151

a. 7-8 inches long. "Lustrous blue black; no purple
anywhere. The $ and young are much duller above, and more
or less white below, streaked with gray." (Coues.)

h. The nest and eggs are essentially like those of the
White-bellied Swallow (HI) in every respect, except that the
eggs are larger than those of that bird, averaging .95 X .70
of an inch.

c. The Purple Martins reach eastern Massachusetts on
the first of May, or earlier, and leave it about the first of Sep-
tember. They are very locally distributed, and in many places
are at present never seen. They are " very abundant upon
Cape Cod," and are perhaps as common in Boston * and other
cities as in the country. They are allied in many ways to the
White-bellied Swallows — particularly so in their habits. The
latter, however, become more common every year; but the
Martins have deserted many places, where they were once well
known, though they are probably multij^lying in their present
homes.

" The Martin," says Wilson, " differs from all the rest of our
Swallows in the particular prey which he selects. W^asps,
bees, large beetles, particularly those called by the boys gold-
smiths^ seem his favorite game. I have taken four of these
large beetles from the stomach of a Purple Martin, each of
which seemed entire and even unbruised."

" The flight of the Purple Martin unites in it all the swift-
ness, ease, rapidity of turning, and gracefulness of motion of
its tribe. Like the Swift of Europe, he sails much with little
action of the wing^s."

d. " His usual note, peuopeuo peuo^ is loud and musical ;
but it is frequently succeeded by others more low and gut-
tural." To the above extract I have nothing of interest to
add.

It nests only in or near cities, towns, and parent, and they are doubtless at least

villag-es, in boxes put up for its accom- partly responsible for the slow but

modation. Its superior size and stren^h steady diminution in the numbers of

enable it to hold at bay the hordes of the Martins which has been generally

House Sparrows which regard its snug- noted in New England during recent

habitations with longing eyes, but these years. — W. B.

insidious little pests have been seen to * None, so far as I am aware, now

destroy the Martin's eggs or young breed iu or very near Boston. — W. B.
during the temporary absence of the

152 LAND-BIRDS.

§ 12. AMPELID^. Waxwings. (See § 10.)

I. AMPELIS.

A. CEDRORUM. Cedar-bird, Cherry-bird. (^Carolina)
Waxwing. " Canada Robing A common resident in New
England, but nomadic and irregular in appearance.*

a. 6-7 inches long. Of a peculiar warm brown (or
creamy chocolate ?). Chin, black. Forehead, and a broad
stripe through the eye, continuously the same. Belly, yellow
(or yellowish). Under tail-coverts, and some fine markings
on the head, white (or whitish). Tail, yellow-tipped. Strange
appendages, resembling bits of red sealing-wax, are found,
often upon the wings, and sometimes upon the tail, of fuU-
plumaged sjiecimens.

b. The nest is rather bulky, and is composed of fine
grasses, weeds, roots, fibres, leaves, strips of bark, etc., some-
times lined with finer grasses or hairs. It is usually placed
in an orchard tree or in a cedar, but sometimes in other situa-
tions — such as the tops of birches or pasture trees, commonly
from eight to twenty feet above the ground. Four or five
eggs are laid in the latter part of «Tune or in July. They
average about .80 X .60 of an inch ; and are of a dirty bluish
white, with black and a few dark purplish spots.

c. The Cedar-birds, to a certain extent, spend the winters
in eastern Massachusetts, but otherwise arrive from the South
in the first or second week of March. In summer they are
found throughout New England, and are in most places com-
mon. Through winter they remain in flocks, — usually in
retired parts of the country, — and feed upon berries until
spring, when they venture into more open districts. At this
time their demeanor is not such as to inspire cheerfulness in
the person observing them, for they visually sit motionless
upon the tops of bare trees, and occasionally give utterance

* A common summer resident, breed- time between the middle of January
ing- throughout New England, but de- and the latter part of February, large
cidedly most numerously in the north- flocks arrive from the south, and remain
ern portions. In southern New Eng- throughout March and well into April,
land, the Cedar-bird winters sparingly There is a second migration in May,
and locally, but in most localities it is composed, perhaps, of our local sum-
seldom seen during- November, Decem- mer birds. — W. B.
ber, and the first half of January. Some

WAXWINGS. 153

to their dreary whispers, until they fly away. They move
through the air rapidly, steadily, and as if under military dis-
cipline, so unbroken are their ranks. They commonly disap-
pear, like several other birds, at uncertain times of the year,
and undoubtedly go to some place where their favorite food is
abundant while they are absent from one's own neighborhood.
In May they usually become common, and appear in smaller
companies in almost all parts of the open country. These
flocks finally become divided into pairs, who build their nests
when nearly all our other birds have hatched the eo-a-s of
their first or even second broods. The Cherry-birds, in sum-
mer, sometimes imitate the habits of the Flycatchers (to whom
they are, perhaps, more closely allied than is now admitted),
and I have seen them perform graceful evolutions in the air,
in the manner of the King-birds. As their name indicates, they
sometimes eat cherries, but much less often than is commonly
supposed by certain farmers, who are but too ready to dis-
charge their guns at these birds, in spite of their usefulness
in destroying caterpillars.

Nuttall, in speaking of the Cedar-birds, says: "An eye-
witness assures me he has seen one among a row of these birds
seated upon a branch dart after an insect, and offer it to his
associate when caught, who very disinterestedly passed it to the
next, and each delicately declining the offer, the morsel has
proceeded backwards and forwards before it was appropri-
ated."

d. The " wheezy " lisp of the Cedar-birds seems to be the
only sound which they emit, throughout the year, and they
often utter it when on the wing. Dr. Brewer says of a young
cage-bird that " besides its low lisping call, this bird had a
regular faint attempt at a song of several low notes, uttered
in so low a tone that it would be almost inaudible at even
a short distance."

The Cherry-birds are certainly handsome, particularly if
their crest be raised, though they possess but little bright
coloring ; and there are probably few birds who find a readier
sale at the country taxidermist's than these. In regard to
their habits, they are perhaps uninteresting ; but their manner
of flight, when in parties, is nearly unsurpassed.

154 LAND-BIRDS.

I may here remark that the Cedar-birds often show a fond-
ness for some one tree, to which they persistently return, even
if disturbed several times. One Sunday I remarked six in a
bare maple, and, again passing the place on the following
Sunday, I was surprised to observe them perched in the same
tree, as if they had not moved for a week.

B. GARRULUS. Bohemian Waxwing. Northern Wax-
wing. A northern bird, of which, so far as I know, no speci-
men has ever been obtained in this State.*

a. 7-8 inches long. Like the Cedar-bird (^), except
as follows. Brown, partly orange-tinted. With white on the
wings, but little on the head ; and with no yellow on the
belly. Under tail-coverts^ chestnut reel.

h. These birds never breed in the United States, or at least
the southern portions. The eggs are described by Dr. Brewer
as measuring about 1.00 X .70, or less. They are of a color
varying " from a light slate to a yellowish stone-color," and
are much spotted, chiefly with some dark purplish shade.
They are considered very rare.

c. The Waxwings are of very rare occurrence in the eastern
United States, being habitual residents of the North and
West, but they have occasionally wandered so far to the south-
ward as Massachusetts and even Connecticut. I have never
seen them ; but I suppose their habits to be in every way like
those of the Cedar-birds. They are said to be shy and watch-
ful, but very affectionate.

§ 13. The VIREONID^, or Vireos (sometimes called
*' Greenlets "), possess the following features in common with
the Lajiiidce, or Shrikes (§ 14), at least with our subfamily,

Laniinoe.

* A very rare and irreg-ular -winter Viekary, at Lynn, Massachusetts, Feb-

visitor from the north. The most m- niary 18, 1877. The species has been

teresting instances of its occurrence are once taken in Connecticut by Dr. Wood,

tl o 56 given by Mr. Allen, of eleven and it has been also reported on Lon^

specimens, shot by Mr. S. J^llson, at Island. I can find no records of its oe-

Bolton, Massachusetts, in January, 1864, currence anywhere in New England,

and of a single female taken b} Mr. N. within the past fifteen years. — W. B.

VIREOS. 155

Bill rather short and stout, distinctly notched and hooked,
also well furnished with bristles; tarsus scutellate ; primaries
ten, but with the first in the Vireonidce often spurious, or
seemingly absent. (Fig. 6.)

The Laniidce differ distinctly in being more than seven
inches long, in having the " sides of the tarsi scutellate be-
hind," and in having long, rounded tails. The bill, moreover,
is large and stout (not so broad as high, and scarcely twice as
long), while the feet are comparatively weak. The Shrikes
might well be called " raptorial Passer es^^'' being notorious for
their boldness and mode of slaughter among other birds, etc.
They are unsocial and immusical, though perhaps mimics.
Like the Vireos, normally they are never seen on the ground ;
but they possess a much stronger flight than their small rel-
atives. They build rather bulky nests in the woods, and lay
eggs, rather coarsely marked, and never (?) with a pure white
ground. The Butcher-bird is a type (fig. 7).

The Vireos, on the other hand, are small, insectivorous birds,
allied in habits to many of the Warblers. They frequent, for
the most part, woodland, and are rarely if ever seen upon the
ground. They usually flutter among the branches in search
of their prey, though they occasionally snap it up in passing
from tree to tree. They are not gregarious, though extremely
affectionate toward one another, and peaceable in their rela-
tions to other birds. They are very musical, and warble
cheerfully, energetically, arid often very sweetly. They build
small, cup-shaped, pensile nests, which are rarely softly lined.
The eggs are four or five, and pure white, with a few small
spots near the larger end, of some shade of brown.

Our species have been divided into several subgenera, but I
have here followed Dr. Coues in uniting them under one genus.

I. VIRBO.

A. SOLITARIUS. Solitary Vireo. Blue-headed Vireo,
Rather rare, in Massachusetts, especially as a summer resi-
dent.*

* In soutliem New England the Sol- migrations, but it also nests occasionally
itary Vireo is oftenest seen during the in Connecticut, regularly but more or

156 LAND-BIRDS.

a. About 5 1 inches long. Olive green above, and white
beneath. Head, bluish ash ; eye-ring, and line to bill, white.
Sides olive-shaded. Wing- and tail-feathers white-edged, and
wings white-barred.

h. The nest of the Solitary Yireo is open and pensile, like
those of the other Vireos. It is placed, never far from the
ground, in the fork of a horizontal branch, always in the woods,
and sometimes in swampy ones. It is usually larger, and
more loosely constructed of somewhat finer materials, than
that of the "Red-eye" ((7). One, now lying before me, is
composed chiefly of thin strips of pliable bark, is lined with
fine grasses and a very few roots, and is somewhat ornamented
outwardly with plant-down, lichens, and bits of dead leaves.
Audubon speaks of others as being lined with hairs, which I
have never known to be the case. In Massachusetts, three or
four eggs are laid in the first week in June. * They average
.77 X .58 of an inch, and are pure white, with a very few
minute and generally reddish brown spots, principally at the
larger end.

c. The Solitary Vireos are less well known than our other
Vireos, since they are more given to solitude, and never fre-
quent the immediate neighborhood of man. In this respect
they resemble the White-ej^ed Vireo ; but they are much less
common here, for in the breeding season the southern limit of
their range is about the northern limit of the latter's. They
are common summer residents throughout northern New Eng-
land, inhabiting there the woodland strictly, but as such are
very rare in Massachusetts. Indeed, some ornithologists have
expressed doubt as to their actually breeding here, but I have
found their nest near Boston, f and have seen, with the bird

less sparingly and locally in eastern same season. Thus I have found full

Massachusetts, plentifully in some of sets of eg-gs before the close of May,

the higher portions of Worcester Coun- and on other occasions have watched

ty, sparingly again in Berkshire Coim- birds which did not begin building

ty. In northern New England its breed- until the middle of June. — W. B.
ing distribution is rather more general t The Solitary Vireo now nests reg-

and uniform, but it is nowhere very ularly and quite commonly at certain

numerous. — W. B. localities in Milton and Canton only a

* The date of nesting of this species few miles distant from Mr. Minot's

varies greatly in different seasons and former home. — W. B.
perhaps with different pau'S during the

VIREOS. 157

on it, a nest in the Nashua Valley (below Lancaster) which
a companion found. I have heard of other instances, which
establish the fact beyond doubt.

The Solitary Vireos are in Massachusetts to be found as
migrants in the last week of April and again in September,
but are not at either time abundant. They inhabit throughout
the year both the dry and swampy woods of oaks, maples, and
nut-trees, avoiding the evergreens,* and among the branches
search for their insect food. Though fond of retirement, they
are not shy or timid, especially when moved by parental affec-
tion. I have known the female to stay on her nest until I
could almost lay my hand upon her, and then to remain imme-
diately about my person, often approaching within a foot of
me, and constantly uttering her plaintive cries. These notes
generally bring the males to the scene, who are, however, as
is the case with many birds, less willing to expose themselves.

d. The music of the Solitary Vireos is delicious, and is
particularly agreeable in an otherwise still and cool forest, be-
ing peculiarly harmonious with those two charms of Nature,
woodland stillness and woodland coolness. Their song, like
that of the Red-eyed Vireos, is a continuous warble, but is
more musical, mellow, and tender, and is uttered in another
tone. It is particularly sweet at the mating season, in the
early part of May. These birds, who are unfortunately almost
silent during their migrations, have a few low whistles also,
and a querulous note (like the syllable anli)^ much like that
of the " Eed-eye," but yet distinct.

B. FLAVIFRONS. Yellow-thvoated Vireo. Not a common
summer resident in Massachusetts, except locally .f

a. Nearly six inches long. Olive green above, becoming
bluish ash on the rump. Throat and breast, bright yellow ;

* This is directly contrary to my ex- greater part of southern New England,

perience, for I have found that the bird exclusive of certain elevated portions

is rather partial to groves of white of Worcester and Berkshire counties,

pines and hemlocks, and several of the Massachusetts. It is not known to

nests that I have taken were built in occur regularly or in any numbers

one or the other of these trees. — W. B, much to the northward of Massachu-

t A common summer resident of the setts. — W. B.

158 LAND-BIRDS.

belly, white. Eye-ring, etc., yellow. Wings and tail, gener-
ally dark ; former with two white bars.

h. The nest of this species is pensile, but rather larger
and deeper than those of the other Vireos, being between 3
and 3^- inches wide, and nearly as deep. It is placed in the
fork of a horizontal branch, from three to fifteen feet above
the ground, as often in the orchard as in the woods, though I
have found it in pines. It is composed of narrow strips of
thin bark, such as that of the cedar or large vines, is lined
with pine needles or grasses, and is usually ornamented on
the outside with caterpillar's silk and large pieces of lichen.
The four eggs, which are generally laid here in the first week
of June, average .80 X .60 of an inch, and are white, with
black and either purplish or brownish spots, which are some-
times, but not usually, quite numerous (about the crown).

c. The Yellow-throated Vireos reach eastern Massachu-
setts in the second week of May, and leave it in September.
They are locally distributed through our State, and are rare
in certain neighborhoods. They are (perhaps) our handsom-
est Vireos, and certainly possess great charms as singers.
Tliey excel all their relations in architectural taste and skill,
and construct a beautiful nest, ornamented outwardly with
lichens, jdant-down, and caterpillar's silk, but plainly or even
roughly finished inside — thus differing from that of the Hum-
mingbird, which it otherwise resembles very much, except in
being pensile. It is altogether one of the prettiest nests to
be found among our specimens of bird-architecture. It is ex-
tremely interesting to watch it in the progress of its construc-
tion. The birds are occupied about a week in that process,
beginning by firmly twining dry grasses around the twigs
from which it is to be suspended, and always working down-
wards until the frame is completed. It is almost impossible,
even on watching them closely, to tell exactly how they weave
the grasses together, or how they attach many of their orna-
mentations. Wonderful is that innate skill which enables
them, with their simply constructed bill alone, to fashion a
home for themselves, of which man with his complicatedly
organized fingers, and the aid of all his inventions, cannot

VIREOS. 159

(probably) make the like ! It seems probable that instinct
rather than any acquired skill insures perfection (and yet it
is perhaps true that many birds have improved in architec-
ture from generation to generations^). On the last day, the
female is chiefly occupied in smoothing and shaping the nest
by turning round and round inside, and then on the following
day, or the next, begins to lay her eggs.

The Yellow-throated Vireos frequent the woods which are
lightly timbered with oaks, chestnuts, and maples, or even
pines, and also orchards. Among the branches of the trees
in these places they are almost continually moving in search
of caterpillars and other insect food.

d. Their song lacks the expression of the Solitary, the volu-
bility of the Red-eyed, the quaintness of the White-eyed, and
the tenderness of the Warbling Vireo's song, and yet, with
all these wants, is very charming. It is difficult to describe
it exactly, but it consists of two or three warbled notes on an
ascending scale, and then, after a pause, others with a falling
accent, all being repeated disjointedly in a characteristic voice.
Their ordinary querulous note is distinct from that of the
" Red-eye," being somewhat harsher, and is often rapidly re-
peated.

I may finally say of these birds whose biography I have
just written that they are useful to the farmer and agricul-
turist, and deserve on all accounts to be protected.

C OLIVACEUS. Red-eyed Vireo. A common summer
resident throughout New England.*

a. About six inches long. Olive green above (often of
quite an indescribable shade), becoming ashy on the crown,
which is bordered by a narrow black line. Superciliary line,
white ; eye-stripe, dusky. Under parts, white ; sides olive-
shaded. Wings and tail, generally dusky. Iris, red.

b. The nest is hung from a fork, usually near the end of

"^ It is to be considered that such im- distribution and exceeding- abundance,

provement as is here referred to arises found throug'hout New Eng-land wher-

from adaptation to circumstances rather ever there are woods, groves, orchards,

than from efforts to realize an ideal. or even only scattered shade trees. —

* A summer resident of ubiquitous W. B.

160 LAND-BIRDS.

a limb, between four and twenty feet above the ground, in the
woods, in a shade tree, in an orchard tree, or occasionally in a
pine. It is small, and cup-shaped; but, though very service-
able, is rarely very neatly made. It is constructed of strips
of thin bark, occasionally of that of the white birch, is lined
almost invariably with pine needles, where pines exist, and is
sometimes ornamented, if I may say so, with chips, bits of
newspaper or wasps' nests, and caterpillar's silk. It is fin-
ished here about the first of June ; and in the first week of
that month four or five * eggs are laid. These eggs average
.83 X.62 of an inch, and are white, with a few brownish
black spots at the larger end. A second set is sometimes
laid in July.

c. When I announce that I am going to write about the
habits of one of our most familiar birds, and the most voluble
songster that we possess, who all through the day, when nearly
every other bird is quiet, prolongs his cheerful warble in almost
every grove, — sometimes even among the trees of our cities,
though such haunts he usually avoids, — many will know that
I refer to the Red-eyed Vireo. These Vireos may be found
throughout New England in the latter part, if not nearly the
whole, of May, in the summer months, and in September.
They inhabit many kinds of woods, also groves, and clumps or
rows of trees about houses, particularly those near wooded land.

They show more familiarity to man than the other species,
except the Warbling Vireos, and are almost everywhere com-
mon and well known. They rarely pursue insects in the air
in the manner of the Flycatchers, but seize them as they them-
selves flutter among the branches of the trees, in which they
usually remain at no very great height from the ground. I
have noticed that the males, while the females are upon their
nests, generally select a spot at some distance from them, which
they make their haunt and concert-grove. They have never
struck me as very active insect-hunters, since they devote so
much of their time to music. They evidently, however, never
suffer from hunger, and they are certainly diligent in the
care of their young. They are very affectionate toward one

* I have never known the number to exceed four. — W. B.

VIREOS. 161

another, and are fond of returning to the same spot year
after year. It is pleasant to observe this attachment to their
summer homes, and to know where to welcome them as old
friends, when they return in the spring.

d. Their song consists of a few notes, which are warbled
again and again with little intermission or variety (and which
are sometimes interrupted now and then by a low whistle).
This music would be monotonous, were it not for its wonderful
cheerfulness, energy, and animation, in these qualities resem-
bling the Robin's song. The " Red-eyes " have also a chij), a
chatter like a miniature of the Oriole's scold (and to be heard
in the season of courtship), and a peculiarly characteristic
querulous note, which, like others, cannot be described accu-
rately, whence the advantage of studying birds through nature,
and not through books.

The Red-eyed Yireos are deservedly popular on account of
their cheerful disposition, and enlivening song, which is kept
up (less steadily, however, in the latter part of the season)
from the time of their arrival until they leave us for the South,
when the autumnal frosts become too severe, and the weather
too cold, to admit of a sufficiency of the insect food upon
which they depend.

D. GILVUS. Warbling Vireo. A common summer resi-
dent in Massachusetts, but very much less abundant than the
" Red-eye."*

a. About five inches long. Above, a dull olive green,
which approaches mouse-color. Crown, ashy tinged. Rump,
brighter ; wings, darker and browner ; and sides of the head,
paler. Superciliary line, dull white. Under parts, white —
distinctly shaded on the sides (but feebly on the breast) with
the color of the back, or light olive green.

h. The nest is usually placed at a considerable height
above the ground (from twenty to sixty feet), and rarely else-

* A common summer bird of south- of northern New England, especially

em New England, but, as a rule, found about the outskirts of the White Moun-

only in or near towns or villages or in tains, but it seldom, if ever, enters the

belts of large trees along the banks of primitive forests of that region. — W.

streams. It also breeds in many parts B.

162

LAND-BIRDS.

where than in an elm, poplar, or buttonwood tree. It is
always pensile, but Audubon speaks of one fastened to the
trunk of a tree, in which situation I have never found it, so
far as I remember. The eggs of the Warbling Vireo are white,
with a few " reddish black " or brown spots at the larger end,
and average about .77x .58 of an inch. A set of four or five
is laid near Boston in the first week of June.

c. The Warbling Vireos reach eastern Massachusetts in
the second week of May, and leave it in the same week of
September. They are common in many parts of our State,
and I have seen them in northern New Hampshire ; but in

some localities they
are very rare.
Though they do
not, I think, show
quite so much fa-
miliarity towards
man (at least here),
as some authors
have represented,
yet they are cer-
tainly to be found,
to some extent, in cities, towns, villages, and thickly populated
neighborhoods — for instance, among the elms of Boston Com-
mon. Though occasionally seen in the haunts of the Yellow-
throated Vireos (^), they seem to be particularly fond of rows
of, or solitary, elms, poplars, and basswood trees — particu-
larly those beside roads or near houses. They usually remain
among the higher branches as they search for insects ; and, on
account of their size and quiet colors, they might easily be
overlooked, were it not for their music.

d. Their ordinary notes are like those of the Red-eyed
Vireos, but less loud and querulous. Their song is exquisitely
sweet, and, though quite distinct, recalls vividly that of the
Purple Finch (§ 15, III). Dr. Coues, in speaking of the War-
bling Vireo, says that " its voice is not strong, and many birds
excel it in brilliancy of execution ; but not one of them all
can rival the tenderness and softness of the liquid strains of

Fig. 6. Warbling Vii-eo. (i)

VIREOS. 163

this modest vocalist. Not born ' to waste its sweetness on the
desert air,' the Warbling Vireo forsakes the depths of the wood-
land for the park and orchard and shady street, where it glides
through the foliage of the tallest trees, the unseen messenger
of rest and peace to the busy, dusty haunts of men."

E. PHiLADELPHicus. QBrothevly-love Vireo.') Phila-
delphia Vireo.*

a. This Vireo, if a distinct species, differs from Vireo gil-
vus (Z>) in a doubtful technicality only. Dr. Cones pronounces
it " almost indistinguishable from gilvus, except by absence of
spurious quill," and says that the colors of the latter species
are " precisely " the same.f Is it not doubtful if one feather
among hundreds (though, perhaps, an important one) can
characterize a bird as more than a variety ?

b. d. I suppose that the nest, eggs, and song of this
bird are essentially the same as those of the Warbling Vireo. J

c. The Philadelphia Vireo is probably a migrant through
Massachusetts, having been obtained at Philadelphia, also in
Maine, and at Moose Factory (to the southward of Hudson
Bay and James Bay). I have never seen it here, so far as
I know, nor have I seen any specimens shot here. I have
no observations to make upon its habits, which I suppose to
correspond closely to those of its immediate relations. Mr.
Brewster, in the " Bulletin of the Nuttall Ornithological

* The Philadelphia Vireo has been of the Red-eye. A nest found by Mr.

taken in southern New England only Ernest E. Thompson near Duck Moun-

during the migrations, where it is ap- tain, Manitoba, June 9, 1884, " was

parently one of the very rarest of our hung' from a forked twig- about eight

migratory birds. It has been found in feet from the ground, in a willow which

the breeding season at Franconia and was the reverse of dense, as it g-rew in

Dixville Notch in New Hampshire ; the shade of a poplar grove. The nest

and in the region about Lake Umbagog, was pensile, as usual with the g-enus,

in western Maine, it is not uncommon formed of fine grass and birch bark,

during the entire summer. — W. B. The egg's were four in number, and

t The two species are perfectly dis- presented no obvious difference from

tinct, and their coloring is not " precise- those of the Red-eyed Vireo, but unf or-

ly " the same, philadeiphicus having tunately they were destroyed by an ac-

very much more yellowish on the un- cident before they were measured."

der parts, especially in spring. — W. B. {Auk, II, July, 1885, p. 306.) This nest

X The song is wholly unlike the War- was positively identified by the cap-

bling Vireo's, but closely similar to that ture of the female parent. — W. B.

164 LAND-BIRDS.

Club," says ; " On Sept. 7th, 1875, I shot a female of this
beautiful little species in Cambridge, Mass. It was feeding in
company with several individuals of Vi7'eo olivaceus, in a low
willow tree." *

In a more recent number, Mr. Ruthven Deane says that
several specimens have been obtained in Maine, both in June
and September, and that the Philadelphia Vireos may be con-
sidered summer residents about Lake Umbagog.

i^. NOVEBORACENSis. White-eyed Vireo. " Politician''
In southern New England a rather common summer resi-
dent, though very locally distributed.!

a. About five inches long. Above, bright olive green ;
below% white. Sides of the body, eye-ring, wing-bars, etc.,
(bright) yellow. Iris, white.

h. The nest is almost invariably placed in a low tree, bush,
or vine, two or three feet from the ground, generally, but not
always, in the woods, whether dry or wet. It is pensile, and
essentially like that of the " Red-eye," though prettier and
often characterized by being largely composed of newspaper,
or paper from wasps' and hornets' nests. The eggs, more-
over, are strongly like those of the Red-eyed Vireo, but are
generally a little smaller, and longer in shape. They are laid,
near Boston, about the first of June.

c. The White-eyed Vireos differ from their relatives in
several respects. They are summer residents in eastern Mas-
sachusetts, but are so locally distributed as to be extremely
rare or wanting in some places, though common in others.
To the westward of the Connecticut River, in New England,
they are so uncommon that the few specimens obtained may
almost be considered stragglers. They reach the neighbor-
hood of Boston, at least those who breed here, in the second

* Two specimens have since been dant in southern Connecticut, locally

taken in eastern Massachusetts, one at common in eastern Massachusetts on or

Magnolia. September 18, 1879, the other near tide- water, but rare or absent

at Brookline late in September, 1881. throughout the interior and western

— W. B. portions of that State. Not known to

t A summer resident of certain por- occur regularly anywhere north of Mas-

tions of southern New England, abun- sachusetts. — W. B.

VIREOS. 165

week of May ; but as to their general distribution and migra-
tions I have not clearly made up my mind. Massachusetts
has been generally considered their northern limit, but I feel
quite confident of having seen them, in past years, apparently
migrating through this State, in April and October. I have
once or twice seen the Solitary Yireos in the latter month,
when they were obliged to feed upon berries, as the " Red-
eyes " do in September, and I find in my note-book that I ob-
served a " While-eye " (or a species, hitherto undescribed,
much resembling it) on the 18th of October, traveling with
many other birds in a " wave."

These "bird-waves " are extremely interesting, and, to show
their nature, I shall quote from my Journal : —

" Nov. 15th, 1873. This morning, while wandering about
the place under the delusion that the passage-birds (or most
of them) had fairly gone, an immense flock of birds suddenly
appeared, evidently traveling from the north southward,
and were soon scattered over the place. Among them were
many Snow-birds, White-throated, Fox-colored, Tree, and
Song Sparrows, Ruby-crowned ' Wrens,' Golden-crowned
' Wrens,' Nuthatches, Brown Creepers, and Chickadees.
Never have I seen an assemblage of birds exhibiting such a
variety of species. At noon most of them had disappeared."

The White-eyed Vireos frequent lightly timbered woods,
particularly those which are in low land and contain a second
growth about the taller trees, and also swamps, thickets, and
the "scrub." They have a habit of moving their tails, much
like the Shrikes. They keep nearer to the ground than our
other Vireos, and are so shy that, if they were silent, they
would rarely be seen as they busy themselves in the common
pursuit of their family, that of insects.

d. When, however, their nest is approached, they display
themselves, and are usually very vehement in their expres-
sions of anger (unlike their relations, particularly the Solitary
Vireos), and utter a harsh scold or chatter, and sometimes a
peculiar mewing, or other querulous cry. Their song is very
peculiar or even eccentric, and is very loud for such small birds.
It is full of character, energy, and vehemence, though some of

166 LAND-BlRDa

the lower whistles are sweet and quite different in tone. It
partakes of the owners' nature, much as the human voice does,
and indicates the almost fiery temperament of these little
Vireos, which is so markedly in contrast with the cheerfulness,
gentleness, and calmness of other members of their family.
Their music is constantly varied, and in it one may occasion-
ally hear the apparently mimicked notes of other birds.

§ 14. LANIID^. Shrikes, (See § 13.)

I. LANIUS.

A. BOREALis. (^Gr eat Northern) Shrike. '•'' Butcher-hirdy
A winter visitant to Massachusetts, but never very common.*

a. 9-10 inches long. Above, light bluish ash, very light
on the rump. Below, white, very finely waved with black
(often almost imperceptibly). Edging of crown, eye-ring
and middle of the forehead, white. Rest of forehead, contin-
uously with broad stripes through the eye, black. Wings and
tail, black, with white markings.

Fig. 7.

h. The nest is placed in the woods, in the fork of a bush,
not far from the ground. It is composed of leaves, grasses,
and roots, is often lined with feathers, and is finished early in
the season. One set of eggs contains from four to six, aver-
aging 1.10 X .80 of an inch. A specimen before me is blotched
and spotted, most thickly about the crown, with faint lilac, and
light sandy and yellowish brown ; others are darker.

* A winter resident, common for a bird of its solitary habits and predatory
disposition, but seldom seen in any considerable numbers. — W. B.

SHRIKES. 167

c. The Shrikes have the cruelty of the Hawks, but not the
stateliness of some, nor the gracefulness of others. Neither
have they the charms of many passerine birds, for they are
wild, and, moreover, incapable of uttering musical sounds.*
Yet there is attached to them that interest which is naturally
attached to birds who differ so distinctly from others, and
about whom much is yet to be learned.

The Great Northern Shrikes, or the well-known " Butcher-
birds," are virtually the sole representatives of their family in
New England. They breed in the forests of northern Maine,f
but in other parts occur principally as winter visitants, re-
maining near Boston from the first of October until April " or
even May." They vary greatly in abundance from year to
year, following, to a great extent, the migrations of our very
irregular visitors, the " Red-polls " and Pine Finches.

While with us, they are usually to be seen singly or in pairs,
about farms, orchards, fields, and meadows, though so ex-
tremely bold as to take up their abode in the Public Garden
and on the Common of Boston, where they prey upon the
English Sparrows, and have several times been shot. When
on the watch for their prey, they take a percb not far from the
ground, and may be observed to flirt their tails much like the
Pewees, now and then taking low and rapid flights from bush
to bush, or from tree to tree, particularly if pursued. On de-
tecting what they wish to seize, they pounce upon it, if upon
the ground, or pursue it through the air, if it be a bird, with
force, great rapidity, and an almost infallible certainty of aim.
As their bills are particularly powerful, the muscles about
their head highly developed, and their feet naturally weak,
they use the latter solely for perching. They use their bills,
on the other hand, to seize the birds which they pursue, gen-
erally by the neck, thus suffocating them, and afterwards
to tear their flesh.

* Herein Mr. Minot did the Butcher- the Great Northern Shrike is known to
bird injustice, for it has a really pleas- have ever been taken in any part of
ing- song-, not unlike that of the Brown New England, and there are now ex-
Thrasher, but more disconnected and cellent reasons for believing- that all
less loud and varied. — W. B. the New England Shrikes' nests which

t Although this assertion has been have ever been reported were really

frequently made, especially by the ear- those of L. excubitorides. — W. B.
lier writers, no fuilv identified nest of

168 LAND-BIRDS.

Their food consists of grasshoppers, mice, and principally
our smaller winter birds of the Finch-tribe who associate in
flocks, — the Snow-birds, Snow Buntings, Tree Sparrows,
" Red-polls," and Pine Finches. I have seen one dart after
a flock of Goldfinches, who escaped by flying upwards. The
Shrike followed with effort and a rather laborious flight, until,
despairing of success, he turned and dropped wdth the speed
of an arrow, arresting himself instantaneously on approaching
the earth. He afterwards dashed into a company of Tree Spar-
rows, who showed much less address in escaping his clutches.
They separated and fled to the bushes : he followed one through
a thicket and seized him on the other side. The Shrikes have
several times been known, in their boldness, to enter cages, and
to kill the inmates, though sometimes fortunately trapped them-
selves afterwards.

The " Butcher-birds " are best known by their notorious
practice of impaling their food upon thorns or the like, thus
securing, according to a European superstition, nine victims
every day, whence they are in some places called " nine-kill-
ers." There are three theories often advanced to explain this
extraordinary and characteristic cruelty, as follows : That the
Shrikes are fond of tainted meat ; that they are naturally provi-
dent for the future ; and that they employ their food, to a cer-
tain extent, as bait. The former of these theories may be
refuted by the evidence, which has, I believe, been generally
given, even from observations upon specimens in confinement,
that the " Butcher-birds " never feed upon these stores. The
last theory is absurd, as Wilson has already demonstrated,
since they can at any time, by swiftness and dexterity of flight,
seize a small bird who ventures near them, and need never
resort to guile or deceit, and since, if grasshoppers be the crea-
tures impaled, our winter birds, upon whom the Shrikes prey,
are all granivorous or seed-eating, never touching insects (ex-
cept, perhaps, in summer), and since in many cases the victims
impaled are birds, who certainly would not serve satisfactorily
as bait to attract their friends. I regret very much that I have
not had opportunities enough for studying thoroughly the habits
of the " Butcher-birds " to decide this question, but, in want of

SHRIKES. 169

evidence, I am inclined to suppose that they keep up this mur-
derous practice solely from instincts of cruelty, * and perhaps
other instincts, allied to the thieving and hiding propensities
of the Magpies and their relations, though, indeed, their acts
are murder in the first degree and without secrecy. In brief,
is it not probable that they exercise this barbarity and ferocity
simply in sport, and for their amusement ? I cannot, at pres-
ent, offer to the public any more satisfactory explanation.

d. Audubon and Nuttall both state that the Great North-
ern Shrikes imitate the notes of other birds to attract their
attention and to allure them into danger, but I have known no
modern ornithologists to confirm these statements, which at
present need corroboration. Whilst here in winter, the Shrikes
are usually silent, and I have but once heard them uttering
any sounds. About the middle of March I observed a pair
in a field overrun with mice, and heard their extraordinary
note, brief and often repeated, which resembled the buzz of a
small insect (with somewhat of a squeal intermixed?). I at
first, in my haste and ignorance, attributed this sound to the
field mice, but afterwards supposed that it was probably a
cry confined exclusively to the mating season of the birds, to
whom it certainly belonged.

I shall close this biography by inserting a very entertaining
passage from an old English book on Falconry, which I find
quoted in Mr. Wood's interesting book, "Homes without
Hands."

"Sometimes upon certain birds she doth use to prey,whome
she doth entrappe and deceive by flight, for this is her desire.
She will stand at pearch upon some tree or poste, and there
make an exceeding lamentable crye and exclamation, such as
birds are wonte to do, being wronged or in hazard of mischiefe,
and all to make other fowles believe and thinke that she is very
much distressed and stands in need of ayde ; whereupon the
credulous sellie birds do flocke together presently at her call

* There is no more real cruelty in- victims before suspending- them, and

volved in this habit than in the prac- frequently, although certainly not inva-

tice, on our own part, of hanging- up riably, he returns to and devours them,

poultry, game, etc. ; for the Shrike, — W. B.
like the poulterer, invariably kills his

170 LAND-BIRDS.

and voice, at what time if any happen to approach neare her
she out of hand ceazeth on them, and devoureth them (un-
grateful subtill fowle ! ) in requital for their simplicity and
pains.

" Heere I end of this hawke, because I neither accompte her
worthy the name of a hawke, in whom there resteth no valor
or hardiness, nor yet deserving to have any more written upon
her propertie and nature. For truly it is not the property of
any other hawke, by such devise and cowardly will to come by
their prey, but they love to winne it by main force of wings at
random, as the round winged hawkes doe, or by free stooping,
as the hawkes of the Tower doe most commonly use, as the
falcon, gerfalcon, sacre, merlyn, and such like."

B, LUDOViciANUS EXCUBiTORiDES.* WTiite-rumped
Shrike. But rarely obtained so far to the northward as Mas-
sachusetts.!

a. 8-9 inches long. Like the Butcher-bird (^), but more
slaty above, and generally with no white on the head (except
on the throat), the eye-stripes meeting on the forehead.

b. The nest is said to be much less elaborate than that of
the " Butcher-bird," though the eggs are very similar to those

* In the original edition this stood same shape and proportions as in typi-
as " Collurio ludovicianus, Loggerhead cal excubitorides. This last considera-
Shiike." Since Mr. Miuot wrote, how- tion, taken in connection with the fact
ever, there has been much discussion that these Shrikes are believed to have
as to whether our New England birds come to New England from the west-
should be called Loggerhead or White- luard within the last twenty-five years,
rumped Shrikes, or both. As a mat- makes it seem practically necessary to
ter of fact they are neither, but, like call them excubitorides. In any case
the birds which occur in New York, they must all bear the same name, for
Ohio. Indiana, Illinois, and the upper the presence or absence of a whitish
Mississippi Valley generally, they are rump is a purely individual character-
variously intermediate in coloring be- istic. — W. B.

tween typlcaWwc/oyicmnJis and excubi- t This Shrike is now known to breed
torides. The rump is seldom conspicu- regularly and in some numbers at vari-
ously white, and often no lighter than ous localities in the more open parts of
the back, but the general coloring, as Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont,
a rule, is more nearly like that of the but in southern New England it is found
western than the southern form, while only in autumn, winter, and spring, and
the bill is invariably much too slender is never at all common,
for ludovicianus and essentially of the

FINCHES. 171

of that bird. Dr. Brewer says : " The spots are usually larger
and more scattered than in the eggs of L. horealis,''''

c. The Loggerhead Shrike is chiefly an inhabitant of the
Southern States, and I have heard of but few instances of its
capture in New England or in the State of Massachusetts. It
is, however, says Mr. Allen, in his " Notes on the Karer Birds
of Massachusetts," a summer resident at Hamilton, in Canada
West, on the northern shore of Lake Ontario (Mcllwraith),
and has been known to breed at Buffalo, New York. Wilson
says that '* this species inhabits the rice plantations of Carolina
and Georgia, where it is protected for its usefulness in destroy-
ing mice. It sits, for hours together, on the fence, beside the
stacks of rice, watching like a cat ; and as soon as it perceives
a mouse, darts on it like a Hawk. It also feeds on crickets
and grasshoppers." *

d. He adds that " its note, in March, resembled the clear
creaking of a sign board in windy weather."

§ 15. The FRINGILLID^, or Finches^ form our largest
family (the Warblers being second in size), and include the
Sparrows, Buntings, Linnets, Grosbeaks, and Crossbills. They
are chiefly granivorous (or at least vegetarians), and conse-
quently are less migratory than insectivorous birds. They are
very sociable among themselves, and in some cases gregarious.
They are clad both plainly and brilliantly, sometimes with
crests; and are in nearly all cases musical, sometimes very
highly so. Some of them are eminently field-birds, and on this
account are easily observed in the country. As architects they
are not to be ranked high, though their nests are often very
neatly built. Their eggs exhibit great variety in colors and
markings, and two (or even three) sets of four or five are laid
by several species in one season, even so far to the northward
as Massachusetts.

* The chang-e of names explained in the matter quoted from "Wilson is also
a preceding footnote would naturally no longer appropriate. As it is out of
require the substitution in the opening the question to rewrite the whole par-
lines of this paragraph of Wliite- agraph I have decided to leave it just
rumped for "Loggerhead" Shrike, as it appeared in the first edition,
and Western for " Southern " States. I Fortunately the habits, nests, etc., of
shotdd be tempted to take this liberty the two birds are not essentially dif-
"with the original text were it not that f erent. — W. B.

172 LAND-BIRDS.

They (or at least our species) are characterized as follows.
Bill, for the most part, not twice as long as high, but stout,
more or less conical, with the mandibles generally meeting at
their tips : commissure usually with a more or less evident
angle ; bristles often wanting ; tarsi scutellate ; primaries nine.
They may be divided into three groups : (Gen. I-VI and
VII ?) Wings long ; feet not strong ; sexes generally unlike ;
males brightly colored. Birds of rather boreal distribution,
of comparatively strong flight, and largely arboreal (except
in genus VII). (Gen. VII ?-XVIII.) Birds chiefly terres-
trial : also plainly colored, and sexes generally alike ; com-
missure frequently with the r.ngle feebly marked. (Gen.
XVIII 7-XXIII.) Birds chiefly arboreal, and handsomely
or brilliantly colored ; sexes unlike. Distribution rather
southern. Bill stout, somewhat curved above ; angle well
marked. (Gen. XXIV, XXV, are placed at the end, be-
cause not properly parts of our fauna.) (Figs. 8, 9, 10.)
Possibly the Starlings should be united with the Finches, and
ranked as a subfamily. (See § 17.)

The following genera require special notice : —

Loxia. Bill with the mandibles crossed (j)l. 1, fig. 16).

Pinicola. Bill stout, hooked^ and with curved outlines.

Sjnniis and Acanthis. Bill conical, and pointed. Upper
mandible often growing beyond the lower, as sometimes seen
in other Finches and Blackbirds (pi. 1, fig. 12).

Plectrophenax. Hind claw very long (pi. 1, fig. 17). In
subgenus Centrophanes (including Iappo?iicus, but not nivalis)
hind claw straightish ; bill unrufted.

Ainmodramus. Bill comparatively slender. Tail-feathers
narrow and pointed. (PI. 1, figs. 14, 15.)

Coturnicidus* closely related.

Passerella. Birds partially rasorial, as also in certain allied
species.

Hahia. Bill deep, stout, and bristled ; upper outline much
curved, commissure strongly angulated (pi. 1, fig. 13). The
details of structure vary with every group or genus, but the
Finches in general are easily recognized by their coloring. I

*Now considered a subgenus of Ammodramus. — W. B.

FINCHES. 173

have arranged the genera (represented in New England) in
what seemed the best sequence.

The position of the Larks (^Alaudidce^ § 16) is apparently
doubtful. The typical Sky Lark of Europe (Alamla arven-
sis) has been introduced into this country ; but yet the true
American Larks belong to the subfamily —

Calandritinm *(fig. 11). They are characterized as follows :
Bill (in Otocoris) twice as long as high, pointed, and with
the upper outline convex ; nostrils concealed ; primaries nine ;
tarsi '' scutellate and blunt behind as in front, with a deep
groove along the inner side, and a slight one, or none, on the
outer face " ; ^^ hind claw very long. The common Shore Lark
is the type.

I. LOXIA.

A. CURVIROSTRA MINOR. Bed CrossUll. Commoii
Crosshill. To be found in Massachusetts as an extremely
irregular visitor from the north, f

a. MandibUs crossed (as in B). About six inches long.
$ , chiefly of an almost brick red, with wings and tail dusky
or nearly black. $ , often with a strong yellowish suffusion.
Wings and tail, dark. Above, of a shade varying from brown-
ish to olive, with dusky streaks. Eump, almost yellow. Be-
neath, paler, more or less streaked.

6. The nest is built in the early part of spring, or even, it
is said, in winter. Mr. Paine found one in a leafless elm, in
East Randolph, Vermont, early in the month of March. The
parents were so tame that it was necessary to remove them
forcibly from their eggs, which " were four in number, and
measured .85 X -53 of an inch. They have a greenish white
ground and are beautifully blotched, marbled, and dotted with
various shades of lilac and purplish brown."

c. The Crossbill, on account of his many peculiarities, is

* This subfamily is not recog-nized t Breeds throug-hout the conifer-

in the A. 0. U. Cheek-List. — W. B. ous forests of northern New England,

^9 In the Oscines, " the tarsus is nor- whence it wanders southward at irreg-

mally covered on either side with two ular intervals, visiting southern New

entire horny plates, that meet behind England, often in great numbers, U9*i-

in a sharp ridge." (Coues.) ally in autumn and winter, but fre-
quently at all seasons. — W. B.

174 LA]SrD-BIRDS.

an interesting subject for study. His most marked oddity is
that which Wilson has spoken of in admirable language. That
author says : " On first glancing at the bill of this extraordi-
nary bird one is apt to pronounce it deformed and monstrous ;
but on attentively observing the use to which it is applied by
the owner, and the dexterity with which he detaches the seeds
of the pine tree from the cone, and from the husks that inclose
them, we are obliged to confess on this as on many other occa-
sions where we have judged too hastily of the operations of
nature, that no other conformation could have been so excel-
lently adapted to the purpose," etc. (Wilson, vol. iv, p. 44.)

Tlie exact distribution, the regular breeding-habits, and the
migrations of the Crossbills are not, at present, perfectly
understood. These birds migrate (it is supposed and well-
nigh proved) in accordance with the abundance of food in
their usual habitat (northward of the 44th parallel of latitude).
Hence they are sometimes not seen at all in Massachusetts
during the year, and at other times appear as early as August,
and remain until June (whence it has been assumed that they
breed here*).

Though often here in autumn and spring, they are commonly
driven to our latitudes in the winter months ; then, usually in
flocks varying in number from three or four to hundreds, they
are to be seen busily engaged in extracting seeds from the
cones of our evergreens. They are good climbers, moving
much like Parrots, but with more agility. They occasionally
eat berries ; and they also descend to the ground, having a
fondness, it is said, for saline substances. It is somewhere
stated that in arctic countries they often become so engrossed
in their feeding, when on the ground, that they can easily be
caught with a net, or knocked over with a club. Whilst near
Boston in winter, they exhibit neither shyness nor stupidity,
but, when started from a tree, often return to it, after ma-

* Red Crossbills may certainly be conclusively shown by the condition of

seen near Boston every month in the their sexual organs while the birds are

year.andsoraetimes quite as numerously with us. There is g'ood evidence, ho w-

in May and June as during- the autumn ever, that a few pairs nested in a grove

and winter, but that they do not breed of pitch pines near North Truro on

here, iinless possibly fortuitously, is Cape Cod in April, 1889. — W. B.

FINCHES. 175

noeuvriTig in the air in the manner of the " Red-polls." They
generally fly at a considerable height, and sometimes at a very
great elevation, at least great relatively to the powers of flight
which belong to this family of birds. In spring, the Crossbills
do mischief in attacking the buds of various trees ; and Mr.
Maynard speaks of their eating the tops of oats in autumn, at
Albany, Maine.^^ They are said to build their nests often in
February or March, and therefore their presence in summer
may not properly indicate the districts in which they breed,
though such immature specimens were obtained by Mr. Horace
Mann, at Weston, Massachusetts, in May, 1862, that Mr.
Allen thinks it " hardly possible " that they were born far
from that place.^^ The nest of the Crossbills has been found
at Milltown, Maine, by Mr. Boardman, and these birds may,
therefore, breed quite extensively in that State and north-
eastern New Hampshire, having been " common at Umbagog,
according to Mr. Deane, during the summer of 1870," and
according to Mr. Brewster, being " very common at Franconia
in summer." ^^ Their habitat in the breeding season may be
generally considered as the vast hemlock and spruce forests of
the north.

d. As Wilson says, they "have a loud, sharp, and not
unmusical note " and " chatter as they fly." They sometimes
utter in spring quite a sweet song, which has the character of
their ordinary cries, as is noticeable in the music of the birds
nearly related to them, the Pine Grosbeaks, " Red-polls," Gold-
finches, etc.

B. LEUCOPTERA. White-wingcd CrosshilL Much less
common in Massachusetts than even the preceding species.*
a. Mandibles crossed (as in J.). About six inches long.

^ The Naturalist^s Guide, p. 111. Co., Me., etc., 54th species, p. 16, pam-

^1 Notes on Some of the Barer Birds phlet.

of Massachusetts, in pamphlet [pp.30, * TheWhite-wingedCrossbillismnch

31, 32], and in American Naturalist, less common than L. minor. It visits

"vol. iii, pp. .50.5-.")19: .'^6^-585; 631- southern New England at wider inter-

648 ; and nnmbers for Nov., Dec., and vals and seldom in equally great num-

Jan., 1869-70. hers, and breeds more sparing-ly, but

^^ C. J. Mavnard, A Catalogue of the still not infrequently, in our northern

birds of Coos Co., N. H., and Oxford coniferous forests. — W. B.

176 LAND-BIRDS.

Essentially like MINOK, but with white wing-hars^ and a much
rosier hue in the male.

h. An egg described by Dr. Brewer " is pale blue, the
large end rather thickly spattered with fine dots of black and
ashy lilac ; is regularly or rather slightly elongate-oval, the
small end rather obtuse. It measures .80 of an inch in length
by .bQ in breadth."

c. The White-winged Crossbills are much rarer here than
the Red Crossbills, since they habitually reside in more north-
ern countries, though, indeed, on the authority of Mr. Deane
and Mr. Brewster said to be "common at Umbagog in June,
1870, and at Franconia in summer." ^^ They are seldom seen
in Massachusetts, though occasionally common in winter, and
known to migrate much further to the southward. So far as I
have had opportunities to observe, they resemble closely in
their habits the other species, feeding chiefly upon the seeds of
our evergreens, both obtaining these and climbing dexterously,
and sometimes seeking food upon the ground, having a par-
tiality for saline matter. Mr. Maynard says that they feed
" upon the seeds of beach-grass," " at Ipswich, Massachusetts,"
and that he " obtained a specimen on June 13, 1866, which
was shot on an apple tree in Newton ville," * and was " fiUed
with canker-worms."^* This, says Mr. Allen, was "a male in
fine breeding plumage," and therefore it is possible that these
birds may occasionally breed in this State, though at the same
time it is possible that the specimen in question may have
wandered from the north, having previously reared his young
in April or May. Instances of equally strange freaks among
birds have been known to occur, such as wandering more than
a thousand miles from a regular hahitat. It is to be remarked
that these instances take place almost wholly at the time of
the migrations in autumn or early winter.^^

^^ C. J. Maynard, 55tli species (p. 16, for there are no g-ood reasons for sus-

pampKlet), -Bjrc?s o/" Coos Co., N. H., pectino- that the White- wing-ed Crossbill

etc. ever breeds in Massachusetts. — W. B.

* This species is rarely found in east- ^^ The Naturalisfs Guide, pp. 1 1 1-1 12.

em Massachusetts, or indeed anywhere ^° For example, the occurrence in

in southern New England, after June 1. Massachusetts of the Varied Thrush,

The bird taken by Mr. Maynard was Lark Finch, and Gray King-bird,
doubtless merely a belated straggler,

FINCHES. 1T7

d. The song of the White-winged Crossbills, says Dr.
Brewer, is ''irregular and varied, but sweet and musical."
These birds have a plaintive cry, distinct from the notes of
the Red Crossbill.

11. PINICOLA.

A. ENUCLEATOR. PiJie Gvosbeok, In Massachusetts a
winter visitant of very irregular appearance.*

a. 8-9 inches long. $ , carmine. Back, dusky-streaked.
Belly, almost white. Wings and tail, dusk}^ (or black) ; for-
mer with much white. § , " ashy gray above and streaked.
Paler below, and not streaked." Crown (and rump), marked
with rusty yellow.

h. Dr. Brewer says : " No positively identified eggs of
the American Pine Grosbeak are as yet known in collections."
A European specimen measures about l.OOx.75 of an inch,
and is greenish, blotched and spotted with brown and purplish,
chiefly dark tints. Mr. Boardman found near Calais, Maine,
" in an alder bush, in a wet meadow," a nest and two eggs,
referable to this species.

c. The Pine Grosbeaks spend the summer season in the
cold regions which lie to the northward of New England, and
though, I believe, common winter residents in Maine and New
Hampshire, are rather rare, or at least irregular, in their ap-
pearance about Boston, and other parts of this State. They
are sometimes common here throughout the winter, wandering
in large flocks from place to place ; but at other times they
are wholly absent during the year, or at the most are seen but
once or twice after a cold " snap " or a heavy storm. I have
seen tbeiii from the first of November until the latter part of
March, though their departure usually occurs earlier in the
season, since they habitually breed in March and A])ril. It is
to be remarked that among our winter birds of this family, the
young almost invariably predominate, and often are unaccom-
panied by mature specimens. This interesting fact has not, so

* A common but irregular winter has been found repeatedly in midsum-

visitor to southern New Eng'land. some- mer among the mountains of northern

times — as in the winter of 1892-93 — New England, where it doubtless

occurring in very great numbers. It breeds sparingly, — W. B.

178 LAND-BIRDS.

far as I know, been satisfactorily explained, though it may
possibly be due simply to an inability of the young to with-
stand the cold so well as their parents.* Yet these birds are
supposed to be regulated in their migrations almost entirely
by supplies of food, and not to be affected by cold, since in
severe winters they are often much less abundant here than in
mild seasons. To determine questions of this sort, much
philosophical study, technical knowledge, comparison of notes,
and cooperation of different sciences is greatly needed.

The Pine Grosbeaks frequent the pines and other evergreens
almost exclusively, feeding largely upon their seeds, but also
upon buds and berries. Mr. Maynard speaks of their being
so unsuspicious that they can be easily captured by a noose
attached to a pole, but I have never observed such indiscretion
on their part.f In general appearance they bear a strong re-
semblance to the Robin ; but they possess powers of flight
even superior to those of that bird. Large flocks often travel
many miles, from time to time, in the course of a day, moving
at some height, and the individuals rising and falling in their
flight. The Pine Grosbeaks are also very much at ease among
the trees, though not such clever climbers as the Crossbills.
They seem, whilst here, to remember those long winter nights
of the north, which " become less and less separated by day-
light, the farther to the northward that they occur, until at the
pole tliey become fused into a j)eriod of darkness which lasts
for six months." I have observed that they generally retire
before sunset, whilst other birds are still occupied in feeding,
and collect among the branches of some thickly foliaged ever-
green. The " Red-polls," on the other hand, are given to
late hours, so that their respective habits are probably to be

* It is almost certain that the yonng natural discrepancy in this respect is
male of the Pine Grosbeak, like that doubtless still further increased by the
of the Purple Finch, does not often if ravag"es of birds and animals (ineluding"
ever acquire the full plumage until it man) of prey, who are more likely to
is more than one year old, and there are select a bright than a dull-colored in-
some reasons for believing' that a cer- dividual from the flock. — W. B.
tain proportion of males never become t It is absurdly easy to take them
"red." Hence it is probable that at in this v ay, especially when they are
all times and places the " gray " birds hungry and feeding on or near the
largely outnumber the " red." The ground. — \V. B.

FINCHES.

179

accounted for solely by a difference of taste, since both species
inhabit much the same regions. Certainly Nature has created
much for the sake of pleasing man by variety alone.

d. The Pine Grosbeaks have a characteristic single note,
a loud, clear, but somewhat plaintive whistle, which is often
repeated several times, and also a few subdued whistles, not
audible at any great distance, I here quote briefly from my
Journal. " March 13, 1875. This morning I arose at 5.15,
and went out at 5.40, when Crows were beginning to fly over.
At 5.55 a Red-poll, who was among some pines, awoke and
gave his call, which was answered by two or three of his com-
panions, who were near him, likewise in pines. . . . He
finally woke up a solitary Pine Grosbeak, who uttered his
call-note several times, and remained in the neiahborhood
until 6.15, when he perched on the top of a pine, and sang for
several minutes. His song was sweet and very much like that
of the Purple Finch, but was now and then interrupted by
his ordinary cries."

III. CARPODACUS.

A. PURPUREUS. Purple Finch. " Linnet.^' In New
England, a common resident in summer, but only occasional
in winter.*

a. About six inches long.
Crown-feathers erectile. (J i
carmine, of very different shades
and intensities in different spe-
cimens. Back, dusky streaked ;
belly, almost white. Edgings
of the wings, reddish. 5 -> ^^i"
vaceous brown, and streaked,
except on the belly, which, as

Fig. 8. Purple Fincli. {\)

* A common summer resident, breed-
ing nearly everywhere, but most nu-
merously in the coniferous forests of
northern New England. A few birds
usually remain through the entire win-
ter in southern New England, and oc-
casionally they occur at this season in

extraordinary numbers throughout our
entire territory. These fluctuations
are apparently governed solely by the
winter food supply, and are in no wise
dependent on conditions of tempera-
ture or snowfall. — W. B.

180 LAND-BIRDS.

well as a superciliary line, is white. Wings and tail, like those
of the male, but with no reddish.

h. The nest is usually composed of fine rootlets, weed-
stalks, and grasses, being lined with hairs ; but its materials
vary greatly in some cases. It is placed in a pine, cedar, or-
chard tree, or occasionally a bush or hedge, from five to twenty
feet above the ground. The eggs of each set are four or five,
and average .75 X .55 of an inch or more. They are of a
light greenish blue, marked rather thinly and chiefly at the
larger end with specks, blotches, and scrawls, of very faint
lilac, and of blackish. The first set is laid about the first of
June or earlier, and a second often appears in July.

c. The Purple Finches are well known on account of their
charming song, and the gay or brilliant coloring in summer of
the males, who attract, especially if in flocks, the attention of
many a person who is habitually inobservant. A few pass the
less severe winters in eastern Massachusetts, but in doing so
usually frequent swamps of cedar trees, or retired places where
seeds and berries are sufficiently abundant. The " Linnets "
generally arrive here from the South on the first of April or
earlier, but sometimes not until May, and then appear in the
open country, when the males and females often congregate
in small flocks, usually feeding upon the buds of various trees.
The males are not at this time of the year in full dress,* and
perhaps on this account, if these birds may be supposed to
have human vanities, are often alone or apart from the females.
They are, however, in full song, and, perched on some high
branch, sing loudly, as if under the delusion that winter dis-
appears in April.

When much startled, the " Linnets " usually fly for some
distance at a considerable height. Li May they usually be-

* This, and the opening sentence of it sometimes immediately succeeds the
the paragraph, imply that the carmine first or "nestling" plumage of the
plumage is worn only in the breeding young, and further, that a certain pro-
season, whereas it is really common to portion of the "gray" males never be-
all seasons, and once assumed is prob- come " rerf." This theory is not as yet
ably never again changed. It was for- supported by much evidence, but there
merly thought to be invariably charac- are some grounds for believing that
teristic of fully mature birds, but there it may prove to be well founded. — W.
are ornithologists who now suspect that B.

FINCHES. 181

come very abundant, and also mischievous, since they " feed
on the stamina of various fruit-blossoms." * They also gather
in large flocks on the ground, where, not unfrequently in com-
pany with the Goldfinches or other members of their family,
they pick up various seeds and perhaps other food. They are
summer residents throughout New England, though less com-
mon to the northward, and frequent principally cultivated or
open lands, though occasionally to be met with in woods.
Their song may not unfrequently be heard in September, when
most other birds do not sing. In October they become quite
rare, and finally, usually before November, forsake their sum-
mer haunts. Those seen here in the former month are very
possibly migrants from the north.

d. The music of the Purple Finch is a warbled song, which
would be monotonous, were it not sweet, mellow, and full-
toned. Both sexes sing. In autumn they often give utter-
ance to a few notes, which recall those of the Bluebird. Be-
sides their customary " chink," which they utter particularly
when on wing, they have a variety of less important notes.
The most pleasing of these is their " pewee," which is often
softly repeated by the females, and the most striking a single
whistle, to be heard chiefly or wholly in autumn, and which
recalls that of the Great Crested Flycatcher.

The " Linnets " are much more common and generally dis-
tributed through this State than formerly, and are gradually
becoming quite fearless of man. They are now so tame as
often to build their nests in hedges, and on account of their
several attractions should be allowed to increase, in spite of
the injuries that they may do us in spring. They resemble in
habits the Pine Grosbeaks, from the irregularity of both their
appearance and abundance from year to year. In studying
the Purple Finches, one must not confuse their song with that
of the Warbling Vireo,^*^ or even with those of the Robin and
sonie other birds, nor the notes already mentioned with those
of the Great Crested Flycatcher ^~* and Bluebird.^^

* This, however, has not been shown ^^ § 13, I, D.

to injure the trees, or even to reduce, ^^ § 19, II, A.

materially, their crops of fruit. — W. B. ^^ § o.

182 LAND-BIRDS.

n^. SPINUS.

A. TRiSTis. (^AmeHcaii) Goldfinch, ^'' Yelloiohird.'''' ^^
" Thistle-hird.'" Common in New England throughout the
year, but more abundant in summer than in winter. Like
the Cedar-birds, they breed very late in the season.*

a. About 4| inches long. $ (from April 1st f until Sep-
tember 20th?), bright yellow, "inclusive of lesser wing-cov-
erts." Crown, wings, and tail, black. Upper tail-coverts,
whitish ; but wing-markings and tail-spots entirely white. J ,
dusky olivaceous yellow above ; paler or yellowish beneath.
Wings and tail, less purely colored than in the male, who in
winter resembles the female, though much browner.

h. The nest is usually composed of fine grasses (or strips
of bark), and is lined with down from thistles and other plants,
and sometimes with hairs. It is quite deep or cup-shaped, but
is substantial, neat, and compact. It is placed in a pasture
bush, a shade tree (especially on roadsides), perhaps an apple
tree, or a like situation, commonly between five and twenty
feet above the ground, and almost invariably in a crotch. I
have known it to be just completed as early as the tweKth of
June, and as late as the first week in August. The eggs of
each set are five or six, average about .63 X .50 of an inch, and
are faint bluish white (rarely with a few faint markings?).

c. The Goldfinches, perhaps the most graceful members
of their large family, are very common and well known, and
one could hardly select from all the Finches, or from all birds,
more charming objects of study. They are summer residents
throughout a greater part of the eastern United States, are
common in Massachusetts, and are very abundant in (certain
parts of) northern New Hampshire, and probably the whole
of northern New England. They are very hardy, and remain
in the neighborhood of Boston throughout the year.

^^ There is a Warbler (§ 9, X, A) also t The change from winter to sum-
called the Yellowbird. mer plumage certainly begins in April,

* A resident species of universal dis- but it is rarely, if ever, perfected until

tribution, perhaps more numerous in late in May, at least in New England,

summer than in winter, but found com- — W. B.
monly at all seasons in nearly every
part of New England. — W. B.

FINCHES. 183

Ornithologists very generally have advanced the theory that
those birds who pass the summer in a locality where the spe-
cies which they represent are resident throughout the year
retire in winter to the South, leaving their place to be sup-
plied by others of the same kind from the north. Mr. May-
nard, however, ingeniously argues that this is not the case,
at least with the Hairy Woodpecker."^ However the case
may be, it is certain that many Goldfinches pass the winter
near Boston.

In those months during which snow generally covers the
earth, they wander, usually in small flocks, feeding, as at other
times of the year, upon the seeds of pines or weeds, and such
suitable things as they can find upon the ground. The males
are then in their winter dress, and do not assume their gay
summer livery until April. In March the " Yellowbirds " be-
come rather common, and in April abundant. About the first
of May, or even later, they often associate in large companies
with the Purple Finches and other members of their family,
and frequent orchards and various places where they can pro-
cure food from the ground. The song of the male (for the
female does not sing) may often be heard at this time, pre-
vious to and during which they ramble over open country and
cultivated lands, rendered noticeable by the jet black and
bright yellow of the gayer sex. These flocks are gradually
broken up, but at all seasons of the year the so-called " Yellow-
birds " show a social spirit, whence, even in summer, two
or three often enjoy one another's society and fly about to-
gether.

The followinof observations on their habits in summer were
made among the White Mountains, where, in certain districts,
they were very numerous. The Goldfinches there inhabited
the pasture land, in which they often built their nests, over
which they wandered, and from which chiefly they obtained
their food. There were in the place but few trees on the road-
sides, except such as formed the part of some wood (and in
woods these birds never build their nests*), but the large

■^•^ The Naturalist's Guide, p. 129. exceptions, even in the country about

* This rule is subject to occasional Boston. — W. B.

184 LAND-BIRDS.

bushes, which in many places supplied this want, answered the
Goldfinches' purpose as well. On these bushes, or the tele-
graph-wires and posts, males and females, or when the latter
were on their nests, a solitary male or several, often perched.
They occasionally alighted in the road to pick up food, but
not very commonly. The daintiness and evident enjoyment
of their bath was very charming. They usually waded into a
gently flowing brook, which rolled over clean sand, and then
showered themselves with the water tossed up by the splashing
of tlieir wings, bobbed their heads into the clear stream, next
dressed their feathers, and finally flew away, twittering ex-
pressions of their pleasure. In the early part of the summer
they often appeared in the gardens and fruit trees of the vil-
lage, but in Septsmber congregated where thistles were abun-
dant. On the heads of these weeds they perched, until the
stalks swayed to the ground ; and, when this brief ride was
finished, they bent over to feed upon the seeds. In the same
way do they often treat the garden-iris in summer, when the
rich blue or purple of that flower forms a most gorgeous con-
trast with their plumage. AVhilst assembled, the Goldfinches
are always extremely harmonious, and seem to express their
happiness by their delightful cries.

Their flight, as every one who knows them must have ob-
served, consists of a series of marked undulations, and occa-
sionally of great circles in the air. If pursued by any bird of
prey, they mount in circles often to a great height, knowing
well that they are safe only when above their enemies ; and,
though their powers of flight are not great, I have never seen
a Hawk or Shrike who was sufficiently persistent to exhaust
them, and thus to secure his prey.

To retui'n to those '' Yellowbirds " who have passed the
summer in Massachusetts, they (or latterly substitutes from
the north) are tolerably abundant in September, and less so in
October. Sometimes at this season they associate with the
sparrows, and feed in asparagus beds, old vegetable gardens,
and like places. Before October has passed away, they become
quite uncommon, and assume many of their winter habits.
Their haunts are much the same throughout the year, and

FINCHES. 185

include the whole country, with the exception of the woods,
meadows, and swamps.*

d. The male Goldfinch has a lively and sweet, but not
full-toned song, characterized by his ordinary notes, and re-
sembling that of the " Canary," his near relation. In listening
to it, one may hear harsh notes, and then a sweet cJie-we or che-
loe-we, I have heard it in April, October, and the intervening
time, most often in the first-named month and in May. He
has also a very sweet and almost pathetic cry, which to me has
a singular fascination, but it is not easily to be distinguished
from the corresponding notes of the '^ Red-poll," Siskin, or
Canary-bird. Both sexes own a low whistle, heard chiefly in
summer, and rarely then, and their characteristic twitters,
which these birds commonly utter at every undulation of their
flight, and often when perched. Such other sounds as they
occasionally produce are less noticeable, and are among those
details regarded only by one intimate with birds and with
their individual traits.

In writing this volume, I have been struck with the thought
that the biographer of birds has, at least in one respect, a
pleasanter task than the biographer of a human friend, for he
has never to speak of death ; for, since we regard all of a spe-
cies as virtually one being, and rarely regard distinctions be-
tween individuals, we are necessarily led to consider them as a
perpetual being, though, indeed, instances are known to modern
history of the apparent extinction of a race, such as that of
the Great Auk, owing to persecution, and the comparative
helplessness of this creature in escaping his enemies, particu-
larly man.

Should the Goldfinches ever cease to exist, let this be their
eulogy : the Goldfinches were peculiarly attractive on account
of their apparently happy disposition, and their sprightly, ex-
pressive twitters, which were never exchanged for the weak
and almost mournful notes which many other birds adopt in

* These exceptions should not have growth of black and gray birches and
been made, for in Avinter the Gold- alders, on the seeds of which they de-
finches often frequent the wildest and pend larg-ely for subsistence during the
most extensive tracts of woodland, es- colder months. — W. B.
peeially where there is an abundant

186 LAND-BIRDS.

autumn and winter. What more could have been reasonably
asked than that these birds should be finely colored, sing
sweetly, have a variety of charming notes, possess a peculiar
flight and attractive habits, be common and resident through-
out the year, and frequent the neighborhood of man ?

B. PiNUS. Pine Finch. " Sishin.^^ An irregular winter
visitor to Massachusetts, occasionally lingering here until
June, and having been known to breed at Cambridge.*

a. About 4| inches long. Flaxen ; paler below. Thickly
streaked with darker, rather finely so on the head and under
parts. Wings and tail, black, with much yellow, which, in the
breeding season, is more or less suffused throughout the plu-
mage.

h. Dr. Brewer says : " Early in May, 1859, a pair of these
birds built their nest in the garden of Professor Benjamin
Peirce, in Cambridge, Mass., near the colleges. It was found
on the 9th by Mr. Frederick Ware, and already contained its
full complement of four eggs,f partly incubated." " The eggs
are of an oblong-oval shape, of a light green ground-color,
spotted, chiefly at the larger end, with markings of a light
rusty brown. They measure .71 by .50 of an inch."

c. So irregular are the habits of the American *' Siskins "
that I have never clearly understood their distribution and
annual movements. Though these birds have been known to
breed exceptionally at Cambridge, in Massachusetts, they
usually breed in New England only to the northward of that
State, such as in certain places among the White Mountains
and about Lake Umbagog. They are sometimes common in
Massachusetts during the winter, and at other times are alto-
gether absent then, presumably, in the latter case, not passing
to the southward of their summer range. And yet they are

* A common resident of northern t One of these eggs — faded, dust-
New England, visiting southern New stained, and partly broken — is still
England at irregular intervals in au- preserved in the collection of the Mu-
tumn and winter, often occurring in seum of Comparative Zoology at Cam^-
immense numbers at the former season, bridge. — W. B.
Its nest and eggs have been twice taken
in Massachusetts. — W. B.

FINCHES. 187

said by Wilson to have been common in Pennsylvania for a
number of successive winters, and are known to occur occasion-
ally on the shores of the Gulf of Mexico. The most interest-
ing fact in their natural history is their frequent appearance
near Boston in April and May, or even in June and July, even
when not observed in the preceding winter. Mr. Maynard
supposes that their journeys are chiefly governed by the snow ;
but m}'- own observations do not altogether confirm this theory,
which I do not think supported by the facts relative to the
feeding of these birds, or to their appearance here, for the Pine
Finches occasionally reach Boston in autumn, before the snow,
and even as soon as the young are able to travel, though, indeed,
these latter are rarely hatched before August.*

The Siskins may be observed in winter to wander in flocks
from place to place, being, like their various near relations,
entirely nomadic at that season. They fly in undulations like
those of the Goldfinches, to whom they bear a very strong re-
semblance in other ways. '^ They live upon the seeds of weeds,
and those of the several evergreens, feeding both upon the
ground and in trees. They may often be seen clustered at the
top of some tall pine, busied in extracting the seeds, or cling-
ing to the cones of a spruce, with an ease which clearly indi-
cates their habits. They are also fond of birch seeds, which
are highly esteemed by many of our winter birds, particularly
the Ruffed Grouse. They are graceful in their movements, and
their attitudes, when feeding, are always pretty ; but they are
not such climbers as the " Red-polls."

d. The Pine Finches are closely allied to the Yellowbirds
and " Red-polls " by their notes, and their sweet call is almost
indistinguishable from the call-notes of those birds. Their
song and their twitters, though distinct from those of the
Goldfinch, are yet much like them; but their twitters, most

* Mr, Minot's impressions on this of cold or snow, but simply by a fail-
point have been amply confirmed by ure of the food supply. — W. B.
the observations of later writers. In- '^ Mr. Allen, in his ' ' Winter Notes
deed it is now very generally admitted of an Ornithologist," published in the
that the irregular southward journeys American Naturalist, considers the
of these as well as other northern breed- Siskins swifter in flight, their notes
ing birds are caused not by an excess " milder and more wiry."

188 LAND-BIRDS.

often uttered as they fly, are much louder and less musical.
They have also a very characteristic note, resembling the word
wee^ uttered in a peculiar tone with a rising inflection, and,
moreover, if I remember correctly, a loud and rather unmu-
sical trill.

V. ACANTHIS.

A, LiNARiA. " Red-poll.''^ Red-poll Linnet. Lesser
" Red-poliy Another irregular visitant to New England, in
the winter season only, being in some years very common and
in others altogether absent, at least in Massachusetts.*

a. About K>\ inches long. Upper parts, flaxen, dark
streaked. Beneath, whitish, more or less dusky streaked.
Wings and tail, dusky, with white edgings ; the former with two
naiTow whitish bars. Crown^ carmine ; " rump, white or rosy,
always streaked with dusky." In the mature $ the breast is
bright rosy, and the under tail-coverts paler and streaked.

[Dr. Coues has endeavored to establish one or two varie-
ties of this species, which it is perhaps necessary to accept.
They are '^ K^. fuseeseens^\ Diislcy Red-poll., a darker form;
with " rump scarcely lighter," and " sides heavily streaked,"
which Dr. Coues supposes may occur from the wearing of the
feathers, and var. exilipes^X Ameriean Mealy Red-poU., with
flaxen paled to whitish, and rump unstreaked in adults, "rep-
resenting," says Dr. Coues, "the true Mealy Redpoll, A. ca-
nescens., of Greenland."]

h. The " Red-polls " breed in arctic countries on the
ground, § and lay four or five eggs, which are light greenish
blue, with a few brown spots, and which average about .Qb X
.50 of an inch.

c. The " Red-polls " are occasionally the most abundant
of our winter birds, but, on the other hand, several successive
winters often pass without their occurrence in Massachusetts.

* An irregular, but at times most pes, a rare -winter visitor to New Eng-

abundant winter visitor, not known to land. — W. B.

breed in New England. — W. B. § The nest is built in birches, alders,

t Not now considered a valid form, or willows, usually near, but never, so

— W. B. far as I am aware, actually on the

I Now Acanthis hornemannii exili- ground. — W. B.

FINCHES. 189

They breed in the arctic countries, and when obliged to travel
to the southward, as they sometimes are, it is supposed, by
lack of food, occur in the United States in November, April,
and more often the intervening months. They move in flocks,
which vaiy in size, but sometimes consist of two hundred or
even more, and which are frequently augmented by the
companionship of Goldfinches and other birds. These flocks
always seem, however, to consist of more than one species, since
the individuals, among whom the young predominate, repre-
sent various colorations at the different periods of their growth.

The '' Red-polls " wander continually during their visits, and
hence are very irregular in appearance at different localities.
I have never observed them to feed from the evergreens, but
they have a marked fondness for the seeds of white birches
and of alders, and according to Brehm, the German ornitholo-
gist, pass the summer among birches in the most northern
part of Europe. They often gather where the coarse field-
weeds project above the snow, on banks or roadsides, and also
feed upon the ground. They allow quite a near approach,
and when finally so startled as to take flight, often return to
the spot just left, after circling in the air. Though not alarmed
by man's approach, they are often shy of venturing near to
buildings, though I remember to have seen two staying for a
moment to feed with Snow-birds on some grain scattered be-
fore the window of a dining-room.

The following extracts from my Journal will illustrate the
habits of these birds. " March 4th. Sunrise in Boston at 6.30
A. M., sunset at 5.55 P. M. . . . At twenty minutes before
six this afternoon, whilst I was exercising the dogs, a 'Red-
poll ' alighted near me in a small apple tree. He j^aid almost
no attention to me or my companions, though we were noisy,
and I was at one time within five feet of him. The dogs I
finally sent away. The bird at first uttered his sweet call-
note, in order, I su})pose, that he might obtain the compan-
ionship of his mates, if any were near, and occasionally other
sounds to express his satisfaction, as he obtained from the
bark bits of food so minute as to be invisible to my eye. He
displayed thoroughly his great skill in climbing, and often, in

190 LAND-BIRDS.

searching tlie crannies of the bark, hung with his head down-
wards. He soon became silent, and I remained motionless
until five minutes after six. I then observed another ' Red-
poll,' who flew over at some distance, and at a considerable
height from the ground, apparently about to ' take perch ' in
a neighboring pine grove. My friend, a moment later, took
to flight and seemed (it was then dusk) to alight in a pine."

" March 13th. This morning I went out at twenty minutes
before six, when Crows were already beginning to fly over.
Quarter of an hour later, a ' Red-poll,' who was in the pines

which border Street, awoke and gave his call, which was

answered by two or three of his companions, who were near
him, likewise in the pines. These birds then warbled for
about five minutes and afterwards flew away."

*' March 22d. This morning . . . the ' Red-polls ' awoke
at quarter of six among the pines, but not those in which
they were before, and at once sang. I next observed a soli-
tary one, who flew over at a great height, but the rest gath-
ered into flocks and set about the business of the day, fly-
ing to a distance. The Goldfinches showed much the same
habits. At six I found one in a pine, singing very sweetly,
but he soon flew away, after uttering a few twitters."

" March 28th. This morning I left the house at half-past
five, but spring has made the birds rise very early, for on
going out, I saw the Crows and ' Red-polls ' flying over. At
six, two of the latter, who have lately been very common,
alighted near me, to rest in their early rambles."

"April 6th. A few 'Red-polls' flew over to-day, but they
are becoming scarce."

"April 24th. This afternoon a 'Red-poll' {JEgiothus
linarius')^ who shows no wounds, nor as yet any signs of de-
composition, was picked up in the barn-cellar, the doors of
which were shut."

d. The "Red-polls" have a sw^eet call-note, like that of
the Goldfinch or Siskin, and a simple " chit," often so repeated,
especially by a flock, as to resemble the twitterings of the
former bird, or even those of the latter. Their song is quite
like the Yellowbird's (^S. tristis^, but is distinct, since all
their ordinary notes are introduced.

FINCHES. 191

The winters when these happy, pretty little birds are com-
mon are always much enlivened by their presence, and those
years are richer for the naturalist which bring us their visits
from the arctic countries.

VL LINOTA*

A. BREWSTERi. ''^ Bvewstev'' s Linnet. One specimen,!
not clearly referable to any known species or variety, was ob-
tained by Mr. William Brewster, at Waltham, Mass., from
a flock of common '' Red-poUsc"

a. It is described as follows in Messrs. Baird, Brewer,
and Ridgway's " North American Birds."

" General appearance, somew^iat that of ^. Unarms^ but no
red on the crown, and the sides and rump tinged with sulphur
yellow ; no black gular spot. 5 ^f^^' Ground-color above,
light umber, becoming sulphur yellow on the rump, each
feather, even on the crown, with a distinct medial stripe of
dusk^^ Beneath, white, tinged with fulvous yellow anteriorly
and along the sides ; sides and crissum streaked with dusky.
Wings and tail, dusky; the former with two pale fulvous
bands ; the secondaries, primaries, and tail-feathers, narrowly
skirted with whitish sulphur yellow. A dusky loral spot, and
a rather distinct lighter superciliary stripe. Wing 3.00 ;
tail 2.50; tarsus .50 ; middle toe .30. Wing formula, 1, 2,
3, etc."

Vn. PLECTROPHENAX.

A. NIVALIS. Snoio BuntingP '' Snow-flaker An
inhabitant of the "far north," visiting New England in
winter, in large assemblies. J

* Now Acanthis. — W. B. J A perfectly regular visitor to the

'- Since named ^giothus flavirostris whole of New England, but less numer-

var. hrewsteri. [Now Acanthis brew- ous inland than along the coast. The

stern. — W. B.] bulk of the spacies passes to the south-

t This specimen remains unique. It ward of Boston in November, and to

is probably a hybrid between Acanthis the northward in March, but many

linaria and Spinus pinus. — V^. B. large flocks remain through the entire

'3 Sometimes called " White Snow- winter. At Brandon, Vermont, near

bird," in distinction to the so-called the shores of Lake Champlain, Snow

Black or Blue Snow-bird. Buntings are said to regularly spend

192 LAND-BIRDS.

a, 6|-7 inches long. In the breeding season^ pure white
with black variegations, and a black bill. In winter^ bill
brown, and the plumage endlessly varied. A specimen before
me, a very fair type, is chiefly white, with a rich dark brown
on the crown, becoming lighter and warmer on the back of
the neck and on the rump. The interscapulars are vaguely
streaked with white, black, and brown, these colors extending
to the scapulars. Wings and tail, chiefly black and white.
Under parts, snowy white, with a light warm brown patch on
each side of the breast. Specimens have been obtained pure
white, and unmarked.

h. Mr. Macfarlane found on the arctic coast a " nest sit-
uated in a cave in a sand-bank." " The eggs, five in number,
are of a dull white, with perhaps a faint bluish cast, sprinkled
and spattered with dilute yellowish rufous, the markings most
numerous toward the larger end; they measure .95 of an inch
in length by .64 in breadth."

c. The Snow Buntings are quite regular as winter visitors
to New England, appearing in November, April, and the inter-
vening months. They are very restless, and roam over the
country in flocks, which sometimes contain thousands of indi-
viduals. They have very good powers of flight, and hence can
take long flights whenever their wishes or instincts prompt
them to do so. They generally move to the northward when
long-continued fine weather occurs, and to the southward on
the advent of heavy snow^-storms, and therefore have acquired,
in their winter haunts, the name of " bad-weather birds," a
title which originated in Europe, where they are well known.
The Snow Buntings for the most part breed in arctic coun-
tries, but a pair have been known to build their nest near
Springfield,* Massachusetts, and, says Mr. Maynard,'* " this

the winter "in flocks of from ten or 70). In view of the confusion of names

fifteen, to thousands of individuals." — between this species and the Snow-bird

W. B. {Junco hyemalis), it is probable that the

* This refers to a note by Mr. Allen, birds seen by Mr. Bennett were of the

who says : " Mr. C. W. Bennett tells latter species. In any ease the record

m.e that a pair spent the summer of is too meagre of details to be seriously

1862, and reared their young, in Spring- considered. — W. B.
field" {Proc. Essex Inst., IV, 1864, p. '* A Catalogue of the Birds of Coos

FINCHES. 193

species may breed on the tops of some of the ranges of Maine
and New Hampshire.* I have a note of a well authenticated
instance of a large flock being seen on Mount Katahdin, in
early August, 1869." None, however, have ever been re-
ported in summer from Mount Washington, the highest peak
in New England, and I saw none on walking up Mount La-
fayette, another prominent peak, in the early part of Septem-
ber, though it was very cold at the summit, and the true
Snow-birds {Janco hy emails) were very abundant at com-
paratively great altitudes, where the vegetation was stunted.
Audubon speaks, however, of a nest f found among the White
Mountains, in July, 1831, and seen by Wm. M. Boott, Esq.,
of Boston. It is probable that the Snow Buntings normally
belong to the United States as winter visitors only, and as
such occur so far to the southward as Kentucky, if not still
further. They are not so shy as one might reasonably sup-
pose them to be from their habits in summer, but near Boston
frequent the " Back Bay lands," the roads, and roadsides.
They often obtain seeds from the weeds in fields and plowed
lands, but they are most common on and near the sea-shore,
where they feed much upon small shell-fish. Wilson says :
" In passing down the Seneca River towards Lake Ontario, late
in the month of October, I was surprised by the appearance
of a large flock of these birds feeding on the surface of the
water, supported on the tops of a growth of weeds that rose
from the bottom, growing so close together that our boat
could with great difficulty make its way through them. They
were running about with great activity ; and those I shot and
examined were filled, not only with the seeds of this plant,
but with a minute kind of shell-fish that adheres to the leaves.
In these . . . aquatic excursions they are doubtless greatly
assisted by the length of their hind heel and claws. I also

Co.^ N. H., and Oxford Co., Maine, ing-season. by good field omitholofrists,

etc. ; 57th species, p. 17 of pamphlet. none of whom have found anv trace of

* It is now safe to say that this is Snow Buntings there. — W. B.

highly improbable, at least in so far as t There can be little doubt that this

the New Hampshire mountains are nest was that of a Snow-bird {Junco hy-

concernsd, for their summits have been emails). — \V. B.
repeatedly visited, during the breed-

194 LAND-BIRDS.

observed a few on Table Rock, above the falls of Niagara,
seemingly in search of the same kind of food. " Mr. May-
nard speaks of thousands feeding on the seeds of beach-grass,
at the Ipswich Sand-hills.'^ The Snow Buntings run with
ease and rapidity, like the Larks, and fly with considerable
swiftness, when in flocks often whirling like a flurry of snow
before alighting on the ground. They are the most pictur-
esque of our winter birds, and often enliven an otherwise
dreary scene, especially when flying, when they seem almost
like an animated storm, driven before a gusty wind.

d. Their principal notes are a clearly piped whistle, and
a peculiar chirr^ which they often utter when on wing. Their
song, rarely to be heard in Massachusetts, is short and simple,
but rather sweet.

CALCARIUS.

B. LAPPONicus. Lapland Longspur. Lapland Bunt-
ing. Eare in Massachusetts, where it is present in the win-
ter season only; "common on the Ipswich Sand-hills."*

a. Q-Q^ inches long. (J , in the breeding season, with the
crown, forehead, sides of the head, throat, and upper breast,
continuously black. Superciliary line, whitish, continuing
down the side of the chestnut red patch on the back of the neck.
Interscapulars, dark brown or blackish, with lighter edges.
Lower breast and beUy, whitish; the former more or less
streaked. Wings and tail, dusky ; the former marked with
bay (and white), the latter with conspicuous white patches.
(J , in winter, with the black interrupted and the chestnut red
less pure. 5 , with the throat much like the breast, crown
like the back, and the chestnut almost wanting.

h. In eggs from Anderson River, " where distinctly visible,
the ground color appears to be of yellowish gray. . . . The
blotches are of various shades of brown, with shadings of olive,

'5 The Naturalist's Guide, p. 112. writers, that it winters in Massachu-

* An early spring- and late autumn setts, requires confirmation, but there

migrant, rare in most parts of New is one explicit and apparently authen-

England. but regailarly common at Ips- tic record of " several specimens noted

wich, Massachusetts, in November, on February 21, 1879," at Brandon,

The statement repeatedly made by Vermont. — W. B.

FINCHES. 195

purple, or red, and at times almost black." " They measure
.80 X .60 of an inch."

c. The " Longspurs," as their name indicates, have re-
markably long- hind claws, such as also belong to the Snow
Buntings, to whom they are as closely allied by habits and
notes as otherwise. They are still more northern in their rano-e
than those birds, and pass the summer in arctic countries
only. Brehra says, from his own observations at this season
in the extreuie north of Europe, that they may be found
among the birch woods there, where they often perch upon the
trees, feed much upon the gnats which swarm in the toondras,
and sing only when on the wing, often hovering like the Lark
when doing so, whereas the Snow Buntings usually perch on
rocks, and are not naturally shy. They occur in Massachu-
setts as rare winter visitors only, and as occasional stragglers
in large flocks of Snow Buntings or Shore Larks, though, says
Mr. Maynard, '' common on the Ipswich Sand-hills." They
frequent almost exclusively the coast or the lands near it,
feeding on seeds and small shell-fish. They run nimbly, fly
swiftly, and chiefly affect the ground, but occasionally perch
in trees.

d. They have a shrill diin\ and a rather melancholy caU
of two syllables. Their song is said to be simple but sweet,
with their call-notes often introduced.

VIII. CHONDESTES.

A. GRAMMACUS. Lark Finch. An inhabitant of the
western United States, one, however, being " taken in
Gloucester, in 1845, by S. Jillson." '^ *

«. About 6 1 inches long. " Crown, chestnut, blackening
on forehead, divided by a median stripe, and bounded by
superciliary stripes, of white ; a black line through eye,
and another below eye, inclosing a white streak under the eye
and the chestnut auriculars ; next, a sharp black maxillary

■^'^ Mavnard, N aturalisV s Guide, p. mens, the first taken at Newtonville,

112. Gloucester is on the coast of November 24, 1877, the second shot at

Massachusetts, north of Boston. Magnolia, August 27, 1879, the third

* There are now records of at least seen, only, at Framingham, April 0,

three additional Massachusetts speci- and again on the 2yth, 1883, — W. B.

196 LAND-BIRDS.

stripe not quite reaching the bill, cutting off a white stripe
from the white chin and throat. A black blotch on middle of
breast. Under parts, white, faintly shaded with grayish brown ;
upper parts, grayish brown, the middle of the back with fine
black streaks. Tail, very long, its central feathers like the
back, the rest jet black, broadly tipped with pure white in
diminishing amount from the lateral pair inward, and the
outer web of the outer pair entirely white." (Dr. Coues.)

h. The nest of these birds is most often built upon the
ground. " The maximum number of their eggs," says Dr.
Brewer, " is five." Their average measurement is .85 by .Q^)
of an inch. The ground color is usually a grayish white,
rarely a light brown, marbled and streaked with waving lines,
and a few dots of black or a blackish brown."

c. The Lark Finches, since but one specimen has been
taken in this State, namely, at Gloucester, in 1845, have no
more claim to be considered or treated as birds of Massachu-
setts, than a Turk who passes a day and night at Paris to
be called a Frenchman ; but, in conformity to the strict but
not unreasonable demands of modern science, I give a brief
account of its habits, formed from the observations of other
naturalists. The Lark Finches feed principally upon seeds
which they obtain upon the ground. They are most abundant
in prairies and other open lands, though they also visit trees,
or resort to their immediate neighborhood. Li general hab-
its, they resemble the White-throated Sparrows (^Z onotrichice^
next to whom they should properly stand).

d. Mr. Ridgway considered their delightful song, which is
usually delivered from a perch, as the finest belonging to the
Finches.

IX. AMMODRAMUS.

A. MARITIMUS. Sea-side Finch. Almost wholly absent
from Massachusetts, though said by Dr. Coues to be, or to
have been, abundant in New Hampshire.*

* An abundant summer resident of found in eastern Massachusetts. The

salt and brackish marshes in southern New Hampshire record by Dr. Coues

Connecticut, bordering' Long Island " arose in a slip of the memory on his

Sound. A few stragglers have been part, the birds which he found in plenty

FINCHES. 197

a. About six inches long. Tail-feathers, narrow and
pointed, as also in caudacittus. Superciliary line f j om bill to
eye, and edge of the wing, yellow. Upper parts, and side-
shading below, brown or gray, olive-tinted, the former more or
less streaked. Under parts, white ; breast, tinted with brown,
and faintly or obsoletely streaked. Wings and tail, plain,
scarcely marked. Side-markings on the head, vague.

h. " The nest is usually placed in a tussock of grass, in
the fresh- water marshes, or on the sea-shore beyond the reach
of high tide." The eggs measure about .80X.57 of an inch,
and are white, gray-tinged, thickly, finely, and most often
evenly marked with brown, which is sometimes confluent or
predominant at the crown.

c. I regret that I know nothing of the habits of the Sea-
side Finches, and that I cannot add to what has appeared in the
various meagre accounts of these birds already published. Dr.
Coues considered this species abundant on the coast of New
Hampshire, but '' Mr. Brewster .... has looked for it in
vain at Rye Beach." Mr. Maynard doubts the occurrence of
these birds on the coast of Massachusetts, but, says Mr. Allen,
in his " Notes on the Rarer Birds of Massachusetts," " they
were formerly known to breed in the Chelsea marshes, and
probably do still." Wilson speaks of the Sea-side Finch as
"keeping almost continually within the boundaries of tide-
water," and adds that " amidst the recesses of these wet sea
marshes it seeks the rankest growth of grass and sea-weed,
and climbs along the stalks of the rushes with as much dex-
terity as it runs along the ground, which is rather a singular
circumstance, most of our climbers being rather awkward at
running." "'''

d. Their notes are said to be a cliirp^ and a song, hardly
worthy of the name, which is somewhat like that of the
Yellow-winged Sparrow.

B. CAUDACUTUS. Sharp-tailed Finch. A summer resi-
dent in Massachusetts, but rare, being chiefly confined to a
few marshes.*

at Rye Beach, in the fall of 1860, hav- " Yo\. iv, p. 08.

ino- been Sharp-tailed Finches," {New * A very common, but somewhat

England Bird Life, I, -p. 261.) — W. B. local summer resident of the entire

198 LAND-BIRDS.

a. About 5|- inches long. Tail-feathers more sharply
pointed than in maritimus. (Edge of the wing, yellowish.)
Crown, brownish, black-streaked, and with a median line.
Superciliary line^ and sides of the head^ orange hronm. Ear-
patch, and back, brown or gray, olive-tinted ; the latter dark-
streaked (with feathers pale-edged). Beneath, white ; breast,
brownish yellow, black-streaked.

h. The nest and eggs * resemble very exactly those of the
Sea-side Finch, being found in marshes and on the sea-shore.
The eggs measure about .77X.55 of an inch, and are white,
gray-tinted, thickly, finely, and usually evenly marked with
brown, which sometimes predominates about the crown, or is
confluent. Mr. Brewster says that they are not laid here until
the first week of July, but these may belong to a second set.f

c. With the Sharp-tailed Finches I can claim no intimate
acquaintance. They probably do not occur to tlie northward
of Massachusetts, where they are chiefly confined to a few lo-
calities, such as the salt-water marshes of Charles River, and
those at Ipswich. These places they reach in April, and do
not leave until October, or even the latter part of that month.
They sometimes frequent the fresh-water marshes, but gener-
ally prefer the sea-coast and its neighborhood. They run very
nimbly, and make their way so cleverly among the rushes and
tall grass that one cannot easily see them except by "flushing "
them, when they take a short flight and immediately drop to
conceal themselves. They are already very rare in this State,
and, I fear, will be soon exterminated here, | as, from their
scarcity, they are unwisely persecuted every year by enter-
prising naturalists. Their extermination is facilitated by their

coast of southern New England, breed- bird really has two sets, of which the

ing- only in salt and brackish marshes, first is laid during- the first week of

and not certainly known to occur to the June. — W. B.

northward of Rye Beach, New Hamp- % This was a misconception of the

shire. — W. B. true state of affairs at the time the

* The egg's are usually smaller and passag-e was written, and the fears ex-
much more finely marked than those pressed for the future were equally ill-
of the Sea-side Finch. The latter spe- founded, for the Sharp-tails, although
cies rarely if ever lays more than four certainly very local, continue to breed
eg-g-s, whereas the Sharp-tail commonly numerouslyin many of the salt marshes
has five. — W. B. along the coast of Massachusetts. —

t This inference was correct. The W. B.

FINCHES. 199

confinement to a few places, where they may be considered,
in a broad sense of the term, colonial. Dr. Brewer says that
their flioht " is quite different from that of any other bird,"
and, as I have myself observed, that " in flying they drop their
tails very low."

d. Their single ordinary note is " rather more mellow than
that of the Sea-side Finch," but their song has little or no
merit, and consists of but a few notes.

X. COTURNICULUS*

A, SAVANNARUM PASSERINUS. Yellow-wlnged Sparrow.
A summer resident in Massachusetts, but in many parts
rare. I

a. About five inches long. Crown, very dark, with a
brownish yellow median line, and a lighter superciliary line.
Interscapulars, dull bay, black-streaked, and edged with brown-
ish yellow. Kump, brown and gray intermixed. Beneath,
brownish yellow or buff (obsoletely streaked) ; % belly, almost
white. Wings edged with bright yellow, and with a patch
(the lesser covert) yellowish ; otherwise corresponding to the
back and tail.

h. The nest is usually placed on the ground, in a field or
pasture, is often lined with hairs, and is here finished in the
last week of May. Four or five eggs are then laid, averaging
.78 X.60 of an inch, and normally are white, with a wreath of
blended reddish brown and obscure lilac spots about the greater
end, and a few scattered spots of the former color elsewhere.
In some cases the markings cover the greater end, so that
there is no distinct ring.

c. My own observations have shown me that the Yellow-
winged Sparrows are rare, at least in some parts of eastern
Massachusetts, though common in others, during their com-

* Now a subgenus of Ammodramus. and found sparingly in southern New

— W. B. Hampshire and Vermont. — W. B.

t A summer resident of southern | Fully mature birds in breeding-
New England, abundant in southern plumage have the under parts quite
Connecticut, on Nantucket, and about immaculate, save on the sides of the
Springfield, Massachusetts, locally breast, where there are a few faint
common in eastern Massachusetts, streaks. — W. B.

200 LAND-BIRDS.

paratively brief residence here through May and the summer
mouths. Mr. Maynard, however, considers them as " not un-
common " throughout this district, beiug " very numerous on
Nantucket Island " ; but Mr. Allen is, I think, right in believ-
ino- them to be more abundant in the western than in the other
portions of the State, as, for instance, near Springfield. To
the northward of Massachusetts they perhaps do not occur.
They frequent almost exclusively dry fields, particularly such
as are sandy or do not contain a luxuriant vegetation, and
feed upon seeds and insects. They are rather shy, and often
nimbly escape a near approach. They run with ease, and
never leave the ground, except to take a short, low flight, or
to perch upon the top of some weed, or on some fence.
Though often more or less collective, they are never strictly
gregarious.

d. Their ordinary notes are a chiri% much like the note of
some insect, and an occasional chick. Their song is so pecul-
iar as to be quite characteristic, and may be represented by
the syllables " chick', chick-a-see,^^ with the chief accent on the
last and highest of these. Wilson speaks of their " short,
weak, interruj)ted chirrup."

B. HENSLOWii. Henslow^s Bunting. Henslow's Spar-
row o A summer resident in Massachusetts of rarity.*

a. Five inches long (or less). Like ^jasseW/iws (^,a) but
" more yellowish above, and with sharp maxillary, pectoral,
and lateral black streaks below." (Coues.)

h. The nest, which is somewhat coarse, is built upon the
ground. " The eggs," says Dr. Brewer, " five or six in number,
somewhat resemble those of the C.passerinus. Their ground
color is a clear bright white, and they are spotted with well-
defined reddish brown markings and more subdued tints of
purple. The markings, so far as I have seen their eggs, are

* Henslow's Sparrow is now known herst, sparingly and locally in Berk-

to breed throughout most of Massachu- shire County. It has been also found

setts (excepting Cape Cod), commonly in summer in northeastern Connecticut,

but very locally in the eastern part of at Webster, New Hampshire, and at

the State, quite numerously in portions Pownal, in southern Vermont. — W. B.
of Worcester County and near Am-

FINCHES. 201

finer and fewer than those of passerinuSj and are distributed
more exclusively around the larger end. The eggs measure
.78X.60 of an inch, and are of a more oblong oval than those
of the common Yellow-wing."

c. The Henslow's Buntings are very rare in Massachusetts,
though said by Mr. Maynard '^ to seem " more common at
some localities in the State than " their immediate relations,
the Yellow-winged Sparrows. Like these latter birds they
frequent fields (and chiefly, so far as my observations prove,
those which are dry or sandy),* and are always on or near the
ground. They feed on seeds and insects, and easily secure the
smaller beetles, etc., from the facility with which they run and
make their way among the weeds and grass. Mr. Maynard '^
has recorded that he " took two males in a wet meadow on May
10, 1867," whose " song-note " was " like the syllables ' see-
icick^' with the first prolongedly and the second quickly given."
I have seen the Henslow's Sparrows here only in May and the
warmer part of summer ; but, though Massachusetts is consid-
ered as their northern limit, I have suspicions, upon which I
shall not here enlarge, that they occur in at least one sj^ot
among the White Mountains. I may add that this species was
at first recorded in this State, as Bachman's Finch QPeuccea
cestivalis)^ an error afterwards corrected.

d. Mr. Ridgway, as quoted by Dr. Brewer, speaks of
" the tail being depressed, and the head thrown back at each
utterance " of their notes.

XL PASSERCULUS-t

A. PRINCEPS. Ipswich Sparrow. A northern species,
but lately discovered reaching New England in winter. %

''^ As quoted by Mr. Allen in his | The Ipswich Sparrow breeds — so

Notes on Some of the Barer Birds of far as is known — only on Sable Island,

Massachusetts: off Nova Scotia. In autumn it occurs

* Their characteristic haunts in Mas- more or less commonly along- practi-

saehusetts, at least during the breeding- cally the entire coast of New England,

season, are rather wet — or at least A few birds reach Massachusetts by

springy — meadows. — W. B= the middle of October, but the bulk of

'^ In his Naturalist's Guide, p. 117. the flight passes between the 25th of

t Now a subgenus of Ammodramus. that month and the 15th to the 20th of

— W. B. November. The return migration in

202 LAND-BIRDS.

a. Mr. Maynard describes as follows the first specimen
obtained (though the italicizing is my own) : '^ Back grayish ;
the middle of the feathers having a black centre edged with
rufous. Tojy of head streaked with dusky and pale rufous,
divided hy a broad strij^e of ^^a/e yellowish ichite. There is
also a whitish superciliary stripe extending from the base of
the bill to the back of the head. Ear-coverts grayish, with a
rufous tinge." (Description of wings here omitted.) White
wing-bars " rather indistinct." ^^Tail hrownish^ with the tips
of the feathers and terminal half of the outer tveh of the outer
tail feathers fale yelloioish ivhite ; the rest of the tail-feathers
narrowly edged with the same. Under parts, including under
tail-coverts, pure white. Feathers of the sides of the throat,
with a broad band across the breast and sides, streaked with
rufous, with dusky centres. The throat is indistinctly spotted
with dusky. A triangular spot on the sides of the neck, below
the ear-coverts, j^ale buff ; ears dusky. Bill dark brown, with
the base of the under mandible paler. Eyes and feet brown."
Length, six inches (or more).

c. That I may do full honor to Mr. Maynard, as the dis-
coverer of a bird, not before described, in a country well pop-
ulated by naturalists of all sorts, I shall here transcribe at
length his own remarks about the Ipswich Sparrow, which he
at first erroneously supposed to be the Baird's Sparrow,^^ Pro-
fessor Baird having pronounced it to be that species. This
mistake, however excusable on the part of the latter gentle-
man, who is ranked as the foremost of American naturalists,

spring occurs ordinarily during- the lat- collection, shot in the Fresh Pond

ter half of March and the first ten days marshes at Cambridg-e, is, so far as I

of April. A few scattered birds spend am aware, the only specimen that has

the entire winter on the eastern coast been actually taken out of sight and

of Massachusetts, but by far the greater sound of the sea. — AV. B.

number go south of Cape Cod. They ^o Until within the last two or three

are common in January and February years [1873] this latter bird, a species

on Long Island, the coast of New Jer- confined to the western United States,

sey, and at Cobb's Island, Virginia, was known to ornithologists by one

while two specimens have been cap- specimen only, one of those shot by

tured in Georgia. Mr. N. C. Brown Audubon " upon the banks of the Yel-

has reported seeing what he believed lowstone River, July 26, 1848." Lately

to be an Ipswich Sparrow at Lake others have been shot, and their habits

Umbagog, Maine, but a bird in my studied, in northern Dakota.

FINCHES. 203

shows the necessity of strict accuracy and the utmost care iu
scientific investigation.

Mr. Maynard says : " The Ipswich Sand-hills, where the
specimen was procured, is a most peculiar place. I never
have met with its equal anywhere. Years ago these Sand-
hills, which are three miles long by three fourths of a mile
across, and contain about one thousand acres, were covered
with a thick growth of pine trees. Protected by these trees,
and among them, dwelt a tribe of Indians, whose earlier
presence is indicated, not only by tradition, but by numerous
shell heaps scattered over the Sand-hills at irregular intervals.
Indeed, even now the ashes of camp-fires may be seen, appar-
ently fresh. Upon the advent of the white man, the usual
event transpired, namely, the disappearance of the trees ; and
to-day, with the exception of a few scattering ones at the
southeasterly corner, near the house of the proprietor of the
Sand-hills, Mr. George Woodbury, not a tree is to be seen.
All is bleak and barren. The surface of the ground, once
covered with a slight deposit of soil, has become a mass of
shifting sands. Many times has the present owner had cause
to resfret the want of foresio^ht in his ancestors in removing;
the trees, as the several acres of arable land around the house
are now covered with sand, including a valuable apple-orchard.
Upon this orchard the sand has drifted to the depth of thirty
feet. Some of the trees present the curious phenomenon of
apples growing upon limbs that protrude a few feet only above
the sand, while the trunk and lower branches are buried !
The Sand-hills, in places, are covered with a sparse growth
of coarse grass, upon the seeds of which, as I have remarked
elsewhere, thousands of Snow Buntings feed. There are, in
some places, sinks or depressions with the level of the sea.
In these sinks, which, except during the summer months, are
filled with fresh water, a more luxuriant growth of grass aj>
pears. Walking, on December 4, 1868, near one of these
places, in search of Lapland Longspurs, I started a Sparrow
from out the tall grass, which flew wildly, and alighted again
a few rods away. I approached the spot, surprised at seeing
a Sparrow at this late day so far north, especially in so bleak

204 LAND-BIRDS.

a place. After some trouble I again started it. It flew
wildly as before, when I fired, and was fortunate enough to
secure it. It proved to be Baird's Sparrow. When I found
I had taken a specimen which I had never seen before, —
although at that time I did not know its name or the interest
attached to it, — I instantly went in searcli of more. After
a time I succeeded in starting another. This one, however,
rose too far off for gunshot, and I did not secure it. It flew
away to a great distance, when I lost sight of it. After this
I thought that among the myriads of Snow Buntings that
continually rose a short distance from me I again detected it,
but I was perhaps mistaken. I am confident of having seen
it in previous years at this place, earlier in the season."

"... As might be expected, I heard no song-note at this
season, but simply a short chirp of alarm."

The Ipswich Sparrows are now known to be regular winter
visitants from the north along the coast of New England.
They also occur inland, as I observed two, who were extremely
shy, in a sandy field at the distance of several miles from the
sea.

B. SANDWICHENSIS SAVANNA. Savaiinali Sparroic. A
rather colonial species, locally common in the summer season
thrcmghout New England.*

a. About 5|^ inches long. With no bright tints (espe-
cially about the interscapular), and rarely a prominent pectoral
blotch, as in the Song Sparrow (XIII, A ; who sometimes,
however, lacks the latter feature), and never with a chestnut
patch on the wing, or conspicuous white on the tail, as in the
Grass Finch (XII, A). Feathers above, brownish gray, on
the tail scarcely marked, but elsewhere pale-edged, and darkly

* This Sparrow breeds throughout generally distributed, nesting- frequent-
New England, but in eastern Massachu- ly in narrow valleys or small clearings
setts and to the southward it is decided- far back among the mountains. It is
ly uncommon or at least local, excepting not known to winter in any part of New
on or very near the coast ; whereas in England, but it comes to us very early
Berkshire County, Massachusetts, and in spring and remains late into the
in northern New England, it is very autumn. — W. B.

FINCHES. 205

streaked, most finely upon the crown. Superciliary line and
edge of the wing, yellowish ; a faint line dividing the crown,
whitish. Beneath, white (or huffish), with dark streaks,
brown-edged. A little bay is to be found on the wings, and
among the interscapulars.

h. The nest is built on the ground, in the various summer
haunts of this bird. It is composed chiefly of dry grasses,
and in eastern Massachusetts is finished in the second week
of May. Four or five eggs are then laid, averaging .75X.55
of an inch, exhibiting great variation, and often approaching
those of other Sparrows. Some are dull white, faintly and
minutely marked, most thickly at the crown. Dr. Brewer
says : " In some the ground color, which is of a greenish white,
is plainly visible, being only partially covered with blotches
of brown, shaded with red and purple. These blotches are
more numerous about the larger end, becoming confluent and
forming a corona. In others the ground color is entirely con-
cealed by confluent ferruginous fine dots, over which are
darker markings of brown and purple and a still darker ring
of the same about the larger end."

c. The Savannah Sparrows show a marked preference for
the sea-coast, and the islands near it, and are to be found nmch
farther to the northward along the coast-line than in the inte-
rior, where, however, they frequently occur to the southward of
the mountain-chains in northern New England. To the in-
land, rather than along the shore, they are locally distributed,
being the most colonial of all our Sparrows. Though collec-
tive, they do not cluster as the Swallows do, but many often
pass the summer in one place, and several pairs frequent the
same field, or the same strip of shore. They reach eastern
Massachusetts, where they are particularly " abundant in the
salt-water marshes and their neighborhood," in the second or
third week of April ; but many soon pass to the northward.

They have a settlement, if I may so call it, at a place in the
White Mountains, where I made the following observations.
They there inhabited the fields and pasture-lands. In the ear-
lier part of July they were seen in small flocks, or families, to
visit gardens in the search of food ; and, even so late as the

206 LAND-BIRDS.

twenty-third of that month, a nest was found containing fresMy
laid eggs. As well-grown young were also then observed, they
doubtless reared two broods ; and certainly until the latter
part of August they remained in the fields where they had
built their nests. Although they were eminently terrestrial
in habits, and fed and nested on the ground, yet they not un-
f requently alighted on the fences between the pastures, and by
the roadsides, or rarely on the telegraph-wires. They were
very nimble on the gTound, often chasing the insects that con-
stituted their chief food ; and usually, when frightened from
their nests, they feigned lameness, and endeavored to lead one
from the spot, — whereas the Bay-winged Buntings generally
flew at once to some near fence. Unlike these latter, they
did not often venture to the roads, except when, autumn draw-
ing near, they associated with the " Grass Finches," and fol-
lowed their habits more closely than during the breeding sea-
son. In September they seemed less numerous than in July,
but wandered mucli more freely over the country.

In Massachusetts, a few stay until November, but a major-
ity pass to the southward earlier, and I have never known any
to spend the winter in New England. There is nothing very
characteristic in their flight, w^hich is usually short and low.
They are often shy, and can never be closely approached when
on the ground ; and, though they sometimes feed in gardens
near houses or barns, they commonly prefer the more remote
fields, where civilization is not busy.

d. Their notes are interesting, as distinct from those of
other birds, and, so far as I know, are appreciably like only
those of the Yellow-winged Sparrows. Besides a low chijj (?)
they have a peculiar cldrp^ which one might reasonably attrib-
ute to some loud-voiced cricket or beetle, and which also bears
resemblance to the "Night Hawk's" ordinary cry. Their
song-notes are very characteristic, and are drawlybut musical.
They nearly resemble the syllables c}iip-chir)\ sometimes ex-
tended to cMp-chee., cliee-chee-cliir7\ or so varied as to be a song.

In describing three common birds, frequently confused by
the ignorant or inexperienced, namely, the Savannah Finch,
the Bay-winged Bunting, and the Song Sparrow, I have en-

FINCHES. 207

deavored so to mark the characteristic differences as to render
their identification a matter of no difficulty. These streaked
species, as well as their ground-nesting relations, are often
indiscriminately called " Ground Sparrows " ; and likewise a
Sparrow's nest found in a bush is referred to the equally vague
" Bush Sparrow." One may often hear it said that " the
Ground Sparrow sings charmingly " ; but whether this refers to
the Field, Song, or Bay-winged Sparrow, it is impossible to
say, though doubts are lessened if the bird is described as
streaked beneath. It is to be observed that the Savannah
Sparrows (with generally dull tints) are most common near
the sea, often frequenting marshes, and, like the Yellow-winged
Sparrows (unstreaked beneath) who have a preference for dry
and sandy fields, are quaintly but not sweetly musical. The
Song Sparrows (with generally bright tints) to a certain extent,
as the Swamp Sparrows (unstreaked beneath) do exclusively,
pass their time in swamps and meadows, and both are sweet
musicians, as the Bay-winged Buntings, characterized by their
conspicuously white outer tail-feathers, also are. The little
" Chipjjers " and Field Sparrows (imlike the above-mentioned
" Yellow-wings ") are brightly tinted above, and (like them)
unstreaked below, the former having the breast light gray, the
other pale brown or buff. The former is often found in the
immediate neighborhood of man, and is unmusical; but the
latter sings most charmingly from the fields, pastures, and
bushy " scrub," which he is ever in. The little streaked female
of the Purple Finch, a mellow warbler, should be kept distinct,
as should the Lincoln's and the Henslow's Sparrows, who are,
however, very rare in Massachusetts, especially the Lincoln's
Finch.

Xn. POOCiETES.

A. GRAMINEUS. '' Gvass Fincli.^' Bay-xinnged Bunting.
Bay-toinged Sparrow. Vesjjer Sparrow. A common resi-
dent in New England, except in the winter season.*

* A common summer resident, breed- of the mountains of Berkshire County,

ing- wherever there are g-reen fields and Massachusetts, and of northern Maine,

pastures, from our southern and eastern New Hampshire, and Vermont. — W.

coasts to clearings high on the slopes B.

208 LAND-BIRDS.

a. About six inches long. A jjatch on the icing (the lesser
coverts), chestnut. The outer tail-feathers^ white. Above,
grayish brown, darkly streaked, most finely on the crown which
is not divided. Below, white (often buff-tinged) ; breast and
sides streaked with brown or black. Wings marked with bay.
Eye-ring, white.

h. The nest is invariably placed on the ground, generally
in a pasture or field. It is lined with fine roots, dried grasses,
or horsehairs. In Massachusetts two sets of eggs are laid,
one in the last week of May or earlier, and the other a month
or more later, each containing four or five. These average .80
X .60 of an inch, but exhibit several variations in coloration.
One specimen before me is white, irregularly spotted and
blotched with a rather light reddish brown and extremely faint
lilac, and measures .87 X -65 of an inch. Another is dull livid
white, with fine but almost invisible markings scattered over
the eg^., and a few large umber brown spots, some of which
are surmounted with black. These forms are almost two ex-
tremes. A third has scrawls and vermiculations on it, and
there are still others entirely distinct in character.

c. The Bay-winged Buntings, with the exception of the
Song Sparrows and " Chippers," and perhaps the Goldfinches,
are the most abundant members of their family to be found in
New England, during summer. Though they sometimes reach
eastern Massachusetts in March, they more commonly appear
in the second or third week of April, and become plenty before
May. Usually a few only can be found here in November,
the majority returning to the South in the preceding month.
A very few may possibly spend the winter in this State, but I
have never known them. In early spring, they are to be
found in fields, pastures, vegetable-gardens, and plowed
lands, often in association with other species, or gathered by
themselves. They are not so persistent in remaining on or
near the ground as the Savannah Sparrows (being rather less
nimble), are not so much confined as those birds are to certain
localities, and are not, I think, usually so common near the
sea-shore as in the interior. They have, however, a much
more limited distribution, being found in summer neither so
far to the northward nor southward.

FINCHES. 209

The so-called Grass Finches, though they spend much of their
time on the gTouud, often alight on the ridge-poles of barns,
and on fences, or on telegraph-wires, — generally those by the
roadside, where fields are near at hand. They often venture
to the roads, where they pick up food, and sometimes dust
themselves ; and they are generally undisturbed by a near ap-
proach. When approached in the fields, they often run ahead,
if a person walks behind, occasionally ''squatting," so to speak,
as if to rest. The whole or partial whiteness of their outer
tail-feathers, noticeable as the birds fly, renders the Bay-
winged Buntings easily recognizable. These Finches build their
nests in fields and pasture-lands, usually produce their first
set of eggs in the early part of May, and raise two or even
three broods in the course of one summer, so that their duties
to their young are often not completed until August. In the
latter part of that month, and later in the season, they are
chiefly gregarious, and, perhaps associated with Song or Sa-
vannah Sparrows, frequent in large flocks the roadsides, and
their other feeding-grounds. Their flights are less confined
than those of the Savannah Finches, though they are not
much on the wing. They are, however, bolder than those birds,
though like them they avoid to a certain extent the neighbor-
hood of houses.

d. The song of the Bay-winged Buntings is quite loud
and clear, and resembles that of the Song Sparrow ; but it
is entirely distinct, and rather sweeter though less lively. It
often may be heard in the heat of a summer noon, but is more
often repeated towards dusk, whence the name of " Vesper
Sparrow." It is my impression that I have heard it once or
twnce at night; and I have certainly heard it in October. Their
ordinary note, a chip^ is in no way characteristic.

XIII. MELOSPIZA.

A. FASCIATA. Song Sparrow. A resident in Massa-
chusetts throughout the year. In summer very abundant in
all the New England States.*

* A summer resident of the whole of the most abundant of our birds,
of New England, and everywhere one Song Sparrows are seldom if ever seen

210 LAND-BIRDS.

a. 5|-6J inches long. (Head-markings, never prominent,
are as follows : crown ba3% finely streaked with black ; me-
dian and superciliary stripes, impure white ; side-markings
often vague.) Interscapulars^ hright reddish brown (or
" baj^"), pale-edged, and black-streaked. Tail brown, some-
times faintly barred. (Rump, brown with a few markings.)
Under parts, white (shaded with brown behind), with black
streaks, brown-edged, on the breast and sides, generally coales-
cing into a conspicuous blotch on the former (and into maxil-
lary stripes). Wings in no contrast to the back.

b. The nest is composed of dried leaves, stalks, grasses,
and the like, and is often bulky. The lining consists of finer
materials of the same sort, or of horsehairs. The nest is
most often placed upon the ground in fields and pastures, fre-
quently under shelter of a bush or tussock ; less commonly in
bushes and thickets on or near meadows, or in shrubbery and
hedges near houses. Wilson speaks of one found in a cedar
tree, five or six feet from the ground ; and I have seen or heard
of several peculiar specimens, such as one built in a broken
jar. The eggs vary considerably in size, and greatly in color-
ation, often resembling those of other species. In eastern
Massachusetts two or three sets of four or five (rarely six) are
usually laid in the course of the season, the first appearing
about the first of May, or even earlier, when snow is on the
ground. Several different specimens are now before me. The
first measures .85X -60 of an inch, and is dull white (perhaps
green-tinged)^ faintly but thickly blotched with a purple-tinged
brown. The second is elliptical, measuring .78 X .60 of an
inch, and is dull white, thickly but irregularly marked with the
same purple-tinged brown of a somewhat darker shade, and
with traces of lilac. The third is almost elliptical, measures
.80 X .58 of an inch, and is marked thickly but finely with
brown and lilac. The fourth measures .78 X .55 of an inch,
and is white, tinged with greenish gray, and minutely marked

in the interior of Massachusetts or to often in considerable numhers, through

the northward during midwinter, but the coldest seasons, in sheltered

on or near the coast of Massachusetts, swamps and in briery thickets near

and very generally (it is said) through- streams. — W. B.
out Connecticut they may be found,

FINCHES. 211

with sandy brown, a little lilac, and one or two black scrawls
near the crown. The fifth is light blue, greenish-tinged, finely
marked and also irregularly blotched, chiefly at the crown,
with Vandyke brown and a little lilac, and measures .78 X .58
of an inch. The sixth measures .77 X .55 of an inch, and is
of a light but bright greenish blue, chiefly marked by cloudings
of Vandyke brown (in some places umber) and lilac, grouped
in an irregular ring about the larger end. A seventh resem-
bles strongly the ordinary egg of the Swamp Sparrow, and
another is dull white, with marking so feeble as to be almost
invisible. Still other forms exist, with various combinations,
to detail all of which would be impossible.

c. On winter days one may sometimes see certain small
birds, skulking from thicket to thicket in the swamps, or in
other cheerless places, occasionally hopping on the ground to
pick up the seeds which have fallen from the weeds upon the
snow, and now and then emitting a rather melancholy note :
these are the Song Sparrows, for a few always pass the winter
in eastern Massachusetts, though strange to say much less com-
mon, at least in one township, during the past very mild winter
than in the preceding one, an extraordinarily severe season.
This was also the case with the Kobins. Besides having seen
the Song Sparrows, I have also heard their song near Boston,
in every month of the year ; ^^ but in the winter they are rare.
About the middle of March they first practice their spring
carols ; and those who have passed the colder weather in the
South then return to their spring haunts. During the latter
part of March and early April they are extremely abundant,
particularly in swamps and about vegetable-gardens, and in
those places associate with other species, especially the Fox-
colored Sparrows. They also become less shy than they are
in winter, and some, to a certain extent, frequent shrubbery
about houses, where, however, I have known one to remain
throughout the year. Wherever they may be, at this season,
they are in full song, and their haunts resound with the confu-

^1 Mr. Maynard also says (in The it («'. e., the Song Sparrow) every month
Naturalist's Guide., p. 118): "Mr. in the year; has even heard it sing in
Brewster informs me that he has taken January."

212 LAND-BIRDS.

sion of a liundred melodies poured out by these birds and tlieir
associates. Though the Song Sparrows cannot properly be
called gregarious, yet in spring they often collect in large
numbers at their feeding-grounds ; but gradually many leave
us to pass the suaimer in a more northern country, and others
begin to build their nests here. During the breeding-season
they occupy the neighborhood of these nests, the various situ-
ations of which have already been mentioned. In many locali-
ties, other than those in which I have made my own observa-
tions, such as the fields and pasture-lands of the interior, and
those of New Hampshire or Maine, they perhaps pass the
spring as they do the summer, in those fields and their imme-
diate surroundings. In such places they are probably in
spring less common and less gregarious than in the country
previously described. As they raise two or three broods every
year, it is .not until August (or a little earlier) that they are
freed from their household cares. Like several other birds,
they divide the labors of rearing their young, and the males,
while their mates rear one brood, often build the nest for
another, and are busied until summer is well advanced.
Later in the year they collect at their feeding-grounds, but not
so abundantly as in the spring, since the fall migrations of this
species extend through a greater length of time than the others.
During the former the Song Sparrows are most common
throughout a part of September and October, and associate
with various other Finches, rather preferring, at this season,
dry grounds to the swamps. It is impossible, however,
exactly to define the nature of the places in which they may
then be usually found. After the middle of October, they
appear and disappear until only those are left who pass the
winter with us. At all times of the year, except during the
matin g-season, they are rather shy, and, when startled, almost
invariably dive into some near brush-heap or thicket, where
they are well concealed. They commonly prefer the neigh-
borhood of the ground, running quite nimbly on it, but much
more often perch in trees, even at a considerable height, than
is commonly supposed. They have a gently undulating flight,
flying low and never very far.

FINCHES. 213

In summer they are to be found throughout a greater part
of northern North America, even so far to the southward as
the Gulf of Mexico (though in the West represented by several
varieties), being abundant and well known in almost all parts
of New England ; and, indeed, in a majority of places they
are, with the exception of the Chipping Sparrows, the most
common of all the Finches. It is impossible to define accu-
rately all their haunts, since these vary according to the
nature of the country, and somewhat according to the seasons ;
but their haunts, and moreover all those minor habits which
have not been fully detailed, may easily be learned by the
ornithological experience of one or two years.

d. The song of the Song Sparrow is sweet, lively, and
poured out with an energy which doubles its charm. It has
several variations, which might excusably be attributed to
two or three species ; but the one most often heard is that
which they give utterance to in the spring. This is an
indescribable song, characteristic of itself. It usually begins
with a thrice repeated note, followed by the sprightl}" part of
the Qiusic, concluding with another note, which, like the first,
is often tripled.^^ The Song Sparrows have also eccentric
music, peculiar to the mating-season ; and. in autumn they
often soliloquize. In the earlier part of spring they sing
most loudly, in summer they are much less often heard ; in
fall they sing unfrequently, and in winter seldom. Occa-
sionally they pour out their music, when dropj^ing to the
ground from some perch above the fields, with wings out-
stretched. Their ordinary notes are a characteristic, sharp
chiick^ or " hoarse c^ee/;," as it variously sounds, and a chip^
less often heard, which resembles that of several other
Sparrows.

The Song Spa